On-line moisture determination and optimization of drying process of Qiju Dihuang Pills by time-domain reflection method / 中草药

Objective: Taking Qiju Dihuang Pills (QDP) as the research object, time domain reflection method was used for real-time determination of moisture content in concentrated pills during drying process and optimization of the drying process parameters. Methods: The moisture model of the drying process of QDP was established by the relationship between the water, temperature, and the reflective signal value of time domain reflector. The effect of the drying process on the different thickness (8, 16, and 24 mm), different drying temperatures (30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, and 90℃) was investigated. Results: The moisture model of the drying process of QDP was measured by time domain reflection method as Y = 0.305 X-34.772 (r2 = 0.999); X = X(T)-(0.768 9 T-24.824 7) (T ≥ 30℃). The optimized process was as following: the process was dried at 60℃ to 13.8% moisture and then rising to 80℃, after being dried to 7.80%, cooled to 60℃ and dried to 5.0% target moisture. Conclusion: It is feasible to test the moisture content in the drying process of QDP by time domain reflection method. This method can be used to monitor and popularize the moisture content in the drying process of traditional Chinese medicine concentrated pills.

Ultrasonic Extraction and Purification Technology of Solanesol from Tobacco Leaf / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE:To optimize ultrasonic extraction and purification technology of solanesol from tobacco leaf. METH-ODS:Using extraction rate and transport rate of solanesol as indexes,single factor test was used to investigate liquid-solid ratio, ultrasonic extraction temperature and time,ultrasonic power and extraction times,and the amount of soap alkali lye(volume ratio of soap alkali lye to extraction liquid),acidizing fluids (volume ratio of acidizing fluids to soap alkali lye extract),extraction times of purification technology. Optimized technology was validated,and the purity of solanesol was calculated;the amount of ex-tracted solanesol was compared between this method and traditional extraction method (spending 30 h),solvent continuous cyclic extraction (spending 5-6 h). RESULTS:Optimized extraction technology was as follows as volume ratio of soap alkali lye to ex-traction liquid 1∶14,ultrasonic extraction temperature 70 ℃,ultrasonic extraction time 60 min,ultrasonic power 120 W,extract-ing for 3 times;optimized purification technology was as follows as volume ratio of soap alkali lye to extraction liquid 2∶35,vol-ume ratio of acidizing fluids to soap alkali lye extract 2∶14,extracting for 4 times. In validation test,extraction rate,transport rate and purity were 92.45%(RSD=0.46%,n=3),79.88%(RSD=0.30%,n=3)and 55.86%(RSD=0.40%,n=3). The amount of solanesol extracted with 3 methods were 52.22,45.22 and 26.10 mg/g. CONCLUSIONS:The optimized technology is simple and stable,costs less time and saves source with high extraction amount and purity,which is suitable for production,extraction and purification of solanesol from tobacco leaf.

Desempenho fotossintético de folhas jovens e maduras de Vochysia cinnamomea (Vochysiaceae) em áreas de cerrado rupestre intactas e pós-queimada / Photosynthetic performance of young and mature leaves of Vochysia cinnamomea (Vochysiaceae) at intact and after fire areas of cerrado rupestre

O fogo exerce um papel importante como modelador dos ecossistemas de diversas formações vegetais, especialmente o Cerrado. Sua ação induz a brotação em diversas espécies, muitas vezes formando folhas mais vigorosas e fisiologicamente mais ativas. Nesse contexto, o presente trabalho investigou o desempenho fotossintético de folhas jovens e maduras de Vochysia cinnamomea Pohl (Vochysiaceae) em resposta à ação do fogo natural sobre uma área de cerrado rupestre da Serra da Canastra, Minas Gerais, comparando-se; (1) folhas jovens de área queimada e não queimada e (2) folhas jovens e maduras de um mesmo indivíduo. Foram analisadas folhas maduras de indivíduos de área não queimada cuja brotação ocorreu anterior à queimada, e folhas jovens de indivíduos de áreas queimadas e não queimadas cuja brotação ocorreu após a passagem do fogo. Foram coletados e analisados dados relativos às taxas fotossintéticas, rendimento quântico potencial e efetivo, taxa relativa de transporte de elétrons, assimilação líquida de CO2, condutância estomática, transpiração e teores de clorofila. Não houve diferenças significativas entre as folhas jovens da área queimada e da área não queimada em relação aos processos fisiológicos testados. Desta forma não há nenhum tipo de resposta rápida em relação à passagem do fogo. Entretanto, foram encontradas diferenças significativas quando comparadas folhas jovens e maduras. É fato que folhas jovens de V. cinnamomea são estruturalmente distintas de folhas maduras, são mais suculentas e pilosas enquanto as folhas maduras são mais coriáceas, glabras e com cutícula evidente. Estas diferenças estruturais e os estágios fisiológicos de maturação distintos se refletem nas características fisiológicas estudadas nestas folhas que, quando maduras apresentam-se com menor grau de fotoinibição, maior teor de clorofilas e maior assimilação líquida de CO2.

