Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry最新文献

PCDD/Fs in fly ash from municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI), pose significant health and environmental risks. Recent research has focused on using chemical inhibitors in the post-combustion zone to effectively inhibit PCDD/F formation. This study examined a new inhibitor, carbohydrazide (CHZ), by exploring its application techniques and mechanism for PCDD/F inhibition. A comparative analysis was conducted to identify the efficient CHZ addition method, by comparing the PCDD/F suppression effect by CHZ premixing and cofiring with refuse-derived fuel (RDF) and injecting into the flue gas. It was revealed that the premixing and cofiring of CHZ with RDF resulted in a 10.9% reduction in the formation of PCDD/Fs, demonstrating the effectiveness of the suppression of PCDD/F emissions. XRD analysis showed that the addition of CHZ led to the reduction of CuO to Cu₂O in bottom and fly ash, and thus deactivate the Cu-based catalysts. In addition, CHZ could also passivate the transition metal catalysts through coordination. Consequently, CHZ could be considered as a potential PCDD/F inhibitor during the combustion process.

The biochar (FS-PNBC) is prepared by pyrolyzing mixed biomass of fish scale and pine needle in varied proportions in a tube furnace. The biochar was characterized by a specific Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area analyzer, scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier infrared spectrometer (FTIR), and X-ray diffractometer (XRD). In a solution with an initial concentration of 60 mg/L, the adsorption of ciprofloxacin (CIP) by a 1:1 ratio of fish scale and pine needle co-pyrolyzed biochar (FS-PNBC1) reached 27.97 mg/g. The adsorption properties such as thermodynamics, kinetics, isothermal adsorption, and adsorption factors were investigated by batch experiments. The results indicate that FS-PNBC exhibits a significantly large specific surface area, abundant pore structure, and a high level of porosity. After approximately 180 min, adsorption equilibration was achieved in a pH=4 solution. The kinetic data was well-matched with a quasi-second-order model, suggesting that chemisorption plays a role in the adsorption process. Isothermal adsorption and thermodynamic results indicate that the adsorption of CIP by biochar is more consistent with the Freundlich model, which suggests multilayered non-homogeneous phase adsorption and an exothermic entropy-increasing reaction capable of proceeding spontaneously. FS-PNBC contains oxygen-containing functional groups, and through FTIR analysis, it was observed that hydrogen bonding, π-π bonding, and electrostatic interaction are closely linked to adsorption. This study demonstrates that biochar produced through the co-pyrolysis of fish scale and pine needle has the potential to serve as an efficacious adsorbent for extracting ciprofloxacin from wastewater.

Geopolymers, which are environmentally friendly materials with aluminosilicates as raw materials, are expected to replace cement in construction materials. Here, the effect of fumed silica (FS) on the properties of metakaolin (MK)-based geopolymer materials was investigated with MK, sodium silicate, and potassium silicate as the main raw materials; their microstructures were characterized, and their performance was tested. The geopolymer's compressive strength, particle size, and curing characteristics were measured with X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy for microstructural analysis. The total dissolved solids (TDS) method was employed to study the geopolymer and evaluate the effect of the resulting gel products on TDS. The results revealed that the strength of 4% FS could reach 56.3MPa after 7 days of incorporation, and the strength increased by 20% and 12% compared with the 0% and 2% groups, respectively. Meanwhile, studying the microstructure of kaolin revealed that the best mechanical and physical properties were obtained when kaolin was calcined at 700°C. In addition, the mixture of alkaline activators increased the reactivity of MK, and the mixed alkaline-excited geopolymer from sodium silicate and potassium silicate exhibited enhanced matrix strength properties compared to the single alkaline activators. Overall, the inclusion of the FS material resulted in the optimization of the mechanical properties, confirming the improvement in the mechanical properties.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory malady that predominantly affects the joints. Emerging evidence highlights the perturbation of intestinal microflora and its resultant metabolites as potential instigators of disruptions within the "gut-joint axis". These disruptions subsequently trigger localized or systemic immune responses, culminating in joint inflammation and consequent impairment. While the efficacy of natural compounds in managing RA has been increasingly recognized, the precise mechanisms underlying their actions within the 'gut-joint axis' remain incompletely elucidated. The primary objective of this comprehensive investigation is to assess the effects of the intestinal barrier, gut microbiota, and metabolites on the pathogenesis of RA. Moreover, it aims to delineate the mechanisms through which natural products exert their therapeutic effects on the treatment of RA, all within the framework of the 'gut-joint axis'.

Wugen decoction, a classic traditional Chinese medical diet, is widely used to prevent influenza A virus infection in China. However, the principal effective ingredients and potential mechanism of Wugen decoction remain unclear. Therefore, a systemic analysis-based approach combined with molecular docking and network pharmacology is used to elucidate the molecular mechanism of Wugen decoction in prevention of influenza A. The efficient bioactive and potential targets of Wugen decoction are initially retrieved from public databases and relevant references. To further analyze the core targets, a protein-protein interaction network is investigated through cluster screening, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analysis, and Gene Ontology analysis. Then the binding behaviors between crucial bioactive ingredients and core targets are obtained via molecular docking. Quercetin, stigmasterol, beta-sitosterol, genistein, oxalic acid, and daidzein with higher degrees are collected and screened from the “Herb-Ingredients” network. Meanwhile, AKT1, IL1B, IL6, INS, TNF, and VEGFA are identified from cluster screening and topological investigation. The coincident targets are primarily concentrated to biological processes including hydrogen peroxide, cellular response to synapse, and molecular function to cysteine-type endopeptidase activity involved in tumor necrosis factor receptor binding. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis manifests that the signaling pathways related to influenza A prevention are closely associated with tumor necrosis factor receptor binding, RNA polymerase II sequence-specific DNA binding transcription factor binding, and protein phosphatase binding. Molecular docking results highlight that the effective ingredients can spontaneously bind with the core targets. In all, the present research comprehensively illustrates the potential mechanism of Wugen decoction against influenza A virus infection with the ‘multicomponent-multitarget-multipathway’ mode. This research also provides an effective approach to uncover the scientific basis of Wugen decoction within food and health care industries.

