The formulation for sustained release tablet of Epinedium component was selected and the evaluation equation of in vitro release was established. The liquidity of component was improved with the help of colloidal silica aided by spray drying, which would be the main drug in the sustained release tablets. Dissolution was selected as an evaluation index to investigate skeletal material type, fillers, impact porogen, lubricants and other materials on the quality of sustained release tablet. The sustained release tablets were prepared by dry compression. Formulation of sustained release preparations was main drug 35%, HPMC K(4M) 20% and HPMC K(15M) 10% as skeleton material, MCC 31% as filler, PEG6000 2% as porogen and magnesium stearate 2% as lubricant. The sustained release tablets released up to 80% in 8 h. The zero order equation, primary equation and Higuchi equation could simulate the release characteristics of sustained release tablets in vitro, the correlation coefficients r were larger than 0.96. The primary equation was most similar in vitro release characteristics and its correlation coefficient r was 0.9950. The preparation method is simple and the results of formulation selection are reliable. It can be used to guide the production of Epimedium component sustained release preparations.
Chemistry, Pharmaceutical ; methods ; Delayed-Action Preparations ; chemistry ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; chemistry ; Epimedium ; chemistry ; Kinetics ; Tablets ; chemistry

Objective To study the effect of Jade -Screen Powder (JSP)on regulating expression of 5 microRNAs associated with helper T cells in asthmatic mouse model.Methods Forty Balb /c mice were randomly di-vided into 4 groups,1 0 mice for each group,namely normal control,asthma model,JSP treatment and Dexamethasone treatment.The mouse models of allergic inflammation on both upper and lower airways were established by ovalbumin sensitization and challenge.Interleukin(IL)-1 3 and IL -1 7 expressions were detected from lung homogenates by ELISA.Hematoxylin and eosin staining was also performed to observe the pathological changes in the lung tissue.The expressions of miR -1 46a,miR -1 46b,miR -21 0,miR -1 26 and miR -21 a were detected by quantitative real time PCR from splenocytes.Results The lower levels of IL -1 3 [(6.382 ±1 .690)μg/L]and IL -1 7 [(24.21 2 ± 1 .250)μg/L]were found in JSP treatment group compared with those in the asthma model group [(20.1 54 ±7.960)μg/L;(50.31 2 ±5.770)μg/L,rseparately],there was significant difference in IL -1 3 between JSP group and the asthma model group,as well as IL -1 7 (t =3.785,P =0.005;t =9.891 ,P =0.000).Same findings were found in Dexamethasone treated group as well [IL -1 3:(9.366 ±3.460)μg/L,IL -1 7:(29.1 32 ±4.960)μg/L;t =2.779, P =0.024;t =6.225,P =0.000].However,upregulation of miR -21 0 was observed in JSP treatment group (2.052 ± 0.871 )compared with that in the asthma model group (4.034 ±1 .379)(3.95 folds,t =2.71 8,P =0.026).Mean-time,the expression of miR -1 26 in JSP group (4.920 ±0.924)and Dexamethasone group (3.862 ±1 .51 0)in-creased compared with asthma model group (6.024 ±0.447)(2.1 5 folds,t =2.405,P =0.043,and 4.48 folds,t =-3.069,P =0.01 5).Conclusions Th2 and Th1 7 T cells participate in the pathogenesis of asthma and the asthmatic process can be inhibited by JSP.JSP may affect the helper T cells by regulating miR -21 0 and miR -1 26.

The present study was aimed to investigate the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on learning-memory of rats with low estrogen-induced cognitive impairment and the possible mechanism. The rat model was established by ovariectomy, which resulted in low estrogen-induced cognitive impairment. EA was applied continuously for 3 months 2 weeks after ovariectomy. Morris water maze was used to test the ability of spatial learning and memory. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and real-time quantitative RT-PCR were used to detect the concentration of serum estradiol (E2) and relative expression of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) mRNA in hippocampus, respectively. The result showed that, compared with the sham group, the ovariectomy model group exhibited longer escape latency, reduced number of platform-crossing, lower concentration of serum E2, and decreased expression of ChAT mRNA in hippocampus. EA shortened the escape latency and increased the number of platform-crossing in the ovariectomy model group. Moreover, the concentration of serum E2 and the hippocampal expression of ChAT mRNA in the ovariectomy model group were significantly elevated by EA treatment. These results suggest EA is capable of improving learning and memory in ovariectomized rats, and the mechanism involves the up-regulation of the expression of ChAT mRNA in hippocampus induced by the increase of the serum concentration of estrogen.
Animals ; Choline O-Acetyltransferase ; metabolism ; Cognition Disorders ; therapy ; Electroacupuncture ; Estradiol ; blood ; deficiency ; Female ; Hippocampus ; enzymology ; Learning ; Memory ; Ovariectomy ; RNA, Messenger ; Rats

