Fibrinogen-to-albumin ratio predicts overall survival of hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Fibrinogen-to-albumin ratio (FAR) has been found to be of prognostic significance for several types of malignant tumors. However, less is known about the association between FAR and survival outcomes in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients.

AIM

To explore the association between FAR and prognosis and survival in patients with HCC.

METHODS

A total of 366 histologically confirmed HCC patients diagnosed between 2013 and 2018 in a provincial cancer hospital in southwestern China were retrospectively selected. Relevant data were extracted from the hospital information system. The optimal cutoff for baseline serum FAR measured upon disease diagnosis was established using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards models were used to determine the crude and adjusted associations between FAR and the overall survival (OS) of the HCC patients while controlling for various covariates. The restricted cubic spline (RCS) was applied to estimate the dose-response trend in the FAR-OS association.

RESULTS

The optimal cutoff value for baseline FAR determined by the ROC was 0.081. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards model revealed that a lower baseline serum FAR level was associated with an adjusted hazard ratio of 2.43 (95% confidence interval: 1.87-3.15) in the OS of HCC patients, with identifiable dose-response trend in the RCS. Subgroup analysis showed that this FAR-OS association was more prominent in HCC patients with a lower baseline serum aspartate aminotransferase or carbohydrate antigen 125 level.

CONCLUSION

Serum FAR is a prominent prognostic indicator for HCC. Intervention measures aimed at reducing FAR might result in survival benefit for HCC patients.

An integrated strategy by absorbed component characterization, pharmacokinetics, and activity evaluation for identification of potential nephroprotective substances in Zhu-Ling decoction

An efficient strategy for the identification of potential nephroprotective substances in Zhu-Ling decoction has been established with the integration of absorbed components characterization, pharmacokinetics, and activity evaluation. A qualitative method was developed to characterize the chemical constituents absorbed components in vivo of Zhu-Ling decoction by using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry. A quantitative method was established and validated for the simultaneous determination of eight compounds in rat plasma by using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-triple quadruple tandem mass spectrometry. Finally, the nephroprotective activities of absorbed components with high exposure were assessed by cell survival rate, superoxide dismutase, and malondialdehyde activities in hydrogen peroxide-induced Vero cells. As a result, 111 compounds in Zhu-Ling decoction and 36 absorbed components were identified in rat plasma and urine, and poricoic acid A, poricoic acid B, alisol A, 16-oxo-alisol A, and dehydro-tumulosic acid had high exposure levels in rat plasma. Finally, poricoic acid B, poricoic acid A, 16-oxo-alisol A, and dehydro-tumulosic acid showed remarkable nephroprotective activity against Vero cells damage induced by hydrogen peroxide. Besides, superoxide dismutase and malondialdehyde activities were obviously regulated in hydrogen peroxide-induced Vero cells by treatment with the four compounds mentioned above. Therefore, these four compounds were considered to be effective substances of Zhu-Ling decoction due to their relatively high exposure in vivo and biological activity. This study provided a chemical basis for the action mechanism of Zhu-Ling decoction in the treatment of chronic kidney diseases.

Chemical and metabolic profiling of Codonopsis Radix extract with an integrated strategy using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry

Codonopsis radix was commonly used as food materials or herbal medicines in many countries. However, the comprehensive analysis of chemical constituents, and in vivo xenobiotics of Codonopsis radix remain unclear. In the present study, an integrated strategy with feature-based molecular networking using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry was established to systematically screen the chemical constituents and the in vivo xenobiotics of Codonopsis radix. A step-by-step manner based on a composition database, visual structure classification, discriminant ions, and metabolite software prediction was proposed to overcome the complexities due to the similar structure of chemical constituents and metabolites of Codonopsis radix. As a result, 103 compounds were tentatively characterized, 20 of which were identified by reference standards. Besides, a total of 50 xenobiotics were detected in vivo, including 26 prototypes and 24 metabolites, while the metabolic features of the pyrrolidine alkaloids were elucidated for the first time. The metabolism reactions of pyrrolidine alkaloids and sesquiterpene lactones included oxidation, methylation, hydration, hydrogenation, demethylation, glucuronidation, and sulfation. This study provided a generally applicable approach to the comprehensive investigation of the chemical and metabolic profile of traditional Chinese medicine and offered reasonable guidelines for further screening of quality control indicators and pharmacodynamics mechanism of Codonopsis radix.

Total femur replacement with 18 years of follow-up: A case report

BACKGROUND

Osteosarcoma is one of the most common primary malignant bone tumors and is more common in adolescents. The femur is the most common site of osteosarcoma, and many patients require total femur replacement. We reviewed the relevant literature and case findings, summarized and analyzed this case in combination with relevant literature, and in doing so improved the understanding of the technology.

CASE SUMMARY

The case we report was a 15-year-old patient who was admitted to the hospital 15 days after the discovery of a right thigh mass. The diagnosis was osteosarcoma of the right femoral shaft. After completion of neoadjuvant chemotherapy and preoperative preparation, total right femoral resection + artificial total femoral replacement was performed. Then, chemotherapy was continued after surgery. The patient recovered well after treatment, and the function of the affected limb was good. No recurrence, metastasis, prosthesis loosening, dislocation, fracture or other complications were found during 18 years of follow-up. At present, the patient can still work and lives normally. The results of the medium- and long-term follow-up were satisfactory.

CONCLUSION

Artificial total femur replacement is a feasible limb salvage operation for patients with femoral malignant tumors, and the results of medium- and long-term follow-up are satisfactory.

Pharmacokinetics, hepatic disposition, and heart tissue distribution of fourteen compounds in rat after oral administration of Qi-Li-Qiang-Xin capsule via ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry

In the present study, a specific and sensitive approach using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry was developed and validated for the quantitative analysis of fourteen constituents in rat plasma, liver and heart. The method was fully validated and successfully applied to pharmacokinetic, hepatic disposition and heart tissue distribution studies of fourteen compounds after the oral administration of Qi-Li-Qiang-Xin capsule. Ginsenoside Rb1, alisol A, astragaloside IV, and periplocymarin were found to be highly exposed in rat plasma, while toxic components such as hypaconitine, mesaconitine, and periplocin had low circulation levels in vivo. Moreover, sinapine thiocyanate, neoline, formononetin, calycosin, and alisol A exhibited significant liver first-pass effects. Notably, high levels of alisol A, periplocymarin, benzoylmesaconine, and benzoylhypaconine were observed in the heart. Based on high exposure and appropriate pharmacokinetic features in the systemic plasma and heart, astragaloside IV, ginsenoside Rb1, periplocymarin, benzoylmesaconine, benzoylhypaconine and alisol A can be considered as the main potentially effective components. Ultimately, the results provide relevant information for discovery of effective substances, as well as further anti-heart failure action mechanism investigations of Qi-Li-Qiang-Xin capsule. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Carrier dynamics and lasing behavior of InAs/GaAs quantum dot lasers with short cavity lengths

The modulation p-doping technique has emerged as an effective way to optimize the carrier dynamics process of quantum dot (QD) structures. Here, the laser structures based on the 1.3μm multiple-layer InAs/GaAs QD were fabricated with and without modulation p-doping. The carrier relaxation rate was increased after modulation p-doping, as demonstrated by transient absorption spectroscopy. The higher relaxation rate in p-doped QDs could be explained by more rapid carrier-carrier scattering process originating from increasing of the hole quasi-Fermi-level movement that increases the probability of occupancy of the valence states. In addition, the lasing behavior of Fabry-Perot lasers with and without modulation p-doping was investigated and compared. It was found that the ground state (GS) lasing in the absence of facet coating was successfully achieved in a p-doped laser diode with short cavity length (400μm), which can be attributed to the higher GS saturation gain caused by p-doping. With assistance of a designed TiO₂/SiO₂facet coating whose central wavelength (∼1480 nm) is far beyond the lasing wavelength of 1310 nm, the GS lasing could be realized in a laser diode with short cavity lengths (300μm) under continuous wave operation at room temperature, implying great potential for the development of low-cost and high-speed directly modulated lasers.

