AIM: To study prescription and process of matrine controlled porosity osmotic pump tablet (matrine CPOPT) and to inspect release property in vitro. METHODS: The orthogonal experiment was designed to screen prescription and process which were definited with the evaluation of release of tablet. RESULTS: The optimization of prescription was definited: osmotic agent consisted of mannitol and lactose with a ratio of 1 ∶ 1(g/g); weight of osmotic agent was 2 fold increase of matrine; the cellulose acetate in coating liquid accounted for 15% (g/g) of PEG 400; The release behavior of matrine CPOPT was coincident with zero-order rate equation well and characteristic of controlled-release. CONCLUSION: Matrine CPOPT has good controlled-release in vitro effect and experiments for further in vivo test are available.

To investigate the cell-killing effect and its possible mechanism of rClone30-hDR5 in combination with TRAIL on human hepatic carcinoma (HCC) cell line, first of all, recombinant plasmid pee12.4-hDR5 was introduced into HepG2 cells by liposome transfection. After five rounds of screening by flow cytometry, HepG2 cells expressing high levels of DR5 on cell surface were isolated. The cytotoxicity of TRAIL to selected cells was higher than that of TRAIL to HepG2 cells by MTT method (P < 0.01). The result suggested that the cloned hDR5 gene had biological activity. MTT assay showed that, rClone30- hDR5 in combination with TRAIL more efficiently inhibited the tumor growth of HepG2 cells compared to rClone30-hDR5 or TRAIL in vitro. The results of Annexin V-FITC/PI staining and Quantitative Real-time PCR indicated that rClone30-hDR5 in combination with TRAIL significantly increased the mRNA levels of caspase 3 and caspase 8, and induced the apoptosis of tumor cells. HepG2 cells were infected with rClone30-hDR5 or rClone30 at MOI of 1. The expression of hDR5 on tumor surface increased significantly by rClone30-hDR5 compared to that by rClone30, which contributed to the sensitivity to TRAIL. In conclusion, rClone30-hDR5 in combination with TRAIL has potential application value in cancer treatment.

Four crystalline forms of clopidogrel bisulfate were characterized by analytical techniques. Aiming to research the absorption characteristics of clopidogrel bisulfate polymorphs after taken orally by rat, and to estimate the influence of crystal form to pharmacodynamic action, four crystalline forms of clopidogrel bisulfate were administered intragastrically to rats, and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to measure the contents of clopidogrel bisulfate and its metabolite in rat plasma. The metabolite of clopidogrel bisulfate was detected in rat plasma. There were significant deviations among four crystalline forms in the areas under curve of the metabolite of clopidogrel bisulfate. We concluded that the different crystal forms of clopidogrel bisulfate showed different pharmacokinetic characteristics, which might affect pharmacodynamic action.

Objective To assess the effects of health management on high-risk diabetic populations.Methods A total of 307 diabetic high-risk adults from 6 communities of Tianjin were recruited by using diabetes risk screening technology.Three-month intensive health management and nine-month follow-up were conducted in this participants.Paired t test for continuous variables and paired contingency table x2 test were used for data analysis.Results Energy intake (1989.8 vs.1766.4 kcal,t =6.84,P ＜0.05),effective exercises (120.4 vs.157.5 kcal,t =-5.00,P ＜ 0.05),body weight (73.0 vs.71.5 kg,t =6.92,P ＜0.05),systolic blood pressure (130.4 vs.124.6 mm Hg (1 mm Hg =0.133 kPa),t =8.36,P ＜0.05),diastolic blood pressure (81.8 vs.78.4 mm Hg,t =7.40,P ＜ 0.05),serum total cholesterol (5.21 vs.5.08 mmol/L,t =2.73,P ＜ 0.05),fasting plasma glucose (6.4 vs.5.8 mmol/L,t =16.37,P ＜ 0.05)and 2 h postprandial blood glucose (7.7 vs.6.9 mmol/L,t =9.67,P ＜ 0.05) were significantly improved after the intervention.Conclusions Community-based health management may provide an effective way to prevent and control the risk factors of diabetes.

BACKGROUND:Hydroxyapatite has excellent biocompatibility, but biocompatibility of nano-hydroxyapatite/TiO2 nanotube composites is rarely reported.
OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the biocompatibility of nano-hydroxyapatite/TiO2 nanotube composites.
METHODS:First, the TiO2 nanotubes were fabricated on the surface of the titanium by anodic oxidation
technique. Second, the nano-hydroxyapatite/TiO2 nanotube composites were fabricated by electrodeposition technique. The surface morphology of the composites was observed by scanning electron microscopy. Mouse osteoblasts MC-3T3-E1 were co-cultured with the nano-hydroxyapatite/TiO2 nanotube composites, TiO2 nanotubes and titanium, and commercial y pure titanium to observe the celladhesion, proliferation and necrosis on scaffolds.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The morphology of the TiO2 nanotubes and nano-hydroxyapatite/TiO2 nanotube composites could be control ed by altering the conditions of the anodic oxidation and electrodeposition. Under the inverted microscope, after 3 days of co-culture with TiO2 nanotubes and nano-hydroxyapatite/TiO2 nanotube composites, MC-3T3-E1 cells proliferated wel with regular shape and arrangement that were superior to those on commercial y pure titanium. Under scanning electron microscope, the cellwere adhered and proliferated wel on the surface of the TiO2 nanotubes and nano-hydroxyapatite/TiO2 nanotube composites after 3 days. Apoptosis rate of the cells was significantly reduced on the surface of nano-hydroxyapatite/TiO2 nanotube composites (7.8%) compared with TiO2 nanotubes (9.4%) and commercial y pure titanium (13.5%), indicating nano-hydroxyapatite/TiO2 nanotube composites have good biocompatibility.

