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Objective Fusarium oxysporum is a common pathogenic fungus in ginseng cultivation. Both pathogens and antagonistic fungi have been reported to induce plant resistance responses, thereby promoting the accumulation of secondary metabolites. The purpose of this experiment is to compare the advantages of one of the two fungi, in order to screen out more effective elicitors. The mechanism of fungal elicitor-induced plant resistance response is supplemented. Methods A gradient dilution and the dural culture were carried out to screen strains. The test strain was identified by morphology and 18 s rDNA. The effect of different concentrations (0, 50, 100, 200, 400 mg/L) of Penicillium sp. YJM-2013 and F. oxysporum on fresh weight and ginsenosides accumulation were tested. Signal molecules transduction, expression of transcription factors and functional genes were investigated to study the induction mechanism of fungal elicitors. Results Antagonistic fungi of F. oxysporum was identified as Penicillium sp. YJM-2013, which reduced root biomass. The total ginsenosides content of Panax ginseng adventitious roots reached the maximum (48.95 ± 0.97 mg/g) treated with Penicillium sp. YJM-2013 at 200 mg/L, higher than control by 2.59-fold, in which protopanoxadiol-type ginsenosides (PPD) were increased by 4.57 times. Moreover, Penicillium sp. YJM-2013 activated defense signaling molecules, up-regulated the expression of PgWRKY 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 9 and functional genes in ginsenosides synthesis. Conclusion Compared with the pathogenic fungi F. oxysporum, antagonistic fungi Penicillium sp. YJM-2013 was more conducive to the accumulation of ginsenosides in P. ginseng adventitious roots. Penicillium sp. YJM-2013 promoted the accumulation of ginsenosides by intensifying the generation of signal molecules, activating the expression of transcription factors and functional genes.

There is no doubt that Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the greatest threats facing mankind today. Within the next few decades, Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEIs) will be the most widely used treatment for Alzheimer's disease. The withdrawal of the first generation AChEIs drug Tacrine (TAC)/ Cognex from the market as a result of hepatotoxicity has always been an interesting case study. Rosmarinic acid (RA) is a natural compound of phenolic acids that has pharmacological activity for inhibiting Alzheimer's disease, as well as liver protection.In this study, we determined that RA can reduce the hepatotoxicity of TAC, and both of them act synergistically to inhibit the progression of AD in mice.In addition to the wild type mice (WT) group, the 6-month-old APP/PS1 (APPswe/PSEN1dE9) double-transgenic (Tg) mice were randomly divided into 6 groups: Tg group, TAC group, RA group, TAC+Silymarin (SIL) group, TAC+RA-L (Rosmarinic Acid Low Dose) goup and TAC+RA-H (Rosmarinic Acid High Dose) group. A series of experiments were carried out, including open field test, Morris water maze test, Hematoxylin - Eosin (HE) staining, Nissl staining, biochemical analysis, immunofluorescence analysis, western blotting analysis and so on.RA combined with TAC could enter the brain tissue of AD mice, and the combination of drugs could better improve the cognitive behavior and brain pathological damage of AD mice, reduce the expression of A β oligomer, inhibit the deposition of A β, inhibit the activity of AChE and enhance the level of Ach in hippocampus. Both in vivo and in vitro experiments showed that RA could alleviate the hepatotoxicity or liver injury induced by TAC. The Western blot analysis of the liver of AD mice showed that RA combined with TAC might inhibit the apoptosis of Bcl-2/Bax, reduce the programmed apoptosis mediated by caspase-3 and reduce the burden of liver induced by TAC, could inhibit the development of liver apoptosis by alleviating the hepatotoxicity of TAC and inhibiting the phosphorylation of JNK.The potential drug combination that combines rosmarinic acid with tacrine could reduce tacrine's hepatotoxicity as well as enhance its therapeutic effect on Alzheimer's disease.

Our understanding of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) pathophysiology continues to advance rapidly. Given the complexity of the pathogenesis of NASH, the field has moved from describing the single pathogenesis of NASH to deeply phenotyping with a description of the multi-mechanism and multi-target pathogenesis that includes glucose, lipid and cholesterol metabolism, fibrotic progression, inflammation, immune reaction and apoptosis. To make the picture more complex, the pathogenesis of NASH involves pathological connections between the liver and several organs such as the adipose, pancreas, kidney and gut. Numerous pharmacologic candidates have been tested in clinical trials and have generated some positive results. Importantly, PPAR as triglyceride synthesis inhibitor and FXR as bile acids synthesis inhibitor have displayed beneficial effects on candidates for lipid and cholesterol metabolism. Although the efficacy of these drugs has been affirmed, serious side effects hinder their further development. It is a particularly important task to carry out the in-depth long-term research. Additionally, drug combination increases response rate and reduces side effects of a single drug. Mastering the advantages and limitations of clinical candidate drugs and continuous improvement and innovation are necessary to formulate a new strategy for the future treatment of NASH.

Pectins obtained from citrus peel of different cultivars and growth regions were compared based on physicochemical properties and antioxidant activity in vitro. The physicochemical features were elucidated using Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), molecular weight distribution, monosaccharide composition, thermal behaviors and flow behaviors. Results showed that the different cultivars and growing areas have significant effects on the properties of citrus peel pectins (CPPs). Citrus peel pectins extracted by acetic acid were highly heterogeneous polysaccharides with broad molecular weight distributions and had high proportions of the RG-I domain. Among the 10 kinds of citrus peel pectins, Shatangju (CPP-6) and Xuecheng (CPP-7) own superior antioxidant biological activity and Dahongpao (CPP-3) and Buzhihuo (CPP-9) had excellent functional properties (thermal stability and viscosity). According to the correlation analysis, molecular weight, galacturonic acid content and degree of methyl-esterification were beneficial to increase the thermal stability and viscosity of citrus peel pectins, while the rhamnose content, rhamnogalacturonan I region and lower molecular weight can improve citrus peel pectins antioxidant activity. Our findings suggest that CPP-6 and CPP-7 may be useful as a potential natural antioxidant in pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. Meanwhile, CPP-3 has great application potential in high temperature food and CPP-9 can be used as a thickener or stabilizer in the food industry.

