Beer-derived nitrogen, phosphorus co-doped carbon quantum dots: Highly selective on-off-on fluorescent probes for the detection of ascorbic acid in fruits.

A rapid, facile and ultrasensitive fluorescence sensing system based on beer-derived nitrogen, phosphorus co-doped carbon quantum dots (N, P-CQDs) for the detection of ascorbic acid (AA) in fruits was proposed. N, P-CQDs were successfully synthesized by one-step hydrothermal method, which afforded a high quantum yield (21.7 %), and showed the fluorescence with a maximum emission wavelength of 450 nm at an excitation wavelength of 370 nm. Further, N, P-CQDs were employed as an efficient sensor for ultrasensitive Fe3+-detection at concentrations ranging from 1-20 µM and 100-300 µM, respectively. N, P-CQDs@Fe3+ showed a high sensitivity and selectivity for AA detection. A linear response range for AA was obtained from 1 to 200 µM with limit of detection of 0.84 µM was obtained for AA. The result of MTT test showed that N, P-CQDs exhibit low toxicity, providing fast, accurate and less toxic route for testing AA in the food analysis fields.

[Effect of acupuncture combined with moxibustion on serum matrix metalloproteinase-9 and matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor-1 in patients with knee osteoarthritis].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of acupuncture combined with moxibustion on serum bone metabolism indexes in patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA), so as to evaluate its clinical efficacy on KOA. METHODS: Ninety-six patients with KOA were randomly divided into control and observation groups, with 48 cases in each group. The patients in the control group were treated with acupuncture at Zusanli(ST36), Neixiyan(EX-LE4), Heding(EX-LE2) and Xuanzhong(GB39) etc. on the affected side for 30 min once daily. Patients in the observation group were given moxibustion on the above-mentioned acupoints on the basis of treatment in the control group. The course of treatment for both groups was 4 weeks. The Western Ontario and MacMaster University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scores were compared before and after treatment and the clinical efficacy of the two groups were calculated according to the WOMAC scores after treatment. Ultrasound examination of the knee joint was used to analyze the thickness of joint effusion and synovial membrane thickness of the patients. Enzyme-linked immunoassay was used to detect the serum type Ⅰ collagen C-terminal foreign body peptide (CTX-Ⅰ), insulin-like growth factor (IGF), bone gla protein (BGP), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor-1 (TIMP-1) levels. RESULTS: Compared with those before treatment, WOMAC score, knee joint synovial thickness and joint effusion thickness, serum CTX-Ⅰ, MMP-9, TIMP-1 levels, and MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio were all down-regulated (P<0.05), while the levels of serum IGF and BGP up-regulated (P<0.05) in the two groups after treatment. The improvements of the above indexes in the observation group were superior to those in the control group (P<0.05). The total effective rate in the observation group was 95.83% (46/48), which was higher than 81.25% (39/48) in the control group(P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Acupuncture combined with moxibustion can regulate bone metabolism and effectively improve the symptoms of KOA patients, which may be related to its effect in regulating the dynamic balance of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 in serum.

Evaluation of dietary Perilla frutescens seed on performance and carcass quality in finishing castrated male Songliao black pigs.

OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation of Perilla frutescens seed (PFS) on growth performance, blood profiles, meat quality and meat nutrient characteristics in finishing castrated male Songliao black pigs. METHODS: A total of 80 castrated male Songliao black pigs with an average initial body weight (BW) of 84.1 ± 2.1 kg were used in a 75 days feeding trial. All pigs were randomly assigned into four dietary treatments: CON, basal diet; PFS3.0, basal diet + 3.0% of PFS; PFS6.0, basal diet + 6.0% of PFS and PFS9.0, basal diet + 9.0% of PFS. RESULTS: As a result of this experiment, dietary supplementation of PFS improved the growth performance parameters, blood albumin and blood lipid parameters. Whereas, on FBW, average daily feed intake and average daily gain there showed a non-dose-dependent manner that pigs in PFS9.0 had lowest performance compared with other two PFS treatments. Furthermore, meat colour of yellowness, pH, cook meat rate, moisture, crude protein and crude fat were increased by PFS addition. However, lower growth performance was observed in PFS9.0 group. As well as, dietary inclusion of PFS also alters the meat amino acid composition and meat fatty acids composition. Particularly, umami amino acid contents and polyunsaturated fatty acid were all enhanced by PFS addition. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, dietary supplementation of PFS have beneficial effects on the performance and meat quality and nutritional values in Songliao black pigs.

