Dormancy release of seeds of Podophyllum hexandrum Royle accompanied by changes in phytochemicals and inorganic elements.

Podophyllum hexandrum Royle is an alpine medicinal plant of considerable importance, and its seed dormancy severely inhibits population renewal. Although cold stratification can break dormancy to a certain extent, the migration and accumulation of phytochemicals and inorganic elements in the seeds during dormancy release and their functions remain unclear. Changes in phytochemicals and inorganic elements in different seed parts were analyzed during dormancy. The key differential phytochemicals and inorganic elements were screened and their association with dormancy release and their roles in dormancy release were explored. The results showed that dormancy release may have occurred following the decrease in palmitic acid and linoleic acid content in the seeds and the increase in 2,3-dihydro-3,5-dihydro-6-methyl-4 (h)-pyran-4-one content in the endosperm. Meanwhile, 6-propyltridecane and hexadecane in the seed coat may enhance the water permeability of seeds to speed up germination. Mg may migrate from the seed coat to the endosperm and seed embryos, whereas Co may migrate from the seed embryo to the seed coat. Ca, Mn, Mg, and Co are involved in various physiological metabolic processes, which may facilitate the dormancy release of P. hexandrum seeds. These findings have enhanced our understanding of the mechanisms of dormancy release in P. hexandrum seeds and can serve as a reference for the development of more effective dormancy-breaking techniques for the conservation of this endangered medicinal plant.

A Noval Established Cuproptosis-Associated LncRNA Signature for Prognosis Prediction in Primary Hepatic Carcinoma.

The copper ion content in the body maintains homeostasis, and when dysregulated, it can produce cytotoxicity and induce cell death through a variety of pathways. Cuproptosis refers to copper ions combining directly with acylated molecules, leading to the accumulation of oligomerization of lipoylated protein and subsequent downregulation of iron-sulfur cluster proteins; this induces proteotoxic stress and cell death. This study on the relationship between cuproptosis-related lncRNAs (CRLns) and the prognosis of primary hepatic carcinoma (PHC) has important clinical guiding significance for the diagnosis and treatment of PHC. Prognosis-related CRLRs were identified via rank-sum tests, correlational analyses, and univariate Cox regression, and a CRLR risk-scoring model (CRLRSM) was constructed using LASSO Cox regression. Patients were divided into high-risk and low-risk groups based on the median CRLRSM scores. Variance analysis for cuproptosis-related genes, gene set enrichment analysis, and correlational analysis for risk and immunity were performed using boxplots. Quantitative polymerase chain reactions were used to verify the CRLR levels in PHC cell lines. The study results showed that patients in the CRLRSM high-risk group had worse survival rates than those in the low-risk group. The PHC stage and risk score were independent prognostic factors for hepatocellular carcinoma. There were 7 CRLRs (MIR210HG, AC099850.3, AL031985.3, AC012073.1, MKLN1-AS, KDM4A-AS1, and PLBD1-AS1) associated with PHC prognosis, primarily through cellular metabolism, growth, proliferation, apoptosis, and immunity. In conclusion, the overexpression of 7 CRLRs in patients with PHC indicates a poor prognosis.

Efficient Activation of Coal Fly Ash for Silica and Alumina Leaches and the Dependence of Pb(II) Removal Capacity on the Crystallization Conditions of Al-MCM-41.

In this study, four different coal fly ashes (CFAs) were used as raw materials of silica and alumina for the preparation of the alumina-containing Mobil Composition of Matter No. 41 (Al-MCM-41) and the exploration of an activation strategy that is efficient and universal for various CFAs. Alkaline hydrothermal and alkaline fusion activations proceeded at different temperatures to determine the best treatment parameters. We controlled the pore structure and surface hydroxyl density of the CFA-derived Al-MCM-41 by changing the crystallization temperature and aging time. The products were characterized by small-angle X-ray diffraction, nitrogen isotherms, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, 29Si silica magic-angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance, and transmission electron microscopy, and they were then grafted with thiol groups to remove Pb(II) from aqueous solutions. This paper innovatively evaluates the CFA activation strategies using energy consumption analysis and determines the optimal activation methodology and parameters. This paper also unveils the effect of the crystallization condition of Al-MCM-41 on its subsequent Pb(II) removal capacity. The results show that the appropriate selection of crystallization parameters can considerably increase the removal capacity over Pb(II), providing a new path to tackle the ever-increasing concern of aquic heavy-metal pollution.