Novel composite sub-micron fibers materials, consisting of superfine powdered diatomite (SPD) and fibrous poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), were fabricated by electrospinning. SPD was obtained after high energy ball milling for 6h high energy ball milling with 10% (wt%) Polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) as dispersant. The diameters of SPD (400 nm–1000 nm) were 30 times less than that of the normal powdered diatomite particles, and SPD also had pores inside based on Rhodamine B (RhB) micro-pollutant. The composite sub-micron fibers were composed by three dimensional networks from PVA sub-micron fibers, on which SPD particles were randomly attached on. The composite sub-micron fibers exhibited excellent mechanical behavior and stable thermal decomposition property in the temperature from 275 °C to 300 °C. Comparing with PVA sub-micron fibers, SPD-PVA composite sub-micron fibers possess extra 36% adsorption capacity to RhB, which was due to 48.5% (wt%) of SPD in fibers. Conserving the adsorptive functionality of SPD particles in electrospinning non-woven polymeric fiber, could enable them to be used in the fields of adsorbants.

This study aims at presenting a comprehensive perusal on polysaccharides from Angelica Sinensis Radix (ASPs) processing with Chinese rice wine (18, 20, 22, 24 min at 120 °C) through investigating the structural characterizations, antioxidant activity, invigorating blood circulation activity, and inhibitory activity on alkaline phosphatase. The results of high-performance gel permeation chromatography (HPGPC) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) indicated that certain aggregation and disaggregation would happen owing to the wine processing. While they all had the typical fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra characteristic of polysaccharides. Monosaccharide composition analysis combined with 1H NMR spectroscopic analysis demonstrated that all samples are of the same monosaccharide composition, but the ratios and types were varied diversely. The structure differences mainly focused on the chemical compositions, the monosaccharide ratios, types, and apparent structure. Wine processing, especially stir-frying 20 min, caused higher antioxidant abilities, stronger inhibitory activities on thrombin and alkaline phosphatase. In conclusion, stir-frying 20 min was a good choice for the preparation of wine-processed A. Sinensis, for which polysaccharides owned the highest content of neutral sugar and GalA, as well as the best antioxidant and alkaline phosphatase inhibitory activity.

Two neutral polysaccharides named POP-1 and PCP-1 were purified from Polygonatum odoratum and P. cyrtonema, respectively. Results showed that both of them were composed of fructose and glucose, and the average molecular weights of them were about 5 kDa. FT-IR, 1D- and 2D-NMR analyses revealed that both POP-1 and PCP-1 contained a (2→1)-linked β- d -fructofuranose (Fruf) backbone and (2→6)-linked β- d -Fruf side chains with an internal α- d -glucopyranose (Glcp) in neokestose form. The difference between these two purified polysaccharides were that PCP-1 possessed of an acetyl group attached at O-3 of α- d -Glcp residue. In addition, PCP-1 exhibited a little better immune stimulating activity than POP-1 on cell viability and IL-6 production of RAW 264.7 macrophages. These results indicated that the acetyl group might affect the immunoregulatory activity and PCP-1 have more potential to be explored as an immunomodulatory agent.

The effect of drying methods were evaluated including hot air drying (HD), blanching-hot air drying (BHD), shade drying, microwave-hot air drying (MHD), freeze drying (FD), and vacuum-hot air drying (VHD) on the quality and bioactivities of chrysanthemum flowers. HD had the lowest total flavonoid values due to the reaction between flavonoids and oxidase during drying. Reduced activities of polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase in samples from MHD and BHD suggested that they are effective at inhibiting enzymatic browning, while the BHD could lead to the loss of some water-soluble components. Microwave treatment for 30 s combined with 75 °C hot air drying was the most effective treatment in preserving biologically active compounds, resulting in higher antioxidant capacity and greater inhibition of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE). FT-IR showed that the BHD, microwave treatment for 90 s, and VHD led to loss of more compounds than FD. This study also found that 3,5-di-caffeoylquinic acid (3,5-DCQA), luteolin-7-O-glucoside (LuG), luteolin, and kaempferol were the key bioactive substances inhibiting AChE. Furthermore, molecular docking studies showed that a high inhibition of AChE by 3,5-DCQA and LuG could be attributed to the formation of strong hydrogen bonds. The study may be beneficial for understanding C. morifolium's nutritional value and the effects of drying methods on the quality of the final product.

Sm3+-doped barium stannate (BaSnO3:Sm3+) down-conversion particle was prepared via a sol-gel method with SnCl4·5H2O, BaCO3 and Sm(NO3)3 as raw materials followed by an annealing process. Differential thermal analysis (TG/DTA), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), scanning electronic microscope (SEM), and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) confirmed the formation of BaSnO3:Sm3+ nanocrystals with a typical perovskite structure. The photoluminescence (PL) spectra indicated that the as-prepared BaSnO3:Sm3+ nanocrystals could convert UV-light to yellow light at 587 nm and effectively widen the spectra response ranges of the DSSC to the ultraviolet region. The photoelectric properties of the dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) based on BaSnO3:Sm3+ photo-anodes were also investigated. The BaSnO3:Sm3+ down-conversion photo-anodes showed a much greater photovoltaic efficiency compared with the photo-anode of BaSnO3 without rear earth (RE). The photoelectric conversion efficiency of the DSSCs based on BaSnO3:Sm3+ photo-anode doping Sm3+ of 1mol% was almost twice higher than that based on pure BaSnO3 photo-anode under the simulated light irradiation.

