Migration of phosphorus in pig manure during pyrolysis process and slow-release mechanism of biochar in hydroponic application.

Pyrolysis is an effective method for treating of livestock and poultry manure developed in recent years. It can completely decompose pathogens and antibiotics, stabilize heavy metals, and enrich phosphorus (P) in biochar. To elucidate the P migration mechanism under different pig manure pyrolysis temperatures, sequential fractionation, solution 31P nuclear magnetic resonance, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and K-edge X-ray absorption near-edge structure techniques were used to analyze the P species in pig manure biochar (PMB). The results indicated that most of the organic P in the pig manure was converted to inorganic P during pyrolysis. Moreover, the transformation to different P groups pathways was clarified. The phase transition from amorphous to crystalline calcium phosphate was promoted when the temperature was above 600 °C. The content of P extracted by hydrochloric acid, which was the long-term available P for plant uptake, increased significantly. PMB pyrolyzed at 600 °C can be used as a highly effective substitute for P source. It provides the necessary P species (e.g. water-soluble P.) and metal elements for the growth of water spinach plants, and which are slow-release comparing with the Hogland nutrient solution.

Krüppel-Like Factor 2 Is a Gastric Cancer Suppressor and Prognostic Biomarker.

Gastric cancer (GC) is a common digestive tract tumor. Due to its complex pathogenesis, current diagnostic and therapeutic effects remain unsatisfactory. Studies have shown that KLF2, as a tumor suppressor, is downregulated in many human cancers, but its relationship and role with GC remain unclear. In the present study, KLF2 mRNA levels were significantly lower in GC compared to adjacent normal tissues, as analyzed by bioinformatics and RT-qPCR, and correlated with gene mutations. Tissue microarrays combined with immunohistochemical techniques showed downregulation of KLF2 protein expression in GC tissue, which was negatively correlated with patient age, T stage, and overall survival. Further functional experiments showed that knockdown of KLF2 significantly promoted the growth, proliferation, migration, and invasion of HGC-27 and AGS GC cells. In conclusion, low KLF2 expression in GC is associated with poor patient prognosis and contributes to the malignant biological behavior of GC cells. Therefore, KLF2 may serve as a prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target in GC.

Tilianin improves lipid profile and alleviates atherosclerosis in ApoE-/- mice through up-regulation of SREBP2-mediated LDLR expression.

BACKGROUND: The huge global burden of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) represents an urgent unmet need for the development of novel therapeutics. Dracocephalum moldavica L. has been used as a traditional Uygur medicine to treat various CVDs for centuries. Tilianin is a major flavonoid component of D. moldavica L. and has potential for preventing atherosclerosis. However, the molecular mechanisms that tilianin attenuate atherosclerosis are far from fully understood. PURPOSES: The purpose of this study is to investigate the efficiency and underlying mechanisms of tilianin in controlling lipid profile and preventing atherogenesis. METHODS: The lipid-lowering effect of tilianin was evaluated in C57BL/6 and ApoE-/- mice by systematically determining serum biochemical parameters. The effects of tilianin on the atherosclerotic lesion were observed in aortic roots and whole aortas of ApoE-/- mice with oil red O staining. Caecal content from ApoE-/- mice were collected for 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis to assess the structure of the gut microbiota. The inhibition of hepatosteatosis was verified by histological examination, and a liver transcriptome analysis was performed to elucidate the tilianin-induced hepatic transcriptional alterations. Effects of tilianin on the expression and function of LDLR were examined in HepG2 cells and ApoE-/- mice. Further mechanisms underlying the efficacy of tilianin were investigated in HepG2 cells. RESULTS: Tilianin treatment improved lipid profiles in C57BL/6 and dyslipidemic ApoE-/- mice, especially reducing the serum LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) level. Significant reductions of atherosclerotic lesion area and hepatosteatosis were observed in tilianin-treated ApoE-/- mice. The altered gut microbial composition in tilianin groups was associated with lipid metabolism and atherosclerosis. The liver transcriptome revealed that tilianin regulated the transcription of lipid metabolism-related genes. Then both in vitro and in vivo analyses revealed the potent effect of tilianin to enhance hepatic LDLR expression and its mediated LDL-C uptake. Further studies confirmed a critical role of SREBP2 in hepatic LDLR up-regulation by tilianin via increasing precursor and thus mature nuclear SREBP2 level. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated the lipid-lowering effect of tilianin through SREBP2-mediated transcriptional activation of LDLR. Our findings reveal a novel anti-atherosclerotic mechanism of tilianin and underlie its potential clinical use in modulating CVDs with good availability and affordability.

