Areca Thirteen Pill Improves Depression in Rat by Modulation of the Chemokine/Chemokine Receptor Axis

Depressive disorder is a severe and complex mental illness. There are a few anti-depressive medications that can reduce depressive symptoms, but with adverse or side effects. GaoYou-13 (GY-13), commonly known as Areca Thirteen Pill, is a traditional medicine for depression treatment with significant clinical impact. However, the molecular mechanism of GY-13 has not been fully elucidated. This study aimed to explore and explain the action and mechanism of GY-13 in treatment for depression. SD male rats were stimulated differently daily for 42 days to construct a depression rat model and divided into six groups: the control, CUMS model, GY-13L, GY-13 M, GY-13H, and FLUO. The body weight of was measured on day 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, and 42 or different days, and the behavioral tests (Open-field test, Sucrose preference test, Morris water maze) were made alongside. After the rats were decapitated, the rat brains were stained with Nissl or H&E dyes. The serums of TNF-α and IL-1β were tested. The protein of p-IKKα, p-IкBα, and p-NFкBp65 was traced. Then nano-LC-MS/MS analysis was made to detect the mechanism of GY-13. The active ingredients, drug targets, and key pathways of GY-13 in treating depression were analyzed through network pharmacology and molecular docking. With immunohistochemistry, quantitative RT-PCR, and western-blot techniques, the therapeutic mechanism of GY-13 was traced and analyzed. This study revealed that GY-13 significantly enhances autonomous and exploratory behavior, sucrose consumption, learning and memory ability, and hippocampal neuronal degeneration, which inhibits inflammation. In addition, omics analysis showed several proteins were altered in the hippocampus of rats following CUMS and GY-13 treatment. Bioinformatics analysis and network pharmacology revealed the antidepressant effects of GY-13 are related to the chemokine/chemokine receptor axis. Immunohistochemistry, western blotting and RT-PCR assay further support the findings of omics analysis. We highlighted the importance of the chemokine/chemokine receptor axis in the treatment of depression, as well as showed GY-13 can be used as a novel targeted therapy for depression treatment.

[Clinical and genetic characteristics of young patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms]

Objectives: To investigate the clinical and genetic features of young Chinese patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN). Methods: In this cross-sectional study, anonymous questionnaires were distributed to patients with MPN patients nationwide. The respondents were divided into 3 groups based on their age at diagnosis: young (≤40 years) , middle-aged (41-60 years) , and elderly (>60 years) . We compared the clinical and genetic characteristics of three groups of MPN patients. Results: 1727 assessable questionnaires were collected. There were 453 (26.2%) young respondents with MPNs, including 274 with essential thrombocythemia (ET) , 80 with polycythemia vera (PV) , and 99 with myelofibrosis. Among the young group, 178 (39.3%) were male, and the median age was 31 (18-40) years. In comparison to middle-aged and elderly respondents, young respondents with MPN were more likely to present with a higher proportion of unmarried status (all P<0.001) , a higher education level (all P<0.001) , less comorbidity (ies) , fewer medications (all P<0.001) , and low-risk stratification (all P<0.001) . Younger respondents experienced headache (ET, P<0.001; PV, P=0.007; MF, P=0.001) at diagnosis, had splenomegaly at diagnosis (PV, P<0.001) , and survey (ET, P=0.052; PV, P=0.063) . Younger respondents had fewer thrombotic events at diagnosis (ET, P<0.001; PV, P=0.011) and during the survey (ET, P<0.001; PV, P=0.003) . JAK2 mutations were found in fewer young people (ET, P<0.001; PV, P<0.001; MF, P=0.013) ; however, CALR mutations were found in more young people (ET, P<0.001; MF, P=0.015) . Furthermore, mutations in non-driver genes (ET, P=0.042; PV, P=0.043; MF, P=0.004) and high-molecular risk mutations (ET, P=0.024; PV, P=0.023; MF, P=0.001) were found in fewer young respondents. Conclusion: Compared with middle-aged and elderly patients, young patients with MPN had unique clinical and genetic characteristics.

