Xanthones and 4-Phenylcoumarins from the Twigs of Mesua beccariana (Baill.) Kosterm

Two xanthones and 4-phenylcoumarins were isolated from the twigs of Mesua beccariana (Baill.) Kosterm. Among them, one new xanthone, beccarianin A (1), along with 7-isoprenyl-jacareubin (2), mammea A/ AA cyclo F (3), and mammea A/BA cyclo F (4). These structures were determined by spectrometric and spectroscopic methods, HRESIMS data, NMR, and UV spectra. Two xanthones (1-2) and two 4-phenylcoumarins (3-4) were evaluated for their cytotoxic effect on the HeLa cells. Compound 1 showed active activity (IC50 = 8.2 µM), and compounds 3-4 showed moderate activity (IC50 = 12.3 and 15.6 µM, respectively).

Two New Flavanones from the Leaves of Flemingia lineata (L.) Aiton

Three isoprenylated flavanones were isolated from the leaves of Flemingia lineata (L.) Aiton. Among them are two new flavanones, flemilineatins A and B (1 - 2), along with 6-isoprenyl eridioctyol (3). Their structures were determined using HRESIMS data and NMR spectra. Flavanones 1 - 3 were assayed in the HeLa cancer cells. Compound 1 showed moderate activity with an IC 50 value of 11.2 µM.

Determination of Plasma Concentration of Harmine Derivative DH- 330 by UPLC-MS and Its Pharmacokinetics Ev aluation in Rats / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE： To establish a method for the determination of harmine derivative DH-330 in rat plasma and to use it for pharmacokinetic behavior evaluation of DH-330 in rats after intragastric administration. METHODS： Using tinidazole as internal standard， after pre-treatment of acetonitrile precipitated protein， UPLC-MS method was adopted to determine the plasma concentration of DH-330. UPLC analysis was performed on Waters ACQUITY BEH C18 column （50 mm×2.1 mm，1.7 μm） with mobile phase consisted of acetonitrile-methanol-0.5％ formic acid aqueous solution（15 ∶ 55 ∶ 30， V/V/V） at flow rate of 0.4 mL/min， while the column temperature was 30 ℃， and sample size was 5 μL. MS analysis was conducted by electrospray ionization source， positive ion scanning， ion source temperature at 124 ℃， DH-330 detection of mass to charge ratio （m/z） of 335.8→334.8， and internal standard m/z of 247.0→81.0. Six Wistar rats were given DH-330 suspension（50 mg/kg） intragastrically. Blood samples were collected from fundus venous plexus capillary before administration （0 h） and 0.25，0.5，1，2，4，6，8，12，24 h after administration. Plasma concentration of DH-330 was determined and plasma concentration-time curves were drawn. Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated by using Kinetica 5.0 software. RESULTS： The linear ranges of DH-330 were 25.05-2 004 ng/mL（r＝0.999 8），and the limits of quantitation was 25.05 ng/mL. RSDs of intra-day and inter-day were all less than 10％. The accuracy RE was －9.76％ to 4.55％. The extraction recovery was higher than 85％（RSD＜5％）. Stability RE was －2.53％ to 2.29％. They were not affected by matrix effect or residual effect of injection. The pharmacokinetic parameters of DH-330 in rats after intragastric administration included that cmax was （1 162.43±241.72）ng/mL，AUC0-∞ was （3 242.93±652.31）ng·h/mL，t1/2 was （1.93±0.61）h， MRT was （3.23±0.30）h，CL was （16.80±5.30）L/h·kg， Vss was （54.78±19.64）L/kg. CONCLUSIONS： The established method is simple， specific， sensitive， precise and recovery， which can be used for the plasma concentration determination of DH-330 in rats. DH-330 has short half-life， rapid absorption and large apparent distribution volume after intragastric administration in rats， which indicates that it has high lipophilicity and may be mainly distributed in tissues.

Effects of Yili dark bee propolis on oral cariogenic biofilm in vitro / 华西口腔医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the effects of Yili dark bee propolis on the main cariogenic biofilm and mechanisms.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Susceptibilities to the ethanolic extract of propolis against Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans), Streptococcus sobrinus (S. sobrinus), Streptococcus sanguis (S. sanguis), Actinomyces viscosus (A. viscosus), and Actinomyces naeslundii (A. naeslundii) were analyzed by crystal violet stain method to determine the minimum biofilm eradication concentration (MBEC). The biofilm was initially cultivated for 24 h. Subsequently, the propolis groups with different concentration MBEC and initial pH 7.0 were cultured for 24 h. Moreover, the pH value was measured to evaluate the acid-producing ability of the tested plaque biofilm. The effects of propolis on the insoluble extracellular polysaccharide synthesis of S. mutans biofilm were evaluated by anthrone method.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The MBEC of Yili propolis on S. mutans, S. sobrinus, S. sanguis, A. viscosus, and A. naeslundii were 6.25, 1.56, 3.13, 0.78, and 0.78 mg.mL-1, respectively. Propolis could decrease the ΔpH of the tested plaque biofilm, and the differences between the control and propolis groups were statistically significant (P<0.05). At MBEC, propolis could reduce the ability of S. mutans in synthesizing insoluble extracellular polysaccharides.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Yili propolis demonstrate remarkable eradicative effects on the cariogenic plaque biofilm, showing inhibition of the synthesis of biofilm-produced acids and insoluble extracellular polysaccharides.</p>

