A Quadruple-Borylated Multiple-Resonance Emitter with para/meta Heteroatomic Patterns for Narrowband Orange-Red Emission.

Hindered by spectral broadening issues with redshifted emission, long-wavelength (e.g., maxima beyond 570 nm) multiple resonance (MR) emitters with full width at half maxima (FWHMs) below 20 nm remain absent. Herein, by strategically embedding diverse boron (B)/nitrogen (N) atomic pairs into a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) skeleton, we propose a hybrid pattern for the construction of a long-wavelength narrowband MR emitter. The proof-of-concept emitter B4N6-Me realized orange-red emission with an extremely small FWHM of 19 nm (energy unit: 70 meV), representing the narrowest FWHM among all reported long-wavelength MR emitters. Theoretical calculations revealed that the cooperation of the applied para B-π-N and para B-π-B/N-π-N patterns is complementary, which gives rise to both narrowband and redshift characteristics. The corresponding organic light-emitting diode (OLED) employing B4N6-Me achieved state-of-the-art performance, e.g., a narrowband orange-red emission with an FWHM of 27 nm (energy unit: 99 meV), an excellent maximum external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 35.8 %, and ultralow efficiency roll-off (EQE of 28.4 % at 1000 cd m-2 ). This work provides new insights into the further molecular design and synthesis of long-wavelength MR emitters.

Conjugated Polymers: Optical Toolbox for Bioimaging and Cancer Therapy.

Conjugated polymers (CPs) are capable of coordinating the electron coupling phenomenon to bestow powerful optoelectronic features. The light-harvesting and light-amplifying properties of CPs are extensively used in figuring out the biomedical issues with special emphasis on accurate diagnosis, effective treatment, and precise theranostics. This review summarizes the recent progress of CP materials in bioimaging, cancer therapeutics, and introduces the design strategies by rationally tuning the optical properties. The recent advances of CPs in bioimaging applications are first summarized and the challenges to clear the future directions of CPs in the respective area are discussed. In the following sections, the focus is on the burgeoning applications of CPs in phototherapy of the tumor, and illustrates the underlying photo-transforming mechanism for further molecular designing. Besides, the recent progress in the CPs-assistant drug therapy, mainly including drug delivery, gene therapeutic, the optical-activated reversion of tumor resistance, and synergistic therapy has also been discussed elaborately. In the end, the potential challenges and future developments of CPs on cancer diagnosis and therapy are also illuminated for the improvement of optical functionalization and the promotion of clinical translation.

ADGRA1 negatively regulates energy expenditure and thermogenesis through both sympathetic nervous system and hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid axis in male mice.

Adhesion G protein-coupled receptor A1 (ADGRA1, also known as GPR123) belongs to the G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) family and is well conserved in the vertebrate lineage. However, the structure of ADGRA1 is unique and its physiological function remains unknown. Previous studies have shown that Adgra1 is predominantly expressed in the central nervous system (CNS), indicating its important role in the transduction of neural signals. The aim of this study is to investigate the central function of Adgra1 in vivo and clarify its physiological significance by establishing an Adgra1-deficient mouse (Adgra1-/-) model. The results show that Adgra1-/- male mice exhibit decreased body weight with normal food intake and locomotion, shrinkage of body mass, increased lipolysis, and hypermetabolic activity. Meanwhile, mutant male mice present elevated core temperature coupled with resistance to hypothermia upon cold stimulus. Further studies show that tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and ß3-adrenergic receptor (ß3-AR), indicators of sympathetic nerve excitability, are activated as well as their downstream molecules including uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1), coactivator 1 alpha (PGC1-α) in brown adipose tissue (BAT), and hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) in white adipose tissue (WAT). In addition, mutant male mice have higher levels of serum T3, T4, accompanied by increased mRNAs of hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid axis. Finally, Adgra1-/- male mice present abnormal activation of PI3K/AKT/GSK3ß and MEK/ERK pathways in hypothalamus. Overexpression of ADGRA1 in Neuro2A cell line appears to suppress these two signaling pathways. In contrast, Adgra1-/- female mice show comparable body weight along with normal metabolic process to their sex-matched controls. Collectively, ADGRA1 is a negative regulator of sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid axis by regulating PI3K/AKT/GSK3ß and MEK/ERK pathways in hypothalamus of male mice, suggesting an important role of ADGRA1 in maintaining metabolic homeostasis including energy expenditure and thermogenic balance.

