Carexduanensis (Carexsect.Rhomboidales), a new species of Cyperaceae from limestone areas of Guangxi, China.

Carexduanensis Z.C.Lu, Y.F.Lu & X.F.Jin, a new species in limestone areas of Guangxi, China, was discovered and described. The morphology showed that C.duanensis is similar to C.calcicola, but differs in having culms central, leaf blades 3-5.5 mm wide, bracts longer than spikes, utricles 4-5 mm long, shorter, and nutlets abruptly contracted into an erect beak at apex. SEM microphotographs of utricles and nutlets are provided for the new and related species, C.calcicola.

Carexlinanensis (sect. Mitratae), a new species of Cyperaceae from Zhejiang, East China.

Carexlinanensis X.D.Qiu & X.F.Jin, a new species in sect. Mitratae of the sedge family (Cyperaceae) from north-western Zhejiang is described and illustrated. We performed a statistical comparison of the new species with other closely-related species from the same section. Carexlinanensis is similar to Carexsachalinensis F.Schmidt, but differs in having leaf blades 1-2 mm wide (vs. 2.5-3.5 mm wide), utricles longer than pistillate glumes, with beak margin smooth (vs. barbate) and peduncles of lateral spikes enclosed in bract sheaths (vs. exserted from bract sheaths).

Notes on Carex (Cyperaceae) from China (IX): three new species of section Mitratae s.l.

Carexsect.Mitratae s.l. was established by Kükenthal in 1909 and can be distinguished from the closely related sections in having nutlets frequently discoid-annulate at the apex and a persistent style base. Based on field surveys and specimen examination, three new species of sect. Mitratae are described and illustrated here. Carexfatsuaniana was collected from Yunnan and differs from C.truncatigluma in having the utricles nearly glabrous, the nutlets with a ca. 0.5 mm long beak at the apex, the staminate spikes cylindrical, 5-7.5 cm long, 4-5 mm wide, and the pistillate glumes acuminate at the apex. Carexdamingshanica was collected from Guangxi and differs from C.breviscapa and C.rhynchachaenium in having 3 or 4 spikes, the lateral spikes cylindrical, the pistillate glumes, utricles and nutlets all shorter than in the other two species. Carexradicalispicula was collected from Sichuan and differs from C.truncatirostris in having the staminate spikes clavate, 1.5-2 mm wide, the pistillate glumes pale yellow-white, 3-3.2 mm long, acuminate or short-awned at the apex, and the nutlets with 3 angles shallowly constricted at the middle.

Torreyadapanshanica (Taxaceae), a new species of gymnosperm from Zhejiang, East China.

Torreyadapanshanica X.F.Jin, Y.F.Lu & Zi L.Chen, a new species endemic to central Zhejiang, East China, is described and illustrated. This new species is most similar to T.jiulongshanensis (Z.Y.Li, Z.C.Tang & N.Kang) C.C.Pan, J.L.Liu & X.F.Jin, but differs in having leaves with an acuminate apex (vs. leaves with an acute apex), broadly ovoid-globose or globose seeds (vs. obovoid to narrowly obovoid seeds), slightly emarginate at the apex and obtuse-rounded at the base (vs. both acute at the apex and base), testa with irregular shallow grooves (vs. testa smooth or sometimes slightly concave). The diagnostic characters are critically compared and an IUCN assessment for the risk to the new species is estimated.

Carex borealifujianica (Cyperaceae), a new species of the core Carex clade from Fujian, southeastern China.

A new species, Carex borealifujianica Y.F. Lu & X.F. Jin (Cyperaceae, sect. Occlusae of core Carex clade) is described and illustrated from northern Fujian, China. In addition to morphological comparisons with its relatives, comparative micromorphology of utricles and achenes of seven species in Carex sect. Occlusae was examined. Micromorphology of utricles and achenes revealed the similarity of Carex borealifujianica and C. ligulata. Morphologically, this new species is similar to Carex ligulata in having lateral spikes remote and densely flowered, as well as utricles densely hispidulous, but differs in having 2 or 3 narrowly clavate staminate spikes, leaves 2.5-5 mm wide with sheaths sparsely pilose, and achenes emarginate at the apex. The phylogenetic analysis from two nuclear DNA regions (ETS and ITS) and two chloroplast DNA regions (matK and trnL-F) of 68 taxa resolved C. borealifujianica as a distinct species.

Notes on Carex (Cyperaceae) from China (VIII): five new species and a new variety from southern and south-western China.

