[The efficacy of radiotherapy based combined therapy for unresectable locally invasive bladder cancer and its associated factors analysis].

Objective: Retrospective analysis of the efficacy and influencing factors of bladder preservation integrated therapy for unresectable invasive bladder cancer confined to the pelvis was done, also including the bladder function preservation and adverse effects analysis. Methods: Sixty-nine patients with unresectable locally invasive bladder cancer who received radiotherapy-based combination therapy from March 1999 to December 2021 at our hospital were selected. Among them, 42 patients received concurrent chemoradiotherapy, 32 underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapyand 43 with transurethral resection of bladder tumors (TURBT) prior to radiotherapy. The late adverse effect of radiotherapy, preservation of bladder function, replase and metastasis and survival were followed-up. Cox proportional hazards models were applied for the multifactorial analysis. Results: The median age was 69 years. There were 63 cases (91.3%) of uroepithelial carcinoma, 64 of stage Ⅲ and 4 of stage Ⅳ. The median duration of follow-up was 76 months. There were 7 grade 2 late genito urinary toxicities, 2 grade 2 gastrointestinal toxicities, no grade 3 or higher adverse events occurred. All patients maintained normal bladder function, except for 8 cases who lost bladder function due to uncontrolled tumor in the bladder. Seventeen cases recurred locally. There were 11 cases in the concurrent chemoradiotherapy group with a local recurrence rate of 26.2% (11/42) and 6 cases in the non-concurrent chemoradiotherapy group with a local recurrence rate of 22.2% (6/27), and the difference in local recurrence rate between the two groups was not statistically significant (P=0.709). There were 23 cases of distant metastasis (including 2 cases of local recurrence with distant metastasis), including 10 cases in the concurrent chemoradiotherapy group with a distant metastasis rate of 23.8% (10/42) and 13 cases in the non-concurrent chemoradiotherapy group with a distant metastasis rate of 48.1% (13/27), and the distant metastasis rate in the non-concurrent chemoradiotherapy group was higher than that in the concurrent chemoradiotherapy group (P=0.036). The median 5-year overall survival (OS) time was 59 months and the OS rate was 47.8%. The 5-year progression-free survival (PFS) time was 20 months and the PFS rate was 34.4%. The 5-year OS rates of concurrent and non-concurrent chemoradiotherapy group were 62.9% and 27.6% (P<0.001), and 5-year PFS rates were 45.4% and 20.0%, respectively (P=0.022). The 5-year OS rates of with or without neoadjuvant chemotherapy were 78.4% and 30.1% (P=0.002), and the 5-year PFS rates were 49.1% and 25.1% (P=0.087), respectively. The 5-year OS rates with or without TURBT before radiotherapy were 45.5% and 51.9% (P=0.233) and the 5-year PFS rates were 30.8% and 39.9% (P=0.198), respectively. Multivariate Cox regression analysis results showed that the clinical stage (HR=0.422, 95% CI: 0.205-0.869) was independent prognostic factor for PFS of invasive bladder cancer. The multivariate analysis showed that clinical stages (HR=0.278, 95% CI: 0.114-0.678), concurrent chemoradiotherapy (HR=0.391, 95% CI: 0.165-0.930), neoadjuvant chemotherapy (HR=0.188, 95% CI: 0.058-0.611), and recurrences (HR=10.855, 95% CI: 3.655-32.638) were independent prognostic factors for OS of invasive bladder cancer. Conclusion: Unresectable localized invasive bladder cancer can achieve satisfactory long-term outcomes with bladder-preserving combination therapy based on radiotherapy, most patients can retain normal bladder function with acceptable late adverse effects and improved survival particularly evident in patients with early, concurrent chemoradiotherapy and neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Organic trace minerals improve eggshell quality by improving the eggshell ultrastructure of laying hens during the late laying period.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of low inclusion levels of organic trace minerals (iron, copper, manganese, and zinc) on performance, eggshell quality, serum hormone levels, and enzyme activities of laying hens during the late laying period. A total of 405 healthy hens (HY-Line White, 50-week-old) were randomly divided into 3 treatments, with 9 replications per treatment and 15 birds per replication. The dietary treatments included a basal diet supplemented with inorganic trace minerals at commercial levels (CON), a basal diet supplemented with inorganic trace minerals at 1/3 commercial levels (ITM), and a basal diet supplemented with proteinated trace minerals at 1/3 commercial levels (TRT). The trial lasted 56 D (8 wk). Compared with the CON group, the ITM group showed decrease in (P < 0.05) egg production, eggshell strength, eggshell palisade layer, palisade layer ratio, serum estrogen, luteinizing hormone, glycosaminoglycan concentration, and carbonic anhydrase activity and increase in (P < 0.05) egg loss and mammillary layer ratio. However, the TRT group almost kept all the indices close to the CON group (P > 0.05). Furthermore, hens fed with low inclusion levels of organic trace minerals had smaller mammillary knobs (P < 0.05) than those in the CON and ITM groups. In conclusion, hens fed with low inclusion levels of proteinated trace minerals had better performance and eggshell strength than those fed with identical levels of inorganic compounds; organic trace minerals improved eggshell quality by improving the eggshell ultrastructure of laying hens during the late laying period.