Post-fire effect plays an important role as a modulator of plant ecosystems, especially of the Cerrado. It induces leaf sprouting in several species, often forming vigorous and more physiologically active leaves. In the present study it was investigated the photosynthetic performance of young and mature leaves of Vochysia cinnamomea Pohl (Vochysiaceae) in response to the fire action in a "cerrado rupestre" area of Serra da Canasta, Minas Gerais, comparing; (1) young leaves from fired and intact area, and (2) young and mature leaves from the same plant. Mature leaves from intact area plants which leaf sprouting occurred before fire action in the adjacent area, and young leaves from intact and fired area which leaf sprouting occurred after fire action were analyzed. Data were collected and analyzed on photosynthetic rates, potential and effective quantum yield, electron transport rate, CO2 assimilation, stomatal conductance, transpiration and chlorophyll contents. There were no significant differences between the young leaves of the burned and unburned area in relation to physiological parameters tested. Thus there is no kind of quick response in relation to fire effects. However, significant differences between young and mature leaves were found. Young leaves are structurally distinct of the mature leaves, been more succulent and pilous while mature leaves are more coriaceous, glabrous and with thicked cuticle. The structural differences between young and mature leaves are reflected in distinct physiological performance. Mature leaves present lower degree of photoinhibition, higher pigment content and CO2 assimilation.

Effects of Endurance Exercise and High-Fat Diet on Insulin Resistance and Ceramide Contents of Skeletal Muscle in Sprague-Dawley Rats / 당뇨병

BACKGROUND: We evaluated the effects of endurance exercise and a high-fat diet on insulin resistance and ceramide contents of skeletal muscle in Sprague-Dawley rats. METHODS: We randomly divided 32 rats into four groups: control (CON, n = 8), high fat diet (HF, n = 8), exercise (Ex, 24 m/min for 2 hours, 5 days/wk, n = 8), HF/Ex (n = 8). After 4-week treatments, plasma lipid profiles, glucose and insulin concentrations were measured. The triglycerides (TG), ceramide, and glucose transporter 4 (GLUT-4) contents were measured in the skeletal muscle. The rate of glucose transport was determined under submaximal insulin concentration during the muscle incubation. RESULTS: Free fatty acid levels were significantly higher in CON and HF than Ex (P = 0.032). Plasma glucose levels in HF were significantly higher than the two Ex groups (P = 0.002), and insulin levels were significantly higher in HF than in other three groups (P = 0.021). Muscular TG concentrations were significantly higher in HF than CON and Ex and also in HF/Ex than Ex, respectively (P = 0.005). Hepatic TG concentrations were significantly higher in HF than other three groups but Ex was significantly lower than HF/Ex (P = 0.000). Muscular ceramide content in HF was significantly greater than that in either Ex or HF/Ex (P = 0.031). GLUT-4 levels in CON and HF were significantly lower than those in Ex and HF/Ex (P = 0.009, P = 0.003). The glucose transport rate in submaximal insulin concentration was lower in CON than in either Ex or HF/Ex (P = 0.043), but not different from HF. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that high fat diet for 4 weeks selectively impairs insulin resistance, but not glucose transport rate, GLUT-4 and ceramide content in skeletal muscle per se. However, endurance exercise markedly affects the content of ceramide and insulin resistance in muscle.

