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SummaryThis study examined the effects of zinc chloride (ZnCl2) and sodium selenite (Na2SeO3) supplementation in maturation medium on in vitro maturation (IVM) rate, oxidative biomarkers and gene expression in buffalo oocytes. Ovaries from a slaughterhouse were aspirated and good quality cumulus–oocyte complexes (COCs) with at least four layers of compact cumulus cells and evenly granulated dark ooplasm were selected. COCs were randomly allocated during IVM (22 h) to one of four treatment groups: (1) control maturation medium (basic medium), or basic medium supplemented with (2) ZnCl2 (1.5 µg/ml), (3) Na2SeO3 (5 µg/l), or (4) ZnCl2 + Na2SeO3 (1.5 µg/ml + 5 µg/l, respectively). Oocytes were denuded after 22 h of IVM in the first four replicates. Specimens were fixed and stained to evaluate the stage of nuclear maturation. The spent medium was collected for biochemical assays of total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide concentrations. A second four replicates were used for COCs for RNA extraction. The expression levels of antioxidant (SOD1, GPX4, CAT and PRDX1), antiapoptotic (BCL2 and BCL-XL) and proapoptotic (BAX and BID) genes were measured. Supplementation with ZnCl2 and Na2SeO3 during IVM increased the ratio of oocytes reaching metaphase II at 22 h, increased TAC and decreased MDA and H2O2 concentrations in the maturation medium (P < 0.05). Moreover, beneficial effects were associated with complementary changes in expression patterns of antioxidative, antiapoptotic and proapoptotic genes, suggesting lower oxidative stress and apoptosis. Supplementation medium with zinc chloride and sodium selenite improves the maturation rate, reduces oxidative stress and increases expression levels of antioxidative and antiapoptotic genes.

Curcumin (Cur) is a flavonoid derived from Curcuma longa L. that has been shown to have a variety of biological activities, but some previous studies have described its non-negligible negative effects on female reproduction and embryo development. To further explore the toxic stress effect, this study investigated apoptosis and autophagy of healthy buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) derived granulosa cells (GCs) exposed to Cur and/or autophagy inhibitors. Results showed that Cur declined viability of GCs in a concentration-dependent manner. Apoptosis was observed in Cur-treated GCs from 3 h. Meanwhile, under Cur stress, autophagosomes accumulated in cells, and the expression levels of autophagy key proteins LC3 and Beclin 1 were up-regulated, suggesting that Cur could induce autophagy in GCs. Early autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine (3-MA) increased the apoptosis rate of Cur exposed GCs, but the autophagosome degradation inhibitor chloroquine (CQ) had no effect on the apoptosis rate. The network pharmacological and molecular docking analysis indicated that the perturbation of IKK/NF-κB might be the cause of Cur toxicity toward GCs. This study unveiled another side of Cur pharmacological effects that programmed cell death can be induced by Cur in GCs, suggesting that it should be prudent to use Cur as a clinical drug for its side effects on the female reproductive system.

Samples of methane molecules grade diameter channel CHA-type molecular sieves (Chabazite-K, SAPO-34 and SSZ-13) were investigated using the adsorption separation of CH4/N2 mixtures. The isotherms recorded for CH4 and N2 follow a typical type-Ι behavior, which were fitted well with the Sips model (R2 > 0.999) and the selectivity was calculated using IAST theory. The results reveal that Chabazite-K has the highest selectivity (SCH4/N2 = 5.5). SSZ-13 has the largest capacity, which can adsorb up to a maximum of 30.957 cm3·g−1 (STP) of CH4, due to it having the largest pore volume and surface area, but the lowest selectivity (SCH4/N2 = 2.5). From the breakthrough test, we can conclude that SSZ-13 may be a suitable candidate for the recovery of CH4 from low concentration methane (CH4 50%) due to its higher selectivity.

Biomass pyrolysis is a promising method and often used to reduce hexavalent chromium Cr(VI) residue. However, the pyrolysis reduction mechanisms of Cr(VI) remain unclear, particularly regarding which tar compositions help the Cr(VI) reduction. In the present study, on-line MS analysis suggests that yields of CO and CH4 from biomass pyrolysis can principally represent the rate of Cr(VI) reduction. FT-ICR MS results indicate that high-molecular-weight compounds in tar (m/z > 350) located in the lignin/CRAM-like structure region or saturated (H/C = 0.7–1.5) and oxidized (oxygen number >6) compounds preferentially crack by catalysis of Cr(VI) to produce CO via decarbonylation reaction, further promoting the reduction of Cr(VI). Pyrolysis material with low stability (low aromaticity) can release more reducing gases and more easily cracks tar to promote Cr(VI) reduction. Lastly, chromite slag from a polluted site was successfully remediated by pyrolysis of a hydrochar sample. An extremely low leaching Cr concentration from remediated chromium slag can be obtained due to the carbon layer coating on Cr element. This study provides a novel perspective on the pyrolysis remediation mechanism of Cr(VI) and is highly significant for developing thermal remediation techniques for polluted sites.

Shales are widely developed in the strata of the Carboniferous-Permian coal measures in the Qinshui Basin, and these shales have great potential for shale gas exploration. In this paper, the shales of the Taiyuan Formation in the eastern Qinshui Basin are studied. The shales of the Taiyuan Formation in the study area are investigated through field investigation, organic geochemical testing, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, high pressure mercury injection, low temperature liquid nitrogen adsorption and PetroMod simulation and through other tests to study the reservoir characteristics, such as organic geochemistry, mineralogy, petrology, pore permeability, and gas burial history. The results show that the shales of the Taiyuan Formation are well developed over the whole area with a thickness of more than 60 m. The average organic matter content is 2.95%, and the kerogen type is type III. The shale maturity (average value is 2.45%) corresponds to the stage of high maturity evolution, indicating that a large amount of shale gas has been generated in this area. A high content of quartz and clay minerals indicates a high fracturability. The nanopores in the shale reservoir are well developed at pore sizes between 2˜10 nm and greater than 1000 nm; however, the pores at the other pore sizes are poorly developed, resulting in weak pore connectivity in the reservoir. According to the results of the PetroMod simulation, the shale of the Taiyuan Formation has undergone two subsidence and two uplift processes. The Yanshanian magmatic intrusion is the key factor for the rapid increase in gas production. In addition, the geological structure of the area is relatively simple, and the burial history and caprock thickness are also the main controlling factors of gas generation and preservation. The shale-sandstone-shale combination and shale-coal-shale combination are the main models of shale gas preservation. This comprehensive study suggests that the shale gas of the Taiyuan Formation in the eastern Qinshui Bain has good potential for exploration and development.

