Two Undescribed Protostane Triterpenoids from the Rhizome of Alisma plantago-aquatica.

Two undescribed protostane triterpenoids, 11-deoxy-13(17),15-dehydro-alisol B 23-acetate (2) and alisol S (3), together with 21 known ones (1, 4-23), were isolated from the dried rhizome of Alisma plantago-aquatica. Of these compounds, 13(17),15-Dehydro-alisol B 23-acetate (1) and 11-deoxy-13(17),15-dehydro-alisol B 23-acetate (2) are two protostane triterpenoids containing conjugated double bonds in the five-membered ring D that are rarely found from nature resource, while alisol S (3) is a protostane triterpenoid with undescribed tetrahydrofuran moiety linked via C20 -O-C24 at the side chain. Additionally, compound 18 is a new natural product, and cycloartenol triterpenoid 23 is a non protostane triterpenoid firstly isolated from genus Alisma. Their structures were elucidated by extensive spectral analysis of the UV, IR, MS, 1D and 2D NMR, and comparison of the experimental and calculated CD curves.

Triterpenoids from the hook-bearing stems of Uncaria rhynchophylla.

An unprescribed nortriterpenoid with an aromatic E ring, uncanortriterpenoid A (1), together with fourteen known triterpenoids (2-15), were isolated from the hook-bearing stems of Uncaria rhynchophylla Miq. Based on extensive spectroscopic analyses, the NMR data of 2, 5, and 10 in CD3OD were assigned for the first time, and the wrongly assigned δC of C-27 and C-29 of 2 were revised. Among the known compounds, 7, 13, and 15 were isolated from this species for the first time, and 15 represents the first lanostane triterpenoid bearing an extra methylidene at C-24 for the Rubiaceae family. Additionally, compounds 6 and 14 exhibited moderate ferroptosis inhibitory activity, with an EC50 value of 14.74 ± 0.20 µM for 6 and 23.11 ± 1.31 µM for 14.

Ultrasensitive Plasmon-Enhanced Infrared Spectroelectrochemistry.

IR spectroelectrochemistry (EC-IR) is a cutting-edge operando method for exploring electrochemical reaction mechanisms. However, detection of interfacial molecules is challenged by the limited sensitivity of existing EC-IR platforms due to the lack of high-enhancement substrates. Here, we propose an innovative plasmon-enhanced infrared spectroelectrochemistry (EC-PEIRS) platform to overcome this sensitivity limitation. Plasmonic antennae with ultrahigh IR signal enhancement are electrically connected via monolayer graphene while preserving optical path integrity, serving as both the electrode and IR substrate. The [Fe(CN)6 ]3- /[Fe(CN)6 ]4- redox reaction and electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (CO2 RR) are investigated on the EC-PEIRS platform with a remarkable signal enhancement. Notably, the enhanced IR signals enable a reconstruction of the electrochemical curve of the redox reactions and unveil the CO2 RR mechanism. This study presents a promising technique for boosting the in-depth understanding of interfacial events across diverse applications.

An ensemble forecast system for tracking dynamics of dengue outbreaks and its validation in China.

As a common vector-borne disease, dengue fever remains challenging to predict due to large variations in epidemic size across seasons driven by a number of factors including population susceptibility, mosquito density, meteorological conditions, geographical factors, and human mobility. An ensemble forecast system for dengue fever is first proposed that addresses the difficulty of predicting outbreaks with drastically different scales. The ensemble forecast system based on a susceptible-infected-recovered (SIR) type of compartmental model coupled with a data assimilation method called the ensemble adjusted Kalman filter (EAKF) is constructed to generate real-time forecasts of dengue fever spread dynamics. The model was informed by meteorological and mosquito density information to depict the transmission of dengue virus among human and mosquito populations, and generate predictions. To account for the dramatic variations of outbreak size in different seasons, the effective population size parameter that is sequentially updated to adjust the predicted outbreak scale is introduced into the model. Before optimizing the transmission model, we update the effective population size using the most recent observations and historical records so that the predicted outbreak size is dynamically adjusted. In the retrospective forecast of dengue outbreaks in Guangzhou, China during the 2011-2017 seasons, the proposed forecast model generates accurate projections of peak timing, peak intensity, and total incidence, outperforming a generalized additive model approach. The ensemble forecast system can be operated in real-time and inform control planning to reduce the burden of dengue fever.