[Study on metabolic dynamics,metabolic enzyme phenotype and species difference of hepatic and intestinal microsome of psoralidin]

This study aims to investigate metabolic activities of psoralidin in human liver microsomes( HLM) and intestinal microsomes( HIM),and to identify cytochrome P450 enzymes( CYPs) and UDP-glucuronosyl transferases( UGTs) involved in psoralidin metabolism as well as species differences in the in vitro metabolism of psoralen. First,after incubation serial of psoralidin solutions with nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate( NADPH) or uridine 5'-diphosphate-glucuronic acid( UDPGA)-supplemented HLM or HIM,two oxidic products( M1 and M2) and two conjugated glucuronides( G1 and G2) were produced in HLM-mediated incubation system,while only M1 and G1 were detected in HIM-supplemented system. The CLintfor M1 in HLM and HIM were 104. 3,and57. 6 μL·min~(-1)·mg~(-1),respectively,while those for G1 were 543. 3,and 75. 9 μL·min~(-1)·mg~(-1),respectively. Furthermore,reaction phenotyping was performed to identify the main contributors to psoralidin metabolism after incubation of psoralidin with NADPH-supplemented twelve CYP isozymes( or UDPGA-supplemented twelve UGT enzymes),respectively. The results showed that CYP1 A1( 39. 5 μL·min~(-1)·mg~(-1)),CYP2 C8( 88. 0 μL·min~(-1)·mg~(-1)),CYP2 C19( 166. 7 μL·min~(-1)·mg~(-1)),and CYP2 D6( 9. 1 μL·min~(-1)·mg~(-1)) were identified as the main CYP isoforms for M1,whereas CYP2 C19( 42. 0 μL·min~(-1)·mg~(-1)) participated more in producing M2. In addition,UGT1 A1( 1 184. 4 μL·min~(-1)·mg~(-1)),UGT1 A7( 922. 8 μL·min~(-1)·mg~(-1)),UGT1 A8( 133. 0 μL·min~(-1)·mg~(-1)),UGT1 A9( 348. 6 μL·min~(-1)·mg~(-1)) and UGT2 B7( 118. 7 μL·min~(-1)·mg~(-1)) played important roles in the generation of G1,while UGT1 A9( 111. 3 μL·min~(-1)·mg~(-1)) was regarded as the key UGT isozyme for G2. Moreover,different concentrations of psoralidin were incubated with monkey liver microsomes( MkLM),rat liver microsomes( RLM),mice liver microsomes( MLM),dog liver microsomes( DLM) and mini-pig liver microsomes( MpLM),respectively. The obtained CLintwere used to evaluate the species differences.Phase Ⅰ metabolism and glucuronidation of psoralidinby liver microsomes showed significant species differences. In general,psoralidin underwent efficient hepatic and intestinal metabolisms. CYP1 A1,CYP2 C8,CYP2 C19,CYP2 D6 and UGT1 A1,UGT1 A7,UGT1 A8,UGT1 A9,UGT2 B7 were identified as the main contributors responsible for phase Ⅰ metabolism and glucuronidation,respectively. Rat and mini-pig were considered as the appropriate model animals to investigate phase Ⅰ metabolism and glucuronidation,respectively.

[Cohort study of efficacy and safety of polatuzumab vedotin combined with immunochemotherapy in patients with relapse/refractory diffuse large B cell lymphoma]

Objective: To investigate the efficacy and tolerability of Polatuzumab vedotin+rituximab±bendamustine (Pola-(B)R) in relapse/refractory diffuse large B cell lymphoma (R/R DLBCL) patients. Methods: The clinical data of 21 patients enrolled in Chinese Pola compassionate use program (CUP) in 4 centers from November 2019 to August 2020 were collected. There were 15 males and 6 females, and the median age was 56 years (ranged 25-76 years). Of the patients, 10 cases received Pola-BR regimen and the other 11 received Pola-R. Their clinical features, regimens, efficacy, and adverse events (AEs) were retrospectively analyzed. Results: Twenty-one patients with at least one efficacy evaluation were included. At data analysis cut-off point (12 Aug. 2020), the best overall response (BOR) rate was 81.0% (17/21) and the complete response (CR) rate was 19.0% (4/21). Kaplan-Meier survival estimation was performed, at a median follow-up of 54 days, three patients (14.3%) had disease progressed, and 18 patients (85.7%) were censored; the median progression-free survival (mPFS) was estimated to be 148 days. The incidence of adverse effects (AEs) of any grade was higher in Pola-BR group than Pola-R group (80.0% vs 63.6%). However, the incidence of grade 3-4 AEs were close in the two groups (30.0% vs 29.3%). The most common hematological toxicities were thrombocytopenia (28.6%, 6/21), neutropenia (28.6%, 6/21) and anemia (14.3%, 3/21), respectively. One patient with pneumonia and 1 patient with hemophagocytic syndrome recovered after symptomatic treatment. No peripheral neuropathy of grade≥2 was observed. Conclusions: The preliminary data suggested that, for heavily treated Chinese R/R DLBCL, the Pola-(B)R regimen still achieves promising efficacy and tolerable safety.

Effects of Xian-Ling-Gu-Bao capsule on the gut microbiota in ovariectomized rats: Metabolism and modulation

Xian-Ling-Gu-Bao capsule (XLGB) has been proven to prevent and treat osteoporosis. However, as a long-term oral formula, XLGB's effects on the metabolic capacity, structure and function of gut microbiota have yet to be elucidated in ovariectomized (OVX) rats. Our objectives were to evaluate the capacity of gut microbiota for metabolizing XLGB ingredients and to assess the effect of this prescription on gut microbiota. Herein, an integrated analysis that combined ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS) and ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography tandem triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (UPLC-TQD-MS) was conducted to determine the metabolic capacity of gut microbiota. The effects of XLGB on gut microbiota were explored by metagenomic sequencing in OVX rats. Fecal samples from each group were collected after intragastric administration for three months. In total, 64 biotransformation products were fully characterized with rat gut microbiota from the OVX group and the XLGB group. The deglycosylation reaction was the main biotransformation pathway in core structures in the group that was incubated with XLGB. Compared with the OVX group, different biotransformation products and pathways of the XLGB group after incubation for 2 h and 8 h were described. After three months of feeding with XLGB, the domesticated gut microbiota was conducive to the production of active absorbed components via deglycosylation, such as icaritin, psoralen and isopsoralen. Comparisons of the gut microbiota of the OVX and XLGB groups showed differences in the relative abundances of the two dominant bacterial divisions, namely, Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes. The proportion of Firmicutes was significantly lower and that of Bacteroidetes was significantly higher in the XLGB group. This result demonstrated that XLGB could provide a basis for the treatment of osteoporosis by regulating lipid and bile acid metabolism. In addition, the increase in Lactobacillus, Bacteroides and Prevotella could be an important factor that led to easier production of active absorbed aglycones in the XLGB group. Our observation provided further evidence of the importance of gut microbiota in the metabolism and potential activity of XLGB.