Potential neuroprotection of wheat alkylresorcinols in hippocampal neurons via Nrf2/ARE pathway.

5-n-Alkylresorcinols (ARs) are abundant in wheat bran and potentially antioxidative, although the neuroprotective mechanism is not fully understood. The neuroprotective effect of wheat bran ARs on H2O2-induced neuronal cells and the relationship between neuroprotection and the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/antioxidant-response element (ARE) pathway were investigated in this study. Seven homologs were identified in the purified ARs by high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Pretreatment with 80 µg mL-1 ARs alleviated 23% HT22 cell death and the up-regulation of intracellular reactive oxygen species level and malondialdehyde under H2O2 stimulation. The neuroprotection effect was proved by the increase in the Nrf2 nuclear location and up-regulation of mRNA and protein expressions of heme oxygenase-1, NAD(P)H quinone dehydrogenase 1, glutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic subunit, and glutamate-cysteine ligase modifier subunit l. Wheat bran ARs displayed a neuroprotective function, possibly by promoting the endogenous antioxidant defense system. ARs may be regarded as a functional food ingredient for preventing neurodegenerative diseases in the future.

Efficacy of indoor air purification in the treatment of Artemisia pollen-allergic rhinitis: A randomised, double-blind, clinical controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of a high-efficiency air purifier in patients with allergic rhinitis. DESIGN: We conducted a randomised, double-blind, clinical controlled trial with active and inactive versions of an air purifier. Our study included patients with allergic rhinitis who were sensitive to Artemisia pollen and treatment of the indoor environment using air filtration at night. We evaluated the clinical efficacy of indoor air filtration during the Artemisia pollen scattering season in Yulin City in Shanxi Province, China. SETTING: The First Hospital of Yulin (Yulin City, Shanxi Province, China). PARTICIPANTS: A total of 90 patients with allergic rhinitis who were sensitive to allergens of Artemisia pollen were randomly assigned to one of two groups in equal numbers. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome measure was the difference in visual analogue scale scores from baseline. Secondary outcomes were changes from baseline in nasal symptoms, allergy symptom scores, responses to the Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire, Epworth Sleepiness Scale scores and tolerability scores for the air purifier. RESULTS: Based on the allergy symptom score, we found significant differences in rhinitis symptoms between the groups who used the active versus the inactive air purifier. CONCLUSIONS: The results of our investigation demonstrated the health benefits of particle filtration.

Efficacy of indoor air purification in treating Artemisia (mugwort) pollen allergic rhinitis: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a worldwide health problem. Allergen avoidance is strongly recommended for AR patients. Air purification can reduce concentrations of particles in indoor air, including those of allergens. Air purifiers have been recommended by clinicians for AR patients, but few studies have focused on the removal of airborne allergens from home environments. Such studies have been limited by a lack of blinding, small samples, or a failure to measure allergen levels, disease activity, or a combination of these factors. This study investigates the efficacy of a high-efficiency air purifier in reducing disease activity in the homes of AR patients sensitive to the allergens produced by Artemisia (mugwort) pollen. METHODS: This is a randomized, double-blind, clinical controlled trial that will test active and inactive versions of an air purifier (Atmosphere®; Amway China). Sixty AR patients sensitive to the allergens produced by Artemisia pollen will be assigned randomly to two groups of equal numbers. All patients will undergo a 4-week treatment period and a 4-week observation period. Evaluation will be conducted at baseline (day 0) and on days 7, 14, 21, 28, and 56. The primary outcome measure will be the difference in visual analog scale scores from baseline. Secondary outcomes will be changes from baseline in nasal symptoms, allergy symptom scores, responses to the Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire, Epworth Sleepiness Scale scores, and tolerability scores for the air purifier. Side effects of treatment will be recorded. DISCUSSION: Reducing exposure to allergens can reduce the risk of conditions such as AR. We hypothesise that AR patients sensitive to the allergens produced by Artemisia pollen will not suffer symptoms in a pollen-free environment. AR patients can remove pollen from their homes using air purifiers, decreasing the risk of symptoms. We expect that our study results will provide reliable evidence for determining the effects of air-purification therapy. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ChiCTR-INR-17012481 . (Retrospectively registered 26 August 2017).

