Nutritional Content of Vietnamese Edible Bird’s Nest from Selected Regions

Aims: Edible bird’s nest is well known as health food and Chinese’s traditional medicine. Edible bird’s nest is made from saliva secretions of the swiftlets, genus Aerodramus, whose habitats are Southeast Asian countries. This study reports on the nutritional content of edible bird’s nest of two different sources - house-farmed bird’s nest (Long An and Kien Giang Province) and cave bird’s nest (Khanh Hoa Province) in Vietnam. Methodology: Samples were collected from three different selected regions of Vietnam. Determination of protein, lipid and carbohydrate content was performed by AOAC Official Method 2001.12 (2005), AOAC Official Method 986.25 (2012) and FAO (1986), respectively. Meanwhile, Analysis of amino acid was conducted using Shimadzu gas chromatography equipped with flame ionization detector (GC-FID 2010) (EZ: faastTM USER’S MANUAL). Results: Analytical results showed that the most abundant component found in these edible bird’s nests was protein (49.43 - 51.17%), followed by carbohydrate (36.93 - 38.53%), and lipid (0.01 - 0.04%). Fifteen amino acids including seven essential amino acids were found in the house-farmed bird’s nest while seventeen amino acids including eight essential were identified in cave bird’s nest. Proline (3.68 - 4.69%), aspartic acid (3.58 - 4.52%), and serine (3.74 - 4.09%) were the major amino acids found in both house-farmed and cave bird’s nests while lysine was found to be the lowest concentration (0.74 - 0.87%). Methionine and 4-hydroxyproline were presented only in the cave bird’s nest. Conclusion: These findings indicate that there has been no significant difference in the content of protein, carbohydrate, and lipid (p > .05); however, the quality and quantity of some amino acids could be considered to be one of the key factors making the difference (p < .05) between house-farmed and cave edible bird’s nest.

Investigation on the in vitro antioxidant capacity of methanol extract, fractions and flavones from Oroxylum indicum Linn bark

ABSTRACT Antioxidants from natural sources hold high values regarding their indispensible roles in the development of nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals and cosmetic products. Oroxylum indicum L. is a common medicinal plant with a wide range of therapeutic properties, including a notable antioxidant potency that was reported, yet has not been subjected to more detailed studies. The present study evaluated the potency of Oroxylum indicum methanol stem bark extract, along with its hexane, ethyl acetate, methanol fractions, three flavones including baicalein, oroxylin A and chrysin using DPPH assay. In terms of IC50 values, the crude extract (65,48 µg/mL) exhibited moderate inhibitory activity which was as half potent as that of its ethyl acetate fraction (32,94 µg/mL). This fraction was also superior to the methanol and hexane fractions, as their IC50 were 57,19 and 137,95 µg/mL respectively. Remarkably, a yellow powdery sub-fraction consisted of isolated compounds showed powerful activity (32,89 µg/mL) compared to those of its components, revealing the intriguing effect of synergism while giving evidence for the theory of structure-activity relationship between some flavones and their antioxidant capability. Perpetual search for new radical scavenging agents in Oroxylum indicum is emboldened considering its partially exploited potential in this study

The Value of Therapeutic Drug Monitoring of Vancomycin in Treatment in a Tertiary Hospital, Cho Ray Hospital, Viet Nam.

