A novel technique for endoscope progression in gastroscopy resection: forward-return way for dissection of stromal tumor in the muscularis propria of the gastric fundus.

Background: The fundus of the stomach is a challenging region for endoscopic resection of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs), especially in the anterior wall of the fornix at the side of the greater curvature. This study aimed to introduce the Forward-Return Way (FRW) technique in gastric fundus operations and provide evidence of its advantages. The FRW technique allows the gastroscope to access the stomach fornix without entering the gastric antrum after passing through the gastric cardia. Using FRW, the gastroscope body makes a forward return along the wall of the posterior wall of the upper gastric body and the wall of the greater curvature. Methods: The clinical data of patients with stromal tumors in muscularis propria at the gastric fundus (STMF) at the Fourth Hospital of China Medical University between May 2020- March 2021 were reviewed. The novel FRW technique was used in the procedures, and the beneficial effects, suitability, applicable lesion site, and success rates of FRW were analyzed. Results: A total of 10 cases were reviewed, and the FRW technique was successfully performed in 7 cases (70%). The gastroscope's tip reached the area just below the gastric cardia, allowing endoscopists to successfully access all angles and sites of the stomach's fundus in all seven patients. The lesion was easily accessed, and the gastroscope was stable with good left-right and forward-backwards movements. Conclusion: The FRW technique significantly facilitates the resection of the GISTs by aligning the endoscopy body movement direction with the observation direction. Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor; forward-return of gastroscopy along the gastric body wall; muscularis propria; gastric fundus.

Minimally invasive colonoscopy treatment of inflammatory fibroid polyps in the terminal ileum.

To identify the characteristics of inflammatory fibroid polyps (IFP) in the terminal ileum and to investigate the methods, safety, and efficacy of colonoscopic minimally invasive dissection and resection therapies for its treatment. Colonoscopy and colonoscopic ultrasonography were used to diagnose patients with protruding mucosal lesions in the terminal ileum, and the results suggested a high suspicion of IFPs. Colonoscopic minimally invasive dissection and resection were performed for these patients, and IFP was confirmed by postoperative pathological examination and immunohistochemical staining. Twelve cases of IFP from April 2016 to December 2020 in our hospital were examined pathologically and immunohistochemically. The IFPs in the terminal ileum were all successfully excised by colonoscopy. There were no postoperative perforation, bleeding, or recurrence cases during the follow-up. The features of the lesions, as well as the efficacy of colonoscopic minimally invasive dissection and resection, were reviewed. Terminal ileum IFPs have corresponding colonoscopic and endoscopic ultrasonographic features. For IFPs less than 2 cm in size and within 10 cm of the ileocecal valve, removal by colonoscopy was proven less invasive, safe, and effective.

Identification and validation of a prognostic model of necroptosis-related lncRNAs in hepatocellular carcinoma.

Background: The study focused on establishing a prognostic survival model with six necroptosis-related lncRNAs to predict overall survival (OS) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods: The data of gene expression and clinical information of HCC patients were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Cox regression with LASSO was used for constructing a necroptosis-related lncRNA survival model, which we further validated with qRT-PCR in vitro. The relative bioinformatics analysis and consensus cluster analysis were performed based on six differentially expressed lncRNAs. Results: The survival prognostic model was constructed by using data from TCGA. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves showed a good survival prediction by this model. GSEA showed that several signaling pathways were related to HCC progression. Immune-related functional analysis showed that aDCs, macrophages, Th2 cells, and Tregs have stronger correlation with the high-risk group. The consensus cluster analysis further validated the 6-lncRNA prognostic model. Conclusion: A novel 6-lncRNA (AL606489.1, NRAV, LINC02870, DUXAP8, "ZFPM2-AS1," and AL031985.3) prognostic model had an accurately predictive power in HCC prognosis, which might be worthy of clinical application.

[The Value of Using SCAI Cardiogenic Shock Stages in Predicting Mortality in CICU Patients].