[Expressions of S1P1-3 in the corpus cavernosum of castrated male rats].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the expressions of sphingosine-1-phosphate receptors 1-3 (S1P1- 3) in the corpus cavernosum of castrated male rats and its relationship with the NOS/NO/cGMP and RhoA/Rho kinase signaling pathways. METHODS: We equally randomized 18 eight-week-old healthy male SD rats into a sham-operation control, a castration, and a testosterone replacement (TR) group and harvested the bilateral testes and epididymides from the rats in the latter two groups, followed by 4 weeks of subcutaneous injection of testosterone propionate at 3 mg per kilogram of the body weight per day for those in the TR group and that of plant oil for those in the control and castration groups. At the age of 12 weeks, we measured the serum testosterone (T) level and maximum intracavernous pressure/mean arterial pressure (ICPmax/MAP) of the animals and determined the expressions of SlP1-3, eNOS, P-eNOS, ROCK1, and ROCK2 in the corpus cavernosum by Western blot and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: The serum T level was significantly decreased in the rats of the castration group as compared with those of the control and TR groups ([0.41 ± 0.04] vs [16.01 ± 1.02] and [15.84 ± 1.32] nmol/L, P < 0.01), with no statistically significant difference between the latter two groups. The ICPmax/MAP at 0 V, 3 V, and 5 V electric stimulation was remarkably lower in the rats of the castration group (0.088 ± 0.014, 0.323 ± 0.014, and 0.432 ± 0.012) than in those of the control group (0.155 ± 0.011, 0.711 ± 0. 010, and 0.819 ± 0.024) and TR group (0.153 ± 0.012, 0.696 ± 0.017, and 0.763 ± 0.027) (P < 0.01), with no significant difference between the latter two groups. With GAPDH as internal control, the animals of the castration group showed markedly reduced expressions of S1P1 ([49.99 ± 3.39]%), eNOS ([46.82 ± 3.81]%) , and P-eNOS ([45.42 ± 4.35]%) in comparison with those in the control group ([72.57 ± 3.06], [89.76 ± 3.98], and [82.53 ± 8.92] and TR group ([71.77 ± 4.43], [87.19 ± 4.23], and [79.82 ± 7.38]%) (P < 0.01) , while the expressions of S1P2, S1P3, ROCK1, and ROCK2 were significantly upregulated in the castration group ([82.35 ± 4.13], [61.03 ± 5.14], [74.50 ± 4.02], and [69.83 ± 5.75]%) as compared with those in the control group ([41.67 ± 1.68], [31.66 ± 2.67], [35.69 ± 5.56], and [39.85 ± 7.17]%) and TR group ([42.80 ± 3.87], [32.25 ± 4.22], 38.06 ± 5.21], and [42.36 ± 4.44]%) (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Androgen deficiency induces significant reduction of ICPmax/ MAP in male rats, which is possibly associated with the decline of S1P1 in the corpus cavernosum, inhibition of the eNOS/NO/cGMP signaling pathway, increased expressions of S1P2 and S1P3, and activation of the RhoA/Rho kinase signaling pathway.

Biodiesel production from microalgae oil catalyzed by a recombinant lipase.

A recombinant Rhizomucor miehei lipase was constructed and expressed in Pichia pastoris. The target enzyme was termed Lipase GH2 and it can be used as a free enzyme for catalytic conversion of microalgae oil mixed with methanol or ethanol for biodiesel production in an n-hexane solvent system. Conversion rates of two major types of biodiesel, fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) and fatty acid ethyl ester (FAEE), reached maximal values (>90%) after 24h. The process of FAME production is generally more simple and economical than that of FAEE production, even though the two processes show similar conversion rates. In spite of the damaging effect of ethanol on enzyme activity, we successfully obtained ethyl ester by the enzymatic method. Our findings indicate that Lipase GH2 is a useful catalyst for conversion of microalgae oil to FAME or FAEE, and this system provides efficiency and reduced costs in biodiesel production.

The association between B vitamins supplementation and adverse cardiovascular events: a meta-analysis.

