Efficient removal of U(VI) from aqueous solution using poly(amidoxime-hydroxamic acid) functionalized graphene oxide.

The efficient development of selective materials for uranium recovery from wastewater and seawater is crucial for the utilization of uranium resources and environmental protection. The potential of graphene oxide (GO) as an effective adsorbent for the removal of environmental contaminants has been extensively investigated. Further modification of the functional groups on the basal surface of GO can significantly enhance its adsorption performance. In this study, a novel poly(amidoxime-hydroxamic acid) functionalized graphene oxide (pAHA-GO) was synthesized via free radical polymerization followed by an oximation reaction, aiming to enhance its adsorption efficiency for U(VI). A variety of characterization techniques, including SEM, Raman spectroscopy, FT-IR, and XPS, were employed to demonstrate the successful decoration of amidoxime and hydroxamic acid functional groups onto GO. Meanwhile, the adsorption of U(VI) on pAHA-GO was studied as a function of contact time, adsorbent dosage, pH, ionic strength, initial U(VI) concentration, and interfering ions by batch-type experiments. The results indicated that the pAHA-GO exhibited excellent reuse capability, high stability, and anti-interference ability. Specially, the U(VI) adsorption reactions were consistent with pseudo-second-order and Langmuir isothermal adsorption models. The maximum U(VI) adsorption capacity was evaluated to be 178.7 mg/g at pH 3.6, displaying a higher U(VI) removal efficiency compared with other GO-based adsorbents in similar conditions. Regeneration of pAHA-GO did not significantly influence the adsorption towards U(VI) for up to four sequential cycles. In addition, pAHA-GO demonstrated good adsorption capacity stability when it was immersed in HNO3 solution at different concentrations (0.1-1.0 mol/L) for 72 h. pAHA-GO was also found to have anti-interference ability for U(VI) adsorption in seawater with high salt content at near-neutral pH condition. In simulated seawater, the adsorption efficiency was above 94% for U(VI) across various initial concentrations. The comprehensive characterization results demonstrated the involvement of oxygen- and nitrogen-containing functional groups in pAHA-GO in the adsorption process of U(VI). Overall, these findings demonstrate the feasibility of the pAHA-GO composite used for the capture of U(VI) from aqueous solutions.

Effect of vinegar steaming on the composition and structure of Schisandra chinensis polysaccharide and its anti-colitis activity.

In this study, infrared spectroscopy, high-performance liquid chromatography, and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time-of-flight-mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) technology were applied to systematically explain the Schisandra chinensis's polysaccharide transformation in configuration, molecular weight, monosaccharide composition, and anti-ulcerative colitis (UC) activity after vinegar processing. Scanning electron microscopic results showed that the appearance of S. chinensis polysaccharide changed significantly after steaming with vinegar. The MALDI-TOF-MS results showed that the mass spectra of raw S. chinensis polysaccharides (RSCP) were slightly lower than those of vinegar-processed S. chinensis polysaccharides (VSCP). The RSCP showed higher peaks at m/z 1350.790, 2016.796, and 2665.985, all with left-skewed distribution, and the molecular weights were concentrated in the range of 1300-3100, with no higher peak above m/z 5000. The VSCPs showed a whole band below m/z 3000, with m/z 1021.096 being the highest peak, and the intensity decreased with the increase of m/z. In addition, compared to RSCPs, VSCPs can significantly increase the content of intestinal short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). This study showed that the apparent morphology and molecular weight of S. chinensis's polysaccharides significantly changed after steaming with vinegar. These changes directly affect its anti-UC effect significantly, and its mechanism is closely related to improving the structure and diversity of gut microbiota and SCFA metabolism.

Research on the effects of processing Heishunpian from Aconiti lateralis radix praeparata on components and efficacy using the "step knockout" strategy.

