Objective To establish an RP-HPLC method for determining serum level of valproate.Methods A symmetryshield RP18 column (5?m,3.9mm?150mm) was used.The mobile phase,methanol-water(80:20) was used at a flow rate of 1.0ml/min.The detector was Waters 2487 dual?absorbance detector,which was set at the wavelength of 248nm.Serum sample was extracted with 2ml acetic n-hexane,then valproic acid in organic layer was derived by adding into?-bromoacetophenone,and cyclohcxanecarboxyiic acid was selected as an internal stan- dard.Results The calibration curve was linear in the range of 5.0 to 250.0vtg/ml.The average recovery rate was 98.23%,and the RSD within-day and between-day were both less than 3 %.Conclusion This method is suitable for therapeutic drug monitoring of phenytoin.

OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effects of selenium(Se)and/or vitamin E(VE)on the NO and NOS in heart,liver,kidney and serum of experimental hyperlipidemic rats.METHODS:SD rats were divided into5groups,administreated by Se and/or VE.After4weeks,the NO contents and NOS activities in heart,liver,kidney and serum were assayed by NO kit and NOS kit respectively.RESULTS:NO contents and NOS activities could be reduced in heart,liver,but increased in serum and kidney by high-fat feed(HFF).Meanwhile,VE and/or Se could increase the NO contents in all the experimental samples and NOS activities in heart,liver and kidney(P

