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Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) injection is widely used to treat angina pectoris in China. This overview aims to systematically summarize the general characteristics of systematic reviews (SRs) on TCM injection in treating angina, and assess the methodological and reporting quality of these reviews. We searched PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library and four Chinese databases from inception until March 2013. Data were extracted according to a preset form. The AMSTAR and PRISMA checklists were used to explore the methodological quality and reporting characteristics of included reviews, respectively. All data analyses were descriptive. 46 SRs involving over 57,463 participants with angina reviewing 23 kinds of TCM injections were included. The main outcomes evaluated in the reviews were symptoms (43/46, 93.5%), surrogate outcomes (42/46, 91.3%) and adverse events (41/46, 87.0%). Few reviews evaluated endpoints (7/46, 15.2%) and quality of life (1/46, 2.2%). One third of the reviews (16/46, 34.8%) drew definitely positive conclusions while the others (30/46, 65.2%) suggested potential benefits mainly in symptoms, electrocardiogram and adverse events. With many serious flaws such as lack of a protocol and inappropriate data synthesis, the overall methodological and reporting quality of the reviews was limited. While many SRs of TCM injection on the treatment of angina suggested potential benefits or definitely positive effects, stakeholders should not accept the findings of these reviews uncritically due to the limited methodological and reporting quality. Future SRs should be appropriately conducted and reported according to international standards such as AMSTAR and PRISMA, rather than published in large numbers.

In comparison with traditional solid p-n junction solar cells, the process of light-to-electric transformation in dye-sensitized solar cells is complicated. In order to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the physical and chemical mechanism in the complicated process, people have proposed some models to describe electron injection, diffusion and recombination occurred in the process. In this paper, we will give a brief review on these models. The electrical characteristic of dye-sensitized solar cell can be well described by the diffusion model, which was originally proposed by Södergren and later further developed by Ferber, Anta, Bisquert et al. The electron injection, diffusion and recombination manifest themselves via three parameters: injection efficiency η_inj, diffusion coefficient D and recombination rate (time) K (τ) in the diffusion equation. Meanwhile, some microscopic models have also been developed to evaluate η_inj, D and K. The dynamical behavior of electron injection can be described by a kinetic theory, and corresponding η_inj can be understood from a conduction-band fluctuation model or a two-energy-level model. The power-law dependence of D and K on electron density can be well explained by trapping model, but the temperature behavior of D cannot be explained by this model. In the potential barrier model, a weak electron-density-dependent D is obtained, and the observed temperature dependence of D in experiment is naturally expected. Although currently the relevant experimental results cannot be consistently explained within one model, we believe that these models still are important for us to understand the physical and chemical mechanism in these microscopical processes and are helpful for us to further improve the photovoltaic performance of dye-sensitized solar cell.

This study is important for the fields of pharmaceutical nano-drug suspension, biomedical engineering, pressure surges and food processing systems. The slip condition is necessary for polishing internal cavities and artificial heart valves in a variety of manufactured objects, micro- or nano-channels, and applications. Low Reynolds number (Re$\to 0)$ and long wavelength ($\delta \ll 1$) considerations are used in the formulation of the mathematical model at low non-Newtonian parameter values, nonlinear boundary conditions and the governing nonlinear equation are analytically solved using the perturbation method. The graphs of frictional force, pressure rise, velocity, pressure gradient, and streamline graphs are done using Wolfram MATHEMATICA software. In this paper, we compared the results of the total slip condition with those of the first-order slip condition and the absence of any slip effects. It has been noticed that increasing the suction and injection parameters leads to a decrease the pressure rate with complete slip effects, partial slip effects and no slip effects. We show that an increase in the third grade fluid parameter $\mathrm{\Gamma }$ increases the magnitude of axial velocity. From a physical perspective, it shows the shear thinning characteristic, which causes a decrease in viscosity and an increase in fluid velocity. Frictional force behaves differently when compared to pressure rate. In other words, the pressure gradient acts as an obstacle to the peristalsis-driven flow. The objective of the study is to find the impact of the peristaltic flow phenomena and the impact of peristaltic on third-grade non-Newtonian fluid where the suction and injection are prevailing which is similar to the thing in biomechanical devices, like blood vessels, etc. there is a change of oxygen and carbon dioxide from the tissue layer to the fluid within the blood vessel.

