An inulin-type fructan CP-A from Codonopsis pilosula alleviates TNBS-induced ulcerative colitis based on serum-untargeted metabolomics.

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammatory disease with abdominal pain, diarrhea, and bloody stool as the main symptoms. Several studies have confirmed that polysaccharides are effective against UC. It is commonly accepted that the traditional benefits of Radix Codonopsis can be attributed to its polysaccharide contents, and inulin-type fructan CP-A is the main active monomer in the polysaccharide components. Herein, we established a 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced UC rat model and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced colonic epithelial cell model (NCM460) to investigate the effect of CP-A on UC. Untargeted metabolomics studies were conducted to identify differential metabolites using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-TOF/MS) and enrich metabolic pathways in rat serum. The in vivo assays demonstrated that CP-A reduces colonic macroscopic injury, disease activity index (DAI), histopathological score, interleukin (IL)-8, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels, as well as the expression of intercellular adhesion molecules. On the other hand, CP-A increases IL-10 and transforming growth factor-ß (TGF-ß) levels. The in vitro experiments indicated that CP-A treatment could reduce nitric oxide (NO) and IL-1ß after LPS stimulation. The metabolomics results suggested that CP-A therapy for UC may be related to the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway. The in vitro and in vivo validation of the pathway showed similar results, indicating that CP-A alleviates UC by preventing the activation of mTOR/p70S6K signaling pathway. These findings offer a fresh approach to treating UC and a theoretical foundation for the future advancement of CP-A.NEW & NOTEWORTHY We report that an inulin-type fructan from Codonopsis pilosula CP-A exhibits a therapeutic effect on experimental colitis. Its mechanism may be to alleviate intestinal inflammation by preventing the activation of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)/p70S6K signaling pathway. These findings offer a fresh approach to treating ulcerative colitis (UC) and a theoretical foundation for the future advancement of CP-A.

[Screening and expression analysis of transcription factors involved in genuineness of Codonopsis pilosula in Shanxi].

This study aims to mine the transcription factors that affect the genuineness of Codonopsis pilosula in Shanxi based on the transcriptome data of C. pilosula samples collected from Shanxi and Gansu, and then analyze the gene expression patterns, which will provide a theoretical basis for the molecular assisted breeding of C. pilosula. Gene ontology(GO) functional annotation, conserved motif prediction, and gene expression pattern analysis were performed for the differential transcription factors predicted based on the transcriptome data of C. pilosula from different habitats. A total of 61 differentially expressed genes(DEGs) were screened out from the transcriptome data. Most of the DEGs belonged to AP2/ERF-ERF family, with the conserved motif of [2X]-[LG]-[3X]-T-[3X]-[AARAYDRAA]-[3X]-[RG]-[2X]-A-[2X]-[NFP]. Forty-three of the DEGs showed significantly higher gene expression in C. pilosula samples from Shanxi than in the samples from Gansu, including 11 genes in the AP2/ERF-ERF family, 5 genes in the NAC fa-mily, 1 gene in the bHLH family, and 2 genes in the RWP-RK family, while 18 transcription factors showed higher expression levels in the samples from Gansu. GO annotation predicted that most of the DEGs were enriched in GO terms related to transcriptional binding activity(103), metabolic process(26), and stress response(23). The expression of transcription factor genes, CpNAC92, CpNAC100, CpbHLH128, and CpRAP2-7 was higher in the samples from Shanxi and in the roots of C. pilosula. CpNAC92, CpbHLH128, and CpRAP2-7 responded to the low temperature, temperature difference, and iron stresses, while CpNAC100 only responded to low temperature and iron stresses. The screening and expression analysis of the specific transcription factors CpNAC92, CpNAC100, CpbHLH128, and CpRAP2-7 in C. pilosula in Shanxi laid a theoretical foundation for further research on the mechanism of genuineness formation of C. pilosula.

Antinociceptive activities and mechanism of action of Cepharanthine.