Discovery of potential Q-marker of traditional Chinese medicine based on plant metabolomics and network pharmacology: Periplocae Cortex as an example

BACKGROUND

Quality control exerted great importance on the clinical application of drugs for ensuring effectiveness and safety. Due to chemical complexity, diversity among different producing areas and harvest seasons, as well as unintentionally mixed with non-medicinal parts, the current quality standards of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) still faced challenges in evaluating the overall chemical consistency.

PURPOSE

We aimed to develop a new strategy to discover potential quality marker (Q-marker) of TCM by integrating plant metabolomics and network pharmacology, using Periplocae Cortex (GP, the dried root bark of Periploca sepium Bge.) as an example.

METHODS

First, plant metabolomics analysis was performed by UPLC/Q-TOF MS in 89 batches of samples to discover chemical markers to distinguish medicinal parts (GP) and non-medicinal parts (the dried stem bark of Periploca sepium Bge. (JP)), harvest seasons and producing region of Periplocae Cortex. Second, network pharmacology was applied to explore the initial linkages among chemical constituents, targets and diseases. Last, potential Q-marker were selected by integrating analysis of plant metabolomics and network pharmacology, and the quantification method of Q-marker was developed by using UPLC-TQ-MS.

RESULTS

The chemical profiling of GP and JP was investigated. Fifteen distinguishing features were designated as core chemical markers to distinguish GP and JP. Besides, the content of 4-methoxybenzaldehyde-2-O-β-d-xylopyranosyl-(1→6)-β-d-glucopyranoside could be used to identify Periplocae Cortex harvested in spring-autumn or summer. Meanwhile, a total of 15 components targeted rheumatoid arthritis were screened out based on network pharmacology. Taking absorbed constituents into consideration, 23 constituents were selected as potential Q-marker. A simultaneous quantification method (together with 11 semi-quantitative analysis) was developed and applied to the analysis of 20 batches of commercial Periplocae Cortex on the market. The PLS-DA model was successfully developed to distinguish GP and JP samples. In addition, the artificially mixed GP sample, which contained no less than 10% of the adulterant (JP), could also be correctly identified.

CONCLUSION

Our results indicated that 9 ingredients could be considered as Q-marker of Periplocae Cortex. This study has also demonstrated that the plant metabolomics and network pharmacology could be used as an effective approach for discovering Q-marker of TCM to fulfill the evaluation of overall chemical consistency among samples from different producing areas, harvest seasons, and even those commercial crude drugs, which might be mixed with a small amount of non-medicinal parts.

Discovery of anti-flu substances and mechanism of Shuang-Huang-Lian water extract based on serum pharmaco-chemistry and network pharmacology

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Shuang-Huang-Lian preparation has captured wide attention since its clinical applications for the successful treatment of upper respiratory tract infection. However, its functional basis under actual therapeutic dose in vivo was still unrevealed.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to reveal the anti-flu substances and mechanism of Shuang-Huang-Lian water extract (SHL) on H1N1 infected mouse model by a strategy based on serum pharmaco-chemistry under actual therapeutic dose and network pharmacology.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

H1N1 infected mouse model was employed for evaluation of the anti-flu effects of SHL. A simultaneous quantification method was developed by UPLC-TQ-XS MS coupled switch-ions mode and applied to characterize the pharmacokinetics of the multiple components of SHL under actual therapeutic dose. The potential active ingredients were screened out based on their pharmacokinetic parameters. And then, a compound mixture of these active candidates was re-evaluated for the anti-flu activity on H1N1 infected mouse model. Furthermore, the anti-flu mechanism of SHL was also predicted by network pharmacology coupled with the experimental result.

RESULTS

SHL significantly increased the survival rate and prolonged survival days on H1N1 infected mice at a dosage of 20 g crude drug/kg/day by reversing the increased lung index, down-regulating the inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6) and inhibiting the release of IFN-β in bronchoalveolar lavage fluids (BALF). Concomitantly, the pharmacokinetic parameters of fourteen quantified and twenty-one semi-quantified constituents of SHL were characterized. And then, five compounds (baicalin, sweroside, chlorogenic acid, forsythoside A and phillyrin), which displayed satisfactory pharmacokinetic features, were considered as potential active ingredients. Thus, a mixture of these five ingredients was administered to H1N1-infected mice at a dose of 4.24 mg/kg/day. As a result, the therapeutical effects of the mixture were similar to SHL in terms of survival rate, lung index and the release of cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6) in BALF. Moreover, network pharmacology analysis indicated that the TNF-signal pathways might play a role in the anti-flu mechanism of SHL.

CONCLUSIONS

A mixture of five compounds (baicalin, sweroside, chlorogenic acid, forsythoside A and phillyrin) were the anti-flu substances of SHL. The strategy based on serum pharmaco-chemistry under actual therapeutic dose provided a new sight on exploring in vivo effective substances of TCM.

Comparative secretome profile analysis of cultured immortalized human endometrial stromal cells supplemented with implanted versus nonimplanted blastocyst-conditioned medium: A preliminary analysis

AIM

Human endometrial stromal cells (HESCs) were previously shown to be capable of discriminating embryos with different qualities. Here we aimed to compare the specific response of the HESC secretome to implanted blastocyst-conditioned medium (BCM) versus nonimplanted medium and identify cytokine candidates useful for the assessment of blastocyst implantation.

METHODS

Cleavage embryos were individually cultured in one microdrop of medium for blastocyst formation. The BCM was collected after fresh blastocyst transfer on day 5 and used to supplement HESC culture medium. A high-throughput antibody array covering 440 cytokines was used to detect the secretory proteins of HESCs supplemented with implanted or nonimplanted BCM.

RESULTS

A total of 22 differentially expressed proteins were found out of 440 cytokines in the supernatant of HESCs supplemented with BCM from the implanted group compared to the nonimplanted group, including seven upregulated and 15 downregulated proteins. Gene Ontology enrichment analysis showed that the differentially expressed proteins were mainly involved in cell chemotaxis and motility, and ERK1/2 cascade regulation. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis suggested that the mitogen-activated protein kinase and phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase/Akt pathways were mainly involved.

CONCLUSION

HESCs specifically responded to BCM from different quality blastocysts, a finding that can be used to develop a novel approach for blastocyst quality assessment.

Identification and characterization of chemical constituents in Qi-Lin pills and their metabolites in rat bio-samples after oral administration using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry

Qi-Lin pill (QLP), a traditional Chinese medicine prescription (TCMP), composed of fifteen herbal medicines, has been widely used for the treatment of male infertility. However, an in-depth understanding of the chemical constituents of QLP and its in vivo metabolic study is lacking. In this study, a method using ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadruple time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC/Q-TOF-MS) was established for comprehensive analysis of chemical constituents of QLP and their metabolites in plasma, urine, bile and feces after gastric perfusion. The method guaranteed the fast discovery of representative structural fragment information and provided efficient structure clues for identification based on data from MS^E mode. As a result, a total of 202 constituents were unambiguously identified or tentatively characterized. In addition, a total of 203 QLP-related xenobiotics were characterized, including 41 (22 prototypes and 19 metabolites) in plasma, 144 (47 prototypes and 97 metabolites) in urine, 50 (27 prototypes and 23 metabolites) in bile and 68 (51 prototypes and 17 metabolites) in feces. The metabolism reactions included phase I reactions (demethylation, hydroxylation, deglycosylation, deoxygenation, hydrogenation, dehydration, oxidation and hydrolysis) and phase II reactions (methylation, conjugation with glucuronide and sulfate). This was the first comprehensive investigation on chemical constituents and metabolic profiles of QLP in vivo, and the results provided chemical foundation for further research on effective substances and action mechanism of QLP.

