Uncovering the characteristics of the gut microbiota in patients with ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke.

This study aimed to explore the gut microbiota characteristics of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke patients. A case-control study was conducted, and high-throughput sequencing of the V4-V5 region of 16S rRNA was used to analyze the differences in gut microbiota. The results showed that Proteobacteria was significantly increased in the ischemic stroke group compared with the healthy control group, while Fusobacteria was significantly increased in the hemorrhagic stroke group. In the ischemic stroke group, Butyricimonas, Alloprevotella, and Escherichia were significantly more abundant than in the healthy control group. In the hemorrhagic stroke group, Atopobium, Hungatella, Eisenbergiella, Butyricimonas, Odonbacter, Lachnociostridium, Alistipes, Parabacteroides, and Fusobacterium were significantly more abundant than in the healthy control group. Additionally, Alloprevotella, Ruminococcus, and Prevotella were significantly more abundant in the ischemic stroke group than in the hemorrhagic stroke group. The gut microbiota of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke patients has significant diversity characteristics. These results provide new theoretical basis for exploring the prevention and treatment of different types of stroke through gut microbiota research.

Study of Reasonable Grouting Pressure in the Process of Measuring Coal Seam Gas Pressure and Application.

Coal seam gas pressure is an important index to evaluate the risk of coal outbursts. The accuracy of measurement is closely related to the quality of hole sealing, and reasonable grouting pressure is one of the key factors to determine the quality of hole sealing. To obtain a reasonable grouting pressure, a mathematical model for slurry flow was established based on the relationship between the seepage law of the slurry and the properties of the borehole surrounding a rock. According to the conditions of the working face 11111 of the coal seam Ji15-17 in Pingdingshan No. 13 Coal Mine, the reasonable grouting pressure in the process of hole sealing and pressure measurement were simulated by COMSOL multiphysics numerical simulation software. After comparing the pressure distribution and slurry diffusion characteristics in the borehole under different grouting pressures, it is concluded that the reasonable grouting pressure is 4 MPa. When 4 MPa grouting pressure to seal the hole is used during actual engineering verification, the measured gas pressure is 2.7 MPa, which is more accurate than the result obtained under conditions of sealing with normal pressure grouting.

The formation mechanisms of key flavor substances in stinky tofu brine based on metabolism of aromatic amino acids.

Understanding the formation mechanism of the flavor compounds in stinky tofu brine is crucial for controlling the flavor quality of Changsha stinky tofu. Dynamic changes in associated bacteria, enzymes, and differential metabolites in the metabolic pathway of aromatic amino acids in brine were investigated. Results showed that phenol (0.39～89.96 µg/mL), p-cresol (0.19～389.62 µg/mL), indole (1.14～242.97 µg/mL), 3-methylindole (0.14～3.00 µg/mL) were the key flavor substances of brine. The main associated bacteria Clostridiales bacterium SYSU GA17129, Aneurinibacillus aneurinilyticus, and Anaerosalibacter massiliensis were significantly positively correlated with key flavor substances (P < 0.05). The main associated enzymes were transaminase, decarboxylase, and lyase. In summary, phenol and p-cresol were formed by the metabolism of tyrosine and phenylalanine through five reaction chains, and indole and 3-methylindole were formed by the metabolism of tryptophan through one and three reaction chains, respectively.

Levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in edible and fried vegetable oil: a health risk assessment study.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are environmental chemicals that are formed due to incomplete combustion of the organic matters, or during heat treatment of the food. The objectives of the present study were first to estimate levels of the 15-priority PAHs in the edible vegetable oil (corn oil, sunflower oil, olive oil, and canola oil) collected from Egypt. Furthermore, the effect of heat treatment on the formation of PAHs in the canola oil was further examined. In addition, dietary intakes and cancer risk among Egyptian consumers were additionally calculated. The achieved results indicated presence of 15-priority PAHs in all examined oil samples. Canola oil had the highest residual concentrations of PAHs compared with the other tested oil species. Heat treatment of canola oil led to a drastic increase in the formed B[a]P (316.55%), total 2-PAHs (322.47%), total 4-PAHs (297.42%), total 8-PAHs (285.26%), and total 15-PAHs (443.32%), respectively. The incremental lifetime cancer risk among the Egyptian population is considered safe when was calculated for all examined oil samples.

A Method of Quick and Safe Coal Uncovering by Hydraulic Fracturing in a Multibranch Radial Hole with a Coalbed Methane Well.

