Preparation of mesoporous silica nanoparticles with different sizes and study on the correlation between size and toxicity / 药学学报

To investigate the crucial role of particle size in the biological effects of nanoparticles, a series of mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) were prepared with particle size gradients (50, 100, 150, 200 nm) with the traditional Stober method and adjusting the type and ratio of the silica source. The correlation between toxicity and size-caused biological effects were then further examined both in vitro and in vivo. The results indicated that the prepared MSNs had a uniform size, good dispersal, and ordered mesoporous structure. Hemolytic toxicity was found to be independent of particle size. At the cellular level, MSNs with smaller particle sizes were more readily internalized by cells, which initiated to more intense oxidative stress, therefor inducing higher cytotoxicity, and apoptosis rate. In vivo studies demonstrated that MSNs primarily accumulated in the liver and kidneys of mice. Pharmacokinetic analysis revealed that larger MSNs were eliminated more efficiently by the urinary system than smaller MSNs. The mice's body weight monitoring, blood tests, and pathological sections of major organs indicated good biocompatibility for MSNs of different sizes. Animal welfare and the animal experimental protocols were strictly consistent with related ethics regulations of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University. Overall, this study prepared MSNs with a particle size gradient to investigate the correlation between toxicity and particle size using macrophages and endothelial cells. The study also examined the biosafety of MSNs with different particle sizes in vivo and in vitro, which could help to improve the safety design strategy of MSNs for drug delivery systems.

Preparation and Physicochemical Characterisation of Suryaprabha Gulika

Suryaprabha gulika is a Kharaleeya preparation mentioned in the Gulika prakarana of Sahasrayogam indicated for Sula, Swasa, Kasa and Mahajwara. It contains eleven ingredients namely Suddha Parada, Suddha Gandhaka, Suddha Hingu, Amalaki, Harithaki, Vibheethaki, Sunti, Pippali, Maricha, Yavani and Suddha Vatsanabha triturated for 6 hours in Jambeera swarasa. In this paper, the work done on pharmaceutical and analytical aspects of Suryaprabha gulika is detailed. Pharmaceutical study included Sodhana of Parada, Sodhana of Gandhaka, preparation of Kajjali, Sodhana of Hingu, Sodhana of Vatsanabha and the preparation of final product whereas the analytical study included evaluation of organoleptic characters, physico chemical parameters and analysis based on modern instrumentation techniques such as X-ray Fluorescence (XRF), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and particle size analysis.

Soybean meal particle size for pigs during the nursery phase / Tamanho da partícula do farelo de soja em suínos no período de creche

This study evaluated the effect of soybean meal (SBM) particle size on nutrient digestibility and the growth performance of nursery piglets. Sixty-three piglets (BW = 6.86 kg ± 0.56; 23 d of age) were distributed in a randomized block design (by initial weight and sex) with 3 dietary treatments: diets with 1,017 µm (unground); 585 µm; and 411µm SBM, with 7 replicates of 3 piglets each. All diets were offered ad libitum in mash form, formulated differently according to three growing phases: (1) with 20% of SBM, from 23 to 32 d of age; (2) with 25% of SBM, from 32 to 44 d of age, and (3) with 30% of SBM, from 44 to 63 d of age. For the first 21 d, pigs fed diets with a medium particle size of SBM (585mm) had better average weight gain and feed/gain ratio (P<0.05). The average feed intake, average body weight gain, and feed/gain ratio from 44 to 63 d improved (P<0.05) with increasing SBM particle sizes, and the average live weight for the overall period increased with coarser SBM (P<0.05). There was a marginally improvement (P < 0.1) on digestible energy as particle size of SBM decreased; although, no differences (P > 0.05) in the coefficients of apparent digestibility of dry matter and crude protein for the assessed SBM particle sizes were observed. It was concluded that the grinding of dietary SBM is not required for piglets during the nursery phase.