Heishunpian is obtained through complex processing of Aconiti lateralis radix praeparata. However, the impact of each processing step on chemical compositions and pharmacological activities is still unclear. The mechanism of the processing needs to be further studied. The samples were all prepared using the "step knockout" strategy for UPLC-QTOF-MS analysis, and analgesic and anti-inflammatory efficacy evaluation. Each sample was analyzed by UPLC-QTOF-MS to determine the component differences. The hot plate test and acetic acid writhing test were used to evaluate the analgesic effect. Anti-inflammatory efficacy was evaluated by xylene-induced ear edema test. The correlation between components and efficacies was studied to screen the effective components for further investigating the processing of Heishunpian. Mass spectrum analysis results showed that 49 components were identified, and it appeared that brine immersion and rinsing had a great influence on the components. In the hot plate test, ibuprofen and Heishunpian had the most significant effect, while ibuprofen and the sample without rinsing showed the best efficacy for the acetic acid writhing test. The sample without dyeing had the best effect on ear edema. The correlation analysis indicated that mesaconine, aconine, 3-deoxyaconine, delbruine, and asperglaucide were potentially considered effective analgesic components. It is not recommended to remove brine immersion and rinsing. Boiling and steaming are necessary processes that improve efficacy. Dyeing, which does not have a significant impact on components and efficacy, may be an unnecessary process. This research has been of great significance in identifying anti-inflammatory and analgesic components and optimizing processing for Heishunpian.

Effects of different steaming times on the composition, structure and immune activity of Polygonatum Polysaccharide.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: As a commonly used traditional Chinese herbal medicine, Polygonati Rhizoma has high medicinal value, it can enhance the immune capacity of the body, regulate the metabolism of blood glucose and lipids, treat weakness of the stomach and intestines and physical fatigue, and so on. There are three plant varieties of Polygonati Rhizoma recorded in Chinese Pharmacopoeia, including Polygonatum sibiricum Red., Polygonatum kingianum Coll. et Hemsl. and Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua, compared with the first two, Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua is less studied. Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua is one of the basal plants of the Chinese herb Polygonati Rhizoma, that strengthens the spleen, moistens the lungs, and benefits the kidneys. Polygonatum polysaccharide is the main active substance of Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua, which has various biological effects of regulating immune system, anti-inflammatory, anti-antidepressant, antioxidant and other effects. AIM OF THE STUDY: In order to analyze the necessity and scientificity of multiple cycles of steaming during the traditional nine-steaming and nine-drying process of the concoction of Polygonatum, we investigated the changes in the composition and structure of polysaccharides, and explored its immunomodulatory activity and molecular biological mechanism. METHODS: The structural characterization and molecular weight of polysaccharides were studied by scanning electron microscope (SEM), high-performance size exclusion chromatography-evaporative light scattering detector (HPSEC-ELSD) and Matrix.assisted laser resolutionu ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS). The composition and proportion of monosaccharides were determined by PMP-HPLC method. A mouse immunosuppression model was established by intraperitoneal injection of cyclophosphamide to compare the immunomodulatory effects and mechanisms of different steaming times of Polygonatum, The changes of body mass and immune organ indices of mice were measured; the secretion levels of interleukin-2 (IL-2), interferon γ (IFN-γ) and the expression levels of immunoglobulin M (IgM) and immunoglobulin A (IgA) in serum were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; and then flow cytometry was used to detect T-lymphocyte subpopulations to evaluate the differences of immunomodulatory effects of polysaccharides during the processing and preparation of Polygonatum. Finally, the Illumina MiSeq high-throughput sequencing platform was used to analyze short-chain fatty acids and to investigate the effects of different steaming times of Polygonatum polysaccharides on immune function and intestinal flora in immunosuppressed mice. RESULTS: The structure of the Polygonatum polysaccharide with different steaming times changed significantly, the relative molecular weight of Polygonatum polysaccharide decreased significantly, and the monosaccharide composition of Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua with different steaming times was the same but the content was different. The immunomodulatory activity of the Polygonatum polysaccharide was enhanced after concoction, which significantly increased the spleen index and thymus index, and increased the expression of IL-2, IFN-γ, IgA and IgM. The CD4+/CD8+ ratio of Polygonatum polysaccharide also increased gradually with different steaming times, indicating enhanced immune function and significant immunomodulatory effect. The content of short-chain fatty acids in the feces of mice in both six steaming six sun-drying of Polygonatum polysaccharides (SYWPP) and nine steaming nine sun-drying of Polygonatum polysaccharides (NYWPP) groups increased significantly, including the content of propionic acid, isobutyric acid, valeric acid, and isovaleric acid, and also had a good effect on the regulation and improvement of microbial community abundance and diversity, SYWPP and NYWPP increased the relative abundance of Bacteroides and the ratio of Bacteroides and Firmicutes (B:F), while SYWPP significantly increased the abundance of Bacteroides, Alistipes and norank_f__Lachnospiraceae, but the effect of raw Polygonatum polysaccharides (RPP) and NYWPP was not significant than SYWPP. CONCLUSION: Overall, both SYWPP and NYWPP could significantly enhance the immune activity of the organism, improve the imbalance of intestinal flora in immunosuppressed mice, and increase the content of intestinal short chain fatty acids (SCFAs), it is noteworthy that SYWPP has a better effect on the improvement of the immune activity of the organism. These findings can explore the stage of the concoction process of Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua to achieve the best effect, provide a reference basis for the development of quality standards, and at the same time promote the application of new therapeutic agents and health foods in raw and different steaming times of Polygonatum polysaccharide.