Initial serum HCG levels are higher in pregnant women with a male fetus after fresh or frozen single blastocyst transfer: A retrospective cohort study

OBJECTIVE

Substantial previous studies have almost reached an agreement on the gender effect on maternal serum human chorionic gonadotropin (MsHCG) in and after the late first trimester of pregnancy. However, there is little knowledge of the sex-related difference in MsHCG level at the preliminary stage of pregnancy. The purpose of this study is to reveal this difference in women after fresh or frozen single blastocyst transfer (SBT).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 252 fresh SBT cycles and 1486 frozen-thawed SBT cycles collected between June 1, 2014 and May 30, 2017 were retrospectively analyzed in our center. Patients with MsHCG level ≥5 IU/L on day 11 after transfer, achieving a singleton intrauterine pregnancy and subsequent live birth were included. We compared MsHCG levels between women gave birth to a male neonate and those gave birth to a female one in fresh or frozen SBT cycles, respectively.

RESULTS

A total of 136 neonates including 57 females and 79 males were born following fresh SBT. The male-female ratio was 1.39:1. The average MsHCG level of male fetuses was higher than that of female fetuses on day 11 after transfer (549.82 ± 253.24 IU/L versus 439.03 ± 198.41 IU/L, P < 0.05). Correspondingly, a total of 431 infants was born after frozen SBT, containing 188 females and 243 males. The male-female ratio was 1.29:1. Initial MsHCG level remained higher in women with a male neonate than the counterparts with a female neonate (894.43 ± 622.17 IU/L versus 758.05 ± 624.33 IU/L, P < 0.05). It was also found the pregnant women following frozen-thawed SBT exhibited higher initial MsHCG level than those following fresh SBT in whether male-bearing or female-bearing gestations.

CONCLUSIONS

MsHCG levels are higher in pregnant women with a male fetus than those with a female one on day 11 after fresh or frozen SBT. A sex-specific response to the stress in the process of in vitro embryo culture was suggested.

Modulation of hepatic lipidome by rhodioloside in high-fat diet fed apolipoprotein E knockout mice

BACKGROUND

Rhodioloside is a glucoside of tyrosol isolated from Rhodiola rosea. However, its regulating effect on hepatic dyslipidemia of atherogenic mice has rarely been studied.

PURPOSE

The specific aims of current study included to clarify lipidomic perturbation in liver tissues of apolipoprotein E deficient (apoE^-/-) mice fed with high-fat diet, and to examine the effects of rhodioloside against atherosclerosis and dyslipidemia.

STUDY DESIGN

The comparisons of hepatic lipidome were executed between wide type (WT) mice fed with normal diet (NDC) and apoE^-/- mice fed with high-fat diet (Model), WT mice fed with high-fat diet (HFDC) versus the model mice, as well as the model mice versus rhodioloside-treated atherosclerotic mice.

METHODS

Ultra high performance liquid chromatography coupled with a Q exactive hybrid quadrupole-orbitrap mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) was employed to provide an unbiased and simultaneous measurement of individual lipid species in liver tissues.

RESULTS

Multivariate statistical analysis derived from LC-MS spectra revealed that high-fat diet and apoE deficiency caused a series of disturbances on glyerolipid metabolism, glycerophospholipid metabolism and sphingolipid metabolism. Rhodioloside administration showed atheroprotective effects on the apoE^-/- mice with regulating the levels of 1 phosphatidylcholine, 2 phosphatidylserines, 5 alkyldiacylglycerols and 3 alkenyldiacylglycerols back to normal. In particular, PC (4:0/15:0) was positively associated with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in blood, both of which could be ameliorated by rhodioloside.

CONCLUSION

Our results identified the abnormal hepatic lipids in atherosclerosis progression that could efficiently improved by rhodioloside. These lipids contributed to biological understanding of atherogenic dyslipidemia in liver and could also served as sensitive indicators for drug target screening.

Simultaneous Quantitative Analysis of Multiple Biotransformation Products of Xian-Ling-Gu-Bao, a Traditional Chinese Medicine Prescription, with Rat Intestinal Microflora by Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography Tandem Triple Quadrupole Mass Spectrometry

Xian-Ling-Gu-Bao (XLGB), a famous traditional Chinese medicine prescription consisted of six herbal medicines, was used for prevention and treatment of osteoporosis in China. As an oral formulation, the multiple components contained in XLGB were inevitably biotransformed by the intestinal microflora before absorption via the gastrointestinal tract. However, the dynamic profiles of biotransformation products of XLGB remain unknown. In this paper, a rapid and sensitive ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem triple quadrupole mass spectrometry method was developed for the simultaneous quantitative analysis of multiple biotransformation products of XLGB with rat intestinal microflora. For 10 selected quantitative compounds, all calibration curves revealed good linearity (r2 &gt; 0.99) within the sampling ranges considered. The whole intra- and inter-day precisions (as relative standard deviation) of all analytes were &lt;13.5%, and the accuracies (as relative error) were in the range from −11.3 to 11.2%. The lower limits of quantification were 20, 10, 5, 20, 2, 2, 2, 5, 2 and 2 ng/mL for sweroside, timosaponin BII, epimedin C, asperosaponin VI, psoralen, isobavachin, icariside II, timosaponin AIII, isobavachalcone and icaritin, respectively. The matrix effects, extraction recoveries and stabilities were all satisfactory. Meanwhile, dynamic profiles of 21 additional biotransformation products were also monitored by their area-time curves. The analytical method was successfully applied to describe dynamic profiles of 31 biotransformation products of XLGB and the recipes with removal of a definite composed herbal medicine (Anemarrhenae Rhizoma or Rehmanniae Radix).

AUXIN RESPONSE FACTOR 1 Acts as a Positive Regulator in the Response of Poplar to Trichoderma asperellum Inoculation in Overexpressing Plants

Numerous Trichoderma strains have been reported to be optimal biofertilizers and biocontrol agents with low production costs and environmentally friendly properties. Trichoderma spp. promote the growth and immunity of plants by multiple means. Interfering with the hormonal homeostasis in plants is the most critical strategy. However, the mechanisms underlying plants' responses to Trichoderma remain to be further elucidated. Auxin is the most important phytohormone that regulates almost every aspect of a plant's life, especially the trade-off between growth and defense. The AUXIN RESPONSE FACTOR (ARF) family proteins are key players in auxin signaling. We studied the responses and functions of the PdPapARF1 gene in a hybrid poplar during its interaction with beneficial T. asperellum strains using transformed poplar plants with PdPapARF1 overexpression (on transcription level in this study). We report that PdPapARF1 is a positive regulator for promoting poplar growth and defense responses, as does T. asperellum inoculation. PdPapARF1 also turned out to be a positive stimulator of adventitious root formation. Particularly, the overexpression of PdPapARF1 induced a 32.3% increase in the height of 40-day-old poplar plants and a 258% increase in the amount of adventitious root of 3-week-old subcultured plant clones. Overexpressed PdPapARF1 exerted its beneficial functions through modulating the hormone levels of indole acetic acid (IAA), jasmonic acid (JA), and salicylic acid (SA) in plants and activating their signaling pathways, creating similar results as inoculated with T. asperellum. Particularly, in the overexpressing poplar plants, the IAA level increased by approximately twice of the wild-type plants; and the signaling pathways of IAA, JA, and SA were drastically activated than the wild-type plants under pathogen attacks. Our report presents the potential of ARFs as the crucial and positive responders in plants to Trichoderma inducing.

