Quantum ghost imaging of a vector field.

Quantum ghost image technique utilizing position or momentum correlations between entangled photons can realize nonlocal reconstruction of the image of an object. In this work, based on polarization entanglement, we experimentally demonstrate quantum ghost imaging of vector images by using a geometric phase object. We also provide a corresponding theoretical analysis. Additionally, we offer a geometrical optics path explanation of ghost imaging for vector fields. The proposed strategy offers new insights into the fundamental development of ghost imaging and also holds great promise for developing complex structured ghost imaging techniques. Our work expanding the principle of ghost imaging to spatially varying vector beams will lead to interesting developments of this field.

Electroacupuncture ST36 prevents postoperative intra-abdominal adhesions formation.

BACKGROUND: We have recently proved electroacupuncture (EA) ST36 exerted an anti-inflammatory effect in the early phase of intra-abdominal adhesion formation. Evidences indicate that the anti-inflammatory effect of EA ST36 involves a cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway-dependent mechanism via the vagus nerve. However, the exact effects and accurate vagal modulation of acupuncture in prevention of postoperative intra-abdominal adhesion formation has not been thoroughly evaluated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sprague-Dawley rats subjected to abdominal adhesion lesions operation at the cecum and abdominal wall were randomly divided into six groups as follows: (a) EAN: EA non-channel acupoints; (b) EA: EA ST36 after abdominal lesions; (c) VGX/EA: vagotomy (VGX) after abdominal lesions, then EA ST36; (d) VGX/EAN: VGX after abdominal lesions, then EAN; (e) α-BGT/EA: intraperitoneal injection of α-bungarotoxin (α-BGT, an antagonist of α7 subunit of cholinergic nicotinic receptor) before EA ST36, and (f) α-BGT/EAN group: α-BGT injection before EAN. Seven days after abdominal surgical lesions, the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the adhesive tissue were evaluated, macroscopic observation and histopathologic evaluation of adhesion formation and assessment of angiogenesis by immunohistochemical staining of platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (CD31) were performed. RESULTS: EA ST36 reduced TNF-α and VEGF levels in adhesive tissue homogenates 7 d after surgery, whereas vagotomy or intraperitoneal injection of α-BGT before EA ST36 reversed its suppressive effects. EA at non-channel acupoints with or without vagotomy or intraperitoneal injection of α-BGT before EA had no suppressive effects on TNF-α and VEGF levels. EA ST36 alleviated the adhesion formation, with both of macroscopic and histopathologic adhesion scores significantly lower than those of the EAN group (1.56 ± 0.29 versus 3.00 ± 0.82, 1.35 ± 0.4 versus 3.91 ± 0.8, respectively, both P < 0.05). Compared with the EAN group, EA ST36 significantly decreased angiogenesis evidenced by reduced CD31 positive microvessel density in adhesive tissue. CONCLUSIONS: EA ST36 might reduce the postoperative local inflammatory response, attenuate the angiogenesis, and alleviate the adhesion formation partly via activating the cholinergic anti-inflammatory mechanism.

Reliable management of post-esophagectomy anastomotic fistula with endoscopic trans-fistula negative pressure drainage.

BACKGROUND: A gastroesophageal anastomotic fistula remains a potentially life-threatening post-esophagectomy complication. To promote fistula closure, we developed a modified endoscopic method of trans-fistula drainage with persistent negative pressure. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of this endoscopic therapy. METHODS: Between June and November 2013, five male patients with post-surgical esophageal leakages who had undergone trans-fistula drainage therapy were treated with the modified endoscopic trans-fistula negative pressure drainage (E-TNPD) method. We placed a nasogastric silicone tube into the paraesophageal cavity through the fistula and accomplished drainage of the infected effusion with continuous negative pressure, resulting in shrinkage of the para-anastomotic cavity and eventual fistula closure. We withdrew the trans-fistula drainage when there were no signs of leakage, as confirmed by esophagography. Final closure was confirmed by esophagography before the patient was allowed to begin oral intake. RESULTS: E-TNPD was successful in all five patients. The median duration of drainage until tube removal was 34 days (range: 18 to 81 days). The duration for Cases 1 to 4 was 18 to 28 days. Case 5 suffered from multiple separate leaks at the anastomotic site and the gastric conduit. Complete restoration was achieved in 81 days for this patient. We found that in general, the earlier that trans-fistula drainage was established, the shorter the duration of hospitalization until complete defect closure. CONCLUSIONS: E-TNPD provided reliable and convenient management of post-surgical gastroesophageal anastomotic fistula and esophageal perforation. This method promoted fistula closure and prevented unnecessary repeated endoscopic examinations, extra equipment and expense.

