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Rh/NaNbO3 catalyst was prepared by a facile solvothermal method combined with photo-deposition technique. Over this catalyst, both conversion and selectivity were up to 100.0% in ten reaction recycles for the selective hydrogenation of benzoic acid to cyclohexane carboxylic acid at room temperature and 0.5 MPa H2 pressure. TOF value of the catalyst was 207 h−1 for this hydrogenation reaction. The excellent performance and the mild hydrogenation conditions were among the best of the reference catalysts with different supports or surface metal active component. Multiple characterization techniques were adopted to further study the essence of the superior hydrogenation performance. It was found that the abundant oxygen vacancies and the reduction in situ of Rh species accounted for the excellent hydrogenation performance. Besides, the reducible perovskite support, small Rh species particle, specific morphology and pore structure of the catalyst also played important roles in improving the hydrogenation reaction. After eleven hydrogenation recycles, the inactivation of the catalyst was also investigated, and attributed to the carbon deposition and the leaching of Rh species during hydrogenation process. It is an attractive work to design the highly efficient catalysts for benzoic acid hydrogenation with potential application value.

BACKGROUND This study aimed to examine changes to optic disc characteristics and macular choroidal microvasculature, and their relationships in young patients with high myopia (HM). METHODS A total of 90 patients were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Based on their refractive power, the patients were divided into three groups: 27 in the control group, 34 in the HM group and 29 in the extremely high myopia group. Images of each patient's macula and optic disc were taken by ocular coherence tomography angiography. The macular choroidal and retinal thickness, capillary vessel density and capillary flow area were measured using Matlab software. Parapapillary atrophy (PPA) and the ovality index (OI) obtained from the scanning laser ophthalmoscopy images and the degree of optic disc tilt obtained from the optic nerve head ocular coherence tomography B-scans were analysed by Image J and Matlab software. RESULTS The PPA area, OI and degree of optic disc tilt were significantly different among the three groups (all p ≤ 0.001). The macular choroidal thickness and microvasculature were significantly different among the three groups (all p

A series of SnS2/Au nanocomposites were synthesized by photocatalytic deposition of Au nanoparticles on the surface of SnS2 nanoplates at room temperature. The photocatalytic properties of the as-synthesized SnS2/Au nanocomposites were tested via both the reduction of Cr(VI) and degradation of MO in water under the irradiation of visible light (λ > 420 nm). SnS2/Au-1.0% was found to be the most photocatalytically active nanocomposite. The photocatalytic Cr(VI) reduction rate over SnS2/Au-1.0% was 2.1 times as that over SnS2 under visible light irradiation. Moreover, SnS2/Au-1.0% was also efficient and stable in the visible light-driven photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange (MO). Based on the test results of photoabsorption, transient photocurrent response and electrochemical impedance, the best photocatalytic performance of SnS2/Au-1.0% was likely attributed to its most efficient separation and transfer of photo-generated electrons and holes. Besides, the mechanisms of photocatalytic Cr(VI) reduction and MO degradation by SnS2/Au-1.0% were also explored.

Polymer‐protein complexing systems have been extensively studied because of their wide application in biomedicine and industry. Here, we studied the aggregation behavior of the hydrophobically associating water‐soluble polymer poly(acrylic acid‐co‐octadecyl methacrylate) [P(AA‐co‐OMA)] prepared with nonionic surfactant as an emulsifier and bovine serum albumin (BSA) in aqueous solution. We identified the optimal composite conditions of P(AA‐co‐OMA) and BSA aqueous solution. We measured the zeta potential, dynamic light‐scattering particle size, and surface tension of P(AA‐co‐OMA) and BSA mixed aqueous solution. The results showed that the aggregation behavior between the polymer and BSA relied mainly on the hydrophobic interactions between the molecules. In addition, the best compounding condition was 8 wt.% of P(AA‐co‐OMA) content. The structure of hydrophobically associating polymer P(AA‐co‐OMA) and its aggregation with BSA were characterized by Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy. The infrared spectroscopy results identified the hydrogen bonding behavior of the amino and carboxyl groups between the polymer and BSA. This behavior was also confirmed using thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry. The thermal decomposition temperature and melting temperature of BSA changed before and after it was combined with the polymer. We measured the morphology of the polymer BSA aggregate with 8 % polymer content by transmission electron microscopy. The binding mechanism was investigated, as well., The aggregation behavior between P(AA‐co‐OMA) and BSA, which primarily depends on hydrophobic aggregation and hydrogen‐bonding interaction, has been investigated. As shown in the figure, the gray area reveals that the hydrophobic regions of P(AA‐co‐OMA) and BSA gather together, and the hydrophilic areas are located next to each other as a result of the hydrogen‐bonding interaction.

Cardiovascular disease is the main cause of mortality and morbidity in the world, especially in developing countries. Drug therapy is one of the main ways to treat cardiovascular diseases. Among them, great progress has been made in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases with traditional Chinese medicine. In terms of experimental research, the mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases has been thoroughly discussed in vitro and in vivo. In terms of clinical treatment, traditional Chinese medicine with flavonoids, saponins and alkaloids as the main effective components has a definite effect on the treatment of cardiovascular diseases such as arrhythmia, myocardial ischemia, angina pectoris and myocardial infarction, with high safety and good application prospects. With the further research on the effective ingredients, mechanism and adverse reactions of traditional Chinese medicine, it will be beneficial to the effectiveness of traditional Chinese medicine, reduce side effects and promote the modernization of traditional Chinese medicine. Calycosin and its derivatives, the main bioactive flavonoids in Astragalus membranaceus have multiple biological effects, such as antioxidant, pro-angiogenesis, anti-tumour, and anti-inflammatory effects. Based on the above biological effects, calycosin has been shown to have good potential for cardiovascular protection. The potent antioxidant effect of calycosin may play an important role in the cardiovascular protective potential. For injured cardiac myocytes, calycosin and its derivatives can alleviate the cell damage mainly marked by the release of myocardial enzymes and reduce the death level of cardiac myocytes mainly characterized by apoptosis through various mechanisms. For vascular endothelial cells, calycosin also has multiple effects and multiple mechanisms, such as promoting vascular endothelial cell proliferation, exerting vasodilating effect and directly affecting the synthesis function of endothelial cells. The present review will address the bioactivity of calycosin in cardiovascular diseases such as protective effects on cardiac myocytes and vascular endothelial cells and elucidate main mechanism of calycosin and its derivatives to exert the above biological effects.

An environmentally-friendly hybrid coating on AZ31 magnesium alloy substrates was reported. The synergic effect was studied on Mg−Al-layered double hydroxide Mg−Al LDH/Mg(OH)2-coated AZ31 magnesium alloy via an in-situ steam coating process and a subsequent combined surface modification of bis-[triethoxysilylpropyl]tetrasulfide (BTESPT) silane and Ce(NO3)3. The microstructure and composition characteristics of the hybrid coatings were investigated by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electronic microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometry (FT-IR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The corrosion resistance of the coated samples was evaluated by potentiodynamic polarization (PDP), electrochemical impedance spectrum (EIS) and hydrogen evolution rate during immersion in 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution. The results show an improved corrosion resistance of the alloy in the presence of BTESPT silane and Ce(NO3)3. This is most likely due to the synergistic effect of steam coating and silane coating to enhance the barrier properties of hybrid coating. In addition, the formation mechanism and anti-corrosion mechanism of coatings were discussed.

