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Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) that convert mechanical energy into electricity have been considered as an economical strategy for energy harvesting. Modification of the surface properties of triboelectric materials is a straightforward method to improve the performance of TENGs. In this study, for the first time, we demonstrate a promising strategy to improve the performance and stability of TENGs by using electrostatically self-assembled 1H,1H-perfluorooctylamine (F15-NH2) as the surface modification layer for the polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) dielectric layer. Our results indicate that the protonated amine groups present on F15-NH2 can anchor onto the PDMS surface via electrostatic interactions, whereas adoption of a slow-drying procedure during film formation enables highly electronegative perfluoroalkyl chains to accumulate at the air interface, facilitating the formation of an ordered molecular arrangement that can induce a favourable surface dipole for efficient electron transfer between the electrode and the dielectric layer. Importantly, this strategy can be applicable to a large-area plastic-based TENG, and a remarkable power density up to 57.1 W m−2 is achieved. To the best of our knowledge, the power density reported herein represents the highest value ever reported for solution-based chemically modified TENGs. The impressive output characteristics of the TENG enable 338 light-emitting diodes to be lit up instantaneously. More encouragingly, excellent durability of the TENG is attained when using a perylene diimide derivative-modified Ag layer as the electrode, exhibiting an almost unchanged Voc over 240 000 operation cycles. Our findings highlight the importance of surface engineering via electrostatically self-assembled materials for realizing high-performance and stable TENGs with high reproducibility. The strategies demonstrated herein enable the mass production of surface modification layers through processes that are compatible with scalable roll-to-roll manufacturing techniques, which can accelerate the commercialization of low-cost printed TENG technology.

In this study, demethylcurcumin (DC), a minor constituent in curcuminoids, showed better anti-acetylcholinesterase (anti-AChE) activities, anti-amyloid β peptide aggregation, neuroprotective activities in 6-hydroxydopamine-treated SH-SY5Y cell models, and anti-nitric oxide production in lipopolysaccharide-treated RAW 264.7 macrophages than those of curcumin. Based on molecular docking analyses with AChE, the meta-hydroxyl group in DC, nonexistent in curcumin, showed the formation of hydrogen bonds with Ser293 and Tyr341 in the binding sites of AChE. For animal experiments, scopolamine-induced amnesia ICR mice were used to analyze the learning and memory functions of DC in comparison with the positive control donepezil. Mice fed with DC (50 mg kg-1) or donepezil (5 mg kg-1) showed improvement and a significant difference compared to those in the control group (P < 0.05, 0.01, or 0.001) in a passive avoidance test and in a water maze probe test. The brain extracts of the mice in the DC or donepezil group showed reduced AChE activities and higher ORAC activities and also showed a significant difference compared to those in the control group (P < 0.05, 0.01, or 0.001). DC might be beneficial for developing functional foods or as a lead compound for the treatment of degenerative disorders.

Si-Wu Tang (SWT), a traditional Chinese formula, is commonly used for treating female diseases, such as relief of menstrual discomfort and climacteric syndrome. The aim of this study was to explore the synergistic effects between each herb in SWT on menstrual disorder patterns. Estradiol regulation and antioxidative effects were indicators that ameliorated menstrual disorder patterns and the total polyphenol and polysaccharide contents were quality markers. According to relationships of bioactivity and phytochemical contents, we discuss the effects of each herb in SWT. In a testosterone-treated MCF-7 cell model, Rehmannia glutinosa and catalpol significantly increased the estradiol content and aromatase upregulation in cell culture. We suggest that catalpol is an aromatase promoter in SWT, and R. glutinosa is a major actor. In terms of the antioxidant activity, pentagalloylglucose, gallic acid, and ferulic acid had stronger antioxidative effects than other compounds. We suggest that the antioxidative ability depends on polyphenols, and Paeonia lactiflora is a major contributor. Based on the prescribing principle of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory, we suggest that R. glutinosa in SWT act as an aromatase promoter in the role of sovereign for ameliorating menstrual disorder patterns. As P. lactiflora has the strongest antioxidant effects and can prevent ROS damage ovarian; therefore, P. lactiflora could help R. glutinosa work as a minister for menstrual disorder patterns and R. glutinosa and P. lactiflora are a herbal pair in SWT.

Acne is a common skin condition observed in adolescents. Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans Houtt) (MF) is a well-known traditional Chinese medicine, its major toxic components, safrole and myristicin, are rich in essential oils. Essential oils of MF (MFO) were extracted by hydrodistillation, the residue was extracted using 50% methanol (MFE-M). The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of MFE-M against Cutibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus aureus was 0.64 mg. Four compounds were obtained from MFE-M: myristicin (1), (+)-erythro-&Delta, 8&prime, 7S,8R- dihydroxy-3,3,5&prime, trimethoxy-8-O-4&prime, neolignan (2), (+)-erythro-&Delta, 8&rsquo, 7-hydroxy-3,4,3&rsquo, 5&rsquo, tetramethoxy 8-O-4-neolignan (3), and erythro-&Delta, 7-acetoxy-3,4,3&prime, 5&prime, tetramethoxy-8-O-4&prime, neolignan (4). Compound 2 exerted the strongest antimicrobial activity, with MICs of 6.25 and 3.12 &mu, g/mL against C. acnes and S. aureus, respectively. Moreover, 2 inhibited NO, PGE2, iNOS, and COX-2 levels in RAW 264.7 cells induced by LPS or heat-killed C. acnes, NO production at 50% inhibitory concentrations (IC50) was 11.07 and 11.53 &mu, g/mL, respectively. Myristicin and safrole content was higher in MFO than in MFE-M. MFO and MFE-M caused no skin irritation after a single topical application in Wistar rats. MFE-M, with low safrole and myristicin content, did not cause skin irritation and exhibited an anti-acne effect, moreover, 2 was identified as the active substance. Therefore, MFE-M could be employed to develop anti-acne compounds for use in cosmetics.

