Cooperative effect of sodium lauryl sulfate collector and sodium pyrophosphate depressant on the flotation separation of lead oxide minerals from hematite

As a cornerstone of the national economy,the iron and steel industry generates a significant amount of sintering dust containing both valuable lead resources and deleterious elements.Flotation is a promising technique for lead recovery from sintering dust,but efficient separation from Fe_(2)O_(3) is still challenging.This study investigated the cooperative effect of sodium lauryl sulfate(SLS,C_(12)H_(25)SO_(4)Na)and sodium pyrophosphate(SPP,Na_(4)P_(2)O_(7))on the selective flotation of lead oxide minerals(PbOHCl and PbSO_(4))from hematite(Fe_(2)O_(3)).Optimal flotation conditions were first identified,resulting in high recovery of lead oxide minerals while inhibiting Fe_(2)O_(3) flotation.Zeta potential measurements,Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(FT-IR)analysis,adsorption capacity analysis,and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy(XPS)studies offer insights into the adsorption behaviors of the reagents on mineral surfaces,revealing strong adsorption of SLS on PbOHCl and PbSO_(4) surfaces and remarkable adsorption of SPP on Fe_(2)O_(3).The proposed model of reagent adsorption on mineral surfaces illustrates the selective adsorption behavior,highlighting the pivotal role of reagent adsorption in the separation process.These findings contribute to the efficient and environmentally friendly utilization of iron ore sintering dust for lead recovery,paving the way for sustainable resource management in the iron and steel industry.

Differences in the effects and action modes of gut commensals against dextran sulfate sodium-induced intestinal inflammation

Inflammatory bowel disease(IBD)is a complex relapsing inflammatory disease in the gut and is driven by complicated host-gut microbiome interactions.Gut commensals have shown different functions in IBD prevention and treatment.To gain a mechanistic understanding of how different commensals affect intestinal inflammation,we compared the protective effects of 6 probiotics(belonging to the genera Akkermansia,Bifidobacterium,Clostridium,and Enterococcus)on dextran sulfate sodium(DSS)-induced colitis in mice with or without gut microbiota.Anti-inflammatory properties(ratio of interleukin(IL)-10 and IL-12)of these strains were also evaluated in an in vitro mesenteric lymph nodes(MLN)co-culture system.Results showed that 4 probiotics(belonging to the species Bifidobacterium breve,Bifidobacterium bifidum,and Enterococcus faecalis)can alleviate colitis in normal mice.The probiotic strains differed in regulating the intestinal microbiota,cytokines(IL-10,IL-1βand interferon(IFN)-γ),and tight junction function(Zonulin-1 and Occludin).By constrast,Akkermansia muciniphila AH39 and Clostridium butyricum FHuNHHMY49T1 were not protective.Interestingly,B.breve JSNJJNM2 with high anti-inflammatory potential in the MLN model could relieve colitis symptoms in antibiotic cocktail(Abx)-treated mice.Meanwhile,E.faecalis FJSWX25M1induced low levels of cytokines in vitro and showed no beneficial effects.Therefore,we provided insight into the clinical application of probiotics in IBD treatment.

Experimental investigation of the effects of oil asphaltene content on CO_(2) foam stability in the presence of nanoparticles and sodium dodecyl sulfate

Foam stability tests were performed using sodium dodecyl sulfate(SDS)surfactant and SiO2 nanoparticles as foaming system at different asphaltene concentrations,and the half-life of CO_(2) foam was measured.The mechanism of foam stability reduction in the presence of asphaltene was analyzed by scanning electron microscope(SEM),UV adsorption spectrophotometric concentration measurement and Zeta potential measurement.When the mass ratio of synthetic oil to foam-formation suspension was 1:9 and the asphaltene mass fraction increased from 0 to 15%,the half-life of SDS-stabilized foams decreased from 751 s to 239 s,and the half-life of SDS/silica-stabilized foams decreased from 912 s to 298 s.When the mass ratio of synthetic oil to foam-formation suspension was 2:8 and the asphaltene mass fraction increased from 0 to 15%,the half-life of SDS-stabilized foams decreased from 526 s to 171 s,and the half-life of SDS/silica-stabilized foams decreased from 660 s to 205 s.In addition,due to asphaltene-SDS/silica interaction in the aqueous phase,the absolute value of Zeta potential decreases,and the surface charges of particles reduce,leading to the reduction of repulsive forces between two interfaces of thin liquid film,which in turn,damages the foam stability.

