Rapid Detection of Adulteration of Fritillariae Cirrhosae Bulbus Based on Portable Near Infrared Spectroscopy / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveIn order to establish a systematic quality evaluation system for Fritillariae Cirrhosae Bulbus adulteration， portable near-infrared （NIR） spectroscopy was used to identify Fritillariae Cirrhosae Bulbus and its adulterants and detect their adulteration quantity. MethodA total of 72 batches of Fritillariae Cirrhosae Bulbus samples were collected and 570 batches of adulterated products （dry bulbs of Fritillaria thunbergii， F. ussuriensis， F. pallidiflora and F. hupehensis， Bulbus Tulipae， flour） were prepared， NIR spectral data of samples were collected by the portable NIR spectrometer. Linear discriminant analysis （LDA） was used to establish the qualitative correction models of Fritillariae Cirrhosae Bulbus-adulterants and adulterants of different categories， partial least squares （PLS） was used to establish the quantitative correction models of adulteration quantity of different kinds of adulterants. ResultThe recognition rates of qualitative analysis model of Fritillariae Cirrhosae Bulbus and its adulterants were 99.49% （calibration set） and 100.00% （validation set）， respectively. In different adulterant models， the recognition rates of calibration set and validation set were 70.47% and 73.68%， respectively. Moreover， the correlation coefficients of validation set （R2P） of the six quantitative models of adulteration ratio were 0.840 2 （Fritillariae Cirrhosae Bulbus adulterated with F. thunbergii dry bulbs）， 0.960 2 （Fritillariae Cirrhosae Bulbus adulterated with F. ussuriensis dry bulbs）， 0.765 7 （Fritillariae Cirrhosae Bulbus adulterated with F. pallidiflora dry bulbs）， 0.902 5 （Fritillariae Cirrhosae Bulbus adulterated with F. hupehensis dry bulbs）， 0.957 4 （Fritillariae Cirrhosae Bulbus adulterated with Bulbus Tulipae）， 0.976 1 （Fritillariae Cirrhosae Bulbus adulterated with flour）， the root mean square error of prediction （RMSEP） were 10.948 5， 5.463 9， 13.256 4， 8.549 2， 5.655 3， 4.235 6， respectively. The two qualitative models and six quantitative models showed good prediction performance. ConclusionThe portable NIR spectroscopy can be used to identify Fritillariae Cirrhosae Bulbus and its adulterants in real time， the method is rapid and accurate， which can meet the requirements of nondestructive identification of Fritillariae Cirrhosae Bulbus on site.

Effect of Compatibility of Anemarrhenae Rhizoma-Phellodendri Chinensis Cortex Couplet Medicines on Glucolipid Metabolism in Type 2 Diabetic Rats Before and After Salt-processing / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To investigate the effect of compatibility of Anemarrhenae Rhizoma-Phellodendri Chinensis Cortex couplet medicines on glucolipid metabolism in type 2 diabetic rats before and after salt-processing. Method:The type 2 diabetic rat model was induced by high-fat and high-glucose diet combined with low dose streptozotocin （STZ）， the model rats were randomly divided into six groups， including the model group， metformin group （200 mg·kg^-1）， and different compatibility groups of raw and salt-processed of Anemarrhenae Rhizoma and Phellodendri Chinensis Cortex （6.48 g·kg^-1）. In addition， The same week old rats fed with normal diet were set as the blank group. After 30 d of continuous intragastric administration， changes of fasting blood glucose （FBG）， fasting serum insulin （FINS）， glycosylated serum protein （GSP）， hepatic glycogen， blood lipid ［total cholesterol （TC）， triglyceride （TG）， low density lipoprotein cholesterol （LDL-C）， high density lipoprotein cholesterol （HDL-C）］， nonesterified fatty acid （NEFA）， adipocytokines ［adiponectin （ADP） and leptin）］， kidney function ［blood urea nitrogen （BUN） and creatinine （CRE）］ and other indicators of rats from different groups were detected， and the insulin sensitivity index （ISI） and insulin resistance index （HOMA-IR） were calculated， hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining was used to observe the morphological changes of pancreas， liver and kidney of rats from different groups. Result:Compared with the model group， compatibility of Anemarrhenae Rhizoma-Phellodendri Chinensis Cortex couplet medicines before and after salt-processing all could decrease the levels of FBG， GSP， TC， TG， LDL-C， NEFA， leptin， BUN， CRE and HOMA-IR， and increase the contents of FINS， HDL-C， ADP， hepatic glycogen and ISI， among which the compatibility of salt-processed Anemarrhenae Rhizoma and salt-processed Phellodendri Chinensis Cortex had the most significant effect on regulating glucolipid metabolism in type 2 diabetic rats. The compatibility of all couplet medicines could improve the histopathological changes of pancreas， liver and kidney in type 2 diabetic rats， among which the compatibility of salt-processed Anemarrhenae Rhizoma and salt-processed Phellodendri Chinensis Cortex had the most prominent effect on repairing pathological damage. Conclusion:The compatibility of Anemarrhenae Rhizoma and Phellodendri Chinensis Cortex before and after salt-processing can improve glucolipid metabolism in type 2 diabetic rats， while the comprehensive effect of salt-processed Anemarrhenae Rhizoma and salt-processed Phellodendri Chinensis Cortex<italic> </italic>on lowering glucose and regulating lipid is the best.

