Persimmon Leaf Flavonols Enhance the Anti-Cancer Effect of Heavy Ion Radiotherapy on Murine Xenograft Tumors

The cell cycle checkpoint system play a pivotal role in the cellular DNA damage response, and the discovery of checkpoint inhibitors is expected to sensitize current cancer therapies. Checkpoint signaling cascades are critically modulated by ATM (ataxia telangiectasia-mutated) and its related molecules. Generally, ATM primarily responds to ionizing irradiation-induced DNA double-strand breaks. Heavy ions from an accelerated carbon ion beam have been used to cure cancer because they are more effective than ionizing irradiation such as X-ray and γ-radiation in terms of biological damage. In a previous study, we demonstrated that a persimmon leaf flavonol (PLF) promoted the cytotoxic effect of chemotherapeutic agents on cancer cells through inhibition of checkpoint activities, especially in the ATM dependent pathway. The present study investigated whether PLF inhibits checkpoint activity during the DNA damage response induced by heavy ion irradiation. Treatment with PLF significantly increased the cytotoxicity of heavy ion irradiation in A549 adenocarcinoma cells. The phosphorylation of checkpoint proteins such as p53, SMC1, and Chk1 was increased by heavy ions. PLF reduced the phosphorylation of checkpoint proteins. Pre-treatment with PLF significantly prevented the decrease of mitotic cells in heavy ion-exposed cells. We further evaluated tumor volume in SCID mice inoculated with human lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells. The combination treatment of PLF and heavy ion resulted in a decrease of tumor volume compared with controls, although PLF itself did not exhibit any effect. These results indicate that PLF inhibits tumor growth through modulation of the DNA damage response. PLF may be useful for clinical application in combination with heavy ion radiotherapy.

Effect and mechanism of persimmon leaf flavonoid treatment of experimental oral ulcer

OBJECTIVE To explore the therapeutic effect and its mechanism of persimmon leaf flavonoids(PLF) on rats with oral ulcer. METHODS The oral ulcer model was induced by acetic acid,was used for intervention of Guilin watermelon frost and different dose(20,40 and 80 mg·kg^(-1)) of PLF.Ulcer area was calculated on the fourth and the seventh day after injury; the changes of superoxide dismutase(SOD) and malondialdehyde(MDA) in serum and ulcer tissues were observed; the level of tumor necrosis factor alpha(TNF-alpha) in ulcer tissue was measured. To observe the pathological morphological changes of H-E staining. RESULTS Guilin watermelon frost and PLF(40 and 80 mg·kg^(-1))can reduce the ulcer area(P<0.05); PLF(20,40 and 80 mg·kg^(-1)) can increase the activity of SOD and decrease the content of MDA in serum and ulcer tissue(P<0.05); Guilin watermelon frost and PLF could significantly decrease the levels of TNF-alpha in ulcer tissue(P<0.05),and improve the inflammatory infiltration of ulcer tissue. CONCLUSION PLF has certain therapeutic effects on oral ulcer induced by acetic acid,and the mechanism may be related to improve oxidative damage and reduce inflammatory reaction.

Inhibitory Effect of 16 Fungicides on Persimmon Anthracnose Pathogen Colletotrichum horii

In this research,the inhibitory effect of 16 fungicides on Colletotrichum horri causing persimmon anthracnose was investigated using mycelial growth method and spore germination method. The results showed that among the 16 tested fungicides,10% of Difenoconazole WG,33. 5% of Copper quinolate SC,25%of Bromothalonil EC,70% of Mancozeb WP,430 g/L of Tebuconazole SC,50% of Prochloraz-manganese chloride and 400 g/L of Flusilazole EC achieved the best inhibitory effect on mycelial growth of C. horri,with the inhibition rate of 100%; 70% of Polyram WG,33. 5% of Copper quinolate SC,25% of Bromothalonil EC,70% of Mancozeb WP,50% of Chlorobromoisocyanuric acid AF,50% of Triram WP and 400 g/L of Flusilazole achieved the best inhibitory effect on spore germination of C. horri,with the germination rate of 0. In conclusion,33. 5% of Copper quinolate SC,25% of Bromothalonil EC,70% of Mancozeb WP and 400 g/L of Flusilazole EC achieved the best inhibitory effect both in mycelial growth and spore germination,which could be used as the preference fungicides for the control of persimmon anthracnose,and 70% of Polyram WG and 50% of Triram WP achieved the secondly best inhibitory effect,which could be used as alternative fungicides. The results of this research could provide scientific evidence for the effective control of persimmon anthracnose,and more optional pesticides for utilization in the production practice of persimmon industry.

