Schisandra chinensis Oil Attenuates Aristolochic Acid I-Induced Nephrotoxicity in vivo and in vitro.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the protective effects of Schisandra chinensis oil (SCEO) against aristolochic acid I (AA I)-induced nephrotoxicity in vivo and in vitro and elucidate the underlying mechanism. METHODS: C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into 5 groups according to a random number table, including control group, AA I group, and AA I +SCEO (0.25, 0.5 and 1 g/kg) groups (n=5 per group). Pretreatment with SCEO was done for 2 days by oral administration, while the control and AA I groups were treated with sodium carboxymethyl cellulose. Mice of all groups except for the control group were injected intraperitoneally with AA I (5 mg/kg) from day 3 until day 7. Histopathological examination and apoptosis of kidney tissue were observed by hematoxylin and eosin and TdT-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) staining, respectively. The levels of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and serum creatinine (SCr), as well as renal malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione, r-glutamyl cysteingl+glycine (GSH), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Expressions of hepatic cytochrome P450 1A1 (CYP1A1), CYP1A2, and nad(p)hquinonedehydrogenase1 (NQO1) were analyzed using ELISA, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and Western blot, respectively. In vitro, SCEO (40 µ g/mL) was added 12 h before treatment with AA I (40 µ mol/mL for 48 h) in human renal proximal tubule cell line (HK-2), then apoptosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were analyzed by flow cytometry. RESULTS: SCEO 0.5 and 1 g/kg ameliorated histopathological changes and TUNEL+ staining in the kidney tissues of mice with AA I-induced nephrotoxicity, and reduced serum levels of ALT, AST, BUN and SCr (P<0.01 or P<0.05). SCEO 0.5 and 1 g/kg alleviated the ROS generation in kidney, containing MDA, GSH and SOD (P<0.01 or P<0.05). SCEO 1 g/kg increased the expressions of CYP1A1 and CYP1A2 and decreased NQO1 level in the liver tissues (P<0.01 or P<0.05). Besides, in vitro studies also demonstrated that SCEO 40 µ g/mL inhibited apoptosis and ROS generation (P<0.05 or P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: SCEO can alleviate AA I-induced kidney damage both in vivo and in vitro. The protective mechanism may be closely related to the regulation of metabolic enzymes, thereby inhibiting apoptosis and ROS production.

"Fenestration and Tunnel Method" a Modification for the Holmium Laser Transurethral Prostatectomy of Large-Volume Prostates >80 ml: A Retrospective Study Based on 1-Year Follow-Up.

The purpose of this study was to promote the holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) technology for large-volume prostates (>80 ml) and compare it with the traditional method, we modified the technique and applied this technology to clinical practice. A retrospective study comprising 118 patients who underwent HoLEP surgery from February 2018 to December 2019 was conducted in our center. Group A consisted of 57 patients with large-volume prostate (>80 ml) who received modified "fenestration and tunnel method" from February 2019 till December 2019, while group B consisted of 61 patients who received the traditional trivalvular operation method from February 2018 to December 2018 for comparison. Control subjects are selected such that they match the cases concerning certain characteristics, and perioperative data, voiding outcomes, and complications were evaluated at 1- and 12-month follow-up. The international prostatic symptomatic score (IPSS), quality of life (QoL), and maximum flow rate (Qmax) at 1 month and 12 months were both significantly improved compared with the preoperative baseline, and no significant differences were found between Groups A and B. The mean enucleation time, operation time, catheter indwelling duration, and hemoglobin decrease during the operation of Group A showed superiority compared with Group B (p<.05). The modified "fenestration and tunnel method" of HoLEP was statistically superior to the traditional trivalvular method in terms of the operation time, enucleation time, catheter indwelling duration, and hemoglobin decrease. For large-volume prostates (>80 ml), modified HoLEP was suggested to be a better treatment option.

Short-term supplementation of EPA-enriched ethanolamine plasmalogen increases the level of DHA in the brain and liver of n-3 PUFA deficient mice in early life after weaning.

