Effect of Quercus Salicina Extract Capsules on preventing adherent stones on ureteral stent tube after percutaneous nephrolithotomy / 国际外科学杂志

Objective:To explore the effect of Quercus Salicina Extract Capsulese on preventing the formation of adherent stones on ureteral stent tube after percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL).Methods:The clinical data of 186 patients who underwent PCNL due to unilateral renal stone in the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University from October 2018 to April 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. All of the patients were indwelling 6 F ureteral stent tube during operation. After postoperative reexamination of kidneys, ureters and bladder, it was confirmed that the postoperative residual stones were clinically meaningless stones (maximum diameter ≤ 4 mm). According to postoperative medication, they were divided into drug group ( n=62) and control group ( n=124). Patients in the drug group were given oral Quercus Salicina Extract Capsules, while patients in the control group did not take the drug. Both groups received the same health education and dietary guidance after operation. The formation of adherent stones on ureteral stent tube was observed when the ureteral stent tube was removed 6 weeks after PCNL. Meanwhile, the adverse reaction, complication and treatment satisfaction of the patients were recorded during the period of taking the drug. Measurement data were expressed as mean ± standard deviation ( ± s), and t-test was used for comparison between groups; the Chi-square test was used to compare the count data between groups. Results:When the ureteral stent tube was removed 6 weeks after PCNL, the weight of adherent stones on ureteral stent tube in the drug group was (334.20±26.65) mg for male, and (336.00±25.64) mg for female. In the control group, the weight of adherent stones on ureteral stent tube was (374.11±42.28) mg for male, (374.42±42.44) mg for female. The weight of adherent stones on ureteral stent tube in the drug group was significantly lighter than that in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant ( P<0.01). The drug group had no obvious serious adverse reaction during the period of taking the drug. At the same time, the complications of the drug group during the intubation period were significantly less than the control group, and the difference was statistically significant ( P=0.040). The satisfaction of patients in the drug group was 93.5%, and that in the control group was 82.3%. The difference was statistically significant between the two groups ( P=0.036). Conclusion:Quercus Salicina Extract Capsules can effectively prevent the occurrence of adherent stones on ureteral stent tube after PCNL, and there are no serious adverse reaction, which is worthy of clinical promotion.

In vitro evaluation of the effects of Viscum album homeopathic preparations on murine melanoma cells

Viscum album extract (VA) is a complementary treatment in cancer, with in vitro and in vivo cytotoxic effects on several tumor types when applied in phytochemical doses. However, highly diluted ethanolic homeopathic preparations' effects and mechanisms need further study. Aims:To assess the in vitro effects of highly diluted VA from the subspecies V. album abietis and V. album album at different potency levels in different dilution ratios on murine melanoma cells. Methodology:The VA mother tinctures (MT)from Abies alba (MTA) and Quercus robur (MTQ) were prepared with summer and winter samples, harvested in Switzerland. They were submitted to homeopathic ethanolic maceration and a subsequent dynamization process. MTA, MTQ and the following respective potencies were tested in B16F10 murine cells: 3x, 12x, 30x, 6cH, 12cH, 200cH, 2LM, 3LM, and 5LM. Dynamized water, dynamized and non-dynamized ethanol, and carboplatin were used as control groups. The mitochondrial activity and cell viability analysis were performed at 1, 24, 48, and 72 hours by in vitro incubation. MTA and MTQ harvested in summer, as well as 12x, 200cH and 5LM potencies were also tested to cell apoptosis and necrosis markers, reactive oxygens species (ROS) production, inflammatory cytokines profile, cell morphology, and migratory capacity. Results and discussion: MTA and MTQ induced a decrease in cell metabolism and higher cytotoxicity within 1 hour, with significant morphological changes and increased production of ROS and inflammatory cytokines. Both homeopathic dilutions 12x and 5LM showed an influence on cell metabolism, cell replication, and oxidative stress modulation with inflammatory cytokines, mitosis, and migration pattern changes. On the other hand, Quercus robur and Abies alba 200cH showed increased on cytotoxicity and ROS levels, respectively. Conclusion:The in vitro effects of Viscum album homeopathic solutions in melanoma cells highlight the promising antitumoral potential and reinforce the need for further research to better understanding their mechanisms of action.

The acetone crude extract of Quercus infectoria (Olivier) galls alters pH of the digestive vacuole of the malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum

@#The reduced efficacy of the mainstay antimalarial drugs due to the widespread of drugresistant Plasmodium falciparum has necessitated efforts to discover new antimalarial drugs with new targets. Quercus infectoria (Olivier) has long been used to treat various ailments including fever. The acetone extract of the plant galls has recently been reported to have a promising antimalarial activity in vitro. This study was aimed to determine the effect of the Q. infectoria gall acetone crude extract on pH of the digestive vacuole of Plasmodium falciparum. A ratiometric fluorescent probe, fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran (FITC-dextran) was used to facilitate a quantitative measurement of the digestive vacuole pH by flow cytometry. Mid trophozoite stage malaria parasites grown in resealed erythrocytes containing FITC-dextran were treated with different concentrations of the acetone extract based on the 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50). Saponin-permeabilized parasites were analyzed to obtain the ratio of green/yellow fluorescence intensity (Rgy) plotted as a function of pH in a pH calibration curve of FITC-dextran. Based on the pH calibration curve, the pH of the digestive vacuole of the acetone extract-treated parasites was significantly altered (pH values ranged from 6.35- 6.71) in a concentration-dependent manner compared to the untreated parasites (pH = 5.32) (p < 0.001). This study provides a valuable insight into the potential of the Q. infectoria galls as a promising antimalarial candidate with a novel mechanism of action.

