[Non-targeted metabolomics of spleen and liver metabolism in mice treated with Pruni Semen processed with different methods].

Ultra performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS) was employed to investigate the impacts of Pruni Semen processed with different methods(raw and fried) on the liver and spleen metabolism in mice. A total of 24 male mice were randomly assigned to three groups: raw Pruni Semen group, fried Pruni Semen group, and control(deionized water) group. Mice in the three groups were orally administrated with 0.01 g·mL~(-1) Pruni Semen decoction or deionized water for one week. After that, the liver and spleen tissues were collected, and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry(LC-MS)-based metabolomic analysis was carried out to investigate the impact of Pruni Semen on the liver and spleen metabolism in mice. Compared with thte control group, the raw Pruni Semen group showed up-regulation of 11 metabolites and down-regulation of 57 metabolites in the spleen(P<0.05), as well as up-regulation of 15 metabolites and down-regulation of 58 metabolites in the liver(P<0.05). The fried Pruni Semen group showed up-regulation of 31 metabolites and down-regulation of 10 metabolites in the spleen(P<0.05), along with up-regulation of 26 metabolites and down-regulation of 61 metabolites in the liver(P<0.05). The differential metabolites identified in the raw Pruni Semen group were primarily associated with alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism, purine metabolism, amino sugar and nucleotide sugar metabolism, and D-glutamine and D-glutamate metabolism. The differential metabolites identified in the fried Pruni Semen group predominantly involved riboflavin metabolism, amino sugar and nucleotide sugar metabolism, purine metabolism, alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism, D-glutamine and D-glutamate metabolism, and glutathione metabolism. The findings suggest that both raw and fried Pruni Semen have the potential to modulate the metabolism of the liver and spleen in mice by influencing the glutamine and glutamate metabolism.

Effects of Maternal Dietary Enteromorpha prolifera Polysaccharide Iron Supplement on Mineral Elements and Iron Level of Neonatal Piglets.

Iron plays a key role in maternal health during pregnancy and fetal growth. Enteromorpha polysaccharide-iron (EP-Fe) as an organic iron chelate may improve the iron transmission of mother and offspring, ameliorate the poor pregnancy outcomes of sows, and alleviate the growth restriction of piglets caused by iron deficiency. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of maternal dietary supplementation with EP-Fe on reproductive performance and placental iron transmission of sows, as well as growth performance of piglets. Sixty pregnant sows at the 95th day of gestation were randomly divided into control group and EP-Fe group (EP-Fe, 139 mg kg-1). Blood samples of sows and neonatal piglets, colostrum, and tissue samples were collected on the day of delivery. The animal experiment ended at the 21st day of post-delivery. Results showed that maternal dietary EP-Fe increased colostrum iron (P < 0.05) of sows, as well as final litter weight (P < 0.05) and average daily weight of piglets (P < 0.05) during days 1-21 of lactation, as well as iron and manganese content in umbilical cord blood (P < 0.05) and hepatic iron of neonatal piglets (P < 0.01), and decreased fecal iron (P < 0.001), serum calcium (P < 0.05), phosphorus (P < 0.05), and zinc (P < 0.01) in the parturient sow. RT-qPCR results showed that Fpn1 and Zip14 in placenta, as well as TfR1 and Zip14 in duodenum of neonatal piglets, were activated by maternal EP-Fe supplement. These findings suggest that maternal dietary EP-Fe could increase iron storage of neonatal piglets via improving placental iron transport and iron secretion in colostrum, thus enhancing the growth performance of sucking piglets.

[Application and thinking of acupuncture therapy in comprehensive management of hypertension].

The theory of disease prevention with traditional Chinese medicine is introduced into the prevention of chronic diseases such as hypertension. In order to fully implement the advantages of acupuncture, the three-level prevention strategy is strengthened on the whole-process intervention with acupuncture for hypertension, including prevention before disease onset, starting intervention at the early phase, and prevention disease from exacerbating. Moreover, the comprehensive management scheme, multidisciplinary coordination and participation mechanism are investigated in the field of traditional Chinese medicine for preventive treatment of hypertension.

Sesquiterpenes and polyphenols with glucose-uptake stimulatory and antioxidant activities from the medicinal mushroom Sanghuangporus sanghuang.

