Four New Species and a New Combination of Boletaceae (Boletales) from Subtropical and Tropical China.

Previous studies have shown that boletes are abundant and diverse in China, especially in tropical and subtropical regions. In the present study, morphological, ecological, host relationship, and a four-locus (28S, tef1, rpb1, and rpb2) molecular phylogenetic analyses were used to study the family Boletaceae in subtropical and tropical China. Four new bluing species are described from three genera, viz. Boletellus verruculosus (Chinese name), Xerocomellus tenuis (Chinese name), Xer. brunneus (Chinese name), and Xerocomus zhangii (Chinese name). Moreover, the genus Nigroboletus is treated as a synonym of Xerocomellus, and a new combination, namely Xer. roseonigrescens (Chinese name), is proposed.

A systematic approach to reduce intraocular pressure for the treatment of glaucoma.

Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness due to increased intraocular pressure (IOP) in the eye. We have developed a novel treatment option for glaucoma based on a real-time IOP-dependent nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and packed in a therapeutic contact lens to reduce the IOP. First, 1.6 nmole nitric oxide was produced from the genetic chassis, which was optimized for isopropyl ß-d-1-thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG) induction in a T7 expression system. For biosafety concerns to human being, the csgAD genes responsible for curli biofilm formation in Escherichia coli were co-expressed with NOS in the designated NOSAD strain to strengthen the adherence of cells to the contact lens, thereby preventing the contamination into the eyes. Moreover, NOSAD is a diaminopimelic acid (DAP) auxotrophic strain, which cannot survive without supplementation of DAP and reached the critical consideration of biosafety to the environment. We also demonstrated that the nitric oxide diffusion was 3.6-times enhanced from penetration into the aqueous humor of porcine eyes. The deformation ratio of the contact lens was correlated to the change of IOP by using a digital image correlation (DIC) system in a porcine eye model. The novel systematic approach provides an alternative treatment for glaucoma patients in the future.

A Contribution to Knowledge of Craterellus (Hydnaceae, Cantharellales) in China: Three New Taxa and Amended Descriptions of Two Previous Species.

Species of Craterellus (Hydnaceae, Cantharellales) in China are investigated on the basis of morphological and molecular phylogenetic analyses of DNA sequences from nuc 28S rDNA D1-D2 domains (28S) and nuc rDNA internal transcribed spacer ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 region. Five species are recognized in China, of which three of them are described as new, viz. C. fulviceps, C. minor, and C. parvopullus, while two of them are previously described taxa, viz. C. aureus, and C. lutescens. A key to the known Chinese taxa of the genus is also provided.

Role of exosomes in the pathogenesis of inflammation in Parkinson's disease.

Inflammatory responses, including glial cell activation and peripheral immune cell infiltration, are involved in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD). These inflammatory responses appear to be closely related to the release of extracellular vesicles, such as exosomes. However, the relationships among different forms of glial cell activation, synuclein dysregulation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and exosomes are complicated. This review discusses the multiple roles played by exosomes in PD-associated inflammation and concludes that exosomes can transport toxic α-synuclein oligomers to immature neurons and into the extracellular environment, inducing the oligomerization of α-synuclein in normal neurons. Misfolded α-synuclein causes microglia and astrocytes to activate and secrete exosomes. Glial cell-derived exosomes participate in communications between glial cells and neurons, triggering anti-stress and anti-inflammatory responses, in addition to axon growth. The production and release of mitochondrial vesicles and exosomes establish a new mechanism for linking mitochondrial dysfunction to systemic inflammation associated with PD. Given the relevance of exosomes as mediators of neuron-glia communication in neuroinflammation and neuropathogenesis, new targeted treatment strategies are currently being developed that use these types of extracellular vesicles as drug carriers. Exosome-mediated inflammation may be a promising target for intervention in PD patients.

Notes on Amanita section Validae in Hainan Island, China.

