Chinese Medicine Involving Triple Rehabilitation Therapy for Knee Osteoarthritis in 696 Outpatients: A Multi-Center, Randomized Controlled Trial / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To determine the effects of Chinese medicine (CM) involving triple rehabilitation therapy on the progression of knee osteoarthritis (KOA).@*METHODS@#A total of 722 patients recruited from 38 community health service centers located in China from March 2013 to March 2017 were randomly divided into treatment and control groups equally, using a cluster randomization design. Health education combined with CM involving triple rehabilitation therapy for KOA (electro-acupuncture, Chinese medicinal herb fumigating-washing, and traditional exercises) was administered in the treatment group while conventional rehabilitation therapy (physical factor therapy, joint movement training, and muscle strength training) was administered in the control group. Patients with a visual analog scale (VAS) scores ≽4 were treated with dispersible meloxicam tablets (7.5 mg, once daily). The Lequesne index scores, VAS scores, range of motion (ROM), lower limb muscle strength, knee joint circumference, quantitative scores of KOA symptoms, and the short-form 36 item health survey questionnaire (SF-36) scores were measured for each patient at 5 checkpoints (before treatment, at the 2nd week and the 4th week during the 4-week treatment period, at 1 month and 3 months after end of treatment), and adverse reactions were observed also.@*RESULTS@#A total of 696 patients completed the entire process, with 351 in the treatment group and 345 in the control group. At all treatment checkpoints, the treatment group demonstrated better outcomes than the control group with regard to the total Lequesne index scores, effective rate and improvement rate of the total Lequesne index scores, VAS scores, lower limb muscle strength, knee circumference, quantitative scores of KOA symptoms, and SF-36 scores as well (P<0.05 or P<0.01). No adverse reactions were encountered in this study.@*CONCLUSIONS@#CM involving triple rehabilitation therapy can alleviate KOA-related pain and swelling, improve lower limb muscle strength, promote flexion and activity of the knee and improve the quality of life in patients undergoing KOA. It is suitable for patients with early or mid-stage KOA. (Registration No. ChiCTR-TRC-12002538).

Genetic polymorphisms and genetic relationship of 24 autosomal STR loci in Gelao and Miao population of Guizhou / 解放军医学杂志

Objective: To investigate the genetic polymorphisms of 24 autosomal short tandem repeats (STR) loci in Gelao and Miao populations dwelled in Guizhou province, and explore the population genetic relationships and evaluate their application value on forensic medicine. Methods: The DNA samples of 732 unrelated individuals (399 Guizhou Gelao population and 333 Guizhou Miao population) were amplified using SureID® PanGlobal kit, and the PCR products were analyzed by electrophoresis through 3500XL genetic analyzer. The fragment sizes of alleles were subsequently analyzed by GeneMapper ID-X v1.5. Allele frequencies and forensic genetic parameters of 24 STR loci were statistically analyzed and compared with the available data of other populations from different races and regions. Results: For Guizhou Gelao and Miao populations, the individual discrimination power (DP) ranged from 0.7833 to 0.9909 and 0.8010 to 0.9909, respectively; the polymorphic information content (PIC) ranged from 0.5608 to 0.9385 and 0.5677 to 0.9414, respectively; the total discrimination power (TDP) were 1-7.6036 × 10-30 and 1-6.8630 × 10-30, respectively, and the cumulative probability of exclusion (CPE) were 1-1.9608 × 10-11 and 1-1.9738 × 10-14, respectively. Analysis with the matrix of Nei's DA genetic distance indicated that the genetic distance was the smallest (0.0205) between Guizhou Gelao and Hubei Han populations, while was the largest (0.0449) between Guizhou Gelao and Yunnan Miao populations; the genetic distance was minimum (0.0033) between Guizhou Miao and Hunan Han populations, while was maximal (0.0363) between Guizhou Miao and Yunnan Miao. Conclusions: The 24 STR loci are abundant in genetic polymorphism in Guizhou Gelao and Miao populations. It is of great significance to study the genetic diversity of different ethnic groups in order to understand their origin, migration and interrelationship.

