Isoorientin exerts a urate-lowering effect through inhibition of xanthine oxidase and regulation of the TLR4-NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathway

Isoorientin (ISO), a natural flavonoid compound, has been identified in several plants and its biological activity is determined and the study on lowering uric acid has not been reported. In view of the current status of treatment of hyperuricemia, we evaluated the hypouricemic effects of ISO in vivo and in vitro, and explored the underlying mechanisms. Yeast extract-induced hyperuricemia animal model as well as hypoxanthine and xanthine oxidase (XOD) co-induced high uric acid L-O2 cell model and enzymatic experiments in vitro were selected. The XOD activity and uric acid (UA) level were inhibited after the treatment of ISO in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, serum creatinine (CRE) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels were also significantly reduced and liver damage was recovered in pathological histology after the ISO administration in hyperuricemia animal model. The results of mechanism illustrated that protein expressions such as XOD, toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), cathepsin B (CTSB), NLRP3, and its downstream caspase-1 as well as interleukin-18 (IL-18) were markedly downregulated by ISO intervention in vitro and in vivo. Our results suggest that ISO exerts a urate-lowering effect through inhibiting XOD activity and regulating TLR4-NLRP3 inflammasome signal pathway, thus representing a promising candidate therapeutic agent for hyperuricemia. Both animal models and in vitro experiments suggested that ISO may effectively lower uric acid produce. The mechanism might be the inhibition of XOD activity and NLRP3 inflammasome of upregulation.

Identifying C2H4N4 structural isomers using fs-laser induced breakdown spectroscopy

Four C2H4N4 structural isomers are investigated with fs laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy. Plasma emissions, C I, Hα, the CN violet system (B2Σ+-X2Σ+, Δν = 0 sequence) and C2 swan system (d3Πg-a3Πu, Δν = 0 sequence) are measured. The temporal evolution of the characteristic emission intensity is obtained for each emission and their lifetimes are calculated. The lifetimes of the molecular emissions are much longer than those of the atomic emissions. Characteristic emission intensities and lifetime are correlated with the molecular structures of the four isomers to a certain extent. Plasma temperature is extracted by fitting the spectrum of the CN violet system, B2Σ+-X2Σ+; Δν = 0 sequence, and is weakly correlated with the molecular structures of the four isomers. Using the characteristic emission intensities as input, principal component analysis (PCA) and artificial neural network (ANN) analysis are performed and the individual isomers can be well identified with PCA or ANN.

Bioassay-guided isolation of anti-inflammatory diterpenoids with highly oxygenated substituents from kidney tea (Clerodendranthus spicatus)

The whole plant of Clerodendranthus spicatus (Thunb.) is one of popular functional food in south of China, named as "kidney tea" and used to ameliorate renal inflammation. In order to verify this potential function and explore the accurate compounds responsible for inflammation, the ethanol extract, fractions, and subfractions of this plant were prepared to evaluate anti-inflammation effect on xylene-induced acute inflammatory mice model, and the results indicated that two subfractions from EtOAc fraction show potential activities. Subsequent bioassay-guided isolation of the bioactive subfractions led to isolation of 25 compounds. Among them, compounds 2, 4, 5, 9-11, 13, 16, 17, and 20-22 inhibited the productions of pro-inflammation factors TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-8 in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) -induced renal epithelia (HK-2) cells, respectively. Further anti-inflammation evaluation in vivo indicated that the major bioactive compounds 1, 2, 5-7, 17, 21, and 22 from C. spicatus were even better than aspirin. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: C. spicatus as a healthy tea has been available in the Chinese market and as a medicine for various disorders such as nephritis, rheumatism, inflammation, gout, and diabetes. Previous pharmacological investigation of the plant revealed the potential anti-inflammatory activities, but the material basis of anti-inflammatory activity remains to be elucidated. In our study, the anti-inflammatory fractions and compounds were obtained by the bioassay-guide isolation and the results showed that the highly oxygenated diterpenoids were major anti-inflammatory compounds, in which 1, 2, 5-7, 17, 21, and 22 were even better than aspirin. This information supported kidney tea as a functional food for treatment of renal inflammation reasonably and may add a new dimension to biological activity of this plant in the field of agriculture as a functional food were cultivated.

Anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of Neolamarckia cadamba and its bioactive monoterpenoid indole alkaloids

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Neolamarckia cadamba has been used traditionally to treat inflammation, fever, and pruritus in the Dai ethnopharmacy in Yunnan province, P.R. China. However, according to literature survey, the action basis of anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of this plant were rarely reported, which accounts for the original intentions of this investigation.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The study aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory and analgesic action of methanolic extract (ME), ethyl acetate (EA), and aqueous (AQS) fractions of N. cadamba and further explore the accurate compounds responsible for the activities of EA fraction.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The in vivo anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of ME, EA, and AQS fractions at the doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg and two major constituents (compounds 5 and 7) at 50 and 100 mg/kg via intragastrically administrated, respectively, were evaluated by carrageenan-induced paw edema and acetic acid-stimulated writhing animal models. Aspirin (ASP) was used as the positive control at the dose of 200 mg/kg. The monoterpenoid indole alkaloids (MIAs) in EA fraction were phytochemically studied utilizing chromatographic techniques, and their structures and absolute configurations were established on the basis of multiple spectroscopic analyses and quantum computational chemistry method. Moreover, the in vitro anti-inflammatory activities of all the isolates were assessed by suppressing releases of LPS-activated inflammatory mediators (TNF-α, IL-1β, and COX-2) in RAW 264.7 macrophage cells at a concentration of 10 μg/mL. Dexamethasone (DXM) was used as the positive control.

RESULTS

Three fractions (ME, EA, and AQS) significantly ameliorated the paw edema caused by carrageenan and reduced the number of writhing induced by acetic acid in comparison to the control group at the doses of 200 and/or 400 mg/kg (in vivo). Subsequent phytochemical investigation of EA fraction led to the structural characterization of four new monoterpenoid indole alkaloids, neocadambines A-D (1-4), as well as eight known analogues (5-12). Neocadambine A possesses a novel 14-nor-MIA skeleton that could be derived from the corynantheine-type MIAs via oxidative cleavage of C3-C14 bond and subsequently degradation of C14. Moreover, the structure of a bioactive known MIA, cadambine acid (6), was reassigned by analysis of its NMR spectroscopic data. Further biological assays revealed that the major constituent 3β-dihydrocadambine (7) significantly relieved the paw edema and decreased the number of writhing at 100 mg/kg in vivo. In addition, most of the isolates displayed remarkable in vitro anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting the secretion of aforementioned inflammatory mediators (COX-2, IL-1β, and TNF-α) at a concentration of 10 μg/mL, and compounds 4, 7, and 9 showed better anti-inflammatory effects than that of positive control, dexamethasone.

CONCLUSIONS

This study further validated the anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of N. cadamba, and revealed that monoterpenoid indole alkaloids could partly contribute to the efficacy of this ethnodrug. The major constituent 3β-dihydrocadambine (7) showed significant anti-inflammatory activities both in vitro and in vivo, which suggested that it could be a promising anti-inflammatory lead compound. Our findings provided scientific justification to support the traditional application of N. cadamba for treating inflammatory and nociceptive disorders.

[Prognostic analysis of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia in complete remission in the era of tyrosine kinase inhibitors]

目的

探讨在酪氨酸激酶抑制剂（TKI）时代Ph染色体阳性急性淋巴细胞白血病（Ph⁺ALL）在完全缓解（CR）状态下行异基因造血干细胞移植（allo-HSCT）的预后和影响因素。

方法

回顾性分析2012年5月至2017年5月河北燕达陆道培医院收治的116例在CR状态下行allo-HSCT的Ph⁺ALL患者的预后及其影响因素。

结果

116例患者中男72例，女44例。中位年龄20（4～64）岁。同胞全相合移植21例，亲缘单倍型移植77例，非血缘移植18例。5年总生存（OS）率为73.2％（95％CI 63.8％～80.5％），其中诊断至移植间隔时间<180 d的亚组5年OS率为87.5％。5年无病生存（DFS）率为61.4％（95％CI 51.8％～69.7％）。5年细胞形态及分子学水平复发累积发生率为18.5％（95％CI 12.6％～27.3％）。5年移植相关死亡率（TRM）为19.9％（95％CI 13.8％～28.7％）。多因素分析显示，15～39岁（HR＝2.730，P＝0.044）、诊断至移植间隔时间≥180 d（HR＝4.534，P＝0.010）、发生Ⅲ～Ⅳ度急性移植物抗宿主病（aGVHD）（HR＝7.558，P＝0.000）是影响患者OS的不利因素；发生局限型慢性移植物抗宿主病（cGVHD）是影响患者OS的有利因素（HR＝0.300，P＝0.034）。而性别、起病时WBC（<30×10⁹/L，≥30×10⁹/L）、BCR-ABL融合基因类型、体细胞突变类型、移植前状态（CR₁，>CR₁）、移植前微小残留病（MRD）水平（MRD阴性，MRD阳性）、预处理方案（全身照射方案，白消安为基础方案）、预处理方案强度、移植类型、GVHD预防方案（环孢素A，他克莫司）、抗胸腺细胞免疫球蛋白的种类、巨细胞病毒和EB病毒血症的有无对OS的影响无统计学意义。

