Chinese herbal pieces are a key factor to protecting the quality of the clinical efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), and it is one of the basic elements of ensuring the quality of TCM and people's usage safety. However, Chinese herbal pieces has massive problem such as adulteration and counterfeit, dyeing and weighting, pesticide residues, heavy metals in excess of the standards, and all the issues are repeated excessive in the clinic treatment. These issues impacted sound development of production, management and use of TCM, but also brings common people hidden trouble for the clinical safety of medication. Protect and improve the quality of the Chinese herbal pieces demand that continue improve quality system, in-depth scientific research, and strengthen self-discipline and other factors. So it is fundamentally to ensure good quality of Chinese herbal pieces with the color, taste and shape by systematic supervision to it from the source, production, management and research, with strengthened implementation and en- forcement of the "3G".
Drug Contamination ; prevention & control ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; adverse effects ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; adverse effects ; Total Quality Management ; methods

Objective To study the effect of ultrashortwave irradiation and chest-wall vibration therapy on serum eosinophil cationic protein(ECP)and percentage of eosinophil(EOS%)in the sputum of children with mild to moderate asthma. Methods A total of 68 children with asthma were divided into a control group and a treatment group.The control group WaS treated with conventional treatment only,while the treatment group was given ultrashortwave irradiation and chest-wall vibration therapy in addition to the conventional treatment.The serum ECP,EOS% in induced sputum,FEV1.0%,and PEF% were measured before and after treatment.The relationships among ECP,EOS%,FEV1.0% and PEF% were analyzed.Results FEV1.0% and PEF% were negatively correlated with serum ECP and EOS% in children with asthma.Compared with the control group,ECP and EOS% were significantly reduced after treatment,while FEV1.0% and PEF% were significantly elevated. Conclusion Uhrashortwave irradiation and chest-wall vibration therapy can improve ventilation by ameliorating airway inflammation and obstruction.

A quantitative analysis method of multi-components with a single marker (QAMS) for simultaneous determination of six marker compounds (one from phenolic acids and five from phthalides) in Chuanxiong Rhizoma was established by applying HPLC and using butylidenephthalide as the internal reference substance. And also the feasibility and accuracy of the established method for quality evaluation and application of Chuanxiong Rhizoma were investigated and validated. The analysis was performed with the mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile - 0.2% aqueous formic acid. The flow rate was 1.0 mL . min-1 and the column temperature was maintained at 30 °C. The detection wavelengths were set at 252 nm (for ferulic acid, Z-ligustilide, and butylidenephthalide) and 266 nm (for senkyunolide I, senkyunolide A, and coniferyl ferulate), separately, and 20 µL was injected for analysis with gradient elution. The results showed that there were no significant differences observed between the HPLC-QAMS method and the external standard method (RSD <5%). The relative correction factors were credible (RSD < 5%) in changed chromatographic conditions. The established HPLC-QAMS method can be accurately used for simultaneously evaluating and controlling the quality of Chuanxiong Rhizoma with multi-components.
4-Butyrolactone ; analogs & derivatives ; Acetonitriles ; Benzofurans ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; Coumaric Acids ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; analysis ; standards ; Hydroxybenzoates ; Quality Control ; Rhizome ; chemistry

Objective　To study the similarities and differences on in vitro replication and expression of hepatitis C virus (HCV) between human fetal hepatocytes (HFH) and 7721 cell line. Methods　Human fetal hepatocytes and a hepatoma cell line 7721 were incubated with a serum from hepatitis C patient. After incubation, the presence of HCV RNA, the expression of HCV NS3 antigens in cells and/or supernatant were examined by RT-PCR, in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry, respectively. Results　It was found that: ①The intracellular HCV RNA was first detected on d 2～3 post-incubation and then could be intermittently detected in cells and/or supernatant subsequently (HCV RNA could be detected in 7721 cells during a period of at least 66 days. In HFH, HCV RNA could be detected up to 25 days after incubation); ②HCV-NS3 antigen could be expressed in infected cells; ③Minus-strand RNA of HCV was mainly located within cytoplasm by in situ hybridization. Conclusion　The results suggest that both the fetal hpatocytes and the hepatoma cell line 7721 are susceptible to HCV, and especially 7721 cell line can stably support HCV replication in vitro and may be used as the target cell for long-term cultures of HCV.

