This paper introduces the locomotion control and the research status of the autonomous interventional diagnostic micro-robots in detail, outlines technical problems and difficulties now existing, and discusses the developing trend of locomotion control.
Artificial Intelligence ; Equipment Design ; Locomotion ; Robotics ; instrumentation

Aged ; Antigens, CD ; metabolism ; Antigens, Differentiation, Myelomonocytic ; metabolism ; Carcinoma, Large Cell ; metabolism ; pathology ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Histiocytic Sarcoma ; metabolism ; pathology ; surgery ; Hodgkin Disease ; metabolism ; pathology ; Humans ; Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse ; metabolism ; pathology ; Lymphoma, Large-Cell, Anaplastic ; metabolism ; pathology ; Male ; Melanoma ; metabolism ; pathology ; Receptors, Cell Surface ; metabolism ; Stomach Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; surgery

AIMTo develop a sensitive and specific LC/MS/MS method for direct determination of dextrorphan in human plasma and to study the pharmacokinetics of dextrorphan.

METHODSAfter a single oral dose of 60 mg dextromethorphan hydrobromide to 18 healthy Chinese male volunteers, the plasma concentration of dextrorphan, an active metabolite of dextromethorphan, was determined. Dextrorphan and internal standard chlorpheniramine were extracted from plasma using liquid-liquid extraction, then separated on a Zorbax Extend C18 column. The mobile phase consisted of methanol-water-formic acid (70:30:1), at a flow-rate of 0.5 mL x min(-1). A Finnigan TSQ tandem mass spectrometer equipped with electrospray ionization source was used as detector and was operated in the positive ion mode. Selected reaction monitoring (SRM) using the precursor to product ion combinations of m/z 258 to 157 and m/z 275 to 230 was performed to quantify dextrorphan. The pharmacokinetic parameters of dextrorphan were calculated by non-compartment model statistics.

RESULTSThe linear calibration curves were obtained in the concentration range of 0.2 - 80 microg x L(-1) Each plasma sample was chromatographed within 3.0 min. The intra- and inter-day relative standard deviation (RSD) across three validation runs over the entire concentration range was less than 8%. Accuracy determined at three concentrations (0.5, 6.0 and 70 microg x L(-1) for dextrorphan) ranged from 98.8% to 100.6%. Pharmacokinetic parameters of dextrorphan was obtained as follows: Tmax was (2.1 +/- 0.7) h, Cmax was (14 +/- 8) microg x L(-1), T1/2 was (3.8 +/- 1.8) h, AUC0-t was (60 +/- 37) microg x h x L(-1).

CONCLUSIONPlasma concentration of the active metablite dextrorphan was directly determined. The method is sensitive and convenient, and is proved to be suitable for clinical investigation of dextrorphan pharmacokinetics and bioequivalence evaluation of formulations containing dextromethorphan.

Administration, Oral ; Adult ; Area Under Curve ; Dextromethorphan ; administration & dosage ; pharmacokinetics ; Dextrorphan ; blood ; Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry ; Humans ; Male ; Spectrometry, Mass, Electrospray Ionization ; Therapeutic Equivalency

The genus Fritillaria is a botanical source for various pharmaceutically active components, which have been commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years. Increasing interest in Fritillaria medicinal resources has led to additional discoveries of steroidal alkaloids, saponins, terpenoids, glycosides and many other compounds in various Fritillaria species, and to investigations on their chemotaxonomy, molecular phylogeny and pharmacology. In continuation of studies on Fritillaria pharmacophylogeny, the phytochemistry, chemotaxonomy, molecular biology and phylogeny of Fritillaria and their relevance to drug efficacy is reviewed. Literature searching is used to characterize the global scientific effort in the flexible technologies being applied. The interrelationship within Chinese Bei Mu species and between Chinese species, and species distributed outside of China, is clarified by the molecular phylogenetic inferences based on nuclear and chloroplast DNA sequences. The incongruence between chemotaxonomy and molecular phylogeny is revealed and discussed. It is essential to study more species for both the sustainable utilization of Fritillaria medicinal resources and for finding novel compounds with potential clinical utility. Systems biology and omics technologies will play an increasingly important role in future pharmaceutical research involving the bioactive compounds of Fritillaria.
Animals ; China ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; chemistry ; pharmacology ; Fritillaria ; chemistry ; classification ; Humans ; Molecular Structure ; Phylogeny ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; classification

OBJECTIVETo analyze related factors which affect GPA mutation frequency of workers exposed to benzene, with the Glycophorin A (GPA) mutation assay and explore the possibility of GPA mutation frequency as an index of predicting the risk of benzene poisoning.

METHODSThe erythrocytes were bound with fluorescent-labeled monoclonal antibody after isolated and fixed from the peripheral blood, and then the GPA mutation assay was performed using the flow cytometry (FCM). The related factors of GPA mutation frequency were analyzed by statistical methods.

