Efecto de tres métodos de extracción en el rendimiento, actividad antioxidante, fenoles totales y estabilidad de extractos de hojas de Plectranthus amboinicus / Effect of three extraction methods on yield, antioxidant activity, total phenols, and stability of extracts from Plectranthus amboinicus leaves

Resumen: Los métodos de extracción de fitoquímicos convencionales presentan bajos rendimientos o largos tiempos de proceso. El ultrasonido ofrece alternativas para incrementar el rendimiento en extractos vegetales. El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar el efecto de tres métodos de extracción en rendimiento, composición de compuestos fenólicos, actividad antioxidante y estabilidad de extractos de hojas de Plectranthus amboinicus (oreganón). Los métodos de extracción usados fueron: convencional con agitación (EC), asistida con baño de ultrasonidos (EABU) y asistida con sonda de ultrasonido (EASU). Se usó una proporción 1:10 (p/v) orégano:etanol a 35 ± 2 °C. Los rendimientos se calcularon como materia seca del extracto (% ms). Se usó un modelo de pseudo-segundo orden para ajustar las curvas de extracción experimentales de los tres métodos y obtener los parámetros cinéticos. Se determinaron compuestos fenólicos totales (CFT) y actividad antioxidante (AA) mediante los métodos de Folin-Ciocalteau y DPPH, respectivamente. Se evalúo la estabilidad del CFT y AA durante el almacenamiento. La EASU aumentó 33.93 % el rendimiento en los extractos con respecto a EC. La mayor concentración de CFT (P ≤ 0.05) se obtuvo mediante EABU (10.32 mg EAG/ms) y para AA mediante EC (19.43 mg ET/g ms). El modelo cinético de pseudo-segundo orden ajustó adecuadamente las cinéticas experimentales. La constante de velocidad (k) de CFT más alta fue de 0.016 g ms/mg EAG·min para la EASU, siendo esta técnica la que demostró una disminución significativa de AA con respecto al tiempo de extracción. Los CFT de los extractos obtenidos mediante EABU, EASU y EC (3.7 mg EAG/g ms, 4.4 mg EAG/g ms y 7.2 mg EAG/g ms, respectivamente), al igual que la AA se mantuvieron estables y sin cambios significativos (P ≥ 0.05) durante los 34 d de almacenamiento, mostrando nuevamente la ventaja de utilizar la técnica extractiva de ultrasonidos, en función del tiempo.

Abstract: Conventional phytochemicals extraction methods have shown low yields or very long processing times for obtaining. The ultrasound offers alternatives to increase the yields of plant extracts. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of three extraction methods on the yield, phenolic compound composition, antioxidant activity and stability of Plectranthus amboinicus (oregano) leaf extracts. The extraction methods used were: conventional heat-assisted extraction (CE), ultrasound water bath assisted (UBAE) and ultrasound probe assisted extraction (UPAE). A 1:10 (w/v) oregano:ethanol ratio was used at 35 ± 2 °C. Yields were calculated as extract dry matter (% ms). A pseudo-second-order model was used to fit the experimental extraction curves of the three methods and obtain the kinetic parameters. Total phenolic compounds (TPC) and antioxidant activity (AA) were determined by Folin-Ciocal-teau and DPPH methods, respectively. The stability of TPC and AA was evaluated during storage. UPAE increased 33.93 % yield in extracts concerning CE. The highest concentration of CFT (P ≤ 0.05) was obtained by UBAE (10.32 mg EAG/ms) and for AA by CE (19.43 mg ET/g ms). The pseudo-second-order kinetic model adequately fitted the experimental kinetics. The highest TPC rate constant (k) was 0.016 g ms/mg EAG·min, for UPAE, this technique being the one that demonstrated a significant decrease in AA with respect to extraction time. The TPC of the extracts obtained by UBAE, UPAE and CE (3.7 mg EAG/g dms, 4.4 mg EAG/g dms and 7.2 mg EAG/g ms, respectively), as well as the AA remained stable and without significant changes (P ≥ 0.05) during the 34 d of storage, again showing the advantage of using the ultrasound extractive technique, as a function of time.

Efectividad de los desinfectantes Lysol® y Amonio Cuaternario durante la evaluación de tres áreas críticas del sillón odontológico / Antimicrobial effectiveness of Lysol® and quaternary ammonium during evaluation of three critical areas of the dental chair

Objetivo. Determinar la eficacia antimicrobiana de Lysol® y amonio cuaternario durante la evaluación de tres áreas críticas de la unidad dental (bandeja / botones de mando, respaldo del sillón odontológico y mango de la jeringa triple). Métodos. A través de un estudio experimental comparativo transversal, se analizó un universo de 8 sillones dentales: tres fueron desinfectadas con Lysol®; tres con amonio cuaternario; dos sillones se seleccionaron como controles (positivo y negativo). Todos los sillones odontológicos se muestrearon dos veces día: antes de comenzar y al finalizar su uso, durante tres días. La toma de muestras fue realizada en las Clínicas de la Universidad Hemisferios antes y después de la colocación del desinfectante; las muestras fueron transportadas en caldo de tioglicolato para ser analizadas. Se sembraron diluciones 1:2 y 1:10 de cada muestra en Agar Plate Count y se incubaron por 24 horas a 37°C. Posteriormente, se realizó un recuento de colonias por duplicado, analizándose un total de 864 muestras. Resultados. Lysol® y amonio cuaternario 5% mostraron igual efectividad antimicrobiana ante las tres áreas analizadas (p>0.05); el área en la que se halló una mayor cantidad de microorganismos fue la bandeja (incluyendo botones de mando). Conclusión. Se determinó que tanto Lysol® como amonio cuaternario 5% son altamente eficaces para eliminar los microorganismos presentes en las superficies críticas de la unidad dental; además, el área más contaminada antes del uso de los tratamientos fue la bandeja, incluyendo los botones de mando.

