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A high-salt diet is known to increase serum cholesterol levels; however, the underlying mechanism of salt - induced dyslipidemia in patients with salt-sensitivity remains poorly understood. We aimed to investigate whether high-salt diet (HSD) can induce dyslipidemia and elucidate the underlying mechanism of salt-induced dyslipidemia in Dahl salt - sensitive (SS) rats. Metabolomic and biochemical analyses revealed that the consumption of an HSD (8 % NaCl) significantly increased the serum levels of total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL - C) in SS rats. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay demonstrated an increase in circulating proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) levels, accompanied by a decrease in hepatic low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) levels due to HSD consumption. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and Western blot analysis revealed that HSD consumption activated sterol regulatory element-binding protein-2 (SREBP2) expression in the liver and kidney, resulting in upregulation of PCSK9 at the transcriptional level in the liver and at the translational level in the kidney, ultimately increasing circulating PCSK9 levels. The combined effects of HSD on the liver and kidney contributed to the development of hypercholesterolemia. Furthermore, an in vitro assay confirmed that high-salt exposure led to an increase in the protein expression of SREBP2 and PCSK9 secretion, thereby reducing low-density lipoprotein (LDL) uptake. This study, for the first time, shows that an HSD induces dyslipidemia through activation of the SREBP2/PCSK9 pathway, providing new insights into the prevention and treatment of dyslipidemia in patients with salt sensitivity. [Display omitted] • HSD-mediated dyslipidemia is characterized by elevation in serum TC and LDL-C levels. • HSD increases circulating PCSK9 levels. • HSD activates SREBP2 at transcriptional and protein levels. • HSD reduces hepatic LDLR levels and LDL-C clearance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The property theory is a unique principle instructing traditional Chinese doctors to prescribe proper medicines against diseases. As an essential part of it, the five-flavor theory catalogs various Chinese materia medicas (CMMs) into five flavors (sweet, bitter, sour, salty, and pungent) based on their taste and medical functions. Although CMM has been successfully applied in China for thousands of years, it is still a big challenge to interpret CMM flavor via modern biomarkers, further deepening its elusiveness. Herein, to identify the correlation between gut microbiota and CMM flavor, we selected 14 CMMs with different flavors to prepare their aqueous extracts, quantified the contained major chemical components, and then performed full-length 16S rRNA sequencing to analyze the gut microbiota of C57BL/6 mice administrated with CMM extracts. We found that flavones, alkaloids, and saponins were the richest components for sweet-, bitter-, and pungent-flavored CMMs, respectively. Medicines with merged flavors (bitter-pungent and sweet-pungent) displayed mixed profiles of components. According to gut microbial analysis, modulation of CMMs belonging to the same flavor on the taxonomic classification was inconsistent to an extent, while the functional sets of gut microbiota, co-abundance gene groups (CAGs), strongly and differentially responded to distinct flavors. Moreover, these correlations were in line with their pharmacological actions. Therefore, the gut microbial functional sets (CAGs) could act as the possible indicator to reflect CMM flavor, rather than the composition of microbial community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Moshen Fuyuan Formula (MSFY) is one of the representative Chinese medicine compound for Idiopathic membranous nephropathy (IMN), that originate from Fang Ji Huang Qi decoction in the Han dynasty. IMN is usually accompanied by different tongue coatings in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), and tongue microorganisms are important factors affecting the formation of the tongue coating. Recently, oral microbiomes, including bacteria and fungi, have been identified as pivotal factors that contribute to disease development. However, the regulation of oral microbiomes by MSFY has not been defined. In this work, we explore the characteristics of oral bacteria and fungi in IMN patients with different tongue coatings, and clarify the therapeutic effect of MSFY based on oral microbiome. We enrolled 24 patients with IMN, including 11 with white tongue (IMN-W) and 13 with yellow tongue (IMN-Y), and recruited an additional 10 healthy individuals. Patients with IMN were treated with the MSFY. The oral bacteriome and fungi before and after treatment were detected using full-length 16S rRNA and internal transcribed spacer gene sequencing. The therapeutic effect of MSFY on patients with yellow tongue coating was more significant than that on patients with white tongue coating. In terms of oral bacteriome, Campylobacter bacteria were enriched in patients with yellow tongue and could be a promising biomarker for yellow coating. Enrichment of Veillonella parvula_A may partially account for the therapeutic effect of MSFY. As for oral fungi, Malassezia globosa was enhanced in patients with IMN-W and reduced in patients with IMN-Y. Notably, it was reduced by MSFY. We also found that mycobiome-bacteriome interactions were highly complex and dynamic in patients with IMN. The regulation of the dynamic balance between oral fungi and bacteria by MSFY contributes to the treatment of IMN. This study determined the oral bacteriome and mycobiome of patients with IMN with different tongue coatings before and after MSFY treatment, which aids in promoting personalized treatment in clinical TCM and provides direction for investigating the mechanism of Chinese herbal medicines. [Display omitted] • Idiopathic membranous nephropathy (IMN) is a leading cause of end-stage renal disease. • Moshen Fuyuan Formula (MSFY) is more effective for IMN patients with yellow tongue coating. • Oral bacteria Campylobacter is a potential biological marker of yellow tongue coating. • Oral fungi and bacteria may contribute to the anti-IMN effect of MSFY. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The solubility of nitrogen in magmatic melts is key for understanding the degassing of Earth's interior and formation of Earth's N-rich atmosphere. We performed high-pressure experiments to determine the solubility of nitrogen at N 2 -saturation in basaltic to granitic melts at pressures of 0.3–8 GPa, temperatures of 1200–1600 °C, and oxygen fugacities between the Fe–FeO and Ni–NiO oxygen buffers. The solubility and speciation of nitrogen in the quench silicate melts were quantified by Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), electron probe microanalyzer (EPMA), and Nano-scale secondary ion mass spectrometry (NanoSIMS). The results show that the predominant N-species in our silicate melts is N 2 , which dissolves physically by filling the interstitial sites of the silicate melt network. The measured N-solubilities in silicate melts (S N 2 melt) by using different approaches agree with each other, and they vary from 200 to 17,000 ppm by weight. The S N 2 melt increases with increasing pressure and/or decreasing silicate melt NBO/T (the ratio of non-bridging oxygens to tetrahedrally coordinated cations), but it is temperature-independent. Using our newly obtained S N 2 melt and previous S N 2 melt and S Ar melt data, we develop an empirical model that describes the physical dissolution of N 2 and Ar in silicate melts as a function of gas partial pressure and silicate melt composition, and this model can be used to predict S N 2 melt and S Ar melt in magmatic melts of