Nutritional Composition of Ten Persimmon Cultivars in the “Ready-to-Eat Crisp” Stage. Effect of Deastringency Treatment

Traditionally persimmons have been consumed over-ripened to avoid astringency perception. However, the introduction of new technology that removes astringency while preserving fruit firmness has allowed the commercialization of “ready-to-eat crisp” fruits. Several studies have evaluated the nutritional composition of over-ripened persimmons and have claimed that they are a good source of primary and secondary metabolites that are favourable for human health. Yet very little is known about the nutritional composition of persimmons in the “ready-to-eat crisp” stage. In this context, we determined the main nutritional compounds in ten popular persimmon cultivars, including astringent cultivars (“Rojo Brillante”, “Tone Wase”, “Giboshi”, “Kaki Tipo”, “Aizumishirazu-A”, “Giombo”, “Hachiya”) and non-astringent cultivars (“O’gosho”, “Hana Fuyu” and “Jiro”). To this end, fruits were harvested when their texture was firm, and soluble polyphenols content, total antioxidant capacity and main sugars, organic acids and carotenoids were evaluated. In those astringent cultivars at harvest, the changes in nutritional compounds associated with applying deastringency treatment with high CO2 concentration were determined. Our results revealed the main sugars (glucose, fructose and sucrose), organic acids (citric acid, malic acid and succinic) and carotenoids (β-cryptoxanthin, lutein, violoxanthin, zeaxanthin, and β-carotene) present in the flesh of crisp persimmons. At harvest the content of these metabolites vastly varied among cultivars;astringent cultivars showed higher soluble polyphenols and greater antioxidant capacity, and presented higher contents of sugars and organic acids than non-astringent ones. The deastringency treatment applied to astringent cultivars resulted in a drastic loss of soluble polyphenols and total antioxidant capacity, and induced changes in carotenoids and sugars composition.

针对独居老人的智能家居Persimmon UI设计

为了方便独居老人的生活起居以及消除独居老人面临的一系列潜在安全隐患,文章提出一种针对独居老人的智能家居Persimmon UI设计。Persimmon UI交互界面美观大方,对老人群体友好。系统主要有安全检测和控制智能家居设备两大功能。文章通过数据采集模块,检测房屋中的气体、温湿度、火焰指数等数据,经过分析处理后集合显示在大屏显示屏上,实时显示房屋安全情况。同时部署智能灯光、窗帘、电器控制系统,使独居老人能够智能控制家居。

Cytology of 2n Pollen Formation in Nonastringent Persimmon

Cytological mechanisms of 2n pollen formation in ‘Zenjimaru' nonastringent persimmon (Diospyros kaki L.f. ) were studied. The following abnormalities in meiosis were found to be responsible for the production of 2n pollens: (1) disoriented spindles, including parallel, fused and tripolar spindles, were formed at metaphase Ⅱ and anaphase Ⅱ; (2) the nuclei at telophase Ⅱ were arranged to two poles, each of which contained two nuclei, or to three poles, one of which contained two nuclei, the other two contained one nucleus respectively; (3) dyads and triads were produced at the tetrad stage. The dyad would develop into two 2n pollens, and the triad would develop into one 2n and two n pollens. The 2n pollens produced by this mechanism were genetically equivalent to FDR (first division restitution) gametes, thus providing a potential value for sexual polyploidization.

Self-made wire loop snare successfully treats gastric persimmon stone under endoscopy

BACKGROUND Large gastric persimmon stones are generally resistant to standard endoscopic treatments.We applied an alternative endoscopic method using a hand-made snare for the treatment of large gastric phytobezoars.AIM To explore the clinical efficacy of a self-made wire loop snare to treat giant gastric persimmon stones.METHODS A retrospective study evaluated the clinical data of 38 patients with gastroliths admitted to Taihe Hospital in Shiyan City,Hubei Province,China,between March 2015 and October 2020.The patients were divided into observation(n=23)and control(n=15)groups.Patients in the observation group were treated with selfmade wire loop snares for lithotripsy,and patients in the control group were treated with traditional foreign body forceps,snares,injection needles,and other tools.Successful stone removal,treatment time,and hospital stay were compared.RESULTS The average operating time was significantly shorter(P<0.001)in the observation group(53.4 min)than that in the control group(172.8 min).The average hospital stay of the observation group(5.4 d)was significantly shorter(P<0.001)than that in the control group(10.3 d).Successful one-time treatment was significantly more frequent(P<0.001)in the observation group(87%)than in the control group(7%).CONCLUSION Self-made guidewire loop snares were successfully used to treat gastrolithiasis, and were significantly more effective than foreign body forceps, snares, and other traditionalmethods.

