Impact of Biotic and Abiotic Stress on Survival of Lac Insects Kerria lacca Kerr. on Pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp)

Cajanus cajan is generally grown in rainfed condition. The crop is also a good annual host plant of lac insect. C. cajan is widely reported to have biotic stress due to insect pests on it. Lac insect is phloem sap feeder and hence imparts biotic stress. The present field study was conducted to evaluate the percent survival of lac insects on C. cajan by adjusting different levels of biotic and abiotic stress on the host plant. The biotic stress due to insect pests on C. cajan was minimised with periodic spray of contact insecticides. The varying level of biotic stress i.e., No, Low, Medium, and High level was maintained on C. cajan plants with lac insects on it. The three levels of abiotic stress in this experiment were considered in terms of soil moisture stress. It was managed through irrigation per plant through drip system, it was considered that creating different levels of moisture stress in soil will impact the host plant. The abiotic stress was of three levels i.e., Low, Medium, and High. The result reveals that survival percent of Lac insect from brood lac inoculation to the harvest of lac crop was highest 37.52 percent on C. cajan with one primary branch and its secondary branches with lac insect (L1- Low biotic stress). It was 32.13 percent (W3- Low soil moisture stress). The study indicates that biotic and abiotic stress play a major role in the survival of K. lacca.

Economics of Lac Production on Annual Host Cajanus cajan under Different Plant Density and Soil Moisture Condition

Inclusive of cash crop in crop production system a small and marginal farmer is an important state to shift them from sustainable farming to an economical farming. Lac is a cash crop while Cajanus cajan is a popular pulse crop in India. The present attempt was to evaluate economics of lac and grain production on C. cajan indifferent plant densities and soil moisture conditions. The two year data revealed that the highest net returnRs. 125.21 per plant, Rs. 149749.08 per hectare, in (S2W3) medium plant density (S2) and higher level of irrigation (W3), also highest input-output ratio (2.95) and B:C ratio (1.95).

Status of Lac Production and Marketing in West Karbi Anglong District of Assam

West Karbi Anglong district of Assam State is historically a major lac producing area in the North Eastern India from where lac was used to be exported to China and Japan during 17th and 18th. The farmers in these areas have been cultivating making lac (cultivation)delete since time immemorial. .Among several indigenous communities inhabiting West Karbi Anglong district, Karbis are rearing lac insects (Kerria lacca Kerr), locally called Laha, on naturally growing host plants in forests and on pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) in a traditional practice. The present investigation attempted to examine the present status of production and marketing of lac in West Karbi Anglong. The primary data was collected from 75 lac farmers to find out the present status of production and marketing of lac. More than 35tons of lac are exported to other states from West Karbi Anglong districts annually. Due to their traditional practice these producers are receiving a low price for their product as low as compared to the market rate. The product is marketed to local intermediaries, local traders and distant traders. Lack of awareness and knowledge on value addition and the prevailing market price, marketing agencies and industries resulted in lower price of the product. Lack of scientific knowledge on production and processing of lac is the major problem encountered by the farmers. Lack of processing unit is another major problem for which the lac producers received a low price for their product.

Predictive value of the initial MELD score and its derivative scores for early survival rate after liver transplantation in patients with liver failure / 器官移植

Objective To explore the predictive values of the initial model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score, MELD combined with serum sodium (MELD-Na) score and MELD combined with serum lactic acid (MELD-Lac) score for early survival rate after liver transplantation in patients with liver failure. Methods Clinical data of 135 recipients undergoing liver transplantation for liver failure were retrospectively analyzed. All patients were divided into the early survival group (n=110) and early death group (n=25) according to the survival at postoperative 28 d. Clinical data were compared between two groups. The optimal cut-off values of MELD, MELD-Na and MELD-Lac scores for predicting early survival rate after liver transplantation in patients with liver failure were determined by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. The predictive values of different scores for early survival rate after liver transplantation in patients with liver failure were evaluated. Results Significant differences were observed in the initial MELD, MELD-Na and MELD-Lac scores after liver transplantation between two groups (all P < 0.05). For the initial MELD, MELD-Na and MELD-Lac scores in predicting early survival rate after liver transplantation in patients with liver failure, the AUC were 0.653 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.515-0.792], 0.648 (95%CI 0.514-0.781) and 0.809 (95%CI 0.718-0.900), the optimal cut-off values were 18.09, 18.09 and 19.97, Youden's indexes were 0.398, 0.380 and 0.525, the sensitivity was 0.680, 0.680 and 0.840, and the specificity was 0.720, 0.700 and 0.690, respectively. The AUC of MELD-Lac score was higher than those of MELD and MELD-Na scores, and the differences were statistically significant (both P < 0.05). Conclusions Compared with the initial MELD and MELD-Na scores after liver transplantation, the initial MELD-Lac score is a more reliable index for predicting early survival rate after liver transplantation in patients with liver failure.