Background The root major proteins of sweet potato trypsin inhibitors (SPTIs) or named sporamin, estimated for 60 to 80% water-soluble proteins, exhibited many biological activities. The human low-density lipoprotein (LDL) showed to form in vivo complex with endogenous oxidized alpha-1-antitrypsin. Little is known concerning the interactions between SPTIs and LDL in vitro. Results The thiobarbituric-acid-reactive-substance (TBARS) assays were used to monitor 0.1 mM Cu2+-mediated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidations during 24-h reactions with or without SPTIs additions. The protein stains in native PAGE gels were used to identify the bindings between native or reduced forms of SPTIs or soybean TIs and LDL, or oxidized LDL (oxLDL). It was found that the SPTIs additions showed to reduce LDL oxidations in the first 6-h and then gradually decreased the capacities of anti-LDL oxidations. The protein stains in native PAGE gels showed more intense LDL bands in the presence of SPTIs, and 0.5-h and 1-h reached the highest one. The SPTIs also bound to the oxLDL, and low pH condition (pH 2.0) might break the interactions revealed by HPLC. The LDL or oxLDL adsorbed onto self-prepared SPTIs-affinity column and some components were eluted by 0.2 M KCl (pH 2.0). The native or reduced SPTIs or soybean TIs showed different binding capacities toward LDL and oxLDL in vitro. Conclusion The SPTIs might be useful in developing functional foods as antioxidant and nutrient supplements, and the physiological roles of SPTIs-LDL and SPTIs-oxLDL complex in vivo will investigate further using animal models.

Pomegranate (Punica granatum) is a heath with abundant hydrolysable tannin in its peel. This study demonstrated that POMx (70% acetone extract of pomegranate peels) significantly reduced interleukin (IL)-1β-induced inducible nitric oxide synthase, cyclooxygenase-2, and matrix metalloproteinase-13 protein expression in primary rat chondrocytes (PRCs). In the type II collagenase-induced osteoarthritis rat model, POMx (150 mg/kg) recovered the weight-bearing ratio changes in experimental animals, suggesting the alleviation of knee-related inflammation and nociception. Therefore, the major compound, punicalagin, was isolated from POMx. Punicalagin also significantly reduced IL-1β-induced inflammatory factors in PRCs and exerted significant antiosteoarthritis effects in the vivo model after 28-d treatment (concentration: 0.50 mg/kg). However, the IC50 values of POMx and punicalagin against prostaglandin E2 production were 83.2 and 36.0 μg/mL, respectively, and the concentration of punicalagin in POMx was 19.1%. Altogether, POMx can be used to develop functional foods for knee-related diseases, and punicalagin can act as an active ingredient.

Acne is a skin disease common in adolescents and increasingly common in the adult population. The major pathologic events of acne vulgaris include increased sebum production, retention hyperkeratosis, carrying commensal skin microbiota, and inflammation. In recent years, more than 10,000 compounds have been isolated and identified from marine organisms. The aim of this study was to discover the potential anti-acne activity of fraction 9 + 10 (SF-E) of Sinularia flexibilis extract and six cembrene diterpenoids. We found that the SF-E significantly reduced Cutibacterium acnes-induced edema in Wistar rat ears. The cembrene diterpenoids including 11-dehydrosinulariolide (SC-2), 3,4:8,11-bisepoxy-7-acetoxycembra-15(17)-en-1,12-olide (SC-7), and sinularin (SC-9) reduced nitric oxide (NO) production with 50% inhibitory concentration of 5.66 &plusmn, 0.19, 15.25 &plusmn, 0.25, and 3.85 &plusmn, 0.25 &mu, M, respectively, and inducible NO synthase expression in RAW 264.7 cells. Moreover, treatment with SC-2, SC-7, and SC-9 significantly suppressed lipopolysaccharide- and heat-killed C. acnes-induced expression of proteins involved in mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway in both RAW 264.7 and HaCaT cells. After treatment with SC-2, SC-7, and SC-9, over-proliferation of HaCaT cells was significantly terminated. In summary, SC-2, SC-7, and SC-9 showed anti-inflammatory effects in RAW 264.7 cells, suggesting that these cembrene diterpenoids obtained from S. flexibilis are natural marine products with potential anti-acne activities.

Polygonum multiflorum Thunb. is a traditional herbal medicine that is rich in polyphenols. The major compound, 2,3,5,4′-tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-β-d-glucoside (THSG) has many pharmacological activities, such as antioxidative and free radical-scavenging properties, and the abilities to reduce hyperlipidemia, prevent lipid peroxidation, and protect the cardiovascular system. In this study, the anti-osteoarthritis (OA) effects of THSG were explored using in vitro and in vivo models. THSG inhibited nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production and inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 expressions by lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. On the other hand, THSG inhibited PGE2 production and iNOS and matrix metalloproteinase-13 expressions by interleukin-1β-stimulated primary rat chondrocytes. Through a mono-iodoacetate-induced rat OA model assay, THSG reduced paw edema and improved the weight-bearing distribution. Therefore, THSG has anti-inflammatory activity and could be applied as a lead compound for the development as an OA drug.

