Pharmacological Actions, Molecular Mechanisms, Pharmacokinetic Progressions, and Clinical Applications of Hydroxysafflor Yellow A in Antidiabetic Research.

Hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA), a nutraceutical compound derived from safflower (Carthamus tinctorius), has been shown as an effective therapeutic agent in cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and diabetes. Our previous study showed that the effect of HSYA on high-glucose-induced podocyte injury is related to its anti-inflammatory activities via macrophage polarization. Based on the information provided on PubMed, Scopus and Wanfang database, we currently aim to provide an updated overview of the role of HSYA in antidiabetic research from the following points: pharmacological actions, molecular mechanisms, pharmacokinetic progressions, and clinical applications. The pharmacokinetic research of HSYA has laid foundations for the clinical applications of HSYA injection in diabetic nephropathy, diabetic retinopathy, and diabetic neuropathy. The application of HSYA as an antidiabetic oral medicament has been investigated based on its recent oral delivery system research. In vivo and in vitro pharmacological research indicated that the antidiabetic activities of HSYA were based mainly on its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms via JNK/c-jun pathway, NOX4 pathway, and macrophage differentiation. Further anti-inflammatory exploration related to NF-κB signaling, MAPK pathway, and PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway might deserve attention in the future. The anti-inflammatory activities of HSYA related to diabetes and diabetic complications will be a highlight in our following research.

Comparison of critical biomarkers in 2 erectile dysfunction models based on GEO and NOS-cGMP-PDE5 pathway.

BACKGROUND: Erectile dysfunction is a disease commonly caused by diabetes mellitus (DMED) and cavernous nerve injury (CNIED). Bioinformatics analyses including differentially expressed genes (DEGs), enriched functions and pathways (EFPs), and protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks were carried out in DMED and CNIED rats in this study. The critical biomarkers that may intervene in nitric oxide synthase (NOS, predominantly nNOS, ancillary eNOS, and iNOS)-cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)-phosphodiesterase 5 enzyme (PDE5) pathway, an important mechanism in erectile dysfunction treatment, were then explored for potential clinical applications. METHODS: GSE2457 and GSE31247 were downloaded. Their DEGs with a |logFC (fold change)| > 0 were screened out. Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery (DAVID) online database was used to analyze the EFPs in Gene Ontology enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes networks based on down-regulated and up-regulated DEGs respectively. PPI analysis of 2 datasets was performed in Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes/Proteins (STRING) and Cytoscape. Interactions with an average score greater than 0.9 were chosen as the cutoff for statistical significance. RESULTS: From a total of 1710 DEGs in GSE2457, 772 were down-regulated and 938 were up-regulated, in contrast to the 836 DEGs in GSE31247, from which 508 were down-regulated and 328 were up-regulated. The 25 common EFPs such as aging and response to hormone were identified in both models. PPI results showed that the first 10 hub genes in DMED were all different from those in CNIED. CONCLUSIONS: The intervention of iNOS with the hub gene complement component 3 in DMED and the aging process in both DMED and CNIED deserves attention.

Identification of a MarR Subfamily That Regulates Arsenic Resistance Genes.

