Effect of poria cocos on gastrointestinal motility in mice / 公共卫生与预防医学

Objective To investigate the regulatory effect of poria cocos on gastrointestinal motility in mice. Methods A total of 130 Kunming mice were randomly divided into negative control group, low-dose and high-dose groups of raw poria cocos powder, low-dose and high-dose groups of cooked poria cocos powder, low-dose and high-dose groups of poria cocos surrogate culture powder, low-dose, medium-dose and high-dose groups of poria cocos water extract, and low-dose, medium-dose and high-dose groups of poria cocos alcohol extract, with 10 mice in each group. The animals were administered by gavage for 7 days, once a day. After the last administration, the intestinal propulsion function test and gastric solid emptying test were conducted to observe the regulating effect of poria cocos on gastrointestinal motility of mice. Results Compared with the negative control group, the small intestine propulsion rate in the low-dose group of poria cocos surrogate culture powder was significantly increased (P<0.01). Except the high-dose group of raw poria cocos powder, the other poria cocos groups had higher gastric residual rate (P<0.05). Conclusion Poria cocos does not promote intestinal propulsion of mice under normal physiological condition, but it can inhibit gastric empting and exert a moderating effect on gastrointestinal function in normal mice.

Cloning and Expression Analysis of Squalene Epoxidase Gene in Poria cocos / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo clone squalene epoxidase （SE）， a potential key rate-limiting enzyme involved in the synthesis pathway of Poria cocos triterpenes， from P. cocos and analyze for bioinformatics and expression. MethodThe total RNA was extracted by the kit and reverse-transcribed to cDNA. Specific primers were designed， and the cDNA was used as a template for cloning the SE gene， which was analyzed for bioinformatics. The expression of P. cocos qualene epoxidase（PcSE） was examined by Real-time polymerase chain reaction（Real-time PCR） in P. coco Shenzhou No. 10， Xiangjing 28， and 5.78 strains. ResultThe full length of PcSE is 1 571 bp， containing four exons and three introns. The obtained CDS sequence is 1 413 bp， encoding 470 amino acids. This protein is a hydrophobic protein with no signal peptide structure and has two transmembrane structural domains with a FAD/NAD （P） binding domain and SE structural domain localized to the mitochondrial membrane and the plasma membrane. The homologous sequence alignment with fungi of the Poriferae family is 80.92%， and the phylogenetic tree shows that PcSE protein is most closely related to P. cocos from the US. The results of Real-time PCR showed that the PcSE was expressed in all three strains， with the highest expression in 5.78 strain， and there was no significant difference in PcSE expression among the three strains. ConclusionFor the first time， the PcSE gene was cloned and analyzed from P. cocos， providing a basis for further research on the function of PcSE and the analysis of P. cocos triterpene biosynthesis pathway.

Effect and mechanism of Poria cocos polysaccharides on myocardial cell apoptosis in rats with myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury by regulating Rho-ROCK signaling pathway / 中国中药杂志

This study aimed to investigate the effect and underlying mechanism of Poria cocos polysaccharides(PCP) on myocardial cell apoptosis in the rat model of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury(MI/RI). Male SPF-grade SD rats were randomly divided into a sham group(saline), a model group(saline), low-and high-dose PCP groups(100 and 200 mg·kg~(-1)), and a fasudil group(10 mg·kg~(-1)), with 16 rats in each group. Except for the sham group, the other four groups underwent left anterior descending coronary artery ligation for 30 min followed by reperfusion for 2 h to establish the MI/RI model. The myocardial infarct area was assessed by TTC staining. Histological changes were observed through HE staining. Myocardial cell apoptosis was evaluated using TUNEL staining. Serum lactate dehydrogenase(LDH), creatine kinase MB(CK-MB), interleukin-1β(IL-1β) and IL-18 levels, myocardial superoxide dismutase(SOD) activity and malondialdehyde(MDA) levels were detected by ELISA. Protein expression of B-cell lymphoma 2(Bcl-2), Bcl-2 associated X protein(Bax), cleaved caspase-3, Ras homolog gene A(RhoA), myosin phosphatase target subunit 1(MYPT-1), phosphorylated MYPT-1(p-MYPT-1), and Rho-associated coiled-coil forming kinase 1(ROCK 1) were measured by Western blot. Pathological staining of myocardial tissue revealed that in the model group, there was focal necrosis of myocardial tissue, myocardial cell swelling, unclear boundaries, and neutrophil infiltration. These pathological changes were alleviated in the low-and high-dose PCP groups and the fasudil group. Compared with the model group, the low-and high-dose PCP groups and the fasudil group showed significantly reduced myocardial infarct area and myocardial cell apoptosis rate. Compared with the sham group, the model group exhibited elevated serum LDH, CK-MB, IL-1β and IL-18 levels, increased MDA levels, relative protein expression of Bax, cleaved caspase-3, RhoA, ROCK1 and p-MYPT-1, and decreased myocardial SOD levels and Bcl-2 protein expression. Compared with the model group, the PCP groups and the fasudil group showed lowered serum LDH, CK-MB, IL-1β and IL-18 levels, decreased MDA levels, relative protein expression of Bax, cleaved caspase-3, RhoA, ROCK1 and p-MYPT-1, and increased myocardial SOD levels and Bcl-2 protein expression. PCP exhibited a certain preventive effect on myocardial tissue pathological damage and myocardial cell apoptosis in MI/RI rats, possibly related to the inhibition of the Rho-ROCK signaling pathway activation, thereby reducing oxidative stress and inflammatory responses.