A chemical investigation on the fermentation products of Sanghuangporus sanghuang led to the isolation and identification of fourteen secondary metabolites (1-14) including eight sesquiterpenoids (1-8) and six polyphenols (9-14). Compounds 1-3 were sesquiterpenes with new structures which were elucidated based on NMR spectroscopy, high resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) data. All the isolates were tested for their stimulation effects on glucose uptake in insulin-resistant HepG2 cells, and cellular antioxidant activity. Compounds 9-12 were subjected to molecular docking experiment to primarily evaluate their anti-coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) activity. As a result, compounds 9-12 were found to increase the glucose uptake of insulin-resistant HepG2 cells by 18.1%, 62.7%, 33.7% and 21.4% at the dose of 50 µmol·L-1, respectively. Compounds 9-12 also showed good cellular antioxidant activities with CAA50 values of 12.23, 23.11, 5.31 and 16.04 µmol·L-1, respectively. Molecular docking between COVID-19 Mpro and compounds 9-12 indicated potential SARS-CoV-2 inhibitory activity of these four compounds. This work provides new insights for the potential role of the medicinal mushroom S. sanghuang as drugs and functional foods.

Carbon Arc Lamp Therapy Enhances the Repair Potential of Chronic Soft Tissue Injury in Rats Compared with the Ability of Photobiomodulation Therapy.

Objective: The effects of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) and carbon arc lamp therapy (CALT) on the repair of chronic soft tissue injury were compared. Background data: PBMT improves soft tissue repair of chronic injury. However, there has been no research on the effect of CALT. Methods: Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were irradiated using PBMT and CALT at 2 J/cm2 to observe their effects on cell proliferation and migration. The effects of PBMT and CALT on soft tissue injury repair were assessed using a chronic gastrocnemius injury model of the posterior limb in rats. The malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) were examined by biochemical analyses. The degree of tissue damage repair was evaluated by the immunohistochemical method [CD45, CD34, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and actin] and the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) method. Results: Treatment by PBMT and CALT significantly accelerated the proliferation and migration of HUVECs. Moreover, significant decreases in the contents of MDA and PGE2 were observed in the PBMT and CALT groups, while SOD activity was increased. The histological assessment shows that the content of inflammatory cells and apoptotic cells significantly decreased in the CALT group. However, the microvascular density, VEGF content, and actin content were increased in the CALT group. Conclusions: The results demonstrate that CALT has a stronger effect on promoting chronic soft tissue injury repair in comparison with PBMT.

Canaloplasty for the treatment of primary open-angle glaucoma: A protocol of systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Canaloplasty has been reported to manage primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) effectively. However, no study has specifically and systematically investigated the efficacy and safety of canaloplasty for the treatment of POAG. Thus, this study will systematically and comprehensively appraise the efficacy and safety of canaloplasty for the treatment of POAG. METHODS: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Allied and Complementary Medicine Database, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure will be sought from the construction to the February 29, 2020. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) focusing on canaloplasty for the treatment of POAG will be included. Two reviewers will independently undertake selection of study, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment. Any doubts between 2 reviewers will be resolved through discussion with another experienced reviewer. RevMan 5.3 software will be employed for data analysis. RESULTS: This study will summarize high-quality RCTs on investigating efficacy and safety of canaloplasty for the treatment of POAG. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study will help to determine whether canaloplasty is effective and safety for the treatment of POAG.Systematic review registration: INPLASY202040119.

Efficacy of bimatoprost for the treatment of primary open-angle glaucoma: A protocol of systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Bimatoprost has been reported to treat primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) effectively. However, up-to-date, no systematic review has specifically addressed the efficacy and safety of bimatoprost for the treatment of POAG. Therefore, this study will propose to appraise the efficacy and safety of bimatoprost for the treatment of POAG. METHODS: We will perform a systematic search in MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHI, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Allied and Complementary Medicine Database, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure from inception up to the March 1, 2020. We will include randomized controlled trials (RCTs) for evaluating the efficacy and safety of bimatoprost for the treatment of POAG. Primary outcome is the mean intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction from baseline to the endpoint, and change in best corrected visual acuity. Secondary outcomes are contrast sensitivity, rate of progression of glaucoma, quality of life, and incidence of adverse events. Study quality will be examined by Cochrane Collaboration tool, and strength of evidence will be evaluated by Grading of Recommendations Assessment Development and Evaluation tool. RESULTS: This proposed study will outline the current RCTs to assess the efficacy and safety of bimatoprost for the treatment of POAG. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study will confirm whether bimatoprost is beneficial to patients with POAG. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: INPLASY202040118.