Clinical Significance of FGFR1 Gene Abnormalities in Blood Tumors / 中国实验血液学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To study the potential significance and clinical application of FGFR1 gene abnormality in the diagnosis, clinical features, pathological mechanism and treatment in hematological tumors.@*METHODS@#Clinical data of total of 29 patient with chromosome of 8 short arm (8P) abnormality who had more comprehensive medical history from 2013 to 2018 were collected. The karyotype analysis of bone marrow chromosomes in patients was carried out by using chromosome R band banding technique. FGFR1 gene was detected by using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH).@*RESULTS@#Seven cases of FGFR1 gene abnormalities were decteted, including 3 cases of FGFR1 gene amplification, 2 cases of translocation, and 2 cases of deletion. Five patients with FGFR1 gene amplification or deletion not accompaned with eosinophilia, moreover the chromosome was a complex karyotype with poor prognosis; Two cases of FGFR1 gene translocation were non-complex chromosomal translocation and one of which survived for 6 years after bone marrow transplantation, the other chromosome karyotype showed no rearrangement of 8 short arm. However, FGFR1 gene rearrangement was confirmed by FISH analysis, which was a rare insertional translocation.@*CONCLUSION@#FGFR1 gene amplification or deletion often occur in cases with complex karyotype, which not accompany eosinophilia, moreover have poor prognosis. The patients with FGFR1 gene translocation accompany eosinophilia which is consistent with the clinical characteristics of myeloid / lymphoid neoplasms with FGFR1 abnormality. Karyotype analysis combined with FISH method can improve the detection of abnormal clones.

Ferruginol alleviates inflammation in dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis in mice through inhibiting COX-2, MMP-9 and NF-κB signaling

Objective: To assess the anti-inflammatory efficacy of ferruginol on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) stimulated ulcerative colitis mice. Methods: Ulcerative colitis was induced in C57BL/6J mice by administering 2％ of DSS through drinking water for 7 d. The mice in the treatment group were treated with DAA+50 mg/kg/day ferruginol orally. In the positive control group, sulfasalazine (50 mg/kg/day) was used alongside with DSS. After induction, the bodyweight, character of stool and feces occult blood were recorded daily, the disease activity index was calculated, and the colon length, colon weight, and spleen weight were recorded. The myeloperoxidase activity was assayed by spectrophotometry. Interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, and tumor necrosis factor-α were determined by ELISA method, and nuclear factor-κB, cyclooxygenase-2, matrix metalloproteinases-9, and inducible nitric oxide synthase by Western blotting assays. Results: Ferruginol significantly increased the bodyweight, colon weight, colon length, and decreased disease activity index and spleen weight. It exhibited anti-inflammatory activity against DSS induced ulcerative colitis in mice by reducing the activities of myeloperoxidase, tumor necrosis factor-α, nuclear factor-κB, IL-1β, cyclooxygenase-2, matrix metalloproteinases-9, IL-6, and inducible nitric oxide synthase. Conclusions: Ferruginol could be used to treat ulcerative colitis by attenuating the inflammation in colon cells and maintaining colonic mucosal barrier integrity.

