[Drought and Heat Stress-Mediated Modulation of Alternative Splicing in the Genes Involved in Biosynthesis of Metabolites Related to Tea Quality].

Alternative splicing (AS) regulates mRNAs at the post-transcriptional level to affect both their amounts and the protein function. However, little is known about the roles of AS in regulation of biosynthesis of amino acids, flavonoids, and volatile compounds in tea plants. In this study, we used Iso-seq and transcriptome deep sequencing (RNA-seq) to identify AS events, and analyzed the expression of respective mRNAs in tea plants under drought (DS), heat stress (HS), and their combination (HD). By RT-PCR, we validated the AS events in nine genes involved in the biosynthesis of amino acids and flavonoids. The genes accumulating AS transcripts under DS, HS, and HD conditions included those encoding for anthocyanidin reductase (ANR), dihydrofavonol-4-reductase-like (DFRA), and chalcone isomerase (CHI). Similarly, genes directly or indirectly involved in the biosynthesis of volatile compounds such as lipoxygenase (LOX), terpenoid/terpene synthase (TPS), and 1-deoxy-D-xylulose 5-phosphate reductoisomerase (DXR) also had AS events. Our study revealed that AS might specifically regulate the biosynthesis of amino acids in tea plants under stressful conditions. Moreover, we suggest that the AS events within the ANR and DFRA transcripts might play an important role in the regulation of flavonoid biosynthesis under DS, HS, and HD conditions. This study improved our understanding of the genetic drivers of the changes in the content of bioactive ingredients of tea plants subjected to abiotic stresses.

Perineal stapled prolapse resection for external rectal prolapse: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

AIM: Rectal prolapse is an uncommon but debilitating pelvic floor disorder that significantly decreases the quality of life of affected patients. Perineal stapled prolapse resection is a relatively new perineal approach that offers an promising alternative technique in the surgical management of rectal prolapse. It appears to be a simple, reproducible and efficient method. However, long-term outcomes are limited. The aims of this review are to assess the safety and effectiveness of perineal stapled prolapse resection in the management of rectal prolapse. METHOD: A systematic review of all articles describing this approach was searched using MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, Cochrane, Scopus, Web of Science and China National Knowledge Infrastructure. Included in this review were all randomized and nonrandomized prospective and retrospective studies reporting patients (aged 16 years and older) with complete rectal prolapse who underwent perineal stapled prolapse resection for the surgical treatment of the rectal prolapse. RESULTS: A total of 408 patients across 20 articles were included. There were 58 cases of recurrence out of 368 patients over a median length of follow-up of 18 months (interquartile range 12-34 months). The total weighted overall recurrence was 12%. There were 51 cases of postoperative complications in 350 cases, bleeding being the most common complication. CONCLUSION: The recurrence rate is comparable to those of the well-established Altemeier and Delorme procedures. However, given the heterogeneity of studies and variations in lengths of follow-up, further randomized prospective studies are needed to adequately compare this technique against other procedures for complete rectal prolapse.

Role of nasal saline irrigation in the treatment of allergic rhinitis in children and adults: A systematic analysis.

BACKGROUND: This meta-analysis aims to access the efficacy of nasal saline irrigation in the treatment of allergic rhinitis (AR) in adults and children. METHODS: Two authors independently searched databases up to December 2018. Differences in efficacy between saline irrigation and other treatments were compared. Subgroup analyses of discrepancy in effects between children and adults were performed. RESULTS: (1) Saline irrigation vs. no irrigation, in both children and adults groups, saline irrigation showed significant efficacy. (2) Saline+medication vs. medication, in children group, there was no statistical difference of efficacy between saline+medication and medication; in adults group, efficacy of saline+medicine was superior to that of medication. (3) Saline irrigation vs. medication, in children group, there was no statistical difference between efficacy of saline irrigation and medication; in adults group, efficacy of medication was superior to that of saline irrigation. (4) Hypertonic saline vs. isotonic saline, for children, efficacy of hypertonic saline was superior to that of isotonic saline. Additionally, no adults reported adverse events in all trials. Adverse effects were reported during the first nasal irrigation in 20 children, and one child withdrew due to adverse reactions. CONCLUSIONS: Saline irrigation can significantly improve symptoms of AR in children and adults. Saline irrigation can serve as a safe adjunctive treatment to medication of AR in adults. Saline irrigation can be an alternative therapy for children and pregnant women with AR. Efficacy of hypertonic saline may be better than that of isotonic saline in treating AR of children.

