OBJECTIVETo compare the difference in clinical efficacy on bronchial asthma at chronic persistent stage between acupuncture for warming yang and benefiting qi and seretide.

METHODSOne hundred and eighty patients of bronchial asthma at chronic persistent stage were randomized into an acupuncture group and a western medication group, 90 cases in each one. In the acupuncture group, acupuncture for warming yang and benefiting qi was applied at Dazhui (GV 14), Feishu (BL 13), Danzhong (CV 17), Dingchuan (EX-B 1), Jianshi (PC 5), Zhigou (TE 6), Taixi (KI 3) and Zusanli (ST 36), once every two days. In the western medication group, inhalation therapy with seretide was applied, 1 to 2 inhalations each time, twice a day. The treatment for 20 days was as one session in the two groups, at the intervals of 2 days after each session. Four sessions of treatment were required. The immune function indices were observed before and after treatment in the patients of two groups, named immunoglobulin IgG, IgM and IgE; peripheral T lymphocytes (CD3+), helper T lymphocytes (CD4+), inhibitory T lymphocytes (CD8+) and the ratio of CD4+ and CD8+; as well as the pulmonary ventilation function indices, named maximum pulmonary expiratory flow (PEF), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC). The clinical efficacy was compared between the two groups.

RESULTSThe total effective rate was 93.3% (84/90) in the acupuncture group, better than 88.9% (80/90) in the western medication group (P < 0.05). After treatment, the immune function indices and pulmonary ventilation function indices were apparently improved as compared with those before treatment in the two groups (all P < 0.05). The improvements in the acupuncture group were much more significant (all P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONAcupuncture for warming yang and benefiting qi effectively controls the symptoms of bronchial asthma at chronic persistent stage and improves immune and pulmonary functions. The efficacy is better than that of seretide.

Acupuncture Points ; Acupuncture Therapy ; instrumentation ; methods ; Adolescent ; Adult ; Asthma ; immunology ; physiopathology ; therapy ; Female ; Forced Expiratory Volume ; Humans ; Immunoglobulins ; immunology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Qi ; T-Lymphocytes ; immunology ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVE:To prepare and characterize celecoxib-loaded PLGA nanoparticles. METHODS:Emulsification-solvent evaporation method was adopted to prepare celecoxib-loaded PLGA nanoparticles. With encapsulation efficiency and particle size as the indexes,Plackett-Burman design was preferred to screen the formulation and variables which had a significant effect on the property of nanoparticles. And then Box-Behnken response surface method was used to further optimize selected variables including mass concentration of PLGA,ultrasonic power and ultrasonic time,followed by verification. Malvern particle size analyzer was used to determine the particle size distribution of nanoparticles and Zeta potential of nanoparticle by the optimal formulation technol-ogy,and transmission electron microscope was used to observe the morphology of the nanoparticles,and their drug release in vitro behavior and stability(25,5 ℃)were also observed. RESULTS:The optimal formulation and technology was as follows as PLGA mass concentration of 30.0%,ultrasonic power of 180 W and ultrasonic time of 8 min. For the prepared nanoparticles,encapsula-tion efficiency and particle size were (85.7 ± 4.1)% and (226.1 ± 36.1) nm (n=3) respectively;particle size distribution was (176.2±41.2)nm,polydispersity index was 0.211±0.021,and Zeta potential was(-37.3±1.6)mV. Under the electron micro-scope,the nanoparticles were homogeneous in particle size and distributed spheroidally,with 24 h accumulative release of 52.4%. They were stable within 3 months at 5℃. CONCLUSIONS:Celecoxib-loaded PLGA nanoparticles have been prepared successfully.

Objective To compare the clinical efficacies between warm needling and Ibuprofen sustained release capsules (a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, NSAID) in treating patients with dysmenorrhea in adenomyosis. MethodSixty-five patients with dysmenorrhea induced by adenomyosis were randomized into a treatment group of 33 cases and a control group of 32 cases. The control group was intervened by oral administration of Ibuprofen sustained release capsules, while the treatment group was intervened by warm needling.The intervention lasted 3 menstrual cycles and a 3-month follow-up was studied. The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), dysmenorrhea symptoms scores and clinical efficacy were compared between the two groups.ResultThe VAS scores after the intervention and inthe first and second months of the follow-up study were significantly different from the pre-treatment score in the two groups (P<0.01); the VAS score of the 3-month follow-up was significantly different from the score before the intervention in the treatment group (P<0.01). There were significant differences in comparing the VAS score after the intervention and in the follow-up study between the two groups (P<0.01), and the treatment group was superior to the control group. The dysmenorrhea symptoms scoresdeclined significantly after the intervention and in the first and second months of the follow-up study in both groups (P<0.01); the dysmenorrhea symptoms score of the 3-month follow-up study decreased in the treatment group and was significantly different from the pre-treatment score (P<0.01). There were significant differences in comparing the dysmenorrhea symptoms scores in the second and third months of the follow-up study between the two groups (P<0.01). The total effective rate was 93.9% in the treatment group, significantly better than 62.5% in the control group (P<0.01).ConclusionWarm needling is effective in easing pain and improving the symptoms of dysmenorrhea in adenomyosis, and can produce a consistent efficacy after the termination of thetreatment; it's superior to NSAIDs in comparing both short-term and long-term treatment efficacies.

