O ensino de ciências na educação básica: desvendando o sistema nervoso através de cartilhas e mapas mentais / Science teaching in basic education: unveiling the nervous system through primers and mental maps / Enseñanza de ciencias en educación básica: desvelando el sistema nervioso a través de primers y mapas mentales

Objetivo: o estudo visou um relato de experiências entre os autores sobre a tutoria do módulo três durante o curso EAD no ano de 2022. Método: Este curso com atividades síncronas e assíncronas, para professores da educação básica e estudantes de graduação, foi realizado em outubro e novembro, do ano de 2022 e culminou na construção de uma cartilha com mapas mentais, temas e estratégias trabalhados durante o curso comomateriais pedagógicos para o ensino fundamental II. Resultados:A cartilha intitulada: as consequências do consumo de álcool ao sistema nervoso, teve como parceria professores de duas escolas básicas. Esta apresenta informações anatomofisiológicas a respeito do funcionamento do sistema nervoso e o álcool. A temática explica como o funcionamento do sistema nervoso pode ser afetado pelo uso de bebidas alcoólicas; compreensão das alterações causadas ao funcionamento do sistema nervoso pela ingestão de álcool e instrumentalização dos professores com mais um recurso pedagógico. Conclusão:Dessa forma, foi possível a promoção da sensibilização dos estudantes quanto aos aspectos negativos do uso de bebidas alcoólicas. Assim como, prevenção nos jovens quanto ao seuuso indiscriminado, colaborando com a popularização da ciência.

Objective:the study aimed to report experiences between the authors regarding the tutoring of module three during the EAD course in the year 2022. Method:This course with synchronous and asynchronous activities, for basic education teachers and undergraduate students, was carried out in October and November, 2022 and culminated in the construction of a booklet with mental maps, themes and strategies workedon during the course as teaching materials for elementary school II. Results:The booklet entitled: the consequences of alcohol consumption on the nervous system, was partnered with teachers from two basic schools. This presents anatomophysiological information regarding the functioning of the nervous system and alcohol. The theme explains how the functioning of the nervous system can be affected by the use of alcoholic beverages; understanding the changes caused to the functioning of the nervous system byalcohol intake and providing teachers with yet another pedagogical resource. Conclusion:In this way, it was possible to promote student awareness regarding the negative aspects of the use of alcoholic beverages. As well as prevention among young people regarding its indiscriminate use, collaborating with the popularization of science.

Objetivo: el estudio tuvo como objetivo relatar experiencias entre los autores respecto a la tutoría del módulo tres durante el curso EAD en el año 2022. Método: Este curso con actividades sincrónicas y asincrónicas, para docentes de educación básica y estudiantes de pregrado, se realizó en los meses de octubre y noviembre de 2022 y culminó con la construcción de una cartilla con mapas mentales, temáticas y estrategias trabajadas durante el curso como material didáctico para la escuela primaria II. Resultados:El cuadernillo titulado: las consecuencias del consumo de alcohol en el sistema nervioso, fue elaborado en colaboración con docentes de dos escuelas básicas. Presenta información anatomofisiológica sobre el funcionamiento del sistema nervioso y el alcohol. El tema explica cómo el funcionamiento del sistema nervioso puede verse afectado por el uso de bebidas alcohólicas; comprender los cambios que provoca en el funcionamiento del sistema nervioso la ingesta de alcohol y dotar a los docentes de un recurso pedagógico más. Conclusión: De esta manera, fue posible sensibilizar a los estudiantes sobre los aspectos negativos del consumo de alcohol. Así como la prevención entre los jóvenes sobre su uso indiscriminado, contribuyendo a la popularización de la ciencia.

Stability of dentin matrix treated with caffeic acid phenethyl ester at different concentrations

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of pretreatment with ethanolic solutions of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) at varying concentrations on the dentin collagen matrix, specifically focusing on its biomodification potential. This was assessed through evaluations of the modulus of elasticity and changes in mass. Methods: Seventy dentin collagen matrices (demineralized sticks) were prepared to receive treatments with ethanolic solutions of CAPE at concentrations of 0.05%, 0.1%, 0.5%, or 2.5%, or with control treatment solutions (distilled water or ethanol) for one hour. The dentin matrices were evaluated for modulus of elasticity and mass before (baseline), immediately after treatment (immediately), and after storage in Simulated Body Fluid (SBF) for time intervals of 1 and 3 months. Results: Generalized linear models for repeated measures over time indicated no significant differences between groups (p=0.7530) or between different time points (p=0.4780) in terms of the modulus of elasticity. Regarding mass variation, no differences were observed in the time interval between 1 month and the immediate time (p=0.0935). However, at the 3-month mark compared to the immediate time, the 0.1% CAPE group exhibited less mass loss compared to the water group (p=0.0134). Conclusion: This study concludes that various concentrations of CAPE in an ethanolic solution did not affect the modulus of elasticity of dentin, suggesting that CAPE lacks biomodifying potential in this context. However, it was observed that 0.1% CAPE positively influenced the variation in mass over different evaluation time intervals

Protective Effect of Mormodica balsamina Leaf Extract on the Gastric Morphology of Experimental Rats Against Ethanol Induced Gastric Ulcers / Efecto Protector de los Extractos de Hojas de Mormodica balsamina en la Morfología Gástrica de Ratas Experimentales Contra Úlceras Gástricas Inducidas por Etanol

