Use of Remimazolam Combined With Alfentanil for Plastic Surgery Anesthesia Cases: A Clinical Trial.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to observe the safety and effectiveness of remimazolam benzenesulfonate combined with alfentanil for painless and comfort anesthesia in plastic surgery. METHODS: Two hundred patients with American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) I-II for elective facial autologous lipofilling + autologous liposuction (thigh or abdomen) plastic surgery in our hospital were selected. One hundred patients received comfort anesthesia (observation group) on odd-numbered day of surgery, and other 100 patients received painless anesthesia (control group) on even-numbered day. Patients in both groups were given slow injection of remimazolam benzenesulfonate 0.1 mg/kg and alfentanil 5 µg/kg to induce sleep before local anesthesia. Depending on body action reaction to surgical stimulation, patients in the observation group were received with remimazolam 0.05 mg/kg and alfentanil 2.5 µg/kg for maintenance until the end of surgery after local anesthesia, and patients in the control group received with remimazolam 0.25 to 0.5 mg/kg/h and alfentanil 25 to 50 µg/kg/h in continuous pumps. Time to fall asleep, sedation score, time to end of medication, time to open eyes, recovery score, and the presence of body movement, glossoptosis, arousal or jaw support during hypoxia, hypotension, bradycardia, operation time, total amount of remimazolam and alfentanil used, and the presence of postoperative complications such as pruritus, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting were recorded in both 2 groups. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the preoperative vital sign parameters as mean arterial pressure, heart rate, and oxygen saturation between 2 groups ( P > 0.05). Intraoperative mean arterial pressure and heart rate were significantly lower in both groups compared with preoperative ( P < 0.05), but there was no statistically significant between the 2 groups ( P > 0.05). There was no significant decrease in oxygen saturation in both groups under the condition of intraoperative oxygen inhalation ( P > 0.05). There was no significant difference between the 2 groups in the incidence of adverse reactions, such as intraoperative body movement induced by skin cutting, glossoptosis requiring jaw thrust, postoperative pruritus, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting ( P > 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in time to fall asleep, sedation score during local anesthesia, time to open eyes after stopping anesthetics, and recovery score between the 2 groups ( P > 0.05). Meanwhile, the total amount of remimazolam and alfentanil use was significantly reduced in patients in the observation group compared with the control group ( P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Remimazolam benzenesulfonate combined with alfentanil can be used as a comfort anesthesia and painless anesthesia protocol in plastic surgery, which has the advantages of rapid onset of action, safety and comfort for patients, rapid recovery, and good cooperation. Furthermore, the protocol of remimazolam benzenesulfonate combined with alfentanil used in the observation group can significantly reduce the total amount of remimazolam and alfentanil used.

Reusable TsOH-H2SO4 Mixed Catalysis for Tandem Synthesis of Biodiesel and Oxygenated Fuel Additives, tert-Butyl Glycerol Ethers.

A mixture of p-toluenesulfonic acid and sulfuric acid (TsOH-H2SO4) was used as a catalyst with a good performance in transesterification of palm oil (PO) with methanol and etherification of crude glycerol with isobutylene (tandem synthesis). For TsOH-H2SO4 catalyzed biodiesel production, the reaction noticeably ran faster in comparison with TsOH or H2SO4 alone and also gave up to 99.9% of the conversion using MeOH/PO molar ratio 9:1 at 80℃, in the period of 4 h. After the whole transesterification process, the crude glycerol phase was separated and then reacted with isobutylene in the etherification process using isobutylene/glycerol molar ratio 9:1 at 80℃, in the period of 5 h reaction time, to give DTBG and TTBG (91.14%). In the case of the etherification in biodiesel, higher selectivity of DTBG and TTBG (99.39%) was obtained in comparison with an absence of biodiesel as the solvent. Furthermore, the catalyst could be reused for 6 cycles of tandem synthesis (transesterification and etherification). The TsOH-H2SO4 catalyst showed a good catalytic performance in tandem synthesis similar to TsOH and it could be recovered for reuse while TsOH could not be recovered. This process offers an attractive route for reuse homogeneous catalyst of tandem synthesis, the main by-product of biodiesel, to tert-butyl glycerol ethers - a value-added in applications as a valuable fuel additive.

