To study the relation between drug release and the drug status within curcumin-loaded microsphere, SPG (shirasu porous glass) membrane emulsification was used to prepare the curcumin-PLGA (polylactic-co-glycolic acid) microspheres with three levels of drug loading respectively, and the in vitro release was studied with high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The morphology of microspheres was observed with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the drug status was studied with X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and infrared analysis (IR). The drug loading of microspheres was (5.85 ± 0.21)%, (11.71 ± 0.39)%, (15.41 ± 0.40)%, respectively. No chemical connection was found between curcumin and PLGA. According to the results of XRD, curcumin dispersed in PLGA as amorphous form within the microspheres of the lowest drug loading, while (2.12 ± 0.64)% and (5.66 ± 0.07)% curcumin crystals was detected in the other two kinds of microspheres, respectively, indicating that the drug status was different within three kinds of microspheres. In the data analysis, we found that PLGA had a limited capacity of dissolving curcumin. When the drug loading exceeded the limit, the excess curcumin would exist in the form of crystals in microspheres independently. Meanwhile, this factor contributes to the difference in drug release behavior of the three groups of microspheres.
Calorimetry, Differential Scanning ; Curcumin ; chemistry ; Drug Liberation ; Lactic Acid ; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning ; Microspheres ; Polyglycolic Acid ; X-Ray Diffraction

To study the relation between drug release and the drug status within curcumin-loaded microsphere, SPG (shirasu porous glass) membrane emulsification was used to prepare the curcumin-PLGA (polylactic-co-glycolic acid) microspheres with three levels of drug loading respectively, and the in vitro release was studied with high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The morphology of microspheres was observed with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the drug status was studied with X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and infrared analysis (IR). The drug loading of microspheres was (5.85 ± 0.21)%, (11.71 ± 0.39)%, (15.41 ± 0.40)%, respectively. No chemical connection was found between curcumin and PLGA. According to the results of XRD, curcumin dispersed in PLGA as amorphous form within the microspheres of the lowest drug loading, while (2.12 ± 0.64)% and (5.66 ± 0.07)% curcumin crystals was detected in the other two kinds of microspheres, respectively, indicating that the drug status was different within three kinds of microspheres. In the data analysis, we found that PLGA had a limited capacity of dissolving curcumin. When the drug loading exceeded the limit, the excess curcumin would exist in the form of crystals in microspheres independently. Meanwhile, this factor contributes to the difference in drug release behavior of the three groups of microspheres.

Objective To explore the characteristics viral pathogens in hospitalized children with lower respiratory infection,and to provide reference data for diagnosis and treatment.Methods Nasopharyngeal secretion(NPS) samples were collected from hospitalized patients with lower respiratory infection(LRI) from Dec.2005 to Apr.2006.The NPS samples were detected for 7 respiratory virus antigens including respiratory syncytial virus(RSV),influenza virus A and B(IVA and IVB),parainfluenza virus 1,2,3(PIV 1,2,3) and adenovirus(ADV) by indirect immunofluorescent assay.Results Nine hundred and thirty-five NPS samples were collected from children(597 boys,338 girls) with LRI.The mean age was 7.5 months(range from 1 day to 6 years).Viral pathogens were identified in 516(55.2%) samples.The positive rate of RSV decreased with increasing of age,whereas the positive rate of IV and PIV increased.ADV was only detected in children less than 3 years of age,accounting for 0.6%-6.2%.Conclusions Viral pathogens are the main etiology of LRI in young children in Beijing area from Dec.2005 to Apr.2006.RSV is the most frequent viral pathogens,followed by IV and PIV.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the renal function in newborns with birth asphyxia or intrauterine distress in the first week of life.

METHODSSixty full-term newborns born between June 2002 and February 2003 were assigned into three groups: Control group (healthy newborns), Intrauterine distress group (Apgar score > 7), and Birth asphyxia group without intrauterine distress (12 mild asphyxia and 8 severe asphyxia) (n=20 each). Urinary levels of alpha1-microglobulin (alpha1-MG), beta2-microglobulin (beta2-MG) and albumin (Alb) were detected by radioimmunoassay at 0-2, 3-4 and 6-7 days after birth.

RESULTSThe urinary levels of alpha1-MG, beta2-MG and Alb in the Asphyxia group were significantly higher than those in the Control group at all time points (P < 0.05), peaking at 3-4 days after birth. Statistically significant differences were found between the severely and mildly asphyxiated newborns for the urinary levels of alpha1-MG, beta2-MG and Alb at all time points (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in the urinary levels of alpha1-MG, beta2-MG and Alb between the Intrauterine distress and the Control groups at each time point.

CONCLUSIONSBirth asphyxia may lead to renal glomerular and tubular impairments and it is speculated that the most serious impairment occurs at the 3rd and 4th days of life. The severity of renal impairments is associated with the degree of asphyxia. The renal function of the newborn appears to be normal following intrauterine distress.