OBJECTIVE: To study the value of using the cardiogenic shock (CS) stages developed by the Society of Cardiovascular Imaging and Intervention (SCAI) in predicting the mortality of CS patients in cardiac intensive care unit (CICU). METHODS: We retrospectively collected (Jan., 2011-Jan., 2018) the information of inpatients who were admitted to the CICU of West China Hospital of Sichuan University on consecutive days, and conducted analysis on those with CS. The patients were divided into groups C, D and E, according to the corresponding SCAI stages, and the primary outcome indicator was in-hospital mortality. Logistic regression was done to determine the association between SCAI staging and in-hospital mortality before and after multivariate adjustment. The receiver operating characteristic curve was used to assess the value of SCAI stages of CS in predicting in-hospital mortality. RESULTS: We studies 839 CS patients who met our inclusion criteria. The proportions of patients of SCAI stages C (Classic), D (Deteriorating), and E (Extremis) were 43.3% (363 cases), 38.7% (325 cases) and 18.0% (151 cases), respectively. The unadjusted in-hospital mortality rates were 22.9% (83 cases), 44.0% (143 cases) and 53.6% (81 cases), respectively ( P<0.001). The SCAI stages had an AUC (area under the curve) of 0.640 for predicting in-hospital mortality among CS patients in CICU. After multivariate adjustment, the AUC increased to 0.776 ( P<0.001). In patients with acute coronary syndrome, the Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events (GRACE) scores had an AUC of 0.644 for predicting in-hospital mortality, while a combination of the GRACE score with SCAI staging yielded an increased AUC of 0.702 ( P<0.001). CONCLUSION: In CICU patients with CS, the SCAI stages of CS can be used as a stratified method for rapid assessment of disease risks upon admission. In patients with acute coronary syndrome and CS, SCAI stages combined with GRACE scores improved the ability to predict risks of death.

Experimental study of the optimum puncture pattern of robot-assisted needle insertion into hyperelastic materials.

The robot-assisted insertion surgery plays a crucial role in biopsy and therapy. This study focuses on determining the optimum puncture pattern for robot-assisted insertion, aiming at the matching problem of needle insertion parameters, thereby to reduce the pain for patients and to improve the reachability to the lesion point. First, a 6-degrees of freedom (DOFs) Computed Tomography (CT)-guided surgical robotic system for minimally invasive percutaneous lung is developed and used to perform puncture experiments. The effects of four main insertion factors on the robotic puncture are verified by designing the orthogonal test, where the inserting object is the artificial skin-like specimen with high transparent property and a digital image processing method is used to analyze the needle tip deflection. Next, the various phases of puncture process are divided and analyzed in detail in view of the tissue deformation and puncture force. Then, short discussion on the comparison of puncture force with different effect factors for the same beveled needle is presented. The same pattern can be observed for all of the cases. Finally, based on the experimental data, the formulations of the puncture force and needle deflection which depends on Gauge size, insertion velocity, insertion angle, and insertion depth are developed using the multiple regression method, which can be used to get an optimum puncture pattern under the constrains of minimum peak force and minimum needle tip deflection. The developed models have the effectiveness and applicability on determining the optimum puncture pattern for one puncture event, and which can also provide insights useful for the setting of insertion parameters in clinical practice.

