Characterization of D1R and D2R neuronal subpopulations in the globus pallidus interna: Implications for Parkinson's disease pathogenesis.

Parkinson's disease (PD) ranks as the second most prevalent and rapidly growing neurodegenerative disorder. As a primary output nucleus within the basal ganglia (BG), the globus pallidus interna (GPi) is a key structure in BG information processing. It is also a key target for deep brain stimulation (DBS) to alleviate motor symptoms of PD. Previous studies have identifiedPD patients exhibiting abnormal neuronal activity in the GPi. On the other hand, various types of dopamine receptor (DR)-positive neurons have been identified within the GPi. However, the electrophysiological properties of specific DR-positive neurons within the GPi and their alterations in PD have not been addressed. In the present study, we used whole-cell patch-clamp recordings to identify two neuronal subpopulations within the GPi, dopamine D1 receptor (D1R)-positive, and dopamine D2 receptor (D2R)-positive neurons, which exhibited distinct electrophysiological properties. Additionally, significant alterations of electrophysiological properties of D2R-positive neurons within the GPi were observed in 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-lesioned mice. These data suggest that the distinct electrophysiological properties of specific DR-positive neurons and their abnormal alteration in the GPi may be associated with PD's pathogenesis.

Normal sperm quality despite partial deletion of sY84 in the AZFa region: A case report.

BACKGROUND: The complete absence of the azoospermia factor A (AZFa) region typically results in nonobstructive azoospermia. Partial deletions of the AZFa region are particularly noteworthy due to the limited and enigmatic reports of partial deletions in the AZFa region. Here, we present a rare case report of partial deletion of sY84 in the AZFa region but exhibiting normal sperm quality. The aim of this case report is to gain a deeper insight into the impact of AZFa region deletion on male fertility and to guide future clinical decisions and treatment strategies. METHODS AND RESULTS: A 25-year-old man presented to the hospital with his 25-year-old wife due to recurrent spontaneous abortions. Routine semen analysis, sperm morphology analysis, acrosomal enzyme analysis, sperm DNA fragmentation indexed, and peripheral blood karyotype analysis revealed no abnormalities. Y chromosome microdeletion was detected by real-time fluorescence polymerase chain reaction, which showed that sY84 could not be amplified and sY86 was amplified nonspecifically. The man was diagnosed with partial deletions in the AZFa region. The wife underwent in vitro fertilization treatment for tubal infertility and recurrent spontaneous abortions. The couple successfully delivered a healthy daughter weighing 2.7 kg at 39 weeks of gestation, following 2 assisted reproductive pregnancies. CONCLUSION: Our findings contribute to expanding our knowledge of the AZFa region. A sY84 deficiency in the AZFa region may not lead to spermatogenesis failure and may potentially be one of the factors causing recurrent miscarriages, which needs to be confirmed by further data.

Dissolving Hyaluronic Acid-Based Microneedles to Transdermally Deliver Eugenol Combined with Photothermal Therapy for Acne Vulgaris Treatment.

A microneedle transdermal drug delivery system simultaneously avoids systemic toxicity of oral administration and low efficiency of traditional transdermal administration, which is of great significance for acne vulgaris therapy. Herein, eugenol-loaded hyaluronic acid-based dissolving microneedles (E@P-EO-HA MNs) with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities are developed for acne vulgaris therapy via eugenol transdermal delivery integrated with photothermal therapy. E@P-EO-HA MNs are pyramid-shaped with a sharp tip and a hollow cavity structure, which possess sufficient mechanical strength to penetrate the stratum corneum of the skin and achieve transdermal delivery, in addition to excellent in vivo biocompatibility. Significantly, E@P-EO-HA MNs show effective photothermal therapy to destroy sebaceous glands and achieve antibacterial activity against deep-seated Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) under near-infrared-light irradiation. Moreover, cavity-loaded eugenol is released from rapidly dissolved microneedle bodies to play a sustained antibacterial and anti-inflammatory therapy on the P. acnes infectious wound. E@P-EO-HA MNs based on a synergistic therapeutic strategy combining photothermal therapy and eugenol transdermal administration can significantly alleviate inflammatory response and ultimately facilitate the repair of acne vulgaris. Overall, E@P-EO-HA MNs are expected to be clinically applied as a functional minimally invasive transdermal delivery strategy for superficial skin diseases therapy in skin tissue engineering.

