OBJECTIVE:To optimize the toxicity attenuation processing technology of Amorphophallus sinensis Belval.. METH-ODS:With the overall score of taste stimulation and rabbit eye irritation of A. sinensis Belval. as the index,and based on the sin-gle factor method,orthogonal test was designed to investigate the the influences of the amount of saturated calcium hydroxide solu-tion,heating time and heating temperature on the processing effect,and verification tests as well as irratation comparison before and after processing were conducted. RESULTS:The amount of saturated calcium hydroxide solution and heating temperature had significant influence on the processing effect. The optimal processing technology was to add saturated calcium hydroxide solution 30 times as much as the amount of medicinal materials at 100 ℃ and heat it for 30 min. The verification tests showed overall scores of 8.05,8.44 and 8.37(RSD=2.5%,n=3). The average overall scores before and after processing were 0.12 and 8.54(n=10)re-spectively. CONCLUSIONS:The medicinal materials processed by the optimal technology have lower stimulation and irritation. The optimal technology is stable and reliable.

OBJECTIVETo verify the regulatory effects of acupuncture on exercise tolerance in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) at stable phase.

METHODSThirty cases of COPD were randomly divided into a treatment group (16 cases) and a placebo group (14 cases). Based on specified aerobic exercise, acupuncture was applied in the treatment group and placebo acupuncture was used in the placebo group. The acupoints included Danzhong (CV 17), Rugen (ST 18), Guanyuan (CV 4), Zhongwan (CV 12), Tianshu (ST 25) and so on. The needle did not penetrate into the skin for the placebo group. The treatment was required for 2 to 3 times per week for totally 5 weeks. The indices of exercise tolerance, including 6-min walking distance (6-MWD), exercise time, maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max) forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1)/forced vital capacity (FVC), maximum ventilatory volume (MVV), St. George respiratory questionnaire (SGRQ) were observed in two groups before and after treatment.

RESULTS(1) Exercise tolerance: the differences of 6-MWD and exercise time were statistically significant between groups, which were more superior in the treatment group (both P<0.01); the VO2max was significantly increased after treatment in the treatment group (P<0.05), but there was no difference between two groups (P>0.05). (2) Pulmonary ventilation function: the differences of FEV1%, FEV1/FVC and MVV% were statistically significant between groups, which were more superior in the treatment group (P<0.05, P<0.01); (3) SGRQ: the SGRQ was significantly improved after treatment in the treatment group (P<0.05), but there was no difference between two groups (P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe acupuncture could improve the exercise tolerance in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease at stable phase, and shorten the onset time of aerobic exercise. Besides, acupuncture combined with aerobic exercise could effectively improve the pulmonary function.

Acupuncture Points ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Aged ; Exercise Tolerance ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive ; physiopathology ; therapy

Objective To explore the changes on autonomic nervous function of the patients with different Traditional Chinese medicine syndrome types.Methods The cases of anxiety or depressive diseases were divided into different types according to traditional Chinese medicine syndrome types,and then heart rate variability(HRV) were tested and compared with normal controls.Results Indicators of time or frequency of heart rate variability(HRV) in anxiety or depressive disease patients with Gan-Yu-Tan-Zu Zheng or Xin-Pi-Liang-Xu Zheng or Gan-Yu-Qi-Zhi Zheng were lower than those of controls group,especially in parasympathetic nervous.The abever disorders of the patients with Gan-Yu-Tan-Zu Zheng or Gan-Yu-Qi-Zhi Zheng was more significant than those in patients with Xin-Pi-Liang-Xu Zheng.Conclusions The autonomic nervous function of anxiety or depressive diseases with Gan-Yu-Tan-Zu Zheng or Xin-Pi-Liang-Xu Zheng or Gan-Yu-Qi-Zhi Zheng is disordered and their HRV of was lower than that of control(P