Objective. Determine the antimicrobial efficacy of Lysol® and quaternary ammonium during the evaluation of three critical areas of the dental unit (control tray/buttons, dental chair back, and triple syringe handle). Methods. Through a cross-sectional comparative experimental study, a total of 8 dental chairs were analyzed: three were disinfected with Lysol®, three with quaternary ammonium, and two armchairs were selected as controls (positive and negative). All dental chairs were sampled twice a day: before use and at the end of use, for three days. Sampling was carried out at the Hemisferios University Clinics before and after the application of the disinfectant. The samples were transported in thioglycollate broth for analysis. 1:2 and 1:10 dilutions of each sample were plated on Plate Count Agar and incubated for 24 hours at 37°C. Subsequently, duplicate colony counts were performed, analyzing a total of 864 samples. Results. Lysol® and 5% quaternary ammonium showed equal antimicrobial effectiveness against the three areas analyzed (p>0.05). The area with the highest number of microorganisms was the tray (including control buttons). Conclusion. It was determined that both Lysol® and 5% quaternary ammonium are highly effective in eliminating microorganisms present on the critical surfaces of the dental unit. Furthermore, the tray, including the control buttons, was found to be the most contaminated area before treatment.

Effect of refining and pressing temperature on chemical attributes of canola oil produced in Chile

The consumption of vegetable oils is common in our daily diet. Rapeseed oil (canola oil) is the third most consumed edible oil in the world, followed by palm and soybean oils in terms of production. Rapeseed oil has a low proportion of saturated fatty acids, while it is rich in unsaturated fatty acids, as well as in healthy compounds such as phenols, tocopherols, phytosterols, carotenoids, and fat-soluble vitamins. However, processing technologies affect the content and functional activities of bioactive compounds in the oil. Aim: To assess any potential effect of hot or cold pressing and a refining process on the nutritional value and the profile of several bioactive compounds in canola oils produced in Chile. Methods: Canola oils were characterized regarding their fatty acid profile, phytosterol and tocopherol composition, total phenol content, and antioxidant activity, according to the mode of extraction (cold or hot pressed) and before and after bWeing subjected to a refining process. Results: Fatty acid profiles were not significantly different in any of the analyzed canola oils. Refining but not temperature extraction led to a sharp decrease of phytosterols and tocopherols. Hot pressing significantly increased the amount of total phenols (3.1 times) and the antioxidant activity measured by ORAC (3.1 times) and DPPH (8.3 times) compared to the cold extraction. However, phenolic concentration and antioxidant capacity decreased after refining. Conclusions: Refining processes should be adjusted to reduce the loss of bioactive compounds in the oil.

El consumo de aceites vegetales es habitual en nuestra dieta diaria. El aceite de colza (aceite de canola) es el tercer aceite comestible más consumido en el mundo, seguido por los aceites de palma y soja en términos de producción. El aceite de colza tiene una baja proporción de ácidos grasos saturados, mientras que es rico en ácidos grasos insaturados, así como en compuestos liposolubles saludables como fenoles, tocoferoles, fitoesteroles, carotenoides y vitaminas. Sin embargo, las tecnologías de procesamiento afectan el contenido y las actividades funcionales de los compuestos bioactivos en el aceite. Objetivo: Evaluar cualquier efecto potencial del prensado en caliente o en frío y un proceso de refinación sobre el valor nutricional y el perfil de varios compuestos bioactivos en los aceites de canola producidos en Chile. Métodos: Los aceites de canola se caracterizaron en cuanto a su perfil de ácidos grasos, composición de fitoesteroles y tocoferoles, contenido de fenoles totales y actividad antioxidante, según el modo de extracción (prensado en frío o en caliente) y antes y después de ser sometidos a un proceso de refinación. Resultados: Los perfiles de ácidos grasos no fueron significativamente diferentes en ninguno de los aceites de canola analizados. La refinación, pero no la extracción en caliente, condujo a una fuerte disminución de los fitoesteroles y tocoferoles. El prensado en caliente aumentó significativamente la cantidad de fenoles totales (3,1 veces) y la actividad antioxidante medida por ORAC (3,1 veces) y DPPH (8,3 veces) en comparación con la extracción en frío. Sin embargo, la concentración de fenoles y la capacidad antioxidante disminuyeron después del refinado. Conclusión: Los procesos de refinación deben ajustarse para reducir la pérdida de compuestos bioactivos en el aceite.

