Altered synaptic currents,mitophagy,mitochondrial dynamics in Alzheimer's disease models and therapeutic potential of Dengzhan Shengmai capsules intervention

Emerging research suggests a potential association of progression of Alzheimer's disease(AD)with alterations in synaptic currents and mitochondrial dynamics.However,the specific associations between these pathological changes remain unclear.In this study,we utilized Aβ42-induced AD rats and primary neural cells as in vivo and in vitro models.The investigations included behavioural tests,brain magnetic resonance imaging(MRI),liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry(UPLC-MS/MS)analysis,Nissl staining,thioflavin-S staining,enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay,Golgi-Cox staining,transmission electron microscopy(TEM),immunofluorescence staining,proteomics,adenosine triphosphate(ATP)detection,mitochondrial membrane potential(MMP)and reactive oxygen species(ROS)assessment,mitochondrial morphology analysis,electrophysiological studies,Western blotting,and molecular docking.The results revealed changes in synaptic currents,mitophagy,and mitochondrial dynamics in the AD models.Remarkably,intervention with Dengzhan Shengmai(DZSM)capsules emerged as a pivotal element in this investigation.Aβ42-induced synaptic dysfunction was significantly mitigated by DZSM intervention,which notably amplified the frequency and amplitude of synaptic transmission.The cognitive impairment observed in AD rats was ameliorated and accompanied by robust protection against structural damage in key brain regions,including the hippocampal CA3,primary cingular cortex,prelimbic system,and dysgranular insular cortex.DZSM intervention led to increased IDE levels,augmented long-term potential(LTP)amplitude,and enhanced dendritic spine density and length.Moreover,DZSM intervention led to favourable changes in mitochondrial parameters,including ROS expression,MMP and ATP contents,and mitochondrial morphology.In conclusion,our findings delved into the realm of altered synaptic currents,mitophagy,and mitochondrial dynamics in AD,concurrently highlighting the therapeutic potential of DZSM intervention.

Therapeutic effect of San Bi Tang combined with glucosamine sulfate capsules in cold-dampness-type knee osteoarthritis

BACKGROUND Cold-dampness-type knee osteoarthritis is a common middle-aged and elderly disease,but its pathogenesis is not fully understood,and its clinical treatment has limitations.Glucosamine sulfate capsules are commonly used for treating arthritis,and San Bi Tang is a classic formula of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)that has the effects of warming yang,dispelling dampness,relaxing muscles,and activating collaterals.This research hypothesized that the combination of modified San Bi Tang and glucosamine sulfate capsules could enhance the clinical efficacy of treating cold-dampness-type knee osteoarthritis through complementary effects.AIM To analyze the clinical efficacy of San Bi Tang combined with glucosamine sulfate capsules when treating cold-dampness-type knee osteoarthritis.METHODS A total of 110 patients with cold-dampness-type knee osteoarthritis were selected as research subjects and randomly divided into a control group and an experimental group of 55 cases each.The control group received only treatment with glucosamine sulfate capsules,while the experimental group received additional treatment with modified San Bi Tang for a duration of 5 wk.The patients’knee joint functions,liver and kidney function indicators,adverse reactions,and vital signs were evaluated and analyzed using SPSS 26.0 software.RESULTS Before treatment,the two groups’genders,ages,and scores were not significantly different,indicating comparability.Both groups’scores improved after treatment,which could indicate pain and knee joint function improvement,but the test group had better scores.The TCM-specific symptoms and the clinical efficacy of the treatment in the test group were higher.Before and after treatment,there were no abnormalities in the patients’liver and kidney function indicators.CONCLUSION The combination of modified San Bi Tang and glucosamine sulfate capsules is superior to treatment with sulfated glucosamine alone and has high safety.