A lack of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in mothers' diet significantly reduced the amount of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in the brains of offspring, which might affect their brain function. Our previous research has proven multiple benefits of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)-enriched ethanolamine plasmalogen (pPE) in enhancing the learning and memory ability. However, the effect of dietary supplementation with EPA-pPE on the DHA content in the brain and liver of offspring lacking n-3 PUFAs in early life is still unclear. Female ICR mice were fed with n-3 PUFA-deficient diets throughout the gestation and lactation periods to get n-3 PUFA-deficient offspring. The lipid profiles in the cerebral cortex and liver of offspring were analyzed using lipidomics after dietary supplementation with EPA-pPE (0.05%, w/w) and EPA-phosphatidylcholine (PC) (0.05%, w/w) for 2 weeks after weaning. Dietary supplementation with EPA could significantly change fatty acid composition in a variety of phospholipid molecular species compared with the n-3 deficient group. EPA-pPE and EPA-PC remarkably increased the DHA content in the brain PC, ether-linked phosphatidylcholine (ePC), and phosphatidylethanolamine plasmalogen (pPE) and liver triglyceride (TG), lyso-phosphatidylcholine (LPC), ePC, phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), and pPE molecular species, in which EPA-pPE showed more significant effects on the increase of DHA in cerebral cortex PC, ePC and liver PC compared with EPA-PC. Both EPA-phospholipids could effectively increase the DHA levels, and the pPE form was superior to PC in the contribution of DHA content in the cerebral cortex PC, ePC and liver PC molecular species. EPA-enriched ethanolamine plasmalogen might be a good nutritional supplement to increase DHA levels in the brains of n-3 PUFA-deficient offspring.

Discovery of cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors from Kadsura coccinea by affinity ultrafiltration mass spectrometry and the anti-inflammatory activity.

The medicinal plant Kadsura coccinea distributing in South China, was widely used for reducing inflammation and relieving pain. Previous study in our laboratory had proved the significant therapeutic effects of K. coccinea extract on adjuvant arthritis rats. To explore the responsible components and possible mechanisms, an AUF-HPLC-Q-TOF/ MS method was employed for screening and characterizing COX-2 ligands from K. coccinea stems for the first time. Meanwhile, the molecular docking was performed to simulate the binding modes for ligands and COX-2, the cell-free enzyme activity assay was applied to verify the direct COX-2 inhibition of potential inhibitors, and the cell-based study on COX-2 expression was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of (+)-Anwulignan. As a result, the potential COX-2 inhibitor (+)-Anwulignan significantly suppressing COX-2 expressions in LPS signaling pathways might be a good candidate for anti-inflammation and analgesia. In conclusion, AUF mass spectrometry combining the molecular docking and bioassays in vitro was an efficient approach for discovering enzyme inhibitors from traditional herbs.

Effects of Dietary Supplementation with EPA-enriched Phosphatidylcholine and Phosphatidylethanolamine on Glycerophospholipid Profile in Cerebral Cortex of SAMP8 Mice fed with High-fat Diet.

The destruction of lipid homeostasis is associated with nervous system diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). It has been reported that dietary EPA-enriched phosphatidylcholine (EPA-PC) and phosphatidylethanolamine (EPA-PE) could improve brain function. However, it was unclear that whether EPA-PC and EPA-PE intervention could change the lipid composition of cerebral cortex in AD mice. All the senescence-accelerated mouse-prone 8 (SAMP8) mice were fed with a high-fat diet for 8 weeks. After another 8 weeks of intervention with EPA-PC and EPA-PE (1%, w/w), the cerebral cortex lipid levels were determined by lipidomics. Results demonstrated that dietary supplementation with EPA-PE and EPA PC for 8 weeks significantly increased the amount of choline plasmalogen (pPC) and Lyso phosphatidylethanolamine (LPE) in the cerebral cortex of SAMP8 mice fed with high fat diet. Meanwhile, administration with EPA-PE and EPA-PC could significantly decrease the level of docosapentaenoic acid (DPA)-containing phosphatidylserine (PS) as well as increase the levels of arachidonic acid (AA)-containing phosphatidylethanolamine and PS in cerebral cortex. EPA-PE and EPA-PC could restore the lipid homeostasis of dementia mice to a certain degree, which might provide a potential novel therapy strategy and direction of dietary intervention in patients with cognitive impairment.