Identification of chemical components and network pharmacology of Huanglian Decoction based on UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS technology / 中国中药杂志

The chemical components of Huanglian Decoction were identified by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight-tandem mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS) technology. The gradient elution was conducted in Agilent ZORBAX Extend-C_(18) column(2.1 mm×100 mm, 1.8 μm) with the mobile phase of 0.1% formic acid aqueous solution(A)-acetonitrile(B) at a flow rate of 0.3 mL·min~(-1) and the column temperature of 35 ℃. The MS adopted the positive and negative ion mode of electrospray ionization(ESI), and the MS data were collected under the scanning range of m/z 100-1 500. Through high-resolution MS data analysis, combined with literature comparison and confirmation of reference substances, this paper identified 134 chemical components in Huanglian Decoction, including 12 alkaloids, 23 flavonoids, 22 terpenes and saponins, 12 phenols, 7 coumarins, 12 amino acids, 23 organic acids, and 23 other compounds, and the medicinal sources of the compounds were ascribed. Based on the previous studies, 7 components were selected as the index components. Combined with the network pharmacology research and analysis me-thods, the protein and protein interaction(PPI) network information of the intersection targets was obtained through the STRING 11.0 database, and 20 core targets of efficacy were screened out. In this study, UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS technology was successfully used to comprehensively analyze and identify the chemical components of Huanglian Decoction, and the core targets of its efficacy were discussed in combination with network pharmacology, which laid the foundation for clarifying the material basis and quality control of Huanglian Decoction.

Application of vermicompost and biochar suppresses Fusarium root rot of replanted American ginseng.

Soil sterilization integrated with agronomic measures is an effective method to reduce soilborne replant diseases. However, the effect of vermicompost or biochar application after soil sterilization on soilborne diseases is poorly understood. A pot experiment was conducted in American ginseng to investigate the effects of vermicompost (VF), biochar (BF), and a combination of vermicompost and biochar (VBF) applied after soil sterilization on the incidence of Fusarium root rot using natural recovery (F) as control. After one growing season, the disease index of root rot, the phenolic acids, and the microbial communities of American ginseng rhizosphere soil were analyzed. The disease index of VF, BF, and VBF decreased by 33.32%, 19.03%, and 80.96%, respectively, compared with F. The highest bacterial richness and diversity were observed in the rhizosphere soil of VBF. Besides, VF and VBF significantly increased the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria (Pseudomonas, Lysobacter, and Chryseolinea) in the rhizosphere soil. Higher concentrations of vanillin, one of the phenolic acids in the roots exudates, were recorded in the rhizosphere soils of BF and VBF. The vanillin concentration showed a significant negative correlation with the disease index. To conclude, vermicompost improved the beneficial bacteria of the rhizosphere soil, while biochar regulated the allelopathic effect of the phenolic acids. The study proposes a combined application of biochar and vermicompost to the rhizosphere soil to control Fusarium root rot of replanted American ginseng effectively. KEY POINTS: Vermicompost improves the relative abundance of rhizosphere beneficial bacteria. Biochar inhibits the degradation of phenolic acids by adsorption. The combination of vermicompost and biochar enhances the disease control effect.

[Quality-based soil fertility quality assessment of American ginseng main production areas in Shandong province].