Antioxidative mechanism of Quercus infectoria gall aqueous extract against Candida albicans

Aims@#The effect of Quercus infectoria (QI) gall extract on the fungal expression of antioxidant defense enzymes of Candida albicans was studied in an effort to unravel its anti-fungal mechanism.@*Methodology and results@#Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC), and time kill assays were conducted to analyse the antifungal activity of the extract against C. albicans. Total protein profiles of C. albicans were determined by SDS-PAGE and real-time PCR was used to quantify the genes expression level of superoxide dismutase (SOD1), catalase (CAT1) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX3) following treatment with aqueous QI gall extract. The MIC and MFC values of the extract against C. albicans were 8 mg/mL and 16 mg/mL respectively. Fungistatic and fungicidal activities of the extract were observed after 24 h at 1× MIC and 2× MIC from the time-kill assay. A lower total protein bands density of extract-treated C. albicans was visualized when compared to the untreated cells at concentrations of 1× MIC and 2× MIC. A significant reduction in the expression of GPX3 (p 0.05).@*Conclusion, significance and impact of study@#In conclusion, QI gall extract exerted an anti-Candida activity and it is apparently effective in downregulating the gene expression of GPX3 in C. albicans. Of note, the present findings elucidated a preliminary mechanism associated with the organism’s survival resilience which represents a key target for the development of anti-Candida agents in future.

Diversidad florística y captura de carbono en robledales y pasturas con árboles en Santa Isabel, Tolima, Colombia

Introducción: La acelerada transformación de los usos del suelo en los Andes colombianos han afectado la diversidad y la provisión de servicios ecosistémicos. Objetivo: Se caracterizó la estructura y composición florística, junto a la estimación del carbono almacenado en biomasa de bosques primarios intervenidos y pasturas con árboles en Santa Isabel, Tolima. Métodos: En cada sistema, se establecieron cinco parcelas de muestreo: rectangulares de 1 000 m2 cada una en bosques y circulares de 707 m2 en pasturas, para medir todos los individuos con diámetro a 1.30 m de altura, ≥10 cm. La biomasa se estimó a partir de modelos alométricos multi-especies y un modelo genérico en el caso de biomasa abajo del suelo. Resultados: En el bosque se registró una abundancia promedio de 642 ± 125 individuos/ha, se encontraron 25 familias, 39 géneros, 43 especies y morfoespecies en 0.5 ha de muestreo. Quercus humboldtii y Ladenbergia macrocarpa fueron las especies con el mayor Índice de Valor de Importancia (IVI = 32.5 y 11.2, respectivamente) en los bosques. En pasturas se encontraron 175.0 ± 21.3 individuos/ha, pertenecientes a 8 familias, 9 géneros, 10 especies y morfoespecies en 0.35 ha de muestreo. Eugenia spp. y Weinmannia pubescens tuvieron la mayor importancia ecológica (19.5 y 17.6 %, respectivamente) en pasturas. El bosque almacenó en promedio 125.0 ± 30.0 t C/ha, comparado con 18.4 ± 1.8 t C/haen pasturas. Conclusiones: Estos hallazgos muestran alta capacidad de almacenamiento de carbono en estos usos del suelo, lo cual contribuye a mantener o disminuir la concentración de gases de efecto invernadero en la atmósfera, y por ende, son un referente que permite desarrollar estrategias de conservación, con miras a mitigar el cambio climático.

Introduction: The accelerated transformation of land uses in the Colombian Andes has affected diversity and the provision of ecosystem services. Objective: The structure and floristic composition and the estimation of the carbon stored in biomass of intervened primary forests and pastures with trees in Santa Isabel, Tolima, was described. Methods: In each system, five sampling plots were established: rectangular of 1 000 m2 each in forests and circular of 707 m2 in pastures to measure all individuals with a diameter of 1.30 m in height, ≥10 cm. The biomass was estimated from multi-species allometric models and a generic model in the case of below-ground biomass. Results: In the forest, an average abundance of 642 ± 125 individuals / ha was recorded, finding 25 families, 39 genera, 43 species and morphospecies in 0.5 ha of sampling. Quercus humboldtii and Ladenbergia macrocarpa were the species with the highest Importance Value Index (IVI = 32.5 and 11.2, respectively) in the forests. In pastures, 175.0 ± 21.3 individuals / ha were found, belonging to 8 families, 9 genera, 10 species and morphospecies in 0.35 ha of sampling. Weinmannia pubescens and Eugenia spp. had the greatest ecological importance (19.5 and 17.6 %, respectively) in pastures. The forest stored an average of 125.0 ± 30.0 t C/ ha, compared to 18.4 ± 1.8 t C/ha in pastures. Conclusions: These findings show high carbon storage capacity in these land uses, which contributes to maintain or decrease the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, and therefore, are a benchmark that allows to develop conservation strategies, with a view to mitigate climate change.