Nutrient Release during Residue Decomposition of Weeds Mown at Different Times in a Persimmon Orchard

Decomposition and nutrient release of the residue subsequent to mowing weeds remain poorly understood in persimmon orchards of South Korea. The litterbags including various weed residues were deposited on the soil surface under the tree canopy to simulate the fate of weeds mowed on 13 May, 13 July, and 13 September 2011 and 2012. Rate of decomposition and nutrient release of the residues depended on different mowing times. Residual dry mass (DM) of the 13 May weeds decreased by 17% - 21% of initial DM during 1 month and by 63% -71% until 2 months after litterbag deposition, and they?released 51% - 67% of nitrogen (N), 54% - 55% of phosphorus (P), and 92% - 94% of potassium (K) of respective initial amount until the first 2 months. The 13?July weeds rapidly decomposed during the first month, accounting for 51% - 64% of DM and released 49% - 67% of N, 27% - 54% of P, and 76% - 77% of K. When mowed on 13 September, the weed residue decomposed slower and?longer than the 13 May and 13 July weeds, losing 48% - 51% of DM, 36% - 39% of N, 60% - 64% of P, and 70% -77% of K during the first 2 months but continuing an active decomposition even at 6 months after the deposition. The results indicated that time of supplemental fertilization should be adjusted depending on mowing times, and the mowing times be controlled to meet seasonal demand of persimmon trees for nutrients.

Effect of Liquid Pig Manure and Chemical Fertilizers on Shoot Growth and Nitrogen Status of Young “Fuyu” Persimmon Trees

Liquid pig manure (LPM), digested from pig slurry, has been used as a nutrient source substituting chemical fertilizer (CF) for some crops. This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of different levels of CF and LPM in early July on nitrogen (N) uptake of pot-grown young “Fuyu” persimmon (Diospyros kaki). The total N and potassium (K) from CF and LPM applied to a 3 L pot were 1.2 g N and 1.15 g K for the low and 2.4 g N and 2.3 g K for the high level. From 2 weeks after the applications, secondary shoots started to grow for the CF but none for the LPM. Two nutrient sources did not significantly affect the amount of N increase in different tree parts from July 1 to August 6. At the high level, tree total N increased by 80% from 551 mg for the CF and by 31% from 583 mg for the LPM. The nutrient sources did not affect soil pH. The soil that received LPM contained more organic matter (P = 0.048), available phosphorus (P) (P = 0.002), and exchangeable K+ (P = 0.001) and Mg2+ (P = 0.009) than the soil that received CF on August 6. These results indicated that N in LPM becomes available later but its effect is more durable than CF.

Removal of Chromium(VI) from Aqueous Solution Using Persimmon Tannin Gel and Subsequent Recovery as Chromium(III)

This study herein was investigated the removal of chromium(VI) from an aqueous solution using persimmon tannin gel and its subsequent recovery as chromium(III). At pH 2, Cr(VI) was effectively adsorbed (~80% adsorption) and ppm solution was reduced to Cr(III) on the persimmon gel within 10 min. Although desorption of the Cr(III) species was challenging at 30°, it was increased upon increasing the temperature and was quantitatively desorbed in the presence of 1 M hydrochloric acid under reflux. In addition, although the quantity of retained Cr(VI) on the tannin gel increased upon increasing the chromium concentration of the original aqueous solution, all the desorbed chromium was successfully reduced to Cr(III). Finally, Cr(VI) removal and recovery as Cr(III) was repeated effectively 8 times using the same persimmon tannin gel sample, thus demonstrating the recyclability of this system.

Removal, Recovery and Recycle of Gold (III) from Aqueous Solution Using Persimmon Tannin Gel

In order to recover much amount of gold, gold removal-recovery cycle was examined using immobilized persimmon gel, which could remove much amount of gold (III) from the tetrachloroaurate solution at 30°C. Removal of gold has proceeded different 2 mechanisms stages. At first, gold (III) was adsorbed rapidly on the surface of the persimmon gels until 2 hours and reached adsorption equilibrium. After that, the amount of gold removed was re-increased slowly and also reached equilibrium until 48 hours. The amount of gold removed was affected by the pH of the solution. The amount of Au removed was the highest at pH 5, which was decreased with decreasing or increasing the pH of the solution. The amount of gold removed (mol/g-dry wt. gels) was increased with increasing the gold concentration in the solution, whereas gold removed ratio was decreased. Gold removed ratio was increased with increasing the amount of persimmon gel used, whereas the amount of removed Au (mol/g-dry wt. gels) was decreased. Gold removal-recovery cycles were also examined in detail.

