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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]

We firstly report a 2-µm all-fiber nonlinear pulse compressor based on two pieces of normal dispersion fiber (NDF), which enables a high-power scaling ability of watt-level and a high pulse compression ratio of 13.7. With the NDF-based all-fiber nonlinear pulse compressor, the 450-fs laser pulses with a repetition rate of 101.4 MHz are compressed to 35.1 fs, corresponding to a 5.2 optical oscillation cycle at the 2-µm wavelength region. The output average power reaches 1.28 W, which is believed to be the highest value never achieved from the previous 2-µm all-fiber nonlinear pulse compressors with a high pulse repetition rate above 100 MHz. The dynamic evolution of the ultrafast pulse inside the all-fiber nonlinear pulse compressor is numerically analyzed, matching well with the experimental results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine the prevalence and clinical effects of myocardial bridging (MB) in patients with apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (AHCM). Methods: Angiograms from 212 AHCM patients were reviewed to identify MB. The patients were classified into 2 groups: AHCM with and AHCM without MB. We reviewed patient records on cardiovascular (CV) risk factors, symptoms, CV events, and CV mortality. Results: In all, 60 patients with MB and 100 without MB were included. Rates of angina (61.7 vs. 40%; p = 0.008), mimicking non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (15 vs. 3%, p = 0.013), and Canadian Cardiovascular Society class III/IV angina (18.3 vs. 4%; p = 0.003) were higher in patients with MB than in those without. Mean follow-up periods (65.5 ± 50.5 vs. 64.4 ± 43.6 months, p = 0.378) and CV mortality (3.3 vs. 1%; p = 0.652) were similar in the 2 groups. Kaplan-Meier estimates demonstrated that CV event-free survival rates were lower in patients with MB than in those without (71.7 vs. 88%; p = 0.022). MB, late gadolinium enhancement, and female sex were independent risk factors for CV events in a multivariate Cox regression analysis adjusted for other risk factors. Conclusion: More serious symptoms and a higher risk of CV events were observed in AHCM patients with MB than in those without MB. CV mortality was similar in these 2 groups. [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]

A human action recognition system based on image depth is proposed in this paper. Depth information features are not easily disturbed by noise; and due to this characteristic, the system can quickly extract foreground targets. Moreover, the target data, namely, depth and two-dimensional (2D) data, are projected to three orthogonal planes. In this manner, the action featured in the depth motion along the optical axis can clearly describe the trajectory. Based on the change of motion energy and the angle variations of motion orientations, the temporal segmentation (TS) method automatically segments the complex action into several simple movements. Three-dimensional (3D) data is further applied to acquire the three-viewpoint (3V) motion history trajectory, whereby a target's motion is described through the motion history images (MHIs) from the 3Vs. The weightings corresponding to the gradients of the MHIs are included for determining the viewpoint that bests describe the target's motion. In terms of feature extraction, the application of multi-resolution motion history histograms can effectively reduce the computational load and achieve a high recognition rate. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method can effectively solve the self-occlusion problem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Both light scattering and dye adsorbing are important for the power conversion efficiency PCE performance of dye sensitized solar cell (DSSC). Nanostructured scattering layers with a large specific surface area are regarded as an efficient way to improve the PCE by increasing dye adsorbing, but excess adsorbed dye will hinder light scattering and light penetration. Thus, how to balance the dye adsorbing and light penetration is a key problem to improve the PCE performance. Here, multiple-shelled ZnO microspheres with a mesoporous surface are fabricated by a hydrothermal method and are used as scattering layers on the TiO2 photoanode of the DSSC in the presence of N719 dye and iodine-based electrolyte, and the results reveal that the DSSCs based on triple shelled ZnO microsphere with a mesoporous surface exhibit an enhanced PCE of 7.66%, which is 13.0% higher than those without the scattering layers (6.78%), indicating that multiple-shelled microspheres with a mesoporous surface can ensure enough light scattering between the shells, and a favorable concentration of the adsorbed dye can improve the light penetration. These results may provide a promising pathway to obtain the high efficient DSSCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four types of piscidinol A derivatives were synthesized and evaluated their ability to inhibit HIV-1 protease to understand their structure-activity relationships. Of these tirucallane-type triterpene derivatives, an A-secoderivative (1b) moderately inhibited human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) protease (IC5038.2 μM). The 2,2-dimethyl succinic acid (DMS) acylated tirucallane derivatives (4b,6a,and7b, 50 < IC50 < 100 μM) were more inhibitory against HIV-1 PR than the others (PA,2a,4a,4c–4d,5a,6b–6d,and7a, IC50 > 100 μM). These findings indicated that the 2,3-seco-2,3-dioic acid (1b) and DMS-acylated tirucallane-type derivatives preferably inhibited HIV viral protease. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The structure of huperzimine, a novel Lycopodium alkaloid isolated from Huperzia serrata, was deduced from its spectroscopic properties and confirmed using GIAO DFT chemical shift calculations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Conjugates of flavan-3-ols with cysteine or acetylcysteine were prepared. [•] The preparation was simple, and all of the reagents were edible. [•] The conjugates had greater radical-scavenging activity than the flavan-3-ols. [•] The flavan-3-ol-cysteine conjugates were active against α-glucosidase. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] We compared routines-based early intervention vs. traditional home visiting. [•] We examined changes in progress rates in functional and developmental domains. [•] Between-group differences in progress were seen in selected functional domains. [•] Effects seen for functional outcomes with routines-based early intervention. [•] Sustained post-intervention effect for the routines-based early intervention group. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