The utilization of biomass pyrolysis volatile-derived water-dissolved organic matter (WOM, often called wood vinegar) determines sustainable recycling of biomass. Further, pyrolysis temperature significantly controls the cracking of biomass components, resulting in various molecular compositions and biological responses of WOM. Although it has been widely used in the agriculture, the relationship between molecular compositions and biological responses affected by heating temperature is still unclear. Here, it was observed that the WOM concentration increased with increasing temperatures and the pyrolysis of 1 g biomass can generate ~ WOM with 36.24 mg C. Moreover, with increasing pyrolysis temperatures, the generated WOM consisted of more phenols but fewer alcohols, furans, acids, and ketones, and demonstrated characteristics of higher aromaticity and lower m/z molecular weight. Due to the enhanced polarity, high temperatures promoted the solubility of WOM. Germination tests show that low pyrolysis temperatures-derived WOM ( 400 °C) with small-molecular-weight and high oxygen-containing (high O/Cwa) inhibited growth. These results suggest that WOM can be separately collected at different pyrolysis temperatures to achieve sustainable recycling of pyrolysis volatile.

With the aim to develop optimized biochar with minimal contaminants, it is important significance to broaden the understanding of biochar. Here, we disclose for the first time, a highly toxic substance (metal cyanide, MCN, such as KCN or NaCN) in biochar. The cyanide ion (CN−) content in biochar can be up to 85,870 mg/kg, which is determined by the inherent metal content and type in the biomass with K and Na increasing and Ca, Mg and Fe decreasing its formation. Density functional theory (DFT) analysis shows that unstable alkali oxygen-containing metal salts such as K2CO3 can induce an N rearrangement reaction to produce for example, KOCN. The strong reducing character of the carbon matrix further converts KOCN to KCN, thus resulting biochar with high risk. However, the stable Mg, Ca and Fe salts in biomass cannot induce an N rearrangement reaction due to their high binding energies. We therefore propose that high valent metal chloride salts such as FeCl3 and MgCl2 could be used to inhibit the production of cyanide via metal interactive reaction. These findings open a new point of view on the potential risk of biochar and provide a mitigation solution for biochar’s sustainable application.

Ethnopharmacological relevance Alstonia scholaris (L.) R. Br. (Apocynaceae) is a medicinal plant in China traditionally used to treat pulmonary diseases, including bronchitis, whooping cough, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Aim of the study To provide experimental data supporting clinical adaptation of total indole alkaloids ( TA) from A. scholaris leaves for treating emphysema. Materials and methods An emphysema model was induced by a single intratracheal instillation of porcine pancreatic elastase followed by administration of TA and four main alkaloid components (scholaricine, 19-epischolaricine, vallesamine, and picrinine) for 30 consecutive days. Cytokine levels, histopathological parameters and protein expression in lung tissues were examined. Results Administering the TA, picrinine, scholaricine, 19-epischolaricine and vallesamine for 30 days effectively inhibited inflammatory cell accumulation and invasion in the lung tissue and relieved pulmonary tissue injury. Oxygen saturation was enhanced, and interleukin (IL)-1β, monocyte-chemo attractive peptide 1, IL-11, matrix metalloproteinase-12, transforming growth factor-β and vascular endothelial growth factor levels were significantly reduced, likely by suppressing overactivation of alveolar macrophages and pulmonary fibrosis. The elastin content was markedly elevated, and fibronectin was reduced. Bcl-2 expression was significantly increased, and nuclear factor-κB and β-catenin levels were decreased. Conclusions TA can be potentially used as an effective novel drug for pulmonary emphysema and exerts its effects through not only inhibiting inflammation of the airway wall and airflow resistance but also promoting lung elastic recoil and protease/anti-protease balance.

Introducing a hybrid xanthene as a fluorophore, an ‘ensemble’-based fluorescent sensor (E)-2-(6-(diethylamino)-2-((2-hydroxyphenylimino)methyl)-3-oxo-3H-xanthen-9-yl)benzoic acid (a) was designed and synthesised for detection of cysteine. Cysteine can release CuII ion from the non-fluorescent a-CuII complex. Then hydrolytic cleavage of Schiff base a produces a pink fluorescent compound 2-(6-(diethylamino)-2-formyl-3-oxo-3H-xanthen-9-yl)benzoic acid (2). We call this process a fluorescence off-on change. An obvious color change from purple a to pink 2 can be easily observed by the naked-eye. The calibration curve showed that the fluorescence intensity at 560 nm linearly increased over the cysteine concentration range of 0.379-100 µmol L-1 with a limit of detection of 0.379 µmol L-1. Sensor a-CuII displayed excellent selectivity for cysteine, even homocysteine and glutathione did not show influence. The sensor was also used for detecting cysteine in human breast adenocarcinoma cells, which illustrates the practical value. Overall, the sensor appears to be useful for rapid, convenient and selective cysteine detection in living tissues.

Natural gas purification by economic and low-energy adsorptive separation processes is important. However, as a difficult global problem, N2 removal from N2/CH4 mixtures is challenging because of their similar physical properties. In this study, the separation of N2/CH4 by Cr-metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) (MIL-100Cr, MIL-101Cr and TYUT-96Cr) with various open Cr site densities was studied. Gas sorption isotherms showed that TYUT-96Cr exhibited the highest N2/CH4 uptake ratio (13.67 at 0.01 bar and 298 K) of the selected Cr-MOFs, which was consistent with the highest density of Cr (III) sites. This material provided the highest CH4 productivity (0.716 mmol/cm3) per cycle for N2 removal from a 5:95 N2/CH4 mixture to produce 99.99% pure CH4, as shown by the breakthrough experiments. Pressure-swing adsorption simulations indicated that, by a two-bed six-step method, pristine 95% methane was enriched to 98.9% by TYUT-96Cr. The largest CH4 productivity, high breakthrough selectivity and thermal stability of TYUT-96Cr among the Cr-MOFs, made it a promising adsorbent in trace N2 removal for practical industrial application.

