A new chromone derivative from an endophytic Aspergillus sp. GXNU-B1.

A new chromone derivative, aspergione A (1), along with seven known metabolites, was isolated from a mangrove endophytic fungus, Aspergillus sp. GXNU-B1, which was collected from mangrove Acanthus ilicifolius L. Their structures and the absolute configuration of 1 were elucidated based on the analysis of HR-ESI-MS, NMR, and ECD calculation. Compounds 1-8 were evaluated for their anti-inflammatory effects on the production of nitricoxide (NO). Compounds 1 and 8 have potent inhibitory effects against NO production in activated macrophages with IC50 values of 38.26 and 44.30 µM, respectively.

A new lactone from mangrove endophytic fungus Aspergillus sp. GXNU-A9.

A new lactone, asperlactone A (1), and four known lactone derivatives 2-5 were isolated from the mangrove endophytic fungus Aspergillus sp. GXNU-A9. Their structures were elucidated based on high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HR-ESI-MS) datum, extensive nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopic analysis, and comparison with literature data. The structure of 1 was further confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis, and the absolute configuration of 1 was established. Compounds 1-5 were evaluated for their anti-inflammatory activities against nitric oxide (NO) production, and compounds 1-5 showed moderate inhibitory activities with IC50 values ranging from 15.87 to 30.48 µM.

Asperphenyltones A and B: New Phenylfuropyridinone Skeleton from an Endophytic Aspergillus sp. GXNU-A1.

Chemical investigation of the fermentation extract of the mangrove endophytic fungus Aspergillus sp. GXNU-A1, isolated from Acanthus ilicifolius L., discovered an undescribed pair of enantiomers (asperphenyltones A and B (±1)), together with four previously described metabolites: nodulisporol (2), isosclerone (3), 2,3,4-trihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)-5-methylbenzyl alcohol (4), and 4,6-dihydroxy-5-methoxy-7-methyl-1,3-dihydroisobenzofuran (5). Analyses of the 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic data of the compounds supported their structural assignments. The presence of the asperphenyltones A and B, which are a pair of enantiomers, was established by HR-ESI-MS, 1D and 2D NMR data and confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Metabolites 1-5 were evaluated for their anti-inflammatory effects on the production of nitric oxide (NO), and 1, 3, and 4 showed significant potential inhibitory activities against NO production in activated macrophages with IC50 values of 26-40 µM, respectively.

Polyketide Derivatives, Guhypoxylonols A-D from a Mangrove Endophytic Fungus Aspergillus sp. GXNU-Y45 That Inhibit Nitric Oxide Production.

Four undescribed compounds, guhypoxylonols A (1), B (2), C (3), and D (4), were isolated from the mangrove endophytic fungus Aspergillus sp. GXNU-Y45, together with seven previously reported metabolites. The structures of 1-4 were elucidated based on analysis of HRESIMS and NMR spectroscopic data. The absolute configurations of the stereogenic carbons in 1-3 were established through a combination of spectroscopic data and electronic circular dichroism (ECD). Compounds 1-11 were evaluated for their anti-inflammatory activity. Compounds 1, 3, 4, and 6 showed an inhibitory activity against the production of nitric oxide (NO), with the IC50 values of 14.42 ± 0.11, 18.03 ± 0.14, 16.66 ± 0.21, and 21.05 ± 0.13 µM, respectively.

Comparison of flavonoids and phenylpropanoids compounds in Chinese water chestnut processed with different methods.

Different processing methods of Chinese water chestnut (CWC; Eleocharis dulcis (Burm.f.) Trin. ex Hensch.) steaming with skin (WPC), cooking with skin (WPS), steaming with peeling (PS), fresh cutting (FF) and cooking with peeling (PC) were compared. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to analyze the metabolic profiles of the processed samples. A total of 454 metabolites, including 123 flavonoids and 57 phenylpropanoids, were characterized. The flavonoid and phenylpropanoid profiles were distinguished using PCA. Eighteen flavonoids and six phenylpropanoids were detected and quantitated in the WPC and WPS samples but not in the FF, PC and PS samples. In addition to the O-hexoside of tricin, kaempferol and luteolin were the predominant flavonoids in the WPC and WPS samples, and all three compounds were higher in the WPC and WPS samples than in the FF sample. This study provides new results regarding differences in the metabolite profile of CWC processed with different methods.

