Additional New Cytotoxic Triquinane-Type Sesquiterpenoids Chondrosterins K-M from the Marine Fungus Chondrostereum sp.

By the method of ¹H NMR prescreening and tracing the diagnostic proton signals of the methyl groups, three additional new triquinane-type sesquiterpenoids-chondrosterins K-M (1-3) and the known sesquiterpenoid anhydroarthrosporone (4)-were isolated from the marine fungus Chondrostereum sp. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of MS, 1D, and 2D NMR data. Chondrosterin K is a rare hirsutane sesquiterpenoid, in which a methyl group was migrated from C-2 to C-6 and has a double bond between C-2 and C-3. Compounds 1-3 showed significant cytotoxicities against various cancer cell lines in vitro.

Three new asperentin derivatives from the algicolous fungus Aspergillus sp. F00785.

Three new asperentin-type compounds, 6-O-α-d-ribosylasperentin (1) and 6-O-α-d-ribosyl-8-O-methylasperentin (2) and 5-hydroxyl-6-O-methylasperentin (3), along with asperentin (4) and its known analogues (5-9), were isolated from a halotolerant Aspergillus sp. strain F00785, an endotrophic fungus from marine alga. Their structures were determined using extensive NMR and HRESIMS spectroscopic analysis, including the X-ray crystallographic data for the assignment of the absolute configurations of compound 9. Compound 4 exhibited highly potent inhibitory activity against crop pathogens, Colletotrichum gleosporioides Penz. and Colletotrichum gleosporioides (Penz.) Sacc.

Four new citrinin derivatives from a marine-derived Penicillium sp. fungal strain.

Four new citrinin derivatives, including two citrinin dimers and two citrinin monomer derivatives, were isolated and identified from a marine-derived fungal strain Penicillium sp. ML226 along with six known related compounds. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic and chemical methods. The new compounds showed modest cytotoxic activity against HepG-2 cell line and weak antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus.

5-(Hy-droxy-meth-yl)furan-2-carb-oxy-lic acid.

In the title compound, C(6)H(6)O(4), the furan ring is nearly coplanar with the carboxyl group, the maximum atomic deviation being 0.0248 (9) Å. The crystal packing is stabilized by classical O-H⋯O and weak C-H⋯O hydrogen bonding.

3'-(3-Hy-droxy-phen-yl)-4-methyl-spiro-[benzo[e][1,4]diazepine-3,2'-oxirane]-2,5(1H,4H)-dione.

In the title compound, C(17)H(14)N(2)O(4), the seven-membered ring adopts a boat conformation, and the two benzene rings make a dihedral angle of 45.22 (5)°. The crystal packing is stabilized by inter-molecular N-H⋯O and O-H⋯O hydrogen bonds.

Effects of different scraping techniques on body surface blood perfusion volume and local skin temperature of healthy subjects.

OBJECTIVE: To study the mechanism and effects of different scraping techniques on body surface blood perfusion volume and local skin temperature of healthy subjects and to provide a baseline for microcirculation and energy metabolism for the evaluation of the therapeutic effects of scraping. METHODS: Changes of the local blood perfusion volume and skin temperature of healthy subjects before and after applying different scraping techniques were observed with a laser Doppler imager combined with an infrared thermographic device and the resulting data was analyzed with imaging and processing software for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Local blood perfusion volume and skin temperature all increased after both reinforcing and reducing scraping techniques. The value of blood flow 60 and 90 min after the reducing technique was significantly higher than that after the reinforcing technique (P < 0.01), while the skin temperature increased after both techniques but was not significantly different between the two (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Scraping can significantly improve the local blood perfusion volume, increase skin temperature and promote local blood circulation and metabolism of tissues.

[Idea and practice of ZHU Lian concerning acupuncture education].

ZHU Lian is a deceased famous acupuncture and Moxibustion specialist, the first director and the founder of institute of Acupuncture-Moxibustion of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences. This article discusses the thought and idea of education and teaching of acupuncture-moxibustion from the following three aspects: diversified education and training mode, teaching idea of new acupuncture-moxibustion with a lot of characteristics, and the founding of professional acupuncture-moxibustion college. All above have both distinct characteristics of the times and positively enlightening significance of reality.