Ethnopharmacological relevance Leaf of Alstonia scholaris (L.) R. Br. (Apocynaceae), a wide used ethic-medicine in many Asia and Africa counties, has also been recorded as the common traditional Chinese medicine for treatment of illnesses in respiratory system by Dai people. Aim of the study To provide experimental data of clinical adaption of total indole alkaloids (TA) from leaf of A. scholaris for treating post-infectious cough in phase II clinical trial. Materials and methods To model post-infectious cough, all animals except control group were instilled intra-tracheal with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (80 μg/50 µL/mouse), followed by subsequent exposure to cigarette smoke (CS) for 30 min per day for a total of 30 days. Mice were orally given TA at dose of 10, 25, 50 mg/kg, and four main alkaloids (Sch: scholaricine, Epi: 19-epischolaricine, Val: vallesamine, Pic: picrinine) once daily. Cellular infiltration was assessed in the broncho-alveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Expression of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP) in the serum was determined, the superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity as well as malondialdehyde (MDA) content in the serum and homogenate were examined. Finally, histopathological examination in the lungs was assessed by H. E. staining. Results After administration of TA and four major alkaloids respectively, the symptoms of cough in mice were obviously attenuated. Total white blood cells (WBC) and neutrophils (NEU) amounts in BALF were reduced obviously and the pathological damage of lung was also attenuated. There was also significant reduction in IL-6, CRP, MDA and a marked improvement in SOD. Conclusions The efficacy of indole alkaloids against post-infectious cough (PIC) was shown in the down-regulation of inflammatory cells, cytokines, and the balance of antioxidants. What's more, the pharmacological effects of TA were better than single indole alkaloid, which might be related to the synergic effect of four major alkaloids., Graphical abstract fx1

Nano-MgO carbon composites (MCs) demonstrated great potential in phosphate immobilization to resolve phosphorus reuse and eutrophication problems, but the mechanisms of phosphate immobilization are still unclear. In this study, MCs were fabricated via CO2 activation of hydrochar materials, and the activation mechanisms were first investigated through analysis of pyrolysis gases and porosity. The results indicate that MgO particles (pyrolysis products of MgCl2) catalyzed the consumption of the carbon matrix but blocked the development of carbon matrix pores. Furthermore, phosphate immobilization by MCs increased with the increase of MgO loading content. More importantly, XPS and TEM-EDX profiles demonstrate that solution and surface precipitations regulated phosphate immobilization by MCs. Solution precipitation mainly contributed to a MgHPO4 precipitate, while in surface precipitation the carbon matrix served as a bridge for H2PO4− transmission to MgO particles to produce a Mg(H2PO4)2 precipitate. Also, with the decrease of carbon content, surface precipitation became dominant due to the shortened distance. This contributes to the improvement of phosphate immobilization by MCs, which was found to be even higher than pure MgO. Compared with N2 activated MC, CO2 activated MC showed much higher phosphate immobilization potential attributed to the surface precipitation reaction. The results of this study will guide the development of more efficient MC materials for phosphate recovery.

Background Alstonia scholaris (L.) R. Br. (Apocynaceae), an important herbal medicine, has been widely used to treat respiratory tract diseases, such as cough, asthma, phlegm, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Purpose To evaluate pharmacological effect of alkaloids from A. scholaris on ovalbumin induced airways allergic inflammatory model, and explore whether the dosing frequency is related to pharmacokinetics. Study design After oral administration of total alkaloids, the pharmacokinetic study of it was investigated. In addition, anti-allergic studies were carried out on ovalbumin-sensitized airways allergic inflammatory model of mice. Methods The pharmacokinetics of total alkaloids (TA) was investigated in SD rat plasma by a fully-validated LC-MS/MS method. Then, an ovalbumin (OVA)-sensitized airways allergic inflammatory model was established, in which mice were intra-gastrically administrated by 3 times a day (8.3 and 16.7 mg/kg) based on the pharmacokinetic behavior of TA) and single (25, 50 mg/kg) treatment regimen. Dexamethasone was used as a positive control for corticosteroid drugs. Cellular infiltration was assessed in the broncho-alveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Expressions of interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) in the BALF were determined, levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE) and eotaxin in serum were measured, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities as well as malondialdehyde (MDA) content in the serum and BALF were examined. Finally, histopathological examination in the lung was assessed by H. E. staining. Results The time course of plasma concentration of 4 bioactive indole alkaloids fitted an open two-compartment model after oral administration of total alkaloids at doses of 10, 25, and 50 mg/kg. The area under the curve and the maximum concentration values of four major alkaloids increased dose-dependently, and half-life suggested a short-lasting pharmacological effect. Then, an ovalbumin-provoked airways allergic inflammatory model indicated that the pharmacological effect of administration of total alkaloids 3 times a day was a little better than that of single dose daily. The percentage of eosinophils in BALF was reduced obviously and the pathological damage of lung was also attenuated. There was also a significant reduction in IL-4 and promotion in IL-10 in the BALF. Serum IgE and eotaxin expression also significantly decreased in treated animals. Furthermore, the activity of SOD elevated remarkably and lipid peroxidation product (MDA) decreased in the administrated mice. Conclusion The pharmacological effects administrated for 3 times a day had precedence over single dose daily, which was related to the prolonged retention time and the maintained plasma concentration. Moreover, scholaricine and vallesamine might be responsible for the treatment of allergic asthma, mainly in total alkaloids.

