To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of Qinghouyan lozenge in the treatment of acute pharyngitis due to Lung-heat and Yin-deficiency, and compare with Qinghouyan oral Liquid. Totally 144 subjects were enrolled and randomly divided into two groups (72 in the test group and 72 in the control group). The participants in the test group were given Qinghouyan lozenge for 5 days, and those in the control group were given Qinghouyan oral Liquid for 5 days. The effectiveness evaluation indexes were pharyngalgia/odynophagia disappearance rate, overall efficacy of TCM syndromes, TCM syndrome scores, and single syndrome and sign disappearance rate. During the test, the safety was evaluated by vital sign, lab examination indexes and adverse events. The results for the full analysis set showed that the couth disappearance rate, the incidence rate of TCM syndromes, and the throat/uvula congestion disappearance rate of the test group were higher than that of the control group (P < 0.05), with significant differences in the changes in syndrome scores between the two groups (P < 0.05). Altogether 3 adverse events were observed in the test group while 6 adverse events in the control group, without significant differences in the adverse event rate between the two groups (P < 0.05), serious abnormal laboratory examinations and vital signs. In conclusion, Qinghouyan lozenge has better efficacy in treatment of acute pharyngitis due to Lung-heat and Yin-deficiency than Qinghouyan oral liquid, with good safety.
Acute Disease ; Double-Blind Method ; Humans ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Pharyngitis ; drug therapy

The compatibility of traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) formulae containing enormous information, is a complex component system. Applications of mathematical statistics methods on the compatibility researches of traditional Chinese medicines formulae have great significance for promoting the modernization of traditional Chinese medicines and improving clinical efficacies and optimizations of formulae. As a tool for quantitative analysis, data inference and exploring inherent rules of substances, the mathematical statistics method can be used to reveal the working mechanisms of the compatibility of traditional Chinese medicines formulae in qualitatively and quantitatively. By reviewing studies based on the applications of mathematical statistics methods, this paper were summarized from perspective of dosages optimization, efficacies and changes of chemical components as well as the rules of incompatibility and contraindication of formulae, will provide the references for further studying and revealing the working mechanisms and the connotations of traditional Chinese medicines.
Chemistry, Pharmaceutical ; statistics & numerical data ; Data Interpretation, Statistical ; Drug Incompatibility ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; analysis ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional

OBJECTIVETo observe effects of Shujing Ketong soft capsules (SJKTSC) on activities of the uterine of the rat in vitro and in vivo.

METHODThe isolated rat uterine were mounted in the improved Genell solution with a final content of 0. 96, 1.92, 3.84 microg x g(-1) of SJKTSC at 37 degrees C; and 9. 6, 19. 2, 38.4 mg x kg(-1) of SJKTSC and 2 g x kg(-1) of Tongjingbao granules were given to the rat through the duodenum respectively. Their effects on frequency, amplitude and activity of contraction of rat uterus in vitro and in vivo were investigated.

RESULTSJKTSC could significantly inhibit the frequency, amplitude and activity of contraction of the normal rat uterus in vitro and decrease the oxytocin-induced increase of contraction of the rat uterus in vitro; lowered the frequency, amplitude and activity of the oxytocin-induced contraction of the rat uterus in vivo and inhibit the oxytocin-induced the strengthening of contraction of the rat uterus in vivo.

CONCLUSIONShujing Ketong soft capsules maybe used for treatment of dysmenorrhea induced by spasm of uterine smooth muscle.

Animals ; Capsules ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Dysmenorrhea ; drug therapy ; physiopathology ; Female ; In Vitro Techniques ; Muscle, Smooth ; drug effects ; physiology ; Oxytocin ; adverse effects ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Time Factors ; Uterine Contraction ; drug effects ; Uterus ; drug effects ; physiology

Objective To evaluate the clinical effects of CT guided percutaneous aspiration and sclerotherapy in treatment of hepatic cysts.Methods Sixty three patients with single(n=41)and muttiple(n= 22)hepatic cysts were undertaken CT guided pereutaneous aspiration and sclerotherapy with injection of absolute alcohol.Results Sixty three patients underwent follow-up for 3-15 months after the operation showing effective indexes as grade 0 for 4(6.39%),gradeⅠfor 8(12.69%),gradeⅡfor 23(36.51%)and gradeⅢfor 28(44.44%)cases.The total effective rate reached 93.61%.No serious complications occurred. Conclusion Sclerosing therapy with absolute alcohol is safe,economic,simple and effective for treating hepatic cysts.(J Intervent Radiol,2007,16:850-852)

OBJECTIVEThe aim of this study was to investigate the in vitro effect of cell behavior on a new titanium alloy and coarsening surface with sandblasting and duplicate treated by sandblasting and acid etching (SLA), including cell proliferation, morphology as well as alkaline phosphatase expression.

