Enzymatically modified isoquercitrin and its protective effects against photoaging: In-vitro and clinical studies

This research examines the anti-aging potential of the flavonoid derivative of isoquercitrin known as enzymatically modified isoquercitrin (EMIQ). Initial HPLC analyses showed that EMIQ used in the study contained 1-12 glucosides and 10.7% pentahydroxyflavonoids, promising potent antioxidant properties. In subsequent in-vitro studies with UVA-exposed human dermal fibroblasts (HDFa), EMIQ demonstrated protective properties by reducing collagen damage. It modulated both the TGFβ/Smad pathway and the MMP1 pathway, contributing to collagen preservation. This protective effect was further confirmed using the T-Skin™ model, a reconstructed full-thickness human skin model, which illustrated that EMIQ could defend the physiological structures of both the epidermis and dermis against UV radiation. A 28-day clinical trial with 30 volunteers aged 31-55 years highlighted EMIQ's effectiveness. Participants using EMIQ-containing Essence displayed reduced facial trans-epidermal water loss and skin roughness, alongside improved skin elasticity. This study emphasizes EMIQ's potential as an anti-photoaging ingredient in cosmetics, warranting further research. The findings pave the way for developing innovative skincare products addressing photoaging effects.

Source apportionment and ozone formation mechanism of VOCs considering photochemical loss in Guangzhou, China

Understanding the sources and impact of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) on ozone formation is challenging when the traditional method does not account for their photochemical loss. In this study, online monitoring of 56 VOCs was carried out in summer and autumn during high ozone pollution episodes. The photochemical age method was used to evaluate the atmospheric chemical loss of VOCs and to analyze the effects on characteristics, sources, and ozone formation of VOC components. The initial concentrations during daytime were 5.12 ppbv and 4.49 ppbv higher than the observed concentrations in the summer and autumn, respectively. The positive matrix factorization (PMF) model identified 5 major emission sources. However, the omission of the chemical loss of VOCs led to underestimating the contributions of sources associated with highly reactive VOC components, such as those produced by biogenic emissions and solvent usage. Conversely it resulted in overestimating the contributions from VOC components with lower chemical activity such as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) usage, vehicle emissions, and gasoline evaporation. Furthermore, the estimation of ozone formation may be underestimated when the atmospheric photochemical loss is not taken into account. The ozone formation potential (OFP) method and propylene-equivalent concentration method both underestimated ozone formation by 53.24 ppbv and 47.25 ppbc, respectively, in the summer, and by 40.34 ppbv and 26.37 ppbc, respectively, in the autumn. The determination of the ozone formation regime based on VOC chemical loss was more acceptable. In the summer, the ozone formation regime changed from the VOC-limited regime to the VOC-NOx transition regime, while in the autumn, the ozone formation regime changed from the strong VOC-limited regime to the weak VOC-limited regime. To obtain more thorough and precise conclusions, further monitoring and analysis studies will be conducted in the near future on a wider variety of VOC species such as oxygenated VOCs (OVOCs).

Effect of modified atmosphere packaging with different gas mixtures on the texture and muscle proteins of Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) during cold storage

In this study, the effect of modified atmosphere packaging with different gas mixtures on texture and muscle properties of Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) during refrigerated storage was studied via texture profile, water holding capacity (WHC), protein properties (Ca2+-ATPase, TCA-soluble peptides, myofibrillar/sarcoplasmic protein content), and microbial counts. The results showed that the antibacterial effect of Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) was correlated with the increase of CO2 with the presence of low level of O2. Though MAP without O2 had a higher whiteness value but also had higher bacterial counts and total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N) values compared with other MAP-groups. In general, a gas composition of 80% CO2 + 5%O2 + 15% N2 treatment had lowest microbial counts and reduced TVB-N values by 22.85% in comparison with the control on day 10. However, MAP was found to have a complicated impact on muscle protein and texture of shrimp. 60% CO2 + 5% O2 + 35% N2 and 40% CO2 + 5% O2 + 55% N2 had an advantage in maintaining springiness and the content of myofibrillar/sarcoplasmic proteins. The correlation analysis showed that WHC had stronger relationship with springiness, resilience, myofibrillar protein content. Therefore, regarding the texture and protein properties, the concentration of CO2 in MAP for Pacific white shrimp should not be higher than 60%.

