Influence of Experimental Skull Defects on Brain.

ABSTRACT: This study was aimed to observe the effects of skull defects on the brain in rats and further to investigate its underlying pathophysiological. Three different sizes of skull were removed in rats to produce models of skull defect, and then the behavioral changes were detected using a grip strength meter and neurobehavioral severity scale scores. The authors further examined the levels of cell apoptosis and autophagy, the cerebral blood flow with immunoblotting, and immunofluorescence micro-ultrasound system, respectively. The authors found that the sensory function but not the grip was impaired on the 6th day after a 5 × 10 mm defect while the motor function was on the 2nd day. In addition, the authors found an increment in B-cell lymphoma-2/BCL2-Associated X (Bcl2/Bax) and LC3 II/I expression, a maker of apoptosis and autophagy, respectively, in the defective hemisphere especially at the edge of the defective area. Importantly, the blood flow of internal carotid artery began to decline at 2 hours, and reached minimum on the 4th day, but began to recover on the 6th day in the hemi-defect group. In conclusion, a larger skull defect could impair the cognitive function but not the motor function and its underlying pathophysiology were mainly related to a decrease in cerebral flow.

Neuronal Histone Methyltransferase EZH2 Regulates Neuronal Morphogenesis, Synaptic Plasticity, and Cognitive Behavior in Mice / 神经科学通报·英文版

The histone methyltransferase enhancer of zeste 2 polycomb repressive complex 2 subunit (EZH2)-mediated trimethylation of histone H3 lysine 27 (H3K27me3) regulates neural stem cell proliferation and fate specificity through silencing different gene sets in the central nervous system. Here, we explored the function of EZH2 in early post-mitotic neurons by generating a neuron-specific Ezh2 conditional knockout mouse line. The results showed that a lack of neuronal EZH2 led to delayed neuronal migration, more complex dendritic arborization, and increased dendritic spine density. Transcriptome analysis revealed that neuronal EZH2-regulated genes are related to neuronal morphogenesis. In particular, the gene encoding p21-activated kinase 3 (Pak3) was identified as a target gene suppressed by EZH2 and H3K27me3, and expression of the dominant negative Pak3 reversed Ezh2 knockout-induced higher dendritic spine density. Finally, the lack of neuronal EZH2 resulted in impaired memory behaviors in adult mice. Our results demonstrated that neuronal EZH2 acts to control multiple steps of neuronal morphogenesis during development, and has long-lasting effects on cognitive function in adult mice.

Investigation of acupuncture in improving sleep, cognitive and emotion based on attenuation of oxidative stress in prefrontal cortex in sleep-deprived rats / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

Objective: To explore whether acupuncture can improve sleep disturbance, cognitive impairment and emotional disorders caused by sleep deprivation, and its association with the attenuation of oxidative stress injury in prefrontal cortex. Methods: Fifty-two male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a control group (n=10), a model group (n=14), a manual acupuncture (MA) group (n=14), and a sham-MA group (n=14). All the groups were established as sleep deprivation models via the modified multiple platform method, except for the control group. Rats in both the MA group and the sham-MA group received corresponding intervention, respectively. After modeling and intervention, the four groups received three behavioral tests, namely sleep monitoring, by comprehensive lab animal monitoring system (CLAMS), Morris water maze (MWM) test and open-field test (OFT), followed by oxygen free radical level test and Western blot (WB) detection for the expression levels of Bax and Bcl-2. Results: The MA group derived more sleep time within 24 h than either the model group or the sham-MA group (both P<0.05). On MWM orientation navigation test day 1, there were no significant differences in escape latency among the control, MA and sham-MA groups (P>0.05), and the escape latency was significantly shorter in these three groups than that in the model group (all P<0.05). On test day 4, the escape latency was markedly shorter in the MA group than that in either the model group or the sham-MA group (both P<0.05); meanwhile, the MA group showed significantly better performance compared with these two groups in space probe test (both P<0.05). In OFT, compared with the control group, there was a significant decline in the horizontal movement score in the other three groups (all P<0.05), and the decrease was more significant in the model group and the sham-MA group than that in the MA group (both P<0.05). The superoxide dismutase (SOD) content was markedly higher and the malondialdehyde (MDA) content was markedly lower in the MA group than those in the model group and the sham-MA group (all P<0.05). Compared with the model group and the sham-MA group, the expression of Bax was significantly lower and the expression of Bcl-2 was significantly higher in the MA group (all P<0.05). Conclusion: MA therapy can lengthen the sleep time in sleep-deprived rats and improve learning and memory impairments induced by sleep deprivation, and the underlying mechanism may be associated with the enhancement of antioxidant capacity in the prefrontal cortex and the inhibition of hippocampal neuronal apoptosis.