SUMMARY: Mormodica balsamina is a valuable medicinal plant that is used to treat wounds and inflammation; its leaves are also used as an antibiotic and in the treatment of stomach pain. This study was conducted to determine the anti-ulcer activity of methanolic leaf extract of Mormodica balsamina on ethanol-induced ulcer in albino rats. A total of 32 rats were used for the study. Groups I and II served as the baseline and negative controls respectively, while groups III-VII served as the test groups. Group I was untreated, while group II received 1ml/kg body weight of the vehicle (2 % DMSO). Three test groups (III - V) received methanol extracts (75 mg, 150 mg, 300 mg/kg body weight respectively) while the other three test groups (VI - VIII) received aqueous extracts (75 mg, 150mg, 300 mg/kg body weight respectively) via oral gavage for seven days prior to ulcer induction. The rats were sacrificed, stomachs excised and ulcers scored. Histological sections were produced and examined. Findings revealed that M. balsamina extracts protected the rats' gastric epithelia from ethanol induced ulceration to varying degree with the high dose (150 and 300 mg/kg) of both extracts offering the best preservation (42 % and 50 % ulcer protective index respectively) when compared to untreated animals. Histological findings correlated with calculated ulcer indices, with treated animals having less severe gastric mucosal lesions. In conclusion, extracts of M. balsamina may possess reasonable antiulcer activities in rats against ethanol induced gastric ulcer.

Mormodica balsamina es una valiosa planta medicinal que se utiliza para tratar heridas e inflamaciones; sus hojas también se utilizan como antibiótico y en el tratamiento del dolor de estómago. Este estudio se realizó para determinar la actividad antiulcerosa del extracto metanólico de hojas de Mormodica balsamina sobre la úlcera inducida por etanol en ratas albinas. Se utilizaron un total de 32 ratas para el estudio. Los grupos I y II sirvieron como referencia y controles negativos respectivamente, mientras que los grupos III-VII sirvieron como grupos de prueba. El grupo I no se trató, mientras que el grupo II recibió 1 ml/kg de peso corporal del vehículo (2% de DMSO). Tres grupos de prueba (III - V) recibieron extractos de metanol (75 mg, 150 mg, 300 mg/ kg de peso corporal respectivamente) mientras que los otros tres grupos de prueba (VI - VIII) recibieron extractos acuosos (75 mg, 150 mg, 300 mg/kg de peso corporal respectivamente) por sonda oral durante siete días antes de la inducción de la úlcera. Se sacrificaron las ratas, se extirparon los estómagos y se puntuaron las úlceras. Se realizaron y examinaron secciones histológicas. Los resultados revelaron que los extractos de M. balsamina protegieron el epitelio gástrico de las ratas de la ulceración inducida por etanol en diversos grados, y la dosis alta (150 y 300 mg/kg) de ambos extractos ofreció la mejor conservación (42 % y 50 % de índice de protección contra úlceras, respectivamente) en comparación con los animales no tratados. Los hallazgos histológicos se correlacionaron con los índices de úlcera calculados, y los animales tratados tenían lesiones de la mucosa gástrica menos graves. En extractos de M. balsamina puede poseer actividades antiulcerosas razonables en ratas contra la úlcera gástrica inducida por etanol.

Impacto na qualidade de antissépticos e desinfetantes com álcool 70% (p/p) utilizados no enfrentamento da pandemia provocada pelo SARS-CoV-2 / Impacts on the quality of antiseptic and disinfectant products with 70% alcohol (w/w) used in the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic

Formulações contendo álcool etílico 70% (p/p) podem ser classificadas como cosméticos, medicamentos ou saneantes, dependendo da apresentação e local de uso. Foram largamente empregadas como antisséptico na forma líquida e gel no combate à pandemia provocada pelo SARS-CoV-2. O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a qualidade de 60 produtos em relação ao teor e rotulagem, destinados à higienização das mãos, superfícies e de uso hospitalar comercializadas em São Paulo. Realizou-se a avaliação do teor de álcool etílico por determinação direta em densímetro digital e comparação das informações da rotulagem com as da legislação de referência e com o rótulo aprovado pela Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária (ANVISA). Os resultados demonstraram que 48,3% das amostras apresentaram resultados inferiores aos limites regulatórios e às concentrações descritas no rótulo do produto para o teor de álcool etílico. Além disso, 5% apresentaram prazo de validade informado no rótulo acima de 180 dias, em desacordo com a RDC 350/20. Os níveis de insatisfatoriedade encontrados neste estudo indicam a necessidade de monitoramento da qualidade dos produtos disponíveis no mercado brasileiro com o propósito de apoiar as autoridades sanitárias nas atividades de fiscalização. (AU)

Formulations containing 70% ethyl alcohol (w/w) can be classified as cosmetics, medicines, or sanitizers depending on the presentation and place of use. These formulations were widely used as an antiseptic in the fight against the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, available in both liquid and gel forms. The present study aimed to assess the quality of 60 products, intended for hand and surface hygiene and hospital use, sold in São Paulo. The ethyl alcohol content was evaluated by direct determination using a digital densimeter, and the labeling information was compared with the reference legislation and the label approved by ANVISA (Brazil's National Health Surveillance Agency). The results showed that 48.3% of the products had ethyl alcohol content below the regulatory limits and concentrations specified on the product label. Additionally, 5% of the products had an expiration date on the label that exceeded 180 days, contrary to RDC 350/20 regulations. The levels of unsatisfactory products found in this study indicate the need for continuous monitoring of the quality of products available in the Brazilian market. Such monitoring is crucial to support health authorities in their inspection activities and ensure the efficacy and safety of antiseptic and disinfectant products used in the context of public health. (AU)

