Evaluation of compliance of CONSORT-CHM formula 2017 in randomized controlled trials of Chinese herbal medicine formulas: protocol of a five-year review.

Background: The CONSORT Extension for Chinese Herbal Medicine Formula 2017 (CONSORT-CHM Formula 2017) has established a reporting standard for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of Chinese Herbal Medicine Formula (CHMF) interventions; however, its adherence and implications for the design and execution of study design remain ambiguous. It is necessary to evaluate the level of compliance with the CONSORT-CHM Formula 2017 in RCTs conducted over the past 5 years, and to determine the reporting quality of clinical trials in this field. Methods: First, a systematic search is conducted for RCTs on CHMF in EBM Reviews, Allied and Complementary Medicine (AMED), Embase, Ovid-MEDLINE(R), Wanfang data, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), VIP Chinese Medical Journal Database (VIP) and Chinese Biomedical Literature (CBM) database, that encompassed CHMF interventional RCTs published from 1 January 2018 to 8 June 2022, with language restriction to English or Chinese. Second, a descriptive analysis will be performed regarding the study design and general characteristics of the included trials. Third, for the quality assessment, we have subdivided the CONSORT-CHM Formula 2017 checklist (consisting of 22 extended items) into a total of 42 sub-questions to facilitate scoring, with a specific focus on the description, quality control, and safety assessment of CHMF interventions. Professional training and a pilot test on 100 randomly selected articles will be provided for all reviewers. Throughout this process, a standard operating procedure (SOP) for quality assessment will be developed to ensure consistency. Each item will be assessed by two reviewers in a paired back-to-back manner, and the compliance rate will be calculated to assess inter-rater agreement. Discussion: This review will identify the current reporting characteristics and quality of CHMF interventional studies and further evaluate the impact of CONSORT-CHM Formula 2017. The results may provide suggestions for future application or promotion of the guideline. Registration: The study has been registered on Open Science Framework (https://osf.io/xpn7f).

Novel process for organic wastewater treatment using aerobic composting technology: Shifting from pollutant removal towards resource recovery.

In this study, an organic wastewater treatment process based on aerobic composting technology was developed in order to explore the transition of wastewater treatment from pollutants removal to resource recovery. The novelty of the process focuses towards the microbial metabolic heat that is often ignored during the composting, and taking advantage of this heat for wastewater evaporation to achieve zero-discharge treatment. Meanwhile, this process can retain the wastewater's nutrients in the composting substrate to realize the recovery of resources. This study determined the optimum condition for the process (initial water content of 50 %, C/N ratio of 25:1, ventilation rate of 3 m3/h), and 69.9 % of the total heat generated by composting was used for wastewater treatment under the condition. The HA/FA ratio of composting substrate increased from 0.07 to 0.53 after wastewater treatment, and the retention ratio of TOC and TN was 52.3 % and 61.7 %, respectively, which proved the high recycling value of the composting products. Thermoduric and thermophilic bacteria accounted for 44.3 % of the community structure at the maturation stage, which played a pivotal role in both pollutant removal and resource recovery.