Serum fibroblast growth factor 21 levels are correlated with the severity of diabetic retinopathy.

The aim of the study was to assess serum fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) concentrations in Chinese type 2 diabetic patients with and without retinopathy and to assess the association between FGF21 and the severity of retinopathy. 117 diabetic patients were compared with 68 healthy controls. Fasting blood glucose, serum total cholesterol, serum triglycerides, serum insulin, and serum FGF21 levels were estimated. FGF21 concentrations in the patients were significantly higher than those in control. In the patient group there was a significant positive correlation between FGF21, insulin level, and homeostasis model assessment index. Serum FGF21 concentrations in patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy or nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy were significantly higher than those in patients without diabetic retinopathy. When the presence of diabetes was defined as the final variable in the conditional logistic regression model with the FGF21 concentration as the continuous variable, FGF21 was significantly involved in the model. This study shows that the increase in serum concentration of FGF21 was associated with the severity of diabetic retinopathy and suggests that FGF21 may play a role in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy and its degree.

[Effects of weizhong (BL 40) area scraping on blood perfusion level of the skin microcirculation of qihaishu (BL 24) region at the ipsilateral back of the volunteer's body].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of Guasha (scraping) of Weizhong (BL 40) on the cutaneous blood perfusion of Qihaishu (BL 24) region of the Bladder Meridian on the back. METHODS: Ten healthy volunteer subjects were recuited in the present study. Weizhong (BL 40, at the politeal fossa) area was repeatedly scraped till regional flush using a cornu bubali scraping plate for 5 min after applying scraping oil to the regional skin. Then blood perfusion levels of the skin microcirculation around Weizhong (BL 40) and Qihaishu (BL 24) regions on the ipsilateral back were detected using a Laser Doppler flowmetry (PeriScan PIM II). RESULTS: Following scraping Weizhong (BL 40) region, the cutaneous blood perfusion levels in the stimulated region were increased significantly at the time-points of 0, 15, 60 and 90 min after scraping (P < 0.001, P < 0.01), while those of Qihaishu (BL 24) area at the lumbar part also showed a remarkable increase 15, 60 and 90 min after scraping compared with the basic value (P < 0.05). A positive correlation was found between BL 40 and BL 24 areas in the cutaneous blood perfusion levels after scraping BL 40 (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Scraping stimulation of Weizhong (BL 40) can improve the cutaneous microcirculation of the stimulated BL 40 and Qihaishu (BL 24) regions in healthy volunteers, suggesting a close connection between BL 40 and the back described in Chinese medicine.

Management of thallium poisoning in patients with delayed hospital admission.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical features and management of thallium poisoning in patients with delayed hospital admission. METHODS: Fourteen patients (median age 36 years) were admitted 9-19 days after ingesting food poisoned with thallium. Clinical and laboratory data, including blood and urine thallium concentrations, were collected. Patients were treated with oral Prussian blue, a chelating agent sodium dimercaptosulfonate, and hemodialysis. RESULTS: All patients experienced a triad of symptoms of acute gastrointestinal upset, painful combined polyneuropathy, and hair loss after consuming poisoned food. Fatigue and skin pigmentation were observed in all patients. Abnormal liver function tests were found in 6 (42.9%) and delirium and coma were identified in 4 (28.6%). Two weeks after the poisoning, the blood and urine thallium concentration ranged from 219.0 to 1414.4 µg/L (median: 535.3) and 956.5 to 11285.0 µg/L (median: 7460.0), respectively. One patient (7.1%) with a previous history of pulmonary fibrosis died of respiratory failure in hospital. Symptoms were improved and blood or urine thallium levels were normalized in the remaining 13 patients before discharge. After a 6.5 ± 1-month follow-up, 1 patient (7.1%) developed deep venous thrombosis in the left lower limb. In another patient (7.1%), numbness in the lower limbs remained. CONCLUSION: Acute thallium poisoning is commonly manifested by gastrointestinal upset, painful polyneuropathy, and significant hair loss. Treatment strategies included Prussian blue and hemodialysis, which were associated with a good outcome in this case series.

The predictive value of plasma cystatin C for acute coronary syndrome treated with percutaneous coronary intervention.

