As a basic amino acid, histidine has a pK_a close to the acidity of the tumor microenvironment, thus the charge and solubility of histidine are able to vary as the pH changes. Under a neutral environment, histidine is not charged and exhibits hydrophobic properties, while it can be protonated and becomes hydrophilic when exposed to mildly acidic pH, such as tumor microenvironment. Therefore, histidine is widely used in the design of drug delivery systems to target the mildly acidic pH of tumor microenvironment. This article reviews the recent progresses of histidine-based tumor-targeting drug delivery systems, and summarizes the principles on promoting internalization and tuning drug release by taking advantage of histidine. Finally, we point out the common issues on histidine application and illustrate its future prospects.

OBJECTIVETo identify the anatomical variability of the left spermatic vein (LSV) and determine its effect on the induction of experimental left varicocele (ELV) in adolescent rats.

METHODSWe equally randomized 30 adolescent male SD rats to groups A (LSV collaterals fully ligated and the left renal vein constricted), B (only the left renal vein constricted), and C (sham operation), observed the courses of the LSVs and measured their diameters. At 30 days after operation, we analyzed the changes in the left kidneys and the diameters of the LSVs.

RESULTSIrregular collaterals were observed in 90% of the LSVs and no abnormal changes were found in the left kidneys after surgery. The postoperative LSV diameter was remarkably increased in group A as compared with the baseline ([1.47 +/- 0.15 ] vs [0.16 +/- 0.08] mm, P < 0.01), but showed no significant difference in group B ([0.31 +/- 0.49] vs [0.15 +/- 0.07] mm, P > 0.05) and C ([0.17 +/- 0.07] vs [0.16 +/- 0.06] mm, P > 0.05), and it was significantly longer in A than in B (P < 0.01). The success rate of ELV induction was 100% in group A and 10% in group B, but no varicocele was observed in group C.

CONCLUSIONCorrect identification of the anatomical course of the LSV and ligation of its irregular collaterals are essential for the establishment of a stable and consistent ELV model.

Animals ; Disease Models, Animal ; Kidney ; pathology ; Ligation ; Male ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Spermatic Cord ; blood supply ; Varicocele ; Veins ; abnormalities

PURPOSE: This study was conducted for evaluation of clinical uses of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction with an Achilles allograft using the remnant technique by comparison and analysis stability, functional assessment and results of second-look arthroscopy between the remnant technique and the non-remnanat technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 48 patients who underwent ACL reconstruction using an Achilles allograft were selected and divided into two groups depending on the presence of remnant. The preserving group included 26 patients and non-preserving group included 22 patients. The two groups were compared and analyzed with regarding to stability (Stress view Lachman test, pivot shift test), functional assessment (International Knee Documentation Committee, Lysholm score, Tegner score, single hoop test, shuttle turn, carioca test), and the result of second-look arthroscopy (study design: prosepective cohort study). RESULTS: In the final result, the remnant group showed significant improvement in the Tegner and carioca tests compared with the non-remnant group (p<0.05). In second-look arthroscopy, the remnant group showed better coverage of synovium (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: ACL reconstruction with an Achilles allograft using the remnant technique showed better results in functional assessment and finding in second-look arthroscopy compared with the non-remnant technique group.
Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction* ; Anterior Cruciate Ligament* ; Arthroscopy ; Cohort Studies ; Humans ; Knee ; Synovial Membrane ; Transplantation, Homologous*

AIMTo investigate the preparation of diclofenac sodium pulsatile release pellets (DS-PRP), the release in vitro and the pharmacokinetics of the drug.

METHODSDiclofenac sodium (DS) core pellets prepared by extrusion-spheronization technology were coated in a mini-fluidized bed spray coater with swelling material as the inner coating swelling layer and ethylcellulose aqueous dispersion as the outer coating controlled layer. The effects of formulation and medium on pulsatile release of DS were investigated under release rate test. Pharmacokinetic and bioavailability study in eight human subjects were performed by HPLC method.

RESULTSThe delayed-release time and release rate of DS from DS-PRP were influenced obviously by the swelling material, the concentration of SDS in medium, the coating level of the inner swelling layer and the outer controlled layer. In vitro, the delayed-release time T0.1 was 3.1 h, and the pulsed-release time T0.1-0.2 was 1.2 h. In vivo, the delayed-release time Tlag was 2.8 h, and the bioavailability was (91 +/- 12)%.

