Anti-nitric oxide production, anti-proliferation and antioxidant effects of the aqueous extract from Tithonia diversifolia

Objective: To determine the cytotoxicity, reduction in nitric oxide production and antioxidative activity of the aqueous leaf extract from Tithonia diversifolia(T. diversifolia) in an in vitro model.Methods: Leaves of T. diversifolia were collected from natural habitats and extracted with distilled water using the decoction method. The cytotoxic effect of the extract in terms of cell viability was determined using RAW264.7 cells and human peripheral blood mononuclear cells(PBMCs) via the mitochondrial respiration method using the MTT reagent. The effect of the extract on lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced nitric oxide production in RAW264.7 cells was measured using the Griess reagent. The chemical antioxidant was evaluated by ABTS- and DPPH-radical scavenging assays.Results: The half-maximal cytotoxic concentration values were 145.87 mg/m L and73.67 mg/m L for human PBMCs and RAW264.7 cells, respectively. In the presence of phytohemagglutinin-M, the IC_(50) on PBMCs proliferation was 4.42 mg/m L. The noncytotoxic range of the extracts inhibited LPS-induced nitrite production in RAW264.7 cells with an IC_(50) value of 11.63 mg/m L. To determine the anti-oxidative properties, the N-acetyl cysteine equivalent antioxidant capacity of the extract was(32.62 ± 1.87) and(20.99 ± 2.79)mg N-acetyl cysteine/g extract, respectively determined by the ABTS-radical and DPPHradical assay. However, the extract did not confer death protection in a hydrogen peroxideinduced RAW264.7 co-culturing model.Conclusions: Our study demonstrated the immunomodulation caused by the aqueous leaf extract of T. diversifolia, resulting from the inhibition of phytohemagglutinin-Minduced PBMCs proliferation and LPS-induced nitric oxide production in RAW264.7macrophages. Although the anti-oxidative activity was presented in the chemical-based anti-oxidant assay, the extract cannot protect cell death from stress conditions.

Test of oxidation behavior of sulfide ores at ambient temperature for fire control

The coincidence of relevant factors, e.g. oxygen absorption quantity, weight increment, water soluble iron ions and sulfate ion of sulfide ore samples in the oxidation process, was tested through experiment. Based on a large number of tests for a group sample of sulfide ores from a mine, some important conclusions were obtained. The results obtained by the investigation indicate that there is no general interpretation relative to the oxygen absorption and the formation products of sulfate ion and water soluble iron ions during the oxidation process of sulfide ores at ambient temperature. However, the weight increment of the sulfide ore samples in the oxidation process at ambient temperature has a linear relationship with the auantitv of oxvaen absorption.

Synthesis and NO production inhibition of novel Mannich base derivatives of irisolidone

Five new C-8 Mannich base derivatives of irisolidone 2a-2e were synthesized and their nitric oxide（NO）production inhibitory activity was evaluated.Compounds 2a,2b,2c and 2e displayed stronger activities in vitro than the parent compound irisolidone.

p53 antibodies,metallothioneins,and oxidative stress markers in chronic ulcerative colitis with dysplasia

AIM:To investigate the role of p53 antibodies (p53Abs),metallothioneins (MTs) and oxidative stress markers in the early detection of dysplasia in chronic ulcerative colitis (UC).METHODS:The study included 30 UC patients,15 without dysplasia (group Ⅱ) and 15 with dysplasia (group Ⅲ),in addition to 15 healthy volunteers (group Ⅰ,control subjects).The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique was used to measure serum p53Abs and MTs,while advanced oxidation protein products (AOPPs),and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels were measured by spectrophotometric method in all subjects.RESULTS:In group Ⅱ and group Ⅲ compared to group Ⅰ,there were significant increases in serum levels of AOPPs (145.94 ± 29.86 μmol/L and 192.21 ± 46.71 μmol/L vs 128.95 ± 3.06 μmol/L,P < 0.002 and P <0.001,respectively),MTs (8.18 ± 0.35 μg/mL and 9.20 ± 0.58 μg/mL vs 6.12 ± 0.25 μg/mL,P < 0.05 and P < 0.05,respectively),and p53Abs (20.19 ± 3.20 U/mL and 34.66 ± 1.34 U/mL vs 9.42 ± 1.64 U/mL,P < 0.001 and P < 0.001,respectively).There were significantly higher levels of AOPPs (P < 0.05) and p53Abs (P < 0.001) in UC patients with dysplasia compared to those without dysplasia,while MTs showed no significant difference between the 2 groups (P > 0.096).In contrast,GSH levels showed a significant decrease in both patients' groups (1.87 ± 0.02 μmol/mL and 1.37 ± 0.09 μmol/mL vs 2.49 ± 0.10 μmol/mL,P < 0.05 and P < 0.05 in groups Ⅱ and Ⅲ,respectively) compared with group Ⅰ,and the levels were significantly lower in group Ⅲ than group Ⅱ (P < 0.05).There was a positive correlation between AOPPs and both MTs (r=0.678,P < 0.001) and p53Abs (r=0.547,P < 0.001),and also between p53Abs and MTs (r=0.739,P < 0.001).There was a negative correlation between AOPPs and GSH (r =-0.385,P < 0.001),and also between GSH and both MTs (r=-0.662,P < 0.001) and p53Abs (r=-0.923,P < 0.001).CONCLUSION:Oxidative stress and oxidative cellular damage play an important role in the pathogenesis of chronic UC and the associated carcinogenetic process.p53Abs levels could help in early detection of dysplasia in these conditions.

