[Contamination Characteristics and Ecological Risk Assessment of Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products (PPCPs) in the Third Drain of Ningxia].

To investigate the contamination characteristics and potential ecological risks of pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) in the Third Drain of Ningxia, 14 PPCPs were detected and analyzed using solid-phase extraction coupled with ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The results showed that these 14 PPCPs were detected in the Third Drain and its confluent streams, with total concentrations of 117.74-1947.64 ng·L-1 and 63.94-4509.39 ng·L-1, respectively. Detection ratios of gemfibrozil (GEM), caffeine (CAF), avobenzone (BM-DBM), benzophenone-3 (BP-3), 3-(4-methylbenzylidene)-camphor (4-MBC), and diethyltoluamide (DEET) were 100% in the drain. The highest-concentration pharmaceutical was GEM (7.78-721.84 ng·L-1), followed by CAF (41.74-246.86 ng·L-1), and the highest-concentration personal care product was DEET (3.17-219.91 ng·L-1), followed by BP-3 (56.92-150.14 ng·L-1). Concentrations of PPCPs at different sampling points exhibited spatial differences. The total PPCPs concentration increased dramatically and reached a maximum value after flowing through Pingluo County, then showed a decreasing trend downstream. Correlation analysis showed that 4-MBC was significantly positively correlated with COD (P<0.01). IBU, XMTD, TCC, and TCS were significantly correlated with NH4+-N (P<0.05). DIC, BF, CBZ, and DEET were significantly correlated with TN (P<0.05). The results indicated that concentrations of PPCPs were closely related to water quality indexes. Risk assessment showed that DIC, IBU, GEM, CBZ, CAF, and BP-3 had high risks, whereas BM-DBM, TCC, and TCS had moderate risks.

[Contamination Characteristics and Ecological Risk Assessment of Antibiotics in the Third Drain of Ningxia].

Solid-phase extraction and ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-electrostatic field orbit hydrazine mass spectrometry were used to detect and analyze the contamination of nine antibiotics including sulfonamides, tetracyclines, macrolides, quinolones, and lincomycin in the third drain of Ningxia. Correlations between the antibiotic concentration and water quality indexes were explored, and the ecological risks were evaluated. The results showed that seven antibiotics were detected in the third drain and its confluent stream, with the total concentrations of 14.91-153.48 ng·L-1 and ND-39.37 ng·L-1, respectively. The detection ratios of clarithromycin, levofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, and lincomycin were 100% in the third drain. The highest-concentration antibiotic was levofloxacin (0.84-94.12 ng·L-1), followed by lincomycin (11.15-48.13 ng·L-1). Based on the spatial distribution analysis, after flowing through Pingluo County, total antibiotic concentrations in the third drain increased significantly and showed an increasing trend. The maximum concentration appeared in the Huinong section and showed a decreasing trend downstream. The total concentration of antibiotics before flowing into the Yellow River was 20.26 ng·L-1. Correlation analysis showed that levofloxacin was significantly positively correlated with NH4+-N and TN (P<0.01), erythromycin was significantly correlated with TN, and clarithromycin was significantly correlated with both NH4+-N and TN (P<0.05), which indicated that water quality index was closely related to antibiotic concentration. The results of the ecological risk assessment showed that levofloxacin and clarithromycin in the third drain posed certain ecological risks.

Effects of dietary stachyose levels on caecal skatole concentration, hepatic cytochrome P450 mRNA expressions and enzymatic activities in broilers.

