Green and Efficient Extraction of Phenolic Components from Plants with Supramolecular Solvents: Experimental and Theoretical Studies.

The supramolecular solvent (SUPRAS) has garnered significant attention as an innovative, efficient, and environmentally friendly solvent for the effective extraction and separation of bioactive compounds from natural resources. However, research on the use of a SUPRAS for the extraction of phenolic compounds from plants, which are highly valued in food products due to their exceptional antioxidant properties, remains scarce. The present study developed a green, ultra-sound-assisted SUPRAS method for the simultaneous determination of three phenolic acids in Prunella vulgaris using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The experimental parameters were meticulously optimized. The efficiency and antioxidant properties of the phenolic compounds obtained using different extraction methods were also compared. Under optimal conditions, the extraction efficiency of the SUPRAS, prepared with octanoic acid reverse micelles dispersed in ethanol-water, significantly exceeded that of conventional organic solvents. Moreover, the SUPRAS method demonstrated greater antioxidant capacity. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) images revealed the spherical droplet structure of the SUPRAS, characterized by a well-defined circular fluorescence position, which coincided with the position of the phenolic acids. The phenolic acids were encapsulated within the SUPRAS droplets, indicating their efficient extraction capacity. Furthermore, molecular dynamics simulations combined with CLSM supported the proposed method's mechanism and theoretically demonstrated the superior extraction performance of the SUPRAS. In contrast to conventional methods, the higher extraction efficiency of the SUPRAS can be attributed to the larger solvent contact surface area, the formation of more types of hydrogen bonds between the extractants and the supramolecular solvents, and stronger, more stable interaction forces. The results of the theoretical studies corroborate the experimental outcomes.

[Analysis of differential metabolites of spikes of Prunella vulgaris at different stages based on UPLC-MS/MS].

Prunella vulgaris, aptly named for its withering at the summer solstice, displays significant variation in quality arising from differing harvest time. However, research on the chemical composition changes of its spikes at various stages is limited, and the specific metabolites remain unclear. In order to elucidate the metabolites and metabolic pathways of the spikes of P. vulgaris, the current study deployed ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry(UPLC-MS/MS) and targeted metabolomics to characterize the compound variability in the spikes of P. vulgaris across different periods. Multivariate statistical techniques such as principal component analysis(PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA) were used to identify the differences in metabolites, and relevant metabolic pathways were analyzed. A total of 602 metabolites were identified by metabolomics, of which organic acids and their derivatives were the most abundant, followed by flavonoids. Multiple differential metabolites, including p-hydroxybenzoic acids and gallic acids were identified based on variable importance in projection(VIP)>1 and P<0.05. The results of enrichment analysis suggested that isoflavonoids biosynthesis, aminobenzoate degradation, benzoate degradation, anthocyanins biosynthesis, metabolic pathways, microbial metabolism in different environments, secondary plant metabolite biosynthesis, tryptophan metabolism, and phenylpropanoid synthesis were the main metabolic pathways. These results intend to elucidate the dynamic changes of differential metabolites of P. vulgaris and provide a theoretical basis for further study of the harvesting mechanism of spikes of P. vulgaris.

A new modality of colorectal cancer screening based on chronic disease management.

BACKGROUND: To develop a new modality of colorectal cancer screening based on chronic disease management (CDM) to improve the participation rate of screening, and maximize the benefits of limited resources. METHODS: Patients under CDM were assigned to screening intervention group (SI) and screening control group1 (SC1), residents from natural community were assigned to screening control group2 (SC2). A parallel controlled community intervention study was performed. Only SI would achieve "one-to-one" intervention services. Meanwhile, 200 subjects were selected from each of the three groups for the Knowledge-Attitude-Practice (KAP) questionnaire before and after intervention, named questionnaire intervention group(QI), questionnaire control group1(QC1) and questionnaire control group2(QC2). The outcome of the intervention was evaluated using the difference-in-differences method and multiple regression analysis. RESULTS: The preliminary screening participation rate was 43.63%(473/1084) in SI, 14.32%(132/922) in SCI, and 5.87%(105/1789) in SC2. The baseline questionnaire showed low knowledge scores in the three questionnaire groups with no statistically significant differences, while attitude scores in QI and QC1 were significantly higher than QC2. The differences between baseline and terminal showed QI increased larger in knowledge and attitude scores than QC1 and QC2, while no difference was detected between QC1 and QC2. CONCLUSION: The colorectal cancer screening model based on chronic disease management effectively improved the screening participation rate, and the "one-to-one" intervention and the inherent characteristics of the patient population under CDM were the core elements of the new modality.

