In order to clarify the chemical constituents of Cistanche deserticola cultured in Tarim desert, a systematically phytochemical investigation was carried out. The chemical constituents were isolated by column chromatography, such as silica gel, Sephadex LH- 20, MCI gel, ODS and semi-preparative HPLC, and their structures were determined on the basis of MS, NMR spectroscopic analysis and/or comparison with literature data. Eleven lignans were isolated from the 85% ethanol extract of the stems of C. deserticola cultured in Tarim desert. Their structures were identified as (+)-syringaresinol-4'-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (1), (+)-isoeucommin A (2), eucommin A (3), (+)-pinoresinol monomethylether β-D-glucoside (4), lariciresinol 4'-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (5), lariciresinol 4-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (6), conicaoside (7), dehydrodiconiferyl alcohol 4-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (8), dehydrodiconiferyl alcohol γ'-O-β-D-glucoside (9), citrusin A (10), and alaschanioside A (11). Compounds 1, 3-7, 10 and 11 were isolated from this genus for the first time, and compounds 2, 8 and 9 were obtained from this species for the first time.
Cistanche ; chemistry ; growth & development ; Lignans ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Plant Stems ; chemistry

Objective:To investigate the impact of aging on the correlation between the intestinal microorganism Akkermansia and obesity, and to analyze the features of the correlation in the elderly population. Methods:This was a cross-sectional study.A total of 6896 cases were collected from the Guangdong intestinal microbiome in 2018, aged 18-94 years old, including 3806 females, 1641 cases with abdominal obesity(23.7%)and 707 cases with systemic obesity(10.3%). The 16S rRNA sequencing data were from individuals of Cantonese descent.The abundance of Akkermansia was calculated after data cleaning, clustering and annotation.The type of abdominal obesity or systemic obesity was diagnosed based on the standards of the Working Group on Obesity in China(2002). According to the five quintiles of the abundance of Akkermansia, subjects were divided into Q1~Q5(Q1-Q4: n=1379, Q5: n=1380). Logistic regression was used to study the relationship between Akkermansia and obesity after adjusting for common confoundors such as gender.Subjects were subgrouped into two types of age groups: the <65 group(n=5467)and the ≥65 group(n=1519); the <70 group(n=6136)and the ≥70 group(n=850). Age windows were used to analyze changes in characteristics of this relationship with increasing age. Results:There were significant differences in age and gender among different Akkermansia groups( t/ χ2=3.51, -5.03, P<0.01). Logistic regression analysis showed that after adjusting for two main confounding factors, age and gender, the risk of systemic obesity and abdominal obesity gradually decreased from Q2 to Q5 group, compared with Q1 group( P<0.001). The correlation between Akkermansia and obesity decreased with age.The protective effect of Akkermansia on obesity was weaker in the ≥65 and ≥70 groups, respectively, than in the <65 and <70 groups. Conclusions:Akkermansia is a protective factor for obesity, but the protective effect is affected by aging and weakened in the elderly.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of iron on the growth, physiology and photosynthesis of cyanobacteria.

METHODSA gradient of iron concentrations was employed to investigate the growth, photo-pigments (chlorophyll A and phycocyanin), and cell chemical contents (C, N, P) of Microcystis aeruginosa in response to different iron additions.

RESULTSThe specific growth rate during the exponential growth phase, as well as the cell chlorophyll A and the phycocyanin content, was limited by iron below 12.3 tmol Fe x L(-1). The growth was inhibited when the iron concentration was at 24.6 micromol Fe x L(-1). The cell chlorophyll A and the phycocyanin content were saturated when the iron concentration was above 12.3 micromol Fe x L(-1) and declined slightly at 24.6 micromol Fe x L(-1). At a low iron concentration (about 6.15 micromol Fe x L(-1) and less), the cell nitrogen and carbohydrate content were iron limited, and the variation of the cell phosphorus content was similar to that of the nitrogen and carbohydrate, with a transition point of 12.3 micromol Fe x L(-1).