Improving Quality Standard of Processed Slices of Paridis Rhizoma of Chinese Pharmacopoeia / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To study the appearance description,TLC examination and content determination was carried out, in order to improve the quality standard of processed slices of Paridis Rhizoma in the 2020 edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia. Method:Based on the literature review and observation on the samples,the appearance description was described. TLC examination was used for the qualitative analysis. HPLC was used for the determination of polyphyllin Ⅰ,Ⅱ,Ⅵ and Ⅶ in the commercial and processed samples. UPLC was employed for the determination of 10 steroidal saponins,namely pseudoprotodioscin,polyphyllin Ⅶ,17-hydroxygracillin,polyphyllin H,polyphyllin Ⅵ,polyphyllin Ⅱ,dioscin,gracilin,polyphyllin Ⅰ and polyphyllin Ⅴ. Result:For the appearance description,color and luster,texture,odor and taste as well as the diameter of 1.0-4.5 cm were recorded. polyphyllin Ⅵ was not detected in the thin layer chromatograms of most of the tested samples derived from high-quality species but obviously detected in those of Trillium Rhizoma. Five of 13 commercial samples met the requirements that the total amounts of polyphyllin Ⅶ,Ⅵ,Ⅱ,and Ⅰ should be no less than 0.6%according to the current Chinese Pharmacopoeia. Because softening and drying had the obvious influence on the contents of steroidal saponins in the samples,soaking and sun-drying were preferred. Conclusion:Appearance description should be supplemented. Polyphyllin Ⅵ is not considered as one of quality markers for the TLC identification and HPLC determination of Paridis Rhizoma. Polyphyllin H was considered as a new marker for the quality control. It is recommended that the total amounts of polyphyllin Ⅶ,H,Ⅱ,and Ⅰ should be no less than 1.0%.

Effect of Tongfengning Serum Containing on Expression of Urate Transporter in HK-2 Induced by Uric Acid / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective: Study on the mechanism of Tongfengning in reducing serum uric acid from the perspective of renal urate transporter. Method: The human renal tubular epithelial cells(HK-2)was randomly divided into normal group, model group, Tongfengning low, medium and high dose group (7.65,15.3,30.6 g·kg-1) and benzbromarone group (50 μmo1·L-1),different culture media were given for intervention.HK-2 and cell supernatant were collected after 24 h of intervention. The expressions of urate transporter 1 (URAT1), glucose transporter 9 (GLUT9), organic anion transporter 1(OAT1), organic anion transporter 3(OAT3), and ATP-binding cassette superfamily G member 2 (ABCG2) protein and mRNA were detected in HK-2 of all groups by Western blot and Real-time PCR. Result: Compared with normal group, the expression of URAT1, GLUT9 protein and mRNA was significantly increased(PPPPPConclusion: Tongfengning can regulate the reabsorption and secretion of uric acid in renal tubules, promote the excretion of uric acid in kidney and reduce the level of serum uric acid by down-regulating the expression of URAT1, GLUT9 protein and mRNA in HK-2 and up-regulating the expression of ABCG2 protein and mRNA. It is suggested that the regulation of renal uric acid transporter protein may be one of the specific mechanisms of Tongfengning to reduce serum uric acid by promoting dampness and turbid removal. OAT1, OAT3 protein and mRNA were not expressed in HK-2 cultured in vitro.

