Quantification and Diversity of Cultivated Bacteria in Root Endosphere and Rhizosphere of Bamboo Species Fargesia nitida in Association with the Tree Succession

Fargesia nitida is a cold-resistant evergreen bamboo and is a pioneer plant in the secondary succession after the native trees were destroyed in the eastern Tibetan Plateau. However, little is known about the effects of this plant on soil conditions and about its microbiomes. Aiming at learning the interactions among the soil characteristics, the plants and the microbes in relation to the plant succession, a study on cultivated microbes associated with the rhizocompartments of F. nitida was performed in the present study to reveal the preference of this plant to the root associated microbes, in comparison with that associated with the successive spruce (Picea asperata Mast.) trees. The results demonstrated that growth of F. nitida could improve the soil nutrient contents, especially increasing total nitrogen, NH4+-N, total carbon, and microbial biomass carbon, and maintained more soil bacteria than the successive spruce trees. Based upon the study of F. nitida root-associated cultivated microbial community, the nutrient improvement in F. nitida growing soils might be from the root endophytic bacteria, which presented greater abundance (3.8, 1.7, and 12.6 folds) than that of bacteria in its rhizosphere, root zone soil, and spruce root zone soil, respectively. Pseudomonas members, especially species related to P. baetica and P. vancouverensis, were strongly selected by F. nitida as root endophytes.

Coleoborers in Bambusa sp. in the Southern Amazon / Coleobrocas em Bambusa sp. na Amazonia Meridional

Bamboo (Bambusa sp.) is a grass species with high potential for exploitation, however, this raw material is easily attacked by xylophagous agents such as Coleoptera. The objective of this study is thus to analyse the presence of wood-boring beetles associated with Bambusa sp. in Alta Floresta, Mato Grosso, Brazil. The study was carried out in a bamboo plantation, from August 2016 to July 2017. Two models of ethanolic traps were used, PET Santa Maria and ESALQ-84. Three families of wood-boring beetles were observed in this study: Bostrichidae, Cerambycidae and Curculionidae. 2,144 individuals were identified, belonging to 19 species, in four subfamilies and 11 tribes, and the species Xyleborus affinis was the most frequently collected. Thus, this study constitutes an important contribution to the knowledge of coleoborers associated with bamboo plantations, with the registration of the occurrence of species, as well as contributing to the knowledge of the entomofauna associated with species cultivated in the Southern Amazon.

O bambu (Bambusa sp.) é uma espécie de gramínea com alto potencial de exploração de fibras, no entanto, essa matéria-prima é facilmente atacada por agentes xilófagos, como os coleópteros. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a presença de besouros associados a Bambusa sp. em Alta Floresta, Mato Grosso, Brasil. O estudo foi realizado em um plantio de bambu, no período de agosto de 2016 a julho de 2017. Foram utilizados dois modelos de armadilhas etanólicas, o PET Santa Maria e ESALQ-84. Três famílias de coleobrocas foram observadas neste estudo: Bostrichidae, Cerambycidae e Curculionidae. Foram identificados 2,144 indivíduos, pertencentes a 19 espécies, em quatro subfamílias e 11 tribos, e Xyleborus affinis foi a espécie com maior número de indivíduos coletados. Assim, este estudo constitui-se em uma importante contribuição para o conhecimento de coleobrocas associadas a plantios de bamboo, com o registro de ocorrência de espécies, bem como contribui para o conhecimento da entomofauna associada a espécies cultivadas na Amazônia Meridional.

Coleoborers in Bambusa sp. in the Southern Amazon

Abstract Bamboo (Bambusa sp.) is a grass species with high potential for exploitation, however, this raw material is easily attacked by xylophagous agents such as Coleoptera. The objective of this study is thus to analyse the presence of wood-boring beetles associated with Bambusa sp. in Alta Floresta, Mato Grosso, Brazil. The study was carried out in a bamboo plantation, from August 2016 to July 2017. Two models of ethanolic traps were used, PET Santa Maria and ESALQ-84. Three families of wood-boring beetles were observed in this study: Bostrichidae, Cerambycidae and Curculionidae. 2,144 individuals were identified, belonging to 19 species, in four subfamilies and 11 tribes, and the species Xyleborus affinis was the most frequently collected. Thus, this study constitutes an important contribution to the knowledge of coleoborers associated with bamboo plantations, with the registration of the occurrence of species, as well as contributing to the knowledge of the entomofauna associated with species cultivated in the Southern Amazon.

