[A multi-dimensional analysis of pollen broadcasting concerns in Chinese population: a large-scale multi-center cross-sectional survey].

Objective: To investigate the concern about pollen broadcasting in Chinese population from multiple dimensions and to understand the information about allergic rhinitis (AR) in China by analyzing related factors. Methods: From March 1 to September 30, 2022, a large-scale multi-center cross-sectional survey was conducted based on the Questionnaire Star platform in 21 Chinese hospitals. A total of 7 056 subjects from 7 regions in China: Northeast, North, East, Central, South, Southwest, and Northwest China were included. Basic characteristics (including social demographic characteristics and disease characteristics of AR patients), concern about pollen broadcasting, the willingness of pollen-induced AR (PiAR) patients to receive pollen broadcasting, and the treatment satisfaction rate of AR patients were collected. The chi-square test, multivariate linear regression model, and Logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the concern about pollen broadcasting in the Chinese population and related factors from multiple dimensions. Results: Among 7 056 subjects, 23.02% were concerned about pollen broadcasting. Among 3 176 self-reported AR and 1 019 PiAR patients, 25.60% and 39.16% were concerned about pollen broadcasting, respectively, which was higher than that of non-AR or non-PiAR subjects (χ2 value was 21.74 and 175.11, respectively, both P<0.001). Among AR patients, the proportion of spring and autumn allergen-positive patients concerned about pollen broadcasting was higher than that in perennial allergen-positive patients (χ2 value was 20.90 and 19.51, respectively, both P<0.001). The proportion of AR patients with asthma, sinusitis, allergic conjunctivitis, and cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases was higher than those without complications (χ2 value was 50.83, 21.97, 56.78, 7.62, respectively, all P<0.05). The proportion of AR patients in North China who could find pollen broadcasting locally was 31.01%, significantly higher than those in other regions (all P<0.05). Multivariate linear regression model analysis showed that among PiAR patients, those with higher per capita household income and higher AR disease cognition levels had been concerned about pollen broadcasting in the past, and those complicated with allergic conjunctivitis had stronger intention to receive pollen broadcasting (B value was 0.24, 0.13, 0.66, 0.47, respectively, all P<0.05). The higher the disease cognition level of PiAR patients, the stronger their willingness to actively participate in treatment (R2=0.72, P<0.001). Only 18.89% of AR patients felt satisfied with the treatment effect. Logistic regression analysis showed that in AR patients, the treatment satisfaction rate was significantly higher among those concerned about pollen broadcasting compared to those who were not (OR=1.83, P<0.001). Conclusions: Currently, the dissemination of pollen broadcasting in China is hindered by various factors such as disease cognition level. The treatment satisfaction among AR patients remains unsatisfactory.

[Effects of novel bioactive glasses on promoting remineralization of artificial dentin caries].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of novel bioactive glasses (BG) including PSC with high phosphorus component and FBG with fluorine-doped element on promoting remineralization of artificial dentin caries. METHODS: (1) BGs were used in this study as follows: PSC (10.8%P2O5-54.2%SiO2-35.0%CaO, mol.%) were synthesized using phytic acid as the phosphorus precursor through sol-gel method. FBG (6.1%P2O5-37.0%SiO2-53.9%CaO-3.0%CaF2, mol.%) and 45S5(6.0%P2O5-45.0%SiO2-24.5%CaO-24.5%Na2O, mol.%) were synthesized by traditional melt method. (2) The above BGs were soaked in simulated body fluid (SBF) for 24 hours. Then X-ray diffraction (XRD) was used to analyze the formation of hydroxyapatite (HA) crystals. (3) Prepared 1 mm thick dentin slices were soaked in 17% ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) for 1 week to demineralize the dentin. Then the dentin slices treated by BG were soaked in SBF for 1 week. Field emission scanning electron micro-scopy (FE-SEM) was used to observe the surface morphology of the dentin slices. (4) Four cavities were prepared to 1 mm depth in each 2 mm thick dentin slice, then were treated with lactic acid for 2 weeks to form the artificial dentin caries. Wax, mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), PSC and FBG were used to fill four cavities as blank control group, MTA group, PSC group and FBG group respectively. Then the spe-cimens were soaked in SBF for 4 weeks. The changes of depth and density of demineralized dentin were analyzed using Micro-CT before filling and after 2 and 4 weeks filling. RESULTS: (1) PSC and FBG promoted mineral formation on the surfaces of the demineralized dentin. And the speed was faster and crystallinity was higher in PSC group than the FBG and 45S5 groups. (2) The increased mineral density of artificial dentin caries in PSC group were (185.98 ± 55.66) mg/cm3 and (213.64 ± 36.01) mg/cm3 2 and 4 weeks after filling respectively, which were significantly higher than the control group [(20.38 ± 7.55) mg/cm3, P=0.006; (36.46 ± 10.79) mg/cm3, P=0.001]. At meanwhile, PSC group was also higher than MTA group [(57.29 ± 10.09) mg/cm3; (111.02 ± 22.06) mg/cm3], and it had statistical difference (P=0.015; P=0.006). The depth of remineralized dentin in PSC group were (40.0 ± 16.9) µm and (54.5 ± 17.8) µm 2 and 4 weeks respectively, which were also statistically different from the control group (P =0.010;P=0.001). There were no statistical differences between the control group and MTA group. The above effects of FBG group were between PSC and MTA. CONCLUSION: PSC has advantages in the speed, quality and depth of mineral deposition in the demineralized layer of artificial dentin caries. It would be expected to be an ideal material to promote the remineralization of dentin caries.

