Advance in osteoporosis screening methods / 中华内分泌代谢杂志

Osteoporosis has become a common chronic disease which seriously endangers the health of the elderly. China is facing high incidence of osteoporosis along with " three low" rates of screening, diagnosis, and treatment, the crux of which lies in the lack of convenient and effective screening methods for osteoporosis. DXA, the gold standard for the diagnosis of osteoporosis, has many setbacks such as expensive, radiation, and low accessibility in community, etc. which limits its application in large scale screening. The community screening methods for osteoporosis recommended by national guidelines are IOF one-minute test, osteoporosis self-assessment tool for Asians(OSTA), fracture risk assessment tool(FRAX ?), and quantitative ultrasound(QUS). In recent years, digital X-ray radiogrammetry(DXR) and opportunistic quantitative computed tomography(QCT)have also shown great potential in osteoporosis screening. This article reviews the application and research progress of the above screening methods, with the aim of improving the screening rate and contributing to the tertiary prevention and control mechanism of " wide awareness, early diagnosis and early treatment" of osteoporosis.

Establishment of an in vitro screening model for uranium decorporation chelators based on the competitive ELISA method / 药学学报

Uranium [U(Ⅵ)] in the blood is known to form stable complexes with apotransferrin (apo-Tf), which plays an important role in mediating the cytotoxicity induced by U(Ⅵ) transported to cells. The present study aimed to establish an new in vitro screening model of U(Ⅵ) decorporation agents through exploring the capability of chelating agents competing with U(Ⅵ) binding to apo-transferrin based on enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The optimal concentrations of apo-Tf coated antigen, Tf antibody, secondary antibody and U(Ⅵ) treatment were achieved and the stability and reproducibility of this method were validated by methodology study. Using this model, the ability of four chelating agents to mobilize the U(Ⅵ) binding to apo-Tf was evaluated, and the rank of competitiveness was catechol-3,6-bis(methyleiminodiacetic acid） (CBMIDA) ≈ Tiron > apo-Tf > DTPA-CaNa3 ≈ DTPA-ZnNa3. The efficacy of these chelating agents in removal of U(Ⅵ) was tested by animal experiments. The results showed that immediate administration of CBMIDA or Tiron after injection of U(Ⅵ) in mice significantly promoted urinary U(Ⅵ) excretion and reduced U(Ⅵ) accumulation in kidneys and femurs, while DTPA-CaNa3 and DTPA-ZnNa3 have no obvious effects as compared to U(Ⅵ)-exposed mice alone, which was consistent with the results of competitive ELISA method. The animal experiments conform to the rules of the Animal Research Ethics Committee of School of Pharmacy of Fudan University. These results show that the new proposed method is rapid, simple and convenient with good reproducibility and has the potential to be used for in vitro screening of U(Ⅵ) decorporation agents.

Methodology for Screening Effective Substances of Chinese Herbal Medicine for Reducing Serum Uric Acid Level / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Gout is caused by the nucleation and growth of monosodium rate crystals in tissues and around joints, which is followed by long-standing hyperuricemia and serum urate of above the saturation threshold. It could cause a series of complications, such as cardiovascular, hypertension, and renal complications. Over the past two decades, the incidences of hyperuricemia and gout have been increasing due to the continuous improvement of living standards and the changes in dietary structure. The prime and most important therapy for hyperuricemia and gout is to reduce serum uric acid levels, but the western medicine for reducing uric acid in clinical application has serious toxic and side effects. With the rapid development of modern science and technology, the application and development of different screening methods for effective ingredients with a low toxicity and side effects from Chinese herbal medicines for reducing serum uric acid levels has attracted much attention in the research and development of drugs for the prevention and treatment of hyperuricemia and gout. In this study, the screening methods for extracts, fractions, active monomer components and other effective substances were reviewed and analyzed. According to the findings, the screening methods had a considerable progress both in vivo and in vitro. The results showed that the in vivo methods were mainly applied for studying the urate lowing effect and mechanisms of herbal extracts, while the studies for xanthine oxidase(XOD) inhibitors mainly depended on the in vitro methods. Molecular docking homology modeling and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry have become a new trend for screening effective substances with XOD inhibitory activities and uric acid excretion activities, while cell model will open up a new way for screening effective substances for uric acid excretion. The review provides certain reference for effective components screening of hyperuricemia and gout.

