Facile fabrication of carbon nanotube hollow microspheres as a fiber coating for ultrasensitive solid-phase microextraction of phthalic acid esters in tea beverages.

The efficient extraction of phthalic acid esters (PAEs) is challenging due to their extremely low concentration, complicated matrices and hydrophilicity. Herein, hollow microspheres, as an ideal coating, possess significant potential for solid-phase microextraction (SPME) due to their fascinating properties. In this study, multiwalled carbon nanotube hollow microspheres (MWCNT-HMs) were utilized as a fiber coating for the SPME of PAEs from tea beverages. MWCNT-HMs were obtained by dissolving the polystyrene (PS) cores with organic solvents. Interestingly, MWCNT-HMs well maintain the morphology of the MWCNTs@PS precursors. The layer-by-layer (LBL) assembly of MWCNTs on PS microsphere templates was achieved through electrostatic interactions. Six PAEs, di-ethyl phthalate (DEP), di-iso-butyl phthalate (DIBP), di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP), benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP), di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) and di-n-octyl phthalate (DOP), were selected as target analytes for assessing the efficiency of the coating for SPME. The stirring rate, sample solution pH and extraction time were optimized by using the Box-Behnken design. Under optimal working conditions, the proposed MWCNT-HMs/SPME was coupled with gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) to achieve high enrichment factors (118-2137), wide linearity (0.0004-10 µg L-1), low limits of detection (0.00011-0.0026 µg L-1) and acceptable recovery (80.2-108.5%) for the detection of PAEs. Therefore, the MWCNT-HM coated fibers are promising alternatives in the SPME method for the sensitive detection of PAEs at trace levels in tea beverages.

Hollow polyester/kapok/hollow polyester fiber-based needle punched nonwoven composite materials for rapid and efficient oil sorption.

Nowadays oil pollution poses a serious threat to the environment and people's daily life. As reusable and environmentally friendly materials, fiber-based oil sorption materials can effectively alleviate this phenomenon. However, maintaining a high sorption rate along with improved mechanical properties remains a challenge for oil sorption materials. Herein, we report a novel hollow PET/kapok/hollow PET nonwoven with high porosity and oil retention, outstanding cyclic oil sorption rate and improved mechanical performance using kapok as the oil preserver and hollow PET as the conductor and structure enhancer. Benefiting from the three-layer composite structure fabricated by carding and needle punching reinforcement, the resulting oil sorption materials, with kapok proportion more than or equal to 60%, exhibited high oil sorption rate and oil sorption speed. The materials of 20HP/60K/20HP component content present a high initial oil sorption rate of 28.22 g g-1, a maximum oil sorption rate of 31.17 g g-1 and a sorption rate constant of the Quasi second-order kinetic equation of 0.067 in plant oil. On the other hand, when the proportion of kapok fiber in the material was below 60%, due to the introduction of hollow PET, the mechanical properties were significantly boosted, and its oil retention and reusability were distinguished, with a reuse rate stabilizing at a relatively high level (>93%) in plant oil after undergoing three oil sorption cycles. The successful fabrication of hollow PET/kapok/hollow PET nonwovens could provide a new approach for the design and development of oil sorption materials.

Global meta-analysis reveals differential effects of microplastics on soil ecosystem.

A large number of individual studies and meta-analyses have shown that microplastics (MPs) affect soil ecosystems. However, the effects of different concentrations and types of MPs on soil ecosystem are still unclear. Here, a comprehensive meta-analysis was performed to examine the responses of 19 variables, associated with soil properties, microbes, enzymes, and fauna, to MPs, based on 114 peer-reviewed studies. The results showed that the addition of MPs significantly reduced the soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN), NH4+-N, pH, and diversity of bacteria, and increased the dissolved organic carbon (DOC), diversity of fungi and enzyme activities, especially enzymes related to the biogeochemical cycle. We further discussed that soil MPs exerted negative effects on soil fauna, including survival, growth, and reproduction, and that the concentration of MPs, rather than the type, was the biggest driving factor causing the toxicity of MPs affecting soil animals. More importantly, the concentrations of MPs were the main factor affecting the DOC, TN, NO3--N, total phosphorus (TP), available phosphorus (AP), and diversity of fungi, whereas the types of MPs were the main factors reflected in the SOC, NH4+-N, pH, diversity of bacteria, and enzyme activities. This study aimed to evaluate the response of soil ecosystems to the different concentrations and types of MPs, and the largest driving factor for the toxicity of MPs.

