Chemical Relationship among Genetically Authenticated Medicinal Species of Genus Angelica.

The genus Angelica comprises various species utilized for diverse medicinal purposes, with differences attributed to the varying levels or types of inherent chemical components in each species. This study employed DNA barcode analysis and HPLC analysis to genetically authenticate and chemically classify eight medicinal Angelica species (n = 106) as well as two non-medicinal species (n = 14) that have been misused. Nucleotide sequence analysis of the nuclear internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region revealed differences ranging from 11 to 117 bp, while psbA-trnH showed variances of 3 to 95 bp, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis grouped all samples except Angelica sinensis into the same cluster, with some counterfeits forming separate clusters. Verification using the NCBI database confirmed the feasibility of species identification. For chemical identification, a robust quantitative HPLC analysis method was developed for 46 marker compounds. Subsequently, two A. reflexa-specific and seven A. biserrata-specific marker compounds were identified, alongside non-specific markers. Moreover, chemometric clustering analysis reflecting differences in chemical content between species revealed that most samples formed distinct clusters according to the plant species. However, some samples formed mixed clusters containing different species. These findings offer crucial insights for the standardization and quality control of medicinal Angelica species.

Chemical Characterization of the Precipitate Found in and Its Effect on Drug Release of the Scutellaria†baicalensis-Coptis†chinensis Extract.

Precipitate generation is a challenging issue during the production of herbal decoction as it affects the stability and bioavailability of active compounds. Here we explored the composition of the natural precipitate formed from and its effect on drug release of Scutellaria baicalensis-Coptis chinensis paired extract (SCPE). Furthermore, the surface morphology of the SCPE precipitate was also investigated. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS) was used to chemical component analysis and field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) was performed to particle observation. Baicalin (BA), berberine (BBR) and starch-arginine-rich polymers were abundant in the SCPE precipitate. FE-SEM micrographs showed spheroidal shaped particles in the SCPE supernatant, while spherical and porous tissue-shaped particles in the SCPE precipitate. In vitro drug release of baicalin and berberine contained in the precipitate may increase as the polymer is removed. The presence of polymer-related interactions were confirmed by the greater increase in solubility of baicalin upon addition of arginine and polymer. This was also supported by the solubility decrease of the BA-BBR complex in polymer solution and the gelation of the BA-BBR complex in arginine solution. Our results provide a scientific basis for elucidating the pharmaceutical properties of the decoction of S. baicalensis-C. chinensis-based herbal medicine.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Spirodela polyrhiza (L.) SCHLEID. Extract on Contact Dermatitis in Mice-Its Active Compounds and Molecular Targets.

Spirodela polyrhiza (L.) SCHLEID. has been used to treat epidemic fever, dysuria, and various skin ailments, such as measles eruptions, eczema, and pruritus, in China, Japan, and Korea. In this study, the active compounds in S. polyrhiza and their target genes were identified by network-based analysis. Moreover, the study evaluated the effects of a 70% ethanolic extract of S. polyrhiza (EESP) on skin lesions, histopathological changes, inflammatory cytokines, and chemokines in mice with contact dermatitis (CD) induced by 1-fluoro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (DNFB), and examined the inhibitory effects of EESP on mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signalling pathways. In our results, 14 active compounds and 29 CD-related target genes were identified. Among them, tumour necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) were identified as hub genes, and luteolin and apigenin showed a strong binding affinity with TNF (<-8 kcal/mol) and IL-6 (<-6 kcal/mol). Our in vivo studies showed that topical EESP ameliorated DNFB-induced skin lesions and histopathological abnormalities, and reduced the levels of TNF-α, interferon (IFN)-É£, IL-6, and monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP)-1 in inflamed tissues. In conclusion, our findings suggest the potential for dermatological applications of S. polyrhiza and suggest that its anti-dermatitis action is related to the inhibition of TNF and IL-6 by luteolin and luteolin glycosides.