Genetic analysis of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency among newborns in Zhejiang Province / 中国实用儿科杂志

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the characteristics of gene mutations of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase(G6PD)deficiency in the neonates of Zhejiang Province,and discuss the genetic diversity. METHODS: A total of 2242G6PD values and blood stains on dry filter were collected from the children borned in Zhejiang Province with positive screening of G6PD deficiency between March 2015 and September 2017 in Neonatal Metabolic Screening Center of Zhejiang Province. Genomic DNA of the stains were extracted. Thirty-five gene mutation sites were detected by Mass ARRAY technology. The relationship between mutation gene sites and G6PD activity were analyzed by SPSS 22.0,taking PT,c.1388G>A,c.1024C>T,c.95 A>G,c.871G>A and c.392G>T accounted for 92.96%. There were statistically significant differences in G6PD activity of c.1376 G>T,c.1388G>A,c.1024 C>T,c.95A>G(PT has obvious regional characteristics. Using MassARRAY technology to detect specific mutation sites can be a choice as a second-level screening method for G6PD deficiency.

Analysis on traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions treating cancerous fever based on grey screening method combined with multivariate analysis method and discovery of new prescriptions / 中国中药杂志

Cancerous fever is one of the common symptoms of advanced malignant tumors,which seriously affects the quality of life and survival of patients. At present,the clinical research on the treatment of cancerous fever by traditional Chinese medicine is limited,and there is a lack of research on the medication rules from multiple dimensions of disease-symptom-syndrome. The treatment of cancerous fever has not made substantial progress. In this study,we collected the literature on treatment of cancerous fever in Chinese medicine,and concluded that common syndrome types include Yin deficiency type,Qi deficiency type,Yang deficiency type,blood stasis type,damp-heat accumulation type,toxic heat flourishing type and liver meridian stagnated heat type. Two hundreds and fifty-seven prescriptions for Chinese medicine and 249 flavors for single medicine were extracted. The analysis of the drug composition of the drug found that the cancerous fever treatment was mainly based on heat-clearing drugs and deficiency-nourishing drugs. Apriori association analysis of the drug found that the second and third related drugs were mainly Rehmanniae Radix,Moutan Cortex,Artemisiae Annuae Herba,Trionycis Carapax and Anemarrhenae Rhizoma. The top five gray correlation degrees were Psoraleae Fructus,Bupleuri Radix,Hordei Fructus Germinatus,Scutellariae Radix and Massa Medicata Fermentata. And seven new prescriptions were evolved. The results showed that the treatment of cancerous fever can be started from the disease-symptom-syndrome,nourishing Yin and clearing heat is an important method for " disease differentiation and treatment". The combination of Bupleuri Radix and Scutellariae Radix is the embodiment of " symptom differentiation and treatment". The new prescriptions conform to the idea of " syndrome differentiation and treatment" of traditional Chinese medicine can provide reference for clinical medication. The grey screening method combined with multivariate analysis method was used to analyze the prescription rules of Chinese medicine in the treatment of cancer fever,which followed the black box structure of traditional Chinese medicine,made the potential rule of prescriptions explicit,broadened its thinking of Chinese medicine treatment,and made up for the deficiency of traditional analysis methods.

Dentaduras gravitacionales inferiores: una alternativa en rebordes atróficos / Lower gravitational dentures: alternative treatment for atrophic ridges

