To establish a method for determination contents of schizandrin, tanshinone I, cryptotanshinone, tanshinone II (A) and schizandrin B in rongxin pills. The HPLC method was performed on an Agilent C18. The mobile phase was composed of methnol and water wish gradient elution. The flow rate was 1.0 mL x min(-1). The column temperature was 30 degrees C and the detection wavelength wash 240 nm. The linear of schizandrin, tanshinone I, cryptotanshinone, Tanshinone II (A) and schizandrin B were 3.000-48.00 (r = 1.000), 3.985-63.76 (r = 0.999 9), 6.370-101.9 (r = 1.000), 8.690-139.0 (r = 0.999 9), 1.700-27.20 mg x L(-1) (r = 0.999 9), respectively. The average recoveries were 98.44%, 100.3%, 99.29%, 99.07%, 98.42%, and RSDs were 0.61%, 1.1%, 0.52%, 0.72%, 0.97%. The method is convenient, accurate and has good precision. It can be used for determination of the preparation.
Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; Cyclooctanes ; analysis ; Diterpenes, Abietane ; analysis ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; chemistry ; Lignans ; analysis ; Linear Models ; Organic Chemicals ; analysis ; Phenanthrenes ; analysis ; Polycyclic Compounds ; analysis ; Quality Control ; Reproducibility of Results

Objective To investigate the clinical manifestations and treatment regiment of children with juvenile dermatomyositis(JDM).Methods The clinical manifestation,changes of serum muscale enzyme,myopathic laboratory examination,treatment and prognosis of 15 children with JDM retrospectively admitted from Jan.1990 to Jan.2004 were analyzed.Results All of the children had symmetrical weakness of the proximal muscles.The most frequent features were heliotrope and Gottron's papules.Elevated muscle enzymes were noted in all cases.Electromyography revealed typical change of myopathic type and muscle biopsy was compalible with myositis in all cases.Most of patients achieved normal muscle enzymes within 1 month and had improved muscle strength with 2.5 monthes of the initiation of corticosteroid therapy.Conclusion It is very important to know the clinical features of JDM,and prompt diagnosis and treatment will result in an improved prognosis.

Objective To investigate the rat bone structural changes of lower limb following lumbar nerve dorsal roots section.Methods Forty-eight mature female Wistar rats were divided into posterior radi- cotomy(PR)and comtrol groups randomly.The bilateral femoral bone mineral density(BMD)and biome- chanics characteristics were analyzed 2,4 and 8 weeks after the radicotomy.The same operation except the radicotomy was done in the sham group.Results In PR group,2,4,and 8 weeks after the radicotomy,the BMD of femur was(0.221?0.008)g/cm~3,(0.213?0.015)g/cm~3 ,and(0.216?0.105)g/cm~3 ,respective- ly;while that was(0.223?0.005)g/cm~3,(0.218?0.014)g/cm~3 ,and(0.208?0.111)g/cm~3 in control group.No significant difference was observed between the two groups(P＞0.05).In PR group,2,4,and 8 weeks after the operation,the mean maximum load in three-point bending test of femun midshaft was(93.64?8.76)N,(89.77?11.18)N and(93.21?8.74)N,respectively,and was lower than the values of the con- trol group at the same time point(95.94?6.29)N,(91.63?9.43)N,(95.57?8.64)N,However,there was no significant difference between the two groups(P＞0.05).Accordingly,there was no significant difference in the energy absorption in femun midshaft between the two groups(P＞0.05).Conclusion The selective rhizotomies of part lumbar never dorsal roots might not cause the loss of the femur BMD and the change of bio- mechanics property significantly in short period.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) on the proliferation and osteogenesis of human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLC) under three-dimensional (3D) culture system.

METHODSHuman periodontal cells were isolated from the ligament of surgically extracted human teeth, and through the limiting dilution assay, got mono-clone of the cell, hPDLCs were isolated from MesenPRO RS medium. Rotary cell culture system (RCCS) was enrolled to set 3D environment. Control group and experiment groups were assigned according to the concentration of IGF-I. There were 5 level of experiment groups (0.1, 1, 10, 50, 100 µg/L). Proliferation was tested with methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT), and alkine phosphatase (ALP) level was assayed by spectrophotometer to analyze the osteogenesis of hPDLCs. Gene expression of ostetocalcin (OCN) and type I collagen (Col I) were assayed by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).

RESULTSIn 3D culture system, the effect of IGF-I on cell proliferation was significantly different between control group and experiment groups (P < 0.05), and there showed significant differences between the group of 0.1 µg/L (0.219 ± 0.021) IGF-I and the groups of 50, 100 µg/L (0.287 ± 0.011, 0.293 ± 0.012). However, there showed no significant differences among other groups. Significant differences of ALP activity were observed between the control group and experiment groups, and between the groups of 1, 10 µg/L (0.304 ± 0.020, 0.310 ± 0.013) and that of 50, 100 µg/L (0.347 ± 0.011, 0.344 ± 0.010) (P < 0.05). While no significant differences were detected between the group of 1 µg/L and that of 10 µg/L, nor between the group of 50 µg/L and that of 100 µg/L. Expressions of Col I and OCN in mRNA and protein level both showed dose-dependent increase.