Mongolian Medicine Areca Thirteen Pill (GY-13) Improved Depressive Syndrome via upregulating cAMP/PKA/CREB/BDNF signaling pathway

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Areca Thirteen Pill, also called Gao You-13 (GY-13), is a traditional Mongolian herbal formula and has been extensively used to treat depression in Mongolian areas, which belongs to Heyi disease in Mongolian medicine. Major depressive disorder is a serious psychiatric disease, only one-third of individuals with depression are responsive to current antidepressants in clinic. Growing attention has been attracted by traditional herbal medicines in fighting depression because they are considered safer alternatives to pharmacotherapy.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To reveal the mechanism of GY-13 in the treatment of depression.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The rat depression model was established by chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS), and primary hippocampal neurons were used to construct a glutamate-induced excitotoxicity model. The antidepressant effect of GY-13 was then assessed by performing sucrose preference tests, open field tests, and body weight measurements on rats. The expression of cAMP and PKA, mRNA levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and cAMP response element binding protein (CREB), and hippocampal neuronal apoptosis were measured.

RESULTS

The results indicate that GY-13 significantly improves depression-like behavior, rescues decreased cAMP， PKA, recovers the mRNA levels of CREB and BDNF, and increases the proliferative activity of hippocampus. In addition, blockade of PKA reverses the effects of GY-13 treatment on CREB mRNA, BDNF mRNA levels. In vitro, GY-13 treatment increased hippocampal proliferative activity and attenuated Glu-induced apoptosis of hippocampal neurons as well as reduced CREB mRNA and BDNF mRNA expression levels.

CONCLUSIONS

Our research demonstrated that GY-13 treatment exerted a potent antidepressant action via activation of cAMP/CREB/BDNF signaling pathway, promoting proliferation, and suppressing apoptosis. This research provides molecular biological ground for developing GY-13 into a potent alternative for the intervention of depression.

Systems pharmacology-based dissection of mechanisms of Tibetan medicinal compound Ruteng as an effective treatment for collagen-induced arthritis rats

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Compound Ruteng (CRT) is a prescribed formulation based on the theory of Tibetan medicine for the treatment of yellow-water-disease. It is consisted with 7 medicinal material include Boswellia carterii Birdw (named "Ruxiang" in Chinese); Tinospora sinensis (Lour.) Merr. (named "Kuan-Jin-Teng" in Chinese), Cassia obtusifolia L (named "Jue-Ming-Zi" in Chinese); Abelmoschus manihot (L.) Medic (named "Huang-Kui-Zi" in Chinese); Terminalia chebula Retz. (named "He-Zi" in Chinese); Lamiophlomis rotata (Benth.) Kudo (named "Du-Yi-Wei" in Chinese) and Pyrethrum tatsienense (Bur. et Franch.) Ling (named "Da-Jian-Ju" in Chinese). They are widely distributed in Tibet area of China and have been used to treat rheumatism, jaundice, and skin diseases for centuries.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The present study was conducted to investigate the anti-arthritis effect of CRT and to disclose the systems pharmacology-based dissection of mechanisms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The chemical constituents in CRT were identified using HPLC method, and CRT candidate targets against RA were screened by network pharmacology-based analysis and further experimentally validated based on collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) rat model. Furthermore, therapeutic mechanisms and pathways of CRT were investigated.

RESULTS

391 potential targets (protein) were predicted against 92 active ingredients of 7 medicinal materials in CRT. Enrichment analysis and molecular docking studies also enforced the practiced results. X-ray based physiological imaging showed the attenuated effect of CRT on paw swelling, synovial joints and cartilage with improved inflammation in CIA rats. Moreover, the expression of biomarkers associated with RA such as MMP1, MMP3 and MMP13 and TNF-a, COX2 and iNOS are down-regulated in ankle joints, serum, or liver.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, CRT compound could attenuate RA symptoms and active ingredients of this compound could be considered for drug designing to treat RA.

The complete chloroplast genome of Stemona tuberosa Lour (Stemonaceae)

Stemona tuberosa Lour is a perennial herb in the family of Stemonaceae. It is commonly used as traditional medicine in China. Here, we assembled and annotated the complete chloroplast genome of S. tuberosa. The chloroplast genome was 154,374 bp in length, containing a typical quadripartite structure with a large single copy (LSC) of 82,305 bp, a small single copy (SSC) of 17,929 bp, and two inverted repeats (IRa and IRb) regions of 27,070 bp each. The overall GC content of the genome was 37.88%. A total of 134 genes were annotated in the chloroplast genome, including 88 protein-coding genes, 38 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, and 8 ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes. Phylogenetic analysis suggested that S. tuberosa was closely related to S. japonica and S. mairei.