Anxiety and Depressive Symptoms among Ischaemic Heart Disease Patients in a Malaysian Tertiary University Hospital

Anxiety and depression were known to bring detrimental outcome in patients with ischemic heart disease (IHD). Notwithstanding their high prevalence and catastrophic impact, anxiety and depression were unrecognized and untreated. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of anxiety and depression among IHD patients and the association of this condition with clinical and selected demographic factors. This was a cross-sectional study on 100 IHD patients admitted to medical ward in UKMMC. Patients diagnosed to have IHD were randomly assessed using Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and Perceived Social Support (PSS) Questionnaire. Socio-demographic data were obtained by direct interview. Fifteen percent of IHD patients in this sample were noted to have anxiety, fourteen percent noted to have depression while thirty two percent was noted to have both anxiety and depression. Patients’ age group and the duration of illness were found to have significant association with anxiety. Socio-demographic data were obtained by direct interview. Fifteen percent of IHD patients in this sample were noted to have anxiety, fourteen percent noted to have depression while thirty two percent was noted to have both anxiety and depression. Patients’ age group and the duration of illness were found to have significant association wit¬h anxiety. The other clinical and selected demographic factors such as gender, race, marital status, education level, occupation, co-existing medical illness and social support were not found to be significantly associated with anxiety or depression among the IHD patients. In conclusion, proper assessment of anxiety and depression in IHD patients, with special attention to patients’ age and duration of illness should be carried out routinely to help avert detrimental consequences.​

A study on the use of abbreviations among doctors and nurses in the medical department of a tertiary hospital in Malaysia

Introduction: Misinterpretation of abbreviations by healthcare professionals has been reported to compromise patient safety. This study was done to determine the prevalence of abbreviations usage among medical doctors and nurses and their ability to interpret commonly used abbreviations in medical practice. Methods: Seventy-seven medical doctors and eighty nurses answered a self-administered questionnaire designed to capture demographic data and information regarding abbreviation use in medical practice. Comparisons were made between doctors and nurses with regards to frequency and reasons for using abbreviations; from where abbreviations were learned; frequency of encountering abbreviations in medical practice; prevalence of medical errors due to misinterpretation of abbreviations; and their ability to correctly interpret commonly used abbreviations. Results: The use of abbreviations was highly prevalent among doctors and nurses. Time saving, avoidance of writing sentences in full and convenience, were the main reasons for using abbreviations. Doctors learned abbreviations from fellow doctors while nurses learned from fellow nurses and doctors. More doctors than nurses reported encountering abbreviations. Both groups reported no difficulties in interpreting abbreviations although nurses reported often resorting to guesswork. Both groups felt abbreviations were necessary and an acceptable part of work. Doctors outperformed nurses in correctly interpreting commonly used standard and non-standard abbreviations. Conclusion: The use of standard and non-standard abbreviation in clinical practice by doctors and nurses was highly prevalent. Significant variability in interpretation of abbreviations exists between doctors and nurses.

A comparative study on how medical students learn about the use of abbreviations in medical practice

Background: Misinterpretation of abbreviations by healthcare workers has been reported to compromise patient safety. Medical students are future doctors. We explored how early medical students acquired the practice of using abbreviations, and their ability to interpret commonly used abbreviations in medical practice. Method: Eighty junior and 74 senior medical students were surveyed using a self-administered questionnaire designed to capture demographic data; frequency and reasons for using abbreviations; from where abbreviations were learned; frequency of encountering abbreviations in medical practice; prevalence of mishaps due to misinterpretation; and the ability of students to correctly interpret commonly used abbreviations. Comparisons were made between senior and junior medical students. Results: Abbreviation use was highly prevalent among junior and senior medical students. They acquired the habit mainly from the clinical notes of doctors in the hospital. They used abbreviations mainly to save time, space and avoid writing in full sentences. The students experienced difficulties, frustrations and often resorted to guesswork when interpreting abbreviations; with junior students experiencing these more than senior students. The latter were better at interpreting standard and nonstandard abbreviations. Nevertheless, the students felt the use of abbreviations was necessary and acceptable. Only a few students reported encountering mishaps in patient management as a result of misinterpretation of abbreviations. Conclusion: Medical students acquired the habit of using abbreviations early in their training. Senior students knew more and correctly interpreted more standard and non-standard abbreviations compared to junior students. Medical students should be taught to use standard abbreviations only.