Resumo O bambu (Bambusa sp.) é uma espécie de gramínea com alto potencial de exploração de fibras, no entanto, essa matéria-prima é facilmente atacada por agentes xilófagos, como os coleópteros. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a presença de besouros associados a Bambusa sp. em Alta Floresta, Mato Grosso, Brasil. O estudo foi realizado em um plantio de bambu, no período de agosto de 2016 a julho de 2017. Foram utilizados dois modelos de armadilhas etanólicas, o PET Santa Maria e ESALQ-84. Três famílias de coleobrocas foram observadas neste estudo: Bostrichidae, Cerambycidae e Curculionidae. Foram identificados 2,144 indivíduos, pertencentes a 19 espécies, em quatro subfamílias e 11 tribos, e Xyleborus affinis foi a espécie com maior número de indivíduos coletados. Assim, este estudo constitui-se em uma importante contribuição para o conhecimento de coleobrocas associadas a plantios de bamboo, com o registro de ocorrência de espécies, bem como contribui para o conhecimento da entomofauna associada a espécies cultivadas na Amazônia Meridional.

Coleoborers in Bambusa sp. in the Southern Amazon / Coleobrocas em Bambusa sp. na Amazonia Meridional

Abstract Bamboo (Bambusa sp.) is a grass species with high potential for exploitation, however, this raw material is easily attacked by xylophagous agents such as Coleoptera. The objective of this study is thus to analyse the presence of wood-boring beetles associated with Bambusa sp. in Alta Floresta, Mato Grosso, Brazil. The study was carried out in a bamboo plantation, from August 2016 to July 2017. Two models of ethanolic traps were used, PET Santa Maria and ESALQ-84. Three families of wood-boring beetles were observed in this study: Bostrichidae, Cerambycidae and Curculionidae. 2,144 individuals were identified, belonging to 19 species, in four subfamilies and 11 tribes, and the species Xyleborus affinis was the most frequently collected. Thus, this study constitutes an important contribution to the knowledge of coleoborers associated with bamboo plantations, with the registration of the occurrence of species, as well as contributing to the knowledge of the entomofauna associated with species cultivated in the Southern Amazon.

Resumo O bambu (Bambusa sp.) é uma espécie de gramínea com alto potencial de exploração de fibras, no entanto, essa matéria-prima é facilmente atacada por agentes xilófagos, como os coleópteros. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a presença de besouros associados a Bambusa sp. em Alta Floresta, Mato Grosso, Brasil. O estudo foi realizado em um plantio de bambu, no período de agosto de 2016 a julho de 2017. Foram utilizados dois modelos de armadilhas etanólicas, o PET Santa Maria e ESALQ-84. Três famílias de coleobrocas foram observadas neste estudo: Bostrichidae, Cerambycidae e Curculionidae. Foram identificados 2,144 indivíduos, pertencentes a 19 espécies, em quatro subfamílias e 11 tribos, e Xyleborus affinis foi a espécie com maior número de indivíduos coletados. Assim, este estudo constitui-se em uma importante contribuição para o conhecimento de coleobrocas associadas a plantios de bamboo, com o registro de ocorrência de espécies, bem como contribui para o conhecimento da entomofauna associada a espécies cultivadas na Amazônia Meridional.