Atomization Characteristics of Baicalin， Ursodeoxycholic Acid and Caffeic Acid in Tanreqing Inhalation Solution / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To investigate the effect of different angles of atomizer on the delivery rates and total delivery quantities of Tanreqing inhalation solution， so as to provide reference for the clinical use of this preparation. Method:Taking baicalin， ursodeoxycholic acid， caffeic acid as indexes， PARI Boy SX compression atomization inhaler （equipped with red core atomizing cup） and BRS2000 respiratory simulator were used， the effects of different angles of the atomizer （upper 15 degree， lower 15 degree， upper 30 degree， lower 30 degree， partial 15 degree， partial 30 degree， vertical） on the delivery rates and total delivery quantities of Tanreqing inhalation solution were investigated. The respiratory patterns of adults， children， infants and young children were selected to determine the delivery rates and total delivery quantities of three components in Tanreqing inhalation solution. Result:In the same atomization time， the delivery rates and the total delivery quantities of caffeic acid and ursodeoxycholic acid in Tanreqing inhalation solution were not significantly affected by the atomizer from different angles， but significantly affected baicalin. At the vertical angle， the delivery rate and total delivery quantity of baicalin were higher than the other angles. Under different respiratory modes， there were significant differences in the delivery rates and total delivery quantities of these three components in the inhalation solution. Compared with other respiratory modes， the delivery rates and total delivery quantities of baicalin， ursodeoxycholic acid and caffeic acid were the highest in the adult respiratory mode， with delivery rates of （555.5±16.61）， （226.3±6.54）， （26.1±0.32） μg·min-1 and total delivery quantities of （4 001.1±82.97）， （1 754.9±63.73）， （167.6±1.42） μg， respectively. Conclusion:The use angle of atomizer has a certain effect on the delivery rate and total delivery quantity of Tanreqing inhalation solution， so it is suggested that the vertical angle should be kept as far as possible in clinical use. Under the four respiratory patterns， the delivery rate and total delivery quantity of Tanreqing inhalation solution are different， suggesting that the atomization dose or atomization time should be adjusted according to the respiratory characteristics of the patients to ensure the safety and effectiveness of clinical medication.

Effect of Metapex paste on root cancal therapy of deciduous teeth:a Meta-analysis / 预防医学

Objective To evaluate the effect of Metapex for root canal therapy of deciduous teeth. Methods Based on the key words"Metapex paste" and"Root canal therapy of deciduous teeth" , the Chinese database, such as China national knowledge infrastructure, Wanfang database and Weipu database were retrieved. Based on the key words"Metapex" and"deciduous teeth" , the English databases such as PubMed and Medline were retrieved. Collecting random controlled trials about Metapex paste with root canal therapy of deciduous teeth from the beginning of their establishment to August 2017. Do Meta analysis using Rev Man 5.3 software for homogeneous studies, calculating risk ratio (RR) and 95％ confidence interval (CI) . Results Twelve studies were included. Meta analysis showed that Metapex was more effective in root canal therapy of deciduous teeth compared with zinc oxide eugenol iodoform paste after 1 year (RR=1.11, 95％ CI: 1.01-1.22); The clinical effectiveness of Metapex paste was better than calcium hydroxide after 6 months and 1 year (RR6 mouths=1.06, 95％ CI: 1.03-1.09; RR1 year=0.17, 95％ CI: 1.03-1.10); There was no obvious difference between Metapex and ZOE after 6 months (RR=1.13, 95％ CI:1.00-1.27) . Conclusion Metapex paste can improve the success rate on root canal therapy of deciduous teeth , is a more ideal root canal filling material of deciduous teeth .

