Localisation of the centre of the highest region of muscle spindle abundance of anterior forearm muscles.

The centre of the highest region of muscle spindle abundance (CHRMSA) in the intramuscular nerve-dense region has been suggested as the optimal target location for injecting botulinum toxin A to block muscle spasms. The anterior forearm muscles have a high incidence of spasticity. However, the CHRMSA in the intramuscular nerve-dense region of the forearm anterior muscle group has not been defined. This study aimed to accurately define the body surface position and the depth of CHRMSA in an intramuscular nerve-dense region of the anterior forearm muscles. Twenty-four adult cadavers (57.7 ± 11.5 years) were included in this study. The curved line close to the skin connecting the medial and lateral epicondyles of the humerus was designated as the horizontal reference line (H line), and the line connecting the medial epicondyle of the humerus and the ulnar styloid was defined as the longitudinal reference line (L line). Modified Sihler's staining, haematoxylin-eosin staining and computed tomography scanning were employed to determine the projection points (P and P') of the CHRMSAs on the anterior and posterior surfaces of the forearm. The positions (PH and PL) of point P projected onto the H and L lines, and the depth of each CHRMSA, were determined using the Syngo system. The PH of the CHRMSA of the ulnar head of pronator teres, humeral head of pronator teres, flexor carpi radialis, palmaris longus, flexor carpi ulnaris, ulnar part of flexor digitorum superficialis, radial part of flexor digitorum superficialis, flexor pollicis longus, ulnar part of flexor digitorum profundus, radial portion of flexor digitorum profundus and pronator quadratus muscles were located at 42.48%, 45.52%, 41.20%, 19.70%, 7.77%, 25.65%, 47.42%, 53.47%, 12.28%, 38.41% and 51.68% of the H line, respectively; the PL were located at 18.38%, 12.54%, 28.83%, 13.43%, 17.65%, 32.76%, 57.32%, 64.12%, 20.05%, 45.94% and 88.71% of the L line, respectively; the puncture depths were located at 21.92%, 27.25%, 23.76%, 18.04%, 15.49%, 31.36%, 26.59%, 41.28%, 38.72%, 45.14% and 53.58% of the PP' line, respectively. The percentage values are the means of individual values. We recommend that the body surface puncture position and depth of the CHRMSA are the preferred locations for the intramuscular injection of botulinum toxin A to block anterior forearm muscle spasms.

Colorimetric sensor assay for discrimination of proteins based on exonuclease I-triggered aggregation of DNA-functionalized gold nanoparticles.

Proteins play a key role in disease diagnosis, and protein discrimination is an important but difficult issue. Here, we report a novel strategy for improving protein discrimination through a facile colorimetric sensor array, which is based on DNA-gold nanoparticle (AuNP) conjugates manipulated by exonuclease I (Exo I). Different proteins exhibit diverse affinities toward the three DNAs, and the DNA-protein binding is resistant to the digestion of Exo I and protects the AuNPs from aggregation in high concentrations of NaCl media, forming distinct response patterns of the array. These response patterns as "fingerprints" can be acquired on the sensor array and then identified by linear discriminant analysis (LDA). The sensor array achieved the correct discrimination of 15 proteins at a 10 nM level in buffer solution and real serum samples. Also, the sensor array had the capability to discriminate individual proteins and the mixtures of them. Remarkably, the practicability of the sensor array was further confirmed by the identification of 35 unknown protein samples with 100% accuracy.

Colorimetric determination of nine metal ions based on the de-aggregation of papain-functionalized gold nanoparticles and using three chelating agents.

