Limonoids from the Branches and Leaves of Aglaia lawii and Their Cytotoxic Activities.

Three undescribed limonoids (1-3), named aglaians G-I, and one new natural product azedaralide (4), together with nine known analogues (5-13) were isolated from the branches and leaves of Aglaia lawii by RP C18 column, silica gel column, Sephadex LH-20 column chromatography and preparative HPLC. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated by IR, HRESIMS, 1D, 2D NMR, electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations and X-ray crystallography diffraction analysis. The results of bioassay showed that the compound 12 exhibited potential inhibitory activity against six human tumor cell lines (MDA-MB-231, MCF-7, Ln-cap, A549, HeLa and HepG-2) with IC50 values as 8.0-18.6 µM.

Anthocyanin improves kidney function in diabetic kidney disease by regulating amino acid metabolism.

BACKGROUND: Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is among the most important causes for chronic kidney disease. Anthocyanins (ANT) are polyphenolic compounds present in various food and play an important role in ameliorating hyperglycemia and insulin sensitivity. However, the effects of ANT in DKD are still poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the effect of ANT (cyanidin-3-O-glucoside [C3G]) on the renal function of DKD, and whether the anti-DKD effect of ANT is related to metabolic pathways. METHODS: To explore the role of ANT in DKD, we performed the examination of blood glucose, renal function, and histopathology. As for the mechanism, we designed the label-free quantification proteomics and nontargeted metabolomics analysis for kidney and serum. Subsequently, we revealed the anti-DKD effect of ANT through the bioinformatic analysis. RESULTS: We showed that the fasting blood glucose level (- 6.1 mmol/L, P = 0.037), perimeter of glomerular lesions (- 24.1 µm, P = 0.030), fibrosis score of glomerular (- 8.8%, P = 0.002), and kidney function (Cystatin C: - 701.4 pg/mL, P = 0.043; urine creatinine: - 701.4 mmol/L, P = 0.032) were significantly alleviated in DKD mice after ANT treatment compared to untreated in the 20th week. Further, proteins and metabolites in the kidneys of DKD mice were observed to be dramatically altered due to changes in amino acid metabolism with ANT treatment; mainly, taurine and hypotaurine metabolism pathway was upregulated (P = 0.0001, t value = 5.97). Furthermore, upregulated tryptophan metabolism (P < 0.0001, t value = 5.94) and tyrosine metabolism (P = 0.0037, t value = 2.91) pathways had effects on serum of DKD mice as responsed ANT regulating. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggested that prevention of the progression of DKD by ANT could be related to the regulation of amino acid metabolism. The use of dietary ANT may be one of the dietary strategies to prevent and treat DKD.

Design, synthesis and agricultural evaluation of derivatives of N-Acyl-N-(m-fluoro-benzyl)-6-amino-coumarin.

ABTRACTThis study aims to design and synthesize a series of N-Acyl-N-(m-fluoro- benzyl)-6- amino-coumarins through the principle of active substructure stitching, which are based on the core structure of N-(m-fluoro-benzyl)-6-amino-coumarin. The structures of target compounds e1-e25 have been characterized by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, ESI-MS and elemental analysis. Meanwhile, their agricultural activity have been evaluated in two weeds (Amaranth and Crabgrass) and four widespread noxious pathogens (V.mali, B.cinerea, F.axysporium and C.bacteria). The herbicidal activity results showed that almost all synthetic molecules have a greater impact on the stem system than on the root. Excellent inhibition rates were discovered from compounds e2-e5 and e20-e23 against Amaranth on stems, which were above 58%(20 mg/L), 68%(100 mg/L) respectively. Compounds e2 and e21 also exhibited striking inhibition on stems growth of both weeds. Anti-pathogenic activity showed that all the compounds exerted a better inhibitory activity on B.cinerea at 20 ppm compared to control carbendazim. All the heterocyclic substituted compounds (e17-e24, >57%) made a better influence than the control (54.1%) at the100 ppm. This research provides promising herbicidal and anti-pathogenic agents that have the better effects and can be potential for further development.

Fabrication of Efficient Organic-Inorganic Perovskite Solar Cells in Ambient Air.

