Search

We investigate the existence of solutions to the scalar field equation − Δ u = g (u) − λ u in R N , with mass constraint ∫ R N | u | 2 d x = a > 0 , u ∈ H 1 (R N). Here, N ≥ 3 ; g is a continuous function satisfying the conditions of the Berestycki–Lions type; λ is a Lagrange multiplier. Our results supplement and generalize some of the results in L. Jeanjean, S.-S. Lu, Calc. Var. Partial Differential Equations. 61 (2022), Paper No. 214, 18, and J. Hirata, K. Tanaka, Adv. Nonlinear Stud. 19 (2019), 263–290. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Observational studies have shown that matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are associated with sepsis. However, it is unknown whether this association represents a causal relationship. Methods: Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was conducted to assess the potential causal role of circulating MMPs in sepsis. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with circulating MMPs levels were used as instrumental variables (IVs). In a sepsis genome-wide association study comprising 1573 cases and 454,775 European ancestry controls, we examined these IVs' effects using a two-sample MR study. Causal estimates were calculated using inverse variance weighting (IVW), the weighted median method, and MR-Egger analysis. Results: Genetically predict that MMP-1 (OR = 1.011, 95% CI 0.772–1.325, p = 0.936), MMP-3 (OR = 1.036, 95% CI 0.862–1.244, p = 0.707), MMP-7 (OR = 1.206, 95% CI 0.960–1.515, p = 0.108), MMP-8 (OR = 1.041, 95% CI 0.949–1.144, p = 0.395), MMP-9 (OR = 1.101, 95% CI 0.831–1.458, p = 0.503), MMP-10 (OR = 1.028, 95% CI 0.840–1.260, p = 0.789) was not associated with the risk of sepsis. Conclusions: The MR study does not provide evidence that circulating levels of MMPs (1, 3, 7, 8, 9, 10) were the causes of sepsis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While wood substances that contain water have shown a dielectric effect, they have never been directly proposed as a microwave absorption material to reduce artificial electromagnetic pollution. In this study, the microwave absorption efficiency of wood that contains water was investigated based on its dielectric properties in the microwave frequency range to optimize the parameters of wood unit cells, including the orientation, moisture content (MC) and thickness. Subsequently, inspired by the design concept of electromagnetic metamaterials, single-layer wood unit cells containing moisture were directly integrated into double epoxy resin layers. This procedure formed a natural wood-based metamaterial (NWM) with a simple periodic Sandwich structure without the need for further chemical modification and/or high energy consuming processes. Such design strategies allowed the NWMs to overcome the limitation of inherent dielectric properties of natural wood and present significantly enhanced microwave absorption performance, as well as different absorption behavior. NWMs at a MC ≤ 70% displayed a selective absorption mode, while NWMs at MC ≥ 85% showed a broadband absorption mode. Both absorption modes could achieve the peak absorptivity > 98%. Particularly, the NWM in the broadband absorption mode possessed an effective absorption (absorptivity > 90%) bandwidth of 9.04 GHz, which was 7.6 times that of natural wood (1.19 GHz). The NWMs performed well when irradiated by microwaves with different angles and directions. Also, the thickness of NWMs was only 7 mm, allowing easy incorporation of the materials in engineering designs. The use of sustainable materials, impressive performance, high stability, practical thickness, and the facile and cost-effective production technique demonstrated NWMs with great potential in designing green buildings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is dedicated to investigating the existence of solutions characterized by a predefined L 2 -norm in the context of the nonlinear Sobolev critical Schrödinger equation − Δ u + λ u = | u | 2 ∗ − 2 u + V (x) | u | p − 2 u , in R N , ∫ R N u 2 d x = a 2 , u ∈ H 1 (R N). Here, N ≥ 3 , a > 0 and 2 < p < 2 ∗ , where 2 ∗ = 2 N N − 2 represents the critical Sobolev exponent. It is worth noting that the parameter λ functions as a Lagrange multiplier within this framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bottom-up effects modulated by abiotic factors play an important role in influencing plant--herbivorous insect interactions. Ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation is an important factor that regulates plant resistance to agricultural arthropod pests. Yet, addressing the bottom-up effects of UV-B radiation on plant--insect interactions by a holistic approach from insect development and behavior to plant metabolome analyses has rarely been documented. This study examined how UV-B radiation influences tobacco plant (Nicotiana tabacum)--aphid (Myzus persicae) interactions. Tobacco seedlings were irradiated with a UV-B lamp for 14 consecutive days, with a daily exposure time of 2 h (UV2h) and 4 h (UV4h). Here, UV-B radiation was found to enhance the resistance of tobacco plants to M. persicae in terms of the development, body size, population growth, and feeding behavior of the pest. Broad targeted metabolome analyses revealed that the tobacco plants produced higher concentrations of defensive secondary compounds, such as salicylic acid, rutin, kaempferol derivatives, and isochlorogenic acid B, after exposure to UV-B radiation. These results suggest that UV-B radiation enhanced the resistance of tobacco to M. persicae; thus, exposing seedlings to UV-B radiation could be utilized to enhance pest control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A biomimetic brush-like polymer with a catechol structure (ADD) was designed and developed. • The Ca 3 (PO 4) 2 was deposited on soy flour and mixed with ADD to develop a biomineralized adhesive. • The dry and wet shear strength of resultant plywood increased by 118.8% and 750%, respectively. • The adhesive has outstanding coating performance, mildew resistance, flame retardancy. The development of a formaldehyde-free soy flour adhesive with good coating ability, mildew resistance, and flame retardancy while maintaining high bond strength, is urgent but presents a challenge. Inspired by the strong adhesive performance derived from the brush-like structure of gecko toes, a brush-like polymer with a catechol group was synthesized to improve the adhesive behavior of soy flour adhesives. Prompted by the high strength derived from the biomineralized structure of oysters, Ca 3 (PO 4) 2 was sedimented on soy protein and combined with the brush-like polymer to construct a biomineralized structure, which endowed the resultant adhesive with mildew resistance and flame retardancy while maintaining high bond strength. The dry and wet shear strengths of the bonded plywood by the resultant adhesive increased by 118.8 % and 750 % relative to those of the unmodified adhesive. Moreover, the resultant adhesive possessed outstanding coating performance, superior mildew resistance (no mildew for 7 d), and high toughness (4.05 J of the work of adhesion). The limiting oxygen index of the resultant adhesive was increased from 26.4 % to 30.1 %. Thus, developing a system combined with a bioinspired biomineralized strategy and a brush-like polymer can potentially offer a template for the fabrication of hydrogels, functionalized surfaces, and composite materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An anti-tumor drug doxorubicin was encapsulated in micelles of poly(ethylene glycol)- b-poly(2,2-dihydroxyl-methyl propylene carbonate) (PEG- b-PDHPC) diblock copolymers. The morphology of both blank micelles and drug loaded micelles