Genetic Polymorphisms of 27 Y-STR Loci in Dongxiang Population of Gansu Province / 法医学杂志

OBJECTIVES@#To investigate the genetic polymorphisms of 27 Y-STR in Dongxiang population of Gansu province, and to explore the population genetic relationship and the value of forensic application.@*METHODS@#The genotyping of 27 Y-STR loci in 526 unrelated male individuals in Dongxiang population of Gansu province were detected by STRtyper-27Y kit. The allele frequencies and haplotype diversity were also calculated. Combining with other genetics data of 14 loci in same populations, which have been published at home and abroad, the genetic distance and clustering relationship in Dongxiang population of Gansu province were calculated.@*RESULTS@#Totally 55 haplotypes were found in the DYS385a/b biallelic loci, 39 haplotypes in DYF387S1 loci, and 4-16 alleles in the rest 23 single copy STR loci. The GD value was from 0.453 9 （DYS391） to 0.957 5 （DYS385a/b）. Totally 471 haplotypes were observed in 27 Y-STR loci in 526 individuals, and the value of haplotypes diversity was 0.999 5. The genetic distance between Dongxiang and Tibetan populations of Gansu province was the closest （0.068 2）, while it was the longest between Dongxiang population in Gansu province and Han population in Henan province （0.084 7）. The result of dimensional analysis established upon the genetic distance was basically matched with that of the cluster analysis.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The 27 Y-STR loci show a high genetic polymorphism in Dongxiang population of Gansu province, which has significance for the Y-STR database establishment, population genetics study and forensic practice.

Effect of GP130 small molecular inhibitor SC144 on renal interstitial fibrosis in mice with unilateral ureteral obstruction / 上海交通大学学报（医学版）

Objective·To investigate the effect of glycoprotein 130 (GP130) inhibitor SC144 on extracellular matrix accumulation and JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway in unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) mouse model, and explore its mechanism. Methods·Eighteen female BALB/c mice were randomly divided into 3 groups i.e. sham group, UUO group and SC144 group. All mice were sacrificed at day 14 and kidneys were harvested for further analysis. The changes of renal tissue morphology and pathology were observed by H-E and Masson staining. The expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and infiltration of macrophage cells were assayed by immunohistochemical staining. The levels of collagen-I, collagen-IV, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1(MCP-1),transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β)mRNA were analyzed by real-time PCR.The activation of JAK2 and STAT3 was measured by Western blotting. Results·There was a trend toward decreased renal tubular lesion and renal interstitial fibrosis in SC144 group (H-E, P=0.052;Masson,P=0.063).SC144 significantly inhibited the levels of α-SMA,type I/type IV collagen and TGF-β mRNA(all P<0.05).Compared with UUO group, the phosphorylation levels of JAK2 and STAT3 were significantly decreased in SC144 group (both P<0.05). Conclusion·The treatment of UUO mouse model with SC144 can inhibit the activation of α-SMA, attenuate the phosphorylation of STAT3, reduce extracellular matrix protein deposition following injury and renal tubular epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT)via JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway,indicating its potential in attenuating interstitial fibrosis in obstructive nephropathy.

Genetic polymorphisms of 19 X-STR loci for forensic application in China’s three ethnicities / 基础医学与临床

Objective To investigate the genetic data of the 19 X-STR loci in three ethnicities of China ( Han, Gelao,Miao) and to evaluate the application in forensic science.Methods The DNA samples of unrelated individ-ual in Han (n=308), Gelao (n=398), Miao (n=323) ethnicities were amplified using MicroreaderTM19X ID System kit, and the PCR products were analyzed by electrophoresis through 3500XL genetic analyzer. The fragment sizes of alleles were taken subsequently by GeneMapper? ID-X. Allele frequencies and national genetics parameters of the 19 X-STR were analyzed by statistics. The allele frequencies were compared among the three nationalities and were compared with available data of other Han ethnicities from different regions. Results After the Bonferroni correction at a 95% significance level, no significant departures from the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium was observed. Linkage disequilibrium test showed no significant allelic association between all 19 X-STR loci after Bonferroni’s correction. The cumulative discrimination power in females and in males were greater than 0.999 999 999 99 and 0.999 999 999 94,respectively. The combined power of exclusion in trios and in duos were greater than 0.999 999 999 36 and 0.999 999 52,respectively. The p values,calculated throuth Arle-quin v3.5 software,there were significantly different as detected at loci of X-STR among the different nationalities. Conclusions This panel of X-STR is highly polymorphic in China’s three ethnicities and can be served as a supple-mentary to the current STR system for individual identification.