Bamboo-based medicinal moxibustion for chronic fatigue syndrome: a randomized controlled trial / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the clinical efficacy of bamboo-based medicinal moxibustion for chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), and to preliminarily explore its action mechanism.@*METHODS@#Sixty-four patients with CFS were randomly divided into a moxibustion group (32 cases, 1 case dropped off, 1 case excluded) and an acupuncture group (32 cases, 2 cases dropped off). The patients in the moxibustion group were treated with bamboo-based medicinal moxibustion, while the patients in the acupuncture group were treated with routine acupuncture. Both groups were treated once a day, 6 days as a course of treatment with 1 day interval, for a total of 2 courses of treatment. Before treatment, 1 and 2 courses into treatment and in the follow-up of 14 days after treatment, the fatigue scale-14 (FS-14) and somatic and psychological health report (SPHERE) scores were observed in the two groups. Before and after treatment, the contents of CD+3, CD+4, CD+8 of peripheral blood T lymphocyte subsets were measured and CD+4/CD+8 ratio was calculated; the clinical efficacy of the two groups was compared.@*RESULTS@#Compared before treatment, the FS-14 and SPHERE scores in the two groups were decreased 1 and 2 courses into treatment and in the follow-up (P<0.01), and the FS-14 and SPHERE scores in the moxibustion group were lower than those in the acupuncture group (P<0.01, P<0.05). Compared before treatment, the contents of CD+3, CD+4 and CD+4/CD+8 ratio in the moxibustion group were increased after treatment (P<0.01). There was no significant difference of CD+3, CD+4, CD+8 and CD+4/CD+8 ratio between before and after treatment in the acupuncture group (P>0.05). After treatment, the contents of CD+3 and CD+4 in the moxibustion group were higher than those in the acupuncture group (P<0.05). The total effective rate was 93.3% (28/30) in the moxibustion group, which was higher than 73.3% (22/30) in the acupuncture group (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Bamboo-based medicinal moxibustion could improve the physical and mental fatigue symptoms and psychological status in patients with CFS. Its effect may be related to regulating the contents of CD+3, CD+4 of peripheral blood T lymphocyte subsets and CD+4/CD+8 ratio.

Factors Associated with Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders Risk among Bamboo Craftsman in Mojorejo Village, Ponorogo Indonesia

@#Introduction: Work-related Musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) becomes the one of most-occupational problem and highly related to the individual and work factors. Eighty percent (80%) workers in the woven bamboo industry in Mojorejo Village dominated by middle aged workers (>40 years) that most of their producing activities are manually handled, without using machine or modern technology. Incompatibility work station, long working hours and repeated movement aggravated the WMSDs risk. This study aims to describe the WMSDs risk and determine its factors based on individual characteristics. Methods: There are 58 workers as respondents in this cross-sectional study. Data were collected and analyzed using quantitative method. Posture Exposure (PE) were measured using the QEC instrument. While the WMSDs risk were measured using PLIBEL. Individual factors (PE, Age, Working Period) related to WMSDs were analyzed using Multinomial Logistic Regression (95% CI). The Chi-square test were also used to compare PE rates among WMSDs risk levels. Results: Most respondents (48.3%) with 51-70% PE rate have a high level of WMSDs risk. While 27 % respondents with PE rate >70% have a very high level. The neck is the region most exposed to the WMSDs (score 15.5/very high level risk). PE rate is the only factor that significantly related to WMSDs risk (sig. = 0.043; Rsquare = 0.529; r =0.703). While the age and working period has no significant correlation (Sig = 0.859 and 0.851 respectively). Conclusion: Based on the result, immediate improvement required to be implemented. It is suggested to redesigned work stations adjusted to the workers posture and position.

Discussion on moxibustion practice of the Han medical bamboo slips unearthed in Wuwei and Juyan regions of Gansu province / 中国针灸

Through collecting the relevant moxibustion records of Han medical bamboo slips unearthed in Wuwei and Juyan regions of Gansu province, the situation and characteristics of clinical practice of moxibustion were summarized. In Wuwei Han medical bamboo slips, the contraindications of moxibustion were recorded, with age and time involved. Juyan Han medical bamboo slips mainly recorded the methods of moxibustion at the acupoints located on the back of the body, with clear emphasis and requirement of acupoint selection, single acupoint moxibustion and moxibustion quantity (the numbers of moxa cone) included. These records on bamboo slips initially display the practice and development of moxibustion in Gansu and other northwestern regions of China in the Han Dynasty, providing a certain instruction for the literature research of moxibustion of the excavated Han medical bamboo slips.

