[Correlations between appearance traits and internal quality of Bupleurum scorzonerifolium roots based on theory of "quality evaluation through morphological identification"].

It is generally believed that high-quality Bupleurum scorzonerifolium roots possess specific morphological characteristics, being red, robust, and long with strong odor. However, the scientific connotation of these characteristics has not been elucidated. According to the theory of "quality evaluation through morphological identification", we studied the correlations between appearance traits(the RGB value of root surface, root length, root diameter, dry weight, and ratio of phloem to xylem) and content of main chemical components(volatile oils, total saponins, total flavonoids, total polysaccharides, and seven saikosaponins) of B. scorzonerifolium roots. Epson Scanner and ImageJ were used to scan the root samples and measure the appearance traits. Ultraviolet spectrophotometry and HPLC were employed to determine the content of chemical components. The correlation, regression, and cluster analyses were performed to study the correlations between the appearance traits and the content of chemical components. The results showed that the content of volatile oils and saikosaponins were significantly correlated with RGB value, root length, and root diameter, indicating that within a certain range, the roots being redder, longer, and thicker had higher content of volatile oils and saikosaponins. According to the appearance traits and chemical component content, the 14 samples from different producing areas were classified into four grades, and the differences in morphological traits and chemical component content were consistent among different grades. The findings in this study demonstrate that appearance traits(RGB value, root length, and root diameter) can be used to evaluate the quality of B. scorzonerifolium roots. Meanwhile, this study lays a foundation for establishing an objective quality evaluation method for B. scorzonerifolium roots.

Indole alkaloids of Alstonia scholaris (L.) R. Br. alleviated nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in mice fed with high-fat diet.

Alstonia scholaris (L.) R. Br (Apocynaceae) is a well-documented medicinal plant for treating respiratory diseases, liver diseases and diabetes traditionally. The current study aimed to investigate the effects of TA on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). A NAFLD model was established using mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD) and administered with TA (7.5, 15 and 30 mg/kg) orally for 6 weeks. The biochemical parameters, expressions of lipid metabolism-related genes or proteins were analyzed. Furthermore, histopathological examinations were evaluated with Hematoxylin-Eosin and MASSON staining. TA treatment significantly decreased the bodyweight of HFD mice. The concentrations of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), triglyceride (TG), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were also decreased significantly in TA-treated mice group, accompanied by an increase in high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Furthermore, TA alleviated hepatic steatosis injury and lipid droplet accumulation of liver tissues. The liver mRNA levels involved in hepatic lipid synthesis such as sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1C (SREBP-1C), regulators of liver X receptor α (LXRα), peroxisome proliferator activated receptor (PPAR)γ, acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC1) and stearyl coenzyme A dehydrogenase-1 (SCD1), were markedly decreased, while the expressions involved in the regulation of fatty acid oxidation, PPARα, carnitine palmitoyl transterase 1 (CPT1A), and acyl coenzyme A oxidase 1 (ACOX1) were increased in TA-treated mice. TA might attenuate NAFLD by regulating hepatic lipogenesis and fatty acid oxidation.

Effect of Off-Axis Ply on Tensile Properties of [0/θ]ns Thin Ply Laminates by Experiments and Numerical Method.

The effect of off-axis ply on the tensile properties of unbalanced symmetric [0/θ]ns laminates was explored through experimental and numerical analysis. Six CFRP [0/θ]2s plies with different off-axis angles θ were fabricated for tensile tests. In situ observations of the damage to the laminates were conducted to investigate the initiation and progressive growth of the laminates during the tension tests. The fiber fractures, crack initiation, and progressive propagation were analyzed by observing the free edge of the laminates, and the difference in damage behavior caused by different off-axis angles was investigated. All the six [0/θ]2s plies with off-axis angles θ ranging from 15° to 90° showed approximate linear stress-strain responses in the tensile tests. Matrix cracks were not observed prior to the final catastrophic failure in the off-axis layers of the [0/θ]2s laminates with a θ in the range of 15-60°. Finite element analysis (FEA) of the [0/θ]s plies was conducted using a 3D micromechanical model, in which matrix cracking and fiber-matrix debonding in the off-axis layer were simulated using a cohesive interface element. Three micromechanical crack-free, cohesive interface, and initial crack models were analyzed to predict the influence of the matrix cracks inside the off-axis layer on the damage behavior of the [0/θ]s laminates. The numerical results from the initial crack micromechanical model show a lower bound of the tensile strength of the [0/θ]s plies. A high stress concentration is observed adjacent to the cracked off-axis layer, inducing a tensile strength loss of about 20%.

