Rapid removal of trace haloacetic acids from drinking water by a continuous adsorption process using graphene oxide

Significant health risks are caused by trace levels of haloacetic acids (HAAs) in drinking water. We used graphene oxide (GO), a high-performance absorbent, to remove monochloroacetic acid (MCAA), dichloroacetic acid (DCAA) and trichloroacetic acid (TCAA). 31.6%, 27.1% and 30.2% of MCAA, DCAA and TCAA in drinking water could be rapidly removed within 2 min by the interaction of intermolecular hydrogen bonds between GO and HAAs. On the other hand, as a type of weak interaction, intermolecular hydrogen bonds are easy to fracture, which leads to the recovery of GO. The removal efficiency of MCAA, DCAA and TCAA monotonously decreased with increasing pH from 3 to 11. Temperature was not an important influence on the removal efficiency of HAAs, and only affected the interaction of intermolecular hydrogen bonds between GO and HAAs. A continuous adsorption process was used for further improving the removal efficiency of HAAs, and the concentration of total HAAs decreased from 436 to 52.5 μg L^-1 after five adsorption processes. The total contact time was just 2.25 min, which was faster than other reported adsorbents, and total HAAs could be decreased by 88%. The innovative process in this study provides an effective method for application of GO to rapidly remove HAAs in drinking water.

Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of novel dual FFA1 and PPARδ agonists possessing phenoxyacetic acid scaffold

The free fatty acid receptor 1 (FFA1/GPR40) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor δ (PPARδ) have been widely considered as promising targets for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) due to their respective roles in promoting insulin secretion and improving insulin sensitivity. Hence, the dual FFA1/PPARδ agonists may exert synergistic effects by simultaneously activating FFA1 and PPARδ. The present study performed systematic exploration around previously reported FFA1 agonist 2-(2-fluoro-4-((2'-methyl-4'-(3-(methylsulfonyl)propoxy)-[1,1'-biphenyl]-3-yl)methoxy)phenoxy)acetic acid (lead compound), leading to the identification of a novel dual FFA1/PPARδ agonist 2-(2-fluoro-4-((3-(6-methoxynaphthalen-2-yl)benzyl)oxy)phenoxy)acetic acid (the optimal compound), which displayed high selectivity over PPARα and PPARγ. In addition, the docking study provided us with detailed binding modes of the optimal compound in FFA1 and PPARδ. Furthermore, the optimal compound exhibited greater glucose-lowering effects than lead compound, which might attribute to its synergistic effects by simultaneously modulating insulin secretion and resistance. Moreover, the optimal compound has an acceptable safety profile in the acute toxicity study at a high dose of 500 mg/kg Therefore, our results provided a novel dual FFA1/PPARδ agonist with excellent glucose-lowering effects in vivo.

Microbial reductions and physical characterization of chitosan flocs when using chitosan acetate as a cloth filter aid in water treatment

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates 2.1 billion people lack access to safely managed water. Cloth filtration is often employed in rural and developing communities of South Asia for point-of-use water treatment, but bacteria and viruses are too small for efficient removal by this filtration method. Chitosan is a biodegradable, cationic, organic polymer derived from the chemical treatment of chitin that acts as a coagulant and flocculant of contaminant of microbes and other particles in water, thereby facilitating filtration of microbes. This research 1) evaluated the use of chitosan acetate as a pre-treatment coagulation-flocculation process followed by cloth filtration for microbial reductions and 2) assessed floc particle size under three stirring conditions. E. coli KO11 bacteria and MS2 coliphage virus removals were quantified using culture-based methods. Chitosan acetate coagulation-flocculation pre-treatment of water, followed by cloth filtration, met or exceeded the protective (2-star) WHO performance levels for bacteria (2 log10 reduction) and viruses (3 log10 reduction), and filtrate turbidity was consistently reduced to < 1 NTU, meeting United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and WHO targets.

Development and Validation of an Analytical HPLC Method to Assess Chemical and Radiochemical Purity of [68Ga]Ga-NODAGA-Exendin-4 Produced by a Fully Automated Method