Revisión bibliográfica de colaboraciones birregionales en Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación entre Europa, América Latina y el Caribe / A bibliographic review of bi-regional collaborations in Science, Technology and Innovation between Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean / Uma revisão bibliográfica das colaborações bi-regionais em ciência, tecnologia e inovação entre Europa, América Latina e Caribe

Resumen Introducción: el presente trabajo tiene el objetivo de caracterizar la dinámica de publicación de asociaciones de investigación colaborativa entre Europa, América Latina y el Caribe (EULAC) en los últimos cuarenta años. Objetivo: adoptamos dos enfoques al analizar datos basados en los siguientes supuestos: 1) la colaboración se caracteriza por una relación central establecida entre investigadores de LAC y una institución de la UE., y 2) la colaboración birregional se caracteriza por una serie de publicaciones científicas realizadas por diferentes científicos e instituciones. Nuestra hipótesis es averiguar si las relaciones científicas birregionales entre los países de EULAC mediante la colaboración internacional se han visto fortalecidas en los últimos años gracias al esfuerzo institucional y de los investigadores para internacionalizar sus investigaciones. Materiales y métodos: ofrecemos una revisión de las publicaciones que incluye co-publicaciones de las instituciones de EULAC publicadas entre 1991 y 2016 para estudiar la colaboración de investigación birregional en diferentes áreas. Evaluamos la evolución temporal de la colaboración EULAC, el liderazgo de las publicaciones y el tipo de dominio de investigación cubierto. Hemos encontrado 43 trabajos de investigación que cumplen con nuestros criterios; los hemos dividido en tres categorías horizontales principales: colaboración de EULAC, colaboración iberoamericana y colaboración de países específicos de EULAC. Cada categoría se ha dividido en categorías verticales: todas las disciplinas y disciplinas específicas. Resultados: de esta revisión, es posible tener un mapeo de las co-publicaciones birregionales de EULAC divididas en áreas clave de conocimiento y los países con una colaboración científica más directa o débil. Conclusiones: hemos observado cuántos estudios se centran sólo en un área particular como la Biotecnología o la Nanotecnología, con una clara ausencia de literatura científica en Ciencias Sociales y Humanidades.

Abstract Introduction: the present paper sets out to characterize the publication dynamics of collaborative research partnerships between Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean (EULAC) region in the last forty years. Objective: we adopt two approaches when analyzing data based on the following assumptions: 1) collaboration is characterized by a central relationship established between researchers from one LAC and one EU institution, 2) bi-regional collaboration is characterized by a series of scientific publications forged with different scientists and institutions. Our hypothesis is to find out if the bi-regional scientific relations between the EULAC countries through international collaboration have been strengthened in recent years thanks to the institutional and investigative efforts to internationalize their research. Materials and methods: we offer a literature review that involves co-publications from EULAC institutions published from 1991 to 2016 to study bi-regional research collaboration in different areas. We evaluate the temporal evolution of EULAC collaboration, the leadership of the publications, and the type of research domain covered. We have found 43 research papers that comply with our criteria. We have divided these into three main horizontal categories: EULAC collaboration, Ibero-American collaboration, and Specific EULAC countries collaboration. Each category has been divided into vertical categories: All disciplines, and Specific disciplines. Results: from this review, it is possible to have a map of the EULAC bi-regional co-publications divided into key areas of knowledge and the countries with more straight or weak scientific collaboration. Conclusions: we have observed how many studies are focused only on a particular area like Biotechnology or Nanotechnology, with a lack of scientific literature in Social Science and Humanities.