Ferruginol alleviates inflammation in dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis in mice through inhibiting COX-2, MMP-9 and NF-κB signaling

Objective: To assess the anti-inflammatory efficacy of ferruginol on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) stimulated ulcerative colitis mice. Methods: Ulcerative colitis was induced in C57BL/6J mice by administering 2% of DSS through drinking water for 7 d. The mice in the treatment group were treated with DAA+50 mg/kg/day ferruginol orally. In the positive control group, sulfasalazine (50 mg/kg/day) was used alongside with DSS. After induction, the bodyweight, character of stool and feces occult blood were recorded daily, the disease activity index was calculated, and the colon length, colon weight, and spleen weight were recorded. The myeloperoxidase activity was assayed by spectrophotometry. Interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, and tumor necrosis factor-a were determined by ELISA method, and nuclear factor-κB, cyclooxygenase-2, matrix metalloproteinases-9, and inducible nitric oxide synthase by Western blotting assays. Results: Ferruginol significantly increased the bodyweight, colon weight, colon length, and decreased disease activity index and spleen weight. It exhibited anti-inflammatory activity against DSS induced ulcerative colitis in mice by reducing the activities of myeloperoxidase, tumor necrosis factor-α, nuclear factor-κβ, IL-1β, cyclooxygenase-2, matrix metalloproteinases-9, IL-6, and inducible nitric oxide synthase. Conclusions: Ferruginol could be used to treat ulcerative colitis by attenuating the inflammation in colon cells and maintaining colonic mucosal barrier integrity.

Investigation of strabismus and amblyopia in preschool children in Zhongshan city / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

@#AIM: To investigate strabismus and amblyopia in preschool children in Zhongshan city and to solve the countermeasures.<p>METHODS: A total of 14 582 eyes of 7 291 children aged 3-7 years in urban area and urban area of Zhongshan city were randomly selected for refractive examination. Before examination, the concentration of 10g/L atropine ointment was used, to determine the corrected vision amblyopia. The ametropic amblyopia was measured by retinoscopy, and corneal mapping method was used to screen the strabismus. Then strabismus and amblyopia of preschool children in Zhongshan were analyzed. <p>RESULTS: Of the 7 291 preschool children, 687 had ametropia, with the rate of 9.42% and 236 amblyopia with the rate of 3.24%, 13 cases were strabismus, whit the rate of 0.18%. There were no significant differences on ametropia, amblyopia or strabismus between 3-<5 years old group and 5-7 years old group(<i>P</i>>0.05). Of the 236 children with amblyopia, 215 were ametropic amblyopia, account for 91.10%; 13 children with strabismic amblyopia, of which 8 concomitant esotropia, 5 concomitant exotropia; 8 children with deprivation amblyopia; the difference of children number between strabismic amblyopia and deprivation amblyopia was statistically significant(<i>P</i><0.05). Of the 236 children, more 3-<5 aged children had mild amblyopia than those 5-7 aged ones(<i>P</i><0.05); less 3-<5 aged children had severe amblyopia than those 5-7 aged ones(<i>P</i><0.05)<p>CONCLUSION: The incidence of strabismus and amblyopia in preschool children in Zhongshan is relatively high. It should be screened early, and effective measures should be taken as early as possible to improve the children's vision.

Bushen Huoxue Recipe Inhibited Vascular Calcification in Chronic Renal Failure Rats by Regulating BMP-2/Runx2/Osterix Signal Pathway / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the effect of Bushen Huoxue Recipe (BHR) on inhibiting vascular calcification (VC) in chronic renal failure (CRF) rats by regulating BMP-2/Runx2/Osterix signal pathway, and to explore its possible mechanism.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Thirty SD rats were randomly divided into the normal group, the model group, and the BHR group, 10 in each group. Rats in the model group and the BHR group were administered with 250 mg/kg adenine suspension by gastroagavage and fed with 1.8% high phosphorus forage, once per day in the first 4 weeks, and then gastric administration of adenine suspension was changed to once per two days in the following 5-8 weeks. Rats in the BHR group were administered with BHR at the daily dose of 55 g/kg by gastrogavage in the first 8 weeks, once per day. Equal volume of normal saline was given to rats in the normal group by gastrogavage for 8 weeks. Histological changes in renal tissue and aorta VC were observed by HE staining and alizarin red staining respectively. Levels of calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), serum creatinine (Cr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) in serum were detected. Protein expression levels of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP-2), Runt related transcription factor (Runx2) , and Osterix were detected by Western blot.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>HE staining showed that compared with the normal group, disordered glomerular structure, tubular ectasia and dropsy, intracavitary inflammatory cell infiltration, dark brown crystal deposition in kidney tubules, renal interstitial fibrosis, and decreased number of renal blood vessels in the model group. Compared with the model group, normal glomerular numbers increased more, reduced degree of tubular ectasia, decreased number of inflammatory cells, and reduced adenine crystal deposition in the BHR group. Alizarin red staining showed that compared with the normal group, calcified nodes could be found in the model group, with extensive deposition of red particle in aorta. Compared with the model group, calcified nodes were reduced in the BHR group. Compared with normal group, serum levels of P, SCr, BUN, and iPTH significantly increased, serum Ca level significantly decreased, protein expressions of BMP-2, Runx2, Osterix also increased in the model group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). Compared with the model group, serum levels of P, SCr, BUN, and iPTH levels significantly decreased, serum Ca level significantly increased, protein expressions of BMP-2, Runx2, Osterix also decreased in the BHD group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>BHD could improve renal function, Ca-P metabolism, and renal histological changes in CHF rats, down-regulate the expression level of BMP-2/Runx2/Osterix signal pathway in vascular calcification of CRF, which might be one of the mechanisms for inhibiting VC in CHF.</p>

