Estudio comparativo del dolor abdominal en las culturas maya Tzeltal, maya Tzotzil y maya Q ́eqchi ́y el uso de Ageratina ligustrina para su tratamiento / Comparative study of abdominal pain in the Mayan cultures Tzeltal, Maya Tzotzil and Maya Q ́eqchi´ and use of Ageratina ligustrina for the treatment

El presente estudio es una comparación del dolor abdominal producido por trastornos gastrointestinales, aliviado por Ageratina ligustrina , entre los grupos maya Tzeltal, Tzotzil y Q ́eqchi ́, el cual integró un enfoque etnomédico, etnobotánico y transcultural, comparando estudios previos con el presente trabajo de campo. Para evaluar la eficacia de Ageratina para aliviar el dolor abdominal, se realizó un inventario de las moléculas reportadas en esta especie, así como de su actividad farmacológica, a través de una revisión bibliográfica. Los resultados mostraron que la epidemiología del dolor producido por TGI, su etnobotánica y el modelo explicativo del dolor abdominal fueron similares entre grupos étnicos. Asimismo, se identificaron 27 moléculas con efectos antiinflamatorios y antinociceptivos, lo que podría explicar por qué esta especie es culturalmente importante para los pobladores maya Tzeltal, Tzotzil y Q ́eqch i ́ para el alivio del dolor abdominal, mientras que, desde el punto de vista biomédico, es una especie con potencial para inhibir el dolor visceral.

The current study is a comparison of the abdominal pain conception produced by gastrointestinal disorders, relieved by Ageratina ligustrina , among inhabitants of the Mayan Tzeltal, Tzotzil, and Q'eqchi' groups ethnomedical, ethnobotanical, and cross -cultural approaches were used to compare previous studies with the present field work. To evaluate the efficacy of A. ligustrina to relieve pain, also through a bibliographic review an inventory of the molecules present in this species was performed, as well as their pharmacological activity. The results showed that the epidemiology of pain produced by GID, its ethnobotany, and the explanatory model of abdominal pain are similar among ethnic groups. Likewise, 27 molecules with anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive effects were identified, which could explain why this species is culturally important for the Mayan Tzeltal, Tzotzil, and Q'eqchi' groups for the relief of abdominal pain, while, from a biomedical point of view, it is a species with potential to inhibit visceral pain.

Establishing an ANO1-Based Cell Model for High-Throughput Screening Targeting TRPV4 Regulators.

Transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) is a widely expressed cation channel that plays an important role in many physiological and pathological processes. However, most TRPV4 drugs carry a risk of side effects. Moreover, existing screening methods are not suitable for the high-throughput screening (HTS) of drugs. In this study, a cell model and HTS method for targeting TRPV4 channel drugs were established based on a calcium-activated chloride channel protein 1 Anoctamin 1 (ANO1) and a double mutant (YFP-H148Q/I152L) of the yellow fluorescent protein (YFP). Patch-clamp experiments and fluorescence quenching kinetic experiments were used to verify that the model could sensitively detect changes in intracellular Ca2+ concentration. The functionality of the TRPV4 cell model was examined through temperature variations and different concentrations of TRPV4 modulators, and the performance of the model in HTS was also evaluated. The model was able to sensitively detect changes in the intracellular Ca2+ concentration and also excelled at screening TRPV4 drugs, and the model was more suitable for HTS. We successfully constructed a drug cell screening model targeting the TRPV4 channel, which provides a tool to study the pathophysiological functions of TRPV4 in vitro.

Effect of electron acceptor addition on the temperature sensitivity of soil anaerobic carbon mineralization in the Yellow River Estuary wetland, China.

