NBP Cytoprotective Effects Promoting Neuronal Differentiation in BMSCs by Inhibiting the p65/Hes1 Pathway.

Background: Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cell (BMSC) transplantation has become an effective method for treating neurodegenerative diseases. Objectives: This study investigated the effect of 3-N-butylphthalide (NBP) on the neuronal differentiation of BMSCs and its potential mechanism. Methods: In this study, a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay was performed to detect cell proliferation and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) staining was conducted to detect the apoptosis of BMSCs. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and Western blot analysis were performed to detect the messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein expression levels, respectively. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent serologic assay assessed the levels of interleukin-1ß, tumor necrosis factor-α, and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). Moreover, a flow cytometry assay was used to detect the proportion of active ß-tubulin III (TUJ-1) cells, and TUJ-1 expression was observed by immunofluorescence assay. Results: The results showed that a low concentration of NBP promoted the proliferation and induction of BMSC neuronal differentiation while inhibiting apoptosis, the production of inflammatory factors, and p65 expression. Compared with differentiation induction alone, combined NBP treatment increased the levels of nestin, neuron-specific enolase (NSE), TUJ-1, and microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP2) protein, as well as the ratio of TUJ-1-positive cells and cAMP expression. Furthermore, p65 overexpression weakened the effect of NBP, and the overexpression of hairy and enhancer of split homolog-1 (HES1) reversed the effect of NBP in the induction of BMSC neuronal differentiation in vitro. Conclusions: We confirmed that NBP exhibited potential therapeutic properties in the stem cell transplantation treatment of neurodegenerative diseases by protecting cells and promoting BMSC neuronal differentiation by inhibiting the p65/HES 1 pathway.

IRAK-M deficiency exacerbates dopaminergic neuronal damage in a mouse model of sub-acute Parkinson's disease.

Emerging evidence has proved that inflammatory responses aggravate the pathological progression of Parkinson's disease. This study aimed to identify the role of Interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase-M (IRAK-M) as an important negative regulator of innate immunity, in the pathological progression of Parkinson's disease. In the present study, a 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) injection was administered to prepare the acute and sub-acute Parkinson's disease mouse models. Western blot analysis was utilized to examine the protein expressions of tyrosine hydroxylase and IRAK-M. The mRNA expression levels of IRAK-M, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-ß, and cyclooxygenase-2 were evaluated via using reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). The expression of tyrosine hydroxylase-positive neurons in corpus striatum and substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) tissues was detected using immunohistochemistry. The results showed that the protein and mRNA levels of IRAK-M were considerably upregulated in corpus striatum and SNc tissues in the sub-acute Parkinson's disease model. Furthermore, IRAK-M knockout significantly enhanced the MPTP-induced loss of tyrosine hydroxylase-positive fibers in corpus striatum and tyrosine hydroxylase-positive neurons in SNc, and intensified the effect of MPTP on the activation of microglial cells and the expression of inflammatory cytokines. In addition, sub-acute Parkinson's disease mice with IRAK-M deletion exhibited worse motor abilities than those of wild-type littermates. Overall, the present study suggested that IRAK-M reduces dopaminergic neuron damage in sub-acute Parkinson's disease by suppressing inflammation, which may provide a new therapeutic target for Parkinson's disease treatment.

Clinical characteristics in patients with oculomotor paralysis caused by isolated midbrain infarction.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the study was to investigate the clinical characteristics of isolated oculomotor paralysis (OP) cases caused by pure midbrain infarction (MI) with pupil sparing. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients with pure MI and pontine infarction (PI) at our hospital were included in this study. We compared the blood pressure and lipid levels between the two groups. And the clinical data and imaging features were summarized. RESULTS: In total, 33 and 35 patients were included in the MI and PI groups, respectively. There was no significant difference in the distribution of age (64.9 ±10.0 vs. 65.1 ±10.8 years, p = 0.927) and males (84.8% vs. 74.3%, p = 0.282) between the MI and PI groups, respectively. The pure MI group had a comparable level of serum lipoprotein and cardiovascular risk factors compared with the PI group except for a lower proportion of hypertension (57.6% vs. 85.7%, p = 0.010). The majority (72.7%) of culprit lesions in the pure MI group was located in the paramedian area of the midbrain, and the ocular muscle palsies mostly involved the medial rectus (75.8%). CONCLUSIONS: The Chinese patients with OP caused by pure MI were mainly characterized with rapidly progressive symptoms, multiple cerebrovascular risk factors, and typical MRI signs. Further efforts should be made in the differential diagnosis of this atypical midbrain syndrome.

