Rapid Indentification of Auramine O Dyeing Adulteration in Dendrobium officinale, Saffron and Curcuma by SERS Raman Spectroscopy Combined with SSA-BP Neural Networks Model.

(1) Background: Rapid and accurate determination of the content of the chemical dye Auramine O(AO) in traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) is critical for controlling the quality of TCMs. (2) Methods: Firstly, various models were developed to detect AO content in Dendrobium officinale (D. officinale). Then, the detection of AO content in Saffron and Curcuma using the D. officinale training set as a calibration model. Finally, Saffron and Curcuma samples were added to the training set of D. officinale to predict the AO content in Saffron and Curcuma using secondary wavelength screening. (3) Results: The results show that the sparrow search algorithm (SSA)-backpropagation (BP) neural network (SSA-BP) model can accurately predict AO content in D. officinale, with Rp2 = 0.962, and RMSEP = 0.080 mg/mL. Some Curcuma samples and Saffron samples were added to the training set and after the secondary feature wavelength screening: The Support Vector Machines (SVM) quantitative model predicted Rp2 fluctuated in the range of 0.780 ± 0.035 for the content of AO in Saffron when 579, 781, 1195, 1363, 1440, 1553 and 1657 cm-1 were selected as characteristic wavelengths; the Partial Least Squares Regression (PLSR) model predicted Rp2 fluctuated in the range of 0.500 ± 0.035 for the content of AO in Curcuma when 579, 811, 1195, 1353, 1440, 1553 and 1635 cm-1 were selected as the characteristic wavelengths. The robustness and generalization performance of the model were improved. (4) Conclusion: In this study, it has been discovered that the combination of surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) and machine learning algorithms can effectively and promptly detect the content of AO in various types of TCMs.

A new insight into synergistic effects between endogenous phenolic compounds additive and α-tocopherol for the stability of olive oil.

Investigation of edible oil stability involves interactions between additive polyphenols and the inherent tocopherols. The work aimed to identify endogenous polyphenols to produce the synergistic effect with α-tocopherol in olive oil and to find the right action ratio. Caffeic acid and quercetin were selected from the 15 main endogenous phenolic compounds in olive oil. Quercetin had the strongest synergistic effect with α-tocopherol at 2:1 in the olive oil model. The rate of 2:1 also was the turning point of the change of synergism. Furthermore, the addition of quercetin and α-tocopherol at 2:1 to olive oil resulted in lower POV, K232, K270, and secondary oxidation products such as (E, E)-2,4-decadienal and 2-pentylfuran than the olive oil model with a single antioxidant in three months of accelerated oxidation. The dynamic changes of antioxidants during oxidation in olive oil indicated that their synergistic effect was the repair and regeneration of α-tocopherol by quercetin.

The application of a continuous partnership-based birth plan in China: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The cesarean section rate is as high as 36.7% in China, much higher than the average cesarean section rate of 27% in Asia. With the implementation of the two-children and three-children policy, the primipara with cesarean will also face the choice of repeated or even multiple cesareans, which will increase the risk of maternal perinatal mortality and serious fetal pulmonary morbidity. To reduce the cesarean section rate, a series of midwifery service measures such as the birth plan have been taken in China and it has played a certain role in improving the birth outcome and maternal birth experience. However, the areas carrying out birth plan are often economically developed with advanced medical conditions. the application effect of birth plan in economically underdeveloped areas with limited medical conditions in China is unknown. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of a continuous partnership-based birth plan on local women's birth outcomes and experience in Haikou which is an economically underdeveloped city in China. DESIGN: A randomized controlled trial study design was used. PARTICIPANTS: 90 primiparous women who received pregnancy service from the obstetrics clinic of one of tertiary hospitals in Haikou city, Hainan Province between July 2020 and December 2020 and planned to give birth in this hospital were recruited. METHODS: After eligibility was determined, consents obtained and baseline surveys completed, 90 participants were randomly allocated to study groups with concealed opaque envelopes by a blinded research assistant and each group were 45 participants. Participants in control group received routine obstetric health service and nursing care, while participants in the experimental group received the continuous partnership service of midwives on the basis of routine care. At the same time, the birth plan was formulated and implemented, and the relevant indicators were recorded and analyzed during and after birth, including cesarean section rate, non-medical indication cesarean section rate, oxytocin use rate, perineal lateral resection rate and anxiety degree. RESULTS: The cesarean rate in the experiment and control groups were 20.45% and 57.14%, of which the non-medical indication cesarean rate in the experiment and control groups were 22.22% and 50.00%, respectively, whereby the difference of cesarean rate and nonmedically indicated cesarean section rate between the groups was statistically significant (χ2 = 12.231, p < 0.001;χ2 = 9.101, p = 0.003). Besides, the differences in anxiety degree, neonatal NICU transfer rate and satisfaction of birth between the two groups were statistically significant (p < 0.05). While there was no significant difference in oxytocin use rate, perineal lateral resection rate, neonatal 1-min and 5-min Alzheimer's score between the two groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The birth plan based on continuous partnership can reduce medical intervention, improve birth outcomes, reduce anxiety and optimize maternal birth experience of women, which is worthy of promotion in economically underdeveloped areas of China.