The starch-palmitic acid complex was prepared by the reaction of different concentrations (0.1%–5.0%) of palmitic acid and yam starch. In order to find out the effects of concentration of palmitic acid on the properties of the complex, the physicochemical properties, morphological properties, freeze-thaw stability, antioxidant activity and bile acid binding capacity of complexes were studied. It was found that with the increase of palmitic acid concentration, the complex index of starch-fatty acid increased first and then decreased. When the concentration of palmitic acid was 2%, the complex index was the highest (26.39%). The crystal type has gradually changed from Ca type into mixtures of V-type pattern and B-type pattern when introduced palmitic acid. The water binding capacity, solubility, swelling power and paste clarity were decreased, while the content of resistant starch and freeze-thaw stability were obviously increased. Compared with the native starch, the antioxidant activity and bile acid binding capacity of the complex were significantly increased. All the result showed that the concentration of palmitic acid has a great influence on the physicochemical properties of modified starch and the starch-palmitic acid complexes have higher ability of controlling cholesterol and improving the anti-oxidant activity than native yam.

Background Aquilariae Lignum Resinatum as a traditional Chinese medicine is used in prescription for treatment of gastrointestinal diseases. Phytochemical investigations show that there are many anti-ulcer and anti-inflammatory ingredients in A. agallocha methanol extract (AEE). However, scarce data is available about the constituents absorbed into the blood, activity and mechanisms of AEE on intestinal mucositis. Hypothesis/Purpose To analyze the bioactive constituents of AEE absorbed in the blood, and further explore the potential mechanisms of the protection against chemotherapy-induced intestinal mucositis. Methods The serum pharmacochemistry using UHPLC-Q-TOF/MS was performed to screen the bioactive compounds of AEE absorbed in serum. The intestinal mucositis was induced by 5-Fuorouracil (5-Fu) and treated with AEE. The severity of intestinal mucositis was evaluated based on body weight, food-intake and diarrhea. Furthermore, the mechanism of AEE was investigated involved in the pathogenesis of mucositis on repairing injury of intestinal mucosa, immune functions, and inflammatory response. Results Altogether, 11 components were identified or tentatively characterized in dosed plasma. In pharmacodynamics study, intestinal mucositis caused by 5-Fu was effectively attenuated after AEE treatment. AEE treatment improved food-intake and injury of the intestinal mucosa, relieved body weight loss and severe diarrhea through up-regulating expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and inhibiting the levels of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in ileum segments. Conclusions AEE protected against 5-Fu-induced intestinal mucositis (IM) in mice through mechanisms that involved in promoting the enterocyte proliferative activity, maintaining the integrity of tight junction proteins, inhibiting oxidative stress and ameliorating the inflammatory disturbances. Accordingly, A. agallocha may be a promising therapeutic candidate used for the prevention of IM during cancer chemotherapy.

Polysaccharides (ASP) were extracted from Angelica Sinensis Radix (ASR) and were subjected to freeze drying (ASP-FD), vacuum drying (ASP-VD), and hot air drying (ASP-HD). Structural characteristics, rheological and emulsifying properties, antioxidant, anticoagulant and alkaline phosphatase inhibitory activities of ASPs were firstly investigated. ASP-FD owned higher thermostability, unique morphological structure, uniform and the lowest molecular weight, which is suitable for using as a raw material for polysaccharide derivatives. Smaller viscosity of ASP-FD supplied a better appearance that consumers preferred and the smallest particle size was benefit to manufacture instant soluble products. ASP-VD behaved the highest neutral sugar content, protein content, intrinsic viscosities, and the best emulsifying activity, being a candidate for cosmetics additive. ASP-HD exhibited the highest apparent viscosities, higher thermostability, loose structure, and better bioactivities. Drying conditions had significant effect on the physicochemical properties and bioactivities of ASPs. ASPs with specific characteristics may meet the requirements for diverse applications.

Physicochemical properties and gastroprotection of four types of resistant starch (RS) including native (RS2), retrograded (RS3), cross-linked with sodium trimetaphosphate/sodium tripolyphosphate (RS4) and complexed with palmitic acid (RS5) resistant starches were investigated and compared. After modification, there was no significant change in RS content in addition to the decline in the RS3. The crystal type of RS2 was B-type pattern. During modification, RS3 and RS5 lost their granular shape and crystalline structure collapsed, while RS4's granular structure was not destroyed and maintained the B-type crystalline pattern. In addition, gastroprotective effect of the four types of RS on gastric ulcer induced by ethanol in mice was investigated. Pretreatment with the four types of RS had an obvious gastroprotection compared to ethanol group that significantly attenuated the level of histopathological injury and ulcerative lesion index (ULI). Also, the excess malondialdehyde (MDA) and the reduced superoxide dismutase (SOD) induced by ethanol can be effectively inhibited. Furthermore, there were more SCFAs (short chain fatty acids) generated in colon with the four starches when compared with ethanol group. The results demonstrated that the four types of RS were proved to be effective on ethanol-induced gastric injure probably by ameliorating oxidative stress, generating more SCFAs and promoting gastric emptying. Of the four RS samples tested, the high dose groups of RS3 and RS5 showed the best activity. This study reported four kinds of gastro-protection starches and provided useful information for functional food and pharmaceutical industries.