In this study, comprehensive analyses were performed to determine the function of an atypical MarR homolog in Achromobacter sp. strain As-55. Genomic analyses of Achromobacter sp. As-55 showed that this marR is located adjacent to an arsV gene. ArsV is a flavin-dependent monooxygenase that confers resistance to the antibiotic methylarsenite [MAs(III)], the organoarsenic compound roxarsone(III) [Rox(III)], and the inorganic antimonite [Sb(III)]. Similar marR genes are widely distributed in arsenic-resistant bacteria. Phylogenetic analyses showed that these MarRs are found in operons predicted to be involved in resistance to inorganic and organic arsenic species, so the subfamily was named MarRars. MarRars orthologs have three conserved cysteine residues, which are Cys36, Cys37, and Cys157 in Achromobacter sp. As-55, mutation of which compromises the response to MAs(III)/Sb(III). GFP-fluorescent biosensor assays show that AdMarRars (MarR protein of Achromobacter deleyi As-55) responds to trivalent As(III) and Sb(III) but not to pentavalent As(V) or Sb(V). The results of RT-qPCR assays show that arsV is expressed constitutively in a marR deletion mutant, indicating that marR represses transcription of arsV. Moreover, electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSAs) demonstrate that AdMarRars binds to the promoters of both marR and arsV in the absence of ligands and that DNA binding is relieved upon binding of As(III) and Sb(III). Our results demonstrate that AdMarRars is a novel As(III)/Sb(III)-responsive transcriptional repressor that controls expression of arsV, which confers resistance to MAs(III), Rox(III), and Sb(III). AdMarRars and its orthologs form a subfamily of MarR proteins that regulate genes conferring resistance to arsenic-containing antibiotics. IMPORTANCE In this study, a MarR family member, AdMarRars was shown to regulate the arsV gene, which confers resistance to arsenic-containing antibiotics. It is a founding member of a distinct subfamily that we refer to as MarRars, regulating genes conferring resistance to arsenic and antimony antibiotic compounds. AdMarRars was shown to be a repressor containing conserved cysteine residues that are required to bind As(III) and Sb(III), leading to a conformational change and subsequent derepression. Here we show that members of the MarR family are involved in regulating arsenic-containing compounds.

Potential of cadmium resistant Burkholderia contaminans strain ZCC in promoting growth of soy beans in the presence of cadmium.

Bioremediation of Cd contaminated environments can be assisted by plant-growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) enabling plant growth in these sites. Here a gram-negative Burkholderia contaminans ZCC was isolated from mining soil at a copper-gold mine. When exposed to Cd(II), ZCC displayed high Cd resistance and the minimal inhibitory concentration was 7 mM in LB medium. Complete genome analysis uncovered B. contaminans ZCC contained 3 chromosomes and 2 plasmids. One of these plasmids was shown to contain a multitude of heavy metal resistance determinants including genes encoding a putative Cd-translocating PIB-type ATPase and an RND-type related to the Czc-system. These additional heavy metal resistance determinants are likely responsible for the increased resistance to Cd(II) and other heavy metals in comparison to other strains of B. contaminans. B. contaminans ZCC also displayed PGPB traits such as 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate deaminase activity, siderophore production, organic and inorganic phosphate solubilization and indole acetic acid production. Moreover, the properties and Cd(II) binding characteristics of extracellular polymeric substances was investigated. ZCC was able to induce extracellular polymeric substances production in response to Cd and was shown to be chemically coordinated to Cd(II). It could promote the growth of soybean in the presence of elevated concentrations of Cd(II). This work will help to better understand processes important in bioremediation of Cd-contaminated environment.

Protective Effects of Two Safflower Derived Compounds, Kaempferol and Hydroxysafflor Yellow A, on Hyperglycaemic Stress-Induced Podocyte Apoptosis via Modulating of Macrophage M1/M2 Polarization.

OBJECTIVE: The primary initiating mechanism in diabetes nephropathy (DN) is hyperglycemia-induced inflammation in which macrophage and podocyte play important roles. The present research is aimed at exploring the effects of kaempferol (Ka) and hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA) on classically activated (M1)/alternatively activated (M2) macrophage polarization and podocyte apoptosis under hyperglycaemic conditions in vitro. METHODS: (1) RAW264.7 cells were treated with 11.1 mM glucose (NG), 33.3 mM glucose (HG), Ka 4-8 µM, and HSYA 100-200 µM separately. The expressions of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), tumor necrosis factor- (TNF-) α, mannose receptor (CD206), and arginase- (Arg-) 1 were quantified by Western blotting and real-time quantitative PCR. The collected supernatants from macrophage were named as (NG) MS, (HG) MS, (Ka) MS, and (HSYA) MS. (2) The podocyte survival rate was assessed by Bromodeoxyuridine assay, while TNF-α and interleukin- (IL-) 1ß levels were evaluated by Elisa. RESULTS: (1) Compared to the HG group, the Ka and HSYA 100 µM groups decreased iNOS and TNF-α levels and increased Arg-1 and CD206 expressions significantly (protein and mRNA: p < 0.05, respectively). (2) The podocyte survival rate of Ka 8 µM was higher than that of HG, and the rates of (Ka) MS and (HSYA 100 µM) MS were higher than that of (HG) MS significantly (all: p < 0.05). (3) TNF-α and IL-1ß levels of Ka and HSYA 100 µM were significantly lower than those of the HG group, and both levels in the (Ka) MS and (HSYA) MS were lower than those in the (HG) MS group significantly (p < 0.05, respectively). CONCLUSION: The protective effects of Ka and HSYA on podocyte apoptosis under hyperglycemic stress are related to their modulation on M1/M2 polarization and the lowering effects on TNF-α and IL-1ß levels.