Aims: To evaluate the value of therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) of vancomycin in clinical practice. Methods: To review retrospectively on 292 hospital cases (111 females, 181 males) treated with vancomycin, July to October 2014, at ChoRay Hospital. The main evaluating parameters were TDM criteria for vancomycin (dose, dosing interval, times of monitoring), trough level, dose adjustment, renal function follow-up, minimum inhibitory concentration of infectious agents, clinical response. Results: Two hundred seventy-five patients (94.2%) received routine dose of 1 g vancomycin per IV infusion time. Dosing interval was given correctly to estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) level 80.8% (235/291). The 1st monitoring after 9th dose was in 139 cases (47.6%). Trough level was lower than 10 mg/L in 86 patients (29.5%), higher than 20 mg/L in 96 (32.9%), and 110 in optimal range 10-20 mg/L (37.7%). Age and eGFR were 2 independent predictors for trough level. Dose adjustment were done in 6.9% (6/86) patients ≤ 10 mg/L, 20.8% (20/96) ones >20 mg/L, and 11.8% (13/110) ones 10-20 mg/L. Vancomycin concentrations in young patients were lower than those in elderly ones with OR = 5.9 [95%CI: 2.6 – 14.0], p = 0.0001. Response sensitivity was 69.3% (13/19) for dose reduction, and 83.3% (5/6) for dose increase. Dose adjustment did not make change in trough level compared to unadjusted ones. Nephrotoxicity rate was found as 8.4%. Treatment failure was 50% in patients with trough concentration/minimum inhibition concentration ratio ≤ 10 compared to 15% in ones with higher ratio > 10, p = 0.034. The failure rate was highest in patients received vancomycin ≤ 7 days (22/70: 31.4%), OR: 4 (2.0-7.7) p=0.002. The clinical AUC/MIC ratio cut-off, 190 mg/L/day, had 75.9% and 66.7%, respectively for sensitivity and specificity to predict the success result in treatment. Conclusion: The criteria of TDM on vancomycin were not applied strictly, especially for dosing intervals, dosing adjustment and follow-up thereafter. The clinical pharmacodynamics of vancomycin is dependent on both concentration and duration of treatment.

In vitro Antioxidant and Anticancer Properties of Active Compounds from Methanolic Extract of Pteris multifida Poir. Leaves.

Aims: To isolate pure compounds from the methanolic fraction obtained from successive fractionation of defatted ethanolic extract and evaluate in vitro antioxidant and anticancer activity of the crude ethanolic extract, methanolic fraction and pure compounds isolated from methanolic fraction from leaves of Pteris multifida Poir. Study Design: Isolation and identification of the compounds, evaluation of antioxidant and anticancer activity on cervical cancer cell line (HeLa), lung carcinoma cell line (NCIH460) and breast carcinoma cell line (MCF-7). Place and Duration of Study: Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology of Ho Chi Minh City and School of Biotechnology, International University, Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, between December 2012 and September 2013. Methodology: The crude ethanolic leaf extract and methanolic fraction obtained from successive fractionation of defatted ethanolic extract from Pteris multifida leaves were prepared. The isolated compounds from methanolic fraction were identified using different spectroscopic techniques. Antioxidant activity of the samples was evaluated by using the stable free radical 2, 2- diphenyl picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). Sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay was exploited for determination of anticancer activity against three selected human cancer cell lines: HeLa, NCI-H460 and MCF-7. Results: Two main compounds were isolated from methanolic fraction obtained from successive fractionation of defatted ethanolic extract: rutin (1) and apigenin-7-O-β-Dglucopyranoside (2). The crude ethanolic leaf extract showed weak antioxidant activity (IC50 = 89.84 μg/mL) whereas the methanolic fraction expressed quite strong antioxidant activity (IC50 = 21.9 μg/mL). Rutin (1) showed a good ingredient of antioxidant activity with IC50 value of 37.70 ± 0.03 μg/mL. Crude ethanolic leaf extract had cytotoxic activity against HeLa and NCI-H460 cell lines while the methanolic fraction had cytotoxic activity against HeLa, NCI-H460 and MCF-7 cell lines. Apigenin-7-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (2) had strong anticancer activity against MCF-7 cell line with IC50 = 22.62 ± 0.59 μg/mL. Conclusion: The crude ethanolic leaf extract and its methanolic fraction of P. multifida showed the potential activity in antioxidant and anticancer activity. Rutin had a potent antioxidant activity while apigenin-7-O-β-D-glucopyranoside had a strong anticancer activity against the human breast adenocarcinoma cell line MCF-7.