Coal and gas outburst accidents occur most frequently during coal uncovering operation, and uncovering-induced outburst accidents have caused great economic losses and casualties. In order to quickly and safely uncover the outburst coal seam at the air intake shaft in panel 2, Zhaozhuang Coal Mine has come up with the technology of multibranch radial borehole hydraulic fracturing (MRBHF) coal uncovering technology in the surface coalbed methane (CBM) well. By conducting fracturing of constructed radial boreholes in the CBM well, the technology increases fractures, enhancing coal permeability and raising gas drainage volume in the uncovering area. It brings the following three major benefits: (1) uncovering coal efficiently, rapidly, and safely; (2) greatly reducing engineering quantity, coal uncovering period, and construction cost, i.e., significantly improving the economic benefits; and (3) efficiently reusing the CBM well. Compared with conventional uncovering measures, the proposed technology shortens the uncovering period by 118 d, enhances the coal seam permeability by 3.55 times, raises the gas drainage rate by 22%, increases the gas drainage volume by 1.93 times, and reduces the engineering volume of drilling by 12,000 m. The safe, rapid, economical, and applicable technology provides scientific guidance and reference for domestic and foreign shaft coal uncovering engineering and possesses important economic and social values and application prospect for safe and efficient production of coal mines.

Antioxidant activity of organic sulfides from fresh Allium macrostemon Bunge and their protective effects against oxidative stress in Caenorhabditis elegans.

Long-stamen chive (Allium macrostemon Bunge; AMB), which is prevalent in the Wuling Mountain area of China, is a characteristic food of the nation. In the study, we evaluated the as-yet-unknown nutritional value and antioxidant activity of fresh AMB. The free amino acid content, volatile components, and free radical-scavenging capacity of isolated organic sulfides were analyzed to evaluate the qualitative and physiological properties of fresh AMB. The plant was found to be rich in free essential amino acids and contain multiple flavor-imparting amino acids. The organic sulfides showed an apparent free radical-scavenging activity in vitro. Furthermore, these sulfides alleviated oxidative stress in Caenorhabditis elegans. Notably, the organic sulfides isolated from AMB enhanced the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase; improved motility; and extended the lifespan in oxidative stress-affected nematodes. In conclusion, our study indicates that AMB is a nutritious vegetable with potential to be developed as a functional food. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Long-stamen chive is a wild edible vegetable belonging to the genus Allium (A. macrostemon Bunge; AMB). However, its quality and physiological properties have not been comprehensively investigated. Herein, we analyzed the free amino acid content, composition of volatile compounds, and potential antioxidative properties of AMB. Our results indicated that AMB is rich in essential amino acids, making it a highly nutritious food. Further analysis indicated that AMB contains a high proportion of organic sulfides, which have been previously been shown to have antioxidative properties. Together, our findings indicate that AMB contains important bioactive components and can be developed as a functional food or health supplement. Furthermore, our findings will enhance public awareness regarding this wild resource and provide new directions for the research and development of natural products derived from it.

Levels of biogenic amines in cheese: correlation to microbial status, dietary intakes, and their health risk assessment.

Biogenic amines (BAs) are natural toxicants produced during the metabolism of their precursor amino acids or due to the proteolytic activities of some microorganisms. The objective of this study was to estimate the formed BAs in five types of the most commonly consumed and retailed cheese in Egypt. The examined cheese types included Feta, Karish, Mozzarella, Rumy, and Mish. Besides, the total mesophilic (TMC) and total psychrophilic (TPsC) bacterial counts were investigated. Furthermore, the estimated daily intakes (EDI) of BAs via the ingestion of various types of cheese were calculated, and their potential health risks were discussed. The achieved results indicated the formation of histamine (HIS), tyramine (TYR), cadaverine (CAD), putrescine, spermine, and spermidine at different concentrations. Except for Feta cheese, all samples (100%) of other cheese types had HIS concentrations higher than the established maximum permissible limits. Mish cheese contained the highest concentrations of total BAs, particularly, HIS, TYR, and CAD. TBA content showed significant positive correlations with TMC in the examined cheese types. The recorded EDI values of the different BAs in the current study would not have adverse effects. However, excessive consumption of cheese contaminated with BA might have serious health implications such as symptoms of histamine poisoning. Therefore, the adoption of strict hygienic measures during the production, storage, and distribution of cheese is highly recommended to reduce the formation of BAs in cheese.

Microbial quality and formation of biogenic amines in the meat and edible offal of Camelus dromedaries with a protection trial using gingerol and nisin.

