Mosloflavone from Fissistigma petelotii ameliorates oncogenic multidrug resistance by STAT3 signaling modulation and P-glycoprotein blockade.

BACKGROUND: Oncogenic multidrug resistance (MDR) is a tough question in cancer therapy. However, no effective medications targeting oncogenic MDR are currently available. Studies have demonstrated that mosloflavone exerts anti-inflammatory effects, yet, its potential to ameliorate MDR remains unclear. PURPOSE: This study aimed to access the capability and elucidate molecular mechanisms of mosloflavone as a MDR resensitizing candidate. METHODS: We investigated the ability of mosloflavone to reverse oncogenic MDR and investigated its underlying mechanisms through cytotoxicity assay, cell cycle assay, apoptosis assay, and zebrafish xenograft model. The modulatory interplay between mosloflavone and P-gp was investigated through analysis of calcein-AM uptake, substrate efflux, ATPase assays, and molecular docking simulation. RESULTS: Mosloflavone inhibited P-gp efflux function in an uncompetitive manner without altering ABCB1 gene expression. In addition, it stimulated P-gp ATPase activity by binding to an active site distinct from that of verapamil. Regarding MDR reversal potential, mosloflavone resensitized MDR cancer cells to chemotherapies by arresting cell cycle and triggering apoptosis, possibly by enhancing reactive oxygen species accumulation and reducing phospho-STAT3. Moreover, in the zebrafish xenograft model, mosloflavone significantly potentiated the antitumor effect of paclitaxel. CONCLUSION: Our findings underscore the potential of mosloflavone as a novel dual modulator of STAT3 and P-gp, indicating it is a promising candidate for overcoming MDR in cancer treatment.

Plant-based polyphenol rich protein supplementation attenuated skeletal muscle loss and lowered the LDL level via gut microbiota remodeling in Taiwan's community-dwelling elderly.

Sarcopenia, characterized by muscle loss, negatively affects the elderly's physical activity and survival. Enhancing protein and polyphenol intake, possibly through the supplementation of fermented black soybean koji product (BSKP), may alleviate sarcopenia by addressing anabolic deficiencies and gut microbiota dysbiosis because of high contents of polyphenols and protein in BSKP. This study aimed to examine the effects of long-term supplementation with BSKP on mitigating sarcopenia in the elderly and the underlying mechanisms. BSKP was given to 46 participants over 65 years old with early sarcopenia daily for 10 weeks. The participants' physical condition, serum biochemistry, inflammatory cytokines, antioxidant activities, microbiota composition, and metabolites in feces were evaluated both before and after the intervention period. BSKP supplementation significantly increased the appendicular skeletal muscle mass index and decreased the low-density lipoprotein level. BSKP did not significantly alter the levels of inflammatory factors, but significantly increased the activity of antioxidant enzymes. BSKP changed the beta diversity of gut microbiota and enhanced the relative abundance of Ruminococcaceae_UCG_013, Lactobacillus_murinus, Algibacter, Bacillus, Gordonibacter, Porphyromonas, and Prevotella_6. Moreover, BSKP decreased the abundance of Akkermansia and increased the fecal levels of butyric acid. Positive correlations were observed between the relative abundance of BSKP-enriched bacteria and the levels of serum antioxidant enzymes and fecal short chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and Gordonibacter correlated negatively with serum low-density lipoprotein. In summary, BSKP attenuated age-related sarcopenia by inducing antioxidant enzymes and SCFAs via gut microbiota regulation. Therefore, BSKP holds potential as a high-quality nutrient source for Taiwan's elderly, especially in conditions such as sarcopenia.

Association of Coffee and Tea Intake with Bone Mineral Density and Hip Fracture: A Meta-Analysis.