The impact of lymph node ratio on disease recurrence in papillary thyroid microcarcinoma

INTRODUCTION

Lymph node (LN) metastases in papillary thyroid microcarcinomas (microPTCs) are common. The lymph node ratio (LNR) has been proposed as a risk factor for recurrence in papillary thyroid cancer. However, its relevance in microPTC is undetermined.

METHODS

Patients who underwent resection of their microPTC with concomitant LN clearance between 2005 and 2018 were identified. The LNR was calculated as the ratio of positive LNs to the total number of LNs.

RESULTS

Data on 50 patients (36 female [72%]; median age 47 years [range: 19-84]) who underwent LN clearance (28 central [56%] vs 22 central + lateral [44%]) were analysed. Positive LNs were found in over two-thirds of the patients (n = 34; 68%). After a median follow-up of 61 months, 14 patients (28%) had developed recurrence. Positive LNs were not found to impact recurrence-free survival; extranodal extension and an LNR ≥ 0.26 were found to significantly increase the risk of recurrence on unadjusted analyses (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

LN metastases are frequent among patients with microPTC. A higher LNR seems to be associated with recurrence. Additional studies are needed to further clarify these findings and to assess the possible role of LNR in treatment and surveillance.

Frequency of osteoporosis in Chinese patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the current frequency of osteoporosis (OP) in Chinese patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) through meta-analysis.

METHODS

The databases of PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, CNKI, Wan Fang, CBM, and VIP were searched for relevant literature regarding the occurrence of OP in Chinese patients with RA from January 1, 2000, to September 15, 2022. The literature was screened using inclusion and exclusion criteria, and qualifying articles were subjected to data extraction, quality evaluation, and meta-analysis using Stata 17.0 software.

RESULTS

Altogether, 44 publications were included in this study, with a total sample size of 12,264 RA cases and 4532 patients with OP. Meta-analysis revealed that the frequency of OP in patients with RA was 37.67% [95% CI: 34.38%, 40.97%], while subgroup analysis showed that the frequency in South China was 49.43% [95% CI: 40.53%, 58.32%]. Also, the frequency in men was 29.29% [95% CI: 22.42%, 36.16%], which was significantly lower than in women (41.89% [95% CI: 36.87%, 46.90%]). The incidence rate in pre-menopausal women was only 15.19% [95% CI: 8.79%, 21.59%], much lower than the figure of 54.29% [95% CI: 45.28%, 63.30%] for post-menopausal women. Additionally, the frequency rates in the low, intermediate, and high disease activity groups were 24.52% [95% CI: 11.52%, 37.52%)], 27.67% [95% CI: 13.50%, 41.85%], and 57.96% [95% CI: 37.35%, 78.56%], respectively.

CONCLUSION

The frequency of OP in the Chinese RA population is higher than the world average, and patients with RA should receive standardized anti-RA therapy at an early stage, with emphasis on bone health in postmenopausal women, patients with high disease activity or longer disease duration.

Effects of immersing treatment of curcumin and piperine combined with vacuum packaging on the quality of salmon (Salmo salar) during cold chain logistics

In order to study the effects of the compound preservatives (curcumin and piperine (CP)) and vacuum packaging (VP) on the quality of salmon during cold chain logistics suffered from temperature abuse, the physiochemical indexes (texture, water holding capacity (WHC), total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), free amino acids (FAA) contents), microbial indicators (total mesophilic bacteria count (MBC), total psychrotrophic bacteria count (PBC), H2S-producing bacteria count (HSBC)) were determined, and the moisture changes were explored by near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy and low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF-NMR). The results showed that the treatment of curcumin and piperine in combination with vacuum packaging could maintain the quality of salmon suffered from temperature abuse most effectively. At the end of storage, the MBC of VP+CP was only 4.95 log CFU/g, which was about 1 log CFU/g lower than the control sample stored at the same condition. The combined treatment also retarded the increase of TVB-N, TBARS, and the decrease of hardness, springiness, and a* value, as well as water migration in salmon, contributing to higher water holding capacity and better appearance. Besides, VP+CP retarded the decrease of free glutamate, which contributed to umami taste. Due to the biological activity and safety of the preserves, the combined treatment could be a promising method for preservation of seafood.

Hashimoto's thyroiditis on outcomes in papillary thyroid cancer revisited: experience from South East Asia

INTRODUCTION

The association between Hashimoto Thyroiditis (HT) and papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) remains uncertain. HT, the most common inflammatory condition of the thyroid, is postulated to increase the risk of PTC and yet confer cancer-retarding effects. In this study, we aim to evaluate the prevalence of HT in patients surgically treated for PTC and evaluate the long-term prognostic implications.