Antioxidant And Hepatoprotective Effect Of Quercus Ilex Leaves Extract In Ethanol Induced Liver Damage In Wistar Rats

Objective: This study was undertaken to investigate the hepatoprotective and antioxidant activity of Quercus ilex leaves extract (QILE) on ethanol-induced toxicity in Wistar rats. Methods: Hepatotoxicity was induced by administering ethanol (40%) at a dose of 7.9 gm/kg/day; p. o. (1:1 of ethanol in olive oil) for 28 d. Silymarin 100 mg/kg/day; p. o. was used as a standard drug. The whole study was divided into a prophylactic and curative study. In the prophylactic study, the Silymarin and QILE (test drug) 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg Body Weight(BW) given orally one hour before administration of 40% ethanol administration for 28 d. In the curative study, 7 d of treatment of Silymarin and QILE 200 and 400 mg/kg BW was given orally after 28 d of ethanol administration to different groups. Results: Hepatoprotectivity was confirmed by the highly significantly (p<0.001) restoration of elevated biochemical parameters like SGPT, SGOT, ALP, TB, and highly significantly (p<0.001) depleted Albumin and Total protein levels by 200 mg/kg BW QILE in comparison to the positive control group. QILE 200 mg/kg highly significantly (p<0.001) raised the antioxidants by draining the elevated oxidative stress markers in comparison of positive control group. At dose levels QILE 200 mg/kg, significant (p<0.05) protection from loss in body weight and in liver weight was found when the comparison was done with the positive control group. Histopathology revealed that QILE 200 mg/kg reduced the markers of cell necrosis. Conclusion: Present study revealed that Quercus ilex leaves have antioxidant and hepatoprotective activity due to its chemical constituents.

Deep Neural Network-Based Concentration Model for Oak Pollen Allergy Warning in South Korea

PURPOSE: Oak is the dominant tree species in Korea. Oak pollen has the highest sensitivity rate among all allergenic tree species in Korea. A deep neural network (DNN)-based estimation model was developed to determine the concentration of oak pollen and overcome the shortcomings of conventional regression models. METHODS: The DNN model proposed in this study utilized weather factors as the input and provided pollen concentrations as the output. Weather and pollen concentration data were used from 2007 to 2016 obtained from the Korea Meteorological Administration pollen observation network. Because it is difficult to prevent over-fitting and underestimation by using a DNN model alone, we developed a bootstrap aggregating-type ensemble model. Each of the 30 ensemble members was trained with random sampling at a fixed rate according to the pollen risk grade. To verify the effectiveness of the proposed model, we compared its performance with those of models of regression and support vector regression (SVR) under the same conditions, with respect to the prediction of pollen concentrations, risk levels, and season length. RESULTS: The mean absolute percentage error in the estimated pollen concentrations was 11.18%, 10.37%, and 5.04% for the regression, SVR and DNN models, respectively. The start of the pollen season was estimated to be 20, 22, and 6 days earlier than that predicted by the regression, SVR and DNN models, respectively. Similarly, the end of the pollen season was estimated to be 33, 20, and 9 days later that predicted by the regression, SVR and DNN models, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the DNN model performed better than the other models. However, the prediction of peak pollen concentrations needs improvement. Improved observation quality with optimization of the DNN model will resolve this issue.

Distribución geográfica de angiospermas epífitas de la región terrestre prioritaria Cerros Negro-Yucaño, Oaxaca, México / Geographical distribution of epiphytic angiosperms of the priority terrestrial region of Cerros Negro-Yucaño, Oaxaca, Mexico

Resumen El conocimiento sobre la riqueza y la distribución de las plantas epifítas vasculares es aún incompleto en muchas áreas de México. Un ejemplo es la región terrestre prioritaria (RTP) Cerros Negro-Yucaño, que se ubica en el noroeste del estado de Oaxaca y pertenece a la región mixteca alta (Ñuu Savi Sukun, Ñuu vixi). Con base en la revisión de material de herbario en 12 colecciones institucionales mexicanas y en la recolección de especímenes en algunas localidades, principalmente cubiertas por bosque de encino, en 17 de los 18 municipios que incluye la RTP, se compilo un listado de las angiospermas epífitas. Se registró la presencia de 40 especies, distribuidas en 13 géneros y cinco familias; 28 taxa son endémicos de México y tres de ellos se conocen solamente de Oaxaca. Los géneros Tillandsia (18 spp.) y Peperomia (4) fueron los mejor representados en el área. El bosque de encino fue el tipo de vegetación en el cual se encontraron más epífitas (32 spp.) y también el intervalo altitudinal de 1 900 a 2 100 m (19 spp.). Plantas en floración de Artorima erubescens, Laelia albida, L. furfuracea y Prosthechea karwinskii, son utilizadas por pobladores de la región como ornamentales, durante las celebraciones religiosas de Día de Muertos y Semana Santa. Este impacto humano podría representar una amenaza para las poblaciones silvestres de estas especies en el futuro.(AU)