Background and Objectives: Osteoporosis is characterized by low bone mass and high bone fragility. Findings regarding the association of coffee and tea intake with osteoporosis have been inconsistent. We conducted this meta-analysis to investigate whether coffee and tea intake is associated with low bone mineral density (BMD) and high hip fracture risk. Materials and Methods: PubMed, MEDLINE, and Embase were searched for relevant studies published before 2022. Studies on the effects of coffee/tea intake on hip fracture/BMD were included in our meta-analysis, whereas those focusing on specific disease groups and those with no relevant coffee/tea intake data were excluded. We assessed mean difference (MD; for BMD) and pooled hazard ratio (HR; for hip fracture) values with 95% confidence interval (CI) values. The cohort was divided into high- and low-intake groups considering the thresholds of 1 and 2 cups/day for tea and coffee, respectively. Results: Our meta-analysis included 20 studies comprising 508,312 individuals. The pooled MD was 0.020 for coffee (95% CI, -0.003 to 0.044) and 0.039 for tea (95% CI, -0.012 to 0.09), whereas the pooled HR was 1.008 for coffee (95% CI, 0.760 to 1.337) and 0.93 for tea (95% CI, 0.84 to 1.03). Conclusions: Our meta-analysis results suggest that daily coffee or tea consumption is not associated with BMD or hip fracture risk.

Laser-optics-based method to suppress Mikania micrantha growth.

Mikania micrantha is an exotic and aggressive species that can reproduce asexually and sexually through its germinative stem and its featherlike seeds. Present weeding methods cannot effectively or economically control the spread of Mikania micrantha. In this article, we propose a method to suppress the growth and spread of Mikania micrantha by applying a high-energy laser beam to penetrate its stem. The threshold penetrating optical intensity is 3.1 W/mm2. To optimize the damage to the inner tissue of the stem, which includes the vascular bundle and medulla for transporting organic nutrients, water, and inorganic salt, the absorption spectrum of the tissue and laser beam size are analyzed. According to the absorption spectrum of the tissue and growth mechanism of Mikania micrantha, a 455 nm blue laser is used as an irradiated light source. A single beam with two different beam sizes or two laser beams with the same beam size is used to optimize the stem damage. By the time the cumulative energy reaches 15 Joules for a single laser beam with dimensions of 0.81 mm × 0.74 mm, the inner tissue will be damaged 97.5%. We perform laser irradiation on the fresh Mikania micrantha grown hydroponically, with the result that all samples withered in 30 days. Therefore, using the method before the flowering season of Mikania micrantha can effectively inhibit its reproduction.

[Herbalogical study on historical evolution of collection, processing and efficacy of Citri Exocarpium Rubrum and Citri Grandis Exocarpium].

In ancient times, the original plants of Citri Exocarpium Rubrum and Citri Grandis Exocarpium had experienced succession and change, including tangerine(Citrus reticulata), pomelo(C. grandis), and Huazhou pomelo(C. grandis 'Tomentosa'), a specific cultivar of C. grandis produced in Huazhou, Guangdong. Before the Qing Dynasty, tangerine was the main original plant, while Huazhou pomelo came to the fore in the Qing Dynasty. In the 1950 s and 1960 s, the producing area of Huazhou pomelo was destroyed, and thus it had to be supplemented with pomelo. From then on, C. grandis 'Tomentosa' and C. grandis were both listed as the original plants of Citri Grandis Exocarpium in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. This paper reviewed the historical evolution of the collection, processing, and efficacy of Citri Exocarpium Rubrum and Citri Grandis Exocarpium. The research showed that:(1)The harvest time of the original plants of Citri Grandis Exocarpium and Citri Grandis Exocarpium had changed from maturity to immaturity. The collection and processing of Citri Exocarpium Rubrum was first recorded in the Illustrated Classics of Materia Medica in the Song Dynasty. During the Ming and Qing Dynasties, the mesocarp of Citri Exocarpium Rubrum needed to be removed completely, and Citri Grandis Exocarpium from C. grandis 'Tomentosa' was processed into different specifications such as seven-piece, five-piece, and single piece. Furthermore, processed young fruits of Huazhou pomelo appeared.(2)Citri Exocarpium Rubrum and Citri Grandis Exocarpium were processed with carp skin for the first time in the Master Lei's Discourse on Medicinal Processing. It was suggested that carp skin might be helpful for eliminating bones stuck in throat. During the Song, Jin, and Yuan Dynasties, some other processing methods such as ba-king, stir-frying, and salt-processing appeared. Honey, soil, ginger juice, and alum were firstly used as adjuvants for the processing in the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Citri Exocarpium Rubrum was mainly prepared with salt in order to improve the effect of lowering Qi, while it was unnecessary for Citri Grandis Exocarpium from C. grandis 'Tomentosa' because of its obvious effect of lowering Qi and eliminating phlegm. The stir-frying and honey-frying methods helped reduce the strong effect of Citri Grandis Exocarpium from C. grandis 'Tomentosa'.(3)According to the application of Citri Exocarpium Rubrum and Citri Grandis Exocarpium in history, their medicinal use began in Han and Tang Dynasties, developed in Song, Jin, and Yuan Dynasties, and matured in Ming and Qing Dynasties. Citri Grandis Exocarpium from C. grandis 'Tomentosa' was originally applied in Ming and Qing Dynasties, and it still plays an important in role treating COVID-19 nowadays. Moreover, Citri Grandis Exocarpium from C. grandis had cold medicinal property, while Citri Grandis Exocarpium from C. grandis 'Tomentosa' had warm medicinal property, and thus they should not be treated the same. At present, Huazhou pomelo has a certain production scale. Therefore, it is recommended that in the next edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia, only C. grandis 'Tomentosa' should be included as the original plant of Citri Grandis Exocarpium, and C. grandis should be deleted. The results are conducive to the further development and utilization of Citri Exocarpium Rubrum and Citri Grandis Exocarpium, and support the rational use of Citri Grandis Exocarpium and its processed products.