Resumen: La estabilidad de una prótesis convencional (PC) inferior se ve afectada por una excesiva resorción mandibular; el incremento de peso de una prótesis gravitacional (PG) por su combinación metal (interno) y acrílico (externo) puede aumentarla. Objetivo: Comparar la estabilidad, desempeño masticatorio (DM), peso y percepción del paciente con reborde atrófico mandibular de PC contra PG. Material y métodos: Se solicitó el consentimiento informado en seis adultos mayores desdentados. La altura del reborde residual inferior fue medida en mm. A cada paciente se le elaboró una PC y una PG (idénticas). Se utilizó primero una y luego la otra; cada una en periodos de tiempos iguales. Al término del uso de cada prótesis se le realizó una encuesta tipo Likert y una escala visual análoga (EVA), midiendo la estabilidad clínica (escala de Woelfel), DM (tamaño medio de partícula con el alimento prueba artificial) y el peso de las prótesis (g). Se utilizó la prueba de rangos de Wilcoxon y la evaluación de correlaciones de Spearman (p = 0.05). Resultados: La prueba clínica de estabilidad resultó con diferencia significativa (p = 0.046) a favor de la PG. El análisis de las correlaciones entre variables indica que a menor movimiento mayor facilidad en el habla y la reducción del alimento. En el DM no se obtuvo diferencia estadísticamente significativa (p = 0.893). Conclusiones: A pesar de la limitación del tamaño de la muestra los resultados indican que las PG son más estables y pueden ser buena alternativa de tratamiento para pacientes con limitaciones económicas o no candidatos a cirugía.

Abstract: Stability of conventional lower prostheses (CP) is affected by excessive mandibular resorption, the greater weight of a gravitational prosthesis (GP) caused by its combination of metal (internal) and acrylic (external) can increase said stability. Objective: In patients with mandibular atrophic ridge, to compare stability, masticatory performance, weight and perception of CP in comparison with GP. Material and methods: Informed consent of six adult edentulous patients was requested. Residual lower ridge height was measured in mm. Identical CP and GP were manufactured for each patient: firstly, one was used, and then the other, each one for same periods of time. At the end of prostheses use, a Likert type survey was conducted, as well as analogous visual scale (AVS) measuring clinical stability (Woelfel scale), MP (particle mean size with artificial test foodstuff) as well as prostheses weight in grams. Wilcoxon ranking test was used as well as Spearman's correlations (p = 0.05). Results: Significant differences were found in the clinical stability test (p = 0.046) favoring GP. Correlation among variables analysis indicates that to lesser movement, greater ease for speech and food processing was found. No statistically significant difference was found in MP (p = 0.893). Conclusions: In spite of limitations imposed by sample size, results indicated that GP were more stable and could represent a suitable treatment alternative for patients who are not candidates for surgery or suffer financial limitations.

Método cualitativo rápido ( screening ) para ladetección de residuos de plaguicidas en frutas y hortalizas / Qualitative screening method for pesticide residues detection in fruits and vegetables / Método qualitativo rápido (screening) para a detecção de resíduos de pesticidas nas frutas e nos vegetais

Resumen Debido a la importancia de desarrollar metodologías que permitan el análisis de los residuos agrícolas, el presente trabajo validó un método cualitativo rápido (screening) para el análisis de residuos de plaguicidas en frutas y hortalizas. La metodología se basó en el método de extracción QuEChERS, versión europea, con un paso adicional de limpieza por cromatografía de permeación por gel (GPC), lo cual permitió reducir la cantidad de componentes de la matriz en el extracto final. El análisis fue realizado por cromatografía de gases/espectrometría de masas con un analizador cuadrupolo simple. La metodología resultó adecuada para el análisis cualitativo de 31 plaguicidas a su respectivo límite máximo de residuos. Los resultados en muestras reales fueron consistentes respecto a una metodología cuantitativa de rutina, por ende, la metodología resultó ser una buena alternativa para el análisis rápido de estos contaminantes.

Abstract Because of the importance of developing methodologies that allow agricultural residues analysis, a rapid screening qualitative method for the determination of pesticides residues in fruits and vegetables was validated. The methodology was based on the European QuEChERS extraction method with an additional cleaning step by gel permeation chromatography (GPC), which helped to reduce the number of matrix components in the final extract. The analysis was carried out by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry with a single quadrupole analyzer. The methodology was appropriate for the qualitative analysis of 31 pesticides at their respective maximum residue limits. Consistent results were obtained with respect to a quantitative routine methodology in the analysis of real samples, hence the methodology was proven to be a good alternative for the fast analysis of these contaminants in fruits and vegetables.

