[Analysis of the results of occupational health examination of radiation workers in Shaanxi Province]

Objective: To analyze the results of occupational health examinations of radiation workers in Shaanxi Province, and to provide basis and reference for effectively conduct occupational health monitoring. Methods: From April 2016 to January 2022, a questionnaire survey was conducted to collect the basic information on occupational health examinations of qualified radiation workers in Shaanxi Province from 2016 to 2021. Based on the abnormal rate of occupational health among radiation workers, 1018 people were randomly selected using a cluster stratified sampling method to analyze the occupational health examination results of different positions, types of work, gender, length of service, and exposure doses. Results: The chromosomal aberration rates of peripheral blood lymphocytes among radiation workers in Shaanxi Province from 2016 to 2021 were 0.26% (10/3876), 0.77% (27/3512), 0.16% (16/10153), 0.09% (13/14769), 0.10% (13/13399), and 0.12% (20/16671), respectively. The abnormal rates of thyroid ultrasound examination were 32.33% (150/464), 24.46% (649/2653), 55.24% (786/1423), 32.89% (888/2700), 35.69% (1475/4133), and 42.51% (1993/4688), respectively. There was a statistically significant difference in the abnormal rates among different years (P<0.05). The abnormal rate of renal function examination in male radiation workers was higher than that in females (P<0.05). Compared with non medical users, the abnormal rates of renal function, thyroid function, and blood routine examination in medical radiation workers were higher (P<0.05), and the abnormal rates of renal function, thyroid function, and blood routine examination in medical applications were higher than those in radiation diagnosis, nuclear medicine, and radiation therapy (P<0.05). The abnormal rates of electrocardiogram, chest X-ray, blood pressure, thyroid function, and blood routine increased with the length of service (P<0.05). The abnormal rates of blood pressure, liver function, kidney function, thyroid function, and blood routine examination increased with the exposure dose (P<0.05) . Conclusion: The occupational health status of radiation workers is not optimistic. Occupational health monitoring should be strengthened, especially interventional radiation diagnosis occupational health examination, as well as changes in the indicators of sensitive organs such as eye lens and thyroid, so as to ensure the health of radiation workers.

Synthesis and Activity Evaluation of Vinpocetine-Derived Indole Alkaloids

This study focuses on the synthesis of novel vinpocetine derivatives (2-25) and their biological evaluation. The chemical structures of the synthesized compounds were fully characterized using techniques such as 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and HRMS. The inhibitory activity of the synthesized compounds on PDE1A was evaluated, and the results revealed that compounds 3, 4, 5, 12, 14, 21, and 25 exhibited superior inhibitory activity compared to vinpocetine. Compound 4, with a para-methylphenyl substitution, showed a 5-fold improvement in inhibitory activity with an IC50 value of 3.53 ± 0.25 μM. Additionally, compound 25, with 3-chlorothiazole substitution, displayed an 8-fold increase in inhibitory activity compared to vinpocetine (IC50 = 2.08 ± 0.16 μM). Molecular docking studies were conducted to understand the binding models of compounds 4 and 25 within the active site of PDE1A. The molecular docking study revealed additional binding interactions, such as π-π stacking and hydrogen bonding, contributing to the enhanced inhibitory activity and stability of the ligand-protein complexes. Overall, the synthesized vinpocetine derivatives demonstrated promising inhibitory activity on PDE1A, and the molecular docking studies provided insights into their binding modes, supporting further development of these compounds as potential candidates for drug research and development.

[Study on clearance of chlorfenapyr via blood purification (a case analysis)]

This paper analyzed the clinical data of a patient with acute oral emamectin·chlorfenapyr poisoning, and discussed the effect of blood purification therapy on chlorfenapyr poisoning. Chlorfenapyr was detected in the blood, urine, ultrafiltrate and plasma exchange fluid of the patient, and the concentrations of chlorfenapyr poison gradually decreased with time. Blood purification has a certain effect on chlorfenapyr, and early blood purification may be an effective measure to treat chlorfenapyr poisoning.

[LncRNA DRAIC regulates the proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion of lung adenocarcinoma cells by targeting let-7i-5p]

Objective: To investigate the effects of lncRNA DRAIC on proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion of lung adenocarcinoma cells and its mechanism. Methods: Reverse transcription-quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was used to detect the expression of DRAIC in lung cancer tissues and corresponding adjacent normal tissues of 40 patients with lung adenocarcinoma who underwent surgery in Tangshan People's Hospital from 2019 to 2020. Lung adenocarcinoma cells A549 and H1299 were cultured in vitro and divided into si-NC group, si-DRAIC group, miR-NC group, let-7i-5p mimics group, si-DRAIC+ inhibitor-NC group, and si-DRAIC+ let-7i-5p inhibitor group. CCK-8 method and clone formation experiment were used to detect cell proliferation. Flow cytometry was used to detect cell apoptosis. Transwell array was used to detect the cell migration and invasion. Western blot was used to detect the protein expressions of Caspase-3, Caspase-9, Bcl-2 and Bax. The double luciferase reporter gene experiment was used to verify the regulatory relationship between DRAIC and let-7i-5p. Independent sample t test was used for comparison between two groups, one-way ANOVA was used for comparison between multiple groups, and Pearson correlation analysis was used for correlation analysis. Results: Compared with adjacent tissues, the expression level of DRAIC in lung adenocarcinoma tissues increased (P<0.05), but the expression level of let-7i-5p decreased (P<0.05). The expression levels of DRAIC and let-7i-5p in lung adenocarcinoma tissues were negatively correlated (r=-0.737, P<0.05). The absorbance value of A549 and H1299 cells in the si-DRAIC group at 48, 72 and 96 hours were lower than those in the si-NC group (P<0.05), the number of clones formed [(91.00±6.08 vs. 136.67±6.51); (50.67±1.53 vs. 76.67±4.51)], the number of migration [(606.67±31.34 vs. 960.00±33.06); (483.33±45.96 vs. 741.67±29.67)], the number of invasion [(185.00±8.19 vs. 447.33±22.05); (365.00±33.87 vs. 688.00±32.97)] were lower than those in the si-NC group (P<0.05). However, the apoptosis rates of cells [(13.43±2.79)% vs. (4.53±0.42)%; (23.77±1.04)% vs. (6.60±1.42)%] were higher than those in the si-NC group (P<0.05). The protein expressions of Caspase-3, Caspase-9 and Bax in si-DRAIC group were higher than those in si-NC group, and the protein expression of Bcl-2 was lower than that in si-NC group (P<0.05). DRAIC is located in the cytoplasm. DRAIC targeted and negatively regulated the expression of let-7i-5p. The absorbance values of A549 and H1299 cells in the let-7i-5p mimics group at 48, 72 and 96 hours were lower than those in the miR-NC group (P<0.05), the number of clones formed [(131.33±14.47 vs. 171.33±6.11); (59.33±4.93 vs. 80.33±7.09)], the number of migration [(137.67±3.06 vs. 579.33±82.03); (425.00±11.14 vs. 669.33±21.13)], the number of invasion [(54.00±4.36 vs. 112.67±11.59); (80.00±4.58 vs. 333.33±16.80)] were lower than those in the miR-NC group (P<0.05). However, the apoptosis rates of cells [(14.57±1.10)% vs. (6.97±1.11)%; (23.97±0.42)% vs. (7.07±1.21)%] were higher than those in the miR-NC group (P<0.05). The protein expressions of Caspase-3, Caspase-9 and Bax in let-7i-5p mimics group were higher than those in miR-NC group, and the protein expression of Bcl-2 was lower than that in miR-NC group (P<0.05). The absorbance values of A549 and H1299 cells in the si-DRAIC+ let-7i-5p inhibitor group at 48, 72 and 96 hours were higher than those in the si-DRAIC+ inhibitor-NC group (P<0.05), the number of clones formed [(82.00±5.29 vs. 59.00±5.57); (77.67±4.93 vs. 41.33±7.57)], the number of migration [(774.33±35.81 vs. 455.67±19.04); (569.67±18.72 vs. 433.67±16.77)], the number of invasion [(670.33±17.21 vs. 451.00±17.52); (263.67±3.06 vs. 182.33±11.93)] were higher than those in the si-DRAIC+ inhibitor-NC group (P<0.05). However, the apoptosis rates of cells [(7.73±0.45)% vs. (19.13±1.50)%; (8.00±0.53)% vs. (28.40±0.53)%] were lower than those in the si-NC group (P<0.05). The protein expressions of Caspase-3, Caspase-9 and Bax in si-DRAIC+ let-7i-5p inhibitor group were higher than those in si-DRAIC+ inhibitor-NC group, and the protein expression of Bcl-2 was lower than that in si-DRAIC+ inhibitor-NC group (P<0.05). Conclusion: DRAIC is highly expressed in lung adenocarcinoma, and DRAIC promotes the proliferation, migration and invasion of lung adenocarcinoma cells and inhibits apoptosis by targeting let-7i-5p.