Origin identification of Poria cocos based on hyperspectral imaging technology / 中国中药杂志

To realize the non-destructive and rapid origin discrimination of Poria cocos in batches, this study established the P. cocos origin recognition model based on hyperspectral imaging combined with machine learning. P. cocos samples from Anhui, Fujian, Guangxi, Hubei, Hunan, Henan and Yunnan were used as the research objects. Hyperspectral data were collected in the visible and near infrared band(V-band, 410-990 nm) and shortwave infrared band(S-band, 950-2 500 nm). The original spectral data were divided into S-band, V-band and full-band. With the original data(RD) of different bands, multiplicative scatter correction(MSC), standard normal variation(SNV), S-G smoothing(SGS), first derivative(FD), second derivative(SD) and other pretreatments were carried out. Then the data were classified according to three different types of producing areas: province, county and batch. The origin identification model was established by partial least squares discriminant analysis(PLS-DA) and linear support vector machine(LinearSVC). Finally, confusion matrix was employed to evaluate the optimal model, with F1 score as the evaluation standard. The results revealed that the origin identification model established by FD combined with LinearSVC had the highest prediction accuracy in full-band range classified by province, V-band range by county and full-band range by batch, which were 99.28%, 98.55% and 97.45%, respectively, and the overall F1 scores of these three models were 99.16%, 98.59% and 97.58%, respectively, indicating excellent performance of these models. Therefore, hyperspectral imaging combined with LinearSVC can realize the non-destructive, accurate and rapid identification of P. cocos from different producing areas in batches, which is conducive to the directional research and production of P. cocos.

Cellular behavior of carbon dots derived from Poria cocos polysaccharide / 药学学报

The biological behavior of carbon dots, especially the mechanism of cellular uptake and intracellular distribution, is the basis of its biomedical applications. In this paper, blue fluorescent carbon quantum dots were synthesized by hydrothermal method with Poria cocos polysaccharide as raw material, and the specific biological behavior of carbon dots entering cells was explored to evaluate its biological activity. It was characterized by transmission electron microscopy, UV-vis absorption spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Two different cell lines, immunocytes-RAW264.7 cells (mouse mononuclear macrophages cells) and cancer cells-4T1 cells (mouse breast cancer cells), were used as the research objects to study the uptake kinetics, uptake pathway, distribution and efflux of polysaccharide carbon dots in cells. The results showed that the carbon dots have a size distribution of 2 to 10 nm, and the average size was 6.85 nm. The carbon dots were mainly composed of C, O and N elements, with abundant surface functional groups such as -OH, C=O, C-N and C=C, and the fluorescence quantum yield was 4.72%. Carbon dots enter cells in a certain concentration and time dependence. Different cell lines have different uptake pathways. RAW264.7 cells enter the cells mainly by macrophage-specific phagocytosis, and a small part of the endocytosis is mediated by caveolin, while 4T1 cells are mainly mediated by grid protein endocytosis and giant cell drinking process. In summary, the synthesized carbon dots have good fluorescence properties, low cytotoxicity and excellent biocompatibility, which can be used for cell imaging applications.

Carbon dots derived from Poria cocos polysaccharide as an effective"on-off"fluorescence sensor for chromium(Ⅵ)detection / 药物分析学报

Chromium is a harmful contaminant showing mutagenicity and carcinogenicity.Therefore,detection of chromium requires the development of low-cost and high-sensitivity sensors.Herein,blue-fluorescent carbon quantum dots were synthesized by one-step hydrothermal method from alkali-soluble Poria cocos polysaccharide,which is green source,cheap and easy to obtain,and has no pharmacological ac-tivity due to low water solubility.These carbon quantum dots exhibit good fluorescence stability,water solubility,anti-interference and low cytotoxicity,and can be specifically combined with the detection of Cr(Ⅵ)to form a non-fluorescent complex that causes fluorescence quenching,so they can be used as a label-free nanosensor.High-sensitivity detection of Cr(Ⅵ)was achieved through internal filtering and static quenching effects.The fluorescence quenching degree of carbon dots fluorescent probe showed a good linear relationship with Cr(Ⅵ)concentration in the range of 1-100 μM.The linear equation was F0/F=0.9942+0.01472[Cr(Ⅵ)](R2=0.9922),and the detection limit can be as low as 0.25 μM(S/N=3),which has been successfully applied to Cr(Ⅵ)detection in actual water samples herein.

