Control Effects of Bacillus subtilis DJ-6 and Pyraclostrobin Alone and in Combination Against Fusarium oxysporum

[Objective] This study was conducted to screen a synergistic biological fungicide complex to control Fusarium wilt, reducing the use of chemical pesticides. [Method] The inhibitory effects of Bacil us subtilis DJ-6 and pyraclostrobin alone or in combination at five ratios against Fusarium oxysporum were detected by mea-suring mycelium growth rate in laboratory tests. The growth promotion and disease control effect of combined or single use of 20% pyraclostrobin and 2 ×1011 cfu/g B. subtilis DJ-6 WP at 1∶1 000, 1∶2 000 and 1∶3 000 dilutions were detected in field trials. [Result] The EC50 values of combined use of B. subtilis DJ-6 and pyra-clostrobin at ratios of 1∶1, 1∶2, 1∶3, 1∶4 and 1∶5 against F. oxysporum were 5.311 5, 4.008 6, 3.570 6, 3.350 9 and 3.218 9 μg/ml, with the synergistic ratios （SR） of 2.28, 1.77, 1.53, 1.64, 1.11, among which the synergetic effect at 1∶1 was the best. The fungicidal activity of pyraclostrobin was greater than that of B. subtilis DJ-6 in laboratory tests. Field trials revealed that al the 1∶1 000, 1∶2 000 and 1∶3 000 dilu-tions of 20% pyraclostrobin·2×1011 cfu/g B. subtilis DJ-6 WP in combination, 1∶1 000 dilution of 1 ×1012 cfu/g B. subtilis DJ-6 WP and 1∶2 000 dilution of 250 g/L pyra-clostrobin EC promoted the growth of strawberry by increasing plant height, leaf petiole, leaf blade area and stem diameter. Among them, the treatments with 1∶1 000 and 1∶2 000 of 20% pyraclostrobin · 2×1011 cfu/g B. subtilis DJ-6 WP in combina-tion had better effects than other treatments. The control effects of al the treat-ments were measured 30 and 80 d after fungicide application. The control effects of 1∶1 000 dilution of 20% pyraclostrobin and 2×1011 cfu/g B. subtilis DJ-6 in combina-tion were up to 100% and 93.11%, which were higher than those in al other treat-ments. The second highest control effects were found in the treatment with 1∶ 2 000 dilution of 20% pyraclostrobin and 2×1011 cfu/g B. subtilis DJ-6 in combination, they were 92.49% and 86.49%, higher than those in other treatments except the 1∶1 000 dilution of 20% pyraclostrobin and 2 ×1011 cfu/g B. subtilis DJ-6 in combination. The control effects of 1∶3 000 dilution of 20% pyraclostrobin and 2×1011 cfu/g B. subtilis DJ-6 in combination were 82.61% and 72.42%, higher than those in treatment with 1∶1 000 dilution of 1×1012 cfu/g B. subtilis DJ-6 WP, but lower than those in treat-ment with 1∶2 000 dilution of 25% pyraclostrobin EC. [Conclusion] Al the results re-vealed that the combination use of 20% pyraclostrobin and 2 ×1011 cfu/g B. subtilis DJ-6 WP at 1∶1 000 to 1∶2 000 dilution had better control effect against strawberry Fusarium wilt.

The efficacy of a novel tomato extracts formulation on skin aging and pigmentation:A randomized,double-blind,parallel-controlled trial

