OBJECTIVETo observe the effects of micro-invasive embedding combined with montelukast sodium and simple montelukast sodium for children cough variant asthma (CVA).

METHODSA total of 240 patients were randomly assigned into an observation group and a control group, 120 cases in each one. Considering of cases dropping, 101 patients in the observation group and 105 cases in the control group were included. Montelukast sodium chewable tablets were applied before sleep for 3 months in the control group, 5 mg a time, once a day. Based on the treatment as the control group, micro-invasive embedding was used for 3 months in the observation group, twice in the first month and once in the other two months. The acupoints were Feishu (BL 13), Danzhong (CV 17), Dingchuan (EX-B 1), and Zusanli (ST 36). Follow-up was conducted 9 months after treatment in the two groups. The cough score, serum immunoglobulin (IgE, IgG, IgA), platelet activating factor (PAF) were observed before and after treatment. The indices were compared before and after treatment and at follow-up, including pulmonary function indices[peak expiratory flow rate (PEF), forced expiratory volume at the 1st second (FEV1)], and small airway function indices[forced expiratory flow rate with remaining 25% vital capacity (MEF25%), forced expiratory flow rate with remaining 50% vital capacity (MEF50%), forced expiratory flow rate with remaining 75% vital capacity (MEF75%) and mid expiratory flow rate (MEF25%-75%)]. Also, the total effects were evaluated.

RESULTS①The total effective rate in the observation group was 93.1% (94/101), which was better than 87.6% (92/105) in the control group (<0.05). The cough disappearance time of the cured children in the observation group was (10.38±2.64) d, and it was shorter than (10.72 ±2.60) d of those in the control group (<0.05). After treatment, the cough score apparently decreased compared with those before treatment in the two groups (both<0.05), with better result in the observation group (<0.05). At follow-up, the recurrence frequency of the observation group was (1.43±1.20), and it was less than (1.91±1.71) in the control group (<0.05). ②The levels of serum IgA and IgG after treatment in the two groups increased, and those of serum IgE and PAF decreased, compared with those before treatment. There was statistically significance except IgG in the control group before and after treatment (all<0.05), with better Results in the observation group after treatment (all<0.05). ③ Compared with those before treatment, all the pulmonary function indices were improved obviously after treatment and at follow-up in the two groups (all<0.05), without statistically significance between the two groups (both>0.05). ④ There was no statistically significance before and after treatment on small airway function indices in the two groups (all>0.05). The indices at follow-up increased compared with those before treatment in the two groups (all<0.05), with better Results in the observation group (all<0.05).

CONCLUSIONSMicro-invasive embedding combined with montelukast sodium achieved de-finite effect for children CVA, which can improve the body's immune and microcirculation. The effect is better than that of simple montelukast sodium on improving small airway function, etc.

The current problems with corneal transplant,including shortage of donors and immune rejection,could be effectively solved by constructing cornea in vitro with tissue engineering techniques,in which the selection of suitable scaffold materials is especially critical.Chitosan and its derivatives are natural biomaterials with excellent biocompatibility,biodegradability,mechanical property and plasticity,indicating wide application prospects in corneal tissue engineering.This article systematically reviews the research advances in chitosan and its derivatives in corneal tissue engineering,and the existing problems are also highlighted in order to provide theoretical basis for further clinical research.