Protective Effects of Thalidomide on High-Glucose-Induced Podocyte Injury through In Vitro Modulation of Macrophage M1/M2 Differentiation.

Objective. It has been shown that podocyte injury represents an important pathological basis that contributes to proteinuria and eventually leads to kidney failure. High glucose (HG) activates macrophage polarization, further exacerbating HG-induced podocyte injury. Our previous study on diabetic nephropathy rats indicated that thalidomide (Tha) has renoprotective properties. The present study explored the effects of Tha on mRNA and protein expressions of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), tumor necrosis factor- (TNF-) α, mannose receptor (CD206), and arginase- (Arg-) 1 in HG-activated macrophages. iNOS and TNF-α are established as markers of classically activated macrophage (M1). CD206 and Arg-1 are regarded as markers of alternatively activated macrophages (M2). During the experiment, the supernatants of (HG)-treated and (Tha)-treated macrophages, designated as (HG) MS and (Tha) MS, were simultaneously collected and processed. TNF-α and interleukin- (IL-) 1ß levels as well as protein expressions of nephrin and podocin in HG, (HG) MS, and (Tha) MS-cultured podocytes were evaluated. The results showed that compared to the 11.1 mM normal glucose (NG), the 33.3 mM HG-cultured RAW 264.7 cells exhibited upregulated iNOS and TNF-α mRNAs and protein expressions, and downregulated CD206 and Arg-1 expressions significantly (p < 0.05). Tha 200 µg/ml suppressed iNOS and TNF-α, and promoted CD206 and Arg-1 expressions significantly compared to the HG group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, (HG) MS-treated podocytes showed an increase in TNF-α and IL-1ß levels and a downregulation in nephrin and podocin expression significantly compared to NG-treated and HG-treated podocytes (p < 0.05). The (Tha 200 µg/ml) MS group exhibited a decrease in TNF-α and IL-1ß level, and an upregulation in nephrin and podocin expressions significantly compared to the (HG) MS group (p < 0.05). Our research confirmed that HG-activated macrophage differentiation aggravates HG-induced podocyte injury in vitro and the protective effects of Tha might be related to its actions on TNF-α and IL-1ß levels via its modulation on M1/M2 differentiation.

Improved grain yield and lowered arsenic accumulation in rice plants by inoculation with arsenite-oxidizing Achromobacter xylosoxidans GD03.

Arsenite is the predominant arsenic species in flooded paddy soil, and arsenite bioaccumulation in rice grains has been identified as a major problem in many Asian countries. Lowering arsenite level in rice plants and grain via accelerating arsenite oxidation is a potential strategy to help populations, who depended on rice consumption, to reduce the internal exposure level of arsenic. We herein isolated a strain, Achromobacter xylosoxidans GD03, with the high arsenite-oxidizing ability and plant growth-promoting traits. We observed that arsenite exposure could promote A. xylosoxidans GD03 to excrete indole-3-acetic acid and thus promoted rice growth. The pot culture experiments of Indica rice cultivar Guang You Ming 118 (GYM118) demonstrated that A. xylosoxidans GD03 inoculation of paddy soil (4.5-180 × 108 CFU GD03/kg soil) significantly accelerated arsenite oxidation in flooded soil. The daily arsenic oxidation rate with GD03 inoculation was 1.5-3.3 times as that without strain GD03 inoculation within the whole growth period of Indica GYM118 in the presence of the native microflora. It thus led to a 34-69%, 43-74%, 24-76% and 35-57% decrease in arsenite concentration of the stems, leaves, bran and grain of Indica GYM118 respectively and a 59-96% increase in rice grain yield. The paddy soil inoculated with 40.0 mL/kg of A. xylosoxidans GD03 resulted in a lowest As(III) concentrations in all rice organs of Indica GYM118, which equivalent to only 24-50% of the As(III) concentrations in the group without GD03 inoculation. The results highlight that a highly arsenite-oxidizing bacterium could accelerate arsenite oxidation of paddy soil when facing competition with the native microflora, thus decrease arsenic toxicity and bioavailable soil arsenic.