Abstract The knowledge on richness and distribution of epiphytic vascular plants is still incomplete in many areas of Mexico. An example is the terrestrial priority region (RTP) Cerros Negro-Yucaño, which is located in the Northwest portion of Oaxaca and belongs to the Mixteca Alta Region (Ñuu Savi Sukun, Ñuu Vixi). Based on herbarium material revision of 12 Mexican institutional collections and the collection of specimens in some localities, mainly covered by oak forest, in 17 of the 18 municipalities included in the RTP, we compiled a list of epiphytic angiosperms. The presence of 40 species, distributed in 13 genera and five families was recorded; 28 taxa are endemic to Mexico and three of them are only known from Oaxaca. The genera Tillandsia (18 spp.) and Peperomia (4) were the best represented genera in the area. Oak forest was the type of vegetation in which the most of the epiphytes were found (32 spp.), and also the altitudinal range between 1 900 and 2 100 m (19 spp.). Flowering plants of Artorima erubescens, Laelia albida, L. furfuracea, and Prosthechea karwinskii are used by the local people as ornamentals during the religious celebrations of Day of the Dead (Mexico) and Holly Week. This human impact might be a threat to the wild populations of these species in the future.(AU)

A Review of Quercus infectoria (Olivier) Galls as a Resource for Anti-parasitic Agents: In Vitro and In Vivo Studies

@#Parasitic diseases represent one of the causes for significant global economic, environmental and public health impacts. The efficacy of currently available anti-parasitic drugs has been threatened by the emergence of single drug- or multidrug-resistant parasite populations, vector threats and high cost of drug development. Therefore, the discovery of more potent anti-parasitic drugs coming from medicinal plants such as Quercus infectoria is seen as a major approach to tackle the problem. A systematic review was conducted to assess the efficacy of Q. infectoria in treating parasitic diseases both in vitro and in vivo due to the lack of such reviews on the anti-parasitic activities of this plant. This review consisted of intensive searches from three databases including PubMed, Science Direct and Scopus. Articles were selected throughout the years, limited to English language and fully documented. A total of 454 potential articles were identified, but only four articles were accepted to be evaluated based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Although there were insufficient pieces of evidence to account for the efficacy of Q. infectoria against the parasites, this plant appears to have anti-leishmanial, anti-blastocystis and anti-amoebic activities. More studies in vitro and in vivo are warranted to further validate the anti-parasitic efficacy of Q. infectoria.

In vitro anti-Candida activity of Quercus infectoria gall extract-based vaginal cream and its local tissue effects in vivo

Aims@#Aqueous extract of Quercus infectoria (QI) galls has been reported to possess anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory activities. Hence, this study aimed to determine in vitro antimicrobial activity of formulated QI gall extract-based vaginal cream against Candida albicans and to evaluate the possible side effects on the cervicovaginal epithelium of healthy rats. @*Methodology and results@#Three different cream formulations containing 10%, 20%, and 30% of QI gall extract respectively were tested for their antimicrobial activity against C. albicans (ATCC 10231) by using disc diffusion test. Microbroth serial dilution method was performed in determining the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and fungicidal concentration (MFC). The 30% formulated extract cream (FEC) was applied topically on the cervicovaginal surface of healthy Sprague Dawley (SD) rats and examined for local tissue effects histologically. The mean scores of inhibition zone diameter were compared by one-way ANOVA and post-hoc test using PRISM software. All extract cream formulations displayed a relatively good anti-Candida activity. The MIC values exhibited by 10%, 20%, and 30% FEC against C. albicans were 1.094 mg/mL, 0.547 mg/mL, and 0.068 mg/mL, respectively. The 10% and 20% FECs showed a significant difference (P=0.0254) in the mean of inhibition zone diameter. The lowest MFC value (0.068 mg/mL) was shown by 30% FEC. There were no abnormal changes seen at the vagina and cervical mucosa after 2 weeks application of 30% FEC. @*Conclusion, significance and impact of study@#QI gall extract formulated in the cream base has an anti-Candida activity in vitro and the present finding suggests that this herbal cream formulation is potentially useful in preventing vaginal candidiasis without causing any unwanted local side effects.