Resumo Introdução: este artigo tem como objetivo mapear publicações científicas colaborativas entre Europa, América Latina e Caribe (EULAC) nos últimos quarenta anos. Objetivo: adotamos duas abordagens ao analisar os dados com base nas seguintes premissas: 1) a colaboração é caracterizada por uma relação central estabelecida entre pesquisadores da ALC e uma instituição da UE e 2) a colaboração birregional é caracterizada por uma série de publicações científicas realizada por diferentes cientistas e instituições. Nossa hipótese é descobrir se as relações científicas bi-regionais entre os países da EULAC por meio de colaboração internacional foram fortalecidas nos últimos anos, graças aos esforços institucionais e de investigação para internacionalizar suas pesquisas. Materiais e métodos: oferecemos uma revisão de publicações, incluindo co-publicações de instituições da EULAC, para estudar a colaboração bi-regional em pesquisas em diferentes áreas. Avaliamos a evolução temporal da colaboração da EULAC, a liderança das publicações e o tipo de domínio de pesquisa coberto. Encontramos 43 trabalhos de pesquisa que atendem aos nossos critérios; os dividimos em três categorias horizontais principais: colaborações da EULAC, colaborações ibero-americanas e colaborações entre países específicos da EULAC. Cada categoria foi dividida em duas categorias verticais: todas as disciplinas e disciplinas específicas. Resultados: a partir dessa análise, é possível mapear as co-publicações bi-regionais da EULAC divididas em áreas-chave do conhecimento e em países com colaboração científica mais forte ou mais fraca. Conclusões: observamos quantos estudos se concentram apenas em uma área específica, como a biotecnologia ou a nanotecnologia, com uma clara ausência de literatura científica nas ciências sociais e humanas.

Chemical constituents from Pogonatum inflexum / 中草药

Objective: To investigate the chemical constituents from Pogonatum inflexum. Methods: The constituents were separated by column chromatographic methods of silica gel, Sephadex LH-20 column chromatography and liquid phase preparation, and the structure of the compounds was identified by comparing the physicochemical properties of the compounds with the spectral data. Results: A total of 16 compounds were obtained from P. inflexum, which were identified as tricin (1), irisflorentin (2), 3,5,4'-trihydroxy-7,3'-dimethoxyflavone (3), 3,5,3'-trihydroxy-7,4'-dimethoxyflavanone (4), 5,2'-dihydroxy-6,7-methylenedioxy- flavanone (5), 5,2',3'-trihydroxy-6,7-methylenedioxyflavanone (6), apigenin (7), kaempferol (8), kaempferide (9), naringenin (10), quercetin (11), baicalein (12), luteolin (13), protocatechuic aldehyde (14), 4-hydroxy-3-methoxy-benzaldehyde (15), and 2-hydroxy-5-(2-hydroxy-4- methoxybenzyl)-4-methoxybenzaldehyde (16). Conclusion: All compounds are isolated from the genus Pogonatum for the first time, among them, dihydroflavones may be the characteristic components of this genus.

Aluminium and calcium lake pigments of Lac natural dye

This work presents the physicochemical properties of the prepared lac lakes. The study revealed the stability, cytotoxicity and use of lac lake pigment as a cosmetic colorant. SEM, XRD and DSC were used to study the characteristics of the lac lakes.. The color stability of lac dye and its lakes was investigated at ambient temperature and at 45 °C, in sunlight,fluorescent light and darkness, for 3 months. Cytotoxicity on human dermal skin fibroblast cell lines was tested using MTT assay and the use of the lakes as a colorant in lip color product was studied. Different metal salts resulted in lac lakes of different shades and appearance. SEM, XRD and DSC results indicated that the morphology and structure of lac dye were changed after reacting with metal salts which support the coordination of metal ion with lac dye. The lac lakes were not cytotoxic to human dermal skin fibroblast cells (0.78-100 µg/mL). Lac lakes exhibited less alteration of color shade over acidic and basic conditions when compared with the lac dye itself. Additionally, the lake pigments displayed better color stability than lac dye and produced an orange-brown shade of lip color product. The results suggest that lac lake pigments have good potential for use as cosmetic colorant.

A new benzophenone from endohydric moss Pogonatum inflexum / 中草药

Objective: To study the chemical components of endohydric moss Pogonatum inflexum in order to find new bioactive compounds. Methods The constituents were separated by column chromatographic methods of silica gel, MCI-Gel resin, Sephadex LH-20, and HPLC. The structures were elucidated by spectroscopic data analysis. The cytotoxicity of compounds for HepG2, HL-60, A549, and MCF7 cell line was also evaluated by using MTT method. Results Two compounds were isolated and identified as 2-(4-benzoyl-3-hydroxyphenoxy)-1-(piperidin-1-yl) ethan-1-one (1) and tert-butyl-2-(4-benzoyl-3-hydroxyphenoxy) acetate (2). Conclusion Compounds 1 is a new compound named pogonatone A; Compound 2 is isolated from Polytrichaceae species for the first time; Compound 1 also displays the high cytotoxicity to HepG2 cell line.

