Search

Abstract: Epigenetic modification refers to the heritable changes caused by chromosomal changes without changing the DNA sequence. Epigenetics runs through the entire growth and differentiation process of the body, which causes varied diseases. Hypoxia is a physiological astate of lowered partial oxygen partial pressure that affects cell and tissue function. Transporters are proteins that maintain a normal and stable state of cells. Transporter's expression levels when hypoxia occurs influence the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of drugs, thereby affecting the utilization and efficacy of drugs. Epigenetic modification is assumed to play an important role in the metabolism of drugs. Changes in epigenetic modification and transporter expression levels under hypoxia are explored in our work, and the effect of epigenetic modification on transporter expression and how this regulatory mechanism works and affects drugs under hypoxia are questioned. It is important for drug development, treatment of diseases and rational use of drugs.

Schematic diagram of the synthesis and application of RH–AgNPs.

A colorimetric assay based on the oriented TA-AuNPs-PEG-FITC for rapid and sensitive PABA detection was proposed. Initially, the negatively charged TA modified on the surface of AuNPs enabled rapid binding to PABA due to the electrostatic interaction and hydrogen bond, resulting in a visible color change. However, particles were aggregated in a non-oriented way, leading to an unstable testing system which failed to realize the accurate quantification. Thus, the asymmetrically functionalized TA-AuNPs-PEG-FITC were prepared, in which the stabilizer agent of HS-PEG-FITC was attached to the specific sites on the surface of TA-AuNPs. Such a way of modification resulted in an oriented aggregation manner, the addition of PABA induced the formation of oligomers. Moreover, the introduction of FITC group acted as fluorescent marker, providing a simple, fast and quantitative method for characterization of PEG chain. The molar ratio between TA-AuNPs and modified PEG-FITC was further determined. A linear regression was established in a wide range from 10 μM to 1 mM with the LOD of 6.9 μM. Finally, the sensor was successfully applied in the health food. This was the first example in which TA-AuNPs-PEG-FITC were fabricated for colorimetric detection of PABA, and an indirect method based on fluorescence marker was well used to quantify the content of PEG chain.

The gastroprotective effects of polysaccharides had become a hot topic in the field of functional polysaccharides research. Three polysaccharides, namely HPS-80-1, HPS-80-2, and HPS-80-3 were purified by DEAE-52 column chromatography. The thermodynamic characteristics, scanning electron microscopy, and Congo red experimental results of the above polysaccharides were greatly distinctive. Then a mature GES-1 oxidative stress cell model induced by H2O2 was established to screen out subsequent research subjects. It turned out that HPS-80-1 had a desirable protective effect, which was confirmed by analyses of cell cycle & apoptosis, and oxidative stress-related factors in the cell culture media, and so on. Furthermore, Structural features demonstrated that the backbone of HPS-80-1 appeared to mainly consist of →4)-α-D-Glcp-(1→, →4,6)-β-L-Glcp-(1→, and →6)-α-D-Galp-(1→, with branches at O-1, O-4, and O-6 position consisting of →2,4)-β-D-Rhap-(1→, →1)-α-D-Galp-(4→, and →3,4)-α-D-Manp-(1→. It was speculated that the excellent gastric mucosal protective activity of HPS-80-1 may be due to the high amount of glucose in the backbone. In addition, it was also related to the anti-inflammatory activity and antioxidant bases such as (1 → 4)-Glcp and (1 → 6)-Galp in the structure of HPS-80-1. These findings provide a scientific basis for further utilization of polysaccharides from Radix Hedysari.

The plateau environment is characterized by low oxygen partial pressure, leading to the reduction of oxygen carrying capacity in alveoli and the reduction of available oxygen in tissues, and thus causing tissue damage. Cilostazol is a phosphodiesterase III inhibitor that has been reported to increase the oxygen release of hemoglobin (Hb) in tissues. This study aims to explore the anti-hypoxic activity of cilostazol and its anti-hypoxic effect.A total of 40 male BALB/C mice were randomly divided into a low-dose cilostazol (6.5 mg/kg) group, a medium-dose (13 mg/kg) group, a high-dose (26 mg/kg) group, and a control group. The atmospheric airtight hypoxia experiment was used to investigate the anti-hypoxic activity of cilostazol and to screen the optimal dosage. Twenty-four male Wistar rats were randomly divided into a normoxia control group, a hypoxia model group, an acetazolamide (22.33 mg/kg) group, and a cilostazol (9 mg/kg) group. After 3 days of hypoxia in the 4 010 m high altitude, blood from the abdominal aorta was collected to determine blood gas indicators, the levels of IL-6 and TNF-α in plasma were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutataione (GSH) were measured. The degree of pathological damage for rat tissues was observed with HE staining.Compared with the control group, the survival time of mice in the low, medium, and high dose group of cilostazol was significantly prolonged, and the survival time of mice in the medium dose group was the longest, with an extension rate at 29.34%, so the medium dose was the best dose. Compared with the hypoxia model group, the P50 (oxygen partial pressure at Hb oxygen saturation of 50%) value of rats in the cilostazol group was significantly increased by 1.03%; Hb and Hct were significantly reduced by 8.46% and 8.43%, and the levels of IL-6 and TNF-α in plasma were reduced by 50.65% and 30.77%. The MDA contents in heart, brain, lung, liver, and kidney tissues were reduced by 37.12%, 29.55%, 25.00%, 39.34%, and 21.47%, respectively. The SOD activities were increased by 94.93%, 9.14%, 9.42%, 13.29%, and 20.80%, respectively. The GSH contents were increased by 95.24%, 28.62%, 28.57%, 20.80%, and 44.00%, respectively. The results of HE staining showed that compared with the hypoxia model group, cilostazol significantly improved the damage of heart, lung, and kidney tissues in rats after hypoxia.Cilostazol can significantly improve the oxidative stress and inflammatory reaction caused by rapid altitude hypoxia, and it has a significant protective effect on tissue damage caused by hypoxia, suggesting that it has obvious anti-hypoxic activity.