RESULTSThe GPA mutation frequency of chronic benzene poisonings was significantly higher than that of their controls (P < 0.05). Significant direct correlation was found between age, length of service, accumulative exposure score and the GPA mutation frequency of workers exposed to benzene (P < 0.01). However, there was significantly inverse correlation between the 3AB index and the GPA mutation frequency (GPAN0: r(s) = -0.589, P < 0.01, GPANN: r(s) = -0.615, P < 0.01). In the multiple factor regression analysis on GPA mutation frequency, benzene exposure and individual susceptibility both entered model of multiple factors analysis, the coefficient of determination of benzene-exposed workers was 0.819.

CONCLUSIONExposure to benzene and individual susceptibility are the most important factors that affect GPA mutation frequency. GPA mutation frequency increases with the benzene exposure and individual susceptibility.

Benzene ; poisoning ; Glycophorin ; genetics ; Humans ; Mutation ; Mutation Rate ; Occupational Exposure

OBJECTIVETo synthesize a (2-Hydroxypropyl)-γ-cyclodextrin-polyethylenimine/adamantane-conjugated doxorubicin (γ-hy-PC/Ada-Dox) based supramolecular nanoparticle with host-guest interaction and to identify its physicochemical characterizations and antitumor effect.

METHODSA novel non-viral gene delivery vector γ-hy-PC/Ada-Dox was synthesized based on host-guest interaction. 1H-NMR, NOESY, UV-Vis, XRD and TGA were used to confirm the structure of the vector. The DNA condensing ability of complexes was investigated by particle size, zeta potential and gel retardation assay. Cytotoxicity of complexes was determined by MTT assay in BEL-7402 and SMMC-7721 cells. Cell wound healing assay was performed in HEK293 and BEL-7404 cells. The transfection efficiency was investigated in HEK293 cells. H/E staining and cell uptake assay was performed in BEL-7402 cells.

RESULTSThe structure of γ-hy-PC/Ada-Dox was characterized by 1H-NMR, NOESY, UV-Vis, XRD, TGA. The drug loading was 0.5% and 5.5%. Gel retardation assay showed that γ-hy-PC was able to completely condense DNA at N/P ratio of 2; 0.5% and 5.5% γ-hy-PC/Ada-Dox was able to completely condense DNA at N/P ratio of 3 and 4,respectively. The cytotoxicity of polymers was lower than that of PEI25KDa. The transfection efficiency of γ-hy-PC was higher than that of γ-hy-PC/Ada-Dox at N/P ratio of 30 in HEK293 cells; and the transfection efficiency was decreasing when Ada-Dox loading was increasing. Cell uptake assay showed that γ-hy-PC/Ada-Dox was able to carry drug and FAM-siRNA into cells.

CONCLUSIONThe novel vector γ-hy-PC/Ada-Dox has been developed successfully, which has certain transfection efficiency and antitumor activity.

2-Hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin ; Adamantane ; administration & dosage ; pharmacology ; Antineoplastic Agents ; administration & dosage ; pharmacology ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Doxorubicin ; administration & dosage ; pharmacology ; Genetic Vectors ; Humans ; Nanoparticles ; Polyethyleneimine ; Transfection ; beta-Cyclodextrins

Methylation, a methyl group-consuming reaction, plays a key role in the degradation (i.e., inactivation) of monoamine neurotransmitters, including catecholamines, serotonin and histamine. Without labile methyl groups, the methylation-mediated degradation cannot take place. Although high niacin (nicotinic acid and nicotinamide) intake, which is very common nowadays, is known to deplete the body's methyl-group pool, its effect on monoamine-neurotransmitter degradation is not well understood. The aim of this article was to investigate the effect of excess nicotinamide on the levels of plasma serotonin and histamine in healthy subjects. Urine and venous blood samples were collected from nine healthy male volunteers before and after oral loading with 100 mg nicotinamide. Plasma N(1)-methylnicotinamide, urinary N(1)-methyl-2-pyridone-5-carboxamide (2-Py), and plasma betaine levels were measured by using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Plasma concentrations of choline, serotonin and histamine were measured using commercial kits. The results showed that the plasma N(1)-methylnicotinamide level and the urinary excretion of 2-Py significantly increased after oral loading with 100 mg nicotinamide, which was accompanied with a decrease in the methyl-group donor betaine. Compared with those before nicotinamide load, five-hour postload plasma serotonin and histamine levels significantly increased. These results suggest that excess nicotinamide can disturb monoamine-neurotransmitter metabolism. These findings may be of significance in understanding the etiology of monoamine-related mental diseases, such as schizophrenia and autism (a neurodevelopmental disorder).
Betaine ; blood ; Choline ; blood ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; Histamine ; blood ; Humans ; Male ; Niacinamide ; administration & dosage ; analogs & derivatives ; blood ; Pyridones ; urine ; Serotonin ; blood

OBJECTIVETo investigate the clinical effects of close reduction and percutaneous minimally invasive fixation in the treatment of proximal humerus fractures.

