A new C22 polyacetylene and seven isoprenylated pterocarpans from Erythrina subumbrans.

A new C22 polyacetylene, erysectol A (1), and seven isoprenylated pterocarpans, phaseollin (2), phaseollidin (3), cristacarpin (4), (3'R)-erythribyssin D/(3'S)-erythribyssin D (5a/5b) and dolichina A/dolichina B (6a/6b) were isolated from the twigs and leaves of Erythrina subumbrans. Their structures were determined based on their NMR spectral data. Except for 2-4, all the other compounds were isolated from this plant for the first time. Erysectol A was the first reported C22 polyacetylene from plants. Polyacetylene was isolated from Erythrina plants for the first time.

Orexin-A Intensifies Mouse Pupillary Light Response by Modulating Intrinsically Photosensitive Retinal Ganglion Cells.

We show for the first time that the neuropeptide orexin modulates pupillary light response, a non-image-forming visual function, in mice of either sex. Intravitreal injection of the orexin receptor (OXR) antagonist TCS1102 and orexin-A reduced and enhanced pupillary constriction in response to light, respectively. Orexin-A activated OX1Rs on M2-type intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (M2 cells), and caused membrane depolarization of these cells by modulating inward rectifier potassium channels and nonselective cation channels, thus resulting in an increase in intrinsic excitability. The increased intrinsic excitability could account for the orexin-A-evoked increase in spontaneous discharges and light-induced spiking rates of M2 cells, leading to an intensification of pupillary constriction. Orexin-A did not alter the light response of M1 cells, which could be because of no or weak expression of OX1Rs on them, as revealed by RNAscope in situ hybridization. In sum, orexin-A is likely to decrease the pupil size of mice by influencing M2 cells, thereby improving visual performance in awake mice via enhancing the focal depth of the eye's refractive system.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT This study reveals the role of the neuropeptide orexin in mouse pupillary light response, a non-image-forming visual function. Intravitreal orexin-A administration intensifies light-induced pupillary constriction via increasing the excitability of M2 intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells by activating the orexin receptor subtype OX1R. Modulation of inward rectifier potassium channels and nonselective cation channels were both involved in the ionic mechanisms underlying such intensification. Orexin could improve visual performance in awake mice by reducing the pupil size and thereby enhancing the focal depth of the eye's refractive system.

Morphological alterations of intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells after ablation of mouse photoreceptors with selective photocoagulation.

In this work, we investigated changes in the morphology of intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs), M1 subtype, and pupillary light reflex following local and selective ablation of photoreceptors in mice. Laser photocoagulation was used to selectively destroy four patches of photoreceptors per eye at around 4 papillary diameters from the optic disc and at the 3, 6, 9, and 12 o'clock positions between the retinal vessels in the adult mouse retina, leaving cells in the inner retina intact. Morphological parameters of individual M1 cells specifically labeled by the antibody against melanopsin (PA1-780), including dendritic field size, total dendritic length, and dendritic branch number, were examined 1, 2, 4, and 8 weeks after photocoagulation with Neurolucida software. A considerable reduction in these parameters in M1 cells in the "lesioned areas" was found at all the four time points after photocoagulation, as compared with those in the "unlesioned areas". Although M1 cells in the lesioned areas showed significant changes as early as 1 week after laser treatment and the changes gradually increased, reaching a peak value at 2 weeks, morphological restoration was clearly seen in these cells over time. However, no difference in the morphological parameters of M1 cells was observed between the unlesioned areas of laser-treated mice and the corresponding areas of age-matched normal mice without laser lesions. Fluorescence intensity of the somata of melanopsin-positive M1 cells located inside the lesioned areas was significantly decreased at all the four time points after photocoagulation, whereas no changes in pupillary light reflex were detected at different light irradiations, indicating that photocoagulation-induced local photoreceptor loss and alterations of ipRGCs may be insufficient to cause abnormalities in non-image-forming (NIF) visual functions. The results suggest that intact photoreceptors could be crucial for maintaining the expression levels of melanopsin and normal morphology of M1 cells.

Empirically derived dietary patterns and constipation among a middle-aged population from China, 2016-2018.