Insulin and leptin excite anorexigenic pro-opiomelanocortin neurones via activation of TRPC5 channels.

Pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) neurones within the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus are vital anorexigenic neurones. Both the insulin receptor and leptin receptor are coupled to activation of phosphatidylinositide-3 kinase (PI3K) to regulate multiple functions that increase POMC neuronal excitability. Using whole-cell recording in several mammalian species, we have found that both insulin and leptin depolarised POMC neurones via activation of transient receptor potential (TRPC)5 channels. TRPC5 channels have been rigorously characterised as the downstream effector based on their biophysical properties, pharmacological profile, and localisation by immunocytochemistry and single-cell reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. By contrast, insulin and leptin hyperpolarise and inhibit neuropeptide Y/agouti-related peptide neurones via activation of KATP channels. As proof of principle, insulin given i.c.v. robustly inhibits food intake and increases O2 utilisation, CO2 production and metabolic heat production. Therefore, these findings indicate that the depolarisation/excitation of POMC neurones by insulin and leptin is preserved across mammalian species and the activation of TRPC5 channels is likely a major mechanism by which insulin and leptin regulate energy homeostasis in mammals.

Aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio predicts response to transarterial chemoembolisation and prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma patients.

AIM: To evaluate the value of the aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index (APRI) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients who underwent transarterial chemoembolisation (TACE). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 315 patients were enrolled, who were randomly divided into the training cohort (n=158) and the validation cohort (n=157). The optimal cut-off value of the APRI was determined using the X-tile software in the training cohort, and was validated in the validation cohort. Several serum-based markers, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte (N/L) and aspartate aminotransferase-to-alanine aminotransferase (AST/ALT) ratios were included to compare with the APRI. To predict individual survival rate, independent predictors were included to build a nomogram. RESULTS: Using the X-tile, a cut-off value of the APRI as 0.40 was yielded to distinguish patients with distinct outcomes in the training cohort, but failed for the N/L and ALT/AST ratios. In the training cohort, 66 patients with high APRI had poorer survival (p<0.001) than did 92 patients with low APRI. Using the same cut-off value of APRI, 61 patients with high APRI had poorer survival (p<0.001) than did 96 patients with low APRI in the validation cohort. Furthermore, a nomogram, including the APRI, TACE cycles, tumour size, and tumour number, was built based on the training cohort, and validated well in the validation cohort (concordance index [C-index] 0.713). CONCLUSION: The APRI is a promising marker to predict treatment response and outcome for HCC patients after TACE treatment.