Impact of soluble organic matter and particulate organic matter on anammox system: Performance, microbial community and N_(2)O production

In this study,the effects of soluble readily biodegradable COD(sCOD)and particulate slowly biodegradable COD(pCOD)on anammox process were investigated.The results of the longterm experiment indicated that a low sCOD/N ratio of 0.5 could accelerate the anammox and denitrification activity,to reach as high as 84.9%±2.8%TN removal efficiency.Partial denitrification-anammox(PDN/anammox)and denitrification were proposed as the major pathways for nitrogen removal,accounting for 91.3% and 8.7% of the TN removal,respectively.Anammox bacteria could remain active with high abundance of anammox genes to maintain its dominance.Candidatus Kuenenia and Thauera were the predominant genera in the presence of organic matter.Compared with sCOD,batch experiments showed that the introduction of pCOD had a negative effect on nitrogen removal.The contribution of denitrification to nitrogen removal decreased from approximately 14%to 3% with increasing percentage of pCOD.In addition,the analysis result of the process data using an optimized ASM1 model indicated that high percentage of pCOD resulted in serious N_(2)O emission(the peak value up to 0.25mg N/L),whichwas likely due to limited mass diffusion and insufficient available carbon sources for denitrification.However,a high sCOD/N ratio was beneficial for alleviating N_(2)O accumulation.

Structural and Mechanistic Aspects of Mn-oxo and Co-based Compounds in Water Oxidation Catalysis and Potential Applications in Solar Fuel Production

To address the issues of energy crisis and global warming, novel renewable carbon-free or carbon-neutral energy sources must be identified and developed. A deeper understanding of photosynthesis is the key to provide a solid foundation to facilitate this transformation. To mimic the water oxidation of photosystem II oxygen evolving complex, Mn-oxo complexes and Co-phosphate catalytic material were discovered in solar energy storage. Building on these discoveries, recent advances in solar energy conversion showed a compelling working principle by combing the active Mn-oxo and Co-based catalysts in water splitting with semiconductor heteronanostructures for effective solar energy harnessing. In this review the appealing systems including Mn-oxo tetramer/Nafion, Mn-oxo dimer/TiO2, Mn-oxo oligomer/WO3, Co-Pi/Fe2O3, and Co-Pi/ZnO are summarized and discussed. These accomplishments offer a promising framework and have a profound impact in the field of solar fuel production.

The Antioxidant Activity of Barley Malt Rootlet Extracts in Heated Corn Oil at Frying Temperature

In this study the antioxidant activity of barley malt rootlet (BMR) extracts was evaluated in heat treated corn oil up to 5 hours at 185°C frying temperature. The antioxidant activity of BMR extracts was measured at 25, 50, 100 and 150 ppm concentrations. The free and bound antioxidant phenolics were extracted from BMR using three different extraction methods. Conventional solvent extraction (CSE), microwave assisted extraction (MAE) and autoclave assisted pretreated solvent extraction (APSE). In the present experiment, the total phenolic content and antioxidant activity of the various extracts were measured. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) assay was used to evaluate the ability of the BMR to protect lipid peroxidation in corn oil at 185°C frying temperature. The formation of TBARS at 5 hours of heat treated corn oil has shown similar antioxidant levels in 150 ppm butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) or MAE free phenolic extract added to corn oil. TBARS value for BHT was 1.896 ± 0.013 μg/mL of corn oil and for MAE was 1.896 ± 0.034 μg/mL of corn oil. The highest level of antioxidant activity was found for the free phenolic extracts. The order of inhibition of oxidation was found to be for free phenolics as follows: BHT (100 ppm) > APSE (50 ppm) > MAE (100 ppm) > CSE (100 ppm).