METHODSThe cell derived from calvarial bone of neonate and co-cultured with the surface treated titanium alloys in vitro. The samples were treated by mechanical polishing, the sandblasting and the SLA. Cell proliferation on samples for 3 d was examined by MTT assay and cell morphology was observed by scan electron microscope. Alkaline phosphatase activity was measured at 5 d by ALP-special assay.

RESULTSThe sandblasting and the SLA surface showed a significant different to smooth surface in the proliferation osteoblasts. The cells were elongated and spread well and having plentiful filopods on the coarse surface. The basal ALP activity indicated that optical density value of osteoblasts was not significant difference between coarse surface and smooth surface.

CONCLUSIONThe observed effects are attributed to coarsening surface and support the concept that roughness can enhance the differentiation, good morphology and alkaline phosphatase expression of the cells. These results suggest that the good biological performance evaluation of sandblasting and etching surface is merited.

Alkaline Phosphatase ; Alloys ; Cell Differentiation ; Cell Proliferation ; Osteoblasts ; Prostheses and Implants ; Surface Properties ; Titanium

Mitochondria regulate numerous crucial cell processes, including energy production, apoptotic cell death, oxidative stress, calcium homeostasis and lipid metabolism. Here, we applied an efficient mitochondria-based centrifugal ultrafiltration/liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) method,also known as screening method for mitochondria-targeted bioactive constituents (SM-MBC). This method allowed searching natural mitochondria-targeting compounds from traditional Chinese medicines(TCMs), including Puerariae Radix (PR) and Chuanxiong Radix (CR). A total of 23 active compounds were successfully discovered from the two TCMs extracts. Among these 23 hit compounds, 17 were identified by LC/MS, 12 of which were novel mitochondria-targeting compounds. Among these, 6 active compounds were analyzed in vitro for pharmacological tests and found able to affect mitochondrial functions. We also investigated the effects of the hit compounds on HepG2 cell proliferation and on loss of cardiomyocyte viability induced by hypoxia/reoxygenation injury. The results obtained are useful for in-depth understanding of mechanisms underlying TCMs therapeutic effects at mitochondria level and for developing novel potential drugs using TCMs as lead compounds. Finally, we showed that SM-MBC was an efficient protocol for the rapid screening of mitochondria-targeting constituents from complex samples such as PR and CR extracts.

OBJECTIVETo examine the compositions of those adhesion modes between luting cements and canal dentin, and to evaluate the dentin-cement-post interface by Laser-Ranian spectroscopy.

METHODSThree representative luting cements (zinc phosphate, glass ionomer and resin cements), two kinds of prefabricated posts (titanium and fiber-glass), six extracted intact human maxillary anterior teeth were used canal dentin after endodontic treatment. Laser-Raman spectroscopy measure of cement, post and canal dentin before and after luting together.

RESULTSThere are no evident Raman spectra change cross the ZPC/dentin interface and glass ionomer/dentin interface, while cross the resin/dentin interface and resin/glass fiber post interface can be seen special Raman spectra.

CONCLUSIONLaser-Raman microspectroscopy is a useful analytical technique for evaluation interface between dentin and luting cements. Resin cement may interact with dentin and glass fiber post.

Cementation ; Dental Bonding ; Dental Cements ; Dental Cementum ; Dental Pulp Cavity ; Dentin ; Dentin-Bonding Agents ; Glass Ionomer Cements ; Humans ; Post and Core Technique ; Resin Cements ; Root Canal Therapy

OBJECTIVETo establish copper deficiency model in rats, and observe the damnification on internal organ of copper deficiency rats.

METHODS27 male weanling SD rats with 5-week-old were randomized into 3 groups (n = 9), i.e., control group 1, control group2 and copper deficiency group (CuD). The rats of the control group 1 were fed commercial feed with copper level of 7.0 mg/kg, the rats of the control group 2 and the copper deficiency group were fed half-purified diet with copper level of 0.73 mg/kg. In afternoons, rats were orally perfused copper sulphate solution with copper concentration 0 (control group 1), 0.133 (control group 2) and 0 mg/ml (copper deficiency group), respectively, the volume was 1% of body weight, so theory copper level of the feed in the control group2 was 11.37 mg/kg. All of rats had free access to both food and de-ionized water. Rats were sacrificed at the end of test feeding on the 42nd day, blood was sampled for analyzing the plasma ceruloplasmin activity (PCP) and its content (PPD), and erythrocyte Cu-Zn SOD (EC Cu-Zn SOD); liver was sampled for analyzing the content of Metallothionein (MT), and liver copper (LC). The organic tissues of kidney, brain, heart, liver, spleen, lung and testes are sampled for histopathologic examination.