Si-RNA mediated knockdown of CELF1 gene suppressed the proliferation of human lung cancer cells.

BACKGROUND: Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in the world, with metastasis as the main reason for the mortality. CELF1 is an RNA-binding protein controlling the post-transcriptional regulation of genes related to cell survival. As yet, there is little knowledge of CELF1 expression and biological function in lung cancer. This study investigated the expression levels of CELF1 in lung cancer tissues and the biological function of CELF1 in lung cancer cells. METHODS: CELF1 mRNA expression was determined in lung cancer and normal tissues, and the relationship between the expression level of CELF1 and clinicopathological parameters was evaluated. The biological function of CELF1 in A549 and H1299 lung cancer cell lines growth was examined. RESULTS: The expression of CELF1 was higher in human lung cancer tissues compared with the normal lung tissue. Lentiviral-mediated transfection of CELF1 siRNA effectively silenced the expression of CELF1 in both A549 and H1299 cells. Moreover, CELF1 knockdown markedly reduced the survival rate of lung cancer cells. Colony formation assays revealed a reduction in the number and size of lung cancer cell colonies from CELF1 knockdown. CONCLUSION: These results indicated that CELF1 may have significant roles in the progression of lung cancer, and suggested that siRNA mediated silencing of CELF1 could be an effective tool in lung cancer treatment.

[Diagnostic value of enhanced computed tomography plus vascular endothelial growth factor C expression in hilar and mediastinal lymph node metastasis of non-small cell lung cancer].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the diagnostic value of preoperative enhanced computed tomography (CT) plus vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGF-C) expression in hilar and mediastinal lymph nodes metastasis of non-small cell lung cancer. METHODS: A total of 87 patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) received preoperative chest enhanced CT scans and underwent standard radical operation and systematic lymph node dissection. Pathologic examination was selected as the gold standard to determine lymph node metastasis. The immunohistochemical method was used to detect the expression of VEGF-C. The predicting values of chest enhanced CT, VEGF-C expression and their combination for the diagnosis of hilar and mediastinal lymph nodes metastasis were evaluated through comparing the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy. RESULTS: The sensitivity of CT scan was 75.0%, specificity 59.6% and accuracy 66.7%. The positive expression rate of VEGF-C was 78.2% (68/87) and strong positive rate 13.8% (12/87). The sensitivity of VEGF-C was 97.5%, specificity 38.3% and accuracy 65.5%. The combination of CT and VEGF-C had a better accuracy (74.7%) and the sensitivity and specificity were 80.0% and 70.2% respectively. CONCLUSION: Compared with CT scan or VEGF-C expression alone, the combination of CT and VEGF-C improves the specificity and accuracy of diagnosing lymph nodes metastasis in NSCLC. If this combination method is employed before therapy, the accuracy of clinical nodal staging may be enhanced.