Our field surveys and specimen examination of Carex from southern to south-western regions in China resulted in the discovery of five new species and one new variety, which are here named as Carexbrevihispida X.F.Jin & Y.F.Lu (in sect. Surculosae), C.puberuliutriculata Y.F.Lu & X.F.Jin (sect. Clandestinae), C.paratatsiensis Y.F.Lu & X.F.Jin (sect. Aulocystis), C.huanjiangensis S.Yun Liang ex Y.F.Lu & X.F.Jin (sect. Decorae), C.liangiana X.F.Jin & Y.F.Lu and C.thibeticaFranch.var.angustifolia X.F.Jin & Y.F.Lu (sect. Rhomboidales).

Two new species and a new combination from Zhejiang, East China.

As the supplement of the flora of Zhejiang, East China, two new species were described with illustrations. Cerastiumhuadingense Y.F.Lu, W.Y.Xie & X.F.Jin (Caryophyllaceae) differs from C.qingliangfengicum in having sterile stems absent, leaves sessile, petals slightly longer than sepals, and stamens slightly shorter than sepals. Ixeridiumdimorphifolium Y.L.Xu, Y.F.Lu & X.Cai (Asteraceae) differs from I.beauverdianum in having plant stoloniferous, basal leaves dimorphic, involucre 8‒10 mm long, inner phyllaries 8, and florets 7‒10. Paraphlomissetulosa C.Y.Wu & H.W.Li (Lamiaceae) was reviewed and morphological characters of the corolla and stamens of its type and the specimens collected in the field survey were critically examined. With barbate anthers and strongly divergent anther cells, Paraphlomissetulosa was transferred to Sinopogonanthera, and S.setulosa (C.Y.Wu & H.W.Li) H.W.Zhang & X.F.Jin was consequently combined.

Analysis of reflux as the aetiology of laryngeal dysplasia progression through a matched case-control study.

OBJECTIVES: Laryngeal dysplasia (LD) is a precancerous lesion of the larynx. In this study, the laryngeal tissue of patients with laryngeal dysplasia was taken as the research object, and the aetiology of reflux was analysed. METHOD: Patients with laryngeal dysplasia after surgery were selected as our subjects. The levels of pepsin, enterokinase and bilirubin in laryngeal tissue samples of the two groups were detected by immunohistochemical method. RESULTS: The OR values (95% CI) of pepsin, enterokinase and bilirubin were 0.67 (0.19-2.36), 0.80 (0.22-2.98) and 1.33 (0.30-5.96), respectively, in the univariate analysis. Besides, in the multivariate analysis, the OR values (95% CI) of pepsin, enterokinase and bilirubin were 0.57 (0.14-2.30), 0.73 (0.18-2.92) and 1.40 (0.30-6.53), respectively. CONCLUSION: Larger sample size should be applied to prospective studies on whether reflux is a risk factor for laryngeal cancer.

Impatiens wuyiensis (Balsaminaceae), a new species from Fujian of Southeast China, based on morphological and molecular evidences.

BACKGROUND: Southeast Asia, together with tropical Africa, Madagascar, South India and Sri Lanka, and the eastern Himalayas, are the five primary hotspots of species diversity of Impatiens (Balsaminaceae). China is also rich in Impatiens species, especially in the limestone karsts or 'Danxia' landforms. With zygomorphic flowers and diverse corolla morphology and color, the species in Impatiens are well-known for their ornamental use, but they are also notorious in taxonomy. During the preparation of revision of Impatiens in Zhejiang and adjacent regions, an unknown species was collected from Mt. Wuyi in Fujian Province, Southeast China. RESULTS: Phylogenetic analyses based on nuclear ITS, chloroplast atpB-rbcL and trnL-F sequences, together with micromorphology of pollen grains and seed coats, strongly supported the close relationship of the new species with Impatiens platysepala Y.L.Chen and I. chloroxantha Y.L.Chen. In turn, both molecular data and morphological characters also were sufficient to distinguish the new species from the other two counterparts. CONCLUSIONS: Our detailed morphological observations and molecular phylogenetic analyses support the recognition of Impatiens wuyiensis as a species new to science.

Convergent origin of the narrowly lanceolate leaf in the genus Aster-with special reference to an unexpected discovery of a new Aster species from East China.