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito do tamanho da partícula do farelo de soja (FS) sobre o desempenho e digestibilidade de leitões no período de creche. 63 leitões (6,86 kg ± 0,56; 23 dias de idade) foram distribuídos aleatoriamente em um delineamento de blocos casualizados (peso inicial e sexo) entre os tratamentos. As dietas experimentais foram produzidas a partir de diferentes tamanhos médios de partículas do FS moídos ou não: 1,017 µm (sem moer), 585 µm (moído em peneira de 10 mm), e 411µm (moído em peneira de 3 mm), totalizando três tratamentos com sete repetições de três animais cada. Todas as dietas foram fornecidas na forma farelada e ad libitum, sendo divididas em três fases: 1) com 20% de FS, dos 23 a 32 dias de idade; 2) com 25% de FS, dos 32 a 44 dias de idade; e 3) com 30% de FS, dos 44 a 62 dias de idade. Nos primeiros 21 dias de experimento, os animais consumindo a dieta com o tamanho médio (585 µm) das partículas do FS apresentaram melhores resultados para o ganho de peso médio e conversão alimentar. No período seguinte (44 a 63 d), houve (P<0.05) aumento do consumo de ração médio, do ganho do peso médio e melhor conversão alimentar dos leitões conforme o aumento do tamanho da partícula de FS incluída na ração. Consequentemente, ao final do experimento houve melhora linear do peso vivo médio dos animais com o aumento do tamanho do FS consumido. Foi observado melhora marginalmente significativa (P < 0.1) da energia digestível conforme a redução no tamanho do FS, entretanto, não houve diferença (P > 0.05) no coeficiente de digestibilidade aparente da matéria seca e da proteína bruta dos animais entre os diferentes tamanhos do FS. Em conclusão, de acordo com as condições deste estudo, não se faz necessária a moagem do farelo de soja para leitões no período de creche.

Particle size of oyster shell meal and calcium: phosphorus ratios in broiler diets / Efeito do tamanho de partícula da farinha de ostras e relações cálcio: fósforo em dietas para frangos de corte

The effects of Ca:P total ratio and particle size of oyster shell meal (OSM) were evaluated in broiler diets. In Experiment 1, 800 broilers (22-42 days old) were distributed in a 2×2 factorial design, with two Ca:P ratios (1.7 and 2.0:1) and two OSM particle sizes (coarse = 1,354 µm and fine = 428 µm), totaling four treatments with 10 repetitions with 20 broilers. Feed intake, weight gain, and feed conversion ratio were calculated. In Experiment 2, 1,280 broilers were distributed in a 2×2×2 factorial design (1.7 and 2.0:1 Ca:P ratios; coarse and fine OSM; male and female broilers), with eight treatments and 16 repetitions with 10 broilers. Apparent metabolizability of dry matter, Ca, P, and apparent metabolizable energy (AME), as well as bone resistance, bone weight, ash, Ca, and P content in the tibia were assessed. Growth performance was not affected (P > 0.05). Coarse OSM increased tibia Ca content in male broilers (P < 0.001), and higher Ca:P ratio improved bone ash and bone resistance in both sexes (P < 0.001), but reduced P content in male broilers (P < 0.05); male broilers displayed heavier bones with higher ash content than females (P < 0.05). Metabolizability of Ca was improved with coarse OSM (P < 0.05); whereas metabolizability of DM, P, and AME was not affected (P > 0.05). In conclusion, diets with a Ca:P total ratio of 2.0:1 containing coarser OSM improved bone mineral composition, particularly in male broilers, and coarse OSM improved the metabolizability of Ca in broilers regardless of the Ca:P total ratio or broiler sex.

Dois experimentos foram conduzidos para avaliar os efeitos do tamanho de partícula da farinha de ostras (FO) e relação Ca:P total em dietas para frangos de corte. No primeiro experimento, 800 frangos (22 a 42 dias) foram distribuídos em um delineamento fatorial 2x2: 2 relações Ca:P (1,7 e 2,0:1) e dois tamanhos de partícula da FO (grossa = 1354 µm e fina = 428 µm), totalizando quatro tratamentos com 10 repetições de 20 aves. O consumo de ração, o ganho de peso e a conversão alimentar foram calculados. No segundo experimento, 1.280 frangos foram distribuídos em um fatorial 2x2x2 (relações Ca:P 1,7 e 2,0:1; FO grossa e fina; aves machos e fêmeas) com oito tratamentos e 16 repetições de 10 aves. Foram avaliados: metabolizabilidade aparente da matéria seca, Ca e P, energia metabolizável aparente (EMA), peso e resistência óssea, conteúdo de cinzas, Ca e P na tíbia. As variáveis de desempenho não foram afetadas (P > 0,05). O uso de FO grossa aumentou o conteúdo de Ca na tíbia de frangos machos (P < 0,001), e a relação Ca:P de 2,0:1 aumentou o conteúdo de cinzas e aprimorou resistência óssea em ambos os sexos (P < 0,001), porém reduziu P na tíbia dos machos (P < 0,05); frangos machos também tiveram ossos mais pesados e maior conteúdo de cinzas do que fêmeas (P < 0,05). A metabolizabilidade de Ca foi melhorada com FO grossa, enquanto a metabolizabilidade da matéria seca, P, e EMA não foram afetadas (P > 0,05). Conclui-se que as dietas com relação Ca:P de 2,0:1 e com FO grossa resultaram em melhor composição mineral óssea - particularmente em frangos machos - e a FO grossa melhorou a metabolizabilidade de Ca independentemente da relação Ca:P ou do gênero das aves.