was characterized by TEM. The in vitro drug release profiles of micelles were investigated. The cytotoxicity of the micelles was evaluated by incubating with Hela tumor cells and 3T3 fibroblasts. The drug loaded micelles were co-cultured with HepG2 cells to evaluate the in vitro anti-tumor efficacies. The results showed that the mean sizes of both micelles with different copolymer compositions increased after being loaded with drugs. The drug release rate of PEG- b-PDHPC34 micelles was faster than that of mPEG- b-PDHPC26 micelles. Both of the two block copolymers were non-toxic. The confocal laser scanning microscopy and flow cytometry results showed that both the drug loaded micelles could be internalized efficiently in HepG2 cells. The PEG- b-PDHPC34 micelles exhibited higher anti-tumor activity comparing to mPEG- b-PDHPC26 micelles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In addition to creating calligraphic works for sale, Wang Duo often used them as gifts to fulfill certain social obligations. The main recipients were his colleagues at work, local officials, and fellow artists. Among them, two groups were especially significant. First, Wang gave calligraphic works to local officials, which allowed him to maintain friendly relations with important families and enjoy certain privileges. Second, Wang also gave his valuable works to powerful Han officials in the Qing court in hopes of establishing a social network in the new dynasty. This clearly conflicts with the account of other former Ming officials in the Qing government, who described Wang as reluctant to serve the Manchus and as leading a decadent life. Here, Wang Duo's actual social attempts are revealed by the whereabouts of his calligraphic works. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Lasia spinosa seeds were not dormant at maturity in early spring. The most favorable temperatures for germination were between 25 and 30°C, and final percentage and rate of germination decreased with an increase or decrease in temperature. When L. spinosa seeds were transferred to 25°C, after 60 days at 10°C (where none of the seeds germinated), final germination increased from 0% to 78%. Seeds germinated to high percentage both in light and in dark, although dark germination took more than twice as long as in the light. During desiccation of seeds at 15°C and 45% relatively humidity, moisture loss decreased exponentially from 2.02 to 0.13gH2Og−1 drywt within 16 days, and only a few seeds (12%) survived 0.13gH2Og−1 drywt moisture content. Seeds stored at 0.58gH2Og−1 drywt moisture content at four constant temperatures (4, 10, 15, and −18°C) for up to 6 months exhibited a well-defined trend of decreasing viability with decreasing temperature. Thus, we concluded that freshly harvested L. spinosa seeds are non-dormant and recalcitrant. Also, the seeds with 0.58gH2Og−1 drywt moisture content could be effectively stored for a few months between 10 and 15°C although the most appropriate temperature for wet storage appears to be 10°C, as it is close to the minimum temperature for germination and so there will be less pre-sprouting compared to 15°C. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Sixty-six medicinal plant species traditionally collected and used by the Red-headed Yao people in Jinping county, Yunnan Province, SW China, were investigated and studied through the approaches of ethnobotany, anthropology and participatory rural appraisal (PRA). Among these plants, 27 species were recorded to have medicinal values for the first time recorded in literature, 23 species were found to have different medicinal functions from those recorded in the literature. Many medicinal herbs are simultaneously wild food plants. The local Yao people take medicinal baths on some special days very common to treat and prevent diseases. The Red-headed Yao medicinal herb doctors have conserved medicinal plants and their habitats over the years. Most of the folk healers are old women, who are concerned about passing on their secrets to the younger generation. They fear that the younger generations have not learned enough about the herbal traditions to keep the practice going. The authors suggest that plants used by the Red-headed Yao people need to be further studied phytochemically and pharmacologically. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Epidemic spreading in percolation worlds has been investigated by Monte Carlo simulations, based on a correlated percolation model. It is found that the spreading behavior is greatly influenced by the spreading worlds. When the correlation changes from the weak limit to a strong one, the pattern consisting of sick individuals converts from the pattern of site percolation to that of Leath percolation in a percolation world. Correspondingly, the fractal dimension varies from the dimension of the random pattern to that of dense growth morphology. The critical correlation exponent αc=dw, where dw is the fractal dimension of the percolation world. Furthermore, the critical behavior of epidemic spreading is obviously affected by the spreading world also. The threshold of pathogenic ratio sc=1 (for uniform world) and 0.593 (for the critical percolation one), respectively, in the strong correlation limit. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The impedance of electrode and photostimulation artifacts (short-duration and high-amplitude spikes) are still hindering the employment of silicon-based neural probe in optogenetics. A fiber-based optrode modified with a double-layer platinum black-poly (3,4ethylenedioxythiophene) PEDOT/poly (4-styrenesulfonate) PSS (Pt-PP) coating has been developed for improvement of neural recording quality and mitigation of photoelectric artifact simultaneously. The Pt-PP coating was made by layer-by-layer electrochemical deposition followed by the ultrasonication and Cyclic Voltammetry (CV) scanning to verify its mechanical and electrochemical stability. Both in-vitro and in-vivo experiments demonstrated that Pt-PP coated optrode had outstanding recording performance (high signal-to-noise ratio about 9.64) and low photoelectric amplitude (850 μV). The artifact recovery time of Pt-PP coated optrode (0.3 ms) after photostimulation was significantly decreased when compared to platinum black (6 ms) or PEDOT/PSS (0.7 ms) coated one which has potential to retain high-quality neural signals in animal experiments. At last, the optogenetics experiments revealed the capability of Pt-PP coated optrode to record the change in neural spike rate with certain spatial resolution and shorter artifact recovery time. These results suggest that Pt-PP coating has great potential for neural electrodes in the application of neuroscience. • A layer-by-layer electrochemical deposition Platinum black-PEDOT/PSS (Pt-PP) coating on microelectrode is described. • The design and in vivo application of a fiber based Michigan optrode with flexibility PI connection is verified. • The performance of recording and mitigation of photoelectric of Pt-PP modified optrode are better than Platinum Black and PEDOT/PSS modified one. • The mechanical and electrochemical stability of Pt-PP modified optrode were verified by ultrasonication and CV scanning tests. • The Pt-PP modified optrode recorded higher quality spikes with lower artifact amplitude, shorter recovery time during optogenetics experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional “magic numbers” were once regarded as immutable throughout the nuclear chart. However, unexpected changes were found for unstable nuclei around N = 20. With both proton and neutron numbers around the magic number of 20, the neutron-rich 39Cl isotope provides a good test case for the