Narrowly lanceolate leaves occur frequently in the genus Aster. It was often employed as a distinguishing character in the taxonomy of this genus. The origin of this particular leaf shape, however, has never been investigated using comparative methods. In this study, we reconstructed a comprehensive phylogeny that includes most species of Aster with narrowly lanceolate leaf. We then gathered data on riparian habitats and the presence or absence of narrowly lanceolate leaves, and investigated the evolutionary association between them in a phylogenetic context. Our analysis indicated that the species with narrowly lanceolate leaves are nested in unrelated lineages of the genus Aster, implying that they originated independently several times. Using Pagel's comparative method of discrete data, we demonstrated a significant correlation between riparian habitats and narrowly lanceolate leaves. We further inferred the sequence of transition of the two characters. This analysis indicated that the sequence of evolution of riparian habitat and narrowly lanceolate leaf form was usually uncertain, but some positive results showed that the occurrence of riparian habitats may not precede the evolution of narrowly lanceolate leaf form. This study provided new insights into the adaptive evolution in a mega-diverse family. In addition, Aster tonglingensis, an unexpected new species with narrowly lanceolate leaves, was discovered and established based on the evidence from morphology, micromorphology and molecular phylogeny.

Complete revascularization versus culprit-only revascularization in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction and multivessel disease patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention: A meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis.

The present study compared the outcomes of complete revascularization (CR) and culprit-only revascularization (COR) performed during primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and multivessel disease through a meta-analysis in order to determine which strategy is more appropriate. Published randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were retrieved from the PubMed, EMBASE, and CENTRAL databases. Eight RCTs with 2060 patients were selected (1080 patients underwent CR [immediate (ICR) or staged (SCR)] and 980 patients underwent COR). The follow-up was 6-38months. In the overall population, CR reduced major adverse cardiac events (MACE) and repeat revascularization when compared to those with COR (RR 0.60, 95% CI 0.50-0.72; RR 0.49, 95% CI 0.33-0.73). In the subgroups analysis, ICR reduced MACE, all-cause death and/or MI, non-fatal MI, and repeat revascularization compared to COR (RR 0.44, 95% CI 0.32-0.60; RR 0.55, 95% CI 0.36-0.85; RR 0.35, 95% CI 0.17-0.71; RR 0.35, 95% CI 0.24-0.52; SCR reduced only MACE when compared with those in COR (RR 0.71, 95% CI 0.56-0.89). However, trial sequential analysis powered for a 25% relative reduction indicated firm evidence (cumulative z-curve crossed the monitoring boundary) for only MACE and revascularization in the overall population and ICR subgroup. Contrast-induced nephropathy, major hemorrhage, and stroke incidences were not different between CR and COR. Based on these findings, we believe that CR is preferable to COR in STEMI and multivessel disease patients undergoing primary PCI.

Renal Dysfunction and hsCRP Predict Long-term Outcomes of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Acute Myocardial Infarction.

BACKGROUND: This study assessed the combined utility of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels to predict long-term mortality and cardiovascular outcomes of patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Elevated CRP levels and renal dysfunction have both been shown to independently and jointly predict mortality and cardiovascular outcomes after PCI in the short term. However, long-term results in patients with acute STEMI undergoing PCI have not been reported. METHODS: A total of 262 patients with acute STEMI undergoing primary PCI were classified at admission into quartiles according to eGFR (<60, 60-70, 70-80 and ≥80 mL·min·1.73 m) and hsCRP (<3 and ≥3 mg/L). Mortality, nonfatal myocardial infarction (MI) and major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) were compared among the groups. RESULTS: During a median follow-up of 48.3 months, the composite of all-cause mortality and nonfatal MI (mortality + MI) was significantly higher (35.09%) in the group with the lowest eGFR compared with that of the other 3 eGFR groups (14.29%, 3.77% and 9.43%, respectively, P < 0.0001) and the group with elevated hsCRP (34.29%) versus that with hsCRP <3 mg/L (4.41%, P < 0.0001). A combined analysis showed an exaggerated hazard in patients with the lowest eGFR and highest hsCRP (hazard ratio: 44.658; 95% confidence interval: 5.955-111.890). CONCLUSIONS: Renal dysfunction and elevated hsCRP predict a high long-term incidence of MACE in patients with acute STEMI undergoing primary PCI, with the combination being of prognostic significance for long-term mortality and MI in these patients.

Relevant factors of estrogen changes of myopia in adolescent females.

