Chlorogenic acid compounds from sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas L.) leaves facilitate megakaryocyte differentiation and thrombocytopoiesis via PI3K/AKT pathway.

Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by antiplatelet autoantibodies, thrombocytopenia, and bleeding, however, its treatment options are limited. In this study, a kind of active component, chlorogenic acid compounds (CGAs) from sweetpotato leaves was extracted out to explore its medicinal value and provide novel therapeutic strategies for the treatment of ITP. CGAs was isolated by ionic liquids-ultrasound (IL-UAE), which contains six isomers of chlorogenic acid with total purity of 95.69%. The thrombopoietic effect and mechanism of CGAs were investigated using in silico prediction and experimental validation. The changes of HEL cells morphology in volume and the increase in the total cell percentage of polyploid cells indicated that CGAs could promote megakaryocyte differentiation. Meanwhile, CGAs could promote platelet formation in a murine model of ITP, which was established by injection of antiplatelet antibody. Further quantitative proteomics analysis and Western blot verification revealed that CGAs could activate PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, which confirmed the mechanism prediction. It suggested that CGAs may provide a novel therapeutic strategy that relies on the PI3K/AKT pathway to facilitate megakaryocyte differentiation and platelet production.

[Active secondary metabolites from an endophytic fungus Fusarium solani MBM-5 of Datura arborea].

This study investigated the chemical and biological activity of the secondary metabolites from an endophytic fungus Fusa-rium solani MBM-5 of Datura arborea. A total of six alkenoic acid compounds, including a new compound and five known ones, were isolated from the ethyl acetate extract of F. solani MBM-5 by using the chromatographic methods(open ODS column chromatography, silica gel column chromatography, Sephadex LH-20, and semi-preparative HPLC). The structures of the compounds were identified by using their physical and chemical data, spectroscopic methods(UV, IR, NMR, and HR-ESI-MS), and Mosher's reaction, which were fusaridioic acid E(1), fusaridioic acid C(2), fusaridioic acid A(3), L660282(4), hymeglusin(5), and hymeglnone(6). Compound 1 is new. MTT assay and Griss method were used to evaluate the growth inhibition of all the compounds against two tumor cells, as well as their influence and anti-inflammatory action on the release of NO from LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells. The results showed that compound 5 had strong growth inhibition activity against A549 and HepG2 cell lines, with IC_(50) values of 4.70 and 13.57 µmol·L~(-1), respectively. Compounds 1 and 6 significantly inhibited the release of NO from LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells, with IC_(50) values of 77.00 and 70.33 µmol·L~(-1), respectively.

Co-applied magnesium nanoparticles and biochar modulate salinity stress via regulating yield, biochemical attribute, and fatty acid profile of Physalis alkekengi L.

While previous studies have addressed the desirable effects of biochar (BC) or magnesium nanoparticles (Mg NPs) on salinity stress individually, there is a research gap regarding their simultaneous application. Additionally, the specific mechanisms underlying the effects of BC and Mg NPs on salinity in Physalis alkekengi L. remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the synergistic effects of BC and Mg NPs on P. alkekengi L. under salinity stress conditions. A pot experiment was conducted with salinity at 100 and 200 mM sodium chloride (NaCl), as well as soil applied BC (4% v/v) and foliar applied Mg NPs (500 mg L-1) on physiological and biochemical properties of P. alkekengi L. The results represented that salinity, particularly 200 mM NaCl, significantly reduced plant yield (58%) and total chlorophyll (Chl, 36%), but increased superoxide dismutase (SOD, 82%) and catalase (CAT, 159%) activity relative to non-saline conditions. However, the co-application of BC and Mg NPs mitigated these negative effects and improved fruit yield, Chl, anthocyanin, and ascorbic acid. It also decreased the activity of antioxidant enzymes. Salinity also altered the fatty acid composition, increasing saturated fatty acids (SFAs) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), while decreasing monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs). The heat map analysis showed that fruit yield, anthocyanin, Chl, and CAT were sensitive to salinity. The findings can provide insights into the possibility of these amendments as sustainable strategies to mitigate salt stress and enhance plant productivity in affected areas.