Photothermal-Enhanced Fenton-like Catalytic Activity of Oxygen-Deficient Nanotitania for Efficient and Safe Tooth Whitening.

The growing demand for charming smiles has led to the popularization of tooth bleaching procedures. Current tooth bleaching products with high-concentration hydrogen peroxide (HP, 30-40%) are effective but detrimental due to the increased risk of enamel destruction, tooth sensitivity, and gingival irritation. Herein, we reported a less-destructive and efficient tooth whitening strategy with a low-concentration HP, which was realized by the remarkably enhanced Fenton-like catalytic activity of oxygen-deficient TiO2 (TiO2-x). TiO2-x nanoparticles were synthesized with a modified solid-state chemical reduction approach with NaBH4. The Fenton-like activity of TiO2-x was optimized by manipulating oxygen vacancy (OV) concentration and further promoted by the near-infrared (NIR)-induced photothermal effect of TiO2-x. The TiO2-x sample named BT45 was chosen due to the highest methylene blue (MB) adsorption ability and Fenton-like activity among acquired samples. The photothermal property of BT45 under 808 nm NIR irradiation was verified and its enhancement on Fenton-like activity was also studied. The BT45/HP + NIR group performed significantly better in tooth whitening than the HP + NIR group on various discolored teeth (stained by Orange II, tea, or rhodamine B). Excitingly, the same tooth whitening performance as the Opalescence Boost, a tooth bleaching product containing 40% HP, was obtained by a self-produced bleaching gel based on this novel system containing 12% HP. Besides, negligible enamel destruction, safe temperature range, and good cytocompatibility of TiO2-x nanoparticles also demonstrated the safety of this tooth bleaching strategy. This work indicated that the photothermal-enhanced Fenton-like performance of the TiO2-x-based system is highly promising in tooth bleaching application and can also be extended to other biomedical applications.

Emulsification of Surfactant on Oil Droplets by Molecular Dynamics Simulation.

Heavy oil in crude oil flooding is extremely difficult to extract due to its high viscosity and poor fluidity. In this paper, molecular dynamics simulation was used to study the emulsification behavior of sodium dodecyl sulfonate (SDSn) micelles on heavy oil droplets composed of asphaltenes (ASP) at the molecular level. Some analyzed techniques were used including root mean square displacement, hydrophile-hydrophobic area of an oil droplet, potential of mean force, and the number of hydrogen bonds between oil droplet and water phase. The simulated results showed that the asphaltene with carboxylate groups significantly enhances the hydration layer on the surface of oil droplets, and SDSn molecules can change the strength of the hydration layer around the surface of the oil droplets. The water bridge structure between both polar heads of the surfactant was commonly formed around the hydration layer of the emulsified oil droplet. During the emulsification of heavy oil, the ratio of hydrophilic hydrophobic surface area around an oil droplet is essential. Molecular dynamics method can be considered as a helpful tool for experimental techniques at the molecular level.

Pyrocatechol violet impregnated magnetic graphene oxide for magnetic solid phase microextraction of copper in water, black tea and diet supplements.

Pyrocatechol violet impregnated magnetic graphene oxide hybrid material (PV-MGO) was prepared as magnetic solid phase microextraction for separation and preconcentration of copper before its determination by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. PV-MGO hybrid material was characterized using field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM, SEM-Mapping), scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy. Effects of various parameters such as pH, eluent type, vortex time, amount of magnetic adsorbent were investigated. Under the optimized conditions the MSPE-FAAS procedure presents limit of detection (LOD) of 4.0 µg L-1, limit of quantification (LOQ) of 13.3 µg L-1, preconcentration factor of 20 and relative standard deviation (RSD) 4.93%. The accuracy of the method was confirmed by the analysis of the certified reference materials (NCS ZC73032 Celery, CRM025-050 metals on soil, TMDA-64.2 fortified water) and addition-recovery tests. The present method was successfully applied to water, black tea and diet supplements.