METHODSFrom April 2008 to March 2010, 28 patients with proximal humerus fracture were treated with close reduction and percutaneous minimally invasive fixation. There were 21 males and 7 females, ranging in age from 22 to 78 years,with an average of 42.6 years. The mean time from suffering injuries to the operation was 1.7 d. Nineteen cases caused by falling down, 9 cases by traffic accident. The main clinical manifestation was swelling, pain and limited mobility of shoulders. According to Neer classification, two part fractures were in 17 cases and three part fractures in 11 cases. The locking proximal humerus plate was used to minimally fixation through deltoid muscle under acromion. The operating time,volume of blood loss, the length of incision and Constant-Murley assessment were applied to evaluate the therapeutic effects.

RESULTSThe mean operating time was 40 min, the mean blood loss was 110 ml, and the mean length of incision was about 5.6 cm. The postoperative X-ray showed excellent reduction and the plate and screws were successfully place. Twenty-eight patients were followed up for 6 to 24 months (averaged 14.2 months). The healing time ranged from 6 to 8 weeks and all incision was primarily healed. There were no cases with necrosis head humerus, 24 cases without omalgia, and 4 cases with o-malgia occasionally. All the patients can complete the daily life. The mean score of Constant-Murley assessment was 91.0 +/- 5.8, 24 cases got an excellent result, 3 good and 1 fair.

CONCLUSIONClose reduction and percutaneous minimally invasive fixation, not only can reduce surgical invasive, but also guarantee the early function activities. It has the advantages of less invasive, fixed well and less damage of blood circulation.

Adult ; Aged ; Female ; Fracture Healing ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures ; methods ; Shoulder Fractures ; physiopathology ; surgery

OBJECTIVETo observe the ethyl carbamate concentrations in different commercial fermented foods in Hangzhou in 2010.

METHODSIn 2010, 237 commercial fermented food samples of eight categories, including yellow wine, white spirit, wine, beer, cooking wine, sauce, vinegar and fermented bean curd, were purchased from 3 different size markets respectively in Hangzhou. The ethyl carbamate was measured by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry in selection ion mode, after the samples were coupled with D5-ethyl carbamate, and purified by diatomite solid phase extraction column.

RESULTSThe results showed that ethyl carbamate was detected in all samples analyzed (100%) with the range from 2.0 µg/kg to 515.0 µg/kg. The ethyl carbamate average (median) levels in 8 food categories were descending with fermented red bean curd (182.2 µg/kg (161.2 µg/kg)), yellow wine (159.6 µg/kg (121.0 µg/kg)), cooking wine (86.8 µg/kg (95.6 µg/kg)), white spirit (72.0 µg/kg (60.5 µg/kg)), soy sauce (47.2 µg/kg (40.7µg/kg)), vinegar (26.7 µg/kg (31.8 µg/kg)), wine (15.7 µg/kg (16.8 µg/kg)) and beer (2.2 µg/kg (2.3 µg/kg)).

CONCLUSIONThe ethyl carbamate was detected in all fermented foods in Hangzhou in 2010, and the levels of ethyl carbamate in red bean curd and yellow wine were higher than others.

Acetic Acid ; analysis ; Alcoholic Beverages ; analysis ; Beer ; analysis ; China ; Fermentation ; Food Analysis ; Food Contamination ; analysis ; Food Inspection ; Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry ; methods ; Urethane ; analysis ; Wine ; analysis

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of autologous radial artery (RA) on coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in the elderly aged 65 years and older.

METHODSThree hundreds and twenty-two patients aged 65 years and older underwent CABG with autologous RA from January 2000 to March 2007. Peri-operative complication and mortality were observed and follow-up was performed.

RESULTSThree hundreds and forty-four RA grafts including 300 cases of single and 22 cases of bilateral RA were collected. The total number of distal anastomosis was 974, with the mean of (3.0 +/- 0.4). The mean of RA distal anastomosis was (1.1 +/- 0.4). There were 321 single, 16 Y or T composite and 7 sequential grafts of RA constructed. The distal end of RA was anastomosed to right coronary artery system for 234 times, to obtuse marginal for 95 times, to diagonal or intermediate ramous artery for 22 times. The proximal end of RA was anastomosed to aorta for 328 times, to left internal mammary artery for 9 times and to saphenous vein for 7 times. Only 13 patients manifested transient paresthesia in the area of radial aspect of thumb and no other complication occurred in the forearm. During hospitalization, 7 patients died. No patient died after the follow-up of (46.5 +/- 6.7) months. Seventy-three patients were performed with coronary angiography postoperatively. It was showed by coronary angiography that all RA conduits were patent after the duration of (47.5 +/- 11.2) months after CABG.

CONCLUSIONUtilization of RA to CABG in the elderly is safe and effective.

Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Coronary Artery Bypass ; methods ; Coronary Artery Disease ; surgery ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Male ; Radial Artery ; surgery ; Treatment Outcome