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Abstract Activation of the inflammatory signaling pathway is the most vital part of the pre-metastatic events of breast cancer. Platycodin D (PlaD) shows favorable pharmacological activities in anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor effect. The main purpose of this study was to survey the effects of PlaD on S100A8/A9-induced inflammation in mouse mammary carcinoma 4T1 cells. S100A8/A9 immunolocalization and expression in pre-metastatic lung tissue were assessed by immunofluorescence staining and ELISA. 4T1 cells were treated with 2.5 μg/mL recombinant S100A8/A9 heterodimer and 7.5, 10, or 12.5 μM of PlaD. After 24 h of incubation, cell viability, migration, and invasion were evaluated by CCK-8, wound-healing, and transwell assay, respectively. Nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65 was determined by immunostaining and western blot. The levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines including IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α were detected by ELISA. The results showed that S100A8/A9 was actively increased and released into the extracellular space during the pre-metastatic phase of breast cancer. PlaD treatment attenuated S100A8/A9-induced growth, migration, and invasion of 4T1 cells. Furthermore, PlaD decreased the levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α by inhibiting nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that PlaD inhibited S100A8/A9-induced inflammatory response in 4T1 cells by suppressing the expression of IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α via inhibition of NF-κB signaling pathways. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • S100A8/A9 was increased and released in the pre-metastatic lungs. • S100A8/A9 stimulated migration and invasion ability of 4T1 cells. • Pla D attenuated S100A8/A9-induced growth, migration, and invasion of 4T1 cells. • Pla D inhibited S100A8/A9-induced inflammatory response in 4T1 cells. • Pla D suppressed IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α via inhibition of NF-κB pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Electron-rich ligand facilitates Ni/Pd complex synthesis and thermal stability. • Electronic effects of amine-imine Ni/Pd catalysts on ethylene (co)polymerization. • The electron-donating group promotes Pd-catalyzed E/MA copolymerization. • Electron-rich Pd catalyst favors producing main-chain MA unit in EMA. A series of bis-(aryl)-amine-imine nickel and palladium complexes with electron-donating (OMe), H, and -withdrawing (F and Br) groups at the para -aryl position were synthesized and characterized to probe the ligand electronic effects on homo- and copolymerization of ethylene. The influences of electronic perturbations on complex synthesis, polymerization property, and polymer microstructure were investigated systematically. The electronic effects of para -substituents were verified by Hammett constants and topographic steric maps of nickel and palladium complexes. Electron-rich ligands had stronger complexation ability to the nickel and palladium metal, thereby facilitating the synthesis of nickel and palladium complexes. Ethylene polymerizations at different temperatures showed that electron-deficient amine-imine nickel and palladium catalysts were more active than electron-rich analogues at low temperatures while the reverse trend was observed at high temperatures. The electronic effects of para -substituents affected polyethylene molecular weight, but had little influence on the branching density of highly branched polyethylenes. Copolymerization of ethylene and methyl acrylate (MA) using palladium catalysts demonstrated that the electron-donating group promoted copolymerization performance, and was favorable for direct insertion of MA to produce main-chain MA unit. Electronic effects of amine-imine nickel and palladium catalysts on ethylene polymerization were comprehensively summarized to electronic perturbations on the metal electrophilicity and the thermal tolerance of catalyst. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Activated carbon (AC) has been widely used in indoor air quality (IAQ) control for removal of hazardous volatile organic compounds (VOCs). A detrimental effect of this adsorption technology is that bacteria multiplied on AC may deteriorate IAQ. In this paper, antibacterial AC nanocomposites with well-dispersed silver nanoparticles (Ag/ACs) were prepared by the attachment of Ag+ on the functionalized AC surface via ion–dipole interactions and the subsequent in-situ reduction of Ag+. The surfaces and microporous structures of the obtained Ag/ACs were analyzed by means of scan electron microscope (SEM) and pore size surface area analysis. Antibacterial tests were performed using Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) as model bacteria. Antibacterial activity against airborne bacteria and toluene adsorption capacity of AC nanocomposites were further evaluated. It was found that the introduction of Ag nanoparticles significantly improves antibacterial effect of AC but slightly reduces toluene adsorption ability. Ag/ACs can efficiently kill bacteria within 100 min without decreasing adsorption ability toward toluene. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: To improve indoor air quality, a type of highly selective desiccant with core–shell structure, which can adsorb more moisture and less toluene, was developed for heat and moisture recovery. Three desiccants (MS-NH2-MAS, MS-NH2-PAAS, and MS-NH2-PSS) with different shells were successfully prepared by selective amine-functionalization of mesoporous silica (MS) external surface, and subsequent assembly with sodium malate (MAS), sodium polyacrylate (PAAS), and sodium polystyrene sulfonate (PSS) as modifying agent, respectively. N2-adsorption isotherms showed that the novel core–shell desiccants had the similar pore structure to MS. The adsorption performances were evaluated by the breakthrough test. Compared to MS, these novel desiccants exhibit much higher selectivity and larger adsorption capacity of moisture because of their enhanced affinity for moisture. The moisture/toluene selectivities of MS-NH2-MAS, MS-NH2-PAAS, and MS-NH2-PSS are 4.7, 3.2, and 2.8 times than that of MS, respectively. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Curcuma phaeocaulis Valeton is a commonly prescribed Chinese medical herb for tumor therapy. In this study, an extract of Curcuma phaeocaulis Valeton referred as Cpv was prepared and its anti-tumor effect was evaluated with MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells. Curcuma phaeocaulis Valeton power was extracted with ethanol and the main components of the extract (Cpv) were analyzed with HPLC. The effect of Cpv on MCF-7 cells proliferation, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation, mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), apoptosis, apoptotic related proteins, MDA-MB-231 cell migration, and integrins expression were determined. Furthermore, the effect of Cpv on some key signal transduction molecules was also investigated. Furanodienone, germacrone and furanodiene were identified as the main components of Cpv. Cpv treatment significantly inhibited cell proliferation, increased LDH release, induced intracellular ROS formation, and decreased ΔΨm in a dose-dependent manner in MCF-7 cells. Cpv induced apoptosis without affecting cell migration. Cpv increased protein expression of Bax, PARP, cleaved PARP, caspase-3, 7, JNK1, p-p42/44MAPK, NF-κB, IKKα, IKKβ, decreased protein expression of Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, Bim, Bik, Bad, integrin β5, p42/44MAPK without affecting integrin α5, β1, and p38MAPK protein expression. We concluded that Cpv inhibited MCF-7 cells proliferation by inducing apoptosis mediated by increasing ROS formation, decreasing ΔΨm, regulating Bcl-2 family proteins expression, and activating caspases. Cpv treatment also modulated several signaling transduction pathways. These results might provide some molecular basis for the anti-tumor activity of Curcuma phaeocaulis Valeton. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The polymerization of styrene with novel catalytic systems of anilido–imino nickel complexes (Ar1N=CHC6H4NAr2) NiBr (Ar1 =Ar2 =2,6-dimethylphenyl, 1; Ar1 =2,6-dimethylphenyl, Ar2 =2,6-diisopropylphenyl, 2; Ar1 =Ar2 =2,6-diisopropylphenyl, 3; Ar1 =2,6-diisopropylphenyl, Ar2 =2,6-dimethylphenyl, 4) activated by methylaluminoxane was investigated. The influence of reaction parameters (temperature, Al/Ni mole ratio, and polymerization time) on styrene polymerization was evaluated. The influence of the bulkiness of the substituents on polymerization activity and polymer characteristics was also ascertained. The obtained polystyrene was an iso-rich atactic polymer and its weight–average molecular weight reached 70500. NMR analysis of the end groups further confirmed that styrene polymerization catalyzed by anilido–imino nickel complexes/MAO systems proceeded through a coordination mechanism, and the chain was initiated through styrene secondary insertion into the Niminated mainly through β-H elimination of styrene producing the chain-end group (ph name="dbnd" />CHPh). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

[Display omitted] • Excessive neutrophils facilitate breast cancer growth and pulmonary metastasis. • Increased PD-L1 inhibits spontaneous apoptosis of neutrophils. • PlaD inhibits the expression and positive rate of PD-L1 in neutrophils. • PlaD induces neutrophil apoptosis and decreases their high migratory capacity. • PlaD inhibits breast cancer pulmonary metastasis of 4 T1 tumor-bearing mice. During breast cancer development, programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 (PD-L1) overexpression in neutrophils leads to delayed apoptosis and promotes neutrophil hyperproliferation in the lung to form a premetastatic niche, which is beneficial for pulmonary metastasis. Platycodin D (PlaD), a triterpenoid saponin with known anti-inflammatory and antitumor effects, has been reported to downregulate PD-L1 expression. This study aimed to investigate the inhibitory effect of PlaD on neutrophil PD-L1 in 4 T1 tumor-bearing mice and the potential mechanism of breast cancer pulmonary metastasis. In this study, the orthotopic 4 T1 murine mammary carcinoma model was administered 10 and 20 mg/kg PlaD by gavage. PlaD reduced the excess neutrophils and decreased their high migratory capacity in bone marrow, peripheral blood and lung tissue in the premetastatic period, thereby effectively inhibiting tumor growth and pulmonary metastasis. Moreover, PlaD