Study on fluvoxamine maleate sustained-release pellets and its compression technology / 药学学报

In this study, fluvoxamine maleate sustained-release pellet system tablets were prepared and were used to evaluate their release behaviors in vitro. Fluvoxamine maleate pellets were prepared using centrifugal-spherization method and coated by fluidized bed as bottom-spray. The multi-unit sustained-release pellets and appropriate excipients for prescription volumes were mixed uniformly and then compressed to tablets. Screening and determining the optimal formulation of drug loaded pellets through L8 (24) Taguchi experiment. Using Minitab software to design a DOE experiment with 24 partial factors, including material temperature, fan speed, atomization pressure, and spray rate to optimize the bottom spray coating process. Taking monostearate glycerol ester with a particle size of 24-40 mesh as the main diluent for tableting to relieve the delamination phenomenon between pellets and excipients during tablet pressing and reduce mechanical damage to the coating film. By examining the powder fluidity indexes such as angle of repose, bulk density, tapped density, and Hausner ratio of mixed particles, it was found that the flowability and compressibility are good and suitable for direct compression. Evaluate the basic properties of the sustained-release tablets, investigate the in vitro release behavior and study the release mechanism. The results of in vitro release test showed that the self-made sustained-release tablets could disintegrate into independent pellet units in phosphate buffer at pH 6.8 and release slowly within 24 h, which conformed to the first-order drug release model. The fluvoxamine maleate sustained-release pellet system tablets meet the requirements of preparation design and has a great commercial prospect.

Effects of Different Pellet Feed Hardness on Growth and Reproduction, Feed Utilization Rate, and Environmental Dust in Laboratory Mice / 实验动物与比较医学

Objective To study the effects of different pellet feed hardness on the growth and reproduction, feed utilization rate, and environmental dust in laboratory mice.Methods One hundred of fifty 50 3-week-old SPF-grade C57BL/6JGpt and 150 ICR laboratory mice were randomly divided into three groups, with an equal number of males and females. They were fed diets with different hardness of 18.62 kg, 23.15 kg, and 27.89 kg. Body weight, feed utilization rate, and dust levels in cages were recorded and calculated for mice aged 3-10 weeks. Forty-five 6-week-old male mice and ninety 4-week-old female mice from each strain were randomly divided into three groups and fed pellet feeds with three different hardness levels. After 2 weeks of adaptation to the same hardness feed, the mice were paired at a 1∶2 male-to-female ratio and monitored for reproductive data for 3 months.Results At the age of 4 weeks, the body weight of male C57BL/6JGpt mice in 23.15 kg group was significantly higher than that in the 18.62 kg and 27.89 kg groups (P<0.01), and the body weight of females in the 18.62 kg group was significantly higher than that in the 27.89 kg group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in body weight among ICR mice aged 3-10 weeks across different feed hardness groups (P>0.05). For both strains, feed utilization rate for males was higher than that for females across different feed hardness groups at all weeks of age (P<0.01). Compared to the 27.89 kg group, both the 18.62 kg and 23.15 kg groups showed a significant increase in the 50-mesh dust levels in cages for both strains aged 4-8 weeks (except for 7-week-old C57BL/6JGpt mice) (P<0.05). For both C57BL/6JGpt and ICR mice, there was no significant difference in basic reproductive performance such as interval between the first litter and the monthly production index among the three feed hardness groups during the experimental period (P>0.05). However, the monthly production index of C57BL/6JGpt mice first increased and then decreased with the increase of feed hardness, while that of ICR mice increased with increasing feed hardness, though these differences were not statistically significant (P>0.05).Conclusion Different strains and genders had different tolerance to feed hardness. C57BL/6JGpt mice are more adapted to lower hardness feeds, while ICR mice are better suited to slightly higher hardness feeds.

Pelletization Process for the Production of Fuel Pellets from Various Surplus Biomass: A Review

The increasing demand for renewable and sustainable energy sources has led to a growing interest in utilizing surplus biomass for the production of fuel pellets. Pelletization is a promising process that converts biomass into compact and uniform fuel pellets, which can be used as an alternative to fossil fuels. Biomass is an important renewable energy source, and surplus biomass can be used to produce fuel pellets. The review also discusses the different types of biomass feedstocks that can be used for pelletization, including their availability, properties, and suitability for pellet production. The review further delves into the pelletization process, covering the key steps, such as size reduction, drying, conditioning, pelletization, and cooling. The influence of process parameters on pellet quality, including pellet durability, density, moisture content, and energy content, is also discussed in detail. The information presented in this review can serve as a valuable resource for researchers, engineers, and policymakers interested in biomass pelletization for renewable energy production.