Hainan is the second largest island in China with the most extensive and well-preserved tropical forests and is also the largest island of the Indo Burma Biodiversity Hotspot. It provides in situ conservation for the unique ecosystem of the island. Recent studies have shown that there are diverse fungal species in Hainan. In this study, about 40 collections of the genus Amanita have been studied based on the morphology and molecular systematics, including 35 Chinese specimens (24 from Hainan, and eleven from other regions) and three specimens from other countries (Singapore and Malaysia). In total, five new species belonging to Amanita section Validae are described: A. cacaina, A. parvigrisea, A. pseudofritillaria, A. pseudosculpta, and A. yangii. Amanita parvifritillaria is recorded for the first time in Hainan. It is also the first report of this fungus occurring, outside Yunnan Province, China. Among the five new species, two are unique in this section because of the appendiculate pileus margin and the absence of an annulus. Based on these new findings, the diagnosis of the section Validae should be slightly modified to include a few species with appendiculate margin and the lack of annulus.

[Retracted] Anticancer and apoptotic activities of oleanolic acid are mediated through cell cycle arrest and disruption of mitochondrial membrane potential in HepG2 human hepatocellular carcinoma cells.

Following the publication of the above paper, a concerned reader drew to the Editor's attention that several figures (principally, Figs. 3, 6 and 8) contained data that bore striking similarities to data published in other papers, some of which had been published around the same time and written by different authors based at different research institutions. After having conducted an independent investigation in the Editorial Office, the Editor of Molecular Medicine Reports has determined that this article should be retracted from the Journal on account of a lack of confidence concerning the originality and the authenticity of the data. The authors were asked for an explanation to account for these concerns, but the Editorial Office never received any reply. The Editor regrets any inconvenience that has been caused to the readership of the Journal. [the original article was published in Molecular Medicine Reports 12: 5012­5018, 2015; DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2015.4033].

The genus Clavariadelphus (Clavariadelphaceae, Gomphales) in China.

Clavariadelphus species (Clavariadelphaceae, Gomphales) in China were examined using morphology, molecular phylogenetic analyses of ITS data and chemical reactions. Eleven taxa were identified in China, including four species known previously to occur in China (C. griseoclavus, C. ligula, C. sachalinensis and C. yunnanensis), two new record species from China (C. elongatus and C. himalayensis), four novel species (C. alpinus, C. amplus, C. gansuensis and C. khinganensis) and one species that could not be described due to the paucity of material. Finally, we also provided a taxonomic key for the identification of Clavariadelphus species in China.

Non-motor symptoms are associated with midline tremor in essential tremor.

OBJECTIVES: Essential tremor (ET) patients presenting tremor in the midline structures may be a distinct subtype of the syndrome. Therefore, we sought to explore the clinical manifestations, especially non-motor symptoms (NMS) of Chinese ET patients with midline tremor (MT). METHODS: In the cross-sectional study, we grouped 290 definite or probable ET patients based on their MT conditions. The NMS in ET patients were evaluated using the NMS scale (NMSS). NMS and other clinical correlates were then compared among subgroups with, and without MT. RESULTS: We revealed that 39.0%, 27.6%, and 6.9% of the patients respectively had neck, voice, and facial tremors. With the accumulation of tremor in midline structures, NMS became more severe and prevalent. Logistic regression analyses revealed that factors such as: female gender (OR = 2.164, 95% CI: 1.307-3.583), having least or highest action arm tremor (OR = 2.512, 95% CI: 1.520-4.151), having higher score of sleep/fatigue domain (OR = 1.692, 95% CI: 1.004-2.850) and mood/apathy (OR = 1.926, 95% CI: 1.143-3.246) domain, to be independently associated with MT manifestation. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrates the heterogeneity of symptoms in ET patients with MT, especially in prominent NMS. In addition, the discrepancy of NMS between patients with, and without MT provides novel insight into the underlying pathophysiology and therapeutic of ET.

Association between REM sleep behavior disorder and impulsive-compulsive behaviors in Parkinson's disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies.

BACKGROUND: Both REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD) and impulsive-compulsive behaviors (ICBs) are well-recognized non-motor features in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Studies have given contradictory results about the potential association between RBD and ICBs. METHODS: PubMed, Embase (via Ovid), and the Cochrane Central Registry of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) databases were systematically searched till August 20, 2019 to identify studies that explored the possible correlation between RBD and ICBs in patients with PD. Two authors independently screened records, extracted data and evaluated quality of included studies. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated by employing a random or fixed-effects model. We performed subgroup and sensitivity analyses, and we assessed potential publication bias. RESULTS: A total of 134 references were screened and 10 studies involving 2781 PD patients were included. Overall, RBD was associated with a more than twofold higher risk of developing ICBs (OR 2.12, 95% CI 1.43-3.14, I2 = 56.7%, P < 0.01). Similar results were obtained in sensitivity analyses and in meta-analyses of subgroups stratified based on multivariable adjustment and methods for diagnosing RBD and ICBs. No significant risk of publication bias was found. CONCLUSION: RBD in PD is confirmed to be a risk factor for ICBs. Clinicians should be aware of this association to help them improve patient management.

