Acupuncture-Induced Hemothorax with Hypovolemic Shock: A Case Report.

This report describes a very rare but life-threatening complication that occurred in a 43-year-old woman after an acupuncture (AC) for lumbago. The patient presented to the emergency department displaying symptoms indicative of shock. Physical examination revealed the absence of breath sounds on the right thoracic side, further investigations indicated the presence of a hemothorax. Emergency surgery was performed to evacuate the hemothorax and control bleeding from two intercostal veins. Although AC is often considered a gentle form of medicine, it is important to recognize that it can occasionally result in severe complications, especially when acupoints are used on the thorax.

Adjunctive Effect and Safety of Chinese Herbal Medicine in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Objective: The primary objectives of this systematic review and meta-analysis were to assess the impact of Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) as an adjunctive therapy in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and to evaluate its safety and efficacy. Methods: Studies were obtained from multiple databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure Database (CNKI), WanFang Data (WanFang), and Chinese Science and Technology Journal Database (VIP). Randomized controlled trials evaluating the effects of CHM intravenously or orally in patients with CAD undergoing PCI were included. The primary outcome was improvements in major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs), and the secondary outcomes included differences in echocardiography, serum biomarkers, vascular structures and functions, clinical symptoms, and adverse drug reactions. Data synthesis was conducted using relative risk (RR), weighted mean difference (MD), and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results: Forty-seven trials, including 12,638 participants, were included in the meta-analyses. CHM significantly reduced MACEs compared with the control group(RR = 0.51, 95% CI= 0.45 to 0.58)). CHM also led to improvements in left ventricular ejection fraction((MD=6.93, 95% CI = 4.03 to 8.03), ventricular end-diastolic dimension(MD=-5.01, 95% CI = -7.0 to -3.03), and cardiac troponin-I levels(MD=-0.37, 95% CI = -0.77 to 0.03]). The anti-inflammatory effects of CHM were observed through downregulation of C-reactive protein(MD=-2.13, 95% CI = -3.1 to -1.05) and high-sensitivity CRP (MD=-1.47, 95% CI= -2.47 to -0.48) when compared with the control groups. CHM also showed a protective effect on renal function and augmented platelet inhibition(7.05, 95% CI=5.91 to 8.19, P < .00001). The blood stasis scores of patients treated with Chinese Medicine were lower in the CHM group (MD=-4.30, 95% CI= -6.53 to -2.07). No significant difference in adverse events was found between the CHM and control groups. Conclusion: The addition of CHM to conventional treatment in patients undergoing PCI for CAD improved primary and secondary endpoint events with no significant adverse drug reactions. These findings suggest that CHM has better clinical efficacy and safety. However, more high-quality studies are needed to validate these results and provide further evidence for the clinical application of CHM in CAD patients undergoing PCI.

Personalized checkpoint acupuncture can reduce postoperative pain after abdominal surgery-a STRICTA-conform pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Optimal pain management is one of the core elements of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS®) protocols and remains a challenge. Acupuncture (AC) is an effective treatment for various pain conditions. Systematic and personalized allocation of acupoints may be decisive for efficacy. METHODS: Based on the predominant pressure sensitivity of six gastrointestinal (GI) checkpoints (G1-G6), we devised a method to detect personalized patterns of pain and a corresponding set of acupoints. We performed a single AC treatment with semi-permanent needles and assessed the visual analogue scale (VAS) score, pain threshold based on pressure algometry (PA), and temperature changes on abdominal skin areas before and 5 min after AC. RESULTS: Between April and June 2021, thirty-eight patients were prospectively included in this pilot study. The mean reduction in subjective pain sensation as assessed by VAS was 86%, paralleled by an augmentation of the pain threshold as measured by PA by 64%. A small but significant increase in the skin temperature was observed above the abdominal surface. These effects were independent of the type of surgery. CONCLUSION: Checkpoint acupuncture may be a complementary tool for postoperative pain management. Further investigations are needed to explore this analgesic effect.

