Discovery of pyranonaphthoquinones and an eighteen-membered ring macrolide from the rhizospheric soil-derived fungus Phialocephala sp. YUD18001 by OSMAC strategy.

Two new pyranonaphthoquinones, phialoyxinones A (1) and B (2), a new eighteen-membered ring lactone, phialoyxtone (3), and five known pyranonaphthoquinone derivatives were identified from the fungus Phialocephala sp. YUD18001, which was isolated from the rhizospheric soil associated with Gastrodia elata. Their structures were unequivocally established by a comprehensive interpretation of the spectroscopic data, with the stereochemistry for 1-3 was defined by a combination of TDDFT calculations, and the DP4+ probability analysis based on NMR chemical shift calculations. All of the new compounds 1-3 were evaluated for cytotoxicity and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory, compound 2 exhibited in vitro cytotoxic activities against five human cancer cell lines (HL-60, SMMC-7721, A549, MCF-7 and SW480) with IC50 values ranging from 11.80 to 19.32 µM. Compounds 2 and 3 exhibited moderate AChE inhibitory activities. A putative biosynthetic pathway for the pyranonaphthoquinones was proposed.

Two Decarestrictine Analogs from the Soil-Derived Fungus Penicillium sp. YUD18003 Associated with Gastrodia elata.

Two new decarestrictine analogs decarestrictine P and penicitone, together with eight known homologous compounds were isolated from the soil fungus from the rhizosphere of Penicillium sp. YUD18003 related to Gastrodia elata. Their different structures include a decanolides decartestridine P and a long-chain polyhydroxyketone penicitone. The structures of new compounds were determined by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopic analysis and high resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HR-ESI-MS), while their absolute configurations were determined by spectroscopic methods, DP4+ probability analysis, modified Snatzke's method and electron circular dichroism (ECD) calculations. All compounds were evaluated for antimicrobial activities.

Estimations of Water Use Efficiency in Winter Wheat Based on Multi-Angle Remote Sensing.

Real-time non-destructive monitoring of water use efficiency (WUE) is important for screening high-yielding high-efficiency varieties and determining the rational allocation of water resources in winter wheat production. Compared with vertical observation angles, multi-angle remote sensing provides more information on mid to lower parts of the wheat canopy, thereby improving estimates of physical and chemical indicators of the entire canopy. In this study, multi-angle spectral reflectance and the WUE of the wheat canopy were obtained at different growth stages based on field experiments carried out across 4 years using three wheat varieties under different water and nitrogen fertilizer regimes. Using appropriate spectral parameters and sensitive observation angles, the quantitative relationships with wheat WUE were determined. The results revealed that backward observation angles were better than forward angles, while the common spectral parameters Lo and NDDAig were found to be closely related to WUE, although with increasing WUE, both parameters tended to become saturated. Using this data, we constructed a double-ratio vegetation index (NDDAig/FWBI), which we named the water efficiency index (WEI), reducing the impact of different test factors on the WUE monitoring model. As a result, we were able to create a unified monitoring model within an angle range of -20-10°. The equation fitting determination coefficient (R 2) and root mean square error (RMSE) of the model were 0.623 and 0.406, respectively, while an independent experiment carried out to test the monitoring models confirmed that the model based on the new index was optimal, with R 2, RMSE, and relative error (RE) values of 0.685, 0.473, and 11.847%, respectively. These findings suggest that the WEI is more sensitive to WUE changes than common spectral parameters, while also allowing wide-angle adaptation, which has important implications in parameter design and the configuration of satellite remote sensing and UAV sensors.

Structural characteristics and immunostimulatory activities of a new polysaccharide from Dendrobium fimbriatum Hook.

