The shape and structure of granules are controlled by the granulation process, which is one of the main factors to determine the nature of the solid dosage forms. In this article, three kinds of granules of a traditional Chinese medicine for improving appetite and promoting digestion, namely, Jianwei Granules, were prepared using granulation technologies as pendular granulation, high speed stirring granulation, and fluidized bed granulation and the powder properties of them were investigated. Meanwhile, synchrotron radiation X-ray computed micro tomography (SR-µCT) was applied to quantitatively determine the irregular internal structures of the granules. The three-dimensional (3D) structure models were obtained by 3D reconstruction, which were more accurately to characterize the three-dimensional structures of the particles through the quantitative data. The models were also used to quantitatively compare the structural differences of granules prepared by different granulation processes with the same formula, so as to characterize how the production process plays a role in the pharmaceutical behaviors of the granules. To focus on the irregularity of the particle structure, the box counting method was used to calculate the fractal dimensions of the granules. The results showed that the fractal dimension is more sensitive to reflect the minor differences in the structure features than the conventional parameters, and capable to specifically distinct granules in structure. It is proved that the fractal dimension could quantitatively characterize the structural information of irregular granules. It is the first time suggested by our research that the fractal dimension difference (Df,c) between two fractal dimension parameters, namely, the volume matrix fractal dimension and the surface matrix fractal dimension, is a new index to characterize granules with irregular structures and evaluate the effects of production processes on the structures of granules as a new indicator for the granulating process control and optimization.
Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; analysis ; Fractals ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Powders ; Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship ; Synchrotrons ; Technology, Pharmaceutical ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Objective To study the relationship between environmental chemical elements,vires infection and dilated cardiomyopathy(DCM).Methods In 2008,233 patients with DCM(case group)and 150 patient with stable angina(control group)were chosen in Liaocheng People's Hospital and Yanggu People's Hospital,Shandong province.Population distribution and disease history were surveyed in the two groups.Human myocardial antibody IgG(AMA-IgG),Coxsackie B virus IgG(CBV-IgG),Adenofirus antibody IgG(ADV-IgG)were detected by ELISA in both the case group and the control group.Serum trace elements were detected in the two groups.The general chemical and toxicological indicators in drinking water of the high-and the low-incidence aireas of the disease were control group[60.00%(90/150),χ2=13.80,P<0.01)].Per capita annual income(Yuan,RMB)in the case group (3207.82±618.51)was lower than that of the control group[(5086.61±886.12),t=24.40,P<0.01].Personal alcohol consumption in the case group[(175.00±160.50)g/d]was higher than that of the control group[(110.22±100.03)g/d,t=4.40,P<0.01)].The rate of myocarditis in the case group[5.15%(12/233)]was higher than ADV-IgG in the cage group were 7.78%(7/90),6.67%(6/90)and 6.67%(6/90),respectively.Compared with those in the control group[3.33%(2/60),5.00%(3/60)and 5.00%(3/60),χ2=1.26,0.18,0.18,all P>0.05],no mg/L]in drinking water of the high-incidence areas were significantly higher than that of iron[(0.39±0.67)mg/L,t=2.11,P<0.05]and that of manganese[(0.15±0.14)mg/L,t=3.01,P<0.01]in the low-incidence arefas.The content of semm iron[(69.1±57.8)μmol/L]in the case group evidently exceeded the normal range(15.6-35.9 μmol/L)and obviously higher than that in the control group[(20.0±17.5)μmol/L,t=5.04,P<0.01].Conclusions Theso data do not support that DCM is related with persistent virus infection and autoimmunization.DCM is probably related with low incomes,high alcohol consumption,myocarditis,high iron and manganese contents in drinking water and high content of serum iron.

Adult ; Anti-HIV Agents ; therapeutic use ; Familial Primary Pulmonary Hypertension ; HIV ; pathogenicity ; Hepacivirus ; pathogenicity ; Hepatitis B virus ; pathogenicity ; Humans ; Hypertension, Pulmonary ; drug therapy ; virology ; Male ; Sulfonamides ; therapeutic use

Objective Toinvestigatetheprevalenceofurinaryincontinenceanditseffectonlifequalityamongfemale adultsinHangzhou,andtoprovideevidencetothecontroloffemaleurinaryincontinence.Methods Aquestionnaire survey was performed in Gongshu and Xiacheng districts in Hangzhou from October 2013 to June 2014,and 4 563 women aged over 20 years were interviewed through a questionnaire including International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Lower Urinary Tract,IQ-FLUTS and demographic information.Single and multi factor logistic regression analysiswereusedtoanalyzetheriskfactorsofurinaryincontinence.Results Atotalof4785questionnairesweresent, and 4 563 effective questionnaires were recovered,with a recovery rate of 95.4%.The prevalence of urinary incontinence was 33.5%(1 530/4 563),and female with older age tended to have a higher prevalence of UI(P<0.01).Among which stress urinary incontinence (SUI ),urge incontinence (UUI )and mixed urinary incontinence (MUI ) were accounted for 20.2%(922/4 563),3.0%(135/4 563)and 10.3%(473/4 563)respectively.UUI and MUI had a greater effect on quality of life.According to the multi factor logistic regression analysis,gravidity,age,constipation,pelvic surgery and fat (BMI>24)wereriskfactorsforurinaryincontinence(P<0.05).Conclusion Becauseofthehighprevalenceofurinary incontinence among female adults,more attention should be paid to urinary incontinence suffers in order to improve the quality of life of female adults.

