Effect of highway greenbelt constrution on groundwater flow in a semi-arid region.

The highway greenbelt, vigorously promoted in arid and semi-arid areas, has obvious impacts on beautifying the environment, absorbing dust, reducing noise, and maintaining soil and water. Moreover, it affects the characteristics of how water resources are distributed and the regional groundwater cycle. However, the impact of highway greenbelt construction on groundwater flow in semi-arid areas is unknown. The Hubao Highway greenbelt in the north part of the Tumochuan Plain was studied as an example. The paper combines field investigation, remote sensing and mathematical modeling to quantify the impact of highway green space construction on regional groundwater circulation. The results showed that: Trees, shrubs and grasses were the dominant vegetation types in the landscaped area, accounting for 42.17% of the studied area. The total evapotranspiration water consumption of the green belt during the growing season was 471.35 × 104m3. The groundwater recharge in the study area was mainly derived from the lateral recharge in front of the mountain, and the main discharge was the evapotranspiration water consumption of the green belt. This evapotranspiration accounts for 3.31% of the total groundwater recharge. Under the condition that the recharge in front of the mountain remains constant, the evapotranspiration water consumption of the green belt will still have an increasing trend in the future. Appropriate planting of poplar and other high water-consuming trees may be the best way to mitigate the adverse effects of greenbelt evapotranspiration on groundwater resources. The results of this study provide valuable insights for environmental protection and infrastructure development in similar areas.

Untargeted and targeted mass spectrometry reveal the effects of theanine on the central and peripheral metabolomics of chronic unpredictable mild stress-induced depression in juvenile rats.

l-theanine has been shown to have a therapeutic effect on depression. However, whether l-theanine has an excellent preventive effect on depression in children and adolescents and what its mechanism is have not been well explained. Given the complexity of the pathogenesis of depression, this study investigated the preventive effect and mechanism of l-theanine on depression in juvenile rats by combining serum and hippocampal metabolomic strategies. Behavioral tests, hippocampal tissue sections, and serum and hippocampal biochemical indexes were studied, and the results confirmed the preventive effect of l-theanine. Untargeted reversed-phase liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry and targeted hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry were developed to analyze the metabolism changes in the serum and hippocampus to screen for potential biomarkers related to l-theanine treatment. The results suggested that 28 abnormal metabolites in the serum and hippocampus that were considered as potential biomarkers returned to near-normal levels after l-theanine administration. These biomarkers were involved in various metabolic pathways, mainly including amino acid metabolism and lipid metabolism. The levels of amino acids and neurotransmitters in the phenylalanine, tryptophan, and glutamic acid pathways were significantly reduced after l-theanine administration compared with chronic unpredictable mild stress-induced rats. In summary, l-theanine had a significant preventive effect on depression and achieved its preventive results on depression by regulating various aspects of the body, such as amino acids, lipids, and inflammation. This research systematically analyzed the mechanism of l-theanine in preventing depression and laid the foundation for applying l-theanine to prevent depression in children and adolescents.

Effects of groundwater level decline to soil and vegetation in arid grassland: a case study of Hulunbuir open pit coal mine.

Coal mine in arid and semi-arid area is one of the most severely degraded ecosystems on the earth. The continuous decrease in groundwater level caused by coal mining will inevitably affect biogeochemical environment of the vadose zone, and then lead to the replacement of surface vegetation. Yimin open-pit coal mine was taken as an example to reveal the relationship between the groundwater depth and soil water content (SWC), soil salt content, soil electrical conductivity (SEC), soil organic matter (SOM), soil available potassium (SAK), soil available nitrogen (SAN), vegetation coverage, aboveground biomass and species richness. The results show that, the change of groundwater depth can affect soil properties and then change the characteristics of surface vegetation, and the change of surface vegetation can also react on soil properties. Vegetation coverage and aboveground biomass are negatively correlated with groundwater depth, and positively correlated with SWC, SEC, SOM and SAK. The shallow groundwater table is conducive to the accumulation of SOM, so that the surface biomass and vegetation coverage are high. The higher the surface biomass, the more the SAN is absorbed. Under natural conditions, the relative strength of biological nitrogen fixation and plant absorption determine the content of SAN. In the research area, when the depth of groundwater is less than 0.4 m will cause soil salinization, then lead to low species richness; Species richness is exponentially correlated with groundwater depth and decreases with the increase in groundwater depth.