A new polysaccharide (cDFP-W1) with high immunostimulatory activities was isolated from the stems of Dendrobium fimbriatum Hook. The analysis of the physicochemical properties showed that cDFP-W1 consisted of mannose and glucose in a molar ratio of 1 : 3.84, and its relative molecular weight was 4.0 × 104 Da. Structural analysis implied that the linear backbone of cDFP-W1 was composed of α-1,4-d-Glcp, ß-1,4-d-Manp, 3-O-acetyl-α-1,4-d-Glcp and α-1,4,6-d-Glcp, and its branches were the terminal ß-d-Manp that was attached to the C-6 position of α-1,4,6-d-Glcp. An in vivo immunostimulatory assay exhibited that cDFP-W1 at 200 mg kg-1 could significantly increase the proportions of CD4+ T-cell subpopulations, B cells, natural killer cells and dendritic cells, decrease the proportion of CD8+ T-cell subpopulations, and upregulate the percentage of activated macrophages (p < 0.01) in the spleen of mice. An in vitro immunostimulatory assay revealed that cDFP-W1 could effectively promote the proliferation of spleen lymphocytes, enhance the proliferation and phagocytosis of macrophage RAW264.7 cells, and stimulate the mRNA expression and extracellular release of NO, TNF-α and IL-1ß of RAW264.7 cells. The western blot experiment suggested that the immunostimulatory activities of cDFP-W1 were closely related to the activation of MAPKs, NF-κB and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways.

miR-133a-3p Targets SUMO-Specific Protease 1 to Inhibit Cell Proliferation and Cell Cycle Progress in Colorectal Cancer.

Dysregulation of SUMO-specific protease 1 (SENP1) expression has been reported in several kinds of cancer, including human colorectal and prostate cancers, proposing SENP1 as an oncogene with a critical role in cancer progression. miR-133a-3p has been reported as a tumor suppressor in several malignant neoplasias. However, the precise molecular mechanisms underlying its role in colorectal cancer remain largely unknown. The aim of this work was to investigate the relationship between miR-133a-3p and SENP1 in colorectal cancer cells. We found that miR-133a-3p expression was downregulated in colorectal cancer tissues. In silico analyses indicated that SENP1 is one of the target genes of miR-133a-3p. Overexpression of miR-133a-3p mimics was able to inhibit cell growth with G1 arrest of colorectal cancer cells. Overexpression of miR-133a-3p antisense promoted cell growth of colorectal cancer cells. The luciferase reporter experiments showed that miR-133a-3p regulated the expression of SENP1 by combining with its 3'-UTR and resulted in downregulation of SENP1 and upregulation of CDK inhibitors such as p16, p19, p21, and p27. These results suggest that the miR-133a-3p-SENP1 axis might play a role in cell proliferation and cell cycle regulation of colorectal cancer cells.

Chemical constituents from the n-butanol fraction of Polygonum amplexicaule var.sinense / 中成药

AIM To study the chemical constituents from the Polygonum amplexicaule var.sinense.METHODS The n-butanol fraction of ethanol extract from P.amplexicaule var.sinense was isolated and purified by TLC,normal-phase silica,macroporous resin column,sephadex column,preparative TLC and semi-preparative HPLC column,then the structures of obtained compounds were identified by physicochemical properties and spectral data.RESULTS Ten compounds were identified as 2-(aminomethyl)-4-methoxy-phenol (1),p-methyl-hydroxybenzoate (2),p-methyl-hydroxyphenylacetate (3),2-[2-(methylamino) phenyl]-4-thiazolecarboxylic acid,methyl ester (4),p-methylphenylethanol (5),bergenin (6),arbutin (7),rhododendron-2-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (8),n-butyl gallate (9) and β-sitosterol (10).CONCLUSION Compounds 1-8 are isolated from this plant for the first time.

Inhibition of EZH2 expression is associated with the proliferation, apoptosis, and migration of SW620 colorectal cancer cells in vitro.