Molecular cloning, expression, and functional analysis of a putative lectin from the pearl oyster (Pinctada fucata, Gould 1850).

Marine lectins are a group of proteins that possess specific carbohydrate recognition and binding domains. They exhibit various activities, including antimicrobial, antitumor, antiviral, and immunomodulatory effects. In this study, a novel galectin-binding lectin gene named PFL-96 (GenBank: OQ561753.1) was cloned from Pinctada fucata. The PFL-96 gene has an open reading frame of 324 base pairs (bp) and encodes a protein comprising 107 amino acids. The protein has a molecular weight of 11.95 kDa and an isoelectric point of 9.27. It contains an N-terminal signal peptide and a galactose-binding lectin domain. The sequence identity to lectin proteins from fish, echinoderms, coelenterates, and shellfish ranges from 31.90 to 40.00 %. In the phylogenetic analysis, it was found that the PFL-96 protein is closely related to the lectin from Pteria penguin. The PFL-96 recombinant protein exhibited coagulation activity on 2 % rabbit red blood cells at a concentration of ≥8 µg/mL. Additionally, it showed significant hemolytic activity at a concentration of ≥32 µg/mL. The PFL-96 recombinant protein exhibited significant antibacterial activity against Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans, and Vibrio alginolyticus, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of 4, 8, 16, and 16 µg/mL, respectively. The minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBC) were determined to be 8, 16, 32, and 32 µg/mL, respectively. Furthermore, the PFL-96 recombinant protein exhibited inhibitory effects on the proliferation of Hela tumor cells, HepG2 tumor cells, and C666-1 tumor cells, with IC50 values of 7.962, 8.007, and 9.502 µg/mL, respectively. These findings suggest that the recombinant protein PFL-96 exhibits significant bioactivity in vitro, contributing to a better understanding of the active compounds found in P. fucata. The present study establishes a fundamental basis for further investigation into the mechanism of action and structural optimization of the recombinant protein PFL-96. The aim is to develop potential candidates for antibacterial and anti-tumor agents.

Safe usage of Cd-polluted paddy fields using alkaline Si-rich compound amendment: Effect and mechanism.

A low-cost practical technology is urgently needed to minimize cadmium (Cd) pollution in rice in many parts of the world. In the present study, we elucidated the effects and mechanisms of four alkaline compound materials via field experiments in southern China. The results indicated that these two alkaline Si-rich compound materials (AF-SC, alkaline fertilizer compounded with Si-Ca mineral powder; AF-SS, AF compounded with Si-Se mineral powder) could achieve multi-objective gains by simultaneously reducing grain Cd, increasing yield and improving soil quality at a lower cost. The grain Cd content was decreased by an average of about 75% in two field sites, which even ensured safe grain production in areas with medium Cd pollution. The rice yield was increased by a range of 6.7%-21.0% for different varieties and sites. Moreover, the materials abated soil acidification with the increase of 0.36-0.62 pH units, increased the contents of available P and available Si, subsequently reducing available Cd content in soils. Structural equation model and regression analysis showed that the alkaline environment provided by the alkaline components in compound materials effectively inhibited the formation of Fe/Mn plaques on the root surface, reducing the uptake of Cd from the environment. In addition, the decrease in grain Cd was also attributed to the inhibition of Cd translocation from root to stem, mainly caused by the increase of available Si. These findings reveal that the base application of such alkaline Si-rich compound materials is a viable solution for the remediation of Cd-polluted paddy fields in south China.

Whole-genome resequencing of wild and cultivated cannabis reveals the genetic structure and adaptive selection of important traits.

BACKGROUND: Cannabis is an important industrial crop species whose fibre, seeds, flowers and leaves are widely used by humans. The study of cannabinoids extracted from plants has been popular research topic in recent years. China is one of the origins of cannabis and one of the few countries with wild cannabis plants. However, the genetic structure of Chinese cannabis and the degree of adaptive selection remain unclear. RESULTS: The main morphological characteristics of wild cannabis in China were assessed. Based on whole-genome resequencing SNPs, Chinese cannabis could be divided into five groups in terms of geographical source and ecotype: wild accessions growing in the northwestern region; wild accessions growing in the northeastern region; cultivated accessions grown for fibre in the northeastern region; cultivated accessions grown for seed in northwestern region, and cultivated accessions in southwestern region. We further identified genes related to flowering time, seed germination, seed size, embryogenesis, growth, and stress responses selected during the process of cannabis domestication. The expression of flowering-related genes under long-day (LD) and short-day (SD) conditions showed that Chinese cultivated cannabis is adapted to different photoperiods through the regulation of Flowering locus T-like (FT-like) expression. CONCLUSION: This study clarifies the genetic structure of Chinese cannabis and offers valuable genomic resources for cannabis breeding.