Muerte accidental por consumo combinado de cocaína y etanol Revisión bibliográfica / Accidental death from combined cocaine and ethanol use. Literature review

La autopsia médico legal en Costa Rica, en casos sospechosos de intoxicación por cocaetileno se debe realizar bajo las normas establecidas en la Guía de estándares de trabajo para la Sección de Patología Forense del Departamento de Medicina Legal. El análisis del mecanismo fisiopatológico de cómo estas sustancias provocan alteraciones en el organismo que pueden conllevar a un eventual fallecimiento corresponde a parte del análisis requerido en la investigación ante la sospecha de esta causa de muerte. Por lo anterior, el objetivo de este artículo es describir los mecanismos fisiopatológicos que ocurren durante el consumo combinado de cocaína y etanol, los mecanismos que conllevan a la muerte de personas consumidoras de estas sustancias y las consideraciones médico legales a tomar en cuenta para el diagnóstico de esta causa de muerte. Se realizó revisión de artículos científicos, sobre los efectos del uso combinado de la cocaína y el etanol. La literatura describe que el uso combinado de cocaína y etanol potencia los efectos farmacocinéticos y bioquímicos de cada una de estas sustancias, que su derivado, el cocaetileno, es capaz de generar por sí mismo los mecanismos causantes de la muerte. Que los principales mecanismos fisiopatológicos que conllevan la muerte ante el uso combinado de estas sustancias son de origen cardiovascular y hepático. Como consideraciones médico legales a tomar en cuenta para el diagnóstico de esta manera de muerte accidental, en la Sección de Toxicología del Departamento de Ciencias Forenses de Costa Rica, la cuantificación del cocaetileno y las sustancias relacionadas no se realiza, aunque se encuentra actualmente en el desarrollo de un proyecto para la determinación de la estabilidad de las drogas en sangre bajo las condiciones de almacenamiento, con el fin de ofrecer la posibilidad de cuantificar ciertas drogas (en donde se podría incluir el cocaetileno) en un futuro próximo.

Medical-legal autopsy in Costa Rica, in suspected cases of cocaethylene poisoning must be performed under the regulations established in the Work Standards Guide for the Forensic Pathology Section of the Department of Legal Medicine. The analysis of the pathophysiological mechanism of how these substances cause alterations in the organism that can lead to eventual death corresponds to part of the analysis required in the investigation when this cause of death is suspected. Therefore, the objective of this article is to describe the pathophysiological mechanisms that occur during the combined consumption of cocaine and ethanol, the mechanisms that lead to the death of people who consume these substances, and the medico-legal considerations to be considered for the diagnosis. of this cause of death. A review of scientific articles was carried out on the effects of the combined use of cocaine and ethanol. The literature describes that the combined use of cocaine and ethanol enhances the pharmacokinetic and biochemical effects of each one of these substances, that its derivative, cocaethylene, can generate the mechanisms that cause death by itself. That the main pathophysiological mechanisms that lead to death in the combined use of these substances are of cardiovascular and hepatic origin. As legal medical considerations to take into account for the diagnosis of this type of accidental death, in the Toxicology Section of the Department of Forensic Sciences of Costa Rica, the quantification of cocaethylene and related substances is not carried out, although it is currently in the development of a project for the determination of the stability of drugs in blood under storage conditions, in order to offer the possibility of quantifying certain drugs (which could include cocaethylene) in the near future.

Effect of ethanolic extracts from Piperaceae leaves on the reduction of skin necrosis and wound healing in an animal model of degloving injuries

Purpose: To assess the effect of the ethanolic extract of the leaves of three species of plants from the Piperaceae family on reducing necrosis and enhancing wound healing in an animal model of degloving injuries. Methods: The animals were divided into six groups, each consisting of six animals: sham, negative control, EEPA (Piper amalago ethanolic extract), EEPG (Piper glabratum ethanolic extract), EEPV (Piper vicosanum ethanolic extract), and positive control receiving hyperbaric oxygenation. The animals underwent surgery to induce excision wounds, and the extent of cutaneous necrosis was evaluated using graphic software, while wound healing was assessed through histopathology. Results: Skin necrosis percentage area was: sham group = 62.84% 6.38; negative control group = 63.03% 4.11; P. vicosanum = 40.80% 4.76 p < 0.05; P. glabratum 32.97% 4.01 p < 0.01; P. amalago = 32.40% 4.61 p < 0.01; hyperbaric oxygenation = 33.21% 4.29 p < 0.01. All treated groups showed higher collagen deposition and less intense, plus predominantly mononuclear inflammatory infiltrate, suggesting improved healing process. Conclusions: The three tested extracts demonstrated efficacy in reducing the extent of cutaneous necrosis caused by degloving injuries and also showed evidence of improvement in the wound healing process.

