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Background Panax ginseng Meyer (P. ginseng), a herb distributed in Korea, China and Japan, exerts benefits on diverse inflammatory conditions. However, the underlying mechanism and active ingredients remains largely unclear. Herein, we aimed to explore the active ingredients of P. ginseng against inflammation and elucidate underlying mechanisms. Methods Inflammation model was constructed by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in C57BL/6 mice and RAW264.7 macrophages. Molecular docking, molecular dynamics, surface plasmon resonance imaging (SPRi) and immunofluorescence were utilized to predict active component. Results P. ginseng significantly inhibited LPS-induced lung injury and the expression of pro-inflammatory factors, including TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β. Additionally, P. ginseng blocked fluorescence-labeled LPS (LPS488) binding to the membranes of RAW264.7 macrophages, the phosphorylation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs). Furthermore, molecular docking demonstrated that ginsenoside Ro (GRo) docked into the LPS binding site of toll like receptor 4 (TLR4)/myeloid differentiation factor 2 (MD2) complex. Molecular dynamic simulations showed that the MD2-GRo binding conformation was stable. SPRi demonstrated an excellent interaction between TLR4/MD2 complex and GRo (KD value of 1.16 × 10−9 M). GRo significantly inhibited LPS488 binding to cell membranes. Further studies showed that GRo markedly suppressed LPS-triggered lung injury, the transcription and secretion levels of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β. Moreover, the phosphorylation of NF-κB and MAPKs as well as the p65 subunit nuclear translocation were inhibited by GRo dose-dependently. Conclusion Our results suggest that GRo exerts anti-inflammation actions by direct inhibition of TLR4 signaling pathway., Graphical abstract Image 1

Cardiovascular disease, a disease caused by many pathogenic factors, is one of the most common causes of death worldwide, and oxidative stress plays a major role in its pathophysiology. Tanshinone I (Tan I), a natural compound with cardiovascular protective effects, is one of the main active compounds extracted from Salvia miltiorrhiza. Here, we investigated whether Tan I could attenuate oxidative stress and oxidative stress–induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis through Nrf2/MAPK signaling in vivo and in vitro. We found that Tan I treatment protected cardiomyocytes against oxidative stress and oxidative stress–induced apoptosis, based on the detection of relevant oxidation indexes such as reactive oxygen species, superoxide dismutase, malondialdehyde, and apoptosis, including cell viability and apoptosis-related protein expression. We further examined the mechanisms underlying these effects, determining that Tan I activated nuclear factor erythroid 2 (NFE2)–related factor 2 (Nrf2) transcription into the nucleus and dose-dependently promoted the expression of Nrf2, while inhibiting MAPK signaling activation, including P38 MAPK, SAPK/JNK, and ERK1/2. Nrf2 inhibitors in H9C2 cells and Nrf2 knockout mice demonstrated aggravated oxidative stress and oxidative stress–induced cardiomyocyte injury; Tan I treatment suppressed these effects in H9C2 cells; however, its protective effect was inhibited in Nrf2 knockout mice. Additionally, the analysis of surface plasmon resonance demonstrated that Tan I could directly target Nrf2 and act as a potential Nrf2 agonist. Collectively, these data strongly indicated that Tan I might inhibit oxidative stress and oxidative stress–induced cardiomyocyte injury through modulation of Nrf2 signaling, thus supporting the potential therapeutic application of Tan I for oxidative stress–induced CVDs.

Inhibiting myocardial fibrosis can help prevent cardiovascular diseases, including heart failure. Magnolol (Mag), a natural component of Magnoliae officinalis, has been reported to inhibit fibrosis. However, the mechanism of Mag activity and its effects on myocardial fibrosis remain unclear. Here, we investigated the involvement of ALDH2, an endogenous protective agent against myocardial fibrosis, in the Mag-mediated inhibition of cardiac fibroblast proliferation and collagen synthesis. We found that Mag significantly inhibited cardiac fibroblast proliferation and collagen synthesis, based on the results of MTT, EdU and western blot assays. Moreover, molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulation and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) assays showed that Mag could bind directly and stably to ALDH2. Further analysis of the mechanism of these effects indicated that treatment with Mag dose-dependently enhanced ALDH2 activity without altering protein expression. Mag could enhance the activity of recombinant human ALDH2 proteins with a half-maximal effective concentration of 5.79 × 10−5 M. In addition, ALDH2 activation via Alda-1 inhibited cardiac fibroblast proliferation and collagen synthesis, while ALDH2 inhibition via daidzin partially blocked the suppressive effects of Mag. In summary, Mag may act as a natural ALDH2 agonist and inhibit cardiac fibroblast proliferation and collagen synthesis.