In this work, a series of In2O3/NiO composites with hierarchical structure were prepared through an efficient synthesis method based on electrospinning technique and ion exchange reaction. Material characterization confirmed that the composite was composed by one-dimensionally aligned NiO nanosheets with In2O3 nanoparticles evenly attached to them. Gas sensing properties of the In2O3/NiO series composites were systematically investigated, accompanying with pristine NiO sample for comparison. An obvious enhancement in ethanol sensing performance was discovered for the NiO based sensor via decoration with In2O3 nanoparticles. The gas sensing mechanism of In2O3/NiO composite towards ethanol based on the formation of nanoscale p-n heterojunction structure was discussed. Besides, gas response properties of the In2O3/NiO series sensors to some harmful gases (including ethanol, DMF, acetone and ammonia) were found out to be highly dependent on the component content within the composites. The different gas sensing patterns of In2O3/NiO series sensors could be utilized to discriminate among these target gases.

Ferroptosis is a type of lipid peroxidation-induced cell death that can be regulated in various ways, from changing the activity of antioxidant enzymes to the levels of transcription factors. The p53 tumor suppressor gene is the "guardian of the genome" and is involved in controlling cell survival and division under various pressures. In addition to its effects on apoptosis, autophagy, and cell cycle, p53, through the way of transcription dependent or independent two-way, also regulates the biological processes of tumor cell sensitivity to ferroptosis, including the metabolism of amino acids, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate, and lipid peroxidation, as well as the biosynthesis of glutathione, phospholipids, NADPH and coenzyme Q10.As reviewed here, we summarized the metabolic network of p53 and its signaling pathway in regulating ferroptosis and elucidated possible factors and potential clinical application of p53 regulating ferroptosis. This review will provide a basis for further understanding the role of p53 in tumor ferroptosis and new strategies for cancer therapeutic avenues.

For this study the chrysanthemum was dried using hot air at temperatures of 45, 75, and 105 °C (H1, H2, and H3), as well as microwave (30, 60, and 90 s) combined with hot air at temperature of 75 °C (MH1, MH2, and MH3). The highest effective diffusivities (16.23 × 10−9) and the lowest (5.37 × 10−9) belonged to MH3 and H1, respectively. The activation energy for hot air drying was calculated to be 18.40 kJ mol−1. Eleven mathematical models were fitted into the experimental data. The Midilli model was the appropriate simulation for the drying processing of H1, H3, and MH2. The Diffision Approach and Two Term models were both the reasonable models describing the drying behavior of MH1 and MH3. The shrinkage and rehydration capacity were raised with increasing temperature and microwave time. The contents of total phenolics, total flavonoids, and seven monomeric compounds, as well as the results of Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) indicated that MH1 contained the higher content of active principle, and little changes in entire conformation. Specific energy consumption for hot air drying and combined drying was ranged from 92.0 to 135.1 kW h kg−1, and from 112.4 to 1289.6 kW h kg−1, respectively.

Foamed concrete with five densities were prepared without sintering, then compounded with the humidity controlling slurry to prepare the sand-based breathing bricks (SBB). The accurate porous parameters of foamed concrete were characterized and quantified by Image-pro Plus 6.0 and Matlab 2015a. The effect of these porous parameters on the properties of the SBB were investigated. The optimal physical, mechanical and humidity controlling properties of SBB were achieved with FCa9 of foamed Concrete. The suitable dry density was 910 kg/m3 with higher compressive strength of 5.25 MPa, thermal conductivity was 0.08 W·(m·K)−1, the max moisture absorption was 272.51 g/m2 and max moisture desorption was 143.09 g/m2, which can be used as a wall material for partitioning space to improve indoor air quality.

In this paper, Ho3+/Yb3+ co-doped Bi2WO6 (Ho3+/Yb3+-Bi2WO6) nanoparticles were successfully synthesized by a facile hydrothermal method followed by a heat treatment process. X-ray diffraction, field emission-scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy and up-conversion luminescence spectra were used to characterize the as-synthesized Ho3+/Yb3+-Bi2WO6. The effects of Yb3+ concentration on up-conversion luminescence properties were investigated. Under 980 nm laser excitation, two emission peaks centered at 546 nm and 655 nm corresponding to the 5F4, 5S2 and 5F5 transitions, respectively, to the 5I8 ground state were observed. Power studies revealed that a two-photon process was involved in the up-conversion emissions and the probable up-conversion emission mechanisms were discussed according to the energy transfer process. This study confirms that Bi2WO6 could be a potential host to achieve desired up-conversion luminescence and might be potentially applied in the fields of photocatalysis and solar cells.

Chaenomeles is an important source for food industry in China, and its planting area is expanding year by year. This study was conducted to evaluate different varieties of Chaenomeles by comparing the chemical compositions, antioxidant activity and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity of peels and fleshes from twelve varieties of Chaenomeles. In the results, peels of Chaenomeles contain more phenolics, flavonoids and triterpenes, and show better antioxidant activity and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity than their fleshes. All varieties of Chaenomeles perform different depend on cultivar and climatic conditions. Oleanolic acid, ursolic acid, protocatechuic acid, rutin, catechin, caffeic acid, syringic acid, epicatechin, hyperin, quercetin, kaempferol and chlorogenic acid are main active compounds in Chaenomeles. Zheng'an, Liufu, Zimugua1, Qijiang and Changjun get Top five scores. This is the first study on the peels and fleshes of twelve varieties of Chaenomeles, and it gives insights into variety selection in the planting and production of Chaenomeles.