Polygonum multiflorum Radix extract protects human foreskin melanocytes from oxidative stress in vitro and potentiates hair follicle pigmentation ex vivo.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the ability of an extract from traditional Chinese medicine, Polygonum multiflorum Radix, to protect melanocyte viability from oxidative stress, a key mechanism in the initiation and progression of hair greying. METHODS: To assess the antioxidant capacity of Polygonum multiflorum Radix extract, primary human foreskin melanocytes were treated with a commercially available Polygonum multiflorum Radix extract added to culture medium and exposed to hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2 ), using intracellular reactive oxygen species concentrations and glutathione/protein ratios as endpoints. To improve solubility for cosmetic uses, a new Polygonum multiflorum Radix extract was derived. As hair greying is the consequence of melanocyte disappearance in an oxidative stress environment, we checked whether the antioxidant capacity of the new Polygonum multiflorum Radix extract could preserve melanocyte viability in response to H2 O2 -induced oxidative stress, and preserve pigmentation within ex vivo human hair follicles. RESULTS: In vitro treatment of primary human foreskin melanocytes with traditional available Polygonum multiflorum Radix extract resulted in decreased intracellular ROS accumulation in response to H2 O2 exposure with a concomitant preservation of glutathione-to-protein ratio, consistent with a protective response against H2 O2 exposure and demonstrating the promise of this extract for protecting melanocytes against oxidative stress. Melanocytes treated with the improved Polygonum multiflorum Radix extract exhibited attenuated H2 O2 -induced cell death, demonstrating a clear cytoprotective effect. Treatment of ex vivo human hair follicles with the improved Polygonum multiflorum Radix extract resulted in a higher level of melanin compared to vehicle-treated controls, demonstrating an ex vivo protective effect on hair pigmentation. CONCLUSION: Polygonum multiflorum Radix extract protects in vitro primary human foreskin melanocytes from the deleterious effects of H2 O2 exposure and improves pigmentation within ex vivo human hair follicles, demonstrating the utility of Polygonum multiflorum Radix extract as a potential active ingredient for the protection of melanocytes against premature death. This data provides in vitro mechanistic evidence consistent with existing in vivo studies for the use of Polygonum multiflorum Radix extract as a strategy for the prevention of oxidative stress-induced hair greying, in line with traditional Polygonum multiflorum Radix uses.

Hyperlipidemia impairs erectile function in rats by causing cavernosal fibrosis.

Men with hyperlipidemia are more likely to have erectile dysfunction (ED) than those without hyperlipidemia, but the mechanisms are not fully understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the underlying mechanism of ED caused by hyperlipidemia. Fourteen 8-week-old Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into two groups: a control group and a hyperlipidemia group (fed chow containing 4% cholesterol and 1% cholic acid). After 6 months, we assessed erectile function by performing cavernous nerve electrostimulation followed by intracavernosal pressure/mean arterial pressure measurements, as well as plasma lipid profile assessment in all rats. A transferase-mediated nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay, immunohistochemical staining and Western blotting were performed to determine the levels of apoptosis, autophagy and fibrosis in the penile tissue. Compared with the control group, the hyperlipidemia group exhibited: (i) increased plasma lipid levels; (ii) decreased erectile function; (iii) a decreased smooth muscle/collagen ratio; (iv) increased fibrosis; (v) increased apoptosis and decreased autophagy. Overall, hyperlipidemia may attenuate erectile function in rats by causing of cavernosal fibrosis.

Effects of sacral nerve stimulation with acupuncture on gut transit time and c-kit expression in colon of rats with slow transit constipation.

Sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) is an alternative surgical approach to alleviate fecal incontinence and constipation. This study aimed to explore the effects and underlying mechanisms of SNS with acupuncture on gut transit time and colon c-kit protein expression in rats with slow transit constipation (STC). Fifty Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into five groups: blank control, SNS, Mosapride, sham SNS, and STC model control group. The STC model was established by subcutaneous injection of morphine. Each group was treated over a 15-day period. Gut transit time was measured 1 day before the treatment started and after 5, 10, and 15 days of treatment. After the 15-day treatment, animals were sacrificed and colonic tissues were collected for analysis of c-kit protein expression, using western blot analysis. We found significant differences in gut transit time in the SNS group compared with the Mosapride group after 5 (P = 0.001) and 10 (P = 0.004) days of treatment. After 15 days of treatment, there were no differences in gut transit time among the SNS, Mosapride, and blank control groups. However, significant differences were observed when comparing the SNS and Mosapride groups with the STC model and sham SNS groups. A decreased c-kit protein expression was observed in the STC model control, sham SNS, and Mosapride groups, compared with the SNS group (P = 0.001). Our data indicate that SNS can decrease gut transit time and increase the expression of c-kit protein in rats with STC to improve colon transit function.