Study on the mechanism of Poria cocos polysaccharides on the regulation of gluconeogenesis in liver of type 2 diabetic mellitus model rats / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect and mechanism of Poria cocos polysaccharides on the regulation of blood glucose in type 2 diabetes mellitus （T2DM）model rats by phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase（PI3K）/protein kinase B （Akt）/forked box transcription factor O 1（FoxO1）pathway. METHODS SD rats were randomly divided into blank control group （no modeling ，no administration），model group （modeling，no administration ），metformin group （modeling，200 mg/kg）and P. cocos polysaccharide low-dose，medium-dose and high-dose groups （modeling，100，200，400 mg/kg），8 in each group. Except for blank control group ， other groups were given high fat diet combined with streptozotocin to construct the model of T 2DM rats. At the same time ， administration groups were given relevant dose of medicine intragastrically ，and blank control group and model group were given constant volume of water intragastrically ，once a day ，for consecutive 42 days. During the experiment ，general condition and bodyweight of rats were observed every day ；fasting blood glucose （FBG）of rats were collected ，and oral glucose tolerance test were conducted and area under curve （AUC）was calculated the day before last administration. After last medication ，the heart ，liver， kidney organ index were calculated ；the levels of HbA 1c，TC，TG，MDA，SOD，GSH-Px and hepatic glycogen content were detected. HE staining was used to observe the pathological changes of liver and pancreatic tissue ，and the pathological grade score was calculated. Western blot assay was used to detect the protein expressions of p-PI 3K，p-Akt，p-FoxO1， PEPCK and G 6Pase in liver tissues. RESULTS Compared with blank control group ，the rats of model group suffered cc1965@163.com from polydipsia ，polyphagia and polyuria ；the body weight ， the levels of SOD and GSH-Px ，the protein expressions of p-PI 3K，p-Akt and p-FoxO 1 were significantly decreased （P＜0.05）；liver and kidney organ index ，blood glucose level at 0，0.5 and 2 hours after intragastric administration of glucose solution ，AUC， FBG，HbA1c，serum levels of MDA ，TC，TG and hepatic glycogen content ，liver and pancreatic pathological grade score ，the protein expressions of PEPCK and G 6Pase were all increased significantly （P＜0.05）. Compared with model group ，the general condition of rats in P. cocos polysaccharide groups were all improved ，and all of above indicators had been reversed to varying degrees. CONCLUSIONS P. cocos polysaccharide can downregulate protein expressions of PEPCK and G 6Pase which are key enzymes of gluconeogenesis ，inhibit hepatic gluconeogenesis ，effectively decrease blood glucose levels and regulate glucolipid metabolism in T 2DM model rats by weakening oxidative stress and upregulating PI 3K/Akt/FoxO1 pathway.

Extracts of Poria cocos polysaccharides improves alcoholic liver disease in mice via CYP2E1 and NF-κB inflammatory pathways / 中国中药杂志

The present study investigated the effect of extract of Poria cocos polysaccharides(PCP) on cytochrome P450 2 E1(CYP2 E1) and nuclear factor κB(NF-κB) inflammatory signaling pathways in alcoholic liver disease(ALD) mice and explored its protective effect and mechanism. Sixty male C57 BL/6 N mice of SPF grade were randomly divided into a control group, a model group, a positive drug group(bifendate, 200 mg·kg~(-1)), and high-(200 mg·kg~(-1)) and low-dose(50 mg·kg~(-1)) PCP groups. Gao-binge mo-del was induced and the mice in each group were treated correspondingly. Liver morphological and pathological changes were observed and organ index was calculated. Serum levels of alanine aminotransferase(ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase(AST) were detected. Malondialdehyde(MDA) and superoxide dismutase(SOD) in liver tissues were detected by assay kits. The levels of interleukin-6(IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) were detected by ELISA. The activation of macrophages was observed by immunofluorescence staining and protein expression of CYP2 E1, Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4), NF-κB p65, and phosphorylated NF-κB p65(p-NF-κB p65) were analyzed by Western blot. The ALD model was properly induced. Compared with the model group, the PCP groups significantly improved the pathological injury of liver tissues. Immunofluorescence staining revealed that compared with the model group, the groups with drug intervention showed decreased macrophages in liver tissues. Additionally, the PCP groups showed reduced ALT, AST, MDA, IL-6, and TNF-α(P<0.05), and potentiated activity of SOD(P<0.01). PCP extract has the protective effect against alcoholic liver injury in mice, and the underlying mechanism may be related to the regulation of the expression of CYP2 E1 and inhibition of TLR4/NF-κB inflammatory signaling pathway to reduce oxidative stress and inflammatory injury, thereby inhibiting the development of ALD.

Métodos combinados para incrementar la vida en anaquel de agua de coco obtenida de comercios no establecidos de la Ciudad de Puebla, México / Combined methods for increasing the shelf life of coconut water obtained from the non-established commerce of Puebla City, Mexico

RESUMEN Objetivo Evaluar el efecto de la aplicación de métodos combinados para incrementar la vida en anaquel de agua de coco. Métodos El agua de coco fue obtenida de comercios no establecidos en la Ciudad de Puebla, México. El agua de coco fue tratada con luz ultravioleta-C, vainillina o cinamaldehído y almacenada a 5 y 22°C. Se evaluó el efecto de estas tecnologías sobre el crecimiento microbiano de bacterias mesófilas aerobias, mohos y levaduras. Resultados El tratamiento con luz ultravioleta-C redujo la carga microbiana de bacterias mesófilas aerobias y mohos y levaduras en 3,2 y 2,9 ciclos logarítmicos, respectivamente. Durante el almacenamiento del agua de coco, la combinación de luz ultravioleta-C, cinamaldehído y baja temperatura mantuvo una carga microbiana en ambos grupos de microorganismos por debajo de 10 UFC/mL, durante 30 días. Conclusión La aplicación de métodos combinados puede ser una alternativa a bajo costo para la conservación de agua de coco.

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate the effect of combined methods for increasing the shelf life of coconut water. Methods Coconut water was obtained from non-established commerce of Puebla City, Mexico. Coconut water was treated with ultraviolet-C light, vanillin or cinnamaldehyde, and stored at 5 and 22°C. The effect of combined methods was evaluated in the growth of aerobic mesophiles and molds plus yeasts. Results Ultraviolet-C light treatment reduced the microbial load of aerobic mesophiles and molds plus yeast in 3,2 and 2,9 log cycles, respectively. In stored coconut water, the combination of ultraviolet-C light, cinnamaldehyde and low temperature maintained the microbial load in both groups of microorganisms under 10 CFU/mL for 30 days. Conclusion Combined methods may be an alternative at a low cost for the conservation of coconut water.