The value of next-generation sequencing for the diagnosis of Streptococcus suis meningitis.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the value of next-generation sequencing for the diagnosis of Streptococcus suis meningitis. METHODS: Patients with meningitis in the Department of Neurology of the Hainan General Hospital were recruited and divided into a next-generation sequencing group and a control group. In the next-generation sequencing group, we used the next-generation sequencing method to detect the specific pathogenic bacteria in the patients. In the control group, we used the cerebrospinal fluid bacterial culture method to detect the specific pathogenic bacteria in the patients. RESULTS: A total of 28 participants were recruited for this study, with 14 participants in each group. The results showed similarities in both the average age and average course of the disease between the two groups (p>0.05). The white blood cell count, percentage of neutrophils, and level of C-reactive protein in the next-generation sequencing group were significantly higher than those in the control group (p<0.05). There were similarities in both the temperature and intracranial pressure between the two groups (p>0.05). In the next-generation sequencing group, all patients (100%) were detected as having had the S. suis meningitis infection by next-generation sequencing, while only 6 (43%) patients in the control group had been detected as having the S. suis meningitis infection by cerebrospinal fluid bacterial culture. CONCLUSIONS: The positive detection rate of S. suis by the next-generation sequencing method was significantly higher compared with using a cerebrospinal fluid bacterial culture. Therefore, the next-generation sequencing method is valuable for the diagnosis of S. suis meningitis and is worthy of clinical application.

Association of MicroRNAs With Risk of Stroke: A Meta-Analysis.

Objectives: Altered expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) may contribute to disease vulnerability. Studies have reported the involvement of miRNA in the pathophysiology of ischemic stroke. Methods: We performed a meta-analysis of data from 6 studies that used a panel of miRNAs with altered expressions to diagnose ischemic stroke with the Bayesian framework. The I 2 test and Cochran's Q-statistic were used to assess heterogeneity. Funnel plots were generated and publication bias was assessed using Begg and Egger tests. Results: On summary receiver operating characteristics (SROC) curve analysis, the pooled sensitivity and specificity of altered miRNA expressions for diagnosis of ischemic stroke was 0.92 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.80-0.97) and 0.83 (95% CI 0.71-0.90), respectively; the diagnostic odds ratio was 54.35 (95% CI 20.39-144.92), and the area under the SROC curve was 0.93 (95% CI 0.90-0.95). Conclusions: Our results showed a link between dysregulation of miRNAs and the occurrence of ischemic stroke. Abnormal miRNA expression may be a potential biomarker for ischemic stroke.

Constituents of Morus alba var. multicaulis leaf improve lipid metabolism by activating the AMPK signaling pathway in HepG2 cells.

One new compound, 3Z-1-O-ß-D-glucopyranosyl-3-hexene-1,5-diol (1), together with 26 known isolates (2-27) were obtained from the leaf of Morus alba var. multicaulis. Among the known compounds, 7, 11, 12, 14, 15, 18, 19, 23, and 24 were firstly obtained from the Morus genus; 2-5, 8, 10, 13, and 20 were firstly isolated from M. alba. var. multlcaulis. Meanwhile, the NMR data of 20 and 23 have been reported here for the first time. Moreover, compounds 1-11, 13, 21, and 23-27 showed inhibitory effects on triglyceride (TG) accumulation in HepG2 cells. In mechanism, compound 1 could activate the phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase α (AMPKα) to accelerate the ß-oxidation of fatty acids via promoting the phosphorylation of acetyl-CoA carboxylase 1 and up-regulating carnitine palmitoyl-transferase 1A. Besides, compound 1 exerted lipolysis effect by activating hormone-sensitive lipase. In brief, compound 1 might play a role by up-regulating phosphorylation of AMPKα, enhancing the fatty acid ß-oxidation and lipolysis. 27 compounds were obtained from the leaf of Morus alba var. multicaulis. Among them, 18 showed inhibitory effects on TG accumulation in HepG2 cells. Moreover, the new compound, 3Z-1-O-ß-D-glucopyranosyl-3-hexene-1,5-diol (1), was found to play a role by up-regulating phosphorylation of AMPKα, enhancing the fatty acids ß-oxidation and lipolysis.