Reduction of Pain After Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgery by Personalized Checkpoint Acupuncture-Data of a STRICTA Conform Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND: It remains challenging in clinical practice to perform optimal pain management following bariatric surgeries. Acupuncture (AC) is an effective method of postoperative pain management, but its clinical efficacy depends on the rationale used to select AC points. METHODS: We developed a method to identify individual patterns of pain and a corresponding set of acupoints (corrAC) based on the relative pressure sensitivity of six abdominal visceral pressure points, i.e., the gastrointestinal (GI) checkpoints (G1-G6). Patients with moderate to severe pain were included and received a single AC treatment following surgery. The visual analog scale (VAS) score, pain threshold, and skin temperature were assessed before AC and at 5 min, 1 h, and 24 h following AC. AC was performed with 1-mm-deep permanent needles. RESULTS: From April 2021 to March 2022, 72 patients were included in the analysis. Fifty-nine patients received corrAC, whereas 13 received a noncorresponding AC (nonAC) as an internal control. Patients receiving corrAC showed a significant reduction (74%) in pain at 5 min after treatment (p < 0.0001) and a significant increase (37%) in the pain threshold (p < 0.0001). In this group, a significant increase in skin temperature above G1, G3, G4, and G5 was observed. Patients receiving nonAC showed neither significant pain reduction nor significant changes in pain threshold. The skin above G3 and G4 did not reveal temperature changes. CONCLUSION: Checkpoint AC may be an effective tool in postoperative pain therapy after bariatric surgery. Vegetative functional involvement might be associated with pain relief.

Remote Follow-up with a Mobile Application Is Equal to Traditional Outpatient Follow-up After Bariatric Surgery: the BELLA Pilot Trial.

PURPOSE: Medical follow-up after bariatric surgery is recommended. However, the compliance was poor. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of a smartphone-based fully remote follow-up (FU) program for patients after bariatric surgery. METHODS: In the interventional group, patients were followed up using a smartphone application (app), through which questionnaires were sent regularly. Participants in the control group underwent standard FU at the outpatient clinic every three months. After 12 months, all the participants were evaluated at an outpatient clinic. RESULTS: Between August 2020 and March 2021, 44 and 43 patients in the interventional and control groups, respectively, were included in the analysis after three patients were lost to FU, and three withdrew their informed consent because they wished for more personal contact with medical caregivers. After 12 months, total weight loss (TWL), %TWL, and percentage of excess weight loss (%EWL) did not differ between groups. There were no significant differences in the complication rates, including surgical complications, malnutrition, and micronutrition deficiency. The parameters of bioelectrical impedance analysis and quality of life did not differ between the groups. Vitamins and minerals in serum were similar in both groups except for calcium, which was significantly higher in the interventional group (2.52 mmol/L vs. 2.35 mmol/L, p = 0.038). CONCLUSION: Fully remote FU with a smartphone application is at least as effective as traditional in-person FU in an outpatient clinic after bariatric surgery. Through remote FU, patients can save time and medical professionals may have more resources for patients with more severe problems.

FoRSR1 Is Important for Conidiation, Fusaric Acid Production, and Pathogenicity in Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ginseng.

The root rot disease caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ginseng is one of the most destructive diseases of ginseng, an economically important herb. However, little is known about the pathogen's toxin biosynthesis or the molecular mechanisms regulating infection of ginseng. In this study we identified and functionally characterized the FoRSR1 gene that encodes a Ras-related (RSR) small GTPase homologous to yeast Rsr1 in F. oxysporum f. sp. ginseng. Disruption of FoRSR1 resulted in a significant reduction in mycelial dry weight in liquid cultures, although vegetative growth rate was not affected on culture plates. Notably, the Forsr1 mutant exhibited blunted and swollen hyphae with multi-nucleated compartments. It produced fewer and morphologically abnormal conidia and was defective in chlamydospore formation. In infection assays with ginseng roots, the Forsr1 mutant was significantly less virulent and caused only limited necrosis at the wounding sites. Deletion of FoRSR1 also affected pigmentation, autophagy, and production of fusaric acid. Furthermore, the expression of many candidate genes involved in secondary metabolism was significantly downregulated in the mutant, suggesting that FoRSR1 is also important for secondary metabolism. Overall, our results indicated that FoRSR1 plays important roles in conidiation, vacuolar morphology, secondary metabolism, and pathogenesis in F. oxysporum f. sp. ginseng.

Research progress on the effect mechanism of acupuncture-moxibustion for pressure injuries / 中国针灸

Evidence shows that acupuncture-moxibustion could promote the healing of pressure injuries (PI), but its action mechanism is not fully understood. This review summarizes the basic research literature of acupuncture-moxibustion for PI and identifies that the mechanism of acupuncture-moxibustion for PI is related with regulation of related signaling pathway target proteins, improvement of inflammatory response, modulation of vascular microenvironment, attenuation of oxidative stress damage, and inhibition of cell apoptosis. The review also points out the current limitations and future research directions. It emphasizes the need for further exploration of the upstream regulatory mechanism, specific cellular molecules, and the interactions among these molecules. A multi-level, multi-target, and multi-dimensional approach is required to fully understand the mechanism underlying the promotion of PI healing by acupuncture-moxibustion.

