Molecular networking-assisted systematical profiling and the in vivo neuroprotective effect of ellagitannins from the Melastoma dodecandrum Lour.

BACKGROUND: Ellagitannins (ETs) are a major classification of natural tannins, with relatively large and complex structures. ETs from medicinal plants are focused increasingly due to urolithins, a kind of intestinal metabolite of ETs, which showed promising anti-Alzheimer's disease (AD) effects. Melastoma dodecandrum (MD), a widely used traditional Chinese medicine is rich in ETs, but their chemistry and potential neuroprotective effects have not been investigated. PURPOSE: This study aimed to identify the chemical composition of ETs in the crude extract of MD and to investigate their neuroprotective effects in vivo. METHODS: UPLC-QTOF-MS-based molecular networking (MN) and structural characterization were applied to targeted profiling of the MD-ETs. Animal behavior experiments, including the novel object recognition test (NOR), open field test (OFT), and Morris water maze test (MWM), were conducted to assess the memory improvement effects of MD-ETs in AD model mice. RESULTS: A total of 70 ETs, ranging from monomers to tetramers, were tracked and characterized in the MD extract using MN-guided targeted profiling, with 59 of them reported for the first time in this species. MD-ETs significantly improved memory impairment in AD mice, as indicated by decreased escape latency, increased number of crossings and target quadrant distance in MWM, increased rearing number in OFT, and increased preference index in NOR. CONCLUSION: This study systematically characterized the composition and structural features of ETs in MD using targeted LC-MS profiling, expanding the chemical information of ETs in MD. Furthermore, the results demonstrate that MD-ETs have significant effects on improving impaired memory in AD mice, suggesting their potential as alternative natural medicines for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

The Relationship Between the Effectiveness of HMME-PDT and the Dermoscopic Features of Port-wine Stains in Chinese Pediatric Patients: A Retrospective Study.

INTRODUCTION: Although pulsed dye laser (PDL) remains the gold standard for the treatment of port-wine stains (PWS), hematoporphyrin monomethyl ether photodynamic therapy (HMME-PDT) is another treatment modality that has been shown to be effective in the treatment of PWS. This study aimed to observe the clinical efficacy and therapeutic response of HMME-PDT in the treatment of pediatric Chinese patients with PWS and to analyze the association between the efficacy of therapy and the dermoscopic features of PWS. METHODS: Pediatric patients with PWS and negative HMME skin test were enrolled between December 2017 and May 2021. Patients received an intravenous injection of 5 mg/kg HMME, and lesions were irradiated with 532-nm LED green light with a power density of 70-80 mW/cm2 for 20-25 min. Digital photographs and dermoscopic images were taken before and after two treatment sessions, and the clinical response was observed. The relationship between the efficacy of HMME-PDT and the dermoscopic features of PWS was retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 216 pediatric patients (1-14 years) were recruited. Sixty-six patients had the pink type, while 150 had the purple type. After two HMME-PDT sessions, 55 patients showed excellent efficacy (25.46%), 77 patients showed good efficacy (35.65%), 69 patients showed fair efficacy (31.94%), and 15 patients showed no improvement (6.95%). Dotted and globular vessels were highly associated with excellent efficacy (41.82%); linear vessels were mainly associated with good efficacy (54.55%); reticular vessels were mainly associated with fair (55.07%) and mixed vessels were mainly associated with no improvement (26.66%). CONCLUSION: HMME-PDT is an effective and safe treatment for pediatric patients with PWS. Dotted and globular vessels as well as linear vessels showed better efficacy compared to the other dermoscopic patterns in patients with PWS. Dermoscopy can provide useful clinical information about treatment outcomes.