[Effect of electroacupuncture on expressions of Lyn and Syk in mast cells of subcutaneous loose connective tissue in rats with urticarial].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) preconditioning on the expressions of tyrosine kinase Lyn and spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk) in mast cells of subcutaneous loose connective tissue in the rats with urticaria and explore the potential biological mechanism of EA in the intervention of urticaria. METHODS: A total of 32 SD rats were randomized into a blank group, a model group, an EA group and a positive medication group, 8 rats in each one. Except of the blank group, the passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) was adopted to prepare the model of urticaria in the rats of the rest three groups. In the EA group, EA was applied to bilateral "Quchi" (LI 11), "Xuehai" (SP 10) and "Zusanli" (ST 36), with disperse-dense wave, 2 Hz/15 Hz in frequency and 1 mA in current intensity, once daily, for 20 min each time, consecutively for 7 days. In the positive medication group, loratadine (1 mg•kg-1•d-1) was for intragastric administration, once daily, consecutively for 7 days. The samples were collected for index detection 30 min after PCA antigen challenge in the rats of each group. Spectrophotometer was adopted to determine the effusion quantity of Evans blue in the allergized site of skin. HE staining was used to observe the morphological changes in the allergized site of skin. Toluidine blue staining was provided to observe mast cell degranulation in subcutaneous loose connective tissue in the allergized site of skin. Immunohistochemistry was applied to determine the protein expressions of Lyn and Syk during degranulation of mast cells. RESULTS: In the rats of the odel group, the eipdermis of allergized site was thickening, cells were disorganized in hierarchy and inflammatory cells were infiltrated largely in the dermis. In the positive medication group and the EA group, the epidermis was getting thin, cell arrangement was clear and the inflammatory cell infiltration was obviously alleviated as compared with the model group. Compared with the blank group, the OD value of skin dye effusion quantity, the degranulation rate of mast cells and the positive expressions of Lyn and Syk were all increased in the model group (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the OD value of skin dye effusion quantity, the degranulation rate of mast cells and the positive expressions of Lyn and Syk were all reduced in the EA group and the positive medication group (P<0.01). Compared with the positive medication group, the degranulation rate of mast cells was increased significantly in the EA group (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Electroacupuncture at "Quchi" (LI 11), "Xuehai" (SP 10) and "Zusanli" (ST 36) reduces vascular permeability and gives play to the role of anti-allergy by the way of regulating and controlling the degranulation of mast cells in the rats with urticaria and the effect mechanism of electroacupuncture may be related to the inhibition of protein expressions of Lyn and Syk in mast cells.

Single-Photomolecular Nanotheranostics for Synergetic Near-Infrared Fluorescence and Photoacoustic Imaging-Guided Highly Effective Photothermal Ablation.

Multi-modality imaging-guided cancer therapy is considered as a powerful theranostic platform enabling simultaneous precise diagnosis and treatment of cancer. However, recently reported multifunctional systems with multiple components and sophisticate structures remain major obstacles for further clinical translation. In this work, a single-photomolecular theranostic nanoplatform is fabricated via a facile nanoprecipitation strategy. By encapsulating a semiconductor oligomer (IT-S) into an amphiphilic lipid, water-dispersible IT-S nanoparticles (IT-S NPs) are prepared. The obtained IT-S NPs have a very simple construction and possess ultra-stable near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence (FL)/photoacoustic (PA) dual-modal imaging and high photothermal conversion efficiency of 72.3%. Accurate spatiotemporal distribution profiles of IT-S NPs are successfully visualized by NIR FL/PA dual-modal imaging. With the comprehensive in vivo imaging information provided by IT-S NPs, tumor photothermal ablation is readily realized under precise manipulation of laser irradiation, which greatly improves the therapeutic efficacy without any obvious side effects. Therefore, the IT-S NPs allow high tumor therapeutic efficacy under the precise guidance of FL/PA imaging techniques and thus hold great potential as an effective theranostic platform for future clinical applications.