Sesquiterpenoids Isolated from the Rhizomes of Genus Atractylodes.

Atractylodes plants have been used in traditional herbal medicine to treat gastrointestinal diseases and contain various chemical compounds. Sesquiterpenoids are the most important therapeutic compounds in Atractylodes rhizomes. Based on studies reported from 2000 to 2022, we classified sesquiterpenoids by their chemical skeletons and original resources. Moreover, we discussed their biosynthesis and physicochemical and pharmacological features. We reported sesquiterpenoids with skeletal moieties, such as monocyclic sesquiterpenes (bisabolene- and elemene-type), bicyclic sesquiterpenes (eudesmane-, isopterocarpolone-, hydroxycarissone-, eremophilane-, bisesquiterpenoid-, guaiane- and spirovetivane-type and eudesmane lactones) and tricyclic sesquiterpenes (cyperene- and patchoulene-type), with their biosynthetic pathways, chemical modifications and in vivo metabolites. The pharmacological activities of sesquiterpenoids as anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-diabetic and anti-microbial and for treating gastrointestinal disorders have been reported for this genus.

Organic Dispersion of Mo3Se3- Single-Chain Atomic Crystals Using Surface Modification Methods.

In this study, single-chain atomic crystals (SCACs), Mo3Se3-, which can be uniformly dispersed, with an atomically thin diameter of ∼0.6 nm were modified to disperse in an organic solvent. Various surfactants were chosen to provide steric hindrance to aqueous-dispersed Mo3Se3- by modifying the surface of Mo3Se3-. The organic dispersions of surface-modified Mo3Se3- SCACs in nonpolar solvent (toluene, benzene, and chloroform) were stable with a uniform diameter of 2 nm, and they have enhanced stability from oxidation (>10 days). With the surfactants that have a polystyrene tail group (PS-NH2), the surface-modified Mo3Se3- SCAC showed high compatibility with a polystyrene polymer matrix. Using the surface-modified Mo3Se3- SCAC, a homogeneous Mo3Se3-/polystyrene/toluene organogel was prepared. More importantly, the Mo3Se3-/polystyrene organogel exhibits significantly enhanced mechanical properties, with the improvement of 202.27% and 279.52% for tensile strength and elongation, respectively, compared with that of the pure organogel. The surface-modified Mo3Se3- had a similar structure with a polymer matrix, and the properties of the polymer can be improved even with a small addition of Mo3Se3-.

Lung Transplantation for Pulmonary Fibrosis Associated With Hermansky-Pudlak Syndrome. A Single-center Experience.

Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome (HPS) is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by oculocutaneous albinism, platelet storage defect with resultant bleeding diathesis, and pulmonary fibrosis. The bleeding diathesis associated with HPS had long been considered a contraindication to lung transplantation; consequently, few reports of successful lung transplantation for HPS exist. Methods: In the largest case series on lung transplant for HPS, we describe the characteristics of 11 lung transplant candidates with HPS-related pulmonary fibrosis, and the management and outcomes of 7 patients who underwent lung transplantation. Results: Of the 7 patients transplanted, 30-d survival was 85.7% (6/7). Six patients had at least 2 y of follow-up available with a 1-y survival of 83.3% and a 2-y survival of 83.3% (5/6). The median age at referral was 48 y (range 29-62 y). Eight patients (72.7%) were of Puerto Rican ancestry with confirmed type 1 HPS mutation. Six out of 7 patients received prophylaxis for bleeding diathesis, with a majority receiving desmopressin; 1 patient was administered aminocaproic acid infusion, and another received 2 units of platelets before surgery. Estimated blood loss and the amount of intraoperative blood product administered was highly variable with or without prophylaxis. Median blood loss was 400 mL (range 125-750) and estimated blood products administered was 700 mL (range 490-4043). Conclusions: HPS should not be considered a contraindication for lung transplantation. Although patients with HPS seem to have an increased risk of massive hemorrhage, the risk is unpredictable. Transplant teams should prepare a preoperative plan in consultation with hematology and consider the use of prophylactic platelet transfusion and desmopressin.

