Sustainable management of tea wastes: resource recovery and conversion techniques.

As the demand for tea (Camellia sinensis) has grown across the world, the amount of biomass waste that has been produced during the harvesting process has also increased. Tea consumption was estimated at about 6.3 million tonnes in 2020 and is anticipated to reach 7.4 million tonnes by 2025. The generation of tea waste (TW) after use has also increased concurrently with rising tea consumption. TW includes clipped stems, wasted tea leaves, and buds. Many TW-derived products have proven benefits in various applications, including energy generation, energy storage, wastewater treatment, and pharmaceuticals. TW is widely used in environmental and energy-related applications. Energy recovery from low- and medium-calorific value fuels may be accomplished in a highly efficient manner using pyrolysis, anaerobic digestion, and gasification. TW-made biochar and activated carbon are also promising adsorbents for use in environmental applications. Another area where TW shows promise is in the synthesis of phytochemicals. This review offers an overview of the conversion procedures for TW into value-added products. Further, the improvements in their applications for energy generation, energy storage, removal of different contaminants, and extraction of phytochemicals have been reviewed. A comprehensive assessment of the sustainable use of TWs as environmentally acceptable renewable resources is compiled in this review.

Assessment of thraustochytrids potential for carotenoids, terpenoids and polyunsaturated fatty acids biorefinery.

Heterotrophic fast-growing thraustochytrids have been identified as promising candidates for the bioconversion of organic sources into industrially important valuable products. Marine thraustochytrids exhibit remarkable potential for high-value polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) production however their potential is recently discovered for high-value carotenoids and terpenoids which also have a role as a dietary supplement and health promotion. Primarily, omega-3 and 6 PUFAs (DHA, EPA, and ARA) from thraustochytrids are emerging sources of nutrient supplements for vegetarians replacing animal sources and active pharmaceutical ingredients due to excellent bioactivities. Additionally, thraustochytrids produce reasonable amounts of squalene (terpenoid) and carotenoids which are also high-value products with great market potential. Hence, these can be coextracted as a byproduct with PUFAs under the biorefinery concept. There is still quite a few printed information on bioprocess conditions for decent (co)-production of squalene and carotenoid from selective protists such as lutein, astaxanthin, canthaxanthin, and lycopene. The current review seeks to provide a concise overview of the coproduction and application of PUFAs, carotenoids, and terpenoids from oleaginous thraustochytrids and their application to human health.

The Relationship of Omega-3 Fatty Acids with Dementia and Cognitive Decline: Evidence from Prospective Cohort Studies of Supplementation, Dietary Intake, and Blood Markers.

Previous data have linked omega-3 fatty acids with risk of dementia. We aimed to assess the longitudinal relationships of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid intake as well as blood biomarkers with risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD), dementia, or cognitive decline. Longitudinal data were derived from 1135 participants without dementia (mean age = 73 y) in the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) cohort to evaluate the associations of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation and blood biomarkers with incident AD during the 6-y follow-up. A meta-analysis of published cohort studies was further conducted to test the longitudinal relationships of dietary intake of omega-3 and its peripheral markers with all-cause dementia or cognitive decline. Causal dose-response analyses were conducted using the robust error meta-regression model. In the ADNI cohort, long-term users of omega-3 fatty acid supplements exhibited a 64% reduced risk of AD (hazard ratio: 0.36, 95% confidence interval: 0.18, 0.72; P = 0.004). After incorporating 48 longitudinal studies involving 103,651 participants, a moderate-to-high level of evidence suggested that dietary intake of omega-3 fatty acids could lower risk of all-cause dementia or cognitive decline by ∼20%, especially for docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) intake (relative risk [RR]: 0.82, I2 = 63.6%, P = 0.001) and for studies that were adjusted for apolipoprotein APOE ε4 status (RR: 0.83, I2 = 65%, P = 0.006). Each increment of 0.1 g/d of DHA or eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) intake was associated with an 8% ∼ 9.9% (Plinear < 0.0005) lower risk of cognitive decline. Moderate-to-high levels of evidence indicated that elevated levels of plasma EPA (RR: 0.88, I2 = 38.1%) and erythrocyte membrane DHA (RR: 0.94, I2 = 0.4%) were associated with a lower risk of cognitive decline. Dietary intake or long-term supplementation of omega-3 fatty acids may help reduce risk of AD or cognitive decline.