Integration of mental health screening in the management of patients with temporomandibular disorders.

Mental health disorders such as depression or anxiety, or both, are more common in patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMD) (16%-40%) than in the general population (16%), and failure to recognise them may be detrimental to the management of TMD. Paper-based screening tools previously reported in this group require assessment by clinicians and subsequent collation of data. We describe our experience of a new system - IMPARTS (Integrating mental and physical: research training and services), which uses validated tools to identify and to monitor the progress of patients who may benefit from psychological intervention. At outpatient clinics, patients used an electronic tablet to complete the General Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire (GAD-7), the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), the Inclusion of Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14), and the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI). Data were linked directly to their electronic record to allow the results, with suggestions for treatment, to be reviewed immediately during the consultation. A total of 162 patients were included. Screening showed that referral was required in 28 (17%) with a probable major depressive disorder and 32 (20%) with a general anxiety disorder. Two (1%), who were identified as being at high risk of suicide or self-harm, were referred for immediate psychological assessment. Use of the system can aid the holistic treatment of patients with TMD through appropriate referral. Early identification of mental health problems and concurrent management are most beneficial in those who have had symptoms of TMD for up to two years, and are therefore essential.

Karyotype analysis of Rheum palmatum.

Rheum palmatum, one of the source plants of the traditional Chinese medicine rhubarb, is anendemic and endangered species. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the chromosome number and karyotype of this species. Sectioning combined with micrography was used to analyze the karyotype. The following results were obtained: R. palmatum had a stable chromosome number 2n = 22; the basic number of chromosomes was 11; karyotype formula is 2n = 22 = 20 metacentric + 2 submetacentric, belonging to Stebbins' 1A type; and karyotype asymmetry index was 55.39%. The present study showed that R. palmatum has a primitive type of karyotype.

Protective effect of ginsenoside against acute renal failure via reduction of renal oxidative stress and enhanced expression of ChAT in the proximal convoluted tubule and ERK1/2 in the paraventricular nuclei.

Generation of reactive oxygen species significantly contributes to the pathogenesis of acute renal failure (ARF) induced by myoglobin release. Ginsenosides (GS), the principal active ingredients of ginseng, is considered as an extremely good antioxidative composition of Chinese traditional and herbal drugs. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the protective effect of ginsenoside in rats with ARF on the changes of cholinergic nervous system in the kidney as well as on the involvement of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) in the hypothalamic paraventricular nuclei (PVN). In our assay, glycerol-induced acute renal failure in rats was employed to study the protective effects of ginsenoside. Our results indicated that the treatment of ARF rats with ginsenosides for 48 h significantly reduced lipid peroxidation, restored the superoxide dismutase (SOD) level. Meanwhile, the obvious increase of choline acetyltransferase-immunoreactivity (ChAT-IR) in the proximal convoluted tubular cells (PCT) was observed by immunohistochemistry in ARF+GS group. The same effect was also observed in the changes of p-ERK1/2-IR in the hypothalamic paraventricular nuclei. Our results suggest that ginsenoside administered orally may have a strong renal protective effect against glycerol-induced ARF, reduce the renal oxidative stress, and ginsenoside can also activate the cholinergic system in PCT, simultaneously MAPK signal pathway in the PVN was also activated.

Mercury exposure: the experience of the Hong Kong Poison Information Centre.