Background DD was found to be associated with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and renal insufficiency. However, it is uncertain whether DD is an independent risk factor of CI-AKI in patients undergoing pPCI. Methods We prospectively enrolled 550 consecutive patients with STEMI undergoing pPCI between January 2012 and December 2016. The predictive value of admission DD for CI-AKI was assessed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) and multivariable logistic regression analysis. CI-AKI was defined as an absolute serum creatinine increase ≥0.3 mg/dl or a relative increase in serum creatinine ≥50% within 48 h of contrast medium exposure. Results Overall, the incidence of CI-AKI was 13.1%. The ROC analysis showed that the cutoff point of DD was 0.69 μg/ml for predicting CI-AKI with a sensitivity of 77.8% and a specificity of 57.3%. The predictive value of DD was similar to the Mehran score for CI-AKI (AUCDD = 0.729 vs AUCMehran = 0.722; p = 0.8298). Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that DD > 0.69 μg/ml was an independent predictor of CI-AKI (odds ratio [OR] = 3.37,95% CI:1.80–6.33, p 0.69 μg/ml was associated with an increased risk of long-term mortality during a mean follow-up period of 16 months (hazard ratio = 3.41, 95%CI:1.4–8.03, p = 0.005). Conclusion Admission DD > 0.69 μg/ml was a significant and independent predictor of CI-AKI and long-term mortality in patients undergoing pPCI.

Sepsis-induced myocardial dysfunction (SIMD) represents one of the serious complications secondary to sepsis, which is a leading cause of the high mortality rate among septic cases. Subsequent cardiomyocyte apoptosis, together with the uncontrolled inflammatory response, has been suggested to be closely related to SIMD. Piceatannol (PIC) is verified with potent anti-apoptotic and anti‐inflammatory effects, but its function and molecular mechanism in SIMD remain unknown so far. This study aimed to explore the potential role and mechanism of action of PIC in resisting SIMD. The interaction of PIC with JAK2 proteins was evaluated by molecular docking, molecular dynamics (MD) simulation and surface plasmon resonance imaging (SPRi). The cecal ligation and puncture-induced septicemia mice and the LPS-stimulated H9C2 cardiomyocytes were prepared as the models in vivo and in vitro, separately. Molecular docking showed that JAK2-PIC complex had the −8.279 kcal/mol binding energy. MD simulations showed that JAK2-PIC binding was stable. SPRi analysis also showed that PIC has a strong binding affinity to JAK2. PIC treatment significantly ameliorated the cardiac function, attenuated the sepsis-induced myocardial loss, and suppressed the myocardial inflammatory responses both in vivo and in vitro. Further detection revealed that PIC inhibited the activation of the JAK2/STAT3 signaling, which was tightly associated with apoptosis and inflammation. Importantly, pre-incubation with a JAK2 inhibitor (AG490) partially blocked the cardioprotective effects of PIC. Collectively, the findings demonstrated that PIC restored the impaired cardiac function by attenuating the sepsis‐induced apoptosis and inflammation via suppressing the JAK2/STAT3 pathway both in septic mice and H9C2 cardiomyocytes.

Background: The aim of this study was to explore factors affecting cardiorespiratory fitness in males and females with different body mass index (BMI).Methods: The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999–2004 data were used for this retrospective study. Estimated maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) is surrogate for cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF). Univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses were performed to explore whether study variables were associated with estimated VO2max stratified by gender and BMI categories.Results: A total of 3292 subjects 20–49 years of age were included in the analysis. CRF significantly decreased as BMI increased in both females and males. Ethnic difference was found in normal BMI in both genders and obese females; homocysteine was significantly negatively associated with estimated VO2max, as was total cholesterol. Obese male subjects with diabetes had a lower estimated VO2max than those without diabetes, and C-reactive protein (CRP) level and vita...

Ethnopharmacological relevance Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is among the most common malignancies. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), with abnormal expression and constitutive activation, has been reported to promote proliferation, metastasis, survival and angiogenesis of HCC cells. Rheum palmatum (RP), a traditional Chinese medicinal herb, exhibited tumor-suppressing effects in multiple human cancers, but its potential functions in HCC remain unexplored. Aim of the study This study aimed to examine the involvement of STAT3 signaling in the anti-HCC effects of RP extract. Materials and methods SMMC-7721 and HepG2 HCC cell lines were treated with RP extract for 24 h, and then viability, migration, and invasion of HCC cells and angiogenesis of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were analyzed using MTS, wound-healing, Transwell invasion and tube formation assays, respectively. Western blotting and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were used to examine the activation of key molecules in STAT3 signaling, including STAT3, JAK2, and Src. Additionally, we explored the in vivo antitumor effects of RP extract in a xenograft tumor nude mouse model of HCC. Results The result showed that RP extract reduced viability, migration, and invasion of SMMC-7721 and HepG2 cells and angiogenesis of HUVECs. It suppressed the phosphorylation of STAT3 and its upstream kinases including JAK2 and Src. In addition, RP extract treatment downregulated STAT3 target genes, including survivin, Bcl-xL, Mcl-1, Bcl-2, MMP-2, MMP-9, Cyclin D1, CDK4, c-Myc, and VEGF-C. Furthermore, RP extract suppressed the xenograft tumor growth and activation of STAT3 in xenograft tumor mice. Conclusion Collectively, the results showed that RP extract prevented HCC progression by inhibiting STAT3, and might be useful for the treatment of HCC.

Vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation and migration play a critical role in the development of arterial remodeling during various vascular diseases including atherosclerosis, hypertension, and related diseases. Luteolin is a food-derived flavonoid that exerts protective effects on cardiovascular diseases. Here, we investigated whether transforming growth factor-β receptor 1 (TGFBR1) signaling underlies the inhibitory effects of luteolin on VSMC proliferation and migration. We found that luteolin reduced the proliferation and migration of VSMCs, specifically A7r5 and HASMC cells, in a dose-dependent manner, based on MTS and EdU, and Transwell and wound healing assays, respectively. We also demonstrated that it inhibited the expression of proliferation-related proteins including PCNA and Cyclin D1, as well as the migration-related proteins MMP2 and MMP9, in a dose-dependent manner by western blotting. In addition, luteolin dose-dependently inhibited the phosphorylation of TGFBR1, Smad2, and Smad3. Notably, adenovirus-mediated overexpression of TGFBR1 enhanced TGFBR1, Smad2, and Smad3 activation in VSMCs and partially blocked the inhibitory effect of luteolin on TGFBR1, Smad2, and Smad3. Moreover, overexpression of TGFBR1 rescued the inhibitory effects of luteolin on the proliferation and migration of VSMCs. Additionally, molecular docking showed that this compound could dock onto an agonist binding site of TGFBR1, and that the binding energy between luteolin and TGFBR1 was -10.194 kcal/mol. Simulations of molecular dynamics showed that TGFBR1-luteolin binding was stable. Collectively, these data demonstrated that luteolin might inhibit VSMC proliferation and migration by suppressing TGFBR1 signaling.

Vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation plays a critical role in arterial remodeling during various vascular diseases including atherosclerosis and hypertension. Tanshinone I, a major component of Salvia miltiorrhiza, exerts protective effects against cardiovascular diseases. In this study, we investigated the effects of tanshinone I on VSMC proliferation, as well as the underlying mechanisms. We found that this compound inhibited the proliferation of VSMCs in a dose-dependent manner, based on 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium (MTS) and 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine (EdU) assays. Western blotting demonstrated that tanshinone I inhibited the expression of proliferation-related proteins, including cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (CDK4), cyclin D3, and cyclin D1, in a dose-dependent manner. Molecular docking showed that this compound docked to the inhibitor-binding site of the insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) receptor (IGF-1R), and the binding energy between tanshinone I and IGF-1R was −9.021 kcal/mol. Molecular dynamic simulations showed that the IGF-1R-tanshinone I binding was stable. We also found that tanshinone I dose-dependently inhibited IGF-1R activation and its downstream molecules, insulin receptor substrate (IRS)-1, phosphatidylinositol-3-Kinase (PI3K), Akt, glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta (GSK3β), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), 70S6K, and ribosomal protein S6 (RPS6). Notably, activation of IGF-1R by recombinant IGF-1 rescued the activity of IGF-1R and its downstream molecules, and the proliferation of tanshinone I-treated VSMC. In addition, blocking PI3K signaling with LY294002 showed the important role of this pathway in tanshinone I-mediated suppression of VSMC proliferation. Collectively, these data demonstrated that tanshinone I might inhibit VSMC proliferation by inhibiting IGF-1R/PI3K signaling.

Using Zn(NO3)2•6H2O and NaOH as raw materials, hydrothermal method was employed to prepare nano-ZnO by changing the proportion of materials and adding surfactant. The products were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results showed that at n(OH−):n(Zn2+) = 4:1, the nano-ZnO had a sheet-like structure with average thickness of 80 nm; at (OH−):n(Zn2+) = 10:1, nano-ZnO had a pencil-like structure with the diameter of 220 nm. Rhodamine was used as pollutant to carry out photocatalytic experiments. The results indicated that the photocatalytic performance of sheet-like ZnO was superior to that of pencil-like ZnO. As to the influence of different surfactants, the ZnO had a rod-like structure with the addition of dodecyltrimethylammonium bromide (DTAB), and its photocatalytic performance was enhanced. The photocatalytic performance of ZnO prepared with the addition of Sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate (DBS) was also improved, though by a smaller extent compared with ...