[Herbalogical study on historical evolution of Juhong and Huajuhong].

In ancient times, there were two types of "Juhong" came from the tangerines(Citrus reticulata) and the pomelos(C. grandis and its cultivars), which corresponded to Juhong and Huajuhong recorded in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia respectively. In different periods, Juhong basically came from the same species and the same medicinal parts, but there were also some differences. This article sorted out the ancient and modern literature, under the guidance of "Succession theory of Medicinal materials varieties" and "Change theory of Medicinal materials varieties"(XIE Zong-wan), and combined with field investigation, the evolution and reasons of the original plants and medicinal parts of Juhong were analyzed. In the Han Dynasty and before, the peel of tangerines and pomelos were both used as medicine. In the Southern and Northern Dynasties, the way tangerine peel was used was dried and aged, and then "soaked in hot water and scraped off the mesocarp", which had the essence of only using exocarp as medicine of Juhong already, and its original plant was C. reticalata. In the Song Dynasty, the name of "Juhong" and its medicinal usage were recorded in book on materia medica, and the species and medicinal parts of tangerine were inherited from the previous dynasties. The way tangerine peel was used was only dried and aged without removing the mesocarp. The medicinal material obtained by the way was called Chenpi(dried and aged tangerine peel). The item "Juhong" listing as a separate medicinal material was first recorded in the Collected Discussions from Materia Medica(Bencao Huiyan) in the Ming Dynasty. In the Ming Dynasty, the Dao-di habitat of Juhong was recorded as Guangdong province in most books on materia medica, and the original plants probably were C. reticalata and C. grandis 'Tomentosa'(Huazhou pomelo, a special cultivated species of C. grandis produced in Huazhou, Guangdong, which was recorded in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia as "Huajuhong"), according to the records in the local chronicles. During the Qing Dynasty and the Republic of China, the original plants of Juhong were C. reticalata and C. grandis 'Tomentosa'. Of the two, the latter one was considered as the better. As far the medicinal part, it was still the exocarp, while the whole young fruit of C. grandis 'Tomentosa' began to be used as medicine. After the founding of The People's Republic of China, the exocarps of Citrus reticalata, C. grandis and C. grandis 'Tomentosa' were listed in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia under "Juhong". From the Northern and Southern Dynasties to the Republic of China, C. grandis exocarp was a fake of Juhong. Therefore, it was contradictory to historical records that C. grandis exocarp was listed in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia as Huajuhong. Juhong had been divided into two types as "Juhong" and "Huajuhong" since 1985. The medicinal part of Huajuhong was only the exocarp of immature and nearly mature fruits, but not the whole young fruit, the actual mainstream medicinal part of Huajuhong. The results are helpful to clarify the historical evolution of species and medicinal parts of Juhong and Huajuhong. It is suggested that in the next edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia, only C. grandis 'Tomentosa' should be included as the original plant of Huajuhong, and C. grandis should be deleted, and the young fruit should be added in the medicinal parts besides the exocarp of immature and nearly mature fruit.