Objective To study the clinical value of microvascular decompression(MVD)through the retrosigmoid approach in the treatment of primary trigeminal neuralgia. Methods The clinical data of 769 patients with primary trigeminal neuralgia undergoing MVD through the retrosigmoid approach was retrospectively analyzed to evaluate the therapeutic effect of the treatment. Results MVD was accomplished in 769 patients with primary trigeminal neuralgia.Neuralgia was totally relieved in 743 patients,significantly relieved in 17 patients and not relieved in 9 patients after the treatment.Operative mortality occurred in none ofthe cases.The patients were followed up for 6 to 180 months,during which period 46 patients were found to experience recurrent neuralgia,and 9 ofthem wgre cured after a second operation. Conclusion MVD is a safe and effective surgical approach causing minimal invasiveness and lower recurrence rate, and can serve as the primary option for treatment of primary trigeminal neuralgia.

BACKGROUND: Yaotu Granules have been proved to protect human nucleus pulposus cells and delay their degeneration. Notably, Yaotu Granules for lumbar disc herniation has achieved good clinical results.OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of the herbal compound formula Yaotu Granules on the Fas/FasL expression in a rabbit model of lumbar disc degeneration, and further elucidate the underling mechanism of preventing and treating lumbar disc degeneration.METHODS: Twenty New Zealand white rabbits were enrolled and the models of lumbar disc degeneration were established by minimally invasive puncture and rotation cutting, followed by randomized into normal saline, low-, middle-,and high-dose groups (n=5 per group). 10 mL of normal saline, 10, 20, and 40 mL of water decoction of Yaotu Granules were administered intragastrically into the normal saline, low-, middle-, and high-dose drug groups for 21 days, twice daily, respectively. Subsequently, the expression level of Fas/FasL in the rabbit nucleus pulposus cells in each group was detected.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The signal intensity of the rabbit lumbar disc on MRI was decreased, and ruptured annulus and posterior herniated disc were visible at 12 weeks after modeling. Masson staining showed that the nucleus pulposus cells arranged in disorder, and even ruptured. Additionally, safranin O staining found that the number of nucleus pulposus cells was decreased obviously. The order of the relative expression levels of Fas and FasL mRNA in the nucleus pulposus cells was as follows: normal saline group > low-dose drug group > middle-dose drug group > high-dose drug group (P < 0.05). These results suggest that Yaotu Granules delay the rabbit lumbar disc degeneration by downregulating the expression level of Fas/FasL.

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the efficacy and potential renal impairment of one-year combination therapy de novo of adefovir dipivoxil (ADV) and lamivudine (LMV) for decompensated cirrhosis related to HBV.

METHODSA total of 36 patients with decompensated cirrhosis related to HBV, nobody had nucleos(t)ide analogs (NAs) treatment history, were recruited and were divided into two group (control group and observation group) randomly. A monotherapy of LMV (100 mg per day) was selected to individuals in control group (n = 18), in contrast, a combination therapy de novo of ADV (10 mg per day) and LMV (100 mg per day) was applied to those in observation group (n = 18). Basic approaches including liver protection, symptom-driven intervention, and supporting therapy, were given to all of the individuals. A course of one year was applied to all. Liver function, Child-Pugh score, serum creatinine (sCr) level, virological response (VR) rate, and virological breakthrough rate were observed pro- and post- treatment, differences between the two populations were analysed statistically.

RESULTS(1) The averages of gender, age, HBeAg status, HBV viral load, sCr level, and Child-Pugh score were all compatible in the two groups at baseline (P > 0.05 for all). (2) At the endpoint of treatment, none of deaths was reported. Comparing with the status before treatment in each group itself, liver function, Child-Pugh score, and viral load were improved statistically (P < 0.01 for all), especially in observed group (P < 0.01 for all variables, vs control group), as for VR rate, result is significant superior to that of control group too (88.89% vs 66.67% , P < 0.05). (3) Virological breakthrough occurred to none in observed group and three cases (16.67%) in control group, all of them were confirmed to be rtM204V variant in the following detection of direct sequencing. (4) Elevated level of sCr didn't arised at the end of treatment in two groups.

CONCLUSIONPresent study reveals that in populations with decompensated cirrhosis related to HBV, one-year combination therapy de novo of ADV and LMV is superior to monotherapy of LMV, and the renal safety is favorable within one year.