Studying the influence of Candesartan cilexetil on the lung fibrosis in rats exposed to silica / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the effects of Candesartan cilexetil on the rats exposed to silica.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Ninety-six wistar rats were randomly divided into model-group, intervention-group and control-group (32 rats a group). The intervention-group, model-group and control group were orally exposed to Candesartan cilexetil (10 mg/kg) and normal solution for a week, respectively. Then the model and intervention groups were exposed to silica by intratracheal infusion of silica dust suspension (50 mg/ml), the control group was exposed to 0.5 ml normal solution for 2 days. On the 3rd, 7th, 14th and 28th days after exposure to silica, 8 rats of each group were sacrificed, respectively. The samples of lung tissues were collected. The lung/body coefficients were detected. The pathological examinations were performed by HE and Masson staining. The levels of ACE in the lung tissues were observed by immunochemistry staining. The levels of TGF-β1 and Ang II in the BALF were examined by ELISA.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>On the 3rd, 7th, 14th and 28th days after exposure, the levels of alveolitis and pulmonary fibrosis in the intervention group were significantly alleviated as compared with model group, and the lung/body coefficients in the intervention group, which were significantly lower than those in model group respectively (P < 0.01). As compared with control group, the levels of TGF-β1 and Ang II of the BALF in the model and intervention groups significantly enhanced (P < 0.01). As compared with model group, the levels of TGF-β1 and Ang II of the BALF in the intervention group significantly decreased (P < 0.01). As compared with control group, the levels of ACE of the lung tissues in the model and intervention groups significantly increased (P < 0.01). But the level of ACE of the lung tissues in the intervention group was significantly lower than that in the model group (P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The early Candesartan cilexetil intervention could significantly decrease the levels of alveolitis and lung fibrosis, declined the levels of TGF-β(1) and Ang II of BALF and downregulated the expression level of ACE in lung tissues in rats exposed to silica.</p>

Relationship between serum HER2 extracellular domain levels, tissue HER2 expression, and clinico-pathological parameters in early stage breast cancer / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Measurement of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) protein in the serum of metastatic breast cancer patients has previously been reported, but there are no consistent data to support the clinical utility of serum HER2 extracellular domain for patients with early stage breast cancer. We aimed to evaluate the correlation between serum extracellular domain levels and tissue HER2 expression, and analyzed their relationship with clinico-pathological parameters in patients with early stage disease.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A prospective study was conducted on 232 breast cancer patients with stage I-III prior to treatment. Preoperative serum samples were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Tissue HER2 status was analyzed by immunohistochemistry and fluorescence in situ hybridization assays.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The median serum extracellular domain concentration was 6.8 ng/ml. The best diagnostic cut-off value was 7.4 ng/ml, with 62.9% sensitivity and 85.3% specificity. High serum extracellular domain levels were reported in 89 patients (38.3%), and HER2-positive expression was observed in 77 patients (33.2%). Multivariate analysis showed that elevated serum extracellular domain correlated with postmenopausal status (P < 0.001), high histological grade (P < 0.001), negativity of both estrogen (P = 0.012) and progesterone receptors (P < 0.001), and high levels of carcinoembryonic antigen 153 (P = 0.048).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>We recommend that 7.4 ng/ml should be used as the cut-off value when evaluating serum extracellular domain levels in early stage of breast cancer. Patients with high serum extracellular domain levels have a certain clinico-pathological characteristics, may provide a basis for clinical practice.</p>