A review of the traditional uses, phytochemistry and biological activities of the Melastoma genus.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The genus Melastoma consists of approximately 100 species distributed widely in tropical and subtropical countries, and Melastoma species are often used for medicinal purposes, such as treatment for bleeding, diarrhea, diabetes, and gynecological tumors by local people, mostly in Southeast Asian countries. AIM OF THE REVIEW: The present review summarizes the traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology of species belonging to Melastoma to suggest further research strategies and to facilitate the exploitation of the therapeutic potential of Melastoma species for the treatment of human disorders. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Information related to the traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacological activities was systematically collected by searching for the word "Melastoma" in electronic databases, including SciFinder, Web of Science, PubMed, and Google Scholar, from Apr. 1968 until Dec. 2019. RESULTS: A systematic literature survey revealed that Melastoma spp. are widely distributed in southern Asia to northern Oceania and the Pacific Islands and are traditionally used to treat bleeding, diarrhea, swelling, and gynecological tumors. Approximately 142 compounds, including flavonoids, tannins, phenylpropanoids, organic acids, terpenoids, and steroids, have been reported from Melastoma spp. Different extracts have been evaluated for their pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, hemostatic, anticoagulant, cytotoxic, antibacterial, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, gastroprotective and hypoglycemic activities. CONCLUSIONS: Melastoma spp. are popularly used in Southeast Asian countries as effective herbs and are rich in flavonoids, tannins and organic acids with valuable medicinal properties. However, additional studies of the chemical constituents and the mechanism-based pharmacological activities of many members of Melastoma are still needed for developing new plant-derived drugs. In addition, studies on the clinical safety and efficacy of Melastoma are also needed.

[Advances in quality research of Cinnamomum cassia].

Cinnamomum cassis is one of the commonly used traditional Chinese medicines in China. Its genuine producing areas distribute in Guangdong and Guangxi provinces. As an important edible herb and export variety of China, the quality control and internationalization of quality standards of C. cassis is extremely significant. In the recent years, with the development of the cinnamon industry, relevant academic research and the upgrade of the international standards, it is necessary to summarize the quality-related progress of C. cassis. In the present review, the germplasm resources, specific quality marker(Q-marker) and quality standards of C. cassis were summarized on the basis of published research during the last 10 years.

Two Pairs of Isomerically New Phenylpropanoidated Epicatechin Gallates with Neuroprotective Effects on H2O2-Injured SH-SY5Y Cells from Zijuan Green Tea and Their Changes in Fresh Tea Leaves Collected from Different Months and Final Product.

Zijuan tea ( Camellia sinensis var. assamica), an anthocyanin-rich cultivar with purple leaves, is a valuable material for manufacturing tea with unique color and flavor. In this paper, four new phenylpropanoid substituted epicatechin gallates (pECGs), Zijuanins A-D (1-4), were isolated from Zijuan green tea by different column chromatography. Their structures were identified by extensive high resolution mass spectroscopy (HR-MS), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and experimental and calculated circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopic analyses. Detection of the changes in fresh tea leaves collected from April to September and the final processed product by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-HRMS suggested that production of compounds 1 and 2 may be enhanced by the processing procedure of Zijuan green tea. Additionally, 1-4 were proposed to be synthesized through interaction between the abundant secondary metabolite ECG and phenolic acids from tea leaves by two key steps of phenol-dienone tautomerism. 1 and 2 showed impressive activity in protecting SH-SY5Y cells against H2O2-induced damage at the concentration of 1.0 µM.

Perylenequinone-based "turn on" fluorescent probe for hydrogen sulfide with high sensitivity in living cells.

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a kind of gaseous signal molecule in many physiological processes. In order to detect H2S, a novel "turn on" fluorescent probe 6,12-dihydroxyperylene-1,7-dione (DPD) was designed and synthesized. The probe DPD is fluorescence silence, while the addition of H2S induces an obvious green fluorescence with an obvious color change from dark blue to yellow-green. The probe shows excellent selectivity, fast response (2.5min) and linear curve (0-90µM) in wide effective pH range (4-10). Competition experiments are also revealed in corresponding studies and the detection limit is 3.6µM. The response mechanism is proved to be the reduction of the probe by H2S, which is confirmed by 1H NMR. Furthermore, through the fluorescence turn-on signal toward H2S in Hela cells, probe DPD was successfully applied to monitor H2S in living Hela cells.

A fluorescent probe based on tetrahydro[5]helicene derivative with large Stokes shift for rapid and highly selective recognition of hydrogen sulfide.

In this work, we have designed and synthesized a dinitrobenzene-sulfonate tetrahydro[5]helicene (H-DNP) as an effective fluorescent probe for detection of hydrogen sulfide (H2S). Upon the addition of H2S, a significant fluorescence enhancement (75-fold) at 495 nm can be observed with a distinct color change from colorless to yellow. Additionally, H-DNP shows low background spectroscopic signal, large Stokes Shift up to ~140 nm, good sensitivity, rapid response time less than 2 min, low detection limit (48 nM) and high selectivity toward common bio-thiols (Cysteine, Homocysteine and Glutathione). Compared with the previous dinitrophenoxy tetrahydro[5]helicene, this probe has shorter response time and lower detection limit. Most importantly, this probe H-DNP has low toxicity to cells and excellent cell permeability, which can be applied to visualize H2S in living cells.