OBJECTIVE: To construct a biomimetic delivery system (U251/MSN-DOX), and assess its application of glioma targeted therapy. METHODS: U251 cell membrane was coated on the surface of mesoporous silica nanoparticles(MSN) by co-extrusion to prepare cell membrane biomimetic nanoparticles U251/MSN-DOX. The particle size, potential and morphology were characterized. The physical characteristics, loading content (LC) and encapsulation efficiency (EE) of these nanoparticles were determined. Their toxicity of normal cells was investigated. Their cellular uptake of different formulations in U251 was studied by flow cytometry and fluorescence confocal microscope. Additionally, we assessed the transmembrane transport efficiency of nanoparticles via in vitro BBB. RESULTS: The cell membrane-coated nanoparticles U251/MSN were spherical, and a distinct "core-shell" structure could be observed. The particle size was (135.70±3.85) nm, the LC was (18.57±2.17)%, and the EE was (64.99±2.52)%. The cell experiment showed that U251/MSN had low cytotoxicity and U251/MSN-DOX exhibited stronger cellular uptake ability and BBB transporting efficiency. CONCLUSION: The glioma cell membrane can be coated on the surface of MSN to construct biomimetic nanoparticles U251/MSN. The biomimetic nanoparticles not only are capable of targeting the homologous tumor cells, but also show the enhanced ability to penetrate BBB, which indicate potential applications in the field of tumor targeted drug delivery especially in brain tumor.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the incidence of testicular appendages, observe their morphology, and analyze their histopathological origins.

METHODSWe observed 67 testes in 54 patients (15 children and 39 adults) undergoing scrotal surgery, investigated the incidence of testicular appendages, and identified their histopathological origins. We used the Chi-square test to compare the findings from the children and adult patients, with P < 0.05 as statistically significant.

RESULTSThe detection rates of the appendix testis, appendix epididymis, paradidymis, vas aberrans superior, and vas aberrans inferior were 80.6% (54/67), 23.9% (16/67), 1.5% (1/67), 3.0% (2/67), and 1.5% (1/67), respectively. The incidence of testicular appendages was higher in children than in adults (93.3% vs 80.8%), but with no statistically significant difference (Chi2 = 1.339, P > 0.05), and that of the appendix testis and epididymis with pedicles was significantly higher in the former than in the latter (82.4% vs 54.7%, chi2 = 4.149, P < 0.05). Pathological examination showed that the appendix testis originated from the paramesonephric duct, while the appendix epididymis, paradidymis, vas aberrans superior, and vas aberrans inferior from the mesonephric duct.

CONCLUSIONTesticular appendages consist of five embryonic remnants, including appendix testis, appendix epididymis, paradidymis, vas aberrans superior, and vas aber- rans inferior. The appendix testis originates from the paramesonephric duct, and the other four from the mesonephric duct. The clinical implication of these testicular appendages is their tendency to torsion.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Epididymis ; pathology ; Humans ; Infant ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Testis ; pathology ; Young Adult