FLOT Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Followed by Laparoscopic D2 Gastrectomy in the Treatment of Locally Resectable Advanced Gastric Cancer.

Background: The prognosis of patients with advanced gastric cancer remains unsatisfactory, highlighting the need for improved therapeutic strategies. We analyzed 23 resectable advanced gastric cancer patients who received FLOT followed by laparoscopic gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy to evaluate the efficacy and safety. Methods: Patients aged 18-75 years with gastric adenocarcinoma (stage cT3-4 and/or N + M0) underwent neoadjuvant FLOT therapy (four preoperative and four postoperative 2-week cycles) at Shanghai East Hospital. Laparoscopic gastrectomy was scheduled 3-4 weeks after completion of the last cycle of preoperative chemotherapy. The type of surgical procedure was determined by the location and extent of the primary tumor. Results: 23 patients were reviewed in the study. 20 patients (81.2%) received four courses of FOLT therapy, while 3 patients (18.8%) received three courses of treatment. There were 3 (13.0%) complete responses, 13 (56.5%) partial responses, 4 (26.1%) of stable disease, and 1 (4.3%) of progressive disease. The clinical efficacy response rate was 69.6%. The R0 resection rate was 91.3%. Only one patient exhibited grade III postoperative complications. The pathologic complete remission was 13%. The common grade 3/4 adverse events from chemotherapy were leucopenia (17.4%), neutropenia (30.4%), anemia (13%), anorexia (13%), and nausea (17.4%). Postoperative complications occurred in 5 patients (26.1%). There was no treatment-related mortality or reoperation. The most reason for not completing chemotherapy was the patient's request. Conclusions: These findings suggest that FLOT neoadjuvant chemotherapy, followed by laparoscopic D2 gastrectomy, is effective and safe in advanced, resectable advanced gastric cancer.

Effects of Picrasma quassioides and its active constituents on Alzheimer's disease in vitro and in vivo.

Alzheimer disease (AD), a prevalent neurodegenerative disorder, is one of the leading causes of dementia. However, there is no effective drug for this disease to date. Picrasma quassioides (D.Don) Benn, a Chinese traditional medicine, was used mainly for the treatment of inflammation, fever, microbial infection and dysentery. In this paper, we reported that the EtOAc extract of Picrasma quassioides stems showed potential neuroprotective activities in l-glutamate-stimulated PC12 and Aß25-35-stimulated SH-SY5Y cell models, as well as improved memory and cognitive abilities in AD mice induced by amyloid-ß peptide. Moreover, it was revealed that the anti-AD mechanism was related to suppressing neuroinflammatory and reducing Aß1-42 deposition using ELISA assay kits. To clarify the active components of the EtOAc extract of Picrasma quassioides stems, a systematic phytochemistry study led to isolate and identify six ß-carboline alkaloids (1-6), seven canthin-6-one alkaloids (7-13), and five quassinoids (14-18). Among them, four ß-carbolines (1-3, and 6) and six canthin-6-ones (7-11, and 13) exhibited potential neuroprotective activities in vitro. Based on these date, the structure-activity relationships of alkaloids were discussed. Furthermore, molecular docking experiments showed that compounds 2 and 3 have high affinity for both of dual-specificity tyrosine phosphorylation-regulated kinase 1A (DYPKIA) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE).

Efficacy analysis of a novel thermochemotherapy scheme with pirarubicin for intermediate- and high-risk nonmuscle-invasive bladder cancer: a single-institution nonrandomized concurrent controlled trial.

