Corydalis Rhizoma, the dried tuber of Corydalis yanhusuo (Papaveraceae) distributed traditionally mainly in south-eastern and now cultivated in northwestern and other district in China, is one of the commonly used and well-known traditional Chinese medicine. It has been widely used to treat spastic pain, abdominal pain, pain due to injury, and promote blood circulation. Its main chemical constituents were alkaloids, which were divided into the two types of protoberberines and aporphines. Among them, some alkaloids were found to elicit profound effects on the dopaminergic system in the central nervous system, which plays an important role in regulating nociception. In this article, the chemical composition and structure-types, new methods of qualitative and quantitative analysis as well as characteristics of biotransformation, absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, pharmacokinetic, and drug-drug interaction for the alkaloids were revealed. These results would greatly contribute to the establishment of bioactive material base of Corydalis Rhizoma.
Alkaloids ; chemistry ; Animals ; Corydalis ; chemistry ; Drug Interactions ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; chemistry ; metabolism ; pharmacokinetics ; Humans ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; methods ; Papaveraceae ; chemistry ; Rats ; Rhizome ; chemistry

Objective To explore the difference of clinical features and laboratory indexs with different vasovagal responses in(head-up) tilt test(HUT) in children with vasovagal syncope(VVS).Methods Forty consecutive children diagnosed with VVS by HUT were analyzed.The vasovagal responses were divided into vasodepressor,cardioinhibitory and mixed patterns.The distribution and different clinical features and laboratory indexs of different response patterns in the VVS were studied.Results The most common vasovagal response was vasodepressor.There was no significant difference in their clinical features,including the motivation,presymptom,frequency and duration of syncope,baseline heart rate and blood pressure,and serum electrolytes among the children with different vasovagal respon-ses.Conclusion Vosodepressor response is the most common hemodynamic pattern in vasovagal syncope in children.

ObjectiveTo explore the renal functions of vasopressin-deficient Brattleboro(BB) rats by using different concentrated Gadolinium-diethylenetetramine pentaacetic acid(Gd-DTPA) dynamic enhanced magnetic resonance imaging(MRI).MethodsThe study included 14 BB rats(male rats of 3 month-old) and 14 normal male Wistar rats used as control group.Dynamic MRI was performed by using either a low dosage(0.05 mmol/kg) or a high dosage of Gd-DTPA(0.5 mmol/kg).Data of 0-60 min renal cortex,medulla and pelvic were obtained after using contrast medium.MRI of kidneys at different time was analyzed and the mean relative signal intensity(RSI) was measured.Then the RSI curves of different groups were marked.Data of each group were caculated separately by SPSS 11.0 software.ResultsThe findings demonstrated that RSI curves of the vasopressin-deficient kidneys showed different patterns as compared with those of the control group(P

The 125 strains of the symbiotic and epiphyte microorganisms were isolated from marine organisms (Sea cucumber, Sea urchin, Sea anemone, Sea actinia, Ulra, Sargassum, Undaria). Among them,21 strains of bacteria,8 strains of actinomycetes and 2 strains of fungi have shown to have antagonistic activity on bacterial or fungal growth. In the 21 strains of bacteria, 7 strains belong to Bacillus sp., 11 strains belong to Vibro sp., and 3 strains belong to Pseudomonas sp.. In the 8 strains of actinomycetes, 5 strains belong to Streptomyces sp., 3 strains belong to Micromonospora sp.. 2 strains of fungi belong to Penicillum sp..

Objective:To summarize the experiences of the surgical treatment of tumors in the posterior part of the third ventricle and pineal region. Methods: Twenty-seven patients with tumors in this region treated microsurgically from 1990 to 2000 were analyzed. The surgical indications, approaches, and operative key points were discussed. The prognostic factors were also analyzed. Results:Tumors were removed totally in 11 patients, removed subtotally in 7 and removed partially in 5. Biopsy and ventriculo-peritoneal shunt was performed in 4 patients. Of 17 patients in follow-up, 13 patients survived longer than 5 years. Conclusions: Most tumors in the posterior part of the third ventricle and pineal region can be surgically removed.Sufficient specimen obtained in the operation can confirm pathologic property of the tumor,guiding next chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

OBJECTIVETo study the clinicopathologic characteristics of peripheral neuroblastic tumors and to evaluate the prognostic significance of these features.