Effect of Berberine Chloride on Experimental Murine Colitis Induced by Dextran Sulfate Sodium

Aim To investigate the effect in berberine chloride （BER） on experimental ulcerative colitis in mice. Methods BALB/C mice in 6 groups were allowed to drink either 4% dextran sulfate sodium （DSS） solution or distilled water freely with different doses of BER （15 mg·kg^-1, 45 mg·kg^-1, 150 mg·kg^-1） or sallcylazosulfapyridine （SASP, 520 mg·kg^-1）, and solvent （0. 2 mL/10 mg Wt） once a day for 7 d, respectively. The symptom of ulcerative colitis was evaluated by disease activity index （DAI）. Myeloperoxidase （MPO） and superoxide dismutase （SOD） activities and malondialdehyde （MDA） content were determined by HE staining and immunohistochemistry of expressions of NF-κB p65 and intercellular adhesion molecule 1 （ ICAM-1 ） proteins to observe the damage to colon tissues and possible mechanisms. Results DAI, MPO activity, MDA content and expressions of ICAM-1 and NF-κB p65 were markedly increased, while SOD activity decreased in DSS-treated mice. Treatment of mice with different doses of BER or SASP significantly decreased DAI, MPO activity and MDA content, improved histological changes of colon tissues, blunted the expressions of NF-κB p65 and ICAM-1 proteins, and enhanced SOD activity. Conclusion Berberine chloride has excellent therapeutic effect on ulcerative colitis caused by DSS in mice. The possible mechanism may be related to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities associated with inhibiting the NF-κB activation and ICAM-1 expression.

Curing of the Bacillus subtilis Plasmid Using Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate

Curing of Bacillus subtilis plasmid using sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)was studied in order to obtain a host strain. An overnight culture of Bacillus subtilis 24/pMX45 was used to inoculate fresh LB containing SDS (0-0.008%). No growth of 24/pMX45 was observed when LB contained an SDS concentration of 0.006% or greater, and the sublethal concentration (w/v) of SDS was 0.005% with a killing rate of 99%. Samples were diluted and plated on LB agar, individual colonies were randomly picked to a selective agar medium by tooth to screen for loss of plasmid-encoded erythomycin resistance. CsCl-EtBr gradient centrifugation and plasmid DNA profile demonstrated that plasmid-cured derivative A7 has completely lost its plasmid. A7 had a shorter lag, and its cell concentration was consistently higher than that of the 24/pMX45. Elimination of the plasmid was first observed after 24/pMX45 had been treated with SDS for 8 h. The percent elimination then continued to increase until about 22 h, after which the fraction of cured cell in the population remained constant. Plasmid cured cell numbers were measured in a separate control culture of 24/pMX45 untreated by SDS. No spontaneous loss of pMX45 was observed after 24/pMX45 were incubated for 24 h and 48 h with shaking at 37 ℃.These results suggested that SDS can be used as curing agent to eliminate the plasmid of Bacillus subtilis.

Dextran sodium sulfate colitis murine model: An indispensable tool for advancing our understanding of inflammatory bowel diseases pathogenesis

Inflammatory bowel diseases(IBD),including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis,are complex diseases that result from the chronic dysregulated immune response in the gastrointestinal tract. The exact etiology is not fully understood,but it is accepted that it occurs when an inappropriate aggressive inflammatory respon-se in a genetically susceptible host due to inciting environmental factors occurs. To investigate the path-ogenesis and etiology of human IBD,various animal models of IBD have been developed that provided indispensable insights into the histopathological and morphological changes as well as factors associated with the pathogenesis of IBD and evaluation of therapeutic options in the last few decades. The most widely used experimental model employs dextran sodium sulfate(DSS) to induce epithelial damage. The DSS colitis model in IBD research has advantages over other various chemically induced experimental models due to its rapidity,simplicity,reproducibility and controllability. In this manuscript,we review the newer publicized advances of research in murine colitis models that focus upon the disruption of the barrier function of the intestine,effects of mucin on the development of colitis,alterations found in microbial balance and resultant changes in the metabolome specifically in the DSS colitis murine model and its relation to the pathogenesis of IBD.