BACKGROUND: This study was designed to evaluate the value of plasma cystatin C in predicting adverse cardiac events after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for acute coronary syndrome (ACS). METHODS: A total of 605 patients (404 male, mean age 60.4 ± 10.6 years) with ACS underwent successful PCI. Patients were divided into 4 groups according to the level of cystatin C, which was measured before the PCI: Q1 (<1.02 mg/L), Q2 (1.02-1.16 mg/L), Q3 (1.17-1.34 mg/L), and Q4 (≥1.35 mg/L). RESULTS: After a follow-up of 14.3 ± 1.7 months, the incidence of mortality, nonfatal myocardial infarction, and target lesion revascularization in the Q2, Q3, and Q4 groups was higher than in the Q1 group (P < .001). The incidence of heart failure in the Q3 and Q4 groups was higher than in the Q1 group (P < .05). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that cystatin C elevation was an independent predictor of major adverse cardiac events. The cumulative survival rate of the Q3 and Q4 groups was lower than in the Q1 group (P < .001). CONCLUSION: High plasma cystatin C concentration is an independent predictor of major adverse cardiac events in patients with ACS treated with PCI.

[Elementary introduction to the development of acu-moxibustion implements].

In the treatment of various clinical conditions, acu-moxibustion implements are absolutely necessary. In the present paper, the authors make a systemic investigation on the developmental course of acu-moxibustion implements from (1) acupuncture needles, (2) moxibustion materials and tools, and (3) modern therapeutic apparatuses for acu-moxibustion. Regarding the acupuncture needle, the authors reviewed its histological evolution from the Bian-needle (stone needle), bone needle, metal needle, nine types of needles, etc., to the disposable sterile acupuncture needle. The authors also comprehensively recount the improvement of materials and auxiliary appliances for moxibustion in different periods, and the process of development and application traits of modern electroacupuncture and moxibustion instruments. In this way, this article outlines the whole development of acu-moxibustion implements from the antiquity to the present in China.

[Analysis on the key factors affecting the inheritance of the acupuncture learning].

On the basis of systematicly reviewing the developmental history of acupuncture and moxibustion and profoundly understanding its academic connotations, the authors of the present article make a summary and analysis on the key factors influencing the development of acupuncturology. These key factors are (1) the emergence of "microacupuncture needle regulating-Qi" and the establishement of their corresponding theory system, (2) a large number of practitioners who inherited the learnings of acupuncturology generations by generations, and abundant medical classical works which recorded the valuable academic thoughts and clinical experience of the predecesors, (3) the application of acupuncture charts and manikins, and (4) modernizing changes of acupuncture learnings after introduction of western medicine to China. Just under the influence of these key factors, the acupuncture medicine separates itself from the level of the simple experience medicine, and has formed a set of special theory system and developed into a mature subject.

[Utilizing modern technology to promote spread and development of acu-moxibustion learning].

Nowadays, modern information technology (IT) has been gained great development. How to use the advanced IT to protect, spread and develop Chinese traditional culture of acupuncture is an important topic at the moment. Based on expounding characteristics of modern IT, the present article analyzed its advantages in digitalizing, exhibiting and sharing the rich resources of acu-moxibustion. Particularly, through introduction of concrete examples of "Digital Museum (Gallery) of Acu-moxibustion", this paper may provide a useful enlightenment for digitalizing construction of acu-moxibustion resources and promoting the further spread and development of acu-moxibustion learning by utilizing modern IT.

[Trains of thoughts for constructing "multimedia system for showing achievements in Chinese past successive dynasties"].

The "Multimedia System for Showing Achievements of Acu-moxibustion in Chinese Past Successive Dynasties" is a project of scientific research for the development of science and technology of Chinese medicine subsidized by Beijing Municipal government. It serves to directly and lively show great achievements and rich-colorful information (cultural relics, etc.) about acu-moxibustion in the development process in Chinese successive dynasties in the light of the order of historical development and through different styles such as characters, pictures, videos and flash, etc. This system is an academic gallery unifying common knowledge, skills or techniques, and actual clinic treatment scenery of acupuncture and moxibustion, possessing significant applicability and innovation. The present article puts emphasis on introducing its construction's aim and orientation, main contents, and traits in the systematic design.