Professor GAO Wei-bin's clinical experience of using electroacupuncture for dry eye / 中国针灸

The academic thoughts of professor GAO Wei-bin regarding the use of electroacupuncture in the treatment of dry eye are introduced. Professor GAO believes that the occurrence of dry eye is mainly related to the stagnation of qi and blood in the eye meridians, leading to inadequate nourishment of the eyes. The acupuncture treatment principle focuses on promoting blood circulation, clearing and benefiting the eye orifices. By integrating traditional acupuncture theory with modern neuroanatomy, the treatment approach centers on stimulating the lacrimal gland, emphasizing the importance of promoting, addressing symptoms as a priority, and considering both the root cause and symptoms.The precise acupoint selection is emphasized. Acupoints of periocular region, such as Taiyang (EX-HN 5) and Leixian point are selected along with Fengchi (GB 20) and Gongxue point to treat dry eye. Attention is also given to the use of electroacupuncture and the selection of its frequencies, emphasizing specific needling techniques based on the severity and classification of the disease.

Analgesic effects of different acupuncture therapies on postherpetic neuralgia:a Bayes-ian network meta-analysis / 中国药理学与毒理学杂志

OBJECTIVE To assess the effi-cacy and safety of acupuncture-related treat-ments for postherpetic neuralgia(PHN),identify the most effective acupuncture and related treat-ments.METHODS PubMed,Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials,Embase,Web of Science,and four Chinese databases,a clinical research registration platform,and grey literature were searched.We evaluated the risk of bias and quality in the included studies and per-formed a Bayesian multiple network meta-analy-sis.RESULTS We included 29 randomized con-trolled trials comprising 1973 patients,of which approximately 17.24%showed a high risk of bi-as.According to the Jadad scale,2,16,and 11 studies were high,medium,and low quality,respectively.The pairwise meta-analysis results revealed that the efficacy of all acupuncture-related treatments for pain relief related to PHN showed the difference was statistically significant com-pared with that of antiepileptics.The network meta-analysis results showed that pricking and cupping plus antiepileptics were the most effec-tive,followed by electroacupuncture(EA)plus antiepileptics for pain relief in patients with PHN.EA plus antiepileptics ranked the best regarding reduced Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and Self-Rating Depression Scale scores in patients with PHN.No results were found regarding total response rate or quality of life among this study.Acupuncture-related treatments showed a lower incidence of adverse events than that of antiepi-leptics-related treatments.CONCLUSION Acu-puncture-related therapies may be potential treat-ment options for PHN and are relatively safe.Pricking and cupping plus antiepileptics are the most effective techniques for pain relief.EA plus antiepileptics is the best approach for improving insomnia and depression symptoms of PHN.

Efficacy of acupuncture on acute tonsillitis:a systematic review and meta-analysis / 中国药理学与毒理学杂志

OBJECTIVE To systematically assess the efficacy and safety of acupuncture in treating acute tonsillitis,providing a reference for clinical decision-making.METHODS We searched PubMed,CENTRAL,Embase,Web of Science,China National Knowledge Infrastruc-ture,China Biomedical,clinical research registra-tion platforms,grey literature,and the reference lists of the selected studies from inception to Oct.30,2022.The risk of bias assessment used Rev-Man.Meta-analysis was performed using STATA with Hedges' g value.In addition,we performed subgroup analysis,meta-regression,and publica-tion bias detection with Harbord's and Egger's tests.RESULTS We included 19 randomized controlled trials comprising 1701 patients,of which 1 study was assessed high risk of bias.The primary outcome,the response rate,revealed that acupuncture was more effective than antibi-otics.The secondary outcomes showed that the difference in the reduction of the VAS scores,sore throat time,and white blood cell counts was statistically significant with acupuncture compared to antibiotics.However,the difference in modulat-ing neutrophil percentage and C-reactive protein was not statistically significant.Besides,acupunc-ture treatments showed a lower incidence of adverse events than antibiotics.CONCLUSION Acupuncture therapy on acute tonsillitis is safe,and the response rate is superior to antibiotics.For alleviating sore throat symptoms,shortening sore throat time,and improving immune inflam-mation index,acupuncture has positive signi fi cance.Nevertheless,because of the limitations of this study,our conclusions should be inter-preted with caution.Future efforts still need more high-quality trials to improve the methodology and reporting quality.