BACKGROUND: Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is caused by a genetically novel coronavirus that is caused by acute infectious disease. It is not yet clear for the immunology function of SARS patients in their convalescent stage.OBJECTIVE: To study the effects on T lymphocyte, and the titer profiling of 24 T cell receptor (TCR) V β subfamilies expressions in SARS convalescent patients.DESIGN: A self-control observation.SETTING: Central Laboratory, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine.PARTICIPANTS: Seventy-six cured SARS patients who received treatment in the Second Hospital Affiliated to Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine between January and April 2003. All the patients corresponded to "clinical diagnostic criteria of atypical pneumonia", " diagnostic criteria of severe atypical pneumonia and discharge criteria" and "clinical diagnostic criteria and discharge criteria of severe acute respiratory syndrome". The involved patients, 30 male and 46 female, averaged (32±11 (years old. Another 10 subjects who simultaneously received health examination in the same hospital, 5 male and 5 female, aged (32±7(years, were involved in the study. Informed consents of detected items were obtained from all the subjects.METHODS：①Detecting the expression of 24 T cell receptor(TCR)V β subfamilies in SARS convalescent patients：Peripheral blood(2 mL) was collected from the healthy convalescent subjects,and EDTA-K2 was used as anticoagulant．In the flow cytometry delection tubes．10 μL various fluorescein-labeled mAb，such as anti-CD3,anti-CD4，anti-CD8,anti-CD25，anti-CD28，anti-HLA-DR，anti-CD3mAb conjugated with PC5，TCR Vβ1(PE+FITC)．Vβ2(PE+FITC)。Vβ3 (FITC)，Vβ4(PE+FITC)，Vβ5．1(PE+FITC),Vβ5．2(PE),Vβ5．3(PE)，Vβ7．1(PE+FITC)，Vβ7．2(FITC),Vβ8(FITC),Vβ9 (PE)，Vβ11(PE)，Vβ12(FITC)，Vβ13．1(PE),Vβ13．2(PE),Vβ13．6(PE+FITC)，Vβ14(FITC),Vβ16(FITC),Vβ17 (PE+FITC)，Vβ18(PE)，Vβ20(FITC)，Vβ21．3(FITC),Vβ22(PE+FITC)and Vβ23(PE)，was added in special flow tubes,and then 50 μL whole blood was added．The mixed solution was incubated away from light for 15 minutes．After erythrocytolysin being added，mixed solution was washed．Finally．cell deposit was dissolved in 300 μl phosphate buffer solution (PBS)．Coulter ESP flow cytometer was used for detection．For the analysis of TCR expression,an electronic gate was set on these cells and at least 5000 events per sample were collected．Three-color cytofluodmetric analysis was performed using a Coulter ESP flow cytometer．②Detecting the T cell subset,activated T and B cells,and the percentage of Ts and Tc cells：5000 cells were collected and used to calculate the expression of T cells (CD3,CD4 and CD8),the activated T and B cells(CD3+／CD25+,CD3+/HLA-DR+ and CD3-／HLA-DR+),as well as the percentage of Ts and Tc cells by Coulter ESP flow cytometer and its software．MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES：①The change of T cell subset(CD3，CD4，and CD8)from SARS convalescent patients．②The change of activated T and B cells(CD3+／CD25+，CD3+／HLA-DR+ and CD3-／HLA-DR+)．③The percentage of Ts and Tc cells(CD8+／CD28+，CD8+/CD28-)in convalescent patients．④Analysis of the 24 TCR V β subfamilies from SARS patients in convalescence．RESULTS：All data were explored to analyze the expression profiling of 24 TCR Vβ subfamilies,the data from 74 SARSpatients and 10 healthy controls were explored to other result analysis．①The detecting results of T celI subset：The percentage of CD4+T cell mean value was lower than the reference value[(33．33±6．64)％ vs．(43±9)％，P＜0．01]．The percentage of CD8+T cell mean value was higher than the refefence value[(34．07±6．40)％ vs．(30±9)％,P＜0．01]．② The expression of activated T and B cells：Percentage of HLA-DR+ T and B cell was Increased while the percentage of CD25+ T-cell was decreased compared with reference values．In 53 out of 74 patients,the percentage of CD25+ T cells was lower than the reference value,and 64 patients had a lower percentage in CD3+/CD25+ T cells．The percentages of CD3+/HLA-DR+ and CD3-／HLA-DR+ cells were higher than the normal reference value．T cells expressing higher CD3+／HLA-DR+ were found in 36 patients，and T cells expressing higher CD3-/HLA-DR+ were found in 30 patients．③The ratios of Ts and Tc cells：The percentage of Ts cells which expressed CD8+／CD28- was increased compared with reference value [(28．75±7．31)％ vs．(15．99±5．1)％，P＜0．01],while the percentage of Tc cells which expressed CD8+／CD28+ was decreased [(5．99±3．60)％ vs．(13．2±4．1)％，P＜0．01]．Thirty-nine patients were found to possess the lower Tc cells and forty-eight patients were found to possess the higher Ts cells．The ratios of both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were in the normal reference value．④24 TCR Vβ subfamilies expressions in T cells：It was noteworthy that Vβ14 had a highest percentage in all 24 Subfamilies,and followed by Vβ 5．3,and Vβ 23 in the convalescent patients．The percentage of Vβ 14 was the highest in the normal controls,which was consistent with the results of SARS patients．But the other subfamilies expression patterns were different．There were significant differences between Vβ1,Vβ5．2,Vβ5．3,Vβ7．2，Vβ9，Vβ11,Vβ13．1,Vv13．2，Vβ17,Vβ18，Vβ22 and Vβ23．In the convalescent period，each TCR Vβ expression of SARS patients was higher than that of controls(P＜0．05-0．01)．CONCLUSION:In SARS convalescent patients,the increased CD8+CD28- T cell may elevate CD8+ T cell number;Meanwhile.the reduced CD3+ and CD4+ T cell number may be corresponding to the increased Ts cell number．For some inhibiting factor secreted by Ts cell was also increased．The usage pattern of 24 TCR Vβ subfamilies in SARS patients is different from that of control group．The increase of percentage of CD3+／HLA-DR+ and CD3-／HLA-DR+ T cell may be related to the late response of activated T and B cells.

To evaluate the regulating effect of Buyang Huanwu decoction and its simple prescription (Naojian tablet) on CDK4/Cyclin D1 expression in hippocampus tissues of rats with cerebral ischemia, SD rats were divided into the sham-operation group, the model group, the Buyang Huanwu decoction group (ig, 3.15 g · kg⁻¹) and the simple prescription group (ig, 2.41 g · kg⁻¹). Each group was further divided into five subgroups based on time points after the administration, i. e. 1 d, 3 d, 7 d, 14 d and 28 d, respectively. CDK4/Cyclin D1 expressions of the group at different time points were examined by using immunohistochemistry and real-time qPCR. According to the results, the cerebral ischemia model group showed higher CDK4/Cyclin D1 expression than the sham-operation groups (P < 0.05), suggesting that the cell cycle signal pathway would be activated by the cerebral ischemic injury. Both Buyang Huanwu decoction and simple prescription groups showed significantly lower cyclin expression than the model group at 3 d, 7 d, 14 d, 28 d (P < 0.05), indicating both Buyang Huanwu decoction and its simple prescription could play the neuroprotective effect through the cell cycle signal pathway.
Animals ; Brain Ischemia ; drug therapy ; genetics ; metabolism ; physiopathology ; Cell Cycle ; drug effects ; Cyclin D1 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 4 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; administration & dosage ; Humans ; Male ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