[Effects of specimen preservation and transportation on blood paraquat concentration in rats]

Objective: To investigate the effects of duration, temperature and shake on paraquat (PQ) concentration in the blood of PQ-exposed rats during the specinen preservation and transportation. Methods: In March 2021, 60 SD male rats of Specific Pathogen Free class were randomly divided into low-dose group (10 mg/kg PQ) and high-dose group (80 mg/kg PQ). Each group was divided into 5 subgroups (normal temperature group, cold storage group, 37 ℃ storage group, shaking on normal temperature group and shaking on 37 ℃ group), six rats in each subgroup. The rats were given intraperitoneal injection of PQ, 1 h after exposure, the blood samples were obtained by cardiac extraction. After different interventions, the concentrations of PQ were detected and compared before and after the intervention in each subgroup. Results: In the shaking on 37 ℃ group, the results of PQ concentrations in PQ-exposed rats were significantly lower than those before the intervention (P<0.05). In the other subgroups, the results were not significantly different compared with before intervention (P>0.05) . Conclusion: The concentration of PQ in the blood of rats exposed to PQ was decreased by shaking for 4 hours at 37 ℃.

Fischer's base-triggered formal (3+2) cycloadditions with 3-isothiocyanato oxindoles as acceptor-donor synthons

Herein, previously unreported Fischer's base reactants serving as useful 2C building blocks in (3+2) cycloaddition reactions to build a library of bispiro[Fischer's base-oxindole] hybrids are described. These structurally intriguing products containing three adjacent quaternary stereocentres were smoothly afforded in up to 82% yield and >20 : 1 dr under catalyst-free conditions. Notably, the present protocol firstly employs 3-isothiocyanato oxindole serving as an acceptor and then as a donor in the formal (3+2) cycloadditions, allowing practical, straightforward access to structurally diverse cycloadducts. This work expands the applicability scope of 3-isothiocyanato oxindoles, which have been limited to behaving as donor/acceptor-based synthons in cycloadditions in previous work.

[A case of aconitum kusnezoffii intoxication with severe arrhythmia]

Aconitum kusnezoffii is a traditional Chinese medicine of Ranunculaceae family. Its toxicity is relatively strong, and its dosage is similar to that of poisoning. In clinical practice, poisoning events are often caused by excessive dosage or improper use. There is no specific antidote for kusnezoff root poisoning. Severe kusnezoff root poisoning can cause malignant arrhythmia and even death.A case of severe kusnezoff monkshood poisoning was reported in January 2021, which was treated with nificaran hydrochloride for injection in the emergency medicine department of the First Hospital of Handan City. The patient developed ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation and AS syndrome. In addition to conventional treatment, the patient did not have arrhythmia again after intravenous injection of 25 mg of nifekalan load and continuous pumping of 0.4 mg/kg/h for 7 hours, and did not relapse after discontinuation of nifekalan 24 hours later. It is suggested that the malignant arrhythmia caused by clinical severe kusnezoff monkshood poisoning can be controlled by nifekalan. Whether nifekalan is superior to conventional antiarrhythmic drugs still needs more accumulation and verification of clinical application data.

Enantioselective Synthesis of Bispiro[indanedione-oxindole-cyclopropane]s through Organocatalytic [2+1] Cycloaddition

A series of compounds featuring a novel bispiro[indanedione-oxindole-cyclopropane] moiety have been synthesized through a squaramide-catalyzed [2+1] cycloaddition reaction. The tandem Michael-alkylation reaction of 2-arylidene-1,3-indanediones with 3-bromooxindoles furnished the cycloadducts in high yields with excellent diastereo- and enantioselectivities. The ammonium ylide in the catalytic process, as a key intermediate, was revealed by the high-resolution mass spectrometry study.

Catalytic asymmetric Michael/cyclization reaction of 3-isothiocyanato thiobutyrolactone: an approach to the construction of a library of bispiro[pyrazolone-thiobutyrolactone] skeletons

Here, we demonstrate the first example of 3-isothiocyanato thiobutyrolactone serving as a useful building block in the Michael/cyclization reaction with alkylidene pyrazolones for the enantioselective construction of optically active structural bispiro[pyrazolone-thiobutyrolactone] skeletons containing three contiguous stereocenters with two spiroquaternary stereocenters. These products were smoothly afforded in up to 90% yield, >20 : 1 dr and >99% ee with chiral squaramide as the catalyst under mild conditions. Notably, this is also the first example of the merger of a spirocyclic pyrazolone scaffold with a spirocyclic thiobutyrolactone scaffold, potentially useful in medicinal chemistry.

