Health Risk Assessment of Employees Exposed to Chlorination By-products of Recreational Water in Large Amusement Parks in Shanghai

Objective Chlorination is often used to disinfect recreational water in large amusement parks;however,the health hazards of chlorination disinfection by-products(DBPs)to occupational populations are unknown.This study aimed to assess the exposure status of chlorinated DBPs in recreational water and the health risks to employees of large amusement parks.Methods Exposure parameters of employees of three large amusement parks in Shanghai were investigated using a questionnaire.Seven typical chlorinated DBPs in recreational water and spray samples were quantified by gas chromatography,and the health risks to amusement park employees exposed to chlorinated DBPs were evaluated according to the WHO's risk assessment framework.Results Trichloroacetic acid,dibromochloromethane,bromodichloromethane,and dichloroacetic acid were detected predominantly in recreational water.The carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks of the five DBPs did not exceed the risk thresholds.In addition,the carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks of mixed exposure to DBPs were within the acceptable risk limits.Conclusion Typical DBPs were widely detected in recreational water collected from three large amusement parks in Shanghai;however,the health risks of DBPs and their mixtures were within acceptable limits.

Application of Pomegranate Rind Extract for Improvement of Functional Properties of Various Materials—A Critical Review

Pomegranate rind is abundantly available as a waste material. Pomegranate Rind Extract (PRE) can be applied to cotton fabrics for its natural colours, as a mordanting agent and also for imparting certain functional properties such as fire retardancy and antimicrobial properties. This paper reviews the feasibility of Pomegranate Rind Extract to improve the functional properties of cellulosic fabrics. Studies show that varying concentrations and higher temperatures that were used to apply the extract on the fabric, resulted in enhanced functional properties. At a particular concentration, the treated fabric showed a 15 times lower burning rate in comparison with the control fabric. Also, antimicrobial efficacy has been observed against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Due to the natural colouring material, it can be used as a natural dye on cotton material. The fire retardancy of pomegranate rind extract was tested on jute material under varying alkalinity. Research has indicated that pomegranate rind extract could be used to dye polyamide as well. The rubbing and wash fastness of the finished fabrics is good. The light fastness was fair, and its antibacterial efficiency against tested bacteria was good.

Progress in Analytical Methods of Halogenated Disinfection By-Products

Ensuring the health and safety of drinking water is crucial for both nations and their citizens.Since the 20th century,the disinfection of drinking water,effectively controlling pathogens in water sources,has become one of the significant advances in public health.However,the disinfectants used in the process,such as chlorine and chlorine dioxide,react with natural organic matter in the water to produce disinfection by-products(DBPs).Most of these DBPs contain chlorine,and if the source water contains bromine or iodine,brominated or iodinated DBPs,collectively referred to as Halogenated disinfection byproducts(X-DBPs),are formed.Numerous studies have found that X-DBPs pose potential risks to human health and the environment,leading to widespread concern.Mass spectrometry has become an important means of discovering new types of X-DBPs.This paper focuses on the study of methods for analyzing X-DBPs in drinking water using mass spectrometry.

Population Genetic Diversity in Chinese Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) Cultivars Revealed by Fluorescent-AFLP Markers

Eighty-five pomegranate （Punica granatum L.） cultivars from six geographical populations located at Shandong, Anhui, Shaanxi, Henan, Yunnan, and Xinjiang Provinces were studied for its population genetic diversity by means of fluorescent-AFLP markers. The results indicated that 135-185 polymorphic loci were amplified by eight pairs of primers at species level. An average of 158.25 polymorphic loci was amplified for each primer combination. The polymorphism percentage ranged from 62.5% to 86.11%, and the average polymorphism percentage was 73.26%. This indicated that there was plentiful genetic diversity in pomegranate cultivars. The genetic diversity at the species level was higher than that at the population level. The order of the genetic diversity was Henan population 〉 Xinjiang population 〉 Shaanxi population 〉 Anhui population 〉 Shandong population 〉 Yunnan population. Variance analysis showed that there was significant difference between populations in genetic diversity. The genetic differentiation coefficient between populations （Gsr） was 0.2018, which indicated that gene differentiation was mainly within the population, and between populations, it accounted for 20.18% of the total variation. Gene flow （Nm） between the populations measured was 1.9027 based on the genetic differentiation coefficient between populations, indicating that there was mild gene flow between populations. The UPGMA cluster analysis showed that most accessions from the same population were clustered together, but there was partly gene exchange. All genetic parameters indicated that there was plentiful genetic diversity in pomegranate cultivars in China, of which Henan population was significantly higher than the other populations, and it had wide application foreground in pomegranate breeding in China.