The crude Hedysarum polysaccharides (HPS: HPS-50 and HPS-80) obtained from Radix Hedysari exhibited great pharmacological activities in our previous research. This study investigated the effects of HPS on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)/D-galactosamine (D-GalN)-induced acute liver injury (ALI) in mice and LPS-induced injury in LO2 cells, as well as the relationship between structural characteristics and hepatoprotective activities. The in vivo results showed that compared with HPS-80, HPS-50 showed stronger hepatoprotection, which improved histopathological changes to normal levels. HPS-50 significantly decreased the levels of ALT, AST, MPO, and MDA, increased the activities of SOD, CAT, and GSH, and suppressed the LPS/D-GalN-triggered production of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 (p .05). The results in vitro showed that HPS-50-P (HPS-50-1, HPS-50-2, and HPS-50-3) purified from HPS-50 played significant protective roles against LPS-induced injury in LO2 cells by reducing cell apoptosis and relieving cell cycle arrest. HPS-50-2 restored the percentage of normal cells from 54.8% to 94.7%, and reduced the S phase cells from 59.40% to 47.05% (p .01). By analyzing the structure of HPS-50-P, including monosaccharide composition, molecular weight, chain conformation, and surface morphology, we speculated that the best protective effect of HPS-50-2 might be attributed to its beta configuration, highest molecular weight, and high glucose and galactose contents. These findings indicate that HPS-50 might be a promising source of functional foods for the protection and prevention of ALI. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: In this study, the protective effect of HPS on ALI was evaluated from multiple perspectives, and HPS-50-2 was screened as a potential active ingredient. This study has two practical applications. First, it provides a new way to improve ALI, and a new option for patients to prevent and treat ALI. Second, this work also complements the pharmacological activity of Radix Hedysari and provides a basis for the development of Radix Hedysari as a functional food.

A newly and rapid supercritical fluid chromatography method for the simultaneous determination of 11 active compounds in Radix Hedysari samples has been developed and validated. Optimum separation was achieved on a HSS SB C18 column with a gradient elution at a flow rate of 1.5 mL/min, back pressure of 11.03 Mpa and diode array detector at 260 nm. The results from the quantitative data showed that contents of these 11 active compounds were different from plant regions. Especially the contents of formononetin in the Minxian county are ~6-fold than in wild Radix Hedysari. The chromatographic fingerprint of Radix Hedysari was recorded under the same chromatographic condition. Data analytic procedure was performed to differentiate the 25 batches of Radix Hedysari samples. Data from chromatographic fingerprint were also analyzed using hierarchical cluster analysis. The results showed that 23 batches of Radix Hedysari samples had a high similarity (> 0.90) and overall 25 batches of sample were divided into two clusters. Moreover, according to the comparison contents of active compounds in each Radix Hedysari samples, the cultivated location of Radix Hedysari was successfully distinguished. This method presented good stability, repeatability and precision and would be a useful and reliable approach for the quality control of Radix Hedysari. Moreover, all target compounds were quantified by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography–time-of-flight mass spectrometry.

Calycosin has been reported to have a strong osteogenic activity and a positive correlation with anti-osteoporosis effects. However, its precise mechanism of action remains unclear. Since insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R) signaling and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt (PI3K/Akt) signaling have been shown to play a pivotal role in regulating osteogenesis, we hypothesized that the osteogenic activity of calycosin is mediated by these signaling pathways. Rat calvarial osteoblasts (ROBs) were cultured in osteogenic medium containing calycosin with or without GSK1904529A (GSK) or LY294002 (LY) (inhibitors of IGF1R and PI3K, respectively). The effects on cell proliferation, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, calcified nodules, mRNA or protein expression of osteogenic genes [alkaline phosphatase (Alpl), collagen type I (Col1a1), runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), Osterix, and bone morphogenetic protein 2 (Bmp2)], and phosphorylation of IGF1R and Akt were examined. The present results showed that calycosin enhanced cell proliferation, ALP activity and Alizarin Red-S staining in a dose-dependent manner in the range of 10-8 -10-6 M, while an inhibitory effect was observed at 10-5 M. Treatment at the optimal concentration (10-6 M, a physiologically achievable concentration) increased mRNA levels of osteogenic genes and phosphorylation of IGF1R and Akt. Furthermore, treatment with GSK or LY partly reversed the effects of calycosin on ROBs, as indicated by the decreases in calycosin-induced ALP activity, calcified nodules and osteogenic gene expression. These results suggest that the osteogenic effect of calycosin partly involves the IGF1R/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

The dry root of Hedysarum polybotrys Hand.-Mazz., commonly known as "Hong Qi", has a variety of health benefits. The present study was undertaken to explore the anti-gastric ulcer potential effect of Hedysarum polysaccharides (HPS; HPS-50, HPS-80), the principal active fraction of Radix Hedysari (RH). The anti-gastric ulcer effects of HPS were evaluated using an animal model of ulcerative lesions induced by acetic acid. The effects of antioxidant factors, anti-inflammatory cytokines, and mucosal blood flow regulatory factor levels in the gastric tissue homogenate of rats were analyzed for the bioactivities of HPS. The results showed that, compared with the acetic acid-induced ulcerated group, the ulcer inhibition rate of HPS-treated rats was significantly increased. The pathological findings suggested that mucosal regeneration, cell migration, and inflammatory cell infiltration were decreased, and collagen fibers were significantly reduced. Extensive granulation tissue proliferation indicated the healing stage was initiated, suggesting a good prognosis. The oxidative stress status of the gastric ulcer rats was improved, the levels of TNF-α and IL-6 were significantly decreased, and the levels of PGE-2 and NO were increased (P < 0.05). HPS-80-H may be a promising ingredient for incorporation into functional foods or nutritional supplements for the prevention of gastric ulcers.

