Structurally diverse triterpenoids with antibacterial activities from Euphorbia humifusa.

An exploration of antibacterial components from the whole plant of Euphorbia humifusa led to the isolation of 14 new triterpenoids, euphohumifusoids A-N (1-7 and 9-15), as well as four known analogues (8 and 16-18). Their structures were elucidated by extensively analysis of the spectroscopic data and X-ray crystallography using Cu Kα radiation. Among them, euphohumifusoid A (1) bears an unique 6(7 â†’ 8)abeo scaffold originated from a D:C-friedo-oleanane skeleton for the first time, euphohumifusoids H and I (9 and 10) possess a rare α,ß-unsaturated-γ-lactone chain originated from 25,26,27-trinordammaranes, and euphohumifusoid L (13) is a highly modified 3,4-seco-25,26,27-trinorcycloartane. Notably, in antibacterial bioassay, compound 1 displayed excellent antibacterial activities against Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, and S.epidermidis with MIC of 12.5, 25, and 25 µg/mL, comparable to the positive controls. Upon exposure to 1 and 2 MIC of 1, B.cereus underwent drastic morphological changes, resulting in complete disruption of the cells. Meanwhile, compound 1 also exhibited remarkable antibiofilm activity against B.cereus at 1 MIC and 2 MIC.

The fungal protease BbAorsin contributes to growth, conidiation, germination, virulence, and antiphytopathogenic activities in Beauveria bassiana (Hypocreales: Cordycipitaceae).

The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is one of the most destructive agricultural pests. The entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae) is a biopesticide widely used for biocontrol of various pests. Secreted fungal proteases are critical for insect cuticle destruction and successful infection. We have previously shown that the serine protease BbAorsin in B. bassiana has entomopathogenic and antiphytopathogenic activities. However, the contribution of BbAorsin to fungal growth, conidiation, germination, virulence and antiphytopathogenic activities remains unclear. In this study, the deletion (ΔBbAorsin), complementation (Comp), and overexpression (BbAorsinOE) strains of B. bassiana were generated for comparative studies. The results showed that ΔBbAorsin exhibited slower growth, reduced conidiation, lower germination rate, and longer germination time compared to WT and Comp. In contrast, BbAorsinOE showed higher growth rate, increased conidiation, higher germination rate and shorter germination time. Injection of BbAorsinOE showed the highest virulence against S. frugiperda larvae, while injection of ΔBbAorsin showed the lowest virulence. Feeding BbAorsinOE resulted in lower pupation and adult eclosion rates and malformed adults. 16S rRNA sequencing revealed no changes in the gut microbiota after feeding either WT or BbAorsinOE. However, BbAorsinOE caused a disrupted midgut, leakage of gut microbiota into the hemolymph, and upregulation of apoptosis and immunity-related genes. BbAorsin can disrupt the cell wall of the phytopathogen Fusarium graminearum and alleviate symptoms in wheat seedlings and cherry tomatoes infected with F. graminearum. These results highlight the importance of BbAorsin for B. bassiana and its potential as a multifunctional biopesticide.

Effect of GnRH Active Immunisation on Reproductive Performance of Male Sprague Dawley Rats.

To investigate the effect of active immunisation with gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) on the reproductive function in male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats, 24 42-day-old rats were randomly assigned to treatment with GnRH6-MAP, GnRH-OVA, a surgical castration group, and a blank control group. Each rat in the treatment groups was intramuscularly injected at 6, 8, and 10 weeks of age. The serum concentrations of testosterone (T), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinising hormone (LH), and anti-GnRH antibodies were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. The results showed that active immunisation with recombinant GnRH6-MBP and GnRH-OVA significantly increased the serum levels of anti-GnRH antibodies and reduced the serum concentrations of testosterone compared to the black control. Eight weeks after immunisation, the rats' testes were surgically removed for morphological evaluation, showing atrophy of the convoluted vasculature, relative emptying of the lumen, and insignificant differentiation of spermatogonial cells, which were increased in weight and volume compared with the blank control group. These findings indicated that active immunisation with GnRH can lead to testicular atrophy and reduce gonadal hormone concentrations, suggesting that GnRH is a highly effective immunogen.