Paraquat (PQ), a widely used herbicide, could cause neurodegenerative diseases, yet the mechanism remains incompletely understood. This study aimed to investigate the direct effect of PQ on NSC in vivo and its possible mechanism. Adult C57BL/6 mice were subcutaneously injected with 2 mg/kg PQ, 20 mg/kg PQ or vehicle control once a week for 2 weeks, and sacrificed 1 week after the last PQ injection. Furthermore, extra experiments with Tauroursodeoxycholic Acid (TUDCA) intervention were performed to observe the relationship between ER stress, neuroinflammation and the neural stem cell (NSC) impairment. The results showed that 20 mg/kg PQ caused the NSC number decrease in both subgranular zones (SGZ) and subventricular zone (SVZ). Further analysis indicated that the 20 mg/kg PQ suppressed the proliferation of NSC, without affecting the apoptosis. Moreover, 20 mg/kg PQ also induced ER stress in microglia and caused neuroinflammation in SGZ and SVZ. Interestingly, the ER stress inhibitor could simultaneously ameliorate the neuroinflammation and NSC reduction. These data suggested that increased ER stress in microglia might be a possible pathway for PQ-induced neuroinflammation and NSC impairment. That is a previously unknown mechanism for PQ neurotoxicity.

Chronic neuropathic pain is frequently accompanied by memory impairment, yet the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we showed that mice displayed memory impairment starting at 14 days and lasting for at least 21 days after chronic constriction injury (CCI) of unilateral sciatic nerve in mice. Systemic administration of the pan histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor sodium butyrate attenuated this memory impairment. More specifically, we found that hippocampus HDAC3 was involved in this process because the levels of its mRNA and protein increased significantly in the hippocampus at 14 and 21 days after CCI, but not sham surgery. Systemic administration of the selective HDAC3 antagonist RGFP966 attenuated CCI-induced memory impairment, improved hippocampal long-term potentiation impairment, and rescued reductions of dendritic spine density and synaptic plasticity-associated protein in the hippocampus. In addition, HDAC3 overexpression in the hippocampus led to memory impairment without affecting basal nociceptive responses in naive mice. Our findings suggest that HDAC3 contributes to memory impairment after CCI by impairing synaptic plasticity in hippocampus. Histone deacetylase 3 might serve as a potential molecular target for therapeutic treatment of memory impairment under neuropathic pain conditions.

AIM Accumulative evidence shows that follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) is associated with metabolic disorders. We aimed to ascertain the relationship between FSH, blood glucose and lipid metabolism in general perimenopausal women. METHODS This cross-sectional study analyzed 2121 perimenopausal women aged 40-54 years in Zhejiang Province from January 2016 to December 2018. Regression analysis was performed to assess the relationship between FSH and metabolic parameters. RESULTS Serum FSH had a significant inverse association with fasting plasma glucose (P

A hydrophobic surface was successfully fabricated on the Mg-Al-layered double hydroxide (Mg-Al LDH)/Mg(OH)2-coated AZ31 magnesium alloy via an in-situ steam coating (SC) process and a subsequent surface modification with environment-friendly myristic acid (MA). The microstructure, composition and hydrophobicity of SC/MA composite coating were investigated by XRD, SEM, EDS, FTIR, and contact angle (CA) measurement. The corrosion behavior of the hybrid coating was evaluated by potentiodynamic polarization, EIS and hydrogen evolution test in 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution. The results showed that the LDH coating had nano-flake microstructure, which remained unchanged after modification with MA. The CA of the MA-modified coating surface reached up to 129°± 3.5°, and the corrosion current density of SC/MA-2 coating decreased about three orders of the magnitude compared to that of the substrate. It is proven that the modified surface has an effective anti-corrosion effect on AZ31 alloy. The formation mechanism and the corrosion mechanism of the coating were also discussed.

Nitrogen (N) uptake, as the first step of N metabolism, is a key limiting factor for plant growth. To understand the gene expression networks that control N absorption and metabolism in tea plants, we analyzed transcriptomes in the young roots of two groups of tea plants with significantly different growth rates under different N treatments (0, 0.2, and 2 mM). Using pairwise comparisons and weighted gene co-expression network analyses (WGCNA), we successfully constructed 16 co-expression modules. Among them, a specific module (turquoise) that substantially responded to the low N treatment was identified. Based on KEGG analysis, the relative genes that enriched in the "N metabolism" pathways were used to construct gene co-expression networks of N metabolism. Finally, a high-affinity ammonium (NH4+) transporter designated CsAMT1.2 was identified as a hub gene in the N metabolism network in tea plant roots and the gene expression could be highly induced by N resupply. The gene functional analysis revealed that CsAMT1.2 could make functional complementation of MEP1, MEP2, and MEP3 genes in 31019b yeast cells and improve NH4+ uptake rate in 31019b at low NH4+ level. Thus, CsAMT1.2 was a key gene controlling N uptake in tea plants and might play a vital role in promoting NH4+ uptake from the environment in tea roots. This study provided a useful foundation for improving the NUE in tea plantations.

Anti-tuberculosis drug induced hepatotoxicity is the main problem in tuberculosis patients. Xanthohumol, a major prenyl chalcone present in hops, has diverse biological activities including antibacterial and hepatoprotective activities. The present research aimed to investigate the combined effect of xanthohumol with isoniazid against Mycobacterium tuberculosis-infected mice. The liver damage was induced by treatment with isoniazid daily for 8 weeks. During the experiment, the uninfected group and the normal control group received an equal volume of saline, the xanthohumol group received an equal volume of xanthohumol only, and the isoniazid group received an equal volume of isoniazid only. The combination therapy group received not only isoniazid but also the corresponding xanthohumol. Experimental results showed that isoniazid combined with xanthohumol resulted in the lowest lung and spleen colony-forming unit counts compared to other groups. Furthermore, other positive outcomes implied that isoniazid combined with xanthohumol obviously alleviated anti-tuberculosis drug induced liver damage as indicated by the declined levels of ALT, AST, ALP, bilirubin and MDA and the increased levels of SOD, GSH-Px and ATPases. The study of the mechanisms underlying the hepatoprotective activity showed that xanthohumol was able to activate the antioxidative defense system and protect the hepatocellular membrane. The combination of isoniazid and xanthohumol had more effective bacteriostatic and hepatoprotective activities on Mycobacterium tuberculosis-infected mice than isoniazid alone. In conclusion, xanthohumol has the potential to be an effective adjuvant in tuberculosis treatment.

Novel BiVO4/Bi2S3 heterostructures were fabricated simply by growing Bi2S3 nanoribbons on the surface of BiVO4 nanoscrolls, in situ, using pre-synthesized BiVO4 and bismuth(III) dimethyldithiocarbamate (Bi(dedc)3) as precursors. The length and density of the anchored Bi2S3 nanoribbons were controlled by tuning the amount of Bi(dedc)3 reacted with BiVO4 nanoscrolls. Compared to pure BiVO4, the prepared BiVO4/Bi2S3 heterostructures showed enhanced photocatalytic activity for Cr(VI) reduction under UV-visible light illumination, mainly due to the extended range of visible light absorption and the improved separation efficiency of photoinduced electrons and holes.