Adenine ; analogs & derivatives ; therapeutic use ; Adult ; Antiviral Agents ; therapeutic use ; China ; Drug Therapy, Combination ; Female ; Hepatitis B virus ; drug effects ; genetics ; Humans ; Lamivudine ; therapeutic use ; Liver Cirrhosis ; drug therapy ; virology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Organophosphonates ; therapeutic use ; Treatment Outcome

The purpose of this study was to determine whether the fully automated ORTHO AutoVue Innova system, which based on the microcolumn glass sphere technology, is accurate enough to meet immunohematology testing needs at blood banks. 16 IgM anti-C, anti-c, anti-D, anti-E and anti-e dilution series were tested respectively, with corresponding antigen positive red blood cell solutions, by ORTHO AutoVue Innova system and saline medium test. 16 IgG anti-D dilution series were tested respectively with RhD positive red blood cell solutions by ORTHO AutoVue Innova system, polybrene test and antiglobulin test. The accuracies of microcolumn glass sphere technology were analysed, by comparing to the reference assays. The results showed that the sensitivities of the ORTHO AutoVue Innova tests were 1:69.8, 1:33.4, 1:1448.1, 1:139.6 and 1:32.0 for IgM anti-C, anti-c, anti-D, anti-E and anti-e respectively; the corresponding value of saline medium tests were 1:16.7, 1:16.6, 1:430.5, 1:34.9 and 1:9.9. There were statistically significant differences between the groups of each tests (t values were 14.38, 5.48, 10.25, 12.65 and 9.59 for IgM anti-C, anti-c, anti-D, anti-E and anti-e respectively, p < 0.05). For IgG anti-D, the sensitivities of the ORTHO AutoVue Innova test, polybrene test and antiglobulin test were 1:980.6, 1:181.0 and 1:304.4 respectively. There was statistically significant difference among the 3 groups (F = 51.15, p < 0.01). It is concluded the use of ORTHO AutoVue Innova system for blood group compatibility test can obtain more accurate results than traditional tube tests, it is reliable and safe for routine tests performed in immunohematology laboratories.
Blood Grouping and Crossmatching ; methods ; Coombs Test ; methods ; Humans ; Isoantibodies ; blood ; Materials Testing ; Rho(D) Immune Globulin ; Sensitivity and Specificity

BACKGROUNDThe relationship between monosymptomatic resting tremor (mRT) and Parkinson's disease (PD) remains controversial. In this study, we aimed to assess the function of presynaptic dopaminergic neurons in patients with mRT by dopamine transporter positron emission tomography (DAT-PET) and to evaluate the utility of clinical features or electrophysiological studies in differential diagnosis.

METHODSThirty-three consecutive patients with mRT were enrolled prospectively. The Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale and electromyography were tested before DAT-PET. Striatal asymmetry index (SAI) was calculated, and a normal DAT-PET was defined as a SAI of <15%. Scans without evidence of dopaminergic deficits (SWEDDs) were diagnosed in patients with a subsequent normal DAT-PET and structural magnetic resonance imaging.

RESULTSTwenty-eight mRT patients with a significant reduction in uptake of DAT binding in the striatum were diagnosed with PD, while the remained 5 with a normal DAT-PET scan were SWEDDs. As for UPRDS, the dressing and hygiene score, walking in motor experiences of daily living (Part II) and motor examination (Part III) were significant different between two groups (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively). Bilateral tremor was more frequent in the SWEDDs group (P < 0.05). The frequency of resting tremor and the amplitude of postural tremor tend to be higher in the SWEDDs group (P = 0.08 and P = 0.05, respectively).

CONCLUSIONSmRT is heterogeneous in presynaptic nigrostriatal dopaminergic degeneration, which can be determined by DAT-PET brain imaging. Clinical and electrophysiological features may provide clues to distinguish PD from SWEDDs.

Adult ; Aged ; Dopamine Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Parkinson Disease ; diagnosis ; Positron-Emission Tomography ; methods ; Prospective Studies ; Tremor ; diagnosis

OBJECTIVETo establish a multiplex RT-PCR-based reverse dot blot hybridization technique to detect influenza viruses.

METHODSObtain the HA nucleotide sequences of seasonal influenza H1N1, seasonal influenza H3N2, influenza H1N1 and human avian influenza H5N1 from GenBank. Design primers in conservative district and probes t in high variable region respectively, after analyzing the HA nucleotide sequences of influenza virus through the Vector NTI 9.0. Establish and optimize multiple RT-PCR system by comparing amplification efficiency and specificity at different primer concentrations. Establish the reverse dot hybridization system after optimizing the concentration of probes. To compare the sensitivity and specificity of this technique and the general RT-PCR Method through extracting the viral RNA of the mentioned influenza virus which are to be the reference substance.

RESULTSSuccessfully establish a multiplex RT-PCR-based reverse dot blot hybridization technique for detecting influenza viruses. This technique is 100-1000 times more sensitive than gel electrophoresis method, and it has a good specificity.

CONCLUSIONSuccessfully established multiplex RT-PCR-based reverse dot blot hybridization technique for detecting influenza viruses.

Humans ; Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; Influenza A Virus, H3N2 Subtype ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; Influenza, Human ; diagnosis ; virology ; Nucleic Acid Hybridization ; methods ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction ; methods ; Sensitivity and Specificity