Perfiles de resistencia a fluoroquinolonas en cocos Gram positivos de importancia clínica / Fluoroquinolone's resistance profiles in Gram-positive cocci of clinical importance

Para evaluar la resistencia a fluoroquinolonas en aislamientos clínicos de cocos grampositivos se revisaron los resultados de los cultivos procesados en el Centro de Referencia Bacteriológica del Servicio Autónomo Hospital Universitario de Maracaibo, durante el periodo enero 2011-diciembre 2015. Los datos fueron analizados mediante el software WHONETTM, (versión 5,6) y el IBM® SPSS® Statistics para Windows, (versión 25). Se encontró una frecuencia de 29,70% para los cocos grampositivos (9.292 cepas), correspondiendo el 76,18% de los aislamientos al género Staphylococcus (7.072); 15,30% a Enterococcus (1.422) y 8,59% a Streptococcus (798). Para Staphylococcus, la resistencia fue mayor en cepas resistentes a meticilina. Las tasas de resistencia más elevadas se detectaron en los enterococos, especialmente en Enterococcus faecium resistente a vancomicina. No se detectó resistencia a fluoroquinolonas en las cepas de Enterococcus faecalis resistentes a vancomicina. Los estreptococos, incluyendo Streptococcus pneumoniae, se mostraron, mayormente, sensibles a las fluoroquinolonas. La mayoría de las cepas de estafilococos y enterococos; presentó, resistencia cruzada a todas las fluoroquinolonas probadas. La distribución de la resistencia a las fluoroquinolonas por año de estudio en cada género bacteriano fue diferente. La resistencia a las fluoroquinolonas muestra una tendencia creciente en los tres géneros de cocos grampositivos evaluados

To evaluate the resistance to fluoroquinolones in clinical isolates of Gram-positive cocci records of processed culture al the Bacteriological Reference Center of the Autonomous Service University Hospital of Maracaibo during the period January 2011-December 2015, were reviewed. The data was analyzed using WHONETTM software (version 5.6) and IBM® SPSS® Statistics for Windows (version 25). A frequency of 29.70% was found for Gram-positive cocci (9,292 strains), with 76.18% of isolates corresponding to the genus Staphylococcus (7,072); 15.30% to Enterococcus (1422) and 8.59% to Streptococcus (798). For Staphylococcus, resistance was higher in methicillin-resistant strains. The highest resistance rates were detected in enterococci, especially vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium. No resistance to fluoroquinolones was detected in vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecalis strains. Streptococci, including Streptococcus pneumoniae, were mostly sensitive to fluoroquinolones. Most strains of staphylococci and enterococci; presented cross resistance to all tested fluoroquinolones. The distribution of resistance to fluoroquinolones per year of study in each bacterial genus was different. Resistance to fluoroquinolones shows an increasing trend in the three genera of Gram-positive cocci evaluated

Poricoic acid A induces apoptosis and autophagy in ovarian cancer via modulating the mTOR/p70s6k signaling axis

Due to the high mortality and rapid disease progression, ovarian cancer remains one of the most common malignancies threatening the health of women. The present study was conducted to explore the anticancer effects and the underlying mechanisms of poricoic acid A (PAA), the main components of Poria cocos, on ovarian cancer. We investigated the anticancer effects of different concentrations of PAA in the SKOV3 cell line. Cell viability and proliferation were examined by CCK-8 assay. Cellular migration and invasion were assessed by the scratch and Transwell migration assays, respectively. The effect of PPA on cell apoptosis was measured by flow cytometry and caspase-3/8/9 colorimetric assay. Western blot was performed to detect protein level changes related to apoptosis and mTOR signaling pathways. The in vivo anticancer effect of PAA was evaluated using xenograft tumorigenesis model in nude mice. Our results showed that PAA suppressed SKOV3 cellular viability, migration, and invasion in a dosage-dependent manner. Flow cytometry results demonstrated PAA treatment could induce SKOV3 cell apoptosis. In addition, increased ratio of LC3-II/LC3-I (a marker for autophagosome formation) was observed after PAA treatment, as well as inhibition of m-TOR and p70s6k phosphorylation. In nude mice, PAA treatment reduced the xenograft tumor weight by 70% (P<0.05). In conclusion, our data suggested that PAA induced apoptosis and autophagy in ovarian cancer via modulating the mTOR/p70s6k signaling axis.

Characterization of purified coconut oil bodies as an encapsulating agent for Doxorubicin and Paclitaxel

Introduction@#Doxorubicin (DOX) and paclitaxel (PTX) are both widely used anticancer drugs with a broad spectrum of antitumor activity, commonly against breast, ovarian, and lung cancers. Currently, these drugs are commercially available in liposomal formulations for their use in chemotherapy. This study generally proposed coconut oil bodies (COB) obtained from Cocos nucifera L. as an alternative carrier for DOX and PTX rather than the currently used liposome. @*Objectives@#This study aimed to compare standard liposome and coconut oil bodies as drug carriers in terms of their microencapsulation efficiencies, lipid profiles, in vitro drug release and stability, as well as their cholesterol levels.@*Methods@#Coconut oil bodies (COB) were isolated and purified from Cocos nucifera L. by modified sucrose gradient method followed by microencapsulation of standard drugs (doxorubicin and paclitaxel) through selfassembly and freeze-thaw method. The two standard drugs were encapsulated using COB and standard liposome. Encapsulation efficiency of both materials were determined. Lipid profiles of both encapsulating materials were analyzed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, gas chromatography-flame ionization detector, and cholesterol level determination. In vitro drug release and pH stability of both encapsulated drugs were analyzed. @*Results@#Doxorubicin (DOX) and paclitaxel (PTX) were successfully incorporated in COB. Lauric acid was mainly abundant in COB and was able to lower cholesterol levels (5 mg/dL). COB incorporated with DOX and PTX showed stability at acidic and neutral pH. Drug release profile showed a rapid outburst within 3 hours compared to liposome encapsulated DOX and PTX. @*Conclusion@#Our study showed the encouraging potentials of using COB as wall materials that will make them attractive candidates for the formulation of pharmaceuticals for optimized drug delivery of cancer chemotherapeutics DOX and PTX