This study is to explore the association of adverse cardiovascular events with B vitamins supplementation. Rev.Man 5.1 and Stata 11.0 software were applied for the meta-analysis. The number of cardiovascular events was collected and calculated using indicates of odds ratio and 95% confidence intervals in a fixed-effects or a random-effects model when appropriate. The study includes 15 studies which consists of 37,358 study objects (experimental group: 19,601; control group: 17,757). This study showed that the pooled ORs was 1.01 (95% CI = 0.96~1.06, P > 0.05) for objects with Experimental group (B vitamins supplementation) vs. Control group (placebo or regular treatment), which suggests no significant differences were found in the overall effect of the number of cardiovascular events between the two groups. Further stratification of subgroup analysis indicates no significant differences were found between the two groups as well. There were also no publication bias existing by the Egger's linear regression test (P > 0.05). Our result indicates that the number of cardiovascular events in experimental group using B vitamins supplementation during the treatment is equal to placebo or regular treatment group thus further studies is necessary.

[Expressions of CSE and CBS in the penile corpus cavernosum of hyperglycemia rats and their implications].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the impact of hyperglycemia on the hydrogen sulfide (H2S) signaling pathway in rat penile tissue and its relationship with erectile function. METHODS: Twenty healthy male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats aged 8 weeks were randomly divided into groups A (4-week healthy control), B (4-week diabetes mellitus model), C (6-week healthy control) and D (6-week diabetes mellitus model). The rats in groups B and D were injected intraperitoneally with streptozotocin at 50 mg/kg to induce diabetes mellitus, while those in groups A and C with the same volume of normal saline. The animals were killed at 4 (groups A and B) and 6 weeks (groups C and D) after treatment for measurement of the maximal intracavernous pressure/mean arterial blood pressure (ICP(max)/MAP) by electrostimulation, determination of the H2S concentration in the plasma and penile tissue, and detection of the expressions of cystathionine-beta-synthetase (CBS) and cystathionine-gamma-lyase (CSE) in the penile corpus cavernosum by immunohisto- chemistry and Western blot. RESULTS: With electrostimulation of the pelvic ganglia at 5V and 7 V, ICP(max)/MAP was significantly reduced in groups B (0.19 +/- 0.03 and 0.29 +/- 0.04) and D (0.14 +/- 0.04 and 0.25 +/- 0.04) as compared with A (0.46 +/- 0.07 and 0.68 +/- 0.09) and C (0.43 +/- 0.07 and 0.65 +/- 0.16) (P < 0.05). No statistically significant differences were found in the level of serum testosterone either between groups A and B ([469.19 +/- 126.46] ng/dl vs [359.08 +/- 60.06] ng/dl, P > 0.05) or between C and D ([470.44 +/- 209.28] ng/dl vs [297.01 +/- 96.58] ng/dl, P > 0.05). Groups B and D showed remarkable reduction in the H2S concentration (P < 0.05) and the expressions of CBS and CSE (P < 0.05) in comparison with A and C, and the CBS and CSE expressions were even more significantly decreased in D than in B (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The reduced concentration of H2S and decreased expressions of CBS and CSE in the penile corpus cavernosum of the diabetic rats suggested that the H2S signaling pathway might be involved in hyperglycemia-induced erectile dysfunction.

