Applications of new methods in extraction of flavonoids from Chinese materia medica / 中草药

Flavonoids are widely found in medicinal plants, which have important medical properties. Flavonoids were proved to have many pharmacological activities, such as anti-oxidation, antitumor, antimutation, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and anti-aging. The extraction of flavonoids is the crucial link in their clinical applications. In recent years, many emerging Chinese medicine extraction methods have also been widely used in the extraction of flavonoids. This paper reviews the current application of new methods for flavonoid extraction, in order to provide references for the extraction, development and utilization of flavonoids. These new extraction methods include supercritical fluid extraction (SFE), ultrasonic assisted extraction (UAE), microwave assisted extraction (MAE), pressurized liquid extraction (PLE), pulsed electric field (PEF) assisted extraction, enzyme assisted extraction (EAE), green solvent extraction, steam explosion assisted extraction, dynamic high pressure microfluidization (DHPM) assisted extraction, etc.

Prácticas educativas familiares (PEF) de familias en condición de extrema pobreza en Cartagena de Indias / Family Educational Practices (PEF) of families in extreme poverty conditions in Cartagena de Indias

Resumen Las prácticas educativas familiares, en el estudio realizado en la ciudad de Cartagena de Indias con familias en condición de pobreza extrema, nos permitió identificar los estilos educativos empleados gracias a los encuentros significativos estructurados desde un enfoque hermenéutico-participativo, donde fue posible analizar las narrativas de los participantes, habitantes del barrio Ciudad del Bicentenario. Este ejercicio investigativo nos reveló las costumbres, actitudes y formas que tienen los padres para orientar la crianza de sus hijos. Así mismo nos permitió registrar algunas de las necesidades del grupo participante.

Abstract The Family Educational Practices, in the study conducted in the city of Cartagena de Indias with families in extreme poverty condition, allowed us to identify the educational styles used thanks to the meaningful encounters, which were structured from a hermeneutic and participatory approach, where it was possible to analyze participants' narratives, who were residents of the Ciudad del Bicentenario neighborhood. This investigative exercise revealed the customs, attitudes and ways that parents have for their children's upbringing. Likewise, it allowed us to record some of the participant group's needs.

Comparison of Enterococcus faecium Bacteremic Isolates from Hematologic and Non-hematologic Patients: Differences in Antimicrobial Resistance and Molecular Characteristics

BACKGROUND: Enterococcus faecium, especially vancomycin-resistant E. faecium (VREfm), is a major concern for patients with hematologic diseases. Exposure to antibiotics including fluoroquinolone, which is used as a routine prophylaxis for patients with hematologic (MH) diseases, has been reported to be a risk factor for infection with vancomycin-resistant eneterocci. We compared the characteristics of E. faecium isolates according to their vancomycin susceptibility and patient group (MH vs non-MH patients). METHODS: A total of 120 E. faecium bacteremic isolates (84 from MH and 36 from non-MH patients) were collected consecutively, and their characteristics (susceptibility, multilocus sequence type [MLST], Tn1546 type, and the presence of virulence genes and plasmids) were determined. RESULTS: Among the vancomycin-susceptible E. faecium (VSEfm) isolates, resistance to ampicillin (97.6% vs 61.1%) and high-level gentamicin (71.4% vs 38.9%) was significantly higher in isolates from MH patients than in those from non-MH patients. Notably, hyl, esp, and pEF1071 were present only in isolates with ampicillin resistance. Among the VREfm isolates, ST230 (33.3%) and ST17 (26.2%) were predominant in MH patients, while ST17 (61.1%) was predominant in non-MH patients. Plasmid pLG1 was more prevalent in E. faecium isolates from MH patients than in those from non-MH patients, regardless of vancomycin resistance. Transposon analysis revealed five types across all VREfm isolates. CONCLUSIONS: The antimicrobial resistance profiles and molecular characteristics of E. faecium isolates differed according to the underlying diseases of patients within the same hospital. We hypothesize that the prophylactic use of fluoroquinolone might have an effect on these differences.

Therapeutic Observation of Acupuncture plus Medication for Cough Variant Asthma / 上海针灸杂志

Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of acupuncture plus oral administration of self-made Chinese herbal decoction in treating cough variant asthma (CVA).Method Sixty-two CVA patients were randomized into a treatment group of 32 cases and a control group of 30 cases.The treatment group was intervened by acupuncture plus oral administration of self-made Chinese herbal decoction,and the control group was intervened by Montelukast sodium tablets.Before and after 3 courses of treatment,the score of cough,eosinophil (EOS) count,pulmonary function tests [peak expiratory flow (PEF),forced vital capacity (FVC),and forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1)] were observed.The clinical efficacies were compared between the two groups.Result After the treatment,the score of cough,EOS count,and pulmonary function tests (PEF,FVC,and FEV1) were changed significantly in both groups (P＜0.05).The score of cough,EOS level and pulmonary function tests in the treatment group were significantly different from those in the control group after the treatment (P＜0.05,P＜0.01).The total effective rate was 93.8％ in the treatment group versus 80.0％ in the control group,and the difference was statistically significant (P＜0.05).Conclusion Acupuncture plus oral administration of self-made Chinese herbal decoction is an effective method in treating CVA.