[Diagnosis and treatment of four cases of asymptomatic and non-hydrous ureteral calculi].

This paper analyzed the clinical data, diagnosis and treatment of 4 asymptomatic patients with ureteral calculi without hydrops in our hospital from October 2018 to January 2019, and comprehensively discussed the previous literature. The 4 patients in this group had no obvious clinical symptoms, no positive stones were found in the B-ultrasound of the urinary system, and no hydroureter and hydroureter of the affected side was found. Urinary CT scan confirmed ureteral stones. They were all located in the lower ureter, and the stones obstructed the lumen. The stones were round and smooth, and there was no obvious hyperplasia and edema in the surrounding mucosa. The lithotripsy was completed in the first-stage operation, and the DJ catheter was left behind for one month after the operation. Based on the clinical diagnosis and treatment process of the 4 cases of asymptomatic calculi in this group and the analysis of previous studies, these patients were mostly detected by imaging examinations or other systematic imaging examinations during the regular review of urinary calculi. Ureteral stones with obstruction did not necessarily have stone-related symptoms. The onset of renal colic involved an increase in intraluminal pressure, related stimulation of nerve endings, smooth muscle spasms caused by stretching of the ureteral wall, and systemic changes in cytokines and related hormones. Cascade reactions, etc., were associated with the movement of stones down. Ureteral stones without hydrops were mostly located in the lower ureter, which had a certain buffering effect on obstructive pressure. Asymptomatic ureteral calculi could also induce irreversible damage to renal function, and the proportion of damage increased with the diameter of the stone. Patients with a history of urinary calculi, especially those with asymptomatic stones for the first time, should be paid attention to during clinical follow-up. At present, there are few research reports on asymptomatic and non-accumulating ureteral calculi. We analyze the clinical diagnosis and treatment process and characteristics of this group of patients combined with previous literature to provide a reference for the diagnosis and treatment of such patients.

Cyperane-Type and Related (Nor)Sesquiterpenoids from the Root Bark of Acanthopanax gracilistylus and Their Inhibitory Effects on Nitric Oxide Production.

An enantiomeric pair of rare cyperane-type sesquiterpenoids, (+)- and (-)-gracilistones C (1a, 1b), together with a novel norsesquiterpenoid, gracilistone D (2), bearing a bicyclic lactone system were isolated from the root bark of Acanthopanax gracilistylus using LC-MS-IT-TOF analyses. The structures and absolute configurations of 1a, 1b, and 2 were elucidated by 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and ECD spectroscopic methods. Intermediate 1b suggests a possible biosynthesis process involving compound 2. The bioassay results showed that compounds 1a, 1b, and 2 exhibited significant inhibitory effects against lipopolysaccharide-induced nitric oxide production in RAW 264.7 cells, with IC50 values of 7.7 ± 0.6, 6.8 ± 1.5, and 2.6 ± 0.4 µM, respectively. Additional docking analyses provided some perspective of this activity in human inducible nitric oxide synthase.

[Advances in Pelvic Lymph Node Dissection for Bladder Cancer].

Bladder cancer has high morbidity and mortality rates worldwide. Its incidence is high in western countries and has shown an increasing trend in China. While radical cystectomy combined with pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) is the standard treatment for bladder cancer,the optimal range of PLND remains controversial. In addition,the prognostic value of lymph node factors is also unclear. This article reviews research advances in PLND.

New Anti-HBV C-Boivinopyranosyl Flavones from Alternanthera philoxeroides.

C-boivinopyranosyl flavones have rarely been isolated from nature. In the search for anti-HBV (hepatitis b virus) constituents of Alternanthera philoxeroides, two new compounds, luteolin-6-C-ß-D-boivinopyranosyl-3'-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside (1) and chrysoeriol-6-C-ß-D-boivinopyranosyl-4'-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside (2), along with three known C-boivinopyranosyl flavones (compounds 3-5) were isolated. Their structures were determined by spectroscopic analyses including 1D and 2D NMR, HR-ESI-MS, IR spectra. Compounds 1, 2 and 3 showed significant anti-HBV activities through specifically inhibiting the secretion of HBsAg in HepG2.2.15.

[Study on Chemical Constituents of Delphinium caeruleum].