An 8-Week Low-Intensity Progressive Cycling Training Improves Motor Functions in Patients with Early-Stage Parkinson's Disease

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The effects of high-intensity cycling as an adjuvant therapy for early-stage Parkinson's disease (PD) were highlighted recently. However, patients experience difficulties in maintaining these cycling training programs. The present study investigated the efficacy of cycling at a mild-to-moderate intensity in early-stage PD. METHODS: Thirteen PD patients were enrolled for 16 serial cycling sessions over a 2-month period. Motor function was assessed using the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale part III (UPDRS III) and Timed Up and Go (TUG) test as primary outcomes. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), modified Hoehn and Yahr Stage (mHYS), total UPDRS, Falls Efficacy Scale, New Freezing of Gait Questionnaire, Schwab and England Activities of Daily Living, 39-item Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire, Patient Global Impression of Change, and gait performance were assessed as secondary outcomes. RESULTS: The age and the age at onset were 59.67±7.24 and 53.23±10.26 years (mean±SD), respectively. The cycling cadence was 53.27±8.92 revolutions per minute. The UPDRS III score improved significantly after 8 training sessions (p=0.011) and 16 training sessions (T2) (p=0.001) in the off-state, and at T2 (p=0.004) in the on-state compared to pretraining (T0). The TUG duration was significantly shorter at T2 than at T0 (p < 0.05). The findings of MoCA, total UPDRS, double limb support time, and mHYS (in both the off- and on-states) also improved significantly at T2. CONCLUSIONS: Our pioneer study has demonstrated that a low-intensity progressive cycling exercise can improve motor function in PD, especially akinesia. The beneficial effects were similar to those of high-intensity rehabilitation programs.

Interhemispheric functional connectivity for Alzheimer's disease and amnestic mild cognitive impairment based on the triple network model / 浙江大学学报（英文版）（B辑：生物医学和生物技术）

The purpose of this study was to explore the differences in interhemispheric functional connectivity in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) based on a triple network model consisting of the default mode network (DMN), salience network (SN), and executive control network (ECN). The technique of voxel-mirrored homotopic connectivity (VMHC) analysis was applied to explore the aberrant connectivity of all patients. The results showed that: (1) the statistically significant connections of interhemispheric brain regions included DMN-related brain regions (i.e. precuneus, calcarine, fusiform, cuneus, lingual gyrus, temporal inferior gyrus, and hippocampus), SN-related brain regions (i.e. frontoinsular cortex), and ECN-related brain regions (i.e. frontal middle gyrus and frontal inferior); (2) the precuneus and frontal middle gyrus in the AD group exhibited lower VMHC values than those in the aMCI and healthy control (HC) groups, but no significant difference was observed between the aMCI and HC groups; and (3) significant correlations were found between peak VMHC results from the precuneus and Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Montreal Cognitive Scale (MOCA) scores and their factor scores in the AD, aMCI, and AD plus aMCI groups, and between the results from the frontal middle gyrus and MOCA factor scores in the aMCI group. These findings indicated that impaired interhemispheric functional connectivity was observed in AD and could be a sensitive neuroimaging biomarker for AD. More specifically, the DMN was inhibited, while the SN and ECN were excited. VMHC results were correlated with MMSE and MOCA scores, highlighting that VMHC could be a sensitive neuroimaging biomarker for AD and the progression from aMCI to AD.