Effect of Moisture Content and Particle Size on Characteristics of Fuel Pellets Using Flat Die Type Pelleting Machine

Fuel pellets are a popular form of biomass energy due to their high energy density, ease of handling, and reduced emissions. The quality of fuel pellets is influenced by various factors, including the moisture content and particle size of the raw materials (Soybean straw and cotton stalk) used during the pelletization process. In this study, the effect of moisture content and particle size on the characteristics of fuel pellets produced using a flat die type pelleting machine was investigated. Different moisture content levels (ranging from 20 to 30%) and particle sizes (ranging from 4 to 8 mm) were used to pelletize a biomass feedstock. The pellet characteristics, including pellet durability, bulk density and water resistance and energy consumption were evaluated. The results showed that both moisture content and particle size significantly influenced the characteristics of the fuel pellets as well as energy consumption. Based on the findings, an optimal moisture content of 25% and particle size of 6 mm were determined for producing fuel pellets with desirable characteristics and low energy consumption was required using the flat die type pelleting machine. These results can provide valuable insights for biomass pellet producers and researchers in optimizing the pelletization process to achieve high-quality fuel pellets with improved properties.

A series of 777 pellet gun ocular injuries over a 4-month period in Kashmir

Purpose: To examine the incidence, clinical findings and management of pellet gun–related ocular injuries that occurred during protests in Kashmir region. Methods: This retrospective study included records from 777 patients diagnosed with pellet gun–related ocular injuries admitted to a tertiary hospital in Srinagar, India, between July and November 2016. By reviewing the clinical records, the following data were collected: demographics, clinical information pertaining to the injury, imaging reports including computer tomography and ultrasonography B?scan, management in the emergency setting, and follow?up treatment. Results: Mean age was 22.3 ± 7.2 years and majority patients were male (97.7%). In terms of laterality, 94.3% and 5.7% of the patients sustained monocular and binocular injuries, respectively. In terms of the nature of injury, 76.3% of the eyes had open globe injury while 23.7% of the eyes had closed eye injury. Emergency surgical exploration was performed in 67.7% of closed globe injuries while emergency primary repair was done in 91.1% of open globe injuries. The vast majority of patients (98.7%) who required surgery underwent surgical intervention on the day of admission or the next day. Final best?corrected visual acuity (BCVA) after treatment was counting fingers or worse in 82.4% of the eyes. Conclusion: Pellet gun–related ocular injuries resulted in significant ocular morbidity, mostly manifesting as open globe injuries. Treatment often required surgical interventions, but despite expeditious management, visual prognosis remained poor for most of the patients.

Preparation and in vivo evaluation of a novel allicin pro-drug tablet / 中国药科大学学报

@#A novel allicin pro-drug tablet containing antacid pellets was developed to realize pH-regulated allicin release and to guarantee allicin yield in stomach environment.Firstly, allicin precursor pellets containing antacid pellet were prepared and artificial gastric juice was used as the medium to determine the yield of the allicin.Then, the total lipid cholesterol (TC), triglyceride cholesterol (TG), high density lipoprotein (HDL-C) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C) were used as indicators to study the hypolipidemic effect of allicin precursor pellets in rats.The dissolution test showed that in artificial gastric juice, the yield of allicin-containing antacid pellets exceeded 90%.In pharmacodynamic studies, it was found that antacid pellets showed the expected hypolipidemic effect on hyperlipidemia rats compared without antacid pellets.There was a very significant difference in blood lipid levels between the two test groups (P < 0.05).The allicin pro-drug tablets containing antacid pellets can effectively lower blood lipids.