To determine the effects of co-ingesting caffeine (CAF) and carbohydrate (CHO) on high-intensity intermittent sprints (HIS) performance and physiological responses. Twelve active males underwent 4 interventions at least 7 days apart in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, balanced trial. A meal contained 65 % CHO was provided 2 h before the HIS test. Participants ingested the placebo (PLA) or CAF (6 mg kg−1 BW) 1 h before taking an HIS test, and ingested a PLA or CHO solution (0.8 g kg−1 BW) before undergoing the testing protocol. The HIS protocol comprised ten sets of 5 × 4-s sprints on a cycle ergometer with a 2-min recovery between each set. There was no significant difference between peak power output and mean power output between trials (p > 0.05). Compared with PLA, CAF + CHO resulted in a 5.2 % reduction in total work, corresponding to a 24.7–25.7 % increase in fatigue at the end stage of the HIS. The administration of CAF + CHO supplementation also resulted in an 11.1 % increase in blood lactate, and elevated blood glucose concentrations throughout HIS testing compared with PLA (p

Vitis thunbergii Sieb. et Zucc. var. taiwaniana Lu (VT) is an indigenous plant in Taiwan that is traditionally used for promoting joint health. In this study, we used in vitro primary human chondrocytes (PHCs) and two in vivo animal models to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of VT on arthritis. Results showed that the water extract of the stems and roots from VT (VT-SR) was rich in flavones and phenols with 1.1 mg/g of resveratrol, 6.7 mg/g of hopeaphenol, and 5.1 mg/g of (+)-ɛ-viniferin. VT-SR significantly scavenged DPPH radicals and inhibited prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced PHCs without exhibiting significant cytotoxicity. In in vivo models, the VT-SR (500 mg/kg) significantly decreased serum PGE2 and knee 2-(18)F-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose ((18)F-FDG) levels in LPS-induced acute inflammatory arthritis in rabbits. In addition, dietary supplementation with VT-SR for 28 days significantly alleviated type II collagenase-induced rat osteoarthritis with improvements in weight bearing and range of motion tests. In conclusion, our results suggest that the VT-SR is a good candidate for developing dietary supplements to prevent joint deterioration and inhibit inflammation.

Astragali Radix (Huang-Qi) is a popular herbal medicine commonly used as a constituent in tonic herbal preparations. Hedysarum polybotrys Handel-Mazzetti is one species used of Astragali Radix. In this study, the immunomodulatory properties of H. polybotrys were explored by LPS-activated and SNP-treated RAW 264.7 cells and splenocytes and, daunoblastina-induced leucopenia BALB/c mice. Formononetin was used as the bioactive marker to monitor the quality of the H. polybotrys extracts. H. polybotrys was extracted with hot-water and methanol, and MeOH extract partitioned with H2O (M-H) and ethyl acetate (M-EA) to yield four different fractions. M-EA had the highest formononetin and total proanthocyanidin content and showed stronger inhibitory effects on the production and expression of NO, PGE2, iNOS and COX-2 in LPS-activated RAW 264.7 cells and splenocytes than the other fractions. In addition, M-EA significantly stimulated the proliferation of LPS-activated RAW 264.7 cells and splenocytes, enhanced NO radicals scavenging and attenuated NO-induced cytotoxicity. Furthermore, M-EA also significantly increased the rate of recovery of white blood cells level in daunoblastina-induced leucopenia mice. These evidences suggest that this traditional Qi-tonifying herb has potential effects in clinical conditions when immune-enhancing and anti-inflammatory effect is desired.

Epimedin C, an ingredient of Herba Epimedii, has potential for treatment of cardiovascular disease and bone loss. However, there is still no sensitive analytical method to monitor epimedin C in biological samples. The goal of this study was to develop a sensitive and reliable method based on a LC-MS/MS for evaluating the pharmacokinetics of epimedin C after administration of Herba Epimedii in rat. Electrospray ionization in positive-ion mode and multiple reaction monitoring were used to identify and quantitate active components. Analytes were separated by a reverse-phase C18 column. Liquid–liquid extraction using ethyl acetate, evaporation and reconstitution was used to plasma sample preparation. Mass transition of precursor ion product ion pairs were monitored at m/z 823.4 313.1 for epimedin C and m/z 237.1 178.9 for carbamazepine (internal standard). A calibration curve gave good linearity (r > 0.999) over the concentration range 2.5–500 ng/mL. Pharmacokinetic data demonstrated that there was rapid distribution and slow elimination after epimedin C administration (1 mg/kg, i.v.). Oral bioavailabilities of epimedin C in the pure compound and in the Herba Epimedii were around 0.58% and 0.13%, respectively. The result suggests that other herbal ingredients of Herba Epimedii may suppress the oral bioavailability of epimedin C. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is used to increase the flexibility of plastics for industrial products. However, the illegal use of the plasticizer DEHP in food and drinks has been reported in Taiwan in 2011. In order to assess the exact extent of the absorption of DEHP via the oral route, the aim of this study is to develop a reliable and validated ultra performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) method to evaluate the oral bioavailability of DEHP in rats. The optimal chromatographic separation of DEHP and butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP; used as internal standard) were achieved on a C18 column. The mobile phase was consisted of 5 mM ammonium acetate-methanol (11:89, v/v) with a flow rate of 0.25 mL/min. The monitoring ion transitions were m/z 391.4 → 149.0 for DEHP and m/z 313.3 → 149.0 for BBP. The mean matrix effects of DEHP at low, medium and high concentrations were 94.5 ± 5.7% and 100.1 ± 2.3% in plasma and feces homogenate samples, respectively. In conclusion, the validated UPLC-MS/MS method is suitable for analyzing the rat plasma sample of DEHP and the oral bioavailability of DEHP was about 7% in rats.