CTAB-Surface-Modified-TiO2 nanocatalysts were synthesized via a microemulsion combine hydrothermal method. The experimental result showed that the nitric acid concentration and hydrothermal temperature had important influence on the photocatalytic activity of samples. When the nitric acid concentration was 2 M and hydrothermal temperature was 120 °C, photocatalytic activity of sample was highest. It could achieve 99.99% degradation rate of rhodamine B (RhB) within 60 min visible light irradiation. The superior photocatalytic activity was mainly ascribed to that the CTAB molecule groups could abound the surface state of TiO2 and the abundant surface state could generate shallow trap levels to trap electron and thus enhanced light absorption as well as reduced electron-hole pair recombination.

Solvents effect of water, methanol aqueous, and ethanol aqueous on the active compositions (TFc, TPc, TTc, TCc, TPs and contents of eleven selected compounds) in Chaenomeles speciosa were studied, as well as effects on antioxidant activity, anti-α-glucosidase activity, and inhibit effect on Ach induced smooth muscle contraction of isolated rat jejunum. The results indicate that compositions and activities of extracts prepared with different solvents vary, and methanol, 60% methanol, 40% methanol, 20% methanol and 60% ethanol would be good choices for the industrial production of Chaenomeles speciosa extracts. Water extract displays the highest inhibit activity on the contraction of smooth muscle of isolated rat jejunum, and the result also indicates that condensed tannin is responsible for the inhibit activity. In summary, our study presents the solvents effect on chemical compositions and biological activities of Chaenomeles speciosa, and gives an insight into the potential application of Chaenomeles speciosa.

Aims Clinically, Cerebralcare Granule® (CG) has been widely utilized to treat various types of headache, chronic cerebral insufficiency and other diseases, and the effect is significant. Clinical studies have shown that CG can significantly relieve vascular dementia (VaD), however, the molecular mechanisms haven't been established. To clear the therapeutic mechanisms of CG against VaD, a hypothesis was proposed that CG could treat neurovascular injury by inhibiting the production of lipocalin-2 (LCN 2). Main methods 90 dementia rats were selected by water maze test and randomly divided into 6 groups, including nimodipine (NM), CG L (low dose) (0.314 g kg−1), CG H (high dose) (0.628 g kg−1), and combined group (CG + NM). And in vitro neuronal cell OGD modeling to evaluate the effect of CG on JAK2/STAT3. Key findings CG could significantly shorten the escape latency of two-vessel occlusion (2-VO) rats, increase their exploratory behavior, alleviate the symptoms of VaD and improve the ultrastructural pathological damage of neurovascular unit and accelerate the recovery of cerebral blood perfusion. CG combined with NM is better than NM alone. It was further showed that CG could inhibit the pathogenicity of LCN 2 through JAK2/STAT3 pathway and suppress the production of inflammatory cytokines. It plays a role in the protection of cerebral microvasculature and BBB in 2-VO rats. Significance Taken together, there data has supported notion that CG can protect the integrity of cerebral blood vessels and BBB and improve cognitive impairment through mainly inhibiting LCN 2, which provides scientific evidence for clinical application.

Permian mafic–ultramafic layered intrusions in the central part of the Emeishan Large Igneous Province (ELIP), Southwestern China, host Fe–Ti–V-oxide ores that have features which distinguish them from other large layered intrusion-hosted deposits. The origin of these ores is highly debated. Careful petrographic examination, whole rock analysis, electron probe microanalysis, and measurement and mapping of trace element concentrations by laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry in all major and minor minerals (clinopyroxene, plagioclase, olivine, amphibole, titanomagnetite, ilmenite, pleonaste and pyrrhotite) has been undertaken on samples from the Lanjiahuoshan deposit, representing the Middle, Lower and Marginal Zone of the Panzhihua intrusion. Features are documented that impact on interpretation of intrusion petrology and with implications for genesis of the Fe–Ti–V-oxide ores. Firstly, there is evidence, as symplectites between clinopyroxene and plagioclase, for introduction of complex secondary melts. Secondly, reaction between a late hydrothermal fluid and clinopyroxene is recognized, which has led to formation of hydrated minerals (pargasite, phlogopite), as well as a potassium metasomatic event, postdating intrusion solidification, which led to formation of K-feldspar. Lastly, partitioning of trace elements between titanomagnetite and silicates needs to consider scavenging of metals by ilmenite (Mn, Sc, Zr, Nb, Sn, Hf and Ta) and sulfides, as well as the marked partitioning of Co, Ni, Zn, Ga, As and Sb into spinels exsolved from titanomagnetite. The role of these less abundant phases may have been understated in previous studies, highlighting the importance of petrographic examination of complex silicate–oxide–sulfide assemblages, as well as the need for a holistic approach to trace element analysis, acknowledging all minerals within the assemblage.

Products of porous bricks from low grade diatomite and sugar filter mud (SFM) in different proportion between 0 and 30 wt% were fabricated at sintering temperatures ranging from 700 to 900 °C. Effect on physical and mechanical properties of sinterring temperature and adding proportion of sugar filter mud were investigated. Physical and mechanical properties of samples were determined by DSC-TG thermal analysis, XRD, SEM and universal testing machine. The samples of porous bricks after sintering have acceptable performance parameters. The best combination of mechanical and physical properties is achieved for a mixture of 70 wt% diatomite, 20 wt%SFM with the additions of 6 wt% dolomite and 4 wt% sodium perborate sintering at 800 °C. The apparent porosity was 50.39%, bulk density was 1.25 g/cm3, the flexural strength was 10.05 MPa.