CONCLUSIONThe variation of cynobacteria growth is synchronous with that of the photo-pigments or the cell chemical content, and there exist relationships among photosynthesis, growth and internal chemical content, which could be useful for the growth estimation from the cell characteristics.

Carbohydrates ; analysis ; Culture Media ; chemistry ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Iron ; pharmacology ; Microcystis ; chemistry ; cytology ; drug effects ; physiology ; Nitrogen ; analysis ; Phosphorus ; analysis

OBJECTIVETo investigate the differentiation of bone marrow derived Thy-1+ beta2M- cells (BDTCs) into liver cells in allyl alcohol (AA) induced liver injury micro-environment.

METHODSBDTCs of male F344 rats were isolated by two-step magnetic separation system (MACS) technique, and infused intraportally into female recipients after labeling with PKH26. Thirty recipients were divided randomly into 3 groups: (1) AA-injured liver + BDTCs infusion, (2) normal liver + BDTCs infusion and (3) AA-injured liver + NS infusion (control). Blood biochemical examination, fluorescence labeled cellular localization, Y-chromosome sry gene in-situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry were carried out to evaluate BDTCs distribution, differentiation and proliferation in recipients's livers after different intervals.

RESULTSFluoromicroscopy and in situ hybridization suggested that BDTCs of donors were interspersed in pieces and cords among the necro-periportals induced by AA; immunohistochemistry indicated that those implanted cells expressed OV-6, AFP, CK19 and albumin successively, while positive cells were hardly seen in the normal liver + BDTCs infusion group. Compared with the controls, the blood biochemical restitution was more rapid in group (1), (9.8 d +/- 3.1 d vs. 13.7 d +/- 4.2 d).

CONCLUSIONThe injury micro-environment induced by AA facilitates BDTCs integration with hepatic cell plates and differentiation into mature liver cells. BDTCs differentiation into liver cells might accelerate endogenous liver cell regeneration and reparation.

Animals ; Bone Marrow Cells ; pathology ; Cell Differentiation ; physiology ; Hepatocytes ; pathology ; Liver Cirrhosis ; chemically induced ; pathology ; surgery ; Male ; Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation ; Mesenchymal Stromal Cells ; pathology ; Propanols ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Rats, Inbred F344

In order to clarify the chemical constituents of Cistanche deserticola cultured in Tarim desert, a systematically phytochemical investigation was carried out. The chemical constituents were isolated by column chromatography, over silica gel, Sephadex LH-20, MCI gel, ODS and semi-preparative HPLC, and their structures were determined on the basis of MS, NMR spectroscopic data analysis, physicochemical properties and/or comparison with literature data Seventeen compounds were isolated from the 85% ethanol extract of the stems of C. deserticola cultured in Tarim desert. Their structures were identified as salsaside B (1), syringin (2), demethyl syrinyin (3), coniferin (4), (2E,6E)-3,7-dimethyl-8-hydroxyoctadien-1-O-beta-D-glucoside (5), (+)-syringaresinol (6), 2S,3S, 4S-trihydroxypentanoic acid (7), panaxytriol (8), beta-sitosterol-3-O-beta-D-xylopyranoside (9), androsin (10), 3-methyl-but-2-en-1-yl-beta-D-glucopyranoside (11), benzyl-glucopyranoside (12), 4-hydroxybenzyl-beta-D-glucoside (13), nicotinamide (14), p-hydroxybenzoic acid (15), 4-hydroxy-benzeneethanol (16), and galactitol (17). Compounds 3, 6-13 were isolated from this genus for the first time, and compounds 1, 4 and 5 were obtained from this species for the first time.
Cistanche ; chemistry ; growth & development ; Desert Climate ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; analysis ; isolation & purification ; Plant Stems ; chemistry

Objective Subjects failed to filter the reasons were summarized through the analysis of phase Ⅰ clinical trial process.Methods The reasons for the screening failure were summarized and the possible influencing factors were discussed by analyzing the screening process in a clinical trial of cardiovascular drugs that involved 106 cases of healthy adults.Results Compliance,physical examination,laboratory tests and special examinations may be related to the screening failure,among which laboratory test failure was the leading cause (39.76％) followed by Holter electrocardiogram (28.89％),while echocardiography and compliance factors respectively accounted for 10.0％ and 10.38％.Conclusion The screening success rate can be improved by developing a suitable range of laboratory normalization and depth of knowledge.