The multi-omics and analysis to reveal thermal processing enhanced anti-rheumatoid arthritis efficacy of Radix Clematidis in rats.

Radix Clematidis (RC) is the roots and rhizomes of Clematis chinensis Osbeck, which has potent effects for expelling wind and dispelling dampness. Processing RC with yellow wine is a traditional processing method. This study aimed to investigate thermal and yellow wine processing influences on potential effective components of RC and its anti-rheumatoid arthritis enhancement mechanisms. Different thermal and wine processing were adopted to get different RC samples. Scanning electron microscope and mercury intrusion porosimetry were used to measure fractal parameters of pore structure. Based on ultra performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF/MS), main constituents were identified and quantified. Besides, the correlation between fractal parameters and main constituents was investigated. The anti-rheumatoid arthritis effect was researched in adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) rats. The levels of inflammatory cytokine were determined with ELISA kits. Non-targeted serum metabolomics was performed with UPLC-QTOF/MS. 35 compounds were identified in RC, mainly triterpenoid saponins, also including organic acids and lignanoids. The extraction yield of four active triterpenoid saponins significantly increased because looser tissue and wider pore size distribution. Fractal dimension and total surface area significantly increased while total porosity and total volume decreased. In AIA rats, thermal and wine processed RC could markedly inhibit inflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-1ß, TNF-α, and VEGF. Besides, tryptophan and lipid metabolism disorders were ameliorated. Thermal and yellow wine treatments engendered complex pore structure to increase the contents of four active triterpenoid saponins of RC, leading to greater anti-rheumatoid arthritis efficacy.

[Optimization of processing technology of wine-processed Polygonati Rhizoma based on orthogonal test and AHP-comprehensive scoring method and comparison of immunomodulation functions of Polygonati Rhizoma processed with different methods].

This study employed orthogonal design and AHP-comprehensive scoring method to optimize the processing technology of wine-processed Polygonati Rhizoma, and then explored the immunomodulation performance of the product. Orthogonal test was established based on single factor test results to study the effects of soaking time, steaming time, and drying temperature on the quality of wine-processed Polygonati Rhizoma. Further, the analytic hierarchy process(AHP) and comprehensive scoring method were employed to determine the optimum processing parameters. The immunosuppression model of mice was established by injecting cyclophosphamide intraperitoneally. The body weight, immune organ index, and white blood cell count(WBC) and red blood cell count(RBC) in peripheral blood were compared between the mice administrated with the non-processed Polygonati Rhizoma and the wine-processed Polygonati Rhizoma prepared with modern and traditional methods. Further, the levels of interleukin-2(IL-2) and interferon-gamma(IFN-γ) in serum were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) for comparison. The processing parameters were optimized as follows: soaking in Chinese rice wine for 10 h, steaming for 20 h, and drying thick slices at 60 ℃. The wine-processed Polygonati Rhizoma prepared with both modern and traditional methods can significantly enhance the immune function, with similar performance. The optimized processing technology of wine-processed Polygonati Rhizoma is stable and feasible and the product prepared with this process has obvious immune-enhancing effect, which provides a basis for the quality standard formulation and the modern research of wine-processed Polygonati Rhizoma.