Changes in the urinary proteome of rats after short-term intake of magnesium L-threonate(MgT).

Introduction: Magnesium (Mg) is an important mineral in living organisms. Magnesium has multiple functions in the human body, wherein it plays an important therapeutic and preventive role in a variety of diseases. Methods: Urine samples of rats before and after gavage of magnesium L-threonate (MgT) were collected, and the urinary proteome was identified using the LC-MS/MS technique and analyzed using various databases. Results and discussion: The results illustrated that the urinary proteome of rats was significantly altered after short-term intake of magnesium supplements and that the differential proteins and the biological functions were related to magnesium. This study innovatively establishes a method to study nutrients from the perspective of urine proteomics. This work demonstrates that the urinary proteome is capable of reflecting the effects of nutrient intake on the organism in a more systematic and comprehensive manner and has the potential to provide clues for clinical nutrition research and practice.

Kangxianruangan granule­containing serum mediated inhibition of hepatic oval cell differentiation into hepatocellular carcinoma cells via the Wnt­1/ß­catenin signaling pathway.

Hepatocellular carcinoma is a malignancy with poor clinical prognosis. Hepatic oval cells (HOCs) tend to differentiate into cancerous hepatocellular carcinoma cells (HCCs) in the tumor microenvironment. The purpose of the present study was to explore the role of kangxianruangan granule (KXRG)­containing serum in inhibiting the differentiation of HOCs into HCCs via the Wnt­1/ß­catenin signaling pathway. N­methyl­N'­nitro­N­nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) was applied to induce the transformation of the rat HOC cell line WB­F344 into HCCs. The overexpression plasmid, Wnt­1­up, was utilized to increase Wnt­1 expression. Subsequently, high, medium and low concentrations of KXRG were applied to MNNG­treated WB­F344 cells to assess the inhibitory effect of KXRG on cell differentiation. Flow cytometry was conducted to detect the cell cycle distribution, apoptotic rate and expression of cytokeratin­19 (CK­19) protein in cells. An immunofluorescence double staining protocol was used to detect the expression of Wnt­1 and ß­catenin. ELISAs were performed to detect α fetoprotein in the cell supernatants. Reverse transcription­quantitative PCR and western blotting were conducted to detect the mRNA and protein expression levels of Wnt­1, ß­catenin, Cyclin D1, C­myc, matrix metalloproteinase­7 (MMP­7), Axin2 and epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) in cells. Compared with the normal group, the apoptotic rate, proportion of S phase cells, concentration of AFP in the cell supernatant, level of CK­19 protein, and mRNA and protein expression levels of Wnt­1, ß­catenin, Cyclin D1, C­myc, MMP­7, Axin2 and EpCAM were all significantly increased in the model group. Addition of KXRG significantly reduced the aforementioned indicators compared with the model group. Moreover, Wnt­1 overexpression further increased the aforementioned indicators compared with the model group, whereas KXRG significantly inhibited these effects. The results indicated that KXRG inhibited the differentiation of HOCs into HCCs via the Wnt­1/ß­catenin signaling pathway, which suggested the potential clinical application of KXRG for the prevention of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Insight into the performance and microbial community profiles of magnetite-amended anaerobic digestion: Varying promotion effects at increased loads.

In current study, the enhancement effect of magnetite on anaerobic digestion was evaluated at increased organic loading rate (OLR) from 1.6 to 25.6 kg COD·m-3·d-1. The supplement of magnetite enhanced the methane yield by 7-483% accompanied with faster VFAs conversion. Microbial analysis suggested the varied enhancing effect achieved at different OLRs was attributed to different syntrophic interactions triggered by magnetite. More specially, an electroactive syntropy was established between Trichococcus with Methanobacterium at OLR lower than 6.4 kg COD·m-3·d-1, while with the OLR increase, more acid fermentative bacteria (Propionimicrobium, Syner-01) were enriched and further enhanced methanogenesis in a syntrophic way with Methanosaeta. Overall, the incorporation of magnetite was a promising approach to achieve efficient anaerobic digestion, OLR was also critical factor affecting the methanogenesis and should be carefully regulated in future application.