Effects of dietary supplemental stachyose on caecal skatole concentration, hepatic cytochrome P450 (CYP450, CYP) mRNA expressions and enzymatic activities in broilers were evaluated. Arbor Acre commercial mixed male and female chicks were assigned randomly into six treatments. The positive control (PC) diet was based on maize-soyabean meal, and the negative control (NC) diet was based on maize-non-soyabean meal. The NC diet was then supplemented with 4, 5, 6 and 7 g/kg stachyose to create experimental diets, named S-4, S-5, S-6 and S-7, respectively. Each diet was fed to six replicates of ten birds from days 1 to 49. On day 49, the caecal skatole concentrations in the PC, S-4, S-5, S-6 and S-7 groups were lower than those in the NC group by 42·28, 23·68, 46·09, 15·31 and 45·14 % (P < 0·01), respectively. The lowest pH value was observed in the S-5 group (P < 0·05). The stachyose-fed groups of broilers had higher caecal acetate and propionate levels compared with control groups, and propionate levels in the S-6 and S-7 groups were higher than those in the S-4 and S-5 groups (P < 0·001). The highest CYP3A4 expression was found in the S-7 group (P < 0·05), but this was not different from PC, S-4, S-5 and S-6 treatments. There was no significant difference in CYP450 (1A2, 2D6 and 3A4) enzymatic activities among the groups (P > 0·05). In conclusion, caecal skatole levels can be influenced by dietary stachyose levels, and 5 g/kg of stachyose in the diet was suggested.

Salibacterium lacus sp. nov., a halophilic, non-spore-forming bacterium isolated from sediment of a saline lake.

A novel halophilic bacterium, strain GSS13T, capable of growing at salinities of 8-28 % (w/v) NaCl (optimally at 24 %, w/v) was isolated from Yuncheng Saline Lake in China. GSS13T was Gram-stain-positive, strictly aerobic, rod-shaped, motile and a non-spore-former. Growth occurred at pH 5.5-8.5 (optimum pH 7.0) and at 10-45 °C (optimum 30 °C). On the basis of the results of 16S rRNA gene sequences phylogenetic analyses, GSS13T represents a member of the genus Salibacterium and is closely related to Salibacterium halotolerans S7T, Salibacterium qingdaonense CM1T and Salibacterium halochares MSS4T, with 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities of 98.7, 98.4 and 97.9 %, respectively. The results of DNA-DNA pairing studies revealed that GSS13T displayed 52, 43 and 48 % relatedness to S. halotolerans S7T, S. qingdaonense CM1T and S. halochares MSS4T, respectively. The polar lipids of GSS13 consisted of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol unidentified glycolipids, an unidentified phospholipid and an unidentified lipid. The predominant isoprenoid quinone was MK-7, and the major fatty acids were anteiso-C17 : 0 (32.0 %) and anteiso C15 : 0 (26.4 %). The DNA G+C content of the type strain was 52.1 mol%. On the basis of phylogenetic, chemotaxonomic and phenotypic data, a novel species of the genus Salibacterium is proposed, with the name Salibacterium lacus sp. nov. The type strain is GSS13T (=KCTC 33792T=MCCC 1K00567T).

Planifilum caeni sp. nov., a novel member of thermoactinomycete isolated from sludge compost.

A Gram positive, thermophilic, and filamentous bacterium, designated strain GIESS004(T), was isolated from a sludge compost from Guangzhou, China. Growth occurred at 45-55 °C (optimum 50-53 °C) and pH 6.0-10.0 (optimum pH 7.0-7.5). The organism formed cream-yellow colonies with radial wrinkles. Aerial mycelium was not produced in any of the growth media tested. Single spores were produced along the substrate hyphae. Strain GIESS004(T) contained MK-7 as the predominant menaquinone and iso-C(16:0), iso-C(15:0) and iso-C(17:0) as the major cellular fatty acids. The cell wall contained meso-diaminopimelic acid. The DNA G+C content was 60.7 mol%. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain GIESS004(T) was associated with the genus Planifilum and formed a cluster with its closest relative of Planifilum composti P8(T) (99.5 % similarity). However, the DNA-DNA pairing study showed that the isolate displayed reassociation value of only 57.6 ± 2.3 % with P. composti P8(T). On the basis of the polyphasic taxonomic results, strain GIESS004(T) (= CCTCC AB2013107(T) = MCCC 1K00414(T)) is designated as the type strain of a novel species of the genus Planifilum, for which the name Planifilum caeni sp. nov. is proposed.

[Anaerobic reduction of humus/Fe (III) and electron transport mechanism of Fontibacter sp. SgZ-2].

