The choice of spectral similarity algorithms influences suspected soil sample provenance

Similarity algorithms are commonly used in soil forensic applications to help identify similar samples from an existing reference library as possible source locations of unknown target samples. These algorithms are well-suited to compare soil spectra. However, different similarity algorithms may lead to different clusters of similar samples, and thus different strengths of evidence in forensic investigations. To quantify this, we conducted a study to evaluate the influence of seven similarity algorithms on soil provenance, using as a sample set a soil spectral library consisting of 280 soil profiles from Anhui Province, China. This library includes three spatial scales of datasets: provincial (DS_p), county (DS_c) and field (DS_f). A set of ten samples covering a wide range of spectra variations were selected from the DS_f dataset as the "unknown" samples, with the remaining being used as the reference samples. This study aimed to: (1) evaluate how several commonly-used similarity algorithms, namely Euclidean distance (ED), Mahalanobis distance (MD), Spectral angle mapper (SAM), and Spectral information divergence (SID), as well as variants of several of these measured in standardized principal component space computed from the spectra (ED_PCA, MD_PCA and SAM_PCA), influence the identification of the matched similar samples; (2) determine the overlap in sample selection between different similarity algorithms; (3) propose best practices for similarity algorithms applied to soil forensic analysis using spectroscopy. The use of different similarity algorithms did influence the selection of most similar samples. The similarity algorithms calculated in PC space (ED_PCA, MD_PCA and SAM_PCA) performed slightly better than their counterparts calculated in spectral space. Due to the availability of a detailed spectral library, regardless of the different similarity algorithms used, the matched most similar samples were all located close to the unknowns, mostly within 3 km, with one exception. That is, the varied choices of different similarity algorithms hardly influenced the conclusion of soil provenance in this case. In general, MD_PCA, SAM and ED were the best similarity algorithms overall. However, since there was no single best algorithms for all cases, we recommend the joint use of MD_PCA, SAM and ED as an ensemble. Indications of possible sample provenance from these similarity measured can be useful evidence to complement evidence from other methods in a forensic investigation.

Comparative transcriptome analysis reveals key genes potentially related to organic acid and sugar accumulation in loquat

Organic acids and sugars are the primary components that determine the quality and flavor of loquat fruits. In the present study, major organic acids, sugar content, enzyme activities, and the expression of related genes were analyzed during fruit development in two loquat cultivars, ’JieFangZhong’ (JFZ) and ’BaiLi’ (BL). Our results showed that the sugar content increased during fruit development in the two cultivars; however, the organic acid content dramatically decreased in the later stages of fruit development. The differences in organic acid and sugar content between the two cultivars primarily occured in the late stage of fruit development and the related enzymes showed dynamic changes in activies during development. Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC) and mNAD malic dehydrogenase (mNAD-MDH) showed higher activities in JFZ at 95 days after flowering (DAF) than in BL. However, NADP-dependent malic enzyme (NADP-ME) activity was the lowest at 95 DAF in both JFZ and BL with BL showing higher activity compared with JFZ. At 125 DAF, the activity of fructokinase (FRK) was significantly higher in JFZ than in BL. The activity of sucrose synthase (SUSY) in the sucrose cleavage direction (SS-C) was low at early stages of fruit development and increased at 125 DAF. SS-C activity was higher in JFZ than in BL. vAI and sucrose phosphate synthase (SPS) activities were similar in the two both cultivars and increased with fruit development. RNA-sequencing was performed to determine the candidate genes for organic acid and sugar metabolism. Our results showed that the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) with the greated fold changes in the later stages of fruit development between the two cultivars were phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase 2 (PEPC2), mNAD-malate dehydrogenase (mNAD-MDH), cytosolic NADP-ME (cyNADP-ME2), aluminum-activated malate transporter (ALMT9), subunit A of vacuolar H⁺-ATPase (VHA-A), vacuolar H⁺-PPase (VHP1), NAD-sorbitol dehydrogenase (NAD-SDH), fructokinase (FK), sucrose synthase in sucrose cleavage (SS-C), sucrose-phosphate synthase 1 (SPS1), neutral invertase (NI), and vacuolar acid invertase (vAI). The expression of 12 key DEGs was validated by quantitative reverese transcription PCR (RT-qPCR). Our findings will help understand the molecular mechanism of organic acid and sugar formation in loquat, which will aid in breeding high-quality loquat cultivars.

Optimal exercise parameters of tai chi for balance performance in older adults: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Tai chi is considered a safe and low-cost treatment for improving balance ability among an older population. However, there is no existing evidence on the optimal exercise parameters of tai chi for improving balance in older adults.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the optimal parameters of a tai chi intervention to improve balance performance of older adults.

DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

SETTING

PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Scopus, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang, Chinese Science and Technology Periodical and China Biology Medicine were searched from inception until November 30, 2020.

PARTICIPANTS

Adults aged 60 years and over.

MEASUREMENTS

Two reviewers independently extracted the data and assessed the quality of the included studies according to the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale. Subgroup analyses and meta-regressions were conducted to elucidate the impact of tai chi training programs on balance measures.