Albuminuria ; urine ; Alpha-Globulins ; urine ; Asphyxia Neonatorum ; physiopathology ; Fetal Distress ; physiopathology ; Humans ; Infant, Newborn ; Kidney ; physiopathology ; beta 2-Microglobulin ; urine

OBJECTIVETo introduce the experience in the treatment of lower eyelid pouches orbital rim.

METHODSAn incision was made along the margin of lower eyelid and dissection was performed under the orbicularis muscle to expose the orbital septum and periosteum of lower orbital rim. The fat released from orbital septum was transposed just below the lower orbital rim and fixed on the periosteum. If lacrimal groove deformity was not corrected completely, the musculocutaneous flap, which may be excised beside the incision, was kept to correct the deformities further with only the muscle portion.

RESULTS72 cases with lower eyelid pouches complicated with lacrimal groove deformities were treated with transposition of orbital fat and orbicularis muscular flaps. Satisfactory results were achieved in all the patients after a follow-up period of 3-6 months.

CONCLUSIONIt is an effective and feasible technique to correct lacrimal groove deformities with transposition of orbital fat and orbicularis muscular flaps.

Adipose Tissue ; transplantation ; Aged ; Blepharoplasty ; methods ; Eyelids ; surgery ; Humans ; Orbit ; Periosteum ; surgery

OBJECTIVETo study the incidence of human cytomegalovirus (CMV) and human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) infection in pediatric patients with hemopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), and to explore the relationship between CMV and HHV-6 infection in pediatric patients with HSCT.

METHODSPediatric patients with HSCT in hemotology center of Beijing Children's Hospital were enrolled into this study from June 2007 to October 2009. Peripheral blood were collected every week after HSCT, and Fluorescent quantitation PCR and conventional PCR were used to detect CMV DNA load in serum and HHV-6 DNA in peripheral blood respectively. Genetic typing was conducted on HHV-6.

RESULTSFifty two pediatric patients with HSCT were enrolled into this study, and six hundreds and thirty six specimens were collected totally. CMV DNA was detected in fifty two specimens from twenty cases. The median time was 56 days after HSCT. The incidence of CMV infection was 38.5% (20/52) in all HSCT patients and 47.6% (20/42) in allogene HSCT patients. The incidence of late CMV infection was 22.2% (6/27) in allogene HSCT. Three patients died of CMV infection,and two died of CMV interstitial pneumonia. HHV-6 DNA was detected in thirty three specimens from fourteen cases. The median time was 23 days after HSCT. The incidence of HHV-6 infection was 26.9% (14/52)in all HSCT patients and 31% (13/42) in allogene HSCT patients. The genotype of HHV6 was all type B. HHV-6 DNA was positive in six of twenty cases with CMV infection. The incidence of co-infection was 30% (6/20).

CONCLUSIONSThere was a substantial incidence of CMV and HHV6 infection after HSCT. The relationship between earlier HHV6 infection and later CMV infection in pediatric patients with HSCT need further study.

Adolescent ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Cytomegalovirus ; genetics ; Cytomegalovirus Infections ; etiology ; immunology ; Female ; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation ; adverse effects ; Herpesviridae Infections ; etiology ; immunology ; Herpesvirus 6, Human ; genetics ; Humans ; Infant ; Male ; Molecular Typing ; methods

Objective To evaluate the clinical efficacy of periradicular compound betamethasone injections into the periganglionic space in the treatment of radicular pain.Methods Periganglionic compound betamethasone infiltrations were performed in 76 patients with lumbar radicular pain under MSCT guidance.All patients were divided into two groups including group 1(31 cases of lumbar disc herniation)and group 2(45 cases of lumbar degenerative disorders).The total and two groups scores of VAS were compared after the therapeutic procedure with evaluation of the efficacy.Results 88%(69/76)of patients showed significant pain reduction,with the score of VAS 6.5?2.0(before therapy)dropping to 3.4?1.8(after 1 week)and 3.8?1.9(after 3 month).Differences in improvements before and after the therapy were statistically significant.Differences between one-week and three-month follow-up were not statistically significant.Differences between the two groups demonstrated no statistical significance.Conclusion Periradicular compound betamethasone injection under CT guidance is safe and useful in the treatment of lumbar radicular pain.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the possible effect of exposure to GSM 1,800 MHz radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF EMF) on epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor and its possible interference by noise magnetic fields (MF).

