miR-449a ameliorates acute rejection after liver transplantation via targeting procollagen-lysine1,2-oxoglutarate5-dioxygenase 1 in macrophages.

Acute rejection (AR) is an important factor that leads to poor prognosis after liver transplantation (LT). Macrophage M1-polarization is an important mechanism in AR development. MicroRNAs play vital roles in disease regulation; however, their effects on macrophages and AR remain unclear. In this study, rat models of AR were established following LT, and macrophages and peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated from rats and humans, respectively. We found miR-449a expression to be significantly reduced in macrophages and peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Overexpression of miR-449a not only inhibited the M1-polarization of macrophages in vitro but also improved the AR of transplant in vivo. The mechanism involved inhibiting the noncanonical nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) pathway. We identified procollagen-lysine1,2-oxoglutarate5-dioxygenase 1 (PLOD1) as a target gene of miR-449a, which could reverse miR-449a's inhibition of macrophage M1-polarization, amelioration of AR, and inhibition of the NF-κB pathway. Overall, miR-449a inhibited the NF-κB pathway in macrophages through PLOD1 and also inhibited the M1-polarization of macrophages, thus attenuating AR after LT. In conclusion, miR-449a and PLOD1 may be new targets for the prevention and mitigation of AR.

Advances and challenges in ginseng research from 2011 to 2020: the phytochemistry, quality control, metabolism, and biosynthesis.

Covering: 2011 to the end of 2020Panax species (Araliaceae), particularly P. ginseng, P. quinquefolius, and P. notoginseng, have a long history of medicinal use because of their remarkable tonifying effects, and currently serve as crucial sources for various healthcare products, functional foods, and cosmetics, aside from their vast clinical preparations. The huge market demand on a global scale prompts the continuous prosperity in ginseng research concerning the discovery of new compounds, precise quality control, ADME (absorption/disposition/metabolism/excretion), and biosynthesis pathways. Benefitting from the ongoing rapid development of analytical technologies, e.g. multi-dimensional chromatography (MDC), personalized mass spectrometry (MS) scan strategies, and multi-omics, highly recognized progress has been made in driving ginseng analysis towards "systematicness, integrity, personalization, and intelligentization". Herein, we review the advances in the phytochemistry, quality control, metabolism, and biosynthesis pathway of ginseng over the past decade (2011-2020), with 410 citations. Emphasis is placed on the introduction of new compounds isolated (saponins and polysaccharides), and the emerging novel analytical technologies and analytical strategies that favor ginseng's authentic use and global consumption. Perspectives on the challenges and future trends in ginseng analysis are also presented.

Characterization of chikusetsusaponin IV and V induced apoptosis in HepG2 cancer cells.

BACKGROUND: Chikusetsusaponin IV and V (CsIV and CsV), two typical oleanolic acid saponins, are mainly derived from the rhizome of Panax japonicus C.A. Mey. To reveal the anti-cancer effect of CsIV and CsV on liver cancer cells, human hepatic cancer cell lines (HepG2) were exposed to these saponins, and various physiological responses of HepG2 were investigated. METHODS AND RESULTS: HepG2 cells were treated with CsIV, CsV and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). Cell proliferation was measured by CCK-8 assay. The cell cycle arrest, cell apoptosis and intracellular Ca2+ levels were respectively identified by flow cytometry. The mitochondrial membrane potential was detected by fluorescence microscopy. And, the levels of apoptosis-related proteins were analyzed by western blotting. Both CsIV and CsV were demonstrated to inhibit cell viability, and induce cell cycle arrest and apoptosis of HepG2 in a dose-dependent manner. They also enhanced the intracellular Ca2+ level and decreased the mitochondrial membrane potential in HepG2 cells. Furthermore, p53 and p21 were found up-regulated in HepG2 cells treated by CsIV and CsV. The apoptotic proteins, bax, cytochrome c, cleaved caspase-3/-9, were all found activated in HepG2 cells after CsIV and CsV treatment. The anti-apoptotic protein, bcl-2, was significantly down-regulated in all treated HepG2 cells. CONCLUSION: Our data demonstrated that CsIV and CsV exerted significant cytotoxic effects on HepG2 cells without affecting normal liver cells. And, these chikusetsusaponins, especially for CsIV, showed a potent effect on promoting cell apoptosis in HepG2 cells, which was associated with the activation of p53-mediated apoptosis pathway.

