The function of astrocytes and their role in neurological diseases.

Astrocytes have countless links with neurons. Previously, astrocytes were only considered a scaffold of neurons; in fact, astrocytes perform a variety of functions, including providing support for neuronal structures and energy metabolism, offering isolation and protection and influencing the formation, function and elimination of synapses. Because of these functions, astrocytes play an critical role in central nervous system (CNS) diseases.

Anti-Biofilm Activities of Chinese Poplar Propolis Essential Oil against .

() is a common cariogenic bacterium that secretes glucosyltransferases (GTFs) to synthesize extracellular polysaccharides (EPSs) and plays an important role in plaque formation. Propolis essential oil (PEO) is one of the main components of propolis, and its antibacterial activity has been proven. However, little is known about the potential effects of PEO against .

Antibacterial Activity of Chinese Red Propolis against and MRSA.

The antibacterial activity of propolis has long been of great interest, and the chemical composition of propolis is directly dependent on its source. We recently obtained a type of propolis from China with a red color. Firstly, the antibacterial properties of this unusual propolis were determined against Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

Multiregional Sequencing Reveals Genomic Alterations and Clonal Dynamics in Primary Malignant Melanoma of the Esophagus.

Primary malignant melanoma of the esophagus (PMME) is a rare and aggressive disease with high tendency of metastasis. To characterize the genetic basis and intratumor heterogeneity of PMME, we performed multiregion exome sequencing and whole genome SNP array genotyping of 12 samples obtained from a patient with PMME. High intratumor heterogeneity was observed in both somatic mutation and copy-number alteration levels.

Protecting effects of a large dose of dexamethasone on spleen injury of rats with severe acute pancreatitis.

Background And Aims: To explore the protecting effects and mechanisms of dexamethasone on spleen injury in rats with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP).

Methods: The rats were randomly divided into a model control group, treated group and sham-operated group. The contents of plasma endotoxin, serum NO, phospholipase A(2) enzyme (PLA(2)) and endothelin-1 (ET-1) were determined.

Effect of baicalin on inflammatory mediator levels and microcirculation disturbance in rats with severe acute pancreatitis.

Objectives: To investigate the effect of bacailin on inflammatory mediators and microcirculation disturbance in severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) rats and explore its therapeutic mechanism.

Methods: The rats were randomly divided into SAP group, baicalin-treated group and sham operated group. At 3, 6, and 12 hours after operation, we examined the mortality rate of rats, ascites volume, and pancreatic pathological changes in each group and determined the contents of inflammatory mediators in blood as well as the changes in blood viscosity.

Influence of dexamethasone on the expression levels of P-selectin protein in multiple organs of rats with severe acute pancreatitis.

Objective: To investigate the effect of dexamethasone on the expression levels of P-selectin protein in multiple organs of rats with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP).

Methods: Rats were randomly divided into sham-operated, model control, and dexamethasone-treated groups. At 3, 6, and 12 h after operation, the expression levels of P-selectin protein in one-third of the rats in each group were observed.

Protective effects of baicalin and octreotide on intestinal mucosa of rats with severe acute pancreatitis.

Background/aims: To compare the protective effects of baicalin and octreotide on intestinal mucosa of rats with severe acute pancreatitis and to explore the application value of baicalin as a new drug.

Methods: Severe acute pancreatitis rats were randomly divided into a model control group, baicalin-treated group and octreotide-treated group. An equal number of normal rats were included in a sham-operated group.

Efficacy and mechanism of Salvia miltiorrhizae injection in the treatment of rats with severe acute pancreatitis.

To study the efficacy and mechanism of Salvia miltiorrhizae injection in the treatment of severe acute pancreatitis. SAP rat models were prepared and randomly divided into model control group and treated group. The sham-operated group was also set.

Study on protecting effects of baicalin and octreotide on hepatic injury in rats with severe acute pancreatitis.

Aim: To investigate the protective effects and mechanisms of baicalin and octreotide on hepatic injury in rats with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP).

Methods: The SAP rat models were prepared and randomly assigned to the model control group, baicalin treated group, and octreotide treated group while other healthy rats were assigned to the sham-operated group. Rat mortality, levels of ALT, AST, liver and pancreas pathological changes in all groups were observed at 3, 6 and 12 h after operation.