Anti-inflammation Effects of Chanqin Granules on PM2.5-induced Airway Neurogenic Inflammation Mediated by Nerve Growth Factor in Rats / 广州中医药大学学报

Objective To observe the anti-inflammation effects of Chanqin granules on airway neurogenic inflammation induced by fine particulate matter (PM2.5)and mediated by nerve growth factor (NGF)and to explore the therapeutic mechanism. Methods Forty SD rats were randomly divided into 5 groups,namely saline control group, PM2.5 exposure group, anti-NGF group, Chanqin granules group and Huifeining group (Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride,Chlorpheniramine Maleate and Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide Solution),8 rats in each group. PM2.5 exposure rat model was established by intratracheal drop infusion of PM2.5 suspension. The rats in PM2.5 exposure group were given gastric gavage of normal saline after PM2.5 exposure , and the anti-NGF group was given gastric gavage of saline after PM2.5 exposure and intraperitoneal injection of anti-NGF agent. Chanqin granules group was given gastric gavage of Chanqin granules (9.36 g·kg-1·d-1)after PM2.5 exposure,Huifeining group was given gastric gavage of Huifeining (8 mL·kg-1·d-1)after PM2.5 exposure,and saline control group was given gastric gavage of normal saline after intratracheal drop infusion of normal saline , the treatment covering 2 weeks. After medication,the contents of substance P (SP),calcitonin gene related peptide(CGRP), neurokinin A(NKA), neurokinin B(NKB), and nerve growth factor(NGF) in rat serum were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), the expression levels of SP and NGF in lung tissue and dorsal root ganglia were measured by immunohistochemistry , and the protein and mRNA expression levels of NGF in lung tissue and dorsal root ganglia were determined by Western blotting method and reverse transcription quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction(RT-qPCR),respectively. Results Compared with the saline control group, the levels of SP, NKA, NKB, NGF and CGRP in rat serum, immunohistochemical mean optical density of NGF in lung tissue and SP and NGF in dorsal root ganglia, the protein and mRNA expression levels of NGF in lung tissue and the protein expression level of NGF in dorsal root ganglia of PM2.5 exposure group were all increased(P < 0.05). Compared with PM2.5 exposure group,the above indexes in anti-NGF group, Chanqin granules group, and Huifeining group were decreased (P < 0.05), and there being no differences between the 3 groups (P > 0.05). Conclusion Chanqin granules have certain effects on relieving the neurogenic inflammation in rat airway induced by PM2.5 through inhibiting the expression of NGF.

Forensic Application of 16 X-STR Loci in Henan Han Population / 法医学杂志

OBJECTIVES@#To investigate the genetic data of 16 X-STR loci in Henan Han population and to assess the application value in forensic science.@*METHODS@#The DNA of 326 unrelated individuals in Henan Han population were amplified using Goldeneye™ DNA identification system 17X kit, and the PCR products were analyzed by electrophoresis through 3130xl genetic analyzer. The fragment sizes of alleles were analyzed subsequently by GeneMapper® ID-X. Allele frequencies and population genetics parameters of 16 X-STR loci were analyzed statistically and compared with the available data of other Han populations from different regions.@*RESULTS@#Among the 16 X-STR loci, DXS6800 were found to be moderately polymorphic and the other 15 X-STR loci were highly polymorphic. The cumulative discrimination power in females and males were 0.999 999 999 999 992 and 0.999 999 996 577 712, respectively. The combined power of exclusion in trios and in duos were 0.999 999 971 and 0.999 992 574, respectively.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The 16 X-STR loci meet the application requires of forensic genetics, especially for testing the special paternity cases.

Establishment and Verification of 6-color Fluorescent-labeled Rapid PCR Amplification System / 法医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To establish the rapid PCR amplification program and system and to verify the technical indexes.@*METHODS@#PCR multiplex and capillary electrophoresis detection of 24 autosomal STR loci and one Y-STR loci using the 6-color fluorescence marking technology, as well as A melogenin and Y-InDel. Meanwhile, sensitivity, specificity, identity, stability, mixing and a batch of sample tests were investigated, and the genotype of various routine samples and degraded, exfoliated cell samples were observed.@*RESULTS@#The sensitivity of the system was 0.062 5 ng. In addition, the genotype could be detected accurately only around 65 min via rapid amplification. The species-specificity was high and the genotyping of all kinds of dry blood specimens of filter paper and mixed, degraded, exfoliated cell samples were accurate.@*CONCLUSION@#The rapid amplification system can significantly improve the detection rate, and obtain accurate and stable genotyping results, which may be important implications for the establishment of STR database and study on population genetics and forensic identification.