BACKGROUND: Gender is one of the risk factors accounting for the high prevalence of adolescent myopia. Considerable research results have shown that myopia incidence of female is higher than that of male. This study aimed to analyze the correlation between ocular parameters and serum estrogen level and to investigate the vision changes along with estrogen change in menstrual cycle of adolescent females. METHODS: A total of 120 young females aged between 15 and 16 years, diagnosed with myopia were recruited. Spherical lens, cylindrical lens, axis, interpupillary distance (IPD), and vision in each tested eye of the same subject were measured by automatic optometry and comprehensive optometry, with repetition of all measurements in the menstrual cycle of the 2 nd or 3 rd days, 14 th days, and 28 th days, respectively. Serum estradiol (E 2 ) levels were assayed by chemiluminescence immunoassay at the same three times points of the menstrual cycle mentioned above. RESULTS: In young females with myopia, the spherical lens showed a statistically significant difference among all different time in menstrual cycle (all P < 0.0001). The cylindrical lens, axis, and IPD were changed significantly during the menstrual cycle (P < 0.05). The vision of the three different time points in menstrual cycle had a significant difference (χ2 = 6.35, P = 0.042). The vision during the 14 th and 28 th day was higher compared to that on the 2 nd or 3 rd days (P = 0.021). Serum E 2 levels were significantly different at different time points in menstrual cycle (P < 0.05). E 2 levels reached its maximum value on the 14 th day and the minimum value on the 2 nd or 3 rd day. CONCLUSIONS: In adolescent females, the spherical lens and other related ocular parameters vary sensitively with different levels of E 2 in menstrual cycle. Vision in late menstrual stage is significantly higher than that in premenstrual stage.

[Changed accumulation of active ingredient in different localities and growth period of Hemsleya zhejiangensis (Cucurbitaceae)].

In this paper, the content of moisture, ethanol-soluble extractives, total saponins and polysaccharide of different tuber samples of Hemsleya zhejiangensis, from different localities, years and seasons, were detected based upon Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2010 version. The samples of roots, stems and leaves in summer were detected as well. The results are mainly as follows. (1)With tuber quality increasing, the content of total saponins increased and then decreased. The individual quality of tubers getting 594.06 g, the content of total saponins reached the peak. (2) The content of active ingredients in different localities was significantly different, and the population of Wuyanling had the maximum content of total saponins and polysaccharide. (3) The content of active ingredients revealed stability between the years 2012 and 2013, but the content of polysaccharide was significantly different. The content in 2012 was higher than that of 2013. (4) The content of active ingredients reached the peak in autumn, which was the best harvest season. (5) Among different component content detection of nutritional organs, tubers had the maximum content of ethanol-soluble extractives, total saponins and polysaccharide. Leaves also contained higher content of ethanol-soluble extractives and total saponins than roots and stems. All of these provide theoretical basis for plant, harvest and production of H. zhejiangensis, which is an endemic, rare, and endangered medicinal plants.

[Synthesis and biological evaluation of 2-(3-butynoicamidophenyl) benzothiazole derivatives as antitumor agents].

A series of 2-(3-butynoicamidophenyl)benzothiazole derivatives were synthesized starting from 4-fluoro-3-nitrobenzoic acid. Structures of all the synthesized compounds were confirmed by 1H NMR and HR-MS. Their antitumor activities against human tumor cells lines (HCT116, Mia-PaCa2, U87-MG, A549, NCI-H1975) were evaluated by MTT assay. The results revealed that most of the synthesized compounds showed potent activities against HCT116, Mia-PaCa2, U87-MG tumor cells lines. Particularly, compounds 14c and 14h exhibited better activity with IC50 values of 1 x 10(-8) mol x L(-1) against U87-MG and HCT116 respectively. The structure-activity relationship of compounds was also discussed preliminarily.

Phylogeny and chromosomal variations in East Asian Carex, Siderostictae group (Cyperaceae), based on DNA sequences and cytological data.

Carex (Cyperaceae) is one of the largest genera of the flowering plants, and comprises more than 2,000 species. In Carex, section Siderostictae with broader leaves distributed in East Asia is thought to be an ancestral group. We aimed to clarify the phylogenetic relationships and chromosomal variations within the section Siderostictae, and to examine the relationship of broad-leaved species of the sections Hemiscaposae and Surculosae from East Asia, inferred from DNA sequences and cytological data. Our results indicate that a monophyletic Siderostictae clade, including the sections Hemiscaposae, Siderostictae and Surculosae, as the earliest diverging group in the tribe Cariceae. Low chromosome numbers, 2n = 12 or 24, with large sizes were observed in these three sections. Our results suggest that the genus Carex might have originated or relictly restricted in the East Asia. Geographical distributions of diploid species are restricted in narrower areas, while those of tetraploid species are wider in East Asia. It is concluded that chromosomal variations in Siderostictae clade may have been caused by polyploidization and that tetraploid species may have been able to exploit their habitats by polyploidization.