Velvet antler methanol extracts (MEs) protects against oxidative stress in Caenorhabditis elegans by SKN-1.

Velvet antler is one of the most important animal medicines or functional foods widely used in East Asia for many centuries, which has several biological activities including anti-ageing and health promotion. To date, the mechanism underlying these effects of velvet antler is widely studied by its protein or polypeptide components. Few studies have been reported for the function of the other components in velvet antler. Herein, C. elegans is used as the model animal to dissect how none protein components of velvet antler affect in vivo oxidative stress. Methanol extracts (MEs) from velvet antler which has few protein components extends the maximum lifespan of C. elegans compared to the control under oxidative stress, while water extracts (WEs) which is protein-rich component has no apparent function. The activity of MEs is mediated by clk-1 signaling pathway, but not via daf-2, eat-2 or glp-1 pathway. Further investigations show MEs decrease endogenous ROS by promoting SKN-1 nuclei translocation, subsequently up-regulating the expression of its target genes gst-4, gst-7 and gst-10 in C. elegans. In all, MEs, the none protein components of velvet antler, protects against oxidative stress in C. elegans, which indicates it might be a product with potential of being a curative medicine.

Nanoscale Hybrid Coating Enables Multifunctional Tissue Scaffold for Potential Multimodal Therapeutic Applications.

Through a nature-inspired layer-by-layer assembly process, we developed a unique multifunctional tissue scaffold that consists of porous polyurethane substrate and nanoscale chitosan/graphene oxide hybrid coating. Alternative layers of drug-laden chitosan and graphene oxide nanosheets were held together through strong electrostatic interaction, giving rise to a robust multilayer architecture with control over structural element orientation and chemical composition at nanoscale. Combined pH-controlled co-delivery of multiple therapeutic agents and photothermal therapy has been achieved by our scaffold system. The new platform technology can be generalized to produce other tissue scaffold systems and may enable potential multimodal therapeutic applications such as bone cancer managements.

Co-transport of U(VI), humic acid and colloidal gibbsite in water-saturated porous media.

The release of uranyl from uranium tailing sites is a widely concerned environmental issue, with limited investigations on the effect of coexistence of various colloids. Gibbsite colloids extensively exist, together with ubiquitous humic substances, in uranium polluted waters at tailing sites, due to high concentration of dissolved Al in acid mine drainage. In this context, we investigated the co-transport of U(VI), gibbsite colloids and humic acid (HA) as a function of pH and ionic strength at a U(VI) concentration (5.0 × 10-5 M) relevant within mine tailings and related waste. It was found that, owing to electrostatic attraction, gibbsite colloids and HA associated with each other and transported simultaneously regardless of U(VI) presence. Besides the impact of pH and ionic strength, whether gibbsite colloids facilitated U(VI) transport depended on HA concentration. Gibbsite colloids impeded U(VI) transport at relatively low HA concentration (≤5 mg L-1), because associated colloids loaded with U(VI) were positively charged which favored colloid retention on negatively charged quartz sand in the column. U(VI) together with gibbsite colloids and low concentration HA was completely blocked at natural pH and/or high ionic strength. At relatively high HA concentration (20 mg L-1), however, the associated colloids showed negative zeta potential which facilitated U(VI) transport because of repulsion between negatively charged colloids and quartz sand. Meanwhile, high concentration of HA dramatically accelerated the transport of gibbsite colloids. These results implied that gibbsite colloids might imped U(VI) migration at uranium tailing sites unless the aquifers are enriched with abundant humic substances.