Reporting quality of randomized controlled trials of angina pectoris with integrated traditional Chinese and western medicine interventions: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Integrated traditional Chinese and western medicine (ITCWM), as a representative type of complex intervention, is commonly used for the treatment of angina pectoris (AP) in clinical practice. However, it is unclear whether the details of ITCWM interventions, such as rationale for selection and design, implementation and potential interactions for different therapies, were adequately reported. Therefore, this study aimed to describe the reporting characteristics and quality in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of AP with ITCWM interventions. METHODS: Through a search of 7 electronic databases, we identified RCTs of AP with ITCWM interventions published in both English and Chinese from 1st Jan 2017 to 6th Aug 2022. The general characteristics of included studies were summarized, further, the quality of reporting was assessed based on three Checklists, including the CONSORT with 36 items (except for one item 1b about abstract), the CONSORT for abstracts (17 items), and a self-designed ITCWM-related checklist (21 items covering rationale and details of interventions, outcome assessment and analysis). The quality of RCTs published in English and Chinese, as well as journals and dissertations were also compared. RESULTS: A total of 451 eligible RCTs were included. For the reporting compliance, the mean score (95% Confidence Interval) of the CONSORT (72 scores in total), CONSORT for abstract (34 scores in total), and ITCWM-related (42 scores in total) checklists was 27.82 (27.44-28.19), 14.17 (13.98-14.37) and 21.06 (20.69-21.43), respectively. More than half items were evaluated as poor quality (reporting rate < 50%) among each Checklist. Moreover, the reporting quality of publications in English journals was higher than that in Chinese journals in terms of the CONSORT items. The reporting of published dissertations was better than that in journal publications regarding both the CONSORT and ITCWM-specific items. CONCLUSION: Although the CONSORT appears to have enhanced the reporting of RCTs in AP, the quality of ITCWM specifics is variable and in need of improvement. Reporting guideline of the ITCWM recommendations should be developed thus to improve their quality.

STandards for Reporting Interventions in Clinical Trials Of Tuina/Massage (STRICTOTM): Extending the CONSORT statement.

OBJECTIVES: Massage is a common therapy of nonpharmacological treatments, particularly in Tuina (Chinese massage) as its most common style, detailed guidance in reporting the intervention is warranted for its evaluation and replication. Based on the CONSORT (Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials), we aimed to develop an Extension for Tuina/Massage, namely "The STandards for Reporting Interventions in Clinical Trials Of Tuina/Massage (STRICTOTM)." METHODS: A group of professional clinicians, trialists, methodologists, developers of reporting guidelines, epidemiologists, statisticians, and editors has developed this STRICTOTM checklist through a standard methodology process recommended by the EQUATOR (Enhancing the QUAlity and Transparency of Health Research) Network, including prospective registration, literature review, draft of the initial items, three rounds of the Delphi survey, consensus meeting, pilot test, and finalization of the guideline. RESULTS: A checklist of seven items (namely Tuina/Massage rationale, details of Tuina/Massage, intervention regimen, other components of the intervention, Tuina/Massage provider background, control or comparator interventions, and precaution measures), and 16 subitems were developed. Explanations and examples (E&E) for each item are also provided. CONCLUSIONS: The working group hopes that the STRICTOTM, in conjunction with both the CONSORT statement and extension for nonpharmacologic treatment, can improve the reporting quality and transparency of Tuina/Massage clinical research.

A critical review on adsorptive removal of antimony from waters: Adsorbent species, interface behavior and interaction mechanism.

Antimony (Sb) has raised widespread concern because of its negative effects on ecology and human health. The extensive use of antimony-containing products and corresponding Sb mining activities have discharged considerable amounts of anthropogenic Sb into the environment, especially the water environment. Adsorption has been employed as the most effective strategy for Sb sequestration from water; thus, a comprehensive understanding of the adsorption performance, behavior and mechanisms of adsorbents benefits to develop the optimal adsorbent to remove Sb and even drive its practical application. This review presents a holistic analysis of adsorbent species with the ability to remove Sb from water, with a special emphasis on the Sb adsorption behavior of various adsorption materials and their Sb-adsorbent interaction mechanisms. Herein, we summarize research results based on the characteristic properties and Sb affinities of reported adsorbents. Various interactions, including electrostatic interactions, ion exchange, complexation and redox reactions, are fully reviewed. Relevant environmental factors and adsorption models are also discussed to clarify the relevant adsorption processes. Overall, iron-based adsorbents and corresponding composite adsorbents show relatively excellent Sb adsorption performance and have received widespread attention. Sb removal mainly depends on chemical properties of the adsorbent and Sb itself, and complexation is the main driving force for Sb removal, assisted by electrostatic attraction. The future directions of Sb removal by adsorption focus on the shortcomings of current adsorbents; more attention should be given to the practicability of adsorbents and their disposal after use. This review contributes to the development of effective adsorbents for removing Sb and provides an understanding of Sb interfacial processes during Sb transport and the fate of Sb in the water environment.