Controlling Graphene Wrinkles through the Phase Transition of a Polymer with a Low Critical Solution Temperature.

A novel method for controlling reduced graphene oxide (rGO) wrinkles through a phase transition in a solution using a low critical solution temperature (LCST) polymer dispersant has been developed. The polymer dispersant is designed by control of architecture and composition using reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer polymerization. Synthesized poly(2-(dimethylaminoethyl) methacrylate-block-styrene) (PDbS) can be successfully functionalized on the rGO surface via noncovalent functionalization. PDbS-functionalized rGO (PDbS-rGO) exhibits good dispersibility in an aqueous phase at room temperature and forms wrinkles on the PDbS-rGO surface because of phase transition at the LCST of the polymer dispersant. The formation of PDbS-rGO wrinkles is controlled by varying the aggregation number of the polymer dispersant on the PDbS-rGO surface that strongly depends on temperature. This is confirmed by transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and Raman spectroscopy (ID' /IG ratios are 0.560, 0.579, and 0.684, which correspond to 45, 70, and 95 °C, respectively). In addition, the mechanism of wrinkle control is proved by gold nanoparticles that are grown in polymer dispersant on the PDbS-rGO surface.

Lung transplantation disparities based on diagnosis for patients bridging to transplant on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

BACKGROUND: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is increasingly utilized as a bridge to lung transplantation, but ECMO status is not explicitly accounted for in the Lung Allocation Score (LAS). We hypothesized that among waitlist patients on ECMO, patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) would have lower transplantation rates. METHODS: Using United Network for Organ Sharing data, we conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients who were ≥12 years old, active on the lung transplant waitlist, and required ECMO support from June 1, 2015 through June 12, 2020. Multivariable competing risk analysis was used to examine waitlist outcomes. RESULTS: 1064 waitlist subjects required ECMO support; 40 (3.8%) had obstructive lung disease (OLD), 97 (9.1%) had PAH,138 (13.0%) had cystic fibrosis (CF), and 789 (74.1%) had interstitial lung disease (ILD). Ultimately, 671 (63.1%) underwent transplant, while 334 (31.4%) died or were delisted. The transplant rate per person-years on the waitlist on ECMO was 15.41 for OLD, 6.05 for PAH, 15.66 for CF, and 15.62 for ILD. Compared to PAH patients, OLD, CF, and ILD patients were 78%, 69%, and 62% more likely to undergo transplant throughout the study period, respectively (adjusted SHRs 1.78 p = 0.007, 1.69 p = 0.002, and 1.62 p = 0.001). The median LAS at waitlist removal for transplantation, death, or delisting were 75.1 for OLD, 79.6 for PAH, 91.0 for CF, and 88.3 for ILD (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Among patients bridging to transplant on ECMO, patients with PAH had a lower transplantation rate than patients with OLD, CF, and ILD.

An Investigation of Cognitive Processing of Fear Appeal Messages Promoting HPV Vaccination: Predictors and Outcomes of Magnitude and Valence of Cognitive Responses.

An improvement in HPV vaccination rates is one of the primary goals of public health organizations. Toward this end, fear appeal communication is commonly used in health interventions, warning individuals of threats of HPV infection and promoting vaccination. However, little is known about how threat-related emotions, such as fear and anxiety, influence the cognitive processing of vaccination information and how this processing is associated with vaccination intention. To address this void, this study tests a model drawing upon functional emotion theories and dual-process models of persuasion. Results from an experimental study showed that fear and anxiety, which arose from exposure to threat information, triggered motivation to process HPV protection-related information, which in turn, was positively associated with depth of HPV vaccination information processing. Subsequently, greater depth of processing led to a greater number of positive cognitive responses when participants were presented with information with a high (vs. low), level of response efficacy. Finally, greater positivity of cognitive responses predicted greater intention to obtain HPV vaccination. Collectively, our findings provide a theory-based explanation about how the sequential provision and processing of threat and efficacy information in fear appeals contribute to the promotion of HPV vaccination. Implications for designing fear appeal messages are discussed.