结论

TKI时代Ph⁺ALL在CR状态下行allo-HSCT时，影响生存的因素有年龄、诊断至移植间隔时间和发生重度aGVHD。

[The effect of booster dose vaccination 21- to 32-years after primary vaccination with hepatitis B vaccine in the population born from 1986 to 1996 in Zhengding County of Hebei Province]

Objective: Aanalysis the effect of booster one dose of hepatitis B vaccine after 21-32 years of primary immunization in Zhengding Country of Hebei Province. Methods: A total of 322 participants who were born between 1986 and 1996, received a full course of primary vaccination with plasma-derived hepatitis B vaccine (HepB), had no experience with booster vaccination, were HBsAg, anti-HBcnegative, had anti-HBs<10 mIU/ml, completed the booster and had laboratory results were enrolled between August 2017 to February 2018. A simple random method was uesd to randomly assigned 322 subjects to two groups, receiving a booster dose of HepB derived from either Saccharomyces cerevisiae ［HepB (SC), (151 cases)］ or Chinese hamster ovary-derived HepB ［HepB (CHO), (171 cases)］, the dose was 20 μg. Blood samples were collected 30 days after boosting and quantitatively tested for the geometric mean concentration (GMC) of anti-HBs to assess immunological effect. The related influencing factors of GMC and seroconversion rates of anti-HBs were analyzed by multiple linear regression and multivariate logistic regression models. Results: The 266 subjects (82.61%) had anti-HBs≥ 10 mIU/ml, and GMC was (131.63±12.94) mIU/ml.The seroconversion rates of anti-HBs in the anti-HBs<2.5 mIU/ml group and 2.5-10 mIU/ml group were 74.54% (161 cases) and 99.06% (105 cases), respectively (P<0.001).The seroconversion rates of anti-HBs after one dose of HepB (CHO) was higher than that of one dose of HepB (SC), the seroconversion rates were 87.13% (149 cases) and 77.48% (117 cases), respectively (P=0.023). Participants boostered with HepB (CHO) was the factor influencing the effect of strengthening immunization compared with boostered with HepB (SC), and OR (95%CI) was 1.91 (1.02-3.56) (P=0.042).Compared with anti-HBs<2.5 mIU/ml, prebooster anti-HBs was between 2.5 mIU/ml and 10 mIU/ml was the related factor of seroconversion rates of anti-HBs after booster immunization, and OR (95%CI) was 36.15 (4.91-266.02) (P<0.001). Conclusion: Participants boostered withone dose of HepB had a good immune response. Pre-booster anti-HBs concentration and a variety of vaccine were related factors of immune response.

Anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects of Curcuma kwangsiensis and its bioactive terpenoids in vivo and in vitro

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

"Curcumae Radix", the dried rhizomes of Curcuma kwangsiensis documented in Chinese pharmacopoeia, has been traditionally used for the treatment of inflammatory and pain diseases, such as jaundice and red urine, cleaning the heart-fire and depression, arthralgia, and dysmenorrhea. However, according to literature surveys, anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive studies of C. kwangsiensis have been seldom reported so far.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The current study focuses on the anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects of C. kwangsiensis and discovering the bioactive compounds for its traditional usages both in vivo and in vitro, which could provide scientific justification about its traditional use.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive assays of various layers (ME, EA, AQS) from C. kwangsiensis were achieved by carrageenan-induced paw edema and acetic acid-induced writhing animal models, respectively. The most bioactive part, EA layer was further phytochemically investigated by multiple step chromatography techniques. The structures of these isolates were unambiguously elucidated by means of extensive spectroscopic and chemical methods, and comparison with corresponding data of the reported literature. Four major sesquiterpenoids (4, 6, 14, and 15) were achieved for their anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive assays by the two aforementioned animal models in vivo. All the isolated compounds were evaluated for their anti-inflammatory effects via detecting inflammatory mediator releases (COX-2, IL-1β, and TNF-α) in RAW 264.7 macrophage cells induced by LPS.

