This study is to establish the methods for determination of iridoid glycosides and triterpenic acids in Corni Fructus and provide technical support for the quality control of Corni Fructus. Morroniside, loganin and sweroside were determined by HPLC-UV method with acetonitrile and 0.1% formic acid as the mobile phase, and the detective wavelength was set at 240 nm. Oleanolic acid and ursolic acid were determined by HPLC-ELSD method with methanol-0.5% ammonium acetate (87:13) as the mobile phase. The results showed that the linear ranges of morroniside, loganin and sweroside were 5.335-213.4 mg · L(-1) (r = 0.9999), 5.515-220.6 mg · L(-1) (r = 1.0000), 1.992-79.68 mg · L(-1) (r = 1.0000), respectively. The average recoveries of the above three iridoid glycosides were 98.49%-99.28% with RSDs of recoveries being less than 2%. The linear ranges of oleanolic acid and ursolic acid were 7.74-154.8 mg · L(-1) (r = 0.9964), 10.82-216.4 mg · L(-1) (r = 0.9996), respectively. The average recoveries of the above two triterpenic acids were 98.11%-99.27% with RSDs of recoveries being less than 3%. The method established in this research is simple, rapid and reliable, and can be used for quality control of Corni Fructus. Furthermore, the research provided experimental data for the improvement of present quality standard of Corni Fructus, which has important significance to guarantee its quality and clinical curative effect.
Cornus ; chemistry ; Drug Stability ; Oleanolic Acid ; analysis ; Quality Control ; Triterpenes ; analysis

To establish the online two-dimensional liquid chromatography by using double gradient liquid chromatography system and UV detector, in order to simultaneously determine the content of paeoniflorin, paenol, amygdaloside and cinnamic acid. A pump of the two-dimensional liquid chromatography was adopted as the one-dimensional separation pump. C18 (3.0 mm x 150 mm, 3 microm) was used as the analytical column, with acetonitrile as the organic phase and 0.08% phosphoric acid + 0.08% triethylamine as the aqueous phase for gradient elution at the flow rate of 0.5 mL x min(-1). Another pump of the two-dimensional liquid chromatography was adopted as the two-dimensional separation pump. PAII C18 was used as the analytical column, with acetonitrile as the organic phase and 20 mmol, pH 3.0 monopotassium phosphate as the aqueous phase for gradient elution at the flow rate of 0.8 mL x min(-1). The detection wavelengths were set at 218, 230, 275 nm by using wavelength time-switching program. The linearity range of paeoniflorin, amygdaloside, paeonol and cinnamic acid were 5.55-222 (r = 0.999 7), 6.6-264 (r = 0.999 8), 3.3-132 (r = 0.999 5) and 0.315-12.6 mg x L(-1) (r = 0.999 7), respectively. The average recoveries of the four components were between 96.12% and 103.9%. The experiment proved that this method was so rapid and accurate in determination results that it could be used for evaluating drug quality.
Capsules ; Chromatography, Liquid ; methods ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; chemistry ; Online Systems ; Time Factors

Objective To investigate the ionic mechanism of remifentanil-induced vaso-relaxation by recording calcium-activated K~+-currents(IKCa)in human arterial smooth muscle cells(MASMCs).Methods Human MASMCs were obtained freshly by the method of enzymolysis.IKCa were separated with 4-AP 5 mmol?L~(-1) and recorded by the whole-cell voltage-clamped technique.The effects of remifentanil(1.2,4.8,19.4 mmol?L~(-1))on amplitude and threshold of activation for IKCa were assessed.Results Remifentanil significantly increased IKCa and had no effect on the threshold of activation for IKCa as compared with the control group(P＜0.05 or 0.01),and the IKCa returned to the baseline level after remifentanil was washed out.Conclusion Remifentanil produces vasodilation by activating IKCa in MASMCs.

The gene complex of Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) is located of chromosome 6p21, which is the most complicated dominant polymorphic genetic system. The HLA system has 108 genotypes. It is the best human genetic marker. It has been applied to forensic paternity test and individual identification. This article discusses the research development of HLA polymorphism and its application in forensic medicine.
Forensic Medicine ; Gene Frequency ; HLA Antigens/genetics* ; HLA-A3 Antigen/genetics* ; Humans ; Polymorphism, Genetic

