Effects of allyl isothiocyanate fumigation on medicinal plant root knot disease control, plant survival, and the soil bacterial community.

BACKGROUND: Allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) is a natural product with high volatility that is used as a biofumigant to alleviate soil-borne plant diseases, and problems such as root knot nematodes (RKNs) that necessitate continuous cropping. However, little research has assessed the effects of AITC fumigation on medicinal plants. RESULTS: AITC significantly reduced the population of RKNs in soil (p < 0.0001) and showed an excellent RKN disease control effect within 6 months after sowing Panax notoginseng (p < 0.0001). The seedling survival rate of 2-year-old P. notoginseng was approximately 1.7-fold higher after soil treatment with AITC (p = 0.1008). 16S rRNA sequencing indicated that the AITC treatment affected bacterial richness rather than diversity in consecutively cultivated (CC) soil. Furthermore, biomarkers with statistical differences between AITC-treated and untreated CC soil showed that Pirellulales (order), Pirellulaceae (family), Pseudomonadaceae (family), and Pseudomonas (genus) played important roles in the AITC-treated group. In addition, the microbiome functional phenotypes predicted using the BugBase tool suggested that AITC treatment is more conducive to improving CC soil through changes in the bacterial community structure. Crucially, our research also suggested that AITC soil treatment significantly increases soil organic matter (p = 0.0055), total nitrogen (p = 0.0054), and available potassium (p = 0.0373), which promotes the survival of a succeeding medicinal plant (Polygonatum kingianum). CONCLUSION: AITC is an ecologically friendly soil treatment that affects the top 10 bacterial richness but not diversity. It could also provide a basis for a useful agricultural soil management measure to alleviate soil sickness.

MOMAST® Reduces the Plasmatic Lipid Profile and Oxidative Stress and Regulates Cholesterol Metabolism in a Hypercholesterolemic Mouse Model: The Proof of Concept of a Sustainable and Innovative Antioxidant and Hypocholesterolemic Ingredient.

MOMAST® is a patented natural phenolic complex, rich in tyrosol (9.0 g/kg, Tyr), hydroxityrosol (43,5 g/kg, OH-Tyr), and verbascoside (5.0 g/Kg), which is obtained from the OVW by-product of the Coratina cultivar with potent direct antioxidant activity (measured by DPPH and FRAP assays, respectively). Indeed, MOMAST® represents an innovative sustainable bioactive ingredient which has been obtained with ethical and empowering behavior by applying the principles of a circular economy. In the framework of research aimed at fostering its health-promoting activity, in this study it was clearly demonstrated that MOMAST® treatment reduced the oxidative stress and levels of total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and increased the HDL levels, without changes in the triglyceride (TG) levels in Western diet (WD)-fed mice. The modulation of the plasmatic lipid profile is similar to red yeast rice (RYR) containing Monacolin K (3%). In addition, at the molecular level in liver homogenates, similarly to RYR, MOMAST® exerts cholesterol-lowering activity through the activation of LDL receptor, whereas, unlike RYR, MOMAST® reduces proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) protein levels via hepatic nuclear factor 1 (HNF1)-α activation. Hence, this study provides the proof of concept regarding the hypocholesterolemic activity of MOMAST, which could be successfully exploited as an active ingredient for the development of innovative and sustainable dietary supplements and functional foods.

Valorization of the Antioxidant Effect of Mantua PGI Pear By-Product Extracts: Preparation, Analysis and Biological Investigation.

For improving the management of the production chain of PGI Mantua pears (which comprises many varieties, including Abate Fetel), applying the cardinal principles of circular economy and sustainability, the fruits with diseases or defects were recovered for producing dried rounds of pears from the Abate Fetel cultivar, a new product with high nutritional value that extends the remaining life. This process led to the production of secondary and residual by-products, which are mainly composed of the highest and lowest part of the fruits, comprising seeds, pulps, peels and petioles. Hence, this study was focused on the valorization of these secondary by-products of Abate Fetel pears through the production of pear extracts using traditional and "green" extraction methods that involve the use of supercritical CO2 fluid extraction. The produced extracts, together with a reference solvent-derived extract, were analyzed by HPLC-ESI-MS, and in parallel, their direct and cellular antioxidant activity were assessed. Evidence has indicated that all the tested extracts reduced the H2O2-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipid peroxidation and nitric oxide (NO) levels, respectively, in human intestinal Caco-2 cells. Hence, this study clearly suggests that extracts obtained from Mantuan PGI pear by-products may be used as valuable sources of bioactive upcycled phytocomplex for the development of dietary supplements and/or functional foods.