Modified Disk-Up Sinus Reamer for Sinus Floor Elevation and Simultaneous Implant Placement: An Animal Study with Miniature Pigs.

Objective: The disk-up sinus reamer (DSR) is a modified instrument used to elevate the maxillary sinus floor. This study aimed to compare the effects of modified DSR sinus floor elevation (DSFE) with osteotome sinus floor elevation (OSFE), both with simultaneous implant placement. Methods: Twelve miniature pigs were treated with DSFE on one side and OSFE on the other. Implants 9 mm in length were placed in six pigs without grafting, while implants 11 mm in length were placed in the other six pigs with grafting. After submerged healing for 3 months, vertical bone gain (VBG), general and histological observation, and bone contact ratio (BCR) were analyzed. Results: The mean maxillary residual bone height (RBH) when implants were placed was 6.45 ± 0.36 mm. In the no-grafting group, DSFE and OSFE had a similar VBG after 3 months. The grafting group with DSFE recorded a significantly higher VBG (VBG0: 7.83 ± 0.44 mm, VBG1: 7.54 ± 0.40 mm) than the graft group with OSFE (VBG0: 5.45 ± 0.56 mm, VBG1: 4.34 ± 2.15 mm) (p < 0.05). One implant became loose and the sinus mucosa of three pigs appeared metallic in color on the control side (OSFE). Conclusions: The effect of OSFE and DSFE is similar when there is no need for grafting. DSFE seems a better alternative method for sinus floor elevation with grafting when more VBG is needed.

Is the delivery mode a critical factor for the microbial communities in the meconium?

BACKGROUND: Mothers are the primary source of bacteria for newborns, but it is unclear whether mother-to-newborn transmission occurs prior to, during or after birth. Similarly, the effect of the delivery mode on neonatal microorganisms has been the focus of controversy. METHODS: Healthy maternal and neonatal pairs that underwent vaginal birth and caesarean section were enrolled in this study. Meconium, placenta, membrane and amniotic fluid samples for newborns and vaginal, rectal and oral samples for mothers were collected. All samples were amplified and sequenced by a 16S rRNA gene primer set targeting bacteria and archaea. FINDINGS: A total of 550 samples from 36 mother-neonate pairs with vaginal births and 42 mother-neonate pairs with caesarean sections were included in this study. The negative controls showed that the data analysis in this study was not affected by contamination. There was a high diversity of microbial communities in the pregnancy environment of the foetus. Meconium samples could be divided into three distinct types that were not influenced by the delivery method. INTERPRETATION: The distribution patterns of bacterial communities in the meconium, placenta, and foetal membranes were highly similar and had nothing to do with the mode of delivery. For approximately half of the placental microorganisms, the same sequence could be found in the vaginal, rectal, and oral samples of the mother.

Comparative evaluation of BioHPP and titanium as a framework veneered with composite resin for implant-supported fixed dental prostheses.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: High rates of veneering chipping are a common prosthodontic complication of restorations with a titanium framework. A new bio high-performance polymer (BioHPP) based on polyetheretherketone (PEEK) has been introduced for denture superstructures. Clinical reports suggest that BioHPP could be used as an alternative framework material to support complete-arch restorations. However, peer-reviewed information is lacking regarding the performance of BioHPP as a framework material for implant-supported screw-retained fixed dental prostheses (FDPs) veneered with composite resin. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate and compare the bond strength of modified PEEK (BioHHP) and titanium with a veneering composite resin and compare the marginal fit and fracture resistance of implant-supported screw-retained FDPs fabricated by using computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) frameworks veneered with composite resin. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A composite resin was bonded to 2 framework materials (n=20/group): pure titanium (Ti) and BioHPP (Bi). The shear bond strength (SBS) was determined after 24-hour wet storage. Furthermore, 20 3-unit CAD-CAM BioHPP and titanium frameworks were fabricated (n=10/group). The marginal fit between frameworks and abutments was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy by using the single-screw test. After thermocycling and mastication simulation, the fracture resistance of FDPs veneered with the composite resin was examined. The independent sample t test was used to evaluate differences (α=.05). RESULTS: Significantly higher shear bond strengths were obtained in group Bi (31.1 ±3.5 MPa) than in group Ti (20.5 ±1.8 MPa). The mean marginal gap width was 19 ±4 µm in group Bi and 16 ±6 µm in group Ti. Statistical tests showed no significant differences (P>.05). After loading, veneering chipping was observed at a load of 1960 ±233 N in group Ti. Although the BioHPP frameworks fractured at 1518 ±134 N, no chipping occurred. CONCLUSIONS: The bond strength of BioHPP with the composite resin was greater than that of titanium. CAD-CAM BioHPP frameworks exhibit good marginal fit and fracture resistance. BioHPP may be a suitable alternative to metal as a framework to be veneered with composite resin.