Intervenções psicológicas necessárias: a prática como residente no serviço de medicina fetal / Necessary psychological interventions: the practice as a resident in the fetal medicine service / Intervenciones psicológicas necesarias: la práctica como residente en el servicio de medicina fetal

Com os avanços tecnológicos e o aprimoramento da prática médica via ultrassonografia, já é possível detectar possíveis problemas no feto desde a gestação. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a prática do psicólogo no contexto de gestações que envolvem riscos fetais. Trata-se de um estudo qualitativo sob formato de relato de experiência como psicólogo residente no Serviço de Medicina Fetal da Maternidade Escola da Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ). Os registros, feitos por observação participante e diário de campo, foram analisados em dois eixos temáticos: 1) intervenções psicológicas no trabalho em equipe em consulta de pré-natal, exame de ultrassonografia e procedimento de amniocentese; e 2) intervenções psicológicas em casos de bebês incompatíveis com a vida. Os resultados indicaram que o psicólogo nesse serviço é essencial para atuar de forma multiprofissional na assistência pré-natal para gravidezes de alto risco fetal. Ademais, a preceptoria do residente é relevante para sua formação e treinamento para atuação profissional no campo da psicologia perinatal.(AU)

Face to the technological advances and the improvement of medical practice via ultrasound, it is already possible to detect possible problems in the fetus since pregnancy. The objective of this study was to analyze the psychologist's practice in the context of pregnancies which involve fetal risks. It is a qualitative study based on an experience report as a psychologist trainee at the Fetal Medicine Service of the Maternity School of UFRJ. The records, based on the participant observation and field diary, were analyzed in two thematic axes: 1) psychological interventions in the teamwork in the prenatal attendance, ultrasound examination and amniocentesis procedure; and 2) psychological interventions in cases of babies incompatible to the life. The results indicated that the psychologist in this service is essential to work in a multidisciplinary way at the prenatal care for high fetal risk pregnancies. Furthermore, the resident's preceptorship is relevant to their education and training for professional performance in the field of Perinatal Psychology.(AU)

Con los avances tecnológicos y la mejora de la práctica médica a través de la ecografía, ya se puede detectar posibles problemas en el feto desde el embarazo. El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar la práctica del psicólogo en el contexto de embarazos de riesgos fetal. Es un estudio cualitativo basado en un relato de experiencia como residente de psicología en el Servicio de Medicina Fetal de la Escuela de Maternidad de la Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ). Los registros, realizados en la observación participante y el diario de campo, se analizaron en dos ejes temáticos: 1) intervenciones psicológicas en el trabajo en equipo, en la consulta prenatal, ecografía y los procedimientos de amniocentesis; y 2) intervenciones psicológicas en casos de bebés incompatibles con la vida. Los resultados señalaron como fundamental la presencia del psicólogo en este servicio trabajando de forma multidisciplinar en la atención prenatal en el contexto de embarazos de alto riesgo fetal. Además, la tutela del residente es relevante para su educación y formación para el desempeño profesional en el campo de la Psicología Perinatal.(AU)

Saúde mental e atuação de psicólogos hospitalares brasileiros na pandemia da covid-19 / Health and works of brazilian hospital psychologists in the covid-19 pandemic / Salud mental y actuación de psicólogos en hospitales brasileños en la pandemia del covid-19

Em março de 2020 a situação causada pela covid-19 foi elevada à categoria de pandemia, impactando de inúmeras formas a vida em sociedade. O objetivo deste estudo foi compreender os impactos da pandemia na atuação e saúde mental do psicólogo hospitalar, profissional que atua nos espaços de saúde e tem experienciado mais de perto o sofrimento dos doentes e dos profissionais de saúde frente à covid-19. Trata-se de um estudo exploratório-descritivo com 131 psicólogos que atuam em hospitais. Os profissionais foram convidados a participar através de redes sociais e redes de contatos das pesquisadoras, utilizando-se a técnica Bola de Neve. Foram utilizados dois questionários, disponibilizados na plataforma Google Forms, um abordando os impactos da pandemia sentidos pelos profissionais e outro referente ao sofrimento psíquico. Os dados foram analisados a partir de estatísticas descritivas e inferenciais. Foram observados impactos na atuação de quase a totalidade dos participantes, constatada a necessidade de preparação dos profissionais para o novo cenário, a percepção de pouco apoio institucional e quase metade da população estudada referiu-se a sintomas de sofrimento psíquico considerável desde o início da pandemia. É fundamental dar atenção a sinais e sintomas de sofrimento psíquico, procurando evitar o adoecimento de uma categoria profissional que se encontra na linha de frente do combate aos danos psicológicos da pandemia e cuja própria saúde mental é pouco abordada na literatura.(AU)

In March 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic breakout hugely impacted life in society. This study analyzes how the pandemic impacted hospital psychologists' mental health and performance, professional who more closely experienced the suffering of patients and health professionals in this period. An exploratory and descriptive study was conducted with 131 hospital psychologists. Professionals were invited to participate through the researchers' social and contact networks using the Snowball technique. Data were collected by two questionnaires available on the Google Forms platform, one addressing the impacts felt by professionals and the other regarding psychic suffering, and analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistics. Results showed that almost all participants had their performance affected by the need to prepare for the new scenario, the perceived little institutional support. Almost half of the study sample reported considerable psychological distress symptoms since the beginning of the pandemic. Paying attention to signs and symptoms of psychic suffering is fundamental to avoid compromising a professional category that is on the front line of combating the psychological damage caused by the pandemic and whose own mental health is little addressed by the literature.(AU)

