Impacts of sulfur fumigation on the chemistry and immunomodulatory activity of polysaccharides in ginseng.

Ginseng is widely regarded as a panacea in Oriental medicine mainly due to its immunomodulatory activity. We previously found that sulfur fumigation, a commonly used pesticidal and anti-bacterial processing practice, weakened the immunomodulatory activity of ginseng. However, if and how sulfur fumigation affects the polysaccharides in ginseng, the crucial components contributing to the immunomodulatory function, remain unknown. Here we report that polysaccharides extracted from sulfur-fumigated ginseng (SGP) presented different chemical properties with polysaccharides extracted with non-fumigated ginseng (NGP), particularly increased water extraction yield and decreased branching degree. SGP had weaker immunomodulatory activity than NGP in immunocompromised mice, as evidenced by less improved immunophenotypes involving body weight, immune organ indexes, white blood cells, lymphocyte cell populations and inflammation. The different immunomodulatory activities were accompanied by changes in the interaction between the polysaccharides and gut microbiota, in which SGP stimulated the growth of different bacteria but produced less SCFAs as compared to NGP. Fecal microbiota transplantation experiment suggested that gut microbiota played a central role in causing the weakened immunomodulatory activity in vivo. This study provides definite evidence that sulfur fumigation affects the chemistry and bioactivity of ginseng polysaccharides, thereby contributing to understanding how sulfur fumigation weakens the immunomodulatory activity of ginseng.

Impact of Sulfur Fumigation on the Chemistry of Dioscoreae Rhizoma (Chinese Yam).

Dioscoreae Rhizoma (Chinese yam; derived from the rhizome of Dioscorea opposita Thunb.) (DR), commonly consumed as a food or supplement, is often sulfur-fumigated during post-harvest handling, but it remains largely unknown if and how sulfur fumigation impacts the chemistry of DR. In this study, we report the impact of sulfur fumigation on the chemical profile of DR and then the molecular and cellular mechanisms potentially involved in the chemical variations induced by sulfur fumigation. The results show that sulfur fumigation significantly and specifically changed the small metabolites (molecular weight lower than 1000 Da) and polysaccharides of DR at both qualitative and quantitative levels. Multifaceted molecular and cellular mechanisms involving chemical transformations (e.g., acidic hydrolysis, sulfonation, and esterification) and histological damage were found to be responsible for the chemical variations in sulfur-fumigated DR (S-DR). The research outcomes provide a chemical basis for further comprehensive and in-depth safety and functional evaluations of sulfur-fumigated DR.

Acute respiratory distress syndrome following multiple wasp stings treated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: A case report.

BACKGROUND: It is necessary for clinicians to be aware of a rare but possible acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) complication caused by multiple wasp stings. Severe ARDS has a high mortality rate but no specific pharmacotherapies have been identified to date. This case study presents the first case of severe ARDS caused by multiple wasp stings, treated successfully with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). It also emphasizes the effectiveness of early ECMO treatment for severe ARDS with persistent hypoxemia. CASE SUMMARY: A 24-year-old woman was admitted to the emergency department after being stung by more than 10 wasps within a 30-min period, with clinical symptoms of multiple rashes, dizziness, chest tightness, nausea, and vomiting. On the 2nd day of admission, the patient developed progressive dyspnea. The patient was diagnosed with ARDS based on clinical manifestations and lung computed tomography (CT) scan. Because of the progressive dyspnea, the intensive care unit physician performed endotracheal intubation and continued to provide ventilator support, but the patient's respiratory distress worsened, as indicated by the ratio of arterial partial pressure of oxygen to fraction of inspired oxygen. Veno-venous ECMO was initiated for 6 d. On day 7 of admission, ECMO was stopped. On the 11th day of admission, CT scan of the lungs revealed significant reduction of ground-glass opacities and consolidations. After about 2 wk, the patient recovered completely from ARDS and was discharged to home. At the 2-mo follow-up, the patient was in good health with no recurrence of dyspnea nor chest tightness. CONCLUSION: ARDS complication caused by multiple wasp stings may be fatal when mechanical ventilation becomes dangerous due to persistent hypoxemia and despite optimization of ARDS management. We propose that the early implementation of ECMO is a relatively effective treatment, although the evidence is relatively limited.