Core-shell magnetic zeolite imidazolate framework-8 (Fe3O4@PAA@ZIF-8) was successfully synthesized and first employed as adsorbent of magnetic solid-phase extraction (MSPE) for the determination of brucine and strychnine in human urine sample coupled with high performance liquid chromatography. The as-prepared Fe3O4@PAA@ZIF-8 was characterized by transmission electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectrometry, X-ray diffraction, vibrating sample magnetometer and zeta potential analysis. Main parameters affecting the MSPE efficiency, including amount of adsorbent, sample solution pH, extraction time, ionic strength, desorption solvent, desorption time and desorption volume were further optimized. Under the optimized conditions, the proposed method provided good linearity (5.0–1000.0 μg L−1) with determination coefficients between 1.0000 and 0.9998, low limits of detection in the range of 1.1–1.2 μg L−1, and excellent reproducibility with relative standard deviations of less than 7.7%. The intra-day and inter-day precision were 1.5–3.2% and 2.1–7.2%, respectively. Satisfactory spiked recoveries were between 97.2% and 115.4% with the relative standard deviations less than 6.3%. The results demonstrated that Fe3O4@PAA@ZIF-8 composite was a promising magnetic adsorbent for the preconcentration of brucine and strychnine in human urine sample.

Using a survey based on 1,965 enterprise initiations in China, we provide causal evidence that businesses launched in credit-ease years are 7.29% more likely to fail. The result is unlikely to be driven by the “imprinting effect” or the “cohort effect”. Nevertheless, we find the effect is plausibly due to the absence of credit monitoring, as projects funded by informal credits during credit-ease years are more likely to fail. However, such an effect is attenuated when the start-up is in a strongly regulated industry. Importantly, we find entrepreneurs who failed their first business in credit-ease years tend to learn from the failure, and they document a better performance in their recent entrepreneurial businesses.

A novel photoluminescent Hcy-AuNCs has been developed through one-pot reduction method, to establish a tobramycin sensing by second-order scattering (SOS). Hcy-AuNCs could spontaneously assemble to small-scaled aggregation, resulting in remarkable intensity enhancement of scattered luminescence signals. The luminescence of Hcy-AuNCs could be clearly observed under ultraviolet lamp, when excited at 365 nm, a significant luminescent intensity at 741 nm was monitored in SOS spectra. The introduction of AuNPs would cause large-scaled aggregation of Hcy-AuNCs that was rapidly settled in the solution, resulting in the decrease of SOS intensity. Besides, the non-radiative energy transfer between AuNPs and Hcy-AuNCs would also reduce the luminescent intensity. However, the addition of tobramycin would cause the aggregation of AuNPs due to the electrostatic and covalent bonding between AuNPs and tobramycin, thus eliminating the interference of AuNPs. The luminescence of Hcy-AuNCs reappeared, exhibiting an optical response toward tobramycin. The good linearity was obtained in a wide range from 4 nM to 300 nM with a low detection limit of 0.27 nM. The selectivity was acceptable toward different types of antibiotics. Finally, the proposed method was successfully applied to the widely used tobramycin eye drops.

This study linked natural plant materials and nanomaterials; reporting an environmentally friendly, non-toxic and efficient method for the green synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) using an ethyl acetate extract of Radix Hedysari (EAR). The components of the extract were identified using HPLC and it was found that formononetin accounted for more than 90% of the total contents. We predicted that formononetin in EAR plays a crucial role in green synthesis. Thus, formononetin was used as a standard reductant to synthesize AuNPs, and the result confirmed our prediction. The synthetic mechanism was also discussed in detail in the article. Moreover, EAR–AuNPs realized the sensitive and selective colorimetric detection of ferrous ions (Fe2+) among other metal ions, and were applied to spiked tap water with a low detection limit of 1.5 μM in a wide range from 10 μM to 500 μM. EAR–AuNPs were green synthesized using Radix Hedysari extract for the first time and were successfully applied in real sample detection.

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory disease with an unknown precise etiology. This study proves that Radix Hedysari (RH) ameliorates UC. Four RH extracts were used to ameliorate UC induced by 2,4-Dinitrobenzenesulfonic acid by 7 days intervention in agreement to preliminary studies. Compared to treatment with RH extracts, the RH ethanol extract (EE) was found to be more effective in ameliorating UC. With EE, the DAI were significantly decreased. Macroscopic and histopathological assessments suggest that the colon mucosa was repaired, the organizational structure of the colon had been rebuilt. The levels of MPO, TNF-α, IL-1β, and MDA were significantly decreased (p < .01), the levels of T-SOD and CAT were significantly increased (p < .01). Moreover, the compounds in EE were analyzed by HPLC. The results show that EE can ameliorate UC, and its anti-inflammatory capability probably plays an important role. RH can act as a functional food and ameliorate UC. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: In this work, the ameliorative effect of RH on UC was evaluated from multiple angles. There are two practical applications of this work. On the one hand, a new approach to ameliorating UC is provided by this work. In addition, UC patients have a new option for improving their symptoms. On the other hand, this work also provides information on how best to process RH for therapeutic use. In addition, we can utilize some compounds of RH that were once considered useless and reduce the waste of natural resources.

Low oxygen partial pressure is the main cause of acute mountain sickness.Hemoglobin plays a crucial physiological role in the binding, utilization, transportation and release of oxygen in the body. To increase the capacity of oxygen binding of hemoglobin or the capacity of oxygen supply in tissues can help alleviate altitude sickness. However, increasing hemoglobin content has certain limitations. Using techniques from molecular biology, researchers are looking for endogenous or exogenous substances that can regulate the conformation of hemoglobin to increase oxygen uptake in the alveoli, or the availability of alveolar oxygen in the tissues. At present, the research on allosteric modulators to improve the affinity of hemoglobin has made some progress, and research on applying this mechanism to plateau hypoxia is also underway. This article reviews the relationship between hemoglobin and hypoxia, the structure of hemoglobin and the role of various allosteric modulators in hypoxia, which would provide information for finding new substances regulating the conformation of hemoglobin.