SUMMARY Introduction: Metformin is one of the most commonly prescribed antihyperglycemic agents for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. However, little is known about the effect of metformin on no-reflow in diabetic patients. Aim: In this study, we investigated retrospectively whether chronic pretreatment with metformin was associated with no-reflow in diabetic patients who underwent primary coronary intervention for acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Results: A total of 154 consecutive diabetic patients who underwent primary angioplasty for a first ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction were studied. No-reflow was defined as a final TIMI flow of ≤2 or final TIMI flow of 3 with a myocardial blush grade of <2. The no-reflow phenomenon was found in 53 of 154 patients. There were no significant differences in clinical characteristics between the patients with and without metformin pretreatment. However, the 65 patients receiving chronic metformin treatment before admission had lower incidence of the no-reflow than those without it (4.2 and 14.6%, P < 0.05). Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that absence of metformin pretreatment was a significant predictor of the no-reflow along with high-burden thrombus, ejection fraction on admission and anterior AMI. Conclusion: These results suggested that chronic pretreatment with metformin may be associated with the reduction of the no-reflow phenomenon in patients with diabetes mellitus after primary angioplasty for AMI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of a fraction of macroporous resin (FMR), a bioactive component of Smilax china L., on benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in castrated rats induced by testosterone propionate. Rats were randomly divided into five groups: the negative control group (sham-operated), the model group, two FMR-treated groups (at doses of 300 mg/kg and 600 mg/kg of body weight), and the positive control group (treated with finasteride at the dose of 3 mg/kg). Drugs were administered once a day for three consecutive weeks by gastric gavage. Prostates were weighed, testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels in serum were determined, and histopathological examinations were carried out. FMR treatment inhibited prostatic hyperplasia, reducing the DHT level in serum and improving the prostate gland morphology compared with the model group. The overall results of this study suggest that FMR is effective at inhibiting experimentally induced prostate enlargement, and it presents a valuable resource for the treatment of human BPH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study established a new, rapid, and accurate method for bioactive compound screening by the combination of serum pharmacochemistry and serum pharmacology based on a spectrum-effect relationship model. HPLC/ESI-Q-TOF-MS was used for the chemical profiling of samples of dosed plasma, control plasma, and Radix Aconiti Lateralis decoction. A comparison was made of the resulting chemical profiles, which totaled 20 compounds including 16 prototype compounds and 4 metabolites derived from SF decoction that were detected as potential bioactive components. Using MS/MS analysis and accurate molecular weight assessments of TOF, 17 components in 20 potential bioactive compounds were structurally identified. Moreover, the pretreated plasma samples were injected into venous sinus of isolated toad hearts to investigate the cardio-toxicity according to heart ratio (HR) situation and electrocardiograph (ECG) parameters, including PR interval, QRS interval, and QT interval. Finally, 4 compounds in these 20 potential bioactive components that had closest correlation with 4 cardio-toxic experimental indexes respectively were investigated by spectrum-effect relationship model for the first time. The 4 compounds were considered as the real cardio-toxic components. This study proposed a series of potential bioactive components in Radix Aconiti Lateralis and provided a general research pattern to identify the potential bioactivity compounds in Chinese herbs or natural pharmacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of a fraction of macroporous resin (FMR), a bioactive component of Smilax china L., on benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in castrated rats induced by testosterone propionate. Rats were randomly divided into five groups: the negative control group (sham-operated), the model group, two FMR-treated groups (at doses of 300 mg/kg and 600 mg/kg of body weight), and the positive control group (treated with finasteride at the dose of 3 mg/kg). Drugs were administered once a day for three consecutive weeks by gastric gavage. Prostates were weighed, testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels in serum were determined, and histopathological examinations were carried out. FMR treatment inhibited prostatic hyperplasia, reducing the DHT level in serum and improving the prostate gland morphology compared with the model group. The overall results of this study suggest that FMR is effective at inhibiting experimentally induced prostate enlargement, and it presents a valuable resource for the treatment of human BPH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The structure of family interaction relationship types and the differences of parent-child interactions based on parent-child samples in Taiwan were examined in this study. Eight interaction relationship types were examined; empathy, constraint, compromise, acquiescence, conflict, camouflage, indifference, and defensiveness. No significant differences were found in the family interaction relationship types between sons and daughters. Mothers were found to show more empathy than fathers in family interaction relationships; while children show more constraint, compromise, and acquiescence than parents, which all contribute to harmonious family interaction relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: New derivatives of caffeic acid and quinic acid were synthesized and