Table of Content

Volume 13 Issue 5
26 May 2008

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Pharmacometrics, a multidisciplinary field to facilitate critical thinking in drug development and translational research settings

Jeffrey S Barrett, PhD, FCP, Michael J Fossler, PharmD, PhD, FCP, K. David Cadieu, BS, Marc R Gastonguay, PhD

2008, 13(5):  481-493. 

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Pharmacometrics has evolved beyond quantitative analysis methods used to facilitate decision making in drug development although the application of the discipline in this arena continues to represent the primary emphasis of scientists calling themselves pharmacometricians. While related fields populate and interface with pharmacometrics, there is a natural synergy with Clinical Pharmacology due to common areas of research and the decision making expectation with respect to evolving conventional and translational research paradigms.Innovative and adaptable training programs and resources are essential in this regard as both disciplines promise to be key elements of the clinical research workplace of the future. The demand for scientists with pharmacometrics skills has risen substantially. Likewise, the salary garnered by those with these skills appears to be surpassing their counterparts without such background. Given the paucity of existing training programs, available training materials and academic champions, a virtual faculty and on-line curriculum would allow students to matriculate into one of several programs associated with their advisor but taking instruction from faculty at multiple institutions including instructors in both industrial and regulatory settings. Flexibility in both the curriculum and the governance of the degree would provide the greatest hope of addressing the short supply of trained pharmacometricians.

Study on hypoglycemic mechanism of S-8300 in alloxan-diabetes

HUANG Feng-jie, WU Wu-tong

2008, 13(5):  494-498. 

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AIM:To evaluate the hypoglycemic mechanism of S-8300 in alloxan diabetic mice. METHODS:The effects of S-8300 on diabetic mice were investigated by observing the change of cholesterol, triglyceride, free fatty acid, superoxide dismutase, malondialdehyde, ATPase activity and the hemolysis of red blood cells. RESULTS: The levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, free fatty acid in plasma and malondialdehyde in tissues were significantly decreased and the activities of superoxide dismutase and ATPase in the liver and kidney were significantly increased in diabetic mice treated with S-8300. S-8300 exhibited a significant potency in inhibiting autoxidation haemolysis and the red cellular membrane injury by H₂O₂ in vitro. CONCLUSION:The hypoglycemic mechanism of S-8300 is relate to its decreasing plasma lipid of alloxandiabetic mice and alleviating the harm of free radicals.

Influence of triptolide on the proliferation and pro α₁(Ⅰ) collagen synthesis in cultured neonatal rat myocardial fibroblast stimulated by angiotensin Ⅱ

XU Zhao-jun, SONG Lan, YIN Xiao-qing, GUO Zheng-yu, YANG Jing

2008, 13(5):  499-503. 

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AIM:To study the influence of triptolide on the angiotension Ⅱ(Ang Ⅱ)-induced neonatalrat myocardial fibroblasts (CFb) proliferation and pro α₁(Ⅰ) collagen synthesis, and to explore the mecha-nism triptolide on myocardial fibrosis. METHODS: Neonatal rat myocardial fibroblasts were treated with 1×10^-7 mmol/L angiotensin Ⅱ (Ang Ⅱ, 1 ×10^-7mmol/L) to make fibrosis model. The inhibition of triptolide on CFb proliferation was evaluated by MTT assay, the synthesis of pro α₁(Ⅰ) collagen was observed by RT-PCR and Western blotting. RESULTS: In a concentration range, triptolide (0. 5, 1. 0, 2. 0 and 4. 0 μg/mL) significantly inhibited the Ang Ⅱ-induced CFb proliferation and pro α₁(Ⅰ) collagen synthsis in a dose-dependent way. CONCLUSION: Triptolide might attenuate myocardial fibrosis induced by angiotensin Ⅱ through inhibiting CFb proliferation and pro α₁(Ⅰ) collagen synthsis.

Inhibitive effect of mistletoe lectins on cyclooxygenase-2 expression in colon cancer HCT116 cell line

LIN Lei, YE Meng, WANG Shao-ming, NI Shu-min, WU Xiao

2008, 13(5):  504-507. 