RESULTS

The ME and EA layers significantly alleviated the paw edema caused by carrageenan and decreased the number of writhes induced by acetic acid at the dose of 200 and/or 100 mg/kg in comparison to the control group (p < 0.01/0.05), and the EA layer exhibited better activity than that of ME layer. Subsequent phytochemical investigation on EA layer of C. kwangsiensis exhibited that three new terpenoid compounds (1-3), identified as (12Z,14R)-7β-hydroxylabda-8(17),12-diene-14,15,16-triol (1), (12Z,14S)- 7β-hydroxlabda-8(17),12-diene-14,15,16-triol (2), and (4S)-hydroxy-(8)-methoxy-(5S)-(H)-guaia1(10),7(11)-dien-12,8-olide (3), together with twenty-two known analogs were isolated. Furthermore, four major sesquiterpenoids (4, 6, 14, and 15) significantly relieved the paw edema and number of writhes at 100 and/or 50 mg/kg (p < 0.05/0.01). Likewise, the majority of sesqui- and diterpenoids isolated could remarkably inhibited the secretion of inflammatory mediators (COX-2, IL-1β, and TNF-α) in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages cells at the concentration of 20 μg/mL, comparable to DXM used as the positive control. All the results suggested that EA layer from C. kwangsiensis possessed the anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities, and these sesqui- and diterpenoids could be the effective constituents responsible for relieving inflammation.

CONCLUSION

The present studies undoubtedly determined the anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive material basis of C. kwangsiensis, including the EA layer and its precise components, which presented equivalent or better anti-inflammatory effects than that of positive control (ASP/DXM) in vivo and in vitro. These results not only would account for scientific knowledge for traditional use of C. kwangsiensis, but also provide credible theoretical foundation for the further development of anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive agents.

Indole alkaloids from leaves of Alstonia scholaris (L.) R. Br. protect against emphysema in mice

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Alstonia scholaris (L.) R. Br. (Apocynaceae) is a medicinal plant in China traditionally used to treat pulmonary diseases, including bronchitis, whooping cough, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To provide experimental data supporting clinical adaptation of total indole alkaloids ( TA) from A. scholaris leaves for treating emphysema.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An emphysema model was induced by a single intratracheal instillation of porcine pancreatic elastase followed by administration of TA and four main alkaloid components (scholaricine, 19-epischolaricine, vallesamine, and picrinine) for 30 consecutive days. Cytokine levels, histopathological parameters and protein expression in lung tissues were examined.

RESULTS

Administering the TA, picrinine, scholaricine, 19-epischolaricine and vallesamine for 30 days effectively inhibited inflammatory cell accumulation and invasion in the lung tissue and relieved pulmonary tissue injury. Oxygen saturation was enhanced, and interleukin (IL)-1β, monocyte-chemo attractive peptide 1, IL-11, matrix metalloproteinase-12, transforming growth factor-β and vascular endothelial growth factor levels were significantly reduced, likely by suppressing overactivation of alveolar macrophages and pulmonary fibrosis. The elastin content was markedly elevated, and fibronectin was reduced. Bcl-2 expression was significantly increased, and nuclear factor-κB and β-catenin levels were decreased.

CONCLUSIONS

TA can be potentially used as an effective novel drug for pulmonary emphysema and exerts its effects through not only inhibiting inflammation of the airway wall and airflow resistance but also promoting lung elastic recoil and protease/anti-protease balance.

[The progress on survival prediction model of gallbladder carcinoma]

Gallbladder carcinoma (GBC) is the most common malignancy of the biliary tract, radical resection is the only effective treatment for GBC at present. However, the postoperative effect is still poor. Therefore, identifying the key prognostic factors and establishing an individual and accurate survival prediction model for GBC are critical to prognosis assessment, treatment options and clinical decision support in patients with GBC. The prediction value of current commonly used TNM staging system is limited. Cox regression model is the most commonly used classical survival analysis method, but it is difficult to establish the association between prognostic variables. Nomogram and machine learning techniques including Bayesian network have been used to establish survival prediction model of GBC in recent years, which representing a certain degree of advancement, however, the model precision and clinical application still need to be further verified. The establishment of more accurate survival prediction models for GBC based on machine learning algorithm from Chinese multicenter large sample database to guide the clinical decision-making is the main research direction in the future.

"Kidney Tea" and Its Bioactive Secondary Metabolites for Treatment of Gout

Clerodendranthus spicatus, popularly known as "kidney tea" in China, is consumed traditionally as a functional food for treatment of renal inflammation, dysuria, and gout. We evaluated the effects of C. spicatus on gout by assessing activities of antihyperuricemia, anti-gouty arthritis, and analgesia in vivo, and the results indicated that the ethyl acetate fraction shows potential activities. Subsequent phytochemical investigation of this fraction led to the isolation of 32 compounds, consisting of 20 diterpenoids (including the new orthosiphonones E and F), 2 triterpenoids, 6 flavonoids, 2 lignanoids, and 2 phenolic acid derivatives. Pharmacological investigation of the pure compounds in the cellular model of hyperuricemia indicated that 12 compounds could promote the excretion of uric acid at 10 μg/mL, and compounds 3, 4, 5, and 21 had better effects than that of benzbromarone, a famous uricosuric drug. Furthermore, compounds 4, 6, 7, 9, 14, 15, 23, 26, and 31 showed significant anti-gouty arthritis activity in monosodium urate (MSU)-induced joint swelling at the dose of 50 mg/kg, while compounds 4, 5, 7, 9, and 26 exhibited significant inhibition of pain induced by acetic acid. Our findings provided scientific justification to support the traditional application of "kidney tea" for treating gout and suggested its good application prospects in the future.

