Systemic identification and analyses of genes potentially involved in chemosensory in the devastating tea pest Basilepta melanopus.

Basilepta melanopus is a serious insect pest of tea plantations in southern China. This tea pest poses a great threat to the tea industry in China. No effective and environmentally friendly methods have been established to control this pest at present. Olfactory genes play key roles in insect behaviour, and can potentially be used as targets for developing environmentally-friendly approaches for pest control. In this study, we produced a transcriptome derived from dissected antennae from B. melanopus using high-throughput sequencing. We identified gene families that are potentially involved in odorant reception and detection, including unigenes encoding 63 odorant receptors (ORs), 16 gustatory receptors (GRs), 18 ionotropic receptors (IRs), four sensory neuron membrane proteins (SNMPs), 46 odorant binding proteins (OBPs), and 19 chemosensory proteins (CSPs). Analyses of tissue expression profiles revealed that all 63 OR transcripts, 14 antennal IRs, one SNMP and six OBPs were predominately expressed in antennae. Real-time quantitative PCR assays were also adapted to examine sex-biased expression of selected antenna-predominant genes. Our results provide valuable information for further functional studies of olfactory genes in B. melanopus and potential novel targets for developing new pest control measures.

Structure-Activity Relationship of Xanthones as Inhibitors of Xanthine Oxidase.

Polygala plants contain a large number of xanthones with good physiological activities. In our previous work, 18 xanthones were isolated from Polygala crotalarioides. Extented study of the chemical composition of the other species Polygala sibirica led to the separation of two new xanthones-3-hydroxy-1,2,6,7,8-pentamethoxy xanthone (A) and 6-O-ß-d-glucopyranosyl-1,7-dimethoxy xanthone (C)-together with 14 known xanthones. Among them, some xanthones have a certain xanthine oxidase (XO) inhibitory activity. Furthemore, 14 xanthones as XO inhibitors were selected to develop three-dimensional quantitative structure-activity relationship (3D-QSAR) using comparative molecular field analysis (CoMFA) and comparative molecular similarity indices analysis (CoMSIA) models. The CoMFA model predicted a q² value of 0.613 and an r² value of 0.997. The best CoMSIA model predicted a q² value of 0.608 and an r² value of 0.997 based on a combination of steric, electrostatic, and hydrophobic effects. The analysis of the contour maps from each model provided insight into the structural requirements for the development of more active XO inhibitors.

Efficacy of intraorbital electroacupuncture for diabetic abducens nerve palsy: study protocol for a prospective single-center randomized controlled trial.

Abducens nerve palsy (ANP) is commonly seen in patients with diabetes mellitus. The validity of acupuncture as a traditional Chinese medicine method in peripheral nerve repair is well established. However, its efficacy in randomized controlled trials remains unclear. Herein, we designed a protocol for a prospective, single-center, randomized controlled trial to investigate the effect of intraorbital electroacupuncture on diabetic ANP. We plan to recruit 60 patients with diabetic ANP, and randomly divide them into treatment and control groups. Patients in both groups will continue their glucose-lowering therapy. A neural nutrition drug will be given to both groups for six weeks. The treatment group will also receive intraorbital electroacupuncture therapy. We will assess efficacy of treatment, eyeball movement, diplopia deviation and the levels of fasting blood-glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin before treatment at 2, 4, and 6 weeks after treatment. The efficacy and recurrence will be investigated during follow-up (1 month after intervention). This protocol was registered at Chinese Clinical Trial Registry on 16 January 2015 (ChiCTR-IPR-15005836). This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University of China (approval number: 201452). All protocols will be in accordance with Declaration of Helsinki, formulated by the World Medical Association. Written informed consent will be provided by participants. We envisage that the results of this clinical trial will provide evidence for promoting clinical use of this new therapy for management of ANP.

Two New Flavonol Glycosides from Polygala sibirica L. var megalopha Fr.

Two new flavonol glycosides, named polygalin H (1) and polygalin I (2), as well as the known compound polygalin D (3), were isolated from the whole plant of Polygala sibirica L. var megalopha Fr. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic data analysis. These flavonol glycosides exhibited strong inhibitory activities against xanthine oxidase in vitro. Their half-maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50) were calculated, which were 9.48, 8.31, 16.00 µM, respectively.