Acne is a common skin condition with sebum overproduction, hyperkeratosis, Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) and Staphylococcus aureus, and inflammation. Punica granatum (pomegranate) is well-known for its anti-inflammatory effects; however, few studies have discussed the anti-acne effects of pomegranate. In this study, we found that pomegranate extract (PG-E) significantly reduced P. acnes-induced edema in Wistar rat ears. Therefore, an evaluation platform using multiple pathogenic mechanisms of acne was established to explore the anti-acne effects of pomegranate. Results showed that PG-E inhibited bacterial growth and lipase activity. Through a bioguided-fractionation-isolation system, four hydrolysable tannins, punicalagin (1), punicalin (2), strictinin A (3), and granatin B (4), were isolated. Compounds 1 and 2 had greater anti-bacterial activities and anti-testosterone-induced HaCaT proliferative effects than the others. Compounds 1, 3, and 4 displayed lipase inhibitory effects. Compound 4 decreased cyclooxygenase-2 expression and downregulated prostaglandin E2 production in heat-killed P. acnes-treated RAW 246.7 cells. In conclusion, PG-E is abundant in hydrolysable tannins that display multiple anti-acne capacities, including anti-bacterial, anti-lipase, anti-keratinocyte proliferation, and anti-inflammatory actions. Hence, PG-E has great potential in the application of anti-acne and skin-care products, and punicalagin (1), the most effective component in PG-E, can be employed as a quality control marker.

Wu-Chia-Pi medicated wine, composed nine Chinese medicines soaked in 35% alcohol, is widely used in Asia for its health-promoting functions. However, long-term consumption of alcohol could result in liver dysfunction. In this study, Wu-Chia-Pi solution (WCPS) and extract (WCPE) were prepared by modification of the principals given by the Committee on Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy in Taiwan. The aim of this study was to explore the protective effect of WCPS against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver injury and to clarify its active component(s). Antioxidative effects of the test samples were evaluated via MDA inhibition, catalase activity and DPPH-scavenging assays. HPLC was used to analysis the active components. Results showed that WCPS (1 and 5 mL/kg) significantly prevented CCl4-induced liver injury without chronic liver toxicity. Referring to the antioxidative activities, WCPE displayed significant MDA inhibitory and DPPH-scavenging activities with IC50 values of 0.91 ± 0.03 and 0.60 ± 0.04 mg/mL, respectively. Catalase activity was also enhanced by treatment of WCPE, acteoside and quercetin. Therefore, we suggest that acteoside and quercetin are the major contributors to the antioxidative and hepatoprotective activities of WCPS, and a possible mechanism could be mediated through reduction of oxidative stress.

Cantharidin, an active component in mylabris, is used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to treat scabies and hepatoma, but accompanied by hemorrhagic cystitis. Evidence shows that cantharidin induces human bladder carcinoma cell death through COX-2 overexpression in vitro. In TCM, Scutellaria baicalensis is usually used to cure mylabris-induced hematuria. This work was undertaken to determine the mechanisms of cantharidin-induced rat hemorrhagic cystitis and explore the uroprotective effect of S. baicalensis. In vitro results showed cantharidin could induce cytotoxicity through prostaglandin (PG)E2 overproduction of T24 cells. Boiling-water extract of S. baicalensis (SB-WE) could significantly inhibit PGE2 production and COX-2 expression in lipo-polysaccharide-induced RAW 264.7 cells, indicating obvious anti-inflammatory abilities. In vivo results indicated that cantharidin caused rat hemorrhagic cystitis with hematuria via c-Fos and COX-2 overexpression. SB-WE was given orally to cantharidin-treated rats, whereby hematuria level, elevated PGE2 and COX-2 protein overexpression were significantly and dose-dependently inhibited by SB-WE. The anti-inflammatory components of SB-WE are baicalin and wogonin, whose contents were 200.95 ± 2.00 and 31.93 ± 0.26 μg/mg, respectively. In conclusion, cantharidin induces rat cystitis through c-Fos and COX-2 over-expression and S. baicalensis can prevent the resulting hematuria because of its anti-inflammatory effects.

A series of azobenzene-substituted porphyrin derivatives, MPAn (M = H2, Zn; n = 1, 2, 4), has been prepared. These compounds were characterized by spectral and electrochemical methods. The Soret and Q bands of ZnPAn were red-shifted along with the increase of Q-band intensity ratio (ɛα/ɛβ) as the substitution of azobenzene increased. Addition of imidazole towards ZnPAn caused a significant increase in Q band intensity ratio. A noteworthy characteristic is that the Q band intensity ratio was reversed (>1.0) by imidazole ligation for ZnPA4. Additionally, cyclic voltammetry of H2PAn exhibited anodic shift of the first oxidation potential but cathodic shift for the second oxidation potential for porphyrin free bases as azobenzene number increased. According to DFT calculation, the unusual features in UV–vis spectra and redox potentials arised mainly due to the intramolecular π-conjugation between porphyrin and azobenzene.