CONCLUSIONSIn 3D culture system, in the scale of 0.1 - 100 µg/L, the effect of IGF-I on the proliferation of hPDLCs increased dose-dependently. 100 µg/L IGF-I promotes osteogenesis of the cells significantly.

Alkaline Phosphatase ; metabolism ; Cell Culture Techniques ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Cells, Cultured ; Collagen Type I ; genetics ; metabolism ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Humans ; Insulin-Like Growth Factor I ; pharmacology ; Osteocalcin ; genetics ; metabolism ; Osteogenesis ; drug effects ; Periodontal Ligament ; cytology ; RNA, Messenger ; metabolism ; Stem Cells ; cytology ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of insulin-like growth factor- I (IGF- I) on the proliferation and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity of human periodontal ligament cells (hPDLCs) under three-dimensional (3D) culture system.

METHODSThe hPDLCs were cultured from periodontium of human teeth by the outgrowth method. Rotary cell culture system (RCCS) was enrolled to set 3D culture system. Samples were set to four groups: Negative control group, positive control group (3D group, IGF-I group), and experimental group (3D with IGF- I group). Proliferation was tested with methylthiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT), and ALP activity was assayed by spectrophotometer at 1, 3, 5, 7 d respectively.

RESULTSCompared with that of negative control group, cell proliferation increased significantly in 3D with IGF-I group since 3 d (P < 0.05). Besides, the cell proliferation of 3D with IGF-I group was significantly higher than that of 3D group (P < 0.05). ALP activity of 3D with IGF- I group was significantly higher than that of negative control group, and 3D group at 3, 5, 7 d (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONIGF-I significantly promotes the proliferation and ALP activity of hPDLCs under 3D culture system.

Alkaline Phosphatase ; Cell Differentiation ; Cell Proliferation ; Cells, Cultured ; Humans ; Insulin-Like Growth Factor I ; Periodontal Ligament ; Somatomedins

OBJECTIVETo discuss the role of early growth response factor (Egr)-1 and it's upstream signaling pathway in the development of silicosis.

METHODSThe expression and localization of Egr-1 were analyzed by immunofluorescence and in-situ hybridization. The activity of Egr-1 was observed in treated cells by using a reporter plasmid and EMSA, the activity of ERK1/2 in RAW264.7 incubated with SiO(2) by using a kinase assay, and further by using a kinase inhibitor assay to investigate the role of upstream kinase in the signal pathway of the activation of Egr-1.

RESULTSThe obvious increase of expression and transcription of Egr-1 was observed shortly after being treated by silica and its activity increased abruptly. There was an increase of the activity of ERK1/2 in RAW264.7 cells treated, which reached a peak at 30 minutes. The expression and transcription of Egr-1 decreased maniferstly after using kinase inhibitors.

CONCLUSIONEgr-1 expression can be induced by silica dioxide in RAW264.7 cells, and the ERK1/2, p38 kinases may take part in this process which suggest the pathway of SiO(2), ERK1/2, p38 and Egr-1 may play an important role in the development of silicosis.

Animals ; Butadienes ; pharmacology ; Cells, Cultured ; Early Growth Response Protein 1 ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; physiology ; Enzyme Inhibitors ; pharmacology ; Gene Expression Regulation ; Macrophages ; metabolism ; Mice ; Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 1 ; metabolism ; Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 3 ; metabolism ; Nitriles ; pharmacology ; RNA, Messenger ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Signal Transduction ; Silicon Dioxide ; pharmacology ; p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases ; metabolism

AIM To investigate the protective effects of Dahuang Zhechong (DHZC) Pills (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma,Eupolyphaga seu Steleophaga,Hirudo,etc.) against alcoholic liver fibrosis (ALF) injury in mice and to explore the underlying mechanisms.METHODS C57BL/6 male mice were used to build up ALF injury model,intervened with DHZC Pills.The serum of mice was examined for changes in alanine transaminase (ALT),aspartate aminotransferase (AST),interleukin-6 (IL-6),interleukin-10 (IL-10),interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α).Simultaneously,the deposit of collagen 1 (COL-1) and apoptotic cell death in liver tissues were analyzed by immunofluorescent and TUNEL assay,respectively.The expressions of cleaved caspase-3 (CC3) in livers were measured by Western blot.RESULTS Compared with the model group,the levels of serum ALT,AST,IL-6,IFN-γand TNF-α of mice in DHZC group were decreased significantly.And the level of serum IL-10 of mice in DHZC group was increased significantly.Mice in DHZC group had higher rates of COL-1 deposition and apoptotic cell death in liver tissues than those in the model group.Mice treated with DHZC Pills showed lower expression of CC3.CONCLUSION DHZC Pills confers protection against ALF injury in mice by inhibiting the generation of COL-1 and down-regulating apoptosis of liver cells death as a result of adjusting the levels of inflammatory factors.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effectiveness of psychosocial services provided by social workers in reducing dropout rate and increasing treatment dosage in methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) users.

