This study was aimed to find out the optimum parameters to decoction extraction process of Brassicae Radix cream . With methods of integrated score and uniform design , contents of the total extract and the total polysaccharide were set as the target to investigate the optimization process of extraction. The experiment showed that the optimum extraction condition was as follows: ten folds of water, four times decoction at boiling tempera-ture , one hour for each time . It was concluded that the optimum parameters to decoction extraction of Brassicae Radix were stable and feasible, which can be used for the preparation and reference for Brassicae Radix cream in Tibetan clinics .

Objective To investigate kupffer cells (KCs) expressing indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase(IDO)in the inhibition of allogeneic T-cell proliferation in vitro. Methods Real-time PCR was used to investigate the expression of IDO mRNA and FasL mRNA in KCs pretreated with or without IFNγ. High performance liquid chromatography was used to analyze the catabolism of tryptophan by IDO from KCs. Allogeneic T-cell response was used to confirm the inhibition of KCs in vitro. The proliferation of lymphocytes was detected using [3 H] thymidine incorporation. Cell cycle and lymphocyte apoptosis were evaluated by flow cytometric assay. Results Real-time PCR revealed IDO mRNA and FasL mRNA expression in KCs pretreated with IFN-γ. IDO catabolic effect was confirmed by a decrease in tryptophan and increase in kynurenine concentration. KCs expressing IDO and FasL from BABL/c mice acquire the ability to suppress the proliferation of T-cells from C57BL/6, which could be blocked by the addition of 1-methyl-tryptophan and anti-FasL antibody. The co-cultured T-cells with KCs expressing IDO and FasL could induce allogeneic T-cell apoptosis and exhibited cell-cycle arrest in G1. Conclusion In addition to the Fas/FasL pathway, IDO may also play an important role in KCs to inhibit allogeneic T-cell proliferation in vitro.

Objective To observe the protective effects of a mixture for protecting liver and supplementing stomach (保肝益胃合剂) on rat acute liver damage induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl_4). Methods The model of rat acute liver damage was established by injection of CCl_4 2 ml/kg into the abdominal cavity.The rat models were treated respectively by the mixture for protecting liver and supplementing stomach 30 g?kg~(-1)?d~(-1),the polyene phosphatide acid radical choline capsule [Yi Shanfu (易善复), 180 mg?kg~(-1)?d~(-1)],the glycyrrhizic acid diaminogen capsule [Gan Lixin (甘利欣),30 mg?kg~(-1)?d~(-1)] infused into the stomach.The activities of serum alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) were detected.In the mean time,the liver pathological changes were observed,the degree of liver cell necrosis was evaluated,and the rat mortality was noted in various groups of treatment.Results The values of ALT,AST and the score of liver cell necrosis in the group treated with the mixture for protecting liver and supplementing stomach [(1.168?1.066) kU/L,(1.845?2.212) kU/L,(0.56?0.53) score] were significantly lower than those in the model group [(4.982?3.502) kU/L,(7.030?3.616) kU/L, (1.38?0.92) scores],and all the differences being statistically significant (all P

OBJECTIVETo investigate the method of the three-dimensional reconstruction of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) on the basis of CT and MRI medical image fusion technology, which establishes good foundation for a series biomechanical studies and clinical analysis.

METHODSThe geometric data for the TMJ model were obtained from a young and healthy male volunteer. Twelve spherical markers were located on the regions of both TMJ and mental tubercles, where CT and MRI scans can reach. The three-dimensional geometric of the hard and soft tissues of TMJ was reconstructed by CT and MRI scans data, which was based on the registration procedures of spherical markers located on the face of the volunteer.

RESULTSThe three-dimensional geometric model of TMJ was obtained, including hibateral articular disc, mandible, glenoid fossa and inferior teeth, and it had better geometric similarity. The results showed that the methods of three-dimensional reconstruction of TMJ with CT and MRI medical image fusion technology can be operated easily and promptly. The constructed model had good morphology.

CONCLUSIONIt is feasible to construct the three-dimensional model of TMJ on the basis of the registration procedures of spherical markers and CT-MRI medical image fusion technology. It has the advantage of simulating both hard and soft tissues reasonably. The model well expresses the shape of the TMJ.

Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Mandible ; Temporomandibular Joint ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

OBJECTIVETo investigate the feasibility and safety of autologous peripheral blood hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (auto-PBHSCT) and its therapeutic effect on refractory rheumatism among preschool children.

METHODSThree boys with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA), juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus (JSLE) and juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) respectively, 3 to 6 years old with the mean age of 5 years with 3.5 to 22 months course of disease with 14 months on average, received auto-PBHSCT. Their conditions were so severe that conventional therapy failed to control the diseases. The changes of both clinical manifestations and immunologic indexes were observed before and after transplantation with long term following up at specialty clinic of rheumatism.

RESULTThe time when neutrophil count >or= 0.5 x 10(9)/L in the 3 children was days +9, +13 and +11 respectively, that of platelet count >or= 20 x 10(9)/L was days +14, +18 and +13 respectively. The cellular immune function remained abnormal with CD4 cells at a low level and CD4/CD8 being inverted. As to the JDM child, the skin rash had disappeared and his muscle tone was improved to grade 5 within one month after the transplantation. The EMG and serum creatase level returned to normal and muscle MRI findings were improved greatly within 2 months after the transplantation. As to the JSLE child, skin rash and proteinuria had disappeared, MRI of brain showed that the pathological changes had been absorbed and EEG returned to normal 3 months after the transplantation, all the autoantibodies turned to negative within 8 months after transplantation. As to the JRA child, the arthritis had been improved remarkably within 3 weeks after auto-PBHSCT. There was no swelling of joints nor movement limitation 3 months post transplantation. The steroids and immunosuppressive drugs were discontinued post transplantation. Cushing syndrome disappeared. Their body heights increased by 10 to 15 cm in the past 18 months, and they all returned to school. There was no relapse during follow-up periods of 25 - 27 months.

CONCLUSIONThe therapy with auto-PBHSCT for refractory rheumatism among preschool children was remarkably effective in a short-term, yet the safety and long-term effect still need to be further studied.

Child ; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation ; Humans ; Male ; Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplantation ; Rheumatic Diseases ; therapy ; Transplantation, Autologous ; Treatment Outcome

AIMTo investigate the penetration kinetics of xanthotoxin in human skin and stratum corneum.

METHODSThe penetration experiments were accomplished by the deposit of ethanolic xanthotoxin solution onto human skin and stratum corneum mounted on Franz cells. The diffused xanthotoxin in the receptor solution (1.4% human serum albumin) and the retained amount in the skin and in the stratum corneum after 24 h exposure were quantified by using high performance liquid chromatography.

RESULTSXanthotoxin flux was increased with the concentration deposited onto the human skin, and when the concentration is above 2.5 mg x mL(-1), there is no influence on the xanthotoxin flux. Similar results were obtained from the stratum corneum. And the peak time for the flux in the stratum corneum was preceded about 6 h earlier than that of the whole human skin. The retained xanthotoxin amount after 24 h exposure in the skin and in the stratum corneum increased according to the concentration deposited and has the tendency to saturate. The lag time of ethanolic xanthotoxin solution in the whole human skin is significantly higher than that in the stratum corneum (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe characteristics of penetration kinetics of xanthotoxin will provide the information for concentration choice of topical formulation and give a reference for ultra violet A (UVA) irradiation time confirmation.

Administration, Cutaneous ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Epidermis ; metabolism ; Female ; Humans ; In Vitro Techniques ; Methoxsalen ; administration & dosage ; pharmacokinetics ; Middle Aged ; Photosensitizing Agents ; administration & dosage ; pharmacokinetics ; Skin ; metabolism ; Skin Absorption ; Time Factors

Adult ; Hepatitis B ; prevention & control ; Humans ; Immunity, Active ; Liver Transplantation ; immunology ; methods ; Male ; Postoperative Complications ; prevention & control