METHODS

This is a retrospective study of 521 patients with PTC who underwent hemi- or total thyroidectomy between January 2000 and December 2018 at a tertiary referral centre. Patients were categorised into two group: group A (n=402) consists of patients with PTC without HT, whereas group B (n=119) consists of patients with PTC and HT. Demographic and clinicopathological details, recurrence rates and overall survival were collected. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate for clinical factors associated with HT.

RESULTS

A total of 521 patients with a mean age of 46.7 years were evaluated. HT was detected in 22.8% of patients with PTC. On multivariate analysis, presence of HT was associated with a lower incidence of extrathyroidal extension (hazard ratio: 0.59, 95%confidence interval 0.37-0.95). Also, patients with HT tend to have fewer cycles of radioactive iodine and correspondingly have excellent response to treatment. However, no differences in recurrence rates and overall survival were detected.

CONCLUSIONS

One-fifth of patients with PTC have coexisting HT. These patients tend to have less-aggressive tumour features such as extrathyroidal extension. However, the effect of HT on recurrence and overall survival appears to be inconsequential clinically.

Iboga-type alkaloids with Indolizidino[8,7-b]Indole scaffold and bisindole alkaloids from Tabernaemontana bufalina Lour

Phytochemical investigation on the aerial parts of Tabernaemontana bufalina Lour. (Apocynaceae) led to the identification of four undescribed monoterpenoid indole alkaloids named taberbufamines A-D, an undescribed natural product, and fourteen known indole alkaloids. The structures of the undescribed alkaloids were established by spectroscopic and computational methods, and their absolute configurations were further determined by quantum chemical TDDFT calculations and the experimental ECD spectra. Taberbufamines A and B possessed an uncommon skeleton incorporating an indolizidino [8,7-b]indole motif with a 2-hydroxymethyl-butyl group attached at the pyrrolidine ring. Biosynthetically, Taberbufamines A and B might be derived from iboga-type alkaloid through rearrangement. Vobatensine C showed significant bioactivity against A-549, Bel-7402, and HCT-116 cells with IC₅₀ values of 2.61, 1.19, and 1.74 μM, respectively. Ervahanine A showed antimicrobial activity against Bacillus subtilis, Mycobacterium smegmatis, and Helicobacter pylori with MIC values of 4, 8, and 16 μg/mL, respectively. 19(S)-hydroxyibogamine was shown as butyrylcholinesterase inhibitor (IC₅₀ of 20.06 μM) and α-glycosidase inhibitor (IC₅₀ of 17.18 μM), while tabernamine, ervahanine B, and ervadivaricatine B only showed α-glycosidase inhibitory activities with IC₅₀ values in the range of 0.95-4.61 μM.

Relationship between chronic kidney disease and sarcopenia

Few studies have investigated the relationship between sarcopenia and mild to moderate renal decline. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between chronic kidney disease (CKD) and sarcopenia. In total, 123 patients hospitalized with CKD and 57 healthy volunteers who underwent physical examination during the same period (control group) were analyzed. Body compositions were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and the relative appendicular skeletal muscle index (RASMI) was calculated. Muscular strength was evaluated using hydraulic hand dynamometer. Walking speed within 6 m was measured for muscular function assessment. Single-photon emission computed tomography was performed to measure the glomerular filtration rate of CKD patients, who were then divided into CKD1 (55 patients in CKD stages 1 and 2) and CKD2 (68 patients in CKD stages 3-5). RASMI showed a downward trend with CKD progression (P = 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age and CKD progression were independent risk factors for sarcopenia. The morbidity of sarcopenia was significantly greater in CKD patients than in healthy volunteers, and the degree of muscle loss was closely related to CKD progression.