Road Map for Scaling up for Human Health for Improved Health Service Delivery in the African Region 2012-2025

Ensuring the availability of sufficient numbers of qualified health workers in the right place is essential for delivering quality health services to the population. Existing weaknesses in health systems including shortage of skilled human resources for health (HRH) 1 in most African countries is recognized as a major impediment to delivery of essential interventions and progress towards achieving health objectives. Of the 46 countries in the Region; 36 have critical shortage of HRH with only about 0.8 physicians; nurses and midwives per 1000 of the population while the minimum acceptable density threshold is 2.3 per 1 000 population. The estimated shortage of doctors; nurses and midwives in the Region was 820 000 in 2006. When all categories of health workers are included; the shortfall is estimated at 1.4 million. Migration of qualified health workers; inadequate remuneration and incentives; poor distribution of the available health workers; under investment in the production of sufficient health workers; inadequate capacity of HRH departments to carry out the main HRH functions and; low implementation of most of the existing plans are identified as the main causes of the present situation that constitutes a key impediment to meeting the needs for health care delivery for all. There are significant disparities between rural areas and urban areas; with shortages in the rural areas. Over 90 of pharmacists and dentists practise in urban areas. The situation is the same for other cadres; as medical specialists (86 ); general physicians (63 ) and nurses and midwives (51) serve mainly urban areas. The challenges facing the countries are uneven and pose a strategic threat to national and regional health systems development and the overall well- being of populations in the Region. A number of major and pressing HRH challenges are identified The road map recognizes that sustained political; institutional and financial commitment with the involvement of different critical stakeholders and partners that influence HRH production; availability and performance is critical to improving HRH development at country level. The road map builds on a number of national; subregional; regional and global efforts and has six strategic areas for achieving the objectives: strengthening health workforce leadership and governance capacity; strengthening HRH regulatory capacity; scaling up education and training of health workers; optimizing the utilization; retention and performance of the active health workforce; improving health workforce information and generation of evidence for decision-making; and strengthening health workforce dialogue and partnership. Each of these strategic areas has a set of identified priority interventions for achieving the objectives. It is recognized that implementation of the road map will require the commitment and collaboration of all stakeholders and partners under the leadership of national governments

Effect of Qizil Guliqent on gastrointestinal hormone in rats / 中国基层医药

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of Qizil guliqent on gastrointestinal hormone in normal rats.MethodsThe rats in experimental groups were administered with Qizil guliqent(4g/kg,6g/kg,8g/kg ),madinglin (0.0027g/kg),and the rats in normal control group were given 0.5％ CMC-Na for twenty days.The method ELISA was used to detect the content of gastric motility(MTL),vasoactive intestinal peptide(VIP) and Gastrin(GAS) in serum of normal rats.ResultsIn comparison with normal control group,VIP increased in Qizil guliqent group(4g/kg,6g/kg) (P ＜0.05 ～P ＜ 0.01 );but MTL,GAS were not significantly changed in this group( P ＞ 0.05 ).MTL,GAS were increased in Qizil guliqent group ( 8g/kg ) and madinglin group (0.0027g/kg) ( P ＜ 0.05 ) ; but VIP was not significantiy changed in this group(P ＞ 0.05 ).ConclusionQizil guliqent could regulate gastrointestinal hormones in rats,and dose related.

New neolignan from seed of Myristica fragrans / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the chemical constituents in the nutmeg (seed of Myristica fragrans).</p><p><b>METHOD</b>The chemical constituents were isolated by various column chromatographic methods and structurally elucidated by IR, NMR and MS evidences.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>Fifteen compounds were obtained and identified as myristicin (1), methyleugenol (2), safrole (3), 2, 3-dihydro-7-methoxy-2(3, 4-methylenedioxyphenyl)-3-methyl-5-(E) -propenyl-benzofuran (4), dehydrodiisoeugenol (5), 2, 3-dihydro-7-methoxy-2-(3-methoxy-4, 5-methylenedioxyphenyl) -3-methyl-5-(E)-propenyl-benzofuran (6), erythro-2-(4-allyl-2, 6-dimethoxyphenoxy)-1-(3, 4-dimetho- xyphenyl) propane (7), erythro-2-(4-allyl-2, 6-dimethoxyphenoxy)-1-(3, 4, 5-trimethoxyphenyl) propane (8), erythro-2-(4-allyl-2, 6-dimethoxyphenoxy)-1-(3, 4-dimethoxyphenyl) propan-1-ol acetate (9), erythro-2-(4-allyl-2, 6-dimethoxyphenoxy)-1-(3, 4-dimethoxyphenyl) propan-1-ol (10), erythro-2-(4-allyl-2, 6-dimethoxyphenoxy)-1-(3, 4, 5-trimethoxyphenyl) propan-1-ol (11), 5-methoxy-dehydrodiisoeugenol (12), erythro-2-(4-allyl-2, 6-dimethoxyphenoxy)-1-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-propan-1-ol (13), guaiacin (14) and threo-2-(4-allyl-2, 6-dimethoxyphenoxy)-1-(3-methoxy-5-hydroxy-phenyl) propan-1-ol (15).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Compound 15 is a new compound and named myrisisolignan. Compound 7 is isolated from the genus Myristica for the first time.</p>