In this work, we study the influence of the temperature on the mechanism of current transfer in the reverse branch of the current–voltage (I–V) characteristics of n-CdS/p-CdTe heterostructures. The study of the heterostructure, using the technique of on energy-dispersive X-ray analysis, showed that a layer of CdS_xTe${}_{1-x}$ is formed at the boundary of the heterojunction with a varying composition, being equal $x\approx 0.48$ from the side of CdS and $x\approx 0.02$ from the CdTe side. In the studied range of the temperatures and bias voltage, the current-voltage characteristics are described well by a power law $J=A{V}^{\alpha }$, where the exponent $\alpha$ changes with the temperature and voltage. Under the influence of the temperature and charge carrier concentration, the mechanism of current transfer in the structure changes from exclusion ($\alpha \approx 0.5$) to ohmic ($\alpha \approx 1$), and then goes to injection ($\alpha \approx 2$). The inhomogeneous intermediate CdS_xTe${}_{1-x}$i-layer at the boundary of the n-CdS/p-CdTe heterostructure is characterized by the presence of metastable states that rearrange at high temperatures and certain charge carrier concentrations. As a result of this, the exclusion slows down and electrons are injected from the rear molybdenum contact.

In this work, aluminum/titanium carbide (Al/TiC) surface composite has been fabricated by friction stir processing using a novel modular Direct Particle Injection Tool (DPI–FSP). The tool has a unique feature wherein the TiC particles have been transferred from the tool itself by spring adjusted plunger movement into the matrix. The microstructural observations from optical and scanning electron microscope (SEM)-EDS results revealed the homogeneous distribution of particles in the stirred zone (SZ) and the thickness of the formed surface composite layer (SCL) is approximately 0.34mm. X-ray diffraction results confirmed that the particles are reinforced in the aluminum matrix, and no intermetallics have been formed in the composite. The microhardness of composite was increased from 68 to 135Hv, and the impact test results showed that the toughness was almost comparable to that of the base metal.

Necrotising soft tissue infection is a rare and rapid process with devastating consequence. We report one case of necrotising soft tissue infection in a bilateral upper limb with uncommon oral bacteria. Radiological imaging revealed the presence of gas in upper limb soft tissues, and an MRI showed the localised signal changes in the biceps muscle of the right upper arm, and the subcutaneous tissue of the left elbow. The patient was treated with surgical resection of the infected muscle and wide debridement of the subcutaneous tissue. Antibiotics were initiated. The patient recovered immediately without functional deficit. The unique features of this patient were possible to observe in the progression of the necrotising soft tissue infection in the bilateral upper limb with intentional injection of oral bacteria, and the effect of biceps brachii resection in a prime age worker.

The gold standard treatment for Dupuytren's contracture is surgical excision of the cord. A non-surgical treatment with collagenase clostridium histolyticum injection is available but appears costly.

Objectives: To provide data on resource consumption related to surgical and non-surgical treatment for Dupuytren's contracture.

Design and Participants: Twenty patients with a single digit Dupuytren's contracture, 10 treated with surgical excision, and 10 treated with a single injection of collagenase.

Measurements: Minutes spent in theatre, number of follow-up appointments, time to skin healing, and patients return to normal activities of daily living.

Results: The injection group was significantly better regarding theatre time (p < 0.0001), follow-up appointments (p = 0.048), skin healing time (p < 0.001), and return to normal activities of daily living (p = 0.02) than the operated group.

Conclusions: There are significant personal and health economic differences between the two methods of treatment which may influence local choice.

We experienced two cases of flexor tendons rupture after triamcinolone acetate (TA) injection for trigger finger. A 45-year-old man underwent injection of 40 mg of TA and 1 mL of 1% lidocaine solution into his little finger. While playing golf 3 months after the injection, he heard a popping sound, and was unable to flex it. A 57-year-old female nurse had undergone injection of 40 mg of TA and 1 mL of 1% lidocaine solution into her thumb twice at a 2-month interval. Two months after the second injection, she was unable to flex it. Both cases had high concentrated TA injection at trigger digits. The present and previous cases illustrate that when TA is injected into trigger digits, the dose should be low, the safety interval should be long, and refuse injection into the tendon proper.