A colorimetric array for metal ions is described that is based on the de-aggregation of papain-capped gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) for discrimination of metal ions. The functionalized AuNPs were used as colorimetric probes, and three chelating agents (tripolyphosphate, citrate, and ethylenediamine tetraacetate were employed as the recognition receptors. In the absence of metal ions (Fe3+, Cr3+, Co2+, Mg2+, Pb2+, Ca2+, Zn2+, Ti4+, and Sn4+ were studied), the capped AuNPs are well dispersed in solution. In the presence of these ions, the metal ions bind papain and cause the AuNPs to aggregate. This causes a color change from red to purple. Different chelating agents induce different affinities between metal ions and papain. This results in distinct colorimetric response patterns. Linear discriminant analysis is used to discriminate the various metal ions on a three-dimensional spatial dispersion graph. Graphical abstractA colorimetric method is described for discrimination of metal ions. It is based on the chelation reaction between sensing receptors and metal ion-induced papain-functionalized AuNP deaggregation.

Lignan Glycosides from Urena lobata.

Four new lignan glycosides; urenalignosides A-D (1-4), along with 12 known ones (5-16) were isolated from Urena lobata. Their structures were determined on the basis of extensive spectroscopic and spectrometric data (1D and 2D NMR; IR; CD; and HRESIMS). Compounds 2-4; 6; 7; 10; and 11 showed inhibition of nitric oxide production in lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW 264.7 macrophage cells with IC50 values in the range of 25.5-98.4 µM (positive control; quercetin; IC50 = 7.2 ± 0.2 µM).

Complete genome sequence of bacteriocin-producing Lactobacillus plantarum KLDS1.0391, a probiotic strain with gastrointestinal tract resistance and adhesion to the intestinal epithelial cells.

Lactobacillus plantarum KLDS1.0391 is a probiotic strain isolated from the traditional fermented dairy products and identified to produce bacteriocin against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Previous studies showed that the strain has a high resistance to gastrointestinal stress and has a high adhesion ability to the intestinal epithelial cells (Caco-2). We reported the entire genome sequence of this strain, which contains a circular 2,886,607-bp chromosome and three circular plasmids. Genes, which are related to the biosynthesis of bacteriocins, the stress resistance to gastrointestinal tract environment and adhesive performance, were identified. Whole genome sequence of Lactobacillus plantarum KLDS1.0391 will be helpful for its applications in food industry.

Photo-assisted proton exchange and chemical etching on Fe-doped lithium niobate crystals.

We report the photo-assisted proton exchange and chemical etching on Fe-doped LiNbO(3) crystals. Selective proton exchange and chemical etching are realized through the 455nm-laser irradiation on the crystal surface in pyrophosphoric acid. Optical microscopy and Micro-IR spectroscopy analysis show that the hydrogen incorporation is confined spatially by the laser irradiation. Moreover, under the laser irradiation, + z surface is found to be more easily etched than -z surface. This unexpected etching anisotropy is attributed to the photogalvanic effect of the crystal.

Halomonas huangheensis sp. nov., a moderately halophilic bacterium isolated from a saline-alkali soil.

A novel, Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, rod-shaped, non-motile and moderately halophilic bacterium, designated strain BJGMM-B45(T), was isolated from a saline-alkali soil collected from Shandong Province, China. Growth of strain BJGMM-B45(T) occurred at 10-45 °C (optimum, 30 °C) and pH 5.0-12.0 (optimum, pH 7.0) on Luria-Bertani agar medium with 1-20 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 7-10 %). The predominant respiratory quinone was Q-9. The major cellular fatty acids (>5 %) were C18 : 1ω7c, C16 : 0, C19 : 0 cyclo ω8c, summed feature 3, C12 : 0 3-OH and C12 : 0. The genomic DNA G+C content was 57.5 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain BJGMM-B45(T) belonged to the genus Halomonas in the class Gammaproteobacteria. The closest relatives were Halomonas cupida DSM 4740(T) (98.2 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity) and Halomonas denitrificans M29(T) (97.8 %). Levels of DNA-DNA relatedness between strain BJGMM-B45(T) and Halomonas cupida CGMCC 1.2312(T) and Halomonas denitrificans DSM 18045(T) were 57.0 and 58.9 %, respectively. On the basis of phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic features, strain BJGMM-B45(T) is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Halomonas, for which the name Halomonas huangheensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is BJGMM-B45(T) ( = ACCC 05850(T) = KCTC 32409(T)).

