OBJECTIVE: To summary the application of new types of nanoparticles carriers emerged in recent years in drug or gene delivery. METHODS: By sorting, analyzing and summarizing domestic and foreign literatures, the characteristics, in vivo and in vitro properties and the applications in pharmacy of novel nanoparticles carriers such as nano cochleates, virus-like particles, hydrogel nanoparticles, gold nanoshells, carbon nanomaterials, quantum dots and dendrimers were reviewed and elaborated. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Nanoparticles possess special physical and chemical properties which could improve the stability and bioavailability of drugs and have a targeting and sustained release effect.

Tautomycin is one of well-known specific protein phosphatase inhibitors and exhibiting potent antifungal ability, especially to Sclerotinia sclerotiolum. This article reviews the recent research progress of tautomycin, focusing on its inhibition region and biosynthesis.

Objective: To explore the mechanism of An-pressing manipulation in improving post-stroke muscle spasticity, by observing the changes of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glycine (Gly) in plasma and gray matter of L1-L3 spinal cord anterior horn in post-stroke rats with muscle spasticity after An-pressing manipulation intervention. Methods: Ten of 80 adult male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly selected as the blank group, and the remaining 70 were used for modeling. The middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) rat model was established by insertion suture occlusion method in the left external carotid artery. Thirty rats with a Longa neurological score of 2-3 points and a modified Ashworth spasticity scale score of 1-, 1+, or 2 were included in the experiment. Using the random number table method, the 30 successfully modeled rats were randomly divided into a model group, an An-pressing tendon group and an An-pressing muscle belly group. Two days after modeling, rats in the An-pressing tendon group and An-pressing muscle belly group received An-pressing manipulation on the tendon and belly of quadriceps femoris muscle respectively, with the pressure of (350±50) g and the frequency of 5 s/time, 15 min per session, once a day for 5 continuous days. After the 5th treatment, the tension of the rat quadriceps femoris muscle was evaluated using the modified Ashworth spasticity scale. The Gly levels in rat plasma and L1-L3 segments of spinal cord were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The GABA levels in rat plasma and L1-L3 segments of spinal cord were measured by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Results: The decrease in rat muscle tension scored by the modified Ashworth spasticity scale in the An-pressing tendon group was more significant than that in the An-pressing muscle belly group (P<0.01); the increases in Gly and GABA levels in the rat plasma and L1-L3 segments of spinal cord were more significant in the An-pressing tendon group than those in the An-pressing muscle belly group (all P<0.01). Conclusion: Based on the theory of 'anti-stretch reflex' of tendon organs, the use of An-pressing manipulation to induce the 'anti-stretch reflex' by stimulating the tendon organs can improve the muscle spasticity of rats, which is better than An-pressing the muscle belly. Increased levels of Gly and GABA in rat plasma and L1-L3 segments of spinalcord may be one mechanism of An-pressing manipulation to improve muscle spasticity by stimulating tendon organs.

BACKGROUND:Previous studies concerning neuromechanism of acupuncture for regulating gastric function mainly focused on peripheral nerve, involving in central nervous system. In particular, there are few studies addressing higher central nervous system.
OBJECTIVE:To explore the effects of acupuncture at Neiguan (PC6) and Zusanli (ST36) on gastric-related neurons in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus.
METHODS:Using microelectrode extracellular recording technique, gastric related neurons in the paraventricular nucleus were found in gastric distension rats. Stimulation was conducted for 30 seconds by hand acupuncture at Neiguan and Zusanli. The effects of acupuncture on gastric-related neurons in the paraventricular nucleus were observed.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The discharge of 109 neurons in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus of 60 rats was recorded. A total of 56 gastric-related neurons of the 109 neurons were observed. The number of neurons response to acupunctures at Zusanli, Neiguan, Pishu (BL20) and Weishu (BL21) were respectively 44, 47, 29, and 33, with the reaction proportion of 78.57%, 83.47%, 51.79%and 58.93%. Results suggested that there exist gastric distension stimulation and acupuncture stimulations from neurons soma to visceral reaction in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus, which simultaneously participates in the regulation of acupuncture on the gastric function.

BACKGROUND:Preliminary studies of our research group mainly focus on the role of nucleus of solitary tract in gastric noxious stimulation and acupuncture point, while dorsal nucleus of vagus nerve, nucleus of solitary tract and area postrema are the necessary component for vagus nerve complex, and dorsal nucleus of vagus nerve plays a crucial role in the regulation of gastric functions. OBJECTIVE:To observe the effect of acupuncture at Zusanli, Neiguan, Pishu and Shenshu acupoints on the gastric-related neurons in dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus nerve. METHODS:The gastric related neurons in dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus nerve of gastric distension rats were identified using extracellular recording technique, according to neuroelectrophysiology method. Acupuncture stimulation was given to Zusanli, Neiguan, Pishu and Shenshu for 15 seconds. The effect of body stimulation on the gastric distension related neurons in dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus nerve of rats was recorded. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Among the involved 24 rats, 90 neurons at paraventricular hypothalamic necleus exhibited discharge. Among the discharged neurons, 54 neurons were related to gastric distension. After acupuncture stimulation at Zusanli, Neiguan, Pishu and Shenshu, there were 44, 39, 38, 27 neurons giving a response, the reaction rate was 82%, 72%, 70%and 50%, respectively. Acupunture at different nerve segment acupoints can activate the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus nerve to different degrees, which is involved in the regulation of gastric motility.

