Effects of Ethanol Condensation Reflux Extraction and Ultrasound-assisted Extraction on the Content of Total Flavonoids of Pueraria edulis

With Pueraria edulis from different habitats in Yunnan Province,Guangdong Province and Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region as materials,the medicinal materials of P.edulis were extracted by ethanol condensation reflux extraction and ultrasound-assisted extraction,and the effects of different extraction methods the contents of total flavonoids in P.edulis from different areas were compared.The results showed that the best extraction time for P.edulis in Yunnan Province was 20 min,and that for Guangdong and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region was 30 min.The yield of total flavonoids from P.edulis extracted by the condensation reflux extraction method was relatively better.The content of total flavonoids in P.edulis in Yunnan was the highest with an average content of 0.2557%,while the average content of total flavonoids in P.edulis in Guangdong was the lowest with an average content of 0.2108%.

Optimization of ultrasound-assisted extraction of camptothecin from Camptotheca acuminata seeds

Naturally occurring camptothecin（CPT） is an important source of chemotherapeutic agents.The extraction from Camptotheca acuminata is still the main approach to obtain CPT compared with total synthesis.In the present study,ultrasound-assisted extractions（UAE） of CPT from C.acuminata seeds with alkaline solutions were investigated and CPT yield were determined by High Performance Liquid Chromatography.The conditions of alkaline species and concentrations,extraction time,extraction temperature and ultrasonic power were optimized.Results show that both Na3PO4 and Na2CO3 solutions gain good extraction yields,whereas Na3PO4 solution has stronger basicity and need higher concentration than Na2CO3 solution does,thus aqueous Na2CO3 is more beneficial for the extraction.The optimal condition was ultrasonically extracted with 0.5% aqueous Na2CO3 at 50°C and ultrasonic power of 400 W for 60 min.Comparing with UAE with ethanol,the extraction with 0.5% Na2CO3 solution achieves higher yield.Moreover,aqueous Na2CO3 as a solvent has various advantages including non-toxicity,inflammable,non-corrosive and low cost,which ensure this UAE method is a superior method with high utilizing prospect.

Ionic Liquid-Based Ultrasound-Assisted Emulsification Microextraction Coupled with HPLC for Simultaneous Determination of Glucocorticoids and Sex Hormones in Cosmetics

An effective and environmentally friendly method based on ionic liquid-based ultrasound-assisted emulsification microextraction(IL-USAEME) and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) has been developed for the determination of nine hormones including three glucocorticoids, one androgen and five progestogens in cosmetics. Several factors that affect the extraction efficiency, such as the kinds and volume of ionic liquid, salt concentration, ultrasonic power and time, and centrifugation time were investigated and optimized. Under the optimum extraction condition, the recoveries of analytes ranged from 85.97% to 108.84% except prednisolone (62.30%). The intraday and interday precision was below 2.51% and 3.30%, respectively.

Analysis of anticancer compound,indole-3-carbinol,in broccoli using a new ultrasound-assisted dispersive-filter extraction method based on poly(deep eutectic solvent)-graphene oxide nanocomposite

Indole-3-carbinol(I3C),an important anticancer compound found in broccoli,has attracted considerable attention.The rapid extraction and accurate analysis of I3C in the pharmaceutical industry in broccoli is challenging as I3C is unstable at low pH and high temperature.In this study,a rapid,accurate,and lowcost ultrasound-assisted dispersive-filter extraction(UADFE)technique based on poly(deep eutectic solvent)-graphene oxide(PDES-GO)adsorbent was developed for the isolation and analysis of I3C in broccoli for the first time.PDES-GO with multiple adsorption interactions and a fast mass transfer rate was synthesized to accelerate adsorption and desorption.UADFE was developed by combining dispersive solid-phase extraction(DSPE)and filter solid-phase extraction(FSPE)to realize rapid extraction and separation.Based on the above two strategies,the proposed PDES-GO-UADFE method coupled with high-performance liquid chromatography(HPLC)allowed the rapid(15-16 min),accurate(84.3%-96.4%),and low-cost(adsorbent:3.00 mg)analysis of I3C in broccoli and was superior to solid-phase extraction,DSPE,and FSPE methods.The proposed method showed remarkable linearity(r=0.9998;range:0.0840-48.0 mg/g),low limit of quantification(0.0840 mg/g),and high precision(relative standard deviation<5.6%).Therefore,the PDES-GO-UADFE-HPLC method shows significant potential in the field of pharmaceutical analysis for the separation and analysis of anti-cancer compounds in complex plant samples.