Using endophytic fungi elicitors to enhance the yield of valuable secondary metabolites in plant tissue culture is an effective biotechnology strategy. In this study, we isolated an endophytic fungus Chaetomium sp. from cultivated Panax ginseng root and detected a high concentration of Rg3 in its mycelium. By comparing the effects of different treatments of Chaetomium sp. on ginsenoside production in Panax ginseng adventitious roots (PGARs), the immobilized spores of Chaetomium sp. (ISC) were proved to be the best elicitor. An initial pH of 6.5 and cocultivation time of 24 h yielded the highest ginsenosides content (56.29 ± 0.62 mg/g) in ISC-treated PGARs, increasing ginsenosides production by 3.2-fold compared with the blank group (17.56 ± 0.49 mg/g). Moreover, we show that ISC could stimulate the temporary accumulation of defense-related signal molecules, intensify the expression of defense genes in PGARs, and upregulate biosynthetic genes involved in the biosynthetic pathway of ginsenosides. Besides, the expression of the biosynthetic gene FPS (farnesyl diphosphate synthase) was deemed the most relevant factor for ginsenosides production during the elicitation period, and the L -aspartic acid secreted by Chaetomium sp. was proven to play a key role in the elicitation process. In conclusion, this study provides an accessible way of improving pharmacologically active compounds production in medicinal plants.

Chronic Cerebral Hypoperfusion(CCH)-induced vascular dementia(VD) is a common neurodegenerative disease which seriously affects the patient's quality of life. Therefore, it is critical to find an effective treatment of VD. Autophagy is a natural regulated mechanism that can remove dysfunctional proteins and organelles, however, over-activation or under-activation can of autophagy can induce the apoptosis of cells. Although autophagy plays a role in the central nervous system is unquestionable, the effects of autophagy in the ischemic brain are still controversial. Some autophagy regulators have been tested, suggesting that both activation and inhibition of autophagy can improve the cognitive function. This article reviews the role of autophagy in CCH-induced VD to discuss whether autophagy has the potential to become a target for drug development and provides several potential compounds for treating vascular dementia.

Background Cardiac fibrosis occurs in ischemic and non-ischemic heart failure, hereditary cardiomyopathy, diabetes and aging. Energy metabolism, which serves a crucial function in the course and treatment of cardiovascular diseases, might have therapeutic benefits for myocardial fibrosis. Ginsenoside Rb3 (G-Rb3) is one of the main components of Ginseng and exhibits poor oral bioavailability but still exerts regulate energy metabolism effects in some diseases. Therefore, the study investigated the effect of chitosan (CS) @ sodium tripolyphosphate (TPP) nanoparticles conjugation with ginsenoside Rb3 (NpRb3) on myocardial fibrosis and studied its possible mechanisms. The results showed that NpRb3 directly participates in the remodeling of myocardial energy metabolism and the regulation of perixisome proliferation-activated receptor alpha (PPARα), thereby improving the degree of myocardial fibrosis. The study also verifies the protective effect of NpRb3 on energy metabolism and mitochondrial function by targeting the PPARα pathway. Therefore, the prepared nanodrug carrier may be a potential solution for the delivery of G-Rb3, which is a promising platform for oral treatment of myocardial fibrosis.

The effects of blanching (in boiling water for 1min) and different hot air drying temperatures (40 °C, 60 °C and 80 °C) on the polyphenol oxidase (PPO), peroxidase (POD) and antioxidant activities, main bioactive components, as well as the starch-related physicochemical properties of yam flours were studied. The results of PPO and POD activities, and total flavone and total soluble polyphenol contents showed that blanching was effective to inhibiting enzymatic browning of yams, and the substrate of enzymatic browning reaction may be mainly flavonoid ingredients. The sample of H-40 had higher allantoin and total soluble polyphenol content, stronger DPPH scavenging activity and reducing power. From the results of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), the blanching yams was found contain partly gelatinized starch granules, and had lower crystallinity. The H-40 and H-80 samples had higher RS contents and lower GI values. Furthermore, the protein and soluble amylose contents, solubility and swelling power at 90 °C of the blanching yams were lower than those of the yams without blanching. We can effectively apply these flours in various products based on their characteristics.

Ho3+/Yb3+ co-doped Bi2MoO6 (Ho3+/Yb3+-Bi2MoO6) photocatalyst has been prepared via coprecipitation method followed by an annealing process. The as-synthesized powder exhibits spherical and sheet structure with size of 200 nm-300 nm. Then the photocatalyst was applied to degrade rhodamine (RhB) to measure its photocatalytic activies under visible light irradiation (λ > 400 nm). From the results, Ho3+/Yb3+-Bi2MoO6 showed higher photocatalytic efficiency (96.48%) than that (79.70%) of bare Bi2MoO6 within 25min. Besides, the photocatalytic activity of the sample keeps well after three photodegradation cycles. This work provides a great way to synthesize photocatalyst with high photocatalytic activity.

As a novel visible-light-driven photocatalyst, Yb 3 + /Ho 3 + co-doped Bi 2 WO 6 (Yb 3 + /Ho 3 + -Bi 2 WO 6 ) was synthesized via a simple hydrothermal method and subsequent a calcination process. The as-synthesized Yb 3 + /Ho 3 + -Bi 2 WO 6 samples were characterized by various analytical methods. The BIW-5 (Yb 3 + /Ho 3 + molar ratios is 5) sample showed the highest photocatalytic activity. The RhB was degraded (99.8%) under visible light irradiation in 20 min. The improved photocatalytic activity could be attributed to the efficient energy transfer between Yb 3 + /Ho 3 + and Bi 2 WO 6 via infrared to visible upconversion and the reduced combination rate of photogenerated electron-hole pairs through doping Yb 3 + /Ho 3 + ions. Therefore, this study may provide a better method to obtain stable upconversion photocatalyst with greatly improved activity.