[Form and valence of arsenic in dry and fresh Cordyceps breeding products based on HPLC-ICP-MS and its risk assessment].

A comparative study was conducted for the first time on the form and valence of arsenic in the dry and fresh Cordyceps breeding products to clarify the specific morphology and valence of arsenic in Cordyceps breeding products and its safety. Arsenic betai-ne(AsB), arsenite(AsⅢ), dimethyl arsenic(DMA), arsenocholine(AsC), monomethyl arsenic(MMA), and arsenate(AsⅤ) in the dry and fresh samples were investigated using a bionic extraction method combined with HPLC-ICP-MS. The HPLC separation was performed on a DioncxIonPac~(TM) AS7 anion exchange column with a mobile phase of 100 mmol·L~(-1) ammonium carbonate-water for gradient elution at room temperature and the flow rate of 0.8 mL·min~(-1). HPLC was coupled with ICP-MS for the determination. The arsenic content was characterized in combination with chemometrics. The health safety risk of inorganic arsenic in the samples was assessed using the margin of exposure(MOE). The results of methodological validation showed that the six arsenic compounds showed good linearity(R~2>0.999) from 10 to 500 ng·mL~(-1), with precision RSDs of 1.8%-3.0%, recoveries(n=6) of 84.15%-98.28%, reproducibility RSDs of 6.4%-7.7%, and sample stability RSDs of 8.3%-14% within 10 h. Trace AsⅢ and AsⅤ were detected in 30 batches of dry and fresh Cordyceps breeding products, while arsenic compounds in other forms and valence were not detected. In the dry products, AsⅢ was 0.019-0.040 mg·kg~(-1) and AsV was 0.024-0.061 mg·kg~(-1), while in the fresh products, AsⅢ was 0.002 3-0.006 1 mg·kg~(-1) and AsⅤ was 0.008-0.016 mg·kg~(-1). The risk assessment results showed that the MOE of inorganic arsenic was much higher than 1 in both dry and fresh products, and the potential health safety risk of inorganic arsenic was low. The HPLC-ICP-MS method established in this study was efficient, rapid, accurate, and stable for the determination of six arsenic compounds in Cordyceps breeding products. The results of this study provide a basis for the safety and quality control of Cordyceps breeding products.

Fisetin mitigates hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury by regulating GSK3ß/AMPK/NLRP3 inflammasome pathway.

BACKGROUND: Hepatic ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury (IRI) represents a crucial challenge in liver transplantation. Fisetin has anti-inflammatory, anti-aging and anti-oxidative properties. This study aimed to examine whether fisetin mitigates hepatic IRI and examine its underlying mechanisms. METHODS: Sham or warm hepatic I/R operated mice were pretreated with fisetin (5, 10 or 20 mg/kg). Hepatic histological assessments, TUNEL assays and serum aminotransferase measurements were performed. An in vitro hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) model using RAW264.7 macrophages pretreated with fisetin (2.5, 5 or 10 µmol/L) was also used. Serum and cell supernatant concentrations of interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), IL-18 and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Protein levels of p-GSK3ß, p-AMPK and NLR family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3)-associated proteins were detected by Western blotting. RESULTS: Compared with the I/R group, fisetin pretreatment reduced pathological liver damage, serum aminotransferase levels, serum concentrations of IL-1ß, IL-18 and TNF-α in the murine IRI model. Fisetin also reduced the expression of NLRP3 inflammasome-associated proteins (NLRP3, cleaved caspase-1, IL-1ß and IL-18) in I/R-operated liver. The experiments in vitro showed that fisetin decreased the release of IL-1ß, IL-18 and TNF-α, and reduced the expression of NLRP3 inflammasome-associated proteins in H/R-treated RAW264.7 cells. Moreover, fisetin increased the expressions of p-GSK3ß and p-AMPK in both models, indicating that its anti-inflammatory effects were dependent on GSK3ß/AMPK signaling. The anti-inflammatory effects of fisetin were partially inhibited by the AMPK specific inhibitor compound C. CONCLUSIONS: Fisetin showed protective effects against hepatic IRI, countering inflammatory responses through mediating the GSK3ß/AMPK/NLRP3 inflammasome pathway.