Objective To prepare paraoxonase 1 (PON1) liposomes, and investigate pharmacokinetics of common PON1 liposomes (L-PON1) and polyethylene glycol-modified PON1 long circulating liposomes (PEG-PON1-LCL) in rats after intravenous administration. Methods L-PON1 and PEG-PON1-LCL were prepared by film dispersion method. The entrapment efficiency, mean diameter and Zeta potential of the liposomes were measured, and the stability was evaluated. Thirty-six Wistar rats were divided into three groups according to random number table, with 12 rats in each group. The rats were intravenously administrated with PON1, L-PON1 or PEG-PON1-LCL 700 U/kg, respectively. The activity of PON1 in serum was determined by phenyl acetate method, the activity of PON1 at different time points after drug administration was compared with that before drug administration, and the difference value was considered as the activity of exogenous PON1, and PON1 activity-time curve was plotted. The pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated and analyzed by DAS 2.0 pharmacokinetic program and SPSS 17.0. Results The entrapment efficiencies of L-PON1 and PEG-PON1-LCL were above 85%, the mean diameter was about 126 nm, and Zeta potential was -14.35 mV. After 2 weeks of preservation, the above parameters showed no obvious change, indicating that liposomes had good stability and the properties of preparations were basically stable. Compared with purified PON1 administration, after L-PON1 and PEG-PON1-LCL administration, the activity of PON1 was increased, the half-life of PON1 activity in rats was significantly prolonged [the half-life of distribution (T1/2α, hours): 0.142±0.018, 0.147±0.021 vs. 0.126±0.022; the half-life of clearance (T1/2β, hours): 3.877±1.010, 4.520±1.117 vs. 1.226±0.422], the area under PON1 activity-time curve (AUC) was significantly increased [AUC from 0 hour to 24 hours (AUC0-24, U·h-1·L-1): 499.305±64.710, 563.576±70.450 vs. 18.053±2.190; AUC from the immediate injection to the disappearance of PON1 activity (AUC0-∞, U·h-1·L-1): 516.256±60.940, 587.801±76.210 vs. 21.044±3.250], the apparent volume of distribution (Vd) and clearance (CL) were significantly decreased [Vd (L): 0.140±0.065, 0.144±0.064 vs. 0.493±0.032, CL (L/h):0.039±0.008, 0.034±0.006 vs. 0.952±0.082, all P < 0.05]. There was no significant difference in pharmacokinetics between L-PON1 and PEG-PON1-LCL. Conclusions The film dispersion method prepared PON1 liposomes have high entrapment efficiency and small particle size with a good stability. Both liposomes can raise PON1 activity in vivo, change the pharmacokinetics of PON1 in vivo, prolong the resident time of PON1 in the blood circulating system, and compensate for the short half-life of PON1 in vivo.

OBJECTIVE To optimize the parameters of passive cutaneous anaphylaxis(PCA)in rats immunized by ovalbumin(OVA). METHODS 1-2 month-old Sprague-Dawley rats were immu?nized by ip injection of OVA(0.2,1.0 and 5.0 mg per rat)mixed with complete Freund′s adjuvant once every other day 3 times. Serum was collected on the 12th-16th days after final immunization. Then the rats were intracutaneously injected with sensitized serum and then stimulated by iv injection of the same dose of OVA mixed with Evans blue after a latent period of 0.5,1.5,3,6,12,24,36,48 and 60 h. Finally,the diameters of blue spots in the skin were measured at stimulation. RESULTS Serum total-IgE(T-IgE)and OVA-specific IgE(sIgE)levels increased significantly and reached the peak on the 3rd-7th days and 12th-16th days after final immunization,respectively. There was no correlation between the serum T-IgE level and OVA-sIgE level when the rats were immunized with OVA at OVA 0.2-5.0 mg per rat. The rats experienced PCA after injection of OVA 1.0 and 5.0 mg per rat. Diameters of blue spots in the skin reached the maximum value after rats were sensitized for 0.5-3 h. Moreover,the shape,color and size of blue spots were better 30-60 min after stimulation. CONCLUSION Optimized PCA is as follows:1-2 month-old rats are immunized on the 1st,3rd and 5th days by ip injection of OVA 1.0-5.0 mg. The immunizing serum is collected at 12-16 d after final immunization. The rats are stimulated by OVA and Evans blue after a latent period of 0.5-3 h. Diameters of blue spots in rats′ skin are then measured 30-60 min after stimulation.

