From Tea to Health: Exploring Abrus mollis for Liver Protection and Unraveling Its Potential Mechanisms.

Abrus mollis Hance is a characteristic medicinal herb which is used in Guangdong and Guangxi provinces of China for making soup, medicinal meals, and herbal tea to treat dampheat jaundice and rib discomfort. Current phytochemical study on A. mollis led to the isolation of four new flavones, mollisone A-D (1-4), and thirty two known compounds (5-36). Their structures were characterized by an extensive analysis of spectroscopic data including IR, UV, HR-ESI-MS, and 1D and 2D NMR, as well as electronic circular dichroism calculation. In addition, in order to initially understand their biological activities for traditional applications, in vitro antioxidant and hepatoprotective tests were carried out, whose results illustrated that 25 compounds had significant free radical scavenging ability, and compounds 13 and 16 exhibited protective activities on D-GalN-induced LO2 cell damage than the positive control. Moreover, network pharmacological analysis revealed that the hepatoprotective activity of A. mollis involved multitargets and multipathways such as PI3K/Akt, MAPK, and JAK-STAT pathways and various biological processes such as positive regulation of phosphorylation and regulation of kinase activity. These results suggested that this species could serve as a potential hepatoprotective agent for functional food or medicinal use.

Three Undescribed Flavonoids and Amide from Abrus mollis Hance with Hepatoprotective Effects.

Through a phytochemical investigation of Abrus mollis Hance, a folk medicinal plant in China, we isolated and identified three undescribed compounds, including two flavonoids and one amides alkaloid, along with nine known from this plant. Their structures were elucidated by analyses of 1D, 2D NMR, HR-ESI-MS, ECD, and DP4+ analysis. Furthermore, we evaluated the hepatoprotective effects of all twelve compounds on D-GalN-induced Brl-3 A cells. According to the results, at a concentration of 25 µM, the cell survival rates were observed to be 71.92±0.34 %, 70.03±1.29 %, and 69.11±1.90 % for compound 2, 4, and 11, respectively. Further experimental studies showed that compound 2 (EC50 5.76±0.37 µM) showed more significant protective activity than the bicyclol.

eIF3a sustains non-small cell lung cancer stem cell-like properties by promoting YY1-mediated transcriptional activation of ß-catenin.

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are the leading cause of recurrence and poor prognosis in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 3a (eIF3a) participates in many tumor development processes, such as metastasis, therapy resistance, and glycolysis, all of which are closely associated with the presence of CSCs. However, whether eIF3a maintains NSCLC-CSC-like properties remains to be elucidated. In this study, eIF3a was highly expressed in lung cancer tissues and was linked to poor prognosis. eIF3a was also highly expressed in CSC-enriched spheres compared with adherent monolayer cells. Moreover, eIF3a is required for NSCLC stem cell-like traits maintenance in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, eIF3a activates the Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway, promoting the transcription of cancer stem cell markers. Specifically, eIF3a promotes the transcriptional activation of ß-catenin and mediates its nuclear accumulation to form a complex with T cell factor 4 (TCF4). However, eIF3a has no significant effect on protein stability and translation. Proteomics analysis revealed that the candidate transcription factor, Yin Yang 1 (YY1), mediates the activated effect of eIF3a on ß-catenin. Overall, the findings of this study implied that eIF3a contributes to the maintenance of NSCLC stem cell-like characteristics through the Wnt/ß-catenin pathway. eIF3a is a potential target for the treatment and prognosis of NSCLC.

Phosphorus limitation induced by nitrogen addition changed soil microbial community structure in a subtropical Pinus taiwanensis forest.