99mTc-AgNPs-ICG: nanoparticle for hybrid image / 99mTc-AgNPs-ICG: nanopartícula para imagem híbrida / 99mTc-AgNPs-ICG: nanopartícula para imagem híbrida

Introduction: Currently nanotechnology has radically changed the diagnosis of many human pathologies. The aim of this work is to obtain silver nanoparticles for hybrid imaging (99mTc-AgNPs-ICG) having potential clinical imaging applications. Materials and methods: We mixed 2 ml of ascorbic acid (1.7x10-4 M), 5 mCi of 99mTcO4- , 2 ml of citric acid (8.0x10-4 M) and 0.5 ml of silver nitrate (2.5x10-3 M). Solution pH was 5, and it was shaken for 20 minutes at 37º C. Afterwards, 2 µL of Indocyanine Green (1.3x10-3 M) was added (99mTc-AgNPs-ICG). Physiochemical properties of the solution were characterized by UV (λ1 = 420 nm, λ2 = 254 nm) and gamma detector. Fluorescence image, particle size and IR spectrum were evaluated. Results: Silver nanoparticles were obtained in aqueous solution a pH of 5. Their pH, color and spectrum were stable for seven days. Furthermore, the principal peak characterized by HPLC, UV and Gamma detector had similar retention times. Its UV spectrum showed an absorption band of 420 nm, which corresponds to the plasmon absorption band of these nanoparticles. The particle size was 46 nm ± 1.5 nm. The IR spectrum showed absorption bands in 3193, 2624, 1596 y 1212 cm-1. Conclusions: We describe for the first time in literature the synthesis of hybrid (radioactive and fluorescent) silver nanoparticles. Their physiochemical properties were characterized, being stable and their labelling was reproducible having potential biomedical applications.

Introducción: actualmente la nanotecnología ha cambiado radicalmente el diagnóstico de muchas patologías humanas. El objetivo de este trabajo es obtener nanopartículas de plata para imagen híbrida (99mTc-AgNPs-ICG) que tengan potenciales aplicaciones clínicas en imagen. Materiales y métodos: se mezclaron 2 ml de ácido ascórbico (1,7x10-4 M), 5 mCi de 99mTcO4- , 2 ml de ácido cítrico (8,0x10-4 M) y 0,5 ml de nitrato de plata (2,5x10-3 M). El pH de la solución fue 5, y se agitó durante 20 minutos a 37º C. A continuación, se añadieron 2 µl de verde de indocianina (1,3x10-3 M) (99mTc-AgNPs-ICG). Las propiedades fisicoquímicas de la solución se caracterizaron mediante UV (λ1 = 420 nm, λ2 = 254 nm) y detector gamma. Se evaluaron la imagen de fluorescencia, el tamaño de las partículas y el espectro IR. Resultados: se obtuvieron nanopartículas de plata en solución acuosa a un pH de 5. Su pH, color y espectro fueron estables durante siete días. Además, el pico principal caracterizado por HPLC, UV y detector Gamma tenía tiempos de retención similares. Su espectro UV mostró una banda de absorción de 420 nm, que corresponde a la banda de absorción plasmónica de estas nanopartículas. El tamaño de las partículas era de 46 nm ± 1,5 nm. El espectro IR mostró bandas de absorción en 3193, 2624, 1596 y 1212 cm-1. Conclusiones: describimos por primera vez en la literatura la síntesis de nanopartículas de plata híbridas (radioctivas y fluorescentes). Se caracterizaron sus propiedades fisicoquímicas, siendo estables y su etiquetado fue reproducible teniendo potenciales aplicaciones biomédicas.

Introdução: atualmente, a nanotecnologia mudou radicalmente o diagnóstico de muitas patologias humanas. O objetivo deste trabalho é obter nanopartículas de prata para imagens híbridas (99mTc-AgNPs-ICG) com possíveis aplicações de imagens clínicas. Materiais e métodos: misturamos 2 ml de ácido ascórbico (1,7x10-4 M), 5 mCi de 99mTcO4- , 2 ml de ácido cítrico (8,0x10-4 M) e 0,5 ml de nitrato de prata (2,5x10-3 M). O pH da solução era 5 e ela foi agitada por 20 minutos a 37º C. Em seguida, foram adicionados 2 µL de indocianina verde (1,3x10-3 M) (99mTc-AgNPs-ICG). As propriedades físico-químicas da solução foram caracterizadas por UV (λ1 = 420 nm, λ2 = 254 nm) e detector gama. A imagem de fluorescência, o tamanho das partículas e o espectro de infravermelho foram avaliados. Resultados: as nanopartículas de prata foram obtidas em solução aquosa com pH de 5. Seu pH, cor e espectro permaneceram estáveis por sete dias. Além disso, o pico principal caracterizado por HPLC, UV e detector gama teve tempos de retenção semelhantes. Seu espectro de UV mostrou uma banda de absorção de 420 nm, que corresponde à banda de absorção plasmônica dessas nanopartículas. O tamanho da partícula foi de 46 nm ± 1,5 nm. O espectro de IV mostrou bandas de absorção em 3193, 2624, 1596 e 1212 cm-1. Conclusões: descrevemos pela primeira vez na literatura a síntese de nanopartículas de prata híbridas (radioativas e fluorescentes). Suas propriedades físico-químicas foram caracterizadas, sendo estáveis e sua rotulagem foi reprodutível, com possíveis aplicações biomédicas.

