Complete chloroplast genomes of eight Artemisia species: Comparative analysis, molecular identification, and phylogenetic analysis.

Artemisia L. is the largest genus in the Asteraceae, and well known for its high medicinal value. The morphological features of Artemisia species are similar, making taxonomic identification and evolutionary research difficult. We sequenced chloroplast genomes of eight Artemisia species, all of which are common adulterants of A. argyi. We used novel genetic data and compared these data to the published A. argyi chloroplast genome in to develop molecular markers for species identification and reconstructing phylogenetic relationships between Artemisia species. The eight chloroplast sequences were highly similar in gene order, content, and structure, encoding a total of 114 genes (82 protein-coding genes, 28 tRNAs, and four rRNAs). All species harboured similar repeat sequences and simple sequence repeats (SSRs), ranging from 47 to 49 and 38 to 40 repeats, respectively. In addition, we identified five hypervariable regions (rpl32-trnL, rps16-trnQ, petN-psbM, trnE-rpoB, and atpA-trnR) and ten variable coding genes (ycf1, psbG, rpl36, psaC, psaI, accD, psbT, ndhD, ndhE, and psbH), which can be used to develop chloroplast molecular markers. Finally, phylogenetic reconstructions based on six datasets produced similar topologies, revealing A. argyi is closely related to species often found as adulterants, as expected. Our research provides valuable new information on the evolution and phylogenetic relationships between Artemisia chloroplast genomes and identifies valuable molecular makers to distinguish it from closely related species.

Promoting effect of the recombinant resuscitation promoting factors-2 of Rhodococcus erythropolis on petroleum degradation and cultivable bacterial diversities of the oil-contaminated soils.

Resuscitation-promoting factors (Rpfs) belong to peptidoglycan hydrolases, which participate in recovery of dormant cells and promoting bacteria growth. In this study, the resuscitation promoting factor rpf2 gene of Rhodococcus erythropolis KB1 was expressed in Escherichia coli and purified by Ni2+ affinity chromatography. The purified recombinant fusion protein Rpf2 showed a closely 50 kDa band on sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The protein showed muralytic activity, with a specific activity of 1503 ± 123 U mg-1 when determined with 4-methylumbelliferyl-ß-d-N, N',N″-triacetotri-ylchitoside as substrate. It also showed protease activity when measured with azocasein as substrate, with a specific activity of 1528 ± 411 U mg-1 . The addition of the recombinant Rpf2 protein significantly increased petroleum degradation efficiency of the indigenous micro-organisms and the petroleum degradation rates increased from 30·86 to 43·45%, 45·20 and 49·23% in the treatment groups. The recombinant protein also increased the petroleum-degrading bacterial diversities enriched from the contaminated soils. The cultivable bacterial flora of the treatment groups supplemented with different concentrations of Rpf2 increased from 82 genera in 9 phyla to 116 genera in 16 phyla and 138 genera in 16 phyla respectively. Thirteen extra petroleum-degrading bacteria strains were isolated from the petroleum-contaminated soils in the groups containing the recombinant Rpf2.

[Protective effect of vitamin D in mice with acute liver failure].

Objective: To explore the protective effect of vitamin D in acute liver failure through a mouse model. Methods: Acute liver failure was induced by combining D-galactosamine (D-GalN) lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to observe the effect of long-term vitamin D deficiency on liver injury and inflammatory signals in a mouse model. Acute liver failure was induced by thioacetamide (TAA) to observe the effect of vitamin D deficiency on the survival rate, and further high-dose of vitamin D supplementation protective effect was determined in a mouse model. Liver function was evaluated by measuring serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and liver inflammation by hematoxylin-eosin staining. The expressions of tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), interleukin (IL) -1ß, NOD-like receptor family, pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP-3), chemokines (CCL2, CXCL1 and CXCL2), etc. in liver tissues were detected by RT-qPCR. The quantitation of macrophages in liver tissue was detected by immunohistochemistry. The comparison between groups were performed by t-test. The survival curve was analyzed by log-rank (Mantel-Cox) test. Results: Long-term vitamin D deficiency had increased acute liver failure sensitivity in mice, which was manifested by increased blood cell extravasation, massive necrosis of parenchymal cells, up-regulation of TNF-α, IL-1ß, and NLRP-3 mRNA expression (P < 0.05), and increased macrophages quantitation (P < 0.05) in liver tissues. At the same time, vitamin D deficiency had increased the mice mortality rate because of liver injury (P < 0.01). On the contrary, pre-administration of high dose of vitamin D (100 IU/g) had significantly reduced liver injury, inhibited ALT and AST rise (P < 0.01), alleviated liver necrosis, and down-regulated the mRNA expression of inflammatory factors in liver tissues (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Mouse model shows that long-term vitamin D deficiency can aggravate drug-induced acute liver failure and reduce survival rates. Furthermore, high-dose of vitamin D has a certain hepatoprotective effect, which can significantly improve liver necrosis condition and inhibit inflammation. Therefore, adequate vitamin D can retain liver physiological balance to resist liver injury.

