The primary processing is important links and closely related to the quality of traditional Chinese medicinal materials, and is not only cleaning of remove the non-officinal parts, drying for termination the physiological status of organisms, but also retaining the most active substances, decreasing the toxic components, and promoting the transformation among chemical ingredients through primary processing. So the traditional primary processing endows with characters, quality, specifications and properties of traditional Chinese medicine, and embodies some important science truth. The traditional primary processing method and technology systems are derived from the long-term practices and experiences, which are distinctive, colorful, diverse, and scientific, which are helpful to development and utilization of traditional Chinese medicine resources. This paper systemically expounds the research status of the Chinese medicine processing method, summarizes the problems in the primary processing of traditional Chinese medicinal materials research, and prospects its bright future.
Chemistry, Pharmaceutical ; methods ; trends ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; chemistry ; pharmacology ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional

Metabonomics is a new method to study on the metabolic network and the relationship between body and environment, which conforms to the way of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) research. In the study process of modernization of traditional Chinese medicine, effectively conjunction with metabonomics method will facilitate the integration of TCM with modern biological science and technology, and promote the modernization of TCM. This paper introduce the application of metabonomics in the research of toxicity mechanism of TCM, compatibility mechanism of TCM formula, pharmacology effect of TCM and processing mechanism of TCM. This paper summarize the problems in the TCM metabonomics research and prospect its bright future.
Animals ; Drug Therapy ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; adverse effects ; analysis ; metabolism ; therapeutic use ; Humans ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; methods ; trends ; Metabolomics ; methods ; trends

BACKGROUND: Currently, the materials used in clinical practice to repair cruciate ligament of knee joint contain auto-graft bone- mid 1/3 patella tendon-bone (B-T-B), auto-semitendinous muscle, gracilis muscle and allogenic tissue graft. All of them are limited to a certain degree in clinical application. Therefore, people hope to consistently develop artificial ligaments to take the place of auto- and allografts. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the feasibility to construct artificial biological ligament (ABL) by applying a novel biochemical technique using porcine tendon as the raw material. DESIGN: Research of new biological material. SETTING: Department of Orthopedics, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University. MATERIALS: Adult pigs of either gender were provided by the Animal Center of Sun Yat-sen University. Scanning electron microscope (SEM, S-520) was provided by Hitachi, Japan, and micro-controlled electron tension-testing device (Model LWK-10B) by Guangzhou Experimental Devices Factory. METHODS: The experiment was performed at the Animal Center of Sun Yat-sen University from January 2004 to June 2005. ABL was established by means of treating porcine tendon with epoxy cross-linking fixation, diversified antigen minimization process, mechanic enhancement modification and surface activating process. Under aseptic condition, a 6-month-old goat's bone marrow was abstracted, and then the bone marrow matrix stem cells were cultured in ABL stent for 3 weeks. Scanning electron microscope was used to observe structure and compatibility of artificial ligament, and mechanics test was used to analyze biomechanics characteristics of ABL. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Structural features, cell compatibility and biomechanics characteristics of ABL.RESULTS: ① Structural features of ABL: The appearance of ABL was similar to that of the normal human ligament. Histological examination showed that the ABL was collagen fibers with no cells. Electron microscope examination revealed that the ABL was composed of hair-looking and fiber-like objects running uniformly in a certain direction and closely parallel-arranged. ② Cell compatibility: Three weeks after xenogenic marrow matrix cells were cultured on the surface of the ABL, it was noted that cells adhered and the matrix secreted by the cells precipitated around the cells. There were no cells found inside the ABL. ③ Mechanical strength of the ligament: The average diameter of ABL was 5 mm and the mechanical test at a speed of 100 mm/min showed that its averaged tensile limit was 927.19 N and the tension-resistant strength was 47.22 N/mm those were close to the corresponding parameters of the normal goat's ACL. The normal goat's ACL was 5 mm. The greatest tensile load was 807.50 N and the tension-resistant strength was 41.13 N/mm.CONCLUSION:As we used the unique biochemical technique and minimized the xenogenic protein immunogenicity of the porcine tendon, ABL has acceptable biomechanical properties and superior biocompatibility. As a substitute of the ligament in the reconstruction of the ACL, ABL has a promising prospect in clinical applications.

OBJECTIVETo study the protective effect of formula of removing both phlegm and blood stasis (TYTZ) on myocardial tissues of Chinese mini-swine with coronary heart disease of phlegm-stasis cementation syndrome.