Division of neuromuscular compartments and localization of the center of the highest region of muscle spindles abundance in deep cervical muscles based on Sihler's staining.

Purpose: The overall distribution pattern of intramuscular nerves and the regions with the highest spindle abundance in deep cervical muscles have not been revealed. This study aimed to reveal neuromuscular compartmentalization and localize the body surface position and depth of the center of the region of highest muscle spindle abundance (CRHMSA) in the deep cervical muscles. Methods: This study included 36 adult cadavers (57.7 ± 11.5 years). The curved line joining the lowest point of the jugular notch and chin tip was designated as the longitudinal reference line (line L), and the curved line connecting the lowest point of the jugular notch and acromion was designated as the horizontal reference line (line H). Modified Sihler's staining, hematoxylin-eosin staining and computed tomography scanning were employed to determine the projection points (P) of the CRHMSAs on the anterior surfaces of the neck. The positions (PH and PL) of point P projected onto the H and L lines, and the depth of each CRHMSA, and puncture angle were determined using the Syngo system. Results: The scalenus posterior and longus capitis muscles were divided into two neuromuscular compartments, while the scalenus anterior and longus colli muscles were divided into three neuromuscular compartments. The scalenus medius muscle can be divided into five neuromuscular compartments. The PH of the CRHMSA of the scalenus muscles (anterior, medius, and posterior), and longus capitis and longus colli muscles, were located at 36.27, 39.18, 47.31, 35.67, and 42.71% of the H line, respectively. The PL positions were at 26.53, 32.65, 32.73, 68.32, and 51.15% of the L line, respectively. The depths of the CRHMSAs were 2.47 cm, 2.96 cm, 2.99 cm, 3.93 cm, and 3.17 cm, respectively, and the puncture angles were 87.13°, 85.92°, 88.21°, 58.08°, and 77.75°, respectively. Conclusion: Present research suggests that the deep cervical muscles can be divided into neuromuscular compartments; we recommend the locations of these CRHMSA as the optimal target for administering botulinum toxin A injections to treat deep cervical muscle dystonia.

Division of neuromuscular compartments and localization of the center of the intramuscular nerve-dense region in pelvic wall muscles based on Sihler's staining.

The innervation of the pelvic wall muscles is not very clear. This study aimed to reveal the division of neuromuscular compartments and localize the surface position and depth of the center of the intramuscular nerve-dense region (CINDR) of the pelvic wall muscles based on Sihler's staining. Twenty-four adult cadavers were used. To localize the CINDR of the pelvic wall muscles, horizontal (H) and longitudinal (L) reference lines were drawn, and Sihler's staining was used to reveal the intramuscular nerve distribution. The CINDR projection points (P and P' points) behind and in front of the body surface, the positions of the P points projected onto the H and L lines (PH and PL points), and the depth of CINDR were determined by spiral computed tomography scanning. The piriformis and obturator internus muscles can be divided into two and three neuromuscular compartments, respectively. The PH of CINDR of the piriformis muscle was located at 22.61 ± 2.66% of the H line, the PL was at 28.53 ± 6.08% of the L line, and the puncture depth of the piriformis muscle was at 24.64 ± 2.16% of the PP' line. The PH of CINDR of the obturator internus muscle was at 16.49 ± 1.20% of the H line, the PL was at 10.94 ± 1.09% of its L line, and the puncture depth was 6.26 ± 0.38 cm. These findings may guide the design of the compartmentalized transplantation of the pelvic wall muscles and improve the target localization efficiency and efficacy for injecting botulinum toxin A to treat pelvic wall muscle spasm.

Seven new 3,4-dihydro-furanocoumarin derivatives from Angelica dahurica.