Enhancing pharmaceutical potential and oral bioavailability of Allium cepa nanosuspension in male albino rats using response surface methodology

Objective: To enhance the pharmaceutical potential and oral bioavailability of quercetin contents of Allium cepa peel extract by novel nanosuspension technology. Methods: Nanoprecipitation approach was successfully used for the formulation of nanosuspension. To obtain pharmaceutical-grade nanosuspension with minimum particle size and polydispersity index, sodium lauryl sulphate was selected as a stabilizer. Important formulation parameters were statistically optimized by the response surface methodology approach. The optimized nanosuspension was subjected to stability and in vitro dissolution testing and characterized by scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and zeta sizer. To evaluate the preeminence of nanosuspension over coarse suspension, comparative bioavailability studies were carried out in male albino rats. The pharmaceutical potential of developed nanosuspension was evaluated by antioxidant, antimicrobial, and toxicity studies. Results: The optimized nanosuspension showed an average particle size of 275.5 nm with a polydispersity index and zeta potential value of 0.415 and -48.8 mV, respectively. Atomic force microscopy revealed that the average particle size of nanosuspension was below 100 nm. The formulated nanosuspension showed better stability under refrigerated conditions. Nanosuspension showed an improved dissolution rate and a 2.14-fold greater plasma concentration of quercetin than coarse suspension. Moreover, the formulated nanosuspension exhibited enhanced antioxidant and antimicrobial potential and was non-toxic. Conclusions: Optimization of nanosuspension effectively improves the pharmaceutical potential and oral bioavailability of Allium cepa extract.

Ganoderma applanatum extract mediated synthesis of silver nanoparticles

Abstract Nanotechnology has been used in the field of medicine and pharmacology for its greater efficacy of drug delivery than crude molecules of drugs. In the present study medicinal mushroom Ganoderma applanatum extract mediated silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized, characterized by Ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis.) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction, Dynamic light scattering (DLS) and Furior transform-infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Maximum absorbance was recorded at 435nm by UV-Vis. The synthesized nanoparticles of 13.54nm-255nm in size with an average particle size of 58.77nm were analyzed by DLS. FTIR-Spectroscopy provided high transmission at 3606cm-1 corresponds for phenolic capping biochemical. Thus G. applanatum extract can be used for synthesis of silver nanoparticles and the synthesized nanoparticles may be used for development of future therapeutic agent for treatment of diseases.

Efavirenz dissolution enhancement V - A combined top down/bottom up approach on nanocrystals formulation

Abstract Efavirenz is one of the most commonly used drugs in HIV therapy. However the low water solubility tends to result in low bioavailability. Drug nanocrystals, should enhance the dissolution and consequently bioavailability. The aim of the present study was to obtain EFV nanocrystals prepared by an antisolvent technique and to further observe possible effect, on the resulting material, due to altering crystallization parameters. A solution containing EFV and a suitable solvent was added to an aqueous solution of particle stabilizers, under high shear agitation. Experimental conditions such as solvent/antisolvent ratio; drug load; solvent supersaturation; change of stabilizer; addition of milling step and solvents of different polarities were evaluated. Suspensions were characterized by particle size and zeta potential. After freeze- dried and the resulting powder was characterized by PXRD, infrared spectroscopy and SEM. Also dissolution profiles were obtained. Many alterations were not effective for enhancing EFV dissolution; some changes did not even produced nanosuspensions while other generated a different solid phase from the polymorph of raw material. Nevertheless reducing EFV load produced enhancement on dissolution profile. The most important modification was adding a milling step after precipitation. The resulting suspension was more uniform and the powder presented grater enhancement of dissolution efficacy.

Effect of particle size on the oral absorption of isoliquiritigenin nanocrystals

Abstract As one of the most promising formulations for poorly water-soluble drugs, nanocrystals have been attracting increasing attention in recent years. Isoliquiritigenin (ISL) is a flavonoid with a chalcone structure, and possesses many biological activities. However, its clinical application is significantly limited mainly due to its low oral bioavailability caused by poor hydrophilicity. To address this, ISL nanocrystals were developed in this study to improve its oral bioavailability. Three types of nanocrystals with differing particle size; R1, R2, and R3, were prepared by anti- solvent precipitation or anti-solvent precipitation combined with sonication, which was optimized by single-factor experiments. These nanocrystals were characterized based on their physical properties, in vitro release, and in vivo absorption performance. The mean particle size of R1, R2, and R3 was 555.7, 271.0, and 46.2, respectively. The dissolution ratio of ISL in the nanocrystals was significantly improved, with the quickest rate recorded in R2. Peak concentration and area under the concentration-time curve of R2 after oral administration in rats was 5.83- and 2.72-fold higher than that of the ISL solution, respectively. These findings indicate that the dissolution and absorption of ISL can be significantly enhanced by nanocrystals, and the dissolution behavior and pharmacokinetic properties of nanocrystals is significantly influenced by particle size.