Gestión del conocimiento para mejorar los servicios de salud. Una visión para IMIA-LAC / Knowledge management to improve health services. A vision for IMIA-LAC

Introducción: La generación de mecanismos de aplicación del conocimiento en el desarrollo de nuevos productos y procesos e incluso de nuevas formas de organización social es el recurso fundamental en la Sociedad de la Información -Conocimiento. Objetivo: Proponer tareas para concertar, a través de IMIA-LAC, los atributos de las herramientas informáticas y los procesos que caracterizan la Gestión del Conocimiento. Método: Se revisaron los sitios de IMIA e IMIA-LAC para obtener información sobre el desarrollo de esa organización en el mundo. Utilizando estrategias de búsqueda se obtuvo la información necesaria para vincular la estrategia gerencial de gestión del conocimiento con el desarrollo alcanzado, de las aplicaciones informáticas y de los procesos de informatización de los servicios de salud. Resultados: Se argumenta una propuesta de Planes de Acción para potenciar el desarrollo a través de IMIA-LAC: a) Estrategias dirigidas desde la organización, por ejemplo mejorar la identidad corporativa de esta b) Estrategias dirigidas a la búsqueda de mejoras en los servicios de salud, usando los vínculos efectivos con organizaciones claves en el sector Conclusiones: Se proponen un conjunto de acciones para concertar los procesos que caracterizan la Gestión del Conocimiento a través de IMIA-LAC utilizando las herramientas informáticas(AU)

Introduction: Generating mechanisms for applying knowledge in the development of new products, processes and new forms of social organization is the fundamental resource in the Information-Knowledge Society. Objective: Propose tasks to arrange, through IMIA-LAC, the attributes of IT tools and processes that characterize Knowledge Management. Methods: The IMIA and IMIA-LAC sites were reviewed to obtain information about the work of that organization in the world. Using search strategies the necessary information was obtained to link the managerial strategy of knowledge management with the development achieved of the computer applications and of the computerization processes of the health services. Results: A proposal of Plans of Action is argued to promote the development through IMIA-LAC: a) Strategies directed from the organization, for example to improve the corporate identity of this b) Strategies directed to the search of improvements in the health services, using effective links with key organizations in the sector. Conclusions: A set of actions are proposed to coordinate the processes that characterize the Knowledge Management through IMIA-LAC using the computer tools(AU)

Assessing the outcomes of mini-Monoka stent dilatation for primary punctal stenosis using the lacrimal symptom questionnaire

Purpose: The objective of this study was to assess the quality of outcomes of mini-Monoka stent dilatation for punctal stenosis using the lacrimal symptom (Lac-Q) questionnaire. Methods: Prospective interventional case series of 45 eyes of 25 consecutive patients who underwent mini-Monoka stent dilatation for primary punctal stenosis were included in the study. The stents were extubated at 4 weeks. The Lac-Q questionnaire was administered preoperatively and at 12 weeks and 24 weeks following the intervention. Outcomes assessed were anatomical success, functional success, and changes in the questionnaire scores including total, social impact, and lacrimal symptom scores. Statistical analysis was performed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, and the probability of obtaining a certain score was calculated using the multinomial log-linear model. P < 0.05 was considered as significant. Results: Monoka stents were performed for 45 eyes. A total of 75 questionnaire responses were analyzed. At the last follow-up of 24 weeks, the anatomical and functional success rates were 93.3% (42/45). The changes in the mean total score (7.68 preoperatively to 0.82 at 24-week follow-up) were statistically significant (P ? 0.001). The mean social impact scores showed significant improvement postoperatively from 4.06 to 0.53 (P ? 0.001). The mean lacrimal symptom score changed from a preoperative value of 3.62 to 0.28 (P ? 0.001) at the last follow-up. Postoperative scoring correlated well with the anatomical and functional success rates. The symptom scores corroborated with changes in the clinical outcomes. Conclusion: Mini-Monoka stent dilatation is a very effective intervention for the management of primary punctal stenosis, and Lac-Q questionnaire is a simple and useful tool to evaluate the quality of outcomes in such cases.

Effects of Shuxuening Injection on Lac, Presepsin and NOS levels in sepsis patients / 中成药