Cepharanthine is an alkaloid that isolated from Stephania cepharantha Hayata, however，its analgesic properties are unclear and the molecular targets that mediating Cepharanthine-induced analgesia are not explored yet. In the current study, mice pain models including hot plate, acetic acid-induced writhing and formalin tests were conducted to evaluate the antinociceptive actions of Cepharanthine. [3H]-ligand competitive binding assay was applied to determine the binding affinity and selectivity of Cepharanthine at κ, µ and δ opioid receptors. Cepharanthine-induced constipation was investigated using the small intestinal transit test. The results showed that intraperitoneal injection of Cepharanthine produced potent antinociception with an ED50 value of 24.5 mg/kg in the acetic acid-induced writhing test. In the formalin test, Cepharanthine produced moderate antinociception with the maximum analgesic activity of 42.6 ± 11.3% in phase I and 60.1 ± 7.7% in phase Ⅱ, respectively. Cepharanthine had no effects in the hot plate test. In vitro radioligand binding assay, Cepharanthine exhibited a high affinity for µ opioid receptors with a Ki value of 80 nM, without binding to κ and δ opioid receptors. Correspondingly, Cepharanthine-mediated antinociceptive effects were antagonized by pretreatment with opioid receptor antagonist naloxone. Cepharanthine also decreased the small intestine propulsion rates in the small intestinal transit test. Together, this study firstly demonstrates that Cepharanthine produces potent antinociception in acetic acid-induced visceral pain and moderate antinociception in formalin-induced inflammatory pain, and its mechanism of action may be through activation of µ opioid receptors.

Structure Relaxation and Liquidlike Enhanced Cu Diffusion at the Surface of ß-Cu2S Chalcocite.

The hitherto unexplored surface structural and dynamical properties of the thermoelectric material ß-Cu2S chalcocite, are uncovered using ab initio molecular dynamics simulations at 450 K. The material exhibits a hybrid crystalline-liquid behavior, with the liquidlike dynamics of the Cu atoms and the crystalline order of the sulfur sublattice. The topmost nanoscale region of the material is predicted to undergo significant structural relaxation, resulting in a ∼10% increase in the distance between the topmost S-layers accompanied by an increased Cu density. Cu diffusion in the interlayer regions of the surface S-sublattice is enhanced (doubled) compared to the bulk value, and an underlying microscopic mechanism, entailing marked emergent surface-induced softening of the S-sublattice vibrational dynamics, is described.

Rapid Screening of Lipase Inhibitors in Scutellaria baicalensis by Using Porcine Pancreatic Lipase Immobilized on Magnetic Core-Shell Metal-Organic Frameworks.

As for ligand fishing, the current immobilization approaches have some potential drawbacks such as the small protein loading capacity and difficult recycle process. The core-shell metal-organic frameworks composite (Fe3O4-COOH@UiO-66-NH2), which exhibited both magnetic characteristics and large specific surface area, was herein fabricated and used as magnetic support for the covalent immobilization of porcine pancreatic lipase (PPL). The resultant composite Fe3O4-COOH@UiO-66-NH2@PPL manifested a high loading capacity (247.8 mg/g) and relative activity recovery (101.5%). In addition, PPL exhibited enhanced tolerance to temperature and pH after immobilization. Then, the composite Fe3O4-COOH@UiO-66-NH2@PPL was incubated with the extract of Scutellaria baicalensis to fish out the ligands. Eight lipase inhibitors were obtained and identified by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS. The feasibility of the method was further confirmed through an in vitro inhibitory assay and molecular docking. The proposed ligand fishing technique based on Fe3O4-COOH@UiO-66-NH2@PPL provided a feasible, selective, and effective platform for discovering enzyme inhibitors from natural products.

Screening of Codonopsis radix Polysaccharides with Different Molecular Weights and Evaluation of Their Immunomodulatory Activity In Vitro and In Vivo.

Polysaccharide is one of the main components of Codonopsis radix (CR) and has good immune activity. However, the immune activity of CR polysaccharides with different molecular weights has not been systematically screened. In this study, the polysaccharides of CR from Pingshun of Shanxi Province (PSDSs) were first divided into two groups using ultrafiltration: 3.3 kDa (PSDSs-1) and more than 2000 kDa (PSDSs-2). The immunomodulatory effects of PSDSs with different molecular weights were evaluated in vitro and in vivo. In vitro experimental results showed that compared with Lipopolysaccharide-induced macrophages, PSDSs-1 increased TNF-α and IL-6 levels and decreased IL-10. Meanwhile, PSDSs-2 showed the opposite effect, indicating the difference in pro- and anti-inflammatory activities of PSDSs with different molecular weights. The immunosuppressive model of cyclophosphamide proved that PSDSs have immune-promoting function, with PSDSs-1 exhibiting a better effect than PSDSs-2. In vitro and in vivo experiments illustrated the complexity of PSDS immunomodulation. Further research on the functions of PSDs with different molecular weights is needed to lay a foundation for their classification and application.

Leptin Expression in Human Epicardial Adipose Tissue Is Associated with Local Coronary Atherosclerosis.