What Awaits on the Other Side: Post-Lung Transplant Morbidity and Mortality After Pre-Transplant Hospitalization.

BACKGROUND Morbidity and mortality rates after lung transplantation remain high compared to other solid organ transplants. In the lung allocation score era, patients given the highest priority on the waitlist are those with the greatest severity of illness, who often require preoperative hospitalization. MATERIAL AND METHODS To determine the association of pre-transplant hospitalization with post-transplant outcomes, we retrospectively evaluated 448 lung transplant recipients at our center between January 2010 and July 2017 (114 hospitalized; 334 outpatient). RESULTS Survival was similar between the groups (hazard ratio 0.93 [95% CI 0.61 to 1.42], p=0.738). However, hospitalized patients had longer hospital and intensive care unit length of stay compared to outpatients - 25 vs. 18 days, (p<0.001) and 9.5 vs. 6 days, (p<0.001), respectively. Hospitalized patients had higher rates of Grade 3 primary graft dysfunction - 29.8% vs. 9.6%, p<0.001 - and remained mechanically ventilated longer - 6 vs. 3 days, p<0.001. A greater percentage of hospitalized patients needed a tracheostomy and a re-operation within 30 days - 39.5% vs. 15.3% (p<0.001) and 22.8% vs. 12.0% (p=0.005) - respectively. After discharge, 28% of hospitalized patients required acute rehabilitation compared with 12% of outpatients (p=0.001). CONCLUSIONS While pre-transplant hospitalization is not associated with mortality, it is associated with significant morbidity after transplant.

Effects of Facebook Comments on Attitude Toward Vaccines: The Roles of Perceived Distributions of Public Opinion and Perceived Vaccine Efficacy.

This study investigated if and how exposure to Facebook comments about vaccines influences one's attitude toward the vaccines. In this investigation, comments were examined in light of their effect on attitude toward vaccines through perceived distribution of public opinion on vaccines, and perceived vaccine efficacy was tested as a factor moderating relative effects of comments on perception of public opinion distributions. Results from an experimental study (N = 271) showed that exposure to a greater number of comments in a thread expressing (un)favorable opinions on the flu vaccine led to (un)favorable attitude toward the flu vaccine through a change in perceived distribution of public opinions on the vaccination. The indirect effect of comments on attitude toward the flu vaccine through perceived public opinion distributions was greater among participants with lower levels of perceived vaccine efficacy, while the direct effect of comments on attitude was not significant.

Effect of Calculated Panel Reactive Antibody Value on Waitlist Outcomes for Lung Transplant Candidates.

BACKGROUND We conducted a retrospective cohort study using United Network of Organ Sharing (UNOS) data to determine the effect of the calculated panel reactive antibody (cPRA) value on waitlist outcomes for lung transplant candidates. MATERIAL AND METHODS We divided lung transplant candidates into groups based on their cPRA value at the time of waitlist activation (0-25%, 25.1-50%, 50.1-75%, and 75.1-100%) and compared each group's waitlist outcomes to the lowest quartile ("minimally sensitized") group. The primary outcome was lung transplantation and the secondary outcome was waitlist mortality (a composite of death on the waitlist/delisting for clinical deterioration). RESULTS Compared to the minimally sensitized group, candidates with a cPRA value of 25.1-50% did not have a significantly different likelihood of undergoing lung transplant or waitlist mortality, candidates with a cPRA value of 50.1-75% were 25% less likely to undergo lung transplant and 44% more likely to die on the waitlist, and candidates with a cPRA value of 75.1-100% were 52% less likely to undergo lung transplant and 92% more likely to die on the waitlist. CONCLUSIONS CPRA values of greater than 50% are associated with significantly lower rates of transplantation and higher waitlist mortality.