Resumo Devido à importância de desenvolver metodologias que permitam analisar os resíduos agrícolas, o presente trabalho validou de um método qualitativo rápido (screening) para a análise de resíduos de pesticidas nas frutas e vegetais. A metodologia foi baseada no método de extração QuEChERS versão Europeia com um passo adicional de limpeza por meio de cromatografia de permeação em gel (GPC), o que permitiu reduzir a quantidade de componentes de matriz no extrato final. A análise foi realizada por cromatografia gasosa/espectrometria de massa com um analisador de quadrupolo simples. A metodologia foi adequada para a análise qualitativa de 31 pesticidas aos seus respectivos limites máximos de resíduos. Os resultados obtidos em amostras reais foram consistentes com uma metodologia quantitativa de rotina, portanto, a metodologia estudada tem demonstrado ser uma boa alternativa para a análise rápida destes contaminantes em frutas e vegetais.

Identification of Older Adults with Sarcopenia: Comparison of Two Methods / Jurnal Sains Kesihatan Malaysia

To compare the ability of methods based on skeletal muscle index (SMI) and another one by the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP) based on both muscle mass and physical function in identifying older adults with sarcopenia. Anthropometric measurements and physical performance (hand grip strength and gait speed) were performed. In order to determine the value of SMI, body impedance analysis was also carried out. A total of 426 older adults, mostly women (60.8%) with mean age of 68.4 ± 6.2 years participated in this study. Methods based on SMI and EWGSOP identified 50.5% and 32.2% older adults as sarcopenic respectively. Method based on SMI showed a significantly higher percentage of men (70.7%) were sarcopenic as compared to women (37.5%) (p < 0.05). No such difference was noted for EWGSOP method, with 28.7% of men were sarcopenic as compared to women (34.4%). Binary logistic regression indicated that aged 75 years and above (adjusted odds ratio: 3.3, 95% confidence interval: 1.9 – 5.6) and having arthritis (adjusted odds ratio: 2.5, confidence interval: 1.3 – 4.7) to be associated with sarcopenia as assessed using method recommended by EWGSOP. The lower prevalence of sarcopenia by EWGSOP as compared to SMI may be due to the more comprehensive method by EWGSOP. Further research regarding validation of these two screening methods against a gold standard of screening for sarcopenia is needed in order to identify the best method..

Analysis on traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions treating cancer-related anorexia syndrome based on grey system theory combined with multivariate analysis method and discovery of new prescriptions / 中国中药杂志

Cancer-related anorexia syndrome (CACS) is one of the main causes for death at present as well as a syndrome seriously harming patients' quality of life, treatment effect and survival time. In current clinical researches, there are fewer reports about empirical traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) prescriptions and patent prescriptions treating CACS, and prescription rules are rarely analyzed in a systematic manner. As the hidden rules are not excavated, it is hard to have an innovative discovery and knowledge of clinical medication. In this paper, the grey screening method combined with the multivariate statistical method was used to build the ″CACS prescriptions database″. Based on the database, totally 359 prescriptions were selected, the frequency of herbs in prescription was determined, and commonly combined drugs were evolved into 4 new prescriptions for different syndromes. Prescriptions of TCM in treatment of CACS gave priority to benefiting qi for strengthening spleen, also laid emphasis on replenishing kidney essence, dispersing stagnated liver-qi and dispersing lung-qi. Moreover, interdependence and mutual promotion of yin and yang should be taken into account to reflect TCM's holism and theory for treatment based on syndrome differentiation. The grey screening method, as a valuable traditional Chinese medicine research-supporting method, can be used to subjectively and objectively analyze prescription rules; and the new prescriptions can provide reference for the clinical use of TCM for treating CACS and the drug development.

Research status of nephrotoxicity mechanism of Chinese materia medica and progress in study on evaluation methods / 中草药

As a complementary and alternative medicine, Chinese materia medica (CMM) is an important component in the treasure-house of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) with increasing attention all over the world. Efficacy and safety are the two principles of CMM. At the same time, the adverse reaction of CMM should be paid more attention. Drug abuse and drug-drug interaction are the main cause of kidney damage. In the paper, nearly 100 experimental and clinical papers concerning on renal toxicity of CMM from domestic and foreign databases in the past 20 years were searched. In particular, the evaluation methods of CMM were summarized, and the advantages and feasibility of the method were analyzed, in order to provide the support for the early detection of renal toxicity of CMM and safety assessment of CMM.