Observation for Leaf Epidermal Characteristics of Four Different Pomegranate Cultivars under Scanning Electron Microscope

[Objective] The research aimed to provide reference for classification of pomegranate cultivars and studies of genetic relationship among pomegranate cultivars.[Method] The electron microscope scanning was used to comparatively observe leaf epidermal structures of 4 pomegranate cultivars.[Result] The upper epidermal structures of 4 pomegranate cultivars were similar and showed reticular structure .However, the differences existed in lower epidermis,such as cell shape,cell size and arrangement mode of cell as well as stomatal density,while the structures of leaf vein in lower epidermis of 4 pomegranate cultivars were similar.[Conclusion] The research provided morphological references for studying heterosis of pomegranate to some extent.

Preliminary Study on Garlic Root Exudates Influences to the Growth of Pomegranate Wilt Pathogen(Ceratocystis fimbriata)and Bacillus subtilis

[Objectives] This paper aims to explore the possibility to intercrop garlic with pomegranate tree to control pomegranate wilt.[Methods] Root exudates of garlic is cultivated in 1/5 concentration of MS solution and distilled water is examined in lab to test their effect to growth of mycelia of pomegranate wilt pathogen（Ceratocystis fimbriata）and multiplication of Bacillus subtilis.[Results] The result shows that garlic root exudates whatever cultivated in MS solution or distilled water could not inhibit or promote mycelia growth of C.fimbriata.However,garlic root exudates cultivated in both methods effectively promote multiplication of B.subtilis.[Conclusions] It is suggested that intercropping garlic with pomegranate tree by combining application B.subtilis could be a promising way to prevent pomegranate wilt spread in practice.

Study on Antioxidation Effect of Polyphenols from Pomegranate Peel in Vivo

[Objective] The aim was to study the antioxidant effect of polyphenols from pomegranate peel in vivo. [Method] The Kunming rats were randomly divided into a control group, a low-dose group, a middle-dose group and a high-dose group,n=10; the protein content, the activities of the superoxide dismutase（SOD） and the glutathione peroxidase（GSH-PX）, the content of the maleic dialdehyde（MDA） in serum and liver tissue of the rats from different groups were determined. [Result]The polyphenols of pomegranate peel could increase protein content, activities of superoxide dismutase（SOD） and glutathione peroxidase（GSH-PX） in serum and liver tissue, and decrease the maleic dialdehyde（MDA） content simultaneously. [Conclusion] Polyphenols of pomegranate peel have strong antioxidant activity in vivo.

Optimization of Chromatographic Conditions for Detecting Ellagic Acid in Pomegranate Peels Using HPLC Method

[Objective] This study aimed to optimize the chromatographic conditions for detecting ellagic acid in pomegranate peels using HPLC method. [Method] By using 0.2 mg/ml ellagic acid standard solution, on the basis of single-factor experiment and orthogonal experiment, chromatographic conditions （mobile phase ratio, flow rate, col- umn temperature） for detecting ellagic acid using HPLC were optimized. Based on the optimal chromatographic conditions, the ellagic acid content in experimental pomegranate peels was determined. [Resull] The optimal chromatographic conditions for detecting ellagic acid in pomegranate peels using HPLC method are： 1.2% phos- phoric acid：acetonitrile=85：15, column temperature of 35 ℃, and flow rate of 1.0 ml/min. The linear regression equation of ellagic acid is： y=2.9e＋0.6x＋4.4e＋5 （FF=9 999）. Ac- cording to the standard addition recovery test, the average recovery rate of ellagic acid is 98.20%, and RSD is 0.60%. Under above optimized chromatographic condi- tions, ellagic acid can be well separated from other interfering components in pomegranate peels, with shorter peak time and ideal effect, which is convenient for the detection in production practices. [Conclusion] This study laid the foundation for detecting ellagic acid in pomegranate peels using HPLC method.