Background:Oxidative stress is a significant factor in skin aging and pigmentation,which can be precipitated by various circumstances.Antioxidants and tyrosinase inhibitors,such as carotenoids,yeast extract(glutathione),sodium hyaluronate,astaxanthin,and niacin,can individually protect the skin against aging through distinct mechanisms.These mechanisms potentially enhance the skin barrier and improve signs of aging and pigmentation.However,the synergistic effects of these compounds,as found in a golden tomato extract formulation,have been scarcely explored.Objective:To evaluate the effects of an orally administered formulation on the skin aging and pigmentation.Material and Methods:In this study,a randomized,double-blind,parallel-controlled trial was conducted,utilizing the WONDERLAB?Tomato Niacinamide beverage.Out of all participants,62 volunteers completed the experiment and were included in the statistical analysis.Results:The results indicated that after eight weeks of consuming the research product,there were no significant changes in the skin indicators within the placebo group.In contrast,the treatment group receiving the sample formulation exhibited a 35.63%increase in stratum corneum hydration and a 29.39%reduction in transepidermal water loss(TEWL),suggesting enhanced skin hydration.Visual assessments revealed improvements in skin color and gloss index by 15.03%and 11.41%,respectively,in the treatment group.Furthermore,the skin gloss and individual typology angle(ITA)value increased by 18.59%and 6.36%,respectively,leading to a lighter skin tone.Significant enhancements were also observed in skin pigmentation,color uniformity,and redness.After eight weeks of intervention with the sample,blood levels of superoxide dismutase(SOD)and glutathione peroxidase(GPx)increased,while malondialdehyde(MDA)levels decreased.Conclusion:These findings confirm that continuous intake of the tomato extract formulation over eight weeks effectively improved the volunteers'skin whitening and hydration,and visibly brightened skin tone through an antioxidant mechanism.

Effectiveness of Informatization Teaching Design:A Cause Study on Mountain Tourism Resources

With the rapid development of network technology,education informatization has become an inevitable trend in education reform and development.An important aspect of information teaching is the effective integration of information technology and course teaching.On the basis of fully understanding and considering the learning needs of students,we should clarify the teaching goals of mountain tourism resources,integrate relevant teaching content,select appropriate information teaching strategies and methods,and achieve the optimization of teaching effects,so that students can really effectively play the role of the main body in teaching.In the teaching process of mountain tourism resources,the use of information-based teaching methods is not the more the better,but an effective combination of corresponding information teaching methods should be explored instead,such as learning the formation of Mount Tai through 3D animation,learning the lithology of Mount Tai through VR,etc.,so that not only can students learn easily and efficiently,but the workload of teachers can be reduced as well.

Real world effectiveness of PCSK-9 inhibitors combined with statins versus statins-based therapy among patients with very high risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in China(RWE-PCSK study)

BACKGROUND The efficacy and safety of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9(PCSK-9) inhibitors were confirmed by several clinical trials, but its effectiveness in routine clinical practice in China has not been evaluated. This study aims to describe the real world effectiveness of PCSK-9 inhibitors combined with statins compared with statins-based therapy among patients with very high risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease(ASCVD).METHODS This is a multi-center observational study, enrolled patients from 32 hospitals who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI) from January to June in 2019. There are 453 patients treated with PCSK-9 inhibitors combined with statins in PCSK-9 inhibitor group and 2,610 patients treated with statins-based lipid lowering therapies in statins-based group. The lipid control rate and incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events(MACE) over six months were compared between two groups.A propensity score-matched(PSM) analysis was used to balance two groups on confounding factors. Survival analysis using Kaplan-Meier methods was applied for MACE.RESULTS In a total of 3,063 patients, 89.91% of patients had received moderate or high-intensity statins-based therapy before PCI, but only 9.47% of patients had low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C) levels below 1.4 mmol/L at baseline. In the PSM selected patients, LDL-C level was reduced by 42.57% in PCSK-9 inhibitor group and 30.81%(P < 0.001) in statins-based group after six months. The proportion of LDL-C ≤ 1.0 mmol/L increased from 5.29% to 29.26% in PCSK-9 inhibitor group and 0.23% to 6.11% in statins-based group, and the proportion of LDL-C ≤ 1.4 mmol/L increased from 10.36% to 47.69% in PCSK-9 inhibitor group and 2.99% to 18.43% in statins-based group(P < 0.001 for both). There was no significant difference between PCSK-9 inhibitor and statins-based treatment in reducing the risk of MACE(hazard ratio = 2.52, 95% CI: 0.49-12.97, P = 0.250).CONCLUSIONS In the real world, PCSK-9 inhibitors combined with statins could significantly reduce LDL-C levels among patients with very high risk of ASCVD in China. The long-term clinical benefits for patients received PCSK-9 inhibitor to reduce the risk of MACE is still unclear and requires further study.