99mTc-AgNPs-ICG: nanopartícula para imagen híbrida / 99mTc-AgNPs-ICG: nanoparticle for hybrid image / 99mTc-AgNPs-ICG: nanopartícula para imagem híbrida

Introducción: actualmente la nanotecnología ha cambiado radicalmente el diagnóstico de muchas patologías humanas. El objetivo de este trabajo es obtener nanopartículas de plata para imagen híbrida (99mTc-AgNPs-ICG) que tengan potenciales aplicaciones clínicas en imagen. Materiales y métodos: se mezclaron 2 ml de ácido ascórbico (1.7 x10-4 M), 5 mCi de 99mTcO4-, 2 ml de ácido cítrico (8.0 x 10-4 M) y 0.5 ml de nitrato de plata (2.5 x 10-3 M). El pH de la solución fue 5, y se agitó durante 20 minutos a 37º C. A continuación, se añadieron 2 µl de verde de indocianina (1.3 x 10-3 M) (99mTc-AgNPs-ICG). Las propiedades fisicoquímicas de la solución se caracterizaron mediante UV (λ1 = 420 nm, λ2 = 254 nm) y detector gamma. Se evaluaron la imagen de fluorescencia, el tamaño de las partículas y el espectro IR. Resultados: se obtuvieron nanopartículas de plata en solución acuosa a un pH de 5. Su pH, color y espectro fueron estables durante siete días. Además, el pico principal caracterizado por HPLC, UV y detector Gamma tenía tiempos de retención similares. Su espectro UV mostró una banda de absorción de 420 nm, que corresponde a la banda de absorción plasmónica de estas nanopartículas. El tamaño de las partículas era de 46 nm ± 1,5 nm. El espectro IR mostró bandas de absorción en 3193, 2624, 1596 y 1212 cm-1. Conclusiones: describimos por primera vez en la literatura la síntesis de nanopartículas de plata híbridas (radioactivas y fluorescentes). Se caracterizaron sus propiedades fisicoquímicas, siendo estables y su etiquetado fue reproducible teniendo potenciales aplicaciones biomédicas.

Introduction: Currently nanotechnology has radically changed the diagnosis of many human pathologies. The aim of this work is to obtain silver nanoparticles for hybrid imaging (99mTc-AgNPs-ICG) having potential clinical imaging applications. Materials and methods: We mixed 2 ml of ascorbic acid (1.7x10-4 M), 5 mCi of 99mTcO4-, 2 ml of citric acid (8.0 x 10-4 M) and 0.5 ml of silver nitrate (2.5 x 10-3 M). Solution pH was 5, and it was shaken for 20 minutes at 37º C. Afterwards, 2 µL of Indocyanine Green (1.3 x 10-3 M) was added (99mTc-AgNPs-ICG). Physiochemical properties of the solution were characterized by UV (λ1 = 420 nm, λ2 = 254 nm) and gamma detector. Fluorescence image, particle size and IR spectrum were evaluated. Results: Silver nanoparticles were obtained in aqueous solution a pH of 5. Their pH, color and spectrum were stable for seven days. Furthermore, the principal peak characterized by HPLC, UV and Gamma detector had similar retention times. Its UV spectrum showed an absorption band of 420 nm, which corresponds to the plasmon absorption band of these nanoparticles. The particle size was 46 nm ± 1.5 nm. The IR spectrum showed absorption bands in 3193, 2624, 1596 y 1212 cm-1. Conclusions: We describe for the first time in literature the synthesis of hybrid (radioactive and fluorescent) silver nanoparticles. Their physiochemical properties were characterized, being stable and their labelling was reproducible having potential biomedical applications.

Introdução: Atualmente, a nanotecnologia mudou radicalmente o diagnóstico de muitas patologias humanas. O objetivo deste trabalho é obter nanopartículas de prata para imagens híbridas (99mTc-AgNPs-ICG) com possíveis aplicações de imagens clínicas. Materiais e métodos: Misturamos 2 ml de ácido ascórbico (1.7 x 10-4 M), 5 mCi de 99mTcO4-, 2 ml de ácido cítrico (8.0 x 10-4 M) e 0.5 ml de nitrato de prata (2.5 x 10-3 M). O pH da solução era 5 e ela foi agitada por 20 minutos a 37º C. Em seguida, foram adicionados 2 µL de indocianina verde (1,3x10-3 M) (99mTc-AgNPs-ICG). As propriedades físico-químicas da solução foram caracterizadas por UV (λ1 = 420 nm, λ2 = 254 nm) e detector gama. A imagem de fluorescência, o tamanho das partículas e o espectro de infravermelho foram avaliados. Resultados: As nanopartículas de prata foram obtidas em solução aquosa com pH de 5. Seu pH, cor e espectro permaneceram estáveis por sete dias. Além disso, o pico principal caracterizado por HPLC, UV e detector gama teve tempos de retenção semelhantes. Seu espectro de UV mostrou uma banda de absorção de 420 nm, que corresponde à banda de absorção plasmônica dessas nanopartículas. O tamanho da partícula foi de 46 nm ± 1,5 nm. O espectro de IV mostrou bandas de absorção em 3193, 2624, 1596 e 1212 cm-1. Conclusões: Descrevemos pela primeira vez na literatura a síntese de nanopartículas de prata híbridas (radioativas e fluorescentes). Suas propriedades físico-químicas foram caracterizadas, sendo estáveis e sua rotulagem foi reprodutível, com possíveis aplicações biomédicas.

A Cocktail of Natural Compounds Holds Promise for New Immunotherapeutic Potential in Head and Neck Cancer / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To obtain detailed understanding on the gene regulation of natural compounds in altering prognosis of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSC).@*METHODS@#Gene expression data of HNSC samples and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of HNSC patients were collected from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). Differential gene expression analysis of GEO datasets were achieved by the GEO2R tool. Common differentially expressed gerres (DEGs) were screened by comparing DEGs of HNSC with those of PBMCs. The combination was further analyzed for regulating pathways and biological processes that were affected.@*RESULTS@#Totally 110 DEGs were retrieved and identified to be involved in biological processes related to tumor regulation. Then 102 natural compounds were screened for a combination such that the expression of all 110 commonly DEGs was altered. A combination of salidroside, ginsenoside Rd, oridonin, britanin, and scutellarein was chosen. A multifaceted, multi-dimensional tumor regression was showed by altering autophagy, apoptosis, inhibiting cell proliferation, angiogenesis, metastasis and inflammatory cytokines production.@*CONCLUSIONS@#This study has helped develop a unique combination of natural compounds that will markedly reduce the propensity of development of drug resistance in tumors and immune evasion by tumors. The result is crucial to developing a combinatorial natural therapeutic cocktail with accentuated immunotherapeutic potential.