Impact of Sulfur Fumigation on Ginger: Chemical and Biological Evidence.

We previously found that sulfur fumigation, a commonly used controversial method for the post-harvest handling of ginger, induces the generation of a compound in ginger, which was speculated to be a sulfur-containing derivative of 6-shogaol based on its mass data. However, the chemical and biological properties of the compound remain unknown. As a follow-up study, here we report the chemical structure, systemic exposure, and anticancer activity of the compound. Chromatographic separation, nuclear magnetic resonance analysis, and chemical synthesis structurally elucidated the compound as 6-gingesulfonic acid. Pharmacokinetics in rats found that 6-gingesulfonic acid was more slowly absorbed and eliminated, with more prototypes existing in the blood than 6-shogaol. Metabolism profiling indicated that the two compounds produced qualitatively and quantitatively different metabolites. It was further found that 6-gingesulfonic acid exerted significantly weaker antiproliferative activity on tumor cells than 6-shogaol. The data provide chemical and biological evidence that sulfur fumigation may impair the healthcare functions of ginger.

[Analysis of the effect of double button plate combined with strengthened anchor in the treatment of acromioclavicular dislocation].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and prognosis of double button plate combined with strengthened anchor technique and clavicular hook plate internal fixation for complete acromioclavicular joint dislocation. METHODS: From July 2017 to September 2020, a total of 42 patients with acromioclavicular joint dislocation treated by surgery were choosen as study objects and divided into observation group (21 cases) and control group (21 cases). In the observation group, there were 14 males and 7 females, aged 21 to 63 years old, with an average of (45.05±8.70) years old. In the control group, there were 16 males and 5 females, aged 25 to 68 years old, with an average of(45.00±9.44) years old. The patients in the observation group were treated with double button plate combined with strengthened anchor technique, whereas those in the control group received clavicular hook plate internal fixation. The two groups were compared in terms of operating time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative hospital stay, shoulder pain(visual analogue scale, VAS) score, shoulder function Constant-Murley score and postoperative complications. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the two groups in intraoperative blood loss or postoperative hospital stay(P>0.05). The operating time of double button plate combined with strengthened anchor technique group (65.24±5.36) min was significantly longer than that of the clavicular hook plate group (48.81±4.72) min, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in shoulder function or pain degree between the two groups before operation (P>0.05). After 1 month, 3 months and 6 months, the Constant-Murley score of the observation group was 73.29±2.15, 85.43±1.47, 93.86±1.24 separately, which were significantly higher than those of the control group;and the VAS score was 2.76±0.62, 1.71±0.64, 0.57±0.51 separately, which were significantly lower than those of the control group (P<0.05). One instance of shoulder discomfort was found in the observation group, while 5 cases of shoulder pain, 2 cases of restricted shoulder mobility, and 1 case of subacromial bone absorption were found in the control group. In both group, there was no loss of reduction. CONCLUSION: In the treatment of complete acromioclavicular joint dislocation double button plate combined with strengthened anchor technique achieves favorable clinical result. Internal fixation does not need to be removed. The recovery of shoulder joint function and pain relief are superior than clavicular hook plate internal fixation, which is more worthy of clinical promotion.

[Ectomycorrhizal fungi enhance salt tolerance of Quercus mongolica by regulating ion balance]. / å¤–ç”ŸèŒæ ¹çœŸèŒé€šè¿‡è°ƒèŠ‚ç¦»å­å¹³è¡¡æé«˜è’™å¤æ Žè€ç›æ€§.