Objective: To study the chemical constituents of the roots of Angelica dahurica, a well-known Chinese herbal medicine named Baizhi in Chinese. Methods: Compounds were separated by various chromatographies, and the structures of new compounds were elucidated based on the analysis of their spectroscopic and spectrometric data (1D, 2D NMR, HRESI MS, IR, and UV). The absolute configurations of new compounds were determined by the calculated electronic circular dichroism and chemical derivatization. The inhibitory activities of all isolates against nitric oxide (NO) production were evaluated using lipopolysaccharide-activated RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. Results: Seven new 3,4-dihydro-furanocoumarin derivatives (1a/1b, 2a/2b, 3a/3b, 4) together with a known furanocoumarin (5) were isolated from the roots of A. dahurica. The new compounds included three pairs of enantiomers, (4S, 2''R)-angelicadin A (1a)/(4R, 2''S)-angelicadin A (1b), (4S, 2''S)-angelicadin A (2a)/(4R, 2''R)-angelicadin A (2b), and (4S, 2''S)-secoangelicadin A (3a)/(4R, 2''R)-secoangelicadin A (3b), together with (4R, 2''R)-secoangelicadin A methyl ester (4). The known xanthotoxol (5) inhibited the NO production with the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) value of (32.8 ± 0.8) µmol/L, but all the new compounds showed no inhibitory activities at the concentration of 100 µmol/L. Conclusion: This is the first report of the discovery of 3,4-dihydro-furanocoumarins from A. dahurica. The results are not only meaningful for the understanding of the chemical constituents of A. dahurica, but also enrich the reservoir of natural products.

Multiple step saccades in simply reactive saccades could serve as a complementary biomarker for the early diagnosis of Parkinson's disease.

Objective: It has been argued that the incidence of multiple step saccades (MSS) in voluntary saccades could serve as a complementary biomarker for diagnosing Parkinson's disease (PD). However, voluntary saccadic tasks are usually difficult for elderly subjects to complete. Therefore, task difficulties restrict the application of MSS measurements for the diagnosis of PD. The primary objective of the present study is to assess whether the incidence of MSS in simply reactive saccades could serve as a complementary biomarker for the early diagnosis of PD. Materials and methods: There were four groups of human subjects: PD patients, mild cognitive impairment (MCI) patients, elderly healthy controls (EHCs), and young healthy controls (YHCs). There were four monkeys with subclinical hemi-PD induced by injection of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) through the unilateral internal carotid artery and three healthy control monkeys. The behavioral task was a visually guided reactive saccade. Results: In a human study, the incidence of MSS was significantly higher in PD than in YHC, EHC, and MCI groups. In addition, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis could discriminate PD from the EHC and MCI groups, with areas under the ROC curve (AUCs) of 0.76 and 0.69, respectively. In a monkey study, while typical PD symptoms were absent, subclinical hemi-PD monkeys showed a significantly higher incidence of MSS than control monkeys when the dose of MPTP was greater than 0.4 mg/kg. Conclusion: The incidence of MSS in simply reactive saccades could be a complementary biomarker for the early diagnosis of PD.

Two new diterpenoids from Penicillium chrysogenum MT-12, an endophytic fungus isolated from Huperzia serrata.

Two new diterpenoids, penicichrysogene A (1) and penicichrysogene B (2), were isolated from the solid substrate fermentation cultures of Penicillium chrysogenum MT-12, an endophytic fungus isolated from the medicinal plant of Huperzia serrata. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of extensive spectroscopic and spectrometric data (1D and 2D NMR, UV, IR, and HRESIMS). The absolute configurations of 1 and 2 were assigned on the basis of experimental and calculated electronic circular dichroism spectra. Compound 1 exhibited inhibitory activity on ATP release of thrombin-activated platelets with IC50 = 42.7 ± 3.5 µM.

Structures of the Omicron spike trimer with ACE2 and an anti-Omicron antibody.

