Clonal integration of stress signal induces morphological and physiological response of root within clonal network.

Clonal integration of defense or stress signal induced systemic resistance in leaf of interconnected ramets. However, similar effects of stress signal in root are poorly understood within clonal network. Clonal fragments of Centella asiaticas with first-young, second-mature, third-old and fourth-oldest ramets were used to investigate transportation or sharing of stress signal among interconnected ramets suffering from low water availability. Compared with control, oxidative stress in root of the first-young, second-mature and third-old ramets was significantly alleviated by exogenous ABA application to the fourth-oldest ramets as well as enhancement of antioxidant enzyme (SOD, POD, CAT and APX) activities and osmoregulation ability. Surface area and volume in root of the first-young ramets were significantly increased and total length in root of the third-old ramets was significantly decreased. POD activity in root of the fourth-oldest and third-old ramets was significantly enhanced by exogenous ABA application to the first-young ramets. Meanwhile, total length and surface area in root of the fourth-oldest and third-old ramets were significantly decreased. Ratio of belowground to aboveground biomass in the whole clonal fragments was significantly increased by exogenous ABA application to the fourth-oldest or first-young ramets. It is suggested that transportation or sharing of stress signal may induce systemic resistance in root of interconnected ramets. Specially, transportation or sharing of stress signal against phloem flow was observed in the experiment. Possible explanation is that rapid recovery of foliar photosynthesis in first-young ramets subjected to exogenous ABA application can partially reverse phloem flow within clonal network. Thus, our experiment provides insight into ecological implication on clonal integration of stress signal.

Remediation of petroleum hydrocarbons-contaminated soil: Analysis based on Chinese patents.

Increasing soil petroleum hydrocarbons (PHs) pollution have caused world-wide concerns. The removal of PHs from soils mainly involves physical, chemical, biological processes and their combinations. To date, most reviews in this field based on research articles, but limited papers focused on the integration of remediation technologies from the perspective of patents. In this study, 20-years Chinese patents related to the remediation of soil PHs were comprehensively analyzed. It showed an increasing number of patent applications and the patents' quantity were positively correlated with Chinese GDP over the years, suggesting the more the economy developed the more environmental problems and corresponding solutions emerged. In addition, chemical technologies were mostly used in a combination to achieve faster and better effects, while the physical technologies were often used alone due to high costs. In all PHs remediation techniques, bacteria-based bioremediation was the most used from 2000 to 2019. Bacillus spp. and Pseudomonas spp. were the most used bacteria for PHs treatment because these taxa were widely harboring functions such as biosurfactant production and hydrocarbon degradation. The future research on joint technologies combining microbial and physicochemical ones for better remediation effect and application are highly encouraged.

Continuous supplementation of folic acid in pregnancy and the risk of perinatal depression-A meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The blood folic acid1(FA) level of depressed patients seems to be lower than that of normal, and pregnant women are at greater risk of FA deficiency. The relationship between FA and perinatal depression has not been well described. METHODS: We conducted a meta-analysis of the evidence for the association between the two, using current FA supplementation behavior during pregnancy and blood FA levels as exposures, and the incidence of perinatal depressive symptoms and mean Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale2 (EPDS) scores as outcomes. The present study was recorded in PROSPERO (2019 CRD: 42,020,211,509). RESULTS: Fifteen studies were identified, covering a total of 26,275 women from eleven observational studies and four randomized controlled trials. For the primary outcome of folic acid supplementation behavior and risk of perinatal depression, the overall odds ratio was 0.742 (95% CI: (0.647-0.852)), with a combined effect value of 0.84 (95% CI: (0.76, 0.93)) for studies in which an OR could be extracted. A negative association was observed between blood folate levels and depressive symptoms (Standardized mean difference (SMD) =-0.127, 95% CI:(-0.183,-0.071)). No association was observed between folic acid intervention and EPDS score. Continuous supplementation of folic acid during pregnancy may reduce the incidence of perinatal depressive symptoms (R = 0.017, (95 CI%:(0.014, 0.021)). LIMITATIONS: Lack of rigorous randomized controlled trials due to ethical issues, and the research is heterogeneous and does not consider the influence of genetic factors. CONCLUSIONS: Continuous use of FA during pregnancy may reduce the incidence of perinatal depressive symptoms.

