Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) injections boast a definite efficacy and have been widely used in clinic. However, the problems in medication safety have been attracted increasing attention. Pharmacokinetics is of significance to guiding TCM injection administration regimen design and improving safety and effectiveness in clinical use. In recent years, with the improvement of ideas, technology and methods of TCM studies, the pharmacokinetic studies of TCM injections have been broadly performed, with a notable progress. This paper reviewed the advance in pharmacokinetics studies of TCM injections in recent ten years, which mainly focused on pre-clinical concentration-time course, distribution, metabolism and excretion in vivo based on analysis techniques, pharmacokinetic interactions of constitutes, impact of pathological state, pharmacokinetic interactions between TCM injection and chemical drugs, and clinical pharmacokinetics studies of TCM injections, in the expectation of providing reference for studies on quality control, product development and rational clinical use of TCM injections.
Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; Injections ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Quality Control

OBJECTIVETo investigate the mechanism of Mycobacterium tuberculosis invasion to mouse dendritic cells (DC).

METHODSMycobacterium tuberculosis strain H37Rv was co-cultured with mouse DC2.4 cells.The mRNA expression of Toll-like receptor 2/4(TLR2/4) in DC2.4 cells was detected by fluorescent quantitative real-time PCR and the protein expression of nuclear factor κB(NF-κB) was assessed by Western blotting.The extracellular concentration of tumor necrosis factor α(TNF-α) was measured by ELISA methods during Mycobacterium Tuberculosis invasion.Indirect immunofluorescent staining and flow cytometry assay were used to detect the expression of CD80 and CD86 on DC2.4 cells before and after invasion.

RESULTSThe invasion of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in DC2.4 cells was observed after 2 h of co-incubation.The rates of invasion were (37.9±5.6)%,(51.2±7.6)%,(57.2±8.9)% and(63.9±6.8)% at 6,8,10 and 12 h after co-incubation,respectively.The mRNA expression level of TLR2 /4 was significantly increased at 6 h but decreased at 10 h after co-incubation.The expressions of NF-κB p65 and TNF-α were higher in DC2.4 cells after being invaded by 6,8,and 10 h and then gradually decreased.CD80 and CD86 expression were increased on DC2.4 at 6 h after co-incubation.

CONCLUSIONInvasion of Mycobacterium tuberculosis strain H37Rv to DC might enhance its antigen-presenting function through activation of TLR2/4-NF-kB signaling pathway.

Animals ; B7-1 Antigen ; metabolism ; B7-2 Antigen ; metabolism ; Cells, Cultured ; Dendritic Cells ; immunology ; metabolism ; Mice ; Mycobacterium tuberculosis ; NF-kappa B ; metabolism ; Signal Transduction ; Toll-Like Receptor 2 ; metabolism ; Toll-Like Receptor 4 ; metabolism ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; metabolism

Objective To investigate outcomes of transanal endoscopic microsurgery(TEM) for the treatment of rectal villous adenoma and early-stage rectal carcinoma.Methods A series of 31 patients with rectal tumors underwent TEM from November 1995 to December 2003.The operation was performed under general anesthesia.The patients were placed in a dependent position dictated by the location of the tumor.A special rectoscope was inserted into the anus with CO_2 insufflation to keep the rectum open.Under the stereoscope and laparoscopic-type instruments,the tumor was completely resected(submucosal or full-thickness excision) using a needle diathermy or a 5-mm ultrasonic dissector.The operative wound was closed with intra-lumen continuous sutures.Results The rectal tumor was completely removed with negative resection margins in all the 31 patients.The operating time was 45~220 min(mean,95 min) and the intraoperative blood loss was 0~180 ml(mean,40 ml).Complications included temporary flatus incontinence in 2 patients,acute retention of urine in 1 patient,exacerbation of chronic obstructive airway disease in 1,and secondary hemorrhage following Aspirin taking in 1.The postoperative pathological stages were pT_0 in 16 patients,pT_(is) in 2 patients,pT_1 in 7,pT_2 in 3,and pT_3 in 3.Follow-up checkups in the 31 patients for 2~92 months(mean,23 months) revealed no local recurrence.Conclusions TEM is a safe and effective minimally invasive surgical technique for the treatment of rectal villous adenoma and early rectal carcinoma.

Objective To understand the potential risk of schistosomiasis transmission in Xiuzhou District of Jiaxing City, so as to provide the scientific evidence for consolidating schistosomiasis control achievements. Methods Fixed and mobile surveillance sites were set up in Xiuzhou District of Jiaxing City from 2013 to 2015. Oncomelania hupensis snails was surveyed historical snail habitats, current snail habitats, and suspected snail habitats. The schistosome infections were identified using serological and parasitological testing among local residents and mobile populations. In addition, the survival and reproduction of snails imported into Xiuzhou District was observed, and the schistosome infection in wild reservoir hosts was detected. Results A total of 540.14 hm² of settings were surveyed in Xiuzhou District, Jiaxing City from 2013 to 2015, and 1.65 hm² of snail habitats were identified. The snail habitats were mainly located in dry lands, and no infected snails or importation of snails were found. During the period from 2013 to 2015, a total of 7 668 local residents and mobile populations were examined in Xiuzhou District, and no new local infections were detected; however, three imported schistosomiasis cases were identified. Field simulation experiment showed that the imported snails laid eggs and reproduced in Xiuzhou District, and no schistosome infections were found in wild animals. Conclusion There are still residual Oncomelania snails and imported schistosomiasis patients in Xiuzhou District of Jiaxing City; therefore, the surveillance and management of local Oncomelania snails and imported schistosomiasis should be intensified to reduce the risk of schistosomiasis transmission.