[Dihydromyricetin mediates epithelial mesenchymal transformation and regulates the proliferation and apoptosis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cells]

Objective: To study the effects of dihydromyricetin (DMY) on the proliferation, apoptosis and epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) cell KYSE150 and KYSE410. Methods: KYSE150 and KYSE410 cells were treated with different concentrations of DMY (0, 25, 50, 100, 150, 200 μmol/L) for 24 hours. The median inhibition concentration (IC₅₀) values of KYSE150 and KYSE410 were detected by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) method. Then 0.5‰ dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) was used as control group, dihydromyricetin (DMY), dihydromyricetin and transforming growth factor-β1 (DMY+ TGF-β1), transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) were used as experimental group. Cell proliferation and apoptosis rates were measured by clonal formation and flow cytometry. Transwell invasion and wound healing assay were used to detect cell invasion and migration. The protein expression levels of Caspase-3, Caspase-9, Bcl-2, Bax, Smad2/3, phosphorylation-Smad2/3 (p-Smad2/3) and Vimentin were detected by western blot. Results: The IC₅₀ values of DMY on KYSE410 and KYSE150 cells were 100.51 and 101.27 μmol/L. The clone formation numbers of KYSE150 and KYSE410 in DMY group [(0.53±0.03) and (0.31±0.03)] were lower than those in DMSO group [(1.00±0.10) and (1.00±0.05), P<0.05]. The apoptosis rates of KYSE150 and KYSE410 cells in DMY group [(1.84±0.22)% and (2.80±0.07)%] were higher than those in DMSO group [(1.00±0.18)% and (1.00±0.07)%, P<0.05]. The invasion numbers of KYSE150 and KYSE410 cells in DMY group [(0.42±0.03) and (0.29±0.05)] were lower than those in DMSO group [(1.00±0.08) and (1.00±0.05), P<0.05]. The migration rates of KYSE150 and KYSE410 cells in DMY group [(0.65±0.14)% and (0.40±0.17)%] were lower than those in DMSO group [(1.00±0.10)% and (1.00±0.08)%, P<0.05]. The clone formation numbers of KYSE150 and KYSE410 in TGF-β1 group [(1.01±0.08) and (0.99±0.25)] were higher than those in DMY+ TGF-β1 group [(0.73±0.10) and (0.58±0.05), P<0.05]. The apoptosis rates of KYSE150 and KYSE410 cells in TGF-β1 group [(0.81±0.14)% and (1.18±0.10)%] were lower than those in DMY+ TGF-β1 group [(1.38±0.22)% and (1.85±0.04)%, P<0.05]. The invasion numbers of KYSE150 and KYSE410 cells in TGF-β1 group [(1.19±0.11) and (1.39±0.11)] were higher than those in DMY+ TGF-β1 group [(0.93±0.09) and (0.93±0.05), P<0.05]. The migration rates of KYSE150 and KYSE410 cells in TGF-β1 group [(1.87±0.19)% and (1.32±0.04)%] were higher than those in DMY+ TGF-β1 group [(0.86±0.16)% and (0.77±0.12)%, P<0.05]. The protein expression levels of Bax, Caspase-3 and Caspase-9 in KYSE150 and KYSE410 cells in DMY group were higher than those in DMSO group, while the protein expression level of Bcl-2 was lower than that in DMSO group (P<0.05). The protein expression levels of p-Smad2/3, Smad2/3 and Vimentin in KYSE150 and KYSE410 cells in DMY group were lower than those in DMSO group (P<0.05). The protein expression levels of Bax, Caspase-3 and Caspase-9 in KYSE150 and KYSE410 cells in TGF-β1 group were lower than those in DMY+ TGF-β1 group, and the protein expression level of Bcl-2 was higher than that in DMY+ TGF-β1 group (P<0.05). The protein expression levels of Bax, Caspase-3 and Caspase-9 in KYSE150 and KYSE410 cells in DMY+ TGF-β1 group were lower than those in DMY group, and the protein expression level of Bcl-2 was higher than that in DMY group (P<0.05). The protein expression levels of p-Smad2/3, Smad2/3 and Vimentin in KYSE150 and KYSE410 cells in TGF-β1 group were higher than those in DMY+ TGF-β1 group (P<0.05). Conclusion: DMY can inhibit the proliferation and EMT of ESCC mediated by TGF-β1 and promote cell apoptosis.

New tertiary amine-derived C2-symmetric chiral pyridine-N,N′-dioxide ligands and their applications in asymmetric catalysis

Developing efficient methods for preparing privileged chiral ligands is an important endeavor in synthetic chemistry.

Diastereoselective construction of a library of structural bispiro[butyrolactone/valerolactone-pyrrolidine-indanedione] hybrids via 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reactions

Herein, a highly efficient strategy that allows the diversity synthesis of a library of structural bispiro[butyrolactone-pyrrolidine-indanedione] hybrids is achieved effectively by means of 1,3-dipolar cycloadditions of α,β-unsaturated butyrolactones/valerolactones as dipolarophiles...

[Vigilance against a highly lethal insecticide chlorfenapyr poisoning (report of 4 cases and literature review)]

In order to improve the clinical attention to the poisoning of chlorfenapyr, the diagnosis and treatment strategy of chlorfenapyr poisoning were discussed. This paper collected 4 cases of chlorfenapyr in the emergency department of the Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University and 4 cases of literature review, summarized the clinical characteristics of pesticide poisoning cases containing chlorfenapyr in China, and summarized and analyzed the clinical data of the cases. Seven of the 8 patients died from poisoning by chlorfenapyr. Exposure to chlorfenapyr through respiratory tract and digestive tract showed high mortality. Fever, hyperhidrosis, elevated muscle enzymes and progressive central nerve damage were its prominent clinical characteristics. Most of the initial symptoms of exposure were not serious. Some patients, especially those with low exposure dose, had a relatively stable stage with or without clinical diagnosis and treatment. In case of sweating, obvious fever and disturbance of consciousness, the condition would deteriorate rapidly, respiratory and circulatory failure and eventually die. With the increase of production capacity and market launch, people have more opportunities to be exposed to chlorfenapyr. It is urgent to strengthen the basic and clinical research of chlorfenapyr poisoning; Attention should be paid to the observation and treatment in the initial stable stage of poisoning, which can be used as a reference for the treatment of oxidative phosphoric acid dissolving coupling agent (sodium pentachlorophenol) poisoning.

[Clinical and genetic studies on 76 patients with hydrocephalus caused by methylmalonic acidemia combined with homocysteinuria]