En marzo de 2020, la situación provocada por el COVID-19 se caracterizó como pandemia e impactó el mundo de diversas maneras. El objetivo de este estudio fue comprender los impactos de la pandemia en la salud mental y la actuación del psicólogo en los hospitales, uno de los profesionales que trabaja en espacios sanitarios y que ha experimentado más de cerca el sufrimiento de pacientes y profesionales sanitarios frente al COVID-19. Este es un estudio exploratorio descriptivo, realizado con 131 psicólogos que trabajan en hospitales. Los profesionales recibieron la invitación a participar a través de las redes sociales y redes de contactos de las investigadoras, mediante la técnica snowball. Se utilizaron dos cuestionarios disponibles en la plataforma Google Forms: uno sobre los impactos de la pandemia en los profesionales y el otro sobre el sufrimiento psíquico. Los datos se analizaron a partir de estadísticas descriptivas e inferenciales. Se observaron impactos en el trabajo de casi todos los participantes, la necesidad de preparación de los profesionales para este nuevo escenario, la percepción de poco apoyo institucional, y casi la mitad de la población estudiada reportaron sentir síntomas de considerable angustia psicológica desde el inicio de la pandemia. Es esencial prestar atención a los signos y síntomas del sufrimiento psíquico, buscando evitar la enfermedad de una categoría profesional que está a la vanguardia de la lucha contra el daño psicológico de la pandemia y cuya propia salud mental se aborda poco en la literatura.(AU)

Expression and characterization of mesophilic GH1 β-glucosidase CdBglA from acidophilic Cuniculiplasma divulgatum / 生物工程学报

β-glucosidase has important applications in food, pharmaceutics, biomass conversion and other fields, exploring β-glucosidase with strong adaptability and excellent properties thus has received extensive interest. In this study, a novel glucosidase from the GH1 family derived from Cuniculiplasma divulgatum was cloned, expressed, and characterized, aiming to find a better β-glucosidase. The amino acid sequences of GH1 family glucosidase derived from C. divulgatum were obtained from the NCBI database, and a recombinant plasmid pET-30a(+)-CdBglA was constructed. The recombinant protein was induced to express in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3). The enzymatic properties of the purified CdBglA were studied. The molecular weight of the recombinant CdBglA was 56.0 kDa. The optimum pH and temperature were 5.5 and 55 ℃, respectively. The enzyme showed good pH stability, 92.33% of the initial activity could be retained when treated under pH 5.5-11.0 for 1 h. When pNPG was used as a substrate, the kinetic parameters Km, Vmax and Kcat/Km were 0.81 mmol, 291.99 μmol/(mg·min), and 387.50 s-1 mmol-1, respectively. 90.33% of the initial enzyme activity could be retained when CdBglA was placed with various heavy metal ions at a final concentration of 5 mmol/L. The enzyme activity was increased by 28.67% under 15% ethanol solution, remained unchanged under 20% ethanol, and 43.68% of the enzyme activity could still be retained under 30% ethanol. The enzyme has an obvious activation effect at 0-1.5 mol/L NaCl and can tolerate 0.8 mol/L glucose. In conclusion, CdBglA is an acidic and mesophilic enzyme with broad pH stability and strong tolerance to most metal ions, organic solvents, NaCl and glucose. These characteristics may facilitate future theoretical research and industrial production.

Chemical constituents from Salacia polysperma / 中国中药杂志

Nine compounds were isolated from the 90% ethanol extract of Salacia polysperma by silica gel, Sephadex LH-20 column chromatography, together with preparative HPLC methods. Based on HR-ESI-MS, MS, 1D and 2D NMR spectral analyses, the structures of the nine compounds were identified as 28-hydroxy wilforlide B(1), wilforlide A(2), 1β,3β-dihydroxyurs-9(11),12-diene(3),(-)-epicatechin(4),(+)-catechin(5),(-)-4'-O-methyl-ent-galloepicatechin(6), 3-hydroxy-1-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxy-phenyl)propan-1-one(7),(-)-(7S,8R)-4-hydroxy-3,3',5'-trimethoxy-8',9'-dinor-8,4'-oxyneoligna-7,9-diol-7'-aldehyde(8), and vanillic acid(9). Compound 1 is a new oleanane-type triterpene lactone. Compounds 1, 3, 4, 7-9 were isolated from the Salacia genus for the first time. All compounds were assayed for their α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. The results suggested that compound 8 exhibited moderate α-glucosidase inhibitory activity, with an IC_(50) value of 37.2 μmol·L~(-1), and the other compounds showed no α-glucosidase inhibitory activity.

Optimization of ethanol precipitation process of Nauclea officinalis extract based on concept of quality by design(QbD) / 中国中药杂志

The ethanol precipitation process of Nauclea officinalis extract was optimized based on the concept of quality by design(QbD). Single factor tests were carried out to determine the levels of test factors. The ethanol volume fraction, pre-ethanol precipitation drug concentration, and ethanol precipitation time were taken as critical process parameters(CPPs). With the comprehensive scores of strictosamide transfer rate and solid removal rate as the critical quality attributes(CQAs), Box-Behnken design was employed to establish the mathematical models and space design between CPPs and CQAs, and the obtained optimal operating space was validated. The optimal operating space included ethanol volume fraction of 65%-70%, pre-ethanol precipitation drug concentration of 22-27 mg·mL~(-1), and ethanol precipitation time of 12 h. Based on the concept of QbD, this study adopted the design space to optimize the ethanol precipitation process of N. officinalis extract, which provided a reliable theoretical basis for the quality control in the production process of N. officinalis preparations. Moroever, this study provided a reference value for guiding the research and industrial production of traditional Chinese medicines.