Implante de testosterona para la mujer, evaluación de seguridad y efectividad en esta vía de administración / Testosterone implant for women, evaluation of safety and effectiveness in this route of administration

INTRODUCCIÓN Y OBJETIVO: El rol de la testosterona exógena en la función sexual femenina ha sido estudiado durante muchos años, con resultados contradictorios. En el último tiempo se ha promovido el uso de pellets de testosterona como una solución para mejorar la libido femenina, la cognición, la fuerza muscular y los sistemas cardiovascular y óseo, e incluso evitar el envejecimiento. Por ello, revisamos las publicaciones para tratar de responder si esto es una moda o el tratamiento más innovador del último tiempo. MÉTODO: Se analizaron las bases de datos PubMed/Medline, Trip Database, Cochrane, SciELO, Scopus, UpToDate, Ovid, ProQuest, Science Direct y ResearchGate. RESULTADOS: De acuerdo con la evidencia, la mejor testosterona disponible es la transdérmica y debe ser usada solo en el trastorno del deseo sexual hipoactivo (TDSH). Los trabajos que evalúan los pellets de testosterona tienen sesgos metodológicos importantes. Si bien son útiles para mejorar la función sexual femenina, producen concentraciones plasmáticas suprafisiológicas de testosterona, por lo que no se puede establecer su seguridad a largo plazo. Tampoco hay datos suficientes que avalen su uso para mejorar el rendimiento cognitivo y el bienestar general, en el tratamiento de enfermedades cardiovasculares o en la prevención de enfermedad ósea. CONCLUSIONES: La testosterona solo se recomienda en el tratamiento del TDSH por vía transdérmica. No recomendamos el uso de pellets de testosterona para el tratamiento de la disfunción sexual ni como hormona antienvejecimiento, ya que no hay estudios consistentes sobre su seguridad, eficacia y efectos adversos a largo plazo.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: The role of exogenous testosterone in female sexual function has been studied for many years with contradictory results. In recent times, the use of testosterone pellets has been promoted as a solution to improve female libido, cognition, muscle strength, cardiovascular system, bone and even prevent aging. Therefore, we will review the publications in order to answer whether this is a fad or the most innovative treatment of recent times. METHOD: The databases PubMed/Medline, Trip Database, Cochrane, SciELO, Scopus, UpToDate, Ovid, ProQuest, Science Direct and ResearchGate were analyzed. RESULTS: So far, the evidence best testosterone available is transdermal testosterone and that it should be used only in hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD). Papers evaluating testosterone pellets have significant methodological biases. While they are useful in improving female sexual function, they produce supra-physiological plasma levels of testosterone, so their long-term safety cannot be established. There is also insufficient data to support their use in improving cognitive performance and general well-being, treatment of cardiovascular disease or prevention of bone disease. CONCLUSIONS: Testosterone is only recommended for the tratment of HSDD via the transdermal route. We do not recommended the use of testosterone pellets for the treatment of sexual dysfunction or as an anti aging hormone, as there are no consistent studies on its safety, efficacy, and long-term adverse effects.

The proportion of fine particles in pelleted diets does not affect the performance of slow-growing broiler chickens / La proporción de partículas finas en dietas peletizadas no afecta el desempeño del pollo de engorde de lento crecimiento / Proporção de partículas finas em dietas peletizadas não afeta o desempenho de frangos de corte com crescimento lento

Abstract Background: The slow-growing chicken strains have particular nutritional and digestive needs, so they may digest pelleted feeds differently compared to commercial strains. Objective: To evaluate performance, digestibility, serum biochemical profile, digestive morphometry, carcass and cut yields of slow-growing broiler chickens fed pelleted feed with different concentrations of fine particles. Methods: A total of 180 slow-growing broiler chicks (Isa Label strain) aged one day were used. The animals were distributed in a completely randomized design with a 2 x 3 factorial scheme (Sex: male or female; Proportion of fine particles: 0, 50, or 100%), with six repetitions of five birds/cage. The birds received water and feed ad libitum during the 28-day experimental period. Results: The proportion of fine particles did not affect the metabolic, digestive or productive variables evaluated. Males showed better overall performance, while females produced better thigh and liver yields. Conclusion: The proportion of fine particles in pelleted feeds did not affect productive or metabolic parameters. Thus, improving pellet quality for slow-growing broilers during the initial rearing phase may not be justified.