Designing and exploring efficient and stable non-noble bifunctional catalysts by nanostructure modification and chemical composition tuning for water splitting is of critical importance for sustainable resources. Herein, pure phase nickel molybdenum phosphide (NiMoP2) nanowires on carbon cloth are successfully synthesized through a simple and highly reproducible in situ P/O exchange process. Such a NiMoP2 nanowire catalyst requires low overpotentials of 199 and 330 mV to obtain a high current density of 100 mA cm−2 towards the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER), respectively, and is among the most active HER and OER electrocatalysts yet reported. The bifunctional NiMoP2 is used as both anode and cathode catalysts in a two-electrode water electrolysis configuration, which delivers a current density of 10 mA cm−2 under a potential of 1.67 V. Furthermore, the overall water-splitting of the bifunctional NiMoP2 nanowire catalyst is further driven by a dry battery with a nominal voltage of 1.5 V which exhibits excellent performance and durability in a strong alkaline electrolyte.

Citrus grandis (L.) Osbeck is a popular fruit cultivated around the world, and its peels are sometimes used for the treatment of cough, abdominal pain, and indigestion in China. However, the peel is discarded after fruit consumption in most cases, and its chemical constituents and biological activities have not been validated before. The present study focused on evaluation of the chemical and pharmacological profile of coumarins from peels of C. grandis against inflammation. The extracts and phytochemicals from peels of C. grandis were prepared, and anti-inflammatory activities were carried out in vivo and in vitro, including inhibiting xylene-induced ear edema and carrageenan-induced paw edema in mice and the production of inflammatory cytokines (interleukin 1β, prostaglandin 2, and tumor-necrosis factor α) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 cells. Results indicated that methanolic extract, ethyl acetate fraction, and four major coumarins (compounds 7, 8, 13, and 16) inhibited swelling induced by xylene and carrageenan, separately, in vivo. Furthermore, 18 coumarins inhibited inflammatory factor secretion in macrophages primed by LPS, in which compounds 4, 6, 7, 10, 17 showed the most pronounced change, which were comparable to dexamethasone. In summary, peel of C. grandis showed an anti-inflammatory effect and coumarin compounds were responsible for regulating inflammatory mediators and cytokines, which might provide a novel nutritional strategy for inflammatory diseases.

This work aimed to investigate the effect of fucoidan (FPS) on urate transporters induced by uric acid (UA). The results showed that UA stimulated the expression of glucose transporter 9 (GLUT9) and urate transporter 1 (URAT1) in HK-2 cells, and FPS could reverse the effect. Moreover, UA could activate NF-κB, JNK and PI3K/Akt pathways, but both pathway inhibitors and FPS inhibited the UA-induced activation of these three pathways. These data suggested that FPS effectively inhibited the expression induction of reabsorption transporters URAT1 and GLUT9 by UA, through repressing the activation of NF-κB, JNK and PI3K/Akt signal pathways in HK-2 cells. The in vitro research findings support the in vivo results that FPS reduces serum uric acid content in hyperuricemia mice and rats through inhibiting the expression of URAT1 and GLUT9 in renal tubular epithelial cells. This study provides a theoretical basis for the application of FPS in the treatment of hyperuricemia.

Ethnopharmacological relevance Alstonia scholaris (L.) R. Br. (Apocynaceae) is a Dai folk medicine for the treatment of lung diseases in China. Aim of the study: The present study investigated the anti-pulmonary fibrosis effects of total alkaloids (TA) and the potential active ingredients and its possible mechanism. Materials and methods After intratracheal instillation of bleomycin (BLM, 5 mg/kg), mice were divided into ten groups, and orally treated with the corresponding samples once daily for 28 days. The effect of indole alkaloids was determined through analysis of cytokines, as well as histopathological examinations and gene expressions. Results Severe lung fibrosis was observed in the BLM-treated mice on day 28. However, the administration of TA significantly ameliorated the pathological changes in the lungs, decreased the content of Krebs von den Lungen-6, lactate dehydrogenase, transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), hydroxyproline, type I collagen, and malonaldehyde, and enhanced the activity of superoxide dismutase in the serum and lung tissues. In addition, the enhanced TGF-β and matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) expressions in BLM-induced mice were obviously weakened by indole alkaloids, as well as the ratio of matrix metalloproteinase-1 to tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 was decreased. Moreover, picrinine and scholaricine yielded markedly better values in the aforementioned indices than those in other samples, indicating that they may be the active ingredients of alkaloids. Conclusions TA exerted protective effects against BLM-induced pulmonary fibrosis by reducing collagen deposition through TGF-β/MMP-1 pathway.

Water-soluble organic compounds derived from bio-oil (WOCB) are regarded as potential risk sources of sludge thermochemical treatment. This study showed that 10.35 mg of water-soluble organic carbon and 1.32 mg of water-soluble organic nitrogen were released per gram of sludge when the final temperature of thermochemical treatment was 600 °C. WOCB was mainly formed at 300–500 °C. Furthermore, FT-ICR MS results indicated that high temperatures promoted deamination reactions, and low molecular weight (LMW) compounds with low oxygen number polymerized into aromatic compounds with increasing temperature. Noteworthily, WOCB released at 20–600 °C showed strong phytotoxicity to wheat. LMW compounds with lignin/carboxylic rich alicyclic molecules (CRAM)-like structures derived from low temperatures (200–400 °C) induced this inhibitory effect, but lipids containing nitrogen and sulfur from high temperatures (400–600 °C) can act as nutrients to promote wheat growth. This study provides theoretical support for the risk control and benefits assessments of sludge thermochemical treatment.

Liquid phase produced by the subcritical hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) of livestock manure is extensively used in agronomic and environmental applications, but the potential risks caused by inherent pollutants (e.g., roxarsone, ROX) of the livestock manure have not been considered. This study shows that less toxic ROX is completely converted into highly toxic As(III) and As(V) in the HTL reaction with temperature more than 240 °C. Moreover, more than 81.5% of As is distributed in the liquid phase generated by the livestock manure HTL reaction. Notably, the hydrothermal products of livestock manure facilitate the conversion of As(V) to As(III). The resulting hydrochar and aldehydes act as electron donors for As(V) reduction, thus resulting in the formation of As(III). Furthermore, the dissociated As promotes the depolymerization and deoxygenation of the macromolecular compounds to produce more small oxygen-containing compounds such as aldehydes, further boosting the As(V) reduction to As(III). These results indicate that the liquid phase of the livestock manure has potential risks in applications as a fertilizer. Such findings have substantial implications in biomass utilization and redox reactions of envirotechnical and biogeochemical relevance.

