Recurrent thromboembolism, bleeding, and mortality in Asian patients with venous thromboembolism receiving different oral anticoagulants: A nationwide analysis.

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is associated with a high risk of morbidity and mortality. However, data on the association between oral anticoagulants and the hazards of VTE complications in Taiwanese patients with VTE is limited. This study aimed to compare the hazards of recurrent VTE, bleeding, and mortality between patients with VTE receiving rivaroxaban, a non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulant (NOAC), and those receiving heparin or low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) followed by warfarin.

Comparative effectiveness of neuraminidase inhibitors in patients with influenza: A systematic review and network meta-analysis.

The aim of this study was to use a network meta-analysis (NWA) to evaluate the relative efficacy and safety of various neuraminidase inhibitors (NAIs) in reducing the duration of influenza symptoms, and thereby, informing the selection of suitable therapeutic regimens for patients with influenza. We conducted a systematic review of randomized controlled trials comparing the clinical effects of four NAIs administered to patients with influenza and placebo. Relevant studies were found in the PubMed and Cochrane databases.

Anxiolytic effect of an extract of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (Danshen) in mice.

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (Danshen), a traditional Chinese medicine, has demonstrated in modern studies for its pharmacological activities in treatments of CNS disorders like insomnia, dysphoria. However, its application on anxiolytic effect from the ethanol extract of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (SM) has not yet been reported.

Materials And Methods: This study investigated the anxiolytic effect of the SM using the elevated plus-maze test (EPM) and the hole-board test (HBT) with diazepam and buspirone as positive controls.

Treatment of β-thujaplicin counteracts di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP)-exposed vascular smooth muscle activation, inflammation and atherosclerosis progression.

The initiation of atherosclerosis involves up-regulation of molecules such as E-selectin, VCAM-1, and ICAM-1. The progression of atherosclerosis is linked to proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cell via MMP-2 and MMP-9 activities. However, the etiology of atherosclerosis concerning plasticizers is unknown.

Possible Mechanisms of Di(2-ethylhexyl) Phthalate-Induced MMP-2 and MMP-9 Expression in A7r5 Rat Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells.

Proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) are important in the development and/or progression of many cardiovascular diseases, including atherosclerosis. Evidence shows that matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 are related to the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. The expressions of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in atherosclerosis are regulated via various pathways, such as p38 mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK), extracellular signal regulated kinase 1 and 2 (ERK1/2), Akt, and nuclear factor kappa (NF-κB).

Dexamethasone improves heat stroke-induced multiorgan dysfunction and damage in rats.

Dexamethasone (DXM) is known as an immunosuppressive drug used for inflammation control. In the present study, we attempted to examine whether DXM administration could attenuate the hypercoagulable state and the overproduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines, improve arterial hypotension, cerebral ischemia and damage, and vital organ failure in a rat model of heat stroke. The results indicated that all the rats suffering from heat stroke showed high serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β), accompanied with increased prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time and D-D dimer, and decreased protein C.

Reduction of adhesion molecule production and alteration of eNOS and endothelin-1 mRNA expression in endothelium by Euphorbia hirta L. through its beneficial β-amyrin molecule.

The inflammatory reaction in large blood vessels involves up-regulation of vascular adhesion molecules such as endothelial cell selectin (E-selectin), soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule (sVCAM)-1, and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule (sICAM)-1. These vascular dysfunctions are associated with the development of atherosclerosis. β-Amyrin, an active component of Euphorbia hirta L.

Chlorella 11-peptide inhibits the production of macrophage-induced adhesion molecules and reduces endothelin-1 expression and endothelial permeability.

The inflammation process in large vessels involves the up-regulation of vascular adhesion molecules such as endothelial cell selectin (E-selectin), intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) which are also known as the markers of atherosclerosis. We have reported that Chlorella 11-peptide exhibited effective anti-inflammatory effects. This peptide with an amino sequence Val-Glu-Cys-Tyr-Gly-Pro-Asn-Arg-Pro-Gln-Phe was further examined for its potential in preventing atherosclerosis in this study.