Therapeutic effect of metoprolol combined trimetazidine on ischemic heart failure and its influence on inflammatory factors / 心血管康复医学杂志

Objective: To study therapeutic effect of metoprolol combined trimetazidine on ischemic heart failure (IHF) and its influence on inflammatory factors. Methods: A total of 172 IHF patients treated in our hospital were collected. They were randomly and equally divided into trimetazidine group and combined treatment group (received metoprolol combined trimetazidine), and both groups were treated for 30d. Cardiac function, levels of inflammatory factors, N terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), heart type fatty acid-binding protein (H-FABP) and quality of life (QOL) before and after treatment, and cerebral infarction rate after one-year treatment were compared between two groups. Results: Compared with trimetazidine group after treatment, there were significant rise in left ventricular ejection fraction [(44. 68±4. 51) ％ vs. (49. 79±4. 99) ％], significant reductions in left ventricular end-diastolic dimension [(50. 41± 5. 06) mm vs. (47. 28±4. 83) mm], left ventricular end-systolic dimension [(41. 57±4. 22) mm vs. (36. 72±3. 71) mm], levels of NT-proBNP [(3. 48±0. 35) ng/L vs. (3. 06±0. 32) ng/L], H-FABP [(11. 41±1. 26) μg/L vs. (8. 55±0. 86) μg/L], interleukin 6 [(53. 21±5. 36) ng/L vs. (43. 58±4. 44) ng/L], tumor necrosis factorα [(161. 97±16. 28) ng/L vs. (108. 27±10. 11) ng/L]and C reactive protein [(15. 72±1. 59) ng/L vs. (11. 10±1. 12) ng/L]and QOL score [(48. 75±4. 89) scores vs. (43. 15±4. 33) scores]in combined treatment group, P＜0. 05 or＜0. 01. Total effective rate of combined treatment group was significantly higher than that of trimetazidine group (90. 70％ vs. 72. 09％, P=0. 002); after one-year treatment, incidence rate of cerebral infarction in combined treatment group was significantly lower than that of trimetazidine group (2. 33％ vs. 10. 47％, P=0. 029). Conclusion: Metoprolol combined trimetazidine can significantly improve myocardial blood supply, correct immune imbalance, improve cardiac function and quality of life in IHF patients. The therapeutic effect is significant, and it can prevent cerebral infraction, which is worth extending.

New evidences for fractalkine/CX3CL1 involved in substantia nigral microglial activation and behavioral changes in a rat model of Parkinson's disease.

Activated microglia are instrumental to neurodegeneration in Parkinson's disease (PD). Fractalkine, as an exclusive ligand for CX3CR1 expressed on microglia, has recently been reported to be released out by neurons, and induce microglial activation as a neuron-to-glia signal in the spinal cord. However, the role of fractalkine-induced microglial activation in PD remains unknown. In our study, we injected 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP(+)) into unilateral substantia nigra (SN) which induced ipsilateral endogenous fractalkine expression on neuron and observe the increase of CX3CR1 expression in response to MPP(+) by Western blotting analysis. Moreover, pre-administration of anti-CX3CR1 neutralizing antibody which potentially blocked microglial activation can promote rotation behaviors. To further investigate the role of fractalkine in PD, we injected exogenous fractalkine in unilateral SN, and observed microglial activation, dopaminergic cell depletion, and motor dysfunction. All these effects can be totally abolished by cerebroventricular administration of anti-CX3CR1. Intracerebroventricular administration of minocycline, a selective microglia inhibitor, can prevent fractalkine-induced rotation behaviors, and inhibit dopaminergic neurons from degeneration in the way of dose-dependent. Our studies demonstrate that fractalkine-induced microglial activation plays an important role in the development of PD, and provide an evidence of fractalkine and CX3CR1 as new therapeutic targets for PD treatment.