Influences of Chloropazine, Nimodipine and Their Combination on the Toxic Effects of Cadmium in Liver and Kidney of Mice

The influences of the calmodulin antagonist chlorpromazine (CPZ), and calcium channel blocker nimodipine (NIMO) and their combination on cadmium (Cd) poisoning of mice were studied. A seties of biochemical parameters including urinary enzyme activities, blood and urine Cd levels, metallothionein (MT) contents in liver and kidney, hepatic ultrastructure and Ca2+ -Mg2+ AT-Pase activity in erythrocyte membrane were determined. Animal models for Cd poisoning were established by peritoneal injection of 1/5 LD50 CdCl2. The experimental groups were protected by administration of CPZ, NIMO and CPZ and NIMO in combination l h before the injection of CdCl2. Five days later, samples were collected for analysis. The data showed that Crs could protect kidney tissue against Cd-induced damage, as the urinary γ-glutamyl traspepti dase (γ- GT ) and N- acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) activities were reduced significantly. There was neither evidence of the protective effect of NIMO on kidney tissue nor an indication of a synergistic effecf of Crs and NIMO.Both CPZ and NIMO showed a considerable protective effect against the deerease in Ca2+ -Mg2+ AT-Pase activity, and a synergistic action was observed. Cd content in blood was reduced significanily by CPZ or the combination of CPZ and NIMO, but elevated by NIMO. Both CPZ and NIMO consideraby increased MT contents in livers and kidneys and ameliorated damaged to the hepatic ultrastructures caused by Cd. The results indicated that these inhibitors could protect mice against the toxic effects of Cd in liver and kidney tissues, while CPZ was more efficient than NIMO. The combination of CPZ and NIMO exerted a synergistic action. The protective action of these two drugs might be relevent to the function of MT.

Effects of Combination of 1,25(OH)_(2)D_(3) and TLR-4 Inhibitor on the Damage to HaCaT Cells Caused by UVB Irradiation

Objective Vitamin D and Toll-like receptor-4(TLR-4)inhibition are involved in the protection of keratinocytes.The effects of combination of 1,25(OH)_(2)D_(3) and TLR-4 inhibitor on the protection of keratinocytes against ultraviolet radiation B(UVB)irradiation remain unclear.This study was undertaken to explore the effects of combination of 1,25(OH)_(2)D_(3) and TAK-242(TLR-4 inhibitor)on the damage to HaCaT cells caused by UVB irradiation.Methods In vitro,HaCaT cells were treated with 1,25(OH)_(2)D_(3) or/and TAK-242 prior to UVB irradiation at the intensity of 20 mJ/cm^(2),then the production of reactive oxygen species(ROS),cell migration,apoptosis of cells,and the expression of oxidative stress,endoplasmic reticulum stress,and apoptosis related proteins were determined.Results Compared with the HaCaT cells treated with 1,25(OH)_(2)D_(3) or TAK-242,the cells treated with both 1,25(OH)_(2)D_(3) and TAK-242 showed,1)significantly lower production of ROS(P<0.05);2)significantly less apoptosis of HaCaT cells(P<0.05);3)significantly lower expression of NF-κB,Caspase-8,Cyto-C,Caspase-3(P<0.05).Conclusion The combination of 1,25(OH)_(2)D_(3) and TAK-242 could produce a better protection for HaCaT cells via inhibiting the oxidative stress,endoplasmic reticulum stress and apoptosis than 1,25(OH)_(2)D_(3) or TAK-242 alone.

