Purification mechanism of microbial metabolism in kitchen-oil wastewater enhanced by cationic vacancies on γ-Al2O3.

The use of catalyst materials to mediate the enhancement of microbial degradation in wastewater is a new economic and energy saving breakthrough in water treatment technology. In this study, γ-Al2O3, which is commonly used as catalyst/carrier, is used as biological filler to treat kitchen-oil wastewater with low biodegradability, and the COD removal rate is about 50 %. It is found that the complexation of cationic vacancies on Al2O3 surface with extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) secreted by microorganisms in wastewater lead to the polarization of electron distribution on biofilm. The efficient degrading bacteria are enriched on reaction interface and obtain electrons to maintain electron dynamic balance by enhancing the transmembrane metabolism of pollutants. The aluminum vacancies on Al2O3 surface accelerate the microbial degradation of pollutants. The cationic vacancies in the structure of catalyst accelerate the acquisition of exogenous electrons by microorganisms without the addition of external energy, which provides a new idea for catalytic fillers to enhance wastewater degradation.

Emulsifying properties of a ferulic acid-grafted curdlan conjugate and its contribution to the chemical stability of ß-carotene.

A biopolymer-polyphenol conjugate-stabilized oil-in-water emulsion system was established to improve the chemical stability and bioaccessibility of ß-carotene (BC). In this study, the emulsifying properties and contribution of a ferulic acid-grafted curdlan conjugate (Cur-D-g-FA) to the chemical stability of BC were investigated. Results showed that the emulsification ability of emulsions stabilized by Cur-D-g-FA remarkably increased with an increasing concentration from 0.05% to 0.8% (w/v) along with decreasing average droplet sizes, negatively charged zeta potentials, and uniform size distributions. The emulsions stabilized by 0.8% Cur-D-g-FA exhibited pronounced shear thinning and solid-like elastic properties as well as satisfactory oxidation stability. The emulsions stabilized by 0.8% Cur-D-g-FA had excellent ability to improve the chemical stability of BC when exposed to different environmental stresses and resulted in the favorable bioaccessibility of BC in vitro. The results prove that Cur-D-g-FA as a promising stabilizer has great potential to protect liposoluble nutrients in food-grade emulsion-delivery systems.

Self-Assembled Hybrid Nanocomposites for Multimodal Imaging-Guided Photothermal Therapy of Lymph Node Metastasis.

Multimodal imaging-guided therapy holds great potential for precise theranostics of cancer metastasis. However, imaging agents enabling the convergence of complementary modalities with therapeutic functions to achieve perfect theranostics have been less exploited. This study reports the construction of a multifunctional nanoagent (FIP-99mTc) that comprises Fe3O4 for magnetic resonance imaging, radioactive 99mTc for single-photon-emission computed tomography, and IR-1061 to serve for the second near-infrared fluorescence imaging, photoacoustic imaging, and photothermal therapy treatment of cancer metastasis. The nanoagent possessed superior multimodal imaging capability with high sensitivity and resolution attributing to the complement of all the imaging modalities. Moreover, the nanoagent showed ideal photothermal conversion ability to effectively kill tumor cells at low concentration and power laser irradiation. In the in vivo study, FIP-99mTc confirmed the fast accumulation and clear delineation of metastatic lymph nodes within 1 h after administration. Attributing to the efficient uptake and photothermal conversion, FIP-99mTc could raise the temperature of metastatic lymph nodes to 54 °C within 10 min laser irradiation, so as to facilitate tumor cell ablation. More importantly, FIP-99mTc not only played an active role in suppressing cancer growth in metastatic lymph nodes with high efficiency but also could effectively prevent further lung metastasis after resection of the primary tumor. This study proposes a simple but effective theranostic approach toward lymph node metastasis.

Conjugation of ferulic acid onto pectin affected the physicochemical, functional and antioxidant properties.