BACKGROUND Leptin is an adipokine related to overweight and cardiovascular diseases. However, the leptin expression level in epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) of humans and its association with coronary atherosclerosis has never been investigated. MATERIAL AND METHODS Patients receiving cardiac surgery were divided into a coronary artery disease group (CAD group) and a non-CAD group (NCAD group). Blood samples from coronary vein, biopsies of subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), and EAT were acquired during the surgery. Serum leptin level and leptin level in EAT and SAT were tested with ELISA, quantitative PCR, and immunohistochemistry and were compared between the CAD group and NCAD group, as well as between stenosis and non-stenosis subgroups. Logistic regression analysis was performed to explore the risk factors for coronary artery stenosis. RESULTS No statistically significant differences were found in demographic and clinical data between groups (all P>0.05). Serum leptin concentration and leptin expression in EAT and SAT of the CAD group were much higher in than in the NCAD group (all P<0.05). In subgroup analysis, there was no difference in serum leptin and expression in SAT of stenosis and non-stenosis patients (All P>0.05). The leptin expression level in EAT of stenosis patients was significantly higher than in non-stenosis patients (P=0.0431). By multivariate logistic regression analysis, we demonstrated that leptin expression level in EAT was an independent risk factor for coronary artery stenosis [OR=1.09, 95%CI (1.01±1.18), P=0.031]. CONCLUSIONS Leptin expression in EAT and SAT were both increased for CAD patients. Leptin expression in EAT was an independent risk factor for coronary atherosclerosis in the adjacent artery, while leptin in SAT was not associated.

Response of Bioactive Metabolite and Biosynthesis Related Genes to Methyl Jasmonate Elicitation in Codonopsis pilosula.

Bioactive metabolites in Codonopsis pilosula are of particular interest as an immunostimulant. Methyl jasmonate (MeJA) plays an important role in the elicitation of metabolite biosynthesis. Here, we explored the response of metabolites to MeJA elicitation in C. pilosula adventitious roots and multiple shoots. The results showed that the biomass, polysaccharide, and lobetyolin content of adventitious roots exhibited the highest increases with 100 µmol·L-1 MeJA at the 16th day of subculture, whereas the atractylenolide III (a terpenoid) content increased extremely with 50 µmol·L-1 MeJA treatment at the 7th day of subculture. In addition, the biomass and lobetyolin content significantly increased at the 4th day after treatment. Similarly, the polysaccharide and lobetyolin content increased in multiple shoots. Further identification of different metabolites responding to MeJA by ¹H-NMR showed an extremely significant increase of the lobetyolinin level, which coincided with lobetyolin. Accordingly, the precursor, fatty acids, showed a highly significant decrease in their levels. Furthermore, a significant increase in ß-d-fructose-butanol glycoside was detected, which was accompanied by a decrease in the sucrose level. Accordingly, the enzyme genes responsible for terpenoid and carbohydrate biosynthesis, CpUGPase, and CpPMK, were up regulated. In conclusion, MeJA promoted culture growth and accelerated bioactive metabolite accumulation by regulating the expression of the metabolite biosynthesis related genes, CpUGPase and CpPMK in C. pilosula.

Three Inulin-Type Fructans from Codonopsis pilosula (Franch.) Nannf. Roots and Their Prebiotic Activity on Bifidobacterium longum.

Radix Codonopsis, derived from the roots of Codonopsis pilosula (Franch.) Nannf., Codonopsis pilosula (Franch.) Nannf. Var. modesta (Nannf.) L.T. Shen and Codonopsis tangshen Oliv., has been used as traditional Chinese medicine for improving poor gastrointestinal function, treating gastric ulcers and chronic gastritis in China. Inulin-type fructans are carbohydrates consisting mainly of ß (2→1) fructosyl-fructose links in chemical structure and exhibit a range of properties such as prebiotic activity, fat substitutes in low-calorie foods and disease-modifying effects. The prebiotic effects of inulin-type fructans are hypothesized to improve gastrointestinal function through alterations to gut microbiota composition and metabolism. In the present study, three inulin-type fructans with high degree of polymerization (DP = 16, 22, and 31) were isolated from the roots of Codonopsis pilosula (Franch.) Nannf. and their structures were confirmed by MALDI-TOF-MS, 1D- and 2D-NMR. The prebiotic activity of these fructans was evaluated by detecting growth stimulation on Bifidobacterium longum. The results demonstrated that three fructans at a concentration of 2.0 g/L exhibited significant growth stimulation on Bifidobacterium longum in a time-dependent manner (p < 0.01). The data indicated that inulin-type fructans in Radix Codonopsis could be used as potential prebiotics.