Although many groups have been trying to prepare perovskite solar cells (PSCs) in ambient air, the power conversion efficiency (PCE) is still low. Besides, the effect of moisture on the formation of perovskite films is still controversial. In this paper, we studied the effect of moisture on the formation of perovskite films in detail, and found that moisture can speed up the crystallizing process of PbI2 films to form poor-quality films with large grain size and surface roughness, while, for the conversion of PbI2 to perovskite films, a small amount of moisture is not adverse, and even beneficial. On this basis, we report the successful fabrication of efficient mesoporous PSCs with PCE of 16.00% under ambient air conditions at 25% relative humidity by adding a small amount of n-butyl amine into the solution of PbI2 to enhance the quality of PbI2 films and thus to achieve high-quality perovskite films with smooth surface, large crystal grains, and high crystal quality.

GIS assessment of the risk of gene flow from Brassica napus to its wild relatives in China.

Risk of gene flow from canola (Brassica napus) to species of wild relatives was used as an example to evaluate the risk of gene flow of transgenic crops. B. juncea and B. rapa were the most common weedy Brassica species in China, which were both sexually compatible with canola. Data on canola cultivation in China were collected and analyzed using geographic information system (GIS), and the distribution of its wild relatives was predicted by MaxEnt species distribution model. Based on biological and phenological evidence, our results showed that gene flow risk exists in most parts of the country, especially in places with higher richness of wild Brassica species. However, risk in dominant canola cultivation regions is relatively low owing to the reduced distribution density of wild species in these regions. Three regions of higher risk of gene flow had been identified. Risk of gene flow is relatively high in certain areas. China has been assumed to be the original center of B. juncea and B. rapa, and gene flow may lead to negative effects on the conservation of biodiversity of local species. Strategies had been proposed to reduce the possibility of gene flow either by monitoring introgression from crops to wild relatives in the areas of high adoption of the crop or by taking measures to limit the releasing of new crops or varieties in the areas with abundant wild relatives.

[History evolution of salt production and processing with brine].

Salt is an important excipient for Chinese medicine salt. The standardization of its quality is conducive to ensuring the quality of Chinese medicine pieces. In this paper, the processing with brine and the processing auxiliary salt were studied from three aspects： the history evolution of salt, the history evolution of processing with brine, and the modern research of processing with brine. It has been found that salt plays an important role in the history of China. It has a long history and a wide variety. The salt used in the processing of traditional Chinese medicine mainly includes three categories： common salt, halitum and white salt. The quality of salt is closely related to its origin and processing, mainly based on the color and the place of origin. In ancient times, the varieties of salt used in the production of different Chinese herbal medicines were different, which might be related to the nature of drugs. The primary purpose of processing with brine is to increase the efficacy of drugs. At present, there are many reports on optimizing the preparation technology of processing with brine, but the evaluation indexes are quite different, and its scientific nature is to be discussed. The processing method with brine and its processing auxiliary materials are lacking of relevant evaluation standards and quality standards, which is not conducive to the healthy development of Chinese herbal pieces. In this paper, the relevant literature was studied in order to provide reference for the establishment of standards for salt processing excipient in traditional Chinese medicine.

Synthesis of ZnO Nanocrystals and Application in Inverted Polymer Solar Cells.

Controllable synthesis of various ZnO nanocrystals was achieved via a simple and cost-effective hydrothermal process. The morphology evolution of the ZnO nanostructures was well monitored by tuning hydrothermal growth parameters, such as solution concentration, reaction temperature, and surfactant. As-obtained ZnO nanocrystals with different morphologies, e.g., ZnO nanorods, nanotetrapods, nanoflowers, and nanocubes, were further introduced into the organic bulk heterojunction solar cells as the electron transport channel. It was found that the device performance was closely related to the morphology of the ZnO nanocrystals.

Electroluminescence of ordered ZnO nanorod array/p-GaN light-emitting diodes with graphene current spreading layer.