The effect of two different concentrations of povidone-iodine (PVI) solution, an antiseptic, on joint synovium was investigated. In Group I, 0.05 ml of 10% PVI was used, while in Group II, 0.05 ml of 2.5% of PVI was used. PVI solution was injected twice into both knee joints with one week interval. Ten rats were used as control and 70 rats as experimental.

In the two experimental groups four rats were sacrificed after 6, 12, 24 hours and three day and six rats at the end of the week after the second PVI injection. Synovial reaction was assessed histologically in both groups, based on the pathological parameters.

The results suggest that intra-articular injection of 10% and 2.5% PVI induces synovitis with focal ulceration which gradually subsides, and finally, the synovium becomes normal, though various degrees of subsynovial dense fibrosis complication arise.

Background: One of the causes of musculoskeletal pain is trigger points. Trigger point injection is one of the acceptable methods to inactivate the trigger points and provide symptomatic relief. The goal of our study was to compare the effectiveness of the injection without muscle stretching versus stretching immediately after injection of methylprednisolon in the treatment of trigger points. Methods: Seventy patients with pain in the gluteal muscles due to trigger points were recruited after explanation regarding their treatment method. A written consent was collected from the patients prior to their participation in the study. The patients had two office visits and two phone follow-ups. All the patients were treated with injections of Lidocaine and Methylprednisolon. In group (A), injection was administered without stretching. In group (B), stretching of the muscle was performed immediately after the injection. The evaluation tools were Numeric Pain Intensity Scale (NPS), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Brief Pain Inventory Scale (BPI). Results: Results from VAS showed significant difference between the two groups after one month. Significant difference was seen between groups, one month and two months after the injection according to NRS. However, no significant difference was detected between two groups in BPI, except in mood. Conclusion: This study, based upon follow-ups in two months upon injection, highlights the effectiveness of muscle stretching immediately after the injection in the treatment of symptomatic gluteal trigger points.

China Sky One Medical Develops Propyl Gallate Injection.

Regeneron and Bayer initiate Phase III trial of EYLEA^® (aflibercept) injection for the treatment of diabetic macular edema in Asia and Russia.

Crystal Pharmatech and Particle Sciences form a US-China pharmaceutical CRO partnership.

SFDA grants approval for clinical studies to Benapenem.

Chinese scientists develop cheap e-notebook for the blind.

China and India catching up in the innovation stakes.

SINGAPORE – Agilent Technologies and A*STAR’s Bioprocessing Technology Institute Collaborate on New Bioanalytical Methodologies

Malaysia – Malaysian Scientists Published the Latest Results on Colorectal Cancer Screening Using the M2-PK Rapid Test in the Renowned Journal PLOS ONE

Japan – Panasonic’s Solar Lanterns Donated to UNDP Have Begun to be Distributed to Ebola Affected Regions

France – Carbon Capture is a Mirage for Poor Nations

Germany – apceth and University of Cologne to Join Forces on Combination Cellular Immunotherapies for Cancer

Ethiopia – New Development Financing Framework must take into account emerging Global Challenges and be Risk-Informed, says UN Development Chief

Tanzania – DIY Treatment of Malaria Nets could foil Resistant Mosquitoes

Kenya – Diabetes Screening in Kenya – ‘It Takes Only 5 Seconds’

United States & Denmark – Dislike Needles? Novo Nordisk has a Friend for You

United States – Protein Sciences Receives Approval from FDA for 2015/16 Formulation of Flublok® Influenza Vaccine

Five Prime Therapeutics Establishes Strategic Research Collaboration and License Agreement with Inhibrx for Novel GITR Antibodies

Elsevier Launches Health Library to Accelerate Patient Education, Engagement and Outcomes via Direct Access to Trusted Content

Transient characteristics of SiGe-QW laser structures were studied. The excitation of stimulated THz emission is shown to be the result of carrier injection through contacts. The mechanism of intra-center population inversion caused by carrier injection is suggested.