Weathering impacts on petroleum biomarker, aromatic, and polar compounds in the spilled oil at the northeast coast of Brazil over time.

After the wide oil spill reached the northeast of Brazil, the resurgence of oil was recorded and to evaluate this oil in detail, two samples collected in the state of Pernambuco in 2019 and 2021 were submitted to multiple analytical techniques. For both, we have found similar saturated biomarkers and triaromatic steroid ratios, implying that they are from the same spilled source. The n-alkanes, isoprenoids, and cycloalkanes were almost completely degraded due to evaporation, photooxidation, and/or biodegradation processes. The preferential loss of less alkylated PAHs than the more alkylated ones suggests that biodegradation was the most active process. This hypothesis is reinforced by the formation of mono and dicarboxylic acids assessed by GC × GC-TOFMS and ESI(-) FT-ICR MS high-resolution techniques. Furthermore, based on the ESI(-) FT-ICR MS results, three new ratios were proposed to evaluate the progress of the biodegradation process over time: Ox>2/O, SOx/SO, and SOx/N.

Solid-phase microextraction with MIL-53(Al)-polymer monolithic column coupled to pressurized capillary electrochromatography for determination of chlorogenic acid and ferulic acid in sugarcane samples.

In this paper, a polymer monolithic column based on poly (Butyl methacrylate-co-ethylene glycol dimethacrylate) (poly (BMA-co-EDGMA)) doped with MIL-53(Al) metal-organic framework (MOF) was prepared using an in situ polymerization method. The characteristics of MIL-53(Al)-polymer monolithic column were studied through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FT-IR), energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray powder diffractometry (XRD), and nitrogen adsorption experiment. Due to its large surface area, the prepared MIL-53(Al)-polymer monolithic column has good permeability and high extraction efficiency. Using MIL-53(Al)-polymer monolithic column for solid-phase microextraction (SPME), coupled to pressurized capillary electrochromatography (pCEC), a method for the determination of trace chlorogenic acid and ferulic acid in sugarcane was established. Under optimized conditions, chlorogenic acid and ferulic acid have a good linear relationship (r ≥ 0.9965) within the concentration range of 50.0-500 µg/mL, the detection limit is 0.017 µg/mL, and the relative standard deviation (RSD) is less than 3.2%. The spike recoveries of chlorogenic acid and ferulic acid were 96.5% and 96.7%, respectively. The results indicate that the method is sensitive, practical, and convenient. It has been successfully applied to the separation and detection of trace organic phenolic compounds in sugarcane samples.

Weed suppression and antioxidant activity of Astragalus sinicus L. decomposition leachates.

Astragalus sinicus L. (milk vetch), a versatile plant that has a soil-enriching effect as green manure, is widely planted in the temperate zone of China. In previous experiments, milk vetch incorporated into the soil as green manure showed potential for goosegrass control. However, "what exactly happens at the chemical level?" and "what are the compounds that are potentially responsible for the phytotoxic effects observed during those previous assays?" In a recent study, in vitro phytotoxicity bioassays and chemical analyses of milk vetch decomposition leachates were carried out to explore the relationship between the temporal phytotoxic effects and the dynamics of chemical composition. For that, milk vetch decomposition leachates with a decay time of 12 h, 9 days, 12 days, 15 days, and 18 days were analyzed for organic compounds by liquid chromatography. The main results were as follows: (1) three compounds with goosegrass suppression potential produced during the decomposed process, i.e., 4-ethylphenol, N-acrylimorpholine, and allyl isothiocyanate. 2-Hydroxyethyl acrylate was present in the 12-h decomposition leachates but was at its highest concentration of 127.1 µg ml-1 at 15 days. (2) The cultures were configured according to the four concentrations of goosegrass-resistant active substances measured in the 15-day decomposition leachate and, as with the 15-day decomposition leachate, the mixture cultures inhibited 100% of goosegrass germination at the high concentrations (≥ 30%), which suggests that these substances have goosegrass suppression potential. (3) The high total phenolic content (302.8-532.3 mg L-1), the total flavonoid content (8.4-72.1 mg L-1), and the reducing activity of the decomposition leachates for different decay times may explain why the incorporation of milk vetch into the soil did not lead to peroxidation of goosegrass in the previous study. (4) Finally, the changes in acid fraction and total content (1.9-4.2 mg ml-1) for different decay times explain the variations in pH of the decomposition leachates, which, when discussed in conjunction with previous studies, may lead to changes in soil nutrient effectiveness and consequently affect crop growth. This study can provide a reference for green weed control research.