Eight new cucurbitane triterpenoids from "Xue Dan," the roots of Hemsleya pengxianensis.

Eight new natural products (four new cucurbitane aglycones, hemslepencins A-D (1-4), four new cucurbitane glucosides, hemslepensides F-I (5-8), along with seven known compounds (9-15), were isolated from the roots of Hemsleya pengxianensis. The structures of 1-8 were elucidated using IR, HRESIMS, and NMR. Compound 3 exhibited cytotoxic activity against the human cancer cell lines.

Early care of acute hyperglycemia benefits the outcome of traumatic brain injury in rats.

OBJECTIVE: Previous animal studies showed contradictory clinical observations on whether acute hyperglycemia contributes to poor outcome in traumatic brain injury (TBI). Herein, we tried to clarify this issue. METHODS: Striking with depths of 3.0-4.25mm at right occipitoparietal brain region and with depth of 3.75mm at right/left occipitoparietal or right/left frontoparietal brain region were performed, respectively. Blood glucose and insulin levels were traced every four hours from 1 to 72h after striking. HOMA2-%S and HOMA2-%ß were calculated. Modified neurological severity scores (mNSS) were used to evaluate neurological deficit within 72h. RESULTS: Striking with depths of 3.5-4.25mm induced increase in blood glucose lasting up to 24h after striking. The levels of blood glucose after striking with depths of 3.75-4.25mm were significantly different from that of striking with the depth of 3.0mm. Striking with depth of 3.75mm at right/left occipitoparietal region induced higher blood glucose in 24h than that at right/left frontoparietal region. Insulin concentration increased slowly during 72h after striking. Striking also induced decrease in insulin sensitivity and secretion lasting 72h. Evaluation of mNSS revealed that severe striking (beyond 3.75mm) worsened nerve function than slight striking (<3.0mm). Intervention of acute hyperglycemia could decrease the mNSS from 2 to 7 days after TBI. CONCLUSION: Our results suggested that only severe TBI could induce acute hyperglycemia by itself, and early care of acute hyperglycemia could benefit the outcome of TBI patients.

Bone formation in subcutaneous pocket after bone flap preservation.

Residual periosteum developed periosteal bone formation in the pocket 10 years after cranioplasty, lumpectomy was conducted on the left lower abdomen under local anesthesia. Pathological sections revealed abundant osteocytes and mature bone matrix, and confirmed the bone formation on the residual periosteum.

Identification of HNF4A Mutation p.T130I and HNF1A Mutations p.I27L and p.S487N in a Han Chinese Family with Early-Onset Maternally Inherited Type 2 Diabetes.

Maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY) is characterized by the onset of diabetes before the age of 25 years, positive family history, high genetic predisposition, monogenic mutations, and an autosomal dominant mode of inheritance. Here, we aimed to investigate the mutations and to characterize the phenotypes of a Han Chinese family with early-onset maternally inherited type 2 diabetes. Detailed clinical assessments and genetic screening for mutations in the HNF4α, GCK, HNF-1α, IPF-1, HNF1ß, and NEUROD1 genes were carried out in this family. One HNF4A mutation (p.T130I) and two HNF1A polymorphisms (p.I27L and p.S487N) were identified. Mutation p.T130I was associated with both early-onset and late-onset diabetes and caused downregulated HNF4A expression, whereas HNF1A polymorphisms p.I27L and p.S487N were associated with the age of diagnosis of diabetes. We demonstrated that mutation p.T130I in HNF4A was pathogenic as were the predicted polymorphisms p.I27L and p.S487N in HNF1A by genetic and functional analysis. Our results show that mutations in HNF4A and HNF1A genes might account for this early-onset inherited type 2 diabetes.

Follow-up study of a pregnant woman 16 years after exposure in the Xinzhou radiation accident.