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the estrogenic activity of several kinds of Chinese herbal medicines.

METHODUse zoopery and reporter gene technique to study the estrogenic activity of five Chinese herbal medicines. Zoopery: weanling female Kunming mice weight 9-12 g were administrated botanical extracts of Selaginella tamariscina, Pinus Massoniana, Corallodiscus flabellate, Dryopteris sublaeta and Leonurus heterophyllus, the positive control group with Nilestriol tablets and control group with water, respectiely. On the eighth day, the animals were sacrificed and the uteri were separated solely and weighed. Reporter gene technique: Induce the expression of reporter gene controlled by ERE and measure the activity of luciferase on cell's clear supernatant.

RESULTThe botanical extracts of S. tamariscina can increase weights of mice (P < 0.01); In the expression of reporter gene controlled by ERE, Either ERalpha or ERbeta's has estrogenic activity (P < 0.01). Follow in the zoopery we find the water part and the n-butanol part of S. tamariscina are the two active parts.

CONCLUSIONS. tamariscina and it's water part and n-butanol part have estrogenic activities, effect on ERbeta is greater than ERalpha.

Animals ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Estrogen Receptor alpha ; metabolism ; Estrogen Receptor beta ; metabolism ; Female ; Leonurus ; chemistry ; Mice ; Organ Size ; drug effects ; Phytoestrogens ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Pinus ; chemistry ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; Selaginellaceae ; chemistry ; Uterus ; anatomy & histology

OBJECTIVETo assess the effect of RNA interference-mediated gene silencing of plasma membrane-related Ca(2+)-ATPase-1 (PMR1) gene on the insulin secretion in islet beta cells NIT-1 in vitro.

METHODSA small interfering RNA duplex (siPMR1) corresponding to the nucleotides 337-357 of mouse PMR1 cDNA was introduced into NIT-1 cells via liposomes. The gene silencing effect was assessed by RT-PCR, and the total insulin level in the transfected cells was measured by radioimmunoassay.

RESULTSTransfection with siPMR1 resulted in obviously reduced PMR1 expression and increased insulin secretion in NIT-1 cells.

CONCLUSIONThe synthesized siPMR1 can significantly silence the expression of PMR1 and promote the secretion of insulin in the islet cells in vitro, which shed light on further studies of RNAi-based therapy of diabetes.

Animals ; Calcium-Transporting ATPases ; deficiency ; genetics ; Cell Line ; Gene Expression Regulation ; Insulin ; secretion ; Insulin-Secreting Cells ; metabolism ; secretion ; Mice ; RNA Interference ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo analyze the Millard II technique for correcting secondary deformities of unilateral cleft lip.

METHODSThe Millard II technique was used to correct secondary deformities of unilateral cleft lip in 42 patients from March of 2003 to September of 2004. Dissection was made between the alar cartilage and skin, and the alar cartilage was suspended.

RESULTSThe postoperative follow-ups with 3 approximately 6 months revealed good results of the symmetrical nostrils and philtrums, prolonged columella nasi, good-shaped cupid's bow, and invisible scar.

CONCLUSIONSThe Millard II technique could be an ideal method to correct secondary deformities of unilateral cleft lip. Releasing and suspending alar cartilage spontaneously at the same time can correct nasal deformity adequately.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Cleft Lip ; etiology ; surgery ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Nose ; abnormalities ; Nose Deformities, Acquired ; surgery ; Postoperative Complications ; surgery ; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures ; methods ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo investigate the clinical characteristics, diagnosis and therapeutic strategies of congenital absence of the vas deferens (CAVD).

METHODSWe summarized the clinical data of 81 cases of CAVD and investigated clinical features, diagnosis and management of the disease.