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Omicron variant has become the dominant infective strain. We report the structures of the Omicron spike trimer on its own and in complex with angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) or an anti-Omicron antibody. Most Omicron mutations are located on the surface of the spike protein and change binding epitopes to many current antibodies. In the ACE2-binding site, compensating mutations strengthen receptor binding domain (RBD) binding to ACE2. Both the RBD and the apo form of the Omicron spike trimer are thermodynamically unstable. An unusual RBD-RBD interaction in the ACE2-spike complex supports the open conformation and further reinforces ACE2 binding to the spike trimer. A broad-spectrum therapeutic antibody, JMB2002, which has completed a phase 1 clinical trial, maintains neutralizing activity against Omicron. JMB2002 binds to RBD differently from other characterized antibodies and inhibits ACE2 binding.

A human antibody of potent efficacy against SARS-CoV-2 in rhesus macaques showed strong blocking activity to B.1.351.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), which causes coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19), interacts with the host cell receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (hACE2) via its spike 1 protein during infection. After the virus sequence was published, we identified two potent antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 receptor binding domain (RBD) from antibody libraries using a phage-to-yeast (PtY) display platform in only 10 days. Our lead antibody JMB2002, now in a Phase 1 clinical trial (ChiCTR2100042150), showed broad-spectrum in vitro blocking activity against hACE2 binding to the RBD of multiple SARS-CoV-2 variants, including B.1.351 that was reportedly much more resistant to neutralization by convalescent plasma, vaccine sera and some clinical-stage neutralizing antibodies. Furthermore, JMB2002 has demonstrated complete prophylactic and potent therapeutic efficacy in a rhesus macaque disease model. Prophylactic and therapeutic countermeasure intervention of SARS-CoV-2 using JMB2002 would likely slow down the transmission of currently emerged SARS-CoV-2 variants and result in more efficient control of the COVID-19 pandemic.

[Study on quality standard of Rhizoma Diosoreae and Rhizoma Dioscorea stir-baked with bran].

OBJECTIVE: To perfect the current standard of Rhizoma Diosoreae and Rhizoma Diosoreae stir-baked with bran by improving quality standards of the two processed pieces. METHOD: The quality standards were established according to 9 batches of processed pieces, separately. The standards contains items of identification, water, total ash, acid-insoluble ash, extractives, heavy metals limit, organochlorine limit, microbial limit and assay. RESULT: The TLC of the two pieces was characteristed. The contents of acid-insoluble ash in the two pieces were increased, not more than 0.5%, 0.3%, respectively. The content limits of five kinds of heavy metals and harmful elements, two kinds of residual organochlorine pesticides and three microbial limits were increased. There were no more than 2 x 10(-7) of lead, 2 x 10(-7) of cadmium, 1 x 10(-5) of copper, 3 x 10(-7) of arsenic, 1 x 10(-7) of mercury, 1 x 10(-7) of hexachlorocyclohexane (BHC) and 1 x 10(-7) of chlorophenothane (DDT) in the two processed pieces, respectively. There were no more than 2 000 and 600 cfu x mL(-1) in the two pieces, respectively and no more than 30 MPN x 100 g(-1) and fungi can not be tested in the two pieces. The contents of allantoin in the two pieces were no more than 0.15%. CONCLUSION: This method is simple and suitable for the quality control of the two processed pieces.

Protective effect of selenomethionine on intestinal injury induced by T- 2 toxin.

T-2 toxin is the most toxic as a type A trichothecenes, which could contaminate grains, especially in wheat and corn. It can cause immune suppression, neurotoxicity, the apoptosis of cells and even induce tumorigenesis. Recent studies have indicated that selenium (Se) have protective effect against mycotoxins-induced toxicity. The present studies was designed to investigate the protective role of Selenomethionine (SeMet) on T-2 toxin-induced toxicity in rabbit's jejunum. 50 New Zealand rabbits were divided into five group (Control group, T-2 group, low-dose Se + T-2 group, medium-dose + T-2 group and high-dose Se + T-2 group). New Zealand rabbits were orally administered with SeMet (0.2, 0.4 and 0.6 mg/kg, Adding diet) for 21 days. On 17th days, each group began to take 0.4 mg/kg of T-2 toxin orally every day for 5 days. We found that rabbit exposed to T-2 toxin could increase the levels of ROS, and decrease activities of antioxidant enzymes and the expression of Occludin and ZO-1. In addition, T-2 toxin could trigger jejunal inflammatory response and enhance the expression of IL-1ß, IL-6 and TNF-α. After SeMet pretreatment, our results indicated that Se attenuated the T-2 toxin-induced oxidative stress, decreasing the level of ROS, MDA and enhancing the activity of SOD and GSH-Px. Moreover, SeMet can alleviate jejunal inflammatory response, and protect the integrity of the intestinal barrier through up-regulating the expression of ZO-1 and Occludin. In the present research, supplementation of 0.2 mg/kg SeMet in the diet could effectively alleviate the T-2 toxin poisoning in rabbits.