Soil microorganisms play an important role in the biogeochemical cycles of terrestrial ecosystems. How-ever, it is still unclear how the amount and duration of nitrogen (N) addition affect soil microbial community structure and whether there is a correlation between the changes in microbial community structure and their nutrient limi-tation status. In this study, we conducted an N addition experiment in a subtropical Pinus taiwanensis forest to simulate N deposition with three treatments: control (CK, 0 kg N·hm-2·a-1), low N (LN, 40 kg N·hm-2·a-1), and high N (HN, 80 kg N·hm-2·a-1). Basic soil physicochemical properties, phospholipid fatty acids content, and carbon (C), N and phosphorus (P) acquisition enzyme activities were measured after one and three years of N addition. The relative nutrient limitation status of soil microorganisms was analyzed using ecological enzyme stoichiometry. The results showed that one-year N addition did not affect soil microbial community structure. Three-year LN treatment significantly increased the contents of Gram-positive bacteria (G+), Gram-negative bacteria (G-), actinomycetes (ACT), and total phospholipid fatty acids (TPLFA), whereas three-year HN treatment did not significantly affect soil microbial community, indicating that bacteria and ACT might be more sensitive to N addition. Nitrogen addition exacerbated soil C and P limitation. Phosphorus limitation was the optimal explanatory factor for the changes in soil microbial community structure. It suggested that P limitation induced by N addition might be more beneficial for the growth of certain oligotrophic bacteria (e.g. G+) and the microorganisms participating in the P cycling (e.g. ACT), with consequences on soil microbial community structure of subtropical Pinus taiwanensis forest.

Scientometric analysis of researches on Tai Chi and health promotion based on literatures from 1991 to 2021.

BACKGROUND: Although there are a growing number of studies on Tai Chi and health promotion, only a few have conducted analysis from the perspective of bibliometrics and scientometrics. This paper aimed to analyze bibliographic data of Tai Chi practices and health promotion in the past 30 years from the perspective of scientometrics. METHODS: In total, 1,936 relevant articles were downloaded from the Core Collection of Web of Science [WoS; Science Citation Index Expanded (SCIE) and Social Science Citation Index (SSCI)] and analyzed using CiteSpace V. RESULTS: China had the highest number of published articles, followed by the USA and Australia, and the vast majority of influential authors were from the USA. Most journals publishing papers on Tai Chi research were those concerned with geriatrics gerontology, sport sciences, and integrative complementary medicine. Our analysis indicated that studies on Tai Chi and health promotion could be divided into 4 knowledge groups: preventing falls in older adults, promotion of physical fitness, promotion of psychological well-being, and chronic disease intervention. Effects of Tai Chi on cognitive function are emerging trends in this field. Furthermore, topics of high-quality trials, advanced technologies, mechanistic research, and translation should be carefully considered in future research. CONCLUSIONS: This study may provide potentially valuable information for academics in the field of Tai Chi research, and give meaningful guidance and suggestions for future studies.

Views on Key Technical Problems in Research and Development of Famous Classical Formulas / 中国实验方剂学杂志

In this paper， the key technical problems in the research and development of famous classical formulas are analyzed. Firstly， the puzzled problem for a long-time， which is conversion relationship from medicinal metrology of Han dynasty （HD） to that of modern （gram，g）， is comprehensively expounded that one Liang （两） of HD=3 g is more appropriate. Secondly， the model and principles of quality consistency evaluation are given for the transformation from the quality of authoritative basic sample prepared by casserole （ABS-C） to the quality consistency in Laboratory process， pilot-scale process and industrial production. The consistency evaluation model is ξABS-X=K1（Q1ABS-X/Q1ABS-C）+K2（Q2ABS-X/Q2ABS-C）+……+Ki（QiABS-X/QiABS-C）=∑Ki（QiABS-X/QiABS-C）（i=1，2，3……n）. In the formula， ABS-X means laboratory reference sample ABS-C （ABS-L）， pilot-scale ABS-C （ABS-mP） or industrial production ABS-C （ABS-P）， ξABS-X means the quality consistency rate or similarity degree of ABS-L， ABS-mP and ABS-P processes with ABS-C， Ki means the weight of each quality evaluation index （i）， QiABS-X is the data of i in ABS-L， ABS-mP， ABS-P samples， and QiABS-C is the data （or mean） of i in ABS-C sample. Thirdly， in order to control the quality of the herbal medicines whose active ingredients were unknown， their chemical constituents should be studied deeply， and if necessary， the bioassay research should be carried out according to the main efficacy or indication of famous classical formulas. Finally， for the special processing of some herbal medicines， it is difficult to formulate the processing method， technology and standard of prepared slices. It is suggested that the scientific connotation and historical evolution of the special processing method should be thoroughly sorted out， and its technological characteristics are summarized， the modern processing technology and production processes are simulated， and then the corresponding processing methods and quality standards are formulated.