Epigenetic changes have been recently recognized as important in many human cancers. Enhancer of zeste homologue 2 (EZH2)gene has shown overexpression in various human cancers, consistent with a straightforward role of EZH2 as an oncogene, but its function in carcinogenesis is partly contradictory. The role of EZH2 in development of human colorectal cancer (CRC) has not yet been clarified. In present study, we observed up-regulation of EZH2 expression in tumor tissues from CRC patients [corrected]. The expression of EZH2 in CRC cell lines is consistent with the trend in cancer tissues using RT-PCR. We showed that TNM stage and lymph node metastasis in CRC patients are significantly correlated with EZH2 expression levels [corrected]. EZH2 level of transcription and protein was inhibited by small interfering RNA (siRNA). More importantly, EZH2-siRNA inhibited the proliferation and migration of SW620 cells while promoting their apoptosis, and inducing G0/G1 cell cycle arrest of CRC cells. Collectively, our results suggest that upregulated EZH2 expression may contribute to the progression of the patients with CRC. A comprehensive study of epigenetic mechanisms and the relevance of EZH2 in CRC is important for fully understanding this disease and as a basis for developing new treatment options in patients with CRC [corrected].

Empathy and avoidance in treating patients living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) among service providers in China.

This study aims to investigate health care providers' empathy levels and its association with avoidance in providing service to patients living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in China. A total of 1760 health service providers were randomly sampled from 40 county hospitals in two provinces of China. Using a self-administered questionnaire, participants' demographic characteristics, work history, empathy level, and avoidance attitudes toward PLWHA were collected in a cross-sectional survey. Empathy was higher among participants aged 31-40 years, those who had an associated medical degree, and those who had served in the medical profession for less than 20 years. Nurses, younger providers, and providers with lower education tended to avoid contact with PLWHA. Multiple linear regression model showed that a higher level of empathic attitude toward patients was significantly negatively associated with avoidance attitude toward PLWHA. Service providers' empathy level plays an important role in providing quality care to HIV-infected patients. Future stigma reduction interventions should cultivate empathy as a platform for understanding, effective communication, and trusting provider-patient relationships. PLWHA could potentially benefit from attitudinal change in medical settings.

Concurrent heroin use among methadone maintenance clients in China.

BACKGROUND: The study examined concurrent illicit heroin use among methadone maintenance clients in China and its association with clients' demographic characteristics, treatment experience, and personal social network. METHODS: Face-to-face surveys were conducted with 178 clients randomly recruited from six methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) clinics in Sichuan, China. Concurrent heroin use was measured based on self-report of heroin use during the past 30 days and a confirmatory urine morphine test. The participants' demographic characteristics and treatment factors were measured and examined. The drug use status of their family members and friends was also assessed. RESULTS: A total of 80 participants (44.9%) who either reported illicit heroin use in the past 30 days or had a positive urine test were defined as using heroin concurrently. Having drug-using friends was significantly associated with increased concurrent heroin use. Longer length of treatment (2 years or longer) was associated with increased concurrent heroin use. Among those who had both drug-using family members and friends, more women (71.4%) than men (50.0%) used heroin. For those who had no drug-using family members or friends, more men (34.8%) than women (20.8%) used heroin. DISCUSSION: Study findings indicate an urgent need to address concurrent illicit heroin use among MMT clients. Further examination of the influence of social networks on concurrent drug abuse behavior is encouraged. Results also highlight the importance of understanding gender differences in treatment seeking and behavioral changes, which is crucial to the development of gender-specific treatment strategies.

Efficacy of an intervention for families living with HIV in Thailand: a randomized controlled trial.

This study evaluates the efficacy of an intervention for persons living with HIV (PLH) and their family members in Thailand. A randomized controlled trial of 813 PLH and family members was carried out at four district hospitals in Thailand. Participants completed Computer Assisted Personal Interview assessments at baseline, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months. The primary outcome was quality of life (QoL); other measures included depressive symptoms and family functioning. Relative to the standard care condition, the intervention group reported significantly improved QoL at 6 months (P = 0.0014). When the intervention efficacy was stratified by baseline depressive symptoms (low vs. high), intervention efficacy was observed only among those with low depressive symptoms. Study findings suggest that the intervention was more efficacious for participants with less depressive symptoms and better family functioning. Extensive interventions may be optimal for those who have the capacity to learn the tools and skills.