AIM To investigate the effects of Shuxuening Injection (Ginkgo biloba leaf extract) on serum lactic acid (Lac),soluble CD14-st (Presepsin) and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) levels in sepsis patients.METHODS One hundred and eight patients with sepsis treated by routine treatment in our hospital from Jan.2014 to Oct.2016 were randomly divided into two groups,control group and Shuxuening group (therapy group).Two weeks were one therapeutic course.Before the treatment (the onset of patients within 3 hours),at 6 hours and 5 days after the treatment,Lac and Presepsin levels were detected,and the changes of nitric oxide (NO),NOS,inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score were observed.Incidence of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) and 28-day survival were recorded at the same time.RESULTS Before the treatment,there were no significant differences in SOFA score and the levels of Lac,Presepsin,NO,NOS and iNOS between the two groups (P ＞ 0.05).Six hours after the treatment,the levels of Lac and Presepsin in the therapy group were lower than those in the control group (P ＜ 0.05),both the two groups had lower levels of Lac and Presepsin than those before the treatment (P ＜ 0.05);five days after the treatment,the levels of Lac and Presepsin in the two groups were lower than those at 6 hours after the treatment (P ＜ 0.05),the levels of Lac and Presepsin in the therapy group were lower than those in the control group (P ＜ 0.05).The SOFA score,NO,NOS and iNOS levels after the treatment in the therapy group were lower than those in the control group (P ＜ 0.05).The levels of Lac and Presepsin in sepsis patients were positively correlated with SOFA score (r =0.245,0.261,P =0.011,0.006).The patients in the therapy group had lower incidence of MACE and 28-day mortality rate than those in the control group (P ＜ 0.05).CONCLUSION The therapeutic effect of Shuxuening Injection combined with routine treatment on sepsis patients is superior to that of routine treatment,which can improve the prognosis of patients to a certain extent.

Effects of Shuxuening Injection on Lac, Presepsin and NOS levels in sepsis patients / 中成药

AIM To investigate the effects of Shuxuening Injection (Ginkgo biloba leaf extract) on serum lactic acid (Lac),soluble CD14-st (Presepsin) and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) levels in sepsis patients.METHODS One hundred and eight patients with sepsis treated by routine treatment in our hospital from Jan.2014 to Oct.2016 were randomly divided into two groups,control group and Shuxuening group (therapy group).Two weeks were one therapeutic course.Before the treatment (the onset of patients within 3 hours),at 6 hours and 5 days after the treatment,Lac and Presepsin levels were detected,and the changes of nitric oxide (NO),NOS,inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score were observed.Incidence of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) and 28-day survival were recorded at the same time.RESULTS Before the treatment,there were no significant differences in SOFA score and the levels of Lac,Presepsin,NO,NOS and iNOS between the two groups (P ＞ 0.05).Six hours after the treatment,the levels of Lac and Presepsin in the therapy group were lower than those in the control group (P ＜ 0.05),both the two groups had lower levels of Lac and Presepsin than those before the treatment (P ＜ 0.05);five days after the treatment,the levels of Lac and Presepsin in the two groups were lower than those at 6 hours after the treatment (P ＜ 0.05),the levels of Lac and Presepsin in the therapy group were lower than those in the control group (P ＜ 0.05).The SOFA score,NO,NOS and iNOS levels after the treatment in the therapy group were lower than those in the control group (P ＜ 0.05).The levels of Lac and Presepsin in sepsis patients were positively correlated with SOFA score (r =0.245,0.261,P =0.011,0.006).The patients in the therapy group had lower incidence of MACE and 28-day mortality rate than those in the control group (P ＜ 0.05).CONCLUSION The therapeutic effect of Shuxuening Injection combined with routine treatment on sepsis patients is superior to that of routine treatment,which can improve the prognosis of patients to a certain extent.

Crelational Research of the Level of Plasma Procalcitonin, Blood Lactic Acid and Endotoxin in Patients of Severe Pneumonia Complicated with Sepsis / 现代检验医学杂志

Objective To evaluate the clinical value of the level of plasma procalcitonin,blood lactic acid an1 endotoxin in patients of severe pneumonia complicated with sepsis.Methods The 40 cases of severe pneumonia complicated with sepsis(observation group)were analyzed retrospectively,they were divided into survival group included 20 cases and the death group included 20 cases.Meanwhile the 20 cases of healthy persons were selected as control group.The worst score of Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation Ⅱ (APACHE Ⅱ) within 24 hours after admission were record.The level of plasma procalcitonin,blood lactic acid and endotoxin were compared between three groups.In addition do a correlation study between the above indexes and the score of APACHE Ⅱ.Results The level of plasma Procalcitonin,blood lactic acid and endotoxin of observation group increased significantly compared with the control group [(0.02±0.01 ng/ml,0.87 ± 0.27 mmol/L,4.15±1.63 pg/ml) vs (18.29±11.02 ng/ml,6.55 ± 3.02 mmol/L and 15.5±10.38 pg/ml),t=10.48,11.79,6.75,all P＜0.05].The level of plasma procalcitonin,blood lactic acid and endotoxin of the death group increased significantly compared with the survival group [(9.52±2.93 ng/ml,4.26±1.78 mmol/L,7.62±3.04 pg/ml) vs (27.06±8.88 ng/ml,8.84± 2.14 mmol/L and 23.39± 9.00 pg/ml),t=8.39,7.35,7.42,all P＜0.05].In the all patients of severe pneumonia complicated with sepsis,there was positive correlation among plasma procalcitonin,blood lactic acid,endotoxin and the score of APACHE Ⅱ (r=0.919,P=0.001;r=0.914,P=0.002;r=0.909,P=0.004).Conclusion The level of plasma procalcitonin,blood lactic acid and endotoxin are very important indexes in assessment of the severity and the prognosis of severe pneumonia complicated with sepsis,that has important value in clinical application.