IL-6 and IL-20 as potential markers for vitality of skin contusion.

The detection of vitality of wounds is very important in forensic practice. This study is performed using quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) in both mouse and human skin wounds for the application of IL-6 and IL-20 in order to differentiate intravital wounds from postmortem wounds. RT-qPCR analysis of contused mouse skin showed that increased IL-6 and IL-20 mRNA levels were found in comparison to intact skin tissues. The increased mRNA expressions of IL-6 and IL-20 were observed until 72 h after death in contused mouse skin, whereas there were no marked changes in these two cytokines in the postmortem contusion group. The alterations of IL-6 and IL-20 can also be detected in human skin wound samples. These finding suggest that mRNA levels of IL-6 and IL-20 might be used as potential markers for vital reaction.

CXCL1 and CXCR2 as potential markers for vital reactions in skin contusions.

Detection of the vitality of wounds is one of the most important issues in forensic practice. This study investigated mRNA and protein levels of CXCL1 and CXCR2 in skin wounds in mice and humans. Western blot analysis of CXCL1 and CXCR2 protein levels showed no difference between wounded and intact skin. However, mRNA levels demonstrated higher expression of CXCL1 and CXCR2 in contused mouse and human skin, compared with intact skin. At postmortem there were no remarkable changes in CXCL1 and CXCR2 mRNA levels in contused mouse skin. Increased mRNA expression was observed in contused mouse skin up to 96 h and 72 h after death for CXCL1 and CXCR2 respectively. In human samples of wounded skin, increased CXCL1 mRNA levels were detected up to 48 h after autopsy in all 5 cases, while increased CXCR2 mRNA levels were observed 48 h after autopsy in 4 of 5 cases. These findings suggest that the levels of CXCL1 and CXCR2 mRNA present in contused skin can be used as potential markers for a vital reaction in forensic practice.

Diagnostic role of serum tryptase in anaphylactic deaths in forensic medicine: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Postmortem diagnosis of sudden death due to anaphylaxis can be very difficult due to the non-specific pathological findings in forensic practice. Postmortem serum tryptase has been used as an indicator of possible ante-mortem anaphylaxis. Though many previous studies have been conducted to explore the diagnostic significance of serum tryptase for lethal anaphylaxis, inconsistent results were documented. In this study, we made a retrospective study and presented a systematic review and meta-analysis that aims to summarize the diagnostic significance of postmortem serum tryptase in the deceased with and without anaphylactic shock and to calculate a cutoff value for future reference in the identification of deaths due to anaphylactic shock. A complete literature search in the PubMed, Cochrane Library, CNKI and Embase databases (published prior to March 1st, 2017) was performed. The quality of the eligible literature was evaluated according to the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale (NOS), and the relevant data was extracted. The procedure of meta-analysis was performed by RevMan 5.3 software. Subgroup analysis was performed according to different causes of death. A total of nine studies with 296 patients were identified. The NOS of each included study was equal to 7. The results indicated that high concentrations of tryptase were significantly associated with anaphylactic shock when compared to the other causes of death. The weighted mean difference (WMD) was 29.53 (95% CI = 7.58-51.47, p = 0.008). Similar results were detected in the subgroup analysis when compared to deaths due to cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, no obvious elevation of tryptase in decedents with CVD compared to the other cause of death was observed (WMD = 4.42, 95% CI = -0.94-9.79). We concluded that high serum tryptase is a promising diagnostic biomarker for deaths due to anaphylactic shock, especially when it is higher than 30.4 µg/L.

A catalyst-free intermolecular trans-iodoalkylation of alkynes.

We report the first catalyst-free and trans-selective iodoalkylation reaction of alkynes with a series of α-carbonyl compounds. This unprecedented three-component iodoalkylation reaction is enabled by using (iodoethynyl)trimethylsilane as a radical initiator and iodide source. The 1,2-difunctionalization affords alkenyl iodides, which are versatile building blocks for the construction of tri-substituted alkene derivatives.

