Variability of leaf functional traits of invasive tree Rhus typhina L. in North China

Functional traits, specifically leaf functional traits, are core-topics to explore importance to the invasion success of invasive plant species. This study aims to address the differences in leaf functional traits and their corresponding variability of the invasive tree staghorn sumac Rhus typhina L. with different invasion success, including lower and higher invasion success, in two climatic regions in North China, including a warm temperate region and a cold temperate region. No significant differences were found for leaf functional traits of staghorn sumac across different invasion success. However, the variability of leaf chlorophyll and nitrogen concentrations of staghorn sumac under higher invasion success were approximately 66.023% and 68.615% higher than those under lower invasion success, respectively. The leaf chlorophyll and nitrogen concentrations of staghorn sumac in the warm temperate region were approximately 18.432% and 16.337% higher than those in cold temperate region, respectively. The variability of specific leaf area of staghorn sumac in warm temperate region was approximately 59.802% higher than that in cold temperate region. Accordingly, leaf chlorophyll and N concentrations as well as specific leaf area of staghorn sumac and their corresponding variability may play an essential role in shaping ecological success of studied invader along a climatic gradient.

Composition analysis and antioxidant activities of the Rhus typhina L.stem

The present investigation reports the chemical composition of the Rhus typhina L. stem identified via mass spectrometry and NMR as gallic acid, 1-O-galloyl-β-D-glucose, tryptophan, scopolin, methyl gallate, fustin, quercetin, rutin, and 1,2,3,4,6-penta-O-galloyl-β-D-glucose. The antioxidant properties and the chemical composition contents of the R. typhina L. stem grown in different regions in China were determined. To determine the antioxidant activity, a total phenolic content analysis, 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity assay, ferric reducing antioxidant power assay, and β-carotene linoleic acid model system were conducted. The results showed that the Rhus typhina L. stem possessed high antioxidant capacities due to its high phenolic content. The contents of the nine isolated compounds were determined by UPLC-ESI-MS/MS. The calibration curves of the nine isolated compounds were linear within the concentration range and the average recoveries were high. The result showed that 1-Ogalloyl-β-D-glucose, gallic acid, methyl gallate, and 1,2,3,4,6-penta-O-galloyl-β-D-glucose could be the compounds mainly responsible for the antioxidant capacity of the R. typhina L. stem. This reveals that the R. typhina L. stem is a good source of antioxidants.

Rhus laccase catalysis and product characterization of 1,2-dimethoxyphenol in organic solutions

Dimethoxyphenol was a widely used substrate in determination of laccases activity. It was surprised, however, that the products of it had not been completely determined until now. Studies were thus conducted on Rhus laccase （RL） and immobilized Rhus laccase （IRL）-catalyzed oxidation of 2,6-dimethoxyphenol （DMP） in water-organic solvent systems. Only one product, 3,3′,5,5′- tetramethoxy-1 ,1′-biphenyl-4,4′-diol （TMBP）, was produced by RL catalysis, and it was thoroughly characterized by FT-IR, NMR and GC-MS, etc.

Effect of Surfactan ton the Catalyzed Oxidation of 2,6-Dimethylphenol by Rhus Vernicifera Laccase

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Sumac (<i>Rhus coriaria</i>L.): Scolicidal Activity on Hydatid Cyst Protoscolices

Background: Few anthelmintics are available for the treatment of hydatid disease caused by the parasite Echinococcus granulosus. The appearance of resistance to synthetic anthelmintics and the adverse side effects of chemical drugs, stimulated the research of alternatives, such as medicinal plants. In the present study, the scolicidal effect of methanolic extract of sumac (Rhus coriaria) was investigated. Methods: Protoscolices were aseptically collected from sheep livers containing hydatid cysts. Three concentrations of sumac extract (10, 30 and 50 mg/mL) were used for 10, 20 and 30 min. Viability of protoscolices was confirmed by 0.1% eosin staining. Results: While the rate of dead protoscolices was 16.93% in the ontrol group, when protoscolices were exposed to sumac extract at the concentration of 10 mg/mL , the rate of dead protoscolices increased to 94.13%, 97.67% and 100% after 10, 20 and 30 minutes, respectively. The mortality rate of protoscolices increased to 98.89%, and 100% when they were exposed to 30 mg/mL concentration of sumac extract for 10 and 20 minutes respectively. One hundred percent mortality rate was observed at concentration of 50 mg/mL after 10 min of exposure. Conclusions: This in vitro study showed that methanolic extract of R.coriaria may be considered as an effective natural scolicidal agent.