Enhanced production of high-value polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) from potential thraustochytrid Aurantiochytrium sp.

Due to growing health concerns, the urban population is utterly inclined towards a healthy lifestyle and incorporated nutritional food supplements to lower common health risks. The ω-3 and ω-6 PUFAs consumption is increasing, hence alternative commercial production is essentially developed. The microbial source is an emerging platform to overcome the global demand for omega PUFAs. Marine oleaginous protist Aurantiochytrium sp. found a potential source to produce substantial DHA and SFA. The objective of the present research was to enhance the PUFA yield by optimizing maximum tolerable glucose concentration with a suitable nitrogen ratio (10:1). The maximum lipid and DHA yield and content were determined 4.30, 1.34 g/L, and 62.4, 33.49 % of total biomass and lipid at 30 g/L glucose respectively, which is one of among highest reported, however relative PUFA was maximum 46.97 % (DHA) in total lipid at 10 g/L glucose. Remaining 42-53.6 % SFA could be used for biodiesel.

Occurrence and distribution of phthalate esters and microplastics in wastewater treatment plants in Taiwan and their toxicological risks.

Phthalate esters (PAEs) are fat soluble synthetic chemicals, usually regarded as plasticizers for being added in numerous plastic products. Thus, environmental and health hazards of PAEs are associated with increasing plastic pollution. In this study, PAEs from sludge samples collected from water, sewage, and industrial treatment plants (N = 17) were analyzed using Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry. Microplastics (MPs) were also quantified and correlated with PAEs. Results showed the highest average PAE concentrations in sewage treatment plants. The greatest ΣPAEs concentration were found in sewage treatment plant (STP4) with 32,414 µg/kg dw, while the lowest found in water treatment plant (WTP3) with 2062 µg/kg dw. Among different PAEs, di-(2-ethyl hexyl) phthalate (DEHP) contributes the highest. Similarly, DEHP, di-n-octyl phthalate (DnOP) and diisononyl phthalate (DiNP) significantly correlated with the total PAEs indicating their large contribution to sludge contamination. The abundance of microplastics in sludge ranged between 1 and 7 MP/g, highest at ITP6, but not detected in some stations. While microplastics may potentially increase PAEs, there was no significant relationship between ΣPAEs and MP abundance. The estimated human daily intake of DEHP and di-n-butyl phthalate (DnBP) when contaminated sludge be used showed low toxicological risks to exposed adults. This research presents the sludge characteristics, PAEs, and microplastic concentrations in different wastewater treatment plants in Taiwan. PAE contamination was highly contributed by domestic and industrial wastes shown by their significant amounts in STP and ITP. Results further provide evidence for potential sludge recycling (WTP sludge) and application to soil.

[Identification of miR160 family and their target genes in Rehmannia glutinosa in response to endophytic fungus GG22 infection].

This study aims to reveal the possible role of miR160 family in Rehmannia glutinosa in response to the infection of endophytic fungus Fusarium oxysporum GG22. Specifically, miR160 precursors and mature miR160 were retrieved from the small RNA database yielded by high-throughput sequencing. RNAfold was used to analyze the precursor structure, and DNAMAN and MEGA to analyze conservation and evolution of miR160 precursors and mature miR160. The target genes of miR160 were predicted and annotated, and the interaction was analyzed. Based on degradome sequencing, the target genes were further identified. The results showed that miR160 precursors had intact stem-loop structures. The precursor and mature sequences were conserved, particularly the 3 rd-16 th bases of the 5'-terminal. According to the phylogenetic tree, R. glutinosa had close evolutionary relationship with Arabidopsis thaliana, Oryza sativa, Salvia miltiorrhiza, and Sesamum indicum. A total of 22 target genes of miR160 were predicted and most of them were auxin response factor(ARF) genes. The target genes were involved in the Gene Ontology(GO) terms of biological processes, cellular components, and molecular functions. According to the degradome sequencing results, four target genes of miR160 were ARF(ARF18, ARF22) genes. R. glutinosa regulated its growth in response to the infection of endophytic fungus by changing the expression of miR160 and the target genes. qRT-PCR result of the differentially expressed rgl-miR160a and rgl-miR160a-3p was consistent with the sequencing result. This study clarifies the molecular mechanism of R. glutinosa in response to GG22 stress, laying a theoretical basis for the improvement and future research of R. glutinosa.