Correlation between plasma NT-proBNP level and the severity of acute asthmatic attack / 实用医学杂志

Objective To investigate the relationship between the plasma NT-proBNP level and the severity of acute asthmatic attack,and to provide a reference for the assessment of the severity of asthma and the prognosis of patients with acute asthmatic attack. Methods A total of 103 adult patients with mild,moderate,severe,and very severe acute asthmatic attack were enrolled in this study. The difference of plasma NT-proBNP level among groups,and the correlation between plasma NT-proBNP level and APACHE II score(Acute Physiology and Chron-ic Health Evaluation)were investigated.The correlation between plasma NT-proBNP level and Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF)was also studied in each group. Results There was significant difference in plasma NT-proBNP among groups(P < 0.05). Plasma NT-proBNP and APACHE II score was positive correlated(R = 0.767 1,P < 0.05). However,plasma NT-proBNP was negatively correlated with PEF(R =-0.709 7,P < 0.05). Conclusion NT-proBNP can be used as one of the indexes to evaluate the severity of acute asthmatic attack.

Efficacy of Seratrodast, a Thromboxane A2 Receptor Inhibitor in a Double Blind Comparative Clinical Trial with Monteluklast.

Aims: To assess the comparative efficacy, safety and tolerability of seratrodast versus montelukast in controlling mild to moderate asthma in adult patients. Study Design: Randomized, comparative, double blind, double dummy, multi-center, parallel group, non inferiority study. Methods: Patients (n=205) with mild to moderate asthma continuing on the lowest dose of inhaled corticosteroid were recruited from 3 different centers across India. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either seratrodast 80 mg (n=103) or montelukast 10 mg (n=102) once daily for 28 days. The treatments were compared for improvement from the baseline values, as per the changes in asthma symptom score (wheezing, shortness of breath, expectoration, cough and chest tightness), lung function parameters (PEF, FVC and FEV1), sputum and mucociliary parameters [fucose, eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) and albumin]. Results: Seratrodast and montelukast showed improvement in the clinical parameters of asthma as well as in the lung function tests and sputum parameters from baseline. Both the treatments significantly increased mean values of PEF, FVC and FEV1 from the baseline after a 4 week treatment but seratrodast produced significantly greater improvement in PEF (0.416 L/s, P=.01). Moreover, there was significantly more reduction in expectoration score (P=.01), sputum concentrations of ECP (P<.001) and albumin (P<.001) in seratrodast group, signifying improvement in asthma condition. The two treatment groups had similar tolerability profiles. Mild increase in hepatic enzymes was seen in both the groups with no clinical significance. No serious adverse events were observed during the study. Conclusions: Seratrodast, a Thromboxane A2 receptor antagonist, was found to be better in the improvement of PEF, reduction in expectoration, ECP and albumin levels as compared to montelukast. Seratrodast can be recommended as a controller medication in mild to moderate asthma.

Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF) in Relation to Selected Anthropometric Parameters in Healthy Adult Males of Kumaun Region of India: A Comparative Study.

Background: PEF is a reasonably good measure of ventilatory function. It varies with various anthropometric parameters, geographical location of the subjects as well as various disease processes. Objective: To assess the relationship between PEF and certain selected anthropometric parameters and to devise prediction equation based upon these parameters. Materials and Methods: Three hundred healthy male adults in the age group of 18-60 years have been assessed for PEF using Wright Peak Flow Meter. Results: In the age group ≤ 40 years, PEF was on the average greater than in the age group > 40 years. Prediction equations were derived for PEF dependent on age and height in <40 age group and age and weight in >40 years age group. Conclusion: PEF appears to decline with advancing age, and to increase with height in younger subjects and weight in older subjects.

Tratamiento farmacológico para el control de la crisis aguda de asma

En el manejo del episodio agudo de asma, dos aspectos son básicos: la valoración de la gravedad del cuadro y los diferentes escalones en el tratamiento del mismo. La clasificación de la gravedad se basa en parámetros clínicos y funcionales. Los síntomas del asma se asocian no sólo con la broncoconstricción, sino también con inflamación de la vía aérea. Los β2-Agonistas inhalados tienen un rápido inicio de acción broncodilatadora mediada principalmente por un efecto relajante sobre el músculo liso respiratorio. Los corticosteroides también tienen efectos clínicos rápidos que pueden suprimir la inflamación de las vías inferiores. La decisión de hospitalizar se debe basar en el criterio clínico del médico (severidad de la crisis y respuesta a la terapia inicial), así como en factores sociales y comportamentales de cada paciente.