In vitro anti-Helicobacter pylori activity of aqueous extract from Persian Oak testa / 中草药·英文版

Objective: Growing problem of antibiotic resistance in Helicobacter pylori, as a common cause of chronic gastritis and even stomach cancer, demands searching for novel candidates of herbal sources. This study is aimed at assessing the antimicrobial activity of aqueous extract obtained from Quercus brantii var. persica seed coat (Testa) on H. pylori isolated from gastric biopsy specimens. Methods: Such specimens were collected from 100 patients presenting with endoscopic gastroduodenal findings. Testa extracts were prepared from Persian Oak forests in the province of Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad, IRAN. H. pylori isolates were obtained by a series of standard bacteriology tests and cell culture, then were confirmed by PCR. The activity of testa extracts towards 25 H. pylori isolates was assessed by well diffusion method, microdilution assay, and a disk diffusion assay in vitro. Results were analyzed statistically by one-way ANOVA analysis. Results: Aqueous extract of testa demonstrated an antimicrobial activity with zone diameters of inhibition ranged from 0 mm to 40 mm. Its inhibitory activity increased simultaneously with increasing extract concentration. The lowest MIC and MBC were both recorded as 2 µg/mL. Anti-H. pylori activity of testa extract was approximately close to tetracycline and metronidazole and less than amoxicillin. A potent extract of testa possessed significant inhibitory activity (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Testa extract is suggested as a natural therapeutic source against the gastric H. pylori infection. However, evaluating the in vivo activity of this extract is necessary too.

Application of Quercus infectoria extract as a natural antimicrobial agent for chicken egg decontamination / Aplicación de un extracto de Quercus infectoria como agente antimicrobiano natural para la desinfección de huevos de gallina

Egg contamination with microbial pathogens is an enduring worldwide concern. Natural products are frequently recommended as ideal alternatives to substitute synthetic and chemical antimicrobials. Oak galls (Quercus infectoria) are aberrant growths on oak trees that have many medicinal and pharmaceutical applications. Q. infectoria extract (QIE) antimicrobial action was assessed against many microbial species, and used for eggshell decontamination. QIE antimicrobial activity was evidenced against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella Typhimurium and Candida albicans, using different assay methods. Disinfection of eggshell microbial contamination, by immersion in 1% QIE solution, sharply reduced total colony count, yeasts and molds, Enterobacteriaceae. E. coli and S. aureus were completely inhibited after 60min of immersion in QIE. QIE biochemical analysis revealed elevated contents of phenolic and flavonoid compounds. The captured micrographs of S. aureus cells treated with QIE showed strong alterations in cell morphology; cells were entirely lysed and ruptured after 6h of treatment. QIE can be recommended as an effective and natural disinfectant for decontaminating eggshells from pathogenic microorganisms.

La contaminación de huevos con patógenos microbianos es un problema constante en todo el mundo. Con frecuencia se recomiendan diversos productos naturales como alternativas ideales para sustituir a los antimicrobianos sintéticos. Las agallas de roble (Quercus infectoria) son de crecimiento aberrante en los robles y tienen muchas aplicaciones medicinales y farmacéuticas. Se evaluó la acción antimicrobiana del extracto de Quercus infectoria (QIE) contra varias especies microbianas y también este se aplicó para la descontaminación de cáscaras de huevo. La actividad antimicrobiana del extracto de QIE se evidenció en relación con Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhimurium y Candida albicans, utilizando diferentes métodos de ensayo. La inmersión de las cáscaras de huevo en extracto de QIE al 1% logró una fuerte reducción del recuento total de colonias, de levaduras y de mohos, y de miembros de Enterobacteriaceae. La inmersión durante 60 min inhibió completamente el desarrollo de E. coli y S. aureus. El análisis bioquímico del extracto de QIE reveló que este tiene un contenido elevado de compuestos fenólicos y de flavonoides. Se documentó mediante micrografías la presencia de grandes alteraciones en la morfología celular de S. aureus tras la exposición al extracto de QIE: las células se lisaron completamente y se rompieron después de 6h de tratamiento. El extracto de QIE se puede recomendar como un desinfectante eficaz y natural para descontaminar cáscaras de huevos de microorganismos patógenos.

Combination treatment of bisphosphonate (pamidronate) and Quercus infectoria semi-purified fraction promotes proliferation and differentiation of osteoblast cell via expression of Osterix and Runx2 marker

Objective:To understand the effects of combination treatment of pamidronate with isolated Quercus infectoria semi-purified fraction (QIsm-F) on human foetal osteoblast cel model (hFOB 1.19 cel line) through assessment of Runt related transcription fraction-2 (Runx2) and Osterix (Osx). Methods:The isolation and purification of QIsm-F were conducted by chromatographic technique. In order to assess relative efficacy of QIsm-F to the osteoblast model, the determination of half maximal effective concentration (EC50) was performed by MTT assay. hFOB 1.19 cel s were cultured in DMEM F-12 and supplemented with 10％ fetal bovine serum along with 1％ penicil in-streptomycin incubated in 5％ CO2 at 37 ℃. Expression of Runx2 and Osx was assessed through western blotting and confirmed with immunofluorescence staining. Results: Results of western blot analysis and immunofluorescence staining demonstrated that compared to hFOB 1.19 cells treated with single individual treatment of QIsm-F and control groups, levels of Runx2 and Osx were elevated with higher fluorescence intensity and more rapid proliferation in hFOB 1.19 cells treated with combined treatment of QIsm-F and pamidronate. Conclusions: The finding demonstrates the synergistic effect between osteoporotic drug pamidronate and established QIsm-F. The combination treatment helps increase the efficiency of pamidronate acting on osteoblast cells by stimulating osteoblast proliferation and differentiation via expression of Runx2 and Osx.