Taxonomy of Epimedium (Berberidaceae) with special reference to Chinese species.

Epimedii Herba is a commonly used traditional Chinese herbal medicine. Five Epimedium species are included in Chinese Pharmacopoeia and most species of Epimedium are used as Epimedii Herba in practical application. However, as the largest herbaceous genus of the Berberidaceae, Epimedium has many taxonomic controversies which hinder the effective use of Epimedii Herba. This paper reviewed the taxonomic research related to Epimedium, including taxonomic history, taxonomic values of morphological characters, species and distribution, infra-genera taxonomic system and the taxonomic research of Chinese Epimedium. For instance, we recognized Epimedium wushanense and clarified that the species, as described in Flora Reipublicae Popularis Sinicae and Flora of China, actually includes four Epimedium species similar in leaflet shape. In general, it was recognized here that Epimedium comprises 62 species, of which 52 species are distributed in China. For Chinese Epimedium species with the most taxonomic problems, the taxonomic research on the taxa was reviewed and the newest species key was proposed along with proposals for those taxonomic problems needing further resolution. This review is of great implication for the identification, exploration and utilization of Epimedii Herba.

Hempseed (Cannabis sativa) Peptide H3 (IGFLIIWV) Exerts Cholesterol-Lowering Effects in Human Hepatic Cell Line.

Hempseed (Cannabis sativa) protein is an important source of bioactive peptides. H3 (IGFLIIWV), a transepithelial transported intestinal peptide obtained from the hydrolysis of hempseed protein with pepsin, carries out antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities in HepG2 cells. In this study, the main aim was to assess its hypocholesterolemic effects at a cellular level and the mechanisms behind this health-promoting activity. The results showed that peptide H3 inhibited the 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl co-enzyme A reductase (HMGCoAR) activity in vitro in a dose-dependent manner with an IC50 value of 59 µM. Furthermore, the activation of the sterol regulatory element binding proteins (SREBP)-2 transcription factor, followed by the increase of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor (LDLR) protein levels, was observed in human hepatic HepG2 cells treated with peptide H3 at 25 µM. Meanwhile, peptide H3 regulated the intracellular HMGCoAR activity through the increase of its phosphorylation by the activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)-pathways. Consequently, the augmentation of the LDLR localized on the cellular membranes led to the improved ability of HepG2 cells to uptake extracellular LDL with a positive effect on cholesterol levels. Unlike the complete hempseed hydrolysate (HP), peptide H3 can reduce the proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin 9 (PCSK9) protein levels and its secretion in the extracellular environment via the decrease of hepatic nuclear factor 1-α (HNF1-α). Considering all these evidences, H3 may represent a new bioactive peptide to be used for the development of dietary supplements and/or peptidomimetics for cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention.

Research progress on evodiamine, a bioactive alkaloid of Evodiae fructus: Focus on its anti-cancer activity and bioavailability (Review).

Evodiae fructus (Wu-Zhu-Yu in Chinese) can be isolated from the dried, unripe fruits of Tetradium ruticarpum and is a well-known traditional Chinese medicine that is applied extensively in China, Japan and Korea. Evodiae fructus has been traditionally used to treat headaches, abdominal pain and menorrhalgia. In addition, it is widely used as a dietary supplement to provide carboxylic acids, essential oils and flavonoids. Evodiamine (EVO) is one of the major bioactive components contained within Evodiae fructus and is considered to be a potential candidate anti-cancer agent. EVO has been reported to exert anti-cancer effects by inhibiting cell proliferation, invasion and metastasis, whilst inducing apoptosis in numerous types of cancer cells. However, EVO is susceptible to metabolism and may inhibit the activities of metabolizing enzymes, such as cytochrome P450. Clinical application of EVO in the treatment of cancers may prove difficult due to poor bioavailability and potential toxicity due to metabolism. Currently, novel drug carriers involving the use of solid dispersion techniques, phospholipids and nanocomplexes to deliver EVO to improve its bioavailability and mitigate side effects have been tested. The present review aims to summarize the reported anti-cancer effects of EVO whilst discussing the pharmacokinetic behaviors, characteristics and effective delivery systems of EVO.

