Isolation, identification, and quantification of triterpene saponins in the fresh fruits of Panax notoginseng.

This study is to develop a method for isolation, identification, and quantitative determination of dammarane-type triterpene saponins in the Panax notoginseng fruits (PNF). The saponins were isolated by a serious of chromatographic methods, and their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic evidence and comparison with those of literature reports. Quantitative assay was performed on an ultra-performance liquid chromatography-UV (UPLC-UV) method. As a result, 22 saponins were isolated from the extract of PNF, among them, compound 1 was a new saponin, named as malonylgypenoside IX, compounds 3-10, and 14-18 were isolated from the PNF for the first time. As to quantitative analysis, the calibration curves showed good linearity (r > 0.998) within the concentration range, and the method validation provided good reproducibility and sensitivity for the quantification of eight major saponins with precision and accuracy of less than 3.0%.

Web repositories of natural agents promote pests and pathogenic microbes management.

The grand challenge to meet the increasing demands for food by a rapidly growing global population requires protecting crops from pests. Natural active substances play a significant role in the sustainable pests and pathogenic microbes management. In recent years, natural products- (NPs), antimicrobial peptides- (AMPs), medicinal plant- and plant essential oils (EOs)-related online resources have greatly facilitated the development of pests and pathogenic microbes control agents in an efficient and economical manner. However, a comprehensive comparison, analysis and summary of these existing web resources are still lacking. Here, we surveyed these databases of NPs, AMPs, medicinal plants and plant EOs with insecticidal, antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal activity, and we compared their functionality, data volume, data sources and applicability. We comprehensively discussed the limitation of these web resources. This study provides a toolbox for bench scientists working in the pesticide, botany, biomedical and pharmaceutical engineering fields. The aim of the review is to hope that these web resources will facilitate the discovery and development of potential active ingredients of pests and pathogenic microbes control agents.

New malonylginsenosides from the fresh fruits of Panax notoginseng.

Four new malonylginsenosides, malonylnotoginsenoside Fe (1), malonylnotoginsenoside Ra1 (2), malonylgypenoside LXXV (3), and malonylginsenoside Mc (4), together with two known analogues, malonylfloralginsenoside Rc1 (5) and malonylginsenoside Rc (6), were isolated from the fresh fruits of Panax notoginseng. Their structures were determined by MS and NMR experiments. The anti-proliferative activities of the malonylginsenosides (1-6) against SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cell line were evaluated using the MTT assay.

Acupuncture for the Treatment of Itch: Peripheral and Central Mechanisms.

Despite the widespread clinical use of acupuncture in the treatment of pruritus caused by psoriasis, urticaria, uremic, and other diseases, insights into the mechanism of action of acupuncture are still emerging. For the above reasons, a beneficial effect of acupuncture on pruritus was not recommended or reported in recent clinical practice guidelines. Acupuncture is a kind of physical stimulation, which has the characteristics of multi-channel and multi-target effects. The biomechanical stimulation signal of acupuncture needling can be transformed into bioelectric and chemical signals; interfere with kinds of cells and nerve fibers in the skin and muscle; alter signaling pathways and transcriptional activity of cells, mediators, and receptors; and result in inhibition of peripheral and central transmission of pruritus. Available mechanistic data give insights into the biological regulation potency of acupuncture for pruritus and provide a basis for more in-depth and comprehensive mechanism research.

Initial Engineering and Outdoor Stability Assessment of "Gray/Black" Fullerene-Free Organic Photovoltaics Based on Only Two Complementary Absorbing Materials: A Tetrabenzotriazacorrole and a Subphthalocyanine.

