Na2O-SiO2 wood-inorganic composites prepared by the sol-gel process and their fire-resistant properties

For enhancing fire-resistant properties, a binary system to prepare wood-inorganic composites was studied by adding sodium methoxide (SM) or sodium acetate (SA) to a reaction system for SiO₂ composites. Compared with the SiO₂ composites, both the Na₂O-SiO₂ composites prepared could be greatly improved up to 600°C-700°C (glowing). From scanning electron microscopic observations, this enhanced fire resistance was assumed to be due to chemical and physicochemical effects, such as dehydration and carbonization of wood by Na₂O gel. The glassy layer and intumescent structure formed over the cell walls were thought to prevent oxidation and heat transfer from proceeding into the inner portion of the wood cell walls. However, the reaction medium with SM to prepare Na₂O-SiO₂ composites was basic, whereas that with SA was rather neutral. In addition, in the latter composites, most of the inorganic gel was formed within the cell wall, retaining the porous structure characteristic of wood. Therefore, the Na₂O-SiO₂ composites prepared with SA can be concluded to be preferable for practical purposes.Part of this report was presented at the 50th annual meeting of the Japan Wood Research Society, Kyoto, April 2000     

COX-2 and sPLA2 inhibitory activity of aqueous extract and polyphenols of Rhizophora mangle (red mangrove)

The aqueous extract of Rhizophora mangle bark and its polyphenolic fractions showed remarkable in vitro antiinflammatory activity in a preliminary study. The low molecular weight fraction exhibited cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitory activity while the total aqueous extract and the low molecular weight fraction showed secretory phospholipase A(2) inhibitory activity.     

Supercritical fluid extraction of sapogenins from tubers of Smilax china

Supercritical CO(2) fluid extraction (SFE-CO(2)) was used to extract the sapogenins after acid hydrolysis from Smilax china tubers. The influence of extraction variables, such as modifier, pressure, temperature and extraction time, were studied. SFE-CO(2) was found to produce higher yield than conventional solvent extraction. The highest yield (0.454%) of sapogenins, mostly containing diosgenin, was obtained using 35 MPa pressure, 65 degrees C and 95% EtOH as a modifier for 180 min, higher than that obtained with conventional extraction methods (0.385%).     

Flavonols attenuate the immediate and late-phase asthmatic responses to aerosolized-ovalbumin exposure in the conscious guinea pig

We previously reported that quercetin and rutin have potent, anti-asthmatic activity, but the structure-activity relationships of flavonoids and anti-asthmatic agents are still poorly understood. In the current study, the effects of kaempferol, fisetin, and morin on the immediate-phase response (IAR) and late-phase response (LAR) caused by exposure to aerosolized-ovalbumin (OA) in OA-sensitized guinea pigs were evaluated by determining the specific airway resistance (sRaw), recruitment of leukocytes and chemical mediators in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), histopathological surveys, and determination of neutrophil chemotaxis. Fisetin and kaempherol (30 mg/kg, p.o.) significantly (P < 0.01) inhibited sRaw by 47.93% and 30.05% in IAR, and 54.45% and 40.50% in LAR, when compared to vehicle control, respectively. Furthermore, all three studied flavonols (30 mg/kg, p.o.) significantly (P < 0.05) inhibited the recruitment of total, as well as subtypes of, leukocytes into the lung BALF. This recruitment inhibition corresponded to the inhibition of leukocyte infiltration, particularly of eosinophils and neutrophils, into the lung in pathological surveys and formly-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (FMLP)-induced neutrophil chemotaxis studies. Kaempferol inhibited FMLP-induced neutrophil chemotaxis in a concentration-dependent manner in a tested range of 1–100 μM. Fisetin inhibited histamine content and peroxidase (EPO) activity in BALF in a dose-dependent manner. All three tested flavonols significantly (P < 0.01) inhibited histamine content at 10 mg/kg, and phospholipase A₂ (PLA₂) and EPO activities at 30 mg/kg (p.o.) in BALF. Kaempherol had a greater anti-asthmatic effect than other flavonols. Fisetin demonstrated the greatest inhibition of sRaw, whereas morin had lesser effects. These results indicate that the lower the molecular weight, the greater the anti-asthmatic activities of these compounds.     