Co-transport of U(VI) and akaganéite colloids in water-saturated porous media: Role of U(VI) concentration, pH and ionic strength.

Remediating uranium contamination becomes a worldwide interest because of increasing uranium release from mining activities. Due to ubiquitous presence of pyrite and the application of iron-based technology, colloidal iron oxy-hydroxides such as akaganéite colloid (AKC) extensively exist in uranium polluted water at uranium tailing sites. In this context, we studied individual and co-transport of U(VI) and AKC in water-saturated sand columns at 50 mg/L AKC and environmentally relevant U(VI) concentrations (5.0 × 10-7 ∼ 5.0 × 10-5 M). It was found that, in addition to the impact of pH and ionic strength, whether AKC facilitated U(VI) transport depended on U(VI) concentration as well. The presence of AKC facilitated U(VI) transport at relatively low U(VI) concentration (5.0 × 10-7 ∼ 5.0 × 10-6 M), which was due to the strong adsorption of U(VI) on AKC and faster transport of AKC than that U(VI) as observed in their individual transport experiments. At relatively high U(VI) concentrations (5.0 × 10-5 M), however, AKC impeded U(VI) transport because U(VI) of high concentration decreased AKC colloidal stability and increased AKC aggregation and attachment. Thus, U(VI) and AKC co-transport was even blocked completely at relatively high pH and ionic strength. The mechanisms behind the co-transport of U(VI) and AKC were also confirmed by assessing the evolutions of aqueous pH and AKC zeta potential and particle size distribution in the column effluents. A two-site non-equilibrium model and a two-site kinetic attachment/detachment model well-described the breakthrough curves of U(VI) and AKC, respectively. Knowledge generated from this study provides a thorough understanding of uranium transport in the absence/presence of AKC, and brings new insights into the influence of contaminant concentration on co-transport in the presence of colloids.

Comparison of Shenfu Injection () and epinephrine on catecholamine levels in a porcine model of prolonged cardiac arrest.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of Shenfu Injection (SFI) and epinephrine (EPI) on catecholamine levels in a porcine model of prolonged cardiac arrest (CA). METHODS: After 8 min of untreated ventricular fibrillation, 24 Wuzhishan miniature pigs were randomly assigned to one of the three groups (n=8 per group) and received central venous injection, respectively: SFI group (1 mL/kg), EPI group (20 µg/kg EPI), and normal saline (NS) group. Cardiac output (CO), maximum rate of increase/decrease in left ventricular pressure (±dp/dt), serum levels of EPI, norepinephrine (NE), and dopamine (DA) were determined at baseline and at 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 h after restoration of spontaneous circulation. RESULTS: The duration of cardiopulmonary resuscitation was shorter in the EPI and SFI groups than in the NS group (P<0.05). The EPI level increased significantly after restoration of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) in all three groups, and was significantly different between the EPI group and the other two groups immediately after ROSC (both P<0.01), but these differences gradually disappeared over time. There were no significant differences in NE or DA levels among the three groups, and there were no correlations between catecholamine levels and CO or dp/dt (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: SFI did not significantly affect endogenous catecholamine levels during cardiopulmonary resuscitation after prolonged ventricular fibrillation. However, SFI improved oxygen metabolism, and produced a better hemodynamic status compared with EPI. SFI might be a potentially vasopressor drug for the treatment of CA.