The skin-depigmenting potential of Paeonia lactiflora root extract and paeoniflorin: in vitro evaluation using reconstructed pigmented human epidermis.

OBJECTIVE: The roots of the herb Paeonia lactiflora ('White Peony') are used in association with other herbs in traditional clinical cosmetic practice in China as oral treatment for skin pigmentary disorders, such as brown or dark pigmentary spots. However, the skin-depigmenting potential of Paeonia lactiflora root extract and its main ingredient paeoniflorin has been scarcely investigated by topical application. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of Paeonia lactiflora root extract and paeoniflorin as skin whitening agent in cosmetic application. METHODS: Paeonia lactiflora root extract (containing 53.25% of paeoniflorin) and paeoniflorin (97% purity) were applied topically on reconstructed pigmented human epidermis model, a three-dimensional (3D) human skin equivalent, showing morphological and functional characteristics similar to those of in vivo human skin. Two specific methods were used for quantifying melanin inside the reconstructed pigmented epidermis: Fontana-Masson staining (2D quantification) and multiphoton microscopy (3D quantification). RESULTS: Compared to vehicle (dimethyl sulfoxide DMSO), a significant decrease in 2D and 3D melanin content was observed after topical application on reconstructed pigmented epidermis of Paeonia lactiflora extract at 300 µg mL(-1) (-28% and -27%, respectively) and paeoniflorin at 120 µg mL(-1) /250 µM (-30% and -23%, respectively), which is in the same order of magnitude as the positive reference 4-n-butylresorcinol at 83 µg mL(-1) /500 µM (-26% and -40%, respectively). CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate, for the first time, the depigmenting potential of paeoniflorin and thus the potential interest of using Paeonia lactiflora root extracts containing paeoniflorin in cosmetic or dermatological applications for reducing the severity of some hyperpigmented skin disorders.

Folic acid supplementation and dietary folate intake, and risk of preeclampsia.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Folic acid supplementation has been suggested to reduce the risk of preeclampsia. However, results from few epidemiologic studies have been inconclusive. We investigated the hypothesis that folic acid supplementation and dietary folate intake before conception and during pregnancy reduce the risk of preeclampsia. SUBJECTS/METHODS: A birth cohort study was conducted in 2010-2012 at the Gansu Provincial Maternity & Child Care Hospital in Lanzhou, China. A total of 10,041 pregnant women without chronic hypertension or gestational hypertension were enrolled. RESULTS: Compared with nonusers, folic acid supplement users had a reduced risk of preeclampsia (OR=0.61, 95% CI: 0.43-0.87). A significant dose-response of duration of use was observed among women who used folic acid supplemention during pregnancy only (P-trend=0.007). The reduced risk associated with folic acid supplement was similar for mild or severe preeclampsia and for early- or late-onset preeclampsia, although the statistical significant associations were only observed for mild (OR=0.50, 95% CI: 0.30-0.81) and late-onset (OR=0.60, 95% CI: 0.42-0.86) preeclampsia. The reduced risk associated with dietary folate intake during pregnancy was only seen for severe preeclampsia (OR=0.52, 95% CI: 0.31-0.87, for the highest quartile of dietary folate intake compared with the lowest). CONCLUSIONS: Our study results suggest that folic acid supplementation and higher dietary folate intake during pregnancy reduce the risk of preeclampsia. Future studies are needed to confirm the associations.

Ginsenoside Rh2 promotes nonamyloidgenic cleavage of amyloid precursor protein via a cholesterol-dependent pathway.

Ginsenoside Rh2 (Rh2) is a ginseng derivative used in Chinese traditional medicine. We investigated whether Rh2 can help prevent Alzheimer's disease symptoms and examined underlying mechanisms. We injected Rh2 into tg2576 Alzheimer's disease model mice and looked for behavioral improvement and senile plaque reduction in brain slices. We measured amyloid precursor protein (APP) metabolism species changes, amyloid beta40 and 42 levels and ß, γ secretase activity in primary hippocampal neurons. By living cell staining, we detected surface and endocytosed APP. We also measured cholesterol and lipid rafts in primary neurons. Rh2 treatment significantly improved learning and memory performance at 14 months of age; it also reduced brain senile plaques at this age. Based on in vitro experiments, we found that Rh2 treatment increased soluble APPα (sAPPα) levels, increased CTFα/ß ratios, and reduced amyloid beta 40 and 42 concentrations. Surface APP levels dramatically increased. Based on living cell staining, we found that Rh2 inhibited APP endocytosis. Based on lipid removal and reload experiments, we found that Rh2 can modulate APP by reducing cholesterol and lipid raft levels. We concluded that Rh2 improves learning and memory function in Alzheimer's disease model mice, and that this improvement is accomplished by reducing amyloid beta secretion and APP endocytosis, which in turn is achieved by reducing cholesterol and lipid raft concentrations.