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AIM:To investigate the effect of mistletoe lectins on cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression in colon cancer HCT116 cells at the level of gene and protein.METHODS: Levels of mRNA and protein expression of COX-2 and its synthesized product prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) of colon cancer HCT116 cell line were detected by RT-PCR, Western blotting, ELISA respectively before and after treatment of mistletoe lectins in different concent rations. RESULTS:Mistletoe lectins had a remarkable inhibitory effect on the mRNA and protein expression of COX-2, and synthesis of PGE₂ in colon cancer HCT116 cell line, but had effect on COX-1 only at large dose. CONCLUSION:Mistletoe lectins has selective inhibitory effect on gene transcription, protein expression and functional activity of COX-2 in HCT116 cell line, which is time-dependent and concentration-dependent within certain range of concentration and acting time.

Preventive and therapeutical effects of caffeic acid on leucopenia and thrombocytopenia and MPV change induced by cytosine arabinoside in mice

ZHANG Qiang, HU Zhi-li, WANG Fu-wen, MU Yan-ling, YU Ren-jiang, XIE Yan-ying

2008, 13(5):  508-511. 

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AIM:To observe the effect of caffeic acid on leucopenia, thrombocytopenia and platelet volume changes induced by cytosine arabinoside (Ara-c) in mice. METHODS:The leucopenia and thrombocytopenia and platelet change model was established by administration of ara-C in mice. The mice were divided into different groups treated by various dose of caffeic acid (600, 300 and 150mg/kg^-1·d^-1), positive control group (gelatina nigra compound), model control and normal control group. The mice were administration cytosine arabinoside and caffeic acid synchronally and the number of white blood cell and blood platelet number was counted and blood platelets volume was compared at regular time (6, 8, 10, 12 d followed administration of caffeic acid)to evaluate the effects of caffeic acid. RESULTS:After administration of caffeic acid at dose of 300 mg/kg^-1·d^-1 for 6 d, the white cell number is (4. 8 ±1. 2)×10⁹/L. After administration of caffeic acid at dose of 600mg/kg^-1·d^-1 and 300 mg/kg^-1·d^-1 for 10 d, the platelet count number is (909 ±179)and (1056 ± 135)×10⁹/L, and after 12 d administration, the platelet volume is (6. 00 ±0. 23), (5. 90 ±0. 20)and (6. 03 ±0. 21)fL, respectively. There were statistical significances between compare group with model control (P <0. 05).CONCLUSION:Caffeic acid can be used for curing leucopenia and thrombocytopenia induced by chemotherapy and protecting platelet from injury.

Effect of hydroxyurea on rat Sertoli- germ cell Co-culture

ZHOU li, WU Chun-qi, YANG Bao-hua, JING Shu-fang, LIAO Ming-yang

2008, 13(5):  512-516. 

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AIM:to evaluate the cytotoxic effects of Hydroxyurea (HU) in vitro employing rat testicular Sertoli-germ cell coculture. METHODS:Cytotoxic changes induced by HU (0, 10^-3, 10^-2, 10^-1mol/L)in mixed cultures of Sertoli and germ cells were seen at 96 h after treatment, respectively. And 10^-2 mol/L HU were added to the culture, at 24, 48, 72 and 96 h after treatment, respectively. RESULTS:HU led to an increase in germ cell detachment from the Sertoli cell monolayer in a dose dependent manner. Detached cells were observed and the viability of detached cells was decreased in 10^-3 mol/L and above treated groups. Substantial leakage of the cytosolic enzyme lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was observed in the medium after 96 h HU treatment at concentrations of 10^-2mol/L and above treated groups. The same, HU exposure led to an increase in germ cell detachment, the leakage of LDH, a decrease in cell viability from the Sertoli cell monolayer in a time dependent manner compared with the control culture. CONCLUSION:It is shown that HU exhibited an obvious toxicity to the germ cells of male rats in Sertoli cell germ cell co-culture model.

Protection of N-acetylcysteine on alcoholic liver injury

WANG Fu-gen, YU Jia, XI Jian-jun

2008, 13(5):  517-520. 