Predictive Factors for the Formation of Viable Embryos in Subfertile Patients with Diminished Ovarian Reserve: A Clinical Prediction Study.

This study aims to construct and validate a nomogram for predicting blastocyst formation in patients with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) during in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedures. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 445 DOR patients who underwent in vitro fertilization (IVF)/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) at the Reproductive Center of Yulin Maternal and Child Health Hospital from January 2019 to January 2023. A total of 1016 embryos were cultured for blastocyst formation, of which 487 were usable blastocysts and 529 did not form usable blastocysts. The embryos were randomly divided into a training set (711 embryos) and a validation set (305 embryos). Relevant factors were initially identified through univariate logistic regression analysis based on the training set, followed by multivariate logistic regression analysis to establish a nomogram model. The prediction model was then calibrated and validated. Multivariate stepwise forward logistic regression analysis showed that female age, normal fertilization status, embryo grade on D2, and embryo grade on D3 were independent predictors of blastocyst formation in DOR patients. The Hosmer-Lemeshow test indicated no statistical difference between the predicted probabilities of blastocyst formation and actual blastocyst formation (P > 0.05). These results suggest that female age, normal fertilization status, embryo grade on D2, and embryo grade on D3 are independent predictors of blastocyst formation in DOR patients. The clinical prediction nomogram constructed from these factors has good predictive value and clinical utility and can provide a basis for clinical prognosis, intervention, and the formulation of individualized medical plans.

[Effect of body mass index on short-term effectiveness of high tibial osteotomy in treatment of varus knee arthritis].

Objective: To investigate the effect of body mass index (BMI) on the short-term effectiveness of high tibial osteotomy (HTO) in the treatment of varus knee arthritis. Methods: The clinical data of 84 patients (84 knees) with varus knee arthritis treated with HTO between May 2016 and August 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. According to BMI, the patients were divided into normal group (32 patients in group A, BMI<25 kg/m 2), overweight group (27 patients in group B, BMI>30 kg/m 2), and obese group (25 patients in group C, BMI>30 kg/m 2). The BMI of groups A, B, and C were (23.35±0.89), (26.65±1.03), and (32.05±1.47) kg/m 2, respectively. There was no significant difference ( P>0.05) in gender, age, surgical side, disease duration, and preoperative Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) score, visual analogue scale (VAS) score, knee range of motion, and hip-knee-ankle angle (HKA) between groups. The operation time, intraoperative dominant blood loss, and the decrease of hemoglobin on the 3rd day after operation were recorded and compared between groups. The improvement of knee joint function and pain status were evaluated by knee joint HSS score, knee range of motion, and VAS score before and after operation, and measuring the HKA of patients on X-ray film. During the follow-up, the X-ray films of the knee joint were reexamined to observe the position of the internal fixator and the healing of osteotomy. Results: All patients completed the operation successfully and were followed up 8-40 months (mean, 19.3 months). There was no significant difference in follow-up time, operation time, intraoperative dominant blood loss, and the decrease of hemoglobin on the 3rd day after operation between groups ( P>0.05). No operative complications such as severe vascular or nerve injury occurred. After operation, deep venous thrombosis of lower extremities occurred in 1 case in groups A and B respectively, and fat liquefaction of surgical incision occurred in 2 cases in group C. There was no significant difference in the incidence of perioperative complications between groups (3.1% vs. 3.7% vs. 8.0%) ( P=0.689). During the follow-up, there was no bone nonunion, plate fracture or loosening. At last follow-up, HSS score, VAS score, knee range of motion, and HKA significantly improved in the 3 groups when compared with those before operation ( P<0.05), but there was no significant difference in the differences of the above indexes between groups before and after operation ( P>0.05). Conclusion: BMI does not affect the short-term effectiveness of HTO in the treatment of varus knee arthritis. HTO can be selected for overweight and obese patients after standard medical treatment is ineffective.

