Search

Biochar could reshape microbial communities, thereby altering methylmercury (MeHg) concentrations in rice rhizosphere and seeds. However, it remains unclear whether and how biochar amendment perturbs microbe-mediated MeHg production in mercury (Hg) contaminated paddy soil. Here, we used pinecone-derived biochar and its six modified biochars to reveal the disturbance. Results showed that selenium- and chitosan-modified biochar significantly reduced MeHg concentrations in the rhizosphere by 85.83% and 63.90%, thereby decreasing MeHg contents in seeds by 86.37% and 75.50%. The two modified bicohars increased the abundance of putative Hg-resistant microorganisms Bacillus , the dominant microbe in rhizosphere. These reductions about MeHg could be facilitated by biochar sensitive microbes such as Oxalobacteraceae and Subgroup_7. Pinecone-derived biochar increased MeHg concentration in rhizosphere but unimpacted MeHg content in seeds was observed. This biochar decreased the abundance in Bacillus but enhanced in putative Hg methylator Desulfovibrio. The increasing MeHg concentration in rhizosphere could be improved by biochar sensitive microbes such as Saccharimonadales and Clostridia. Network analysis showed that Saccharimonadales and Clostridia were the most prominent keystone taxa in rhizosphere, and the three biochars manipulated abundances of the microbes related to MeHg production in rhizosphere by those biochar sensitive microbes. Therefore, selenium- and chitosan-modified biochar could reduce soil MeHg production by these microorganisms, and is helpful in controlling MeHg contamination in rice. [Display omitted] • Effects of six modified biochars on the enrichment of MeHg in rice were compared • Selenium and chitosan modified biochars greatly reduced MeHg contents in rice. • Bacillus altered soil MeHg production by MeHg degradation under biochar amendment. • Saccharimonadales and Clostridia could increase MeHg contents in rhizosphere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over 3000 mercury (Hg)-contaminated sites worldwide contain liquid metallic Hg [Hg(0) l ] representing a continuous source of elemental Hg(0) in the environment through volatilization and solubilization in water. Currently, there are few effective treatment technologies available to remove or sequester Hg(0) l in situ. We investigated sonochemical treatments coupled with complexing agents, polysulfide and sulfide, in oxidizing Hg(0) l and stabilizing Hg in water, soil and quartz sand. Results indicate that sonication is highly effective in breaking up and oxidizing liquid Hg(0) l beads via acoustic cavitation, particularly in the presence of polysulfide. Without complexing agents, sonication caused only minor oxidation of Hg(0) l but increased headspace gaseous Hg(0) g and dissolved Hg(0) aq in water. However, the presence of polysulfide essentially stopped Hg(0) volatilization and solubilization. As a charged polymer, polysulfide was more effective than sulfide in oxidizing Hg(0) l and subsequently stabilizing the precipitated metacinnabar (β-HgS) nanocrystals. Sonochemical treatments with sulfide yielded incomplete oxidation of Hg(0) l , likely resulting from the formation of HgS coatings on the dispersed µm-size Hg(0) l bead surfaces. Sonication with polysulfide also resulted in rapid oxidation of Hg(0) l and precipitation of HgS in quartz sand and in the Hg(0) l -contaminated soil. This research indicates that sonochemical treatment with polysulfide could be an effective means in rapidly converting Hg(0) l to insoluble HgS precipitates in water and sediments, thereby preventing its further emission and release to the environment. We suggest that future studies are performed to confirm its technical feasibility and treatment efficacy for remediation applications. [Display omitted] • Sonochemical oxidation and stabilization of liquid elemental mercury [Hg(0) l ] are evaluated in water and soil. • Sonication promotes the breakup and oxidation of Hg(0) l beads via acoustic cavitation. • Sonication coupled with polysulfide prevents Hg(0) l solubilization and volatilization loss. • Polysulfide is more effective than sulfide in sonochemical oxidation of Hg(0) l and formation of HgS nanocrystals. • Sonochemical treatment offers a potentially effective means for rapidly converting Hg(0) l to HgS in water and soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anaerobic activated sludge is rich in humic substances and water, leading to significant differences in the stability of metagenomic DNA and metatranscriptomic RNA. Thus, it is of great difficulty to exact high-quality and high-yield DNA and RNA from them, especially those cultured at a wide range of temperatures. Here, we established fast and effective DNA and RNA extraction methods based on current commercial kits. The modified methods combined liquid nitrogen grinding with kits, achieving notable improvements in concentrations, yields, purity and integrities for both DNA and RNA. The ratios of OD260/280 of the metagenomic DNA were between 1.81 ± 0.03 and 1.83 ± 0.02, while OD260/280 and OD260/230 of the metatranscriptomic RNA ranged from 1.96 ± 0.01 to 2.13 ± 0.03 and from 1.94 ± 0.02 to 2.30 ± 0.03 respectively. Metagenomic DNA and metatranscriptomic RNA obtained by the modified methods perfectly met the requirements of second- and third-generation sequencing, providing valuable reference for extracting high-quality metagenomic DNA and metatranscriptomic RNA from environmental samples of high water content and humic substances under temperatures ranging from 18 °C to 52 °C. • Liquid nitrogen grinding combined with kits generated high-quality DNA/RNA. • DNA/RNA extracted improved greatly in concentration, yield, purity and integrity. • The methods are suitable for sludge at a wide range of temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Acetoclastic pathway was most important in low-temperature MES. • Methahnosarcina and Methanothrix were enriched in DC and SC reactor, respectively. • Electroactive bacteria Syntrophomonas , Pseudomonas and Bacteroides were dominated. • The single-chamber MES achieve acetate to acetyl-CoA by acetate-CoA ligase. • The dual-chamber