Colloidal gold and fluorescent immunochromatographic test strips for canine parvovirus detection.

Canine parvovirus (CPV) is an acute and highly infectious virus causing disease in puppies and, thus, affecting the global dog industry. The current CPV detection methods are limited by their sensitivity and specificity. Hence, the current study sought to develop a rapid, sensitive, simple, and accurate immunochromatographic (ICS) test to detect and control the spread and prevalence of CPV infection. More specifically, 6A8, a monoclonal antibody (mAb) with high specificity and sensitivity, was obtained by preliminary screening. The 6A8 antibody was labelled with colloidal gold particles. Subsequently, 6A8 and goat anti-mouse antibodies were coated onto a nitrocellulose membrane (NC) as the test and control lines, respectively. Furthermore, 6A8 and rabbit IgG antibodies were labelled with fluorescent microspheres and evenly sprayed onto a glass fibre membrane. Both strips could be prepared in 15 min with no noticeable cross-reactivity with other common canine intestinal pathogens. The strips were simultaneously used to detect CPV in 60 clinical samples using real-time quantitative PCR, hemagglutination, and hemagglutination inhibition assays. The colloidal gold (fluorescent) ICS test strip was stable for 6 (7) and 4 (5) months at 4 °C and room temperature (18-25 °C). Both test strips were easy to prepare and rapidly detected CPV with high sensitivity and specificity. Moreover, the results were easily interpretable. This study establishes a simple method for two CPV diseases, colloidal gold and fluorescent immunochromatographic (ICS) test strips. KEY POINTS: • CPV test strips do not exhibit cross-reactivity with other canine intestinal pathogens. • The strips are stable for months at 4 °C and at room temperature (18-25 °C). • These strips are a promising approach for the timely diagnosis and treatment of CPV.

Buxaustroines A-N, a Series of 17(13→18)abeo-Cycloartenol Triterpenoidal Alkaloids from Buxus austro-yunnanensis and Their Cardioprotective Activities.

Buxaustroines A-N (1-14), a series of triterpenoidal alkaloids featuring a novel 17(13→18)abeo motif, were obtained from the extract of Buxus austro-yunnanensis. Their structures were assigned based on NMR data analysis and X-ray diffraction crystallography. A putative biosynthetic pathway for one of the alkaloids from a co-isolate 15 is proposed. In the assessment of their bioactivities, some of the compounds displayed protective effects against doxorubicin-induced injury of myocardial cells. Preliminary structure-activity relationship studies of 1-14, which are based on the same skeleton, were conducted.

Preliminary application of multiple parameters spectral CT in the diagnosis of ovarian cancer.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of spectral CT in the diagnosis of ovarian cancer. We retrospectively analyzed the data of 22 patients with spectral CT enhanced scan. The patients were divided into 2 groups: ovarian cancer group (n = 11) and benign tumor group (n = 11), according to the pathologic results. CT values at 40 keV, iodine concentration (IC), water concentration (WC) and spectral curve slope (λHU) of arterial phase and venous phase in the tumors of 2 groups were measured with gemstone spectral imaging (GSI) post-processing software. The independent samples t test was used to compare these multiple parameters above between 2 groups. For the parameters which showed statistically different, the ROC curves were further generated to calculate their diagnostic effectiveness respectively. According to the results, CT values at 40 keV, IC and λHU measured in arterial and venous phases were higher in ovarian cancer group than those in benign tumor group. There were significant differences between these 2 groups (P < 0.05). While WC had no significant difference in these 2 groups (P > 0.05). CT values at 40 keV, IC and λHU had high effectiveness to the diagnosis of ovarian cancer according to ROC curves. The optimal parameter among them was IC in arterial phase with AUC of 0.90. Using 10.92 (100 ug/cm3) as a threshold value, the sensitivity and specificity for diagnosis were 88.9% and 94.7%. Thus, we concluded that spectral CT with multiple parameters was valuable in the diagnosis of ovarian cancer.