Objective To study the clinical significance of fecal smear examination on diagnosing intestinal flora imbalance in infantile diarrhea.Methods A sterile cotton swab was used to spread a layer of fresh feces quantum satis from a sterile container on a clean slide;the smear was fixed and stained with Gram′s methods after it was air-dried,then the specimen was observed with a microscopy(field lens 100 ? eye lens 10) and recorded.Results In the acute diarrhea group(40 cases),the distribution feature of 3 floras on the fecal smears:≥50% Gram-negative bacilli in 6 cases(15%),≥50% Gram-positive cocci in 30 cases(75%) and ≥68% Gram-positive bacilli in 4 cases(10%).In the delayed and chronic diarrhea group(62 cases),the distribution feature of 3 floras on the fecal smears:≥50% Gram-negative bacilli in 7 cases(11.29%),≥50% Gram-positive cocci in 44 cases(70.97%) and ≥68% Gram-positive bacilli in 6 cases(9.68%).In the normal control group(32 cases),the distribution feature of 3 floras on the fecal smears:≥50% Gram-negative bacilli in 1 case(3.13%),≥50% Gram-positive cocci in 1 case(3.13%),and ≥68% Gram-positive bacilli in 17 cases(53.13%).For the distribution of 3 floras in the 3 groups,chi-squared test was performed,and the results showed that the difference was significant in Gram-positive cocci(?~2=47.76 P0.05).Conclusions Acute,delayed or chronic diarrhea can lead to flora imbalance.In order to timely and rapidly know the flora imbalance in children with diarrhea,clinically the simple,easily operated and practical smear staining method shall be widely applied.

OBJECTIVETo analyze the risk factors for level Ib lymph node enlargement on CT in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and provide clinical evidence for defining the indications of prophylactic level Ib irradiation.

METHODSA total of 435 newly diagnosed NPC patients receiving radiotherapy in Nanfang Hospital in the past 2 years were enrolled in this analysis. The correlations were analyzed with Logistic regression between level Ib lymphadenopathy and the clinical risk factors including T stage, N stage, diameter of level II lymph nodes, submandibular gland involvement, nasal cavity involvement, oropharyngeal involvement, and involvement of 4 or more lymphatic drainage regions.

RESULTSUnivariate analysis showed that level Ib lymphadenopathy were positively correlated with N stage (P=0.023), submandibular gland involvement (P=0.045), and level II lymph node diameter (P<0.001). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis suggested a significant correlation only between the diameter of the level II lymph nodes and level Ib lymphadenopathy (P=0.013).

CONCLUSIONLevel Ib lymphadenopathy is positively correlated with the size of ipsilateral level II lymph nodes in NPC patients.

Carcinoma ; Humans ; Lymph Nodes ; pathology ; Lymphatic Diseases ; epidemiology ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms ; epidemiology ; Neck ; Paranasal Sinuses ; Risk Factors ; Submandibular Gland

PURPOSE: To investigate that the effects of early wound healing stage after corneal epithelial scrape injury. METHODS: We studied the change of scraped corneal wound like corneal cells, corneal thickness, acelluar zone, and celluar morphology occurring at the time points of 1, 4, 12, 24, 48, 72 hours, and 7 days after corneal epithelial scrape injury by the confocal microscopy and EM findings in 4 each group rabbits. RESULTS: By normal confocal microscopy, the mean cell density was 891 cells/mm2 in the anterior stroma and decreased to 814 cells/mm2 in the middle stroma, 731 cells/mm2 in the posterior stroma, and the endothelial density was 3236 cells/mm2. The change in the morphology of the keratocyte nuclei from an elliptical shape anteriorly, to a more elongated shape posteriorly. Apoptosis revealed like as condensation or fragmentation of chromatin and nuclei, vesicle formation, apoptotic bodies after corneal scraped injury by EM findings. The mean thickness of normal cornea was as follow; 47 micrometer in the epithelium, 334 micrometer in the stroma, and 392 micrometer in total cornea. The thickness of postoperative cornea including stromal thickness and total thickness increased at the early wound healing stage, and then decreased to the postoperative 48 hours(P<0.001). Mean range of acellular zone in the stroma increased at the early wound healing, but significantly decreased at the postoperative 48 hours, 79 micrometer(P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Keratocyte cell density and corneal thickness at the three portions of cornea, the thickness of stromal acelluar zone, and the changes of cellular morphology were related with a kind of the early post-inflammatory reaction, especially 24 hours, of corneal scraped injury. It should be needed more studies concerned with control of early post-inflammatory reaction.
Apoptosis ; Cell Count ; Chromatin ; Cornea ; Epithelium ; Microscopy, Confocal ; Rabbits ; Wound Healing ; Wounds and Injuries

OBJECTIVETo explore the functions of phospholipase C (PLC)-independent protein kinase C signaling pathway (PTH/nonPLC/PKC) of parathyroid hormone (PTH) and its role in bone metabolism.