Clinical Effecacy of Shugan Jianpi Tiaoshen Treatment for Senile Constipation Type of Irritable Bowel Syndrome / 浙江中医药大学学报

Objective] To observe the clinical efficacy and 5-HT of Shugan Jianpi Tiaoshen acupuncture treatment for senile patients with constipation type of irritable bowel syndrome(IBS-C). [Method] A total of 68 patients with IBS-C were allocated into control group and acupuncture group from June 2015 to June 2014. 34 patients in the control group, who accepted Lactulose oral solution and Citrate Mosapride Citrate, of in 15 males and 19 females, the mean age was 66.8, the average duration of disease was 15.6 months;34 patients in acupuncture group, who accepted acupuncture treatment based on control group, in 17 males and 17 females, the mean age was 65.9, the average duration of disease was 17.1 months. Acupoint selection:Tianshu, Zusanli, Taichong, Xingjian, Qimen, Baihui, Neiguan. Observe constipation symptoms, depressive symptoms, and quality of life and serum 5-HT levels before and after treatment. [Result] The pre-treatment constipation symptoms and depressive symptom scores in two groups were decreased than post-treatment( P0.05), but body pain, vitality, emotional function, mental health, social function, and general health values were higher than that of the control group( P<0.05), which showed acupuncture treatment can reduce physical discomfort and improve the quality of life of patients. After treatment,serum 5-HT in control group was 33.8 pg/ml, in acupuncture group was 27.6 pg/m, which were lower than pre-treatment. 5-HT in acupuncture group was lower than control group( P<0.05), which showed the effect of acupuncture on regulation of 5-HT was more significant. [Conclusion]Shugan Jianpi Tiaoshen acupuncture can modulate 5-HT level of elderly patients with IBS-C, and play its role in modulating gastrointestinal function, improving constipation symptoms, depressive symptoms and quality of life.It is an effective method for the treatment of elderly patients with IBS-C.

The use of lacZ marker in enumeration of Azotobacter chroococcum in carrier based inoculants

A transconjugant of Azotobacter chroococcum Mac 27 tagged with lac Z(A. chroococcum Mac27 L) was found to possess high levels of β-galactosidase activity constitutively.Further, the lac Z marker was found to be stably integrated into the chromosome of the A. chroococcum Mac 27 and did not have any adverse effect on growth, nitrogen fixation and excretion of ammonia. A quick method to determine the viable cell number in broth culture and carrier based inoculants has been developed on the basis of β-galactosidase assay. It was found that there was a direct relationship between the number of cell as determined by standard plate count and intensity of colour that developed upon degradation of ONPG due to β-galactosidase activity .The method was found to be sensitive enough to determine 1.7 x 10(6) CFU mL-1 in broth culture as well as carrier based Azotobacter inoculants. Further, it was observed that when A. chroococcum Mac27 L was inoculated on Brassica campestris, it could be detected in the presence of other bacteria capable of growing on Burks agar medium containing X-gal on the basis of lac Z genetic marker.

The value of cardiac troponin-I, B-type natriuretic peptide and blood lactic acid on evaluation of severity and prognosis in patients with septic myocardial dysfunction / 实用医学杂志

Objective To explore the value of cardiac troponin-I (cTnI), B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and blood lactic acid (Lac) on evaluation of severity and prognosis in patients with septic myocardial dysfunction (SMD). Methods According to retrospective analysis of clinical data,161 cases with sepsis were divided in to SMD group and non-SMD group. And the SMD group was further divided in to death group and survival group. Blood cTnI, BNP and Lac value in each group were detected respectively. The ROC curve was used to evaluate the forecast value of cTnI, BNP and Lac on prognosis for patients. Results The value of cTnI, BNP and Lac in SMD group were significantly higher than those in non-SMD group(P<0.05);The value of cTnI, BNP and Lac in death group among the SMD patients were significantly higher than those in survival group(P<0.05);cTnI, BNP and Lac contribute to predict the 28 day mortality rate of SMD. Conclusions Blood cTnI, BNP and Lac contributes to the assessment of the severity and the prognosis of septic patients with myocardial dysfunction.