Herbal decoction of Gastrodia, Uncaria, and Curcuma confers neuroprotection against cerebral ischemia in vitro and in vivo.

"Tianma" (Gastrodia) and "gouteng" (Uncaria) are both widely used to treat cerebral ischemia. At the same time, "ezhu" (Curcuma longa) or turmeric, is derived from the dried roots of C. longa. It is a polyphenol known for its anti-inflammatory effects and its promotion of blood vessel endothelial function. This study explored the neuroprotective effects of a water extract of "tianma", "gouteng", and "ezhu" against ischemic injury. Flow cytometry analysis showed that Gastrodia, Uncaria, and Curcuma reduced the proportion of apoptotic cells in CoCl2 induced B35 (P = 0.0027) and SH-SY5Y (P = 0.0006) cell sample relative to the respective control group. Western blot indicated that Gastrodia, Uncaria, and Curcuma upregulated the expression of Bcl-2 and inversely downregulated Bax and Caspase-3 (P < 0.001). The infarct volume observed in the Gastrodia, Uncaria, and Curcuma group was also decreased compared with the control group (P < 0.05). Immunofluorescence detection revealed a lower expression of Caspase-7 in the Gastrodia, Uncaria, and Curcuma group than in the control group, while expression was negligible in the sham group. Gastrodia, Uncaria, and Curcuma confer neuroprotective effects in CoCl2 induced B35/SH-SY5Y cells and a rat model of ischemia by way of its anti-apoptotic effects.

Effects of biochar properties on the bioremediation of the petroleum-contaminated soil from a shale-gas field.

The characteristics of biochar carriers prepared from different biomass (corncob, straw, and sawdust) were investigated, and the bioremediation performance of the biochar through microbial immobilization was analyzed. Corncob biochar had the highest specific surface area (157.11-312.30 m2 g-1) among the different biomass, and the specific surface area and total pore volume reached the maximum at 500 °C. The pore size was primarily micropore, which aided to the fixation of microorganisms and the adsorption of petroleum pollutants. With increased pyrolysis temperature, the polar functional groups in biochar decreased, and the aromatic functional groups gradually increased, thereby benefiting the adsorption of hydrophobic organic compounds. Corncob biochar had the highest zeta potential, i.e., from - 30.95 to - 6.43 mV, conducive to the electrostatic adsorption between carrier and microorganism. The highest oil-removal and microbial-immobilization rates of biochar CC500 (with corncob pyrolyzed at 500 °C) were about 70.7% and 71.2%, respectively. A strong recovery of microbial growth activity was also observed; recovery was 83.38% compared with free bacteria, and the fixed microorganisms reached logarithmic-growth period at 8-18 h.

Carthamus tinctorius L. Extract ameliorates cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats by regulating matrix metalloproteinases and apoptosis.

We investigate the protective effect of Carthamus tinctorius L. (CTL, also known as Honghua in China or Safflower) on cerebral ischemia-reperfusion and explored the possible mechanisms on regulating apoptosis and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). High-performance liquid chromatography method with diode array detection analysis was established to analyze the components of CTL. Middle cerebral artery occlusion rats model was established to evaluate Neurological Function Score and hematoxylin-eosin staining, as well as triphenyltetrazolium was used to examine the infarction area ratio. Transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling was performed for the apoptosis. Apoptosis-related factors, including B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), Bax and Caspase3, and MMPs-related MMP2, MMP9, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 1 (TIMP1) in ischemic brain, were assayed by Western blot, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, and immunohistochemistry. The data showed that CTL (2, 4 g crude drug/kg/d) treatment could significantly reduce the ischemic damage in brain tissue and improve a significant neurological function score. In addition, CTL could also attenuate apoptosis degree of brain tissues and regulate Bcl-2, Bax, and Caspase 3 and also have a significant decrease on MMP-9 expression, followed by a significant increase of TIMP1 protein expression. These findings indicated that regulation of CTL on apoptosis and MMPs contributed to its protective effect on ischemia/reperfusion injury.

