Excellent anti-mildew effect of essential oil impregnation on sliced veneer plybamboo and its anti-mildew mechanism.

Sliced bamboo veneer used as a high-end decoration material is a highly innovative material for the deep processing of bamboo. However, bamboo is rich in starch and small molecular soluble sugars, making it susceptible to mildew infection and limiting the wide application of sliced veneer plybamboo. Spice essential oils are considered green and safe antimildew agents, which are cheap and accessible. The natural phenolic substances in plant essential oil have a good inhibitory effect on bamboo mildew. In this study, three types of spice essential oils (clove essential oil, oregano essential oil, and fennel essential oil) were employed, and their antifungal activity against bamboo mildews was assessed using the Oxford cup method, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and a micro pH meter. The results demonstrated that the diameters of the Inhibition Zone against four common bamboo mildews (AN, Aspergillus niger; TV, Trichoderma viride; PC, Penicillium citrinum; MM, Mixed Mildews) caused by clove essential oil were 25.68 mm, 23.22 mm, 30.68 mm, and 25.43 mm, respectively. As an explanation, clove essential oil can inhibit or eliminate mildew by damaging and disrupting the cell membrane of the bamboo mildew, leading to significant shrinkage, distortion, surface roughness, formation of holes, or partial structural cracks in the mildew's mycelium. Additionally, it may interfere with and disrupt the pH balance of the intracellular and extracellular fluids within the cell. Furthermore, we also report that sliced veneer plybamboo impregnated with clove essential oil on each layer showed fine inhibition rates of 50%, 75%, 100%, and 25% against AN, TV, PC, and MM, respectively. This research underscores a sustainable approach to mildew prevention, crucial for advancing bamboo's utilization in high-value furniture decor applications. IMPORTANCE: Mildew growth in sliced veneer plybamboo poses a significant challenge, particularly in its use for high-end furniture and decor. Traditionally, chemical treatments have been the primary solution though they often raise environmental concerns. Essential oils, with their well-documented antimicrobial properties, have emerged as an important natural and eco-friendly alternative for preventing mildew. These oils inhibit mildew growth effectively while offering a sustainable, non-toxic solution that reduces harm to both the environment and human health. By leveraging essential oils, it becomes possible to extend the lifespan of bamboo products, making them more durable and suitable for broader applications in furniture and decor, all while addressing the ecological limitations of conventional mildew prevention methods.

Personalized radiomics signature to screen for KIT-11 mutation genotypes among patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumors: a retrospective multicenter study.

OBJECTIVES: Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) carrying different KIT exon 11 (KIT-11) mutations exhibit varying prognoses and responses to Imatinib. Herein, we aimed to determine whether computed tomography (CT) radiomics can accurately stratify KIT-11 mutation genotypes to benefit Imatinib therapy and GISTs monitoring. METHODS: Overall, 1143 GISTs from 3 independent centers were separated into a training cohort (TC) or validation cohort (VC). In addition, the KIT-11 mutation genotype was classified into 4 categories: no KIT-11 mutation (K11-NM), point mutations or duplications (K11-PM/D), KIT-11 557/558 deletions (K11-557/558D), and KIT-11 deletion without codons 557/558 involvement (K11-D). Subsequently, radiomic signatures (RS) were generated based on the arterial phase of contrast CT, which were then developed as KIT-11 mutation predictors using 1408 quantitative image features and LASSO regression analysis, with further evaluation of its predictive capability. RESULTS: The TC AUCs for K11-NM, K11-PM/D, K11-557/558D, and K11-D ranged from 0.848 (95% CI 0.812-0.884), 0.759 (95% CI 0.722-0.797), 0.956 (95% CI 0.938-0.974), and 0.876 (95% CI 0.844-0.908), whereas the VC AUCs ranged from 0.723 (95% CI 0.660-0.786), 0.688 (95% CI 0.643-0.732), 0.870 (95% CI 0.824-0.918), and 0.830 (95% CI 0.780-0.878). Macro-weighted AUCs for the KIT-11 mutant genotype ranged from 0.838 (95% CI 0.820-0.855) in the TC to 0.758 (95% CI 0.758-0.784) in VC. TC had an overall accuracy of 0.694 (95%CI 0.660-0.729) for RS-based predictions of the KIT-11 mutant genotype, whereas VC had an accuracy of 0.637 (95%CI 0.595-0.679). CONCLUSIONS: CT radiomics signature exhibited good predictive performance in estimating the KIT-11 mutation genotype, especially in prediction of K11-557/558D genotype. RS-based classification of K11-NM, K11-557/558D, and K11-D patients may be an indication for choice of Imatinib therapy.

