Search

This article reviews the progresses made by Chinese scientists in the field of natural products chemistry in 2010. Selected compounds with unique structural features and/or promising bioactivities were described herein on the basis of structural types., (Copyright © 2012 China Pharmaceutical University. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Fifteen limonoids, meliatoosenins E-S (1-15), and 10 known compounds were isolated from the fruits of Melia toosendan. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of extensive spectroscopic methods including DEPT, HSQC, HMBC, (1)H-(1)H COSY, and ROESY experiments. All the compounds were evaluated for antiproliferative activity using A-549 and HL-60 cell lines., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

A new ester, 2-(4'-hydroxyphenyl)ethyl dotriacontanoate (1), and a new inseparable mixture of octacosan-1,28-dioldiferulate and triacontan-1,30-dioldiferulate (2) were isolated from the stem barks of Stereospermum acuminatissimum, along with 24 known compounds including 4 triterpenoids, 11 anthraquinones, 2 lignans, 3 phenylpropanoids, 2 4-hydroxyphenethyl esters, 1 methoxyphenol, and 1 iridoid. The structures of the new metabolites were determined with the help of spectroscopic data including extensive 2D NMR spectroscopy. The known compounds were identified by comparison of their physical and spectroscopic data with those reported in the literature. The compounds were tested against Candida albicans ATCC 24433, C. albicans ATCC 90028, Candida glabrata ATCC 90030, Candida krusei ATCC 6258, and Candida parapsilosis ATCC 22019. Some of them were moderately active.

Background: The long-term work performance of persons with schizophrenia in the community is unclear. This study examined the status of long-term work functioning and the predictors of poor work status among patients with schizophrenia in a Chinese rural area., Methods: A 10-year follow-up investigation (1994-2004) of a cohort (n = 510) of persons with schizophrenia was conducted in Xinjin County, Chengdu, China., Results: Compared with baseline data, work functioning of patients with schizophrenia deteriorated after 10 years. The rates of not working increased significantly from 12.0% in 1994 to 23.0% in 2004. Bivariate analyses showed that the poor work functioning in 2004 was significantly associated with male gender, older age, older age of first onset, higher level of education, longer duration of illness, lower family economic status, lack of caregivers, poor work status in 1994, living in shabby or unstable house, marked symptoms, and higher score on the Social Disability Screening Schedule (SDSS). In multiple logistic regression analyses, higher score of SDSS and poor work status in 1994 were identified as unique predictors of poor work status in 2004., Conclusion: The status of work functioning of persons with schizophrenia decreased over the course of the illness. The risk factors for poor work functioning and specific socio-cultural environment should be considered in planning community mental health services and rehabilitation for these patients.

Objective: To observe the anti-atherosclerotic effect and its possible mechanisms of Modified Zhenzhu Tiaozhi Capsule (MZTC) in rabbits., Methods: 50 rabbits were divided into five groups, i.e., the normal group, the model group, the simvastatin group (3 mg/kg), the high dose MZTC group (1.6 g crude drug/kg), and the low dose MZTC group (1.6 g crude drug/kg), respectively, ten in each group. The atherosclerosis (AS) model was established by feeding rabbits with high fat diet. Corresponding medicines were administrated on the basis of high fat diet for twelve successive weeks. Levels of blood lipids, serum superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), and nitric oxide (NO) were detected. The area of the aortic tunica intima plaque was determined. The pathological changes of the aorta were observed., Results: Compared with the model group, serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), MDA, and atherosclerotic index (AI) were significantly lowered in the MZTC groups (P<0.05, P<0.01), while serum levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), SOD, and NO obviously increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). Serum levels of TC, TG, LDL-C, and in the MZTC groups were obviously higher than those of the simvastatin group (P<0.01), and there was insignificant difference in other indices. The ratio of the aortic tunica intima plaque percentage to the total tunica intima area was also markedly lower than that of the model group (P<0.05, P<0.01). Results under light microscope indicated the pathological changes of the aorta was obviously attenuated., Conclusions: MZTC could inhibit the formation and development of AS plaque. Its mechanism might be associated with regulating lipids metabolism, antioxidation, and improving endothelial functions.

Three new indole alkaloids, named kopsihainins A-C (1-3), and two known compounds, kopsinine (4) and methyl demethoxycarbonylchanofruticosinate (5), were isolated from the stems of Kopsia hainanensis. Their structures were determined using extensive spectroscopic methods. The two main constituents 4 and 5 exhibited significant antitussive activity in a citric acid induced guinea pig cough model. The antitussive effect of 4 was demonstrated to interact with the δ-opioid receptor. This is the first report of antitussive effects of aspidofractinine type and chanofruticosinate type alkaloids., (© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.)