Enzyme stoichiometry evidence revealed that five years nitrogen addition exacerbated the carbon and phosphorus limitation of soil microorganisms in a Phyllostachys pubescens forest.

The activity and stoichiometry of soil extracellular enzyme can provide a good indication for changes in soil nutrient availability and microbial demands for nutrients. However, it remains unclear how would nitrogen (N) deposition affect nutrient limitation of microbes in subtropical forest soils. We conducted a 5 years N addition experiment in a subtropical Phyllostachys pubescens forest. The soil nutrients and enzyme activities associated with carbon (C), N, and phosphorus (P) cycles were measured. We also examined the nutrient distribution of microorganisms using enzyme stoichiometry and vector analysis. The results showed that N addition significantly decreased the contents of soil soluble organic C and available P and increased that of available N. Furthermore, N addition significantly decreased ß-N-acetyl-glucosaminidase (NAG) activity and NAG/ microbial biomass carbon (MBC), and increased acid phosphatase (ACP) and ACP/MBC. The low and moderate N addition levels significantly increased enzyme C/P, vector length, and vector angle, but significantly decreased enzyme N/P. Results of redundancy analysis showed that the change in soil enzyme activity and enzymatic stoichiometry were mainly driven by soil available P content under N addition. In summary, N addition altered the microbial nutrient acquisition strategy, which increased nutrient allocation to P-acquiring enzyme production but reduced that to N-acquiring enzyme production. Moreover, N addition exacerbated the C and P limitation of soil microorganisms. Appropriate amount of P fertilizer could be applied to improve soil fertility of subtropical P. pubescens forest in the future.

Isolation of triterpenoids and phytosterones from Achyranthes bidentata Bl. to treat breast cancer based on network pharmacology.

Breast cancer (BC) is a cancer with a high incidence and mortality of female, threatening women's physical and mental health. Achyranthes bidentata Blume, a traditional Chinese medicine, has been popular in folk due to its effective pharmacology activities including anti-inflammatory and anti-tumour effects. In order to identify the active ingredients from the roots of A. bidentata for treating breast cancer, the separation guided by network pharmacology analysis was employed which led to the isolation of 7 triterpenoids and 10 phytosterones. According to the in vitro experiments, the isolated compounds showed significant inhibitory activities on MCF-7 cells as well as anti-inflammatory activities by attenuating the production of NO and TNF-α in LPS-induced macrophage cells. In conclusion, this study successfully predicted and confirmed the positive impact of triterpenoids and phytosterones on breast cancer, which provided a foundation for further in vivo studies.

Chemical constituents and synergistic anti-gout studies on Eurycoma longifolia and potential mechanisms evaluation based on systemic analysis approach.

37 compounds mainly including triterpenoids with the quassinoid skeleton and ß-carboline alkaloids have been isolated from the roots of Eurycoma longifolia Jack (EL), which has been used as traditional medicine for a long history. It has been demonstrated that the total extracts from EL could significantly inhibit the joint swelling in MSU-induced acute gout arthritis rat model at middle and high doses (P < 0.05, P < 0.01), as meanwhile, better performance than that of positive control (P < 0.05, P < 0.01) has been observed at the dose of 10 g/kg. Aiming to search potential compounds and probable mechanisms, network pharmacology, molecular docking and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis were adopted, leading to the hypothesis of 17 targets related to different pathogenesis of gout and 5 potential compounds (C36, C107, C124, C125 and C130) among 156 selected compounds, playing synergetic role with multiple targets. Instead of the guiding ideology of "a gene, a drug, a disease", varieties of compounds but not a single one from EL display holistic performance through multiple pathways with multi-targets. It was noteworthy that Xanthine dehydrogenase/oxidase (XDH), Prostaglandin G/H synthase 2 (PTGS2), Fatty acid-binding protein, liver (FABP1), Purine nucleoside phosphorylase (PNP), and Peroxisome proliferator activated receptor alpha (PPARA) were the key targets with intensely interaction. Furthermore, the functional enrichment analysis indicated that EL probably produced the gout protection effects by synergistic regulation in multiple biological pathways, including Toll-like receptor signaling pathway, MAPK signaling pathway, and NOD-like receptor signaling pathway, etc.

