Search

Two metal–organic coordination polymers, [Cu3(4-bpcb)2(1,2,4-btc)2(H2O)2] (1) and [Cu3(3-bpcb)3(btec)1.5] (2), have been synthesized from hydrothermal reaction of copper chloride with mixed ligands [4-bpcb = N,N′-bis(4-pyridinecarboxamide)-1,4-benzene, 3-bpcb = N,N′-bis(3-pyridinecarboxamide)-1,4-benzene, 1,2,4-H3btc = 1,2,4-benzenetricarboxylic acid, and H4btec = 1,2,4,5-benzenetetracarboxylic acid]. X-ray diffraction analysis reveals that1exhibits a 2-D layer structure and2possesses a three-dimensional (3-D) network. In1and2, CuIIions are connected by bridging 1,2,4-btc or btec to form 2-D polymeric layers. Cu-1,2,4-btc layer does not propagate into a 3-D coordination framework in1due to 4-bpcb showing monodentate coordination (via ligation of only one pyridyl nitrogen). In2, Cu-btec 2-D layers are further extended into a 3-D network with (64.82)3topology by 3-bpcb ligand inμ2-bridging coordination (via ligation of two pyridyl nitrogens). The different structures of the two complexes illustrate the influence of different polycarboxylates and N-donor positions of organic ligands on the formation of such coordination architectures. Moreover, the thermal properties and electrochemical properties of the copper complexes bulk-modified carbon paste electrodes have been studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. To assess efficacy of the extract of Vitex agnus castus (VAC, BNO 1095) in the treatment of Chinese women suffering from moderate to severe premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Methods. It was a prospective randomised double-blind placebo-controlled study conducted in Chinese women. Eligible patients were randomly assigned into VAC or placebo group. Symptoms were documented with a daily rating scale with four symptom factors (negative affect, water retention, food cravings and pain). Results. Sixty-seven patients were enrolled and randomly assigned to receive one tablet of VAC or placebo once a day. The premenstrual syndrome diary (PMSD) sum score decreased from 29.38 ± 7.63 score points at baseline to 4.28 ± 5.76 at the 3rd cycle in the treatment group, while it decreased from 28.76 ± 8.23 to 11.79 ± 11.78 in the placebo group. All the four symptom factor scores were significantly reduced by the 3rd treatment cycle. There was significant difference in PMSD sum score, score of negative affect and water retention between two groups at cycle 3 ( P < 0.05). PMSD sum scores decreased 60% was defined as efficacy, and the efficacy rate in treatment group was significantly higher than that in placebo group at the 3rd treatment cycle. Conclusion. Vitex agnus castus extract BNO 1095 shows effective in treating moderate to severe PMS in Chinese women, especially in symptoms of negative affect and water retention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New glycosyl derivatives of ibuprofen ( I, II, III, and IV) were synthesized in order to overcome the ineffective delivery of ibuprofen across the blood–brain barrier owing to its low permeability, using -glucose as a drug targeting agent. Ibuprofen was linked directly to the C-2, C-3, C-4, and C-6 positions of glucose via ester bonds. Furthermore, in vitro stabilities of the four ester derivatives were evaluated to determine both their stability in aqueous medium and their feasibility to undergo enzymatic cleavage by esterase in biological samples to regenerate the original drug. From the obtained results, compounds I–IV appeared to be moderately stable in pH 7.43 buffer solution, rat plasma, and brain tissue extracts. In vivo experiments showed that the AUC0– t of ibuprofen in plasma after the injection of prodrugs is several times higher than that of AUC0– t after the injection of ibuprofen. In addition, the maximal concentration of ibuprofen in brain after the administration of ester IV was three fold higher than that of the control group. Also, the concentration of ibuprofen was kept stable in brain for about 4 h for four esters, which was beneficial for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease and highlighted the possibility of brain drug delivery of ibuprofen using prodrug strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acne is one complex skin disorders, which can lead to adverse psychological effects. Multiple factors are correlated with risk of acne and several treatments have been explored. The prevalence and risk factors are suspected to be varied in different populations with different genetic backgrounds and lifestyle. Therefore, this study investigated the risk factors, psychological impacts and current treatments of acne in Shanghai area of China by a retrospective questionnaire study. This study showed that the subjects with family history (especially paternal history) were prone to develop severe acne (p < 0.001). Besides, patients with severe acne might exhibit more severe psychological disorders (p < 0.001). The most frequently used methods were pharmacological treatments. These results indicate that acne is prone to induce severe psychological disorders, and could be affected by multiple factors. Furthermore, these results provide valuable reference for exploring the preventive measures and treatments of acne in Shanghai area of China. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

5-Aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy (ALA-PDT) has been an effective method for treating acne vulgaris. Red light is the most widely used light source while Intense pulsed lights (IPL) is reported effective and well-tolerated. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and adverse reactions of ALA-PDT with red light on acne compared with ALA-PDT with IPL.12 patients were recruited in the randomized, prospective and split-face study. 5% ALA cream were applied on the whole face with 2 hours' incubation before narrow band LED(633 ± 10 nm, 36 ∼ 108J/cm2) on one side of face and IPL(590∼1200 nm, 15∼17J/cm2) on the other side. Three treatment sessions were administered with 2-week interval each time and 8 weeks' follow up. The number of the total acne lesions and inflammatory lesions of the side treated by red light-PDT showed a relatively higher reduction rate that that by IPL-PDT (P < 0.05). Significant PpIX fluorescence decrease was observed only for the group of red light (P < 0.05). Lower pain intensity numeric rating scale values and Investigator's Global Severity Assessment (IGA) grading for erythema of the IPL side were observed (P<0.05).The results suggested that both red light and IPL are effective for ALA-PDT on acne vulgaris. ALA-PDT with red light may achieve better efficacy by more effective photobleaching of protoporphyrin IX (PpIX), whereas IPL may accomplish less adverse reactions and better tolerance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dendritic cell (DC) vaccines were generated by apoptotic squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) cells induced by 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA)-mediated photodynamic therapy (PDT). ALA-PDT-DC vaccine inhibited the growth of SCC in mice, indicating that immunogenic apoptotic cells can activate an effective antitumor adaptive immunity and lead to a DC vaccine-based cancer immunotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]