Preparation of PO43--Intercalated Calcium-Aluminum Hydrotalcites via Coprecipitation Method and Its Flame-Retardant Effect on Bamboo Scrimber.

To improve the flame retardancy of bamboo scrimber, flame-retardant CaAl-PO4-LDHs were synthesized via the coprecipitation method using PO43- as the anion of an intercalated calcium-aluminum hydrotalcite in this work. The fine CaAl-PO4-LDHs were characterized via X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), cold field scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) and thermogravimetry (TG). Different concentrations (1% and 2%) of CaAl-PO4-LDHs were used as flame retardants for the bamboo scrimber, and the flame retardancy of the bamboo scrimber was characterized via cone calorimetry. The results showed that CaAl-PO4-LDHs with excellent structures were successfully synthesized via the coprecipitation method in 6 h and at 120 °C. Compared with the bamboo scrimber without the flame retardant treatment, the peak heat release rate (HRR) of the bamboo scrimber treated with 1% and 2% concentrations of flame-retardant CaAl-PO4-LDHs decreased by 16.62% and 34.46%, the time taken to reach the exothermic peak was delayed by 103 s and 204 s and the Time to Ignition (TTI) was increased by 30% and 40%, respectively. Furthermore, the residual carbon of the bamboo scrimber did not change significantly, increasing by 0.8% and 2.08%, respectively. CO production decreased by 18.87% and 26.42%, respectively, and CO2 production decreased by 11.11% and 14.46%, respectively. The combined results show that the CaAl-PO4-LDHs synthesized in this work significantly improved the flame retardancy of bamboo scrimber. This work exhibited the great potential of the CaAl-PO4-LDHs, which were successfully synthesized via the coprecipitation method and applied as a flame retardant to improve the fire safety of bamboo scrimber.

Anticancer Activity of Diosgenin and Its Molecular Mechanism.

Diosgenin, a steroidal sapogenin, obtained from Trigonella foenum-graecum, Dioscorea, and Rhizoma polgonati, has shown high potential and interest in the treatment of various cancers such as oral squamous cell carcinoma, laryngeal cancer, esophageal cancer, liver cancer, gastric cancer, lung cancer, cervical cancer, prostate cancer, glioma, and leukemia. This article aims to provide an overview of the in vivo, in vitro, and clinical studies reporting the diosgenin's anticancer effects. Preclinical studies have shown promising effects of diosgenin on inhibiting tumor cell proliferation and growth, promoting apoptosis, inducing differentiation and autophagy, inhibiting tumor cell metastasis and invasion, blocking cell cycle, regulating immunity and improving gut microbiome. Clinical investigations have revealed clinical dosage and safety property of diosgenin. Furthermore, in order to improve the biological activity and bioavailability of diosgenin, this review focuses on the development of diosgenin nano drug carriers, combined drugs and the diosgenin derivatives. However, further designed trials are needed to unravel the diosgenin's deficiencies in clinical application.

Applications of the ultrasound-guided nerve block technique for nonanalgesic effects.