Clinical Observation on Effect of Combination of Zhuanyindan (转阴丹) and Hormone in Treating MaleInfertility with Positive Antisperm Antibody

Objective:To explore the therapeutic effect of combination of Zhuanyindan (ZYD, 转阴丹, a self-made Chinese herbal preparation) and hormone in treating male infertility with positive antisperm antibody and its influence on nitric oxide (NO) level. Methods:Eighty-two patients were randomly divided (according to the digital list) into the WM group (n = 20, treated with prednisone), the TCM group (n=28, treated with ZYD) and the ICWM group (n=34, treated with prednisone plus ZYD). The clinical effect, negative converting rate of antisperm antibody, changes of NO level in semen and various parameters of sperm motion before and after treatment were observed. Results: The total effective rate in the ICWM group was 88.2%, that in theTCM group 75. 0% and in the WM group 65. 0%. Significant difference was seen in the ICWM and TCM group before and after treatment in NO level, sperm motion parameters, including linear motion speed, linearity, propulsion, whip frequency, sperm vitality and mean moving angle, and quality of semen ( P < 0. 05 or P < 0. 01). In the WM group, significant difference in comparison before and after treatment was seen in NO level, propulsion, whip frequency, mean moving angle and quality of semen, including vitality and survival rate (P<0. 01). Conclusion: Combination of Chinese herbs and hormone could lower the NO level in semen and improve the quality of sperm.Original article on CJITWM (Chin) 2004 ;23 (3): 223

Effect of Combination of Bushen Jianpi Recipe (补肾健脾方) and Erythropoietin on Serum Tumor Necrosis Factor a in Patients with Anemia

Objective: To study the effect of treatment of renal anemia by combination of Bushen Jianpi Recipe (补贤健脾方, BJR, a Chinese experienced recipe for supplementing Shen and supporting Pi) and low dosage erythropoietin (EPO), and the influence of treatment on change of serum tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) so as to explore the possible mechanism of integrative Chinese and Western medicine (ICWM) in treating renal anemia. Methods: Patients with renal anemia were randomly divided into two groups, the ICWM group and the control group, supporting treatment such as dialysis, supplementing of ferrous, foliac acid and vitamin B12, was given to both groups. Additionally, to the ICWM group, 50 IU/kg of EPO subcutaneous injection for twice every week, and oral intake of BJR, one dose per day taken in two parts, were given, and to the control group, EPO alone, 50IU/kg by subcutaneous injecting, 3 times perweek, was given. The therapeutic course for two groups was 3 months. Blood levels of hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Hct), TNF-α were measured before treatment and the therapeutic effect was observed. Results: After treatment, the levels of Hb and Hct increased significantly in both groups (P<0. 01) , comparison between the two groups in Hb and Hct after treatment for 3 months showed significant difference (P<0. 05). The serum level of TNF-α was markedly higher than normal range in both groups before treatment, it significantly lowered after treatment in the ICWM group (P< 0.05), but unchanged in the control group. Conclusion: Combination of BJR and EPO could significantly inhibit the production of TNF-α, this may be an important factor for ICWM in effectively improving sensitivity to EPO.Original article on CJITWM (Chin) 2004;24 (2): 106

A PRELIMINARY STUDY OF THE EFFECTS OF CHEMOTHERAPEUTICAGENTS IN COMBINATION WITH CHINESE HERBAL COMPOUNDS AS IMMUNOMODULATORS IN MOUSE S_(180)

The effect of the Chinese herbal compound (CHC) on solid sarcoma 180 (S180) in Swiss mice was studied either alone or in combination with 5-fluorouracil (5FU), cyclophosphamide (CYT) or mitomycin C (MMC). The preliminary results indicated that combination treatment seemed to possess better antitumor activity than chemotherapy alone. The treatment with CHC alone however had neither an obvious antitumor effect in tumor bearing mice nor toxicity in normal mice. These results show that CHC may stimulate organs of the immune system such as the spleen to be im-munomodulators and enhance the antitumor activity of some chemotherapeutic agents.

Testification on Effectiveness of Average or Weight-added Internal Rate of Return

It seems that an effective way of how to make the right choice of Various investment projects is based on the theory of average internal income rate, or the theory of weight-added internal income rate. With several examples of numerical value, this paper proves that this method is not as effective as expected, but indirectly testifies that only with the principle of maximization of NPV that independent projects can be the best combination of projects with limited investment that is achieved.