Comparative transcriptome analysis of rhizome nodes and internodes in Panax. japonicus var. major reveals candidate genes involved in the biosynthesis of triterpenoid saponins.

The rhizome of P. japonicus var. major, one of the important herbs in Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), has been used as tonic and hemostatic drugs in Tujia and Miao ethnic groups of China for thousand years. In this study, comparative metabolite and transcriptome analysis of rhizome nodes and internodes of wild P. japonicus var. major was performed to reveal their different roles in the biosynthesis of triterpene saponins. The results showed that the node was the crucial section for the synthesis of ginsenosides in the rhizome. The content of oleanane-type ginsenosides in the node was much higher than those in the internode. Most isoprenoid biosynthesis-related genes were highly expressed in the node. And, candidate UDP-glycosyltransferase (UGT) genes were also found to be differentially expressed between node and internode. Our study will provide a better understanding of the metabolism of ginsenosides in the rhizome of P. japonicus var. major.

[Simultaneous determination of six pyrrolizidine alkaloids in different parts of Emilia sonchifolia by UPLC-MS/MS].

This study aims to develop a UPLC-MS/MS method for simultaneous determination of six pyrrolizidine alkaloids(PAs)--intermedine N-oxide(ImNO), lycopsamine N-oxide(LyNO), seneciphylline(Sp), seneciphylline N-oxide(SpNO), senecionine N-oxide(SnNO), and senkirkine(Sk) in different parts of Emilia sonchifolia. UPLC conditions are as follows: ACQUITY UPLC HSS T3 column(2.1 mm×100 mm, 1.8 µm), mobile phase consisting of 0.05% formic acid and 2.5 mmol·L~(-1) ammonium formate in water(A)-0.05% formic acid and 2.5 mmol·L~(-1) ammonium formate in acetonitrile(B) for gradient elution. MS conditions are as below: electrospray ionization(ESI) in the positive ion mode, multiple reaction monitoring(MRM), and the content of the six PAs was calculated with the external standard method. The results suggested the differences in the six PAs among different parts of E. sonchifolia. Sk was detected in all the four parts, with similar content. SnNO also existed in all the four parts, but the content in roots was significantly higher than that in other parts. Sp and SpNO were found in both roots and flowers, with the content higher in the former than in the later. ImNO and LyNO were only found in leaves, and the content was low. Among the six components detected, ImNO, LyNO, and SpNO were found and determined for the first time, which enriched the toxic components and laid a scientific basis for the quality and safety evaluation of E. sonchifolia.

Innovative health risk assessment of heavy metals in Chinese herbal medicines based on extensive data.

In the present study, the concentrations of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), mercury (Hg), and copper (Cu) in 2245 batches of Chinese herbal medicines (CHMs) were measured using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS). We developed a risk assessment strategy that assessed the heavy metal-associated health risk of CHMs based on our large dataset. Using a combination of the mean and 95th percentile (P95) values of the chronic daily intake (CDI), hazard quotient (HQ), hazard index (HI), and lifetime cancer risk (CR), the health risks of the average exposure population and the high exposure population were estimated, respectively. To obtain a precise and realistic risk assessment, the exposure frequency and exposure duration were determined using questionnaire data from 20,917 randomly selected volunteers. Additionally, given the specific ingestion characteristics of CHMs, the safety factor and the transfer rates of heavy metals were highlighted as well. The concentrations of Pb, Cd, As, Hg, and Cu in 2245 batches of CHMs were 1.566, 0.299, 0.391, 0.074, and 8.386 mg/kg, respectively. The mean HI values indicated that consumption of most CHMs would not pose an unacceptable health risk to the average exposure population, except for argy wormwood leaf (1.326), morinda root (2.095), plantain herb (1.540), chrysanthemum flower (1.146), and Indian madder root (2.826). In addition, CR assessment for Pb and As revealed that, for the average exposure population, the risk of developing cancers was lower than the acceptable levels (1 × 10-4) in the clinic. However, the P95 of the HI and CR values indicated that more attention should be paid to the systemic effects of CHMs in terms of both non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks for the high exposure population. Furthermore, in order to serve population health better, national and international guidelines have now been established. The risk assessment strategy developed in this study is the first of its kind, and contributed to the risk assessment, guidelines, and safety standards for heavy metals in CHMs.