Composição química e atividades biológicas de extratos e frações de Guadua chacoensis (Rojas) Londoño & P.M. Peterson / Chemical composition and biological activities of extracts and fractions of Guadua chacoensis (Rojas) Londoño & P.M. Peterson

O Brasil é o país que possui a maior diversidade de bambus em todo o continente americano, com mais de 200 espécies catalogadas. Devido à alta resistência e durabilidade, essas espécies são muito utilizadas na construção civil e confecção de móveis e utensílios. No entanto, faltam estudos que investiguem a composição química e as atividades biológicas. Neste projeto foram avaliados extratos etanólicos de folhas e colmos de Guadua chacoensis (Rojas) Londoño & P.M. Peterson e frações em hexano, clorofórmio, acetato de etila e n-butanol. Também se obteve o óleo volátil, mas com um rendimento extremamente baixo (0,00079%). As frações dos extratos apresentaram teores de compostos fenólicos variando entre 1,92 e 15,80 µg EAG/mg. Esses compostos mostraram-se mais abundantes nas amostras de colmos. Em relação ao teor de flavonoides, as folhas apresentaram maior quantidade, variando entre 0,39 e 1,18 µg EQ/mg contra 0,17 a 0,34 µg EQ/mg nos colmos. Investigou-se a atividade antimicrobiana dos extratos, frações e óleo volátil frente cinco microrganismos: Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans e Aspergillus brasiliensis. As amostras demonstraram potencial inibitório moderado a bom contra S. aureus e C. albicans, porém fraca para as demais espécies. Testou-se a capacidade antioxidante frente o radical DPPH e os resultados indicaram atividade antioxidante significativa, especialmente as frações acetato e butanol de colmos. As folhas apresentaram EC50 variando entre 67,5 e 124,0 µg/mL e os colmos entre 40,2 e 124 µg/mL. A inibição da enzima tirosinase, que está associada à produção de melanina, também se mostrou boa a uma concentração de 1 mg/mL, com o extrato bruto de colmos apresentando 43% de inibição, seguido pelas frações acetato (36%) e n-butanol (38%) de folhas. As análises por CG-MS detectaram pelo menos 44 compostos diferentes no óleo volátil, com vários terpenos e sesquiterpenos, e com ß-ionona sendo o componente majoritário (8,75%). As amostras de colmos e folhas apontaram grande diversidade de compostos, cerca de 20 para cada fração, onde os ácidos graxos como ácido palmítico e linoleico e seus ésteres derivados foram os mais abundantes. A análise dos perfis cromatográficos por CCD e CLAE revelaram a presença de ácido p-cumárico nos colmos de G. chacoensis. Esse composto tem relevante atividade antioxidante e de inibição da tirosinase. Também foi possível identificar a quercetagetina-7-O-glicosídeo, uma flavona glicosilada, com propriedades anti-inflamatorias e antidiabéticas. Desta forma, constatou-se que G. chacoensis apresenta grande diversidade de metabólitos secundários com atividades biológicas relevantes, como atividade antioxidante e clareadora, abrindo caminho para investigações mais profundas de suas aplicações, especialmente no segmento de cosméticos e produtos naturais