Advances in Molecular Marker Techniques in Pomegranate(Punicagranatum L.)

At present, there is a need to develop a universal standard for the classification of pomegranate（Punica granatum L.） species, which facilitates the collection,sorting, classification and application of pomegranate resources. This review introduces recent research progress in pomegranate classification（in particular with molecular markers）, and finally the potential application of molecular markers in future research about pomegranate.

Analysis of Flavone Content in Honey of Pomegranate Flowers

[Objective] The aim was to analyze content of flavones in honey of pomegranate flowers. [Method] Contents of total flavones in 24 honey samples of pomegranate flowers from Mengzi City in 2011 and 2012 were measured as per- spectrophotometry method with acetone as an extractant and rutin as a control. [Result] The average content of flavones in honey of pomegranate flowers was at （2.36±1.36）mg/100 g in 2011 and significantly higher than that in 2012 at （1.71± 0.53）mg/100 g. Analysis was conducted on flavones content in different batches and the results indicated that content of flavones in honey in different batches changed from increasing to decreasing, namely, the content was maximal in peak flowering stage, followed by late flowering stage and initial flowering stage. [Conclusion] The research provides references for development, use and function exploration of the honey of pomegranate flowers.

Preparation on Nanoemulsion of Pomegranate Peel Polyphenol

[Objective] The aim was to obtain the preparation technology of the pomegranate peel polyphenol nanoemulsion. [Method] The pomegranate peel polyphe- nol nanoemulsion was prepared by the titration methods and the pseudo ternary dia- gram. The effect of various elements on the formation of the nanoemulsion was stud- ied. [Results] The optimal prescription of the pomegranate peel polyphenol nanoemul- sion was 4.4%（w/w） of pomegranate peel polyphenol, 34.1%（w/w） of EL-40, 17.1%（w/w） of anhydrous ethanol, 5.7%（w/w） of IPM and 38.7%（w/w） of distilled water. [Conclusion] It is feasible to produce the pomegranate peel polyphenol nanoemulsion by the titration methods and the pseudo ternary diagram. It consists of pomegranate peel polyphe- nol, EL-40, anhydrous ethanol, IPM and distilled water. There is 4.4%（w/w） of the pomegranate peel polyphenol in the nanoemuJsion.

A Preliminary Study on Control Efficiency of New Nicotine Biopesticides against Pomegranate Aphids

In this study, toxicity and control efficiency of three nicotine biopesticides against pomegranate aphids were determined via indoor toxicity test and field effica- cy test, aiming at screening the appropriate reagent for prevention and control of pomegranate aphids. The results of indoor toxicity test showed that LC^o of reagent 1, reagent 2 and reagent 3 reached 10 270, 12 810 and 13 040 mg/L, respectively. The results of field efficacy test showed that control efficacy of reagent 1, reagent 2 and reagent 3 reached 60.52%, 34.60% and 46.99%, respectively. Overall, reagent 1 （91% ultrafine powder of tobacco leaves, 3% silicone oil, 2% sasangua cake, 2% emulsifier, 2% ascorbic acid） exhibited the highest control efficiency against pomegranate aphids, which can be further popularized and utilized.

Optimization of Extraction Technology of Ellagic Acid from Pomegranate Peels with Orthogonal Experiment

[Objective] This study aimed to investigate the optimal condition for extrac- tion of ellagic acid from pomegranate peels. [Method] With ellagic acid yield as an indicator, ultrasound extraction method was adopted to extract the ellagic acid from pomegranate peels, and the concentration of ellagic acid was measured by using ul- traviolet spectrophotometry; L9（34） orthogonal experiment was designed with four fac- tors at three levels, to investigate the effect of extraction temperature, extraction du- ration, solid-liquid ratio and ultrasound power on extraction rate of ellagic acid. [Re- sult] The optimal extraction condition for ellagic acid is extraction temperature of 30 ~C, solid-liquid ratio of 1：200, extraction duration of 20 min, and ultrasound power of 50 W. The relationship between primary and secondary factors affecting experimental indicators was solid-liquid ratio 〉 extraction duration 〉 ultrasound power 〉 extraction temperature. [Conclusion] Solid-liquid ratio has the maximum effect on extraction rate of ellagic acid. The ellagic acid extraction technology identified in this study is rea- sonable and feasible.