[Processing technics of Rhizoma Dioscoreae stired by wheat bran].

OBJECTIVE: To study the processing technics of prepared slice of Rhizoma Dioscoreae for its industrial production. METHOD: The effect factors, such as stiring temperature (60, 80, 100 degrees C), stiring time (10, 20, 30 min) and the proportion of pieces and wheat bran (100: 5, 100: 10, 100: 15) were evaluated by orthogonal method. The content of allantoin in Rhizoma Dioscoreae was determine by HPLC method. RESULT: The amount of wheat bran could affect the content of allation significantly, and stiring temperature and stiring time almost had no effect on content of allantoin. The processing technics was tested by industrial produce, according to 11 batches from 4 growing regions. The result showed that the quality of industrial product was stable. CONCLUSION: That the amount of wheat bran can affect the quality of Rhizoma Dioscoreae greatly. The determined technics is simple and suitable for prepared slice of Rhizoma Dioscoreae industrival manufacture.

Pyrrole 2-carbaldehyde derived alkaloids from the roots of Angelica dahurica.

Six new pyrrole 2-carbaldehyde derived alkaloids, dahurines A-F (1-6), along with five known ones (7-11) and butyl 2-pyrrolidone-5-carboxylate (12) were isolated from the roots of Angelica dahurica. Their structures were determined by extensive spectroscopic and spectrometric data (1D and 2D NMR, IR, and HRESIMS) and calculated electronic circular dichroism (ECD) methods. Although compounds 7 and 8 have been chemically synthesized, they were obtained from natural materials for the first time. Compounds 2, 3, 4, 10, and 11 exhibited acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity with IC50 values in the range of 47.5-52.5 µM. Pyrrole 2-carbaldehyde derived alkaloids from the roots of Angelica dahurica.

Lycopodium alkaloids from Huperzia serrata.

Five new Lycopodium alkaloids, huperzine Y1 (1), huperzine Y2 (2), huperzine Y3 (3), (+)-huperzine Z (4a) and (-)-huperzine Z (4b) as well as ten known alkaloids (5-14) were isolated from Huperzia serrata. The structures of the new compounds were established using extensive spectroscopic (1D and 2D NMR, IR, and HRESIMS) and calculated electronic circular dichroism (ECD) methods. Compounds 4a and 4b were a pair of enantiomers successfully separated by chiral HPLC resolution. Compounds 2 and 3 indicated inhibitory activities against acetylcholinesterase with IC50 value of 57.1 ±â€¯1.6 and 32.7 ±â€¯1.0 µΜ, respectively. However, no compound showed inhibitory effect on butyrocholinesterase at the concentration of 100 µΜ.

Polyketides from Alternaria alternata MT-47, an endophytic fungus isolated from Huperzia serrata.

Four new polyketides, alternatains A-D (1-4), along with 17 known compounds (5-21) were obtained from the solid substrate fermentation cultures of Alternaria alternata MT-47, an endophytic fungus isolated from the medicinal plant of Huperzia serrata. Their structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic and spectrometric techniques (1D and 2D NMR, IR, and HRESIMS) and calculated electronic circular dichroism (ECD) method. Compounds 4, 6, 15, and 21 exhibited inhibitory activities on ATP release of thrombin-activated platelets with IC50 values in the range of 18.2-68.8 µM.