METHODTotally 36 Chinese mini-swine were randomly divided to six groups: the normal control group, the model group, the Danlou tablet group, and TYTZ groups with doses of 2.0, 1.0, 0.5 g x kg(-1), with six in each group. Except for the normal control group, all of other groups were fed with high-fat diet for 2 weeks. Interventional balloons are adopted to injure their left anterior descending artery endothelium. After the operation, they were fed with high-fat diet for 8 weeks to prepare the coronary heart disease model of phlegm-stasis cementation syndrome in Chinese mini-swine. After the operation, they were administered with drugs for 8 weeks. The SOD activity and MDA content of each group were observed at the 0th week (before the experiment), the 2nd week after the high-fat diet (before the operation or drug administration) , the 6th week after the high-fat diet (4 weeks after the drug administration) and the 10th week after the high-fat diet (8 weeks after the drug administration). Meanwhile, the myocardial enzymogram test and the HE staining pathological observation were performed at the end of the experiment. The changes in the myocardial cell ultra-structure were observed under transmission electron microscope.

RESULTCompared with the normal control group, the model group showed significant decrease in serum SOD activity and notable increase in MDA content from the 2nd week to the end of experiment (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01). In the 10th week, the CK, LDH and CK-MB levels in serum also significantly increased in the model group (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01), with obvious structural abnormality in myocardial tissue pathologic morphology and ultra-structure. Compared with the model group, TYTZ groups showed specific increase in serum SOD activity and oblivious decrease in the MDA level (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). Meanwhile, TYTZ could significantly decrease serum CK and LDH levels in the model group (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01), attenuate the ischemia injury of myocardial tissue, and improve the ultra-structure of cardiomyocytes.

CONCLUSIONTYTZ shows an obvious protective effect on the myocardial injury in Chinese mini-swine with coronary heart disease of phlegm-stasis cementation syndrome. Its mechanism is related to the resistance against free radical oxidation injury and the inhibition of the lipid per-oxidation.

Animals ; Coronary Artery Disease ; genetics ; metabolism ; prevention & control ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; administration & dosage ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Mucus ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Myocardium ; metabolism ; Protective Agents ; administration & dosage ; Swine ; Swine, Miniature

OBJECTIVETo study the epdimiology characteristics and the diversity of VP6 gene of GCRV in Lulong, and to provide the basis for GCRV in-depth research.

METHODS793 stool specimens from porcine with diarrhea or not from Lulong in 2007 and 2008. GCRV was detected by nested multiple reverse transcription- polymerase chain reaction (nested RT-PCR) , and analyzed the identity and conducted phylogenetic tree by the seqences.

RESULTSThe positive rate of GCRV was 16.65%. Porcine GCRV strains of Lulong had significant homology differences. Phylogenetic analysis indicated porcine GCRVs were with significant diversity. Amino acid analysis showed GCRV strains with the same host shared the nearest kinship.

CONCLUSIONThe infection rate of GCRV was high from 2007 to 2008 in Lulong. Homology and phylogenetic analysis showed that VP6 gene diversity was widespread. The experimental data provided basis for molecular characteristics of porcine GCRVs.

Animals ; Antigens, Viral ; genetics ; Capsid Proteins ; genetics ; China ; Genetic Variation ; Humans ; Phylogeny ; Rotavirus ; classification ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; Swine

OBJECTIVETo investigate the distribution of tetracycline-arginine-glycine-aspartate-tyrosine (T-RGDY) in mice and its effect on bone.

METHODS125-labeled T-RGDY was studied for its distribution in mice and for its effects on bone by histomorphometry in ovariectomized rats.

RESULTSThe 125I-labeled T-RGDY was more concentrated in the osteoporotic bone than in the normal bone. Compared with ovariectomy group, the morphologic index such as trabecular bone volume/total tissue volume (TBV/TTV), TBV/sponge bone volume (SBV), and mean trabecular plate thickness (MTPT) in T-RGDY group significantly increased (P < 0.05). As compared with sham operation group, MTPT significantly increased in T-RGDY group (P < 0.05), while TBV/SBV and mean trabecular plate density significantly decreased (P < 0.05), and TBV/TYV and mean trabecular plate spacing were almost the same as those in sham operation group (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONT-RGDY may concentrate in bone tissue to a certain degree, which is closely related with the status of bone remodeling. T-RGDY may inhibit the bone loss caused by ovariectomy.