Consistency in the prevalence and associated factors of frailty determined by two instruments among hospitalised older adults: A cross-sectional study.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To investigate the consistency in the prevalence and associated factors of frailty determined by the physical-originated Fatigue, Resistance, Ambulation, Illnesses and Loss of weight (FRAIL) scale and the multidimensional Tilburg Frailty Indicators (TFI) scale. BACKGROUND: Accurate assessment of frailty and the identification of its associated factors could guide the development and implementation of holistic and individualised treatment plan. However, recommendations regarding the selection of frailty assessment tools are inconclusive. DESIGN: This is a cross-sectional study, the reporting of which followed the STROBE guidelines. METHODS: A total of 1220 older adults were recruited from a university affiliated tertiary hospital in Xi'an City, Northwest China, and administrated with a social-demographic and health-related information sheet, the FRAIL, the TFI, the Short-Form Mini-Nutritional Assessment, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and the 5-level EuroQol 5 dimensions questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression analysis were used to investigate the prevalence of frailty and its associated factors. RESULTS: The prevalence of physical-originated and multidimensional frailty was 55.2% and 77.6%, respectively. The consistency between the two scales was low. Taking the combined use of the two instruments as the reference, the TFI and FRAIL could identify 89.99% and 64.02% of the participants with frailty. Polypharmacy, health-related quality of life and sleep quality were found to be associated with both physical-originated and multidimensional frailty. Nutritional status and level of physical activity were additionally identified as the independent associated factors of multidimensional frailty. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of frailty among hospitalised older adults is high. There is low consistency between the FRAIL and TFI in detecting frailty. The TFI exhibited higher sensitivity in detecting individuals with frailty and its associated factors. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: The findings of this study supported a single use of the TFI for the assessment of frailty in the hospital setting.

[Anti-inflammation mechanism of electro-scalp acupuncture in treatment of ischemic stroke based on IL-12 mediated JAK/STAT signaling pathway].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the impact of electro-scalp acupuncture (ESA) on the neural function and inflammatory response of ischemic cortex in the model rats with ischemic stroke and explore the anti-inflammation mechanism of ESA in treatment of ischemic stroke from the perspective of modulating the interleukin 12 (IL-12) mediated JAK (Janus kinase)/STAT (signal transduction and transcription activator) signal pathway. METHODS: Ninety male SD rats were randomized into a normal group (n =16) and a model preparation group (n=74). In the model preparation group, the model of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) was duplicated with suture-occlusion method. After modeled successfully, 48 rats with neurological deficit score of 1-3 were divided into a model group, an inhibitor group and an ESA group, 16 rats in each one. In the inhibitor group, IL-12 inhibitor (apilimod, 5 mg/kg) was used via intragastric administration. In the ESA group, the anterior oblique line of vertex-temporal (MS6) was stimulated bilaterally with electric acupuncture, with disperse-dense wave, 2 Hz/100 Hz in frequency, 1 mA in current intensity. The needles were retained for 30 min. The treatment was given once daily and for 7 days in above two intervention groups. Before and after intervention, the neurological deficit score (NDS) and neurobehavioral score (NBS) were assessed in each group. HE staining method was adopted to observe the morphological manifestations of ischemic cortical lesion; the concentrations of IL-12 and IL-12R of the brain tissue in the ischemic cortical lesion were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA); the mRNA expression levels of STAT4 and Tbx21 were detected by real-time PCR technique; and the protein expression of IL-2, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interferon (IFN)-γ and IL-4 were detected using immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: NDS and NBS in the model group, the inhibitor group and the ESA group were all higher than those in the normal group before intervention (P<0.01). After intervention, NDS and NBS in the model group were higher than the normal group (P<0.01); the two scores were all reduced when compared with those before intervention in the inhibitor group and the ESA group (P<0.01), and lower than those of the model group (P<0.01). NDS in the ESA group was lower than the inhibitor group (P<0.05). In the model group, the cells were shrunk and vacuolated in the ischemic cortical lesion. Many normal cells were visible in the ESA group and the inhibitor group. Compared with the normal group, the concentrations of IL-12 and IL-12R , the mRNA expression levels of STAT4 and Tbx21 and the protein expression levels of IL-2, TNF-α and IFN-γ in brain tissue of ischemic cortical lesion were all increased in the model group (P<0.01), while the protein expression level of IL-4 decreased (P<0.01). The concentrations of IL-12 and IL-12R, the mRNA expression levels of STAT4 and Tbx21 and the protein expression levels of IL-2, TNF-α and IFN-γ were all reduced (P<0.01), while the protein expression level of IL-4 increased (P<0.01) in the ESA group and the inhibitor group when compared with the model group. The concentration of IL-12, the mRNA expression levels of STAT4 and Tbx21 and the protein expression levels of IL-2, TNF-α and IFN-γ in the ESA group were all higher than those of the inhibitor group (P<0.05); while the concentration of IL-12R and the protein expression level of IL-4 were lower than the inhibitor group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Electro-scalp acupuncture may improve the neurological function of the rats with ischemic stroke. The modulation to IL-12 mediated JAK/STAT signaling pathway is the potential molecular mechanism of this therapy for the inflammatory response in ischemic cortical lesion.