Preparation, in vitro characterization and pharmacokinetics of paclitaxel thermosensitive gel / 药学学报

Local drug delivery is a new strategy to prevent postoperative recurrence of cancer, thermosensitive gel is a typical topical drug delivery system. In this study, a novel paclitaxel thermosensitive gel (PTG) was prepared to prevent recurrence after chemotherapy for cancer, the effects of drug particle size on release and absorption rate in vivo were investigated. Paclitaxel suspensions with different particle sizes were prepared by medium grinding, high pressure homogenization, air crushing and screening. Using poloxamer as the gel matrix and carbomer as the biological adhesive, Box-Behnen was used to optimize the formulation of PTG. The morphology, viscosity, rheological properties and biological adhesion of thermosensitive gel were characterized. The relationship between dissolution and release of thermosensitive gel was investigated by weight loss method, pharmacokinetics was studied in rats. The paclitaxel suspensions with the particle sizes of 350 nm, 800 nm, 3 μm and 9 μm were prepared, 19% poloxamer 407, 4% poloxamer 188 and 0.1% carbomer were used to prepare PTG. The phase transition temperature of thermosensitive gel was 30 to 35 ℃, there was a good linear relationship between in vitro release and gel dissolution. In the pharmacokinetic study, area under the curve (AUC0-t) increased with the decrease of particle size. In general, the PTG prepared in this study can rapidly change into gel under human body temperature, provided with good adhesion. The release rate in vitro is closely related to the particle size, the release rate increased with the decrease of particle size. This study provides data support for preventing postoperative recurrence of cancer. The animal welfare and experimental process in this paper follow the regulations of the Animal Ethics Committee of the Academy of Military Medical Sciences.

Population bioequivalence statistical method based on earth mover′s distance for evaluation of particle size distribution consistency of ophthalmic emulsion / 中国药科大学学报

@#Population bioequivalence (PBE) is a statistical approach recommended by FDA to evaluate the consistency of particle size distribution of numerous nanoparticle products.However, when particle size distribution (PSD) profile exhibits multiple peaks or other complex distributions, the traditional descriptors D50 and SPAN are no longer suitable to describe PSD.Earth mover''s distance (EMD) is a new statistical metric for assessing the difference between distributions.In this study, we used EMD to measure the discrepancy between PSD and then PBE was applied to perform statistical test to establish equivalence.Our results showed that the proposed method can effectively reject an unequivalent product and pass an equivalent product, thus indicating its helpfulness in guiding the optimization of formulation and preparation process.

Particle size and size distribution of mRNA vaccines under different testing conditions / 中华微生物学和免疫学杂志

Objective:To investigate the factors that could influence the particle size and size distribution of mRNA vaccines.Methods:The influences of several factors including the ionic strength and pH values of buffers, solutions, dilution folds and testing equipments on the particle size and size distribution of three batches of mRNA vaccines were analyzed by dynamic light scattering.Results:The particle size increased with increasing ionic strength, but no significant change in size distribution was observed. The particle size also increased with increasing pH values and the size distribution showed significant change when the buffer solution was weakly alkaline. Solution types could affect the particle size, but had no influence on size distribution. There was no significant change in the particle size or size distribution when the dilution was limited to 100 folds. Moreover, the particle size and size distribution detected by different equipments showed no significance difference.Conclusions:The particle size and size distribution of mRNA vaccines could be affected by solution, dilution fold and testing equipment, which should be concerned during the vaccine production and quality control.

Nutritional value, total dry matter losses, effluent production and pollutant potential in Brachiaria brizantha cv. Paiaguás grass / [Valor nutricional, perdas totais de matéria seca, produção e potencial poluidor de efluentes em silagem de Brachiaria brizantha cv. Paiaguás]

The objective of the present study was to evaluate losses, production and polluting potential of the effluent, nutritional value and aerobic stability of silages of Brachiaria brizantha cv. Paiaguás grass, in different particle sizes and compaction density in silage. Three theoretical particle sizes (TTP 5; 8 and 12mm) and three compaction densities (DC 550; 600 and 650kg/m3) were evaluated, distributed in a factorial design (3 x 3), with four repetitions. The highest volume of effluent was found in silages with higher compaction densities (600 and 650kg/m3) and lower TTP (5 and 8mm). The highest chemical oxygen demand and biochemical oxygen demand were registered in the treatment with TTP of 5mm and higher DC (600 and 650kg/m3). Greater in vitro digestibility of DM was verified in the silage chopped at 5 and 8mm. There was no break in aerobic stability for 216 hours. Silage with a low compaction density 550kg/m3 and processing with a theoretical particle size of 12mm reduces effluent losses. In general, the nutritional value of Paiaguás grass was not influenced by the treatments. Different particle sizes and compaction density did not change the aerobic stability of silages.(AU)