Endoscopic Esophageal Submucosal Tunnel Dissection for Cystic Lesions Originating from the Muscularis Propria of the Gastric Cardia.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the types and properties of cystic lesions originating from the muscularis propria of the gastric cardia (CLMPGC), explore the growth pattern and anatomical characteristics, and evaluate the safety, feasibility, and clinical efficacy of endoscopic esophageal submucosal tunnel dissection (ESTD). METHODS: From September 2013 to July 2018, we treated 6 patients with CLMPGC whom we had diagnosed using endoscopy, endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), and Computed Tomography (CT) before the operations. ESTD was the best option for treatment for all these patients. Postoperative observation and follow-ups were performed, and the operational, clinical data, and treatment results are analyzed. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 50.67 ± 11.59 years (male : female = 1 : 1). The only clinical manifestations the patients exhibited were upper abdominal discomfort. The diameter of the masses was 2.05 ± 0.73 (1.1-3.0) cm. The duration of the ESTD operation was 93.5 (82-256) mins, and the length of hospital stay was 7.50 ± 1.38 days. Postoperative pathology showed 4 cases of an epithelioid cyst, and 2 cases of mucocele with xanthogranuloma. There were no complications, such as hemorrhage, pneumothorax, and pleural effusion during and after the operation. No recurrence during the follow-ups was observed. CONCLUSION: The CLMPGC were mainly mucocele and epidermoid cyst, in an expansive growth pattern, and these lesions had no distinct borders with the muscularis propria. The muscularis propria formed a complete wall of the lesion. There was no direct blood supply to the lesions from big blood vessels. Endoscopic esophageal submucosal tunnel dissection was a safe, feasible, and effective treatment for CLMPGC.

Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection of the Angiolipoma at Hypopharynx-Esophageal Introitus.

Angiolipoma in the region of the hypopharynx-esophageal introitus is a rare occurrence. Surgical treatment was performed in the few cases reported in the literature. Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is a minimally invasive treatment for hypopharyngeal and esophageal lesions. Our objective was to evaluate the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of ESD for treatment of angiolipoma at the hypopharynx-esophageal introitus. The patients with submucosal tumors at the hypopharynx-esophageal introitus were diagnosed as angiolipoma by preoperative evaluation with endoscopy, endoscopic ultrasonography, and computed tomography (CT). The patients who were diagnosed with angiolipoma agreed to undergo endoscopic submucosal dissection. Under general anesthesia and endotracheal intubation, ESD was used to remove the lesions. Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative data were collected and analyzed to evaluate the feasibility, safety, and effectiveness of endoscopic submucosal dissection. From January 2013 to December 2018, 6 cases of angiolipoma were treated with ESD with a success rate of 100%. The average operation time was 107.0 ± 69.4 minutes. Intraoperative blood loss is the main risk. Endoscopic thermocoagulation successfully stopped bleeding in all cases. Pharyngeal pain and painful swallowing were the main clinical signs. There was no stricture at the hypopharynx-esophageal introitus after the operation. ESD treatment of angiolipoma at hypopharynx-esophageal introitus is feasible, safe, and effective.

Analysis of risk factors for cervical lymph node metastasis of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma: a study of 268 patients.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the risk factors of cervical lymph node (LN) metastasis in papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) patients. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the clinicopathologic data of all patients who received standard lobectomy for PTMC at our institution between October 2017 and January 2019. Central LNs were dissected in all patients. Lateral LNs were dissected if metastasis to the lateral LNs was suggested based on pre-op fine-needle aspiration biopsy. The relationship between variables available prior to surgery and cervical LN metastasis was examined using multivariate regression. RESULTS: Post-op pathologic examination revealed cervical LN metastasis in 79 (29.5%) patients. Seventy subjects had metastasis only to central LNs, and 4 (1.5%) patients had metastasis only to lateral LNs. Five patients had metastasis to both central and lateral LNs. In comparison to patients without cervical LN metastasis, those with LN metastasis were significantly younger (40.63 ± 13.07 vs. 44.52 ± 12.23 years; P = 0.021) and had significantly larger tumor diameter on pathology (6.7 ± 2.2 vs. 5.9 ± 2.4 mm; P = 0.010). Multivariate regression analysis identified the following independent risks for cervical LN metastasis: male sex (OR 2.362, 95%CI 1.261~4.425; P = 0.007), age (OR 0.977, 95%CI 0.956~0.999; P = 0.042) and ultrasound tumor diameter at > 5 mm (OR 3.172, 95%CI 1.389~7.240; P = 0.006). CONCLUSION: Cervical LN metastasis occurs in a non-insignificant proportion of PTMC patients. Independent risks included male sex, younger age and larger tumor diameter on ultrasound.