Hydrologic performance of bioretention in an expressway service area.

Bioretention can be an effective measure for stormwater treatment. However, there is a lack of systematic analysis of the impact of bioretention design parameters on hydrologic performance. Herein, SWMM and RECARGA models were applied to generate the typical annual rainfall runoff and simulate the water balance of the bioretention system in an expressway service area. The purpose of the investigation was to identify key design parameters for the bioretention system and delineate the priorities in developing the design. Results showed that the average groundwater recharge ratios for bioretention basins with and without an underdrain were 58.29% and 92.27%, respectively, the average overflow ratios were 4.13% and 4.19%, the average evapotranspiration ratios were 4.48% and 4.47%, and the average outflow ratio for bioretention with an underdrain was 33.94%. The ratio of the bioretention area to drainage area, and the saturated infiltration rates of planting soil and native soil were the main factors influencing water balance, while the underdrain diameter and gravel layer depth exerted little effect. Based on the impact analysis, multivariate nonlinear regression models of runoff reduction rate for two types of bioretention basin were established, which both exhibited high determination coefficients and acceptable Nash-Sutcliffe coefficients.

[Clone and expression of CpGAPDH gene in Codonopsis pilosula].

GAPDH(glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase) gene is a key enzyme gene in carbohydrate metabolism and always used as reference gene. To clarify and complete the biosynthetic pathway of polysaccharide, the GAPDH gene in Codonopsis pilosula, named CpGAPDH, was cloned according to the transcriptome of pilosula, using the GAPDH gene in potato as query. The CpGAPDH contained a 1 014 bp open reading frame(ORF) and encoded a protein with 337 amino acids. Bioinformatic analysis clearly suggested that CpGAPDH shared high similarity with GAPDH among other plants, and had the closest relatives to potato and danshen. The predicted protein did not have signal peptide, which indicated that it might be located in the cytoplasm. According to the existing of several phosphorylation sites and the conserved domains analysis, we predicted that it belonged to Gp_dh_N superfamily. Prokaryotic expression showed that the recombinant expressed a 44.3 kDa protein, which was corresponding to the theoretical relative molecular mass. However, the relative transcript level of the CpGAPDH did not have significant differences in different tissues and roots at different developmental stages of pilosula. Moreover, the stability of the CpGAPDH was analyzed by BestKeeper, geNorm, and NormFinder and RefFinder software, which showed that the CpGAPDH was more stable and could be used as a new reference gene. All these lay a foundation for the expression analysis of the gene relative to the polysaccharide synthesis.

[Study on antioxidant activity of flavonoids from leaves of Psidium guajava].

The present study is to study the chemical constituents from ethanol extract of Psidium guajava leaves. The constituents were separated and purified by silica gel column chromaiographios over, macroporous resin D-101, Sephadex LH-20, and ODS. Six flavonoids compounds were isolated and identified as quercetin(1), quercetin-3-O-α-D-arabinopyranoside(2), quercetin-3-O-α-D-ribopyranoside(3), quercetin-3-O-ß-D-galactopyranoside(4), quercetin-3-O-α-D-glucopyranoside(5), and quercetin-3-O-α-D-xylpyranoside(6). The antioxidant effects of six flavonoids was evaluated by scavenging ability of DPPH, superoxide anion, ABTS·âº, and reducing effect of Fe³âº as well as total antioxidant capacity(FRAP). Vitamin C was used as positive control. The results indicated that six flavonoids exhibited significant antioxidant effects.

Facile synthesis of graphitic C3N4 nanoporous-tube with high enhancement of visible-light photocatalytic activity.

A simple and convenient method was used to synthesize a graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) nanoporous-tube by using SiO2 nanoparticles as pore formers. The structure of the g-C3N4 nanoporous-tube was characterized by the SEM and TEM images. Taking photodegradation of RhB as an example, the photocatalytic activity of the as-prepared g-C3N4 nanoporous-tube was investigated. It can photodegrade 90% RhB in 40 min under visible-light irradiation and obtain a k value of 0.04491 min-1, which is 8.16 times that of bulk g-C3N4, 3.09 times that of tubular g-C3N4 and 1.48 times that of tubular g-C3N4-SiO2. The significant enhancement in photocatalytic efficiency is due to the edge effect of the pores and the special structure of the tubes. In addition, the possible mechanism of photocatalytic degradation of RhB was also proposed based on the trapping experiment of active species, which indicated that the superoxide radicals ([Formula: see text]) and the holes (h +) were the main reactive species in this photocatalyst. This work may open up a new idea of innovation in g-C3N4 structure and inspire its follow-up study.