Objetivou-se avaliar perdas, produção e potencial poluidor do efluente, valor nutricional e estabilidade aeróbia de silagens do capim Brachiaria brizantha cv. Paiaguás, em diferentes tamanhos de partícula e densidade de compactação na ensilagem. Foram avaliados três tamanhos teóricos de partícula (TTP 5; 8 e 12mm) e três densidades de compactação (DC 550; 600 e 650kg/m3), distribuídos em arranjo fatorial (3 x 3), com quatro repetições. O maior volume de efluente foi verificado nas silagens com maiores densidades de compactação (600 e 650kg/m3) e menores TTP (5 e 8mm). As maiores demanda química de oxigênio e demanda bioquímica de oxigênio foram registradas no tratamento com TTP de 5mm e nas maiores DC (600 e 650kg/m3). Maior digestibilidade in vitro da MS (média de 57,2%) foi verificada na silagem picada a 5 e 8mm. Não houve quebra da estabilidade aeróbia durante 216 horas. A ensilagem com baixa densidade de compactação (550kg/m3) e o processamento com tamanho teórico de partículas 12mm reduzem as perdas por efluente. O valor nutricional da silagem de capim-paiaguás, em geral, não foi influenciado pelos tratamentos. Diferentes tamanhos de partícula e densidade de compactação não alteraram a estabilidade aeróbia das silagens.(AU)

Effect of grain particle size on energy values and chemical components of diets for Label Rouge broilers / Efeito da granulometria de grãos nos valores energéticos e componentes bromatológicos da dieta para frangos Label Rouge

ABSTRACT: This study aimed to determine the apparent metabolizable energy (AME) and nitrogen-corrected AME (AMEn) values as well as the metabolizability coefficients of dry matter, protein, and ether extract of corn, pearl millet, and sorghum in different particle sizes for slow-growing broilers. Two experiments were carried out involving 280 chicks of the Label Rouge® Naked Neck broiler line, with 140 chicks allotted to each experiment in a completely randomized design. Treatments consisted of a reference diet and a test diet (60% reference diet + 40% feedstuff). The feedstuffs were tested and particle size (expressed as geometric mean diameter [GMD, μm] and geometric standard deviation [GSD], respectively) results were 816 and 1.73 for coarsely ground corn, 794 and 1.75 for finely ground corn, 1.517 and 1.92 for pearl millet grain, 760 and 1.63 for finely ground pearl millet (Experiment 1); and 1,866 and 1.86 for whole grain sorghum, 919 and 1.62 for coarsely ground sorghum, and 878 and 1.72 for finely ground sorghum (Experiment 2). A metabolism trial was conducted by using the total excreta collection method to obtain the AME and AMEn values as well as the metabolizability coefficients of dry matter, protein, and ether extract. The energy metabolization coefficient did not differ (P > 0.05) between the grains in the different tested particle sizes. However, there was an improvement in the metabolizability coefficients of dry matter, nitrogen, and ether extract as the particle size of corn was increased. In conclusion, larger grain particle sizes improve the metabolizability of nutrients and energy for slow-growing broilers. Whole-grain sorghum has limited nutritional utilization for slow-growing birds up to 21 days of age.

RESUMO: Objetivou-se determinar os valores de energia metabolizável aparente (EMA), corrigida para o balanço de nitrogênio (EMAn), e os coeficientes de metabolizabilidade da matéria seca, proteína e extrato etéreo do milho, milheto e sorgo em diferentes granulometrias para frangos de crescimento lento. Foram desenvolvidos dois experimentos, com 140 pintos de corte da linhagem Label Rouge® Pescoço Pelado, distribuídos em delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado. Os tratamentos consistiram em rações-teste (ração referência 60% + ingrediente 40%) e uma ração referência. Foram testados os ingredientes e a granulometria expressa como Diâmetro Geométrico médio (DGM, μm) e Desvio Padrão Geométrico (DPG): 816 e 1,73 para milho grosseiramente moído, 794 e 1,75 para milho finamente moído, 1,517 e 1,92 para milheto-grão e 760 e 1,73 para milheto finamente moído (Experimento 1); 1.866 e 1.86 para sorgo-grão, 919 e 1,62 para sorgo grosseiramente moído e 878 e 1,72 para sorgo finamente moído (Experimento 2). Os valores de AME e AMEn e os coeficientes de metabolização da matéria seca, proteína e extrato etéreo foram determinados pelo método de coleta total de excretas. O coeficiente de metabolização da energia não apresentou diferença (P > 0,05) entre os grãos nas diferentes granulometrias. Os coeficientes de metabolização da matéria seca, do nitrogênio e do extrato etéreo foram incrementados com o aumento da granulometria para o milho. O fornecimento de grãos com maiores granulometrias proporciona aos frangos de crescimento lento a melhora na metabolizabilidade dos nutrientes e energia. Grãos inteiros de sorgo tem aproveitamento nutricional limitado para frangos de crescimento lento até 21 dias de idade.