Las posibilidades del empleo de lactobacilos en la gastroenterología y la nutrición humana / Therapeutic potential of the use of lactobacilli in gastroenterology and human nutrition

Lactobacilli are normal inhabitants of the human intestine. They are also present in maternal milk, where Lactobacillus reuteri was first described. This confirms that maternal milk transfers components of the maternal microbiota to the offspring. L. reuteri ATCC 55730 decreases the intensity and duration of infantile colic defined as episodes of strident crying for at least 3 hours, 3 times a week during 3 months. Its etiology is unknown but recent evidence shows that affected infants harbor less Iactobacilli and more Bacteroides in their feces. In 2008 it was shown that this strain carries plasmidia that could transfer resistance to antibiotics. For this reason L. reuteri it was cured of these factors and this resulted in L. reuteri DSM 17938 which is devoid of them; tests in vitro, in laboratory animals and in humans demonstrated that both strains are equivalent. The effect of L. reuteri in infantile colic may be explained by its blocking at the level of the dorsal ganglia of the spinal chord of the transmission to the central nervous system of afferent pain stimuli. L. reuteri has effects on gastroesophageal reflux probably through the acceleration of gastric emptying and it decreases the incidence and severity of necrotizing enterocolitis. Other positive effects are related to chronic constipation and acute diarrhea. L. reuteri synthesizes a molecule with intense bactericidal activity, β-hidroxy propenal o reuterin from glycerol, which may explain some of its effects. Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG ATCC 53103 is probably the probiotic that has been studied the most and for a longer period. It shortens the duration and it decreases the number of evacuations in acute diarrhea as well as the duration and frequency of vomiting. It also induces improvements of antibiotic associated diarrhea and of upper respiratory infections. The positive effects of Lactobacillus GG may be due to the stimulation of innate and adaptive immunity and to the activation of macrophages and of NK lymphocytes. One of its effects refers the response its administration induces in infants with atopy/eccema. Some studies have demonstrated that the severity and extent of the lesions is decreased after Lactobacillus GG administration, that may persist for some years after its administration has been ended. Lactobacillus GG also exerts positive effects on conditions such as the irritable bowel syndrome through mechanisms that are not known with certainty.

Los lactobacilos son habitantes normales de las mucosas de los seres humanos; también están presentes en la leche materna. Lactobacillus reuteri fue descrito en la leche de una madre peruana, lo que confirma que estas bacterias son parte de la microbiota que las madres transfieren a sus hijos. El cólico infantil son episodios de llanto excesivo, estridente, por a lo menos 3 horas 3 veces por semana y por a lo menos 3 meses. L. reuteri ATCC 55730 demostró disminuir su intensidad y duración. La etiología del cólico se desconoce pero en las heces de los lactantes afectados se han demostrado disminuciones de los lactobacilos y aumentos de Bacteroides. En 2008 se demostró que L. reuteri ATCC 55730 era portador de plasmidios capaces de resistencia a antibióticos por lo que fue "curado" de estos factores y resultó una nueva cepa, denominada DSM 17938; pruebas in vitro y en animales mostraron su inocuidad y ensayos en humanos revelaron que ejerce las mismas propiedades benéficas que la cepa original. El efecto de L. reuteri en el cólico infantil puede estar relacionado con su capacidad de bloquear en los ganglios dorsales de la medula espinal la transmisión de estímulos a los centros cerebrales superiores. El efecto antirreflujo de L. reuteri se debería a la aceleración del vaciamiento gástrico. Ambas cepas de esta bacteria disminuyen la progresión, morbilidad y mortalidad de la enterocolitis necrosante. Otros efectos en la constipación crónica y la duración de la diarrea aguda de distintas etiologías. L. reuteri sintetiza una molécula, el β-hidroxipropenal o reuterina, con actividad antibacteriana. Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG ATCC 53103 es probablemente el probiótico más estudiado; acorta la duración de la diarrea aguda, disminuye el número de evacuaciones y la duración de los vómitos e induce mejorías de la diarrea asociada con los tratamientos antibióticos; y disminuiría la intensidad de las infecciones respiratorias altas. Sus efectos se deberían a la estimulación de las inmunidades innata y adquirida y de la activación de los macrófagos y los linfocitos NK. Un efecto notable y discutido de L. ramnosus GG se refiere a sus efectos en la atopia cutánea, ya que disminuiría la extensión e intensidad de sus síntomas, incluso más allá de su administración. También ejercería efectos sobre cuadros funcionales gastrointestinales como el síndrome del intestino irritable, por mecanismos aun no elucidados.