Impact on Sexual Function of Endoscopic Enucleation vs Transurethral Resection of the Prostate for Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Due to Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Introduction: Although the transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) has been regarded as the gold standard surgical option for lower urinary tract symptoms due to benign prostatic hyperplasia, the endoscopic enucleation of the prostate (EEP) with novel techniques is also recommended. However, whether there are differences on male sexual functions after these two procedures is still controversial. We performed this meta-analysis to investigate the impact on erectile function (EF) and ejaculation of EEP and TURP, and to explore the potential superiority between these two approaches. Materials and Methods: Literature search was conducted on Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane library, to obtain all relevant randomized controlled trials published before December 13, 2018. Outcome data were pooled and analyzed with Review Manager 5.3 to compare the International Index of Erectile Function 5 (IIEF-5) scores and retrograde ejaculation (RE) rates from short- to long-term follow-ups. Results: Ten articles with 1435 patients were included. EEP group showed higher IIEF-5 scores than TURP group with mean difference (MD) = 1.00, confidence interval (95% CI): 0.95-1.05 at 48 months and MD = 1.08, 95% CI: 1.03-1.13 at ≥60 months, respectively. In subgroup analysis, the holmium laser enucleation of the prostate showed significantly better IIEF scores than TURP group at 48 months (MD = 1.00, 95% CI: 0.95-1.05) and ≥72 months (MD = 1.08, 95% CI: 1.03-1.13). Additionally, no significant difference in RE rate was found between EEP and TURP (risk ratio = 1.02, 95% CI: 0.85-1.23). Conclusions: Compared with TURP, EEP may produce a more durable benefit for postoperative preservation of EF at long-term stage.

[Mechanism of Cinnamomi Ramulus improving rat model of intrahepatic cholestasis induced by ANIT by regulating FXR pathway].

To study the mechanism and action of Cinnamomi Ramulus in ameliorating intrahepatic cholestasis induced by α-isothiocyanate( ANIT) in rats by regulating FXR pathway. Forty SD rats were randomly divided into normal group,model group,positive control( ursodeoxycholic acid) group( 60 mg·kg~(-1)),Cinnamomi Ramulus treatment( 60 mg·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)) group,and Cinnamomi Ramulus treatment( 20 mg·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)) group,with 8 rats in each group. Except for the normal control group,the other groups were intragastrically administered with the corresponding concentrations of continuous aqueous solution( 0. 005 m L·g~(-1)),once a day,for 7 days.Except for the normal group,the other groups were treated with ANIT( 100 mg·kg~(-1)),once a day,for 3 days. Blood was taken from the abdominal aorta 24 hours after the last administration,and serum alanine aminotransferase( ALT),aspartate aminotransferase( AST),total bilirubin( TBi L),and total bile acid( TBA) were measured. 1. 5-2 cm of rat liver tissue was taken. After fixation with10% formaldehyde,paraffin-embedded sections were taken,HE staining was performed,and immunohistochemistry( IHC) was used to analyze the expression of FXR. RNA and protein were extracted from rat liver tissue to detect FXR mRNA expression,as well as bile acid synthesis and detoxification,transport related SHP,UGT2 B4,BSEP protein expressions at downstream of FXR. Compared with the normal group,serum ALT,AST,TBi L,and TBA levels were elevated in the model group( P<0. 01),liver damage was severe,FXR protein's optical density decreased,FXR mRNA expression decreased,and SHP,UGT2 B4,BSEP protein expressions were decreased( P<0. 05,P<0. 01). Compared with the model group,the drug group could reduce serum ALT,AST,TB,TBA levels to different degrees( P<0. 05,P<0. 01),alleviate liver tissue damage,increase the optical density of FXR protein,and promote the expressions of FXR mRNA and FXR,SHP,BSEP and UGT2 B4 proteins( P<0. 05,P<0. 01). Cinnamomi Ramulus can alleviate ANIT-induced intrahepatic cholestasis,and reduce hepatocyte injury and serum ALT,AST,TBi L and TBA levels. The mechanism may be through FXR-SHP,FXR-UGT2 B4,FXR-BSEP signaling pathways. Therefore,in the pathogenesis of intrahepatic cholestasis,we can try to further explore in alleviating intrahepatic cholestasis with Cinnamomi Ramulus,so as to provide effective drugs for clinical treatment of intrahepatic cholestasis.

[Urban Runoff Phosphorus Removal Pathways in Bioretention Systems].

The role of vegetation and saturated zones in stormwater-dissolved phosphorus (PO43--P) removal was investigated using bioretention microcosms. Nine bioretention columns were dosed with synthetic stormwater under various hydrological conditions and phosphorus loading rates and monitored over a 12-month period. Remarkable phosphorus removal (>90%) was achieved using the mixed filter media of sand and local soil, with or without vegetation. Bioretention columns in which P. alopecuroides was planted could significantly enhance PO43--P removal. The saturated zones could also reduce the effluent PO43--P concentrations, but had no significant effect on total phosphorus removal. Approximately 50% of the input phosphorus retained in the filter media was extracted in the top 0-22.5 cm, where it could be available for uptake by plants. Further, 57.1% to 76.1% of the total phosphorus input recovered in the total plant biomass was stored in the above-ground shoots. Thus, periodic harvesting of shoots can be a sustainable method of phosphorus removal from stormwater bioretention systems.