Finding a more efficient method for the transesterification of triglycerides to biodiesel fuel (BD) is important in today’s world. In this study, transesterification of trilaurin was carried out in a solution containing 4wt% of the Lewis acid AlCl3 dissolved in a cosolvent of ethanol and 5MPa CO2. A conversion rate of over 90% was achieved within 1h at the low temperature of 180°C. The process indicates a co-catalytic effect of the Lewis acid and CO2. We postulate several key steps for the mechanism. First, the CO2–ethanol mixture enhances the hydrogen bonding, increasing the concentration of C2H5O. Second AlCl3 attacks the oxygen of COC to weaken the bonds to form carbonyl carbon OR1, which is then easily attacked by C2H5O to give the transesterified product (C2H4COOR1). Third, AlCl3 is finally replaced by H to form glycerin (GL) and intermediates, such as unmethyl esterified compounds (uME). AlCl3 was used as a flocculant and catalyst for converting waste cooking oil (WCO) to BD. The process achieved 97% free fatty acid (FFA) conversion at 120°C in 90min, making it one of the most efficient systems available for WCO recovery. AlCl3 was also successfully applied to microalgae, signaling the potential for a process that combines harvesting, lipid extraction, and transterification, leading to fully integrated, microalgae-based BD production.

In situ fabrication of an ordered macroporous perovskite semitransparent film on a FTO glass was successfully achieved via sacrificial polystyrene (PS) microsphere templates. The average visible transmittance of active layer from 20% to 45% can be tuned by simply changing the PS diameters and precursor concentrations. The ordered macroporous perovskite films show enhanced crystallinity and reduced recombination defects, superior to the island perovskite film. Transient photovoltage, transient photocurrent and electrochemical impedance spectra measurements proved the advanced charge transport and reduced recombination by importing macroporous structures. Herein, the optimized 400 nm MP CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite film with a high AL AVT of 36.5% achieved an impressive PCE of 11.7% compared to the island-like perovskite film (champion PCE = 5.6%), presenting a great potential for building integrated photovoltaic applications.

Nanostructural modification and chemical composition tuning are paramount to developing effective non-noble hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) catalysts for water splitting. Herein, we report a novel excellent porous molybdenum tungsten phosphide (Mo–W–P) hybrid nanosheet catalyst for hydrogen evolution, which is synthesized via in situ phosphidation of molybdenum tungsten oxide (Mo–W–O) hybrid nanowires grown on carbon cloth. The three-dimensional (3D) hierarchical hybrid electrocatalyst exhibits impressively high electrocatalytic activity with a low overpotential of 138 mV required to achieve a high current density of 100 mA cm−2 and a small Tafel slope of 52 mV dec−1 in 0.5 M H2SO4, which are significantly higher than those of single MoP nanosheets and WP2 nanorods. Such an outstanding performance of the Mo–W–P hybrid electrocatalyst is attributed to the 3D conductive scaffolds, porous nanosheet structure, and strong synergistic effect of W and Mo atoms in Mo–W–P, making it a very promising catalyst for hydrogen production. Our findings demonstrate that careful control over the morphology and composition of the electrocatalyst can achieve highly efficient hybrid electrocatalysts.

In this work, we have studied high-silica (Si/Al = 200) zeolite silicalite-1 pellets sorbent for the separation of methane and nitrogen in a pressure swing adsorption (PSA) process. The pellet samples have well maintained similar adsorption and separation performances of the zeolite powder samples. The adsorption kinetic parameters were determined by actual breakthrough experiments on the pellet samples. The effects of feed flow and cycle time on methane product purity and recovery have been investigated. The accuracy of the numerical simulation method has been verified by the experiment data. In order to optimize the coalbed methane enrichment performance, the two-bed six-step PSA cycle was applied in the simulation. The simulation results revealed that 45% and 57% methane concentration could be achieved from 20% and 30% methane feedings with a recovery above 80%.

Methane enrichment from nitrogen is a necessary means for low-quality unconventional natural gas (coal mine methane) extraction, where adsorption-separation technology has become a research hotspot due to its low energy consumption and cost-effectiveness. In this work, three SOD-type ZIFs (ZIF-8, ZIF-90 and SIM-1, the latter also known as ZIF-94) are taken as methane sorbents for CH4/N2 separation. The experimental results show that SIM-1 (ZIF-94) has the highest CH4 adsorption capacity (1.5 mmol/g, 298 K and 1 bar) and adsorption heat (23.9 kJ/mol), although its surface area is the lowest (597 m2/g). No other known ZIF material has a higher CH4 adsorption capacity than SIM-1(ZIF-94), although some rare MOF and other porous materials can achieve such a high value. By comparing its CH4 adsorption capacity and BET surface with ZIF-93 (RHO type), which has the same units as Zn-almeIm, SIM-1(ZIF-94) has a high adsorption capacity of CH4 due to its suitable SOD cage size (0.84 nm) acting as a strong adsorption potential. Indeed, excellent enrichment–separation of the CH4/N2 mixture (30:70 and 50:50, v/v) with a high adsorption selectivity of 7.0 (IAST) rarely occurs for sorbents at room temperature and ambient pressure. Both the experimental and simulated data of the gas mixtures indicate that SIM-1 (ZIF-94) has excellent capability for enriching and removing nitrogen from methane, and it shows extraordinary industrial value.

The main object of the present invention is to provide an improved process for the preparation of Iloperidone, which would be more simple, economical and easy to implement on large scale preparation. In this paper, 1,3-difluorobenzene and 1-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl) ethanone are starting materials. And then tartaric acid is added. The key intermediate (Z)-4-(2,4-difluorobenzoyl) piperidine oxime is obtained through stereoselectivity. With the key intermediate and 1-(4-(3-chloropropoxy)-3-methoxyphenyl) ethanone, the target product is obtained directly under the condition of catalyst.