[Art comparison between Zhenghe Bencao (Huiming sanctum edition) and Daguan Bencao(Liu Jia edition)]

Inheriting the medicinal illustrations in Bencao Tujing(, Illustration of Materia Medica), the two picture books of Zhenghe Bencao(, Pharmacopoeia of the Zhenghe reign) Huiming Sanctum edition and Daguan Bencao(, Pharmacopoeia of the Daguan reign) Liu Jia edition show different styles and characteristics in illustrations. They present different art styles and features in medicinal illustrations of ores, plants and animals because of the regional influences from the south and the north. In the process of carving and printing the illustrations of the two classics, different attitudes lead to similarities in the outline and yet differences in details. Besides, the different artistic levels in carving and printing contribute to different artistic standards. Compared with the paintings created in Song Dynasty, more subtle features are lost in Zhenghe Bencao(Huiming Sanctum edition) than in Daguan Bencao (Liu Jia edition). Therefore, the Zhenglei Bencao (, Collected Classified Materia Medica) Huiming Sanctum edition are much closer to the ones in Bencao Tujing and the real medicinals as well than those in Daguan Bencao (Liu Jia edition).

Effect of Cold Chain Logistic Interruptions on Lipid Oxidation and Volatile Organic Compounds of Salmon (Salmo salar) and Their Correlations With Water Dynamics

Lipid oxidation and water migration are important factors in the quality changes of aquatic products. This study investigated the relationship between water migration and lipid oxidation in salmon filets under four different storage conditions (control: 0°C; T1: 4°C; T2 and T3: two temperature fluctuation groups) by detecting thiobarbituric acid–reactive substances, changes of fatty acids, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and other quality indicators including redness, microorganism, total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N), and water-holding capacity (WHC) were also measured. The results of low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF-NMR) showed that more trapped water (T₂₂) turned to form free water (T₂₃) in groups suffering temperature fluctuations. A more significant decrease in fatty acids was found in T2 and T1 groups, especially oleic acid (C18:1n9c), linoleic acid (C18:2n6c), and palmitic acid (C16:0). The VOCs with off-flavors (1-penten-3-ol, 2-penten-1-ol, (Z)-, 1-octen-3-ol, hexanal) in the groups suffered from simulated cold chain interruptions increased faster than the other two groups during storage. T₂₂ was negatively correlated (p < 0.05) with stearic acid (C18:0), 1-penten-3-ol, hexanal, and nonanal, whereas T₂₃ was positively correlated with 1-penten-3-ol, hexanal, and heptanal. Therefore, the temperature fluctuation accelerated the loss of polyunsaturated fatty acids and the increase of unpleasant odors related to water migration.

Formula optimization for melanosis-inhibitors of Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) by response surface methodology

Melanosis is major problem of crustaceans during their rigor mortis storage. This study for the first time was designed to optimize the formula of preservatives to maintain the color feature of Pacific white shrimp using response surface methodology. A three-factors-three-levels Box-Behnken design was applied to evaluate the effect of chitosan, citric acid and l-cysteine on color features (L*, a*, b* and ΔE) of Pacific white shrimp. It was found that the increasing rate of ΔE was retarded by the higher concentrations of chitosan, citric acid and l-cysteine in a certain range. The optimal formula for inhibiting the increase of ΔE was 1.36% chitosan, 0.47% citric acid and 0.31% l-cysteine. Under the optimal pretreated conditions, the predicted ΔE of shrimp after 8 days of storage was 14.59, close to the measured values (14.49). These results indicated that the optimal combined preservatives could retard the decrease of lightness and the aggregation of ΔE and melanosis effectively, and might be a potential application for retarding melanosis and extending shelf life of Pacific white shrimp.

Octahydro-Protoberberine and Protoemetine-Type Alkaloids from the Stems of Alangium salviifolium and Their Cytotoxicity

Two octahydro-protoberberine alkaloids, alangiifoliumines A (1) and B (2), and two new protoemetine derivatives, alangiifoliumines C (3) and D (4), together with 11 known compounds, have been isolated from the stems of Alangium salviifolium. While the structures of these compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic methods, the absolute configurations of the new alkaloids were determined by conformational analysis and time-dependent density functional theory-electronic circular dichroism spectra calculations on selected stereoisomers. Compounds 1 and 2 represent the first 5,8,8a,9,12,12a,13,13a-octahydro-protoberberine derivatives, in which the aromatic ring D was reduced to cyclohexene. All the compounds isolated were evaluated for their cytotoxic activity against three human cancer cell lines: A-549, HeLa, and SKOV-3. Alkaloids 1, 3, and 6-14 exhibited inhibitory effects against all three human cancer cell lines, with half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) values in the range of 3 nM to 9.4 μM.

