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Abstract The Smilax species, widely distributed in tropical region of the world and the warm areas of East Asia and North America, are extensively used as folk medicine to treat inflammatory disorders. Chemical investigation on Smilax species showed they are rich sources of steroidal saponins with diversified structure types, including spirostane, isospirostane, furostane, pregnane, and cholestane. This review mainly summarizes the steroidal saponins (1–104) reported from the genus Smilax between 1967 and 2016, and their biological activities. The relationship between structures of steroidal saponins and related biological activities were briefly discussed. Graphical Abstract

A new triflavanoid, kandelin B-5 (1), was isolated from the rhizomes of Smilax china L., together with six known phenylpropanoid substituted flavan-3-ols (2–7), nine flavonoids (8–16), two stilbenoids (17, 18), and two other compounds (19, 20). The structure of compound 1 was determined on the basis of 1D, 2D NMR and HR-ESI-MS data, as well as chemical method. Compounds 2–5, 8–12, 15, 17, and 19 were evaluated for anti-inflammatory activity. Only compounds 10, 15 and 17 showed slightly IL-1β expression inhibitory activities on LPS induced THP-1 cells, with inhibition rate of 15.8%, 37.3%, and 35.8%, respectively, at concentration of 50 μg/mL.

Two types of turquoise, including homogeneous Cu-rich turquoise and oscillatory zoned turquoiseplanerite series, are recognized in association with quartz-barite veins hosted by Cambrian carbonaceous slates from western Hubei Province of China. Combined fluid inclusion and Raman micro-spectroscopic data reveal that turquoise-bearing barite-quartz veins contain three types of fluid inclusions (pure CH4-N2, carbonic-aqueous, and aqueous), suggesting the responsible fluid is of carbonic-aqueous composition with low oxygen fugacity. Pressure-corrected homogenization temperatures in quartz and barite show a range from 325 to 485 °C and 186 to 391 °C, respectively. Carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen isotopic data suggest that the mineral-forming fluids have a mixed metamorphic-organic affinity, in which the fluids have δ18O and δD values of 15.0 to 18.8‰ and –111 to –93‰, respectively. Generally, the formation of quartz-barite-turquoise veins could be triggered by prior metamorphic devolatilization, followed by the interaction of fluids with country rocks enriched in carbonaceous material, which resulted in the leaching of Cu, Fe, P, and Al from chalcopyrite, pyrite, magnetite, monazite, xenotime, apatite, feldspar, and muscovite in the wall rocks. Decomposition of the organic matter in the carbonaceous slates, caused by regional metamorphism and deformation, could also promote the concentration and transportation of necessary metals for the turquoise. Thus, we propose a new model and suggest that the turquoise gem deposits in western Hubei Province of China belong to the non-magmatic hydrothermal vein type deposit, not the previously proposed supergene origin. The turquoise-forming fluids were characterized by the coexistence of two immiscible fluids of non-magmatic affinity (i.e., moderate to high-temperature and low-salinity aqueous fluid and pure CH4-N2 fluid formed by interaction with carbonaceous slates). The bluish green homogeneous turquoise in the metamorphic quartz-barite-turquoise veins evolved toward the turquoise-planerite solid solution series as the metal-leaching capability of the aqueous fluids decreased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An internal standard as ablation yield is required to calibrate raw data by laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) technology. In this study, we established a new calibration method based on the mica (muscovite and biotite) structure formula-based normalization procedure, achieving high precision determination of major and trace element concentrations of mica (muscovite and biotite) by LA-ICP-MS without using an internal standard. Since the volatile components (F, Cl and OH) cannot be effectively and directly determined by ICP-MS, and the potassium concentration determined by LA technology in mica shows systematic deviation, we theoretically calculated the concentrations of volatile components and potassium, and corrected the influence of these elements on the summed normalization procedure. Applying multiple external standards plus the above modified normalization procedure, we determined the major and trace element contents of muscovite and biotite from a pegmatite dyke by this new method. The results are identical to the major element contents obtained by EPMA (Electron Probe Microanalyzer) and to the trace element contents determined by traditional internal standard-used LA-ICP-MS within ±5%. The new analytical procedure by LA-ICP-MS is low-cost and time-saving compared to the traditional method that needs combining both EPMA and LA-ICP-MS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During in situ determination of major and trace element concentrations of minerals by laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS), an internal standard is needed. In this study, we present a new modified calibration strategy without using an internal standard but still able to achieve accurate major and trace element determination of fluorapatite by LA-ICP-MS. Reference materials and normalization to bulk metal-oxide components as 100% were used to correct absolute amount differences of materials and sensitivity drift during each ablation process. Because F and P have high first ionization energy with low sensitivity in ICP-MS and may not be accurately measured by quadrupole ICP-MS, we determined