Taekwondo Poomsae practise in slow motion and the balance of healthy older adults: A Pre-Experimental Study.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Poor balance confidence and functional balance can lead to falls in community-dwelling older adults. Exercises utilising slow movements have been shown to improve balance in this population. It is hypothesised that by superimposing the use of slow movements onto Taekwondo Poomsae, there could be similar benefits in improving balance confidence and functional balance in older adults. METHODS: This was a pre - experimental study. Fifteen community-dwelling older adults received 11 weeks of Slow Poomsae (SP) training using a proposed 50-min protocol. Pre- and post-intervention scores of the Activities-Specific Balance Confidence Simplified Scale (ABC-S), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Dynamic Gait Index (DGI), and 'Timed Up and Go' test (TUG) assessments were recorded and compared. RESULTS: Fifteen eligible participants with mean and standard deviation (SD) of age 73.8 (6.05) years completed the study. Significant improvements (p < 0.05) were seen in the pre-post differences between ABC-S, BBS, DGI, and TUG, with median score changes of 15 points (Z = -3.408), 3 points (Z = -3.306), 3 points (Z = -2.852), and 3.5 s (Z = -3.296) respectively. CONCLUSION: The preliminary findings support the efficacy of SP as a potential balance training programme that is safe for healthy older adults to improve their balance confidence and functional balance. More research is required on this topic that leans towards a large population blinded randomised controlled trial with a longer intervention period and inclusion of a follow-up to further elucidate the effects of long-term practice and novelty of SP.

Triterpenoids from the fruits of Melia azedarach L. and their cytotoxic activities.

Eleven undescribed tetracyclic triterpenoids, meliazedarachins A-K, along with twenty-six known compounds were isolated from the fruits of Melia azedarach L.. Their structures were determined by HRESIMS, UV, IR, NMR, X-ray diffraction, electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra, and the modified Mosher's method. The cytotoxic activities of all the isolates were measured. Meliazedarachin K and mesendanin N showed cytotoxicity against five human cancer cell lines with IC50 values ranging from 9.02 to 31.31 µM. Meliazedarachin K showed significant cytotoxicity against HCT116 cell line with IC50 value of 9.02 ± 0.84 µM. 21α-methylmelianodiol showed significant cytotoxicity against HCT116 and RKO cell lines with IC50 values of 10.16 ± 1.22 and 8.57 ± 0.80 µM, respectively.

Role of ROS-Induced NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation in the Formation of Calcium Oxalate Nephrolithiasis.

Calcium oxalate nephrolithiasis is a common and highly recurrent disease in urology; however, its precise pathogenesis is still unknown. Recent research has shown that renal inflammatory injury as a result of the cell-crystal reaction plays a crucial role in the development of calcium oxalate kidney stones. An increasing amount of research have confirmed that inflammation mediated by the cell-crystal reaction can lead to inflammatory injury of renal cells, promote the intracellular expression of NADPH oxidase, induce extensive production of reactive oxygen species, activate NLRP3 inflammasome, discharge a great number of inflammatory factors, trigger inflammatory cascading reactions, promote the aggregation, nucleation and growth process of calcium salt crystals, and ultimately lead to the development of intrarenal crystals and even stones. The renal tubular epithelial cells (RTECs)-crystal reaction, macrophage-crystal reaction, calcifying nanoparticles, endoplasmic reticulum stress, autophagy activation, and other regulatory factors and mechanisms are involved in this process.

Magnetic covalent organic framework nanocomposites as a new adsorbent for the determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in water and food samples.

