Optimization of Ultrasonic-Assisted Aqueous Two-Phase Extraction of Phloridzin from Malus Micromalus Makino with Ethanol/Ammonia Sulfate System.

Application of an aqueous two-phase system (ATPS) coupled with ultrasonic technology for the extraction of phloridzin from Malus micromalus Makino was evaluated and optimized by response surface methodology (RSM). The ethanol/ammonium sulfate ATPS was selected for detailed investigation, including the phase diagram, effect of phase composition and extract conditions on the partition of phloridzin, and the recycling of ammonium sulfate. In addition, the evaluation of extraction efficiency and the identification of phloridzin were investigated. The optimal partition coefficient (6.55) and recovery (92.86%) of phloridzin were obtained in a system composed of 35% ethanol (w/w) and 16% (NH4 )2 SO4 (w/w), 51:1 liquid-to-solid ratio, and extraction temperature of 36 °C. Comparing with the traditional solvent extraction with respective 35% and 80% ethanol, ultrasonic-assisted aqueous two-phase extraction (UAATPE) strategy had significant advantages with lower ethanol consumption, less impurity of sugar and protein, and higher extracting efficiency of phloridzin. Our result indicated that UAATPE was a valuable method for the extraction and preliminary purification of phloridzin from the fruit of Malus micromalus Makino, which has great potential in the deep processing of Malus micromalus Makino industry to increase these fruits' additional value and drive the local economic development.

Mechanical characteristics of the pulmonary artery in beagle dogs with hepatopulmonary syndrome and portopulmonary hypertension.

The continuous changes in pulmonary hemodynamic properties in hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS) and portopulmonary hypertension (PoPH) have not been fully characterized in large animal models of HPS and PoPH. Beagle dog models of HPS and PoPH were induced by chronic common bile duct ligation and Sephadex microspheres, respectively. The model was validated by catheter examination and pathological analyses, and the hemodynamic characteristics of the models were observed. The results revealed that the cross-sectional area of the blood vessel was significantly increased in HPS models, but it was significantly decreased in the PoPH models. Furthermore, the resistance of pulmonary circulation was elevated in models of HPS, but it was decreased in models of PoPH. The present findings renew the traditional view that pulmonary hypertension is due to the enhanced peripheral resistance.

Early diagnosis of primary gallbladder carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: To improve early diagnosis of primary gallbladder carcinoma (PGC) and the understanding of its pathogenesis, pathological stages and prognosis. METHODS: The data from 679 patients with PGC treated in our hospital from 1956 to 1998 were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: The incidence of PGC has been increasing in recent years, and the treatment is not satisfactory. Upon diagnosis, most patients with PGC were at advanced stage. PGC was usually found in elderly women. The ratio of man to woman was 1:3. The gallstone, closely related to PGC, was found in 60% of the patients with PGC. The diagnostic accordance rate before and after operation was low. In most patients, PGC was found unexpectedly during operation for gallstone or acute cholecystitis. Many patients with PGC missed the opportunity of diagnosis and therapy because doctor only noticed the diagnosis of gallstone. Pathological classification revealed that PGC in most patients (84.4%) were adenocarcinoma. Imaging helped to find early-stage cases and improve prognosis. CONCLUSIONS: Understanding of pathogenesis, pathological stages and prognosis of PGC and proper use of various examinations are essential to the early diagnosis and treatment of the disease.