A series of mono-, di-, tri-, and tetra-triphenylamine (TPA)-substituted porphyrinatozinc complexes have been synthesized to investigate their spectral and electrochemical properties. The varied shapes of absorption spectra of porphyrin–triphenylamine (Por–TPA) conjugates in comparison with tetramesitylporphyrinatozinc (ZnTMP) indicate that there are strong interactions between porphyrin and TPA moieties. In general, the electron-donating capability of a substituent on TPA and the number of TPA derivatives that bond with porphyrin would cause Soret band broadening and intensification of the Q(0,0) band. Due to the antenna effect of these conjugates, the fluorescence quantum yields were enhanced when more TPA moieties were linked. Cyclic voltammetry and spectroelectrochemical methods revealed the redox properties of Por–TPA conjugates. Axial ligation of porphyrinatozinc with N-methylimidazole was useful in differentiating the oxidation site of Por–TPA conjugates. The first one-electron oxidations of these conjugates are at the porphyrin ring. The charge-transfer bands present in the near-IR region in the absorption spectra of Por–TPA radical cations are evidence of an electronic interaction between porphyrin and TPA. The electron-donating strength of the TPA group and the symmetry of the Por–TPA conjugate affect the intensity of the charge-transfer band.

The current-voltage (I- V) characteristics of the InGaN nanorod light-emitting diode (LED) are evaluated using nanoprobes installed on a field-emission scanning electron microscope. The saturated current of the InGaN nanorod LED (IO = 2 × 10-9A) is found to be orders of magnitude higher than those obtained by downscaling a conventional InGaN LED to a chip size of 300 × 300 μm2 (IO1 = 1 × 10-25 A; IO2 = 1 × 10-14 A). This observation is explained by the fact that the nanorod LED is associated with enhanced tunneling of injected carriers and, therefore, reduction of the defect-assisted leakage current and the diffusion-recombination process that normally occurs in InGaN LEDs.

Aim of the study This study examined the modulating effects of Clematis chinensis Osbeck (Ranunculaeae) on pro-inflammatory and degradative mediators associated with inflammatory arthritis. Materials and methods Primary human chondrocytes (PHC) were stimulated with IL-1β or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to induce the enhanced release of prostaglandin E 2 (PGE 2 ), metalloproteinase (MMP-3 and -13), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) protein expression. The 18 F-FDG microPET imaging system was used to evaluate the anti-arthritic effects of Clematis chinensis in vivo . Results The acetone extracted Clematis chinensis (CC6) contained the most total saponins compared to other solvent's extracts and showed significant and dose-dependent inhibitory effects on PGE 2 , MMP-3, -13, and COX-2 productions by LPS-stimulated PHC. Furthermore, CC6 also exerted inhibitory effects on 2- 18 F-fluoro-2-deoxy- d -glucose ( 18 F-FDG) uptake when assessed by positron emission tomography (PET) uptake in the joints and serum PGE 2 of rabbits with knee joints injected with LPS. Conclusion The results suggest the significant chondroprotective effects of Clematis chinensis are through its anti-inflammatory and MMPs inhibitory abilities. Meanwhile, we established a new analysis method to evaluate the Chinese herbal anti-arthritic effects.

In this study, well-known skin-care functional parameters were used, including UV absorption, DPPH-scavenging, NO-production-inhibition, tyrosinase-inhibition activity and anti-Staphylococcus aureus activity to measure the effects of the 70% acetone-extracts form 28 species of Lamiaceae plants. Further, the phytochemical contents were explored by total phenol (TP), total flavone (TF) and total coumarin (TC). The correlation between the skin-care effects and the phytochemical contents was analysed by non-parametric correlation analysis. Amongst the 70% acetone-extracts, Origanum majorana displayed the strongest DPPH-scavenging and tyrosinase-inhibitory effects and the richest phenol content. Based on the statistics results, the phytochemical contents were related with those parameters, such as: DPPH-scavenging effects vs. TP (R = 0.542), TF vs. TP (R = 0.613), and NO-inhibitory vs. anti-bacterial activities (R = 0.767). Moreover, each genus of Lamiaceae had different properties of skin-care effects. Form our research works, the Lamiaceae is good resources to develop skin-care cosmetics.

The junction temperature of a light-emitting diode (LED) directly and greatly affects its performances. Therefore, the reliable measurement and accurate estimation of the junction temperature of an LED is extremely important. This paper proposes an approach for directly determining the dependence of junction temperature on injected currents in InGaN and AlGaInP LEDs. Various important physical parameters that affect the junction temperature of an LED are also considered.

Inflammation can cause various physical dysfunctions. Punica granatum Linne (pomegranate), a high phenolic content fruit, is widely used as an antipyretic analgesic in Chinese culture. Pomegranate has shown potential nitric oxide (NO) inhibition in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. Moreover, pomegranate (100 mg/kg) significantly decreased carrageenan-induced mice paw edema for 1, 3, 4, and 5 h. Therefore, column chromatography combined with in vitro bioassay-guided fractionation was used to isolate the active anti-inflammatory components from the pomegranate. Punicalagin (1), punicalin (2), strictinin A( 3), and granatin B (4) were obtained with yields of 0.093%, 0.015%, 0.003%, and 0.013%, respectively. All these hydrolysable tannins inhibited NO production and iNOS expression in RAW 264.7 cells. Among them, 4 showed the strongest iNOS and COX-2 inhibitory effects, and exhibited these effects in the inhibition of paw swelling and the PGE2 level in carrageenan-induced mice. Taken together, we suggest that 4 could be used as a standard marker for the anti-inflammatory effect of pomegranate. 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The reaction of Ni(ClO4)2 with 4 equiv of pyrazole (pzH) in MeCN leads to [Ni(pzH)2(HN═C(Me)pz)2](ClO4)2 via the intermediate [Ni(MeCN)2(pzH)4](ClO4)2, which is the first pyrazole−nitrile coupling reaction activated by a Ni(II) complex. The reaction is also successfully conducted with other nitriles RCN bearing an electron-donating group (R = Et, Bz) and is counteranion-specific. The reaction proceeds more quickly with NO3− as counteranion than with ClO4−, and BF4− is found to be unsatisfactory for the coupling reaction. As for the X-ray crystal structures, [Ni(MeCN)2(pzH)4](ClO4)2 possesses stronger pyrazolyl NH···anion hydrogen-bonding interactions than does [Ni(MeCN)2(pzH)4](BF4)2. The same trend is also observed by solution IR (pyrazolyl NH) analysis. The supramolecular structure of the complex [Ni(pzH)2(HN═C(Me)pz)2](ClO4)2 displays a two-dimensional network dominated by cooperative face-to-face π−π stacking and edge-to-face CH···π bonding interactions. In addition, a mechanism based on anion-mediate...