Successful treatment with matched unrelated donor peripheral blood stem cell transplantation for very severe aplastic anemia in presence of active infections: A case report.

RATIONALE: Very severe aplastic anemia (vSAA) with active infections is always fatal. Adequate infection control before hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is recommended. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 38-year-old woman with vSAA suffered from acute perforated appendicitis and invasive pulmonary fungal infection, and she failed to respond to intense antimicrobial therapies. DIAGNOSIS: She was diagnosed with refractory vSAA with stubborn acute perforated appendicitis and invasive pulmonary fungal infection. INTERVENTIONS: We successfully completed an emergent reduced intensity conditioning-matched unrelated donor (MUD)-peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (PBSCT) as a salvage therapy in the presence of active infections. The conditioning regimens consisted of reduced cyclophosphamide 30 mg/kg/day from day-5 to day-3, fludarabine 30 mg/m/day from day-5 to day-3 and porcine-antilymphocyte immunoglobulin 15 mg/kg/day from day-4 to day-2 without total body irradiation. Cyclosporin A, mycophenolate mofetil and short-term methotrexate were administered as graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis. Neutrophils and platelets were engrafted on day+15 and day+21. Appendiceal abscess and severe pneumonia developed after neutrophil engraftment, which were successfully managed with intense antimicrobial therapy and surgical intervention. OUTCOMES: Only limited cutaneous chronic GVHD was observed 5 months after transplantation. The patient still lives in a good quality of life 2 years after transplantation. LESSONS: Active infections may be no longer a contraindication to hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for some patients with vSAA.

[Electroacupuncture improves cutaneous allergic reaction by inhibiting degranulation of intrape-ritoneal mast cells, MAPK signaling and inflammatory factor levels in urticaria rats].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on degranulation of intraperitoneal mast cells (MCs) and expression of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling related proteins, tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in urticaria rats, so as to reveal its mechanisms underlying improvement of urticaria. METHODS: Thirty-two SD rats were randomly divided into control，model，EA and medication groups (n＝8 in each group). The urticaria model was established by using passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) reaction method. EA (2 Hz /15 Hz, 1 mA) was applied to bilateral "Zusanli"(ST36), "Quchi "(LI11) and "Xuehai"(SP10) for 20 min，once daily for 7 consecutive days before antigen attack. Rats of the medication group were treated by gavage of Loratadine(1 mg•kg－1•d－1)for 7 days. The diameter of cutaneous Evan's blue spots was measured to evaluate the severity of PCA. Intraperitoneal fluid smears were prepared to observe the degranulation state of MCs. The contents of TNF-α and IL-6 in the intraperitoneal fluid were detected by ELISA, and the expression of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), phosphorylated (p)-ERK, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), p-JNK, P38MAPK and p-P38MAPK of the acquired intraperitoneal MCs was detected by Western blot. RESULTS: The diameter of cutaneous Evan's blue spot was significantly increased in the model group than that in the control group (P<0.01), and considerably decreased in both EA and medication groups compared with the model group(P<0.01). After modeling，the percentage of degranulated MCs, contents of TNF-α and IL-6, and expression levels of ERK, p-ERK, JNK, p-JNK, P38MAPK and p-P38MAPK were remarkably increased in the mo-del group than those in the control group (P<0.01, P<0.05). After the treatment, the percentage of degranulated MCs, contents of TNF-α and IL-6, and expression levels of p-ERK, JNK, p-JNK and p-P38MAPK were obviously decreased in both EA and medication groups relevant to the model group (P<0.01, P<0.05), while no significant changes were found in the expression of ERK in both EA and medication groups, and P38MAPK in the EA group. Compared with the model and EA groups, expression levels of P38MAPK were down-regulated in the medication group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: EA can reduce skin allergic reaction in rats with urticaria, which may be related to its effects in inhibiting the degranulation of intraperitoneal MCs, down-regulating the expression of MAPK signaling-related proteins and the level of pro-inflammatory factors TNF-α and IL-6 in intraperitoneal MCs.