Taurine up-regulated 1 accelerates tumorigenesis of colon cancer by regulating miR-26a-5p/MMP14/p38 MAPK/Hsp27 axis in vitro and in vivo.

AIMS: The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of long non-coding RNA taurine-upregulated gene 1 (TUG1) in colon cancer (Cc) and related molecular mechanisms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: RT-qPCR, Western blot and immunohistochemistry were used to detect the expression of related proteins. BrdU and Transwell assays were used to detect cell proliferation and invasion, respectively. Immunofluorescence was used to detect the expression of Vimentin. KEY FINDINGS: TUG1 expression was up-regulated in CaCO-2, SW620 and HT-29 cells, while miR-26a-5p was down-regulated. Bioinformatics analysis showed that miR-26a-5p was the target of TUG1, and the targeting relationship was further confirmed by dual-luciferase report analysis. Besides, matrix metalloproteinases-14 (MMP-14) was a target of mir-26a-5p. Knockdown of TUG1 by shRNA (sh-TUG1) inhibited MMP-14 expression. Functional analysis showed that sh-TUG1 significantly inhibited Cc cell proliferation, invasion and epithelial-mesenchymal transformation (EMT). Notably, miR-26a-5p inhibitor reversed the promotion of Cc caused by sh-TUG1. Mechanically, the overexpression of TUG1 significantly up-regulated the levels of MMP-14, VEGF, p-p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p-p38 MAPK) and p-HSP27 (heat shock protein 27), and promoted the proliferation, invasion and EMT of Cc cells. However, MAPK pathway inhibitor SB203580 has shown the opposite effect. Additionally, animal studies have shown that sh-TUG1 inhibited tumor growth and motility in vivo in the same way. SIGNIFICANCE: This study demonstrated that TUG1 accelerates the development of colon cancer by regulating miR-26a-5p/MMP14/p38 MAPK/Hsp27 axis in vitro and in vivo. Therefore, TUG1 provides a new direction for the treatment of Cc.

AMD3100 inhibits epithelial-mesenchymal transition, cell invasion, and metastasis in the liver and the lung through blocking the SDF-1α/CXCR4 signaling pathway in prostate cancer.

Stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1) and CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) have been found to be tightly correlated with the progression of prostate cancer (PC). In this study, we investigated the effects of an SDF-1α/CXCR4 inhibitor, AMD3100, on cell progression and metastasis potential of human PC cells. Human PC cell lines (LNCaP, PC3, and DU145) were cultured to detect SDF-1α/CXCR4, which showed higher SDF-1α and CXCR4 expression than the normal human prostate epithelial cell line, RWPE-1. AMD3100 was confirmed to be an inhibitor of SDF-1α, and to detect the effect of SDF-1α/CXCR4 inhibition on PC, PC cells were treated with AMD3100 or/and CXCR4 siRNA. The results suggested that inhibition of the SDF-1α/CXCR4 pathway could promote the E-cadherin level but inhibit the levels of invasion and migration of vimentin, N-cadherin and α5ß1 integrin. Finally, tumor formation in nude mice was conducted, and the cell experiment results were verfied. These data show that AMD3100 suppresses epithelial-mesenchymal transition and migration of PC cells by inhibiting the SDF-1α/CXCR4 signaling pathway, which provides a clinical target in the treatment of PC.

Two unusual 3D honeycomb networks based on Wells-Dawson arsenomolybdates with d10 transition-metal-pyrazole connectors.