Cornel Iridoid Glycoside and Its Effective Component Regulate ATPase Vps4A/JNK to Alleviate Autophagy Deficit with Autophagosome Accumulation.

Improving autophagy-lysosome fusion has been considered a key method in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Cornel iridoid glycoside (CIG) is extracted from Cornus officinalis and has been shown to promote the clearance of tau oligomers via the autophagy pathway. However, the mechanisms of CIG on autophagy deficits are not understood. Here, we found autophagy deficit and tau aggregation in the brains of P301S tau transgenic mice and MAPT cells edited using CRISPR-Cas9 technology. CIG decreased tau aggregation and alleviated autophagic markers involving the JNK/Beclin-1 signaling pathway which demonstrated CIG that might enhance lysosome formation by upregulating ATPase Vps4A expression. Knocking down VPS4A increased autophagosome accumulation and attenuated the effect of CIG on p62. In addition, CIG had no effect on tau oligomers but still inhibited the level of tau monomer in VPS4A knockout cells. The effective component (Sweroside, SWE) of CIG attenuated tau oligomers accumulation and increased Vps4A level but not CHMP2B. SWE could not change the level of tau oligomers in VPS4A knockout cells. In conclusion, CIG suppressed autophagosome accumulation by regulating the ATPase Vps4A/JNK. SWE is a core of active factors of CIG in Vps4A regulation. These findings suggest CIG may be a potential drug in AD treatment.

Direct acupuncture of nitric oxide by an electrochemical microsensor with high time-space resolution.

Measurement of signal molecule is critically important for understanding living systems. Nitric oxide (NO) is a key redox signal molecule that shows diverse roles in virtually all life forms. However, probing into NO's activities is challenging as NO has restricted lifetime (<10 s) and limited diffusion distance (usually <200 µm). So, for the direct acupuncture of NO within the time-space resolution, an electrochemical microsensor has been designed and fabricated in this work. Fabrication of the microsensor is achieved by (1) selective assembly of an electrocatalytic transducer, (2) attaching the transducer on carbon fiber electrode, and (3) covered it with a screen layer to reduce signal interference. The fabricated microsensor exhibits high sensitivity (LOD, 13.5 pM), wide detection range (100 pM-5 µM), and good selectivity. Moreover, studies have revealed that the availability of the sensor for efficient detection of NO is due to the formation of a specific DNA/porphyrin hybrid structure that has synergetic effects on NO electrocatalysis. Therefore, NO release by cells and tissues can be directly and precisely traced, in which we have obtained the release pattern of NO by different cancer cell lines, and have known its dynamics in tumor microenvironment. The fabricated electrocatalytic microsensor may provide a unique and useful tool for the direct assay of NO with high time-space resolution, which promisingly gives a technical solution for the bioassay of NO in living systems.

Secondary metabolites isolated from Agrimonia pilosa Ledeb.

A pilot study on the ethanol extracts of Agrimonia pilosa found to have anti-α-glucosidase and anti-inflammatory activities. Subsequent chemical study afforded a new phenylethyl isocoumarin glycoside (1) and eight known compounds (2-9). The structure of 1 was elucidated by comprehensive spectroscopic analysis and chemical transformations. All compounds showed modest α-glucosidase inhibitory activity (IC50 values ranging from 36.8 to 210.7 µM), which was lower than that of the positive control acarbose (IC50=301.9 µM). Those compounds except inactive compounds 3 and 6 showed weak anti-inflammatory activity.[Formula: see text].

Research progress of acupuncture and moxibustion at Baliao points in the treatment of urinary incontinence / 国际中医中药杂志

Acupuncture at Baliao points for urinary incontinence has the advantages of obvious therapeutic effect, simple operation and few complications, which is mainly used for the treatment of urinary incontinence after stroke, urinary incontinence after spinal cord injury, stress urinary incontinence and urinary incontinence of bladder overactivity, etc. Urinary incontinence after stroke and spinal cord injury is a complication of disease, most of which are combined with acupuncture at Baliao points on the basis of primary disease treatment. The bladder meridian of foot-Taiyang has the characteristics of "entering the collateral brain" and "carrying spine to the waist". Baliao points can conduct induction along the bladder meridian to the sick site along the bladder meridian, and can play a certain therapeutic role in the treatment of the primary disease. Stress urinary incontinence and urinary incontinence of bladder overactivity can be regarded as independent diseases. Since Baliao points are located in the lumbosacral region which is close to the bladder, acupuncture can play a role in the near treatment of acupoints, improve the operation of bladder qi and blood, and the curative effect has a cumulative effect.

