OBJECTIVETo systematically evaluate the quality of Semen Armeniacae Amarum.

METHODThe amygdalin content in the samples of Semen Armeniacae Amarum from different markets was analysed by HPLC. Some physical and chemical tests were done to investigate their quality.

RESULTSome significant differences in amygdalin contents and some physical and chemical parameters were shown between the crude drugs and the processed ones. There are few changes in amygdalin contents with the storage in 17 years.

CONCLUSIONThe processing conditions are the main factors that affect the quality of Semen Armeniacae Amarum. Furthermore, a systematic evaluation of the quality of its samples from the different markets has been established by a radar diagram based on the following five parameters: amygdalin contents, the lipid content, ethanol-soluble extract, total ash and acid-insoluble ash.

Amygdalin ; analysis ; Hot Temperature ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; Prunus ; chemistry ; Quality Control ; Seeds ; chemistry ; Technology, Pharmaceutical ; methods

Background: Massive rotator cuff tears (MRCTs) with subscapularis (SSC) tears cause severe shoulder dysfunction. In the present study, the influence of SSC tears on three-dimensional (3D) shoulder kinematics during scapular plane abduction in patients with MRCTs was examined. Methods: This study included 15 patients who were divided into two groups: supraspinatus (SSP) and infraspinatus (ISP) tears with SSC tear (torn SSC group: 10 shoulders) or without SSC tear (intact SSC group: 5 shoulders). Single-plane fluoroscopic images during scapular plane elevation and computed tomography (CT)-derived 3D bone models were matched to the fluoroscopic images using two-dimensional (2D)/3D registration techniques. Changes in 3D kinematic results were compared. Results: The humeral head center at the beginning of arm elevation was significantly higher in the torn SSC group than in the intact SSC group (1.8±3.4 mm vs. −1.1±1.6 mm, p<0.05). In the torn SSC group, the center of the humeral head migrated superiorly, then significantly downward at 60° arm elevation (p<0.05). In the intact SSC group, significant difference was not observed in the superior-inferior translation of the humeral head between the elevation angles. Conclusions In cases of MRCTs with a torn SSC, the center of the humeral head showed a superior translation at the initial phase of scapular plane abduction followed by inferior translation. These findings indicate the SSC muscle plays an important role in determining the dynamic stability of the glenohumeral joint in a superior-inferior direction in patients with MRCTs.