Objective: To study the chemical constituents from the whole plant of Delphinium caeruleum. Methods: The chemical constituents were isolated and purified by silica gel and Sephadex LH-20 column chromatography. The structures of the isolated compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic analysis and physicochemical properties. Results: Twelve compounds were isolated and purified from the ethanol extract of Delphinium caeruleum. They were identified as ß-sitosterol( 1),kaempferol( 2),quercetin( 3),isovanillic acid( 4),apigenin( 5),luteolin( 6),8-methoxy-5,7,3',4'-tetrahydroxy-flavone( 7),ß-daucosterol( 8),kaempferol-3-O-ß-D-glucoside( 9),3,5-dihydroxy-4'-methoxyflavone-7-yl-O-ß-D-glucopyranosyl-( 1→4)-α-L-rhamnopyranoside( 10),rutin( 11) and sucrose( 12). Conclusion: Compounds 1 ~ 12 are isolated from this plant for the first time.

[Chemical Constituents from Rubus stans].

Objective: To study the chemical constituents of Rubus stans. Methods: The chemical constituents were isolated and purified by silica gel and Sephadex LH-20 column chromatography. The structures were identified on the basis of spectroscopic analysis and physicochemical properties. Results: Eleven compounds were isolated and purified from the ethanol extract of Rubus stans. They were identified as ß-sitosterol( 1),betulinic acid( 2),euscaphic acid( 3),ursolic acid( 4),corosolic acid( 5),kaempferol( 6),quercetin( 7),2α,3ß,19α,23-tetrahydroxy-urs-12-en-28-oic acid( 8),ß-daucosterol( 9),quercetin-3-O-ß-D-glucoside( 10) and kaempferol-3-O-ß-D-6-O-( p-hydroxycinnamoyl)-glucopyranoside( 11). Conclusion: All the compounds are isolated from this plant for the first time.

Two new 2,3-seco-hopane triterpene derivatives from Megacodon stylophorus and their antiproliferative and antimicrobial activities.

Chemical investigation of the ethanol extract of the whole plant of Megacodon stylophorus led to the isolation and identification of two new seco-hopane triterpenoids, 2,3-seco-22(29)-hopene-2-carboxyl-3-aldehyde (1) and 2,3-seco-4(23),22(29)-hopene-2-carboxyl-3-aldehyde (2), along with 10 known compounds, 3-12. All the isolates were reported from this plant for the first time. The structures of compounds 1 and 2 were determined by detailed analysis of their spectral data including 1D and 2D NMR. In addition, compound 1 was further analyzed by X-ray crystallography. Compounds 1-3 were evaluated for their in vitro anti-proliferative activities on HeLa, MCF-7, and Hep-G2 tumor cell lines. Compound 2 was active against the three cell lines with IC50 values of 3.6, 7.5, and 13.6 µM, respectively, while compound 1 exhibited cytotoxicity on MCF-7 (IC50 14.0 µM) and HeLa (IC50 18.2 µM) cell lines. Antimicrobial activities of compounds 1-2 (minimum inhibitory concentration values in the range of 3.12-12.50 mg/mL) were also observed.

Two new coumarins from the seeds of Solanum indicum.

Two new coumarins, (E)-2-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzylidene)-5-methoxy-2H-[1,4]dioxino[2,3-h]chromene-3,9-dione (indicumin E, 1) and 7-hydroxy-6,8-dimethoxy-3-(4'-hydroxy-3'-methoxyphenyl)-coumarin (2), together with two known coumarins isofraxidin (3) and fraxetin (4), were isolated from the Solanum indicum seeds. Their structures were established on the basis of 1D and 2D spectroscopic data. Compound 1 was the rarest coumarinolignoid known to date.

[Effects of interval time between prostate biopsy and surgery on laparoscopic radical prostatectomy].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the length of interval time between biopsy and laparascopic radical prostatectomy in difficulty and effects of surgery. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 89 cases of laparascopic radical prostatectomy from June 2011 to September 2013. The patients were divided into two groups according to the interval time of 6 weeks. The mean interval time was 3.1 weeks (ranging from 1.5 to 4.4 weeks) in group IT< 6 weeks and 4.4 weeks (ranging from 6.0 to 16.2 weeks) in group IT ≥ 6 weeks. The mean age was 67 years (ranging from 57 to 78 years). The PSA level was 15.4 µg/L (ranging from 5.2 to 72.0). The prostate volume was 55 mL (ranging from 42 to 89 mL). The parameters, such as operation duration, blood loss, positive surgical margin rate, incharge time postoperation, were evaluated. RESULTS: All the surgeries went successfully. The average operation duration was 150 min (ranging from 110 to 242 min), and the blood loss was 230 mL (ranging from 100 to 750 mL). The positive surgical margin rate was 18% and the urinary continence rate was 100% at 3 months after operation. The clinical recurrence was not found during the follow-up. No significant difference was found between the groups in the patients' age, preoperative PSA, Gleason score and prostate volume (P > 0.05). No statistical significance existed in the operation time, blood loss, positive margin rate, post-operative hospital stay, urinary continence rate at 3 months after operation, postoperative differences of clinical recurrence rates. CONCLUSION: The length of interval time between prostate biopsy and laparascopic radical prostatectomy does not influence the difficulty and effect in the early stage, and the long time survival and recurrent rate need further observation.

