Effect of moxibustion on immune function homeostasis in rats with diarrhea irritable bowel syndrome based on SCF/c-kit signaling pathway / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the effects of moxibustion on the stem cell factor (SCF)/tyrosine kinase receptor (c-kit) signaling pathway and immune function in rats with diarrhea irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D), and to explore the mechanism of moxibustion for IBS-D.@*METHODS@#Among 52 young rats born from 6 healthy pregnant SPF rats, 12 rats were randomly selected into the normal group, and the remaining 40 rats were treated with the three-factor combination method of maternal separation, acetic acid enema and chronic restraint stress to establish the IBS-D rat model. Thirty-six rats with successful IBS-D model were randomly divided into a model group, a moxibustion group, and a medication group, 12 rats in each group. The rats in the moxibustion group were treated with suspension moxibustion at "Tianshu" (ST 25) and "Shangjuxu" (ST 37); the rats in the medication group were treated with intragastric administration of rifaximin suspension (150 mg/kg). All the treatments were given once a day for 7 consecutive days. The body mass, loose stool rate (LSR), the minimum volume threshold when abdominal withdrawal reflex (AWR) scored 3 were measured before acetic acid enema (35 days old), after modeling (45 days old), and after intervention (53 days old). After intervention (53 days old), HE staining was used to observe the morphology of colon tissue, and spleen and thymus coefficients were measured; ELISA method was used to detect serum inflammatory factors (tumor necrosis factor a [TNF-a], interleukin [IL]-10, IL-8), T-lymphocyte subsets (CD+4, CD+8, CD+45), value of CD+4/CD+8 and immune globulin (IgA, IgG, IgM); real-time PCR method and Western blot method was used to detect the expression of SCF, c-kit mRNA and protein in colon tissue; immunofluorescence staining method were used to detect positive expression of SCF and c-kit.@*RESULTS@#After intervention, compared with the normal group, in the model group, the body mass and the minimum volume threshold when AWR scored 3 were decreased (P<0.01), LSR, spleen and thymus coefficients, serum levels of TNF-α, IL-8, CD+4, CD+45, CD+4/CD+8, IgA, IgG, IgM were increased (P<0.01), serum IL-10 level and protein and mRNA expression of SCF and c-kit in colon tissue were decreased (P<0.01), and the positive expression of SCF and c-kit was decreased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, in the moxibustion group and the medication group, the body mass and the minimum volume threshold when AWR scored 3 were increased (P<0.01, P<0.05), LSR, spleen and thymus coefficients, serum levels of TNF-α, IL-8, CD+4, CD+8, CD+45, CD+4/CD+8, IgA, IgG, IgM were decreased (P<0.01, P<0.05), serum IL-10 level and protein and mRNA expression of SCF and c-kit in colon tissue were increased (P<0.01), and the positive expression of SCF and c-kit was increased (P<0.01). Compared with the medication group, in the moxibustion group, the level of serum CD+4 was decreased (P<0.05), the value of CD+4/CD+8 was increased (P<0.01), and there was no significant difference in other indexes (P>0.05). The expression of SCF and c-kit mRNA was positively correlated with the minimum volume threshold when AWR scored 3 and IL-10 (P<0.01), and negatively correlated with remaining indexes (P<0.01, P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Moxibustion could reduce visceral hypersensitivity, improve symptoms of abdominal pain and diarrhea in IBS-D rats, and its mechanism may be related to up-regulation of the expression of SCF/c-kit signaling pathway and improvement of IBS-D immune function.