RESULTS

Twenty-six eligible RCTs were included in the meta-analysis. Pooled results showed that tai chi has moderate effects for improving proactive balance (weighted mean standardized mean differences [SMD_wm ] = 0.61, 95% CI 0.33-0.89) and static steady-state balance (SMD_wm  = 0.62, 95% CI 0.30-0.95) and small effects for improving dynamic steady-state balance (SMD_wm  = 0.38, 95% CI 0.03-0.73) and balance test batteries (SMD_wm  = 0.47, 95% CI 0.13-0.81) in adults over 60 years of age. The practice frequency could predict the effects of tai chi on static steady-state balance, and the 24-form simplified Yang style tai chi (45-60 min/session, more than four sessions per week and at least 8 weeks) was the most optimal.

CONCLUSIONS

Tai chi is effective at improving the balance ability of adults over 60 years of age. A medium duration and high frequency of 24-form tai chi may be the optimal program for improving balance, but this evidence should be recommended with caution due to limitations of the methodology and small sample sizes.

Phylogenetic relationships and characterization of the complete mitochondrial genome of Eriobotrya japonica in southeast of China

Eriobotrya japonica is an evergreen fruit tree originating in southeastern China. Its fruit is juicy with a pleasant taste and considerable medical value. However, there is no complete mitochondrial (cmt) genome resource for this species. This is the first report of the cmt genome of Eriobotrya japonica from southeastern China. The whole cmt genome was 434,980 bp in size with 37.80% GC content. The cmt genome of Eriobotrya japonica contains 41 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, and 3 rRNA genes. A phylogenetic maximum-likelihood (ML) tree was constructed based on 22 mitochondrial genomes from plant species. Eriobotrya japonica grouped closely with other Rosaceae species, which provides strong support for the traditional classification.

[Effects of ellagic acid on inflammation and oxidative stress induced by AKT gene transfection in mice with fatty liver disease]

To study the effects of ellagic acid(EA)on inflammation and oxidative stress in mice with fatty liver disease induced by AKT gene transfection,the 20 female FVB mice were randomly divided into normal control group,model group and ellagic acid administration group(150,300 mg·kg~(-1)·d~(-1))(n=5).EA experimental groups and model group were using a high pressure into the tail vein transfection plasmid AKT.The next day,EA was started to administered continuously for 5 weeks after the AKT gene transfection,while the model group and the normal control group were given the same amount of saline.After the administration,the liver tissue and serum of mice were taken.HE and oil red O staining were using to observe the histopathological changes in liver;liver function to detect the serum and liver tissue as well as MDA and SOD levels;real-time quantitative PCR(RT-qPCR)was used to measure the mR-NA expression of NF-κB and TNF-α;Western blot and immunohistochemistry were used to measure the expression of NF-κB,TNF-αand COX-2 in liver tissue.RESULTS:: show that after AKT gene transfection,the model group had significant increase in the serum levels of AST,ALT,elevated the levels of MDA and decreased the levels of SOD in serum and liver tissue,aggravated histopathology degeneration and Liver inflammation,and significantly higher expression of NF-κB,TNF-α,IL-6,COX-2 and other inflammatory-related factors in liver tissue.EA administration group significant reductions in the serum levels of AST,ALT,and improved in hepatocyte fatty degeneration and liver inflammation,lower the levels of MDA and increased the levels of SOD in serum and liver tissue,and significant reductions in the expression of NF-κB,TNF-α,IL-6 and COX-2 in liver tissue.These results suggest that EA has obvious anti-inflammatory effect and inhibits oxidative stress and EA has a significant therapeutic effecton AKT gene inducing fatty liver,and the mechanism possibly by inhibiting inflammatory factors of NF-κB,TNF-α,IL-6,COX-2 and anti-oxidative stress-related.

[Identification and determination of phenolic acids and flavonoids in Artemisiae Argyi Folium by UPLC-DAD-MS]

The study aims to qualitatively and quantitatively analyze phenolic acids and flavonoids in Artemisiae Argyi Folium cultivated in Qichun(Qiai) for the quality control of this genuine regional herbs. UPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS was used for rapid separation and structural identification of the constituents. Samples were separated on an UPLC column(2. 1 mm×100 mm,1. 8 μm) by gradient elution using 0. 1% formic acid and acetonitrile as mobile phases at a flow rate of 0. 4 m L·min-1. By UPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS,16 compounds including phenolic acids and flavonoids were identified by comparison with reference standards or literature data. For quantitative analysis,12 identified compounds were simultaneously determined by UPLC-DAD at wavelengths of 330 nm. The method was validated with respect to linearity,precision,repeatability,stability and recovery. The contents of these compounds were found to differ significantly between the samples from Qichun and other areas. This strategy was novel,effective and straightforward,which provided a potential approach for holistic quality control of Qiai.

Association of platelet-activating factor receptor gene rs5938 (G/T) and rs313152 (T/C) polymorphisms with coronary heart disease and blood stasis syndrome in a Chinese Han population

OBJECTIVE

To explore the association of the platelet-activating factor receptor (PAFR) gene rs5938, rs313152 and rs76744145 polymorphisms with coronary heart disease (CHD) and blood stasis syndrome (BSS) of CHD in Chinese Han population.

METHODS

A total of 570 CHD patients (299 with BSS and 271 with non-BSS) and 317 controls were enrolled. The PAFR gene rs5938, rs313152 and rs76744145 polymorphisms were genotyped using the multiplex SNaPshot technology. The statistical analysis was conducted using a multiple variable logistic regression model.