BACKGROUND: Pectin, as a functional ingredient, is best known as a gelling and thickening agent, stabilizer, and fat substitute in processed foods. The synthesis of pectin graft copolymers is considered one of the most fascinating ways to improve its physicochemical and functional properties. In this study, therefore, water-soluble pectin or ultrasound-treated pectins (UP30 and UP60) grafted with ferulic acid (FA) conjugates, pectin-g-FA, UP30-g-FA and UP60-g-FA, were synthesized via a free radical-mediated grafting procedure, and their physicochemical, structural, and functional characteristics were investigated. Moreover, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH)-radical scavenging activity, Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) assay and ferric-reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) assay were used to evaluate their antioxidant activities in vitro. RESULTS: Results showed that FA was covalently grafted onto pectin or ultrasound-treated pectins, and the grafting ratios of pectin-g-FA, UP30-g-FA and UP60-g-FA were 65.43 ± 1.30, 82.55 ± 1.71 and 75.82 ± 0.89 mg FA/g, respectively. Although the molecular weights, apparent viscosities, and thermal stabilities of the three FA-grafted pectin conjugates decreased and their surface morphologies were different from those of native pectin and ultrasound-treated pectins, they possessed prominent DPPH-radical scavenging ability [half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50 ) of 0.32 to 0.89 mg mL-1 ) and antioxidant capacity (TEAC of 100.02 to 153.42 µmol Trolox/g sample; FRAP: 166.41 to 270.27 µmol FeSO4 /g sample). Their antioxidant potentials were positively correlated with the grafting ratio. CONCLUSION: This study provided a promising strategy for the functionalization of pectin, and the prepared FA-grafted pectin conjugates could be explored as functional ingredients that showed potential for applications in food and agriculture systems. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effect of ultrasonic intensity on the conformational changes in citrus pectin under ultrasonic processing.

In this study, the effects of ultrasonic intensity on conformational changes in aqueous citrus pectin solution under ultrasonic processing and its possible transition mechanism were investigated. The results demonstrated that higher ultrasonic intensity (104.7 W/cm2) caused larger alterations in the molecular and conformational parameters of the semiflexible pectin (Mark-Houwink relation exponent a: 0.820, conformational parameter α: 0.607, structural parameter ρ: 2.22) in aqueous solution. Meanwhile, the semiflexible chain of pectin became more flexible (a: 0.804, α: 0.601, ρ: 1.75) at higher ultrasonic intensity in aqueous solution, as was verified by atomic force microscopy. Moreover, conformational changes in pectin from semiflexible chains to flexible chains or even flexible coils (a: 0.791, α: 0.597, ρ: 1.70) could be attributed to the decreased degree of methoxylation and neutral sugars in side chains and the destruction of inter- and intramolecular hydrogen bonds under ultrasonic processing. Therefore, these results have important implications for understanding the ultrasonic modification of pectin.

Quaternized curdlan/pectin polyelectrolyte complexes as biocompatible nanovehicles for curcumin.

In this study, a positively charged quaternized curdlan (Qcurd) was used to fabricate polyelectrolyte complex nanoparticles (PEC NPs) with a negatively charged pectin via electrostatic complexation. Results showed that the Qcurd/pectin PEC NPs prepared with 0.5 mg/mL Qcurd and pectin solutions, 1:2 pectin/Qcurd mass ratio, and pH 4.0 in the absence of NaCl were characterized by a spherical morphology in nanoscale, an average particle size of 68 nm, and good dispersibility in aqueous solutions. Curcumin was encapsulated in the Qcurd/pectin PEC NPs through hydrogen bonding with an encapsulation efficiency of ∼82%, a loading content of 13%, and a pH-dependent controlled release. Curcumin-loaded PEC NPs exhibited a significantly enhanced water solubility, excellent free radical scavenging ability and antioxidant capacity in vitro as compared with those of free curcumin.

Effects of Gandouling on ROS and Nrf2 of Neural Stem Cells of Mice Cultured in High Concentration Copper / 中国中医药信息杂志

Objective To observe the effects of Gandouling on reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, the expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) mRNA and protein of neural stem cells of the mice cultured in high concentration copper. Methods The model of neural stem cells of the mice was cultured in vitro with high concentration copper. The experimental rats were randomly divided into blank control group, model group, and Gandouling low-, medium-, and high-dose groups. Each medication group was given relevant concentration of Gandouling serum for gavage. The MTT was adopted to test proliferation level on neural stem cells; flow cytometer was used to examine the change of ROS level in cells; qPCR was used to measure the expression of Nrf2 mRNA;Western blot was used to measure the change of the level of protein Nrf2 in cells. Results Compared with the blank control group, the proliferation rate of neural stem cells was significantly decreased, ROS levels were significantly increased, and Nrf2 gene and protein expression was significantly decreased (P＜0.01). Compared with the model group, neural stem cells proliferation rate was significantly increased, ROS levels were significantly reduced, and Nrf2 gene and protein expression was significantly increased (P＜0.05, P＜0.01). Conclusion Gandouling can promote the proliferation of neural stem cells in mice by reducing ROS content in high copper-loaded mice and up-regulating Nrf2 expression.