Refined assessment of heavy metal-associated health risk due to the consumption of traditional animal medicines in humans.

Little is known about the extent of heavy metal accumulation in traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs). In this study, the levels of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), and mercury (Hg) in traditional animal medicines were monitored using inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS). Additionally, for the first time, a heavy metal risk assessment strategy was used to evaluate the potential risks of traditional animal medicines by calculating estimated daily intake (EDI), target hazard quotient (THQ), and cancer risk (CR). To obtain a refined risk assessment, the frequency of exposure to traditional animal medicines was determined from questionnaire data, and the safe factor for TCM was applied. Based on the standard levels for leech, it was found that earthworm, hive, scorpion, and leech accumulated high levels of heavy metals. The combined THQ (cTHQ) values indicated that ingestion of most traditional animal medicines would not pose a risk to the health of either male or female human beings. However, it was indicated that attention should be paid to the potential risk associated with cicada slough, earthworm, scorpion, turtle shells, and hive. Among heavy metals, As and Hg contributed to a major extent to the risk to human health. The CR assessment for Pb and As indicated that, with the exception of earthworm, the cancer risk was less than the acceptable lifetime risk for both males and females. Owing to the higher body weight, both THQ and CR were generally lower for males than for females.

[Determination and risk assessment of heavy metals and harmful elements residues in Niuhuang Qingwei Pills based on ICP-MS].

To achieve a comprehensive understanding of heavy metals and harmful elements residues in Niuhuang Qingwei Pills,49 samples from 18 manufactures were collected from 31 provinces in China.Risk assessment and control preparations were applied innovatively in evaluation of exogenous pollution in traditional Chinese Medicine.Determination methods for Pb,Cd,As,Hg and Cu were established by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry(ICP-MS).Based on the procedures including hazard identification,hazard characterization,exposure assessment and risk characterization,risk assessment was performed and residual limits for Pb,Cd,As,Hg and Cu in the drug were formulated.The results showed that the hazardous quotients(HQ) of the elements were decreased in the following order:Pb>As>Cu>Hg>Cd,and the total hazardous index(HI) of heavy metals and harmful elements in Niuhuang Qingwei Pills was above 1,implying health risk of the drug.Under the proposed limits,5 elements in the control preparation as well as Cd and Cu in the samples were within the limits range,but the excess rates of Pb,As and Hg in the samples were 12%,12% and 14%,respectively.For the first time,basic steps for risk assessment of Chinese patent medicine were established,which provided model and reference for risk assessment and limit formulation of other drugs.

[Study on interaction between ginsenosides Rg_1,Rb_1 and Ro and bovine serum albumin].

Small molecules with physiological or pharmacological activities need to interact with biological macromolecules in order to function in the body. As the protein with the highest proportion of plasma protein,serum albumin is the main protein binding to various endogenous or exogenous small molecules. Serum albumin interacts with small molecules in a reversible non-covalent manner and transports small molecules to target sites. Bovine serum albumin( BSA) is an ideal target protein for drug research because of its low cost and high homology with human serum albumin. The research on the interaction between drugs and BSA has become a hotspot in the fields of pharmacy,medicine,biology and chemistry. In this research,molecular docking method was used to study the interaction between three small ginsenosides with high pharmacological value( Rg_1,Rb_1,Ro) and bovine serum albumin( BSA),and the binding mode information of three ginsenosides interacting with BSA was obtained. The results of molecular docking showed that ginsenosides and amino acid residues in the active pocket of proteins could be combined by hydrophobic action,hydrogen bonding and electrostatic action. The interaction between small ginsenosides and bovine serum albumin is not the only form,and their interaction has many forms of force. The interaction between these molecules and various weak forces is the key factor for the stability of the complex. The results of this study can provide the structural information of computer simulation for the determination of the interaction patterns between active components and proteins of ginseng.