METHODSFrom May in 2009 to April in 2010, 300 MMT users were recruited from three MMT clinics in Guangzhou, and were randomly allocated into the intervention group and the control groups. The control group (152 cases) received standard MMT services while the intervention group (148 cases) received additional services provided by social workers. Methadone dosage, dropout rate, perceptions toward MMT etc. were compared between the two groups.

RESULTSThe 1-month dropout rate of the control and intervention groups were 19.7% (30/152) and 6.8% (10/148) (P < 0.05) respectively; the 6-month dropout rate of the control and intervention groups were 75.5% (115/152) and 50.7% (75/148) (P < 0.05) respectively. The intervention group had higher average treatment dosage than the control group ((56.0 ± 21.2) vs (64.4 ± 23.1) ml/d, (58.0 ± 24.0) vs (66.1 ± 26.6) ml/d, P < 0.05). At 1-month and 6-month, the intervention group had higher scores of MMT-related perception ((1.26 ± 0.68) vs (1.84 ± 0.95), (1.55 ± 0.83) vs (2.44 ± 1.23), P < 0.05), self-efficacy of maintenance ((3.68 ± 1.33) vs (4.20 ± 1.05), (3.80 ± 1.38) vs (4.43 ± 0.79), P < 0.05) and satisfaction toward MMT((4.08 ± 0.54) vs (4.15 ± 0.60), (4.01 ± 0.67) vs (4.31 ± 0.64), P < 0.05) as compared to the control group. The reverse was true for the score of negative experiences ((1.05 ± 0.86) vs (0.96 ± 0.92), (1.46 ± 0.87) vs (1.11 ± 1.07), P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe psychosocial interventions provided by social workers were effective in reducing dropout rate, increasing treatment dosage and improving cognitions of MMT users.

Adult ; Female ; Heroin Dependence ; drug therapy ; Humans ; Male ; Methadone ; administration & dosage ; therapeutic use ; Opiate Substitution Treatment ; Patient Compliance ; Social Work ; Substance Abuse Treatment Centers ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVETo investigate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of the atypical leiomyoma in the female reproductive system in comparison with the pathological features of the neoplasms.

METHODSA retrospective analysis of the MRI findings and the pathological features was conducted in 24 cases of atypical leiomyoma involving the female reproductive system.

RESULTSAtypical leiomyomas were displayed by MRI as solid tumor mass surrounded by cystic degeneration, pseudotumors, or solid mass with homogeneous signal intensity. Intrauterine lesions were found in 19 cases, involving the subserosal layer (n=11), intramural region (n=4), broad ligament (n=3), cervix (n=2), submucous layer (n=2), vagina (n=1), and the ovary (n=1). Except for two cases with submucous lesions shown as solid mass, all the cases had lesions appearing as solid cystic mass, whose solid part showed hypo or isointense signals on T1WI and moderate hyperintense signals on T2WI, with heterogeneous enhancement after contrast agent injection. Tumor cell and interstitial cell swelling, vascular hyalinosis, hyalinosis, myxoedema, cystic degeneration, and hemorrhage were found in the lesions.

CONCLUSIONLeiomyoma can occur at almost any site in the female reproductive system, and atypical leiomyoma usually are shown as solid cystic mixed mass in the pelvic cavity. Evaluation of the relationship between the solid mass and cystic portion and observation for the presence of low signal on T2WI may help in the diagnosis of atypical leiomyoma.

Adult ; Aged ; Female ; Genital Neoplasms, Female ; pathology ; Humans ; Leiomyoma ; pathology ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Uterine Neoplasms ; pathology ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo investigate the relationship between partial reversed cell polarity (PRCP) and lymphatic tumor spread in invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC), not othervise specified (NOS).

METHODSImmunohistochemistry (EnVision method) was used to examine the expression of epithelial membrane antigen (EMA) and the reversed cell polarity in 199 cases of IDC.

RESULTSOf the 199 cases, including five cases with micropapillary differentiation,30 cases with PRCP and 164 cases of IDC-NOS (without micropapillary differentiation and/or PRCP), lymphovascular invasion was seen in four (4/5), 13(43.3%) and 30 cases (18.3%) respectively; nodal metastasis was seen in four (4/5), 19 (63.3%) and 56 cases (34.1%) respectively. The rates of lymphovascular invasion and nodal metastasis were significantly higher in IDC with PRCP or IMPC than IDC-NOS (P = 0.00); there was however no significant difference between IDC with PRCP and IMPC for lymphovascular invasion and nodal metastasis (P = 0.18, P = 0.64).

CONCLUSIONSIDC with PRCP, similar to IMPC, is more likely to show lymphovascular invasion and nodal metastasis. Complete or partial reversal of cell polarity may play a significant role in lymphatic tumor spread.

Breast Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast ; metabolism ; pathology ; Carcinoma, Papillary ; metabolism ; pathology ; Cell Polarity ; Female ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Middle Aged ; Mucin-1 ; metabolism ; Neoplasm Invasiveness