Vicatia thibetica de Boiss: Botany, Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry, Quantitative Analysis, and Pharmacology.

BACKGROUND: Vicatia thibetica de Boiss is a common Tibetan medicine used for both medicine and food, belonging to the family Apiaceae. This plant has the functions of dispelling wind, removing dampness, dispersing cold, and relieving pain. It has great development potential and application prospects in food development and medicinal value. METHODS: The related references on botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry, quantitative analysis, and pharmacology of V. thibetica de Boiss had been retrieved from both online and offline databases, including PubMed, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, Elsevier, Willy, SpringLink, SciFinder, Google Scholar, Baidu Scholar, ACS publications, SciHub, Scopus, and CNKI. RESULTS: V. thibetica de Boiss exerts nourishing, appetizing, and digestive effects according to the theory of Tibetan medicine. Phytochemical reports have revealed that V. thibetica de Boiss contains flavonoids, coumarins, sterols, and organic acids. Meanwhile, the quantitative analysis of the chemical constituents of V. thibetica de Boiss has been done by means of UPLC-Q-TOF-MS. It has also been found that V. thibetica de Boiss possesses multiple pharmacological activities, including anti-fatigue, anti-oxidant, anti-aging, and non-toxic activities. CONCLUSION: This paper has comprehensively summarized botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry, quantitative analysis, and pharmacology of V. thibetica de Boiss. It will not only provide an important clue for further studying V. thibetica de Boiss, but also offer an important theoretical basis and valuable reference for in-depth research and exploitation of this plant in the future.

Hippophae rhamnoides L.: A Comprehensive Review on the Botany, Traditional Uses, Phytonutrients, Health Benefits, Quality Markers, and Applications.

Hippophae rhamnoides L. (sea buckthorn), consumed as a food and health supplement worldwide, has rich nutritional and medicinal properties. Different parts of H. rhamnoides L. were used in traditional Chinese medicines for relieving cough, aiding digestion, invigorating blood circulation, and alleviating pain since ancient times. Phytochemical studies revealed a wide variety of phytonutrients, including nutritional components (proteins, minerals, vitamins, etc.) and functional components like flavonoids (1-99), lignans (100-143), volatile oils (144-207), tannins (208-230), terpenoids (231-260), steroids (261-270), organic acids (271-297), and alkaloids (298-305). The pharmacological studies revealed that some crude extracts or compounds of H. rhamnoides L. demonstrated various health benefits, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, anticardiovascular disease, anticancer, hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, neuroprotective, antibacterial activities, and their effective doses and experimental models were summarized and analyzed in this paper. The quality markers (Q-markers) of H. rhamnoides L. were predicted and analyzed based on protobotanical phylogeny, traditional medicinal properties, expanded efficacy, pharmacokinetics and metabolism, and component testability. The applications of H. rhamnoides L. in juice, wine, oil, ferment, and yogurt were also summarized and future prospects were examined in this review. However, the mechanism and structure-activity relationship of some active compounds are not clear, and quality control and potential toxicity are worth further study in the future.

Enhanced Vitamin C Production Mediated by an ABA-Induced PTP-like Nucleotidase Improves Plant Drought Tolerance in Arabidopsis and Maize.

Abscisic acid (ABA) is a key phytohormone that mediates environmental stress responses. Vitamin C, or L-ascorbic acid (AsA), is the most abundant antioxidant protecting against stress damage in plants. How the ABA and AsA signaling pathways interact in stress responses remains elusive. In this study, we characterized the role of a previously unidentified gene, PTPN (PTP-like Nucleotidase) in plant drought tolerance. In Arabidopsis, (AtPTPN was expressed in multiple tissues and upregulated by ABA and drought treatments. Loss-of-function mutants of AtPTPN were hyposensitive to ABA but hypersensitive to drought stresses, whereas plants with enhanced expression of AtPTPN showed opposite phenotypes to . Overexpression of maize PTPN (ZmPTPN) promoted, while knockdown of ZmPTPN inhibited plant drought tolerance, indicating conserved and positive roles of PTPN in plant drought tolerance. We found that both AtPTPN and ZmPTPN release Pi by hydrolyzing GDP/GMP/dGMP/IMP/dIMP, and that AtPTPN positively regulated AsA production via endogenous Pi content control. Consistently, overexpression of VTC2, the rate-limiting synthetic enzyme in AsA biosynthesis, promoted AsA production and plant drought tolerance, and these effects were largely dependent on AtPTPN activity. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the heat shock transcription factor HSFA6a directly binds the AtPTPN promoter and activates AtPTPN expression. Genetic analyses showed that AtPTPN is required for HSFA6a to regulate ABA and drought responses. Taken together, our data indicate that PTPN-mediated crosstalk between the ABA signaling and AsA biosynthesis pathways positively controls plant drought tolerance.