The influence mechanism of hydrogeochemical environment and sulfur and nitrogen cycle on arsenic enrichment in groundwater: A case study of Hasuhai basin, China.

Hydro-biogeochemical processes control the formation and evolution of high arsenic (As) groundwater. However, the effects of nitrogen and sulfur cycles in groundwater on As migration and transformation are not well understood. Thus, twenty-one groundwater samples were collected from the Hasuhai basin. Hydrochemistry and geochemical modeling were used to analyze the geochemical processes associated with nitrogen and sulfur cycles. An arsenic speciation model (AM) and a sulfide-As model (SAM) were constructed to verify the existence of As species and the formation mechanism of thioarsenate. A hydrous ferric oxide (Hfo)-As adsorption model (HAM) and a competitive adsorption model (CAM) were used to reveal the adsorption and desorption mechanisms of As. The results showed that high arsenic groundwater (As > 10 µg/L) was mainly distributed under reductive conditions, and the highest concentration was 231.5 µg/L. The modeling results revealed that sulfides were widely involved in the geochemical cycle of As, with H3AsO3 and H2AsO3- accounting for >70 % of the total As, and thioarsenate accounting for 30 %. S/As < 2.5 and S/Fe < l control the formation of thioarsenate. With the high correlation of NH4+, TFe, sulfide, and TAs, the co-mobilization of N and S cycles may facilitate As enrichment in groundwater. A weak alkaline reduction environment triggered by the decomposition of organic matter was the main factor leading to the transfer of As from the aquifer to the groundwater. This research contributes to the development of high-As groundwater, and the findings are of general significance for drinking water in the Hasuhai Basin.

Characteristics, mechanisms and measurement methods of dissolution and deposition of inorganic salts in sub-/supercritical water.

The efficient and harmless treatment of hypersaline organic wastes has become an urgent environmental problem. Compared to traditional thermochemical methods, supercritical water oxidation has been proven to be an efficient organic waste treatment technology due to the advantages of low cost, high degradation rate, no secondary pollutants, etc. However, the solubilities of inorganic salts drop rapidly near the critical point of water, and some sticky salts form easily agglomerates and then adhere to internal surfaces of reactor and pipeline, causing plugging and inhibition of heat transfer. Hence, the characteristics, mechanisms and measurement methods of the dissolution and deposition of inorganic salts in sub-/supercritical water are summarized and analyzed systematically and comprehensively in this work, intending to provide a valuable guide for salt deposition prevention and subsequent research directions. Firstly, a new classification form of inorganic salt is put forward based on melting point. The phase equilibriums of brine systems are then analyzed in detail. Six theories concerning dissolution mechanisms are discussed deeply and various measurement methods of salt solubility are also supplemented. Furthermore, salt deposition characteristics and related measurement technologies are summarized. Notably, a new idea "hydrothermal molten salt" system is reviewed which may provide a solution for salt deposition in sub/supercritical water. Finally, an outlook for the follow-up researches is prospected and some suggestions are proposed.

The complete mitochondrial genome and phylogenetic analysis of Illiberis pruni Dyar, 1905 (Lepidoptera: Zygaenidae).

Illiberis pruni is a leaf-eating pest that infests pear trees across all pear-producing regions of China. The present study, aimed to sequence the I. pruni mitochondrial genome (GenBank accession no. MZ726799) using the Illumina NovaSe Sequencing System to understand the population genetics, evolution, and taxonomy of I. pruni and other related species. The circular I. pruni mitochondrial genome was found to be 15,252 bps in length and comprised 38 sequence elements including 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, 2 ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes, and a putative control region (CR). Phylogenetic analysis revealed that I. pruni and Illiberis ulmivora are closely related, thereby indicating that their mitochondrial genes may share common ancestry.

Hydro-geochemical control of high arsenic and fluoride groundwater in arid and semi-arid areas: A case study of Tumochuan Plain, China.