Three New Cytotoxic Monoterpenoid Bisindole Alkaloids from Tabernaemontana bufalina

Three new bisindole alkaloids, 3'-(2-oxopropyl)-19,20-dihydrotabernamine (1: ), 3'-(2-oxopropyl)-ervahanine B (2: ), 19,20-dihydrovobparicine (3: ), and 20 known compounds were isolated from the aerial parts of Tabernaemontana bufalina. The structures of these alkaloids were elucidated using spectroscopic methods. The absolute configurations of 1: -3: were determined by the circular dichroic exciton chirality method. Compounds 1: -23: were screened for their cytotoxicity against two human cancer cell lines, A-549 and MCF-7. Ten compounds (1: -3, 10, 14, 16, 17, 19, 22: , and 23: ) exhibited inhibitory effects against the two human cancer cells with IC₅₀ values of 1.19 ~ 6.13 µM.

Flabellipparicine, a Flabelliformide-Apparicine-Type Bisindole Alkaloid from Tabernaemontana divaricata

Four new monoterpenoid bisindole alkaloids, flabellipparicine (1), 19,20-dihydrovobparicine (2), 10'-demethoxy-19,20-dihydrovobatensine D (3), and 3'-(2-oxopropyl)ervahanine A (4), and 10 known monoterpenoid indole alkaloids were isolated from the stems of Tabernaemontana divaricata. All structures were elucidated based on spectroscopic methods, and the absolute configuration of 1 was established using conformational analysis and TDDFT-ECD calculation of selected stereoisomers. Compound 1 represents the first flabelliformide-apparicine-type bisindole alkaloid, in which the flabelliformide-like unit connects to the apparicine-like unit with a C-3-C-22' bond and an N-1-C-16' bond to form an uncommon five-membered ring between the two monomers. All alkaloids were evaluated for their cytotoxicity against two human cancer cell lines, MCF-7 and A-549. Compounds 2, 4, and 14 exhibited cytotoxicity against MCF-7 and A-549 with IC₅₀ values in the range of 2 nM to 8 μM.

[The Wuhan Twin Birth Cohort Study]

The prevalence of child and adolescent growth and mental-behavior related diseases are increasing, and the pathogenesis are complex. Twins are excellent natural resources for complex chronic diseases research as they share the maternal intrauterine environment, born at the same time and share the same family environment in early years, which could benefit the adjust ment of confounding factors, such as age, genetic factors and early family environmental factors. Birth cohort with twin families involved could be more effective in exploring the genetic and environmental factors for complex chronic diseases at the very beginning of life. This paper summarizes the objective, content, progress, strengths and potential problems of Wuhan Twin Birth Cohort, with emphasis on the overall design and progress of the study.

Hedgehog pathway maintains cell survival under stress conditions, and drives drug resistance in lung adenocarcinoma

Hedgehog (HH) pathway plays an important role in embryonic development, but is largely inactive in adult except for tissue repair. Aberrant activation of HH pathway has been found in a variety of cancer types. In non-small cell lung cancer, however, the role and importance of HH pathway remain controversial. In the current study, we found that HH pathway was maintained in low activity in lung adenocarcinoma (LAC) cells under normal culture condition, but was highly induced in response to stress conditions. Activation of HH pathway promoted cell survival, growth, and invasion partially through HGF and MET signaling. Hedgehog-Interacting Protein (HHIP), a cell-surface negative regulator of HH pathway, was epigenetically silenced in LAC. Overexpression of HHIP blocked the activation of HH and HGF/MET pathways, and made cells significantly more susceptible to stress conditions. In LAC cells with acquired resistance to Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Tyrosin Kinase Inhibitor (EGFR-TKI), we found that a part of tumor cells were much more sensitive to HH or HGF/MET inhibitors, suggesting an oncogenic addiction shift from EGFR to HH and HGF/MET pathways. In conclusion, this study showed that HH pathway is a survival signaling that drives LAC cell growth under stress conditions, and HHIP is a key regulator to block the induction of HH pathway. Targeting the HH pathway through inhibitors or HHIP thus holds promise to address EGFR-TKI resistance in LAC in clinic.