Combination treatment of bisphosphonate (pamidronate) and Quercus infectoria semi- purified fraction promotes proliferation and differentiation of osteoblast cell via expression of Osterix and Runx2 marker

Objective: To understand the effects of combination treatment of pamidronate with isolated Quercus infectoria semi-purified fraction (QIsm-F) on human foetal osteoblast cell model (hFOB 1.19 cell line) through assessment of Runt related transcription fraction-2 (Runx2) and Osterix (Osx). Methods: The isolation and purification of QIsm-F were conducted by chromatographic technique. In order to assess relative efficacy of QIsm-F to the osteoblast model, the determination of half maximal effective concentration (EC

Composición florística, estructura y biomasa de los bosques de pino-encino en la reserva Santa Rosa, Tisey, Estelí, Nicaragua / Floristic composition, structure and biomass of pine-oak forests in the reserve Santa Rosa, Tisey, Estelí, Nicaragua

ResumenLos bosques de Pino-Encino se distribuyen desde el centro de México hasta el norte de Nicaragua y representan un ecosistema de importancia para la conservación en Mesoamérica. En Nicaragua, diferentes áreas protegidas fueron creadas para la preservación de este ecosistema tal como la reserva natural Tisey-Estanzuela, pero son considerados susceptibles a la degradación debido a la deforestación y la agricultura, así como presentarse en un nicho ecológico estrecho (700 a 1 500 msnm). En este trabajo, estudiamos la estructura y composición florística en un gradiente de altitud en un bosque mixto de PinusQuercus de tierras altas en Estelí, en el norte de Nicaragua. Un inventario de vegetación en 15 parcelas rectangulares (0.1 ha 20X50 m) fue llevado a cabo para identificar patrones de densidad de árboles, diversidad de especies y almacenamiento de carbono. En cada parcela todos los fustes con diámetro mayor o igual a 2.5 cm fueron identificados a especie y medidos (diámetro a la altura del pecho y altura total). Un total de 1 081 individuos de 24 especies (17 familias y 21 géneros) fueron registrados, siendo Q. sapotifolia, P. maximinoi, C. vicentina, M. coriacea y S. gladulosum las especies más abundantes representando 92 % de los individuos. Tres asociaciones vegetales fueron definidas basadas en la abundancia y dominancia de Q. sapotifolia, P. maximinoi y las otras especies, dos de estas asociaciones fueron dominadas por Pinus (Bosque de Pino y Bosques de Pino-encino) a altitudes entre 1 300 a 1 400 msnm, mientras la tercera asociación por encinos y otras especies (Cletha vicentina, Myrsine coriaceae, Sapium glandulosum) fue encontrada principalmente a altitudes mayores de 1 400 msnm. La composición y diversidad de especies fue influenciada significativamente por la dominancia de Pinus, mostrando una correlación negativa entre la dominancia y la riqueza de especies de árboles latifoliados diferentes de Quercus spp. Sin embargo, la asociación dominada por Pinus presentó un volumen y biomasa de fustes mayor comparado con las otras asociaciones. Los resultados de este estudio sugieren que los bosques dominados por doseles de encinos o pino-encino presentan la diversidad más alta, mientras bosques dominados por Pinus presentan menor diversidad arbórea por mayor biomasa aérea y almacenamiento de carbono. Por tal razón, se sugiere que estrategias de pagos por servicios ambientales como secuestro de carbono o conservación de la biodiversidad tomen en cuenta las diferencias de las asociaciones encontradas.