Carbon-nitrogen lyases (E.C.4.3) are a group of enzymes that release ammonia, amidine or amino group etc, and also show ability to form double bond or ring structure. Specifically, enzymes forming amino group are called amine-lyases (E.C.4.3.3), which are critical in the industrial production of many medicine intermediates. In this review is a summary of four major amine-lyases in terms of their source, enzymatic characteristics and their applications in preparation of pharmaceutical intermediates.

AIM: To verify the bioequivalence between sustained released tablet of nepopam and normal one. METHODS: 18 volunteers were randomly devided into two groups. Double periodical crossed design was used, and poly dose of nefopam was administered to 18 volunteers following single dose after one week interval. The concentration of nefopam hydrochloride in serum was determinated by HPLC, and the related parameters came out through 3p97 programme. RESULTS: In the single dose test the drug concentration of sustained released tablet maitained 2040 mg?L -1 for 10 h ,c max was ( 45.8 ?15.7) mg?L -1 ,t peak was ( 3.4 ? 0.8) h , and the corresponding parameters of normal tablet were over 20 mg?L -1 for 7.5 h ,( 72.7 ?26.0) mg?L -1 ,and ( 1.6 ? 0.6) h . The AUC was ( 363.4 ? 107.1 ) and ( 374.8 ?125.7) mg?h?L -1 respectively, and F was ( 1.02 ? 0.25 ). In the poly dose test the c max of sustained released and normal one was ( 31.50 ? 12.65 ) and ( 33.68 ?10.51) mg?L -1 ,c min was ( 13.4 ? 4.4 ) and ( 10.9 ?5.4) mg?L -1 , t peak was ( 2.6 ? 0.6 ) and ( 1.22 ? 0.46) h , and FI was ( 0.77 ? 0.26 ) and ( 1.04 ? 0.18 ) respectively. CONCLUSION: The sustained released tablet is credible and the two types of tablet are equieffective in AUC.

AIM: To compare the bioequivalence of glimepiride tables and capsules with a single dose. METHODS: Twenty Chinese healthy male volunteers were enrolled in a randomized crossover study with a single oral dose 3 mg of two formulations respectively. The blood drug concentration in serum was measured by HPLC, and the pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated by 3p97 software and compared by two one side t test. RESULTS: The parameters of the tables and the capsules were( 1.23 ? 0.19 ) and ( 1.31 ? 0.22 ) mg?h?L -1 at AUC (0-t) ,( 1.32 ? 0.20 ) and ( 1.45 ? 0.24 ) mg?h?L -1 at AUC (0-inf) ,( 0.30 ? 0.05 ) and ( 0.30 ? 0.06 ) mg?L -1 at C max ,( 6.6 ? 2.5 ) and ( 9.3 ? 7.9 ) h the peak time (T peak ), respectively. There were no significant differences between the two formulations. F was 96.4 ? 21.1 calculated by AUC (0-t) and 96.4 ? 21.1 by AUC (0-inf) . CONCLUSION: Glimepiride tables and capsules are of bioequivalence.

Objective To study the radioprotective effect of polypeptide from Chlamys farreri (PCF) on ultraviolet B(UVB)-irradiated murine thmocytes in vitro. Methods The murine thymocytes were exposed to UVB radiation. MTT method was used to detect the cell viability. The activities of intracellular glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), superoxided dismutase(SOD) and catalase (CAT) were measured. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the effect of PCF on UVB-induced apoptosis were investigated by flow cytometry. Results PCF could greatly enhance the viability of murine thymocyte and markedly promote the activities of GSH-Px, SOD and CAT, while the amount of ROS was decreased. PCF could inhibit UVB-induced thymocyte apoptosis. Conclusion PCF has significant radioprotective effects on UVB-irradiated murine thymocytes in vitro.

Objective To investigate the relationship betw een the serum bilirubin level and the severity of disease and short-term outcome in patient w ith acute ischemic stroke. Methods A total of 120 consecutive inpatients w ith acute ischemic stroke w ere enroled and 105 healthy subjects at the same time w ere used as a control group. The biochemical indicators, such as serum total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, indirect bilirubin, blood lipid, and blood glucose w ere measured w ithin 24 h after admission. The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale ( NIHSS ) w as used to assess the neurological deficits on the day of admission. The NIHSS score <8 w as defined as mild stroke and ≥8 w as defined as moderate to severe stroke. At discharge or 14 d after onset, the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) w as used to evaluate the clinical outcomes, 0-2 w as defined as good outcome and > 2 w as defined as poor outcome. The levels of serum total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, and indirect bilirubin w ere measured again. Results The levels of serum total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, and indirect bilirubin in the moderate to severe stroke group w ere significantly higher than those in the mild stroke group ( P <0.01) and the control group ( P <0.01). Multivariate logistic regression analysis show ed that the increased levels of serum total bilirubin (odds ratio [OR] 1.855,95%confidence interval [CI] 1.390-2.475; P <0.01), indirect bilirubin ( OR 3.380, 95%CI 1.271-11.901; P <0.05), and direct bilirubin ( OR 3.51, 95%CI 1.062-11.473; P <0.01) had significantly independent correlation w ith baseline disease severity. Univariate analysis show ed that the increased serum total bilirubin level on admission w as associated w ith the short-term poor outcome ( P <0.05), but after adjustment for other confounding factors, there w as no statistical significance ( OR 2.411, 95%CI 0.803-7.243, P >0.05). Conclusions The serum bilirubin level show ed stress increase in patients w ith cerebral infarction in acute phase; and it w as significantly associated w ith the degree of neurological deficit, but it w as not associated w ith short-term outcome. It might be a defense response to the body for stroke events.