Objective: This study is to explore the prevalence and risk factors for self-reported criminal behavior among persons with schizophrenia in rural China., Methods: We used data from a 14-year prospective follow-up study (1994-2008) of criminal behavior among a cohort (N=510) of persons with schizophrenia in Xinjin County, China., Results: The rate of criminal behavior was 10.0% among persons with schizophrenia in a rural community during the follow-up period. Bivariate analyses showed that the risk of criminal behavior was significantly associated with being male, unmarried, previous violent behavior, homelessness, no family caregivers, and high scores on measures of total symptoms of illness. In multivariate logistic regression analyses being male and previous violent behavior were identified as independent predictors of increased criminal behavior in persons with schizophrenia in the follow-up period., Conclusions: Criminal behavior is a common phenomenon among patients with schizophrenia in rural China. The findings of the risk factors for criminal behavior should be considered in planning mental health interventions for high-risk patients and their families., ((c) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To observe the effect of fufang zhenzhu tiaozhi capsule (FTZ) on lipid metabolism in atherosclerotic rabbits., Methods: 50 rabbits were divided into five groups: normal control group, model group, simvastatin group, the high-dose group and low-dose group of FTZ. The atherosclerotic model was established by feeding the rabbits with high fat diet. The medicine interfered groups were administrated with homologous medicine on the base of high fat diet. All the rabbits were fed for 12 weeks. The blood lipids levels were determined just before the experiment and at the forth, the eighth and the twelfth weekend of the experiment. At the end of the experiment, serum apolipoprotein levels, liver lipid contents and the area of atherosclerotic plaque were determined respectively., Results: Compared with model group, TC, TG, LDL-C and ApoB levels were significantly decreased in FTZ groups (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). The level of HDL-C and the ratio of ApoA I /ApoB were raised significantly (P < 0.05). The contents of TC,TG in liver tissue and the area percentage of atherosclerotic plaque were also markedly reduced (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01) in the FTZ groups., Conclusion: FTZ could efficiently regulate the abnormality of lipid metabolism in experimental atherosclerotic rabbits, and this maybe one mamechanisms of its antiatherogenic effect.

Two new alkaloids, 4'-O-demethylhamatine (1) and ancistrotectoriline C (2), were isolated from the stems and leaves of Ancistrocladus tectorius. These two compounds represent one 5,1'-coupled and one 7,6'-coupled naphthylisoquinoline alkaloid, respectively. Their structures were elucidated by 1D- and 2D-NMR spectra and other spectroscopic studies.

Four new limonoids (1, 3, 4, 6), named meliatoosenins A-D, eight new euphane- and tirucallane-type triterpenoids (8-15), named meliasenins A-H, and 13 known compounds have been isolated from the stem bark of Melia toosendan. The structures of new compounds were established on the basis of 1D and 2D NMR experiments ((1)H-(1)H COSY, HSQC, HMBC, and ROESY).

We have constructed a novel refractive index (RI) sensor based on a fiber optic Fabry-Perot interferometer (FPI) by splicing a section of hollow core fiber between a single-mode fiber and a photonic crystal fiber (PCF). Owing to the air holes in the cladding of the PCF, various substances, such as liquids and gases with different RI, can enter or leave the in-fiber air cavity, which makes the device usable as a refractometer. In this paper, the fiber optic FPI sensor has been used to monitor the RI changes of air with different pressures, and the experimental results show that such a sensor has an RI sensitivity of 805.1 microm/RIU, and hysteresis is not observed. Moreover, the easy fabrication method gives the in-fiber refractometer many potential applications in the sensing field.

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: The herbal formula Xiangdan injection and its modifications have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for about hundreds years to alleviate pain and promoting blood., Aim: To investigate the anti-hypoxia active fraction of Xiangdan injection., Materials and Methods: Xiangdan injection was extracted by ligarine, chloroform, acetic ether, n-butanol and water, represented respectively by A, B, C, D and E. Five extractions were group on the L12(2(5)) orthogonal designed table. NIH mices anti-hypoxia experiment under normal pressure with rats was adopted on the basis of orthogonal design, prediction pharmacodynamics model of TCM prescriptions was established, and the simulation bias was evaluated by combining two scatterplots. The anti-hypoxia active fraction of Xiangdan injection was determined by experiments., Results: The prediction model of TCM prescriptions established in this study can predict the drug actions for different formulas, and PE%

Phytochemical investigation on the stem bark and wood of Trigonostemon chinensis led to the isolation of four new dinorditerpenoids, trigonostemons A-D (1, 3, 5, 6), a new phenanthrenone, trigonostemon E (7), and a new bisindole alkaloid, trigonostemon F (8). The structures were established by extensive spectroscopic methods. The absolute configurations of 1-6 were determined by X-ray crystallography, circular dichroism, quantum chemical TDDFT calculations, and chemical transformations. The relative configuration of 8 was confirmed by X-ray diffraction analysis.