Animals ; Bone Density ; drug effects ; Bone Remodeling ; drug effects ; Female ; Mice ; Oligopeptides ; pharmacokinetics ; pharmacology ; Osteoporosis ; metabolism ; prevention & control ; Ovariectomy ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Tetracycline ; pharmacokinetics ; pharmacology ; Tissue Distribution ; Tyrosine ; pharmacokinetics ; pharmacology

OBJECTIVETo investigate the relationship between a blood pressure variability (BPV)-based scoring system (BPVSS) and the target organ damage in patients with hypertension.

METHODSWe selected 95 consecutive inpatients with essential hypertension admitted between January and June, 2015 in the Department of Cardiology of Guangzhou General Hospital of Guangzhou Military Command. The BPV indices were analyzed for their correlation with the parameters of target organ damage (IVSd, LVPWd, baPWV_L/R, and IMT_L/R). The patients with a BPVSS of 3.9 or higher (control, 43 cases) and those with a lower BPVSS (observation group, 52 cases) were compared for differences in IVSd, LVPWd, baPWV_L/R, IMT_L/R and the proportion of carotid plaques.

RESULTSSimilar with the traditional BPV indices, BPVSS was negatively correlated with IMT_L/R (r=-0.278/-0.324, P<0.05). BPVSS was also negatively correlated with IVSd (r=-0.241), LVPWd (r=-0.223), and baPWV_L/R (r=-0.468/-0.373) (P<0.05). IVSd, LVPWd, baPWV_L/R and IMT_L/R were all significantly higher in the observation group than in the control group (t=2.307, 2.516, 3.250/2.790, and 2.372/3.425, respectively; P<0.05). The proportion of carotid plaques in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group (Χ(2)=27.833, P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONBPVSS indicates the severity of target organ damage in patients with hypertension. A greater BPV is correlated with a lower BPVSS score and more severe damages of the heart and blood vessels.

Blood Pressure ; Carotid Stenosis ; diagnosis ; pathology ; Essential Hypertension ; Humans ; Hypertension ; pathology

OBJECTIVETo improve the chemically-activated luciferase expression (CALUX) bioassay for detection of dioxin-like chemicals (DLCs) based on the toxicity mechanisms of DLCs.

METHODSA recombinant vector was constructed and used to transfect human hepatoma (HepG2). The expression of this vector was 10-100 folds higher than that of pGL2 used in previous experiments. The transfected cells showed aromatic hydrocarbon receptor (AhR)-meditated luciferase gene expression. The reliability of luciferase induction in this cell line as a reporter of AhR-mediated toxicity was evaluated, the optimal detection time was examined and a comparison was made by using the commonly used ethoxyresoufin-O-deethylase (EROD) activity induction assay.

RESULTSThe results suggested that the luciferase activity in recombinant cells was peaked at about 4 h and then decreased to a stable activity by 14 h after TCDD treatment. The detection limit of this cell line was 0.11 pmol/L, or 10-fold lower than in previous studies, with a linear range from 1 to 100 pmol/L, related coefficient of 0.997, and the coefficient of variability (CV) of 15-30%.

CONCLUSIONThe luciferase induction is 30-fold more sensitive than EROD induction, the detection time is 68 h shorter and the detection procedure is also simpler.

Biological Assay ; methods ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; pathology ; Cytochrome P-450 CYP1A1 ; biosynthesis ; Environmental Pollutants ; adverse effects ; pharmacology ; Enzyme Induction ; Gene Expression Regulation ; Humans ; Luciferases ; biosynthesis ; Polychlorinated Dibenzodioxins ; adverse effects ; pharmacology ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Transfection ; Tumor Cells, Cultured

OBJECTIVETo understand the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of hand-foot-and-mouth disease (HFMD) deceased cases.

METHODInformation of demographics, diagnosis and treatment, clinical symptoms and signs, laboratory test results, and epidemiological contact history of 72 HFMD cases who died between May 2008 and September 2011, in Zhejiang Province, were collected and analyzed.

