Cytotoxic Isopentenyl Phloroglucinol Compounds from Garcinia xanthochymus Using LC-MS-Based Metabolomics.

Many unique chemical metabolites with significant antitumor activities have been isolated from Garcinia species and have become a leading hotspot of antitumor research in recent years. The aim of this study was to identify bioactive compounds from different plant parts (leaf, branch, stem bark, fruit, and seed) of G. xanthochymus through combining LC-MS-based metabolomics with cytotoxicity assays. As a result, 70% methanol seed extract exerted significant cytotoxic effects on five human cancer cell types (HL-60, A549, SMMC-7721, MDA-MB-231, and SW480). LC-MS-based metabolomics analysis was used, including principal component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA), in order to identify 12 potential markers from seed extract that may relate to bioactivity. LC-MS guidance isolated the markers to obtain three compounds and identified new isopentenyl phloroglucinols (1-3, named garxanthochin A-C), using spectroscopic methods. Among them, garxanthochin B (2) demonstrated moderate inhibitory activities against five human cancer cell types, with IC50 values of 14.71~24.43 µM. These findings indicate that G. xanthochymus seed has significant cytotoxic activity against cancer cells and garxanthochin B has potential applications in the development of antitumor-led natural compounds.

Chromosome-level genome assembly of Amomum tsao-ko provides insights into the biosynthesis of flavor compounds.

Amomum tsao-ko is an economically important spice plant in the ginger family (Zingiberaceae). The dried ripe fruit has been widely used as spice and medicine in Southeast Asia due to its distinct flavor metabolites. However, there is little genomic information available to understand the biosynthesis of its characteristic flavor compounds. Here, we present a high-quality chromosome-level genome of A. tsao-ko with a total length of 2.08 Gb assembled into 24 chromosomes. Potential relationships between genetic variation and chemical constituents were analyzed by a genome-wide association study of 119 representative A. tsao-ko specimens in China. Metabolome and transcriptome correlation analysis of different plant organs and fruit developmental stages revealed the proposed biosynthesis of the characteristic bicyclononane aldehydes and aromatic metabolites in A. tsao-ko fruit. Transcription factors of 20 families may be involved in the regulatory network of terpenoids. This study provides genomic and chemical insights into the biosynthesis of characteristic aroma and flavor constituents, which can be used to improve the quality of A. tsao-ko as food and medicine.

Design strategy of a Cu-based catalyst for optimizing the performance in the electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction to multicarbon alcohols.

The electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (ECRR) is a promising method to reduce excessive CO2 emissions and achieve a sustainable carbon cycle. Due to the high reaction kinetics and efficiency, copper-based catalysts have shown great application potential for preparing multicarbon (C2+) products. C2+ alcohols have high economic value and use-value, playing an essential role in modern industry. Therefore, we summarize the latest research progress of the ECRR to synthesize C2+ alcohols on Cu-based catalysts and discuss the state-of-the-art catalyst design strategies to improve CO2 reduction performance. Moreover, we analyzed in detail the specific reaction pathways for the conversion of CO2 to C2+ alcohols based on DFT calculations. Finally, we propose the problems and possible solutions for synthesizing C2+ alcohols with copper-based catalysts. We hope that this review can provide ideas for devising ECRR catalysts for C2+ alcohols.