OBJECTIVES: To review the characteristics of the consultation about the management of mercury exposure and identify the controversial issues on the clinical management of individuals with a history of mercury exposure. DESIGN: Descriptive case series. SETTING: Hong Kong Poison Information Centre, Hong Kong. PARTICIPANTS: Persons consulting the Hong Kong Poison Information Centre about individuals with possible or definitive mercury exposure. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Characteristics of the consultations, including: the demographics of affected individuals, source and reason for the consultation, tissue mercury levels, the source of mercury exposure, specific intervention if any, and clinical outcomes. RESULTS: Forty-one consultations were analysed. Most consultations were from the public sector. Reasons of the consultation were very variable. Individuals with abnormal tissue mercury levels were uncommon. There was only one case of acute mercury poisoning. The majority of identified individuals were not subjected to specific interventions. Chelation therapy was given to three patients, but in one of them it was considered to be contra-indicated. CONCLUSION: The management of mercury exposure is highly variable. Recommendations were made on the approach to an individual with potential mercury exposure or poisoning.

Cyclization of several linear penta- and heptapeptides with different metal ions studied by CD spectroscopy.

A cyclic pentapeptide c(Tyr-Leu-Ala-Gly-Pro) (I), which was isolated and identified from Pseudostellaria heterophylla medicinal herbs, and two cyclic heptapeptides, c(Gly-Tyr-Gly-Gly-Pro-Phe-Pro) (II) and c(Gly-Ile-Pro-Tyr-Ile-Ala-Ala) (III), which were isolated and identified from Stellaria yunnanensis Franch (M), were synthesized by using 3-(diethoxyphosphoryloxy)-1,2,3-benzotriazin-4(3 H)-one (DEPBT) as a coupling reagent in solution, and mediated by different metal ions, from their linear peptide precursors H-Tyr-Leu-Ala-Gly-Pro-OH (I-1) and H-Ala-Gly-Pro-Tyr-Leu-OH (I-2), H-Gly-Tyr-Gly-Gly-Pro-Phe-Pro-OH (II-1) and H-Gly-Ile-Pro-Tyr-Ile-Ala-Ala-OH (III-1), respectively. The results show that alkali metal ions can improve the cyclization yields and/or the cyclization rates of linear peptide precursors, such as Na(+) ion is favorable for the cyclization of linear pentapeptides and Cs(+) ion is favorable for the cyclization of linear heptapeptides, while some bivalent and trivalent metal ions, such as Mg(2+), Ca(2+), Zn(2+), Fe(2+), Ni(2+) and Cr(3+) reduced/inhibited both the cyclization yields and the cyclization rates of the linear peptide precursors. The circular dichroism spectra of I-1, II-1 and III-1 with different metal ions were studied to elucidate the changes in their secondary structures. It is shown that Cs(+) can induce and stabilize the type I beta-turn conformation in the linear heptapeptide II-1 and the type II beta-turn conformation in the linear heptapeptide III-1.

In vitro susceptibility of 10 clinical isolates of SARS coronavirus to selected antiviral compounds.

Effective antiviral agents are urgently needed to combat the possible return of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). Commercial antiviral agents and pure chemical compounds extracted from traditional Chinese medicinal herbs were screened against 10 clinical isolates of SARS coronavirus by neutralisation tests with confirmation by plaque reduction assays. Interferon-beta-1a, leukocytic interferon-alpha, ribavirin, lopinavir, rimantadine, baicalin and glycyrrhizin showed antiviral activity. The two interferons were only active if the cell lines were pre-incubated with the drugs 16 h before viral inoculation. Results were confirmed by plaque reduction assays. Antiviral activity varied with the use of different cell lines. Checkerboard assays for synergy were performed showing combinations of interferon beta-1a or leukocytic interferon-alpha with ribavirin are synergistic. Since the clinical and toxicity profiles of these agents are well known, they should be considered either singly or in combination for prophylaxis or treatment of SARS in randomised placebo controlled trials in future epidemics.

Colonic epithelial cell proliferation decreases with increasing levels of serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D.

