Estimation of Cardiac Depressant Activity of Ten Medicinal Plant Extracts from Pakistan

Ten medicinal plants extracts were pharmacologically screened for their cardiac activity on isolated rabbit heart, and showed significant negative inotropic activity with negative chronotropic effects. In all cases alcohol dried extracts were used and reconstituted in either water or ethyl acetate for these tests. The plant extracts which produced cardiac depression were Cactus grandiflora , Carissa carandas Linn., Duranta repens Linn., Eclipta prostrata Roxb., Heliotropium ophioglossum , Prosopis glandulosa , Scheweinfurthia sphaerocarpa A. Br., Solanum surattense Burm. f., Tephrosia uniflora Pers., Nardostachys jatamansi Dc. (Syn. Valeriana jatamansi ).     

Pilot Study to Quantify Palladium Impurities in Lead-like Compounds Following Commonly Used Purification Techniques

Palladium-catalyzed reactions are among the most commonly used procedures in organic synthesis. The products have a range of uses, including as intermediates in total synthesis and as screening compounds for drug discovery or agrochemical projects. Despite the known and potentially deleterious effects of low-level metal impurities in biological assays, the quantification of metal remaining in reaction products to verify the effective removal of the transition element is rarely reported. Using palladium as an exemplar, we describe a pilot study that for the first time quantifies residual metal levels in reaction products following increasingly rigorous purification protocols. Our results demonstrate that significant levels of residual palladium can remain in isolated reaction products following chromatographic purification, and only by using a subsequent metal scavenging step are they reliably reduced to a low level. Finally, we provide a set of simple guidelines that should minimize the potential for issues associated with residual palladium in reaction products.     

中医临床研究过程质量控制评估指标的筛选及建立

目的建立中医临床研究过程质量控制评估指标,以实现对中医临床研究质量控制的量化评价。方法通过核心小组讨论、专家咨询法,同时结合实地检查发现的问题,在中期量化评估指标的基础上将指标体系扩充至21个,并依此指标体系进行数据采集。以所采集的数据为基础数据,根据专家主观权重意见结合数据特征,通过聚类分析、相关性分析等统计方法进一步筛选和优化指标,最后通过因子分析方法验证最终筛选指标理论层次构建的合理性及评估指标的可应用性。结果确定了14个量化评估指标进行质控量化评价。结论确定的评估指标在主观认识与数理依据之间基本一致,依此对中医临床研究进行质控评估是可行的。     

The perspectives of survivors of Hodgkin lymphoma on lung cancer screening: A qualitative study

BackgroundHodgkin lymphoma survivors (HLS) are at excess risk of lung cancer as a consequence of HL treatment. HLS without a heavy smoking history are currently unable to access lung cancer screening (LCS) programmes aimed at ever smokers, and there is an unmet need to develop a targeted LCS programme. In this study we prospectively explored HLS perspectives on a future LCS programme, including motivating factors and potential barriers to participation, with the aim of identifying ways to optimise uptake in a future programme.MethodsSemistructured telephone interviews were conducted with HLS, aged 18–80 and lymphoma‐free for ≥5 years, selected from a clinical database (ADAPT). Participants provided informed consent. Data were analysed using inductive thematic analysis.ResultsDespite awareness of other late effects, most participants were unaware of their excess risk of lung cancer. Most were willing to participate in a future LCS programme, citing the potential curability of early‐stage lung cancer and reassurance as motivating factors, whilst prior experience of healthcare was a facilitator. Whilst the screening test (a low dose CT scan) was considered acceptable, radiation risk was a concern for some and travel and time off work were potential barriers to participation.ConclusionsOur results suggest that most HLS would participate in a future LCS programme, motivated by perceived benefits. Their feedback identified a need to develop educational materials addressing lung cancer risk and concerns about screening, including radiation risk. Such materials could be provided upon an invitation to LCS. Uptake in a future programme may be further optimized by offering flexible screening appointments close to home.     

Cervical cancer,geographical inequalities,prevention and barriers in resource depleted countries

Cervical cancer (CC) remains a current global issue, with >90% of cervical cancer cases being attributed to human papilloma virus (HPV). The highest burden of cervical cancer is reported in resource-depleted geographical areas with a high incidence of HPV infection. Recent developments in primary prevention include vaccinations against specific strains of HPV and the psychoeducation of the public. Yet, despite the availability of vaccinations, there is high incidence of both HPV and cervical cancer in developing countries, which is attributed to a multitude of barriers including inaccessibility to expensive vaccines. With regards to secondary prevention, progress is actively being made to develop more effective methods of screening and to specifically address the needs of low-income countries. In the past few years, more novel screening methods, such as self-assessment kits, immunohistochemistry and methylation marker analysis, have been developed. Barriers to screening in resource-depleted countries include limited financial resources and infrastructure to develop screening programmes, a lack of screening programmes that are accessible to populations, inadequate training of healthcare teams and stigma related to medical examinations performed as part of screening. Developing primary and secondary prevention programs, as well as addressing the barriers involved in countries with low socioeconomic levels, can drastically reduce morbidity and mortality rates associated with cervical cancer, thus reducing the burden associated with this gynaecological malignancy.     