Ho 3+ /Yb 3+ co-doped Bi 2 WO 6 (Ho 3+ /Yb 3+ -Bi 2 WO 6 ) nanopowders were synthesized by a simple hydrothermal method. Crystal structure, morphology and chemical composition of the samples were characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM and EDS. The effects of some critical synthesis conditions on the upconversion luminescence properties were studied in detail. Under the excitation of 980 nm laser diode, Ho 3+ /Yb 3+ -Bi 2 WO 6 upconversion nanopowder with strongest luminescence intensity was obtained when the concentration of Ho 3+ and Yb 3+ were 1 mol%, 5.0 mol% respectively, and calcined at 600 °C. Moreover, excitation power studies showed that a two-photon process was involved in the upconversion emissions. The probable upconversion luminescence mechanism was discussed according to the energy transfer process.

Yb2O3:Ho3+ nanocrystalline powders were synthesized through a solid state reaction method. X-ray diffraction analysis and field emission scanning electron microscopy were used to analyze the phase composition and morphology of the powders. Then under the 980 nm excitation of laser diode, the fluorescence of the crystals was studied via a fluorescence spectrometer. The green and red emissions centered on 551 and 668 nm were observed, and the green band dominated the emission spectrum. The effect of the concentration of Ho3+ on the upconversion luminescence intensity was discussed and the possible upconversion emission mechanism was explained. It indicates that like other metal oxide nanoparticles, Yb2O3 could also be a potential host material for doping to prepare the upconversion phosphor.

A chemical investigation of Dioscorea collettii led to the isolation of twenty-nine compounds, including six steroid saponins ( 1 – 6 ), thirteen monocyclic phenols ( 7 – 19 ), two flavonoids ( 20 – 21 ), three sterols ( 22 – 24 ), and five cyclodipeptides ( 25 – 29 ). The chemical structures of these compounds were elucidated using spectroscopic methods and by comparing their data to that reported in the literature. This study is the first report of compounds 2 – 4 , 7 , 14 – 17 , 21 , and 23 – 24 in D. collettii , while compounds 8 – 13 , 18–20 , and 25 – 29 were first isolated from the genus Dioscorea and the family Dioscoreaceae. The chemotaxonomic significance of the isolated compounds is discussed.

Over past decades plant tissue culture has emerged as an alternative of whole plant cultivation in the production of valuable secondary metabolites. Adventitious roots culture of Panax ginseng and Echinacea purpure has reached the scale of 1-10 kL. Some molecular biological techniques, such as transgenic technology and genetic stability are increasingly used in the studies on plant tissue cultures. The studies on elicitors have deepened into the induction mechanism, including signal molecules, functional genes, and so on. More and more biological elicitors, such as A. niger and yeast are used to increase the active compounds in plant tissue cultures. We also discussed the application of synthetic biology in the studies on biosynthesis of artemisinin, paclitaxel, and tanshinon. The studies on active ingredients biosynthesis of medicinal plants provide unprecedented possibilities to achieve mass production of active ingredients. Plant tissue cultures can not only produce active ingredients but also as experimental materials for biosynthesis. In order to improve the contents of active compounds in medicinal plants, following aspects could be carried out gene interference or gene silencing, gene overexpression, combination with chemical synthesis, application of elicitors, and site-directed mutagenesis of the key enzymes.

In this work, we selected three fungi strains (Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus oryzae) as elicitors prepared from mycelium or fermentation broth to improve ginsenosides production in adventitious roots culture. The results showed that ginsenosides production (29.90 ± 4.67 mg g−1) was significantly enhanced upon elicitation with 200 mg L−1 A. niger elicitor prepared from mycelium, which was 3.52-fold of untreated group. HPLC-ESI–MSn analysis was performed, showing that ginsenoside Rb3 was present after treatment with the A. niger. Furthermore, we found that A. niger significantly enhanced accumulation of Nitric oxide (NO), salicylic acid (SA) and jasmonic acid (JA) involved in plant defense response, and significantly up-regulated the expression of the geranyl diphosphate synthase (GPS), farnesyl diphosphate synthase (FPS), squalene synthase (SS), squalene epoxidase (SE), dammarenediol synthase (DS), Two cytochrome P450 (CYP) genes (CYP716A47 and CYP716A53v2) and three UDP-glycosyltransferases (UGT) genes (UGTAE2, UGT94Q2 and UGTpg100).

A hydrothermal experiment study on the morphological evolution of pyrite has been conducted to simulate the pyrite behaviors during the gold precipitation conditions (180–220 °C, S/Fe molar ratio is 4/1 to 1/1). The experiment products mainly consist of pyrrhotite and pyrite through X-ray powder diffraction and transmission electron microscopy analysis. The scanning electron microscopy results show that the pyrite morphology is related to the temperature and S/Fe molar ratio. When S/Fe molar ratio drops from 4/1 to 1/1 at 200 °C, the pyrite morphologies change from a combination of {210} and {111} to a combination of {111} and {100} or a single form such as {100}. When S/Fe molar ratio is 3/1 and temperature drops from 220 °C to 180 °C, the pyrite morphologies vary from a combination of {210} and {111} to a combination of {111} and {100} or a single form such as {100}. The grain sizes of pyrite are positively correlated with the pyrite proportion in the products. The morphological evolution of pyrite under experimental conditions is similar to the hydrothermal gold deposits in the Jiaodong Peninsula, Shandong Province, China. The pyrite appears as {210} or a combination of two single forms under experimental conditions, consistent with the observations in gold-bearing hydrothermal mineralization. These results indicate that the pyrite morphologies could reflect the physicochemical conditions of the ore-bearing fluids, and provides a useful morphological typomorphism tool for gold exploration.