Characterization of chemical components of Periplocae Cortex and their metabolites in rats using ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry

Periplocae Cortex, named Xiang-Jia-Pi in China, has been widely used to treat autoimmune diseases, especially rheumatoid arthritis. However, the in vivo substances of Periplocae Cortex remain unknown yet. In this study, an ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry was used for profiling the chemical components and related metabolites of Periplocae Cortex. A total of 98 constituents were identified or tentatively characterized in Periplocae Cortex: 42 C21 steroidal glycosides, 10 cardiac glycosides, 23 organic acids, 4 aldehydes, 7 triterpenes, and 12 other types. Among them, 18 components were unambiguously identified by comparison with reference standards. In addition, 176 related xenobiotics (34 prototypes and 142 metabolites) were screened out and characterized in rats' biosamples (plasma, urine, bile, and feces) after the oral administration of Periplocae Cortex. Moreover, the metabolic fate of periplocoside S-4a, a C21 steroidal glycoside, was proposed for the first time. In summary, phase II reactions (methylation, glucuronidation, and sulfation), phase I reactions (hydrolysis reactions, oxygenation, and reduction), and their combinations were the predominant metabolic reactions of Periplocae Cortex in rat. It is the first report to reveal the in vivo substances and metabolism feature of Periplocae Cortex. This study also provided meaningful information for further pharmacodynamics study of Periplocae Cortex, as well as its quality control research.

Fuziline alleviates isoproterenol-induced myocardial injury by inhibiting ROS-triggered endoplasmic reticulum stress via PERK/eIF2α/ATF4/Chop pathway

Fuziline, an aminoalcohol-diterpenoid alkaloid derived from Aconiti lateralis radix preparata, has been reported to have a cardioprotective activity in vitro. However, the potential mechanism of fuziline on myocardial protection remains unknown. In this study, we aimed to explore the efficacy and mechanism of fuziline on isoproterenol (ISO)-induced myocardial injury in vitro and in vivo. As a result, fuziline effectively increased cell viability and alleviated ISO-induced apoptosis. Meanwhile, fuziline significantly decreased the production of ROS, maintained mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and blocked the release of cytochrome C, suggesting that fuziline could play the cardioprotective role through restoring the mitochondrial function. Fuziline also could suppress ISO-induced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress via the PERK/eIF2α/ATF4/Chop pathway. In addition, using ROS scavenger NAC could decrease ISO-induced apoptosis and block ISO-induced ER stress, while PERK inhibitor GSK2606414 did not reduce the production of ROS, indicating that excess production of ROS induced by ISO triggered ER stress. And fuziline protected against ISO-induced myocardial injury by inhibiting ROS-triggered ER stress. Furthermore, fuziline effectively improved cardiac function on ISO-induced myocardial injury in rats. Western blot analysis also showed that fuziline reduced ER stress-induced apoptosis in vivo. Above these results demonstrated that fuziline could reduce ISO-induced myocardial injury in vitro and in vivo by inhibiting ROS-triggered ER stress via the PERK/eIF2α/ATF4/Chop pathway.

[Endogenous Release of Nitrogen and Phosphorus in the Danjiangkou Reservoir]

In situ sediments were collected at different sites of the Danjiangkou Reservoir using a columnar sediment sampler, and the release rate of N and P at the sediment-water interface was determined through static incubation experiments and the diffusion model of interstitial water molecules. The results showed that there was a significant difference in the release rate for N and P from sediments collected at five sampling sites. The release rates of NH₄⁺-N and PO₄^3--P under static incubation conditions were 13.07-24.88 mg·(m²·d)^-1 and 3.06-6.02 mg·(m²·d)^-1, whereas those estimated by Fick's Fist Law were 2.67-7.25 mg·(m²·d)^-1 and 0.04-0.18 mg·(m²·d)^-1, respectively. Overall, the release rates of N and P in the tributaries were 1.48 and 1.57 times higher than that in the reservoir, respectively, and they tended to decrease from the north to the south. The R/F values of NH₄⁺-N and PO₄^3--P were 3.43-4.98 and 29.67-72.88, respectively. The highest release rates of N and P were observed in the Guojiashan tributary for both methods. However, it was found that the release rates of N and P estimated by Fick's Fist Law were significantly lower than those obtained by the simulation method, indicating that the static incubation experiment with intact sediments allowed the release rates of N and P to be closer to the actual situation compared to the interstitial water molecule diffusion model.

Discovery of cardio-protective constituents of Gualou Xiebai Decoction, a classical traditional Chinese medicinal formula

BACKGROUD

Finding effective compounds of TCMs has always been the basis for achieving marker-based quality control which is currently most widely used quality control strategy. Gualou Xiebai Decoction (GLXB), a classical TCM formula, is recorded and proven as a therapy for curing coronary heart disease but the effective constituents are unidentified and the substantial basis of the therapeutic effects is not clear.

PURPOSE

The present research is an investigation on the chemistry of this formula aiming at finding and precisely identifying effective compounds.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

This research started with screening for effective fractions of GLXB by rat myocardial infarction model and H9c2 cell hypoxia/reoxygenation model, then compounds in effective fractions were isolated and identified by phytochemical and spectroscopic methods. The cardio-protective activities of the compounds were tested in vitro and one of the effective compounds was taken as example to investigate the mechanisms.

RESULTS

The water-insoluble parts of GLXB were identified as effective parts in both in vitro and in vivo experiments. Systematic isolation of compounds in the effective fractions resulted in the isolation of 34 compounds including 7 new compounds, whereas 8 compounds were effective in protecting H9c2 cells against hypoxia/reoxygenation injury. One of the effective compounds, macrostemonoside P (MP) possibly exerted its effect by activating RISK pathway and attenuating apoptosis.

CONCLUSION

An array of effective constituents of GLXB were discovered, and discovery of these compounds contributed to elucidating the substantial basis for the therapeutic effects of this formula, and provides fundaments for establishing Q-markers for further reliable quality control of GLXB.

[IVOS Ⅱ versus Sperm Class Analyzer in the results of semen analysis]

OBJECTIVE

To compare the results obtained from the computer-aided sperm analysis (CASA) systems of the two fully-automated commercial sperm quality analyzers, Hamilton-Thorn IVOS Ⅱ (IVOS Ⅱ) and Spanish Sperm Class Analyzer (SCA).

METHODS

A total of 99 semen samples were collected in the Center of Reproduction of Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital from September 2018 to October 2018 and, according to the sperm concentration, divided into groups A (<15 ×10⁶/ml), B (15－50 ×10⁶/ml) and C (>50 ×10⁶/ml). IVOS Ⅱ, SCA and manual microscopy were used for the examination of each sample, followed by comparison of the sperm concentration, sperm motility and percentage of progressively motile sperm (PMS) obtained from IVOS Ⅱ and SCA.

RESULTS

The sperm concentrations derived from IVOS Ⅱ and SCA were significantly higher than that from manual microscopy in group A (［10.24 ± 4.60］ and ［10.20 ± 5.11］ vs ［8.45 ± 4.15］ ×10⁶/ml, P < 0.05), but showed no statistically significant difference in group B (［30.95 ± 11.84］ and ［31.81 ± 12.90］ vs ［29.14 ± 10.65］ ×10⁶/ml, P > 0.05) or C (［102.14 ± 45.97］ and ［109.48 ± 46.32］ vs ［104.74 ± 41.87］ ×10⁶/ml, P > 0.05). Significant differences were not observed between IVOS Ⅱ and SCA in the percentage of PMS (［24.21 ± 14.62］% vs ［23.92 ± 15.42］%, P > 0.05) or sperm motility (［37.48 ± 19.34］% vs ［37.69 ± 16.61］%, P > 0.05) in group B, nor in group C (PMS: ［30.80 ± 12.06］% vs ［32.98 ± 16.10］%, P > 0.05; sperm motility: ［44.50 ± 15.62］% vs ［47.26 ± 17.46］%, P > 0.05). Both the percentage of PMS and sperm motility obtained from IVOS Ⅱ were remarkably lower than those derived from SCA in group A (PMS: ［18.54 ± 12.96］% vs ［22.90 ± 12.88］%, P < 0.05; sperm motility: ［26.97 ± 14.05］% vs ［34.90 ± 15.18］%, P < 0.05). IVOS Ⅱ and SCA both showed a high repeatability (CV <15%), and the former exhibited an even higher one than the latter, in detection of sperm concentration, sperm motility and the percentage of PMS.