Background: Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor (GLP-1R) is preferentially expressed in pancreatic islets, especially in β-cells, and highly expressed in human insulinomas and gastrinomas. In recent years several GLP-1R-avid radioligands have been developed to image insulin-secreting tumors or to provide a tentative quantitative in vivo biomarker of pancreatic β-cell mass. Exendin-4, a 39-amino acid peptide with high binding affinity to GLP-1R, has been labeled with Ga-68 for imaging with positron emission tomography (PET). Preparation conditions may influence the quality and in vivo behavior of tracers. Starting from a published synthesis and quality controls (QCs) procedure, we have developed and validated a new rapid and simple UV-Radio-HPLC method to test the chemical and radiochemical purity of [68Ga]Ga-NODAGA-exendin-4, to be used in the clinical routine. Methods: Ga-68 was obtained from a 68Ge/68Ga Generator (GalliaPharma®) and purified using a cationic-exchange cartridge on an automated synthesis module (Scintomics GRP®). NODAGA-exendin-4 contained in the reactor (10 µg) was reconstituted with HEPES and ascorbic acid. The reaction mixture was incubated at 100 °C. The product was purified through HLB cartridge, diluted, and sterilized. To validate the proposed UV-Radio-HPLC method, a stepwise approach was used, as defined in the guidance document released by the International Conference on Harmonization of Technical Requirements of Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH), adopted by the European Medicines Agency (CMP/ICH/381/95 2014). The assessed parameters are specificity, linearity, precision (repeatability), accuracy, and limit of quantification. Therefore, a range of concentrations of Ga-NODAGA-exendin-4, NODAGA-exendin-4 (5, 4, 3.125, 1.25, 1, and 0.75 μg/mL) and [68Ga]Ga-NODAGA-exendin-4 were analyzed. To validate the entire production process, three consecutive batches of [68Ga]Ga-NODAGA-exendin-4 were tested. Results: Excellent linearity was found between 5-0.75 μg/mL for both the analytes (NODAGA-exendin-4 and 68Ga-NODAGA-exendin-4), with a correlation coefficient (R2) for calibration curves equal to 0.999, average coefficients of variation (CV%) < 2% (0.45% and 0.39%) and average per cent deviation value of bias from 100%, of 0.06% and 0.04%, respectively. The calibration curve for the determination of [68Ga]Ga-NODAGA-exendin-4 was linear with a R2 of 0.993 and CV% < 2% (1.97%), in accordance to acceptance criteria. The intra-day and inter-day precision of our method was statistically confirmed using 10 μg of peptide. The mean radiochemical yield was 45 ± 2.4% in all the three validation batches of [68Ga]Ga-NODAGA-exendin-4. The radiochemical purity of [68Ga]Ga-NODAGA-exendin-4 was >95% (97.05%, 95.75% and 96.15%) in all the three batches. Conclusions: The developed UV-Radio-HPLC method to assess the radiochemical and chemical purity of [68Ga]Ga-NODAGA-exendin-4 is rapid, accurate and reproducible like its fully automated production. It allows the routine use of this PET tracer as a diagnostic tool for PET imaging of GLP-1R expression in vivo, ensuring patient safety.

Phytochemical Screening by LC-ESI-MS/MS and Effect of the Ethyl Acetate Fraction from Leaves and Stems of Jatropha macrantha Müll Arg. on Ketamine-Induced Erectile Dysfunction in Rats

Jatropha macrantha Müll Arg. L is also known as “huanarpo macho” and used in the Peruvian traditional medicine as an aphrodisiac and erectile dysfunction (ED). The aim of this study was to determine the phytochemical constituents in leaves and stems ethyl acetate fraction (LEAF and SEAF) of J. macrantha and to compare the antioxidant activity and the ameliorative effect on ketamine-induced erectile dysfunction in rats. The phytochemical constituents were determined by LC-ESI-MS/MS, the total phenolic compounds and total flavonoids (TPC and TF) by Folin-Ciocalteu and aluminum chloride, respectively. The antioxidant activity was determined by DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays. Experimental groups were divided as follows: I: negative control; II: positive control (ketamine at 50 mg/ kg/d); III: sildenafil 5 mg/kg; IV, V, VI: LEAF at 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg, respectively, and VII, VIII, IX: SEAF at 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg, respectively. The phytochemical analysis revealed the presence mainly of coumarins, flavonoids, phenolic acids, and terpenes. TPC of LEAF and SEAF were 359 ± 5.21 mg GAE/g and 306 ± 1.93 mg GAE/g, respectively; TF in LEAF and SEAF were 23.7 ± 0.80 mg EQ/g, and 101 ± 1.42 mg EQ/g, respectively. The DPPH, ABTS, FRAP in SEAF were 647 ± 3.27; 668 ± 2.30; and 575 ± 2.86 μmol TE/g, respectively, whilst LEAF showed 796 ± 3.15; 679 ± 0.85; and 806 ± 3.42 μmol TE/g, respectively. Regarding sexual behavior, LEAF showed a better effect in mount frequency, intromission frequency, ejaculation frequency, mount latency, intromission latency, ejaculatory latency, and post ejaculatory latency than SEAF. As conclusion, LEAF of J. macrantha at 50 mg/kg showed a better effect on sexual behavior in male rats with erectile dysfunction than SEAF but not higher than sildenafil.