A magnetic covalent organic framework nanocomposite (Fe3O4@COF(Tp-NDA)) was synthesized via a solvothermal method, used as a magnetic adsorbent for the extraction of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from lake water, tea, coffee, and fried chicken, and detected using a high performance liquid chromatography-ultraviolet detector. The synthesized magnetic adsorbent was characterized via transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, N2 adsorption-desorption isotherm analysis and vibrating sample magnetometry. Parameters that affected the extraction conditions and desorption conditions were optimized. Adsorption equilibrium could be attained within 3 min. The prepared magnetic material could be reused 10 times. The limits of detection and quantification were 0.05-0.25 µg L-1 and 0.17-0.83 µg L-1, respectively. The recovery was 74.6-101.8% with a relative standard deviation of below 4.2%. The method was successfully used to detect PAHs in various samples.

Atorvastatin inhibits renal inflammatory response induced by calcium oxalate crystals via inhibiting the activation of TLR4/NF-κB and NLRP3 inflammasome.

This study aimed to investigate the renal protective effect of atorvastatin (ATV) on the kidney inflammation induced by calcium oxalate (CaOx) crystals. A cell model of cell-crystal interactions and a rat model of CaOx kidney stone were established. The expressions of TLR4, NF-κB, NLRP3, and cleaved caspase-1 in cells and rat kidney tissues were detected using Western blot, immunohistochemical, and/or immunofluorescence. The concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cells, and lactic acid dehydrogenase (LDH) in the culture medium were measured. The secreted levels of interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-18, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were examined by ELISA. The serum levels of creatinine (CRE) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were measured. von Kossa staining was used for the evaluation of renal lens deposition. The CaOx model group showed significantly decreased SOD level; increased concentrations of MDA; ROS and LDH; elevated expressions of TLR4, NF-κB, NLRP3, and cleaved caspase-1; and the elevated release of IL-1ß, IL-18, IL-6, and TNF- α as compared to the control group. The treatment with ATV significantly inhibited the formation of CaOx kidney stone by increasing the level of SOD; downregulating MDA, ROS, and LDH; inhibiting the expressions of TLR4, NF-κB, NLRP3 and cleaved caspase-1; and blocking the secretion of inflammatory cytokines. In addition, the serum levels of CRE and BUN, and the intrarenal crystal deposition were also significantly decreased in ATV-treated rats. In summary, oxidative stress, TLR4/NF-κB, and NLRP3 inflammasome pathways are involved in renal inflammatory responses induced by CaOx crystals. ATV treatment significantly suppressed oxidative stress, inhibited the activation of TLR4/NF-κB and NLRP3 inflammasome pathways, and decreased the release of inflammatory mediators, thereby ameliorating CaOx crystal-induced damage and crystal deposition in HK-2 cells and rat kidney tissues.

Effect of endoplasmic reticulum stress-mediated excessive autophagy on apoptosis and formation of kidney stones.

AIMS: This study was designed to reveal the role and underlying mechanism of excessive autophagy mediated by ERS via the PERK-eIF2α pathway in the apoptosis and formation of CaOx kidney stones. MAIN METHODS: Ethylene glycol (EG) was used to establish a rat model of CaOx kidney stones, and 100 mg/kg of ERS inhibitor 4-phenylbutyric acid (4-PBA) or 60 mg/kg of autophagy inhibitor chloroquine (CQ) was administered daily to the rats. Four weeks after administration, we collected blood and kidney tissues to analyze the occurrence of ERS and autophagy, apoptosis, renal function, renal tubular crystal deposition, and kidney damage, respectively. KEY FINDINGS: We observed that both 4-PBA and CQ treatment significantly inhibited the excessive autophagy and reduced apoptosis as well as decreasing p-PERK and p-eIF2α expressions. Meanwhile, the proportion of kidney weight, contents of creatinine and blood urea nitrogen, excretion of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin and kidney injury molecule 1, and renal tubular deposition were markedly down-regulated. SIGNIFICANCE: The findings in this study suggested that ERS induced excessive autophagy via the PERK-eIF2α pathway, regulating cell damage and apoptosis. ERS-mediated inhibition of excessive autophagy effectively protected kidney function and prevented the apoptosis and formation of kidney stones.