Objective: To analyze the clinical features, genetic characteristics, treatment and follow-up results of patients with hydrocephalus caused by methylmalonic acidemia combined with homocysteinuria, and to discuss the optimal strategies for assessing and treating such patients. Methods: From January 1998 to December 2020, 76 patients with hydrocephalus due to methylmalonic acidemia combined with homocysteinuria in the Department of Pediatrics in 11 hospitals including Peking University First Hospital were diagnosed by biochemical, genetic analysis and brain imaging examination. The patients were divided into operation-group and non-operation-group according to whether they underwent ventriculoperitoneal shunt. The clinical features, laboratory examinations, genotype, and follow-up data were retrospectively analyzed. Data were compared between the two groups using rank sum test, and categorical data were compared using χ² test. Results: Among the 76 patients (51 male, 25 female), 5 were detected by newborn screening, while 71 were diagnosed after clinical onset, 68 cases (96%) had early-onset, 3 cases (4%) had late-onset. The most common clinical manifestations of 74 cases with complete data were psychomotor retardation in 74 cases (100%), visual impairment in 74 cases (100%), epilepsy in 44 cases (59%), anemia in 31 cases (42%), hypotonia or hypertonia in 21 cases (28%), feeding difficulties in 19 cases (26%) and disturbance of consciousness in 17 cases (23%). Genetic analysis was performed in 76 cases, all of whom had MMACHC gene variations, including 30 homozygous variations of MMACHC c.609G>A. The most common variations were c.609G>A (94, 62.7%), followed by c.658_660del (18, 12.0%), c.567dupT (9, 6.0%) and c.217C>T (8, 5.3%). Therapy including cobalamin intramuscular injection, L-carnitine and betaine were initiated immediately after diagnosis. A ventriculoperitoneal shunt operation was performed in 41 cases (operation group), and 31 patients improved after metabolic intervention (non-operation group). There was no significant difference in the age of onset, the age of diagnosis, the blood total homocysteine, methionine, and urinary methylmalonic acid concentration between the two groups (all P>0.05). The symptoms of psychomotor development, epilepsy, and visual impairments improved gradually after a long-term follow-up in the operation group. Conclusions: Hydrocephalus is a severe complication of methylmalonic acidemia combined with homocysteinuria. The most common clinical manifestations are psychomotor retardation, visual impairment, and epilepsy. It usually occurs in early-onset patients. Early diagnosis and etiological treatment are very important. Hydrocephalus may improve after metabolic intervention in some patients. For patients with severe ventricular dilatation, prompt surgical intervention can improve the prognosis.

[The distribution and variance of neonatal pulse oxygen saturation at different altitudes]

Objective: To analyze the distribution and variance of neonatal pulse oxygen saturation (SpO₂) at different altitudes in China, and provide a new evidence for the screening of NCHD at high altitudes. Methods: Based on the database of National Screening Project of NCHD, the distribution of SpO₂ values was described in 26 766 newborns at altitudes of 0-100 m, 600-700 m, 900-1 100 m, 1 400-1 600 m, 1 900-2 100 m, and 2 200-2 500 m. One-way analysis of variance was used to analyze the differences among SpO₂ values in newborns at different altitudes. Results: The average SpO₂ values of right hand in newborns at altitudes of 0-100 m, 600-700 m, 900-1 100 m, 1 400-1 600 m, 1 900-2 100 m and 2 200-2 500 m were 97.7%±1.4%, 97.1%±1.1%, 96.1%±1.3%, 96.0%±1.7%, 95.9%±1.7% and 95.5%±2.4%, respectively. And corresponding average SpO₂ values of either foot were 97.7%±1.4%, 96.9%±1.1%, 96.3%±1.4%, 96.0%±1.7%, 95.6%±1.8% and 95.2%±2.7%, respectively. There were statistically significant differences in the average SpO₂ values of newborns at different altitudes (right hand: F=1 248.35, P<0.001; either foot: F=1 280.45, P<0.001). The SpO₂ of newborns tended to be lower with the increase of altitudes (P-trend<0.001). Conclusion: SpO₂ values in newborns were negatively associated with the altitudes, which indicated that the cut-off value of screening for NCHD at sea level might not be applicable to newborns at higher altitudes. Thus, it is worthwhile to conducted studies on the normal values of SpO₂ and the cut-off value of screening for NCHD in newborns at high altitudes.

Synthesis of methanesulfone-containing tetrasubstituted carbon stereocenters

A methanesulfonylation reaction for the synthesis of sulfone-containing tetrasubstituted carbon stereocenters is described for the first time by simple treatment of indanedione-chromanone synthons with Et3N and easily accessible MsCl without any use of organometallic chemistry. This technology gave the corresponding valuable chromone-based 2-methanesulfonylated 1,3-indanediones in good yields (up to 89% yield) under mild conditions. The present work provides an attractive strategy for the construction of biologically interesting sulfone-containing tetrasubstituted carbon stereocenters, which might be valuable in medicinal chemistry.

Chromone–indanedione reactant: a bifunctional 3C synthon for diastereoselective construction of skeleton-diversified bispiro-[chromanocyclopentane-oxindole-indanedione]

A new type of bifunctional 3C synthon, a chromone–indanedione precursor, was employed for diastereoselective Michael/Michael cycloaddition with methyleneindolinones to generate a series of potentially bioactive bispiro-[chromanocyclopentane-oxindole-indanedione] frameworks with skeletal diversity in a single operation.

Self-assembly of cuprous iodide cluster-based calix[4]resorcinarenes and photocatalytic properties

Cluster-based complexes 1 and 2 with [Cu6I5] and [Cu8I8] polynuclear motifs were constructed via a conformation-adaptive self-assembly strategy, respectively. Two Cu(i) complexes exhibited photocatalytic activity to the CuAAC reaction in water solution.

Catalytic Asymmetric Domino Michael/Annulation Reaction of Bifunctional Chromone Synthons with β,γ-Unsaturated α-Keto Esters: Rapid Access to Polysubstituted Spirocyclic Hexahydroxanthones

A thiourea-catalyzed asymmetric domino Michael/annulation process was devised employing bifunctional oxindole-chromones as C4 synthons and β,γ-unsaturated α-keto esters as C2 synthons. This reaction enables the highly diastereo- and enantioselective synthesis of a range of biologically relevant spirocyclic hexahydroxanthones with one quaternary and four tertiary stereogenic centers, also featuring an intriguing combination of two privileged motifs, including hexahydroxanthone and oxindole substructures, in good yields (up to 76%) and excellent stereoselectivities (up to >99% ee and >20:1 dr). Moreover, using β,γ-unsaturated α-keto esters as the C2 building blocks, which are different from enone substrates such as chalcone and benzalacetone, with the reversible Michael reaction further expanded the scope of the method. In addition, scale-up also demonstrated the applicability of this protocol.

[The phenotypes and genotypes in 314 patients with isolated methylmalonic acidemia]