A phytochemical investigation of the roots of Chloranthus anhuiensis afforded three new sesquiterpene lactones, chloraniolide A (1), (3R)-3-hydroxyatractylenolide III (2), and 8beta-hydroxy-1-oxoeudesma-3,7(11)-dien-12,8alpha-olide (3), and two new diterpenoids, (12R,13E)-15-(acetoxy)-12-hydroxylabda-8(20),13-dien-19-oic acid (4) and (12S,13E)-15-(acetoxy)-12-dihydroxylabda-8(20),13-dien-19-oic acid (5), as well as 17 known sesquiterpenoid and diterpenoid compounds. Their structures were established on the basis of 1D- and 2D-NMR, and other spectroscopic analyses.

Objective: To investigate the anti-hypoxia active fraction of Xiangdan injection., Methods: The anti-hypoxia experiment under normal pressure with mice was adopted on the basis of orthogonal design, and a support vector machine model was established for pharmacodynamics prediction of TCM prescriptions. Moreover, the anti-hypoxia active fraction of Xiangdan injection was determined by experimental confirmation., Results: The prediction model established in this study could predict the drug actions of different formulas., Conclusion: As indicated in model prediction and experimental confirmation, the pharmacodynamic actions of several formulas are superior to that of the original formula, and ADE has the best effect.

Background: Many people with schizophrenia remain untreated in the community. Long-term mortality and suicidal behaviour among never-treated individuals with schizophrenia in the community are unknown., Aims: To explore 10-year mortality and suicidal behaviour among never-treated individuals with schizophrenia., Method: We used data from a 10-year prospective follow-up study (1994-2004) among people with schizophrenia in Xinjin County, Chengdu, China., Results: The mortality rate for never-treated individuals with schizophrenia was 2761 per 100 000 person-years during follow-up. There were no significant differences of rates of suicide and all-cause mortality between never-treated and treated individuals. The standardised mortality ratio (SMR) for never-treated people was 10.4 (95% CI 7.2-15.2) and for treated individuals 6.5 (95% CI 5.2-8.5). Compared with treated people, never-treated individuals were more likely to be older, poorer, have a longer duration of illness, marked symptoms and fewer family members., Conclusions: The never-treated individuals have similar mortality to and a higher proportion of marked symptoms than treated people, which may reflect the poor outcome of the individuals without treatment. The higher rates of mortality, homelessness and never being treated among people with schizophrenia in low- and middle-income nations might challenge presumed wisdom about schizophrenia outcomes in these countries.

Gastropericardial fistula is generally associated with benign gastric diseases and is an uncommon complication of gastric adenocarcinoma. Pericarditis and cardiac tamponade are the ultimate outcome, with extremely high mortality rates. We report a 47-year-old man with gastric adenocarcinoma who had completed radiotherapy and was on scheduled chemotherapy, who presented with fever and chest pain. Gastric adenocarcinoma complicated with gastropericardial fistula and Candida albicans pericarditis were diagnosed and treated successfully with conservative management. Initial chest radiography and computed tomography (CT) revealed no evident pericardial air or fluid. However, follow-up panendoscopy 2 weeks later revealed a malignant ulcer with a fistula opening over the lesser curvature of the high body of the stomach. Subsequent chest radiography and CT revealed pneumopericardium with fluid accumulation. Emergent CT-guided pericardial drainage was performed. The fluid was positive for Candida albicans. Total parenteral nutrition and antifungal therapy were administered. The patient refused surgical intervention and survived with medical management alone. This case demonstrates that first, panendoscopy may be safely performed in patients with gastropericardial fistula without significant risk of cardiac tamponade; second, although early diagnosis of gastropericardial fistula is generally important, delayed recognition may not lead to devastating outcomes even in the absence of surgical intervention.

Four new 9,10-dihydrophenanthrenes, juncuenins A-D (1-4), three new phenanthrenes, dehydrojuncuenins A-C (5-7), and three known compounds were isolated from the whole plants of Juncus setchuensis. The structures of the new compounds were established on the basis of detailed 1D and 2D NMR studies.