RESULTS

Significant differences were detected in the genotypes frequency distributions of the rs5938 (P<0.01), but not the rs313152 (P>0.05), between the controls and CHD patients. Individuals with an rs5938 or rs313152 mutated allele had a low risk for CHD [adjusted odds ratio (aOR)=0.35, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.23 to 0.56, P<0.01; aOR=0.65, 95% CI: 0.46 to 0.91, P<0.05, respectively]. After the CHD patients were stratified as BSS or non-BSS according to their Chinese medicine patterns, the rs5938 polymorphism mutated alleles had a significant association with a low risk for BSS of CHD (aOR=0.32, 95% CI: 0.18 to 0.57, P<0.01) and non-BSS of CHD (aOR=0.31, 95% CI: 0.17 to 0.55, P<0.01). The rs313152 polymorphism was associated with a low risk for BSS (aOR=0.51, 95% CI: 0.33 to 0.79, P<0.01), but not for non-BSS (aOR=1.22, 95% CI: 0.81 to 1.85, P<0.05). Furthermore, the interaction effect of the rs5938 and rs313152 polymorphisms for BSS of CHD was significantly based on an aOR value associated with the combination of the rs5938 GT genotype with the rs313152 TC genotype of 0.27 (95% CI: 0.1 to 0.7, P<0.01).

CONCLUSION

The PAFR gene rs5938 or rs313152 polymorphisms might be a potential biomarker for susceptibility to CHD, especially to BSS of CHD in Chinese Han population.

The effects of aerobic exercise on the structure and function of DMN-related brain regions: a systematic review

Physical activity may play a role in both the prevention and slowing of brain volume loss and may be beneficial in terms of improving the functional connectivity of brain regions. But much less is known about the potential benefit of aerobic exercise for the structure and function of the default mode network (DMN) brain regions. This systematic review examines the effects of aerobic exercise on the structure and function of DMN brain regions in human adulthood. Seven electronic databases were searched for prospective controlled studies published up to April 2015. The quality of the selected studies was evaluated with the Cochrane Collaboration's tool for assessing the risk of bias. RevMan 5.3 software was applied for data analysis. Finally, 14 studies with 631 participants were identified. Meta-analysis revealed that aerobic exercise could significantly increase right hippocampal volume (SMD = 0.26, 95% CI 0.01-0.51, p = 0.04, I² = 7%, 4 studies), and trends of similar effects were observed in the total (SMD = 0.12, 95% CI -0.17 to 0.41, p = 0.43, I² = 0%, 5 studies), left (SMD = 0.12, 95% CI -0.13 to 0.37, p = 0.33, I² = 14%, 4 studies), left anterior (SMD = 0.12, 95% CI -0.16 to 0.40, p = 0.41, I² = 74%, 2 studies) and right anterior (SMD = 0.10, 95% CI -0.17 to 0.38, p = 0.46, I² = 76%, 4 studies) hippocampal volumes compared to the no-exercise interventions. A few studies reported that relative to no-exercise interventions, aerobic exercise could significantly decrease the atrophy of the medial temporal lobe, slow the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) volume loss, increase functional connectivity within the hippocampus and improve signal activation in the cingulate gyrus and ACC. The current review suggests that aerobic exercise may have positive effects on the right hippocampus and potentially beneficial effects on the overall and other parts of the hippocampus, the cingulate cortex and the medial temporal areas of the DMN. Moreover, aerobic exercise may increase functional connectivity or activation in the hippocampus, cingulate cortex and parahippocampal gyrus regions of the DMN. However, considering the quantity and limitations of the included studies, the conclusion could not be drawn so far. Additional randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with rigorous designs and longer intervention periods are needed in the future.

Simultaneous effects of surface spins: rarely large coercivity, high remanence magnetization and jumps in the hysteresis loops observed in CoFe2O4 nanoparticles

Well-dispersed uniform cobalt ferrite nanoparticles were synthesized by thermal decomposition of a metal-organic salt in organic solvent with a high boiling point. Some of the nanoparticles were diluted in a SiO2 matrix and then the undiluted and diluted samples were characterized and their magnetic behavior explored. The undiluted and diluted samples exhibited maximum coercivity Hc of 23,817 and 15,056 Oe at 10 K, respectively, which are the highest values reported to date, and the corresponding ratios of remanence (Mr) to saturation (Ms) magnetization (Mr/Ms) were as high as 0.85 and 0.76, respectively. Interestingly, the magnetic properties of the samples changed at 200 K, which was observed in magnetic hysteresis M(H) loops and zero-field cooling curves as well as the temperature dependence of Hc, Mr/Ms, anisotropy, dipolar field, and the magnetic grain size. Below 200 K, both samples have large effective anisotropy, which arises from the surface spins, resulting in large Hc and Mr/Ms. Above 200 K, the effective anisotropy decreases because there is no contribution from surface spins, while the dipolar interaction increases, resulting in small Hc and Mr/Ms. Our results indicate that strong anisotropy and weak dipolar interaction tend to increase Hc and Mr/Ms, and also clarify that the jumps around H = 0 in M(H) loops can be attributed to the reorientation of surface spins. This work exposes the underlying mechanism in nanoscale magnetic systems, which should lead to improved magnetic performance.

[A system review of randomized controlled trials on treating chronic stable angina by rhodiola]

OBJECTIVE

To systematically assess the efficacy and safety of Rhodiola in treating chronic stable angina pectoris.