The aim of this study was to determine the mechanisms driving the protective effects of squid ink polysaccharide (SIP) against cyclophosphamide (CP)-induced testicular damage, focusing on germ cells. In the testes of mice exposed to CP and/or SIP, the present study examined the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde, activity of superoxide dismutase levels, protein expression levels of B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl2), Bcl2-associated X protein (Bax), and total Caspase 3, activation of p-p38 and p-Akt proteins, and tissue morphology. The findings indicated that CP induced ROS production and oxidative stress, resulting in testicular damage. However, under administration of SIP, oxidative stress was impaired and the testicular toxicity induced by CP was weakened, which implied that SIP may have an important role in preventing chemotherapeutic damage to the male reproductive system via promoting antioxidant ability. Furthermore, the altered expression levels, including the upregulation of Bax and Caspase 3, downregulation of Bcl-2 and the increased Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, indicated that apoptosis occurred in CP exposed testes of mice; however, the alterations were reversed in mice treated with SIP. Moreover, in CP-exposed testes, p38 and Akt proteins were significantly phosphorylated (P

This paper reports on a full evaporation headspace gas chromatography (FE HS-GC) technique for rapid determination of the ethyl laurate content in supercritical ethanol–carbon dioxide mixtures. The data show that, at an equilibration temperature of 150 °C, with a small volume (up to 75 μL) of sample, the full evaporation of ethyl laurate can be achieved in 3 min. The method had a relative standard deviation of less than 5.5% in replicate measurements; the limit of quantification (LOQ) was 26.0 μg; and the recovery ranged from 96 to 105%. The method is simple and rapid. It is quite suitable for use in the determination of ethyl laurate or similar compounds in an ethanol–carbon-dioxide-based supercritical reaction system.

In this paper, a novel stable piceatannol nanoemulsion is established. The piceatannol nanoemulsion formulation was screened based on the pseudo ternary phase diagrams. An optimized prescription was given as piceatannol 0.54%, EL-40 25.6%, ethanol 3.87%, castor oil 10.30%, water 60.23% (mass ratio), with the mean particle size 87.3 nm. The morphology of piceatannol nanoemulsion was characterized by TEM. The test results demonstrate that the nanoemulsion has dramatically improved the the solubility and release performance of piceatannol in ABS and PBS.

Light-harvesting and charge collection have attracted increasing attention in the domain of photovoltaic cells, and can be facilitated dramatically by appropriate design of a photonic nanostructure. However, the applicability of current light-harvesting photoanode materials with single component and/or morphology (such as, particles, spheres, wires, sheets) is still limited by drawbacks such as insufficient electron-hole separation and/or light-trapping. Herein, we introduce a universal method to prepare hierarchical assembly of macroporous material-nanowire coated homogenous or heterogeneous metal oxide composite electrodes (TiO2 -TiO2 , SnO2 -TiO2 , and Zn2 SnO4 -TiO2 ; homogenous refers to a material in which the nanowire and the macroporous material have the same composition, i.e. both are TiO2 . Heterogeneous refers to a material in which the nanowires and the macroporous material have different compositions). The dye-sensitized solar cell based on a TiO2 -macroporous material-TiO2 -nanowire homogenous composition electrode shows an impressive conversion efficiency of 9.51 %, which is much higher than that of pure macroporous material-based photoelectrodes to date.

A preparation technology, characterization and release performance of pterostilbene cyclodextrin inclusion is investigated.

After the phloridzin crude solution was absorbed by D-101 resin, the resin was eluted by 50%、60%、70%、80% and 90% ethanol solution in sequence, and phloridzin crude solution, 50% ethanol elution solution and 90% ethanol elution solution were analyzed by HPLC for component. The antioxidation activity in vitro was tested for 90% ethanol elution solution. The result shows that the component in high content of ethanol elution solution is more simple; phloridzin isolated by resin has good capacity on scavenging HO•, O2-•and DPPH•, and shows good doses-response relationship .

In order to investigate the processing technology of phloridzin isolated from apple pomace by resin, apple pomace was used as raw material in this study, and HPLC was used to test phloridzin content. Absorption rates and desorption rates of phloridzin from 5 resins (LS-6、HPD-600、XDA-8、D-101、D4020) were contrasted, and the best resin for isolation was chosen. The best processing technology was determined by single factor experiment. The result shows that D-101 resin exhibits higher absorption rate and highest desorption rate, and it is the best resin for phloridzin isolation; the best processing technology: the absorbed solution content is 0.45 mg/mL, the absorption flow rate is 1.0 mL/min, the desorption solution pH is 7, the desorption solution is 90% ethanol, the adsorption flow rate is 0.5mL/min.

The flavonoids and chlorogenic acid were separated and purified from Eulmoids ulmoids leaves, and their antioxidation activity in vivo and in vitro was investigated by animal test and free radical scavenging test. The result shows that Eucommia ulmoides leaves flavones and chlorogenic acid can significantly reduce the content of malondialchehyche (MDA) (p

The vast majority of photosynthetic organisms utilize monovinyl chlorophyll for their photosynthetic reactions. For the biosynthesis of monovinyl chlorophyll, the reduction of the 8-vinyl group which is located on the B-ring of the macrocycle is essential. 3,8-Divinyl protochlorophyllide a 8-vinyl reductase (DVR) catalyzes the reduction of 8-vinyl group on the tetrapyrrole to an ethyl group, which is necessary for monovinyl chlorophyll (Chl) synthesis. The former studies indicated the DVR could enhance photosynthesis. The full-length cDNA encoding DVR was obtained from oleaginous microalgae Dunaliella parva, which include 1326 bp open reading frame (ORF), 22 bp 5′-untranslated sequence and 383 bp 3′-untranslated sequence. Dunaliella parva DVR showed the highest sequence similarity with the DVR from Chlamydomonas reinhardtii and Volvox carteri. The Dunaliella parva DVR also showed wide similarity with other species.