Rhus longipes (Engl.) infusions improve glucose metabolism and mitigate oxidative biomarkers in ferrous sulfate-induced renal injury

Objective:To explore the antioxidant and antidiabetic activities of Rhus longipes(R.longipes)leaf and stem bark aqueous infusions.Methods:R.longipes leaf and stem bark infusions were characterized via gas-chromatography mass-spectroscopy(GC-MS)analysis.In vitro antioxidant and carbohydrate and lipid digestive enzyme inhibitory activities of R.longipes infusions were determined.Additionally,the modulatory effects of R.longipes infusions on intestinal glucose absorption,muscle glucose uptake,and biomarkers of renal oxidative injury were evaluated.Molecular docking was performed to determine the binding affinities of the identified compounds from the leaf and stem bark infusions on carbohydrate and lipid digestive enzymes.Results:GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of several phytocompounds,including palmitoleic acid,octadecanamide,24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D and L-ascorbic acid.The bark infusion had significantly higher total phenolic contents compared with the leaf infusion,with better DPPH scavenging[IC_(50):(10.50±1.03)μg/mL]and ferric reducing[IC_(50):(9.85±0.32)μg/mL]activities(P<0.05).Both R.longipes infusions at their highest concentrations significantly increased glucose uptake in yeast suspension and rat psoas muscle with marked suppression of glucose absorption in the rat jejunum(P<0.05).With no cytotoxicity on Vero cells,the infusions lowered lipid peroxidation,increased cellular reduced glutathione concentration,and the activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase in renal homogenate treated with FeSO_(4).Conclusions:R.longipes shows antioxidant and antidiabetic activities and could be a potential therapeutic candidate for diabetes.

Allelopathic potential of Rhus chinensis on seedling growth of radish,semen cassiae and black soyabean

The allelopathic potential of Rhus chinensis Mill on seedling growth of radish（Raphanus sativus L.）,semen cassiae（seed of Cassia obtusifolia L.） and black soyabean [Glycine max（L.） Merr.] was investigated under laboratory conditions.The water extracts of seed,leaf and bark of R.chinensis inhibited the germination and the growth of roots and shoots of radish,semen cassiae,and black soyabean.Significant increasing reductions in the germination and growth of roots and shoots were observed as the concentration of water extract increased in all bioassays.The order of allelopathic potentials of the three parts from R.chinensis plant on seed germination of these receptors was leaf [ seed [ bark.However,the inhibition of water extracts from R.chinensis seed on root activity of semen cassiae was more severe than from the other two parts.The allelopathic potential on the germination of radish was higher than that of black soyabean and semen cassiae.The integrated effect index for allelopathic potential of water extracts of leaf of R.chinensis on radish,semen cassiae and black soyabean seedling growth were-0.88,-0.93 and-0.98 respectively.The results suggested that it is important to minimize the negative allelopathic potential of R.chinensis in agroforestry systems,and to exploit this traditional Chinese medicinal tree for the production of natural bio-pesticides.

Antitumor Effects and Acute Oral Toxicity Studies of a Plant Extract Mixture Containing <i>Rhus verniciflua</i>and Some Other Herbs

A novel antitumor agent was developed from six kinds of herbs containing Rhus verniciflua (Rv-PEM01). The components were traditionally established for each formula for traditional medicine. The formula was designed to affect antitumor effect as well as maintain host immune functions. First, we investigated the antiproliferative activities of Rv-PEM01 on human and canine tumor cell lines in vitro, and on antitumor effects using BALB/cAJcl-nu/nu mice in vivo. Acute oral toxicity of Rv-PEM01 was also investigated in vivo in ddY mice. Rv-PEM01 exhibited antiproliferative activities against PC-3 (IC50: 0.328 ± 0.081 mg/ml), A549 (IC50: 0.520 ± 0.070 mg/ml), D-17 (IC50: 0.124 ± 0.037 mg/ml) and MRC-5 (IC50: 0.505 ± 0.058 mg/ml) cells. Luteolin 7-β-D-glucopyranoside and apigenin 7-β-D-glucopyranoside were identified as the main active compounds in Rv-PEM01 by HPLC analysis. The single dose toxicity study of Rv-PEM01 did not result in any deaths or abnor-malities in daily behavior, body weight gain, or anatomical observations at necropsy. Thus, so we could not calculate the 50% lethal dose (LD50) in mice, but it would be higher than 5.0 g/kg. Treat- ment with Rv-PEM01 at a dose of 2.5 g/kg tended to show antitumor activities on mice bearing Colon26 tumors compared with the control group. It was concluded that the formula was a safe antitumor agent with no side effects on mouse physiological function as judged by survival and organ weight.