Objectives: To summarize the clinical and genetic characteristics of the patients with isolated methylmalonic acidemia and investigate the strategies for the diagnosis, treatment and prevention. Methods: Three hundred and fourteen patients (180 males, 134 females) with isolated methylmalonic acidemia were ascertained from 26 provinces or cities across the mainland of China during January 1998 to March 2020. Genetic analysis was performed by Sanger sequencing, gene panel sequencing, whole exome sequencing, multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification or quantitative PCR. According to the age of onset, the patients were divided to early-onset group (≤12 months of age) and the late-onset group (>12 months of age). They were treated by cobalamin, L-carnitine and (or) special diet and symptomatic treatment. Statistical analysis was done using Chi-square test. Results: Fifty-eight of 314 (18.5%) patients were detected by Newborn screening using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Five cases (1.6%) had a postmortem diagnosis. Two hundred and fifty-one patients (79.9%) were clinically diagnosed with an age of onset ranged from 3 hours after birth to 18 years. One hundred and fifty-nine patients (71.0%) belonged to early-onset groups, 65 patients (29.0%) belonged to the late-onset group. The most common symptoms were metabolic crises, psychomotor retardation, epilepsy, anemia and multiple organ damage. Metabolic acidosis and anemia were more common in early-onset patients than that in late-onset patients (20.8%(33/159) vs. 9.2% (6/65), 34.6% (55/159) vs. 16.9% (11/165), χ(2)=4.261, 6.930, P=0.039, 0.008). Genetic tests were performed for 236 patients (75.2%), 96.2%(227/236) had molecular confirmation. One hundred and twenty-seven variants were identified in seven genes (MMUT, MMAA, MMAB, MMADHC, SUCLG1, SUCLA2, and MCEE), of which 49 were novel. The mut type, caused by the deficiency of methylmalonyl-CoA mutase, was the most common (n=211, 93%) cause of this condition. c.729_730insTT, c.1106G>A and c.914T>C were the three most frequent mutations in MMUT gene. The frequency of c.914T>C in early-onset patients was significantly higher than that in late-onset patients (8.3% (18/216) vs. 1.6% (1/64), χ(2)=3.859, P=0.037). Metabolic crisis was more frequent in mut type than the other types (72.6% (114/157) vs. 3/13, χ(2)=13.729, P=0.001),developmental delay and hypotonia were less frequent in mut type (38.2% (60/157) vs. 9/13, 25.5% (40/157) vs. 8/13, χ(2)=4.789, 7.705, P=0.030, 0.006). Of the 58 patients identified by newborn screening, 44 patients (75.9%) who were treated from asymptomatic phase developed normally whereas 14 patients (24.1%) who received treatment after developing symptoms exhibited varying degrees of psychomotor retardation. Conclusions: The characteristics of phenotypes and genotypes among Chinese patients with isolated methylmalonic acidemia were analyzed. Expanded the mutation spectrum of the associated genes. Because of the complex clinical manifestations and severe early onset of isolated methylmalonic acidemia, Newborn screening is crucial for early diagnosis and improvement of prognosis. MMUT gene is recommended for carrier screening as an effort to move the test earlier as a part of the primary prevention of birth defects.

Transition-metal-free cascade benzannulations for synthesizing 2-hydroxybenzophenones

A set of cascade benzannulations of readily accessible chromone-3-carboxaldehydes and γ-nitroaldehydes for synthesizing biologically relevant 2-hydroxybenzophenones has been developed.

[Establishment and evaluation of acute diquat poisoning model in Wistar rats]

Objective: To establish the Wistar rat model of acute diquat poisoning and observe the pathological damage of main target organs. Methods: Thirty-six Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups (n=6) , including one normal saline control group and five treatment groups which were separately given single-dose of intragastric administration at the doses of 46.2 mg/kg, 77.0 mg/kg, 115.5 mg/kg, 231.0 mg/kg and 346.5 mg/kg. The pathological changes of lung, liver and kidney were observed by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) and Masson staining. The optimal dose was determined according to the general situation and pathological changes. Thirty-six Wistar rats were randomly divided into five treatment groups and one normal saline control group. Treatment groups were given single-dose of intragastric administration according to the optimal dose. The rats were sacrificed at 1st, 3rd, 7th, 11th and 14th day after exposed, respectively. The activity of serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (ALT) and glutamic-oxalacetic transaminase (AST) were measured by chemical colorimetry. The pathological changes of lung, liver and kidney were observed by HE and Masson staining. Results: According to 14 d survival rate, the toxic symptoms and pathological changes, 115.50 mg/kg was determined the best dose. Given single-dose of intragastric administration at the doses of 115.50 mg/kg, it was found that the serum AST and ALT activity of rats on the first and third day of exposure was significant higher than those in control group. The results of pathological examination exhibited that in 115.50 mg/kg group, the pathological changes of lung, liver and kidney began to appear on the first day of exposure, the pathological changes were the most serious on the third day, and then gradually alleviated. On the 14th day, the alveolar septum was slightly widened, with inflammatory cell infiltration, local alveolar cavity became narrow, atrophy, peripheral alveolar compensation, bronchi and alveolar septum collagen fiber proliferation; The local renal tubular epithelial cells were enlarged and necrotic; the central vein surrounding hepatic cells showed vacuolar degeneration with punctate necrosis. Conclusion: The rat model of acute diquat poisoning can be successfully induced by single-dose of intragastric administration. The condition of wistar rats and the pathological damage of the main target organs could be observed during the whole course of 115.50 mg/kg administration.

HClO4 catalysed aldol-type reaction of fluorinated silyl enol ethers with acetals or ketals toward fluoroalkyl ethers

A highly efficient metal-free catalytic aldol-type reaction of fluorinated enol silyl ethers and acetals/ketals toward functionalized fluoroalkyl ethers is developed by using less than 1.0 mol% HClO₄ (70 wt%, aq.).

[An analysis of coping styles and subjective well-being among nurses in the emergency treatment room of grade A tertiary hospitals in a province of China]

Objective: To investigate the coping styles and subjective well-being of nurses in the emergency treatment room of grade A tertiary hospitals in a province of China, and to explore the relationship between coping styles and subjective well-being. Methods: In January 2016, 189 nurses in the emergency treatment room were selected from 9 grade A tertiary hospitals in a province of China by random sampling. The general data, coping styles, and subjective well-being of these nurses were analyzed using the general questionnaire, coping style questionnaire, and Campbell index of well-being scale, respectively. Results: The total score of subjective well-being of nurses in the emergency treatment room was 7.54, and the subjective well-being was significantly different between the nurses with different professional titles and between those with different education levels (F=3.46 and 3.47, both P<0.05). The score of illusion coping style differed significantly across the nurses of different ages (F=5.17, P<0.05) , the scores of self-reproach, illusion, and withdrawal coping styles differed significantly across the nurses with different nursing years (F=3.99, 5.30, and 4.97, all P<0.05) , and the score of illusion coping style differed significantly across the nurses with different education levels (F=5.09, P<0.05). Most (71.9%) of the nurses in the emergency treatment room adopted the mature coping style. Subjective well-being was positively correlated with problem-solving, help-seeking, and rationalization (r=0.232, 0.018, and 0.167, all P<0.05) and negatively correlated with withdrawal (r=-0.146, P<0.05) . Conclusion: Most nurses in the emergency treatment room adopt the mature coping style. Their subjective well-being and coping style vary with different ages, nursing years, professional titles, and education levels, and the subjective well-being is relatively low.

[A prospective cohort study on the relationship between maternal prenatal depressive symptoms and children's behavioral problems at 2 years old]

Objective: To explore the associations between maternal and prenatal depressive symptoms and children's behavioral problems at 2 years old. Methods: In the present study, a total of 491 mother-child pairs were selected from the Shanghai-Minhang Birth Cohort Study (S-MBCS) which was conducted in Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Minhang District in Shanghai between April and December, 2012. Data from the Center for Epidemiologic Studies on Depression was gathered to assess the maternal depressive symptoms in the second and third trimester of pregnancy, as well as at 6 months and 12 months postpartum. Neurodevelopment at 2 years was assessed, using the Child Behavior Checklist. We used generalized linear models with a log-link function and a Binomial distribution to estimate the risk ratios (RRs) and 95%CIs, on children's behavioral problems at 2 years of age. Sensitivity analyses were performed among participants without postpartum depressive symptoms. Results: After adjustment on factors as maternal age, gestation week, average monthly income per person, parental education and children's gender etc., maternal depression in second trimester of pregnancy was found associated with higher risk of both developing emotional (RR=2.61, 95%CI: 1.36-4.99) and internalizing problems (RR=1.94, 95%CI: 1.22-3.08). However, maternal depression in third trimester was found to be associated with higher risks of developing emotional (RR=6.46, 95%CI: 3.09-13.53), withdrawn (RR=2.42, 95%CI: 1.16-5.02), aggressive (RR=2.93, 95%CI: 1.45-5.94), internalizing (RR=1.79, 95%CI: 1.01-3.16) or externalizing problems (RR=2.56, 95%CI:1.49-4.42). In sensitivity analysis, antenatal maternal depression was found positively associated with children's emotional, internalizing and externalizing problems and the differences all statistically significant. Conclusions: Maternal depression during pregnancy might increase the risks of children's behavioral problems. In order to decrease the incidence of children's behavioral problems and promoting both maternal and child health status, monitoring program regarding maternal mental health care should be strengthened.