Integrating the "best" evidence into nursing of venous thromboembolism in ICU patients using the i-PARIHS framework.

OBJECTIVES: To explore how to integrate the "best" practice into nursing of venous thromboembolism (VTE) based on the integrated-Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services (i-PARIHS) framework. METHODS: A mixed-methods design was used. A steering group for clinical evidence implementation (EI) was established to conduct pre-implementation baseline surveys, a thorough analysis of the evidence, and an analysis of the survey results. The hindering and enabling factors associated with the clinical implementation of the evidence were analysed based on the three core elements of i-PARIHS, to formulate the clinical implementation plan for VTE nursing evidence. On-site expert reviews and focus group interviews were used to evaluate the feasibility of the draft plan, make adjustments, and finalize the evidence-based practice plan, which was then put into practice and evaluated. RESULTS: A new nursing process, a health education manual and a nursing quality checklist on VTE has been established and proved to be appropriate through the implementation. Compliance with evidence related to VTE nursing increased significantly in the two units, with better compliance in unit B than unit A. The knowledge, attitude and behaviour scores for VTE nursing increased substantially in both nurses and patients. CONCLUSION: The EI programme of incorporating the "best" evidence on VTE nursing into clinical practice using the i-PARIHS framework demonstrated feasibility, appropriateness and effectiveness and could serve as a reference.

Assessing thermodynamic parameter sensitivity for simulating temperature responses of soil nitrification.

Soil nitrification responses to temperature have major implications for the global nitrogen cycle. Temperature sensitivity of soil nitrification has been modeled using several mathematical models, yet the extent to which model-generated thermodynamic parameters are accurate and sensitive in describing temperature sensitivity is unclear. In this study, we performed global sensitivity analysis to identify the key thermodynamic parameters that are most influential when simulating the temperature response of the soil nitrification potential (NP) across two different temperature gradients (4-40 °C and 20-45 °C) which are imposed upon sixteen different soils with square root growth (SQRT) and macromolecular rate theory (MMRT) models. We found that two thermodynamic parameters stand out as moderately to highly sensitive, and are uniquely identifiable in each model, regardless of the temperature range. The minimum and maximum measured temperatures seem to have no impact on the list of sensitive parameters but do influence the parameter ranges, especially for the SQRT model. However, parameters that control the minimum temperature and curvature of the NP response curve (Tmin and ΔC‡P) were found to have little to no sensitivity to SQRT and MMRT model outputs, respectively. We show that the parameter sensitivity and range of measured temperatures influence the complementary model's ability to describe the temperature sensitivity of soil nitrification. Our proposed framework enhances the accurate interpretation of existing thermodynamic parameters that explain the temperature sensitivity of soil biochemical processes, and provides methodological recommendations for future temperature sensitivity studies.

Inhibition of Cytomegalovirus Replication with Extended-Half-Life Synthetic Ozonides.

Artesunate (AS), a semisynthetic artemisinin approved for malaria therapy, inhibits human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) replication in vitro, but therapeutic success in humans has been variable. We hypothesized that the short in vivo half-life of AS may contribute to the different treatment outcomes. We tested novel synthetic ozonides with longer half-lives against HCMV in vitro and mouse cytomegalovirus (MCMV) in vivo Screening of the activities of four ozonides against a pp28-luciferase-expressing HCMV Towne recombinant identified OZ418 to have the best selectivity; its effective concentration inhibiting viral growth by 50% (EC50) was 9.8 ± 0.2 µM, and cytotoxicity in noninfected human fibroblasts (the concentration inhibiting cell growth by 50% [CC50]) was 128.1 ± 8.0 µM. In plaque reduction assays, OZ418 inhibited HCMV TB40 in a concentration-dependent manner as well as a ganciclovir (GCV)-resistant HCMV isolate. The combination of OZ418 and GCV was synergistic in HCMV inhibition in vitro Virus inhibition by OZ418 occurred at an early stage and was dependent on the cell density at the time of infection. OZ418 treatment reversed HCMV-mediated cell cycle progression and correlated with the reduction of HCMV-induced expression of pRb, E2F1, and cyclin-dependent kinases 1, 2, 4, and 6. In an MCMV model, once-daily oral administration of OZ418 had significantly improved efficacy against MCMV compared to that of twice-daily oral AS. A parallel pharmacokinetic study with a single oral dose of OZ418 or AS showed a prolonged plasma half-life and higher unbound concentrations of OZ418 than unbound concentrations of AS. In summary, ozonides are proposed to be potential therapeutics, alone or in combination with GCV, for HCMV infection in humans.