Humus and Fe(III) respiration are important extracellular respiration metabolism. Electron transport pathway is the key issue of extracellular respiration. To understand the electron transport properties and the environmental behavior of a novel Fe(III)- reducing bacterium, Fontibacter sp. SgZ-2, capacities of anaerobic humus/Fe(III) reduction and electron transport mechanisms with four electron acceptors were investigated in this study. The results of anaerobic batch experiments indicated that strain SgZ-2 had the ability to reduce humus analog [ 9,10-anthraquinone-2,6-disulfonic acid (AQDS) and 9,10-anthraquinone-2-sulfonic acid (AQS)], humic acids (HA), soluble Fe(III) (Fe-EDTA and Fe-citrate) and Fe(III) oxides [hydrous ferric oxide (HFO)]. Fermentative sugars (glucose and sucrose) were the most effective electron donors in the humus/Fe(III) reduction by strain SgZ-2. Additionally, differences of electron carrier participating in the process of electron transport with different electron acceptors (i. e. , oxygen, AQS, Fe-EDTA and HFO) were investigated using respiratory inhibitors. The results suggested that similar respiratory chain components were involved in the reducing process of oxygen and Fe-EDTA, including dehydrogenase, quinones and cytochromes b-c. In comparison, only dehydrogenase was found to participate in the reduction of AQS and HFO. In conclusion, different electron transport pathways may be employed by strain SgZ-2 between insoluble and soluble electron acceptors or among soluble electron acceptors. Preliminary models of electron transport pathway with four electron acceptors were proposed for strain SgZ-2, and the study of electron transport mechanism was explored to the genus Fontibacter. All the results from this study are expected to help understand the electron transport properties and the environmental behavior of the genus Fontibacter.

Fluviicola hefeinensis sp. nov., isolated from the wastewater of a chemical factory.

A Gram-negative, strictly aerobic, yellow-orange-pigmented, motile, short rod-shaped, catalase-positive, oxidase-negative bacterium, strain MYL-8(T), was isolated from wastewater of the Jin Tai Chemical Factory in Hefei, China. Strain MYL-8(T) grew optimally at 30 °C, in the absence of NaCl and at pH 7. Menaquinone 6 (MK-6) was the sole respiratory quinone and the major fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0, iso-C15 : 1 G, iso-C17 : 0 3-OH and summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c and/or iso-C15 : 0 2-OH). The polar lipid profile was composed predominantly of unidentified polar lipids and aminolipids. Minor amounts of phosphatidylethanolamine and unidentified phospholipids were also detectable. The DNA G+C content of strain MYL-8(T) was 43.5 mol%. The 16S rRNA gene sequence of strain MYL-8(T) showed the highest similarity to that of Fluviicola taffensis RW 262(T) (97.03 %), followed by Wandonia haliotis Haldis-1-1(T) (92.05 %), Lishizhenia caseinilytica UST040201-001(T) (91.43 %) and Lishizhenia tianjinensis JCM 15141(T) (90.61 %). DNA-DNA relatedness between strain MYL-8(T) and F. taffensis RW 262(T) was 21.35±0.90 %. On the basis of phenotypic, chemotaxonomic, genomic and phylogenetic data, strain MYL-8(T) is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Fluviicola, for which the name Fluviicola hefeinensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is MYL-8(T) ( = KACC 16597(T) = CCTCC AB 2013168(T)).

Bacillus borbori sp. Nov., isolated from an electrochemically active biofilm.

A Gram-positive, facultative anaerobic, motile, endospore-forming rod strain, designated DX-4(T), was isolated from an electrochemically active biofilm. Growth occurred at 30-65 °C (optimum 55 °C), at pH 6.0-8.5 (optimum pH 7.0-7.5) and with <6 % (w/v) NaCl. Cells were catalase- and oxidase-positive. The main respiratory quinone was MK-7, the predominant polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol mannoside, and unidentified aminophospholipid, the DNA G+C content was 38.6 mol% and the major fatty acids (>5 %) were iso-C15:0 (38.9 %), iso-C17:0 (30.5 %), iso-C16:0 (5.6 %), and anteiso-C17:0 (5.2 %). The phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence comparisons revealed that strain DX-4(T) is a member of the genus Bacillus. The results of phenotypic, chemotaxonomic, and genotypic analyses clearly indicated that strain DX-4(T) represents a novel species, for which the name Bacillus borbori sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is DX-4(T) (= CCTCC AB2012196(T) = KCTC 33103(T)).