Clinical Effect of Yinhuang Qingfei Capsules in Treatment of Asymptomatic and Mild/Common Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Infection:An Analysis of 242 Cases

[Objectives]To investigate the clinical effect of Yinhuang Qingfei capsules in the treatment of asymptomatic and mild/common severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)infection.[Methods]A total of 362 patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection were divided into the treatment group with 242 patients and control group with 120 patients according to their treatment regimen.The patients in the control group were given standard treatment regimen and those in the treatment group were given Yinhuang Qingfei capsules in addition to the treatment in the control group.The two groups were observed in terms of average length of hospital stay,mean time for nucleic acid clearance,TCM syndrome score,and progression to severe/critical illness,and clinical outcome was compared between the two groups.[Results]There was a significant difference in the overall response rate between the treatment group and the control group[97.52%(236/242)vs 95.00%(114/120),P<0.05].Compared with the control group,the treatment group had significantly shorter length of hospital stay and time for nucleic acid clearance(P<0.05).After 7 days of treatment,both groups had a significant change in TCM syndrome score,and there was a significant difference in TCM syndrome score between the two groups(P<0.05);after 15 days of treatment,both groups had a TCM syndrome score of 0.Progression to severe/critical illness was not observed in either group.[Conclusions]Compared with the standard treatment regimen alone,standard treatment regimen combined with Yinhuang Qingfei capsules can effectively shorten the length of hospital stay and time for nucleic acid clearance and improve TCM symptoms in patients with asymptomatic and mild/common SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Study on the Efficacy of Shugan Jieyu Capsules Combined with Trazodone in Patients with Post-Stroke Depression and Insomnia

Objective:To analyze the effectiveness of applying ShuGan JieYu Capsules(SGJYC)combined with trazodone in patients with post-stroke depression(PSD)with insomnia.Methods:60 cases of PSD with insomnia patients admitted to the hospital from May 2022 to May 2023 were selected and randomly divided into a reference group(trazodone)and a research group(SGJYC combined with trazodone)of 30 cases each.Statistics were analyzed using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale(HAM-D),Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index(PSQI),and Activities of Daily Living(ADL)scale before treatment and 4,8,and 12 weeks after treatment.Results:Before treatment,The results of HAM-D,PSQI,and ADL scale studies in the two groups before treatment were not statistically significant(P>0.05);4,8,and 12 weeks after treatment,the results of HAM-D and PSQI studies in the research group were lower than that of the reference group,and the results of ADL scale studies were higher than that of the reference group.There was a significant difference between the groups(P<0.05).The total adverse reaction rate of the research group was lower than that of the reference group,and there was a significant difference between the groups(P<0.05).Conclusion:The combination of SGJYC and trazodone reduced depression in post-stroke patients,corrected insomnia,improved sleep quality,was safe,and had a low rate of adverse reactions.

Effect of Polyvinyl Alcohol in Inner Aqueous Phase on Stability of Millimeter-scale Capsules

The millimeter-scale capsules with controllable morphology,ultra-low permeability and excellent mechanical stability were fabricated by millifluidics.Viscosity of inner phase was adjusted to control the morphology and properties of the capsules.In detail,as the concentration of polyvinyl alcohol(PVA)increased from 0 to 8% in the inner phase of the capsules,the diameter of capsules decreased from 3.33 ± 0.01mm to 2.97 ± 0.01 mm,the shell thickness of capsules decreased from 0.183 ± 0.004 mm to 0.155 ± 0.003 mm.While the capsules had round shape and high sphericity.Notably,the capsules with 2% PVA in the inner phase had remarkably decreased water permeability and good morphological stability.Specifically,the end-time of water losing of the capsules was up to 49 days,while the dehydrated capsules maintained spherical appearance,and crushing force of the capsules was up to 13.73 ± 0.79 N,which ensured stability during processing and transportation.This research provides a new strategy for stable encapsulation of small molecules.