METHODSChinese hamster lung fibroblasts (CHL) were exposed to 1,800 MHz RF EMF (modulated by 217 Hz or 50 Hz, or unmodulated), 2 microT noise MF, and RF EMF combined with 2 microT noise MF for 15 min, respectively. The specific absorption rates (SARs) of RF EMF were 0.1, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 and 4.0 W/kg. Commercial EGF (1 ng/ml) treatment was used as positive control. EGF receptors on the cell membrane were observed under a laser scanning confocal microscope after indirect immunofluorescence staining.

RESULTSEGF receptor clustering was induced after exposure to GSM 1,800 MHz RF EMF modulated by 217 Hz or 50 Hz MF at SARs of 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 4.0 W/kg for 15 min as induced by 1 ng/ml EGF, but not at SAR of 0.1 W/kg. And no EGF receptor clustering was found in cells after exposure to unmodulated RF EMF or 2 microT noise MF. In addition, superposition of 2 microT noise MF could inhibit the EGF receptor clustering induced by GSM 1,800 MHz RF EMF.

CONCLUSIONEGF receptor clustering in CHL cells can be induced by GSM 1,800 MHz RF EMF at the lowest SAR of 0.5 W/kg and inhibited by noise MF. The modulation of wave may play an important role in the inducement of receptor clustering after RF exposure.

Animals ; Cell Line ; Cell Membrane ; metabolism ; radiation effects ; Cricetinae ; Cricetulus ; Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation ; Electromagnetic Fields ; Fibroblasts ; metabolism ; radiation effects ; Lung ; cytology ; Radio Waves ; Receptor, Epidermal Growth Factor ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo explore the relationship of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) specific antibodies detection and the diagnoses of infectious mononucleosis (IM) caused by EBV.

METHODSSingle serum samples were collected from 220 inpatients with the diagnosis of IM between January 2005 and December 2006 in Beijing Children's hospital. The samples were detected for EBV-CA-IgM, EBV-CA-IgG, EBV-EA-IgG, EBV-NA-IgG and the avidity of EBV-CA-IgG by indirect immunofluorescent assay.

RESULTSThe positive rate of EBV-CA-IgG, EBV-CA-IgM, EBV-EA-IgG and EBV-NA-IgG were 100%, 95.9%, 79.5% and 4.1% respectively. Low-avidity EBV-CA-IgG was detected in 204 patients (92.7%) with positive EBV-CA-IgM and EBV-CA-IgG,negative EBV-NA-IgG, low-avidity EBV-CA-IgG were the main pattern of EBV antibody in IM patients (84.6%).

CONCLUSIONThe existence of EBV specific antibody (CA-IgG, CA-IgM, EA-IgG, NA-IgG and avidity of CA-IgG) could add more information to identify the stage of EBV infection so as to provide more reliable serological evidence for the diagnosis of IM.

Adolescent ; Antibodies, Viral ; blood ; Antibody Affinity ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Epstein-Barr Virus Infections ; diagnosis ; immunology ; Female ; Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Indirect ; Herpesvirus 4, Human ; isolation & purification ; Humans ; Immunoglobulin G ; blood ; Infant ; Infectious Mononucleosis ; diagnosis ; immunology ; virology ; Male

OBJECTIVE: To construct two types of Wnt-inducible secreted protein 3(WISP3) gene's mutants(1000T/C,840delT) found in spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia tarda with progressive anthopathy (SEDT-PA) patients, and to observe their expression in COS-7 cells. METHODS: Full-length cDNA of wild type WISP3 gene(WT-WISP3) was amplified from human chondrocytes by RT-PCR, and site-directed mutagenesis was used to obtain full-length cDNAs of the mutated WISP3 genes(MUT1000T/C and MUT840delT). The recombined plasmids WT-WISP3/pcDNA3.1(+), MUT1000T/C/pcDNA3.1(+) and MUT840delT/pcDNA3.1(+) were transfected transiently into COS-7 cells by liposome-mediated method, and pcDNA3.1(+) vector was used as a control. The total RNA and protein of the transfected COS-7 cells were extracted after 48 hours of transfection. The expression of WISP3 gene in the transfected COS-7 cells was detected by semi-quantitative RT-PCR and Western blot. RESULTS: By restriction endonuclease analysis and sequencing, the sequence of MUT1000T/C and MUT840delT were consistent with that mutated in SEDT-PA, and the open reading frames matched with the vector sequence. Semi-quantitative RT-PCR and Western blot showed that the recombined plasmids were highly expressed in COS-7 cells. CONCLUSION WISP3 gene's mutants of SEDT-PA are successfully constructed by genetic recombination, and expressed in COS-7 cells, which lays the foundation for the further study on its molecular functions in SEDT-PA.
Animals ; Base Sequence ; CCN Intercellular Signaling Proteins ; COS Cells ; metabolism ; Chlorocebus aethiops ; Humans ; Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Proteins ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Mutagenesis, Site-Directed ; Mutation ; Osteochondrodysplasias ; genetics ; metabolism ; Transfection