The temperature sensitivity of soil carbon mineralization (Q10) is an important index to evaluate the responses of ecosystem carbon cycling to climate change. We examined the effects of three electron acceptors [SO42-, NO3- and Fe(Ⅲ)] addition on the Q10 value of anaerobic carbon mineralization of Phragmites australis community soil (0-10 cm) in the Yellow River Estuary wetland with the closed culture-gas chromatography method. The results showed that the three electron acceptors addition inhibited the production of CO2 and CH4 during the 48-day culture period, with a decrease of 17.3%-20.8% for CO2 and 29.2%-36.2% for CH4. Generally, the CO2 production differed with the concentrations of electron acceptors, while CH4 production differed with the type of electron acceptors. The CO2:CH4 ratios were significantly different with temperature, indicating an obvious temperature dependence for the anaerobic carbon mineralization pathway. The Q10 values of CO2 and CH4 production under three electron acceptor additions ranged from 1.08 to 1.11 and from 1.19 to 1.37, respectively, showing an increasing trend compared with the control. The type and concentration of electron acceptors affected the temperature dependence of CO2 production, while electron acceptors affected that of CH4 production. It is suggested that the input of reducing salts would retard the mineralization loss of organic carbon in estuary freshwater wetlands under the background of climate change, but enhance the sensitivity of carbon mineralization to increasing temperature.

Appraise potassium chemistry and distribution patterns in tailing soil, India: Through quantity - Intensity relations and multi model statistical methods.

Tailings are waste materials left behind after mineral extraction. Giridih district of Jharkhand, India has the second largest ore of mica mines in the country. This study evaluated the forms of potassium (K+) and quantity-intensity relationships in soils contaminated by tailings around the abundant mica mines. A total of 63 rice rhizosphere soil samples (8-10 cm depth) were collected from agricultural fields near 21 mica mines in the Giridih district at different distances: 10 m (zone 1), 50 m (zone 2), and 100 m (zone 3). The samples were collected to quantify various forms of potassium in the soil and characterize non-exchangeable K (NEK) reserves and Q/I isotherms. The semi-logarithmic release of NEK with continuous extractions suggests a decrease in release over time. Significant values of threshold K+ levels were observed in zone 1 samples. As K+ concentrations increased, the activity ratio (AReK) and its corresponding labile K+ (KL) concentrations decreased. The AReK, KL, and fixed K+ (KX) values were higher in zone 1 [AReK: 3.2 (mol L-1)1/2 × 10-4, KL: 0.058 cmol kg-1, and KX: 0.038 cmol kg-1), except for readily available K+ (K0) for zone 2 (0.028 cmol kg-1). The potential buffering capacity and K+ potential values were higher in zone 2 soils. In zone 1, Vanselow selectivity coefficients (KV) and Krishnamoorthy-Davis-Overstreet selectivity coefficients (KKDO) were higher, while Gapon constants were higher in zone 3. It was found that AReK was significantly correlated with K0, KL, K+ saturation, -ΔG, KV, and KKDO. Different statistical methods such as positive matrix factorization, self-organizing maps, geostatistics, and Monte Carlo simulation approaches were employed to predict soil K+ enrichment, source apportionment, distribution patterns, availability for plants, and contribution to soil K+ maintenance. Thus, this study significantly contributes to understanding K+ dynamics in mica mine soils and operational K+ management.