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: There is growing interest in herbal medicines for managing age-related diseases, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson’s. Safflower seeds (Carthamus tinctorius L. seeds, CTS) and dandelions (Taraxacum coreanum, TC) are widely used to treat bone- or inflammation-related diseases in Oriental countries. This study investigated the protective effect of the CTS–TC combination on scopolamine (Sco)-induced memory deficits through inflammatory response and cholinergic function. Moreover, marker components such as serotonin, N-(p-coumaroyl) serotonin, N-feruloylserotonin, chlorogenic acid, and chicoric acid in the CTS–TC combination were analyzed for their potential benefits on memory function.MATERIALS/METHODS: Water extracts of CTS, TC, and the CTS–TC combination at various ratios (4:1, 1:1, and 1:4) (100 mg/kg) were orally administered to mice for 14 days. Sco (1 mg/kg) was intraperitoneally injected into the mice before each behavioral test. T-maze and novel object recognition tests were conducted to monitor behavioral changes after the treatment.Western blotting was performed to detect protein expression. In addition, the presence of 5 biomarkers, serotonin, N-(p-coumaroyl) serotonin, N-feruloylserotonin, chlorogenic acid, and chicoric acid, was analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). RESULTS: Behavioral tests showed that the CTS–TC combination enhanced memory function in Sco-injected mice. Inflammation-related proteins (inducible nitric oxide synthase, cyclooxygenase-2, and glial fibrillary acidic protein) were downregulated after treatment with the CTS–TC combination. The acetylcholinesterase protein expression was also downregulated.HPLC analysis revealed that N-feruloylserotonin and chicoric acid were the predominant components, followed by N-(p-coumaroyl) serotonin, chlorogenic acid, and serotonin. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that the CTS–TC combination protects against Sco-induced memory deficits by inhibiting inflammatory responses and cholinergic dysfunction. N-feruloylserotonin and chicoric acid, along with N-(p-coumaroyl) serotonin, chlorogenic acid, and serotonin, might be biomarkers for the CTS–TC combination, and their effects on memory protection warrant further study.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: There is growing interest in herbal medicines for managing age-related diseases, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson’s. Safflower seeds (Carthamus tinctorius L. seeds, CTS) and dandelions (Taraxacum coreanum, TC) are widely used to treat bone- or inflammation-related diseases in Oriental countries. This study investigated the protective effect of the CTS–TC combination on scopolamine (Sco)-induced memory deficits through inflammatory response and cholinergic function. Moreover, marker components such as serotonin, N-(p-coumaroyl) serotonin, N-feruloylserotonin, chlorogenic acid, and chicoric acid in the CTS–TC combination were analyzed for their potential benefits on memory function.MATERIALS/METHODS: Water extracts of CTS, TC, and the CTS–TC combination at various ratios (4:1, 1:1, and 1:4) (100 mg/kg) were orally administered to mice for 14 days. Sco (1 mg/kg) was intraperitoneally injected into the mice before each behavioral test. T-maze and novel object recognition tests were conducted to monitor behavioral changes after the treatment.Western blotting was performed to detect protein expression. In addition, the presence of 5 biomarkers, serotonin, N-(p-coumaroyl) serotonin, N-feruloylserotonin, chlorogenic acid, and chicoric acid, was analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). RESULTS: Behavioral tests showed that the CTS–TC combination enhanced memory function in Sco-injected mice. Inflammation-related proteins (inducible nitric oxide synthase, cyclooxygenase-2, and glial fibrillary acidic protein) were downregulated after treatment with the CTS–TC combination. The acetylcholinesterase protein expression was also downregulated.HPLC analysis revealed that N-feruloylserotonin and chicoric acid were the predominant components, followed by N-(p-coumaroyl) serotonin, chlorogenic acid, and serotonin. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that the CTS–TC combination protects against Sco-induced memory deficits by inhibiting inflammatory responses and cholinergic dysfunction. N-feruloylserotonin and chicoric acid, along with N-(p-coumaroyl) serotonin, chlorogenic acid, and serotonin, might be biomarkers for the CTS–TC combination, and their effects on memory protection warrant further study.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: There is growing interest in herbal medicines for managing age-related diseases, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson’s. Safflower seeds (Carthamus tinctorius L. seeds, CTS) and dandelions (Taraxacum coreanum, TC) are widely used to treat bone- or inflammation-related diseases in Oriental countries. This study investigated the protective effect of the CTS–TC combination on scopolamine (Sco)-induced memory deficits through inflammatory response and cholinergic function. Moreover, marker components such as serotonin, N-(p-coumaroyl) serotonin, N-feruloylserotonin, chlorogenic acid, and chicoric acid in the CTS–TC combination were analyzed for their potential benefits on memory function.MATERIALS/METHODS: Water extracts of CTS, TC, and the CTS–TC combination at various ratios (4:1, 1:1, and 1:4) (100 mg/kg) were orally administered to mice for 14 days. Sco (1 mg/kg) was intraperitoneally injected into the mice before each behavioral test. T-maze and novel object recognition tests were conducted to monitor behavioral changes after the treatment.Western blotting was performed to detect protein expression. In addition, the presence of 5 biomarkers, serotonin, N-(p-coumaroyl) serotonin, N-feruloylserotonin, chlorogenic acid, and chicoric acid, was analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). RESULTS: Behavioral tests showed that the CTS–TC combination enhanced memory function in Sco-injected mice. Inflammation-related proteins (inducible nitric oxide synthase, cyclooxygenase-2, and glial fibrillary acidic protein) were downregulated after treatment with the CTS–TC combination. The acetylcholinesterase protein expression was also downregulated.HPLC analysis revealed that N-feruloylserotonin and chicoric acid were the predominant components, followed by N-(p-coumaroyl) serotonin, chlorogenic acid, and serotonin. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that the CTS–TC combination protects against Sco-induced memory deficits by inhibiting inflammatory responses and cholinergic dysfunction. N-feruloylserotonin and chicoric acid, along with N-(p-coumaroyl) serotonin, chlorogenic acid, and serotonin, might be biomarkers for the CTS–TC combination, and their effects on memory protection warrant further study.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: There is growing interest in herbal medicines for managing age-related diseases, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson’s. Safflower seeds (Carthamus tinctorius L. seeds, CTS) and dandelions (Taraxacum coreanum, TC) are widely used to treat bone- or inflammation-related diseases in Oriental countries. This study investigated the protective effect of the CTS–TC combination on scopolamine (Sco)-induced memory deficits through inflammatory response and cholinergic function. Moreover, marker components such as serotonin, N-(p-coumaroyl) serotonin, N-feruloylserotonin, chlorogenic acid, and chicoric acid in the CTS–TC combination were analyzed for their potential benefits on memory function.MATERIALS/METHODS: Water extracts of CTS, TC, and the CTS–TC combination at various ratios (4:1, 1:1, and 1:4) (100 mg/kg) were orally administered to mice for 14 days. Sco (1 mg/kg) was intraperitoneally injected into the mice before each behavioral test. T-maze and novel object recognition tests were conducted to monitor behavioral changes after the treatment.Western blotting was performed to detect protein expression. In addition, the presence of 5 biomarkers, serotonin, N-(p-coumaroyl) serotonin, N-feruloylserotonin, chlorogenic acid, and chicoric acid, was analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). RESULTS: Behavioral tests showed that the CTS–TC combination enhanced memory function in Sco-injected mice. Inflammation-related proteins (inducible nitric oxide synthase, cyclooxygenase-2, and glial fibrillary acidic protein) were downregulated after treatment with the CTS–TC combination. The acetylcholinesterase protein expression was also downregulated.HPLC analysis revealed that N-feruloylserotonin and chicoric acid were the predominant components, followed by N-(p-coumaroyl) serotonin, chlorogenic acid, and serotonin. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that the CTS–TC combination protects against Sco-induced memory deficits by inhibiting inflammatory responses and cholinergic dysfunction. N-feruloylserotonin and chicoric acid, along with N-(p-coumaroyl) serotonin, chlorogenic acid, and serotonin, might be biomarkers for the CTS–TC combination, and their effects on memory protection warrant further study.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the level of occupational exposure to 5-fluorouracil (5-Fu) in the pharmacy intravenous admixture service (PIVAS) of a hospital, and identify the sources of 5-Fu contamination.

