One of the causes of the high cost of pharmaceuticals and the major obstacles to rapidly assessing the bioavailability and risk of a chemical is the lack of experimental model systems. A new pre-treatment technology, in vitro bionic digestion was designed for metal analysis in Lianhua Qingwen capsule. The capsule was digested on 37 degrees C under the acidity of the stomach or intestine, and with the inorganic and organic compounds (including digestive enzymes) found in the stomach or intestine, and then the chyme was obtained. Being similar to the biomembrane between the gastrointestinal tract and blood vessels, monolayer liposome was used as biomembrane model Affinity-monolayer liposome metals (AMLMs) and water-soluble metals were used for metal speciation analysis in the capsule. Based on the concentration of AMLMs, the main absorption site of trace metals was proposed. The metal total contents or the concentration of AMLMs in the capsule were compared to the nutritional requirements, daily permissible dose and heavy metal total contents from the "import and export of medicinal plants and preparation of green industry state standards". The metal concentrations in the capsule were within the safety baseline levels for human consumption. After in vitro bionic digestion, most of trace metals were absorbed mainly in intestine. The concentration of As, Cd, Pb was 0.38, 0.07, 1.60 mg x kg(-1), respectively, far less than the permissible dose from the "import and export of medicinal plants and preparation of green industry state standards".
Biological Availability ; Capsules ; adverse effects ; pharmacokinetics ; Digestion ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; adverse effects ; pharmacokinetics ; Humans ; Metals, Heavy ; adverse effects ; pharmacokinetics ; Models, Biological ; Stomach ; metabolism ; Trace Elements ; adverse effects ; pharmacokinetics

Benzamides ; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung ; drug therapy ; Drug Delivery Systems ; Erlotinib Hydrochloride ; Humans ; Imatinib Mesylate ; Lung Neoplasms ; drug therapy ; Piperazines ; administration & dosage ; Pyrimidines ; administration & dosage ; Quinazolines ; administration & dosage ; Receptor, Epidermal Growth Factor ; antagonists & inhibitors

OBJECTIVETo observe the effect of Ningdong Granule (NG) on serum levels of interleukin-12 (IL-12) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) of children patients with Tourette's syndrome (TS).

METHODSTotally 90 TS children patients were randomly assigned to the NG group, the NG + Tiapride group (abbreviated as the combined treatment group), and the Tiapride group, 30 in each group. Besides,another 30 healthy children were recruited as the healthy control group. Patients in the NG group were treated with NG (consisting of all gastrodia rhizome, Codonopsis pilosula, Ophiopogon japonicus, white peony root, Rhinocerotidae, oyster, earthworm, licorice root, etc.), one dose daily, administered by dissolving it in boiled water, taken in two portions in the morning and in the evening respectively. Patients in the Tiapride group took Tiapride Tablet, 50 -100 mg each time, twice daily. The dosage was adjusted according to individual difference and changes of pathogenic conditions. The maximal dosage was 300 mg per day. Those in the combined treatment group were treated with equal dose of NG and Tiapride Tablet in combination. The treatment course was 3 months for all. Changes of pathogenic condition before and after treatment were assessed by Yale global tic severity scale (YGTSS). Serum levels of IL-12 and TNF-alpha were detected by enzyme-labeled immunosorbent assay (ELISA) before and after treatment.

RESULTS(1) The total effective rate of the NG group, the combined treatment group, and the Tiapride group was 79.3%, 83.3%, and 67.9%, respectively. It was the lowest in the Tiapride group (P < 0.05). It was significantly higher in the combined treatment group than in the NG group (P < 0.05). (2) The post-treatment YGTSS score was obviously lower in each group after treatment than before treatment (P < 0.05). The posttreatment YGTSS score was obviously lower in the NG group and the combined treatment group than in the Tiapride group (P < 0.05), but with no statistical difference between the fromer two groups (P > 0.05).(3) Compared with the healthy control group before treatment, serum levels of IL-12 and TNF-alpha (pg/mL) were 124.95 +/- 22.78 and 209.52 +/- 21.69 in the NG group, 126.14 +/- 25.65 and 208.97 +/- 22.46 in the combined treatment group, 123.00 +/- 24.26 and 205.10 +/- 26.16 in the Tiapride group, being higher than those in the healthy control group (64.56 +/- 27.59 and 78.13 +/- 33.42; P < 0.05). After treatment, serum levels of of IL-12 and TNF-alpha were 104.67 +/- 16.84 and 183.01 +/- 24.95 in the NG group, 109.04 +/- 16.81 and 179.87 +/- 23.45 in the combined treatment group, significantly lower than before treatment (P < 0.05). But there was no statistical difference in serum levels of IL-12 or TNF-alpha in the Tiapride group between before treatment (123.00 +/- 24.26 and 205.10 +/- 26.16) and after treatment (117.75 +/- 16.79 and 199.76 +/- 33.21; P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONNG could modulate abnormal serum levels of IL-12 and TNF-alpha in TS children patients, which might be one of its pharmacodynamic mechanisms for treating TS.