Modulation effect of chenpi extract on gut microbiota in high-fat diet-induced obese C57BL/6 mice.

The current study employed high-fat diet (HFD) induced murine model to assess the relationship between the lipid-lowering effect of aged citrus peel (chenpi) extract and the alterations of gut microbiota. The results showed that intake of chenpi extract for 12 week dose-dependently suppressed HFD-induced body weight, food intake, Lee's index, together with decreased the level of fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Moreover, chenpi extract administration up-regulated the abundance and diversity of fecal microbiota and down-regulated the ratio of Firmicutes-to-Bacteroidetes, which was characterized by the lower family of Lachnospiraceae, Helicobacteraceae, and Desulfovibrionaceae, and higher family of Bacteroidales_S24-7, Bacteroidaceae, Rikenellaceae, and Ruminococcaceae. Consistently, at the genus levels, chenpi extract treatment reversed the expansions of Helicobacter, Lachnospiraceae_UCG-006, and Desulfovibrio, while increased the abundance of Bacteroides, Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group, and Alistipes (belonging to Rikenellaceae family), Anaerotruncus and Odoribacter (belonging to Ruminococcaceae family), which were significantly negatively correlated with the levels of the serum lipid parameters. In conclusion, our findings indicated that anti-obesity ability of chenpi extract might be related to the improvement of gut microbiota imbalance. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: With the improvement of living standards, the incidence of metabolic diseases such as obesity, hypertension, and diabetes has increased significantly, and it has become a public health problem that seriously affects the health of the people. Chenpi contains a large amount of active ingredients, flavonoids, and other compounds, which can promote the absorption of the digestive system and have good effects on diseases such as the cardiovascular system. Our previous study has confirmed that the chenpi extract effectively regulated the glucose and lipid metabolism disorder induced by high-fat diet. However, it is not clear whether the effect is closely related to the improvement of gut microbiota. Accordingly, our result would provide a theoretical basis for future research on the relationship between obesity, chenpi extract, and gut microbiota, and support additional understanding of its potential anti-obesity effects.

Eradication of solid tumors by chemodynamic theranostics with H2O2-catalyzed hydroxyl radical burst.