Rectifying cow infertility under heat stress by immunization against inhibin and supplementation of progesterone.

This study was undertaken for the development of novel techniques that are based on immunoneutralization of inhibin bioactivity to improve Holstein cow fertility. A series of 4 experiments were carried out on 2 farms that were located in subtropical or temperate regions, to test the effects of immunization against inhibin alpha subunit on cow fertility under varying degrees of heat stress conditions. Though immunization against inhibin alone improved conception rate (CR) after TAI moderately in cows under mild heat stress conditions, the treatment plus progesterone supplementation substantially enhanced CR in the range of 25 to 35 percentages from severe heat stress to comfortable weather conditions. There existed an additive effect between immunization against inhibin and progesterone supplementation that maximally enhanced CR. Further, immunization against inhibin increased both FSH and activin A concentrations in blood during both follicular and luteal phases. It also significantly increased blood concentrations of E2 in the follicular phase but decreased P4 concentrations during the early pregnancy. However, interferon-tau concentrations in blood around the time of pregnancy recognition were doubled in the inhibin immunized cows. In conclusion, immunization against inhibin plus P4 treatment enhances ovarian follicle and the subsequent early embryo developments that help to greatly improve the fertility of Holstein dairy cows.

Tetramethylpyrazine inhibited hypoxia-induced expression of calcium-sensing receptors in pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells in chickens.

Tetramethylpyrazine (TMP) is a biologically active ingredient, which is isolated from a popularChinese medicinal plant. It has been used effectively to treat ischemic heart problems, cerebrovascular and thrombotic vascular diseases. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of TMP on calciumsensing receptors in pulmonary artery smooth muscle in chickens. For this purpose forty day-old chicks were distributed into five groups: the control group, the hypoxia group (kept under low Oxygen treatment), and TMP groups (kept under low Oxygen treatment along with treatment of different concentrations of TMP). The pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells were also cultured on 6-well plates in high glucose culture medium and divided into the same five groups. We used in vivo and in vitro study models by applying immunohistochemistry, RT-qPCR assay and Western blotting analysis. Our results showed that pre-incubation with hypoxia markedly stimulated the activation of calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) in pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs). The TMP decreased the mRNA and protein levels of CaSR. Treatment with TMP clearly inhibited the activation of all CaSR in a dose-dependent manner. Our data demonstrated that TMP can down-regulate the expression of CaSR. Therefore, these findings provide a new target to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) under hypoxic conditions.

Dietary -carbamylglutamate and rumen-protected -arginine supplementation ameliorate fetal growth restriction in undernourished ewes.