Effect of intraoperative pressure ulcer preventive nursing on inflammatory markers in patients with high-risk pressure ulcers: A protocol of systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: This study will be designed to appraise the effects of intraoperative pressure ulcer preventive nursing (IPUPN) on inflammatory markers (IMs) in patients with high-risk pressure ulcers (HRPU) based on high quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs). METHODS: In this study, we will perform a rigorous literature search from the following electronic databases: Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, Embase, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Allied and Complementary Medicine Database, and Chinese Biomedical Literature Database. All electronic databases will be retrieved from their initial time to March 1, 2020 without limitations of language and publication status. We will only consider high quality RCTs that explored the effects of IPUPN on IMs in patients with HRPU. Two investigators will identify relevant trials, extract data, and appraise risk of bias in each eligible trial. Data will be pooled by either a fixed-effects model or a random-effects model according to the results of heterogeneity identification. The primary outcomes include IMs, and incidence of new pressure ulcers. The secondary outcomes are time to ulcer development, quality of life, length of hospital stay, and adverse events. Statistical analysis will be undertaken using RevMan 5.3 software. RESULTS: This study will summarize high quality clinical evidence of RCTs to evaluate the effects of IPUPN on IMs in patients with HRPU. CONCLUSION: The expected findings may provide helpful evidence to determine whether IPUPN is an effective intervention on IMs in patients with HRPU. INPLASY REGISTRATION NUMBER: INPLASY202040029.

New meroterpenoid compounds from the culture of mushroom Panus lecomtei.

Two new meroterpenoid compounds (1 and 2) together with five known meroterpenoid derivatives (3-7) were isolated from solid culture of mushroom Panus lecomtei. The structures of new compounds were confirmed by the analysis of NMR and HR-ESI-MS spectroscopic data. The biosynthetic pathway of 1-7 was postulated. All isolated compounds were evaluated for antibacterial activities against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus Calmette-Guérin. Compound 3 exhibited weak antibacterial activity against Bacillus Calmette-Guérin with the inhibition rate of 83.6% at 100 µmol·L-1. Other compounds showed no antibacterial activities against all tested pathogens at 100 µmol·L-1.

Acupuncture treatment for optic atrophy: A protocol for systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Optic atrophy (OPA) is a very tricky disorder. Presently, no effective management is available for this condition. Previous studies have reported that acupuncture may be effective for the treatment of OPA. However, its effectiveness is still inconclusive. Thus, this study will aim to assess the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture for OPA. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search for relevant studies will be performed from the databases of PUMBED, EMBASE, CINAHI, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Allied and Complementary Medicine Database, Cochrane Library, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and other literature sources from inception up to the present. No language limitations will be applied to all literature searches. We will consider all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and case-controlled trials (CCTs) for assessing the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture for OPA. The primary outcomes include the rates of vision improvement and visual field improvement. The secondary outcomes consist of the increased visual field average sensitivity, pattern visual evoked potential (PVEP) amplitude, and shortened PVEP latency, as well as any expected and unexpected adverse reactions. Risk of bias assessment will be performed by Cochrane risk of bias for RCTs and Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for CCTs. RESULTS: In this study, we will outline details of the aims and methods on the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture for the treatment of OPA. CONCLUSION: The results of this study will summarize the most current evidence of acupuncture for the treatment of patients with OPA. DISSEMINATION AND ETHICS: The results of this study are expected to be published on peer-reviewed journals. This is a literature-based study; therefore, no ethical approval is necessary. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42019135785.

Effects of Carbon Arc Lamp Irradiation on Wound Healing in a Rat Cutaneous Full-Thickness Wound Model.