Objective:To prepare celecoxib nanostructured lipid carriers and investigate the characteristics of tissue distribution in rats. Methods:Celecoxib nanostructured lipid carriers were prepared by a melt-emulsion ultrasonication and low temperature-solidifi-cation method. The physicochemical properties of nanostructured lipid carriers were studied, such as particle size distribution, zeta po-tential and morphology. The concentration of celecoxib in different tissues was determined after tail vein injection of celecoxib nano-structured lipid carriers in rats. Results:The obtained celecoxib nanostructured lipid carriers were spherical with the average particle size of (103. 5 ± 32. 6) nm and zeta potential of ( -37. 3 ± 5. 1) mV. The re of celecoxib nanostructured lipid carriers in liver, spleen, brain and muscle respectively was 3. 43, 2. 99, 2. 38 and 2. 93 times higher than that of celecoxib injection. Conclusion:The biodistribution of celecoxib is changed by the nanostructured lipid carriers. Celecoxib nanostructured lipid carriers have the characteris-tics of liver, spleen and muscle targeting, which is benefit to improving the efficacy.

Objective:To prepare celecoxib nanosuspension ( CXB-NSs) and study the pharmacokinetics of CXB-NSs in rats. Methods:CXB-NSs were prepared by an anti-solvent precipitation and high pressure homogenization method. The particle size, polydispersion index ( PdI) and zeta potential of the nanosuspension were studied. Totally 12 Wistar rats were randomly divided into CXB-NSs group and CXB suspension group, and gastric drug dose was 100 mg·kg-1 . CXB concentration in plasma was determined by HPLC and the pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated by 3P97 software. Results: The particle size, polydispersion index, zeta potential of CXB-NSs was (442. 5 ± 61. 9) nm, 0. 312 ± 0. 057 and ( -31. 6 ± 3. 9) mV, respectively. AUC (0-t) of CXB suspension and CXB-NSs was (5.13 ±0.77) and (13.51 ±3.18) mg·L-1·h, half time (t1/2) was (12.31 ±1.91) and (12.73 ±1.83) h, Tmax was (2. 48 ± 0. 37) and (1. 41 ± 0. 27) h and Cmax was (0. 94 ± 0. 31) and (2. 38 ± 0. 25) mg·L-1 , respectively. Conclusion:CXB-NSs can remarkably increase bioavailability in rats.

OBJECTIVE To find the infla mmation bio markers induced by coke oven e missions (COE),we investigated the changes of T helper 17 (Th17 )cytokines in hu man bronchial epithelial (16HBE)cells.METHODS 16HBE cells were exposed to organic extracts of COE collected fro m co-king plant at the concentrations of 5,10 and 20 mg·L -1 for 24 h or 5 d to establish short-term and long-term cell models,respectively.Cell viability was measured by MTT assay and infla mmatory da mage was assessed by lactate dehydrogenase assay (LDH).The cytokines in culture supernatant sa mples was detected by co mmercial hu man Th17 cytokine panel kit.RESULTS COE Can induce infla mmation in COE 20 mg·L -1 group and no expression on IL-17 F and IL-1 β.The concentration of IL-10 was 1 .25 ± 0.54,1 .39 ±0.13 and (1 .90 ±0.73)pg·mL -1 in COE 5,10 and 20 mg·L -1 group showing good con-centration-effect relationship (r=0.98,P <0.05 ).IL-23 expression was found only higher at 10 and 20 mg·L -1 and the concentrations were 3.38 ±3.90 and (1 .74 ±2.00 )pg·mL -1 ,respectively.In 16HBE cells treated by COE for 5 d,elevated expression of IL-17A was found in COE 5 and 10 mg·L -1 group,and there was statistically sigificant difference between COE 10 mg·L -1 and DMSO group (P<0.05).Elevated concentration of IL-17F of 10.2 ±1 1 .78 and (6.79 ±7.84)pg·mL -1 was found in COE 5 and 10 mg·L -1 group.The concentration of IL-10 was 1 .71 ±0.02,1 .49 ±0.25 and (2.82 ± 0.33)pg·mL -1 in COE 5,10 and 20 mg·L -1 group,respectively.We found increased IL-1 βexpression with concentration of 2.72 ±0.62,2.25 ±0.33 and (0.93 ±0.21 )pg·mL -1 in COE 5,10 and 20 mg·L -1 group with negative dose-response relationship.We also found more elevated TNF-αlevels in the 5 d than in the 24 h model with no COE specific relationship.CONCLUSION COE induces expression changes of Th17 cytokines profile in 16HBE cells,including IL-23 and IL-1 βfor early and long-term infla mmation,respectively.IL-10 may be a candidate marker for population study on COE induced infla mmatory injury.