Chemical constituents from Barringtonia racemosa / 中国中药杂志

To investigate the chemical constituents from Barringtonia racemosa, twelve compounds were isolated by chromatography methods and identified as 3β-p-E-coumaroymaslinic acid (1), cis-careaborin (2), careaborin (3), maslinic acid (4), 2α, 3β, 19α-trihydroxyolean-12-ene-24, 28-dioic acid (5), 3β-p-Z-coumaroylcorosolic acid (6), corosolic acid (7), 1α, 2α, 3β, 19α-tetrahydroxyurs-12-en-28-oic acid (8), 19α-hydroxyl ursolic acid (9), 3α, 19α-dihydroxyurs-12-en-24, 28-dioic acid (10), tormentic acid (11), 3-hydroxy-7, 22-dien-ergosterol（12） by the NMR and MS data analysis. Among them, compounds 1-4,7-12 were obtained from the genus Barringtonia for the first time. All the compounds didn't show nocytotoxic activity against MCF-7 and A549 cell lines (IC₅₀>50 mg•L⁻¹).

Simultaneous Determination of Four Substances in Plasma and Dermal Microdialysates of Guinea Pig after Different Acupoints Administration of Fufang Baijiezi Gel / 中草药·英文版

Objective: To study the pharmacokinetic properties of Fufang Baijiezi Gel (FBG) after different acupoints administration. Methods: Sinapine thiocyanate, tetrahydro-palmatine, 6-gingerol, and asarinin, which were four substances of FBG, were determined by a sensitive liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method (LC-MS) both in plasma and dermal microdialysates of guinea pig simultaneously. Microdialysates were separated on an Ultimate® XB-Phenyl analytical column (150 mm × 2.1 mm, 5μm) and detected by electrospray ionization (ESI) in selected ion monitoring (SIM) mode. The method was validated in terms of selectivity, linearity, sensitivity, and recovery. Result A significant difference was observed in main pharmacokinetic parameters of Cmax, tmax, and AUC between acupoints administration and nonacupoints administration. Conclusion: Acupoints administration resulted in a more obvious increase in bioavailability of sinapine thiocyanate, tetrahydropalmatine, 6-gingerol, and asarinin than nonacupoints administration.

Preparation and evaluation of Shedan in situ forming gel based on ocular characteristics / 中国中药杂志

To develop an ophthalmic preparation of Shedan, an in situ forming gel was prepared with the formulation containing 18% of poloxamer 407 and 5% of poloxamer 188 by response surface designs plus central composite designs. The rheology results showed that LVE range gamma should limited within 0.5%, Shedan high-frequency region, and the thixotropy recovery time is less than 5 seconds. The phase transition temperature was 33.25 °C according to curve of storage modulus and loss modulus determined by temperature scanning. Surface tension and osmometer of it determined by surface tension meter and dew point osmometer were 36.43 mN · m(-1), and 320.6 mOsm · kg(-1), respectively. Fluorescein sodium was selected as the marker to monitor the corneal residence time, and the results showed that Shedan gel could prolong drug residence for 180 min. In line with zero-order kinetics, releases of muscone and salvianolic acid B in vitro depends on gels erosion. The results of rabbit ocular irritation experiments suggested that Shedan in situ forming gel was biocompatible and nonirritant. In conclusion, a novel Shedan in situ forming gel was developed and characterized for potential drug treatment of retinal vein occlusion.