A novel magnetic reduced graphene oxide nanoribbons (Fe3O4 @RGONRs) composite was prepared and applied as an adsorbent of magnetic solid-phase extraction (MSPE) for the determination of four bisphenol endocrine disrupters in three carbonated beverages coupled with high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The prepared Fe3O4@RGONRs composite was characterized by transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, vibrating sample magnetometry, nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherms and zeta potential analysis. Fe3O4@RGONRs composite possessed an abundant π-electron system and interacted with the analytes by π-π stacking, hydrophobic interactions, and hydrogen bond. The MSPE parameters, including the mass of adsorbent, sample solution pH, extraction time, ionic strength, desorption solvent and desorption time, were evaluated. Under the optimal conditions, the proposed Fe3O4@RGONRs-based MSPE method exhibited good linearity with determination coefficients (R2) between 0.9994 and 1000 from 1.6 to 1000 µg L−1, low limits of detection from 0.33 to 0.87 µg L−1, and suitable accuracy with spiked recoveries from 81.88% to 115.73%. The excellent analytical performance, along with suitable batch-to-batch reproducibility and reusability, suggest potential applications in the field of sample pretreatment.

Grape seed procyanidin extract was used to green synthesize AuNPs (OPC-AuNPs), in which procyanidin (OPC) accounted for 95% of total content. To improve the dispersion and uniformity of particle size, various conditions were optimized. The final OPC-AuNPs showed excellent stability and were characterized by a series of techniques. Owing to the good quenching properties of OPC-AuNPs, the fluorescence system of OPC-AuNPs and Rhodamine B (RB) mixture was established for prazosin testing. OPC-AuNPs could effectively quench fluorescence based on fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET). When prazosin and the testing system of OPC-AuNPs and RB mixture coexisted in the solution, prazosin would replace RB and competitively bond on the surface of OPC-AuNPs, thus RB was dissociated from OPC-AuNPs, resulting in the rapid recovery of fluorescence. This article provided a green, simple one-pot synthesis method for OPC-AuNPs and established a fast, sensitive, visible fluorescence system for prazosin detection which was successfully applied in real sample detection.

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development stipulates 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The implementation of this agenda will mobilize countries worldwide to incorporate the SDGs into their national development strategies. The agenda does not specify how these goals are interconnected, thus limiting their implementation. In addition, air quality affects human life and plays a vital role in achieving these SDGs. Clarifying the interconnections between SDGs related to air pollution and other SDGs will accelerate the implementation of air protection and SDGs while simultaneously promoting policy coherence. In this paper, we use the latest calculation of the SDGs in China to construct national and provincial panel data to investigate the trade-offs and synergies among Chinese air pollution-related SDGs. The findings are as follows. First, most air pollution-related SDGs have synergetic relationships, except for SDG12, which has a trade-off relationship with other air pollution-related SDGs. Second, the synergies between air pollution-related SDGs and other SDGs far outweigh the trade-offs. Third, rapidly developing areas are more likely to experience a trade-off between economic development and air pollution problems. Fourth, geographic advantages in reducing air pollution, such as being adjacent to the sea, may weaken the synergies among air pollution-related SDGs and their synergies with other SDGs. These findings indicate that most air-pollution-related SDGs and interactions between air-pollution-related SDGs and other SDGs have substantial synergy; that is, measures aimed at one goal are conducive to the advancement of other goals. However, SDG12 reflects a trade-off relationship between economic development, environmental protection, and resource utilization.

The traditional Chinese medicine of Radix Hedysari plays an important role in invigorating gas for ascending, benefiting blood for promoting production of fluid, and promoting circulation for removing obstruction in collaterals, which is consistent with the principle of treatment for osteoporosis. This study is designed to investigate the bioactive components on increasing peak bone mass (PBM) by exploring the spectrum-effect relationship between chromatography fingerprints and effect. Multiple indicators are selected to evaluate the pharmacological activity. In fingerprints, 21 common peaks are obtained, five of which are identified. Furthermore, gray relational analysis (GRA) is a quantitative method of gray system theory and is used to describe the correlation degree of common peaks and pharmacological activities with relational value. 21 components are then divided into three different regions, of which ononin and calycosin play an extremely significant role in increasing PBM. In addition, factor analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) are used to screen the optimal producing area for Radix Hedysari. This provides a comprehensive and efficient method to improve the quality evaluation of Radix Hedysari, confirming the bioactive components for PBM-enhancement and further develop its medicinal value. Keywords: Factor analysis, Gray relational analysis, Hierarchical cluster analysis, Peak bone mass, Radix Hedysari, Spectrum-effect relationship

This paper analyses occupational mobility in the labour market using survey data from a headhunting company. Four aspects of occupational mobility are discussed: the frequency of occupational mobility, cross-industry mobility, cross-ownership mobility and the influence of the macro economy on occupational mobility. The following are our findings: (1) educational level may insignificantly or negatively influence occupational mobility; (2) the younger generation is more active in the labour market; (3) although the public sector provides stable job opportunities, labour mobility in the first five years is not lower in the public sector than in the private sector; and (4) Party members are more frequently occupationally mobile.