The complete chloroplast genome of Polygonatum cirrhifolium (Wall.) Royle, a medicine herb

Polygonatum cirrhifolium (Wall.) Royle is a medicinal plant of commercial value. In the present study, we assembled the complete chloroplast genome of P. cirrhifolium. The total genome was a circular DNA molecule of 155,583 bp, which was made up of a large single copy region (84,412 bp), a small single copy region (18,427 bp), and a pair of inverted repeat regions (26,372 bp each). A total of 133 genes was annotated in the chloroplast genome, including 85 protein-coding genes, 40 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, and eight ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes. Overall, the chloroplast genome had a GC content of 37.66%. Phylogenetic analysis showed that P. cirrhifolium was closely related to P. kingianum.

[Efficacy tubular paraspinal approach and conventional semi-laminar approach in treating lumbar stenosis]

Objective: To analysis of the efficacy of tubular paraspinal approach and conventional semi-laminar approach in treating lumbar stenosis. Methods: Retrospective research of clinical data of 56 lumbar stenosis cases who were operated in neurosurgery department of first center of PLA general hospital from May 2015 to June 2018. Collecting the information of sex, age, operating time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative duration in bed, as well as length of hospital stay of those patients. The 2 groups of cases, tubular paraspinal approach group (n=35)and semi-laminal approachgroup (n=21), compared by Japanese orthopedic association (JOA) score and visual analogue scale to assess the functional situation of the patients before operation, 1 week after operation, 1 month after operation, 6 months after operation, and the last follow up. Results: The operating time(83.1±7.3 vs 86.1±9.6 min), intraoperative blood loss(18.2±3.9 vs 40.5±13.3 ml), postoperative duration in bed(37.4±7.8 vs 63.7±15.8 h), as well as length of hospital stay (3.8±1.1 vs 6.5±2.0 d)were all obviously better in tubular paraspinal approach group than in traditional semi-laminar approach group(P<0.05). The postoperative 1 week, 1month, and 6 months JOA score (21.8±3.4, 23.6±2.4, 24.2±2.4 vs 19.9±3.7, 21.6±2.8, 22.4±2.1)and VAS (2.2±1.0, 2.0±1.1, 0.4±0.1 vs 3.1±1.2, 2.6±1.3, 0.5±0.1) were better in tubular paraspinal approach group than semi-laminar approach group (P<0.05). While at the last follow up, the JOA score and VAS were similar in the 2 groups (P>0.05) . Conclusions: In non-fusion techniques for treating lumbar stenosis, tubular paraspinal approach demonstrated less blood loss, shorter stay in bed as well as in hospital, and better symptom relief in early postoperative period than traditional semi-laminal approach. While at long term follow up, both approaches achieved satisfactory outcome.

[Prognostic significance of proteins expression by immunohistochemical method in diffuse large B cell lymphoma]

Objective: To analyze the prognostic significance of TP53, Bcl-2, Bcl-6, Myc proteins expression by immunohistochemical method (IHC) in diffuse large B cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) . Methods: Clinical and pathologic data of 223 patients with DLBCL hospitalized in Zhejiang First Hospital from March 2009 to June 2015 were retrospectively analyzed. Results: The 223 cases, a median age of 56 years old with a male predominance, had shown a 39.0% of TP53 positive expression, 38.6% of Myc, 69.1% of Bcl-2, 56.5% of Bcl-6, and 22.7% of Myc/Bcl-2 double expression. According to Hans' classification, 27.4% were GCB and 72.6% were non-GCB. With a median follow-up of 38 (2-97) months, the 3 and 5 years survival rates were 70% and 66% , respectively. By multivariate analysis, TP53 over-expression and Myc/Bcl-2 double expression were independently associated with poor outcomes. 3-year and 5-year overall survival were 59% and 57% for patients with TP53 positive, 77% and 71% for patients with TP53 negative expression. Patients with non-GCB subtype receiving chemotherapy combined with rituximab had a higher OS than those without rituximab. But rituximab did not improve the prognosis of patients with TP53 positive. Conclusion: Myc/Bcl-2 double expression and TP53 over-expression are poor prognosis for DLBCL patients. Patients with Myc/Bcl-2 double expression have shorter OS. Patients with non-GCB subtype who received chemotherapy combined with rituximab have a better OS than those without rituximab. But rituximab does not improve the prognosis of patients with TP53 positive.