The inhibitory effect of decorin on proliferation of rabbit epithelial cell / 中华实验眼科杂志

BackgroundResearches found that the posterior capsular opacification (PCO) after lensextraction is associated with the elevation of the transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β).To seek the drug for inhibitingproliferation of lens epithelial cells (LECs) is crucial in the treatment and prevention of PCO.ObjectiveThisstudy was to investigate the preventing effects of decorin on the proliferation of LECs.MethodsRabbit LECs wascultured and passaged.The LECs in growth phase were incubated in 96 well plate at the density of 8×106/L.Decorinwith the concentrations 0.1,1.0,10.0 mg/L was added into the medium for 24,48 and 72 hours respectively.0.1％DMSO was used at the same way as positive control group,and the regular cultured cells worked as blank controlgroup.The inhibitory rates of different concentrations of decorin on the growth of LECs were detected by MTT at 24,48and 72 hours after addition of decorin.The percentage of LECs in different cell cycles in various groups was assayedusing flow cytometry.TGF-β level in medium suspension was detected using ELISA.The expression of TGF-β mRNA in LECs was checked by RT-PCR,and α-SMA expression in LECs was determined using immunochemistry.Results ELISA assay showed a statistical difference in the TGF-β levels of different groups (F=39.24,P=0.03 ).The TGF-β levels in 1.0,10.0 mg/L decorin groups were significantly decreased in comparison with blank control group (P＜0.01) and 0.1 mg/L decorin group (P＜0.05 ).The inhibitory rates of decorin in the concentrations of ≥ 1.0 mg/L on the growth of LECs were higher than the blank control group,and those in various concentrations of decorin groups were considerably lower in 24 hours compared with 48 and 72 hours ( P＜0.05 ) and so was the 48 hours compared with 72 hours (P＜0.05 ).The percentages of LECs in G0/G1 phase were ascent in 0.1,1.0 and 10.0 mg/L decorin groups in comparison with G2/M and S phase (P＜0.05).Immunochemistry revealed the weak expression of α-SMA in various decorin groups in comparison with control group. Conclusions Decorin can effectively inhibit LECs growth and induce LECs apoptosis in concentration- and time-dependent manner.It is suggested that decorin can be used in the prevention and treatment of after cataract.

Effective dose and time window of ginseng total saponins treatment in rat after traumatic brain injury / 中国应用生理学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the neuroprotective effect, effective dose and time window of ginseng total saponins (GTS) treatment in rat after traumatic brain injury (TBI).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The modified Feeney's method was used to establish TBI model in rat. GTS was treated intraperitoneally. The neurological function and histological morphology of brain tissue were observed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Different doses of GTS were used 6 h after TBI. The neurological and histological results showed that: compared with the TBI group, significant efficacy was observed 2 - 14 days after injury with GTS treatment at 10, 20, 40, 60 and 80 mg/kg (P < 0.05); The effects of GTS at 20, 40, and 60 mg/kg were better than those of GTS at 10 and 80 mg/kg. During the research on the time window of GTS intervention, GTS (20 mg/kg) showed significant effect when used at 3 h and 6 h after TBI; however 12 h, 24 h after TBI, application of GTS did not exert any significant effect.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>GTS intervention after TBI could reduce brain damage and promote recovery of the neurological function. Among doses of GTS 5 - 80 mg/kg, 20 - 60 mg/kg is the best dose limit. The effective time window of GTS is 6 h after TBI.</p>

Therapeutic efficacy of hyperbaric oxygen on traumatic brain injury in the rat and the underlying mechanisms / 中国应用生理学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effects of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) treatment on the activation of astrocytes and the expression of glia-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF) in the brain after traumatic brain injury (TBI).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>54 male SD rats were randomly divided into three groups (n = 18): sham-operated, TBI and HBO treatment groups. TBI was induced with Feeney's method, bone window was opened without strike on the brain tissue in the sham-operated group. HBO group rats received HBO treatment for 60 min in the hyperbaric chamber containing O2 100% at 3 ATA. When neurological functions were measured 48 h after TBI, rats were decapitated, the brain water content of 18 rats was measured, 18 brains were sliced for the morphological observation after Nissl staining and for the immunohistochemistry staining of astrocyte markers glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), vimentin and S100, and the other 18 brains of injured side were used for Western blot analysis of GDNF and NGF.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>HBO treatment reduced the neurological deficit, brain water content and hippocampal neuronal loss. In the observed cortex and hippocampal area astrocytes were activated, the cell number of positive expression of astrocyte markers GFAP, vimentin and S100 was increased, and the expression of GDNF and NGF was elevated after TBI. However, these indices were all enhanced further after the HBO treatment.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>It is suggested that HBO may be an effective therapy for TBI and upregulation of the expression of GDNF and NGF may underly the effect of HBO.</p>