Autophagy-endoplasmic reticulum stress inhibition mechanism of superoxide dismutase in the formation of calcium oxalate kidney stones.

BACKGROUND: Nephrolithiasis is a common disease in urology, and its pathogenesis is associated with various factors. Recent studies have shown that reactive oxygen species (ROS) can promote autophagy in the formation of kidney stones and exacerbate kidney injury. Endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS), a key factor in regulating intracellular environmental homeostasis, is also directly related to ROS production. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the regulatory effect of superoxide dismutase (SOD) on autophagy-ERS response during the formation of calcium oxalate (CaOx) kidney stones in rats. METHODS: Thirty-two rats were randomly divided into four groups (n = 8): normal control group, stone model group, stone model with atorvastatin group, and stone model with diethyldithiocarbamic acid (DETC) group. Rat models of CaOx kidney stones were established by intragastric administration of 0.75 % ethylene glycol for 4 weeks. Kidney/body weight was used to assess renal enlargement. Renal function was assessed by measuring serum SOD, creatinine (CRE), and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels. The expression of autophagy-related proteins LC3B and BECN1 was detected through immunohistochemical staining. Meanwhile, the expression of autophagy-ERS response-related proteins LC3B, BECN1, p62, GRP78, and CHOP was detected using Western blot and RT-PCR. Renal tubular injury markers neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) and kidney injury molecule 1 (Kim-1) were determined through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The apoptosis of renal tubular cells and the expression of their signature proteins cleaved Caspase-3, Bax and Bcl-2 were detected using Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling and Western blot assays, respectively. Crystal deposition and histological tissue injury were assessed through Von Kossa staining. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the stone model group showed higher kidney/body weight ratio; evidently higher expression of autophagy-ERS response- and apoptosis-related proteins LC3B, BECN1, GRP78, CHOP, Bax and cleaved Caspase-3; and lower levels of p62, bcl-2 protein, and SOD. The stone model group also showed higher levels of apoptosis, serum CRE, BUN, NGAL, and Kim-1, as well as considerably greater crystal deposition and renal injury, than the control group. Atorvastatin reduced the levels of autophagy-ERS response, kidney injury, and crystal deposition, but they were increased by DETC. CONCLUSION: Enhanced SOD activity can protect the kidneys by reducing autophagy-ERS response and CaOx kidney stone formation. Atorvastatin may be a new option for the prevention and treatment of nephrolithiasis.

Higher variability in cervical force perception in people with neck pain.

BACKGROUND: A reduced capacity to generate and sustain cervical muscle force over a range of contraction intensities is a feature of some participants with neck pain. To date there have been no studies comparing the accuracy of force perception in participants with and without neck pain. DESIGN: Cross-sectional observational study. METHODS: Participants with (n = 25) and without (n = 25) neck pain performed isometric muscle contractions at three progressive self-perceived (no feedback provided) intensities (10, 25, 50) % of their maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) in cervical: flexion, extension, right and left lateral flexion. Absolute error (AE), constant error (CE), and variable error (VE) between actual and targeted force values were calculated. RESULTS: The neck pain group had: (1) AE-combined direction -significantly higher at 10% and lower at 50% (p < 0.05); (2) significantly lower CE in most measures (p < 0.05); (3) higher mean VE in all measures, with 10, 25, and 50% combined direction and overall combined % extension significantly higher (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Findings indicate higher variability in force generation perception across all directions and intensities in participants with neck pain compared to healthy controls. Potentially this greater variability might suggest impaired force sense, a construct of proprioception in participants with neck pain. Reduced force sense may have implications for participants with neck pain during functional activities requiring precision and may need to be trained. Further research is required.