BACKGROUND: Carboxymethyl chitosan is a water-soluble derivate modified from chitosan, with various biological activities. It is a good ligand of metal ion and can integrate Ca~(2+) to prepare a novel biological material. OBJECTIVE: To explore a method for preparing carboxymethyl chitosan calcium (CCC) and analyze its properties and structure. METHODS: CCC was produced by carboxymethyl ohitosan reacting with solution of calcium chloride. The solubility, carboxymethylation degree, rotational viscosity, and calcium content of CCC were determined, and infrared and ultraviolet spectral analyses were performed.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The calcium content of CCC was approximately 15%. Compared with carboxymethyl chitosan, infrared spectrum and ultraviolet spectrum of CCC were changed. The prepared CCC is a new calcium compound through property and structural analysis.

Objective To observe the effect of stellate ganglion block (SGB) in the treatment of peri-men-opanse syndrome of clinical efficacy. Methods 30 patients diagnosed as perimenepausal syndorme by the gynecolo-gy clinic in our hospital from February 2007 to December 2008 were selected. All patients experienced vaginal cytolo-gy and examination of blood estradiol (E2),follicle-stimulating generation Su (FSH),luteinizing hormone (LH),in line with perimenopausal syndrome and no other chronic diseases, and in the last 3 months the patients had not taken hormone treatment drugs. Anterior SGB once a day,around the turn was adopted,taking 10 times as a course of treat-ment. All patients were treated for two courses. The blood FSH, LH, E2 changes were recorded. Results Blood E<,2> in-creased from (31.29±19.36) pmol/L to (159.47±88.21) pmol/L(t=-24.976, P<0.01). FSH decreased from (54.67±19.24) U/L to (38.15±13.50) U/L (t=13.872, P<0.01), and LH dropped from (36.1± 15.6)U/L to (26.7±8.7)U/L (t=9.188,P<0.01). Conclusion SGB has the disorder and autonomic Endo-crine function to achieve a new balance because it can adjust perimenopausal autonomic nervous imbalance, so it is the effective treatment for elimination of peri-menopause syndrome.

Objective To discuss the feasibility of Shuyisha as hemostasis and repair material for liver wound. Methods Hemolysis rate, acute toxicity and eytotoxicity of Shuyisha were measured. A hemorrhage model was established by making an open wound (5 mm× 3 nun ×2 mm) on the left liver lobe of mice. Hemostasis was performed with Shuyisha in experimental group and with Surgicel in control group, when the hemostatic time and total blood loss (TBL) were accurately recorded and regular macro-scopic and histological observation carried out. Results The hemolysis rate of Shuyisha was 2.33%, with maximum tolerance does of over 0.48 g/kg and the eytotoxicity at zero. The hemostatie time of Shuy-isha was (5.00 ±0.00) s, with total blood loss of (0.88±0.18) g/kg, better than Surgicel (P< 0.05). Shuyisha was degraded completely within 14 days, with the wound healed within 21 days in ex-perimental group, much better than Surgieel. Conclusions The hemolysis rate, acute toxicity and cy-totoxicity of Shuyisha are up to the requirement of biomedical materials. Shuyisha has effective hemosta-sis, which may be related to its molecular structure and adhesion.

To study the possibility of using hydroxypropyl chitosan-based blend membranes as carriers of corneal cells in tissue engineering, we prepared three kinds of blend membranes labeled hydroxypropyl chitosan/chondroitin sulfate, hydroxypropyl chitosan/gelatin/chondroitin sulfate and hydroxypropyl chitosan/oxidized hyaluronic acid/chondroitin sulfate. The transparency, water content and ability of protein adsorption of the blend membranes were measured. To evaluate the cytocompatibility of the blend membranes with corneal epithelial cells, rabbit corneal epithelial cells were cultured on the surface of the carrier membranes. The morphological characteristics, cell adhesion, cell proliferation and the activity of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in the media were investigated. Three kinds of blend membranes had good optical transmittance, suitable water content and ability of protein adsorption. The results showed that the less injury was made to corneal epithelial cells by the hydroxypropyl chitosan/gelatin/chondroitin sulfate blend membrane than the others. This kind of membrane was favor of the growth and adhesion of corneal epithelial cells. The hydroxypropyl chitosan/gelatin/chondroitin sulfate blend membrane is a promising carrier of corneal cells and can be used in reconstruction of tissue engineered cornea.
Animals ; Biocompatible Materials ; chemistry ; pharmacology ; Cell Culture Techniques ; methods ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Cells, Cultured ; Chitosan ; chemistry ; Chondroitin Sulfates ; chemistry ; Epithelium, Corneal ; cytology ; Gelatin ; chemistry ; Membranes, Artificial ; Rabbits ; Tissue Engineering ; methods