Effect of Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction of Phenolic Compounds on the Characteristics of Walnut Shells

Walnuts are one of nature’s more waste-heavy products. 67% of the nut is shell and husk, low value by-products that are rich in phenolic compounds. The phenolic compounds extracted from walnut shells are potentially good natural sources of antioxidants for the food and pharmaceutical industries. In this study, phenolic compounds were extracted using an ultrasonic bath, an ultrasonic probe and a standard shaking method. The extraction yield achieved with an ultrasonic probe was 51.2 mg GAE/g DW, two times higher than both the shaking method and the ultrasonic bath method which were 20.6 mg GAE/g DW and 25.8 mg GAE/g DW, respectively. Phenolic extraction was further improved by a size reduction of the walnut shells. The best extraction yield of 52.8 mg GAE/g DW was attained when the particle size was between 45 - 100 mesh. The ultrasonic probe treatment is the best method for extraction of phenolic compounds from walnut shells. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging indicated that the ultrasonic probe treatment could better rupture the hard structure of the cells, increasing the penetration of solvents and thus the extraction yield.

Ultrasound-Assisted Emulsification Dispersive Liquid-Liquid Microextraction Based on Solidification of Floating Organic Droplet for Separation of Trace Gold Prior to Flame Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy Determination

In the present work, a ultrasound-assisted emulsification dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction based on solidification of floating organic droplet method has been developed as a sample preparation method prior to flame atomic absorption spectrometry determination of trace amounts of gold in the standard, wastewater and river water samples. In the proposed method, 1-dodecanol and 5-(4-dimethylamino-benzylidene) were used as extraction solvent and chelating agent, respectively. Several factors that may be affected on the ex-traction process, such as type and volume of the extraction solvent, ionic strength, pH of the aqueous solu-tion, extraction temperature and extraction time were studied and optimized. Under the best experimental conditions, the calibration curve exhibited linearity over the range of 8.0 ng●mL-1- 3.0 μg●mL-1 with a correlation coefficient of 0.9978 and detection limit based on three times the standard deviation of the blank signal was 1.5 ng●mL-1. Eight replicate determinations of 0.2 and 1.0 μg●mL-1 of gold gave a mean absorbance of 0.051 and 0.253 with relative standard deviations of ±2.3% and ±1.5%, respectively. Finally, the developed method was successfully applied to the extraction and determination of gold ions in a silica ore, wastewater, river water and standard samples and satisfactory results were obtained.

Pectinmethylesterase extraction from orange solid wastes: Optimization and comparison between conventional and ultrasound-assisted treatments

During orange juice production, a half of fresh oranges weight is considered as production waste (peels, pulp, seeds, orange leaves and damaged orange fruits). An alternative for the management of these wastes is their treatment by addition of lime and a latter pressing, obtaining a press cake and a press liquor rich in sugars (10&#176;Brix) and citric acid, protein, pectin and ethanol. For non-thermal concentration of press liquor to obtain citruss molasses (65&#176;-70&#176;Brix), the removal of pectin is necessary. Traditionally, depectinization of juices has been done by using pectinmethylesterase (PME) enzymes from external sources. In this work it performed the extraction of PME enzymes from orange peels to obtain the optimum extraction conditions. Two different methods of solventextraction were compared (conventional andultrasound-assisted methods). For the conventional extraction experiments, a central composite design with three variables ([NaCl], pH and time) and five replicates of the center point was used. For ultrasound-assisted extraction, experiments were done at pH = 5.5 and [NaCl] = 1.25M), varying extraction time (1-30 min). Response variables were PME activity, protein content and a ratio between them, named PME effectiveness (ηPME). At the same experimental conditions (pH =5.5, [NaCl] = 1.25 M, t = 15 min) it was found that conventional extractions led to slightly better results in terms of ηPME than ultrasound-assisted extraction method.