Effects of 4 Weeks Recombinant Human Growth Hormone Administration on Insulin Resistance of Skeletal Muscle in Rats

PURPOSE: Effect of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) administration on lipid storage, and its subsequent effect on insulin sensitivity have not yet been adequately examined. Thus, we investigated the effects of rhGH treatment on muscle triglyceride (TG) and ceramide content, and insulin sensitivity after 4 weeks of rhGH administration in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fourteen rats were randomly assigned to two groups: rhGH injection group (GH, n = 7) and saline injection group (CON, n = 7). GH received rhGH by subcutaneous injections (130microgram/kg(-1)/day(-1), 6 days/week(-1)) for 4 weeks, while CON received saline injections that were equivalent in volume to GH group. Intramuscular TG and ceramide content and hepatic TG content were measured. To determine insulin sesitivity, oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and muscle incubation for glucose transport rate were performed in rats, and used as indicators of insulin sensitivity. We also examined plasm lipid profiles. RESULTS: After 4 weeks of rhGH treatment, the GH group had higher muscle and liver TG contents than the CON (p < 0.05). Ceramide content in GH was significantly greater than that in CON (p < 0.05). GH also had higher plasma levels of FFA (p < 0.05), glucose and insulin responses during OGTT (p < 0.05), and lower glucose transport rates in submaximal insulin concentration (p < 0.05) as compared with CON. Results indicate that rhGH treatment is associated with insulin resistance in rats. CONCLUSION: rhGH treatment elevated muscle TG and ceramide content, and hepatic TG content. Thus, elevation of these compounde by rhGH treatment could contribute to the development of insulin resistance in rats.

Factors Related to Baseline Peritoneal Solute Transport Rate in Incident Peritoneal Dialysis Patients:Results from Modified Peritoneal Equilibration Test Using 3.86% Glucose Solution / 대한신장학회잡지

BACKGROUND:The present study was designed to determine factors related to baseline peritoneal small solute transport rate (PSTR) from incident Korean peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients using modified peritoneal equilibration test (PET). METHODS:Incident PD patients whose duration of PD is between 4 weeks and 6 months were enrolled from four major university hospitals in Seoul. Modified PET with 3.86% glucose solution and adequacy test were performed. RESULT: 1) Our PET result from incident Korean PD patients showed results similar to that from the Caucacian patients. 2) The patients were divided into four groups based on the PSTR:serum albumin at time of PET, dip dialysate/plasma sodium, dialysate/plasma albumin ratio and peritoneal albumin excretion were significantly different among the four transport types (p<0.05). 3) D/PAlb was significantly higher in the high transport group than in the low transport. Serum albumin concentration before the onset of PD was not different among the four groups but was significantly different at the time of PET. 4) There was no difference of D/PCr4 between the diabetic (0.72+/-0.10) and the non-diabetic (0.72+/-0.11) groups. 5) PSTR in incidental PD patients was correlated with D/PAlb and dip D/P(Na). CONCLUSION:Our PET results from incidental Korean PD patients turned out to be showed results similar to those from Caucacian patients. There were no differences in age, BSA, BMI, nutrition index, CRP, residual renal function among four transport types in incidental PD patients. PSTR in incidental PD patients was correlated with D/PAlb and dip D/P(Na).

Leaf micronutrient concentrations and potential photosynthesis in Ochroma pyramidale established in a degraded land

