Hemiboeakaiyangensis, a new species of Gesneriaceae endemic to Guizhou, China.

A new species of Gesneriaceae from Guizhou, China, Hemiboeakaiyangensis sp. nov., is described and illustrated. We investigated its phylogenetic position and relationships with 13 other species of Hemiboea C.B.Clarke, which present large morphological diversity in the genus, based on molecular analyses of the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and the chloroplast trnL-F intron-spacer sequences. The molecular phylogenetic analyses revealed that the new species is most closely related to H.ovalifolia. A diagnostic table and discussion of morphological characters are provided to differentiate the new species from H.longisepala, H.flaccida and H.ovalifolia.

G protein­coupled estrogen receptor/miR­148a/human leukocyte antigen­G signaling pathway mediates cell apoptosis of ovarian endometriosis.

The focus of the current study was a G protein­coupled estrogen receptor (GPER)/microRNA (miR)­148a/human leukocyte antigen­G (HLA­G) signaling pathway in ovarian endometriosis. Reverse transcription­quantitative polymerase chain reaction was performed to analyze the changes in miR­148a expression. A MTT assay, flow cytometry and caspase­3/9 activity assays were performed to analyze cell proliferation, apoptosis and caspase­3/9 activity levels, respectively. Protein expression was measured using western blot analysis. In tissue samples from healthy controls, and patients with endometriosis and endometriosis­associated ovarian cancer, the expression of miR­148a was lower in in endometriosis and EAOC samples compared with healthy controls. Overexpression of miR­148a using miR mimics significantly decreased proliferation, promoted apoptosis, increased the Bcl­2 associated X apoptosis regulator (Bax)/Bcl­2 apoptosis regulator (Bcl­2) ratio and caspase3/9 activity, and suppressed HLA­G protein expression in Hs 832(C).T cells. miR­148a downregulation using miR inhibitor significantly increased cell viability, inhibited apoptosis, and reduced the Bax/Bcl­2 ratio and caspase3/9 activity, and induced HLA­G protein expression in Hs 832(C).T cells. The GPER inhibitor, G15, suppressed GPER protein expression, upregulated miR­148a expression, decreased cell proliferation, promoted apoptosis, increased the Bax/Bcl­2 ratio and caspase3 activity, and suppressed HLA­G protein expression in Hs 832(C).T cells. The findings indicate that GPER/miR­148a/HLA­G signaling pathway may mediates the development of ovarian endometriosis and may become a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of endometriosis.

[Research progress on geographic distribution new records of medicinal plants in Guizhou].

To introduce the advance on the species, ecological environment, distribution areas, the number of the species and efficacy of geographic distribution new records of medicinal plants in Guizhou. This article provides a basis for the collection and conservation as well as reasonable development of the genetic resources of medicinal plants.

[Species and distribution of the medicinal plants peculiar to Guizhou].

OBJECTIVE: To review the species and distribution of the medicinal plants peculiar to Guizhou and provide evidence for application, protection and collection. METHOD: Open-air investigation, data collection and specimen identification. RESULT: More than eighty kinds of the medical plants peculiar to Guizhou have been identified. CONCLUSION: Guizhou has a diversity of medicinal plants. The area of distribution of most species is restricted and the population is small. Some of the species have higher medicinal and scientific research values.

[Corrections on medicinal resource of Gramineae in Guizhou province and Guiyang city].

OBJECTIVE: To confirm the medicinal plants of Gramineae and their distribution in Guiyang city. METHOD: Through field investigations and comparing the collected speciments and literatures, the geographical distribution and functions of the medicinal species were investigated. RESULT: 24 new medicinal species of Gramineae were found in Guizhou, while 5 species were absent in Guizhou. And 1 was first recorded for medicinal uses, 3 species newly added, and the latin name of 1 species was corrected. CONCLUSION: There are 72 medicinal species and 4 varieties in Guiyang.