A brief review of vitamin D as a potential target for the regulation of blood glucose and inflammation in diabetes-associated periodontitis.

Diabetes is a metabolic disorder associated with various complications, including periodontitis. The risk of periodontitis is increased in patients with diabetes, while vitamin D deficiency is associated with both diabetes and periodontitis. Thus, there is a need to identify the molecular effects of vitamin D on the regulation of inflammation and glucose in diabetes-associated periodontitis. The Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed databases were searched for studies of the molecular effects of vitamin D. Molecular effects were reportedly mediated by salivary secretions, interactions of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) with receptors of AGEs (RAGEs), cytokines, and oxidative stress pathways linking diabetes with periodontitis. Vitamin D supplementation attenuates inflammation in diabetes-associated periodontitis by reducing the levels of inflammatory cytokines and numbers of immune cells; it also has antibacterial effects. Vitamin D reduces cytokine levels through regulation of the extracellular signal-related kinase 1/2 and Toll-like receptor 1/2 pathways, along with the suppression of interleukin expression. Glucose homeostasis is altered in diabetes either because of reduced insulin production or decreased insulin sensitivity. These vitamin D-related alterations of glucoregulatory factors may contribute to hyperglycaemia; hyperglycaemia may also lead to alterations of glucoregulatory factors. This review discusses the pathways involved in glucose regulation and effects of vitamin D supplementation on glucose regulation. Further studies are needed to characterise the effects of vitamin D on diabetes-associated periodontitis.

Anti-Obesity Effect of Nostoc commune Ethanol Extract In Vitro and In Vivo.

Nostoc commune is an edible terrestrial blue-green alga. It has shown many beneficial effects on human health. This study aimed to investigate the phytochemical assay of N. commune ethanol extract (NEE) and its anti-obesity effects. The effect of a high-calorie diet on lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes is investigated, and a Wistar rat model is used to demonstrate the anti-obesity effect of NEE and its mechanism. The results showed that the NEE has phytochemical compounds, such as total polyphenol, total flavonoids, and total terpenoids. NEE was also shown to suppress cell proliferation and lipid accumulation (26.9%) in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. Furthermore, NEE reduced the body weight (13.5%), fat tissue weight (13.3%), and the serum FFA (19.4%), TG (14.2%), TC (11.8%), and LDL-C (16.4%) of rats. In histopathology, NEE was shown to diminish the size of adipocytes and hepatic lipid droplets. The NEE downregulated the mRNA expression of adipogenesis (PPAR-γ, SREBP-1c) and lipid lysis-related genes (ATGL, HSL) in epididymal adipose tissue. The NEE also upregulated the mRNA expression of ß-oxidation related genes (AMPK, CPT-1, PPAR-α) in the liver. Overall, this study suggests NEE has the potential to be developed as a functional food for anti-obesity.

A gene-environment interplay between omega-3 supplementation and APOE ε4 provides insights for Alzheimer's disease precise prevention amongst high-genetic-risk population.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The present study aimed to explore whether and how omega-3 (ω-3) supplementation could interact with genetic factors to modulate cognitive functions, amyloid pathologies, and Alzheimer's disease (AD) risk. METHODS: A total of 1,670 non-demented participants (mean age 73 years, 47% females, 41% APOE ε4 carriers) were followed up for 10 years. Hierarchical regressions, linear mixed-effects models, and Cox proportional hazards models were used to examine the interaction effects of ω-3 supplementation with APOE ε4 and polygenic hazard scores, after adjusting for age, gender, education, cognitive diagnosis, insomnia, depression, anxiety, and cardiovascular risk score. RESULTS: Individuals who progress to AD during the follow-up tend to take a shorter duration of ω-3 at baseline than those stable, for whom the difference remained significant only amongst APOE ε4 carriers (p < 0.01). The interaction term (APOE ε4 × ω-3) accounted for a significant amount of variance in cognition and cerebral amyloid burden. Long-term ω-3 use protected cognition (especially memory function) and lowered amyloid burden and AD risk only amongst APOE ε4 carriers. Mediation analysis suggested that amyloid pathologies, brain reserve capacities, and brain metabolism mediated the relationships of ω-3 use with memory and global cognition for APOE ε4 (+) carriers. Similar interaction and mediation effects were also indicated amongst high-risk subjects defined by polygenic hazard scores. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term ω-3 intake may have a role in AD prevention in genetically at-risk populations.