The soil fertility quality is one of the most critical indicators of soil productivity. It directly affects the yield, quality and agricultural efficiency of Chinese medicinal materials. In order to establish the American ginseng planting soil fertility quality evaluation method based on the effective components of American ginseng, Wendeng district, Weihai city, Shandong province, the main producing area of American ginseng, was cited as a case for the study. Twenty-two 4-years American ginseng sampling sites are located at 7 towns. The samples of soil and plant root were collected in the autumn of 2017-2019. The saponin contents of American ginseng and 11 soil chemical properties were measured. The minimum data set(MDS) for assessment of the quality of soil fertility quality was established by correlation analysis and principal component analysis. The evaluation indexes were normalized by membership function. Soil quality index(SQI) that indicates soil comprehensive fertility quality level was calculated according to the critical value of membership function and weight value of each soil index in MDS. The results showed that the total saponin(Rg_1+Re+Rb_1) content of American ginseng in samples ranged from 1.76% to 7.94%. The yield of 8 plots in 2019 ranged from 3 818.7 kg·hm~(-2) to 8 996.4 kg·hm~(-2). MDS includes organic matter, alkaline nitrogen, exchangeable calcium, exchangeable magnesium, effective iron, effective copper, and effective zinc. Based on the mean of 4.825% of total saponin, threshold value of SQI for the region was determined to be 0.15, and 86.36% of soil samples in the county were above the threshold value. The methods and parameters are applicable to selection of high quality American ginseng planting sites and guiding rational fertilization. It also provides a reference for the evaluation of soil fertility quality of other medicinal plants.

[Effects of nutrients deficiency on growth and saponin accumulation of American ginseng].

Mineral nutrient elements are the key factors to maintain the growth and quality of American ginseng. In order to understand the comprehensive effect of different nutrient elements deficiency on American ginseng, 2-year-old American ginsengs were cultivated by Hoagland solution(CK) or 10 different nutrients deficiency solution in sand culture. During the cultivation, the deficient symptom was observed. The plant height, leaf area, biomass, photosynthetic index, root activity, ginsenoside content were measured. The results showed that N, K or Fe deficiency could lead to leaves of American ginseng yellowing. Deficiency N, K, Ca, Mg and B were the main factors that decrease plant height and leaf area. The biomass of plant decreased significantly in all the nutrient deficient treatments(P<0.05)compared with control group, and N, K, Ca or Fe deficiency groups descended over 50%. In the absence of N, K and Fe elements, the P_n, G_s, C_i, T_r and chlorophyll of leaves were decreased mostly. The first three factors decreasing root activity were N, K and Ca deficiency. The effects of nutrient deficiency on saponins of American ginseng were different.Generally, N, P, B, Zn and Cu deficiency resulted the synthesis of saponins decreased significantly(P<0.05). This study contributed to clarify the demand characteristics of American ginseng for different nutrient elements,which is of great significance for the diagnose of nutrient deficiency, the rational fertilizer and the improvement of yield and quality of American ginseng.

Effects of polysaccharides from Yingshan Yunwu tea on meat quality, immune status and intestinal microflora in chickens.

The present study was aimed to investigate the effects of the addition of Yingshan Yunwu green tea polysaccharide conjugates (GTPC) on meat quality, immune response and gut microflora in chickens. A total of 200 chickens with average initial body weight were randomly allotted to 4 groups. Intestinal samples were collected at the end of experiment for bacterial culture and microbial community analysis by 16S rDNA gene sequencing using Illumina MiSeq. Chicken breast muscle and serum were also sampled for analysis of meat quality and immune function. The results showed that dietary GTPC addition increased (P < 0.05) chicken breast muscle pH and redness-greenness (a*) value and decreased (P < 0.05) the values of lightness (L*), yellowness-blueness (b*), hardness, toughness and adhesiveness. In addition, dietary supplementation of GTPC increased (P < 0.05) the weight of thymus and bursa and serum concentrations of IgA and IgG. Furthermore, of the 10 bacterial phyla, the predominant taxa across all sampling time-points were Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, and Deferribacteres, representing >97% of all sequences. GTPC increased the abundance of Bacteroidetes and Lactobacillus, and decreased the abundance of Proteobacteria. These findings provided some references of the application of GTPC in the poultry industry.

Investigation of Chemical Composition, Antioxidant Activity, and the Effects of Alfalfa Flavonoids on Growth Performance.