Efficacy and Safety of a Low-Level Light Therapy for Androgenetic Alopecia: A 24-Week, Randomized, Double-Blind, Self-Comparison, Sham Device-Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have reported the benefits of low-level/light laser therapy (LLLT) for the promotion of hair regrowth. However, the effectiveness of LLLT for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is still a topic of debate. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficacy and safety of LLLT on hair regrowth in patients with AGA. METHODS: This 24-week, randomized, double-blind, self-comparison, sham device-controlled trial enrolled 100 patients with AGA. All participants were randomly assigned to receive the investigational LLLT on one side of the head and sham light treatment on the contralateral side, 3 times weekly for 30 minutes each, over a 24-week period. Global scalp photography, phototrichogram assessment, the investigator's global assessment (IGA) of hair regrowth, and the subject's assessment of the treatment satisfaction were used for evaluation. RESULTS: After 24 weeks of treatment, the LLLT-treated scalp exhibited significantly greater hair coverage than the sham light-treated side (14.2% vs. 11.8%, p < .001). A significantly greater improvement from baseline in hair thickness, hair count, hair coverage, and IGA were also observed in the LLLT-treated side than in the sham light-treated side at the 12- and 24-week visits. No serious adverse events were observed. CONCLUSION: The use of LLLT might be an effective, safe, well-tolerated treatment for AGA.

[Analysis of historical origin and standardization system construction of Citri Grandis Exocarpium].

To understand the history development and changes of Citri Grandis Exocarpium and initially establish its standard system after exploring the historical origins and modern development of Citri Grandis Exocarpium. In CNKI, Wanfang database and other academic search platforms were searched for literature on Citri Grandis Exocarpium and Chinese medicine standard system； the books related to its modern cultivation techniques and processing technology were also accessed, and after combining with the actual situation analysis, the prospective design of the standard system of Citri Grandis Exocarpium was finally established with research conclusion. The earliest records of the Citri Grandis Exocarpium were documented in the Northern and Southern Dynasties, but its medicinal value was discovered in the Song Dynasty. Its drug use was developed on the basis of Jupi（orange peel） and Citri Exocarpium Rubrum. In 21st century, a number of large-scale, intensive Citri Grandis Exocarpium bases have been formed due to high price, good planting efficiency, and rapid growth of cultivation areas. The standard system includes the technical specifications of seed selection and seedling cultivation of Citri Grandis Exocarpium, technical norms of cultivation, technical specifications of fertilizing and weeding, technical specifications of irrigation and drainage, technical standard of pest and disease control, standard of medicinal materials grade, standard of processing technology of sliced pieces and the quality standard of slices, etc.

Evaluating a Cobalt-Tetraphenylporphyrin Complex, Functionalized with a Reduced Graphene Oxide Nanocomposite, for Improved Tooth Whitening.

OBJECTIVES: To study using cobalt-tetraphenylporphyrin/reduced graphene oxide (CoTPP/RGO), a nanocomposite highly catalytic both for oxidizing and for reducing hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2 ), to whiten teeth. METHODS: Dyes (D&C Red 34, Orange No. 4), tea, and betel nuts (Areca catechu) were used to stain the tooth specimens for three days and subsequently bleached using H2 O2 alone, H2 O2 plus CoTPP, or H2 O2 plus CoTPP/RGO for 0.5-70 hours. The process was photographed using an electronic chromometer and a camera. Color change was assessed after each session. The results of bleaching teeth with and without photoirradiation were compared. RESULTS: CoTPP/RGO increased the tooth-whitening efficacy of H2 O2 for specimens stained with dyes, tea, and betel nuts. Using lamps (photoactivation) (wavelengths: 254 nm and 310 nm) to catalyze the H2 O2 bleaching agent reduced the bleaching treatment time. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: First, the Co/TPP/RGO complex allows improved tooth bleaching and shorter treatment times. Second, because the Co/TPP/RGO complex bleached D&C Red 34 at a similar rate and to a similar degree as tea and other natural agents stain teeth, it is a convenient staining agent for studying many vital aspects of tooth bleaching. (J Esthet Restor Dent 28:321-329, 2016).