Nevadensin (NEV), a natural flavonoid compound derived from Lysionotus pauciflorus Maxim, has numerous biological activities. However, few researchers have examined its potential impact on alleviating allergies. In the present study, NEV was found to upregulate rectal temperature, suppress the development of diarrhea, and decrease the levels of serum specific immunoglobulin E, histamine and mouse MC protease-1 in ovalbumin-allergic mice. Moreover, NEV also alleviated passive cutaneous anaphylaxis reactions and inhibited the release of β-hexosaminidase and histamine in bone marrow-derived mast cells. Furthermore, we provide the first demonstration that NEV decreases the expression of c-Kit and suppresses the proliferation of bone marrow-derived mast cells and accelerates their apoptosis. These findings indicated that L. pauciflorus-derived NEV might have the potential to alleviate food hypersensitivity.

Chinese kale (Brassica oleracea var. alboglabra) has high nutritional value. This study investigated the contents of glucosinolates, antioxidants (chlorophylls, carotenoids, vitamin C, and total phenolics), and antioxidant capacity in five organs from six varieties of Chinese kale. The highest concentrations of individual and total glucosinolates were in the roots and inflorescences, respectively. The highest levels of antioxidants and antioxidant capacity were in inflorescences and leaves. Plant organs played a predominant role in glucosinolate and antioxidant accumulation. Glucoiberin, glucoraphanin, and glucobrassicin, the main anticarcinogenic glucosinolates, could be enhanced simultaneously because of their high positive correlations. The relationship between glucosinolates and antioxidant capacity indicated that glucobrassicin might contribute to the total antioxidant capacity. These results provide useful information related to consumption, breeding of functional varieties, and use of the non-edible organs of Chinese kale.

The ability of white, red, and blue irradiation to maintain sensory quality, health-promoting compounds, and antioxidant capacity, and regulate glucosinolate metabolism-related gene expression in post-harvest baby mustard was studied. Irradiation with 80 µmol m-2 s-1 extended the shelf life of post-harvest baby mustard. Irradiation delayed the increase in weight loss and the decrease in sensory parameter scores and the levels of ascorbic acid, total phenolics, glucosinolate, and antioxidant capacity during storage of baby mustard. Irradiation induced the expression of glucosinolate biosynthesis genes and inhibited glucosinolate degradation gene expression. The glucosinolate content and glucosinolate metabolism-related gene expression in post-harvest baby mustard were higher under white and red light irradiation compared with blue light irradiation. These findings indicate that irradiation (80 µmol m-2 s-1 ), especially of white and red light, is an effective technique for maintaining the sensory and nutritional qualities in post-harvest baby mustard stored at 20°C. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: This study was to evaluate the effect of white, red, and blue irradiation on the sensory quality, health-promoting compounds, antioxidant capacity, and glucosinolate metabolism-related gene expression of baby mustard during post-harvest storage, providing an effective and sustainable post-harvest method to extend shelf life and maintain the post-harvest quality of baby mustard under ambient temperature storage. Irradiation (80 µmol m-2 s-1 ), especially of white and red light, is an effective technique for maintaining the sensory and nutritional qualities in post-harvest baby mustard stored at 20°C.

Background Retinol binding protein 4 (RBP4) has been regarded as an important serological biomarker for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Hence, the construction of a highly sensitive detection method for RBP4 is the key to early prevention and multidisciplinary intervention of T2DM. In this work, a dual-quenched electrochemiluminescence (ECL) immunosensor has been fabricated for ultrasensitive detection of RBP4 by combining zeolitic imidazolate framework-67/AuPt-supported luminol (luminol@AuPt/ZIF-67) with MnO2 nanosheets-grown on carbon nanotubes (MnO2@CNTs). Results AuPt/ZIF-67 hybrids with high-efficiency peroxidase-like activity could provide multipoint binding sites for luminol and antibodies and significantly boost the amplified initial signal of the ECL immunosensor. Upon glutathione/H2O2 coreactants system, MnO2@CNTs composites could quench the initial signal by inhibiting mimic peroxidase activity of luminol@AuPt/ZIF-67. Moreover, the absorption spectrum of the MnO2@CNTs composites completely overlaps with the emission spectrum of luminol, which can further reduce initial signal by ECL resonance energy transfer (ECL-RET). Conclusions Benefiting from the above-mentioned properties, the designed immunoassay sensitivity exhibited excellent sensitivity and relative stability for RBP4 detection range from 0.0001 to 100 ng mL−1 with a low detection limit of 43 fg mL−1. Therefore, our ECL immunosensor provides an alternative assaying strategy for early diagnosis of T2DM. Graphic abstract

Baby mustard is a popular, yet highly perishable, Brassica vegetable. There is a need to develop effective methods for maintaining post-harvest qualities of baby mustard. Here, the lateral buds of baby mustard were packed in transparent polyethylene bags with no holes (M0), 6 mm in diameter holes (M1), or 12 mm in diameter holes (M2) and stored at 4°C. The effect of different modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) treatments on the sensory quality, health-promoting compounds, and antioxidant capacity was investigated by comparison with non-wrapped baby mustard. M1 and M2 delayed sensory quality deterioration and slowed declines in the content of ascorbic acid, total phenolics, and glucosinolates and antioxidant capacity during storage. M1 was most effective in prolonging the shelf life (three additional days compared with control lateral buds) and maintaining the content of glucosinolates. However, M0 accelerated the decline in the odor score, acceptability score, and ascorbic acid content and shortened the shelf life of baby mustard by more than 5 d compared with the control. These findings indicate that the effect of MAP treatment depends on the size of the holes in the bag. Based on these results, M1 was an alternative method for prolonging the shelf life and maintaining post-harvest qualities of baby mustard stored at 4°C.

Chinese kale (Brassica oleracea var. alboglabra) is rich in carotenoids, and neoxanthin is one of the most important carotenoids in Chinese kale. In this study, the function of the neoxanthin synthase gene (BoaNXS) in Chinese kale was investigated. BoaNXS, which had a 699-bp coding sequence, was cloned from the white flower cultivar of Chinese kale and was expressed in all developmental stages and organs of Chinese kale, its expression was highest in young seeds. The subcellular localization indicated that BoaNXS was localized in the chloroplast. BoaNXS-overexpressed plants were obtained via Agrobacterium-mediated transient overexpression methodology, and the gene overexpression efficiencies ranged from 2.10- to 4.24-fold. The color in the leaves of BoaNXS-overexpressed plants changed from green to yellow-green, the content of total and individual carotenoids, such as neoxanthin, violaxanthin, and lutein, was significantly increased, and the expression levels of most carotenoid biosynthetic genes were notably increased. These findings indicated that BoaNXS is of vital importance in carotenoid biosynthesis in Chinese kale and could be used as a candidate gene for enriching the carotenoid accumulation and color of Chinese kale and other Brassica vegetables.

Smart polymeric vesicles with both tertiary amine and epoxy functional groups were fabricated for the first time via a reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer dispersion polymerization approach, using (2-(diisopropylamino)ethyl methacrylate (DIPEMA) and glycidyl methacrylate (GlyMA) in an ethanol–water mixture. Monitoring of the in situ polymerization revealed the low molecular weight distributions and the intermediate structures of spheres and worms, indicating an evolution in particle morphology. A phase diagram was constructed for reproducible fabrication of the vesicles, and copolymer composition was found to be more related to particle morphology. The vesicles exhibited superior structural stability for the cross-linking of the core through epoxydiamine chemistry, and intelligent pH responsibility due to the presence of the tertiary amine groups. The cross-linked vesicles showed good stability and reversibility during the swelling and shrinking cycles by switching the pH values, which endowed them with potential cell-like transmission functions. This research thus provides a method for producing structurally stable pH-responsive polymeric vesicles, and the reported vesicles are based on commercially available starting materials for possible industrial scale-up.

Neurovascular unit (NVU) is organized multi-cellular and multi-component networks that are essential for brain health and brain homeostasis maintaining. Neurovascular unit dysfunction is the central pathogenesis process of ischemic stroke. Thus integrated protection of NVU holds great therapeutic potential for ischemic stroke. Catalpol, classified into the iridoid monosaccharide glycoside, is the main active ingredient of the radix from traditional Chinese medicine, Rehmannia glutinosa Libosch, that exhibits protective effects in several brain-related diseases. In the present study, we investigated whether catalpol exerted protective effects for NVU in ischemic stroke and the underlying mechanisms. MCAO rats were administered catalpol (2.5, 5.0, 10.0 mg·kg(−1)·d(−1), i.v.) for 14 days. We showed that catalpol treatment dose-dependently reduced the infarction volume and significantly attenuated neurological deficits score in MCAO rats. Furthermore, catalpol treatment significantly ameliorated impaired NVU in ischemic region by protecting vessel-neuron-astrocyte structures and morphology, and promoting angiogenesis and neurogenesis to replenish lost vessels and neurons. Moreover, catalpol treatment significantly increased the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) through up-regulating PI3K/AKT signaling, followed by increasing FAK and Paxillin and activating PI3K/AKT and MEK1/2/ERK1/2 pathways. The protective mechanisms of catalpol were confirmed in an in vitro three-dimensional NVU model subjected to oxygen-glucose deprivation. In conclusion, catalpol protects NVU in ischemic region via activation of PI3K/AKT signaling and increased VEGF production; VEGF further enhances PI3K/AKT and MEK1/2/ERK1/2 signaling, which may trigger a partly feed-forward loop to protect NVU from ischemic stroke.

The present work aimed at assessing the electrochemical behavior and the corrosion inhibition performance of Mg-Al-layered double hydroxide (LDH) coatings modified with methyltrimethoxysilane (MTMS) and cerium nitrate on AA5005 aluminum alloy. The chemical compositions and surface morphologies of the coatings were investigated by XRD, FT-IR and FE-SEM, while their corrosion resistance was evaluated by electrochemical and immersion tests. An optimum corrosion resistance of the composite coatings was obtained by adding 10−2 mol·L−1 cerium nitrate. An excess addition of cerium nitrate resulted in a loose structure and poor corrosion resistance of the coating. The corrosion mechanism of the composite coatings was proposed and discussed.

Nanostructured titanium oxide semidconductors are considered as potential materials for photothermal and photocatalytic applications. However, investigation on usage of titanium oxide nanotube array lay behind other titanium oxide nanomaterials. In order to change this uneven situation, we reported herein that carbon dots decorated black TiO2 nanotube array@Ti foam (CDs/Black TNA@Ti) can work as highly efficient device for solar-driven water evaporation and pollutant degradation. Initially, TiO2 nanotube array@Ti foam (TNA@Ti) was prepared through anodization of Ti foam. Through subsequent hydrogenation treatment and carbon dots decoration, CDs/Black TNA@Ti was finally achieved. It was found that CDs/Black TNA@Ti demonstrated three characters including excellent solar light absorption ability, wettability and hierarchical porous structure. For these advantages, photothermal property of TNA@Ti was stepwise improved. In solar-driven water evaporation experiment, water evaporation rate and solar thermal conversion efficiency attained 1.762 kg m−2 h−1 and 55.3% respectively for CDs/Black TNA@Ti, which are higher than previous reports on titanium oxide nanotube array. CDs/Black TNA@Ti also exhibited higher photocatalytic property than other samples without hydrogenation and/or carbon dots decoration. The CDs/Black TNA@Ti is promising for practical applications in solar-driven water evaporation and purification.

Red algae sulfated polysaccharides (RASP) were extracted from Porphyra haitanensis and Gracilaria lemaneiformis. RASP were applied to effervescent tablets to develop a type of functional food, termed red algae sulfated polysaccharide effervescent tablets (RASPET), based on the antiallergic activities of RASP. The antiallergic activities and the mechanisms of RASPET were investigated in an ovalbumin (OVA)-induced mouse model of food allergy. The results revealed that RASPET alleviated intestinal villi injury by scanning electron microscopy and anaphylactic symptoms; reduced OVA-specific immunoglobulin E, histamine, and mast cell protease-1 levels in the serum; reduced the level of serum interleukin-4; increased serum interferon-γ level; and decreased B cell and mast cell populations. Remarkably, RASPET increased the levels of serum interleukin-10, transforming growth factor-β, and upregulated splenic CD4+foxp3+ T cell populations (15.28, 16.82, and 17.58%, respectively) compared to the OVA group (13.17%). In conclusion, RASPET attenuated OVA-induced anaphylaxis via the upregulation of regulatory T cells.

Mg(OH)2/Mg–Al-layered double hydroxide (LDH) coatings were modified with methyltrimethoxysilane (MTMS) on magnesium alloys. Effect of hydrolysis degree of silane solution on coating formation was investigated. Chemical compositions and surface morphologies of the coatings were examined using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and field-emission scanning electronic microscopy (FESEM). Results indicated that the composite coatings consisted of polymethyltrimethoxysilane (PMTMS), LDH and Mg(OH)2. Electrochemical and hydrogen evolution measurements revealed that the composite coatings possessed good corrosion resistance, especially the ones prepared in a high hydrolysis degree of silane. The optimum corrosion resistance of the composite coating was LDH/PMTMS-3 coating, which had the lowest value of corrosion current density (5.537 × 10−9 A·cm−2) and a dense surface. Plausible mechanism for coating formation and corrosion process of MTMS-modified Mg(OH)2/Mg–Al-LDH coatings were discussed.

A multilayer coating with dense and smooth microstructure was successfully constructed on Mg alloys via a novel spin-spray layer-by-layer (SSLbL) assembly technique. As the useful building units, SiO2 nanoparticles could be used as a physical barrier to corrosive medium, and CeO2 nanoparticles were chosen to act as a corrosion inhibitor to heal the physical damage. Thus, the obtained coating possessed good corrosion resistance and self-healing performance, which would prolong the service life of Mg alloy implants.