Physically effective fiber changes nutrient levels of total mixed ration and fecal parameters in beef feedlots / A fibra fisicamente efetiva altera os nutrientes da dieta e parâmetros fecais em confinamentos de bovinos de corte

ABSTRACT: This study evaluated the effects of the physically effective fiber (peNDF) content on nutrient composition of the total mixed ration (TMR), orts and fecal parameters in 15 commercial beef feedlots. The particle size distribution of TMR was measured adopting Penn State Particle Size Separator (PSPS). Samples were evaluated for dry matter (DM), ash, ether extract (EE), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF) and starch content. Fecal samples were also evaluated for pH and score. The feedlots were categorized into peNDF<20% and peNDF ≥ 20%. Data were analyzed by a model that included fixed effects of treatment and covariates (sex and genetic groups). Levels of DM, CP, EE and starch were lower in TMR with peNDF ≥ 20% (P<0.05). Fecal dry matter was higher and morning fecal pH was lower for TMR with peNDF<20% (P<0.05). Physically effective fiber changed nutrient levels in TMR, orts, fecal pH and DM. So, using PSPS and fecal parameters are practical and indirect tools for measuring fecal starch and assessing the effectiveness of the diet supplied to ruminants.

RESUMO: O objetivo desse estudo foi avaliar o teor de fibra fisicamente efetiva (FDNfe) de dietas totais e seus efeitos nos nutrientes da dieta, das sobras e nos parâmetros fecais de bovinos de corte em 15 confinamentos comerciais. As amostras da dieta foram separadas utilizando a peneira Penn State Particle Size Separator (PSPS). As amostras foram analisadas quanto aos teores de matéria seca (MS), matéria mineral (MM), extrato etéreo (EE), proteína bruta (PB), fibra em detergente neutro (FDN), fibra em detergente ácido (FDA) e amido. Nas amostras de fezes também foram avaliadas o escore e pH fecal. Os confinamentos foram categorizados em dois tratamentos: FDNfe<20% e FDNfe≥20%. Os dados foram analisados ​​ por um modelo que incluiu os efeitos de grupo e covariável (sexo e grupo genético). Os teores de MS, PB, EE e amido foram menores nas dietas com FDNfe≥20%(P<0,05). A MS fecal foi maior e pH fecal matinal foi menor nas dietas com FDNfe<20% (P<0,05). Sendo assim a efetividade da fibra alterou os nutrientes da dieta total e sobras, bem como as variáveis pH e MS fecal. Com isso, o uso de PSPS e parâmetros fecais são ferramentas práticas e indiretas para medir o amido fecal e a efetividade da dieta em confinamentos de bovinos comerciais.

Effects of sieved particle size and equilibration time on the measurement of radionuclides in soil by gamma-ray spectrometer / 中国辐射卫生

Objective The effect of sieved particle size and equilibration time of soil samples on the measurement of radionuclides was studied to improve the accuracy of the specific activity of radionuclides in soil samples measured by gamma spectrometer. Methods The collected soil samples were dried and divided into four parts. After sieved with width of the mesh 2.0 mm, 1.0 mm, 0.5 mm and 0.25 mm respectively, they were filled into sample containers and sealed. The activity concentrations of 226Ra, 210Pb, 228Ra, 40K and 137Cs in different sieved soil samples were then measured at the sealed interval of 0, 4, 8, 12, 16, 21, 25 and 29 days by HPGe gamma-ray spectrometry respectively. Results The coefficients of variation ofthe specific activities of 226Ra, 210Pb, and 228Ra in soil samples measured at different equilibration intervals range from 0.9% to 4.3%. The coefficients of variation of the specific activities of 226Ra, 210Pb, 228Ra, 40K and 137Cs in soil samples with different sieved particle sizes range from 3.7% to 14.1%. Conclusion When the specific activities of radionuclides are determined by gamma-ray spectrometer, the effect of the sieved particle size on the measurement result must be considered, and its impact is higher than the equilibration time. This study is very useful for improving the accuracy of the determination of radionuclides in soil sample using gamma-ray spectrometer.