Objective: To compare the efficacy and safety of a novel thermochemotherapy scheme and the instillation of pirarubicin (THP) without hyperthermia in patients with intermediate- and high-risk nonmuscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). Materials and methods: Between June 2012 and December 2016, 300 patients with urothelial carcinoma of the bladder undergoing intravesical adjuvant therapy with THP after transurethral resection of bladder tumors (TURBT) were enrolled in the study. These patients were divided into the CTHC group (thermochemotherapy composed of three consecutive sessions in which only the second hyperthermia was combined with THP, followed by intravesical instillation with THP without using hyperthermia) and the THP group (instillation of THP without hyperthermia). Cystoscopy and urinary cytology were repeated every 3 months. The primary endpoint was 24-month recurrence-free survival (RFS). Secondary endpoints included 24-month progression-free survival (PFS) and adverse event (AE) rates. Results: Baseline characteristics of the CTHC (n = 76) and THP (n = 85) groups were well-balanced. The 24-month RFS was 82.9% in the CTHC group and 63.5% in the THP group (log-rank p = .008). A significantly higher percentage of patients in the CTHC group achieved PFS than in the THP group (97.4% versus 87.1%; log-rank p = .011). There was no significant difference in AEs between the two groups (p > .05). Based on Cox proportional hazards models, CTHC was the only factor that contributed independently to improved RFS (hazard ratio, 0.422; 95% confidence interval, 0.214-0.835; p = .013). Conclusion: The CTHC scheme is a safe and effective adjuvant treatment option after TURBT for patients with intermediate- and high-risk NMIBC.

Chemical Constituents from Chloranthus anhuiensis and Their Cytotoxic Activities.

Three hiherto unknown phenylpropanoid compounds, namely (7S,8R)-1-(1-ethoxy-2-hydroxypropyl)-2-methoxy-3,4-(methylenedioxy)benzene (1), (7S,8S)-1-(1-ethoxy-2-hydroxypropyl)-2-methoxy-3,4-(methylenedioxy)benzene (2), and (7S,8R)-1-(1-methoxy-2-hydroxypropyl)-2-methoxy-3,4-(methylenedioxy)benzene (3), along with 12 known compounds (4 - 15) were obtained from the extract of whole plant of Chloranthus anhuiensis. Among them, 7 and 13 were obtained from nature for the first time. The structures of these natural compounds were characterized by extensive spectroscopic analysis and calculated electronic circular dichroism (ECD) data. Furthermore, their cytotoxic and neuroprotective activities were evaluated using MDA-MB-231, 4T1, HepG2, and PC12 cell lines. Compounds 8 and 13 exhibited moderate cytotoxic activities against MDA-MB-231 cell line with the IC50 values of 39.7 and 25.8 µm, respectively. And all the isolated compounds have no neuroprotective activities.

[Comparative study on anti-inflammatory and immunomodulation of different Isatidis Radix strains growing in Gansu Province].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate anti-inflammatory and immunomodulation effects of different ecotype from Isatidis Radix growing in Gansu province. METHODS: Mice were randomly divided into 6 groups (n=11)and used the auricular swelling and paw edema to observe the anti-inflammatory effects of Isatidis Radix; Mice were randomly divided into 7 groups (n=11) and through the gasbag synovitis model to observe the anti-inflammatory effects of Isatidis Radix; Mice were randomly divided into 6 groups (n=11), the immunosuppressed model were established by injection of cyclophosphamide (CTX) to study the effects of Isatidis Radix on index of thymus, blood routine and cytokines. RESULTS: Gansu different ecotype from Isatidis Radix could reduce the swelling of the mice auricle, paw edema and total protein, leukotriene B4(LTB4)and malonaldehyde(MDA) in airbag synovitis exudates, and upgrade serum levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD); Degrade the tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and upgrade the index of thymus, the number of red and white corpuscles, the level of interferon-γ (IFN-γ), interleukin-4 (IL-4) (P<0.05, 0.01) of mice immunosuppressed model; Above the research of anti-inflammatory and immunomodulation, there were no significant differences between Isatidis Radix of Gansu different ecotype and tetraploid. CONCLUSIONS: Different ecotype of Isatidis Radix has obvious functions in anti-inflammatory and immunomodulation, but there are no significant differences between Gansu different ecotype and tetraploid.

[Production regionalization study of Isatidis Radix].

In this research, we collected information of eighty nine sampling points of Isatidis Radix nationwide through data query and field survey, and the medicinal component contents of samples were determined by HPLC. By using Maxent Model and ArcGIS, along with ecological factor data, the national habitat suitability distribution of Isatidis Radix was predicted. R-language was adopted to establish a model of the relationship between the medicinal component contents and ecological factors. The medicinal quality was divided by ArcGIS grid computing. The results indicated that the three main ecological factors affecting the distribution of Isatidis Radix were precipitation in the driest season, mean annual temperature and mean temperature in the wet season. The suitable cultivation region of Isatidis Radix is mainly distributed in the north of China, but the medicinal quality is quite different, Isatidis Radix in Xinjiang province has higher medicinal quality. This study provides a reference for rational selection of planting areas of Isatidis Radix.