Screening of some rare endemic Italian plants for inhibitory activity on 5-lipoxygenase

The extracts of four rare plants found on the islands of Sicily, Vulcano and Marettimo, Southern Italy, were screened for their inhibitory effect on the production of leukotriene B4 by 5-lipoxygenase in intact cells. The methanol extracts of pods of Cytisus aeolicus and aerial parts of Thymus richardii were the most active extracts, inhibiting almost completely the leukotriene B4 production at 200 and 50 microg/ml, respectively.     

A new cerebroside from Polygala japonica

The isolation of a new cerebroside, 1-O-beta-d-glucopyranosyl-(2S,3S,4R,11E)-2-[(2'R)-2'-hydroxypalmitoylamino]-11-octadecene-1,3,4-triol (polygalacerebroside) (1), from the aerial part of Polygala japonica is reported.     

Reactive oxygen species scavenging activities and inhibition on DNA oxidative damage of dimeric compounds from the oxidation of (−)-epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate

The dimeric catechins dehydrotheasinensin A (2) and theacitrin C (3) were prepared from the oxidation of (−)-epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate (EGCG, 1), and their antioxidant activity was investigated using a chemiluminescence (CL) method in vitro. Both compounds showed significant inhibitory effects on reactive oxygen species (O₂⁻, H₂O₂ and •OH) and DNA oxidative damage, with 2 being more potent than 3 and EGCG itself.     

Effects of soil moisture and temperature on CH4 oxidation and N2O emission of forest soil

Soil samples were taken from depth of 0–12 cm in the virgin broad-leaved/Korean pine mixed forest in Changbai Mountain in April, 2000. 20 μL·L⁻¹ and 200 μL·L⁻¹ CH₄ and N₂O concentration were supplied for analysis. Laboratory study on CH₄ oxidation and N₂O emission in forest soil showed that fresh soil sample could oxidize atmospheric methane and product N₂O. Air-dried soil sample could not oxidize atmospheric methane, but could product N₂O. However, it could oxidize the supplied methane quickly when its concentration was higher than 20 μL·L⁻¹. The oxidation rate of methane was increased with its initial concentration. An addition of water to dry soil caused large pulse of N₂O emissions within 2 hours. There were curvilinear correlations between N₂O emission and temperature (r²=0.706, p<0.05), and between N₂O emission and water content (r²=0.2968, p <0.05). These suggested temperature and water content were important factors controlling N₂O emission. The correlation between CH₄ oxidization and temperature was also found while CH₄ was supplied 200 μL·L⁻¹ (r²=0.3573, p<0.05). Temperature was an important factor controlling CH₄ oxidation. However, when 20 μL·L⁻¹ CH₄ was supplied, there was no correlation among CH₄ oxidization, N₂O emission, temperature and water content. Foundation item: This paper was supported by Chinese Academy of Sciences. Biography: ZHANG Xiu-jun (1960-), female, Ph. Doctor, lecture in Laboratory of Ecological Process of Trace Substance in Terrestrial Ecosystem, Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110015, P.R. China. Responsible editor: Song Funan     

Na2SO4胁迫对沙枣幼苗生长和光合生理的影响

采用盆栽控制试验,研究了不同浓度(0、60、120和180 mmol·L-1)Na2SO4胁迫对沙枣幼苗生长和光合特性的影响。结果表明:(1)盐胁迫对沙枣幼苗生长具有显著的抑制效应。不同浓度Na2SO4胁迫沙枣的株高、侧枝数、总叶面积、单株叶片数、比叶面积以及各组织(除根)生物量均显著低于对照,且均随盐胁迫浓度的升高呈下降趋势,而根冠比值则由对照的0.153 1显著增加到180 mmol·L-1Na2SO4胁迫幼苗的0.348 7。(2)盐胁迫显著降低了沙枣幼苗的光合能力。随着Na2SO4胁迫的加剧,净光合速率(Pn)、气孔导度(Gs)、胞间CO2浓度(Ci)和蒸腾速率(Tr)均呈下降的趋势,而气孔限制值(Ls)和水分利用效率(WUE)则依次增加,且Pn下降主要受气孔限制;180 mmol·L-1Na2SO4胁迫沙枣幼苗的Pn、Gs、Ci和Tr分别为对照的71.57%、30.85%、67.15%和51.65%,而Ls和WUE则分别为对照的1.91、1.38倍。(3)盐胁迫强度与幼苗株高、总叶面积、单株叶片数、比叶面积、茎生物量、叶生物量、总生物量等生长指标以及Pn、Gs、Ci、Tr等光合参数呈极显著负相关,叶片的光合参数与总叶面积、单株叶片数呈显著或极显著正相关,而叶片的生长指标、光合参数与幼苗的株高生长和生物量累积也呈显著或极显著正相关。     

Simulating leaf net CO2 assimilation rate of C3 & C4 plants and its response to environmental factors

Basic structure and algorithm of leaf mechanism photosynthesis model were described in first part of this study based on former researcher results. Then, considering some environmental factors influencing on leaf photosynthesis, three numerical sensitivity experiments were carried out. We simulated the single leaf net CO₂ assimilation, which acts as a function of different light, carbon dioxide and temperature conditions. The relationships between leaf net photosynthetic rate of C₃ and C₄ plant with CO₂ concentration intercellular, leaf temperature, and photosynthetic active radiation (PAR) were presented, respectively. The results show the numerical experiment may indicate the main characteristic of plant photosynthesis in C₃ and C₄ plant, and further can be used to integrate with the regional climate model and act as land surface process scheme, and better understand the interaction between vegetation and atmosphere. Foundation Item: This paper was supported by Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 39900084) Biography: ZHANG Jia-hua (1966-), male, Ph. Doctor, Associate professor in START, Institute of Atmospheric Physics. Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing, 100029, P. R. China Responsible editor: Chai Ruihai     

植物对氯化钠和硫酸钠胁迫生理响应研究进展

氯化钠是一种最为常见的盐胁迫类型,在我国乃至全球分布面积最大。但在某些地区(如我国"三北"的局部地区),硫酸钠、碳酸钠和碳酸氢钠等类型盐渍土的面积更大、危害更深,且有很多植物(如碱蓬、白刺、柽柳等)常分布于多种不同类型的盐碱地。因此,开展植物对不同类型盐碱胁迫对比研究、探讨其内在生理机制的异同显得尤为迫切和必要,并极具现实意义和理论价值。根据国内外文献资料,文中在总结盐胁迫生长抑制效应的基础上,对比、分析了植物对氯化钠和碳酸钠胁迫的生理响应异同,主要包括离子代谢生理、水分与渗透调节生理、光合生理等,并对该领域存在的问题和未来研究重点进行了探讨,以期为同类研究提供参考与借鉴。     

Neuroprotective activity of galloylated cyanogenic glucosides and hydrolysable tannins isolated from leaves of Phyllagathis rotundifolia

The galloylated cyanogenic glucosides based on prunasin (1-7), gallotannins (8-14), ellagitannins (15-17), ellagic acid derivatives (18, 19) and gallic acid (20) isolated from the leaves of Phyllagathis rotundifolia (Melastomataceae) were investigated for their neuroprotective activity against hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)-induced oxidative damage in NG108-15 hybridoma cell line. Among these compounds, the gallotannins and ellagitannins exhibited remarkable neuroprotective activities against oxidative damage in vitro as compared to galloylated cyanogenic glucosides and ellagic acid derivatives in a dose-dependent manner. They could be explored further as potential natural neuroprotectors in various remedies of neurodegenerative diseases.     

Factors controlling N2O and CH4 fluxes in mixed broad-leaved/Korean pine forest of Changbai Mountain, China

Using the closed chamber technique, thein situ measurements of N₂O and CH₄ fluxes was conducted in a broad-leaved Korean pine mixed forest ecosystem in Changbai Mountain, China, from June 1994 to October 1995. The relationships between fluxes (N₂O and CH₄) and some major environmental factors (temperature, soil water content and soil available nitrogen) were studied. A significant positive correlation between N₂O emission and air/soil temperature was observed, but no significant correlation was found between N₂O emission and soil water content (SWC). This result showed that temperature was an important controlling factor of N₂O flux. There was a significant correlation between CH₄ uptake and SWC, but no significant correlation was found between CH₄ uptake and temperature. This suggested SWC was an important factor controlling CH₄ uptake. The very significant negative correlation between logarithmic N₂O flux and soil nitrate concentration, significant negative correlation between CH₄ flux and soil ammonium content were also found. This project is supported by Chinese Academy of Sciences Responsible editor: Chai Ruihai     

Intestinal absorption of forsythoside A in different compositions of Shuang-Huang-Lian

Shuang-Huang-Lian (SHL), a traditional Chinese formula containing Lonicerae japonicae flos (LJF), Scutellariae radix (SR) and Forsythiae fructus (FF), is commonly used to treat acute upper respiratory tract infection, acute bronchitis and light pneumonia. Forsythoside A is one of the main active ingredients in Forsythiae fructus, a key herb in SHL. In the present study, effects of different compositions in SHL on the intestinal absorption of forsythoside A were investigated. The observations from in situ intestinal circulation model showed that A/%(h^− 1) of forsythoside A in FF + LSF, FF + SR and SHL were all reduced greatly compared with that in FF. However, in pharmacokinetics study, C_max and AUC_0 → 1440 of forsythoside A all increased and T_1/2 prolonged in SHL, FF + LJF and FF + SR compared with FF. The results indicated that the different compositions of SHL decreased absorption but increased bioavailability of forsythoside A, which may be related to its metabolism inhibited in intestine or liver.     

大气SO2和NO2污染及植物的抗性和净化能力研究进展

SO2和NO2为我国大气污染主要污染物,城市森林对SO2和NO2具有一定的抵抗能力和吸收净化能力,利用城市森林对大气污染进行修复具有良好的应用前景.文章概述了我国SO2和NO2气体污染的状况,总结了污染物进入植物体的过程及其损伤机理,并从植物抗性和吸附净化能力两方面总结了城市景观树种与SO2和NO2气体污染的关系研究,并基于研究结论提出今后研究可能发展方向,如SO2、NO2与悬浮颗粒物等复合污染对城市树种生长的影响、树种抗性和吸附能力综合研究等.     

Synergism Between IBA and Thiamine for Induction and Growth of Adventitious Roots in Tectona grandis

Abstract

Application of IBA (0, 1000, 2000, and 3000 ppm) and thiamine (0, 200, 400, 600, and 800 ppm) alone or in all possible combinations, was investigated for induction and growth of adventitious roots in branch cuttings of teak (Tectona grandis). Of these, 1000 ppm IBA and 600 ppm thiamine alone or 1000 ppm IBA × 800 ppm thiamine significantly promoted various characteristics of adventitious roots. However, a very strong synergism between IBA and thamine was observed, as the effect of 1000 ppm IBA × 800 ppm thiamine was several fold more pronounced than that of individual application of IBA or thiamine in induction and growth of adventitious roots. Therefore, administration of 1000 ppm IBA × 800 ppm thiamineis recommended for clonal propagation of teak on a large scale.     

Pharmacological mechanisms of black cohosh in Sprague-Dawley rats

Background

Studies indicate that extracts and purified components from black cohosh inhibit the growth of human breast cancer cells, but the molecular targets and signaling pathways have not yet been defined.

Purpose

This study examines the pharmacological mechanisms and toxicological effects in the short term of the herb black cohosh on female Sprague–Dawley rats.

Materials and methods

To assess effects on gene activity and lipid content, we treated female Sprague–Dawley rats with an extract of black cohosh enriched in triterpene glycosides (27%) at 35.7 or 0 mg/kg. Four animals for each group were sacrificed at 1, 6 and 24 h after treatment; liver tissue and serum samples were obtained for gene expression and lipid analysis.

Results

Microarray analysis of rat liver tissue indicated that black cohosh markedly downregulated mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation genes. Phospholipid biosynthesis and remodeling, PI3-Kinase and sphingosine signaling were upregulated, driven largely by an upregulation of several isoforms of phospholipase C. Hierarchical clustering indicated that black cohosh clustered with antiproliferative compounds, specifically tubulin binding vinca alkaloids and DNA alkylators. In support of this, black cohosh repressed the expression of cyclin D1 and ID3, and inhibited the proliferation of HepG2, p53 positive, liver cancer cells. Black cohosh reduced the level of free fatty acids at 6 and 24 h and triglycerides at 6 h in the serum, but increased the free fatty acid and triglyceride content of the treated livers at 24 h.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that black cohosh warrants further study for breast cancer prevention and therapy.     

Isorhynchophylline: A plant alkaloid with therapeutic potential for cardiovascular and central nervous system diseases

Uncaria species (Gouteng in Chinese) have been used as a plant medicine to treat ailments of cardiovascular and central nervous systems. As the main alkaloid constituent of Uncaria species, isorhynchophylline has drawn extensive attention toward antihypertensive and neuroprotective activities in recent years. Isorhynchophylline mainly acts on cardiovascular and central nervous systems diseases including hypertension, brachycardia, arrhythmia, and sedation, vascular dementia, and amnesia. Isorhynchophylline also has effects on anticoagulation, inhibition vascular smooth muscle cell apoptosis and proliferation, anti-multidrug resistant of lung cells, anti-endotoxemic, and antispasmodic. The active mechanisms are related to modulation on calcium ion channel, protection neural and neuroglial cells against β-amyloid(25-35)-induced neurotoxicity and via inducing autophagy. As a candidate drug of several cardiovascular and central nervous systems diseases, isorhynchophylline will attract scientists to pursue the potential related pharmacological effects and its mechanism with new technologies. But relatively few clinical application of isorhynchophylline has been conducted on its pharmacological activities. It requires more in vivo validations and further investigations of antihypertensive and neuroprotective mechanisms of isorhynchophylline.     

In vitro metabolism in Sprague-Dawley rat liver microsomes of forsythoside A in different compositions of Shuang-Huang-Lian

Shuang–Huang–Lian (SHL), a traditional Chinese formula containing Lonicerae japonicae flos (LJF), Scutellariae radix (SR) and Forsythiae fructus (FF), is commonly used to treat acute upper respiratory tract infection, acute bronchitis and light pneumonia. Forsythoside A is one of the main active ingredients in Forsythiae fructus, a key herb in SHL. In the present study, effects of different compositions in SHL on the in vitro metabolism in Sprague–Dawley rat liver microsomes of forsythoside A were investigated. The observations from Sprague–Dawley rat liver microsomes in the presence of β-NADPH or UDPGA that forsythoside A may be the substrates of CYP3A4, CYP2C9, CYP1A2, UGT1A6, UGT1A3, UGT1A1 and UGT1A9; Chlorogenic acid may be the substrates of CYP3A4, CYP2C9, CYP1A2, CYP2C19, UGT1A6, UGT1A3 and UGT1A1; Baicalin may be the substrates of CYP3A4, CYP2C19, CYP1A2, UGT1A9, UGT1A1 and UGT1A3; Baicalein may be the substrates of CYP3A4, CYP2E1 and UGT1A6. It was also found that the residue of forsythoside A in SHL, FF + LJF and FF + SR was greatly increased compared with that in FF in Sprague–Dawley rat liver microsomes in the presence of β-NADPH or UDPGA, which indicated that the metabolism of forsythoside A in SHL may be influenced by chlorogenic acid in LJF acting on the CYP3A4, CYP2C9, CYP1A2, UGT1A6, UGT1A3 and UGT1A1; baicalin in SR acting on the CYP3A4, CYP1A2, UGT1A9, UGT1A1 and UGT1A3; baicalein acting on the CYP3A4 and UGT1A6 respectively.     

Stand-scale transpiration estimates in a Moso bamboo forest: (I) Applicability of sap flux measurements

The applicability of sap flux (F_d) measurements to bamboo forests has not been studied. This study was undertaken to establish an optimal and effective design for stand-scale transpiration (E) estimates in a Moso bamboo forest. To this aim, we validated F_d measurements in Moso bamboos in a cut bamboo experiment. In addition, we analyzed how sample sizes affect the reliability of E estimates calculated from F_d and conducting culm area (A_{S_b}). In the cut bamboo experiments, we found that F_d measurement using a 10 mm probe was a valid means of determining the water-use behavior of a Moso bamboo, although a specific correction was needed. Furthermore, we calculated E from stand A_{S_b} (A_{S_stand}) and mean stand F_d (J_S). Employing Monte Carlo analysis, we examined potential errors associated with sample size in E, A_{S_stand}, and J_S using an original dataset with A_{S_b} and F_d measured for 40 and 16 individuals, respectively. Consequently, we determined the optimal sample size for both A_{S_stand} and J_S estimates as 11. The optimal sample sizes for J_S were almost the same under different vapor pressure deficit and soil moisture conditions. The optimal sample size for J_S at the study site was less than that of a coniferous plantation in the same region probably owing to small individual-to-individual variations in sap flux in the Moso bamboo forest. Our study concludes that sap flux measurements are an applicable technique for assessing water use in Moso bamboo forests.