This study aimed firstly at the investigation of the microbial status of the camel meat and edible offal including liver, kidneys, lungs, rumen, and duodenum distributed at local markets of Egypt. Total plate count, total psychrophilic counts, total Enterobacteriaceae count, the most probable number of coliforms, and total mold counts were monitored at the collected samples. The produced biogenic amines (BA) in the camel meat and offal were further estimated. An experimental trial to investigate the antimicrobial potentials of either nisin, gingerol, or an equal mixture of both using camel muscle as a food matrix was conducted. The achieved results declared a high microbial load in the camel meat and the offal. Duodenum and rumen had the highest microbial counts followed by lungs, kidneys, liver, and muscle, respectively. Similarly, duodenum and rumen had the highest levels of BA, including tyramine, spermine, putrescine, cadaverine, and histamine. Both of nisin and ginger showed significant antimicrobial properties in a concentration-dependent manner. Thus, efficient hygienic measures during the handling of camel meat are highly recommended. In addition, using nisin, gingerol, or a mixture of both is an efficient strategy for improving the microbiological quality of the camel meat.

Preparation and application of a novel magnetic molecularly imprinted polymer for simultaneous and rapid determination of three trace endocrine disrupting chemicals in lake water and milk samples.

Exposure to endocrine disruptor substances will alter the function of the endocrine system and then cause adverse effects on human health. Among these endocrine disrupting chemicals, hexestrol, nonylphenol, and bisphenol A are most commonly used worldwide. In this study, we aim to develop a simple, rapid, and efficient analytical method for the simultaneous determination of trace hexestrol, nonylphenol, and bisphenol A in lake water and milk samples. A magnetic molecularly imprinted polymer-assisted magnetic solid-phase extraction technique was applied. The magnetic molecularly imprinted polymer was prepared and characterized by electron scanning microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Subsequently, different experiments were conducted to optimize the magnetic solid-phase extraction conditions. High-performance liquid chromatography with UV detection was employed to determine hexestrol, nonylphenol, and bisphenol A. Limits of detection of the developed method were from 0.1 to 0.3 µg L-1 and spiked recoveries ranged from 89.9 to 102.5%, with a relative standard deviation of < 2.5% (intraday). Results obtained from this study showed that the proposed magnetic solid-phase extraction method was a simple, rapid, and sensitive sample pre-treatment method for the determination of trace hexestrol, nonylphenol, and bisphenol in different aqueous samples.

Effects of Pyrene on Human Liver HepG2 Cells: Cytotoxicity, Oxidative Stress, and Transcriptomic Changes in Xenobiotic Metabolizing Enzymes and Inflammatory Markers with Protection Trial Using Lycopene.

Pyrene is one of the major polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons formed during heat treatment of meat and in car exhausts; however, few studies have investigated pyrene-induced adverse effects on human cell lines. This study aimed at the investigation of pyrene-induced cytotoxicity and oxidative damage in human liver HepG2 cells at environmentally relevant concentrations. Pyrene-induced changes in mRNA expression of xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes (XMEs), xenobiotic transporters, antioxidant enzymes, and inflammatory markers were investigated using real-time PCR. As a protection trial, the ameliorative effects of lycopene, a carotenoid abundantly found in tomato, were investigated. The possible mechanisms behind such effects were examined via studying the co exposure effects of pyrene and lycopene on regulatory elements including the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (Air) and elytroid 2-related factor 2 (RF). The achieved results indicated that pyrene caused significant cytotoxicity at 50 n, with a clear production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in a dose-dependent manner. Pyrene upregulated mRNA expression of phase I enzymes including CYP1A1, 1A2, and CYP1B1 and inflammatory markers including TNFα and Cox2. However, pyrene significantly downregulated phase II enzymes, xenobiotic transporters, and antioxidant enzymes. Interestingly, lycopene significantly reduced pyrene-induced cytotoxicity and ROS production. Moreover, lycopene upregulated detoxification and antioxidant enzymes, probably via its regulatory effects on Air- and RF-dependent pathways.

Rapid determination of antiviral medication ribavirin in different feedstuffs using a novel magnetic molecularly imprinted polymer coupled with high-performance liquid chromatography.