Sequential vertical flow trickling filter and horizontal flow multi-soil-layering reactor for treatment of decentralized domestic wastewater with sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate.

Sequential vertical flow trickling filter and horizontal flow multi-soil-layering bioreactor were investigated for the treatment of decentralized domestic wastewater at various concentrations of sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate (SDBS). Results have shown that the removal rate of COD could reach 92.1% at initial COD concentration of 960 mg/L (800 mg/L was provided by SDBS). NH4+-N concentration could be reduced from 52.4 to 9.71 mg/L without aeration. Besides, a quadratic function model was fit to describe the relationship between the relative activity of amylase and the protein content in extracellular polymer substance. SDBS could inhibit the transport and metabolisms of amino acids, lipids and carbohydrates in biofilms. The analysis of three-dimensional fluorescence diagram indicated that the peak in excitation/emission wavelengths = 310-340/370-430 nm was the characteristic peaks of some active substances such as some enzymes in EPS. Only Microbacterium could totally offset the toxicity of SDBS degradation products.

PTPN11 (SHP2) Is Indispensable for Growth Factors and Cytokine Signal Transduction During Bovine Oocyte Maturation and Blastocyst Development.

This study was aimed to investigate the role of SHP2 (Src-homology-2-containing phosphotyrosine phosphatase) in intricate signaling networks invoked by bovine oocyte to achieve maturation and blastocyst development. PTPN11 (Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase, non-receptor type 11) encoding protein SHP2, a positive transducer of RTKs (Receptor Tyrosine Kinases) and cytokine receptors, can play a significant role in bovine oocyte maturation and embryo development, but this phenomenon has not yet been explored. Here, we used different growth factors, cytokines, selective activator, and a specific inhibitor of SHP2 to ascertain its role in bovine oocyte developmental stages in vitro. We found that SHP2 became activated by growth factors and cytokines treatment and was highly involved in the activation of oocyte maturation and embryo development pathways. Activation of SHP2 triggered MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinases) and PI3K/AKT (Phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Protein kinase B) signaling cascades, which is not only important for GVBD (germinal vesical breakdown) induction but also for maternal mRNA translation. Inhibition of phosphatase activity of SHP2 with PHPS1 (Phenylhydrazonopyrazolone sulfonate 1) reduced oocytes maturation as well as bovine blastocyst ICM (inner cell mass) volume. Supplementation of LIF (Leukemia Inhibitory Factor) to embryos showed an unconventional direct relation between p-SHP2 and p-STAT3 (Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3) for blastocyst ICM development. Other than growth factors and cytokines, cisplatin was used to activate SHP2. Cisplatin activated SHP2 modulate growth factors effect and combine treatment significantly enhanced quality and rate of developed blastocysts.

Biosynthesis of silver oxide nanoparticles and their photocatalytic and antimicrobial activity evaluation for wound healing applications in nursing care.

Greener way of synthesizing nanoparticles has emerged as a substitute method, as it is ecological and cost effectual. Numerous efforts have been completed for green synthesis of silver oxide nanoparticles (Ag2O NPs) by various plant extracts. Current work disclosed the green combustion synthesis of Ag2O NPs by using Lippia citriodora plant powder. Furthermore, photocatalytic properties of Ag2O NPs were studied on acid orange 8(AO8) dye was assessed under UV light irradiation. The catalyst shows good photocatalytic activity (PCA) for the degradation of AO8 dye, NPs synthesized by Lippia citriodora powder shows high percentage of degradation. The Ag2O NPs act as excellent antibacterial against S. Aureus and antifungal activity against A. Aureus. Further wound healing studies in excision skin wound model in albino wistar rats showed the effective wound healing activity of Ag2O NPs incorporated hydrogels compared to untreated and plant extract treatments. The majority upshot of this research will be recommended that biologically synthesized Ag2O from Lippia citriodora plant powder has more valuable against various disease-causing pathogens and hence could be useful for developing wound dressing agents for nursing care.