Characterization of MicroRNA Expression Profiles in Patients with Giant Cell Tumor.

OBJECTIVE: Giant cell tumors of bone (GCTs) are bone destructive neoplasms, the bone resorption being mediated by osteoclasts. Given that microRNAs are crucially involved in tumorigenesis and the modulation of cell fate and behavior, they are promising candidates for regulation of osteoclastogenesis. However, no reliable miRNAs profile for GCT is available. Our study aimed to evaluate osteoclastogenesis-related miRNA expression in GCTs of Chinese patients. METHODS: From January 2013 to December 2014, 11 patients with GCTs were treated in our department and grouped into a GCT group. A control group comprising four patients with benign tumors of the iliac bone was established. The diagnoses were initially established by imaging examinations and intraoperative frozen sections and later confirmed by standard histologic examination. The GCT group (five male and six female patients) were aged from 17 to 61 years (mean, 32.9 years; SD, 12.8 years). Six patients with GCT underwent intralesional curettage surgery and the other five wide resection. According to Campanacci grading, four patients had Grade I tumors, three Grade II, and three Grade III. The average age of the control group was 28.75 years (SD, 14.24 years); all of them were diagnosed as having benign tumors and underwent iliac grafting. The morphology of the excised tissue was evaluated by examining standardized hematoxylin and eosin (HE) stained paraffin-embedded samples. In all, three osteoclastogenesis-related RNAs and 20 microRNAs (miRNAs) were extracted from the patients. The strength of expression was assessed by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (PCR ) and the results assessed by a Student's t test. RESULTS: Examination of HE stained sections revealed that the higher the Campanacci grade, the more numerous and bigger the osteoclasts (P < 0.05). PCR results indicated large amounts of osteoclast-related mRNA (cathepsin K, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase and matrix metalloproteinase9) in GCTs (P < 0.05). Expression of six miRNAs was significantly weaker in the GCT than the control group (P < 0.05). The expression of has-mir-16-5p and has-let-7a-5p was correlated with Campanacci grade in the GCT patients (P = 0.009 and 0.034, respectively). The expression of these two miRNAs may indicate severity of bone destruction. CONCLUSION: Overall, the clinical utility of six novel miRNA markers for GCTs was demonstrated. Of these, strength of expression of hsa-mir-16-5p and hsa-let-7a-5p may indicate the grade of bone resorption.

Investigation on the DNA repaired gene polymorphisms and response to chemotherapy and overall survival of osteosarcoma.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of polymorphisms in NER and HRR pathways on the response to cisplatin-based treatment and clinical outcome in osteosarcoma patients. 214 osteosarcoma patients treated with cisplatin-based chemotherapy were collected between January 2008 and January 2011. Genotypes of ERCC1 rs11615, ERCC2 rs1799793 and rs13181, NBN rs709816, RAD51 rs1801320, and XRCC3 rs861539 were conducted by Polymerase Chain Reaction Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) assay. By conditional logistic regression analysis, patients carrying CC genotype of ERCC1 rs11615 showed a significant more good responder than TT genotype, and the OR (95% CI) was 2.51 (1.02-6.85). In the Cox proportional hazards model, after adjusting for potential confounding factors, we found that individuals carrying CC genotype of ERCC1 rs11615 was associated with decreased risk of death from osteosarcoma, and the HR (95% CI) was 0.43 (0.15-0.93). In conclusion, our results suggest that ERCC1 rs11615 polymorphism in the DNA repair pathways play an important role in the response to chemotherapy and overall survival of osteosarcoma.