Objective To assess the role of health education in outcomes of diabetes mellitus among high-risk populations.Methods The community physicians who participated this investigation received standardized training,and 307 community residents at high risk of developing diabetes obtained three-month intense health education and nine-month follow-up study.Paired t-test,and Analysis of Variance were used for data analysis.Results After systematic health education,professional level of community physicians was improved.Cognitive level of health knowledge was also significantly improved (5.5 vs 12.6,t=-28.511,P＜0.05).In addition,health knowledge of variant age (F=4.036,P＜0.05),education level (F=15.27,P＜0.05) and occupation (F=9.80,P＜0.05) subgroups was significantly increased.In comparison with baselines,the scores of each age subgroups (F=0.204,P＞0.05) showed no significant differences,although scores of different education level (F=4.71,P＜0.05) and occupation (F=4.87,P＜0.05) subgroups were significantly different.The risk factors of diabetes were effectively controlled.Conclusions Health education should be the key to health management of diabetes,which plays important roles in improving cognitive level of health knowledge among populations at high risk of developing diabetes and reducing the incidence of this condition.

Objective To measure the normal sagittal and coronal diameters of thumb and great toe distal phalanx bottom by ultrasonography. Methods One hundred and twenty volunteers' sagittal and coronal diameters of thumb and great toe distal phalanx bottom were measured by ultrasonography. The measurements was analysed by the statistical method. Results The thumb and great toe distal phalanx bottom showed hyperechoic zone,clear boundary with the adjacent fascia and tendon tissue showed low echo area at cross section by high frequency ultrasound. The sagittal diameters of thumb distal phalanx bottom was (8. 07 ± 0. 67)mm in men, while that of great toe distal phalanx bottom was (8. 34 ± 1. 02) mm( t = 1.73, P =0.86).The coronal diameters of thumb distal phalanx bottom was (11.61 ±0.89)mm in men, while that of great toe distal phalanx bottom was (14. 25 ± 0. 84)mm( t = 16. 77, P = 0. 00). The sagittal diameters of thumb distal phalanx bottom was (7. 52 ± 0. 62) mm in women, while that of great toe distal phalanx bottom was (7. 72 ± 0. 67) mm( t = 1. 72, P =0. 14). The coronal diameters of thumb distal phalanx bottom was (10.94 ± 0.97) mm in women, while that of great toe distal phalanx bottom was (13. 51 ±0. 75) mm( t =16.21, P = 0.00). Conclusions The normal sagittal and coronal diameters of thumb and great toe distal phalanx bottom measured by the ultrasonography can guide the operation of wrap-around flap of a great toe with phalanx ungual for thumb II degree defect reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: The study of cell transplantation to repair injured cardiac muscle and improve cardiac function of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) has become a hotspot in recent years. However, the effect of cardiac electrophysiology following transplantation is still unknown.OBJECTIVE: To explore the influence of ailogenic implanted mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) on cardiac function, structure and electrophysiology of rabbits with DCM.DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING: Randomized controlled animal trial was performed at Electrophysiology Laboratory of Institute of Pediatrics, Chongqing Medical University between January 2004 and May 2006.MATERIALS: Forty-three New Zealand whiterabbits, weighing 3.0-3.5 kg, irrespective of gender, were selected. Adriamycin was produced by Haizheng Medical Products Company of Zhejiang Province, China, No. 050307. The Ultrasonograph SSD-5000 came from Aloka, Japan, and RM6240 multiplying channel electrophysiolograph of Chengdu Instrument Company was applied.METHODS: All animals were randomized into normal group (n=12), cell transplantation group (n=13), and DCM model group (n=13). Except the normal group, adriamycin was applied to create rabbit DCM model, I mg/kg, twice a week for successive 8 weeks. Bone marrow solution was harvested from the remaining 5 rabbits, and MSCs were isolated, amplified and purified using attachment method. Three weeks after modeling, the MSCs were transplanted into left ventricle anterior wall at four sites in cell transplantation group, model group was injected with matching DMEM/FI2 medium, while the normal group was not given any treatment.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: At four weeks postoperatively, left ventricular end-diastolic dimension, end systolic dimension,left ventricular ejection fraction, and shortening fraction were monitored by ultrasonograph; the value for monophasic action potential amplitude (MAPA) and the maximum velocity in 0 phase (V,,~), the value for 50% monophasic action potential durations (MAPDs0) and 90% monophasic action potential durations (MAPDg0) were detected by electrophysiolograph. In addition, the cardiac tissues harvested from implanted region were observed by light microscope and electron microscope, and also the expression of cardiac troponin T (cTnT) and connexin 43 (Cx43) was detected through immunohistochemistry.RESULTS: Of 43 rabbits, 9 rabbits each of the transplantation group died of the acute or chronic toxic effects of Adriamycin, finally, 25 rabbits were included in final analysis. Compared with model group, the end systolic dimension was diminished, and the left ventricular ejection fraction and shortening fraction in cell transplantation group were significantly increased (P ＜ 0.05). The MAPDs0 and MAPDgo in cell transplantation group prolonged significantly compared with model group (P ＜ 0.05). In model group,cardiac myocytes appeared mitochondria swelling and hyperplasia, and their sarcomere had different lengths, arranged unevenly,accompanied by abnormal contraction bands. In addition, myolysis was found in parts of myocardium under electron microscope.However, the structural abnormalities in the cell implantation group were less than the DCM model group, and the implanted MSCs could express cTnT and Cx43.CONCLUSION: Allogenic MSCs transplantation can improve cardiac function, lessen structural abnormalities and may inhibit the progression of electrophysiology derangement.