Biological Activities of Sesquiterpenoids： A Review / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Sesquiterpenoids are natural compounds composed of 15 carbon atoms， which can be divided into sesquiterpene alcohols， ketones， lactones， aldehydes， and carboxylic acids according to oxygen groups. These compounds are widely distributed in nature， and their physiological activities are diverse. For example， many sesquiterpenes with potential anticancer effects have been found for anti-tumor effects， including cytotoxicity， antioxidant， immune regulation， cell proliferation， and so on. In addition， some sesquiterpenoids have good application prospects in antibacterial， anti-inflammatory， and anti-cardiovascular diseases. Malignant tumors， inflammation， bacterial diseases， and cardiovascular diseases are the main diseases that cause human death， and natural products have unique advantages in the treatment of these diseases. Therefore， the development of new drugs that are easy to promote has become a new research hotspot. In this paper， the sesquiterpenes extracted from the natural components of Chinese herbs and plants with anti-tumor， anti-inflammatory， antibacterial， and anti-cardiovascular activities， such as Xanthium， Atractylodes， Convolvulus， Acanthium， Ligularia， Artemisia， Ligularia， Ligularia， Labiaceae Mint， Acanthophyllum， Turmeria， Ginger， and other Chinese herbs and plants， were discussed. The biological activities and related mechanisms of this compound were reviewed， which provided a reference for further research and clinical application of sesquiterpenes.

Platinum-Based Nanoplatforms in the Application of Medical Multimodal Imaging / 中国医学影像学杂志

Platinum-based nanoplatforms can enhance the absorption of X-ray due to the presence of high atomic number element of platinum and are applied to computed tomography imaging.Meanwhile,platinum-based nanomaterials have good near-infrared light absorption properties and photothermal conversion efficiency,which make them capable of photothermal imaging and photoacoustic imaging.In addition,by reducing transverse and longitudinal relaxation time,platinum-based nanoplatforms can mediate MRI imaging.In this paper,we report a multimodal imaging system based on platinum-based nanoplatforms for guiding the development of cancer treatment and diagnosis platform and medical application research,and also summarize the prospects of multimodal imaging technology in cancer diagnosis and treatment,report the research progress of platinum-based nanoplatforms in improving the contrast of medical images and enhancing cancer treatment.

Review: Harvesting therapeutically important bioactive compounds from possible poisonous Clitocybe species

@#From ancient times, humans have used mushrooms in different forms. Mushrooms have found their way into multiple cuisines, medicines, and other vital aspects of our lives. We have discovered and worked on different species of mushrooms. Some species of Clitocybe have not found their way into the research as they are poisonous. Many species of Clitocybe have not been studied for their therapeutically critical bioactive compounds. In this review, we have focused on the benefits of the compounds extracted from different species of Clitocybe. The compounds present in Clitocybehave been confirmed to have a wide range of beneficial effects, including antitumor, bacteriostatic, antifungal, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiaging, antidiabetic, hypoglycemic, immune stimulant, antiproliferative, neuroprotective, cardioprotective and chemopreventive properties. It has also found its way into the food industry with notable characteristics such as milk-coagulant, flavorings agent, organic food preservative, and yeast culture. There are studies confirming the use of compounds extracted from different species of Clitocybe as biological pest control.

Antibacterial activity and bioactive compounds of a marine macroalgae endophytic fungi, Hypoxylon monticulosum

Aims@#This study aims to determine the antibacterial potential and identify the bioactive compounds of Hypoxylon monticulosum isolated from marine macroalgae Ulva lactuca.@*Methodology and results @#Ulva lactuca was collected from the Desaru coast, Johor, Malaysia and three endophytes were isolated following surface sterilisation. One fungal isolate was further characterised by the morphology of white, yellowish colonies and fibrous with a waxy structure indicative of a member from the genus Hypoxylon. Molecular identification through internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequence analysis matches the reference sequence with more than ≥98% homology to Hypoxylon monticulosum AS26-D8. Minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) of the fungal ethyl acetate (EA) extract was determined against five human pathogenic bacteria. Wide spectrum antibacterial activity was noted; with MIC against Escherichia coli was 1.25 ± 0 mg/mL, Bacillus subtilis and Enterobacter faecalis both at 5.00 ± 0 mg/mL, and finally, both Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae were 10.00 ± 0 mg/mL, respectively. Bioassay-guided fractionation was performed using solvents of increasing polarities, producing three fractions and analysis by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC/MS) identified 128 compounds. From these, nine compounds were identified as having biological activities. Dihydrocordoin, D-pantothenoyl-L-cysteine, caffeine and Tumonoic A acid were among the compounds identified as having antibacterial properties.@*Conclusion, significance and impact of study@#Hypoxylon monticulosum from marine source has antibacterial potential owing to the compounds previously reported to display antibacterial and other biological properties. The compounds differ from those previously reported in H. monticulosum from terrestrial sources.