Polyurethane-based drug delivery systems.

Polyurethanes (PUs) are formed by a reaction between isocyanates and diols to yield polymers with urethane bonds (-NH-COO-) in their main chain. A great variety of building blocks is commercially available that allows the chemical and physical properties of PUs to be tailored to their target applications, particularly for the biomedical and pharmaceutical fields. This article reviews the synthesis and characterization of PUs and PU-copolymers, as well as their in vitro and in vivo biodegradability and biocompatibility.

Protective effects of Chlorella-derived peptide against UVC-induced cytotoxicity through inhibition of caspase-3 activity and reduction of the expression of phosphorylated FADD and cleaved PARP-1 in skin fibroblasts.

UVC irradiation induces oxidative stress and leads to cell death through an apoptotic pathway. This apoptosis is caused by activation of caspase-3 and formation of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1). In this study, the underlying mechanisms of Chlorella derived peptide (CDP) activity against UVC-induced cytotoxicity were investigated.

A one-step process in preparation of cationic nanoparticles with poly(lactide-co-glycolide)-containing polyethylenimine gives efficient gene delivery.

A one-step preparation of nanoparticles with poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) pre-modified with polyethylenimine (PEI) is better in requirements for DNA delivery compared to those prepared in a two-step process (preformed PLGA nanoparticles and subsequently coated with PEI). The particles were prepared by emulsification of PLGA/ethyl acetate in an aqueous solution of PVA and PEI. DLS, AFM and SEM were used for the size characteristics.

Preventive effects of β-thujaplicin against UVB-induced MMP-1 and MMP-3 mRNA expressions in skin fibroblasts.

Solar UV radiation damages human skin by affecting skin tone and resiliency and leads to premature aging (photoaging). The skin damage is caused by the activation of the AP-1 transcription factor, which increases matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expression and collagen degradation. An increase of interleukin (IL)-6 is also correlated with the activation of MMP-1 expression.

Synthesis and evaluation of poly(hexamethylene-urethane) and PEG-poly(hexamethylene-urethane) and their cholesteryl oleyl carbonate composites for human blood biocompatibility.

Two new urethane-based acrylates (UAA and PEG-UAA) were synthesized as polymer blocks. The chemical composition of the two monomers was confirmed by IR and NMR. After cross-linking these blockers by radical polymerization, "hexamethylene PU" [poly(hexamethylene-urethane)] and "PEG-hexamethylene PU" [PEG-poly(hexa-methylene-urethane)] were obtained.

Protective effects of Chlorella-derived peptide on UVB-induced production of MMP-1 and degradation of procollagen genes in human skin fibroblasts.

UV exposure is known to induce premature aging, which is mediated by matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) activity. MMP-1 mRNA expression is up-regulated by elevated cysteine-rich 61 (CYR61) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) via action of transcription factor AP-1. Collagen is degraded by MMP-1 activity but synthesized by transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signal.

Attenuation of circulatory shock and cerebral ischemia injury in heat stroke by combination treatment with dexamethasone and hydroxyethyl starch.

Background: Increased systemic cytokines and elevated brain levels of monoamines, and hydroxyl radical productions are thought to aggravate the conditions of cerebral ischemia and neuronal damage during heat stroke. Dexamethasone (DXM) is a known immunosuppressive drug used in controlling inflammation, and hydroxyethyl starch (HES) is used as a volume-expanding drug in cerebral ischemia and/or cerebral injury. Acute treatment with a combined therapeutic approach has been repeatedly advocated in cerebral ischemia experiments.

Effects of combination treatment with dexamethasone and mannitol on neuronal damage and survival in experimental heat stroke.

There is evidence that increased plasma cytokines, elevated brain levels of monoamines and hydroxyl radical production may be implicated in pathogenesis during heat stroke in rats. Acute treatment with a combined therapeutic approach has been repeatedly advocated in cerebral ischemia experiments. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the combined agent (mannitol and dexamethasone) has beneficial efficacy to improve the survival time (ST) and heat stroke-induced damage in experimental heat stroke.