We explored the effects of salt stress on the growth of Quercus mongolica and the effects of ectomycorrhizal fungi (ECMF) on the ion balance of Q. mongolica. After inoculating four kinds of ECMFs (Gomphidius visci-dus, Suillus leteus, Suillus grevillea, Boletus edulis) on Q. mongolica seedlings, we treated the annual non-mycorrhizated and mycorrhizated seedlings with NaCl stress (0, 100, 200, 300 mmol·L-1) for 36 days, and then analyzed the mycorrhizal characteristics, growth, leaf injury symptoms, leaf electrolyte permeability, water content, and ion contents in roots, stems, and leaves. The results showed that the four ECMFs could establish a symbiotic system with Q. mongolica, and that root system of mycorrhizal seedlings was stronger than that of non-mycorrhizal seedlings. Under salt stress, the growth of Q. mongolica seedlings was inhibited, with the symptoms of scorched leaves. The damage to leaf plasma membrane and the degree of water loss were aggravated with the increases of salt stress. Under low salt stress (100 mmol·L-1), Q. mongolica preferentially accumulated Na+ in roots and stems. Under medium-high salt stress (200-300 mmol·L-1), roots became the primary organ for accumulating Na+. ECMF regulated ion balance in plant by increasing the Na+ level in roots and reducing the Na+ accumulation in stems and leaves, enhancing the absorption of K+ and Ca2+ to increase the K+/Na+ and Ca2+/Na+. The four ECMFs had different mitigation effects on salt poisoning of Q. mongolica. G. viscidus had the strongest effect, followed by S. leteus, while S. grevillei and B. edulis had relatively little effect.

Ethylene-induced NbMYB4L is involved in resistance against tobacco mosaic virus in Nicotiana benthamiana.

Several MYB transcription factors are known to play important roles in plant resistance to environmental stressors. However, the mechanism governing the involvement of MYBs in regulating tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) resistance in plants is still unclear. In this study, we found that not only is Nicotiana benthamiana MYB4-like involved in defence against TMV, but also that the ethylene pathway participates in MYB4L-mediated resistance. Transcription of NbMYB4L was up-regulated in N. benthamiana infected with TMV. Silencing of NbMYB4L led to intensified TMV replication, whereas overexpression of NbMYB4L induced significant resistance to TMV. Transcription of NbMYB4L was greater in 1-aminocyclopropanecarboxylic acid (ACC, ethylene precursor)-pretreated plants but lower when the ethylene signalling pathway was blocked during TMV infection. Gene expression analysis showed that the transcription of NbMYB4L was largely suppressed in ETHYLENE INSENSITIVE 3-like 1(EIL1)-silenced plants. The results of electrophoretic mobility shift assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation-quantitative PCR (ChIP-qPCR) experiments indicated that NbEIL1 could directly bind to two specific regions of the NbMYB4L promoter. Furthermore, a luciferase assay revealed that NbEIL1 significantly induced the reporter activity of the MYB4L promoter in N. benthamiana. These results point to NbEIL1 functioning as a positive regulator of NbMYB4L transcription in N. benthamiana against TMV. Collectively, our work reveals that EIL1 and MYB4L constitute a coherent feed-forward loop involved in the robust regulation of resistance to TMV in N. benthamiana.

Giant low-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasm: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Appendiceal mucinous neoplasm (AMN) is extremely rare. Since the disease does not manifest a characteristic profile of clinical symptoms, it is easy to misdiagnose and still difficult to diagnose without operation. Here, we report a case of low-grade AMN (LAMN) and summarize its clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment. CASE SUMMARY: A 63-year-old postmenopausal woman presented with a history of right lower abdominal mass. The patient underwent laparotomy, which showed an appendiceal mucocele originating from the apex of the appendix, and a simple appendectomy was performed. The subsequent histological assessment identified an LAMN with no lymph node involvement and negative surgical margin. The patient received six cycles of chemotherapy after surgery, and to date, more than a year after the surgery, the patient remains in good health. CONCLUSION: A unified, standardized, detailed, and accurate pathological diagnosis is needed for LAMN, to facilitate selection of an appropriate surgical plan. In addition, the surgeon should record the details of the tumors in the surgical records in order to facilitate follow-up after surgery.

Naringin regulates bone metabolism in glucocorticoid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head via the Akt/Bad signal cascades.