[Therapeutic effects of rutaecarpine on dextran sodium sulfate-induced experimental colitis in mice].

Objective: To determine the therapic effects of rutaecarpine in dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)induced experimental colitis and explore whether the protective role of rutaecarpine is related to the synthesis and release of CGRP. Methods: Fifty female BABL/c strain mice were randomly divided into untreated model control group and DSS-exposed groups.DSS-exposed groups were given administration of 5% DSS for 7 days and respectively treated with vehicle, rutacarpine(30 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg) , prednisone by intragastric administration from day 8 to day 14.The disease activity index (DAI) scores, the histological scores, the mRNA and protein concentrations of CGRP in colonic tissues were measured. Results: On day 7, the DAI scores of the DSS-exposed groups[vehicle group (8.9±0.9), low-dose Rut group(8.9±0.6), high-dose Rut group(8.2±0.8), prednisone group(8.7±1.6)] were much higher, compared with the untreated model control group(0±0)(P<0.01). The DAI scores on day 14 of the vehicle, rutaecarpine or prednisone treated groups were respectively markedly lower than on day 7(3.2±0.6, 0.9±0.6, 3.1±0.7 vs 8.9±0.6, 8.2±0.8, 8.7±1.6, P<0.05). The DAI score of mice treated with high-dose rutaecarpine was significantly lower, compared with those treated with low-dose rutaecarpine and prednisone.Compared to the untreated model control group, the histological scores in other four groups significantly increased.Comparisons of values among the post-treatment groups had statistical significance (0.2±0.4 vs 6.9±0.9, 4.5±0.9, 2.8±0.8, 5.7±0.7, P<0.01), while the high-dose rutaecarpine group presented the lowest score.The colonic mucosal CGRP mRNA and CGRP protein expressions in groups receiving vehicle, low-dose rutaecarpine and prednisone were significantly reduced than those in the untreated model control group(0.32±0.03 vs 0.15±0.02, 0.18±0.01, 0.22±0.01, P<0.01). The CGRP mRNA and CGRP protein expressions in the untreated model control group was similar to those in the DSS+ high-dose rutaecarpine group with no statistic significance between them(0.32±0.03 vs 0.31±0.02, P>0.05). Pearson correlation analysis between CGRP mRNA levels, CGRP immunohistochemisty levels and DAI, histological scores showed a statistically negative relationship respectively(r=-0.797, -0.819, -0.863, -0.845, all P<0.01). Conclusions: Rutaecarpine can ameliorate the DAI scores and histological scores of ulcerative colitis in mice.Rutaecarpine can upregulate the expressions of CGRP mRNA and CGRP protein.Correlation between CGRP mRNA, CGRP protein levels and DAI scores, histological scores respectively showed a statistically negative relationship.

Host-location behavior of the tea green leafhopper Empoasca vitis Göthe (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae): olfactory and visual effects on their orientation.

