Approaching Splendid Catalysts for Li-CO2 Battery from the Theory to Practical Designing: A Review.

Lithium carbon dioxide (Li-CO2) batteries, noted for their high discharge voltage of approximately 2.8 V and substantial theoretical specific energy of 1876 Wh kg-1, represent a promising avenue for new energy sources and CO2 emission reduction. However, the practical application of these batteries faces significant hurdles, particularly at high current densities and over extended cycle lives, due to their complex reaction mechanisms and slow kinetics. This paper delves into the recent advancements in cathode catalysts for Li-CO2 batteries, with a specific focus on the designing philosophy from composition, geometry, and homogeneity of the catalysts to the proper test conditions and real-world application. It surveys the possible catalytic mechanisms, giving readers a brief introduction of how the energy is stored and released as well as the critical exploration of the relationship between material properties and performances. Specifically, optimization and standardization of test conditions for Li-CO2 battery research is highlighted to enhance data comparability, which is also critical to facilitate the practical application of Li-CO2 batteries. This review aims to bring up inspiration from previous work to advance the design of more effective and sustainable cathode catalysts, tailored to meet the practical demands of Li-CO2 batteries.

Two new phenolic amides from Allium chinense.

Objective: To isolate the phenolic amides from the dried bulbs of Allium chinense and investigate their myocardium protective activities. Methods: The chemical constituents were isolated and purified by combining with silica gel column, Sephadex LH-20 column, HPLC and other chromatography techniques. Their structures were elucidated by NMR techniques and mass spectrometry. The isolated compounds were evaluated to determine their protective effect for myocardium cells in vitro. Results: Two new phenolic amides, namely, alichinemide I (1) and alichinemide II (2), and six konwn amides were isolated from the dried bulbs of A. chinense. The structures of compounds 3-8 were identified as 3-indolcarbaldehyde (3), 1-(2-aminophenyl)urea (4), 2,3,4,9-tetrahydro-1H-pyrido[3,4-b]indole-3-carboxylic acid (5), N-trans-feruloyltyramine (6), N-trans-p-coumaroyltyramine (7), and N-(3,4-dimethoxyphenethyl) acetamide (8). Compound 3 (50 µmol/L) showed significant inhibitory effect on the damage of H9c2 myocardial cells induced by H2O2in vitro. Conclusion: Compounds 1 and 2 were new phenolic amides. Compound 3 could be one of the potential myocardium protective constituents of A. chinense.

Camganoids A and B, two new sesquiterpenes with different carbon skeletons isolated from fruits of Cinnamomum migao.

Objective: To isolate and identify the undescribed compounds from the fruits of Cinnamomum migao and evaluate its nitric oxide inhibition potential. Methods: The chromatographic techniques of silica gel, Sephadex, and HPLC were used for isolation and purification of the compounds, while HR-ESI-MS, 1D NMR, 2D NMR, ECD, and X-ray diffraction techniques were used to characterize and confirm the isolated compounds. Moreover, the anti-inflammatory activity of the isolated compounds was carried out to check inhibitory potential against the production of nitric oxide with RAW264.7 cells stimulated by LPS. Results: Camganoid A (1), a novel sesquiterpene possessing an unprecedented skeleton, and camganoid B (2), containing a unique eight-membered sesquiterpene moiety with a new carbon skeleton, were isolated and identified from the fruits of C. migao. The absolute configurations of 1 and 2 were confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations. Among these compounds, compound 1 exhibited potent inhibitory activity against the production of nitric oxide with IC50 value of 4.59 µmol/L in RAW264.7 cells stimulated by LPS. Conclusion: The isolation of two new skeletons from the fruits part of C. migao possessed unique skeletons which have not been reported before.

[Mechanism of Shenxiong Glucose Injection against myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury based on network pharmacology and molecular docking].

Based on network pharmacology and molecular docking, the mechanism of danshensu and tetramethylpyrazine, the main active components of Shenxiong Glucose Injection(SGI), against myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury(MIRI) was explored. Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform(TCMSP), GeneCards, and Online Mendelian Inheri-tance in Man(OMIM) were used to search the targets of the active components and the disease, and the common targets were screened. The "drug-component-disease-target" network was constructed by Cytoscape, and the protein-protein interaction network was established by STRING, followed by Gene Ontology(GO) term and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) pathway enrichment by R software. AutoDock Vina was employed for the molecular docking between active components and core targets. A total of 15 potential targets of danshensu and tetramethylpyrazine against MIRI were screened out, involving the major GO terms of cyclooxyge-nase pathway, extracellular matrix binding, and antioxidant activity, and the main pathways of platelet activation and regulation of lipolysis in adipocytes. Danshensu and tetramethylpyrazine can form stable conformations with core targets prostaglandin G/H synthase 2(PTGS2), vascular endothelial growth factor A(VEGFA), and acetylcholinesterase(ACHE) with low binding energy. This study reflects the multi-component, multi-target, multi-pathway, and synergistic action characteristics of SGI, which provides a theoretical re-ference for further clarifying the anti-MIRI mechanism of SGI.