Establishment of UPLC Fingerprint of Poria cocos Aqueous Extract and Study on Its Spectrum-effect Relationship with Sedative and Hypnotic Effect / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE：To establis h the UPLC fingerprint of Poria co cos aqueous extract ，and to investigate its relationship with sedative and hypnotic effect. METHODS ：Ten batches of P. cocos from different areas were extracted with water to obtain the aqueous extract. UPLC method was adopted. The determination was performed on Waters HSS-C 18 column with mobile phase consisted of 0.1％ phosphoric acid solution-acetonitrile-methanol （gradient elution ） at the flow rate of 0.4-0.2 mL/min. The detection wavelengths were set at 210 and 242 nm. The column temperature was 40 ℃，and sample size was 2 μL. The fingerprints of 10 batches of P. cocos aqueous extracts were established by using the Similarity Evaluation System of TCM Fingerprint （2012A version），and the common peaks were identified. The sedative and hypnotic effects of 10 batches of P. cocos aqueous extracts from different areas under the synergistic action of pentobarbital sodium were investigated by taking the sleeping rate ，sleep latency and sleep duration of mice as the single efficacy index. After data transformation of single efficacy index and total efficacy （single indexes calculated by analytic hierarchy process ），grey correlation analysis was used to analyze the correlation between the common peaks in fingerprint of P. cocos aqueous extract and the single efficacy index and total efficacy. RESULTS ：There were 24 common peaks in 10 batches of aqueous extract of P. cocos ， and 11 components were identified ， i.e. 16 α-hydroxydehydrotrametenolic acid （peak 6），16α-hydroxytrametendic acid （peak 7），poricoic acid B （peak 9），dehydrotumulosic acid（peak 10），poricoic acid A （peak 12），polyporenic acid C （peak 15），3-O-acetyl-16α-hydroxydehydrotrametenolic acid （peak 17），dehydropachymic acid （peak 20），pachymic acid （peak 21），dehydrotrametenolic acid （peak 22），dehydroeburicoic acid （peak 24）. Grey correlation analysis showed ，the correlation between 24 peaks and sleep duration was greater than 0.6（0.611 5- 0.811 8）；the correlation between 24 peaks and sleep latency was greater than 0.6（0.605 9-0.790 4），except for peaks 14，24 and 2；the correlation of 24 peaks between sleeping rate was greater than 0.6（0.606 4-0.721 6），except for peaks 23，19，17 and 5； the correlation of 24 peaks between total efficacy was greater than 0.6（0.619 0-0.781 2），except for peaks 2，5，19. The top 10 chromatographic peaks related to the total efficacy were peak 15（polyporenic acid C ），peak 16，peak 8，peak 11，peak 12 （poricoic acid A ）， peak 1， peak 7 （16 α-hydroxytrametendicacid）， peak 3， peak 9 （poricoic acid B ） and peak 20 （dehydropachymic acid ）. CONCLUSIONS ：UPLC fingerprint of P. cocos aqueous extract was established and 11 components were identified. Ten components such as polyporus acid C are closely related to the total efficacy of sedation and hypnosis ，which preliminarily reveal the material basis of the sedative and hypnotic effect of P. cocos .

Analysis of triterpenoic acids in different medicinal parts of Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf using supercritical fluid chromatography / 药学学报

Qualitative and quantitative methods were used to establish the quality of different medicinal parts of Poria cocos (Poriae Cutis, rubra Poria, white Poria, Poria cum Radix Pini) by using ultra-performance convergence chromatography coupled with photo-diode array and quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPC2-PDA-Q-TOF/MSE). A total of 18 chromatographic peaks were detected from Poria cocos by UPC2-PDA. Principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) were used to compare the four medicinal parts. The results showed that there were significant differences in the components of different medicinal parts, and the main triterpenoic acids were poricoic acid A, poricoic acid B, dehydroeburicoic acid, and dehydrotrametenolic acid. When combined with the common active component polyporenic acid C, a method for determination of five triterpenoic acids in different parts of Poria cocos was established. These components could be separated within 15 min, and the amount of methanol was 3.63% of that of HPLC method. Taking the five triterpenoid acids as an index, the content of triterpenoid acids in different parts of Poria cocos from high to low were Poriae Cutis, rubra Poria, white Poria and Poria cum Radix Pini. The method is simple, rapid, and uses minimal solvent. The mobile phase of environment-friendly gas carbon dioxide has unique advantages in reducing environmental pollution, which can provide a basis for the development and standard formulation of Poria cocos and its related products.