The tea green leafhopper, Empoasca vitis Göthe, is one of the most serious pests in tea growing areas. This study investigated the roles played by olfaction and vision in host orientation behavior. The compound eye of E. vitis was found to be a photopic eye; few olfactory sensilla were found on the antennae, while abundant gustatory sensilla were recorded on the mouthparts. Three opsin genes (EV_LWop, EV_UVop, EV_Bop) were isolated and found to be mainly expressed in the compound eye compared with other parts of the body. Immunolocalization indicated that the opsins mainly located in the different regions of rhabdom. The transcription levels of EV_LWop, EV_Bop and EV_UVop were reduced by 77.3, 70.0 and 40.0%, respectively, by RNA interference induced by being fed a special RNA-rich diet for 6 days. The rate of tropism to host color was effectively impaired by 67.6 and 29.5% in the dsEV_LWop and dsEV_Bop treatment groups, but there was no significant change in the dsEV_UVop group. The determination of the cause of the tropism indicated that odors from the host over long distances were unable to attract E. vitis and were only detected when the insects were close to the host. The developed compound eye of E. vitis plays a leading role in host location, and the long-wavelength opsin significantly affects the tropism to host color; the lack of olfactory sensilla results in long-distance odors not being able to be detected until the insect is near to the host-plant. The understanding of these behavioral mechanisms, especially the importance of opsin genes is expected to be useful for pest management.

Rapamycin reduces severity of senile osteoporosis by activating osteocyte autophagy.

SUMMARY: Osteocyte is the orchestrator of bone remolding and decline in osteocyte autophagy is involved in senile osteoporosis. Our results suggested that rapamycin, at least in part by activating osteocyte autophagy, reduced the severity of age-related bone changes in trabecular bone of old male rats. INTRODUCTION: Previous literatures have showed that osteocyte is the orchestrator of bone remolding and age-related decline in osteocyte number is associated with senile osteoporosis. Autophagy is an important cellular protective mechanism which can preserve osteocyte viability and failure of autophagy in osteocyte with age has been linked to senile osteoporosis. The purpose of this study was to explore whether rapamycin, one activator of autophagy, has protective effects on senile osteoporosis through inducing osteocyte autophagy. METHODS: Fifty-two 24-month-old male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into two groups. Rapamycin (1 mg/kg weight/day) or DMSO vehicle control was administered intraperitoneally for 12 weeks. BMD and bone microstructure were determined by Micro-CT. Fluorochrome labeling of the bones was performed to measure the mineral apposition rate (MAR). TRAP staining was performed to evaluate osteoclast number. The plasma levels of bone turnover markers were also analyzed. The effects of rapamycin on osteocyte autophagy were determined by immunohistochemistry, Western blot, and q-PCR. TUNEL was used to determine the prevalence of osteocyte apoptosis. RESULTS: Micro-CT evaluation demonstrated that rapamycin had a protective effect on age-related bone loss in trabecular bone. Besides, rapamycin resulted in an obvious increase of MAR and a decrease of osteoclast number in contrast to the control group. Furthermore, rapamycin also induced autophagy in osteocyte demonstrated by increased LC3-positive osteocyte and increased LC3 turnover. In addition, rats treated with rapamycin exhibited decreased apoptosis of osteocyte determined by TUNEL. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggested that rapamycin, at least in part by activating osteocyte autophagy, reduced the severity of age-related bone changes in trabecular bone of old male rats. Therefore, rapamycin might be a feasible therapeutic approach for senile osteoporosis.

Pharmacological effects of active compounds on neurodegenerative disease with gastrodia and uncaria decoction, a commonly used poststroke decoction.

Neurodegenerative diseases refer to the selective loss of neuronal systems in patients. The diseases cause high morbidity and mortality to approximately 22 million people worldwide and the number is expected to be tripled by 2050. Up to now, there is no effective prevention and treatment for the neurodegenerative diseases. Although some of the clinical therapies target at slowing down the progression of symptoms of the diseases, the general effectiveness of the drugs has been far from satisfactory. Traditional Chinese medicine becomes popular alternative remedies as it has been practiced clinically for more than thousands of years in China. As neurodegenerative diseases are mediated through different pathways, herbal decoction with multiple herbs is used as an effective therapeutic approach to work on multiple targets. Gastrodia and Uncaria Decoction, a popular TCM decoction, has been used to treat stroke in China. The decoction contains compounds including alkaloids, flavonoids, iridoids, carotenoids, and natural phenols, which have been found to possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and antiapoptotic effects. In this review, we will summarize the recent publications of the pharmacological effects of these five groups of compounds. Understanding the mechanisms of action of these compounds may provide new treatment opportunities for the patients with neurodegenerative diseases.