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of different chromatographic columns for the separation of seven flavonoids. Four different stationary phases are available, including bridged ethyl hybrid, BEH and the same hybrid phase modified with 2-ethylpyridine, CSH fluorophenyl, and HSS C18 SB. The analytes included calycosin, genistein, medicarpin, calycosin-7-O-β-d-glucoside, formononetin, formononetin-7-O-β-d-glucoside, and liquiritigenin. The CSH fluorophenyl column was determined to be the most suitable and provided the fastest separation within 17 min using gradient elution with carbon dioxide as the mobile phase and methanol as the co-solvent. Good peak shapes were obtained, and the values of the peak asymmetry were close to 1.0 for all of the flavonoids. The resolution was more than 1.41 for all of the separated peaks. Baseline separation on the optimal columns was achieved by changing the co-solvent type and adjusting the temperature and pressure. Quantitative performance was evaluated under optimized conditions, and method validation was accomplished. The validation parameters, such as linearity, sensitivity, precision, and accuracy, were satisfactory. Good repeatability of both peak area (relative standard deviation

A new, more effective and environmentally friendly method involving a complex enzyme combined with ultrasonication was employed to extract and isolate three novel polysaccharides (HPS-MCs: HPS-MC, HPS-MC (50%) and HPS-MC (80%)) of Radix Hedysari. Compared with polysaccharides obtained using a traditional extraction method (hot water extraction, HPS-R), the yields and total carbohydrate contents of HPS-MCs were significantly higher. HPS-MC (80%) exhibited relatively strong immunomodulatory activity and a concentration-dependent dose-response relationship under cyclophosphamide (CP)-induced immunosuppressive conditions in mice models. To more comprehensively investigate the relationships between structural characteristics and immunomodulatory activity, HPS-MC (80%) was fractionated into three major homogeneous polysaccharide fractions (HPS-MC (80%)s: HPS-MC (80%)-1, HPS-MC (80%)-2, and HPS-MC (80%)-3). These three homogeneous polysaccharides had different mass percentages of monosaccharides species (rhamnose, arabinose, mannose, glucose, and galactose) by gas chromatography (GC) and different molecular weights and chain conformations by high-performance gel permeation chromatography coupled with multi-angle laser light scattering (HPGPC-MALLS), and promoted macrophage and splenocyte proliferation to different degrees. These findings indicated that HPS-MC (80%) had a prominent potential immune response, especially HPS-MC (80%)-2 and HPS-MC (80%)-3, and might be suitable candidates for functional foods or potential novel immunomodulators.

We reported an eco-friendly, rapid and easy method for the green synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) using Hedysarum polysaccharides (HPS) extracted from Radix Hedysari. To deeply explore the synthetic mechanism, the monosaccharides that made up HPS and other Radix Hedysari extract were also used as reductant to synthesize AuNPs. A series of techniques were conducted to confirm the formation of HPS-AuNPs. Moreover, as a sensitive optical detector, the large-sized HPS-AuNPs was used to selectively detect iron ion (Fe3+) among the other metal irons and was successfully applied in the tap water detection with a wide range of 1 μM to 10 mM, a low detection limit of 0.57 μM. Besides, the catalytic activity of HPS-AuNPs was also proved to be well in the reduction of 4-nitrophenol to 4-aminophenol by NaBH4. This is the first report for the green synthesis of HPS-AuNPs, providing a sensitive detector and a well-active catalyst.

An extremely sensitive and highly selective sensing assay for histidine (His) in biological sample is demonstrated through the N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) functionalized gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). To improve the detection efficiency, the external conditions of temperature and pH value are optimized. We assume that three main forces of hydrogen bond, electrostatic attraction, and hydrophobic force between His and NAC cause the formation of close crosslinking, resulting in the aggregation of AuNPs accompanied by an obvious color change. Thus, the assay is highly sensitive for His with a fast readout within 10 s and the detection limit of 176 pM which is the lowest one from what's been reported in the colorimetric detection. Furthermore, due to the special imidazole ring in His structure, the assay exhibits the high selectivity of His sensing among 18 common amino acids. Besides, the system has been successfully used for His detection in spiked urine and serum samples. This novel colorimetric sensor significantly improves the analytical merit of His sensing and applies in the biological sample detection.

Correction for ‘Formononetin in Radix Hedysari extract-mediated green synthesis of gold nanoparticles for colorimetric detection of ferrous ions in tap water’ by Xinyue Chen et al., RSC Adv., 2020, 10, 32897–32905, DOI: 10.1039/D0RA05660J.

Background: To evaluate the preventive effect and enhance immunity functions of Bu-zhong-yi-qi wan in vivo. Materials and Methods: S180 tumor mice model was established by subcutaneous injection a dose of 0.2 ml (1×107/ml) at the right oxter. The inhibitory rates, spleen indexes and thymus indexes were calculated. Splenic lymphocyte proliferative activity assay and phagocytosis activity of peritoneal macrophages were done. Interferon (IFN-γ), interleukin (IL-2) and tumor necrotic factor (TNF-α) in serum were detected. Results: In the S180 tumor-bearing mice, Bu-zhong-yi-qi wan with medium-dose (975 mg/kg, 100 mg/l) had potent preventive effect and anti-tumor effect, macrophage phagocytosis and Con A-stimulated splenocyte proliferation were increased as compared with model control treatment. Bu-zhong-yi-qi wan could take part in the immune response by promoting the proliferation and differentiation of Tcells, increasing the activity of the macrophages, inducing the generation of cell factor IL-2, TNF-α, IFN-γ. Conclusion: It proved that Bu-zhong-yi-qi wan of medium-dose had great preventive effect and could enhance immunity function.

A rapid and simple ultra-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (UPLC-ESI-MS) method for the determination of astragaloside III was developed and used in a pharmacokinetic and tissue distribution study in rats following the oral administration 95% ethanol extraction of Zhenqi Fuzheng capsules. Although astragaloside III and astragaloside IV have the same molecular weight and very similar structures, they were successfully separated using this method. Quantification was performed using low-energy collision tandem mass spectrometry (CID-MS-MS) with the multiple reaction monitoring scan mode of the following precursor ion → product ion atm/z807.61→335.22 for astragaloside III and atm/z633.18→331.18 for the internal standard (hesperidin). Both astragaloside III and astragaloside IV in rat plasma were best fit to a two-compartment model. The tissue distribution study showed the overall trend of disposition of astragaloside III were C thymus > C spleen > C stomach > C liver > C heart > C kidney > C lung > C testicle The high levels of astragaloside III in thymus and spleen indicated an accumulation in organs involved in immune responses and showed that these organs are major target sites in vivo The results in the article will provide valuable information for use in clinical applications of astragaloside III.

