Acta clinica Croatica
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Acta clinica Croatica · Dec 2019
THERAPEUTIC PLASMA EXCHANGE AND DOUBLE FILTRATION PLASMAPHERESIS IN SEVERE NEUROIMMUNE DISORDERS.
Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) is an extracorporeal blood purification technique, which removes large molecular weight particles such as autoantibodies from plasma. TPE is accepted by the American Society for Apheresis as first line treatment for some severe neuroimmune disorders. Double filtration plasmapheresis (DFPP) is a newer technique in which plasma is not entirely removed, only the antibodies, using special filters. ⋯ The rate of neurological improvement was similar to other studies. None of the patients presented catheter related complications. Systemic complications were mild, transient and completely reversible.
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Acta clinica Croatica · Dec 2019
VERIFICATION OF AUTHENTICITY OF GINKGO BILOBA L. LEAF EXTRACT AND ITS PRODUCTS PRESENT ON THE CROATIAN MARKET BY ANALYSIS OF QUANTITY AND RATIO OF GINKGO FLAVONE GLYCOSIDES (QUERCETIN, KAEMPFEROL AND ISORHAMNETIN) TO TERPENE TRILACTONES TO THE EFFECT OF UNMASKING COUNTERFEIT DRUGS ENDANGERING PATIENT HEALTH.
Ginkgo biloba L. is the eldest plant growing on the Earth; preparations made of its leaves and seeds represent an integral part of the Chinese medicine for over a millennium. The plant species was first discovered by Linnaeus in 1771, its name thereby originating from the Latin words bis (two) and lobus (lobe), which duly illustrate the specific shape of its leaf. Contemporary Ginkgo biloba L. plant based pharmaceuticals mostly comprise extracts recovered from leaves harvested during fall, when the concentration of active components reaches its peak. ⋯ Due to the untrue label statements descriptive of these products, the information on the presence of pharmacologically active genistein was neglected to be mentioned despite its unfavorable health impact that can be expected in some consumer groups. The results of this study indicated the frequency of counterfeiting the Ginkgo biloba L.-based products found on the Croatian market to be deemed substantial. Therefore, a more rigorous and more thorough control of these products and sanctioning of irresponsible manufacturers and distributers is proposed, so as to contribute to a higher market representation of high-quality products, as well as to avoid health risks and downsize the rate of their counterfeiting.