In previous studies, Gentianella acuta (Michx.) Hulten was reported to contain xanthones, iridoids, terpenoids, and sterols and is mainly used to cure hepatitis, jaundice, fever, headache, and angina pectoris. In this study, we used bioassay guided fractionation to identify compounds from G. acuta and investigated their activity against hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced apoptosis of H9c2 cells using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) method. The levels of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), and glutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic (GCLC) expression were assessed using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Protein expression was evaluated using western blot. The results showed that all four compounds had protective effects on H9c2 cells. The transcription levels of HO-1 and GCLC significantly increased in H9c2 cells pretreated with norswertianolin (1), swetrianolin (2), demethylbellidifolin (3), and bellidifolin (4). However, compared to the model group, the transcription levels of Nrf2 were not enhanced by pretreatment with compounds 1, 2, and 4. The protein expression levels of HO-1 and GCLC in H9c2 cells were greater than that in the H2O2-treated group, and the expression of Nrf2 was not significantly changed except by swetrianolin treatment; inhibitors can reverse the protective effect by ZnPP (15 μM), BSO (10 μM), and brusatol (10 μM). The results indicated that the four compounds isolated from G. acuta inhibited the oxidative injury induced by H2O2 by activating the Nrf2/ARE pathway in H9c2 cells and provide evidence that G. acuta may be a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.

Magnesium (Mg) alloys have attracted considerable research attention as potential biocompatible implant materials. However, the major barriers to the extended use of such medical devices are the possibility of high corrosion rate and implant-associated infections. To solve them, a novel polyacrylic acid (PAA)/gentamicin sulfate (GS)-hydroxyapatite (HAp) coating was synthesized by a one-step hydrothermal deposition method. Characteristics of functional coatings were investigated by SEM, FTIR and XRD. Corrosion properties of samples were evaluated by electrochemical and hydrogen evolution tests. Antibacterial activities of the coatings against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) were measured by the plate-counting method. Results showed that the as-prepared HAp coating with dense and flawless morphologies could not only enhance the corrosion resistance of Mg alloys, but also improve the adhesion strength between the HAp coating and the substrate. In addition, the induction of the apatite coating during immersion confirmed the excellent mineralization ability of the HAp coating. Moreover, the obtained HAp coating possessed antibacterial properties and could prolong the release of GS. Thus, the PAA/GS-HAp coated Mg alloy could serve as a better candidate for biomedical applications with good anti-corrosion and antibacterial properties.

Significance Plants respond to herbivory and pathogenic infection with the synthesis of various defense compounds, including volatile compounds that are emitted into the environment. These volatiles can be perceived by neighboring plants and “prime” them for an attack by the specific attacker. We found that whitefly-infested tomato plants release volatiles that prime a defense against pathogens in neighboring plants, which goes at the cost of defenses against insect herbivores, making the neighboring plants more suitable for whitefly development. This apparent ability of whiteflies to manipulate plant defense responses through induced volatile emissions could explain the rapid spread of this invasive pest, and a good understanding of the mechanisms that are involved may lead to novel pest control strategies., The whitefly Bemisia tabaci is one of the world’s most important invasive crop pests, possibly because it manipulates plant defense signaling. Upon infestation by whiteflies, plants mobilize salicylic acid (SA)-dependent defenses, which mainly target pathogens. In contrast, jasmonic acid (JA)-dependent defenses are gradually suppressed in whitefly-infested plants. The down-regulation of JA defenses make plants more susceptible to insects, including whiteflies. Here, we report that this host–plant manipulation extends to neighboring plants via airborne signals. Plants respond to insect attack with the release of a blend of inducible volatiles. Perception of these volatiles by neighboring plants usually primes them to prepare for an imminent attack. Here, however, we show that whitefly-induced tomato plant volatiles prime SA-dependent defenses and suppress JA-dependent defenses, thus rendering neighboring tomato plants more susceptible to whiteflies. Experiments with volatiles from caterpillar-damaged and pathogen-infected plants, as well as with synthetic volatiles, confirm that whiteflies modify the quality of neighboring plants for their offspring via whitefly-inducible plant volatiles.

Resveratrol exists widely in plant species and has a variety of anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties. However, there have been few reports regarding its anti-food allergic activity. In this study, we demonstrated that resveratrol (isolated from Abies georgei) could decrease the release of β-hexosaminidase and histamine in rat basophilic leukemia-2H3 cells. Resveratrol was not only found to suppress the development of diarrhea, up-regulate the rectal temperature of ovalbumin-allergic mice, and decrease the serum level of specific immunoglobulin E, mouse mast cell protease-1 and histamine, but also found to decrease the population of dendritic cells, B cells and mast cells of ovalbumin -allergic mice in the spleen or mesenteric lymph node. Furthermore, resveratrol inhibited the release of β-hexosaminidase and histamine in bone marrow-derived cells and alleviated mast cell-mediated passive cutaneous anaphylaxis reactions. These findings indicated that resveratrol isolated from Abies georgei might have the potential to alleviate food hypersensitivity or allergic disease.

Dihydromyricetin (DMY) is a natural flavonoid compound derived from Lysionotus pauciflorus Maxim and has been found to possess numerous biological activities. However, there have been few reports regarding its anti-food allergic activity. In this study, we demonstrated that DMY could upregulate the rectal temperature, suppress the development of diarrhea, decrease the levels of serum specific immunoglobulin (Ig)E, histamine, and mouse mast cell protease-1, and promote the production of interleukin-10 in ovalbumin-allergic mice. Moreover, DMY downregulated the population of B cells and mast cells and upregulated the population of regulatory T cells in the spleens of ovalbumin-allergic mice. Furthermore, DMY blocked the high affinity IgE receptor (FcεRI)-IgE interaction, inhibited the release of β-hexosaminidase and histamine in rat basophilic leukemia-2H3 cells, and alleviated passive cutaneous anaphylaxis reactions. These findings indicated that L. pauciflorus derived DMY might have the potential to alleviate food hypersensitivity or allergic diseases.

Coumarin is an important organic heterocyclic compound with a wide range of sources in nature. It plays an important role in the drug discovery process due to its existence in diverse biologically active compounds and its broad bioactivity. In this study, the anti-allergic activity of coumarin was evaluated using an ovalbumin (OVA)-induced mouse food allergy model and an immunoglobulin (Ig)E mediated mouse bone marrow-derived mast cell (BMMC) model. Coumarin could alleviate the OVA-induced allergic symptoms, decrease the diarrhea rates, and promote the rectal temperature rise in allergic mice. Moreover, coumarin had the ability to reduce the levels of histamine and mouse mast cell proteinases, inhibit OVA-specific IgE, and significantly decrease the population of mast cells in the spleen and mesenteric lymph nodes. Coumarin could also significantly suppress mast cell-dependent passive cutaneous anaphylaxis. Additionally, the number of mature BMMCs was decreased as coumarin caused the suppression of c-KIT receptors. Furthermore, coumarin up-regulated the apoptosis of OVA-activated BMMCs in a concentration-dependent manner. In conclusion, coumarin displayed effective anti-food allergy activity via the regulation of mast cell function and numbers. Coumarin and its derivatives provide a new direction for the development of anti-food allergic drug components.