[A preliminary study on the outcome of lower-risk myelodysplastic syndrome by low-dose decitabine]

目的

评价小剂量地西他滨治疗较低危骨髓增生异常综合征（MDS）患者的初步疗效及安全性，探讨MDS相关基因突变的临床意义。

方法

纳入浙江省4所医院收治的62例较低危MDS患者，治疗分2组，地西他滨组（地西他滨12 mg·m⁻²·d⁻¹，连续5 d）和支持治疗组，检测与MDS预后相关的15项基因突变情况。比较两组患者的总体有效率（ORR）和无进展生存（PFS）时间，分析其与基因突变的相关性。

结果

62例患者中，可评估患者51例，其中地西他滨组24例，支持治疗组27例。与支持治疗组相比，地西他滨组的ORR（66.7%对29.6%，χ²=6.996，P=0.008）和中位PFS时间显著改善（未达到对13.7个月，P=0.037）。51例患者中20例（39.2%）检测到基因突变阳性，其中4例患者单纯SF3B1阳性，均在支持治疗组。与基因突变阴性患者相比，16例基因突变阳性（除单纯SF3B1阳性）患者中位PFS时间显著缩短（9.2个月对18.5个月，P=0.008），其中地西他滨组8例患者中6例有效，支持治疗组无一例（0/8）有效。地西他滨治疗期间主要不良反应为3~4级粒细胞减少（45.8%），3~4级感染发生率为33.3%（8/24）。

结论

该研究小系列患者的初步结果表明应用小剂量地西他滨治疗较低危MDS患者可能有效，对于基因突变患者也可获益，且患者耐受，值得临床试验进一步明确其临床意义。

Sweroside Alleviated Aconitine-Induced Cardiac Toxicity in H9c2 Cardiomyoblast Cell Line

Aconitine is the main bioactive ingredient of Aconitum plants, which are well-known botanical herbs in China. Aconitine is also notorious for its high cardiotoxicity, as it can induce life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias. Unfortunately, there are few effective antidotes to aconitine toxicity. This study aimed to evaluate the potent protective effects of the ingredients from V. baillonii on aconitine toxicity on H9c2 cell line. Cell viability was assessed by methylthiazoltetrazolium bromide (MTT). Intracellular Ca²⁺ concentration alteration and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation were observed by confocal microscopy and flow cytometry, respectively. Cellular oxidative stress was analyzed by measuring malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels. Mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨ) was determined using JC-1 kit. RT-PCR and Hoechst staining techniques were conducted to determine the levels of autophagy/apoptosis. The mRNA levels of dihydropyridine receptor (DHPR), ryanodine receptors (RyR2) and sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca²⁺-ATPase (SERCA) were measured by RT-PCR. We screened six components from V. baillonii, among which, sweroside exhibited the strongest protective effects on aconitine-induced cardiac toxicity. Sweroside suppressed the aconitine-induced mRNA expressions of Na_V1.5 (encoded by SCN5A), RyR2 and DHPR, and reversed the aconitine-induced decrease in mRNA level of SERCA, thus preventing the aconitine-induced persistent intracellular Ca²⁺ accumulation and avoiding intracellular Ca²⁺ overload. We further found that sweroside restabilized the aconitine-disrupted mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨ) and reversed the aconitine-induced increase in the mRNA levels of cell autophagy-related factors (Beclin-1, Caspase-3, and LC3- II) in H9c2 cells. In the whole-animal experiments, we observed that sweroside (50 mg/kg) alleviated effectively aconitine-induced arrhythmias by analysis of electrocardiogram (ECG) recording in rats. Our results demonstrate that sweroside may protect cardiomyocytes from aconitine toxicity by maintaining intracellular Ca²⁺ homeostasis, restabilizing mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨ) and avoiding cell autophagy/apoptosis.

[Referencing and inosculating--discussion on modern research strategy for ethnomedicines]

This article reviewed the current situation of ethnomedicines in China, and propos that the important research on ethnomedicine is to focus on the theoretical and empirical characteristics of ethnomedicine and the special features in the processes of collecting,processing and clinical application of ethnomedicine, which will be benefit to find the research principles and methods with the characteristics of ethnomedicine. These principles include making clear of the effective substances and mechanisms, and theoretical and empirical characteristics of ethnomedicine. The three methods in the new drug discovery technology system for ethnomedicine are to solve the difference in varieties of traditional medical systems depending on finding the similarities of them, to find the conjunction in varieties of traditional medical systems through the key-herbs, and to find medicinal sources in varieties of traditional medical systems according to pharmaphylogeny.

