[Research about improving flowability of powder of Chinese herbs extracts by surface modification technology].

In this study, modification technology by surface coating was used to improve the flowability of powder of Chinese herbs extracts. Seven kinds of powder of Chinese herbs extracts were coated with 1% silica nanoparticles using an under-driven Comil. The powder characteristics tester was used to evaluate the flowability of uncoated and coated powders. Surface morphology and particle size distribution of powders were compared by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and optical microscope. The powder hygroscopicity was also investigated. The results showed that, after modification, angle of repose, angle of spatula, compressibility and adhesiveness extremely decreased, and flowability index substantially increased, the powder flowability was significantly improved, especially Gegen and Dahuang extracts powders. Scanning electron microscopy images showed the distribution of silica nanoparticles on the host drug particle surfaces. There were no remarkable changes in the particle size distribution and hygroscopicity of all powders after coating. Therefore, Comilling for surface coating modification technology was an effective method to improve the flowability of Chinese herbs extracts and suggested a possible way forward to enhance the quality of Chinese drugs pharmaceutics in their study and manufacture.

[Clinical efficacy and perinatal outcome of nifedipine for severe preeclampsia: meta-analysis].

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy, side effects and perinatal outcome of nifedipine compared with other antihypertensives for treating severe preeclampsia in pregnant women. METHODS: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that comparing nifedipine with other antihypertensives for severe preeclampsia were searched in PubMed, EMBase, Cochrane library, CNKI and VIP database etc(till January 2012). The quality of the included RCTs was evaluated, and Meta-analysis was performed with Rev Man 5.1 software. RESULTS: Nine trials were included, involving 386 women in the nifedipine group, and 378 women in other antihypertensives group. Compared with other antihypertensives, nifidepine was associated with greater effective control of blood pressure (OR = 2.65, 95%CI: 1.65 - 4.25, P < 0.01). There was no clear difference in the time needed to control blood pressure (WMD = -3.64, 95%CI: -10.90 - 3.61, P = 0.32). Nifedipine could prolong gestation better than other antihypertensives (WMD = 5.14, 95%CI: 3.29 - 6.99, P < 0.01). There were no clear differences in maternal side effects headache (P = 0.28), palpitation (P = 0.06), and nausea vomiting (P = 0.28). No noticeable difference was found between the two groups in the Apgar score at five minutes (WMD = -0.21, 95%CI: -0.32 - 0.91, P = 0.72), neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (OR = 1.24, 95%CI: 0.57 - 2.67, P = 0.59), or perinatal deaths (OR = 0.49, 95%CI: 0.22 - 1.11, P = 0.09). CONCLUSION: Nifedipine is associated with greater effective control of blood pressure and prolongation of gestation, with no additional neonatal respiratory distress syndrome or perinatal deaths, compared with other antihypertensives for women with severe preeclampsia.

Folic Acid supplementation and pregnancy: more than just neural tube defect prevention.

Folate (vitamin B(9)) is an essential nutrient that is required for DNA replication and as a substrate for a range of enzymatic reactions involved in amino acid synthesis and vitamin metabolism. Demands for folate increase during pregnancy because it is also required for growth and development of the fetus. Folate deficiency has been associated with abnormalities in both mothers (anemia, peripheral neuropathy) and fetuses (congenital abnormalities). This article reviews the metabolism of folic acid, the appropriate use of folic acid supplementation in pregnancy, and the potential benefits of folic acid, as well as the possible supplementation of l-methylfolate for the prevention of pregnancy-related complications other than neural tube defects.

Hypotensive resuscitation combined with polydatin improve microcirculation and survival in a rabbit model of uncontrolled hemorrhagic shock in pregnancy.

BACKGROUND: Obstetric hemorrhage remains a leading cause of maternal death internationally. Polydatin is an effective drug in ameliorating microcirculatory insufficiency and increasing survival rate in non-pregnant animal model of controlled hemorrhagic shock. In the present study, we investigated the effects of hypotensive resuscitation combined with Polydatin administration on microcirculation and survival rate in a clinically relevant model of uncontrolled hemorrhagic shock in pregnancy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty anesthetized New Zealand white rabbits at mid and late gestation were anesthetized, and an ear chamber was prepared to examine microvessels by intravital microscopy. Shock was induced by transecting a small artery in mesometrium, followed by blood withdrawal via the femoral artery to a mean arterial pressure (MAP) of 40-45 mm Hg. Animals were randomly divided into two groups (n=10 per group): 30 min after hemorrhage induction, hypotensive resuscitation with Ringer's solution to MAP of 60 mm Hg, followed by a single volume infusion of 4 mL/Kg of normal saline or Polydatin at 60 min after hemorrhage induction (group NS, PD). Finally all the animals received hemorrhage control and resuscitated with half of the heparinized shed blood and Ringer's solution to MAP of 80 mm Hg. RESULTS: At the end of resuscitation, compared with group NS, group PD showed significantly improved capillary perfusion as indicated by increased arteriole diameter [0.95±0.02 of baseline (PD), 0.71±0.05 of baseline (NS); P=0.000] and higher functional capillary density[95.3% ± 2.6% (PD), 57.2% ± 4.1% (NS); P=0.000]. Median survival time was significantly longer in group PD than that in group NS [4 d (PD), 2 d (NS); P=0.000]. CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of hypotensive resuscitation, Polydatin administration improved microcirculation and prolonged survival time in pregnant rabbit model of uncontrolled hemorrhagic shock.

Heparin for patients with growth restricted fetus: a prospective randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: Heparin was hypothesized to facilitate the growth of the growth-restricted fetus. Our study was to assess the efficiency of heparin in treating fetus with growth restriction and to explore the possible mechanisms. METHODS: Seventy-three pregnant women were selected in this study. Based on regular treatments, patients randomly received either heparin or dan-shen combined with low-molecular weight dextrose. A serial ultrasonography and hematological measurements were performed on each patient at the enrolment and 7 days after the first treatment. Neonatal birth weight, 1-min Apgar score and gestational age were recorded. Placentas were collected for apoptotic indices. RESULTS: Heparin significantly improved maternal hemorrheological indices, fetal growth velocities and neonatal outcomes. It also reduced apoptosis in trophoblasts. CONCLUSIONS: Our results provide evidence that heparin significantly improves the growth of the growth-restricted fetus. The growth improvement is probably achieved by the changes in maternal hemorrheology and the attenuated apoptosis in trophoblasts.