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the image of SPECT/PET (18)F-FDG in monitoring response to therapy for lymphoma patients.

METHODSA retrospective study was performed in 83 SPECT/PET studies for 70 patients with lymphoma from 1998 to 2008 in our hospital. The risk factors for survival rate were analyzed by univariate analysis.

RESULTSForty patients received SPECT/PET after 2 - 4 cycles of chemotheraphy, the median PFS in patients with positive and negative group were 5.5 months and 15.5 months, 2-year PFS were 12.5% and 66.8%; the median OS were 12.5 months and 17 months, and 1-year OS were 28.8% and 94.1%, respectively, all being of significant difference between two groups (P = 0.003). Forty-three patients performed posttreatment SPECT/PET, the median PFS in patients with positive and negative group were 10 months and 23 months, the 2-year PFS were 23.3% and 83.2%; the median OS were 17 months and 27 months and the 2-year OS were 60.0% and 100% respectively, all being of significant difference (P = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONSPECT/PET has significant value in monitoring response to therapy and predicting prognosis for patients with lymphoma.

Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols ; therapeutic use ; Fluorodeoxyglucose F18 ; Humans ; Lymphoma ; Prognosis ; Retrospective Studies ; Tomography, Emission-Computed, Single-Photon ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVETo investigate the efficacy and treatment outcome of different induction regimens, and different post-remission therapies for adult acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL).

METHODSThe outcome of 73 patients with newly diagnosed APL were retrospectively analyzed. According to the induction regimens, the patients were divided into three groups: chemotherapy-only (14 cases group I), all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) or combined with chemotherapy (33 cases group II), and ATRA combined with arsenic trioxide (As(2)O(3)) (26 cases group III). The complete remission (CR) rate and the time to CR (TTC) were analyzed. After CR, the patients were divided into 2 groups for post-remission therapies: one with sequential treatment of chemotherapy/ATRA/As(2)O(3) and the other with alternative treatment of chemotherapy/ATRA. The overall survival (OS), disease free survival (DFS) and relapse rate were compared between these two groups. Patients induced CR with both ATRA and As(2)O(3), and then sequentially treated with chemotherapy/ATRA/As(2)O(3) (group A), and those induced CR with ATRA or As(2)O(3) alone and then with non-chemotherapy/ATRA/As(2)O(3) sequentially (group B) were also analyzed and compared for CR, OS and DFS.

RESULTS(1) For induction treatment, the CR rate in ATRA and As(2)O(3) combination group was 100%, in ATRA combined with chemotherapy group was 78.8%, and in chemotherapy-only group was 57.1% (P = 0.030). The median TTC in ATRA with As(2)O(3) combination group was 26 (13 - 40) days being the shortest among the three groups. (2) For the post-remission treatment, 3-year OS rates in group I and group II were (95.7 ± 4.3)% and (68.6 ± 11.2)% (P < 0.05), and 3-year DFS rates were (79.0 ± 9.5)%, and (32.9 ± 15.5)%, respectively (P < 0.01). The relapse rate was 14.8% in group I, and 50.0% in group II (P = 0.011). (3) The CR, 3-year OS and DFS rates in group A were all 100%. The CR rate in ATRA or As(2)O(3) alone induced group was 72.9%, and 3-year OS was (72.3 ± 9.1)% (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSFor adult APL induction with ATRA and As(2)O(3) combination can obtain a higher CR rate, and shorter TTC. The post-remission treatment with sequential chemotherapy, ATRA and As(2)O(3) results in a lower relapse rate, and significantly improves OS and DFS. The ATRA and As(2)O(3) combination induction with the sequential post-remission therapy is the best strategy for APL treatment.

Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols ; therapeutic use ; Disease-Free Survival ; Humans ; Leukemia, Promyelocytic, Acute ; drug therapy ; Remission Induction ; Tretinoin ; therapeutic use

OBJECTIVETo investigate the treatment of primary amyloidosis with high-dose melphalan and autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation to further examine the survival, hematologic response, and improvement of amyloid-related organ dysfunction.

METHODSRetrospective analysis of 20 patients with primary amyloidosis treated with autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. The status of major organ function before transplantation, mobilization programs and conditioning regimen as possible risk factors for survival were also investigated.

RESULTSOf 20 cases, 11 out of 15 evaluable cases achieved hematologic response, among them, 6 got complete remission (CR, 40%) and 5 partial remission (PR, 33%). The median onset time was 3.0 months (1.5 - 4.0 months) and 4 months (3 - 5 months), respectively after transplantation. The overall hematologic response was 73%. The 11 hematologic responders also had kidney responses. The median time to achieve kidney response was 3 months (2 - 6 months). The 3-year overall survival of the cohort of cases was 71.4%. The major causes of death were heart failure, renal dysfunction and gastrointestinal bleeding. G-CSF alone could obtain satisfactory mobilization results and most of patients well tolerated to the conditioning regimen of melphalan doses from 140 mg/m(2) to 200 mg/m(2).

CONCLUSIONTreatment of primary amyloidosis with high-dose melphalan followed by autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation produced high efficacy. The cardiovascular system involvement, renal dysfunction and the abnormality of coagulation function before transplantation may be the risk factors for survival.

Adult ; Aged ; Amyloidosis ; drug therapy ; mortality ; surgery ; Cardiovascular System ; physiopathology ; Female ; Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage ; physiopathology ; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation ; Humans ; Immunoglobulin Light-chain Amyloidosis ; Kidney ; physiopathology ; Male ; Melphalan ; therapeutic use ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors ; Survival Rate ; Transplantation, Autologous ; Treatment Outcome

This study was purposed to analyze the clinical characteristics and prognostic factors in patients with primary gastrointestinal non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (PGI-NHL). The pathological data of 101 PGI-NHL patients admitted in our hospital in the past 15 years were analyzed retrospectively. The results showed that 101 patients with PGI-NHL accounted for 14.49% of NHL in the same period, there were 64 males, 37 females, the range of ages was from 18 to 87 years old, median age was 61 years old; in disease distribution, the stomach PGI-NHL accounted for 58.42%, intestine PGI-NHL accounted for 39.60%, multiple GI involvements (MGI) accounted for 1.98%; in pathological type, diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) accounted for 66.34%, mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma accounted for 17.82%, mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) accounted for 3.96%, enteropathy-associated T cell lymphoma (EATL) accounted for 7.92%, extra-nodal nasal type NK/T cell lymphoma accounted for 1.98%, follicular lymphoma (FL) accounted for 0.99%, small lymphocyte lymphoma (SLL) accounted for 0.99%. Eighty-nine out of 101 patients were followed up (49 cases live, 40 cases dead), data of the 12 patients were lost; the median survival time was 29 months (1 - 173). The three-year OS and five-year OS were 58.4% and 52.6% respectively. Univariate analysis revealed that the factors affecting OS included sex (P = 0.004), lesion site (P = 0.002), tumor size (P = 0.011), clinical Lugano staging for gastrointestinal non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (P = 0.003), IPI score (P = 0.000), pathological cell phenotype (P = 0.001), and pathological type (P = 0.006), their differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Multivariate Cox regression analysis indicated that clinical Lugano staging for gastrointestinal non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, IPI score, pathological type were independent prognostic risk factors affecting OS. It is concluded that clinical Lugano staging for gastrointestinal non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, IPI score and pathological type are independent risk factors affecting OS.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Female ; Gastrointestinal Neoplasms ; diagnosis ; mortality ; pathology ; Humans ; Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin ; diagnosis ; mortality ; pathology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Staging ; Prognosis ; Survival Rate ; Young Adult