Study protocol for One Health data collections, analyses and intervention of the Sino-Swedish integrated multisectoral partnership for antibiotic resistance containment (IMPACT).

INTRODUCTION: To effectively minimise the emergence and dissemination of antibiotic resistant bacteria, a holistic One Health approach is called for. The Sino-Swedish Integrated Multisectoral Partnership for Antibiotic Resistance Containment is a cross-sectoral and integrated project on antibiotic resistance, conducted in Shandong Province in China. This paper outlines the overall study protocol for the project. To our knowledge, this is the first research programme aiming to take a true holistic approach across multiple sectors simultaneously in China, and the first to incorporate both antibiotic use and infection prevention and control in addition to antibiotic resistance patterns. The project aims to address gaps in current knowledge and seeks to improve the situation through a system-wide intervention. By using a One Health approach we can address important research questions that individual discipline investigations are unable to. The results obtained should thus more closely reflect the world in which human health, animal health and the environment are inextricably and intimately interlinked. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: Both quantitative and qualitative studies are included for households from 12 villages, their surrounding environment and a tertiary care hospital in a nearby town. The studies include analyses of antibiotic consumption for humans and pigs; qualitative and quantitative data on perceptions, knowledge and attitudes; faecal carriage of extended spectrum ß-lactamase and carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae from pigs and humans, and occurrence in household drinking water, surface water, waste water and clinical bacterial isolates from the hospital. Carriage of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in humans, household pigs and clinical bacterial isolates is also investigated. Furthermore, potential inter-relationships between these sources are analysed. A multifaceted One Health intervention is designed and implemented in 6 of the 12 villages. Repeated and continuous data collections take place over 2 years, where the repeated data collection is performed after 1 year of intervention. Comparisons are made between intervention and control villages, before and after the intervention. ETHICS: Ethics approval was obtained from the first Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, China, reference number 2015#185 and 2015#283.

Daphnauranins A and B, two new antifeedants Isolated from Daphne aurantiaca roots.

Daphnauranins A (1) and B (2), two sesquiterpenoids were isolated from the roots of Daphne aurantiaca Diels. One is an unprecedented 5/7 oxacycloheptane ring system, the other is a sesquiterpene-lignan complex. Their structures were elucidated by comprehensive spectroscopic methods including MS and NMR. Their absolute configurations were further confirmed by the quantum ECD calculations. Daphnauranins A and B showed anti-insect activities against male fruit fly with anti-feeding rate up to 46.2±7.1 and 44.7±5.4% at 1mM, respectively.

Molecular epidemiology of colistin-resistant Enterobacteriaceae in inpatient and avian isolates from China: high prevalence of mcr-negative Klebsiella pneumoniae.

Whether chromosomal and transmissible mechanisms contribute simultaneously to colistin resistance in Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli remains unknown. This study aims to identify the underlying mechanisms of colistin resistance in inpatient and avian K. pneumoniae and E. coli in China. We retrospectively screened 2353 Enterobacteriaceae isolates from inpatients at multiple centers during 2011-2014, and 168 avian isolates from one slaughterhouse in 2013 for the presence of MCR-1/MCR-2. Mutations and transcriptional levels of the chromosomal RamA, PhoPQ, and PmrAB genes were determined by PCR and RT-qPCR. The transferability and genetic characteristics of the underlying colistin-resistance genes were detected by conjugation and whole-genome sequencing. The MIC90 for colistin in colistin-resistant K. pneumoniae (ColRKP, 128 mg/L, N = 17) was 16-fold higher than in colistin-resistant E. coli (ColREC, 8 mg/L, N = 33). The dominant sequence types of ColRKP were ST2018 and ST37, whereas ColREC displayed diversity. The chromosomal genes ramA, pmrB, and phoQ were not associated with colistin resistance in ColRKP. The transcriptional levels of PmrB in ColREC were 7.5-fold greater than in colistin-susceptible isolates. The carrying rates of MCR-1 in ColREC and ColRKP were 100% (33/33) and 23.5% (4/17), respectively. Plasmid IncI2 (~60 kb) carrying MCR-1 could be transferred to recipient E. coli EC600 with frequencies ranging from 8.74 × 10-6 to 1.31 × 10-4. No transferable genes were identified in mcr-1-negative ColRKP. MCR-1 combined with upregulated PmrB was associated with low-level colistin resistance in ColREC. However, two-thirds of the ColRKP isolates were mcr-negative and need to be studied further.

