[Chemical constituents of diterpenoids from Boswellia carterii].

This paper explored the chemical constituents of Boswellia carterii by column chromatography on silica gel, Sephadex LH-20, ODS column chromatography, and semi-preparative HPLC. The structures of the compounds were identified by physicochemical properties and spectroscopic data such as infrared radiation(IR), ultra violet(UV), mass spectrometry(MS), and nuclear magnetic resonance(NMR). Seven diterpenoids were isolated and purified from n-hexane of B. carterii. The isolates were identified as(1S,3E,7E,11R,12R)-11-hydroxy-1-isopropyl-4,8,12-trimethyl-15-oxabicyclo[10.2.1]pentadeca-3,7-dien-5-one(1),(1R,3S,4R,7E,11E)-4,8,12,15,15-pentamethyl-14-oxabicyclo[11.2.1]hexadeca-7,11-dien-4-ol(2), incensole(3),(-)-(R)-nephthenol(4), euphraticanoid F(5), dilospirane B(6), and dictyotin C(7). Among them, compounds 1 and 2 were new and their absolute configurations were determined by comparison of the calculated and experimental electronic circular dichroisms(ECDs). Compounds 6 and 7 were obtained from B. carterii for the first time.

[Sesquiterpenoids from Aquilariae Lignum Resinatum].

Eight sesquiterpenoids were isolated from petroleum ether extract of Aquilariae Lignum Resinatum by various column chromatography techniques including silica gel, ODS, and semi-preparative HPLC. Their structures were identified on the basis of physicochemical properties, UV, IR, MS, and NMR spectroscopic data as(4S,5S,7R,10S)-5,7-dihydroxy-11-en-eudesmane(1),(7R,10S)-eudesma-4-en-11,15-diol(2),(2R,4S,5R,7R)-2-hydroxyeremophila-9,11-dien-8-one(3), 7α-H-9(10)-ene-11,12-epoxy-8-oxoeremophilane(4),(+)-9ß,10ß-epoxyeremophila-11(13)-en(5), 4(14)-eudesmene-8α,11-diol(6), 12,15-dioxo-selina-4,11-dien(7), and 2ß,8 aα-dihydroxy-11-en-eremophilane(8). Compounds 1 and 2 are new compounds, and their absolute configurations were determined by calculating ECD. Compounds 1, 4, and 6-8 could significantly improve taurocholic acid(TCA)-induced gastric mucosal GES-1 cell injury at a concentration of 20 µmol·L~(-1), and the cell protection rates were 23.51%±2.79%, 16.10%±1.25%, 24.45%±4.89%, 17.48%±2.93%, and 21.44%±2.39%, respectively.

Effects of perioperative comprehensive nursing based on risk prevention for patients with intracranial aneurysm.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of comprehensive nursing based on risk prevention in perioperative nursing of intracranial aneurysm. METHODS: A total of 156 patients who suffered from intracranial aneurysm were admitted in neurosurgery department from the hospital between January 2018 and January 2019. Patients were randomly divided into observation group (n = 78, patients were given comprehensive nursing based on risk prevention) and control group (n = 78, patients were given routine nursing). The following parameters, such as postoperative hospital stay, rescue success rate, Glasgow coma scale (GCS) after being awake, anxiety degree and nursing effect (incidence of complications, incidence of infection and patient satisfaction) were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The postoperative hospital stay, rescue success rate and GCS after intervention in the observation group were significantly better than those in the control group (P < .05). The degree of anxiety in the observation group after intervention was superior to that in the control group (P < .05), similar results were obtained in terms of the nursing effect in the observation group compared with the control group (P < .05). CONCLUSION: Comprehensive nursing was associated with the shortness of hospitalisation time of patients, improved rescue rate, reduced occurrence of complications and infection, and improved satisfaction of patients. Thus, comprehensive nursing was regarded to exert protective effect with a promising future for clinical practice.

[One new cembranoid diterpene from gum resin of Boswellia carterii].

This study aims to study the chemical components from the gum resin of Boswellia carterii. Five cembranoid diterpenes were isolated from the gum resin of B. carterii by various of column chromatographies including silica gel, Sephadex LH-20, and semi-preparative HPLC. Their structures were identified on the basis of physicochemical properties, mass spectrometry(MS), nuclear magnetic resonance(NMR), Ultraviolet(UV) and infrared(IR) spectroscopic data. These compounds were identified as(1S,2E,4R,5S,7E,11E)-4-methoxy-5-hydroxycembrane(1),(1R~*,4R~*,5E,8E,12E,15E)-4-hydroxycembra-5,8,12,15-tetraene(2), cembrene A(3),(3S,4S,7R)-4-hydroxycembrane(4), and pavidolide D(5). Compound 1 was a new compound. Compounds 2, 4, and 5 were obtained from the gum resin of B. carterii for the first time. Compound 2 showed weak inhibition on the human liver cancer cell line HepG2.