Earth's mantle and crust. The comparison of our S N 2 melt data with previous S Ar melt and S CO 2 melt data shows that the solubility in granitic melts is in the order of S Ar melt > S CO 2 melt > S N 2 melt , but in basaltic melts it is in the order of S CO 2 melt > S Ar melt > S N 2 melt. The lower S N 2 melt than S Ar melt at Earth's mantle and crustal conditions suggests N 2 –Ar fractionation during degassing of mid-ocean ridge basalts and arc magmas. Therefore, the N 2 /Ar ratios in degassed magmas may not fully represent those in their mantle source regions. The solubility-controlled, preferential degassing of N 2 relative to CO 2 in Earth's oxidized shallow magma ocean, in conjunction with collision-induced atmospheric loss, can explain the superchondritic C/N ratio in the bulk silicate Earth. However, the two orders of magnitude higher N 2 /36Ar ratio in Earth's mantle than in atmosphere could have resulted from preferential retention of reduced N-species in Earth's reduced silicate magma ocean or preferential deep subduction of nitrogen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plagioclase is the most abundant mineral in lunar crustal rocks, and its elemental and Sr isotopic compositions vary among different lunar surface rock types, implying that plagioclase fragments in lunar regolith can be used to trace source-rock types. In this study, we measured major- and trace-elemental and Rb Sr isotopic compositions of plagioclase fragments from lunar soil returned by the Chang'e 5 (CE5) mission. Correlation between Sr and An contents allows the CE5 plagioclase fragments to be divided into three groups: normal-Sr (group A), high-Sr (group B), and low-Sr (group C). The similarity of elemental and Rb Sr isotopic compositions between plagioclase in groups A and B and plagioclase from CE5 basalt clasts indicates that plagioclase from groups A and B originated from the comminution of local CE5 basalt. Only two of the eighty-two analyzed plagioclases (∼2.4%) are classified as group C and have Sr isotopes that are distinct from those of groups A and B plagioclases, indicating an exotic origin. One group C plagioclase has a high 87Sr/86Sr ratio (0.70242) and content of rare earth elements and might have been derived from the Sharp B or Aristarchus craters, which are enriched in the KREEP component. The other group C plagioclase has much lower 87Sr/86Sr (0.69908) and a moderately high content of An (92.3) indicating an Mg-suite source rock and possible derivation from the Pythagoras crater. This study highlights the applicability of using elemental and Sr isotopic compositions of plagioclase fragments to trace the origin of lunar regolith. • Elemental and Sr isotopic compositions of CE5 plagioclase fragments are measured. • Most of the plagioclase fragments are from the comminution of local CE5 basalt. • Two of eighty-two plagioclase fragments have an exotic origin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solid‐state electrolytes (SSEs) show potential in addressing the safety issues of liquid batteries, but the poor interface contact between them and the electrodes hinders practical applications. Here, coordination chemistry of nitrile groups based on succinonitrile (SCN) and polyacrylonitrile (PAN) is studied on the surface of Li6.4La3Zr1.4Ta0.6O12 (LLZTO) SSE to build the chemical bonded electrolyte/electrode interfaces. The coordination of the nitrile group and LLZTO is clarified. A deformable PAN‐modifying SCN electrolyte (PSE) interphase with stable ionic conductivity (10−4 S cm−1) and high lithium‐ion transference number (0.66) is fabricated on the surface of LLZTO electrolyte based on the coordination competition of nitrile groups. Once applied to SSBs, it endows low interface resistance and strong bonding for the electrolyte/electrode interfaces so that the initial Coulomb efficiency reaches 95.6 % and the capacity remains 99 % after 250 cycles at 25 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solid‐state electrolytes (SSEs) show potential in addressing the safety issues of liquid batteries, but the poor interface contact between them and the electrodes hinders practical applications. Here, coordination chemistry of nitrile groups based on succinonitrile (SCN) and polyacrylonitrile (PAN) is studied on the surface of Li6.4La3Zr1.4Ta0.6O12 (LLZTO) SSE to build the chemical bonded electrolyte/electrode interfaces. The coordination of the nitrile group and LLZTO is clarified. A deformable PAN‐modifying SCN electrolyte (PSE) interphase with stable ionic conductivity (10−4 S cm−1) and high lithium‐ion transference number (0.66) is fabricated on the surface of LLZTO electrolyte based on the coordination competition of nitrile groups. Once applied to SSBs, it endows low interface resistance and strong bonding for the electrolyte/electrode interfaces so that the initial Coulomb efficiency reaches 95.6 % and the capacity remains 99 % after 250 cycles at 25 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (Pcsk9) correlated with incidence and prognosis of coronary heart disease. However, it is unclear whether Pcsk9 contributed to coronary artery lesion severity in patients with premature myocardial infarction (PMI). The present study investigated associations between Pcsk9 and coronary artery lesion severity in PMI patients who underwent coronary angiography (CAG). Methods: This prospective cohort study included young men (age ≤ 45 years, n = 332) with acute MI who underwent CAG between January 2017 and July 2019. Serum Pcsk9 levels and clinical characteristics were evaluated. SYNTAX scores (SYNergy between percutaneous coronary intervention with [paclitaxel-eluting] TAXUS stent and cardiac surgery) were calculated to quantify coronary artery lesions. Results: Serum Pcsk9 levels were positively associated with SYNTAX scores (r = 0.173, P < 0.05). The diagnostic cutoff value of PSCK9 level was 122.9 ng/mL, yielding an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.63, sensitivity 81%, and specificity 40%. Serum Pcsk9, LDL-C, Apob, NT-proBnp, CK level, and diabetes history were independent predictors of high SYNTAX scores (P < 0.05). After stratifying by serum LDL-C level (cutoff = 2.6 mmol/L), medium-high Pcsk9 levels had increased risk of high SYNTAX scores in patients with high LDL-C (P < 0.05), and higher serum Pcsk9 levels had increased risk of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) after adjusting for confounding factors (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Serum Pcsk9 levels correlates with severity of coronary artery lesion in PMI patients and may serve as a biomarker for severity of coronary artery stenosis in this patient population, which may contribute to risk stratification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ulcerative colitis (UC) represents an inflammatory disease characterized by fluctuations in severity, posing substantial challenges in treatment. The gut microbiota plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of UC. This study sought to identify drugs specifically targeting the gut microbiota to mitigate UC. We initiated a meta-analysis on gut microbiota in UC patients to identify UC-associated bacterial strains. Subsequently, we screened 164 dietary herbal medicines in vitro to identify potential prebiotics for the UC-associated bacterium, Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron. The DSS-induced colitis mouse model was utilized to evaluate the anti-colitis efficacy of the identified dietary herbal medicine. Full-length 16 S rRNA amplicon sequencing was employed to observe changes in gut microbiota following dietary herbal medicine intervention. The relative abundance of Bacteroides was notably diminished in UC patients compared to their healthy counterparts. B. thetaiotaomicron exhibited an inverse relationship with UC symptoms, indicating its potential as an anti-colitis