Virtual screening of active compounds from Artemisia argyi and potential targets against gastric ulcer based on Network pharmacology.

Artemisia argyi (AA) is one of the renowned herbs in China often used in the treatment of gastric ulcer (GU). Aiming to predict the active compounds and systematically investigate the mechanisms of Artemisia argyi for GU treatment, the approach of network pharmacology, molecular docking, gene ontology (GO) analysis, and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis were adopted, respectively, in present study. A total of 13 predicted targets of the 103 compounds in Artemisia argyi were obtained. Sorted by pathogenic mechanisms of targets and structure types of compounds, it was revealed that flavonoids and sesquiterpenes had better performance than monoterpenes. The network analysis showed that Phospholipase a2 (PA21B), Sulfotransferase family cytosolic 2b member 1 (ST2B1), Nitric-oxide synthase, endothelial (NOS3), Gastrin (GAST), neutrophil collagenase (MMP-8), Leukotriene A-4 hydrolase (LKHA4), Urease maturation factor HypB (HYPB), and Periplasmic serine endoprotease DegP (HtrA) were the key targets with intensely interaction. The functional enrichment analysis indicated that AA probably produced the gastric mucosa protection effects by synergistically regulating many biological pathways, such as NF-κB signaling pathway, HIF-1 signaling pathway, TNF signaling pathway, VEGF signaling pathway, and Toll-like receptor signaling pathway, etc. In addition, C73 and C15 might be promising leading compounds with good molecular docking score. As a consequence, this study holistically illuminates the active constituents and mechanisms based on data analysis, which contributes to searching for leading compounds and the development of new drugs for gastric ulcer.

The Mitochondrial Endonuclease M20 Participates in the Down-Regulation of Mitochondrial DNA in Pollen Cells.

Maintaining the appropriate number of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) molecules is crucial for supporting mitochondrial metabolism and function in both plant and animal cells. For example, a substantial decrease in mtDNA levels occurs as a key part of pollen development. The molecular mechanisms regulating mtDNA copy number are largely unclear, particularly with regard to those that reduce mtDNA levels. Here, we identified and purified a 20-kD endonuclease, M20, from maize (Zea mays) pollen mitochondria. We found M20 to be an His-Asn-His/Asn (H-N-H/N) nuclease that degrades linear and circular DNA in the presence of Mg2+ or Mn2+ Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) AtM20, which shared high sequence similarity with maize M20, localized to the mitochondria, had a similar H-N-H/N structure, and degraded both linear and circular DNA. AtM20 transcript levels increased during pollen development, in parallel with a rapid reduction in mtDNA. Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 9 genome-editing techniques were used to generate knockout lines of AtM20 (atm20), which exhibited a significant delay in the reduction in mtDNA levels in pollen vegetative cells but normal mtDNA levels in somatic cells. The delayed reduction in pollen mtDNA levels was rescued by the transgenic expression of AtM20 in atm20 plants. This study thus uncovers an endonucleolytic DNase in plant mitochondria and its crucial role in reducing mtDNA levels, pointing to the complex mechanism regulating mtDNA levels in plants.