The relationship of the content of AVP and the expression of V1b receptors in some brain areas with the sexual difference in the susceptibility of motion sickness in rats / 中国应用生理学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To measure the content of arginine vasopressin (AVP) and V1b receptor expression in the brain areas in rats of both genders and after rotatory stimulation and thereby, to identify the involvement of AVP in the mechanisms of motion sickness.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>SD rats were rotated about a horizontal axis for 30 min, the content of AVP and the expression of V1b receptors in some brain areas were then measured with radioimmunological analysis and immunofluorescent method respectively.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>We proved that: (1) In female rats, the content of AVP in each area we measured in rotation group did not show any significant change compared with that in control group (P > 0.05). In male rats, the AVP content of control group in each area was higher than that of female rats, but reduced by rotatory stimulation in forebrain, diencephalon and pontine (P < 0.05 or 0.01), however, the changes in the cerebellum and medulla of rotation group were not significant (P > 0.05). (2) The positive cell number of V1b receptor expression in the supraoptic nucleus of female rats in rotation group was lower, but higher in the vestibular nucleus and area postrema than that in control group (P < 0.05 or 0.01). In male rats, the V1b receptor positive cell number in the supraoptic nucleus and vestibular nucleus of rotation group did not show significant change compared with that of control group (P > 0.05), but a slight increase in the medulla of rotation group rats was observed (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The gender difference in the susceptibility of motion sickness is potentially associated with the discrepancies in AVP content in the forebrain, diencephalon and pontine, in the expression of AVP-V1 receptors in the vestibular nucleus and area postrema, and in responses to rotatory stimulation, and that the vestibular nucleus and area postrema may be the areas targeted by AVP V1 receptor antagonist for antimotion sickness.</p>

Experimental study of therapeutic time window of L-serine against focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats / 中国应用生理学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the therapeutic time window of L-serine against focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats, and related mechanisms.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into six groups (n=6), sham-operation group, vehicle group, 3, 6, 12 and 24 h treatment group of L-serine. Focal cerebral ischemia was induced with the method of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) in rats, and reperfusion was emerged by removing the thread 2 h later. The treatment of L-serine (200 mg/kg ip) was begun at 3, 6, 12 and 24 h after MCAO respectively, and subsequently repeated once 12 h. The vehicle group was intraperitoneally injected with isodose normal saline. The neurological behavior score and cerebral infarction volume was measured 48 h after reperfusion. In addition, the contents of malondialdehyde (MDA), activity of superoxide dismetase (SOD), the levels of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-alpha, IL-6) and ultrastructure of neuron in brain tissue were investigated.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with the vehicle group, treatments with L-serine both 3 and 6 h after MCAO decreased the neurology deficit score and infarct volume. Only neurology deficit score had been reduced 12 h after MCAO, while no neuropmrotective effects had been observed during 24 h. Furthermore, L-serine elevated the content of SOD, decreased the level of MDA, TNF-alpha and IL-6 in ischemic brain tissue, and alleviated the injury of the neuronal ultrastructure.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>L-serine exerted a time-dependent neuroprotective effect on the brain after MCAO in rat. This effect might be possibly mediated through following mechanisms: lessening oxidative stress and reducing the release of inflammatory cytokines.</p>