Ethanolic Ginkgo biloba leaf extract prevents renal fibrosis through Akt/mTOR signaling in diabetic nephropathy.

BACKGROUND: Recently, extract of Ginkgo biloba leaves (GbE) have become widely known phytomedicines and have shown various pharmacological activities, including improvement of blood circulation, protection of oxidative cell damage, prevention of Alzheimer's disease, treatment of cardiovascular disease and diabetes complications. This study was designed to investigate the effects of an ethanolic GbE on renal fibrosis in diabetic nephropathy (DN) and to clarify the possible mechanism by which GbE prevents renal fibrosis. STUDY DESIGN: We investigated the protective effects of GbE on renal fibrosis in STZ-induced diabetic rats. Rats were randomized into six groups termed normal control, diabetes mellitus, low dose of GbE (50 mg/kg/d), intermediate dose of GbE (100 mg/kg/d), high dose of GbE (200 mg/kg/d) and rapamycin (1 mg/kg/d). METHODS: After 12 weeks, the rats were sacrificed and then fasting blood glucose (FBG), creatinine (Cr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), urine protein, relative kidney weight, glycogen and collagen accumulation, and collagen IV and laminin expression were measured by different methods. The amounts of E-cadherin, α-SMA and snail, as well as the phosphorylation of Akt, mTOR and p70S6K in the renal cortex of rats, were examined by western blotting. RESULTS: Compared with diabetic rats, the levels of Cr, BUN, urine protein, relative kidney weight, accumulation of glycogen and collagen, and expression of collagen IV and laminin in the renal cortex were all decreased in GbE treated rats. In addition, GbE reduced the expression of E-cadherin, α-SMA, snail and the phosphorylation of Akt, mTOR and p70S6K in diabetic renal cortex. CONCLUSION: GbE can prevent renal fibrosis in rats with diabetic nephropathy, which is most likely to be associated with its abilities to inhibit the Akt/mTOR signaling pathway.

[Management of calyceal diverticular calculi with stenotic infundibulum by flexible ureteroscopic holmium laser infundibulectomy and lithotripsy].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of flexible ureteroscopic holmium laser lithotripsy in treating calyceal diverticular calculi with stenotic infundibulum and to present our initial experience. METHODS: From Nov. 2012 to Nov. 2014, 10 patients with stone-bearing calyceal diverticulum and stenotic infundibulum underwent flexible ureteroscopic holmium laser lithotripsy in our hospital, including 3 female patients and 7 male patients with an average age of 36.9 years (range: 20 to 62 years). There were 6 patients with right side while 4 patients with left side calyceal diverticular calculi. The average cumulative stone size was (1.33±0.43) cm. Five patients underwent extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) before hospital admission but no stone was discharged. All the patients received intravenous urography (IVU) and CT-urography (CTU) preoperatively and underwent double-J stents placement 2 weeks before operations. A digital-fiber flexible ureteroscopy and 200 µm holmium laser fiber were used for treatment. Surgeries began with routine flexible ureteroscopy and methylene blue injection was used to identify the small ostium of infundibulum. Then infundibulectomy followed by lithotripsy was performed. All the patients receive double-J stents placement and traditional Chinese medicine for 1 to 3 months after operations. The stone clearance was estimated by kidney ureter bladder (KUB) within 3 months' follow up. RESULTS: The locations of calyceal diverticulum were upper pole in 7 patients, and interpolar regions in 4 patients. The average operation time was (123.7±59.6) min, and the average estimated blood loss was (29.3±32.1) mL. Successful flexible ureteroscopic holmium laser infundibulectomies were performed in all the 10 patients. Success rate was 100%. The stone clearance rates for 1 and 3 months after surgery were 50.0% and 80.0%, respectively, which were observed by KUB follow-up. Two patients had serious post-operative fever (>38.0 °C) in coexistence with chills. The mobidity of urosepsis was 20.0%. No major complications were identified. CONCLUSION: In selected patients, calyceal diverticular calculi with stenotic infundibulum can be treated safely and efficiently with flexible ureteroscopic homium laser lithotripsy. CTU and IVU should be completed preoperatively for calyceal diverticulum location and technique difficulty prediction. Retrograde methylene blue injection can be used to identify the ostium during surgery. And prolonged post-operation stone clearance was observed.

