Improving nutrients removal of Anaerobic-Anoxic-Oxic process via inhibiting partial anaerobic mixture with nitrite in side-stream tanks: Role of nitric oxide.

A side-stream tank which was in parallel with the anoxic tank was used to improve the performance of an Anaerobic-Anoxic-Oxic process. The partial mixtures from the anaerobic tank were injected into the side-stream tank with the initial nitrite nitrogen (NO2--N) concentrations of 10 mg/L and 20 mg/L. When the initial NO2--N concentration in the tank was 20 mg/L, total nitrogen and total phosphorus removal efficiencies of the A2/O process increased from 72% and 48% to 90% and 89%, respectively. 2.23 mg/L of nitric oxide (NO) were observed in the side-stream tank. The abundance of Nitrosomonas sp. and Nitrospira sp. were varied from 0.98% and 6.13% to 2.04% and 1.13%, respectively. The abundances of Pseudomonas sp. and Acinetobacter sp. were increased from 0.81% and 0.74% to 6.69% and 5.48%, respectively. NO plays an important role for improving the nutrients removal of the A2/O process in the side-stream nitrite-enhanced strategy.

Advances in the Role and Mechanisms of Essential Oils and Plant Extracts as Natural Preservatives to Extend the Postharvest Shelf Life of Edible Mushrooms.

China has a large variety of edible mushrooms and ranks first in the world in terms of production and variety. Nevertheless, due to their high moisture content and rapid respiration rate, they experience constant quality deterioration, browning of color, loss of moisture, changes in texture, increases in microbial populations, and loss of nutrition and flavor during postharvest storage. Therefore, this paper reviews the effects of essential oils and plant extracts on the preservation of edible mushrooms and summarizes their mechanisms of action to better understand their effects during the storage of mushrooms. The quality degradation process of edible mushrooms is complex and influenced by internal and external factors. Essential oils and plant extracts are considered environmentally friendly preservation methods for better postharvest quality. This review aims to provide a reference for the development of new green and safe preservation and provides research directions for the postharvest processing and product development of edible mushrooms.

Advances in the mechanisms of polysaccharides in alleviating depression and its complications.

BACKGROUND: Depression is one of the most serious mental illnesses worldwide that endangers the health of people. The pathogenesis of depression is complex and is associated with abnormal neurotransmitter levels, activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, inflammation, and gut flora-related disorders. However, most of the current pharmacological therapies used to manage depression are inconsistent and are associated with side effects. Owing to their low toxicity and wide availability in nature, polysaccharides are gradually attracting attention and are being discovered to exert direct or indirect antidepressant effects. PURPOSE: In this review, we have summarized the classification, dosage, and experimental models to study polysaccharides with antidepressant effects obtained from different sources. We have also reviewed the protective effects and underlying mechanisms of these polysaccharides in depression by modulating inflammation, the HPA axis, and intestinal flora. METHODS: We searched the PubMed, Web of Science, and Google scholar databases and included studies that reported the use of polysaccharides in treating depression. RESULTS: The unique benefits of natural polysaccharides as antidepressants lie in their potential to modulate inflammation, regulate the HPA axis, and regulate intestinal flora, giving full play to their antidepressant effects via multiple pathways and targets. CONCLUSION: Natural polysaccharides may be a promising resource for use as adjuvant antidepressant therapy. Our study might therefore provide evidence for the development of polysaccharide resources as antidepressants.