Brazil is the country with the greatest diversity of bamboo in the entire American continent, with more than 200 species catalogued. Due to their high resistance and durability, they are widely used in home construction and manufacture of furniture and utensils. However, studies investigating chemical composition and biological activities are absent. In this project, ethanol extracts from leaves and stems of Guadua chacoensis (Rojas) Londoño & P.M. Peterson and fractions in hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and n-butanol were evaluated. Volatile oil was also obtained, but with an extremely low yield (0.00079%). The fractions of the extracts presented contents of phenolic compounds varying between 1.92 and 15.80 µg GAE/mg. These compounds were more abundant in culm samples. In relation to the flavonoid content, leaves showed a greater amount, varying between 0.39 and 1.18 µg QE/mg against 0.17 to 0.34 µg QE/mg in culms. The antimicrobial activity of extracts, fractions and volatile oil were investigated against five microorganisms: Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans and Aspergillus brasiliensis. The samples showed moderate to good inhibitory potential against S. aureus and C. albicans, but weak for the other species. The antioxidant capacity was tested against the DPPH radical and the results indicated significant antioxidant activity, especially acetate and butanol culm fractions. The leaves presented EC50 varying between 67.5 and 124.0 µg/mL and culms between 40.2 and 124 µg/mL. The inhibition of the enzyme tyrosinase, which is associated with the production of melanin, was also shown to be good at a concentration of 1 mg/mL, with the raw culm extract showing 43% inhibition, followed by acetate (36%) and n-butanol (38%) fractions of leaves. CG-MS analysis detected at least 44 different compounds in volatile oil, with several terpenes and sesquiterpenes, and with ß-ionone being the major component (8.75%). Culm and leaf samples showed great diversity of compounds, about 20 for each fraction, where fatty acids such as palmitic and linoleic acid and their derivative esters were the most abundant. The analysis of the chromatographic profiles by TLC and HPLC revealed the presence of p-coumaric acid in culms of G. chacoensis. This compound has relevant antioxidant and tyrosinase inhibiting activity. It was also possible to identify quercetagetine-7-O-glucoside, a glycosylated flavone, with anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic properties. Thus, it was found that G. chacoensis presents a great diversity of secondary metabolites with relevant biological activities, such as antioxidant and whitening activity, opening ways for deeper investigations of its applications, especially in the segment of cosmetics and natural products

Metagenomics approach to identify lignocellulose-degrading enzymes in the gut microbiota of the Chinese bamboo rat cecum

BACKGROUND: Lignocellulose is considered a renewable organic material, but the industrial production of biofuel from lignocellulose is challenging because of the lack of highly active hydrolytic enzymes. The guts of herbivores contain many symbiotic microorganisms that have evolved to hydrolyze plant lignocellulose. Chinese bamboo rats mainly consume high-fiber foods, indicating that some members of the intestinal tract microbiota digest lignocellulose, providing these rats with the energy required for growth. RESULTS: Here, we used metagenomics to analyze the diversity and functions of the gut microbiota in Chinese bamboo rats. We identified abundant populations of lignocellulose-degrading bacteria, whose main functions involved carbohydrate, amino acid, and nucleic acid metabolism. We also found 587 carbohydrate-active enzyme genes belonging to different families, including 7 carbohydrate esterase families and 21 glycoside hydrolase families. The glycoside hydrolase 3, glycoside hydrolase 1, glycoside hydrolase 43, carbohydrate esterase 4, carbohydrate esterase 1, and carbohydrate esterase 3 families demonstrated outstanding performance. CONCLUSIONS: The microbes and enzymes identified in our study expand the existing arsenal of proficient degraders and enzymes for lignocellulosic biofuel production. This study also describes a powerful approach for targeting gut microbes and enzymes in numerous industries.

A case of atypical late-onset Netherton syndrome without bamboo hair / 中华皮肤科杂志

A 24-year-old female patient presented with recurrent itchy annular erythema and scales on the trunk and extremities for 9 years. Histopathological study revealed hyperkeratosis with focal parakeratosis, neutrophil aggregation in the stratum corneum, blisters below the stratum corneum, and perivascular infiltration with lymphocytes, a small number of eosinophils and neutrophils in the superficial and middle dermis. Direct immunofluorescence assay showed negative staining for IgG, IgM, IgA and C3. Whole-exome sequencing of the SPINK5 gene showed a missense mutation c.2423C>T (p.T808I) in exon 25, and a splicing site mutation c.2965-1G>A in exon 31. The compound heterozygosity for the two mutations may be the cause of Netherton syndrome in the patient. Based on the clinical manifestations and genetic testing results, the patient was diagnosed with Netherton syndrome.