Study on HPLC-DAD Fingerprint of Xueshuan Xinmaining Capsules

[Objectives]To establish the HPLC-DAD fingerprint of Xueshuan Xinmaining Capsule(XXC).[Methods]The chromatographic conditions for the analysis of XXC solution were as follows:XSelect HSS T3 column;acetonitrile-0.1%phosphoric acid water was used as mo-bile phase,gradient elution;flow rate:1.0 mL/min;column temperature 30℃;The injection volume is 10μL.The quality of XXC samples produced by different manufacturers was evaluated by similarity evaluation and cluster analysis.[Results]In theHPLC-dad fingerprints of 15 batches of XXC,23 common peaks were identified and 9 peaks were identified,and the similarity was greater than 0.95.According to the re-sults of cluster analysis,15 batches of XXC samples could be divided into two categories,S2,S5,S6,S7 and S8 batches belonged to category Ⅰ,and the rest batches belonged to category Ⅱ.[Conclusions]In this study,a representative and universal identification method of Xxc HPLC-DAD fingerprint was established.The method has high precision,stability and repeatability,is simple and reliable,and provides a pow-erful reference for further improving the quality evaluation system of XXC.

Extraction Process and Quality Standard of Danshen Jianxin Capsules

[Objectives]This study was conducted to establish the quality standard of Danshen Jianxin Capsules.[Methods]Orthogonal design was adopted to optimize the water extraction process by taking the amount of water added,extraction time and extraction times as factors,and the content of tanshinone I as the index.Salviae Miltiorrhizae,Notoginseng Radix Et Rhizoma and Radix Astragali in the capsules were qualitatively identified by TLC,and the content of tanshinone I in the capsules was determined by HPLC.[Results]The best water extraction process included the steps of adding 12 times of water each time,extracting the materials twice,for 1 h each time.In TLC identification,the test samples showed spots of the same color at the positions corresponding to tanshinone II A,ginsenoside Rg1,notoginsenoside R1 and astragaloside IV reference samples.[Conclusions]Danshen Jianxin Capsules was prepared by the water extraction method,which is characterized by high efficiency and being suitable for mass production.The quality control method is reliable,fast and accurate,which can effectively control the quality of the product.

Efficacy and safety of Lianhuaqingwen capsules in high-risk common type COVID-19 pneumonia:A multicenter retrospective study

Objective:To evaluate the clinical safety and efficacy of Lianhuaqingwen(LHQW)capsules in patients with high-risk common type COVID-19 pneumonia.Methods:A retrospective multicenter study on 383 high-risk common type COVID-19 pneumonia cases was conducted.Patients were categorized as the standard treatment(SDT)group(n=168)and the LHQW+SDT group(n=215).The primary endpoint was the rate of symptom(fever,fatigue,coughing)recovery and the secondary endpoints included the time to symptom recovery,the proportion of patients with improvement in chest CT images,the proportion of patients with clinical cure,the timing and rate of negative conversion of SARS-CoV-2 RNA assay.Results:The recovery rate was significantly higher in the LHQW+SDT group as compared with the SDT group(89.7%vs.72.0%,P<0.01).The combined use of LHQW+SDT also showed shorter time for symptom recovery,as well as shorter time for individual symptom of fever,fatigue and coughing recovery than use of SDT alone.A higher proportion of patients in the LHQW+SDT group with improvements in chest CT images and clinical cure(77.7%vs.57.1%,P<0.01)but the proportion of patients deteriorating to severe cases(1%vs.25%,P<0.01)in this group was significant lower than those in the SDT group.No significant difference in negative conversion rate of viral assay results was observed(76.8%vs.75.0%,P>0.05).No serious adverse events were reported.Conclusions:LHQW capsules could be recommended to ameliorate clinical symptoms and reduce the rate of deteriorating to severe cases for high-risk common type COVID-19 pneumonia.