Resumen Antecedentes: Los linajes de pollo de crecimiento lento presentan particularidades nutricionales y digestivas; por lo tanto, es posible que aprovechen los alimentos peletizados de manera diferente a los linajes comerciales. Objetivo: evaluar el desempeño, digestibilidad, perfil sérico bioquímico, morfometría digestiva, rendimiento de la carcasa y los cortes de pollos de engorde de crecimiento lento alimentados con raciones peletizadas con diferentes concentraciones de partículas finas. Métodos: Se utilizaron 180 pollitos machos y hembras, de crecimiento lento, de un día de edad, del linaje Isa Label. Los animales se distribuyeron en un diseño completamente aleatorizado y en un esquema factorial 2 x 3 (Sexo: macho y hembras; Proporción de partículas finas en la ración: 0, 50, y 100%) con seis repeticiones de cinco aves/jaula. Las aves recibieron agua y ración ad libitum durante el período de prueba de 28 días. Resultados: la proporción de partículas finas no afectó las variables metabólicas, digestibles y productivas evaluadas. Los machos presentaron mejor desempeño, mientras que las hembras tuvieron mayor rendimiento de muslos e hígado. Conclusión: la proporción de partículas finas en raciones peletizadas no afecta los parámetros productivos y metabólicos. Por lo tanto, probablemente no se justifica mejorar la calidad del pelet para pollos de crecimiento lento en la fase inicial de cría.

Resumo Antecedentes: linhagens de crescimento lento apresentam particularidades nutricionais e digestivas, portanto é possível que aproveitem os alimentos peletizados de maneira diferente das linhagens comerciais. Objetivo: avaliar o desempenho, digestibilidade dos alimentos, o perfil sérico bioquímico, a morfometria digestiva, rendimento de carcaça e cortes de frangos de corte com crescimento lento alimentados com rações peletizadas com diferentes concentrações de partículas finas. Métodos: Foram utilizados 180 pintos de corte, machos e fêmeas de crescimento lento, com um dia de idade, da linhagem Isa Label. Os animais foram distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado em esquema fatorial 2 x 3 (Sexo: macho e fêmeas; Proporção de partículas finas na ração: 0, 50, e 100%) com seis repetições de cinco aves/gaiola. As aves receberam água e ração ad libtum durante o período experimental de 28 dias. Resultados: a proporção de partículas finas não afetou as variáveis metabólicas, digestórias e produtivas avaliadas. Os machos apresentaram melhor desempenho, enquanto as fêmeas tiverem maior rendimento de coxas e fígado. Conclusão: a proporção de partículas finas nas rações peletizadas não afetaram os parâmetros produtivos e metabólicos e, portanto, não justifica-se melhorias na qualidade de peletes de rações para frangos de crescimento lento na fase inicial de criação.

Anti-inflammatory Activity of Isolated Flavonoid from Sida cordifolia Leaves Extract

The anti-inflammatory activities of Sida cordifolia leave extract were scientifically stated. However, no report has yet been published about the active component responsible for anti-inflammatory activity of Sida cordifolia leaves extract. It was intended to isolate the flavonoids from the Sida cordifolia leaves extract and investigated its anti-inflammatory efficacy. Petroleum ether and ethanol extract were extracted out from the powdered of leaves. The phytochemical study was done for both extracts. The in vitro antioxidant activity was performed on ethanol extract on different models. The column chromatography was used for the isolation of flavonoid from ethanol extract, and further anti-inflammatory potency of the isolated compound was investigated. The phytochemical study indicates flavonoids and polyphenol were present in ethanol extract. The higher antioxidant activity was observed in ethanol extract from findings of antioxidant study. The isolated flavonoids exhibited Rf value of 0.46 on solvent ratio of chloroform: methanol (1:1), which was similar to standard quercetin. The significant anti-inflammatory activity was found for isolated flavonoid against carrageenan-induced edema and cotton pellet-induced granuloma in experimental animals. The findings confirmed that the flavonoid present in the Sida cordifolia demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity.

Enhanced production of prodigiosin by Serratia marcescens FZSF02 in the form of pigment pellets

Background: Prodigiosin has been demonstrated to be an important candidate in investigating anticancer drugs and in many other applications in recent years. However, industrial production of prodigiosin has not been achieved. In this study, we found a prodigiosin-producing strain, Serratia marcescens FZSF02, and its fermentation strategies were studied to achieve the maximum yield of prodigiosin. Results: When the culture medium consisted of 16.97 g/L of peanut powder, 16.02 g/L of beef extract, and 11.29 mL/L of olive oil, prodigiosin reached a yield of 13.622 ± 236 mg/L after culturing at 26 °C for 72 h. Furthermore, when 10 mL/L olive oil was added to the fermentation broth at the 24th hour of fermentation, the maximum prodigiosin production of 15,420.9 mg/L was obtained, which was 9.3-fold higher than the initial level before medium optimization. More than 60% of the prodigiosin produced with this optimized fermentation strategy was in the form of pigment pellets. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on this phenomenon of pigment pellet formation, which made it much easier to extract prodigiosin at low cost. Prodigiosin was then purified and identified by absorption spectroscopy, HPLC, and LCMS. Purified prodigiosin obtained in this study showed anticancer activity in separate experiments on several human cell cultures: A549, K562, HL60, HepG2, and HCT116. Conclusions: This is a promising strain for producing prodigiosin. The prodigiosin has potential in anticancer medicine studies.