Understanding the extent to which air pollution influences the process of attaining sustainable development goals (SDGs) may help to estimate the benefit of reducing air pollution for improving sustainable development and to evaluate the necessity and urgency of reducing air pollutants and improving air quality. In this paper, we use the latest calculation of the SDGs in China to construct provincial panel data and investigate the relationship between air pollution and Chinese SDGs. We find that reducing air pollution will not only improve the SDGs directly associated with the environment, such as SDG3 (good health and well-being) and SDG15 (life on land), but also has a close relationship with the SDGs of other dimensions, such as SDG4 (quality education), SDG9 (industrial, innovation and infrastructure), SDG12(responsible consumption and production), SDG16 (peace, justice and strong institutions), SDG17(global partnerships). Based on the actual reduction in industrial SO2 emissions and evolution of the SDGs in China, we estimate that the former contributes approximately 3.5%–12.3% of the actual change in these SDGs from 2005 to 2015. Our findings support that reducing air pollution benefits the progress of sustainable development in various ways, and the efforts of curbing air pollution and improving air quality are especially valuable for sustainable development.

The Traditional Chinese Medicines (TCMs) Astragali Radix (AR) derived from Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bge. var. mongholicus (Bge.) Hsiao and A. membranaceus (Fisch.) Bge., and Hedysari Radix (HR) derived from Hedysarum polybotrys Hand.-Mazz. (family Leguminosae) are well-known for increasing the tonic effects on “Qi.” A better insight into the specialized (secondary) metabolites is essential to understand the effects of TCM; however, such metabolites remain largely unknown. Here, we performed a metabolomics-based analysis using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry in 3 plant tissues—periderm, phloem, and xylem—to identify potential bioactive metabolites. Multivariate statistical analysis revealed 29 metabolites showing a significant difference between groups and 10 biomarker candidates of AR and HR. An anti-inflammatory assay showed that the xylem of both AR and HR and the phloem of HR showed higher anti-inflammatory activity than the positive control quercetin in terms of nitric oxide inhibition.

Background: In China, dried root of Hedysarum polybotrys Hand-Mazz, known as Hong Qi (Radix hedysari [RH]), is one of the important traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs). The long analysis time was a major limitation when high-throughput techniques are required for research or quality control purposes. Materials and Methods: It is necessary to develop a high?throughput method for the determination of multiple components of TCMs by investigating the separation characteristics of the target with ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) and ultra-high-performance supercritical fluid chromatography (UHPSFC). Objective: This study intends to establish a high-throughput method for simultaneous determination of ten compounds in RH by UHPSFC and to develop a standardized method to comprehensively evaluate the quality of RH samples. In addition, this study was based on UHPLC and UHPSFC systems to understand and compare the effects of different separation parameters on ten target compounds in RH. A high-throughput and reliable solid-phase extraction method for simultaneous detection of ten target compounds in RH was established and validated. Results: The optimal analysis method was achieved using HSS C18SB column, gradient elution, flow rate of 1.5 mL/min, diode array detection at 270 nm, and back pressure at 12.41 Mpa. The separation method was validated sufficiently by examining the precision, recoveries, linearity, range, limit of detection, and limit of quantification and was successfully applied to quantify the 25 RH samples. In addition, the comparative study also demonstrated the complementary nature of the two separation modes. Conclusion: This is the first study that ten compounds in RH were separated and analyzed simultaneously with UHPSFC-diode array detector. In addition, under the separation conditions of UHPSFC and UHPLC, the comparison of chromatographic parameters shows that a combination of these two separation techniques efficiently separates the ten target compounds in RH. The results obtained in this study are useful for future TCM quality control and high-throughput analysis.

Calycosin has been reported to have a strong osteogenic activity and a positive correlation with anti-osteoporosis effects. However, its precise mechanism of action remains unclear. Since insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R) signaling and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt (PI3K/Akt) signaling have been shown to play a pivotal role in regulating osteogenesis, we hypothesized that the osteogenic activity of calycosin is mediated by these signaling pathways. Rat calvarial osteoblasts (ROBs) were cultured in osteogenic medium containing calycosin with or without GSK1904529A (GSK) or LY294002 (LY) (inhibitors of IGF1R and PI3K, respectively). The effects on cell proliferation, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, calcified nodules, mRNA or protein expression of osteogenic genes [alkaline phosphatase (Alpl), collagen type I (Col1a1), runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), Osterix, and bone morphogenetic protein 2 (Bmp2)], and phosphorylation of IGF1R and Akt were examined. The present results showed that calycosin enhanced cell proliferation, ALP activity and Alizarin Red-S staining in a dose-dependent manner in the range of 10

Radix Astragali (Huangqi in Chinese) and Fructus Ligustri Lucidi (Nvzhenzi in Chinese) (2:1, w/w) are combined in an herbal formulation called Zhenqi Fuzheng capsules (ZFCs) for use in China to improve immunity, promote the recovery of normal functions after surgical operations, and as the most important adjuvant therapy in cancer. In this study, the tissue distribution profiles of the six major bio-active constituents (calycosin-7-O-β-D-glucoside, ononin, calycosin, formononetin, astragaloside IV and astragaloside II) were examined after oral administration of ZFCs to rats. All six constituents in each tissue were detected simultaneously using UPLC-ESI-MS, and the concentration of each constituent per gram of each tissue was determined. Quantification was performed using low-energy collision tandem mass spectrometry (CID-MS/MS) in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) scan mode for the following precursor ion→product ion transitions at m/z 447.21→285.30 for calycosin-7-O-β-D-glucoside, m/z 285.29→270.38 for calycosin, m/z 431→269 for ononin, m/z 269→237 for formononetin, m/z 807.40→627.50 for astragaloside IV, m/z 849.60→669.65 for astragaloside II and m/z 633.18→331.18 for the internal standard (hesperidin). The results showed that in general the tissue concentrations for all six constituents were in the following order: spleen>stomach>thymus>lung>liver>kidney>heart>testicle. The high levels in the spleen and thymus indicated that all six compounds accumulated in organs involved in the immune response, consistent with the immunity effects of ZFC. The high levels in the stomach were consistent with the oral administration of ZFC. This study was the first to compare the tissue distribution of calycosin-7-O-β-D-glucoside with that of calycosin or of ononin with that of formononetin in rats. It was also the first study to examine the tissue distribution of astragaloside II, calycosin and formononetin following oral administration of ZFC to rats.