A molecular pharmacology study into the anti-inflammatory actions of Euphorbia hirta L. on the LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells through selective iNOS protein inhibition.

Euphorbia hirta L. has been widely used in India and Chinese society. The molecular pharmacology basis of its anti-inflammatory effect is revealed in this work.

The synthesis of cationic polyurethanes to study the effect of amines and structures on their DNA transfection potential.

Polyurethanes (PUs) are a class of biodegradable polymers that have been applied as tissue-engineering materials with minimum toxicity. In our study, a new series of cationic PUs containing tertiary amines in the backbone and primary, secondary and tertiary amines in the side chains (PU1, PU2 and PU3, respectively) was synthesized and used as nonviral vectors for gene delivery. In addition, we introduced glycidol into the structure of PU for greater solubility and biocompatibility and grafted various amines in the side chains (PUg1, PUg2, PUg3).

Potential protective effect of fresh grown unicellular green algae component (resilient factor) against PMA- and UVB-induced MMP1 expression in skin fibroblasts.

Solar UV radiation damages human skin, affecting skin tone and resiliency, and leading to premature ageing (photoageing). Skin damage by oxidants may lead to activation of PKC, thus increasing matrix metalloproteinase (MMPs) expression and collagen degradation. Administration of Chlorella has been shown to play some biochemical functions as well as in vitro inhibition of MMP1 activity.

Platelet adsorption and hemolytic properties of liquid crystal/composite polymers.

The aim of this study is to investigate how the presence of liquid crystal, cholesteryl oleyl carbonate, embedded into polymers (PMMA, Eb270, PU) affects the biocompatibility of composite membranes with human blood. The effects of different surface textures of composite membranes on platelet adhesion and platelet activation were evaluated as well. The adhesion and geometric deformation of platelets were demonstrated by SEM.

Improving glycogenesis in Streptozocin (STZ) diabetic mice after administration of green algae Chlorella.

Chlorella, a type of unicellular fresh water algae, has been a popular foodstuff in Japan and Taiwan. Studies have shown the hypoglycemic effects of Chlorella in alloxan-induced and Streptozocin (STZ)-induced diabetic animals. However, the mechanisms by which Chlorella treatment affects blood glucose homeostasis have not been studied.

Structural characterization and buffering capacity in relation to the transfection efficiency of biodegradable polyurethane.

Inefficient release of polymer/DNA complexes from endocytic vesicles into the cytoplasm and the cytotoxic nature of cationic polymers are two of the primary causes of poor gene delivery. EG-polyurethane [poly(ethylene glycol)-PU, Poly 1], EGDM-polyurethane [poly(ethylene glycol), 2-(dimethylamino)ethylamine-PU, Poly 2], and MDEADM-polyurethane [N-methyldiethanolamine, 2-(dimethylamino)ethylamine-PU, Poly 3] were designed in this study to overcome these obstacles. The structural characteristics of polyurethanes and physicochemical properties of their formed complexes with DNA were determined to correlate their transfection efficiency.

Potential hypoglycemic effects of Chlorella in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice.

Chlorella, a type of unicellular fresh water algae, has been a popular foodstuff in Japan and Taiwan. Chlorella has been shown to produce hypoglycemic effects in alloxan-induced diabetic animals. However, there are no other reports of the effects of this substance in other diabetic animal models.

Preventing dyslipidemia by Chlorella pyrenoidosa in rats and hamsters after chronic high fat diet treatment.

The effects of Chlorella pyrenoidosa on serum lipid profiles, after concomitant long-term treatment of high-fat diet (HFD) in rats and hamsters was studied. Wistar rats and Syrian hamsters were fed with or without various concentrations of Chlorella pyrenoidosa contained high-fat diet (CHFD) for 2, 4 and 8 weeks prior to assay of serum lipids. Fasting triglycerides, total cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol as well as HDL cholesterol levels in high-fat diet treated rats and hamster were determined.