Quantification and pharmacokinetic study of tumor-targeting agent MHI148-clorgyline amide in mouse plasma using liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry / 药物分析学报

A high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometric (HPLC-ESI-MS/MS) method was developed for the quantification of MHI148-clorgyline amide (NMI-amide), a novel tumor-targeting monoamine oxidase A inhibitor, in mouse plasma. The method was validated in terms of sensitivity, precision, accuracy, recovery and stability and then applied to a pharmacokinetic study of NMI-amide in mice following intravenous administration. NMI-amide together with the internal standard (IS), MHI-148, was extracted by protein precipitation using acetonitrile. Multiple reaction monitoring was used for quantification of NMI-amide by detecting m/z transition of 491.2–361.9, and 685.3–258.2 for NMI-amide and the IS, respectively. The lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) of the HPLC–MS/MS method for NMI-amide was 0.005 μg/mL and the linear calibration curve was acquired with R2> 0.99 in the concentration range of 0.005–2 μg/mL. The intra- and inter-day precisions of the assay were assessed by percentage of the coefficient of variations, which was within 9.8% at LLOQ and 14.0% for other quality control samples, whereas the mean accuracy ranged from 86.8% to 113.2%. The samples were stable under storage and experimental conditions. This method was successfully applied to a pharmacokinetic study in mice following intravenous administration of 5 mg/kg NMI-amide.

Mycobacterium fortuitum causing infection of a biventricular pacemaker/implantable cardioverter defibrillator

Increased utilization of cardiovascular implantable electronic devices [CIED] has seen a corresponding rise in related infections. Non-tuberculosis mycobacteria [NTM] are rarely the cause. Treatment involves susceptibilities, antimicrobials, and device removal. This study presents a patient who underwent a biventricular implantable cardioverter defibrillator upgrade with a multi-drug resistant Mycobacterium fortuitum located at the pocket site and a lead infection.

Phytochemical analysis of medicinal plants with kidney protective activities / 中国结合医学杂志

In view of the increasing number of patients undergoing kidney dialysis or transplant every year, a survey of the literature on renal protective medicinal plants was undertaken. Most of them are from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Although many of the medicinal herbs reported have not been investigated in terms of active chemical ingredients, some do have compounds well characterized. They fall into a wide range of structures. Several groups of compounds with well established activities are discussed. These include: antioxidant phenolic compounds like tannins, flavonoids, isoflavonoids, unsaturated organic acids and lignans; circulation enhancing compounds like saponins, and basic alkaloids with multiple targets (G-protein coupled receptors). Also presented are proinflammatory and antiinflammatory fatty acids like linoleic (n-6) and α-linolenic (n-3) acids, respectively. Attention is also drawn to the plants containing nephrotoxic aristolochic acid. Different directions of future research are also presented. We hope that this review may provide some leads for new drug discovery and development, and more rational application of TCM.

Effect of lumbar angular motion on central canal diameter: positional MRI study in 491 cases / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Lumbar spinal stenosis is a common problem that is receiving attention with the advent of novel treatment procedures. Prior positional MRI studies demonstrated lumbar canal diameter changes with flexion and extension. There have not been any studies to examine the amount of spinal canal diameter change relative to the amount of angular motion. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the correlation between the lumbar canal diameter change and the angular motion quantitatively.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Positional MRI (pMRI) images for 491 patients, including 310 males and 181 females (16 years-85 years of age), were obtained with the subjects in sitting flexion 40 degree, upright, and with extension of 10 degrees within a 0.6 T Positional MRI scanner. Quantitative measurements of the canal diameter and segmental angle of each level in the sagittal midline plane were obtained for each position. Then the diameter change and angular motion were examined for correlation during flexion and extension with linear regression analysis.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The lumbar segmental angles were lordotic in all positions except L1-2 in flexion. The changes of canal diameters were statistically correlated with the segmental angular motions during flexion and extension (P < 0.001). The amount of canal diameter change correlated with the amount of angular change and was expressed as a ratio.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Positional MRI demonstrated the amount of spinal canal diameter change that was statistically correlated with the segmental angular motion of the spine during flexion and extension. These results may be used to predict the extent of canal diameter change when interspinous devices or positional changes are used to treat spinal stenosis and the amount of increased canal space may be predicted with the amount of angular or positional change of the spine. This may correlate with symptomatic relief and allow for improved success in the treatment of spinal stenosis.</p>

Evaluation of neck pain, radiculopathy, and myelopathy: imaging, conservative treatment, and surgical indications

Neck pain is a common complaint that typically represents a spectrum of disorders affecting the cervical spine. The clinical history and examination of patients with neck pain dictate the proper timing and selection of diagnostic studies such as plain radiography, MRI, and myelography with CT. Most neck pain is self-limiting and will resolve with appropriate conservative care. Nonsurgical treatment is the most appropriate first step in almost all cases of cervical radiculopathy. In contrast, the conservative care of cervical spondylotic myelopathy with measures such as physical therapy, spinal manipulation, medications, collars, and traction is limited