Identification of Bupleurum Seeds by ITS2 Genetic Barcoding and Seed Morphology / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To accurately identify Bupleurum seeds by traditional morphological identification method combined with DNA barcoding technique. Method:A total of 41 seed samples on the market were collected and 75 ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) sequences of 15 varieties were downloaded from the GenBank database as experimental materials. The seeds were measured and observed by stereomicroscope and vernier caliper, and their 1 000-grain weights were calculated. Genomic DNA was extracted from the seeds and used as a template, and ITS2 sequences were amplified using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and bidirectional sequencing. Species identification was conducted based on BLAST method, neighbor-joining (NJ) phylogenetic tree method, Kimura two-parameter model (K2P) genetic distance method, and secondary structure of ITS2 sequence. Result:There were slight differences in the length, width, cross-section, and 1 000-grain weight among Bupleurum seeds from different origins. The ITS2 sequences of B. chinense seeds had 2 intraspecific variable sites and 3 haplotypes, the maximum intraspecific genetic distance (0.009) was far smaller than the minimum interspecific genetic distance (0.032). B. chinense and B. scorzonerifolium in the NJ phylogenetic tree were clustered into independent branches with good monophyletic property. The secondary structure of ITS2 sequences could make up for the shortcomings of NJ tree in identifying variants. The collected 41 seeds included 30 B. chinense seeds, 3 B. scorzonerifolium seeds, 5 B. falcatum seeds, 2 B. marginatum var. stenophyllum seeds, and 1 B. smithii var. parvifolium seeds. Conclusion:The B. chinense seeds on the market have problems of diverse sources and chaotic origins. Based on the combination of ITS2 gentic barcoding and seed morphological identification, the Bupleurum seeds can be accurately identified, which provides scientific bases for establishing the quality standard of Bupleurum seeds, standardizing the cultivation of B. chinense, and solving the quality problems of B. chinense from the source, and provides a reference for the accurate identification of other medicinal plant seeds or seed medicinal materials.

Advances in Bioculture Technology of Bupleuri Radix and Biosynthesis Pathways of Saikosaponins / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Synthetic biology is an emerging discipline that analyzes the biosynthesis pathways of active constituents in traditional Chinese medicine and explores genes involved in biosynthesis. Bupleuri Radix is one of the most commonly used Chinese medicinal materials with remarkable medicinal value, its index component is saikosaponins, which has significant anti-inflammatory, anti-viral and anti-tumor activities. However, the current wild resources of Bupleuri Radix have been destroyed, and there were some problems in the process of artificial cultivation. The application of biological culture technology and synthetic biology can expand the sources of saikosaponins and protect resources of Bupleuri Radix. The culture conditions of different plants can be followed without a fixed pattern, and the biosynthetic pathways of different medicinal active ingredients are also inconsistent. At present, there is no review report on the culture technology of Bupleuri Radix and the research on the biosynthesis pathway of saikosaponins. This paper introduces the research progress of biological culture techniques, such as callus culture, adventitious root culture, hairy root culture and suspension cell culture used in synthetic biology, and the biosynthesis pathway of saikosaponins and its key enzyme functional genes. It is suggested to optimize the biological culture technology of Bupleuri Radix by referring to the tissue culture technology of other traditional root medicinal materials, so as to provide a reference for the in-depth study on the biosynthesis pathway and metabolic regulation of saikosaponins.

Total triterpenoids from Ganoderma Lucidum suppresses prostate cancer cell growth by inducing growth arrest and apoptosis / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

In this study, one immortalized human normal prostatic epithelial cell line (BPH) and four human prostate cancer cell lines (LNCaP, 22Rv1, PC-3, and DU-145) were treated with Ganoderma Lucidum triterpenoids (GLT) at different doses and for different time periods. Cell viability, apoptosis, and cell cycle were analyzed using flow cytometry and chemical assays. Gene expression and binding to DNA were assessed using real-time PCR and Western blotting. It was found that GLT dose-dependently inhibited prostate cancer cell growth through induction of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest at G1 phase. GLT-induced apoptosis was due to activation of Caspases-9 and -3 and turning on the downstream apoptotic events. GLT-induced cell cycle arrest (mainly G1 arrest) was due to up-regulation of p21 expression at the early time and down-regulation of cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (CDK4) and E2F1 expression at the late time. These findings demonstrate that GLT suppresses prostate cancer cell growth by inducing growth arrest and apoptosis, which might suggest that GLT or Ganoderma Lucidum could be used as a potential therapeutic drug for prostate cancer.

Antioxidative protective effect of icariin on the FeSO4/H 2O 2-damaged human sperm based on confocal raman micro-spectroscopy / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

Oxidative stress is implicated in male infertility and significantly higher reactive oxygen species are detected in 25% of infertile males. Although different agents of various alternative medicines, including traditional Chinese medicine, have been tried with varying success, evidence remains limited on whether and how much herbs or supplements might help increase the anti-oxidant ability of the sperm. This study examined the anti-oxidative effects of icariin, a flavonoid isolated from Herba Epimedii, on the human sperm. We prepared the FeSO4/H2O2-damaged human sperms, which were co-cultured with icariin in vitro, and then observed the changes of the sperm by employing Raman micro-spectroscopy. The results showed that Raman mapping with a 514 nm excitation laser allowed clear differentiation of the nucleus, neck, and, in particular, the mitochondria-rich middle piece of a human sperm cell. The effect of icariin on different organelles of the sperm was quantified by localized spectral Raman signatures obtained within milli-seconds, and icariin could keep the "Raman fingerprint" of the human sperm the same as the control groups, suggesting that icariin could protect the human sperm from being damaged by FeSO4/H2O2. Icariin may serve as a tonifying and replenishing agent of herbal origin for enhancing reproductive functions.