A two-fold interpenetrating two-dimensional CdII coordination polymer, [Cd(oba)(mmmb)·H2O]n (1) (mmmb = 5-methyl-1,3-bis(1-imidazolyl)benzene, H2oba = 4,4′-oxydibenzoic acid) has been prepared and characterized through IR, elemental analysis, thermal analysis and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that complex 1 is a two-fold interpenetrating (4,4)-connected network. These layers are linked by O–H⋯O and C–H⋯O hydrogen bonds to form a three dimensional supramolecular framework. The framework is reinforced by π–π interactions. In addition, complex 1 exhibits strong fluorescent emissions in the solid state at room temperature.

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a rare malignancy with a remarkable geographical distribution. Regarding NPC treatment, improving the survival rate of advanced patients seems promising. Phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway deregulation is closely associated with tumorigenesis. In the present study, the NPC cell line SUNE1 was divided into four groups: Control, NVP-BEZ235, rapamycin, and NVP-BEZ235+rapamycin. SUNE1 cells in the NVP-BEZ235 group were incubated with NVP-BEZ235; cells in the rapamycin group were incubated with rapamycin, whereas the NVP-BEZ235+rapamycin group refers to SUNE1 cells incubated with a mixture of NVP-BEZ235 and rapamycin. The control group was treated with the same amount of vehicle. Morphological, MTT, terminal deoxynucleotidyl-transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling and flow cytometry assays demonstrated that NVP-BEZ235 and rapamycin caused morphological changes, inhibited cell viability and induced cellular apoptosis. In addition, reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot revealed that the combination of NVP-BEZ235 and rapamycin affected the activation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. The combination of NVP-BEZ235 and rapamycin significantly improved the effect of the drug therapy. The potential underlying mechanism may comprise the joint effects of inhibiting cell viability, promoting cellular apoptosis and reducing relative signal protein expression levels in SUNE1 cells. These findings provided novel evidence that NVP-BEZ235 suppresses NPC development, and indicated a promising potential application of combination drug therapy (NVP-BEZ235+rapamycin) for the clinical treatment of NPC.

To investigate the effect of salvianolic acid B (Sal B) on oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL)-induced human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) apoptosis and the possible mechanism.HUVECs were divided into 6 groups, including control group, ox-LDL group, vitamin C group (positive control), and 5, 10 and 20 μg/mL Sal B groups. Cell viability of HUVECs was determined by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol- 2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The anti-apoptotic effect of Sal B was tested by Hoechst 33258 staining and Annexin V/propidium iodide flflow cytometry analysis. Apoptosis-related genes (p53, Bcl-2 and Bax) expression and caspase-3 activity were also determined. Oxidative stress markers malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were determined by the corresponding kits.In HUVECs, ox-LDL signifificantly reduced cell viability and induced apoptosis (P0.05 or P0.01), however, Sal B diminished the effects of ox-LDL in a dose-dependent manner (P0.05). Moreover, 10 and 20 μg/mL Sal B reduced the expression levels of p53, increased the Bcl-2/Bax ratio and inhibited the caspase-3 activity in ox-LDL-treated HUVECs (P0.05). In addition, 5, 10 and 20 μg/mL Sal B signifificantly enhanced the activity of SOD, while decreased the level of MDA in the HUVECs which treated with ox-LDL (P0.05).Sal B exhibited anti-apoptotic effects in ox-LDL-induced endothelial cell injury by suppressing oxidative stress, p53, and caspase-3.

A series of silicone based elastic shape memory hybrids are fabricated. Their shape memory performance, mechanical behaviors at room temperature with/without programming and during fitting at 37 °C are investigated. It is found that these materials have good shape memory effect and are always highly elastic. At 37 °C, there are 10 min or more for fitting. Thus, it is concluded that this type of material has great potential as an elastic shape memory material for comfort fitting. Published version

Thermoelectric properties of Al substituted compounds Ca3(Co1−x Al x )4O9 (x = 0, 0.03, 0.05), prepared by a sol-gel process, have been investigated in the temperature range 305–20 K. The results indicate that after Al substitution for Co in Ca3(Co1−x Al x )4O9, the direct current electrical resistivity and thermopower increase due to the reduction of carrier concentration. Experiments show that Al substitution results in decreased lattice thermal conductivity. The figure of merit of temperature behavior suggests that Ca3(Co0.97Al0.03)4O9 would be a promising candidate thermoelectric material for high-temperature thermoelectric application.