Avaliação do potencial de contaminação de águas superficiais e subterrâneas por pesticidas aplicados na agricultura do Baixo Jaguaribe, CE / Assessment of surface and groundwater potential contamination by agricultural pesticides applied in the region of Baixo Jaguaribe, CE, Brazil

O presente trabalho tem como objetivo avaliar o potencial de contaminação de águas superficiais e subterrâneas por atividades de agricultura irrigada do Baixo Jaguaribe, Ceará. A análise foi realizada mediante critérios da Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), índice de GUS e método de GOSS. Esses critérios baseiam-se em propriedades físico-químicas dos princípios ativos de cada agrotóxico. Neste estudo, foram avaliados os principais produtos aplicados nas culturas irrigadas no Baixo Jaguaribe, através de levantamento realizado na própria região. Por meio da comparação entre os modelos, alguns pesticidas apresentaram potencial de contaminação em águas superficiais e subterrâneas, sendo necessário o monitoramento constante dos níveis desses resíduos.

This study evaluated the potential of contamination of surface water and groundwater in the irrigated agriculture of Baixo Jaguaribe, in Ceara state, Brazil. The analysis was performed based on the criteria of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the index of GUS and method of GOSS. These indexes have been based on physical and chemical properties of the active ingredients of each pesticide. The present paper assessed the main products, which are applied on crops in the irrigated agriculture of Baixo Jaguaribe, through survey in the region. The comparison between the models showed some potential for pesticide contamination in surface water and groundwater, and requires the constant monitoring of levels waste.

A simple method to screen for azo-dye-degrading bacteria.

A stab-culture method was adapted to screen for azo dyes-decolorizing bacteria from soil and water samples. Decolorized azo dye in the lower portion of the solid media indicates the presence of anaerobic azo dyes-decolorizing bacteria, while aerobic decolorizing bacteria decolorizes the surface portion of the solid media. Of twenty soil samples tested, one soil sample shows positive results for the decolourisation of two azo dyes; Biebrich scarlet (BS) and Direct blue 71 (DB) under anaerobic conditions. A gram negative and oxidase negative bacterial isolate was found to be the principal azo dyes degrader. The isolate was identified by using the BiologTM identification system as Serratia marcescens.

Relationship between the Metabolic Syndrome and Abdominal Tension / 日本東洋医学雑誌

Metabolic syndrome develops because of an accumulation of intra-abdominal fat. In Kampo medicine, an abdominal examination is commonly performed for the diagnosis of diseases. Thus, we examined the relationship between metabolic syndrome and abdominal tension. Our subjects were 999 people (619 males and 380 females) who underwent regular physical check-ups. Metabolic syndrome was diagnosed in 14.5% (21.3% of males and 3.4% of females) and the prevalence rate of subjects with metabolic and pre-metabolic syndromes was 40.8% (55.9% of males and 16.3% of females). In addition, abdominal examinations detected 19.1% of hyperfunction, 64.6% of intermediate function, and 16.3% of hypofunction. Almost subjects with abdominal hyperfunction were classified as metabolic or pre-metabolic syndrome, and neither metabolic nor pre-metabolic syndrome was present in subjects with abdominal hypofunction. In conclusion, assessment of abdominal tension may become an additional valuable screening method for metabolic syndrome.

A Rapid Radicle Assay for Prescreening Antagonistic Bacteria Against Phytophthora capsici on Pepper

A rapid radicle assay for prescreening antagonistic bacteria to Phytophthora capsici, causal agent of Phytophthora blight of pepper was developed. Sixty-four bacterial strains with in vitro antifungal activity selected out of 1,400 strains isolated from soils of Ansung, Chunan, Koyang, and Paju, Korea in 1998 were used for development of the bioassay. Uniformly germinated pepper seeds dipped in bacterial cells for 3 hours were placed near the edges of growing mycelia of P. capsici on water agar containing 0.02% glucose. Five-week-old pepper plants (cv. Nockwang) were inoculated to compare with results of the radicle assay developed in this study. For plant inoculation, pepper seeds were sown in potting mixtures incorporated with the bacterial strains, then transplanted into steam-sterilized soils 3 weeks later. Plants were hole-inoculated with zoospores of P. capsici 2 weeks after transplanting. Disease incidence and severity were determined in radicle and plant assessments, respectively. In radicle assay, six strains, GK-B15, GK-B25, OA-B26, OA-B36, PK-B09, and VK-B14 consistently showed the significant (P=0.05) disease reduction against radicle infection by the fungus, four of which also did in plant assessments. Strains OA-B36 and GK-B15 consistently reduced the fungal infection in both the radicle assay and the plant assessment. Therefore, prescreening strains using the radicle assay developed in this study followed by plant assay could reduce time and labor, and improved the possibility of selecting antagonistic bacteria for control of Phytophthora blight of peppers.