Nitric oxide inhibitory phenolic constituents isolated from the roots and rhizomes of Notopterygium incisum.

Fourteen phenolic constituents, notopheninetols A-E (1-5), notoflavinols A and B (6 and 7), and (2R)-5,4'-dihydroxy-7-O-[(E)-3,7-dimethyl-2,6-octadienyl]flavanone (8a), along with 12 known analogues (8b and 9-19) were isolated from the roots and rhizomes of Notopterygium incisum. Compounds 1-4 and 6-8 were seven pairs of enantiomers, and they were separated by chiral HPLC to obtain the optically pure compounds. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated based on detailed analyses of 1D and 2D NMR and HRESIMS data, and the absolute configurations were determined by quantum chemical calculations of the electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra, comparison of the experimental ECD data with those reported, and chemical methods. Compounds 1 and 2 possessed a 1-benzyl-2-methyl-indane skeleton, which was unprecedented in natural source. All of the isolated compounds were evaluated for their nitric oxide (NO) inhibitory effects on RAW264.7 cells induced by LPS, and compounds 6a/6b, 7a, 8a/8b, and the hydrogenated products 6'a and 7'a showed moderate inhibitory activities with IC50 values in the range of 6.2-20.6 µM. Moreover, the interactions of these bioactive compounds with inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) were explored by employing molecular docking simulation.

Prediction of gestational diabetes mellitus by different obesity indices.

BACKGROUND: The incidence rates of obesity and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are increasing in parallel. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between different obesity indices, including prepregnancy body mass index (preBMI), the first-trimester abdominal circumference (AC), and first-trimester abdominal circumference/height ratio (ACHtR), and GDM, and the efficacy of these three indices in predicting GDM was assessed. METHODS: A total of 15,472 pregnant women gave birth to a singleton at the Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China. Prepregnancy weight was self-reported by study participants, body height and AC were measured by nurses at the first prenatal visit during weeks 11 to 13+6 of pregnancy. GDM was diagnosed through a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test at 24-28 gestational weeks. Using receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, we evaluated the association between obesity indices and GDM. RESULTS: A total of 1912 women (12.4%) were diagnosed with GDM. Logistic regression analysis showed that AC, ACHtR, and preBMI (P < 0.001) were all independent risk factors for the development of GDM. In the normal BMI population, the higher the AC or ACHtR was, the more likely the pregnant woman was to develop GDM. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) was 0.63 (95% CI: 0.62-0.64) for the AC, 0.64 (95% CI: 0.62-0.65) for the ACHtR and 0.63 (95% CI: 0.62-0.64) for the preBMI. An AC ≥ 80.3 cm (sensitivity: 61.6%; specificity: 57.9%), an ACHtR of ≥ 0.49 (sensitivity: 67.3%; specificity: 54.0%), and a preBMI ≥ 22.7 (sensitivity: 48.4%; specificity: 71.8%) were determined to be the best cut-off levels for identifying subjects with GDM. CONCLUSIONS: An increase in ACHtR may be an independent risk factor for GDM in the first trimester of pregnancy. Even in the normal BMI population, the higher the AC and ACHtR are, the more likely a pregnant woman is to develop GDM. AC, ACHtR in the first trimester and preBMI might be anthropometric indices for predicting GDM, but a single obesity index had limited predictive value for GDM.