[Diagnostic accuracy research of needle puncture biopsy during operation for pulmonary single nodules].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the diagnostic accuracy of needle puncture biopsy and pathological examination of frozen during operation for pulmonary nodules, and whether this diagnostic method can replace tumor resection examination. METHODS: Totally 50 patients (28 males and 22 females, average age was 59 years) who had the single nodule after imaging examination without any pathological diagnostic from January to October 2010 were selected in this research work. During open operation or video assisted thoracic surgery, needle (14 G model) was used to puncture biopsy for pathological examination of frozen. All the adverse events during puncture biopsy would be recorded. The resection specimens would be accepted paraffin pathological examination. The relationship between puncture frozen pathological and paraffin pathological examination was analyzed. RESULTS: All tumor sizes were ranged from 1.0 cm × 0.6 cm to 5.6 cm × 9.0 cm. The paraffin pathological examination after operation as the golden standard, there were 7 cases of benign tumor and 43 cases of malignant tumor. The diagnostic sensitivity of puncture biopsy was 90.7%, the specificity was 100%, the positive predictive value was 100% and the negative predictive value was 63.6%. There were 11 cases of benign tumor diagnosed by needle puncture biopsy, among which 4 cases were proved as malignant tumor by paraffin pathology, and the false negative rate was 9.3%. The main risk of puncture biopsy was bleeding after puncture immediately, and the rate was 4.0% (2/50). CONCLUSIONS: The puncture biopsy during operation had a high specificity for malignant lung tumor, and there was a certain false negative rate for benign tumor. Puncture biopsy and pathological examination of frozen tissue can replace tumor section biopsy in a way.

Gene and protein expression profiles of olfactory ensheathing cells from olfactory bulb versus olfactory mucosa.

Olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) from the olfactory bulb (OB) and the olfactory mucosa (OM) have the capacity to repair nerve injury. However, the difference in the therapeutic effect between OB-derived OECs and OM-derived OECs remains unclear. In this study, we extracted OECs from OB and OM and compared the gene and protein expression profiles of the cells using transcriptomics and non-quantitative proteomics techniques. The results revealed that both OB-derived OECs and OM-derived OECs highly expressed genes and proteins that regulate cell growth, proliferation, apoptosis and vascular endothelial cell regeneration. The differentially expressed genes and proteins of OB-derived OECs play a key role in regulation of nerve regeneration and axon regeneration and extension, transmission of nerve impulses and response to axon injury. The differentially expressed genes and proteins of OM-derived OECs mainly participate in the positive regulation of inflammatory response, defense response, cytokine binding, cell migration and wound healing. These findings suggest that differentially expressed genes and proteins may explain why OB-derived OECs and OM-derived OECs exhibit different therapeutic roles. This study was approved by the Animal Ethics Committee of the General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University (approval No. 2017-073) on February 13, 2017.

Clinical research on zishengukang pill (see text) used to treat delayed union of fracture.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the curative effect of Zishengukang Pill (see text) on delayed union of fracture. METHODS: Sixty-four patients with delayed union of fracture were randomly divided into a control group of 32 cases treated with Western medicine and a treatment group of 32 cases treated with Western medicine and Zishengukang Pill. After 3 courses of treatment with 30 days as a course, the curative effects in the two groups were evaluated and their clinical symptoms, union rate and union time of fracture were compared. RESULTS: The treatment resulted in cure in 25 cases, improvement in 6 cases and ineffectiveness in 1 case with the effective rate at 96.8% in the treatment group, higher than 81.3% in the control group (P < 0.05). The union rate of fracture in the treatment group was higher than that in the control group (34.3% vs. 12.5%, P < 0.05). The union time of fracture in the treatment group was shorter than that in the control group ((4.0 +/- 1.7) months vs. (5.0 +/- 1.4) months, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Zishengukang Pill with obvious curative effect in the treatment of delayed union of fracture is worth popularizing.

[Beginning of foreign exchange of acupuncture-moxibustion in New China: the whole story of the experts from the former Soviet Union studying acupuncture-moxibustion in China in 1956].

Through checking the archives from China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences (CACMS), the event that the experts from the former Soviet Union visiting China and learning acupuncture-moxibustion in 1956 was sorted out. In 1956, under the framework of Sino-Sovien Agreement on Scientific and Technology Cooperation, 3 medical experts assigned by the former Soviet Union came to China for the investigation and study of acupuncture-moxibustion. Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, CACMS was in charge of this activity at that time. The Institute had developed a detailed plan, in which, the teaching schedule was designed on the base of New Acupuncture and Moxibustion written by ZHU Lian and ZHU Lian herself gave the lecture. After 3-month study, the experts had mastered the basic theory and clinical techniques of acupuncture-moxibustion and had launched the relevant clinical and scientific work of acupuncture-moxibustion successfully after returning to their country. This event opens up the foreign exchange of acupuncture-moxibustion in New China and provides the foundation for international training and higher education of acupuncture-moxibustion thereafter.