Function of intersectin in endocytosis and exocytosis / 生理学报

Intersectin is an evolutionarily conserved multifunctional adaptor protein with multifunctional domains. These domains interact with components of the endocytic and exocytic pathways, such as the clathrin mediating synaptic vesicle recycling, the protein related to endocytosis via caveolae, the with-no-lysine kinases related to the regulation of renal outer medullar potassium, and the Cdc42 mediating exocytic pathway. Recently, the understanding of intersectin function in the pathogenesis of endocrine tumor and many neurodegenerative diseases such as Down syndrome, Alzheimer disease has been deepened. This article reviewed the structure and roles in endocytosis/exocytosis and diseases of intersectin.

Effects of high-dose N-acetylcysteine on the lung tissues of rats exposed to silica / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the effects of high-dose N-acetylcysteine on the lung tissues of rats exposed to silica.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Ninety-six Wistar rats were randomly divided into model group, intervention group and control group (32 rats for each group). The rats of model group and intervention group were exposed to silica by intratracheal infusion of silica dust suspension. The rats in the intervention group were orally given high dose N-acetylcysteine. In 3, 7, 14, 28 days after exposure, eight rats in each group were sacrificed, respectively and the lung samples were collected. The pathological changes of lung were evaluated by HE and Masson staining methods. The levels of TNF-alpha and IL-8 in the BALF were detected by ELISA.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with the control group, the alveolitis and pulmonary fibrosis in the intervention group were significantly reduced. In 3, 7, 14, 28 days after exposure, the lung/body coefficients in the intervention group were 9.30 +/- 0.78, 6.29 +/- 0.74, 7.63 +/- 0.88, 6.06 +/- 1.16 respectively, which were significantly lower than those (13.84 +/- 1.61, 9.23 +/- 0.87, 11.23 +/- 1.25, 9.56 +/- 0.76, P < 0.01 ) in the model group (P < 0.01). At the different time points, the levels of TNF-alpha and IL-8 in the BALF in the intervention group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P < 0.01), but were significantly lower than those in the model group (P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The intervention with high dose N-acetylcysteine can significantly reduce the alveolitis and the TNF-alpha and IL-8 levels in the BALF, therefore, inhibit and delay the development of pulmonary fibrosis of rats exposed to silicon dioxide.</p>

Predictive value of admission amino-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide on in-hospital mortality in patients with decompensated heart failure / 中华心血管病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the predictive value of admission plasma amino-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) on in-hospital mortality in patients with decompensated heart failure.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Plasma NT-proBNP levels were measured in patients with decompensated heart failure within 24 hours after admission with ELISA method. The NT-proBNP levels were compared between survivals and dying patients in hospital. ROC analyses were performed to evaluate the predictive value of admission plasma NT-proBNP on in-hospital mortality and to identify the optimal NT-proBNP cut-point for predicting in-hospital mortality. A binary logistic regress analyses was used to evaluate if NT-proBNP was an independent predictor for in-hospital mortality.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>A total of 804 patients with decompensated heart failure were enrolled in his study (293 valvular heart diseases, 219 ischemic cardiomyopathy, 141 dilated cardiomyopathy, 14 hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, 21 restrictive cardiomyopathy, 39 hypertensive heart disease, 41 chronic pulmonary heart disease and 36 adult congenital heart disease) and 96 patients were in class II, 450 in class III and 258 in cases IV according to NYHA Classification. During hospitalization, 64 deaths were recorded and the on admission plasma NT-proBNP levels of patients died during hospitalization were significantly higher than those of survivals [4321.1 (3063.8, 6606.5) pmol/L vs. 1921.6 (873.9, 3739.2) pmol/L, P<0.01]. Area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of NT-proBNP to predict in-hospital death was 0.772 (95% CI: 0.718 - 0.825, P<0.01), the optimal plasma NT-proBNP cut-point for predicting in-hospital mortality was 3500 pmol/L, with a sensitivity of 70.3%, a specificity of 72.0%, an accuracy of 71.9%, a positive predictive value of 17. 8% and a negative predictive value of 96.6%. Patients whose NT-proBNP levels were equal or more than 3500 pmol/L had a much higher in-hospital mortality (17.8%) compared with those with NT-proBNP levels of less than 3500 pmol/L (3.4%), P<0.01. Binary logistic regress analyses demonstrated that admission plasma NT-proBNP, pneumonia, heart rate and NYHA class were independent predictors for in-hospital mortality in patients with decompensated heart failure (P<0.05 or 0.01) and admission plasma NT-proBNP was the strongest predictor for in-hospital mortality.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Admission plasma NT-proBNP level was an independent predictor for in-hospital mortality in patients with decompensated heart failure. The optimal NT-proBNP cut-point for predicting in-hospital mortality was 3500 pmol/L in this patient cohort.</p>