inhibited the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway by decreasing the expression of PD-L1 in neutrophils and promoted neutrophil apoptosis. In vitro, PlaD treatment decreased the viability and inhibited migration of neutrophil-like dHL-60 in a dose-dependent manner. Similarly, PlaD inhibited the increase in PD-L1 induced by IFN-γ stimulation and subsequently induced apoptosis in dHL-60 cells. In conclusion, the administration of PlaD inhibited the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway by reducing the expression of PD-L1 in neutrophils. PlaD promoted neutrophil apoptosis, thereby inhibiting the establishment of a premetastatic niche and ultimately blocking the development of pulmonary metastasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We designed cholesterol- and phospholipid-free multilamellar niosomes (MLNs) structured by glyceryl monooleate (GMO) and poloxamer 407 (F127), and evaluated their capacity for transdermal drug delivery. The optimized MLNs had a mean size of 97.88 ± 63.25 nm and an encapsulation efficiency of 82.68% ± 2.14%. The MLNs exhibited a remarkable sustained cargo release, and improved the permeation of the stratum corneum. Compared with the tincture, lower transdermal flux but higher skin deposition of aconitine in vitro were achieved in the MLN group (p < 0.05). Additionally, both water-soluble rhodamine B- and liposoluble coumarin 6-labeled MLNs were found to penetrate deeply into the skin through the hair follicles and could be internalized by fibroblasts Notably, the MLNs possessed greater wettability, and the study focused on delivery to deeper hair follicles and up to the outer hair sheath, which showed advantages for treating diseases of hair follicles, and was potentially superior to the hydrophobic PLGA nanoparticles (diameter: 637.87 ± 22.77 nm) which mainly accumulated in superficial hair follicles. Hair follicles were therefore demonstrated to be an important way to enhance skin permeability, and MLNs are a promising alternative for topical and transdermal drug delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a lack of actively targeting drug delivery carriers for the topical treatment of epidermal diseases, which results in drug waste and an increased incidence of toxic side effects in the clinic. We recently discovered that epidermal cells (HaCaT cells) have homologous targeting functions and developed HaCaT cell membrane-coated pH-sensitive micelles for therapeutic active targeting of skin disease. We encapsulated shikonin in these biomimetic nanocarriers and found that the nanocarriers accumulated mainly in the active epidermis when delivered with karaya gum-fabricated water-soluble microneedles. The nanocarriers were internalized by the target cells, resulting in swelling of histidine fragments with protonation and subsequent triggering of drug release, which increased the therapeutic efficacy of shikonin against imiquimod-induced psoriatic epidermal hyperplasia. This emerging biomimetic delivery strategy is a new approach for improving the treatment of skin diseases and is also very promising for use in the field of cosmetics. Additionally, we found abnormally high protein expression of Na+/K+-ATPase in diseased skin; thus, this protein may be a biomarker of psoriasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polysaccharide is one of main components in Polygonatum sibiricum (PS), which is an herbal medicine widely used in East Asia. Polysaccharides from Polygonatum sibiricum has been shown to exhibit multiple biological activities, such as anti-diabetes, anti-inflammation, antioxidant, immunity modulation, and anticancer. Since hematopoietic system is one of determinant factors in cancer control, we here explored the effect of polysaccharide-rich extract from Polygonatum sibiricum (PREPS) on hematopoiesis in the mice bearing triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). We found that the 4T1 TNBC tumor significantly increased myeloid cells in peripheral blood, bone marrow and spleen, while decreasing bone marrow hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs), indicative of an inhibition of medullary hematopoiesis. When 4T1 TNBC tumor-bearing mice were treated with PREPS, the percentage of myeloid cells within tumor-infiltrating immune cells was reduced. In addition, PREPS also inhibited hematopoietic cell expansion in the spleen, which was induced by TNBC tumors. Importantly, PREPS markedly increased HSPCs and common lymphoid progenitors in the bone marrow that had been suppressed by TNBC tumors. These findings suggest that PREPS protect hematopoiesis inhibited by TNBC tumors in the bone marrow. Although PREPS alone did not achieve statistical significance in the suppression of TNBC tumor growth, it may have a long-lasting anti-tumor effect to assist TNBC therapies by sustaining hematopoiesis and lymphoid regeneration in bone marrow. [Display omitted] • Triple negative 4T1 tumor increases myelocytes in blood, spleen and bone marrow. • Hematopoietic progenitors decrease in 4T1 mice bone marrow but increase in spleen. • Polysaccharide-rich extract from PS reduces myelocytes in tumor infiltrating cells. • PREPS protects hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells in the bone marrow of 4T1 mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]