Possible association between recent migration and hospitalisation for dengue in an urban population: A prospective case-control study in northern Vietnam

A prospective case–control study was conducted in urban districts in Hanoi, northern Vietnam to evaluate the effect of migration on the risk of hospitalisation for dengue in a Vietnamese urban population. We enrolled laboratory-confirmed dengue patients aged >18 years who were hospitalised in local hospitals in November and December 2010. Four neighbourhood-matched controls for each case were recruited within a week of hospitalisation. Sociodemographic data were collected by interviews, and the number of immature and adult mosquitoes within household premises was counted by entomological survey. Matched-pair analyses were conducted using conditional logistic regression models. Among 43 cases and 168 controls, 84% and 83% were migrants from rural areas, respectively. Although statistical significance was marginal, recent migration (residing in study area for 6 years) did not change the risk (aOR = 1.1; 95% CI = 0.30–4.05). Younger age (18–34 years) (aOR = 7.26; 95% CI = 2.39–22.06) and higher adult Aedes aegypti infestation level within household premises (aOR = 9.25; 95% CI = 1.68–51.09) were also independently associated with hospitalisation for dengue. Recent migration from rural areas seems to increase the risk of hospitalisation for dengue in urban populations in endemic areas. Further research including cohort study should be done to confirm the impact of migration on the risk of dengue in urban areas.

Preparation and Evaluation of Annona glabra L. Leaf Extract Contained Alginate Film for Burn Healing.

Aims: To prepare and evaluate herbal wound dressing comprising of Annona glabra L. leaf extract and calcium alginate on experimental animal models. Study design: Qualitative analysis for phytochemicals was carried out. Wound dressing material was formulated and characterized before the efficacy of formula was evaluated. Place and Duration of Study: School of Biotechnology, International University, Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, between August, 2012 and May, 2013. Methodology: Phytochemicals from ethanol leaf extract were screened by standard methods. Extract-loaded calcium alginate films were first dried cast from the gel formulations of 1.0%, 2.0%, 3.0%, 4.0%, and 0% (w/v) extract. The dried film morphologies and in vivo wound healing profiles were then investigated. Third-degree burn wounds were induced in Swiss albino mice divided into seven groups of 5 mice each. Groups I-V were given formula containing 1.0%, 2.0%, 3.0%, 4.0%, and 0% (w/v) extract, respectively. Group VI (negative control) received no treatment at all while group VII (positive control) was applied the standard dressing, Urgo Algoplaque (Laboratories Urgo). Results: Phytoconstituents that were detected including flavonoids, glycosides, saponins tannins, steroids, acidic compounds, and anthraquinones. There was a negligible difference in the physicochemical appearance of the prepared dressings. The topical application of these extract-loaded films with a dose of up to 4% extract accelerated significantly (P<0.001) wound healing process compared to the standard dressing Urgo Algoplaque. Groups I-IV were healed in a mean time of 16.8, 14.6, 11.6, and 11 days respectively, which were even faster than that of the standard dressing (18.4 days). The most prominent formula facilitated wound contraction without dermal irritation was the film impregnated 3.0% extract. Conclusion: Administration of the A. glara contained dressing promotes burn healing as evidenced by decreased healing time and faster wound contraction. It could be stated that A. glabra leaves possess wound healing property.

Toxicity Assessment of Titanium (IV) Oxide Nanoparticles Using Daphnia magna (Water Flea)

OBJECTIVES: Titanium dioxide (TiO2), a common nanoparticle widely used in industrial production, is one of nano-sized materials. The purpose of this study was to determine the acute and chronic toxicity of TiO2 using different size and various concentrations on Daphnia magna. METHODS: In the acute toxicity test, four concentrations (0, 0.5, 4, and 8 mM) for TiO2 with 250 or 500 nm and five concentrations (0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, and 1 mM) for TiO2 with 21 nm were selected to analyze the toxic effect to three groups of ten daphnia neonates over 96 hours. In addition, to better understand their toxicity, chronic toxicity was examined over 21 days using 0, 1, and 10 mM for each type of TiO2. RESULTS: Our results showed that all organisms died before the reproduction time at a concentration of 10 mM of TiO2. In addition, the exposure of anatase (21 nm) particles were more toxic to D. magna, comparing with that of anatase (250 nm) and rutile (500 nm) particles. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicated that TiO2 had adverse impacts on the survival, growth and reproduction of D. magna after the 21days exposure. In addition, the number of test organisms that were able to reproduce neonates gradually were reduced as the size of TiO2 tested was decreased.