Two aspects are basic in the management of an acute episode of asthma: the assessment of its severity and the different steps that should be taken in its treatment. Classification of severity is based on clinical and functional parameters. Asthma symptoms are associated not only with bronchoconstriction but also with inflammation of the respiratory airway. Inhaled β2-agonists have a rapid onset of bronchodilator action that is mainly mediated by a relaxing effect on the airway smooth muscle. Corticosteroids also have rapid clinical effects that can suppress lower airway inflammation. The decision to hospitalize should be based on the physician's clinical criteria (severity of the crisis and response to initial therapy), as well as social and behavioral factors of each patient.

Experimental models using radionuclides for assessment of the effects of natural drugs

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the extracts of Nectandra membranacea (N. membranacea), Ginkgo biloba (EGb) and Passiflora (PEF) on the morphology of red blood cells (RBC), on the biodistribution of sodium pertechnetate (99mTcO4Na), on the morphology of duodenum and on the labeling of blood constituents (BC, IF-P, IF-BC) with technetium-99m (Tc-99m). Morphometry studies also were performed. The results show that EGb promotes alteration of the labeling of BC, IF-P and IF-BC (p<0.05). The N. membranacea extract does not promote significant alteration of the radiolabeling, and PEF extract alters the IF-P labeling. N. membranacea, EGb and PEF extracts were able to alter the RBC morphology (P<0.05). N. membranacea extract and EGb modifies the biodistribution of the 99mTcO4Na, and EGb influences the morphometry of duodenum isolated from rats (P<0.05).

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito de um extrato de Nectandra (N. membranacea), de Ginkgo (EGb) e de Passiflora e. flavicarpa (PEF) na marcação de constituintes sanguíneos (BC, IF-P, IF-BC) com Tc-99m, na morfologia de hemácias (RBC), na biodistribuição do 99mTcO4Na na morfologia do duodeno. Amostras de sangue foram incubadas com os extratos. Tc-99m foi adicionado e as frações do plasma (IF-P) e da célula (IF-BC) foram isoladas. Estudos morfométricos foram realizados. Os resultados mostram que EGb promove alteração na marcação de BC, IF-P e IF-BC. N. membranacea não altera a radiomarcação e PEF altera a marcação de IF-P. O extrato de N. membranacea, EGb e PEF alteraram a morfologia de RBC (p<0.05). Os extratos de N. membranacea e EGb modificam a biodistribuição do 99mTcO4Na, e o EGb influencia a morfometria (p<0.05) do duodeno de ratos.

The Time Responses of Spirometric Values in Response to Single Doses of Inhaled Salbutamol / 결핵

BACKGROUND: An assessment of the presence and the degree of reversibility of airflow obstruction is clinically important in patients with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. However, the time responses of spirometric parameters in response to bronchodilator have not been well investigated. METHODS: We studied 15 patients with asthma. Spirometric and mini-Wright peak expiratory flow measurements were performed at 15, 30, 45, and 60 minutes after using single dose(200 micro gram) of inhaled bronchodilator, salbutamol. RESULTS: The mean values of forced expiratory volume in one second(FEV1) and forced vital capicaty(FVC) were significantly increased at 60 minutes after using bronchodilator in comparison to 15 minutes. And peak expiratory flow rate measured by either mass flow sensor or mini-Wright peak flow meter were significantly increased at 45 minutes after using bronchodilator in comparison to 15 minutes. CONCLUSIONS: To appropriate evaluation of the bronchodilator response in patients with reversible airflow limitation, it would be useful measuring either FEV1 or PEF at the later time point 60 or 45 minutes in comparison to 15 minutes after using bronchodilator.

Peak Expiratory Flow(PEF) Measured by Peak Flow Meter and Correlation Between PEF and Other Ventilatory Parameters in Healthy Children / 결핵

BACKGROUND: In diagnosis or monitor of the airway obstruction in bronchial asthma, the measurement of FEV1 in the standard method because of its reproducibility and accuracy. But the measurement of peak expiratory flow(PEF) by peak flow meter is much simpler and easier than that of FEV1 especially in children. Yet there have been still no data of the predicted normal values of PEF measured by peak flow meter in Korean children. This study was conducted to provide equations to predict the normal value of PEF and correlation between PEF and FEV1 in healthy children. METHOD: PEF was measured by MiniWright peak flow meter, and the forced expiratory volume and the maximum expiratory flow volume curves were measured by Microspiro HI 501(Chest Co.) in 346 healthy children (age:5-16 years, 194 boys and 152 girls) without any respiratory symptoms during 2 weeks before the study. The regression equations for various ventilatory parameters according to age and/or height, and the regression equations of FEV1 by PEF were derived. RESULTS: 1. The regression equation for PEF(L/min) was:12.6×age(year)+3.4×height(cm)-263(R2=0.85) in boys, and 6×age(year)+3.9×height(cm)-293(R2=0.82) in girls. 2. The value of FEFmax(L/sec) derived from the maximum expiratory flow volume curves was multiplied by 60 to compare with PEF(L/min), and PEF was faster by 125 L/min in boys and 118 L/min in girls, respectively. 3. The regression equation for FEV1(ml) by PEF(L/min) was:7×PEF-550(R2=0.82) in boys, and 5.8×PEF-146(R2=0.81) in girls, respectively. CONCLUSION: This study provides regression equations predicting the normal values of PEF by age and/or height in children. And the equations for FEV1, a gold standard of ventilatory function, was predicted by PEF. So, in taking care of children with airway obstruction, PEF measured by the peak flow meter can provide useful information.