Pharmacokinetics, tissue distribution and excretion of manganese (III) meso-tetra [3-(2-(2-methoxy)-ethoxy) ethoxy] phenyl porphyrin chloride, a novel superoxide dismutase mimic, in Wistar rats.

Manganese (III) 5, 10, 15, 20-tetrakis [3-(2-(2-methoxy)-ethoxy) ethoxy] phenyl porphyrin chloride, designated HSJ-0017, is a novel superoxide dismutase mimic. It exhibits strong free-radical scavenging activities in vitro and in vivo. The aim of the present study was to investigate the pharmacokinetics, tissue distribution and excretion of HSJ-0017 in Wistar rats following a single intravenous administration. Wistar rats were given different doses of HSJ-0017 by single intravenous injection. Biological samples of rats were collected and were assayed by the HPLC method. The pharmacokinetics, tissue distribution and excretion of HSJ-0017 were investigated. The pharmacokinetic data of HSJ-0017 in rats following intravenous injection was best-fit by a two-compartment model. T max of HSJ-0017 in plasma following intravenous injection was 0.083 h. AUC and plasma drug concentration were found to increase in a dose-related fashion. The highest concentrations of HSJ-0017 were detected in the liver (82.25 ± 13.99 µg/g) of rats, followed by the kidney, small intestine, lung, plasma, heart, spleen, and stomach within 2 h postdose. No HSJ-0017 was detected in the uterus, parorchis or brain of rats during the 24-h period of examination. The total cumulative excretion of HSJ-0017 in rat bile and urine were found to be 78.85 and 67.58 %, respectively. Our study has led to the view that the HSJ-0017 can be rapidly distributed to tissues after intravenous administration, but cannot diffuse through the blood-brain barrier. The faecal and biliary excretion of unchanged HSJ-0017 are the major routes of HSJ-0017 elimination.

Thauera humireducens sp. nov., a humus-reducing bacterium isolated from a microbial fuel cell.

A Gram-negative, rod-shaped, non-spore-forming bacterium, designated SgZ-1(T), was isolated from the anode biofilm of a microbial fuel cell. The strain had the ability to grow under anaerobic condition via the oxidation of various organic compounds coupled to the reduction of anthraquione-2,6-disulfonate (AQDS) to anthrahydroquinone-2,6-disulfonate (AHQDS). Growth occurred in TSB in the presence of 0-5.5 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum 0-1 %), at 10-45 °C (optimum 25-37 °C) and at pH 6.0-10.0 (optimum 8.0-8.5). Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, strain SgZ-1(T) belonged to the genus Thauera. The highest level of 16S rRNA gene sequences similarity (96.7 %) was found to be with Thauera aminoaromatica S2(T) and Thauera selenatis AX(T), and lower values were obtained when compared with other recognized Thauera species. Chemotaxonomic analysis revealed that strain SgZ-1(T) contained Q-8 as the predominant quinone, and putrescine and 2-hydroxyputrescine as the major polyamines. The major cellular fatty acids (>5 %) were C16 : 1ω6c and/or C16 : 1ω7c (44.6 %), C16 : 0 (18.8 %), and C18 : 1ω6c and/or C18 : 1ω7c (12.7 %). Based on its phenotypic and phylogenetic properties, chemotaxonomic analysis and the results of physiological and biochemical tests, strain SgZ-1(T) ( = KACC 16524(T) = CCTCC M 2011497(T)) was designated the type strain of a novel species of the genus Thauera, for which the name Thauera humireducens sp. nov. was proposed.

Systemic toxicity and toxicokinetics of a high dose of polyethylene glycol 400 in dogs following intravenous injection.

Polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG-400) has been used in injections. However, limited data are available concerning the toxicity of a high dose of PEG-400 following intravenous (i.v.) injection. The aim of the present study was to estimate the systemic toxicity and toxicokinetics of a high dose of PEG-400 in dogs following i.v. injection. Twenty-four dogs were divided into four groups: a control group receiving normal saline and three test groups receiving 4.23, 6.34, and 8.45 g/kg of PEG-400, respectively, by i.v. injection once a day for 30 days. The repeated-dose toxicity of PEG-400 was assessed. Toxicokinetic parameters of PEG-400 in dogs were estimated on days 1 and 30. Dry mouth and dry nasal mucus membrane were observed in dogs treated with 6.34 and 8.45 g/kg of PEG-400. Cloudy swelling of kidney cell and increased glomerular volume were observed in dogs treated with 8.45 g/kg of PEG-400 when the animals were sacrificed 24 hours after the last injection. No significant histological changes were found 21 days later. Repeated dosing did not affect the toxicokinetic profile of PEG-400 in dogs. This study has shown that the toxicity of a high dose of PEG-400 following repeated intravenous injections is low, and alterations produced are reversible.

Systemic toxicity of non-cell corynebacterium parvum (CP) in monkeys.

AIM: Non-cell corynebacterium parvum product (NCPP) is a new preparation of corynebacterium parvum (CP), an immunomodulator that displays anticancer activities. It is prepared by nanotechnology and is intended to minimize the side effects of CP. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the immunogenicity and systemic toxicity of NCPP compared with CP in animals. METHODS: 30 monkeys were randomly divided into 5 groups and given CP (3 mg/monkey), three doses of NCPP (9, 3, 1 mg/monkey) and 0.9% normal saline (NS, 4 ml/monkey) individually by intramuscular injection twice a week for 13 weeks. The immunogenicity and systemic toxicity of NCPP and CP were compared. RESULTS: NCCP and CP caused histopathological changes in the liver, spleen and kidney, but pathologic changes in NCCP-treated groups were slighter than that in the CP group. Only 9 mg/monkey of NCPP caused the similar damage as the CP in intensity. Deposition of immune complexes in the glomerular basement membrane was observed only in the CP group. ELISA detection showed that the anti-CP antibody was at a high level, while the anti-NCPP antibody was at low level and disappeared during the recovery period. CONCLUSION: Our study has led to the view that NCPP is safer than CP.

Role of chlorogenic acid in the toxicity induced by Chinese herbal injections.

Adverse reactions induced by Chinese herbal injections have been frequently reported. However, the precise causes of these adverse reactions are not yet fully understood. The aim of the present study was to determine the role of chlorogenic acid (a ubiquitous component of Chinese herbs) in the toxicity of Chinese herbal injections. Beagle dogs were given chlorogenic acid, Yuxingcao injection, or Qingkailing injection (the latter two both containing chlorogenic acid) by intravenous (i.v.) injection, once a day for 7 or 9 days. The systemic toxicity was evaluated. An additional ultrastructural observation on liver and kidney was performed. Anaphylactoid reactions were obvious in dogs treated with Yuxingcao injection. Varying degrees of ultrastructural changes in liver and kidney were observed in the treated dogs, especially in dogs treated with Chinese herbal injections. Our study has led to the view that chlorogenic acid is not an allergen when administrated by i.v. injection, but liver and kidney injury induced by Chinese herbal injections can be partly attributed to chlorogenic acid.

Effect of route of administration on the pharmacokinetics and toxicokinetics of cinnarizine in dogs.