Zingiber zerumbet Smith has long been used as a botanical medicine for anti-inflammation in Southeast Asia. In this paper, zerumbone (1), 3-O-methyl kaempferol (2), kaempferol-3-O-(2, 4-di-O-acetyl-α- l -rhamnopyranoside) (3), and kaempferol-3-O-(3,4-di-O-acetyl-α- l -rhamnopyranoside) (4) were isolated from the rhizome of Z. zerumbet. The inhibitory effects of these compounds on NO and PGE2 production from lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages were measured. Among them, 1 and 2 demonstrated potent inhibition of NO production, with respective IC50 values of 4.37 and 24.35 μM, and also significantly suppressed iNOS expression in a dose-dependent manner. However, 1 and 2 could inhibit PGE2 production only at high doses (20 and 40 μM, respectively), and COX-2 protein level was not affected. According to the in vitro study, 1 had greater anti-inflammatory effects than 2. Therefore, mice were administered with 1 (10 mg/kg) 1 h before carrageenan injection, and the oedema was significantly attenuated compared to the vehicle control. Mature rhizomes were richer in 1 and lower in moisture. We suggest that the economic cultivation period of Z. zerumbet is the 5th month after seeding when its functions as food and anti-inflammatory are maximum, because 1 is dramatically increased at that time.

The fresh rhizome of Zingiber zerumbet Smith (Zingiberaceae) is used as a food flavoring and also serves as a folk medicine as an antipyretic and for analgesics in Taiwan. Zerumbone, a monocyclic sesquiterpene was isolated from the rhizome of Z. zerumbet and is the major active compound. In this study, the anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects of zerumbone on arthritis were explored using in vitro and in vivo models. Results showed that zerumbone inhibited inducible nitric oxide (NO) synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 expressions, and NO and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production, but induced heme oxygenase (HO)-1 expression in a dose-dependent manner in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. When zerumbone was co-treated with an HO-1 inhibitor (tin protoporphyrin (SnPP)), the NO inhibitory effects of zerumbone were recovered. The above results suggest that zerumbone inhibited iNOS and COX-2 through induction of the HO-1 pathway. Moreover, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-13 and COX-2 expressions of interleukin (IL)-1β-stimulated primary rat chondrocytes were inhibited by zerumbone. In an in vivo assay, an acetic acid-induced writhing response in mice was significantly reduced by treatment with zerumbone. Furthermore, zerumbone reduced paw edema and the pain response in a mono-iodoacetate (MIA)-induced rat osteoarthritis model. Therefore, we suggest that zerumbone possesses anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects which indicate zerumbone could be a potential candidate for osteoarthritis treatment.

Objective: To assess nitric oxide (NO) production and different displays of NO synthase (NOS) isoforms in patients with Kawasaki disease (KD) before and after intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) treatment. Study design: Blood and urine samples were collected from patients with KD before IVIG treatment and 3 days afterward. Age-matched febrile patients with various diseases served as control patients. Plasma NOx (NO3- + NO2-) levels were measured as NO production. Real-time reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemical staining were used to detect differential NOS isoform expression in mononuclear leukocytes (MNCs). Results: Patients with KD (n = 40) had higher levels of NOx than the non-KD febrile control patients. The elevated NOx levels in patients with KD were significantly associated with the occurrence of coronary artery dilation (>3 mm). These elevated NOx levels significantly decreased after IVIG treatment (157.8 ± 15.9 μmol/L vs 57.0 ± 4.27 μmol/L, P

Background Caffeine (CAF) has been shown to improve performance during early phase of repeated sprint exercise; however some studies show that CAF also increases the magnitude of physical stress represented by augmented blood lactate, glucose, and cortisol concentrations during latter phase of repeated sprint exercise. No studies have investigated the efficacy of combined carbohydrate (CHO) and CAF consumption during repeated sprint exercise (RSE) in female athletes. Thus, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of CAF with CHO supplementation on RSE and agility. Methods Eleven female athletes completed four experimental trials performed 7 d apart in a double-blind, randomized, and counter-balanced crossover design. Treatments included CAF + PLA (placebo), CAF + CHO, PLA + CHO, and PLA + PLA. Participants ingested capsules containing 6 mg · kg−1 of CAF or PLA 60-min prior to RSE, and 0.8 g · kg−1 of CHO solution or PLA immediately before the RSE, which consisted of ten sets of 5 × 4-s sprints on the cycle ergometer with 20-s active recovery. The agility T-test (AT-test) was performed before and after the RSE. Blood samples were acquired to assess glucose, lactate, testosterone, and cortisol. Results During Set 6 of RSE, peak power and mean power were significantly higher in PLA + CHO than those in CAF + PLA and PLA + PLA, respectively (p .05). Blood lactate and glucose concentrations were significantly higher under CAF + CHO, CAF + PLA, and PLA + CHO versus PLA + PLA (p .05). Conclusions Findings indicate that CAF + PLA or CAF + CHO ingestion did not improve repeated sprint performance with short rest intervals or agility. However, CHO ingested immediately prior to exercise provided a small but significant benefit on RSE performance in female athletes.