Environmental pollution is one of the largest sources responsible for human diseases and premature death worldwide. However, the methodological development of a spatiotemporally controllable and high-throughput investigation of the environmental pollution-induced biological injury events is still being explored. In this study, we describe a chemical gradient generator-aided microfluidic cell system for the dynamic study of representative environmental pollutant-induced bronchial epithelium injury in a throughput manner. We demonstrated the stability and reliability of operation-optimized microfluidic system for precise and long-term chemical gradient production. We also performed a microenvironment-controlled microfluidic bronchial epithelium construction with high viability and structure integration. Moreover, on-chip investigation of bronchial epithelium injury by benzopyrene stimulation with various concentrations can be carried out in the single device. The varying bronchial inflammatory and cytotoxic responses were temporally monitored and measured based on the well-established system. The benzopyrene directionally led the bronchial epithelium to present observable cell shrinkage, cytoskeleton disintegration, Caspase-3 activation, overproduction of reactive oxygen species, and various inflammatory cytokine (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-8) secretion, suggesting its significant inflammatory and cytotoxic effects on respiratory system. We believe the microfluidic advancement has potential applications in the fields of environmental monitoring, tissue engineering, and pharmaceutical development.

The effect of nitroguanidine (NQ) content on thermal decomposition of nitroguanidine propellants was studied using three nitroguanidine propellants with different NQ contents (10%, 30% and 47%) and one double-base propellant. The thermal decomposition was investigated by high-pressure differential scanning calorimetry. Results show that heat flow curves of the four tested formulations all had only one exothermic peak, and as the heating rate increased, both the peak temperature and the decomposition heat increased. Calculation of thermal decomposition kinetics of the propellants was performed using multiple-temperature programs. Increased NQ contents changed the mechanism of thermal decomposition of the propellant. The reaction mechanism is chemical reaction for the double-base propellant and the 47%-NQ propellant, phase boundary reaction for the 30%-NQ propellant and nucleation and growth for the 10%-NQ propellant. The thermodynamic parameters indicate that, as the NQ content increases, the critical temperature (Tbe) of thermal explosion of the propellants increases, which leads to higher thermal stability for the 30%-NQ content. Thus, among the three nitroguanidine propellants, the 30%-NQ propellant has a lower thermal stability.

Carotenoids are organic pigments that play an important role in both plant coloration and human health; they are a critical subject in molecular breeding due to growing demand for natural molecules in both food and medicine. In this study, we focus upon characterizing BoaCRTISO, the carotenoid isomerase gene before the branch of the carotenoid biosynthetic pathway, which is expressed in all organs and developmental stages of Chinese kale, and BoaCRTISO, which is located in the chloroplast. The expression of BoaCRTISO is induced by strong light, red and blue combined light, and gibberellic acid treatment, but it is suppressed by darkness and abscisic acid treatment. We obtained BoaCRTISO-silenced plants via virus-induced gene silencing technology, and the silence efficiencies ranged from 52 to 77%. The expressions of most carotenoid and chlorophyll biosynthetic genes in BoaCRTISO-silenced plants were downregulated, and the contents of carotenoids and chlorophyll were reduced. Meanwhile, BoaCRTISO-silenced plants exhibited phenotypes of yellowing leaves and inhibited growth. This functional characterization of BoaCRTISO provides insight for the biosynthesis and regulation of carotenoid in Chinese kale.

This study investigated the effects of blanching and subsequent long-term frozen storage on the retention of health-promoting compounds and antioxidant capacity in frozen lateral buds of baby mustard. Results showed that all glucosinolates were well preserved during frozen storage, and 72.48% of total glucosinolate content was retained in the unblanched treatment group after 8 months, as were chlorophylls, carotenoids, ascorbic acid, total phenolics, soluble sugars, soluble proteins, and antioxidant capacity. The loss of nutritional qualities mainly occurred in the 1st month of frozen storage, and nutritional qualities in the unblanched treatment group were significantly better than those in the blanched treatment group during frozen storage. Blanching before freezing reduced contents of high-content glucosinolates and ascorbic acid, as well as antioxidant capacity levels. Therefore, we recommend using long-term frozen storage to preserve the quality of baby mustard to achieve annual supply, and freezing without blanching.

The effects of five domestic thawing methods, including air thawing (AIR), water thawing with bags (W + B), water thawing without bags (W − B), refrigerator thawing (REF), and microwave thawing (MIC), on the main health-promoting compounds and antioxidant capacity in both unblanched and blanched baby mustard were investigated in this study. The results showed that different thawing methods markedly affected the health-promoting compounds and antioxidant capacity of baby mustard. MIC better retained the overall nutritional quality of frozen baby mustard compared with the four other treatments. AIR led to significant decreases in the glucosinolate contents in unblanched and blanched baby mustard. W + B led to significant decreases in the total phenols contents and antioxidant capacity levels in unblanched and blanched baby mustard, as well as the ascorbic acid content in unblanched baby mustard. W + B led to a significant decrease in the FRAP level in unblanched baby mustard, as well as the glucosinolate and ascorbic acid contents and ABTS level in blanched baby mustard. REF led to significant decreases in glucosinolates and proanthocyanidins contents in unblanched baby mustard, as well as the ascorbic acid content in blanched baby mustard. Furthermore, the thawing time was greatly shortened by MIC (only approximately 1 min). Thus, MIC was the optimal thawing method for frozen baby mustard regardless of whether it was blanched, as MIC best preserved nutritional quality and reduced the thawing time.

Viridicatol is a quinoline alkaloid isolated from the deep-sea-derived fungus Penicillium griseofulvum. The structure of viridicatol was unambiguously established by X-ray diffraction analysis. In this study, a mouse model of ovalbumin-induced food allergy and the rat basophil leukemia (RBL)-2H3 cell model were established to explore the anti-allergic properties of viridicatol. On the basis of the mouse model, we found viridicatol to alleviate the allergy symptoms, decrease the levels of specific immunoglobulin E, mast cell protease-1, histamine, and tumor necrosis factor-&alpha, and promote the production of interleukin-10 in the serum. The treatment of viridicatol also downregulated the population of B cells and mast cells (MCs), as well as upregulated the population of regulatory T cells in the spleen. Moreover, viridicatol alleviated intestinal villi injury and inhibited the degranulation of intestinal MCs to promote intestinal barrier repair in mice. Furthermore, the accumulation of Ca2+ in RBL-2H3 cells was significantly suppressed by viridicatol, which could block the activation of MCs. Taken together, these data indicated that deep-sea viridicatol may represent a novel therapeutic for allergic diseases.

The carotenoid isomerase gene (BoaCRTISO) of Chinese kale was targeted and edited using the CRISPR/Cas9 system in the present study. The results showed a high mutation rate (81.25%), and 13 crtiso mutants were obtained. Only two types of mutations, insertions and replacements, were found. Both the total and individual carotenoid and chlorophyll concentrations of the biallelic and homozygous mutants were reduced, and the total levels declined by 11.89–36.33%. The color of the biallelic and homozygous mutants changed from green to yellow, likely reflecting a reduction in the color-masking effect of chlorophyll on carotenoids. The expression levels of most carotenoid and chlorophyll biosynthesis-related genes, including CRTISO, were notably lower in the mutants than in the WT plants. In addition, the functional differences between members of this gene family were discussed. In summary, these findings indicate that CRISPR/Cas9 is a promising technique for the quality improvement of Chinese kale and other Brassica vegetables.