Adolescent ; Child ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Humans ; Interleukin-12 ; blood ; Male ; Phytotherapy ; Tourette Syndrome ; blood ; drug therapy ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; blood

Objective The purpose of this study was to review all published reports on thoracic/ abdominal stent graft and investigate the incidence rates of six main adverse events(MAEs):myocardial infarction,paraplegia,renal failure,respiratory failure,stroke and all-cause mortality.Methods Electronic databases(PubMed、Embase、OVID、ProQuest、Elsevier and The Cochrane Library) were searched from inception through May 2014 to identify studies that assessed the safety of thoracic/abdominal aortic coated stents on MAEs.The incidence rates with 95％ confidence intervals(95％ CIs) were derived using a random effects model,considering the heterogeneity between the included studies.Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were applied to explore heterogeneity.Results A total of 152 studies were included in the analysis with 264 arms.For thoracic stent graft,meta-analysis yielded a combined estimated incidence rates of 12.2％,and the most common MAEs was all-cause mortality (8.1％),followed by respiratory failure (6.5 ％).For abdominal stent graft,meta-analysis yielded a combined estimated incidence rates of 4.6％,and the most common MAEs was all-cause mortality(4.0％),followed by myocardial infarction(2.1％).For thoracic and abdominal stent graft,subgroup analysis stratified by age and proportion of males indicated that middle-aged and females have a higher incidence rates of all-cause mortality.Besides,subgroup analysis stratified by follow-up time indicated that the longer follow-up time,the higher incidence rate of all-cause mortality.Conclusion The current evidence indicates that the incidence of MAEs of thoracic and abdominal stent graft is high,and we should pay more attention to the patients and follow up them as long as possible.

Objective: To study the effects of the melt casting and the sintering methods on the machinability and other characteristics of K_2O-MgO-MgF_2-SiO_2 glass-ceramics. Methods: X-ray diffraction(XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM)were used to examine the main crystal and the microstructure of the glass ceramics of the same composition which were made by melt casting and sintering methods, respectively. The transmissivity, flexural strength and brittleness index were observed respectively. Results: The glass ceramics made by two different methods have the same crystal, KMg_(2.5)Si_4O_(10)F_2, while the specimen prepared by the sintering method had lower transmissivity,better machinability and mechanical properties due to the higher mica volume percent. Conclusion; For production of fluoro-mica glass ceramics, sintering method has superiority compared to melt-casting method.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of serotonin (5-HTIA) receptors in the hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG) on active avoidance learning in rats.

METHODSTotally 36 SD rats were randomly divided into control group, antagonist group and agonist group(n = 12). Active avoidance learning ability of rats was assessed by the shuttle box. The extracellular concentrations of 5-HT in the DG during active avoidance conditioned reflex were measured by microdialysis and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) techniques. Then the antagonist (WAY-100635) or agonist (8-OH-DPAT) of the 5-HT1A receptors were microinjected into the DG region, and the active avoidance learning was measured.

RESULTS(1) During the active avoidance learning, the concentration of 5-HT in the hippocampal DG was significantly increased in the extinction but not establishment in the conditioned reflex, which reached 164.90% ± 26.07% (P <0.05) of basal level. (2) The microinjection of WAY-100635 (an antagonist of 5-HT1A receptor) into the DG did not significantly affect the active avoidance learning. (3) The microinjection of 8-OH-DPAT(an agonist of 5-HT1A receptor) into the DG significantly facilitated the establishment process and inhibited the extinction process during active avoidance conditioned reflex.

CONCLUSIONThe data suggest that activation of 5-HT1A receptors in hipocampal DG may facilitate active avoidance learning and memory in rats.

8-Hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin ; pharmacology ; Animals ; Avoidance Learning ; Dentate Gyrus ; physiology ; Piperazines ; pharmacology ; Pyridines ; pharmacology ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT1A ; physiology ; Serotonin ; physiology ; Serotonin Receptor Agonists ; pharmacology

OBJECTIVETo discuss the mechanism of superfine comminution of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) at low temperature.

METHODGlycyrrhiza uralensis roots were at room superfinely comminuted temperature and at low temperature by cryogenic vibration mill. The superfine powders were observed and analyzed by laser particle size analyzer and SEM.

RESULTThe powder processed at low temperature was of smaller effective diameter and narrower size distribution and was also with smoother surface and smaller angle of repose.