A coumarin-based dual optical probe for homocysteine with rapid response time, high sensitivity and selectivity.

In this study, a new coumarin-based fluorescent and chromogenic dual channel probe (DC) was used for the selective detection of homocysteine (Hcy) over other amino acids, especially for cysteine (Cys) and glutathione (GSH). When Hcy is present in the solution, the remarkable fluorescence enhancement and obvious blue shift in UV-vis spectra can be observed. In addition, the color change from purple to yellow can be observed clearly by unaided eyes. This probe DC has fast response time, excellent sensitivity and selectivity to Hcy. A linear relationship exists between the ratio of emissions at 486 and 625 nm, and Hcy can be detected in a wide concentration range (0-200 µM). The signal-to-background ratio of fluorescence at 486 nm can reach 8.4, and the detection limit is calculated to be 3.5 µM. The response mechanism is proved to be the Michael addition reaction by Hcy. Preliminary results on cell imaging enable the practical application of Hcy tracing in living cells.

Novel Acylated Flavonol Tetraglycoside with Inhibitory Effect on Lipid Accumulation in 3T3-L1 Cells from Lu'an GuaPian Tea and Quantification of Flavonoid Glycosides in Six Major Processing Types of Tea.

A novel acylated flavonol tetraglycoside, kaempferol 3-O-[(E)-p-coumaroyl-(1→2)][α-l-arabinopyranosyl-(1→3)][ß-d-glucopyranosyl (1→3)-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl(1→6)]-ß-d-glucopyranoside (camellikaempferoside C, 1), together with 2 flavonols and 18 flavone and flavonol glycosides (FGs) (2-21) was isolated from the green tea Lu'an GuaPian (Camellia sinensis L.O. Kuntze). Their structures were identified by spectroscopic and chemical methods. Four acylated FGs (1, 7, 8, 9) were found to inhibit the proliferation and differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes at concentrations of 25, 50, and 100 µM (P < 0.05). Furthermore, we established a rapid UPLC method to quantify nine FGs in six major processing types of tea. The results showed that dark tea had the highest amount of 20 (0.70 ± 0.017 mg/g) and black tea had the highest amount of 8 (0.09 ± 0.012 mg/g), whereas the amounts of 10 and 16 basically decreased with the increasing degree of fermentation and could contribute to the discrimination of different processing types of tea.

[Influence of Uranium in Pteris vittata L. Inoculated by Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungus].

A pot experiment was carried out to explore the annual changes by bioremediation inoculated with 30 g Glomus versiorme in Pteris vittata L. The results showed that mycorrhizal colonization was the lowest in September 2013 (57.14%), and was the highest in March 2014 (75.20%), following the tendency firstly increasing and then decreasing. The dry biomass was markedly high in Gv than that in CK, especially in roots. The total U was significantly higher in Gv than that in CK, and was fixed predominantly into roots. The media in Gv showed less U than that in CK. It was absorbed the most to iron and manganese oxidable U and sulfide U, and each U species declined accompanying the time prolongation. In addition, bioconcentration factors were higher in Gv compared to those of CK, and both treatments were above 1. Positive relationship was found between mycorrhizal colonization and bioconcentration factors. Therefore, U uptake was enhanced inoculated by Gv, and the symbiont in arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus and Pteris vittata L. had a potential to remediate U polluted soil.

Associations of genetic polymorphisms of TLR5, TLR9 and transduction molecules in MyD88 signaling pathway with systemic lupus erythematosus in Zhuang and Han ethnics of Guangxi province, China.

