Prediabetes and diabetes are both risk factors for adverse outcomes in infective endocarditis.

AIM: Diabetes is a risk factor in infective endocarditis. However, few studies have focused on the prognostic value of prediabetes in infective endocarditis. This analysis aimed to explore the relationship between prediabetes and outcomes for people with infective endocarditis. METHODS: Diabetes and prediabetes definitions were based on the American Diabetes Association 2014 criteria. A total of 866 people who had been consecutively diagnosed with infective endocarditis between January 2009 and July 2015 were included in the analysis. They were divided into three groups: normoglycaemia (n = 469), prediabetes (n = 246) and diabetes (n = 151). Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify risk factors for adverse outcomes. RESULTS: Overall in-hospital mortality was 8.5% (74 of 866), and differed significantly among the normoglycaemia, prediabetes and diabetes groups (3.4%, 12.6% and 17.9%, respectively; P < 0.001). Compared with the normoglycaemia group, the adjusted odds ratio for in-hospital death was 2.42 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.11-5.31; P = 0.027) for prediabetes and 3.39 (95% CI 1.48-7.80; P = 0.004) for diabetes. The cumulative long-term death rate was significantly higher in the prediabetes or diabetes groups than in the normoglycaemia group (log-rank = 34.82; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In addition to diabetes, prediabetes was also associated with a higher risk of in-hospital and long-term mortality among people with infective endocarditis. Therefore, attention should be paid to this population.

Age, creatinine and ejection fraction (ACEF) score: a simple risk-stratified method for infective endocarditis.

BACKGROUND: Older age, renal dysfunction and low left ventricular ejection fraction are accepted predictors of poor outcome in patients with infective endocarditis (IE). This study aimed to investigate the prognostic significance of the age, creatinine and ejection fraction (ACEF) score in IE. METHODS: The study involved 1019 IE patients, who were classified into three groups according to the tertiles of ACEF score: low ACEF (<0.6, n = 379), medium ACEF (0.6-0.8, n = 259) and high ACEF (>0.8, n = 381). The ACEF score was calculated as follows: age (years)/ejection fraction (%)+1 (if serum creatinine value was >2 mg/dL). The relationship between ACEF score and adverse events was analyzed. RESULTS: In-hospital mortality was 8.2%, which increased with the increase of ACEF score (4.2% vs. 5.0% vs. 14.4% for the low-, medium- and high-ACEF groups, respectively; P < 0.001). ACEF score had a good discriminative ability for predicting in-hospital death [areas under the curve (AUC), 0.706, P < 0.001]. The predictive value of ACEF score in surgical treatment was significantly higher than in conservative treatment for predicting in-hospital death (AUC, 0.812 vs. 0.625; P = 0.001). Multivariable analysis revealed that ACEF score was independently associated with in-hospital mortality (adjusted odds ratio, 2.82; P < 0.001) and long-term mortality (adjusted hazard ratio, 2.51; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: ACEF was an independent predictor for in-hospital and long-term mortality in IE patients, and it could be considered as a useful tool for risk stratification. ACEF score was more suitable for surgical patients in terms of assessing the risk of in-hospital mortality.

Effects of soybean isoflavone on growth performance, meat quality, and antioxidation in male broilers.