[Simultaneous determination of thirteen components in Polygoni Multifori Caulis by UPLC-MS/MS].

A comprehensive analytical method based on UPLC-MS/MS was developed for the simultaneous determination of thirteen components including three stilbenes (stilbeneglucoside, polydatin, resveratrol), four anthraquinones (emodin, physcion, emodin-8-ß-D-glucopyranoside, aloe-emodin), five flavonoids (epicatechin, rutin, hyperoside, astragalin,quercetin) and one phenolic acid (gallic acid) in Polygoni Multifori Caulis.The separation was carried out on a Waters BEH C18 column（2.1 mm×100 mm,1.7 µm）with gradient elution of acetonitrile-water (0.1% acetic acid) at a flow rate of 0.25 mL•min⁻¹, and column temperature was 35 ℃. The target compounds were analyzed by multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode. TOPSIS analysis ware performed to evaluate the samples from different areas and commercial herbs according to the contents of thirteen components. The correlation coefficients of all the calibration curves were higher than 0.991 5. The average recoveries ranged from 95.24% to 102.3%, and the relative standard deviations were less than 5%. The result of TOPSIS analysis showed that the comprehensive quality of Polygoni Multifori Caulis sample from Guangzhou was better. The developed method with good repeatability and accuracy was suitable for the simultaneous determination of multiple functional substances, which provided a new basis for the comprehensive assessment and overall control of the quality of Polygoni Multifori Caulis.

[Typical Medicinal Plants Community and Diversity Research in Altay Region of Xinjiang].

Objective: To investigate typical medicinal plants of Rheum altaicum, Glycyrrhiza uralensis, Ferula sinkiangensis, Paeonia sinjiangensis, Ephedra equisetina, and Origanum vulgare in Altay region of Xinjiang, and to clarify their current existing situation under natural condition. Methods: Based on the 30 sample plots, ecological methods were used for investigating the community structure and species diversity of local medicinal plants. Results: 39 species belonging to 20 families,36 genera were recorded in the area. Xerophytic shrubs, half shrubs and herbs were dominant plants. The important values of six typical medicinal plants were 0. 32,0. 37,0. 42,0. 50,0. 49 and 0. 34,respectively. Six indexes of species diversity were generally low( 0. 63 ~ 0. 80),in which the species diversity indexes of Paeonia sinjiangensis, Ferula sinkiangensis, and Rheum altaicum were the highest( 0. 80,0. 80 and 0. 76),the species diversity indexes of Ephedra equisetina and Origanum vulgare were lower( 0. 74 and 0. 64),and the species diversity index of Glycyrrhiza uralensis was the lowest( 0. 63). Conclusion: Composition and community structure of medicinal plant species in Altay region of Xinjiang were relatively simple, which need to be protected urgently.

[QTRAP LC-MS/MS Analytical Study on Nucleosides and Nucleobases of Pseudostellariae Radix Cultivated in Different Idioplasm Resources].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze nucleosides and nucleobases of Pseudostellariae Radix cultivated in different idibplasni resources and to compare the differences. METHODS: QTRAP LC-MS/MS method was applied for the analysis of 13 kinds of nucleosides and nucleobases in Pseudostellariae Radix and the data obtained was analyzed by SPSS 16. 0 software. RESULTS: There were some differences between Pseudostellariae Radix cultivated in different idioplasm resources. The highest amount of nucleosides and nucleobases was ZS2 which came from Zherong in Fujian Province. The total content of nucleosides and nucleobases in the sample from Shibing in Guizhou Province was the lowest. There was little difference between ZS1 (Zherong in Fujian Province) and XC(Xuancheng in Anhui Province). CONCLUSION: This study provides evidence for the influence of eco-environment on the metabolites of Pseudostellariae Radix.

Dynamic accumulation analysis on bioactive constituents of Polygonum multiflorum in different collection periods.