Structure Features and Anti-Gastric Ulcer Effects of Inulin-Type Fructan CP-A from the Roots of Codonopsis pilosula (Franch.) Nannf.

Radix Codonopsis has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for strengthening the immune system, improving poor gastrointestinal function, treating gastric ulcers and chronic gastritis and so on. In the present study, an inulin-type fructan CP-A was obtained from the roots of Codonopsis pilosula (Franch.) Nannf. and its structure was confirmed by MS and NMR as (2 → 1) linked-ß-d-fructofuranose. The protective effects of CP-A against ethanol-induced acute gastric ulcer in rats were intensively investigated. A Lacy assay demonstrated that CP-A-treated group (50 mg/kg) showed the gastric damage level 1, which was similar to the positive control group, while the model group exhibited the gastric damage level 3. The Guth assay demonstrated that the mucosa ulcer index for CP-A groups at the doses of 50 mg/kg and 25 mg/kg significantly decreased compared with that in the model group (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, CP-A significantly increased the activities of SOD and GSH-Px, and decreased the contents of MDA and NO, and the activity of MPO in gastric tissue in a dose-dependent manner (p < 0.05). The present research reported for the first time that inulin-type fructan CP-A were likely the potential component in Radix Codonopsis for treatment of acute gastric ulcers.

[AFLP and HPLC Fingerprints Analysis of Codonopsis Species from Original Areas and the Same Planting Base].

Objective: To investigate the influence of environment on the genetic structure and chemical ingredients of different Codonopsis species. Methods: Amplified fragment length polymorphism( AFLP) molecular markers were used to analyze the genetic polymorphism of Codonopsis species from 24 different populations,and high performance liquid chromatography( HPLC) fingerprints were performed to analyze the chemical ingredients of 10 batches of Codonopsis roots. Results: According to species classification,the 24 populations were categorized into three groups by UPGMA cluster method. The samples of Codonopsis pilosula var. modesta introduced from Wenxian( Gansu Province) and Jiuzhaigou County( Sichuan Province) were clustered into Group Ⅰ. The Codonopsis tangshen population introduced from Banqiao( Hubei Province) was clustered into Group Ⅱ. The populations from Codonopsis pilosula introduced to Shanxi Province GAP base,and the wild and cultured populations of Codonopsis pilosula collected from Shanxi Province were into Group Ⅲ. The similarity of HPLC fingerprints among three Codonopsis species introduced into the same environment was over 0. 8. Conclusion: Genetic differences of three Codonopsis species from original areas and Codonopsis species introduced into Shanxi Province were caused by their inter-species genetic characteristic. Meanwhile, the similarities of genetic backgrounds in Codonopsis species were related to geographic space, and chemical ingredients of Codonopsis were easily influenced by the cultivation environment.

Long Non-Coding RNA Expression Profiling in Aging Rats with Erectile Dysfunction.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Erectile dysfunction (ED) in aged people remains a topic of interest to andrological physicians. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), which form the largest group of non-coding RNAs, have been shown to regulate various biological processes. The function of lncRNAs in age-related erectile dysfunction (A-ED) pathogenesis remains poorly understood. METHODS: This study aims to assess the differential expression profiles of mRNAs and lncRNAs between A-ED and normal control (NC) samples. Using a second-generation lncRNA microarray, we detected a total of 8,744 lncRNAs and 13,585 coding transcripts. RESULTS: We identified 608 up-regulated and 406 down-regulated lncRNAs in A-ED compared with NC samples, by setting a filter of fold-change >2.0. Gene Ontology and pathway analysis revealed that a muscle contraction disorder induced by abnormal ion channels might play a critical role in the pathogenesis of A-ED. CONCLUSION: Our results show significantly altered expression profiles of lncRNAs and mRNAs between A-ED and NC. This study may provide information for further research on A-ED and may be helpful for finding a new therapeutic target for A-ED.

Hydrogen-bonded structure and mechanical chiral response of a silver nanoparticle superlattice.