Enhanced activation of peroxymonosulfte by LaFeO3 perovskite supported on Al2O3 for degradation of organic pollutants.

In this study, the effect of various supports on activation of peroxymonosulfate and consequent degradation of Acid Orange 7 (AO7) in aqueous solutions was examined at the presence of LaFeO3 perovskite as catalyst. Results showed that the AO7 degradation efficiency by LaFeO3 supported on different supports was in an order of LaFeO3/Al2O3 (86.2%) > LaFeO3 (70.8%) > LaFeO3/CeO2 (59.0%) > LaFeO3/SiO2 (52.3%) > LaFeO3/TiO2 (32.2%). Moreover, the pseudo first-order rate constant for AO7 degradation by LaFeO3/Al2O3 was 3.2 times than that by LaFeO3. The enhancement was attributed to its large surface area, abundant chemisorbed surface-active oxygen, redox property and faster electron transfer. AO7 degradation and the leaching of iron ions decreased with the increase of pH. Data of electron spin resonance spectroscopy and quenching experiments revealed that sulfate and hydroxyl radicals were generated on LaFeO3/Al2O3 surface, while sulfate radicals were identified to be the main reactive species responsible for AO7 degradation. Mechanisms for peroxymonosulfate activation were consequently proposed. Furthermore, LaFeO3/Al2O3 catalyst exhibited a superior stability after five cycles. This work provides a new approach for design of iron-based perovskite catalysts with high and stable catalytic activity for removal of organic pollutants from aqueous solutions.

Organic small molecular nanoparticles based on self-assembly of amphiphilic fluoroporphyrins for photodynamic and photothermal synergistic cancer therapy.

Two new porphyrin-based organic compounds (Por and ZnPor) were synthesized by introducing hydrophilic polyethylene glycol chains and pentafluorobenzene moieties onto the parent porphyrin structure. After self-assembling into nanoparticles, the absorption spectrum of (Zn)Por NPs broadened and red-shifted to some extent, relative to that of organic molecules. Meanwhile, the fluorescence of organic molecule nanoparticles was quenched significantly, which facilitated the nonradiative thermal generation for potential applications in photothermal cancer therapy. Por NPs and ZnPor NPs presented spherical structure with average diameter about 100 nm, endowing them with tumor targeting properties based on the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect. Due to the heavy atom effect, ZnPor NPs presented the higher efficiency of ROS generation than that of Por NPs. In contrast, Por NPs exhibited the better photothermal effect relative to that of ZnPor NPs under irradiation of a 635-nm laser. The photothermal conversion efficiency of Por NPs was calculated to be 16.34%. The in vitro experiments suggested that Por NPs and ZnPor NPs could enter tumor cells efficiently with good biocompatibility and exhibited high photocytotoxicity with IC50 of 7.3 µg/mL and 3.0 µg/mL, respectively. Thus, the as-prepared porphyrin nanomaterials can be used as potential photosensitizers for cancer photodynamic/photothermal synergistic therapy in vivo, benefiting from their good biocompatibility, strong near-infrared absorption, and high photodynamic and photothermal effects.

Self-assembled CeVO4/Ag nanohybrid as photoconversion agents with enhanced solar-driven photocatalysis and NIR-responsive photothermal/photodynamic synergistic therapy performance.