Preparation and quality evaluation of total flavonoids microemulsion of "Pueraria lobata-Hovenia dulcis" / 中国中药杂志

The effective components of flavonoids in the "Pueraria lobata-Hovenia dulcis" drug pair have low bioavailability in vivo due to their unstable characteristics. This study used microemulsions with amphoteric carrier properties to solve this problem. The study drew pseudo-ternary phase diagrams through titration compatibility experiments of the oil phase with emulsifiers and co-emulsifiers and screened the prescription composition of blank microemulsions. The study used average particle size and PDI as evaluation indicators, and the central composite design-response surface method(CCD-RSM) was used to optimize the prescription; high-dosage drug-loaded microemulsions were obtained, and their physicochemical properties, appearance, and stability were evaluated. The results showed that when ethyl butyrate was used as the oil phase, polysorbate 80(tween 80) as the surfactant, and anhydrous ethanol as the cosurfactant, the maximum microemulsion area was obtained. When the difference in results was small, K_(m )of 1∶4 was chosen to ensure the safety of the prescription. The prescription composition optimized by the CCD-RSM was ethyl butyrate(16.28%), tween 80(9.59%), and anhydrous ethanol(38.34%). When the dosage reached 3% of the system mass, the total flavonoid microemulsion prepared had a clear and transparent appearance, with average particle size, PDI, and potential of(74.25±1.58)nm, 0.277±0.043, and(-0.08±0.07) mV, respectively. The microemulsion was spherical and evenly distributed under transmission electron microscopy. The centrifugal stability and temperature stability were good, and there was no layering or demulsification phenomenon, which significantly improved the in vitro dissolution of total flavonoids.

Notch signaling pathway inhibitor DAPT improves alcohol-induced neuronal differentiation impairment in zebrafish / 南方医科大学学报

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the role of the Notch signaling pathway in regulating neuronal differentiation and sensorimotor ability in a zebrafish model of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder.@*METHODS@#Zebrafish embryos treated with DMSO or 50 μmol/L DAPT (a Notch signaling pathway inhibitor) were examined for mortality rate, hatching rate, malformation rate, and body length at 15 days post fertilization (dpf). The mRNA expression levels of sox2, neurogenin1 and huc in the treated zebrafish embryos were detected using in situ hybridization and qRT-PCR, and their behavioral responses to strong light and vibration stimulation were observed. The zebrafish embryos were then exposed to DMSO, 1.5% ethanol, DAPT, or both ethanol and DAPT, and the changes in mRNA expression levels of sox2, neurogenin1, huc, and the Notch signaling pathway genes as well as behavioral responses were evaluated.@*RESULTS@#Exposure to 50 μmol/L DAPT significantly increased the mortality rate of 1 dpf zebrafish embryos (P < 0.01), decreased the hatching rate of 2 dpf embryos (P < 0.01), increased the malformation rate of 3 dpf embryos (P < 0.001), and reduced the body length of 15 dpf embryos (P < 0.05). DAPT treatment significantly downregulated sox2 mRNA expression (P < 0.01) and increased neurogenin1 (P < 0.05) and huc (P < 0.01) mRNA expressions in zebrafish embryos. The zebrafish with DAPT treatment exhibited significantly shortened movement distance (P < 0.001) and lowered movement speed (P < 0.05) in response to all the stimulation conditions. Compared with treatment with 1.5% ethanol alone, which obviously upregulated notch1a, her8a and NICD mRNA expressions in zebrafish embryos (P < 0.05), the combined treatment with ethanol and DAPT significantly increased neurogenin1 and huc mRNA expression, decreased sox2 mRNA expression (P < 0.01), and increased the moving distance and moving speed of zebrafish embryos in response to strong light stimulation (P < 0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Ethanol exposure causes upregulation of the Notch signaling pathway and impairs neuronal differentiation and sensorimotor ability of zebrafish embryos, and these detrimental effects can be lessened by inhibiting the Notch signaling pathway.

UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS combined with network pharmacology for exploring antiinflammatory mechanism of Eurycoma longifolia / 南方医科大学学报

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the mechanisms that mediate the anti-inflammatory activity of Eurycoma longifolia.@*METHODS@#Kunming mouse models of xylene-induced ear swelling and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute pneumonia were used to compare the anti- inflammatory activities of aqueous and ethanol extracts of Eurycoma longifolia. UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS was used to identify the chemical composition in the ethanol extract of Eurycoma longifolia, based on which the potential antiinflammatory targets of Eurycoma longifolia were screened using the databases including SwissADME, SwissTargetPrediction, and Genecards. The String database was used to generate the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, and Cytoscape was used for network topology analysis and screening the core targets. The enrichment of the core targets was analyzed using Metascape database, the core components and targets were docked with Autodock software, and the docking results were visualized using Pymol software. In a RAW264.7 cell model of LPS-induced inflammation, the Griess reagent was used to measure NO level, and Western blotting was performed to detect the expression levels of MAPK1, JAK2, and STAT3 proteins to verify the anti- inflammatory mechanism of Eurycoma longifolia.@*RESULTS@#The ethanol extract (75%) of Eurycoma longifolia (ELE) was the active site, which contained a total of 37 chemical components. These chemical compounds and diseases had 541 targets, involving the JAK/STAT3, cAMP and other signaling pathways. Twelve indicator components were identified, which all showed good results of molecular docking with two core targets involved in the signaling pathways. In the cell validation experiment, treatment of the cells with low-, medium-, and high-dose ELE significantly reduced NO release in the cells, and ELE at the medium dose significantly decreased the cellular expressions of JAK2 and STAT3.@*CONCLUSION@#The anti-inflammatory activity of Eurycoma longifolia is attributed primarily to its active ingredients bitter lignin and alkaloids, which may regulate the JAK/STAT3 signaling pathway by targeting JAK2 and STAT3.