CONCLUSIONThe release of drug from DS-PRP was shown to be in pulsed way both in vitro and in vivo.

Adult ; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal ; administration & dosage ; pharmacokinetics ; Biological Availability ; Cellulose ; analogs & derivatives ; chemistry ; Delayed-Action Preparations ; Diclofenac ; administration & dosage ; pharmacokinetics ; Humans ; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration ; Male ; Random Allocation ; Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate ; chemistry

OBJECTIVETo investigate the safety and efficacy of close reduction and percutaneous needle fixation for the treatment of anterior dislocation of sternoclavicular joint.

METHODSA retrospective analysis was performed with 6 cases of anterior sternoclavicular dislocation by close reduction and percutaneous needle fixation with Kirschner wire treated from January 2001 to February 2009, including 5 males and 1 female aged from 19 to 45 with an average of 28.8 years old. Among the 6 cases, 4 were on right lateral and 2 were on left lateral. The time from injured to treatment was from 6 hours to 12 days (averaged 4.5 days). The clinical effects were evaluated according to Rockwood scoring and the complications were observed.

RESULTSAll 6 patients were followed-up for 3 to 13 months (averaged 6 months). According to Rockwood scoring,the preoperative score was (7.00 +/- 0.89) points, postoperative score was (13.17 +/- 1.72) points; the results showed excellent in 5 cases and good in 1 case. No local infection, postoperative pain,recurrent dislocation,broken needle, and other complications were observed in this study.

CONCLUSIONThe treatment of anterior sternoclavicular joint dislocation with Kirschner wire minimally invasive fixation is an easy, reliable fixation with less complications.

Adult ; Bone Wires ; Female ; Fracture Fixation, Internal ; methods ; Humans ; Joint Dislocations ; diagnostic imaging ; surgery ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures ; methods ; Radiography ; Sternoclavicular Joint ; injuries ; surgery

OBJECTIVETo investigate the chemical constituents of marine alga Chaetomorpha basiretorsa.

METHODCompounds were isolated by normal phase silica gel and Sephadex LH-20 gel colum chromatography, reverse phase MPLC, reverse phase HPLC and recrystallization. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods including MS, IR, NMR, and X-ray crystalography. Cytotoxicity of the compounds were screened by using standard MTT method.

RESULTNine compounds were isolated from C. basiretorsa and their structures were identified as N-phenyl-2-naphthalenamine( I ), dibutyl phthalate( II ), diisobutyl phthalate( III ), 1-phenyl-ethane-1, 2-diol( IV ), 2-hydrox-gamma-benzaldehyde( V ), diethyleneglycol monobenzoate( VI ), uracil( VII ), thymine( VIII ) and thymidine( IX ).

CONCLUSIONAll these compounds were obtained from this genus for the first time, N-phenyl-2-naphthalenamine and diethyleneglycol monobenzoate were first reported from the marine organisms. Compound I and VII showed moderate activity against KB cell(IC50 10.15 microg x mL(-1) for I and 3.79 microg x mL(-1) for VII ) and MCF-7 cell(IC50 3.24 microg x mL(-1) for VII).

1-Naphthylamine ; analogs & derivatives ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Chlorophyta ; chemistry ; Crystallization ; Humans ; KB Cells ; drug effects ; Uracil ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology

·AIM:To evaluate the efficacy of phacoemulsification and intraocular lens ( IOL ) implantation combined with goniosynechialysis in the treatment of primary chronic angle closure glaucoma.·METHODS: Eighty patients ( 96 eyes ) with primary chronic angle closure glaucoma were divided into observation group (40 cases, 46 eyes) and control group (40 cases, 50 eyes). The treatment group was treated with phacoemulsification, intraocular lens implantation and goniosynechialysis, while the control group was treated with phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation. The best corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure, visual field mean deviation (MD), mean sensitivity ( MS) and the central anterior chamber depth of the two groups before and after the surgery were compared, and the occurrence of complications in patients with postoperative were record.·RESULTS:The best corrected visual acuity, visual field, intraocular pressure and central anterior chamber depth of the two groups before operation showed no significant differences (P>0. 05). The best corrected visual acuity, visual field, intraocular pressure and central anterior chamber depth between the groups at 6mo postoperatively showed statistically significant (P<0. 05). There was no serious complications in the two groups, and the difference between the two groups showed no statistically significant (x2=0. 351, P=2. 095).· CONCLUSION: The application of the phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation combined with goniosynechialysis in the treatment of primary chronic angle closure glaucoma is more effective than the simple use of phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation.