Synthesis and biological activity of polyprenols.

The polyprenols and their derivatives are highlighted in this study. These lipid linear polymers of isoprenoid residues are widespread in nature from bacteria to human cells. This review primarily presents the synthesis and biological activities of polyprenyl derivatives. Attention is focused on the synthesis and biological activity of dolichols, polyprenyl ester derivatives and polyprenyl amines. Other polyprenyl derivatives, such as oxides of polyprenols, aromatic polyprenols, polyprenyl bromide and polyprenyl sulphates, are mentioned. It is noted that polyprenyl phosphates and polyprenyl-linked glycosylation have better antibacterial, gene therapy and immunomodulating performance, whereas polyprenyl amines have better for antibacterial and antithrombotic activity. Dolichols, polyprenyl acetic esters, polyprenyl phosphates and polyprenyl-linked glycosylation have pharmacological anti-tumour effects. Finally, the postulated prospect of polyprenols and their derivatives are discussed. Further in vivo studies on the above derivatives are needed. The compatibility of polyprenols and their derivatives with other drugs should be studied, and new preparations of polyprenyl derivatives, such as hydrogel glue and release-controlled drugs, are suggested for future research and development.

Vorinostat protects against calcium oxalate-induced kidney injury in mice.

The present study aimed to examine the effect of the histone deacetylase inhibitor, vorinostat (SAHA), on renal function in a calcium oxalate crystal mouse model, and to investigate the mechanism underlying the renoprotective effect of SAHA. Calcium oxalate crystal formation was induced in 8 week­old male C57BL/6 mice by administering 100 mg/kg glyoxylate for 7 days. A total of 24 male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into a control group and the following experimental groups: 50 mg/kg normal saline + 100 mg/kg glyoxylate; 50 mg/kg dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) + 100 mg/kg glyoxylate; and 50 mg/kg SAHA + 100 mg/kg glyoxylate. The mice in each of the experimental groups were injected with the saline, DMSO or SAHA into their abdominal cavities 6 h prior to the glyoxylate injection. The mice were sacrificed after 7 days, following which blood and urine samples were collected. The kidneys were harvested to analyze the levels of calcium concentrations and the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase and glutathione reductase. Immunohistochemical staining and semi­quantitative analyses were performed to detect the expression levels of osteopontin (OPN) and CD44. Renal tubular cell apoptosis was detected using a TUNEL assay. The concentrations of calcium and malondialdehyde were significantly decreased in the SAHA group, and calcium oxalate crystals in the kidney tissue and the expression levels of OPN and CD44 in the SAHA group were lower, compared with the other experimental groups. SAHA significantly reduced the urinary excretion of KIM­1 and renal tubular cell apoptosis. In conclusion, SAHA reduced calcium oxalate crystal deposition and protected against kidney injury.

[Varieties textual research and usage investigation of white flos gentianae, a Tibetan medicine].

OBJECTIVE: To clarity the original plants and the main application varieties of White Flos Gentianae. METHOD: Herbal textual research, wild specimen collection, investigation and collection of the samples from Tibetan hospital, Tibetan pharmaceutical factory and medical material market were carried out simultaneously to identify the original plants of White Flos Gentianae. RESULT: The results of varieties textual research and specimen identification showed that Gentiana szechenyii, G. purdomii and G. algida were in accord with the record of Tibetan herbal textual The three species above were the original plants of White Flos Gentianae. The identification of 20 batches samples showed that G. szechenyii was the main application variety. The other varieties were only used in Tibetan hospitals. All the samples above were flowering branches. CONCLUSION: It was necessary to strengthen the research on variety systematization of White Flos Gentianae make a further discussion on the taxonomy position of G. purdomii, G. algida and the white flos population. Its was also nessary to establish and improve the quality standard of different variety based on the principle of "one species, one name". The quality specification of White Flos Gentianae should be established and improved to standard clinical utilization and produce feeding. More study of resources investigation and cultivation of G. szechenyii should be carried on to meet the demand of produce and clinic.

[Boiling extraction of oleuropein at low temperature and reduced pressure].

OBJECTIVE: To look for optimum extraction techniques for oleuropein by boiling olive leaves at low temperature and reduced pressure. METHOD: According to single factor experiment (SFE) design, the effects of seven factors, the impact of seven factors, type of solvent, temperature, time, ratio of material to liquid, ethanol concentration, vacuum degree and extraction times, on extraction yield of oleuropein were investigated. Based on the results of SFE, four more important factors, temperature, time, ratio of material to liquid and ethanol concentration, were selected in L9 (3(4)) orthogonal experiment (OE) to compare with those extracted with traditional methods. RESULT: The optimum conditions for boiling extraction of oleuropein at low temperature and reduced pressure were as follows: temperature 60 degrees C, time 20 min, ratio of material to liquid 1:30 and ethanol concentration 85%. The conditions presented an extraction yield of 5.90%. CONCLUSION: Compared with traditional extraction methods and the ultrasound assisted extraction method, boiling extraction techniques at low temperature and reduced pressure were so quick and efficient that it has a good application prospect.