Maternal vitamin D status in early pregnancy and its association with gestational diabetes mellitus in Shanghai: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: There is growing interest regarding vitamin D and its potential role in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). We aimed to assess maternal vitamin D status in early pregnancy and its relationships with the risk of GDM in a Chinese population in Shanghai. METHODS: The retrospective cohort study included a total of 7816 pregnant women who underwent a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) during 24-28 weeks of gestation. Participants' demographic information including maternal age, prepregnancy body mass index (BMI), gestational age, parity, season of blood collection, serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D [25(OH)D] data and other blood biomarker data at 6 to 14 weeks of gestation were retrospectivly extracted from the medical records in the hospital information system. RESULTS: In the cohort, the prevalence of GDM was 8.6% and the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency in early pregnancy was 53.1 and 38.5%, respectively. The mean value of the serum 25(OH)D concentration was 19.6±7.5 ng/mL. The restricted cubic splines model showed an inverted J-shaped relationship in which the risk of GDM decreased when the 25(OH)D concentrations were ≥ 20 ng/mL. Logistic model analysis showed that 25(OH)D concentrations ≥ 30 ng/mL significantly decreased the risk of GDM (odds ratio = 0.63, 95% confidence interval: 0.45-0.89; P = 0.010) compared with 25(OH)D concentrations < 20 ng/ml. CONCLUSIONS: In early pregnancy, vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency were very common, and a high level of vitamin D showed protective effects against the incidence risk of GDM.

[Steroids from Uncaria rhynchophylla].

Thirteen steroids(1-13) were isolated from the non-alkaloid constituents of Uncaria rhynchophylla by column chromatography on silica gel, ODS, Sephadex LH-20, and preparative HPLC chromatography, and their structures were elucidated by analyses of the MS and NMR spectral data. All the compounds were isolated from the genus Uncaria for the first time, and 1 was a new compound. The ~1H-NMR and ~(13)C-NMR data of two compounds(12 and 13) in deuteron-chloroform were completely assigned. This study enriched the steroid constituents of U. rhynchophylla and provided scientific references for the elucidation of active constituents and further development and utilization of U. rhynchophylla.

[Quality standard of Lobeliae Chinensis Herba].

In light of related methods in Chinese Pharmacopoeia(2020 edition), this study established the quality standard for Lobeliae Chinensis Herba. The TLC identification method was established with silica gel GF_(254) thin layer plate, diosmin standard, linarin standard, and the reference material of Lobeliae Chinensis Herba. The loss on drying, total ash, acid-insoluble ash, and ethanol-soluble extracts of 18 batches of Lobeliae Chinensis Herba samples were determined according to the general principles in Chinese Pharmacopoeia. Then, HPLC was adopted in the establishment of characteristic chromatogram and content determination. The results showed that the established method can achieve good separation for diosmin, linarin, and lobetyolin. Based on the results of detection for 18 batches of Lobeliae Chinensis Herba samples, the draft quality standard was established, which was expected to provide reference for the revision of this medicinal herb in Chinese Pharmacopoeia.

Impact of early life exposures on COPD in adulthood: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Early life represents a critical period for the development and growth of the lungs. Adverse exposures in this stage may drive the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Thus, we quantitatively evaluated the impact of different early life exposures on COPD in adulthood. The PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library electronic databases were searched for articles published from January 2001 to October 2020. A total of 30 studies (795,935 participants) met the criteria and were included in the review. We found a significant association of COPD with childhood serious respiratory infections, pneumonia or bronchitis (pooled adjusted OR [aOR], 2.23 [95% CI, 1.63-3.07]). The probability of COPD was increased 3.45-fold for children with than without asthma (pooled aOR, 3.45 [95% CI, 2.37-5.02]). In addition, the probability of COPD was associated with maternal smoking (pooled aOR, 1.42 [95% CI, 1.17-1.72]), any child maltreatment (pooled aOR, 1.30 [95% CI, 1.18-1.42]) and low birth weight (pooled aOR, 1.58 [95% CI, 1.08-2.32]) but not childhood environmental tobacco smoke exposure (pooled aOR, 1.15 [0.83-1.61]) or premature birth (pooled aOR, 1.17 [95% CI, 0.87-1.58]). Furthermore, subgroup analyses revealed that probability was increased for only women with childhood physical abuse, sexual abuse and exposure to intimate partner violence. Factors resulting in COPD in adults could trace back to early life. Childhood respiratory disease, maltreatment, maternal smoking and low birth weight increase the risk of COPD. Promising advances in prevention strategies for early life exposures could markedly decrease the risk of COPD.

Estimation of salt intake assessed by 24-h urinary sodium level among adults speaking different dialects from the Chaoshan region of southern China.