The combined effects of North Atlantic Oscillation and Western Pacific teleconnection on winter temperature in Eastern Asia during 1980−2021

As important atmospheric circulation patterns in Northern Hemisphere(NH),the North Atlantic Oscillation(NAO)and the Western Pacific teleconnection(WP)affect the winter climate in Eurasia.In order to explore the combined effects of NAO and WP on East Asian(EA)temperature,the NAO and WP indices are divided into four phases from 1980−2021:the positive NAO and WP phase(NAO+/WP+),the negative NAO and WP phase(NAO−/WP−),the positive NAO and negative WP phase(NAO+/WP−),the negative NAO and positive WP phase(NAO−/WP+).In the phase of NAO+/WP+,the low geopotential height(GH)stays in north of EA at 50°−80°N;the surface air temperature anomaly(SATA)is 0.8−1℃lower than Southern Asian.In the phase of NAO−/WP−,the center of high temperature and GH locate in the northeast of EA;the cold air spreads to Southern Asia,causing the SATA decreases 1−1.5℃.In the phase of NAO+/WP−,the high GH belt is formed at 55°−80°N.Meanwhile,the center of high SATA locates in the north of Asia that increases 0.8−1.1℃.The cold airflow causes temperature dropping 0.5−1℃in the south of EA.The SATA improves 0.5−1.5℃in south of EA in the phase of NAO−/WP+.The belt of high GH is formed at 25°−50°N,and blocks the cold air which from Siberia.The NAO and WP generate two warped plate pressure structures in NH,and affect the temperature by different pressure configurations.NAO and WP form different GH,and GH acts to block and push airflow by affecting the air pressure,then causes the temperature to be different from the north and south of EA.Finally,the multiple linear regression result shows that NAO and WP are weakened by each other such as the phase of NAO+/WP+and NAO−/WP−.

Antioxidant responses to benzo[a]pyrene,tributyltin and their mixture in the spleen of Sebasticus marmoratus

It has been reported that there is an interaction between Benzo[a]pyrene （BaP）, a widespread carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon, and tributyltin （TBT）, an organometal used as an antifouling biocide. This study was therefore designed to examine the potential in vivo influence of BaP, TBT and their mixture on splenic antioxidant defense systems of Sebastiscus marmoratus. The fish were exposed to water containing environmentally relevant concentrations of BaP, TBT and their mixture. Spleens were collected for biochemical analysis after exposure for 7, 25, 50 d and after recovery for 7, 20 d. Cotreatment with BaP and TBT for 7 d potentiated the induction of glutathione peroxidase （GPx） activity by BaP or TBT alone. The cotreatment for 25 and 50 d resulted in inhibition of GPx activity, which was similar to the effect of TBT. Splenic glutathione S-transferase （GST） activities were significantly elevated in S. marmoratus exposed to BaP starting from 7 d and remained high up to 25 d. However, no further activity change was found with prolonged exposure. Cotreatment of BaP and TBT primarily inhibited the GST activity, which was similar to the effect of TBT. Cotreatment with BaP and TBT for 25 or 50 d potentiated the depletion of GSH （glutathione） by BaP or TBT alone. MDA （malondialdehyde） contents in spleen of S. marmoratus were not significantly altered compared with the control during the test period. Spleen, as an immune organ, is sensitive to exposure of BaP or TBT. It should have an effective mechanism to counteract oxidative damage. Antioxidative defense systems in spleen of S. marmoratus should be considered as potential biomarkers. Short-term exposure of BaP or TBT could result in induction of antioxidant defense system. A significant decrease of these indices, such as GSH, GST, GPx might indicate more severe contamination.