Transanal endoscopic microsurgery(TEM) is a safe and effective procedure for the treatment of local tumors, especially for the rectal villous adenoma (pT0), polyps with severe dysplasia and in situ carcinoma(pTis). It can also be applied as salvage surgery for incidental carcinoma after colonoscopy as well as in cases of giant villous adenoma. With the introduction of screening colonoscopy, more early polyps will be detected. We should be able to customize our treatment accordingly. On one hand, we want to prevent overkill and on the other hand to avoid under-treatment. This article is aimed to review the development of TEM and discuss its various indications.
Carcinoma in Situ ; Colonoscopy ; Humans ; Polyps ; Rectal Neoplasms ; Transanal Endoscopic Microsurgery

Objective To evaluate a repair approach to major defects of chest wall caused by recurrent lesion or radiation ulcer after radical mastectomy.Methods The delto-pectoral island flaps were applied to repair major defects of chest wall.The blood supply of the flap was from the 2nd and 3rd anterior perforator of the internal mammary artery.4 patients with defects of chest wall caused by recurrent cancer lesion and 8 patients caused by radiation ulcer received the pedicled flap after resection of lesion or ulcer.Results All the 12 flaps survived,in which flap necrosis at the distal end occurred in 1 case and it was cured after changing dress.After a follow-up of 6 monthls to 4 years,the flap healed and the cosmetic effect was satisfactory.Conclusions This method is an ideal method for repair of stage I major defects of chest wall caused by recurrent lesion and radiation ulcer after radical mastectomy.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of snakegourd root polysaccharide on apoptosis of human breast cancer cells (MCF-7 cells).

METHODSColorimetric MTT assay was used to measure the inhibition of snakegourd root polysaccharide on MCF-7 cells. The morphological changes of MCF-7 cells were observed by fluorescence microscope after DAPI staining and transmission electron microscope. The apoptosis of MCF-7 cells was examined by DNA agarose gel electrophoresis analysis of DNA fragmentation amd flow cytometry. The activity of Caspase-3 and Caspase-8 was detected by colorimetric assay.

RESULTSPolysaccharide of snakegourd root significantly inhibited MCF-7 cells in a dose-and time-dependent manner. The nuclear condensation and marginalization were observed by DAPI staining and transmission electron microscope. The characteristic ladder of apoptosis in DNA electrophoresis was detected in MCF-7 cells treated with 10.0 μmol/L polysaccharide of snakegourd root at d 2. The activities of Caspase-3 and Caspase-8 were increased in a time-dependent manner. The rates of apoptosis in MCF-7 cells were (5.2 ±1.3)%, (13.1 ±4.7)%, (27.6 ±6.8)% and (43.8 ±9.8)% treated with 1.0,5.0,10.0 and 20.0 μmol/L snakegourd root polysaccharide at d 2,respectively. The maximal activities of intracellular Caspase-3 and Caspase-8 were (2.32 ±0.12)U/μg and (1.92 ±0.11)U/μg at d 2 and d 1, respectively when MCF-7 cells were treated with 10.0 μmol/L.

CONCLUSIONThe polysaccharide of snakegourd root can induce the apoptosis of MCF-7 cells,which is associated with the activation of intracellular Caspase-3 and Caspase-8.

Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Caspase 3 ; metabolism ; Caspase 8 ; metabolism ; Humans ; MCF-7 Cells ; Plant Roots ; chemistry ; Polysaccharides ; pharmacology ; Trichosanthes ; chemistry

The aim of this paper was to study the effect and mechanism of alcohol extract from Polygonum cuspidatum(PCE) on acute gouty arthritis in C57 BL/6 mice through NLRP3/ASC/caspase-1 axis. The model mice which injected with ankle joint injection of sodium urate crystals(MSU) were orally administrated with three different concentration of PCE, with colchicine as positive control. HE staining was used for observing the morphological changes of synovial tissue; concentration of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α secreted by synovial tissue of the ankle joint were detected by ELISA; mRNA and protein expression of NLRP3, ASC and caspase-1 in synovial tissue were detected by RT-PCR and Western blot respectively. The results showed that the swelling degree of ankle joint in model mice were significantly elevated; expression of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α were significantly increased; mRNA and protein expression of NLRP3, ASC and caspase-1 also significant increase, compared with normal control group. The swelling degree of ankle joint significantly relief; expression of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α in joint synovium significantly decrease; mRNA and protein expression of NLRP3, ASC and caspase-1 were significantly decrease in PCE treatment group compared with model group. Our research implied that alcohol extract from P. cuspidatum had positive effect on acute gouty arthritis in mice, and the regulation of NLRP3/ASC/caspase-1 axis may be its mechanism.
Animals ; Ankle Joint ; physiopathology ; Arthritis, Gouty ; drug therapy ; CARD Signaling Adaptor Proteins ; metabolism ; Caspase 1 ; metabolism ; Fallopia japonica ; chemistry ; Interleukin-1beta ; metabolism ; Interleukin-6 ; metabolism ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein ; metabolism ; Plant Extracts ; pharmacology ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; metabolism ; Uric Acid