Management and pattern of pellet gun injuries in war conflicted Kashmir Valley, India

AbstractBackground: The pellet gun is a shot gun weapon which is used by law enforcement agencies to maintain law and order in conflict zones whenever need arises. Sometimes these minute sized pellets may lead to grave injuries to vital structures of the body which may sometimes led to permanent disability. The objective of this study was to investigations and manages these fatal injuries in war conflicted valley. Methods: The prospective study conducted in a tertiary care hospital of Government Medical College Srinagar at the time of civilian unrest in 2016 and onwards when thousands of people were injured with pellets by security agencies. Results: Maximum number (67.1%) of patients had injuries to eyes and face, among the total number of patients 69 (17.2%) of patients had abdominal injuries. CECT abdomen showed pellets in all 69 (100%) of patients, pellets in gut lumen in 48 (69.5%) of patients. In the abdominal group 40 patients underwent laparotomy which showed hemoperitoneum in 49 (71.01%), pneumoperitoneum in 6 (8.69%) of patients. Conclusion: Pellet gun weapon has become a common arsenal to suppress the unarmed civilian agitation which may lead to fatal injuries to vital structures of body, where prognosis remained poor despite of best available treatment.

Evaluation of anti-inflammatory activity of ethanolic extract of Gmelina arborea in experimental acute and sub-acute inflammatory models in wistar rats

Background: Inflammation is a complex reaction to various injurious agents such as infections, trauma, foreign bodies, tissue necrosis, physical and chemical agents, that consists of vascular responses, migration and activation of leukocytes and systemic reactions. Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) are currently the most commonly prescribed drugs for treating pain and inflammation. The traditional NSAIDs usually cause various adverse effects on long term use. Gmelina arborea Linn (Gambhari) belongs to family Verbenaceae. The roots, leaves, flowers, fruits and bark are used for treating different ailments as anthelmintic, analgesic, anti-pyretic, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, diuretic and other common disorders.Methods: The study was carried out by using inflammatory models in wistar rats. The anti-inflammatory activity of G. arborea was compared with standard drug aspirin. The study parameters for acute inflammation was assessment of reduction in inflammation & the percentage inhibition of the paw edema. The parameter for the sub-acute inflammation was percentage inhibition of the dry granuloma weight.Results: The low and high dose of G. arborea root extract significantly showed the anti-inflammatory activity when compared to control group. The high dose of G. arborea extract showed comparable results in parameters like reducing inflammation, percentage inhibition of paw edema and dry granuloma weight in acute carrageenan paw edema and sub-acute inflammation cotton pellet granuloma models with standard aspirin treated group.Conclusions: Since G. arborea root extract was having all the qualities required for anti-inflammatory drug. However, no clear inference can be drawn at this stage and hence we consider the work for further extensive research.

Effect of otopoint pellet-pressing combined with medication on clinical symptoms of migraine patients and changes of plasma 5-HT and CGRP contents / 针刺研究