The value of next-generation sequencing for the diagnosis of Streptococcus suis meningitis

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the value of next-generation sequencing for the diagnosis of Streptococcus suis meningitis. METHODS: Patients with meningitis in the Department of Neurology of the Hainan General Hospital were recruited and divided into a next-generation sequencing group and a control group. In the next-generation sequencing group, we used the next-generation sequencing method to detect the specific pathogenic bacteria in the patients. In the control group, we used the cerebrospinal fluid bacterial culture method to detect the specific pathogenic bacteria in the patients. RESULTS: A total of 28 participants were recruited for this study, with 14 participants in each group. The results showed similarities in both the average age and average course of the disease between the two groups (p>0.05). The white blood cell count, percentage of neutrophils, and level of C-reactive protein in the next-generation sequencing group were significantly higher than those in the control group (p<0.05). There were similarities in both the temperature and intracranial pressure between the two groups (p>0.05). In the next-generation sequencing group, all patients (100%) were detected as having had the S. suis meningitis infection by next-generation sequencing, while only 6 (43%) patients in the control group had been detected as having the S. suis meningitis infection by cerebrospinal fluid bacterial culture. CONCLUSIONS: The positive detection rate of S. suis by the next-generation sequencing method was significantly higher compared with using a cerebrospinal fluid bacterial culture. Therefore, the next-generation sequencing method is valuable for the diagnosis of S. suis meningitis and is worthy of clinical application.

Optical Transmission Properties of Si3N4 Add-Drop Micro-Ring Resonator Induced by a Fabry-Perot Resonance Effect.

To resolve the problem of miscellaneous peaks and improve the accuracy of data processing in micro-ring resonators (MRRs), we propose an optical transmission model based on a Fabry-Perot (F-P) resonance effect in a Si3N4 add-drop MRR-waveguide structure, which is analyzed using a coupled mode theory and stationary interference method. The analysis indicates the experimentally obtained miscellaneous peaks are mainly induced by the multiple reflections between the two end grating couplers, which form a F-P cavity. In addition, an anti-reflection film on the interface of the grating couplers is proposed to reduce the F-P resonance effect. This work could be useful to analyze optical transmission properties of other MRR-based structures.

Bioactive flavonoids and stilbenes from the leaf of Morus alba var. multicaulis.

Twenty-two flavonoids and stilbenes (1-22) were obtained from the leaf of Morus alba var. multicaulis. Among them, morusalbanosides A (1), B1 (2), and B2 (3) were new compounds. Moreover, compounds 1, 3, 4-11, 15-18, and 22 displayed inhibitory effects on triglyceride (TG) accumulation in HepG2 cells in a concentration dependent manner. Furthermore, compounds 1, 3, 11, and 22 could activate the phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase α (AMPKα), reduce the synthesis of TG by inhibiting the expression of fatty acid synthase (FAS) and stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 (SCD1). While, only compounds 1 and 11 could promote the phosphorylation of acetyl-CoA carboxylase 1 (ACC1) and accelerate the oxidation of fatty acids by up-regulating carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1A (CPT1A). In brief, this study found that most of the researched flavonoids and stilbenes could regulate TG metabolism in vitro. They might play the role by up-regulating phosphorylation of AMPKα, inhibiting TG biosynthesis, and promoting the oxidation of fatty acids.

Dual Tunable MZIs Stationary-Wave Integrated Fourier Transform Spectrum Detection.

In order to resolve spectral alias due to under sampling in traditional stationary-wave integrated Fourier transform (SWIFT) spectrometers, an all-on-chip waveguide based on dual tunable Mach-Zehnder interferometer (MZI) stationary-wave integrated Fourier transform technology (DTM-SWIFT) is proposed. Several gold nanowires are asymmetrically positioned at two sides of zero optical path difference and scatter the interference fringes information, which can avoid aliasing of spectral signals and help to gain high spectral resolution. A systematic theoretical analysis is carried on in detail, including the optical distribution characteristics based on multi-beam interference, stationary-wave theorem and signal reconstruction method based on the FT technology. The results show that the method can complete a resolution of 6 nm for Gauss spectrum reconstruction using only 6 gold nanowires, and a resolution of 5 cm-1 for Raman spectrum reconstruction using 25 gold nanowires.

Identification and Structural Analysis of Spirostanol Saponin from Yucca schidigera by Integrating Silica Gel Column Chromatography and Liquid Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry Analysis.