Activatable theranostics, integrating high diagnostic accuracy and significant therapeutic effect, holds great potential for personalized cancer treatments; however, their chemodynamic modality is rarely exploited. Herein, we report a new in situ activatable chemodynamic theranostics PAsc/Fe@Cy7QB to specifically recognize and eradicate cancer cells with H2O2-catalyzed hydroxyl radical (•OH) burst cascade. Methods: The nanomicelles PAsc/Fe@Cy7QB were constructed by self-assembly of acid-responsive copolymers incorporating ascorbates and acid-sensitive Schiff base-Fe2+ complexes as well as H2O2-responsive adjuvant Cy7QB. Results: Upon systematic delivery of PAsc/Fe@Cy7QB into cancer cells, the acidic microenvironment triggered disassembly of the nanomicelles. The released Fe2+ catalyzed the oxidation of ascorbate monoanion (AscH-) to efficiently produce H2O2. The released H2O2, together with the endogenous H2O2, could be converted into highly active •OH via the Fenton reaction, resulting in enhanced Fe-mediated T1 magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The synchronously released Cy7QB was activated by H2O2 to produce a glutathione (GSH)-scavenger quinone methide to boost the •OH yield and recover the Cy7 dye for fluorescence and photoacoustic imaging. Conclusion: The biodegradable PAsc/Fe@Cy7QB designed for tumor-selective multimodal imaging and high therapeutic effect provides an exemplary paradigm for precise chemodynamic theranostic.

HSCCC Separation of Three Main Compounds from the Crude Extract of Dracocephalum Tanguticum by Using Dimethyl Sulfoxide as Cosolvent.

Separation of natural compounds directly from the crude extract is a challenging work for traditional column chromatography. In the present study, an efficient method for separation of three main compounds from the crude extract of Dracocephalum tanguticum has been successfully established by high-speed counter-current chromatography (HSCCC). The crude extract was directly introduced into HSCCC by using dimethyl sulfoxide as cosolvent. Ethyl acetate/n-butyl alcohol/0.3% glacial acetic acid (4: 1: 5, v/v) system was used and three target compounds with purity higher than 80% were obtained. Preparative HPLC was used for further purification and three target compounds with purity higher than 98% were obtained. The compounds were identified as chlorogenic acid, pedaliin and pedaliin-6″-acetate.

Protective effects of tryptophan-catabolizing Lactobacillus plantarum KLDS 1.0386 against dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis in mice.

Tryptophan is an essential amino acid for the human body, whose intake is through the diet. Several studies support the theory that microbiota-derived tryptophan metabolite played a crucial role in maintaining the balance between gut microbiota and the mucosal immune system. Previously, we selected the Lactobacillus plantarum KLDS 1.0386 strain with high tryptophan-metabolic activity after the screening of 16 Lactobacillus strains. The current study aimed to assess the effects of L. plantarum KLDS 1.0386 combination with tryptophan in improving ulcerative colitis (UC) induced by dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) and the potential mechanisms involved. Our results showed that L. plantarum KLDS 1.0386 combined with tryptophan (LAB + Trp) decreased DAI score, MPO level, and pro-inflammatory cytokine (TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-6) concentration. It also increased anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-10) production, tight junction proteins (claudin-1, occludin, and ZO-1), and mucin (MUC1 and MUC2) mRNA expressions. The level of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), an important tryptophan metabolite in the liver, serum, and colon, was elevated after LAB + Trp treatment, which further upregulated aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) mRNA expression to activate the IL-22/STAT3 signaling pathway. Moreover, the supplementation with LAB + Trp modulated gut microbiota composition. The present study provided novel insights that can be used to reduce the number of UC patients by employing a method utilizing tryptophan-catabolizing Lactobacillus strains.