Association between TGF-ß1 +869C/T polymorphism and fracture risk: a meta-analysis.

The association between TGF-ß1 +869C/T polymorphism and risk of fractures remained controversial. Therefore, we performed this meta-analysis to investigate this association. We searched PubMed, EMBASE, and Wangfang databases for studies before Aug 2014. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to calculate the strength of association. A total of ten studies were included in this meta-analysis. TGF-ß1 +869C/T polymorphism was associated with a significantly increased risk of fracture (OR=1.41; 95% CI, 1.20-1.65; I(2) =0%). In the subgroup analysis according to gender, women was significantly associated with risk of fracture (OR=1.44; 95% CI, 1.20-1.73; I(2) =4%). In the subgroup analysis by race, Asians (OR=1.43; 95% CI, 1.06-1.92; I(2) =0%) and Caucasians (OR=1.44; 95% CI, 1.13-1.85; I(2) =15%) showed increased fracture risk. Our meta-analysis suggested that the TGF-ß1 +869C/T polymorphism may be a risk factor for developing fracture.

Synthesis and antimicrobial activity of polyhalo isophthalonitrile derivatives.

A series of polyhalo isophthalonitrile derivatives (3 and 4) that incorporate a variety of substituents at the 2-, 4-, 5- and/or 6-positions of the isophthalonitrile moieties have been designed and synthesized. These derivatives were evaluated for their antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus (Gram-positive bacteria), Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Gram-negative bacteria); and Candida albicans (Fungi). Compounds 3 and 4 showed stronger inhibition of Gram-positive bacteria and fungi growth, and the antimicrobial ability of compound 3j (a 4-(benzylamino)-5-chloro-2,6-difluoro analog, MIC[SA] = 0.5 µg/mL; MIC[BC] = 0.4 µg/mL; MIC[CA] = 0.5 µg/mL) were close to nofloxacin and fluconazole and identified as the most potent antimicrobial agents in the series. The preliminary analysis of structure-activity relationships is also discussed.

Balloon occlusion of the right main bronchus in an ovine model provides sufficient time for emergent interventions in massive pulmonary embolism.

PURPOSE: Massive pulmonary embolism (PE) causes hemodynamic compromise and is associated with a high rate of mortality. We sought to create a model of massive PE and to determine whether occlusion of the right main bronchus could mitigate the physiological effects of massive PE in this model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We used 27 female sheep to generate a model of massive PE by either autologous blood clot injection (n=18) or detachable balloon release (n=9) into the right main pulmonary artery. Four sheep were excluded after blood clot injection, as they did not exhibit adequate declines in blood oxygen saturation (SaO(2)). Nine of the sheep that received autologous blood clot and nine that received detachable balloons went on to treatment with right main bronchus occlusion. The control group (n=5) received the autologous blood clot, but no occlusion of the right main bronchus. All sheep underwent continuous monitoring of pulmonary arterial mean pressure (PAMP), SaO(2), arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO(2)), and arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide. RESULTS: Twenty-three sheep (85%) subjected to PE demonstrated immediate tachycardia, tachypnea, and decline in SaO(2) of at least 25% within 30 min. After right main bronchus occlusion, 18 sheep (100%) survived for the length of the experiment and exhibited persistently higher SaO(2) and PaO(2) levels, as well as decreased PAMP compared with the controls. In the control group, two out of five sheep died within 30 min, and the three surviving subjects demonstrated significantly decreased SaO(2) and PaO(2) levels. CONCLUSION: Occlusion of the right main bronchus in an ovine model of massive PE effectively extends life and provides favorable physiological parameters to allow emergent interventions.

Prevention of iodinated contrast-induced nephropathy.