CONCLUSIONThe G. uralensis roots could be superfinely comminuted with high efficiency and simple procedure by vibration mill at low temperature.

Glycyrrhiza uralensis ; Particle Size ; Plant Roots ; Plants, Medicinal ; Powders ; Technology, Pharmaceutical ; instrumentation ; methods ; Vibration

Objective To report a case of foot hyalohyphomycosis due to Fusarium subglutinans. Methods Medical history was collected and physical examination performed for this patient.Biopsy samples were obtained from the inner side of right ankle of this patient and subjected to pathological examination. Discharge was collected from the lesions for direct microscopic examination and culture.Results A 72-year-old woman presented with an ulcer on the right foot for 3 years.Physical examination disclosed an ulcer,measuring 3 cm x 1.5 cm,with a moist surface and obvious tenderness,at the inner side of the right ankle.Proliferation of dusky-red granulomatous tissue was observed at the base of the ulcer.Pathological examination revealed necrotic granulomatous tissue and slender,septate and hyaline hypha-like structure in the superficial dermis with scattered infiltration of inflammatory cells.PAS staining showed sausage-like hypha and scattered orbicular-ovate spores.Microscopic examination of lesional discharge exhibited septate, branching and hyaline hypha.The isolated fungus was identified as Fusarium subglutinans by culture,and appeared to be highly sensitive to terbinafine,nystatin and amphotericin B.The lesion completely healed after 2 months of treatment with oral terbinafine (0.25 g,twice a day).Conclusions This is a case of foot hyalohyphomycosis due to Fusarium subglutinans,and terbinafine is effective for this condition.

OBJECTIVETo study the effects of Bushen Zhuangjin Decoction (BZD) containing serum on the apoptosis of chondrocytes induced by mechanics stimulus.

METHODSThe BZD containing serum was extracted. The chondrocyte nutritive media was divided into 3 groups, i.e., the common nutritive medium group, the blank rabbit serum medium group, and the BZD nutritive medium group. The apoptosis of chondrocytes was induced by continuing mechanics stimulus in 24 h. Then the chondrocytes were collected. The apoptosis rate of chondrocytes was determined by flow cytometry. The contents of interleukin 1beta (IL-1beta) and nitric oxide (NO) in the corresponding media were determined.

RESULTSThe apoptosis of chondrocytes in the BZD nutritive medium group (19.55 +/- 7.98)% was lower than that of the common nutritive medium group (39.32 +/- 13.45)% and the blank rabbit serum medium group (37.87 +/- 9.67)%, showing statistical difference (P < 0.05). The contents of IL-1beta and NO were also lower in the BZD nutritive medium group with statistical difference when compared with those of the other two groups (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONBZD containing serum could protect mechanics stimulus induced apoptosis of chondrocytes.

Animals ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Cartilage, Articular ; drug effects ; Cells, Cultured ; Chondrocytes ; cytology ; drug effects ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Flow Cytometry ; Interleukin-1beta ; analysis ; Nitric Oxide ; analysis ; Rabbits ; Serum

Objective To propose a new blood purification modality-hemodialysis with plasma- based dialysate (HD-PBD) plus high volume hemofiltration (HVHF) for patients with liver failure, and to evaluate the effect of this treatment on plasma cytokines.Methods Twelve patients with liver failure were included in this study.All patients received HD-PBD therapy in the first 6 hours,and then were treated with HVHF for 24 hours with the same filter (AV600).The levels of TNF-?,IL-1?, IL-6 and IL-8 in plasma before and after HD-PBD plus HVHF for 6 and 24 hours were examined respectively by ELISA,and changes of clinical parameters were observed at the same time point. Serum bilirubin,total bile acids (TBA),serum ammonia,blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine (Scr) were detected before and after treatment.Arterial blood gas analysis and the concentration of electrolytes were monitored before and after treatment.Results (1)HD-PBD for 6 hours was more effective than HVHF for 24 hours in removal of serum bilirubin and TBA(P＜0.05). (2)Serum ammonia,BUN,Ser,arterial blood HCO_3~-,PCO_2,PO_2 and electrolytes did not show significant difference before and after HD-PBD (P＞0.05),but these parameters significantly changed before and after HVHF (P＜0.05).(3)The average level of serum bilirubin was sharply decreased after HVHF for 24 h following HD-PBD(P＜0.05).(4)After HD-PBD plus HVHF,there was a marked reduction of the plasma levels of TNF-?,IL-6 and IL-8.Conclusions HD-PBD plus HVHF,a newly proposed modality for patients with liver failure,can effectively decrease serum bilirubin,TBA,BUN,Scr,ammonia and cytokines,and adjust water-electrolyte as well as acid- alkali balance.It is a low-cost,safe,simple and convenient therapy.