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the short-term and long-term clinical effects of otopoint pellet-pressing combined with medication in the treatment of patients with migraine without aura and its impact on plasma 5-hydroxytryptamine(5-HT) and calcitonin gene-related peptide(CGRP) contents. METHODS: Patients with migraine without aura were randomly divided into medication(control) group(n=48) and otopoint pellet-pressing plus medication (treatment) group(n=49). Patients of the control group were given oral Flunarizine capsules(10 mg/time) twice a day, and those of the treatment group received same dosage of Flunarizine and pellet-pressing of otopoints Nao(Brain), Nie (Temporal), Shenmen(Shenmen), Jiaogan(Sympathy) and Pizhixia(Subcortex), 2 min/point, 3 times a day, simultaneously. The treatment was conducted for 1 month. The short-term and long-term clinical effects were evaluated according to Yang and colleagues' methods, and "Guiding principles for clinical research of new TCM drugs (trial)". The contents of plasma 5-HT and CGRP were detected by ELISA. RESULTS: After one month's treatment, of the 48 and 49 patients in the control and treatment groups, 10(20.83%)and 17(34.69%) were under control, 19(39.59%)and 23(46.94%) experienced marked improvement, 10(20.83%)and 7(14.29%)were effective, 9(18.75%) and 2(4.08%) failed, with the total effective rates being 81.25% and 95.92%, respectively. Six months' follow-up survey showed that of the 48 and 49 patients in the control and treatment groups, 4(8.33%)and 11(22.45%) were under control, 20(41.67%)and 24(48.98%)experienced marked improvement, 11(22.92%)and 9(18.37%)were effective, and 13(27.08%) and 5(10.20%)failed, with the total effective rates being 72.92% and 89.80%, respectively. The number of headache attacks, duration of each attack and the degree of headache were significantly decreased after 1 and 6 months' treatment in both groups in comparison with their own pre-treatment (P<0.05). The contents of plasma 5-HT at the time-points of 1 and 6 months were markedly increased (P<0.05), and those of plasma CGRP at the two time points markedly decreased in both groups in comparison with their own pre-treatment (P<0.05). The therapeutic effects of the treatment group were obviously superior to those of the control group in lowering the number of headache attacks, duration of each attack and the degree of headache and plasma CGRP content, as well as in increasing plasma 5-HT levels after 1 and 6 months' treatment (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Otopoint pellet-pressing combined with oral administration of Flunarizine can significantly improve the clinical symptoms in patients with migraine without aura, and possess a stable long-term clinical effect, which may be associated with its effect in increasing plasma 5-HT and decreasing CGRP levels.

A clinical trial of treatment of primary insomnia of patients with qi-stagnation constitution by shallow acupuncture combined with ear-acupoint pellet-pressing / 针刺研究

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical effect of shallow acupuncture combined with ear-acupoint pellet-pressing in the treatment of primary insomnia in patients with qi-stagnation constitution. METHODS: A total of 60 primary insomnia outpatients with qi-stagnation constitution were randomly divided into treatment group and control group, with 30 patients in each group. The patients in the control group were given oral Alprazolam tablets once a day, and those in the treatment group given shallow acupuncture of Yintang (EX-HN3), Shangen (inferior to EX-HN3), Anmian (EX-HN16) and bilateral Xingjian (LR2) and bilateral Taichong (LR3), once a day, and combined with pellet-pressing of ear acupoints "Shenmen""Sympathy""Subcortex""Heart" and "Liver" once every other day. Each course of treatment was 10 consecutive days, and both groups were treated for three courses. The sleep quality was assessed using Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the emotional status assessed using Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS), and the qi-stagnation state evaluated according to "the Criteria for Classification and Judgement of Constitution of Traditional Chinese Medicine (2009)". The therapeutic effect was evaluated according to "the Criteria for Diagnosis and Evaluation of Therapeutic Effect of Diseases of Traditional Chinese Medicine"．. RESULTS: Of the two 30 cases in the control and treatment groups, 2 (6.7%) and 6 (20.0%) were cured, 6 (20.0%) and 14 (46.7%) experienced marked improvement in their symptoms, 21 (70.0%) and 6 (20.0%) were effective, and 1 (3.3%) and 4 (13.3%) ineffective, with the effective rate being 86.7% and 96.7%, respectively. No significant difference was found between the two groups in the short-term effect (P>0.05). One month's follow-up showed that, of the two 30 cases in the control and treatment groups, 2 (6.7%) and 5 (16.7%) were cured, 4(13.3%) and 14 (46.6%) experienced marked improvement, 10 (33.3%) and 6 (20.0%) were effective, and 14(46.7%) and 5(16.7%) ineffective, with the effective rate being 53.3% and 83.3%, respectively. The long-term therapeutic effect of the treatment group was significantly superior to that of the control group (P<0.05). After the treatment, both PSQI and SDS scores in the two groups, and qi-stagnation score in the treatment group showed a significant reduction in comparison with their own pretreatment (P<0.05), and one-month's follow-up (not the short-term outcome) displayed that the PSQI, SDS and qi-stagnation scores of the treatment group were significantly lower than those of the control group (P<0.05)．. CONCLUSION: Shallow acupuncture combined with ear-acupoint pellet-pressing can significantly improve sleep quality, depression symptoms, and pathological constitution in primary insomnia patients with qi-stagnation constitution, possessing a stable long-term clinical effect.