This study was conducted with an ovine intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) model to test the hypothesis that dietary -carbamylglutamate (NCG) and rumen-protected -Arg (RP-Arg) supplementation are effective in ameliorating fetal growth restriction in undernourished ewes. Beginning on d 35 of gestation, ewes were fed a diet providing 100% of NRC-recommended nutrient requirements, 50% of NRC recommendations (50% NRC), 50% of NRC recommendations supplemented with 20 g/d RP-Arg (providing 10 g/d of Arg), and 50% of NRC recommendations supplemented with 5 g/d NCG product (providing 2.5 g/d of NCG). On d 110, maternal, fetal, and placental tissues and fluids were collected and weighed. Ewe weights were lower ( < 0.05) in nutrient-restricted ewes compared with adequately fed ewes. Maternal RP-Arg or NCG supplementation did not alter ( = 0.26) maternal BW in nutrient-restricted ewes. Weights of most fetal organs were increased ( < 0.05) in RP-Arg-treated and NCG-treated underfed ewes compared with 50% NRC-fed ewes. Supplementation of RP-Arg or NCG reduced ( < 0.05) concentrations of ß-hydroxybutyrate, triglycerides, and ammonia in serum of underfed ewes but had no effect on concentrations of lactate and GH. Maternal RP-Arg or NCG supplementation markedly improved ( < 0.05) concentrations of AA (particularly arginine-family AA and branched-chain AA) and polyamines in maternal and fetal plasma and in fetal allantoic and amniotic fluids within nutrient-restricted ewes. These novel results indicate that dietary NCG and RP-Arg supplementation to underfed ewes ameliorated fetal growth restriction, at least in part, by increasing the availability of AA in the conceptus and provide support for its clinical use to ameliorate IUGR in humans and sheep industry production.

Pharmacokinetic study of icariside II after a single dose administration of YiGu capsule in healthy Chinese volunteers.

To investigate the pharmacokinetic characteristics of icariside II after a single oral dose administration of YiGu Capsule in healthy -Chinese volunteers. 8 (4 female) healthy Chinese volunteers were involved and administrated for 15 doses of YiGu Capsule after fasting overnight. 4 ml of blood samples were collected at scheduled time before and after administration. Icariside II in human plasma was separated on a Agela Venusil XBP-C18 column (250 mm×4.6 mm, 5 µm), and eluted using acetonitrile-water (containing 0.1% formic acid) (70:30, V/V) as mobile phase. The analytes were detected with a -triple quad HPLC-MS/MS using ESI with positive ionization. Ions monitored in the multiple reaction monitoring mode were m/z 515.1 (precursor ion) to m/z 369.1 (product ion) for icariside II and m/z 321.0 (precursor ion) to m/z 275.0 (product ion) for lorazepam (internal standard).The plasma concentration of icariside II was determined by established HPLC-MS/MS method after disposition and its pharmacokinetic parameters were analyzed and evaluated by PK Solver Software (version 1.0). The Cmax, Tmax, t1/2, AUC0-24, AUC0-∞, MRT0-∞-1, 2.50±1.91 h, 7.61±2.81 h, 12.68±4.86 ng · mL-1 · h, 14.22±5.75 ng · mL-1 · h, 9.55±1.56 h, 12.81±7.94 L · h-1 and 121.70±32.70 L. The established HPLC-MS/MS method was sensitive, selective and rapid for icariside II pharmacokinetic study.

Hawthorn extract for treating chronic heart failure.