New lasiodiplodins from mangrove endophytic fungus Lasiodiplodia sp. 318.

Two new lasiodiplodins (1-2) together with three known analogues, were isolated from a mangrove endophytic fungus, Lasiodiplodia sp. 318#. Their structures were established by spectroscopic techniques (1D- and 2D-NMR, HR-ESI-MS, etc.), and electronic circular dichroism. Cytotoxic activities of compounds 1-5 were evaluated in vitro. Compound 4 was the most potent, with IC50 values of 5.29 µM against MMQ, 13.05 µM against GH3. Preliminary structural-activity analysis indicated that the functional group (resorcinol-3-OH) contributed greatly to the binding of Lasiodiplodins to the cytotoxic activities.

Synthesis and Modification of Zn-doped TiO2 Nanoparticles for the Photocatalytic Degradation of Tetracycline.

The synthesis of Zn-doped TiO2 nanoparticles by solgel method was investigated in this study, as well as its modification by H2 O2 . The catalyst was characterized by transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller, UV-visible reflectance spectra and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The results indicated that doping Zn into TiO2 nanoparticles could inhibit the transformation from anatase phase to rutile phase. Zn existed as the second valence oxidation state in the Zn-doped TiO2 . Zn-doped TiO2 that was synthesized by 5% Zn doping at 450°C exhibited the best photocatalytic activity. Then, the H2 O2 modification further enhanced the photocatalytic activity. Zn doping and H2 O2 modifying narrowed the band gap and efficiently increased the optical absorption in visible region. The optimal degradation rate of tetracycline by Zn-doped TiO2 and H2 O2 modified Zn-doped TiO2 was 85.27% and 88.14%. Peroxide groups were detected in XPS analysis of H2 O2 modified Zn-doped TiO2 , favoring the adsorption of visible light. Furthermore, Zn-doped TiO2 modified by H2 O2 had relatively good reusability, exhibiting a potential practical application for tetracycline's photocatalytic degradation.

Parametric and energy consumption optimization of Basic Red 2 removal by electrocoagulation/egg shell adsorption coupling using response surface methodology in a batch system.

In this study, response surface methodology (RSM) model was applied for optimization of Basic Red 2 (BR2) removal using electrocoagulation/eggshell (ES) coupling process in a batch system. Central composite design was used to evaluate the effects and interactions of process parameters including current density, reaction time, initial pH and ES dosage on the BR2 removal efficiency and energy consumption. The analysis of variance revealed high R(2) values (≥85%) indicating that the predictions of RSM models are adequately applicable for both responses. The optimum conditions when the dye removal efficiency of 93.18% and energy consumption of 0.840 kWh/kg were observed were 11.40 mA/cm(2) current density, 5 min and 3 s reaction time, 6.5 initial pH and 10.91 g/L ES dosage.

Removal of Acid Black 1 and Basic Red 2 from aqueous solutions by electrocoagulation/Moringa oleifera seed adsorption coupling in a batch system.

The removal of Acid Black 1 (AB1) and Basic Red 2 (BR2) from aqueous solutions via an electrocoagulation (EC)/Moringa oleifera seeds (MOS) adsorption coupling process by using aluminum and stainless steel electrode in a batch reactor is described in this study. The influences of the operational parameters, i.e. current density, MOS dosage, and dye initial concentration, on degree of color removal were studied, and the unit energy demand, the unit electrode material demand, and the charge loading were calculated and discussed. The amounts of adsorbent and energy consumption were considered as main criteria of process evaluation, and ideal conditions were chosen. The addition of an appropriate MOS dosage (0.6 g/L for AB1 and 5 g/L for BR2) resulted in faster decolorization of dyes especially at lower current densities and was simultaneously accompanied by a significant reduction in contact time compared to the conventional simple EC process. The coupling process achieved degree of removals above 99.3% and 94% for AB1 and BR2, respectively. The EC/MOS coupling technique could be recommended to replace the conventional simple EC because of its high degree of removal, short contact time, and low energy consumption.

Purification and identification of a polysaccharide from medicinal mushroom Amauroderma rude with immunomodulatory activity and inhibitory effect on tumor growth.