Four new merrillianin-type sesquiterpenes, oligandrumins A-D (1-4), two new seco-prezizaane-type sesquiterpenes, veranisatins D and E (5 and 6), and a new phenylpropane glycoside, oligandrumin E (7), were isolated from the ethanol extract of pericarps of Illicium oligandrum, together with six known sesquiterpenoids and two phenylpropanoids. Their structures were established on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analyses. The structures of 1 and 2 were further confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction experiments. Anislactone B (13) and the erythro form of anethole glycol (14) were shown to attenuate the damage induced by H(2)O(2) in SH-SY5Y cells.

Background: Children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have difficulties with executive function and impulse control which may improve with age., Aims: To map the brain correlates of executive function in ADHD and determine age-related changes in reaction times and brain volumes., Method: Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and control groups were compared on the change task measures of response inhibition (stop signal reaction time, SSRT) and shifting (change response reaction time, CRRT). Voxel-wise magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) correlations of reaction times and grey matter volume were determined, along with bivariate correlations of reaction times, brain volumes and age., Results: Individuals in the ADHD group had longer SSRTs and CRRTs. Anterior cingulate, striatal and medial temporal volumes highly correlated with SSRT. Striatal and cerebellar volumes strongly correlated with CRRT. Older children had faster reaction times and larger regional brain volumes. In controls, orbitofrontal, medial temporal and cerebellar volumes correlated with CRRT but not SSRT. Neither reaction times nor regional brain volumes were strongly age-dependent., Conclusions: Our evidence supports delayed brain maturation in ADHD and implies that some features of ADHD improve with age.

Protostemonamide ( 1), a new protostemonine-type alkaloid, and 12 known compounds were isolated from the roots of Stemona sessilifolia. Their structures were elucidated by 1 D and 2 D NMR spectral and other spectroscopic studies. The main alkaloidal constituents, protostemonine ( 2), stemospironine ( 4), and maistemonine ( 7), showed significant antitussive activity in a citric acid-induced guinea pig cough model following peripheral administration; stemonamine ( 11) had antitussive activity following i. c. v. administration.

Purpose: To provide preliminary prevalence estimates of common DSM-IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-4th Edition) disorders in a sample of Hong Kong Chinese adolescents., Methods: 541 Chinese adolescents were recruited from Grades 7, 8 and 9 of 28 mainstream high schools in Hong Kong (mean age=13.8 years; SD=1.2). The adolescents and their parents were separately administered the Youth and Parent versions of DISC-IV (Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children-Version 4), respectively., Results: Based upon both symptom and impairment criteria, as required by DSM-IV, the overall prevalence estimate of DSM-IV disorders in our sample of Chinese adolescents was 16.4%. Estimates for such individual disorders/diagnostic groupings as anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), conduct disorder (CD), and substance use disorders were 6.9, 1.3, 3.9, 6.8, 1.7, and 1.1%, respectively. These rates were largely compatible with those reported in previous studies with perhaps lower rates of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), depressive disorders, CD, and substance use disorders, but a higher rate of ODD. The rate of ADHD was somewhat higher, but this might reflect the current DSM-IV diagnostic practice. The rate of anxiety disorders was not as high as predicted from some previous questionnaire surveys. The application of an impairment criterion had discernible impacts on prevalence estimates, greater on anxiety and substance use disorders, but smaller on depressive and disruptive behavior disorders. There was a lack of gender difference in rates of ODD and CD., Discussion and Conclusion: While the findings reported here are broadly compatible with those of other studies, there may be cross-cultural differences in rates of some individual disorders, e.g., GAD, depressive disorders, ODD, CD, and substance use disorders, as well as in gender difference regarding rates of ODD and CD. However, exact comparison between studies is confounded by methodological differences in sample characteristics, measures, and case definition. Standardization of methodology in epidemiological surveys should allow more precise identification of any within- or between-culture variations in prevalence estimation.

Two new ursane-type triterpene glucosides, 2alpha,3alpha,24-trihydroxyurs-12,18-dien-28-oic acid beta-D-glucopyranosyl ester (1) and 2alpha,3alpha,23-trihydroxyurs-12,19(29)-dien-28-oic acid beta-D-glucopyranosyl ester (2), were isolated from the roots of Rosa laevigata, together with three known compounds: 2alpha,3beta,19alpha-trihydroxyurs-12-en-28-oic acid beta-Dglucopyranosyl ester (3), 2alpha,3alpha,19alpha-trihydroxyurs-12-en-28-oic acid beta-D-glucopyranosyl ester (4) and 2alpha,3beta,19alpha,23-tetrahydroxyurs-12-en-28-oic acid beta-D-glucopyranosyl ester (5). The structures of new compounds were established on the basis of detailed 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic analyses. Compounds 2 and 5 exhibited modest in vitro antifungal activities against Candida albicans and C. krusei.