Quality Evaluation of Standard Decoction of Zingiberis Rhizoma / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective: To establish the quality control methods for the standard decoction of Zingiberis Rhizoma. Method: DNA barcode primitives were identified for the medicinal materials from different origins; according to the standard of Chinese herbal medicine decoction preparation principle,the identified Zingiberis Rhizoma was prepared into standard decoction for analysis. Meanwhile, the extraction method and analysis method were validated from methodologies, and the transfer rate of 6-gingerol as well as the extraction rate of standard decoction of Zingiberis Rhizoma were calculated. In addition,the quality standard of standard decoction of Zingiberis Rhizoma was also established based. The structures of main chromatographic peaks were identified by ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS) to clarify the main chemical constituents in the standard decoction of Zingiberis Rhizoma. Result: All the samples were identified as Zingiberis Rhizoma. Under the conditions established in this paper,the standard curve of 6-gingerol was Y=661.56X+2.493 3(r=0.999 3),and the RSD was 0.5%in precision test, indicating that the instrument precision was good. The repeatability test showed that the RSD was 0.3%, indicating that the method had good repeatability. The stability test showed that the RSD was 0.4%, indicating that the test solution had good stability within 24 h. The recovery rate was 97.2%and the RSD was 0.6%,indicating that the method was accurate and reliable. 6-gingerol's transfer rate ranged from 31.8%to 57.4%and the extraction rate was within the range of 9.6%-23.1%. The fingerprint similarity of 12 batches of Zingiberis Rhizoma standard decoction was>90%. Conclusion: The established quality control method for Zingiberis Rhizoma was stable and feasible; meanwhile, the standard preparation method for Zingiberis Rhizoma and its quality evaluation system were also established in this study.

Quality Evaluation System of Standard Decoction of Puerariae Thomsonii Radix / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective: To establish the quality control methods for the standard decoction of Puerariae Thomsonii Radix.Method:According to the preparation principles for traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) standard decoction,13 batches of Puerariae Thomsonii Radix from different origins were analyzed under the chromatography conditions established in this study and verified with methodology.By referring to Chinese Pharmacopoeia of 2015,puerarin was used as a quantitative indicator to calculate the transfer rate.In this study,the structures of main chromatographic peaks were also identified to clarify the main chemical constituents in the standard decoction.Result:The 13 batches of medicinal herbs were identified as Puerariae Thomsonii Radix,with a recovery rate of 98.0%,and RSD of 1.1%,indicating that the method was accurate and reliable.The transfer rate ranged from 41.4% to 60.0%,and the extraction rate was within the range of 15.7%-34.3%.The corresponding fingerprints were prepared for 13 batches of the standard decoction,and their similarities were all greater than 90.0%.The chemical constituents from Puerariae Thomsonii Radix were identified by mass spectrometry analysis,including citric acid,4'-O-glucosyl puerarin/daidzein-4',7-diglucoside,3'-hydroxy puerarin/genistein puerarin,puerarin apioside,daidzin puerossid A and daidzein,etc.Conclusion: The 13 batches of Puerariae Thomsonii Radix decoction in different origins had consistent properties with the basic properties of medicinal decoction pieces.The established method of quality evaluation can be used to systematically evaluate the standard decoction,providing reference for quality control of related decoction preparations of Puerariae Thomsonii Radix.

Quality evaluation of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma decoction / 中国中药杂志

Decoction of single medicinal herb is a reference for the standardization of different dosage forms of Chinese medicine and it provides a new direction for solving the problems existing in the quality of Chinese medicinal granules such as no uniform dosage form and no clear quality standard. In this paper, the quality evaluation method of standard decoction of rhubarb was established to provide reference for the quality control of common dosage forms such as clinical decoction and formula granule. 10 batches of representative Rhei Radix et Rhizoma were collected to establish UPLC fingerprints were established. The chemical structures of main peaks were identified with ultra-performance liquid chromatography with quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS) and the main components in the decoction were Anthraquinones. The extraction ratio of the standard decoction was (28.1±3.8)% and the transfer rate was (19.9±6.3)%. The method for the quality evaluation of standard decoction of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma was established in this study, providing reference for the quality control method of terminal products from decoction of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma.