METHODS

Our group searched the Cochrane library, PubMed, Embase, Chinese biomedical literature database (CBM), VIP database (VIP), Chinese Journal Full-text Database (CNKI) for the literature published in English and Chinese till April 2013. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included on the therapeutic effect of Rhodiola or Rhodiola plus conventional Western medicine in comparison with the conventional Western medicine treatment on stable angina. Data were extracted according the data extraction form. The literature methodological quality was assessed by using the Cochrane handbook, and data analyzed by Rev-Man 5.2 Software for Meta-analysis. The effect indicators of outcomes was expressed by odds ratio (OR) and 95% CI.

RESULTS

A total of 7 randomized controlled trials, 662 cases of stable angina pectoris patients met the inclusion criteria and all published in Chinese, without one scientific design and high quality literature. Compared with the conventional Western medicine treatment, combined with oral administration of Rhodiola could improve the efficiency of anti-angina (OR = 2.49, 95% CI: 1.02 - 6.09). Combined with intravenous infusion of Rhodiola could also improve the efficacy of angina pectoris (OR = 4.86, 95% CI: 2.4 - 9.82). Oral administration of Rhodiola couldn't improve ECG efficacy (OR = 1.25, 95% CI: 0.67 - 2.34). Intravenous infusion of Rhodiola could improve the clinical efficacy (OR = 2.94, 95% CI: 1.61 - 5.35). Combined with the conventional treatment, intravenous infusion of Rhodiola could improve the whole blood viscosity (low and high shear rates) and inverse variance (IV) (-1.36 and -0.99, 95% CI: -1.65 - 1.07 and -1.26 - 0.71), but could not reduce serum fibrinogen and D-dimer level. The incidence rate of adverse reactions was higher than that of the conventional treatment combined with Rhodiola (OR = 0.1, 95% CI: 0.02 - 0.51).

CONCLUSIONS

On the basis of routine treatment, Rhodiola could further improve patients' symptoms. Combined with intravenous medication, Rhodiola could increase the ECG improvement rate, and reduce adverse reactions. But the methodological quality of included studies was poor, the number of samples was small, and influence factors such as the intervention period was short. This conclusion needs scientific and rational design in a larger sample, multicenter clinical trial to verify.

Associations of platelet-activating factor acetylhydrolase (PAF-AH) gene polymorphisms with circulating PAF-AH levels and risk of coronary heart disease or blood stasis syndrome in the Chinese Han population

The circulating level of platelet-activating factor acetylhydrolase (PAF-AH) is a novel biomarker to predict the presence of coronary heart disease. PAF-AH gene polymorphisms may be responsible for the variance of circulating PAF-AH levels in individuals. However, the association of PAF-AH gene polymorphisms with circulating PAF-AH levels and the susceptibility to coronary heart disease (CHD) remains unsolved. Blood stasis syndrome (BSS) of CHD is the most common type of TCM syndromes, and a previous study discovered its relationship with the elevated circulating PAF-AH levels. However, the association of gene polymorphisms and CHD with BSS is unclear at present. In this study, four polymorphisms (R92H, I198T, A379V, V279F) of the PAF-AH gene were genotyped in 570 CHD patients, of which 299 had BSS. In addition, 317 unaffected individuals from the same hospitals served as controls. Plasma PAF-AH levels were measured in 155 controls and 271 CHD patients selected randomly, including 139 CHD patients with BSS. In the Chinese Han population, plasma PAF-AH levels in CHD patients with BSS or without BSS were significantly higher (12.9 ± 6.5 and 11.1 ± 5.0 μM, respectively) than in controls (9.3 ± 5.2 μM); this difference still remained significant after adjustment for traditional risk factors or the inflammatory factors. The R92H polymorphism was highly related to the plasma PAF-AH levels and the risk of CHD, especially among patients with BSS, even with the adjustment for the effects of traditional factors. The I198T polymorphism was highly associated with risk of CHD with BSS, but was associated with neither the risk of CHD with no BSS nor with elevated plasma PAF-AH levels.

Compound K-induced apoptosis of human hepatocellular carcinoma MHCC97-H cells in vitro

An intestinal bacterial metabolite of ginseng protopanaxadiol saponin, 20-O-(β-D-glucopyranosyl)-20(S)-protopanaxadiol (compound K), has been reported to induce apoptosis in a variety of cancer cells. However, the precise mechanisms induced by compound K in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells remain unclear. In order to examine possible apoptotic mechanisms, we investigated the anticancer effect of compound K in MHCC97-H. MTT assay showed that compound K inhibited the proliferation of MHCC97-H cells with a relatively low toxicity in normal hepatoma cells. Cell cycle progression and cell staining showed an increase in apoptotic sub-G1 fraction. Treatment of MHCC97-H with compound K also induced a reduction in mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm) and DNA damage. Further study showed that compound K upregulated Fas, FasL, Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and downregulated pro-caspase-9, pro-caspase-3 in a dose-dependent manner, and it also inhibited Akt phosphorylation. These results suggest that compound K significantly inhibits cell proliferation and induces apoptosis in MHCC97-H cells through Fas- and mitochondria-mediated caspase-dependent pathways in human HCC cells.