To investigate the effects of a synthetic soybean isoflavone (ISF) on growth performance, meat quality, and antioxidation in male broilers, 1,500 birds that were 42 d old were allotted to 5 treatments with 6 replicates per treatment (50 birds per replicate). Birds were fed diets supplemented with 0, 10, 20, 40, or 80 mg of ISF/kg, respectively, for a period of 3 wk ad libitum. The results showed that dietary supplementations with 10 or 20 mg of ISF/kg increased weight gain by 13.6 and 16.2% (P < 0.01) and elevated feed intake by 7.37% (P < 0.05) and 11.2% (P < 0.01), respectively. Addition of 10 mg of ISF/kg decreased feed:gain by 5.5% (P < 0.05). Supplementation with 40 mg of ISF/kg in the diet slightly increased water-holding capacity by 17.24% (P < 0.1), and the addition of 20 or 40 mg/kg of ISF significantly increased the pH value of meat (P < 0.01), although adding 40 or 80 mg of ISF/kg increased the lightness of meat color (P < 0.05). Malondialdehyde production was slightly reduced in plasma of 20 mg of ISF/kg supplemented chickens (P < 0.1) and significantly decreased in breast muscles of 20, 40, or 80 mg of ISF/kg supplemented chickens (P < 0.01). The addition of 40 or 80 mg of ISF/kg significantly increased total antioxidant capability (P < 0.01) and slightly elevated total superoxide dismutase activity (P < 0.1) in plasma of chickens. The dose of 80 mg of ISF/kg slightly improved catalase activity in plasma (P < 0.06). In breast muscle, treatment of birds with 40 or 80 mg of ISF/kg caused an increase of total superoxide dismutase activity by 25.36% (P < 0.05) or 63.93% (P < 0.01). Catalase activity significantly increased by 70.61% by the supplemental ISF at the 40-mg level (P < 0.05). Also, 10, 20, or 40 mg doses of ISF/kg decreased lactic acid production (P < 0.05). The results of this study indicate that dietary ISF could improve growth performance and meat quality by decreasing lipid peroxidation and improving antioxidative status in male broilers.

Triterpenoid saponins from the bark of Nothopanax davidii.

Three new triterpenoid saponins were isolated from the alcoholic extract of the bark of Nothopanax davidii. Their structures have been determined on the basis of spectral and chemical data as 3-O-alpha-(4'-O-acetyl)-L-arabinopyranosyl-3 beta-hydroxyolean-12-ene- 28,29-dioic acid-28-O-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1-->4)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl (1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl]ester, named yiyeliangwanoside IX; 3-O-alpha-(2'-O-acetyl)-L-arabinopyranosyl-3 beta-hydroxyolean-12-ene-28,29- dioic acid-28-O-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1-->4)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->6)- beta-D-glucopyranosyl] ester, named yiyeliangwanoside X; and 3-O-beta-d-xylopyranosyl-3 beta-hydroxyolean-12-ene-28,29-dioic acid-28-O-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1-->4)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->6)-b eta-D - glucopyranosyl] ester, named yiyeliangwanoside XI.

Two linear acetogenins from Goniothalamus gardneri.

Two new acetogenins, gardnerilins A and B, have been isolated from the roots of Goniothalamus gardneri. Both are C35 acetogenins containing non-tetrahydrofuran rings. Their structures have been established on the basis of spectral evidence.

Linear acetogenins from Goniothalamus donnaiensis.

Four linear acetogenins, donhepocin (1), 34-epi-donhepocin (1'), donhexocin and donbutocin, have been isolated from the roots of Goniothalamus donnaiensis. 1 and 1', isolated as an epimeric pair, contain a rare gamma-hydroxymethyl-gamma-lactone. Their structures have been established on the basis of spectral and chemical evidence.

A steroidal saponin from the seeds of Allium tuberosum.

A steroidal saponin, named tuberoside, together with seven known compounds, were isolated from the seeds of Allium tuberosum Rottl. ex Spreng. Its structure was established by spectroscopic data, hydrolysis, and comparison with spectral data of known compounds to be (2alpha, 3beta, 5alpha, 25S)-2,3,27-trihydroxyspirostane 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranoyl-(1-->2)-O-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranoyl-(1-->4)]-beta-D-glucopyranoside.

[Application of 2d NMR techniques in the structure determination of ganosporelactone A and B].

Structure and stereochemistry of ganosporelactone A and B isolated from the spores of Ganoderma lucidum have been elucidated by the use of 1H-1H COSY, 1H-13C COSY, 1H-13C COLOC and NOESY 2D NMR spectroscopy. Ganosporelactone A and B are two novel pentacyclic triterpenoids which may be biogenetically derived from lanostane skeleton through the construction of C16 and C23 bond.