In vitro ovicidal and larvicidal activity of the essential oil of Artemisia lancea against Haemonchus contortus (Strongylida).

Prolonged use of chemical anthelmintics has been found to result in anthelmintic resistance and environmental issues, thereby limiting the application of these drugs in domestic animals and prompting interest in the study of plant extracts as alternative sources thereof. The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro effect of the essential oil (EO) of Artemisia lancea against the parasitic nematode Haemonchus contortus using egg hatch assay, larval development assay, and larval migration inhibition assay. The EO yield of extraction was 0.63% (w/w), and the major constituents were 1,8-cineole (34.56%) and camphor (16.65%). In the egg hatch assay, an inhibition greater than 99% was observed with the EO at 10 mg mL(-1) and the LC50 was 1.82 mg mL(-1). 1,8-Cineole demonstrated moderate ovicidal activity with a LC50 of 4.64 mg mL(-1), whereas camphor did not show enough activity to have its LC50 determined. In the larval development assay, the EO, 1,8-cineole, and camphor inhibited 93.6%, 65.2%, and 57% of larval development at 10 mg mL(-1) and exhibited dose-dependent responses with LC50 values of 1.66, 5.07, and 7.80 mg mL(-1), respectively. In the migration inhibition assay, the EO and 1,8-cineole at best inhibited 77% and 60.3% of larval migration at 10 mg mL(-1), respectively. Camphor showed low inhibition capacity, and its efficacy was not dose dependent. The results indicate that the in vitro anthelmintic activity of the EO of A. lancea may be associated with the additive action of the two major constituents, as well as other more minor terpenoid components.

Effect of early postnatal air-conduction auditory deprivation on the development and function of the rat spiral ganglion.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of early postnatal air-conduction auditory deprivation on the development and function of the rat spiral ganglion. STUDY DESIGN: Randomised animal study. METHODS: Sixty neonatal Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into two groups: controls (n = 30) given regular chow and water ad libitum; and study animals (n = 30) fed within a soundproof chamber. Auditory brainstem response testing was conducted in both groups on postnatal day 42. RESULTS: Auditory deprivation between postnatal days 12 and 42 resulted in an increased hearing threshold and reduced auditory brainstem response amplitudes, together with degeneration of type I spiral ganglion neurons and the presence of apoptotic cells. CONCLUSION: Non-invasive auditory deprivation during a critical developmental period resulted in numerous changes in rat cochlear function and morphology.

The effects of subinhibitory concentrations of costus oil on virulence factor production in Staphylococcus aureus.

AIM: To determine the antimicrobial activity of costus (Saussurea lappa) oil against Staphylococcus aureus, and to evaluate the influence of subinhibitory concentrations of costus oil on virulence-related exoprotein production in staph. aureus. METHODS AND RESULTS: Minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined using a broth microdilution method, and the MICs of costus oil against 32 Staph. aureus strains ranged from 0.15 to 0.6 µl ml(-1) . The MIC(50) and MIC(90) were 0.3 and 0.6 µl ml(-1) , respectively. Western blot, haemolytic, tumour necrosis factor (TNF) release and real-time RT-PCR assays were performed to evaluate the effects of subinhibitory concentrations of costus oil on virulence-associated exoprotein production in Staph. aureus. The data presented here show that costus oil dose dependently decreased the production of α-toxin, toxic shock syndrome toxin 1 (TSST-1) and enterotoxins A and B in both methicillin-sensitive Staph. aureus (MSSA) and methicillin-resistant Staph. aureus (MRSA). CONCLUSION: Costus oil has potent antimicrobial activity against Staph. aureus, and the production of α-toxin, TSST-1 and enterotoxins A and B in Staph. aureus was decreased by costus oil. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The data suggest that costus oil may deserve further investigation for its potential therapeutic value in treating Staph. aureus infections. Furthermore, costus oil could be rationally applied in food products as a novel food preservative both to inhibit the growth of Staph. aureus and to repress the production of exotoxins, particularly staphylococcal enterotoxins.