Herein, two Wells -Dawson-type arsenomolybdates, formulated as [Cu(pyr)2]6[As2Mo18O62] (1) and [Ag(pyr)2]6[As2Mo18O62] (2) (pyr = pyrazole), were hydrothermally synthesized and structurally characterized via single-crystal X-ray diffraction, elemental analysis, IR and UV-vis-NIR spectroscopies, XPS, XRD, and TG analysis. The structural analysis indicated that compounds 1 and 2 were isomorphic. They are the first reported 3D honeycomb structures of Wells-Dawson-type arsenomolybdates. The [M(pyr)2] (M = Cu and Ag) connected with [As2Mo18O62]6- polyoxoanions to form the {812·123}{8}3 topological structure. The contributions of organic ligands, pH value, reaction temperature, and transition-metal (TM) to the construction of 3D networks were elucidated. Furthermore, compounds 1 and 2 exhibited fluorescence properties in the solid state at room temperature, highly efficient catalytic ability for the degradation of five organic dyes (MB, RhB, MO, AP, and CR) under UV irradiation, and obvious electrocatalytic activities for the reduction of H2O2. The mechanisms of photocatalysis and electrocatalysis have also been discussed in detail.

Inhibition of T24 and RT4 Human Bladder Cancer Cell Lines by Heterocyclic Molecules.

BACKGROUND Bladder cancer is a major widespread tumor of the genitourinary tract. Around 30% of patients with superficial cancers develop invasive and metastatic pathology. MATERIAL AND METHODS Some new heterocyclic 4-methyl coumarin derivatives were designed using molecular modeling studies to evaluate their potential against bladder cancer lines T24 and RT-4. The designed compounds that showed good binding affinity to T24 and RT4 were synthesized, with excellent yield. The synthesized compounds after structural evaluation were further evaluated for their antiproliferative activity by cell viability assay, cell cycle analysis, and apoptosis assay. RESULTS The compound BC-14 exhibited the best cytotoxicity against T24 cells, but were not highly active against RT4 cells. CONCLUSIONS The results of the present study may suggest the selectivity pattern of the synthesized compounds. These results should be explored further with chemical modification for other cancer types.

An organic-inorganic hybrid semiconductor material based on Lindqvist polyoxomolybdate and a tetra-nuclear copper complex containing two different ligands.

A 3D organic-inorganic hybrid compound based on the Lindqvist-type polyoxometalate, [{Cu(phen)}3{Cu(µ2-ox)3}{Mo6O19}] (1) (phen = 1,10-phenanthroline, ox = oxalate), has been synthesized under hydrothermal conditions and structurally characterized by elemental analysis, IR, TG, PXRD, XPS, UV-vis, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. In compound 1, three C2O4(2-) ligands bridge one Cu atom and three Cu(phen) fragments to form a tetra-nuclear copper(II) coordination complex [{Cu(phen)}3{Cu(µ2-ox)3}](2+) unit. The six-node [Mo6O19](2-) clusters are interweaved by the 6-connected tetranuclear copper(II) complex units into an intricate 3D network structure, exhibiting a 4(12)·6(3)-nbo (sodium chloride-type) topology. Compound 1 exhibits the highest connectivity of Lindqvist-type POM hybrid materials. The electrochemical behavior of 1-CPE has been investigated in detail. Furthermore, a diffuse reflectivity spectrum of 1 reveals the presence of an optical band gap and the nature of semiconductivity with a large energy gap. A magnetic susceptibility study reveals predominant antiferromagnetic interactions between the Cu(II) bridge units.

Characterization and comparison of the pungent components in commercial Zanthoxylum bungeanum oil and Zanthoxylum schinifolium oil.