Baby mustard is a perishable vegetable, and thus its distribution and sale as fresh produce face several challenges. However, little effort has been made to identify optimal techniques for postharvest storage of baby mustard. Here, we evaluated the sensory quality, health-promoting compounds, and antioxidant capacity of baby mustard during postharvest storage for 6 days at low temperature (4 °C, LT) and ambient temperature (20 °C). The results showed that visual quality scores, weight, firmness, the contents of most glucosinolates, and the ferric reducing antioxidant power value decreased in the lateral buds of baby mustard during both treatments; however, LT treatment delayed declines in these characteristics. In addition, the contents of glucose, fructose, total soluble sugars, ascorbic acid, and flavonoids, as well as the level of 2,2-azinobis(3-ethyl-benzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid), decreased considerably throughout the storage period, sucrose content increased throughout the storage period, and the contents of proanthocyanidin and total phenolics first increased and then decreased at 20 °C; however, their contents remained stable throughout the storage period under the LT treatment. These findings indicate that LT provides a promising approach for maintaining the sensory and nutritional quality of baby mustard.

Stem mustard is a stem variety of mustard, an important Brassica vegetable. The formation and development of the tumorous stem, which is the key organ for the direct yield and quality, is a complex biological process involving morphogenesis, material accumulation and gene regulation. In this study, we demonstrated through anatomical studies that stem swelling is mainly dependent on the increase in the number of cells and the volume of parenchyma cells in the cortex and pith. To further understand transcript and metabolic changes during stem swelling, we obtained 27,901 differentially expressed genes, of which 671 were specifically detected using transcriptome sequencing technology in all four stages of stem swelling. Functional annotation identified enrichment for genes involved in photosynthesis, energy metabolism, cell growth, sulfur metabolism and glucosinolate biosynthesis. Glucosinolates are a group of nitrogen- and sulfur-containing secondary metabolites, which largely exist in the Cruciferous vegetables. HPLC analysis of the contents and components of glucosinolates in four different stem development stages revealed eight glucosinolates, namely, three aliphatic glucosinolates (sinigrin, glucoalyssin and gluconapin), four indole glucosinolates (4-hydroxyglucobrassicin, glucobrassicin, 4-methoxyglucobrassicin and neoglucobrassicin) and one aromatic glucosinolate (gluconasturtiin). All these types of glucosinolates showed a significant downward trend during the stem swelling period. The content of aliphatic glucosinolates was the highest, with sinigrin being the main component. In addition, qPCR was used to validate the expression of nine genes involved in glucosinolate biosynthesis. Most of these genes were down-regulated during stem swelling in qPCR, which is consistent with transcriptome data. These data provide a basic resource for further molecular and genetic research on Brassica juncea.

A new polyketide derivative, nafuredin C (1), a novel heterocyclic dipeptide, trichodermamide G (3), together with four known biogenetically related compounds nafuredin A (2), trichodermamide A (4), aspergillazin A (5), and peniisocoumarin H (6), were isolated from the mangrove-derived fungus Trichoderma harzianum D13. Their structures, including their absolute configurations, were determined by spectroscopic analysis and time-dependent density functional theory-electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations. Trichodermamide G was found to be a novel epithiodiketopiperazine derivative with an unprecedented cyclic system containing a sulfur bridge, and nafuredin C represented the third nafuredin derivative of these homologous compounds. The new compound nafuredin C exhibited obvious antifungal activity against Magnaporthe oryzae with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 8.63 μM, which is on the same order of magnitude as the positive control carbendazim (MIC = 3.27 μM).

The incorporation of metal heteroatoms into zeolites is an effective modification strategy for enhancing their catalytic performance. Herein, for the first time we report a generalized methodology for inserting metal heteroatoms (such as Sn, Fe, Zn, and Co) into the layered zeolite precursor RUB-36 via interlayer expansion by using the corresponding metal acetylacetate salt. Through this generalized methodology, Sn-JHP-1, Fe-JHP-1, Zn-JHP-1 and Co-JHP-1 zeolites could be successfully prepared by the reaction of RUB-36 and corresponding metal acetylacetate salt at 180 °C for 24 h in the presence of HCl solution. As a typical example, Sn-JHP-1 and calcined Sn-JHP-1 (Sn-JHP-2) zeolite is well characterized by the X-ray diffraction (XRD), diffuse reflectance ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis), inductively coupled plasma (ICP), N2 sorption, temperature-programmed-desorption of ammonia (NH3-TPD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) techniques, which confirm the expansion of adjacent interlayers and thus the incorporation of isolated Sn sites within the zeolite structure. Notably, the obtained Sn-JHP-2 zeolite sample shows enhanced catalytic performance in the conversion of glucose to levulinic acid (LA) reaction.

This study investigated the safety and efficacy of ravidasvir (RDV) plus ritonavir-boosted danoprevir (DNVr) and ribavirin (RBV) regimens for treatment-naive non-cirrhotic patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1b in mainland China. We also gained insight into HCV-host interactions during anti-HCV treatment. 16 patients with HCV and 10 healthy people enrolled the study. Three of 16 patients received 12-weeks' placebo treatment first and served as the placebo controls. All (n = 16) patients received 12-weeks' RDV plus DNVr and RBV treatment. The adverse effects (AEs), viral loads, alanine transaminase, and aspartate aminotransferase were recorded during study. We also performed multianalyte profiling of 48 cytokines/chemokines in 16 patients with HCV and 10 normal controls. Seventy-five percent patients treated with RDV plus DNVr and RBV experienced AEs. No death, treatment-related serious AEs or AEs leading to discontinuation were reported. The serum HCV-RNA levels remained extremely high in 3 placebo controls after treated with placebo. After RDV plus DNVr and RBV treatment, all patients achieved sustained virologic response (SVR) at posttreatment week 12, but 1 patient experienced viral relapse at SVR 24. The cytokine/chemokine expression pattern was markedly altered in patients with HCV as compared with healthy controls. The interferon-inducible protein-10 (IP-10) decreased after anti-HCV treatment, and dramatically increased in one patient with viral relapse. The regimen of RDV and DNVr plus RBV represents a highly safe and effective treatment option for HCV patients in mainland China. The IP-10 has the potential to be an indicator of innate immune viral recognition.