the concentrations of these elements based on the calculation of the mineral unit formula to remove the disturbance of F and P to total normalization. We used the calibration with reference standards plus the above modified calibration strategy to determine the compositions of the standard reference material Durango and two types (magmatic and hydrothermal) of fluorapatite samples. The data of major and trace element compositions obtained by our new method without an internal standard are identical to those of the previous traditional internal standard-dependent calibration method within 1%. Overall, our new calibration method can achieve the same accuracy but lower cost and less time compared to the previous method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new oleanane triterpenoid, 2α,3β,6β,23,29-pentahydroxyolean-12-en-28- oic acid (1), was isolated from the roots of Rhodomyrtus tomentosa, together with four known oleanane triterpenoids (2–5) and two known ursane triterpenoids (6–7). The structure of compound 1 was determined by extensive NMR and HR-ESI-MS data analysis. Compounds 4–5 showed cytotoxicity against PC12 cell lines at a concentration of 50 μM, and compound 1 exhibited moderate neuroprotective activity against corticosterone induced PC12 cell death at the same concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current photodynamic therapy faces two major challenges, which are the limited tissue penetration of excitation light and poor tumor selectivity of the photosensitizer. To address these issues, in the present work, a photosensitizer protoporphyrin IX was delivered by aptamer-coated upconversion nanoparticles. The aptamer, namely, AS1411, could fold to G-quadruplex structures with the bi-functions of loading protoporphyrin IX and targeting the cancerous cells. The protoporphyrin IX aptamer-coated upconversion nanoparticle nanospheres exhibited good biocompatibility, high nuclease resistance, and targeted cellular internalization. The receptor blocking experiment indicated that the cellular uptake of protoporphyrin IX aptamer-coated upconversion nanoparticle mainly attributed to the binding of AS1411 to the nucleolin overexpressed on the cancerous cell membrane. Moreover, high-efficient photodynamic therapy of the as-prepared protoporphyrin IX aptamer-coated upconversion nanoparticle nanospheres was achieved to cancerous cells under the irradiation of near-infrared light, which was induced by the upconversion property of the upconversion nanoparticle. These results indicate that the fabricated protoporphyrin IX aptamer-coated upconversion nanoparticle nanoplatform has higher efficiency, lower toxicity, and less side effects compared to the free photosensitizer protoporphyrin IX, and thus is a new promising photodynamic therapy agent especially for the deep-seated tumors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four new phenolic compounds, 7- O-methylcatechin 5- O- β--glucopyranoside (), 6- O-feruloyl--glucopyranose (), demethylpiperitol 4 -O- β--glucopyranoside (), and 2-episesaminol 2- O- β--glucopyranoside () were isolated from the fresh leaves of Eucalyptus maideni, together with six hydrolyzable tannins, -, a flavonol glycoside, , three simple phenolics, -, a monoterpene glucoside, , and a rosenoside, . Their structures were determined on the basis of detailed spectroscopic analysis, acidic hydrolysis, and enzymatic hydrolysis. The known compounds and were obtained from the genus Eucalyptus for the first time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: While the association between father absence and youth hostility has been well-documented among depressed youths, there is a lack of research on the potential mechanism underlying such an association. This study aimed to test a serial mediation model of self-esteem and frustration tolerance on the link between father absence and youth hostility., Methods: A total of 137 Chinese youths with major depressive disorder were recruited from Wuhan Mental Health Center. They completed a survey including the Father Absence Questionnaire to measure father absence, the Chinese Hostility Inventory (CHI) to measure hostility, the Psychological Endurance Questionnaire to measure frustration tolerance, and the Self-esteem Scale (SES) to measure self-esteem. A series of multiple linear regression models were employed to assess the associations among father absence, self-esteem, frustration tolerance, and hostility., Results: Although father absence was modestly associated with hostility ( r  = 0.30, p  < 0.001), subsequent serial mediation analysis showed that father absence was not directly related to hostility ( β  = 0.06, p  = 0.29) when self-esteem and frustration tolerance were included in the model. High levels of father absence had an adverse effect on levels of self-esteem, which decreased levels of frustration tolerance, and thus higher levels of hostility among depressed youths. The indirect effects of father absence on hostility through self-esteem, frustration tolerance, as well as through self-esteem and frustration tolerance serially accounted for 28%, 24%, and 24% of the total effect, respectively., Conclusion: Our study tested a serial mediation model of self-esteem and frustration tolerance as mediators between father absence and hostility among depressed youths. The findings strengthened our understanding of the potential mechanism underlying the association between self-esteem and frustration tolerance, which may provide useful guidance for future intervention programs., Competing Interests: The reviewer [BZ] declared a shared affiliation with the author [WL] to the handling editor at the time of review., (© 2023 Liu, Li, Xiong, Li, Liu and John S.)