Biofunctional Activities of Equisetum ramosissimum Extract: Protective Effects against Oxidation, Melanoma, and Melanogenesis.

Equisetum ramosissimum, a genus of Equisetaceae, is a medicinal plant that can be separated into ethyl acetate (EA), dichloromethane (DM), n-hexane (Hex), methanol (MeOH), and water extracts. EA extract was known to have potent antioxidative properties, reducing power, DPPH scavenging activity, and metal ion chelating activity. This study compared these five extracts in terms of their inhibiting effects on three human malignant melanomas: A375, A375.S2, and A2058. MTT assay presented the notion that both EA and DM extracts inhibited melanoma growth but did not affect the viabilities of normal dermal keratinocytes (HaCaT) or fibroblasts. Western blot analyses showed that both EA and DM extracts induced overexpression of caspase proteins in all three melanomas. To determine their roles in melanogenesis, this study analyzed their in vitro suppressive effects on mushroom tyrosinase. All extracts except for water revealed moderate suppressive effects. None of the extracts affected B16-F10 cells proliferation. EA extract inhibited cellular melanin production whereas DM extract unexpectedly enhanced cellular pigmentation in B16-F10 cells. Data for modulations of microphthalmia-associated transcription factor, tyrosinase, tyrosinase-related protein 1, and tyrosinase-related protein 2 showed that EA extract inhibited protein expression mentioned above whereas DM extract had the opposite effect. Overall, the experiments indicated that the biofunctional activities of EA extract contained in food and cosmetics protect against oxidation, melanoma, and melanin production.

[Correlation between Fractional Anisotropy and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, and Effect of Inte- grative Medical Treatment on ALS].

OBJECTIVE: To explore whether fractional anisotropy (FA) value could be taken as a quantitative indicator for tracing and reexamining amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and to analyze the correlation between FA value and integrative medical treatment. METHODS: Totally 18 ALS patients were recruited in this study. All patients received diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) using 3. OT (Propeller HD) MRI twice. Six regions of interest (ROI) were selected to measure FA values. Survival analyses were performed in 11 cases of end point events. RESULTS: (1) Three ROI (cerebral peduncle, posterior limb of internal capsule, and corona radiata) all indicated that FA value was the highest in patients with mild health status scale of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS/HSS). (2) There was statistical difference in the means of FA values in cerebral peduncle, posterior limb of internal capsule, and corona radiata of 18 cases between initial examination and reexamination (P < 0.01). (3) Kaplan-Meier survival curve showed the survival rate of ALS patients decreased as time went by, with the median survival time of 48 months. CONCLUSIONS: FA value was inversely proportional to the severity of ALS, the more severe, the lower FA values. FA value was an objective indicator for assessing the severity of ALS. ALS is an incurable disease till now. Integrative medical treatment might become one direction for ALS patients.

Correlation between Fractional Anisotropy and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, and Effect of Inte- grative Medical Treatment on ALS / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore whether fractional anisotropy (FA) value could be taken as a quantitative indicator for tracing and reexamining amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and to analyze the correlation between FA value and integrative medical treatment.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Totally 18 ALS patients were recruited in this study. All patients received diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) using 3. OT (Propeller HD) MRI twice. Six regions of interest (ROI) were selected to measure FA values. Survival analyses were performed in 11 cases of end point events.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>(1) Three ROI (cerebral peduncle, posterior limb of internal capsule, and corona radiata) all indicated that FA value was the highest in patients with mild health status scale of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS/HSS). (2) There was statistical difference in the means of FA values in cerebral peduncle, posterior limb of internal capsule, and corona radiata of 18 cases between initial examination and reexamination (P < 0.01). (3) Kaplan-Meier survival curve showed the survival rate of ALS patients decreased as time went by, with the median survival time of 48 months.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>FA value was inversely proportional to the severity of ALS, the more severe, the lower FA values. FA value was an objective indicator for assessing the severity of ALS. ALS is an incurable disease till now. Integrative medical treatment might become one direction for ALS patients.</p>

Crude ethanol extracts from grape seeds and peels exhibit anti-tyrosinase activity.