Biodegradable π-Conjugated Oligomer Nanoparticles with High Photothermal Conversion Efficiency for Cancer Theranostics.

We developed a biodegradable photothermal therapeutic (PTT) agent, π-conjugated oligomer nanoparticles (F8-PEG NPs), for highly efficient cancer theranostics. By exploiting an oligomer with excellent near-infrared (NIR) absorption, the nanoparticles show a high photothermal conversion efficiency (PCE) up to 82%, surpassing those of reported inorganic and organic PTT agents. In addition, the oligomer nanoparticles show excellent photostability and good biodegradability. The F8-PEG NPs are also demonstrated to have excellent biosafety and PTT efficacy both in vitro and in vivo. This contribution not only proposes a promising oligomer-based PTT agent but also provides insight into developing highly efficient nanomaterials for cancer theranostics.

Algal oil rich in n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids suppresses B16F10 melanoma lung metastasis by autophagy induction.

Melanoma is a malignant tumor that arises from epidermal melanocytes with high morbidity and mortality, and currently, there are no effective conventional genotoxic treatments or systematic treatment. Increasing evidence shows that n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) exhibit anti-melanoma activity, but their anti-melanoma mechanism remains elusive. Here, C57BL/6 mice were injected with B16F10 melanoma cells via a tail vein to establish a lung metastasis model. n-3 PUFAs were significantly increased in lung metastatic tissues from mice treated with algal oil, especially rich in docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Algal oil treatment significantly suppressed pulmonary metastases and outgrowth of melanoma cells, which was associated with autophagy induction, as evidenced by an increase in LC3-II levels. In addition, algae oil-triggered autophagy was mediated by inactivation of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and p38 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase, and activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNKs), which led to a decrease in p62 accumulation and decreased secretion of proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß). These results suggest that algal oil exerts its antitumourigenic activities via autophagy-mediated p62 elimination and anti-inflammatory properties.

The effects of combined selenium nanoparticles and radiation therapy on breast cancer cells in vitro.

Radiosensitizers that increase cancer cell radio-sensitivity can enhance the effectiveness of irradiation and minimize collateral damage. Nanomaterial has been employed in conjunction with radiotherapy as radiosensitizers, due to its unique physicochemical properties. In this article, we evaluated selenium nanoparticles (Nano-Se) as a new radiosensitizer. Nano-Se was used in conjunction with irradiation on MCF-7 breast cancer cells, and efficacy and mechanisms of this combined treatment approach were evaluated. Nano-Se reinforced the toxic effects of irradiation, leading to a higher mortality rate than either treatment used alone, inducing cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase and the activation of autophagy, and increasing both endogenous and irradiation-induced reactive oxygen species formation. These results suggest that Nano-Se can be used as an adjuvant drug to improve cancer cell sensitivity to the toxic effects of irradiation and thereby reduce damage to normal tissue nearby.

Genome-Wide Analysis of the RAV Family in Soybean and Functional Identification of GmRAV-03 Involvement in Salt and Drought Stresses and Exogenous ABA Treatment.