Study on the Mechanism of Browning of Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.cv.Ganesh) Peel in Different Storage Conditions

Peel browning of pomegranate fruit is the key problem during storage. The mechanism of it during storage in relation to the technology of the browning control was studied in this paper. The effects of storage temperature, gas component and pH value on peel browning of sweet pomegranate fruit in Lintong, Shaanxi Province, China, were investigated. Change in tannin content was measured and the relationship between the activities of ascorbic acid oxidase （AAO）, polypenoloxidase （PPO）, peroxidase （POD）, catalase （CAT） and peel browning was analysed. The results showed tannin was the basic substance of pomegranate peel browning. The activities of the browning index of peel were correlated positively with AAO, PPO and POD, correlated negatively with CAT activity. Application of intermittent warming for 24 h at （15 ± 0.5）℃ every 5 days for pomegranate fruit storage under the conditions of pH 4.0, （5.0± 0.5）℃ and 5.0% CO2 ＋ 8.0% O2 ＋ 87.0% N2 gas component could delay browning, with the browning index being 0.15 after 120 days of storage. Enzymatic tannin denaturation was the main cause that led to peel browning of pomegranate fruit during storage. The browning control of pomegranate fruit peel was effective using intermittent warming storage with suitable pH, temperature and gas component.

Role of pomegranate and citrus fruit juices in colon cancer prevention

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States.Recent studies prove that though chemotherapeutic agents are being used for the treatment of colon cancer,they become non-effective when the cancer progresses to an invasive stage.Since consumption of certain dietary agents has been linked with various cancers,fruit juices have been investigated for their consistently protective effect against colon cancer.The unique biochemical composition of fruit juices is responsible for their anticancer properties.In this review,the chemo-preventive effect of fruit juices such as pomegranate and citrus juices against colon cancer are discussed.For this purpose,the bioavailability,in vitro and in vivo effects of these fruit juices on colorectal cancer are highlighted.Moreover,there is a scarcity of studies involving human trials to estimate the preventive nature of these juices against colon cancer.This review will support the need for more preclinical tests with these crude juices and their constituents in different colorectal cancer cell lines and also some epidemiological studies in order to have a better understanding and promote pomegranate and citrus juices as crusaders against colon cancer.

Effects of molasses on the fermentation characteristics of mixed silage prepared with rice straw, local vegetable by-products and alfalfa in Southeast China

This experiment was conducted to study the effect of molasses on the fermentation characteristics of mixed silage ensiled rice straw and vegetable by-products with alfalfa.Mixture（202 g kg^-1 dry matter（DM））consisting of rice straw,broccoli residue and alfalfa at the ratio of 5：4：1 was ensiled with three experimental treatments：（1）no additives（control）;（2）molasses at 2.5%（M1）;（3）molasses at 5%（M2）on a fresh matter basis of mixture,respectively.All treatments were packed into laboratory-scale silos,and three silos per treatment were sampled on days 1,3,5,14 and 30.The result showed that the p H value of all mixed silages decreased gradually with the time of ensiling except for the control silage,in which a significant increase（P〈0.05）on day 30 occurred.The lactic acid content increased gradually with the time of ensiling and reached the highest value on day 14,and a marked decrease（P〈0.05）was found in the control silage on day 30.The changes of acetic acid content showed similar pattern with lactic acid content.A trace amount of propionic and butyric acid contents were found in the three mixed silages during the fermentation period.Comparing to the control,M1 and M2 treatments improved the fermentation quality of mixed silages as indicated by higher（P〈0.05）lactic acid contents and lower（P〈0.05）p H and ammonia-N contents.The Flieg points also showed that M1 and M2 silages were well preserved,whereas the control silage had a bad quality.Overall,the findings of this study suggested that adding molasses could improve fermentation quality of mixed silage,and M1 was more suitable for practical application.