Paris Saponin II (PSII) has been regarded as an effective and imperative component isolated from Rhizoma Paridis saponins (RPS) and exhibited strong anti-tumor effects on a variety of cancer. Our results revealed that human non-small lung cancer cell lines NCI-H460 and NCI-H520 were exposed to 1 μM of PSII, which inhibited the proliferation of lung cancer cells and activated apoptosis, autophagy and paraptosis. PSII induced paraptosis-associated cell death prior to apoptosis and autophagy. It induced paraptosis based on ER stress through activation of the JNK pathway. Meanwhile, PSII increased the cytotoxicity of cisplatin through paraptosis-associated pathway. All in all, PSII induced paraptosis based on induction of non-apoptotic cell death, which would be a possible approach to suppress the multi-drug resistant to apoptosis.

Ethnopharmacological relevance Wei-Chang-An pill (WCA pill), a traditional Chinese pharmaceutical preparation, possessed potential anti-inflammatory advantages and noteworthy gastrointestinal regulations in digestive diseases, which might represent a promising candidate for the treatment of intestinal mucositis (IM) induced by 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). Aim of the study To analyze the bioactive constituents and investigate the effect of methanol extraction from WCA pill (WCA ext) on 5-FU induced IM with underlying mechanisms. Materials and methods The analysis of serum bioactive constituents after WCA ext administration in rats was carried out by UHPLC-Quadrupole-Time of Flight-Mass Spectrometry. In mice, IM was induced by 5-FU and physical manifestations were measured during the period of drug delivery. Half of mice were assessed with histology, expression of inflammatory cytokines in ileum and plasma via hematoxylin and eosin staining, immunohistochemical staining as well as cytokine enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay test, respectively. Besides, gastric emptying (GE) and gastrointestinal transit (GIT) were further tested in the other half of 5-FU induced mice. Results Twenty-two compounds were identified or tentatively characterized. IM induced by 5-FU was improved significantly after treatment with WCA ext through reducing the body weight loss, relieving the severe diarrhea, and inhibiting the GE as well as GIT. Further assessments validated that WCA ext promoted the recovery of intestinal mucosa, evaluated the activity of enterocyte proliferation, maintained the integrity of tight junction, and ameliorated the inflammatory disturbances. Conclusions These results suggested that WCA ext promoted the restoration of intestinal function in 5-FU-induced IM via regulating multiple sites of actions in intestinal homeostasis. Accordingly, WCA pill might be a promising therapeutic candidate for the prevention of IM during cancer chemotherapy.

Paris Saponin II (PSII) has been shown anticancer activity against several cancer lines through the pro-apoptotic pathway. The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between apoptosis and autophagy taking part in the anti-cancer mechanisms of PSII. In this study, PSII induced autophagy and apoptosis in dose- and time-dependent manners. Meanwhile, it induced autophagy as early as 2 h after exposure to 1 μM of PSII accompanying with apoptosis. Blockade of autophagy with chloroquine (CQ) attenuated apoptosis, while regulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), gallic acid (GA) and H2O2 could not influence autophagy. In addition, PSII induced apoptosis via activation of autophagy, which might be associated with the activation of JNK and inhibition of PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. All in all, our research increased the understanding of the role of PSII regulating autophagy and apoptosis, which would hopefully provide prospective strategies for cancer therapy.

This study was designed to investigate the effects of different drying methods on the main components, crystal properties, morphological properties, and in vitro digestibility properties of Fritillaria thunbergii Miq. flour. The results showed that the total peimine and peiminine contents ranged between 0.093% and 0.245%, insoluble amylose from 4.57% to 10.93%, and the water-binding capacity (WBC) from 144.09% to 192.28%. Compared with the sun-drying method, microwave drying significantly decreased the total peimine and peiminine content, protein, soluble amylose, resistant starch (RS), solubility, swelling power, and relative crystallinity, while increasing the insoluble amylose content and WBC. The microwave-dried sample showed significant changes in starch content, as evident from the scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy findings. Low levels of rapidly digestible starch and glucose and high RS levels were found in the hot air-dried and freeze-dried samples. Thus, F. thunbergii flour can be used as medicinal excipients, as health products, and in paints by these results. Furthermore, this flour finds more uses when subjected to chemical or physical treatment in medicinal, paint, and food processors.

SrAl 2 O 4 :Eu 3+ down-conversion (DC) nanocrystals were synthesized by a sol–gel method and then doped in TiO 2 as a photoanode in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Differential thermal analysis, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and Brunauer–Emmet–Teller analysis confirmed the formation of SrAl 2 O 4 :Eu 3+ nanocrystals with diameters of ∼47 nm, pore size of ∼25 nm, sintering temperature of 1300 °C. The photoluminescence and UV–vis absorption spectra of the SrAl 2 O 4 :Eu 3+ revealed a DC from ultraviolet light to visible light which matched the strong absorbing region of the N719 dye. The photoelectric conversion efficiency of the DSSCs with a TiO 2 photoanode doped with 3 wt% SrAl 2 O 4 :Eu 3+ was 20% higher than that with a pure TiO 2 photoanode. This phenomenon could be mainly explained by SrAl 2 O 4 :Eu 3+ nanocrystals’ ability of DC and increased the short-circuit current density. It could be minorly due to the p-type doping effect and slightly improved the open-circuit voltage.