Association of plasma amino-terminal pro-A-, B- and C-type natriuretic peptide levels with NYHA grade and echocardiographic derived parameters of cardiac function in heart failure patients / 中华心血管病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the correlation of plasma amino-terminal pro-A-, B- and C-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proANP, NT-proBNP and NT-proCNP) levels with New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class and echocardiographic derived parameters of cardiac function in heart failure patients.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Data of NYHA grade, echocardiographic derived parameters of cardiac function, plasma levels of NT-proANP, NT-proBNP and NT-proCNP (measured by enzyme immunoassay method) were obtained in 112 heart failure patients and 44 normal control subjects. The correlation analysis was made between NT-proANP, NT-proBNP, NT-proCNP and NYHA functional class, left atrium diameter (LAD), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), respectively.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The plasma concentrations of NT-proANP, NT-proBNP and NT-proCNP in heart failure patients were significantly higher than in control group (all P<0.05). Correlation analysis revealed a strong correlation between NT-proANP and NT-proBNP (r = 0.790, P = 0.000) and a weak correlation between NT-proCNP and NT-proBNP (r = 0.278, P = 0.003) as well as between NT-proCNP and NT-proANP (r = 0.236, P = 0.012) in heart failure patients. Univariant analysis showed that NT-proANP and NT-proBNP were positively correlated to LAD, LVEDD and negatively correlated to LVEF (all P<0.05) while there was no significant correlation between NT-proCNP and echocardiographic derived parameters of cardiac function in heart failure patients. Multivariate stepwise regression analysis including age, gender, NYHA classification, LAD, LVEDD and LVEF revealed that NYHA classification, LVEF, LAD and age were independent predictors of NT-proANP; while NYHA classification, LVEF and age were independent predictors of NT-proBNP while there was no association among these factors and NT-proCNP.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>In heart failure patients, the plasma concentration of NT-proANP, NT-proBNP and NT-proCNP were significantly increased and NT-proANP, NT-proBNP but not NT-proCNP were significantly correlated to NYHA classification and echocardiographic derived parameters of cardiac function.</p>

Plasma N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide reference value in subjects without heart diseases / 中华心血管病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To determine the reference value of plasma N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) in subjects without heart diseases.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The plasma concentration of NT-proBNP was measured with ELISA method in 300 adults excluded heart disease through various examinations including electrocardiography, echocardiography, X-ray and coronary artery angiography. The plasma NT-proBNP concentration was compared between age-groups 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69 and > or = 70 years old, between male and female in the same age-group and between subjects with and without hypertension, diabetes and obesity. A multiple linear regression analysis was used to detect factors influencing NT-proBNP among age, sex, body mass index, blood pressure, heart rate, serum creatinine, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, use of angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors, Ca(2+)-antagonist, and beta-blocker.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The plasma NT-proBNP concentration increased in proportion to aging in male subjects more than 60 years old (P < 0.05), remained unchanged in males less than 60 years old and females (P > 0.05). Plasma NT-proBNP concentration was significantly higher in female (170-660 pmol/L) than in male (160-470 pmol/L) in subjects less than 60 years old (P < 0.05) and significantly lower in female (180-560 pmol/L) than in male (180-760 pmol/L) in subjects more than 60 years old (P < 0.05). Multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated that age was the only independent predictor for plasma NT-proBNP in these subjects (P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The plasma concentration of NT-proBNP in subjects without heart diseases was different between male and female, and was increasing with age in male subjects more than 60 years old.</p>

Study on the reliability and validity of the Chinese Menopause Rating Scale (CMRS) / 中华流行病学杂志