Protein tyrosine kinase (PTK) inhibitors represent emerging therapeutics for cancer chemoprevention. In our study, hematoxylin (26) was identified as one of the most remarkable c-Src inhibitors in an orthogonal compound-mixing library (32200 compounds) by using an ELISA-based automated high-throughput screening (HTS) strategy. Interestingly, hematoxylin was found to be an ATP competitive broad-spectrum PTK inhibitor in vitro, with IC50 values ranging from nanomolar to micromolar level. Further studies showed that such inhibition was associated with the PTK phosphorylation and subsequent downstream signaling pathways. The structure-activity relationship assessment of the PTK inhibitory potency of hematoxylin analogues isolated from Heamatoxylon campechianum was in good agreement with the result of concurrent molecular docking simulation: the catechol moiety in ring A and the hematoxylin-like three-dimensional structure were essential for c-Src-targeted activities. Hematoxylin and its natural analogues were substantially validated to function as a new class of PTK inhibitors.

Four new abietane diterpenoids, fortunins A-D (1-4), and six new 18-hydroxymethylene abietane diterpenoids, fortunins E-J (5-10), along with 12 known diterpenoids, were isolated from the bark of Cryptomeria fortunei. The structures of new compounds were established on the basis of 1D and 2D NMR and other spectroscopic analyses.

Investigation of the roots of Stemona tuberosa afforded five minor constituents, stemoenonine (1), 9a- O-methylstemoenonine (2), oxystemoenonine (3), 1,9a- seco-stemoenonine (4), and oxystemoninine (5), along with the known compound stemoninoamide (6). Their structures were elucidated by 1D and 2D NMR spectra and other spectroscopic studies. Alkaloids 1, 2, and 6, as well as the representative stemoninine-type alkaloid, stemoninine (7), were screened for antitussive activity in the citric acid-induced guinea pig cough model. Compounds 6 and 7 exhibited strong antitussive activity after oral and intraperitoneal administrations.

A new secoiridoid, secamonoide A (1), and a new xanthone glycoside, secamonoide B (2), together with nine known compounds, were isolated from the aerial parts of Tylophora secamonoides Tsiang. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic methods. An antimicrobial bioassay showed that secamonoides A and B exhibited weak activities (MIC values greater than 100 mg/ml) against some hospital bacteria in vitro.

In our systematical investigation on Chinese Meliaceae plants, the stems of Cipadessa baccifera collected in Yunnan province were studied. Two new tetranortriterpenoids, cipadessalide ( 1) and rubralin D ( 2), one new pregnane, 3beta,4beta-dihydroxy-2beta-acetoxypregnan-16-one ( 3), and two new sesquiterpenoids, bacciferins A ( 4) and B ( 5), along with 10 known compounds were isolated. Their structures were elucidated by 1D and 2D NMR spectra and other spectroscopic studies, as well as chemical conversion.

Little is known about the differences in mortality among non-institutionalized geriatric and younger patients with schizophrenia. In this study long-term mortality and suicidal behavior of all the geriatric (age > or = 65 years), middle-age (age 41-64 years), and young (age 15-40 years) subjects with schizophrenia living in a Chinese rural community were compared. A 10 year follow-up investigation among a 1994 cohort (n = 510) of patients with schizophrenia was conducted in Xinjin County, Chengdu, China. Compared with young subjects, geriatric subjects with schizophrenia were more likely to be female, have more previous physical illness, never accepted treatment, and practice religious (p < or = 0.01). There were no significant differences of suicide attempts among the three groups. Young subjects had a higher rate of suicide (1,033.8 per 100,000 person-years), and geriatric subjects had a higher rate of deaths due to other causes (accident and natural causes) (4,314.2 per 100,000 person-years). Standardized mortality ratios for both suicide and deaths due to other causes were highest in young subjects and the lowest in geriatric subjects. Patients with schizophrenia in all age groups had a marked increase in mortality and suicide. Specific intervention strategies for decreasing mortality and suicide should be developed for patients with schizophrenia in different age groups.

Four cucurbitane glycosides, momordicosides Q, R, S, and T, and stereochemistry-established karaviloside XI, were isolated from the vegetable bitter melon (Momordica charantia). These compounds and their aglycones exhibited a number of biologic effects beneficial to diabetes and obesity. In both L6 myotubes and 3T3-L1 adipocytes, they stimulated GLUT4 translocation to the cell membrane--an essential step for inducible glucose entry into cells. This was associated with increased activity of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a key pathway mediating glucose uptake and fatty acid oxidation. Furthermore, momordicoside(s) enhanced fatty acid oxidation and glucose disposal during glucose tolerance tests in both insulin-sensitive and insulin-resistant mice. These findings indicate that cucurbitane triterpenoids, the characteristic constituents of M. charantia, may provide leads as a class of therapeutics for diabetes and obesity.