Glaucoma is an irreversible ocular disease that may lead to progressive visual field loss and eventually to blindness with inadequately controlled intraocular pressure (IOP). Latanoprost is one of the most potent ocular hypotensive compounds, the current first-line therapy in glaucoma. However, the daily instillation required for efficacy and undesirable side-effects are major causes of treatment adherence failure and persistence in glaucoma therapy. In the present study, we developed an injectable thermosensitive chitosan/gelatin/glycerol phosphate (C/G/GP) hydrogel as a sustained-release system of latanoprost for glaucoma treatment. The latanoprost-loaded C/G/GP hydrogel can gel within 1min at 37°C. The results show a sustained release of latanoprost from C/G/GP hydrogel in vitro and in vivo. The latanoprost-loaded C/G/GP hydrogel showed a good in vitro and in vivo biocompatibility. A rabbit model of glaucoma was established by intravitreal injection of triamcinolone acetonide. After a single subconjunctival injection of latanoprost-loaded C/G/GP hydrogel, IOP was significantly decreased within 8days and then remained at a normal level. The results of the study suggest that latanoprost-loaded C/G/GP hydrogel may have a potential application in glaucoma therapy.

The effect of gradual indium gallium nitride (InGaN) quantum wells (QWs) on the suppression of efficiency-droop in green light-emitting diodes (LEDs) is numerically investigated. The presented scheme increases the internal quantum efficiency by 45.5% at I=20nmA and 55.7% at I=100nmA, indicating a considerable reduction of efficiency-droop. This improvement is attributable mainly to the use of the gradual InGaN QW's structure that significantly alleviates band bending in the valence band, improving the transport efficiency of injected holes above that of conventional LEDs. The radiative recombination is thus enhanced as the overlap between electron and hole wave functions is increased. Most importantly, the leakage of injected electrons to p-type region is correspondingly reduced, in turn suppressing the efficiency-droop in the LED.

We present experimental results on the improved performance and high stable temperature characteristics of the InGaN green light-emitting diode (LED) with pre-trimethlyindium (pre-TMIn) flow treatment. By using pre-TMIn flow treatment, a relatively large radiative coefficient (B= 3.34×10-11 cm3·s-1) corresponding to a 9.2% enhancement in the internal quantum efficiency, as well as a significant reduction of leakage paths for injected carriers, was obtained. Most important, the pre-TMIn flow treatment evidently reduces the dependence of the external quantum efficiency on temperature and efficiency droop of green LEDs. The improvement is thought to be attributable to the preferential formation of In-rich dots upon pre-TMIn flow treatment, which effectively suppresses the trapping of excitons by threading dislocations and the overflowing of injected carriers outside the active regions at elevated temperatures.

Nowadays herbal medicines of skin-whitening cosmetics are popular with women. We attempted to find the whitening activity compounds present in many herbal medicines used for this purpose and discuss their mechanisms in melanin biosynthesis. The 70% acetone extracts of 10 kinds of herbs were investigated for their mushroom tyrosinase activity inhibition. Among these 10 extracts, Chinese galls showed inhibitory activity against tyrosinase, with a 50% inhibitory concentration (IC(50)) value of 22 microg/ml. In a B16 mouse melanoma cell culture assay, Chinese galls dose-dependently inhibited melanin biosynthesis. Using ultraviolet A (UVA) or alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) to stimulate B16 cells after Chinese gall treatment, the melanin biosynthesis of B16 cells was inhibited in a dose-dependent manner. The active compounds of Chinese galls were isolated by column chromatography, and the melanin biosynthesis inhibition in B16 melanoma cells was measured. Three gallotannins, 2,3,4,6-tetra-O-galloyl-D-glucopyranose, 1,2,3,6-tetra-O-galloyl-beta-D-glucopyranose, and 1,2,3,4,6-penta-O-galloyl-beta-D-glucopyranose, were isolated from Chinese gall extract, and their IC(50) values of tyrosinase inhibition activity were 54, 30, and 15 muM, respectively. By the mushroom tyrosinase inhibition kinetics assay, the three gallotannins were all determined to be non-competitive inhibitors. These results indicated that Chinese galls inhibit melanin biosynthesis, associated with hyperpigmentation and can be used as skin-whitening cosmetics for skin care.

Indomethacin is used as an anti-inflammatory drug and a nonselective cyclooxygenase inhibitor. When indomethacin in methanol was photo-irradiated with an Hg lamp, methyl ester, ethyl ester, and gamma-lactone derivatives of indomethacin were produced. In the present study, we found that the methyl ester derivative of indomethacin (M-IN) could more potently inhibit prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) and nitric oxide (NO) production and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase 2 (COX 2) protein expression from lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells than indomethacin, similar to the effect of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID). On the other hand, the results showed that M-IN with an IC(50) value maintained at 36.9 microg/ml for 12 h exhibited stronger cytotoxicity than ethyl ester, gamma-lactone derivatives of indomethacin, and indomethacin in promyelocytic leukemia HL-60 cells. Moreover, a series of biochemical analyses determined that M-IN caused apoptotic bodies, DNA fragmentation, and enhanced PARP and pro-caspase 3 degradation in HL-60 cells. These above results indicate that the photosynthesized product, M-IN, had stronger anti-inflammatory effects in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells and cytotoxicity effects in HL-60 cells than the parent drug, indomethacin.