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AIM:To reproduce an experimental model of alcoholic in rats and to investigate the protective effects of N-acetylcysteine on alcoholic liver disease. METHODS:70 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 6 groups: control group (gastric infusion and intraperitoneal injection with normal saline), alcohol group (gastric infused with 55% of ethanol once a day with a dose of 8. 8 g/kg for 10 weeks), NAC groups(gastric infusion with alcohol same as in the alcohol group and intraperitoneal injection with NAC with different doses), positive control group (gastric infusion with alcohol same as in the alcohol goup and intraperitoneal injection with tiopronin of 16. 5 mg/kg).At the end of 6 weeks blood samples were collected through caudal vein. At the end of 10 weeks the rats were sacrificed then blood samples were collected. Liver samples were obtained for detection and for routine histological examination. RESULTS:(1) The levels of the two transaminases(ALT&AST), and Malondialdehyde were elevated in alcohol group, and the Glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase levels were lower than control group. The difference is significant. NAC significantly mitigated the increase of ALT、 MDA、 AST, and significantly elevated GSH-PX, SOD induced by the alcohol. (2)Histological changes of the liver injury that piecemeal or focal necrosis of hepatocytes was present in the centrilobular area. In the NAC and positive control group, the severity of the histological changes was significantly milder. CONCLUSION: The results of this study revealed that N-acetylcysteine protected from alcoholic liver disease.

Neuroprotection effects of exogenous adrenomedullin against hypoxicischemia/reperfusion brain damage in neonatal rats

ZHANG Shi-fa, ZHOU Ming-xiong, DOU Chang-sheng, GUO Ben-biao

2008, 13(5):  521-525. 

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AIM:To observe the neuroprotection effects exogenous adrenomedullin (AM) against hypoxic- ischemia/reperfusion damage (HIRBD) in neonatal rat models. METHODS:Forty neonatal rats were randomly divided into Control Group (n =8, with sham operation), Hypoxic-ischemia/reperfusion (HIR) Group and Intervention Group (n =8, wth intraperitoneal AM injection 0, 6 and 12 h after making model). All rats were decapitated at 48 hours after reperfusion, and the cerebral slices were made at the 2 mm level in front of the interaural line. The pathobiological changes of brain tissue were observed by the method of HE dye in light microscope, and the levels of nitrogen monoxide synthase (NOS), glutathion (GSH) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) in neonatal rats cerebral tissue were determined by using chromatometry. RESULTS:Hypoxic-ischemia/reperfusion could induce obviously cerebral pathological change which could be improved by AM. The brain tissue levels of cNOS and GSH in AM 0 and 6 h Group were significantly higher than those of HIR Group (P <0. 05). The brain tissue levels of iNOS and MPO in AM 0, 6 h Group were significantly lower than those of HIR Group (P <0. 05). CONCLUSION:The exogenous AM given 0-6 h after hypoxic-ischemia may protect the neonatal rats from HIRBD by enhancing GSH activities and the release of NO, checking the infiltration of neutrophile granulocyte into cerebral tissues.

Experimental study on antipruritic effect of Humulus scandens extract from water

WANG Xue-lan, WU Guan-zhong, ZHANG Juan, GUO Yong-qi, SU Xin, YANG Hong-xia

2008, 13(5):  526-530. 

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AIM:To study the antipruritic effect of Humulus scandens extract from water. METHODS: The animal models of mice skin-scratching response induced by 4-Animopridine(4-AP), mice body-scratching behavior induced by chloroquine, guinea pig partial itching reaction induced by histamine, and the right ear auricle delayed type hypersensitivity of mice induced by 2, 4-dinitrochlorobenzol(DNFB) were utilized, and the content of IL-4 in mice serum after the body-scratching behavior induced by chloroquine was determined by radio immunoassay (RIA) to observe the antipruritus effect of Humulus scandens extract from water. RESULTS: 100, 30 mg/kg of Humulus scandens extract from water inhibited mice scratching duration induced by 4-AP and chloroquine remarkably; 100 mg/kg of Humulus scandens extract from water decreased scratching frequency induced by 4-AP and chloroquine, and reduced the content of IL-4 in mice serum after the body-scratching behavior induced by chloroquine significantly; 25, 7. 5 mg/kg of Humulus scandens extract from water improved itch threshold of guinea pig obviously; 100, 30 mg/kg of Humulus scandens extract from water depressed the right ear auricle of mice swelling induced by DNFB markably. CONCLUSION: Humulus scandens extract from water possesses antipruritic effect,which may be attributed to the action of suppressing release of histamine and IL-4.