The nerve block technique guided by ultrasound has been able to accurately block tiny nerves throughout the body in recent years. It has been increasingly used to treat multisystem diseases or analgesia in surgical patients, but the latter accounted for the vast majority of cases. The nonanalgesic effect of nerve blocks is also in wide demand. After searching ultrasound-guided nerve block works on the PubMed database, we systematically summarized the current clinical application of the nerve block technique and the unique role and related mechanism of nerve block in the prevention and treatment of multi-system diseases or symptoms, including disorders of the circulatory and respiratory systems, postoperative cognitive dysfunction, immune function, posttraumatic stress disorder, and postoperative digestive system, to put forward the potential prospective application in future and serve as a reference for future research of nerve block therapy in these diseases mentioned.

A predictive nomogram for two-year growth of CT-indeterminate small pulmonary nodules.

OBJECTIVES: Lung cancer is the most common cancer and the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. The optimal management of computed tomography (CT)-indeterminate pulmonary nodules is important. To optimize individualized follow-up strategies, we developed a radiomics nomogram for predicting 2-year growth in case of indeterminate small pulmonary nodules. METHODS: A total of 215 histopathology-confirmed small pulmonary nodules (21 benign and 194 malignant) in 205 patients with ultra-high-resolution CT (U-HRCT) were divided into growth and nongrowth nodules and were randomly allocated to the primary (n = 151) or validation (n = 64) group. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) method was used for radiomics feature selection and radiomics signature determination. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to develop a radiomics nomogram that integrated the radiomics signature with significant clinical parameters (sex and nodule type). The area under the curve (AUC) was applied to assess the predictive performance of the radiomics nomogram. The net benefit of the radiomics nomogram was assessed using a clinical decision curve. RESULTS: The radiomics signature and nomogram yielded AUCs of 0.892 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.843-0.940) and 0.911 (95% CI: 0.867-0.955), respectively, in the primary group and 0.826 (95% CI: 0.727-0.926) and 0.843 (95% CI: 0.749-0.937), respectively, in the validation group. The clinical usefulness of the nomogram was demonstrated by decision curve analysis. CONCLUSIONS: A radiomics nomogram was developed by integrating the radiomics signature with clinical parameters and was easily used for the individualized prediction of two-year growth in case of CT-indeterminate small pulmonary nodules. KEY POINTS: • A radiomics nomogram was developed for predicting the two-year growth of CT-indeterminate small pulmonary nodules. • The nomogram integrated a CT-based radiomics signature with clinical parameters and was valuable in developing an individualized follow-up strategy for patients with indeterminate small pulmonary nodules.

Leaky Gut Driven by Dysbiosis Augments Activation and Accumulation of Liver Macrophages via RIP3 Signaling Pathway in Autoimmune Hepatitis.

The gut-liver axis has been increasingly recognized as a major autoimmunity modulator. However, the implications of intestinal barrier in the pathogenesis of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) remain elusive. Here, we investigated the functional role of gut barrier and intestinal microbiota for hepatic innate immune response in AIH patients and murine models. In this study, we found that AIH patients displayed increased intestinal permeability and pronounced RIP3 activation of liver macrophages. In mice models, intestinal barrier dysfunction increased intestinal bacterial translocation, thus amplifying the hepatic RIP3-mediated innate immune response. Furthermore, GSK872 dampened RIP3 activation and ameliorated the activation and accumulation of liver macrophages in vitro and in vivo experiments. Strikingly, broad-spectrum antibiotic ablation significantly alleviated RIP3 activation and liver injury, highlighting the causal role of intestinal microbiota for disease progression. Our results provided a potentially novel mechanism of immune tolerance breakage in the liver via the gut-liver axis. In addition, we also explored the therapeutic and research potentials of regulating the intestinal microbiota for the therapy of AIH.

Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. Lactis 420 Mitigates Autoimmune Hepatitis Through Regulating Intestinal Barrier and Liver Immune Cells.

Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is an immune-mediated inflammatory liver disease of uncertain cause. Accumulating evidence shows that gut microbiota and intestinal barrier play significant roles in AIH thus the gut-liver axis has important clinical significance as a potential therapeutic target. In the present study, we found that Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis 420 (B420) significantly alleviated S100-induced experimental autoimmune hepatitis (EAH) and modulated the gut microbiota composition. While the analysis of clinical specimens revealed that the fecal SCFA quantities were decreased in AIH patients, and B420 increased the cecal SCFA quantities in EAH mice. Remarkably, B420 application improved intestinal barrier function through upregulation of tight junction proteins in both vitro and vivo experiments. Moreover, B420 decreased the serum endotoxin level and suppressed the RIP3 signaling pathway of liver macrophages in EAH mice thus regulated the proliferation of Th17 cells. Nevertheless, the inhibition effect of B420 on RIP3 signaling pathway was blunted in vitro studies. Together, our results showed that early intervention with B420 contributed to improve the liver immune homeostasis and liver injury in EAH mice, which might be partly due to the protection of intestinal barrier. Our study suggested the potential efficacy of probiotics application against AIH and the promising therapeutic strategies targeting gut-liver axis for AIH.

Comparison of malignancy-prediction efficiency between contrast and non-contract CT-based radiomics features in gastrointestinal stromal tumors: A multicenter study.

This work seeks the development and validation of radiomics signatures from nonenhanced computed tomography (CT, NE-RS) to preoperatively predict the malignancy degree of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) and the comparison of these signatures with those from contrast-enhanced CT. A dataset for 370 GIST patients was collected from four centers. This dataset was divided into cohorts for training, as well as internal and external validation. The minimum-redundancy maximum-relevance algorithm and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) algorithm were used to filter unstable features. (a) NE-RS and radiomics signature from contrast-enhanced CT (CE-RS) were built and compared for the prediction of malignancy potential of GIST based on the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). (b) The radiomics model was also developed with both the tumor size and NE-RS. The AUC values were comparable between NE-RS and CE-RS in the training (.965 vs .936; P = .251), internal validation (.967 vs .960; P = .801), and external validation (.941 vs .899; P = .173) cohorts in diagnosis of high malignancy potential of GISTs. We next focused on the NE-RS. With 0.185 selected as the cutoff of NE-RS for diagnosis of the malignancy potential of GISTs, accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity for diagnosis high-malignancy potential GIST was 90.0%, 88.2%, and 92.3%, respectively, in the training cohort. For the internal validation set, the corresponding metrics are 89.1%, 94.9%, and 80.0%, respectively. The corresponding metrics for the external cohort are 84.6%, 76.1%, and 91.0%, respectively. Compared with only NE-RS, the radiomics model increased the sensitivity in the diagnosis of GIST with high-malignancy potential by 5.9% (P = .025), 2.5% (P = .317), 10.5% (P = .008) for the training set, internal validation set, and external validation set, respectively. The NE-RS had comparable prediction efficiency in the diagnosis of high-risk GISTs to CE-RS. The NE-RS and radiomics model both had excellent accuracy in predicting malignancy potential of GISTs.

Phosphorylated STAT3 expression linked to SOCS3 methylation is associated with proliferative ability of gastric mucosa in patients with early gastric cancer.

Gastric cancers (GCs) may develop in the gastric mucosa after elimination of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) using eradication therapy. Cytokine signaling is a key mechanism underlying GC development and progression, and STAT3 signaling may serve a central role in gastritis-associated tumorigenesis. In the present study, suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3) methylation was examined, as an activator of phosphorylated (p-)STAT3 expression in the non-neoplastic gastric mucosa (non-NGM) of patients with early GC. The methylation status of the SOCS3 gene promoter was analyzed using methylation-specific PCR in the non-NGM of patients with or without early GC. Expression levels of p-STAT3 and Ki67 were investigated immunohistochemically in non-NGM with early GC before and after H. pylori eradication. In non-NGM, SOCS3 promoter methylation was detected in 17/51 patients (33.3%) with early GC. In those patients, the non-NGM labeling indices of both Ki67 and p-STAT3 were significantly higher compared with that in patients with early GC without SOCS3 methylation. A significant correlation between Ki67 and p-STAT3 expression levels was demonstrated in the non-NGM of patients with early GC. In patients with early GC without SOCS3 methylation, the labeling indices of both Ki67 and p-STAT3 in non-NGM were significantly reduced after H. pylori eradication, whereas no such change was observed in patients with early GC with SOCS3 methylation. SOCS3 methylation is associated with continuous p-STAT3 overexpression and enhanced epithelial cell proliferation in non-NGM of patients with early GC.