[Efficacy and safety analysis of different dose idarubicin plus cytarabine regimen as induction chemotherapy for young patients with de-novo acute myeloid leukemia]

目的

探讨不同剂量去甲氧柔红霉素（IDA）联合阿糖胞苷诱导方案（IA）治疗年轻初发急性髓系白血病（AML）（除外急性早幼粒细胞白血病）的临床疗效、安全性和长期预后。

方法

回顾性分析2009年1月至2014年7月收治的采用IA方案治疗的149例<55岁初发AML患者临床资料，根据IDA剂量分为高标准剂量组（10~12 mg·m⁻²·d⁻¹）、低标准剂量组（8~9 mg·m⁻²·d⁻¹）和低剂量组（<8 mg·m⁻²·d⁻¹），比较各组患者的化疗反应、血液学及非血液学不良事件，并分析预后。

结果

高标准剂量组34例，低标准剂量组53例，低剂量组62例。三组第1个疗程完全缓解（CR）率分别为79.4%、75.5％和46.8%，第1个疗程有效率分别为97.1%、94.3％和64.5%，总CR率分别为85.3%、81.1％和54.8%，高标准剂量组、低标准剂量组均显著高于低剂量组（P值均<0.05），前两者间差异无统计学意义（P值均>0.05）。多因素分析证实标准IDA剂量的确在诱导缓解疗效上优于低剂量（P<0.05）。在不良反应方面，化疗期间WBC最低值三组间差异有统计学意义（P=0.002），其余差异均无统计学意义。低标准剂量组在总生存（OS）上显著优于低剂量组（P=0.030），高标准剂量组与低剂量组相比，OS也有改善的趋势（P=0.054）。三组间在无事件生存、无复发生存差异均无统计学意义（P值均>0.05）。

结论

对于年轻（<55岁）初发AML患者，标准剂量IA方案可显著提高CR率，且患者的耐受性良好。标准剂量IA方案在一定程度上能改善年轻（<55岁）AML患者OS。

Large Positive Thermal Expansion and Small Band Gap in Double-ReO3-Type Compound NaSbF6

Double-ReO₃-type structure compound NaSbF₆ undergoes a low-temperature rhombohedral to high-temperature cubic phase between 303 and 323 K, as revealed by temperature-dependent X-ray diffractions. Although many double-ReO₃-type fluorides exhibit either low thermal expansion or negative thermal expansion (NTE), NaSbF₆ exhibits positive thermal expansion (PTE) with a large volumetric coefficient of thermal expansion, α_v = 62 ppm/K, in its cubic phase. Raman spectroscopy reveals that the low-frequency transverse vibration of fluorine atoms is stiffened in NaSbF₆, compared with the typical NTE compound CaZrF₆ with the same structure. The related weak contraction associated with the polyhedral rocking would be overcome by the notable elongation of the Na-F bond length on heating, thus leading to the large volumetric PTE. Unlike ScF₃ and CaZrF₆ which are insulators with a wide band gap, a relative small band gap of 3.76 eV was observed in NaSbF₆. The small band gap can be attributed to the hybridization between the Sb 5s and F 2p orbitals.

Two cases of overlap severe cutaneous adverse reactions to benznidazole treatment for asymptomatic Chagas disease in a nonendemic country

Chagas disease is a parasitosis endemic to South America. It is normally treated with benznidazole as first choice, which has been associated with numerous cutaneous reactions. However, very few benznidazole-associated severe cutaneous adverse reactions have been reported to date. The rise of Chagas disease in nonendemic countries represents a growing public health challenge. We report two patients who met the criteria for drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms syndrome and Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis according to the RegiSCAR scoring systems. They were thus deemed overlapping cases, with a lymphocyte transformation test positive for benznidazole. Both required intensive care unit admission and both survived. Considering the rising application of this drug for trypanosomiasis in immigrant populations, clinicians should be aware of this newly reported, potentially life-threatening risk.

[Effects of Betel shisanwei ingredients pill on AC-cAMP-PKA signal transduction pathways in hippocampus and prefrontal cortex of depressive rats]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the effects of Mongolian pharmaceutical Betel shisanwei ingredients pill on AC-cAMP-PKA signal transduction pathways in hippocampus and prefrontal cortex of depressive rats.