BACKGROUND: The association of dietary patterns with constipation is not well established, particularly in Chinese population. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the relationship between dietary patterns and the risk of constipation in a middle-aged Chinese population. METHODS: A total of 2267 participants aged 45-59 years were recruited in Hangzhou city, the capital of Zhejiang Province, east China from August 2016 to October 2018. Dietary intake was estimated using a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) containing 138 food items. Constipation was defined using the Rome II criteria. Multivariate logistic regression was used to examine the association between dietary patterns and the risk of constipation. RESULTS: Three major dietary patterns were extracted by factor analysis and labeled as the traditional southern Chinese, Western and grains-vegetables patterns. The prevalence of constipation in our study population was 13.28%. Compared with the participants in the lowest quartile, the participants in the highest quartile of the traditional southern Chinese pattern were associated with reduced odds of constipation (odd ratios (OR) = 0.79; 95%confidence interval (CI): 0.626-0.981; P < 0.05), after adjusting for confounding variables. In contrast, we found no significant associations between the Western and grains-vegetables patterns and the risk of constipation (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrated that the traditional southern Chinese pattern was associated with a reduced risk of constipation. Further longitudinal studies are needed to confirm our findings.

[Progress in the Analysis and Conservation of Cultural Relics and Artworks with Fiber Optic Reflectance Spectroscopy].

Cultural relics are non-renewable precious heritages, while artworks are limited cultural fortune. Therefore, it cannot afford any damage when cultural relics and artworks are analyzed. Fiber optic reflectance spectroscopy (FORS) has features of non-destructive testing, direct measurement and remote analysis and has its unique advantages in the research of cultural relics and artworks. This paper introduced the application of FORS in the identification pigments and dyes, the analysis of binders and the research of conservation results and preservation environments. Detection limits, reproducibility and signal characterization method were discussed. The future development of FORS in the research of cultural relics and artworks was summarized.

Phenolic compounds from the twigs and leaves of Tara (Caesalpinia spinosa).

Two new homoisoflavans, 4'-hydroxy-7-methoxy-3-benzyl-2H-chromene (1) and 3,4-cis-di-O-3-hydroxy-7-methoxy-3-(4-hydroxybenzyl)-4-ethoxychroman (2), one new coumarin, 7-methoxy-3-(4-hydroxybenzyl)coumarin (4), together with seven known phenolic compounds, bonducellin (3), anemarcoumarin A (5), (+)-syringaresinol (6), curuilignan D (7), scopoletin (8), and p-hydroxybenzaldehyde (9), were isolated from Tara (Caesalpinia spinosa Kuntze). The structures of the new compounds were characterized from their 1D and 2D NMR spectral data. All the compounds were isolated from this plant for the first time.

[Research Progress of Raman Spectroscopy on Dyestuff Identification of Ancient Relics and Artifacts].

As the birthplace of Silk Road, China has a long dyeing history. The valuable information about the production time, the source of dyeing material, dyeing process and preservation status were existed in organic dyestuff deriving from cultural relics and artifacts. However, because of the low contents, complex compositions and easily degraded of dyestuff, it is always a challenging task to identify the dyestuff in relics analyzing field. As a finger-print spectrum, Raman spectroscopy owns unique superiorities in dyestuff identification. Thus, the principle, characteristic, limitation, progress and development direction of micro-Raman spectroscopy (MRS/µ-Raman), near infrared reflection and Fourier transform Raman spectroscopy (NIR-FT-Raman), surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) and resonance raman spectroscopy (RRS) have been introduced in this paper. Furthermore, the features of Raman spectra of gardenia, curcumin and other natural dyestuffs were classified by MRS technology, and then the fluorescence phenomena of purpurin excitated with different wavelength laser was compared and analyzed. At last, gray green silver colloidal particles were made as the base, then the colorant of madder was identified combining with thin layer chromatography (TLC) separation technology and SERS, the result showed that the surface enhancement effect of silver colloidal particles could significantly reduce fluorescence background of the Raman spectra. It is pointed out that Raman spectroscopy is a rapid and convenient molecular structure qualitative methodology, which has broad application prospect in dyestuff analysis of cultural relics and artifacts. We propose that the combination of multi-Raman spectroscopy, separation technology and long distance transmission technology are the development trends of Raman spectroscopy.

Antioxidant and anti-ageing activities of mycelia zinc polysaccharide from Pholiota nameko SW-03.