study of the quantum-state evolution across the major shell. In the present work, the negative parity states in 39Cl are investigated through the β decay spectroscopy of 39S. Newly observed γ transitions together with a new state are assigned into the level scheme of 39Cl. The spin parity of 5/2− for the lowest negative parity state in 39Cl is reconfirmed using the combined γ transition information. These systematic observations of the negative parity states in 39Cl allow a comprehensive comparison with the theoretical descriptions. The lowest 5/2− state in 39Cl remains exotic in terms of comparisons with existing theoretical calculations and with the neighboring isotopes having similar single-particle configurations. Further experimental and theoretical investigations are suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the study, we examined whether the silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1) can attenuate oxidative stress in the brains of mice carrying the APP/PS1 double mutation and/or in primary neonatal rat neurons exposed to oligomers of amyloid-β peptide (AβOs). Starting at 4 or 8 months of age, the transgenic mice were treated with resveratrol (RSV, a stimulator of SIRT1) or suramin (an inhibitor) (each 20 mg/kg BW/day) for two months. The primary neurons were exposed to AβOs (0.5 μM) for 48 h and thereafter RSV (20 μM) or suramin (300 mg/ml) for 24 h. Cell viability was assessed by the CCK-8 assay; SIRT1 protein and mRNA determined by western blotting and real-time PCR, respectively; senile plaques examined immunohistochemically; ROS monitored by flow cytometry; and the contents of OH-, H2O2, O2·-, and MDA, and the activities of SOD and GSH-Px measured by standard biochemical procedures. In comparison to wild-type mice or untreated primary neurons, the expression of SIRT1 was significantly lower in the brains of APP/PS1 mice or neurons exposed to AβOs. In these same systems, increased numbers of senile plaques and a high level of oxidative stress were apparent. Interestingly, these two latter changes were attenuated by treatment with RSV, but enhanced by suramin. These findings indicate that SIRT1 may be neuroprotective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose/aim of the study: We aimed to evaluate the association between serum uric acid (SUA) levels and cerebral white matter lesions (WMLs) in Chinese individuals.Material and methods: We prospectively identified patients aged 50 years and older in neurology department from July 2014 to March 2015. Both periventricular WMLs (P-WMLs) and deep WMLs (D-WMLs) were identified on magnetic resonance imanging (MRI) scans and the severity was graded using the Fazekas method. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to examine the association between SUA and WMLs.Results: A total of 480 eligible participants were enrolled in this study. SUA level in severe group was much higher than that in mild group (for P-WMLs: 320.21 ± 79.97 vs. 286.29 ± 70.18,p= 0.000; for D-WMLs: 314.71 ± 74.74 vs. 290.07 ± 74.04,p= 0.031). Subgroup analyses showed that higher SUA level was associated with higher severity of P-WMLs in women, but not in male patients. Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that SUA was still associated with increased risk of higher severity of P-WMLs (OR = 1.003, 95% = 1.000–1.006), but not D-WMLs.Conclusion: Elevated SUA level was independently associated with greater odds of higher severity of P-WMLs, particularly in women. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: Rhododendron decorum is widely distributed shrub in southwest China, and its flower is a favorite food of the local people. To investigate the impacts of harvesting, we genotyped 8 nuclear microsatellite loci in a total of 247 individuals from 10 natural populations and 4 flower-harvesting populations. No significant differences in allelic richness, effective number of alleles, private allelic richness, heterozygosity and effective population size were found among the natural and flower-harvesting populations. Differentiation between the 14 populations is relatively low (F ST = 0.107). R. decorum showed high levels of intra-population genetic diversity. AMOVA analysis indicated that over 89% of the variation was contained within the populations, and that only 0.47% of the variation was attributed by human harvesting practices. Cluster analysis revealed two basic clusters related to the plants' geographical locations. Our results indicate that historical flower-harvesting practices do not lead to loss of genetic variation in R. decorum. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Michelia yunnanensis Franch. is a Chinese endemic ornamental shrub with potential for greater utilization as a landscape and medicinal plant if propagation was less difficult. Seed development and breaking of seed dormancy were investigated to improve propagation of M. yunnanensis. No fresh seeds germinated when tested at the time of dispersal. Newly matured seeds of M. yunnanensis contained differentiated linear underdeveloped embryos that were physiologically dormant. The embryo/seed length ratio of M. yunnanensis was 0.15. Warm stratification did not break seed dormancy. Dormancy was broken by cold stratification at 4°C but not by flowing water or nitrate. Embryos developed grew inside seeds during cold stratification at 4°C. In newly harvested dormant seeds, embryos were 0.94mm long and increased in length 139% before radicle emergence (germination). GA3 substituted for cold stratification to break dormancy in seeds of M. yunnanensis incubated at 25°C or 20/25°C. Mature M. yunnanensis seeds exhibited intermediate complex morphophysiological dormancy. Optimal germination of non-dormant seed in terms of both germination percentage and rate occurred at 20/25°C. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Repeated column chromatography of the EtOAc-soluble fraction of the aerial parts of Dodonaea viscosa led to the isolation of two new modified clerodanes, methyl dodovisate A (1) and methyl dodovisate B (2), two new prenylated flavonoids, 5,7,4'-trihydroxy-3',5'-di(3-methylbut-2-enyl)-3,6-dimethoxyflavone (10) and 5,7,4'-trihydroxy-3'-(4-hydroxy-3-methylbutyl)-5'-(3-methylbut-2-enyl)-3,6-dimethoxyflavone (11), together with eight known compounds, dodonic acid (3), hautriwaic acid (4), hautriwaic lactone (5), (+)-hardwickiic acid (6), 5α-hydroxy-1,2-dehydro-5,10-dihydroprintzianic acid methyl ester (7), strictic acid (8), dodonolide (9), and aliarin (12). The structures of the new compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic data analysis. Compounds 1-9 and 11 were evaluated on larvicidal activity against the fourth-instar larvae of Aedes albopictus and Culex pipens quinquefasciatus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Three new humulane-type sesquiterpenes, 8-O-(p-coumaroyl)-5β-hydroperoxy-1(10)E,4(15)-humuladien-8α-ol (1), 8-O-(3-nitro-p-coumaroyl)-1(10)E,4(15)-humuladien-5β,8α-diol (2) and 8-O-(p-coumaroyl)-1(10)E,4(5)E-humuladien-8-ol (3), and a new copaborneol derivative, 1-O-p-coumaroyl-copaborneol (4), have been isolated from the methanol extract of Pilea cavaleriei Lévl. subsp. crenata C. J. Chen. Their structures were elucidated using spectroscopic methods. Cytotoxic and antimicrobial activities of the isolated compounds were evaluated. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The development of a water-retaining soybean flour-based adhesive with high water resistance, interfacial adhesion and mildew resistance is significant in replacing petroleum-based aldehyde-based resin. Drawing inspiration from lobster shells, soybean flour (SF), self-synthesized epoxy hyperbranched hydroxyethyl cellulose (EH) and calcium phosphate (CaP) oligomers were employed to prepare organic-inorganic hybrid composite adhesives based on hyperbranched structure. The EH component, abundant in active groups, enhanced the interfacial adhesion of the adhesives and served as an organic carrier for the mineralization of CaP oligomers. Prior to adhesive solidification, CaP oligomers mineralized to form an inorganic film akin to milk skin, which prevented water evaporation, resulting in a water retention time of 100 min for the adhesive. During adhesive curing, CaP oligomers with fluid-like behavior polymerized and mineralized, ultimately forming a continuous inorganic network of CaP crystals. This network, combined with the organic substrates (SF and EH), constituted an organic-inorganic hybrid structure, which bolstered the water and mildew resistance (20 days) of the adhesives. The prepressing intensity and wet shear strength of the resultant plywood increased by 168% and 396% to 0.67 MPa and 1.39 MPa, respectively, compared to those of the unmodified adhesive. The strength reached the leading level of the reported soybean flour adhesives. The biomimetic strategy employed here can be extended to high-performance gels and membrane materials, offering a novel modification approach for bio-composites. • Organic-inorganic hybrid composite adhesive based on hyperbranched structure was constructed. • Hyperbranched polymers enhanced interfacial adhesion and system compatibility. • CaP oligomers mineralized to form an inorganic film like milk skin to prevented water evaporation. • The adhesive has water retention, water resistance bonding performance and mildew resistance. • The strategy has significant reference for the research of gels, films and composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arisaema lushuiense G. W. Hu & H. Li, a new species of Araceae from Gaoligong Mountains in northwestern Yunnan, China, is described and illustrated. It is similar and closely related to A. auriculatum Buchet, but differs by its basically green spathe with semi-rotund to broadly ovate, 6-8 mm long auricles; the appendix of the spadix is 3.5-5.0 cm long and the apex of the appendix depressed with faint longitudinal ridges and grooves, slightly curved forward, with purplish black color, and exserted 1.0-1.5 cm from the spathe throat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a strong and multifunctional soy protein adhesive was designed and developed. It was then combined with wood units to prepare a clean and electromagnetic shielding wood-based panel via simple hot press. Specifically, bio-based raw material was prepared by grafting pyrrole (PY) and dopamine hydrochloride (DOPA) in sequence on to soy protein isolate (SPI), and then combined with AgNO 3 and a self-synthesized bio cross-linker epoxidized quercetin (EQC), to develop a strong and conductive soy protein-based adhesive with mildew-proof and flame-retardant properties. A covalent cross-linked structure and noncovalent bond (hydrogen bonds and ionic bonds) were formed among SPI, EQC, DOPA, and Ag+. As well, a hybrid structure was formed via in situ polymerization of Ag NPs, resulting in an adhesive with improved water resistance. Thus, the dry and wet shear strengths of plywood bonded with resultant adhesive increased by 78% and 52.4%, respectively, relative to those of the SPI adhesive. The modified adhesive exhibited good mildew resistance (shelf life ＞ 15 d) due to the natural antibacterial properties of quercetin, and the dynamic equilibrium of Ag NPs and Ag+ in the presence of DOPA. Meanwhile, the LOI of the modified adhesive was 41.3%, which is higher than that of SPI, improving flame retardancy of the resultant plywood. Notably, the obtained adhesive exhibited conductivity owing to the presence of polypyrrole (up to 7.09 S/cm), which can be used to develop reflection-based particle board with electromagnetic shielding ability. This study provides a high-potential and feasible strategy for developing multifunctional biomass composites to replace metal and polymer materials, which is an important and practical approach to promote sustainable development of materials and reduce carbon emissions. [Display omitted] • Pyrrole and dopamine were grafted on soy protein to obtain functional raw material (MSPI). • MSPI combined with epoxidized quercetin as a bio cross-linker and Ag+, to develop a wood adhesive. • The dry and wet shear strength of resultant plywood increased by 78% and 52.4%, respectively. • The resultant adhesive has antimildew property, flame retardancy, low environmental impact. • The resultant adhesive has conductivity and can be used to make electromagnetic shielding panel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The brain-computer interface (BCI) devices are of prime important for study of nervous system as well as diagnosis and treatment of neurological disorders. To meet the needs of the BCI devices in high-density integration and multi-functionalization, 3-dimensional (3D) drivable optrode array with laser diodes (LDs) coupled waveguides was developed. The unique device realizes the 3D integration of the optrodes and avoids fiber tangle and tissue heating by adopting LD coupled waveguide structure. Besides, the postoperative position adjustment of the optrode array was achieved by integrating with a 3D printed micro-drive. Most importantly, high-resolution neural stimulations and recordings were achieved for study of working memory related neural circuits in four brain regions of mice including prelimbic cortex (PrL), mediodorsal thalamic nucleus (MD), dorsal medial caudate nucleus (dmCP) and posterior motor cortex 2 (pM2). The results indicate that this novel device is promising for the research of complex neural networks. Highlights • The design and in-vivo use of a novel 3D drivable optrode array was described. • Fiber tangle and tissue heating was avoided by adopting LD coupled waveguide. • Postoperative position adjustment was achieved by integrating with micro-drive. • High-resolution neural manipulation was achieved in four brain regions of mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction:  Several urethroplasties have been employed in the surgical treatment of hypospadias. Neourethral strictures are among the most common postoperative complications that often require reoperation.Materials and Methods:  We created a hypospadias model in New Zealand white male rabbits through a hypospadias-like defect and acute repair. A total of 24 animals were randomly allocated into three groups: tubularized incised-plate urethroplasty (TIPU) group (8), perimeatal-based flap urethroplasty (Mathieu) group (8), onlay island flap urethroplasty (onlay) group (8), and corresponding surgical procedures were immediately performed to reconstruct neourethra. The rabbits were killed postoperatively at 5 days, 2 weeks, 6 weeks, and 3 months, respectively. The penile tissue was harvested for histological and biochemical investigations to evaluate the expressions of transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMactin) in all groups.Results:  All rabbits were operated on uneventfully. The amount of collagen content was increased in the Mathieu and onlay groups than in the TIPU group (p < 0.05). Biochemical analysis showed that the expression of TGF-β1 in the TIPU group was decreased compared with the two other groups at 2 or 6 weeks postoperatively (p < 0.01). The expression pattern regarding α-SMactin was similar at 6 weeks or 3 months postoperatively (p < 0.01).Conclusion:  The neourethra repaired by TIPU was practically resumed to normal anatomy and scarring was less apparent than the two other groups. Therefore, TIPU is considered as a relatively rational approach for hypospadias repair. The activity of fibroblasts has been increased in the long term, which may be the pathogenesis of neourethral stricture following hypospadias repair. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cryptorchidism is a common condition of childhood, and it is known to impair fertility potential. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Methods: This study constructed two cryptorchid rat models to investigate the roles of apoptosis and autophagy in testicular impairment induced by cryptorchidism. Pregnant rats were randomly divided into three groups. Group I: non-treated rats were used as controls. Group II: injected with drug Flutamide (Flu) 25 mg/kg/bw/d from gestation day (GD) 11-19. Group III: daily intragastric administration of 750 mg/kg/bw/d di-2-ethylhexylphosphate (DEHP) from GD 7-19. The cubs were feed normally and the testes were excised on postnatal day (PND) 30. Results: Our results demonstrated cryptorchidism models induced noticeable decreased fertility, significantly reduced sperm count, increased sperm abnormality rate, decreased testosterone and severe testicular damage in histomorphology. Intriguingly, the level of apoptosis marker FAS, Cytochrome C and caspase-3 increased in Flu-induced and DEHP-induced groups. DEHP-induced treatment simultaneously increased the number of autophagosomes and the levels of autophagy marker LC3-II and p62. Significant decrease of autophagy gene (LC3-II and p62) expression is found in Flu-induced rats testes. Conclusion: Taken together, deficient autophagy is involved in testicular spermatogenesis damage of cryptorchidism rats. And this autophagy defect is caused by deficient degradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seven undescribed lavandulyl benzophenones garcimultiflorones K – Q, and fourteen known compounds were isolated from the CHCl 3 soluble fraction of 95% EtOH extract of Garcinia multiflora branches. Their structures and absolute configurations were determined by spectroscopic techniques including NMR spectroscopy, MS analysis, and ECD calculations. Seven isolated compounds expect for garcimultiflorone L and garcimultiflorone O exhibited cytotoxic activities in vitro against five cancer cell lines (HL-60, A549, SMMC-7721, MCF-7, and SW480). It is worth mentioning that garcimultiflorone Q exhibited most significant cytotoxicities against five cancer cell lines with IC 50 values ranging from 3.07–12.56 μM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new aporphine alkaloids, semiimmersumines A (1) and B (2), along with 20 known compounds, were isolated from the aerial parts of Piper semiimmersum (Piperaceae). The structures of the new compounds were elucidated based on the analysis of 1D and 2D NMR, MS, and CD data. The absolute configuration of semiimmersumine A (1) was determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis using anomalous dispersion with copper radiation. The effects of all compounds from the plant on rabbit platelet aggregation induced by thrombin (IIa) or PAF were also evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Ethnopharmacological research aims at gathering information on local and traditional uses of plants and other natural substances. However, the approaches used and the methods employed vary, and while such a variability is desirable in terms of scientific diversity, research must adhere to well defined quality standards and reproducible methods Objectives With ConSEFS (the Consensus Statement on Ethnopharmacological Field Studies) we want to define best-practice in developing, conducting and reporting field studies focusing on local and traditional uses of medicinal and food plants, including studies using a historical approach. Methods After first developing an initial draft the core group invited community-wide feedback from researchers both through a web-based consultation and a series of workshops at conferences during 2017. Outcomes The consultation resulted in a large number of responses. Feedback was received via a weblink on the Journal of Ethnopharmacology's website (ca. 100 responses), other oral and written responses (ca. 50) and discussions with stakeholders at four conferences. The main outcome is a checklist, covering best practice for designing, implementing and recording ethnopharmacological field studies and historical studies. Conclusions Prior to starting ethnopharmacological field research, it is essential that the authors are fully aware of the best practice in the field. For the first time in the field of ethnopharmacology a community-wide document defines guidelines for best practice on how to conduct and report such studies. It will need to be updated and further developed. While the feedback has been based on responses by many experienced researchers, there is a need to test it in practice by using it both in implementing and reporting field studies (or historical studies), and peer-review. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blood-testis barrier (BTB) provides a suitable microenvironment for germ cells that is required for spermatogenesis. Exposure to particulate matter (PM) is recognized to occasion male reproductive impairment, but the mechanism of which remains unclear. Male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were used to establish animal models with PM 2.5 exposure concentration of 0, 10, and 20 mg/kg.b.w. once a day for four weeks. Success rate of mating, sperm quality, epididymal morphology, expressions of spermatogenesis markers, superoxide dismutases (SOD) activity and expression in testicular tissues, and expressions of BTB junction proteins were detected. In addition, in vitro experiments were also performed. After PM 2.5 treatment, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and apoptosis of Sertoli cells were analyzed. Our results indicated that after PM 2.5 exposure male rats presented inferior uberty and sperm quality, with decreased expressions of spermatogenesis markers, escalated SOD activity and expression levels, and reduced expressions of tight junction, adherens junction, and gap junction proteins in testicular tissues. Meantime, PM 2.5 -treated Sertoli cells displayed increased SOD production and apoptosis. PM 2.5 exposure engenders male reproductive function injury through breaking BTB integrity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Six amides, piperbonamides A–F, three neolignans piperbonins A–C, and 11 known compounds were isolated from the aerial parts of Piper bonii (Piperaceae). The structures of piperbonamides A–F and piperbonins A–C were elucidated based on the analysis of 1D and 2D NMR and MS data. Piperbonin A, (+)- trans -acuminatin, (+)- cis -acuminatin, (+)-kadsurenone, and pipernonaline showed weak activity against platelet aggregation with IC 50 values of 118.2, 108.5, 90.02, 107.3, and 116.3 μM, respectively, as compared with the positive control, tirofiban, with an IC 50 value of 5.24 μM. Piperbonamides A–F were inactive against five tumor cell lines at concentrations up to 40 μM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The formation of fat-laden foam cells, contributing to the fatty streaks of the plaques of atheroma, is the critical early process in atherosclerosis. The previous study demonstrated that vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) contain a much larger burden of the excess cholesterol in comparison with monocyte-derived macrophages in human coronary atherosclerosis, as the main origin of foam cells. It is noteworthy that VSMC-derived foam cells are deposited in subintima but not media, where VSMCs normally deposit in. Therefore, migration from media to intima is an indispensable