Chemical Synthesis of the Trisaccharide Epitope of Phenolic Glycolipid-1 Surface Antigen from Mycobacterium leprae.

PGL-1 epitope 1 bearing a p-aminoethylphenol group was efficiently synthesized by using linear synthetic routes. A method for efficient synthesis of oligosaccharides containing rhamnose rings was developed. The chemistry is flexible and could be used for the synthesis of other PGLs antigens. A biotinylated PGL-1 antigen 23 was synthesized and could be used as a probe for early detection of leprosy.

CXCR3.1 and CXCR3.2 Differentially Contribute to Macrophage Polarization in Teleost Fish.

The study of multiple copies of chemokine receptor genes in various teleosts has long appealed to investigators seeking to understand the evolution of the immune system. The CXCR CXCR3 gene has two isoforms, CXCR3.1 and CXCR3.2, which are both expressed in macrophages. The distinct roles of teleost CXCR3s have not been identified previously. In this article, we found that CXCR3.1 and CXCR3.2 differentially contributed to macrophage polarization in the teleosts: ayu (Plecoglossus altivelis), grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella), and spotted green pufferfish (Tetraodon nigroviridis). In ayu macrophages, the P. altivelis CXCR3.1 (PaCXCR3.1) gene was constitutively expressed, whereas the P. altivelis CXCR3.2 (PaCXCR3.2) gene was induced postinfection with Escherichia coli Upon E. coli infection, PaCXCR3.1+ and PaCXCR3.2+ macrophages showed an M1 and an M2 phenotype, respectively. CXCL9-11-like proteins mediated M1 and M2 polarization by interacting with the PaCXCR3.1 and PaCXCR3.2 proteins on macrophages, respectively. The transcription factors P. altivelis STAT1 and P. altivelis STAT3 were activated in PaCXCR3.1+ and PaCXCR3.2+ macrophages, respectively. Furthermore, the prognosis of septic ayu adoptively transferred with PaCXCR3.2+ macrophages was improved. Our data reveal a previously unknown mechanism for macrophage polarization, suggesting that redundant genes may regulate crucial functions in the teleost immune system.

[Improvement and application of a fast labeling system for bulk internalized vesicles].

To study trafficking of bulk internalized vesicles such as macropinosome and lysosome in live cells, an efficient and convenient assay was established according to the axon turning assay. By injecting indicator or fluorescent dyes through a micropipette with air pressure into cell cultures to create a stable gradient around the micropipette tip, vesicles were indicated and labeled. With live cell imaging, the whole process was recorded. Without wash-out of fluorescent dyes and transferring, this assay is an effective, fast labeling system for bulk internalized vesicles, and can also be combined with imaging system.

Ambulatory sleep-wake patterns and variability in young people with emerging mental disorders.

BACKGROUND: The nature of sleep-wake abnormalities in individuals with mental disorders remains unclear. The present study aimed to examine the differences in objective ambulatory measures of the sleep-wake and activity cycles across young people with anxiety, mood or psychotic disorders. METHODS: Participants underwent several days of actigraphy monitoring. We divided participants into 5 groups (control, anxiety disorder, unipolar depression, bipolar disorder, psychotic disorder) according to primary diagnosis. RESULTS: We enrolled 342 participants aged 12-35 years in our study: 41 healthy controls, 56 with anxiety disorder, 135 with unipolar depression, 80 with bipolar disorder and 30 with psychotic disorders. Compared with the control group, sleep onset tended to occur later in the anxiety, depression and bipolar groups; sleep offset occurred later in all primary diagnosis groups; the sleep period was longer in the anxiety, bipolar and psychosis groups; total sleep time was longer in the psychosis group; and sleep efficiency was lower in the depression group, with a similar tendency for the anxiety and bipolar groups. Sleep parameters were significantly more variable in patient subgroups than in controls. Cosinor analysis revealed delayed circadian activity profiles in the anxiety and bipolar groups and abnormal circadian curve in the psychosis group. LIMITATIONS: Although statistical analyses controlled for age, the sample included individuals from preadolescence to adulthood. Most participants from the primary diagnosis subgroups were taking psychotropic medications, and a large proportion had other comorbid mental disorders. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that delayed and disorganized sleep offset times are common in young patients with various mental disorders. However, other sleep-wake cycle disturbances appear to be more prominent in broad diagnostic categories.

Anti-inflammatory flavonoid derivatives from the heartwood of Dalbergia odorifera T. Chen.