The flavonoids were extracted from alfalfa using ethanol assisted with ultrasonic extraction and purified by D101 macroporous resin column chromatography. The chemical composition and content of ethanol elution fractions (EEFs) were assessed by ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography and hybrid quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS) and aluminum nitrate-sodium nitrite-sodium hydroxide colorimetric method. The in vitro antioxidant activity of two EEFs was conducted by scavenging DPPH free radical, and the main antioxidants of 75% EEFs were screened using DPPH-UHPLC. Moreover, the in vivo antioxidant activity of 75% EEFs and the growth performance of broilers were studied. The results showed that the content of 30% and 75% EEFs was 26.20% and 62.57%. Fifteen compounds were identified from 75% EEFs, and five of them were reported in alfalfa for the first time. The scavenging activity of 75% and 30% EEFs (200 µg/mL) against DPPH was 95.51% and 78.85%. The peak area of 5,3',4'-trihydroxyflavone and hyperoside was decreased by 82.69% and 76.04%, which exhibited strong scavenging capacities. The total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) level of three treated groups against the normal control group (NC) fed with basal diet significantly increased by 3.89-24.49%, 0.53-7.39%, and 0.79-11.79%, respectively. While the malondialdehyde (MDA) decreased by 0.47-18.27%. Compared with the NC, the feed to gain ratio (F : G) of three treated groups was lowered by 2.98-16.53% and survival rate of broilers significantly increased. Consequently, 75% EEFs extracted from alfalfa exhibited powerful antioxidant activities and might be a potential feed additive to poultry and livestock.

Chemical Composition and Antioxidant Activities of Polysaccharides from Yingshan Cloud Mist Tea.

The study was designed to investigate the chemical composition and antioxidant activities of polysaccharides from Yingshan Cloud Mist Tea. The chemical composition of green tea polysaccharides (GTPS) was analyzed by Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope (SEM), thermogravimetric (TGA), gas chromatograph (GC), and high-performance gel-permeation chromatography (HPGPC). Then, the antioxidant activities in vitro of GTPS, effects of GTPS on body weight, and the antioxidant activities in chickens were studied. The results showed that GTPS were composed of rhamnose (Rha), arabinose (Ara), xylose (Xyl), mannose (Man), glucose (Glu), and galactose (Gal) in a molar ratio of 11.4 : 26.1 : 1.9 : 3.0 : 30.7 : 26.8 and the average molecular weight was 9.69 × 104 Da. Furthermore, GTPS exhibited obvious capacity of scavenging DPPH radical, hydroxyl radical, and superoxide radical and enhanced the ferric-reducing power in vitro. Last, GTPS significantly increased the body weight of chickens, enhanced the T-AOC, SOD, and GSH-Px level, and decreased the content of MDA in chickens. The results indicated that GTPS might be a kind of natural antioxidant, which had the potential application in feed industry.

[Investigation of aflatoxins,mycobiota,and toxigenic fungi during post-harvest handling of Ziziphi Spinosae Semen].

Ziziphi Spinosae Semen is one of the Chinese herbal medicine being susceptible to aflatoxins contamination. To investigate the sources of aflatoxins contamination and toxigenic fungi species on Ziziphi Spinosae Semen,32 samples were collected from multiple steps during the post-harvest processing in this study. Aflatoxins in these samples were determined by immunoaffinity column and HPLC coupled with post-column photochemical derivatization. The dilution-plate method was applied to the fungi isolation. The isolated fungi strains were identified by morphological characterization and molecular approaches. The results showed that aflatoxins were detected in 28 samples from every step during the processing of Ziziphi Spinosae Semen. Three samples were detected with aflatoxin B_1 and 2 samples with both aflatoxin B_1 and total aflatoxin exceeding the limit of Chinese Pharmacopoeia. Especially the samples from the washing step,with the highest detected amounts of AFB_1 and AFs were reached 94. 79,121. 43 µg·kg~(-1),respectively. All 32 samples were contaminated by fungi. The fungal counts on the newly harvested samples were 2. 20 × 10~2 CFU·g~(-1). Moreover,it increased as tphreocessing progresses,and achieved 1. 16×10~6 CFU·g~(-1) after washing. A total of 321 isolates were identified to 17 genera. Aspergillus flavus was the main source of aflatoxins during the processing and storage of Ziziphi Spinosae Semen. One isolate of A. flavus was confirmed producing AFB_1 and AFB_2. The fungal count was significantly increased by composting,and Aspergillus was the predominant genus after shell breaking. The contamination level of aflatoxins was increased by composting and washing.