Negative impact of bone-marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells on dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis

AIM:To investigate the effects of mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs)on dextran sulfate sodium-induced inflammatory bowel disease(IBD).METHODS:C57BL/6 mice were fed 3.5%(g/L)dextran sulfate sodium.On day seven,the mice received intraperitoneal injections of 1×106 MSCs.The survival rate,disease activity index values,and body weight,were monitored daily.On day ten,colon lengths and histopathologic changes were assessed.In addition,immunoregulatory changes following MSC administration were evaluated by determining the levels of effector T cell responses in the spleen and mesenteric lymph nodes,and the expression levels of inflammatory cytokines in homogenized colons.RESULTS:Intraperitoneal administration of MSCs did not prevent development of colitis and did not reduce the clinicopathologic severity of IBD.No significant difference was evident in either survival rate or disease activity index score between the control and MSCtreated group.Day ten-sacrificed mice exhibited no significant difference in either colon length or histopathologic findings.Indeed,the MSC-treated group exhibited elevated levels of interleukin(IL)-6 and transforming growth factor-β,and a reduced level of IL-10,in spleens,mesenteric lymph nodes,and homogenized colons.The IL-17 level was lower in the mesenteric lymph nodes of the MSC-treated group(P=0.0126).In homogenized colons,the IL-17 and tumor necrosis factor-α(P=0.0092)expression levels were also lower in the treated group.CONCLUSION:MSC infusion provided no significanthistopathologic or clinical improvement,thus representing a limited therapeutic approach for IBD.Functional enhancement of MSCs is needed in further study.

Effect of sodium sulfate on strength and microstructure of alkali-activated fly ash based geopolymer

The main objective of this paper focuses on the changes that occur in the strength and microstructural properties of sodium silicate activated fly ash based geopolymer due to varying the sulfate salt and water content.A series of tests including X-ray diffraction,Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy,scanning electron microscopy,physical adsorption and unconfined compressive strength were used to investigate this effect.The results indicate that the higher water content has an adverse effect on the alkali activation and microstructural properties of geopolymer,so the optimum mass ratio of sodium sulfate in alkali-activated geopolymer under different water-to-binder ratios shows a“peak shifting”phenomenon,i.e.,the higher the water-to-binder ratio,the higher the optimum mass ratio.Lower presence of sodium sulfate has no significant effect on the alkali-activated geopolymer systems;higher addition of sodium sulfate,however,could cause the symmetrical stretching vibration of Si—O and the symmetrical stretching vibration of Si—O—Si and Al—O—Si,and promote the formation of N-A-S-H gels.Furthermore,the cement effect of the gel and sodium sulfate aggregate could improve the integrity of pore structure obviously.The maximum strength of geopolymer curing at ambient temperature was 52 MPa.This study obtains the rule that the strength properties of alkali-activated geopolymers vary with the water-to-binder ratio and sodium sulfate content.The feasibility of geopolymer co-activated by sodium sulfate and sodium silicate was investigated,and reference for engineering application of alkali-activated geopolymer in salt-bearing areas was provided.

Temporal clinical, proteomic, histological and cellular immune responses of dextran sulfate sodium-induced acute colitis

AIM To investigate the temporal clinical, proteomic, histological and cellular immune profiles of dextran sulfate sodium(DSS)-induced acute colitis.METHODS Acute colitis was induced in C57 BL/6 female mice by administration of 1%, 2% or 3% DSS in drinking water for 7 d. Animals were monitored daily for weight loss, stool consistency and blood in the stool, while spleens and colons were harvested on day 8. A time course analysis was performed in mice ingesting 3% DSS, which included colon proteomics through multiplex assay, colon histological scoring by a blinded investigator, and immune response through flow cytometry or immunohistochemistry of the spleen, mesenteric lymph node and colon.RESULTS Progressive worsening of clinical colitis was observed with increasing DSS from 1% to 3%. In mice ingesting 3% DSS, colon shortening and increase in proinflammatory factors starting at day 3 was observed, with increased spleen weights at day 6 and day 8. This coincided with cellular infiltration in the colon from day 2 to day 8, with progressive accumulation of macrophages F4/80^+, T helper CD4^+(Th), T cytotoxic CD8^+(Tcyt) and T regulatory CD25^+(Treg) cells, and progressive changes in colonic pathology including destruction of crypts, loss of goblet cells and depletion of the epithelial barrier. Starting on day 4, mesenteric lymph node and/or spleen presented with lower levels of Treg, Th and Tcyt cells, suggesting an immune cell tropism to the gut. CONCLUSION These results demonstrate that the severity of experimental colitis is dependent on DSS concentration, correlated with clinical, proteomic, histological and cellular immune response on 3% DSS.

