Utticaceae includes about 1300 species in 47 genera which largely spread in wet tropical regions,and 341 species in 25 genera are in China.Some species are used in Chinese folk medicine.So far,studies on chemistry and pharmacology of Urticaceous plants are mainly focused on nettle of Urtica L.In this review,the chemical researches on 35 new compounds and related pharmacological effects of the plants in Urticaceae reported during2000-2010 are described.The 35 new compounds belong to the classes of lignan,secolignan,norlignan,flavonoid,alkaloid,sesquiterpenoid,triterpenoid,sterol,and sphingolipid.The main bioactivities include cytotoxic,antitumor,antimicrobial,antifungal,anti-BPH,anti-HIV,antidiabetic,hypolipidemic,5α-reductase inhibitory,hair regrowth promotion,and anti-oxidative activities.

Objective To compare the effective dose deposited in patients between helical tomotherapy (HT) and multi-ISO radiotherapy (M-ISO) in carniospinal irradiation (CSI).Methods Nine children with craniospinal irradiation were selected .For these patients , new plans were designed with HT and M-ISO centers planning method on the treatment planning system ( TPS) .The effective dose of the nine patients from 18 treatment plans were calculated ,and the difference of the effective dose between HT and M-ISO was compared using paired t-test.Results The plans designed in two groups were both satisfied all clinical requirements .For the planning target volume ( PTV ) , no statistically significant difference was found in D95% between two groups ( P>0.05 ) , while D98%, D2% and homogeneity index (HI) in HT group were superior to M-ISO group (t=2.762, 2.413, 4.563, P<0.05), D50%, Dmean and CI in M-ISO group were superior to HT group (t=5.259, 3.685, 7.815, P<0.05).HT and M-ISO had different advantages in the protection of the OARs .The effective dose of patients in M-ISO group was superior to HT group (t=5.921, P<0.05).Conclusions HT and M-ISO have different advantages in CSI.The low dose area has greater influence on the effective dose in HT group compared to M-ISO group. The low dose area should be concerned while designing the treatment planning for CSI .

Objective To compare dosimetric parameters between automatic three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (a3DCRT),inverse three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (i3DRT),inverse intensity-modulated radiotherapy (iIMRT).Methods Ten lung cancer patients with a single target and 10 intracranial tumor patients also with a single target,who were treated in our radiotherapy center from 2014 to 2015,were included in the study.Their image data were transferred to RayStation 4.5 via network,and then the treatment plans for a3DCRT,i3DCRT,and iIMRT were designed for the 20 patients.The dosimetric parameters for planning target volume (PTV) and organs at risk (OAR) were compared between the three plans using multiple dependent variables and two dependent variables.Results For lung cancer patients,iIMRT achieved better results in D98％,D50％,D2％,conformity index (CI),and homogeneity index (HI) than i3DCRT and a3DCRT (P=O.007,0.001,0.002,0.000,and 0.000),and the CI of a3DCRT was superior to that of i3DCRT (P=O.000);there were no significant differences in heart D33,spinal cord Dmax and D1 cm3,and both lungs between the three plans (P=O.702,0.237,0.163,0.739,0.908,0.832,0.886,0.722,0.429,0.840,and 0.702).For intracranial tumor patients,there were no significant differences in dosimetric parameters between the three plans,except that the CI of iIMRT and a3DCRT was superior to that of i3DCRT (P=O.648,0.783,0.256,0.931,0.002,and 0.034);there were no significant differences in whole brain irradiation dose between the three plans (P=0.446,0.755,0.772,0.0266,0.440,0.290,and 0.939).Conclusions For the single target in patients with lung cancer and intracranial tumors,a3DCRT can improve the CI of PTV compared with i3DCRT,and shows no significant dosimetric disadvantage for OARs compared with iIMRT.Considering the simplicity and low cost of 3DCRT,a3DCRT holds promise as a novel radiotherapy technique.

OBJECTIVEThis study investigated the serum levels of interleukin-5 (IL-5), leukotriene B4 (LTB4) and C-reactive protein (CRP) in children with Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP) at different phases to explore the role of IL-5, LTB4 and CRP in the pathogenesis of HSP.

METHODSSerum levels of IL-5, LTB4 and CRP in 27 normal children and 31 children with HSP at the acute phase and the early recovery phase were detected using ELISA.