Study on the distribution characteristics of aerosol produced by powder dumping in glove box / 中国辐射卫生

Objective To investigate the effects of particle size, wind speed and dumping velocity on aerosol concentration distribution during powder dumping in a reprocessing plant. Methods CeO2 powder was selected as the substitute material of PuO2. FLUENT software was used to calculate the pouring process of CeO2 powder under different operation conditions. Then the aerosol concentration distribution under different dumping speeds was measured by particle size spectrometer to verify the accuracy of simulation results. Results The particles with small particle size are more likely to be separated from the mainstream area by the drag force of the surrounding gas, and the radius of the diffusion range also increases with the decrease of the particle size. 2) When the ventilation speed is less than 1 m/s, the dust lifting can be reduced and the concentration of dust particles in the chamber can be reduced to a certain extent. 3) In the process of powder dumping, the spoon is rotated anticlockwise at a speed of 100° in 2～3 s, and less dust aerosol is produced on the right side of the tray. Conclusion When operating the powder particles with smaller particle size, more attention should be paid to the monitoring of aerosol at different positions; the change of air inlet velocity makes the flow field in glove box more complex, and the volume fraction of dust particles is related to the size and location of vortex formed by airflow. The greater the wind speed, the greater the impact on the powder dumping process. The experimental results are basically consistent with the simulation results, and the results show that the lower the dumping speed, the smaller the aerosol concentration near the tray.

Effect of self-assembled nanoparticles from Shaoyao Gancao Decoction on release and absorption of main components of Baishao / 中国中药杂志

To study the effect of self-assembled nanoparticles from Shaoyao Gancao Decoction(SGD-SAN) on the encapsulation, in vitro release and intestinal absorption of the main components of Baishao. Particle size analysis and morphological observation were used to verify the formation of SGD-SAN in the decoction. The entrapment efficiency(EE) of SGD-SAN on the main components of Baishao was determined by ultrafiltration centrifugation. The dialysis bag method was used to study the in vitro release of the main components of Baishao with pH 6.8 phosphate buffer solution as the release media. Single-pass intestinal perfusion study was performed to investigate the effect of SGD-SAN on the absorption of the main components of Baishao. The results showed that there were nanoparticles in the SGD, and the particle sizes and PDI of SGD-SAN were about 200 nm and 0.38, respectively. SGD-SAN was irregularly spherical under transmission electron microscope(TEM). The EEs of albiflorin, paeoniflorin and benzoylpaeoniflorin in SGD-SAN were 33.78%±1.03%,33.61%±0.90%,88.53%±0.58%, respectively. The release characteristics of albiflorin, paeoniflorin and benzoylpaeoniflorin from SGD-SAN showed a slow-release effect on pH 6.8 phosphate buffer solution media. SGD-SAN could significantly enhance the absorption of albiflorin, paeoniflorin and benzoylpaeoniflorin in the ileum. The results of this study indicated that SAN could be formed during the mixed decoction of Baishao and Gancao, and SGD-SAN could encapsulate the components of Baishao, with a certain slow-release effect, and the formation of SAN facilitated the absorption of drugs in the ileum.

Mechanism of Astragali Radix Vesicle-like Nanoparticles for Reducing Blood Glucose in db/db Diabetic Mice by Regulating Gut Microbiota / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To study the extraction method and characteristics of vesicle-like nanoparticles （VLNs） in Astragali Radix decoction， and to explore the mechanism of the VLNs in reducing blood glucose by regulating the gut microbiota of db/db diabetic mice. Method:Ultracentrifugation and size exclusion chromatography were used to enrich VLNs from Astragali Radix decoction， and the morphology， particle size and concentration of the VLNs were analyzed by transmission electron microscope and nanoparticle tracking analyzer. The db/db diabetic mice were randomly divided into model group， Astragali Radix VLNs high-， medium- and low-dose （21.1， 10.6， 5.3 g·kg^-1） groups and metformin group （0.25 g·kg^-1） according to their blood glucose levels. There were 7 mice in each group， and another 7 C57BL/6 mice were set as the normal group. The mice were given intragastrically for 3 weeks （once a day）， and the changes of fasting blood glucose were observed every week. Hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining was used to observe the pathological morphology of liver and pancreas of diabetic mice. The feces of mice were collected for 16S rRNA diversity detection of intestinal microbes. Result:The size of the nanoparticles obtained by the two methods was about 200 nm. Astragali Radix VLNs extracted by ultracentrifugation had a typical saucer-like shape with the concentration of 3.0×10¹¹ particles·mL^-1. The morphology of Astragali Radix VLNs obtained by size exclusion chromatography was relatively poor with the concentration of 2.2×10¹¹ particles·mL^-1. After 3 weeks of administration， compared with the model group， Astragali Radix VLNs high-， medium- and low-dose groups could significantly reduce the fasting blood glucose of diabetic mice （<italic>P</italic><0.05， <italic>P</italic><0.01）. The VLNs could improve the gut microbiota dysbiosis， significantly decrease the ratio of Firmicutes/Bacteroidota， and increase the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria and reduce the relative abundance of harmful bacteria. Conclusion:Astragali Radix VLNs may reduce the blood glucose of db/db diabetic mice by adjusting the ratio of Firmicutes/Bacteroidota in the intestinal flora.