[Efficacy observation on electroacupuncture in the treatment of oculomotor impairment caused by ophthalmic nerve injury].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the difference in the clinical efficacy on oculomotor impairment between electroacupuncture and acupuncture and explore the best therapeutic method in the treatment of this disease. METHODS: Sixty cases of oculomotor impairment were randomized into an electroacupuncture group and an acupuncture group, 30 cases in each one. In the electroacupuncture group, the points were selected on extraocular muscles, the internal needling technique in the eye was used in combination of electroacupuncture therapy. In the acupuncture group, the points and needling technique were same as the electroacupuncture group, but without electric stimulation applied. The treatment was given 5 times a week, 15 treatments made one session. After 3 sessions of treatment, the clinical efficacy, palpebral fissure size, pupil size, oculomotor range and the recovery in diplopia were compared before and after treatment in the two groups. RESULTS: In the electroacupuncture group, the palpebral fissure size was (9.79+/-2.65)mm and the eyeball shifting distance was (18.12+/-1. 30)mm, which were hig-her than (8.23+/-2.74)mm and (16.71+/-1. 44)mm respectively in the acupuncture group. In the electroacupuncture group, the pupil diameter was (0. 44 +/-0. 42)mm, which was less than (0. 72 +/- 0. 53)mm in the acupuncture group, indicating the significant difference (all P<0. 05). The cured rate was 63. 33% (19/30) and the total effective rate was 93.33% (28/30) in the electroacupuncture group, which was better than 36.67% (11/30) and 83. 333 (25/30) in the acupuncture group separately, indicating the significant difference (all P<0. 05). CONCLUSION: Electroacupuncture presents the obvious advantages in the treatment of oculomotor impairment, characterized as quick and high effect, short duration of treatment and remarkable improvements in clinical symptoms, there are important significance for the improvement of survival quality of patients.

[Progress of treatment on oculomotor paralysis with electroacupuncture].

Collecting information from the database of China National Knowledge Information (CNKI) and VIP database of Chinese Journals, an overall analysis and review on treatment of oculomotor paralysis with electroacupuncture in recently years are made in the paper. The electroacupuncture, which can provide constant stimulation and reinforce the effect of acupuncture, is the major therapy to treat oculomotor paralysis. However, the best stimulate threshold of electroacupuncture on oculorotary muscles has not been reported yet. The parameters of electroacupuncture adopted in clinic are not standardized, which lead to unfavorable therapeutic effect as well as unclear mechanism of treatment. Therefore, it is suggested that the study should focus on enhancing the research level and broadening researcher's mind to explore the best parameter for the electroacupuncture stimulation on the oculorotary muscles, to make clear the mechanism of treatment and to search for valuable observation indicators in the future.

Effects of Ginkgo biloba extracts on diazepam metabolism: a pharmacokinetic study in healthy Chinese male subjects.

AIM: It has been reported that Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) is an inducer or inhibitor of microsomal cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2C19, and diazepam is a substrate of CYP2C19. Thus, it could be expected that GBE may alter the metabolism of diazepam. METHODS: The pharmacokinetic parameters of diazepam and one of its metabolites, N-demethyldiazepam, were compared after oral administration of diazepam (10 mg) in the absence or presence of oral GBE (120 mg bid, for 28 days) in 12 healthy volunteers. The pharmacokinetic analysis was performed using a noncompartmental method. RESULTS: The 90% confidence intervals (CIs) of the ratios of mean pharmacokinetic parameters of diazepam presence and absence of GBE were well within the 80-125% bioequivalence range, indicating no pharmacokinetic interaction. The ratio of AUC(0-408) with GBE to AUC(0-408) without GBE was 95.2 (90%CI: 91.6-98.8) and 101.8 (90%CI: 99.4-104.1) for diazepam and N-desmethyldiazepam, respectively. The two drugs were well tolerated, and no drug-related serious adverse events were reported. CONCLUSION: The above data suggest that GBE, when taken in normally recommended doses over a 4-week time period, may not affect the pharmacokinetics of diazepam via CYP2C19 and the excretion of N-desmethyldiazepam in healthy volunteers. No drug-drug interaction was observed between GBE and diazepam.

[Experimental study on electroacupuncture for strengthening gastrointestinal motility in the rat with acute pancreatitis].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the mechanism of EA in treatment of acute pancreatitis. METHODS: Twenty-four healthy male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 3 groups, a control group, a model group and an EA group. In the model group, rat acute pancreatitis model was prearpared by intraperitoneal injection of Caerulein, and in the EA group, EA was given at "Zusanli" (ST 36) and "Tianshu" (ST 25) of the model rat. The gastric emptying rate, small intestinal impelling ratio, myeloperoxidase activity in the pancreas tissue, pathological score of the pancreas and serum amylase were detected. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, both the gastric emptying rate and the intestinal impelling ratio significantly decreased in the model group (P<0.05), and they significantly increased in the EA group compared with the model group (P<0.05). Myeloperoxidase activity in the pancreas tissue, pathological score of the pancreas and serum amylase activity significantly decreased in the EA group as compared with the model group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: EA can significantly improve the disturbance of gastrointestinal motility induced by acute pancreatitis and relieve pathological damage of pancreas.

[Observation on therapeutic effect of eye-needling combined with medication for treatment of ophthalmoplegia].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the therapeutic effect of eye-needling combined with medication for treatment of ophthalmoplegia and explore the possible mechanism. METHODS: One hundred and twenty cases were randomly divided into a treatment group and a control group. According to etiological factors, the control group were treated with medication and the treatment group with the medication plus eye-acupuncture at main point ocular muscles. Changes of the rima oculi, the range of ocular movement and the dialopia angle after treatment were recorded and statistically analyzed in the two groups. RESULTS: The total effective rate was 93.4% and the cured rate was 54.1% in the treatment group, and 74.6% and 18.6% in the control group, with significant difference between the two groups (P < 0. 01). CONCLUSION: Eye-needling combined with medication has an obvious therapeutic effect which is better than simple medication for ophthalmoplegia.