Broad absorption is a desired characteristic of materials employed in the photoactive layers of organic photovoltaic (OPV) devices. Here, we have identified tetrabenzotriazacorroles (Tbcs) as complementary absorbing chromophores and electron donors to the promising nonfullerene acceptors boron subphthalocyanines (BsubPcs). These two materials, which can be utilized as donor-acceptor pairs within fullerene-free OPVs, yield spectral coverage over the entire visible range of 300-750 nm. Oxy phosphorus Tbc derivative (POTbc) was employed as an electron donor and paired initially with multiple BsubPc derivatives having a distribution of highest occupied molecular orbital/lowest unoccupied molecular orbital energy levels in planar heterojunction OPVs. These devices were "gray/black" due to the broad absorption across the visible spectrum. Upon screening, the partially halogenated chloro hexachloro BsubPc (Cl-Cl6BsubPc) showed the greatest promise for coupling with POTbc. The thickness ratio and total thickness of the active layer were then probed in order to identify the optical and electrical limitations on the POTbc/Cl-Cl6BsubPc-based OPV device. A maximum power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 2.13% was achieved at 60 nm total thickness of the active layer and 1 to 3 (POTbc to Cl-Cl6BsubPc) thickness ratio. Outdoor stability of the champion device was evaluated using protocols established by International Summits on OPV Stability and was found to be on par with an α-sexithiophene/Cl-Cl6BsubPc baseline OPV.

Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer: Feasibility of Intratumoral Radiofrequency Hyperthermia-enhanced Herpes Simplex Virus Thymidine Kinase Gene Therapy.

Purpose To validate the feasibility and efficacy of intratumoral radiofrequency hyperthermia (RFH)-enhanced herpes simplex virus (HSV) thymidine kinase (TK) and ganciclovir (GCV) (hereafter, HSV-TK/GCV) gene therapy for non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Materials and Methods This study was performed from November 11, 2015, to April 14, 2017, and included (a) in vitro experiments with human NSCLC cells to establish the proof of principle, (b) in vivo experiments using mice with subcutaneous NSCLC to further demonstrate the principle, and (c) in vivo experiments using rats with orthotopic NSCLC to validate the technical feasibility. Cells, nude mice, and nude rats were randomly divided into four groups (six animals per group): (a) combination therapy (HSV-TK/GCV combined with RFH), (b) RFH, (c) HSV-TK/GCV, and (d) phosphate-buffered saline. Data were analyzed by using the Dunnett t test or Kruskal-Wallis test. Results For in vitro experiments, the cell proliferation assay showed significantly diminished viable cells with combination therapy (mean, 0.56; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.44, 0.68) versus RFH (mean, 0.89; 95% CI: 0.82, 0.97), HSV-TK/GCV (mean, 0.71; 95% CI: 0.56, 0.86), and phosphate-buffered saline (mean, 1; 95% CI: 1, 1) (P < .05 for all). For in vivo experiments, optical imaging showed significantly decreased relative bioluminescence signal with combination therapy (mean, 0.71 [95% CI: 0.03, 1.39] in mice; 1.29 [95% CI: 0.51, 2.06] in rats) compared with RFH (mean, 2.66 [95% CI: 1.73, 3.59] in mice; 2.26 [95% CI: 1.51, 3.01] in rats), HSV-TK/GCV (mean, 1.37 [95% CI: 0.65, 2.08] in mice; 1.76 [95% CI: 1.20, 2.31] in rats), and phosphate-buffered saline (mean, 3.07 [95% CI: 2.50, 3.65] in mice; 2.94 [95% CI: 2.29, 3.58] in rats) (P < .001 for all). US showed that the smallest relative tumor volumes occurred with combination therapy (mean, 0.60; 95% CI: 0.15, 1.05) versus RFH (mean, 2.43; 95% CI: 1.80, 3.06), HSV-TK/GCV (mean, 1.32; 95% CI: 0.75, 1.89), and phosphate-buffered saline (mean, 2.56; 95% CI: 1.75, 3.38) (P < .05 for all) in the mouse subcutaneous model. Conclusion Intratumoral radiofrequency hyperthermia-enhanced herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase and ganciclovir gene therapy for non-small-cell lung cancer is feasible and can be guided by molecular imaging. © RSNA, 2018.

Nail Selenium Level and Diabetes in Older People in Rural China.