In the Brazilian Amazon, large areas of abandoned lands may revert to secondary forest. In the process, pioneer tree species have an important role to restore productivity in old fields and improve environmental conditions. To determine potential photosynthesis (Apot), stomatal conductance (g), transpiration (E), and leaf micronutrient concentrations in Ochroma pyramidale (Cav. ex Lam.) Urban a study was carried out in the Brazilian Amazon (01o 51' S; 60o 04' W). Photosynthetic parameters were measured at increasing [CO2], saturating light intensity (1 mmol (photons) m-2 s-1), and ambient temperature. The rate of electron-transport (J), Apot,and water-use efficiency (WUE) increased consistently at increasing internal CO2 concentration (Ci). Conversely, increasing [CO2] decreased gs, E, and photorespiration (Pr). At the CO2-saturated region of the CO2 response curve (1.1 mmol (CO2) mol-1(air), J was 120 mol (e-) m-2s-1 and Apot reached up to 24 mol (CO2) m-2s-1. Likewise, at saturating C1 g and E were 30 and 1.4 mmol (H2O) m-2s-1, respectively, and P 2 r about 1.5 mol (CO2) m-2s-1. Foliar nutrients were 185, 134, 50, and 10 mol (element) m-2 (leaf area) for Fe, Mn, Zn, and Cu, respectively. It was concluded that [CO ] probably limits light saturated photosynthesis in this site. Furthermore, from a nutritional point of view, the low Fe to Cu ratio (15:1) may reflect nutritional imbalance in O. pyramidale at this site.

Extensas áreas abandonadas na Amazônia brasileira revertem para floresta secundária. Neste processo, as espécies pioneiras desempenham um papel importante na recuperação da produtividade de campos abandonados e na melhoria das condições ambientais. Para determinar a fotossíntese potencial (Apot), condutância estomática (gs), transpiração (E), and a concentração de micronutrientes na folha em Ochroma pyramidale (Cav. ex Lam.) Urban um estudo foi realizado na Amazônia brasileira (01o 51' LS; 60o 04' LO). Os parâmetrosfotossintéticos foram medidos a níveis crescentes de CO2 sob luz saturante (1 mmol (fótons) m-2 s-1) e temperatura ambiente. A taxa de transporte de elétrons(J), Apot e a eficiência no uso d'agua (WUE) aumentaram consistentemente com aumentos na concentração interna de CO2 (C). Ao contrário, aumentos na [CO2] diminuíram gs, E e a fotorrespiração (Pr). Na região da curva saturada pelo CO2 (1.1 mmol (CO2) mol-1(ar)), J e Apot foram 120 ! (e m-2s-1 e 24 mol (CO2) m-2s-1, respectivamente. Paralelamente, sob C saturante, gs and E foram 30 e 1.4 mmol (H O) m-2s-1, respectivamente, enquanto que P foi em torno de 1.5 mol (CO2) m-2s-1. Os teores de micronutrientes da folha foram 185,134, 50 e 10 mol (elemento) m-2 (área foliar) para Fe, Mn, Zn e Cu, respectivamente. Foi concluído que a [CO2] provavelmente limita a fotossíntese sob luz saturante neste sítio. Além disso, do ponto de vista nutricional, a baixa relação ferro:cobre, de 15 para 1, pode indicar um debalanço nutricional em O. pyramidale neste sítio.

Peritoneal Equilibration Tests on Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis patients / 대한내과학회지

OBJECTIVES: The peritoneal equilibration test(PET) is routinely performed in adults treated with chronic peritoneal dialysis to assess the peritoneal transport rate and to optimize treatment prescription. This study focuses on the evaluation of characteristics of peri toneal solute transport rates and physical and serological factors affecting peritoneal transport rate performed in our continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis(CAPD) patients due to guide adequate peri toneal dialysis form. METHODS: We analyzed 95 PET results which had been tested on the 28th day of CAPD and physical and serological values, such as age, sex, diabetes mellitus, height, weight, body surface area, arterial blood pressure, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride, total protein, albumin, hematocrit, hemoglo bin, sodium, potassium, phosphate which had been ob tained on the day of PET. RESULTS: 1) According to transport rate, high transport rate group was 9 cases(9.5%), high average transport group 26 cases(27.4%), low average transport rate group 32 cases(33.6%), and low transport rate group 28 cases (29.5%) respectivly. 2) The average of 4hour D/PCr was 0.60, 4hour D/Do glucose was 0.46, and drain volume was 2480ml. Thus the average of peritoneal solute transport rate of total patients was low average transport rate. 3) Factors affecting peritoneal solute transport rate were age, body surface area, plasma albumin, serum creatinine and triglyceride level. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that high dose peritoneal dialysis form should be used in our CAPD patients because most of them have low average peritoneal transport rate, and age, body surface area, plasma albumin, serum creatinine, and triglyceride level should be consid ered when select the adequate peritoneal dialysis form.