The plasmonic cerium vanadate (CeVO4) semiconductor and plasmonic silver (Ag) metal exhibit a localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) effect in the visible (Vis)-light region; however, weak absorption in the near-infrared (NIR) region restricts their environmental remediation and biomedical application. Herein, CeVO4/Ag nanohybrids with self-assembled heterostructure and improved Vis/NIR light absorption were synthesized from CeVO4 nanosheets and AgNO3 solution, which could serve as potential solar-driven catalytic agents and near-infrared (NIR) light responsive anticancer agents. Oleic acid-stabilized CeVO4 nanosheets were modified with the HS-PEG1000-OH by the thiol-ene click reaction and presented self-assembly morphology in aqueous solution due to hydrophobic-hydrophobic interactions. Sulfhydryl (-SH) groups provided stable sites for Ag+ ions on the surface of CeVO4, and Ag+ ions could be directly reduced by Ce3+ ions to form CeVO4/Ag heterojunction nanocrystals (NCs). Due to the higher absorption in the Vis/NIR light region than CeVO4 nanosheets, CeVO4/Ag NCs led to the improved solar light responsive photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes. Upon the exposure of these NCs to an 808 nm laser, CeVO4/Ag NCs show high photothermal conversion efficiency, ROS generation ability and photoacoustic (PA) signal for implementing PA imaging-guided photothermal/photodynamic synergistic cancer therapy with better tumor inhibition effect.

[Determination of common dyes in dyed safflower by near infrared spectroscopy].

Because the red and bright color of corolla is the main indicator for the quality assessment of good safflower,the dyed safflower is sometimes found at the herbal market,what is influence on this herb quality and efficacy. A total of 127 safflower samples was therefore collected from different cultivating areas and herbal markets in China to develop a rapid method to identify the dyed safflower. Near-infrared spectroscopy(NIRS) combined with characteristic identification,high performance liquid chromatography(HPLC),principal component analysis(PCA) and partial least squares regression analysis(PLS) were employed to differentiate safflower from dyed safflower samples,and further quantify the levels of the 6 dyes,i.e. tartrazine,carmine,sunset yellow,azorubine,acid red 73 and orange Ⅱ in the dyed safflower. The results indicated that the 50 safflower samples and 77 dyed safflower samples were located at different regions in PCA cluster diagram by NIR spectra. Tartrazine,carmineand and sunset yellow were found in the 77 dyed safflower samples with the amounts of 0. 60-3. 66,0. 11-1. 37,0. 10-0. 71 mg·g-1,respectively. It indicated that the three dyes were the common and main dyes in the dyed safflower. However,azorubine,acid red 73 and orange Ⅱ were not detected in all herb samples. A total of 62 dyed safflower samples were chosen as calibration samples to develop the model for estimating the amount of dyes in dyed safflower. The estimating accuracy was verified by another 15 dyed safflower samples. The values of tartrazine,carmine and sunset yellow in dyed safflower samples were compared between the NIRS and HPLC methods. Each value of mean absolute difference(MAD) was less than 5%. The correlation coefficients of tartrazine,carmineand and sunset yellow were 0. 970,0. 975,0. 971,respectively. It indicated the data quantified by NIRS and HPLC were consistence. It is concluded that NIRS can not only differentiate safflower from dyed safflower,but also quantify the amount of the dyes. NIRS is suitable for rapidly identify the quality of safflower.

Ailanthus altissima (Miller) Swingle seed oil: chromatographic characterization by GC-FID and HS-SPME-GC-MS, physicochemical parameters, and pharmacological bioactivities.

This study aimed to identify the physicochemical and the chemical properties of Ailanthus altissima (Miller) Swingle seed oil and to evaluate its in vitro antioxidant and antibacterial activities and in vivo analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities. The fatty acids' composition was determined using GC-FID. The oil was screened for antioxidant activity by DPPH test. The analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities were determined using the acetic acid writhing test in mice and the carrageenan-induced paw edema assay in rats, respectively. Volatile compounds were characterized by HS-SPME-GC-MS. A. altissima produces seeds which yielded 17.32% of oil. The seed oil was characterized by a saponification number of 192.6 mg KOH∙g of oil, a peroxide value of 11.4 meq O2∙kg of oil, a K232 of 4.04, a K270 of 1.24, and a phosphorus content of 126.2 ppm. The main fatty acids identified were palmitic (3.06%), stearic (1.56%), oleic (38.35%), and linoleic acids ones (55.76%). The main aroma compounds sampled in the headspace were carbonyl derivatives. The oil presents an important antioxidant activity (IC50 = 24.57 µg/mL) and a modest antimicrobial activity. The seed oil at 1 g/kg showed high analgesic (91.31%) and anti-inflammatory effects (85.17%). The presence of high levels of unsaturated fatty acids and the noteworthy antioxidant capacity of the seed oil can hypothesize its use as an analgesic and anti-inflammatory agent.