新生儿脐带血红细胞指标在新生儿地中海贫血筛查中的价值

目的:探讨新生儿脐带血红细胞指标与地中海贫血的相关性,揭示其在新生儿地中海贫血筛查中的临床价值.方法:收集2017年7月至2018年12月在南方医科大学附属中山市博爱医院出生的2 919例新生儿脐带血,进行血常规检测,另采集外周血检测地中海贫血基因,确定各指标中的cut-off值,并计算灵敏度、特异度等评价指标.结果:...     

子宫内膜异位症相关生物标志物的研究进展

子宫内膜异位症(endometriosis,EMs)是子宫内膜的腺体和间质组织种植于子宫腔外的一种慢性的、激素依赖性疾病,已成为妇科常见的疾病之一.由于该病的发病机制尚不清楚,EMs的临床诊断和治疗仍缺乏足够敏感和特异的体征、症状以及可用于血液检测的生物标志物,因此寻找更有效的非侵入性诊断方法对提高EMs患者的临床疗效...     

Selective screening of patients with associated somatic diseases as a method of early detection of acromegaly

BackgraundBackgraund: Acromegaly is a multi-organ disabling disease, the effectiveness of treatment of which directly depends on timely diagnosis. Latent course and delayed diagnosis increase the exposure of pathological hypersecretion of growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor-1, contributing to the development of irreversible systemic and metabolic changes in the body that negatively affect survival.AimsAims: The aim of the study was to clinically test a comprehensive diagnostic approach using selective screening to detect cases of acromegaly in patients with combined somatic diseases.Materials and methodsMaterials and methods: The diagnostic search algorithm included a 2-stage questionnaire, expert assessment of the clinical status, laboratory and instrumental examination. The inpatient examination included the use of additional laboratory and instrumental methods and expert evaluation of the results obtained by filling out a doctor’s questionnaire. When the score was higher than 18 points, a more specific examination was performed: double determination of the insulin-like growth factor-1 level, oral glucose tolerance test with determination of the nadir of growth hormone value, and MRI of the brain with contrast enhancement. The diagnosis of acromegaly was made on the basis of personal data, expert assessment of the clinical status, results of laboratory and instrumental examinations.ResultsResults: A survey of 1249 patients with combined systemic and metabolic disorders conducted using the point system allowed us to suspect acromegaly in 367 patients (29.4%), who were offered further examination. The majority of patients were previously seen by specialists for diabetes mellitus (79.3%) or thyroid pathology (10%). In the result of inpatient ­examination of 329 patients, 35 (10.6%) patients showed an increase in the blood level of IGF-I. In 19 patients, a persistent increase in the level of IGF-I was combined with the absence of GH suppression of less than 0.4 ng/ml against the background of glucose load. During MRI in 9 patients, pituitary adenoma was detected (in 2 — microadenoma and 7 — ­macroadenoma).ConclusionsConclusions: As a result of the study, among the group of 1249 patients (mean age 58±13 years) with the presence of concomitant diseases, 9 newly identified patients with acromegaly were found who were prescribed adequate treatment. The introduction of selective screening technology into the practice of an endocrinologist will improve the effectiveness of diagnostic search for patients with acromegaly, more accurately assess the prevalence of the disease in Russia and the need for specialized medical care.     

三种检测AmpC酶方法的比较

目的采用三维试验、表型筛选法及头孢西丁纸片药敏法(K-B法)同时检测肠道G-杆菌的AmpC酶,并加以比较,找出一种适合临床常规应用的检测AmpC酶的方法。方法用头孢硝噻吩法检测出97株β-内酰胺酶阳性的肠道G-杆菌作为试验待测菌,用头孢西丁药敏法、表型筛选法测定细菌耐药情况,以判断产AmpC酶的情况。用三维分析法测定细菌粗提物中的AmpC酶情况。结果97株肠道杆菌头孢西丁药敏法结果显示产AmpC酶共有36株,占37.1%(36/97),与三维试验比较总符合率为74.2%。表型筛选法产AmpC酶的菌株有15株,占15.5%(15/97),与三维试验比较总符合率为91.8%。结论表型筛选法与三维试验法比较差异无显著性。表型筛选法可以作为一种临床快速、简便、可靠的检测AmpC酶的方法。