How do kinases contribute to tonicity-dependent regulation of the transcription factor NFAT5?

NFAT5 plays a critical role in maintaining the renal functions. Its dis-regulation in the kidney leads to or is associated with certain renal diseases or disorders, most notably the urinary concentration defect. Hypertonicity, which the kidney medulla is normally exposed to,activates NFAT5 through phosphorylation of a signaling molecule or NFAT5 itself. Hypotonicity inhibits NFAT5 through a similar mechanism. More than a dozen of protein and lipid kinases have been identified to contribute to tonicity-dependent regulation of NFAT5. Hypertonicity activates NFAT5 by increasing its nuclear localization and transactivating activity in the early phase and protein abundance in the late phase. The known mechanism for inhibition of NFAT5 by hypotonicity is a decrease of nuclear NFAT5. The present article reviews the effect of each kinase on NFAT5 nuclear localization, transactivation and protein abundance, and the relationship among these kinases, if known. Cyclosporine A and tacrolimus suppress immune reactions by inhibiting the phosphatase calcineurin-dependent activation of NFAT1. It is hoped that this review would stimulate the interest to seek explanations from the NFAT5 regulatory pathways for certain clinical presentations and to explore novel therapeutic approaches based on the pathways. On the basic science front, this review raises two interesting questions. The first one is how these kinases can specifcally signal to NFAT5 in the context of hypertonicity or hypotonicity, because they also regulate other cellular activities and even opposite activities in some cases. The second one is why these many kinases, some of which might have redundant functions, are needed to regulate NFAT5 activity. This review reiterates the concept of signaling through cooperation. Cells need these kinases working in a coordinated way to provide the signaling specificity that is lacking in the individual one. Redundancy in regulation of NFAT5 is a critical strategy for cells to maintain robustness against hypertonic or hypotonic stress.

Learning Bayesian network parameters under new monotonic constraints

When the training data are insufficient, especially when only a small sample size of data is available, domain knowledge will be taken into the process of learning parameters to improve the performance of the Bayesian networks. In this paper, a new monotonic constraint model is proposed to represent a type of common domain knowledge. And then, the monotonic constraint estimation algorithm is proposed to learn the parameters with the monotonic constraint model. In order to demonstrate the superiority of the proposed algorithm, series of experiments are carried out. The experiment results show that the proposed algorithm is able to obtain more accurate parameters compared to some existing algorithms while the complexity is not the highest.

Tonicity response element binding protein associated with neuronal cell death in the experimental diabetic retinopathy

AIM: To study the contribution of tonicity response element binding protein(Ton EBP) in retinal ganglion cell(RGC) death of diabetic retinopathy(DR).METHODS: Diabetes was induced in C57BL/6 mice by five consecutive intraperitoneal injections of 55 mg/kg streptozotocin(STZ). Control mice received vehicle(phosphate-buffered saline). All mice were killed 2mo after injections, and the extent of cell death and the protein expression levels of Ton EBP and aldose reductase(AR) were examined.RESULTS: The Ton EBP and AR protein levels and the death of RGC were significantly increased in the retinas of diabetic mice compared with controls 2mo after the induction of diabetes. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase(Td T)-mediated d UTP nick end labeling(TUNEL)-positive signals co-localized with Ton EBP immunoreactive RGC. These changes were increased in the diabetic retinas compared with controls.CONCLUSION: The present data show that AR and Ton EBP are upregulated in the DR and Ton EBP may contribute to apoptosis of RGC in the DR.

Research progress of tonic Chinese medicine on the immune system

The immune system as an important defense system of the body,bear the resistance to foreign pathogens invasion,removal of foreign heterogeneity,and protect the body′s safety.Modern research shows that tonic Chinese medicine,including single herband compound formula,has the function of improving immune organ index,enhancing immune cellfunction and affecting the immune molecule production and secretion.This article will review the effects of traditional Chinese medicine on immune organs,immune cells and immune molecules,and provide reference for the clinical research of traditional Chinese medicine.