Antioxidative protective effect of icariin on the FeSO4/H 2O 2-damaged human sperm based on confocal raman micro-spectroscopy / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

Oxidative stress is implicated in male infertility and significantly higher reactive oxygen species are detected in 25% of infertile males. Although different agents of various alternative medicines, including traditional Chinese medicine, have been tried with varying success, evidence remains limited on whether and how much herbs or supplements might help increase the anti-oxidant ability of the sperm. This study examined the anti-oxidative effects of icariin, a flavonoid isolated from Herba Epimedii, on the human sperm. We prepared the FeSO4/H2O2-damaged human sperms, which were co-cultured with icariin in vitro, and then observed the changes of the sperm by employing Raman micro-spectroscopy. The results showed that Raman mapping with a 514 nm excitation laser allowed clear differentiation of the nucleus, neck, and, in particular, the mitochondria-rich middle piece of a human sperm cell. The effect of icariin on different organelles of the sperm was quantified by localized spectral Raman signatures obtained within milli-seconds, and icariin could keep the "Raman fingerprint" of the human sperm the same as the control groups, suggesting that icariin could protect the human sperm from being damaged by FeSO4/H2O2. Icariin may serve as a tonifying and replenishing agent of herbal origin for enhancing reproductive functions.

Dihydroartemisinin-induced inhibition of proliferation in BEL-7402 cells: an analysis of the mitochondrial proteome.

Artemisinin, the active ingredient of the Chinese medicinal herb Artemisia annua L., and its derivatives (ARTs) are currently widely used as anti-malarial drugs around the world. In this study, we found that dihydroartemisinin (DHA), one of the main active metabolites of ARTs, inhibited the proliferation of human hepatocarcinoma BEL-7402 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. To interpret the mechanisms involved, an analysis of the mitochondrial proteome was performed employing two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Seven mitochondrial proteins including fumarate hydratase, 60 kDa heat shock protein, enoyl-CoA hydratase, 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase, two subunits of ATP synthase and NADPH:adrenodoxin oxidoreductase were identified to be differentially expressed between the control and DHA-treated groups. Our results indicate that the imbalance of energy metabolism induced by DHA may contribute, at least in part, to its anti-cancer potential in BEL-7402 cells.

[Efficacy comparison of subtotal colectomy with antiperistaltic cecoproctostomy and total colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis for patients with slow transit constipation].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy between subtotal colectomy with antiperistaltic cecoproctostomy and total colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis (TAC-IRA) for patients with severe refractory slow transit constipation(STC). METHODS: During 1999 to 2002, TAC-IRA was the preferred procedure for 20 STC patients in our department. From 2003 to 2005, 17 STC patients underwent subtotal colectomy plus antiperistaltic cecoproctostomy. Clinical data of the two groups were collected and compared retrospectively. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in basic preoperative clinical data between the two groups. During the follow-up period, the time of daily defecation in the antiperistaltic cecoproctostomy group was less than that of TAC-IRA group (2.4+/-0.9 vs 3.4+/-0.8, P=0.0014), meanwhile the Wexner continence score was significantly lower in the antiperistaltic cecoproctostomy group (4.3+/-1.8 vs 5.8+/-1.9, P=0.0223). Barium enema after subtotal colectomy showed that residual ascending colon and cecum presented a sign of "reservoir". CONCLUSION: Subtotal colectomy with antiperistaltic cecoproctostomy is a better method for appropriately selected patients with STC than TAC-IRA.

Growth of craniopharyngioma involving the third ventricular floor in relation to the hypothalamus / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the growth of craniopharyngioma involving the third ventricular floor with regard to the hypothalamus by detecting expressions of leukocyte common antigen (CD45) and intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM-1) in the tumor tissue.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The expressions of CD45 and ICAM-1 proteins in 30 craniopharyngioma samples with third ventricular floor involvement were detected by SP immunohistochemistry.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The inflammations labeled by CD45 were identified commonly in the craniopharyngioma tissues involving the third ventricular floor. The expression of ICAM-1 was mainly in the inner tumor cells and interstitial cells, but not detected in the basilar tumor cells growing toward the third ventricular floor. Adamantinomatous craniopharyngiomas showed markedly higher CD45 and ICAM-1 expressions than squamous papillary tumors (P<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Inflammatory adhesion largely characterizes the growth of the craniopharyngioma tissues involving the third ventricular floor toward the hypothalamus without the tendency of invasion. The difference in the inflammation between the two types of craniopharyngioma may affect the prognosis of the patients.</p>

Quality assessment for Coptis chinensis with different cultivating system / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the quality of Coptis chinensis planted with four kinds of cultivating system.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>The samples, which were planted below the artificial shading, the forest of Chinese ceder wood, Mmulbery wood, Magnolia officinal wood were chosen respectivley, UV and HPLC were used to determine of total alkaloids and berberine of samples.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>There was no significant difference among four kinds of cultivating system on the contents of total alkaloids and berberine. The contents of total alkaloids and berberine were obviously higher than in the criterion of Chinese Pharmacopoeia.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The roots of C. chinensis planted in the four kinds of planting system can be used as medicinal material of high quality.</p>