Baeckeins L and M, two novel C-methylated triflavonoids from the roots of Baeckea frutescens L.

Baeckea frutescens is a medicinal plant distributing from Southeast Asia to Australia. A pair of novel diastereomeric C-methylated triflavonoids named baeckeins L (1) and M (2) were isolated from the roots of B. frutescens. The structures of these isolates were elucidated by analysis of the 1D (1H/13C) and 2D NMR (HSQC/HMBC/NOESY) and HR-ESI-MS spectroscopic data, and the absolute configurations of chiral carbons (C-2/C-3/C-2°/C-3°) were established by CD spectrometry combined with quantum chemical calculations.

Selenium deficiency inhibits micRNA-146a to promote ROS-induced inflammation via regulation of the MAPK pathway in the head kidney of carp.

Selenium (Se) is a necessity in multiple species of fish. Se plays an important role in immunoregulation, inflammation, and antioxidant systems in fish and other animals. The head kidney is the major immune organ in adult carp, and it produces white blood cells and destroys old red blood cells. The present study aimed to explore the effects and regulatory molecular mechanisms of Se on ROS and micRNA-146a as part of the inflammatory response in fancy carp. Adult fancy carp were fed different concentrations of Se in their diets. The Se content of the head kidney changed in a pattern consistent with the dietary content of Se. Se deficiency induced a significant increase in ROS, restrained the activities of GPx, SOD and CAT and increased MDA content. qPCR analysis showed a reduction in micRNA-146a with Se deficiency. The Se content, miRNA-146a expression and ROS levels were correlated. H2O2 cell stimulation assays found that ROS could activate the MAPK pathway, and ELISA results showed p38, JNK and ERK phosphorylation significantly increased with H2O2 stimulation. TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-6 were appreciably increased. At same time, miRNA-146a, which should have increased to regulate the inflammatory response, was reduced with Se deficiency. Therefore, with Se deficiency, the head kidney was inflamed. All these results indicated that Se deficiency inhibits micRNA-146a to promote ROS-induced inflammation via regulating the MAPK pathway in the head kidney of carp. The present study revealed that supplementing the diet of carp with selenium is beneficial for growth and disease prevention.

[Simultaneous quantification and consistency analysis of 19 representative components in Longshengzhi Capsules by HPLC-QQQ/MS].

Longshengzhi capsule consisting of 12 herbs is widely used in clinically treating cerebral ischemia during recovery period.In this study,in order to investigate the consistency of different batches of Longshengzhi capsules,a high performance liquid chromatography coupled to triple quadrupole mass spectrometry method(HPLC-QQQ/MS) was developed for the determination of 19 representative components in Longshengzhi Capsules within 9 min. Methodology validation indicated this method was simple,rapid,accurate,highly sensitive and reproducible,and it could be used for the content determination of components in Longshengzhi Capsules. The consistency analysis results showed that paeoniflorin and calycosin-7-glucoside in Longshengzhi Capsules had the highest content; RSD value of total content of 19 compounds was 5. 2% and the RSD value of main compounds such as astragaloside and calycosin-7-glucoside was all less than 15%,reflecting good consistency among different batches. This study has provided a scientific method and basis for the quality control and consistency evaluation of Longshengzhi Capsules.

Selenium deficiency induced an inflammatory response by the HSP60 - TLR2-MAPKs signalling pathway in the liver of carp.