Protective effects of salidroside on isoprenaline induced myocardial ischemia in rats

YAN Tian-hua, DU Bao-sheng, YANG Wei, WANG Qiu-juan

2008, 13(5):  531-534. 

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AIM:To study the protective effects of salidroside on isoprenaline induced acute myocardial ischemia in rats. METHODS:The model was established by subcutaneous injection (s. c.) of isoprenaline. The change of Electrocardiogram (ECG) was observed. The levels of LDH, CK, SOD and MDA in serum were measured and the cardiac infarction area was examined. RESULTS:Salidroside (6, 12, 24 mg/kg) could effectively reverse the evident changes of T wave and J point induced by isoproterenol, notably decrease the levels of LDH, CK andMDA and increase the levels of SOD in serum(P <0. 01, P <0. 05 vsModel), and significantly reduce the cardiac infarction area (P <0. 01). CONCLUSION:Salidroside protects rats from acute myocardial ischemia.

Commonly used SAS macro programs in blind data review of clinical trials

XUE Jun, ZHOU Jian-dong, XIONG Ning-ning

2008, 13(5):  535-540. 

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Macroroutine is applied to facilitate programming and maintenance in common, to transmit data in different data pace or process pace efficiently, and will profit the efficiency and quality of blind data review of clinical trials. This article introduces several commonly used SAS macro programs including macro programs checking the implementation of randomization, macro programs checking start and terminal time of each clinical trial centers, macro programs reporting missing data, and macro programs judging lab indices in normal range or not, so as to introduce how to use SAS macro programs to facilitate blind data review of clinical trials.

Ways of logical check in data management with EpiData

GUO Jun-hao, LIU Yu-xiu, CAI Hui

2008, 13(5):  541-544. 

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AIM:To explore the method of logical check in data management in good clinical practice (GCP) with EpiData. METHODS:The two methods of logical check, variable check and recording check were set up through the orders of CHECK and WRITENOTE in EpiData. Validity test on data in database was done. In variable check, the variance was checked as a unit. In recording check, recording in database was done as a unit. RESULTS: The incorrect data would be checked with the above two methods, which can check data in database effectively. CONCLUSION:The function of logical check on data in GCP is a simple, effective and reliable way.

Simulation and prediction of in vivo drug metabolism in human population based on in vitro-in vivo extrapolations

WANG Yin, YANG Jin, FU Ji-hua, LIU Xiao-dong, WANG Guang-ji

2008, 13(5):  545-551. 

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The major failure of new drug has been blamed on deficiencies in in vivo studies of drug efficacy and safety. It will improve the efficient of drug screen, if predicting in vivo pharmacokinetic parameters through in vitro-in vivo extrapolations (IVIVE), before the clinical trails. In this review, the significance, calculation, and application of in vivo drug clearance through Simcyp, a predictive software based on PBPK model, will be reviewed. Finally, some perspective of Simcyp were discussed.

Bioequivalence study of clindamycin palmitate hydrochloride chewable tablets in healthy volunteers

SHI Xiao-peng, WANG Zhi-rui, YANG Zhi-fu, WU Yin, CHEN Su-ning, JIN Xin, WEN Ai-dong

2008, 13(5):  552-556. 