METHODSOsteoblasts isolated from the calvaria of 2- or 3-day-old C57BL mice, identified by alkaline phosphatase staining and Alizarin red staining, were treated for 4 h with 100 nmol/L [Gly(1), Arg(19)]hPTH(1-28) plus 10 nmol/L RP-cAMP, 10 nmol/L [Gly(1), Arg(19)]hPTH(1-34) plus 10 nmol/L RP-cAMP , 10 nmol/L PTH(1-34), or and 0.1% trifluoroacetic acid (TFA). The total RNA was then isolated for screening differentially expressed genes related to PTH/nonPLC/PKC pathway using Affymetrix mouse 12x135K gene expression profile microarray, and the identified genes were confirmed by real-time quantitative PCR. MC3T3-E1 cells treated with [Gly(1), Arg(19)]hPTH(1-28)+RP-cAMP, [Gly(1), Arg(19)]hPTH(1-34)+RP-cAMP, [Gly(1), Arg(19)]hPTH(1-34)+ RP-cAMP +100 nmol/L Go6983, or 0.1% TFA were also examined for GR(1-28)- or GR(1-34)-mediated gene expression changes using real-time quantitative PCR.

RESULTSAlizarin red staining visualized red mineralized nodules in the osteoblasts at 28 days of culture. According to the genechip results, we selected 56 target genes related to PTH/nonPLC/PKC pathway, among which CITED1 showed higher expressions in [Gly(1), Arg(19)]hPTH(1-34)+ RP-cAMP group than in both the control group and [Gly(1), Arg(19)]hPTH(1-28)+RP-cAMP group (P<0.05), and its expression was the highest in PTH(1-34) group (P<0.05). RT-PCR of MC3T3-E1 cells yielded consist results with those in the primary osteoblasts, and the cells treated with Go6983 (a PKC inhibitor) did not show GR(1-28)- or GR(1-34)-mediated differential expression of CITED1.

CONCLUSIONThe activation of PLC-independent protein kinase C signaling pathway of PTH enhances the expression of CITED1 in mouse osteoblasts to mediate the effect of PTH on bone metabolism, and this pathway is not dependent on the activation of PLC or PKA signaling.

Animals ; Cells, Cultured ; Indoles ; Maleimides ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Nuclear Proteins ; physiology ; Osteoblasts ; physiology ; Parathyroid Hormone ; physiology ; Protein Kinase C ; physiology ; Signal Transduction ; Skull ; Trans-Activators ; physiology ; Type C Phospholipases

Actins ; metabolism ; Adult ; Desmin ; metabolism ; Electromyography ; Humans ; Male ; Microscopy, Electron, Transmission ; Muscle, Skeletal ; pathology ; ultrastructure ; Myopathies, Nemaline ; metabolism ; pathology

OBJECTIVETo verify the clinical efficacy of heat-sensitive moxibustion in treatment of knee osteoarthritis (KOA).

METHODSSixty cases of KOA were randomly divided into a heat-sensitive moxibustion group and a conventional moxibustion group, 30 cases in each one. Dubi (ST 35), Yanglingquan (GB 34), Zusanli (ST 36) and Heding (EX-LE 2) on the affected side were selected in two groups. In heat-sensitive moxibustion group, the techniques of circling moxibustion, sparrow-pecking moxibustion, moving moxibustion and mild moxibustion were applied. In conventional moxibustion group, the mild moxibustion was used, 2 to 3 cm far from the skin of the acupoints selected. Lysholm scale for the assessment of knee joint function was adopted to evaluate the efficacy. The scores of joint pain, morning stiffness, joint swelling and walking ability were compared before and after treatment in two groups.

RESULTSThe scores of joint pain, morning stiffness, joint swelling and walking ability after treatment were all apparently improved as compared with those before treatment in either group (all P < 0.05). The improvement in the above-mentioned indices in heat-sensitive moxibustion group was much more apparent as compared with that in conventional moxibustion group (all P < 0.01). The effective rate was 90.0% (27/30) in heat-sensitive moxibustion group and was 73.3% (22/30) in conventional moxibustion group. The effective rate in heat-sensitive moxibustion group was obviously superior to that in conventional moxibustion group (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONThe efficacy of heat-sensitive moxibustion is superior to that of conventional moxibustion in the treatment of KOA. This therapy can more significantly improve the symptoms and physical signs of the patients with KOA.

Acupuncture Points ; Aged ; Female ; Humans ; Locomotion ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Moxibustion ; Osteoarthritis, Knee ; physiopathology ; therapy ; Treatment Outcome

No abstract available.
Amniocentesis* ; Female ; Humans ; Pregnancy ; Pregnancy Trimester, Second*