Reevaluation on Antioxidant Activity of Tonic Chinese Herbs Pseudostellaria heterophylla

Tonic Chinese herbs Pseudostellaria heterophylla has complex components,which has both medicinal and nutritional effects,and the clinical research on anti-oxidation of P.heterophylla has become a hotspot.By searching domestic and foreign databases,the antioxidant literatures of P.heterophylla were searched,consulted,sorted,classified and analyzed,and systematic reevaluation of antioxidant function was conducted from three aspects of P.heterophylla extract in vitro chemical method,biological method and animal test method according to evaluation criteria for antioxidant activity of traditional Chinese medicine and Meta analysis statistical methods.The results would provide systematic reference for further research and development of P.heterophylla,especially for forage value excavation and development of P.heterophylla in the field of modern animal breeding.

Liver tonics:review of plants used in Iranian traditional medicine

Considering the fact that liver is one of the most important organs in our body,it deserves special attention and protection.Among various recommended supplements,complementary and alternative medicines particularly herbal remedies have received much attention owing to their truly healing properties.This review profits from Iranian traditional medicine and presents advantageous herbal guide directions for liver protection.According to credible Iranian medical literature such as Al Qanun Fil Tibb.Al-Havi and Makhzan-al-Aadvia.a wide spectrum of plants have been found to be useful for cleansing and protecting the liver.Some herbs such as ghafes(Agrimonia eupatoria),kasni(Cichorium intybus),anar(Punica granatum),darchin(Cinnamomum zeylanicum),za'feran(Crocus sativus),gole-sorkh(Rosa damascena) and zereshk(Berberis vulgaris) appeared to get strong consideration and were well documented as outstanding liver tonics.We conducted a comprehensive review of available Iranian medical resources such as scientific information database and medical sciences databases which cover all in vitro and in vivo studies of medicinal plants as liver tonics and hepatoprotcctive candidates.Literature survey was accomplished using multiple databases including PubMed,ISI web of knowledge,and Google Scholar.

Characteristics of pupillo-accommodative functions according to time of onset,gender and age in tonic pupil

AIMTo evaluate the characteristics of pupillo-accommodative functions in patients with idiopathic tonic pupil according to the time of onset, gender, and age.

Effect of A-L Tonic Capsule on DNA Content in Rat Experimental Hepatocarcinogenesis

The effects of A L tonic capsule on DNA content in rat experimental hepatocarcinogenesis induced by diethylnitrosamine (DENA) were observed. The experimental rats were divided into 4 groups. With exception of group D in which the rats were only administered with DENA, the rats in the groups A, B, C were previously, simultaneously and subsequently fed with A L tonic capsule respectively while they were administered with DENA. The DNA content of all rat livers was measured using automatic image analysis technique 20 weeks after administration of DENA. The results showed that the highest and lowest DNA contents were respectively seen in the groups D and A. There was significant difference in DNA contents between the groups A or B or C and D, and also between the groups A and B or C (both P <0.01). 4 components (4C) and ≥5C cells were predominant in the group D, while 2C cells were the minority. The number of 2C cells in the groups A, B, C was significantly higher than that in the group D, and the number of ≥5C cells in the groups A, B, C was markedly lower than that in the group D ( P <0.01). Also, there was very significant difference in the number of 2C and ≥5C cells between group A and B or C ( P <0.01). It was concluded that A L tonic capsule could effectively inhibit the increase of DNA content of hepatocytes and improve the distribution of DNA content in rat hepatocarcinogenesis, especially in group A.

Determinants of airway hyperresponsiveness—Balance of tonic and phasic contractility of airway smooth muscles of lobular bronchioles

Airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) is a characteristic feature of asthma, and generally correlates with severity of asthma. Understanding the protection mechanism against excessive airway narrowing and how it breaks down is fundamental to solving the problem of asthma. In this paper we have proposed a stochastic modeling the airway smooth muscle bundle for reproducing AHR such as an increased sensitivity of the airways to an inhaled constrictor agonist, a steeper slope of the dose-response curve, and a greater maximal response to agonist. A large number N of contractile muscle cells was assumed to repeat themselves in between contraction and relaxation asynchronously. Dynamic equilibrium of statistic physics was applied to the system of ASM bundle. Thus, the relation of dose to response of a piece of ASM bundle was described by Φ=tanh(βH) , where β was Boltzman factor and H represented energy of contraction induced by constrictor agents. Each of adjacent pair contractile cells was assumed to have Ising-type of antimagnetic interactions of preference energy J (for the condition of contraction-relaxation) between them. A motion equation for a piece of ASM bundle was described by Φ=N(H-zJΦ , which explained existence of combined tonic and phasic contractions. Based on observations of Venegas et al. [4], airway responsiveness was assumed to be assessable by total volume of the ventilation defects (TVD) of 13NN PET-CT images. Interactions via propagation of Ca ion waves between ASM bundles would cause percolation probability by PΦ=(1+tanh(βH))2/4 along the tree, then the relation of dose βH to TVD was described by TVD=PΦ[1-(1-PΦ)3/PΦ3]-TVD0. TVD0 represented the protection mechanism against excessive airway narrowing, which was determined by the ratio of amplitudes between tonic and phasic contractions, thus the balance of amplitudes between tonic and phasic contractions of peripheral lobular smooth muscles would be the determinant of AHR.

Black Lily Hair Tonic

The Black Lily Hair Tonic, a product of the Beijing XinxingHealth Cosmetics Factory, promotes hair growth andenhances the confidence of those suffering from hair loss,balding and scarcity of eyebrows. Medical specialists think that hair loss is caused by: 1.overwork, insufficient sleep, low spirits or malnutrition thathinder the blood circulation and hurt the hair; 2. over secretionof male hormones, reducing ATP; and 3. irregular metabolism,

Chinese Turtle Tonic Drink

The Chinese soft-shell turtle is regarded as a traditional Chinese corroborant and valuable Chinese medicine. It is of high nutrition, containing many elements necessary for health such as polypeptide, holoside, amino-acid and vitamin A, D, E and other trace elements. When they are extracted through the traditionalprocessing method under high temperature, all these elements are easily dissolved and broken down, losing their biological activation.

The Problem of Traditional African Pharmacopoeia in Obstetrics: Use of Plants for Utero-Tonic Purposes and Materno-Fetal Outcome in Douala (Cameroon)

Introduction: The use of traditional preparations for the induction or acceleration of labor remains a common practice in our country in particular and in Africa in general with sometimes derogatory outcomes for the mother and the fetus. Goal: The objective was to assess immediate maternal and neonatal outcomes in women who reported having used the traditional pharmacopoeia for utero-tonic purposes. Methodology: We conducted a multi-centric cross- sectional study with prospective data collection in the maternities of the Laquintinie Hospital, Bonassama District and Nylon Hospitals. It took place over a period of seven months, from 1st October 2016 to 31st April 2017. This included all women who reported having used the unconventional pharmacopoeia for utero-tonic purposes before or after contractions started. The student and Chi-square tests were interpreted at the statistical threshold of 5% and the 95% confidence intervals. Results: We recruited 168 cases, 68.5% of the 245 women interviewed. The mean age was 27.1 ± 0.41 years;55% of our respondents had a secondary level of education;80% of them were admitted at term and 43% were multiparous. Nulliparity predisposed to traditional pharmacopoeia use (RR = 1.55, CI = 0.79 - 3.03) but primiparity reduced this risk (RR = 0.4, CI = 0.24 - 0.926). Stimulation of labor was the first indication in 85% of women, the rectal evacuation enema was the main route used (67%). The majority of plants used were those of the families Asteraceae, Anthericaceae, and Malvaceae. In per partum, 42% had a brilliant dilatation;there was a statistically significant association between the occurrence of dynamic dystocia (CI = 0.28 - 1.54, p = 0.006) and the risk of perineal tear (RR = 3.13, CI = 1.68 - 5.85;p = 0.007). The APGAR score at 5 min of life was less than 7 in 64% of cases (p = 0.027). The caesarean section rate was 69%. Conclusion: Traditional products with uterotonic effects are frequently used and unregulated with its corollary of materno-fetal complications.

