不同产地仙茅药材薄层层析鉴别及仙茅苷的含量测定

目的:分析不同产地仙茅药材的化学成分并测定其中仙茅苷的含量。方法:以醋酸乙酯-甲醇-甲酸(10:1:0.1)为展开剂,2％三氯化铁-2％铁氰化钾(1:1)为显色剂,对各地产仙茅药材化学成分比较分析;以薄层层析-紫外分光光度法测定仙茅苷含量。结果:各地产仙茅药材均含有仙茅苷,但其它化学成分不尽相同;含量为:1.52g‰(四川宜宾)、0.65‰(云南大关)、0.42‰(湖献溆浦)、1.39‰(广东)、0.57‰(广西)、0.24‰(贵州凯里)。结论:各地产仙茅药材化学成分不尽相同;仙茅苷含量以四川宜宾产为最高。     

Simvastatin inhibits interferon-γ-induced MHC class II up-regulation in cultured astrocytes

Based on their potent anti-inflammatory properties and a preliminary clinical trial, statins (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors) are being studied as possible candidates for multiple sclerosis (MS) therapy. The pathogenesis of MS is unclear. One theory suggests that the development of autoimmune lesions in the central nervous system may be due to a failure of endogenous inhibitory control of MHC class II expression on astrocytes, allowing these cells to adapt an interferon (IFN)-γ-induced antigen presenting phenotype. By using immunocytochemistry in cultured astrocytes derived from newborn Wistar rats we found that simvastatin at nanomolar concentrations inhibited, in a dose-response fashion, up to 70% of IFN-γ-induced MHC class II expression. This effect was reversed by the HMG-CoA reductase product mevalonate. Suppression of the antigen presenting function of astrocytes might contribute to the beneficial effects of statins in MS.     

Distinguishing patterns in the dynamics of long-term medication use by Markov analysis: beyond persistence

Background  

In order to accurately distinguish gaps of varying length in drug treatment for chronic conditions from discontinuation without resuming therapy, short-term observation does not suffice. Thus, the use of inhalation corticosteroids (ICS) in the long-term, during a ten-year period is investigated. To describe medication use as a continuum, taking into account the timeliness and consistency of refilling, a Markov model is proposed.     

Prevalence of diabetes mellitus and the performance of a risk score among Hindustani Surinamese,African Surinamese and ethnic Dutch: a cross-sectional population-based study

Background  

While the prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) is high, tailored risk scores for screening among South Asian and African origin populations are lacking. The aim of this study was, first, to compare the prevalence of (known and newly detected) DM among Hindustani Surinamese, African Surinamese and ethnic Dutch (Dutch). Second, to develop a new risk score for DM. Third, to evaluate the performance of the risk score and to compare it to criteria derived from current guidelines.     

Improving return-to-work after childbirth: design of the Mom@Work study,a randomised controlled trial and cohort study

Background  

Many women suffer from health problems after giving birth, which can lead to sick leave. About 30% of Dutch workers are on sick leave after maternity leave. Structural contact of supervisors with employees on maternity leave, supported by early medical advice of occupational physicians, may increase the chances of return-to-work after maternity leave. In addition, to understand the process of sick leave and return-to-work after childbirth it is important to gain insight into which factors hinder return-to-work after childbirth, as well, as which prognostic factors lead to the development of postpartum health complaints. In this paper, the design of the Mom@Work study is described.     

Reliability of videotaped observational gait analysis in patients with orthopedic impairments

Background  

In clinical practice, visual gait observation is often used to determine gait disorders and to evaluate treatment. Several reliability studies on observational gait analysis have been described in the literature and generally showed moderate reliability. However, patients with orthopedic disorders have received little attention. The objective of this study is to determine the reliability levels of visual observation of gait in patients with orthopedic disorders.