Curried Persimmon Soup

3 1/2 pounds (about 6 cups) of Ming Tomb persimmons, skinned1/2 cup of minced onion1 1/2 tablespoon minced fresh ginger1 cup chicken broth (divided into 4 parts)Another 3 cups of chicken broth1 1/2 teaspoons of curry

Enhanced Adsorption of Pb(II) Ions from Aqueous Solution by Persimmon Tannin-activated Carbon Composites

The modification of activated carbon with persimmon tannin and its application for the removal of Pb(II) ions were carried out by batch method. The effects of solution pH, contact time, temperature and initial concentration on the immobilization of persimmon tannin were studied. The experimental results showed that the experimental data of persimmon tannin and Pb(II) fitted better by Langmuir adsorption isotherm model and pseudo-second order model. The adsorption capacities of adsorbents for persimmon tannin and Pb(II) were calculated from the Langmuir isotherm model, and found to be 42.97 and 12.40 mg/g at optimum pH, respectively. It was noted that the adsorbent exhibited the best adsorption property for Pb(II) when 1.0 g activated carbon was modified by 17.32 mg persimmon tannin. The modified activated carbon is more effective than the plain activated carbon, and it is expected to be an economic and effective adsorbent for the disposal of wastewater containing Pb(II) ions.

Propylene Effects on Ethylene Biosynthesis in Relation to Gene Expression of ACS,ACO in Persimmon Fruit

Influences of propylene treatment on fruit softening and ethylene biosynthesis of persimmonenhance ethylene biosynthesis, with higher sensitivity of immature fruit to the propylene was consistent withmRNA increase derived from transcription of ACS and ACO genes. Furthermore, ethylene synthesis increasein immature fruits was controlled and regulated mainly by DK-ACS1, DK-ACS2, DK-ACO1 and DK-ACO2,but regulated only by DK-ACS1 and DK-ACO1 in mature fruits.

Persimmon leaf flavonoid promotes brain ischemic tolerance

Persimmon leaf flavonoid has been shown to enhance brain ischemic tolerance in mice,but its mechanism of action remains unclear.The bilateral common carotid arteries were occluded using a micro clip to block blood flow for 10 minutes.After 10 minutes of ischemic preconditioning,200,100,and 50 mg/kg persimmon leaf flavonoid or 20 mg/kg ginaton was intragastrically administered per day for 5 days.At 1 hour after the final administration,ischemia/reperfusion models were established by blocking the middle cerebral artery for 2 hours.At 24 hours after model establishment,compared with cerebral ischemic rats without ischemic preconditioning or drug intervention,plasma endothelin,thrombomodulin and von Willebrand factor levels significantly decreased and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 expression markedly reduced in brain tissue from rats with ischemic preconditioning.Simultaneously,brain tissue injury reduced.Ischemic preconditioning combined with drug exposure noticeably improved the effects of the above-mentioned indices,and the effects of 200mg/kg persimmon leaf flavonoid were similar to 20 mg/kg ginaton treatment.These results indicate that ischemic preconditioning produces tolerance to recurrent severe cerebral ischemia.However,persimmon leaf flavonoid can elevate ischemic tolerance by reducing inflammatory reactions and vascular endothelial injury.High-dose persimmon leaf flavonoid showed an identical effect to ginaton.

Regulation of Propylene and 1-Methylcyclopropene on Expressions of ACS and ACO Genes in Persimmon Fruits