Phytotoxicity assessment of phenanthrene, pyrene and their mixtures by a soil-based seedling emergence test

Seedling emergence tests were conducted in a meadow brown soil using five plant species(i.e., Chinese cabbage, green onion, tomato, turnip and wheat) to determine the phytotoxicity of phenanthrene, pyrene and their mixtures. The soil was amended with up to 1000 mg/kg soil of phenanthrene or 600 mg/kg soil of pyrene. Seedling emergence and root growth were measured. The results indicated that root elongation was more sensitive than seedling emergence. Root length decreased with increasing phenanthrene or pyrene concentrations(p≤0 05). Phenanthrene was more phytotoxic than pyrene. The lowest observable adverse effect concentration(LOAEC) was 10 mg/kg for phenanthrene when tested with green onion, and 50 mg/kg for pyrene when tested with wheat. Among the five species, wheat was found to be the most sensitive. When amended jointly at or below their respective LOAEC, phenanthrene and pyrene produced a synergistic toxic effect.

Combined Effect of Fluoride and Arsenate on Gene Expression of Osteoclast Differentiation Factor and Osteoprotegerin

Objective To study the combined effect of fluoride and arsenate on the expression of SD rat osteoblastic osteoclast differentiation factor （ODF） mRNA and osteoprotegerin （OPG） mRNA. Methods Osteoblasts were obtained by enzymatic isolation from newborn SD rats. A factorial experiment was performed. Osteoblasts were exposed to NaF （0.5 mmolF/L, 4 molF/L） and Na3AsH2 （12.5 μmolAs/L and 200 μmolAs/L） separately or F plus As and cultured for 48 h. The gene expression of osteoblastic ODF and OPG was observed by RT-PCR. Results The expression ofODF mRNA increased in F0.5, F4 groups compared with control group and two groups of F0.As200, F,As200 compared with As200 group, and decreased significantly in groups of F4As12.5, F0.5As200, and F4As200. The expression of OPG rnRNA decreased in groups of F4, As200, F4As12.5, F0.5As200, and F4As200. Conclusion The joint effect of fluoride and arsenate on the gene expression of ODF is antagonistic, while the combined effect on the gene expression of OPG is synergistic. F4, F4As12.5, and F0.5As200 promote bone resorption of rat osteoclasts, whereas F0.5As12.5 inhibits osteolytic effect of rat osteoclasts.

Combined Effect of Smoking and Obesity on Coronary Heart Disease Mortality in Male Veterans:A 30-year Cohort Study

Objective Evidence is lacking regarding the combined effects of smoking and obesity on mortality from coronary heart disease in male veterans.This study aimed to explore the combined effect of smoking and obesity on coronary heart disease mortality in male veterans in China.Methods A cohort of 1,268 male veterans from 22 veteran centers in Xi’an(Shaanxi Province,China)were followed up once every 2 years from February 1,1987 to October 30,2016.The endpoint was death from any cause.The hazard ratio(HR)of each risk factor and the 95%confidence interval(CI)were calculated using a multivariate Cox proportional hazard model.Results The total follow-up was 24394.21 person-years;each subject was followed up for a mean duration of 19.24 years.By the end of the study,of the 1,268 veterans,889 had died,363 were alive,and 16 were lost to follow-up.Cox regression analysis results revealed that current smoking(HR:1.552,95%CI:1.074–2.243),obesity(HR:1.625,95%CI:1.024–2.581),and the combined effect of the two factors(HR:2.828,95%CI:1.520–5.262)were associated with coronary heart disease mortality.Conclusion Our results suggest that obese veterans who smoke might be an important target population for coronary heart disease mortality control.

Insights into electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction mechanisms:Combined effect of single transition-metal and boron atom

Developing single-atom catalysts(SACs) for electrochemical devices is a frontier in energy conversion.The comparison of stability,activity and selectivity between various single atoms is one of the main research focuses in SACs.However,the in-depth understanding of the role that the coordination atoms of single atom play in the catalytic process is lacking.Herein,we proposed a graphene-like boroncarbon-nitride(BCN) monolayer as the support of single metal atom.The electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction reaction(eNRR) performances of 3 d,4 d transition metal(TM) atoms embedded in defective BCN were systematically investigated by means of density functional theory(DFT) computations.Our study shows that the TM-to-N and B-to-N π-back bonding can contribute to the activation of N_(2).Importantly,a combined effect is revealed between single TM atom and boron atom on eNRR:TM atom enhances the nitrogen reduction process especially in facilitating the N_(2) adsorption and the NH3 desorption,while boron atom modulates the bonding strength of key intermediates by balancing the charged species.Furthermore,Nb@BN3 possesses the highest electrocata lytic activity with limiting potential of-0.49 V,and exhibits a high selectivity for nitrogen reduction reaction(NRR) to ammonia compared with hydrogen evolution reaction(HER).As such,this work can stimulate a research doorway for designing multi-active sites of the anchored single atoms and the innate atoms of substrate based on the mechanistic insights to guide future eNRR research.