RESULTSThe serum levels of IL-5, LTB4 and CRP in children with HSP were 53.8 +/- 4.2 pg/mL, 95.3 +/- 12.0 pg/mL and 36.10 +/- 11.78 mg/L, respectively at the acute phase. The values were significantly decreased at the early recovery phase (37.8 +/- 3.9 pg/mL, 45.7 +/- 10.1 pg/mL, 18.35 +/- 6.43 mg/L; P < 0.01), but remained higher than those in normal controls (12.7 +/- 3.2 pg/mL, 17.6 +/- 5.7 pg/mL, 4.75 +/- 2.85 mg/L; P < 0.01). The serum levels of IL-5 and LTB4 positively correlated to the CRP level.

CONCLUSIONSThe serum levels of IL-5 and LTB4 in children with HSP increased during the acute phase and decreased at the early recovery phase, suggesting that IL-5 and LTB4 may be involved in the pathogenesis of HSP.

Adolescent ; C-Reactive Protein ; analysis ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; Humans ; Interleukin-5 ; blood ; Leukotriene B4 ; blood ; Male ; Purpura, Schoenlein-Henoch ; blood ; etiology

The fermentative H2-producing strain Clostridium sp. H-61 was isolated from anaerobic sludge,was used as an original strain which was induced by NTG and UV for increasing and the hydrogen production ability. One of the highest efficient H2-producing mutants was named as HCM-23 with its stable hydrogen production ability. which was measured in the batch culture experiments. With the condition of 10 g/L glucose,its cumulative hydrogen yield and hydrogen production rate was 3024 mL/L and 33.19 mmol H2/g DW?h,69.89% and 68.14% higher than that of the original strain,respectively. The terminal liquid product compositions showed that the mutant HCM-23 fermentation was ethanol type,while the original strain H-61 fermentation was butyric acid type. Varieties of parameters of hydrogen production fermentation studied,including time,carbon source,nitrogen source,glucose concentration,glucose utilization,initial pH and incubation temperature had been studied,indicated the optimum condition of hydrogen production for the mutantHCM-23 as initial pH 6.5,temperature 36 ℃,and the favorite substrate was sucrose. The hydrogen production characters of the mutant and the original strain were different,such as,the growth lag phase and the utilization of inorganic nitrogen source,etc. This work shows a good application potential of NTG-UV combined mutation in the biohydrogen production. And the hydrogen production mechanism and metabolic pathway should be explored furthermore.

Abstract: Objective　To explore the spatial epidemiological characteristics of severe cases hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) in Guangxi, China, from 2014 to 2018, and to provide a basis for identifying the high-risk regions as well as the prevention and control of severe cases of HFMD in Guangxi. Methods　Spatial-temporal scanning analysis, global and local spatial autocorrelation analysis were used to analyze the spatial clustering of HFMD. The trend surface analysis was used to evaluate the spatial distribution trend of HFMD. Results　From 2014 to 2018, the incidence and severe case fatality rates of HFMD were 3.89/100 000 and 4.23%, respectively. Monte Carlo scanning analysis showed that the first cluster region was Cenxi City, the second cluster was mainly concentrated in northwest of Guangxi, and the aggregation time was mainly concentrated in April to May and August to October. The global spatial autocorrelation analysis showed that the severe HFMD was significant clustering distribution, and the Moran's I coefficients of the sever cases, severe morbidity and severe case fatality rate were 0.088, 0.118, 0.197, respectively (P<0.05). Local spatial autocorrelation analysis showed that hotspots of severe HFMD cases were concentrated in the southern Guangxi, mainly in Lingshan County. Anselin local Moran's I clustering and outlier analysis indicated that 5 high-high (H-H) clustering regions for fatality were Lingshan, Pubei, Zhongshan, Zhaoping and Pinggui County. There were 6 high-high (H-H) clustering regions for severe incidence rate, namely Lingshan, Qinnan, Lingyun, Youjiang, Bama Yao Autonomous and Pinggui County, and 1 high-low (H-L) clustering region, Cenxi County. The trend surface analysis showed that the overall number of severe cases of death decreased from east or west to the middle, and increased from north to middle, and then decreased to south. Conclusions　Severe HFMD cases in Guangxi have obvious spatial-temporal clustering, and the hop spots are mainly concentrated in southern Guangxi. The prevention and control of HFMD in areas with high incidence of severe cases should be strengthened to reduce the burden of HFMD cases.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the protective effects of 15-methyl-lipoxin A4 (LXA4) on mesangioproliferative nephritis in rats and the possible mechanisms.