Transcription factors play vital roles in plant growth and in plant responses to abiotic stresses. The RAV transcription factors contain a B3 DNA binding domain and/or an APETALA2 (AP2) DNA binding domain. Although genome-wide analyses of RAV family genes have been performed in several species, little is known about the family in soybean (Glycine max L.). In this study, a total of 13 RAV genes, named as GmRAVs, were identified in the soybean genome. We predicted and analyzed the amino acid compositions, phylogenetic relationships, and folding states of conserved domain sequences of soybean RAV transcription factors. These soybean RAV transcription factors were phylogenetically clustered into three classes based on their amino acid sequences. Subcellular localization analysis revealed that the soybean RAV proteins were located in the nucleus. The expression patterns of 13 RAV genes were analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR. Under drought stresses, the RAV genes expressed diversely, up- or down-regulated. Following NaCl treatments, all RAV genes were down-regulated excepting GmRAV-03 which was up-regulated. Under abscisic acid (ABA) treatment, the expression of all of the soybean RAV genes increased dramatically. These results suggested that the soybean RAV genes may be involved in diverse signaling pathways and may be responsive to abiotic stresses and exogenous ABA. Further analysis indicated that GmRAV-03 could increase the transgenic lines resistance to high salt and drought and result in the transgenic plants insensitive to exogenous ABA. This present study provides valuable information for understanding the classification and putative functions of the RAV transcription factors in soybean.

Achyranthes bidentate saponins protect rat articular chondrocytes against interleukin-1ß-induced inflammation and apoptosis in vitro.

Achyranthes bidentate Blume (Niuxi) is often employed for treatment of arthritis in Traditional Chinese Medicine and possesses anti-inflammatory properties. Phytochemical and pharmacological studies proved the oleanane-type saponins to be the main bioactive principles. In the present study, protective effects of A. bidentata saponins (ABS) on inflammation and apoptosis in interleukine-1ß (IL-1ß)-induced chondrocytes were investigated. Rat chondrocytes were pretreated with ABS at 3 µg/mL, 10 µg/mL, and 30 µg/mL, and subsequently stimulated with IL-1ß (10 ng/mL). Methylthiazolyldiphenyl-tetrazolium bromide assay and annexin V/propidium iodide dual staining demonstrated that ABS could protect IL-1ß-induced chondrocyte injury. ABS suppressed IL-1ß-induced apoptosis by suppressing the activation of caspase-3, inhibiting levels of proapoptotic proteins Bax and Bad, decreasing p53 protein phosphorylation, and promoting the expression of antiapoptotic protein Bcl-xL and proliferating cell nuclear antigen. IL-1ß-induced inflammation and matrix degradation were also alleviated by ABS through the downregulation of the expressions of matrix metalloproteinases 3 and 9 and cyclooxygenase-2. Moreover, ABS inhibited IL-1ß-induced nuclear factor κB activation in rat chondrocytes. We demonstrated, for the first time, the protective effects of ABS on IL-1ß-stimulated chondrocytes and their molecular mechanisms. Thus, it is suggested that ABS might be a potential drug in the treatment of osteoarthritis.

Endogenously synthesized n-3 fatty acids in fat-1 transgenic mice prevent melanoma progression by increasing E-cadherin expression and inhibiting ß-catenin signaling.

Malignant melanoma is the most lethal form of skin cancer. Although preclinical studies have shown that n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are beneficial for prevention of melanoma, the molecular mechanisms underlying the protective effects of n­3 PUFAs on melanoma remain largely unknown. In the present study, endogenously increased levels of n-3 PUFAs in the tumor tissues of omega­3 fatty acid desaturase (fat­1) transgenic mice was associated with a reduction in the growth rate of melanoma xenografts. This reduction in tumor growth in fat­1 mice compared with wild­type controls may have been associated, in part, to the: i) Increased expression of E­cadherin and the reduced expression of its transcriptional repressors, the zinc finger E­box binding homeobox 1 and snail family transcriptional repressor 1; ii) significant repression of the epidermal growth factor receptor/Akt/ß­catenin signaling pathway; and iii) formation of significant levels of n­3 PUFA­derived lipid mediators, particularly resolvin D2 and E1, maresin 1 and 15­hydroxyeicosapentaenoic acid. In addition, vitamin E administration counteracted n­3 PUFA­induced lipid peroxidation and enhanced the antitumor effect of n­3 PUFAs, which suggests that the protective role of n­3 PUFAs against melanoma is not mediated by n­3 PUFAs­induced lipid peroxidation. These results highlight a potential role of n­3 PUFAs supplementation for the chemoprevention of melanoma in high­risk individuals, and as a putative adjuvant agent in the treatment of malignant melanoma.