Identification of potential oxidative stress biomarkers for spinal cord injury in erythrocytes using mass spectrometry.

Oxidative stress is a hallmark of secondary injury associated with spinal cord injury. Identifying stable and specific oxidative biomarkers is of important significance for studying spinal cord injury-associated secondary injury. Mature erythrocytes do not contain nuclei and mitochondria and cannot be transcribed and translated. Therefore, mature erythrocytes are highly sensitive to oxidative stress and may become a valuable biomarker. In the present study, we revealed the proteome dynamics of protein expression in erythrocytes of beagle dogs in the acute and subacute phases of spinal cord injury using mass spectrometry-based approaches. We found 26 proteins that were differentially expressed in the acute (0-3 days) and subacute (7-21 days) phases of spinal cord injury. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that these differentially expressed proteins were involved in glutathione metabolism, lipid metabolism, and pentose phosphate and other oxidative stress pathways. Western blot assays validated the differential expression of glutathione synthetase, transaldolase, and myeloperoxidase. This result was consistent with mass spectrometry results, suggesting that erythrocytes can be used as a novel sample source of biological markers of oxidative stress in spinal cord injury. Glutathione synthetase, transaldolase, and myeloperoxidase sourced from erythrocytes are potential biomarkers of oxidative stress after spinal cord injury. This study was approved by the Experimental Animal Centre of Ningxia Medical University, China (approval No. 2017-073) on February 13, 2017.

Parity-Time Symmetry in Non-Hermitian Complex Optical Media.

The exploration of quantum-inspired symmetries in optical and photonic systems has witnessed immense research interest both fundamentally and technologically in a wide range of subject areas in physics and engineering. One of the principal emerging fields in this context is non-Hermitian physics based on parity-time symmetry, originally proposed in the studies pertaining to quantum mechanics and quantum field theory and recently ramified into a diverse set of areas, particularly in optics and photonics. The intriguing physical effects enabled by non-Hermitian physics and PT symmetry have enhanced significant application prospects and engineering of novel materials. In addition, there has been increasing research interest in many emerging directions beyond optics and photonics. Here, the state-of-the art developments in the field of complex non-Hermitian physics based on PT symmetry in various physical settings are brought together, and key concepts, a background, and a detailed perspective on new emerging directions are described. It can be anticipated that this trendy field of interest will be indispensable in providing new perspectives in maneuvering the flow of light in the diverse physical platforms in optics, photonics, condensed matter, optoelectronics, and beyond, and will offer distinctive application prospects in novel functional materials.

[Effects of pigment epithelial derived factor gene on growth of lung cancer cell and neovascularization: experiments with lung cancer cells and chick embryos].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of pigment epithelium derived factor (PEDF) on the growth of lung cancer cells and the cancer-related neovascularization. METHODS: The full length of human PEDF gene was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Human lung cancer cells of the line SKEMS1 were cultured and transfected with PEDF(exp), An eukaryotic expression vector constructed by recombinant DNA technology, so as to construct the SKMES1(PEDFexp) cells over-expressing PEDF protein. RT-PCR and Western blotting were used to confirm the mRNA and protein expression of PEDF in these cells. Another SKMES1 lung cancer cells were transfected with blank plasmids (SKMES1(pEF/His) cells). The SKMES1 cells not transfected were called SKMES1(WT) cells. The 3 kinds of SKMES1 cells were inoculated in the chorio-allantoic membrane (CAM) of chick embryo hatched for 7 days respectively. The size and weigh of the tumor were measured. The vessels density was examined. RESULTS: The tumor volume of the SKMES1(PEDFexp) group was (0.10 +/- 0.05) cm(3), significantly smaller than that of the control group [(0.17 +/- 0.07) cm(3), P = 0.016], and the mass of the SKME(SPEDFexp) group was (0.008 +/- 0.004) mg, significantly smaller than that of the control group too [(0.024 +/- 0.009) mg, P = 0.006]. The amount of first class neo-vessels of the SKMES1(PEDFexp) group was (15 +/- 3), significantly fewer than that of the control group [(41 +/- 9), P < 0.001]. The amount of second class neo-vessels of the SKMES1(PEDFexp) group was (75 +/- 22), also significantly fewer than that of the control group [(175 +/- 39), P = 0.001]. CONCLUSION: Inhibiting the growth of lung cancer cells and neovascularization, PEDF protein may be used as a potential biological drug to treat lung cancer.