Studies on the Absorption of NO_2 by Polyethylene Glycol and the Oxidizing Properties of the Resulting Absorbent Product

PEG (Polyethylene glycol average molecular weight 300) is used as absorbent of NO2. The absorption efficiency is found to reach up to 97%. The absorbing product, PEG NO2, can be used to cleave benzyl ethers mildly and selectively to benzaldehyde and corresponding fatty alcohols, showing that PEG is a valuable oxidizing agent of benzyl ethers. As a carrier of NO2.PEG can be recovered and utilized repeatedly after the oxidation.

Advanced Oxidation Protein Products Regulate the Pharmacokinetics of Aloe-emodin,Emodin,Rhein,and Chrysophanol in Chronic Kidney Disease Rats

Background:As accelerators and products of the progression of chronic kidney disease(CKD),advanced oxidation protein products(AOPPs)affect the function of the liver.Huang Gan granules(HGGs)are commonly used to prevent the progression of CKD,but the pharmacokinetics of aloe-emodin,emodin,rhein,and chrysophanol in HGGs in CKD remain unknown.Objective:To investigate the influence and its molecular mechanism of AOPPs on the in vivo pharmacokinetics of aloe-emodin,emodin,rhein,and chrysophanol in HGGs.Methods:We constructed 5/6 nephrectomised(5/6 nx),adenine-induced(adenine)and AOPP-treated rat models.After oral administration of HGG,the concentrations of aloe-emodin,emodin,rhein,and chrysophanol in the plasma samples were detected by high-performance liquid chromatography(HPLC),and their pharmacokinetics were analysed with the PKSolver software.The plasma concentrations of IL-6 and TNF-αare detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).The RT-PCR was performed in the HepG2 cells to explore the effect of TNF-αand IL-6 on the mRNA expression of CYP1A2 and CYP3A4.Result:The results showed that the method was suitable for the quantification of four anthraquinones in plasma and excreta samples with satisfactory linear(R R^(2)>0.9931),precision(<9.4%)and accuracy(±10%).In 5/6 nx,adenine and AOPPs-treated rats,the concentrations of TNF-αand IL-6 were increased.In 5/6 nx and adenine rats,the pharmacokinetic parameters(t_(1/2),MRT_(0-∞)and AUC_(0-∞))of aloe-emodin,emodin,rhein,and chryso-phanol were,respectively,significantly increased and correlated with the concentration of AOPPs.In AOPPs-treated rats,the concentration of AOPPs was significantly increased and the pharmacokinetic parameters of four anthraquinones were also increased.Conclusion:In summary,inflammatory cytokine production may be one of the important causes in AOPPs’regulat-ing the pharmacokinetic of aloe-emodin,emodin,rhein,and chrysophanol in the CKD rats.Studies of aloe-emodin,emodin,rhein,and chrysophanol in CKD facilitate the appropriate prescription of HGGs in the clinical.

Advanced oxidation protein products induce monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 expression via p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase activation in rat vascular smooth muscle cells

Background Advanced oxidation protein products （AOPPs） are new uremic toxins reported by Witko-Sarsat in 1996, which are associated with the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. However, the mechanisms by which AOPPs enhance atherosclerosis have not been fully understood. Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 （MCP-1） is a chemokine which stimulates migration of monocytes and plays a critical role in the development of atherosclerosis. In this study, we investigated the effect of AOPPs on MCP-1 expression in cultured vascular smooth muscle cells （VSMCs）.

Shape-controlled Pt nanocubes directly grown on carbon supports and their electrocatalytic activity toward methanol oxidation

Synthesis of shape-controlled Pt nanocrystals is substantial and important for enhancing chemical and electrochemical reactions.However,the removal of capping agents,shape-controlling chemicals,on Pt surfaces is essential prior to conducting the catalytic reactions.Here we report a facile one-pot synthesis of Pt nanocubes directly grown on carbon supports(Pt nanocubes/C) with modulating the kinetic reaction factors for shaping the nanocrystals,but without adding any capping agents for preserving the clean Pt surfaces.Well-dispersed Pt nanocubes/C shows enhanced activity and long-term stability toward methanol oxidation reaction compared to the commercial Pt/C catalyst.