Preventive nursing of neonatal clavicular fracture in midwifery: a report of six cases and review of the literature.

PURPOSE: To summarize and analyze the obstetric factors and medical care for neonatal clavicle fracture during delivery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 4,456 vaginal deliveries, only six newborns were found with a clavicle fracture in our hospital from October 2002 to October 2011. RESULTS: Clinical findings showed that dystocia and improper midwifery manoeuvres are the two major reasons which lead to newborn clavicular fractures. CONCLUSION: More attention should be paid to non-violent traction and proper treatment of shoulder dystocia.

Bioactive components in the fruits of Ziziphus jujuba Mill. against the inflammatory irritant action of Euphorbia plants.

Chinese jujube (also known as Chinese date) is the fruit of Ziziphus jujuba Mill. (Rhamnaceae). As a famous folk medicine, it is used as antidote in traditional Chinese formula, Shi Zao Decoction, to relieve the drastic inflammatory irritant nature of Euphorbia species. The irritant activities may cause serious adverse effects in clinical practices. This study aimed to investigate the active components of Z. jujuba through the inhibitory effects on the inflammatory cells activated by Euphorbia kansui and prostratin, a phorbol ester isolated from Euphorbia fischeriana. Peritoneal macrophage of rat and splenic lymphocyte (splenocyte) of mouse were selected to evaluate these actions in vitro. Nitric oxide (NO) release of macrophage and the proliferation of splenocyte were examined through Griess method and MTT assay. TNF-α, as an important pro-inflammatory cytokines, was detected with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. Six fractions extracted from Z. jujuba were evaluated and fraction F (triterpene acids fraction) was demonstrated to be the most active part, and then, 21 compounds isolated from Z. jujuba were tested at the concentrations range from 1 µg/ml to 100 µg/ml. The results show that 7 compounds of them are likely to be active compounds concerning to their pronounced inhibitory action on the activated inflammatory cells. These effects might be helpful to attenuate the irritant action of Euphorbiaceae plants and protect the gastrointestinal tissue from potent inflammatory injury, which should be beneficial to some diseases, like inflammatory bowel disease.

Effects of rabbit sacculus rotundus antimicrobial peptides on the intestinal mucosal immunity in chickens.

Ninety chickens were randomly divided into 2 groups (45 chickens in each group) to determine the effect of oral administration of rabbit sacculus rotundus antimicrobial peptides (RSRP) on the intestinal mucosal immune responses in chicken. On d 7, 14, 21, and 28, the animals received 0.1 mg of RSRP dissolved in 0.5 mL of physiological saline. The control groups received the same dose of physiological salt solution on the same day. The results showed that RSRP increased the villus height of the duodenum (P < 0.01) and jejunum (P < 0.05) at the ages of 28, 42, and 56 d. The numbers of intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes in different parts of intestine of the RSRP group were increased significantly more than that of the control (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05) at the ages of 28, 42, and 56 d. The RSRP increased the area of IgA-secreting cells of each fragment of intestine at all 3 time points. These results indicated that the presence of RSRP affected and considerably modified the structure of the intestine and mucosal immune parameters in healthy chickens when compared with controls.

Thermoluminescence glow curves and optical stimulated luminescence of undoped alpha-Al2O3 crystals.

The characteristics of thermoluminescence (TL) and optical stimulated luminescence (OSL) in undoped alpha-Al2O3 single crystals were studied. The TL glow curves of the crystal samples irradiated at various dose levels were measured by RisØ TL/OSL-DA-15B/C reader with U-340 or 7-59 filters at different heating rates. The glow peaks measured with U-340 at approximately 210 degrees C of the undoped alpha-Al2O3 can be well fitted by first-order kinetic equation whereas the glow peaks measured with 7-59 filters are a composite of two first-order glow peaks. It indicates that the TL glow curves are dependent upon the filter used in the reader that is related to the emission spectra of luminescence materials. The OSL were also measured and fitted by two exponential functions to get the luminescence intensities. The TL and OSL dose responses of the undoped alpha-Al2O3 crystal were obtained in the dose range of 0.12-248 Gy and fitted by the composite action dose-response function to get nonlinear characteristic parameters. The TL and OSL dose responses are linear-sublinear.