Selenium (Se) is one of the essential trace elements for immune regulation and antioxidant systems in fish growth. The dietary Se plays an important role in immune regulation and inflammation by regulating HSPs and TLRs in liver of many animals. The liver is an important digestive organ in carp. Liver damage can seriously affect the growth and survival of carp. This study was conducted to determine whether Se regulated liver inflammation by affecting HSPs-TLR2 signalling and the potential mechanisms of action in common carp. The gene was analysed by qPCR. The proteins of inflammatory factors were detected by ELISA. The others proteins were analysed by Western blot. The results indicated the Se concentrations in blood and liver tissues were significantly influenced by dietary Se. The Se deficiency increased the expression of HSP60 and TLR2 and the secretion of the proinflammatory factor TNF-α, IL-1ß and IL-6, induced a low secretion of the anti-inflammatory TGF-ß, but the Se supplements could transform these events. Further research showed that with the dose-dependently decrease of Se, the HSP60 expressions were increased, and the MAPKs pathway were significantly activated by the phosphorylation of p38, JNK and ERK in liver tissue and cell. The results provide evidence that Se deficiency induced and exacerbated inflammatory injury to the liver through the HSP60 and TLR2-MAPKs signalling pathways in carp.

[Studies on constituents of Polygonum multiflorum extract in vivo and in vitro based on UPLC-Q-TOF-MS].

To explore the drug-induced constituents in vivo of Polygonum multiflorum extract (PM). This study was the first to study the drug-induced constituents in target organ liver. Agilent MassHunter qualitative analysis software and Metabolite ID software were applied for the analysis of retention time, exact relative molecular mass, primary and secondary mass spectrum information based on ultra performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS) and targeted-MS/MS. By comparison with literature and standards, a total of 5 prototypes and 6 metabolites were identified or tentatively elucidated from the liver samples. In addition, the drug-induced constituents in plasma and PM were also analyzed in this study and 8 prototypes and 19 metabolites were detected from the plasma samples, while 30 compounds were detected from the extract of PM. Emodin oxidative acetylation metabolites, hydroxyl methylation metabolites, carboxylation glucuronidation metabolites and ketone glucuronidation metabolites in this study were first reported. Through the comparative analysis between the in vivo and in vitro constituents of PM, the study preliminarily revealed the drug-induced constituents (prototypes and metabolites) in liver and clarified the transfer process and transmutation rules of constituents in PM, blood and liver, which would further deepen our understanding on constituents of PM in vivo.

Combining Bone Marrow Stromal Cells with Green Tea Polyphenols Attenuates the Blood-Spinal Cord Barrier Permeability in Rats with Compression Spinal Cord Injury.

This study was performed to investigate the effect of bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) combined with green tea polyphenols (GTPs) on the blood-spinal cord barrier (BSCB) permeability after spinal cord injury (SCI) in the rat model. In the model of SCI rats, we found that the water content and the BSCB permeability were decreased by BMSCs and GTPs treatment, and their combination had a synergistic effect. Further, the motor function of rats was also greatly improved by BMSCs and GTPs administration. After treated by the combination of BMSCs and GTPs, SCI rats showed the up-regulated expression of tight junction (TJ) associated proteins claudin-5, occludin and ZO-1 by Western blot, which was more remarkable than that in the single treatment. The increased expression levels of claudin-5, occludin, and ZO-1 were the most obvious in the spinal cord microvessels using immunohistochemistry assay. This led to the conclusion that the combination of BMSCs and GTPs could decrease the BSCB permeability by up-regulating protein expression levels of claudin-5, occludin, and ZO-1. In addition, after BMSCs and GTPs administration, the results of Western blot and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) revealed a significant decrease in protein expression level and the activation of nuclear factor-кB (NF-кB) p65. Our results indicated that combination of BMSCs and GTPs could improve motor function after SCI, which might be correlated with improvements in BSCB integrity, and that NF-кB might be involved in the modulating process.

[Treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus patients of qi-yin deficiency phlegm-stasis inter-obstruction syndrome by jiangtang xiaozhi capsule and pioglitazone tablet: a non-inferiority randomized controlled trial].