Influence of Psychological Factors in Primary Dysmenorrhea Patients on De qi: a Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: De qi , the needling sensation, is important in acupuncture treatment. Almost all studies believe that deep needling and manipulation could achieve a significant de qi sensation. However, relatively few studies have examined the effect of psychological factors on de qi, and those that did often reached different conclusions. Objectives: To explore the influence of psychologic factors on de qi in patients with primary dysmenorrhea (PD). Methods: Sixty-eight PD patients with cold and dampness stagnation were randomly allocated to de qi (deep insertion using thick needles, with manipulation, n=17) and non-de qi groups (shallow insertion using thin needles, without manipulation, n=51). Both groups received bilateral needling at Sanyinjiao (SP6) for 30 min. De qi was assessed using the Acupuncture De qi Clinical Assessment Scale (ADCAS). The patients' acupuncture-related anxiety and their expectations of the relationship between needle sensation and curative effect were evaluated using a five-point and four-point scale, respectively. Results: Within the de qi group, all patients experienced the de qi sensation, although anxiety levels were unrelated to de qi. Patients' expectations correlated negatively with de qi timing, and positively with electric sensation. Within the non-de qi group, 59.5% of patients experienced de qi. Between those who experienced it and those who did not, no significant differences were found in anxiety levels, although patients' expectations differed significantly. Among patients who experienced de qi sensations in the non-de qi group, anxiety and throbbing were positively correlated. Additionally, patients' expectations correlated positively with de qi intensity, as well as coldness, and numbness. Conclusion: Psychological factors should be considered when studying de qi since PD patients' expectations could influence the de qi sensation at SP6.

Establishment of a CaCC-based Cell Model and Method for High-throughput Screening of M3 Receptor Drugs.

Muscarinic acetylcholine receptor subtype 3 (M3 receptor) is a G Protein-Coupled Receptor (GPCR) that mediates many important physiological functions. Currently, most M3 receptor drugs also have high affinity for other subtypes of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs) and produce the risk of side effects. Therefore, in order to find M3 receptor drugs with high specificity, high activity and low side effects, we established a cell model and method for efficient and sensitive screening of M3 receptor based on calcium-activated chloride channels (CaCCs), and this method is also suitable for the screening of other GPCR drugs. This screening model consists of Fischer rat thyroid follicular epithelial (FRT) cells that endogenously express M3 receptors, CaCCs, and the indicator YFP-H148Q/I152L. We verified that the model can sensitively detect changes in intracellular Ca2+ concentration using fluorescence quenching kinetics experiments, confirmed the screening function of the model by applying available M3 receptor drugs, and also evaluated the good performance of the model in high-throughput screening.

Establishment of a cell model for high-throughput TRPV4 regulator screening based on CaCC / 解放军医学杂志

Objective To construct a high-throughput screening model for transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) channel modulators based on calcium-activated chloride channels (CaCC). Methods RT-PCR was used to detect the endogenous expression of TRPV4 in Fischer rat thyroid (FRT) cells. The PCR products obtained were subjected to nucleic acid sequencing using gel-recovery technology. Western blotting was employed to detect the expression of TRPV4 protein in FRT cells. The liposome transfection method was applied to construct the FRT cell model that co-expressed anoctamin 1 (ANO1) and YFP-H148Q/ I152L. The expressions of ANO1 and YFP-H148Q/I152L in cells were identified by the inverted fluorescence microscope and the fluorescence quenching kinetics test. After adding TRPV4 activators and inhibitors, the fluorescence quenching kinetics experiment was used to test whether the model could screen TRPV4 modulators. The Fura-2 fluorescent probe method was applied to detect the calcium concentration in cells after adding TRPV4 activators; The Z' factor was calculated to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of the cell model. Results RT-PCR and Western blotting confirmed the endogenous expression of TRPV4 in FRT cells; ANO1 was clearly expressed on the FRT cell membrane and YFP-H148Q/I152L was clearly expressed in the cytoplasm of FRT cells under the inverted fluorescence microscope. The FRT cell model co-expressing ANO1 and YFP-H148Q/I152L was successfully constructed. Fluorescence quenching kinetics experiments confirmed that the model could screen TRPV4 regulators, and the slope value of fluorescence change and the concentration of TRPV4 regulator concentration were in a dose-dependent manner. The model could sensitively detect changes in intracellular calcium concentration, and the slope value could reflect intracellular calcium concentration. The Z' factor was 0.728, which demonstrates its capacity for high-throughput screening. Conclusions We successfully constructed a high-throughput model that could screen TRPV4 modulators sensitively and efficiently.

Effect of the flame retardant tris (1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TDCPP) on Na+-K+-ATPase and Cl- transport in HeLa cells.