Kefir treatment ameliorates dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis in rats

AIM: To investigate the preventive effect of kefir on colitis induced with dextran sulfate sodium(DSS) in rats.METHODS: Twenty-four male Wistar-albino rats were randomized into four groups: normal control,kefircontrol,colitis,and kefir-colitis groups. Rats in the normal and kefir-control groups were administered tap water as drinking water for 14 d. Rats in the colitis and kefir-colitis groups were administered a 3% DSS solution as drinking water for 8-14 d to induce colitis. Rats in the kefir-control and kefir-colitis groups were administered 5 m L kefir once a day for 14 d while rats in the normal control and colitis group were administered an identical volume of the placebo(skim milk) using an orogastric feeding tube. Clinical colitis was evaluated with reference to the disease activity index(DAI),based on daily weight loss,stool consistency,and presence of bleeding in feces. Rats were sacrificed on the 15 th day,blood specimens were collected,and colon tissues were rapidly removed. Levels of myeloperoxidase(MPO),tumor necrosisfactor(TNF)-α,interleukin(IL)-10,malondialdehyde,and inducible nitric oxide synthase(i NOS) were measured in colon tissue.RESULTS: The DAI was lower in the kefir-colitis group than in the colitis group(on the 3rd and 5th days of colitis induction; P < 0.01). The DAI was also significantly higher in the colitis group between days 2 and 6 of colitis induction when compared to the normal control and kefir-control groups. The DAI was statistically higher only on the 6th day in the kefircolitis group when compared to that in the normal control groups. Increased colon weight and decreased colon length were observed in colitis-induced rats. Mean colon length in the colitis group was significantly shorter than that of the kefir-control group. Kefir treatment significantly decreased histologic colitis scores(P < 0.05). MPO activity in the colitis group was significantly higher than in the kefir-control group(P < 0.05). Kefir treatment significantly reduced the DSS colitis-induced TNF-α increase(P < 0.01). No statistically significant differences were observed among groups for IL-10 and MDA levels. Colon tissue i NOS levels in the colitis group were significantly higher than those in the control and kefir-colitis groups(P < 0.05).CONCLUSION: Kefir reduces the clinical DAI and histologic colitis scores in a DSS-induced colitis model,possibly via reduction of MPO,TNF-α,and i NOS levels.

Enhancing the leaching effect of an ion-absorbed rare earth ore by ameliorating the seepage effect with sodium dodecyl sulfate surfactant

Ameliorating the problem of low leaching efficiency,long leaching period,and high agent consumption should be studied to efficiently exploit ion-absorbed rare earth ore resources.In this study,the surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate(SDS) is used to enhance the leaching effect of an ion-absorbed rare earth ore by ameliorating the seepage effect for the first time.The effects of surfactant concentration,leaching agent dosage,solution flow velocity,and solution pH on the leaching rate were explored,and the mechanism of SDS was discussed.Under the optimum conditions,the addition of a small amount of SDS(mass fraction0.04%) can increase the leaching rate by about 5%,shorten the leaching period,and reduce the consumption of the leaching agent.SDS significantly ameliorates the seepage effect of the ore body by reducing the surface tension of the leaching agent and ameliorating the wettability of the mineral surface.This effect is the main factor that improves the leaching efficiency.DFT(density functional theory) calculation results show that SDS can react with rare earth ions,which reduces the adsorption strength on clay mineral surfaces.Hence,rare earth ions are easily exchanged by ammonium ions,and mass transfer is enhanced.