Objective To evaluate the feasibility,reliability,validity and responsiveness of a Chinese Menopause Rating Scale (CMRS).Methods Cross-sectional survey and convenience sampling were adopted. Participants:women with menopause syndrome and those in menopause but without menopause syndrome were recruited.All participants were asked to complete the CMRS,Kupperman Index,WHOQOL-BREF and MENQOL.The Self-control observation design was adopted when the responsiveness was evaluated.Patients were treated with TCM for weeks.MRSTCM was evaluated before and after the treatment.Results (1) Feasibility:3343 participants including 2320 patients and 1023 menopause women,were surveyed in 8 different settings.The recovery rate of CMRS was 100%,with a response rate as 99.7%.The completion of the CMRS took 10.30 minutes on average.(2)Reliability:Cronbach's alpha of CMRS,soma dimension,psychology dimension and community dimension of CMRS were 0.93,0.87,0.89 and 0.73 respectively,with the correlation coefficient of split half of the CMRS.Soma dimension,psychology dimension and community dimension were 0.92,0.89,0.86 and 0.73 respectively and the test-retest correlation coefficient of MRSTCM,the soma dimension,psychology dimension and community dimension were as 0.88,0.91,0.85 and 0.77 respectively.(3) Validity:CMRS was established on the basis of connotation of menopause syndrome,and a series of steps were adopted to modify the scale.CMRS was applicable for patients with menopause syndrome.CMRS seemed to have had good content-related validity.The result of exploratory factor analysis was accorded with the theory frame of CMRS by and large.The correlations between CMRS and KI,CMRS and WHOQOLBREF,CMRS and MENQOL seemed good.The CMRS was able to discriminate between groups of people with or without menopausal syndrome and bad good discriminative validity.(4) Responsibility:The CMRS was measured based on 174 patients with menopausal syndrome before and after the TCM therapy.Our result showed that the CMRS having the ability to measure the clinically important differences.Conclusion CMRS was suitable for outcome assessment of menopausal syndrome.This primary research proved that the CMRS had good feasibility,reliability,validity as well as responsiveness.

Pretest survey on the Chinese menopause rating scale / 中华流行病学杂志

Objective To select the items from the Chinese menopause rating scale(CMRS)through pre-tcsting those people with menopausal syndromes.Methods 293 people were surveyed in Guangzhou in 2005.among which 196 people with menopausal syndromes and others without.Psychometrics methods were employed to develop the scale.The item pools were all round.Methods used would include:focus group discussion and interviews,subjective evaluation method and Delphi method,to preliminarily screen the items.Data on scales measured from 196 cases with and 97 subjects without menopausal syndromes during the menopausal period,were collected.Again,seven statistical methods were employed to select the items.Results The 40-items scale for menopausal syndrome was formed to include:a)three domains:somatic(18-items),psychological(14-items)and social(5-items);b)one general appraisaIitem:c)two lie-test iterns.Conclusion The Chinese menopausal syndrome scale we used seemed to possess good content validity.feasibility and intra-class reliability.

Pharmacokinetic and tissue distribution study of scutellarin in rats / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the pharmacokinetic and distribution character of scutellarin in plasma and tissues in rats, in order to provide some references for rational drug use in the clinic.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>The solution of scutellarin was administered to rats (80 mg x kg(-1)) by oral gavage. A high performance liquid chromatography method determinated the scutellarin concentration in rat plasma and tissue. The plasma samples were performed by solid phase extraction method. The other biological samples were extracted by ethyl acetate.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>The range of scutellarin in plasma and tissue in rats were 10-1280 ng x mL(-1) (R2 > 0.99), 40-1280 ng x g(-1) (R2 > 0.99), respectively. The lowest detection of scutellarin were 10 ng x mL(-1) and 40 ng x g(-1), the precision were less than 8%. The main pharmacokinetic parameters of scutellarin were as follows: tmax, Cmax, AUC and MRT being (7.7 +/- 0.9) h, (288.0 +/- 75.2) microg x L(-1), (5.6 +/- 1.6) microg x mL(-1) x h(-1), (17.5 +/- 1.4) h(-1), respectively.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>These methods applied the study of pharmacokinetics of scutellarin. After oral the scutellarin in rats, the concentration-time course doesn't obey any compartment model. The concentration-time curve is the double peaks.</p>

Comparison between the qualitative similarity and the quantitative similarity of chromatographic fingerprints of traditional Chinese medicines / 药学学报