Personalized CT-based radiomics nomogram preoperative predicting Ki-67 expression in gastrointestinal stromal tumors: a multicenter development and validation cohort.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: To develop and validate radiomic prediction models using contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CE-CT) to preoperatively predict Ki-67 expression in gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs). METHOD: A total of 339 GIST patients from four centers were categorized into the training, internal validation, and external validation cohort. By filtering unstable features, minimum redundancy, maximum relevance, Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) algorithm, a radiomic signature was built to predict the malignant potential of GISTs. Individual nomograms of Ki-67 expression incorporating the radiomic signature or clinical factors were developed using the multivariate logistic model and evaluated regarding its calibration, discrimination, and clinical usefulness. RESULTS: The radiomic signature, consisting of 6 radiomic features had AUC of 0.787 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.632-0.801], 0.765 (95% CI 0.683-0.847), and 0.754 (95% CI 0.666-0.842) in the prediction of high Ki-67 expression in the training, internal validation and external validation cohort, respectively. The radiomic nomogram including the radiomic signature and tumor size demonstrated significant calibration, and discrimination with AUC of 0.801 (95% CI 0.726-0.876), 0.828 (95% CI 0.681-0.974), and 0.784 (95% CI 0.701-0.868) in the training, internal validation and external validation cohort respectively. Based on the Decision curve analysis, the radiomics nomogram was found to be clinically significant and useful. CONCLUSIONS: The radiomic signature from CE-CT was significantly associated with Ki-67 expression in GISTs. A nomogram consisted of radiomic signature, and tumor size had maximum accuracy in the prediction of Ki-67 expression in GISTs. Results from our study provide vital insight to make important preoperative clinical decisions.

The Link between Type III Reg and STAT3-Associated Cytokines in Inflamed Colonic Tissues.

Reg (regenerating gene) family proteins are known to be overexpressed in gastrointestinal (GI) tissues under conditions of inflammation. However, the pathophysiological significance of Reg family protein overexpression and its regulation is still unclear. In the present study, we investigated the profile of Reg family gene expression in a colitis model and focused on the regulation of Reg IIIß and IIIγ, which are overexpressed in inflamed colonic mucosa. C57BL/6 mice were administered 2% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) in drinking water for five days, and their colonic tissues were investigated histopathologically at interval for up to 12 weeks. Gene expression of the Reg family and cytokines (IL-6, IL-17, and IL-22) was evaluated by real-time RT-PCR, and Reg IIIß/γ expression was examined by immunohistochemistry. The effects of cytokines on STAT3 phosphorylation and HIP/PAP (type III REG) expression in Caco2 and HCT116 cells were examined by Western blot analysis. Among Reg family genes, Reg IIIß and IIIγ were alternatively overexpressed in the colonic tissues of mice with DSS-induced colitis. The expression of STAT3-associated cytokines (IL-6, IL-17, and IL-22) was also significantly increased in those tissues, being significantly correlated with that of Reg IIIß/γ. STAT3 phosphorylation and HIP/PAP expression were significantly enhanced in Caco2 cells upon stimulation with IL-6, IL-17, and IL-22. In HCT116 cells, those enhancements were also observed by IL-6 and IL-22 stimulations but not IL-17. The link between type III Reg and STAT3-associated cytokines appears to play a pivotal role in the pathophysiology of DSS-induced colitis.

Colonic M1 macrophage is associated with the prolongation of gastrointestinal motility and obesity in mice treated with vancomycin.