LipoCol Forte capsules reduce the risk of liver cancer:A propensity score-matched,nationwide,population-based cohort study

BACKGROUND Liver cancer is among the top five most common cancers globally. Lipid-lowering drugs such as statins can lower the risk of liver cancer, but may also cause liver damage. LipoCol Forte capsules(LFC), a red yeast rice product, have demonstrated significant antihypercholesterolemic effects and a good safety profile in clinical studies.AIM To evaluate whether LFC lowers the risk of liver cancer in adults in this propensity score-matched, nationwide, population-based cohort study.METHODS We used data from Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Research Database, which includes electronic medical records for up to 99.99% of Taiwan’s population. LFC users and LFC non-users were matched 1:1 by propensity scores between January 2010 and December 2017. All had followup data for at least 1 year. Statistical analyses compared demographic distributions including sex, age, comorbidities, and prescribed medications. Cox regression analyses estimated adjusted hazard ratios(aHRs) after adjusting for potential confounders.RESULTS We enrolled 33231 LFC users and 33231 non-LFC users(controls). No significant differences between the study cohorts were identified regarding comorbidities and medications [standardized mean difference(SMD) < 0.05]. At follow-up, the overall incidence of liver cancer was significantly lower in the LFC cohort compared with controls [aHR 0.91;95% confidence interval(CI): 0.86-0.95;P < 0.001]. The risk of liver cancer was significantly reduced in both females(aHR 0.87;95%CI: 0.8-0.94;P < 0.001) and males(aHR 0.93;95%CI: 0.87-0.98;P < 0.01) in the LFC cohort compared with their counterparts in the non-LFC cohort. The antitumor protective effects applied to patients with comorbidities(including hypertension, ischemic stroke, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, hepatitis B infection and hepatitis C infection). Those using LFC for more than 84 drug days had a 0.64-fold lower risk of liver cancer compared with controls(P < 0.001). Compared with controls, the risk of developing liver cancer in the LFC cohort progressively decreased over time;the lowest incidence of liver cancer occurred in LFC users followed-up for more than 6 years(27.44 vs 31.49 per 1,000 person-years;aHR 0.75;95%CI: 0.68-0.82;P < 0.001).CONCLUSION This retrospective cohort study indicates that LFC has a significantly protective effect on lowering the risk of liver cancer, in a dose-dependent and time-dependent manner.

Advances in the Intervention of Prunella Spica Capsules on Postoperative Recurrence of Nodular Goiter

As important drugs for the treatment of nodular goiter(NG),Prunella Spica preparations are widely used clinically,and have a significant effect on NG.Various active ingredients in the preparations intervene in the formation of NG by inhibiting the proliferation of thyroid follicular cells,promoting cell apoptosis,regulating immunity,improving the microcirculation of thyroid tissue and other mechanisms,and can reduce the postoperative recurrence of NG.

Preparation of multicore millimeter-sized spherical alginate capsules to specifically and sustainedly release fish oil

Specific and sustained release of nutrients from capsules to the gastrointestinal tract has attracted many attentions in the field of food and drug delivery.In this work,we reported a monoaxial dispersion electrospraying-ionotropic gelation technique to prepare multicore millimeter-sized spherical capsules for specific and sustained release of fish oil.The spherical capsules had diameters from 2.05 mm to 0.35 mm with the increased applied voltages.The capsules consisted of uniform(at applied voltages of≤10 k V)or nonuniform(at applied voltages of>10 k V)multicores.The obtained capsules had reasonable loading ratios(9.7%-6.3%)due to the multicore structure.In addition,the obtained capsules had specific and sustained release behaviors of fish oil into the small intestinal phase of in vitro gastrointestinal tract and small intestinal tract models.The simple monoaxial dispersion electrospraying-ionotropic gelatin technique does not involve complicated preparation formulations and polymer modification,which makes the technique has a potential application prospect for the fish oil preparations and the encapsulation of functional active substances in the field of food and drug industries.

Preparation and bioavailability in healthy volunteers of cefaclor modified-release capsules

Aim To investigate whether modified-release cefaclor capsules could lead to a more suitable pharmacokinetic profile in the plasma. Methods Cefaclor pellets were prepared by extrusion/spheronization and coated by Eudragit L30D-55 or Eudragit NE30D, then the two sorts of pellets were filled to capsules in a 35：65 ratio to made a modified-release （MR） capsules. The bioavailability of the MR capsules was studied in 24 healthy volunteers after oral administration in a fast state using a commercially available immediate release （IR） capsule as a reference. Results The results showed that the MR formulation had a relatively good bioavailability compared with the commercial capsules, as well as a longer time keeping drug level above MIC than immediate release capsule. The relative bioavailability of the MR capsules was 97.4- 12.1%. Conclusion The data of the present study indicate that time of cefaclor plasma concentration above MIC can be substantially prolonged if cefaclor is administered as a modified- release product.