Alstonia scholaris (Apocynaceae) has been historically used in "dai" ethnopharmacy to treat chronic respiratory diseases. The leaf extract, developed as a commercially available traditional Chinese medicine, used to release tracheitis and cold symptom, has also been prescribed in hospitals and sold over the counter in drug stores.The investigation evaluated the anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of the ethanolic extract, fractions and main alkaloids of Alstonia scholaris leaf to provide experimental evidence for its traditional and modern clinical use. Besides, to discover the active fraction and components for further better use in Chinese medicine is hopeful.The leaf of Alstonia scholaris was extracted with ethanol and then separated into different fractions. Furthermore, alkaloids were isolated by phytochemical method. The analgesic activities were investigated using acetic acid-induced writhing, hot-plate and formalin tests in mice. The anti-inflammatory activities were carried out in vivo and in vitro, including xylene-induced ear edema and carrageenan-induced air pouch formation in mice, and COX-1, -2 and 5-LOX inhibition.It has been exhibited that the EtOAc and alkaloid fractions reduced acetic acid-induced writhing response in mice, significantly. The ethanolic extract, EtOAc and alkaloid fractions remarkably inhibited xylene-induced ear edema. Further investigation was focused on the alkaloids fraction and three main alkaloids isolated from the alkaloids fraction, in different animal models. Alkaloids reduced acetic acid-induced writhing response, and xylene-induced ear edema in mice. In the hot-plate test, alkaloids did not increase the latency period of mice obviously. In the formalin test, alkaloids did not inhibit the licking time in first phase, but significantly inhibited the licking time in second phase of mice. Alkaloids increased significantly SOD activity and decreased levels of NO, PGE2 and MDA significantly, in air pouch mice model. Moreover, some alkaloids isolated from the leaf of Alstonia scholaris exhibited inhibition of COX-1, COX-2 and 5-LOX in vitro anti-inflammatory assay, which supported alkaloids as the bioactive fraction.The alkaloids fraction of Alstonia scholaris leaf, three main alkaloids, picrinine, vallesamine and scholaricine, may produce the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect peripherally based on several in vivo assays. In in vitro tests, alkaloids exhibited inhibition of inflammatory mediators (COX-1, COX-2 and 5-LOX), which is accordant with results on animal models. Besides, COX-2/5-LOX dual inhibitors found in the experiment, such as 16-formyl-5alpha-methoxystrictamine, picralinal, and tubotaiwine might be valuable for further attention.

An efficient and novel method for synthesizing 3′,5′-dithio-2′-deoxyguanosine was described. In this method normal guanosine was used as the starting material. A very efficient procedure was used to synthesize 2- O -tosylguanosine 1 , which used 0.1 eq. DBTO instead of 2 eq. 1 was treated with LTBH to give 9-(2-deoxy- β - d -threo-pentofuranosyl)guanine 2 . 2 could be easily turned to the target compound.

Ethnopharmacological relevance Alstonia scholaris (Apocynaceae) have been traditionally used for treatment of respiratory diseases in “dai” ethnopharmacy for hundreds years, especially for cough, asthma, phlegm, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and so on. The formulas including the leaf extract have also been prescribed in hospitals and sold over the retail pharmacies. Aim of the study A. scholaris is used as a traditional herbal medicine for the treatment of respiratory tract inflammation. However, there is no scientific evidence to validate the use of total alkaloids of A. scholaris in the literature. Here, we investigated the protective activity of total alkaloids (TA), extracted from the leaves of Alstonia scholaris, against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced airway inflammation (AI) in rats. Materials and methods: 200 μg/μL LPS was instilled intratracheally in each rat, and then the modeling animals were divided into six groups (n=10, each) randomly: sham group, LPS group, Dexamethasone [1.5 mg/kg, intra-gastricly (i.g.)] group, and three different doses (7.5, 15, and 30 mg/kg, i.g.) of total alkaloids-treated groups. Corresponding drugs or vehicles were orally administered once per day for 7 days consecutively. The concentration of albumin (ALB), alkaline phosphatase (AKP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and the number of inflammatory cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were determined by fully automatic biochemical analyzer and blood counting instrument. Nitric oxide (NO) level, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities were examined by multiskan spectrum, and histological change in the lungs was analyzed by H.E. staining. The levels of inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) were measured using ELISA. Results Total alkaloids decreased the percentage of neutrophil, number of WBC, levels of ALB, AKP and LDH in the BALF, while increased the content of ALB in serum. It also improved SOD activity and increased NO level in the lungs, serum and BALF, and reduced the concentration of MDA in the lungs. Total alkaloids also inhibited the production of inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-8 in the BALF and lung. Finally, histopathological examination indicated that total alkaloids attenuated tissue injury of the lungs in LPS-induced AI. Conclusions Total alkaloids have an inhibitory effect against LPS-induced airway inflammation in rats.

The high-performance of a well-aligned 1D nanostructured electrode relies largely on a smart and rational modification with other active nanomaterials. Herein, we present a facile solution-based route to fabricate a well-aligned metal oxide-based core-shell hybrid arrays on TCO substrate. Demonstrated samples included nanowire@nanoparticle (TNW@NP) or nanowire@nanosheet (TNW@NS) with a unique porous core/shell nanowire arrays architecture in the absence or presence of DETA during the solvothermal treatment process. The "alcoholysis" and "ripening" growth mechanism is proposed to explain the formation of honeycomb-like nanosheets shell on nanowires core. Based on careful control of experimental condition, a novel double layered TiO2 photoanode (DL-TNW@NS-YSHTSs) consisting of 16 μm thick TNW@NS under layer and 6 μm thick yolk-shell hierarchical TiO2 microspheres (YSHTSs) top layer can be obtained, exhibiting an impressive PCE over 10% at 100 mW cm(-2), which can be attributed to the well-organized photoanode composed of hierarchical core-shell arrays architecture and yolk-shell hollow spheres architecture with synergistic effects of high dye loading and superior light scattering for prominent light harvesting efficiency.