Radix Hedysari polysaccharides (HPS) is the principal active fraction of Radix Hedysari (RH). The information about HPS3d, the main fraction of HPS3, and its effect on bone is still unknown. In the present study, the purified HPS3d was obtained by anion-exchange column. It consisted of 94.38% polysaccharide, 3.40% protein and 13.30% uronic acid. The molecular weight was measured to be 84.6kDa. The backbone consisted of galactopyranose and galacturonopyranose, and the side chains were composed of glucopyranose, rhamnopyranose and arabinofuranose. The FT-IR and elemental analysis showed that HPS3d was the sulfated polysaccharide. HPS3d upregulated alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and the expression of other osteogenic marker genes in osteoblast. In addition, HPS3d increased the expression and transcriptional activity of Runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx-2) and Osterix, the two master genes of osteoblast differentiation. These findings suggest that HPS3d stimulates osteoblast differentiation by activation of Runx-2 and Osterix.

An effective, accurate and reliable method for the simultaneous separation and determination of 10 major components in Chinese medicine Bu-Zhong-Yi-Qi Wan (BZYQW) was developed and validated using solid phase extraction column-high performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection-evaporative light scattering detection (SPE-HPLC-DAD-ELSD). The chromatographic separation was performed on a Spursil™ C18 column (250 mm × 4.6 mm, 5 µm) at 30°C with an acetonitrile-water gradient as mobile phase. The DAD detection wavelength 254 nm was utilized for the quantitative analysis. The drift tube temperature and the carrier gas flow rate of the ELSD detection was set at 110.5°C and 3.1 mL/min. The total run time is 103 min, these determined components peak out within 81 min. Excellent linear behaviors over the investigated concentration ranges were observed with the values of r(2) higher than 0.9990 for all the analytes. The Linear range over hesperidin, senkyunolide I, senkyunolide H, ononin, calycosin, formononetin, ligustilide, butylene phthalide, astragaloside IV, astragaloside I is 4.50-94.50 µg/mL, 22.75-364.00 µg/mL, 2.30-45.00 µg/mL, 11.76-125.14 µg/mL, 4.62-50.35 µg/mL, 1.90-28.93 µg/mL, 1.29-159.00 µg/mL, 2.90-36.00 µg/mL, 35.40-192.40 µg/mL, 41.40-96.60 µg/mL, respectively. The method was validated by its repeatability [relative standard deviation (RSD) < 3.54%] and intra-day (RSD < 2.11%) and inter-day precision (RSD < 3.45%). The limits of detection and quantification of each component were in the ranges of 0.04-10.24 and 0.12-39.22 µg/mL, respectively. The average recovery yields of the 10 compounds ranged from 95.79 to 101.25%. The validated method was successfully applied to the simultaneous determination of these principal components in 10 commercial samples of BZYQW from different manufacturers.

An electrochemically reduced graphene oxide (ERGO) modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE) was used as a new voltammetric sensor for the determination of ferulic acid (FA). The morphology and microstructure of the modified electrodes were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Raman spectroscopy analysis, and the electrochemical effective surface areas of the modified electrodes were also calculated by chronocoulometry method. Sensing properties of the electrochemical sensor were investigated by means of cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). It was found that ERGO was electrodeposited on the surface of GCE by using potentiostatic method. The proposed electrode exhibited electrocatalytic activity to the redox of FA because of excellent electrochemical properties of ERGO. The transfer electron number (n), electrode reaction rate constant (k(s)) and electron-transfer coefficient (alpha) were calculated as 1.12, 1.24 s(-1,) and 0.40, respectively. Under the optimized conditions, the oxidation peak current was proportional to FA concentration at 8.49 x 10(-8) mol L-1 to 3.89 x 10(-5) mol L-1 with detection limit of 2.06 x 10(-8) mol L-1. This fabricated sensor also displayed acceptable reproducibility, long-term stability, and high selectivity with negligible interferences from common interfering species. The voltammetric sensor was successfully applied to detect FA in A. sinensis and biological samples with recovery values in the range of 99.91%-101.91%. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

This study provided a comprehensive component analysis and structure identification of active substances for the anti-gastric ulcer effects of Radix Astragali. The data were generated by organically combining the results from in vivo pharmacodynamic experiments, a cell growth-promoting assay, structure identification, content determination, fingerprinting, and correlation analyses. The fingerprints from high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with a diode array detector (HPLC-DAD) and from HPLC coupled with evaporative light scattering detectors (ELSD) from 95% ethanol extracts of Radix Astragali (ERA) were determined using HPLC-DAD-ELSD. The structures of 16 compounds were identified using ultra-pressure liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS). The contents of these 16 compounds were simultaneously determined in a single run using HPLC-DAD-ELSD. The strength of the anti-ulceration effect of each of the 16 compounds was correlated to its content in the HPLC spectrum using gray relation statistics. The sequence of the contribution from each of the 16 compounds to the anti-gastric ulcer effect was determined. The results showed that ononin, astragalosideIII, and astragalosideIV contributed most to the observed anti-gastric ulcer effects and that these three compounds also exhibited strong growth-promoting effects in cultured GES-1 cells. The results of this study can be used to evaluate the quality of Radix Astragali and to provide a theoretical foundation for its further study.