[The effects of electro-acupuncturing at Zusanli point on intestinal proinflammatory factors, diamine oxidase and tissue water content in rats with sepsis].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the protective effect of electro-acupuncturing (EA) at Zusanli point on sepsis induced ischemic and oxygen free radical intestinal injury in rats with sepsis. METHODS: Thirty-two male Wistar rats were used to reproduce sepsis by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP), and they were randomly divided into four groups (each n=8): CLP+EA (CLP/EA), CLP+sham EA (CLP/SEA), vagotomy+CLP+SEA (VA/CLP/SEA) and vagotomy+CLP+EA (VA/CLP/EA). Zusanli point was electro-acupunctured with constant voltage (2-100 Hz,2 mA for 30 minutes) immediately after CLP surgery. Abdominal vagotomy was performed in rats in VA/CL/SEA and VA/CLP/SEA groups. Six hours after CLP, the mucosal blood flow of jejunum (JMBF) was measured. Animals were sacrificed after 6 hours and specimens of jejunum were harvested for evaluation of malondialdehyde (MDA), xanthine oxidase (XOD), diamine oxidase (DAO) and assessment of the water content (WCR). RESULTS: JMBF and the activity of DAO of CLP/EA group were markedly higher, and the levels of XOD, MDA and WCR in jejunal tissue were obviously lower than those of CLP/SEA group (all P<0.05). The levels of JMBF and DAO of the VA/CLP/SEA group and VA/CLP/EA group were significantly lower, and XOD, MDA and WCR obviously higher than those of the CLP/EA group ( all P<0.05 ). There were no statistically differences in all above measurements between the VA/CLP/EA group and the VA/CLP/SEA group (all P>0.05). CONCLUSION: The results indicate that EA at Zusanli point obviously increased JMBF and DAO, and alleviated tissue edema and insult of intestinal mucosa. Vagotomy could weaken or eliminate the effects of EA. It is suggested that cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway is one of the main mechanisms of intestinal protective effect of EA at Zusanli point.

[The protective effects of carbachol on visceral ischemia-induced lipid peroxidation injury in rats with sepsis].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of carbachol (CAR) on visceral perfusion and lipid oxidation injury in rats with sepsis. METHODS: Sixty-four Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats received cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) surgery, and they were divided randomly into two groups: septic model group (CLP group, n=32) and septic model with CAR-treatment group (CAR group, n=32). CAR (10 microg/kg, CAR group) or normal saline (CLP group) was immediately injected into penial vein. Sixteen animals in each group were used to observe the mortality rates 12 hours and 24 hours after CLP, and the remaining rats for measurement of variables of blood and tissue. At the 18 hours after CLP, the mean arterial pressure (MAP), the blood flow (BF) of liver, kidney and jejunum, the plasma levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and creatinine (Cr) were measured. Animals were sacrificed after the aforementioned determinations, and specimens of liver, kidney and jejunum were harvested for evaluation of malondialdehyde (MDA), xanthine oxidase (XOD), and assessment of tissue water content (ratio of dry to wet weight) of those organs . The activity of diamine oxidase (DAO) in jejunal tissue was detected. RESULTS: The mortality rates of 12 hours and 24 hours of CAR group were 25.0% (4/16)and 50.0% (8/16) respectively, all significantly lower than those of CLP group [37.5% (6/16) and 75%(12/16), both P<0.05]. CAR treatment did not result in significant statistical difference in the levels of MAP compared with CLP group at 18 hours after CLP (P>0.05), but led to significant increases in BF of CAR group in liver, kidney and jejunum compared with those of CLP group (all P<0.05). The levels of XOD and MDA, as well as the tissue water content were significantly lower in CAR group than CLP group in kidney and jejunum (all P<0.05). The parameters of organ function were significantly different in CAR group compared with CLP group [ALT: (64.3+/- 8.3) U/L vs. (81.5+/-7.9) U/L, Cr: (96.4+/-7.0) micromol/L vs. (117.1+/-6.7) micromol/L, DAO: (0.20+/- 0.04) U/L vs. (0.12+/-0.03) U/L, all P<0.05]. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that CAR promotes visceral perfusion, inhibits lipid peroxidation production and alleviates visceral edema and dysfunction in rats with sepsis.