AbstractThe pine-oak forest is distributed from Central Mexico to the North of Nicaragua and represent an important ecosystem for conservation in Mesoamerica. In Nicaragua, several protected areas were established for the preservation of this ecosystem, such as the natural reserve Tisey-Estanzuela; however, this forest is considered susceptible to degradation, due to increasing deforestation and agricultural activities, besides being a narrow ecological niche (700 to 1 500 masl). We studied the floristic composition, forest structure and biomass along an altitude gradient dominated by Pinus-Quercus in forest stands on the highlands of Esteli, Northern Nicaragua. A vegetation survey on 15 plots (0.1 ha = 20x50 m) was carried out to identify patterns of tree density and diversity, and carbon stocks. In each plot, all the woody stems with diameter greater or equal to 2.5 cm were identified to species and the diameter at breast height and total height were measured. A total amount of 1 081 individuals of 24 species (17 families and 21 genera) were registered, being Q. sapotifolia, P. maximinoi, C. vicentina, M. coriacea and S. gladulosum the most abundant species representing 92 % of the individuals. Three forest associations were defined based on the abundance and dominance of Q. sapotifolia, P. maximinoi and the other species, two of those associations were dominated by Pinus (pine forest and pine-oak forest) at altitudes between 1 300 to 1 400 masl, while the third association, dominated by oak and other species (Cletha vicentina, Myrsine coriaceae and Sapium glandulosum), was found mainly at altitudes higher than 1 400 masl. Tree composition and species richness was influenced significantly by the dominance of Pinus, showing a negative correlation between the dominance and species richness of broadleaved trees other than Quercus spp. with the dominance of Pinus spp. (P < 0.001). However, the association dominated by Pinus, presented higher stem volume and biomass compared with other associations. The results from this study suggest that stands with both, an oak- or oak-pine-dominated canopy, presented the highest diversity, while Pinus dominated stands presented lower tree diversity, but higher aerial biomass and carbon storage. For this reason, we suggest that the strategies for ecosystem service payments as carbon sequestration or biodiversity conservation, must take into account differences in the type of forest associations found in this work.

Advances in mechanisms of traditional Uygur medicine on inflammatory bowel disease / 中草药

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a common gastrointestinal disease in which the etiology and pathogenesis are still unclear. Generally speaking, it is caused by environment, inheritance, and immune. The related factors include immune system, oxidative stress, microflora in gastrointestinal tract, NF-κB, NO, COX-2, LB4, and the correlation factors. There are many plants that are effective to inflammatory bowel disease in traditional Uygur medicine, such as Solanum nigrum, Quercus infectoria, and Punica granatum. For some of these plants, only one or two mechanisms of action have been found. Besides, some constituents of them are effective to anti-inflammatory bowel disease. This article reviewed the role of factors in IBD and the mechanism of anti-inflammatory bowel disease of traditional Uygur medicine.

Antimicrobial effects of Quercus infectoria gall extract on the cell morphology of Streptococcus agalactiae, Proteus vulgaris and Candida albicans

Aims: Quercus infectoria (QI) gall extract is known to have broad spectrum anti-microbial activity in vitro. However, its mechanism of microbial growth inhibition is not well understood. The objectives of this study were to determine the antimicrobial effect of methanolic QI gall extract on bacteria and yeast and changes to their cell morphology. Methodology and results: The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of methanolic QI gall extract against Streptococcus agalactiae (ATCC 13813), Proteus vulgaris (ATCC 49312) and Candida albicans (ATCC 10231) were determined using two fold serial microdilution technique at concentrations ranging from 0.01 mg/mL to 5.00 mg/mL (for bacteria) and 0.02 mg/mL to 12.00 mg/mL (for yeast). Minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) were determined by subculturing the broth from the microtitre wells which showed no apparent growth or turbidity onto the nutrient agar plates. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to analyze the morphology of bacteria and yeast cells treated with 1× MIC and 4× MIC of the extract. Substantial antimicrobial activity was observed against ATCC strains of S. agalactiae, P. vulgaris and C. albicans in this study. The MBC/MFC to MIC ratio (≤4) indicated the methanolic QI gall extract was bactericidal and fungicidal against all the tested strains. Changes to the cell morphology were more obvious at higher extract concentration (4× MIC). Conclusion, significance and impact of study: This study showed that QI gall extract has antimicrobial effects on the bacterial and yeast cell morphology and thus, provides scientific information suggesting its possible antimicrobial mechanisms on the cell wall and membrane integrity.

In vitro antiproliferative and apoptosis-inducing activities of crude ethyle alcohole extract of Quercus brantii L. acorn and subsequent fractions / 中国天然药物

Cancer cell resistance to widely used chemotherapeutic agents is gradually developed. Natural products, mainly isolated from medicinal plants, have been considered as valuable sources for herbal anticancer drugs. The present study aimed to evaluate in vitro antiproliferative and apoptosis-inducing activities of crude ethyle alcohole extract and four fractions of Q. brantii acorn. Crude ethyle alcohole extract of Q. brantii acorn was prepared and subjected to fractionation with different polarity. Subsequently, the extract and the fractions wereevaluated for their in vitro antiproliferative activity in two cancerous (Hela and AGS) and one normal (HDFs) cell lines using MTT [3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2ol) 2, 5 diphenyltetrazoliumbromide] assay. To determine whether the cytotoxicity of these compounds involved the induction of apoptosis, Hela cells were treated with IC50 concentrations of test compounds, stained with both propidium iodide (PI) and Annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC), and analyzed by flow cytometry. In vitro cytotoxicity assay showed that the cell viability was significantly reduced in a dose-dependent manner following treatment with crude ethyle alcohole extract and Cholophorm and n-Butanol fractions. Based on the probit regression model, antiproliferative activities of crude ethyle alcohole extract, Cholophorm fraction, and n-Butanol fraction on Hela and AGS cells and HDFs cells were significantly different (P < 0.001). The results of flow cytometric analysis showed that crude ethyle alcohole extract and two fractions of Q. brantii acorn induced early apoptotic cell death. These findings suggest that crude ethyle alcohole extract and Cholophorm and n-Butanol fractions of Q. brantii acorn suppress the proliferation of cancer cells through induction of early apoptosis.