PURPOSE: Glucocorticoid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head (GIONFH) is a common disease following long-term use or large doses of glucocorticoids. The pathogenesis of GIONFH remains controversial, and abnormal bone metabolism caused by glucocorticoids(GCs) may be one of the important factors. Due to its positive effect on bone remodeling, naringin shows potential therapeutic effects in bone metabolism-related diseases. In this study, we hypothesized that naringin regulated bone metabolism in rat GIONFH via the Akt/Bad signal cascades. METHODS: In vitro, a dexamethasone (Dex)- or naringin-treated cell model was used to evaluate the function of naringin. In vivo, methylprednisolone (MPS)-treated rat model was used to evaluate the function of naringin in GIONFH. In vitro, Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and Edu staining was used to evaluate the proliferation of osteocytes, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay, Annexin V-FITC-PI, and western blotting were used to evaluate the apoptosis of osteocytes. We also verified the effects of naringin on osteogenesis and osteoclastogenesis. In vivo, we used micro-CT (computed tomography), histological, and immunohistochemical analysis to evaluate the effect of naringin. Moreover, the mechanism of naringin regulating the bone metabolism through the Akt/Bad pathway was also investigated using bioinformatics analysis and western blotting. RESULTS: The results of in vitro study showed that Akt activated by naringin promoted osteogenesis and osteocyte proliferation; in addition, osteocyte apoptosis and osteoclastogenesis was inhibited by Akt activation and Bad suppression. According to the in vivo study, naringin prevented GIONFH in a rat model as shown by micro-CT scanning and histological and immunohistochemical analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Therefore, we concluded that naringin is an effective compound for promoting bone repair and preventing bone loss in rats with GIONFH through Akt/Bad signal cascades.

CT-based Morphometric Analysis of Approach of Percutaneous Transforaminal Endoscopic Lumbar Interbody Fusion.

OBJECTIVES: A radiographic study was designed to measure the relationship of the exiting nerve root and its surroundings to the corresponding intervertebral disc for percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic lumbar interbody fusion to better understand the regional anatomy and to improve clinical applications. METHODS: A retrospective study from January 2017 to October 2017 was conducted at Tianjin Hospital. CT images were obtained from patients presenting low back pain (110 patients), and analysis was performed bilaterally from L2-3 to L5 S1 . In the rotating coronal plane we analyzed: the nerve root-dural sac distance at the superior and inferior margins of the disc (Js, Ji); the nerve root-pedicle distance at the medial, middle, and lateral borders of the pedicle (Pa, Pb, Pc); the pedicle width (W); and the safe working zone, defined as a trapezoid bounded by the inferior pedicle and the exiting nerve root (S). In the transverse plane, the nerve root-articular process and the shortest distance for the nerve root-articular process joint surface were analyzed at the superior and inferior margins of the disc (Gs, Gi), respectively. The groups were analyzed using ANOVA, and paired t-tests were used to compare the left and right sides. RESULTS: From L2-3 to L5 S1 , the distance of the nerve root to the dural sac was larger at the inferior margin of the disc. From L2-3 to L5 S1 , each segment of the vertebral nerve root-pedicle distance gradually decreased from medial to lateral. From L2-3 to L5 S1 , the distance from the exiting nerve root to the middle and lateral margins of the pedicle gradually decreased, with L5 S1 being the minimum. Some significant differences were observed between the left and right sides for L4-5 and L5 S1 . The pedicle width of the vertebral body and the mean area for the safe working zone gradually increased from L2-3 to L5 S1 . In the axial plane, the shortest distance between the nerve root and articular process joint surface at the inferior margin of the disc was greater than the distance for the nerve root to the articular process at the superior margin of the disc from L2-3 to L5 S1 . There were no significant differences between the two sides. CONCLUSIONS: It is more difficult to implant a cage with a width of 10 mm above the L3-4 level. By removing part of the superior articular process, the safe working area can be expanded, and damage to the nerve or other structures can be avoided when implanting a cage.

CT-guided percutaneous cryoablation combined with systemic chemotherapy for liver metastases from esophageal carcinoma: Initial experience.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the feasibility, safety and effectiveness of percutaneous cryoablation combined with systemic chemotherapy in the treatment of liver metastases from esophageal carcinoma (ECLM). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively collected data of 16 patients who received CT-guided percutaneous cryoablation concurrent systemic chemotherapy for liver metastases after primary esophageal carcinoma resection. Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General (FACT-G) was used for the assessment of quality of life (QOL), and overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS) and complications were also evaluated. RESULTS: The technical success rate was 96%, and no major complications related to cryoablation procedure were detected. Median OS and PFS after cryoablation were 14.5 months (range, 4-51 months) and 7.5 months (range, 1-31 months), respectively. The 1-year, 2-year, and 3-year survival rates were 56.3%, 31.3%, and 18.8%, respectively. The PFS rate at 6-month, 1-year, and 2-year after procedure were 68.8%, 31.3% and 18.8%, respectively. Furthermore, the QOL of patients was improved after cryoablation therapy compared with preoperative scores (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous cryoablation combined with systemic chemotherapy is a safe, feasible and effective method to treat liver metastases from esophageal carcinoma. And to a certain extent, this approach is very efficacious in improving the QOL of patients with ECLM.