BACKGROUND: Edible fungi polysaccharides usually exhibit antioxidant activity, and zinc has been shown to have antioxidant properties. In the present work, Pholiota nameko SW-03 was used as a vector of zinc biotransformation in order to obtain mycelia zinc polysaccharide (MZPS), and the structural characterization and anti-ageing activity of MZPS were investigated. RESULTS: Pholiota nameko SW-03 could accumulate zinc in the form of zinc-enriched polysaccharide, and the zinc content in MZPS was 16.39 ± 0.72 mg g(-1) . Three fractions (MZPS-1, MZPS-2 and MZPS-3) were successfully isolated. The main fraction (MZPS-2) with the highest antioxidant activity in vitro was composed of glucose, mannose, glucuronic acid, galactose, galacturonic acid and arabinose in a molar ratio of 172.59:5.29:4.61:4.20:1.01:1.00, with a weight-average molecular weight of 13.63 kDa. The anti-ageing capability was measured in d-galactose-induced ageing mice, and the results showed that MZPS could improve antioxidant status (superoxide dismutase, total antioxidant capability, malondialdehyde and lipid peroxide), indicating that MZPS had strong anti-ageing capability in vivo. CONCLUSION: This study suggested that organification of zinc through edible fungi liquid fermentation provided a novel method to produce MZPS, which might be used as a natural antioxidant to slow the progression of ageing.

Reduced CD200 and CD200R1 expression in human chorionic villi contributes to early spontaneous abortion.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the expression of CD200 and its receptor (CD200R) in human chorionic villi during the first trimester of normal pregnancy and early spontaneous abortion (ESA). DESIGN: Prospective study. METHODS: Expression of CD200 and CD200R in the chorionic villi was determined using streptavidin-peroxidase immunohistochemistry, confocal laser scanning microscopy and real-time polymerase chain reaction. POPULATION: Thirty-five women diagnosed with ESA and 30 women experiencing a healthy pregnancy in a medical university hospital in China were enrolled in this study between 2011 and 2013. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: CD200 and CD200R expression. RESULTS: The expression of CD200 in syncytiotrophoblast cells was significantly higher during normal pregnancy than in ESA (0.51 ± 0.05 vs. 0.35 ± 0.05). In contrast, expression of CD200 in cytotrophoblast cells and CD200R in stromal cells was significantly lower during normal pregnancy when compared with ESA (CD200: 0.16 ± 0.02 vs. 0.32 ± 0.03; CD200R: 0.19 ± 0.03 vs. 0.22 ± 0.02). In villi, the expression of both CD200 protein and CD200R transcripts were significantly higher in healthy first-trimester pregnancy than in ESA (CD200: 156.89 ± 105.65 vs. 37.51 ± 17.62). CONCLUSIONS: There is an increase in inhibitory properties of human chorionic villi during normal pregnancy. The mechanism underlying ESA might be associated with enhanced expression of CD200 and CD200R in the trophoblast, leading to an upregulation of the immune response during the first trimester of pregnancy.

3T magnetic resonance diffusion tensor imaging in chronic kidney disease.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and fractional anisotropy (FA) values with renal function on 3T diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) in chronic kidney disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty healthy volunteers and 29 patients with CKD underwent DTI. The relationship among ADC, FA, and renal function was analyzed. RESULTS: Cortical and medullary ADC and FA values of patients with chronic kidney disease were lower than those of healthy volunteers (P = 0.000). Both the renal ADC and FA values correlated inversely with serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: DTI is a feasible and non-invasive means to reflect the severity of renal function damaged.

A new natural naphtho[1,2-b]furan from the leaves of Cassia fistula.

A new naphtho[1,2-b]furan, 2,9-dihydroxy-7-methoxy-4-methylnaphtha[1,2-b]furan-3(2H)-one (1), along with 10 known compounds vanillic acid (2), naringenin (3), glyceryl-1-tetracosanoate (4), moracin J (5), 1,3,8-trihydroxyanthraquinone (6), esculetin (7), mauritianin (8), kaempferol 3-neohesperidoside (9), ß-sitosterol (10), and ß-daucosterol (11), was isolated from the leaves of Cassia fistula. The structure of the new compound was determined by NMR and X-ray analysis. Compounds 1, 3, 5-9 were isolated from this plant for the first time. The naphtha[1,2-b]furan was firstly isolated from the natural resources.

[Research on the spectral analysis and stability of copper green].

In the history of Chinese pigment, copper green, a pigment, was used in vast territory and for a long time. In the present paper, the nature, spectral characteristics, thermodynamic stability of the four isomers of the basic copper chlorides and also their application in the polychrome relics were discussed. The four isomers can be identified quickly by Raman spectral analysis which is a micro-damage or even a nondestructive technique. The order of their thermodynamic stability is as follows: clinoatacamite>paratacamite>atacamite>botallackite. It was showed that in the relics samples copper green was mostly botallackite and atacamite which were less stable isomers. According to the Ostwald step rule, the environmental monitoring should be strengthened to prevent the change in their physical and chemical structures.

