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Simple Summary: Pygmy grasshoppers are a highly diverse group of insects that are distributed across China's landscapes. Their small size, limited flight capabilities, and reliance on humid habitats make them an intriguing subject to study evolution and biodiversity patterns. This research focused on improving the phylogenetic classification system of pygmy grasshoppers, which relies heavily on physical traits that can sometimes be misleading. We sequenced the complete mitochondrial DNA of four pygmy grasshopper species to reconstruct the evolutionary relationships among these species. Comparative analyses of new and existing DNA data revealed conflicts regarding the breadth of two generic groups—Systolederus and Tetrix. The Systolederus generic group encompasses too much diversity, necessitating taxonomic divisions, while Tetrix diversity appears restricted by overly splitting similar species. Further assessments uncovered over 150 million years of pygmy grasshopper ancestry and evidence for rapid habitat colonization abilities in the Tetrix generic group. By integrating genetic data, we refined perspectives on the evolutionary affinities of these insects. This approach demonstrates the importance of coupling morphological and molecular techniques for robust biodiversity assessments amidst the intricacies of adaptation and convergence. Resolving such taxonomic limitations will strengthen future initiatives to document and preserve pygmy grasshopper diversity across changing landscapes. Mitochondrial genomes offer pragmatic genetic markers to reconstruct evolutionary relationships and inform taxonomic classifications. Here, we present complete mitochondrial sequences for four Chinese pygmy grasshoppers (Tetrigidae), aiming to reevaluate phylogenetic patterns and morphological taxonomy. Our 17,643 bp, 16,274 bp, 15,086 bp, and 15,398 bp mitogenomes of Exothotettix guangxiensis, Formosatettix longwangshanensis, Euparatettix sinufemoralis and Systolederus zhengi, respectively, exhibit archetypal Tetrigidae architecture. We constructed phylogenies using 13 protein-coding loci from 39 Tetrigidae mitogenomes, revealing several genus-level clusters with statistically solid support, conflicts regarding Ex. guangxiensis, F. longwangshanensis merging into Tetrix, and two subclades of Systolederus. The dated divergence analysis indicates over 150 Mya of Tetrigidae ancestry, tracing the Systolederus generic group splits up to ~75 million years ago. Moreover, the Tetrix generic group radiated over 14 Mya across vast distributions, consistent with rapid adaptive dispersals. Our mitochondrial reconstructions suggest that Synstolederus is taxonomically overextended for a single genus, while the distinctiveness of Ex. guangxiensis and F. longwangshanensis from Tetrix appears questionable, and the Tetrix generic group comprises a potential tRNA-Ile coding region. Our integrative mitogenomic approaches will help resolve issues stemming from morphological taxonomy that is reliant on traits that are prone to convergence. This investigation enhances comprehension of Tetrigidae phylogeny and accentuates molecular systematics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Huaganjian decoction (HGJD) was first recorded in the classic " Jing Yue Quan Shu " during the Ming dynasty, and it has been extensively applied in clinical practice to treat liver diseases for over 300 years in China. However, its bioactive constituents and relevant pharmacological mechanism are still unclear. In this study, a strategy integrating network analysis and metabolomics was applied to reveal mechanism of HGJD in treating cholestatic hepatic injury (CHI). Firstly, we observed the therapeutic effect of HGJD against CHI with an alpha-naphthylisothiocyanate (ANIT) induced CHI rat model. Then, we utilized UPLC-Q-Exactive MS/MS method to analyze the serum migrant compounds of HGJD in CHI rats. Based on these compounds, network analysis was conducted to screen for potential active components, and key signaling pathways interrelated to therapeutic effect of HGJD. Meanwhile, serum metabolomics was utilized to investigate the underlying metabolic mechanism of HGJD against CHI. Finally, the predicted key pathway was verified by western blot and biochemical analysis using rat liver tissue from in vivo efficacy experiment. Our results showed that HGJD significantly alleviated ANIT induced CHI. Totally, 31 compounds originated from HGJD have been identified in the serum sample. PI3K/Akt/Nrf2 signaling pathway related to GSH synthesis was demonstrated as one of the major pathways interrelated to therapeutic effect of HGJD against CHI. This research supplied a helpful strategy to determine the potential bioactive compounds and mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Investigate the effectiveness of alcohol septal ablation (ASA) and transaortic extended myectomy (TEM) in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) with midventricular obstruction (MVO).Background: MVO is less common than subaortic obstruction. Data on the effectiveness of ASA and TEM in MVO are lacking.Methods: The clinical profiles of 22 patients undergoing ASA and 37 patients undergoing TEM were compared. No patient had apical aneurysm, abnormal chordae, mitral valve replacement or repair.Results: Baseline midventricular pressure gradient and symptoms were comparable between the ASA and TEM groups. During follow-up, both groups demonstrated substantial reduction in pressure gradient (the ASA group: 79.7 ± 21.2 mm Hg to 43.7 ± 28.9 mm Hg, P < 0.001; the TEM group: 69.0 ± 23.9 mm Hg to 15.0 ± 16.9 mm Hg, P < 0.001). The reduction in pressure gradient was greater (78.9 ± 18.6% vs. 46.4 ± 33.4%, P < 0.001) and the residual pressure gradient was lower after TEM versus ASA (P < 0.001). Patients with New York Heart Association class III/IV dyspnea decreased from 59.1 to 18.2% (P = 0.022) in the ASA group and from 56.8 to 5.6% (P < 0.001) in the TEM group. Patients with Canadian Cardiovascular Society class III/IV angina decreased from 40.9 to 9.1% (P = 0.016) in the ASA group and from 32.4 to 0% (P < 0.001) in the TEM group.Conclusions: While ASA and TEM both improve gradients and symptoms, TEM may provide a more reliable reduction in gradients compared to ASA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The apple-shaped pear, the fruit of the Pyrus pyrifolia cv. pingguoli (Rosaceae) tree, is one of the most popular fruits in the northern part of China. The current study is the 1st report of its bioactive components. We identified 10 metabolites from the peels (exocarp) of apple-shaped pear and assessed their toxicity. We then compared the anti-oxidant activity, amount of total phenolic compounds, and total condensed tannin content of the peels and flesh (mesocarp) of apple-shaped pear. The 6 major components in the peels and flesh of this fruit