Metabolomics distinguishes different grades of Scrophularia ningpoensis hemsl: Towards a biomarker discovery and quality evaluation.

In managing unique complexities associated with Chinese medicinal quality assessment, metabolomics serves as an innovative tool. This study proposes an analytical approach to assess differing qualities of Scrophularia ningpoensis （S. ningpoensis）Hemsl by identifying potential biomarker metabolites and their activity with the corresponding secondary metabolites. The methodology includes four steps; first, a GC-MS based metabolomics exploration of the Scrophularia ningpoensis Hemsl. Second, a multivariate statistical analysis (PCA, PLS-DA, OPLS-DA) for quality assessment and biomarker identification. Third, the application of ROC analysis and pathway analysis based on identified biomarkers. Finally, validation of the associated active ingredients by HPLC. The analysis showed distinct metabolite profiles across varying grades of S. ningpoensis Hemsl, establishing a grading dependency relationship. Select biomarkers (gluconic Acid, d-xylulose, sucrose, etc.) demonstrated robust grading performances. Further, the Pentose Phosphate Pathway, deemed as most influential in grading, was tied to the synthesis of key constituents (iridoids, phenylpropanoids). HPLC validation tests affirm a decreasing trend in harpagoside and cinnamic acid levels between first and third-grade samples. In conclusion, this GC-MS based metabolomics combined HPLC method offers a sound approach to assess and distinguish quality variations in S. ningpoensis Hemsl samples.

Norlathyrane diterpenes from the root of Euphorbia kansuensis.

Phytochemical investigation of the EtOH extract obtained from the root of the Euphorbia kansuensis Proch. grown in China resulted in the isolation of two novel norlathyrane diterpenes, named ekanpenoids A and B (1 and 2, resp.). Their structures were established by extensive 1D- and 2D-NMR spectroscopy, as well as other spectra. The isolated diterpenes exhibited potent cytotoxic activities against the HeLa and Hep-G2 cell lines with the IC50 values ranging from 3.6 to 9.7 µg/ml.

Association between Serum Uric Acid and the Early Marker of Kidney Function Decline among Chinese Middle-Aged and Older Population: Evidence from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study.

Objective: To evaluate the association between serum uric acid (SUA) and kidney function decline. Methods: Data was obtained from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study on the Chinese middle-aged and older population for analysis. The kidney function decline was defined as an annual estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) decrease by > 3 mL/min per 1.73 m 2. Multivariable logistic regression was applied to determine the association between SUA and kidney function decline. The shape of the association was investigated by restricted cubic splines. Results: A total of 7,346 participants were included, of which 1,004 individuals (13.67%) developed kidney function decline during the follow-up of 4 years. A significant dose-response relation was recorded between SUA and the kidney function decline ( OR 1.14, 95% CI 1.03-1.27), as the risk of kidney function decline increased by 14% per 1 mg/dL increase in SUA. In the subgroup analyses, such a relation was only recorded among women ( OR 1.22, 95% CI 1.03-1.45), those aged < 60 years ( OR 1.22, 95% CI 1.05-1.42), and those without hypertension and without diabetes ( OR 1.22, 95% CI 1.06-1.41). Although the dose-response relation was not observed in men, the high level of SUA was related to kidney function decline ( OR 1.83, 95% CI 1.05-3.17). The restricted cubic spline analysis indicated that SUA > 5 mg/dL was associated with a significantly higher risk of kidney function decline. Conclusion: The SUA level was associated with kidney function decline. An elevation of SUA should therefore be addressed to prevent possible kidney impairment and dysfunction.

Circ_0078607 increases platinum drug sensitivity via miR-196b-5p/GAS7 axis in ovarian cancer.