Study on immune characteristic genes of rheumatoid arthritis and the relationship with flavonoids of Smilax glabra Roxb / 安徽医科大学学报

Objective @#To use the GEO dataset and bioinformatics techniques , such as LASSO logistic regression , ssGSEA , and WGCNA , to screen for RA diagnostic markers and investigate the impact of earthly flavonoids in Smi lax glabra Roxb . on specific immune cell infiltration , to screen for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) diagnostic markers on specific immune cell infiltration and to analyze the combination of flavonoids in Smilax glabra Roxb . and diagnostic markers . @*Methods @#The normal control group and RA gene chip were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus database . The R 4.3.0 WGCNA software package was used to integrate and analyze the dataset , identify co-expression modules and associated trait information , and screen key modules closely related to RA . LASSO regression a nalysis was performed using the glmnet package in R to identify characteristic genes for RA . The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the diagnostic value of the characteristic genes in RA . The gene expression data of the normal control group and RA group were subjected to quantitative immune cell infiltration analysis using the GSVA , limma , and GSEABase packages in R. The chemical components of earth worm flavonoids in Smilax glabra Roxb . were analyzed based on UHPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap MS . The correlation between flavonoids and characteristic genes was assessed through molecular docking. @*Results @#The LASSO regres sion algorithm selected 5 characteristic genes ( apolipoprotein D , zinc finger and BTB domain containing 16 , C-C chemokine receptor type 5 , matrix metalloproteinase 1 , coronin-1A) . The area under ROC curve of all 5 character istic genes was greater than 0. 85 , which exhibited positive correlations with various immune cells . Twenty earth worm flavonoids of Smilax glabra Roxb . were identified using UHPLC-Q-Exactive/MS , and Mulberrin and Neobavaisoflavone were well combined with 5 immune characteristic genes . @*Conclusion @# Flavonoids compounds of Smilax glabra Roxb . have good combination with RA immune characteristic genes , providing a scientific basis for RA immunomodulation therapy and early diagnosis .

Research progress on natural medicines and active compounds in the treatment of heart failure / 药学实践与服务

Heart failure is the terminal stage of various cardiovascular diseases and a leading cause of death. For a long time, natural medicines have been used to treat heart failure（HF） with remarkable effects. In this paper, the Traditional Chinese Medicine compound patents in the national patent database were mined, common Traditional Chinese Medicines for the clinical treatment of HF were selected, and the single active ingredient contained in them was analyzed, which provided some valuable tips for the development of drugs for the treatment of heart failure.

Real-time Analysis of Organic Composition of Oral and Nasal Breath Air by High Resolution Mass Spectrometry / 分析化学

Human exhaled breath has great application prospects,e.g.,monitoring pharmacokinetics,disease diagnosis,due to its advantages such as non-invasive and high-frequency sampling.Breath samples can be collected from the oral and nasal cavity.However,the oral and nasal environment affect the chemical composition of breath sample.Therefore,the investigation on the chemical composition of mouth-exhaled breath and nose-exhaled breath is crucial for selection of appropriate sampling strategy for individual studies.In this work,secondary electrospray ionization-high resolution mass spectrometry(SESI-HRMS)was applied to analysis of respiratory metabolomics in real time.A quantitative analysis approach was established for 9 kinds of volatile organic compounds(VOCs)e.g.2-butanone,2-pentanone,ethyl acetate,methyl methacrylate,toluene,styrene,mesitylene,isoprene and limonene.The limit of detection was 2.3?240.8 ng/m3.The intra-day(n=6)and inter-day(n=18)relative standard deviations were 0.6%?4.6%and 4.3%?12.2%,respectively.Nine healthy subjects were recruited to investigate the chemical composition of mouth-exhaled and nose-exhaled breath.The results showed the good performance in quantitative analysis of 9 VOCs in breath air.It was found that the number of unique component(m/z)detected in mouth-exhaled breath(167)was 2.2 times greater than that detected in nose-exhaled breath(76),which might result from the complex environment in oral cavity.The signal intensity of commun component(163)was significantly different between mouth-exhaled breath and nose-exhaled breath.Additionally,the elemental composition analysis showed that the proportion of polar compounds detected in nose-exhaled breath was higher than that in mouth-exhaled breath.This study demonstrated that there was significant differences in the chemical composition between mouth-exhaled and nose-exhaled breath,which provided a theoretical basis for selection of exhalation mode.

Identification of Phenolic Acid Derivatives in Danshen Using MS3 and MS2 Spectra Matching Strategy / 分析化学

"MS/MS spectrum to structure"plays a critical role in the confirmative identification of complicated matrices and is currently regarded as an extremely challenging endeavor.MS/MS information provides vital clues to structural identification.In this study,a strategy was proposed to facilitate unambiguous identification through matching MS3 with MS2 spectra.Initially,MS3 spectra of the featured ions(c-and y-type ions)generated by the decomposition of ester functional group in esters and the MS2 spectrum of the structural unit([M-H]-)were all captured on the Qtrap-MS platform equipped with two tandem-in-space collision cells,including the second quadrupole cell(q2)and linear ion trap(LIT)chambers(actually the third quadrupole unit).Subsequently,the MS/MS spectrum matching between MS3 spectra of the ester compound and MS2 spectra of the structural unit(s)were achieved.As a result,the findings corresponding to MS3 and MS2 spectra matching were summarized.Finally,based on HR-MS/MS information of total salvianolic acid derivatives(TSA),36 kinds of compounds were preliminarily identified through matching with literature information and database retrieval.The applicability of MS3 and MS2 spectra matching strategy was further justified by the confirmative identification of phenolic acid compounds(Rosmarinic acid and salvianolic acid B)in TSA.Above all,MS3 and MS2 spectra matching strategy was quite meaningful towards advancing"MS/MS spectrum to structure"analysis through recognizing and identifying featured fragment ions,and also provided inspiration and new insights for the structural characterization.