BACKGROUND:TiO2 nanotube array prepared by anodic oxidation is a nanomaterial having a perfect promising application at present.
OBJECTIVE:To review the research progress of TiO2 nanotube in clinic.
METHODS:The key words were TiO2 nanotubes, anodization, and biomaterials. We retrieved PubMed Database for articles concerning the clinical application of TiO2 nanotube published from January 2000 to June 2013. Repetitive and old studies were excluded, and 47 literatures were included for the review.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The summarized results of the 47 literatures showed that TiO2 nanotube promoted the adhesion and proliferation of osteoblasts and mesenchymal stem cells including human. In vivo experiments verified that TiO2 nanotube could be used as a carrier to carry other drugs such as growth factor and antibiotics so as to promote the biocompatibility of the materials and to prevent bacterial adhesion. Results suggested that TiO2 nanotube contributed to the osseointegration of the material in vivo, and had a good biocompatibility.

BACKGROUND:To improve local microenvironment and reduce local scars is conducive to peripheral nerve regeneration that promotes nerve function recovery.OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the effect of fresh amniotic membrane on the regeneration of tinjured peripheral nerve.METHODS:Sixty healthy Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups (n=20 per group) after constructing a model of sciatic nerve injury of the unilateral leg. In group A, the nerve was wrapped with fresh human amnion at the anastomosis end after the repair of nerve. In group B, the nerve was wrapped with biofilm at the anastomosis end after the repair of nerve. In group C, no treatment was conducted after the repair of nerve (blank control). The effects were evaluated by anatomical observation, light microscope observation, immunohistochemical detection (2, 4, 8, 12 weeks after surgery), transmission electron microscope observation, axon imaging analysis, action potential detection, and sciatic nerve function index (4, 8, 12 weeks after surgery).RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) Gross observation. The amniotic membrane and biofilm were absorbed partialy at postoperative 2 weeks, mostly at postoperative 4 weeks and completely at postoperative 8 weeks. In the groups A and B, the nerve was adhered slightly and loosely to the surrounding tissues, with a fair range of motion. In the group C, the nerve was tightly adhered to the surrounding tissues, with a poor range of motion. (2) Observation under light microscope. The nerve regeneration was better in the groups A and B than group C at 2, 4, 8, 12 weeks postoperatively. (3) Observation under electron microscope. Regenerated nerve fibers were rarely seen and lamelar structures were unclear in the three groups at 4 weeks postoperatively. Then, increased regenerated nerve fibers, thickened myelin sheath, clear lamelar structure and enlarged axon diameter were found in the groups A and B compared with the group C at 8 and 12 weeks postoperatively. (4) Immunohistochemical detection. The expression and distribution of S-100 protein in the groups A and B were better than those in the group C. (5) Axon image analysis. Groups A and B were superior to the group C in the diameter of myelinated nerve fibers, thickness of myelin sheath and number of regenerated nerve fibers. There was a significant difference by statistical analysis (P < 0.05). (6) Electrophysiological examination. Shorter latency period, higher amplitude and faster nerve conduction velocities were observed in the groups A and B compared with the group C (P < 0.05). (7) The sciatic function index. The sciatic function index in group A or B was significantly higher than that in group C (P < 0.05). To conclude, the human amniotic membrane can reduce adhesion between the damaged nerve and surrounding tissues, and prevent scarring at the anastomosis end. In addition, it promotes the regeneration of nerve fibers, increase axon diameter and myelin sheath thickness, and ease inflammatory and immune responses at the neural incision.