METHODSMesangioproliferative nephritis was induced by a single intravenous injection of the mouse monoclonal anti-Thy1.1 antibodies (ER4) in 20 rats. Ten nephritic rats were injected with 15-methyl-LXA4 at 10 minutes before ER4 antibody injection and then 8-hourly until the rats were sacrificed on day 4 after nephritis induction. The nephritis was evidenced by presence of proteinuria, histologic examination with light microscopy, infiltrating leukocyte assessed by immunofluorescence microscopy, and mesangial cell proliferation assessed by proliferation scoring and by immunohistochemical staining of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). Expressions of interleukin (IL)-1beta and IL-6 protein or mRNA in glomeruli were determined by radioimmunoassay or RT-PCR, respectively. Phosphorylated phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3-K), Akt1 and p27(kip1) in glomeruli were analyzed by Western Blot. Activities of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) in glomeruli were assessed by electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA).

RESULTSThere were increases in glomerular infiltration of leukocyte, expressions of IL-1beta and IL-6 protein and mRNA, and activities of NF-kappaB in nephritic rats between days 1 and 4 after nephritis induction. The enhanced proteinuria, score of mesangial proliferation, glomerular PCNA positive cells, activities of phosphorylated PI3-K, Akt1 and STAT3, and reduced p27(kip1) expression were found on day 4 after nephritis induction. 15-Methyl-LXA4 treatment significantly reduced the proteinuria, glomerular infiltration of leukocyte, expressions of IL-1beta and IL-6 protein and mRNA, score of mesangial proliferation, glomerular PCNA positive cells, activities of phosphorylated PI3-K, Akt1, NF-kappaB and STAT3, and increased the p27(kip1) expression.

CONCLUSIONS15-Methyl-LXA4 can markedly inhibit the proteinuria, glomerular inflammation, and mesangial cell proliferation induced by anti-Thy1.1 antibodies. The inhibition effects are related to PI3-K/Akt1/p27(kip1)/cyclin pathway, STAT3 and NF-kappaB pathway-dependent signal transduction.

Animals ; DNA ; metabolism ; Female ; Glomerulonephritis, Membranoproliferative ; drug therapy ; Interleukin-1 ; genetics ; Interleukin-6 ; genetics ; Lipoxins ; therapeutic use ; NF-kappa B ; metabolism ; Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases ; physiology ; RNA, Messenger ; analysis ; Rats ; Rats, Inbred Lew ; STAT3 Transcription Factor ; metabolism ; Signal Transduction ; drug effects

OBJECTIVETo explore the relationship between methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene polymorphism and microsatellite instability (MSI) in patients with gastric cancer.

METHODSMTHFR gene C677T and A1298C polymorphism were detected by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) and MSI was examined with PCR.

RESULTSMTHFR gene C677T and A1298C polymorphisms were analyzed on 122 gastric cancers and 110 normal controls The genotype frequencies of MTHFR 677CC, 677CT and 677TT were 47.5%, 39.3% and 13.1% on patients with gastric cancer, and 48.5%, 42.6%, 8.9% in the controls respectively. There was no significant difference of genotype frequency between the two groups (P > 0.05). The individuals with 677CT genotype, 677TT genotype and 677CT + TT genotype exhibited significantly reduced risk (OR = 0.38,95% CI: 0.15-0.98; OR = 0.26,95% CI: 0.03-2.18 and OR = 0.36,95% CI: 0.07-0.98) of developing gastric cardia cancer compared with those harboring the wild-type(677CC). The individuals with 677TT genotype having a 3.03-fold (95% CI: 1.07-8.65) increased risk of developing gastric corpus cancer. The genotype frequency of MTHFR 1298AA, 1298AC and 1298CC were 59.8%, 36.1% and 4.1% in gastric cancer patients, and 57.4%, 7.6%, 5.0% in the controls, respectively. The distribution of MTHFR A1298C genotype was not significantly different between gastric cancer and controls (P > 0.05). The individuals with 1298CC genotype had a reduced risk of developing gastric antrum cancer (OR = 0.41- fold, 95% CI: 0.03-2.18, 0.05-3.72) when comparing with those having 1298AA genotype. Patients with MSI+ gastric cancer had an increased frequency of the MTHFR 677TT genotype when comparing with those suffering from MSI- gastric cancer (P = 0.009) and with controlled subjects (P = 0.008). There was no significant association found between MTHFR A1298C polymorphism and MSI (P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONPolymorphism of MTHFR C677T was associated with increased risk on gastric corpus cancer and reduced risk on gastric cardia cancer. The polymorphism of MTHFR A1298C was associated with reduced risk for gastric antrum cancer while MSI pathway was possibly involved in the development of gastric cancer with MTHFR 677TT genotype.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Case-Control Studies ; Female ; Gene Frequency ; Genotype ; Humans ; Male ; Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (NADPH2) ; genetics ; Microsatellite Instability ; Middle Aged ; Polymorphism, Genetic ; Stomach Neoplasms ; genetics