This cross-sectional study aimed to examine the association between selenium levels and diabetes in an older population with life-long natural exposure to selenium in rural China. A total of 1856 subjects aged 65 years or older from four Chinese rural counties with different environmental selenium levels were evaluated. Analysis of covariance models and logistic regression models were used to examine the relationship between nail selenium levels and serum glucose, serum insulin, insulin resistance [using the Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR)], and the risk of diabetes. The mean nail selenium level was 0.461 µg/g and the prevalence rate of diabetes was 8.3% in this population. The mean nail selenium level was significantly higher in the group with diabetes than in the group without diabetes (P<0.0001). The adjusted odds ratios for diabetes were 2.65 (95% CI: 1.48 to 4.73), 2.47 (95% CI: 1.37 to 4.45), and 3.30 (95% CI: 1.85 to 5.88) from the second selenium quartile to the fourth quartile, respectively, compared with the first quartile group. The mean serum glucose and HOMA-IR in the higher selenium quartile groups were significantly higher than those of the lowest quartile group. However, no significant differences in insulin were observed among the four quartile groups. A long-term, higher level of exposure to selenium may be associated with a higher risk of diabetes. Future studies are needed to elucidate the association between selenium and insulin resistance.

A new phenylethanoid glycoside from Orobanche cernua Loefling.

A novel phenylethanoid glycoside, 3'-O-methyl isocrenatoside (1), along with two known compounds, methyl caffeate (2) and protocatechuic aldehyde (3), were isolated from the fresh whole plant of Orobanche cernua Loefling. All the isolated compounds (1-3) were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic analysis including IR, MS and NMR data. The cytotoxic activities of these compounds were evaluated. Results showed that 3'-O-methyl isocrenatoside (1) and methyl caffeate (2) exhibited significant cytotoxicity, with IC50 values of 71.89, 36.97 µg/mL and 32.32, 34.58 µg/mL against the B16F10 murine melanoma and Lewis lung carcinoma cell lines, respectively.

Melatonin Induces Cell Apoptosis in AGS Cells Through the Activation of JNK and P38 MAPK and the Suppression of Nuclear Factor-Kappa B: a Novel Therapeutic Implication for Gastric Cancer.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Melatonin, synthesized by the pineal gland and released into the blood, appears to have antitumour properties; however, the mechanisms of its anti-cancer effects are largely unknown, especially in stomach cancer. Here, we explore the antitumour activity of melatonin in a gastric cancer cell line (AGS) and analyse its molecular mechanisms. METHODS: AGS cells were treated with melatonin, and cell viability was assessed using a CCK-8 assay. Flow cytometry was performed to evaluate apoptosis, and protein expression was examined by Western blotting. RESULTS: Melatonin significantly inhibited cell viability, clone formation, and cell migration and invasion and induced apoptosis in AGS cells. Moreover, MAPK pathways (p38, JNK and ERK) were activated by melatonin treatment, which also significantly increased caspase-3 cleavage and Bax protein expression and decreased Bcl-2 protein expression in a time-dependent manner. Our results demonstrate that p38 and JNK inhibitors (SB203580 and SP600125, respectively) prevented melatonin-induced apoptosis; thus, the propensity of p38 MAPK and JNK to promote apoptosis could be at least partly due to the inhibition of NF-x03BA;B p65 activation by p38 and JNK. Finally, melatonin was able to strengthen cisplatin-mediated antitumour effects in human gastric carcinoma cells by up-regulating the expression of Bax, down-regulating the expression of Bcl-2 and activating the caspase-dependent apoptotic pathway. CONCLUSION: Melatonin induced apoptosis in AGS cells by activating the caspase-dependent apoptotic pathway and by inhibiting the nuclear translocation of NF-x03BA;B p65, two processes that are regulated by p38 and JNK. Furthermore, melatonin significantly enhanced the anti-tumour effects of cisplatin, with low systemic toxicity. These new findings suggest that melatonin may act as a potent anti-tumour agent and may have great potential as an adjuvant therapy in the future.

[Research achievements on structures and activities of polysaccharides from Panax ginseng].

Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer (P. ginseng) has been used as traditional medicine in Asian countries for more than 2,000 years. P. ginseng contains many active components such as ginsenosides, peptides, essential oil and polysaccharides, among which, P. ginseng polysaccharides were reported to have immunomodulating, anti-cancer, anti-adhesive and antioxidant activities. For better understanding of the structures and biological activities of all the ginseng polysaccharides, here the recent research achievements were reviewed. This review would be helpful for the relevant researchers to get useful information.

Question discussion on Theories of Different Schools of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, "the twelfth five-year plan" teaching material / 中国针灸

The several questions in Theories of Acupuncture and Moxibustion of Different Schools, "the twelfth five-year plan" teaching material, are analyzed and discussed. The expression of DOU Han-qing on "playing a role of meridians, collaterals, qi and blood" is not so accurate, which is suggested to modify as "attaching the importance to needles". "Theory of heaven, human being and earth" "theory of acupuncture on qi regulation" and "the eight therapeutic methods in treatment of disease" in Jinzhenfu (Ode to Golden Needles) are valuable academically and suggested to be supplemented. The expression of XI Hong on "reinforcing and reducing technique by following or against the running course of meridian" and the expression of XU Feng on "the magic turtle eight techniques" are not concrete. It is required to elaborate them in detail. These questions are put forward and needed to discuss with the editors so as to perfect the teaching material.

[Effects of qingre xiaoji recipe on the migration, chemotaxis, and tube formation capability of human lung adenocarcinoma cell induced human umbilical vein endothelial cells].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of Qingre Xiaoji Recipe (QXR) on the migration, chemotaxis, and tube formation capability of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) induced by human lung adenocarcinoma cells (SPC-A-1). METHODS: The QXR groups at different final concentrations (2.5, 5.0, 10.0, and 20.0 mg/mL) and a control group were set up. Then the chemotaxis and tube formation capabilities were observed using Erasion trace test, Transwell chamber assay, and Matrigel matrix tube formation assay. RESULTS: QXR at three concentrations (2.5, 5.0, and 10.0 mg/mL) had inhibition on the migration of HUVECs cultured by SPC-A-1 cell supernatant (P<0.05). Besides, the migration rate decreased along with increased concentrations. The number of chemotactic HUVECs was significantly less than that of the positive control group (P <0.01), and the inhibition rate of chemokine increased along with increased concentrations. Furthermore, the number of chemotactic HUVECs was negatively correlated to the drug concentration (r = -0.830, P <0.01). The area of HUVEC cell tubule formation was significantly lower than that of the positive control group (P <0.01). The inhibition rate of HUVEC cell tubule formation increased along with increased drug concentration. Besides, the area of HUVEC cell tubular formation was negatively correlated with the drug concentration (r = -0.937, P <0.01). CONCLUSION: The mechanism of QXR for fighting against tumor angiogenesis might be correlated with its inhibition on the migration, chemotaxis, and tube formation of tumor vascular endothelial cells.

Antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of various solvent extracts from Impatiens balsamina L. stems.

UNLABELLED: The antioxidant and antimicrobial activities as well as the quantity of phenolic substances of Impatiens balsamina L. stem extracts obtained with various solvent were determined in this study. All of the extracts possessed moderate antioxidant potential in the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging and reducing power assays. Antimicrobial activity was estimated using the cylinder-plate and agar dilution methods against four bacterial and six fungal strains. The extracts showed good antimicrobial activity especially antifungal activity against all of the tested microorganisms. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents ranged from 2.88 to 13.63 mg gallic acid equivalents/g dried extract and 0.98 to 7.87 mg quercetin equivalents/g dried extract, respectively. The results presented here indicate that the I. balsamina stem extracts have antioxidant and antimicrobial properties and are therefore a potential source of antioxidant and antimicrobial agents for the food and pharmaceutical industries. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Our work indicates that the I. balsamina stem may be a good candidate as natural antioxidant and antimicrobial agents. It can be applied in food industry for preservation.