To investigate the late effects of radiation on child-bearing women, a follow-up study was performed on a 39-year-old survivor 16 years after a (60)Co radiation accident. The woman, Fang, was 19 weeks pregnant at the time of exposure. Physical examinations, a full range of clinical laboratory and imaging tests, as well as cytogenetic analyses were conducted to evaluate Fang's current health conditions. Fang shows the appearance of premature ageing and has a decreased menstrual period. Laboratory studies and imaging tests suggest nodular goitre disease and osteoporosis. Otherwise, no apparent abnormalities were found in the major organs. No malignant tumours were detected by either tumour markers or imaging tests. However, the existence of chromosome aberrations warrants long-term follow-up for tumour incidence in the future. Fang became pregnant 8 years after the accident, but suffered a miscarriage due to the death of the foetus at 6 months into the pregnancy. In conclusion, our findings suggest that the intrauterine death of the foetus might be associated with the previous exposure. There is no evidence of malignant tumours as of the date of the follow-up study. Non-cancerous diseases, i.e. thyroid disease and osteoporosis, which may be related to radiation exposure, are the major manifestations of the long-term effects of the accident.

[Effect of modified ricin on the reduction of hepatotoxicity in mice].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the significance of ricin (RT) with chemical nidification to reduce the hepatotoxicity in mice and its anticancer effect. METHODS: Mice were exposed to RT and RT-PDP [ricin chemically modified by N-succinimidyl 3-(2-pyridyldithio)-propionate, (SPDP)] respectively, and their serum activity of glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and liver glutathione (GSH) content were determined. The ultramicro-structure under electron microscope was also observed. RESULTS: The GST activity increased with doses, and the increase in ricin group was higher than that in RT-PDP group; the activities of GST in RT group at 12.5, 15.0 micro g/kg [(93.65 +/- 12.30), (153.71 +/- 26.64) IU/L respectively] were higher than those in RT-PDP group [(62.97 +/- 11.22), (78.20 +/- 15.71) IU/L] (P < 0.05). The contents of GSH were decreased with doses; but the contents of GSH in RT-PDP group at 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, 10.0, 15.0 micro g/kg [(6.34 +/- 1.43), (4.14 +/- 1.82), (3.54 +/- 0.64), (2.73 +/- 1.82), (1.82 +/- 0.62) micro mol/L respectively] were still higher than those in RT group [(3.53 +/- 0.95), (2.12 +/- 0.54), (1.82 +/- 0.71), (1.52 +/- 0.34), (0.81 +/- 0.36) micro mol/L] (P < 0.01). Electron microscopic examination showed that the injury of liver cells in RT group was more severe than that in RT-PDP group. CONCLUSION: The hepatotoxicity of ricin in mice may be reduced by chemical modification.

Modification of ricin and its hepatotoxicity and activity against hepatocellular cancer in mice.

AIM:To observe the effects of ricin (RT) with and without chemical modification on both hepatotoxicity of mice and activity against hepatocellular cancer (HCC), and evaluate the possibility to improve RT anticancer activity via chemical modification.METHODS:RT was modified with N-succinimidyl3(2-pyridyldithio) propionate (SPDP),a heterobifunctional cross-linker, and SPDP derivative of RT (PDP-R) was obtained.The serum glutathione-s-transferase (SGST) activity,as an index of liver damage, was determined in mice intoxicated with RT and PDP-R,at various doses and time.The tissue damage of HCC in the nude mice ip injected with PDP-R was compared with that with RT at the same dose by immunohistochemical method, the relative content of both RT and PDP-R in the HCC tissues was measured by computerized image-analysis. RESULTS:The SGST activities increased with doses or/and time intoxicated with both RT and PDP-R, and the increase in the value of RT group was more significant than that in the PDP-R group; the SGST activity of RT group was 2.8-fold (P < 0.01) of PDP-R group at a dose of 12.5&mgr;g/kg for 42h, showing the much lower toxicity of R-PDP than that of RT. Under an optical microscope, hemolysis and necrosis of massive cells in the HCC tissues of PDP-R group were observed and the ratio of necrosis mounted to 90.5% while the corresponding value of RT group only to 62.5%.With computerized image-analysis, the average relative content of RT and PDP-R in the HCC tissues,represented as greyness, was 140.06 plus minus 3.43 and 169.10 plus minus 2.74, respectively. There was significant difference between the two (P< 0.05), indicating the higher content of PDP-R in the HCC tissue than that of RT.CONCLUSION:The hepatotoxicity of PDP-R to mice may be reduced by chemical modification with SPDP, but both the affinity of PDP-R to the HCC tissues and ability to kill it may be stronger than that of RT. So this might be a valuable attempt to improve the anticancer activity of RT.