[A clinical study of thoracic-abdominal double-incision and two-field lymphadenectomy in treatment of esophagogastric junction cancer].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the best operation pattern of esophagogastric junction (EGJ) cancer and the regularity of lymph node metastasis in EGJ cancer according to Siewert typing. METHODS: Twenty-six patients with EGJ cancer received esophagogastrectomy by thoracic-abdominal double incision and two-field lymphadenectomy (12 cases) or by traditional left postero-lateral thoracotomy and lymph node sampling (14 cases). The outcomes were analyzed with SPSS 10.0 software RESULTS: (1) The number of lymph node dissection group of the thoracic-abdominal double incision group was 7.3 lymph node groups, significantly more than that of the traditional left postero-lateral thoracotomy group (3.5 lymph node group, P < 0.001). The number of proved metastatic lymph nodes of the thoracic-abdominal double incision group was 1.9 groups, significantly higher than that of the traditional left postero-lateral thoracotomy group (0.9 group, P = 0.013). The distance between the esophageal incisal edge and the tumor was 5.8 cm in the thoracic-abdominal double incision, longer than that in the traditional left thoracotomy group (5.1 cm). The diaphragm was not damaged in the double-incision group, thus the influence to respiration and circulation was decreased. (2) The abdominal metastasis of Siewert type I cancer was not severe, the cancer of type II might metastasize to abdominal or thoracic cavity, and the main metastatic site of type III cancer was abdominal cavity. CONCLUSION: Thoracic-abdominal double incision and two-field lymphadenectomy helps increase the radical resection rate of EGJ cancer and study the regularity of lymph node metastasis.

[Diagnosis and treatment of intralobar pulmonary sequestration].

OBJECTIVE: To summarize the diagnosis and surgical treatment of intralobar pulmonary sequestration (PS). METHODS: The clinical data of 7 cases of intralobar PS, 5 males and 2 females, aged 15 - 38, was collected and analyzed. Macroscopic and microscopic pathological findings were recorded. The expression of protein p53 and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) was evaluated immunohistochemically in 6 samples obtained from lobectomy. RESULTS: All 7 patients were admitted with major features of intermittent lung infection. Diagnosis was confirmed in all 7 cases before operation by contrast enhanced helical CT or MRI. All patients were treated with surgical excision, of which lobectomy was performed in 6 cases and wedge resection in 1 case. No surgical death was reported. All the aberrant systemic arteries arose from the thoracic aorta. The histological pictures showed polycystic lesion in sequestrated area with fibrosis formation and chronic inflammatory cell infiltration in the surrounding pulmonary stroma. Hyperplasia of epithelium occurred in some parts of the cystic lesions. Positive protein p53 staining and diffuse CEA expression were detected in all the 6 cases, showing stronger protein p53 staining in whose superficial layer of hyperplastic epithelium than in the basal layer. The normal bronchial epithelium was not stained with p53 or CEA. CONCLUSION: The diagnosis of intralobar PS can be confirmed by enhanced contrast helical CT with 3-dimensional reconstruction, a non-invasive method. Surgical intervention, such as lobectomy, can be applied after complete control of pulmonary infection. Aberrant accumulation of p53 protein and CEA expression in the cystic epithelium inside PS tissues show a relationship with chronic inflammation.

[Separation, purification and spectrum analysis of total flavonoids from Cercis chinensis].