their anti-fungal and inhibitory activities on fungal 1,3-β-glucan synthase were determined in comparison with those of the corresponding chlorogenic acid derivatives. All the chlorogenic, quinic and caffeic acid derivatives that were coupled with an H2N-orn-4-(octyloxy) aniline group (1, 1b and 1c) displayed potent activities in both anti-fungal and inhibition of 1,3-glucan synthase assays. Compounds 1 and 1c inhibited the fungal membrane enzyme with the potency comparable to that of a known 1,3-β-d-glucan synthase inhibitor, aculeacin A. The results revealed that the anti-fungal activity of the chlorogenic acid derivative with a free amino group was at least partly due to inhibition of the fungal 1,3-β-glucan synthase. These results suggest that further investigation on caffeic acid derivatives may lead to the discovery of novel anti-fungal agents with drug-like properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In our continued research on chlorogenic acid analogues and derivatives with improved bioactivity, we have synthesized some caffeoyl 5,6-anhydroquinic acid derivatives. The 1,7 acetonides of chlorogenic acid (15), and of the mono-caffeoyl 5,6-anhydroquinic acids (7–8) showed appreciable anti-HIV activity. The 3,4-dicaffeoyl 5,6-anhydroquinic acid (12) exhibited an anti-HIV activity twice as that of 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid (22). The caffeoyl 5,6-anhydroquinic acid derivatives displayed potent anti-oxidant activities. The mono-caffeoyl 5,6-anhydroquinic acids (10–11) were more than twice stronger than chlorogenic acid (21) on SOD-like activity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Flavan-3-ol oligomers from the stems of Cynomorium songaricum were found to show potent SOD-like activity with one of the dimers being most potent. The flavan-3-ols also showed inhibitory activity on α-glucosidase, implying the beneficial effects of this herb on diabetes patients. The total (extractable and non-extractable) tannin content of this herb was found to be as high as 18.3%. The contents of catechin, flavan-3-ol oligomers and extractable tannins using 70% acetone, methanol or water were analysed. It was found that 70% acetone was the most efficient extract solvent amongst these three solvents, especially for higher flavan-3-ol oligomers. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: 2,3-Seco-dioic acids derived from four different triterpene skeletons were prepared and evaluated for their anti-HIV-1 protease activity. Two A-seco derivatives showed potent inhibitory activity against HIV-1 protease (3c and 3e, IC50 5.7 and 3.9μM, respectively), while four other derivatives showed moderate to weak inhibition (3a, 3b, 3d and 3f, IC50 15.7–88.1μM). The combination of a 2,3-seco-2,3-dioic acid functional group in ring A and a free acid group at C-28 or C-30 significantly enhanced HIV-1 protease inhibitory activity (3a, 3c–3e, IC50 3.9–17.6μM). On the other hand, all A-seco derivatives were found to be very weak inhibitors of HCV, renin and trypsin proteases (IC50 >80μM). These findings indicate that A-seco triterpenes with a carboxyl group at C-28 or C-30 are novel and highly selective HIV-1 protease inhibitors. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We synthesized dammarane-type triterpene derivatives and evaluated their ability to inhibit HIV-1 and HCV proteases to understand their structure–activity relationships. All of the mono- and di-succinyl derivatives (5a–5f) were powerful inhibitors of HIV-1 protease (IC50 <10μM). However, only di-succinyl (5e) and 2,3-seco-2,3-dioic acid (3b) derivatives similarly inhibited HCV protease (IC50 <10μM). A-nor dammarane-type triterpenes (4a and 4b, IC50 10.0 and 29.9μM, respectively) inhibited HIV-1 protease moderately or strongly, but were inactive against HCV protease. All compounds that powerfully inhibited HIV-1 or HCV protease did not appreciably inhibit the general human proteases, renin and trypsin (IC50 >1000μM). These findings indicated that the mono-succinyl dammarane type derivatives (5a–5d) selectively inhibited HIV-1 protease and that the di-succinyl (5e, 5f) as well as 2,3-seco-2,3-dioic acid (3b) derivatives preferably inhibited both viral proteases. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Chromosome 10p terminal deletion accounts for a rare subset among patients presenting with DiGeorge syndrome, and is designated as DiGeorge 2 syndrome. We report a neonate with DiGeorge-like phenotype having a deletion of distal 10p (p13-pter) and a duplication of terminal 3q (q29-qter) derived from paternal balanced translocation between 3q29 and 10p13. She had facial dysmorphism, atrial and ventricular septal defect, impaired T-cell function, hypoparathyroidism, sensorineural hearing loss, renal abnormalities and developmental delay. Her phenotype corresponded well with the typical characteristics of partial monosomy 10p and the small duplication of terminal 3q did not involve the critical region of 3q duplication syndrome. Clinically, hypoparathyroidism-related hypocalcemia lasted for three weeks and resulted in repeated episodes of heart failure. It was not until the calcium level was normalized that her heart failure improved markedly. Conclusion: Cytogenetic analysis can help to recognize patients early on who have terminal 10p deletion when microdeletion of 22q11.2 is not the cause of DiGeorge syndrome. Hypoparathyroidism-related hypocalcemia impacts heart failure control in partial monosomy 10p and should be managed aggressively on critical care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