Indigenous yeast can increase the phenolic acid and volatile ester compounds in Petit Manseng wine.

Introduction: Indigenous yeasts are generally found in grapes, vineyards, and natural environments. Sequential inoculation and fermentation with non-Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast (H30) and Saccharomyces cerevisiae (YT13) also improve the flavor of wine. Methods: This study sequentially inoculated fermented Petit Manseng and natural grape juice with native H30 and YT13 selected from vineyards in Yantai, China. Results and discussion: The sensory characteristics of Petit Manseng wine were evaluated by detecting the primary organic acids, phenolic acid compounds, and volatile ester compounds. The results showed that the lactic acid content of the natural wine fermented sequentially with H30 and YT13 increased by 490 µg/L compared with the control group, while the ferulic acid content was 1.4 times that of the single-yeast fermentation group. Furthermore, butyrolactone and anthocyanidin propionate were present in the mixed fermentation group, increasing the aroma complexity of Petit Manseng wine and providing high-quality yeast resources that increase the regional characteristics when producing dry white wine.

A Red-Emitting Fluorescence Sensor for Detecting Boronic Acid-Containing Agents in Cells.

The amount and localization of boron-10 atoms delivered into tumor cells determines the therapeutic effect of boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) and, consequently, efforts have been directed to develop fluorescence sensors to detect intracellular boronic acid compounds. Currently, these sensors are blue-emitting and hence are impracticable for co-staining with nucleus staining reagents, such as DAPI and Hoechst 33342. Here, we designed and synthesized a novel fluorescence boron sensor, BS-631, that emits fluorescence with a maximum emission wavelength of 631 nm after reaction with the clinically available boronic acid agent, 4-borono-l-phenylalanine (BPA). BS-631 quantitatively detected BPA with sufficiently high sensitivity (detection limit = 19.6 µM) for evaluating BNCT agents. Furthermore, BS-631 did not emit fluorescence after incubation with metal cations. Notably, red-emitting BS-631 could easily and clearly visualize the localization of BPA within cells with nuclei co-stained using Hoechst 33342. This study highlights the promising properties of BS-631 as a versatile boron sensor for evaluating and analyzing boronic acid agents in cancer therapy.

A Study of the Mechanism and Separation of Structurally Similar Phenolic Acids by Commercial Polymeric Ultrafiltration Membranes.

This study examined the behavior and penetration mechanisms of typical phenolic (benzoic) acids, which determine their observed penetration rates during membrane separation, focusing on the influence of electrostatic and hydrophobic solute/membrane interactions. To understand the effects of hydrophobicity and electrostatic interaction on membrane filtration, the observed penetration of five structurally similar phenolic acids was compared with regenerated cellulose (RC) and polyamide (PA) membranes at different solute concentrations and solution pHs. Variation partitioning analysis (VPA) was performed to calculate the relative contributions of electrostatic and hydrophobic effects. The penetration of phenolic acids was mainly influenced by the electrostatic interaction, with salicylic acid having the highest penetration. Penetration of phenolic acids through the PA membrane decreased from 98% at pH 3.0 to 30-50% at pH 7.4, indicating the dominance of the electrostatic interaction. Moreover, based on its hydrophobicity and greater surface charge, the PA membrane could separate binary mixtures of protocatechuic/salicylic acid and 4-hydroxybenzoic/salicylic acid at pH 9.0, with separation factors of 1.81 and 1.78, respectively. These results provide a greater understanding of solute/membrane interactions and their effect on the penetration of phenolic acids through polymeric ultrafiltration membranes.

Novel antitumor activity of the combined treatment of galloylquinic acid compounds with doxorubicin in solid Ehrlich carcinoma model via the Notch signaling pathway modulation.