OBJECTIVE: Dietary salt intake may vary depending on different lifestyles. We aimed to estimate the different salt intakes and evaluate the knowledge and self-awareness about salt among people speaking the Teochew, Teochew-Hakka and Hakka dialects in the Chaoshan region of southern China. DESIGN: The study followed a cluster sampling of residents in Chaoshan region. General characteristics, lifestyles, health status as well as knowledge and self-awareness related to salt intake were investigated using a questionnaire. Anthropometric variables as well as Na and K excretion in a 24-h urine collection were measured. SETTING: Chaoshan region of China. PARTICIPANTS: Four hundred fifteen adults who spoke only one of these three dialects. RESULTS: The salt intake of adults who spoke the Teochew, Teochew-Hakka and Hakka dialects was 7·19 (interquartile range (IQR) 5·29-10·17), 9·03 (IQR 6·62-11·54) and 10·12 (IQR 7·61-12·82) g/d, respectively, with significant differences between Teochew and Teochew-Hakka speakers and between Teochew and Hakka speakers (both P < 0·05). The Na:K ratio for adults who spoke the three dialects was 3·00 (IQR 2·00-4·11), 3·50 (IQR 2·64-4·82) and 4·52 (IQR 3·35-5·97), respectively, and differed significantly among the groups (all P < 0·05). Multiple linear regression analysis showed increased Na:K ratio associated with hypertension (ß = 0·71, P = 0·043) in Hakka speakers. Knowledge and self-awareness about salt intake were poor in this population. CONCLUSIONS: Salt intake was closely related to lifestyles and was higher than the upper limit (5 g/d) recommended by the WHO in adults of Chaoshan, especially those speaking the Hakka dialect.

Breakfast preferences and consumption location among children at a median age of 7 in Shenzhen: Implications for managing overweight and obesity.

BACKGROUND: Breakfast is commonly described as the most important meal of the day; however, we have little information regarding its relevance for childhood overweight and obesity in southern mainland China. This study aimed to assess the association between breakfast preferences, consumption location and overweight and obesity for children in Shenzhen. METHODS: Among 6126 children (median age 7.2 years) at primary schools, 3504 were finally included after a questionnaire survey and physical examination. Ten commonly consumed foods/beverages for breakfast in southern China were exposure variables, and consumption location, total energy demographic and other dietary characteristics were covariates in logistic regression to determine the effect of breakfast preferences on overweight and obesity, estimating odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: Probability of overweight/general obesity was inversely associated with children eating plain congee for breakfast (adjusted OR 0.689, 95% CI 0.566-0.838), restricted to boys after stratification. Probability of overweight/general obesity and central obesity was positively associated with usually eating steamed rice roll for breakfast (OR 1.309, 95% CI 1.090-1.571 and OR 1.351, 95% CI 1.064-1.717, respectively), but the effect on overweight/obesity remained statistically significant for only boys after stratification. Eating steamed rice roll for breakfast and eating out for breakfast had an additive interaction on overweight/obesity. Additionally, eating bread for breakfast had a mild favorable effect on overweight/obesity but only for girls. CONCLUSIONS: Keeping a healthy weight might benefit children who eat plain congee or bread for breakfast in China. However, frequent consumption of steamed rice roll for breakfast and especially eating out could contribute to overweight and obesity. Thus, we need to promote a healthier breakfast pattern among children in southern China to reduce the odds of obesity.

[Research advances of Zaoren Anshen prescription preparations].

Zaoren Anshen prescription preparations(ZRASs), which are prepared from three traditional Chinese herb medicines, namely fried Zizyphi Spinosae Semen, Salvia Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma and vinegar-processed Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus, are a series of proprietary Chinese medicines for the treatment of insomnia, amnesia and dizzy in clinic. In recent years, pharmacodynamic effect, chemical constituents and quality control of ZRASs had been extensively studied for the purpose of ensuring their safety, efficacy and stability, and a great progress had been made. However, there is no review of the research advance of ZRASs up to date. The present review summarized the research advance of ZRASs in quality control standards, chemical constituents, pharmacodynamic effects, and chemical analysis for the first time, with the aim to provide a reference for further studies on the effective constituents and quality control of ZRASs.

[Research on in vivo metabolites of Longxue Tongluo Capsules by liquid chromatography coupled with hybrid ion trap/time-of-flight mass spectrometry].