Molecular Docking and Dynamics Investigations for Identifying Potential Inhibitors of the 3-Chymotrypsin-like Protease of SARS-CoV-2: Repurposing of Approved Pyrimidonic Pharmaceuticals for COVID-19 Treatment

This study demonstrates the inhibitory effect of 42 pyrimidonic pharmaceuticals (PPs) on the 3-chymotrypsin-like protease of SARS-CoV-2 (3CL^pro) through molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations, and free binding energies by means of molecular mechanics-Poisson Boltzmann surface area (MM-PBSA) and molecular mechanics-generalized Born surface area (MM-GBSA). Of these tested PPs, 11 drugs approved by the US Food and Drug Administration showed an excellent binding affinity to the catalytic residues of 3CL^pro of His41 and Cys145: uracil mustard, cytarabine, floxuridine, trifluridine, stavudine, lamivudine, zalcitabine, telbivudine, tipiracil, citicoline, and uridine triacetate. Their percentage of residues involved in binding at the active sites ranged from 56 to 100, and their binding affinities were in the range from -4.6 ± 0.14 to -7.0 ± 0.19 kcal/mol. The molecular dynamics as determined by a 200 ns simulation run of solvated docked complexes confirmed the stability of PP conformations that bound to the catalytic dyad and the active sites of 3CL^pro. The free energy of binding also demonstrates the stability of the PP-3CL^pro complexes. Citicoline and uridine triacetate showed free binding energies of -25.53 and -7.07 kcal/mol, respectively. Therefore, I recommend that they be repurposed for the fight against COVID-19, following proper experimental and clinical validation.

Anti-inflammatory activity of endophytic bacterial isolates from Emilia sonchifolia (Linn.) DC

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

In the traditional medicine system, plants have been utilized as a rich source of anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-viral and anti-oxidant compounds. The biological properties of plant-based drugs depend on their interaction with endophytes which persist as an important provider of bioactive secondary metabolites. Bacterial endophytes secrete anti-inflammatory molecules whose activity can be the base for the anti-inflammatory property of the plant.

AIM OF THE STUDY

During the screening of endophytes from Emilia sonchifolia, we isolated six different bacteria whose potential as the sources of anti-inflamamtory compounds have been aimed at in this study.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Anti-inflammatory activity of the ethyl acetate extract of endophytes was studied by both in vitro and in vivo analyses. In vitro study was done using protein denaturation, COX, LOX, iNOS, myeloperoxidase and nitric oxide assays and in vivo analysis was carried out by carrageenan-induced and formalin-induced paw oedema tests. The expression level of anti-inflammatory genes such as COX-2 and NfKb was confirmed by real time PCR.

RESULTS

We confirmed anti-inflammatory activity of the ethyl acetate extract of bacterial endophytes of E sonchifolia by both in vitro and in vivo experiments. Carrageenan- and formalin-induced inflammations in mice were effectively reduced by the administration of the bacterial extract. Among the isolates, strain ES1effectively reduced inflammation. Gene expression studies confirmed reduction in the expression of COX-2 and NfKb genes in the presence of ES1 extract.

CONCLUSION

The present investigation demonstrated the anti-inflammatory property of the isolated bacterial endophyte ES1 (Bacillus subtilis strain-MG 692780) and thus justifies the possible role of endophytes in contributing anti-inflammatory property to E sonchifolia which is ethno-botanically important as a source of anti-inflammatory drug.

Three-component Castagnoli-Cushman reaction with ammonium acetate delivers 2-unsubstituted isoquinol-1-ones as potent inhibitors of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP)

An earlier described three-component variant of the Castagnoli-Cushman reaction employing homophthalic anhydrides, carbonyl compound and ammonium acetate was applied towards the preparation of 1-oxo-3,4-dihydroisoquinoline-4-carboxamides with variable substituent in position 3. These compounds displayed inhibitory activity towards poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), a clinically validated cancer target. The most potent compound (PARP1/2 IC50 = 22/4.0 nM) displayed the highest selectivity towards PARP2 in the series (selectivity index = 5.5), more advantageous ADME prameters compared to the clinically used PARP inhibitor Olaparib.

Thermodynamic Solution Properties of a Biodegradable Chelant (L-glutamic-N,N-diacetic Acid, L-GLDA) and Its Sequestering Ability toward Cd2

The thermodynamics of the interaction of L-glutamic-N,N-diacetic acid (GLDA) with protons was studied potentiometrically at different temperatures, ionic strengths and ionic media. Four protonation constants and corresponding enthalpy changes occurred at infinite dilution together with temperature and ionic strength coefficients. The medium effect was also interpreted in terms of the formation of weak complexes between the ligand and the cations of supporting electrolytes, resulting in a greater tendency of GLDA to chemically interact with Na+ rather than K+ and, in turn, (CH3)4N+. Formation constants of GLDA with Cd2+ were determined in NaCl(aq) at different ionic strength values. Five complex species were found, namely CdL2-, CdHL-, CdH2L0(aq), Cd2L0(aq), and Cd(OH)L3-, whose formation constant values at infinite dilution were log β = 12.68, 17.61, 20.76, 17.52, and 1.77, respectively. All the species results were relevant in the pH range of natural waters, although the Cd2L0(aq) was observed only for CCd ≥ CGLDA and concentrations of >0.1 mmol dm-3. The sequestering ability of GLDA toward Cd2+, evaluated by means of pL0.5, was maximum at pH~10, whereas the presence of a chloride containing a supporting electrolyte exerted a negative effect. Among new generation biodegradable ligands, GLDA was the most efficient in Cd2+ sequestration.