Quantitative analysis of 3-Tesla magnetic resonance imaging in the differential diagnosis of breast lesions.

The aim of this study was to investigate the value of quantitative 3-Tesla (3T) magnetic resonance (MR) assessment in the diagnosis of breast lesions. A total of 44 patients with breast lesions were selected. All the patients underwent MR plain scanning and T1 dynamic contrast-enhanced imaging. The vascular function parameters of the lesions, namely volume transfer constant (Ktrans), rate constant (Kep), extravascular extracellular volume fraction (Ve) and integrated area under the curve (iAUC), were acquired. These parameters were compared between benign and malignant breast lesions, and also among differential grades of invasive ductal carcinoma. The values of Ktrans, Kep and iAUC were significantly different between the benign and malignant tumors; however, the values of Ve in the benign and malignant tumors were not significantly different. The values of Ktrans, Kep and iAUC in invasive ductal carcinoma were significantly different between grade I and grade II, and between grade I and grade III; however, there was no significant difference between grade II and grade III. The Ve values in invasive ductal carcinoma did not significantly differ among grades I, II and III. Among the vascular function parameters, Ktrans exhibited the highest sensitivity and specificity in the differentiation of benign and malignant lesions. Quantitative 3-T MR assessment is valuable in the diagnosis of benign and malignant breast lesions. It can also provide reference values for the differentiation of the histological grade of breast invasive ductal carcinoma.

Preliminary study of dose reduction and image quality of adult pelvic low-dose CT scan with adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Because pelvic computed tomography (CT) is widely used in clinical practice, there are increasing concerns regarding the associated risks of radiation-induced cancer. Therefore, the capability to reduce the CT radiation dose without compromising image quality is desirable. PURPOSE: To assess the radiation dose and image quality of adult pelvic CT using both a routine dose and low radiation dose with filtered back projection (FBP) and adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction (ASIR). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty-five patients underwent both routine-dose CT with FBP reconstruction and low-dose CT with FBP and 50% ASIR blending ratio (ASIR50) reconstruction, respectively. Three different groups of image data were compared for subjective and objective image quality. CT dose index volume (CTDIvol), dose-length product (DLP), and effective dose (ED) were recorded. RESULTS: The resulting CTDIvol, DLP, and ED following low-dose pelvic CT were 10.80 ± 6.0 mGy, 265.0 ± 55.0 mGy.Cm, and 3.97 ± 0.82 mSv, respectively. When compared with the values obtained following routine-dose pelvic CT, the low-dose pelvic CT values decreased by 62%, 55%, and 56%, respectively (P < 0.001). The results following evaluation of subjective and objective image quality revealed that there was no significant difference (P > 0.05) between routine-dose CT with FBP, and low-dose CT with ASIR50. However, significant differences were detected between low-dose CT with FBP, routine-dose CT with FBP, and low-dose CT with ASIR50 (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The application of low-dose pelvic CT with ASIR50 could dramatically reduce the radiation dose and substantially improve image quality.

Primary appendiceal mucinous adenocarcinoma mimicking bladder carcinoma: A case report and review of the literature.

Primary appendiceal mucinous adenocarcinoma is a rare entity, while appendiceal carcinoma invading the urinary bladder is even rarer. The current study presents the case of a 54-year-old male with primary appendiceal mucinous adenocarcinoma, without gastrointestinal symptoms, presenting only with signs of bladder irritation. Abdominal computed tomography scans demonstrated a mass at the right anterior level of the bladder. During intraoperative exploration, the mass was detected to connect and adhere to the ileocecal junction, and normal appendix tissues were not found. The frozen section revealed a mucinous adenocarcinoma of the appendix and the patient immediately underwent a subsequent hemicolectomy. The present case indicates that a diagnosis of a primary appendiceal mucinous carcinoma must considered by radiologists and clinicians for patients who do not exhibit gastrointestinal symptoms, but show involvement of the nearest organs and the bladder wall.