BACKGROUND: Hawthorn extract is advocated as an oral treatment option for chronic heart failure. Also, the German Commission E approved the use of extracts of hawthorn leaf with flower in patients suffering from heart failure graded stage II according to the New York Heart Association. OBJECTIVES: To assess the benefits and harms as reported in double-blind randomised clinical trials of hawthorn extract compared with placebo for treating patients with chronic heart failure. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched CENTRAL on The Cochrane Library (issue 2, 2006), MEDLINE (1951 to June 2006), EMBASE (1974 to June 2006), CINAHL (1982 to June 2006) and AMED (1985 to June 2006). Experts and manufacturers were contacted. Language restrictions were not imposed. SELECTION CRITERIA: To be included, studies were required to state that they were randomised, double-blind, and placebo controlled, and used hawthorn leaf and flower extract monopreparations. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two reviewers independently performed the selection of studies, data extraction, and assessment of methodological quality. Data were entered into RevMan 4.2 software. Results from continuous data were reported as weighted mean difference (WMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Where data were suitable for combining, pooled results were calculated. MAIN RESULTS: Fourteen trials met all inclusion criteria and were included in this review. In most of the studies, hawthorn was used as an adjunct to conventional treatment. Ten trials including 855 patients with chronic heart failure (New York Heart Association classes I to III) provided data that were suitable for meta-analysis. For the physiologic outcome of maximal workload, treatment with hawthorn extract was more beneficial than placebo (WMD (Watt) 5.35, 95% CI 0.71 to 10.00, P < 0.02, n = 380). Exercise tolerance were significantly increased by hawthorn extract (WMD (Watt x min) 122.76, 95% CI 32.74 to 212.78, n = 98). The pressure-heart rate product, an index of cardiac oxygen consumption, also showed a beneficial decrease with hawthorn treatment (WMD (mmHg/min) -19.22, 95% CI -30.46 to -7.98, n = 264). Symptoms such as shortness of breath and fatigue improved significantly with hawthorn treatment as compared with placebo (WMD -5.47, 95% CI -8.68 to -2.26, n = 239). No data on relevant mortality and morbidity such as cardiac events were reported, apart from one trial, which reported deaths (three in active, one in control) without providing further details. Reported adverse events were infrequent, mild, and transient; they included nausea, dizziness, and cardiac and gastrointestinal complaints. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that there is a significant benefit in symptom control and physiologic outcomes from hawthorn extract as an adjunctive treatment for chronic heart failure.

A systematic review of randomised clinical trials of individualised herbal medicine in any indication.

AIM: To summarise and critically evaluate the evidence from randomised clinical trials for the effectiveness of individualised herbal medicine in any indication. METHODS: Search of electronic databases and approaches to experts in the field to identify randomised, controlled clinical trials of individualised herbal medicine in any indication. Independent data extraction and assessment of methodological quality by two authors and best evidence synthesis. RESULTS: Three randomised clinical trials of individualised herbal medicine were identified. Statistically non-significant trends favouring active over placebo treatment in osteoarthritis of the knee probably result from large baseline differences and regression to the mean. Individualised treatment was superior to placebo in four of five outcome measures in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome, but was inferior to standardised herbal treatment in all outcomes. Individualised herbal treatment was no better than placebo in the prevention of chemotherapy-induced toxicity. CONCLUSIONS: There is a sparsity of evidence regarding the effectiveness of individualised herbal medicine and no convincing evidence to support the use of individualised herbal medicine in any indication.

Herbal medicines for the treatment of COPD: a systematic review.

The aim of the current study was to systematically assess the effectiveness of herbal medicines in treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Randomised clinical trials (RCTs) testing herbal medicines against any type of control intervention in patients with COPD and assessing clinically relevant outcomes were included. The selection of studies, data extraction and validation were performed independently by at least two reviewers. Methodological quality was evaluated using the Jadad score. Effect sizes and their 95% confidence intervals were calculated. Fourteen eligible RCTs, testing 14 different herbal medicines, were located. Herbal medicines were compared against placebo or no treatment in six trials. Significant intergroup differences for one or more outcome were reported for several herbal medicines including Panax ginseng and Salvia miltiorrhiza. In seven RCTs, which compared herbal medicines with other herbal medicines, the results were mixed. A single trial compared a herbal medicine (Hedera helix leaf extract) with a conventional treatment (ambroxol tablet) and reported no significant difference between groups. Due to the heterogeneity of the data, statistical pooling was not performed. The median methodological quality score was 2 out of a possible maximum 5. The effectiveness of herbal medicines for treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is not established beyond reasonable doubt. Currently, the evidence from randomised clinical trials is scarce and often methodologically weak. Considering the popularity of herbal medicine among chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients, rigorously designed studies seem warranted.

The attenuation of hemorrhage-induced liver injury by exogenous nitric oxide, L-arginine, and inhibition of inducible nitric oxide synthase.