Suitable planting area of Poria cocos in Jinzhai county of Dabie Mountains region / 中国中药杂志

Dabie Mountain in Anhui province is a genuine producing area of Poria cocos, commonly known as Anling. Jinzhai county in Anhui province is a traditional producing area of P. cocos, and it is also a key county for poverty alleviation in Dabie Mountains. Poverty alleviation of traditional Chinese medicine producing area is an important measure to implement the major strategic deployment of the central government. The planting of P. cocos is helpful to promote the development of traditional Chinese medicine industry in Dabie Mountains and help poverty alleviation. P. cocos is a saprophytic fungus with special demands on soil and ecological environment, and its planting appears a scattered and irregular distribution. Traditional investigation methods are time-consuming and laborious, and the results are greatly influenced by subjective factors. In order to obtain the suitable planting area of P. cocos in Jinzhai county, according to the field survey, the research team has explored the regional, biological characteristics and cultivation methods of P. cocos in the county, and obtained the altitude distribution area suitable for the growth of P. cocos. Then, the MaxEnt niche model was used to analyze the relationship between ecological factors and distribution areas, and the potential distribution zoning of P. cocos in Jinzhai county was studied. Combined with the characteristics of P. cocos planting pattern, taking ZY-3 remote sensing image as the data source, the maximum likelihood method was used to extract the area that could be used for P. cocos cultivation in Jinzhai county, and the reason why artificial planting P. cocos was mainly distributed in the west of Jinzhai county was analyzed. The suitable regional classification of P. cocos in Jinzhai county was obtained by superposition of suitable altitude distribution area, MaxEnt analysis and area extracted from remote sensing image, which provided data support for the planting planning of P. cocos in Jinzhai county.

Study on mechanism of enhancing antioxidant activity in fermented Ziziphi Spinosae Semen with Poria cocos / 中国中药杂志

In this study, the antioxidant property changes in fermented Ziziphi Spinosae Semen(FZSS) with Poria cocos were analyzed by DPPH, ABTS and FRAP methods. Then the content determination of active ingredients and ~1H nuclear magnetic resonance(~1H-NMR) spectroscopy were also used to investigate the mechanism of FZSS with P. cocos in enhancing the antioxidant activity. The results showed that the content of active ingredients such as total phenols, total saponins and total polysaccharides were significantly increased during the fermentation time. The results of ~1H-NMR metabonomics showed that the contents of amino acids such as leucine, lysine, valine and alanine, nitrogen compounds such as creatine, creatinine, and betaine, and secondary metabolites, for instance, jujuboside A and spinosin were higher after fermentation, and above components showed positive correlation with antioxidant capacity in Pearson correlation analysis. Therefore, it was inferred that the enhancement of antioxidant activity of FZSS may be the result of the joint action of various chemical components. This study preliminarily clarified the mechanism of FZSS in enhancing the antioxidant activity, and provided new research ideas for the product development and utilization of FZSS.

Primer reporte de bacterias y dinoflagelados marinos luminiscentes del Parque Nacional Isla del Coco, Costa Rica

Introducción: La bioluminiscencia es la capacidad de ciertos organismos para transformar la energía química en energía lumínica mediante varios procesos bioquímicos. Objetivo: El aislamiento e identificación por primera vez de bacterias luminiscentes en agua marina superficial y la identificación de dinoflagelados luminiscentes marinos del Parque Nacional Isla del Coco, Costa Rica. Metodología: Se colectaron muestras de agua marina obtenida por buceo a 20 m y a nivel superficial de 13 sitios en la Isla del Coco, Costa Rica. Por otra parte, se analizaron muestras de fitoplancton colectadas desde la superficie hasta los 30 m de profundudad en los alrededores de 8 sitios de la Isla del Coco, y se determinaron varias especies luminiscentes pertenecientes a los géneros Ornithocercus y Ceratocorys. Resultados: Se logró obtener 7 aislados bacterianos luminiscentes, se identificaron y caracterizaron bioquímicamente mediante una plataforma automatizada (Vitek) con altos niveles de confianza, se ubicaron taxonómicamente dentro del género Vibrio,2 especies: V. alginolyticus y V. parahaemolyticus, además, algunos aislados presentaron resistencia al antibiótico ampicilina y 100% capacidad hemolítica. Esta investigación muestra evidencia de la presencia de especies microscópicas marinas en Isla del Coco, Costa Rica, capaces de presentar el fenómeno de la luminiscencia, por lo que profundizar en su estudio sería relevante en cuanto a la importancia de estos microorganismos en la producción de metabolitos secundarios y como indicadores de floraciones algales nocivas, por lo que se hace necesario realizar más investigación científica para determinar su potencial biotecnológico. Conclusiones: De la misma forma, los resultados obtenidos en esta investigación sugieren expandir las localidades de colecta y aislamientos de microorganismos luminiscentes, acompañado de una caracterización bioquímica y molecular, con el fin de explorar la diversidad microbiana asociada a eventos de luminiscencia y determinar los ambientes en el que estas especies se desarrollan.

Introduction: Bioluminescence is the ability of certain organisms to transform chemical energy into light energy through various biochemical processes. Objective: Isolation and identification for the first time of luminescent bacteria of superficial marine water, and the identification of marine luminescent dinoflagellates of Isla del Coco National Park, Costa Rica. Methods: Samples of seawater obtained by diving at 20 m and at a surface level of 13 sites were collected. On the other hand, phytoplankton samples collected from the surface up to 30 m deep were analyzed in the surroundings of 8 sites of Cocos Island, and several luminescent species belonging to the genera Ornithocercus and Ceratocorys were determined. Results: Seven luminescent bacterial isolates were obtained, they were identified and characterized biochemically by means of an automated platform (Vitek) with high levels of confidence, they were taxonomically located within the genus Vibrio, 2 species: V. alginolyticus and V. parahaemolyticus, in addition, some isolates presented resistance to the antibiotic ampicillin and 100% hemolytic capacity. This research shows evidence of the presence of marine microscopic species in Cocos Island, Costa Rica, capable of presenting the phenomenon of luminescence, so that further study would be relevant in terms of the importance of these microorganisms in the production of metabolites secondary and as indicators of harmful algal blooms, so it is necessary to conduct more scientific research to determine their biotechnological potential. Conclusions: In the same way, the results obtained in this investigation suggest expanding the collection and isolation of luminescent microorganisms, accompanied by a biochemical and molecular characterization, in order to explore the microbial diversity associated with luminescence events and determine the environments in which that these species develop.