OBJECTIVE: To lessen the occurrence of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN), the preventive measures of CIN were reviewed. DATA SOURCES: The data used in this review were from PubMed with relevant English articles and from Chinese Knowledge Information (CNKI) published from 1989 to 2009. The search terms were "contrast medium", "contrast-induced nephropathy" and "prevention". Articles involved in prevention of CIN were selected. STUDY SELECTION: CIN is the third most common cause of acute kidney injury and is associated with an unfavorable prognosis. The best treatment is prophylaxis because CIN can not be reversed or ameliorated. RESULTS: Thirty articles were included. Among various preventive measures, pericatheterization hydration is almost universally accepted as an appropriate and safe measure to prevent CIN, although there is no agreement as to composition, amount, and timing of hydration. Based on the use of concomitant nephrotoxic agents or high doses of contrast medium (CM) is one of risk factors for CIN, discontinuation of potentially nephrotoxic drugs 2 - 3 days before and after the procedure until renal function recover, and using the lowest possible dose of CM can decrease the risk of CIN. It is promising that removing the majority of CM from the coronary sinus, before it enters the systemic circulation, during coronary angiography can reduce the risk for CIN in animal studies and in limited clinical trials. Inconsistent data exist with respect to application of some vasodilators (endothelin antagonists and adenosine antagonists) and antioxidants (N-acetylcysteine and statins) in preventing CIN in high-risk patients, and new vasodilators and antioxidants continue to be tested. CONCLUSIONS: Pericatheterization hydration, discontinuation of nephrotoxic drugs, and using the lowest possible dose of CM are effective measures to lessen the risk for CIN. Other prophylactic strategies and some drugs are promising, but further confirmation is required.

[Comparison of the massive pulmonary embolism of the animal model stabled by different methods].

OBJECTIVE: To contrast the massive pulmonary embolism of the animal model had been stabled by inserting the animal's own blood clots or through use of detachable latex balloons. METHODS: Eighteen healthy sheep were separated as three groups with random. We established the animal lung, PE model by inserting the animal's own blood clots at right lung artery in 6 sheep, and 6 sheep were through used of detachable latex balloons to substitute the blood clots. Six healthy sheep were used as controls. Each sheep was anesthetized. Both sides of the region inguinalis were applied 21 transfixion pins to one femoral artery and two femoral veins on the left side, and one femoral vein on the right side. All vessels were inducted into the 5 F vagina vasorum except one vein for which 12 F was inducted. 50 ml blood was taken from vagina vasorum from each animal and stabilized for 2 h for later use as a body blood clot. Guided and visualized by X-ray, a 5 F pigtail catheter was inserted on the left side to measure arterial pressure, central venous pressure and pulmonary arterial pressure; a 12 F guiding catheter was then inserted through right side femoral vein into the right lung artery to inject 8 ml 350 mg I ultravist at 6 ml/s for pulmonary arteriography, After the animal was stabilized for 30 min, we input their own body blood clots (0.6 ml/kg) using a 12 F guiding catheter or, alternatively, to release a self-made, detachable latex balloon. We measured arterial pressure, central venous pressure, pulmonary arterial pressure, heart rate, blood oxygen saturation, partial pressure of oxygen in artery and partial pressure of carbon dioxide in artery etc. of the animals both immediately before inputting their own body blood clots or detachable latex balloons, immediately afterwards, immediately before interfering with airflow and at 3 min, 6 min, 10 min, 15 min, 20 min, 30 min, 45 min and 60 min after the interference. RESULTS: Heart and breath rates of all 12 sheep increased, blood oxygen saturation and partial pressure of oxygen in artery decreased, and pulmonary arterial pressure increased after inputting their own body blood clots or inserting latex balloons with statistical significance that were compared with controls. Blood oxygen saturation decreased, on average, by more than 25% within 30 min. Two hours after, all 12 experimental animals showed stable. Index of sheep in latex balloons group were increased slowly but stabilized at a lower level in blood clots group with statistical significance. CONCLUSION: This animal experiment demonstrates that balloon can establish a physico- affection and blood clot can establish a chemical action for massive PE.