Comparison of cell wall metabolism in the pulp of three cultivars of 'Nanfeng' tangerine differing in mastication trait.

BACKGROUND: Like sweet orange (Citrus sinensis), tangerine (Citrus reticulata) is another citrus crop grown widely throughout the world. However, whether it shares a common mechanism with sweet orange in forming a given mastication trait is still unclear. In this study, three 'Nanfeng' tangerine cultivars, 'Yangxiao-26' ('YX-26') with inferior mastication trait, elite 'YX-26' with moderate mastication trait and 'Miguang' ('MG') with superior mastication trait, were selected to investigate the formation mechanism of mastication trait. RESULTS: 'MG' had the lowest contents of total pectin, protopectin and lignin and the highest gene expression levels of citrus polygalacturonase (PG) and pectin methylesterase (PME) at the end of fruit ripening, whereas 'YX-26' had the lowest water-soluble pectin (WSP) content, the highest lignin content and the lowest PG and PME expression levels. The contents of cellulose and hemicellulose were similar among the three tangerines. CONCLUSION: The fruit mastication trait of C. reticulata was determined by the proportions of WSP and protopectin as well as lignin content, not by cellulose and hemicellulose contents. Pectin content could be a major contribution to the feeling of mastication trait, while PG and PME exhibited an important role in forming a given mastication trait according to the present results as well as previous results for C. sinensis.

Practice on the case-based teaching innovation of Science of Meridians, Collaterals and Acupoints / 中国针灸

The case-based teaching method which is applied to the teaching of Science of Meridians, Collaterals and Acupoints is discussed in this paper, in which the typical cases such as the growth of the acupuncture-moxibustion eminent physicians, the application of acupoints by the eminent physicians and the experiences in the acupoint combination are integrated. The students are instructed to launch the clinical practical activity through establishing the clinical base of Science of Meridians, Collaterals and Acupoints, in association with the true cases. It is proved that the case-based teaching method can promote the training of the manipulation techniques of the students and the inheritance of the experiences of eminent physicians in higher education.

Observation on therapeutic effect of the new Bianshi (stone needle) therapy on migraine / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the effect of the new Bianshi (stone needle) therapy on migraine.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Eighty cases of migraine were treated by the new Bianshi therapy with the multi-functional fish-shaped stone board. Manipulations such as pushing, scraping and kneading at acupoints were applied on head, neck and back as well as Baihui (GV 20), Shuaigu (GB 8) and Fengchi (GB 20). The intensity of headache and clinical effect before and after the treatment were observed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The pain score before the treatment was (8.31 +/- 0.61), and (3.90 +/- 0.82) after the treatment. The intensity of pain after the treatment was sighificantly lower than that before the treatment (P < 0.01). The total effective rate of the excessive syndrome [hyperactivity of liver yang and blood stagnation in meridians and collaterals, 100% (40/40)] was better than that of the deficiency syndrome [kidney yin deficiency and qi and blood deficiency, 87.5% (35/40)] (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The new Bianshi therapy is applicable for treatment of migraine, which has a comparatively ideal clinical effect.</p>

Study for relevance of the acute myocardial ischemia to arrhythmia by the optical mapping method.

Ventricular arrhythmias are commonly observed in patients with acute coronary occlusion and ischemia. The purpose of the present study is to determine ischemic electrophysiological effects and their role in ischemia-induced arrhythmia. Optical mapping of the membrane potential with voltage-sensitive dyes was used in the study. The mapping was performed with di-4-ANEPPS in Langendorff-perfused rabbit hearts. The excitation-contraction decoupler 2,3-butanedione monoxime was used to suppress motion artifacts caused by contraction of the heart. The acute global ischemia was developed by a rapid reduction of the flow rate. The experiments revealed that ischemic tissues were characterized by an obvious reduction in action potential duration and action potential upstroke, slower conduction velocity (CV) and the property of post-repolarization refractoriness. Moreover, the magnitude of CV reduced both in control and ischemia when the pacing cycle length was short. CV reduction was even early in ischemia, resulting in a broader curve during ischemia. Moreover, the dominant frequency of ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation (VT/VF) in ischemia was less than that in control, implying a decreasing tendency of VT/VF frequency for low excitability. Therefore, combined with our previous simulation study, the dynamic changes of CV and longer refractory period were suggested to play an important role in the ischemia-related arrhythmia. Low excitability in ischemic tissue was the fundamental mechanism in it.