Seven acylated triterpene saponins were isolated from the roots of Securidaca inappendiculata by means of various chromatographic techniques such as silica gel, MPLC, preparative HPLC, and semi-preparative HPLC. Their chemical structures were identified as securioside A(1), securioside B(2), 3-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl presenegenin 28-O-β-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->4)-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-[β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->3)]-4-O-[(E)-3,4-dimethoxycinnamoyl]-β-D-fucopyranosyl ester(3), 3-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl presenegenin 28-O-β-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->4)-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-[β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->3) ] -4-O-[(E/Z)-3, 4-dimethoxycinnamoyl]-β-D-fucopyranosyl ester(3/4), 3-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl presenegenin 28-O-α-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1-->3)-β-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->4)-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-4-O-[(E)-3,4-dimethoxycinnamoyl]-β-D-fucopyranosyl ester(5), polygalasa- ponin XLV(6), and polygalasaponin XLVI (7) on the basis of spectroscopic data analysis and physicochemical properties. Among them, compounds 5-7 were isolated from the plants in genus Securidaca for the first time and compounds 3, 3/4 were isolated from the species for the first time. The cytotoxicity assay showed that compounds 2, 3/4, 5 have moderate cytotoxic activities against Lewis lung carcinoma LLC cells with IC50 values of 41.10, 38.17, and 48.92 µmol · L(-1), respectively; compound 2 exhibited moderate cytotoxic activities against human breast cancer MCF-7 cells with an IC50 value of 47.93 µmol · L(-1).
Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Humans ; MCF-7 Cells ; Plant Roots ; chemistry ; Saponins ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Securidaca ; chemistry

OBJECTIVETo observe the effect of electro-acupuncture (EA) on alteration of immune function of patients undergoing open-heart surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), and to appraise the value of acupuncture-drug compound anesthesia in the operation.

METHODSThirty patients undergoing atrial septal defect repairing operation were selected and divided into three groups, Group A was the general anesthesia group; Group B, the acupuncture anesthesia group and Group C, the general anesthesia plus EA group. Peripheral venous blood of patients was collected at different time points, i.e. before anesthesia, before CPB, 30 min and 24 hrs after CPB, to determine natural killer cells activity (NKCA), and the levels of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) and interleukin-2 (IL-2) in supernatant of cell culture were also tested.

RESULTSNKCA was significantly lowered in Group A before CPB but increased in Group B, while no evident change was found in Group C, so the level of NKCA in Group B was significantly higher than in the other two groups. It lowered in all the three groups after CPB, especially evidently in Group B, so as to cause the NKCA level in Group B lower than that in Group A. The lowering further progressed, 24 hrs after CPB, NKCA in Group B was more reduced than that in Group C. Levels of IFN-gamma and IL-2 lowered in all the three groups after CPB, and further lowered at time point of 24 hrs after CPB, but the parameters in Group C were significantly higher than those in Group B.

CONCLUSIONEA could enhance NKCA, but acupuncture anesthesia couldn't inhibit the suppressive effect of CPB on NKCA, IL-2 and IFN-gamma, suggesting that the immunosuppression induced by stress has a prior effect. General anesthesia plus EA yielded better effect than general anesthesia and acupuncture anesthesia, but it could't improve the immunosuppression completely, indicating that the compound anesthesia could partially improve the immunosuppression induced by CPB.

Acupuncture Analgesia ; Adult ; Anesthesia, General ; Cardiopulmonary Bypass ; Electroacupuncture ; Female ; Heart Septal Defects, Atrial ; immunology ; surgery ; Humans ; Interferon-gamma ; blood ; Interleukin-2 ; blood ; Killer Cells, Natural ; immunology ; Male ; Middle Aged

Objective To investigate the clinical diagnosis,treatment and prevention of fallopian tube prolapse(FTP)after hysterectomy.Methods A total of 7949 patients received hysterectomy from 1983 to Aug 2005 in Peking Union Medical College Hospital,including 6229 cases of trans-abdominal hysterectomy(TAH),780 cases of transvaginal hysterectomy(TVH),and 940 cases of laparoscopic assisted vaginal hysterectomy(LAVH).Nine cases(including 1 case from other hospital)of FTP after hysterectomy were analyzed retrospectively for their symptoms,diagnosis and treatment.All of them were diagnosed according to the results of histology and follow-up.Results The overall incidence of FTP after hysterectomy was 0.11%(9/7949).Incidence of FTP after trans-abdominal hysterectomy was 0.08% (5/6229),after vaginal hysterectomy 0.51%(4/780),and after laparoscopic assisted vaginal hysterectomy 0(0/940).There were no symptoms in 3 cases,but the other 6 cases had symptoms.The pelvic examination revealed the typical prolapsed fimbrial end of a fallopian tube in 3 cases and red granulation tissue in the other 6 cases.All of them were excised vaginally and cauterized.The results were confirmed by histological examination.No recurrent cases were reported in follow up.Conclusions FTP is a rare complication after hysterectomy.The prognosis is well after proper diagnosis and treatment.Salpingectomy or fixation of accessories into the pelvic wall and complete peritonealisation at the time of hysterectomy are important methods to prevent FTP after hysterectomy.