RESULTSSeventy-nine cases of infertility were diagnosed as CAVD at the clinic, and 2 were diagnosed during surgical exploration. The population consisted of 40 cases of congenital bilateral absence of the vas deferens (CBAVD), 25 cases of congenital unilateral absence of the vas deferens (CUAVD), and 16 cases of segmental agenesis of the vas deferens. Seventy-four spouses received the treatment of assisted reproductive techniques, including intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) in 12 cases, and 4 of them achieved pregnancy.

CONCLUSIONCAVD frequently presents with infertility. CBAVD may manifest as obstructive azoospermia, and CUAVD and segmental vasal agenesis as oligospermia, asthenospermia, or obstructive azoospermia. CAVD is usually not difficult to diagnose, but may be missed due to careless examination. Assisted reproductive technology (ART) plays a key role in the management of CAVD.

Adult ; Aged ; Humans ; Infertility, Male ; diagnosis ; etiology ; therapy ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Reproductive Techniques, Assisted ; Urogenital Abnormalities ; complications ; diagnosis ; therapy ; Vas Deferens ; abnormalities

AIMTo assess the effects of the alpha-glucosidase inhibitor Sangzhi (Ramulus mori, SZ) on the relief of diabetic symptoms of hyperglycemia and the prevention of its late complications in alloxan diabetic rats with high-calorie chow.

METHODSThe aqueous extract of Sangzhi was given orally to alloxan diabetic rats for 15 days. The hyperglycemic symptoms were observed. The blood glucose, lipid levels and the nephrotic representations were measured.

RESULTSWhen alloxan diabetic rats on high-calorie chow were treated with SZ, the hyperglycemic symptoms were improved, the blood lipid levels were improved, the ratio of kidney over body weight and the blood N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) activity were lowered. The degree of renal pathological changes was significantly reduced.

CONCLUSIONSZ may be useful for treating diabetes and its complications.

Acetylglucosaminidase ; blood ; Animals ; Blood Glucose ; metabolism ; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental ; complications ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; Diabetic Nephropathies ; etiology ; metabolism ; prevention & control ; Disease Models, Animal ; Enzyme Inhibitors ; therapeutic use ; Glycoside Hydrolase Inhibitors ; Hypoglycemic Agents ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Kidney ; pathology ; Male ; Morus ; chemistry ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Triglycerides ; blood ; alpha-Glucosidases ; isolation & purification

Objective To observe the effects of Qingyuan Shenghua Decoction on cardiovascular indexes and illness severity in sepsis patients after severe bone trauma. Methods Forty-eight sepsis patients after severe bone trauma were randomly divided into control group(22 cases)and treatment group(26 cases). The two groups were given routine treatment of western medicine according to International Guidelines for Management of Severe Sepsis and Septic Shock (2012). Additionally,the treatment group was treated with oral use or intranasal use of Qingyuan Shenghua Decoction, a herbal medicine recipe mainly composed of Radix Astragali, Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae,Radix Angelicae Sinensis,Radix Paeoniae Rubra,Radix et Rhizoma Rhei,Rhizoma Curcumae, and Flos Carthami. Before and after treatment,we observed the mean arterial pressure(MAP),central venous pressure(CVP), heart rate(HR), arterial blood lactic acid(Lac), central venous blood oxygen saturation (ScvO2),central venous-arterial blood carbon dioxide partial pressure difference (Pcv-aCO2),acute physiology and chronic health evaluation system Ⅱ(APACHE Ⅱ) scores , sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) scores, and oxygenation index (PaO2/ FiO2) of the two groups. Results With the prolongation of medication time,MAP,CVP,ScvO2,and Pcv-aCO2 of the two groups were increased gradually,and HR and Lac were decreased gradually (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01 compared with those before treatment) . Compared to the control group at the same time period, the treatment group had higher MAP, ScvO2, Pcv-aCO2 and PaO2/FiO2, and had lower HR, Lac, APACHEⅡ scores and SOFA scores 7 days after treatment, the difference being significant(P < 0.05). Conclusion Qingyuan Shenghua Decoction is effective on improving the abnormal hemodynamics and microcirculation, enhancing the efficient utilization of oxygen, protecting the function of multiple viscera,and alleviating the severity of disease in sepsis patients after severe bone trauma.