We investigated the role of nitric oxide (NO) in its ability to reduce liver injury in an animal model of hemorrhagic shock (HS). Ninety-six Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 250 to 300 g were divided in 6 groups (n = 16 per group) that included treatment at the beginning of resuscitation with normal saline (groups 1, 3) sodium nitroprusside (NP) (0.5 mg/kg) (groups 2, 4) L-arginine (300 mg/kg) (group 5), and L-N6-(1-iminoethyl) lysine (L-NIL, 40 mg/kg) (group 6). The experimental model of HS consisted of the withdrawal of 3 mL blood per 100 g in a 15-min period, tail amputation (75%), and drug administration at 30 min. This was followed by fluid resuscitation (FR) with lactated Ringer's (LR) solution to reach a mean arterial pressure (MAP) of 40 mm Hg, then a hospital phase of 60 min with hemostasis and FR with LR solution to reach a MAP of 70 mm Hg with a 3-day observation phase. NP, L-Arginine, and L-NIL significantly reduced fluid requirements for resuscitation (p =.0001) as well as significantly increased MAP after resuscitation from hemorrhage. We also observed an improved statistically significant difference (p =.001) in tests demonstrating less hepatic injury and histology damage. The mRNA expression of cytokines in the liver (interleukin [IL]-1alpha, IL-beta1, tumor necrosis factor [TNF]beta, IL-3, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, TNFalpha, IL-2, interferon [IFN]gamma) was reduced by NP treatment, L-arginine, and L-NIL. These data suggest that excess NO mediates hemorrhage-induced liver injury and that the suppression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS)-generated NO bioavailability with the NO donor sodium nitroprusside may reduce the pathophysiologic consequences of severe hemorrhage. This effect could be possibly related to the scavenging of to superoxide radicals (O2-) or the blockade of the deleterious effects of TNF and other inflammatory cytokines. The protective action noted with L-arginine cannot be fully explained within the context of this article, although it could be most likely associated with the supplementation of eNOS-generated NO.

Chemical characteristics and relative bioavailability of supplemental organic copper sources for poultry.

Five commercially available organic Cu products and reagent-grade CuSO4 x 5H2O (Cu Sulf) were evaluated by polarographic analysis and solubility in 0.1 M K2HPO4-KH2PO4 buffer (pH 5), 0.2 M HCl-KCl buffer (pH 2), or deionized water. Fractions from these solubility tests were evaluated by gel filtration chromatography for structural integrity. The organic sources were Cu lysine complex (Cu Lys), Cu amino acid chelate (Cu AA), Cu proteinate A (Cu ProA), Cu proteinate B (Cu ProB), and Cu proteinate C (Cu ProC). Separation of peaks in the chromatograms for the soluble Cu fraction from deionized water indicated that 77, 31, 69, 94, and 16% of the Cu remained chelated for the above sources, respectively. Two experiments were conducted to estimate the relative bioavailability of Cu from the organic Cu supplements for chicks when added at high dietary concentrations to practical corn-soybean meal diets. Liver Cu concentration increased (P < 0.0001) as dietary Cu increased in both experiments. When Cu Sulf was assigned a value of 100% as the standard, linear regression slope ratios of log10 liver Cu concentration regressed on added dietary Cu concentration gave estimated relative bioavailability values of 124 +/- 5.1, 122 +/- 5.3, and 111 +/- 6.0 for Cu Lys, Cu AA, and Cu ProC, respectively, in Exp. 1. The bioavailability estimates for Cu Lys and Cu AA were greater (P < 0.05) than that for Cu Sulf. Values in Exp. 2 were 111 +/- 7.6, 109 +/- 8.4, and 105 +/- 7.5 for Cu Lys, Cu ProA, and Cu ProB, respectively, and all sources were similar in value for chicks. Solubility of Cu in pH 2 buffer provided the best prediction of bioavailability (r2 = 0.924). Other indicators of chelation integrity and solubility had little value as predictors of bioavailability (r2 < or = 0.445).

Molecular cloning and characterization of DEFCAP-L and -S, two isoforms of a novel member of the mammalian Ced-4 family of apoptosis proteins.