Inhibition of Autophagy Attenuated Ethylene Glycol Induced Crystals Deposition and Renal Injury in a Rat Model of Nephrolithiasis.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Nephrolithiasis is a common and frequently occurring disease, its exact pathogenesis is remains unclear. Emerging data suggest that autophagy plays a vital role in the pathophysiological processes of kidney diseases. Therefore, this study was designed to investigate the potential role of autophagy in the formation of calcium oxalate (CaOx) kidney stones in rat model. METHODS: Thirty-two rats were randomly divided into four groups (eight rats/group): untreated control group, stone model group, rapamycin-treated group, chloroquine-treated group. Rat models of CaOx nephrolithiasis was administration of 0.75% ethylene glycol (EG) in their drinking water for 4 weeks. Western blot and transmission electron microscope (TEM) were used to detect the expression of autophagy related protein LC3-II, BECN1 and p62 and autophagic vacuoles respectively. Renal function was evaluated by measuring the levels of serum CRE and BUN. Renal tubular injury markers NGAL and Kim-1 was determined by ELISA kits. Von Kossa staining was used to assess crystal deposits and histological tissue injury. TUNEL staining was employed to assess apoptosis of the renal tubular cell. RESULTS: Compare with the controls, the expression of autophagy related protein LC3-II, BECN1 and number of autophagic vacuoles were increased significantly, whereas the p62 protein level was decreased in the stone model group. The levels of apoptosis, serum CRE and BUN, NGAL and Kim-1 in the stone model group were increased compared with the control group and crystals deposition and renal injury were increased significantly. However, the levels of autophagy, kidney injury and crystal deposition were decreased by chloroquine but increased by rapamycin. CONCLUSION: These findings suggested that rats were administration of ethylene glycol could lead to the formation of CaOx nephrolithiasis and autophagy activation. Inhibiting autophagy could be an effective therapeutic approach for decreasing the formation of nephrolithiasis.

Premna grandipaniculata (Lamiaceae, Premnoideae), a remarkable new species from north Myanmar.

A remarkable new Premna species from Myanmar, P. grandipaniculata Y.H.Tan & Bo Li (Lamiaceae), is here described and illustrated. It differs from all known congeneric taxa by having huge complicated panicles which have tertiary branches formed by spike-like thyrses. In Premna, such a spike-like thyrse is found in P. bracteata and P. interrupta, but those species can be easily distinguished from P. grandipaniculata by their habit, indumentum, leaf size and inflorescence structure.

Phylogeography of Eomecon chionantha in subtropical China: the dual roles of the Nanling Mountains as a glacial refugium and a dispersal corridor.

BACKGROUND: Mountains have not only provided refuge for species, but also offered dispersal corridors during the Neogene and Quaternary global climate changes. Compared with a plethora of studies on the refuge role of China's mountain ranges, their dispersal corridor role has received little attention in plant phylogeographic studies. Using phylogeographic data of Eomecon chionantha Hance (Papaveraceae), this study explicitly tested whether the Nanling Mountains, which spans from west to east for more than 1000 km in subtropical China, could have functioned as a dispersal corridor during the late Quaternary in addition to a glacial refugium. RESULTS: Our analyses revealed a range-wide lack of phylogeographic structure in E. chionantha across three kinds of molecular markers [two chloroplast intergenic spacers, nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (nrITS), and six nuclear microsatellite loci]. Demographic inferences based on chloroplast and nrITS sequences indicated that E. chionantha could have experienced a strong postglacial range expansion between 6000 and 1000 years ago. Species distribution modelling showed that the Nanling Mountains and the eastern Yungui Plateau were the glacial refugia of E. chionantha. Reconstruction of dispersal corridors indicated that the Nanling Mountains also have acted as a corridor of population connectivity for E. chionantha during the late Quaternary. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that the Nanling Mountains may acted dual roles as a dispersal corridor in east-west direction and as a glacial refugium in subtropical China during the late Quaternary. The population connectivity mediated by the mountain range and a strong postglacial range expansion are the most likely reasons for the lack of phylogeographic structure in E. chionantha. The hypothesis of dual roles of the mountain range presented here sheds new insights into the phylogeographic patterns of organisms in subtropical China.