[Effects of Ling Qi Juan Gan capsule drug-containing serum on PDGF-induced proliferation and JAK/STAT signaling of HSC-T6 cells].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the effects of Ling Qi Juan Gan capsule drug-containing serum at different concentrations on the platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-induced proliferative capabilities of and JAK2 and p-STAT3 protein expression in hepatic stellate cells (HSC) using an in vitro system. METHODS: Twenty-five Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into five equal groups for intragastric administration of physiological saline (10 ml/kg; group A), Fufang Biejia Ruangan tablet solution (1.5 g/kg; group B), or Ling Qi Juan Gan capsule solution at low dose (2.125 g/kg; group C1), mid dose (4.25 g/kg; group C2), or high dose (8.5 g/kg; group C3). The post-administration serum isolated from each rat (200 ml/L) was used to treat the HSC-T6 cell line following induction by PDGF (10 ng/ml). At 24, 48 and 72 h post-exposure, the cells' proliferation was measured using the Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) colorimetric assay. In addition, at 24 h post-exposure the expression of JAK2 and p-STAT3 was measured by western blotting (expressed as grey scale intensity). Multiple group comparison of repeated measures data was made by one-way ANOVA with Student-Newman-Keuls post hoc test. RESULTS: Compared to group A, groups C2 and C3 had significantly higher inhibited proliferation at all post-exposure time points examined (24 h: A = 1.550 +/- 0.065, C2 = 1.335 +/- 0.106, C3 = 1.241 +/- 0.205; 48 h: A = 1.311 +/- 0.650, C2 = 1.090 +/- 0.106, C3 = 0.909 +/- 0.191; 72 h: A = 1.039 +/- 0.103, C2 = 0.719 +/- 0.116, C3 = 0.641 +/- 0.110, F = 36.292, all P less than 0.05); in contrast, compared to group A, group C1 showed no inhibition of proliferation at 24 h (1.522 +/- 0.128, P = 0.717) but showed significantly higher inhibition of proliferation at 48 h and 72 h (1.153 +/- 0.183 and 0.753 +/- 0.210, respectively, F = 36.292, P less than 0.05). Compared with group A, all Ling Qi Juan Gan capsule-containing serum-treated groups showed significantly lower expression of both JAK2 (A = 1.605 +/- 0.024 vs. C1 = 1.170 +/- 0.042, C2 = 0.842 +/- 0.036, C3 = 0.555 +/- 0.036, F = 43.091) and p-STAT3 (A = 1.401 +/- 0.030 vs. C1 = 1.229 +/- 0.025, C2 = 0.668 +/- 0.034, C3 = 0.630 +/- 0.026, F = 78.426, all P less than 0.01). CONCLUSION: Ling Qi Juan Gan capsule drug-containing serum can inhibit the proliferation of HSC-T6 cells in a dose-dependent manner and cause an overall decrease in the expression of JAK2 and p-STAT3 in activated HSC, thereby leading to a suppression of the JAK/STAT signal transduction pathway.

[Clinical study on treatment of acute radiation oral mucositis of yin deficiency-induced inner heat syndrome by nourishing yin and clearing heat method].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical effect of Chinese medicine for nourishing yin and clearing heat therapy (CM therapy) in treating nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients with yin deficiency-induced inner heat syndrome, and suffered from acute radiation oral mucositis. METHODS: Sixty patients with NPC fitting to the inclusion criteria and undergoing initial dose radiotherapy were assigned to two groups. The 31 patients in the treatment group received CM therapy, and the 29 in the control group were treated with standard Western medical therapy. The condition of oral mucosa and epidermal growth factor (EGF) content in saliva of patients during the therapeutic period were observed, meanwhile the quality of life (QOL) of patients was estimated with the quality of life questionnaire-core 30 (QLQ-C30) issued by European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC). RESULTS: Acute radiation oral mucositis occurred in all patients, but the severity in the treatment group was milder than that in the control group (P < 0.01). Salivary EGF content decreased along with the increasing radiation dosage, it decreased significantly when 40 Gy radiated and down to the minimum when 70 Gy radiated, but the decrement in the treatment group was less than that in the control group (P < 0.01). Comparison of QOL by QLQ-C30 scale showed that after radiotherapy the global health status in the treatment group was superior to the control group (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Chinese medicine for nourishing yin and clearing heat therapy could actually postpone the occurrence of acute radiation oral mucositis, lessen the adverse reaction of radiotherapy and improve patient's QOL, show a favorable effect in prevention and treatment, and has definite application value for clinical spreading.

Protective effect of qi dong yi xin on acute myocardial infarction in dogs / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the protective effects on acute myocardial infarction of QDYX in dog.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>The corconary ciculation and cardial oxygen metabolism, the degree and range of myocardial ischemia, myocardial infarct size, and the changes of the enzymes in serum were determined by using the acute myocardial infarction model of ligation of LAD in the anaesthetized open-chest dogs.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>The coronary resistance and cardial oxygen consumption were decreased and the myocardial blood flow was increased in dogs treated with QDYX of 1.0,2.0 mg.kg-1. The degree and range of myocardial ischemia, myocardial infarct size and the activity of serum CK, LDH were decreased in acute myocardial infarcion dogs treated with QDYX of 1.0,2.0 mg.kg-1.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>QDYX can decrease cardial oxygen consumption in dogs, thus having protective effect on myocardial ischemia.</p>