Impact of Particle Size on Density of Binary Powder Mixture of Chinese Medicine / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To investigate the influence of particle size on density of binary powder mixture of traditional Chinese medicine （TCM）， and to provide reference for formulation design of TCM preparations. Method:Three groups of binary powder mixtures with different particle size ratio （<italic>α</italic>） were constructed， namely Oroxyli Semen-microcrystalline cellulose PH102 （MCC PH102） （<italic>α</italic>=0.071 7）， Stellariae Radix-MCC PH200 （<italic>α</italic>=0.158 7） and Angelicae Sinensis Radix-MCC KG802 （<italic>α</italic>=0.840 6）. Binary powder mixtures with nine mass ratios （90∶10， 80∶20， 70∶30， 60∶40， 50∶50， 40∶60， 30∶70， 20∶80 and 10∶90） were prepared for each group， and 27 binary powder mixtures containing TCM were obtained. The particle size distribution， density and other parameters of six single materials and 27 binary powder mixtures were characterized. Based on the packing theory and multivariate analysis， the effects of particle size related parameters on the filling structure and density of the binary powder mixtures were elucidated. Result:The <italic>α</italic> of Angelicae Sinensis Radix-MCC KG802 binary mixture system was larger than the replacement rate （<italic>α</italic>_r=0.741 0）， and its density had a good linear relationship with the mass ratio， which conformed to the replacement mechanism. The <italic>α</italic> of Oroxyli Semen-MCC PH102 binary mixture system was smaller than the critical ratio （<italic>α</italic>_c=0.154 0）， and its density was nonlinear with the mass ratio of components， which conformed to the filling mechanism. The <italic>α</italic> of Stellariae Radix-MCC PH200 binary mixture system was between <italic>α</italic>_c and <italic>α</italic>_r， its density was affected by both of replacement mechanism and filling mechanism. Based on the partial least squares （PLS） model， the variable importance in the projection （VIP） analysis further proved that the mixing mass ratio （VIP value=1.62）， <italic>α</italic> （VIP value=1.13） and <italic>D</italic>₁₀ （the corresponding particle size when the particle size distribution accumulated to 10%， VIP value=1.06） were the key factors affecting the density of binary powder mixtures of TCM. Conclusion:In the binary powder mixtures of TCM， the linearity relationship between density and mass ratio is largely depended on particle size difference of components.

Parâmetros zootécnicos e desenvolvimento da moela de frangos de corte em dietas de sorgo grão e a inclusão de carotenoides / Zootechnical parameters and gizzard development of broilers fed with sorghum grain and carotenoid supplementation

Objetivou-se avaliar a substituição do milho pelo sorgo grão, moído ou inteiro, e a inclusão de carotenoides sintéticos em rações de frangos de corte, sobre parâmetros zootécnicos e desenvolvimento da moela. Utilizaram-se 960 frangos, machos e fêmeas, da linhagem Cobb 500, que foram submetidos a quatro dietas: à base de milho (M), à base de sorgo moído (SM) ou ainda acrescido de carotenoides sintéticos (SMC) e à base de sorgo inteiro (SI). Foram avaliados peso vivo, consumo de ração, conversão alimentar, rendimento de carcaça e cortes, peso de moela. A ração de SI proporcionou maior desenvolvimento de moela, embora, aos sete dias, não tenha havido diferenças no peso vivo e na conversão alimentar entre as dietas. SM e SMC proporcionaram maiores valores de peso vivo aos 28 dias do que SI. As conversões alimentares real e tradicional aos 40 dias foram semelhantes para as rações de sorgo, com um melhor rendimento de carcaça em SM e SMC. O sorgo moído pode substituir integralmente o milho nas rações para frangos de corte, sem comprometimento de desempenho e rendimento de carcaça, e, na forma grão inteiro, é zootecnicamente viável.(AU)

This study aimed to evaluate the replacement of corn with ground or whole grain sorghum and the inclusion of carotenoids in broiler feed on zootechnical parameters and gizzard development. A total of 960 Cobb 500 broilers, half of each sex, were submitted to four feeds: ground corn (M), ground sorghum (SM) ground sorghum with carotenoid supplementation (SMC) and whole grain sorghum (SI). Body weight, feed intake and feed conversion, carcass and cuts yield, gizzard weight were evaluated. SI feed provided a greater development of gizzard, however at 7 days there were no differences in body weight and feed conversions between diets. SM and SMC provided higher values of body weight at 28 days than SI feed. Feed conversion at 40 days were the same for the sorghum feeds with a better carcass yield in SM and SMC. Ground sorghum can completely replace corn in broiler diets without compromising performance and carcass yield, and whole grain sorghum is zootecnaly viable.(AU)