[Path analysis of lifestyle habits to the metabolic syndrome].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationship between lifestyle habits and the components of metabolic syndrome (MS). METHODS: Based on the routine health check-up system in a certain Center for Health Management of Shandong Province, a longitudinal surveillance health check-up cohort from 2005 to 2010 was set up. There were 13 225 urban workers in Jinan included in the analysis. The content of the survey included demographic information, medical history, lifestyle habits, body mass index (BMI) and the level of blood pressure, fasting blood-glucose, and blood lipid, etc. The distribution of BMI, blood pressure, fasting blood-glucose, blood lipid and lifestyle habits between MS patients and non-MS population was compared, latent variables were extracted by exploratory factor analysis to determine the structure model, and then a partial least squares path model was constructed between lifestyle habits and the components of MS. RESULTS: Participants'age was (46.62 ± 12.16) years old. The overall prevalence of the MS was 22.43% (2967/13 225), 26.49% (2535/9570) in males and 11.82% (432/3655) in females. The prevalence of the MS was statistically different between males and females (χ(2) = 327.08, P < 0.01). Between MS patients and non-MS population, the difference of dietary habits was statistically significant (χ(2) = 166.31, P < 0.01) in MS patients, the rate of vegetarian, mixed and animal food was 23.39% (694/2967), 42.50% (1261/2967) and 34.11% (1012/2967) respectively, while in non-MS population was 30.80% (3159/10 258), 46.37% (4757/10 258), 22.83% (2342/10 258) respectively. Their alcohol consumption has statistical difference (χ(2) = 374.22, P < 0.01) in MS patients, the rate of never or past, occasional and regular drinking was 27.37% (812/2967), 24.71% (733/2967), 47.93% (1422/2967) respectively, and in non-MS population was 39.60% (4062/10 258), 31.36% (3217/10 258), 29.04% (2979/10 258) respectively. The difference of their smoking status was statistically significant (χ(2) = 115.86, P < 0.01) in MS patients, the rate of never or past, occasional and regular smoking was 59.72% (1772/2967), 6.24% (185/2967), 34.04% (1010/2967) respectively, while in non-MS population was 70.03% (7184/10 258), 5.35% (549/10 258), 24.61% (2525/10 258) respectively. Both lifestyle habits and the components of MS were attributable to only one latent variable. After adjustment for age and gender, the path coefficient between the latent component of lifestyle habits and the latent component of MS was 0.22 with statistical significance (t = 6.46, P < 0.01) through bootstrap test. Reliability and validity of the model:the lifestyle latent variable: average variance extracted was 0.53, composite reliability was 0.77 and Cronbach's a was 0.57. The MS latent variable: average variance extracted was 0.45, composite reliability was 0.76 and Cronbach's a was 0.59. CONCLUSION: Unhealthy lifestyle habits are closely related to MS. Meat diet, excessive drinking and smoking are risk factors for MS.

The pilot study of dual-energy CT gemstone spectral imaging on the image quality of hand tendons.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the image quality of hand tendons using dual-energy computed tomographic gemstone spectral imaging (DECT GSI) compared with conventional CT images. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty patients scanned with GSI mode on DECT were enrolled. The 65-keV optimal contrast-to-noise ratio for viewing hand tendons was selected. The image quality of monochromatic GSI images (65 keV) and conventional CT images was compared with two different methods including a subjective method and an objective method by two radiologists, respectively. RESULTS: In the subjective method, the image quality in GSI images was superior to conventional CT images (P<.05). And in the objective method, the beam-hardening artifacts in the phalanges of finger space were reduced markedly, with hand tendons displaying more clearly in GSI images (P<.05). There was no significant difference between the two radiologists in both methods, with good correlation (kappa=0.75, kappa=0.85). CONCLUSION: DECT GSI with the optimal 65-keV monochromatic images could reduce the artifacts and increase image quality significantly in hand tendons imaging. It might be very useful in detecting tendon diseases in routine work.