Effects of mutant TDP-43 on the Nrf2/ARE pathway and protein expression of MafK and JDP2 in NSC-34 cells

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease that affects motor neurons and lacks an effective treatment. The disease pathogenesis has not been clarified at present. Pathological transactive response DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of ALS. Nuclear translocation of nuclear factor erythroid 2 (NF-E2)-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is found in a mutant TDP-43 transgenic cell model, but its downstream antioxidant enzyme expression is decreased. To elucidate the specific mechanism of Nrf2/ARE (antioxidant responsive element) signaling dysfunction, we constructed an ALS cell model with human mutant TDP-43 using the NSC-34 cell line to evaluate the impact of the TDP-43 mutation on the Nrf2/ARE pathway. We found the nuclear translocation of Nrf2, but the expression of total Nrf2, cytoplasmic Nrf2, and downstream phase II detoxifying enzyme (NQO1) was decreased in NSC-34 cells transfected with the TDP-43-M337V plasmid. Besides, TDP-43-M337V plasmid-transfected NSC-34 cells were rounded with reduced neurites, shortened axons, increased levels of intracellular lipid peroxidation products, and decreased viability, which suggests that the TDP-43-M337V plasmid weakened the antioxidant capacity of NSC-34 cells and increased their susceptibility to oxidative damage. We further showed that expression of the MafK protein and the Jun dimerization protein 2 (JDP2) was reduced in TDP-43-M337V plasmid-transfected NSC-34 cells, which might cause accumulation of Nrf2 in nuclei but a decrease in NQO1 expression. Taken together, our results confirmed that TDP-43-M337V impaired the Nrf2/ARE pathway by reducing the expression of MafK and JDP2 proteins, and provided information for further research on the molecular mechanisms of TDP-43-M337V in ALS.

Serum expression level of cytokine and chemokine correlates with progression of human ovarian cancer

OBJECTIVE

This work was designed to determine the relationship between serum expression level of cytokines and chemokines and progression of human ovarian cancer, and to evaluate the utility and diagnostic value of target markers as risk indicators.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A set of candidate cytokines and chemokines (GM-CSF, IFN-γ, GRO, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, MCP-1, TNF-a, VEGF, EGF, RANTES, CCL21/6Ckine, and SDF-1/CXCL12) were measured using Luminex liquid chip technique in healthy women (n=75) and in women with ovarian cancer (n=77).

RESULTS

EGF, IL-6, MCP-1, 6Ckine, RANTES, and IL-10 were significantly overexpressed in the tumor group compared to those in normal controls, while IL-2 was reduced. The combined markers (EGF, MCP- 1, 6Ckine, IL-6, and TNF-α) achieved 91.1% sensitivity, 65.8% specificity, and 83.3% area under the ROC curve (AUC) in distinguishing serous ovarian cancer from health controls.

CONCLUSION

This study suggested that serum expression level of cytokines and chemokines correlate with progression of human ovarian cancer. The association of EGF, MCP-1, 6Ckine, IL-6, and TNF-α may contribute to increase diagnosis rate of malignant ovarian tumors.

Successful treatment of giant condyloma acuminatum with combination retinoid and interferon-γ therapy

Giant condyloma acuminatum, or Buschke-Löwenstein tumour, is a unique variant of anogenital warts. It is characterized by locally aggressive behaviour but rarely metastasizes. Many treatment strategies such as radical surgery, radiation and chemotherapy have been used to treat it but their efficacy is often poor and the recurrence rates are high. We report a case of 16-year-old girl who was treated with oral retinoid combined with intramuscular interferon-γ. All lesions cleared within three months. During a follow-up period of more than two years, no recurrence has developed. This relatively painless, non-scarring treatment may represent a novel therapeutic option.

Peripheral blood mRNA expression patterns to differentiate hepatocellular carcinoma from other hepatic diseases

Peripheral blood genes expressions profiling (GeXP) have been convinced to be more specific for the diagnosis of cancer and other diseases, and the GeXP system provides an ideal method to analyze multiple genes expression in one normalized and equable system. We aim to differentiate hepatocellular carcinoma from other hepatic diseases based on peripheral blood and the GeXP system. Fifteen selected hepatic diseases related genes with two house-keeping genes for normalization were detected by the GeXP system. The diagnosis model was based on K nearest neighbor classifier and cross validation, and software based on MATLAB software was built for differential diagnosis of hepatic diseases. Eight hepatic related genes were demonstrated to show an obvious statistic difference in expressions while the K nearest neighbors classifier showed that the accuracy for normal controls, hepatitis B, liver cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma and the Other group was separately 80.57 %, 78.17 %, 84.48 %, 73.24 % and 85.85 %. The set of validation has been carried out to assess the accuracy of Model Two and the accuracy was even higher than the set of building for the model, except for the hepatitis B (HBV) group. A sensitive and specific GeXP system of eight genes has been developed for the accurate differential diagnosis of hepatic disease.

Peripheral blood mRNA expression patterns to differentiate hepatocellular carcinoma from other hepatic diseases

Peripheral blood genes expressions profiling (GeXP) have been convinced to be more specific for the diagnosis of cancer and other diseases, and the GeXP system provides an ideal method to analyze multiple genes expression in one normalized and equable system. We aim to differentiate hepatocellular carcinoma from other hepatic diseases based on peripheral blood and the GeXP system. Fifteen selected hepatic diseases related genes with two house-keeping genes for normalization were detected by the GeXP system. The diagnosis model was based on K nearest neighbor classifier and cross validation, and software based on MATLAB software was built for differential diagnosis of hepatic diseases. Eight hepatic related genes were demonstrated to show an obvious statistic difference in expressions while the K nearest neighbors classifier showed that the accuracy for normal controls, hepatitis B, liver cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma and the Other group was separately 80.57 %, 78.17 %, 84.48 %, 73.24 % and 85.85 %. The set of validation has been carried out to assess the accuracy of Model Two and the accuracy was even higher than the set of building for the model, except for the hepatitis B (HBV) group. A sensitive and specific GeXP system of eight genes has been developed for the accurate differential diagnosis of hepatic disease.