Shen-Fu Injection () alleviates post-resuscitation myocardial dysfunction by up-regulating expression of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effect of Shen-Fu Injection (SFI) and epinephrine on the expression of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) ATPase 2a (SERCA2a) in a pig model with post-resuscitation myocardial dysfunction. METHODS: Ventricular fibrillation (VF) was electrically induced in Wu-zhi-shan miniature pigs. After 8 min of untreated VF and 2 min of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), all animals were randomly administered a bolus injection of saline placebo (SA group, n=10), SFI (0.8 mg/kg, SFI group, n=10) or epinephrine (20 µg/kg, EPI group, n=10). After 4 min of CPR, a 100-J shock was delivered. If the defibrillation attempt failed to attain restoration of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), manual chest compressions were rapidly resumed for a further 2 min followed by a second defibrillation attempt. Hemodynamic variables were recorded, and plasma concentrations of catecholamines were measured. Adenylate cyclase (AC), cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and the expressions of ß1-adrenoceptor (AR) and SERCA 2a were determined. RESULTS: Cardiac output, left ventricular dp/dtmax and negative dp/dtmax were significantly higher in the SFI group than in the SA and EPI groups at 4 and 6 h after ROSC. The expression of ß1-AR and SERCA2a at 24 h after ROSC were significantly higher in the SFI group than in the SA and EPI groups (P<0.05 or P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The administration of epinephrine during CPR decreased the expression of SERCA2a and aggravated postresuscitation myocardial function (P<0.01). SFI attenuated post-resuscitation myocardial dysfunction, and the mechanism might be related to the up-regulation of SERCA2a expression.

Comparison of epinephrine and Shen-Fu injection on resuscitation outcomes in a porcine model of prolonged cardiac arrest.

BACKGROUND: Epinephrine has been used as a first-choice vasopressor drug for cardiac arrest (CA) since 1974. However, the administration of epinephrine is controversial. This study aims to compare the effects of Shen-Fu injection (SFI) and epinephrine on resuscitation outcomes in a porcine model of prolonged CA. METHODS: Ventricular fibrillation (VF) was electrically induced. After 8 minutes of untreated VF and 2 minutes of chest compressions, 24 pigs were randomly divided into 3 groups (n = 8 per group): central venous injection of SFI (SFI group), epinephrine (EPI group), or saline solution (SA group). The haemodynamic status and oxygen metabolism parameters, including cardiac output, mean arterial pressure, left ventricular dp/dtmax and negative dp/dtmax, oxygen delivery (DO2), and oxygen consumption (VO2), were calculated. RESULTS: SFI shortened the time to restoration of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) and decreased the number of shocks, similar to epinephrine. However, the mean arterial pressure, cardiac output, left ventricular dp/dtmax and negative dp/dtmax were significantly higher in the SFI group than in the EPI group at 4 and 6 hours after ROSC. VO2 and ERO2 decreased after ROSC and then increased. VO2 and ERO2 were significantly higher in the SFI group than in the EPI and SA groups after ROSC, while those were lowest in the EPI group among all groups. CONCLUSIONS: SFI shortened the time to ROSC and decreased the number of shocks, similar to epinephrine. However, SFI improved oxygen metabolism, and produced a better hemodynamic status compared with epinephrine. SFI might be a potentially vasopressor drug for the treatment of CA.

Therapeutic effects of Shenfu Injection on post-cardiac arrest syndrome.

Survival rates after cardiac arrest have not changed substantially over the past 5 decades. Postcardiac arrest (CA) syndrome (PCAS) is the primary reason for the high mortality rate after successful restoration of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). Intravenous administration of Shenfu Injection (, SFI) may attenuate post-CA myocardial dysfunction and cerebral injury, inhibit systemic ischemia/reperfusion responses, and treat underlying diseases. In this article, we reviewed the therapeutic effects of SFI in PCAS. SFI might be useful in the treatment of PCAS, incorporating the multi-link and multi-target advantages of Chinese medicine into PCAS management. Further experimental and clinical research to verify the therapeutic effects of SFI in PCAS is required.

Effect of Shenfu on inflammatory cytokine release and brain edema after prolonged cardiac arrest in the swine.