Objective: The objective of the present study was to investigate the application of a carbon arc lamp on wound healing in a rat cutaneous full-thickness wound model. Background data: In clinical practice, wound healing has been promoted by irradiation with a carbon arc lamp. However, the corresponding mechanism has not been clearly defined. Methods: A cutaneous full-thickness wound on the back of rats was irradiated using a carbon arc lamp at a wavelength peak range of 620-740 nm with 54 J/cm2. Injured sham-irradiated control rats were used as the control. The rats were euthanized after 7, 14, and 21 days, while wound reepithelialization and healing quality were examined by histological analyses with comparison between groups. Cell proliferation was observed by 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU) immunohistochemical staining. Results: Irradiation by the carbon arc lamp significantly accelerated wound healing. The wound-healing rate in the treated group at day 21 was 98.42% ± 0.56%, compared with 93.58% ± 1.26% in the control group (p < 0.05). Significant increases in the length of epithelial edges, collagen content, and microvessel density were observed in the wound sites in the treated group at days 7, 14, and 21 (p < 0.05). Moreover, the number of BrdU-labeled cells increased in the wound edge at days 7 and 14 due to irradiation (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The results demonstrated that the carbon arc lamp can promote wound healing together with improvement in its quality by stimulating cell proliferation.

Omega-3 and ranibizumab for age-related macular degeneration: A systematic review protocol.

BACKGROUND: Omega-3 and ranibizumab (O3R) has been reported to treat age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) effectively. However, up to the present, no systematic review specifically addressed the efficacy of O3R for the treatment of ARMD. Therefore, in this study, we will propose to assess the efficacy and safety of O3R for the treatment of ARMD. METHODS: We will search PUMBED, EMBASE, CINAHI, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Allied and Complementary Medicine Database, Cochrane Library, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, VIP Information, Wanfang Data, as well as the gray literature from inception up to the present. We will accept randomized controlled trials for assessing the efficacy and safety of O3R for ARMD. The primary outcomes include change in best corrected visual acuity and central retinal thickness. The secondary outcomes consist of changes in subfoveal choroidal thickness, macular atrophy, retinal average sensitivity, contrast sensitivity, glare disability, and quality of life. In addition, incidence and severity of adverse events will also be evaluated. Cochrane Collaboration tool will be used to assess the risk of bias for each included study. In addition, Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation tool will be utilized to assess the overall strength of the evidence. Two authors will independently carry out all procedures and any divergences will be solved through discussion with a third author. If it is possible, we will conduct meta-analysis and subgroup analysis concerning different interventions, risk of bias, and outcome measurements. RESULTS: In this proposed study, we outline details of the aims and methods of efficacy and safety of O3R for the treatment of ARMD. CONCLUSION: The findings of this systematic review will summarize current evidence of O3R for the treatment of patients with ARMD. DISSEMINATION AND ETHICS: The results of the present study are expected to be published by peer-reviewed journals. This is a literature-based study. Thus, ethical approval is unnecessary for this study. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42019121177.

An insoluble polysaccharide from the sclerotium of Poria cocos improves hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia and hepatic steatosis in ob/ob mice via modulation of gut microbiota.

Metabolic syndrome characterized by obesity, hyperglycemia and liver steatosis is becoming prevalent all over the world. Herein, a water insoluble polysaccharide (WIP) was isolated and identified from the sclerotium of Poria cocos, a widely used Traditional Chinese Medicine. WIP was confirmed to be a (1-3)-ß-D-glucan with an average Mw of 4.486 × 106 Da by NMR and SEC-RI-MALLS analyses. Furthermore, oral treatment with WIP from P. cocos significantly improved glucose and lipid metabolism and alleviated hepatic steatosis in ob/ob mice. 16S DNA sequencing analysis of cecum content from WIP-treated mice indicated the increase of butyrate-producing bacteria Lachnospiracea, Clostridium. It was also observed that WIP treatment elevated the level of butyrate in gut, improved the gut mucosal integrity and activated the intestinal PPAR-γ pathway. Fecal transplantation experiments definitely confirmed the causative role of gut microbiota in mediating the benefits of WIP. It is the first report that the water insoluble polysaccharide from the sclerotium of P. cocos modulates gut microbiota to improve hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia. Thereby, WIP from P. cocos, as a prebiotic, has the potential for the prevention or cure of metabolic diseases and may elucidate new mechanism for the efficacies of this traditional herbal medicine on the regulation of lipid and glucose metabolism.

Preconditioning With Low-Level Laser Irradiation Enhances the Therapeutic Potential of Human Adipose-derived Stem Cells in a Mouse Model of Photoaged Skin.