Preliminary application of high-definition CT Gemstone Spectral Imaging in hand and foot tendons.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the feasibility of visualizing hand and foot tendon anatomy and disorders by Gemstone Spectral Imaging (GSI) high-definition CT (HDCT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-five patients who suffered from hand or foot pain were scanned with GSI mode HDCT and MRI. Spectrum analysis was used to select the monochromatic images that provide the optimal contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) for tendons. The image quality at the best selected monochromatic level and the conventional polychromatic images were compared. Tendon anatomy and disease were also analyzed at GSI and MRI. RESULTS: The monochromatic images at about 65 keV (mean 65.09 ± 2.98) provided the optimal CNR for hand and foot tendons. The image quality at the optimal selected monochromatic level was superior to conventional polychromatic images (p = 0.005, p < 0.05). GSI was useful in visualizing hand and foot tendon anatomy and disorders. There were no statistical differences between GSI and MRI with regard to tendon thickening (χ(2) = 0, p > 0.05), compression (χ(2) = 0.5, p > 0.05), absence (χ(2) = 0, p > 0.05) and rupture (χ(2) = 0, p > 0.05). GSI was significantly less sensitive than MRI in displaying tendon adhesion (χ(2) = 4.17, p < 0.05), degeneration (χ(2) = 4.17, p < 0.05), and tendinous sheath disease (χ(2) = 10.08, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: GSI with monochromatic images at 65 keV displays clearly the most hand and foot tendon anatomy and disorders with image quality improved, as compared with conventional polychromatic images. It may be used solely or combined with MRI in clinical work, depending on individual patient disease condition.

Diagnostic value of anti-Sa and anticitrullinated protein antibodies in rheumatoid arthritis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the diagnostic value of anticitrullinated protein antibodies, second generation (ACPA2), by electrochemiluminescent immunoassay (ECLIA) and anti-Sa by ELISA in a large cohort of Chinese patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS: One hundred ninety-eight patients with early RA (< 1 yr duration), 112 with other rheumatic diseases, and 60 healthy individuals were studied. RESULTS: The combination of anti-Sa and ACPA2 positivity had the highest specificity (99.42%), but it had a rather low sensitivity (50.0%). The combination of anti-rheumatoid factor (RF) and ACPA2 showed the highest sensitivity (80.30%), with specificity of 95.93%. The mean titer of ACPA2 and RF was significantly higher in the anti-Sa-positive group compared to the negative group (ACPA2, p <0.001; RF, p = 0.007). The 28-joint Disease Activity Scores of the anti-Sa-positive patients were significantly higher than those of the negative group (p = 0.01). The anti-Sa had no significant correlation with age, sex, antinuclear antibody, SSA, SSB, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, immunoglobulin A (IgA), IgG, IgM, C3, and C4. CONCLUSION: Our results come from a newly developed ECLIA for detection of ACPA2 and the anti-Sa-antibody-based ELISA system. The combined application of ACPA2 and anti-Sa tests can improve the laboratory diagnosis of early RA.

[Clinical evaluation of 18F-FDE PET-CT in detecting malignant liver tumors].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical value of (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose ((18)F-FDG) positron-emission tomography (PET) combined with computer tomography (PET-CT) in the diagnosis and clinical staging of liver cancer. METHODS: (18)F-FDG PET-CT was performed preoperatively in 16 cases of primary and 8 metastatic liver cancers. The imaging features of the primary foci were analyzed, followed by measurement of standardized (18)F-FDG uptake. For the metastatic foci, the abnormal metabolism of (18)F-FDG was observed and CT, PET and PET-CT fusion images were obtained for accurate localization of these foci. RESULTS: (18)F-FDG uptake occurred in the supraclavicular region in 6 (37.5%) of the 16 patients with primary liver cancer, but was detected in the 8 patients with metastatic liver cancer. Fourteen metastatic nodules were found in 5 of the 16 patients with primary liver cancer, located in the lungs (2 cases) or the abdominal cavity (3 cases). CONCLUSIONS: Negative results of (18)F-FDG PET-CT imaging should be carefully evaluated for diagnosing primary liver cancers, considering the very low sensitivity (37.5%) of this imaging modality in this study. But in the cases of metastatic liver cancers this imaging modality may exhibit high sensitivity, and can also be of great value in clinical staging of the primary liver cancers.