Two new bisbenzopyrans, namely 3,3'-bis(3,4-dihydro-4-hydroxy-6,8-dimethoxy-2H-1-benzopyran) (1), and 8'-methoxy-3,3'-bis(3,4-dihydro-4-hydroxy-6-methoxy-2H-1-benzopyran) (2), together with known 3,3'-bis(3,4-dihydro-4-hydroxy-6-methoxy-2H-1-benzopyran) (3), as well as three known pyrido[1,2-alpha]azapine alkaloids, stemokerrin (4), oxystemokerrin (5) and oxystemokerrin-N-oxide (6), were isolated and identified from the roots of Stemona cochinchinensis. The structures of these compounds were elucidated by 1D- and 2D-NMR spectra and other spectroscopic studies.

Eight labdane-type diterpenes, 7beta,13S-dihydroxylabda-8(17),14-dien-19-oic acid (1), 12R,15-dihydroxylabda-8(17),13E-dien-19-oic acid (3c), 12R,15-dihydroxylabda-8(17),13Z-dien-19-oic acid (3d), 12R,13R,14S-trihydroxylabda-12,15-epoxy-8(17)-en-19-oic acid (4a), 12S,13S,14R-trihydroxylabda-12,15-epoxy-8(17)-en-19-oic acid (4b), 15-hydroxy-12-oxolabda-8(17),13E-dien-19-oic acid (5), 14R,15-dihydroxylabda-8(17),12Z-dien-19-oic acid (7a) and 14S,15-dihydroxylabda-8(17),12Z-dien-19-oic acid (7b), along with 20 known diterpenoids, were isolated from the pericarp of Platycladus orientalis. Their structures were unambiguously elucidated by NMR spectroscopic and single crystal X-ray diffraction analyses, as well as via chemical correlation conversion. NMR spectroscopic data of known isomers 8c and 8d were reported as a supplement to existing data.

Five new alkaloids, 6beta-hydroxystemofoline (1), 16-hydroxystemofoline (2), neostemofoline (3), protostemodiol (4), and 13-demethoxy-11(S*),12(R*)-dihydroprotostemonine (5), along with 10 known alkaloids, were isolated from stems and leaves of Stemona japonica. Their structures were elucidated by 1D and 2D NMR and other spectroscopic studies. The insecticidal activity of the agonist 16-hydroxystemofoline (2) and antagonist 13-demethoxy-11(S*),12(R*)-dihydroprotostemonine (5) was demonstrated by electrophysiological in vitro tests on the insect nicotinic acetylcholine receptor and by in vivo screenings against relevant agricultural insect pests.

Twelve dihydrostilbenes, stilbostemins N-Y (1-12), and a phenanthraquinone, stemanthraquinone (13), were isolated and identified from roots of Stemona tuberosa, along with five known dihydrostilbenes. Their structures were established on the basis of 1D and 2D NMR and other spectroscopic analyses. Dihydrostilbene 8 exhibited strong activity against Bacillus pumilus (MIT 12.5-25 microg/mL). Many tested compounds exhibited moderate antibacterial activities.

Autoimmune hepatitis is a heterogeneous liver disease of unknown etiology. It is predominant in females and characterized by elevation of transaminase, hypergammaglobulinemia and circulating autoantibodies. Interface hepatitis and plasma cell infiltration are the main findings on liver biopsy. However, deep cholestatic jaundice is rarely seen. We present here an unusual case of type 1 autoimmune hepatitis with hyperbilirubinemia as the initial and predominant presentation. Although rare, autoimmune hepatitis should be considered in patients with cholestasis without history of drug or viral hepatitis.

Three new dimeric sesquiterpenoids, chloramultilides B-D ( 1- 3), along with 10 known sesquiterpenoids, were isolated from the whole plant of Chloranthus spicatus. Their structures were established by physical data (1D and 2D NMR, MS). The structure and absolute configuration of 1 was confirmed by X-ray crystallography. Compound 1 exhibited moderate in vitro antifungal activity.

Five new Stemona alkaloids, cochinchistemoninone (1), stemokerrin-N-oxide (2), oxystemokerrilactone (3), saxorumamide (4a), and isosaxorumamide (4b), as well as 12 known compounds, were isolated from the roots of Vietnamese Stemona saxorum. The structures of these alkaloids were characterized on the basis of spectroscopic methods.