Objective To investigate the potential dosimetric advantages of half jaw volumetric modulated arc therapy ( H-VMAT) applied to the Oropharyngeal Cancer, comparing with full jaw VMAT (F-VMAT) and intensity modulated radiotherapy ( IMRT ). Methods Planning CT images of 10 oropharyngeal cancer patients were retrospectively chosen and transferred to Eclipse treatment planning system v. 11. 0 (Varian Medical Systems, Pala Alto, USA), based on which H-VMAT, W-VMAT, and IMRT plans were created. Two full arcs (360°) were adopted for VMAT planning, and the 7 beams were equally distributed for IMRT planning. The optimization constraints remained the same for the three kinds of plans. The dosimetric parameters such as D2 , D98 , D50 , HI, and CI were evaluated for PGTV, PCTV1, PCTV2, PGTVln, and PCTVln. In addition, the maximum dose (Dmax) and D1 cc(minimum dose received by 1cc) of the brainstem and spinal cord were analyzed respectively. The mean dose ( Dmean ) to the parotids, oral cave, larynx, and cervical normal tissues were also reviewed. The monitor units ( MU) for all treatment plans were recorded. Results Comparisons of the three planning techniques showed that H-VAMT improved the HI and CI of the targets (except PCTV2) significantly (HI: F =3. 959, 6. 764, 10. 581, 6. 770, 13. 040, P<0. 05;CI:F=6. 594, 4. 138, 0. 842, 4. 031, 5. 388, P<0. 05);reduced Dmax(F=4. 509, 20. 331, P<0. 05) and D1 cc for brainstem and spinal cord (F=27. 432, 26. 314, P<0. 05) significantly;reduced Dmean(F=4. 279, 29. 498, 19. 295, P<0. 05) to the normal tissues of the mouth, throat and neck significantly. The V50 of the mouth and throat were slightly lower in IMRT plans (F=8. 140, P<0. 05). IMRT was slightly better than W-VMAT in sparing oral cavity and larynx, but the dose distribution was the worst. The H-VMAT plans showed the best dose distribution in the cervical normal tissues, especially for the lower and posterior parts, where IMRT plans displayed high dose curves. Conclusions H-VMAT is dosimetrically superior than W-VMAT and IMRT for oropharyngeal cancer, which could be considered for clinical applications.

OBJECTIVETo explore the possible mechanism of apoptosis induced by photodynamic therapy (PDT) in human pancreatic cancer cells Capan-1 with 2-butylamino-2-demethoxy-hypocrellin B (BAHB) as photosensitizer.

METHODSThe localization of BAHB in Capan-1 cells was studied, apoptosis was determined by DNA gel electrophoresis after PDT. The mitochondria membrane potential (DYm) and cytochrome C release were observed by laser scan confocal microscopy and Western blotting.

RESULTSThe low concentration photosensitizer was mainly localized in mitochondria and also in lysosomes when the concentration is high. DNA ladder analysis showed characteristic of apoptosis. The mitochondria membrane potential (DYm) showed a loss of 30% around, after 6 hours by PDT under laser scan confocal microscopy, which is caused by a sudden increase in the permeability of mitochondria membrane accompanied with apoptosis. In Western blotting, cytochrome C release was observed from the mitochondria into the cytoplasm during BAHB-induced apoptosis.

CONCLUSIONThe research suggests that BAHB-induced apoptosis is related to photosensitization of mitochondria.

Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Humans ; Membrane Potentials ; drug effects ; Mitochondria ; drug effects ; physiology ; Pancreatic Neoplasms ; drug therapy ; pathology ; Perylene ; administration & dosage ; analogs & derivatives ; pharmacology ; Photochemotherapy ; Photosensitizing Agents ; administration & dosage ; pharmacology ; Quinones ; administration & dosage ; pharmacology ; Tumor Cells, Cultured