RESULTThe average age of the 72 cases was 1.8 years, 45 were males, accounting for 62.5%, 63 (87.5%) of the cases were scattered children. Eighteen counties reported 2 or more deaths, accounting for 46.1% (18/39) among the counties where the deaths were reported. The deaths occurred mainly in April to August, the peak occurred in May and June. Fever (98.4%, 63/64) and rash (95.1%, 58/61) were the most common symptoms, but the rash was not obvious at the first diagnosis. Fever occurred before the rash (79.0%, 49/62), persisted for 4 days in average. Vomiting (71.9%, 46/64), dyspnea (65.6%, 42/64), cyanosis (53.1%, 34/64) and impaired consciousness (51.6%, 33/64) were often seen among the cases; 53.1% (34/64) cases went to see the doctor on the first day, but 82.5%(52/63)cases were misdiagnosed. Time to diagnosis of HFMD was in average 3 days. About 3 to 4 days after the onset, the disease deteriorated sharply, deaths occurred within 1 day after admission in 78.9%(45/57)of the deceased cases; 85.0% (34/40) cases had high white blood cells level, mainly neutrophils increased, the ratio of neutrophil was more than 70% in 55.6% (15/27) of cases. Enterovirus 71 (EV71) infection was found in 93.3% (56/60) cases, the deceased cases often died of pulmonary hemorrhage (42.9%, 21/49) and encephalitis (34.7%, 17/49). The sanitary conditions of the cases' family were poor (65.5%, 36/55), but 73.3% (33/45) cases had no exposure history.

CONCLUSIONThe HFMD deceased cases were mostly younger aged boys, scattered children, nonlocal-residents, and had poor sanitation. They were often infected with EV71, had high fever but had no typical rash, no clear exposure history, they had increased leukocyte, and were often misdiagnosed. Three or 4 days after onset, the disease deteriorated abruptly, most cases died within 1 week after onset. To decrease the HFMD mortality, early detection of severe cases should be stressed, and relative measures should be taken. The guardian should be aware of having good sanitary situation and healthy habits.

Animals ; Child, Preschool ; China ; epidemiology ; Disease Outbreaks ; Enterovirus A, Human ; isolation & purification ; Feces ; virology ; Female ; Fever ; etiology ; pathology ; Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease ; epidemiology ; mortality ; pathology ; Humans ; Infant ; Male ; Retrospective Studies ; Sex Distribution

OBJECTIVEThis study was aimed to investigate the diagnostic value of combined determination of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) antibodies for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), including immunoglobulin (Ig) A against EBV capsid antigens (VCA), IgA against early antigens (EA), IgG against BRLF1 transcription activator (Rta) and IgA against EBV nuclear antigen-1 (EBNA1), assessed with receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve based on logistic regression.

METHODSSerum samples derived from 211 untreated patients with NPC and 203 non-NPC ENT patients were examined for the presence of VCA/IgA and EA/IgA by immunoenzymatic assay, Rta/IgG and EBNA1/IgA by enzyme-linked immnunosorbent assay (ELISA). The different Logistic regression models were established for various combined determinations of antibodies, respectively. Using the predicted probability as the analyzed variable, ROC curve was applied to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of different combined determinations.

RESULTSThe sensitivity of VCA/IgA (98.1%) and the specificity of EA/IgA (98.5%) were the highest while detecting solely. The results which were analyzed by ROC curve based on Logistic regression showed that the sensitivity and specificity were improved. In two-marker combinations, VCA/IgA + Rta/IgG whose area under ROC curve (AUC) was 0.991 had the highest diagnostic accuracy, and its sensitivity, specificity and Youden index were 94.8%, 98.0% and 0.928 respectively. No significant difference of AUC were found comparing VCA/IgA + Rta/IgG with VCA/IgA + Rta/IgG + EBNA1/IgA and four-marker combination( P > 0.05), of which sensitivity, specificity and Youden index were 94.8%, 98.5%, 0.933 and 96.7%, 97.0%, 0.937, respectively.

CONCLUSIONThe approach of ROC curve based on Logistic regression can improve synthetic efficiency for combined determination of multiple markers. The combined determination of VCA/IgA and Rta/IgG with a complementary effect is optimal for NPC serodiagnosis.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Antibodies, Viral ; blood ; immunology ; Carcinoma ; diagnosis ; immunology ; virology ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; methods ; standards ; Female ; Herpesvirus 4, Human ; immunology ; Humans ; Logistic Models ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms ; diagnosis ; immunology ; virology ; Viral Proteins ; immunology ; Young Adult