Objective To observe the effect of Motomed Gracile on spastic cerebral palsy. Methods 48 cerebral palsy children were divided into two groups: intervention group (n=24) and control group (n=24). The children in the control group accepted comprehensive rehabilitation, while the children in the intervention group were trained with Motomed Gracile in addition. They were evaluated with Ashworth Assessment and manual muscle testing (MMT) 6 months after treatment. Results The scores of intervention group improved more significantly than those in control group （P<0.05）. Conclusion Motomed Gracile can facilitate the recovery of children with spastic cerebral palsy.

Objective To explore the clinical characteristics of interrupted of the inferior vena cava with azygous continuation and the prognosis.Methods Retrospective analysis of 21 fetuses diagnosed with interrupted inferior vena cava with azygous continuation among 28 567 pregnant women who underwent routine ultrasound scan.The clinical data,ultrasonographic features,genetic information and prognosis were collected. Results Interrupted of the inferior vena cava with azygous continuation occurred in 21(0.07%, 21/28 567)of 28 567 patients.Three fetuses(14%,3/21)complicated with heart and extracardiac malformations, including endocardiac cushion defect,single atrium and single ventricle,double superior vena cava,dextrocardia, asplenia syndrome,visceral heterotaxy,duodenal atresia;six fetuses(29%,6/21)were associated with cardiac anomalies, such as hypoplastic left heart syndrome, double outlet right ventricle, pulmonary stenosis, ventricular septal defect,persistent left superior vena cava,endocardiac cushion defect and transposition of the great arteries;six cases(29%,6/21)were only combined with extracardiac malformations,includingasplenia syndrome, visceral heterotaxy, duodenal atresia. Three fetuses (14%,3/21) were nonorganic abnormalities included thickening of the right ventricle wall, fetal bradycardia, pericardial effusion, hydrops abdominis, increased peak systolic velocity/end diastolic velocity and single umbilical artery.Three fetuses(14%,3/21) were isolated interrupted inferior vena cava with azygous continuation,but without other anomalies and 2 of them had normal fetal karyotype.Five cases(24%,5/21)were successfully vaginal delivery,1 case(5%,1/21) had cesarean section. After 12-40 months follow-up, we didn′t obeserve obviously abnormality, nor any chromosomal abnormality.Ten patients(48%,10/21)opted for termination of the pregnancy and the autopsies were not done.Five cases(24%,5/21)were lost to follow up.Conclusions Interrupted inferior vena cava with azygous continuation are associated with cardiovascular and extracardiac anomalies, cardiac malformation and visceral heterotaxy are the most common anomalies. Visceral heterotaxy should be considered and fetal karyotype should be suggested. In the cases of isolated interrupted inferior vena cava with azygous continuation and normal karyotype,the outcome is favorable.

Humans ; Pregnancy ; Female ; Umbilical Cord/diagnostic imaging* ; Pregnancy Outcome ; Ultrasonography ; Ultrasonography, Prenatal

OBJECTIVETo systematically evaluate the environmental exposure information of coke oven workers, we investigated the concentration and size distribution characteristics of the particle matter (PM) in the top working area of coke oven.

METHODSThe aerodynamic particle sizer spectrometer was employed to collect the concentration and size distribution information of PM at a top working area. The PM was divided into PM ≤ 1.0 µm, 1.0 µm < PM ≤ 2.5 µm, 2.5 µm < PM ≤ 5.0 µm, 5.0 µm < PM ≤ 10.0 µm and PM>10.0 µm based on their aerodynamic diameters. The number concentration, surface area concentration, and mass concentration were analyzed between different groups. We also conducted the correlation analysis on these parameters among groups.

RESULTSWe found the number and surface area concentration of top area particulate was negatively correlated with particle size, but mass concentration curve showed bimodal type with higher point at PM = 1.0 µm and PM = 5.0 µm. The average number concentration of total particulate matter in the top working area was 661.27 number/cm³, surface area concentration was 523.92 µm²/cm³, and mass concentration was 0.12 mg/m³. The most number of particulate matter is not more than 1 µm (PM(1.0)), and its number concentration and surface area concentration accounted for 96.85% and 67.01% of the total particles respectively. In the correlation analysis, different particle size correlated with the total particulate matter differently. And the characteristic parameters of PM2.5 cannot fully reflect the total information of particles.

CONCLUSIONThe main particulate matter pollutants in the top working area of coke oven is PM1.0, and it with PM(5.0) can account for a large proportion in the mass concentration of PM. It suggest that PM1.0 and PM(5.0) should be considered for occupational health surveillance on the particulate matter in the top area of coke oven.

Air Pollutants, Occupational ; analysis ; Coke ; Humans ; Occupational Exposure ; analysis ; Particle Size ; Particulate Matter ; analysis ; Workplace