Background: Crisis mental health services for the general population are an essential component in combating the COVID-19 epidemic. To facilitate planning of mental health services, empirical data on mental health problems and service utilization of populations affected by the epidemic are urgently needed. This study investigated the prevalence of mental health problems of residents within and outside Wuhan, China, as well as their patterns of mental health service utilization., Methods: From January 27 to February 2, 2020, an online cross-sectional survey recruited residents from 4 subpopulations: Wuhan residents (n=2,617), migrants from Wuhan (those who left Wuhan before lockdown, n=930), other Hubei residents (n=633), and residents of other provinces of China ("other residents", n=3,561). Participants' mental health problems and patterns of utilization of mental health services in recent days were assessed with standardized assessments., Results: Among the 4 groups, Wuhan residents had the highest rate of any type of mental health problem (i.e., psychological distress: 41.9%), followed by migrants from Wuhan (34.2%), other Hubei residents (24.8%), and other residents (21.1%). Rates of perceived mental health needs and utilization of mental health services during recent days were 10.2% and 1.9% for Wuhan residents, 8.4% and 1.8% for migrants from Wuhan, 6.2% and 1.1% for other Hubei residents, and 6.4% and 1.0% for other residents, respectively. Overall, 63.0% mental health service users received services via internet and telephone, and 83.1% participants with perceived mental health needs ascribed their lack of help-seeking to barriers to accessibility and availability., Conclusions: The COVID-19 epidemic is associated with unprecedented levels of mental health problems and needs in affected residents. To address the unmet mental health needs, internet- and telephone-based mental health services should be widely provided to residents, especially those in the worst-affected regions., Competing Interests: Conflicts of Interest: All authors have completed the ICMJE uniform disclosure form (available at http://dx.doi.org/10.21037/atm-20-4145). The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare., (2020 Annals of Translational Medicine. All rights reserved.)

Unprecedented measures have been adopted to control the rapid spread of the ongoing COVID-19 epidemic in China. People's adherence to control measures is affected by their knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) towards COVID-19. In this study, we investigated Chinese residents' KAP towards COVID-19 during the rapid rise period of the outbreak. An online sample of Chinese residents was successfully recruited via the authors' networks with residents and popular media in Hubei, China. A self-developed online KAP questionnaire was completed by the participants. The knowledge questionnaire consisted of 12 questions regarding the clinical characteristics and prevention of COVID-19. Assessments on residents' attitudes and practices towards COVID-19 included questions on confidence in winning the battle against COVID-19 and wearing masks when going out in recent days. Among the survey completers (n=6910), 65.7% were women, 63.5% held a bachelor degree or above, and 56.2% engaged in mental labor. The overall correct rate of the knowledge questionnaire was 90%. The majority of the respondents (97.1%) had confidence that China can win the battle against COVID-19. Nearly all of the participants (98.0%) wore masks when going out in recent days. In multiple logistic regression analyses, the COVID-19 knowledge score (OR: 0.75-0.90, P<0.001) was significantly associated with a lower likelihood of negative attitudes and preventive practices towards COVID-2019. Most Chinese residents of a relatively high socioeconomic status, in particular women, are knowledgeable about COVID-19, hold optimistic attitudes, and have appropriate practices towards COVID-19. Health education programs aimed at improving COVID-19 knowledge are helpful for Chinese residents to hold optimistic attitudes and maintain appropriate practices. Due to the limited sample representativeness, we must be cautious when generalizing these findings to populations of a low socioeconomic status., Competing Interests: Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interest exists., (© The author(s).)

Rosai-Dorfman disease (RDD) or sinus histiocytosis with massive lymphadenopathy is a rare benign disorder usually characterized by massive painless cervical lymphadenopathy and systemic manifestations. Extranodal involvement, especially spinal involvement, is extremely rare. We report a 41-year-old man who presented with only intermittent dorsodynia. His condition was diagnosed as non-specific inflammatory disease on the basis of preoperative puncture biopsy results. We performed total surgical resection. Histopathological findings showed distinctive emperipolesis and immunohistochemistry results were positive for cluster of differentiation CD68 and S100 and negative for CD1a. A good prognosis was confirmed at the 3-month follow-up visit. This is the first case of RDD of the subdural spine with such a long segment lesion. There is still no consensus regarding appropriate therapy for this type of RDD and the preoperative diagnosis remains challenging. The unusual presentation of our case serves as a reference when diagnosing and treating RDD.

Pristine graphene is strongly diamagnetic. However, graphene with single carbon atom defects could exhibit paramagnetism. Theoretically, the π magnetism induced by the monovacancy in graphene is characteristic of two spin-split density-of-states (DOS) peaks close to the Dirac point. Since its prediction, many experiments have attempted to study this π magnetism in graphene, whereas only a notable resonance peak has been observed around the atomic defects, leaving the π magnetism experimentally elusive. Here, we report direct experimental evidence of π magnetism by using a scanning tunneling microscope. We demonstrate that the localized state of the atomic defects is split into two DOS peaks with energy separations of several tens of meV. Strong magnetic fields further increase the energy separations of the two spin-polarized peaks and lead to a Zeeman-like splitting. Unexpectedly, the effective g factor around the atomic defect is measured to be about 40, which is about 20 times larger than the g factor for electron spins.