[Relationship between seedling grade of Codonopsis pilosula and yield and quality of medicinal materials].

The study is aimed to research the relationship between the seedling grade of Codonopsis pilosula and yield and quality of medicinal materials, so as to provide basis for establishing seedling standard. Thirty seedlings of C. pilosula were collected from the main production areas in Gansu province, such as Weiyuan, Minxian, Zhangxian, Dangchang and Longxi, root length and diameter and weight of all the samples were measured. According to the clustering results, seedlings were divided into 3 levels, and field experiments were conducted with three levels seedling, yield and quality were tested in laboratory. Results have showed that emergence of grades 1 was faster than that of grades 2 and 3. Yield of grades 1 was significantly higher than that of grades 2 and 3 (P<0.05). Propargyl glycoside content of grades 1 was the highest, and significantly higher than that of grades 3. Polysaccharide content of grades 3 was the highest and significantly higher than that of grades 1 and 2 (P<0.05). So considering yield, quality and investment cost of C. pilosula, planting seedlings of C. pilosula should select that root length>15.6 cm, root diameter>2.7 mm, root weight>0.56 g.

[Relationship Between Seedling Grade of Glycyrrhiza uralensis and Plant Biomass Accumulation, Yield and Quality of Product].

OBJECTIVE: To research the relationship between the seedling grade of Glycyrrhiza uralensis and the biomass accumulation, yield and quality of product, so as to provide basis for establishing seedling standard. METHODS: The weight of single seedling root was measured and the seedlings were divided into three grades by the clustering analysis. The different grade treatments of seedlings were made to conduct field trials and laboratory experiments. RESULTS: The weight of the whole plant and dry root in growth period of grades 1 and 2 (the weight of single root greater than 10.0 g) were larger than grade 3, and the yield was also the case. The root of Glycyrrhiza uralensis, growing for three years, of grades 1 and 2 contained higher contents of active compounds than grade 3 and the content of glycyrrhizin and liquiritin in the root of Glycyrrhiza uralensis of all treatments were higher than the standard of Chinese Pharmacopoeia (2010 edition). CONCLUSION: The plant from the grades 1 and 2 seedlings with larger growth increment,higher output and better quality is the best seedling in cultivation.

Sensitivity of transmitted and founder human immunodeficiency virus type 1 envelopes to carbohydrate-binding agents griffithsin, cyanovirin-N and Galanthus nivalis agglutinin.

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) transmission often results from infection by a single transmitted/founder (T/F) virus. Here, we investigated the sensitivity of T/F HIV-1 envelope glycoproteins (Envs) to microbicide candidate carbohydrate-binding agents (CBAs) griffithsin (GRFT), cyanovirin-N (CV-N) and Galanthus nivalis agglutinin (GNA), showing that T/F Envs demonstrated different sensitivity to CBAs, with IC50 values ranging from 0.006 ± 0.0003 to >10 nM for GRFT, from 0.6 ± 0.2 to 28.9 ± 2.9 nM for CV-N and from 1.3 ± 0.2 to >500 nM for GNA. We further revealed that deglycosylation at position 295 or 448 decreased the sensitivity of T/F Env to GRFT, and at 339 to both CV-N and GNA. Mutation of all the three glcyans rendered a CBA-sensitive T/F Env largely resistant to GRFT, indicating that the sensitivity of T/F Env to GRFT is mainly determined by glycans at 295, 339 and 448. Our study identified specific T/F Env residues associated with CBA sensitivity.

Using one waste to tackle another: preparation of a CO2 capture material zeolite X from laterite residue and bauxite.

In this work, zeolite X, a benchmark adsorbent for carbon capture, has been successfully prepared from low cost waste minerals namely laterite residue and bauxite using alkali fusion process followed by hydrothermal treatment. The structure and morphology of the as-synthesized zeolite X were verified and characterized with a range of experimental techniques such as X-ray diffraction, scanning electronic microscopy and infrared spectroscopy. The surface area and (N2 and CO2) gas adsorption isotherms of this product were found comparable to that of commercial ones, demonstrating the effectiveness of synthesizing zeolite X from laterite and bauxite. Further improvement of the product purity was also accomplished by optimizing the process conditions.