[Phenolic compounds from Caesalpinia minax].

Fifteen compounds were obtained from the twigs and leaves of Caesalpinia minax. Their structures were identified as apigenin (1), 5,7,3',4'- tetrahydroxy-3-methoxyflavone (2), luteolin-5, 3 '-dimethyl-ether (3), thevetiaflavon (4), apigenin-7-O-beta-D-glucuronide (5), bonducellin (6), 7-hydroxy-3-( 4-hydroxybenzylidene )-chroman-4-one (7), 3-deoxysappanchalcone (8), 5-acetonyl-7-hydroxy-2-methyl chromone (9), 4-(trans)-acetyl-3,6,8-trihydroxy-3-methyl-dihydronaphthalenone (10), 4-(cis)-acetyl-3,6,8-trihydroxy-3-methyl-dihydronaphthalenone (11), vanillic acid (12), omega-hydroxypropioquaiacone (13), syringaresinol (14) and uracil (15). All compounds were isolated from C. minax for the first time. Compounds 1-14 were phenolic compounds and compounds 1-5, 9-13 and 15 were isolated from the genus Caesalpinia for the first time.

Short-term acute bright light exposure induces a prolonged anxiogenic effect in mice via a retinal ipRGC-CeA circuit.

Light modulates mood through various retina-brain pathways. We showed that mice treated with short-term acute bright light exposure displayed anxiety-related phenotypes in a prolonged manner even after the termination of the exposure. Such a postexposure anxiogenic effect depended upon melanopsin-based intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cell (ipRGC) activities rather than rod/cone photoreceptor inputs. Chemogenetic manipulation of specific central nuclei demonstrated that the ipRGC-central amygdala (CeA) visual circuit played a key role in this effect. The corticosterone system was likely to be involved in this effect, as evidenced by enhanced expression of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) protein in the CeA and the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis and by the absence of this effect in animals treated with the GR antagonist. Together, our findings reveal a non-image forming visual circuit specifically designed for "the delayed" extinction of anxiety against potential threats, thus conferring a survival advantage.

Magnetic resonance imaging on brain structure and function changes in diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

With the significant increase in the global prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM), the occurrence of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) has become increasingly common complication associated with DM. It is particularly in the peripheral nerves of the hands, legs, and feet. DPN can lead to various adverse consequences that greatly affect the quality of life for individuals with DM. Despite the profound impact of DPN, the specific mechanisms underlying its development and progression are still not well understood. Advancements in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology have provided valuable tools for investigating the central mechanisms involved in DPN. Structural and functional MRI techniques have emerged as important methods for studying the brain structures and functions associated with DPN. Voxel-based morphometry allows researchers to assess changes in the volume and density of different brain regions, providing insights into potential structural alterations related to DPN. Functional MRI investigates brain activity patterns, helping elucidate the neural networks engaged during sensory processing and pain perception in DPN patients. Lastly, magnetic resonance spectroscopy provides information about the neurochemical composition of specific brain regions, shedding light on potential metabolic changes associated with DPN. By synthesizing available literature employing these MRI techniques, this study aims to enhance our understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying DPN and contribute to the improvement of clinical diagnosis.

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome could be an underestimated variant of "reversible neurological deficits" in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.

BACKGROUND: Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) has been increasingly identified in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) owing to the advance in neuroimaging techniques. Prompt diagnosis is pivotal to improve its outcome. To analyze the clinical and radiographic profile of PRES in patients with SLE and search for the appropriate treatment strategy PRES in SLE. METHODS: SLE patients who fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for PRES from August 2008 to January 2011 were evaluated at baseline, and followed to determine clinical outcomes. Data were analysis on clinical characteristics, laboratory abnormalities, treatment details, and outcomes. RESULTS: Ten episodes of PRES in patients with SLE were identified. All patients were female, mean age of onset was 22.93 ± 2.48 years, and SLEDAI at the onset of PRES were 25.8 ± 5.7. All cases had acute onset of headache, altered mental status, stupor, vomiting, cortical blindness and seizures. Neurological symptoms were the initial manifestation of SLE in three cases. Head magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated posterior white matter edema involving the parietal, temporal and occipital lobes, which were more conspicuous on T2 weighted spin echo and diffusion-weighted MR imaging (DWI) than on computed tomography (CT) scan. Complete clinical and radiographic recovery was observed in 8 patients after prompt treatment with corticosteroids. CONCLUSIONS: PRES might be due to lupus per se besides other traditional causative factors such as hypertension. PRES might be an underestimated variant of "reversible neurological deficits" in SLE. Prompt recognition and timely management is important to prevent permanent neurological deficits.