Anti-inflammation effect of moxibustion for rats with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome based on multiple miRNAs regulating NF-κB signal pathway / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the effect of moxibustion on the regulation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and inflammatory factors by multiple microRNAs (miRNAs) in rats with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D), and to explore the anti-inflammatory mechanism of moxibustion on IBS-D.@*METHODS@#Twelve of 52 newborn rats were randomly selected into a normal group. The remaining rats were made into IBS-D model. A total of 36 rats with successful model were randomly divided into a model group, a medication group and a moxibustion group, 12 rats in each group. The rats in the medication group were intraperitoneally injected with pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC). The rats in the moxibustion group were treated with moxibustion at "Tianshu" (ST 25) and "Shangjuxu" (ST 37) for 20 min each time. All the intervention was given once a day for 7 days. Before and after modeling as well as after intervention, the body mass, loose stool rate and the minimum volume threshold of abdominal withdrawal reflex (AWR) were measured. After intervention, the contents of serum tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-8 were detected by ELISA method; the morphology of colon tissues was observed by HE staining, and the expressions of miR-155, miR-125b, miR-29b, miR-31, miR-18a and NF-κB p65 mRNA in colon tissues were detected by real-time PCR. The expressions of NF-κB p65, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-8 protein in colon tissues were detected by immunofluorescence.@*RESULTS@#After modeling, the body mass and the minimum volume threshold of AWR in the model group were lower than those in the normal group (P<0.01); the rates of loose stool in the model group were higher than those in the normal group (P<0.01); after intervention, in the model group, the inflammatory infiltration of colon tissues was obvious, and the serum levels of TNF-α, IL-1 β, IL-8 were higher than those in the normal group (P<0.05); the expression of miR-155, miR-125b, miR-29b, miR-31, miR-18a and NF-κB p65 mRNA in colon tissues was higher than that in the normal group (P<0.05); the protein expression of NF-κB p65, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-8 was also higher than that in the normal group (P<0.01). After intervention, the body mass and the minimum volume threshold of AWR in the medication group and the moxibustion group were both higher than those in the model group (P<0.05); the loose stool rate in the medication group and the moxibustion group were lower than those in model group (P<0.05); the inflammatory cells infiltration in the colon tissues was less, the serum levels of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-8 as well as the protein expression of NF-κB p65, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-8 in the colon tissues in the medication group and the moxibustion group were lower than those in the model group (P<0.05, P<0.01). The expression of miR-125b, miR-31, miR-18a and NF-κB p65 mRNA in the medication group were lower than those in the model group (P<0.05). The expression of miR-155, miR-125b, miR-29b, miR-31, miR-18a and NF-κB p65 mRNA in the moxibustion group were lower than those in the model group (P<0.05). The miR-155, miR-125b, miR-29b, miR-31, miR-18a were positively correlated with NF-κB p65 mRNA (0<r<1, P<0.01).@*CONCLUSION@#The anti-inflammatory mechanism of moxibustion at "Tianshu" (ST 25) and "Shangjuxu" (ST 37) for IBS-D rats may be related to regulating multiple miRNAs to inhibit NF-κB signal pathway and reduce the expression of inflammatory factors.

CHU Hao-ran's experience in treatment of diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome with acupuncture and moxibustion / 中国针灸

Professor CHU Hao-ran believes that the clinical diagnosis and treatment of diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome with acupuncture and moxibustion should concentrate on the integration of disease and syndrome differentiation. According to the evolution of pathogenesis, this disease is divided into 4 stages, i.e. invasion of exogenous pathogens, liver stagnation and spleen deficiency, spleen and kidney yang deficiency and interaction of cold and heat. Hence, the treatment should be provided by stages. Focusing on regulating the spleen and stomach, a specific acupuncture-moxibustion prescription is proposed, including Tianshu (ST 25), Zhongwan (CV 12), Zusanli (ST 36) and Shangjuxu (ST 37). Additionally, the combination of distal and nearby acupoints is considered and an unique needling manipulation, named the fight between dragon and tiger, is exerted. On the base of syndrome and meridian differentiation, the modern medicine is combined, stressing on the mind regulation and the mutual application of acupuncture and moxibustion in treatment. Eventually, a distinctive treatment system with acupuncture and moxibustion is formed for "regulating the spleen and stomach and differentiating meridians".