In this study, we employed network pharmacology and molecular docking techniques, complemented by experimental validation, to assess the pharmacodynamic effects of tenghuang jiangu wan (THJGW) in the context of osteoporosis (OP) treatment. Our investigation delineated the underlying mechanism of action. To simulate clinical postmenopausal osteoporosis, we used a rat model of bilateral ovary removal. Through assessment of bone mineral density, bone microstructure, histological examination of bone tissues and evaluation of biochemical markers, it was confirmed that THJGW can effectively increase the number of bone trabeculae in ovx rats and improve structural damage. In addition, it has a significant protective effect on bone turnover, thereby demonstrating its therapeutic potential for OP. Furthermore, using bioinformatics analysis, we predicted that THJGW could modulate various processes in vivo. These include the regulation of inflammatory responses, growth factors, steroid hormone levels, biosynthetic pathways, and effects on lipids and atherosclerosis. Additionally, we investigated its role in the lipid and atherosclerosis signaling pathway. By activating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and concurrently inhibiting the Axin2/PPAR-γ signaling pathway, THJGW promotes the proliferation and differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells into osteoblasts, reduces adipocyte production, and enhances bone formation. This dual mechanism underscores their preventive and therapeutic potential against OP. This study provides valuable scientific insights and a robust theoretical foundation for the clinical use of THJGW.

Deer hide gelatin (DHG) is a food and pharmaceutical product derived from deer hide. However, the identifying the subspecies origin of red deer in the DHG still poses challenges. This study describes a novel approach for identifying DHG derived from Tarim red deer. It employs labeled peptides specific to species-specific proteins found in Tarim red deer. Species-specific proteins of Tarim red deer were identified and validated using proteomic techniques. A peptide derived from a specific protein of Tarim red deer was synthesized and employed for the development of the liquid chromatography multiplex reaction monitoring mass spectroscopy method. The capability of this method was evaluated using homemade gelatin for testing purposes. Proteomic analysis revealed the presence of a diverse range of proteins in the skin of the Tarim red deer, including Ig-like and serpin domain-containing proteins. The peptide derived from the species-specific Ig-like domain-containing protein of Tarim red deer demonstrated exceptional specificity towards DHG. Standard Pep-1 solutions were examined at a concentration of 1 × 10⁻⁴ mg/mL using liquid chromatography multiplex reaction monitoring mass spectrometry. DHG from Tarim red deer could be accurately detected using this technology. The effectiveness of the synthetic Tarim red deer-specific peptide in enhancing motor function and neuromuscular coordination was confirmed through assessment of glutathione content and superoxide dismutase activity, as well as Drosophila climbing assay and "Smurf test". The method developed in this study could improve the quality control of DHG from Tarim red deer and the development of health products and could also be applied to the identification of other foods and drugs containing protein components.

The current study aims to assess the risk in humans due to six heavy metals, namely zinc, iron, copper, cadmium, arsenic, and lead, present in the tanker water supplied in the rural area of Bangalore called Kudlu village. Water samples were analyzed for a total period of 18 months between September 2021 to February 2023. Physicochemical and microbiological parameters were assessed for the collected water samples that included 04 tanker water and 01 purified water. Chlorine, pH, alkalinity, cyanuric acid, total hardness, conductivity, temperature, sodium, potassium, total dissolved solids, calcium, and magnesium was taken into consideration. Further bacteriological contamination by E.coli was also tested. Water Quality Indices were calculated based on these parameters. Water quality indices of the tanker water samples indicated that the quality of water was not suitable for drinking. The indices like exposure frequency, Hazard coefficient, carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks were calculated for both adults and infants for these heavy metals. The results indicated that the heavy metal concentration observed during the studied time period poses no risk to human health.

Objectives

The topic of the relationship between analgesia and cancer recurrence inoncology surgery is a subject of debate in the field. Administering analgesic drugs after breast cancer surgery could potentially impact the long-term outcomes for patients. During breast cancer surgery, DEX, a potent α2 adrenergic receptoragonist, is often administered as an analgesic. Despite its common use, the analgesic effect of DEX and its potential impact on the progression of breast cancer remain uncertain.

Methods

To investigate the impact of DEX on breast cancer cells, cells exposed to DEX were collected and analyzed through cell apoptosis detection and synchrotron radiation micro-infrared spectroscopy.

Results

Following DEX treatment, the absorption peaks of MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cell lines showed significant redshift at 1230–1250 cm⁻¹ and 1380–1420 cm⁻¹ bands (p<0.05). The absorption peak in the 1500–1700 cm⁻¹ band decreased (p<0.05), while the 2910–2990 cm⁻¹ absorption peak increased, along with other apoptotic characteristics (p<0.05). Our cell experiment results demonstrated that DEX was capable of protecting cell immunity via the down-regulation of TLR-4 receptor and effectively hindered the growth of breast cancer cells.

Conclusion

The cell and spectrum experiments' results indicate that DEX can encourage tumor cell apoptosis. These findings suggest that DEX is safe to use for breast cancer surgery and pain management.