Background Pesticide poisoning is not only a common acute poisoning, but also an indispensable public health problem. It is important to describe and analyze the epidemic characteristics and trends of pesticide poisoning for its prevention and control. Objective To understand the epidemiological characteristics and trends of pesticide poisoning in Jiaxing from 2008 to 2020, and provide a basis for making effective intervention measures. Methods The relevant information of pesticide poisoning cases in Jiaxing from 2008 to 2020 was collected through the Occupational Disease and Occupational Health Information Monitoring System of the China Disease Prevention and Control Information System, and the demographic information was obtained from the statistical yearbook of Jiaxing. Joinpoint regression models were used to analyze trends in overall, gender, age, season, type of poisoning, and type of pesticide among poisoned individuals. Results A total of 3109 cases of pesticide poisoning were reported in Jiaxing City from 2008 to 2020. The overall pesticide poisoning incidence trended downward from 2008 to 2014, with an annual percent change (APC) of −9.0% (95%CI: −16.6%-−0.7%). The female pesticide poisoning incidence trended downward from 2008 to 2015, with an APC of −8.6% (95%CI: −13.9%-−2.9%). The 18-34 age group showed a decreasing trend of pesticide poisoning incidence from 2008 to 2015, with an APC of −11.0% (95%Cl: −17.4%-4.3%), and an increasing trend from 2015 to 2020, with an APC of 18.5% (95%Cl: 4.7%-34.0%). The >60 age group showed a decreasing trend of pesticide poisoning incidence from 2008 to 2014, with an APC of -12.9% (95%Cl: −20.4%-−4.7%). The second quarter showed an increasing trend of pesticide poisoning incidence from 2010 to 2020, with an APC of 4.4% (95%CI: 0.3%-8.5%); the third quarter showed a decreasing trend, with an APC of −4.9% (95%CI: −8.6%-−1.1%); the fourth quarter showed an increasing trend from 2015 to 2020, with an APC of 17.8% (95%CI: 4.4%-33.0%). Productive poisoning showed a decreasing trend, with an APC of −11.1% (95%CI: −16.2%-−5.7%); self-poisoning showed a decreasing trend from 2008 to 2014, with an APC of -9.5% (95%CI: −17.4%-−0.7%), and an increasing trend from 2014 to 2020, with an APC of 10.2% (95%CI: 0.5%-20.8%). The incidences of poisoning by herbicides, fungicides, and mixed formulations all showed an increasing trend from 2008 through 2020, with an APC of 8.6% (95%CI: 5.8%-11.5%), 9.1% (95%CI: 0.3%-18.7%), and 193.3% (95%CI: 11.6%-671.0%), respectively; the incidence of poisoning by other types of pesticides showed a decreasing trend from 2008 to 2020, with an APC of −14.1% (95%CI: −23.7%-−3.2%). Conclusion The overall reported pesticide poisoning incidents in Jiaxing City present a decline then a rise in 2008 to 2020. Relevant departments should take timely measures to prevent and reduce the occurrence of pesticide poisoning according to the changing characteristics and occurrence trends of local pesticide poisonings.

Photoplethysmography (PPG) is a non-invasive technique to measure heart rate at a lower cost, and it has been recently widely used in smart wearable devices. However, as PPG is easily affected by noises under high-intensity movement, the measured heart rate in sports has low precision. To tackle the problem, this paper proposed a heart rate extraction algorithm based on self-adaptive heart rate separation model. The algorithm firstly preprocessed acceleration and PPG signals, from which cadence and heart rate history were extracted respectively. A self-adaptive model was made based on the connection between the extracted information and current heart rate, and to output possible domain of the heart rate accordingly. The algorithm proposed in this article removed the interference from strong noises by narrowing the domain of real heart rate. From experimental results on the PPG dataset used in 2015 IEEE Signal Processing Cup, the average absolute error on 12 training sets was 1.12 beat per minute (bpm) (Pearson correlation coefficient: 0.996; consistency error: -0.184 bpm). The average absolute error on 10 testing sets was 3.19 bpm (Pearson correlation coefficient: 0.990; consistency error: 1.327 bpm). From experimental results, the algorithm proposed in this paper can effectively extract heart rate information under noises and has the potential to be put in usage in smart wearable devices.
Algorithms ; Heart Rate/physiology* ; Photoplethysmography/methods* ; Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted ; Wearable Electronic Devices