In order to improve the anti-oxidation performance of carbon fiber reinforced silicon carbide matrix (C/SiC) composites, ZrB 2 coating was prepared on the surface of C/SiC composites by a two-step technique of pack cementation method. The anti-oxidation properties of coated composites were investigated. The results showed that ZrB 2 coating was obtained by the method, which was homogenous and dense. The weight loss percentage of the coated composites was only 1.52 after oxidation in air at 1500 °C for 30 min, which exhibited excellent oxidation resistance.

The use of low-cost and eco-friendly adsorbents has been investigated as an ideal alternative to the currentexpensive methods of removing arsenic from wastewater. Orange peel was collected from the local fields of orangetrees and converted into a low-cost adsorbent. The effects of solution pH, contact time, and concentration of orange peel have beenstudied. The maximum adsorption capacity calculated from the Langmuirisotherm model was 43.69 mg g-1,Based on the adsorption capacity, the pretreating orange peel was shown to be promising materials for adsorption removal ofarsenics from aqueous solutions.

The adsorption of grass carp fish scale was used to remove Ni2+ in the heavy metals wastewater. The effect of shaking time, temperature and pH value on the adsorption Ni2+ onto fish scale was investigated. The maximum biosorption was both observed at pH 6.3 on the eggshell membrane. Optimal adsorption capacity was 120.9 mg g-1 at initial concentration 100 mg L-1. Characterization of the biosorbent fish scales was performed using scanning electron microscope (SEM), and Fourier transform-infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The mechanism for the adsorption was studied. The adsorption of Ni2+on to fish can be described by Langmuir isotherm model when the concentration of Ni2+ under 100mg•L-1.

The performance of native eggshell membrane in removing of malachite green (MG) from aqueous solution was investigate. The effect of pH, adsorbent concentration, temperature, and contact time were performed by static testing. The maximum biosorption was both observed at pH 6.0 on the eggshell membrane. Optimal adsorption capacity (89.72 mg g-1) at initial concentration 100 mg L-1 and rate (98.69%) was obtained at pH 5.5. Characterization of the biosorbent eggshell membrane was performed using scanning electron microscope (SEM), and Fourier transform-infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The kinetic and equilibrium studies suggest that the adsorption follows Langmuir isotherm model. Desorption studies revealed that MG could be well removed from wastewater.

Different crystalline Ca3(VO4)2 nanocrystals have been synthesized successfully via a facile low temperature method with lithium addition. After different ration of Li+ doping into the Ca3(VO4)2: Eu3+ host, the crystallinity of the sample becomes different, resulting in different of luminescence intensity of the characteristic emission of Eu3+ ions. This approach provides economically viable route for large-scale synthesis of this kind of nanomaterials.

The synthesis of fifteen new N-glycosyl-N'-(4-arylthiazol-2-yl) aminoguanidines is described. Some of the synthesized guanidines displayed inhibitory activity against NOS or anti-HIV-1 PR activity. The structure of all new compounds was confirmed by MS, IR and 1 H NMR spectral data and elemental analyses.

An elevated temperature electrospinning process was developed for the preparation of drug-loaded polyacrylonitrile (PAN) ultrafine fibers. An additional apparatus for maintaining the electrospinning temperature at a high constant value was fitted on the syringe pump. Acyclovir (ACY)-loaded PAN fibers could be prepared from the co-dissolving dimethyl sulfoxide solutions of PAN and ACY at 80 °C. As the temperature increased, the viscosities and the surface tensions of the co-dissolving solutions decreased, whereas conductivities increased, which can account for the improved electrospinning ability of the solutions. 1 H NMR analysis demonstrated that chemical integrity of ACY was maintained during the elevated temperature electrospinning process. The prepared ACY-loaded PAN ultrafine fibers had a smooth surface and uniform structure with no bead-on-a-string configurations. 94% of the fiber diameters fell within the range of 400–700 nm. The X-ray diffractograms and DSC results demonstrated that almost all the ACY was able to be distributed in the PAN fiber matrix in an amorphous status. The FTIR spectra demonstrated that PAN and ACY had sufficient compatibility due to hydrogen bonding. In vitro dissolution tests exhibited that the fibers could provide sustained drug release profiles over a time period of 16 h. The study demonstrates that an elevated temperature electrospinning process is able to broaden the processing window and enabling the preparation of new types of functional fibers with high quality.

Guanylhydrazone derivatives were obtained by the condensation of glucosylated aminoguanidines with 3-formylchromones in refluxing THF. Target compounds were synthesized by conventional method, microwave promotion and ultrasound irradiation methods. The structure of all new compounds was confirmed by IR, 1 H NMR, 13 C NMR spectral data and elemental analyses.

The reactions of N,N'-diglycosythiourea with 2-amino-benzothiazoles in the presence of Hg(II) (HgCl 2 or HgO) for the synthesis of N-(4/6-substituted-benzothiazol-2-yl)-N',N"-diglycosylguanidines have been reported.