Effect of different energy settings of SMILE on stage Ⅰ opaque bubble layer and visual quality / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

@#AIM: To explore the effect of different energy parameters of femtosecond laser small incision lenticule extraction(SMILE)on stage Ⅰ opaque bubble layer(OBL)and visual quality. <p>METHODS: A retrospective analysis of the clinical data of 216 patients(432 eyes)who came to our hospital for SMILE surgery from July 2018 to December 2019. According to whether stage Ⅰ OBL occurred, they were divided into OBL group(42 eyes)and non-OBL group(390 eyes). The age, visual acuity parameters, corneal parameters, microlens parameters and energy parameters were compared between the two groups, and multivariate regression analysis was used to analyze the relationship between the difference in energy settings and the OBL of stage Ⅰ. The uncorrected visual acuity(UCVA), best corrected visual acuity(BCVA), and modulation transfer function cut-off spatial frequency(MTF_cut-off), Strehl Ratio(SR)and Objective Scattering Index(OSI)with energy parameters of 130, 135, 140, 145, and 150 nJ before and 1mo after surgery were compared. The correlation between energy parameters and stage Ⅰ OBL, UCVA, BCVA, MTF_cut-off, SR, OSI were analyzed. <p>RESULTS: Multivariate regression analysis showed that the energy setting with a difference of 5nJ did not show an association with stage Ⅰ OBL. In the different energy parameter groups, LogMAR UCVA, MTF_cut-off, and OSI at 1mo after surgery were improved compared with preoperatively(<i>P</i><0.05), and the difference between the groups were statistically significant(<i>F</i>=75.712, 15.304, 26.293, all <i>P</i><0.05). SMILE intraoperative energy parameters were negatively correlated with UCVA(<i>r</i>=-0.272), MTF_cut-off(<i>r</i>=-0.132), and OSI(<i>r</i>=-0.151)1mo after surgery(<i>P</i><0.05). <p>CONCLUSION: When using a 4.5μm dot pitch, in the usual energy range, the lower the energy, the better the postoperative visual quality, but it does not significantly affect the incidence of stage Ⅰ OBL during SMILE surgery.

Effect of Electroacupuncture at Fengchi on Astrocytes and Neurons in Rats with Acute Cerebral Infarction / 中国康复理论与实践

Objective:To investigate the effect of electroacupuncture at Fengchi (GB20) on astrocytes and neurons in rats with acute cerebral infarction. Methods:A total of 64 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into sham group (n = 16), model group (n = 16), non-acupoint group (n = 16) and Fengchi group (n = 16). The latter three groups were modeled with middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO), and the latter two groups were treated with electroacupuncture after modeling, at the point near Fengchi and Fengchi, respectively, for seven days. All the rats were assessed with neurological deficit score after treatment, while the cerebral infarction area and water content were measured, the histopathology of hippocampus was observed by HE staining, the expression levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and neuron-specific enolase (NSE) in hippocampus were detected with ELISA, the apoptosis of brain neurons were measured with TUNEL, and the expression levels of caspase-3 and Bcl-2 in brain homogenate were detected with Western blotting and reverse transcription real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Results:Compared with the sham group, the neurological deficit score, cerebral infarction area and water content increased significantly (P < 0.05) in the other groups; while the the expression of GFAP and NSE in hippocampus increased (P < 0.05) and the expression of BDNF decreased (P < 0.05); the number of apoptosis in hippocampus increased (P < 0.05), and the expression of caspase-3 increased (P < 0.05) and the expression of Bcl-2 decreased (P < 0.05). Compared with the model group and non-acupoint group, the neurological deficit score, cerebral infarction area and water content decreased in the Fengchi group (P < 0.05); while the the expression of GFAP and NSE in hippocampus decreased (P < 0.05) and the expression of BDNF increased (P < 0.05); the number of apoptosis in hippocampus decreased (P < 0.05), and the expression of caspase-3 decreased (P < 0.05) and the expression of Bcl-2 increased (P < 0.05). Conclusion:Electroacupuncture at Fengchi can protect the brain from acute cerebral infarction, adjust the expression of GFAP, NSE and BDNF, and reduce the neuronal apoptosis.