Hybrid Capture System HPV DNA Test as a Screening Tool of Cervical Cancer / 대한부인종양콜포스코피학회잡지

OBJECTIVE: Although the use of cytology in screening has reduced morbidity and mortality from invasive cervical cancer, there has been limitation because of the low sensitivity and high false negative rate in the detection of preclinical or clinical disease of the cervix. This study was performed to explore the usefulness of Hybrid Capture System HPV DNA test as a diagnostic method of the cervical cancer. METHODS: Cervical cytology and Hybrid Capture System 1 (HCS1) HPV DNA test were performed in 1,023 women who visited Gynecologic Oncology Clinic in Guro Hospital, Korea University Medical Center. HPV DNA were retested by HCS1, HCS2 and Polymerase Chain Reaction(PCR), in randomly selected 200 women to compare these DNA tests. RESULTS: While the sensitivity and specificity of cervical cytology in detection of cervical lesion were 71.2% and 89.5%, those of HCS1 HPV DNA test were 63.0% and 86.9% respectively. There was significant difference in detection of cervical precancerous lesions between HCS1 and HCS2 (P<0.05), but not between HCS2 and PCR (P=0.14). And the sensitivity and specificity were improved with combining cytology and HCS1 HPV DNA test(82.2%, 86.9%~). CONCLUSION: HCS HPV DNA test may be considered as a useful adjunctive test with cervical cytology in cervical cancer screening.

Clinical Utility of Magnetic Resonance Angiography

No abstract available.

EVALUATION ON DIPSTICK DYE IMMUNO-ASSAY FOR SCREENING CHEMOTHERAPY TARGETS OF SCHISTOSOMIASIS IN A LOWER ENDEMIC AREA / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

ObjectiveTo evaluate the app li cation value of the Dipstick Dye Immuno assay (DDIA) for screening chemotherapy targets of schistosomiasis in a lower endemic area. Methods[ WT5”BZ]In a lower endemic area of schistosomiasis a random sample of 463 individuals from a natural village were examined using miracidium hatching metho d, Kato Katz's method, DDIA, DGS COPT and ELISA. The positive rates of these a ss ays were compared. ResultsThe positive rate of stool examination was 3.9% in 463 individuals. The positive rate of DDIA was 15 8%. The positive rate in 18 stool positive subjects was 94 4% with Youden In dex 0 81. The positive rate of DGS COPT was 8 9% . The positive rate in 18 stool po sitive subjects was 72 2% with Youden Index 0 66. The positive rate of ELISA w as 18 4%. The positive rate in 18 stool positive subjects was 83 3% with Youden In dex 0 68. ConclusionDDIA was more suitable for application in screening target population in lower endemic areas than other im munoassys.

Studies on a high-throughput screening method for identification of HIV fusion inhibitors targeting gp41 / 中国药理学通报

AIM To modify and improve a screening assay so that it becomes more convenient, economic and adaptable in China for high throughput screening of HIV fusion inhibitors targeting gp41. METHODS The original screening method reported by Jiang et al (J Virol. Methods 1999;80:85 96) was modified by: ① using a conformation specific monoclonal antibody to replace a polyclonal antibody for coating plates; ②simplifying the procedures; ③using parts of the reagents produced in China. RESULTS The modified screening assay is simpler, more convenient, and more economic than the original assay, but its sensitivity is comparable to and specificity is a little better than the original method. CONCLUSIONS The modified screening assay is more convenient and economic and can be used in China for high throughput screening of HIV fusion inhibitors from complex sample, such as phage display peptide libraries, microorganism fermentation liquids, herbs and other natural products.