METHOD

Sixty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups according to the sugar consumption test (10 rats in each group), normal control group,model group,fluoxetine group (3.3 mg x kg(-1)) and low dose, medium dose and high dose group (0.25, 0.5, 1 g x kg(-1)) of Betel shisanwei ingredients pill. Except the normal control,the other groups were treated with the chronic unpredictable mild stress stimulation combined with lonely raising for 28 days. 10 mL x kg(-1) of drugs were given to each rat once daily,continuously for 28 days. The AC activity of the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex were determined by radiation immunity analysis (RIA), while cAMP and PKA quantity were determinated by Enzyme-linked immunosorbent (ELISA).

RESULT

The AC activity, cAMP and PKA quantity of hippocampus and prefrontal of mouse model of Chronic stress depression decreased significantly than those of control group (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). However, the AC activity, cAMP and PKA quantity of rat hippocampus and prefrontal cortex in the fluoxetine group and the Mongolian pharmaceutical Betel shisanwei ingredients pill group indecreased significantly than those of model group (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05). Especially for the high dose group of Mongolian pharmaceutical Betel shisanwei ingredients pill.

CONCLUSION

The AC-cAMP-PKA signal transduction pathways in hippocampus and prefrontal cortex of depression model of rats is down-regulated, whereas Mongolian pharmaceutical Betel shisanwei ingredients pill could up-regulated it to resist depression.

Development of emission factors and emission inventories for motorcycles and light duty vehicles in the urban region in Vietnam

This paper reports on a 2-year emissions monitoring program launched by the Centre for Environmental Monitoring of the Vietnam Environment Administration which aimed at determining emission factors and emission inventories for two typical types of vehicle in Hanoi, Vietnam. The program involves four major activities. A database for motorcycles and light duty vehicles (LDV) in Hanoi was first compiled through a questionnaire survey. Then, two typical driving cycles were developed for the first time for motorcycles and LDVs in Hanoi. Based on this database and the developed driving cycles for Hanoi, a sample of 12 representative test vehicles were selected to determine vehicle specific fuel consumption and emission factors (CO, HC, NOx and CO(2)). This set of emission factors were developed for the first time in Hanoi with due considerations of local driving characteristics. In particular, it was found that the emission factors derived from Economic Commission for Europe (ECE) driving cycles and adopted in some previous studies were generally overestimated. Eventually, emission inventories for motorcycles and LDVs were derived by combining the vehicle population data, the developed vehicle specific emission factors and vehicle kilometre travelled (VKT) information from the survey. The inventory suggested that motorcycles contributed most to CO, HC and NOx emissions while LDVs appeared to be more fuel consuming.

[Research of steroidal saponins from the fresh rhizomes of Dioscorea zingiberensis]

OBJECTIVE

To study the steroidal saponins from the fresh rhizomes of Dioscorea zingiberensis and search for new bioactive compounds.

METHODS

The steroidal saponins were isolated by normal phase silica gel and RP-C18 column chromatography, their chemical structures were elucidated by MS and NMR methods.

RESULTS

One steroidal saponin was isolated from EtOH extract of the fresh rhizomes of D. zingiberensis and identified as 26-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-3beta, 22alpha, 26-trihydroxy-25(R)-furosta-5-en-3-O-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 --> 4) ]-beta-D-glucopyranoside.

CONCLUSION

This compound is isolated from Dioscorea L. the first time.

[Effects of Chinese compound prescription on bone metabolism of weightlessness rats simulated by suspension]

OBJECTIVE

To study the effects of Chinese medicine compound on bone metabolism of weightlessness rats simulated by tail suspension.

METHOD

Fifty Wistar rats were divided into 5 groups randomly: control group, model group, and low does, medium dose and high does treated group. The experiment period lasted 21 days. After the Chinese compound prescription and distilled water were orally given to treated groups, and control and model group for 7 days, respectively, the tail suspension experiment was performed for treated and model group, meanwhile administration of Chinese compound prescription and distilled water still lasted until the end of the experiment. Blood serum was collected for determination of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), bone gla protein (BGP), tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), femoral bone HOP. The changes of bone mineral density (BMD) of femoral bone and lumbar vertebra were observe.