Medicinal mushrooms in recent years have been the subject of many experiments searching for anticancer properties. We previously screened thirteen mushrooms for their potential in inhibiting tumor growth, and found that the water extract of Amauroderma rude exerted the highest activity. Previous studies have shown that the polysaccharides contained in the water extract were responsible for the anticancer properties. This study was designed to explore the potential effects of the polysaccharides on immune regulation and tumor growth. Using the crude Amauroderma rude extract, in vitro experiments showed that the capacities of spleen lymphocytes, macrophages, and natural killer cells were all increased. In vivo experiments showed that the extract increased macrophage metabolism, lymphocyte proliferation, and antibody production. In addition, the partially purified product stimulated the secretion of cytokines in vitro, and in vivo. Overall, the extract decreased tumor growth rates. Lastly, the active compound was purified and identified as polysaccharide F212. Most importantly, the purified polysaccharide had the highest activity in increasing lymphocyte proliferation. In summary, this molecule may serve as a lead compound for drug development.

Preparation of N-doped TiO2 by oxidizing TiN and its application on phenol degradation.

Incomplete oxidation of titanium nitride (TiN) to prepare nitrogen-doped TiO2 was verified by calcining TiN at different temperatures in air for 30 min. The as-prepared samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectra and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The results confirmed that oxidizing TiN incompletely is an effective and simple method to prepare nitrogen-doped TiO2. Photocatalytic degradation of phenol was conducted to evaluate the photocatalytic activity of as-prepared samples. The results showed that phenol can be degraded efficiently by the as-prepared samples under visible light; low phenol concentration was conducive to degradation; the optimum calcination temperature and photocatalyst dosage are 650 °C and 0.5 g/L, respectively. The effects of different light sources on phenol degradation were compared. The reusability of nitrogen-doped TiO2 was tested and the results indicated a relatively good reusability under laboratory conditions.

[GC-MS analysis of chemical components of volatile oil from Viburnm schensianum leaf and their antibacterial activity].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the chemical constituents of the volatile oil from Viburnm schensianum leaves and investigate their antibacterial activity in vitro. METHODS: The volatile oil from Viburnm schensianum leaves were extracted by steam distillation. The chemical compositions were separated and analyzed by GC-MS. Their relative percentage content were calculated with peak area normalization method. Agar dilution method was used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration of the volatile oil and Ciprofloxacin to the five kinds of experimental strains. RESULTS: 54 compounds were isolated and 45 compounds were identified. The volatile oil showed strong antibacterial activity against Staphyloccocus aureus, and the minimum inhibitory concentration was 0. 032 mg/mL. CONCLUSION: The main chemical constituents of the volatile oil are n-hexadecanoic acid (29.24%), 4-methy-l--(1-methylethyl)-bicyclo [3.1.0] hex-3-en-2-one (5.71%), 3-methyl-4-isopropylphenol (5.68%)and linolenyl alcohol (4.84%). The volatile oil has strong antibacterial activity against Staphyloccocus aureus.

Lignans from the heartwood of Streblus asper and their inhibiting activities to hepatitis B virus.

Three new lignans, erythro-strebluslignanol (1), threo-7'-methoxyl strebluslignanol (2) and erythro-7'-methoxyl strebluslignanol (3), together with twelve known compounds were isolated from the n-butanol and chloroform fractions of the heartwood of Streblus asper. Their structures were elucidated through extensive spectroscopic methods, including MS and 2D NMR experiments (HMQC and HMBC). The stereochemistry at the chiral center was determined using CD spectra, as well as analysis of coupling constants and optical rotation data, respectively. Primary bioassays showed that 6-hydroxyl-7-methoxyl-coumarin (5) and ursolic acid (10) showed anti-HBV activities, with IC(50) values of 29.60 µM and 89.91 µM for HBsAg at no cytotoxicity, and IC(50) values of 46.41 µM and 97.61 µM for HBeAg at no cytotoxicity, respectively.

Hypoglycemic effects and constituents of the barks of Cyclocarya paliurus and their inhibiting activities to glucosidase and glycogen phosphorylase.

The various fractions of the barks of Cyclocarya paliurus were systematically tested for hypoglycemic effects in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. The results showed that the chloroform fraction of the 75% EtOH extract of the barks of this plant exhibited significant blood sugar reducing activity, most of which were significantly higher than that of positive-drug metformin hydrochloride. A new compound, together with nine known compounds, was isolated from the most active fraction. The structure elucidation was based on spectroscopic methods, including two-dimensional NMR experiments (¹H-¹H COSY, HMQC, and HMBC). All of the isolates were evaluated for their α-glycosidase and glycogen phosphorylase inhibitory activities.