Two pairs of flavonoid enantiomers (1a/1b and 2a/2b) together with three known analogues (3-5) were isolated from the heartwood of Dalbergia odorifera T. Chen. Their structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analysis (1 D and 2 D NMR, UV, IR, and HRMS) and experimental and calculated ECD data. Compound 2 features an unusual 2-methyl-3(2H)-furanone moiety forming the C-ring of flavonoid, and its putative biosynthetic pathway is also proposed. Compounds 3‒5 exhibited significant inhibition of nitric oxide production in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW264.7 cells with IC50 values of 14.7 ± 0.3 µM, 40.2 ± 1.1 µM, and 3.2 ± 0.1 µM, respectively.

Cytotoxic sesquiterpenoid dimers from the resin of Commiphora myrrha Engl.

Seven undescribed sesquiterpenoid dimers, commiphomyrones A - G, together with three known analogs, were isolated from the resin of Commiphora myrrha Engl.. The structures of the undescribed compounds were elucidated based on a comprehensive analysis of spectroscopic data (NMR, UV, IR, and MS), and the absolute configurations were defined by comparing the experimental and calculated ECD spectra as well as by performing X-ray crystallographic analysis. All the isolated dimeric sesquiterpenoids feature a 7-oxabicyclo [2.2.1] hept-2-ene moiety formed by the [4 + 2] cycloaddition of two sesquiterpenoids. Commiphomyrones C and G and commiphoratone D showed cytotoxic activity against the HGC-27 cell line with IC50 values of 22.76, 25.01, and 27.51 µM, respectively.

Improving knowledge and attitudes towards depression: a controlled trial among Chinese medical students.

BACKGROUND: Establishing an evidence-based method of improving knowledge and attitudes concerning depression has been identified as a priority in Chinese medical education. The purpose of this study was to determine whether a self-directed learning strategy as a part of student-centred education improved knowledge of and attitudes towards depression among Chinese medical students. METHODS: A controlled trial in which 205 medical students were allocated to one of two groups: didactic teaching (DT) group or a combined didactic teaching and self-directed learning (DT/SDL) group. The DT/SDL group continued having a series of learning activities after both groups had a lecture on depression together. Student's knowledge and attitudes were assessed immediately after the activities, one month and six months later. RESULTS: The intervention (DT/SDL) group showed substantially greater improvements in recognition of depression as a major health issue and identifying helpful treatments than the DT group. Only the DT/SDL group demonstrated any improvement in attitudes. This improvement was sustained over six months. CONCLUSIONS: Self-directed learning is an effective education strategy in improving medical students' knowledge of and attitudes towards depression.

Retraction: Chemical synthesis and antigenic activity of a phosphatidylinositol mannoside epitope from Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Retraction of 'Chemical synthesis and antigenic activity of a phosphatidylinositol mannoside epitope from Mycobacterium tuberculosis' by Shi-Yuan Zhao et al., Chem. Commun., 2020, 56, 14067-14070, DOI: 10.1039/D0CC05573E.

[New progress in noninvasive method of blood glucose measurement using FT-mid-IR spectroscopy].

The blood glucose concentrations of volunteers from diabetes patients and healthy adults (all patients and volunteers who joined this experiment gave their consents) were measured by using a modified WQF-200 FTIR spectrometer with a newly designed ATR accessory from the Beijing Rayleigh Analytical Instrument Corp. The determination basis for this technique from the physiological point of view is also discussed based on the experimental results, which indicated that the glucose measured by the FT-Mid-IR ATR instrument is from the secretions on the skin and glucose components within the body. The secreted glucose components will increase with the time increasing. The authors' previous study demonstrated 1 120 cm(-1) band as an index to characterize the blood glucose. During the experiments, the authors used the band of 1 455 cm(-1) as internal standard because of its stability, and because the relative intensity of I1 120/I1 455 band possesses the higher sensitivity. Meanwhile, from the spectra, the relative intensity of I1 120/I1 455 band of the glucose in both sources exhibits a linear relationship with blood glucose concentration within the body. The dried blood has the similar spectra as fingers'. The fingers' spectra will exhibit higher sensitivity if the time of measurement is longer after washing hand, and the results showed that when measured 10 minutes after washing hand, the sensitivity will be higher than that when measured 4 minutes after washing hand. All the results can be used in promoting a convenient, rapid and noninvasive way to monitor the continuous variation of blood glucose concentration of diabetes patients in real time.

PRMT1 promotes pancreatic cancer growth and predicts poor prognosis.