Dental Erosion in Obese Patients before and after Bariatric Surgery: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Obese patients are at risk of dental erosion due to micronutrient deficiency, consumption of soft drinks, gastric reflux disease and vomiting. The present study evaluates the presence of dental erosion in obese patients before and after bariatric surgery using the BEWE (basic erosive wear examination) scoring system. A total of 62 patients with severe obesity were included in the analysis, 31 in the control group (without bariatric surgery) and 31 in the surgery group (after bariatric surgery). BEWE scores did not vary between groups. Vitamin D deficiency was detected in 19 patients in the control group and three in the surgery group (p < 0.001). The serum calcium and vitamin D values were significantly higher in the surgery group (p = 0.003, p < 0.001 consecutively). All patients after bariatric surgery showed compliance with supplements, including vitamin D and calcium daily. Patients after bariatric surgery were less likely to drink soft drinks regularly (p = 0.026). Obese patients, before or after bariatric surgery, are at risk for erosive dental wear. However, with sufficient education prior to surgery and consistent intake of vitamin and mineral supplements, significant erosive dental wear after bariatric surgery could be avoided. Regular dental examination should be included in the check-up and follow-up program.

Loganin Inhibits Angiotensin II-Induced Cardiac Hypertrophy Through the JAK2/STAT3 and NF-κB Signaling Pathways.

Loganin is an iridoid glycoside extracted from Cornus officinalis, which is a traditional oriental medicine, and many biological properties of loganin have been reported. Nevertheless, it is not clear whether loganin has therapeutic effect on cardiovascular diseases. Hence, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of loganin on Ang II-induced cardiac hypertrophy. In the present study, we reported for the first time that loganin inhibits Ang II-provoked cardiac hypertrophy and cardiac damages in H9C2 cells and in mice. Furthermore, loganin can achieve cardioprotective effects through attenuating cardiac fibrosis, decreasing pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion, and suppressing the phosphorylation of critical proteins such as JAK2, STAT3, p65, and IκBα. Besides, the outstanding findings of the present study were to prove that loganin has no significant toxicity or side effects on normal cells and organs. Based on these results, we conclude that loganin mitigates Ang II-induced cardiac hypertrophy at least partially through inhibiting the JAK2/STAT3 and NF-κB signaling pathways. Accordingly, the natural product, loganin, might be a novel effective agent for the treatment of cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure.

[Systematic analysis on chemical constituents of Mori Cortex, mulberry root bark and its phellem layer based on HPLC-ESI-MS].

In this study, HPLC-ESI-MS and HPLC methods were established to explore the differences in the main chemical components and content of Mori Cortex with(mulberry root bark) and without(Mori Cortex) the phellem layer from both qualitative and quantitative aspects. The HPLC-ESI-MS method was used for quality analysis in positive and negative ion modes, and 33 compounds were identified in mulberry root bark, 22 compounds in Mori Cortex, and 26 compounds in phellem layer; mulberry root bark and Mori Cortex shared 22 components, and mulberry root bark has 11 unique compounds; Mori Cortex and its phellem layer shared 15 components, while Mori Cortex has 7 unique compounds. HPLC method was used to simultaneously determine 7 major constituents, including mulberroside A, chlorogenic acid, dihydromorin, oxyresveratrol, moracin O, kuwanon G, and kuwanon H, and the developed method showed good linearity(r>0.998 9) within the concentration range and the recoveries varied from 99.88% to 103.0%, and the RSD was 1.7%-2.9%. The HPLC results showed that the contents of the 7 compounds have great differences in 13 batches samples, compared with mulberry root bark, the contents of mulberroside A, chlorogenic acid, dihydromorin and moracin O of Mori Cortex were increased, while the contents of oxyresveratrol, kuwanon G and kuwanon H were decreased after peeling process. These results can provide a basis for the rationality and quality control of Mori Cortex required to remove the phellem layer.

[Randomized double-blind parallel controlled multicenter trial of Reyanning Mixture in treatment of acute tonsillitis].