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AIM:To compare the pharmacokinetics and relative bioequivalence of chewable tablet of clindamycin palmitate hydrochloride with that of dispersible tablet. METHODS:An open randomized and two-period crossover study with a one week washout interval was performed in 20 healthy volunteers. Concentrations of clindamycin in plasma were assayed by High Performance Liquid Chromatography method after a single oral dose of 600 mg of the tested or the reference tablets. RESULTS:Limit of quantification was accepted as 0.125 μg/mL (r =0. 999). The main pharmacokinetic parameters of the test and the reference formulations were as follows: C_max were (4. 5 ±1. 4) and (4. 6 ±1. 4) μg/mL;t_max were (0. 83 ±0. 33) and (0. 90 ±0. 29) h; t_1/2 were (2. 3 ±0. 7) and (2. 3 ±0. 7) h; AUC_0→t were (16 ±6) and (17 ±6) μg·mL^-1·h; AUC_0→∞ were (17 ±6) and (18 ±6) μg·mL^-1·h. There was no significant difference between the parameters of two tablets. CONCLUSION: The relative bioavailability of the test tablet to reference tablet was 96. 3% .The results of the statistical analysis show that the two formulations are bioequivalent.

Effects of cilostazol combinated with clopidogrel on platelet membrane glycoprotein in patients with acute coronary artery syndrome without ST-segment elevation

WEI Jian-rui, LI Biao, LI Qing-mei, GUO Zhuang-bo, WU Wo-dong

2008, 13(5):  557-562. 

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AIM:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the antiplatelet agent cilostazol combinated with clopidogrel in patients with acute coronary artery syndrome without ST-segment elevation(NSTE-ACS). METHODS:63 patients with NSTE-ACS were randomly divided into tow groups. Group A(n =31) received cilostazol (100 mg bid) plus clopidogrel (75 mg once daily), Group B(n =32) received aspirin (100 mg once daily) plus clopidogrel (75 mg once daily), the treatment course was 14 days. The expression and inhibition rates of platelet membrane glycoprotein (PAC-1 and CD62P)were measured by flow cytometry before anti-platelet therapy, 7 days and 14 days after initial therapy. The major adverse cardiac event and bleeding complication were monitored. RESULTS: There are lower expression rate at 7 days and 14 days after initial therapy than before therapy in both two groups(P <0. 01), the lowest at 14 days after initial therapy. The expression levels of PAC-1 or CD62 had no significant difference between two groups in the same time point(P <0. 05); Inhibition rates of PAC-1 or CD62 had also no significant difference beween two groups in the same time point (P >0. 05). Moreover, there was no statistically significant difference in occurrence rate of major adverse cardiac event (MACE) between these two groups(P <0. 05) while Group A had less hemorrhage complications than Group B (P < 0. 05). CONCLUSION:For patients with NSTEACS, anti-platelet efficiency of cilostazol plus clopidogrel are similar to aspirin plus clopidogrel whereas the previous is safer.

Effects of Paclitaxel-eluting stent on blood vessel endothelial function

GE Zhen, CHEN Shao-liang, LIU Zhi-zhong, ZHANG Jun-jie, CHEN Liang, ZHANG Juan, LI Yuqiao

2008, 13(5):  563-568. 

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AIM:To investigate the effects of Paclitaxel- eluting stent on blood vessel endothelial function. METHODS:From July to December in 2006, 72 patients with coronary arteriongraphy of Nanjing Angiocardiopathy Hospital were selected into the clinical study, 48 patients who accepted percutaneous coronary intervene(PCI) in coronary artery were randomly divided into Paclitaxel-eluting stent (PES) Group and Bare metal stent (BMS) Group, 24 patients each group, the other 24 normal patients were assigned into Control Group. The endothelium-dependent flow mediated dilation(FMD) and endothelium-independent nitroglycerinmediated dilation (NMD) of brachial artery 1 day and 6 months after operation were assessed by high-resolution color Doppler ultrosound. The endothelium-dependent vasomotion and endothelium-independent vasomotion of a coronary segment were assessed with quantitative coronary angiography (QCA) immediately after the operation and at 6months follow-up, after intracoronary infusion of acetylcholine and nitroglycerin. RESULTS: 6 months after the operation, compared with Control patients with PCI had lower FMD (5. 7% ± 3. 2% vs 11. 4% ±4. 2%, P <0. 001), but NMD did not significantly differ between groups(P >0. 05). For PES Group, FMD of the first day after operation and at the follow-up 6 months were 8. 7% ±2. 9% vs 4. 6% ±2. 3% (P <0. 05), while BMS Group, FMD of the first day after operation and at the follow-up 6 months had no significant difference(P >0. 05). Compared with BMS group, PES group had lower FMD at the follow-up 6 months (4. 6% ±2. 3% vs 7. 8% ± 3. 4%, P <0. 001), but NMD had no significant difference between groups (P >0. 05). For PES Group, the endothelium-dependent vasomotion (intr-acoronary infusion of acetylcholine) of immediately after the operation and at the follow-up 6 months were-8% ±2% vs-32% ±3% (P <0. 001), while BMS Group, the endothelium-dependent vasomotion of the first day after operation and at the follow-up 6 months did not differ significantly(P >0. 05). Compared with BMS Group, PES Group had lower endothelium-dependent vasomotion(intracoronary infusion of acetylcholine) at the follow- up 6 months(-32% ±3% vs-6% ±3%, P < 0. 001), but there were not significant difference in endothelium- independent vasomotion (P > 0. 05). CONCLUSION:The blood vessel endothelial function was impaired at 6 months after Paclitaxel-eluting stent implantation.