Research progress on natural infection of bat with zoonosis-related viral pathogens in Yunnan Province, China / 中国人兽共患病学报

Bat is nature reservoir hosts of some important viruses.It has been confirmed that bats were infected by many viruses in nature in Yunnan Province,China during 2010-2015,such as SARS-like coronavirus and another coronaviruses (Alphacoronavirus and Betacoronavirus) as well as novel reovirus,rotavirus,orthohepadnavirus,filovirus,paramyxovirus,adenovirus,bocavirus and circovirus.This paper presents a review about natural infection of bat with zoonosis-related viral pathogens in Yunnan Province,China,and its public health importance.

Research progress on natural infection of bat with zoonosis-related viral pathogens in Yunnan Province, China / 中国人兽共患病学报

Bat is nature reservoir hosts of some important viruses.It has been confirmed that bats were infected by many viruses in nature in Yunnan Province,China during 2010-2015,such as SARS-like coronavirus and another coronaviruses (Alphacoronavirus and Betacoronavirus) as well as novel reovirus,rotavirus,orthohepadnavirus,filovirus,paramyxovirus,adenovirus,bocavirus and circovirus.This paper presents a review about natural infection of bat with zoonosis-related viral pathogens in Yunnan Province,China,and its public health importance.

Molecular characteristics of the full-length genome of dengue serotype 4 virus strains isolated from dengue fever cases in Yunnan Province, China / 中国人兽共患病学报

We investigated the molecular characteristics of the full-length genome of 5 dengue serotype 4 virus (DENV-4) strains isolated in Yunnan Province,China,2015 and their molecular epidemiological feature.Isolation of dengue virus was using C6/36 cell culture method.Viral RNA was extracted from virus isolates,then the full-length genome was amplified by RT-PCR.The homology and phylogenetic analysis was made on the nucleotide and deduced amino acid sequences by bioinfor matics softwares including ClastalX1.83 and MEGA6 etc.Results showed that five strains of DENV-4 isolated from dengue fe ver cases in Ruili City of Yunnan Province in 2015,of these,2 strains from indigenous cases,3 from imported cases from Lashio and Nam Can cities of Myanmar to Ruili of China.RT-PCR and sequencing indicated that the full-length genes (10 661 nt) of 5 DENV-4 strains were obtained,and their open reading frame (103-10 264) were coded 3 386 amino acid residues.Phylogenetic tree and homology analysis based on the comeplete genome or structural and non-structural protein genes showed that the 5 DENV 4 isolates were highly homologous and gathered in an evolution as well as they have a closer genetic relationship with the DENV-4 genotype Ⅰ (G-Ⅰ) strains isolated from Thailand.Results indicated that the Yunnan strains belonged to G-Ⅰ.Yunnan strains and Thailand strains compared with DENV 4 prototype strain (H241,Philippines 1956) and Guangzhou strain (B5,1990) of China and showed low homology and evolutionary relationship.When Yunnan strains compared with H241 strain,there were 21 and 45 different sites in amino acid of structural and non-structural proteins,respectively.This is the first time in Yunnan to obtain full-length genomes sequence of DENV-4 and they have closer evolutionary relationship with DENV 4G-Ⅰ strains from Southeast Asia region in recent years.The autochthonous DENV-4 epidemic in Yunnan was detected for the first time,and the virus transmission sources were from neighboring northern Myanmar.It is necessary to further study that change of the amino acid sites of Yunnan strains of DENV-4 is related to its antigenicity and virulence.

Hemi-arthroplasty performed in a 109-year-old patient with intertrochanteric fracture: A case report / 中华创伤杂志(英文版)

The mortality of conservative treatment and the risk resulting from operation for elderly patients with femoral intertrochanteric fractures are high. Safety in the perioperative period and quicker recovery should be placed at the top priority for elderly patients with hip fractures. We reported a case of 109-year-old female patient with intertrochanteric fracture who has undergone the hemiarthroplasty in our center recently. With sciatic nerve and lateral cutaneous nerve block anesthesia, she was offered the artificial femoral head replacement in the lumbar plexus block after sufficient preoperative preparation. The surgery went well with minimally invasive cut, and the patient's recovery was satisfactory.