OBJECTIVE: To separate, purify total flavonoids from Cercis chinensis Bge and analyze their flavonoid aglycones and content by spectrum method. METHODS: The total flavonoids from Cercis chinensis Bge were extracted by 15 volume of 55% ethyl alcohol and hot water refluence at 100 degrees C and separated, purified by polyamide resin chromatography. Based on reference substances of rutin, quercetin, kaempferol, it was analyzed and detected by UV-Vis spectroscope at 200-600 nm and by KBr infrared spectroscope at 400-4000 cm(-1). RESULTS: Average extraction rate of crude total flavonoids was 7.32% , and extraction rate of purified total flavonoids was 2.20%. The results of UV-Vis and IR scanning spectrum showed that purified total flavonoids from Cercis chinensis Bge contained of 3 kinds of flavonoid aglycones of rutin, quercetin, kaempferol, and their content was 0.8271, 0.2169, 0.3007 mg/ml respectively. CONCLUSION: Content of total flavonoid aglycones in purified flavonoids of Cercis chinensis Bge was 24.30%, and content of total flavonoid was 0.5346%.

Serum polyunsaturated fatty acid metabolites as useful tool for screening potential biomarker of colorectal cancer.

The biomarker identification of cancer is benefit for early detection and less invasion. Polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) metabolite as inflammatory mediators can affect progression and treatment of cancer. In this work, the serum was collected from colorectal cancer patients and healthy volunteers, and then we tested the change of serum PUFA metabolites in both of them by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). Of the 158 PUFA and their metabolites, we found that abnormal change of 2, 3-dinor-8-iso-PGF2α, 19-HETE and 12-keto-LTB4 from arachidonic acid were observed in colorectal cancer patients. Meanwhile, 9-HODE and 13-HODE from linoleic acid were significant lower in colorectal cancer patients. Our data suggested that some PUFA metabolites might be used as a potential biomarker of colorectal cancer, which might provide assistance in clinical diagnosis and treatment.

[Effect of absorption enhancers on nasal ginsenoside Rg1 delivery and its nasal ciliotoxicity].

AIM: The enhancing activity and safety of several absorption enhancers were evaluated as potential nasal absorption enhancers to increase intranasal absorption of ginsenoside Rg1. METHODS: Nasal circulatory perfusion test in vivo had been employed to investigate the effect of absorption enhancers for nasal mucosa absorption of ginsenoside Rgl in rats. The safety of the absorption enhancers were evaluated by testing cilia movement of the in situ toad palate model, the hemolysis of erythrocyte membrane of the rabbit, leaching of protein and LDH from the mice nasal mucosa and the effect on cilia structural and specific cellular changes of nasal mucosa. RESULTS: Absorption enhancers were necessary to facilitate ginsenoside Rg1 absorption by nasal mucosa. Among the absorption enhancers 1% sodium deoxycholate had great effect to facilite ginsenoside Rgl absorption by nasal mucosa; 1% dipotassium glycyrrhizinate and 1% azone had moderate effect to facilitate ginsenoside Rg1 absorption by nasal mucosa; 1% Tween-80, 2% beta-cyclodextrin, 0.5% borneol (dissolved in paraffin liquid), 0.5% chitosan, 5% hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin and 0.1% EDTA had low effect to facilitate ginsenoside Rgl absorption by nasal mucosa. 1% sodium deoxycholate, 1% azone and 1% dipotassium glycyrrhizinate had serious nasal toxicity; 1% Tween-80, 2% beta-cyclodextrin, 5% hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin had moderate nasal toxicity; 0.5% borneol (dissolved in paraffin liquid), 0.5% chitosan and 0.1% EDTA have little nasal toxicity. CONCLUSION: 0.5% borneol and 0.5% chitosan were the promising candidates having a good balance between enhancing activity and safety for nasal ginsenoside Rg1 delivery.

[Extraction and analysis of gracilaria gigas Harvey polysaccharides].

Gracilaria Gigas Harvey Polysaccharides (GHPS) were extracted with hot water and sedimentated with ethanol. The amount of polysaccharides was determined by phenol-H2SO4 method. The mineral elements and molecular configuration were analysed by inductively coupled plasma (ICP) and infrared absorption spectrum (IR). The rate of distillation was 14.98%, the amount of polysaccharides was 78.2%, and GHPS contained manifold mineral elements (Ca, Fe, Mg and S). The IR spectra manifested that the extraction was a compound of polysaccharides, i.e. acidic polysaccharides.