Effects of 3, 4-divanillyltetrahydrofuran from Urtica fissa on sexual dysfunction in diabetic mice.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Urtica fissa E. Pritz. are important herbs and have been traditionally used as ethnic medicine to treat rheumatism, inflammation, diabetes, and benign prostatic hyperplasia by the Han, Uighur, and other minorities in China, and also as an aphrodisiac in Uighur medicine. AIMS OF THE STUDY: To determine the effect and potential mechanism of 3, 4-divanillyltetrahydrofuran (DVTF), one of the main active components isolated from U. fissa on hypogonadism in diabetic mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The active compound DVTF was extracted and separated from the roots of U. fissa and identified using mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. A mouse model of diabetes was established using high fat and sugar diet combined with streptozotocin. In the treatment groups, mice were received different doses of DVTF for 4 weeks. Fasting blood glucose levels, physiological and biochemical indices, and the mating behavior of DM mice were analyzed. Changes in testicular morphology were assessed using light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The expression of testosterone synthesis-related signaling proteins was detected using western blotting. Molecular docking was used to determine the binding ability of DVTF to Nur77. RESULTS: In diabetic mice, body weight and fasting blood glucose levels decreased. Mating behavior, including mount latency, mount number, and intromission number, was improved following DVTF treatment. Plasma total testosterone, free testosterone, and insulin resistance were positively associated with the recovery of testicular pathological structures in diabetic mice. DVTF treatment increased the expression of Nur77, StAR, and P450scc in the testes of diabetic mice. DVTF and Nur77 formed chemical bonds at five sites. CONCLUSION: As one of the main active components of U. fissa, DVTF exert potential therapeutic effects on testicular injury and hypogonadism caused by diabetes through activating the expression of Nur77 and testosterone synthesis related proteins. Our result will provide new insight for the clinical application of Urtica fissa E. Pritz., especially DVTF, as a potential drug candidate in the treatment of hypogonadism in diabetes.

The effect of the diet of nitrogen-free analogs of essential amino acids on chronic kidney disease deterioration: A meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: We performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the effect of the diet of nitrogen-free analogs of essential amino acids on chronic kidney disease deterioration. METHODS: A systematic literature search up-to September 2021 was done and 14 studies included 1574 subjects with chronic kidney disease at the start of the study; 786 of them had the very low-protein diets supplemented with nitrogen-free analogs and 788 had the conventional low-protein diet. RESULTS: Very low-protein diet supplemented with nitrogen-free analogs had significantly higher estimated glomerular filtration rate, lower serum creatinine, and lower blood urea nitrogen; however, it had no significant difference in serum albumin, serum cholesterol, serum phosphorous, serum calcium, and parathyroid hormone compared to conventional low-protein diet in subjects with chronic kidney disease. CONCLUSION: The very low-protein diets supplemented with nitrogen-free analogs had significantly better kidney functions results compared to the conventional low-protein diets in subjects with chronic kidney disease. Further studies are required to validate these findings.

Hypoglycemic effect of astragaloside IV via modulating gut microbiota and regulating AMPK/SIRT1 and PI3K/AKT pathway.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Radix Astragali, the dried root of Astragalus mongholicus Bunge, has long been used in traditional Chinese Medicine to treat diabetes. Astragaloside IV (AS-IV), one of the most active ingredients in the root, has been shown to have anti-diabetes ability; however, its underlying mechanism is still unclear. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, we evaluated the hypoglycemic effect and possible mechanisms of AS-IV in diabetic mice and insulin resistance-HepG2 cells. The components of the intestinal microflora in mice with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) were determined using high-throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Moreover, the molecular mechanisms of specific members of insulin signaling pathways were analyzed. RESULTS: AS-IV significantly reversed the abnormalities in blood lipids, glucose, insulin resistance, as well as oxidative stress levels in T2DM mice. Histological finding showed that AS-IV could protect the cellular architecture of the liver and pancreas. AS-IV also regulated the abundance and diversity of intestinal flora of T2DM mice in a positive direction and increased butyric acid levels. The active role of AS-IV as an anti-diabetic compound by regulating the AMPK/SIRT1 and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways was revealed using a T2DM model and verified through the intervention of inhibitors using insulin-resistance HepG2 cells. CONCLUSION: Our results suggested that AS-IV may be used as an anti-diabetic drug candidate owing to its effects of regulating gut microbiota and AMPK/SIRT1 and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways.

Effectiveness and safety of Bifidobacterium and berberine in human hyperglycemia and their regulatory effect on the gut microbiota: a multi-center, double-blind, randomized, parallel-controlled study.