OBJECTIVETo study the chemical constitutes of Acantophora spicifera.

METHODCompounds were isolated by normal phase silica gel and Sephadex LH-20 gel column chromatography, and reverse-phase HPLC, as well as recrystallization. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods.

RESULTSeven compounds were isolated from A. spicifera and their structures were identified as aplysin (1), loloilide (2), (R)-(-)-dehydrovomifoliol (3), uracil (4), thymine (5), 1-methoxy-4-(1-propenyl) benzene (6).

CONCLUSIONThe compounds were obtained from this genus for the first time. Compound 6 was firstly obtained from marine organisms.

Chromatography ; methods ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; methods ; Rhodophyta ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Sesquiterpenes ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Styrenes ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Thymine ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Uracil ; chemistry ; isolation & purification

OBJECTIVETo provide anatomical evidences for the morphological and histological identification of 20 medicinal species in Hypericum.

METHODMorphological and anatomical study on the organs of 20 medicinal species in Hypericum using tissue clearing, paraffin sectioning and thin sectioning.

RESULTAccording to their anatomical characteristics, the secretory structures can be divided into nodules, secretory cavities (canals) and tiny secretory tubes of 20 medicinal species in Hypericum. Hypericin was produced and stored in the nodules, while the volatile oil was produced and stored in the secretory cavities (canals) and tiny secretory tubes. The types differed markedly from each other in location, diameter and distributional density of leaf, and the anatomical structures differed from each other of stem, calyx, petal, anther and fruit among the 20 species in Hypericum.

CONCLUSIONThe secretory structures may be as anatomical evidences for the morphological and histological identification of 20 medicinal species in Hypericum.

Flowers ; anatomy & histology ; chemistry ; Fruit ; anatomy & histology ; chemistry ; Hypericum ; anatomy & histology ; chemistry ; classification ; Oils, Volatile ; analysis ; Perylene ; analogs & derivatives ; analysis ; Plant Leaves ; anatomy & histology ; chemistry ; Plant Stems ; anatomy & histology ; chemistry ; Plants, Medicinal ; anatomy & histology ; chemistry ; classification ; Species Specificity

OBJECTIVETo investigate the safety and efficacy of minimally invasive achilles tendon lengthening and system rehabilitation for the treatment of contracture of achilles tendon.

METHODSFrom January 2002 to December 2010, 27 patients (31 feet) with contracture of achilles tendon were treated with minimally invasive achilles tendon lengthening and system rehabilitation. There were 11 males and 16 females with an average age of 35.5 years (ranged 3 to 65 years). Right foot was in 13 cases, left foot was in 10 cases, both feet were in 4 cases. Course of disease was from 1 to 5 years with an average of 2.3 years. The cause of contracture included postoperative complication of tibia fractures treated with intramedullary nailing in 7 feet, sequelae of lower leg compartment syndrome in 11 feet, congenital talipes equinovarus in 13 feet (both feet in 4). Before operation, all the patients walked with limping, plantar flexion anomaly was from 15 degrees to 50 degrees with an average of 35.5 degrees. The strength of quadriceps muscle of thigh was grade V in 27 feet, grade IV in 4 feet, the strength of musculus triceps surae was grade V in 24 feet, grade IV in 7 feet.

RESULTSAll the patients were followed-up for 6-24 months with an average of 11.3 months. According to standard of Arner-Lindholm to evaluate function of ankle joint, 29 feet obtained excellent results and 2 feet good. No infection, re-rupture or re-contracture was found.

CONCLUSIONMinimally invasive achilles tendon lengthening and system rehabilitation in treating contracture of achilles tendon has advantage such as simple operation, less complication, lower recurrence rate, which is favourable for thoroughly rehabilitation of patients. But, the case in which the strength of quadriceps muscle of thigh or musculus triceps surae still less than grade III after preoperative rehabilitation care should not choose the method.

Achilles Tendon ; surgery ; Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Bone Lengthening ; methods ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Contracture ; rehabilitation ; surgery ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures ; methods