The Escherichia coli two-component signal sensor BarA binds protonated acetate via a conserved hydrophobic-binding pocket

The BarA/UvrY two-component signal transduction system is widely conserved in γ-proteobacteria and provides a link between the metabolic state of the cells and the Csr posttranscriptional regulatory system. In Escherichia coli, the BarA/UvrY system responds to the presence of acetate and other short-chain carboxylic acids by activating transcription of the noncoding RNAs, CsrB and CsrC, which sequester the RNA-binding protein CsrA, a global regulator of gene expression. However, the state of the carboxyl group in the acetate molecule, which serves as the BarA stimulus, and the signal reception site of BarA remain unknown. In this study, we show that the deletion or replacement of the periplasmic domain of BarA and also the substitution of certain hydroxylated and hydrophobic amino acid residues in this region, result in a sensor kinase that remains unresponsive to its physiological stimulus, demonstrating that the periplasmic region of BarA constitutes a functional detector domain. Moreover, we provide evidence that the protonated state of acetate or formate serves as the physiological stimulus of BarA. In addition, modeling of the BarA sensor domain and prediction of the signal-binding site, by blind molecular docking, revealed a calcium channels and chemotaxis receptors domain with a conserved binding pocket, which comprised uncharged polar and hydrophobic amino acid residues. Based on the comparative sequence and phylogenetic analyses, we propose that, at least, two types of BarA orthologues diverged and evolved separately to acquire distinct signal-binding properties, illustrating the wide adaptability of the bacterial sensor kinase proteins.

Ultrastructural changes in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) induced by metabolites of thermophilous fungi Acrophialophora levis

Staphylococcus aureus and Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) remains one of the major concerns of healthcare associated and community-onset infections worldwide. The number of cases of treatment failure for infections associated with resistant bacteria is on the rise, due to the decreasing efficacy of current antibiotics. Notably, Acrophialophora levis, a thermophilous fungus species, showed antibacterial activity, namely against S. aureus and clinical MRSA strains. The ethyl acetate extract of culture filtrate was found to display significant activity against S. aureus and MRSA with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 1 μg/mL and 4 μg/mL, respectively. Scanning electron micrographs demonstrated drastic changes in the cellular architecture of metabolite treated cells of S. aureus and an MRSA clinical isolate. Cell wall disruption, membrane lysis and probable leakage of cytoplasmic are hallmarks of the antibacterial effect of fungal metabolites against MRSA. The ethyl acetate extract also showed strong antioxidant activity using two different complementary free radicals scavenging methods, DPPH and ABTS with efficiency of 55% and 47% at 1 mg/mL, respectively. The total phenolic and flavonoid content was found to be 50 mg/GAE and 20 mg/CAE, respectively. More than ten metabolites from different classes were identified: phenolic acids, phenylpropanoids, sesquiterpenes, tannins, lignans and flavonoids. In conclusion, the significant antibacterial activity renders this fungal strain as a bioresource for natural compounds an interesting alternative against resistant bacteria.

Development of stability-indicating HPLC-UV method and oxidative degradation kinetic study of montelukast in chewable tablet formulation

A simple and sensitive stability-indicating HPLC-UV method was developed and validated for the determination of montelukast in the development of chewable tablet formulation. Chromatographic separation was achieved using Atlantis® T3 3µm C18 (4.6mmID X 10cm) analytical column. The mobile phase was consisted of KH₂PO₄ (0.05mM)-ACN-TEA (450:550:1.33, v/v/v) adjusted to pH 2.0 with orthophosphoric acid. The analysis was run at a flow rate of 1.5 mL/min with detection wavelength at 255nm. Method validation was performed in accordance with ICH guideline. Stress degradation studies, comprising of acid and alkali hydrolysis (1M HCl and 1M NaOH), oxidative degradation (3% H2O2), photo degradation and heat degradation, were performed. The standard calibration curve was linear from 0.0025 - 0.375mg/mL. The LOD and LLOQ were 0.01μg/mL and 0.04μg/mL. Stress degradation result shows that montelukast sodium was sensitive to photo degradation, oxidation and acid hydrolysis. Oxidative degradation kinetic study of montelukast sodium followed first order reaction, with r² =0.9877, apparent degradation rate constant, k= 0.1066 h^-1, t_1/2= 6.6151 hr and t90% = 1.0118hr. In conclusion, HPLC-UV method was successfully developed and validated for determination of montelukast sodium in chewable tablet formulation.