Bufotenine and its derivatives: synthesis, analgesic effects identification and computational target prediction / 中国天然药物

Natural product bufotenine (5) which could be isolated from Venenum Bufonis, has been widely used as a tool in central nervous system (CNS) studies. We present here its quaternary ammonium salt (6) which was synthesized with high yields using 5-benzyloxyindole as raw materials, and we firstly discover its analgesic effects in vivo. The analgesic evaluation showed that compounds 5 and 6 had stronger effects on the behavior of formalin induced pain in mice. Moreover, the combination of compound 6 and morphine has a synergistic effect. We intended to explain the molecular mechanism of this effect. Therefore, 36 analgesic-related targets (including 15 G protein-coupled receptors, 6 enzymes, 13 ion channels, and 2 others) were systemically evaluated using reverse docking. The results indicate that bufotenine and its derivatives are closely related to acetyl cholinesterase (AChE) or α

Advances in effectively screening anti-tumor peptides / 药学学报

Malignant tumor is a disease that severely threaten human health. Common chemotherapeutical drugs currently used in clinical practice have some problems in severe side effects and chemoresistance. In contrast, natural venom peptides and artificially designed targeting peptides have excellent biological activities and potential druggability due to their small molecular weights and high affinity to tumor tissues. Thus, the methods for the discovery of anti-tumor peptides have attracted much attention. In this paper, we summarized the types of anti-tumor peptides from recent literatures. Then, we systematically reviewed screening theories, methods and applications based on traditional chromatographic separation, peptidomics, phage display, phenotypic screening, and artificial intelligence. These strategies and technologies will provide a methodological reference for accelerating anti-tumor peptides research.

Effect of Ginsenoside Rh2 on Metastasis and Invasion of Colorectal Cancer Resistant Cells HCT116/L-OHP and Its Mechanism / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To observe effect of ginsenoside Rh2 (GRh2) on the invasion and migration of colon cancer resistant cells HCT116/L-OHP and its specific mechanism. Method:Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was used to detect the inhibitory effect of different concentrations of GRh2 (0, 2.5, 5, 10, 20, 40 mg·L-1) on HCT116/L-OHP cell proliferation, scratch assay, Transwell assay and adhesion assay were used to detect the effects of GRh2 (0, 2.5, 5, 10 mg·L-1) on cell migration, invasion and adhesion. The protein expression levels of E-cadherin and matrix metalloproteinase-9(MMP-9) were examined by Western blot. Result:Compared with control group, GRh2(5, 10, 20, 40 mg·L-1) significantly inhibited the proliferation of HCT116/L-OHP cells in a dose-dependent manner(PP2 group (5, 10 mg·L-1) was significantly decreased (PP2 group was significantly decreased (PP2 group was significantly reduced (PP2 (10, 20, 30 mg·L-1) promoted E-cadherin protein expression (PPPConclusion:GRh2 can significantly inhibit the invasion and migration of HCT116/L-OHP in colon cancer cells, and its potential mechanism may be related to the promotion of E-cadherin and the inhibition of MMP-9 expression in a dose-dependent manner.

Research progresses of Annexin A3 in malignant tumors / 医学研究生学报

Annexin A3(ANXA3), is a crucial member of the membrane associated protein superfamily, whose function research is still insufficient. Previous researches have confirmed that Annexin A3 is involved in a variety of cellular processes, but its function is still unclear. Accumulating evidences suggested that Annexin A3 is closely related to various malignant tumors, and plays an important role in tumor development, metastasis, invasion and drug resistance. Therefore, Annexin A3 is expected to be a new therapeutic target for malignant tumors. This article provided an overview about the role of Annexin A3 in malignant tumors.