Cross-talk between membrane-initiated and nuclear-initiated oestrogen signalling in the hypothalamus.

It is increasingly evident that 17beta-oestradiol (E(2)), via a distinct membrane oestrogen receptor (Gq-mER), can rapidly activate kinase pathways to have multiple downstream actions in central nervous system (CNS) neurones. We have found that E(2) can rapidly reduce the potency of the GABA(B) receptor agonist baclofen and mu-opioid receptor agonist DAMGO to activate G-protein-coupled, inwardly rectifying K(+) (GIRK) channels in hypothalamic neurones, thereby increasing the excitability (firing activity) of pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) and dopamine neurones. These effects are mimicked by the membrane impermeant E(2)-BSA and a new ligand (STX) that is selective for the Gq-mER that does not bind to ERalpha or ERbeta. Both E(2) and STX are fully efficacious in attenuating the GABA(B) response in ERalpha, ERbeta and GPR 30 knockout mice in an ICI 182 780 reversible manner. These findings are further proof that E(2) signals through a unique plasma membrane ER. We have characterised the coupling of this Gq-mER to a Gq-mediated activation of phospholipase C leading to the up-regulation of protein kinase Cdelta and protein kinase A activity in these neurones, which ultimately alters gene transcription. Finally, as proof of principle, we have found that STX, similar to E(2), reduces food intake and body weight gain in ovariectomised females. STX, presumably via the Gq-mER, also regulates gene expression of a number of relevant targets including cation channels and signalling molecules that are critical for regulating (as a prime example) POMC neuronal excitability. Therefore, E(2) can activate multiple receptor-mediated pathways to modulate excitability and gene transcription in CNS neurones that are critical for controlling homeostasis and motivated behaviors.

Tibolone rapidly attenuates the GABAB response in hypothalamic neurones.

Tibolone is primarily used for the treatment of climacteric symptoms. Tibolone is rapidly converted into three major metabolites: 3 alpha- and 3beta-hydroxy (OH)-tibolone, which have oestrogenic effects, and the Delta 4-isomer (Delta 4-tibolone), which has progestogenic and androgenic effects. Because tibolone is effective in treating climacteric symptoms, the effects on the brain may be explained by the oestrogenic activity of tibolone. Using whole-cell patch clamp recording, we found previously that 17beta-oestradiol (E(2)) rapidly altered gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurotransmission in hypothalamic neurones through a membrane oestrogen receptor (mER). E(2) reduced the potency of the GABA(B) receptor agonist baclofen to activate G-protein-coupled, inwardly rectifying K(+) (GIRK) channels in hypothalamic neurones. Therefore, we hypothesised that tibolone may have some rapid effects through the mER and sought to elucidate the signalling pathway of tibolone's action using selective inhibitors and whole cell recording in ovariectomised female guinea pigs and mice. A sub-population of neurones was identified post hoc as pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) neurones by immunocytochemical staining. Similar to E(2), we have found that tibolone and its active metabolite 3 beta OH-tibolone rapidly reduced the potency of the GABA(B) receptor agonist baclofen to activate GIRK channels in POMC neurones. The effects were blocked by the ER antagonist ICI 182 780. Other metabolites of tibolone (3 alpha OH-tibolone and Delta 4-tibolone) had no effect. Furthermore, tibolone (and 3 beta OH-tibolone) was fully efficacious in ER alpha knockout (KO) and ER beta KO mice to attenuate GABA(B) responses. The effects of tibolone were blocked by phospholipase C inhibitor U73122. However, in contrast to E(2), the effects of tibolone were not blocked by protein kinase C inhibitors or protein kinase A inhibitors. It appears that tibolone (and 3 beta OH-tibolone) activates phospholipase C leading to phosphatidylinositol bisphosphate metabolism and direct alteration of GIRK channel function. Therefore, tibolone may enhance synaptic efficacy through the G(q) signalling pathways of mER in brain circuits that are critical for maintaining homeostatic functions.