[Investigation of benzo(a)pyrene contamination in edible vegetable oil sold in Henan Province from 2017 to 2019].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the contamination of benzo(a)pyrene in edible vegetable oil from Henan Province. METHODS: A total of 1190 edible vegetable oil samples from Henan Province were collected. The concentration of benzo(a)pyrene was examined by high performance liquid chromatography. RESULTS: The concentration of benzo(a)pyrene in prepackaged edible vegetable oils was <0. 3-63. 5 µg/kg with an average of 1. 5 µg/kg. The detection rate of benzo(a)pyrene in samples was 80. 0%, and the over standard rate was 0. 6%. In terms of subclasses of vegetable oil, the sesame seed oil samples were most seriously contaminated with benzo(a)pyrene. The risk of the benzo(a)pyrene contamination of sesame seed oil produced by aqueous extraction method was higher than that by mechanical pressed method. The risk of benzo(a)pyrene contamination in sesame seed oil and rapeseed oil increased as the decrease of quality grade. CONCLUSION: The result suggested that the sesame seed oil produced by aqueous extraction method had high risk in benzo(a)pyrene contamination in Henan Province.

Pollen-Specific Protein PSP231 Activates Callose Synthesis to Govern Male Gametogenesis and Pollen Germination.

Spatiotemporally regulated callose deposition is an essential, genetically programmed phenomenon that promotes pollen development and functionality. Severe male infertility is associated with deficient callose biosynthesis, highlighting the significance of intact callose deposition in male gametogenesis. The molecular mechanism that regulates the crucial role of callose in production of functional male gametophytes remains completely unexplored. Here, we provide evidence that the gradual upregulation of a previously uncharacterized cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) pollen-specific SKS-like protein (PSP231), specifically at the post pollen-mitosis stage, activates callose biosynthesis to promote pollen maturation. Aberrant PSP231 expression levels caused by either silencing or overexpression resulted in late pollen developmental abnormalities and male infertility phenotypes in a dose-dependent manner, highlighting the importance of fine-tuned PSP231 expression. Mechanistic analyses revealed that PSP231 plays a central role in triggering and fine-tuning the callose synthesis and deposition required for pollen development. Specifically, PSP231 protein sequesters the cellular pool of RNA-binding protein GhRBPL1 to destabilize GhWRKY15 mRNAs, turning off GhWRKY15-mediated transcriptional repression of GhCalS4/GhCalS8 and thus activating callose biosynthesis in pollen. This study showed that PSP231 is a key molecular switch that activates the molecular circuit controlling callose deposition toward pollen maturation and functionality and thereby safeguards agricultural crops against male infertility.

Distinct Gut Microbiota and Metabolite Profiles Induced by Different Feeding Methods in Healthy Chinese Infants.

Human milk is closely correlated with infant gut microbiota and is important for infant development. However, most infants receive exclusively insufficient breast milk, and the discordance between effects of commercial formula and human milk exists. To elucidate the differences induced by various feeding methods, we determined microbiota and metabolites composition in fecal samples from 77 healthy infants in Northeast China and identified the differences in various feeding methods. Bacterial 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis demonstrated that the fecal samples of exclusively breastfed (BF) infants were abundant in Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus; the mixed-fed (MF) infants had the highest abundance of Veillonella and Klebsiella; the exclusively formula-fed (FF) infants were enriched in Bacteroides and Blautia; and the complementary food-fed (CF) infants were associated with higher relative abundance of Lachnoclostridium and Akkermansia. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS)-based metabolomics data revealed that the fecal samples of BF infants had the highest abundance of dl-citrulline, threonine, l-proline, l-glutamine, guanine, and l-arginine; the MF infants were abundant in d-maltose, stearidonic acid, capric acid, and myristic acid; the FF infants were enriched in itaconic acid, 4-pyridoxic acid, prostaglandin B2, thymine, dl-α-hydroxybutyric acid, and orotic acid; and the CF infants were associated with higher relative abundance of taurine, l-tyrosine, adenine, and uric acid. Furthermore, compared with the BF infants, the MF and FF infants were more abundant in fatty acid biosynthesis. Collectively, these findings will provide probable explanations for some of the risks and benefits related to infant feeding methods and will support a theoretical basis for the development of infant formula.