[Comparison of content of total alkaloids and aconitine in Aconitum szechenyianum from different producing areas on basis of macroporous adsorption resin purification technology].

OBJECTIVE: To optimize the conditions of purifying the total alkaloids in Aconitum szechenyianum with macroporous adsorption resin, and compare the content of total alkaloids and aconitine in A. szechenyianum from different producing areas, in order to provide basis for further studies. METHOD: The orthogonal experiment method was adopted for optimizing the conditions of purifying the total alkaloids in A. szechenyianum with macroporous adsorption resin. The content of total alkaloids and aconitine were determined by using the titration method. The total alkaloids in A. szechenyianum from different producing areas were purified under optimum processing conditions. Aconitine was determined by HPLC. RESULT: Different processing conditions showed different influences on the purification of total alkaloids. The optimum conditions were resin type HPD-722, ethanol concentration of 80% , and ethanol elution volume of 80 mL x min(-1). The contents of aconitine in A. szechenyianum from different producing areas--Qinghai, Maxianshan, Ningxia and Yongdeng were 0.493 5, 0.883 5, 1.527 8, 1.664 4 mg x g(-1), respectively. CONCLUSION: The optimum processing conditions used in this essay could be used for purifying the total alkaloids and aconitine. A. szechenyianum from Yongdeng and Gansu contains the highest content of aconitine.

[Relationship between seedling grade of angelica and biomass accumulation and quality of product].

OBJECTIVE: To research the relationship between the seedling grade of angelica and the biomass accumulation, output and quality of product, so as to provide base for establishing seedling standard. METHOD: Thirty seedlings of Angelica were collected from the main production area in Gansu province, such as Minxian, Zahngxian, Dangchang and Weiyuan county, all the samples were measured with weigh of single seedling and the seedling were divided into three grade by the clustering analysis results, the grade were made to treatment to do field test and laboratory experiment. RESULT: The weigh of dry root, above ground and the whole plant in growth period of treatment 2 (the weigh of single seedling between 0.74-1.38 g) were all superior to other treatments and the ck. The treatment 2 had low bolting percentage, the weigh of single root was higher and the yield was the highest. The characters of product from the treatment 2 was well and the content of ferulic acid was higher than the standard of Chinese pharmacopoeia (2010 year part 1). CONCLUSION: The plant from the grade 2 seedling with larger growth increment, higher output and better quality, which can be the best seedling in production.

[Disease survey and pathogen identification on Notopterygium incisum in Gansu province].

Six diseases have been found after disease surveys on Notopterygium incisum in Gansu province during 2004 to 2007. They were brown spot (Ascochyta levistici), powdery mildew (Erysiphe heraclei), grey spot (Alternaria sp. ; Alternaria burnsii), leaf spot (Septoria dearnessii), angular leaf spot (Pleospora sp.), leaf streak (Phoma sp.), bacterial angular leaf spot and a virus disease. Bacterial angular leaf spot and powdery mildew are the urgent problems waiting to be solved effectively. All these diseases were reported for the first time in China.

Modulation of monocyte hyperresponsiveness to TLR ligands by 1,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D3 from LADA and T2DM.

To investigate the differences of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) expression and response of monocyte and modulation of 1,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D3 on monocyte activity. Peripheral blood monocytes were collected from 23 healthy controls, 18 latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA), and 22 type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), respectively. CD14, TLR2 and TLR4 expression were analyzed. Moreover, the effect of 1,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D3 (1,25(OH)(2)D3) on monocyte response to lipoteichoic acid (LTA) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was evaluated in vitro by measuring phosphorylation level of NF-kappaB-p65 and associated cytokine production. Monocytes showed significantly higher surface CD14 expression from LADA compared with that from T2DM and controls, and high expression of TLR4 from LADA and T2DM than controls. After incubation with LPS or LTA, decreased surface expressions of CD14 were observed on monocytes from T2DM and controls, in contrast to the increased on monocytes from LADA. Activation of NF-kappaB and amounts of IL-1beta and TNF-alpha production by stimulation with ligands significantly increased in LADA and T2DM, which was modulated by 1,25(OH)(2)D3 to similar level, as compared to controls. The modulation of 1,25(OH)(2)D3 on monocytes makes us to consider more potency of vitamin D3 as therapy in LADA and T2DM.