step for a VSMC to accrue neutral lipids and form foam cell. Whether this migration occurs paralleled with or prior to the formation of foam cell is still unclear. Herein, the present study was designed to test the VSMC migratory capability in the process of foam cell formation induced by oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL). In conclusion, we provide evidence that oxLDL induces the VSMC-derived foam cells formation with increased migration ability and MMP-9 expression, which were partly attributed to the impaired SIRT1 and enhanced nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) activity. As activation of transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1) has been reported to have anti-atherosclerotic effects, we investigated its role in oxLDL-treated VSMC migration. It is found that activating TRPV1 by capsaicin inhibits VSMC foam cell formation and the accompanied migration through rescuing the SIRT1 and suppressing NF-κB signaling. The present study provides evidence that SIRT1 may be a promising intervention target of atherosclerosis, and raises the prospect of TRPV1 in prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethnopharmacological relevance The ethnopharmacology of Southwest China is extremely interesting because of the region's high level of cultural and medicinal plant diversity. Little work has been done to document the traditional medicinal practices in this area. This review aims to provide an overview of the current knowledge of how medicinal plants in this area are utilized, and conserved, in order to better understand the medicinal flora, identify research gaps, and suggest directions for further research. Material and methods A literature review was conducted that included peer reviewed journals, website, books, theses and scientific reports from 1979 to 2014. The distribution and characteristics of medicinal plant knowledge in each province, methods applied in research, and the fluctuations of literature in 5 year intervals were analyzed. The distribution research on different plant groups including fungi, ferns, mosses, and vascular plants were also analyzed. Results and discussion A total of 436 publications from 1979 to 2014 were selected for analysis. References were classified into three stages: discovery stage, utilization stage and conservation stage. Detailed results about the focus of the references, the methods applied, the development and relationship among all folk medicine in Southwest China, Daodi ethnomedicinal resources, Pharmacological studies and Toxicology studies were discussed. While, compared to the rich medicinal flora, the complex demographics and cultural diversity, a large gap still exist to fully understand and document the medicinal flora. Conclusions Based on the review results, most research efforts in Southwest China focused on the first step: discovery of traditional usage, geographical distribution, and taxonomy of medicinal species. Only a small percentage of traditional uses or treatments have been tested by modern ethnobotanical approaches. Further research needs to put more emphasis on identifying adulterations, evaluating of Daodi medicine, and elucidating effective compounds from traditional drugs, using molecular and phytochemical approaches. Knowledge on ethnic and cultural aspects of medicinal plant species, to develop effective conservation and sustainable use protocols is lacking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing evidence showed that abnormal proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are common event in the pathophysiology of many vascular diseases, including atherosclerosis and restenosis after angioplasty. Among the underlying mechanisms, oxidative stress is one of the principal contributors to the proliferation and migration of VSMCs. Oxidative stress occurs as a result of persistent production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Recently, the protective effects of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) against oxidative stress/ROS in other cell types provide new insights to inhibit the suggests that PPARγ may regulate VSMCs function. However, it remains unclear whether activation of PPARγ can attenuate oxidative stress and further inhibit VSMC proliferation and migration. In this study, we therefore investigated the effect of PPARγ on inhibiting VSMC oxidative stress and the capability of proliferation and migration, and the potential role of mitochondrial uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) in oxidative stress. It was found that platelet derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) induced VSMC proliferation and migration as well as ROS production; PPARγ inhibited PDGF-BB-induced VSMC proliferation, migration and oxidative stress; PPARγ activation upregulated UCP2 expression in VSMCs; PPARγ inhibited PDGF-BB-induced ROS in VSMCs by upregulating UCP2 expression; PPARγ ameliorated injury-induced oxidative stress and intimal hyperplasia (IH) in UCP2-dependent manner. In conclusion, our study provides evidence that activation of PPARγ can attenuate ROS and VSMC proliferation and migration by upregulating UCP2 expression, and thus inhibit IH following carotid injury. These findings suggest PPARγ may represent a prospective target for the prevention and treatment of IH-associated vascular diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite advancements in diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), the morbidity and mortality of CVDs are still rising. Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease contributing to multiple CVDs. Considering the complexity and severity of atherosclerosis, it is apparent that exploring the mechanisms of atherosclerotic formation and seeking new therapies for patients with atherosclerosis are required to overcome the heavy burden of CVDs on the quality and length of life of the global population. Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) play a dominant role in functional and structural changes of the arterial walls in response to atherogenic factors. Therefore, improvement of VSMC functions will slow down the development of atherosclerosis to a large extent. Given its protective performances on regulation of cholesterol metabolism and inflammatory responses, SIRT1 has long been known as an anti-atherosclerosis factor. In this review, we focus on the effects of SIRT1 on VSMC functions and thereby the development of atherosclerosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Garcinia oblongifolia Champ. ex Benth. (Clusiaceae) is a well-known medicinal plant from southern China, with edible fruits. However, the phytochemistry and bioactivity of the different plant parts of G. oblongifolia have not been studied extensively. Comparative metabolic profiling and bioactivities of the leaf, branch, and fruit of G. oblongifolia were investigated. A total of 40 compounds such as biflavonoids, xanthones, and benzophenones were identified using UPLC-QTOF-MS and MS E , including 15 compounds reported for the first time from this species. Heatmap analyses found that benzophenones, xanthones, and biflavonoids were predominately found in branches, with benzophenones present in relatively high concentrations in all three plant parts. Xanthones were found to have limited distribution in fruit while biflavonoids were present at only low levels in leaves. In addition, the cytotoxic (MCF-7 breast cancer cell line) and antioxidant (ABTS and DPPH chemical tests) activities of the crude extracts of G. oblongifolia indicate that the branch extract exhibits greater bioactivity than either the leaf or the fruit extracts. Orthogonal partial least squares discriminate