Efficiency and risks of selenite combined with different water conditions in reducing uptake of arsenic and cadmium in paddy rice.

The co-contamination of arsenic (As) and cadmium (Cd) in soils is a common problem. Selenium (Se) can reduce the uptake of As and Cd in plants, and in practice, the alternate wetting and drying is a common culture mode in rice production. However, it is unknown whether Se can efficiently reduce As and Cd concentrations in crops suffering from a high-level contamination of As and Cd under different soil water conditions. In this study, we assessed the efficiency and risks of selenite [Se(IV)], in a pot experiment, to reduce the uptake of As and Cd in a rice plant (YangDao No 6) growing in a heavily contaminated soil by As and Cd (pH 7.28) under different soil water conditions. The results showed that Se(IV) failed to control the grain total As and Cd concentrations within their individual limited standard (0.2 mg kg-1) despite that Se(IV) significantly reduced the grain total As and Cd concentrations. The soil drying treatment alone could reduce the accumulation of arsenite [As(III)] in the grains, but additional Se(IV) stimulated the accumulation of As(III) in the grains under soil drying conditions. In addition, the addition of Se(IV) enhanced the As and Cd concentrations in the shoots and/or roots of rice plants under certain conditions. The above results all suggested that the utilization of Se(IV) in a high contaminated soil by As and Cd cannot well control the total concentrations of As and Cd in plants. In this study, the available concentrations of As and Cd in the rhizosphere soil, the rhizosphere soil pH, the formation of root iron/manganese plaques and the concentrations of essential elements in the grains were monitored, and the related mechanisms on the changes of these parameters were also discussed. This study will give a guideline for the safe production of rice plants in a heavily co-contaminated soil by As and Cd.

Glucose enhanced the oxidation performance of iron-manganese binary oxides: Structure and mechanism of removing tetracycline.

In this work, iron-manganese binary oxides (FMO) modified with different proportions of glucose addition (FMOCx) by co-precipitation method showed good activity in activating hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) for tetracycline degradation. The structure and surface characterizations of the FMO and FMOCx were measured by XRD, FTIR, TEM, BET and XPS. With increased glucose addition, FMOCx has more surface functional groups such as -OH and -COOH, particle size decreases, surface area gradually increases, and the ratio of high valence iron and manganese also increases. In addition, the glucose might be oxidized by KMnO4 to form amorphous carbon on the catalyst surface. Glucose modified iron-manganese binary oxides FMOC3 (with 0.003 mol glucose added) showed the highest efficiency removal capability for tetracycline up to 85%, which attribute to it has a larger surface area, more surface functional groups and higher surface active Mn(IV) site content. The results also demonstrated that FMOC3 could efficiently activate hydrogen peroxide. This study proves that glucose modified iron-manganese binary oxides (FMOCx) can offered a possibility of degradation of refractory organic pollutants as an environmentally friendly catalyst in the absence of H2O2 or not.

Differences in cadmium absorption by 71 leaf vegetable varieties from different families and genera and their health risk assessment.