'Active' filters for upgrading phosphorus removal from pond systems.

This paper investigates limestone and iron slag filters as an upgrade option for phosphorus removal from wastewater treatment ponds. A review of 'active' filter technology and the results from laboratory and field research using packed columns of the different media is presented. It is shown that both limestone and iron slag can remove phosphorus but highlights that different types of limestone give markedly different performance. Filter performance appears to be improved by increasing temperature and by the presence of algae, presumably because of its tendency to elevate pH. Performance is related to hydraulic retention time (HRT), but this relationship is not linear, particularly at low HRTs. Importantly for future research, the results from field-testing with pond effluent show significant differences compared to those obtained when using a synthetic feed in the laboratory. For the iron slag filter, higher performance was observed in the field (72% in field vs. 27% in laboratory, at a 12 hour-HRT), while the opposite was observed for the limestone (64% in laboratory vs. 18% in field, at a 12-hour HRT).

Non-linearity of TL dose responses in MgSO4:Dy CO-doped with Mn, P and Cu.

Thermoluminescence (TL) dose responses to gamma radiation in the dose range from 0.1 Gy to 20 kGy in MgSO4:Dy, MgSO4:Dy,Mn, MgSO4:Dy,P and MgSO4:Dy,P,Cu phosphors were obtained and fitted by the composite action dose response function to obtain non-linear characteristic parameters, one-hit factor R and characteristic dose D0, which indicate that the TL dose responses for individual TL glow peaks in MgSO4:Dy, MgSO4:Dy,Mn and MgSO4:Dy,P phosphors all are supralinear. The non-linearity of dose response for the main dosimetric peak in MgSO4:Dy,P,Cu depends critically on the concentration of doped Cu and sublinearity can be obtained in the dose responses of TL materials doped with a certain amount of Cu. Based on studying the TL glow curves, dose responses and three dimension emission spectra of these phosphors, it is supposed that the TL event is generated via a multi-stage process within a large defect complex in doped magnesium sulphate phosphors. Doping with Cu results in reformation of the defect complex in which there is a strong spatial association between a trapping centre and a recombination centre so that the probability of one-hit TL events increases. The non-linearity of the dose responses is usually a difficulty for measuring higher dose in TL dosemeters. It can be overcome by enlarging the linear range of the dose-response or by calibrating the dose-response curves using non-linear characteristic parameters in a dose response function, such as the composite action dose response function.

Thermoluminescence of MgSO4 doped with Eu and P impurities.

CaSO4:Eu, MgSO4:Eu and MgSO4:Eu,P phosphors have been prepared and their thermoluminescence (TL) characteristics were studied. A main glow peak due to Eu2+ ions is seen at approximately 146 degrees C and 440 nm and glow peaks at approximately 145 degrees C, approximately 190 degrees C, approximately 260 degrees C and approximately 360 degrees C for 590 nm and 625 nm wavelengths are identified as Eu3+ ion emissions in MgSO4:Eu. Emission spectra in MgSO4:Eu and the MgSO4:Eu,P show that the MgSO4:Eu3+ glow peak at 260 degrees C for 590 nm and 625 nm shifts to 280 degrees C with enhanced intensity while the Eu2+ ion glow peak at 146 degrees C remains but with reduced intensity. The main glow peak at approximately 146 degrees C and 440 nm from Eu2+ ions shows significant difference from the characteristic glow peaks of Eu3+ ions. It is observed that the wavelength of the Eu2+ ion glow peak is inversely proportional to the radius of the cation of the host sulphate in alkaline-earth sulphate phosphors. By contrast the wavelengths of the Eu3+ ion glow peaks remain unchanged in different sulphates. Besides, the glow curve at approximately 146 degrees C obtained using a conventional blue sensitive reader shows simply the first order kinetics. It is concluded that the luminescence centres and distribution of traps related to Eu2+ ions are different from that of Eu3+ ions in MgSO4:Eu and MgSO4:Eu,P phosphors.