Ordered ZnO nanorod array/p-GaN heterojunction light-emitting diodes (LEDs) have been fabricated by introducing graphene as the current spreading layer, which exhibit improved electroluminescence performance by comparison to the LED using a conventional structure (indium-tin-oxide as the current spreading layer). In addition, by adjusting the diameter of ZnO nanorod array in use, the light emission of the ZnO nanorod array/p-GaN heterojunction LEDs was enhanced further. This work has great potential applications in solid-state lighting, high performance optoelectronic devices, and so on. PACS: 78.60.Fi; 85.60.Jb; 78.67.Lt; 81.10.Dn.

Therapeutic effects of globular adiponectin in diabetic rats with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

AIM: To explore the therapeutic role of globular adiponectin (gAd) in high-fat diet/streptozotocin (STZ)-induced type 2 diabetic rats with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). METHODS: Seven rats were fed a basic diet (normal control group; NC) during the experiment. Experimental rats (14 rats) were given a high-fat diet for 4 wk and were then injected with STZ to induce type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and NAFLD. Half of the T2DM/NAFLD rats were randomly injected intraperitoneally with gAd for 7 d (gAd-treated group), while the other 7 rats (T2DM/NAFLD group) received 0.9% saline. Plasma biochemical parameters and insulin concentrations were measured. Liver histopathology was examined by hematoxylin-eosin staining. Insulin receptor expression in the liver was analyzed by immunohistochemical staining, Western blot and quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis. RESULTS: Compared to the control group, the T2DM/NAFLD group had increased levels of glucolipid and decreased levels of insulin. Plasma glucose and lipid levels were decreased in the gAd-treated group, while serum insulin levels increased. The expression of insulin receptor in the T2DM/NAFLD group increased compared with the NC group, and gAd downregulated insulin receptor expression in the livers of T2DM/NAFLD rats. Steatosis of the liver was alleviated in the gAd-treated group compared to the T2DM/NAFLD group (NAS 1.39 ± 0.51 vs 1.92 ± 0.51, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Globular adiponectin exerts beneficial effects in T2DM rats with NAFLD by promoting insulin secretion, mediating glucolipid metabolism, regulating insulin receptor expression and alleviating hepatic steatosis.

Synthesis and characterization of chitosan quaternary ammonium salt and its application as drug carrier for ribavirin.

N-(2-hydroxyl) propyl-3-trimethyl ammonium chitosan chloride (HTCC) is hydro-soluble chitosan (CS) derivative, which can be obtained by the reaction between epoxypropyl trimethyl ammonium chloride (ETA) and CS. The preparation parameters for the synthesis of HTCC were optimized by orthogonal experimental design. ETA was successfully grafted into the free amino group of CS. Grafting of ETA with CS had great effect on the crystal structure of HTCC, which was confirmed by the XRD results. HTCC displayed higher capability to form nanoparticles by crosslinking with negatively charged sodium tripolyphosphate (TPP). Ribavrin- (RIV-) loaded HTCC nanoparticles were positively charged and were spherical in shape with average particle size of 200 nm. More efficient drug encapsulation efficiency and loading capacity were obtained for HTCC in comparison with CS, however, HTCC nanoparticles displayed faster release rate due to its hydro-soluble properties. The results suggest that HTCC is a promising CS derivative for the encapsulation of hydrophilic drugs in obtaining sustained release of drugs.

Controllable synthesis of ZnO nanostructures on the Si substrate by a hydrothermal route.

In this paper, controllable synthesis of various ZnO nanostructures was achieved via a simple and cost-effective hydrothermal process on the Si substrate. The morphology evolution of the ZnO nanostructures was well monitored by tuning hydrothermal growth parameters, such as the seed layer, solution concentration, reaction temperature, and surfactant. X-ray diffraction and photoluminescence measurements reveal that crystal quality and optical properties crucially depend on the morphology of the ZnO nanostructures. The ease of synthesis and convenience to tune morphology and optical properties bring this approach great potential for nanoscale applications.

Diaqua-bis-(5-carb-oxy-2-propyl-1H-imidazole-4-carboxyl-ato-κN,O)zinc(II) 3.5-hydrate.

