Trace Elements in the Feathers of Waterfowl from Nanhaizi Wetland, Baotou, China.

The trace element concentrations (Cr, Ni, Pb, Hg, Cu, Zn, Mn, and Fe) of feathers from Ferruginous duck (Aythya nyroca), Gadwall (Anas strepera), and Green-winged Teal (Anas crecca) from Nanhaizi Wetland, China were measured. (1) There were significant differences in the concentrations of the Cr, Ni, and Pb among the waterfowl species. The concentrations of Cr and Ni in Gadwall feathers and Pb in Green-winged Teal feathers were higher than the concentrations of Cr, Ni and Pb in Ferruginous duck. (2) The Pb concentrations in the feathers of four Green-winged Teals and one Ferruginous duck, Cr concentrations in the feathers of Gadwalls (geomean 5.33 µg g-1 dry weight) and Green-winged Teals (geomean 4.55 µg g-1 dry weight) exceeded the thresholds at which they pose a threat to bird health (i.e., Pb > 4 µg g-1, Cr > 2.8 µg g-1). (3) The Cu, Zn, Fe, and Mn concentrations of feathers were within the normal ranges reported for most waterfowl.

Metabolomics in diabetes.

Characterization of metabolic changes is key to early detection, treatment, and understanding molecular mechanisms of diabetes. Diabetes represents one of the most important global health problems. Approximately 90% of diabetics have type 2 diabetes. Identification of effective screening markers is critical for early treatment and intervention that can delay and/or prevent complications associated with this chronic disease. Fortunately, metabolomics has introduced new insights into the pathology of diabetes as well as to predict disease onset and revealed new biomarkers to improve diagnostics in a range of diseases. Small-molecule metabolites have an important role in biological systems and represent attractive candidates to understand T2D phenotypes. Characteristic patterns of metabolites can be revealed that broaden our understanding of T2D disorder. This technique-driven review aims to demystify the mechanisms of T2D, to provide updates on the applications of metabolomics in addressing T2D with a focus on metabolites based biomarker discovery.

Natural alkaloids: basic aspects, biological roles, and future perspectives.

Natural products have gained popularity worldwide for promoting healthcare, as well as disease prevention. Alkaloids are important chemical compounds that serve as a rich reservoir for drug discovery. Several alkaloids isolated from natural herbs exhibit antiproliferation, antibacterial, antiviral, insecticidal, and antimetastatic effects on various types of cancers both in vitro and in vivo. This paper focuses on the naturally-derived alkaloids such as berberine, matrine, piperine, fritillarine, and rhynchophylline, etc., and summarizes the action mechanisms of these compounds. Based on the information in the literature that is summarized in this paper, the use of alkaloids as drugs is very promising, but more research and clinical trials are necessary before final recommendations on specific alkaloids can be made. Following this, it is hoped that as a result of this review, there will be a greater awareness of the excellent promise that natural alkaloids show for use in the therapy of diseases.