BACKGROUND: Berberine and Bifidobacterium have been reported to improve glucose tolerance in people with hyperglycemia or other metabolic disorders. This study aimed to assess the hypoglycemic effect and the regulation of the gut microbiota caused by berberine and Bifidobacterium and the possible additive benefits of their combination. METHODS: This was an 18-week, multi-center, randomized, double-blind, parallel-controlled study of patients newly diagnosed with hyperglycemia. After a 2-week run-in period, 300 participants were randomly assigned to the following four groups for 16 weeks of treatment: berberine (Be), Bifidobacterium (Bi), berberine and Bifidobacterium (BB), and placebo group. The primary efficacy endpoint was the absolute value of fasting plasma glucose (FPG) compared with baseline after 16 weeks of treatment. RESULTS: Between October 2015 and April 2018, a total of 297 participants were included in the primary analysis. Significant reductions of FPG were observed in the Be and BB groups compared with the placebo group, with a least square (LS) mean difference of - 0.50, 95% CI [- 0.85, - 0.15] mmol/L, and - 0.55, 95% CI [- 0.91, - 0.20] mmol/L, respectively. The Be and BB groups also showed significant reductions in 2-h postprandial plasma glucose. A pronounced decrease in HbA1c occurred in the BB group compared to the placebo group. Moreover, compared with the Bi and placebo groups, the Be and BB groups had more changes in the gut microbiota from the baseline. CONCLUSIONS: Berberine could regulate the structure and function of the human gut microbiota, and Bifidobacterium has the potential to enhance the hypoglycemic effect of berberine. These findings provide new insights into the hypoglycemic potential of berberine and Bifidobacterium. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov , NCT03330184. Retrospectively registered on 18 October 2017.

Anti-aging function and molecular mechanism of Radix Astragali and Radix Astragali preparata via network pharmacology and PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

BACKGROUND: Radix Astragali (RA) consists of the dried root of Astragalus membranaceus Bunge and is one of the most frequently used dietetic Chinese herbs to treat inflammation and neurodegenerative disease among other conditions. Radix Astragali preparata (RAP) is a medicinal form of RA. RA and RAP have been used as anti-aging agent, however, the mechanisms underlying their effects are still unclear. PURPOSE: Considering the wide application of RA and RAP in clinical practice, it is necessary to identify the better product between the two and elucidate the molecular mechanism responsible for their anti-aging effects. STUDY DESIGN: In this study, network pharmacology integrated with molecular biology techniques were employed to explore the possible mechanism of RA and RAP against aging. METHODS: Aging animal models were constructed by exposure to D-galactose (D-gal), and the anti-aging effect of RA and RAP were determined based on behavior tests and histomorphological observation. Network pharmacology was performed to construct the "compound-target-pathway" network. Gene and protein expression of possible targets were validated and analyzed using qRT-PCR and Western blotting. RESULTS: Treatment by RA and RAP could alleviate the symptoms of aging such as a decrease in body weight and organ indices, behavioral impairment, increased oxidative stress, weaken histopathological evaluation. The effect of RAP was more pronounced than that of RA in preventing aging process in a mouse model. The anti-aging effect of RA and RAP is associated with the balance of oxidative stress and activation of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. CONCLUSION: Using an integrated strategy of network pharmacology and molecular biology we attempted to elucidate the mechanisms of action of RA and RAP.

[Analysis on composition principles of Tibetan medicine containing Terminalia chebula by data mining].

This study using traditional Chinese medicine inheritance support software(TCMISS) to analyze the prescription rules of Tibetan medicine containing Terminalia chebula in the Encyclopedia of Chinese Medicine-Tibetan Medicine, Tibetan Medicine Composition Preparation of Modern Research and Clinical Application and Common Interpretation of Tibetan Medicine and so on. TCMISS(V2.5) was used to build a prescription database of Tibetan medicine containing T. chebula.The software statistical statement module, association rules and improved mutual information method and other data mining technologies were adopted to analyze the common herbs, combination rules and core combination of prescriptions containing T. chebula.Total 502 prescriptions containing T. chebula were analyzed and 14 common herbal combinations were summarized, whose ingredients mostly had the functions of clearing heat and detoxicating, promoting blood circulation and stopping pain, warming the middle-jiao and promoting the circulation of Qi. Prescriptions containing T. chebula were commonly used to treat 640 kinds of diseases, there are 22 kinds with high frequency(≥12) in which the representative "Tripa" disease, antiquated febrile symptoms, food poisoning had the highest frequency.T. chebula had different therapeutic effects through different compatibility.The complex composing and medication regularities of Tibetan medicine containing T. chebula have been clarified by TCMISS. That will provide reference for the clinical application of T. chebula and the new development.

Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using sun-dried mulberry leaf.

The biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) has been successfully conducted by reduction of silver nitrate with sun-dried mulberry leaf. Such AgNPs have been characterized by UV-visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The results showed that such dispersed, uniform and spherical AgNPs would not aggregate under high-concentration NaCl solution and have good antibacterial activity. It was suggested that the polyol components (such as polyhydroxylated alkaloids) and protein residues of mulberry leaf should be mainly responsible for the stabilization of AgNPs. Such AgNPs produced by the environmentally friendly method have the potential for use in antibacterial and medical applications.

Effect of Lianshu preparation on lipopolysaccharide-induced diarrhea in rats.

AIM: To investigate the effect of Lianshu preparation on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced diarrhea in rats. METHODS: A diarrhea model was established in Sprague Dawley rats via injection of 1 mL of 30 mg/kg LPS. A total of 40 rats were randomly divided into normal group, LPS group, LPS + Lianshu group, LPS + berberine group (n = 10 in each group). Their intestinal mucosal barrier and frequency of diarrhea were observed. Levels of glucose, serum Na(+), K(+), Cl(-) and hematocrit, plasma nitrogen monoxide (NO), diamine oxidase (DAO), and D (-)-lactate were measured. The number of IgA+ plasma cells in small intestine was detected and SIgA levels in the intestinal fluid were measured. The antipyretic activity of Lianshu preparation in rats was evaluated using Brewer's yeast-induced pyrexia (10 mL/kg of 20% aqueous suspension). Acetaminophen (250 mg/kg, intragastric administration, bid) was used as a standard drug for comparison. Temperature was recorded 1 h before and 6 h after Brewer's yeast injection. Finally, small intestinal transmission in mice treated with Lianshu was detected after intraperitoneal injection of methyl prostigmin (2 mg/kg). Atropine (10 g/kg) was used as a control. The ink content in intestine was determined and the total length of intestine was measured. RESULTS: The frequency of diarrhea was higher in LPS group than in LPS + Lianshu group and LPS + berberine group (36.70 +/- 5.23 vs 28.50 +/- 4.06 and 32.70 +/- 9.30 respectively, P < 0.01), and lower in LPS + Lianshu group than in LPS + berberine group (P = 0.03). The levels of Na(+), glucose, Cl(-), K(+) were significantly lower in LPS + Lianshu group than in LPS + berberine group (140.35 +/- 3.19 mmol/L vs 131.99 +/- 4.86 mmol/L, 8.49 +/- 1.84 mmol/L vs 6.54 +/- 2.30 mmol/L, 106.29 +/- 4.41 mmol/L vs 102.5 +/- 1.39 mmol/L, 5.08 +/- 0.66 mmol/L vs 4.32 +/- 0.62 mmol/L respectively, P < 0.05). The level of hematocrit was lower in LPS + Lianshu group than in LPS + berberine group (0.50% +/- 0.07% vs 0.59% +/- 0.10% respectively, P < 0.05). The plasma levels of NO, DAO and D (-)-lactate were higher in LPS group than in normal group (79.74 +/- 7.39 micromol/L vs 24.94 +/- 3.38 micromol/L, 2.48 +/- 0.42 micro/mL vs 0.82 +/- 0.33 micro/mL, 5.63 +/- 0.85 microg/mL vs 2.01 +/- 0.32 microg/mL respectively, P < 0.01), and lower in LPS + Lianshu group than in LPS + berberine group (48.59 +/- 4.70 micromol/L vs 51.56 +/- 8.38 micromol/L, 1.43 +/- 0.53 micromol/mL vs 1.81 +/- 0.42 micromol/mL, 4.00 +/- 0.54 microg/mL vs 4.88 +/- 0.77 microg/mL respectively, P < 0.05). The morphology of the intestinal mucosa showed destroyed villi in LPS group and atrophied intestinal mucosa in other groups. The pathological intestinal mucosal changes were less in LPS + Lianshu group than in LPS group. The number of IgA+ plasma cells and amount of SIgA were higher in LPS + Lianshu group than in LPS group (1.16 +/- 0.19/microm(2) vs 1.09 +/- 0.28/microm(2), P = 0.026; 0.59 +/- 0.12 mg/L vs 0.15 +/- 0.19 mg/L respectively, P = 0.000). Lianshu had counteractive effects on yeast-induced pyrexia and enterokinesia in rats. CONCLUSION: Lianshu preparation has therapeutic effects on LPS-induced diarrhea and enterokinesia in rats.