[Assessing environmental and economical benefits of integrated sewage treatment systems].

Sewage treatment, treated water treatment and sludge treatment are three basic units of an integrated sewage treatment system. This work assessed the influence of reusing or discharge of treated water and sludge landfill or compost on the sustainability of an integrated sewage treatment system using emergy analysis and newly proposed emergy indicators. This system's value included its environmental benefits and the products. Environmental benefits were the differences of the environmental service values before and after sewage treatment. Due to unavailability of data of the exchanged substance and energy in the internal system, products' values were attained by newly proposed substitution values. The results showed that the combination of sewage treatment, treated water reuse and sludge landfill had the strongest competitiveness, while the combination of sewage treatment, treated water reuse and earthworm compost was the most sustainable. Moreover, treated water reuse and earthworm compost were helpful for improving the sustainability of the integrated sewage treatment system. The quality of treated water and local conditions should be also considered when implementing the treated water reuse or discharge. The resources efficiency of earthworm compost unit needed to be further improved. Improved emergy indices were more suitable for integrated sewage treatment systems.

Ginsenoside Ro suppresses interleukin-1ß-induced apoptosis and inflammation in rat chondrocytes by inhibiting NF-κB.

This study investigated effects of Ginsenoside Ro (Ro) on interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß)-induced apoptosis and inflammation in rat chondrocytes. The rat chondrocytes were co-treated with IL-1ß (10 ng·kg(-1)) and Ro (50, 100 and 200 µmol·L(-1)) for 48 h. Chondrocytes viability was detected by the MTT assay and Annexin V-FITC/PI dual staining assay. Caspase 3 activity was measured by using caspase 3 colorimetric assay kit. Apoptosis related proteins Bax, Bad, Bcl-xL, PCNA, p53 and phospho-p53, along with inflammation related protein MMP 3, MMP 9 and COX-2, and the expression of phospho-NF-κB p65 were assayed by western blotting analyses. Ro could improve IL-1ß-induced chondrocytes viability. Ro could suppress IL-1ß-induced apoptosis by inhibiting levels of Bax and Bad, decreasing p53 phosphorylation and promoting the expression of Bcl-xL and PCNA. Ro inhibited caspase 3 activity. IL-1ß-induced inflammation and matrix degration were also alleviated by Ro with down-regulating the expression of MMP 3, MMP 9 and COX-2. Moreover, Ro inhibited NF-κB p65 phosphorylation induced by IL-1ß. In conclusion, these results suggested Ro exerted anti-apoptosis and anti-inflammation in IL-1ß-induced rat chondrocytes, which might be related to NF-κB signal pathway. Therefore, we propose that Ro might be a potential novel drug for the treatment of osteoarthritis.

Ursolic acid promotes apoptosis of SGC-7901 gastric cancer cells through ROCK/PTEN mediated mitochondrial translocation of cofilin-1.

Ursolic acid, extracted from the traditional Chinese medicine bearberry, can induce apoptosis of gastric cancer cells. However, its pro-apoptotic mechanism still needs further investigation. More and more evidence demonstrates that mitochondrial translocation of cofilin-1 appears necessary for the regulation of apoptosis. Here, we report that ursolic acid (UA) potently induces the apoptosis of gastric cancer SGC-7901 cells. Further mechanistic studies revealed that the ROCK1/PTEN signaling pathway plays a critical role in UA-mediated mitochondrial translocation of cofilin-1 and apoptosis. These findings imply that induction of apoptosis by ursolic acid stems primarily from the activation of ROCK1 and PTEN, resulting in the translocation of cofilin-1 from cytoplasm to mitochondria, release of cytochrome c, activation of caspase-3 and caspase-9, and finally inducing apoptosis of gastric cancer SGC-7901 cells.

[Effect of light quality on growth, photosynthesis and effective components of Panax notoginseng].