In vivo study of pomegranate(Punica granatum) peel extract efficacy against Giardia lamblia in infected experimental mice

Objective: To investigate the efficacy of pomegranate(Punica granatum) peel extract as an alternative treatment on the white laboratory mice against giardiasis.Methods: Experimental animals were divided into five groups, including Group A:control(infected untreated), Group B: infected and fed with pectin 7 days before infection, Group C: infected and fed with pectin starting from 7th day of infection,Group D: infected and fed with pomegranate peel extract 7 days before infection, and Group E: infected and fed with pomegranate peel extract starting from 7th day of infection.Results: Results from this study revealed that the prevention rate in the experimental groups reached approximately 50% by the 10 th day of using pomegranate peel extract.Moreover, stool cyst counts of groups showed a significant reduction in the shedding of cysts approximately 75.6% by day 20 post-infection. ELISA test showed a reduction in Giardia antigen in the stools of the experimental groups which received pomegranate peel extract. The cure rate of these groups was approximately 97.4% by 28 th day of infection.Conclusions: Our present findings indicated that the pomegranate peel extract proved to be valuable in prevention and treatment of Giardia lamblia infection. Further studies are required to determine the effective dose of pomegranate peel extract against Giardia lamblia infection.

Total Phenolic, Flavonoids, Tannin Content and Antioxidant Power of Some Iranian Pomegranate Flower Cultivars (<i>Punica granatum</i>L.)

Recently, pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) was demonstrated to be high in antioxidant activity and strong in phenolic, flavonoid and tannin contents in its fruit, flower and also aerial part. In this paper six cultivars of Iranian pomegranate flower including Ghojagh, Rabbab, Malas, Shishegap, Danesiah and Golnar have been investigated. The maximum amount of total phenolic was detected in Ghojagh (25.94 mg·GAEg-1) and flavonoid showed the highest content in Danesiah (23.06 mg·CEg-1). The lowest content of these two groups was observed in Golnar (15.19 mg·GAEg-1 and 11.46 mg·CEg-1). Measurement of tannin compounds showed that Rabbab by 2.03% and Golnar by 1.06% have the highest and lowest amount respectively. According to the FRAP method, Ghojagh and Golnar have the highest and lowest antioxidant values respectively (452.53 mmol·g-1 and 123.39 mmol·g-1). As a result of HPLC-DPPH method, Malas and Danesiah have the highest and lowest antioxidant value (116.38 and 97.64 mgVEEg-1).

Effect of Gamma Irradiation on Total Phenolic Content and <i>in Vitro</i>Antioxidant Activity of Pomegranate (<i>Punica granatum</i>L.) Peels

Pomegranate peels were studied for the effect of gamma irradiation on microbial decontamination along with its effect on total phenolic content and in vitro antioxidant activity. Gamma irradiation was applied at various dose levels (5.0, 10.0, 15.0 and 25.0 kGy) on pomegranate peel powder. Both the values of total phenolic content and in vitro antioxi- dant activity were positively correlated and showed a significant increase (p < 0.05) for 10.0 kGy irradiated dose level immediately after irradiation and 60 days of post irradiation storage. At 5.0 kGy and above dose level, gamma irradia- tion has reduced microbial count of pomegranate peel powder to nil. Post irradiation storage studies also showed that, the irradiated peel powder was microbiologically safe even after 90 days of storage period.

Simultaneous Control of Microorganisms and Disinfection By-products by Sequential Chlorination

Objective To introduce a new sequential chlorination disinfection process in which short-term free chlorine and chloramine are sequentially added. Methods Pilot tests of this sequential chlorination were carried out in a drinking water plant. Results The sequential chlorination disinfection process had the same or better efficiency on microbe （including virus） inactivation compared with the free chlorine disinfection process. There seemed to be some synergetic disinfection effect between free chlorine and monochloramine because they attacked different targets. The sequential chlorination disinfection process resulted in 35.7%-77.0% TTHM formation and 36.6%-54.8% THAA5 formation less than the free chlorination process. The poorer the water quality was, the more advantage the sequential chlorination disinfection had over the free chlorination. Conclusion This process takes advantages of free chlorine＇s quick inactivation of microorganisms and chloramine＇s low disinfection by-product （DBP） yield and long-term residual effect, allowing simultaneous control of microbes and DBPs in an effective and economic way.