Identification and diagnostic value of characteristic volatile organic compounds in exhaled breath of mice with early stage radiation injury / 军事医学

Objective To investigate the characteristic volatile organic compounds(VOCs)in exhaled breath and their diagnostic value in mice with early stage radiation injury.Methods The thermal desorption gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(TD-GC/MS)technique was used to analyze VOCs in exhaled breath of irradiated mice by 60Coγ-ray with 800 cGy.The characteristic VOCs in the early stage of radiation injury were identified,and a diagnostic model was established.Results The 30-day survival rate of mice was 4.2%.There were significant differences in characteristic VOCs at 7 hours after radiation injury,and thirty characteristic VOCs related to early-stage radiation injury were identified.The diagnostic value of differential metabolites in mice after irradiation was evaluated via the ROC curve,and the area under the ROC curve(AUC)of a single compound exceeded 0.8.The diagnostic model was constructed by screening 9 potential biomarkers of exhalation through Fisher discriminant analysis,and its sensitivity and specificity were close to 100%.Conclusion Analysis of VOCs in exhaled breath is expected to provide a non-invasive diagnostic method for early screening and diagnosis of radiation injury.

Study on the biological exposure limit of whole blood chromium in occupational hexavalent chromium compounds exposed population / 中国职业医学

ObjectiveTo analyze the exposure-response relationship of peripheral whole blood chromium level and lung function as well as genetic toxicity indicators in workers exposed to hexavalent chromium [Cr(Ⅵ)] compounds, and to propose a biological exposure limit of whole blood chromium for soluble Cr(Ⅵ) compounds-exposed workers. Methods A total of 515 workers from a dynamic occupational Cr(Ⅵ) compounds-exposed cohort in an enterprise from 2010 to 2017 were selected as the research subjects using a retrospective cohort study. A total of 918 followed-up results of research subjects and baseline data of a cohort were analyzed based on bibliometric analysis. The results include lung function tests, whole blood chromium level detected by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry, urinary 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) detected by high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, peripheral micronuclei frequency (MNF) detected by cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay, and mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtCN) detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Results The results of bibliometric analysis showed that domestic and foreign studies on biological monitoring of Cr(Ⅵ) compounds increased year by year in the past 30 years, and whole blood chromium levels had a good correlation with the occupational Cr(Ⅵ) compounds exposure. The geometric mean of whole blood chromium levels in males and females among the occupational Cr(Ⅵ) compounds exposure cohort was 2.77 and 1.79 μg/L, respectively. A turning point appeared in 6.00 μg/L chromium in whole blood of the exposure-response curve of whole blood chromium levels with lung function indicators and genetic toxicity indicators. For each unit increase in the natural logarithm-transformed whole blood chromium level, the forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) decreased by 0.05 L, the FEV1/forced-vital-capacity decreased by 0.67%, the peak expiratory flow decreased by 0.15 L/s, the maximal mid-expiratory flow decreased by 0.09 L/s, the MNF increased by 0.149‰, the urinary 8-OHdG increased by 0.090 μg/g, and the mtCN increased by 0.013. When the whole blood chromium level was >6.00 μg/L, there was a significant increase in urinary 8-OHdG, MNF, and mtCN (all P<0.01). Conclusion The level of whole blood chromium can be used as a biomarker for occupational exposure to soluble Cr(Ⅵ) compounds. The preliminary biological exposure limit is set at 6.00 μg/L for whole blood chromium in workers exposed to soluble Cr(Ⅵ) compounds.

Intervention of Traditional Chinese Medicine in NLRP3 Signaling Pathway for Prevention and Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease： A Review / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Alzheimer's disease （AD） is a neurodegenerative disease often characterized by cognitive impairment in clinical practice. The main pathogenesis includes β amyloid protein （Aβ） excessive deposition， neuroinflammatory response， Tau protein hyperphosphorylation， and other factors， and currently only a few chemical drugs have been approved for clinical treatment of AD. The mechanism of action is relatively single， so it is imperative to find new treatment strategies. Traditional Chinese medicine theory believes that the loss of nourishment in the brain and marrow， as well as the loss of vital energy， is the internal mechanisms underlying the occurrence and development of AD， which runs through the entire treatment process. The pathogenesis of AD is closely related to the inflammasome signaling pathway of nucleotide binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 （NLRP3）. Activating the NLRP3 signaling pathway increases neuroinflammatory response， intervenes in microglial polarization， and regulates Aβ sedimentation， cellular autophagy， brain homeostasis， etc. This article takes the NLRP3 signaling pathway as the starting point to sort out and summarize the upstream and downstream targets under the AD mechanism in the past five years， as well as the research on the NLRP3 signal pathway targets with the participation of the relevant traditional Chinese medicine compounds， such as Danggui Shaoyaosan， modified Shuyu Wan， Qingxin Kaiqiao prescription， Kaixin San， Jiedu Yizhi prescription， and modified Buwang San， traditional Chinese medicine monomer extracts， such as silibinin， Lycium barbarum polysaccharides， liquiritigenin， salidroside， baicalin， cinnamaldehyde， betaine， acacetin， and Hericium erinaceus， and acupuncture and moxibustion. It also reviews the latest achievements in the prevention and treatment of AD. This study provides ideas and directions for in-depth research on the prevention and treatment of cognitive dysfunction related diseases with traditional Chinese medicine.