Three new guaiane-type sesquiterpenoids and a monoterpenoid from Litsea lancilimba Merr.

Three undescribed guaiane-type sesquiterpenes (1-3), and a monoterpenoid (4) along with eleven known compounds (5 - 15) were isolated from the crude extract of Litsea lancilimba Merr. The structures of all the isolated compounds were extensively elucidated on the basis of comprehensive spectroscopic techniques (HRESIMS, 1 D NMR, and 2 D NMR). Their relative and absolute configurations were comprehensively established by NOESY spectroscopy, circular dichroism (ECD) and the calculated ECD analysis. All the isolates were tested for anti-inflammatory activity by measuring the amount of nitric oxide production. Amongst tested compounds, compounds 1 - 3 exhibited moderate inhibitory activities against the production of nitric oxide with IC50 value of 35.5, 32.1, 46.7 µM in RAW264.7 cells stimulated by LPS, respectively.

Guaiane-type sesquiterpenoids from Cinnamomum migao H. W. Li: And their anti-inflammatory activities.

The phytochemical assessment of Cinnamomum migao H. W. Li fruits illustrated the isolation and identification of ten undescribed guaiane-type sesquiterpenoids "miganoids A-J″ and one undescribed sesquiterpene "7(S)-(hydroxypropanyl)-3-methyl-2-(4-oxopentyl) cyclohex-2-en-1-one". The extensive analysis of HRESIMS, 1D NMR, 2D NMR, experimental circular dichroism (ECD), and calculated (ECD) analysis entirely corroborated the configuration and confirmation of these isolated compounds. Moreover, the anti-inflammatory properties of the reported compounds were established by determining the LPS induced nitric oxide production. In the current study, miganoid C is testified the most active compound with about 89% NO inhibition. Additionally, miganoids C, E, and G also exhibited moderate inhibitory effects against the pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-6). The IC50 values for miganoid C and miganoid G were determined as 19.4 and 14.5 µΜ against TNF-α mRNA, respectively.

Knockdown of FAM225B inhibits the progression of the hypertrophic scar following glaucoma surgery by inhibiting autophagy.

The formation of a hypertrophic scar (HS) may lead to failure of glaucoma surgery. Long non­coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in the formation of HSs. Moreover, family with sequence similarity 225 member B (FAM225B) is upregulated in HS. However, the role of the lncRNA FAM225B in HS remains unknown. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate the function of FAM225B in HS. Scar fibroblasts were isolated from patients who had undergone glaucoma surgery. Western blotting was used to detect the expressions of Bax, Bcl­2, cleaved caspase 3, p62, ATG7 and Beclin 1, and reverse transcription­quantitative PCR (RT­qPCR) were conducted to determine the level of FAM225B in scar fibroblasts. Microtubule associated protein 1 light chain 3 α staining was performed to examine autophagosomes in scar fibroblasts. Furthermore, cell proliferation was evaluated via 5­ethynyl­2'­deoxyuridine staining. Flow cytometry was conducted to determine cell apoptosis and the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in scar fibroblasts. The cell migratory ability was assessed using a Transwell assay. The results demonstrated that FAM225B knockdown significantly attenuated scar fibroblast proliferation and induced apoptosis. Additionally, transfection of scar fibroblasts with FAM225B small interfering RNA (siRNA) significantly increased the ROS levels and significantly decreased the migration of scar fibroblasts. The FAM225B overexpression­induced increase of scar fibroblast proliferation and migration was significantly reversed by 3­methyladenine administration. The results suggested that knockdown of FAM225B significantly inhibited the proliferation of scar fibroblasts by inhibiting autophagy. Therefore, knockdown of FAM225B could inhibit scar fibroblast proliferation after glaucoma surgery by inhibiting autophagy. These findings may provide a novel perspective of developing treatment strategy for the patients with HSs after glaucoma surgery.

microRNA-214 Prevents Traits of Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma via VEGFA and Bcl-2.

BACKGROUND: Dysregulation of microRNA-214 (miR-214) has been indicated in different tumors. The function of miR-214 in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) is yet to be deciphered. The current study aimed to investigate the specific mechanism underpinning CSCC development with the involvement of miR-214 and its putative targets. METHODS: Microarray analysis of CSCC and adjacent tissues was carried out to filter the most significant downregulated miRNA. Survival analysis of patients was subsequently implemented, followed by miRNA expression determination in CSCC cells. Gain-of-function assays were performed to evaluate its function on cellular level. The targets of the determined miRNA were predicted and their expression in CSCC and adjacent tissues was evaluated. The targeting relationship was analyzed by dual-luciferase assays. Finally, rescue experiments were conducted. RESULTS: miR-214 was reduced in CSCC tissues and cells, and the survival of patients harboring overexpression of miR-214 was higher. miR-214 restoration increased CSCC cell apoptosis, while decreased proliferative, invasive and migratory activities. miR-214 interacted with vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) and B-cell CLL/lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2). VEGFA and Bcl-2, overexpressed in CSCC tissues and cells, were negatively correlated with miR-214. Moreover, VEGFA and Bcl-2 overexpression reversed the anti-tumor phenotypes of miR-214 on CSCC cells. miR-214 disrupted the Wnt/ß-catenin pathway through VEGFA and Bcl-2 in the CSCC cells. CONCLUSION: Our data demonstrates that miR-214 exerts a suppressing role in CSCC. The discovery of novel targets such as miR-214 and VEGFA/Bcl-2 may facilitate the development of therapeutic options.