Eucarobustols A-I, Conjugates of Sesquiterpenoids and Acylphloroglucinols from Eucalyptus robusta

Nine new conjugates of sesquiterpenoids and acylphloroglucinols, named eucarobustols A-I (1-9), as well as 11 known analogues were isolated from the leaves of Eucalyptus robusta. The sesquiterpenoid motifs furnishing the new conjugates included four structural types of aristolane (1 and 2), guaiane (3), eudesmane (4), and aromadendrane (5-9) moieties. Compounds 1 and 2 were found to represent the first examples of conjugates of aristolane and acylphloroglucinol units. In turn, compound 3 features a new coupling model of guaiane and acylphloroglucinol via the C-4-C-7' bond. Compounds 1, 7, and 9 showed inhibitory activities against protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) with IC50 values of 1.3, 1.8, and 1.6 μM, respectively.

Limonoids and Triterpenoids from Dysoxylum mollissimum var. glaberrimum

Seven new limonoids, dysomollides A-G (1-7), and two new cycloapotirucallane-type triterpenoids, dysomollins A and B (8 and 9), together with three known compounds, dysoxylumin A (10) and toonapubesins A (11) and B (12), were isolated from the twigs of Dysoxylum mollissimum var. glaberrimum. The structures of 1-9 were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic methods. Compound 10 showed inhibitory activity against A549 cells with an IC50 value of 2.1 μM, and compound 11 exhibited activity against P388 cells with an IC50 value of 6.7 μM.

Ivorenolide B, an immunosuppressive 17-membered macrolide from Khaya ivorensis: structural determination and total synthesis

Ivorenolide B (1), an unprecedented 17-membered macrolide featuring conjugated acetylenic bonds and four chiral centers, was isolated from Khaya ivorensis. The structure of 1 was fully determined by spectroscopic analysis and total syntheses of its four most possible stereoisomers. Compound 1 showed significant immunosuppressive activity.

Aphadilactones A-D, four diterpenoid dimers with DGAT inhibitory and antimalarial activities from a Meliaceae plant

Aphadilactones A-D (1-4), four diastereoisomers possessing an unprecedented carbon skeleton, were isolated from the Meliaceae plant Aphanamixis grandifolia. Their challenging structures and absolute configurations were determined by a combination of spectroscopic data, chemical degradation, fragment synthesis, experimental CD spectra, and ECD calculations. Aphadilactone C (3) with the 5S,11S,5'S,11'S configuration showed potent and selective inhibition against the diacylglycerol O-acyltransferase-1 (DGAT-1) enzyme (IC50 = 0.46 ± 0.09 μM, selectivity index > 217) and is the strongest natural DGAT-1 inhibitor discovered to date. In addition, compounds 1-4 showed significant antimalarial activities with IC50 values of 190 ± 60, 1350 ± 150, 170 ± 10, and 120 ± 50 nM, respectively.

Impact of the O2 concentrations on bacterial communities and quality of modified atmosphere packaged Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei)

The importance of spoilage-related bacteria in fresh Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) under different modified atmospheres (MAs) at 4 °C and the effect of O2 were demonstrated in the current study. The changes of bacterial communities in MA-packed shrimp during cold storage were studied by a combined method of plate counts with isolation and identification. Three gas mixtures were applied: 80% CO2 /5% O2 /15% N2, 80% CO2 /10% O2 /10% N2 and 80% CO2 /20% O2, and unsealed packages of shrimp were used as the control. In addition, the TVB-N, pH, whiteness index, and sensory scores were also determined to evaluate the quality changes of shrimp. MA packaging effectively inhibited the increase of total psychrotrophic bacteria counts and H2 S-producing bacteria counts by about 1.7 and 2.1 log cycles, respectively. The growth of Gram-negative spoilage bacteria in shrimp, including Shewanella spp., Aeromonas spp., and Pseudomonas spp., was inhibited by MA packaging, but the growth rate of Gram-positive bacteria such as lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and Brochothrix spp. were less affected by MA as effectively as Gram-negative bacteria. In comparison with the MA-packaged samples, the counts of H2 S producers in shrimp under a CO2 -enriched atmosphere with 20% O2 were slightly lower than the count in samples under an atmosphere with 5% O2 . However, MA with 20% O2 led to higher concentrations of TVB-N, and lower whiteness values and sensory scores. The shelf life of shrimp under 80% CO2 /10% O2 /10% N2 has been prolonged by > 6 d in comparison with the control according to the sensory scores.

Ivorenolide A, an unprecedented immunosuppressive macrolide from Khaya ivorensis: structural elucidation and bioinspired total synthesis

Ivorenolide A (1), a novel 18-membered macrolide featuring conjugated acetylenic bonds and five chiral centers, was isolated from Khaya ivorensis. The structure of 1 was fully determined by spectroscopic analysis, single-crystal X-ray diffraction, and bioinspired total synthesis. Both compound 1 and its synthetic enantiomer 2 showed potent and selective immunosuppressive activity.