This study aimed to evaluate the anti-tyrosinase activities of ethanol extracts from the peels and the seeds of Kyoho grapes and Red Globe grapes (KG-PEE, KG-SEE, RGG-PEE, and RGG-SEE). The total phenolic content in KG-SEE and RGG-SEE was 400 +/- 11 and 339 +/- 7 mg gallic acid equivalent/g, respectively, about 22 times and 13 times that in KG-PEE and RGG-PEE, respectively. Both seed extracts showed significantly higher anti-tyrosinase activity than the peel extracts due to their high total phenolic content. The gallic acid content in RGG-SEE was twice that in KG-SEE, and gallic acid showed high anti-tyrosinase activity; thus, RGG-SEE had higher anti-tyrosinase activity than KG-SEE. Lineweaver-Burk plots revealed that the inhibitory mechanism of the ethanol extracts from the grapes was a mix-type inhibition. Grape seed has a greater total phenolic content and has potential as a skin-lighting agent.

Implementation of BMP strategies for adaptation to climate change and land use change in a pasture-dominated watershed.

Implementing a suite of best management practices (BMPs) can reduce non-point source (NPS) pollutants from various land use activities. Watershed models are generally used to evaluate the effectiveness of BMP performance in improving water quality as the basis for watershed management recommendations. This study evaluates 171 management practice combinations that incorporate nutrient management, vegetated filter strips (VFS) and grazing management for their performances in improving water quality in a pasture-dominated watershed with dynamic land use changes during 1992–2007 by using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT). These selected BMPs were further examined with future climate conditions (2010–2069) downscaled from three general circulation models (GCMs) for understanding how climate change may impact BMP performance. Simulation results indicate that total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP) losses increase with increasing litter application rates. Alum-treated litter applications resulted in greater TN losses, and fewer TP losses than the losses from untreated poultry litter applications. For the same litter application rates, sediment and TP losses are greater for summer applications than fall and spring applications, while TN losses are greater for fall applications. Overgrazing management resulted in the greatest sediment and phosphorus losses, and VFS is the most influential management practice in reducing pollutant losses. Simulations also indicate that climate change impacts TSS losses the most, resulting in a larger magnitude of TSS losses. However, the performance of selected BMPs in reducing TN and TP losses was more stable in future climate change conditions than in the BMP performance in the historical climate condition. We recommend that selection of BMPs to reduce TSS losses should be a priority concern when multiple uses of BMPs that benefit nutrient reductions are considered in a watershed. Therefore, the BMP combination of spring litter application, optimum grazing management and filter strip with a VFS ratio of 42 could be a promising alternative for use in mitigating future climate change.

Excimer light photototherapy of segmental and non-segmental vitiligo: experience in Taiwan.

PURPOSE: To determine the efficacy of excimer light in the treatment vitiligo and to assess parameters affecting therapeutic results. METHODS: This retrospective study analyzed 227 patches of vitiligo in 142 patients. Treatment was performed twice weekly and treatment efficacy was assessed by two independent dermatologists. Patients who received less than 24 treatment sessions were excluded from the analysis of predictive factors for response. RESULTS: Sixty-eight (30.0%) patches achieved more than 50% repigmentation, and 42 (18.5%) achieved more than 75% repigmentation. The mean treatment numbers to achieve any repigmentation and more than 50% repigmentation were 19.41 and 34.93, respectively. Fewer treatment sessions number, segmental lesions and absence of melasma were significant predictors for poor treatment response in multivariate analysis. Lesions on the hands/feet needed the highest dose and scalp lesions needed the highest number of treatment sessions to produce initial repigmentation. CONCLUSIONS: Excimer light is a valuable treatment modality for both segmental and non-segmental vitiligo even in patients who have failed previous treatments. The number of treatment sessions needed to produce initial pigmentation may be higher than 30 for scalp lesions. There is a need to find other combination methods, both medical and surgical, to enhance its therapeutic efficacy.