Impacto socioeconómico de la variabilidad climática en pesca y turismo: antecedentes y propuesta metodológica

Introducción: La variabilidad climática tiene efectos importantes sobre las diferentes actividades económicas que se desarrollan en zonas costeras y que emplean servicios ecosistémicos para su funcionamiento. Actualmente, no existen metodologías integrales que permitan realizar un proceso de valoración teniendo en cuenta todas las variables y las interacciones entre ellas. Objetivo: Proponer una aproximación metodológica que incluya de manera integral las diferentes etapas en el proceso de valoración económica de servicios ecosistémicos en zonas costeras, ante la variabilidad climática. Métodos: Se realizó una revisión bibliográfica, consulta a expertos y se empleó un ejemplo de aplicación usando la actividad turística de buceo con tiburones martillos en la Isla del Coco. Resultados: La aproximación metodológica propuesta inicia con la caracterización socioeconómica y ambiental de la actividad que emplea el recurso natural como insumo, posteriormente se realiza una identificación y caracterización de las variables ambientales que afectan el recurso natural y los efectos que la variación de este recurso tiene sobre la actividad económica. Conclusiones: Las variables que conforman el sistema climático, que tienen relación con los recursos naturales y las actividades económicas, al ser influenciadas por fenómenos externos, producen efectos que deben ser analizados por medio de aproximaciones metodológicas integrales, dentro de las cuales uno de los pasos es la metodología de valoración, que permitan generar recomendaciones de política que contribuyan a minimizar esos efectos.

Introduction: Climate variability has important effects on the different economic activities that take place in marine areas. Currently, there are no comprehensive methodologies to carry out an assessment process that consider all the variables and interactions between them. Objective: To propose a methodological approach that comprehensively includes the different stages in the process of economic valuation of ecosystem services in coastal areas, in the face of climate variability. Methods: A bibliographic review, expert consultations and an application of a methodological example using the impact over shark diving activities at Isla del Coco were conducted. Results: The proposed methodological approach begins with the socio-economic and environmental characterization of the activity that uses a natural resource as input, followed by the identification and characterization of the environmental variables that affect the natural resource and of the effects that the variation of this resource has on the economic activity. Conclusions: The variables that make up the climate system, which relate to natural resources and economic activities, being influenced by external phenomena, produce effects that must be analyzed by comprehensive methodological approximations, within which one of the steps is the valuation methodology, that will allow generating policy recommendations that help to minimize these effects.

Lista preliminar de hongos (Ascomycota y Basidiomycota) y mixomicetos (Myxomycota) de la Isla del Coco, Puntarenas, Costa Rica

Introducción: El inventario de hongos y mixomicetos en la Isla del Coco es un proceso relativamente reciente. El primer registro de hongos fue publicado por Cooke y Bonar (1961), seguido por los listados de Fosberg y Klawe (1966), Gómez (1983) y las contribuciones de Mata (2003) y Mata, Halling, y Mueller (2003). Posteriormente a estos estudios sobre hongos, Rojas y Stevenson (2008) llevaron a cabo una investigación sobre diversidad, ecología y distribución de los mixomicetos. Objetivo: Presentar una recopilación y actualización taxonómica del inventario de hongos y mixomicetos que fueron recolectados en la Isla del Coco y facilitar el conocimiento sobre su diversidad en la isla. Métodos: La lista aquí proporcionada está basada en la revisión de la literatura disponible hasta la fecha, la consulta de bases de datos de herbarios y en la identificación de los especímenes recolectados recientemente por varios investigadores del Departamento de Historia Natural del Museo Nacional de Costa Rica. Se realizaron tres giras de campo a la isla para recolectar y fotografiar especímenes. Estas giras se llevaron a cabo entre los años 2016 y 2017, en los meses de junio, noviembre y diciembre. Los nombres de las especies incluidas se ajustaron de acuerdo con la base de datos en línea Index Fungorum. Resultados: Un total de 648 registros distribuidos en 401 hongos (principalmente macrohongos) y 247 mixomicetos fueron analizados para la Isla del Coco. Este número de registros representa 185 especies, de las cuales 139 corresponden a hongos y 46 a mixomicetos. Los hongos registrados se distribuyeron en 85 géneros, 46 familias (cuatro de ellas bajo el término "Incertae sedis"), 21 órdenes (dos de ellos como "Incertae sedis") y dos divisiones (Ascomycota y Basidiomycota); mientras tanto, los mixomicetos se clasificaron en 21 géneros, 10 familias, 5 órdenes y una división (Myxomycota). La familia mejor representada en Ascomycota fue Xylariaceae (8 spp.), seguida por Pyronemataceae (3 spp.) y Sarcoscyphaceae (2 spp.). En Basidiomycota, las familias más diversas fueron Omphalotaceae y Polyporaceae (ambas tienen 11 spp.), seguidas por Marasmiaceae (10 spp.), Agaricaceae (8 spp.), Hymenochaetaceae (8 spp.), Mycenaceae (8 spp.), Ganodermataceae (6 spp.) y Meripilaceae (6 spp.). Las familias con mayor número de especies registradas en Myxomycota fueron Stemonitidaceae (14 spp.), Physaraceae (8 spp.), Trichiaceae (6 spp.), Didymiaceae (5 spp.) y Arcyriaceae (4 spp.). Treinta y cuatro especies se registran por primera vez para la Isla del Coco, la mayor parte de ellas pertenecen a hongos (Ascomycota, 8 spp. y Basidiomycota, 21 spp.) y las restantes especies (5) a mixomicetos. En la isla algunas especies registradas son relevantes por sus propiedades comestibles o medicinales. Se incluyen fotografías de algunos de los hongos que fueron recolectados en la isla. Conclusiones: La lista generada en este estudio es todavía preliminar para los hongos y mixomicetos que se han registrado en la Isla del Coco, debido a que ciertos grupos como los microhongos han sido poco recolectados.