Effects of methylthiouracil on the proliferation and apoptosis of rat bone marrow stromal cells

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of methylthiouracil (MTU) on the proliferation and apoptosis of rat bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs). Rat BMSCs were isolated, cultured in vitro and treated with various concentrations of MTU. Cell growth curves were determined using the Cell Counting Kit-8 method and the effect of MTU on BMSCs in a logarithmic growth phase was observed. BMSC apoptosis following MTU treatment was detected by flow cytometry. The experimental results demonstrated that the proliferation-inhibition effect was gradually enhanced with increasing MTU concentrations and the extension of treatment time. Statistically significant differences were observed between the treatment and the control groups (P<0.05). In addition, the BMSC apoptosis rate gradually increased with increasing drug concentrations and treatment time extension; statistically significant differences were observed between the treatment and the control groups (P<0.05). Therefore, the results of the present study demonstrated that MTU inhibited the proliferation of BMSCs and promoted apoptosis, indicating the cytotoxic effects of MTU on BMSCs.

Protective effect of quercetin on lead-induced oxidative stress and endoplasmic reticulum stress in rat liver via the IRE1/JNK and PI3K/Akt pathway

Lead (Pb), a well-known environmental toxin, is one of the major hazards for human health. Quercetin (QE), a natural flavonoid, has been reported to have many benefits and medicinal properties. However, its protective effects against Pb-induced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in liver have not been clarified. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of quercetin on hepatic ER stress in rats exposed to Pb. Wistar rats were exposed to lead acetate in the drinking water with or without quercetin co-administration for 75 days. Our data showed that quercetin significantly prevented Pb-induced hepatotoxicity in a dose-dependent manner, indicated by both diagnostic indicators of liver damage and histopathological analysis. Quercetin markedly decreased Pb contents in blood and liver. Western blot analysis showed that Pb-induced ER stress in rat liver was significantly inhibited by quercetin. In exploring the underlying mechanisms of quercetin action, we found quercetin markedly suppressed Pb-induced oxidative stress. Quercetin decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and increased the total antioxidant capacity in rat livers. Additionally, quercetin dramatically increased Phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K) and phosphorylated protein kinase B (PKB/Akt) levels in liver rats. In the examined unfolded protein response (UPR) pathways, quercetin markedly inhibited the Pb-induced increase of the phosphorylated inositol-requiring enzyme 1 (IRE1) and c-jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) in rat liver. Taken together, these results suggested that the inhibition of Pb-induced ER stress by quercetin is due at least in part to its anti-oxidant stress activity and its ability to modulate the PI3K/Akt and IRE1/JNK signaling pathway.

Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 gene V279F polymorphisms and coronary heart disease: a meta-analysis

Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (LP-PLA2) may play an important role in the pathophysiology of coronary heart disease (CHD). The polymorphism of LP-PLA2 gene caused LP-PLA2 enzyme activity depressing or lost. But there is not a definite conclusion for the association of between the LP-PLA2 gene polymorphism and CHD risk. To assess the relationship between LP-PLA2 gene V279F polymorphism and CHD, a comprehensive Meta-analysis was performed. All the case-control studies evaluating the association of between the LP-PLA2 gene V279F polymorphism and CHD risk were identified. Seven case-control studies involving 3,614 patients with CHD and 4,334 controls were included. The crude odds ratios (ORs) of meta-analysis under the different gene model were not significant. But in the stratified analysis by study size, ethnicity, cases definition, and source of controls under the additive model, the association was evident in ethnicity for Japanese group (OR=1.38, 95%CI=1.22-1.56), cases definition for MI (OR=1.22, 95%CI=1.01-1.49), source of controls for the based-hospital (OR=1.42, 95%CI=1.24-1.59). These data suggested that the V279F polymorphism in LP-PLA2 gene may contribute to CHD development. But there is necessary that more well-designed large studies are required for the validation of this association.

[Inhibitory effect of ginseng saponin IH901 on proliferation and metastasis of ECV304 cell line and its molecular mechanism]

This study aims to investigate the inhibitory effect on proliferation and metastasis of 20-O-(beta-D-glucopyranosyl)-20(S)-protopanaxadiol (IH901) on ECV304 cell line. MTT assay was used to examine the effect of cell proliferation inhibition and the adhesive ability of ECV304 cells to artificial basement membrane. Morphology of cell apoptosis was observed with phase contrast microscope. Apoptosis rate and cell cycle were detected by flow cytometry (FCM). Cell migration was measured by wound healing assay. ELISA kit was used to detect VEGF and bFGF. Caspases were detected by Western blotting. Results indicated that ginseng saponin IH901 can downregulate the expression of growth promoting protein VEGF and bFGF, and upregulate pro apoptosis protein cleaved caspase-9 and cleaved caspase-3. The increase in the apoptotic sub-G1 fraction is in a dose-dependent manner, and cell cycle arrests in the G0/G1 phase was detected by FCM. Morphological examination of IH901-treated samples showed cells with chromatin condensation, cell shrinkage, and all typical characteristics of apoptotic cells. Therefore, IH901 dramatically suppresses cell proliferation and adhesion and migration of ECV304 cell line.

Anti-inflammatory effects of ethyl acetate fraction from Melilotus suaveolens Ledeb on LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells

AIM OF THE STUDY

This paper aimed to elucidate the anti-inflammatory effects of EtOAc fraction prepared from Melilotus suaveolens Ledeb ethanol extract with a cellular model of LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cell.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Some key pro-inflammatory cytokines and mediators including IL-1 beta, IL-6, NO, iNOS, COX-2 and TNF-alpha, two important anti-inflammatory cytokines and mediators IL-10 and HO-1, I-kappaB and NF-kappaB were studied by sandwich ELISA, real-time PCR, western blot analysis and immunocytochemistry. At last a HPLC fingerprint was taken to evaluate the fraction.