METHODSThe 5-Fu concentrations in air, on the surface of different areas in PIVAS and personal protective equipments were detected using UV-vis spectrophotometry.

RESULTSThe 5-Fu in air could not be detected. The 5-Fu concentrations on five different surfaces of biological safety cabinets were (22.00 +/- 6.35), (13.99 +/- 2.46), (14.13 +/- 0.72), (7.25 +/- 1.19) and (9.87 +/- 1.23) ng/cm2, respectively, which were significantly higher than those [(3.14 +/- 0.04), (5.43 +/- 0.65), (2.26 +/- 0.17), (2.26 +/- 0.17) and (3.63 +/- 0.46) ng/cm2] of corresponding controls (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). The 5-Fu concentrations of the floor under cabinets [(18.19 +/- 5.22) ng/cm2], the floor in front of cabinets [(10.25 +/- 2.57)ng/cm2], the office floor [(11.64 +/- 2.53) ng/cm2], the terrace floor [(99.89 +/- 14.06 ) ng/cm2], the floor beside trash can in dressing room [(24.54 +/- 0.23) ng/cm2] were significantly higher than those of control [(3.36 +/- 0.11 ) ng/cm2] (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). The 5-Fu concentrations of the tables in preparation room [(7.22 +/- l.04) ng/cm2] and the tables in office [(11.81 +/- 1.18) ng/cm2] were significantly higher than those of control [(5.56 +/- 0.14) ng/cm2] (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). The 5-Fu concentrations of the indoor handle in preparation room were significantly higher than those of controls (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). 5-Fu concentrations on the surfaces of outdoor handle and floor beside door in preparation room were not significantly increased compared with controls (P > 0.05). The 5-Fu concentrations on the surfaces of infusion bags, transfer box, transfer trays were significantly higher than those of controls (P < 0.05). The differences of 5-Fu concentrations between outer and inner masks and controls were not significant (P > 0.05). The 5-Fu concentrations of gloves of preparing and checking staffs were significantly higher than those of controls (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONThe preparing and checking process of 5-Fu and the treatment of medical wastes are major sources of 5-Fu contamination.

Antineoplastic Agents ; analysis ; Drug Administration Routes ; Fluorouracil ; analysis ; Humans ; Occupational Exposure ; Pharmacy Service, Hospital