Effects of ultrasound on the desulfurization performance of hot coal gas over Zn-Mn-Cu supported on semi-coke sorbent prepared by high-pressure impregnation method

Zn-Mn-Cu/SC（U） sorbent was hydrothermally synthesized by ultrasound-assisted high-pressure impregnation method with semi-coke（SC）as support and the mixed solution of zinc nitrate,manganese nitrate and copper nitrate as active component precursors.The desulfurization performances of hot coal gas on the prepared sorbent at a mid-temperature of 500°C were tested in fixed-bed reactor.Morphology and pore structure of the prepared sorbent were also characterized by TEM,N2adsorption/desorption isotherms and XRD.For comparison,the sorbent of Zn-Mn-Cu/SC prepared by conventional high-pressure impregnation was also evaluated and characterized in order to study the effects of ultrasound treatment.Zn-Mn-Cu/SC（U） sorbent prepared by high-pressure impregnation under ultrasound-assisted condition showed a better desulfurization performance than Zn-Mn-Cu/SC.It could remove H2 S from 1000×10-6m3/m3 to 0.1×10-6m3/m3 at 500°C and maintained for 12.5 h with the sulfur capacity of 7.74%,in which both the breakthrough time and sulfur capacity were about 32% and 51% higher than those of Zn-Mn-Cu/SC sorbent.The introduction of ultrasound during high-pressure impregnation process greatly improved the morphology and pore structure of the sorbent.The ultrasonic treatment made particle size of active components smaller and made them more evenly disperse on semi-coke support,which provided more opportunities to contact with H2S in coal-based gases.However,there were no any difference in compositions and existing forms of active components on the Zn-Mn-Cu/SC and Zn-Mn-Cu/SC（U） sorbents.

Optimization of a continuous ultrasound assisted oxidative desulfurization(UAOD) process of diesel using response surface methodology(RSM) considering operating cost

A continuous-flow ultrasound-assisted oxidative desulfurization(UAOD)of partially hydro-treated diesel has been investigated using hydrogen peroxide-formic acid as simple and easy to apply oxidation system.The effects of different operating parameters of oxidation stage including residence time(2–24 min),formic acid to sulfur molar ratio(10–150),and oxidant to sulfur molar ratio(5–35)on the sulfur removal have been studied using response surface methodology(RSM)based on Box–Behnken design.Considering the operating costs of the continuous-flow oxidation stage including chemical and electrical energy consumption,the appropriate values of operating parameters were selected as follows:residence time of 16 min,the formic acid to sulfur molar ratio of 54.47,and the oxidant to sulfur molar ratio of 8.24.In these conditions,the sulfur removal and the volume ratio of the hydrocarbon phase to the aqueous phase were 86.90%and 4.34,respectively.By drastic reduction in the chemical consumption in the oxidation stage,the volume ratio of the hydrocarbon phase to the aqueous phase was increased up to 10.Therefore,the formic acid to sulfur molar ratio and the oxidant to sulfur molar ratio were obtained 23.64 and 3.58,respectively,which lead to sulfur removal of 84.38%with considerable improvements on the operating cost of oxidation stage in comparison with the previous works.

Extraction and Purification Process Optimization and Antioxidant Activity in vitro of Flavonoids in Amaranthus caudatus L.

[Objectives]To explore the optimal extraction and purification process of the flavonoids in Amaranthus caudatus L.and to study the antioxidant activity in vitro of the flavonoids in A.caudatus.[Methods]Taking A.caudatus as the raw material,flavonoids were extracted by alcohol extraction method,and AB-8 macroporous adsorption resin was selected for purification.The hydroxyl radical scavenging ability,DPPH radical scavenging ability,and O^2-radical scavenging ability were used as evaluation indicators,to explore the antioxidant activity in vitro of the flavonoids in A.caudatus.[Results]The optimal extraction process conditions of flavonoids in A.caudatus are:liquid-to-material ratio 40:1,extraction temperature 60℃,ethanol concentration 60%,ultrasonic power 320 W,extraction time 50 min.Under these conditions,the extraction yield of flavonoids in A.caudatus is(1.35±0.01)%.The optimal purification process conditions of flavonoids in A.caudatus are 2.5 g AB-8 macroporous adsorption resin,sample volume 5 mL,mass concentration of adsorption solution 1.60 mg/mL,pH value of adsorption solution 3.0,sample flow rate 3 BV/h,ethanol concentration in desorption process is 70%and the desorption flow rate is 3 BV/h.Under these conditions,the recovery rate reaches 88.35%±0.68%.[Conclusions]A.caudatus has a high content of flavonoids and has excellent free radical scavenging ability in vitro.This study is intended to provide important technical support for the research of flavonoid activity of A.caudatus and the development of functional products.