were quantified with Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography-Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry. Results revealed that the peels possessed stronger anti-oxidant activity and contained larger amounts of phenolic compounds than the flesh. These results provide insights into the potential health benefits of this fruit and support the use of the fruit peels and products containing peels or peel components. Practical Application: The present research provided evidences that the pulp and peel waste from the juice industry of apple-shaped pear may be a source of useful compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two neuropective compounds were isolated from the rhizomes of Abacopteris penangiana, one was a new flavone and the other was a flavanone. Both compounds were firstly separated from natural plant. The isolation work was guided by the antioxidant activity. Both the compounds showed a significant antioxidant activity in vitro and a protective effect on dopamine-induced neurotoxicity in PC12 cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the risk and safety profile of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for osteoporotic fractures in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods: 298 RA patients admitted to The First People's Hospital of Huzhou, Huzhou, China from August 2020 to September 2022, were investigated. Patients were assigned to groups based on drugs used viz: control group received anti-rheumatic drugs other than NSAIDs; corticosteroid group received dexamethasone, disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) groups received sulfasalazine, NSAID group received either diclofenac or ibuprofen etc. Each group of patients received the respective treatment frequently for at least 3 years. The primary outcome in this study was the incidence of osteoporotic fracture resulting from fragile bone and deterioration of bone mass. Results: The incidence of osteoporotic fracture was highest in NSAID group (11.58 %) when compared to 5.44, 4.96, and 2.36 % in the corticosteroid, DMARD and control groups, respectively (p < 0.05). This shows that users of NSAIDs had a 5-fold higher risk of osteoporotic fracture than patients in control group (OR = 1.26 (95 % CI: 1.22 - 1.81)) and 2-fold possibility of osteoporotic fracture when compared to corticosteroid users ((OR = 1.46 (95 % CI: 1.57 - 2.32)) and DMARD users (1.83 (95 % CI: 1.26 - 1.67)). Conclusion: Rheumatoid arthritis patients on NSAIDs such as celecoxib, diclofenac, ibuprofen, indomethacin, and oxaprozin are at risk of developing osteoporotic fracture. Therefore, NSAIDs must be used with proper counseling in RA patients to minimize the risk of osteoporotic fracture. In future, the study duration will need to be extended to determine the long-term effects and potential changes in bone properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: Previous studies revealed a high incidence of late-onset Fabry disease mutation, IVS4+919G>A, in Taiwan. However, the natural course is largely unclear and suitable biomarkers for monitoring disease progress are unavailable. Methods and results: Patients carrying IVS4+919G>A or classical Fabry mutations were enrolled in this study. The subjects ranged from newborn to eighty year old adults. Plasma globotriaosylceramide (Gb3) and globotriaosylsphingosine (lysoGb3) were measured by LC-MS/MS in subjects to evaluate the sensitivity of these two biomarkers. All adult males and symptomatic females could be distinguished from healthy controls by an elevated plasma lysoGb3 level. The lysoGb3 level was also related to the left ventricular mass considering gender and age (p <0.01). Moreover, approximately 70% of male and 45% of female newborns already had an elevated plasma lysoGb3 level which increased gradually as the subjects got older (p <0.01). Conclusions: Plasma lysoGb3 is a more sensitive and reliable biomarker than plasma Gb3. LysoGb3 also correlated with age and left ventricular mass index in Fabry patients with IVS4+919G>A mutation. Because lots of infants with the IVS4+919G>A mutation already had elevated lysoGb3 levels at birth, that indicates that the development of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy may require a long and insidious course after lysoGb3 accumulation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Ethnopharmacological relevance: Aconitum carmichaelii Debx. (Fuzi in Chinese) has been widely clinically used to treat heart failure and rheumatism. Whereas its serious toxicity, Radix et Rhizoma Glycyrrhizae (Gancao in Chinese) was combined with it as traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) herb-pair for toxicity reduction and pharmacological effect improvement. Though some previous viewpoints about that has been reported, the underlying interaction mechanism of two herbs remain unknown and definitely worthy of investigating. Aim of study: In present study, we focus on Fuzi–Gancao herb-pair precipitation (FGP), considering it related to the compatibility mechanism of Fuzi–Gancao herb-pair. The intestinal absorption and pharmacokinetic characters of 3 diester diterpenoid alkaloids in the precipitation were investigated. Materials and methods: Both everted gut sac model and in situ single-pass intestinal perfusion model were used to investigate rat small intestinal permeability and transport mechanism of aconitine, hypaconitine and mesaconitine. Moreover, by means of determination of the plasma concentration, the pharmacokinetic characters of 3 alkaloid compounds in rats have been developed. Results: In everted gut sac permeability experiment, the permeability of hypaconitine appeared best in ileum. Furthermore, their uptakes were increased in the presence of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) inhibitors. In situ single-pass intestinal perfusion uptake experiment, results revealed that the transport mechanism may fit the active transport mechanism. And 3 alkaloids in FPG could be absorbed well in rats, fitting 2-compartment model with 1st order absorption and lag time. Conclusions: Our results in present study indicated that 3 diester diterpenoid alkaloids in FGP could be dissolved out in gastrointestinal tract firstly and then absorbed in blood after oral administration, which could result in prolonging their mean residence time and adding their absorbed doses, avoiding dose dumping. The current study has significant enlightenments for further investigation on the interaction mechanisms of other acid-base herb-pairs as well as Fuzi–Gancao herb-pair. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Pseudepitettix convexa Deng, sp. nov. is described with detailed illustrations of external morphology. Comparison between new species and other species of the genus Pseudepitettix Zheng, 1995 is compiled into a table for identification. An updated key to species of the genus is given.