Histopathological analysis of organs submitted by legal medicine experts in Baojii City: 358 forensic identification cases / 法医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To analyze pathological characteristics of organs recovered during forensic autopsy submitted by legal medicine experts.@*METHODS@#From Baoji city, 358 cases of forensic autopsy specimens from a series of routine exams were collected. And histopathological diagnoses were reviewed.@*RESULTS@#Majority of the 358 cases were young men. The major causes of death were trauma, sudden death and poisoning. The cause of death was determined with histology in 250 cases. No typical histological changes were noted in 101 cases. The tissue autolysis and decomposition were present in 7 cases. The major pathological diagnosis was cardiovascular disease, followed by diseases in respiratory, nervous, and digestive systems.@*CONCLUSION@#Forensic autopsy with its professional characteristics, is different from regular autopsy. When diagnosing cause of death by histopathological examination, pathologists should collaborate with legal medicine experts to know the details of the cases, circumstances surrounding the death, and specific forensic pathological characteristics.

Wnt/b-catenin signaling pathway affects the protein expressions of caspase-3, XIAP and Grp-78 in hepatocellular carcinoma / 中华肝脏病杂志

To investigate the relationship and significance of Wnt/b-catenin signaling pathway with caspase-3, XIAP, HSP27and Grp-78. The HCC cell line HepG2 was transfected with small interfering RNA (siRNA) directed against b-catenin. After 72 and 96 h, protein was extracted and the protein expressions of b-catenin, caspase-3, XIAP, Grp-78 and HSP27 were detected by Western blot. b-catenin protein expression was inhibited at both time points and the expression at 96 h was higher than that at 72 h (F = 160.72, P is less than to 0.01). Interestingly, Caspase-3 protein expression was decreased at 72 h and increased to normal at 96 h (F = 136.10, P is less than to 0.01), while p-caspase-3 protein expression increased at 72 h and decreased to normal at 96 h (F = 98.65, P is less than to 0.01). XIAP protein expression decreased at 72 h (F = 37.29, P is less than to 0.01) and increased at 96 h. Grp-78 protein expression increased at 72 h and decreased to normal at 96 h ( F = 58.72, P is less than to 0.01). HSP27 protein expression showed no change following transfection ( F = 1.91, P is more than to 0.05). Wnt/b-catenin signaling pathway is related to the protein expressions of caspase-3, XIAP and Grp-78, but not related to HSP27 protein expression in HCC. Wnt/b-catenin signaling pathway may participate in the regulation of HCC apoptosis, proliferation and differentiation through affecting these factors.

A collaborative care model of anticoagulation therapy in patients with stroke

Background and Objectives: Anticoagulation clinics are widely used for anticoagulation management in many countries, but have only recently began to gain acceptance in Taiwan. Our service model is a physician-managed outpatient clinic collaborating with clinical pharmacist and nurse. This study aimed to evaluate the adequacy of anticoagulation and rates of warfarin-related complications before and after referral to our collaborative anticoagulation clinic (CAC). Methods: Stroke patients taking warfarin from the neurology department were identifi ed and referred to the CAC during the 12-month period from February 2009 to January 2010. Quality markers include percentage of international normalized ratio (INR) values in the therapeutic range, frequency of INR monitoring, and frequency of follow-up visits and the mean interval of next INR monitoring after non-therapeutic INRs were compared one year before and after management in the CAC. Using studied patients as self-control, they were included in the analysis if patients had at least 3 months follow-up or 3 INR values both before and after referral. Results: A total of 44 stroke patients were included: mean age of 75.0 ± 9.7 years, with a CHADS2 score of 3.71 ± 0.69. The adequacy of anticoagulation was signifi cantly greater during CAC care compared with the period before referral; the percentage of INR within expanded therapeutic range was 60.9% versus 53.7%, respectively (p=0.049). Reduction in sub-therapeutic INR values from 31.8% to 24.2% (p=0.023) contributed mostly to the improved quality of care. The time interval of next INR monitoring after non-therapeutic INRs ( 4.0 or 1.5) was also signifi cantly shorter. However, there was no signifi cant difference in the rates of thromboembolic and hemorrhagic events which may be attributed to a small sample size. Conclusion: Based on results of our study, a CAC may be the optimal structure for anticoagulation management service in the future.