AIMS: This study aims to investigate the potential synergistic effect of the combined treatment of galloylquinic acid compounds from Copaifera lucens with doxorubicin via the modulation of the Notch pathway in solid Ehrlich carcinoma-bearing mice model. MAIN METHODS: The solid tumor model was induced by subcutaneous inoculation of Ehrlich carcinoma cells in the right hind limb of mice, after serial syngeneic cell passages in the peritoneal cavity. Sixty mice were allocated into five groups including treated groups with galloylquinic acid compounds, doxorubicin, and their combination. Normal and tumor control groups were also assigned. Tissue homogenates were collected to measure the levels of the Notch-1, Hes-1, Jagged-1, TNF-α, IL-6 and VEGF, as well as SOD, MDA, and GSH. Histopathological and immunohistochemical examinations of tumor or control tissues were also performed for the levels of NF-κB p65, cyclin D1 and caspase 3 activity. KEY FINDINGS: Our results showed that the combined treatment of galloylquinic acid compounds with doxorubicin significantly decreased the levels of the Notch-1, Hes-1, Jagged-1, TNF-α, IL-6, VEGF, NF-κB p65, and cyclin D1 in tumor tissues. Moreover, the compounds induced cancer cell death as evidence by increasing the caspase 3 activity, and they possessed potent inhibitory effects on oxidative stress. SIGNIFICANCE: Galloylquinic acid compounds exhibited promising antineoplastic effects and promoted the chemosensitivity of doxorubicin, mainly by modulating the Notch signaling pathway and its downstream effectors. These compounds may be considered in solid tumors treatment for improving the efficacy and reducing the side effects of chemotherapeutic agents.

Changes in quality parameters of orange juice deacidified by ion exchange resins.

In this study, the effectiveness of five different ion exchange resins (Amberlite-IRA96,-FPA51,-FPA53,-FPA54 and Lewatit-S4528) in reducing the acidity of Valencia orange juice and effects on juice quality were determined. The greatest decrease in titratable acidity (65%) and increase (23%) in pH were determined in the juices deacidified using Amberlite-FPA51. The greatest color change (ΔE*=4.89) was identified by treatment of Lewatit-S4528. Ascorbic acid contents were decreased between 12 and 28% by deacidification. Changes ((-4.43)-(+8.18)%) in the carotenoid contents were also assessed in juices treated with different resins. The changes in amount of hydroxycinnamic, hydroxybenzoic acids, flavanones, flavonol and flavone were determined. The largest decrease (ca.28%) in total phenolics was observed with Amberlite-FPA54. The most abundant organic acids in juices were citric acid followed by quinic, malic, ascorbic, tartaric, succinic and oxalic acid, which were decreased after deacidification. Lowest color change and highest carotenoid content were obtained with Amberlite-FPA54.

[Determination of 10 perfluorinated carboxylic acid compounds in water by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry coupled with negative chemical ionization].

A method was developed for the simultaneous determination of 10 perfluorinated carboxylic acid compounds in water by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry coupled with negative chemical ionization (GC-NCI-MS). Perfluorinated carboxylic acid compounds were derivatized by trifluoro-N-methyl-N-(trimethylsilyl) acetamide (MSTFA) as the trimethylsilyl derivatization reagent. The water sample was purified and enriched through a weak anion exchange solid phase extraction column and analyzed via GC-NCI-MS. The sample pretreatment, derivation and instrument conditions were optimized. The results showed that the linearity of the 10 perfluorinated carboxylic acid compounds was good in the range of 0.1-10 mg/L with correlation coefficients of 0.9956-0.9993. The limits of detection (LODs) and limits of quantification (LOQs) were 0.5-1.5 µg/L and 1.5-4.5 µg/L, respectively. The spiked recoveries of the blank samples ranged from 70.2% to 112.6% with the relative standard deviations (RSDs) between 2.1% and 14.5% (n=6). The method is simple, sensitive, accurate and precise, and can be used to detect the 10 perfluorinated carboxylic acid compounds in water.

[Ion Chromatography Method of Four Carboxylic Acids in Workplace Air].