Yucca schidigera Roezl (Mojave), a kind of ornamental plant belonging to the Yucca genus (Agavaceae), whose extract exhibits important roles in food, beverage, cosmetic and feed additives owing to its rich spirostanol saponins. To provide a comprehensive chemical profiling of the spirostanol saponins in it, this study was performed by using a multi-phase liquid chromatography method combining a reversed phase chromatography T3 column with a normal phase chromatography silica column for the separation and an ESI-Q-Exactive-Orbitrap MS in positive ion mode as the detector. By comparing the retention time and ion fragments with standards, thirty-one spirostanol saponins were identified. In addition, according to the summary of the chromatographic retention behaviors and the MS/MS cleavage patterns and biosynthetic pathway, another seventy-nine spirostanol saponins were speculatively identified, forty ones of which were potentially new ones. Moreover, ten novel spirostanol saponins (three pairs of (25R/S)-spirostanol saponin isomer mixtures) were targeted for isolation to verify the speculation. Then, the comprehensive chemical profiling of spirostanol saponins from Y. schidigera was reported here firstly.

Correction to: The structure-activity relationship review of the main bioactive constituents of Morus genus plants.

The article The structure-activity relationship review of the main bioactive constituents of Morus genus plants, written by Jiejing Yan, Jingya Ruan, Peijian Huang, Fan Sun, Dandan Zheng, Yi Zhang and Tao Wang was originally published Online First without Open Access.

The structure-activity relationship review of the main bioactive constituents of Morus genus plants.

Morus genus plants are mainly distributed in the temperate to tropical areas over the world and include 17 species and two subspecies. Due to their excellent pharmacological activity, security in food additives and high value in the national economy, Morus genus plants have drawn more and more attention in recent years. In the light of the references published over the last few decades, flavonoids, benzofurans, stilbenes, and Diels-Alder adducts have been reported to be the main bioactive constituents of Morus genus plants. This review summarizes the compounds with excellent bioactivities isolated from Morus genus plants as well as their structure-activity relationships (SARs), which might be useful for the further research and development of Morus genus plants. The aromatic heterocycles with excellent bioactivities isolated from Morus genus plants as well as their structure-activity relationships (SARs) were summarized.

Anti-inflammatory constituents from Cortex Dictamni.

Eight new compounds named as dictamalkosides A (1), B (2), C (3), dictamphenosides A (4), B (5), C (6), D (7) and E (8), as well as 23 known ones were obtained from the 70% EtOH extract of Cortex Dictamni. Their structures were ascertained based on the spectroscopic evidences. Among the known compounds, 14, 17-23, 25-28, and 31 were isolated from Dictamnus genus for the first time; 16 and 24 were firstly isolated from this plant. And the 13C NMR data of 14 was reported here for the first time. Moreover, compounds 1-8, 12, 18-21, 27 and 31 were found to exhibit potential inhibitory effect on LPS-induced NO production at 40 µM for RAW 264.7 macrophages, which suggested alkaloids and phenolic acids might be anti-inflammation therapeutic substance in Cortex Dictamni.

Bioactive constituents obtained from the fruits of Citrus aurantium.

Three new compounds, citrusauranosides A (1), B (2), and C (3), along with 22 known compounds (4-25) were obtained from the 70% ethanol-water extract of the fruits of Citrus aurantium L.. Their structures were identified by spectroscopic methods. Among the known compounds, 14, 15, 17 and 23 were firstly obtained from Citrus genus, and the NMR data of 17 is reported here for the first time. Moreover, inhibitory effects of all compounds on motility of mouse isolated intestine tissue were determined. As a result, 1, 4-8, and 11 displayed significant inhibitory effects on contraction tension.

Separation and Bioactive Assay of 25R/S-Spirostanol Saponin Diastereomers from Yucca schidigera Roezl (Mojave) Stems.