Clinical Effects of a Plant Extract Mixture Containing Rhus verniciflua and Other Herbs in Tumor Bearing Dogs

Dog owners are increasingly seeking treatment when their pets develop cancers. As in human cancer patients, dogs with cancer are commonly treated with complementary and alternative therapies, including herbal medicines and nutritional supplements. A novel antitumor agent was developed from six different herbs including Rhus verniciflua (Rv-PEM01). The components were established from traditional herbal medicine and designed to affect antitumor activity and maintain host immune function. Previous studies identified anti-proliferative activity in human, murine and canine cancer cell lines. In this clinical study the safety and tolerability of Rv-PEM01 were evaluated in pet dogs with spontaneously occurring cancers. Twelve dogs were treated orally daily for 30 days in escalating dose (4 - 10 mg/kg orally once daily) cohorts. Rv-PEM01 was well tolerated;only transient mild elevations in BUN were observed in 2 dogs. Although tumor response was not a primary endpoint for this study, stable disease was maintained for 30 days in 5 (42%) of the dogs. In conclusion, Rv-PEM01 was found to be safe and well tolerated in the dosage range tested. Future studies should evaluate higher dosages of Rv-PEM01 in dogs with cancer, and specifically address other potential benefits of Rv-PEM01 in canine cancer patients, including correlative assessments of immune function, quality of life and owner satisfaction.

丹麦úrhus县2型糖尿病随机人群中视网膜病变的患病率

Purpose: To determine the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy and the causes of visual impairment in an unselected population of type 2 diabetes patients, and to describe the risk factors for developing diabetic retinopathy in this populat ion. Methods: A total of 10851 type 2 diabetes patients were identified in the c ounty of úrhus. A representative sample of 378 patients underwent a routine ocu lar examination, including fundus photography. Blood pressure and serum haemoglo bin A1c, total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglyceride a nd apolipoprotein a were measured. Results: The prevalence of diabetic retinopat hy in the type 2 diabetes population was 31.5%. In all, 2.9%had proliferative diabetic retinopathy and 5.3%had clinically significant macular oedema. Of the latter, 8/20 (40%) were newly identified and had not yet been lasertreated. The re was a positive correlation between severity of retinopathy and duration of di abetes, HbA1c, systolic blood pressure and treatment with insulin. None of the p atients had social blindness (visual acuity< 0.1), but 15/378 (4.0%) had develo ped visual impairment (VA < 0.3). Conclusion: The prevalence of diabetic retinop athy and visual impairment in this unselected type 2 diabetes population was low er than anticipated from the existing literature,and causes other than diabetic retinopathy contributed significantly to the occurrence of visual loss. A substa ntial number of the patients with vision-threatening diabetic maculopathy had n ot been referred for timely photocoagulation treatment.

Invasion Possibility and Potential Effects of Rhus typhina on Beijing Municipality

Rhus typhina, an alien species introduced from North America, was identified as a main afforestation species in Beijing municipality. However, its invasiveness is still at odds. To clarify this problem, we applied the North American Screening System and the Australian Screening System to preliminarily predict its invasion possibility. Both screening systems gave the same recommendation to ＂reject＂. The geographical distribution was surveyed, with the population features of R. typhina against the native plant communities being assessed. With anthropogenic assistance, R. typhina has been scattered on almost all habitats from downtown to mountains, including roadsides, farmlands and protected areas. As a clonal shrub, R. typhina possessed a high spreading rate, varying from 6.3 m/3 years at sterile habitats to 6.7 m/3 years at fertile ones. Significantly lower species richness, individual density and diversity were observed in the R. typhina community than those of the native Vitex negundo Linn.var. heterophylla （Franch.） Rehd. community at both sterile and fertile habitats. Continual wide plantation of R. typhina may further foster its population expansion, which helps the species to overcome spatial isolation, The fact that each root fragment can develop into a new individual makes R. typhina very difficult to be eradicated once established. From a biological point of view, we believe that R. typhina is a plant invader in Beijing. We therefore suggest the government should remove the name of R. typhina from the main tree species list in afforesUng Beijing.