α-Glucosidases play important roles in the digestion of carbohydrates and biosynthesis of viral envelope glycoproteins. Inhibitors of α-glucosidase are promising candidates for the development of antitype II diabetics and anti-AIDS drugs. Here, we report the synthesis and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity of mono- and diketal/acetal derivatives of chlorogenic acid. The diketal derivatives showed more potent inhibitory activity than the monoketals. The 1,7-(5-nonanone) 3,4-(5-nonanone)-chlorogenic acid diketal showed remarkable inhibitory activity against α-glucosidases with potency better than that of 1-deoxynojirimycin hydrochloride. Four diasteremers of pelargonaldehyde diacetal and two of monoacetal derivatives of chlorogenic acid were synthesized in this study. They showed significant potent inhibition similar to or more potent than the ketal counterparts. Acetals with the alkyl chain oriented toward position 2 of chlorogenic acid showed more potent activity than those oriented toward position 6. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Three triterpenoids, 16β-hydroxy-2,3-seco-lup-20(29)-ene-2,3-dioic acid (1), 3β,21β,24-trihydroxy-30-noroleana-12,20(29)-dien-28-oic acid (2) and 16β-hydroxylupane-1,20(29)-dien-3-one (3), along with eleven known triterpenes were isolated from stems of Stauntonia obovatifoliola Hayata subsp. intermedia (Y.C. Wu) T. Chen. Their structures were determined by analysis of HR-EI/FAB-MS and 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic data and comparison with those in the literature. Ten of the compounds showed inhibitory activity against HIV-1 protease. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Derivatives of chlorogenic acid or its analogues were synthesized by coupling protected chlorogenic acid or its analogues with p-octyloxyaniline and selected amino acids. Most of the compounds exhibited significant potency against Cryptococcus neoformans and Candida species with low toxicity to brine shrimps. The 4,5-dihydroxyl groups in the quinic acid moiety were necessary for the activity and introduction of a free amino group increased the inhibitory activity against Aspergillus fumigatus. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Hepatitis delta virus (HDV) requires the surface antigens of hepatitis B virus (HBV) for packaging and transmission, but replicates its RNA in an HBV-independent fashion. HDV contains a 1.7-kb circular RNA genome that is folded into an unbranched rod-like structure via intramolecular base-pairing, and possesses ribozyme activity. The HDV genome does not encode an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), but is instead replicated by host RNA polymerase(s) via a rolling-circle mechanism. As such, HDV is similar to the viroid plant pathogens. Recent findings suggest that HDV can also undergo template-switching recombination, a well-documented process that has been found in a large number of RdRp-encoding RNA viruses and is thought to affect viral evolution and pathogenesis. This mini-review examines HDV RNA recombination and how it may improve our understanding of the capacities of host RNA polymerases beyond typical DNA-directed transcription, and speculates on the role of host RNA polymerase-directed RNA template-switching in the origin of HDV. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A simple and sensitive isocratic liquid chromatographic method was developed for the analysis of isovaleric and valeric acids in human urine as biomarkers in metabolic acidosis. The method is based on the derivatization of isovaleric and valeric acids with a fluorescent reagent 2-(2-naphthoxy)ethyl-2-(piperidino)ethanesulfonate for labeling the analytes with the naphthoxy fluorophore. The resulting fluorescent derivatives of isovaleric and valeric acids were separated on a phenyl-hexyl column, using a mixed solvent of methanol–water–tetrahydrofuran (55:31:14, v/v) as the mobile phase. The separated derivatives were monitored with a fluorimetric detector (excitation at 225nm and emission at 360nm). The linear range of the method for the determination of isovaleric acid or valeric acid derivative was over 0.2∼8.0μM. The detection limit (signal to noise ratio=3 with 10μl injected) of isovaleric acid or valeric acid was about 0.04μM. Application of the method to the analysis of isovaleric acid in the urine of a patient with isovaleric acidemia proved feasible. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: It was reported previously that hepatitis delta virus (HDV), the only animal virus in which replication is performed by cellular RNA polymerase(s), undergoes RNA recombination. However, the previous RNA transfection system was somewhat limited in terms of practical application. Cultured cells were transfected with plasmids expressing replication-competent genotypes I and IIb HDV genomic RNAs to develop a better system for studying the fundamental aspects of HDV RNA recombination and HDV-related RNA species were examined using restriction fragment length polymorphisms and sequence analysis of cloned RT-PCR products. This novel experimental system generated efficiently recombinants between the two parental HDV sequences, but not between replication-defective HDV constructs. The genome organization of the HDV recombinants produced in this system resembled that observed previously in cultured cells co-transfected with genome I and IIb RNAs. These data indicate that replication-dependent HDV RNA recombination can be catalyzed by host RNA polymerases in cultured cells co-transfected with two cloned HDV sequences. This new DNA-based system is simpler than the previous RNA-based method of study, and generates a higher recombination frequency, facilitating study of HDV RNA recombination. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A gene, mtgA, encoding transglutaminase (TGase) in Streptomyces platensis M5218 was cloned and expressed in Streptomyces lividans. The mtgA gene consisted of an open reading frame of 1254 nucleotides encoding a protein of 418 amino acids with a calculated molecular weight of 46,511Da. The deduced amino acid sequence shows 69.3–77.7% identity to TGases from Streptoverticillium spp., but exhibits less than 35% identity with TGases of Bacillus subtilis and eukaryotic origins. The putative active site, YGCVG, conserved in Streptoverticillium TGases is also present in MtgA. SDS-PAGE and immunoblotting analyses revealed that an intensively stained protein band with a size corresponding to that of mature TGase was present in the culture supernatant of the recombinant strain. The result suggests that the recombinant MtgA may be highly expressed and correctly processed during secretion in the transformed S. lividans JT46. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Ursolic acid and 2α-hydroxyursolic acid isolated from apple peels were found to show growth inhibitory activity against four tumor cell lines, HL-60, BGC, Bel-7402 and Hela. Structural modifications were performed on the C-3, C-28 and C-11 positions of ursolic acid and the cytotoxicity of the derivatives was evaluated. The SAR revealed that the triterpenes possessing two hydrogen-bond forming groups (an H-donor and a carbonyl group) at positions 3 and 28 exhibit cytotoxic activity. The configuration at C-3 was found to be important for the activity. Introduction of an amino group increased the cytotoxicity greatly. A 3β-amino derivative was 20 times more potent than the parent ursolic acid. The 28-aminoalkyl dimer compounds showed selective cytotoxicity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A gene, tgB1, encoding transglutaminase (TGase) in Streptoverticillium ladakanum B1 was cloned and expressed in Streptomyces lividans. The tgB1 gene consisted of an open reading frame of 1230 nucleotides encoding a protein of 410 amino acids with a calculated molecular weight of 45 780 Da. The deduced amino acid sequence is highly homologous to TGases from Streptoverticillium spp. but exhibits little homology with TGases of Bacillus subtilis and mammalian origins. The putative active site, YGCVG, conserved in Streptoverticillium TGases is also present in TgB1. No −10 and −35 regions of the putative promoter could be identified. Two A+T-rich regions, characteristics of a promoter sequence, were found at bp 238–269 and bp 631–681. The tgB1 gene was expressed in S. lividans JT46 under the control of its endogenous promoter. Immunoblotting of SDS-PAGE revealed that, in addition to protein bands with sizes corresponding to those of the unprocessed and mature TgB1, several bands with sizes in between reacting with anti-TgB1 IgG were present in the culture supernatant of the recombinant strain. This suggests that the recombinant TgB1 was not correctly processed during secretion in the transformed S. lividans JT46. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Analysis of hepatitis delta virus (HDV) genome sequences has revealed multiple genotypes with different geographical distributions and associated disease patterns. To date, replication-competent cDNA clones of HDV genotypes I, II, and III have been reported. HDV genotypes I, II, and IIb have been found in Taiwan. Although full-length sequences of genotype IIb have been published, its replication competence in cultured cells has yet to be reported. In order to examine this, we obtained a full-length cDNA clone, Taiwan-IIb-1, from a Taiwanese HDV genotype IIb isolate. Comparison of the complete nucleic acid sequence of Taiwan-IIb-1 with previously published genotype IIb isolates indicated that Taiwan-IIb-1 shares 98% identity with another Taiwanese isolate and 92% identity with a Japanese isolate. Transfection of Taiwan-IIb-1 into COS7 cells resulted in accumulation of the HDV genome and appearance of delta antigens, showing that cloned HDV genotype IIb can replicate in cultured cells. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Hepatitis delta virus (HDV), an RNA virus with two forms of the delta antigen (HDAg), relies on hepatitis B virus (HBV) for envelope proteins essential for hepatocyte entry. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) ranks third in global cancer deaths, yet HDV's involvement remains uncertain. Among 300 HBV-associated HCC serum samples from Taiwan's National Health Research Institutes, 2.7% (8/300) tested anti-HDV positive, with 62.7% (5/8) of these also HDV RNA positive. Genotyping revealed HDV-2 in one sample, HDV-4 in two, and two samples showed mixed HDV-2/HDV-4 infection with RNA recombination. A mixed-genotype infection revealed novel mutations at the polyadenylation signal, coinciding with the ochre termination codon for the L-HDAg. To delve deeper into the possible oncogenic properties of HDV-2, the predominant genotype in Taiwan, which was previously thought to be less associated with severe disease outcomes, an HDV-2 cDNA clone was isolated from HCC for study. It demonstrated a replication level reaching up to 74% of that observed for a widely used HDV-1 strain in transfected cultured cells. Surprisingly, both forms of HDV-2 HDAg promoted cell migration and invasion, affecting the rearrangement of actin cytoskeleton and the expression of epithelial–mesenchymal transition markers. In summary, this study underscores the prevalence of HDV-2, HDV-4, and their mixed infections in HCC, highlighting the genetic diversity in HCC as well as the potential role of both forms of the HDAg in HCC oncogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The stems of Cynomorium songaricum are used in traditional Chinese medicine as a tonic and also used locally as a food material and livestock feed. It is known that some of the falvan‐3‐ol monomers and dimers that entered the milk of dairy sheep fed with C. songaricum stems are biotransformation products of the original flavan‐3‐ol polymers in C. songaricum stems. This study was performed to investigate the biotransformation process of the flavan‐3‐ols in dairy sheep and to evaluate the bioactivities. The results showed that procyanidin A2 and epicatechin could be released from the polymeric flavan‐3‐ols of C. songaricum through rumen microbial metabolism. On traumatic and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced inflammation models of Tg (mpx: EGFP) zebrafish larvae and LPS‐induced liver injury models of Tg (fabp10a: DsRed) zebrafish larvae, the milk from sheep fed with C. songaricum stems showed stronger anti‐inflammatory and hepatoprotective activities compared to blank milk. The absorbed chemical constituents of C. songaricum stems and the metabolites also exhibited anti‐inflammatory and hepatoprotective activities, with the dimeric flavan‐3‐ols being more effective than the monomers. The milk, the absorbed chemical constituents of C. songaricum stems, and the metabolites alleviated the increased level of reactive oxygen species induced by LPS in zebrafish larvae. Practical Application: This study found that C. songaricum stems as livestock feed could produce milk that has a beneficial impact on consumer and livestock health in terms of anti‐inflammation and hepatoprotection. [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: Aicardi syndrome (AS) is a rare neuro-ophthalmic disorder first described by Jean Aicardi in 1965 with a characteristic triad of corpus callosal agenesis (CCA), chorioretinal lacunae (CRL), and infantile spasms (IS). All known cases of AS have been sporadic and a responsible gene has not been identified. With 5 exceptional males, potential X-linked dominant genetic mutation characterizes AS occurring almost exclusively in girls. Most of male AS cases were still debatable in diagnosis either for their 46 XY karyotype or too atypical presentations to fit the formerly stricter diagnostic criteria. We report a 47, XXY male neonate presenting some undisputable, but otherwise some regarded as atypical features in AS. We compare his distinctively clinical pictures with previously reported male cases and find CRL is less pathognomonic and lissencephaly appears frequently among male AS. Because of insufficient genetic and biochemical markers for definite diagnosis at this moment, we suggest the experience of a relatively rare male case would help to shed light on the underlying genetic pathogenesis of AS. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG) and tracheloside (TCL) are the main lignan components of flaxseed cake and safflower seed cake, which are by‐products of oil extraction. Both SDG and TCL are metabolized into mammalian lignan enterolactone (EL) with the involvement of intestinal bacteria. In this research, we evaluated the anti‐osteoporosis effects of SDG and the in vivo metabolites EL and enterodiol (ED) prepared in our previous work, as well as the newly isolated chemical constituents from safflower seed, including TCL, the lactone ring opening product of TCL (OTCL) and two alkaloids on the alloxan‐induced zebrafish model. All the compounds showed significant anti‐osteoporosis effects at 80 µM, with p < 0.05 for EL and p < 0.001 for other compounds compared with the model. SDG and TCL showed the most significant and concentration‐dependent effects, with p < 0.001 compared with model at 20 µM. The alkaloids, N‐coumaroylserotonin glucoside and N‐feruloylserotonin glucoside, also showed anti‐osteoporosis at 20 µM with p < 0.01, whereas EL, ED, and OTCL showed no significant effects. Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction revealed that SDG and TCL upregulated the expression of osteogenic genes Runx2, SP7, OPG, Col1a1a, Alp, ON, OPN, and OCN in alloxan‐treated zebrafish. The in vivo metabolite of lignans, EL, showed significant anti‐inflammatory effect (p < 0.01) at 20 µM, which might also help to combat osteoporosis and other complications caused by excessive immune response in the body. The results provided scientific data for using the oil extraction by‐products as sources of anti‐osteoporosis compounds. Practical Application: This study found that lignans in flaxseed cake and safflower seed cake exhibited anti‐osteoporosis effects by upregulating the expression of osteogenic genes, making the oil extraction by‐products sources of anti‐osteoporosis compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To determine the prevalence and determinants of abnormal bone metabolism among Han Chinese diabetes patients. Methods: Epidemiological characteristics, anthropometry, densitometry, clinical parameters, and pathological examinations of 335 Han Chinese type 1 and type 2 diabetes patients were analyzed in relation to bone densitometry. Results: A total of 86 patients (25 %) were normal (T-score or Z-score of -1 or higher), while 259 patients (75 %) had abnormal bone metabolism (T-score or Z-score less than -1). Among the 259 patients with abnormal bone metabolism, 15 (4 %) had fracture-liable fragility (T-score or Z-score below -3), 112 (32 %) had osteoporosis (T-score or Z-score below -2.5), while 132 (39 %) had osteopenia (Tscore or Z-score between -1 to -2.5). Age > 50 years (p = 0.0411), female sex (p = 0.0391), low body mass index (p = 0.0331), long duration of diabetes (p = 0.0291), low waist-to-hip ratio (p = 0.0336), treatment with metformin or Chinese traditional medicine or insulin (p = 0.0395), abnormal levels of pathological parameters (p = 0.0397), and HbA1c ≥ 7 (p = 0.0123) were independent risk factors for abnormal bone metabolism. Conclusion: Han Chinese individuals have a risk of abnormal bone metabolism in the diabetic state. Older people, women, patients who took metformin or Chinese traditional medicine or insulin treatment, individuals with abnormal pathological parameters, and those with HbA1c ≥ 7, had reduced bone mineral density. Body mass index and waist-to-hip ratio were protective against abnormal bone metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The flavan‐3‐ols of 10 primarily plant food byproducts, including Muscat Hamburg grape seed, hawthorn sarcocarp, litchi pericarp, cocoa bean, peanut skin, lotus seedpod, Xinyang Maojian green tea, Cinnamomi cortex, Sargentodoxa cuneata stem, and Cyperus esculentus, leaves were analyzed. Ultrahigh‐performance liquid chromatography–triple quadrupole mass spectrometry was used for the analysis. Cyperus esculentus leaves contained a high amount of procyanidin B1 (198.9 mg/100 g), second only to Muscat Hamburg grape seed (292.9 mg/100 g). Unlike grape seed that contained several procyanidin B isomers with very similar retention times, C. esculentus leaves contained primarily procyanidin B1 with few isomers. Procyanidin B1 was enriched in the ethyl acetate fraction of a 70% methanol extract of C. esculentus leaves and purified at 95% purity by two runs of open column chromatography. Direct chromatography of the plant extract on octadecylsilane and Sephadex LH20 open columns improved the yield of the resultant leaf procyanidin B1 (95% purity) to 0.21‰. The present research demonstrated that the leaves of C. esculentus, byproducts of tigernut, are ideal plant sources for isolating and providing high‐purity procyanidin B1. Practical Application: Procyanidin B1 has a broad range of health benefits. Cyperus esculentus is cultivated in many countries with nearly 6190 square hectares (hm2) in the Spanish Mediterranean region in 2020–2021 and over 16,700 hm2 in China in recent years, primarily for its tubers. The byproducts, the leaves of C. esculentus, contain high levels of procyanidin B1, with few isomers that interfere with its isolation and purification. Thus, the leaves of this plant provide a viable source for preparing high‐purity procyanidin B1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Data on the risk of ischemic stroke and systemic embolism (iSSE) events in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF), a CHADS-VASc score of ≤1, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), and without anticoagulant therapy are still lacking. The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence of iSSE events in these patients. We consecutively screened medical records of patients with HCM and NVAF referred to Fuwai Hospital between January 1994 and March 2014. The primary end