Daucosterol suppresses dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in mice.

The effects of daucosterol have been identified in cancer therapy and neuronal diseases. However, the regulatory function of daucosterol in DSS-induced colitis has not yet been investigated. In this study, we evaluated the immunological and therapeutic effects of daucosterol in a mouse model of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis. Unlike vehicle mice, mice pre- or post-treated with daucosterol showed inhibition of body weight loss and the decrease in the disease activity index (DAI). In addition, daucosterol treatment rescued the DSS-induced decrease in colon length and disruption of the epithelial lining. Furthermore, it reduced DSS-induced production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), infiltration of macrophages, and expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1ß. Mice with colitis showed a decreased population of Foxp3+ cells, which was upregulated by daucosterol treatment. Furthermore, daucosterol increased natural killer (NK) cell activity and inhibited excessive IgA levels in mice with DSS-induced colitis. Collectively, our findings demonstrated that daucosterol significantly alleviated DSS-induced colitis, indicating the possibility of daucosterol as a therapeutic option for colitis.

Geographic disparities in donor lung supply and lung transplant waitlist outcomes: A cohort study.

Despite the Final Rule mandate for equitable organ allocation in the United States, geographic disparities exist in donor lung allocation, with the majority of donor lungs being allocated locally to lower-priority candidates. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 19 622 lung transplant candidates waitlisted between 2006 and 2015. We used multivariable adjusted competing risk survival models to examine the relationship between local lung availability and waitlist outcomes. The primary outcome was a composite of death and removal from the waitlist for clinical deterioration. Waitlist candidates in the lowest quartile of local lung availability had an 84% increased risk of death or removal compared with candidates in the highest (subdistribution hazard ratio [SHR]: 1.84, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.51-2.24, P < .001). The transplantation rate was 57% lower in the lowest quartile compared with the highest (SHR: 0.43, 95% CI: 0.39-0.47). The adjusted death or removal rate decreased by 11% with a 50% increase in local lung availability (SHR: 0.89, 95% CI: 0.85-0.93, P < .001) and the adjusted transplantation rate increased by 19% (SHR: 1.19, 95% CI: 1.17-1.22, P < .001). There are geographically disparate waitlist outcomes in the current lung allocation system. Candidates listed in areas of low local lung availability have worse waitlist outcomes.

Cardiopulmonary exercise factors predict survival in patients with advanced interstitial lung disease referred for lung transplantation.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this work was to determine if parameters assessed during Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing (CPET) while using supplemental oxygen can independently predict one-year transplant-free survival in patients with Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) referred for lung transplant evaluation. METHODS: We performed a chart review of patients with ILD who completed CPET with 30% FiO2 and gathered spirometry, pulmonary hemodynamic, six-minute walk, and CPET data. The primary end-point was death or lung transplantation within one-year of CPET. RESULTS: The final data set included 192 patients. 79 patients died/underwent transplant, 113 survived transplant-free. Multivariable Cox regression revealed peak workload % predicted, nadir CPET SpO2, and FVC% predicted as independent predictors of one-year transplant-free survival. Of the independent predictors of survival, receiver operating characteristics analysis revealed peak workload %predicted cutoff of 35% to be highly discriminatory, more so than nadir CPET SpO2 or FVC % predicted in identifying patients at risk for one-year mortality or transplant (peak workload % predicted < 35% HR = 4.71, 95% CI = 2.64-8.38 and area under the curve (AUC) = 0.740, nadir CPET SpO2 < 86% HR = 2.27, 95%CI = 1.41-3.68, AUC = 0.645, FVC %predicted <45% HR = 1.82, 95% CI = 1.15-2.87, AUC = 0.624). CONCLUSION: Peak workload % predicted, nadir CPET SpO2, and FVC% predicted in ILD patients referred for lung transplant evaluation are independently predictive of one-year mortality or need for transplant.