Globally, groundwater with high fluoride and arsenic receives extensive concern because of its wide distribution and great harm to human health caused by drinking water. In this paper, taking Tumochuan Plain in China as an example, based on hydrogeological investigation, groundwater flow system theory and hydro-chemical analysis methods were applied to reveal the mechanism of high fluoride and high arsenic in arid and semi-arid regions. In unconfined and confined groundwater of Tumochuan Plain, the highest concentration of fluoride is 7.2 and 11.2 mg/L respectively, and the highest concentration of total arsenic is 200.3 and 162.3 µg/L respectively. Fluoride in groundwater is mainly derived from the soluble fluoride in soil and aquifer medium. Because of the water-rock interaction, the alkaline environment caused by the hydrolysis of feldspar minerals in the central part of the plain has an important influence on the accumulation of F and As in this area. High fluoride water is formed in the alkaline environment (high pH values) of high concentration of Na+ and low concentration of Ca2+. The high arsenic groundwater is distributed in the alkaline reducing environment that the content of soluble salt in aquifer media is high (>200 mg/100 g dry soil). The reductive dissolution of iron and manganese oxides and competitive adsorption of HCO3- all contribute to a high level of arsenic in both unconfined and confined aquifers. The research results have important guiding significance for water supply safety and water quality improvement in arid-semiarid areas in the world with high fluoride and high arsenic groundwater distribution.

A sensitive HILIC-MS/MS method for quantification of theanine in rat plasma and tissues: Application to preclinical pharmacokinetic study.

Adolescent depression is a significant public health problem, with the major depressive disorder having been the leading risk factor for suicide and death amongst children and adolescents. For treating depression, antidepressants are used with minimal clinical evidence data and uncertain efficacy in children. L-theanine has anti-depression and other physiological functions. However, few reports are available on the pharmacokinetics of L-theanine, especially in children and adolescents. In this study, a rapid and sensitive hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method was established and validated for the quantification of L-theanine in juvenile rat plasma and tissues. Chromatographic separation was conducted via an Agilent ZORBAX HILIC plus column in gradient elution mode. L-theanine and [2H5]-L-glutamic acid (internal standard) were determined under the multi-reaction monitoring mode transitions of m/z 175.0 â†’ 157.9 and m/z 153.0 â†’ 88.2 in positive ionisation mode, respectively, and completed methodology verification. In addition, 10 and 35 mg kg-1 of L-theanine were given by intragastric administration to determine the brain and plasma pharmacokinetic characteristics in healthy and chronic unpredictable mild stress rats, respectively. The distribution of tissues and the limbic system were measured at the same time. The results showed that juvenile and diseased rats have higher absorption than adult rats, and age, dosage and health status could affect the process of L-theanine in vivo. L-theanine also has a high degree of tissue distribution. This study lays a foundation for the clinical treatment of depression in children and adolescents.

Characterization of chemical constituents in Shuanghuanglian oral dosage forms by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with time-of-flight mass spectrometry.

Shuanghuanglian is a common traditional Chinese medicine prescription. It is an herbal formula composed of Lonicerae Japonicae Flos, Scutellariae Radix, and Forsythiae Fructus. A comprehensive understanding of Shuanghuanglian oral dosage forms components was obtained using a method based on ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with time-of-flight mass spectrometry for the separation and characterization of Shuanghuanglian oral liquids, granules, soft capsules, and effervescent tablets. A total of 358 components were chemically defined or tentatively identified, including flavonoids, caffeic acid derivatives, lignans, coumarins, iridoids, triterpenes, and anthraquinones. The results will provide a basis for the general study of Shuanghuanglian and be meaningful for the composition identification of traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions.

Molecular epidemiology and population dynamics of hepatitis B virus in Dianjiang County, Chongqing, China.

Hepatitis B virus infection is highly endemic in China, especially in rural areas such as Dianjiang County with poor-quality health care and little local HBV information. Therefore, for the first time, the present study was carried out to investigate the molecular epidemiology, phylogeny and population dynamics of HBV based on 146 HBV-infected patients. A 435-bp portion of the HBV S region was sequenced, and the phylogeny was reconstructed, indicating that three genotypes, B, C and D of HBV were distributed in Dianjiang County. The predominant genotype is B (67.12 %), followed by C (32.19 %) and D (0.68 %). Patient demographic information and clinical outcomes were examined by genotypes, and no significant association was found. Population dynamics analysis suggested that both genotype B and C have experienced a tenfold expansion during the last five years for reasons that are unclear. Thus, a thorough molecular epidemiology investigation is strongly recommended in the future.