Gut microbiota plays a pivotal role in not only the gastrointestinal (GI) immune system but also GI motility and metabolism. Antibiotic treatments are likely to affect the gut flora and GI immune system, subsequently disturbing GI motility and body metabolism. In the present study, we investigated antibiotic­induced alterations of body metabolism and GI motility in association with the macrophage profile in the colon. Specific pathogen­free (SPF) mice (ICR; 6 weeks old; female) were orally administered vancomycin (0.2 mg/ml) in drinking water for 5 weeks, and subsequent changes in pathophysiology were observed. The expression of CD80 and CD163 was examined by immunohistochemistry and the expression of cytokines in colonic tissues was evaluated by reverse transcription­quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The gastrointestinal transit time (GITT) was measured by administration of carmine red (6% w/v) solution. In the vancomycin­treated SPF mice, significant increases in body weight, cecum weight and GITT were observed compared with the controls. The number of CD80­positive M1 macrophages and the expression of interferon­Î³ and interleukin­12 were significantly increased, whereas, the numbers of CD163­positive M2 macrophages in the mucosal and muscular layers were decreased in the colon of vancomycin­treated mice. GITT was positively correlated with the number of CD80­positive M1 macrophages in the colonic mucosa; however, was negatively correlated with the number of CD163­positive M2 macrophages in the mucosal and muscular layers. Therefore, it was suggested that antibiotic treatment affects body metabolism and GI motility, accompanied by alterations in macrophage polarization and cytokine profiles in the colon.

Peptidoglycan Suppresses Phagocytic Activities and Apoptosis of Macrophages in Colonic Mucosa Tissues of Crohn's Disease Patients and In Vitro.

BACKGROUND Rac1 signaling plays a crucial role in controlling macrophage functions in CD. Peptidoglycan triggers several intracellular signaling pathways, including activation of Rac1, to regulate the function of macrophage. Suppressed Rac1 signaling in non-inflamed colonic mucosa of Crohn's disease patients has been shown to correlate with increased innate immunity. MATERIAL AND METHODS We examined the effect of peptidoglycan on Rac1 signaling in macrophages and mucosal tissue samples collected from 10 patients with active Crohn's disease and further investigated the effects of peptidoglycan on apoptosis and phagocytic activities of macrophages in vitro. RESULTS Macrophage infiltration and Rac1 signaling was increased in inflamed mucosal tissues of Crohn's disease patients. Immunoblotting assays revealed that peptidoglycan dose- and time-dependently increased the expression of Rac1-GTP, phosphorylated VAV1, and phosphorylated PAK1in RAW264.7 macrophages, which, however, was attenuated by 6-thioguanine. Peptidoglycan also dose-dependently inhibited phagocytic activities of human peripheral blood monocytic cells (PBMCs), which were partially abated by 6-thioguanine or NSC23766. Flow cytometry showed that peptidoglycan (3 µg/mL) decreased the proportion of apoptotic human PBMCs versus controls. The addition of 6-thioguanine or NSC3766 to peptidoglycan led to a sharper rise in the proportion of apoptotic human PBMCs than 6-thioguanine or NSC3766 alone. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that Rac1 signaling is a common molecular target shared by peptidoglycan and immunosuppressive treatment in intestinal macrophages. Inhibiting Rac1 activation may be crucial for optimizing macrophage immunity for treatment of Crohn's disease.

Geniposide suppresses LPS-induced nitric oxide, PGE2 and inflammatory cytokine by downregulating NF-κB, MAPK and AP-1 signaling pathways in macrophages.