Effect of baicalin on growth state of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder animal model and its regulation on Ca MKⅡ and ERK1/2 / 中国中药杂志

The aim of this study was to observe the effect of baicalin on the growth state of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder animal model and its regulation on Ca MKⅡand ERK1/2.In the present study,a total of 40 SHR rats were randomly divided into model group,methylphenidate hydrochloride group,and low,medium,and high dose baicalin groups,with 8 rats in each group.Eight WKYrats were selected as a normal control group.The methylphenidate hydrochloride group(0.07 g·L~(-1))and the low(3.33 g·L~(-1)),medium(6.67 g·L~(-1)),and high dose(10 g·L~(-1))baicalin groups received corresponding drugs by gavage administration according to the body weight(0.015 m L·g~(-1)),while the normal group and the model group received the same volume of normal saline by gavage.Thegavage administration lasted for 4 weeks,twice a day.The body weight of the rats and the amount of remaining feed were weighed daily,and the growth state of the rats was statistically evaluated weekly.Percoll density gradient centrifugation was used to prepare brain synaptosomes and an electron microscope was used to observe their structures.The Ca MKⅡand ERK1/2 protein and mRNA expression levels were detected with Western blot and Real-time PCR methods,respectively.RESULTS: showed that baicalin did not affect the normal eating and weight gain of rats,and the weight gain of rats was even more significant than that in the normal group(P<0.05).In the study of its effects on Ca MKⅡand ERK1/2 protein expression in rat synaptosomes,the expression of both proteins in each drug-administered group was higher than that in the model group(P<0.05);besides,the expression levels of Ca MKⅡand ERK1/2 protein were significantly increased in both baicalin high dose group and the methylphenidate hydrochloride group(P<0.05).The relative expression of Ca MKⅡand ERK1/2 mRNA in synaptosome was detected by PCR.The results showed that medium and high doses of baicalin and methylphenidate hydrochloride significantly increased the relative expression of Ca MKⅡand ERK1/2 mRNA in synaptosomes of SHR rats(P<0.05).In conclusion,baicalin does not affect the normal growth and development of SHR rats,so it is safe for administration.Both baicalin and methylphenidate hydrochloride could up-regulate the relative expression of Ca MKⅡand ERK1/2 in mRNA and protein,and the pharmacodynamic stability of baicalin is in a dose-dependent manner to certain extent.

Preparation of chrysin solid lipid nanoparticles and their pharmacokinetic behaviors / 中成药

AIM To prepare chrysin solid lipid nanoparticles and to evaluate their pharmacokinetic behaviors.METHODS The particle size,Zeta potential and in vitro release rate of nanoparticles prepared by emulsification uhrasonication-low temperature solidification method were determined.Twelve SD rats were randomly divided into two groups and were intragastrically given suspensions of crude drug and nanoparticles,respectively.HPLC was used for the content determination of chrysin in plasma,after which blood drug concentration-time curves were drawn,and pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated.RESULTS The obtained nanoparticles demonstrated the particle size of (207.15 ±30.59) nm,PDI of (0.224 ±0.067) and Zeta potential of (-34.8 ±5.9) mV,respectively,whose accumulative release rate reached 84.36％ within 36 h.Their Cmax [(9.04 ± 1.52) μg/mL] and AUC0～t,[(33.67 ± 3.47) μg · h/mL] were much higher than those of the crude drug (P ＜ 0.01).CONCLUSION Solid lipid nanoparticles can promote the oral absorption and bioavailability of chrysin,with significant sustained-release characteristics.