I review some accelerator physics topics for circular as well as linear colliders, considering both lepton and hadron beams.

This study investigated the spray behavior and atomization characteristics of refrigerant R407C injection in a high pressure chamber under various ambient pressure conditions using a spray visualization system and image processing methods. In order to observe the spray behavior of refrigerant R407C, the spray images were analyzed in time series after the start of injection. From images of spraying features, spray characteristics, for example, the spray tip penetration and cone angle were investigated by using the contour map of the light intensity levels. By using these processes, qualitative properties of refrigerant, when it is discharged from the valve, were quantified.

There is increasing demand for domestic and industrial refrigeration, space heating and air conditioning. Heat pump systems offer economical alternatives for recovering heat from different sources for use in these applications. As a renewable energy technology for sustainable environment, the heat pump's high efficiency and low environmental impact have already drawn a fair amount of attention all over the world. Some of these domestic and industrial applications require very low evaporating temperatures and very high condensing temperatures which induce high compressor pressure ratios beyond the practical range for single-stage heat pump cycles. These high pressure ratios also produce low coefficient of performance (COP) values and expose the compressor to high discharge temperature, low volumetric efficiency and damage. However, this challenge can be overcome by adopting two-stage heat pump cycles. In this paper, recent works on two-stage heat pump systems for various applications are reviewed. They include two-stage cycle with intercooling, two-stage cycle with refrigerant injection and two-stage cascade cycle. Research and innovative designs of systems that make use of these two-stage cycles have been able to get heat pumps to handle applications with lower and higher temperatures, while enhancing heating capacity up to 30% and COP up to 31%.

This paper reviews the latest and major research on vapor refrigerant injection techniques. Various vapor refrigerant injection techniques are discussed and compared. Compared to the basic vapor injection (VI) cycle, double-expansion VI cycle, accumulator-VI cycle and the VI cycle in a cascade system are briefly explained. Studies about these various VI cycles do not only prove the performance of VI cycles, but also show variations of VI cycles. Discussions about the fundamental issues of the VI cycle are also presented.

Background: This study was designed to compare the efficacy and complications between 3 different dosages of triamcinolone acetonide for the treatment of trigger finger.

Methods: Ninety-three patients with a total of 120 trigger digits were included in the study. The involved digits were randomized to 3 groups. Each group received treatment consisting of injection with 5, 10 or 20 mg triamcinolone acetonide. The clinical response to the steroid was evaluated during the first six weeks after injection. The success rate was determined at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months after injection.

Results: After the injections, pain and triggering improved gradually and nearly resolved completely at 6 weeks in all dosages. A dose related pattern was found at 3 and 6 months after the injection. The 20 mg group had a significant higher success rate when compared to the 5 and 10 mg at 3 and 6 months. The 10 mg group has significant higher success rate when compare to 5 mg at 3 months. There were no differences of success rate between groups at 9 and 12 months. At 12 months, 7 of 40 digits (17.5%) in the 5 mg group, 7 of 40 digits (17.5%) in the 10 mg group, and 9 of 40 digit (22.5%) in the 20 mg group were without triggering (p = 0.806).

Conclusions: A dose-response characteristic was demonstrated in the treatment of trigger finger with triamcinolone acetonide. Triamcinolone acetonide 5 mg seems to have the lowest success rate.

The main objective of this laboratory project is to investigate the effectiveness of using polyamide grout injection on sand improvement. Soil samples with different dry densities in their loose, medium and dense state (cylindrical shaped) with 5cm diameter and 10cm height are subjected to polyamide injection. In order to investigate the grout injection effect on soil's strength, the specimens are subjected to one dimensional unconfined compression tests. We know that polyamide doesn't mix with water and we should mix it with citric acid. It has been observed that by increasing the polymer percent in polymer-water-citric acid mixture grout, the soil compressive strength and elastic modulus has been improved significantly. In general denser sands presented higher compressive strength and elastic modulus in comparison with looser ones in same polymer percents.