Fingerprint and multi-index content determination of ethyl acetate extract of Sedum emarginatum Migo

Sedum emarginatum Migo (Aoyejingtian) is a perennial succulent herb of the sedum genus in the family Crassulaceae, which has the fountion of treating furuncle, swelling and haematemesis, hematochezia, menorrhagia and hepatitis. Preliminary studies of our research group had showed that the ethyl acetate extract of Sedum emarginatum Migo could inhibit the proliferation of liver cancer HepG2 cells. The establishment of a reasonable and feasible quality evaluation method for the effective parts of Sedum emarginatum Migo can provide a scientific basis for the further development and utilization of Sedum emarginatum Migo. In this study, a multi-wavelength conversion method was used to establish high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) fingerprints of the ethyl acetate extract of Sedum emarginatum Migo, and the method was also used to simultaneously determine the gallic acid, protocatechuic acid, caffeic acid, and ferulic acid, isoquercitrin and luteolin in the ethyl acetate extract of Sedum emarginatum Migo. The similarity of the fingerprints of the ethyl acetate extract of Sedum emarginatum Migo from different origins and the content of 6 components were compared. The established method was simple, accurate, table and reliable, which could provide a fast, accurate and reliable method for comprehensive evaluation of the quality of Sedum emarginatum Migo.

Acacia hydaspica R. Parker ethyl-acetate extract abrogates cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity by targeting ROS and inflammatory cytokines

Cisplatin (CisPT) is a chemotherapeutic drug that outcomes in adverse effects. In this study, we examined the effect of A. hydaspica ethyl acetate extract (AHE) in an animal model of cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury (AKI). 36 male Sprague Dawley rats were used in the AKI rat model, and CisPT (7.5 mg/kg BW, i.p) single dose was given. In the pretreatment module, AHE (400 mg/kgBW/day, p.o) was given for 7 days before and after CisPT injection. While in the post-treatment group AHE was administered for 7 days after a single CisPT shot. The standard group received silymarin (100 mg/kg BW, p.o) for 7 days before and after CisPT injection. In HCT 116 tumor xenografts (n = 32) two groups of mice were pretreated with 400 mg/kg AHE orally for 7 days and two groups were treated with distilled water. On day 7 of pretreatment one distilled water and one AHE pretreated group were injected i.p with 15 mg/kg bw dose followed by another dose of CisPT 2 wk later. AHE groups were additionally treated with 400 mg/kg AHE for 3 days/week for 2 weeks. CisPT significantly deteriorated renal function parameters, i.e., PH, specific gravity, total protein, albumin, urea, creatinine, uric acid, globulin and blood urea nitrogen. CisPT treatment increased oxidative stress markers, while lower renal antioxidant enzymes. AHE pretreatment ameliorates significantly (p < 0.0001) CisPT-induced alterations in serum and urine markers for kidney function. Furthermore, AHE pretreatment more efficiently (p < 0.001) decreases oxidative stress markers, attenuate NF-κB, and IL-6 protein and mRNA expression by augmenting antioxidant enzyme levels compared to post-treatment. The histological observations verified the protective effect of AHE. In tumor xenograft mice, AHE treatment significantly reduced CisPT induced oxidative stress while it did not interfere with the anticancer efficacy of cisplatin as shown by significance (p < 0.001) decrease in tumor size after treatment. A. hydaspica AHE might provide a prospective adjuvant that precludes CisPT-induced nephrotoxicity without compromising its antitumor potential.

Dolomiaea souliei ethyl acetate extract protected against α-naphthylisothiocyanate-induced acute intrahepatic cholestasis through regulation of farnesoid x receptor-mediated bile acid metabolism

BACKGROUND

Cholestasis is characterized by accumulation of bile components in liver and systemic circulation. Restoration of bile acid homeostasis via activating farnesoid x receptor (FXR) is a promising strategy for the treatment of cholestasis. FXR-SHP (small heterodimer partner) axis plays an important role in maintaining bile acid homeostasis.

PURPOSE

To investigate the anti-cholestasis effect of Dolomiaea souliei (Franch.) C.Shih (D. souliei) and clarify its underlying mechanism against α-naphthylisothiocyanate (ANIT) induced acute intrahepatic cholestasis.

METHODS

ANIT-induced Sprague-Dawley rats were employed to investigate the anti-cholestasis effect of D. souliei ethyl acetate extract (DSE). Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) was used as positive control. Bile flow and blood biochemical parameters were measured. Liver histopathological examination was conducted via hematoxylin-eosin staining. Western blot analysis was carried out to evaluate the protein levels related to bile acids metabolism and inflammation. The interactions between FXR and costunolide or dehydrocostus lactone, were conducted by molecular docking experiments. The effect of costunolide and dehydrocostus lactone on aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels and FXR expression were also evaluated using guggulsterone-induced L02 cells.

RESULTS

DSE could promote bile excretions and protect against ANIT-induced liver damage in cholestasis rats. Protein levels of FXR, SHP, Na+/taurocholate cotransporter (NTCP), bile salt export pump (BSEP), multidrug resistance-associated protein 2 (MRP2) were increased and the expressions of cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase (CYP7A1) and sterol 27-hydroxylase (CYP27A1) were decreased by DSE. Meanwhile, the anti-inflammatory factors, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6) were also significantly increased, and the pro-inflammatory factor, interleukin-10 (IL-10), was significantly decreased in rats of DSE groups. Molecular docking revealed that costunolide and dehydrocostus lactone could be well docked into the FXR protein molecule, and hydrophobic interactions played the main function. Costunolide could reverse the increased AST and ALT levels and increase the FXR expression in guggulsterone-induced L02 cells.