Adsorption of norfloxacin from aqueous solution on biochar derived from spent coffee ground: Master variables and response surface method optimized adsorption process.

In this study, biochar derived from spent coffee grounds (SCGB) was used to adsorb norfloxacin (NOR) in water. The biochar properties were interpreted by analysis of the specific surface area, morphology, structure, thermal stability, and functional groups. The impacts of pH, NOR, and ion's present on SCGB performance were examined. The NOR adsorption mode of SCGB is best suited to the Langmuir model (R2 = 0.974) with maximum absorption capacity (69.8 mg g-1). By using a Response Surface Method (RSM), optimal adsorption was also found at pH of 6.26, NOR of 24.69 mg L-1, and SCGB of 1.32 g L-1. Compared with biochars derived from agriculture such as corn stalks, willow branches, potato stem, reed stalks, cauliflower roots, wheat straw, the NOR adsorption capacity of SCGB was 2-30 times higher, but less than 3-4 times for biochars made from Salix mongolica, luffa sponge and polydopamine microspheres. These findings reveal that spent coffee grounds biochar could effectively remove NOR from aqueous solutions. Approaching biochar derived from coffee grounds would be a promising eco-friendly solution because it utilizes solid waste, saves costs, and creates adsorbents to deal with emerging pollutants like antibiotics.

Phototherapy and optical waveguides for the treatment of infection.

With rapid emergence of multi-drug resistant microbes, it is imperative to seek alternative means for infection control. Optical waveguides are an auspicious delivery method for precise administration of phototherapy. Studies have shown that phototherapy is promising in fighting against a myriad of infectious pathogens (i.e. viruses, bacteria, fungi, and protozoa) including biofilm-forming species and drug-resistant strains while evading treatment resistance. When administered via optical waveguides, phototherapy can treat both superficial and deep-tissue infections while minimizing off-site effects that afflict conventional phototherapy and pharmacotherapy. Despite great therapeutic potential, exact mechanisms, materials, and fabrication designs to optimize this promising treatment option are underexplored. This review outlines principles and applications of phototherapy and optical waveguides for infection control. Research advances, challenges, and outlook regarding this delivery system are rigorously discussed in a hope to inspire future developments of optical waveguide-mediated phototherapy for the management of infection and beyond.

Ultrasonic-Assisted Extraction and Structural Characterization of Chondroitin Sulfate Derived from Jumbo Squid Cartilage.

Chondroitin sulfate (ChS) is usually used as an oral nutraceutical supplement, and has been popular in Asia, Europe, and United States for many years. In this study, a potential and sustainable source of ChS from jumbo squid (Dosidicus gigas) cartilage was explored; ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) was used to extract ChS from jumbo squid cartilage. The result of mass transfer coefficients based on Fick's law showed that UAE had higher mass transfer efficacy. The response surface methodology (RSM) combined with Box-Behnken design (BBD) was employed to evaluate the effects of the extraction parameters. The optimal conditions were extraction temperature of 52 °C, extraction time of 46 min, and NaOH concentration of 4.15%. The crude extract was precipitated by 50% ethanol, which obtained a purified ChS with 23.7% yield and 82.3% purity. The purified ChS measured by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) had a carbon to sulfur molar ratio of approximately 14:1. The FTIR, 1H, and 13C NMR confirmed jumbo squid ChS were present in the form of chondroitin-4-sulfate and chondroitin-6-sulfate, with a 4S/6S ratio of 1.62. The results of this study provide an efficient process for production and purification of ChS, and are significant for the development and utilization of ChS from jumbo squid cartilage in the nutrient food or pharmaceutical industries.