RESULTS

The EtOAc fraction could significantly inhibit the production of IL-1 beta, IL-6, NO, TNF-alpha, COX-2 in LPS-stimulated cell than that of single LPS-stimulated cell (p<0.01 or p<0.05), and the extract could increase the production of IL-10 and HO-1 than that of single LPS intervention cell (p<0.01 or p<0.05). Meanwhile, the extract also could inhibit the production of NF-kappaB compared to single LPS-stimulated cell. All the results showed that the extract had a good anti-inflammatory effect on LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cell.

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together, the anti-inflammatory actions of M. suaveolens Ledeb EtOAc fraction might be due to the down-regulation of IL-1 beta, IL-6, NO, TNF-alpha and COX-2 via the suppression of NF-kappaB activation, and another pathway was up regulating the production of IL-10 and HO-1. Meanwhile, the EtOAc fraction might be further studied to isolate the active anti-inflammatory ingredients besides coumarin.

[Studies on the chemical constituents of MEICHA (II)]

OBJECTIVE

To study the chemical constituents of MEICHA.

METHODS

Chromatography and spectroscopic analysis were employed to isolate and elucidate the chemical constituents in the plant.

RESULTS

Seven compounds were obtained and identified as beta3-sitosterol (I), oleanolic acid (II), quercetin (III), Taxifolin (IV), Catechin (V), Querceetin-3-O-alpha-L-rhamnoside (VI) and Gallic acid (VII).

CONCLUSION

Seven compounds are isolated from this plant for the first time.

Anti-inflammatory mechanism of a folk herbal medicine, Duchesnea indica (Andr) Focke at RAW264.7 cell line

This study is to explore the anti-inflammatory mechanism of the ethanol extract of Duchesnea indica (Andr) Focke. An inflammatory cellular model was established by addition of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on RAW264.7 cell line. The cellular secretion of TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, IL-6, NO and IL-10 in supernatant, mRNA expression of TNF-alpha, COX-2, iNOS and HO-1, protein expression of COX-2 and HO-1, and activation of NF-kappaB were assayed by ELISA, the Griess method, real-time quantitative PCR, and Western blot and immunocytochemistry method, respectively. The ethanol extract of D. indica not only reduced production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and mediators and blocked NF-kappaB activation, but also slightly promoted release of the anti-inflammatory mediator HO-1 and suppressed IL-10 secretion. In conclusion, the anti-inflammatory effects of the extract of D. indica are attributed to the suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and mediators by blocking NF-kappaB activation. The extract of D. indica can also slightly promote HO-1 production to reduce inflammation.

Preliminary exploration on anti-inflammatory mechanism of Corilagin (beta-1-O-galloyl-3,6-(R)-hexahydroxydiphenoyl-D-glucose) in vitro

Corilagin (beta-1-O-galloyl-3,6-(R)-hexahydroxydiphenoyl-D-glucose) is a novel member of the tannin family which has been discovered from many medicinal plants and has been confirmed in many pharmacological activities. However, the purified Corilagin that was used in experiment is rare, and the anti-inflammatory mechanism of Corilagin has not been investigated clearly. This study is to explore the inner anti-inflammatory mechanism of Corilagin. Inflammatory cellular model was established by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) interfering on RAW264.7 cell line. Levels of TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, IL-6, NO and IL-10 in supernatant, mRNA expression of TNF-alpha, COX-2, iNOS and HO-1, protein expression of COX-2 and HO-1, translocation of NF-kappaB were assayed by ELISA or Griess method, real-time quantitative PCR, western blot and immunocytochemistry method, respectively. As a result, Corilagin could significantly reduce production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and mediators TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, IL-6, NO (iNOS) and COX-2 on both protein and gene level by blocking NF-kappaB nuclear translocation. Meanwhile Corilagin could notably promote release of anti-inflammatory factor HO-1 on both protein and gene level, but suppress the release of IL-10. In conclusion, the anti-inflammatory effects of Corilagin are attributed to the suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and mediators by blocking NF-kappaB activation. Corilagin also can promote HO-1 production to induce regression of inflammation but can inhibit IL-10 production like Dexamethasone. Corilagin possesses a potential anti-inflammatory effect by not only abating inflammatory impairment but also promoting regression of inflammation and has a good prospect to be used in many inflammation-related diseases.

[Effects of garlic oil combined with resveratrol on inducting of apoptosis and expression of Fas, bcl-2 and bax in human gastric cancer cell line]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the effects of garlic oil combined with resveratrol on the apoptosis and expression of Fas, bcl-2 and bax in human gastric cancer cell line MGC-803.

METHODS

The experiment included three groups which were the control group, the combined medicine group 1 (including 25 microg/ml oil garlic and 25 microg/ml resveratrol) and the combined medicine group 2 (including 50 microg/ml oil garlic and 50 microg/ml resveratrol). The apoptosis of cell was examined by DNA gel electrophoresis and flow cytometry for annexin v; the expression of Fas was determined by flow cytometry at the 24th hour after the treatment; the mRNA expression of bcl-2 and Bax gene were measured by RT-PCR method at the 24th ang 48th after treatment, respectively.