In the present study, the characterization and comparison of the pungent components in commercial Z. bungeanum oils and Z. schinifolium oils were investigated. By high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-mass spectrometry (MS/MS) analysis, the major alkylamides in Z. bungeanum and Z. schinifolium oils were identified as hydroxy-ε-sanshool, hydroxy-α-sanshool, hydroxy-ß-sanshool, hydroxy-γ-sanshool, hydroxy-γ-isosanshool, bungeanool, isobungeanool, and tetrahydrobungeanool, respectively. Hydroxy-α-sanshool was found to be the most abundant alkylamide in all oils. The levels of hydroxy-ε-sanshool and hydroxy-ß-sanshool in Z. bungeanum oils were comparable to that in Z. schinifolium oils, whereas Z. bungeanum oils contained significantly (P less than 0.05) higher levels of hydroxy-γ-isosanshool, bungeanool, isobungeanool, and tetrahydrobungeanool, compared with Z. schinifolium oils. Furthermore, principal component analysis (PCA) indicated that Z. bungeanum oil and Z. schinifolium oil were clearly classified by HPLC fingerprinting profiles and concentrations of alkylamides. In addition, the results of PCA suggested that alkylamides, such as hydroxy-γ-sanshool and bungeanool, could be potential markers to distinguish Z. bungeanum oil and Z. schinifolium oil. The results from this study could be used to discriminate the different flavor characterization and control the quality of commercial Z. bungeanum oil and Z. schinifolium oil.

Endoscopic diagnosis and treatment of esophageal cavernous lymphangioma.

The purpose of this paper is to identify the characteristic endoscopic findings in patients with esophageal cavernous lymphangioma and assess the efficacy of endoscopic techniques in the management of this disease. We retrospectively analyzed data from 6 patients who were diagnosed with esophageal cavernous lymphangioma by endoscopy and histologic evaluation. All patients underwent endoscopic resection of the tumor at our hospital between January 2010 and June 2011. Four male and 2 female patients, with a mean age of 48.2 ± 15.2 years (range, 35 to 77 y) with esophageal cavernous lymphangioma, who underwent endoscopy followed by endoscopic resection were included in this report. The lesions varied from 0.4 to 1.2 cm in diameter, with a mean size of 0.78 ± 0.26 cm. Endoscopy revealed dilated lymphatic channels beneath the surface epithelium of the lesion in all patients. An endoscopic ultrasound revealed that all lesions were multicystic and located in the submucosal layer. Histologic examination confirmed the initial diagnosis in all patients. Endoscopy plays an important role in the diagnosis of esophageal cavernous lymphangioma, with dilated lymphatic channels beneath the surface epithelium of the lesion being a characteristic endoscopic feature. Endoscopic ultrasonography is a useful tool to differentiate cavernous lymphangioma from other esophageal tumors. Endoscopic resection of esophageal cavernous lymphangioma was safe and effective in all of the analyzed cases.

A comparative study on endoscopy treatment in rectal carcinoid tumors.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the advantages and disadvantages of various endoscopic resection methods for rectal carcinoid tumors. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 3 types of endoscopic resection techniques for rectal carcinoid tumors was performed. The surgical time and the complication rate were compared between 30 patients who underwent conventional endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR), cap-assisted endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR-C), or endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). All rectal carcinoid tumors were under 1 cm and were treated in our center between January 2002 and January 2008. RESULTS: Ten patients underwent each surgical approach. All cases were pathologically diagnosed as rectal carcinoid tumors. One-time complete resection rates using the conventional EMR, EMR-C, and ESD were 80%, 100%, and 100%, respectively. The operation time ranged from 5 to 53 minutes for the conventional EMR group, from 4 to 7 minutes for the EMR-C group, and from 16 to 35 minutes for the ESD group. The average follow-up time for the 30 patients was 18.43 ± 9.76 months. There were no recurrent or metastatic cases. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic resection for rectal carcinoid tumors below 1 cm was safe. Considering the clinical efficacy, surgical time, and intraoperative complication rate, EMR-C may be the best endoscopic excision method.

Intestinal alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activity and toxicological evaluation of Nymphaea stellata flowers extract.