Prunus pananensis (Rosaceae), a new species from Pan'an of central Zhejiang, China.

Prunus pananensis Z. L. Chen, W. J. Chen & X. F. Jin, a new species of Rosaceae from central Zhejiang, China is described and illustrated. Micromorphological characters of the indumentum on young shoots, leaves, petioles and peduncles, including scanning electron microscope [SEM] images, are provided. This new species is morphologically similar to P. schneiderianae Koehne in having its young shoots, petioles and pedicels all densely villose, but differs in having bracts persistent, styles glabrous, stipules 8-9 mm long, stamens 28-30 of per flower, and drupes glabrous. The new species is also similar to P. discoidea (Yü & C. L. Li) Yü & C. L. Li ex Z. Wei & Y. B. Chang in having 2 or 3 flowers in an umbellate inflorescence, and bracts persistent and marginally glandular, but it differs in having young shoots and petioles densely covered with yellowish-brown villose trichomes; leaves rounded or slightly cordate at base, the mid-ribs and lateral veins abaxially densely covered with yellowish-brown villose trichomes; and hypanthium ca. 3 mm long, shorter than sepals. The atpB-rbcL and trnL-F intergenic chloroplast spacers are selected for identification of the new and its similar species.

[Clinical and coronary features of systemic lupus erythematosus patients with coronary artery disease].

OBJECTIVES: To observe the clinical and coronary features of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and coronary artery disease (CAD). METHODS: Among 2877 SLE inpatients (age ≥ 18 years, male 363, female 2514) admitted in the Peking Union Medical College Hospital between January 1999 to October 2009, 33 patients [mean age (50.7 ± 12.8) years] were diagnosed with CAD and coronary angiogram was available in 20 out of these 33 patients. Clinical and coronary features of these patients were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: The incidence of CAD was significantly higher in male SLE patients than in female patients [2.48% (9/363) vs. 0.95% (24/2514), P = 0.022]. Patients with secondary antiphospholipid syndrome were more likely to suffer from CAD [5.76% (8/139) vs. 0.91% (25/2738), P < 0.001]. Myocardial infarction was the major form of CAD (24/33). Coronary artery angiographic changes included coronary stenosis and occlusions, coronary aneurysms and acute thrombosis and multi-vessel lesions was found in 75.0% (15/20) patients with SLE and CAD. CONCLUSIONS: Male SLE patients and patients with secondary antiphospholipid syndrome are at higher risk for CAD. Myocardial infarction and multi-vessel lesions are common in SLE patients with CAD.

Long-term effects of drug-eluting stents versus bare metal stents on patients with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention: outcomes of 3-year clinical follow-up.

BACKGROUND: The long-term safety and efficacy of drug-eluting stents (DES) versus bare metal stents (BMS) are unclear and controversial issues in patients with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The purpose of this study was to compare the long-term outcome of STEMI patients undergoing primary PCI with DES versus BMS implantation. METHODS: A total of 191 patients with acute STEMI undergoing PCI from Jan. 2005 to Dec. 2007 were enrolled. Patients received DES (n = 83) or BMS (n = 108) implantation in the infarction related artery according to physician's discretion. The primary outcome was the occurrence of major adverse cardiac events (MACE), which was defined as a composite of death, myocardial infarction (MI), target vessel revascularization (TVR) and stent thrombosis. The difference of MACE was observed between DES and BMS groups. RESULTS: The clinical follow-up duration was 3 years ((41.7 ± 16.1) months). MACE occurred in 20 patients during three years follow-up. Logistic regression analysis showed that the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was an independent predictor for MACE in the follow-up period (P = 0.0301). There was no significant difference in all-cause mortality (3.61% vs. 7.41%, P = 0.2647), the incidence of myocardial infarction (0 vs. 0.93%, P = 0.379) and stent thrombosis (1.20% vs. 1.85%, P = 0.727) between the DES group and BMS group. The incidence of MACE was significantly lower in the DES group compared to the BMS group (4.82% vs. 14.81%, P = 0.0253). The rate of TVR was also lower in the DES group (0 vs. 5.56%, P = 0.029). In the DES group, there was no significant difference in the incidence of MACE between sirolimus eluting stents (SES, n = 73) and paclitaxel-eluting stents (PES, n = 10) subgroups (2.74% vs. 20.00%, P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This finding suggested that drug-eluting stents significantly reduced the need for revascularization in patients with acute STEMI, without increasing the incidence of death or myocardial infarction. Use of DES significantly decreased the incidence of MACE compared with BMS during the 3-year follow-up.