Bioadhesive pellets of astragalosides: preparation and adhesive evaluation based on the physical properties of wet mass / 药学学报

Bioadhesive preparation can be attached to specific sites to control drug release rate, increase drug concentration and increase efficacy, which is based on natural or synthetic polymer material. In this paper, based on the physical properties of wet mass, a method for screening adhesion formulation was proposed, which was different from conventional way of screening optimal formulation, and astragalosides loaded bioadhesive pellets were prepared by extrusion-spheronization method (extrusion speed 30 r·min-1, spheronization speed 808 r·min-1, spheronization time 7.5 min) based on this formulation screening method, small living animal imaging technology and mucin from porcine stomach model were used to evaluate the in vivo and invitro adhesiveness behaviour of the pellets. According to the relationship between the physical properties of wet mass and the formability and adhesiveness of bioadhesive pellets, five key physical properties hardness (Ha), adhesiveness (Ad), springiness (Sp), cohesiveness (Co), chewiness (Ch) were selected as the index of screening optimal formulation, therefore a comprehensive evaluation model was established, which based on principal component analysis, to did digital ranking for these proposed adhesion formulation, the optimal formulation was determined: microcrystalline cellulose: (chitosan∶Carbomer 940 = 2∶1), the adhesive material dosage accounted for 20% of the excipient dosage, and the ratio of drugs to excipients was 1 : 4. All animal experiments have been approved by Ethics Committee of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. The in vivo and in vitro adhesive evaluation results showed the pellets had a clear advantage in intestinal adhesion over normal pellets, its also proved the scientificity and reliability of the method of screening bioadhesive formulation.

Solid dispersion-based pellet for colon delivery of tacrolimus through time- and pH-dependent layer coating: preparation, in vitro and in vivo studies

The intent of the present investigation is to develop and evaluate colon-specific coated tacrolimus solid dispersion pellet (SDP) that retards drug release in the stomach and small intestine but progressively releases in the colon. Tacrolimus-SDP was prepared by extrusion-spheronization technology and optimized by the micromeritic properties including flowability, friability, yields and dissolution rate. Subsequently, the pH-dependent layer (Eudragit L30D55) and time-dependent layer (Eudragit NE30D and L30D55) were coated on the SDP to form tacrolimus colon-specific pellets (CSP) using a fluidized bed coater. Under in vitro gradient pH environment, tacrolimus only released from CSP after changing pH to 6.8 and then quickly released in the phosphate buffer solution of pH 7.2. The Cmax of CSP was 195.68 ± 3.14 ng/mL at Tmax 4.5 ± 0.24 h where as in case of SDP, the Cmax was 646.16 ± 8.15 ng/mL at Tmax 0.5 ± 0.03 h, indicating the ability of CSP targeted to colon. The highest area under the curve was achieved 2479.58 ± 183.33 ng·h/mL for SDP, which was 2.27-fold higher than tacrolimus suspension. However, the best biodistribution performance was achieved from CSP. In conclusion, SDP combining of pH- and time-dependent approaches was suitable for targeted delivery of tacrolimus to colon.

Pellet Method of Semen Cryopreservation: Effect of Cryoprotectants, Semen Diluents and Chicken Lines

Abstract The present study evaluated the effect of cryoprotectants, semen diluents and chicken lines during pellet method of semen cryopreservation. Three different experiments were conducted; Experiment 1 - semen was cryopreserved using dimethylformamide (DMF) at 6% and 9% concentrations in two semen diluents (Lake and Ravie diluent and TES/NaCl diluent), Experiment 2 - semen was cryopreserved using dimethylacetamide (DMA) at 6% and 9% with or without sucrose (100mM), Experiment 3- semen from two chicken lines (PD1 and PD6) was cryopreserved using DMA (6% and 9%). Semen was evaluated pre and post cryopreservation for progressive motility, live and abnormal sperm. Semen pellets were stored in cryovials for at least seven days before examination and insemination. Thawed semen was inseminated intravaginaly to study fertility. All the parameters studied were significantly lower (p<0.05) in cryopreserved semen. DMF in Lake and Ravie diluent gave very low fertility and TES/NaCl diluent no fertile eggs. DMA as cryoprotectant gave fertility up to 9.22 %. Addition of sucrose along with DMA produced fertility similar to other cryopreservation treatment groups. No difference in in vitro semen parameters between chicken lines was observed. There is difference in cryopreservation outcome due to semen diluent and type of cryoprotectant.