Background: Delivery room resuscitation assists preterm infants, especially extremely preterm infants (EPI) and extremely low birth weight infants (ELBWI), in breathing support, while it potentially exerts a negative impact on the lungs and outcomes of preterm infants. This study aimed to assess delivery room resuscitation and discharge outcomes of EPI and ELBWI in China., Methods: The clinical data of EPI (gestational age [GA] <28 weeks) and ELBWI (birth weight [BW] <1000 g), admitted within 72 h of birth in 33 neonatal intensive care units from five provinces and cities in North China between 2017 and 2018, were analyzed. The primary outcomes were delivery room resuscitation and risk factors for delivery room intubation (DRI). The secondary outcomes were survival rates, incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), and risk factors for BPD., Results: A cohort of 952 preterm infants were enrolled. The incidence of DRI, chest compressions, and administration of epinephrine was 55.9% (532/952), 12.5% (119/952), and 7.0% (67/952), respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that the risk factors for DRI were GA <28 weeks (odds ratio [OR], 3.147; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.082-4.755), BW <1000 g (OR, 2.240; 95% CI, 1.606-3.125), and antepartum infection (OR, 1.429; 95% CI, 1.044-1.956). The survival rate was 65.9% (627/952) and was dependent on GA. The rate of BPD was 29.3% (181/627). Multivariate analysis showed that the risk factors for BPD were male (OR, 1.603; 95% CI, 1.061-2.424), DRI (OR, 2.094; 95% CI, 1.328-3.303), respiratory distress syndrome exposed to ≥2 doses of pulmonary surfactants (PS; OR, 2.700; 95% CI, 1.679-4.343), and mechanical ventilation ≥7 days (OR, 4.358; 95% CI, 2.777-6.837). However, a larger BW (OR, 0.998; 95% CI, 0.996-0.999), antenatal steroid (OR, 0.577; 95% CI, 0.379-0.880), and PS use in the delivery room (OR, 0.273; 95% CI, 0.160-0.467) were preventive factors for BPD (all P < 0.05)., Conclusion: Improving delivery room resuscitation and management of respiratory complications are imperative during early management of the health of EPI and ELBWI., (Copyright © 2021 The Chinese Medical Association, produced by Wolters Kluwer, Inc. under the CC-BY-NC-ND license.)