CONCLUSIONS

IVOS Ⅱ and SCA both had a good consistency in the results of sperm concentration, motility and progressive motility, but showed a poor comparability with low-concentration semen samples.

Systematic screening and characterization of Qi-Li-Qiang-Xin capsule-related xenobiotics in rats by ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry

Qi-Li-Qiang-Xin capsule (QLQX), a well-known traditional Chinese medicine prescription (TCMP), is consisted of eleven commonly used herbal medicines, has been widely used for the treatment of chronic heart failure (CHF). However, the absorbed components and related metabolites after oral administration of QLQX are still remaining unknown. In the present work, a reliable and effective method using ultra performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC/Q-TOF-MS) was established to identify QLQX-related xenobiotics in rats. Based on a representative structure based homologous xenobiotics identification (RSBHXI) strategy, a total of eleven compounds (salvianolic acid B, formononetin, benzoylmesaconine, alisol A, sinapine thiocyanate, naringin, tanshinone IIA, ginsenoside Rg1, ginsenoside Rb1, astragaloside IV and periplocin), bearing different chemical core structures, were selected and investigated for their metabolism in vivo. And then, comprehensive metabolic profiles of the holistic multi-ingredients in QLQX were achieved. As a result, a total of 121 QLQX-related xenobiotics (47 prototypes and 74 metabolites) were identified or tentatively characterized, among them eight prototypes (mesaconine, hypaconine, songorine, fuziline, neoline, talatizamine formononetin, neocryptotanshinone) and two metabolites (calycosin-gluA, formononetin-guA) were relatively the main existing xenobiotics exposed in blood. All absorbed prototype constituents were mainly from six composed herbal medicines (Aconiti lateralis radix, Astragali radix, Ginseng radix, Alismatis rhizoma, Salvia miltiorrhiza radix, Periploca cortex). The main metabolic reactions were methylation, hydrogenation, hydroxylation, oxidization, sulfation and glucuronidation. This is the first study on in vivo metabolism of QLQX. These results enabled us to focus on several high exposure ingredients in the discovery of effective substances of QLQX, however further pharmacokinetic study on these QLQX-related xenobiotics are needed to be carried out.

[Comparison and application of two risk assessment methods for occupational lead exposure risk classification in a lead-acid battery enterprise]

Objective: To apply and compare two risk assessment methods for occupational lead exposure risk classification in a lead-acid battery enterprise. Methods: In April 2013, an occupational health survey was carried out in a lead-acid battery enterprise. Lead smoke and lead dust were tested in the workplace. The risk assessment index system for occupational chemical hazards that was established and optimized by the research group (referred to as "optimized index system" ) , as well as the Singapore semi-quantitative risk assessment model, was used for occupational lead exposure risk classification in the lead-acid battery enterprise. The two risk classification results were analyzed and compared. Results: In the lead smoke risk classification results, the optimized index system classified the raw material group and foundry group workshops as Class I hazardous and the assembling group workshop as Class II hazardous. The Singapore semi-quantitative risk assessment model classified the raw material group workshop as high risk and foundry group and assembling group workshops as extremely high risk. In the lead dust risk classification results, the optimized index system classified the raw material group workshop as Class I hazardous, while the plate painting group, plate cutting group, and assembling group workshops were classified as Class II hazardous. The Singapore semi-quantitative risk assessment model classified the raw material group workshop as medium risk, the plate painting group and plate cutting group workshops as high risk, and the assembling group workshop as extremely high risk. Conclusion: There are some differences in risk assessment of occupational lead exposure between the two risk assessment methods. The optimized index system is comparably more reasonable and feasible, and is highly operable.

Factors associated with needle sharing among people who inject drugs in Yunnan, China: a combined network and regression analysis

Background

Network analyses have been widely utilized to evaluate large datasets, but have not yet been used to explore factors associated with risk behaviours. In combination with traditional regression analysis, network analyses may provide useful information and highlight key factors for reducing needle sharing behaviours among people who inject drugs (PWID).

Methods

Sociodemographic data, and information on injection behaviour and sexual practices were collected from a cross-sectional survey that was conducted with PWID in five prefectures of Yunnan province, China. A combination of logistic regression and correlation network analyses were used to explore key factors for reducing needle-sharing behaviours among PWID.

Results

In a total of 1 049 PWID, 37.5 % had a history of needle or syringe sharing. The logistic analysis showed that Zhaotong, Qujing, Dehong, or Lincang residents, diazepam use, longer injection duration, needle reuse, and infection with HIV, viral hepatitis, tuberculosis and/or malaria were independently associated with needle sharing. The correlation network analyses showed that, compared to PWID who had never shared needles, PWID who did share needles would achieve harm reduction goals faster and more permanently. HIV serostatus and marital status were found to be closely associated with other risk factors. By combining regression analyses with network analyses, it was shown that PWID who are HIV seropositive will be an ideal target group for harm reduction programs.

Conclusion

Needle-sharing behaviours are common among PWID in Yunnan, and harm reduction programs may help PWID who are HIV seropositive reduce risk behaviours and prevent blood borne diseases.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s40249-016-0169-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Study on chemical profiles and metabolites of Allii Macrostemonis Bulbus as well as its representative steroidal saponins in rats by ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry

Allii Macrostemonis Bulbus (AMB) is increasingly becoming popular as an edible vegetable or traditional folk medicine in East Asia due to its great health and medicinal properties. However, due to a lack of available research, the effective material of AMB still remains unknown. In this study, we applied a strategy utilising ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC/Q-TOF-MS) to investigate chemical profiles of AMB. In addition, metabolite profiles of five representative single steroidal saponins as well as AMB were investigated. Moreover, the metabolic features of saponins in AMB were summarised. After oral administration, the saponins underwent massive phase I and phase II metabolism. Sequential deglycosylation metabolism in rat intestine was the main metabolic pathway of the steroidal saponins, while oxidation, dehydrogenation, glucuronic acid reactions in liver also take part in further modification. These results expand our knowledge about the metabolism of AMB.

Rapid identification of chemical constituents in traditional Chinese medicine fufang preparation xianling gubao capsule by LC-linear ion trap/Orbitrap mass spectrometry

The traditional Chinese medicine fufang preparation "Xian-Ling-Gu-Bao" capsule (XLGB), which is composed of six herbal medicines, is popularly used for the treatment of osteoporosis. A reliable and effective method using LC-linear ion trap (LTQ)/Orbitrap mass spectrometry for rapid screening and identification of chemical constituents in "Xian-Ling-Gu-Bao" capsule is described in this paper. Based on the UV spectrum, mass spectrum, and the chemical components isolated from the original plants of XLGB, 118 compounds were identified or tentatively characterized, including 58 flavonoid glycosides, six prenylated flavonones, five prenylated isoflavones, six prenylated chalcones, four xanthone C-glycosides, 13 saponins, eight phenolic acids, five coumarins, three lignans, three iridoids, five phenethyl alcohol glycosides, one tanshinone and one alkaloid. This work might be helpful for the quality control and further pharmacokinetic studies of XLGB, and provided a good example for the rapid identification of chemical constituents in traditional Chinese medicine fufang preparation. Moreover, the identification strategy for the linkages of sugar residues in flavonol O-glycosides was summarized in the study. The diagnostic fragment ions at m/z 185 [C12H9O2] and 157 [C11H9O], which distinguish C-6 and C-8 prenylated flavonoids, were reported for the first time.