RESULTS

The garlic oil combined with resveratrol induced cell apoptosis markedly at the 24th after the treatment The protein expression of Fas in the combined medicine groups was 10.59% and 14.16% respectively. As compared with the control group (5.27%), the statistical significance was obvious. The mRNA level of Bax was elevated significantly, however the mRNA expression of bcl-2 was decreased at the 24th and 48th after the treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

The garlic oil combined with the resveratrol might obviously induce the apoptosis of gastric cancer cell line MGC-803 which be involved in increasing the expression of Fas protein and bax gene and decreasing the expression of bcl-2 gene at the same time.

Treatment of municipal wastewater with the sequence batch reactor under uncoupling metabolic conditions

The activated sludge process generates large quantities of excess sludge as by-product, which is one of the most serious challenges in biological wastewater treatment. In this study, the feasibility of 2,4,6-trichlorophenol (TCP) as metabolic uncoupler to reduce sludge generation in the Sequence Batch Reactor (SBR) for the long-term treatment of municipal wastewater was evaluated. The results of 90 days continuous treatment showed that 2 mg/L TCP reduced sludge generation by about 47%, while COD removal efficiency and sludge ability to settle were only slightly decreased. The specific substrate removal rate of sludge in the reactor with TCP exceeded the removal rate of sludge in the control reactor, indicating that the catabolism and anabolism of sludge in the reactor with TCP was uncoupled. Microscopic and 16s DNA analyses showed that the microbial population of sludge varied when TCP was fed into the SBR. The occurrence of filaments and the disappearance of some protozoa in the sludge system might be reasons for the slight variation of sludge ability to settle under uncoupled metabolic conditions.

A 28-day oral (dietary) toxicity study of sucromalt in Sprague--Dawley rats

A new sweetener, sucromalt, was produced via enzymatic conversion of sucrose and maltose to a mixture of fructose, leucrose and gluco-oligosaccharides. The present study evaluated the safety of this sweetener when administered as a dietary admix at concentrations of 50, 100 and 200 g/kg to Sprague-Dawley rats for 28 days. There were no treatment-related effects on the general condition and behavior as determined by clinical observations, functional observational battery and locomotor activity assessments. Evaluation of clinical pathology parameters revealed no toxicologically-relevant treatment-related effects on hematology, serum chemistry or urinalysis. Macroscopic and microscopic findings revealed no treatment-related effects on any organ evaluated. A treatment-related increase in mean food consumption was observed resulting in slightly higher body weight gains (2-4%) for both the male and female rats, which was not toxicologically relevant. Results of this study clearly demonstrate that consumption of high concentrations of sucromalt for 28 days is not associated with obvious signs of toxicity.

Comprehensive analysis of the factors for propionic acid accumulation in acidogenic phase of anaerobic process

The accumulation of propionic acid in the anaerobic process often leads to a low efficiency of the methanogenic phase due to the low acetogenic rate of propionic acid, and hence the low wastewater treatment efficiency. Three acidogenic reactors were used to study the reasons for propionic acid accumulation in the acidogenic phase and its control strategy. The experimental results indicated that in the micro-aerobic circumstance (ORP>-100 mV) the accumulation of propionic acid in the acidogenic reactor always occurred at any pH value. Under strict anaerobic circumstances (ORP < -150 mV), typical propionic acid-type fermentation commonly occurred at pH about 5.5 regardless of ORP value. However, at pH about 5.0, either propionic acid-type or butyric acid-type fermentation might occur depending on whether ORP was high or low. Higher hydrogen production rate was found to have no direct relationship to the accumulation of propionic acid in the acidogenic reactors. In fact, great yield of NADH maybe the major reason for simultaneous accumulation of propionic acid and higher biohydrogen generation rate in the traditional anaerobic process. The highest biohydrogen generation rate occurred during the ethanol-type fermentation without the accumulation of propionic acid. Ethanol-type fermentation is a better choice when using an anaerobic acidogenic reactor of a two-phase separated anaerobic process to efficiently produce biohydrogen simultaneously with organic wastewater pre-treatment.

Optimizing cell preparation technique to enhance adsorption capacity of pseudomonas putida 5-x to heavy metal ions

A heavy metal accumulation bacterium Pseudomonas putida 5-x isolated from electroplating effluent was used as biosorbent for heavy metal removal from wastewater. In order to compete with physical adsorbent, the optimization of the cell preparation technique for further improving its heavy metal adsorption capacity was conducted. Experimental results showed that the variation of medium compositions and cell growth age, and different cell pre-treating technique would result in the variation of the cell surface components and structural, hence the variation of adsorption capacity of the cell to heavy metal ions. With optimum cell culture conditions and pretreatment technique, the Cu2+ adsorption capacity of the cell was obviously increased from 51.2 mg g-1 to 89.6 mg g-1. The optimised P. putida 5-x cell could be reused at least five cycles to remove heavy metal ions from electroplating effluent with about 95% removal efficiency.