Magnesium attenuates isoproterenol-induced acute cardiac dysfunction and beta-adrenergic desensitization.

Sympathetic nervous activation is a crucial compensatory mechanism in heart failure. However, excess catecholamine may induce cardiac dysfunction and beta-adrenergic desensitization. Although magnesium is known to be a cardioprotective agent, its beneficial effects on acute cardiac dysfunction remain to be elucidated. We examined the effects of magnesium on left ventricular (LV) dysfunction induced by a large dose of isoproterenol in dogs. Sixteen anesthetized dogs underwent a continuous infusion of isoproterenol (1 micro g.kg(-1).min(-1)) with or without a magnesium infusion (1 mg.kg(-1).min(-1)). The dose response to small doses of isoproterenol (0.025-0.2 micro g.kg(-1).min(-1)) was tested hourly. A large dose of isoproterenol decreased LV systolic function, increased the time constant of LV isovolumic relaxation, and suppressed the dose response to small doses of isoproterenol in a time-dependent manner. Magnesium significantly attenuated isoproterenol-induced LV systolic and diastolic dysfunction and preserved the dose response to isoproterenol. Serum-ionized calcium significantly decreased with a large dose of isoproterenol but was fully maintained at baseline level with magnesium. A large dose of isoproterenol increased serum lipid peroxide levels and serological markers of myocardial damage, which were significantly suppressed by magnesium. In conclusion, magnesium significantly attenuated excess isoproterenol-induced acute cardiac dysfunction and beta-adrenergic desensitization.

Determination and pharmacokinetic study of chlorogenic acid in rat dosed with Yin-Huang granules by RP-HPLC.

A reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatographic (RP-HPLC) method was described for the determination of chlorogenic acid (CGA) in rat plasma using protocatechuic acid as internal standard (IS). CGA in plasma was extracted with acetonitrile, which also acted as deproteinization agent. Chromatographic separation was performed on a Kromasil C18 column with methanol-0.2 m acetic acid (pH 3.0, 25:75, v/v) as mobile phase at a flow-rate of 1.0 mL/min with an operating temperature of 30 degrees C and UV detection at 300 nm. The standard curve was found to be linear over the concentration ranges of 0.4-2.5 microg/mL and 2.5-40 microg/mL, and the limit of quantification (LOQ) was 0.4 microg/mL. The analytical precision and accuracy were validated by relative standard deviation (RSD) and relative error, which were in ranges 3.14-10.78% and -2.20-5.00%, respectively. The average recovery of CGA was 87.59%. The method was successfully applied to the pharmacokinetic study of CGA in Yin-Huang granules.

Simultaneous determination of chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, ferulic acid, protocatechuic acid and protocatechuic aldehyde in Chinese herbal preparation by RP-HPLC.

In the present study, a reversed phase high performance liquid chromatographic (RP-HPLC) method was established for simultaneous determination of chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, ferulic acid, protocatechuic acid and protocatechuic aldehyde in a Chinese herbal preparation (Fufang-Pugongying-Mixture). The separation was performed on a Hypersil ODS-2 column by isocratic elution with methanol and 0.2 M acetate buffer (pH 3.6) (15 : 85, v/v) as the mobile phase at the flow-rate of 1.0 ml/min with operating temperature of 30 degrees C, and detection wavelength of 300 nm. A good linear regression relationship between peak-areas and concentrations was obtained over the range of 2-200 microg/ml for the five marker compounds mentioned above. The spike recoveries were within 96.72-104.07%. The variation coefficient (CV) values of the precision were in the range of 0.89-4.50%. Moreover the developed method has reference value for quantitative analysis of Taraxacum, Lonicera and Angelica.