Potent HGF/c-Met axis inhibitors from Eucalyptus globulus: the coupling of phloroglucinol and sesquiterpenoid is essential for the activity

Eucalyptin A (1), together with two known compounds 2 and 3 exhibiting potent inhibition on HGF/c-Met axis, was discovered from the fruits of Eucalyptus globulus. 1 possessed an unprecedented carbon framework of phloroglucinol-coupled sesquiterpenoid, and its structure was elucidated by spectroscopic method and ECD calculation. A brief structure-activity relationship discussion indicated that the coupling of a phloroglucinol and a sesquiterpenoid is essential for the activity.

Serratustones A and B representing a new dimerization pattern of two types of sesquiterpenoids from Chloranthus serratus

Serratustones A (1) and B (2), featuring a new carbon skeleton and representing a novel dimerization pattern of two different types of sesquiterpenoids, were isolated from Chloranthus serratus. Their structures with absolute configuration were determined on the basis of a detailed explanation of spectroscopic data, X-ray crystallography, and CD analysis in combination with ECD calculation.

[Pulsed electromagnetic field therapy for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the clinical effectiveness of pulsed electromagnetic field therapy in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis.

METHODS

Based on the principles and methods of Cochrane systematic reviews, the authors searched the Cochrane Library (2012, 2 issue), PubMed (1966 to February, 2012), EMBASE (1974 to February, 2012), Chinese Biomedicine Database (1978 to February, 2012), China Journal Full-text Database (1979 to February, 2012), VIP database (1989 to February, 2012), as well as search engine Google Scholar. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of pulsed electromagnetic field therapy to treat knee osteoarthritis were included. The authors assessed the quality of the included trials according to the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions Version. The Cochrane Collaboration's software RevMan 5.1 was used for meta-analysis.

RESULTS

Five RCTs totaling 331 patients were included. The results showed that compared with placebo control treatment, pulsed electromagnetic field therapy had little clinical benefit in relieving the pain of knee osteoarthritis [WMD=0.12, 95%CI (-0.46,0.69)], reducing morning stiffness time [WMD=0.08, 95%CI (-0.05, 0.21)] and improving the knee function [WMD=-1.16, 95%CI (-4.36, 2.05)]. There were no significant differences between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

The effects of Pulsed electromagnetic field therapy for treating knee osteoarthritis need more powerful trails to be confirmed. The above conclusions still need more high-quality randomized controlled trails to be verified owing to the limitations of the number and the quality of systematic review included studies.

Sesquiterpenes from Dysoxylum oliganthum and Dysoxylum excelsum

Three new sesquiterpenes (1-3), (6R,7S,11R,10S)-15-hydroxy-sesquisabinene hydrate (1), (6R,7R,11S,10S)-15-hydroxy-sesquisabinene hydrate (2), and (6R,7R,10S)-15-hydroxy-zingiberenol (3), along with three known compounds, were isolated from the stems of Dysoxylum oliganthum; and three new isodaucane (salvionane) sesquiterpenes, namely isodauc-6-ene-10β,14-diol (4), 4-epi-isodauc-6-ene-10β,14-diol (5), and 4-epi-6α,10β-dihydroxy-artabotrol (6) together with 15 known compounds were isolated from the twigs and leaves of D. excelsum. Their structures were established on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analysis and chemical shifts. The absolute configuration of C-10 in compounds 1-3 of a rare class was determined by using Snatzke's method.

Triterpenoids from Aglaia odorata var. microphyllina

Five new apotirucallane-type triterpenoids (1-5), named agladorals A-E, and 28 known compounds (20 triterpenoids and 8 rocaglamides) were isolated from the twigs of Aglaia odorata var. microphyllina. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic analysis.

Limonoids from the stems of Toona ciliata var. henryi (Meliaceae)

Ten limonoids, toonacilianins A-J, and two norlimonoids, toonacilianins K and L, together with seven known compounds were isolated from the stems of Toona ciliata var. henryi (Meliaceae). Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic analysis. Two compounds showed strong cytotoxic activities.