A novel therapeutic vaccine composed of a rearranged human papillomavirus type 16 E6/E7 fusion protein and Fms-like tyrosine kinase-3 ligand induces CD8+ T cell responses and antitumor effect.

The development of cervical cancer is mainly caused by infection with high risk genotypes of human papillomavirus, particularly type 16 (HPV16), which accounts for more than 50% of cervical cancer. The two early viral oncogenes, E6 and E7, are continuously expressed in cervical cancer cells and are necessary to maintain the malignant cellular phenotype, thus providing ideal targets for immunotherapy of cervical cancer. In this study, a novel vaccine strategy was developed based on a rationally shuffled HPV16 E6/E7 fusion protein, the addition of Fms-like tyrosine kinase-3 ligand (Flt3L) or the N domain of calreticulin (NCRT), and the usage of a CpG adjuvant. Four recombinant proteins were constructed: m16E6E7 (mutant E6/E7 fusion protein), rm16E6E7 (rearranged mutant HPV16 E6/E7 fusion protein), Flt3L-RM16 (Flt3L fused to rm16E6E7), and NCRT-RM16 (NCRT fused to rm16E6E7). Our results suggest that Flt3L-RM16 was the most potent of these proteins in terms of inducing E6- and E7-specific CD8+ T cell responses. Additionally, Flt3L-RM16 significantly induced regression of established E6/E7-expressing TC-1 tumors. Higher doses of Flt3L-RM16 trended toward higher levels of antitumor activity, but these differences did not reach statistical significance. In summary, this study found that Flt3L-RM16 fusion protein is a promising therapeutic vaccine for immunotherapy of HPV16-associated cervical cancer.

The prevalence and risk factors of preterm small-for-gestational-age infants: a population-based retrospective cohort study in rural Chinese population.

BACKGROUND: Preterm birth and small for gestational age (SGA) are strong indicators of neonatal adverse outcomes. With the growing importance of preterm SGA infants, we aim to evaluate the prevalence and risk factors for preterm SGA in China. METHOD: We analyzed the data of parents and infants from a population-based cohort research of the free National Pre-pregnancy Checkups Project (NPCP) in rural China. Only singleton live births that occurred between 24 weeks +0 days and 36 weeks +6 days of pregnancy were included in this study. SGA was defined as birth weight less than the 10th percentile of the reference birth-weight-for-gestational-age population. A multiple logistic regression model was built using the statistically significant variables from the 371 variables in the questionnaire. RESULTS: A total of 11,474 singleton, preterm, live-birth infants were included. Of the total infants, 317 (2.77%) were preterm SGA infants. A higher risk of preterm SGA infants was observed among mothers who were on oral contraceptives (OR: 8.162, 95% CI: 1.622-41.072), mothers who had syphilis (OR: 12.800, 95% CI: 1.250-131.041), and mothers with a high eosinophil percentage (OR: 13.292, 95% CI: 1.282-135.796). Maternal intake of folic acid at least 3 months before pregnancy (OR: 0.284, 95% CI:0.124-0.654) and paternal intake of egg and meat (OR: 0.097,95% CI:0.030-0.315) were protective factors. Compared with North China, the incidence of preterm SGA infants was higher in South China. CONCLUSION: Preterm SGA infants were associated with both maternal and paternal factors.

Anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of Daphne retusa Hemsl.

Daphne retusa Hemsl. belongs to the genus Daphne, a member of Thymelaeaceae family. The barks and stems of Daphne retusa are used as a folkloric medicine 'Zhu Shi Ma' in Western China because of its effects of detumescence and acesodyne. In this paper, we investigate the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of the 75% ethanol extract of the stems and barks of Daphne retusa and different fractions partitioned with petroleum ether, methylene chloride, ethyl acetate and n-butanol, respectively. The anti-inflammatory effects were evaluated using xylene-induced ear oedema in mice and carrageenan-induced paw oedema in rats, while the acetic acid-induced writhing test and hot-plate test as models for evaluating the centrally and peripherally analgesic activity. The results showed the plant has significant anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects (P<0.05-0.01). Meanwhile, the result of the acute toxicity test at which the MTD was above 5g/kg indicates that the plant extract is relatively safe in, and/or non-toxic to, mice. The findings of these experimental animal studies indicate that the Daphne retusa ethanol extract possesses anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, and thus provide pharmacological support to folkloric, ethnomedical uses of 'Zhu shima' in the treatment and/of management of anti-inflammatory and painful conditions in China.