SESQUITERPENES FROM CURCUMA PHAEOCAULIS AND THEIR INHIBITORY ACTIVITIES ON NITRIC OXIDE PRODUCTION IN RAW 264.7 CELLS

Curcumfa phaeocaulis Valeton is used in traditional Chinese medicines for the treatment of blood-related disorders such as blood stasis and inflammation.Our previous studies have found that sesquiterpenes were mainly isolated from C.wenyujin and C.phaeocaulis,while diarylheptanoids were the major compounds from C.kwangsiensis.And most of the isolated compounds exhibited remarkable

Co-promoted Mo-carbide catalytic system for sustainable manufacturing of chemicals via co-processing of CO_(2) with ethane

The study reports progress in developing a molybdenum carbide-based catalyst for co-processing ethane and CO_(2).The cobalt promoting of molybdenum carbide improved the activity and stability of ethane transformation in the presence of CO_(2) substantially without any impact on ethylene selectivity.The Mo-Co supported catalyst also showed interesting performance in catalyzing ethane dry reforming and that application could be a perspective further use for this system.In addition,the comprehensive analysis of mono-and bi-metallic catalysts revealed that Co-promoting prevented rapid Mo-carbide oxidation.Further,tuning operation conditions allowed to control catalyst’s selectivity and maximize CO_(2) utilization or ethylene formation.

Polar organic tracers in PM_(2.5) aerosols from an inland background area in Southwest China: Correlations between secondary organic aerosol tracers and source apportionment

PM2.5 aerosol samples were collected over 12 hr and 24 hr intervals in an inland background area, Gongga Mountain National Nature Reserve（hereafter shortened to Gongga）, during the summer of 2011. Polar organic tracers, inorganic ions and meteorological data were measured. The purpose of this work was to investigate the variation patterns, formation and sources of the secondary organic aerosol tracers in the studied atmosphere. The average concentrations of isoprene oxidation products, α-pinene oxidation products, β-caryophyllinic acid, sugars, sugar alcohols and anhydrosugars were 88.6 ± 106.1, 3.6 ± 5.7,0.13 ± 0.30, 13.6 ± 13.1, 31.9 ± 31.4 and 14.8 ± 10.7 ng/m^3 respectively in all aerosol samples.The aged α-pinene second organic aerosol（SOA） tracers（i.e., 3-hydroxyglutraric acid（3 HGA）, 3-hydroxy-2,2-dimethylglutaric acid（HDMGA）, 3-acetylpentandioic acid（APDA） and 3-methyl-1,2,3-butanetricarboxylic acid（MBTCA）） correlated significantly with each other in the 24 hr PM2.5 aerosol samples, indicating that OH· is the major factor controlling the formation of these α-pinene SOA tracers. Using the positive matrix factorization（PMF） model and the tracer-based source apportionment method, we calculated that isoprene oxidation products, α-pinene oxidation products, sesquiterpene oxidation products, biomass burning, fungi spores and anthropogenic SOA accounted for 21.9% ± 5.5%, 8.4% ± 2.1%, 3.0% ± 0.7%, 5.2% ± 5.3%, 5.0% ± 6.2% and 31.4% ± 7.8% of organic carbon respectively during the sampling period.

Role of reactive oxygen species in the renal fibrosis

Renal fibrosis is a common pathway of progressive renal diseases leading to end-stage renal disease regardless of the etiology. Accumulating evidence indicates that oxidative stress, resulting in generation of reactive oxygen species （ROS）, plays a critical role in the initiation and progression of fibrotic diseases. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate （NADPH） oxidase is the predominant enzyme source for ROS generation and is now recognized as a key mediator of cell proliferation and matrix accumulation in renal disease. Multiple stimuli and agonists, such as transforming growth factor , tumor necrosis factor, platelet derived growth factor, angiotensin II, hyperglycemia, oxidized low-density lipoprotein and albumin have been shown to alter the activity or expression of the NADPH oxidase and ultimately increase ROS production. ROS directly incites damage to biologically important macromolecules and leads to generation of the so-called advanced oxidation protein products （AOPPs） and advanced glycation end products, which are not only markers of oxidative stress but also cause renal injury. Targeting NADPH oxidase and/or reducing AOPPs production miaht be a novel strateav for the theraoeutic intervention of varietv of fibrotic kidney disorders.

Photolysis of oxygen saturated ethers in the presence of Sn(Ⅱ) or Cu(Ⅱ) salts

Photolysis of diethyl ether-oxygen charge transfer complex in the presence of Sn(Ⅱ)or Cu(Ⅱ)salts gave higher yields of the oxidation products,ethyl acetate,acetaldehyde,ethanol,ethyl formate and methanol compared with those without the salts.In addition,the photolysis of an oxygen saturated te-trahydrofuran(THF)or dibutyl ether solution gave y-butyro-lactone or butanol and butyl butyrate as major products with small amounts of undetermined compounds,respectively.Their yields were also affected by the addition of Cu(Ⅱ)or Sn(Ⅱ)salts.