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.

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

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

OBJECTIVE: To analyze incidence, indications, risk factors, complications, and neonatal outcomes of emergency postpartum hysterectomies performed at EulJi University Medical Center. METHODS: A retrospective study of all cases of postpartum hysterectomies between May. 1996 and Dec. 2000. was carried out. RESULTS: 37 cases of postpartum hysterectomies during this period were performed, for overall incidnce of 2.3 per 1000 deliveries. Incidence after vaginal delivery and cesarean section was 0.03% and 0.52% respectively. The rate of postpartum hysterectomy increased with increasing age and parity. The main indications were placental disorders(54.1%) including placenta previa and adherent placenta, uterine atony(37.8%), uterine myoma(5.4%) and uterine rupture(2.7%) in order. The relative risk of postpartum hysterectomy according to the risk factors was 97.6(95% confidence interval 52.17-184.06) for placental disorders, 16.3(95% confidence interval 4.94-52.31) for cesarean section and 2.4(95% confidence interval 1.21-4.76) for previous cesarean section. The mean amount of transfuion was 17.1 pints. Although no maternal mortality had occurred, 16 patients(43.2%) had complica-ions including respiratory complication(13.5%), hemorrhagic complication(10.8%), infection(8.1%) and urologic injury(8.1%). Regarding fetal outcome, 2 of 38 infants(1 case, twin) were stillborn (5.3%) and 10 infants(26.3%) were suffered from various illness including prematurity, sepsis, meningitis, and brain hemorrhage. CONCLUSION: The data identifies placental disorders are the leading cause of postpartum hysterectomy. Although postpartum hysterectomy is a necessary life-saving operation, maternal morbidity remained high.
Academic Medical Centers ; Cesarean Section ; Emergencies* ; Female ; Hysterectomy* ; Incidence ; Intracranial Hemorrhages ; Maternal Mortality ; Meningitis ; Parity ; Placenta ; Placenta Previa ; Postpartum Period* ; Pregnancy ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors ; Sepsis

OBJECTIVETo investigate the impact of NU7026 and Wortmannin, inhibitors of DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK), in HL60 cells apoptosis induced by 1, 4-benzoquinone (1, 4-BQ).

METHODSHL60 cells were divided into three groups according to the exposures: the poisoned groups which were treated with 0, 5, 10, 25 and 50 µmol/L 1, 4-BQ for 24 h, respectively, the NU7026 groups which were preincubated with 10 µmol/L NU7026 for 1h prior to the 24h treatment of 0, 5, 10, 25 and 50 µmol/L 1, 4-BQ and the Wortmannin groups which were preincubated with 25 µmol/L Wortmannin for 1h prior to the 24 h treatment of 0, 5, 10, 25 and 50 µmol/L 1, 4-BQ. Then we detected the apoptosis via flowcytometry Annexin V-FITC/PI and the DNA Ladder, respectively. We also tested the expressions of Bax mRNA with Real-Time PCR in HL60 cells which were exposed to 10 µmol/L NU7026 for 24 h, 25 µmol/L Wortmannin 24 h, 10 µmol/L 1, 4-BQ 24 h, 10 µmol/L NU7026 1h+10 µmol/L 1, 4-BQ 24 h and 25 µmol/L Wortmannin 1 h+10 µmol/L 1, 4-BQ 24 h, as well as null (control). We also examed the expressions of p53 in HL60 cells with Western blot.

RESULTSAnnexin V-FITC/PI apoptosis tests suggested that apoptosis rates of NU7026+10 µmol/L 1, 4-BQ group and Wortmannin +10 µmol/L 1, 4-BQ were 17.6±1.19% and 15.2±1.22%, respectively. Both of results were higher than that of 10 µmol/L 1, 4-BQ group (6.3±1.04%); Apoptosis of NU7026+25 µmol/L 1, 4-BQ group was 46.2±3.55%, and Wortmannin +25 µmol/L 1, 4-BQ group 26.9±2.62%. Both of results were also higher than that of 25 µmol/L 1, 4-BQ group (14.1±1.54%); Apoptosis of NU7026+50 µmol/L 1, 4-BQ group (61.8±1.78%) was higher than that of 50 µmol/L 1, 4-BQ group (35.9±4.51%). The above results were all statistically significant (P < 0.05).

RESULTSof DNA-Ladder were basically consistent with those of Annexin V-FITC/PI apoptosis tests. In addition, both NU7026 and Wortmannin pretreatment elicited the higher expression of Bax mRNA in HL60 treated by 1, 4-benzoquinone with statistically significance (P < 0.05). However, p53 protein was not detected in HL60 cells as the western blot indicated.

CONCLUSIONInhibitors of DNA-PK, NU7026 and Wortmannin, promote p53-independent apoptosis induced by 1, 4-benzoquinone in HL60 cells.

Androstadienes ; pharmacology ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Benzoquinones ; toxicity ; Chromones ; pharmacology ; DNA-Activated Protein Kinase ; antagonists & inhibitors ; Flow Cytometry ; HL-60 Cells ; Humans ; Morpholines ; pharmacology ; RNA, Messenger ; Tumor Suppressor Protein p53

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

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