[Application of spectral technologies in analyzing pigments of colored relics].

Using accurate and nondestructive technology to analyze pigments is an important part in the field of conservation of cultural relics. Because of the development of conservation of cultural relics and synthetical application of different disciplines, a lot of spectral methods have been used to analyze colored relics. This paper presented the application, feature, limitation and prospect of commonly used spectral technologies, such as X-ray fluorescence spectrometry, fiber optics reflectance spectroscopy and laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy in order to get the information about element analysis, component analysis and micromorphology analysis.

[Application and progress of the nondestructive spectral technology used in polychrome ceramic relics analysis].

The polychrome ceramic relics own abundant information which play an important role in studying ancient Chinese history, culture, economy, science and technology. Because the polychrome ceramic relics analysis couldn't be satisfied by common analytical methods, various kinds of nondestructive spectral technology have been introduced in this area gradually. This paper presented the theory, feature and limitation of the nondestructive spectral technology such as Laser Raman microscopic spectrum, laser induced breakdown spectra, and EDXRF from three parts: pigment analysis, ceramic analysis and relic information identification. Finally, the future development trends were discussed.

[Characteristics of rubidium forward degenerate four-wave mixing (FDFWM) influenced by the matrix effect of chloride brine in graphite furnace].

Rb is mainly extracted from brine. The authors studied the matrix effect of chloride brine (NaCl, CaCl2, KCl and MgCl2) on FDFWM (Forward phase-matching degenerate four-wave mixing) of Rb in the graphite furnace. The Rb and other chloride brine concentrations dependences of FDFWM were investigated respectively. The results indicate that with the increase in Rb concentration, FDFWM increases and reaches the highest at 80 ng x mL(-1). With the concentration of Rb sample further increasing, the FDFWM intensity drops. It was also found that when the Rb concentration is low, FDFWM signal is suppressed by the chloride brine, and the suppressing effect gets stronger with the increase in the chloride brine concentration. However, when the Rb concentration is high, FDFWM signal is first enhanced and then suppressed with the increase in the chloride brine concentration. The Cl- interference and Rb ionization in the graphite furnace were employed to explain the experimental results. This work is of important meaning in extracting and analyzing Rb in brine.

Primary testicular neuroendocrine tumor with liver lymph node metastasis: A case report and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Primary testicular neuroendocrine tumors (TNETs) are sporadic, accounting for only 0.23% of all testicular tumors. Few cases have been reported in the literature, and no uniform treatment protocol exists. We report a case of a primary TNET with liver lymph node metastasis diagnosed at the age of 24 years and discuss its clinicopathological features, diagnosis, differential diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis. CASE SUMMARY: We report the case of a 24-year-old patient with a primary TNET with liver lymph node metastasis. The patient was found to have a right testicular swelling of about 3 cm × 4 cm in size with unclear borders and no testicular pressure pain seven years ago without any examination or treatment. One month ago, an ultrasound examination was performed for persistent enlargement of the right testis, which showed an occupying lesion of the right testis approximately 110 mm × 102 mm × 82 mm in size. Magnetic resonance imaging scan of the testis (plain scan) showed that the right testis was an occupying lesion with inhomogeneous density and mixed signal, the boundary was still clear, and the possibility of seminoma was considered; chest X-ray and computed tomography did not show any apparent abnormalities. The patient underwent radical orchiectomy, and the pathological examination suggested a right TNET with a typical carcinoid tumor histological type. One month after the surgery, the patient received nine cycles of lanreotide chemotherapy at a dose of 90 mg/mo without adverse effects. No distant lymph node or other organ metastases were detected at follow-up. He is in good physical condition and attends regular follow-up visits. CONCLUSION: Neuroendocrine tumors are rare in clinical practice, and the diagnosis mainly relies on the characteristics of microscopic tumor cells and immunohistochemical features. Treatment involves radical orchiectomy. If it is accompanied by distant lymph node metastasis and the metastatic lesion can be resected, it should be surgically removed; if it cannot be resected, growth inhibitor analog octreotide or lanreotide chemotherapy can be administered to obtain good results, with close postoperative follow-up to prevent recurrence and metastasis.