Relationship between the degree of magnesium concentration in erythrocytes and the frequency of anginal attacks in patients with variant angina

XING Yang-bo, GUO Hang-yuan, WANG Ping, XU Fu-kang, YOU Bing-quan

2008, 13(5):  569-572. 

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AIM:To study the relationship between the degree of magnesium concentration in erythrocytes and the frequency of anginal attacks in patients with variant angina. METHODS:21 patients(8 males and 13 females) who were diagnosed as variant angina were randomly divided into Group A(the frequency of anginal attacks ≥4 attacks/week, n =10) and Group B(the frequency of anginal attacks <4 atttacks/week, n =11). The magnesium concentrations in serum, urine and erythrocyte were determined. The 24 h magnesium retention rate was calculated by magnesium loading test. RESULTS:Group A showed a higher 24 h magnesium retention rate (58% ±9% vs 31% ± 4%, P <0. 01) and a lower intracellular concentration of magnesium in erythrocytes than that of group B [(3. 1 ±1. 1) vs (5. 0 ±0. 8) fg/cell, P <0. 05], demonstrating the presence of magnesium deficiency in Group A. The frequency of anginal attacks for these patients was positively correlative with 24 h magnesium retention rate (r =0. 69, P <0. 01) while negatively correlative with the intracellular concentrations of magnesium in erythrocytes (r =-0. 70, P <0. 01). CONCLUSION:The degree of intracellular magnesium in erythrocytes concentration in patients with variant angina is closely related with the of chest pain.

Efficacy of wound infiltration with ropivacaine on postoperative pain relief after acute appendectomy in children

XIONG Bo, SHI Qi-qing, WANG Xuan

2008, 13(5):  573-577. 

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AIM:To assess the efficacy and safety of wound infiltration with ropivacaine compared with intravenous (i. v.) morphine on postoperative pain relief after acute open appendectomy in children. METHODS: A prospective randomized double-blinded study was conducted on 40 patients aged 4-13 years with a preoperative and postoperative diagnosis of acute appendectomy. They were randomly divided into two groups: Ropivacaine Group (21 patients) and Control Group (19 patients). Patients in Ropivacaine Group received wound infiltration with a dose at 0. 4 mL/kg of 0. 75% ropivacaine, then isotonic saline i. v. 0. 4 mL/kg. Patients in Control Group received wound infiltration with isotonic saline at 0. 4 mL/kg, then morphine i. v. 50 μg/kg. On the ward, the parents used a visual analog scale (PVAS) to assess pain score, 0 = no pain, 10 =worst possible pain. Meanwhile, a modified 10-point objective pain scale (OPS) was used by the anaesthetist to assess the pain score. Pain scores, morphine consumption and the incidence of nausea/vomiting were recorded for 24 h. RESULTS:The average postoperative pain score (PVAS and OPS) showed no statistical difference between the two groups (P >0. 05) except during the 24 th hour postoperative period. During the 0. 5 h postoperative period, the average total amount of injections of morphine was statistically lower in the ropivacaine group (control 15. 8 ± 23. 9 μg/kg versus ropivacaine 2. 4 ±10. 9 μg/kg; P <0. 05); and there were 1 patient (4. 76% ) in the Ropivacaine Group and 6 patients (31. 58% ) in the Control Group who had morphine requirement, which also differed significantly between the two groups (P < 0. 05). Although there was no significant difference in the incidence of postoperative nausea/vomiting, during the whole postoperative period, the incidence of postoperative nausea/vomiting was lower in the Ropivacaine Group (control 42% versus ropivacaine 19% ). CONCLUSION: The efficacy of wound infiltration with ropivacaine is similar to morphine (i. v.) on postoperative pain relief after acute appendectomy in children. Ropivacaine delays the time to first morphine requirement and reduces the consumption of morphine. In addition, the incidence of postoperative nausea/vomiting is decreased.