Inhibition of autophagy-attenuated calcium oxalate crystal-induced renal tubular epithelial cell injury in vivo and in vitro.

Accumulating evidence suggests that autophagy is involved in the pathophysiological processes of kidney diseases. However, the role of autophagy in the formation of calcium oxalate (CaOx) nephrolithiasis remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the effects of autophagy on renal tubular epithelial cell injury induced by CaOx crystals in vivo and in vitro. We first observed that the expression levels of LC3-II and BECN1 and number of autophagic vacuoles were markedly increased in the renal tissue of CaOx stone patients. We subsequently found that exposure of HK-2 cells to CaOx crystals could increase LC3-II and BECN1 expression as well as the number of GFP-LC3 dots and autophagic vacuoles in a dose- and time-dependent manner. In addition, our results suggest that CaOx crystals induced autophagy, at least in part, via activation of the reactive oxygen species (ROS) pathway in HK-2 cells. Furthermore, inhibition of autophagy using 3-methyladenine or siRNA knockdown of BECN1 attenuated CaOx crystal-induced HK-2 cells injury. However, enhancing autophagic activity with rapamycin exerted an opposite effect. Taken together, our results demonstrate that autophagy is essential for CaOx crystal-induced renal tubular epithelial cell injury and that inhibition of autophagy could be a novel therapeutic strategy for CaOx nephrolithiasis.

Premna bhamoensis (Lamiaceae, Premnoideae), a new species from Kachin State, northeastern Myanmar.

In the present study, we describe and illustrate a new species, Premna bhamoensis Y. T. Tan & B. Li (Lamiaceae), from Myanmar. In the 1980s, this species was transplanted from Bhamo County in northeastern Myanmar to the Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences. The species shows striking morphological similarity to P. menglaensis B. Li, and thus, has been misidentified as the latter for a long period of time. However, morphological comparison revealed that P. bhamoensis is distinct from P. menglaensis in many aspects. Moreover, literature survey and specimen examinations also indicated that P. bhamoensis is undoubtedly different from all seven known congenetic species recorded from Kachin State, Myanmar, and a key for their identification has been provided in this paper.

Corrigenda: Premna bhamoensis (Lamiaceae, Premnoideae), a new species from Kachin State, northeastern Myanmar.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.83.12869.].

[Essential Oil of Chenopodium ambrosioides Induced Caspase-Dependent Apoptosis in SMMC-7721 Cells].

Objective: To investigate the inhibition of cell proliferation by essential oil of Chenopodium ambrosioides on the human liver cancer SMMC-7721 cells and human liver LO2 cells,and to study the mechanism of anti-tumor in vitro. Methods: The inhibition of cell proliferation by essential oil of Chenopodium ambrosioides was determined by MTT assay; the distribution of cell cycle was analyzed by flow cytometry( FCM) with PI staining; cell morphology and apoptosis effect of SMMC-7721 cells were observed by microscope; the apoptotic rate was quantified by FCM with Annexin V / PI double staining. Results: Essential oil of Chenopodium ambrosioides could significantly inhibit the cell proliferation in a concentration-time-dependent manner( P < 0. 05),and the IC50 values on SMMC-7721 cells were lower than human liver LO2 cells at 24,48 and 72 h,respectively( P < 0. 05); cell cycle of SMMC-7721 cells was arrested in G0/G1phase; morphological observation revealed that the cells were wrinkled and the cellular cohesiveness of cells was reduced; nuclear was condensed and in orange colour,of which were the late apoptotic features; and the apoptotic rate increased in a concentration-dependent manner( P < 0. 05),non-viable apoptotic rate was obviously decreased with caspase inhibitor in 100 µg / m L essential oil of Chenopodium ambrosioides( P < 0. 01). Conclusion: Essential oil of Chenopodium ambrosioides can inhibit SMMC-7721 cell proliferation, which may be related to inducing cell cycle arrest and caspase-dependent apoptosis.