Antithrombotic treatment before stroke onset and stroke severity in patients with atrial fi brillation andfi rst-ever ischemic stroke: An observational study

Background and Objectives: Atrial fi brillation (AF) is an important, independent risk factor for stroke. The value of antithrombotic therapy to prevent stroke is well established in numerous randomized controlled trials. The objectives of this study were to determine the rate and the factors associated with the prescription of antithrombotic treatment before fi rst-ever ischemic stroke in patients with known AF; and to assess the association between preadmission antithrombotic therapy and stroke severity, death or disability. Methods: Consecutive patients with acute fi rst-ever ischemic stroke and AF admitted to Mackay Memorial Hospital from July 2005 to June 2007 were included in the study. We reviewed the use of antithrombotic agents before stroke onset, the international normalized ratio at admission and coexisting illness. The severity of stroke was graded using the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale. Disability was measured at discharge and during 90 days follow-up according to modifi ed-Rankin Scale. Results: A total of 1,952 patients were admitted with ischemic stroke during the study period. Of these, 152 patients with AF experienced fi rst-ever ischemic stroke. Of 152 patients, 124 (82%) were known to have AF and 28 (18%) were diagnosed with AF during admission. Before stroke, 69 out of 124 patients with known AF (56%) were not on antithrombotic therapy, 30 (24%) were receiving antithrombotic treatment but inadequately treated, and 25 (20%) were adequately treated according to the current guidelines. Younger age (<75 years), history of ischemic heart disease, diabetes mellitus and congestive heart failure were associated with the use of antithrombotic therapy before stroke onset. At discharge and during 90 days follow-up, 28% of the adequately treated patients died or were severely disabled compared with 57% of those inadequately treated. Conclusion: Antithrombotic treatment was underutilized before stroke onset, and this underuse is associated with increased mortality or disability in ischemic stroke patients with AF.

Difference absorption of l-tetrahydropalmatine and dl-tetrahydropalmatine in intestine of rats / 药学学报

To investigate the difference in absorptive of tetrahydropalmatine (THP) and l-tetrahydropalmatine (l-THP) in rat intestine as well as the mechanism of the absorption of THP, in situ single pass perfusion model was used and the concentration of THP in perfusate was determined by HPLC. The absorption rate constant (k(a)) and effective permeability values (P(eff)) of THP had no significant difference (P > 0.05) at concentration of 8, 16 and 32 microg x mL(-1) in perfusion or in four different regions of intestine of rat (duodenum, jejunum, ileum, colon). The absorption of l-THP and THP in jejunum had significant difference (P < 0.05). The k(a) and P(eff) of THP increased obviously when verapamil was co-perfused with THP, while those of l-THP were not influenced by verapamil. The absorption of THP in intestine showed the passive diffusion process, and without a special absorption region. The stereoselective absorption difference may result from stereoselective combination of P-glycoprotein with d-THP.

Crataegus oxyacantha (aubepine) in the use as herb medicine in France / 中国中药杂志

Crataegus oxyacantha (Aubepine, Hawthorn), was used by european herbalist in the first century A. D. It went out fashion as a medicine until the 19th century for heart disease. The leaves, flowers, and berries of hawthorn contain a variety of bioflavonoid-like complexes that appear to be primarily responsible for the cardiac actions of the plant. Bioflavonoids found in C. oxyacantha include oligomeric procyanidins (OPCc), vitexin, quercetin, and hyperoside. The action of these compounds on the cardiovascular system has led to the development of leaf and flower extracts. As described in French pharmacopea, the hyperoside is the marker for quality control.