[Effect and impact of holmium laser versus thulium laser enucleation of the prostate on erectile function].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effect and impact of holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) and 120-W thulium: YAG vapoenucleation of the prostate (ThuVEP) on erectile function in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 93 cases of symptomatic BPH treated by HoLEP or 120 W ThuVEP. We made comparisons between the two groups of patients in the baseline and postoperative clinical and surgical indexes as well as their IPSS, quality of life (QOL), maximum flow rate (Qmax), postvoid residual urine volume (PVR), and IIEF-EF scores before surgery and during the 12-month follow-up. RESULTS: ThuVEP, in comparison with HoLEP, achieved a significantly shorter operation time ([57.6 +/- 12. 8] vs. [70.4 +/- 21.8] min, P = 0.001) and a higher laser efficiency ([0.71 +/- 0.18] vs. [0.62 +/- 0.19] g/min, P = 0. 021). At 1, 6, or 12 months of follow-up, no significant differences were observed in IPSS, OOL, Omax, and PVR between the two groups (P > 0.05). Both the HoLEP and ThuVEP groups showed low incidences of complications and remarkably improved IIEF-EF scores at 12 months postoperatively, but with no significant differences (both P > 0.05). However, in those with relatively normal erectile functions before operation, the mean IIEF-EF score was reduced from 22.8 +/- 2.2 preoperatively to 21.0 +/- 2.7 after HoLEP, (P = 0.036). CONCLUSION: Both HoLEP and 120W ThuVEP are effective and safe in the treatment of BPH. Compared with HoLEP, 120 W ThuVEP has even a higher laser efficiency. However, neither can significantly improve erectile function, and HoLEP may have a short-term negative impact on the relatively normal erectile function of the patient.

Volvalerenol A, a new triterpenoid with a 12-membered ring from Valeriana hardwickii.

Volvalerenol A (1), an unprecedented type of triterpenoid with a 7/12/7 tricyclic ring system, was obtained from the ethanol extracts of the roots of Valeriana hardwickii. The structure and relative configurations were established by comprehensive analysis of MS and NMR spectroscopic data. The possible biogenetic pathway of 1 was also deduced.

[Chemical constituents from Daphne acutiloba].

OBJECTIVE: To study the chemical constituents from Daphne acutiloba. METHOD: The constituents were separated by column chromatography, and their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic data analyses. RESULT: Fifteen compounds were isolated from the EtOAc extract and identified as wikstroelide M (1), vesiculosin (2), prostratin (3), 7-hydroxy-coumarin (4), 7,8-di-hydroxy-coumarin (5), isodaphnoside (6), daphnorine (7), rutamontine (8), daphnolin (9), daphneticin (10), (+)-pinoresinol-beta-D-glucoside (11), oleodapnone (12), oleodaphnal (13), ergosterol peroxide (14) and cholest-5-en-3beta-ol (15). CONCLUSION: All the compounds except for 4, 5 and 14 were obtained from the stems of this plant for the first time.

Sesquiterpenoids and lignans from the roots of Valeriana officinalis L.

Two new guaiane-type sesquiterpenoids, valerol A (1) and kessyl 3-acetate (2), together with nine known compounds, valeracetate (3), anismol A (4), orientalol C (5), spatulenol (6), 4α,10α-epoxyaromadendrane (7), (+)-8-hydroxypinoresinol (8), pinorespiol (9), pinoresinol 4-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside (10), and 8-hydroxypinoresinol 4'-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside (11) were isolated from the roots of Valeriana officinalis. The structures and relative configurations of 1 and 2 were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic methods (1D- and 2D-NMR, MS, UV, and IR). These compounds were evaluated for inhibitory activity on acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and enhancing activity on nerve growth factor (NGF)-mediated neurite outgrowth in PC12 cells.

Volvalerelactones A and B, two new sesquiterpenoid lactones with an unprecedented skeleton from Valeriana officinalis var. latifolia.

Volvalerelactones A and B (1 and 2), two new sesquiterpenoid lactones with an unprecedented 3/7/6 tricyclic ring system, were isolated from the roots of Valeriana officinalis var. latifolia. Their structures and relative configurations were elucidated by spectroscopic data and single-crystal X-ray diffraction crystallography, and the absolute configuration was assigned by computational methods. The possible biosynthetic pathways of 1 and 2 were also proposed.