OBJECTIVES: To discuss the associations of SNPs of TLR5, TLR9 and transduction molecules in MyD88 signaling pathway with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) risk in Zhuang and Han ethnics and to compare the difference between the two ethnics. METHODS: PCR and direct sequencing method were used to detect gene polymorphisms of TLR5, TLR9 and transduction molecules in MyD88 signaling pathway in 77 patients with SLE and 72 healthy controls, in order to explore their relationships with SLE incidence and compare the differences in genotypes and allele frequencies between groups. RESULTS: TLR5 rs5744168 gene polymorphism was unrelated with SLE susceptibility of Guangxi Zhuang and Han. Among the Han population, there was a statistically significant difference in TLR9 rs352140 genotype frequency between SLE group and control group (P = 0.043). In the Han and Zhuang populations, there were no significant differences in MyD88 rs7744 genotype and allele frequencies (all P > 0.05) between SLE group and control group; but there was a statistically significant difference in allele frequencies between the case group and the control group (P = 0.033). For TRAF6 rs5030472, GA + AA genotype frequency of Zhuang SLE group was significantly higher than that of control group and the difference was statistically significant (P = 0.006); an allele frequency was also significantly higher. IRF5 rs2004640 GG/TT genotype and the corresponding G allele frequencies of Zhuang SLE group were significantly higher than that of control group, with statistically significant differences (P = 0.008 and P = 0.000, respectively). CONCLUSION: TLR5 rs5744168 gene polymorphism may have no correlation with SLE susceptibility in Guangxi Zhuang and Han populations; TLR9 rs352140 gene polymorphism may be associated with SLE susceptibility in Guangxi Han population, while TRAF6 rs5030472 and IRF5 rs2004640 gene polymorphisms may relate to SLE susceptibility in Guangxi Zhuang population.

Auricular acupressure reduces anxiety levels and improves outcomes of in vitro fertilization: a prospective, randomized and controlled study.

The study was to explore whether auricular acupressure (AA) can relieve anxiety during the period from trans-vaginal oocyte retrieval to the embryo transfer in IVF treatment and whether AA can improve the outcomes of IVF. 305 infertile patients with tubal blockage who were referred for IVF were included. The women were randomized into a control group with 102 cases, a Sham-AA group with 102 cases and an AA group with 101 cases. The anxiety levels were rated with Spielberger's State Trait Anxiety Inventory and the Amsterdam Preoperative Anxiety and Information Scale. Data of clinical pregnancy rate (CPR), implantation rate (IR) and live birth rate (LBR) were obtained. The levels of neuropeptide Y (NPY) and transforming growth factor alpha (TGF-alpha) in the follicular fluids were detected with ELISA. After treatment, in AA group, the levels of state anxiety, preoperative anxiety and need-for-information were significantly lower, whereas CPR, IR, LBR and NPY levels in the follicular fluids were markedly higher than Sham-AA group and control group. We concluded that AA could help to reduce anxiety levels associated with IVF and improves the outcomes of IVF partly through increasing the levels of NPY in the follicular fluids.

QTLNetworkR: an interactive R package for QTL visualization.

QTLNetworkR is an R package that aims to provide a user-friendly and platform-independent tool to visualize quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping results. The graphical functions of the QTLNetworkR are based upon lattice and grid packages, and the graphical user interface (GUI) of the QTLNetworkR is built upon RGtk2 and gWidgetsRGtk2 packages. Six functions are designed to help visualize marker interval, putative QTL, QTL-by-environment interactions, marker interval interactions, epistasis, and the predicted genetic architecture of complex traits. It is especially helpful in profiling results for multiple traits at multiple environments. The current version of QTLNetworkR is able to accept QTL mapping results from QTLNetwork, and it is ready for possible extensions to import results from some other QTL mapping software packages. In addition, we presented a QTL mapping result in rice (Oryza sativa) as an example to describe the features of QTLNetworkR.

Modulation of Transmission Spectra of Anodized Alumina Membrane Distributed Bragg Reflector by Controlling Anodization Temperature.

We have successfully prepared anodized alumina membrane distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) using electrochemical anodization method. The transmission peak of this distributed Bragg reflector could be easily and effectively modulated to cover almost any wavelength range of the whole visible spectrum by adjusting anodization temperature.

Brunner's gland adenoma of duodenum: a case report and literature review.

AIM: To analyze the clinicopathological features of Brunner's gland adenoma of the duodenum. METHODS: A rare case of Brunner's gland adenoma of the duodenum was described and related literature was reviewed. RESULTS: Brunner's gland adenoma of the duodenum appeared to be nodular hyperplasia of the normal Brunner's gland with an unusual admixture of normal tissues, including ducts, adipose tissue and lymphoid tissue. We suggested that it might be designated as a duodenal hamartoma rather than a true neoplasm. CONCLUSION: The most common location of the lesion is the posterior wall of the duodenum near the junction of its first and second portions. It can result in gastrointestinal hemorrhage and duodenal obstruction. Endoscopic polypectomy is a worthy treatment for benign Brunner's gland adenomas, as malignant changes in these tumors have never been proven.