Five polysaccharide fractions (PS-1, PS-2, PS-3, PS-4 and PS-5) were successfully isolated from Athyrium Multidentatum (Doll.) Ching by anion-exchange column chromatography. Their in vitro cytoprotective activities and the underlying mechanisms were explored in this paper. Chemical analysis suggested that the five polysaccharide fractions were heteropolysaccharides with different molecular weights and monosaccharide compositions. Treatment with these polysaccharide fractions could increase cell viabilities, superoxide dismutase/catalase activities, nitric oxide contents, mitochondrial membrane potential levels and Bcl-2/Bax ratios, and reduce cell apoptosis, intracellular reactive oxygen species production and malondialdehyde contents in H2O2-damaged cells. Moreover, these polysaccharide fractions enhanced the mRNA expression levels of PI3K, Akt, FOXO3a, Nrf2 and HO-1 and PS-4 exhibited the most powerful effects on the mRNA expression of these genes. Current findings suggested that the polysaccharide fractions decreased H2O2-induced apoptosis of HUVECs. The activation of PI3K/Akt/FOXO3a and Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathways might be involved in the protective mechanisms of the active fractions. The polysaccharides might be one of the key bioactive ingredients of Athyrium Multidentatum (Doll.) Ching for the treatment of oxidative damage.

We aimed to evaluate the effects of valsartan in combination with febuxostat on serum uric acid, highsensitivity C-reactive protein and cardiac function of patients with chronic kidney disease plus hyperuricemia (HUA). A total of 144 patients with chronic kidney disease and hyperuricemia treated from June 2014 to June 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. They were divided into group A and group B according to treatment regimen. Both groups were given high-quality low-protein diet, and comprehensive treatments such as decrease of blood pressure, correction of anemia, supplementation of α-ketoacid, and correction of water, electrolyte and acid-base balances. Group A was administered 80 mg/d valsartan, based on which group B was given 40 mg/d febuxostat. Serum uric acid and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels were measured on the 2nd day after enrollment and after 2 mo of treatment, respectively. Echocardiographic examination was conducted. Before treatment, the two groups had similar serum levels of uric acid and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (p>0.05). After treatment, such levels significantly decreased (p 0.05). After treatment left atrial diameter, left ventricular end diastolic diameter, left ventricular enddiastolic volume and left ventricular end-systolic volume significantly reduced, and ejection fraction and fraction shortening significantly increased (p

The glucosinolates and glucosinolate breakdown products (GBPs) in the seeds of three types of mustard (root, stem, and leaf mustards) from a core collection of 50 cultivars were studied. Nine glucosinolates and ten GBPs were identified, with sinigrin and 2-propenyl isothiocyanate (SIN-ITC) being the dominant glucosinolate and GBP, respectively. Among the tested cultivars, the contents of total glucosinolates and GBPs ranged from 46.84 to 89.30 μmol g−1 FW and from 23.07 to 82.20 μmol g−1 FW, respectively. Leaf mustard had both the highest average levels of glucosinolates and GBPs (65.04 μmol g−1 FW and 55.97 μmol g−1 FW, respectively) and the greatest variation in total GBP content compared with root and stem mustards. L8 had the highest content of SIN-ITC (72.06 μmol g−1 FW). These findings indicate that mustard seeds, especially cultivar L8, can be good candidates for functional foods since they contain extremely high levels of SIN-ITC, a potent anti-carcinogenic isothiocyanate.

The synergistic Zr4+ doping and PANI coupling were used to improve the photocatalytic activity of SnS2 nanoflakes for the treatment of aqueous Cr (VI). The Zr-SnS2/PANI photocatalyst was prepared by a facile two-step method. The optimal Zr-SnS2/PANI-6% (with the Zr/Sn molar ratio of 1:8 and the PANI content of 6 wt%) exhibited dramatically higher photocatalytic activity toward Cr (VI) reduction than SnS2, Zr-SnS2, SnS2/PANI, and many previously reported SnS2-based and PANI-containing visible-light photocatalysts. Moreover, Zr-SnS2/PANI-6% showed outstanding performance in the photocatalytic treatment of Cr (VI)-containing electroplating solution. Based on the measured photo-electrochemical properties of the samples, the increased photocatalytic efficiency of Zr-SnS2/PANI-6% was mainly due to the synergistic effect induced by the smaller bandgap, higher charge transfer efficiency, and lower electron-hole recombination rate. Furthermore, the effects of coexisting cations and anions, photocatalyst amount, initial pH, Cr (VI) concentration, environmental atmosphere, and co-presence of 1,4-benzoquinone or K2S2O8 on photocatalytic Cr (VI) reduction over Zr-SnS2/PANI-6% were investigated.

Recently, the early screening of the genotoxicity of new chemicals and drugs calls for the envelope of micro-/nanoreactors for metabolic study. Herein, a novel light-driven enzymatic bionanoreactor is designed with the gold nanoparticle (NP)-modified carbon nanocage (Au@CNC) as a nanoreactor and meso-tetrakis(4-carboxyphenyl)porphyrin (TCPP) as a photosensitizer for cytochrome P450-mediated drug metabolism. By confining the cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) enzyme and TCPP inside the pores of Au@CNC, a high metabolic activity is achieved by using 7-ethoxytrifluoromethyl coumarin as the substrate because of the three-dimensional hierarchical porous structure, large surface area, and fast electron transfer capacity of Au@CNC. It is noted that owing to the presence of AuNPs inside CNC, the surface hydrophilicity of CNC is much improved, which further promotes the catalytic activity of the CYP3A4 enzyme. To our knowledge, this is the first attempt to apply CNC as a bionanoreactor for NADPH-free and light-driven in vitro drug metabolism. In addition, the presented bionanoreactor exhibits a variety of advantages in terms of fast response, short assay time (10 min), high sensitivity, and good selectivity, which are expected to expedite drug screening and render potential advances in drug discovery and development.

Effective enhancement of the separation and transfer of photogenerated electrons and holes of semiconductor photocatalysts is key to increase their photocatalytic efficiency. This study aims at improving the photocatalytic performance of visible-light-responsive, CdI2-type layered SnS2 by employing good conductivity N-doped reduced graphene oxide (NRG) and polyaniline (PANI) as the receptors and transporters of photogenerated electrons and holes, respectively. PANI/SnS2/NRG ternary composites were prepared by a three-step method, and the optimum conditions for preparing the most efficient product were explored. The photocatalytic experiments demonstrated that the PANI/SnS2/NRG ternary composite prepared under the optimum conditions (PANI/SnS2/NRG-2%) had markedly higher photocatalytic activity than SnS2 nanoplates, SnS2/PANI and SnS2/NRG binary composites in the reduction of aqueous Cr(VI) under the irradiation of visible-light (λ > 420 nm). Based on comparison of the photoabsorption, photoluminescence and electrochemical impedance properties of PANI/SnS2/NRG, SnS2/PANI and SnS2, it was thought that the coupling of SnS2 with both PANI and NRG had synergistic effects in increasing the absorption of visible-light as well as the separation and transfer of photogenerated electrons and holes, which contributed to the exceptionally high photocatalytic activity of PANI/SnS2/NRG ternary composite. Moreover, it was discovered that the photocatalytic reduction of Cr(VI) over PANI/SnS2/NRG-2% was dominantly through the reduction by photogenerated electrons, whereas both photogenerated electron and superoxide anion radical (O2 –) reduction played important roles in the photocatalytic reduction of Cr(VI) over SnS2. Besides, the influences of photocatalytic testing conditions (including starting pH and concentration of Cr(VI) solution, and dosage of photocatalyst) on the efficiency of PANI/SnS2/NRG-2% in treatment of aqueous Cr(VI) were also examined.