Platinum-based chemotherapy is one of the predominant strategies for treating ovarian cancer (OC), however, platinum resistance greatly influences the therapeutic effect. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been found to participate in the pathogenesis of platinum resistance. Our aim was to explore the involvement of circ_0078607 in OC cell cisplatin (DDP) resistance and its potential mechanisms. Circ_0078607, miR-196b-5p, and growth arrest-specific 7 (GAS7) levels were assessed by qPCR. Circ_0078607 stability was assessed by ribonuclease R digestion and actinomycin D treatment. Cell viability of various conic of DDP treatment was measured by CCK-8. The cell proliferation was determined by CCK-8 and colony formation assay. Western blotting was performed for determining GAS7, ABCB1, CyclinD1 and Bcl-2 protein levels. The direct binding between miR-196b-5p and circ_0078607 or GAS7 was validated by dual-luciferase reporter and RIP assay. DDP resistance in vivo was evaluated in nude mice. Immunohistochemistry staining for detecting Ki67 expression in xenograft tumours. Circ_0078607 and GAS7 was down-regulated, but miR-196b-5p was up-regulated in OC samples and DDP-resistant cells. Overexpression of circ_0078607 inhibited DDP resistance, cell growth and induced apoptosis in DDP-resistant OC cells. Mechanistically, circ_0078607 sequestered miR-196b-5p to up-regulate GAS7. MiR-196b-5p mimics reversed circ_0078607 or GAS7 overexpression-mediated enhanced sensitivity. Finally, circ_0078607 improved the sensitivity of DDP in vivo. Circ_0078607 attenuates DDP resistance via miR-196b-5p/GAS7 axis, which highlights the therapeutic potential of circ_0078607 to counter DDP resistance in OC.

Two novel secoiridoid glucosides from Tripterospermum chinense.

Two novel secoiridoid glucosides, tripterospermumcins C (1) and D (2), were isolated from the aerial parts of Tripterospermum chinense, along with four known compounds, tripterospermumcin B (3), sweroside (4), loganic acid (5), and 8-epi-kingiside (6). Their structures were determined by analysis of 1D and 2D NMR data, as well as by comparison with model compounds. Compound 1 was a rare iridoid tetramer with four glucosides.

A novel lactone from Tripterospermum chinense.

A novel lactone, tripterospermumcins E (1), along with four known compounds, sweroside (2), loganic acid (3), 8-epi-kingiside (4) and bergenin (5), were isolated from the aerial parts of Tripterospermum chinense. Their structures were determined by spectroscopic methods, including 1D and 2D NMR, and chemical methods. Compound 1 is rare beta-lactone with a glucoside.

[Intravesical laparoscopic repair of vesicovaginal fistula].

OBJECTIVE: To introduce a new technique to treat vesicovaginal fistula (VVF) with intravesical laparoscopic repair, and assess its safety and efficacy. METHODS: Four female patients with iatronic VVF were treated with intravesical laparoscopic method between October 2008 and March 2010. The second case underwent open surgery repair four months ago. All the fistulae were in posterior wall of bladder,with 0.8 cm, 1.0 cm, 1.2 cm and 0.5 cm in size respectively. One 10 mm superpubic trocar and 2.5 mm lateral trocars were placed in surgery. Carbon dioxide gas was used to distend the bladder. RESULTS: Four operations were completed successfully. The operative time was 80-140 min, and the blood loss was 50-100 mL. The indwelling catheter was removed after 4 weeks. All the patients were followed up for 1-8 months. Three patients showed no recurrence of fistula and had normal urination. One patient developed urinary leakage through the vagina again after 1 month. CONCLUSION: Intravesical laparoscopic technique is a safe and effective treatment with micro-trauma for iatrogenic VVF, but more clinical files are needed for further evaluation.

Isocoumarin derivatives and monoterpene glycoside from the seeds of Orychophragmus violaceus.

Five new compounds, including four new isocoumarin derivatives [orychophramarin A-D (1-4)] and a new monoterpene glycoside [orychovioside A (5)], together with fourteen known compounds were isolated from the seeds of Orychophragmus violaceus. Their structures were established on the basis of chemical evidence and spectroscopic analysis. Compound 1 showed significant cytotoxicity against HCT-116 and Hela cell lines compared with the positive control group (Cisplatin) with IC50 values of 5.10 and 8.91µM, respectively. Compound 1 exhibited evident cell cycle retardation that arrested HCT-116 cells at G2 phase and induced apoptosis in HCT-116 cells in the further mechanism study.