Investigation of aflatoxins,mycobiota,and toxigenic fungi during post-harvest handling of Ziziphi Spinosae Semen / 中国中药杂志

Ziziphi Spinosae Semen is one of the Chinese herbal medicine being susceptible to aflatoxins contamination. To investigate the sources of aflatoxins contamination and toxigenic fungi species on Ziziphi Spinosae Semen,32 samples were collected from multiple steps during the post-harvest processing in this study. Aflatoxins in these samples were determined by immunoaffinity column and HPLC coupled with post-column photochemical derivatization. The dilution-plate method was applied to the fungi isolation. The isolated fungi strains were identified by morphological characterization and molecular approaches. The results showed that aflatoxins were detected in 28 samples from every step during the processing of Ziziphi Spinosae Semen. Three samples were detected with aflatoxin B_1 and 2 samples with both aflatoxin B_1 and total aflatoxin exceeding the limit of Chinese Pharmacopoeia. Especially the samples from the washing step,with the highest detected amounts of AFB_1 and AFs were reached 94. 79,121. 43 μg·kg~(-1),respectively. All 32 samples were contaminated by fungi. The fungal counts on the newly harvested samples were 2. 20 × 10~2 CFU·g~(-1). Moreover,it increased as tphreocessing progresses,and achieved 1. 16×10~6 CFU·g~(-1) after washing. A total of 321 isolates were identified to 17 genera. Aspergillus flavus was the main source of aflatoxins during the processing and storage of Ziziphi Spinosae Semen. One isolate of A. flavus was confirmed producing AFB_1 and AFB_2. The fungal count was significantly increased by composting,and Aspergillus was the predominant genus after shell breaking. The contamination level of aflatoxins was increased by composting and washing.

Material Basis and Action Mechanism of Wendantang in Treatment of Nervous System Diseases / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Wendantang (WDT) is a classical traditional Chinese medicine prescription composed of Pinelliae Rhizoma, Bambuseae Caulis in Taenias, Aurantii Fructus Immaturus, Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium, Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens, Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, with the effect in regulating Qi-movement and phlegm and relieving stomach and gallbladder. The clinical studies have proved that WDT has significant therapeutic effects on depression, insomnia, schizophrenia, Alzheimer's disease and other nervous system diseases, but wihtout systematic understanding of material basis and compatibility principle because of the complex chemical composition and the scattered research results. Focusing on the neurological diseases and based on the origin of ancient recipes and modern research examples, the author sorted out and summarized the active ingredients constituting the recipe, paid attention to the effect of the compatibility on the composition and efficacy transmission, and judged the rationality of composition intention and selection. On this basis, it comprehensively identifies the potential components and effective paths that can well treat the nervous system diseases, and had the overall understanding about mutual relationship between composition and efficiency. In this article, we expect to find its scientific basis of effective materials and the key technology of quality standards, and define the direction of future research, so as to provide valuable reference for secondary development and new preparations designed of classic prescriptions.

Vitamin C deficiency aggravates tumor necrosis factor α-induced insulin resistance.

Chronic low-grade inflammation plays a major role in the development of insulin resistance. The potential role and underlying mechanism of vitamin C, an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, was investigated in tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)-induced insulin resistance. Gulonolactone oxidase knockout (Gulo-/-) mice genetically unable to synthesize vitamin C were used to induce insulin resistance by continuously pumping small doses of TNF-α for seven days, and human liver hepatocellular carcinoma cells (HepG2 cells) were used to induce insulin resistance by treatment with TNF-α. Vitamin C deficiency aggravated TNF-α-induced insulin resistance in Gulo-/- mice, resulting in worse glucose tolerance test (GTT) results, higher fasting plasma insulin level, and the inactivation of the protein kinase B (AKT)/glycogen synthase kinase-3ß (GSK3ß) pathway in the liver. Vitamin C deficiency also worsened liver lipid accumulation and inflammation in TNF-α-treated Gulo-/- mice. In HepG2 cells, vitamin C reversed the TNF-α-induced reduction of glucose uptake and glycogen synthesis, which were mediated by increasing GLUT2 levels and the activation of the insulin receptor substrate (IRS-1)/AKT/GSK3ß pathway. Furthermore, vitamin C inhibited the TNF-α-induced activation of not only the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPKs), but also nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling. Taken together, vitamin C is essential for preventing and improving insulin resistance, and the supplementing with vitamin C may be an effective therapeutic intervention for metabolic disorders.