A novel magnetic molecularly imprinted polymer adsorbing material was successfully synthesized to detect ribavirin in animal feedstuff. Molecularly imprinted polymer was prepared through surface polymerization by using ribavirin as template molecule, methyl methacrylate, and γ-methacryloxypropyl trimethoxy silane functionalized magnetic mesoporous silica as bifunctional monomers, and ethylene diglycidyl ether as crosslinking agent. The prepared magnetic molecularly imprinted polymer was characterized by scanning electron microscopy and infrared spectroscopy. Static and dynamic adsorption experiments and selective adsorption analysis were performed to evaluate the adsorption and selectivity of magnetic molecularly imprinted polymer. Different experiments were conducted to optimize the magnetic solid-phase extraction conditions. Under optimal experimental conditions, a magnetic molecularly imprinted solid-phase extraction coupled with high-performance liquid chromatography method was successfully developed for ribavirin detection. The established method achieved a satisfactory linear range of 0.20-50 mg/L (R2  > 0.99) and a low detection limit (0.081 mg/kg). An average recovery of 92-105% with relative standard deviation of <6.5% was obtained upon the application of the developed method to detect ribavirin in real feedstuff samples. Thus, established method can be used for the rapid and simple separation and detection of added ribavirin in feedstuff.

Simultaneous determination of five organophosphorus pesticide residues in different food samples by solid-phase microextraction fibers coupled with high-performance liquid chromatography.

BACKGROUND: Excessive or improper use of organophosphorus pesticides (OPPs) may adversely affect human health through the food chain. In the present study, a simple, rapid and effective analytical method was successfully established and used for the determination of OPPs quinalphos and its analogs in different food samples. RESULTS: Under the optimized experimental conditions, five OPPs (quinalphos, triazophos, parathion, fenthion and chlorpyrifos-methyl) exhibit a good linearity within a range of 0.02 to 2.0 µg mL-1 . The detection limit range was 3.0 to 10.0 µg L-1 (signal-to-noise ratio = 3). The method was successfully used to detect and quantify the residues of quinalphos and its analogs in tomato, cabbage, barley and water samples; all spiked samples gave satisfactory recovery rates for the target analytes of between 82% and 98%, with a relative SD of 3.6% to 7.8%. CONCLUSION: The results obtained show that the proposed method is an accurate, rapid and reliable sample pre-treatment method with respect to giving a good enrichment factor and detection limit for determining quinalphos pesticide residues in different food samples. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

Astaxanthin inhibits homocysteine­induced endothelial cell dysfunction via the regulation of the reactive oxygen species­dependent VEGF­VEGFR2­FAK signaling pathway.

Increased plasma levels of homocysteine (Hcy) can cause severe damage to vascular endothelial cells. Hcy­induced endothelial cell dysfunction contributes to the occurrence and development of human cerebrovascular diseases (CVDs). Our previous studies have revealed that astaxanthin (ATX) exhibits novel cardioprotective activity against Hcy­induced cardiotoxicity in vitro and in vivo. However, the protective effect and mechanism of ATX against Hcy­induced endothelial cell dysfunction requires further investigation. In the present study, treatment of human umbilical vascular endothelial cells (HUVECs) with Hcy inhibited the migration, invasive and tube formation potentials of these cells in a dose­dependent manner. Hcy treatment further induced a time­dependent increase in the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and downregulated the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), phosphorylated (p)­Tyr­VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR2) and p­Tyr397­focal adhesion kinase (FAK). On the contrary, ATX pre­treatment significantly inhibited Hcy­induced cytotoxicity and increased HUVEC migration, invasion and tube formation following Hcy treatment. The mechanism of action may involve the effective inhibition of Hcy­induced ROS generation and the recovery of FAK phosphorylation. Collectively, our findings suggested that ATX could inhibit Hcy­induced endothelial dysfunction by suppressing Hcy­induced activation of the VEGF­VEGFR2­FAK signaling axis, which indicates the novel therapeutic potential of ATX in treating Hcy­mediated CVD.

Effect of starter culture on microbiological, physiochemical and nutrition quality of Xiangxi sausage.

Fermented sausages have a long tradition originating from China. In this study, three starter microorganisms including Pediococcus pentosaceus (P), Staphylococcus xylosus (S), and a combination of P. pentosaceus and S. xylosus (P + S) were conducted for the manufacture of traditional Xiangxi (a city in China) fermented sausages. The physicochemical changes of the above three kinds of sausages during fermentation were studied and discussed, and also compared with these properties on the natural fermented sausage (N, i.e., control). The results revealed that five kinds of bacterial phases were existed at different fermentation stages in N, P, S and P + S fermented sausages, respectively. The microbiological data showed that an initial enterobacteria count of approximately 5.3 log CFU/g for all four batches of sausages. The enterobacteria count in the inoculated sausages of P and P + S groups decreased significantly to about 1 log CFU/g whereas group N and S had a count of about 3.3 log CFU/g after fermentation. In the early stages of fermentation, the pH rapidly decreased below 5.3. FAA and FFA were significantly increased in all groups and TBARS value in group P was higher than that of the other three groups. In conclusion, starter cultures can be used to improve the hygiene level of Xiangxi sausages without significant effects on pH, AW, and nitrite residue.