RESULT

Compared with control group, the ALP level of model group was markedly decreased (P < 0.05), no change of BGP, TRAP was not observed, the BMD of femoral bone and lumbar vertebra were decreased remarkably (P < 0.05), Compared with model group, the change of ALP level of treated groups was not significant for all treated groups, the BGP level and BMD for medium dose group were increased (P < 0.05), the TRAP level for medium dose and high does groups was decreased (P < 0.05)

CONCLUSION

The Chinese compound prescription can improve the bone formation and prevent bone loss via inhibiting bone absorption and improving ossify, bone mineral deposition and mineralization as well as increasing BMD, which leads to prevention and treatment of bone loss.

[Comparative researches on medicinal property theories of traditional Chinese medicine and traditional Mongolian medicinal herbs]

This article reveals the similarities and differences between the two materia medica systems of traditional Chinese medicine and traditional Mongolian medicine by comparing the medicinal property theories of these two; our expectations are the mutual profits and complementation of the two traditional medicines from each other, a broader clinical use of natural medicinal herbs, and then, a development of traditional medicines.

Antisense expression of a cell wall-associated protein kinase, WAK4, inhibits cell elongation and alters morphology

The Arabidopsis cell wall-associated receptor-like kinase (WAK) gene family contains five highly related members whose products are suited for exchanging signals between the intracellular and extracellular compartments. WAK members are expressed in specific organs and regulated differentially by various biotic and abiotic factors. To gain further insight into how WAKs function during development, we used a glucocorticoid-inducible system to express ectopically the WAK4 antisense gene. The induced expression of the WAK4 antisense gene resulted in a significant decrease of WAK proteins. Ninety-six hours after the induction of WAK4 antisense expression, WAK proteins became undetectable. Cell elongation was impaired, and lateral root development was blocked. The level of WAK protein could be controlled by the concentration of the applied inducer, dexamethasone, and was correlated with the severity of the cell elongation inhibition phenotype. These results suggest that the WAKs serve a vital role in cell elongation and are required for plant development.

Antisense expression of a cell wall-associated protein kinase, WAK4, inhibits cell elongation and alters morphology

The Arabidopsis cell wall-associated receptor-like kinase (WAK) gene family contains five highly related members whose products are suited for exchanging signals between the intracellular and extracellular compartments. WAK members are expressed in specific organs and regulated differentially by various biotic and abiotic factors. To gain further insight into how WAKs function during development, we used a glucocorticoid-inducible system to express ectopically the WAK4 antisense gene. The induced expression of the WAK4 antisense gene resulted in a significant decrease of WAK proteins. Ninety-six hours after the induction of WAK4 antisense expression, WAK proteins became undetectable. Cell elongation was impaired, and lateral root development was blocked. The level of WAK protein could be controlled by the concentration of the applied inducer, dexamethasone, and was correlated with the severity of the cell elongation inhibition phenotype. These results suggest that the WAKs serve a vital role in cell elongation and are required for plant development.

Antisense expression of a cell wall-associated protein kinase, WAK4, inhibits cell elongation and alters morphology

The Arabidopsis cell wall-associated receptor-like kinase (WAK) gene family contains five highly related members whose products are suited for exchanging signals between the intracellular and extracellular compartments. WAK members are expressed in specific organs and regulated differentially by various biotic and abiotic factors. To gain further insight into how WAKs function during development, we used a glucocorticoid-inducible system to express ectopically the WAK4 antisense gene. The induced expression of the WAK4 antisense gene resulted in a significant decrease of WAK proteins. Ninety-six hours after the induction of WAK4 antisense expression, WAK proteins became undetectable. Cell elongation was impaired, and lateral root development was blocked. The level of WAK protein could be controlled by the concentration of the applied inducer, dexamethasone, and was correlated with the severity of the cell elongation inhibition phenotype. These results suggest that the WAKs serve a vital role in cell elongation and are required for plant development.