Suppression of MIF-induced neuronal apoptosis may underlie the therapeutic effects of effective components of Fufang Danshen in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

Fufang Danshen (FFDS or Compound Danshen) consists of three Chinese herbs Danshen (Salviae miltiorrhizae radix et rhizome), Sanqi (Notoginseng radix et rhizome) and Tianranbingpian (Borneolum, or D-borneol), which has been show to significantly improve the function of the nervous system and brain metabolism. In this study we explored the possible mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of the combination of the effective components of FFDS (Tan IIA, NG-R1 and Borneol) in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD) based on network pharmacology. We firstly constructed AD-related FFDS component protein interaction networks, and revealed that macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) might regulate neuronal apoptosis through Bad in the progression of AD. Then we investigated the apoptosis-inducing effects of MIF and the impact of the effective components of FFDS in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells. We observed the characteristics of a "Pendular state" of MIF, where MIF (8 ng/mL) increased the ratio of p-Bad/Bad by activating Akt and the IKKα/ß signaling pathway to assure cell survival, whereas MIF (50 ng/mL) up-regulated the expression of Bad to trigger apoptosis of SH-SY5Y cells. MIF displayed neurotoxicity similar to Aß1-42, which was associated with the MIF-induced increased expression of Bad. Application of the FFDS composite solution significantly decreased the expression levels of Bad, suppressed MIF-induced apoptosis in SH-SY5Y cells. In a D-galactose- and AlCl3-induced AD mouse model, administration of the FFDS composite solution significantly improved the learning and memory, as well as neuronal morphology, and decreased the serum levels of INF-γ. Therefore, the FFDS composite solution exerts neuroprotective effects through down-regulating the level of Bad stimulated by MIF.

Electroacupuncture plus standard of care for managing refractory functional dyspepsia: protocol of a pragmatic trial with economic evaluation.

INTRODUCTION: This trial proposes to compare the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of electroacupuncture (EA) plus on-demand gastrocaine with waiting list for EA plus on-demand gastrocaine in providing symptom relief and quality-of-life improvement among patients with functional dyspepsia (FD). METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This is a single-centre, pragmatic, randomised parallel-group, superiority trial comparing the outcomes of (1) EA plus on-demand gastrocaine group and (2) waiting list to EA plus on-demand gastrocaine group. 132 (66/arm) endoscopically confirmed, Helicobacter pylori-negative patients with FD will be recruited. Enrolled patients will respectively be receiving (1) 20 sessions of EA over 10 weeks plus on-demand gastrocaine; or (2) on-demand gastrocaine and being nominated on to a waiting list for EA, which entitles them 20 sessions of EA over 10 weeks after 12 weeks of waiting. The primary outcome will be the between-group difference in proportion of patients achieving adequate relief of symptoms over 12 weeks. The secondary outcomes will include patient-reported change in global symptoms and individual symptoms, Nepean Dyspepsia Index, Nutrient Drink Test, 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ9), and 7-item Generalised Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD7). Adverse events will be assessed formally. Results on direct medical costs and on the EuroQol (EQ-5D) questionnaire will also be used to assess cost-effectiveness. Analysis will follow the intention-to-treat principle using appropriate univariate and multivariate methods. A mixed model analysis taking into account missing data of these outcomes will be performed. Cost-effectiveness analysis will be performed using established approach. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The study is supported by the Health and Medical Research Fund, Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China. It has been approved by the Joint Chinese University of Hong Kong - New Territories East Cluster Clinical Research Ethics Committee. Results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and be disseminated in international conference. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ChiCTR-IPC-15007109; Pre-result.

Effects of combat training on visuomotor performance in children aged 9 to 12 years - an eye-tracking study.

BACKGROUND: Data on visuomotor performance in combat training and the effects of combat training on visuomotor performance are limited. This study aimed to investigate the effects of a specially designed combat sports (CS) training program on the visuomotor performance levels of children. METHODS: A pre-post comparative design was implemented. A total of 26 students aged 9-12 years underwent 40-min CS training sessions twice a week for 8 weeks during their physical education classes. The CS training program was designed by a karate coach and a motor control specialist. The other 30 students continued their regular activities and were considered as a control group. Each student's eye movement was monitored using an eye tracker, whereas the motor performance was measured using a target hitting system with a program-controlled microprocessor. The measurements were taken 8 weeks before (baseline), 1 day before (pretest), and 1 week after (posttest) the designated training program. The task used for evaluating these students was hitting or tracking random illuminated targets as rapidly as possible. A two-way analysis of variance [group(2) × time(3)] with repeated measures of time was performed for statistical analysis. RESULTS: For the children who received combat training, although the eye response improvement was not significant, both the primary and secondary saccade onset latencies were significantly earlier compared to the children without combat training. Both groups of students exhibited improvement in their hit response times during the target hitting tasks. CONCLUSION: The current finding supported the notion that sports training efforts essentially enhance visuomotor function in children aged 9-12 years, and combat training facilitates an earlier secondary saccade onset.