Hyperuricemia and coronary heart disease mortality: a meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies.

BACKGROUND: Hyperuricemia may be associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) mortality; however, the results from prospective studies are conflicting. The objective of this study was to assess the association between hyperuricemia and risk of CHD mortality by performing a meta-analysis. METHODS: Pubmed and Embase were searched for relevant prospective cohort studies published until July 2015. Studies were included only if they reported data on CHD mortality related to hyperuricemia in a general population. The pooled adjusted relative risk (RR) was calculated using a random-effects model. RESULTS: A total of 14 studies involving 341 389 adults were identified. Hyperuricemia was associated with an increased risk of CHD mortality (RR: 1.14; 95 % CI: 1.06-1.23) and all-cause mortality (RR: 1.20; 95 % CI: 1.13-1.28). For each increase of 1 mg/dl of serum uric acid (SUA), the overall risks of CHD and all-cause mortality increased by 20 and 9 %, respectively. According to the gender subgroup analyses, hyperuricemia increased the risk of CHD mortality in women (RR: 1.47; 95 % CI: 1.21-1.73) compared to men (RR: 1.10; 95 % CI: 1.00-1.19). The risk of all-cause mortality was greater in women. CONCLUSIONS: Hyperuricemia may modestly increase the risk of CHD and all-cause mortality. Future research is needed to determine whether urate-lowering therapy has beneficial effects for reducing CHD mortality.

Survey and analysis of the current state of residency training in medical-school-affiliated hospitals in China.

BACKGROUND: Since the global standards for postgraduate medical education (PGME) were published in January 2003, they have gained worldwide attention. The current state of residency training programs in medical-school-affiliated hospitals throughout China was assessed in this study. METHODS: Based on the internationally recognized global standards for PGME, residents undergoing residency training at that time and the relevant residency training instructors and management personnel from 15 medical-school-affiliated hospitals throughout China were recruited and surveyed regarding the current state of residency training programs. A total of 938 questionnaire surveys were distributed between June 30, 2006 and July 30, 2006; of 892 surveys collected, 841 were valid. RESULTS: For six items, the total proportions of "basically meets standards" and "completely meets standards" were <70% for the basic standards. These items were identified in the fields of "training settings and educational resources", "evaluation of training process", and "trainees". In all fields other than "continuous updates", the average scores of the western regions were significantly lower than those of the eastern regions for both the basic and target standards. Specifically, the average scores for the basic standards on as many as 25 of the 38 items in the nine fields were significantly lower in the western regions. There were significant differences in the basic standards scores on 13 of the 38 items among trainees, instructors, and managers. CONCLUSIONS: The residency training programs have achieved satisfactory outcomes in the hospitals affiliated with various medical schools in China. However, overall, the programs remain inadequate in certain areas. For the governments, organizations, and institutions responsible for PGME, such global standards for PGME are a very useful self-assessment tool and can help identify problems, promote reform, and ultimately standardize PGME.

A novel bioaccessibility-based probabilistic risks assessment of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in earthworm.