Pharmacokinetic behaviors of ligustrazine after single- and multiple-dose intravenous Shenxiong glucose injection in rats by high-performance liquid chromatography.

Shenxiong glucose injection (SXG) is a traditional Chinese medicine that is used for cardio-cerebral vascular diseases on the national essential drug list of China. To date, a comprehensive knowledge concerning the pharmacokinetic profile of SXG-related components, especially following multiple dosing, is still lacking. This study was designed to investigate the pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of ligustrazine after single- and multiple-dose intravenous administration of SXG in rats. A simple HPLC method was developed for the determination of ligustrazine in biological samples. The pharmacokinetic profiles of ligustrazine in rats were linear after both single- and multiple-dose intravenous administration of SXG, with a half-life of approximately 35 min. Ligustrazine was readily distributed in highly perfused organs and almost eliminated from organs after 90 min of SXG injection. The AUC0-t and C0 of ligustrazine after SXG injection (18 ml/kg, equal to 9.0 mg/kg ligustrazine) were increased significantly compared to those of single ligustrazine administration (9.0 mg/kg), indicating that the pharmacokinetics of ligustrazine in the SXG were affected by other ingredients. This study provided first evidence for the pharmacokinetic characteristics of ligustrazine after both single and multiple-dose SXG in rats, which would be helpful for its clinical application.

Qualitative and Quantitative Characterization of Monosaccharide Components of Salvia miltiorrhiza, Liguspyragine Hydrochloride, and Glucose Injection.

Salvia miltiorrhiza, liguspyragine hydrochloride, and glucose injection (SLGI) was made of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge., liguspyragine hydrochloride, glucose, and glycerin. There were many kinds of monosaccharide components in SLGI, which might be from the raw material and Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge. Separation was performed on a Phenomenex Luna C18 analytical column (250 mm × 4.6 mm i.d., 5 µm, AccuStandard Inc., USA) at 30°C. The mobile phase consisted of two solvents: 0.1 mol/L phosphate-buffered saline (pH 6.7) (solvent A) and acetonitrile (solvent B) with gradient elution. The flow rate was maintained at 1.0 mL/min. Five kinds of monosaccharide components, glucose, D-mannose, L-rhamnose monohydrate, galactose, and xylose, were detected by precolumn derivatization HPLC, and their contents were compared with each other. And finally, concentrations of glucose in SLGI were determined and they were higher than the values of marked amount, which showed that one source of glucose might be from Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge. in SLGI. The average concentration of glucose was 5.18 g/100 mL, which was near the average value at 5.25 g/100 mL detected by ultraviolet spectrophotometry and also close to the marked amount (5.00 g/100 mL) on the label.

[Fingerprint and Simultaneous Determination of Multi-components in Water-soluble Components of Salvia miltiorrhiza in Miao Autonomous County of Songtao, Guizhou].

OBJECTIVE: To establish the HPLC fingerprint of water-soluble components of Salvia miltiorrhiza in Songtao, Guizhou, and to perform simultaneous determination of six components in it, so as to provide analytical method for its quality control. METHODS: The analyses were performed on a Phenomenex Luna C18 (2) (250 mm x 4. 6 mm, 5µm) column eluted with 0. 4% formic acid(A) - acetonitrile(B) in a gradient mode. The flow rate was 1. 0 mL/min, column temperature was set at 30 °C. RESULTS: Eleven common peaks were identified form the HPLC fingerprint of Salvia miltiorrhiza from 10 batches, the HPLC fingerprint similarities of 10 batches were not less than 0. 999. The linear ranges of danshensu, protocatechuic aldehyde, caffeic acid, rosmarinic acid, lithospermic acid and salvianolic acid B were 0. 0680 ~ 1. 3583 mg/mL, 0. 0008 ~ 0. 3967 mg/mL, 0. 0005 ~ 0. 2660 mg/mL, 0. 0020 ~ 0. 3992 mg/mL, 0. 0063 ~ 0. 6311 mg/mL and 0. 0097 ~ 1. 9306 mg/mL with r ≥ 0. 9999, respectively. The recovery rates were 100. 84%,102. 44%, 100. 53% ,100. 63%, 100. 83% and 100. 35% with RSD <2. 3%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The established method is simple, accurate and can provide reference for quality control of Salvia miltiorrhiza.