Clinical features, radiologic findings, and treatment of pediatric germ cell tumors involving the basal ganglia and thalamus: a retrospective series of 15 cases at a single center.

PURPOSE: Pediatric germ cell tumors (GCTs) involving the basal ganglia and thalamus are relatively rare neoplasms which have not been extensively described. We here summarize the clinical and radiological features of a series of such tumors and discuss optimal treatment strategies based upon our experience. METHODS: A total of 15 pediatric patients with basal ganglionic and thalamic GCTs were treated between 2011 and 2016 at West China Hospital. Epidemiological characteristics, clinical features, imaging findings, and treatment strategies were reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS: GCTs constituted 28% (15/53) of pediatric basal ganglionic and thalamic tumors in our institution between 2011 and 2016. There were 12 males and 3 females with mean age of 11.7 ± 2.8 years (range, 7-16 years). The most common initial manifestation was hemiparesis (n = 13, 86.7%), followed by headache (n = 5, 33.3%), vomiting (n = 3, 20.0%), cognitive disturbance (n = 2, 13.3%), and seizure (n = 1, 6.7%). No tumors were incidentally detected. The mean duration of the symptoms before diagnosis was 4.4 ± 3.9 months (range from 9 days to 13 months). The maximum diameters of the lesions ranged from 3.2 to 6.5 cm (mean 4.7 ± 1.1 cm). Cysts were seen in tumors in MRIs in 11 patients (73%), intratumoral hemorrhages in 3 (20%), calcification in 2 (13%), and there was obstructive hydrocephalus in 1 (7%). Of note, hemiatrophy was observed in 9 cases (60.0%). The mean follow-up for the 15 patients was 28 months (range, 9-54 months), and no patients were lost. During the follow-up period, all patients (9 cases) with germinomas responded well to radiotherapy, and no recurrence was observed. Among 4 patients with mixed nongerminomatous germ cell tumor, 2 suffered tumor recurrence after treatment. Neurological deficits improved or remained unchanged in 12 patients but 3 developed new dysfunction including significant cognitive disturbance and hemiparesis. CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric GCTs in the basal ganglia and thalamus are not as rare as previously considered. Tumor markers should be tested routinely for tumors in these sites in young patients. Optimal treatment strategy based on accurate diagnosis and comprehensive clinical assessment should be recommended.

[Consideration about chemistry, manufacture and control (CMC) key problems in simplified registration of classical traditional Chinese medicine excellent prescriptions].

As an outstanding representative of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) prescriptions accumulated from famous TCM doctors' clinical experiences in past dynasties, classical TCM excellent prescriptions (cTCMeP) are the most valuable part of TCM system. To support the research and development of cTCMeP, a series of regulations and measures were issued to encourage its simplified registration. There is still a long-way to go because many key problems and puzzles about technology, registration and administration in cTCMeP R&D process are not resolved. Based on the analysis of registration and management regulations of botanical drug products in FDA of USA and Japan, and EMA of Europe, the possible key problems and countermeasures in chemistry, manufacture and control (CMC) of simplified registration of cTCMeP were analyzed on the consideration of its actual situation. The method of "reference decoction extract by traditional prescription" (RDETP) was firstly proposed as standard to evaluate the quality and preparation uniformity between the new developing product under simplified registration and traditional original usages of cTCMeP, instead of Standard Decoction method in Japan. "Totality of the evidence" approach, mass balance and bioassay/biological assay of cTCMeP were emphatically suggested to introduce to the quality uniformity evaluation system in the raw drug material, drug substance and final product between the modern product and traditional decoction.