The ultra-sonication of minerals in swine feed

A sample preparation method based on ultrasound assisted-extraction （UAE） of Ca, Mg and P from swine feed has been described. The experiment was performed to cover the variables influencing the sonication process and, the method validation using standard reference material. Final solutions obtained upon sonication were analyzed by flame atomic absorption spectrometry （for Ca and Mg） and by UV-vis spectrophotometry （for P）. The best conditions for metal extraction were as follows： sample mass： 100 mg in 20 mL 0.10 mol/L HCI, a particle size： 〈60 lam, sonication time： 5 cycles of 10 s and ultrasound power： 102 W. The UAE method was applied in digestibility assays in different piglet feeds and their results showed that it is highly comparable （P 〉 0.05） to the other methods used for such purposes, as block digestion, and offered a Ca, Mg and P method of quantification limit of 10.6, 12.4 and 14 mg/kg, respectively. The major advantages of the UAE method compared to other methods are the high treatment rate, low reagent usage in the extracts and, it does not generate toxic residues that might negatively affect human health and the environment, accompanied by good precision and accuracy.

Determination of Five (5) Possible Contaminants in Recycled Cardboard Packages and Food Simulants Using Ultrasound Assisted Extraction Coupled to GC-MS

A modified analytical procedure has been developed to test for 5 organic pollutants [benzophenone, 2 diisopropylnaphthalenes (DIPNs) {2,6- and 2,7-diisopropylnapthalene} and 2 hydrogenated terphenyls (HTPs) {m-terphenyl and o-terphenyl}] that can be found as residues in recycled cardboards intended for use as food packaging materials and to test for migration levels of these compounds in a food simulant (Tenax). A main objective was to develop a modified rapid and reliable method for the identification and quantification of these compounds at low concentrations. The method was based on ultrasound-assisted solvent extraction (UAE) followed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. The developed method was applied to analyze 3 commercially available recycled carton board food-packaging materials and also to study the potential migration of the 5 organic pollutants from these materials into Tenax to check if these recycled cardboards can be considered as suitable for use in direct contact with foodstuffs. The limits of detection (LODs) of standard solutions of the 5 compounds were determined at a signal-to-noise ratio of 3. The LODs and the limits of quantification (LOQs) of examined pollutants ranged between 0.005 to 0.5 mg/kg, and 0.1 to 1 mg/kg, respectively. The extremely low amounts of most contaminants that migrate from packaging materials to Tenax indicate that the recycled cardboards tested can be safely used for direct food contact applications.

Extraction of Carotenoids and Fatty Acids from Microalgae Using Supercritical Technology

The work described here is based on a comparative study of carotenoids and fatty acids extracted from Synechococcus sp. with (1) pure supercritical CO2, (2) CO2 with 5% (v/v) ethanol as cosolvent and (3) ultrasound-assisted extraction using N, N-dimethylformamide (DMF). The effects of extraction conditions on supercritical CO2 extraction with and within cosolvent were analyzed at different temperatures (40℃, 50℃ and 60℃) and pressures (200, 300 and 400 bars). SFE with CO2 proved to be the most selective method for the extraction of β-carotene, but under these conditions the contents of zeaxanthin and fatty acids were only comparable to or lower than those obtained with techniques that use SFE cosolvent. The SFE technique with CO2 and ethanol simultaneously extracted β-carotene and zeaxanthin and not only increased the concentrations of fatty acids obtained, but also helped to remove fatty acids (palmitoleic and linolenic acid) that were not obtained with pure CO2. Comparison of the supercritical technology with the ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) shows that the former technique is the most appropriate due to the fact that ethanol is generally regarded as a safe solvent in comparison to DMF.