In the present studies, the effect of paeoniflorin (PF), one of the main compounds extracted from Paeoniae radix, in alleviating the neurological impairment following unilateral striatal 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) lesion was examined in Sprague-Dawley rats. Sub-chronic PF (2.5, 5 and 10 mg/kg, s.c., twice daily for 11 days) administration dose-dependently reduced apomorphine (APO)-induced rotation, suggesting that PF had an ameliorative effect on the 6-OHDA-induced neurological impairment. Notably, PF had no direct action on dopamine D(1) receptor or dopamine D(2) receptor indicated by the competitive binding experiments. These results suggest that PF, an active component of Paeoniae radix, might provide an opportunity to introduce a non-dopaminergic management of Parkinson's disease.

Two new dihydrostilbenes, stilbostemins H (1), I (2), and a new dihydrophenanthrene, stemanthrene E (3), were isolated and identified from the roots of Stemona sessilifolia, together with known stilbostemins B, D and G, and stemanthrenes A and C (4-8). Structures of new stilbenoids were established by 1D and 2D (1)H NMR and (13)C NMR spectroscopic analyses.

Background: Psychometric properties of the Chinese version of CBCL, TRF, and YSR were understudied. This study aimed at examining their test-retest reliability and criterion validity., Methods: Three Chinese community and clinic samples were recruited in Hong Kong. The parents, teachers, and youths respectively completed the CBCL, TRF, and YSR., Results: The Chinese CBCL, TRF, and YSR were test-retest reliable and valid. However, there was score/case attenuation at retest. CBCL and TRF appeared to screen externalizing and ADHD problems better, while YSR screened internalizing problems better., Conclusions: Clinicians should be cautious about score/case attenuation at retest while using CBCL, TRF, and YSR to chart patients' progress. They should also recognize their different strengths in screening various disorders.

Five new stemoninine-type alkaloids, bisdehydrostemoninine (1), isobisdehydrostemoninine (2), bisdehydroneostemoninine (3), and bisdehydrostemoninines A (4) and B (5), were isolated from the crude-alkaloid extract of the roots of Stemona tuberosa. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of one- and two-dimensional NMR and other spectroscopic studies. The relative configuration of 4 was determined by X-ray diffraction. Alkaloid 1 displayed significant antitussive activity in the citric acid-induced guinea pig cough model.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a fatty liver disease occurring in patients without alcohol consumption. It includes a broad spectrum of liver disease, from fatty infiltration, inflammation and fibrosis, to cirrhosis, usually having obesity, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes mellitus as its etiology. NAFLD-related cirrhosis has rarely been reported in Taiwan. We herein report a 41-year-old male patient with nonalcoholic fatty liver cirrhosis (NAFLC), with the first clinical manifestation being bleeding esophageal varices (EV). The patient was obese with diabetes mellitus, but without hyperlipidemia or any history of drinking alcohol. The laboratory tests, abdominal sonography, and computed tomography revealed a typical case of liver cirrhosis. The pan-endoscopy disclosed EV with red-color sign. EV ligation was performed successfully to stop the bleeding. When the patient was in a stabilized clinical condition, a liver biopsy showed a typical histologic finding of NAFLD. Most of the cases of NAFLC reported in the literature have silent signs and symptoms. Sudden onset of the EV as the first clinical manifestation, as in this case, is rare. This case reminds us that NAFLD may indeed induce severe liver impairment, such as liver cirrhosis. Liver biochemical tests and abdominal sonography should be considered in patients with overt obesity and diabetes.

Three new dihydrostilbenes, stilbostemins J-L (1-3), and a new dihydrophenanthrene, stemanthrene F (4), were isolated from the roots of Stemona japonica together with two known bibenzyls, 3,5-dihydroxy-4-methylbibenzyl (5) and 3,5-dihydroxy-2'-methoxy-4-methylbibenzyl (6). Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic analyses. Compounds 3-6 exhibited strong antibacterial activities against Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis.

Introduction: The DISC Predictive Scales-4.32 (DPS-4.32) were short-forms of the Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children-IV (DISC-IV)., Method: The psychometric properties of DPS-4.32 were tested on two Chinese samples: a clinic sample of 83 children/youths, and a community sample of 541 youths., Results: Both Parent and Youth DPS-4.32 exhibited good-to-excellent test-retest reliability. Their screening efficiency was examined respectively against DSM-IV diagnoses of the full-length Parent and Youth DISC-IV. Results indicated large AUCs (Area under Receiver-Operating Characteristic Curve), as well as high sensitivity, specificity, and negative predictive values, supporting the capability of DPS-4.32 to differentiate cases from noncases., Conclusion: DPS-4.32 held promise as efficient short-forms of DISC-IV, screening DSM-IV diagnoses. They were also applicable to the Chinese population, demonstrating their cross-cultural applicability.