Evaluation of Chemical Compositions, Antioxidant Capacity and Intracellular Antioxidant Action in Fish Bone Fermented with Monascus purpureus.

Fish bones (FBs) are aquatic by-products that are sources of antioxidant-active peptides, calcium dietary supplements, and biomedical materials. Usually, fermentation of these by-products via microorganisms brings desirable changes, enhancing their value. This study investigates the value addition of FB when fermented with Monascus purpureus (MP) for different time intervals, such as 3 days (F3) and 6 days (F6). The results indicate that the soluble protein, peptide, amino acid and total phenol content, as well as the antioxidant capacity (DPPH, ABTS+ radical scavenging activity, and relative reducing power), of F3 and F6 were significantly increased after fermentation. Furthermore, the ROS contents of F3 and F6 were reduced to a greater extent than that of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in Clone-9 cells. The MMP integrity, as well as the SOD, CAT, and GPx activity, of F3 and F6 were also increased significantly compared to the H2O2 in Clone-9 cells. Notably, F3 and F6 displayed significant reductions in ROS content, as well as elevate, SOD activity and MMP integrity in Clone-9 cells, when compared with the native FB. These results indicate that the FBs fermented with MP for 3 days (F3), and 6 days (F6) have antioxidant capacity, with possible applications as natural food supplements.

The Anti-Obesity Effects of Lemon Fermented Products in 3T3-L1 Preadipocytes and in a Rat Model with High-Calorie Diet-Induced Obesity.

Lemon (Citrus limon) has antioxidant, immunoregulatory, and blood lipid-lowering properties. This study aimed to determine the effect of the lemon fermented product (LFP) which is lemon fermented with Lactobacillus OPC1 to prevent obesity. The inhibition of lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes is examined using a Wistar rat model fed a high-fat diet to verify the anti-obesity efficacy and mechanism of LFP. Here, it was observed that LFP reduced cell proliferation and inhibited the lipid accumulation (8.3%) of 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Additionally, LFP reduced body weight (9.7%) and fat tissue weight (25.7%) of rats; reduced serum TG (17.0%), FFA (17.9%), glucose (29.3%) and ketone body (6.8%); and increased serum HDL-C (17.6%) and lipase activity (17.8%). LFP regulated the mRNA expression of genes related to lipid metabolism (PPARγ, C/EBPα, SREBP-1c, HSL, ATGL, FAS, and AMPK). Therefore, LFP reduces body weight and lipid accumulation by regulating the mRNA expression of genes related to lipid metabolism. Overall, our results implicate LFP as a potential dietary supplement for the prevention of obesity.

Network pharmacology study on the mechanism of the herb pair of prepared Rehmannia root-Chinese arborvitae kernel for anxiety disorders.

BACKGROUND: Although anxiety disorders are one of the most common mental illness in population, antianxiety drugs often only have single action targets, require long-term use, and are associated with many adverse reactions and dependencies. Professor Yan Zhaojun from Shandong Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has applied the modified Renshu Powder, a TCM formula, to treat anxiety disorders, with satisfactory outcomes. Here, we investigated the mechanism of action of two core herbs (prepared Rehmannia root and Chinese arborvitae kernel) in the Renshu Powder in the treatment of anxiety disorders by using network pharmacology approaches. METHODS: Candidate compounds of the herb pair of prepared Rehmannia root-Chinese arborvitae kernel were extracted via the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology (TCMSP) platform. The targets of action of the main compounds were collected using the SwissTargetPrediction database. Targets associated with anxiety disorders were retrieved from DisGeNET, Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM), DrugBank, GeneCards, and Comparative Toxicogenomics Database (CTD) databases. The compound-target interaction network was constructed by Cytoscape 3.7.2 software, and the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes/Proteins (STRING) platform. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses the data by using Metascape. RESULTS: The main active compounds of the herb pair included arachidonic acid, stigmasterol, and beta-sitosterol. The key targets included Nitric Oxide Synthase 3 (NOS3), Epidermal growth factor (EGF), Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthase 2 (PTGS2), Caspase 3 (CASP3), Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 1 (MAPK1), Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARG), RELA Proto-Oncogene, NF-KB Subunit (RELA), Estrogen Receptor 1 (ESR1), Solute Carrier Family 6 Member 4 (SLC6A4), and Phosphatase and Tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN). Anxiety disorder-related GO analysis mainly involved synaptic signaling, neurotransmitter receptor activity, and G protein-coupled neurotransmitter receptor activity. The KEGG pathways involved neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, serotonergic synapse, PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, and MAPK signaling pathway. CONCLUSIONS: The mechanism of action of the prepared Rehmannia root-Chinese arborvitae kernel in treating anxiety disorders involves multiple ingredients, multiple targets, and pathways.