Phytoestrogenic molecule desmethylicaritin suppressed adipogenesis via Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway

Epimedium flavonoids inhibit extravascular lipid deposition during prevention of steroid-associated osteonecrosis. Desmethylicaritin is a bioactive metabolite of Epimedium flavonoids in serum. As it is well known that estrogen inhibits aidpogenesis, so we hypothesized that desmethylicaritin as a phytoestrogen might have the potential to inhibit lipid deposition. This study was designed to investigate the effect of desmethylicaritin on adipogenesis and its underlying mechanism in vitro. Adipogenesis was assessed by Oil Red O staining in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. Bromodeoxyuridine was used to test the clonal expansion. Further, the mRNA level and protein expression of adipgenic and related factors were detected by qRT-PCR and western blot, respectively. The nuclear location of β-catenin was identified using immunofluoresence assay. Our results showed that desmethylicaritin suppressed the adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 cells in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, desmethylicaritin inhibited clonal expansion during adipogenesis. Desmethylicaritin did not affect CCAAT/enhancer binding protein δ and β mRNA expression, but decreased the mRNA expression of CCAAT/enhancer binding protein α, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ, adipocyte lipid-binding protein and lipoprotein lipase. Desmethylicaritin up-regulated the mRNA expression of Wnt10b that was however down-regulated after adipogenic induction. Desmethylicaritin increased the protein expression of β-catenin both in the cytoplasm and nuclei and immunofluorescence results confirmed that desmethylicaritin increased nuclear translocation of β-catenin. Above findings implied that desmethylicaritin was able to inhibit adipogenesis and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway was regulated by desmethylicaritin in the process of suppression of adipogenesis. Above findings supported desmethylicaritin as a novel phytochemical agent for potential prevention of disorders involving lipid metabolism.

High prevalence of HIV, HCV, HBV and co-infection and associated risk factors among injecting drug users in Yunnan province, China

Objective

To estimate the prevalence of HIV, HCV, HBV and co-infection with 2 or 3 viruses and evaluate risk factors among injecting drug users (IDUs) in Yunnan province, China.

Methods

2080 IDUs were recruited from 5 regions of Yunnan Province, China to detect the infection status of HIV, hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV). Statistical analysis was performed to evaluate risk factors related to HIV, HCV and HBV infections.

Results

The infection rates among all participants were 25.5% for HIV, 77.7% for HCV, 19.2% for HBV, 15% for HIV/HCV, 0.3% for HIV/HBV, 7.8% for HCV/HBV and 7.1% for HIV/HCV/HBV. The prevalence of virus infection varied widely by region in Yunnan of China. Statistical analyses indicated that high prevalence of HIV and HCV among IDUs was positively associated with the duration of drug injection and sharing needles/syringes; besides, HCV infection was associated with the frequency of drug injection.

Conclusions

HIV, HCV, HBV infections and co-infections were still very prevalent among IDUs in Yunnan province because of drug use behaviors.

[Study on HPLC fingerprint of Oldenlandia diffusa]

OBJECTIVE

To establish the HPLC fingerprint chromatogram of Oldenlandia diffusa coupled with chemometrics means for the quality control of multi-batches of medicinal material.

METHODS

The separation was developed on C18 column(4.6 mm x 250 mm, 5 microm) by gradient elution with acetonitrile-water(both containing 0.1 per thousand (V/V) ocetic acid) as mobile phase at a flow rate of 0.8 mL/min, the detection wavelength at 238 nm and column temperature at 30 degrees C. The HPLC fingerprint chromatogram of Oldenlandia diffusa was set up and the main characteristic peaks were identified by comparing with chemical reference substance. The quality of 22 batches of medicinal material was evaluated by similarity assay as well as principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis.

RESULTS

The established HPLC fingerprint chromatogram of Oldenlandia diffusa was specific, precise, reproducible and stable. 11 peaks were chemically identified. The similarity of 17 batches of Oldenlandia diffusa was obviously higher than 5 batches of adulterants. PCA showed that 17 batches of Oldenlandia diffusa were in a domain and 5 batches of adulterants were far apart from the domain. The cluster analysis of the 22 batches of medicinal material showed that 17 batches of Oldenlandia diffusa were in a cluster while 5 batches of adulterants were excluded. Further cluster analysis was carried out for the quality consistency of 17 batches of Oldenlandia diffusa and accordingly they were devided into 4 clusters.

CONCLUSION

With the combination of chemometrics means, the HPLC fingerprint chromatogram provides a method for evaluation of authenticity and quality control of Oldenlandia diffusa, which is favorable to improve overall quality control of Oldenlandia diffusa.

Comparison of HIV-, HBV-, HCV- and co-infection prevalence between Chinese and Burmese intravenous drug users of the China-Myanmar border region

Background

Co-infection with HIV and HCV and/or HBV is highly prevalent in intravenous drug users (IDUs). Because of the proximity to the “Golden Triangle”, HIV prevalence among the IDUs is very high in the China-Myanmar border region. However, there are few studies about co-infection with HIV and HCV and/or HBV, especially in the region that belongs to Myanmar.

Methods

721 IDUs, including 403 Chinese and 318 Burmese, were investigated for their HIV, hepatitis B virus (HBV), and hepatitis C virus (HCV) serological status. Statistical analysis was performed to evaluate the differences of the epidemic situation between the Chinese IDUs and the Burmese IDUs.

Results

Among the Chinese IDUs and the Burmese IDUs, HCV infection was the most prevalent (69.0% vs 48.1%, P<0.001), followed by HBV (51.6% vs 43.1%, P<0.05) and HIV (33.7% vs 27.0%, P>0.05). Besides, there were more HIV-HBV co-infected IDUs (20.1% vs 11.3%, P<0.005), and HIV-HCV co-infected IDUs (31.8% vs 23.9%, P<0.05) in China than in Myanmar, as well as HIV-HBV-HCV triple infection (19.1% vs 10.4%, P<0.005).

Conclusion

Co-infection with HIV and HCV and/or HBV is highly prevalent among the IDUs in the China-Myanmar border region. The HIV epidemic appears to be in a downward trend, compared with previous reports. However, all infections were more prevalent among the Chinese IDUs than among the Burmese.

Characterization and online detection of surfactin isomers based on HPLC-MS(n) analyses and their inhibitory effects on the overproduction of nitric oxide and the release of TNF-α and IL-6 in LPS-induced macrophages

A rapid method for characterization and online detection of surfactin isomers was developed based on HPLC-MS(n) (n = 1, 2, 3) analyses, and many surfactin isomers were detected and characterized from the bioactive fraction of the mangrove bacterium Bacillus sp. Inhibitory activities of surfactin isomers on the overproduction of nitric oxide and the release of TNF-α and IL-6 in LPS-induced macrophages were systematically investigated. It was revealed that the surfactin isomers showed strong inhibitory properties on the overproduction of nitric oxide and the release of IL-6 on LPS-induced murine macrophage cell RAW264.7 with IC(50) values ranging from 1.0 to 7.0 μM. Structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies revealed that the existence of the free carboxyl group in the structure of surfactin isomers was crucial. These findings will be very helpful for the development of this novel kind of natural product as new anti-inflammatory agents.