This study is a randomized controlled trial of Reyanning Mixture in the treatment of acute tonsillitis. According to the ratio of 1∶1∶1, a total of 144 patients were randomly divided into Reyanning Mixture group(RYN), Reyanning Mixture+Amoxicillin Capsules group(RYN+Amoxil) and Amoxicillin Capsules group(Amoxil), with 48 cases in each group, in order to evaluate the efficacy and safety of RYN alone or combined with Amoxil in the treatment of acute tonsillitis, and provided high-quality evidences for treatment of infectious diseases with traditional Chinese medicine and reduced use of antibiotics. The dosage of RYN was 20 mL, 3 times a day, 100 mL/bottle, oral for 7 days, and Amoxil dosage was 0.5 g, 3 times a day, 0.5 g×12 tablets/plate, oral for 7 days. A total of 144 cases were included, 3 cases were excluded(1 case was mistakenly included, 2 cases did not take drugs after inclu-ded), and a total of 141 cases were included in the full analysis set(FAS). The results showed statistical differences in the recovery time of the disease, the disappearance rate of fever on the 3 rd day and the disappearance rate of tonsillar redness and swelling between RYN and Amoxil. There were statistical differences in the cure rate of disease, recovery time of disease, body temperature recovery time, fever disappearance rate on the 3 rd day, pharynx swelling and pain disappearance rate and tonsil swelling disappearance rate between the RYN+Amoxil and Amoxil, but with no significant difference in the above aspects compared with RYN. The DDD of antibiotic use in RYN+Amoxil was significantly lower than that in Amoxil(P<0.01). According to the findings, when RYN was used alone in the treatment of acute tonsillitis, it was superior to Amoxil in time of recovery, short-term improvement of fever and redness and swelling of tonsil. Compared with RYN+Amoxil, there was no difference in cure rate of disease, recovery time of disease, body temperature recovery time, short-term improvement of fever, swelling of pharynx and swelling of tonsil, with a better efficacy than Amoxil. The clinical effect of RYN was similar to that of combined Amoxil in the treatment of acute tonsillitis, and RYN was superior to Amoxil in the time of recovery, short-term improvement of fever and redness and swelling of tonsil, with no adverse event or adverse reaction. RYN+Amoxil can significantly reduce the DDD value of antibiotics in the treatment of acute tonsillitis, with significant clinical advantages over Amoxil.

Gas purge micro solvent extraction: A rapid and powerful tool for essential oil chromatographic fingerprints.

In this work, a new an innovative micro liquid extraction technique named "gas purge micro solvent extraction" (GP-MSE) have been tested, hyphenated with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), to evaluate its capability to extract volatile fractions from vegetal samples respect to classical steam distillation extraction procedure, by comparing essential oil fingerprints from three different Atractylodes species. GP-MSE showed higher extraction capabilities and sensitivities (in particular for semi-volatile components), obtaining more structured essential oil fingerprints with high reliabilities (relative standard deviation of the peak areas between 0.34% and 5.83%), requiring at the same time smaller sample amounts and reduced extraction times. Essential oil profile data were also submitted to principal component analysis and included cosine angle in order to highlight differences among the Atractylodes species under investigation. GP-MSE can be considered an alternative, simple, fast, sensitive and environmentally friendly extraction method, with high extraction efficiencies and reproducibility toward both volatile and semi-volatile compounds.

High-Level Production of Tyrosol with Noninduced Recombinant Escherichia coli by Metabolic Engineering.

Tyrosol is a pharmacologically active phenolic compound widely used in the pharmaceutical and chemical industries. Microbial fermentation has potential value as an environmentally friendly approach to tyrosol production, but suffers from low tyrosol yields and the need for expensive media additives. In this study, Escherichia coli MG1655 was modified by integrating an E. coli codon-optimized version of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae phenylpyruvate decarboxylase gene, named ARO10*, into the lacI locus. The resulting strain (YMGA*) produced 0.14 mM tyrosol from 2% glucose without the need for expensive media supplements. Subsequent deletion of E. coli genes designed to eliminate competing metabolic pathways (feaB, pheA, tyrB) or undesirable gene regulation (tyrR) produced a strain (YMGA*R) that produced 3.11 mM tyrosol. Tyrosol production was then increased to 10.92 mM by increasing the ARO10* copy number to five copies (strain YMG5A*R). Finally, tyrosol production was increased to 28 mM (ca. 3.9 g/L) by optimizing fermentation conditions in a 5 L fermenter. Engineering a productive E. coli strain with high tyrosol titer from glucose using a medium that does not require added amino acids, inducer, or antibiotic provides a solid basis to produce tyrosol through microbial fermentation.