Kinesio Taping combined with electroacupuncture for the treatment of patellofemoral disorder in middle-aged and elderly exercise enthusiasts / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the clinical efficacy of Kinesio Taping combined with electroacupuncture in the treatment of patellofemoral disorder in middle-aged and elderly exercise enthusiasts.@*METHODS@#From April 2018 to April 2020, 62 middle-aged and elderly exercisers with patellofemoral disorder were selected and divided into observation group and control group. In the observation group, there were 30 cases:12 males and 18 females, aged from 35 to 66 years old, with an average age of (48.32±6.80) years old. The observation group was treated with Kinesio Taping and electroacupuncture . In the control group, there were 32 cases:12 males and 20 females, aged from 35 to 67 years old, with an averageage of (48.67±8.13) years old. The patients in the control group was treated with knee electroacupuncture. All the patients in both groups were treated once every other day, 3 times a week, for a total of 4 weeks. The VAS pain score and knee Lysholm score before and after treatment were compared between the two groups before and after treatment, and statistical analysis was conducted.@*RESULTS@#In the control group, 2 patients were not satisfied with the curative effect after 2 weeks of treatment and gave up treatment, while the remaining 60 patients completed all the treatments. After 4 weeks of treatment, the VAS and Lyshlom scores of the control group were 2.73±1.46 and 75.63±8.62 respectively;the VAS and Lyshlom scores of the observation group were 2.02±1.85 and 83.31±5.53 respectively;the VAS and Lyshlom scores of the observation group and the control group were better than those before treatment, and the Lyshlom scores of the observation group were better than those of the control group.@*CONCLUSION@#Kinesio Taping combined with electroacupuncture is aimed at patellofemoral disorderof middle-aged and elderly sports enthusiasts. It has little trauma, can relieve pain and has a fast onset speed, which is readily accepted by patients, and promotes the rehabilitation of knee joint function of patients, thus providing a favorable reference for the promotion in clinical application.

Utilizing network pharmacology to explore the underlying mechanism of Qiangzhi decoction in treating Tourette's syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Tourette's syndrome (TS) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by multiple motor and vocal tics. Qiangzhi decoction (QD), a well-known herbal decoction, has been used in treating TS in China for decades. We have found relevance between the indications of QD and the classic symptoms of TS. The pharmacological mechanisms of QD in treating TS are still unclear. METHODS: The active compounds of QD were extracted from multi-database, including TCMSP (the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology database), and potential targets of the compounds were compiled by target fishing. The TS target database was established, and then the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed to analyze the interactions between the potential targets of compounds in QD and targets associated with TS and screened the core targets by topology. The DAVID bioinformatics database was used to conduct the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis. RESULTS: 59 active molecules and 585 potential targets of QD were selected. The consequences of the DAVID enrichment analysis show that 36 cellular biological processes (FDR <0.01) and 65 pathways (FDR <0.01) of QD chiefly took part in the convoluted treating effects relevant to the dopamine system, inflammation, and infection, and miRNA pathway. Fourteen core targets of QD were found as potential targets of the treatment of TS. CONCLUSIONS: QD could relieve the symptoms of TS through the molecular mechanisms predicted by network pharmacology. This study supplies insight into how network pharmacology can predict traditional Chinese herbal medicine's possible molecular mechanisms (TCHM).