In order to discover light quality's effects on growth, photosynthesis and effective components content of Panax notoginseng, a pot experiment using 7 light qualities (red, orange, yellow, green, cyan, violet, and blue) was conducted. The growth, photosynthesis and content change of effective components were measured during plant growth. The results showed that light qualities had significant effect on plant growth, red light increased the plant height, while cyan, yellow, violet, and blue lights promoted accumulation of biomass underground, blue and yellow lights increased the photosynthesis, cyan light increased accumulation of ginsenoside Rd, yellow and cyan lights increased total effective components of individual plant.

The integrated pharmacokinetics of major rhodojaponins correlates with the cardiotoxicity after oral administration of Rhododendri Mollis Flos extract in rats.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Rhododendri Mollis Flos (RMF), termed as Naoyanghua in Chinese, is a traditional anti-rheumatoid arthritis and bruises herb with associated cardiotoxicity. The predominant rhodojaponins occurring in RMF are responsible for its efficacy and toxicity. The narrow therapeutic window of rhodojaponins necessitates monitoring the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics so as to ensure the safety in practical applications of RMF. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-four male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into a control group, a low-dose group and a high-dose group. After oral administration of RMF extract, the cardiotoxicity of RMF was evaluated by assessing ventricular function and by measuring the plasma levels of LDH, CK-MB and AST. Then, an LC-MS method was established to determine the rat plasma concentrations of three major rhodojaponins including rhodojaponin I, II and III (R-I, II and III) and was applied to pharmacokinetic study. Finally, based on an AUC-weighting approach, the integrated pharmacokinetics of three rhodojaponins was determined. RESULTS: Compared with control group, cardiotoxicity was observed in RMF-treated rats with left ventricular dysfunction and with the continuously increased levels of LDH and CK-MB in a dose-dependent manner. The pharmacokinetic parameters (AUC0-t, AUC0-∞, t1/2, Tmax and Cmax) for R-I, II and III were markedly different, and the integrated pharmacokinetics was therefore converted to describe the holistic pharmacokinetic profiles of R-I, II and III, which correlated pretty well with cardiotoxicity. CONCLUSIONS: It was found that myocardial damage was elicited by RMF extract in a dose-dependent manner and the plasma levels of LDH and CK-MB could reveal the severity of myocardial injury as potential markers. This study also highlighted the potential of integrated pharmacokinetics to provid a more comprehensive understanding of the relationship between the pharmacokinetic behaviors of traditional Chinese herbal medicine and its efficacy.

A new aromatic glycoside from Glehnia littoralis.

A new aromatic glycoside (1) was isolated from the roots of Glehnia littoralis Fr. Schmidtex Miq. Its structure was elucidated as vanillic acid 1-O-[ß-D-apiofuranosyl-(1 → 6)-ß-D-glucopyranoside] ester mainly by analysing the NMR and MS spectral data. In the in vitro assays, compound 1 displayed some TNF-α secretion inhibitory activity.

[Quality evaluation of bletillae rhizoma based on hemostatic biopotency].

This dissertation is to determine the biopotency of hemostat which processed in different places by establishing a bioassay method of Bletillae Rhizoma based on the thrombin time. Contrast test is the main methodology. Specifically, the reference substance of Bletillae Rhizoma is determined by comparing with the control substance of vitamin K1 using thrombin time, which is calibrated the Bletillae Rhizoma. The hemostatic biopotency is calculated by using the method of "parallel line assay method based on quantitative responses" (3.3) from different processed products. It indicates that there is a strong linear correlation between Bletillae Rhizoma and control drugs (Y = 66.332-23.913X, R2 = 0.995 3). The hemostatic biopotency of Bletillae Rhizoma from different processed products ranged between 821.93-1 187.53 U x g(-1) shown in the paper, and all of them can meet the requirements of the test. The methodology has an appropriate instrument precision (RSD 3.8%), intermediate precision (RSD 4.6%), repeatability (RSD 3.2%) and stability (RSD 3.7%). Therefore, it can be turned out that the methodology which established in the dissertation is good at determinating the hemostatic biopotency of Bletillae Rhizoma and it is reliable, simple and repeatable.