[Severe sepsis as an initial presentation in children with Wernicke' s encephalopathy: report of a case and literature review].

OBJECTIVE: Wernicke's encephalopathy (WE) is an acute neuropsychiatric syndrome resulting from thiamine deficiency, which is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The disorder is still greatly underdiagnosed in children because of either a relatively non-specific clinical presentation in some cases or unrecognized clinical setting. The aim of this literature review was to provide knowledge of pediatric WE in an effort to assist in early diagnosis, thereby reducing the morbidity and mortality. METHODS: The clinical manifestations, characteristic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), diagnosis and treatment of one case and the other 35 cases reported in the last decade in children were summarized. RESULTS: Thirty-six cases (22 boys and 14 girls, 2-month to 16-year-old) were analyzed. All the other 35 cases except for our case had underlying diseases: improper feeding in 25/35 cases, long-time vomiting in 5/35 cases, immunosuppressive therapy in 4/35 cases, long-time total parenteral nutrition without multivitamin preparations supplementation in 3/35 cases and anorexia nervosa in 1/35 case. The classic triad (mental-status changes, nystagmus and ophthalmoplegia, and ataxia) was seen in 6/36 cases. The other clinical manifestations included consciousness disturbance in 24/36 cases, infection in 22/36 cases, pathological reflex and muscular tension changes in 18/36 cases, convulsion in 17/36 cases, developmental delay in 4/36 cases and failure to thrive in 2/36 cases. Cerebrospinal fluid examination was performed in 31/36 cases, and a slightly raised protein concentration was seen in 7/31 cases. The cerebrospinal fluid lactate levels were detected in 4/36 cases (all increased), serum lactic acid levels in 7/36 cases (6/7 cases increased), serum pyruvate in 4/36 cases (all increased), thiamine pyrophosphate effect (TPPE) in 9/36 cases (all increased), and serum thiamine in 2/36 cases (increased in 1/2 cases). The brain computed tomography (CT) scan was conducted in 20/36 cases and 16/20 cases showed abnormal hypodensity in bilateral basal ganglia, one case revealed diffuse cortical atrophy. The brain MR scan was conducted in 13/36 cases and all the 13 cases revealed symmetrical abnormal signal in bilateral mamillary body and basal ganglia, and 7/13 cases showed abnormal signals in the tegmentum of midbrain, cerebral aqueduct and white matter around the third and fourth ventricles. The diagnosis of WE was confirmed by MR in 12 cases, triad combined with MR in 3 cases, autopsy in 1 case among the 13 cases who underwent MR scan. The diagnosis of WE was confirmed by the TPPE and/or lactate levels in 9/11 cases. The initial thiamine was given by intravenous or intramuscular infusion in 33/36 cases, unknown method in 1 case, orally in 1 case and no thiamine was used in 1 case. The dosage of thiamine was 100 mg daily in 29/35 cases, unknown in 3/35 cases, 50 mg daily in 2/35 cases, 600 mg daily in 1/35 case. 34/35 patients' clinical symptoms improved during 24 hours to 1 week after initial treatment, and 1 case died due to no response to thiamine. Nineteen patients were followed up for 2-2.5 months and 17 cases recovered completely. CONCLUSION: Wernicke's encephalopathy can be difficult to diagnose because of a relatively non-specific clinical presentation. The characteristic MRI findings and the dramatic response of neurological signs to parenteral thiamine will assist early clinical diagnosis. Early and timely thiamine supplementation could reverse the clinical features and improve the prognosis in most cases.

Patient satisfaction in two Chinese provinces: rural and urban differences.