Correction to: Reversal of homocysteine-induced neurotoxicity in rat hippocampal neurons by astaxanthin: evidences for mitochondrial dysfunction and signaling crosstalk.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1038/s41420-018-0114-x.].

Induction of Apoptosis in Human Glioma Cells by Fucoxanthin via Triggering of ROS-Mediated Oxidative Damage and Regulation of MAPKs and PI3K-AKT Pathways.

Fucoxanthin, a natural carotenoid derived from algae, exhibits novel anticancer potential. However, fucoxanthin with high purity is hard to prepare, and the anticancer mechanism remains elusive. In the present study, fucoxanthin with high purity was prepared and purified from the marine microalgae Nitzschia sp. by silica-gel column chromatography (SGCC), and the underlying mechanism against human glioma cells was evaluated. The results showed that fucoxanthin time- and dose-dependently inhibited U251-human-glioma-cell growth by induction of apoptosis (64.4 ± 4.8, P < 0.01) accompanied by PARP cleavage and caspase activation (244 ± 14.2, P < 0.01). Mechanically, fucoxanthin time-dependently triggered reactive-oxygen-species (ROS)-mediated DNA damage (100 ± 7.38, P < 0.01), as evidenced by the phosphorylation activation of Ser1981-ATM, Ser428-ATR, Ser15-p53, and Ser139-histone. Moreover, fucoxanthin treatment also time-dependently caused dysfunction of MAPKs and PI3K-AKT pathways, as demonstrated by the phosphorylation activation of Thr183-JNK, Thr180-p38, and Thr202-ERK and the phosphorylation inactivation of Ser473-AKT. The addition of kinase inhibitors further confirmed the importance of MAPKs and PI3K-AKT pathways in fucoxanthin-induced cell-growth inhibition (32.5 ± 3.6, P < 0.01). However, ROS inhibition by the antioxidant glutathione (GSH) effectively inhibited fucoxanthin-induced DNA damage, attenuated the dysfunction of MAPKs and PI3K-AKT pathways, and eventually blocked fucoxanthin-induced cytotoxicity (54.3 ± 5.6, P < 0.05) and cell apoptosis (32.7 ± 2.5, P < 0.05), indicating that ROS production, an early apoptotic event, is involved in the fucoxanthin-mediated anticancer mechanism. Taken together, these results suggested that fucoxanthin induced U251-human-glioma-cell apoptosis by triggering ROS-mediated oxidative damage and dysfunction of MAPKs and PI3K-AKT pathways, which validated that fucoxanthin may be a candidate for potential applications in cancer chemotherapy and chemoprevention.

GC-MS Characterization of Volatile Flavor Compounds in Stinky Tofu Brine by Optimization of Headspace Solid-Phase Microextraction Conditions.

This study optimized the headspace solid phase microextraction (HS-SPME) conditions for the analysis of the volatile flavor compounds of Chinese south stinky tofu brine by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The optimum HS-SPME conditions established were as follows: polar column CD-WAX, white 85 µm polyella extractor, extraction temperature 60 °C, equilibrium time 20 min, extraction time 40 min. Under these conditions, a total of 63 volatile flavor compounds in five stinky tofu brines were identified. The offensive odor of the stinky tofu may be derived from some of the volatile flavor compounds such as phenol, p-cresol, 3-methylindole, indole, acetic acid, propionic acid, isobutyric acid, n-butyric acid and 3-methylbutanoic acid. The volatile flavor substances data was examined by principal component analysis (PCA) to visualize the response patterns in the feature space of principal components (PC). PCA analysis results revealed that the Chengshifu brine (STB1) and Baise jingdian brine (STB4) are similar in PC 1, 2, and 3, and the two brines have a similar flavor. Results also indicate that the Huogongdian brine (STB2) and Wangcheng brine (STB3) can be grouped in the same class as they are similar in PC 3. However, PC 1, 2, and 3 of the Luojia brine (STB5) and other brands of brine are different as is the flavor.

Reversal of homocysteine-induced neurotoxicity in rat hippocampal neurons by astaxanthin: evidences for mitochondrial dysfunction and signaling crosstalk.

