Objective To investigate the changes of global gene expression during bone marrow recovery period following sublethal ionizing radiation (IR) in mice. Methods The mice were exposed to 4 Gy of 60Co γ irradiation, and RNA samples were extracted from bone marrow cells at day 0, 3, 7, 11 and 21 after irradiation and were subjected to microarray analysis for identifying differentially expressed genes. Multiple bioinformatics analyses, including clustering analysis, gene ontology (GO) analysis, and dynamic gene network analysis, were conducted to identify key hub genes, pathways and biological processes during bone marrow recovery phase. Analysis was also made for the protein of the identified hub genes. Results Compared with non-IR stimulation group, 1 302 differential genes were identified by global gene expression profiling of the irradiation-damaged bone marrow. Clustering and GO analyses revealed that the immune response (especially hematopoiesis) associated genes played a critical role in the body function recovery after IR injury. Twenty-five of the differential genes were defined as the hub genes participating in two pathways including immune response and transcription/nucleosome assembly. Key node CCL3 improved the proliferation of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) by spontaneous down-regulation and increased degradation by CtsG. Conclusion The 25 genes identified by microarray analysis and bioinformatics analyses may play critical roles in recovery phase after IR. Key node CCL3 may increase the proliferation of HSCs by spontaneous down-regulation and increase of protein hydrolyzation.

Objective: To evaluate the antibacterial activity of eight plants against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), extended spectrum beta-lactamase and carbapenemase-resistant Enterobacteriaceae, which are the most prevalent causes of infections in inpatients. Methods: The antibacterial activity was calculated based on the minimum inhibitory concentration using Mueller-Hinton broth in a microdilution method. Results: The best antibacterial activity, calculated as minimum inhibitory concentration values, against MRSA was shown by the Kaempferia pandurata (Roxb) (K. pandurata) extract (256 μg/mL) and the Senna alata (S. alata) extract (512 μg/mL). Phytochemical screening of dried S. alata leaf and its extract showed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, quinones, tannins and sterols, while dried K. pandurata and its extract only showed the presence of flavonoids and sterols/triterpenoids. Conclusions: K. pandurata and S. alata have the potential to be developed as antibacterial agents, especially against MRSA strain, but further in vivo research and discovery of the mode of its action are still needed to shed light on the effects.

Objective: To prepare Naja atra neurotoxin (NT) loaded dissolving microneedles (DMNs-NT), and investigate the physicochemical properties and in vitro transdermal properties. Methods: DMNs-NT was prepared by a two-step centrifugation method. The ratio of CS and PVP K30, the water content of the matrix solution, and the backing layer material were optimized by the indexes of formability and mechanical strength of the microneedles and flexibility of the backing layer. The drug loading content was determined by HPLC, and the morphological characteristics were observed under an optical microscope, and the stability was also examined. Franz diffusion cell was used to investigate its in vitro skin permeation characteristics. Results: Through the single-factor exploration, we confirmed that the optimal prescription technique for DMNs-NT preparation was a 1:1 ratio of CS and PVP k30, a 5:4 ratio of matrix material and water, with CMC as the backing layer material. The DMNs-NT had a pyramidal shape with a smooth surface and a length of approximately 500 μm. The drug loading content of per tablet was (15.4 ± 0.5) μg. The drug was located in the upper part of the needle. DMNs-NT had good stability within 3 months. The results of in vitro skin permeation assay showed that the cumulative penetration of NT in DMNs-NT could reach 95.8% in 4 h, while NT solution barely penetrated the skin, which proved that it had a good promoting effect on NT transdermal delivery. Conclusion: In this study, DMNs-NT had good mechanical properties and good skin penetration, which realized the transdermal drug delivery of macromolecular drugs.

Objective To establish a HPLC method for simultaneous determination of quercitrin, luteoloside, rutin and 2,3,5,4'-tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-β-D-glucoside in Yangxue Anshen syrup. Methods Waters symmetry C₁₈ column (250 mm×4.6 mm, 5 μm) was used with 0.1% acetic acid (A) and methanol (B) as the mobile phase. Gradient elution was performed at a flow rate of 1.0 ml/min, 0-15 min, 95%-90%A; 15-35 min, 90%-70%A; 35-55 min, 70%-60%A; 55-85 min, 60%-50%A; 85-95 min, 10%A. The detection wavelengths were 256 nm and 320 nm. Column temperature was 30 ℃ and the injection volume was 10 μl. Results Quercitrin, luteoloside, rutin and 2,3,5,4'-tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-β-D-glucoside showed good linear relationship within the range of 10-300, 5.0-150.0, 5.0-150.0, 20.0-600.0 µg/ml(r≥0.9989), respectively. The average recovery was (96.75±1.41)%, (99.61±1.01)%, (97.18±1.96)% and(99.12±0.97)% (n=6), respectively. Conclusion The established method is simple, accurate and stable, which can be used for the simultaneous determination of 4 components in Yangxue Anshen syrup.

The stable chromogenic radical 1,1'-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) solution was immobilized on the microwell plate as dry reagent to construct a simple antioxidant sensor. Then, a regular flatbed scanner was used as microplate reader to obtain analytical parameters for antioxidant assay using one-shot optical sensors as scanometry technique. Variables affecting the acquisition of the images were optimized and the analytical parameters are obtained from an area of the sensing zone inside microwell using the average luminosity of the sensing zone captured as the mean of red, green, and blue (RGB) value using ImageJprogram. By using this RGB value as sensor response, it is possible to determine antioxidant capacity in the range 1-25 ppm as gallic acid equivalent (GAE) with the response time of 9 min. The reproducibility of sensor was good (RSD<1%) with recovery at 93%-96%. The antioxidant sensor was applied to the plant extracts, such as sappan wood and Turmeric Rhizome. The results are good when compared to the same procedure using a UV/Vis spectrophotometer.