OBJECTIVE: While international research on patient satisfaction on healthcare has grown tremendously in the past three decades, little research has been conducted concerning healthcare-related patient satisfaction in China. This study was designed to examine what factors including patients' characteristics and ease of access to care are associated with level of patient satisfaction and how such satisfaction might differ across rural and urban populations in China. This study also serves as an evaluation of the recent healthcare reforms that have taken place in China, which were expected to equalize satisfaction between rural and urban patients. DESIGN: A cross-sectional survey to assess satisfaction among patients attending county-level hospitals in China. SETTING: Forty county-level hospitals in two provinces of China. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-five patients from each of the 40 county-level hospitals. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Patient satisfaction measured with 15 questions. RESULTS: Perceived convenience was significantly associated with patient satisfaction among all participants. The new rural cooperative medical insurance scheme (NRCMIS) was associated with higher overall satisfaction among the rural residents. Age and income were significantly related to satisfaction only among rural patients. CONCLUSIONS: Rural residents benefit greatly from the implementation of NRCMIS. Future reform could be more effective by catering the needs of each specific group (e.g. low-income population, rural population, etc.) identified by this study.

A qualitative study about self-medication in the community among market vendors in Fuzhou, China.

Despite government efforts to increase healthcare insurance and access in China, many individuals, regardless of insurance status, continue to engage in high levels of self-medication. To understand the factors influencing common self-medication behaviour in a community of food market vendors in Fuzhou China, a total of 30 market vendors were randomly recruited from six food markets in 2007. In-depth interviews were conducted with each participant at their market stalls by trained interviewers using a semi-structured open-ended interview protocol. Participants were asked broad questions about their health-seeking behaviours as well as their past experiences with self-medication and hospital care. ATLAS. ti was used to manage and analyse the interview data. The results showed that hospital-based healthcare services were perceived as better quality. However, self-medication was viewed as more affordable in terms of money and time. Other factors prompting self-medication, included confidence in understanding the health problem, the easy accessibility of local pharmacies and the influences of friends/peers and advertising. Three broad domains, attitude, cost and effectiveness, were all seen to determine past decisions and experiences with self-medication. Interestingly, the effective management of self-medication via pharmacy resources raised particular concern because of perceived variation in quality. In conclusion, self-medication was found to be an important and common health-seeking behaviour driven by multiple factors. A sound and comprehensive public health system should systematically attend to these behaviours and the pharmacies, where much of the behaviour occurs.

Antiretroviral therapy adherence among patients living with HIV/AIDS in Thailand.

The importance of antiretroviral therapy adherence for patients living with HIV/AIDS has been well documented. Despite this critical need, many do not follow prescribed regimens. To examine the barriers that lead to non-adherence, we used cross-sectional survey data from a randomized controlled intervention trial in northern and north-eastern Thailand. Of the 507 patients that were enrolled in the trial, we analyzed 386 patients on antiretroviral therapy in order to examine the barriers to adherence. In addition to demographic characteristics, depressive symptoms, physical health, access to care, social support, and internalized shame, HIV disclosure and family communication were examined. The correlation analysis revealed that adherence is significantly associated with internalized shame, access to care, depressive symptoms, and family communication. Based on the multiple logistic regression analysis, depressive symptoms, access to care, HIV disclosure, and family communication were significant predictors of adherence. Having depressive symptoms remains a significant barrier to adherence, while access to care, HIV disclosure, and family communication play important positive roles. Our findings underscore the critical importance of addressing these various challenges that can influence adherence to antiretroviral therapy.