Elevated plasma level of homocysteine (Hcy) represents an independent risk for neurological diseases, and induction of oxidative damage is considered as one of the most important pathomechanisms. Astaxanthin (ATX) exhibits strong antioxidant activity in kinds of experimental models. However, the potential of ATX against Hcy-induced neurotoxicity has not been well explored yet. Herein, the neuroprotective effect of ATX against Hcy-induced neurotoxicity in rat hippocampal neurons was examined, and the underlying mechanism was evaluated. The results showed that ATX pre-treatment completely reversed Hcy-induced neurotoxicity through inhibiting cell apoptosis in rat primary hippocampal neurons. The mechanical investigation revealed that ATX effectively blocked Hcy-induced mitochondrial dysfunction by regulating Bcl-2 family and opening of mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP). ATX pre-treatment also attenuated Hcy-induced oxidative damage via inhibiting the release of intracellular reactive oxide species (ROS) and superoxide anion through regulating MPTP opening. Moreover, normalization of MAPKs and PI3K/AKT pathways also contributed to ATX-mediated protective effects. Taken together, these results above suggested that ATX has the potential to reverse Hcy-induced neurotoxicity and apoptosis by inhibiting mitochondrial dysfunction, ROS-mediated oxidative damage and regulation of MAKPs and AKT pathways, which validated the strategy of using ATX could be a highly effective way in combating Hcy-mediated neurological disorders.

Natural borneol is a novel chemosensitizer that enhances temozolomide-induced anticancer efficiency against human glioma by triggering mitochondrial dysfunction and reactive oxide species-mediated oxidative damage.

BACKGROUND: Temozolomide (TMZ)-based chemotherapy represents an effective way for treating human glioma. However, its clinical application is limited because of its side effects and resistance to standard chemotherapy. Hence, the search for novel chemosensitizers to augment their anticancer efficiency has attracted much attention. Natural borneol (NB) has been identified as a potential chemosensitizer in treating human cancers. However, the synergistic effect and mechanism of NB and TMZ in human glioma have not been investigated yet. MATERIALS AND METHODS: U251 human glioma cells were cultured, and the cytotoxicity and apoptosis of NB and/or TMZ were examined by MTT assay, flow cytometric analysis and Western blot. Nude mice tumor model was also employed to evaluate the in vivo anticancer effect and mechanism. RESULTS: The results showed that the combined treatment of NB and TMZ more effectively inhibited human glioma growth via triggering mitochondria-mediated apoptosis in vitro, accompanied by the caspase activation. Combined treatment of NB and TMZ also caused mitochondrial dysfunction through disturbing Bcl-2 family expression. Further investigation revealed that NB enhanced TMZ-induced DNA damage through inducing reactive oxide species (ROS) overproduction. Moreover, glioma tumor xenograft growth in vivo was more effectively inhibited by the combined treatment with NB and TMZ through triggering apoptosis and anti-angiogenesis. CONCLUSION: Taken together, our findings validated that the strategy of using NB and TMZ could be a highly efficient way to achieve anticancer synergism.

Preparation and application of a magnetic plasticizer as a molecularly imprinted polymer adsorbing material for the determination of phthalic acid esters in aqueous samples.

A novel magnetic plasticizer molecularly imprinted polymer adsorbing material (MIP@mSiO2 -ß-CD@Fe3 O4 ) was successfully synthesized for the determination of six phthalic acid esters in water, milk, and wine samples. The molecularly imprinted polymers were prepared via precipitation polymerization and a surface molecular imprinting technique, using a cyclodextrin-modified magnetic meso-porous material (mSiO2 -ß-CD@Fe3 O4 ) as a magnetic supporter, dibutyl phthalate and butyl benzyl phthalate as the dual template molecules, methacrylic acid as the functional monomer, and ethyleneglycol dimethacrylate as the cross-linking agent. The polymers were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, IR spectroscopy, and X-ray powder diffraction. Thermogravimetric analysis and static and dynamic adsorption experiments were carried out to assay its stability and selectivity. Under optimal experimental conditions, a magnetic solid-phase extraction with MIP@mSiO2 -ß-CD@Fe3 O4 coupled to gas chromatography and mass spectrometry method was successfully developed for the determination of phthalic acid esters. The established method achieved a good linear range of 0.10∼8.00 µg/mL (R > 0.99) and a low detection limit within the range of 1.0∼5.0 µg/L. An average recovery rate of 80.2∼103% with relative standard deviation < 6.7% was obtained upon the application of the developed method to detect phthalic acid esters in actual aqueous samples.