Overexpression of sphingosine kinase 1 is predictive of poor prognosis in human breast cancer.

Sphingosine kinase 1 (SPHK1) is a bioactive lipid mediator that has been identified as a biomarker in various cancers and is considered to play an important role in tumor progression. In the present study, the expression level of SPHK1 was examined in breast cancer clinical specimens, and its association with patient survival was investigated to clarify the clinical significance of SPHK1 in breast cancer. SPHK1 mRNA expression was increased in breast cancer tissues compared with that in matched adjacent breast tissues in 19 of 32 paired tissue specimens (59.4%). Immunohistochemical analysis of 122 breast cancer cases revealed that the expression levels of SPHK1 were upregulated in 64 tumor tissues (52.5%), and increased expression levels of the protein were significantly associated with the presence of lymph node metastasis (P=0.0016), number of positive lymph nodes (P=0.0268) and presence of distant metastasis (P=0.0097). Increased SPHK1 protein expression was also associated with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 status (P=0.0100), initial symptoms (P=0.0025) and tumor location (P=0.0457). Patients with increased SPHK1 protein expression had shorter overall survival and disease-free survival times compared with patients with lower SPHK1. Univariate and multivariate analyses indicated that high SPHK1 expression may be a poor prognostic factor. These results indicated that SPHK1 may perform an important role in breast cancer and may be a predictive factor in patients with breast cancer.

Correction: Unprecedented formation of 3-(tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)-4H-chromen-4-one in a reaction between 3,3a-dihydro-9H-furo[3,4-b]chromen-9-one and malononitrile.

Correction for 'Unprecedented formation of 3-(tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)-4H-chromen-4-one in a reaction between 3,3a-dihydro-9H-furo[3,4-b]chromen-9-one and malononitrile' by Jie-Jie Liu, et al., Org. Biomol. Chem., 2017, DOI: 10.1039/c7ob00904f.

Unprecedented formation of 3-(tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)-4H-chromen-4-one in a reaction between 3,3a-dihydro-9H-furo[3,4-b]chromen-9-one and malononitrile.

Chromone skeletons are widespread among natural products as well as bioactive molecules. Here, we describe an unprecedented reaction of furo[3,4-b]chromen-9-one with malononitrile to afford 3-(tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)-4H-chromen-4-ones. Experimental data suggest that a sequence of Michael/retro-Michael/nucleophilic addition is involved in this unprecedented transformation.

Transition-Metal-Free Alkynylation of 2-Oxindoles through Radical-Radical Coupling.

An effective transition-metal-free approach for the synthesis of 3-alkynyl-2-oxindoles through a radical-radical coupling process was developed. The reaction was general with respect to 2-oxindoles and iodoalkynes and provided the desired products bearing a quaternary center at C3 in good to excellent yields, making this method synthetically viable and attractive for the synthesis of spiro and fused 2-oxindole derivatives.

Astragalus polysaccharide attenuates rat experimental colitis by inducing regulatory T cells in intestinal Peyer's patches.

AIM: To explore probable mechanism underlying the therapeutic effect of Astragalus polysaccharide (APS) against experimental colitis. METHODS: Thirty-two Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups. Colitis was induced with 2, 4, 6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS). The rats with colitis were treated with 400 mg/kg of APS for 7 d. The therapeutic effect was evaluated by colonic weight, weight index of the colon, colonic length, and macroscopic and histological scores. The levels of regulatory T (Treg) cells in Peyer's patches were measured by flow cytometry, and cytokines in colonic tissue homogenates were analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The expression of related orphan receptor-γt (ROR-γt), IL-23 and STAT-5a was measured by Western blot. RESULTS: After 7-d treatment with APS, the weight index of the colon, colonic weight, macroscopical and histological scores were decreased, while the colonic length was increased compared with the model group. The expression of interleukin (IL)-2, IL-6, IL-17, IL-23 and ROR-γt in the colonic tissues was down-regulated, but Treg cells in Peyer's patches, TGF-ß and STAT5a in the colonic tissues were up-regulated. CONCLUSION: APS effectively ameliorates TNBS-induced experimental colitis in rats, probably through restoring the number of Treg cells, and inhibiting IL-17 levels in Peyer's patches.