This study was conducted to explore the therapeutic potential of human adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) irradiated with a low-level laser (LLL). Cultured ADSCs were treated with 650-nm GaAlAs laser irradiation at 2, 4 and 8 J cm-2 . Cell proliferation was quantified by MTT assays, cytokine secretion was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, and adipogenic differentiation was examined by oil red O staining. Additionally, the expression profiles of putative ADSC surface markers were analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR. In addition, a mouse photoaged skin model was established by UVB irradiation. Effects of GaAlAs laser-treated ADSCs on the thicknesses of the epidermis and dermis were analyzed by hematoxylin and eosin staining. The results showed that GaAlAs laser treatment of cells at a radiant exposure of 4 J cm-2 enhanced ADSC proliferation and adipogenic differentiation and increased secretion of growth factors. Furthermore, GaAlAs laser irradiation upregulated the expression of putative ADSC surface markers. In the mouse model of photoaged skin, ADSCs treated with GaAlAs laser irradiation had markedly decreased the epidermal thickness and increased the dermal thickness of photoaged mouse skin. Our data indicate that LLL irradiation is an effective biostimulator of ADSCs and might enhance the therapeutic potential of ADSCs for clinical use.

Efficacy of Modified Wuzhuyu Decoction Granule ( ) for Migraine Patients with Cold and Stasis Obstructing Meridian Syndrome: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To study the efficacy of modified Wuzhuyu Decoction Granule (, MWDG) in the treatment of migraine patients with cold and stasis obstructing meridian syndrome. METHODS: This study was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. A total of 78 migraine patients with cold and stasis obstructing meridian syndrome were recruited and randomly assigned by a ratio of 2:1 into a treatment group (51 cases) and a placebo group (27 cases). Patients in the treatment group were treated with MWDG while placebo granules were applied in the control group. The treatment course lasted for 12 weeks with a follow-up of 4 weeks. The primary outcome measures included frequency and days of migraine attacks and the secondary outcome measures were analgesics consumption and visual analogue scale (VAS) scores. All outcome assessments were conducted respectively at baseline, the 4th, 8th and 12th week, and the end of follow-up. RESULTS: In the treatment group, significant decrease in frequency of migraine attacks were observed since the 4th week and that of analgesics consumption since the 8th week (both P<0.05). While, in the placebo group, significant decrease in frequency of migraine attacks were observed since the 8th week and that of analgesics consumption since the 12th week (both P<0.05). No significant decrease in days of migraine attacks and VAS scores of migraine pain were observed in both groups. Between the two groups, there were significant differences in VAS scores and intensity of pain appeared in the 8th week (P<0.05). However, no significant differences were found in days and frequency of migraine attacks and analgesics consumption (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: MWDG was probably effective in the treatment of migraine especially for alleviating pain intensity. Furthermore, MWDG could reduce the frequency of migraine attacks and analgesics consumption sooner than the placebo.

Altered effective connectivity of resting state networks by acupuncture stimulation in stroke patients with left hemiplegia: A multivariate granger analysis.

The aim of this study was to explore the response feature of resting-state networks (RSNs) of stroke patients with left hemiplegia by acupuncture stimulation.Nineteen stroke patients with left hemiplegia and 17 controls were recruited in this study. Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data before and after acupuncture were acquired using magnetic scanning. The independent component analysis (ICA) was employed to extract RSNs related to motion, sensation, cognition, and execution, including sensorimotor network (SMN), left and right frontoparietal network (LFPN and RFPN), anterior and posterior default mode network (aDMN, pDMN), visual network (VN), and salience network (SN). Granger causality method was used to explore how acupuncture stimulation affects the causality between intrinsic RSNs in stroke patients. Compared with healthy subjects, stroke patients presented the more complex effective connectivity. Before acupuncture stimulation, LFPN inputted most information from other networks while DMN outputted most information to other networks; however, the above results were reversal by acupuncture. In addition, we found aDMN reside in between SMN and LFPN after acupuncture.The finding suggested that acupuncture probably integrated the effective connectivity internetwork by modulating multiple networks and transferring information between LFPN and SMN by DMN as the relay station.

New sesquiterpenoids from the edible mushroom Pleurotus cystidiosus and their inhibitory activity against α-glucosidase and PTP1B.