Effects of erysimin G on renal tubular function and 70-pS K+ channel activity of thick ascending limb.

AIM: To study the effect of erysimin G (CH35H52O13) on the thick ascending limb (TAL) 70-pS K+ channel of rat kidney and its effect on diuresis. METHODS: The patch-clamp cell-attached recording technique was used to record the single potassium channel current, and the urine volume (UV) was measured by urethral intubation to determine the diuretic effect. RESULTS: Erysimin G can increase the urine volume and decrease the 70-pS potassium channel activity of TAL. CONCLUSION: Erysimin G has a diuretic effect and its inhibition on the activity of apical 70-pS potassium channel may be the mechanism of its diuretic effect.

Caries inhibition efficacy of an antiplaque/antigingivitis dentifrice.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of a fluoride dentifrice containing a fixed combination of essential oils (Thymol, Menthol, Eucalyptol, and Methyl Salicylate) in preventing caries in Sprague Dawley rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The dentifrice contains 0.76% sodium monofluorophosphate (SMFP) as the fluoride source and a silica abrasive system. A fluoride-free placebo and a clinically proven USP dentifrice reference standard for SMFP/silica were included as controls. Three groups of 45 SDV-free Sprague Dawley weanlings were infected by a cariogenic strain of Streptococcus sobrinus and fed cariogenic diet NIH 2000 ad libitum. Animals were treated twice daily (once on weekends) with the assigned dentifrice using a cotton-tipped applicator, for 5 wks, after which they were terminated and caries scored using Larson's modification of the Keyes method. RESULTS: Analyses of variance were used to compare inter-group means, the total E lesion score was the primary efficacy variable. Compared with the fluoride-free vehicle control, the experimental dentifrice and USP reference standard dentifrice produced a statistically significant reductions of 18.3% and 12.2% respectively for total caries score (P<0.001). Compared with the clinically tested USP positive control dentifrice, the experimental dentifrice produced a statistically significant reduction in the total caries score of 6.9% (P=0.028). The results of this study show that 1) both the new dentifrice containing essential oils and USP dentifrice are statistically significantly effective in reducing caries in the rat model, 2) the anticaries activity of the SMFP dentifrice is not adversely affected with the addition of essential oils.

Stain removal efficacy of two new fluoride dentifrices containing essential oils.

PURPOSE: To assess in vitro the stain removal efficacy of two new antiplaque/antigingivitis dentifrices utilizing a modification of a previously validated Stookey method. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The modifications to the original Stookey method are the following: (1) study design; three 5 x 5 Latin Squares were employed to minimize bias stemming from position or test run in the study. (2) statistical success criteria; a test formulation was judged to be effective if the lower one-sided 95% confidence limit was "equal to or higher than" 50 since a minimum PCR (pellicle cleaning ratio) score of 50 is needed for a dentifrice to show clinical efficacy. The two test dentifrice formulations contained a fluoride source, a silica abrasive system, and four essential oils. The ADA reference abrasive material (calcium pyrophosphate) and placebo toothpaste were included as positive and negative controls, respectively. RESULTS: Compared to the negative control, the positive control exhibited a statistically higher PCR score; therefore, the validity of this modified Stookey method was confirmed. Additionally, the lower limits of the one-sided 95% confidence interval for the two dentifrice formulations were above the threshold PCR of 50; therefore, this modified Stookey method should predict that both essential oil-containing dentifrices possess acceptable stain removal power.

[Genetic diversity of Fagoyrum tataricum cultivated in north Liangshan Prefecture of Yi Nationality, Sichuan, China].