To explore the differences between the qualitative similarity and the quantitative similarity of chromatographic fingerprints of traditional Chinese medicines, the quantitative similarity calculated by vector shadow C%, apparent quantitative similarity R%, quantitative similarity P%, etc. were firstly proposed to disclose the quantitative information characteristics of traditional Chinese medicines fingerprints. The HPLC fingerprints of both the standard Fructus gardeniae and the ten batches of Fructus gardeniae produced in different places were evaluated by the new parameters to obtain good results. The contrasted fingerprint contained 35 peaks while geniposide was selected as the reference peak. The HPLC fingerprint had good precision and reproducibility with the RSD of the relative retention time less than 1.5% and the RSD of the relative peak area within 5%. The qualitative similarity and quantitative similarity between each crude drug and the contrasted fingerprint were quantitatively calculated, the values of C%, P%, etc., were applied in the quality control practice, which had less errors. What is more, this method could be used for the overall quality control of Fructus gardeniae and especially suits for qualitative and quantitative evaluations of the chromatographic fingerprints both in chemical constituent distribution and in contents. The quantitative parameters such as C% and P% can be used to objectively, authentically and thoroughly display the content information characteristics. When they combined with the qualitative similarity, it will be the good method to evaluate the chromatographic fingerprints of traditional Chinese medicines.

Experimental study on the theraputic effect of crescent Euphorbia on lewis lung cancer in mice / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the inhibitory effects of crescent euphorbia on tumor growth, immunoregulation, the side effect on the mice blood system, cell cycle and to investigate its effect on apoptosis of tumor cells.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Crescent euphorbia was administered gastrally to C57BL/6J mouse implanted with Lewis lung cancer for 12 days. Inhibition on tumor growth, immunoregulation,the side effect on the mice blood system and cell cycle were observed and its effect on apoptosis of lung cancer cells were investigated.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>(1) Inhibitory rates of crescent euphorbia at doses of 7.5, 15, 30 g x kg(-1) and 60 g x kg(-1) were 0.61%, 16.93%, 32.81% and 58.26% respectively, significant differenel with those of controls at doses of 30 g x kg(-1) and 60 g x kg(-1)(P < 0.05). (2) Although no effect on thymus index in normal mouse at all dose of crescent euphorbia was found, spleen index in tumor-bear mice was reduced significantly at dose of 60 g x kg(-1)(P < 0.05). (3) No side effect on the miceblood system was found. (4) The percentage of S phase of cell cycle was increased in the group of crescent euphorbia at dose of 30 g x kg(-1), 60 g x kg(-1) and the apoptotic rate was (16.43 +/- 18.69)% and (24.37 +/- 15.48)% by flow eytometry (P < 0.05). The apoptotic index (AI)of these two groups were (4.00 +/- 7.50)% and (5.93 +/- 5.96)% by TUNEL, however apoptosis was found in the group at doses of 60 g kg(-1) (P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Crescent euphorbia can inhibit the growth of Lewis lung cancer in mice, no side effection for the mice blood system and the effect might be associated with induction of apoptosis on cancer cells.</p>

Cell penetrating peptides enhance intracellular translocation and function of siRNA encapsulated in Pegylated liposomes / 药学学报

<p><b>AIM</b>To prepare the PEGylated liposomes modified with cell penetrating peptides, which protect siRNA from nuclease degradation and deliver efficiently siRNA into cells to facilitate silencing of target gene.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The purity of R8-PEG-PE and pNP-PEG-PE was detected by HPLC; the quantity of R8, PEG-DPPE modified R8, and R8 attached to the out membrane surface of the liposomal siRNA by transfer from R8-PEG-DPPE micelles to the liposomes was tested by fluorescence; Size and size distribution of siRNA loaded liposomes with and without attached R8 were determined by Zetasizer 5000; A comparison of mediated siRNA transfection efficiency between R8-liposomes and lipofectamine 2000 was examined by individual inside cell fluorescence intensity; The growth inhibition of small cell lung carcinoma NCI-H446 cells treated with R8-liposomal hdm2-siRNA or lipofectamine 2000-hdm2-siRNA complex was tested by MTT assay.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The retention times of PEG-DPPE and R8-PEG-DPPE were 9.0 min and 7.8 min, respectively. Fluorescence scanning indicated that lipids composed of liposomes and siRNAs didn't interfere to the determination of R8 when it was attached to the liposomal siRNA. The cells treated with R8-liposomal hdm2-siRNA significantly enhanced the cellular uptake of hdm2-siRNA and facilitated the functions of hdm2-siRNA through silencing of target gene which, in turn, inhibited tumor cell growth, compared with lipofectamine 2000.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The R8 attached liposomes are shown to be powerful carriers for delivery siRNAs into cell to silence targeted gene.</p>