Genetic diversity of Potato virus Y infecting tobacco crops in China

Genetic variability of Potato virus Y (PVY) isolates infecting potato has been characterized but little is known about genetic diversity of PVY isolates infecting tobacco crops. In this study, PVY isolates were collected from major tobacco-growing areas in China and single-lesion isolates were produced by serial inoculation on Chenopodium amaranticolor. Most isolates (88%) caused systemic veinal necrosis symptoms in tobacco. Of these, 16 isolates contained a PVY(O)-like coat protein (CP) and PVY(N)-like helper component proteinase (HC-pro) and, in this respect, were similar to the PVY(N-Wi), PVY(N:O), and PVY-HN2 isolates characterized from potato in Europe, the United States, and China, respectively; two isolates contained a PVY(O)-like HC-pro and a PVY(N)-like CP; another two isolates had recombination junctions in the CP-encoding region. Both the HC-pro and CP of PVY were under negative selection as a whole; however, seven amino acids in HC-pro and six amino acids in CP were under positive selection. Selection pressures differed between the subpopulations of PVY distinguished by phylogenetic analysis of HC-pro and CP sequences. When PVY isolates from potato were included, no host-specific clustering of the PVY isolates was observed in phylogenetic and nucleotide diversity analyses, suggesting frequent spread of PVY isolates between potato and tobacco crops in the field.

Evolution of cassava brown streak disease-associated viruses

Cassava brown streak disease (CBSD) has occurred in the Indian Ocean coastal lowlands and some areas of Malawi in East Africa for decades, and makes the storage roots of cassava unsuitable for consumption. CBSD is associated with Cassava brown streak virus (CBSV) and the recently described Ugandan cassava brown streak virus (UCBSV) [picorna-like (+)ssRNA viruses; genus Ipomovirus; family Potyviridae]. This study reports the first comprehensive analysis on how evolution is shaping the populations of CBSV and UCBSV. The complete genomes of CBSV and UCBSV (four and eight isolates, respectively) were 69.0-70.3 and 73.6-74.4% identical at the nucleotide and polyprotein amino acid sequence levels, respectively. They contained predictable sites of homologous recombination, mostly in the 3'-proximal part (NIb-HAM1h-CP-3'-UTR) of the genome, but no evidence of recombination between the two viruses was found. The CP-encoding sequences of 22 and 45 isolates of CBSV and UCBSV analysed, respectively, were mainly under purifying selection; however, several sites in the central part of CBSV CP were subjected to positive selection. HAM1h (putative nucleoside triphosphate pyrophosphatase) was the least similar protein between CBSV and UCBSV (aa identity approx. 55%). Both termini of HAM1h contained sites under positive selection in UCBSV. The data imply an on-going but somewhat different evolution of CBSV and UCBSV, which is congruent with the recent widespread outbreak of UCBSV in cassava crops in the highland areas (>1000 m above sea level) of East Africa where CBSD has not caused significant problems in the past.

Preparation of β-Aminoketone by 2,3-Dichloro-5,6-Dicyanobenzoquinone Catalysed Three-Component Mannich Reaction

2,3-Dichloro-5,6-dicyanobenzoquinone (DDQ) was used as an efficient catalysts for a one-pot, three-component Mannich reaction of cyclohexanone or acetophenone with aromatic aldehydes and aromatic amines under solvent free condition. This protocol has the advantage of high yield, mild reaction conditions, lower catalyst loading and simple work up procedure.

CuX2 (X = Cl, Br) as Catalysts for Pechmann Reaction: Synthesis of 4-substituted Coumarins

CuX2 (X=Cl, Br) are found to be efficient catalysts (10 mol%) for the Pechmann condensation reaction of phenols and β-ketoesters to give 4-substituted coumarins under solvent-free conditions. The yields of coumarin derivatives obtained via this new protocol, were equal or higher than those using the conventional method and the reaction time was reduced to a few minutes.

PPh3-catalysed One-Pot Three-Component Syntheses of α-aminophosphonates under Solvent-Free Conditions

A simple and efficient preparation of α-aminophosphonates under relatively mild conditions by the one-pot reaction of aldehydes with amines and dialkyl phosphites using catalytic amounts of triphenylphosphine is described.

Genetically distinct strains of Cassava brown streak virus in the Lake Victoria basin and the Indian Ocean coastal area of East Africa

Six isolates of Cassava brown streak virus (CBSV, genus Ipomovirus; Potyviridae) from the Lake Victoria basin in Uganda and Tanzania were characterized. Virus particles were 650 nm long. The complete coat protein (CP)-encoding sequences (1,101 nucleotides, nt) were 90.7-99.5 and 93.7-99.5% identical at the nt and amino acid (aa) levels, respectively. The 3' untranslated region was 225, 226 or 227 nt long. These eight isolates were only 75.8-77.5% (nt) and 87.0-89.9% (aa) identical when compared to the partial CP sequences (714 nt) of six CBSV isolates characterized previously from the costal lowlands of Tanzania and Mozambique. Hence, two genetically different and geographically separated populations of CSBV exist in East Africa.

A mild method for the synthesis of β-enaminones and β-enamino esters using KH2PO4 as catalyst

β-Enaminones and β-enamino esters have been produced by the direct condensation of amines with β-diketones and β-ketoesters using KH2PO4 as catalyst under mild, solvent-free conditions.

Induction of adhesion molecules upon the interaction between eosinophils and bronchial epithelial cells: involvement of p38 MAPK and NF-kappaB

Eosinophils are principal effector cells of inflammation in allergic asthma, characterized by their infiltration and accumulation at inflammatory sites mediated by chemokine eotaxin, and interaction with adhesion molecules expressed on bronchial epithelial cells. In this study, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and/or the interaction of eosinophils and bronchial epithelial BEAS-2B cells were found to up-regulate the cell surface expression of adhesion molecules intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 and vascular adhesion molecule (VCAM)-1 on BEAS-2B cells, and ICAM-1 and leukocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1) on eosinophils. Interaction of eosinophils and BEAS-2B cells could induce the release of granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and activate both p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB activities in BEAS-2B cells but only NF-kappaB activity in eosinophils. Both proteasome inhibitor MG-132 and selective p38 MAPK inhibitor SB 203580 could significantly decrease the expression of ICAM-1 on BEAS-2B cells and CD18 on eosinophils upon co-culture with or without TNF-alpha treatment. However, the expression of VCAM-1 on BEAS-2B cells was only up-regulated by TNF-alpha-induced NF-kappaB activity. The interaction of eosinophils and bronchial epithelial cells therefore plays an important role in the up-regulation of adhesion molecules on eosinophils and epithelial cells via differential intracellular signalling pathways during allergic inflammation.

Induction of IL-6 in co-culture of bronchial epithelial cells and eosinophils is regulated by p38 MAPK and NF-kappaB

BACKGROUND

Prominent infiltration of eosinophils into the airway mucosa and release of inflammatory mediators upon their adhesion onto airway epithelial cells are the immunopathogical mechanisms of allergic asthma.

OBJECTIVE

We investigated the effect of normal and paraformaldyhyde-fixed human eosinophils on BEAS-2B cells, a human bronchial epithelial cell line, for the release of inflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-6.