To develop an EMSA-free assay approach for analyzing the sequence-specific DNA-binding proteins (DBPs), an easy cost-effective dsDNA-coupled plate (dcPlate) was developed in our lab for this purpose. In this paper, the assay conditions of such dcPlate were fully optimized for detecting an important transcription factor, NF-kappaB. The optimized parameters of dcPlate for assay of NF-kappaB were as follows: immobilized DNA probe at the concentration of 25 pmol/100 microL-well, incubation time of 90 min for NF-kappaB binding to dcPlate, primary and secondary antibody concentration of 0.1 microL/100 microL dilution, incubation time of 90 min for primary antibody binding to NF-kappaB, temperature of 25 degrees C for the above process, colorimetric developing time for 30 min. After optimization, the signal was improved three times higher than that from not optimized conditions. The linear colorimetric detection ranges of the purified recombinant NF-kappaB p50 and the cell nuclear extract were from 0.59 to 75 ng/well and 0.313 to 10 microg/well, respectively.

A new monoterpenoid indole alkaloid compound (1) and six known monoterpenoid indole alkaloids compounds (2–7) were isolated from the barks of Voacanga africana Staph. The structures were established by spectral analysis as ibogamine-16-carboxylic acid,17,20-didehydro-5,6-dioxo-10-methoxy-methyl ester (1), voacamine (2), vobasine (3), voacangine (4), voacristine (5), 19-epi-voacristine (6) and 19-epi-heyneanine (7). Compound 1 was confirmed by X-ray crystallographic analysis. All of the isolated compounds were evaluated for cytotoxicity against five cell lines (HEPG-2, A375, MDA-MB-231, SH-SY5Y, CT26). Among them, compounds 2 and 6 displayed significant inhibitory activities, compounds 3, 4 and 5 showed moderate inhibitory activities, while compounds 1 and 7 showed no inhibitory activities against the five cell lines.

Hydroxyapatite nanorods have been prepared in the presence of anionic starburst dendrimers poly(amidoamine), PAMAM (G5.5) with surface carboxylate groups through a hydrothermal process. The PAMAM dendrimer appeared to be an inhibitor for crystal formation and affected the crystal morphology and particle size during the preparation. Several techniques including XRD, TEM, SAED and EDAX were used to characterize the as-prepared hydroxyapatite nanorods.

Weakly agglomerated nanocrystalline ceramic oxides (ZrO2, CeO2, and Y2O3) powders have been prepared in the presence of anionic starburst dendrimers poly(amidoamine), PAMAM (G 5.5) with surface carboxylate groups. The PAMAM dendrimer appeared to be an inhibitor for crystal formation and affected the crystal morphology and particle size during the preparation. The resultant products have been characterized by thermogravimetric analysis (TG), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The resulting powders are highly crystalline and largely monodisperse oxide particles.

The crystallization of BaWO 4 in the presence of poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM) dendrimers, which are generation G (0.5–5.5) with surface carboxylate groups, resulted in the formation of crystals with a different morphology through a hydrothermal process. X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) shows that the crystals have been well crystallized. The observation results of scanning electron microscopy on the obtained samples reveal that the selection of the generation number and the concentration of the PAMAM dendrimers with carboxylate groups at the external surfaces can highly affect the morphology and size of BaWO 4 crystals.

Ultrafine CeO2 powders have been prepared from a solution of cerium(III) nitrate by a two-stage precipitation process. Precipitated cerium hydroxide gel was reacted in boiling basic solutions. Amorphous cerium hydroxide gel crystallized to CeO2·nH2O (n

Two Cu(II) complexes with polydentate ligands comprising imidazole and β‐alanine groups, N‐[(1‐methylimidazole‐2‐yl)methylene]‐β‐alanine (HL1) and its reduced forms N‐[(1‐methylimidazole‐2‐yl)methyl]‐β‐alanine (HL2), have been synthesized. The crystal structures of aquacopper(II) N‐[(1‐methylimidazole‐2‐yl)methylene]‐β‐alaninate hexafluorophosphate [CuL1(H2O)]PF6 (1) and copper(II) N‐[(1‐methylimidazole‐2‐yl)methyl]‐β‐alaninate perchlorate [CuL2]ClO4 (2) have been characterized by X‐ray crystallography. The copper(II) atom in (1) shows square‐pyramidal geometry and that in (2) shows square‐planar geometry. The carboxyl–CO2 group in both complexes behave in a syn‐anti mode to bridge adjacent copper atoms to form one‐dimensional chain. The electronic and redox properties of (1) and (2) are also discussed.