agent. In vitro assessments revealed that H. Herba significantly bolstered the proliferation of B. thetaiotaomicron. Further experiments showed that treating DSS-induced mice with an aqueous extract of H. Herba considerably alleviated colitis indicators such as weight loss, colon shortening, disease activity score (DAI), and systemic inflammation. Microbial analysis revealed B. thetaiotaomicron as the sole bacterium substantially augmented by H. Herba in vivo. Overall H. Herba emerges as a promising prebiotic for B. thetaiotaomicron , offering significant anti-colitis benefits. Employing a gut microbiota-centric approach proves valuable in the quest for drug discovery.This study provides a new paradigm for drug discovery that targets the gut microbiota to treat UC. [Display omitted] • UC patients exhibit a significant reduction in Bacteroides genus. • Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron demonstrates potent anti-UC properties. • Houttuyniae Herba promotes the proliferation of B. thetaiotaomicron both in vitro and in vivo. • Function foods or medicinal foods are regarded as new therapeutic strategies for UC. • This study proposed a gut microbiota-centric approach for drug discovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractThree new flavonoids including two isoflavanones sophortones A and B (1 and 2), and one chalcone sophortone C (3) were isolated from the roots of Sophora tonkinensis. Their structures were established by UV, IR, HRESIMS, and NMR data. The absolute configurations of 1 and 2 were determined by electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Eight new triterpenoid saponins (1 – 8), were isolated from the roots of Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch., together with 10 known triterpenoid saponins (9 – 18). Their structures were determined by analysis of their spectroscopic data and comparison with the reference. All of the compounds were evaluated for their antioxidant effects in the in vitro assay. Compounds 2 and 8 showed significant antioxidant activities against Fe2+/cysteine-induced liver microsomal lipid peroxidation at 0.1 μ M. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • Six new compounds were isolated from the flowers of Chrysanthemum morifolium. • Compounds 1 and 2 were two rare arylnaphthalene-type lignans. • This is the first report on the isolation of lignans from the flowers of Chrysanthemum morifolium. • Their structures were elucidated based on spectroscopic data. • Compounds 1 – 3 possessed the significant neuroprotective activity. Abstract Flower of Chrysanthemum morifolium is widely used in China and Japan as a folk medicine in treatment of many diseases. However, its active compounds remain largely unknown. In the present work, we have isolated, purified and characterized six new compounds (1 – 6), including two new arylnaphthalene lignans and four new phenolic glycosides, together with eight known compounds (7 – 14), from the flower of C. morifolium. Their structures and absolute configurations were elucidated in detail using 1D and 2D NMR, UV, IR, ORD, HRESIMS and ECD spectrometric data. In addition, compounds 1 – 3 possessed the significant neuroprotective activity against hydrogen peroxide-induced neurotoxicity in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Radical concentration-dependent optimization (RCO)-based initiator utilization strategies are proposed. • In silico VC suspension polymerizations with constant reaction rate are realized. • Optimal mixing strategies are identified by RCO-based initiator mixing (IM) strategy. • Optimal dosing rates are obtained by RCO-based continuous initiator dosing (CiD) strategy. From the viewpoint of polymer reaction engineering (PRE), polymerization with constant reaction rate is beneficial for reducing manual operations and promoting production efficiency. Using vinyl chloride (VC) suspension polymerization as a model system, manipulating the radical concentration by radical concentration-dependent optimization (RCO)-based initiators mixing (IM) strategy or continuous initiator dosing (CiD) strategy enables the polymerization with constant reaction rate. Case studies have been done to illustrate how the RCO-based IM strategy works for binary initiator combination screening and how to conduct VC suspension polymerizations with different reaction rates using RCO-based IM strategy. Importantly, decomposition kinetic parameters estimated for virtual initiators can be used for guiding the design of the capable initiators. Moreover, in the single initiator systems, the applicability of the RCO-based CiD strategy has been demonstrated by conducting VC suspension polymerization with different reaction rates and different temperatures. Optimal dosing rate profiles of the initiator can be provided for the cases demonstrated. It is expected that both RCO-based IM and CiD strategies can be extended to other free radical polymerization systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In our ongoing investigation of the bioactive compounds from the extract of the roots of Sophora flavescens , two novel prenylated flavanones, named sophoflavanones A ( 1 ) and B ( 2 ), each with an unusual pyran ring were isolated. Their structures, as well as their absolute configurations, were elucidated based on spectroscopic data including a comparison of their experimental and calculated electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra. Additionally, compounds 1 and 2 showed moderate antioxidant activities against Fe 2+ /cysteine-induced toxicity at a concentration of 0.1 µM (inhibition values of 71.65% and 72.49%, respectively, using vitamin C as a positive control (87.83%)). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel iridoid glycoside trimer named forsydoitriside A ( 1 ) and five new iridoid glycosides ( 2–6 ) were isolated from the fruits of Forsythia suspensa together with two known compounds ( 7 , 8 ). These new structures were elucidated by comprehensive spectroscopic data and the comparison of experimental and calculated electronic circular dichroism spectra. Compounds 1 – 8 were all assayed on acetaminophen-induced HepG2 cell damage. The results exhibited that compounds 2 , 3 , 5 and 6 possessed strong hepatoprotective activities against the damage in HepG2 cell. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Five new heterocyclic compounds, 5- α - d -fructofuranosylmethyl-furfural ( 1 ), 5- β - d -fructofuranosylmethyl-furfural ( 2 ), 5- β - d -fructopyranosylmethyl-furfural ( 3 ), 4-(2-((2S-2,3-dihydroxypropoxy)methyl)-5-formyl-1H-pyrrol-1-yl)butanoic acid ( 4 ), and 3S,4S-4,5,8-trihydroxy-3-(prop-1-en-2-yl)isochroman-1-one ( 5 ), were obtained from the root of Ranunculus ternatus Thunb., which is a traditional Chinese anti-tuberculosis medicine. Their structures were elucidated by UV, IR, HRESIMS, NMR data, and the comparison of experimental and calculated electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra. Notably, compounds 1 – 3 are rarely occurring furfural fructosides in natural sources. These heterocyclic compounds could be further studied for the synthetic chemists and pharmacologists due to the source and structural properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Halogens are powerful tracers for the accretion of Earth's volatiles. Their sensitivity to Earth's differentiation, such as core formation, magma ocean crystallization, and planetary evaporation allows us to track such major events and the origin of Earth's building blocks. Here we examine the role of magma ocean crystallization in fractionating F/Cl ratio of the BSE by experimentally determining the partitioning behavior of F and Cl between silicate melt and crystallized minerals. Previous experimental data, due to technical challenges, are only available at pressures <25 GPa. To simulate relevant conditions for deep magma