Rhus coriaria L. increases serum apolipoprotein-A1 and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels： a double-blind placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial

Background： Lipid-lowering effect ofRhus coriaria L. （Rhus） has been investigated in multiple animal stud- ies with promising results. Nonetheless, its clinical efficacy has not been adequately examined. Objective： The aim of this study was to evaluate the lipid-lowering effects of Rhus among patients with hyperlipidemia. Design, setting, participants and interventions： The study was designed as a two-arm, double-blind placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial, using a parallel design. Eighty patients with primary hyper- lipidemia were randomly assigned to receive Rhus capsules or placebo for 6 weeks. Main outcome measures： The serum lipid levels, apolipoprotein-A1 （Apo-A1） and apolipoprotein-B （Apo-B） were measured. Results： Mean serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol （HDL-C） and Apo-Al levels were significantly increased in the Rhus group, compared with the placebo group, after 6 weeks of intervention （P= 0.001）. The analysis of covariance test including age, gender, body mass index （BMI）, and smoking as co-variables revealed that the increase in HDL-C and Apo-A1 levels remained significant, and increases in HDL-C were dependent on the increase in Apo-A1 levels. No significant difference was observed between Rhus and placebo groups in terms of mean reductions in total cholesterol, low-density lipopro- tein cholesterol and triglyceride levels; however, more significant improvement was observed among obese patients （BMI≥ 30 kg/m^2）. Conclusion： The study showed significant increases in HDL-C and Apo-Al levels in response to Rhus sup- plementation in patients with hyperlipidemia. Trial registration： ClinicalTrials.gov ID： NCT02295293.

Mixed activation and mixed inhibition of the oxidoreductase activity of Rhus vernicifera laccase by different Pd^(2+) ion concentration

Kinetic experiments were performed to study the effects of Pd2+ ion on the oxidation of 5,6-dibro-mo-2,3-dicyanohydroquinone catalyzed by Rhus vernicifera laccase under condition of pH 4.5 and 30 × 0. 1℃ . The results showed that the mixed activation could be observed when Pd2+ ion was at low concentrations. The competitive and non-competitive activation constants were 9 × 10 and 2 × 10-6 mol/L, respectively. With the increase of Pd2+ ion concentration, the activation was gradually converted into mixed inhibition, and the competitive and non-competitive inhibition constants were 6 × 10-6 and 32 × 10-6 mol/L, respectively.

Sumc(Rhus coriaria L.)fruit ameliorates paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity

Sumac[Rhus coriaria L.(Anacardiaceae)]is a widely used spice in the Middle East.In this study,the hepatoprotective effects of sumac fruit were evaluated using a rat model of paracetamol-induced liver injury.The experimental design relies on the pretreatment of rats with intraperitoneal sumac extract followed by a toxic dose of paracetamol.Tissue alterations,serum levels of oxidative stress markers,as well as gene expression of immunomarkers were evaluated.Rats pre-treated with sumac displayed attenuated signs of toxicity.Upon paracetamol intoxication,sumac-pretreated animals showed a minimal increase in liver enzyme levels.In parallel,serum albumin and total protein levels were close to normal.Moreover,pretreated sumac animals had preserved hepatocyte morphology,whereas unprotected animals had necrotic deformations.Importantly,these effects were dose-dependent and comparable to the silymarin-treated positive control group.In conclusion,sumac extract offers a potential hepatoprotective regimen against xenobiotic-induced hepatotoxicity and for oxidative stress management.

重组人类促红细胞生成素预防早产儿贫血的临床观察

目的 观察重组人类促红细胞生成素对早产儿贫血的防治效果。方法 药物:重组人类促红细胞生成素。选择4 2例住院治疗早产儿,胎龄<36w、体重<2 5 0 0 g ,均无贫血,随机分成两组,观察组2 0例,对照组2 2例,两组体重、孕周及原发病无差异,给rHu -EPO前两组患儿血红蛋白、红细胞压积无差别。两组综合治疗相同,观察组于入院后即在其他综合治疗同时给予国产rHu -EPO ,2 5 0IU/kg/次,3次/w ,静脉注射、疗程4w ,两组均给铁剂,元素铁8mg/kg ,6～8w对患儿进行随访,两组发生贫血情况及贫血程度、检验血红蛋白情况。结果 观察组2 0例,3例,对照组2 2例,发生贫血17例,经统计学处理,差异显著,说明观察组用rHu -EPO后贫血的发生率、贫血的程度均较对照组低;两组血红蛋白均值比较,观察明显高于对照组,统计学处理差异显著,P 值<0 .0 1。结论 rHu -EPO不仅可治疗早产儿贫血而且可用于预防早产儿贫血,且效果明显,建议对早产儿生后即常规给予rHu -EPO、铁剂,以利早产儿贫血的早期干预,减轻或避免早产儿贫血的发生,rHu -EPO治疗期铁消耗增加,而铁储存空虚或用于合成血红蛋白的铁利用均会影响rHu -EPO的疗效,建议用治疗的同时补充铁剂,临床疗效会更明显。