Ultrasound-guided anhydrous ethanol and microwave ablation for functional parathyroid cyst: a case report / 南方医科大学学报

We report a case of functional parathyroid cyst treated by ultrasound-guided anhydrous ethanol sclerotherapy and microwave ablation. The 63-year-old female patient was diagnosed to have functional parathyroid cyst with hypercalcemia, high PTH and cystic space-occupying lesions in the neck by ultrasound, radionuclide scanning and PTH measurement of the cystic fluid. The patient refused to receive cyst resection, and anhydrous ethanol sclerotherapy with microwave ablation was performed under ultrasound guidance. The procedure was completed smoothly without any complications either during or after the operation. Follow-up examination of the patient at 18 months after the operation showed a significant reduction of the mass and normal blood calcium and iPTH levels, demonstrating a clinical cure of the patient. Ablative treatment of functional parathyroid cyst has not been documented so far. This approach provides a minimally invasive treatment modality for such cases where surgical resection is not an option, but its efficacy and safety need to be evaluated in more cases with longer follow-up time.

Establishment and behavioral evaluation of a mouse model of long-term free-choice alcohol drinking / 北京大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To establish a model of long-term free drinking mouse by feeding mice with alcohol to simulate the state of human voluntary long-term drinking, and on this basis, to further discuss the evaluation criteria of long-term free drinking mice model in sports, anxiety and cognitive behavior.@*METHODS@#Forty six-week-old SPF C57BL/6 male mouse were randomly divided into two groups: Long-term free drinking group (n=20) and normal control group (n=20). The two groups were given solid feed normally. The long-term free drinking group was free to take 10% alcohol and water every day, while the normal drinking group only took water every day. The mice were fed for 7 months, and were evaluated by a series of behavioral methods, including Rota-rod test, balance beam test, open filed test, the elevated plus maze, two-box social behavior, new object recognition, Y maze and water maze.@*RESULTS@#With the increase of drinking days, the mice showed significant alcohol addiction in the alcohol preference test. With the increase of alcohol intake, the mice in the long-term free choice drinking group had slightly shiny fur and reduced diet. Compared with the control group, the weight gain began to slow down from the third month, and the weight decreased significantly by the sixth and seventh months (P=0.006, P < 0.001). The mice showed reduced balance locomotion ability (P=0.003, P=0.001) in the rotary bar and balance beam test. In the open field and elevated cross test, the mice had obvious anxiety-like behavior (P < 0.001). The mice showed decreased social ability in the two boxes of social behavior (P < 0.016). In the experiment of new object recognition and Y maze, the exploration of new object decreased (P=0.018, P=0.040). In the water maze, cognitive functions, such as learning and spatial memory were reduced (P < 0.001).@*CONCLUSION@#The successful establishment of the long-term free drinking mouse model is more convenient for us to carry out further research on the neural mechanism of alcohol addiction, and lays an experimental foundation for exploring the neural mechanism of alcohol addiction and related new targets.

Lignans from stems and leaves of Cephalotaxus fortunei (Ⅱ) / 中国中药杂志

The present study aimed to explore the chemical constituents from the stems and leaves of Cephalotaxus fortunei. Seven lignans were isolated from the 75% ethanol extract of C. fortunei by various chromatographic methods, including silica gel, ODS column chromatography, and HPLC. The structures of the isolated compounds were elucidated according to physicochemical properties and spectral data. Compound 1 is a new lignan named cephalignan A. The known compounds were identified as 8-hydroxy-conidendrine(2), isolariciresinol(3), leptolepisol D(4), diarctigenin(5), dihydrodehydrodiconiferyl alcohol 9'-O-β-D-glucopyranoside(6), and dihydrodehydrodiconiferyl alcohol 4-O-β-D-glucopyranoside(7). Compounds 2 and 5 were isolated from the Cephalotaxus plant for the first time.

Lipid nanoparticle delivery of siRNA targeting Cyp2e1 gene attenuates subacute alcoholic liver injury in mice / 浙江大学学报·医学版