RESULTSThe PCP and EC Cu-Zn SOD, PPD, LC and LMT of rats in copper deficiency group was significantly lower than those of rats in control group1 and control group2 (except EC Cu-Zn SOD) (P < 0.01). The cardiac muscle fibers of a part of rats in copper deficiency group were broken and eosinophilic. The endothelial cell of a coronary artery branch was presented proliferation and swelling, subendothelial space was broadened. An arteriole in the lung was showed thickening of the wall, and presented obliteration of the lumen. No obvious pathological changes of other internal organ were found.

CONCLUSIONCopper deficiency model in rats is successfully established after rats ingesting diet of low copper for 42 days. Slightly pathologic changes in the cardiovascular tissues of part of rats in copper deficiency groups are observed.

Animals ; Blood Vessels ; pathology ; Copper ; deficiency ; Deficiency Diseases ; pathology ; Disease Models, Animal ; Male ; Myocardium ; pathology ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of ADMA on macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) expression and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and IL-8 secretion in THP-1 monocyte-derived macrophages. METHIDS: THP-1 monocytes were induced to differentiate into macrophages by a 24-h incubation with 160 nmol/L PMA. The THP-1 monocyte-derived macrophages were exposed to different concentrations of ADMA for 24 h, and the changes in MIF mRNA and protein expressions were analyzed with RT-PCR and Western blotting, respectively. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect the levels of TNF-α and IL-8 in the supernatant of THP-1-derived macrophages following ADMA treatments.

RESULTSADMA obviously up-regulated MIF mRNA and protein expressions in THP-1-derived macrophages in a concentration- dependent manner. Exposure of the cells to 15 µmol/L ADMA for 24 h showed the most potent effect in up-regulating MIF mRNA and protein expressions. ADMA treatment also resulted in a dose-dependent increase of the levels of TNF-α and IL-8 in the culture supernatant of the macrophages, and the peak levels occurred following the treatment with 15 µmol/L ADMA.

CONCLUSIONADMA can up-regulate MIF expression and induce TNF-α and IL-8 secretion in THP-1 monocyte-derived macrophages.

Arginine ; analogs & derivatives ; pharmacology ; Cell Differentiation ; Cell Line ; Humans ; Interleukin-8 ; secretion ; Intramolecular Oxidoreductases ; genetics ; metabolism ; Macrophage Migration-Inhibitory Factors ; genetics ; metabolism ; Macrophages ; cytology ; metabolism ; Monocytes ; cytology ; Phenanthrenes ; pharmacology ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; metabolism ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; secretion

OBJECTIVETo investigate the significance of sonic hedgehog (Shh), indian hedgehog (Ihh), smoothened (Smo) and patched (Ptch) expressions in uterine cervical lesions and their relationships with HPV type 16 infection.

METHODSTotally 183 cases of cervical lesions, including 32 non-neoplastic cervix, 71 cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (28 CINI, 18 CINII, and 25 CINIII) and 80 squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) were selected from the Department of Pathology, Yanbian University Hospital, Yanbian Women Hospital, and Yanbian Tumor Hospital. Shh, Ihh, Ptch and Smo proteins expression were investigated by immunohistochemistry using tissue microarry platform, and the presence of HPV type 16 was detected by PCR method.

RESULTSImmunohistochemical staining showed that the frequencies of Shh, Ihh, Ptch and Smo expression were rare in normal cervical epithelium, but were strongly expressed in cervical cancer and its precursor lesions (CINII/III) (P < 0.01, P < 0.01, P < 0.05, P < 0.05, respectively). In cervical cancer, the expression rate of Shh (95%) was higher than that of CIN (CINI to CINIII) (46.4%, 61.1%, 80.0%, respectively, P < 0.05). HPV16 was positive in 77.5% of SCC. In cervical cancer, the expression of Shh was related with HPV16 infection (P < 0.05), and the expression of Smo was correlated with lymph node metastasis (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSShh, Ihh, Ptch, and Smo genes may play important roles in the development of cervical cancer. Detection of Hedgehog signaling pathway molecules seems helpful for the early diagnosis of cervical cancer and its precursor lesions, and are potentially therapeutic targets as well.

Adult ; Aged ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell ; metabolism ; pathology ; virology ; Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia ; metabolism ; pathology ; virology ; Female ; Hedgehog Proteins ; metabolism ; Human papillomavirus 16 ; Humans ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Staging ; Papillomavirus Infections ; Patched Receptors ; Patched-1 Receptor ; Receptors, Cell Surface ; metabolism ; Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled ; metabolism ; Signal Transduction ; Smoothened Receptor ; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; virology ; Young Adult