Expandable Cage for Cervical Spine Reconstruction

OBJECTIVE: Expandable cage used for spinal reconstruction after corpectomy has several advantages over nonexpendable cages. Here we present our clinical experience with the use of this cage after anterior column corpectomy with an average of one year follow up. METHODS: Ten patients underwent expandable cage reconstruction of the anterior column after single-level or multilevel corpectomy for various cervical spinal disorders. Anterior plating with or without additional posterior instrumentation were performed in all patients. Functional outcomes, complications, and radiographic outcomes were determined. RESULTS: There was no cage-related complication. Functionally, neurological examination revealed improvement in 7 of 10 patients and no patient had neurological deterioration after the surgery. Immediate stability was achieved and maintained throughout the period of follow-up. There was minimal subsidence (<2mm) noticeable in three of the cases that underwent a two-level corpectomy. Subsidence was noted in osteoporotic patients and patients undergoing multi-level corpectomies. Average pre-operative kyphotic angle was 9 degrees. This was corrected to an average of 5.4 degrees in lordosis postoperatively. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, expandable cages are safe and effective devices for vertebral body replacement after cervical corpectomy when used in combination with anterior plating with or without additional posterior stabilization. The advantages of using expandable cages include its ability to easily accommodate itself into the corpectomy defect, its ability to tightly purchase into the endplates after expansion and thus minimizing the potential for migration, and finally, its ability to correct kyphosis deformity via its in vivo expansion properties.

Changes in number of erythrocytes and hemoglobin in patients with idiopathic aplastic anemia treated with cyclosporine A

This study involved 27 patients with idiopathic aplastic anemia who were treated from November 1995 to November 1997. Among these, 13 cases received 1.5 mg/kg/day of prednisone and 14 cases received 4 mg/kg/day of cyclosporin-A. Results showed that the number of erythrocytes and hemoglobin have increased in cyclosporin group, but not in prednisone group (p>0.05) during three months of treatment. After 3-month course of treatment, the cyclosporin group had better result in comparison with other group.

Variation of T lympho counts in peripheral blood of idiopathic aplastic anemia patients and the treatment with cyclosporine

From 11/1995 to 4/1999 we treated by prednisone for 15 patients and CsA for 16 ones with idiopathic aplastic anemia. Results:- Prednison did not change significantly TCD3, TCD4 and TCD8 colony count comparing with pre-treatment (P>0.05).- CsA decreased clearly TCD3 colony count after 1st, 6th month (P0.05). Conclusions: CsA has more suppressive effect on T-cell colonies, mainly TCDz3 and TCD8 than Prednisone and therefore it may be chosen to treat patients with idiopathic aplastic anemia without indication for bone marrow transplantation.

Changes of thrombocyte and leucocyte in patients with the essential bone marrow failure treated by cyclosporin A

From 11/95 to 11/97 we treated 27 patients with idiopathic aplastic anemia in which 13 treated with idiopathic aplastic anemia in which 13 treated with prednisolon and 14 cases with prednisolon. The results showed that the number of WBC, neutrophils and platelets have not increased in the group treated with cyclosporin A in the course of three months treatment. The group treated with cyclosporin A gave better than the results in comparison with group treated with prednisonlon after one month of treatment.

Results of treatment of marrow failure by cyclosporine in Cho Ray Hospital during 1995-1999

After 2 months, more patients in the cyclosporine group had a complete or partial remission in response to the treatment than did patients in the prednison group (53,85% and 7,69%; P0,05. Hb concentration > 90g/l is 81,8% granulocyte counts >1,56G/l is 72,72%, platelet counts >100G/l is only 36,36%. 2 patients with responses in the cyclosponrine group relapsed after 24 months of treatment. Survival rate of patients in the cyclosporine group is 15/16 (93,57%) and in the prednison group is 6/15 (40%), P<0,05. Conclusion: Immunosuppressive treatment of aplastic anemia with cyclosponrine appears to be more effective than prednison and may represents a treatment of choice for patients with idiopathic aplastic anemia who are not eligible for bone marrow transplantation.