Consideration about chemistry, manufacture and control (CMC) key problems in simplified registration of classical traditional Chinese medicine excellent prescriptions / 中国中药杂志

As an outstanding representative of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) prescriptions accumulated from famous TCM doctors' clinical experiences in past dynasties, classical TCM excellent prescriptions (cTCMeP) are the most valuable part of TCM system. To support the research and development of cTCMeP, a series of regulations and measures were issued to encourage its simplified registration. There is still a long-way to go because many key problems and puzzles about technology, registration and administration in cTCMeP R&D process are not resolved. Based on the analysis of registration and management regulations of botanical drug products in FDA of USA and Japan, and EMA of Europe, the possible key problems and countermeasures in chemistry, manufacture and control (CMC) of simplified registration of cTCMeP were analyzed on the consideration of its actual situation. The method of "reference decoction extract by traditional prescription" (RDETP) was firstly proposed as standard to evaluate the quality and preparation uniformity between the new developing product under simplified registration and traditional original usages of cTCMeP, instead of Standard Decoction method in Japan. "Totality of the evidence" approach, mass balance and bioassay/biological assay of cTCMeP were emphatically suggested to introduce to the quality uniformity evaluation system in the raw drug material, drug substance and final product between the modern product and traditional decoction.

Two new steroidal glycosides with unique structural feature of 14α-hydroxy-5ß-steroids from Reineckia carnea.

Two new steroidal glycosides (1-2) were isolated from the roots of Reineckia carnea, together with three known compounds (3-5). Their structures were determined on the basis of chemical methods and spectral data. Compounds 1-2 were the unique steroidal glycosides possessing structural feature of 14α-hydroxy-5ß-steroids, and compounds 4-5 were isolated from R. carnea for the first time. The isolated compounds (1-5) were tested in vitro for their cytotoxic activities against the A549, HepG 2 and Caski cancer cell lines. Among them, the compounds 2 and 3 showed cytotoxicity against Caski cancer cell line with IC50 values of 34.4 and 3.7µM, respectively.

Effect of Exogenous Abscisic Acid and Methyl Jasmonate on Anthocyanin Composition, Fatty Acids, and Volatile Compounds of Cabernet Sauvignon (Vitis vinifera L.) Grape Berries.

The anthocyanin composition, fatty acids, and volatile aromas are important for Cabernet Sauvignon grape quality. This study evaluated the effect of exogenous abscisic acid (ABA) and methyl jasmonate (MeJA) on the anthocyanin composition, fatty acids, lipoxygenase activity, and the volatile compounds of Cabernet Sauvignon grape berries. Exogenous ABA and MeJA improved the content of total anthocyanins (TAC) and individual anthocyanins. Lipoxygenase (LOX) activity also increased after treatment. Furthermore, 16 fatty acids were detected. The linoleic acid concentration gradually increased with ABA concentration. The fatty acid content decreased with increasing MeJA concentration and then increased again, with the exception of linoleic acid. After exogenous ABA and MeJA treatment, the C6 aroma content increased significantly. Interestingly, the exogenous ABA and MeJA treatments improved mainly the content of 1-hexanol, hexanal, and 2-heptanol. These results provide insight into the effect of plant hormones on wine grapes, which is useful for grape quality improvement.

A one-step rectification of sperm cell targeting ensures the success of double fertilization.

Successful fertilization in animals depends on competition among millions of sperm cells, whereas double fertilization in flowering plants usually involves just one pollen tube releasing two immobile sperm cells. It is largely a mystery how the plant sperm cells fuse efficiently with their female targets within an embryo sac. We show that the initial positioning of sperm cells upon discharge from the pollen tube is usually inopportune for gamete fusions and that adjustment of sperm cell targeting occurs through release and re-adhesion of one sperm cell, while the other connected sperm cell remains in stagnation. This enables proper adhesion of each sperm cell to a female gamete and coordinates the gamete fusions. Our findings reveal inner embryo sac dynamics that ensure the reproductive success of flowering plants and suggest a requirement for sperm cell differentiation as the basis of double fertilization.