Optimizing the Extraction of Anthocyanins from Pitaya(Hylocereus undatus)Pericarp

[Objectives]This study was conducted to confirm the existence of anthocyanins in pitaya(Hylocereus undatus)pericarp and optimize the extraction condition.[Methods]Single-factor tests were carried out on five factors:ethanol concentration,extraction temperature,ultrasonic power,solid-to-liquid ratio and extraction time.Based on the single-factor test results,four factors and three levels of process conditions were optimized by Box-Behnken design test.[Results]Anthocyanins exist in the pericarp of pitaya,and the optimum conditions were extraction temperature 49℃,ultrasonic power 120 W,extracted time 2 h and ethanol concentration 60%.Under these conditions,the average yield of anthocyanins was 80 mg/100g.[Conclusions]This study provides a theoretical basis for the extraction of anthocyanins from the pericarp of red-flesh pitaya.

Diagnosis and Treatment Options for Pulmonary Embolism (PE) in the Acute Care Setting

Thromboembolic diseases continue to be one of the most prevalent medical problems today and can lead to life-threatening conditions, such as pulmonary embolism (PE). Currently, PE diagnosis and treatment are a challenge because of acute onset right ventricular strain with right-sided heart failure, sudden death, pulmonary infarction, and cardiogenic shock, which limit the time for therapeutic success.?The aim of this study was to evaluate our perception, knowledge, and concerns regarding PE, discuss the importance of promptly diagnosing PE to provide appropriate treatment options for this life-threatening condition, list the most common clinical manifestations present when PE is suspected, and review the clinical approach to patients with suspected PE in an inpatient setting.?In addition, this study reviews the risk stratification of patients with PE and treatment options beyond anticoagulation, compares new treatment options for patients presenting with acute symptomatic PE, and compares aspiration catheters (10 F Pronto .035” and 14 F XL extraction catheter (Vascular Solutions, Minneapolis, MN)) and ultrasound-assisted catheter-directed thrombolysis (USAT) versus systemic thrombolysis.This literature review was limited by the quality and number of studies available regarding new treatment options for patients presenting with acute symptomatic PE. Thus, more studies are needed to prove the validity of newer treatment options being trialed, such as aspiration catheters (10 F Pronto .035” and 14 F XL extraction catheter) and USAT, with the hope that further studies will guide patient management and increase our understanding of next generation aspiration catheters, which may provide novel insights on treating acute symptomatic PE.

Liver biopsy:analysis of results of two specialist teams

AIM:To analyze the safety and the adequacy of a sample of liver biopsies(LB)obtained by gastroenterologist(G)and interventional radiologist(IR)teams.METHODS:Medical records of consecutive patients evaluated at our GI unit from 01/01/2004 to31/12/2010 for whom LB was considered necessary to diagnose and/or stage liver disease,both in the setting of day hospital and regular admission(RA) care,were retrieved and the data entered in a database.Patients were divided into two groups:one undergoing an ultrasonography(US)-assisted procedure by the G team and one undergoing US-guided biopsy by the IR team.For the first group,an intercostal approach(US-assisted) and a Menghini modified type needle 16 G(length 90 mm) were used.The IR team used a subcostal approach(US-guided) and a semiautomatic modified Menghini type needle 18 G(length 150 mm).All the biopsies were evaluated for appropriateness according to the current guidelines.The number of portal tracts present in each biopsy was assessed by a revision performed by a single pathologist unaware of the previous pathology report.Clinical,laboratory and demographic patient characteristics,the adverse events rate and the diagnostic adequacy of LB were analyzed.RESULTS:During the study period,226 patients,126 males(56%) and 100 females(44%),underwent LB:167(74%) were carried out by the G team,whereas 59(26%) by the IR team.LB was mostly performed in a day hospital setting by the G team,while IR completed more procedures on inpatients(P < 0.0001).The groups did not differ in median age,body mass index(BMI),presence of comorbidities and coagulation parameters.Complications occurred in 26 patients(16 G team vs 10 IR team,P = 0.15).Most gross samples obtained were considered suitable for basal histological evaluation,with no difference among the two teams(96.4% G team vs 91.5% IR,P = 0.16).However,the samples obtained by the G team had a higher mean number of portal tracts(G team 9.5 ± 4.8; range 1-29 vs IR team 7.8 ± 4.1; range 1-20)(P = 0.0192) and a longer mean length(G team 22 mm ± 8.8 vs IR team 15 ± 6.5 mm)(P = 0.0001).CONCLUSION:LB can be performed with similar outcomes both by G and IR.Use of larger dimension needles allows obtaining better samples,with a similar rate of adverse events.

