Sequencing and characterization of the chloroplast genome of Aconitum forrestii Stapf provide insights into phylogenetics in Aconitum.

Aconitum forrestii Stapf is an essential traditional Chinese medicine, and is beneficial in dispelling wind, removing dampness, warming, and relieving pain. However, its phylogenetic position of Aconitum is not accepted yet. In order to clarify the evolutionary relationship of A. forrestii, complete sequencing of chloroplast genome was carried out using Illumina sequencing technology. In total, the chloroplast genome was about 155,869 base pair (bp) in length and carried a typical tetrad structure that included a large single-copy, a small-single copy and two inverted repeat regions. A total of 132 genes were annotated, that included 85 protein -coding genes, 37 transfer RNA genes, eight ribosomal RNA genes, and two pseudogenes. The phylogenetic tree analysis indicated that Aconitum forrestii is closely related to Aconitum episcopale and Aconitum delavayi.

The first complete chloroplast genome of Vicatia thibetica de Boiss.: genome features, comparative analysis, and phylogenetic relationships.

Vicatia thibetica de Boiss.: a herb in the family Apiaceae, has been used for over a hundred years as an essential medicinal and edible plant in the Bai ethnic group of Dali City. However, due to the lack of study on plastid genomes of V. thibetica, studies of comparison and phylogeny with other related species remain scarce. In the current study, we assembled, annotated, and characterized the entire chloroplast (cp) genome of V. thibetica through high-throughput sequencing for the first time, compared with published whole chloroplast genomes from the same family. A phylogenetic analysis of the chloroplast genome has also been performed. The whole chloroplast genome of V. thibetica was 145,796 in size and consisted of a large single-copy region (LSC; 92,186 bp), a small single-copy region (SSC; 17,452 bp), and a pair of inverted repeat regions (IRs; 18,079 bp) forming a circular quadripartite structure. Annotation resulted in 128 genes, including 84 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 35 transfer RNA genes (tRNAs), eight ribosomal genes (rRNAs), and one pseudogene. Repeat sequence analysis displayed V. thibetica plastid genome contains 75 simple repeats, 37 long repeats, and 29 tandem repeats. Compared with the cp genome of other Apiaceae species, a common feature was that the IR regions of the genome were more conservative compared to the LSC and SSC regions. Highly variable hotspots included rps16, ndhC-trnV-UAC, clpP, ycf1, and ndhB in the genomes, which supply valuable molecular markers for phylogeny, identification, and classification in the Apiaceae family. The results of phylogenetic analysis strongly supported the genus Vicatia as an independent genus in the family Apiaceae, in which the closest affinities to the related species of Angelica, Peucedanum, and Ligusticum were observed. In conclusion, the first chloroplast genome of Vicatia reported in this study may  improve our understanding of phylogenetic relationship of different genera of Apiaceae. In addition, the current data will be valuable as chloroplast genomic resource for species identification and population genetics. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12298-022-01154-y.

[Application of three-dimensional virtual technology in mandibular defects reconstruction with free fibular flap].

PURPOSE: To present a method for mandibular defects reconstruction with free fibular flap by three-dimensional virtual technology. METHODS: In 11 patients (8 with ameloblastomas, 1 with ossifying fibroma, 2 with carcinoma of the mandibular gingiva ), three-dimensional virtual technology was simulated with software. The osteotomies were translated into rapid prototyping guides. The solid model of the mandible and the surgical guides were the same as the full size and the shape, and made by using rapid prototyping machine. During operation, the bridging plate could be pre-bended on the repaired mandibular model. One group resected the diseased mandibular according to the model of the osteotomy which was planned before operation, the other group used auxiliary guide for accurate osteotomy of the fibula bone with contact pedicle. The fibular segments were reshaped and fixed with prefabricated titanium plate, and transplanted into the defect for vascular anastomosis. RESULTS: All the bone flaps and osteocutaneous flaps survived. During operation, the fibula flap could be cut in appropriate length. Cutting, remodeling and reposition of the fibula could be accelerated by surgery guides. Postoperative follow-up was 1 to 24 months. Imaging examination showed that the shape of mandible and mandibular angle were good, and the temporomandibular joint and occlusion returned to normal. CONCLUSIONS: Three-dimensional virtual technology is useful in reconstruction of mandibular defect with vascularized fibular flap.

Cytotoxic cucurbitane triterpenoids isolated from the rhizomes of Hemsleya amabilis.

Two new cucurbitane triterpenoids, 7ß-hydroxycucurbitacin F-25-O-acetate (1) and 2ß,3ß,20(S),26,27-pentahydroxy-16α,23(S)-epoxycucurbita-5,24-dien-11-one (2) along with eleven known cucurbitane triterpenoids (3-13, resp.) were isolated from the rhizomes of Hemsleya amabilis Diels. The chemical structures of the new isolated compounds were elucidated unambiguously by spectroscopic data analysis. The cytotoxic activities of the isolated cucurbitane triterpenoids were evaluated against the HeLa human cancer cell lines. Hemslecin A (5), the main ingredient of H. amabilis, exhibited the significant cytotoxicity with IC50 value of 0.389 µM.

Potential AMPK activators of cucurbitane triterpenoids from Siraitia grosvenorii Swingle.

AMP-activated kinase (AMPK) as a key controller in the regulation of whole-body energy homeostasis, plays an important role in protecting the body from metabolic diseases. Recently, improved glucose, lipid utility and increased insulin sensitivity were observed on several diabetic rodent models treated with crude mogrosides isolated from the fruit of Siraitia grosvenorii Swingle, but the precise active compounds responsible for the anti-diabetic activity of this plant have not been clearly identified. In our current work, acid hydrolysis of crude mogrosides provided five new cucurbitane triterpenoids (1-4, 8), along with three known ones (5-7). The main aglycone mogrol (7) and compounds 4 and 8 were found to be potent AMPK activators in the HepG2 cell line. This result suggested AMPK activation by the mogroside aglycones 7 and 8 was proved to contribute at least partially to the anti-hyperglycemic and anti-lipidemic properties in vivo of S. grosvenorii.