Leaf vegetables have strong capabilities to take up cadmium (Cd) compared to other vegetable varieties. Until now, the differences in Cd uptake and accumulation by leaf vegetables from different families and genera and the related health risks were unknown. To remedy this, we studied 71 leaf vegetables (multiple genotypes within 17 categories of vegetables) in soil cultivation experiments (3 Cd treatment levels). Results showed that at 2.12 mg kg-1 Cd treatment, the dry weight of only five genotypic varieties from the families Brassicaceae and Asteraceae significantly decreased compared to the control, suggesting their weak Cd tolerances. Vegetables from the Brassicaceae, Asteraceae, Apiaceae, and Convolvulaceae families had stronger Cd absorption capabilities, whereas those from the Liliaceae and Amaranthaceae families had weaker ones. Cluster analysis found that the 17 vegetable categories could be divided into three groups: vegetables with high Cd accumulation capabilities were Lactuca sativa L.var. ramosa Hort. and Lactuca sativa var. longifoliaf. Lam. Vegetables with moderate Cd accumulation capabilities were bok choy, napa cabbage, choy sum, leaf mustard, Lactuca sativa L., Sonchus oleraceus L., celery, coriander, and water spinach. Vegetables with low Cd accumulation capabilities were cabbage, crown daisy, garlic chive, Allium ascalonicum, Gynura cusimbua, and edible amaranth. Estimated daily intake (EDI) and target hazard quotient (THQ) analysis results showed that 100% genotypes of vegetables from the Apiaceae and Convolvulaceae families had health risks; 100% genotypes of Lactuca sativa L., Sonchus oleraceus L., Lactuca sativa L. var. ramosa Hort., and Lactuca sativa var. longifoliaf. Lam from the Asteraceae family carried high risks. Of vegetables in the Brassicaceae family, 42.9% showed risks. Vegetables from the Amaranthaceae and Liliaceae families, Gynura cusimbua and crown daisy from the Asteraceae family, and cabbage from the Brassicaceae family all displayed relatively low risks (all 100%).

Comparison of Inhibitory Effects of Safflower Decoction and Safflower Injection on Protein and mRNA Expressions of iNOS and IL-1ß in LPS-Activated RAW264.7 Cells.

OBJECTIVE: Safflower has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. The two forms of preparations for safflower which are widely used in China are injection and decoction. The first step of the process for preparing an injection involves extracting safflower with water, which actually yields a decoction. This study is intended to investigate how the preparation process influences the anti-inflammatory activity of safflower in vitro. METHODS: Five samples, including a decoction (sample 1) and an injection (sample 5) of safflower, were prepared according to the national standard WS3-B-3825-98-2012 and were analyzed by the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) method and the 1,1-diphenyl-2-trinitrophenylhydrazine (DPPH) method for comparison. Sample 1 and sample 5 were further tested by the Griess assay and ELISA for their effects on nitric oxide (NO) production and interleukin- (IL-) 1ß content in lipopolysaccharide- (LPS-) activated RAW264.7 cells. The protein and mRNA levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and IL-1ß were measured by Western blotting and real-time quantitative PCR. RESULTS: Sample 5 showed a significantly higher ORAC value and a lower half inhibitory concentration (IC50) for DPPH scavenging activity as compared to the other four samples (p < 0.05). LPS significantly upregulated the mRNA and protein expressions of iNOS and IL-1ß as compared to the solvent control (p < 0.01). As compared to sample 1, sample 5 significantly decreased NO production, iNOS protein expression, and the contents of IL-1ß mRNA and IL-1ß protein at both 100 µg/ml and 200 µg/ml (all: p < 0.05) and significantly downregulated iNOS mRNA expression at 100 µg/ml (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Results of this study demonstrate that the safflower injection prepared according to the national standard has a significant effect of suppressing protein and mRNA expressions of iNOS and IL-1ß as compared to its traditional decoction.

Differences in the uptake and bioconcentration of dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane by eight vegetable cultivars and their health risk assessments.

Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) is not easily degraded in soils, which will pose a threat to human health. We investigated the differences of eight vegetables' capacity to take up DDT, removing DDT from soil, and tolerating DDT (monitoring the responses of growth, root morphology and photosynthesis of vegetables to DDT). These vegetables included Chinese mustard (two genotypes, B.jf and B,jm), napa cabbage (two genotypes, B.coz and B.coc) and Bok choy (four genotypes, B.cz, B.cq, B.cs and B.chg). The results demonstrated that 5 mg kg-1 DDT did not display significant effects on the growth of most vegetables in this study. As compared to the control, 5 mg kg-1 DDT significantly increased the shoot and root biomass, the fine root numbers, and the fine root ratio for the genotype of B.chg. However, 5 mg kg-1 DDT exposure showed a negative effect on the shoot growth of two genotypes of napa cabbage. In general, 5 mg kg-1 DDT did not significantly affect the photosynthesis and root morphology of most vegetables in this study. Consuming these vegetables had a low non-cancer health risk, but showed a high cancer health risk. In addition, among the eight vegetables, B.chg accumulated less DDT in the edible parts and had low values of HRnon-cancer and HRcancer for consuming these vegetables containing DDT. Planting these vegetables might promote the degradation of DDT reducing its residual amount in soil.