Ultrahigh-strength and ductile superlattice alloys with nanoscale disordered interfaces

Alloys that have high strengths at high temperatures are crucial for a variety of important industries including aerospace. Alloys with ordered superlattice structures are attractive for this purpose but generally suffer from poor ductility and rapid grain coarsening. We discovered that nanoscale disordered interfaces can effectively overcome these problems. Interfacial disordering is driven by multielement cosegregation that creates a distinctive nanolayer between adjacent micrometer-scale superlattice grains. This nanolayer acts as a sustainable ductilizing source, which prevents brittle intergranular fractures by enhancing dislocation mobilities. Our superlattice materials have ultrahigh strengths of 1.6 gigapascals with tensile ductilities of 25% at ambient temperature. Simultaneously, we achieved negligible grain coarsening with exceptional softening resistance at elevated temperatures. Designing similar nanolayers may open a pathway for further optimization of alloy properties.

Acute and Sub-chronic Toxicity of Indole Alkaloids Extract from Leaves of Alstonia scholaris (L.) R. Br. in Beagle Dogs

Alstonia scholaris (L.) R. Br., an evergreen tropical plant rich in indole alkaloids with significant physiological activity, is traditionally used to treat respiratory diseases in China. This study was conducted to establish the toxicity profile of the alkaloid extract (TA) of A. scholaris leaves in non-rodents. After oral administration of a single dose (4 g/kg.bw), a number of transient symptoms, such as unsteady gait, drooling, emesis, and reddening of peri-oral mucosa, were observed, but no treatment-related mortality. A sub-chronic toxicity study with a range of doses of TA (20, 60 and 120 mg/kg.bw) was conducted for a 13-week treatment period, followed by 4-week recovery observation. Except for emesis and drooling in majority of animals in 120 mg/kg.bw treatment group, no clinical changes were observed in TA-treated animals. Data from electrocardiography, bone marrow, urine, fecal, hematology and clinical chemistry analyses were comparable between TA-treated and control animals. No significant differences in the relative organ weights and histopathological characteristics were evident between the TA-treated and control groups. Accordingly, the non-observed-adverse-effect-level (NOAEL) of TA was established as 120 mg/kg.bw. Our results add further knowledge to the safety database for indole alkaloid extracts from A. scholaris with potential utility as novel drug candidates.

CN and C2 formation mechanisms in fs-laser induced breakdown of nitromethane in Ar or N2 atmosphere

We investigate atomic and molecular emission of laser-ablated nitromethane in an Ar or N₂ buffer gas, with fs laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy. The electronic bands of CN, C₂, and NH molecules and the atomic transition lines of C I, N I, and Hα are identified. The time series of the emissions are obtained, and the formation mechanisms of CN and C₂ are deduced. The CN violet system, the B²Σ⁺-X²Σ⁺ (0-0) band, is chosen to extract plasma temperature from the experimental spectra.

[Epidemic status of malaria and progress of malaria elimination in Henan Province, 2018]

OBJECTIVE

To understand the epidemic status of malaria and progress of malaria elimination in Henan Province in 2018, so as to provide the scientific evidence for formulating the control strategy of malaria.

METHODS

All data pertaining to the epidemic status of malaria and malaria case were captured from Henan Province in 2018, and the epidemic status of malaria and the diagnosis and treatment of malaria cases were analyzed using a descriptive epidemiological method.

RESULTS

A total of 174 malaria cases were reported in Henan Province in 2018, with a male-to-female ratio of 33.8∶1. The cases were predominantly found at 30- and 40- years, and farmer was the highest-risk population. All cases were imported for overseas countries and 96.55% (168/174) were from Africa. The cases were reported across 17 cities of the province, and 63.22% (110 cases) were detected in 4 cities of Zhengzhou, Luoyang, Xuchang and Puyang. Both the median duration from onset to initial admission and the median time from the initial admission to definitive diagnosis were 1 d. There were 6 cases (3.45%) with more than 7 days to visit a doctor, and there were 13 cases (7.47%) with definitive diagnosis of over 7 days (delay in definitive diagnosis). All malaria cases were reported within 24 h, and 98.28% (171/174) completed case investigations within 3 d. All 18 cities had achieved malaria elimination by December 2018.