Tris (1, 3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TDCPP) is one of the most diffused phosphorus flame retardants in the environment and is highly persistent and abundant in residential dust samples. To date the cellular targets and mechanisms underlying its toxic effects are not completely understood. The aim of this work was to study the effects of TDCPP on ion transport mechanisms fundamental for the cellular ionic homeostasis, such as Na+-K+-ATPase and Cl- transport. HeLa cells were used as experimental model. TDCPP showed a dose-dependent effect on cell viability in cells exposed for 24 h as assessed by MTT test (IC50 = 52.5 µM). The flame retardant was able to exert a dose and time-dependent inhibition on the Na+-K+-ATPase activity. A short-term exposure (1 h) was able to exert a significant inhibition at 75 and 100 µM TDCPP, suggesting that TDCPP is able to directly interfere with the Na+-K+-ATPase phosphate catalytic activity. The sensitivity of the pump to lower TDCPP concentrations increased with the increase of the time of exposure. Following 24 h exposure a significant inhibition of about 40% was evident already at 10 µM and the IC50 value observed was 12.8 ± 6.0 µM. Moreover, TDCPP was also able to impair the NKCC mediated Cl- transport in HeLa cells, as assessed in YFP-H148Q/I152L-expressing HeLa cells. Following 1 h exposure TDCPP significantly inhibited the transport by about 30%. The kinetic analysis demonstrated a noncompetitive mechanism of inhibition. In conclusion, results demonstrated the impairment of ion transport mechanisms fundamental for ion homeostasis by TDCPP on HeLa cells.

Design and use of photoactive ruthenium complexes to study electron transfer within cytochrome bc1 and from cytochrome bc1 to cytochrome c.

The cytochrome bc1 complex (ubiquinone:cytochrome c oxidoreductase) is the central integral membrane protein in the mitochondrial respiratory chain as well as the electron-transfer chains of many respiratory and photosynthetic prokaryotes. Based on X-ray crystallographic studies of cytochrome bc1, a mechanism has been proposed in which the extrinsic domain of the iron-sulfur protein first binds to cytochrome b where it accepts an electron from ubiquinol in the Qo site, and then rotates by 57° to a position close to cytochrome c1 where it transfers an electron to cytochrome c1. This review describes the development of a ruthenium photooxidation technique to measure key electron transfer steps in cytochrome bc1, including rapid electron transfer from the iron-sulfur protein to cytochrome c1. It was discovered that this reaction is rate-limited by the rotational dynamics of the iron-sulfur protein rather than true electron transfer. A conformational linkage between the occupant of the Qo ubiquinol binding site and the rotational dynamics of the iron-sulfur protein was discovered which could play a role in the bifurcated oxidation of ubiquinol. A ruthenium photoexcitation method is also described for the measurement of electron transfer from cytochrome c1 to cytochrome c. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Respiratory Complex III and related bc complexes.

Respiratory complex III dysfunction in humans and the use of yeast as a model organism to study mitochondrial myopathy and associated diseases.

The bc1 complex or complex III is a central component of the aerobic respiratory chain in prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms. It catalyzes the oxidation of quinols and the reduction of cytochrome c, establishing a proton motive force used to synthesize adenosine triphosphate (ATP) by the F1Fo ATP synthase. In eukaryotes, the complex III is located in the inner mitochondrial membrane. The genes coding for the complex III have a dual origin. While cytochrome b is encoded by the mitochondrial genome, all the other subunits are encoded by the nuclear genome. In this review, we compile an exhaustive list of the known human mutations and associated pathologies found in the mitochondrially-encoded cytochrome b gene as well as the fewer mutations in the nuclear genes coding for the complex III structural subunits and accessory proteins such as BCS1L involved in the assembly of the complex III. Due to the inherent difficulties of studying human biopsy material associated with complex III dysfunction, we also review the work that has been conducted to study the pathologies with the easy to handle eukaryotic microorganism, the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Phenotypes, biochemical data and possible effects due to the mutations are also discussed in the context of the known three-dimensional structure of the eukaryotic complex III. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Respiratory complex III and related bc complexes.