We report the deduced amino acid sequences of two alternately spliced isoforms, designated DEFCAP-L and -S, that differ in 44 amino acids and encode a novel member of the mammalian Ced-4 family of apoptosis proteins. Similar to the other mammalian Ced-4 proteins (Apaf-1 and Nod1), DEFCAP contains a caspase recruitment domain (CARD) and a putative nucleotide binding domain, signified by a consensus Walker's A box (P-loop) and B box (Mg(2+)-binding site). Like Nod1, but different from Apaf-1, DEFCAP contains a putative regulatory domain containing multiple leucine-rich repeats (LRR). However, a distinguishing feature of the primary sequence of DEFCAP is that DEFCAP contains at its NH(2) terminus a pyrin-like motif and a proline-rich sequence, possibly involved in protein-protein interactions with Src homology domain 3-containing proteins. By using in vitro coimmunoprecipitation experiments, both long and short isoforms were capable of strongly interacting with caspase-2 and exhibited a weaker interaction with caspase-9. Transient overexpression of full-length DEFCAP-L, but not DEFCAP-S, in breast adenocarcinoma cells MCF7 resulted in significant levels of apoptosis. In vitro death assays with transient overexpression of deletion constructs of both isoforms using beta-galactosidase as a reporter gene in MCF7 cells suggest the following: 1) the nucleotide binding domain may act as a negative regulator of the killing activity of DEFCAP; 2) the LRR/CARD represents a putative constitutively active inducer of apoptosis; 3) the killing activity of LRR/CARD is inhibitable by benzyloxycarbonyl-Val-Ala-Asp (OMe)-fluoromethyl ketone and to a lesser extent by Asp-Glu-Val-Asp (OMe)-fluoromethyl ketone; and 4) the CARD is critical for killing activity of DEFCAP. These results suggest that DEFCAP is a novel member of the mammalian Ced-4 family of proteins capable of inducing apoptosis, and understanding its regulation may elucidate the complex nature of the mammalian apoptosis-promoting machinery.

Chemical characteristics and relative bioavailability of supplemental organic zinc sources for poultry and ruminants.

Eight commercially available organic Zn products and reagent-grade ZnSO4 x 7H2O (Zn Sulf) were evaluated by polarographic analysis, and solubility in .1 M K2HPO4-KH2PO4 buffer (pH 5), .2 M HCl-KCl buffer (pH 2), and deionized water. Fractions from these solubility tests were evaluated by gel filtration chromatography for structural integrity. Degree of chelation was generally positively related to chelation effectiveness determined by polarography. The organic sources were Zn methionine complex A (Zn MetA), Zn methionine complex B (Zn MetB), Zn polysaccharide complex (Zn Poly), Zn lysine complex (Zn Lys), Zn amino acid chelate (Zn AA), Zn proteinate A (Zn ProA), Zn proteinate B (Zn ProB), and Zn proteinate C (Zn ProC). Three experiments were conducted to estimate the relative bioavailability of Zn from the organic Zn supplements for chicks and lambs when added at high dietary levels to practical diets. Bone Zn concentration increased (P < .001) as dietary Zn increased in both experiments. When Zn Sulf was assigned a value of 100% as the standard, multiple linear regression slope ratios of bone Zn from chicks fed 3 wk regressed on dietary Zn intake gave estimated relative bioavailability values of 83 +/- 14.6 and 139 +/- 16.9 for Zn AA and Zn ProA, respectively, in Exp. 1 and 94 +/- 11.6, 99 +/- 8.8, and 108 +/- 11.4 for Zn Poly, Zn ProB, and Zn ProC, respectively, in Exp. 2. In Exp. 3, 42 lambs were fed diets containing Zn Sulf, Zn ProA, Zn AA, or Zn MetB for 21 d. Based on multiple linear regression slope ratios of liver, kidney, and pancreas Zn and liver metallothionein concentrations on added dietary Zn, bioavailability estimates relative to 100% for Zn Sulf were 130, 110, and 113 for Zn ProA, Zn AA, and Zn MetB, respectively. Except for Zn ProA, which was greater, the organic Zn supplements had bioavailability values similar to that of Zn Sulf for chicks and lambs. Bioavailability of organic Zn products was inversely related to solubility of Zn in pH 5 buffer in chicks (r2 = .91) and pH 2 buffer in lambs (r2 = .91), but not to an estimate of degree of chelation.