Introduction: Early risk assessment studies usually based on total heavy metal (loid) contents, inevitably leading to an overestimation of the health risks. In addition, inputs are represented as single-point estimates in deterministic models, leading to underestimation or overestimation of the health risks. Methods: To overcome these barriers, a novel probabilistic risk assessment strategy based on the combinational use of bioaccessibility and Monte Carlo simulation was developed to assess heavy metal (loid) associated health risks of earthworms in this study. To obtain a realistic and robust probabilistic risk assessment, heavy metal (loid) exposure duration and frequency were determined using our questionnaire data. Results: As a result, the mean gastrointestinal bioaccessibility was in the order: Cd > As > Cu > Hg. The mean hazard index (HI) values for investigated metal (loid)s were 0.65 and 0.59 for male and female, respectively, demonstrating an acceptable health risk in an average community. However, the 90th percentile of HI values was 1.87 and 1.65 for male and female, respectively. And the total non-cancer risks of heavy metal (loid) exposure exceeded the acceptable threshold for 19.9% and 17.8% of male and female, respectively. In addition, the total cancer risk (TCR) value through co-exposure to As and Cd suggested that the carcinogenic risks may be of concern for average exposure population. Sensitivity analyses revealed that the exposure frequency and bioaccessible As concentration were the dominant contributors to the total risk variance, which provided meaningful implications for environmental management. Conclusion: Altogether, the refined strategy based on bioaccessibility and Monte Carlo simulation is the first of its kind, such effort attempts to scientifically guide the rational clinic use of TCM and the improvement of population-health.

Progress in quality control, detection techniques, speciation and risk assessment of heavy metals in marine traditional Chinese medicine.

Marine traditional Chinese medicines (MTCMs) hold a significant place in the rich cultural heritage in China. It plays an irreplaceable role in addressing human diseases and serves as a crucial pillar for the development of China's marine economy. However, the rapid pace of industrialization has raised concerns about the safety of MTCM, particularly in relation to heavy metal pollution. Heavy metal pollution poses a significant threat to the development of MTCM and human health, necessitating the need for detection analysis and risk assessment of heavy metals in MTCM. In this paper, the current research status, pollution situation, detection and analysis technology, removal technology and risk assessment of heavy metals in MTCM are discussed, and the establishment of a pollution detection database and a comprehensive quality and safety supervision system for MTCM is proposed. These measures aim to enhance understanding of heavy metals and harmful elements in MTCM. It is expected to provide a valuable reference for the control of heavy metals and harmful elements in MTCM, as well as the sustainable development and application of MTCM.

Pyrrolizidine alkaloids and health risk of three Boraginaceae used in TCM.

Objective: The aim of this study was to systematically explore the pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) type, content and risk assessment in the three Boraginaceae used in TCM, involving Arnebia euchroma (AE), A. guttata (AG), and Lithospermum erythrorhizon (LE). Method: A UHPLC-MS/MS method was established to simultaneously determine eight pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), namely intermedine, lycopsamine, intermedine N-oxide, lycopsamine N-oxide, 7-acetyllycopsamine, 7-acetyllycopsamine N-oxide, echimidine N-oxide, and echimidine in the three herbs. Based on these results, the risk assessment was explored using the routine margin of exposure (MOE) combined with relative potency (REP) for oral and external usage, respectively. Results and Conclusion: Imermedine and imermedine N-oxide were common components in the eight tested PAs. 7-acetyllycopsamine and its N-oxide were not detected in AE; echimidine and its N-oxide were not detected in AG; lycopsamine and its N-oxide, 7-acetyllycopsamine and its N-oxide were not detected in LE. The total contents of 8 PAs in 11 batches of AG was341.56-519.51 µg/g; the content in 15 batches of LE was 71.16-515.73 µg/g, and the content in 11 batches of AE was 23.35-207.13 µg/g. Based on these results, the risk assessment was explored using MOE combined with REP for oral and external usage, respectively. The findings of the risk assessment method of PAs based on MOE combined with the REP factor were consistent with the clinical toxicity results. As an oral herb, AE had low risk or no risk due to its low PA contents, and individual batches of LE were medium risk, while attention should be paid to their clinical use.AG was also low risk. The external use of the three Boraginaceae used in TCM was not associated with any risk. This study systematically explored the PA type and content of the three Boraginaceae used in TCM. Additionally, the refined risk assessment of PAs based on REP provided a more scientific basis for quality evaluation and rational use of the medicinal Boraginaceae used in TCM to improve public health.

Hierarchical Cellulose Aerogel Reinforced with In Situ-Assembled Cellulose Nanofibers for Building Cooling.