Epidemiological evidence suggests a potential role for vitamin D in colon cancer prevention. Vitamin D, absorbed from the intestine or derived from solar ultraviolet light, is metabolized in the liver to 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OH D(3)). Previous studies examining effects of vitamin D upon carcinogenesis have focused upon the active metabolite 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25-(OH)(2) D(3)], which interacts with nuclear vitamin D receptors in several organs. Until recently, the metabolism of 25-OH D(3) to 1,25-(OH)(2) D(3) was believed to occur only in the kidney, but more recent studies have shown that 25-OH D(3) conversion to 1,25-(OH)(2) D(3) can occur in other tissues. We examined the association between fasting levels of 25-OH D(3), 1,25-(OH)(2) D(3), and BsmI polymorphism of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene with indices of colonic epithelial cell proliferation and differentiation in a chemoprevention study, after giving vitamin D or calcium and taking rectal biopsies that were incubated with bromodeoxyuridine. Vitamin D receptor polymorphism was determined by genotyping of the 3' BsmI polymorphism in intron eight of the VDR gene. No significant changes in cell proliferation or in differentiation were found in subjects between study start and end. However, fasting serum levels of 25-OH D(3) showed a highly significant decrease with whole crypt labeling index and the size of the proliferative compartment (phi h). There was no correlation between serum levels of 1,25-(OH)(2) D(3) and the proliferative parameters. Calcium supplementation induced a significant effect upon the relationship between serum 25-OH D(3) and rectal epithelial cell labeling index and phi h when studied by covariance analysis without a relationship with 1,25-(OH)(2) D(3) levels. VDR genotype did not influence the effects of serum 25-OH D(3) or serum 1,25-(OH)(2) D(3) levels upon proliferation. These data suggest that there might be a local effect of 25-OH D(3) on colonic epithelial cells through conversion of 25-OH D(3) to 1,25-(OH)(2) D(3). Subsequent studies have demonstrated the presence of 1alpha-hydroxylase mRNA in normal colorectal epithelium and in colorectal cancer. Thus, vitamin D may have an important role in determining the effects of calcium on colorectal epithelial proliferation and may explain some of the discrepancies found previously in studies that examine the direct role of calcium on the colorectal epithelium.

Effects of sennosides and nonanthranoid laxatives on cytochemistry of epithelial cells in rat colon.

The cytochemical effects of laxatives on rat colonic epithelial cells were studied. A total of 32 rats was divided into four groups. Three groups were treated with bisacodyl, picosulfate and sennosides for 12 weeks, and a fourth group served as control. The rectum, midcolon and cecum were studied for acidic mucins, lectin soybean agglutinin (SBA) and cytokeratin AE1. Most striking and consistent changes were found in the rectum including total acidic mucin content which significantly increased, with sulfomucin decreased and sialomucin increased in the three treatment groups. Cytokeratin AE1 expression increased on picosulfate and sennosides. SBA total binding increased on bisacodyl and picosulfate. The present findings were thought to be of functional origin and do not represent early precancerous lesions.

[Potentiation by Rabdosia rubescens on chemotherapy of advanced esophageal carcinoma].

One hundred and fifteen patients with inoperable esophageal carcinoma were treated by either chemotherapy alone or chemotherapy plus Rabdosia rubescens. In group A, out of 31 patients treated with pingyangmycin (P) and nitrocaphane (N), 10 (32.3%) responded to the treatment. Among them, 2 showed partial response (greater than 50% tumor regression) and 8 minimal response (greater than 50% tumor regression). In group B, out of 84 patients treated with PN plus Rabdosia rubescens, 59 (70.2%) responded. Of them, 10 showed complete response (100% tumor regression), 16 partial response and 33 minimal response. the one-year survival rates of group A and B were 13.6% and 41.3%. Statistical significance was present in these two groups both in the response rate and one-year survival rate. As regards the drug toxicity, there was no significant difference between these two groups. Alopecia, anorexia, nausea and hyperpyrexia occurred in more than 30% of patients. Mild leukopenia and thrombocytopenia and interstitial pneumonia were noted in some patients, and two patients died of toxicity in the lungs.