METHODSThe clinical and pathologic findings were retrospectively reviewed in 121 cases of peripheral neuroblastic tumor. The clinical outcomes of patients were evaluated. The three-year event-free survival rate was analyzed, with respect to age of patients, Evan's staging, International Neuroblastoma Pathology Classification and mitosis-karyorrhexis index.

RESULTSThe median age at diagnosis was 2.7 years; and 96 cases (79.3%) occurred in patients younger than 5 years old. The number of cases in Evan's staging I, II, III, IV and IVs was 24, 39, 24, 29 and 5, respectively. There were 82 cases of neuroblastoma (NB) (including 2 cases of undifferentiated NB, 52 cases of poorly differentiated NB and 28 cases of differentiating NB), 9 cases of ganglioneuroblastoma, intermixed type (GNBi), 19 cases of ganglioneuroma, maturing type (GN) and 11 cases of ganglioneuroblastoma, nodular type (GNBn). Forty-nine cases were in the favorable histology subgroup and 72 cases in the unfavorable histology subgroup. The overall three-year event-free survival rate of the 121 cases was 73.0% ± 4.3%. The three-year event-free survival rates were associated with age (P = 0.002), Evan's staging (P = 0.000), histologic category (P = 0.000), mitosis-karyorrhexis index (P = 0.043), prognostic subgroup (P = 0.000).

CONCLUSIONSMost of the peripheral neuroblastic tumors occur in the children younger than 5 years old. It is composed of NB, GNBi, GN and GNBn. The three-year event-free survival rate is approximately 70%. Significant prognostic parameters include age of patients, Evan's staging, International Neuroblastoma Pathology Classification and mitosis-karyorrhexis index.

Age Factors ; Antigens, Nuclear ; metabolism ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Disease-Free Survival ; Female ; Ganglioneuroblastoma ; metabolism ; pathology ; surgery ; Ganglioneuroma ; metabolism ; pathology ; surgery ; Humans ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; Male ; Neoplasm Staging ; Nerve Tissue Proteins ; metabolism ; Nestin ; metabolism ; Neuroblastoma ; metabolism ; pathology ; surgery ; Peripheral Nervous System Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; surgery ; Phosphopyruvate Hydratase ; metabolism ; Retrospective Studies ; S100 Proteins ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo comparatively observe the curative effect, adverse reaction and compliance of Modified Xiaoyao Pill combining amitriptyline (MXP-At) in treating patients with depression.

METHODSSixty-four patients with diagnosis of depression matched to the Chinese Classification of Mental Disorders (CCMD-3) were randomly assigned to 2 groups, the treatment group treated with MXP-At and the control group with fluoxeline, 32 cases in each group. The curative effect was evaluated by Hamilton depression (HAMD) scale and the adverse reaction was recorded before treatment and at the 2nd, 4th and 12th week of the treatment. Patients were regularly followed up from the 12th week to the 24 th week. The curative effect and compliance in the two groups were compared.

RESULTSThe HAMD score dropped in both groups from the 2nd week of the treatment, and at that time, it was lower in the control group than that in the treatment group (P < 0.05); but at the 4th week, no significant difference was found in the therapeutic effect and the HAMD score between the two groups. However, 3 and 14 cases in the treatment and the control group were relapsed during the 12 weeks of follow-up respectively.

CONCLUSIONMXP-At shows a curative effect similar to fluoxetine on depression but with less adverse reaction, and is not expensive.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Amitriptyline ; therapeutic use ; Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic ; therapeutic use ; Depression ; drug therapy ; Drug Therapy, Combination ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Patient Compliance ; statistics & numerical data ; Phytotherapy ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo evaluate therapeutic effects of Rigidfix cross pins combined with Intrafix pins for the reconstruction of anterior or posterior cruciate ligament under arthroscopy.

METHODSFrom January 2009 to June 2010,34 patients with anterior or posterior cruciate ligament injuries were divided into two groups : group A and group B. There were 24 patients in group A, including 19 males and 5 females,with an average age of (31.83±9.57) years old. The patients in group A were treated with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction under arthroscopy; Rigidfix cross pins and Intrafix pins were used to fix femoral and tibial side respectively. Among the 10 patients in group B, 8 patients were male and 2 patients were female, with an average age of (27.20+7.59) years old. The patients in group B were treated with posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction under arthroscope; Intrafix pins and Rigidifix cross pins were used to fix femoral and tibial side sepectively. The drawer test and Lachaman test were used to evaluate postoperative knee stability. All the patients were followed up at least 18 months. Lysholm and Tegner knee scores were used to evaluate the clinical therapeutic effects.