The scrupulous design of nanoarchitectures and smart hybridization of specific active materials are closely related to the overall photovoltaic performance of an anode electrode. Here we present a solution-based strategy for the fabrication of well-aligned metal oxide-based nanowire-nanosheet-nanorod hyperbranched arrays on transparent conducting oxide substrates. For these hyperbranched arrays, we observe a twofold increment in dye adsorption and enhanced light trapping and scattering capability compared with the pristine titanium dioxide nanowires, and thus a power conversion efficiency of 9.09% is achieved. Our growth approach presents a strategy to broaden the photoresponse and maximize the light-harvesting efficiency of arrays architectures, and may lead to applications for energy conversion and storage, catalysis, water splitting and gas sensing.

In vitro differentiation of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) promotes the understanding of the mechanism of spermatogenesis. The purpose of this study was to isolate spermatogonial stem cell-like cells from murine testicular tissue, which then were induced into haploid germ cells by retinoic acid (RA). The spermatogonial stem cell-like cells were purified and enriched by a two-step plating method based on different adherence velocities of SSCs and somatic cells. Cell colonies were present after culture in M1-medium for 3 days. Through alkaline phosphatase, RT-PCR and indirect immunofluorescence cell analysis, cell colonies were shown to be SSCs. Subsequently, cell colonies of SSCs were cultured in M2-medium containing RA for 2 days. Then the cell colonies of SSCs were again cultured in M1-medium for 6-8 days, RT-PCR and indirect immunofluorescence cell analysis were chosen to detect haploid male germ cells. It could be demonstrated that 10(-7) mol l(-1) of RA effectively induced the SSCs into haploid male germ cells in vitro.

A new chromogenic reagent tribromocarboxyarsenazo has been synthesized and the chromogenic reaction of this reagent with zirconium studied. In the medium of 0.5 mol/1 HCl, a blue complex is formed by the reaction of zirconium with tribromocarboxyarsenazo. The maximum absorption of the complex is at 633 nm, and the apparent molar absorptivity is 4.8 × 10 4 1/mol/cm. Beer's law is obeyed over the zirconium concentration range 0–18, μg/25 ml. The method has been applied to the determination of zirconium in aluminum, copper and magnesium alloys with satisfactory results.

In the title compound, C18H21N3O6, the dihedral angle between the two aromatic rings is 61.1 (1)°. The crystal structure is stabilized by intermolecular O—H...O hydrogen bonds. An intramolecular O—H...O hydrogen bonds is also present.

This study aimed to observe nine factors expressed in rat ischemic brain after transplantation of bone marrow stromal cells (BMSC) and/or endothelial progenitor cells (EPC). These factors were vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), insulin-like growth factor (IGF-l), transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF).Adult Wistar rats were divided randomly into four groups: a vehicle group, BMSC group, EPC group and BMSC combined with EPC group. The rats were subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) then implanted intravenously with 3 × 10(6) BMSC, EPC, BMSC/EPC or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) 24 h after MCAO. Neurologic functional deficits were measured on days 1, 7, 14, 28 after transplantation. On day 7 after transplantation, quantitative reverse transcription (qRT)-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Western blot were employed to detect the expression of VEGF, SDF-1, bFGF, IGF-l, TGF-β, PDGF-BB, BDNF, GDNF and NGF.The neurologic evaluation found that the neurologic severity scores were no different between the four groups on day 1, and the scores of rats in the BMSC/EPC group were significantly lower than those of rats in the other groups on days 7, 14 and 28 after transplantation. The expressions of bFGF, VEGF and BNDF were significantly higher in the BMSC/EPC group compared with the other groups.The intravenous transplantation of BMSC combined with EPC could promote the functional rehabilitation of rats with focal cerebral ischemia, and the mechanism may be related to the enhanced expression of factors.

Alstonia scholaris (Apocynaceae) was documented as an effective herb for the treatment of chronic respiratory diseases in "dai" ethnopharmacy historically, and its leaf crude extract, used for releasing tracheitis and cold symptom, was approved to be a commercial formulation by State Food and Drugs Administration of China (SFDA).The investigation evaluates the anti-tussive and anti-asthmatic activities of the ethanolic extract, fractions and main alkaloids of Alstonia scholaris leaf to provide experimental evidence for its traditional and modern clinical use. For our most interesting, is to reveal the active components for further new drug development.The leaf of Alstonia scholaris was extracted with ethanol and then separated into different fractions. Furthermore, alkaloids were isolated by phytochemical method. The anti-tussive activity was evaluated using three different models including ammonia or sulfur dioxide induced mice coughing, and citric acid induced guinea pigs coughing. The anti-asthmatic activity was investigated on guinea pigs bronchoconstraction induced by histamine. The expectorant activity was evaluated by volume of phenol red in mice's tracheas.The alkaloids fraction significantly inhibited mice's frequency of cough induced by ammonia, increased mice's latent period of cough induced by sulfur dioxide, and increased guinea pigs' latent period of cough and inhibited frequency of cough. Besides, the alkaloids fraction increased delitescence of convulsion, and tumble of guinea pigs in anti-asthmatic test, and enhanced tracheal phenol red output in expectorant evaluation. Moreover, the main alkaloid, picrinine exhibited anti-tussive and anti-asthmatic activities in vivo.The alkaloids fraction was anti-tussive, anti-asthmatic and expectorant activities component of Alstonia scholaris leaf, and it may also be a valuable lead material for respiratory diseases drug development. Picrinine, the main anti-tussive and anti-asthmatic compound, could be applied in quality control of products from Alstonia scholaris leaf.

The crystal structure of the title compound, C10H12BrNO2, is stabilized mainly through inter­molecular N—H⋯O hydrogen bonds.

The title compound, C16H20N2O6, was synthesized from 3,4,5-trimethoxy­benzaldehyde, methyl 3-oxobutanoate and urea in acetonitrile catalysed by Bi(NO3)3. The tetra­hydro­pyrimidin-2-one ring is twisted and two mol­ecules are connected by N—H⋯O hydrogen bonds.

In the title compound, C24H22Cl2N2O2S, synthesized from 2-(2-methoxy­phenyl­sulfan­yl)benzoyl chloride and 1-(2,3-dichloro­phen­yl)piperazine, the piperazine ring adopts a normal chair conformation.