Objective: To assess psychological acceptance and occupational stress of medical staff, analyze the relationship among personality, psychological acceptance and occupational stress and discuss the direct or indirect effects of personality to occupational stress. Methods: The gaseous four kinds of carboxylic acids in the workplace air were simultaneously collected by silica gel tube, and then desorbed by deionized water and eluted by ion chromatograph. The the content was detected by conductivity detector. Results: The linear relationship was good in the concentration range of about 0~140 mg/L. The correlation coefficient r>0.999, and the maximum detection limit was 4.5 µg/mL. The sampling efficiency of the four carboxylic acids ranges from 96.10%~100.27%. Through the sample added recovery experiments, the low and high content of the silicone tube samples were detected; and the range of desorption efficiency was 82.18%~100.12%; the range of precision was 0.70%~3.71%. Conclusion: This method adopts deionized water to desorb samples, and the application of ion chromatography detection have reached the requirements of《Guidelines for the establishment of occupational health standards, Part 4: Determination of chemical substances in workplace air》, which can be used in four kinds of workplace air detection of carboxylic acid compounds.

Monolithic column functionalized with quinine derivative for anion-exchange capillary electrochromatography.

A novel anion-exchange organic polymer monolithic column based on monomers N-benzylquininium chloride and acrylamide were firstly prepared by in situ copolymerization for capillary electrochromatography. Moreover, N-benzylquininium was firstly introduced as a strong anion-exchange functional group. A relatively strong anodic EOF was obtained in the pH values from 4.0 to 9.0, which was in the same direction with the electrophoretic mobility of acid compounds. Hence, the anion-exchange monolithic column was very suitable for the rapid separation of acid compounds. Eight acid compounds (2-chlorobenzoic acid, mandelic acid, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, indole-3-acetic acid, 2-aminoterephthalic acid, 3,5-pyridinedicarboxylic acid, benzoic acid, and 4-aminobenzoic acid) were successfully separated on the monolithic column. The highest column efficiency was 4.60 × 105 plates/m (theoretical plates, N) for 3,5-pyridinedicarboxylic acid. The proposed monolithic column was characterized by SEM and FT-IR. The RSDs of the acid compounds migration time for run-to-run, day-to-day, and column-to-column were all less than 5.0%.

Antifungal activity of Lactobacillus plantarum C10 against Trichothecium roseum and its application in promotion of defense responses in muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.) fruit.

The antifungal effect of Lactobacillus plantarum C10 on pink rot caused by Trichothecium roseum and its application in muskmelon fruit were investigated. Cell-free supernatant (CFS) produced by Lactobacillus plantarum C10 strongly inhibited the growth of T. roseum and seriously damaged the structures of spores and mycelia of T. roseum. Acid compounds produced by Lb. plantarum C10 were the major antifungal substances and exhibited a narrow pH range from 3.5 to 6.5. Application of the CFS on muskmelon fruit reduced the contamination zone of T. roseum by enhancing the activities of defensive enzymes (phenylalanine ammonialyase, peroxidase and polyphenoloxidase) and promoting the accumulation of phenolics and flavonoids. These results suggested that Lb. plantarum C10 could be used as a biocontrol agent to control pink rot caused by T. roseum in muskmelon fruit.

PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor screening of caffeoylquinic acid compounds using surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy.

Following the FDA approval of three monoclonal antibodies of PD-1/PD-L1, this pathway has become a promising target for cancer treatment. Currently small-molecule inhibitors have not been extensively investigated, and appropriate screening methods for such inhibitors are urgently required. In this study, surface plasmon resonance (SPR) technology was used to evaluate the affinity and competitive inhibition of nine caffeoylquinic acid compounds (CQAs) against PD-1/PD-L1. As a result, four small molecules including 1-CQA, 3-CQA, 4-CQA and 5-CQA were determined as PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors. This study provided an efficient method for screening small-molecule inhibitors targeting PD-1/PD-L1 pathway.