[Studies on the triterpenoid constituents of the spores from Ganoderma lucidum karst].

Five compounds were isolated from the ether soluble fraction of the spores of Ganoderma lucidum. On the basis of their chemical properties and spectral data (MS, UV, IR, 1H and 13CNMR), they were identified as 3,7,11,12,15,23-hexaoxo-5 alpha-lanosta-8-en-26-oic acid (I), 3 beta,7 beta-dihydroxy-11,15,23-trioxo-5 alpha-lanosta-8-en-26-oic acid (II), 7 beta-hydroxy-3,11,15,23-tetraoxo-5 alpha-lanosta-8-en-26-oic acid (III), 3,7,11,15,23-pentaoxo-5 alpha-lanosta-8-en-26-oic acid (IV), 24,25,26-trihydroxy-5 alpha-lanosta-7,9 (11)-dien-3-one (V), Compound I is a new natural product, named ganosporeric acid A. Compounds II, III, IV and V were obtained for the first time from the spores of Ganoderma lucidum.

[Synthesis of ganoderma alkaloid A and B].

Ganoderma alkaloid A (IA, 1-isopentyl-2-formyl-5-hydroxymethylpyrrole) and B (IB, 1-phenylethyl-2-formyl-5-hydroxymethylpyrrole) were discovered in the hypha of deep fermented Ganoderma capense. Both are new pyrrole alkaloids. In order to provide samples for bioassay, we completed the synthesis of these new alkaloids and their acetyl derivatives. The route of synthesis included six steps. The whole yields were 20.7% for IA and 24.7% for IB. Synthetic IA and IB were found to be identical with the natural compounds by comparison of spectral data. IA and IB showed some antiinflammatory activity in animal experiments.

[Studies on new cytotoxic annonaceous acetogenins from Uvaria grandiflora and absolute configurations].

Two new cytotoxic annonaceous acetogenins, named uvarigrin(1) and uvarigrandin A(3), were obtained from the roots of Uvaria grandiflora Roxb(Annonaceae). Based on X-ray analysis and Mosher's methodology, the overall absolute configuration of 1 was established as 15S, 17R, 18R, 21R, 22R, 36S. The absolute configuration of 3 was also resolved by Mosher's methodology. The relative configuration of the previously reported uvarigranin (2) was revised. Compound 1 showed cytotoxicity against HCT-8, Bel7402 and A2780 human tumor cell lines at ED50 levels of 0.15, 0.21 and 0.41 microgram.ml-1, respectively.

[Studies on the synthesis of dl-ligustiphenol and its analogues].

S-( -- )-Ligustiphenol is a new sesquiterpene with anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive activities. In order to study its pharmacological activities, the total synthesis of its racemat was carried out by a six-step reaction sequence including bromination of aldehyde, iodination of m - cresol, protection of phenolic hydroxyl, Grignard reaction, Aldol condensation, etc. The target compound was characterized by comparing its 1(H)-NMR, MS and IR spectra with natural ( -- )-ligustiphenol. In order to study the structure-activity relationships of ligustiphenol, it five analogues were designed and synthesized. The pharmacological screening of these analogues has been performed.

[The structure of tripterygone].

Three triterpene compounds have been isolated from the roots of Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F. The structure of the new compound, 3-hydroxy-25-norfriedel-3, 1 (10)-dien-2-one-30 oic acid named tripterygone (III), and the identity of others, 3 beta, 22 beta-dihydroxy-delta 12-oleanen-29-oic acid (I) and 2 alpha, 3 alpha, 24-trihydroxy-delta 12-ursene-28-oic acid (II) have been established by spectral data and physical properties. Compound II was isolated for the first time from the title plant.

[Method of analysis for musk, artificially bred musk and original musk by HPLC].