AIM: To investigate the efficacy and safety of low dose mitomycin C (MMC) to prevent haze in trans photorefractive keratectomy (TransPRK) with moderate and high myopia, and to observe the changes of corneal density.METHODS: Sixty-one patients underwent TransPRK with moderate and high myopia.Eyes were divided into research group (0.1g/L MMC for 40s) and control group(0.2g/L MMC for 40s) randomly.There were 21 patients in research group and 40 patients in control group.Cornea epithelial healing time, pain score, visual acuity, manifest refraction, haze and cornea density were analyzed.RESULTS: The epithelial healing time (0.1g/L group: 3.86±1.11d, 0.2g/L group: 4.23±1.27d) and pain score (0.1g/L group: 2.01±0.58, 0.2g/L group: 1.79±0.7) were no significant difference between two groups(P=0.667, P=0.582).It was similar in spherical equivalent at 1mo and 3mo post-operation(0.1g/L group: 0.28±0.25, 0.05±0.23D;0.2g/L group:-0.13±0.17, 0.07±0.22D;P=0.178, P=0.490).The BCVA of control group decreased at 1mo and improved to the same level as pre-operation at 3mo(F=15.847, P<0.001);0.1g/L group showed the same trend, but the changes were no significant difference(F=3.038, P=0.093).There were also no significant difference in Haze between two groups post-operation(z=-0.709, P=0.479;z=-0.478, P=0.633).The change of cornea density was matched with the BCVA (0.1g/L group F=27.399, P=0.001;0.2g/L group F=8.313, P=0.001)and it was similar between two groups.CONCLUSION: The using of low dose MMC to prevent haze in TransPRK with moderate and high myopia is safe and effective.It is therapeutic equivalence to regular dose (0.2g/L).Besides the slit lamp, we can use the corneal density to measure the corneal transparency.

To investigate primary metabolites of alpha-tocopherol in human urine, the urine samples of five healthy volunteers after oral administration of 250 mg vitamin E once a day for seven days were collected within 0 -6 h in the seventh day. The samples were purified through C18 solid-phase extraction cartridge and analyzed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. alpha-Tocopheronic acid, 2,5,7, 8-tetramethyl-2-(2'-carboxyethyl) -6-suphate-chroman (alpha-CEHC-sulphate), gamma-tocopheronolactone, and 2, 5, 7, 8-tetramethyl-2-(4', 8', 12'-trimethyl-12'-carboxy dodecanyl) -6-suphate-chroman were found in urine of volunteers as four primary metabolites of alpha-tocopherol. The method has shown to be promising for alpha-tocopherol detection with many desirable properties including high sensitivity and selectivity, thus providing a reliable pathway for further study in metabolism of alpha-tocopherol.
Administration, Oral ; Antioxidants ; administration & dosage ; pharmacokinetics ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; methods ; Humans ; Spectrometry, Mass, Electrospray Ionization ; methods ; Vitamin E ; pharmacokinetics ; alpha-Tocopherol ; metabolism ; urine

OBJECTIVETo explore the effects of Xinganbao Capsule (Cordyceps Sinensis) on the chronic hepatitis B liver fibrosis.

METHODSSixty patients with chronic hepatitis B were randomly assigned to the trail group (40 cases) and the control group (20 cases). The trail group was treated with Xinganbao Capsule, 8 capsules each time, three times a day. The control group was given Heluo Shugan Tablet, 5 pills each time, thrice daily. Six months consisted of one therapeutic course. The liver function, four indicators of serum fibrosis, liver histology, and other items were detected.

RESULTSXinganbao Capsule could reduce serum ALT and AST levels, serum HA, PC-III and LN levels (all P<0.05), showing statistical difference when compared with before treatment. The HA and LN levels decreased more significantly in the control group when compared with before treatment (P<0.05). Totally 21 patients (53% of the recruited cases) in the trial group completed the liver biopsy twice. After treated with Xinganbao Capsule, 81% patients (17/21) had decreased liver inflammation 1 grade or more, 52% patients (11/21) had decreased fibrosis staging one or more, and 33% (7/21) patients had no change in fibrosis.