Clinical study on effects of Buqiyangyinlianhan decoction on night sweat

YE Shi-long, LIU Ai-qin

2008, 13(5):  578-581. 

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AIM:To observe the effects of Buqiyangyinlianhan(BQYYLH) decoction on patients with night sweat. METHODS:A total of 73 patients in our hospital in 2007 were randomly divided into two groups:BQYYLH decoction-treated group (n =37) and Yupingfeng (YPF) granule-treated group (n = 36). After the confirmation of differentiation of symptoms and signs for classification of syndrome of the slected patients, two weeks of treatment above mentioned were performed to observe the changes in clinical symptoms such as sweating volume, sample tests in blood, urine and stool, and liver and renal functions. At the same time, side effects of the drugs were also recorded. The responding standard is the improvement of sweating. RESULTS:Compared with YPF granuletreated group, BQYYLH decoction significantly improved night sweating (P <0. 01), and only the therapeutic effects on patients with insufficiency in heartblood had no significant difference to those of YPF granule-group(P >0. 05), the therapeutic effects on the other two syndrome types were better than those of YPF granule-group(P <0. 01). Neither BQYYLH decoction nor YPF granule caused adverse effects such as changes in liver and renal functions and sample tests in blood, urine and stool. CONCLUSION:BQYYLH decoction may be a choice to treat night sweating with few side effect, its therapeutic effect was better than that of YPF granule.

Myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury and inflammatory reaction

DONG Liu-yi, CHEN Zhi-wu

2008, 13(5):  582-588. 

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In both clinical and animal experiments, it has been confirmed that the inflammation in heart is involved in the development of heart injury after the ischemia/reperfusion. However, the pro-inflammatory mechanism is extremely complicated. Recently, a growing number of reports indicates that many factors play their roles in the inflammation, such as cytokinemia, inflammatory cells, metabolic product of arachidonic acid and COX et al. They are released/presented in the region of myocardial ischemia/reperfusion and include both ischemic and secondary heart injury.

Mechanisms and changes of endogenous vasoconstrictive substances in development of diabetic nephropathy

AN Na-qin, DING Xuan-sheng

2008, 13(5):  589-595. 

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Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is one of the most common microangiopathy complications in diabetes mellitus (DM). Many vasoactive substances are related to the development of DN. This article reviewed the mechanisms and changes of endogenous vasoconstrictive substances in the development of DN, also expected the possible treatment methods of DN.

Relationship between retinopathy of prematurity and oxygen therapy

ZHAO Hai-ting, MAO Shuang-gen

2008, 13(5):  596-600. 

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Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) has evoken generally social attention now, and correlated reports point that prematurity and low birth weight could be the foundation of ROP, and irrationable oxygen therapy could be the significantly causative factor for some premature infants with shorter gestational age, maldevelopment and low birth weight. The irrationable oxygen therapy includes aspiration of hyperxia, longtime aspiration of oxygen and striking fluctuation of oxygen partial pressure. The review would summarize the relationship between retinopathy of prematurity and oxygen therapy according to lately research reports, and search for the certain cause, pathogenesy and the method of prevention and cure of ROP.