Objective: To explore the antihypertensive effect of extracts from the leaves of Hedera helix (H. helix) on normotensive and hypertensive rats in-vivo followed by vasodilatory studies in-vitro. Methods: The crude methanolic extract was prepared and the activity directed fractionation was carried out. Spectrophotometric analysis of total phenolic and flavonoid content was also done. HPLC analysis was performed for the detection of hederacoside C. In-vivo blood pressure study was carried out in normotensive and high salt-induced hypertensive Sprague-Dawley rats. Isolated aortic tissues from rat and rabbit were used for in-vitro studies. The effects were recorded and analyzed through PowerLab data acquisition system. Results: Crude extract of H. helix (1-30 mg/kg) decreased blood pressure to greater extent in high salt-induced hypertensive rats in-vivo compared to the normotensive [Max. fall (58.59±0.02) mmHg vs. (67.53±3.07) mmHg]. The n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and aqueous fractions were also checked. These fractions were more effective in hypertensive rats. Aqueous fraction was more potent and n-hexane the least. In isolated rat aortic rings precontracted with phenylephrine, crude extract induced endothelium-dependent effect. The endothelium-dependent component of vasodilatory effect was ablated with L-NAME, and denudation of endothelium. The aqueous fraction was most potent vasodilator. In aortic rings from hypertensive rats, extract and fractions produced partial endothelium-independent effect which was not affected by pretreatment with L-NAME, indicating endothelium dysfunction in the hypertensive rats and suggesting additional vasodilatory mechanisms. In rabbit aorta, the extract and fractions also inhibited phenylephrine and high K

Objective To evaluate the nephroprotective effect of defatted methanolic extract and aqueous extract of Murraya koenigii (M. koenigii) against cyclophosphamide drug. Methods Nephrotoxicity was induced by cyclophosphamide in 7 days at 150 mg/kg body weight through intraperitoneal route in rat model. Nephroprotective activity of M. koenigii extract (100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg in intraperitoneal route) was measured, including nephrological source, oxidative stress parameters like superoxide dismutase, glutathione, the lipid peroxide and in vivo assay like blood urea nitrogen, creatinine were determined and analyzed by One way analysis of variance followed by Tukey's test. Results The study result showed that important phytochemicals such as carbohydrates, flavonoids, tannin, alkaloids, glycosides, protein and steroids were found to be present in the extract of M. koenigii. The renal function markers like blood urea nitrogen and creatinine level were found to be decreased significantly by M. koenigii extract treatment. A significant difference was found to be at P < 0.01. Conclusions The present study reveals the protective role of M. koenigii extract against cyclophosphamide induced nephrotoxicity.

Streptomycin isolated from microorganism is a major milestone in human history to beat tuberculosis, and guides the research of aminoglycoside antibiotics. As the second antibiotics which could be used in clinic after penicillin, the discovery of streptomycin owed much to the systematic research of Dr. Selman Abraham Waksman on microorganism in moil for more than 20 years and hard work of many scientists from different subjects. The systematic experimental method that found antibiotics was built by Dr. S A Waksman and the discovery of streptomycin greatly promoted the development of antibiotics in 1940s. This paper reviewed the study process of streptomycin development and the outstanding contributions of related scientists. At the same time, hoping to encourage the young scientists to work hard and make great contribution for the benefit of humanity. This is one of the series papers about historical story on natural medicinal chemistry.

Healthcare decision-makers are constantly challenged by growing healthcare needs in tandem with rising healthcare costs. Disinvesting in technologies and practices that are "low in value" is one strategy to re-allocate limited resources to the most effective, safe and cost-effective technologies. We put forward a health technology reassessment framework and examined the opportunities and challenges on technology disinvestment in Singapore and deliberated on possible solutions. We coordinated and supported a disinvestment programme in 2 hospitals, 1 specialist centre and 9 primary care institutions in the public healthcare sector. The key processes were identifying, prioritising and assessing low-value health technologies and practices, disseminating and implementing disinvestment recommendations, and post-implementation evaluation. Through case studies, we explored the barriers and enablers to the success of the programme. One of the barriers to disinvestment included difficulty in demonstrating a lack of benefit of in-use technologies from published studies. Differing viewpoint and priority might preclude a healthcare leader's support in such initiatives and that posed an unsurmountable hurdle. On the other hand, engaging the stakeholder throughout the evidence review process and striking a balance between rigour and timeliness of review were likely to assure success. Lastly, monitoring the impact on resources and patient outcomes can be diverse and methods need to be developed. Understanding barriers and enablers in health technology disinvestment can translate into improved opportunities for eliminating and minimising resource wastage.

The breast is an unusual site for metastases, accounting for less than 2% of malignant breast lesions but include those from malignant melanomas, carcinomas, sarcomas, and lymphomas from various organs. We diagnosed a very rare case of metastatic choroidal melanoma for a 67-year-old female who presented with a right breast lump and who had been previously diagnosed with choroidal melanoma-monosomy 3 in 2017. To the best of our knowledge, only five such cases have been published so far, with one in a male patient.