Anesthetic experience using extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for cesarean section in the patient with peripartum cardiomyopathy: a case report.

Peripartum cardiomyopathy is a rare form of cardiomyopathy that is associated with significant mortality. It can cause a cardiac arrest during cesarean section even though the patient does not have any previous symptom and sign. The most important thing of anesthesia in this patient is an optimization of hemodynamic and respiratory status. We report the successful general anesthesia using of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for cesarean section in a 34-year-old woman with fulminant peripartum cardiomyopathy.

Effect of behavioral intervention using smartphone application for preoperative anxiety in pediatric patients.

BACKGROUND: Children and parents experience significant anxiety and distress during the preoperative period. This is important because preoperative anxiety in children is associated with adverse postoperative outcome. So we suggest behaviorally oriented preoperative anxiety intervention program based on the anesthesia and psychology with smartphone application, world-widely used. METHODS: A total 120 patients (aged 1-10 years old) who were scheduled for elective surgery under general anesthesia was included in this randomized controlled trial. We randomized the patients into three groups, with using intravenous (IV) midazolam sedation (M group), with using smartphone application program (S group), and with using low dose IV midazolam plus smartphone application program (SM group). And the child anxiety was assessed using the modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale (mYPAS) at holding area, 5 min after intervention, entrance to operating room. RESULTS: In all three groups, mYPAS after intervention were lower than the preoperative holding area (M group 52.8 ± 11.8 vs 41.0 ± 7.0, S group 59.2 ± 17.6 vs 36.4 ± 7.3, SM group 58.3 ± 17.5 vs 26.0 ± 3.4). A comparison of mYPAS scores between each group showed that the S group reduced anxiety lower than M group (P < 0.01), and the SM group exhibited significantly lower anxiety than the two other groups (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The preoperative preparation program using smartphone application is simple and customized by individual development that effective in the reduction of preoperative anxiety.

A methylene chloride fraction of Saururus chinensis induces apoptosis through the activation of caspase-3 in prostate and breast cancer cells.

The aerial parts of Saururus chinensis (SC) have been used for the treatment of edema, fever, jaundice, and inflammatory diseases in Korean folk medicine for centuries. However, the mechanism by which SC exerts these anti-tumorigenic activities in human prostate and breast cancer cells has not yet been fully understood. In this study, we report on the methylene chloride fraction from SC exerting cytotoxicity against prostate and breast cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner. Specifically, SC exerted the most potent cytotoxicity in LNCaP and MCF-7 cells. SC was shown to down-regulate various angiogenetic (VEGF), proliferative (Cyclin D1, anti-apoptotic (Bcl-2) gene products in these cells. SC also increased the number of annexin V-positive apoptotic bodies and the sub-G1 DNA contents of the cell cycle undergoing apoptosis through caspase-3 activation in both LNCaP and MCF-7 cells. We further confirmed that caspase-3 plays an important role in SC-induced apoptosis in LNCaP and MCF-7 cells through the use of the caspase-3 inhibitor. Moreover, we observed that SC potentiated paclitaxel-induced apoptosis in MCF-7 cells and sauchinone is a major active constituent of SC, which could induce apoptosis in the cells. Taken together, our data provide the evidence that SC induces apoptosis depending on caspase-3 activation and overcomes the natural biological resistance to chemotherapy found in human prostate and breast cancer cells.

Solid-phase staudinger ligation from a novel core-shell-type resin: a tool for facile condensation of small peptide fragments.

[reaction: see text] Solid-phase Staudinger ligation of small peptides was performed on a novel core-shell-type resin. Solid-phase Staudinger ligation was mediated by synthetic solid-supported phosphinothiol, which was readily prepared by a straightforward synthetic route. This protocol afforded final peptide products in excellent yields and purities and thus could provide the opportunity to facilitate a simple manipulation for condensation of peptide fragments. In particular, the resulting resin could be recycled in a successful manner.