BACKGROUND: Protein arginine methyltransferase 1 (PRMT1) is the founding member of the PRMT family of proteins, whose members catalyze methylation of arginine residues in various proteins. Although several studies have reported upregulation of PRMT1 in various cancer types, the expression pattern and the underlying mechanism of PRMT1 action in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) are still unclear. METHODS: Immunohistochemistry staining as well as RT-PCR was used to determine the expression pattern of PRMT1 in clinical PDAC samples. Lentivirus packaging and transfection were employed to construct cell lines with PRMT1 overexpression or knockdown. MTT and crystal violet assays were used to determine the proliferation rates of PDAC cells. ß-catenin transcription activity was measured using a TOPFlash assay. PRMT1 binding to the promoter region of CTNNB1 was determined by ChIP-qPCR assay. RESULTS: Elevated PRMT1 expression was found in PDAC tissue samples compared to noncancerous normal tissues in 41 patients using a real-time PCR assay and in 90 patients using a tissue microarray (TMA) in conjunction with immunohistochemistry. Analysis of the PRMT1 expression data and PDAC clinical features revealed that PRMT1 expression was significantly correlated with PDAC tumor size and prognosis in postoperative patients. Additional functional experiments revealed that PRMT1 expression promoted the growth of pancreatic cancer-derived cells, both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, we found that PRMT1 increased the cellular ß-catenin level. We also found that PRMT1 and ß-catenin were co-expressed in TCGA and GTEx datasets containing 370 samples. CONCLUSIONS: Collectively, our study provides novel insight into the expression and function of PRMT1 in PDAC and indicates that PRMT1 may serve as a therapeutic target for treating patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

Author Correction: PRMT1 promotes pancreatic cancer growth and predicts poor prognosis.

The authors would like to correct the following panels in Figures.

Chemical synthesis and antigenic activity of a phosphatidylinositol mannoside epitope from Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Phosphatidylinositol mannosides (PIMs) have been investigated as lipidic antigens for a new subunit tuberculosis vaccine. A non-natural diacylated phosphatidylinositol mannoside (Ac2PIM2) was designed and synthesized by mimicking the natural PIM6 processing procedure in dentritic cells. This synthetic Ac2PIM2 was achieved from α-methyl d-glucopyranoside 1 in 17 steps in 2.5% overall yield. A key feature of the strategy was extending the use of the chiral myo-inositol building block A to the O-2 and O-6 positions of the inositol unit to allow for introducing the mannose building blocks B1 and B2, and to the O-1 position for the phosphoglycerol building block C. Building block A, being a flexible core unit, may facilitate future access to other higher-order PIM analogues. A preliminary antigenic study showed that the synthetic PIM epitope (Ac2PIM2) was significantly more active than natural Ac2PIM2, which indicated that the synthetic Ac2PIM2 can be strongly immunoactive and may be developed as a potential vaccine.

Author Correction: piRNA-independent function of PIWIL1 as a co-activator for anaphase promoting complex/cyclosome to drive pancreatic cancer metastasis.

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.

piRNA-independent function of PIWIL1 as a co-activator for anaphase promoting complex/cyclosome to drive pancreatic cancer metastasis.

Piwi proteins are normally restricted in germ cells to suppress transposons through associations with Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs), but they are also frequently activated in many types of human cancers. A great puzzle is the lack of significant induction of corresponding piRNAs in cancer cells, as we document here in human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDACs), which implies that such germline-specific proteins are somehow hijacked to promote tumorigenesis through a different mode of action. Here, we show that in the absence of piRNAs, human PIWIL1 in PDAC functions as an oncoprotein by activating the anaphase promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C) E3 complex, which then targets a critical cell adhesion-related protein, Pinin, to enhance PDAC metastasis. This is in contrast to piRNA-dependent PIWIL1 ubiquitination and removal by APC/C during late spermiogenesis. These findings unveil a piRNA-dependent mechanism to switch PIWIL1 from a substrate in spermatids to a co-activator of APC/C in human cancer cells.

Recognition and treatment of depression: a comparison of Australian and Chinese medical students.

BACKGROUND: Depression is a major public health problem in both China and Australia. To improve services, we need to ensure health professionals have an appropriate understanding of depression and its treatments. This study compares the level of awareness of depression between Chinese and Australian medical students. METHODS: The International Depression Literacy Survey assessing the public health impact, recognition and treatment of depression was completed by pre-psychiatric training medical students in China (n = 220) and Australia (n = 177). RESULTS: Chinese students were far less likely to consider mental health conditions and depression as major public health problems (P < 0.001). Depression symptom recognition was similar with four of the top five symptoms of depression the same in both groups of students. Chinese students were more likely to consider some psychological symptoms such as "thinking life is not worth living", but less likely to consider somatic features such as "sleep disturbance" as typical for people with depression. Chinese students were more likely to claim that they would seek help from mental health professionals if experiencing depression whilst Australian students were more likely to seek help from a general or family doctor. CONCLUSIONS: Chinese medical students recognise depression similarly to Australian students but do not consider it a major public health problem. These results challenge the stereotype that depression is characterised by somatic symptoms in China. Increasing awareness of the public health impact of depression should be incorporated into the medical curriculum in China.