Eff ect of polystyrene microplastics and temperature on growth,intestinal histology and immune responses of brine shrimp Artemia franciscana

Microplastics pollution and seawater temperature rise have been the major environmental issues,threatening the survival and biodiversity of marine organisms.This study evaluated the combined effect of temperature and polystyrene microplastics(MP)on Artemia,a filter-feeding crustacean that is widely used for environmental toxicology studies.Brine shrimp Artemia franciscana were exposed to three MP concentrations(0,0.2,and 2.0 mg/L)and three temperatures(22,26,and 30℃)for 14 d.In general,higher MP concentration and temperature led to a decreased survival rate and growth.Two-way ANOVA analysis indicated that the survival rate of Artemia was significantly impacted by both MP concentration and temperature(P<0.05),but there was no significant interaction between two factors(P>0.05).Growth of Artemia was significantly impacted by temperature(P<0.05),and with a significant interaction between two factors(P<0.05).Furthermore,the enzymatic activity,intestinal histological analyses,and immune gene expression were determined for Artemia reared at 30℃ with three MP concentrations(0,0.2,and 2.0 mg/L).The results showed that 2.0-mg/L MP resulted in reduced Artemia intestinal microvilli and exfoliated epithelia cells,significantly increased acid phosphatase(ACP)activity(P<0.05)and immunerelated gene ADRA1 B and CREB3 expression,revealing that higher MP concentration could induce oxidative and immunological stress on Artemia at 30℃.Overall,our study suggests that MP and temperature have combined adverse effect on Artemia,especially at relatively high temperature and polystyrene MP concentration.These findings are important to understand the potential ecological risks posed by these two factors on the organisms in marine environment.

Natural products and food components with anti-Helicobacter pylori activities

The bacterial pathogen Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) colonizes in over half of the world&#x02019;s population. H. pylori that establishes life-long infection in the stomach is definitely associated with gastro-duodenal diseases and a wide variety of non-gastrointestinal tract conditions such as immune thrombocytopenia. Triple therapy which consists of a proton pump inhibitor and combinations of two antibiotics (amoxicillin, clarithromycin or amoxicillin, metronidazol) is commonly used for H. pylori eradication. Recently, the occurrence of drug-resistant H. pylori and the adverse effect of antibiotics have severely weakened eradication therapy. Generally antibiotics induce the disturbance of human gastrointestinal microflora. Furthermore, there are inappropriate cases of triple therapy such as allergy to antibiotics, severe complications (liver and/or kidney dysfunction), the aged and people who reject the triple therapy. These prompt us to seek alterative agents instead of antibiotics and to develop more effective and safe therapy with these agents. The combination of these agents actually may result in lower a dose of antibiotics. There are many reports world-wide that non-antibiotic substances from natural products potentially have an anti-H. pylori agent. We briefly review the constituents derived from nature that fight against H. pylori in the literature with our studies.

Ultrasound enhancement of the reduction of the Basic Green dye in wastewater by cast iron

Dyes in wastewater are of particular environmental concern since they give an undesirable color to the waters, dye and their derivatives are harmful to human health and the environment （ Annadurai et al., 2002）. Due to their biological persistency, conventional biological treat-ment processes such as activated sludge process are ineffective for their removal（Shaul et al., 1991）. There is a need to develop effective methods for the degradation of such persistent organic pollutants, either to less harmful compounds or, more desirable, to their complete mineralization.