Self-assembled nanoparticle superlattices-materials made of inorganic cores capped by organic ligands, of varied structures, and held together by diverse binding motifs-exhibit size-dependent properties as well as tunable collective behaviour arising from couplings between their nanoscale constituents. Here, we report the single-crystal X-ray structure of a superlattice made in the high-yield synthesis of Na(4)Ag(44)(p-MBA)(30) nanoparticles, and find with large-scale quantum-mechanical simulations that its atomically precise structure and cohesion derive from hydrogen bonds between bundledp-MBA ligands. We also find that the superlattice's mechanical response to hydrostatic compression is characterized by a molecular-solid-like bulk modulus B(0) = 16.7 GPa, exhibiting anomalous pressure softening and a compression-induced transition to a soft-solid phase. Such a transition involves ligand flexure, which causes gear-like correlated chiral rotation of the nanoparticles. The interplay of compositional diversity, spatial packing efficiency, hydrogen-bond connectivity, and cooperative response in this system exemplifies the melding of the seemingly contrasting paradigms of emergent behaviour 'small is different' and 'more is different'.

Cardioprotective effect of polydatin on ventricular remodeling after myocardial infarction in coronary artery ligation rats.

The purpose of this study was to explore the effect of polydatin on ventricular remodeling after myocardial infarction in coronary artery ligation rats and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. A rat model of ventricular remodeling after myocardial infarction was established by left coronary artery ligation. Rats with coronary artery ligation were randomly divided into five groups: control, plus 40 mg/kg captopril, plus 25 mg/kg polydatin, plus 50 mg/kg polydatin, and plus 100 mg/kg polydatin. The sham-operated group was used as a negative control. Rats were administered intragastrically with the corresponding drugs or drinking water for seven weeks. At the end of the treatment, the left ventricular weight index and heart weight index were assessed. The cross-sectional size of cardiomyocytes was measured by staining myocardium tissue with hematoxylin and eosin. Collagen content was counted by Sirius red in aqueous saturated picric acid. The concentrations of angiotensin I, angiotensin II, aldosterone, and endothelin 1 in myocardium or serum were determined by radioimmunoassay. Hydroxyproline and nitric oxide concentrations and glutathione peroxidase and catalase activities in serum were measured by ultraviolet spectrophotometry. Our results showed that seven weeks of polydatin treatment resulted in a significantly reduced left ventricular weight index, heart weight index, serum concentrations of hydroxyproline and aldosterone, an increased concentration of nitric oxide as well as enhanced activities of glutathione peroxidase and catalase. Myocardial angiotensin I, angiotensin II, and endothelin 1 levels were also reduced. The cardiomyocyte cross-sectional area and collagen deposition diminished. This study suggests that polydatin may attenuate ventricular remodeling after myocardial infarction in coronary artery ligation rats through restricting the excessive activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and inhibiting peroxidation.

[Study on HPLC specific chromatograms of Lu Dangshen].

In this paper, the RP-HPLC specific chromatography was adopted, with DIKMA-C18 (4.6 mm x 250 mm, 5 µm) as the chromatographic column, with a gradient elution compose of acetonitrile and 0.1% phosphoric acid at flow rate of 0.8 mL · min(-1), the detection wavelength was 220 nm. The difference of the HPLC specific chromatograms between the Lu Dangshen and other different base sources and different producing area of Codonopsis Radix was compared, involved in the similarities and differences of the number and the relative peak area of characteristic peaks in the HPLC specific chromatograms. The HPLC specific chromatograms of Lu Dangshen was established and the relative retention times of seven peaks was determined, and the peaks of codonopyrrolidium B, syringin, lobetyolin, tangshenoside I and atractylenoide III were identified; The HPLC specific chromatograms of Lu Dangshen provided a method for scientific evaluation and effective control the quality of Lu Dangshen from Shanxi famous-region.

Fabrication of 3D photonic crystals from chitosan that are responsive to organic solvents.

Inspired by photonic nanostructures in nature, such as the hair-like chaetae on the body of sea mice, inverse opal photonic crystals films were fabricated with chitosan, a kind of biomacromolecule found in nature. First, monodispersed polystyrene (PS) colloidal crystal templates with different particle sizes were prepared. The inverse opal films (IOFs) were fabricated through in situ cross-linking of the PS templates. The IOFs contain periodically ordered interconnecting pores that endow the films with photonic stop bands and structural colors, which are visible to the naked eye. The IOFs exhibit rapid reversible changes in their structural colors and reflectance peaks in response to alcohols and phenols. Possible mechanisms for the shifts in the IOF's reflectance peaks are proposed. The changes in the IOFs in response to alcohols and phenols provide a potential way to visually detect these organic solvents.