Combined chromatographic strategy based on macroporous resin, high-speed counter-current chromatography and preparative HPLC for systematic separation of seven antioxidants from the fruit of Terminalia billerica.

In the present study, combined chromatographic strategy based on macroporous resin, high-speed counter-current chromatography and preparative high-performance liquid chromatography for systematic separation of antioxidants from crude samples guided by high-performance liquid chromatography with 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl has been successfully established. Based on this strategy, seven antioxidants including isorugosin A, ß -1,2,3,6-tetragalloyl-D-glucose, chebulinic acid, 1,2,3,4,6-penta-O-galloyl-ß -D-glucose, chebulagic acid, ethyl gallate, and gallic acid were obtained from the fruit of Terminalia billerica. First, high-performance liquid chromatography with 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl experiment showed the presence of seven main antioxidants in the crude extract of the fruit of Terminalia billerica. Then, a macroporous resin column chromatography method was developed for the enrichment of these seven antioxidants. Finally, an efficient method based on high-speed counter-current chromatography and preparative high-performance liquid chromatography was developed for the separation of these antioxidants. In the selection of solvent systems, it was found that acetic acid could be a good regulator for modifying the partition coefficient values of tannins. The present study provides a reference for systematic separation of antioxidants from crude samples. Considering the general existence of antioxidants in crude samples, this combined chromatographic strategy might lead to broader application prospects.

A cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) WRKY transcription factor (GhWRKY22) participates in regulating anther/pollen development.

Anther/pollen development is a highly programmed process in flowering plants. However, the molecular mechanism of regulating anther/pollen development is still largely unclear so far. Here, we report a cotton WRKY transcription factor (GhWRKY22) that functions in anther/pollen development. Quantitative RT-PCR and GUS activity analyses revealed that GhWRKY22 is predominantly expressed in the late developing anther/pollen of cotton. The transgenic Arabidopsis plants expressing GhWRKY22 displayed the male fertility defect with the fewer viable pollen grains. Expression of the genes involved in jasmonate (JA) biosynthesis was up-regulated, whereas expression of the JA-repressors (JAZ1 and JAZ8) was down-regulated in the transgenic Arabidopsis plants expressing GhWRKY22, compared with those in wild type. Yeast one-hybrid and ChIP-qPCR assays demonstrated that GhWRKY22 modulated the expression of JAZ genes by directly binding to their promoters for regulating anther/pollen development. Yeast two-hybrid assay indicated that GhMYB24 could interact with GhJAZ8-A and GhJAZ13-A. Furthermore, expression of AtMYB24, AtPAL2 and AtANS2 was enhanced in the transgenic Arabidopsis plants, owing to GhWRKY22 overexpression. Taking the data together, our results suggest that GhWRKY22 acts as a transcriptional repressor to regulate anther/pollen development possibly by modulating the expression of the JAZ genes.

Solid alcohol based on waste cooking oil: Synthesis, properties, micromorphology and simultaneous synthesis of biodiesel.

Solid alcohols based on waste cooking oil (WCO) and other edible oils (butter or soybean oil) were synthesized by a simple one-step method. The effects of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) dosage and type of oil on the combustion performances were explored. IR spectroscopy and micro-morphologies of the oil based solid alcohols were also studied. Results showed that, for oil based solid alcohol, use of an appropriate excess of NaOH and an oil with lower iodine value produced the solid alcohol with better combustion performance. Centrifugation produced the bottom waste cooking oil (B-WCO) with lower iodine value and the supernatant waste cooking oil (S-WCO) with higher iodine value. The B-WCO afforded solid alcohol with longer combustion time, higher melting temperature and relatively low combustion residue rate, whereas the S-WCO could be used for synthesizing biodiesel.