UNLABELLED: OBJECTIVE; To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Jiangtang Xiaozhi Capsule (JTXZC) in treating type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) of qi-yin deficiency phlegm-stasis inter-obstruction syndrome (QYDPSIOS), and to observe its effect on inflammatory factors and fibrinolytic factors. METHODS: By adopting a randomization grouping, parallel control, and prospective study, 73 T2DM patients of QYDPSIOS were assigned to two groups by random digit table, the Pioglitazone Tablet group (36 cases, as the control) and the JTXZC group (37 cases). All patients maintained their basic therapies and lifestyle as previous after recruitment. Patients in the JTXZC group took JTXZC, 4 pills each time, three times per day, while those in control group took Pioglitazone Tablet, 15 mg each time, once daily. The therapeutic course for all was 8 weeks. The body weight (BW), the height, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), hip circumference, waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), and scoring of Chinese medicine (TCM) symptoms were observed. Levels of fasting blood glucose (FBG), 2 h postprandial blood glucose (2 h PBG), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB), and plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAL-1) were detected. The safety indices such as liver and renal functions and adverse reactions were also observed. RESULTS: Compared with before treatment, BW, BMI, HbA1c, and PBG were obviously lower after 8-week treatment than before treatment in the JTXZC group (P < 0.05). There was no statistical difference in post-treatment BW, BMI, HbA1c, or 2 h PBG between the two groups (P < 0.05). Compared with before treatment, levels of TNF-alpha and PAI-1 were lowered after 8 weeks of treatment in both groups (P < 0.01). The level of NF-kappaB was obviously lowered after 8 weeks of treatment in the control groups (P < 0.05), but it also decreased in the JTXZC group with no statistical difference. The scorings of CM symptoms were somewhat improved after treatment in the two groups (P < 0.01). Besides, better effects were obtained in the JTXZC group (P < 0.05). No severe adverse event occurred in either group during the whole therapeutic course. CONCLUSIONS: JTXZC showed similar therapeutic effect to pioglitazone. Both of them could effectively improve patients' clinical symptoms, the inflammation and fibrinolytic activities in different pathways, with no severe adverse reaction.

[Occurrence and distribution of volatile organic compounds in conventional and advanced drinking water treatment processes].

A series of experiments were conducted to study the occurrence and distribution of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in conventional and advanced drinking water treatment processes of 3 water treatment plants in Lianyungang City. Results showed that 30 compounds of 3 classes were detected from 67 kinds of VOCs in all the samples collected. The concentrations of carbonyl compounds, halogenated hydrocarbons and benzenes detected were in the ranges of 0.04-61.27, 0.02-35.61 and 0.07-2.33 microg x L(-1) respectively. Comparing the changes of different VOCs in three drinking water treatment plants, conventional chlorination process could effectively remove benzenes but meanwhile produced trihalomethanes (THMs). Additional advanced treatment ozonation-biological activated carbon process could decrease the formation of THMs during pre-chlorination but produced new risky contaminants like carbonyl compounds. The changes of VOCs in tap water were also investigated. It was found that carbonyl compounds produced by ozonation could be further transformed to THMs with residual chlorine. However, the health risks of all detected compounds in tap water were at a low level, except that the carcinogenic risk of crotonaldehydes (9.3 x 10(-5)-2.2 x 10(-4)) was slightly higher than the US EPA threshold (10(-6)-10(-4)).

Fabrication and characterization of novel antimicrobial films derived from thymol-loaded zein-sodium caseinate (SC) nanoparticles.

The objective of this research was to fabricate novel antimicrobial films based on zein colloidal nanoparticles coated with sodium caseinate (SC), an emulsifier/stabilizer. Thymol-loaded zein-SC nanoparticles were prepared using an antisolvent technique, with the average particle size and zeta potential about 200 ± 20 nm and -40 mV, respectively. Zein-SC nanoparticle-based films exhibited higher mechanical resistance and water barrier capacity than the SC films and concomitant good extensibility as compared with zein films. Thymol loadings endowed zein-SC nanoparticle-based films with antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli and Salmonella as well as DPPH radical scavenging activity. Water vapor permeability, microstructure, mechanical, and controlled release properties of the films were evaluated. The possible relationship between some selected physical properties and microstructure were also discussed. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) analysis indicated that thymol loadings resulted in the emergence phenomena of the nanoparticles to form large particles or packed structure, consisting of clusters of nanoparticles, within the film matrix, in a thymol loading dependent manner. The appearance of large particles or an agglomerate of particles may weaken the compactness of protein network of films and thus impair the water barrier capacity, mechanical resistance, and extensibility of the films. The release kinetics of thymol from nanoparticle-based films can be described as a two-step biphasic process, that is, an initial burst effect followed by subsequent slower release, and zein-SC nanoparticles within the films matrices gave them the ability to sustain the release of thymol. In addition, a schematic illustration of the formation pathway of zein-SC nanoparticle-based films with or without thymol was proposed to illuminate the possible relationship between some selected physical properties and the microstructure of the films.