[Studies on separation and identification of Rhizoma coptidis brugs based on microemulsion thin-layer chromatography].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the use of microemulsion TLC for the separation and identification of Rhizoma Coptidis drugs. METHOD: Thirteen Rhizoma Coptidis drugs were separated and identified with six kinds of SDS/n-C4H9OH/n-C7H16/H2O microemulsions as mobile phase on polyamide film. Effects of microemulsions on separation were investigated. RESULTS: The best mobile phase was the O/W microemulsion(containing 75% water). Compared with general mobile phases, the separation and detection could be improved and the test conditions were more tolerant. CONCLUSION: This new method is simple, accurate and efficient for the separation and identification of Rhizoma Coptidis drugs.

[Evolution of conception on apoplexoid (lei zhong feng) disorder].

Viewing separately from the etiology and the disease itself, the ancient literature gave two definitions, totally different from each other, for apoplexoid disorders within the category of apoplexy, each experienced a process of starting, development and evolution stages. Both exerted an active promotion to the development of apoplexy.

[Determination of paeonol in jiawei xiaoyao granules by HPLC].

A HPLC method has been used for the determination of paeonol in Jiawei Xiaoyao Granules. The method is simple and accurate. The average recovery is 96.48% and relative standard deviation 1.11%. The method can be used for quantitative analysis of these granules.

[Effect of ginger-processing on the contents of guanosine in Pinelliae rhizoma (banxia)].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the guanosine contents in various products of Pinellia Rhizoma processed by different amounts of ginger and alum. METHOD: Using the technology of HPLC. RESULT: The guanosine contents in the two products of Pinellia Rhizoma processed in line with the pharmacopoeial method and orthogonal method respectively are very close to each other and change every little as compared with raw Pinellia Rhizoma. But the contents in the products of Pinelliae Rhizoma processed in other ways (digged in alum solution or in ginger Juice decocted with ginger juice, etc.) are much less than those of raw Pinellia Rhizoma. CONCLUSION: There are no obvious differences in guanosine contents between Pinellia Rhizoma processed by orthogonal technology and Pinellia Rhizoma processed by pharmacopoeial method. Processing technology has considerable influence on the water soluble components of Pinellia Phizoma.

Cloning and sequencing of human PEX from a bone cDNA library: evidence for its developmental stage-specific regulation in osteoblasts.

Inactivating mutations of the neutral endopeptidase, PEX, have been identified as the cause of X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH). Though the function of PEX is unknown, current information suggests that impaired renal phosphate conservation in XLH is due to the failure of PEX to either degrade an undefined phosphaturic factor or activate a novel phosphate-conserving hormone. The physiologically relevant target tissue for the XLH mutation has not been identified. An apparent intrinsic defect of osteoblast function in XLH implicates bone as a possible site of PEX expression. In the current investigation, we employed a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) strategy to amplify a PEX cDNA from a human bone cell cDNA library. We found that the human PEX cDNA encodes a 749 amino acid protein belonging to the type II integral membrane zinc-dependent endopeptidase family. The predicted PEX amino acid sequence shares 96.0% identify to the recently cloned mouse Pex cDNA and has 27-38% identity to other members of the metalloendopeptidase family. Using reverse transcriptase (RT)-PCR with PEX-specific primers, we detected PEX transcripts in both human osteosarcoma-derived MG-63 osteoblasts and in differentiated mouse MC3T3-E1 clonal osteoblasts but not in immature MC3T3-E1 preosteoblasts. The association of impaired mineralization of bone in XLH and the apparent developmental stage-specific expression of PEX in osteoblasts suggest that bone is a physiologically relevant site of PEX expression and that PEX may play an active role in osteoblast-mediated mineralization.

[Determination of geniposide and paeoniflorin in Jiawei Xiaoyao Pills by HPLC].

The geniposide and paeoniflorin in Jiaowei Xiaoyao Pills were separated and determined by HPLC, with a C18 column and a mixture of CH3CN-0.1% H3PO4(13:87) as mobile phase. The method is simple, rapid and accurate. The components have a good linearity, and the average recovery with RSD(n = 5) is 101.81% + 2.38% for geniposide and 98.75% + 1.95% for paeoniflorin.

[Influence of processing on quercetin content in flos Sophorae immaturus].

The HPLC method was applied to determine the quercetin content in Flos Sophorae Immaturus. The technology for processing Flos Sophorae Immaturus was selected based on orthogonal experiment design. The result has shown that the better technology is to bake Flos Sophorae Immaturus for 11 min at the temperature of 180 degrees C.