Longxue Tongluo Capsules(LTC) has good efficacy against blood stasis syndrome during the recovery period of ischemic stroke. Its main active ingredient is the phenolic extract of Chinese dragon's blood. In our previous study, the primary mass fragmentation pathways of phenolic derivatives from LTC were clarified. Herein, the metabolites in rat plasma were characterized following the oral administration of loureirin A and loureirin C using liquid chromatography coupled with hybrid ion trap/time-of-flight mass spectro-metry(LC-IT-TOF-MS), with 18 and 55 metabolites identified, respectively. On this basis, with the help of the obtained accurate molecular weight, characteristic fragment ions, reference comparison, combined with LTC database and natural products database self-created in our group, 18 prototypes and 106 metabolites were tentatively identified in rat plasma after oral gavage of LTC at a dose of 500 mg·kg~(-1). Glucuronidation, sulfonation, and methylation were major biotransformation pathways of LTC. This study preliminarily clarified the LTC constituents absorbed into blood and laid the foundation for clarifying the effective substances of LTC.

(+)- and (-)-Corydecumbenines A and B, two pairs of novel quaternary protoberberine alkaloid cycloadduct enantiomers with anti-neuroinflammatory and neuroprotective activities from the rhizomes of Corydalis decumbens.

Two novel Diels-Alder [4 + 2] cycloadducts of quaternary protoberberine alkaloids and fumaric acid monoanion, corydecumbenines A and B (1 and 2), and six known isoquinoline analogues (3-8) were isolated from the rhizomes of Corydalis decumbens. The planar structures of 1 and 2 were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analysis including UV, IR, HRESIMS, 1D and 2D NMR. Chiral chromatography of 1 and 2 afforded two pairs of enantiomers (+)-corydecumbenine A (1a), (-)-corydecumbenine A (1b), (+)-corydecumbenine B (2a), and (-)-corydecumbenine B (2b), respectively, and their absolute configurations were determined by single-crystal X-ray crystallography and comparison of experimental and calculated electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra. Compounds 1b and 2b exhibited significant nitric oxide (NO) inhibitory activities in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated BV-2 cells with IC50 values of 11.6 and 16.2 µM, respectively, comparable to the positive control indomethacin (IC50 = 10.3 µM), and they could also decrease the level of interleukin (IL)-1ß in BV-2 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Most of the isolates showed neuroprotective effects against the injury of OGD/R-induced PC12 cells at 20 µM.

Years of life lost with premature death due to ambient temperatures in a southwest plateau region of China: a cause-specific and individual characteristics stratified mortality study.

We aimed to explore whether there were cold and heat temperature adverse effects on years of life lost (YLL) for non-accidental mortality in Yuxi, a southwest plateau region of China. From data for 89,467 non-accidental deaths over an 8-year study period, we used a general linear regression model combined with a distributed lag non-linear model to assess the burden of disease non-accidental mortality due to ambient temperature with the YLL indicator. We estimated the mean YLL change per 1 °C decrease from the 25th to 1st percentile mean temperature as the cold effect and per 1 °C increase from the 75th to 99th percentile as the heat effect. The 95% empirical confidence intervals (eCIs) were calculated by using a bootstrap simulation method. The exposure-response curve between average temperature and YLL was U-shaped. The cold effect peaked at the first day after exposure and disappeared at 2 weeks, and the heat effect only lasted for the first 3 days. A per 1 °C decrease from the 25th to 1st mean temperature percentile was associated with an increase of 15.6 (95% eCI: 2.4, 22.9) in YLL for non-accidental diseases, and the cumulative effects due to cold were stronger in contrast to that attributed by heat. Cold temperature had a significant impact on YLL among the subgroups, with higher YLL in cardiovascular disease, stroke, males, Han nationality, married, and those engaged in agriculture than their corresponding categories. An increasing death burden of non-accidental in Yuxi of China due to cold temperature was demonstrated, and the association was also modified by specific disease causes and individual features.

Three new compounds from Dictamnus dasycarpus and their anti-inflammatory activities.

Three new compounds (1-3), named dasycarine G (1), dasycarether (2), and dasycarester (3), along with seven known compounds (4-10) obtained from the genus Dictamnus for the first time, were isolated from the root bark of Dictamnus dasycarpus. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic data (UV, IR, HR-ESI-MS, 1D and 2D NMR, and CD). In the in vitro assay, compounds 1, 5, 6, 9, and 10 exhibited NO inhibitory effects of LPS-induced BV-2 cells with IC50 values in the range of 10.4 µM to 27.2 µM.