Inferior Assimilation of Algae-based Diets by Sea Cucumber Holothuria scabra under Laboratory Condition Expressed by Stable Isotope Mixing Model

Aim: To investigate the dietary preferences of sea cucumber Holothuria scabra fed with algal food sources like Sargassum, Fucus, Spirulina, Ulva in combination with marine pellet under laboratory condition. Carbon stable isotope technique (δ13C) was used to better understand the assimilation of different dietary food sources. Study Design: A microcosm approach was undertaken where 24 experimental aquaria were set up, each having juvenile H. scabra. These aquaria were segregated into four different dietary treatments with six replicates per treatment. (SGP treatment= Sargassum + marine pellet, FCP treatment= Fucus + marine pellet, SPP treatment= Spirulina + marine pellet, ULP treatment= Ulva + marine pellet). Place and Duration of Study: Marine Experimental Ecology Unit (MAREE), Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research, Bremen, Germany, between January and October 2017. Methodology: We included 24 sea cucumber juveniles for conducting the feeding trial. CN contents, C/N ratio and carbon stable isotopes were measured in food sources as well as in H. scabra body wall. The growth of H. scabra was also monitored. Stable isotope mixing model was used to calculate the exact food preference under laboratory condition. Results: The results of carbon stable isotopes (δ13C) of sea cucumber body wall exhibited depleted values that are significantly different (ANOVA, P˂0.05) from all the dietary treatments (SGP, FCP, SPP, ULP) thereby suggesting inferior assimilation of food ingredients. The poor performance of selected food sources (algae and marine pellet) towards the growth of sea cucumber was clearly reflected in the data (ANOVA, P>0.05). Conclusion: Therefore, it is assumed that some additional food source co-existed within the microcosm and could have contributed to their food uptake, probably sediment microbes that require further clarification.

To evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of ramipril in albino rats

Background: Angiotensin II (Ang II) is a product of Renin angiotensin aldosterone system (RAAS). Angiotensin?II regulates vascular tone, stimulates the release of pro?inflammatory cytokines, activates nuclear factor?kappa B (NF??B), increases oxidant stress and functions as an inflammatory molecule. Ramipril an ACE inhibitor act by inhibiting angiotensin converting enzyme, decreases angiotensinogen II activity. Hence the present was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of Ramipril.Methods: Eighteen Wistar albino rats weighing around 150-200gms of either sex were randomly selected from central animal facility and divided into three groups. The control group received normal saline 25ml/kg, standard group received Indomethacin 10mg/kg and test group received Ramipril (0.9mg/kg) orally for six days. The animals were subjected to carrageenan induced paw oedema and cotton pellet induced granuloma model.Results: Ramipril significantly decreased the mean paw oedema in carrageenan induced paw oedema when compared to control and in cotton pellet induced granuloma Ramipril decreased the mean granuloma weight when compared to control.Conclusions: Ramipril showed anti-inflammatory activity when given for 6 consecutive days per orally in albino rats in carrageenan induced paw oedema and cotton pellet induced granuloma model.

Preparation of Amoxicillin Enteric-coated Tablets and Its in Vitro Release Characteristics / 中国药学杂志

OBJECTIVE: To prepare amoxicillin enteric-coated tablets and study the in vitro release properties. METHODS: The drug-containing pellets were prepared by extrusion-spheronization process. Taking the cumulative release at 15 min as the response value, the optimization test was performed using the common rotation combination design and the optimal formulation was validated. The drug-containing pellets were coated with Eudragit L30D-55 to prepare enteric-coated pellets. The effects of different coating weight gains on the release characteristics of enteric-coated pellets, different amounts of plasticizer on the release characteristics of enteric-coated pellets and tablets, and different hardness of tablets on the release characteristics of enteric-coated tablets were investigated by single factor method. RESULTS: The optimal formulation of the drug-containing pellets determined by response surface analysis method included 5% of croscarmellose sodium, 1.2% of polyoxyethylene 35 castor oil and 1% hydroxypropyl cellulose. The predictive value of the cumulative release at 15 min was close to the measured value. The coating weight gain of Eudragit L30D-55 should be about 20%, the amount of plasticizer should be 30% of solid content of Eudragit L30D-55, and the hardness of tablets was (130 ± 20) N. CONCLUSION: It is reasonable and reliable to optimize the formulation of drug-containing pellets by response surface analysis method. The enteric-coated tablets have good delayed release effect, and this product has the feasibility of industrial production.