analysis was used to find 12 marker compounds, mainly xanthones, from the branches, including well-known antioxidants and cytotoxic agents. These G. oblongifolia results revealed that the variation in metabolite profiles can be correlated to the differences in bioactivity of the three plant parts investigated. This UPLC-QTOF-MS strategy can be useful to identify bioactive constituents expressed differentially in the various plant parts of a single species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The protective role of lovastatin against neurotoxicity induced by fluorosis was investigated by using primary hippocampal neurons. The cholesterol content, activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), and content of malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured by biochemical assays. The cell viability was assessed by examining the rate of apoptosis by flow cytometry. The results showed that high fluoride inhibited activity of SOD and increased levels of MDA and apoptosis in the primary neurons. Interestingly, certain dosages of lovastatin, without changing the cholesterol level, attenuated these neurotoxicities resulting from high exposure to fluoride in the primary cultured neurons. The results suggest that lovastatin may play a protective role against the neurotoxicity induced by an excessive amount of fluoride. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maintenance of male reproductive function depends on normal sperm generation during which process Sertoli cells play a vital role. Studies found that fine particulate matter (PM) causes decreased male sperm quality, mechanism of which unestablished. We aim to investigate the definite mechanism of PM impairment on male reproduction. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were daily exposed to normal saline (NS) or PM 2.5 with the doses of 9 mg/kg.b.w and 24 mg/kg.b.w. via intratracheal instillation for seven weeks. Reproductive function was tested by mating test and semen analysis after last exposure. Testes were collected to assess changes in histomorphology, and biomarkers including connexin 43 (Cx43), superoxide dismutase (SOD), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and phosphorylated protein kinase B (p-Akt). Male rats exposed to PM 2.5 showed noticeable decreased fertility, significantly reduced sperm count, increased sperm abnormality rate and severe testicular damage in histomorphology. After PM 2.5 exposure, the levels of Cx43 was significantly downregulated, and SOD was upregulated and downregulated significantly with different dose, respectively. Protein expression of PI3K and p-Akt dramatically enhanced, and the later one being located in Sertoli cells, the upward or declining trend was in dose dependent. PM 2.5 exposure leads to oxidative stress impairment via PI3K/Akt signaling pathway on male reproduction in rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crop domestication is often accompanied by changes in metabolite compositions that alter traits such as flavor, color, or other beneficial properties. Fruits of eggplants ( Solanum melongena L.) and related species are abundant and diverse in pharmacologically interesting phenolic compounds, particularly hydroxycinnamic acid (HCA) conjugates such as the antioxidant caffeoylquinic acids (CQA) and HCA-polyamine amides (HCAA). To understand metabolite variability through the lens of natural and artificial selection, HPLC-DAD was used to generate phenolic profiles for 32 compounds in fruits from 93 accessions representing 9 Solanum species. Profiles were used for identification of species-level and infraspecific chemical patterns across both genetic distance and landscape. Sampling of plant lines included the undomesticated progenitor of eggplant and Asian landraces with a genetic background associated with three Asian regions near proposed separate centers of domestication to test whether chemical changes were convergent despite different origins. Results showed ten compounds were unique to species, and ten other compounds varied significantly in abundance among species. Five CQAs and three HCA-polyamine conjugates were more abundant in wild (undomesticated) versus domesticated eggplant, indicating that artificial selection may have led to reduced phenolic levels. No chemical abundance patterns were associated with site-origin. However, one genetically distinct lineage of geographically-restricted SE Asian eggplants ( S. melongena subsp. ovigerum ) had a higher HCAA content and diversity than other lineages, which is suggested to be related to artificial selection for small, firm fruit. Overall, patterns show that fruit size, palatability and texture were preferentially selected over health-beneficial phytochemical content during domestication of several nightshade crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two hydroxychavicol heterodimers comprising phenylpropanoid and monoterpene constituent units, named nudibaccatumins A ( 1 ) and B ( 2 ), were isolated as an inseparable mixture from the aerial parts of Piper nudibaccatum . Their absolute configurations were confirmed by total synthesis using ortho -alkylation of hydroxychavicol with myrtenyl bromide as the key reaction. The two new compounds ( 1 and 2 ) and their synthetic analogues ( 3 – 8 ) were evaluated for XO inhibitory activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eleven known compounds were isolated from the whole plant of Hedyotis cryptantha .On the basis of spectroscopic data, their structures were identified as asperuloside (1), asperulosidic acid (2), asperulosidic acid methyl ester (3), asperulosidic acid ethyl ester (4 ), 3,4-dihydro-3-methoxy asperuloside (5), kaempferol (6), kaempferol 3,7-di-O -β-D-glucoside (7), kaempferol 3-O -β-D-galactopyranosyl- (1 → 3) -β-D-galactopyranoside (8), ursonic acid (9), stigmasterol (10), and β-sitosterol (11) .All of these compounds were isolated from this plant for the first time, while compounds 7 and 8 were found from the genus Hedyotis for the first time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Twenty-five amide alkaloids ( 1 – 25 ) from Piper boehmeriifolium and 10 synthetic amide alkaloid derivatives ( 39 – 48 ) were evaluated for antiproliferative activity against eight human tumor cell lines, including chemosensitive and multidrug-resistant (MDR) cell lines. The results suggested tumor type-selectivity. 1-[7-(3,4,5-Trimethoxyphenyl)heptanoyl]piperidine ( 46 ) exhibited the best inhibitory activity (IC 50 = 4.94 μM) against the P-glycoprotein (P-gp)-overexpressing KBvin MDR sub-line, while it and all other tested compounds, except 9 , were inactive (IC 50 >40 μM) against MDA-MB-231 and SK-BR-3. Structure–activity relationships (SARs) indicated that (i) 3,4,5-trimethoxy phenyl substitution is critical for selectivity against KBvin, (ii) the 4-methoxy group in this pattern is crucial for antiproliferative activity, (iii) double bonds in the side chain are not needed for activity, and (iv), in arylalkenylacyl amide alkaloids, replacement of an isobutylamino group with pyrrolidin-1-yl or piperidin-1-yl significantly improved activity. Further study on Piper amides is warranted, particularly whether side chain length affects the ability to overcome the MDR cancer phenotype. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eight compounds including four caffeoyl phenylpropanoid glycosides, jasnervosides A–D ( 1 – 4 ), one monoterpenoid glycoside, jasnervoside E ( 5 ), and three secoiridoid glycosides, jasnervosides F–H ( 10 – 12 ), were isolated from the stems of Jasminum nervosum Lour. (Oleaceae), along with four known compounds, poliumoside ( 6 ), verbascoside ( 7 ), α- l -rhamnopyranosyl-(1→3)- O -(α- l -rhamnopyranosyl(1→6)-1- O - E -caffeoyl-β- d -glucopyranoside ( 8 ), and jaspolyanthoside ( 9 ). Their structures were elucidated on the basis of their physicochemical and spectroscopic properties. Compounds 1 , 2 , 4 and 11 displayed potent antioxidant activities in the DPPH assay, while 2 and 3 displayed good activities against LPS-induced TNF-α and IL-1β production in BV2 cells. Compounds 1 – 5 and 10 – 12 were evaluated for their cytotoxic activities against three human cancer cell lines (A-549, Bel-7402, and HCT-8), but none displayed significant activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Five phenylphenalenones and two diarylheptanoids were isolated from Musa itinerans. [•] A putative biosynthetic pathway to the phenylphenalenone-related heterodimer is proposed. [•] Two of the phenylphenalenones exhibited weak cytotoxic effects against a human lung adenocarcinoma cell line. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] Demonstrated a new colorimetric strategy for iodide detection by silver nanoplates. [•] The colorimetric strategy is to find the critical color in a color change process. [•] The colorimetric strategy is more accurate and sensitive than common colorimetry. [•] Discovered a new morphological transformation phenomenon of silver nanoplates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Essential oil profiles were obtained from four Hypericum species. • H. bellum and H. perforatum demonstrated neuroprotective activity. • H. hookerianum and H. bellum oil showed strong antibacterial activity. • H. perforatum collected in Wushan showed tyrosinase inhibition activity. • The study provided a scientific basis for future exploration of Hypericum species. St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) is a well-known medicinal plant often used to treat mild to moderate mental depression. In southwest China, four species of Hypericum including H. perforatum , H. hookerianum , H. bellum and H. pseudohenryi have been used as traditional medicines for skin care, such as healing wounds, burns, and snake bites by local people. Hypericum volatile oils of these four species were obtained by supercritical CO 2 extraction and analyzed by GC–MS. From H. perforatum , 56 compounds were identified, the amounts of marker components are different between two collection sites. From H. hookerianum , 71 compounds were identified, mainly comprised of alkanes. From H. bellum , 43 compounds were identified, and its essential oil contains mainly oxygenated sesquiterpenoids. From H. pseudohenryi , 57 compounds were identified, and the essential oil has relatively high levels of alkanes. Because Hypericum species are used traditionally to treat depression, wounds, and other skin problems, their volatile oils were evaluated in vitro for neurite outgrowth-promoting, neuroprotective, antimicrobial, and enzyme inhibitory activities. H. bellum and H. perforatum from Wushan demonstrated significant neurite-promoting and neuroprotective activity. The Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus ssp. aureus was inhibited by most of the tested oils. Sesquiterpenoids and alkanols are the most abundant constituents of H. hookerianum and H. bellum oils which showed strong antibacterial activity and help to explain the observed antimicrobial activity of the oil. H. perforatum collected in Wushan showed tyrosinase inhibition activity. Based on the current results, three Asian Hypericum species and two Chinese H. perforatum populations may be promising ingredients for cosmetics, foods, and pharmaceuticals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Six flavonoids, diosmetin (1), apigenin (2), luteolin (3), chrysoeriol (4), apigenin-7-O-glucuronide (5) and acacetin (6), two caffeic acid sugar esters, verbascoside (7) and isoverbascoside (8), as well as one norsesquiterpene, blumenol A (9) were isolated or detected from the EtOAc and n-BuOH extract of the whole plants of Striga asiatica. Their structures were identified by 1H &13C NMR, HR-LC-TOF-MS and co-injection with the reference standards. Among them, blumenol A (9) was firstly found from the Scrophulariaceae. Diosmetin (1) and isoverbascoside (8) were firstly reported from the genus Striga, while verbascoside (7) was reported from this plant for the first time. Based on our chemotaxonomic studies and the previous phytochemical studies on Scrophulariaceae, Striga could be tentatively treated as a member of the family Scrophulariaceae instead of Orobanchaceae. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A novel pyrrolidine alkaloid, (2R*,3S*,5S*)-N,2-dimethyl-3-hydroxy-5-(10-phenyldecyl)pyrrolidine (1), and 17 known compounds were isolated fromArisaema franchetianumEngl. (Araceae) tubers. The 17 compounds were bergenin (2), emodin (3), caffeic acid (4), nobiletin (5), 3-O-β-d-galactopyranosyl-hederagenin 28-O-β-d-xylopyranosyl(1 → 6)-β-d-galactopyranosyl ester (6), coniferin (7), qingyangshengenin (8), methylconiferin (9), syringaresinol 4′-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (10), gagaminine (11), perlolyrine (12), (S)-1-(1′-hydroxyethyl)-β-carboline (13), 1-(β-carboline-1-yl)-3,4,5-trihydroxy-1-pentanone (14), 1-methoxycarbonyl-β-carboline (15), indolo[2,3-α]carbazole (16), 4-hydroxycinnamic acid methyl ester (17), and methyl 4-[2-hydroxy-2-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-1-(hydroxymethyl)ethyl] ferulate (18). The inhibitory activities of compound1and itsN-methyl derivative (1a) against porcine respiratory and reproductive syndrome virus (PRRSV), human leukemic K562 cells, and human breast cancer MCF-7 cells were evaluated. Compounds1[50% inhibited concentration (IC50) = 12.5 ± 0.6 μM] and1a(IC50 = 15.7 ± 0.9 μM) were cytotoxic against K562 cells. Compound1aalso had a weak effect on PRRSV with an IC50value of 31.9 ± 6.0 μM [selectivity index (SI) = 18.7]. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Bacillus subtilis XF-1 (CGMCC No. 2357), a patent strain with good effects for controlling the clubroot of crucifer and many pathogenic fungi, was predicted to produce cyclic lipopeptide (CLP) antibiotics based on its genomic analysis. In this study, the CLPs were purified and determined with the following protocol: the supernatant of XF-1 cultivating mixture was firstly precipitated, then the precipitants were extracted with methanol and further separated by Sephadex LH-20 chromatography to test its antifungal activities. Fungi-inhibiting fractions were further characterized with LC/ESI-MS and LC/ESI-MS/MS. The results show that four molecular ion peaks [M+H]+ (m/z 1,464, 1,478, 1,492 and 1,506) from fungi suppression fraction were identified as fengycin A with fatty acid of C16-C19, fengycin B (C14-C17), fengycin C (C15-C18), fengycin D (C15-C18) and fengycin S (C15-C18). Fengycin C (C15 and C18), fengycin D (C15, C16 and C18) and fengycin S (C15, C16 and C18) were reported for the first time. The diversity of the fengycins that exist in this strain will help the elucidation of their biocontrol mechanisms. Copyright © 2012 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Methyl pothoscandensate ( 1), a new molecular skeleton of ent-18(4→3)-abeokaurane, along with eight known compounds was isolated from the whole plant of Pothos scandens. The structure of the new compound was established by spectroscopic techniques and confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The inhibitory activity of selected compounds against porcine respiratory and reproductive syndrome virus (PRRSV) was measured by the cytopathic effect (CPE) method. Compound 1 showed weak effect on PRRSV with an IC50 value of 40.3±8.3 μ M ( TI=15.7). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]