Validity of Peak Expiratory Flow for Assessing Reversible Airflow Obstruction / 결핵

BACKGROUNDS: Assessment of the presence and degree of reversibility of airflow obstruction is clinically important in patients with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The measurement of peak expiratory flow(PEF) is a simple, fast, and cheap method to assess the severity of obstruction and its degree of reversibility. Assessing the reversibility of airflow obstruction by peak expiratory flow(PEF) measurements would be is practicable in general practice, but its usefulness has not been well investigated. We compared PEF and FEV1 in assessing reversibility of airflow obstruction in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or asthma and developed a practical criterion for assessing the presence of reversibility in general practice. METHODS: PEF measurements were performed (Spirometry) in 80 patients(aged 24-78) with a history of asthma or chronic obstructive lung disease before and after the inhalation of 200 mg salbutamol. The change in PEF was compared with the change in forced expiratory volume in one second(FEV1). Reversible airflow obstruction was analysed analyzed according to American Thoracic Society(ATS) criteria. RESULTS: When defined as a 12% A 12% increase above the prebronchodilator value and a 200ml increase in either FVC or FEV1 reversibility was were observed in 45%(36) of the patients. Relative operating characteristic(ROC) analysis showed that an absolute improvement in PEF of 30l/min gave optimal discrimination between patients with reversible and irreversible airflow obstruction(the sensitivity and specificity of an increase of 30l/min in detecting a 12% increase above the prebronchodilator value and a 200ml increase in either FVC or FEV1 were 72.2% and 72.7% respectively, with a positive predictive value of 68.4%) CONCLUSIONS: Absolute changes in PEF can be used to diagnose reversible airflow obstruction.

The Normal Predicted Value of Peak Expiratory Flow(PEF) Measured by the Peak Flow Meter and Correlation Between PEF and Other Ventilatory Parameters / 결핵

BACKGROUND: For the diagnosis or evaluation of airway obstruction in bronchial asthma and chronic obstructive lung disorders, various parameters derived from the forced expiratory volume curve and maximal expiratory flow volume cutie have been used. Recently the peak expiratory flow(PEF) measured by the peak flow meter is widely used because of its simplicity and convenience. But there were still no data of the predicted normal values measured by the peak flow meter in Korea. This study was to obtain the predicted normal value of PEF and to know the accuracy of this value 18 predict FEV1. METHOD: The measurements of PEF by the MiniWright peak flow meter and several parameters derived from the forced expiratory volume and maximal expiratory flow volume curves by the Microspiro HI 501(Chest Co.) were done in 129 men and 125 women without previous history of the respiratory diseases. The predicted normal values of parameters according tc the age and the height were obtained, and the regression equation of FEV1 by PEF was calculated. RESULTS: The predicted normal values of PEF(L/min) were 2.45 Age(year)+1.36 Height(cm)+427 in men and -0.96 Age(year)+2.01 Height(cm)+129 in women. FEFmax derived from the maximal expiratory flow volume cutie was less than by 125 L/min in men art 118 L/min in women respectively compared to PEF. FEV,(ml) predicted by PEF was 5.98 PEF(L/min) 303 in men and 4.61 PEF(L/min) 291 in women respectively. CONCLUSION: The predicted normal value of PEF measured by the peak flow meter was calculated and it could be used as a standard value of PEF while taking care of patients with airway obstruction FEV1, the gold standard of ventilatory function could be predicted by PEF to a certain extent.

On the Traditional Medical Treasures of Zhou Yi(also known as "the book of changes") and Qian Jin(Precious Essential Formulary,PEF) / 中国医学伦理学

The traditional medical treasures of zhouyi and qianjin have much in common in the aspects of logic approach,recognition characteristics,values conception,theory construction,and category system,which demonstrate that the two doctrines are closely related both geographically and historically. Bearing the same cultural genes and value orientation,sharing similar constructions of logic approaches and recognition characteristics,the two doctrines contain a great deal of wisdom in recognition and practice.