CT-guided percutaneous cryoablation for palliative therapy of gastric cancer liver metastases.

OBJECTIVE: Liver metastases occur in approximately 4%-14% of gastric cancer patients and are associated with high mortality. However, no standardized treatment approach is available for these patients. We aimed to assess the clinical outcomes of patients with gastric cancer liver metastases (GCLM) who underwent percutaneous cryoablation. METHODS: We retrospectively enrolled 19 patients with 27 metastatic hepatic tumors who underwent cryoablation for liver metastases after gastrectomy for primary gastric cancer. Complications, overall survival (OS), local tumor progression-free survival (PFS), recurrence rates, and quality of life were assessed. RESULTS: After cryoablation therapy, the median OS for all 19 patients was 16.0 months (range, 5-50 months), and the 1-, 2-, and 3-year OS rates were 78.9%, 43.4%, and 21.7%, respectively. The median local tumor PFS was 8.0 months (range, 3-24 months), and the local tumor PFS rates at 6 and 12 months were 59.2% and 23.2%, respectively. Overall, patients' quality of life improved after cryoablation therapy (P < 0.05). Complications in this study were mild; no severe complications caused by technique were detected. CONCLUSIONS: Cryoablation provided good local control, improved patients' quality of life and had a low complication rate. Our research showed that cryoablation may be an effective palliative treatment for GCLM.

[Removal of tetracycline by a kind of nano-sized amorphous carbon].

The experiments were conducted to investigate the adsorption behavior of tetracycline on a kind of nano-sized amorphous carbon, which was synthetized in a molten salt electrochemical system, comprising a eutectic mixture of Li-Na-K carbonates. The results showed that, the carbon powder had a good adsorption performance. At 298K, the maximum adsorption capacity of tetracycline was 127.76 mg x g(-1). The adsorption data could be well fitted by the pseudo-second-order model and the Freundlich isotherm. Also, the thermodynamic tests for the adsorption were conducted. The adsorption was endothermic and spontaneous reaction with chemical bond as the dominant. The adsorption was pH dependent. The adsorption capacity reached the maximum when solution pH was 4 in the range from 2 to 11. The existence of cations had little effects on the adsorption. The adsorption capacity increased with the concentration of cations to a certain extent. Ion exchange may be one of the adsorption mechanisms, as well as, electric attraction and hydrogen bond. Moreover, desorption experiments were carried out in 0.25 mol x L(-1) CaCl2 or NaCl solution respectively. Desorption efficiency ranged from 7.42% to 25%, which was at a relatively low level. The result indicated that the chemical adsorption process was strong.

[Inhibitory effects of dry Acorus calamus extracts on the growth of two water bloom-forming algal species].

A trial with different concentrations of aqueous extracts from dry Acorus calamus plants was conducted to study the effects of the extracts on Microcystis aeruginosa and Chlorella pyrenoidosa growth. Allelopathic effects were observed. High concentration ( >40 ml x L(-1)) extracts inhibited the growth of the two algal species at low inoculation cell density significantly (P < 0.01), with the maximal inhibition rate being 98.66% for M. aeruginosa and 92.38% for C. pyrenoidosa, while low concentration ( < 30 ml x L(-1)) extracts promoted the growth of C. pyrenoidosa. Neither high nor low concentration extracts had significant effects on the growth of the two algal species at high inoculation cell density (P > 0.05). The comparison of adding the aqueous extracts once and semiconsecutively showed that the allelochemicals in the extracts were easy to be degraded, suggesting that the continuous secretion of allelochemicals in natural water bodies could play an important role in inhibiting algal growth.