[Clinical study of Jiangtang Xiaozhi Capsule in treating type 2 diabetes mellitus patients].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Jiangtang Xiaozhi Capsule (JTXZC) in treating type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients of qi-yin deficiency and inter-obstruction between phlegm and stasis. METHODS: Adopting prospective, randomized, controlled trial design, 73 T2DM patients of qi-yin deficiency and inter-obstruction between phlegm and stasis syndrome, were randomly assigned to two groups, the pioglitazone tablet group (36 cases) and the JTXZC group (37 cases). The therapeutic course for all was 8 weeks. The body weight, height, body mass index (BMI), waistline (WC), hipline, waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), and scoring for Chinese medicine (CM) symptoms assessment were observed. The fasting blood glucose (FBG), 2-h postprandial blood glucose (PBG), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), plasma total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), plasma insulin (FINS) were detected. The HOMA-IR was also calculated. The safety indices such as liver and renal functions, adverse reactions were also observed. RESULTS: The levels of HbA1c were lowered after treatment in the two groups after 8 weeks of treatment, showing statistical difference when compared with before treatment (-0.59% +/- 1.99% and -0.27% +/- 2.73%, P < 0.05). The PBG level also decreased with statistical difference (-1.71 +/- 2.52 mmol/L and -0.72 +/- 4.17 mmol/L, P < 0.05), but there was no statistical difference between the two groups. The body weight, BMI, TG obviously decreased (P < 0.05). The CM symptoms efficacy and CM symptom scoring were significantly reduced in the two groups (P < 0.01). Besides, better effects were shown in the JTXZC group (P < 0.05). No severe adverse event occurred in either group during the therapeutic course. There was no statistical difference in the incidence of adverse events (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: JTXZC showed similar therapeutic effects to pioglitazone. They both could effectively im- prove clinical symptoms with no severe adverse reaction.

[Regional heterogeneity of lake eutrophication effects in China].

Although biomass of algae (Chl-a) were in variant levels between different lake regions in China under the same nutrients conditions, it demonstrated that efficiencies of TN/TP used by algae had regional differences. In order to clarify the differences, curve estimation in SPSS was used to analyze the linear relationship between Ig Chl-a and Ig TN/lg TP. The slopes of these linear equations were identified as the efficiencies of TN/TP used by algae. The slopes of linear equations from Mengxin Plateau, Yungui Plateau, Northeast Mountain-Plain, lower reach of Yangtze River Plain and North Plain were 1.002, 0.817, 0.761, 0.545, 0.250, orderly. The efficiencies of TN used by algae ranged from the highest to the lowest were lower reach of Yangtze River Plain, Yungui Plateau, North Plain, Northeast Mountain-Plain, Mengxin Plateau, and the slopes of linear equations were 1.401, 1.058, 0.447, 0.239, 0. 099, respectively. Consequently, in Northeast Mountain-Plain, Mengxin Plateau the efficiencies of TP used by algae were higher than those of TN, and in Yangtze River Plain, Yungui Plateau, North Plain, the efficiencies of TN used by algae were higher than those of TP. On the other hand, in order to describe the effects of algae on transparency in different lakes, the relationships between Chl-a and SD were analyzed. The results showed that in Yungui Plateau the effect of algae on transparency was the most obvious as the variation of SD explained by Chl-a was the highest, and Northeast Mountain-Plain, Mengxin Plateau and North Plain followed. However, in lower reach of Yangtze River Plain, the relationship between Chl-a and SD was not significant.