RESULTSAll the 34 patients were followed up, and the duration ranged from 18 to 26 months,with an average of (20.79±2.39) months. All the patients obtained good pain relief and knee stability. In group A,Lysholm scores significantly increased from 43.04±7.57 preoperatively to 85.41±4.68, 92.50±3.05, and 93.45±2.57 at 6,12, and 18 months postoperatively; Tegner scores significantly increased from 2.62±0.92 preoperatively to 7.45±1.14, 8.58±0.77, and 8.95±0.55 at 6, 12, and 18 months postoperatively. In group B,Lysholm scores significantly increased from 46.20±8.27 preoperatively to 86.40±5.14,90.40±2.67,and 92.00±3.85 at 6,12,and 18 months postoperatively ;Tegner scores significantly increased from 2.00±0.66 preoperatively to 7.10±0.99, 8.60±0.84, and 8.80±0.42 at 6,12, and 18 months postoperatively. There were no differences in Lysholm and Tegner scores between group A and B at different times during follow-up. Lysholm scores of all patients significantly increased from 43.97±7.79 preoperatively to 85.70±4.76,91.88±3.06,and 93.02±3.01 at 6,12,and 18 months postoperatively. Tegner scores of all patients significantly increased from 2.44±0.89 preoperatively to 7.35±1.09, 8.58±0.78, and 8.91±0.51 at 6,12,and 18 months postoperatively. During the follow-up period,there were no serious immunological rejection and complications.

CONCLUSIONReconstruction of anterior or posterior cruciate ligament under arthroscopy with Rigidfix cross pins and Intrafix pins fixation is feasible therapy for anterior or posterior cruciate ligament injuries, and the fixation is rigid. The therapy restores knee stability and provides a satisfactory short-term results.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Anterior Cruciate Ligament ; surgery ; Arthroscopy ; methods ; Bone Nails ; Case-Control Studies ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Posterior Cruciate Ligament ; surgery ; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures ; instrumentation ; methods

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of Lianhua Dingchuan Tablets in bronchial asthma.Methods Fifty BALB/C mice were randomly and equally divided into control (Con) group,ovalbumin (OVA) group,dexamethasone (DEX) group,high-dose Lianhua group,low-dose Lianhua group.The mice were sensitized and challenged with OVA plus aluminium hydroxide to establish asthmatic model and were pre-treated 30 minutes before challenge.Specific airway resistance (sRaw) was used to evaluate airway hyperresponsiveness,and airway inflammatory changes were measured.ELISA and Magnetic Luminex(R) were used to quantified the levels of IL-4,IL-13 and INF-γ.Results Airway resistance significantly decreased in DEX group and High-dose Lianhua group (P＜0.05).Levels of inflammatory cells and IL-13 in BALF evidently reduced in DEX group,high-dose Lianhua group and low-dose Lianhua group (P ＜ 0.05),while IL-13 level in serum only decreased in DEX group.There was no significant changes in the levels of IL 4 and INF γ among those groups.Conclusions Lianhua Dingchuan Tablets might relieve the symptoms of asthma by reducing IL-13 level and inhibiting the airway inflammation.

Objective To study the feasibility of percutaneous pedicle screw fixation in treatment of thoraco-lumbar fractures.Methods Twenty-two patients with thoraeo-lumbar fractures were treated with the posterior percutaneous or open pedicle screw fixation respectively.Operation time,the bleeding volume,the height of the anterior border,the cobb angles of seoliosis,the late loss of correction,and complications were compared.Results All patients were followed up for mean 19 months(13 to 22 months).In percutaneous group,the mean time of operation was 102 minutes,the anterior height of compressed vertebral bodies was restored from 52% to 95% of the normal height,and the Cobb angle was corrected from 16?to 6.3?,the mean late loss of correction was 13% in percutaneous group,and there were no significant differences between the two groups(P＞0.05).The mean bleeding volume in the percutaneous group and open group was 102 ml and 290 ml respectively,which showed significant difference(P＜0.05).Conclusion Posterior percutaneous pedicle screw fixation in treatment of thoracolumar fractures,which didn't need vertebral canal decompression,was a perfect and effective method.Compared with open method,it had such strongpoints as quicker recovery and less invasive.