Triflamp, a metalloproteinase isolated from Trimeresurus flavo-viridis, inhibits heterotypic adhesion between platelets and neutrophils. Coincubation studies demonstrate that direct interaction of triflamp with neutrophils is sufficient to inhibit the formation of neutrophil-platelet complexes. Its anti-adhesive effect is in a concentration- and incubation time-dependent manner. Triflamp reduces the expression of P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 (PSGL-1) on neutrophils and glycoprotein (GP) Ibalpha on platelets as probed by flow cytometry and Western blot. Moreover, triflamp disrupts P-selectin-mediated adhesion by cleaving PSGL-1 from the neutrophil surface. There are obvious differences regarding PSGL-1 proteolysis by triflamp and cathepsin G. Besides the NH2-terminus of PSGL-1, other sites are truncated by triflamp. The inhibitory effect of triflamp on PSGL-1 expression was prevented by pretreatment with a metalloproteinase inhibitor, phenanthroline. However, triflamp-treated platelets fully keep the ability for binding to PAF- or fMLP-stimulated neutrophils. Our results indicate that degradation of platelet GPIb alpha by triflamp does not interfere with neutrophil-platelet adhesion. Its effect on neutrophil PSGL-1 appears to be a critical factor for its inhibition on neutrophil-platelet interaction.

Gastrodia elata Bl. (GE) is a traditional Chinese herb that is commonly used in Chinese communities to treat convulsive disorders such as epilepsy. The purpose of the present study was to determine the anticonvulsive and free radical activities of GE in rats. In vitro studies were conducted by using brain tissue from 6 male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats treated with 120 μg/ml of kainic acid (KA), with or without the addition of various concentrations of GE. In vivo studies were conducted in a total of 30 male SD rats divided into 5 groups of 6 rats which were treated as follows: 1) the normal group received an intraperitoneal injection (i.p.) of PBS (Phosphate buffer saline, 1 ml/kg); 2) the control group received KA (12 mg/kg) i.p.; 3) the GE 1.0 group received oral administration of GE 1.0 g/kg 30 min prior to KA administration; 4) the GE 0.5 group reveived oral administration of GE 0.5 g/kg 30 min prior to KA administration; 5) the PH group reveived oral administration of phenytoin 20 mg/kg 30 min prior to KA administration. Seizures were verified by behavioral observations, electroencephalograph (EEG) and electromyography (EMG). Lipid peroxide levels in the rat brain, luminol chemiluminescence (CL) and lucigenin-CL in the peripheral blood were measured simultaneously after behavioral observations. The results indicate that GE administration significantly reduced KA-induced lipid peroxide levels in vitro. Oral administration of GE 1.0 g/kg and phenytoin 20 mg/kg significantly reduced counts of wet dog shakes (WSS), paw tremor (PT) and facial myoclonia (FM) in KA-treated rats. In addition, oral administration of GE 1.0 g/kg significantly delayed the onset of WDS, from 30 min in the control group to 46 min in the 0.5 g/kg group, and 63 min in the GE 1.0 g/kg group. A significantly reduced level of lipid peroxides in the rat brain was found in the GE 1.0 g/kg, 0.5 g/kg, and phenytoin 20 mg/kg groups. The GE 1.0 g/kg group showed significant reduction of luminol-CL and lucigenin-CL counts in the peripheral blood compared to the control group. The results of the present study demonstrate that GE has anticonvulsive and free radical scavenging activities. Further studies are needed to determine the clinical effectiveness of GE as an anticonvulsant in humans.

A hybrid structure of CdSe quantum dots (QDs) (λ = 640 nm) spin-coated on the indium gallium nitride (InGaN) nanorod light-emitting diode (LED, λ = 525 nm) is successfully fabricated. Experimental results indicate that the randomness and the minuteness of nanorods scatter the upcoming green light into the surrounding CdSe QDs efficiently, subsequently alleviating the likelihood of the emitted photons of red emission being recaptured by the CdSe QDs (self-absorption effect), and that increases the coupling probability of emission lights and the overall conversion efficiency. Moreover, the revealed structure with high color stability provides an alternative solution for general lighting applications of next generation.

Tea tree oil (TTO), the essential oil of Melaleuca alternifolia L., is one of the most popular agents used in cosmetics. This study aimed to explore the correlations of components in TTO with its anti-acne activities and skin irritation. TTOs were isolated from the leaves (TTO-L), twigs, and branches of M. alternifolia by steam distillation, and the components analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Results showed that components of TTO-L satisfied the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 4730 guidelines. TTO-L and its components, terpinen-4-ol, terpinolene, α-terpinene, and α-terpineol, had strong inhibitory activities against Propionibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus aureus . Moreover, six TTO formulas (DF-TTO) were designed according to ISO 4730 guidelines by adjusting the proportions of these four active components. All DF-TTO formulas showed a positive correlation between terpinen-4-ol concentration and anti- P. acnes activity. In the skin irritation assay, TTO-L, terpinen-4-ol, and 1,8-cineole did not cause significant skin irritation at 2% per site. In conclusion, terpinen-4-ol is the major active component responsible for TTO's antibacterial efficacy, while minor components in TTO also contributed to its efficacy. Moreover, we suggest that a concentration less than 5% is more suitable and safer for treating acne than higher concentrations.