Transport mechanism of lactosyl-norcantharitin and lactosyl-norcantharitin nanoparticles across Caco-2 monolayer model / 中草药

Objective: To study the mechanisms of absorption and transport of lactosyl-norcantharitin (Lac-NCTD) and lactosyl-norcantharitin nanoparticles (Lac-NCTD-NPs) in intestinal membranes. Methods: The Caco-2 cell monolayer model was used to study the transport mechanism of Lac-NCTD and Lac-NCTD-NPs across the membranes. The relative factors for enhancing the absorption of drug carriers, including time, temperature, pH value, drug concentration, enhancers, and inhibitors, were also investigated. The differences between Lac-NCTD and Lac-NCTD-NPs in transport of membranes were explored. Results: Lac-NCTD was not only absorbed simply by active transport but also through paracellular transference as the minor. The Lac-NCTD uptake was not controlled by pH value, but positively correlated to uptake time and negatively correlated to temperature and it was also significantly enhanced by the inhibitor of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and multidrug resistance-associated protein 2 (MRP2). Apparent permeability coefficients (Papp) of basolateral (BL) to apical (AP) was higher than that of AP to BL. Sodium deoxycholate (SDCh) slightly enhanced the drug absorption but oxophenylarsine had no effect. Conclusion: The uptake and absorption of Lac-NCTD are active transport as the dominant process. P-gp and MRP2 have strong efflux effects on the uptake and transepithelial transport of Lac-NCTD. Lac-NCTD-NPs could significantly enhance the drug absorption compared with Lac-NCTD.

Genetic variation among species, races, forms and inbred lines of lac insects belonging to the genus Kerria (Homoptera, Tachardiidae)

The lac insects (Homoptera: Tachardiidae), belonging to the genus Kerria, are commercially exploited for the production of lac. Kerria lacca is the most commonly used species in India. RAPD markers were used for assessing genetic variation in forty-eight lines of Kerria, especially among geographic races, infrasubspecific forms, cultivated lines, inbred lines, etc., of K. lacca. In the 48 lines studied, the 26 RAPD primers generated 173 loci, showing 97.7 percent polymorphism. By using neighbor-joining, the dendrogram generated from the similarity matrix resolved the lines into basically two clusters and outgroups. The major cluster, comprising 32 lines, included mainly cultivated lines of the rangeeni form, geographic races and inbred lines of K. lacca. The second cluster consisted of eight lines of K. lacca, seven of the kusmi form and one of the rangeeni from the southern state of Karnataka. The remaining eight lines formed a series of outgroups, this including a group of three yellow mutant lines of K. lacca and other species of the Kerria studied, among others. Color mutants always showed distinctive banding patterns compared to their wild-type counterparts from the same population. This study also adds support to the current status of kusmi and rangeeni, as infraspecific forms of K. lacca.

Investigation on anticancer activity of nanoparticles loaded lactosyl-norcantharidin / 中草药

Objective: To investigate the anticancer activity of the novel lactosyl-norcantharidin nanoparticles (Lac-NCTD-NPs) in vivo and in vitro. Methods: The MTT method was used to study the cytotoxic effects of Lac-NCTD and Lac-NCTD-NPs on HepG2, SMMC-7721, and SGC-7901 cell lines for 12 and 48 h, respectively, and the inhibitory effects of Gal-FBS; Lac-NCTD accumulated in SMMC-7721 cells was assayed by HPLC; The in vivo anticancer activity was evaluated by the tumor-growth inhibition in H22 tumor bearing mice. Results: The in vitro studies showed that the cytotoxic effects of Lac-NCTD-NPs against HepG2 and SMMC-7721 cells were the most powerful, as well as the IC 50 was the lowest, then Lac-NCTD, and they were inhibited remarkably by Gal-FBS; As for SGC-7901 cell line, the cytotoxic effects of Lac-NCTD-NPs and Lac-NCTD were not stronger than that of NCTD, and Gal-FBS had no influence on them at all; The amount of Lac-NCTD accumulated in SMMC-7721 cells was 3. 89 μg (7.02×10-3 μmol, 1×106 cell) after treatment for 12 h; The results of the antitumor activity in vivo suggested that the inhibitory rate of Lac-NCTD-NPs on tumor weight was 63.9%, which was significantly higher than that of NCTD and Lac-NCTD groups at the same molar concentration. Conclusion: The tumor-growth is inhibited effectively by Lac-NCTD-NPs which may be a kind of novel liver-targeting agents and could strongly inhibit the tumor-growth.