The ether extract of musk, artificially bred musk and original musk reacted with 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine to form corresponding phenylhydrazones. The products were determined by HPLC. The conditions of quantitative analysis of muscone hydrazone and qualitative analysis of delta 5-androstene-3 beta-hydroxy-17-one hydrazone and 3 alpha-hydroxy-5 alpha-androstan-17-one hydrazone, such as the choice of chromatographic columns and mobile phase were studied. The results of standard curve and recovery experiment are satisfactory. Dual detection and MS were used to identify and analyse the purity of the chromatographic peak of muscone hydrazone. Experiments of addition of standards were used to confirm the peaks of delta 5-androstene-3 beta-hydroxy-17-one hydrazone and 3 alpha-hydroxy-5 alpha-androstan-17-one hydrazone.

[Quantitative analysis of tripchlorolide in pharmaceutical preparation by RP-HPLC].

A reversed phase high performance liquid chromatographic method for the assay of tripchlorolide (T4) in pharmaceutical preparation was developed. The method used a Nucleosil 5 C18 column and a mobile phase of methanol-water (1:1). The column effluent was monitored at 218 nm. T4, triptolide (T0) and 1,4-dimethoxybenzene (IS) could be separated in less than 25 min. The retention times of T0, T4 and IS are 11, 17 and 23 min respectively. The method is very simple and rapid.

[Studies on the structures of two new alkaloidal glucosides of Nauclea officinalis Pierre ex pitard].

Three indolic alkaloidal glucosides were isolated from the polar fraction of the stems of Nauclea officinalis. Two are new, named naucleoside (Ia) and nauclecosidine (IIa) and the other is a well known alkaloid, vincoside lactam. The structures of Ia and IIa were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic data (IR, MS, HNMR and CNMR) and chemical evidence.

[Studies on the chemical constituents of Murraya kwangsiensis].

AIM: To investigate the chemical constituents of Murraya kwangsiensis. METHODS: Compounds were isolated by silica gel column chromatography and TLC method, respectively. Structures of compounds were elucidated by spectral (UV, IR, MS, 1HNMR and 13CNMR) analysis. RESULTS: Five carbazole alkaloids and two other compounds were isolated and identified. Six of them are known compounds: murrayafoline A, murrayanine, koenine, isomahanine, palmitic acid and beta-sitosterol. One is a new alkaloid, named kwangsine. CONCLUSION: A new alkaloid, named kwangsine, was isolated from Murraya kwangsiensis Var. Six known compounds were isolated from this plant for the first time.

[Application of 2D-NMR techniques in the structure determination of hypodematine].

A novel alkaloid, named hypodematine, was isolated from Hypodematium sinense Iwatsuki (belonging to the lypterdaceae). Its structure has been elucidated to have a novel skeleton of benzo-aza-cyclooctatetraene with a phenyl substitution by means of the 1H-1H COSY, 1H-13C COSY and long-range 1H-13C COSY spectroscopy.

[Studies on chemical constituents of Veronica lina riifolia Pall. ex Link. sub. dilatata (Nakai et Kitagawa) Hong].

A new flavonoid glycoside, named linariifolioside, C29H32O17 with mp at 232-234 degrees C (dec.), was isolated from the alcohol extract of the dried whole herb of Veronica linariifolia Pall. ex Link sub. dilatata (Nakai et Kitagawa) Hong. Based on spactral (IR, UV, 1HNMR, 13CNMR and FAB-MS) analysis and hydrolysis products its structure was identified as luteolin-7-O-6"'-O-acetyl-beta-D-glucosyl-(1----2)-beta-D-glucoside (I). In addition, four known compounds, luteolin-7-O-beta-D-glucosyl-(1----2)-beta-D-glucoside (II), apigenin-7-O-alpha-L-rhamnoside (III), luteolin (IV), and apigenin (V) were isolated from the same fraction and identified. These compounds were obtained for the first time from this plant.