Tracing the origin of wrist-ankle acupuncture based on / 中国针灸

The origin and basis of wrist-ankle acupuncture were discussed based on the theory of

Discussion on the body conception of the medical scholars at the early eras based on the description of meridians in bamboo slip and silk medical books / 中国针灸

In the paper, the basic situation and description of meridians are introduced on

Preparation And Characterization Of Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Produced From Α-Cellulose Betung Bamboo (DENDROCALAMUS Asper) And It’s Evaluation On Gel Formulation

Objective: This study aim to obtain the optimum condition of preparation of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) produced from α-cellulose betung bamboo, physicochemical properties of HPMC powder and its characteristics in a gel formulation. Methods: HPMC of betung bamboo (HPMC BB) were optimized by central composite design (CCD) using three variables (sodium hydroxide concentration, dimethyl sulfate concentration, and temperature) and five levels (0,±1, and±α). The suggested optimum condition was subjected to further characterization. HPMC BB was characterized using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometry, particle size analyzer (PSA), x-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and compared to HPMC 60SH as the reference. Then, HPMC BB was used as a gelling agent in a gel formulation and the gel was evaluated, including appearance and homogeneity, pH, viscosity, and spreadability. Results: Optimum condition of preparation of HPMC BB was using sodium hydroxide 27.68% (w/v) and 1.26 ml dimethyl sulfate (based on 1 g α-cellulose) at 58.11 °C which resulted in molar substitution 0.21 and degree of substitution 2.09. The results showed that HPMC BB was a fine powder with yellowish-white color, odorless and tasteless, pH 7.02, residue on ignition 1.39%, methoxy groups content 28.56%, hydroxypropoxy groups content 7.09%, mean particle size 98.595 μm, loss on drying 3.62%, and moisture content 7.47%. Flow properties of HPMC BB classified in the fair category. The infrared spectrum and diffraction patterns were relatively similar to HPMC 60SH. The gel has a good homogeneity and spreadability and viscosity 142.5 mPa⋅s. pH 6.37. Conclusion: Based on the comparison to reference, HPMC BB showed relatively similar physicochemical and powder properties. However, HPMC BB is not recommended as a gelling agent in gel formulation because it has a low viscosity.

An unusual case of orbitocranial wooden foreign body with amazing outcome: A case report

Penetrating orbitocranial injuries can present with foreign body/bodies (FBs) lodged in eye, orbit, and/or brain. But limited literatures are available about FBs lodged partly in orbit and partly intracranially. Here, we present a rare case of orbitocranial wooden FB impacted in right palpebral aperture extending intracranially following accidental fall from height. Unexpectedly, the patient himself removed the FB in fully conscious and oriented state while waiting for neurosurgical intervention, later completely recovered under observation and antibiotic prophylaxis. Therefore, it is important to have high suspicion of intracranial extension in impacted orbital FBs and a team approach for managing such cases.

Envenomation by Trimeresurus stejnegeri stejnegeri: clinical manifestations, treatment and associated factors for wound necrosis