Effect of Miscanthus sinensis var. purpurascens Flower Extract on Proliferation and Molecular Regulation in Human Dermal Papilla Cells and Stressed C57BL/6 Mice.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the hair growth-promoting effect of Miscanthus sinensis var. purpurascens (MSP) flower extracton on in vitro and in vivo models. METHODS: MSP flower extract was extracted in 99.9% methanol and applied to examine the proliferation of human dermal papilla cells (hDPCs) in vitro at the dose of 3.92-62.50 µg/mL and hair growth of C57BL/6 mice in vivo at the dose of 1000 µg/mL. The expression of transforming growth factor ß1 (TGF-ß1), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), ß-catenin, substance P was measured by relative quantitative realtime polymerase chain reaction. Histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis were performed. RESULTS: MSP (7.81 µg/mL) down-regulated TGF-ß1 and up-regulated HGF and ß-catenin in hDPCs (P<0.01). MSP (1000 µg/mL)-treated mice showed the earlier transition of hair follicles from the telogen to the anagen phase. The number of mast cells was lower in the MSP-treated mice than in other groups (P<0.05 vs. NCS group). Substance P and TGF-ß1 were expressed in hair follicles and skin of the MSP group lower than that in negative control. Stem cell factor in hair follicles was up-regulated in the MSP-treated mice (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The MSP flower extract may have hair growth-promotion activities.

Various Antioxidant Effects Were Attributed to Different Components in the Dried Blossoms of Citrus aurantium L. var. amara Engl.

Citrus aurantium L. var. amara Engl. (CAVA) was traditionally used as an edible and medicinal material in China. Total flavonoids (CAVAF), alkaloids (CAVAA), polysaccharides (CAVAP), coumarins (CAVAC), and neroli (CAVAO) were extracted from CAVA. Hesperidin, naringin, and neohesperidin composed 83.94% of CAVAF, and synephrine represented 50.56% of CAVAA. On the basis of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH•), 2,2'-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt radical cation (ABTS• +), hydroxyl radical (•OH), ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and reducing power assays, the antioxidant activities of five components were comprehensively and comparatively investigated. CAVAF had a stronger DPPH• scavenging effect and FRAP and reducing power. CAVAP and CAVAA exhibited comparable •OH scavenging effects to vitamin C. CAVAA showed the highest ABTS• + scavenging activity. In conclusion, different constituents varied significantly toward different sources of free radicals and other oxidants. It is obvious that CAVA has various antioxidant effects, which are attributed to different components.

Antithrombotic Effect of Fermented Ophiopogon japonicus in Thrombosis-Induced Rat Models.

In this study, the antithrombotic and thrombolytic ability of second fermented extract of Ophiopogon japonicus (FEOJ) was verified in thrombosis-induced rats. Thrombosis was induced by oral administration of 2% carrageenan for 4 weeks. Five experimental groups (n = 9/group) involved in the study were control group, thrombosis group, low-dose FEOJ group (2 mL/kg, low-dose Ophiopogon japonicus [LOJ]), middle-dose FEOJ group (6 mL/kg, medium-dose Ophiopogon japonicus [MOJ]), and high-dose FEOJ group (12 mL/kg, high-dose Ophiopogon japonicus [HOJ]). The clotting time (CT), bleeding time (BT), prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), and fibrinogen (FBG) were assessed in blood samples, and histological studies were performed on liver and lung tissues. The results demonstrated delayed CT only in MOJ and HOJ groups and delayed BT in all FEOJ groups compared with those in thrombosis and control groups (P < .05). Similarly, APTT was significantly delayed only in MOJ and HOJ groups, and PT was significantly delayed in all FEOJ groups, compared with those in control and thrombosis groups (P < .05). Although concentrations of FBG were similar in control, thrombosis, and LOJ groups, the tendency for decreased concentration of FBG (statistically nonsignificant) in MOJ and HOJ groups has been observed. Histological examination of livers and lungs revealed that thrombosis was partially improved in FEOJ group compared with the thrombosis group. In conclusion, CT, BT, PT, and APTT were prolonged in FEOJ group more than in control and thrombosis groups, thereby, depicting antithrombotic and thrombolytic effects. However, concentration-dependent effects of FEOJ were more prominent in MOJ and HOJ groups than in the LOJ group.

Spent mushroom substrate biochar as a potential amendment in pig manure and rice straw composting processes.