Efficacy of Xiaojin Capsules Combined with Selenium Yeast Capsules on 120 Cases of Hashimoto's Thyroiditis with Abnormal Thyroid Function

[Objectives]To explore the efficacy of Xiaojin Capsules combined with Selenium Yeast Capsules in the treatment of Hashimoto's thyroiditis(HT)with abnormal thyroid function.[Methods]A total of 180 HT patients who were treated in the First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University and Henan Provincial People's Hospital from December 2020 to December 2021 were selected as the research subjects and randomly divided into the observation group(n=120)and the control group(n=60)in at a tratio of 2∶1 ratio according to their visiting time.The observation group was treated with Xiaojin Capsules(oral,5 capsules each time,twice a day for 12 weeks)and Selenium Yeast Capsules(oral,1 capsule each time,twice a day for 12 weeks).The control group was treated with only Selenium Yeast Capsules(oral,1 capsule each time,twice a day for 12 weeks).[Results]The difference in the levels of thyroid peroxidase antibody(TPO-Ab),thyroglobulin antibody(TGAb),serum free triiodothyronine(FT_(3)),serum free thyroxine(FT_(4)),and thyroid stimulating hormone(TSH)between the observation group and control group was statistically significant(P<0.05).The diameters of thyroid between the observation group and the control group before,during and after treatment were significantly different(P<0.05).The total effective rate of the observation group was 82.5%(99/120),which was significantly higher than 56.67%(34/60)in the control group,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).The cure rate(22.50%)in the observation group was significantly higher than the control group(3.33%),and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.01).The ineffective rate of the observation group was 17.50%,which was significantly lower than that of the control group(40.00%),and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.01).The markedly effective rate of the observation group was 40.83%,which was significantly higher than that of the control group(31.67%),and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).The effective rate in the observation group was 191%,and the effective rate in the control group was 21.67%,and the difference was not statistically significant(P>0.05).[Conclusions]Xiaojin Capsules combined with Selenium Yeast Capsules in the treatment of HT can eliminate or alleviate the clinical symptoms and signs,significantly reduce the levels of TPO-Ab and TGAb in serum,restore thyroid function,improve thyroid shape and structure in the treatment of HT,and the clinical effect is satisfactory.

Synergistic action on hypnosia: Yinao capsules with pentobarbital sodium of threshold and sub-threshold dosages