OBJECTIVE: Shenfu injection (SFI), a traditional Chinese formulation, has been confirmed to be protective against brain during ischemia and reperfusion injury. In this exploratory study, we investigated the action of SFI in regulating the inflammatory response and brain edema after cardiopulmonary resuscitation. METHODS: After 8 minutes of untreated ventricular fibrillation (VF), pigs in the cardiopulmonary resuscitation group (n = 24) received a central venous injection of either SFI (SFI group; 1.0 mL/kg), epinephrine (EP group; 0.02 mg/kg), or saline (SA group). Levels of porcine-specific tumor necrosis factor α and interleukin in sera were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay at 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6, and 24 hours after return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). Surviving pigs were killed 24 hours after ROSC, and the brains were removed for electron microscopy, Western blotting, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis. RESULTS: Compared with the EP and SA groups, SFI decreased the levels of tumor necrosis factor α and interleukin-6 in serum and the brain (P < .05) and decreased the expression of nuclear factor κB and aquaporin-4 messenger RNA in the brain (P < .05). Shenfu injection also inhibited the expression of nuclear factor κB, matrix metalloproteinase 9, and aquaporin-4 protein after ROSC (P < .05). Observation of brain tissue ultrastructure showed that injury was alleviated in the SFI group compared with the SA and EP groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our exploratory experiments demonstrated that SFI reduced cerebral damage in a porcine model of VF, which may be related to suppression of the inflammatory reaction and decreased brain edema after ROSC.

Shen-fu injection reduces postresuscitation myocardial dysfunction in a porcine model of cardiac arrest by modulating apoptosis.

Shen-Fu injection (SFI) following cardiac arrest exhibits cardioprotective effects, but its effect on myocardial dysfunction, a critical issue following resuscitation, is unclear. This study sought to examine whether SFI reduces postresuscitation myocardial dysfunction in a porcine model of cardiac arrest by modulating apoptosis. After 8 min of untreated ventricular fibrillation and 2 min of basic life support, 24 pigs were randomized divided into three groups, which received central venous injection of either Shen-Fu (SFI group; 1.0 mL/kg), epinephrine (EP group; 0.02 mg/kg), or saline (SA group). After successful return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), hemodynamic status and blood samples were obtained at 0, 30, 120, and 360 min after ROSC. Surviving pigs were killed at 24 h after ROSC, and the hearts were removed for analysis by electron microscopy, Western blotting, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, and TUNEL (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling) assay. Compared with the EP and SA groups, animals treated with SFI had improved left ventricular function (P < 0.05), lower troponin T levels (P < 0.01), and increased tissue perfusion and oxygen metabolism (P < 0.05). Shen-Fu injection was associated with a reduction in (i) Bcl-2, Bax, and caspase 3 protein expression (P < 0.05); (ii) caspase 3 mRNA upregulation; and (iii) apoptosis, compared with the EP and SA groups. Caspase 3-mediated apoptosis occurs following myocardial injury after cardiopulmonary resuscitation in pigs. Shen-Fu injection decreased myocardial injury; improved myocardial ultrastructure; inhibited Bcl-2, Bax, and caspase 3 expression; and reduced myocardial apoptosis. Therefore, SFI could significantly attenuate postresuscitation myocardial dysfunction by modulating apoptosis.

G-quadruplex as signal transducer for biorecognition events.

G-rich nucleic acid oligomers can form G-quadruplexes built by G-tetrads stacked upon each other. The basic building block of the G-quadruplexes is similar, but the formation of different quadruplex structures is highly responsive to the strand stoichiometry, strand orientation, guanine glycosidic torsion angle, connecting loops, and the metal coordination. Because of its structural variations and different functions, G-quadruplex applied in biorecognition events can function as a versatile signaling component. A variety of strategies that incorporate G-quadruplex have also been reported. In this review, we mainly discuss G-quadruplex as signal transducer from the following aspects for biorecognition events: analyte-induced G-quadruplex reconfiguration and fluorescence enhancement of small ligand; analyte-induced G-quadruplex reconstruction and formation of DNAzyme; Stimulus-responsive G-quadruplex refolding and manipulation of electron transfer; Stimulus-responsive G-quadruplex and its combination with nanopore systems; Small ligand-responsive G-quadruplex stabilization for drug screening; Nanomaterial-reponsive G-quadruplex reformation; Target-triggered continuous formation of G-quadruplex by DNA nanomachine. We have comprehensively described the recent progress in our labs and others. Undoubtedly, bioanalytical technology and nanotechnology based on G-quadruplex will continue to grow, leading to develop new diagnostics, therapeutics and drug development.