[Garlic oil inhibits cyclin E expression in gastric adenocarcinoma cells].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the inhibitory effect of garlic oil on cyclin E expression in gastric adenocarcinoma cells. METHODS: Human gastric adenocarcinoma SGC7901 cells were cultured routinely and the expressions of transforming growth factor alpha (TGFalpha) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) are detected by immunofluorescent staining and flow cytometry. The SGC7901 cells were also cultured with RPMI 1640 without calf serum for 48 h, followed by further culture with RPMI 1640 in the presence of 2.5% calf serum before treatment with TGFalpha, garlic oil, or their combination, and cyclin E expression of the cells was then detected by immunofluorescent staining and flow cytometry. RESULTS: The positivity rates of TGFalpha and EGFR expressions were 46.80% and 57.78 % respectively in SGC7901 cells cultured routinely for 48 h. The positivity rate of cyclin E expression was increased by 7.06% (P<0.001) in SGC7901 cells treated with 30 microg/L TGFalpha for 5 h, decreased by 11.75% (P<0.001) following a 5-hour treatment with 10% garlic oil, and decreased further by 17.11% (Plt;0.001) after treatment with both 30 microg/L TGFalpha and 10% garlic oil for 5 h. CONCLUSIONS: The gastric adenocarcinoma SGC7901 cells express TGFalpha and EGFR and possess TGFalpha autocrine and paracrine loops to promote cell proliferation. Garlic oil inhibits cyclin E expression in routinely cultured SGC7901 cells and also in TGFalpha-treated ones, suggesting that garlic oil can inhibit the TGFalpha autocrine and paracrine loops, which can be one of the pathways of garlic oil to inhibit cancer cell proliferation.

Garlic oil inhibits cyclin E expression in gastric adenocarcinoma cells / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the inhibitory effect of garlic oil on cyclin E expression in gastric adenocarcinoma cells.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Human gastric adenocarcinoma SGC7901 cells were cultured routinely and the expressions of transforming growth factor alpha (TGFalpha) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) are detected by immunofluorescent staining and flow cytometry. The SGC7901 cells were also cultured with RPMI 1640 without calf serum for 48 h, followed by further culture with RPMI 1640 in the presence of 2.5% calf serum before treatment with TGFalpha, garlic oil, or their combination, and cyclin E expression of the cells was then detected by immunofluorescent staining and flow cytometry.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The positivity rates of TGFalpha and EGFR expressions were 46.80% and 57.78 % respectively in SGC7901 cells cultured routinely for 48 h. The positivity rate of cyclin E expression was increased by 7.06% (P<0.001) in SGC7901 cells treated with 30 microg/L TGFalpha for 5 h, decreased by 11.75% (P<0.001) following a 5-hour treatment with 10% garlic oil, and decreased further by 17.11% (Plt;0.001) after treatment with both 30 microg/L TGFalpha and 10% garlic oil for 5 h.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The gastric adenocarcinoma SGC7901 cells express TGFalpha and EGFR and possess TGFalpha autocrine and paracrine loops to promote cell proliferation. Garlic oil inhibits cyclin E expression in routinely cultured SGC7901 cells and also in TGFalpha-treated ones, suggesting that garlic oil can inhibit the TGFalpha autocrine and paracrine loops, which can be one of the pathways of garlic oil to inhibit cancer cell proliferation.</p>

[Effect of transforming growth factor alpha on the expression of cyclin E and cyclin D1 in gastric carcinoma cells].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of transforming growth factor alpha (TGFalpha) on the expression of cyclin E and D1 in gastric carcinoma cells. METHODS: Human gastric adenocarcinoma SGC7901 cells were cultured routinely and synchronized at G(0)/G(1) phase in serum-free RPMI-1640. The percentage of the cells at G(0)/G(1) phase was detected by propidium iodide staining and flow cytometry (FCM), and the synchronized cells were cultured in RPMI-1640 supplemented with 2.5% calf serum and treated with 10, 30, and 50 microg/L TGFalpha for 5 h. The expression of cyclin E and D1 in SGC7901 cells was detected by immunofluorescent staining and FCM. RESULTS: The percentage of the cells at G(0)/G(1) phase increased from 54% in routine culture to 72% in the serum-free RPMI-1640 culture. TGFalpha treatment of the cells synchronized at G(0)/G(1) phase induced significant increment of cyclin E and D1 expressions (P<0.001), and at the dose of TGFalpha of 50 microg/L, their expressions increased by 25.18% and 27.52%, respectively (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: TGFalpha can increase the expression of cyclin E and D1 in gastric carcinoma cells to promote their cell cycle progress.