BACKGROUND： Sedative and hypnotic drugs could cure insomnia in a dependent manner, and traditional Chinese medicine has some superiority in treating insomnia. OBJECTIVE： To observe the synergistic action of yinao capsules with pentobarbital sodium in threshold and sub-threshold dosages in hypnosia and sedation. DESIGN： A completely randomized grouping design and control experiment. SETTING： Pharmacological laboratory, College of Pharmacy, Henan College of Traditional Chinese Medicine. MATERIALS： Totally 200 grade II Kunming mice of 18 - 21 g, either male or female, were used. Yinao capsules, main ingredients of which were turtleback glue, thinleaf milkwort root, Chinese magnoliavine fruit, mythic fungus, tangshen, ginseng and grassleaf sweetflag rhizome, were offered by Chinese-American Huayi Pharmacy, Co.,Ltd. （ratified number： 040901）; Kangnaoshuai capsules, main ingredients of which were prepared rehmannia root, tuber fleeceflower root, ginseng, membranous milkvetch root, thinleaf milkwort root, Fushen, grassleaf sweetflag rhizome, spine date seed, lecithin, barbary wolfberry fruit, pueraria root, vitamin E, etc., were produced by Shijiazhuang Siyao, Co.,Ltd. （ratified number： 040964）; Pentobarbital sodium was produced by China Medicine （Group） Shanghai Chemical Reagent, Co,.Ltd. （Ratified number： 030816）. ZZ-6 mice spontaneous activity apparatus was produced by Chengdu Taimeng Science and Technology, Co.,Ltd. METHODS： The experiment was carried out in the Animal Experimental Center, Henan College of Traditional Chinese Medicine from October to December in 2005. （1） Influence of Yinao capsules on the spontaneous activity of mice： Fifty mice were randomly divided into five groups with 10 mice in each group： Mice in the large, middle and small dosages of Yinao capsules groups were intragastrically infused with Yinao capsules suspension （1.36, 0.68, 0.34 g/kg）; Those in the Kangnaoshuai capsules group were infused with Kangnaoshuai suspension （1.12 g/kg）; Those in the control group were given physiologic saline of the same volume. The mice were administrated once a day for 7 days continuously, and they were placed into the mice spontaneous activity apparatus after 60 minutes from the last administration, the times of spontaneous activities and the times of arising within 10 minutes were recorded after adaptation for 5 minutes. （2） Synergistic action in hypnosia by Finao capsules with pentobarbital sodium of threshold dosage： Seventy mice were randomly divided into 5 groups as above-mentioned with 14 mice in each group, and they were treated the same as above. They were intraperitoneally injected with 50 mg/kg pentobarbital sodium after 60 minutes from the last administration, then conditions of falling asleep were observed. The disappearance of righting reflex was taken as the index of falling asleep, the latency of falling asleep was the duration from intraperitoneal injection of pentobarbital sodium to fall asleep, the sleeping time was from falling asleep to the disappearance of righting reflex. （3） Synergistic action in hypnosia by Yinao capsules with pentobarbital sodium of sub-threshold dosage： Eighty mice were randomly divided into 5 groups as above-mentioned with 16 mice in each group, and they were treated the same as above. They were intraperitoneally injected with 27 mg/kg pentobarbital sodium after 60 minutes from the last administration. Mice whose righting reflex disappeared for at least 1 minute within 30 minutes were taken as falling asleep, the number of sleeping animals in each group was recorded, and the rate of falling asleep was calculated. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Synergistic action of Yinao capsules with pentobarbital sodium of threshold and sub-threshold dosages in hypnosia and sedation. RESULTS： All the 200 mice were involved in the analysis of results. （1） Influence of Yinao capsules on the spontaneous activity of mice： The times of spontaneous activities within 10 minutes in the large and middle dosage of Yinao capsules groups and Kangnaoshuai capsules group [（138.0±37.0）, （156.8±28.3）, （133.3±46.1） times] were obviously fewer than those in the control group [（204.3±61.3） times, P 〈 0.05- 0.01]. The arising times within 10 minutes in the middle and small dosages of Yinao capsules groups and Kangnaoshuai capsules group [（30.7 ± 18.3）, （26.5± 11.2）, （24.2±11.6） times] were obviously fewer than those in the control [（71.7±38.6） times, P 〈 0.01 ]. （2） Synergistic action in hypnosia by Yinao capsules with pentobarbital sodium of threshold dosage： The sleeping latencies in the large and middle dosages of Yinao capsules groups and Kangnaoshuai capsules group [（4.49±1.84）, （4.83±1.72）, （3.85± 1.94） minutes] were obviously shorter than that in the control group [（6.73 ±2.75） minutes, P 〈 0.05 - 0.01 ]. The sleeping time in the large, middle and small dosages of Yinao capsules groups and Kangnaoshuai capsules group [（89.0± 38.42）, （67.21 ±24.07）, （66.28±18.94）, （84.36±29.81） minutes] were obviously longer than that in the control group [（45.78±20.78） minutes, P 〈 0.05- 0.01]. （3） Synergistic action in hypnosia by Yinao capsules with pentobarbital sodium of sub-threshold dosage： The rates of falling asleep in the large and middle dosages of Yinao capsules groups were higher than that in the control group [56% （9/1 6）, 38% （6/1 6）, 6% （6/16）, P 〈 0.01, 0.05], whereas Kangnaoshuai capsules and small dosage of Yinao capsules had no synergistic action with pentobarbital sodium of sub-threshold dosage （P 〉 0.05）. CONCLUSION： Yinao capsules have synergistic action with pentobarbital sodium in hypnosia. Yinao capsules possess obvious sedative and hypnotic effects in a dosage-dependent manner.