Iron metal-organic frameworks MIL-88B and NH2-MIL-88B for the loading and delivery of the gasotransmitter carbon monoxide.

Crystals of MIL-88B-Fe and NH2-MIL-88B-Fe were prepared by a new rapid microwave-assisted solvothermal method. High-purity, spindle-shaped crystals of MIL-88B-Fe with a length of about 2 µm and a diameter of 1 µm and needle-shaped crystals of NH2-MIL-88B-Fe with a length of about 1.5 µm and a diameter of 300 nm were produced with uniform size and excellent crystallinity. The possibility to reduce the as-prepared frameworks and the chemical capture of carbon monoxide in these materials was studied by in situ ultrahigh vacuum Fourier-transform infrared (UHV-FTIR) spectroscopy and Mössbauer spectroscopy. CO binding occurs to unsaturated coordination sites (CUS). The release of CO from the as-prepared materials was studied by a myoglobin assay in physiological buffer. The release of CO from crystals of MIL-88B-Fe with t(1/2) = 38 min and from crystals of NH2-MIL-88B-Fe with t(1/2) = 76 min were found to be controlled by the degradation of the MIL materials under physiological conditions. These MIL-88B-Fe and NH2-MIL-88B-Fe materials show good biocompatibility and have the potential to be used in pharmacological and therapeutic applications as carriers and delivery vehicles for the gasotransmitter carbon monoxide.

Chemistry of SURMOFs: layer-selective installation of functional groups and post-synthetic covalent modification probed by fluorescence microscopy.

Layer-selective installation of functional groups at SURMOFs (surface-attached metal-organic framework multilayers) is reported. Multilayers of [Cu(ndc)(dabco)(0.5)] grown in [001] orientation on pyridine-terminated organic self-assembled monolayers on Au substrates were functionalized with amino groups by step-by-step liquid-phase epitaxy. The method allows the growth of samples exhibiting one monolayer of functional groups at the external thin-film surface. In situ quartz crystal microbalance monitoring confirmed the presence of amino groups by turning the multilayer film from a non-reactive to a reactive material for covalent binding of fluoresceinisothiocyanate, and fluorescence microscopy displays the expected luminous property.

Simultaneous determination of safflor yellow A, puerarin, daidzein, ginsenosides (Rg(1), Rb(1), Rd), and notoginsenoside R(1) in rat plasma by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.

A liquid chromatograph/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) method was developed for the simultaneous quantitation of seven compounds (safflor yellow A, puerarin, daidzein, ginsenosides (Rg(1), Rb(1), Rd), and notoginsenoside R(1)) in rat plasma samples with sufficient sensitivity to facilitate analysis of samples collected after an intravenous injection of Naodesheng. The plasma samples were subjected to protein precipitation with acetone, and analyzed using negative atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mass spectrometry in selected ion monitoring (SIM) mode with baicalin as an internal standard. Good linearity for all the seven compounds was observed. The intra- and inter-day precision of analysis was <15.0% for each compound, and the accuracy ranged from 90.0% to 109.0%. This quantitation method was successfully applied to a pharmacokinetic study of following intravenous injection of rats with Naodesheng.

[Isolation and determination of homoeriodictyol-7-O-beta-D-glycoside in Viscum coloratum].

The homoeriodictyol-7-O-beta-D-glycoside was isolated from Viscum coloratum and identified by mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) (1H NMR and 13C NMR). A method for determination of homoeriodictyol-7-O-beta-D-glycoside in Viscum coloratum was developed by using a Kromasil C18 column (200 mm x 4.6 mm i.d., 5 microm) with a mixture of acetonitrile and 0.5% glacial acetic acid solution (18:82, v/v) as mobile phase at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min. The detection wavelength was set at 284 nm and temperature was set at 30 degrees C. The volume of injection was 10 miccro L. Good linear relationship (r = 0.9997) between the mass concentration and the peak area of homoeriodictyol-7-O-beta-D-glycoside was obtained in the range of 1.0-32.0 mg/L. The recoveries were found to be in the range of 96.0%-100.1%. The results of the experiments demonstrated that the established method is rapid and simple with good accuracy and reproducibility. The method is suitable for the quality control of Viscum coloratum from different sources.