OBJECTIVES@#To investigate the effect and mechanism of lipid nanoparticle (LNP) delivery of small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting Cyp2e1 gene on subacute alcoholic liver injury in mice.@*METHODS@#siRNA targeting Cyp2e1 gene was encapsulated in LNP (si-Cyp2e1 LNP) by microfluidic technique and the resulting LNPs were characterized. The optimal dose of si-Cyp2e1 LNP administration was screened. Forty female C57BL/6N mice were randomly divided into blank control group, model control group, si-Cyp2e1 LNP group, LNP control group and metadoxine group. The subacute alcoholic liver injury mouse model was induced by ethanol feeding for 10 d plus ethanol gavage for the last 3 d. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities, and the superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity as well as malondialdehyde, reactive oxygen species, glutathione, triacylglycerol, total cholesterol contents in liver tissue were measured in each group, and liver index was calculated. The expression of genes related to oxidative stress, lipid synthesis and inflammation in each group of mice were measured by realtime RT-PCR.@*RESULTS@#Compared with the model control group, the levels of liver index, serum ALT, AST activities, malondialdehyde, reactive oxygen species, triacylglycerol, total cholesterol contents in liver tissue decreased, but the SOD activity as well as glutathione increased in the si-Cyp2e1 LNP group (all P<0.01). Hematoxylin-eosin staining result showed disorganized hepatocytes with sparse cytoplasm and a large number of fat vacuoles and necrosis in the model control group, while the si-Cyp2e1 LNP group had uniformly sized and arranged hepatocytes with normal liver tissue morphology and structure. Oil red O staining result showed si-Cyp2e1 LNP group had lower fat content of the liver compared to the model control group (P<0.01), and no fat droplets accumulated. Anti-F4/80 monoclonal antibody fluorescence immunohistochemistry showed that the si-Cyp2e1 LNP group had lower cumulative optical density values compared to the model control group (P<0.01) and no significant inflammatory reaction. Compared with the model control group, the expression of catalytic genes P47phox, P67phox and Gp91phox were reduced (all P<0.01), while the expression of the antioxidant enzyme genes Sod1, Gsh-rd and Gsh-px were increased (all P<0.01). The mRNA expression of the lipid metabolism genes Pgc-1α and Cpt1 were increased (all P<0.01) and the lipid synthesis-related genes Srebp1c, Acc and Fasn were decreased (all P<0.01); the expression of liver inflammation-related genes Tgf-β, Tnf-α and Il-6 were decreased (all P<0.01).@*CONCLUSIONS@#The si-Cyp2e1 LNP may attenuate subacute alcoholic liver injury in mice mainly by reducing reactive oxygen levels, increasing antioxidant activity, blocking oxidative stress pathways and reducing ethanol-induced steatosis and inflammation.

Mechanism of n-butanol alcohol extract of Baitouweng Decoction in treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis based on negative regulation of NLRP3 inflammasome via PKCδ/NLRC4/IL-1Ra axis / 中国中药杂志

This study aimed to explore the mechanism of n-butanol alcohol extract of Baitouweng Decoction(BAEB) in the treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis(VVC) in mice based on the negative regulation of NLRP3 inflammasome via PKCδ/NLRC4/IL-1Ra axis. In the experiment, female C57BL/6 mice were divided randomly into the following six groups: a blank control group, a VVC model group, high-, medium-, and low-dose BAEB groups(80, 40, and 20 mg·kg~(-1)), and a fluconazole group(20 mg·kg~(-1)). The VVC model was induced in mice except for those in the blank control group by the estrogen dependence method. After modeling, no treatment was carried out in the blank control group. The mice in the high-, medium-, and low-dose BAEB groups were treated with BAEB at 80, 40, and 20 mg·kg~(-1), respectively, and those in the fluconazole group were treated with fluconazole at 20 mg·kg~(-1). The mice in the VVC model group received the same volume of normal saline. The general state and body weight of mice in each group were observed every day, and the morphological changes of Candida albicans in the vaginal lavage of mice were examined by Gram staining. The fungal load in the vaginal lavage of mice was detected by microdilution assay. After the mice were killed, the degree of neutrophil infiltration in the vaginal lavage was detected by Papanicolaou staining. The content of inflammatory cytokines interleukin(IL)-1β, IL-18, and lactate dehydrogenase(LDH) in the vaginal lavage was tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA), and vaginal histopathology was analyzed by hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining. The expression and distribution of NLRP3, PKCδ, pNLRC4, and IL-1Ra in vaginal tissues were measured by immunohistochemistry(IHC), and the expression and distribution of pNLRC4 and IL-1Ra in vaginal tissues were detected by immunofluorescence(IF). The protein expression of NLRP3, PKCδ, pNLRC4, and IL-1Ra was detected by Western blot(WB), and the mRNA expression of NLRP3, PKCδ, pNLRC4, and IL-1Ra was detected by qRT-PCR. The results showed that compared with the blank control group, the VVC model group showed redness, edema, and white secretions in the vagina. Compared with the VVC model group, the BAEB groups showed improved general state of VVC mice. As revealed by Gram staining, Papanicolaou staining, microdilution assay, and HE staining, compared with the blank control group, the VVC model group showed a large number of hyphae, neutrophils infiltration, and increased fungal load in the vaginal lavage, destroyed vaginal mucosa, and infiltration of a large number of inflammatory cells. BAEB could reduce the transformation of C. albicans from yeast to hyphae. High-dose BAEB could significantly reduce neutrophil infiltration and fungal load. Low-and medium-dose BAEB could reduce the da-mage to the vaginal tissue, while high-dose BAEB could restore the damaged vaginal tissues to normal levels. ELISA results showed that the content of inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-18, and LDH in the VVC model group significantly increased compared with that in the blank control group, and the content of IL-1β, IL-18 and LDH in the medium-and high-dose BAEB groups was significantly reduced compared with that in the VVC model group. WB and qRT-PCR results showed that compared with the blank control group, the VVC model group showed reduced protein and mRNA expression of PKCδ, pNLRC4, and IL-1Ra in vaginal tissues of mice and increased protein and mRNA expression of NLRP3. Compared with the VVC model group, the medium-and high-dose BAEB groups showed up-regulated protein and mRNA expression of PKCδ, pNLRC4, and IL-1Ra in vaginal tissues and inhibited protein and mRNA expression of NLRP3 in vaginal tissues. This study indicated that the therapeutic effect of BAEB on VVC mice was presumably related to the negative regulation of NLRP3 inflammasome by promoting PKCδ/NLRC4/IL-1Ra axis.