Electropharmacological effects of intracellular Ca2+ handling modulator caldaret on the heart assessed in the halothane-anesthetized dogs.

We analyzed how the enhancement of net sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ uptake may affect cardiac electrophysiological properties in vivo by using caldaret which can decrease SR diastolic Ca2+ leak, enhance SR Ca2+ reuptake and inhibit reverse-mode Na+/Ca2+ exchanger. Caldaret in doses of 0.5, 5 and 50 µg/kg was intravenously administered over 10 min to the halothane-anesthetized beagle dogs (n = 5), attaining pharmacologically active plasma concentration. The low and middle doses of caldaret increased the ventricular contraction, which could be explained by its on-target pharmacological activities. The high dose enhanced the sinus automaticity followed by its suppression in addition to the increase of the total peripheral resistance, which may be unfavorable for treating diastolic heart failure. The low and middle doses enhanced the atrioventricular conduction, which may have some potential for predisposing the atria to the onset of atrial fibrillation via an induction of mitral and/or tricuspid regurgitation. The middle and high doses of caldaret prolonged the ventricular effective refractory period without altering the intraventricular conduction or repolarization period, which may prevent the onset of ventricular arrhythmias. Thus, modulation of intracellular Ca2+ handling by caldaret can induce not only inotropic effect, but also various electrophysiological actions on the in situ heart.

Dyeing but not dying: Colourful dyes as a non-lethal method of food labelling for in vitro-reared honey bee (Apis mellifera) larvae.

Several environmental factors (e.g. food source, pesticides, toxins, parasites and pathogens) influence development and maturation of honey bees (Apis mellifera). Therefore, controlled experimental conditions are mandatory when studying the impact of environmental factors: particularly food quality and nutrient consumption. In vitro larval rearing is a standard approach for monitoring food intake of larvae and the labelling of food is necessary to quantify intake in controlled feeding experiments. Here, we tested the suitability of two food dyes, Allura Red and Brilliant Blue, in an experimental set up using in vitro reared honey bee larvae and freshly hatched adult workers. Absorbance of both dyes was measured, in food and dye-fed larvae, to determine the optimal dye concentrations for accurate detection and quantification. By quantifying relative dye concentrations in dye mixtures, relative concentrations of mixed dyes can be estimated independent of the total food consumed by the larvae. Survival assays were conducted to test the impact of both dyes on larval and worker bee survival. Worker bees showed no increase in adult mortality, when fed with dyed honey. Larval survival was not significantly different until the late pupal stage. The physiological impact of dye feeding was tested by measuring larval immune response. No changes in innate immune gene expression were detectable for larvae fed with dyed and non-dyed food. In conclusion, we established a non-invasive food labelling protocol for food intake quantification in in vitro reared honey bee larvae, using non-toxic, inexpensive, and easy to apply food dyes.

The STAT3 inhibitor S3I-201 suppresses fibrogenesis and angiogenesis in liver fibrosis.

Liver fibrosis is a common pathological response to chronic hepatic injury. STAT3 is actively involved in the fibrogenesis and angiogenesis seen in liver fibrosis. S3I-201 (NSC 74859) is a chemical inhibitor of STAT3 activity, which blocks the dimerization of STAT3, STAT3-DNA binding and transcription activity. This study evaluated the effects of S3I-201 against liver fibrosis. S3I-201 inhibited the proliferation, migration, and actin filament formation in primary human hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), as well as the expression of α-SMA, collagen I and TIMP1 in both primary HSC and in a CCl4-induced fibrosis mouse model. S3I-201 induced both apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in the HSC cell line (LX-2). S3I-201 inhibited the expression of fibrogenesis factors TGFß1 and TGFßRII, as well as the downstream phosphorylation of Smad2, Smad3, Akt and ERK induced by TGFß1. In addition to fibrogenesis, both in vitro and in vivo assays showed that S3I-201 inhibited angiogenesis through expression suppression of VEGF and VEGFR2. Moreover, S3I-201 also had a synergistic effect with sorafenib, an FDA approved liver cancer drug, in the proliferation, apoptosis, angiogenesis and fibrogenesis of HSC. S3I-201 suppressed liver fibrosis through multiple mechanisms, and combined with sorafenib, S3I-201 could be a potentially effective antifibrotic agent.