Effect of 5-hydroxytryptamine-2C subunit receptor on long-term potentiation in primary visual cor-tex of form deprivation adult amblyopia rats / 新乡医学院学报

Objective To investigate the effects of 5-hydroxytryptamine-2C subunit receptor (5-HT 2C R)on long-term potentiation (LTP)of V1M region visual cortex of form deprivation adult amblyopia rats. Methods Sixteen two weeks old Sp-argue Dawley rats were randomly divided into normal control group and monocular form deprivation group,with 8 rats in each group. The rats in the normal control group were not given any intervention;the rats in the monocular form deprivation group were sutured the right eye lid to establish the monocular form deprivation amblyopia model. All rats were fed for 6 weeks after establishing the model successfully,then the rats in the two groups were sacrificed and the coronal examination of 400 μm thick cortical brain slices were incubated in artificial cerebrospinal fluid artificial cerebrospinal fluid (ACSF). According to the difference of drugs in ACSF,the visual cortex slices of rats in normal control group were selected as group A;the contralateral visual cortex slices of the deprivation eye were divided into group B,group C,group D and group E;the ipsilateral visual cortex slices of the deprivation eye were divided into group F,group G,group H and group I. The ACSF of group A,B and F did not added any drugs;the ACSF of group C and group G were added with physiological saline;the ACSF of group D and group H were added with 10 μmol · L - 15-hydroxytryptamine hydrochloride;the ACSF of group E and group I were added with 10 μmol·L - 1 SB 242084 and 10 μmol·L - 15-hydroxytryptamine hydrochloride. The electrophysiology experiment was per-formed in all of the visual cortex slices by extracellular microelectrode recording and the visual cortex fidd postsynaptic poten-tial(fPSP)slope of V1M region of the visual cortex was recorded. Results The fPSP in group A,B,C,D,E,F,G,H,I was (198. 1 ± 13. 5)％,(106. 3 ± 8. 3)％,(106. 3 ± 8. 3)％,(157. 1 ± 9. 7)％,(102. 6 ± 4. 7)％,(144. 5 ± 2. 9)％,(144. 5 ± 2. 9)％,(192. 2 ± 8. 6)％ and (129. 7 ± 13. 5)％,respectively. There was statistic difference in fPSP slope of visual cortex a-mong the group A,B,F(P < 0. 001);the fPSP slope of visual cortex of rats in group A was significantly higher than that in the group B and group F(P < 0. 001);the fPSP slope of visual cortex of rats in group B was significantly lower than that in the group F(P < 0. 001). The fPSP slope of visual cortex in group D was significantly higher than that in the group C (t = - 10. 833,P < 0. 001);the fPSP slope of visual cortex in group H was significantly higher than that in the group D and group G(t = - 6. 841,- 10. 616;P < 0. 001). The fPSP slope of visual cortex in group E was significantly lower than that in the group D and group I(t = 11. 872,- 3. 910;P < 0. 001,P < 0. 05);the fPSP slope of visual cortex in group I was signifi-cantly lower than that in the group H(t = 9. 911,P < 0. 001). Conclusion Monocular deprivation can lead to the dysfunction of bilateral visual cortex neurons and 5-hydroxytryptamine hydrochloride can reverse this phenomenon through 5-HT2C R.