Nine new sesquiterpenoids, clitocybulol derivatives, clitocybulols G-O (1-9) and three known sesquiterpenoids, clitocybulols C-E (10-12), were isolated from the solid culture of the edible fungus Pleurotus cystidiosus. The structures of compounds 1-12 were determined by spectroscopic methods. The absolute configurations of compounds 1-9 were assigned via the circular dichroism (CD) data analysis. Compounds 1, 6 and 10 showed moderate inhibitory activity against protein tyrosine phosphatase-1B (PTP1B) with IC50 values of 49.5, 38.1 and 36.0µM, respectively.

Genetic Divergence between Camellia sinensis and Its Wild Relatives Revealed via Genome-Wide SNPs from RAD Sequencing.

Tea is one of the most popular beverages across the world and is made exclusively from cultivars of Camellia sinensis. Many wild relatives of the genus Camellia that are closely related to C. sinensis are native to Southwest China. In this study, we first identified the distinct genetic divergence between C. sinensis and its wild relatives and provided a glimpse into the artificial selection of tea plants at a genome-wide level by analyzing 15,444 genomic SNPs that were identified from 18 cultivated and wild tea accessions using a high-throughput genome-wide restriction site-associated DNA sequencing (RAD-Seq) approach. Six distinct clusters were detected by phylogeny inferrence and principal component and genetic structural analyses, and these clusters corresponded to six Camellia species/varieties. Genetic divergence apparently indicated that C. taliensis var. bangwei is a semi-wild or transient landrace occupying a phylogenetic position between those wild and cultivated tea plants. Cultivated accessions exhibited greater heterozygosity than wild accessions, with the exception of C. taliensis var. bangwei. Thirteen genes with non-synonymous SNPs exhibited strong selective signals that were suggestive of putative artificial selective footprints for tea plants during domestication. The genome-wide SNPs provide a fundamental data resource for assessing genetic relationships, characterizing complex traits, comparing heterozygosity and analyzing putatitve artificial selection in tea plants.

Sesquiterpenoids with PTP1B Inhibitory Activity and Cytotoxicity from the Edible Mushroom Pleurotus citrinopileatus.

One new perhydrobenzannulated 5,5-spiroketal sesquiterpene, pleurospiroketal F (1), as well as six new modified bisabolene sesquiterpenes pleurotins A-F (2-7) were isolated from solid-state fermentation of Pleurotus citrinopileatus. The structures of compounds 1-7 were determined by NMR and MS spectroscopic analysis. The absolute configuration of 1 was determined by X-ray diffraction analysis, while the absolute configurations of 3-7 were assigned using the in situ dimolybdenum circular dichroism method and circular dichroism data comparison. Protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B plays a crucial role as a negative regulator of the insulin-dependent signal cascades. Therefore, the protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B inhibitor can be used for treating type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity. Compounds 2 and 6 showed moderate inhibitory effects on protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B with IC50 s of 32.1 µM and 30.5 µM, respectively. The kinetic study confirmed compound 2 to be a noncompetitive inhibitor. Compounds 1-7 did not show cytotoxic activity against cancer cell lines (IC50 > 50 µM).

[Assessment on Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire in the Principle of Chinese Civilization and Traditional Medicine Characteristics].

Objective To assess Minnesota living with heart failure questionnaire in the principle of Chinese civilization and Traditional Medicine characteristics (C-MLHF). Methods A survey was con- ducted in 124 heart failure ( HF) patients using C-MLHF and Minnesota living with heart failure question- naire (MLHF). Reliability, validity, feasibility, and the correlation of New York Heart Association (NYHA) classification was compared between the two questionnaires. Results The recovery of C-MLHF was 95. 2% (118/124) ,the effective rate was 97. 5% (115/118), Cronbach's α was 0. 896, and the validity ranged 0. 505 -0. 875. The correlation with MLHF was 0. 946 (P <0. 01) , the correlation with NYHA classi- fication was 0. 524 (P <0. 05). The recovery of MLHF was 95. 2% (118/124) , the effective rate was 88. 1%(104/118) , Cronbach's a was 0. 889, and the validity ranged 0. 487 -0. 787. The correlation with NYHA classification was 0. 468 (P <0. 05). Conclusions The C-MLHF had better feasibility, reliability, validity, and relativity between feasibility/reliability and NYHA classification, as compared with MLHF. In conclusion C-MLHF was more suitable for assessing quality of life for Chinese HF patients.