To study the dynamic change law of bioactive constituents from Polygonum multiflorum, and to explore the optimal harvest period of P. multiflorum. Determination of stilhene glucoside, anthraquinones and catechin from P. multiflorum in different harvest times by MEKC-DAD, and principal component analysis (PCA) was used to comprehensive evaluation for bioactive constituents. There are obvious differences among the contents of active ingredients in various collecting periods samples, the content of stilbene glucoside was the highest in November, the total content of combined anthraquinone was the highest in November and December, the content of catechin was the highest in September. The comprehensive evaluation index obtained with principal component analysis showed that the sample collected in November is significantly higher than those with other samples. The optimal harvest period of P. multiflorum is November.

Two chlorinated benzofuran derivatives from the marine fungus Pseudallescheria boydii.

The marine fungus Pseudallescheria boydii was isolated from the inner tissue of the starfish Acanthaster planci. This fungus was cultured in a high salinity glucose-peptone-yeast extract (GPY) medium. Two new chlorinated benzofuran derivatives, 6-chloro-2-(2-hydroxypropan-2-yl)-2,3-dihydro-5 hydroxybenzofuran (1) and 7-chloro-2-(2-hydroxypropan-2-yl)-2,3-dihydro-5-hydroxybenzofuran (2), were obtained from the extract of the culture broth. Their structures were determined by analysis of the NMR and MS data.

[Dynamic Changes of Nucleosides and Nucleobases in Different Harvest Periods of Polygoni Multiflori Radix by UPLC-QTRAP-MS/MS].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the dynamic changes of nucleosides and nucleobases in Polygoni Multiflori Radix harvested in different periods. METHODS: UPLC-QTRAP-MS/MS method was applied for the analysis of nine kinds of nucleosides and nucleobases in Polygoni Multiflori Radix. RESULTS: The content of uridine, adenine, guanosine and cytidine was higher in Polygoni Multiflori Radix harvested in different periods and assumed some difference. The trends of nucleosides and nucleobases from Polygoni Multiflori Radix according to the peak valley shape changed. The highest contents of them were in December. CONCLUSION: The accumulation of nucleosides and nucleobases in Polygoni Multiflori Radix is closely related to its growth cycle. It is found to be basically the same as that obtained when the herb is collected during the conventional collecting time.

On connotation of Jin's three-needle technique / 中国针灸

Jin's three-needle technique is named after Professor JIN Rui. The connotation of Jin's three-needle technique is summarized by his followers through long-term teaching and clinical practice. His principle and method of point combination are based on syndrome differentiation of acupuncture. And his unique needling technique and treating principle of mental tranquilization also play an important role in his clinical practice.

[Bacterial biodiversity in the groundwater contaminated by oil].

An oil-contaminated groundwater sample was collected at an abandoned petrochemical factory.Bacterial genome DNA was extracted for the 16S rDNA gene amplification,and then a bacterial 16S rDNA gene clone library was constructed. After the phylogenetic analysis of 16S rDNA sequences, bacterial diversity and community structure of the groundwater were studied. The results showed the bacteria in the groundwater could be divided into 10 groups, which were as follows: gamma-Proteobacteria (49.1%), alpha-Proteobacteria (12.9%), beta-Proteobacteria (11.1%), Bacteroidetes (9.2%), Verrucomicrobia (6.7%), Acidobacteria (2.5%), delta-Proteobacteria (1.2%), Actinobacteria (1.2%), Planctomycetes (0.6%), unidentified bacteria (5.5%). Gamma-Proteobacteria was predominant in the ecosystem (near 50% of total clones), and especially Pseudomonas accounted for 35.6% of all bacteria. Many clones also affiliated with other degrading bacteria,such as Sphingomornas, Rhodococcus, Brevundimonas. Furthermore, a lot of 16S rDNA sequences in the clone library had high similarity to the ones originated from similar polluted environments, such as soil and groundwater contaminated with chlorinated hydrocarbon, soil and groundwater contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon, soil contaminated with PCBs, antibiotics production wastewater and activated sludge, which proved that there were lots of degrading bacteria population in the oil-contaminated water.

Design of double ultrasound pulse transmitting and receiving circuits used in ultrasound thermometry / 中国医疗器械杂志

This paper introduces double ultrasound pulse transmitting and receiving circuits used in ultrasound thermometry. Using the circuits, double ultrasound pulses could be made synchronously to satisfy the requirements of ultrasound thermometry, and the weak ultrasound echo signals are received successfully. The crux experiment waveform offered shows that the circuits have high reliability.