In order to find a simple, generic, efficient separation method for 25R/S-spirostanol saponin diastereomers, the liquid chromatographic retention behaviors of C12 carbonylation and C12 unsubstituted 25R/S-spirostanol saponin diastereomers on different stationary phases (C8, C18, C30 columns) and different mobile phases (MeOH-1% CH3COOH and CH3CN-1% CH3COOH) were investigated. A C30 column was firstly found to offer the highest efficiency for the separation of this kind of diastereomers than C8 and C18 columns. Meanwhile, the analysis results indicated that both CH3CN-1% CH3COOH and MeOH-1% CH3COOH eluate systems were selective for C12 unsubstituted 25R/S-spirostanol saponin diastereomers, while MeOH-1% CH3COOH possessed better selectivity for C12 carbonylation ones. Using the abovementioned analysis method, six pairs of 25R/S-spirostanol saponin diastereomers 1a⁻6a and 1b⁻6b from Yucca schidigera Roezl (Mojave) were isolated successfully by using HPLC on C30 column for the first time. Among them, three pairs were new ones, named as (25R)-Yucca spirostanoside E1 (1a), (25S)-Yucca spirostanoside E1 (1b), (25R)-Yucca spirostanoside E2 (2a), (25S)-Yucca spirostanoside E2 (2b), (25R)-Yucca spirostanoside E3 (3a), (25S)-Yucca spirostanoside E3 (3b), respectively. Moreover, 3a, 5a, 6a, 3b⁻6b showed strong inhibitory activities on the growth of SW620 cell lines with the IC50 values of 12.02⁻69.17 µM.

Bioactive Constituents from the Aerial Parts of Pluchea indica Less.

Four new thiophenes, (3''R)-pluthiophenol (1), (3''R)-pluthiophenol-4''-acetate (2), 3''-ethoxy-(3''S)-pluthiophenol (3), 3''-ethoxy-(3''S)-pluthiophenol-4''-acetate (4), together with twenty-five known compounds were obtained from the 70% ethanol-water extract of the aerial parts of Pluchea indica Less. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods. Among the known isolates, compounds 7, 8, 11, 14, 15, 18, 20, 23, 25⁻27 were isolated from Asteraceae family firstly, while compounds 6, 9, 10, 12, 13, 16, 19, 21, 28 were isolated from Pluchea genus for the first time. Meanwhile, compounds 1, 2, 10, 13, 18, 23 displayed significant inhibitory activities on LPS-induced NO production at 40 µM from RAW 264.7 macrophages, while compounds 3, 4, 26⁻29 possessed moderate inhibitory effects.

Eudesmane-Type Sesquiterpene Glycosides from Dictamnus dasycarpus Turcz.

Eudesmane-type sesquiterpenes have been reported to exhibit varieties of biological activities. During the process of investigating this kind of natural product from the root bark of Dictamnus dasycarpus Turcz., 13 eudesmane-type sesquiterpene glycosides including six new isolates, named as dictameudesmnosides A1 (1), A2 (2), B (3), C (4), D (5), and E (6), together with seven known ones (7-13), were obtained. Herein, their structures were determined by the analysis of physical data, spectroscopic analysis, and chemical methods. The existence of α-configuration glucose units in their structures (1-5, 8) is not very common in natural glycosidic components. Meanwhile, compounds 3-5, 7, and 9-13 displayed TG accumulation inhibitory effects on HepG2 cells.

Spirostane-Type Saponins Obtained from Yucca schidigera.

It is well known that spirostane-type saponins show various bioactivities. In our on-going program of screening these kinds of constituents from natural products, Yucca schidigera was found to be rich in them, and nine new spirostanol saponins, Yucca spirostanosides A1 (1), A2 (2), B1 (3), B2 (4), B3 (5), C1 (6), C2 (7), C3 (8), and D1 (9), together with five known ones (10-14) were isolated from the plant. Their structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic methods, including 1D and 2D NMR and MS spectra, and comparing with published data.

Optical Fiber Demodulation System with High Performance for Assessing Fretting Damage of Steam Generator Tubes.

In order to access the fretting damage of the steam generator tube (SGT), a fast fiber Fabry-Perot (F-P) non-scanning correlation demodulation system based on a super luminescent light emitting diode (SLED) was performed. By demodulating the light signal coming out from the F-P force sensor, the radial collision force between the SGT and the tube support plate (TSP) was interrogated. For higher demodulation accuracy, the effects of the center wavelength, bandwidth, and spectrum noise of SLED were discussed in detail. Specially, a piezoelectric ceramic transducer (PZT) modulation method was developed to get rid of the interference of mode coupling induced by different types of fiber optics in the demodulation system. The reflectivity of optical wedge and F-P sensor was optimized. Finally, the demodulation system worked well in a 1:1 steam generator test loop and successfully demodulated a force signal of 32 N with a collision time of 2 ms.