Intermolecular Interactions in Self-Assembly Process of Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate by Vertically Polarized Raman Spectra

Molecular self-assembly is extremely important in many fields, but the characterization of their corresponding intermolecular interactions is still lacking. The C-H stretching Raman band can reflect the hydrophobic interactions during the self-assembly process of sodium dodecyl sulfate （SDS） in aqueous solutions. However, the Raman spectra in this region are seriously overlapped by the OH stretching band of water. In this work, vertically polarized Raman spectra were used to improve the detection sensitivity of spectra of C-H region for the first time. The spectral results showed that the first critical micelle concentration and the second critical micelle concentration of SDS in water were 8.5 and 69 mmol/L, respectively, which were consistent with the results given by surface tension measurements. Because of the high sensitivity of vertically polarized Raman spectra, the critical micelle concentration of SDS in a relatively high concentration of salt solution could be obtained in our experiment. The two critical concentrations of SDS in 100 mmol/L NaCl solution were recorded to be 1.8 and 16.5 mmol/L, respectively. Through comparing the spectra and surface tension of SDS in water and in NaCl solution, the self-assembly process in bulk phase and at interface were discussed. The interactions among salt ions, SDS and water molecules were also analyzed. These results demonstrated the vertically polarized Raman spectra could be employed to study the self-assembly process of SDS in water.

Effect of Compounding of Sodium Tripolyphosphate and Super Plasticizers on the Hydration of α-calcium Sulfate Hemihydrate

The inhibition and its mechanism of sodium tripolyphosphate （STP） composited with super plasticizers （SPs） on hydration of α-calcium sulfate hemihydrate were studied by setting time, strength, hydration heat, X-ray diffraction （XRD）, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy （XPS）, electronic probe micro analysis （EPMA）, scanning electron microscopy （SEM） and differential scanning calorimeter （DSC） measurements. The experimental results show that compared with STP addition, compositing STP with polycarboxylate （PC） plasticizer, the final setting time is prolonged from 0.5h to 2hs. While formulating STP with naphthalene-based plasticizer （NAP） or sulfonate melamine formaldehyde plasticizer （SMF）, the final setting time is reduced to quarter of an hour. Similar changes can also be found in the rate of exothermic hydration and hydration degree. Formulating STP with suitable addition of PC can enhance the strength, while compositing STP and NAP or SMF weakens the strength. Besides, adding STP or STP and SMF, obvious movement （more than 1ev） of binding energy of Ca2p1/2 and Ca2p3/2 is detected. Compared with STP addition, content of the characteristic element （P） of STP is cut down form 1.1% to 0.49% by compositing STP with SMF. Furthermore, as hydration age increases, hydration inhibition in the presence of admixtures weakens and even disappears within 56 h.

Protective effects of panax notoginseng saponin on dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis in rats through phosphoinositide-3-kinase protein kinase B signaling pathway inhibition

BACKGROUND Intestinal inflammation is a common digestive tract disease, which is usually treated with hormone medicines. Hormone medicines are effective to some extent, but long-term use of them may bring about many complications.AIM To explore the protective effects of panax notoginseng saponin(PNS) against dextran sulfate sodium(DSS)-induced intestinal inflammatory injury through phosphoinositide-3-kinase protein kinase B(PI3K/AKT) signaling pathway inhibition in rats.METHODS Colitis rat models were generated via DSS induction, and rats were divided into control(no modeling), DSS, DSS + PNS 50 mg/k, and DSS + PNS 100 mg/kg groups. Then, the intestinal injury, oxidative stress parameters, inflammatory indices, tight junction proteins, apoptosis, macrophage polarization, and TLR4/AKT signaling pathway in colon tissues from rats in each of the groups were detected. The PI3 K/AKT signaling pathway in the colon tissue of rats was blocked using the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway inhibitor, LY294002.RESULTS Compared with rats in the control group, rats in the DSS group showed significantly shortened colon lengths, and significantly increased disease activity indices, oxidative stress reactions and inflammatory indices, as well as significantly decreased expression of tight junction-associated proteins. In addition, the DSS group showed significantly increased apoptotic cell numbers,and showed significantly increased M1 macrophages in spleen and colon tissues.They also showed significantly decreased M2 macrophages in colon tissues, as well as activation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway(all P < 0.05). Compared with rats in the DSS group, rats in the DSS + PNS group showed significantly lengthened colon lengths, decreased disease activity indices, and significantly alleviated oxidative stress reactions and inflammatory responses. In addition, this group showed significantly increased expression of tight junction-associated proteins, significantly decreased apoptotic cell numbers, and significantly decreased M1 macrophages in spleen and colon tissues. This group further showed significantly increased M2 macrophages in colon tissues, and significantly suppressed activation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, as well as a dose dependency(all P < 0.05). When the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway was inhibited, the apoptosis rate of colon tissue cells in the DSS + LY294002 group was significantly lower than that of the DSS group(P < 0.05).CONCLUSION PNS can protect rats against DSS-induced intestinal inflammatory injury by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, and therefore may be potentially used in the future as a drug for colitis.