METHODS

Interleukin-6 in cell culture supernatant, protein amount of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) activity in BEAS-2B cells were analyzed by Western blot and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). IL-6 gene expression was assessed by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and p38 MAPK activity and inhibitor (I)kappaB-alpha induction were evaluated by Western blot.

RESULTS

Co-culture of BEAS-2B cells and eosinophils induced a significant elevation of IL-6 expression in BEAS-2B cells. Interaction of eosinophils and BEAS-2B cells led to a marked induction in phospho-p38 MAPK, phospho-IkappaB-alpha and activity of NF-kappaB in BEAS-2B cells. NF-kappaB inhibitor BAY 11-7082 and p38 MAPK inhibitor SB 203580 significantly decreased IL-6 release in a co-culture of BEAS-2B cells and eosinophils. Fixed human eosinophils were able to maintain their ability to induce IL-6 release in co-culture, activate p38 MAPK and NK-kappaB, and up-regulate IL-6 gene expression in BEAS-2B cells.

CONCLUSIONS

These data indicate that the interaction of eosinophils and bronchial epithelial cells plays an important role in airway inflammation, at least partly, via IL-6 induction.

Role of p38 MAPK and NF-kB for chemokine release in coculture of human eosinophils and bronchial epithelial cells

Eosinophils are principal effector cells of inflammation in allergic asthma, characterized by their accumulation and infiltration at inflammatory sites mediated by the chemokine eotaxin and their interaction with adhesion molecules expressed on bronchial epithelial cells. We investigated the modulation of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) and the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway on the in vitro release of chemokines including regulated upon activation normal T cell expressed and secreted (RANTES), monokine induced by interferon-gamma (MIG), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), interleukin (IL)-8, and interferon-inducible protein-10 (IP-10) upon the interaction of human bronchial epithelial BEAS-2B cells and eosinophils. Gene expression of chemokines was evaluated by RT-PCR and the induction amount of chemokines quantified by cytometric bead array. NF-kappaB and p38 MAPK activities were assessed by electrophoretic mobility shift assay and Western blot, respectively. The interaction of eosinophils and BEAS-2B cells was found to up-regulate the gene expression of the chemokines IL-8, MCP-1, MIG, RANTES and IP-10 expression in BEAS-2B cells, and to significantly elevate the release of the aforementioned chemokines except RANTES in a coculture of BEAS-2B cells and eosinophils. IkappaB-alpha phosphorylation inhibitor, BAY 11-7082, and p38 MAPK inhibitor, SB 203580 could decrease the release of IL-8, IP-10 and MCP-1 in the coculture. Together, the above results show that the induction of the release of chemokines in a coculture of epithelial cells and eosinophils are regulated by p38 MAPK and NF-kappaB activities of BEAS-2B cells, at least partly, through intercellular contact. Our findings therefore shed light on the future development of more effective agents for allergic and inflammatory diseases.

[Protection against paracetamol-induced hepatic damage using total flavonoids of Astragalus]

OBJECTIVE

To study the mechanism of the protection by total flavonoids of Astragalus protection against paracetamol-induced hepatic damage.

METHOD

Analysing paracetamol and its metabolites in mice urine by HPLC and studying the mechanism of anti-damage induced by paracetamol using experiment module of pentobarbital-induced sleeping time.

RESULT

Administration of large doses of paracetamol to C57BL/6J mice produced significant hepatic injury with marked elevation in serum ALT activity and severe hepatocellular necrosis. TFA showed a good protective capability against paracetamol-induced hepatic injury. TFA had no marked effect on paracetamol and its metabolites except for the mercapturate-conjugate. The concentration of mercapturate change decreased with increasing TFA dose. TFA had no effect on the pentobarbital metabolites (P > 0.05). However, paracetamol (400 mg.kg-1) prolonged the sleeping time (by 110 min relative to the controls, P < 0.001). The TFA (P < 0.005) caused significant reduction in paracetamol-prolonged pentobarbital-induced sleep.

CONCLUSIONS

The mechanism of TFA's protective effect against the paracetamol-induced damage may be related to the inhibition of some metabolism progress of paracetamol and the reduction of the toxicity metabolite such as mercapturate-conjugate.

[Studies on protective effect of total flavonoids of Astragalus on liver damage induced by paracetamol]

OBJECTIVE

To study the protective effect of total flavonoids of Astragalus (TFA) on the liver against large doses of paracetamol in mice.

METHOD

After oral administration of TFA or Vitamin C 1 h prior to giving large dose of paracetamol in mice, the changes of paracetamol-induced mortality rate, serum enzyme level and liver damage degree were observed.

RESULT

Paracetamol produced 80% mortality, within 24 hours of the administration of a dose of 1000 mg.kg-1 to the mice. Pre-treatment of the animals with TFA (100 mg.kg-1) or Vitamin C (1,000 mg.kg-1) reduced the death rate to 20% and 0% respectively. There was also a significant rise in the serum enzyme level of alanine transaminase (P < 0.001) and the area of liver necrosis (P < 0.001), 24 h after paracetamol (400 mg.kg-1) treatment. With pre-treatment with either TFA or Vitamin C, there was an obvious dose-dependent decrease in ALT levels and the area of hepatocellular necrosis.

CONCLUSION

TFA has potential protecting effect against the paracetamol-induced hepatic damage.

{3,3′-[2,2′-(Ethylenedioxy)dibenzylidene]bis(S-methyl dithiocarbazate)}nickel(II)

The tetradentate N(2)S(2) Schiff base ligand 3,3'-[2,2'-(ethylenedioxy)dibenzylidene]bis(S-methyl dithiocarbazate) (H(2)L), prepared by the condensation of S-methyl dithiocarbazate with 1,4-bis(2-formylphenyl)-1,4-dioxabutane in a 1:2 molar ratio, reacts with nickel acetate to form the title neutral metal complex, [Ni(C(20)H(20)N(4)O(2)S(4))]. The X-ray structure of the complex shows a distorted square-planar geometry around the Ni atom. The monomeric units are weakly associated into dimers via a long Ni.S interaction [3.569 (1) A]. These dimeric units are then linked by C-H.S intermolecular contacts to form a polymeric chain along the a axis.

Bis[2,2'-ethylenedioxydibenzaldehyde bis(thiocarbohydrazide)] tris(pyridine) solvate

The title compound, a novel 30-membered 2:2 macrocyclic thiocarbohydrazone, C(34)H(32)N(8)O(4)S(2) x 3C(5)H(5)N, has been prepared and crystallographically characterized. The molecule of the compound is twisted. One dioxabutane group is boat-like in shape, whereas the other is highly disordered. The crystal structure is stabilized by inter- and intramolecular hydrogen bonds.

Intra- and intermolecular C-h.pi interactions in bis[benzyl 3-(fluoren-9-ylidene)dithiocarbazato-N3,S]nickel(II)

The title compound, [Ni(C(21)H(15)N(2)S(2))(2)], has a novel cis configuration with two fluorene moieties on the same side. The Ni atom is in a square-planar configuration. The molecular packing is stabilized by intramolecular stacking between the fluorene moieties and extensive C-H.pi interactions.