CONCLUSIONXinganbao Capsule could improve the liver function, reduce liver inflammation, and fight against hepatic fibrosis.

Adult ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Hepatitis B, Chronic ; drug therapy ; pathology ; Humans ; Liver Cirrhosis ; drug therapy ; pathology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Phytotherapy ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVETo assess the potential impact of warming climate in winter to the scale and severity of schistosomiasis epidemics in China.

METHODSBased on the data of mean temperature and monthly minimum temperature in January from 126 (out of 733) weather observation stations in China, the trend and oscillation amplitude was analyzed. The impact of warming climate in winter to the scale of schistosomiasis spreading was assessed, using the indices of 0 degrees C mean temperature and -4 degrees C mean monthly minimum temperature in January. Correlation between these two indices was analyzed.

RESULTSEvidences showed the warming climate in winter was seen all over China with the mean monthly minimum temperature and the mean temperature in January had increased 1.3 degrees C and 0.9 degrees C since 1986. The contours of mean monthly minimum temperature -4 degrees C and mean temperature 0 degrees C in January moved 1 - 2 latitudes northward.

CONCLUSIONThe warming climate phenomenon seen in winter was considered favorable to the living of snails in winter, resulting in the possible increase of northward spreading of snails.Thus, monitoring of snails should be paid special attention.

Animals ; China ; epidemiology ; Climate ; Disease Reservoirs ; Female ; Health Education ; Humans ; Male ; Prevalence ; Schistosoma japonicum ; physiology ; Schistosomiasis japonica ; epidemiology ; prevention & control ; Seasons ; Snails ; parasitology ; physiology ; Temperature

Vascular disrupting agents (VDAs) have presented a new kind of anti-cancer drug in recent years. VDAs take advantage of the weakness of established tumor endothelial cells and their supporting structures. In contrast to anti-angiogenic therapy, which inhibits the outgrowth of new blood vessels, vascular targeting treatments selectively attack the existing tumor vasculature. Here we summarized the anti-tumor activities, mechanisms and clinical applications of small molecule VDAs.
Angiogenesis Inhibitors ; chemistry ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Animals ; Antineoplastic Agents ; chemistry ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Bibenzyls ; chemistry ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Diphosphates ; chemistry ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Endothelial Cells ; drug effects ; Humans ; Molecular Structure ; Neoplasms ; drug therapy ; pathology ; Neovascularization, Pathologic ; Oligopeptides ; chemistry ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Organophosphorus Compounds ; chemistry ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Serine ; analogs & derivatives ; chemistry ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Stilbenes ; chemistry ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Tubulin Modulators ; chemistry ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Xanthones ; chemistry ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use

OBJECTIVEImpact of climate warming in winter on the potential epidemics of dengue fever in Hainan was assessed.

METHODSBased on historic data of mean monthly temperature in January from 8 weather observation stations, tendency and amplitude of variation were analyzed. Using 21 degrees C as lowest limit of temperature suitable for dengue fever transmission, impact caused by climate warming on dengue fever epidemic was estimated by means of geography information system (GIS), insect vector and epidemiological features.

RESULTSTemperature in winter in Hainan province had shown an obvious increase. The maximum amplitude of increase appeared in Dongfang which was 1.4 degrees C and the minimum 0.5 degrees C in Shanhudao, but the increase amplitude in the other stations was varied from 0.7 to 1.3 degrees C. By the year of 2050, 21 degrees C contour will have moved 190 km or so northward, nearly spanned 6/7 of distance from south to north in Hainan province and under the condition of daily fraction surviving of Aedes aegypti as P = 0.89, Qionghai city which stands north in Hainan province will probably have become epidemic area of dengue fever all year round.

CONCLUSIONClimate warming in winter will probably make half or more of the areas in Hainan province with temperature that permitting transmission of dengue fever by 2050. Monitoring and prevention of dengue fever in winter should be emphasized.

Aedes ; physiology ; virology ; Animals ; China ; epidemiology ; Climate ; Dengue ; epidemiology ; Dengue Virus ; isolation & purification ; Geographic Information Systems ; Humans ; Insect Vectors ; virology ; Seasons ; Temperature