[Effects of water stress on the growth of Lonicera japonica and quality of honeysuckle].

OBJECTIVE: Effects of water stress on the growth of Lonicera japonica and quality of honeysuckle were studied. METHODS: Different extent water stress treatment imposed to potted plants before the first florescence of honeysuckle, and the growth and related physiological indexes of Lonicera japonica were determined. RESULTS: Shoot grow slowly as well as the increases of specific weight of leaf and the decrease of the yield of honeysuckle under water stress. The contents of chlorophyl in the leaves treated water stress all increased, and the content of soluble suger had a rising stream. The content of soluble protein in leaves of plant imposed by minor stress treatment was obviously higher than that of CK and severe stress treatment. As the stress was hard, the content of proline in leaves increased significantly. With water stress severing, the content of chlorogenic acid in the flower bud decreased very significantly than CK. CONCLUSION: Water condition was a important factor affected the growth and development of shoots, leaves and flower buds as well as the quality of honeysuckle. In the cultivation of Loniccra japonica, irrigation timing and certain irrigation condition was necessary.

[Effects of irrigation volume on growth and quality of Lonicera japonica].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of irrigation volume on the growth and quality of Lonicera japonica. METHOD: Different volume of irrigation water was applied to the potted L. japonica before the first florescence of honeysuckle in order to keep the relative moisture content of the soil as 100%, 80%, 50%, 30%, and observe the growth and development of shoot and leaves, yield and quality of honeysuckle. RESULT: As the of irrigation volume was reduced, the internodal elongation of shoot and the increase of the knot were restrained, and the yield of honeysuckle dropped. But the content of chlorogen acid in the buds treated by 80% irrigation volume was not affected, while that of the other treatment all decreased. The moisture contents of the leaves treated by 30% irrigation volume was significantly lower than that of the CK, while the specific leaf weight (SLW) increased significantly comparing to the CK. The content of chlorophyl in the leaves of 50% and 30% increased, while the ratio of chlorophyl A and B fell significantly. The content of dissoluble suger in the leaves of 80% and 50% irrigation volume was much higher than that in the CK. The results also showed that, the content of dissoluble protein in the leaves of 30% irrigation volume increased comparing with that in 50%, and the content of proline in leaveas of 30% irrigation volume increased significantly. CONCLUSION: Using less irrigation volume (keeping 80% of relative moisture content of the soil) does not affect the quality of honeysuckle, but decreased dry weight of honeysuckle. It is necessary to take irrigation management during cultivation of honeysuckle.

[Observation on therapeutic effect of electroacupuncture at points Baliao and Huiyang (BL 35) on retention of urine induced by spinal cord injury].

OBJECTIVE: To explore a more effective therapy for retention of urine induced by spinal cord injury. METHODS: Eighty-four cases were randomly divided into a treatment group of 46 cases and a control group of 38 cases. The treatment group were treated with electroacupuncture at Baliao and Huiyang (BL 35), and the control group with electroacupuncture at acupoints routinely selected. RESULTS: The total effective rate and the cured rate were 82.6% and 43.5% in the treatment group and 63.2% and 23.7% in the control group respectively, with a very significant difference between the two groups (P < 0. 01). CONCLUSION: Electroacupuncture at Baliao and Huiyang (BL 35) has obvious therapeutic effect on retention of urine induced by spinal cord injury.

[Effect of electroacupuncture on myoelectric activity of Jejunal limb After Roux-en-Y esophagojejunostomy].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of electroacupuncture on myoelectric activity of Jejunal limb after Roux-en-Y esophagojejunostomy. METHODS: Fourteen health young pigs were randomly divided into 2 groups, an experimental group (total gastrectomy and Roux-en-Y esophagojejunostomy was carried out) and a control group (the abdominal cavity was closed after the electrode was placed), 7 pigs in each group. Electroacupunture was given at "Zusanli" (ST 36) in the experimental group. The changes of myoelectrogram of the jejunal limb was investigated. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the amplitude and the frequency of the slow wave, and the amplitude and incidence rate of the spike potential in the experimental group were changed significantly; the duration of migrating motor complex (MMC) phase III was (2.6 +/- 0.7) minutes in the experimental group, which was significantly shorter than (7.1 +/- 1.1) minutes in the control group. Electroacupuncture did not significantly influence the amplitude and the frequency of the slow wave, but could increased significantly the incidence rate and the amplitude of the spike potential; after electroacupuncture, the duration of MMC phase III was (5.7 +/- 0.9) minutes, which was significantly longer than (2.6 +/- 0.7) minutes before electroacupuncture. CONCLUSION: Electroacupuncture at "Zusanli" (ST 36) can relieve the Roux-en-Y stasis syndrome through influencing myoelectric activity of the jejunum.

Eudesmane sesquiterpene glycosides from Parepigynum funingense.

A new eudesmane sesquiterpene glycoside, pterodontriol D-6-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (1), together with a known compound, ainsliaside E (2), was isolated from the roots of Parepigynum funingense. The structure of 1 was determined by 1D and 2D-NMR spectroscopy. Compound 2 was isolated from this plant for the first time.