Introduction: The inventory of fungi and myxomycetes on Cocos Island is a relatively recent process. The first record of fungi was published by Cooke & Bonar (1961), followed by the listings of Fosberg & Klawe (1966), Gómez (1983), and the contributions of Mata (2003) and Mata, Halling, & Mueller (2003). Subsequent to these studies on fungi, Rojas & Stevenson (2008) carried out research on the diversity, ecology and distribution of myxomycetes. Objective: To present a compilation and taxonomic update of the inventory of fungi and myxomycetes that were registered on Cocos Island and to facilitate the knowledge about their diversity on the island. Methods: The list provided here is based on the review of available literature, databases of herbaria and on the determination of the specimens collected recently by several researchers of the Department of Natural History of the National Museum of Costa Rica. Three field trips were made to the island to collect and photograph specimens. These field trips took place between 2016 and 2017, in the months of June, November and December. The names of the species included were adjusted according to the online database Index Fungorum. Results: A total of 648 records distributed in 401 fungi (mainly macrofungi) and 247 myxomycetes were analyzed for Cocos Island. This number of records represent 185 species, of which 139 correspond to fungi and 46 to myxomycetes. The fungi registered were distributed in 85 genera, 46 families (four of them under the term "Incertae sedis"), 21 orders (two of them as "Incertae sedis") and two divisions (Ascomycota and Basidiomycota); meanwhile, the myxomycetes were classified in 21 genera, 10 families, 5 orders and one division (Myxomycota). The family represented most in Ascomycota was Xylariaceae (8 spp.), followed by Pyronemataceae (3 spp.) and Sarcoscyphaceae (2 spp.). In Basidiomycota, the most diverse families were Omphalotaceae and Polyporaceae (both had 11 spp.), followed by Marasmiaceae (10 spp.), Agaricaceae (8 spp.), Hymenochaetaceae (8 spp.), Mycenaceae (8 spp.), Ganodermataceae (6 spp.) and Meripilaceae (6 spp.). The families with the highest number of species recorded in Myxomycota were Stemonitidaceae (14 spp.), Physaraceae (8 spp.), Trichiaceae (6 spp.), Didymiaceae (5 spp.) and Arcyriaceae (4 spp.). Thirty-four species were recorded for the first time for Cocos Island, the majority of them belonging to fungi (Ascomycota, 8 spp. and Basidiomycota, 21 spp.) and the remaining species (5) to myxomycetes. On the island, some of the species registered are relevant because of their edible or medicinal properties. Photographs of some of the fungi collected on the island are included. Conclusions: The list generated in this study is still preliminary for the fungi and myxomycetes that were registered on Cocos Island due to certain groups such as microfungi being scarcely collected.

La diversidad del Orden Diptera de la Isla del Coco representada en la colección de artrópodos del Museo Nacional de Costa Rica y otras colecciones

Introducción: La Isla del Coco es una isla oceánica que, a pesar de su reconocida biodiversidad, ha sido poco estudiada en cuanto a su entomofauna, particularmente del Orden Diptera. Objetivo: Presentar la diversidad de "moscas" que alberga la Colección de Artrópodos del Museo Nacional de Costa Rica (MNCR), proveniente de recolectadas realizadas entre 1994-2013. Métodos: Se hizo un análisis de los 2129 registros físicos y digitales de Specify del MNCR y otras bases de datos, así como de la literatura. Resultados: Dentro del MNCR se encuentran 30 familias, 43géneros y28 especies; trabajo de determinación taxonómica realizado por un conjunto demás de 30 expertos en el grupo. Existe material tanto en la colección del MNCR y así como en Museo de Zoología de la Universidad de Costa Rica y otras instituciones fuera del país. Conclusiones: El esfuerzo de muestreo se ha concentrado solamente en un sector de la isla, por lo que se proyecta una diversidad mayor si se amplían los esfuerzos. Es fundamental mantener esfuerzos planificados en el ámbito de la investigación taxonómica de la fauna entomológica, que permitan ampliar el conocimiento de la diversidad presente.

Introduction: Isla del Coco National Park is an oceanic island of great interest and scientific value; however, little is known about its entomological fauna, particularly for the Order Diptera. Objective: To present the diversity of "flies" housed in the collection of arthropods of the National Museum of Costa Rica (MNCR), from expeditions made to the island between 1994 and 2013. Methods: Analyzed the 2 129 physical and digital records from Specify and other data bases, as well as the literature. Results: A total of 30 families, 43 genera and 28 species are represented in the MNCR, from a taxonomic determination work carried out by a group of more than 30 experts. There is material both in the Diptera collection of the MNCR and the MZUCR (Museum of Zoology, University of Costa Rica), as well as in institutions outside the country. Conclusion: The sampling effort has been concentrated in only one sector of the island; therefore, diversity is expected to be greater. It is essential to maintain research taxonomic efforts of the entomological fauna to expand the knowledge of the diversity present in such a valuable resource, Heritage of Humanity: Isla del Coco.