A sensitive and reliable ultra-pressure liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS) was developed and validated for simultaneous quantification of six main bioactive components, i.e., calycosin-7-O-β-D-glucoside, ononin, calycosin, formononetin, astragaloside IV, and astragaloside II in rat plasma after oral administration of the 95 % ethanol extraction from Radix Astragali. Plasma samples were extracted with Waters Oasis(TM) HLB 1 cc (30 mg) Extraction Cartridges (SPE) separated on an UPLC™ BEH C18 column and detected by MS with electro spray ionization interface in positive selective ion monitoring mode. Calibration curves offered linear ranges of two orders of magnitude with r (2)0.99. The method had the lower limit quantification of 1.30, 0.73, 1.17, 2.33, 0.63, and 0.83 ng/mL for ononin, calycosin, calycosin-7-O-β-D-glucoside, formononetin, astragaloside IV, and astragaloside II, respectively, with precision less than 10 %. The RSD of intra- and inter-day variations ranged from 1.66 to 6.46 and 3.39 to 6.58 %. This developed method was applied subsequently to pharmacokinetic studies of the six compounds in rats successfully. The proposed method was for the first time to compare the pharmacokinetic difference between calycosin-7-O-β-D-glucoside and calycosin in rat plasma, so as between ononin and formononetin, and studied to the astragaloside II pharmacokinetics in rat plasma.

A water-soluble polysaccharide (HPS3aS) with a molecular mass of 1.22 × 10(4) Da was isolated from Hedysarum polybotrys using anion-exchange and gel-permeation chromatography. HPS3aS exhibits a globular-shaped conformation in 0.1 M NaNO3 by size exclusion chromatography with multi-angle laser light scattering (SEC-MALLS). The investigation of the structural features of this heteropolysaccharide through a combination of chemical and instrumental analyses revealed that the backbone of HPS3aS is composed of α-D-(1 → 4)-linked glucopyranose residues, which occasionally branched at O-6. The branches are composed of (1 → 4)-linked galactopyranose residues and terminated with glucopyranose residues. HPS3aS possesses good in vitro antioxidant activity, as evaluated by scavenging assays with 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl, hydroxyl, and superoxide radicals, which suggests that HPS3aS could be a potential antioxidant.

A new sulfated acetamido-heteropolysaccharide, HPS4-2A, was obtained by aqueous extraction followed by precipitation with ethanol and fractionation with DEAE column chromatography from Radix Hedysari. It was composed of rhamnose, arabinose, glucose, galactose and 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-d-galactose in the molar ratio of 10.09%:25.90%:25.90%:25.0%:12.30%. Elemental analysis indicated that HPS4-2A was a sulfated polysaccharide containing small amount of sulfate groups (1.87%). Partial acid hydrolysis, GC, GC-MS, 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy analysis of the HPS4-2A revealed a predominance of glucose, galactose and 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-D-galactose linked in a highly-branched structure. The molecular weight of HPS4-2A was determined by HPSEC and HPSEC-MALLS. AFM study indicated that HPS4-2A took a highly branched conformation, which in consistent with the result studied by SEC-MALLS. Structural features of HPS4-2A were also investigated by SEM and TEM. Antioxidant assays demonstrated that HPS4-2A possessed of strong DPPH and hydroxyl radicals scavenging activities, suggesting that HPS4-2A could potentially be used as natural antioxidant.

Background: To evaluate the preventive effect and enhance immunity functions of Bu-zhong-yi-qi wan in vivo . Materials and Methods: S180 tumor mice model was established by subcutaneous injection a dose of 0.2 ml (1×10 7 /ml) at the right oxter. The inhibitory rates, spleen indexes and thymus indexes were calculated. Splenic lymphocyte proliferative activity assay and phagocytosis activity of peritoneal macrophages were done. Interferon (IFN-γ), interleukin (IL-2) and tumor necrotic factor (TNF-α) in serum were detected. Results: In the S180 tumor-bearing mice, Bu-zhong-yi-qi wan with medium-dose (975 mg/kg, 100 mg/l) had potent preventive effect and anti-tumor effect, macrophage phagocytosis and Con A-stimulated splenocyte proliferation were increased as compared with model control treatment. Bu-zhong-yi-qi wan could take part in the immune response by promoting the proliferation and differentiation of Tcells, increasing the activity of the macrophages, inducing the generation of cell factor IL-2, TNF-α, IFN-γ. Conclusion: It proved that Bu-zhong-yi-qi wan of medium-dose had great preventive effect and could enhance immunity function. Keywords: Bu-zhong-yi-qi wan, S180 tumor-bearing mice, preventive, immunity

A water-soluble sulfated glucan, SHG, was isolated from Hedysarum polybotrys Hand.-Mazz using anion-exchange and gel-permeation chromatography. Elemental analysis indicated that SHG was a sulfated polysaccharide containing small amount of sulfate groups (1.47 mass%). The molecular weight was estimated to be 1.72 × 10 5 Da by high-performance gel permeation chromatography (HPGPC) and size exclusion chromatography–multi angle laser light scattering (SEC–MALLS). SHG took random coil compact conformation in 0.1 M NaNO 3 . Compositional analysis revealed that SHG was composed of glucose only. On the base of partial acid hydrolysis, methylation analysis, gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectra, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy of 1 H, 13 C, β-correlation spectroscopy (β-COSY), total correlation spectroscopy (TOCSY), heteronuclear single quantum coherence (HSQC), and heteronuclear multiple bond correlation (HMBC), the results showed that SHG was composed of α- d -(1 → 4)-linked glucopyranosyl residues, with branches at C-6 consisting of non-reducing terminal approximately every eight residues. Sulfate groups may attach to the backbone at O-6, occasionally occurring per thirty-eight anhydrous glucose units.