The regulation of postharvest treatment with propylene and 1-MCP on ethylene release rate and expressions of 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid synthase (ACS) and 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid oxidase (ACO) genes in Fuping Janshi persimmon (Diospyros kaki L.) fruit were investigated. Fruits were treated with propylene and 1-MCP, then stored at 20°C, ethylene release rate of the treated fruits was measured at regular intervals and RNA was extracted for Northern blotting analysis. The results suggested that treatment with propylene accelerated the expressions of ACS and ACO genes and then enhanced the ethylene biosynthesis, while treatment with 1-MCP inhibited the expressions of two genes and their ethylene biosynthesis. Furthermore, different effects on expressions caused by treatments with propylene and 1-MCP existed in various fruit tissues, the inhibitory effect on ACS and ACO genes by 1-MCP was the strongest in pericarp, followed by pulp and core tissues, in the area near fruit stalk, the inhibitory effect was the weakest. While the enhanced effect on ACS and ACO genes by propylene increased from pulp, core, and pericarp to the area near fruit stalk. Expression of each member of ACS and ACO families in various tissues was also completely different, in control and propylene treatment, DKACS3 gene just expressed in the area near fruit stalk and did not express in other tissues, but DKACS2 gene expressed in four tissues by treatment with propylene.

Adventitious Shoot Regeneration from Leaf of Uenishiwase Persimmon

Effects of basal mediums, hormones and their concentrations on the shoot regeneration fromleaf of sweet persimmon (Diospyros kaki Thunb. cv. Uenishiwase) were studied by orthogonaldesign trial. The result showed that modified Murashige and Skoog [MS (1/2 N)] was the mostoptimum for the regeneration and 1/2 MS was better than MS. Shoot percentage in the mediumcontaining 4.0 mg L-1 ZT(zeatin) was much higher than that of other two concentrations, amongwhich 2.0 mg L-1 ZT was much better than 1.0 mg L-1 ZT and shoot percentage in the concentrationof 1.0 mg L-1 ZT was only 4%. There were no any beneficial effects when supplementing IAA in themedium. Shoot percentage and average shoots per explants were dramatically decreased in the 2.0 mgL-1 IAA. Data in the orthogonal trial indicated that ZT was the most effective factor in theshoot regenerating of Uenishwase persimmon and basal medium was important too, but IAA had noany beneficial effects at all. In the orthogonal trial, the best result was achieved in MS (1/2 N) medium containing 4.0 mg L-1 ZT and 1.0 mg L-1 IAA, in which shoot percentage and averageshoots per explants were 86% and 2.2, respectively.

Persimmon leaf flavonoid induces brain ischemic tolerance in mice

The persimmon leaf has been shown to improve cerebral ischemic outcomes; however, its mechanism of action remains unclear. In this study, mice were subjected to 10 minutes of ischemic preconditioning, and persimmon leaf flavonoid was orally administered for 5 days. Results showed that the persimmon leaf flavonoid significantly improved the content of tissue type plasminogen activator and 6-keto prostaglandin-F1 α in the cerebral cortex, decreased the content of thromboxane B2, and reduced the content of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 in mice. Following optical microscopy, persimmon leaf flavonoid was also shown to reduce cell swelling and nuclear hyperchromatism in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus of mice. These results suggested that persimmon leaf flavonoid can effectively inhibit brain thrombosis, improve blood supply to the brain, and relieve ischemia-induced pathological damage, resulting in brain ischemic tolerance.

Effect of Ultra-high Pressure Treatment on the Quality of Persimmon Pulp

Different pressures and different durations of ultra-high pressure treatment were conducted for persimmon pulp after vacuum packing.The results showed that with the increase of pressure and extension of duration,the total number of bacteria in persimmon pulp decreased gradually.The treatment at 400 MPa for 15 min could meet the requirement of commercial sterility.After treatment,the color and the contents of soluble sugar,soluble solids and titratable acid of persimmon pulp were not changed significantly compared with the control group(P >0.05).The content of vitamin C in persimmon pulp declined gradually with the increase in pressure and time,with the maximum loss of 8.06% observed at 600 MPa for 20 min.Peroxidase( POD) activity also declined gradually with the increase of pressure and time.The activity of polyphenol oxidase( PPO) declined gradually with the increase of time,and increased first and then decreased with the increase of pressure.The content of polyphenols increased first and then decreased with the increase in pressure,and tended to increase overall with the increase in time.Under the treatment of 400 MPa for 20 min,the content of polyphenols reached the maximum.The antioxidant capacity of persimmon pulp after ultra-high pressure treatment was higher than that in the control group,but no significant differences were found among the treatment groups( P > 0.05).Compared with the control group,soluble tannin content was increased after ultra-high pressure treatment,but was far below the critical value for astringency(2 mg/g).In conclusion,ultra-high pressure treatment has only a slight effect on the sensory quality of persimmon pulp and can maintain its nutritional quality to a large extent and improve its antioxidant capacity.Moreover,ultra-high pressure treatment can eliminate astringency completely.