Ion Chromatography Method of Four Carboxylic Acids in Workplace Air / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

Objective@#To assess psychological acceptance and occupational stress of medical staff, analyze the relationship among personality, psychological acceptance and occupational stress and discuss the direct or indirect effects of personality to occupational stress.@*Methods@#The gaseous four kinds of carboxylic acids in the workplace air were simultaneously collected by silica gel tube, and then desorbed by deionized water and eluted by ion chromatograph. The the content was detected by conductivity detector.@*Results@#The linear relationship was good in the concentration range of about 0~140 mg/L. The correlation coefficient r>0.999, and the maximum detection limit was 4.5 μg/mL. The sampling efficiency of the four carboxylic acids ranges from 96.10%~100.27%. Through the sample added recovery experiments, the low and high content of the silicone tube samples were detected; and the range of desorption efficiency was 82.18%~100.12%; the range of precision was 0.70%~3.71%.@*Conclusion@#This method adopts deionized water to desorb samples, and the application of ion chromatography detection have reached the requirements of《Guidelines for the establishment of occupational health standards, Part 4: Determination of chemical substances in workplace air》, which can be used in four kinds of workplace air detection of carboxylic acid compounds.

Formose Reaction Controlled by a Copolymer of N,N-Dimethylacrylamide and 4-Vinylphenylboronic Acid.

The formose reaction is an oligomerization of formaldehyde under basic conditions, which produces a complicated mixture of monosaccharides and sugar alcohols. Selective formation of useful monosaccharides by the formose reaction has been an important challenge. In this study, we have investigated the formose reaction controlled by N,N-dimethylacrylamide/4-vinylphenylboronic acid copolymer (pDMA/VBA) and phenylboronic acid (PBA) because boronic acid compounds form esters with polyols, e.g., monosaccharides and sugar alcohols. We obtained time⁻conversion data in the presence of these boronic acid compounds, and characterized the products by liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy and NMR measurements. pDMA/VBA and PBA decelerated the formose reaction because of the formation of boronic acid esters with products. It is noteworthy that the formose reaction in the presence of pDMA/VBA and PBA formed favorably six- and seven-carbon branched monosaccharides and sugar alcohols.

Formose reaction controlled by boronic acid compounds.

Formose reactions were carried out in the presence of low molecular weight and macromolecular boronic acid compounds, i.e., sodium phenylboronate (SPB) and a copolymer of sodium 4-vinylphenylboronate with sodium 4-styrenesulfonate (pVPB/NaSS), respectively. The boronic acid compounds provided different selectivities; sugars of a small carbon number were formed favorably in the presence of SPB, whereas sugar alcohols of a larger carbon number were formed preferably in the presence of pVPB/NaSS.

Caffeic acids from roots of Arctium lappa and their neuroprotective activity / 中草药

Objective: To investigate the caffeic acid compounds from the roots of Arctium lappa and their neuroprotective activity. Methods: The compounds were isolated by column chromatography over silica gel, octadecylsilane (ODS) chemically bonded silica gel, Sephadex LH-20, and AB-8 macroporous resin coupled with preparative HPLC. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic analysis and their neuroprotective activity against glutamate-induced neurotoxicity was evaluated in SH-SY5Y cells by MTT assay. Results: Eight caffeic acid compounds were isolated from the roots of A. lappa, which were identified as 1,5-O-dicaffeoyl-3-O-(4-malic acid methyl ester)-quinicacid (1), 3,5-O-dicaffeoyl-quinic acid methyl ester (2), 3,4-O-dicaffeoyl-quinic acid methylester (3), 4,5-O-dicaffeoyl-quinic acid methyl ester (4), (2E)-1,4-dimethyl-2- [(4-hydroxyphenyl)methyl]-2-butenedioicacid (5), chlorogenic acid methyl ester (6), caffeic acid mtheyl ester (7), and 3,4,3',4'-tetrahydroxy-δ-truxinate (8). In vitro, these compounds showed the neuroprotective activity against glutamate-induced neurotoxicity on different levels. Conclusion: The neuroprotective activity of the roots in A. lappa against glutamate-induced neurotoxicity is related to the caffeic acid compounds. Compound 1 is a new compound; Compound 5 is a new natural compound; Compounds 2-4 and 6-7 are isolated from A. lappa for the first time; Compound 8 is isolated from the plants of Arctium L. for the first time.