Theory for charge and orbital density-wave states in manganite La0.5_{0.5}Sr1.5_{1.5}MnO4_4

We investigate the high temperature phase of layered manganites, and demonstrate that the charge-orbital phase transition without magnetic order in La$_{0.5}$Sr$_{1.5}$MnO$_4$ can be understood in terms of the density wave instability. The orbital ordering is found to be induced by the nesting between segments of Fermi surface with different orbital characters. The simultaneous charge and orbital orderings are elaborated with a mean field theory. The ordered orbitals are shown to be $d_{x^2-y^2} \pm d_{3z^2-r^2}$.Comment: published versio

Determination of metabolites of phloretin in rats using UHPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap mass spectrometry

Purpose: To study the metabolites of phloretin in vivo using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography linear ion trap-Orbitrap mass spectrometry (UHPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap). Methods: After administration of phloretin (50 mg/kg; oral route) to six rats, blood samples were taken from each animal. Each sample was then subjected to solid-phase extraction to prepare it for chromatographic/spectroscopic analysis. Finally, each sample was analyzed using UHPLC-LTQOrbitrap with a negative-mode electrospray ionization source. Results: Based on mass measurements, chromatographic retention times, and MS2 fragmentation ions, we detected and identified phloretin and 16 metabolites of the drug in vivo in rats. Metabolic reactions of phloretin included glucosylation and glucuronide conjugation, diglucuronide conjugation, glucosylation and sulfate conjugation, sulfate conjugation, glucuronide conjugation, and glucosylation and hydroxylation. Conclusion: The findings provide a better understanding of phloretin metabolism and metabolites, and new information about their effective forms, pharmacological actions, metabolic fate, and toxic actions in vivo

Profiling and Identification of the Metabolites of Evodiamine in Rats using Ultra–Performance Liquid Chromatography with Linear Ion Trap Orbitrap Mass Spectrometer

Purpose: To develop a highly sensitive and specific ultra-performance liquid chromatography with linear ion trap Orbitrap mass spectrometer (UPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap) method to profile and identify the metabolites of evodiamine in rats.Methods: First, blood samples were collected after oral administration of evodiamine to rats (50 mg/kg). Next, the plasma samples were pretreated using a solid-phase extraction (SPE) method. Finally, all the samples were analyzed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography LTQ-Orbitrap mass spectrometry (UPLC-LTQ- Orbitrap) coupled with electrospray ionization source (ESI) in negative mode.Results: A total of 7 metabolites (2 phase I and 4 phase II metabolites, including 4 new metabolites, viz, 10-hydroxyevodiamine sulfate, 10-hydroxyevodiamine sulfate, 10-hydroxyevodiamine glucuronide and 3-hydroxyevodiamine glucuronide) as well as the parent drug itself , were detected and identified based on accurate mass measurements, fragmentation patterns, and chromatographic retention times. The in vivo metabolic reactions of evodiamine in rats were hydroxylation, hydroxylation + sulfate conjugation, and hydroxylation + glucuronidation.Conclusion: These results provide better understanding of the metabolism of evodiamine as well as strong indications of the effective forms of the drug in vivo.Keywords: Evodiamine, Ultra–performance liquid chromatography with linear ion trap-Orbitrap, Hydroxyevodiamine sulfate, Hydroxyevodiamine glucuronide, Metabolite

Macrophage Polarization in Physiological and Pathological Pregnancy

The immunology of pregnancy is complex and poorly defined. During the complex process of pregnancy, macrophages secrete many cytokines/chemokines and play pivotal roles in the maintenance of maternal-fetal tolerance. Here, we summarized the current knowledge of macrophage polarization and the mechanisms involved in physiological or pathological pregnancy processes, including miscarriage, preeclampsia, and preterm birth. Although current evidence provides a compelling argument that macrophages are important in pregnancy, our understanding of the roles and mechanisms of macrophages in pregnancy is still rudimentary. Since macrophages exhibit functional plasticity, they may be ideal targets for therapeutic manipulation during pathological pregnancy. Additional studies are needed to better define the functions and mechanisms of various macrophage subsets in both normal and pathological pregnancy

Biofeedback Therapy Combined with Traditional Chinese Medicine Prescription Improves the Symptoms, Surface Myoelectricity, and Anal Canal Pressure of the Patients with Spleen Deficiency Constipation

In order to observe the clinical therapeutic effects of Yiqi Kaimi Prescription and biofeedback therapy on treating constipation with deficiency of spleen qi, the 30 cases in the control group were given oral administration of Yiqi Kaimi Prescription, in combination with anus-lifting exercise; the 30 cases in the treatment group were given biofeedback therapy on the basis of the afore mentioned methods for the control group. The TCM symptom scores and anorectal pressures before and after treatment were observed and evaluated. There were significant differences in TCM symptom scores, anorectal pressure, and clinical recovery rate before and after treatment. In the treatment group, the total recovery rate was 86.66%, while in the control group it was 50%; there were significant differences between the two groups (P<0.01). Yiqi Kaimi Prescription coupled with biofeedback therapy is clinically effective for treating constipation with deficiency of spleen qi, and thus this method is applicable for functional constipation with deficiency of spleen qi

2-(2,4,6-Trichloro­phen­oxy)ethyl bromide

In the title compound, C8H6BrCl3O, there is a weak intra­molecular C—H⋯Cl hydrogen bond involving the O bound methylene group. Intermolecular Cl⋯Cl contacts [3.482 (2) Å] are present in the crystal structure