Quality evaluation of decoction of single medicinal herb--a case of Lonicerae Japinicae Flos / 中国中药杂志

Decoction of single medicinal herb is a reference for the standardization of different dosage form of Chinese medicine and it provides a new direction for solving the problems existing in the quality of Chinese medicinal granules such no uniform dosage forms and no clear quality standard. There are few reports on the idea, method and preparation of single herb standard decoction. Our country is in urgent need of that information in order to improve the consistency and stability of traditional Chinese medicine products. Here, Lonicerae Japinicae Flos was selected as an example to elucidate the preparation and quality evaluation of Chinese single herbal medicine decoction. Twelve batches of representative Lonicerae Japinicae Flos were collected, UPLC fingerprints were established, and the chemical structures of main peaks were identified with UPLC-QTOF-MS and standard compounds. The main components in the decoction are organic acids and iridoids. The extract rate of the standard decoction was (34.2±2.9)% and the transfer rate is (78.6±8.4)% in the form of chlorogenic acid, within the range of 75%-125% of mean. This paper established a method for the quality evaluation of standard decoction of Lonicerae Japinicae Flos and provided reference for the quality control method of terminal products from decoction of Lonicerae Japinicae Flos.

Establish quality evaluation method based on standard decoction of Danshen extract / 中国中药杂志

The quality of Danshen extract granules on market is largely different from each other mainly due to the heterogeneous quality of raw materials of Salvia miltiorrhiza, various producing procedures and lack of good quality evaluation method. Formula granule and "standard decoction" have the same quality. In this paper, a systematic evaluation method for the quality of Danshen decoction was established from the perspective of "standard decoction", in order to explore the main factors affecting the quality uniformity of Danshen extract granules. Danshen standard decoction was prepared; then the fingerprint method was developed to determine the content of salvianolic acid B; and the main peaks in the fingerprint were identified with UPLC-QTOF/MS to clarify the chemical compositions of Danshen decoction. Three indexes were calculated to evaluate the stability of whole process, including the extraction ratio; transfer rate of index components and pH value. The results showed that the main components of Danshen decoction were phenolic acids, while the extraction rate, the transfer rate of salvianolic acid B and pH value were in a relatively stable level, and the similarity in the fingerprint of standard decoction was high, indicating that the preparation procedure was stable. The level of salvianolic acid B in the standard decoction was in a large range, which was mainly due to the difference in the quality of Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma.

Establish quality evaluation system for standard Ephedrae Herba decoction / 中国中药杂志

To establish the quality control methods for the standard decoction of Ephedrae Herba, and provide the reference for quality evaluation method of all Chinese herbal medicine decoction.Standard decoction of Ephedrae Herba was prepared, and UPLC-UV fingerprint was established to determine the total contents of ephedrine and pseudoephedrine. Then UPLC-QTOF/MS was used to confirm the major common peaks in the fingerprint to clarify the main chemical constituents in the decoction. In addition, the stability of the process was evaluated by calculating the parameters such as the extraction ratio, transfer rate of the index components and the pH values.In the decoction of Ephedrae Herba, the total average concentration of ephedrine and pseudoephedrine was (2.11±0.70) g•L⁻¹; the similarities of all the fingerprints were more than 0.85; there were 10 major common peaks in the fingerprint, including alkaloids, flavonoids and organic acids; the extraction ratio was (17±3.2)%, and the overall transfer rate of ephedrine and pseudoephedrine was (32.4±8.1)%.The method for evaluating the quality of standard decoction of Ephedrae Herba was established in this article, providing reference for the quality control of products which were stemmed from the water extract of Ephedrae Herba.

Qualitative analysis of chemical constituents in Si-Wu Decoction based on TCM component database / 药学学报

In order to clarify the chemical constituents of Si-Wu Decoction rapidly and holistically, we analyzed the ethanol extract of Si-Wu Decoction by UPLC/Q-TOF-MSE and UNIFI which based on traditional Chinese medicine database, the probable structures of 113 compounds were identified. The results show that this method can rapidly and effectively characterize the chemical compounds of Si-Wu Decoction and provide a new solution for identification of components from complex TCM extract.