In the title complex, [Zn(C(8)H(9)N(2)O(4))(2)(H(2)O)(2)]·3.5H(2)O, the Zn(II) ion is coordinated by two N,O-bidentate H(2)pimda ligands (H(3)pimda = 2-propyl-1H-imidazole-4,5-dicarb-oxy-lic acid) and two water mol-ecules in a distorted octa-hedral environment. In the crystal structure, extensive inter-molecular O-H⋯O and N-H⋯O hydrogen bonds stabilize the three-dimensional supra-molecular network. Intra-molecular O-H⋯O hydrogen bonds between the carboxyl groups are also observed. The propyl groups of the two H(2)pimda ligands are disordered each over two sites, with occupancy factors of 0.752 (5):0.248 (5) and 0.519 (7):0.481 (7). One of the water mol-ecules is half-occupied.

Diaqua-bis-(5-carb-oxy-2-propyl-1H-imidazole-4-carboxyl-ato-κN,O)cadmium(II) 3.5-hydrate.

In the title complex, [Cd(C(8)H(9)N(2)O(4))(2)(H(2)O)(2)]·3.5H(2)O, the Cd(II) is coordinated by two water mol-ecules and N,O-chelated by two 5-carb-oxy-2-propyl-1H-imidazole-4-carboxyl-ate anions in a distorted octa-hedral geometry. The two imidazole rings are oriented to each other with a dihedral angle of 75.1 (2)°. Strong O-H⋯O hydrogen bonds between protonated and deprotonated carboxyl-ate groups occur in the mol-ecular structure. In the crystal structure extensive O-H⋯O and N-H⋯O hydrogen bonds help to stabilize the three-dimensional supra-molecular framework. The propyl groups of anions are disordered over two sites with refined occupancies of 0.768 (6):0.232 (6) and 0.642 (8):0.358 (8).

[Distribution characteristics of organochlorine pesticides in surface water and sediments from the Mengjin wetland].

The surface water and sediments from the Mengjin wetland were collected. After seperated and concentrated by solid phase extraction and Soxhlet extraction, twenty kinds of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in the samples from the Mengjin wetland were analyzed by gas chromatography. In the surface water, 7 kinds of OCPs (incluing alpha-HCH, beta-HCH, gamma-HCH, delta-HCH, 4,4-DDT, heptachor and aldrin) were detected, with the detected ratio of 4.2% -62.5% and the content range of ND-12.21 ng/L. In the sediments, 4,4-DDE and 4,4-DDT were detected, with the detected ratio of 50%-75% and the content range of ND-64.58 ng/g. HCHs and DDTs in the surface water were both lower than the limited value defined by Environmental Quality Standards for Surface Water in China, while the surface sediments in the Mengjin wetland pose a bit high risk comparing with ERL and ERM value of risk evaluation. Distribution characteristics of OCPs components showed that HCHs usually had higher residue levels in surface water, while sediment was the fate of DDTs in the transfer process of materials from water to sediment. OCPs content in the surface water and sediments both decreased in the order of high water period > level water period > low water period. OCPs in the low water seasons were mainly the early residue, but OCPs in the high seasons had some new input in near term in the surface water and sediments. The results suggested that non-point source was one of the important sources of OCPs entering Mengjin wetland.

[Estimation of canopy chlorophyll content using hyperspectral data].

Many researches have developed models to estimate chlorophyl content at leaf and canopy level, but they were species-specific. The objective of the present paper was to develop a new model. First, canopy reflectance was simulated for different species and different canopy architecture using radiative transfer models. Based on the simulated canopy reflectance, the relationship between canopy reflectance and canopy chlorophyll content was studied, and then a chlorophyll estimation model was built using the method of spectral index. The coefficient of determination (R2) between spectral index based model and canopy chlorophyll content reached 0.75 for simulated data. To investigate the applicability of this chlorophyll model, the authors chose a field sample area in Gansu Province to carry out the measurement of leaf chlorophyll content, canopy reflectance and other parameters. Besides, the authors also ordered the synchronous Hyperion data, a hyperspectral image with a spatial resolution of 30 m. Canopy reflectance from field measurment and reflectance from Hyperion image were respectively used as the input parameter for the chlorophyll estimation model. Both of them got good results, which indicated that the model could be used for accurate canopy chlorophyll estimation using canopy reflectance. However, while using spaceborne hyperspectral data to estimate canopy chlorophyll content, good atmospheric correction is required.