Municipal wastewater treatment with pond-constructed wetland system: a case study.

The performance of a pond-constructed wetland system in the treatment of municipal wastewater in Kiaochow city was studied; and comparison with oxidation ponds system was conducted. In the post-constructed wetland, the removal of COD, TN and TP is 24%, 58.5% and 24.8% respectively. The treated effluent from the constructed wetland can meet the Chinese National Agricultural and Irrigation Standard. The comparison between pond-constructed wetland system and oxidation pond system shows that total nitrogen removal in a constructed wetland is better than that in an oxidation pond and the TP removal is inferior. A possible reason is the low dissolved oxygen concentration in the wetland. Constructed wetlands can restrain the growth of algae effectively, and can produce obvious ecological and economical benefits.

[The effect of composite Radix Salviae Militiorrhizae injection on myocyte apoptosis in acute myocardial infarction of rabbits].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of composite Radix Salviae Militiorrhizae injectiion on myocyte apoptosis in experimental acute myocardial infarction of rabbits. METHODS: The models of acute myocardial infarction were made with rabbits. The method of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated dUTP nick end labeling was used to explore myocardial cell apoptosis in different injury area of acute myocardial infarction. The activities of plasma superoxide dismurase and the contents of serum malonic aldehyde were determined. RESULTS: When rabbits were in the condition of acute myocardial infarction, there were myocyte apoptosis in the area of ischemia reperfusion injury and the area of infarction. The number of myocyte apoptosis and the myocyte rate in control group and composite Radix Salviae Militiorrhizae injectiion treated group were higher than in sham-operated group (P < 0.001). In the area of ischemia reperfusion injury the number of myocyte apoptosis and the myocyte rate in composite salvia militiorrhiza-treated group were lower than in control group (P < 0.05). The activity of plasma superoxide dismurase in composite salvia militiorrhiza-treated group was higher than in control group (P < 0.05), but lower than in sham-orerated group (P < 0.001). The content of serum malonic aldehyde in composite Radix Salviae Militiorrhizae injectiion treated group were lower than in control group (P < 0.05), but higher than in sham-operated group (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Composite Radix Salviae Militiorrhizae injectiion could reduce the number of myocyte apoptosis in the area of ischemia reperfusion injury, which maybe explained by the increase of the activity of plasma superoxide dismurase and the decrease of the contents of serum malonic aldehyde.

[A comparative study on sterols of ethanol extract and water extract from Hericium erinaceus].

OBJECTIVE: To study the pharmaceutic chemical basis of the different medicinal effects, and to compare and analyze the sterols in Hericium erinaceus mycelia and its ethanol extract, water extract derived from solid fermented mycelia. METHOD: The components of Hericium erinaceus mycelia and two kinds of extract were compared with some biochemical methods such as GC, RP-HPLC, etc. Sterol composition in Hericium erinaceus mycelia was determined by using GC-mass spectrometry. RESULTS: The content of crude polysaccharide, water-soluble protein and fatty acid of ethanol extract showed no obvious advantage over its water extract. However, there was significant difference between two kinds of extract in the content of sterols. And ergostane derivatives, beta-sitosterol and C28 sterol with four bonds were detected as the major sterols in Hericium erinaceus mycelia, among which ergosterol was the principal sterol. CONCLUSION: Sterols in Hericium erinaceus exist mainly in ethanol extract. And three sterols are found for the first time from Hericium erinaceus, which are ergostane derivatives, beta-sitosterol and C28 sterol with four bonds.

[Wind-damage effects on quality of heartwood of Lignum Santali Albi].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the wind-damage effects on quality of heartwood of Lignum Santali Albi. METHOD: GC-MS, TLC and pharmacodynamic test. RESULTS: The content of volatile oil from heartwood of Wind-damaged Lignum Santali Albi is 1.42%; the content of various components in the oil and the chromatography of different extracts are similar to those of reference drug and 25 years old trees. CONCLUSION: Wind-damage should accelerate the formation of heartwood of Lignum Santali Albi without influence on its quality.