In the present paper is stated the accomplishment of the studies of 17 populations of cultivated Fagopyrum tataricum (L.) Gaertn. from the counties of Yuexi and Ganluo in North Liangshan Autonomous Prefecture of Yi Nationality, Sichuan Province, China by means of starch gel electrophoresis and cluster analysis of agrobiology features. Seven enzymes, and 15 loci were assessed. The result shows that the genetic diversity of F. tataricum within population is higher than in the South Prefecture and in species F. esculentum from other areas. The A, P, Ho and He are 1.9, 52.1%, 0.190 and 0.262 respectively. The FST is 0.199 which is close to the average level of wild plants. A conservation strategy of the genetic resource of F. tataricum is suggested. Two populations of local variety "Youchiqiao" have the richest genetic diversity, P = 60.0%, Ho = 0.260 and 0.301 and they should be protected particularly. Two populations of local variety "Xiaomiqiao" with higher genetic diversity, as well as three populations of local varieties of "Qiukuqiao", "Equkuqiao" and "Geluokuqiao" with special genetic position should be protected too.

Safety of nifedipine in angina pectoris: a meta-analysis.

-Our objective was to compare cardiovascular event rates in patients with stable angina receiving nifedipine as monotherapy or combination therapy and in active drug controls. A MEDLARS search of published articles from 1966 to 1995 in English, French, German, Italian, or Spanish, supplemented by a manual search of bibliographies, identified 60 randomized controlled trials that met protocol criteria. Blinded articles were extracted by 2 physicians. The pooled risks of death, withdrawal, and cardiovascular event were computed and expressed as odds ratios (ORs) for all nifedipine formulations and relative to same study control drug regimens. Thirty cardiovascular events were reported in 2635 nifedipine exposures (1.14%) and 19 events in 2655 other active drug exposures (0.72%). Unadjusted ORs for nifedipine versus controls were 1.40 (95% CI, 0.56 to 3.49) for major events (death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, stroke, revascularization procedure), 1.75 (95% CI, 0.83 to 3.67) for increased angina, and 1.61 (95% CI, 0.91 to 2.87) for all events (major events plus increased angina). Episodes of increased angina were more frequent on immediate-release nifedipine (OR, 4.19 [95% CI, 1.41 to 12.49]) and on nifedipine monotherapy (OR, 2.61 [95% CI, 1.30 to 5.26]). The OR for immediate-release nifedipine was significantly higher than that for sustained-release/extended-release nifedipine (P=0.001), and the OR for nifedipine monotherapy was higher than that for nifedipine combination therapy (P=0.03). Increased risks of cardiovascular events in patients with stable angina on nifedipine were due primarily to more episodes of increased angina, confined to the immediate-release formulation and to nifedipine monotherapy.

Safety of nifedipine in patients with hypertension: a meta-analysis.

Our objective was to compare cardiovascular event rates in patients with mild or moderate hypertension who received nifedipine with active drug controls. We performed a MEDLARS search using the MeSH heading "hypertension" and the text word "nifedipine" to identify all articles that were published between 1966 and August 1995 in English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish languages and that involved human subjects. The computerized search was supplemented by a manual search of article bibliographies. Review of 1880 citations revealed 98 randomized controlled clinical trials that met protocol criteria. Articles were extracted independently by two doctors who were blinded for author, institution, and treatment regimen, using a structured, pretested extraction form. Differences of opinion were resolved by consensus. Fourteen events occurred in 5198 exposures (0.27%) to nifedipine and 24 events in 5402 exposures (0.44%) to other active drug controls. Unadjusted odds ratios for nifedipine versus controls were 0.49 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.22-1.09) for definitive events (death, nonfatal myocardial infarction or stroke, revascularization procedure) and 0.61 (95% CI, 0.31-1.17) for all events (definitive plus increased angina). The odds ratio for nifedipine monotherapy (sustained- or extended-release in 91% of exposures) was nonsignificantly higher for definitive and all events (odds ratio, 1.40; 95% CI, 0.49-4.03 and odds ratio, 1.39; 95% CI, 0.59-3.32, respectively). The odds ratio for nifedipine in combination with another drug was significantly lower for definitive and all events (odds ratio, 0.09; 95% CI, 0.01-0.66 and odds ratio, 0.15; 95% CI, 0.03-0.65, respectively). Differences in odds ratio for nifedipine monotherapy and combined therapy were statistically significant (P=.02 for definitive events and P=.001 for all events). Results support the safety of sustained- and extended-release nifedipine in the treatment of mild or moderate hypertension when it is used in combination with other drugs.