Bidesmoside triterpenoid glycosides from Stauntonia chinensis and relationship to anti-inflammation

Ten triterpenoid glycosides, yemuoside YM(26-35) (1-9 and 12), were isolated from a traditional Chinese medicine known as "Ye Mu Gua" (Stauntonia chinensis DC.) along with two known ones, kalopanax saponin C (10) and sieboldianoside A (11). Their structures, as elucidated by spectroscopic analyses and chemical methods, were either penta-saccharidic or hexa-saccharidic bidesmoside triterpenoid glycosides. To help explain the clinical applications of "Ye Mu Gua" for its anti-inflammatory effects, the inhibitory activity on the release of inflammatory mediators (nitric oxide, TNF-alpha and IL-6) of 1-12 and the related aglycone, hederagenin (13), was evaluated in vitro. It was found that compound 13, but not 1-12, exhibited significant inhibitory activity. The abundant triterpenoid glycosides in "Ye Mu Gua" might therefore be transformed into their respective aglycones, and thus inhibit the release of inflammatory factors in vivo. This could then account for the clinical value of "Ye Mu Gua" as regards anti-inflammatory effects. This proposed explanation of how "Ye Mu Gua" may have an effect is similar to the concept of prodrugs for chemical drugs which could be extended to some traditional medicines. That is, the major components might be biologically active not directly, but via biochemical transformation in vivo. Hence, we propose a "traditional medicine's prodrug characteristic" concept.

[Determination of plasma protein binding rate of methyl protodioscin with ultrafiltration]

OBJECTIVE

To study the plasma protein binding rate of methyl protodioscin.

METHOD

The ultrafiltration was employed to determine the plasma protein binding rate of methyl protodioscin. The plasma concentrations of methyl protodioscin were measured by HPLC-MS-MS.

RESULT

The plasma protein binding rate of methyl protodioscin with rat plasma at the concentration of 20.0, 100 and 200 microg x mL(-1) were (94.6 +/- 0.16)%, (91.6 +/- 0.35)% and (86.10 +/- 0.60)%, respectively, while the plasma protein binding rate of methyl protodioscin with normal human plasma at the above concentrations were (82.11 +/- 5.12)%, (84.54 +/- 0.32)% and (88.52 +/- 1.02)%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The binding rate of methyl protodioscin with plasma protein is high.

Determination of the three-dimensional structure of Gynoside A in solution using NMR and molecular modeling

The three-dimensional structure of Gynoside A, an ocotillone-type triterpenoid glycoside isolated from Gynostemma pentaphyllum, was determined in pyridine-d5 and DMSO-d6 solution through constrained molecular modeling using constraints derived from proton NMR spectra. The calculation yielded well-defined global minima. Except for some quantitative details the overall structure of Gynoside A in pyridine-d5 shared many common features with that in DMSO-d6. The structure in pyridine-d5 had lower energies than that in DMSO-d6 solution.

[Applications of tree-shaped structure in DICOM based on XML]

In order to improve the sharing of DICOM, a proposal is offered to introduce XML into DICOM on the SPIE 2005 and in this way, better readability and expansibility of DICOM files have been achieved. On this basis, the DICOM data structure is improved further by replacing the one-dimension linear data structure with multilayer tree-shaped data structure. And thus the nesting and dependence relationships between information object and data elements are much clearer and it is more convenient and easy to browse DICOM image files.

[Bone metastases from cancer of the cervix]

130 cases treated for cervical cancer developed bone metastases from 1958 through 1991, it was 0.87% of the total number of cervical carcinoma admitted to our hospital. (130/14,827). The rate of metastasis in each clinical stage was 0.85% (4/468) in stage I, 0.67% (41/6,064) in stage II, 0.97% (79/8,077) in stage III, 2.75% (6/218) in stage IV, respectively. Roentgenograms were diagnostic in all but 7 of the patients. The most common site of bone metastases was lumbar vertebrae, accounting for 44.69% of all bone metastases from cervix cancer. Metastases to pelvic bones ranked next. More than a half of the patients were diagnosed within 3 years after treatment. 86.92% of the patients died within 12 months, By now all patients were dead. Local radiation therapy was useful for pain relief but did not affect the prognosis.

[Umbilical metastasis from gynecologic malignancies--a clinical study of 15 cases]

Umbilical metastasis from gynecologic malignancies is very rare. We report fifteen patients with primary gynecologic malignant tumors associated with umbilical metastases treated in this hospital from 1958-1991. 1, including 10 epithelial ovarian cancer. 1 malignant teratoma of the ovary, 2 endometrial carcinoma and 2 squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix. Apart from one patient initially diagnosed as stage 1 endometrial carcinoma, all patients had advanced tumors. Six patients had umbilical lesion present at the time of initial diagnosis of the primary tumor. The main clinical finding is an umbilical nodule or an ulcerated nodule in a diameter less than 2 cm. Usually the prognosis was poor. The average survival from initial diagnosis of umbilical metastasis to death was 14 months in 12 patients. There were 4 cases with longer survival, including one patient with endometrial carcinoma who survived 40 months, and 3 patients with ovarian carcinoma who survived 54, 52, 31 months, respectively. Two cases are surviving with tumor. It indicates that aggressive therapy may prolong survival time, especially in patients with ovarian cancers.

[Supraclavicular lymph node metastasis from carcinoma of the uterine cervix after radiotherapy--analysis of 219 patients]

From Mar. 1958 to Dec. 1985, 13547 patients with cervical cancer in stages I-III were treated by radiotherapy in our hospital. Supraclavicular lymph node metastasis developed in 219 (1.62%), 83.1% on the left, 7.7% on the right and 9.13% bilateral. 61.2% of the metastasis occurred within 2 years and 86.75% within 5 years after radiotherapy. The majority of these patients (88.3%, 191/215), except 4 who are still being followed, had died within 1.5 years of metastasis with a mean survival of 9.3 months. If radiotherapy in adequate dose is given to the supraclavicular metastatic area, the mean survival can be prolonged for 3.7 months. The prognosis is very poor for these patients no matter what the clinical stage is or when the metastasis develops. The more advanced clinical stage, the higher metastasis rate (P less than 0.001). In this series, 47/219 (21.5%) were found to have concurrent metastasis to the other organs.

[Treatment of 63 advanced ovarian carcinomas]

62 patients with advanced epithelial ovarian adenocarcinoma (37 stage III, 4 stage IV and 22 recurrent lesions) were treated in our hospital from 1977 to 1981, 38 patients underwent surgery. 25 with inoperable tumor initially received preoperative chemotherapy (VCF protocol: vincristine + cyclophosphamide + fluorouracil chiefly) followed by surgery. The response rate of chemotherapy was 48%. Apart from 1 progressive tumor during chemotherapy, 24/25 were explored. There were 10/24 with residual tumor less than 2 cm in diameter, giving a resection rate of 41.7% as compared with the resection rate of 42.1% (16/38) in the operation group. It is shown that the preoperative chemotherapy improves the resection rate. 44 patients received postoperative chemotherapy and 12, radiotherapy combined with chemotherapy or radiotherapy only. The overall 2.3 and 5 year survival rates of these 63 patients were 39.7%, 31.7% and 23.8%. The 2 and 3 year survivals were 41.9% and 32.3% in 31 patients with postoperative chemotherapy using VCF protocol. The results indicate that VCF protocol is effective for advanced epithelial ovarian cancer, especially patients with residual tumor less than 2 cm in size. Chemotherapy with more than 3 courses has better effect.