Data on procedural complications and long term survival after alcohol septal ablation (ASA) in Chinese patients with obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HOCM) are lacking. We aimed to investigate long-term survival of HOCM patients after ASA and compared to the non-obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy(NOHCM). A total of 233 patients with HOCM and a peak pressure gradient of ≥50 mm Hg at rest or with provocation were consecutively enrolled from Fuwai Hospital in China between 2000 and 2012. Another 297 patients without left ventricular outflow tract obstruction were regarded as control group. Periprocedural mortality of ASA were low (0.89%). Periprocedural lethal ventricular arrhythmia occurred in 9 patients (4.0%). Alcohol volume (RR 1.44, 95% CI: 1.03-2.03, P = 0.034) and age ≤40 years old (RR 4.63, 95% CI: 1.07-20.0, P = 0.040) were independent predictors for periprocedural lethal ventricular arrhythmia. The 10- year overall survival was 94.6% in the ASA group, similar with 92.9% in the NOHCM group (P = 0.930). In conclusion, periprocedural mortality and complications were rare in ASA. Long term survival after ASA were satisfactory and comparable to NOHCM. Patients under 40 years old should be more cautious undergoing ASA, for these patients were more likely to endure lethal ventricular arrhythmia during periprocedural period of ASA.

Hereditary 1, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D-resistant rickets (HVDRR), a rare recessive disease, is caused by mutation in the VDR gene encoding the vitamin D receptor leading to the resistance to vitamin D. We described a female toddler with initial presentation of leg tenderness and clinical features of HVDRR including severe rickets, hypocalcemia and hypophosphatemia without alopecia. Genetic analysis revealed novel compound heterozygous mutations of p.M4I and p.H229Q in patient's VDR gene. In cis p.M4I with FOKI-F eliminated both translation start sites of the VDR protein. The p.H229Q VDR exhibited significantly reduced VDR transactivation activity with intact dimerization with RXR. Our report expanded the mutation spectrum of HVDRR, and provided the first case of a benign variant p.M4I plus a common p.M1T polymorphism leading to a pathogenic allele.

An inactivating mutation in the GNAS gene causes either pseudohypoparathyroidism 1a (PHP1A) when it is maternally inherited or pseudopseudohypoparathyroidism (PPHP) when it is paternally inherited. We investigated clinical manifestations and mutations of the GNAS gene in ethnic Chinese patients with PHP1A or PPHP. Seven patients from 5 families including 4 girls and 2 boys with PHP1A and 1 girl with PPHP were studied. All PHP1A patients had mental retardation. They were treated with calcitriol and CaCO3 with regular monitoring of serum Ca levels, urinary Ca/Cr ratios, and renal sonography. Among them, 5 patients also had primary hypothyroidism suggesting TSH resistance. One female patient had a renal stone which was treated with extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy. She had an increased urinary Ca/Cr ratio of 0.481 mg/mg when the stone was detected. We detected mutations using PCR and sequencing as well as analysed a splice acceptor site mutation using RT-PCR, sequencing, and minigene construct. We detected 5 mutations: c.85C>T (Q29*), c.103C>T (Q35*), c.840-2A>G (R280Sfs*21), c.1027&#95;1028delGA (D343*), and c.1174G>A (E392K). Mutations c.840-2A>G and c.1027&#95;1028delGA were novel. The c.840-2A>G mutation at the splice acceptor site of intron 10 caused retention of intron 10 in the minigene construct but skipping of exon 11 in the peripheral blood cells. The latter was the most probable mechanism which caused a frameshift, changing Arg to Ser at residue 280 and invoking a premature termination of translation at codon 300 (R280Sfs*21). Five GNAS mutations in ethnic Chinese with PHP1A and PPHP were reported. Two of them were novel. Mutation c.840-2A>G destroyed a spice acceptor site and caused exon skipping. Regular monitoring and adjustment in therapy are mandatory to achieve optimal therapeutic effects and avoid nephrolithiasis in patients with PHP1A.