On-road motor vehicle emissions and fuel consumption in urban driving conditions

This paper reports on the analysis of on-road vehicle speed, emission, and fuel consumption data collected by four instrumented vehicles. Time-, distance-, and fuel-based average fuel consumption, as well as CO, HC, NOx, and soot emission factors, were derived. The influences of instantaneous vehicle speed on emissions and fuel consumption were studied. It was found that the fuel-based emission factors varied much less than the time- and distance-based emission factors as instantaneous speed changed. The trends are similar to the results obtained from laboratory tests. The low driving speed contributed to a significant portion of the total emissions over a trip. Furthermore, the on-road data were analyzed using the modal approach. The four standard driving modes are acceleration, cruising, deceleration, and idling. It was found that the transient driving modes (i.e., acceleration and deceleration) were more polluting than the steady-speed driving modes (i.e., cruising and idling) in terms of g/km and g/sec. These results indicated that the on-road emission measurement is feasible in deriving vehicle emissions and fuel consumption factors in urban driving conditions.

Monobromopolychlorodibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans in municipal waste incinerator flyash

Capillary column gas chromatography/high-resolution mass spectrometry was used in two different selected-ion monitoring modes to analyze trace levels of monobromopolychlorodibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (BPCDD/Fs) in municipal waste incinerator (MWI) flyash. The mass profile monitoring mode is well-suited for identification of unknown compounds in uncharacterized matrices because it has superior diagnostic capability. Owing to its high sensitivity, conventional peak top monitoring was used to quantify, on the basis of polychlorodibenzo-p-dioxin and dibenzofuran (PCDD/F) standards, the BPCDD/Fs in the sample. The results were compared with those obtained by using two commercial BPCDDs as standards, and the latter results are 4 times greater, indicating the need for appropriate standards. The high certainty and sensitivity obtained from these two mass spectrometric techniques combined with the resolving power of capillary gas chromatography enabled us to compare for the first time the isomer distribution patterns between BPCDD/Fs and their PCDD/F analogues at a high confidence level. The comparison indicates BPCDD/Fs and PCDD/Fs found in MWI flyash are closely related and that many BPCDD/Fs with a 2,3,7,8-substitution configuration may be present in MWI flyash.

Mass profile monitoring in trace analysis by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry

The advantages of gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) selected-ion monitoring (SIM) in the mass profile (MP) mode at medium mass resolving power were investigated for analyses requiring detection of low-picogram quantities of analytes in complex mixtures. The mass profile monitoring provides a certainty at least 10 times greater than that achieved by conventional GC/MS-SIM in the peak-top monitoring mode, and it can be operated at lower mass resolving power to compensate for the loss of sensitivity in the MP mode. The examination of mass profile peak shape, central mass shift, and sequential changes during GC elution not only reveals the presence of interfering compounds but also results in accurate mass measurement for those interferences. The latter feature takes the MP mode beyond the target mass analysis that GC/MS-SIM was originally designed for. This additional dimension of information is particularly useful for those complex and incompletely characterized matrices that are frequently encountered in environmental and biological sample analyses.

Effects of 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid, pentachlorophenol, methylprednisolone, and Freund's adjuvant on 2-hydroxyethylnitrosourea carcinogenesis in MRC-Wistar rats

A link was proposed between human non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and exposure to 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid (245T) and pentachlorophenol (PCP). To test this view and the hypothesis that immune suppression or stimulation could affect B-cell lymphoma (BCL) induction, we administered chronically to MRC-Wistar (MRC-W) rats of both sexes 98% pure 245T (600 mg/kg diet), 86% pure PCP (500 mg/kg diet), methylprednisolone (20 mg/kg ip weekly), and Freund's adjuvant (0.5 ml im every 3-6 wk) for 40 wk, together with 75 mg 2-hydroxyethylnitrosourea (HENU)/l drinking water, a system known to induce B-cell lymphoma. The 245T was shown to contain only 1-4 micrograms/kg each of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzodioxin (TCDD) and 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzofuran (TCDF), but the PCP contained 25 micrograms TCDD and 670 micrograms TCDF/kg. HENU given alone induced B-cell lymphoma and osteosarcoma as before, with higher incidences of both tumors in males than in females. The B-cell lymphoma diagnosis was confirmed by immunologic typing of cell-surface markers and by probes for gene rearrangements. Coadministration with HENU of three of the four test agents did not affect tumor incidence, but PCP acted synergistically with HENU to induce acute myelocytic leukemia. PCP given alone or with HENU induced a 40-67% incidence of liver cell adenomas in the female rats. These effects were probably not due to TCDD in the PCP. HENU induced acute myelocytic leukemia and lung tumors in Wistar rats and n-butylnitrosourea induced acute myelocytic leukemia in MRC-Wistar rats, indicating that B-cell lymphoma induction was specific to the HENU-MRC-Wistar rat model.