AIMS: Cinnarizine, a piperazine derivative, is currently used for the treatment of cerebral thrombosis, cerebral arteriosclerosis, subarachnoid hemorrhage and some other diseases. However, it exhibits variable dissolution and low bioavailability after oral administration. Cinnarizine for injection was developed in order to enhance its bioavailability and make the practice more convenient for patients suffering from dysphagia. The aim of the present study was to compare the pharmacokinetics and toxicokinetics of cinnarizine following intravenous and oral administration in dogs and provide scientific basis for the development of cinnarizine for injection. METHODS: Beagle dogs were given single- or multiple-dose of cinnarizine by oral (single-dose: 10mg/kg; multiple-dose: 21.5, 12.9, 4.3mg/kg) and intravenous (single-dose: 10mg/kg; multiple-dose: 10, 6, 2mg/kg) routes. HPLC was applied to detect the plasma concentration of cinnarizine. The pharmacokinetics and toxicokinetics parameters were calculated and compared. RESULTS: The pharmacokinetics of cinnarizine following oral administration in dogs was found to fit the one-compartment mode. That of cinnarizine following intravenous injection in dogs was found to fit the two-compartment model. The relative bioavailability of oral administration was 46.4%. Cinnarizine cumulated significantly in dogs when 10mg/kg cinnarizine was injected repeatedly. Multiple-dose of cinnarizine over 6mg/kg induced reversible kidney injury in dogs. CONCLUSION: The present study indicates that pharmacokinetics and toxicokinetics properties of cinnarizine for injection show advantages over the oral preparation. But caution should be taken with the cumulative action when cinnarizine is injected and the dose of cinnarizine should be lower than 6mg/kg.

Betacyanins from Portulaca oleracea L. ameliorate cognition deficits and attenuate oxidative damage induced by D-galactose in the brains of senescent mice.

This experiment was designed to assess the protective effect of betacyanins from Portulaca oleracea L. against the D-galactose (D-gal)-induced neurotoxicity in mice. Betacyanins from Portulaca oleracea markedly reversed the D-gal-induced learning and memory impairments, as measured by behavioral tests. The activities of superoxide dismutases (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione reductase (GR) in D-gal-treated mice were enhanced, while the content of the lipid peroxidation product malondialdehyde (MDA) was decreased by betacyanin administration. Furthermore, significant negative correlations were found between mouse latency in finding the platform and the activities of SOD, CAT GR and GPx in the mouse brain, but the level of MDA correlated positively with the latency. These results suggest that the neuroprotective effect of betacyanins against D-gal-induced neurotoxicity might be caused, at least in part, by an increase in the activities of antioxidant enzymes with a reduction in lipid peroxidation. In comparison with vitamin C (VC), the betacyanins had a more pronounced effect on ameliorating cognition deficits in mice.

[Effects of FGF5 gene on fibre traits on Inner Mongolian cashmere goats].

Two pairs primers were designed base on the known sequence for amplification of FGF5 gene in the Inner Mongolian cashmere goats herd. It was found that a restrict fragment length polymorphism within the exon 1 of FGF5 gene from the second pair of primers using PCR-SSCP and PCR-RFLP. PCR products after recovered and purified, were sequenced that randomly selected from different genotypes. It was revealed a synonymous single base mutation (C-->T) for the AB genotype. The allele A was found to be predominant in Inner Mongolian cashmere goats and the allele and genotype frequencies in our sample coincident with the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. When analyzed for the association with fibre traits, this FGF5 SNP was found to have significant effect on cashmere fibre stretched length (P<0.01) and cashmere rate(P<0.05), but have slightly effect on others fibre traits (P>0.05). Cashmere fibre stretched length (P<0.01) and cashmere rate (P<0.05) in individuals of genotype AB was significantly higher than that in individuals of genotype AA.

[Investigation of TiO2 photocatalytic degradation of bovine serum albumin].

The present paper reports photocatalytic degradation of bovine serum albumin (BSA) by TiO2 under near UV (365 nm) irradiation. Ultraviolet-Visible spectrometry, FTIR spectrometry and HPLC were used to study the degradation and characterize the final degradation products. It was found that under near UV irradiation, BSA (0.1 g x L(-1)) can be totally degraded to small fragments by TiQ2 in 5 h. Total mineralization of BSA (93.5%) is reached after reacting for 40 h. C, N and S in BSA are mineralized to give CO2, NO3- and SO4(2-). It is suggested that the degradation of BSA happens in two steps: first to small fragments, then further mineralized to small inorganic molecule. The absence of UV irradiation or TiQ2 can only lead to partial degradation of BSA (30%) in 5 h and no CO2 is observed even in longer reaction time.