Two new cassane diterpene lactams from the fruits of Caesalpinia mimosoides Lam.

Two new cassane ditepenoid lactams, caesmimotam A (1) and B (2), along with eight known compounds (3-10) were isolated from the fruits of Caesalpinia mimosoides Lam. Their structures were identified by 1D and 2D NMR spectral data. Compounds 1 and 2 were evaluated for their cytotoxicity on HL-60, SMMC-7721, A-549, MCF-7 and SW-480 human cancer cell lines, but they were inactive.

Four Hybrid Flavan-Chalcones, Caesalpinnone A Possessing a 10,11-Dioxatricyclic [5.3.3.01,6]Tridecane-Bridged System and Caesalpinflavans A-C from Caesalpinia enneaphylla.

Caesalpinnone A (1), an unprecedented hybrid of flavan and chalcone, possessing a 10,11-dioxatricyclic [5.3.3.01,6]tridecane-bridged system, and caesalpinflavans A-C (2-4), three new hybrid flavan-chalcones, were isolated from the twigs and leaves of Caesalpinia enneaphylla. Their structures were elucidated by a combination of spectroscopic analyses and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Caesalpinnone A showed the highest cytotoxicity against the HL-60, SMMC-7721, A-549, MCF-7, and SW-480 human tumor cell lines with an IC50 in the range of 0.54-0.87 µM.

Microbiological study on bioremediation of 2,2',4,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-47) contaminated soil by agricultural waste composting.

This paper studied the degradation of 2,2',4,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-47) in contaminated soil under composting and natural conditions, respectively. BDE-47 residue in agricultural waste-composting pile was determined during 45-day composting. The microbial communities were determined by polymerase chain reaction-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE), and the relationships between the DGGE results and physico-chemical parameters were evaluated by redundancy analysis (RDA) and heatmap-clustering analysis. The results showed that the degradation rate of BDE-47 was significantly higher in agricultural waste-composting pile compared with control group, which was enhanced up to almost 15 % at the end of composting. There were different environmental factors which affected the distribution of composting bacterial and fungal communities. The bacterial community composition was more significantly affected by the addition of BDE-47 compared with other physico-chemical parameters, and BDE-47 had stronger influences on bacterial community than fungal community during the composting. Meanwhile, the most variation in distribution of fungal community was explained by pile temperature.

Caesalpinone A, a new type of gorgonane sesquiterpenoid containing an unprecedented 1,15-bridge, from the pods of Caesalpinia spinosa Kuntze.

Caesalpinone A (1), a new type of gorgonane sesquiterpenoid containing an unprecedented 1,15-bridge, along with ten known sesquiterpenoids (2-11) were isolated from the pods of Caesalpinia spinosa Kuntze (Tara). The structure of caesalpinone A was elucidated based on its 1D and 2D NMR spectra. The absolute configuration of 1 was assigned by the comparison of the experimental and calculated electronic circular dichroism spectra. Compound 1 was evaluated for the inhibitory activities against five human tumor cell lines. The sesquiterpenoids of isodaucane skeleton and caryolane skeleton were isolated from Caesalpinia genus for the first time. Compounds 5-9 were firstly reported from Tara.

Six new cassane diterpenes from the twigs and leaves of Tara (Caesalpinia spinosa Kuntze).