[Effects of 1, 25(OH)(2);D(3); on parathyroid hormone induced transdifferentiation and TGF-ß(1); expression in cultured human renal tubular epithelial cells].

AIM: To explore the effects of 1, 25(OH)(2);D(3); on parathyroid hormone (PTH) induced transdifferentiation and TGF-ß(1); expression in cultured human renal tubular epithelial cells. METHODS: HK-2 cells were cultured in DMEM/F12 medium supplemented with 50 mL/L FBS. Cells were divided into three groups. (1) CONTROL GROUP: without PTH or 1, 25(OH)(2);D(3);; (2) PTH group: 10(-10); mol/L PTH; (3) PTH and 1, 25(OH)(2);D(3); group: 10(-10); mol/L PTH and different concentrations of 1, 25(OH)(2);D(3); (10(-10);, 10(-9);, 10(-8); and 10(-7); mol/L). The gene expressions of α-SMA and TGF-ß(1); were detected by semi-quantitative RT-PCR. The protein expressions of α-SMA and TGF-ß(1); were detected by Western blot. Immunocytochemisty (ICC) was used to measure the expression of α-SMA in HK-2. ELISA was used to assay the level of TGF-ß(1); in the supernatant. RESULTS: The gene expressions of α-SMA and TGF-ß(1); in PTH group were significantly higher than those in control group (P<0.05). In contrast, they were significantly lower in PTH and 1, 25(OH)(2);D(3); group than those in PTH group (P<0.05). Western blot results showed α-SMA could not be detected in normal HK-2 cells, which could be detected in PTH group. TGF-ß(1); protein expression in PTH group was higher than that in control group. In PTH and 1, 25(OH)(2);D(3); group, α-SMA and TGF-ß(1); protein expressions were significantly lower than those in PTH group (P<0.05). ICC results showed that α-SMA was hardly expressed in cells of control group. However, positive expression of α-SMA could be seen in many cells in PTH group. In PTH and 1, 25(OH)(2);D(3); group, the cells of α-SMA positive expressed were significantly less than those in PTH group (P<0.05). ELISA results showed that the level of TGF-ß(1); in the supernatant of PTH group was higher than that in control group, which was also higher than that in PTH and 1, 25(OH)(2);D(3); group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: 1, 25(OH)(2);D(3); can attenuate PTH-induced transdifferentiation and TGF-ß(1); expression in cultured human renal tubular epithelial cells.

Sorption of U(VI) on goethite: effects of pH, ionic strength, phosphate, carbonate and fulvic acid.

U(VI) sorption on goethite was investigated as functions of pH, solid-to-liquid ratio (m/V), ionic strength and U(VI) concentration by a batch experimental method. Effects of phosphate, carbonate and fulvic acid (FA) on U(VI) sorption were examined. It was found that the sorption of U(VI) increases from 0% to 100% over the pH range of 2.5-4.5 and keeps constant in the high pH range. The sorption of U(VI) on goethite is insensitive to ionic strength. Different surface complexes in the framework of double-layer model were examined for fitting the sorption of U(VI) on goethite. A model with two mononuclear inner-sphere surface complexes, identical with triple bond SOUO(2)(+) and identical with triple bond SOUO(2)OH, was found capable of reproducing the pH sorption edges, the sorption isotherms and the sorption data with variable m/V in this study. The proposed model can also interpret the pH sorption edge collected at P(CO2)=10(-3.58) atm without considering any ternary surface complexes of carbonate. Moreover, it was found that the presence of phosphate at relatively high concentration (6 x 10(-4) mol/L) promotes U(VI) sorption. The presence of FA of 20 mg/L has little effect on the sorption of U(VI) on goethite.