CONCLUSIONS

All malaria cases reported in Henan Province in 2018 are imported from overseas countries. Intensifying malaria surveillance among returnees from Africa and Southeast Asia and timely identification and treatment of imported malaria cases are required to prevent the development of secondary malaria cases, so as to ensure the achievement of malaria elimination in Henan Province on schedule.

Genotoxicity and Safety Pharmacology Studies of Indole Alkaloids Extract from Leaves of Alstonia scholaris (L.) R. Br

Indole alkaloids extract (IAAS) was prepared from leaves of Alstonia scholaris (L.) R. Br., an evergreen tropical plant widely distributed throughout the world. This plant has been used historically by the Dai ethnic people of China to treat respiratory diseases. This study evaluated the genotoxicity and safety pharmacology of IAAS to support clinical use. The bacterial reverse mutation (Ames) test, in vitro mammalian chromosomal aberration test, and in vivo mammalian erythrocyte micronucleus (MN) test were performed to evaluate genotoxicity. Mice were administered IAAS (240, 480, or 960 mg/kg bw) once orally to observe adverse central nervous system effects. Furthermore, beagle dogs were administered IAAS (10, 30, 60 mg/kg bw) once via the duodenum to evaluate its effects on the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. IAAS with or without S9-induced metabolic activation showed no genotoxicity in the Ames test up to 500 μg/plate, in the mammalian chromosomal aberration test up to 710 μg/mL, or in the MN test up to 800 mg/kg bw. No abnormal neurobehavioral effects were observed in mice following treatment with up to 960 mg/kg bw of IAAS. Moreover, blood pressure, heart rate, electrocardiogram parameters, and depth and rate of breathing in anesthetized beagle dogs did not differ among the IAAS doses or from the vehicle group. These data indicated that IAAS did not induce mutagenicity, clastogenicity, or genotoxicity, and no pharmaco-toxicological effects were observed in the respiratory, cardiovascular, or central nervous systems. Our results increased understanding of safety considerations associated with IAAS, and may indicate that IAAS is a possible drug candidate.

[Long-term efficacy of robotic radical total gastrectomy for gastric cancer and analysis of prognostic factors]

Objective: To analyze long-term outcomes and prognostic factors of gastric cancer patients after robotic radical total gastrectomy. Methods: A retrospective case-control study was conducted. Inclusion criteria: (1) receiving robotic radical total gastrectomy; (2) gastric adenocarcinoma was confirmed by postoperative pathology; (3) no previous history of other malignant tumors; (4) no preoperative chemotherapy or radiation therapy performed. Exclusion criteria: (1) age <18 years old or age >80 years old;(2)distant metastasis before surgery, or palliative surgery; (3) conversion to laparotomy;(4) R1 or R2 resection; (5)emergency surgery; (6) remnant gastric cancer or recurrence; (7)died of severe complications during hospitalization or within 1 month after surgery. Overall survival rates (OS) and disease-free survival rates (DFS) were evaluated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Cox regression analysis was used to identify prognosis factors for overall survival. Results: According to the above criteria, 166 gastric cancer patients who underwent robotic radical total gastrectomy between March 2010 and November 2018 were included in this study. Roux-en-Y reconstruction was performed in all patients. Reconstruction were achieved using extracorporeal method through a minilaparotomy in 149 case and intracorporeal anastomosis in 17 cases. The number of harvested lymph nodes was (34.8±17.5), and the number of harvested lymph nodes at group 2 was (10.1±6.7). The number of patients with lymph node metastasis of group 2 was 73 (44.0%). The median follow-up time was 25 months (range 2-109). There were 55 (33.1%) cases of recurrence during follow-up. The 3- and 5-year overall survival rates were 55.8% and 46.2% respectively. The 3- and 5-year disease-free survival rates were 53.4% and 45.4% respectively. The 5-year overall survival rates grouped based on TNM stage were 78.9% for stage I, 58.5% for stage II, and 37.1% for stage III. The 5-year disease-free survival rates grouped based on TNM stage were 78.9% for stage I, 59.2% for stage II, and 34.6% for stage III. Univariate analysis suggested that TNM stage, the number of harvested lymph nodes and number of harvested lymph nodes at group 2 were associated with overall survival rates (all P<0.05). Multivariate analyses revealed that TNM stage (P<0.001; stage IIIB: HR=5.357, 95%CI:1.182 to 24.275; stage IIIC: HR=11.937, 95%CI: 2.677 to 53.226) and number of harvested lymph nodes at group 2 (P=0.034; 6-10: HR=0.562,95%CI:0.326 to 0.969; >10: HR=0.388, 95%CI: 0.176 to 0.857) were independent prognostic factors for overall survival. Conclusion: The long-term outcomes of robotic radical total gastrectomy were satisfactory. TNM stage and number of harvested lymph nodes at group 2 were independent prognostic factors for overall survival.