4D printing of core-shell hydrogel capsules for smart controlled drug release

Personalized drugs,as well as disease-specific and condition-dependent drug release,have been highly desired in drug delivery systems for effective and safe therapies.Four-dimensional(4 D)printing,as a newly emerging technique to develop drug capsules,displays unique advantages that can autonomously control drug release according to the actual physiological circumstances.Herein,core-shell structured hydrogel capsules were developed using a multimaterial extrusion-based 4 D printing method,which consists of a model drug as the core and UV cross-linked poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)(PNIPAM)hydrogel as the shell.Owing to the lower critical solution temperature(LCST)-induced shrinking/swelling properties,the prepared PNIPAM hydrogel capsules showed temperature-responsive drug release along with the topography changes in the cross-linked PNIPAM network.The in vitro drug release test confirmed that the PNIPAM hydrogel capsules can autonomously control their drug release behaviors according to changes in ambient temperature.Moreover,the increased shell thickness of these capsules causes an obvious reduction in drug release rate,distinctly indicating that the drug release behavior can be well adjusted by setting the shell thickness of the capsules.The proposed 4 D printing strategy pioneers the paradigm of smart drug release by showing great potential in the smart controlled release of drugs and macromolecular active agents.

Effect of rhBMP-2 sustained-release nanocapsules on the ectopic osteogenesis process in Sprague-Dawley rats

Objective:To explore the effect of sustained-release recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2(rhBMP-2) on ectopic osteogenesis in the muscle pouches of rats through preparing rhBMP-2 sustained-release capsules by wrapping morphogenesis protein bones-2(BMP-2)using chitosan nanoparticles,and compositing collagen materials.Methods:Twenty four SpragueDawley rats were randomly divided into four groups with six rats in each group,that is Group A(control group),Group B(only treated with collagen),Group C(rhBMP-2+collagen treated group) and Group D(rhBMP-2/cs+collagen treated group).The composite materials for each group were implanted in the bilateral peroneal muscle pouches in rats.The peroneal muscles were only separated without implanting any materials in control group.Rats were sacrificed 2 weeks and 4 weeks post treatment and samples were cut off for general observation,Micro CT scans and histological observation.Results:General observation showed no new bone formation in Groups A and B mice,while new bones were formed in Groups C and D mice.Two weeks after treatment Micro CT scans showed that The bone volume fraction(BVF),trabecular thickness(Tb. Th),bone mineral density(BMD) in Group C mice were all higher than that in Group D(P<0.05). At the fourth week,the BVK,Tb.Th and BMD were significantly higher than that at the second week(P<0.01).Conclusions:The slow-release effect of rhBMP-2/cs sustained-release capsules can significantly promote ectopic osteogenesis.Its bone formation effect is better than that of rhBMP-2 burst-release group.

Fabrication and biocompatible characterization of magnetic hollow capsules

Monodispersed Fe3O4/polypyrrole （PPy） hollow particles were synthesized via controllable in-situ deposition and polymerization techniques using poly（styrene-co-acrylic） （PSA） latex as template. Field-dependent magnetization plot illustrates that the capsules are superparamagnetic at 300 K. FTIR spectrum confirms that the myoglobin （Mb） molecule adsorbed on the surface of Fe3O4/PPy hollow particle essentially retains its native structure. Furthermore, direct electrochemistry of Mb can be realized on Fe3O4/PPy capsules modified pyrolytic graphite disk electrode, which indicates that the magnetic conductive polymer capsules can promote the electron transfer of protein.