The effect of lifestyle intervention on clinical risk factors in patients with type 2 diabetes is unclear. The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the effects of comprehensive lifestyle change, such as diet, exercise, and education, on clinical markers that are risk-factors for cardiovascular disease in patients with type 2 diabetes.We searched Medline, Cochrane, EMBASE, and Google Scholar (up to August 31, 2013) for randomized controlled trials that compared standard of care (control group) with treatment regimens that included changes in lifestyle (intervention group). The primary outcome was reduction in risk factors of cardiovascular disease including body mass index (BMI), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c).A total of 16 studies were included in the meta-analysis. The standardized difference in means of change from baseline significantly favored the intervention compared with the control group in BMI (-0.29; 95% CI, -0.52 to -0.06, P=0.014), HbA1c (-0.37; 95% CI, -0.59 to -0.14, P=0.001), SBP (-0.16: 95% CI, -0.29 to -0.03, P=0.016), DBP (-0.27, 95% CI=-0.41 to -0.12, P0.001). There was no difference between the intervention and control groups in HDL-c (0.05; 95% CI, -0.10 to 0.21; P=0.503) and LDL-c (-0.14; 95% CI, -0.29 to 0.02; P=0.092).The meta-analysis found that lifestyle intervention showed significant benefit in risk factors that are known to be associated with development of cardiovascular disease in patients with type 2 diabetes.

The title complex, [Sn(C6H5)3(C14H9N2O2)(H2O)]·C4H8O2, is composed of a triphenyl­tin carboxyl­ate with a coordinated water mol­ecule and a free dioxane mol­ecule. The SnIV atom is five-coordinate and has a trans-C3SnO2 trigonal–bipyramidal geometry, with the three phenyl groups occupying the equatorial plane, the 4-(1H-benzimidazol-2-yl)benzoate ligand coordinating in a monodentate manner and a water mol­ecule in the axial positions. Strong inter­molecular O—H⋯O and N—H⋯O hydrogen bonds link the mol­ecules into an infinite two-dimensional network, with these networks held together by van der Waals forces to generate a layer structure. π–π Stacking inter­actions also exist in the crystal structure.

In the cation of the title complex, [Fe(C21H30N10)](ClO4)2·CH3CN, the FeII atom is coordinated by three imine N atoms and three imidazole N atoms in a distorted octa­hedral geometry, with Fe—N bond distances ranging from 2.189 (3) to 2.236 (3) A.

The CoII atom of the title complex, [Co(C21H30N10)](ClO4)2, located on a threefold rotation axis, is coordinated in an octahedral geometry by three imine N atoms and the three imidazole N atoms, with Co—N distance of 2.131 (3)–2.164 (3) A, and cis and trans N—Co—N angles of 76.17 (12)–102.77 (10) and 163.66 (12)°, respectively. The perchlorate counter-anions are located on centers of symmetry.

The crystal structure determination of the title complex, bis­[μ-1,3-bis(2-oxy­benzoyl­imino)­propane]­tricopper(II) ­diper­­chlor­­ate, [Cu3(C17N2H16O2)2](ClO4)2, shows that a CuII atom, located on a crystallographic inversion centre, is coordinated by four bridging O atoms of two L ligands [H2L is 1,3-bis(2-hydroxy­benzoyl­imino)­propane] and two perchlorate O atoms, in elongated octahedral geometry. The other two CuII atoms are in a distorted square-pyramidal geometry, ligated by N and O atoms of the L ligand and an O atom of a perchlorate ion. In the complex, the Cu—N bond length is 1.948 (4) A and the Cu—O bond lengths are in the range 1.930 (3)–1.984 (3) A.

In the title complex, [Zn2Cl4(C8H13N3O4)2]·2H2O, the ZnII atoms have slightly distorted tetrahedral coordination geometry. The ligands bridge the two ZnII atoms via an imidazole N atom and an O atom of the carboxyl­ate group. The mol­ecule is centrosymmetric.

Different P-Substituted diphenyl disulfides (DS) used as the photoinititor for vinyl radical photopolymerization have been studied kinetically, The photoinitiation efficieneies of DS show a good correlation with the electron density of the monomer double bond and with the stability of the resulting adduct. The polymerization rate Rp is proportional to the concentration of monomers with exponent of 0.39, 0.35 and 0.5 for AN, MMA, and Strespectively. The nature of solvents exhibits a great influence on the photopolymerization. It was found a fairly linear relationship between Rp and Hammett's of solvents. The rate enhancing effect of oxygen is also observed in this reaction system. The steady and transient electron spectra measured indicate that intermolecular complex in the ground state and in the excited state are formed between DS and monomer in this system. Which lead to greatly extending the absorption to the near UV range and increasing the lifetime of excited state. These considerably favor the radical photogeneration. The photreaction excited state of DS was proved by selective quenching technique to be mainly via singlet state. The photoinitiation machanism of DS for vinyl photopolymerization was also proposed.