Background: Despite the huge youth population, there is a lack of psychiatric diagnostic instruments with reported psychometric properties in Chinese. This study reports the development of the Chinese version of DISC-IV and examines its test-retest reliability., Method: Seventy-eight parents and 79 youths (mean age 13.1 years) attending child psychiatric clinics were interviewed twice using the Chinese DISC-IV (Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children-IV) about 22 days apart., Results: The kappa coefficients were good to excellent for obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) (both youth (Y) and parent (P) versions), major depressive disorder (MDD) (P), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) (P); fair for anxiety disorder (P), oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) (P, Y), MDD (Y); but poor for anxiety disorder (Y) and ADHD (Y). Parent informants had better test-retest reliability than youth informants., Conclusions: The Chinese DISC-IV had comparable test-retest reliability with the original English version.

There is an increased prevalence of the 7-repeat (7R) allele of the dopamine receptor D4 (DRD4) gene in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, the population prevalence of the 7R allele varies considerably across ethnicity and is very low in Asians. To test whether this 7R allele/ADHD association still held in a Chinese clinical sample, 32 Han Chinese children with a confirmed ADHD diagnosis and normal IQ who were methylphenidate-responders were genotyped. None of them had a DRD4 7R allele. Instead, we observed a significantly increased prevalence of the 2-repeat (2R) allele in this clinical sample (33%) compared to ethnically-matched controls (20%) (chi(2)(1d.f.) = 5.90, P = 0.015). This approximately 1.65-fold increase of the 2R allele in our probands is close to the observed increase of the 7R allele in European-ancestry ADHD children. Recent genetic studies have indicated that the 2R allele in Asians is likely derived from the 7R allele. Further, available biochemical data indicate that both the 2R and 7R protein have blunted responses to dopamine compared to the 4R protein. Based on these results, we propose that the observed increased prevalence of the 2R allele in our Han Chinese ADHD probands is still consistent with the 7R allele hypothesis of ADHD in European-ancestry children. Recent studies have suggested that any variant from the conserved ancestral 4R allele might potentially alter biochemistry/phenotype. We hypothesize that an increased frequency of any non-4R allele may define the association of the DRD4 gene with ADHD that holds across ethnicity. The present findings, however, obtained with a small ADHD sample size, should be replicated., ((c) 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.)

Four new naphthylisoquinoline alkaloids, ancistrotectoriline A (1), ancistrotectoriline B (2), 6-O-methyl-4'-O-demethylancistrocladine (3), and 6-O-methyl-4'-O-demethylhamatine (4), were isolated from the stems and leaves of Ancistrocladus tectorius, collected from Hainan Province, Southern China. Their structures were elucidated using MS and NMR methods.

This study examined the prevalence and risk of psychiatric disturbances and suicidal behaviours among the peers of suicide attempters and completers. The subjects were selected from high schools with and without history of student suicides in the past 3 years. The psychiatric disturbances (as measured by the YSR and CBCL), suicidal behaviours, drug use, and a wide range of potential risk factors were measured. About a quarter of the peers of suicide completers and attempters were probable psychiatric cases and 15-21% of them reported suicidal acts. The increased risk of psychiatric disturbances and suicidal behaviours were still evident after controlling for age, sex, and potential risk factors. The presence of psychiatric disturbances could not wholly account for the increased odds of suicidal behaviours. Peers of suicide attempters carried a higher risk than peers of suicide completers. The close friends of suicide completers were particularly at risk of internalising problems, whereas the close friends of suicide attempters were at high risk of externalising problems. The peers of suicide completers and attempters represent a high-risk group for psychiatric disturbances and suicidal behaviours. The specific association of different types of psychiatric disturbances in the peers of suicide completers and attempters suggested that different risk mechanisms might be in operation within these peer groups.

The case of a 26-year-old Chinese woman with a history of benzodiazepine dependence and shoplifting who committed an act of robbery is presented. The various aetiological factors implicated in this complicated case are discussed in the light of the recent literature.

Lethal catatonia (LC) is a life-threatening neuropsychiatric syndrome associated with a host of psychiatric, neurologic and medical conditions. The clinical picture is characterised by fragmented psychotic symptoms, catatonic phenomena particularly alternating stupor and agitation, altered consciousness, hyperthermia and other autonomic disturbances. A case of LC in a 19-year-old Chinese woman showing a dramatic response to lorazepam and bromocriptine is described and a brief overview of the contemporary literature is provided.