Superoxide generation by complex III: from mechanistic rationales to functional consequences.

Apart from complex I (NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase) the mitochondrial cytochrome bc1 complex (complex III; ubiquinol:cytochrome c oxidoreductase) has been identified as the main producer of superoxide and derived reactive oxygen species (ROS) within the mitochondrial respiratory chain. Mitochondrial ROS are generally linked to oxidative stress, aging and other pathophysiological settings like in neurodegenerative diseases. However, ROS produced at the ubiquinol oxidation center (center P, Qo site) of complex III seem to have additional physiological functions as signaling molecules during cellular processes like the adaptation to hypoxia. The molecular mechanism of superoxide production that is mechanistically linked to the electron bifurcation during ubiquinol oxidation is still a matter of debate. Some insight comes from extensive kinetic studies with mutated complexes from yeast and bacterial cytochrome bc1 complexes. This review is intended to bridge the gap between those mechanistic studies and investigations on complex III ROS in cellular signal transduction and highlights factors that impact superoxide generation. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Respiratory complex III and related bc complexes.

Evaluation of Precision Q.I.D(R) Glucose Testing System / 대한임상병리학회지

BACKGROUND: Self-monitoring blood glucose devices are widely used for self-monitoring and point-of-care testing (POCT) in the management of diabetic patients. We performed the present study to evaluate the performance of Precision Q.I.DR Blood Glucose Testing System using electochemical detection techique. METHODS: Precision Q.I.DR was evaluated for linearity, precision, comparison of method, and the effect of sample volume, hematocrit concentration, reapplication, operator, and application methods. RESULTS: Precision Q.I.DR revealed good linearity in glucose concentration ranging from 40 mg/dL to 550 mg/dL (r2=0.9874). In the precision study, within-run and total-run CVs were within 10%. Excellent correlation was found between Precision Q.I.DR and Hitachi 7070 (y = 1.0332 x, r = 0.9195). Sample volume, reapplication, operator, and application method did not produce significant effect on the test result. Over- or underestimation of glucose values was found with the change of hematocrit concentration. CONCLUSIONS: Precision Q.I.DR showed good linearity, precision, and correlation with reference method. No significant effect of testing procedure or operator was found. Precision Q.I.DR provided rapid and reliable result of blood glucose and seems appropriate for clinical use in the management of diabetic patients.

The actions of Xiaochengqi Decoction,Houpusanwu Decoction and Houpudah uang Decoction / 中成药

AIM: To observe the difference of actions among three traditional compl ex prescriptions with the same composition but the different dosage, including X iaochengqi Decoction, Houpudahuang Decoction and Houpusanwu Decoction, so as to provide evidence for their different clinical applications. METHODS: A series of experiments were performed, including carbon p rop ellance in small intestine, black stool excretion, cough induced by ammonia liqu or and phenol red secretion from trachea. RESULTS: Three prescriptions all enhanced carbon propellance in sma ll intestine at the high dosage, while at the low dosage only Houpusanwu Decoct ion showed the significant effect. They all shortened the latency of black stool a nd increased their total amounts in 6 hours at the high dosage, while at the low dosage Xiaochengqi Decoction and Houpudahuang Decoction had the significant p urgative action. Houpudahuang Decoction remarkably prolonged cough latency, dec reased cough times and enhanced phenol red secretion from trachea, while other t wo prescriptions had no obvious effects. CONCLUSION: Such results showed that Xiaochengqi Decoction had the better purgative action, while Houpusanwu Decoction regulated Qi strongerly, a nd Houpudanghuang Decoction showed the marked actions of relieving cough and re solving phlegm.