In order to evaluate the effects of heavy metals discharged in the environment water, a novel method using a glass column packed with chicken eggshell membrane (ESM) as a new adsorption material was developed for the preconcentration of trace Pb in environmental water sample prior to its determination by atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). The adsorption behaviors of the analytes on ESM under dynamic conditions were studied systematically. It was found the ESM is an effective solid phase extractant for the adsorption of trace cadmum at pH range of 5.5-7.5. Under the optimized conditions, the detection limits of this method for Pb was 0.053 μg mL-1, and the relative standard deviation (R.S.D %) was 4.27% (n =11, c = 0.5 μg mL-1). The proposed method has been successfully applied to determination of trace lead in environmental water samples with satisfactory results. This simple method shows a great potential for determination other trace metals in environmental samples.

Acyclovir-loaded PAN/PVP composite nanofibers were prepared using co-dissolving methods and electrospinning processes. N, N-Dimethylacetamide was selected as the co-dissolving solvent of PAN, PVP and acyclovir. Compared with acyclovir-loaded PAN nanofibers, the acyclovir-loaded PAN/PVP composite nanofibers exhibited more uniform structure and homogenious drug distributions, which was indicated by the polarized microscopy images. XRD and FTIR results demonstrated that the presence of PVP in the drug-loaded nanofibers increased the compability between the drug and the polymer matrix and resulted in the amorphous acyclovir status through the hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions among the components. In vitro dissolution tests showed that the acyclovir-loaded PAN/PVP composite nanofibers could provide better drug controlled release profiles with less initial drug release burst effect, bigger percentage drug free out and relatively long time drug release time periods. Composite nanofibers with hydrophilic polymer PVP and PAN could improve their drug-loaded capability, drug controlled release profiles and their microstructure uniformity.

A heteronuclear ZnII–EuIII complex (systematic name: {6,6′-dieth­oxy-2,2′-[ethane-1,2-diylbis(nitrilo­methyl­idyne)]­diphenol­ato-1κ4O1,O1′,O6,O6′:2κ4O1,N,N′,O1′}trinitrato-1κ6O,O′-europium(III)zinc(II)), [EuZn(C20H22N2O4)(NO3)3], with the hexa­dentate Schiff base compartmental ligand N,N′-bis­(3-ethoxy­salicyl­idene)ethyl­enediamine, has been synthesized and structurally characterized. The Zn and Eu atoms are doubly bridged by two phenolate O atoms provided by the Schiff base ligand. The coordination of Zn is square planar with the donor centers of two imine N atoms and two phenolate O atoms. The Eu center has a decacoordination environment formed by the phenolate O atoms, two ethoxy O atoms and two O atoms from each of the three nitrates. No classical inter­molecular hydrogen bonds are found. Some weak C—H⋯O and O⋯Zn inter­actions [O⋯Zn = 3.193 (4) A] generate a two-dimensional zigzag sheet.

In the title ZnII complex, [ZnCl2(C6H10N2O)2], the Zn atom is coordinated by two Cl atoms and two imidazole N atoms in a distorted tetra­hedral geometry. Weak inter­molecular C—H⋯O hydrogen bonding occurs between the methyl and meth­oxy groups.

The structure determination of the title compound, [C14H24N4](ClO4)2, indicates that intermolecular hydrogen bonds between the N atom of the amino­propyl group and an O atom of the perchlorate result in a two-dimensional layer structure. The cation has crystallographic inversion symmetry.

Three kinds of Schiff bases, 5-chlorosalicylidene dehydroabietylamine (ClDHA), 5-bromosalicylidene dehydroabietylamine (BrDHA) and 5-nitrosalicylidene dehydroabietylamine (NODHA), have been prepared and characterized by elemental analyses, IR, circular dichroism (CD), and X-ray structural analyses. Ferroelectric, dielectric and NLO properties are reported for the first time in cheap natural biomass resource dehydroabietylamine derivatives and their ferroelectric properties can be easily tuned through the substituents of the aromatic aldehyde. With the increase in electron-withdrawing properties of the substituents from –Br to –Cl and then –NO2, the Ps values or the ferroelectric properties gradually increased.

The crystal structure of the title compound in the paper by Sui, Fang, Luo, Chen & Zhou [Acta Cryst. (2006), E62, m1994–m1996] has been rerefined to allow for identification of a disordered dimethyl sulfoxide ligand.

The cation in the title compound has crystallographic threefold symmetry. The zinc atom is in a distorted octahedral geometry, being coordinated by three nitrogen atoms of the imine and three nitrogen atoms of imidazole. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.