Acute and Chronic Toxicity of Indole Alkaloids from Leaves of Alstonia scholaris (L.) R. Br. in Mice and Rats

Alstonia scholaris (L.) R. Br. (Apocynaceae) is an evergreen tree that has been used to treat lung diseases. In this study, the toxicity profile of indole alkaloids from leaves of A. scholaris was investigated. In acute toxicity tests, mice were administered total alkaloids (TA) and five indole alkaloids. In a chronic toxicity test, rats were continuously administered TA (50, 100, and 300 mg/kg bw) for 13 weeks, followed by a 4-week recovery. A single administration of TA affected the behavior of mice, and at 12.8 g/kg bw, prone position, shortness of breath, wheezing, and convulsion were observed. The half-lethal dose (LD50) in mice was 5.48 g/kg bw, almost 2740 times the clinical dose in humans. Among the five indole alkaloids, the maximum tolerance dose in mice ranged from 0.75 to 4 g/kg bw. The TA-treated rats did not die and showed no adverse effects or dose-dependent changes in weight or food and water consumption, despite fluctuations in hematological and biochemical parameters compared with historical data. Furthermore, both gross and histopathological observations revealed no abnormalities in any organ. With daily oral administration to rats, the non-observed-adverse-effect-level of TA was 100 mg/kg bw. The results indicate that TA is safe for clinical use.

Monoterpenoid indole alkaloids from the stems of Kopsia officinalis

Five new indole alkaloids, kopsiofficines H-L (1-5), along with fourteen known alkaloids (6-19) were isolated from the stems of Kopsia officinalis. Their structures were elucidated by extensive NMR, mass spectroscopic analyses and comparison to the reported data. All the isolated compounds were evaluated their anti-inflammatory activities by inhibiting IL-1β, PGE2 and TNF-α secretion in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated RAW264.7 cells. Compounds 2, 3, 6, 7, 11, 12, 15, and 17 show significant anti-inflammatory activities. These results demonstrate pharmacodynamic substance basis of these folkloric claims.

Moringa oleifera Lam Seed Oil Augments Pentobarbital-Induced Sleeping Behaviors in Mice via GABAergic Systems

Moringa oleifera Lam. (MO), which is widely consumed as both food and herbal medicine in tropical and subtropical regions, has a wide spectrum of health benefits. Yet, whether the oil obtained from MO seeds could affect (improve) the sleep activity remains unclear. Herein, we used the locomotor activity, pentobarbital-induced sleeping, and pentetrazol-induced convulsions test to examine sedative-hypnotic effects (SHE) of MO oil (MOO) and explored the underlying mechanisms. Besides, the main components of MOO like oleic acid, β-Sitosterol, and Stigmasterol were also evaluated. The results showed that they possessed good SHE. Except for oleic acid and Stigmasterol, they could significantly elevate γ-amino butyric acid (GABA) and reduce glutamic acid (Glu) levels in the hypothalamus of mice. Moreover, SHE was blocked by picrotoxin, flumazenil, and bicuculline, except for oleic acid, which could not be antagonized by picrotoxin. Molecular mechanisms showed that MOO and β-Sitosterol significantly upregulated the amount of protein-level expression of Glu decarboxylase-65 (GAD₆₅) and α₁-subunit of GABA_A receptors in the hypothalamus of mice, not affecting GAD₆₇, γ₂ subunits. These data indicated that MOO modulates sleep architectures via activation of the GABA_A-ergic systems.

Phenolic Amides with Immunomodulatory Activity from the Nonpolysaccharide Fraction of Lycium barbarum Fruits

The fruits of Lycium barbarum have a long history as an edible and medicinal food in Asian regions and have multiple consumption methods; the polysaccharides (LBPs) are commonly considered as their major immunological constituents. The current study revealed that the total phenolic amide moieties from L. barbarum fruits showed greater potential immunomodulatory activity in vivo than did LBPs. Through subsequent investigation on the immunological bioactive phenolic amides, three new phenolic amides, lyciumamides L-N (1-3), as well as 12 analogues, were obtained from the total phenolic amide fraction. Extensive spectroscopic methods were used to elucidate the new structures. Compounds 4-6 and 15 significantly promoted LPS-stimulated B splenocyte, while compounds 4-6 displayed accelerative effects on the proliferation of Con A-stimulated T lymphocytes at a concentration of 20.0 μg/mL. These data indicated that extracts from L. barbarum fruits enriched with phenolic amides could be developed as a nutritional dietary supplement for immunocompromised individuals.