Six new cassane diterpenes, isoneocaesalpin H (1), caespinosin A (2), caespinosin B (3), a cassane diterpene with unique 6/6/7 carbon rings, and caespinosins C-E (4-6) were isolated from the twigs and leaves of Tara (Caesalpinia spinosa Kuntze). The absolute configuration of isoneocaesalpin H (1) was determined by single-crystal X-ray crystallographic analysis. Compound 3 represents a class of rare natural cassane diterpene bearing unique 6/6/7 carbon rings. Their structures were identified by 1D and 2D NMR spectral data. Cassane diterpenes were firstly reported from Tara. Compounds 1-5 were evaluated for their cytotoxicity on HL-60, SMMC-7721, A-549, MCF-7 and SW-480 human cancer cell lines, but they were inactive.

[Preliminary experience with endoscopic gastric submucosal tumor resection through the submucosal tunnel using double tunnel and double flex endoscope].

OBJECTIVE: To examine the feasibility and safety of gastric submucosal tunnel dissection of gastric submucosal tumors (SMTs) by double tunnel and double flex endoscope. METHODS: Fifty patients with gastric SMTs detected by gastric endoscopy and endoscopic ultrasonography between January, 2012 and August, 2013 were enrolled in this study. Using carbon dioxide throughout the procedure, the mucous in the arc was incised along the margins of the lesion to separate the submucosa and create a tunnel. The exposed SMTs were resected completely and the mucosa was covered by endoscopic forceps followed by clipping of the incision. The complication, clinical outcomes, hospital stays and operation time were evaluated. RESULTS: Of the 50 lesions, 50 were located in the gastric fundus, 17 in the gastric antrum and 5 in the gastric body. The lesions were completely resected in all the patients. The diameter of the resected lesions ranged from 0.5 to 2.5 cm (mean 1.1 ± 0.6 cm), and the operation lasted for 35.3 ± 16.2 min (range 23-76 min). In 5 cases (10%), perforation occurred during the operation and was closed by clipping the incision with endoclips after the lesion resection; these patients were discharged after conservative management. Intraoperative bleeding occurred in 16 cases and was successfully managed through endoscopic methods. No delayed postoperative bleeding or perforation occurred in these patients. None of the 48 patients followed up showed tumor recurrence at one year after the operation, and 2 patients were lost for follow up. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic submucosal dissection of gastric SMTs is effective and safe using double tunnel and double flex endoscope.

An electrochemical DNA sensor based on a layers-film construction modified electrode.

This work developed a relatively inexpensive and layers-film construction electrochemical sensor for DNA recognition and its performance was investigated. The Fe(3)O(4) magnetic nanoparticles-cysteine were immobilized on the carbon paste electrode (CPE) surface using magnetic force. Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), gold nanoparticles (GNPs), and chitosan (Chi) were used successively to coat on the electrode surface. The thiolated capture probe was assembled and competitively hybridized with the target nucleic acid and biotinylated response probe. The electrochemical behavior was analyzed by cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. In addition, the sensor performance was also analyzed by introducing the notion of detection efficiency. The experimental results showed that although the electron transfer capability of the CPE is less strong than that of a metal electrode used in the DNA sensor, the materials modified on the CPE could significantly improve the performance. A detection limit of 1 nM of target DNA and a sensitivity of 2.707 × 10(3) mA M(-1) cm(-2) were obtained. Although the resulting detection limit was not remarkable, further experiments could improve it.

[Clinical significance of recurrent laryngeal nerve of normal anatomy in thyroid surgery].

OBJECTIVE: To discuss the method of recurrent laryngeal nerve anatomy of thyroid surgery, for avoiding recurrent laryngeal nerve injury. METHOD: Recurrent laryngeal nerve of all 247 cases were found along tracheoesophageal groove or angle of thyroid cartilage, in front of the recurrent laryngeal nerve showed up next to the thyroid cartilage angle and cricothyroid membrane, or down to thyroid anatomy revealed under the lower pole artery and vein, and not have to deliberately look for a branch of the recurrent laryngeal nerve, a total of 258 recurrent laryngeal nerve were found. RESULT: Among two hundred and forty-seven cases, the recurrent laryngeal nerve injury was two cases, injury rate was 0.8%. And the two cases were incomplete injury, which about a month were back to normal, and significant deviation was found with no pre-conventional anatomy of of recurrent laryngeal nerve of 276 cases (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Conventional recurrent laryngeal nerve anatomy in thyroid surgery could effectively avoiding recurrent laryngeal nerve injury.