The effects of Rhizoma Curculiginis and Rhizoma Drynariae extracts on bones

Background  

Rhizoma Curculiginis (Xianmao) and Rhizoma Drynariae (Gusuibu) are 'Yang-tonifying' traditional Chinese herbal medicines used to strengthen bones. This investigation aims to assess the systemic effect of extracts of Rhizoma Curculiginis and Rhizoma Drynariae on bone histomorphology and formation, and their local effect on bone healing.     

The high-risk patient: a profile of acute care psychiatric patients who leave without discharge

An acute care psychiatric hospital faces the dilemma of maintaining a safe and secure environment for its patients while gradually providing them with enough independence to assume responsibility for the management of their own behaviors. When patients leave the hospital building, grounds, or an off-ground activity without prior authorization from the attending physician or if they do not adhere to restrictions during a medical/therapeutic pass, they are placing themselves, the hospital, and others in a high-risk situation. An analysis and review of the closed medical records of patients who had eloped were conducted to determine if a pattern existed among them. The medical records studied included clinical notes, assessments, physician's orders, precautions and restrictions, lengths of stay, notes on the hospital environment, and patient-specific demographic data. The findings suggest that there are some consistent factors related to patient elopements that, when recognized, may help clinicians decrease this highly disruptive behavior.     

Curcumin for the Prevention of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Endoxifen-Treated MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells

Background: Curcumin was shown to reduce epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers in previous shortterm studies. This study was aimed to investigate the potential of curcumin in the prevention of EMT activation inMCF-7 cells induced by endoxifen. Methods: MCF-7 breast cancer cells were treated with Endoxifen 1000 nM+betaestradiol1 nM with or without curcumin (8.5μM or 17 μM). Cells treated with dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) 0.001%were used as negative control. After 8 weeks of continuous treatment, the cells were counted, analyzed for mRNAE-cadherin, vimentin, TGF-β expression, total reactive oxygen species (ROS) and observed for morphological changesusing confocal microscope and transmission electron microscope. Result: MCF-7 cell viability was increased inendoxifen + β-estradiol group. Cell viability was significantly decreased in curcumin 17 μM, but not in curcumin8.5 μM group. Analysis of EMT markers at week 8 indicates that there were increase in vimentin and TGF-β mRNAexpressions, while E-cadherin mRNA expressions and TGF-β1 protein concentrations were shown to decrease. Theresults showed that administration of curcumin in all the dose administered were incapable improving the expressionsof vimentin, TGF-β1 and E-cadherin. There was a decrease in ROS concentration in curcumin treated cells (8.5 μM)while in curcumin 17 μM, ROS concentration was increased. Morphological observation using confocal microscopeand TEM showed the presence of mesenchymal cells and adherens junction. Conclusion: endoxifen treatments foreight weeks resulted in upregulation of EMT markers and changes in morphology of MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Theaddition of curcumin did not prevent the activation of EMT.     

Topical treatment for 1 week with latanoprost but not diclofenac reduces the diameter of dilated retinal arterioles in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus and mild retinopathy

Purpose: Diabetic retinopathy is characterised by morphological lesions secondary to retinal vascular impairment, and it is assumed that changes in the diameter regulation of retinal arterioles are involved in the disease pathogenesis. It has previously been shown that prostaglandin F2α can constrict retinal arterioles in vitro. In the present study, we investigated whether a similar effect could be achieved by topical administration in diabetic patients with dilated retinal arterioles and retinopathy. Methods: Twenty‐two type 1 diabetic patients with mild retinopathy and twenty‐four matched normal controls were randomized to topical treatment with the prostaglandin F2α agonist latanoprost twice daily for 1 week, followed by similar treatment with the cyclo‐oxygenase inhibitor diclofenac, or to receive the two medications in the reverse order. The Dynamic Vessel Analyzer was used to assess the effect of the interventions on the resting diameter of retinal vessels and on the diameter response of retinal arterioles to increased blood pressure (BP) induced by isometric exercise and flicker stimulation. Results: Latanoprost reduced the resting diameter of retinal arterioles significantly in patients with diabetes (p = 0.01), but had no effect on normal persons. Diclofenac had no effect on the resting diameter of arterioles in either of the groups. The diameter responses to increased BP and flicker stimulation were not significantly changed by any of the treatments. Conclusion: Long‐term prospective studies are needed to study the effect of topical treatment with latanoprost on the consequences of retinal hyperperfusion in retinal vascular diseases such as diabetic retinopathy.     

Overview on SARS in Asia and the World

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) is the first major novel infectious disease to hit the international community in the 21st century. It originated in southern China in November 2002, reached Hong Kong in February 2003 and spread rapidly thereafter to 29 countries/regions on five continents. At the end of the epidemic, the global cumulative total was 8098 with 774 deaths. Seven Asian countries/regions were among the top ten on the list. Mainland China and Hong Kong, SAR, accounted for 87% of all cases and 84% of all deaths. Severe acute respiratory syndrome is caused by a novel coronavirus. It has alarmed the world with its infectivity and significant morbidity and mortality, its lack of a rapid, reliable diagnostic test and lack of effective specific treatment and vaccination. The adverse impact on travel and business around the world, particularly in Asia, has been enormous.
Some lessons learnt from this epidemic included: (1) any outbreak of infectious disease can rapidly spread around the world by air travel; (2) early reporting of the outbreak to neighbouring countries/regions and the World Health Organization is essential to prevent international spread; and (3) infection control, tracing and quarantine of contacts are essential to control the epidemic. Many questions remain unanswered, including the origin and pathogenesis of the novel coronavirus, the natural history and the best specific treatment of the disease. The SARS-CoV has probably jumped from an animal host to humans. There is an urgent need to evaluate the human–animal habitat in southern China and to remove animal reservoirs if found.