HPLC analysis of Phenolic Substances and Anti-Alzheimer's Activity of Korean Quercus Species

This study aimed to establish the quantitative method to analyze the content of peroxynitrite-scavengers belonging to polyphenols in six Korean Quercus species (Quercus mongolica, Q. dentata, Q. acutissima, Q. alienta, Q. serrata, and Q. variabilis) by HPLC. The twelve peroxynitrite-scavengers, flavanols (catechins: (+)-catechin, (−)-epicatechin, and (−)-epigallocatechin), flavonols (kaempferol and quercetin), flavonol glycosides (astragalin, quercitrin, and isoquercitrin), flavonol acylated glycosides (astragalin 6″-gallate and isoquercitrin 6″-gallate), gallic acid and its dimer (ellagic acid) were analyzed by HPLC. Further, anti-Alzheimer's activity was assayed in a passive avoidance testusing mice by measuring the retention latency (sec), the concentration of acetylcholine (ACh), and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity. Simultaneous analysis of the extracts of the six Quercus leaves was achieved on a Capcell C18 column (5 µm, 250 mm × 4.6 mm i.d.) with a gradient elution of 0.05% HAc and 0.05% HAc in CH₃CN. In the extract of Q. mongolica leaves, the content of gallic acid (32.53 mg/g), (+)-catechin (28.78 mg/g), (−)-epicatehin (22.03 mg/g), astragalin 6″-gallate (20.94 mg/g), and isoquercitrin 6″-gallate (44.11 mg/g) and peroxynitrite-scavenging activity (IC₅₀, 0.831 µg/ml) were high. This extract delayed the retention latency and inhibited acetylcholinesterase activity in scopolamine-induced memory impairment of mice, suggesting that it has anti-Alzheimer's activity.

Identificación de microorganismos del género phytophthora asociados a especies de Quercus sp. y Pinus sp., en los departamentos de Guatemala y Sacatepéquez / Identification of microorganisms of phytophthora genre associated to Quercus sp. and Pinus sp. species in the provinces of Guatemala and Sacatepéquez

El objetivo principal fue la identificación de microorganismos del género Phytophthora que afectan a bosques naturales mixtos y viveros de Pinus sp. y Quercus sp., con importancia socioeconómica, en los departamentos de Guatemala y Sacatepéquez. Para el aislamiento de Phytophthora se procesaron muestras de suelo y tejido vegetal. En el departamento de Guatemala, del bosque natural se obtuvieron 10 muestras de Quercus sp. y 45 de Pinus sp., de los viveros se obtuvieron 11 muestras de Quercus sp. y 88 de Pinus sp. En el departamento de Sacatepéquez se obtuvieron del bosque natural 15 muestras de Quercus sp. y 48 de Pinus sp.; y en los viveros, 58 muestras de Pinus sp. y 25 de Quercus sp. Un total de 13 muestras procedentes de los viveros fueron positivas a la presencia de Phytophthora sp. en Pinus maximinoi, 10 procedentes del departamento de Guatemala, y tres de Sacatepéquez. Referente al tipo de crecimiento de la colonia en medio PDA, se obtuvieron cinco de tipo estolonífero, cinco tipo semipetaloide, una colonia de tipo estelado y dos colonias sin ningún tipo de patrón de crecimiento. Las pruebas de patogenicidad realizadas con la cepa VP16 mostraron alta incidencia y severidad para las especies de Pinus caribaea, P. oocarpa, P. pseudostrobus, P. maximinoi y en menor grado en Pinus tecunumanii.

The mean purpose of this research was to identify microorganism belonging to Phytophthora genera which are affecting mixed natural forests and nurseries of Pinus sp. and Quercus sp. These species have economic and social impact in provinces such as Guatemala and Sacatepéquez. Soil and vegetal tissue were used to isolate Phytophthora from natural forest of Guatemala, 45 Pinus sp. and 10 Quercus sp. were sampled and from nurseries 88 Pinus sp. and 11 Quercus sp. From Sacatepéquez province, from natural forest system were sampled 48 Pinus sp. and 15 Quercus sp. From nurseries were sampled 58 Pinus sp. and 25 Quercus sp. After processing the samples from soil and roots 13 were found positive to Phytophthora sp. in Pinus maximinoi, 10 from Guatemala and three from Sacatepéquez Provinces. The culture of Phytophthora sp. on PDA produced two colonies without define form and five stoloniferous, five semipetaloid, one stelade type colonies. VP16 isolate was inoculated in five species of pine for pathogenicity test, causing high percentages of incidence and severity on Pinus caribaea, P. oocarpa, P. pseudostrobus and P. maximinoi and low rates of incidence and severity on Pinus tecunumanii.