CONCLUSION

DSE had an anti-cholestasis effect by activating FXR-SHP axis, inhibiting synthesis of bile acid, and increasing bile secretion, together with inflammatory response and improving liver injury. Costunolide may be the main active component. This study provided a potential therapeutic mechanism for D. souliei as an anti-cholestasis medicine in the treatment of cholestasis liver diseases.

Palladium-Catalyzed Annulations of Strained Cyclic Allenes

We report Pd-catalyzed annulations of in situ generated strained cyclic allenes. This methodology employs aryl halides and cyclic allene precursors as the reaction partners in order to generate fused heterocyclic products. The annulation proceeds via the formation of two new bonds and an sp3 center. Moreover, both diastereo- and enantioselective variants of this methodology are validated, with the latter ultimately enabling the rapid enantioselective synthesis of a complex hexacyclic product. Studies leveraging transition metal catalysis to intercept cyclic allenes represent a departure from the more common, historical modes of cyclic allene trapping that rely on nucleophiles or cycloaddition partners. As such, this study is expected to fuel the development of reactions that strategically merge transition metal catalysis and transient strained intermediate chemistry for the synthesis of complex scaffolds.

Construction of hydrogels based on the homogeneous carboxymethylated chitin from Hericium erinaceus residue: Role of carboxymethylation degree

Carboxymethyl chitin hydrogels with different degree of substitution (DS) were prepared by the homogeneous carboxymethylation of chitin extracted from Hericium erinaceus residue. The effect of DS on gel structure and property were studied. Results showed that the DS of carboxymethyl chitin hydrogels can be increased by increasing the amount of sodium chloroacetate. The equilibrium swelling degree and pH swelling sensitivity of the hydrogels were enhanced as the increase of DS. Zeta potential, low-field nuclear magnetic resonance, contact angle and molecular dynamics simulation results suggested that the introduction of carboxymethyl functional group enhanced the negative charge, water mobility, surface hydrophilicity and the ability to form hydrogen bonds with water of the hydrogels, resulting in an increased swelling degree of the hydrogels. Moreover, the prepared hydrogels showed different adsorption capability to various dyes, and the adsorption performance of the prepared hydrogels for cationic dyes could be enhanced as the increase of DS.

Antioxidant and Anticholinesterase Activities of Extracts and Phytochemicals of Syzygium antisepticum Leaves

Bioassay-guided separation of young leaves extracts of Syzygium antisepticum (Blume) Merr. & L.M. Perry led to the isolation of four triterpenoids (betulinic acid, ursolic acid, jacoumaric acid, corosolic acid) and one sterol glucoside (daucosterol) from the ethyl acetate extract, and three polyphenols (gallic acid, myricitrin, and quercitrin) from the methanol (MeOH) extract. The MeOH extract of S. antisepticum and some isolated compounds, ursolic acid and gallic acid potentially exhibited acetylcholinesterase activity evaluated by Ellman’s method. The MeOH extract and its isolated compounds, gallic acid, myricitrin, and quercitrin, also strongly elicited DPPH radical scavenging activity. In HEK-293 cells, the MeOH extract possessed cellular antioxidant effects by attenuating hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)-induced ROS production and increasing catalase, glutathione peroxidase-1 (GPx-1), and glutathione reductase (GRe). Furthermore, myricitrin and quercitrin also suppressed ROS production induced by H₂O₂ and induced GPx-1 and catalase production in HEK-293 cells. These results indicated that the young leaves of S. antisepticum are the potential sources of antioxidant and anticholinesterase agents. Consequently, S. antisepticum leaves are one of indigenous vegetables which advantage to promote the health and prevent diseases related to oxidative stress.

Aluminium release and fluid warming: provocational setting and devices at risk

BACKGROUND

Fluid warming, recommended for fluid rates of > 500 ml h-1, is an integral part of patient temperature management strategies. Fluid warming devices using an uncoated aluminium containing heating element have been reported to liberate aluminium resulting in critical aluminium concentrations in heated fluids. We investigated saline solution (0.9%), artificially spiked with organic acids to determine the influence of fluid composition on aluminium release using the uncoated enFlow® device. Additionally, the Level1® as a high volume fluid warming device and the ThermoSens® device were investigated with artificial spiked fluid at high risk for aluminum release and a clinically used crystalloid solution.

RESULTS

Saline solution spiked with lactate more than acetate, especially at a non neutral pH, led to high aluminium release. Next to the enFlow® device, aluminium release was observed for the Level1® device, but not for the coated ThermoSens®-device.