Spent mushroom substrate (SMS) is a bulky waste byproduct of commercial mushroom production, which can cause serious environmental problems and, therefore, poses a significant barrier to future expansion of the mushroom industry. In the present study, we explored the use of SMS as a biochar to improve the quality of bio-fertilizer. Specifically, we performed a series of experiments using composting reactors to investigate the effects of SMS biochar on the physio-chemical properties of bio-fertilizer. Biochar was derived from dry SMS pyrolysed at 500°C and mixed with pig manure and rice straw. Results from this study demonstrate that the addition of biochar significantly reduced electrical conductivity and loss of organic matter in compost material. Nutrient analysis revealed that the SMS-derived biochar is rich in fertilizer nutrients such as P, K, Na, and N. All of these findings suggest that SMS biochar could be an excellent medium for compost.

Soy Protein Supplementation Reduces Clinical Indices in Type 2 Diabetes and Metabolic Syndrome.

PURPOSE: Clinical trials have studied the use of soy protein for treating type 2 diabetes (T2D) and metabolic syndrome (MS). The purpose of this study was to outline evidence on the effects of soy protein supplementation on clinical indices in T2D and MS subjects by performing a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We searched PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases up to March 2015 for RCTs. Pooled estimates and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated by the fixed-and-random-effects model. A total of eleven studies with eleven clinical variables met the inclusion criteria. RESULTS: The meta-analysis showed that fasting plasma glucose (FPG) [weighted mean difference (WMD), -0.207; 95% CI, -0.374 to -0.040; p=0.015], fasting serum insulin (FSI) (WMD, -0.292; 95% CI, -0.496 to -0.088; p=0.005), homeostasis model of assessment for insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) (WMD, -0.346; 95% CI, -0.570 to -0.123; p=0.002), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (WMD, -0.230; 95% CI, -0.441 to -0.019; p=0.033), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (WMD, -0.304; 95% CI, -0.461 to -0.148; p=0.000), total cholesterol (TC) (WMD, -0.386; 95% CI, -0.548 to -0.225; p=0.000), and C-reactive protein (CRP) (WMD, -0.510; 95% CI, -0.722 to -0.299; p=0.000) are significant reduced with soy protein supplementation, compared with a placebo control group, in T2D and MS patients. Furthermore, soy protein supplementation for longer duration (≥6 mo) significantly reduced FPG, LDL-C, and CRP, while that for a shorter duration (<6 mo) significantly reduced FSI and HOMA-IR. CONCLUSION: Soy protein supplementation could be beneficial for FPG, FSI, HOMA-IR, DBP, LDL-C, TC, and CRP control in plasma.

Soy Protein Supplementation Reduces Clinical Indices in Type 2 Diabetes and Metabolic Syndrome

PURPOSE: Clinical trials have studied the use of soy protein for treating type 2 diabetes (T2D) and metabolic syndrome (MS). The purpose of this study was to outline evidence on the effects of soy protein supplementation on clinical indices in T2D and MS subjects by performing a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We searched PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases up to March 2015 for RCTs. Pooled estimates and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated by the fixed-and-random-effects model. A total of eleven studies with eleven clinical variables met the inclusion criteria. RESULTS: The meta-analysis showed that fasting plasma glucose (FPG) [weighted mean difference (WMD), -0.207; 95% CI, -0.374 to -0.040; p=0.015], fasting serum insulin (FSI) (WMD, -0.292; 95% CI, -0.496 to -0.088; p=0.005), homeostasis model of assessment for insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) (WMD, -0.346; 95% CI, -0.570 to -0.123; p=0.002), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (WMD, -0.230; 95% CI, -0.441 to -0.019; p=0.033), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (WMD, -0.304; 95% CI, -0.461 to -0.148; p=0.000), total cholesterol (TC) (WMD, -0.386; 95% CI, -0.548 to -0.225; p=0.000), and C-reactive protein (CRP) (WMD, -0.510; 95% CI, -0.722 to -0.299; p=0.000) are significant reduced with soy protein supplementation, compared with a placebo control group, in T2D and MS patients. Furthermore, soy protein supplementation for longer duration (≥6 mo) significantly reduced FPG, LDL-C, and CRP, while that for a shorter duration (<6 mo) significantly reduced FSI and HOMA-IR. CONCLUSION: Soy protein supplementation could be beneficial for FPG, FSI, HOMA-IR, DBP, LDL-C, TC, and CRP control in plasma.