oceans, we perform laser-heated diamond anvil cell experiments to determine partition coefficients of F and Cl between bridgmanite and silicate melt at temperatures of ∼4000–4500 K and pressures of 33–55 GPa. Our data show that F and Cl are both strongly favored in silicate melt, with partition coefficients of F and Cl in the range of 0.12–0.16 and 0.007–0.017, respectively. Given plausible magma ocean scenarios, our results indicate that F and Cl are not significantly fractionated during crystallization of a deep magma ocean. Neglecting other potential processes that may fractionate F and Cl, the F/Cl ratio in the BSE should reflect that of Earth's building blocks. It indicates Earth's volatiles may be largely derived from inner solar system, in alignment with other isotopic systems such as nitrogen and hydrogen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new phenolic glycosides with a rare β- d -glucopyranosyl-(1 → 3)-α- l -rhamnopyranosyl moiety ( 1 , 2 ), one new dihydrobenzofuran derivative ( 3 ), one new pyrazine derivative ( 4 ), two new furofuran lignan glycosides ( 5 , 6 ), and six known compounds ( 7 – 12 ) were isolated from the rhizomes of Atractylodes lancea . The structures of these compounds were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analyses combined with the experimental and calculated electronic circular dichroism and the Rh 2 (OCOCF 3 ) 4 -induced circular dichroism for configurational assignments. Notably, compounds 1 – 3 showed significant hepatoprotective activities against N -acetyl- p -aminophenol-induced HepG2 cell injury. This study is also the first Letter on the isolation of furofuran lignans and pyrazine derivatives ( 4 – 7 ) from the genus Atractylodes . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Deterministic modeling of FRP of acrylate in light of thermal runaway prevention. • Comprehensive reaction scheme with high temperature triggered acrylate FRP. • Identification of thermally safe boundary of the polymerization reactor. • Impact of process parameters on thermal behavior during polymerization. • Design of the pseudo-isothermal process for turning molecular properties. Acrylate polymerizations with high exothermicity exhibit strongly non-isothermal characteristics. The presence of side reactions involved in the polymerization mechanisms makes process safety as well as polymer properties more sensitive to operation parameters. In this study, a deterministic moment-based modeling approach combining with the divergence criterion was developed to investigate the non-isothermality of acrylate polymerization process. In silico design of non-adiabatic processes was achieved by the modeling approach involving reaction mechanism, energy balance, and mass balance. The safe and unsafe states of the reactor under a wide range of process operating conditions were identified by a divergence criterion. From the perspective of process intensification, optimization of operating parameters was carried out. Afterwards, the pseudo-isothermal operation was mimicked by using stepwise jacket temperature profiles to investigate the effects of temperature and monomer content on molecular properties. The simulation results provide a safe operating window for the polymerization reactor under the given feed schemes and process conditions. Additionally, a pseudo-isothermal process is more suitable to tune the molecular properties of the resulting polymers during polymerization. The current work puts forward deterministic simulations in terms of both process safety and molecular properties control compared to the previous works. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Ten meroterpenoids with a 6/10/5 tricyclic skeleton, including eight novel compounds, were isolated from the roots of Arnebia euchroma. • The planar chirality of the Z double bond with a methyl substituent in the rigid 10-membered ring was discussed and defined for the first time. • 6 S *, pR * configuration was the predominant low-energy relative configuration for this type of naturally occurring meroterpenoids. • Compounds (+)- 1 , 3 , 4 , (+)- 5 , (−)- 5 , and 6 were cytotoxic with (+)- 5 and (−)- 5 most potent against some of the tested cell lines. Eight new arnebinol B-based meroterpenoids ((−)- 1 , 2 , 3 , (−)- 5 , and 7 – 10) with a constrained 6/10/5 tricyclic backbone were isolated from the roots of Arnebia euchroma. The planar and steric structures of these new compounds were unambiguously elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analyses, X-ray diffraction crystallography, and ECD calculations. The predominant relative orientation between H-7 and the Z double bond with a methyl substituent in the rigid 10-membered carbocycle, along with the planar chirality of the Z double bond was analyzed and discussed for the first time. The illustration of the planar chirality derived from the Z double bond should be paid great importance during the structure elucidation on these homologous meroterpenoids. All the isolated meroterpenoids were screened for their cytotoxicities against the HCT-8, PANC-1, HGC-27, HepG2, and PC9 cell lines, and compounds (+)- 5 and (−)- 5 exhibited the most potent cytotoxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Berberine (BBR) is an effective cholesterol-lowering drug. Although gut microbiota has been implicated in the pharmacological activities of BBR, little evidence exists on the specific species of gut microbiota involved in its therapeutic effects, nor on linking gut bacteria to its recognized hypercholesterolemia-alleviating mechanism–upregulation of the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) in the liver. The present study was performed to identify the specific species of gut microbiota involved in the anti-hyperlipdemic effect of BBR, and interpret its mechanism through linking the gut microbiota and LDLR. The BBR-enriched gut bacterial species were identified by whole genome shotgun sequencing. Pure cultured B. producta was orally administered to C57BL/6 mice to evaluate its anti-hyperlipdemic effect. The LDLR-upregulating effect of B. producta was evaluated both in vitro and in vivo. Orally administration of BBR (200 mg/kg) decreased serum and liver lipid levels in HFD-induced hyperlipidemic mice. Microbiome analysis indicated that Blautia was closely associated with BBR's lipid-modulating activities. Further analysis revealed that BBR selectively promoted the growth of Blautia producta. Orally treatment of HFD mice with live B. producta reduced obesity and alleviated hyperlipidemia. Notably, the B. producta significantly increased LDLR expression in the liver, and its spent culture supernatant upregulated the LDLR level and promoted LDL uptake by HepG2 cells. Simultaneously, B. producta also linked butyrate-producing and bile salt hydrolase (BSH)-inhibiting effect of BBR. The gut microbiota, especially B. producta , may confers the hypercholesterolemia-alleviating effects of berberine. B. producta represents a novel probiotic that may be used for the treatment of dyslipidemia. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dead zone in ultrasonic time-of-flight diffraction (TOFD) restricts the quantitation of near-surface defects. Alternative TOFD techniques introduce other tip-diffracted/scattered waves with longer propagation times to implement defect detection, but the applicability is influenced due to ignoring the change of acoustic path of the diffracted shear wave in wedge. In this paper, the mode-converted wave (MCW) method is exemplified to analyze the propagation path of diffracted shear wave and the change of the received point in wedge. On this basis, the corrected MCW method is proposed by establishing the relationship between the propagation time of MCW and defect depth according to Fermat's principle. The simulation and experiments show that the depth of near-surface dead zone is reduced by 60% with the corrected MCW method. The positioning errors of the defects in the aluminum alloy sample with a thickness of 20.0 mm are no more than 0.15 mm by using the TOFD probes with 10 MHz center frequency and 40 mm probe center spacing (PCS) and the 60° wedges. Compared to the conventional MCW method, the corrected method widens the range of applicable TOFD signals in B-scan images and reduces the measurement errors of defect depths to within 3.5% under ideal conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aqueous amino acid salts are attractive absorbents for carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) capture due to low volatility and resistance to oxidative degradation. The kinetics of CO 2 absorption into aqueous solutions of potassium histidinate (HisK) was investigated using a wetted wall column at concentrations ranging from 0.26 to 2.07 M and temperatures from 298 to 333 K. Density, viscosity of aqueous HisK and physical solubility of N 2 O in these solutions were measured. A temperature dependant ion parameter h His − was correlated to estimate Henry׳s constants of CO 2 . The zwitterion and termolecular mechanisms as well as ionic strength effect on reaction rate were applied to interpret the absorption rate of CO 2 in non-ideal systems. Under the pseudo-first-order regime, the overall reaction rate constants increase strongly with the increasing HisK concentration and temperature. HisK shows comparable chemical reactivity toward CO 2 with the industrial standard monoethanolamine (MEA). The partial reaction order with respect to HisK was found to be an average value of 1.26. Zwitterion deprotonation by water and HisK should be the rate-determining step. Two proposed models from zwitterion and termolecular mechanisms could successfully predict the experimental data within 12% AAD. The activation energy was calculated to be approximately 25.0 kJ mol −1 . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mid- to late-Neoproterozoic magmatic rocks from the northern margin of the Yangtze Block are major protoliths of high-pressure (HP) and ultrahigh-pressure (UHP) metamorphic rocks in the Dabie–Sulu orogenic belt along the northern margin of the South China Block. Oxygen isotopic compositions of these mid- to late-Neoproterozoic magmatic rocks hold a key to understanding the origin of large-scale 18 O-depletion in the HP and UHP metamorphic rocks. We report here the integrated in situ U–Pb dating and Hf–O isotope analyses of zircon grains from sedimentary and volcanic rocks in the Neoproterozoic Suixian Group along the northern margin of the Yangtze Block, South China. This study shows that the Suixian Group was deposited at 740–720 Ma, corresponding to late stage of the second deposition cycle (820–720 Ma) of the Neoproterozoic deposition in the Yangtze Block. Detrital zircon grains from the Suixian Group display age peaks at 0.73–0.74 Ga, 0.79 Ga, and 2.0 Ga. Zircon U–Pb ages together with Hf–O isotopic compositions indicate provenance of the Suixian Group dominantly from the proximal Neoproterozoic igneous rocks with possible contribution from Paleoproterozoic rocks along the northern margin of the South China Block. Zircon δ 18 O values from the Suixian Group have a large range from 10.5‰ to 1.3‰. Zircon grains with negative δ 18 O values, typical index of magma-meteoric water interaction, were not identified in this study. The major phase of low-δ 18 O magmas (δ 18 O zircon < 4.6‰) initiated at ca. 800 Ma, long before the first glaciation event arising at about 716 Ma in the South China Block, and lasted for over 100 m.y. The ɛ Hf ( t ) values of the low-δ 18 O zircon grains from the Suixian Group range between −15.5 and 10.7. About 74 percent of low-δ 18 O zircon grains have negative ɛ Hf ( t ) values varying from −15.5 to 0. This strongly argues against the possibility that the low-δ 18 O magma was generated dominantly by partial melting of high-T hydrothermally altered oceanic lower crust. This study emphasizes that high-T water-rock interaction and continental rifting tectonic setting are essential to produce the abundant low-δ 18 O magmas, and confirms that most of negative δ 18 O signature identified in zircon grains from HP and UHP metamorphic rocks may not have been inherited from their Neoproterozoic protoliths. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amino acid salts have potential use as alternative absorbents to alkanolamines for post combustion CO 2 capture, because of their negligible volatility, resistance to oxidative degradation and fast absorption rates. In this work, the density and viscosity of CO 2 -free and CO 2 -loaded aqueous solutions of potassium lysinate (LysK) and potassium prolinate (ProK) were measured at temperatures from (298.15 to 348.15) K and for their concentrations from (0.2 to 3.0) mol L −1 . The data were correlated accurately ( R 2 ≥ 0.99) as a function of temperature, concentration and CO 2 loading by nonlinear regression analysis. The solubility of CO 2 in 2.5 mol L −1 amino acid salt solutions was also determined in vapor–liquid equilibrium vessels at temperatures (313 and 333) K and CO 2 partial pressures relevant to flue gas conditions. It was found that, the CO 2 absorption capacity of LysK is higher than that of industrially used monoethanolamine (MEA) and the CO 2 loadings vary as LysK > ProK > MEA at given CO 2 partial pressures. Moreover, LysK may offer higher cyclic loading than MEA for CO 2 capture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key message: This research reveals the different expression patterns of anthocyanin biosynthesis enzyme genes and transcription factors in six red-skinned pear cultivars with different genetic backgrounds. Abstract: Skin color is an important feature of pear fruits, with red skin generally attracting consumers. However, great differences of coloration exist in different pear cultivars. To elucidate the characteristics of pigmentation in pear cultivars with different genetic backgrounds, six cultivars, belonging to P. communis, P. pyrifolia, P. ussuriensis, P. bretschneideri, and a hybrid of P. communis × P. pyrifolia, were used to detect pigment concentrations, expressions of seven anthocyanin biosynthesis enzyme genes, and three related transcription factor genes. Results showed that the occidental pears 'Starkrimson' and 'Red Bartlett' colored at the beginning of fruit setting, but color decreased with fruit maturity; the other four cultivars showed low anthocyanin accumulations and the contents increased during fruit development, but also decreased at later stages. The expression patterns of genes encoding enzymes indicated that ANS and UFGT were decisive genes for anthocyanin biosynthesis for red-skinned pear, and their different expressions led to the coloration differences between occidental and oriental pears. The expression patterns of transcription factors indicated that the different co-expression of MYB10 and bHLH33 genes and the different expressions of WD40 are involved in the differential regulation mechanisms of anthocyanin biosynthesis and coloration pattern between occidental and oriental pears. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new rearranged derivatives offlavonoid C-glycosides,saffloflavonesides A (1) and B (2), wereisolated from the florets of Carthamus tinctorius. Their structures were determined using UV, IR, HRESIMS, and 1Dand 2D NMR data and by comparing experimental and calculated electroniccircular dichroism (ECD) spectra. Compounds 1and 2were unprecedented chalcone and flavanone derivatives possessinga furan conjoining tetrahydrofuran ring. A potential biosyntheticpathway was proposed. At 10 μM, 1and 2both showed strong inhibitory activity against PC12 cell damageinduced by rotenone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A phytochemistry of the whole plant of Agrimonia pilosa led to the discovery of two new nortriterpenoids, agrimonorterpenes A and B (1 and 2), together with one known triterpenoid fupenzic acid (3) and seven known sesquiterpenoids (4 – 10). The new structures were determined as 19 α -hydroxy-2-oxo-nor-A (3)-urs-11,12-dien-28-oic acid (1) and 2, 19 β -dihydroxy-3-oxo-23-noroleana-1, 4, 12-trien-28-oic acid (2) by the spectroscopic data of UV, IR, HR-ESI-MS, and NMR. Notably, the structure of 1 possessed a rare five-membered A- ring. And this is the first time to discover the sesquiterpenoids (4–10) from A. pilosa. Compound 3 displayed the selective cytotoxicity against HCT116, BGC823, and HepG2 cell lines with the IC 50 values of 16.31 μM, 21.94 μM, and 23.40 μM, respectively. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Jianpi-Qushi-Heluo formula (JQHF) has been used to treat idiopathic membranous nephropathy (IMN) in hospitals for many years. Elucidating the protective effect and exploring the potential mechanism of JQHF against IMN. Passive Heymann nephritis (PHN) was induced in rats by a single tail vein injection of anti-Fx1A antiserum. Then, the animals were treated with JQHF at 16.2 g/kg or 32.4 g/kg, with benzepril (10 mg/kg) as a positive control. Renal function was evaluated by biochemical measurements and pathological testing. Fecal samples were collected before and after treatment to analyze the gut microbiota composition by shotgun whole metagenome sequencing. JQHF exhibited potent efficacy in ameliorating PHN at both doses, as revealed by decreasing the deposition of IgG and C5b-9, relieving podocyte injury, and reducing glomerular and tubular cell apoptosis. The lower dose was corresponding to the clinical dosage and showed better therapeutic effects than the higher dose. Metagenomic analysis showed that gavage with 16.2 g/kg of JQHF shifted the structure of the gut microbiota in PHN rats and significantly increased the relative abundances of Prevotella copri, Lactobacillus vaginalis and Subdoligranulum variabile. Particularly, S. variabile was strongly negatively correlated with serum levels of TC and TG, the deposition of IgG and C5b-9, and apoptosis of glomerular cells. The JQHF is an effective agent for the treatment of experimental PHN. The PHN-allevating effect of JQHF is associated with specific alternation of gut microbiota. [Display omitted] • IMN is the leading form of idiopathic nephrotic syndrome in adults. • The curative effect of JQHF is obvious for the treatment of IMN without any side effect. • JQHF is effective in ameliorating of proteinuria and reduce the renal pathological damage of experimental PHN rats. • Enrichment of L. vaginalis and S. variabile may partially account for the therapeutic effect of JQHF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new neolignan glucosides named (7S, 8R)-4,7,9,9′-tetrahydroxy-3,3′-dimethoxyl-7′-oxo-8-4′-oxyneolignan-4-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (1) and (7′S, 8′R, 8S)-4,4′,9′-trihydroxy-3,3′-dimethoxy-7′,9-epoxylignan-7-oxo-4-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-4′-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (2), together with two small molecular peptides named 3-benzyl-6-(1-hydroxyethyl)-2,5-piperazinedione (3) and 3-benzyl-2,5-piperazinedione (4), were isolated from the extract of Arctii Fructus. Their structures and absolute configurations were elucidated by various spectroscopic methods (IR, HR-ESI-MS, 1D and 2D NMR, and CD). [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Two new compounds, named (3R,5R,8R)-3-O-[α-l-arabinopyranosyl (1 → 6)-β-d-glucopyranosyl]-5-hydroxymegastigma-6,7-dien-9-one (1) and (1R)-1-O-(β-d-glucopyranosyl)-phenylethylene glycol (2), were isolated from the extract of Rhodiola crenulata. Their structures were determined on the basis of various spectroscopic methods, including IR, HR-ESI-MS, 1D and 2D NMR, and chemical evidences. The cytotoxicity of these two compounds was evaluated by using MTT method. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Two new furan derivatives named pollenfurans A (1) and B (2) were isolated from the ethyl acetate extract of bee-collected rape pollen. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic analysis. The absolute configurations of the 6,7-diol moiety in both compounds 1 and 2 were confirmed by Snatzke's method, observing the induced circular dichroism after the addition of dimolybdenum tetraacetate in DMSO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A firm and stable electrode/electrolyte interphase was constructed by using the confirmed surface coordination, enabling the long-term stable cycling of a lithium metal solid state battery. Charge transfer, garnet electrolyte, polymerization, solid-state batteries, surface coordination Keywords: charge transfer; garnet electrolyte; polymerization; solid-state batteries; surface coordination EN charge transfer garnet electrolyte polymerization solid-state batteries surface coordination 23922 23922 1 10/27/21 20211102 NES 211102 B The coordination b of a nitrile group on the surface of a garnet solid electrolyte is demonstrated in the Research Article on page 24162 by Tao Zhang and co-workers. [Extracted from the article]

Charge transfer, garnet electrolyte, polymerization, solid-state batteries, surface coordination Innentitelbild: A Surface Coordination Interphase Stabilizes a Solid-State Battery (Angew. Keywords: charge transfer; garnet electrolyte; polymerization; solid-state batteries; surface coordination EN charge transfer garnet electrolyte polymerization solid-state batteries surface coordination 24118 24118 1 10/27/21 20211102 NES 211102 B Die Koordination b einer Nitrilgruppe auf der Oberfläche eines Granat-Festkörperelektrolyten wird im Forschungsartikel von Tao Zhang und Mitarbeitern auf S. 24364 demonstriert. [Extracted from the article]

[Display omitted] • Five new dimeric phloroglucinol derivatives were isolated from Agrimonia pilosa. • 1 and 2 were two pairs of racemic mixtures, representing the unprecedented highly oxidized 6/6/6 tricyclic ring skeleton based on the cis -fused paraquinone and chroman. • The hepatoprotective activities of all isolated compounds 1 – 5 were evaluated. • 1a , 4 , and 5 exhibited moderate activity against APAP-induced HepG2 cell injury at 10 μM. Five new dimeric phloroglucinol derivatives, agrimones A − E (1 – 5), were isolated from the whole plant of Agrimonia pilosa. Their structures including absolute configurations were determined by a series of spectroscopic data (UV, IR, HR-ESI-MS, 1D and 2D NMR), complemented with the comparison of the experimental and calculated ECD spectra, and gauge-independent atomic orbital (GIAO) NMR calculations. Notably, compounds 1 and 2 represent a highly oxidized 6/6/6 tricyclic ring skeleton based on the cis -fused paraquinone and chroman. Compounds 1a , 4 , and 5 exhibited moderate hepatoprotective activities against APAP-induced HepG2 cell injury at 10 μM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: To clarify the mechanism of organic–inorganic hybrid membrane formation by phase-inversion method, the thermodynamical and rheological properties of PSF/TiO2 casting solution were investigated by the viscosity measurement and the triangle phase diagram, respectively. TiO2 introduction decreased the non-solvent tolerance of casting solution with non-solvent 20% ethanol aqueous solution, which caused thermodynamic enhancement of phase separation, and also resulted in the change of rheological properties from Newtonian fluid to non-Newtonian fluid and the viscosity increase of casting solution, which induced rheological hindrance in demixing process. On the basis of the relationship between wet membrane thickness and coagulation time, a novel method used to calculate kinetics parameter (D a) of membrane formation was founded and an equation of D a = d 2/t was established. With the increase of TiO2 concentration, it was revealed that D a increased firstly and then decreased with a maximum value of 0.002204mm2/s at certain temperature (20°C). With the increase of coagulation bath temperature, D a increased and the viscosity decreased continuously when the composition of casting solution was constant. D a was mainly influenced by the porosity of membrane and the thermodynamic, rheological properties of casting solution. In addition, D a also had a main influence on membrane structure by SEM observation, a higher D a was apt to form a more open membrane, as consequence, it was feasible using D a as a parameter to evaluate PSF/TiO2 hybrid membrane structure. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Difurofuranoids A–F (1–6), six novel furofuran lignan dimers that were polymerized through the unusual connection of C5–C5′′, were isolated from the fruits of Forsythia suspensa. Their structures, including the absolute configurations, were deduced by extensive spectroscopic analysis (UV, IR, NMR, and HR-ESI-MS) and quantum chemical calculations. Compounds 2, 4, and 5 showed more significant hepatoprotective activities than the positive control drug (bicyclol) at a concentration of 10 μM (p < 0.01). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractTwo new cucurbitane-type triterpenoid saponins, 2,20β,22β-trihydroxy-16α,23(R)-epoxycucurbita-1,5,24-triene-3,11-dione 2-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (1), 2,20β,22α-trihydroxy-16α,23(S)-epoxycucurbita-1,5,11,24-tetraene-3-one 2-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (2) were isolated from the fruit of Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrad. Their structures were elucidated by mass spectrometry, IR, 1D, and 2D NMR spectroscopy, etc. Besides, both of the compounds showed significant hepatoprotective activities at 10 μM against paracetamol-induced HepG2 cell damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Application of silicon‐based anodes is significantly challenged by low initial Coulombic efficiency (ICE) and poor cyclability. Traditional pre‐lithiation reagents often pose safety concerns due to their unstable chemical nature. Achieving a balance between water‐stability and high ICE in prelithiated silicon is a critical issue. Here, we present a lithium‐enriched silicon/graphite material with an ultra‐high ICE of ≥110 % through a high‐stable lithium pre‐storage methodology. Lithium pre‐storage prepared a nano‐drilled graphite material with surficial lithium functional groups, which can form chemical bonds with adjacent silicon during high‐temperature sintering. This results in an unexpected O−Li−Si interaction, leading to in situ pre‐lithiation of silicon nanoparticles and providing high stability in air and water. Additionally, the lithium‐enriched silicon/graphite materials impart a combination of high ICE, high specific capacity (620 mAh g−1), and long cycling stability (>400 cycles). This study opens up a promising avenue for highly air‐ and water‐stable silicon anode prelithiation methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Application of silicon‐based anodes is significantly challenged by low initial Coulombic efficiency (ICE) and poor cyclability. Traditional pre‐lithiation reagents often pose safety concerns due to their unstable chemical nature. Achieving a balance between water‐stability and high ICE in prelithiated silicon is a critical issue. Here, we present a lithium‐enriched silicon/graphite material with an ultra‐high ICE of ≥110 % through a high‐stable lithium pre‐storage methodology. Lithium pre‐storage prepared a nano‐drilled graphite material with surficial lithium functional groups, which can form chemical bonds with adjacent silicon during high‐temperature sintering. This results in an unexpected O−Li−Si interaction, leading to in situ pre‐lithiation of silicon nanoparticles and providing high stability in air and water. Additionally, the lithium‐enriched silicon/graphite materials impart a combination of high ICE, high specific capacity (620 mAh g−1), and long cycling stability (>400 cycles). This study opens up a promising avenue for highly air‐ and water‐stable silicon anode prelithiation methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • 23 flavonoids (1–23) were isolated from the root of Sophora flavescens. • Their structures were elucidated based on spectroscopic data. • Compound 21 showed anti-proliferative activity against human hepatoma cells. • Compound 21 could activate the autophagic flux and triggers ROS release in HepG2 cells. • Compound 21 mediates its antitumor effects through autophagic cell death. Aiming to discover potent anti-proliferative agents from the roots of Sophora flavescens , seven new prenylated flavanones were isolated, along with 16 known compounds. Their structures were elucidated by interpretation of their spectroscopic data (1D and 2D NMR, UV, IR, CD, and HRESIMS) and comparison to literature data. In the in vitro assay, 21 showed anti-proliferative activity against human hepatoma cells (HepG2). Studies of its mechanism revealed that 21 could significantly activate autophagic flux and trigger ROS release in HepG2 cells. Western blot experiments demonstrated that 21 could activate the key signaling protein of autophagy and ROS, while it does not affect the main protein of the apoptosis signaling pathway. These results suggested that 21 mediates its anti-proliferative effects through autophagic cell death, which is apoptosis-independent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a significant global health concern. The gut microbiota plays an essential role in the onset and development of IBD. Sanghuangporus (SH), a traditional Chinese medicinal mushroom, has excellent anti‐inflammatory effects and is effective at modulating the gut microbiota. Despite these attributes, the specific anticolitic effects of SH and the mechanisms through which the gut microbiota mediates its benefits remain unclear. Herein, we demonstrated that polyphenol‐rich extract from SH effectively alleviated the pathological symptoms of dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)‐induced colitis in mice by modulating the gut microbiota. Treatment with SH distinctly enriched Alistipes, especially Alistipes onderdonkii, and its metabolite 5‐hydroxyindole‐3‐acetic acid (5HIAA). Oral gavage of live A. onderdonkii or 5HIAA potently mitigated DSS‐induced colitis in mice. Moreover, both 5HIAA and SH significantly activated the aromatic hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), and the administration of an AhR antagonist abrogated their protective effects against colitis. These results underscore the potent efficacy of SH in diminishing DSS‐induced colitis through the promotion of A. onderdonkii and 5HIAA, ultimately activating AhR signaling. This study unveils potential avenues for developing therapeutic strategies for colitis based on the interplay between SH and the gut microbiota. Highlights: Sanghuangporus (SH) polyphenol extract potently alleviated symptoms of colon colitis in dextran sodium sulfate‐induced colitis mice.The gut microbiota especially Alistipes onderdonkii mediates the anticolitic effect of SH.The SH‐enriched microbial metabolite 5‐hydroxyindole‐3‐acetic acid exhibited an anticolitic effect via the activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor.The "gut microbiota‐metabolites‐signaling pathway" provides an effective perspective for the study of complex Chinese medicine systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Determining crustal melting in parallel with geodynamic evolution provides critical information on plateau crustal thickening and uplift. Here we investigate the timing and duration of crustal melting through in situ analysis of zircon U–Pb ages, trace elements and Hf–O isotopes, and whole-rock elements and Sr–Nd–Hf isotopes for the