Effect of ginseng total saponins on neuronal apoptosis in rats with traumatic brain injury / 中华神经医学杂志

Objective To observe the effect of ginseng total saponins (GTS) on neuronal apoptosis in rats with traumatic brain injury (TBI), and explore the underlying mechanisms of GTS in the treatment of secondary brain injury. Methods SD rats were randomly divided into sham-operated group, TBI group and GTS-treatment group (n=18). TBI models were established with the modified Feeney's method. Three h after the success of model making, 20 mg/kg GTS was given to the GTS-treatment group through intraperitoneal injection and the same amount of normal saline was given to the TBI group. Twenty-four hours after the success of model making, the rats were sacrificed; the brain water content was measured by wet-dry weight method; the morphological changes of neurons in the hippocampal area were observed under optical microscope after Nissl staining. The neuronal apoptosis and the protein expressions of bax, bcl-2 and caspase-3 in the cortex and hippocampus were determined by TUNEL and immunohistochemical technique, respectively. Results Compared with TBI group,treatment with GTS decreased the water content of the brain, alleviated the damage of hippocampal area,reduced the number of TUNEL positive cells and the bax and caspase-3 positive cells, and increased the number of bcl-2 positive cells. Conclusion GTS can exert a neuroprotective effect in rats with TBI.The underlying mechanism of this effect is potentially related to the elevation of expression of bcl-2 and reduction of expression ofbax and caspase-3, and thereby, restraining the neuronal apoptosis in the brain tissue.

Nano-manipulation of single DNA molecules based on atomic force microscopy.

Nano-manipulation of single atoms and molecules is a critical technique in nanoscience and nanotechnology. This paper will focus on the recent development of the manipulation of single DNA molecules based on atomic force microscopy (AFM) in our laboratory. Precise manipulation has been realized including varied manipulating modes such as "cutting", "pushing", "folding", "kneading", "picking up", "dipping", etc. The cutting accuracy is dominated by the size of the AFM tip, which is usually 10nm or less. Single DNA fragments can be cut and picked up and then amplified by single molecule PCR. Thus positioning isolation and sequencing can be performed.

Clinical effect of Sizi Zhongwang capsule combined with Western medical therapy in treating male sterility / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the clinical effect of Sizi Zhongwang Capsule (SZC) combined with Western medicine (WM) in treating male sterility.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Two hundred and sixty-one male patients with sterility were assigned to 3 groups, 64 in the WM group were treated with conventional Western medical therapy alone, 87 in the SZC group were treated with SZC alone, and 110 in the combined group were treated with SZC combined Western medical therapy. The treatment lasted for 90 days in total. Changes of semen related parameters before and after treatment were observed, and the conditions of pregnancy in patients' spouse were followed-up.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The difference in semen related parameters before and after treatment showed insignificant in the WM group (P > 0.05), but it did show statistical significance in the SZC group and the combined group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). Moreover, the best effect was shown in the combined group, showing significant difference to the other two groups (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). The pregnancy rate of patients' spouse in the combined treated group was higher than that in the other two groups (P < 0.01, P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>SZC combined with Western medical therapy could effectively improve the quality of semen in males with infertility and enhance the pregnancy rate in their spouse.</p>

Optimal extraction of nuciferine and flavone from lotus leaf based on central composite design and response surface methodology / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To optimize the process of extracting effective constituents from lotus leaf.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Independent variables were ethanol concentration reflux time and solvent fold, dependent variables were extraction rates of nuciferine and flavone in lotus leaf, central composite design and response surface methodology were used for optimization of extraction of lotus leaf.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>The optimum conditions of extraction process were 75% -80% ethanol, 2-3 hours for reflux, 20-25 fold solvent and 2 times for extraction. Bias between observed and predicted of rates of nuciferine and flavone values were 5.53%, -6.02%, respectively.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The values observed and predicted were close to each other, which proved that the optimization of of extraction of lotus leaf by central composite design and response surface methodology was reasonable and successful.</p>