Feeding diets varying in forage proportion and particle length to lactating dairy cows: II. Effects on duodenal flows and intestinal digestibility of amino acids

A study was conducted to evaluate the effects of forage-to-concentrate (F:C) ratio and forage particle length (FPL) on intake, duodenal flow, and digestibility of individual AA in the intestine of lactating dairy cows. The experiment was designed as a 4 × 4 Latin square with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments using 4 lactating dairy cows (parity 2) with ruminal and duodenal cannulas. Low (35:65) and high (60:40) F:C ratios (dry matter basis) were combined with 2 FPL of alfalfa silage (short vs. long; 7.9 vs. 19.1 mm). Few interactions between F:C and FPL for duodenal flow and intestinal digestibility of AA occurred, but interactions were detected for intakes of several AA. Intake of essential AA and nonessential AA decreased with increasing F:C, and the intake of several individual AA increased or decreased with increasing FPL. Increasing F:C decreased duodenal flows of essential AA, nonessential AA, and microbial AA due to consistent decreased flows of most individual AA (except Glu). Degradability of most individual AA in the rumen was not affected by F:C ratio or FPL except that the degradability of His was greater with high than low F:C diets, and the degradability of Ser was greater with long versus short FPL diets. However, the degradability of individual AA within diet varied considerably. Overall, F:C ratio and FPL did not affect intestinal digestibility of AA and rumen undegradable protein AA, whereas the digestibility of individual AA in the intestine varied considerably regardless of dietary treatment. These results indicate that increasing F:C ratio decreased AA supply due to decreased flow of AA to the duodenum but altering FPL did not affect AA supply. The results also revealed the necessity to consider both the flows and digestibility of individual AA when optimizing ration formulation to meet AA requirements of dairy cows.

[A study on the targeted nanoparticles of isosorbide mononitrate on reducing the levels of inflammatory factors in rabbit models of rhinosinusitis]

Objective: To investigate the effect of isosorbide mononitrate (ISMN) targeted nanoparticles on inflammatory factors of sinusitis by establishing a rabbit model of rhinosinusitis. Methods: Thirty healthy rabbits, male and female, weighing 2.5-3.5 kg, were randomly divided into 6 groups with 5 rabbits in each group. Group A was the control group. The model of rabbit sinusitis was established in group B to F, and CT was used to confirm the model was successful. After placing tubes into the maxillary sinus in the group C to F, saline, 45 mg/ml ISMN, 45 mg/ml ISMN nanoparticles and 45 mg/ml ISMN targeted nanoparticles were used to wash the maxillary sinus, respectively. Blood samples were collected from the ear vein of rabbits on day 7, 14, 21, 28, 35 and 42 after modeling respectively. Changes in the expression levels of inflammatory factors in rabbits during the modeling process and after drug washing were detected by ELISA. After the drug intervention, the maxillary sinus mucosa was taken for real-time quantitative PCR to detect the changes in the mRNA level of inflammatory factors. SPSS 22.0 software was used to process the data. Results: Rabbit model of sinusitis was successfully established. ELISA showed that after the action of ISMN targeted nanoparticles of 1 week (42th day after modeling), the levels of (interleukin, IL) 4, IL-8, IL-17A and interferon γ (IFN-γ) in the blood were lower compared with that of 35th day after modeling, the difference was statistically significant (5.57±1.20 vs 19.73±0.68, 66.41±11.87 vs 154.68±13.13, 17.96±1.87 vs 28.23±0.80, 53.56±5.66 vs 111.93±7.29, all P<0.05). Compared with the ISMN nanoparticles and ISMN, the ISMN targeted nanoparticles reduced the levels of IL-4, IL-8, IL-17A and IFN-γ more obviously, the differences were statistically significant (13.26±1.43 vs 8.81±1.33 vs 7.14±2.16, 89.47±17.80 vs 41.07±7.77 vs 15.84±3.72, 10.28±2.07 vs 3.06±1.62 vs 1.82±0.90, 62.16±6.18 vs 35.12±4.62 vs 27.89±10.18, all P<0.05). Real-Time PCR showed that after the flushing of ISMN targeted nanoparticles, the levels of IL-4, IL-8, IL-17A and IFN-γ mRNA were lowest compared with that of the model group, ISMN nanoparticles and ISMN group. Conclusion: ISMN targeted nanoparticles can reduce the level of inflammatory factors in rabbit sinusitis model.