Antibacterial activities of some plant extracts alone and in combination with different antimicrobials against multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains

Objective:To evaluate the possible in vitro interaction between ethanolic extracts of Rhus coriaria[R.coriaria)(seed),Sacropoterium spinosum(S.spinosum)(seed),Rosa damascena(R. damascene)(flower) and certain known antimicrobial drugs including oxytetracycline HCl, penicillin C,cephalexin,sulfadimethoxine as sodium,and enr of loxacin.This synergy study was carried out against 3 clinical strains of multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P.aeruginosa).Methods:Evaluation of synergy interaction between plant extracts and antimicrobial agents was carried out using microdilution method.Results:The results of this study showed that there is a decrease in the MIC in case of combination of ethanolic plant extracts and test antimicrobial agents.The most interesting result was that the combination between R. coriaria and these antibiotics,showed a high decrease in minimum inhibitory concentration(MIC), and a strong bactericidal activity against these strains.Conclusions:These results may indicate that combinations between R.coriaria extract and these antibiotics could be useful in fighting emerging drug-resistance P.aeruginosa,which may due to that R.coriaria extract contain natural inhibitors working by different mechanisms or inhibiting efflux pumps.Now we have experiments underway leading to the identification of the active molecules present in R.coriaria.Further,in vivo experiments are needed to confirm pseudomonal protection.

深空探测中的钚-238同位素电源

钚-238同位素电源(钚-238 RTG)能够在恶劣环境下长时间自持运行,供电的同时还能提供热能,是深空探测任务的理想能源。首先对温差型钚-238 RTG发电原理和基本结构进行了阐述,介绍了国内外钚-238 RTG应用历史和发展趋势,进而梳理出了钚-238 RTG研制关键技术,然后结合国外钚-238 RTG研制技术状况及未来深空探测需求,对上述关键技术进行了分析和讨论,从而可为我国钚-238 RTG技术发展及其工程应用提供参考。

Study on Laccase-Catalyzed Oxidation of Disubstituted Ferrocene and π-arene-π- cyclopentadienyliron Derivatives

It is studied that Rhus vernicifera laccase catalyzed oxidation of 26 disubstituted ferrocene and its metal complexes, π-arene-π-cyclopentadienyliron derivatives and metal meso-(tetra-4-sulfanatophenyl)porphyrin in the diethylene glycol monobutyl ether (DGBE)/phosphate buffer (V/V, 1/5). It is found that 1,1′-bishydroxylmethyl ferrocene etc 16 compounds are new substrates of laccase. The relation of structure and function of substrates is discussed. The affective factors of laccase-catalyzed oxidation of 1,1′-bishydroxyl-methyl ferrocene—pH, temperature, substrate concentration, laccase quantity and surfactant were investigated further.

STUDIES OF THE REACTION BETWEEN LACCASE AND p-PHENYLENEDIAMIME BY MICROCALORIMETRY

The molar reation enthalpy,the Michaelis constant and the observed rate constant of the reaction between the Rhus vernicifera laccase and p-phenylenediamine have been determined at 298. 15 K by LKB-2107 microcalorimetry system in 0.1 mol/L phosphate salt buffer (pH7. 4) to be △rHm=-136.36±0. 36kJ/mol, Km= 5. 58×10-3 mol/L and k1 =8. 63×10-3s-1, respectively. The catalyst activity of laccase withp-phenylenediamine as substrate has been determined to be EA=0. 045 IU in the experimental condition.The observed activation energy of non-enzymic step of the reaction, the Gibbs binding energy of the combination process of laccase and substrate have been also calculated. The physical significance of the determined parameters were discussed for different step of the reaction.

肾衰非透析患者体内微炎症对rhu—EPO疗效的影响

目的探讨慢性肾衰非透析患者微炎症反应对rHu—EPO疗效的影响；方法：选择慢性肾衰CKD分期3—4期病人130例，采用免疫速率比浊法测定血清CRP浓度；结果：A组的Hb水平为（70±26）g／L，B组的Hb水平为（73±25）g／L，给予EPO治疗后，B组的Hb升高较快，两组间比较有显著差异（P〈0．01）；结论：慢性肾衰非透析患者体内微炎症反应直接影响rHu—EPO疗效。