Trimeresurus stejnegeri stejnegeri bite induces tissue swelling, pain, thrombocytopenia, rhabdomyolysis, and acute renal failure. However, the incidence of coagulopathy, factors associated with wound necrosis, and the appropriate management of this condition have not been well characterized yet. Materials: This study included patients bitten by T. s. stejnegeri that were admitted to the study hospitals from 2001 to 2016. Patient characteristics, laboratory data, and management approaches were compared in victims with and without wound necrosis. Results: A total of 185 patients were evaluated: three patients (1.6%) were asymptomatic; whereas tissue swelling and pain, local ecchymosis, wound necrosis, coagulopathy, thrombocytopenia, rhabdomyolysis, and renal impairment were present in 182, 53, 13, 15, 10, 1, and 3 patients, respectively. One patient died from coagulopathy and hemorrhagic shock. Antivenom was administered to all envenomed patients at a median time of 1.8 h after the bite. The median total dose of antivenom was five vials. Chi-square analysis showed that bitten fingers, using cold packs during first aid, presence of bullae or blisters, lymphangitis or lymphadenitis, local numbness and suspected infection to be significantly associated with wound necrosis. After adjustment using a multivariate logistic regression model, only cold packs as first aid, bulla or blister formation, and wound infection remained significant. Conclusions: The main effects of T. s. stejnegeri envenomation are tissue swelling, pain, and local ecchymosis. We do not recommend the use of cold packs during first aid to reduce wound pain, as this may be a risk factor for wound necrosis. In addition, patients with bulla or blister formation should be carefully examined for subsequent wound necrosis. Antiplatelet use may worsen systemic bleeding. No severe rhabdomyolysis or renal failure was observed in this large case series, we therefore considered that they were not prominent effects of T. s. stejnegeri bite.(AU)

Bamboo node as an unusual cause of Dysphonia in a Filipino patient with mixed Connective Tissue Disease

Introduction@#Bamboo node is a rare vocal cord pathology causing dysphonia among patients with autoimmune disorders. These “bamboo-joint-like” transverse deposits on the vocal cords interfere with the vibratory cycle during phonation leading to voice hoarseness. A review of Schwemmle from 1993-2009, showed seven cases of bamboo node among patients with mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD). With the patient’s consent, this case is presented to contribute to current knowledge about MCTD.@*Case Presentation@#A 36-year-old Filipino female developed voice hoarseness one year after she was diagnosed with MCTD. Videostroboscopic findings revealed bilateral bamboo nodes, vibratory defects, and amplitude abnormalities. Treatment with prednisone, methotrexate, hydroxychloroquine, along with voice rest and speech therapy resulted in normalization of amplitude, mucosal wave and vibratory behavior during repeat videostroboscopy.@*Conclusion@#To date, this is the first known case of bamboo nodes associated with MCTD in a Filipino patient. This case highlights the importance of properly investigating the symptom of hoarseness among patients with rheumatologic diseases. A multidisciplinary approach involving the rheumatologist, otorhinolaryngologist, and speech therapist play an important role in the complete care of this patient.

N-Butanol-Soluble Chemical Constituents from Bamboo Juice / 中国药学杂志

OBJECTIVE: To study the chemical constituents of bamboo juice. METHODS: The compounds were isolated and purified by column chromatography on silica gel, ODS, macroporous resin, MPLC and HPLC. Their structures were elucidated by NMR spectroscopic evidence and compared with those in literature. RESULTS: Fifteen compounds were isolated and identified as (+)-lyoniresinol-3α-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (1), 5, 5'-dimethoxylariciresinol-4'-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (2), syringaresinol 4'-O-β-D-glucopyroside (3), (-)-4-epi-lyoniresinol (4), (-)-lyoniresinol -2α-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (5), (+)-lyoniresinol (6), 8, 8'-bisdihydrosiringenin glucoside (7), 2, 4, 6-trimethoxyphenyl-1-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (8), threo-8S-7-meth-oxysyringylglycerol (9), salidroside (10), (7S, 8R)syringoylglycerol (11), syringaldehyde (12), 2, 6-dimethoxy-1, 4-benzoquinone (13), n-butyl-β-D-fructopyranoside (14), and n-butyl pyroglutamate (15).CONCLUSION: Compounds 1-11 and 14-15 are isolated from bamboo juice for the first time. Compounds 14 and 15 are β-D-fructopyranoside and pyroglutamic acid artifacts produced during the extraction.

