张景岳《新方八阵》之锡灰、脑荷药物考

对张景岳《新方八阵》中的几味在中药材标准和权威药学典籍中没有明确记载的药物进行了引据考证,以便为其以后的研究提供文献依据;通过考证历代本草对"锡灰""、脑荷"的记载,并对其加以比较、分析后,认为《新方八阵》所记载的中药"锡灰"为铅灰,"脑荷"应该是指苏州龙脑薄荷。     

张景岳《新方八阵》配伍规律研究

目的:以张景岳《新方八阵》167首内服方剂为研究对象,用数据挖掘方法探讨张景岳组方用药的规律。方法:基于频繁项集和关联规则分析。结果:通过频繁项集分析发现:出现频数最高的2味中药组合有2组:熟地黄+当归、熟地黄+炙甘草;3味中药组合为熟地黄+当归+炙甘草;4味中药组合为人参+熟地黄+当归+炙甘草。通过关联规则分析,挖掘出关联关系密切的规则30条,其中2味药对15条,3味药团15条。结论:《新方八阵》内服方剂数据挖掘的结果为张景岳学术思想和治病经验的具体体现,对临床组方用药提供了重要的参考价值。     

Expression of genes related to oxidative stress in the mouse brain after exposure to silver-25 nanoparticles

Nanoparticles are small scale substances (<100 nm) used in biomedical applications, electronics, and energy production. Increased exposure to nanoparticles being produced in large-scale industry facilities elicits concerns for the toxicity of certain classes of nanoparticles. This study evaluated the effects of silver-25 nm (Ag-25) nanoparticles on gene expression in different regions of the mouse brain. Adult-male C57BL/6N mice were administered (i.p.) 100 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg or 1000 mg/kg Ag-25 and sacrificed after 24 h. Regions from the brain were rapidly removed and dissected into caudate nucleus, frontal cortex and hippocampus. Total RNA was isolated from each of the three brain regions collected and real-time RT-PCR analysis was performed using Mouse Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant Defense Arrays. Array data revealed the expression of genes varied in the caudate nucleus, frontal cortex and hippocampus of mice when treated with Ag-25. The data suggest that Ag-25 nanoparticles may produce neurotoxicity by generating free radical-induced oxidative stress and by altering gene expression, producing apoptosis and neurotoxicity.     

Is there a genetic signature for liver metastasis in colorectal cancer？

Even though liver metastasis accounts for the vast majority of cancer deaths in patients with colorectal cancer （CRC）, fundamental questions about the molecular and cellular mechanisms of liver metastasis still remain unanswered. Determination of gene expression profiles by microarray technology has improved our knowledge of CRC molecular pathways. However, defined gene signatures are highly variable among studies. Expression profiles and molecular markers have been specifically linked to liver metastases mechanistic paths in CRC. However, to date, none of the identified signatures or molecular markers has been successfully validated as a diagnostic or prognostic tool applicable to routine clinical practice. To obtain a genetic signature for liver metastasis in CRC, measures to improve reproducibility, to increase consistency, and to validate results need to be implemented. Alternatives to expression profiling with microarray technology are continuing to be used. In the recent past, many genes codifying for proteins that are directly or indirectly involved in adhesion, invasion, angiogenesis, survival and cell growth have been linked to mechanisms of liver metastases in CRC.     

Comprehensive Assessment and Standardization of Solid Phase Multiplex‐Bead Arrays for the Detection of Antibodies to HLA

Solid phase multiplex‐bead arrays for the detection and characterization of HLA antibodies provide increased sensitivity and specificity compared to conventional lymphocyte‐based assays. Assay variability due to inconsistencies in commercial kits and differences in standard operating procedures (SOP) hamper comparison of results between laboratories. The Clinical Trials in Organ Transplantation Antibody Core Laboratories investigated sources of assay variation and determined if reproducibility improved through utilization of SOP, common reagents and normalization algorithms. Ten commercial kits from two manufacturers were assessed in each of seven laboratories using 20 HLA reference sera. Implementation of a standardized (vs. a nonstandardized) operating procedure greatly reduced MFI variation from 62% to 25%. Although laboratory agreements exceeded 90% (R²), small systematic differences were observed suggesting center specific factors still contribute to variation. MFI varied according to manufacturer, kit, bead type and lot. ROC analyses showed excellent consistency in antibody assignments between manufacturers (AUC > 0.9) and suggested optimal cutoffs from 1000 to 1500 MFI. Global normalization further reduced MFI variation to levels near 20%. Standardization and normalization of solid phase HLA antibody tests will enable comparison of data across laboratories for clinical trials and diagnostic testing.     

Biomimetic hydrogels for biosensor implant biocompatibility: electrochemical characterization using micro-disc electrode arrays (MDEAs)

Our interest is in the development of engineered microdevices for continuous remote monitoring of intramuscular lactate, glucose, pH and temperature during post-traumatic hemorrhaging. Two important design considerations in the development of such devices for in vivo diagnostics are discussed; the utility of micro-disc electrode arrays (MDEAs) for electrochemical biosensing and the application of biomimetic, bioactive poly(HEMA)-based hydrogel composites for implant biocompatibility. A poly(HEMA)-based hydrogel membrane containing polyethylene glycol (PEG) was UV cross-linked with tetraethyleneglycol diacrylate following application to MDEAs (50 μm discs) and to 250 μm diameter gold electrodes within 8-well culture ware. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) of the MDEAs revealed a reduction in the apparent diffusion coefficient of ferrocenemonocarboxylic acid (FcCO₂H), from 6.68 × 10⁻⁵ to 6.74 × 10⁻⁶ cm²/s for the uncoated and 6 μm thick hydrogel coated devices, respectively. Single frequency (4 kHz) temporal impedance measurements of the hydrogels in the 8-well culture ware showed a reversible 5% change in the absolute impedance of the hydrogels when exposed to a pH change between 6.1 to 7.2 and a 20% drop between pH 6.1 and 8.8.