Inflammatory responses are important to host immune reactions, but uncontrolled inflammatory mediators may aid in the pathogenesis of other inflammatory diseases. Geniposide, an iridoid glycoside found in the herb gardenia, is believed to have broad-spectrum anti-inflammatory effects in murine models but its mechanism of action is unclear. We investigated the action of this compound in murine macrophages stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS), as the stimulation of macrophages by LPS is known to induce inflammatory reactions. We determined the effect of geniposide on LPS-induced production of the inflammatory mediators, nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), the mRNA and protein expression of the NO and PGE2 synthases, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), respectively, and the mRNA and protein expression of the inflammatory cytokine, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Furthermore, nuclear factor (NF)-κB, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and activator protein (AP)-1 activity were assayed. To understand the action of geniposide on the NF-κB and MAPK pathways, we studied the effect of NF-κB and MAPK inhibitors on the LPS-induced production of NO, PGE2 and TNF-α. Our findings clearly showed that geniposide mainly exerts its anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting the LPS-induced NF-κB, MAPK and AP-1 signaling pathways in macrophages, which subsequently reduces overexpression of the inducible enzymes iNOS and COX-2 and suppresses the expression and release of the inflammatory factors, TNF-α, IL-6, NO and PGE2. Thus, geniposide shows promise as a therapeutic agent in inflammatory diseases.

Flow enhanced non-linear magnetophoretic separation of beads based on magnetic susceptibility.

Magnetic separation provides a rapid and efficient means of isolating biomaterials from complex mixtures based on their adsorption on superparamagnetic (SPM) beads. Flow enhanced non-linear magnetophoresis (FNLM) is a high-resolution mode of separation in which hydrodynamic and magnetic fields are controlled with micron resolution to isolate SPM beads with specific physical properties. In this article we demonstrate that a change in the critical frequency of FNLM can be used to identify beads with magnetic susceptibilities between 0.01 and 1.0 with a sensitivity of 0.01 Hz(-1). We derived an analytical expression for the critical frequency that explicitly incorporates the magnetic and non-magnetic composition of a complex to be separated. This expression was then applied to two cases involving the detection and separation of biological targets. This study defines the operating principles of FNLM and highlights the potential for using this technique for multiplexing diagnostic assays and isolating rare cell types.

A donor-acceptor tetrathiafulvalene ligand complexed to iron(II): synthesis, electrochemistry, and spectroscopy of [Fe(phen)2(TTF-dppz)](PF6)2.

The synthesis and photophysical properties of the complex [Fe(phen)(2)(TTF-dppz)](2+) (TTF-dppz = 4',5'-bis-(propylthio)tetrathiafulvenyl[i]dipyrido[3,2-a:2',3'-c]phenazine, phen = 1,10-phenanthroline) are described. In this complex, excitation into the metal-ligand charge transfer bands results in the population of a high-spin state of iron(II), with a decay lifetime of approximately 1.5 ns, in dichloromethane, at room temperature. An intraligand charge transfer state can also be obtained and has a lifetime of 38 ps. A mechanism for the different states reached is proposed based on transient absorption spectroscopy.

Ruthenium-catalyzed aromatization of enediynes via highly regioselective nucleophilic additions on a pi-alkyne functionality. A useful method for the synthesis of functionalized benzene derivatives.

TpRu(PPh3)(CH3CN)2 PF6 (10 mol %) catalyst effected the nucleophilic addition of water, alcohols, aniline, acetylacetone, pyrroles, and dimethyl malonate to unfunctionalized enediynes under suitable conditions (100 degrees C, 12-24 h) and gave functionalized benzene products in good yields. In this novel cyclization, nucleophiles very regioselectively attack the internal C1' alkyne carbon of enediynes to give benzene derivatives as a single regioisomer. Experiments with methoxy substituents exclude the possible involvement of naphthyl cations as reaction intermediates in the cyclization of (o-ethynylphenyl) alkynes. Deuterium-labeling experiments indicate that the catalytically active species is ruthenium-pi-alkyne rather than ruthenium-vinylidene species. This hypothesis is further confirmed by the aromatization of o-(2'-iodoethynyl)phenyl alkynes with alcohols. We propose a nucleophilic addition/insertion mechanism for this nucleophilic aromatization on the basis of a series of experiments.