Biocompatibility of polycaprolactone with bone marrow stromal cells / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND: Bone defect repair is a difficulty in orthopedic field all the time, researches on the tissue engineered bone tissue have provided completely new thoughts and methods for bone defect repair, and it is an important link to detect the biocompatibility of the biomaterials.OBJECTIVE: To investigate the biocompatibility of PCL with bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs).DESIGN: A controlled observation.SETTING: Department of Orthopaedics, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University.MATERIALS: The experiments were carried out in the orthopedic laboratory of the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University. Healthy 4 to 8-week-old New Zealand rabbits of about 2 kg were used.METHODS: ① Bone marrow was extracted from bilateral femurs of the rabbits, then mixed into 10 mL RPMI1640 complete medium, and then entered the passage culture. ② The cells were inoculated and then divided into PCL group and control group, the cells were only inoculated in the control group, and the BMSCs were co-cultured with PCL in vitro in the PCL group. The morphological observed, cell proliferation, protein content and enzymological determinations were conducted.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The growth and the adhesion of BMSCs on PCL biomaterials were mainly observed.RESULTS: In the control group, most of the BMSCs changed to the shape of fusiform or multi-angles. In the PCL group, the BMSCs could adhere and proliferate on PCL, and the growth and function were not affected, PCL also played a certain role in promoting the cell proliferation.CONCLUSION: PCL possess satisfactory biocompatibility, and it is possible to be used as the carrier of BMSCs in tissue engineering.

Study on immunofunction and immunoregulation post newcastle disease vaccination of chickens infected with chicken anemia virus / 中国病理生理杂志

Chickens were infected with chicken anemia virus (CAV) at one-day-old and vaccinated with La Sota vaccine 8 days later. Meanwhile, uninfected chickens were vaccinated as controls. At 7, 14 and 28 days post vaccination, the content of IgG,IgM,IgA and HI titer in serum, the number of T cells, IgG, IgM and IgA antibody producing cells in thymus, bursa and spleen, the proliferative response of T、B cells, the inductive activity of interleukin 2 (IL-2) and interferon (IFN) in thymus and spleen were tested. The results showed that the content of IgG, IgM, IgA and hemoagglutination inhibition (HI) titer in serum, the number of T cells, IgG, IgM and IgA antibody producing cells in thymus, bursa and spleen, the proliferative response of T cells and B cells as well as the inductive activity of IL-2 and IFN in thymus and spleen of infected-vaccinated chickens significantly decreased compared with the control. These results indicated that the immunofunction and immunoregulation were dropped post ND vaccination of CAV-infected chickens.

Treatment for the bone defect nonunion in long bone with Ilizarov technique / 中华骨科杂志

Objective To explore the Ilizarov reconstructive technique and its efficacy for the complicated bone defect in long bone. Methods From January 1996 to January 2005, totally 61 patients suffered with long bone defect were observed, which involved 46 males and 15 females with an average age of 28.2 years(range, 6-55 years). The bone defect occurred on the tibia in 29 patients, femur in 9, humerus in 11, radius in 7, ulna in 5. The treatment was tailored to the different length of defect: 30 patients with defect 4-6 cm were treated with the Ilizarov osteotomy and lengthening method; 21 patients with defect 6-9 cm were treated with the segmental transporting technique; 10 patients with defect beyond 9 cm were treated with pedicle fibular graft and Ilizarov fixation. The average bone lengthening was 4.8 cm with the duration of follow up from 10 to 84 months(with an average of 47 months). Results All the 61 cases averagely got bone union at 7.1th month and fixator removal at 8th month after operation, respectively. The low-grade infection and effusion occurred in 78 pin tracts on 21 patients, which were attributed to bone absorption around the pin and improper wound care. And still 1 patient with fibular transplantation got refracture due to trauma before the fixator removal. Conclusion The key point in the Ilizarov technique for the long bone defect nonunion is to excise the lesion thoroughly, and reconstitute it later. The Ilizarov technique is an effective method to treat the severe defect in long bone and restore the extremity length.