Objective: To observe the long-term effect of plasma-derived HBV vaccine., Methods: The effect of a plasma-derived HBV vaccine which was given to children born in 1986 in Huangpu district in Shanghai were followed up once every two years and testing for HBsAg, anti-HBs and anti-HBc was carried out. Compared to background results from cross-sectional survey of hepatitis B virus in 1984 and 1985 (as internal control) as well as finding of survey targeted in non-plasma-derived HBV vaccine of children born in the same time in the nearby area from results investigated in 1991 (as external control), positive rate was calculated to assess the effect of protection., Results: The population immunized was followed up for 23 years and 5993 blood samples were collected. During the period of follow-up, the positive rate of anti-HBs decreased from 89.01% to 18.77% and the average level was 40.39%. The average positive rate of anti-HBc was 1.87%. The annual positive rate fluctuated around the average level. HBsAg positive rate remained less than 1.00% (0.46% - 0.98%), with an average of 0.62% (37/5993). Ranges of positive efficacy were from 81.37% to 95.78% against background control and 72.76% against external control., Conclusion: The plasma-derived HBV vaccine showed a good long-term protective effect and there was no need for boosting the immunization 23 years later.

Objective: To understand the status and influential factors of those neglect of left-behind children in rural area, and to provide bases for the development of intervention measures., Methods: 2917 students were selected as the study subjects from Changfeng county of Anhui province with cluster sampling method and were evaluated by a Parents-Child Conflict Tactics Scales and questionnaire on influential factors., Results: 1694 left-behind children, accounted for 58.1% of the total students, were surveyed in this investigation. The prevalence rates of neglect, among total children, left-behind children, non-left-behind children were 67.4%, 70.2%, 63.5%, respectively. The prevalence of neglect among left-behind children was higher than that among non-left-behind children (χ(2) = 14.322, P < 0.000). There were no significant associations with the neglect rate of left-behind children regarding gender or age differences. Result from multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that the neglect among the left-behind children were associated with family dysfunction (OR values of moderate and serious family dysfunctions compared to good family function were 1.628 and 2.341, respectively) and the rate of keeping in touch with parents (OR values of sometimes and seldom keeping in touch compared to regular in touch were 1.299 and 1.844, respectively). The starting age of being left-behind (OR values of starting age that being left-behind from 6 to 10 and ≤ 5 years relative to starting age of left-behind ≥ 11 years were 0.703 and 0.630, respectively) appeared to be the protection factor to the neglect of those left-behind children., Conclusion: Our findings indicated that the status of neglect among the left-behind children was serious. Prevention programs on the issue should target on a number of factors, including the characteristics of the children them-selves, as well as on the family of the children.

Objective: To describe the current epidemiological characteristics of injuries among primary and middle school students in one rural area of Anhui province and to explore the relationship between the ways of coping and related injuries., Methods: Through cluster sampling methods, all students from 3 to 9 grades in 5 primary schools and 3 middle schools in Changfeng county of Anhui province were investigated with questionnaire. All participants completed an anonymous questionnaire concerning their experiences with injuries during the 12 months preceding the survey. The ways of coping to injuries were evaluated by Trait Coping Style Questionnaire. Factors associated with injuries were identified using a negative binomial regression analysis., Results: Of 2917 students, the annual event-based rate of injuries was 17.4 per 100 students. Positive coping score had no significant differences between the injury and non-injury groups (33.98 ± 6.38 vs. 33.66 ± 6.37) (t = 0.979, P = 0.328). The score of negative coping style was higher in injury group than in non-injury group (27.65 ± 7.79 vs. 26.54 ± 7.62) (t = 2.775, P = 0.006). Statistically, the annual injury rates were significantly different in three groups on their negative styles of coping (χ(2) = 6.131, P = 0.013). Data from the multivariable negative binomial regression analysis, after adjusted for demographic characteristics, showed no significant difference on the relationship between positive coping style and injury incidence. Those with moderate negative style of coping had lower risks compared to those with highly negative one (IRR = 0.77, 95%CI: 0.63 - 0.94)., Conclusion: Negative ways of coping was an important risk factor for injuries. Data from our research suggested that psychological preventive measure need to be taken to improve the style of coping. It was also important to promote the related personality development in planning the strategies for future prevention on injuries.