Involvement of lymphocytes in dextran sulfate sodium-induced experimental colitis

AIM： To investigate the roles of lymphocytes in the development of dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis. METHODS： Using various doses of dextran sulfate sodium （DSS）, we induced colitis in wild-type B6 control and Rag-1 knockout （H-2b haplotype） mice, and evaluated the colitis in terms of symptomatic and histologic parameters, such as weight loss, survival, severity of diarrhea, shortage of colon length and histological changes. Symptomatic parameters were checked daily and histological changes were scored. RESULTS： Although development of colitis in Rag-1 knockout mice treated with high dose （5%） of DSS was comparable to that in B6 control mice, colitis progression was much more tolerable in Rag-1 knockout mice compared to than in B6 mice treated with low dose （1.5%） DSS. Symptomatic parameters as well as histopathologic changes were improved in Rag-1 knockout mice. CONCLUSION： These results indicate that the presence of lymphoo/tes contributes to colitis progression at low dose of DSS stimulation. Lymphoo/tes may play roles as an aggravating factor in DSS-induced colitis.

Preparation and Characterization of Sodium Sulfate/Silica Composite as a Shape-stabilized Phase Change Material by Sol-gel Method

A sodium sulfate （NaeSO4）/silica （SiO2） composite was prepared as a shape-stabilized solid-liquid phase change material by a sol-gel procedure using Na2SiO3 as the silica source. Na2SO4 in the composite acts as a latent heat storage substance for solid-liquid phase change, while SiO2 acts as a support material to provide structural strength and prevent leakage of melted NazSO4. The microstructure and composition of the prepared composite were characterized by the N2 adsorption, transmission electron microscope （TEM）, scanning electron microscope （SEM）, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy （FTIR） and X-ray diffraction. The results show that the prepared Na2SOJSiO2 composite is a nanostructured hybrid of NazSO4 and SiO2 without new substances produced during the phase change. The macroscopic shape of the NazSO4/SiO2 composite after the melting and freezing cycles does not change and there is no leakage of Na2SO4. Determined by differential scanning calorimeter （DSC） analysis, the values of phase change latent heat of melting and freezing of the prepared NazSO4/SiO2 （50%, by mass） composite are 82.3 kJ.kg i and 83.7 kJ.kg-1, and temperatures of melting and freezing are 886.0 ℃ and 880.6 ℃, respectively. Furthermore, the Na2SOJSiO2 composite maintains good thermal energy storage and release ability even after 100 cycles of melting and freezing. The satisfactory thermal storage performance renders this composite a versatile tool for high-temperature thermal energy storage.

Dextran sulfate sodium-induced acute colitis impairs dermal lymphatic function in mice

AIM: To investigate whether dermal lymphatic function and architecture are systemically altered in dextran sulfate sodium(DSS)-induced acute colitis.METHODS: Balb/c mice were administered 4% DSS in lieu of drinking water ad libitum for 7 d and monitored to assess disease activity including body weight, diarrhea severity, and fecal bleeding. Control mice received standard drinking water with no DSS. Changes in mesenteric lymphatics were assessed following oral administration of a fluorescently-labelled fatty acid analogue, while dermal lymphatic function and architecture was longitudinally characterized using dynamic near-infrared fluorescence(NIRF) imaging following intradermal injection of indocyanine green(ICG) at the base of the tail or to the dorsal aspect of the left paw prior to, 4, and 7 d after DSSadministration. We also measured dye clearance rate after injection of Alexa680-bovine serum albumin(BSA). NIRF imaging data was analyzed to reveal lymphatic contractile activity after selecting fixed regions of interest(ROIs) of the same size in fluorescent lymphatic vessels on fluorescence images. The averaged fluorescence intensity within the ROI of each fluorescence image was plotted as a function of imaging time and the lymphatic contraction frequency was computed by assessing the number of fluorescent pulses arriving at a ROI. RESULTS: Mice treated with DSS developed acute inflammation with clinical symptoms of loss of body weight, loose feces/watery diarrhea, and fecal blood, all of which were aggravated as disease progressed to 7 d. Histological examination of colons of DSS-treated mice confirmed acute inflammation, characterized by segmental to complete loss of colonic mucosa with an associated chronic inflammatory cell infiltrate that extended into the deeper layers of the wall of the colon, compared to control mice. In situ intravital imaging revealed that mice with acute colitis showed significantly fewer fluorescent mesenteric lymphatic vessels, indicating impaired uptake of a lipid tracer within mesenteric lymphatics. Our in vivo NIRF imaging data demonstrated dilated dermal lymphatic vessels, which were confirmed by immunohistochemical staining of lymphatic vessels, and significantly reduced lymphatic contractile function in the skin of mice with DSS-induced acute colitis. Quantification of the fluorescent intensity remaining in the depot as a function of time showed that there was significantly higher Alexa680-BSA fluorescence in mice with DSSinduced acute colitis compared to pre-treatment with DSS, indicative of impaired lymphatic drainage.CONCLUSION: The lymphatics are locally and systemically altered in acute colitis, and functional NIRF imaging is useful for noninvasively monitoring systemic lymphatic changes during inflammation.