[Testing of seed-borne fungi of Glycyrrihiza seed and disinfection effect of several fungicides on seed-borne fungi].

OBJECTIVE: To study the dominant seed-borne fungi of Glycyrrihiza seeds which were from different producing area and compare the disinfection effect of several fungicides on seed-borne fungi of Glycyrrihiza seed. METHOD: Petri-dish testing was used to determine the external and internal seed-borne fungi and the disinfection effect of fungicides. RESULT AND CONCLUSION: The result showed that the amount of spore on the surface of one Glycyrrihiza seed varied from 0.3% to 37.0% among samples. Penicillium spp. and Aspergillus spp. were the two major dominant fungi and there was few differences in the type of the fungi among producing areas but differences in the isolation frequency of the furgi; Penicillium spp. , Rhizopus spp. , Aspergillus spp. and Alternaria spp. were the internally dominant seed-borne fungi, including seed capsule and the internal tissue of seed and their fungi-carrying percentage was 8.0%-48.3% and 3.5%-42.0% respectively. There were differences in fungi percentage and dominant seed borne fungi among different producing areas. The disinfection effect of both mancozeb and thriam was up to 89.0%, so it is suggested to use them to disinfect Glycyrrihiza seed.

[Study on the theory of "selection of distal acupoints"].

The meridians belong to zang-fu organs inside and connect with the extremities outside. They keep information exchange among different tissues and make various organs of the human body as an organic whole. If the meridians are blocked and the information exchange makes mistake, the body will produce pathologic changes. Because the location of the blocked part is difficult to identify, in this paper it is explained that selection of distal acupoints is the best way to dredge the nodes of disease, and the theoretical basis is closely related with the theories of "the root cause and symptoms of a disease", "Genjie", and "Jing, Xing, Shu, Jing, He", and also implies the thought of "to cure a disease must treat the root of the disease".

Cytogenetic studies on Metasequoia glyptostroboides, a living fossil species.

The chromosome morphology and meiotic pairing behavior in the pollen mother cells (PMCs) of Metasequoia glyptostroboides were investigated. The results showed that: (1) The chromosome number of the PMCs was 2n = 22. (2) The PMCs developed in the successive manner, and the nucleoids in the dynamic development were similar to those of the other gymnosperms. (3) At prophase, most of the chromosomes were unable to be identified distinctively because the chromosomes were long and tangled together. The chromosome segments were paired non-synchronously. At pachytene, the interstitial or terminal regions of some bivalents did not form synapsis and the paired chromosomes showed difference in sizes, indicating that there were structure differences between the homologous chromosomes. (4) At diakinesis, the ring bivalents showed complicated configurations due to the differences in location and number of chiasmata. In addition, there were cross-linked bivalents. (5) At metaphase I, the chromosome configuration of each cell was 8.2II(0) + 1.1II + 1.3II+ + 0.8I. Most of the chromosomes were ring bivalents, but some were cross-linked bivalents, rod bivalents, or univalents. (6) 15% PMCs at anaphase I and 22% PMCs at anaphase II presented chromosome bridges, chromosome fragments, micronuclei, and lagging chromosomes. Twenty seven percent microspores finally moved into one to three micronuclei. Twenty five percent pollens were abortive. The results indicated that the observed individual of M. glyptostroboides was probably a paracentric inversion heterozygote, and there were structural and behavioral differences between the homologous chromosomes. The chromosomal aberration of M. glyptostroboides may play an important role in the evolution of this relict species, which is known as a living fossil. Further evidence is needed to test whether the differences between homologous chromosomes were due to hybridization.

[The research of technique of Panax notoginseng seed coating for culturing seedlings].

OBJECTIVE: To screen seed coating formulation and to investigate culturing seedling technique for Panax notoginseng (Sanqi). METHODS: Fungus check for the seeds in room and study on medicament disinfecting effect were carried out to obtain three optimum seed coating formulation. In contrast with routine medicament immersing seed and blank test, the effects of different seed coating formulation, rate between medicament and seed, and coating time were studied on nursery rate, yield and quality of Sanqi. RESULTS: The different seed coating formulation had evident difference on Sanqi. Concentration of seed coating formulation and coating time notably affected nursery rate and yield of Sanqi. CONCLUSION: The optimum method is using No. SQ2 seed coation formulation in the rate 1:50 between medicament and seed, and coated one or two days before sowing.