Optimization of total sugar extraction from Cynomorii Herba by using quadratic orthogonal rotation regression combination design / 中草药

Objective: To optimize the extraction processes used for enzymatic hydrolysis of total sugar from Cynomorii Herba (Cynomoriumsongaricum) by employed quadratic orthogonal rotation regression combination design. Methods: Taking the extraction rate of total sugar as index, as well as enzyme ratio, enzyme concentration, extraction temperature, extraction time, and initial pH value as investigation factors to screen out main factors. The quadratic orthogonal rotation regression combination design was applied to optimize the process. And then, to employ response surface analysis method (RSM) for evaluating the impacts on the response values of the single factor effect and interaction effect of each factor level. Results: The optimum conditions were as follows: enzyme concentration was 1% (wt% of Cynomorii Herba powder), initial enzyme solution pH was 5.5, extraction temperature was 55℃, extraction time was 45 min, and pectinase and cellulose was 1∶1 proportion. The extraction yield of total sugar was (17.54 ± 0.35) %. The influence of response values of each factor presented the relationship of the parabolic surface with the opening downward. The results showed that the impact degree on total sugar yield of Cynomorii Herba were extraction temperature, extraction time, and enzyme ratio, respectively. Conclusion: This method is a simple and effective method to increase the extraction yield of total sugar from Cynomorii Herba. Quadratic orthogonal rotation regression combination design has a favourable predictability.

Intratympanic versus systemic steroid treatment for idiopathic sudden hearing loss: a meta-analysis / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To assess the effectiveness and safety of intratympanic versus systemic steroid therapy in the initial treatment of idiopathic sudden hearing loss.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>An extensive search of the literature was performed in Pubmed and other available database from January, 1980 to November, 2011. After filtering by the criteria of Cochrane Collaboration, a meta-analysis was conducted.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Nine studies met the criteria for meta-analysis, for idiopathic sudden hearing loss patients without diabetes received intratympanic steroid therapy, the improvement rate (RR = 1.11,95% CI = 0.96-1.28, P = 0.15) did not show any significance when compared with the patients received systemic therapy. While a significant difference of improvement rate occurred between intratympanic and systemic steroid therapy in the idiopathic sudden hearing loss patients with diabetes (RR = 1.24, 95% CI = 1.02-1.50, P = 0.03).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>For the initial therapy of idiopathic sudden hearing loss patients without diabetes, systemic steroid treatment still remains the first choice, but for the idiopathic sudden hearing loss patients with diabetes, intratympanic steroid treatment should be used for the initial treatment.</p>

Quality of life survey on patients with peripheral facial paralysis by using Chinese version of the FaCE scale / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the health related quality of life (QOL) status of patients with peripheral facial paralysis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>By introducing, translating and adjusting of the FaCE (Facial Clinimetric Evaluation) scale, a Chinese version came into being. The scale was further strictly tested in eighty-one patients with peripheral facial paralysis and thirty healthy volunteers.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The feasibility, reliability, validity and responsibility of Chinese version of FaCE scale all passed the test. The split-half reliability, Cronbach's alpha and intraclass correlation coefficient were 0.79, 0.88 and 0.87, respectively. The criteria validity calculated between FaCE and SF-36 was 0.41 (P < 0.05). Factor analysis of the construct validity showed that the 15 items were classified into six domains, which were in accordance with the original version. Every domain was sensitive and effective to discriminate between patient population and healthy population (P < 0.05). Chinese version of FaCE scale showed significant correlation with HBGS and SBGS scores (r = -0.40 and 0.42, P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Chinese version of the FaCE scale can effectively assess QOL status of patients with facial paralysis in China.</p>

Genetic transformation of Pinellia ternata with Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated sHSP genes / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To establish an efficient genetic transformation system of Pinellia ternata.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>With petioles from test-tube seedlings of P. ternata as explants, Agrobacterium tumefaciens mediation method was adopted to explore the effect of phenolic substances, A. tumefaciens's concentration, infection time, pre-incubation time and co-cultivation time on genetic transformation efficiency of P. ternata.</p><p><b>RESULT AND CONCLUSION</b>The genetic transformation efficiency could be effectively enhanced by infecting in A. tumefaciens culture containing AS 40 mg x L(-1) for 15 min for three days. The petioles were put into the differentiation medium containing 150 mg x L(-1) Kan and 350 mg x L(-1) Carb to screening and cultivation. After around 30 days, microtubers could be observed at both sides of the petioles. Gus staining and PCR verification on the regenerated plants showed that the exogenous gene sHSP had been integrated into genome of P. ternata.</p>

Intra-nasal scanning of tumors in nasal cavity and paranasal sinus with endoscopic ultrasonography / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate endoscopic ultrasonography for masses in nasal cavity and paranasal sinus.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Under the guidance of nasal endoscope, sonographic scan of 18 masses within nasal cavity and paranasal sinus was performed by using 10 MHz catheter transducer with diameter of 3.3 mm under local anesthesia. Twelve of them were benign tumors and 6 of them were malignant ones, which were confirmed by pathological examination of resected specimens.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Under the guidance of nasal endoscope, masses could be observed accurately with catheter transducer. On gray scale ultrasound, most masses were heterogeneous hypoechoic, tumors with rich blood vessels were lower hypoechoic, and some showed irregular anechoic area due to dilated vascular net. Neurofibroma was with well-defined and regular border and entire capsule; chordoma was without distinct edge and capsule. A giant pituitary tumor eroding bone of sphenoid sinus and intruding into nasal cavity. The relationship between mass and internal carotid artery could be demonstrated using color Doppler flow imaging (CDFI). Blood flowing signals in masses could be detected by CDFI, and spectral Doppler could discriminate arterial or venous blood flowing signals and measure its velocity. The rich blood supply was observed in fibroangioma, the rich flow signals and high velocity could be detected in malignant tumors.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Nasal endoscope-guided sonography for soft tissue masses in nasal cavity is of exact location, clear image and high resolution, which can reveal blood flow signals sensitively, differentiate arterial and venous blood signals and measure the velocity of them. It provides a new imaging modality for masses within nasal cavity, sinuses and skull base.</p>