Extraction of Effective Ingredient from Pomegranate Peels and Its Whitening Effect

[ Objective] This study aimed to extract the effective ingredient of pomegranate peels and explore its whitening effect. [ Method] Pomegranate peels were used as materials for single factor experiment to determine the optimal technique for effective ingredient extraction from pomegranate peels and explore the inhibition of the extracts on tyrosinase and whitening effect of the effective ingredient of pomegranate peels. [ Result] The optimal conditions for ultrasound-assisted extraction of effective ingredient in pomegranate peels were： liquid-to-solid ratio of 1：20 with 60% ethanol, extraction temperature of 60℃, ultrasonic intensity of 7 and pro- cessing time of 40 min, which led to relatively strong inhibition effect of pomegranate peel extracts on tyrosinase. The inhibition rate of extracts obtained with com- mon solvent reflux extraction method was only around 60%, while the inhibition rate of extracts obtained with ultrasound-assisted extraction method on tyrosinase ac- tivity had achieved around 90%, showing a very significant the difference, which indicated that during the process of extraction of effective ingredient from pome- granate peels, appropriate ultrasound-assistance was advantageous to the extraction of active ingredients; in addition, the inhibition effect of extracts on tyrosinase had increased with the increasing concentration of extracts, and the inhibition rate could achieve 100%. [ Condusion] This study provided a certain theoretical ba- sis for the utilization of pomegranate peels as natural green materials to develop whitening cosmetics.

Determination of Zn and Mg in Milk Powder Samples Using Conventional and Alternative Sample Preparations and FAAS

Conventional procedures for sample preparation, such as calcination and acid digestion, were compared with an alternative procedure: alkaline solubilization and ultrasound-assisted extraction. The procedures were evaluated by the application of the mentioned sample preparation and subsequent determination of Mg and Zn in milk powder samples by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). The results indicated that ultrasound-assisted extraction was not suitable for Zn and Mg extraction, whereas alkaline solubilization using TMAH was efficient only for determination of Mg.

Optimization of Ultrasonic-assisted Extraction of Polysaccharide from Hibiscus syriacus L.

The ultrasonic-assisted extraction of polysaccharides from Hibiscus syriacus L. at 180 W low power was optimized by the single factor tests and orthogonal test. Extraction temperature,ultrasonic treatment time,extraction times,and material-to-liquid ratio were considered as independent variables. The results suggested that the best extraction condition were determined as the extraction temperature at 80 ℃,the ultrasonic treatment time of 40 min,the material-to-liquid ratio at1∶ 20（ g/ml）,and the extraction times of 3. Under the optimal conditions,the extraction rate of polysaccharides from Hibiscus syriacus was 3. 114%.

Harnessing Microalgae Biomass from Lake Taihu as a Natural Biocolorant Source for Sustainable Eco-Friendly Dyeing of Cotton with Ultrasonication

Most water bodies worldwide are infested with algae bloom and Lake Taihu is no exception, various techniques have been developed to harvest microalgae from Lake Taihu as part of the lake cleaning program and this results in a large algae biomass to deal with. This study made use of the algae biomass harvested as a biocolorants source for textile application and also evaluated its dyeing characteristics with mercerized and bleached cotton. The fabrics were dyed with either ultrasound or water bath method. The ultrasound method improved dye extraction yield from 17.8% for the conventional method to 26.7%, which was also enhanced to 33.2% with the addition of HCl (1 cm). The ultrasound dyeing method was effective at improving dye uptake at a reduced dyeing temperature when compared to the conventional method and also produced different shades of color after dyeing with different mordants. The dyed fabrics had good fastness properties for laundry, crocking and light. The dyed fabrics also showed a good ultraviolet protection factor. The use of algae biomass as a potential source of colorants for textile application will provide an alternate dye source that is environmentally friendly.