Zheng's massage combined with electroacupuncture in the treatment of reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome of the wrist / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the clinical effects of zheng's massage combined with electroacupuncture in the treatment ofreflex sensory dystrophy syndrome of the wrist.@*METHODS@#From October 2016 to September 2018, 48 cases of reflex sensory dystrophy syndrome of the wrist were divided into the observation group and the control group. In the observation group, there were 24 cases, including 10 males and 14 females, ranging in age from 54 to 76 years old, with an average age of (61.41 ±7.90) years old. The patients in the observation group were treated with massage combined with electroacupuncture. The control group consisted of 24 patients, including 9 males and 15 females, ranging in age from 52 to 75 years old, with an averageage of (58.71±8.11 ) years old. The patients in the control group were treated with electroacupuncture alone. All the patients in both groups were treated for 6 weeks. The clinical symptoms and signs, visual anglogue scale (VAS), Cooney wrist score and clinical efficacy evaluation were compared between the two groups before and after treatment, and statistical analysis was conducted.@*RESULTS@#After 6 weeks of treatment, VAS in the control group was 4.9±1.8, and Cooney wrist score was 74.63±1.72; VAS in the observation group was 2.2±1.4, and Cooney wrist score was 86.31±2.53. The comprehensive scores of VAS and Cooney wrist joint between two groups were improved after treatment, and the observation group was better than control group(<0.05). The curative effect of the observation group was better than that of the control group.@*CONCLUSION@#Zheng's massage combined with electroacupuncture has the following advantages in the treatment of reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome of the wrist, such as small trauma, patients' willingness promoting functional rehabilitation, which is worthy of clinical promotion.

Current advances in biological swine wastewater treatment using microalgae-based processes.

There is an exponential increase in swine farms around the world to meet the increasing demand for proteins, resulting in a significant amount of swine/piggery wastewater. The wastewater produced in swine farms are rich in ammonia with high eutrophication potential and negative environmental impacts. Safe methods for treatment and disposal of swine wastewater have attracted increased research attention in the recent decades. Conventional wastewater treatment methods are limited by the high ammonia content and chemical/biological oxygen demand of swine wastewater. Recently, microalgal cultivation is being proposed for the phytoremediation of swine wastewater. Microalgae are tolerant to high ammonia levels seen in swine wastewater and they also ensure phosphorus removal simultaneously. This review first gives a brief overview on the conventional methods used for swine wastewater treatment. Microalgae-based processes for the clean-up of swine wastewater are discussed in detail, with their potential advantages and limitations. Future research perspectives are also presented.

Transcriptional profiling of uterine leiomyoma rats treated by a traditional herb pair, Curcumae rhizoma and Sparganii rhizoma.

The aim of this study was to elucidate the concise effects of a traditional herb pair, Curcumae rhizoma-Sparganii rhizoma (CRSR), on uterine leiomyoma (UL) by analyzing transcriptional profiling. The UL rat model was made by intramuscular injection of progesterone and gavage administration of diethylstilbestrol. From 11 weeks of the establishment of the model, rats of the UL+CRSR group were gavaged daily with CRSR (6.67 g/kg). The serum concentrations of progesterone (P) and estradiol (E2) were determined by radioimmunoassay, the uterine index was measured by caliper measurement, and the pathological status was observed by hematoxylin and eosin stain. Gene expression profiling was checked by NimbleGen Rat Gene Expression Microarrays. The results indicated that the uterine mass of UL+CRSR rats was significantly shrunk and serum P and E2 levels significantly reduced compared to UL animals and nearly to the level of normal rats. Results of microarrays displayed the extensive inhibition of CRSR upon the expression of proliferation and deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM)-related genes, and significantly regulated a wide range of metabolism disorders. Furthermore, CRSR extensively regulated key pathways of the UL process, such as MAPK, PPAR, Notch, and TGF-ß/Smad. Regulation of the crucial pathways for the UL process and ECM metabolism may be the underlying mechanisms of CRSR treatment. Further studies will provide clear clues for effectively treating UL with CRSR.