Network pharmacology-based study on mechanism of Zhi-Huang-Zhi-Tong powder in rheumatoid arthritis treatment / 中国药理学通报

Aim To discover the potential active compounds and possible mechanisms in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treatment with Zhi-Huang-Zhi-Tong powder (ZHZTP) by using network pharmacology and in vitro study. Methods The active ingredient targets and disease targets of Zhihuang Zhitong Powder were searched and screened by database; they intersected to get a common target; and the "drug-component-target" relationship network diagram was constructed for GO and KEGG enrichment analysis of the overlapping genes; then the core components were docked with the core targets. Finally, based on the inflammation model of HUVECs in vitro, the efficacy and mechanism of Zhihuang Zhitong powder were verified by MTT method, plate scratch test and Western blot. Results Active compounds involved in RA treatment were screened in the present study, and the top two were ursolic acid and emodin, all playing crucial roles in RA treatment with ZHZTP. Additionally, the key target was AKTA, TNF and IL-6. GO and KEGG enrichment analysis revealed that ZHZTP regulated BP, MF and CC, and also focused on regulating AKTA, TNF and IL-6 signaling pathway. Molecular docking showed that interactions between key active compounds and key targets were stable. In vitro ZHZTP significantly inhibited cell viability and migration of TNF-a-stimulated HUVECs, and the involved mechanism may be associated with PI3K/AKT/m-TOR signaling. Conclusions The present study reveals that the potential active compounds of ZHZTP are ursolic acid and emodin, and moreover, the involved mechanisms of ZHZTP for RA treatment are associated with PI3 K/AKT/m-TOR signaling.

Effect of sodium hypochlorite and calcium hypochlorite on the apical sealing ability of endodontic sealers

Aim: This study aimed to compare the influence of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and calcium hypochlorite [Ca(OCl)2 ] on the apical sealing capacity of AH Plus (Dentsply Maillefer) and Bio-C Sealer (Angelus) endodontic sealers. Methods: Sixty permanent human lower incisors were randomly allocated (http://www.randomized.org), according to the irrigant used, into three groups (n=20): 0.9% sodium chloride (NaCl/Control); 2.5% NaOCl; and 2.5% Ca(OCl)2 . The root canal was prepared with rotary files under 10 mL of the solution corresponding to the experimental group. Each group was subdivided into two (n=10) according to the sealer used for filling: AH Plus (Dentsply Maillefer) or Bio-C Sealer (Angelus). Then, all samples were immersed in black India ink for one week. After the storage period, the roots were then grooved longitudinally and split, and the ink penetration was measured from the apical part to the coronal part of the root canal into which the ink penetrated using a stereomicroscope. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Tukey's post-hoc tests. Results: There was no statistical difference in ink penetration between the different endodontic sealers tested for the same irrigating solution (p > 0.05). However, when the Bio-C Sealer (Angelus) was used, the group treated with 2.5% Ca(OCl)2 was associated with lower values of apical leakage, compared to 2.5% NaOCl (p < 0.05). For the AH Plus sealer (Dentsply Maillefer), there was no difference between the irrigants (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Associating Ca(OCl)2 irrigant with Bio-C Sealer (Angelus) seems to be a good option to reduce apical leakage

Cytotoxicity evaluation, antibacterial effect, and degree of conversion of QAM-containing adhesives

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of adding quaternary ammonium methacrylates (QAMs) to experimental adhesives by assessing the degree of conversion (DC), cytotoxicity against keratinocytes and fibroblasts, and antibacterial activity against biofilm formation. Two QAMs were added to an experimental adhesive: dimethylaminododecyl methacrylate bromododecane (DMADDM) or dimethylaminododecyl methacrylate bromohexadecane (DMAHDM) at three concentrations each: 1, 2.5, and 5 wt.%. Experimental adhesive without QAMs (control group) and commercially available Transbond XT Primer (3M Unitek, Monrovia, California, USA) were used for comparisons. The adhesives were tested for DC, cytotoxicity against keratinocytes and fibroblasts, and antibacterial activity against biofilm formation. DC, cytotoxicity against fibroblasts, and antibacterial activity were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey's multiple comparisons. Cytotoxicity against keratinocytes was evaluated using the Kruskal Wallis and Dunn's post-hoc (α = 5%) tests. Transbond showed lower DC as compared to 5% DMAHDM, 1% DMADDM, and 5% DMADDM (p < 0.05). However, all groups presented proper DC when compared to commercial adhesives in the literature. In the evaluation of cytotoxicity against keratinocytes, Transbond induced higher viability than 2.5 wt.% groups (p < 0.05). Against fibroblasts, Transbond induced higher viability as compared to 5 wt.% groups (p < 0.05). DMAHDM at 5 wt.% reduced biofilm formation when compared to all the other groups (p < 0.05). Despite their cytotoxic effect against keratinocytes, gingival fibroblasts showed higher viability. DMAHDM at 5 wt.% decreased Streptococcus mutans viability. The incorporation of DMAHDM at 5 wt.% may be a strategy for reducing the development of white spot lesions.