Objective To study the effect of the petroleum ether fraction of ethanol extracts of Polyrhachisvicina Roger with antigout activity on liver microsomal cytochrome P450 in rats.Methods Healthy male SD rats were randomly divided into six groups (3 rats of each group):three groups of the petroleum ether fraction of ethanol extracts of Polyrhachisvi-cina Roger ( test groups, the low dose group, the middle dose group and the high dose group with equivalent to 1, 2, 4 g? kg -1, respectively), two positive control groups and one blank control group.The rats in the low dose, the middle dose and the high dose test groups were adminis-tered daily by gavage at corresponding dose of the petroleum ether frac-tion of ethanol extracts of Polyrhachisvicina Roger for 10 consecutive days.The rats in positive control groups were treated by dexamethasone ( 100 mg? kg-1? d-1 , ip, daily for 4 days ) or phenobarbital ( 80 mg? kg-1? d-1 , ip, daily for 3 days ) .Blank control rats received equivalent volume of sterile normal saline daily by gavage for 10 consecu-tive days.The levels of CYP450 activity, mRNA, protein in rat liver mi-crosome were analyzed by LC/MS/MS or RP-HPLC-FLD, RT-PCR, Western blot, respectively.Results CYP1A2 activity, protein expression and mRNA levels were increased signifi-cantly in a dose-dependent manner with the petroleum ether fraction of ethanol extracts of Polyrhachisvicina Roger at low, middle and high dose, respectively.Conclusion The petroleum ether fraction of ethanol extracts of Polyrhachis-vicina Roger can induce CYP1A2 in rats, suggesting the potential of drug-drug interactions between the petroleum ether fraction of ethanol extracts of Polyrhachisvicina Roger and the inducers, inhibitors, or substrates of CYP1A2.

Objective To explore the expression of P -glycoprotein ( P-gp) in rat liver during acute inflammation ( AI ) and the possible mechanism involved.Methods Twenty rats were randomly divided into two groups:model group (n=10) and control group (n=10).The rats in model group were treated by a single 5 mg? kg -1 intraperitoneal injec-tion of lipopolysaccharide ( LPS).Control rats received equivalent injec-tion of sterile normal saline.The levels of P-gp, ubiquitinated P-gp and 26 S proteasome activity in both groups were analyzed by Western blot, immunoprecipitation and fluorescence detection, respectively. Results Compared to the control groups, ubiquitination levels of liver P-gp and 26S proteasome activity in model groups were significantly in-creased ( P<0.01 ) , accompanied by an decrease of liver P-gp protein expression level. Conclusion The participation of the ubiquitin -proteasome system in down-regulation of liver P-gp expression levels under AI conditions.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the feasibility and safety of endoscopic thyroidectomy via the areola of breast approach.

METHODSBetween April 2005 to September 2008, endoscopic thyroidectomy via the areola of breast approach was performed in 28 female patients. Of the patients, 25 cases presented with nodular goiter, 2 cases with Grave's disease and 1 case with minimum papillary carcinoma. The average age was 22.5 years (range, 18-38 years). A 10 mm trocar was placed on the medial border of the areola of the right breast for the video-endoscopy and removing specimens, and a 5 mm trocar was placed on the lateral border of the areola of the same breast as the assisted operation hole. Another 5 mm trocar was placed on the medial border of the areola of left breast as the main operation hole. The operation data was recorded and analyzed.

RESULTSAll the 28 operations were successful. The procedures included one lobe total thyroidectomy in 5 cases, one lobe subtotal thyroidectomy in 15 cases, subtotal thyroidectomy in 3 cases, one lobe near total thyroidectomy + the other lobe subtotal thyroidectomy in 4 cases, and one lobe total thyroidectomy + the central group lymph node resection + the other lobe subtotal thyroidectomy in 1 case. The average operation time was 60.7 minutes (range, 40-125 minutes), the average operation blood loss was 5.8 ml (range, 2-15 ml), the average length of post-operative hospital stay was 3.1 days (range, 2-5 days). No adverse effects was found after the operation, such as damage to the parathyroid gland and the laryngeal nerve. The patients were followed-up for 1 to 40 months with satisfactory results. All 28 patients were satisfied with the cosmetic effects of the operation.

CONCLUSIONSEndoscopic thyroidectomy via the areola of breast approach produces an outstanding cosmetic effect, it is safe and feasible.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Breast ; surgery ; Endoscopy ; methods ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Thyroid Diseases ; surgery ; Thyroidectomy ; methods ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult