Synthesis and Application of C2 and C3 Symmetric (R)‐Phenylglycinol‐Derived Chiral Stationary Phases

A C3 symmetric (R)‐phenylglycinol N‐1,3,5‐benzenetricarboxylic acid‐derived chiral stationary phase (CSP) and three C2 symmetric (R)‐phenylglycinol CSPs were newly synthesized using o‐, m‐, and p‐phthaloyl dichlorides. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. These CSPs were used to compare the resolution of 25 chiral samples using a previously reported 3,5‐dinitrobenzoyl (R)‐phenylglycinol‐derived CSP. Even though all CSPs have the same chiral moiety, the C3 symmetric CSP showed the best resolution. Chirality 28:186–191, 2016.© 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Isolation and Identification of Pathogens Causing Marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) Black Spot in Beijing,China

Black spot leads to great marigold losses worldwide. The disease is characterized by black spots on leaves and stems in its early stages, and the whole plant has black rot at the advanced stage. In this report, 6 of 217 Alternaria strains isolated from lesions of marigold plants in Beijing were randomly selected. The morphological characteristics and a pathogenic tree based on two protein‐coding genes (gpd and alt a 1) indicated that Alternaria tagetica is the causal agent of marigold black spot in Beijing. All six Alternaria strains could successfully re‐infect marigold, but they could not infect carrot or zinnia by either spore spray in a greenhouse or planting experiments in the epidemic area. This is the first report of the A. tagetica pathogen being isolated from marigold in Beijing.     

Protective effects of C-phycocyanin on alcohol-induced subacute liver injury in mice

Excessive and long-term alcohol consumption leads to liver disease and low immunity. Extensive evidence suggests that C-phycocyanin (C-PC), a chromophore phycocyanobilin derived from Arthrospira (Spirulina) platensis, exerts protective effects against chemical-induced organ damage and improves immunity. In this study, we investigated whether C-PC could protect against ethanol-induced subacute liver injury and improve immunity. KM mice with ethanol-induced liver injury were established, and animals were divided into three groups that were treated with high, medium, and low doses of C-PC. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (CHOL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), total bilirubin (TBIL), liver homogenate malondialdehyde (MDA), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels were measured. In addition, the number of thymus T cell subsets was assessed, and liver sections were examined pathologically. C-PC exhibited obvious inhibitory effects on serum ALT, AST, TG, CHOL, LDL, and MDA levels and increased SOD content significantly in the liver. C-PC also increased serum CD3+ and CD4+ cell activation and T cell proliferation significantly compared with the model group. The structure of the hepatic lobules was clear, the liver sinus returned to normal, and the liver cell cords were arranged in neat rows. Therefore, C-PC could protect against ethanol-induced subacute liver injury significantly.