Effect of baicalin on ATPase and LDH and its regulatory effect on the AC/cAMP/PKA signaling pathway in rats with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder / 中国当代儿科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the effect of baicalin on synaptosomal adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and its regulatory effect on the adenylate cyclase (AC)/cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)/protein kinase A (PKA) signaling pathway in rats with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 40 SHR rats were randomly divided into five groups: ADHD model, methylphenidate hydrochloride treatment (0.07 mg/mL), and low-dose (3.33 mg/mL), medium-dose (6.67 mg/mL), and high-dose (10 mg/mL) baicalin treatment (n=8 each). Eight WKY rats were selected as normal control group. Percoll density gradient centrifugation was used to prepare brain synaptosomes and an electron microscope was used to observe their structure. Colorimetry was used to measure the activities of ATPase and LDH in synaptosomes. ELISA was used to measure the content of AC, cAMP, and PKA.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with the normal control group, the ADHD model group had a significant reduction in the ATPase activity, a significant increase in the LDH activity, and significant reductions in the content of AC, cAMP, and PKA (P<0.05). Compared with the ADHD model group, the methylphenidate hydrochloride group and the medium- and high-dose baicalin groups had a significant increase in the ATPase activity (P<0.05), a significant reduction in the LDH activity (P<0.05), and significant increases in the content of AC, cAMP, and PKA (P<0.05). Compared with the methylphenidate hydrochloride group, the high-dose baicalin group had significantly greater changes in these indices (P<0.05). Compared with the low-dose baicalin group, the high-dose baicalin group had a significant increase in the ATPase activity (P<0.05); the medium- and high-dose baicalin groups had a significant reduction in the LDH activity (P<0.05) and significant increases in the content of AC, cAMP, and PKA (P<0.05). Compared with the medium-dose baicalin group, the high-dose baicalin group had a significant increase in the ATPase activity (P<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Both methylphenidate hydrochloride and baicalin can improve synaptosomal ATPase and LDH activities in rats with ADHD. The effect of baicalin is dose-dependent, and high-dose baicalin has a significantly greater effect than methylphenidate hydrochloride. Baicalin exerts its therapeutic effect possibly by upregulating the AC/cAMP/PKA signaling pathway.</p>

Effect of baicalin on behavioral characteristics of rats with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder / 中国当代儿科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effect of baicalin on the behavioral characteristics of rats with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and to provide a basis for further research on baicalin in the treatment of ADHD.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 40 SHR rats were randomly divided into model group, methylphenidate hydrochloride (MPH) group, and low-, medium-, and high-dose baicalin groups, with 8 rats in each group. Eight WKY rats were selected as normal control group. The rats in the MPH group (0.07 mg/mL) and the low- (3.33 mg/mL), medium- (6.67 mg/mL), and high-dose (10 mg/mL) baicalin groups were given the corresponding drugs (1.5 mL/100 g) by gavage twice a day, and those in the normal control group and the model group were given an equal volume of normal saline by gavage twice a day. The course of treatment was 4 weeks for all groups. The open field test was performed to observe total moving distance and average moving speed on day 0 of experiment and at 7, 14, 21, and 28 days after gavage and to evaluate the control effects of drugs on hyperactivity and impulsive behavior. The Morris water maze test was used to observe the latency, time spent in the target quadrant, and number of platform crossings and to evaluate the effects of drugs on attention.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The open field test showed that the model group and the drug treatment groups had a significantly longer total moving distance and a significantly higher average moving speed than the normal control group on day 0 (P<0.05). On day 7, the MPH group had significant reductions in total moving distance and average moving speed compared with the model group (P<0.05). On day 14, the MPH group and the high-dose baicalin group had significant reductions in total moving distance and average moving speed compared with the model group (P<0.05). The data on days 21 and 28 showed that compared with the model group, the low-, medium-, and high-dose baicalin groups had gradual reductions in total moving distance and average moving speed (P<0.05). The water maze test showed that compared with the model group, the MPH group and the medium- and high-dose baicalin groups had a significantly longer time spent in the target quadrant (P<0.05), and the MPH group and the high-dose baicalin group had a significantly higher proportion of the moving distance in the target quadrant in total moving distance (P<0.05). The high-dose baicalin group had the highest number of platform crossings among all groups (P<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Both baicalin and MPH can regulate the motor ability and learning and memory abilities of SHR rats with ADHD and thus control the core symptoms of ADHD, i.e., hyperactivity, impulsive behavior, and inattention. Baicalin exerts its effect in a dose-dependent manner, and high-dose baicalin has the most significant effect, but compared with MPH, it needs a longer time to play its therapeutic effect.</p>

Comparative study of biological properties between mucosal stem cells and mesenchymal stem cells obtained from human fallopian tube / 解放军医学杂志