CONCLUSION

Uncoated aluminium containing fluid warming devices lead to potentially toxic levels of aluminium in heated fluids, especially in fluids with non-neutral pH containing organic acids and their salts like balanced electrolyte solutions.

Antibacterial and antioxidant metabolites from the insect-associated fungus Aspergillus fumigatus

The research on bioactive secondary metabolites from Aspergillus fumigatus afforded six compounds, which were identified by mass spectrometer (MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopic analysis as cyclopyazonic acid (1), trypacidin A (2), asterric acid (3), methyl asterrate (4), demethylcitreoviranol (5), as well as (5-hydroxy-2-oxo-2H-pyran-4-yl) methyl acetate (6). Cyclopyazonic acid (1) was found to have potent antibacterial effects, especially against Bacillus licheniformis with minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) value of 3.7μg/mL. Its antibacterial effects were possibly related to the olefinic acid group in the structure. Phenyl ether derivatives 3 and 4, and trypacidin A (2) also exhibited antimicrobial effects. In addition, compound 6 showed significant antioxidant effects with half maximal effective concentration (EC₅₀) value of 10.2μM in the ABTS (2,2-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) assay, which was better than the positive control.

Essential Oil Profile and Yield of Corolla, Calyx, Leaf, and Whole Flowering Top of Cultivated Lavandula angustifolia Mill. (Lamiaceae) from Utah

Lavandula angustifolia Mill. (lavender) is an essential-oil-bearing plant in the Lamiaceae family. Volatile oil produced through the steam distillation of lavender was examined to establish the essential oil yield and aromatic profile from each portion of the plant-namely, the corolla, calyx, leaf, and whole flowering top. The resulting essential oils were analyzed by GC-FID and GC-MS. The different plant parts generally shared similar compounds but in varying relative percentages. Aromatic profiles of the whole flowering top and calyx were similar, with prominent compounds being linalool acetate (34.3%, 32.0%), linalool (26.5%, 32.9%), lavandulyl acetate (5.6%, 4.9%), terpinen-4-ol (5.3%, 7.0%), and (Z)-β-ocimene (4.5%, 5.4%), respectively. Aromatic profiles for the corolla and leaf were unique. Prominent aromatic compounds of the corolla included linalool acetate (18.4%), linalool (10.8%), epi-α-cadinol (10.0%), borneol (7.3%), and lavandulyl acetate (6.3%). Prominent aromatic compounds of the leaf included epi-α-cadinol (19.8%), γ-cadinene (11.0%), borneol (6.0%), caryophyllene oxide (4.9%), and bornyl acetate (4.8%). Complete profiles and essential oil yields of corolla, calyx, leaf, and whole flowering top were established. This study establishes the influence the corolla, calyx, and leaf exert on the aromatic profile of the whole flowering top and provides insight into authentication of lavender essential oil.

Ethyl acetate fraction from Nymphaea hybrida Peck modulates inflammatory responses in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells and acute inflammation murine models

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Nymphaea hybrida Peck is used as a traditional medicinal herb for treating pain and inflammatory diseases, and known for its ornamental value and as a hot drink. However, the effects of N. hybrida polar fractions on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced in vitro inflammation model and acute inflammation murine models have yet to be evaluated.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The aim of this study was to elucidate the anti-inflammatory effects of N. hybrida ethanol extract (NHE) and its polar fractions: petroleum ether (PE), methylene chloride (MC), ethyl acetate (EA), methanol (ME), and water (WA). The underlying molecular mechanisms of active fraction in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 murine macrophages were further investigated.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Fractions with potential anti-inflammatory effects were screened using direct nitric oxide (NO) radical scavenging and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 inhibition assays in vitro. The anti-inflammatory properties of potential fraction were evaluated in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells, xylene-induced ear edema, carrageenan-induced paw edema and xylene-induced Evans blue exudation of acute inflammation murine models. The regulation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways were investigated using western blotting and immunofluorescence.

RESULTS

Compared to other polar fractions, NHE-EA displayed higher phenol and flavonoid content, and exerted greater activity in direct NO radical scavenging and COX-2 inhibition assay in vitro. NHE-EA markedly decreased the levels of inflammatory mediators, NO and prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂), by suppressing the over-expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and COX-2 in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. The NHE-EA fraction dose-dependently alleviated over-elevation of LPS-associated intracellular calcium and decreased the abnormal secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, and interferon-γ (IFN-γ). The combination with NHE-EA effectively attenuated the activation and nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65, and the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK), c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK), and p38 kinases of MAPK pathways. NHE-EA could significantly ameliorate the degree of swelling of the mice ear and paw, the skin exudation of Evans blue and the excessive secretion of inflammatory cytokines.

CONCLUSION

Our results demonstrated that NHE-EA was the most active polar fraction of N. hybrida extracts. It inhibited the LPS-associated inflammatory response by blocking the activation of NF-κB and MAPKs pathways in RAW264.7 cells. It also effectively alleviated the inflammatory response of acute inflammation. These results indicated the role of NHE-EA as adjuvants and their potential role in alternative strategy for the treatment of inflammatory diseases.

The anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of the ethyl acetate extract of Viburnum taitoense Hayata

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Viburnum taitoense Hayata has been used as folk medicine by the minority people in Southwestern China for a long history, especially in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. The minority in Guangxi including Zhuang, Miao and Yao people use the ethanol extract of V. taitoense Hayata to treat the fracture, kill the pain of rheumatism because of its definite therapeutic effects.

AIM OF THE STUDY

So far, the scientific investigation of V. taitoense Hayata is done very little. Here, we first prepared the ethyl acetate extract of V. taitoense (EEVt), secondly measured the contents of phenols, flavonoids, and terpenoids in EEVt, and thirdly, the anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of EEVt were investigated by invitro model of RAW 264.7 cells and invivo models of inflammation and pain in rats and mice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The contents of phenols, flavonoids, and terpenoids in EEVt were determined by UV spectrophotometry, respectively. The anti-inflammatory effect of EEVt (5, 25, 50, 100, and 200 μg/mL) in vitro was tested by determining its inhibitory effect on the nitric oxide production of RAW264.7 cells activated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of EEVt in vivo were investigated in the following experimental rats and mice models: carrageenan-induced paw edema, corton-oil-induced ear edema, acetic acid writhing test, and formalin pain test.

RESULTS

The contents of total phenolic, total flavonoids, and total triterpenoids in V. taitoense were measured to be 3.46 ± 0.04%, 2.38 ± 0.04%, and 14.96 ± 0.17%, respectively. In vitro test showed that EEVt at different tested dosages (5, 25, 50, 100, and 200 μg/mL) had no significant toxicity to RAW264.7 macrophages. At dosages of 37.5 and 75 μg/mL of EEVt significant inhibitory (p < 0.001) on the productions of nitric oxide (NO). High dosage (200 μg/mL) of EEVt displayed highly significant inhibitory (p < 0.001) on the productions of proinflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α from the LPS-induced RAW264.7 macrophages. EEVt showed obvious anti-inflammatory activity at different time points after carrageenan injection (p < 0.05) in vivo test, and its anti-inflammatory activity reached the strongest 4 h. Similarly, through the ear swelling test, EEVt (200 mg/kg) showed significant (p < 0.05) anti-inflammatory activity. Besides, formalin and acetic acid writhing experiments also showed that EEVt has significant (p < 0.05) analgesic activity.

CONCLUSION

EEVt was confirmed to be definite anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, and the phytochemicals of EEVt was disclosed to be rich in triterpenoids, which was worthy to be further investigated.

High arabinoxylan fine structure specificity to gut bacteria driven by corn genotypes but not environment

While gut bacteria have different abilities to utilize dietary fibers, the degree of fiber structural alignment to bacteria species is not well understood. Corn bran arabinoxylan (CAX) was used to investigate how minor polymer fine structural differences at the genotype × environment level influences the human gut microbiota. CAXs were extracted from 4 corn genotypes × 3 growing years and used in in vitro fecal fermentations. CAXs from different genotypes had varied contents of arabinose/xylose ratio (0.46-0.54), galactose (58-101 mg/g), glucuronic acid (18-32 mg/g). There was genotype- but not environment-specific differences in fine structures. After 24 h fermentation, CAX showed different acetate (71-86 mM), propionate (35-44 mM), butyrate (7-10 mM), and total short chain fatty acid (SCFA) (117-137 mM) production. SCFA profiles and gut microbiota both shifted in a genotype-specific way. In conclusion, the study reveals a very high specificity of fiber structure to gut bacteria use and SCFA production.

Evaluation of Antioxidant and Enzyme Inhibition Properties of Croton hirtus L'Hér. Extracts Obtained with Different Solvents

Croton hirtus L'Hér methanol extract was studied by NMR and two different LC-DAD-MSn using electrospray (ESI) and atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) sources to obtain a quali-quantitative fingerprint. Forty different phytochemicals were identified, and twenty of them were quantified, whereas the main constituents were dihydro α ionol-O-[arabinosil(1-6) glucoside] (133 mg/g), dihydro β ionol-O-[arabinosil(1-6) glucoside] (80 mg/g), β-sitosterol (49 mg/g), and isorhamnetin-3-O-rutinoside (26 mg/g). C. hirtus was extracted with different solvents-namely, water, methanol, dichloromethane, and ethyl acetate-and the extracts were assayed using different in vitro tests. The methanolic extracts presented the highest 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline)-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) values. All the tested extracts exhibited inhibitory effects on acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), with a higher activity observed for dichloromethane (AChE: 5.03 and BChE: 16.41 mgGALAE/g), while the methanolic extract showed highest impact against tyrosinase (49.83 mgKAE/g). Taken together, these findings suggest C. hirtus as a novel source of bioactive phytochemicals with potential for commercial development.