To provide a scientific basis for the selection of the appropriate drying method for Mentha Haplocalyx Herba (MHH), determine 2 monoterpenes, 4 phenolic acids and 5 flavonoids in MHH by GC-MS and UPLC-TQ-MS methods, and investigate the effects of the drying methods on the changes in contents of these analytes. The qualities of products obtained with different drying methods were evaluated by the multivariate statistical method of Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS). Results showed that the drying methods had the greatest impact on menthol, caffeic acid, and rosemary acid, which were followed by chlorogenic acid and diosmetin-7-O-glucoside. The contents in these analytes processed with hot-air-drying method were higher than those with microwave-drying and infrared-drying methods at the same temperatures. The contents in these analytes processed under low temperature (40-45 °C) were higher than those under higher temperature (60-70 °C). Above all, the contents in phenolic acids processed with microwave fixation (exposed under microwave at 100 °C for several minutes) were obviously higher than those of not being processed, showing an inhibition of some enzymes in samples after fixation. The TOPSIS evaluation showed that the variable temperature drying method of 'Hot-Air 45-60 °C' was the most suitable approach for the primary drying processing of MHH. The results could provide the scientific basis for the selection of appropriate drying method for MHH, and helpful reference for the primary drying proces of herbs containing volatile chemical components.
Desiccation ; methods ; Flavonoids ; analysis ; Hydroxybenzoates ; analysis ; Mentha ; chemistry ; Monoterpenes ; analysis

BACKGROUND: The size of artificial disc is not exactly identical to cervical vertebral endplate. However, the effect of implant size on cervical disc replacement has not yet been clearly identified. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of Bryan disc size on cervical artificial disc replacement. METHODS: Totally 71 patients with cervical degenerative disease underwent single-level Bryan disc replacement from December 2003 to December 2007 were enrolled. The average age was (45.90±8.12) years old, and all patients were followed up for more than 10 years. The artificial disc size was measured using lateral X-ray films, and expressed as (Bryan artificial disc's footprint sagittal diameter×2) / (upper endplate sagittal diameter + lower endplate's sagittal diameter)×100%. X-ray films were photographed to measure motion range of the treated segment before surgery, 3 months after surgery, and during final follow-up. Clinical outcomes, including Japanese Orthopaedic Association score, Neck Disability Index and Odom's scores, were evaluated before and after operation. Observational indexes of different disc sizes (≥95% and <95% groups) were compared and analyzed. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) There were 49 patients in the ≥95% group and 22 patients in the <95% group. (2) At 3-month follow-up, range of motion was significantly smaller in the <95% group than in the ≥95% group (P < 0.01). At the final follow-up, range of motion was significantly smaller in the <95% group than in the ≥95% group (P < 0.05). (3) At final follow-up, improvement rate of Japanese Orthopaedic Association score was (70.65±32.58)% in the <95% group and (68.83±38.85)% in the ≥95% group, and no significant difference was detected between the two groups (P > 0.05). (4) At final follow-up, Neck Disability Index decreased by (10.82±7.50)% in the <95% group, and (12.61±8.51)% in the ≥95% group, and no significant difference was detected between the two groups (P > 0.05). (5) At final follow-up, Odem's score results showed excellent in 10 cases (45%), good in 9 cases (41%) and average in 3 cases (14%) in the <95% group; and excellent in 26 cases (53%), good in 20 cases (41%) and average in 3 cases (6%) in the ≥95% group, and no significant difference was detected between the two groups (P > 0.05). (6) Results suggest that different sizes of artificial disc replacement have obtained good functional recovery, but small artificial disc may impact the range of motion. We should try to avoid placing the artificial disc smaller than 95%.

OBJECTIVETo explore the clinical outcome of unilateral pedicle screw fixation plus single cage interbody fusion through spatium intermuscular of multifidus by Quadrant system.

METHODSFrom April 2008 to April 2009, 47 patients underwent unilateral pedicle screw fixation plus single cage interbody fusion through spatium intermuscular of multifidus. There were 22 males and 25 females with the mean age of 58.2 years (range, 46-74 years). Among them 12 cases had far-lateral lumbar disc herniation, 7 cases had post-discectomy recurrence, and 28 cases had degenerative instability. Thirty-seven cases were treated with lumbar interbody fusion through transforaminal approach, 10 cases through posterior approach. After surgery, the radiography was carried out to demonstrate the fusion status, and the Nakai criterion was used for assessment.

RESULTSThe average skin incision length was 3.2 cm (range, 3.0 to 3.5 cm), the average operative time was 90 min (range, 70 to 160 min), and the average blood loss was 130 ml (range, 90 to 360 ml). All cases were followed up for 8 - 20 months (average 13.6 months). Postoperative radiography showed no evidence of instrument failure, and 43 cases got bone fusion, 4 cases got suspicious fusion. At final followed-up the average leg pain VAS decreased from 7.4 ± 1.1 preoperatively to 2.4 ± 1.3 postoperatively, the average low back pain VAS decreased from 6.7 ± 1.3 preoperatively to 1.8 ± 1.5 postoperatively. According to Nakai criterion, 31 cases were rated as excellent, 11 cases as good, and 5 cases as fair with the total excellent and good rate of 89.4%.

CONCLUSIONSUnilateral pedicle screw fixation plus single cage interbody fusion through spatium intermuscular of multifidus has some advantages of minimal invasiveness, less blood loss, less complications and reliable curative effect. It is a satisfactory lumbar fusion method under suitable indication.

Aged ; Bone Screws ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Lumbar Vertebrae ; surgery ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures ; Muscle, Skeletal ; surgery ; Spinal Fusion ; methods ; Treatment Outcome