Logistic regression analysis of the prognostic factors of patients with sepsis / 安徽医科大学学报

Objective To investigate the prognostic factors in patients with sepsis and to provide the theoretical basis for clinical diagnosis and treatment. Methods A total of 141 septic patients were analyzed retrospectively. Patients were divided into two groups:those who were alive at time of ICU discharge ( survivors;n=83 ) and those who died or to give up before terminal stage ( nonsurvivors;n=58 ) . Then the clinical data were statistically ana-lyzed. Results In the death group: age, APACHE II score, blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, C-reactive protein were significantly higher than the survival group (P 60 years), APACHEIIscore ( >20 score) and blood urea nitrogen ( > 9 mmol/L) , serum creatinine ( > 176 μmol/L) , C-reactive protein level were independent predictors of death in patients with sepsis ( P<0 . 05 ) . Then drew the receiver oper-ating characteristic curve ( ROC curve) and analyzed the respective risk factor for predicting prognosis value of sep-sis with the help of ROC curve. Conclusion Age, high APACHE II score in early sepsis, increased urea nitro-gen, elevated serum creatinine and increased C-reactive protein levels were regarded as prognostic value indicators for adverse clinical outcomes in patients with sepsis.

Association between Fecal Bile Acids and Colorectal Cancer: A Meta-analysis of Observational Studies

PURPOSE: To provide a systematic review with meta-analysis for addressing the relationship between fecal bile acids (FBAs) and colorectal cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Electronic databases were searched for all observational studies that examined the relationship between FBAs and colorectal cancer or adenoma, and calculated weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Publication bias was assessed with funnel plot. RESULTS: Twenty case-control or cohort studies were identified. All studies were pooled to assess the relationship between total FBAs and cancer/adenoma of the large bowel, however, no association was seen (WMD 0.61mg/g freeze-dried feces; 95% CI: -0.35-1.57). Significantly increased concentration of chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA) was seen while pooling to assess the relationship between CDCA and cancer/adenoma of the large bowel (WMD 0.13 mg/g freeze-dried feces; 95% CI: 0.01-0.25), especially for colorectal cancer (WMD 0.28mg/g freeze-dried feces; 95% CI: 0.10-0.46). However, no significant differences in deoxycholic acid (DCA), lithocholic acid (LCA), and primary and secondary bile acids, were seen between patients with cancer and patients with matched controls regardless of fixed and random effects models. CONCLUSION: CDCA might play a role in the etiology of colorectal cancer.

Effects of jing'an capsule on rat sperm quality / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>The effects of Jing'an capsule on the quality of rat sperm were studied to supply data for its safe clinical use.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Eighty SD male rats were evenly and randomly divided into three test groups and one control group. Then the test groups were continuously given Jing'an capsule at different dosages: 557.1 mg/kg, 5,571 mg/kg or 11,420 mg/kg and the control group was given starch (20 g/L). Sixty days later, one of the epididymides, the sperm density was made and the sperm motility and morphology were investigated. The data obtained were analyzed by ANOVA, chi 2 test and Kruskal-Wallis test.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The sperm density, motility and morphology were variable at different dosages. Compared with the control, the sperm density increased significantly at the dosage of 557.1 mg/kg(P < 0.05), and a significant decrease was observed in the sperm density and motility (P < 0.05) at the dosage of 11,420 mg/kg. Although the rate of abnormal sperm morphology decreased at the dosage of 557.1 mg/kg and increased at the dosage of 5,571 mg/kg or 11,420 mg/kg compared with the control, there was no statistic significance(P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>A low dosage of Jing'an capsule might ameliorate the quality of sperm, while a high dosage could do damage to sperm.</p>