The development of new structural materials for passive daytime radiative cooling (PDRC) of buildings will significantly reduce global building energy consumption. Cellulose aerogels are potential PDRC materials for building cooling, but the cooling performance and mechanical strength of cellulose aerogels are considered as challenges for their practical applications. Herein, a bio-inspired hierarchically structured cellulose aerogel (HSCA) was fabricated through an assembly strategy assisted by a high-voltage electrostatic field. The HSCA possesses outstanding PDRC performance and moderate mechanical strength owing to aligned hierarchical porous network microstructures reinforced with in situ-assembled crystalline cellulose nanofibers. Promisingly, the HSCA achieves a max cooling temperature of 7.2 °C and exhibits 1.9 MPa axial compressive strength. There was no significant cooling performance degradation after the hydrophobically modified HSCA was placed outdoors for 3 months. A simulation of potential cooling energy savings shows that by using HSCA as the building envelopes (side wall and roof), it can save 52.7% of cooling energy compared to the building baseline consumption. This new strategy opens up the possibility of developing advanced functionally regenerated cellulose aerogel, which is expected to provide a revolutionary improvement in aerogel materials for building cooling.

Technical guidelines for risk assessment of heavy metals in traditional Chinese medicines.

BACKGROUND: Heavy metals are considered a global concern because they can deteriorate human health. This guideline aims to scientifically evaluate health risk of heavy metals in TCM and to propose a reference for decision making in developing TCM-related health policies. METHODS: Using a multidisciplinary approach, a steering committee oversaw the development of the guideline. To obtain a reasonable and accurate risk assessment, key exposure assessment parameters for TCM, e.g., exposure frequency (EF), exposure duration (ED), and daily ingestion rate (IR) were obtained from surveys. In addition, transfer rates for heavy metals from Chinese medicinal materials (CMM) to decoctions or preparations were examined. RESULTS: Based on the scientific theory of risk control, the guideline was designed systematically, and principles and procedures for the risk assessment of heavy metals in TCM were identified. The guideline can be utilized to assess the risk of heavy metals in CMM and Chinese patent medicines (CPM). CONCLUSION: This guideline may help standardize the risk assessment of heavy metals in TCM, advance regulatory standards for heavy metals in TCM, and ultimately improve human health through scientific TCM usage in clinic.

Innovative accumulative risk assessment strategy of co-exposure of As and Pb in medical earthworms based on in vivo-in vitro correlation.

Recent studies on risks assessment of heavy metal(loid) are usually based on their total concentrations. Nevertheless, such an analysis does not assess their real amounts absorbed by human body. To scientifically assess the health risks, in this study medical earthworms were analyzed for relative bioavailability (RBA) of arsenic (As) and lead (Pb) using a multiple gavage mouse model with liver, kidneys, brain, and leg bones as biomarkers for the first time. Metal(loid) bioaccessibility was determined using in vitro physiologically based extraction (PBET) assay. We are the first to develop a novel accumulative health risk assessment strategy by combinational analyzing bioavailability of heavy metal(loid) levels to calculate target organ toxicity dose (TTD) modification of the HI and total cancer risk (TCR), which has capacity to evaluate the health risks of co-exposure of Pb and As in medical earthworms. As a result, As-RBA ranged from 7.2% to 45.1%, and Pb-RBA ranged from 16.1% to 49.8%. Additionally, As and Pb bioaccessibility varied from 6.7% to 48.3% and 7.8% to 52.5%, respectively. Moreover, strong in vivo-in vitro correlations (IVIVCs) were observed between metal-RBA and bioaccessibility, indicating the robustness of the in vitro PBET assay to predict metal-RBA in medical earthworms. The refined accumulative assessment strategy revealed that when adjusted by heavy metal(loid) bioavailability, the TTD modification of HI method typically exhibited an acceptable health risk caused by the co-exposure of Pb and As for cardiovascular, hematological, neurological, and renal system. The TCR levels associated with exposure to Pb and As due to the ingestion of medical earthworms were also acceptable after adjustment by bioavailability. Collectively, our innovation on accumulative risk assessment based on in vivo-in vitro correlation provides a novel approach engaging in assessing the risks due to co-exposure of As and Pb in medical earthworms.