Reduced and high molecular weight barley beta-glucans decrease plasma total and non-HDL-cholesterol in hypercholesterolemic Syrian golden hamsters

Consumption of concentrated barley beta-glucan lowers plasma cholesterol because of its soluble dietary fiber nature. The role of molecular weight (MW) in lowering serum cholesterol is not well established. Prior studies showed that enzymatic degradation of beta-glucan eliminates the cholesterol-lowering activity; however, these studies did not evaluate the MW of the beta-glucan. The current study was conducted to evaluate whether barley beta-glucan concentrates, partially hydrolyzed to reduce MW, possess cholesterol-lowering and antiatherogenic activities. The reduced MW fraction was compared with a high MW beta-glucan concentrate from the same barley flour. Concentrated beta-glucan preparations were evaluated in Syrian Golden F(1)B hamsters fed a hypercholesterolemic diet (HCD) with cholesterol, hydrogenated coconut oil, and cellulose. After 2 wk, hamsters were fed HCD or diets that contained high or reduced MW beta-glucan at a concentration of 8 g/100 g at the expense of cellulose. Decreases in plasma total cholesterol (TC) and non-HDL-cholesterol (non-HDL-C) concentrations occurred in the hamsters fed reduced MW and high MW beta-glucan diets. Plasma HDL-C concentrations did not differ. HCD-fed hamsters had higher plasma triglyceride concentrations. Liver TC, free cholesterol, and cholesterol ester concentrations did not differ. Aortic cholesterol ester concentrations were lower in the reduced MW beta-glucan-fed hamsters. Consumption of either high or reduced MW beta-glucan increased concentrations of fecal total neutral sterols and coprostanol, a cholesterol derivative. Fecal excretion of cholesterol was greater than in HCD-fed hamsters only in those fed the reduced MW beta-glucan. Study results demonstrate that the cholesterol-lowering activity of barley beta-glucan may occur at both lower and higher MW.

Beta-glucan fractions from barley and oats are similarly antiatherogenic in hypercholesterolemic Syrian golden hamsters

The cholesterol-lowering activities of oats and barley are commonly attributed to the beta-glucan fractions. Although beta-glucan is present in both grains and appears to be chemically similar, the effect of source on cholesterol-lowering activity has not been evaluated. In the present study, the antiatherogenic properties of beta-glucan concentrates from oats and barley were evaluated in Syrian golden F(1)B hamsters consuming a semipurified hypercholesterolemic diet (HCD) containing cholesterol (0.15 g/100 g), hydrogenated coconut oil (20 g/100 g) and cellulose (15 g/100 g). After a 2-wk lead-in period, control hamsters were fed the HCD, whereas experimental hamsters consumed HCD formulated to include beta-glucan (2, 4, or 8 g/100 g) by addition of beta-glucan concentrate prepared from oats or barley at the expense of cellulose. Compared with control hamsters, dose-dependent decreases that were similar in magnitude in plasma total and LDL cholesterol concentrations were observed in hamsters fed beta-glucan from either source at wk 3, 6 and 9. Compared with controls, liver cholesterol concentrations were also reduced (P < 0.05) in hamsters consuming 8 g/100 g oat or barley beta-glucan. In agreement with previously proposed mechanisms, total fecal neutral sterol concentrations were significantly increased (P < 0.05) in hamsters consuming 8 g/100 g barley or oat beta-glucan. Aortic cholesterol ester concentrations were significantly reduced (P < 0.05) in hamsters fed 8 g/100 g beta-glucan from barley or oats. Although aortic total cholesterol and cholesterol ester concentrations were significantly correlated with LDL cholesterol (r = 0.565, P < 0.004 and r = 0.706, P < 0.0001, respectively), this association could explain only half of the variability. This study demonstrated that the cholesterol-lowering potency of beta-glucan is approximately identical whether its origin was oats or barley.

[Effects of O-(4-ethoxyl-butyl)-berbamine on isolated frog hearts]

AIM

To study the effects of O-(4-ethoxyl-butyl)-berbamine (EBB) on isolated frog heart.

METHODS

The isolated frog hearts were prepared with Straub's method; heart contractions were recorded using LMS-2A recorder by tonotransducer.

RESULTS

EBB 1-100 mumol.L-1 caused concentration-dependent increase in systolic and diastolic activities, but did not alter the heart rate. EBB 250-500 mumol.L-1 slowed the heart beats and caused ventricular asystole. Cimetidine 10 mumol.L-1 or prazosin 100 mumol.L-1 did not inhibit the positive inotropic action of EBB. Whereas verapamil 0.01 mumol.L-1 antagonized the positive inotropic action of EBB. EBB enhanced positive inotropic action of CaCl2. The action of EBB was slower but longer than caffeine or isoproterenol. At room temperature (21.0 +/- 0.5) degree C, however, the onset of oubain was slower, but the duration of its peak action was longer, than EBB.

CONCLUSION

The positive inotropic action of EBB was, at least partially, via promoting the inward current of [Ca2+]o, rather than increasing the intracellular Ca2+ release.

[Three new serotypes of Salmonella II]

Eight cultures isolated from intestinal contents of reptiles were belonged to 3 new serotypes of Salmonella. They were all ducitol fermented, malonate utilized, but not attack lactose and salicin, no growth in KCN broth, ONPG negative. Therefore, they would be included in Salmonella II. They were all attacked by Felix phage O-I. Three represented strains were selected for antigen analysis. Their antigenic formula were identified as follows: S3194 Salmonella II 6,7:1,v:e,n,z15 S3196 Salmonella II 6, 7:y: e, n, z(1)5 S3195 Salmonella II 6, 8: e, h: 1,2 Among them, S3196 was indole positive belonging to a rare biotype. In addition, there were two other cultures as well as the formula of S3194, and three other cultures as well as the formula of S3196 (one of indole positive, two of indole negative).