granites and high-grade metamorphic rocks from the Pamir Plateau. Zircon dates record protracted crustal melting for both Central Pamir (43–33 and 22–12 Ma) and South Pamir (28–10 Ma). The Pamir Cenozoic granites are characterized by significant elemental and isotopic heterogeneity. The elemental variability within the Pamir Cenozoic granites is dominantly attributed to fractional crystallization of K-feldspar and plagioclase with subordinate biotite from a variably fractionated melt, and the accumulation of early crystallized feldspar during magma ascent. Peritectic mineral entrainment and accessory mineral crystallization had some influence on the geochemical characteristics of the garnet-bearing leucogranite dikes. Zircon Hf isotopes and whole-rock Sr–Nd–Hf isotopes show secular variations for both Central and South Pamir granites. The Central Pamir granites show a mild decrease in whole-rock ƐNd(t) values from Eocene (−4.3 to −4.9) to Miocene (−6.2 to −7.7), and the zircon ƐHf(t) values decrease from c. 40 Ma (+2 to −5) to c. 10 Ma (−4 to −8). In contrast, the South Pamir granites have highly variable whole-rock Sr–Nd–Hf (87Sr/86Sr(i) = 0.7053 to 0.7830; ƐNd(t) = −31.5 to +0.2; ƐHf(t) = −40.0 to +8.2) and zircon Hf isotopes (ƐHf(t) = −31.7 to +7.5) and display a strong decrease in ƐNd(t) and ƐHf(t) values from c. 25 Ma to c. 13 Ma. Geochemical and isotopic data indicate that both the Central and South Pamir experienced crustal melting from juvenile lower crust to ancient lower-middle crustal materials, and Indian crustal materials were incorporated into the melt region of the South Pamir leucogranites from c. 20 Ma. Our study highlights a causal link between a chain of events that includes magma underplating induced by lithosphere thinning and slab breakoff, lithosphere delamination and underthrusting of Indian lithosphere, and formation of the Cenozoic granites in Pamir. This series of processes are incorporated here into a comprehensive model for the geodynamic evolution of the Pamir during the India–Asia collision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large-geometry secondary ion mass spectrometry (LG-SIMS) is routinely used to determine the elemental and isotopic compositions, thanks to its high sensitivity and in situ micro-analysis capability. Its large volumes of transfer and coupling column, however, might bring low vacuum and high background of volatile elements (esp. H), which hampers its application in ultralow H2O content measurement. In this study, we report a modified analytical procedure to accurately analyze samples with ultralow-level H2O content by using a LG-SIMS of type CAMECA IMS 1280-HR. Based on four new water content working reference materials of quartz glasses with H2O contents ranging from ca. 0 to 39 ppm, the estimated detection limit of LG-SIMS is 0.15 ppm for H2O. This ultralow detection limit is achieved mainly by the intrinsic high sensitivity of the instrument and the conjunctive usage of a stabilized temperature-controlled cooling trap device and a novel tin–bismuth alloy mount preparation technology, which are able to maintain a vacuum pressure at 1.7 × 10−9 mbar in the analysis chamber. Based on these new improvements, our approach can potentially become a routine choice for analyses of H2O content and oxygen–hydrogen isotopes for (extra)terrestrial materials with ultralow-level water content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As part of our ongoing investigation of the bioactive constituents from the roots of Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch., seven new flavonoid glycosides (1 – 7) were obtained along with 19 known compounds (8 – 26). All of the isolates possessed one or more sugar moieties. Their structures, as well as the absolute configurations, were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic data (UV, IR, HRESIMS, 1D and 2D NMR, and CD). In the in vitro assay, compounds 3 and 7 showed moderate antioxidant activities at a concentration of 0.1 μ M; compound 2 showed hepatoprotective activity at a concentration of 10 μ M. Image 1 • Seven new flavonoid glycosides were isolated from roots of Glycyrrhiza uralensis. • Compound structures were elucidated using spectroscopy data and chemical evidence. • Compounds 3 and 7 showed showed moderate antioxidant activities. • Compound 2 showed hepatoprotective activity at a concentration of 10 μ M. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Five new phenylpropanoid glycosides were isolated from Forsythia suspensa. • They are rare structures possess a sugar with an unsubstituted anomeric carbon. • Their structures and absolute configurations were determined unambiguously. • Compound 1 showed anti-inflammatory effect with the IC 50 value of 1.053 μM. Five new phenylpropanoid glycosides, susaroysides A–E (1 – 5) were isolated from the fruits of Forsythia suspensa. Their structures were elucidated by comprehensive spectroscopic data analysis. The absolute configurations of their sugars were determined by GC analysis. Notably, susaroysides A–D possessed a sugar with an unsubstituted anomeric carbon, which is relatively rare in natural sources. Compound 1 exhibited significant anti-inflammatory activity against the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α expression in macrophage cells with the IC 50 value of 1.053 μM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Chrysanthemum morifolium flower is widely used in China and Japan as a food, beverage, and medicine for many diseases. In our work, two new caffeoylquinic acid derivatives (1, 2), a new flavanone glycoside (3), and six reported flavanones (4–9) were isolated and identified from the flowers of C. morifolium. The chemical structures of all isolates were elucidated by the analysis of comprehensive spectroscopic data as well as by comparison with previously reported data. The isolated constituents 1–8 were evaluated for their neuroprotective activity, and compounds 3 and 4 displayed neuroprotective effects against hydrogen peroxide-induced neurotoxicity in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Six new iridoid glycosides were isolated from the ethyl acetate fraction of the whole plants of Hedyotis diffusa Willd. They were identified as E-6-O-p-methoxycinnamoyl-10-O-acetyl scandoside acid methyl ester (1), Z-6-O-p-methoxycinnamoyl-10-O-acetyl scandoside acid methyl ester (2), E-6-O-caffeoyl scandoside methyl ester (3), E-6-O-p-coumaroyl-6′-O-acetyl scandoside methyl ester (4), Z-6-O-p-coumaroyl-6′-O-acetyl scandoside methyl ester (5), and E-6-O-p-coumaroyl-4′-O-acetyl scandoside methyl ester (6). The structures of them were elucidated based on unambiguous spectroscopic data (UV, IR, HRESIMS, and NMR). They were screened for anti-inflammatory effect, antioxidant effect, antitumor effect, and neuroprotective effect and did not show potent activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dense and submicron-sized polycrystalline β-Si 3 N 4 bulk samples with average grain size of 263 ± 68 nm have been synthesized using micron-sized α-Si 3 N 4 powder (2 μm) as the starting material by simultaneously tuning the pressure and temperature conditions. The measured Vickers hardness H V of the submicron-sized polycrystalline β-Si 3 N 4 could reach up to about 20 GPa, approaching the upper limit of the single crystal β-Si 3 N 4. The measured fracture toughness K IC of the polycrystalline β-Si 3 N 4 has been enhanced from 3.0 to 4.1 MPa m1/2, as much as 36%, while without sacrificing the hardness. This study demonstrates that using micron-sized powder as the starting material to synthesize submicron-sized polycrystalline bulks by phase transformation under extreme pressure conditions is an efficient pathway to break through the old paradigm—the higher the fracture toughness of a material, the lower the hardness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]