Mechanism of aqueous fructus aurantii immaturus extracts in neuroplexus of cathartic colons

AIM: To examine the effect of aqueous fructus aurantii immaturus(FAI) extracts on the intestinal plexus of cathartic colons.METHODS: Cathartic colons were induced in rats with dahuang,a laxative used in traditional Chinese medicine. Once the model was established(after approximately 12 wk),rats were administered mosapride(1.54 mg/kg) or various doses of aqueous FAI extracts(1-4 g/kg) for 14 d. Transit function was assessed using an ink propulsion test. Rats were then sacrificed,and the ultramicrostructure of colonic tissue was examined using transmission electron microscopy. The expression of the 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 4(5-HTR4) and neurofilament-H was assessed in colon tissues using real-time PCR,Western blot,and immunohistochemistry.RESULTS: Mosapride and high dose(4 g/kg) of aqueous FAI extracts significantly improved the bowel movement in cathartic colons compared to untreated model colons as measured by the intestinal transit rate(70.06 ± 7.25 and 72.02 ± 8.74,respectively,vs 64.12 ± 5.19; P < 0.05 for both). Compared to controls,the ultramicrostructure of cathartic colons showed signsof neural degeneration. Treatment with mosapride and aqueous FAI extracts resulted in recovery of ultrastructural pathology. Treatment with mosapride alone upregulated the gene and protein expression of 5-HTR4 compared to untreated controls(P < 0.05 for both). Treatment with aqueous FAI extracts(≥ 2 g/kg) increased 5-HTR4 m RNA levels(P < 0.05),but no change in protein level was observed by Western blot or immunohistochemistry. The m RNA and protein levels of neurofilament-H were significantly increased with mosapride and ≥ 2 g/kg aqueous FAI extracts compared to controls(P < 0.05 for all).CONCLUSION: Aqueous FAI extracts and mosapride strengthen bowel movement in cathartic colons via increasing the expression of 5-HTR4 and neurofilament-H.

Activity of NaOH in Sodium Aluminate Solutions

1.IntroductionSodium aluminate solution is one of themost important intermediate products in al-uminium metallurgy.The structure of so-dium aluminate solutions is rather compli-cated.Various anionic species,includingAl（OH）;,Al（OH）;and[（OH）;-Al-O-Al（OH）;];are co-existent in sodiumaluminate solutions.Using Raman and

Energetic Study on Jordanian Olive Cake and Woody Biomass Materials

In this work, the potential for energy production in Jordan was explored using four distinct types of biomass samples (olive cakes, woods). The proximate analysis, oil content, and higher heating value were all determined experimentally and compared to other biomass previously published in the literature. The findings appear to be similar to other biomass materials utilized as solid biofuel feed-stock materials. Olive cake and wood samples have lower calorific values than anthracite coal, ranging from 25% to 40% lower. According to the results of this study, olive cake samples had the highest oil extractive content (14.5 wt%), followed by pine and beech woody samples with 8.9 wt% and 3.1 wt%, respectively. The calorific values of the biomass samples tested ranged from 18 to 22 MJ/kg, making them suitable for use as fuel. Moreover, the high volatile matter content (78% to 93%) was appropriate for chemical energy conversion by gasification or combustion process. Jordan can create roughly 8000 tons of pomace oil per year from the waste solid olive cake, based on existing results. Furthermore, the olive cake’s energy potential in Jordan is estimated to be 38 MW based on the higher heating value of the tested samples and the annual quantity of this resource. In the meantime, due to limited annual production, Jordanian firewood has the modest energy potential (2.4 MW).