Boron increases root elongation by reducing aluminum induced disorganized distribution of HG epitopes and alterations in subcellular cell wall structure of trifoliate orange roots.

Aluminum toxicity limits the plant growth by inducing inhibition of root elongation. Although several mechanisms have been proposed regarding the phytotoxic effects of aluminum on inhibition of root elongation; the primary causes of aluminum induced root inhibition and its mitigation by boron (B) are still elusive. The present study was carried out to explore the mechanisms of B induced mitigation of aluminum toxicity and to investigate the changes in well wall structure under aluminum toxicity coupled with the techniques of confocal laser microscope, lumogallion and transmission electron microscope. The results revealed that aluminum toxicity severely hampered the root elongation and plant biomass. Moreover, alteration in subcellular structure were observed under aluminum toxicity, however, such negative effects were further exacerbated with B deficiency. Aluminum toxicity indicated disorganized distribution of HG (homogalacturonan) epitopes with higher accumulation of apoplastic aluminum. Nevertheless, B supply improved root elongation, and reduced the aluminum uptake. Taken together, it is concluded that B application can reduce aluminum toxicity and improve root elongation by decreasing Al3+ accumulation to cell wall, alteration in the cell wall structure and reducing the distribution of HG epitopes in the roots of trifoliate (Poncirus trifoliate) orange.

[An automated direct immersion solid-phase micro extraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (DI-SPME-GCMS) method for determination pesticides in liquid Chinese herbal health food].

OBJECTIVE: To establish a method to determinate 25 pesticides in liquid health food from Chinese herbal medicines by direct immersion solid phase micro extraction coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. METHODS: The sample was diluted with ultrapure water, adjusted p H with acetic acid, and then filtered by 0. 45µm filter. The target compounds were extracted and concentrated by the method of on-line immersion solid phase micro extraction( SPME) coupled with 65 µm PDMS/DVB extraction fiber. The sample was separated by GC-MS with TG-5 MS( 30 m × 0. 25 mm ×0. 25 µm) capillary column. RESULTS: The method showed a good linearity R2 above 0. 99 in the range of 20-200 µg/kg for 25 organic phosphorus pesticides analytes with average recovery rates of 77. 9%-97. 9%( n = 6) and the relative standard deviation( RSD)within 1. 72%-13. 57%. The limits of detection( LOD) were between 3-10 µg/kg. CONCLUSION: The method is simple, accurate, sensitive and very environmental friendly. It is suitable for the determination of 25 pesticides in liquid health food from Chinese herbal medicines.

Isolation of Vacuoles from the Leaves of the Medicinal Plant Catharanthus roseus.

The isolation of vacuoles is an essential step to unravel the important and complex functions of this organelle in plant physiology. Here, we describe a method for the isolation of vacuoles from Catharanthus roseus leaves involving a simple procedure for the isolation of protoplasts, and the application of a controlled osmotic/thermal shock to the naked cells, leading to the release of intact vacuoles, which are subsequently purified by density gradient centrifugation. The purity of the isolated intact vacuoles is assayed by microscopy, western blotting, and measurement of vacuolar (V)-H+-ATPase hydrolytic activity. Finally, membrane functionality and integrity is evaluated by measuring the generation of a transtonoplast pH gradient by the V-H+-ATPase and the V-H+-pyrophosphatase, also producing further information on vacuole purity.