Objective To explore whether there are stem cells in the endosalpinx, and to compare the biological properties between the mucosal stem cells (MuSCs) and mesenchymal stem cells (MeSCs) obtained from the fallopian tube for the purpose of providing experimental basis for clinical application. Methods In this study, we isolated, cultured and amplified human MuSCs and MeSCs in vitro, and compared the cell morphology, cell phenotype, colony forming efficiency, proliferation and differentiation capacities of MuSCs and MeSCs. Results Both MeSCs and MuSCs showed a similar elongated morphology, but the arrangement of MuSCs were more uniform than that of MeSCs. MuSCs showed a significantly higher proliferation capacity compared with MeSCs. Colony forming unit-fibroblast analysis further showed that more colonies formed with MuSCs than that of MeSCs, with a significant statistical difference. However, FTMSC and FMSC showed similar immunophenotypes. In vitro assays revealed that both types of cells showed the potential of adipogenic, osteogenic, and chondrogenic differentiation. Conclusions Stem cells were found in the fallopian tube mucosa, and MuSCs have stronger proliferation capacity than MeSCs, thus they possess a higher value for clinical application.

Visual quality of Q-factor guided LASEK for myopia and astigmatism with positive Q-factor / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM: To explore the long-term efficacy of Q-factor guided laser epithelial keratomleusis ( LASEK ) for myopia and astigmatism with positive Q-factor. METHODS: There were 158 eyes which were myopia and astigmatism with positive Q- factor taken in two groups randomly: 86 eyes accepted Q - factor guided LASEK as observation group and 72 eyes accepted routine LASEK as control group. The difference between the two groups about all data was similar. The uncorrected visual acuity ( UCVA ) and the best corrected visual acuity ( BCVA ) as well as diopter, ocular tension, corneal topography, Keratometry value K, aspherical factor Q, Higher-order aberrations ( HOA ) , corneal thickness by ultrasound and, contrast sensitivity ( CS ) , Haze were examined and compared before and after surgery. All the cased were followed up for 14d, 1, 3, 6, 12mo. And there were no statistical difference among the data before surgery. RESULTS: After 12mo there were no statistical difference between the two groups about UCVA and BCVA. But the safety index of observation group was 1.10, that of control group was 1. 07. The validity index of observation group was 1. 06, that of control group was 0.99. The HOA of observation group was 0. 45±0. 17μm, and that of control group was 0. 72±0.25μm, there was statistically significant difference (t=-8. 193,P=0. 000). Q factor of observation group was 0. 41±0. 17, that of control group was 0. 77±0. 22, there was significant difference (t=11. 377,P = 0. 028). The contrast sensitivity of 3mo post surgery of patients in the observation group returned to the level of before surgery. But in the control group the contrast sensitivity of the patients did not returned until 6mo. CONCLUSION:Q-factor guided LASEK for myopia and astigmatism with positive Q-factor is stable, safe and effective. The operation allow for reducing the high order aberrations, maintaining the most asphericity of cornea, saving more in corneal tissue, which cause faster recovery of contrast sensitivity, less haze and better visual quality.

PSO/ACO algorithm-based risk assessment of human neural tube defects in Heshun County, China / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To develop a new technique for assessing the risk of birth defects, which are a major cause of infant mortality and disability in many parts of the world.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The region of interest in this study was Heshun County, the county in China with the highest rate of neural tube defects (NTDs). A hybrid particle swarm optimization/ant colony optimization (PSO/ACO) algorithm was used to quantify the probability of NTDs occurring at villages with no births. The hybrid PSO/ACO algorithm is a form of artificial intelligence adapted for hierarchical classification. It is a powerful technique for modeling complex problems involving impacts of causes.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The algorithm was easy to apply, with the accuracy of the results being 69.5%±7.02% at the 95% confidence level.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The proposed method is simple to apply, has acceptable fault tolerance, and greatly enhances the accuracy of calculations.</p>