point was iSSE events, defined as a composite of ischemic stroke and systemic embolism. Follow-up was carried out to ascertain end point status. Medical records of 522 patients with NVAF and HCM were screened. A total of 108 patients (20.7 %) with a CHADS-VASc score of ≤1 and without anticoagulant therapy were enrolled and constituted our study population. After a median follow-up of 2.4 years (range 0.6-14.1 years; 376.2 patient-years), ischemic stroke occurred in 2 patients, resulting in death of 1 patient in the first year and paralysis of the other patient in the fourth year. No other iSSE events occurred. The incidence of iSSE was 0.9 % [95 % confidence interval (CI) 0.0-5.0 %] in the first year, and 0.5 % per 100 patient-years (95 % CI 0.1-1.9 %). The risk of iSSE events seems low in patients with NVAF, a CHADS-VASc score of ≤1, HCM, and without anticoagulant therapy. Multicenter studies with sizeable study populations are needed to validate the risk of iSSE events in these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cynomorium songaricum is a traditional medicine and also a food material that is eaten raw or processed as tea or beverages. As a featured plant in semi-desert grasslands, C. songaricum is also eaten by the cattle and sheep in the area. This research study fed dairy sheep C. songaricum to determine the flavan-3-ols in sheep milk. Catechin (Cat), epicatechin (Epi), procyanidin A1 (A1), procyanidin A2 (A2), and procyanidin B1 (B1) were detected in sheep milk with the concentration being Epi > A2 > Cat > B1 > A1 at 24 h after the administration of C. songaricum. Neither A1 nor A2 were detected in the methanol extract of C. songaricum. Cysteine degradation of the plant revealed that in addition to Epi, A2 was the extending unit of the polymeric flavan-3-ols in C. songaricum , indicating that A2 is released digestively from the polymers and enters the milk. Procyanidin B-1 was converted to A1 on incubation in raw but not heated milk, indicating that the A1 in milk is the enzymatically transformed product of B1. Accelerated oxidation showed that the flavan-3-ols, B1, Cat, and Epi significantly protects the unsaturated triacyglycerols in the milk from oxidation. The flavan-3-ol could slow down the oxidation of glutathione and the latter may play an important role in preventing the milk triglycerides from oxidation. Flavan-3-ols are polyphenols with many health benefits. The present research revealed the antioxidant activities of flavan-3-ols that could be absorbed to sheep milk, adding new evidences for the values of these flavan-3-ols and for the milk. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new hydrolysable tannins, chebumeinin A ( 1 ) and chebumeinin B ( 2 ), together with eight known related compounds ( 3-10 ), were isolated from the fruits of Terminalia chebula . The new compounds were structurally determined by analysis of their spectroscopic data and the known compounds characterized by comparing their spectroscopic data with literature values. All isolates were evaluated by an HCV protease inhibition assay, and some compounds were found to be potently active. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sepsis is frequently complicated by neuroinflammation. Gibberellic acid (GA3) is recognized for its anti-inflammatory properties. In this study, our objective was to investigate whether GA3 could alleviate Nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) -dependent inflammatory stress in sepsis-induced neuroinflammation. C57BL/6 J mice were administered 10 mg/kg lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to induce sepsis. BV2 cells were pre-incubated with GA3 and subjected lipopolysaccharide stimulation to replicate the inflammatory microglia during sepsis. Subsequently, we assessed the release of IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β, along with the expression of Zbtb16 , NF-κB, and IκB. To investigate whether any observed anti-inflammatory effects of GA3 were mediated through a Zbtb16 -dependent mechanism, Zbtb16 was silenced using siRNA. GA3 improved the survival of sepsis mice and alleviated post-sepsis cognitive impairment. Additionally, GA3 attenuated microglial M1 activation (pro-inflammatory phenotype), inflammation, and neuronal damage in the brain. Moreover, GA3 inhibited the release of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β in microglia stimulated with LPS. The NF-κB signaling pathway emerged as one of the key molecular pathways associated with the impact of GA3 on LPS-stimulated microglia. Lastly, GA3 upregulated Zbtb16 expression in microglia that had been downregulated by LPS. The inhibitory effects of GA3 on microglial M1 activation were partially reversed through siRNA knockdown of Zbtb16. Pre-incubation of microglia with GA3 led to the upregulation of the NF-κB regulator, Zbtb16. This process counteracted LPS-induced microglial M1 activation, resulting in an anti-inflammatory effect upon subsequent LPS stimulation. [Display omitted] • GA3 enhances the survival of sepsis mice and mitigates post-sepsis cognitive impairment. • GA3 suppresses LPS-stimulated inflammatory responses and mitigates injury in microglial. • GA3 impedes LPS-induced microglial M1 activation. • GA3 upregulates Zbtb16 , to counteract LPS-induced microglial M1 activation and the subsequent release of inflammatory factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The 3.2-kb TaqI-produced fragment of the CYP21A1P pseudogene and the 3.7-kb TaqI-produced fragment of the functional CYP21A2 gene exist on chromosome 6p21.3. We used the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) product and Southern blot method with TaqI endonuclease digestion to identify a chimeric RCCX module in two unrelated patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). After TaqI cleavage, the PCR product analysis revealed that patient 1 with the chimeric CYP21A1P/CYP21A2 gene in one allele and IVS2-12A/C>G in combination with the 707-714del mutation in the other allele produced a configuration of 3.2- and 2.4-kb fragments. Patient 2, who carried IVS2-12A/C>G in combination with the 707-714del mutation in one allele and the chimeric TNXA/TNXB gene in the other allele, presented with 3.2- and 2.3-kb fragments. However, Southern blot analysis showed that patients 1 and 2 produced 3.2-, 2.4-, and 2.5-kb fragments. We conclude that the chimeric CYP21A1P/CYP21A2 gene, IVS2-12A/C>G in combination with the 707-714del mutation, and the chimeric TNXA/TNXB gene cannot be distinguished by the Southern blot method. Conversely, the chimeric TNXA/TNXB gene was identified in the PCR product analysis due to the appearance of the 2.37-kb fragment, which indicates the occurrence of the chimeric TNXA/TNXB formation extending to the boundary of TNXA in the RCCX region. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Crouzon syndrome is one of the most common craniofacial syndromes and is inherited as autosomal dominant with variable expression.We report an 11 and a half-year-old boy with Crouzon syndrome with severe growth retardation.He had hydrocephalus since infancy and recently suffered from frequent dizziness. His bone age was only 5 years according to the Greulich and Pyle atlas. Magnetic resonance imaging showed shallow orbits, obstructive hydrocephalus, and cerebellar tonsil herniation. Growth hormone provocative tests revealed a reduced peak growth hormone response in both insulin and clonidine tests. Severe iron deficiency anemia was noted at the same time.Molecular analysis identified a common mutation point of Cys278Phe for Crouzon syndrome in exon IIIa of the fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) gene. Since growth retardation is not a common feature of Crouzon syndrome, we reviewed the literature for the incidence of hydrocephalus in Crouzon syndrome and the association with growth hormone deficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Docosanoic (C22), tetracosanoic (C24) and hexacosanoic (C26) acids are saturated very-long-chain fatty acids (VLCFA) present at trace levels in biosamples. VLCFA can be used as potential biomarkers for the diagnosis of hereditary diseases such as X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy. Because the analytes to be detected are at trace levels, a sensitive fluorimetric liquid chromatographic method was developed to analyze VLCFA in plasma. The method is simple based on extracting VLCFA from plasma with toluene, and the obtained toluene extract was subject to the derivatization of VLCFA with a fluorescent reagent 2-(2-naphthoxy)ethyl-2-(piperidino)ethanesulfonate (NOEPES) without solvent evaporation/replacement. The resulting fluorescent derivatives were monitored by fluorimetric detection (excitation at 225nm and emission at 360nm), giving a high sensitivity with the limit of detection about 5.0nM (S/N=3, 10μL injected) of the analytes. Application of the method to the analysis of VLCFA in the plasma of patients with adrenoleukodystrophy proved practical and effective. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Distribution of ascorbate into tissues is an essential process in ascorbate antioxidant defense. Hibernating animals are studied as a model of tolerance to ischemia–reperfusion because of their tolerance to fluctuations in blood flow associated with prolonged torpor and periodic arousal episodes. Throughout hibernation, plasma ascorbate concentration ([Asc]p) repetitively increases during torpor, then falls during periodic arousal bouts. We previously proposed that high [Asc]p provides a ready source of antioxidant protection for distribution to the central nervous system and peripheral tissues during arousal. Here we tested whether deliberate oxidation of plasma ascorbate by intravenous administration of ascorbate oxidase (AO), prior to arousal, compromised tissue levels of ascorbate or the other water-soluble antioxidants, glutathione (GSH) and urate. Although AO decreased [Asc]p to below the level of detection during torpor and after arousal, ascorbate oxidation did not decrease post-arousal tissue levels of reduced ascorbate, glutathione, or urate in any tissue examined, except liver. The data imply that ascorbate is taken up equally well into brain and other tissues as either ascorbate or its oxidized product dehydroascorbate, with subsequent intracellular reduction of dehydroascorbate. Lack of effect of ascorbate oxidation on tissue levels of GSH or urate indicates that dehydroascorbate uptake and reduction do not compromise tissue concentrations of these other water-soluble antioxidants. Thus, we show equal availability of reduced and oxidized plasma ascorbate during metabolically demanding thermogenesis and reperfusion associated with arousal from hibernation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A new compound, named trollioside, together with nine known compounds, proglobeflowery acid, isoswertisin, isoswertiajaponin, cirsimaritin, veratric acid, vitexin, orientin, β-sitosterol and daucosterol, were isolated from the ethanol extract of the dried flowers of Trollius chinensis Bunge. The isolation and structural determination of these compounds are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AMP-activated kinase (AMPK) is a fuel-sensing enzyme present in most mammalian tissue. In response to a decrease in the energy state of a cell AMPK is phosphorylated and activated by still poorly characterized upstream events. Exposure of bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAEC) to chemically synthesized ONOO[sup -] acutely and significantly increased phosphorylation of c-Src, PDK1, AMPK, and its downstream target, acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), without affecting cellular AMP. This novel pathway for AMPK activation was confirmed by the use of pharmacological inhibitors and dominant-negative mutants. Exposure of BAEC to hypoxia-reoxygenation (H/R) caused a biphasic increase in AMPK and ACC phosphorylation, which was prevented by adenoviral overexpression of superoxide dismutase (SOD) or inhibition of nitric-oxide synthase (NOS) implicating a role of ONOO[sup -] formed during H/R. Furthermore, dominant-negative mutants of c-Src or kinase-defective PDK1 also blocked H/R-induced AMPK activation indicating that, as with addition of exogenous ONOO[sup -], both c-Src and PI 3-kinase are upstream of AMPK. Moreover, H/R, like ONOO[sup -], significantly increased co-immunoprecipitation of AMPK with c-Src, suggesting that ONOO[sup -] favors physical association of AMPK with upstream kinases. Taken together, our results indicate a novel pathway by which H/R via ONOO[sup -] activates AMPK in a c-Src-mediated, PI 3-kinase-dependent mannet, and suggest that ONOO[sup -]-induced activation of AMPK might thereby regulate metabolic enzymes, such as ACC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]