Expression pattern of heat-shock cognate 70 gene of humphead snapper, Lutjanus sanguineus (Cuvier), infected by Vibrio harveyi

The heat-shock cognate 70 (HSC70) gene of humphead snapper, Lutjanus sanguineus, designated as ByHSC70, was cloned by rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) with the primers designed from the known expressed sequence tag (EST) identified from the subtracted cDNA library of the head kidney of humphead snapper. The full-length cDNA of ByHSC70 is 2313 bp, containing a 5' terminal untranslated region (UTR) of 96 bp, a 3' terminal UTR of 267 bp, and an open reading frame (ORF) of 1950 bp encoding a polypeptide of 650 amino acids with a theoretical molecular weight of 71.21 kDa and an estimated isoelectric point (pI) of 5.08. ByHSC70 contained three classical HSP70 family signatures. BLAST analysis showed that the amino acid sequence of ByHSC70 had the highest similarity of 99% when compared with other HSC70s. Fluorescent real-time quantitative RT-PCR was used to examine the expression of ByHSC70 gene in eight kinds of tissues/organs of humphead snapper after challenge with Vibrio harveyi. There was a clear time-dependent expression pattern of ByHSC70 in head kidney, spleen and thymus after bacterial challenge, and the expression of mRNA reached a maximum level at 9, 6 and 24 h post-infection and then returned to control levels after 15, 24 and 36 h, respectively. Our results suggest that HSC70 is an important component in the immune system of humphead snapper, its their rapid transcriptional upregulation in response to V. harveyi infection might be important for survival of humphead snapper.

Efficacy of telbivudine for chronic hepatitis B: a systematic review

AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of telbivudine in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B.

METHODS: Based on the principles and methods for Cochrane systematic reviews, we searched the Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMBASE, Chinese Bio-medicine Database, China Journal Full-text Database, VIP database, as well as websites of clinical trial registries and search engine Google. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or cross-over trials of telbivudine for chronic hepatitis B were included. We assessed the quality of the included trials according to the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions Version. The Cochrane Collaboration's software RevMan 5.0 was used for meta-analysis.

RESULTS: Ten RCTs totaling 4 037 patients were included. Compared to HBeAg-positive patients treated with lamivudine, those treated with telbivudine had significantly higher rates of serum HBV DNA undetectable by PCR (RR = 1.50, 95%CI: 1.38, 1.64), ALT normalization (RR = 1.10, 95%CI: 1.05, 1.16), HBeAg loss (RR = 1.23, 95%CI: 1.08-1.40), and HBeAg seroconversion (RR = 1.17, 95%CI: 1.01-1.35). HBeAg-negative patients treated with lamivudine had a lower rate of serum HBV DNA undetectable by PCR (RR = 1.29, 95%CI: 1.12-1.48) than those treated with telbivudine.

CONCLUSION: Current evidence demonstrates that treatment with telbivudine can improve virological response, serological response and biochemical response in patients with chronic hepatitis B compared to lamivudine therapy.

Phragmalin-type limonoid orthoesters from the twigs of Swietenia macrophylla

Eleven new phragmalin-type limonoids, swietenitins N-X (1-11), together with a known one, epoxyfebrinin B (12), were isolated from the twigs of Swietenia macrophylla. The structures of the new compounds were established on the basis of spectroscopic methods, and that of compound 1 was confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The stereochemistry of epoxyfebrinin B (12) was fully assigned in this study.

Trigoxyphins A-G: diterpenes from Trigonostemon xyphophylloides

Six new oxygenated daphnane-type diterpenoids, trigoxyphins A-F (1-6), a phenanthrene-type diterpenoid, trigoxyphin G (7), and two known compounds were isolated from twigs of Trigonostemon xyphophylloides. Their structures were established using spectroscopic methods. Compounds 1 and 2 exhibited strong cytotoxic activity against HL60 (IC(50): 0.27 and 0.49 microM) and A549 (IC(50): 7.5 and 4.9 microM) tumor cell lines, respectively.

Four sesquiterpenoids from Chloranthus multistachys

Four new sesquiterpenoids, chlomultins A-D (1-4), were isolated from the whole plant of Chloranthus multistachys. Their structures were established on the basis of spectroscopic analysis.

Limonoids and triterpenoids from Khaya senegalensis

Seven new limonoids (1-7), named khayalenoids C-I, three new triterpenoids (8-10), named senegalenes A-C, and eight known limonoids have been isolated from stems of Khaya senegalensis. The structures of these compounds were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic analyses.