AIM OF THE STUDY: Nymphaea stellata willd. flowers (NSF) are used as a traditional medicine in India and Nepal to treat diabetic disease. Different works have demonstrated that NSF extract showed antihyperglycemic effect on alloxan-induced diabetic rats. In the present work we evaluated in vitro intestinal alpha-glucosidase inhibition as the possible mode of action of NSF extract on suppressing postprandial hyperglycemia for curing diabetic mellitus. In addition, NSF extract was studied to assess its possible acute oral toxicity and genotoxicity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Rat intestinal crude enzyme preparation and Caco-2 monolayer were used to evaluate alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activity of NSF extract. The main alpha-glucosidase inhibitors were detected by HPLC. For acute toxicity test, NSF extract was administered at doses of 2000, 5000 and 10,000 mg/kg body to three groups of 10 ICR mice each, and then clinical symptoms including mortality, clinical sign and gross findings were observed once a day for 14 days. In Ames test, histidine-dependent auxotrophic mutants of Salmonella typhimurium (strains TA97, TA98, TA100, TA102 and TA1535) were used and incubated in the presence and absence of S9 metabolic activation using NSF extract with concentrations of 150-5000 microg/plate. The chromosome aberration test was conducted with Chinese hamster lung (CHL) cells treated with NSF extract at doses of 150-5000 microg/ml in the presence and absence of S9 metabolic activation. In the in vivo mouse micronucleus assay, 9-week-old male and female ICR mice (n=90, 25-30 g) were administered daily by oral gavage at doses of 2.5, 5.0 and 10.0 g/kg body for 1 or 2 days. Bone marrow smears were prepared from each treatment group 24h after last administration and then polychromatic erythrocytes (PCEs) and normochromatic erythrocytes (NCEs) were identified. RESULTS: NSF extract showed potent rat intestinal alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activity for maltose hydrolysis with ED(50) value of 0.1 mg/ml. In Caco-2 monolayer, alpha-glucosidase activity for the maltose hydrolysis was down-regulated by NSF extract at a concentration of 0.05 mg/well level, showing 74% inhibition compared to the saline treated control. NSF was rich in phenol contents and the main alpha-glucosidase inhibitor, 1,2,3,4,6-penta-O-galloyl-beta-D-glucose, was identified together with two phenolic compounds of gallic acid and corilagin. In acute toxicity test, NSF extract did not produce any toxic signs or deaths and the LD(50) value of this extract could be greater than 10,000 mg/kg body weight. These results of genotoxicity assessment showed that NSF extract did not cause genotoxic effects in Ames test, in the in vitro chromosomal aberration assay and in the in vivo micronucleus assay. CONCLUSION: The current study shows that the extract from Nymphaea stellata flowers exhibits significant intestinal alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activity, without showing any acute toxicity or genotoxicity, which may be useful in suppressing postprandial hyperglycemia in diabetics. The results presented here suggest that the use of NSF in folk medicine as a natural antidiabetic treatment could be safe as well as beneficial.

A new molybdenum(V) nickel phosphate based on divacant [H30(Mo(V)16O32)Ni14(PO4)26O2(OH)4(H2O)8]12- wheel.

A new molybdenum nickel phosphate, [H(2)en](3)Na(4)[Ni(H(2)O)(3)][H(30)(Mo(V)(16)O(32))Ni(14)(PO(4))(26)O(2) (OH)(4)(H(2)O)(8)] x 8 H(2)O 1, has been hydrothermally synthesized and structurally characterized. Compound 1 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/c with a = 18.6118(6) A, b = 20.9879(6) A, c = 22.9360(5) A, beta = 116.678(2) degrees, V = 8005.5(4) A(3) and Z = 2. The polyoxoanion of 1 exhibits an unusual divacant wheel-type cluster in which two {NiO(6)} octahedra are lost from the well-known "saturated" {Mo(16)TM(16)P(26)} wheel. The two vacant sites are occupied by two protonated ethylenediamines (H(2)en) via the strong hydrogen-bonding interactions between the surface O atoms of the polyoxoanions and the amine group derived from the H(2)en ligands. DC susceptibility measurements show that compound 1 exhibits strong antiferromagnetic interactions inside the wheel-type cluster.