Modified Cortex Mori Capsules improving the successful rate of functional filtering blebs after reclinical glaucoma filtering surgery

BACKGROUND The major reason for filtering bleb failure or scarring of the bleb site is due to excessive scarring after glaucoma filtration surgery in the clinic.Traditional Chinese medicine has preeminence in the prevention of fibrosis formation through the regulation of systemic circulation and improvement of the properties of the inflammatory cells in the blood.AIM To examine the clinical efficacy of using the Modified Cortex Mori Capsules(MCMC;Chinese name:Jiawei Sangbaipi Capsules)in the success rate of functional filtering blebs after glaucoma filtering surgery in clinical patients.METHODS Sixty resurgery glaucoma patients were randomly divided into two groups:30 patients in surgery with the placebo group and 30 patients in surgery with the MCMC group.Patients took either the placebo or the MCMC 2 wk before and after surgery.Postoperative morphology and function filtering bleb,visual acuity,intraocular pressure,postoperative complications,the success rate of filtration surgery and clinical efficacy were observed.RESULTS Fifty patients completed the study.The percentage of functional filtering blebs in the surgery plus MCMC group was 84%at 6 mo after surgery,which was higher than surgery plus placebo group(64%,P<0.05).The surgical success rate in the MCMC and placebo groups were 79%±8.3%and 57%±10.6%respectively(P<0.05).The visual acuity,intraocular pressure and the postoperative complications in the two groups had no significant differences.CONCLUSION Glaucoma filtering surgery while taking MCMC not only reduced excessive scar formation and increased the success rate of functional filtering blebs but also improved the success of glaucoma filtration operations.

Effects of kanglaite capsules combined with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization （TACE） on patients with mid or late-stage primary hepatocellular carcinoma （HCC）

Objective： To observe the clinical effects of kanglaite （KLT） capsules combined with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization （TACE） in treating patients with mid or late-stage primary hepatocellular carcinoma （HCC）. Methods： Sixty-five cases were randomly divided into 2 groups, 32 patients in combination group received the treatment of KLT capsules ＋ TACE and 33 patients in control group were treated with TACE alone. The objective response rate （RR）, serum alpha fetoprotein （AFP）, peripheral blood T lymphocyte subgroups （T-LS）, quality of life （QOL）, time to progression （TTP） and adverse reaction were observed and compared between 2 groups. Results： The objective response rate and serum alpha fetoprotein levels had no significant difference between the two groups （P 〉 0.05）. Combination group was superior to control group in quality of life （QOL）, time to progression （TTP）, peripheral blood T lymphocyte subgroups （CD3＋, CD4＋, CD4＋／CD8 ratio） and liver adverse reactions, with significant differences （P 〈 0.05）. Conclusion： KLT capsules combined with TACE is an effective method to treat primary hepatocellular carcinoma （HCC） patients who have lost the opportunity of surgical therapy.

Clinical Observation on 930 Child Epilepsy Cases Treated with Anti-epilepsy Capsules

1090 cases of child epilepsy were divided randomly into two groups: the treatment group (930 cases treated with anti-epilepsy capsules) and the control group (160 cases treated with luminal). The results showed that in the treatment group, 534 cases were markedly effective, 241 effective, 96 improved, 46 ineffective, and 13 aggravated, with a total effective rate of 83.33%; while in the control group, 64 cases were markedly effective, 19 effective, 38 improved, 29 ineffective, and 10 aggravated, with a total effective rate of 51.88%. The treatment group showed an obviously higher total effective rate than that in the control group (P<0.01). After treatment, cases in the two groups all had lower frequency of epilepsy attacks and shorter duration of each attack as compared with that before treatment (P<0.01), but the situation was obviously better in the treatment group. The anti-epilepsy capsules had very good effect on various types of epilepsy, especially on autonomic epilepsy and on epilepsies due to wind, phlegm, or terror as differentiated in TCM. After treatment, the recovery rate shown by EEG examination was 54.3% in the treatment group, while 38.4% in the control group, the former being obviously higher than the latter (P<0.01).