Objective: To analyze the characteristic and regular patterns of AEFI after Supplementary Immunization Activity (SIAs) of Measles Attenuated Live Vaccine in Sichuan Province in 2007-2008, to discuss the safety of MV SIAs and measures of reducing occurrence of AEFI., Methods: The descriptive epidemiology analysis on related indexes were conducted., Results: 59 cases of serious AEFI were reported in MV SIAs in 2007-2008. The incidence rate was 4.13/million dosage, and male was higher than female; The incidence between age groups was no significant statistics differences (chi2 = 0.53, P>0.05); people occurrencing serious AEFI within 2 days after vaccination accounted for 3/4. Allergic reaction dominated the clinical damage. Most of the cases were cured., Conclusion: Incidence of serious AEFI after MV SIAs was low. It is safe to conduct MV SIAs. Children of all age groups should be observed within 2 day after vaccination. To guarantee the smooth conduct of MV SIAs, we should strengthen AEFI surveillance and improve the skill for handling with serious AEFI.

Three new lanostane-type triterpenoids having farnesyl hydroquinone moieties, named ganosinensins A-C (1-3), were isolated from the fruiting body of Ganoderma sinense, together with three known lanostane triterpenes, ganodermanontriol, ganoderiol A, and ganoderiol D. The structures of compounds 1-3 were determined by spectroscopic data interpretation.

Objective: To study the genetic polymorphism and intraspecific genetic differentiation of different populations of Pogostemon cablin, and find out the effective method to distinguish DNA fingerprint of different populations of P. cablin., Method: Five plant populations of P. cablin were analyzed by RAPD markers. PopGen 32 software for clustering analysis and calculating. Fourteen of the 80 random primers were tested to possess the stronger detecting effect of polymorphous character., Result: A total of 84 bands was amplified by the 10 primers, among them 17 bands were monomorphic. 67 of them were polymorphic. The results indicated that the genetic variations existed within the different plant populations of the same species., Conclusion: It is feasible by RAPD technique with specifically primer to analyze the genetic diversity and identify 5 plant populations of P. cablin. RAPD technique has provided a new path for identification and classification of P. cablin genetic germplasm.

Objective: To explore the epidemiological characters of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in Sichuan province in order to provide evidence for prevention and control., Methods: To generate data on SARS in Sichuan province through descriptive and analytical studies on time, geographic distribution, population, source of infection, the way of case finding, symptom, diagnosis and treatment of the cases., Results: The peak of the epidemic last from April 16 to May 7. The number of cases in Luzhou and Guangyuan cities took up 60% of the total. Mobile population occupied 68% of the cases. Most of the patients were above the age of 20 with a sex ratio of 1.5:1 (m/f). 80% of the cases had a history of working in Guangdong province and recently returned to their hometowns. The main symptoms and signs of the SARS patients would include fever, cough and chest X-ray changes., Conclusion: All cases were imported. Fluctuation of the epidemics was mainly affected by the mobility of working population who recently returned to their hometowns. Measures concerning the prevention and control of the epidemics would mainly target on the isolation of confirmed and suspected patients who might serve as the sources of infection through setting up quarantine station, assigned hospitals and special 'fever-clinics'.

Water and methanol extracts of 30 Chinese and Mongolian medicinal plants were tested for their human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) inhibitory activity. Of the 60 extracts, 23 showed anti-HIV activity. Bioassay-guided fractionation of one of the most active extracts, the methanol extract of the root tuber of Stephania cepharantha, led to the isolation of two alkaloids, aromoline and FK-3000 as potent inhibitory substances. They completely inhibited the cytopathic effects of HIV-1 on MT-4 cells at 31.3 and 7.8 microg/mL, respectively., (Copyright 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.)