Effects of carboxymethyl-chitosan (CM-Chitosan) with different molecular weight on the proliferation of skin fibroblasts and keratinocytes were examined in vitro; bFGF and EGF, as controls, were seperately used for comparison. Chitosan with different molecular weight was prepared by acid degradation and oxidation degradation; CM-Chitosan with different molecular weight was synthesized from corresponding Chitosan. Microscopy and MTT method were applied to evaluate the different effects. The results demonstrated that CM-Chitosan with different molecular weight promoted the proliferation of skin fibroblasts and keratinocytes at 1-1000 ppm, and the concentration at 100 ppm had the strongest effects. The effects of low molecular weight CM-Chitosan were greater than those of high molecular weight CM-Chitosan. CM-Chitosan (Mn= 3KD) had the strongest promotive effects on skin fibroblasts and keratinocytes; it had equivalent effects when compared with bFGF and EGF.
Animals ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Cells, Cultured ; Chitosan ; analogs & derivatives ; chemical synthesis ; pharmacology ; Fibroblasts ; cytology ; drug effects ; Humans ; Keratinocytes ; cytology ; drug effects ; Mice ; Molecular Weight ; Skin ; cytology

OBJECTIVE: Osteoblasts are essential for osteogenesis and bone metabolism, the in vitro culture of osteoblasts is the foundation for studies on bone metabolism and osteogenetic mechanism. Therefore, it is of great significance to study the related factors affecting it.DATA SOURCES: Related literature about the influencing factors of in vitro culture of osteoblasts were searched for in Medline from January 1980 to December 2004 with retrieval words of "osteoblasts, culture in vitro, in fluencing factors", with the language limited to English. Meanwhile, it was also searched in the CBM between January 1995 and December 2004 with the retrieval words of "osteoblasts, in vitro culture, influencing factors",with the language of the articles limited to Chinese.STUDY SELECTION: After preliminary examination, literature that met the need of this study was searched for the full text. Inclusion criteria: Factors influencing the in vitro culture of osteoblasts included ① physical factors; ② microelements; ③ growth factors; and ④ hormones.Reviews were removed from this study because of summary or repetitive research.DATA EXTRACTION: A total of 105 articles related to the influencing factors of the in vitrocul ture of osteoblasts were obtained, articles of repetitive and similar researchwere removed; thereby 17 articles were included in the study.DATA SYNTHESIS: ① Physical factors: Ionizing radiation, microgravity,external force, and oxygen pressure. ② Microelements: microelement deficiency would hinder the skeletal growth, or even lead to malformation. Osteoblastic proliferation is closely related to some microelements, mainly including zinc, aluminum, fluorine, copper, manganese, calcium, and magnesium. ③ Growth factors closely related to osteogenesis mainly consist of bone morphogenetic protein, platelet-derived growth factor, fibroblast growth factor, transforming growth factor-beta, insulin like growth factor,and osteogenic growth peptide (OGP). ④ Hormones capable of promoting the proliferation and differentiation are growth hormone, estrogen, thyroxine, parathyroxine, and glucocorticosteroid.CONCLUSION: Multiple factors are involved in the in vitro culture of osteoblasts. It is helpful to understand these influencing factors to seek an effective way for the in vitro culture ofosteoblasts that is applied in tissue engineering.