GENERAL CHARACTER OF MULTISTAGES OFMETALLOGENESIS FOR MICRO-MESOTHERMAL GOLD DEPOSITS:EXAMPLES FROM ZHANG-BALING TECTONIC BELT,ANHUI,CHINA

In Zhangbaling Tectonic Belt,two types of mineralization,auriferous quartz veins and alter- ation halos,can observed within many deposits.The pressure of metallogenesis of auriferous al- teration halos ismuch higher than thatof quartz vein,thetemperatures ofmetallogeneses ofthese two types of orebodies are don’tthe same Geochemistry study indicates thatboth ofthem are mi- cro- mesothermal deposits related to Yanshanian granites.The results of proton microprobe analy- sis of sulphides from the gold deposits in the area show that the“invisible” gold existed in sul- phides is in the form ofmicro inclusions,and the concentration of“invisible” gold in sulphidemin- erals within quartz vein is poorerthan thatfrom alteration halos.Field observation shows thatthe structural modality of the fractures controlling the orebodies of auriferous quartz vein is different from thatof the auriferous alteration zones.The fracture controlling the orebodies of auriferous alteration halos is compress- shearfracture,auriferous quartzvein is controlled by extensive fault. The alteration halos crosscut by auriferous quartz vein.The wallrocks of the former altered strongly and developed alteration zones well.The wallrocks of auriferous quartz vein altered slightly.The results of tectonogeochemical study shows that the concentration of associated met- allogenesis elements and intensity of alteration are positively correlated with tectonic deformation strength for auriferous alteration halos.Itindicates that it is probably a general character for mi- cro- mesothermal gold deposits due to the multistages of metallogeneses took place.The tectonic environmentis the most important fact determining the mechanism of fluid flow and precipitationof gold,and then the types of mineralization and modes of gold.

Yikang Oral Tonic Jelly

The Yikang Oral Tonic Jelly is produced by the Xing Xing High Technological Research Institute from the biological research findings of Professor Li Zhongqing working with the Biological Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

The Famous Tonic Wines of Zhangyu Pioneer Wine Company

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螽斯听觉Tonic神经元的时间编码特征以及GABA等药物对它们的作用

在许多昆虫的行为活动中,如求偶、攻击或警戒敌人、捕食等,声通信起着极其重要的作用.雌螽斯(直翅目昆虫)能对同种雄螽斯发出的鸣声产生趋声运动就是一例.雌螽斯为此需完成:识别同种鸣声,理解鸣声意义,检测声源方位等任务.研究螽斯听觉神经系统电生理活动特征,尤其是时域特征,有助于了解听觉信息加工机制和神经元间的突触联系.

我院2018—2022年补益类中成药的应用分析

目的 分析2018年1月—2022年12月我院补益类中成药的应用现状及趋势,为此类药的合理使用提供参考。方法 统计2018年1月—2022年12月药品数据库中补益类中成药年销售金额和用量进行统计,分析补益类中成药的销售金额、用药频度(DDDs)、日用药金额(DDC)、总金额排序号/DDDs排序号(DUI)值。结果 补益类中药口服剂型用药金额呈逐年上升趋势,注射剂构成比呈逐年下降趋势。口服剂型得到越来越广泛的应用,但是价格偏高。结论 我院补益药中成药品种结构基本合理,常用的补益药DDC值偏高,患者经济负担过重。补益药的不良反应发生率逐年增加,应注重合理用药。

从张伯礼教授验案看“虚不受补”病证诊疗策略

“虚不受补”作为临床疑难问题散在述评,却欠理法,通过张伯礼教授轻量使用温燥、渗利药即出现口腔溃疡及心悸的病案一则探究“虚不受补”类病证的病因病机、体质特点及治疗策略。此类病证病机多因脏腑虚实夹杂,或兼寒热错杂、气机失调,体质迥异而补不得效,甚则有过,临证治当慎重把握药物偏性,轻量缓图,攻补兼施,标本兼治,制性纠偏,润燥合宜,厘然有度。