Sodium selenite ameliorates dextran sulfate sodiuminduced chronic colitis in mice by decreasing Th1, Th17, and γδT and increasing CD4(+)CD25(+) regulatory T-cell responses

AIM To assess the effect of sodium selenite on the severity of dextran sulfate sodium(DSS)-induced colitis in C57BL/6 mice.METHODS Mice were randomly divided into four groups(n = 10/group): normal group, selenium(Se) group, chronic colitis group, and Se + chronic colitis group. The mice were sacrificed on day 26. Survival rates, clinical symptoms, colon length, and histological changes were determined. The percentages and absolute numbers of immune system cells in the lamina propria lymphocytes(LPL) of the colon, the expression of m RNA in colon tissue, and the concentrations of Th1, Th17, and Treg cytokines in LPL from the large intestine, were measured.RESULTS Se significantly ameliorated the symptoms of colitis and histological injury(P < 0.05 each), increasing the proportions of neutrophils and CD4+ CD25+ T cells(P < 0.05 each) and decreasing the proportions of γδT cells, CD4+, CD4+CD44+, and CD4+ CD69+ T cells in LPL(P < 0.05 each). Moreover, Se reduced the expression of IL-6, IFN-γ, IL-17 A, IL-21, T-bet, and RORγt(P < 0.05 each), but enhanced the expression of IL-10 and Foxp3(P < 0.05 each). CONCLUSION These results suggest that Se protects against DSSinduced chronic colitis perhaps by increasing the number of CD4(+)CD25(+) Tregs that suppress the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines and populations of Th1, Th17, and γδT cells.

Silica supported sodium hydrogen sulfate(NaHSO_4/SiO_2):A mild and efficient reusable catalyst for the synthesis of aryl-14-H-dibenzo[a,j]xanthenes under solvent-free conditions

A simple and efficient procedure for the preparation of aryl- 14-H-dibenzo [aj]xanthenes by a one-pot condensation reaction of 2-naphthol and aryl aldehydes, in the presence of silica supported sodium hydrogen sulfate （NaHSO4/SiO2） as a catalyst and in the absence of solvent has been developed. The present method offers several advantages such as excellent yields, short reaction time （10-30min）, mild condition, simple work-up, and the use of a cheap and environmentally friendly catalyst with remarkable reusability.

Induction of experimental acute ulcerative colitis in rats by administration of dextran sulfate sodium at low concentration followed by intracolonic administration of 30% ethanol

Several models of experimental ulcerative colitis have been reported previously. However, none of these models showed the optimum characteristics. Although dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis results in inflammation resembling ulcera-tive colitis, an obvious obstacle is that dextran sulfate sodium is very expensive. The aim of this study was to develop an inex-pensive model of colitis in rats. Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with 2% dextran sulfate sodium in drinking water for 3 d fol-lowed by an intracolonic administration of 30% ethanol. The administration of 2% dextran sulfate sodium followed by 30% ethanol induced significant weight loss, diarrhea and hematochezia in rats. Severe ulceration and inflammation of the distal part of rat colon were developed rapidly. Histological examination showed increased infiltration of polymorphonuclear leukocytes, lymphocytes and existence of cryptic abscesses and dysplasia. The model induced by dextran sulfate sodium at lower concentra-tion followed by 30% ethanol is characterized by a clinical course, localization of the lesions and histopathological features similar to human ulcerative colitis and fulfills the criteria set out at the beginning of this study.