[Survey of caries in 1052 non native children located in Putuo District of Shanghai City].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence of caries in non-native children located in Putuo District of Shanghai. METHODS: A survey of caries was performed in 1052 non-native children according to the Criteria for National Oral Epidemiologic Survey. RESULTS: Caries prevalence rate in deciduous teeth was 85.8%, DFT was 4.61. Caries prevalence rate in permanent teeth was 6.45%, DFT was 1.4. CONCLUSION: The prevalence rate of caries in non-native children located in Putuo District of Shanghai was still higher. More attention should be addressed in prevention and treatment.

Chemical and pharmacological evaluation of Hypericum perforatum extracts.

AIM: To determine the concentrations of chemical characteristic to extracts of leaves and flowers of Hypericum perforatum (St John's wort) in a number of selected samples and, following chemical characterization, to investigate the effects of these extracts on several pharmacological properties including effects of the extracts on inhibition of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) uptake and on antioxidant properties. METHODS: The samples were analyzed for the presence of characteristic chemicals by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) directly coupled to ultraviolet wavelength absorbance and positive or negative mode electrospray mass spectrometric detection. The effects of extracts on 5-HT uptake were determined by quantifying 3H-5-HT incorporation into rat hippocampal prisms. Estimates of effects of extracts on free radical scavenging capacity were made using a dynamic assay based on the ability of compounds to prevent the initiation of a colored reaction produced by the horseradish peroxidase catalyzed formation of hydroxyl free radicals from hydrogen peroxide using 2',2'-azinobis (3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) as the color indicator. RESULTS: The chemical profile of a number of extracts were determined and found to differ substantially from each other. Inhibition of 5-HT uptake was found to correlate with hyperforin content and free radical scavenging capacity was found to correlate with the content of several flavonoids including quercetin and hyperoside. CONCLUSION: Standardized extracts of H perforatum varied substantially in the concentration of several characteristic chemicals. The correlation between pharmacological activity and certain characteristic chemicals found in these extracts indicates that the medicinal benefit derived from selected extracts will vary considerably depending on their chemical composition.

Acupuncture in the management of tinnitus: a placebo-controlled study.

The present study was performed on 20 patients randomly selected from a large group with noise-induced tinnitus in order to investigate the effect of acupuncture on their tinnitus. The patients were divided into two groups. One group first received classical Chinese needle acupuncture for 5 weeks, and the other was given a placebo procedure; after a 2-week interval, the procedures were reversed. A single-blind cross-over design was used. Acupuncture was given by a Chinese otolaryngologist around the ear as well as at distal points on the extremities. Placebo consisted of mock electrical stimulation via surface electrodes connected to a Chinese electro-acupuncture stimulator which delivered a weak sound and a light flash at a frequency of 2 Hz but no current to the surface electrodes. The effect was evaluated by the use of visual analogue scales. No significant difference between acupuncture and placebo was found in annoyance, awareness or loudness of the tinnitus. Many patients indicated a preference for acupuncture due to unspecific effects such as improved sleep, decreased muscle tension and improved blood circulation. It is concluded that acupuncture has no specific alleviating effect on noise-induced tinnitus.

Effects of garlic on blood fluidity and fibrinolytic activity: a randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind study.

In summary, it can be said that the improvement of blood fluidity and the simultaneous increase in fibrinolytic activity are an ideal complement. While the increase in fibrinolytic activity supports the physiological reparation process in the microcirculation, the improvement of blood fluidity produces an increase in capillary perfusion that has, in some way, a cleaning effect, with a 'purification' of the microcirculation.