A practicable strategy for enrichment and separation of four minor flavonoids including two isomers from barley seedlings by macroporous resin column chromatography, medium-pressure LC, and high-speed countercurrent chromatography.

Separation of minor compounds especially with similar polarities and structures from complex samples is a challenging work. In the present study, an efficient method was successfully established by macroporous resin column chromatography, medium-pressure liquid chromatography, and high-speed countercurrent chromatography for separation of four minor flavonoids from barley seedlings. Macroporous resin column chromatography and medium-pressure liquid chromatography were used for enrichment of these four flavonoids. High-pressure liquid chromatography analysis showed the total content of these four flavonoids increased from 2.2% in the crude extract to 95.3% in the medium-pressure liquid chromatography fraction. It was indicated that the combination of macroporous resin column chromatography and medium-pressure liquid chromatography could be a practicable strategy for enrichment of minor compounds from complex sample. Then, high-speed countercurrent chromatography was employed for separation of these four flavonoids using ethyl acetate/n-butanol/water (0.1% glacial acetic acid) (4:1:5, v/v/v) as solvent system. As a result, four flavonoids including two isomers with purities higher than 98% were obtained. Interestingly, two flavonoids existing in one high-pressure liquid chromatography peak were also successfully separated. All these indicated high-speed countercurrent chromatography had great potential for separation of compounds with similar structures and polarities. This study provides a reference for efficient enrichment and separation of minor compounds from complex sample.

Numerical simulation and experiment on catalytic upgrading of biomass pyrolysis vapors in V-shaped downer reactors.

Catalytic upgrading of biomass pyrolysis vapors is an effective utilization technology of biomass energy. Based on the disadvantages of commonly used reactors, the V-shaped downer reactors were designed to increase gas-solid two-phase turbulent intensity, contact frequency and then increase the catalytic efficiency in short residence time. The catalytic upgrading of pyrolysis vapors in V-shaped downer reactors in terms of hydrodynamics, chemical reaction and residence time distribution were analyzed by CFD simulation and experiment. The results indicate that the solid concentration gradient decreases while flowing down. The overall mass fraction of the bio-oil vapors is around 50%. The mean residence time of catalysts in the V-shaped reactor is 2.0 s-3.0 s. The effects on product yield and residence time distribution were investigated for optimizing product selectivity and the performance of catalysts. In this paper the optimal flow rates of gas and catalysts are vg = 1.2 m s-1, vs = 0.4 m s-1.

The anti-anaphylactoid effects of hydroxysafflor yellow A on the suppression of mast cell Ca2+ influx and degranulation.

BACKGROUND: Anaphylaxis is a type of potentially fatal hypersensitivity reaction resulting from the activation of mast cell mediators, especially histamine and lipid mediators. Non-IgE-mediated anaphylaxis can occur because of the direct activation of mast cells. Hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA) is the main chemical component of safflower (Carthamus tinctorius) and has been reported to have pharmacological activities. However, the anti-anaphylactoid effect of HSYA has not yet been investigated. PURPOSE: The aims of this study were to evaluate the anti-anaphylactoid activity of HSYA in vivo and to investigate the underlying mechanism in vitro. METHODS: The anti-anaphylactoid activity of HSYA was evaluated in a mouse model of hindpaw extravasation. Calcium imaging was used to assess intracellular Ca2+ mobilization. The levels of cytokines and chemokines released by stimulated mast cells were measured using enzyme immunoassay kits. Western blotting was used to explore the related molecular signaling pathways. RESULTS: HSYA markedly inhibited mast cell degranulation by suppressing the activation of intracellular Ca2+ mobilization and preventing the release of cytokines and chemokines from mast cells in a dose-dependent manner via the PKC-PLCγ-IP3R signaling pathway. CONCLUSION: In summary, HSYA has anti-anaphylactoid pharmacological activity, which makes it a potential candidate for the development of a novel agent to suppress drug-induced anaphylactoid reactions.