Adsorção do azul de metileno em serragem de Pinus elliottii (pinus) e Drepanostachyum falcatum (bambu) / Methylene blue adsorption in Pinus elliottii (pine) and Drepanostachyum falcatum (bamboo) sawdust

RESUMO A cinética, o equilíbrio e os parâmetros termodinâmicos de adsorção foram investigados para a adsorção do corante azul de metileno (AM) por meio dos biossorventes Pinus elliottii (pinus) e Drepanostachyum falcatum (bambu). A cinética de adsorção foi descrita mais precisamente pelo modelo de pseudossegunda ordem, os dados de equilíbrio monocomponente foram mais bem representados pela isoterma de Langmuir, para as três temperaturas estudadas (15, 25 e 35°C), e os parâmetros termodinâmicos demonstraram que o processo de adsorção é exotérmico, de natureza química e não espontâneo. A máxima capacidade adsortiva do pinus foi de 47 mg L-1 e a do bambu, de 38 mg L-1 para os ensaios de adsorção realizados com AM (100 mg L-1 a 35°C). Por fim, os biossorventes foram considerados promissores para a remoção do adsorvato AM em matriz aquosa sob valor de pH próximo à neutralidade (6,5).

ABSTRACT Kinetics, equilibrium and thermodynamic adsorption parameters were investigated for the adsorption of the methylene blue dye (MB) by means of the biosorbents Pinus elliottii (pinus) and Drepanostachyum falcatum (bamboo). The adsorption kinetics were described more precisely by the pseudo-second order model; the monocomponent equilibrium's data were better represented by the Langmuir isotherm for the three temperatures studied (15, 25 and 35°C) and the thermodynamic parameters showed the adsorption process is exothermic, of a chemical nature and not spontaneous. The maximum adsorptive capacity of pinus was 47 mg L-1 and 38 mg L-1 bamboo for adsorption tests performed with MB (100 mg L-1 at 35°C). Finally, the biosorbents were considered promising for the adsorbate MB removal in aqueous matrix under pH value close to neutrality (6.5).

Evolution of acupoint nomenclature: on the basis of the analysis of medical bamboo slips / 中国针灸

Many theories of acupuncture and moxibustion and treatment experience are described in the medical bamboo slips. In this paper, based on the records of () of medical bamboo slips, focusing on the questions on the nomenclature of acupoints and meridians, by the comparison of the descriptions in ( ') with other unearthed medical literature, the evolution on the nomenclature was sorted out and the rules and significance of such evolution were explored. In comparison between the evolution of the acupoint names on the head and face and that on the four limbs, the changing modes were presented and analyzed. Finally, the nomenclature of meridians and that of acupoints were compared to infer the potential factors of their own features. This preliminary exploration reflects the important significance of the comparative study of medical bamboo slips in the literature interpretation, concept understanding and theory evolution rules of meridians and acupoints.

Effects of Bamboo Salt with Sodium Fluoride on the Prevention of Dental Caries / 치위생과학회지

BACKGROUND: Dental caries is one of several prevalent oral diseases caused by dental plaque biofilms. This study evaluated the anti-cariogenic effects of a bamboo salt (BS) and sodium fluoride (NaF) mixture on oral bacteria.METHODS: The effects of several mixtures of NaF and BS on acid production, growth, and adhesion to glass beads of Streptococcus mutans, and their anti-cariogenic properties were investigated. The growth of S. mutans was measured according to optical density at 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, and 24 hours after treatment using spectrophotometry at a wavelength of 600 nm, while pH was measured using a pH meter. Adhesion of S. mutans was measured according to the weight of glass beads from each group before and after incubation. Gene expression was measured using real-time polymerase chain reaction. Acid production and growth patterns of S. mutans were compared using repeated measures analysis of variance, followed by Scheffe's post-hoc test. The Kruskal–Wallis test was used to compare adhesion, followed by the Mann–Whitney test. Gene expression in the experimental and control samples was compared using the Student's t-test.RESULTS: Growth, acid production, and adhesion of S. mutans were inhibited in all experimental groups. Expression of gft and fructosyltransferase in S. mutans was inhibited in all groups. A mixture of NaF and BS significantly reduced growth, acid production, adhesion, and gene expression of S. mutans compared with the other groups.CONCLUSION: Results of the present study demonstrated that a mixture of NaF and BS was useful as a mouth rinse in preventing dental caries.