MES was by acetate kinase and phosphate acetyltransferase. In this study, single-chamber and dual-chamber Microbial electrosynthesis (MES) with carbon fiber brushes as electrodes were operated at 15°C to compare and analyze the difference in methanogenic performance. Metatranscriptomic analysis showed that the relative abundance of electroactive microorganisms Syntrophomonas , Pseudomonas and Bacteroides in each group exceeded 90%, while the abundance of Geobacter was less than 4%. Acetoclastic methanogens Methahnosarcina was more enriched in dual-chamber MES (61.74%~70.42%), and Methanothrix showed higher abundance in single-chamber MES (33.44%~51.71%). Methahnosarcina and Methanothrix could interact with electroactive microorganisms to improve the electron transfer efficiency through direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET). Analysis of the methane metabolic pathways of low-temperature MES found acetoclastic pathway was domination, and single-chamber MES achieved acetate to acetyl-CoA through acetate-CoA ligase (EC: 6.2.1.1), whereas dual-chamber MES was by acetate kinase (EC: 2.7.2.1) and phosphate acetyltransferase (EC: 2.3.1.8). These results are beneficial to further research on the treatment of low-temperature wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypertension is a leading risk factor for developing kidney disease. Current single-target antihypertensive drugs are not effective for hypertensive nephropathy, in part due to its less understood mechanism of pathogenesis. We recently showed that QiShenYiQi (QSYQ), a component-based cardiovascular Chinese medicine, is also effective for ischemic stroke. Given the important role of the brain-heart-kidney axis in blood pressure control, we hypothesized that QSYQ may contribute to blood pressure regulation and kidney protection in Dahl salt-sensitive hypertensive rats. The therapeutic effects of QSYQ on blood pressure and kidney injury in Dahl salt-sensitive rats fed with high salt for 9 weeks were evaluated by tail-cuff blood pressure monitoring, renal histopathological examination and biochemical indicators in urine and serum. RNA-seq was conducted to identify QSYQ regulated genes in hypertensive kidney, and RT-qPCR, immunohistochemistry, and Western blotting analysis were performed to verify the transcriptomics results and validate the purposed mechanisms. QSYQ treatment significantly decreased blood pressure in Dahl salt-sensitive hypertensive rats, alleviated renal tissue damage, reduced renal interstitial fibrosis and collagen deposition, and improved renal physiological function. RNA-seq and subsequent bioinformatic analysis showed that the expression of ADRA1D and SIK1 genes were among the most prominently altered by QSYQ in salt-sensitive hypertensive rat kidney. RT-qPCR, immunohistochemistry and Western blotting results confirmed that the mRNA and protein expression levels of alpha-1D adrenergic receptor (ADRA1D) in the kidney tissue of the QSYQ-treated rats were markedly down-regulated, while the mRNA and protein levels of salt inducible kinase 1 (SIK1) were significantly increased. QSYQ not only lowered blood pressure, but also alleviated renal damage via reducing the expression of ADRA1D and increasing the expression of SIK1 in the kidney of Dahl salt-sensitive hypertensive rats. [Display omitted] • A first report that a compont-based Chinese medicine QiShenYiQi is effective against hypertension. • QSYQ not only lowers salt-induced high blood pressure, but also ameliorates the sequential kidney injury. • Coordinated ADRA1D downregulation and SIK1 upregulation as a mechanism of renal protection by QSYQ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The identification of dominant microbes in anaerobic mercury (Hg) methylation, methylmercury (MeHg) demethylation, and methane oxidation as sulfate-reducing bacteria, methanogens or, probably, anaerobic methanotrophic archaea (ANMEs) is of great interest. To date, however, the interrelationship of bacteria and archaea involved in these processes remains unclear. Here, we demonstrated the dynamics of microorganisms participating in these processes. Anaerobic fixed-bed reactors were operated with swine manure and sludge to produce methane stably, and then, sulfate (reactor C), sulfate and Hg(II) (reactor H), and sulfate and MeHg (reactor M) were added, and the reactors were operated for 120 d, divided equally into four periods, P1–P4. The bacterial compositions changed nonsignificantly, whereas Methanosaeta in reactors H and M decreased significantly, revealing that it was irrelevant for Hg transformation. The abundances of Syntrophomonadaceae , Methanoculleus , Candidatus Methanogranum and Candidatus Methanoplasma increased continuously with time; these species probably functioned in these processes, but further evidence is needed. Desulfocella and Desulfobacterium dominated first but eventually almost vanished, while the dominant archaeal genera Methanogenium , Methanoculleus and Methanocorpusculum were closely related to ANME–1 and ANME–2. PLS-DA results indicated that both bacteria and archaea in different periods in the three reactors were clustered separately, implying that the microbial compositions in the same periods were similar and changed markedly with time. [Display omitted] • Methanosaeta decreased significantly after adding Hg and was unrelated to Hg transformation. • Desulfocella and Desulfobacterium dominated first but finally almost vanished. • The dominant archaeal genera were closely related to ANME–1 and ANME–2. • Microbes in different periods clustered separately, showing a significant change with time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Methylators were dominating in rice rhizosphere, rather than the bulk soil. • Hg-promoted methylators are key taxa in the rhizosphere at the flowering stage. • In planta demethylation and methylation in rice roots are possible. • Desulfovibrionaceae may play an important role in Hg detoxification of rice. The plant microbiota can affect plant health and fitness by promoting methylmercury (MeHg) production in paddy soil. Although most well-known mercury (Hg) methylators are observed in the soil, it remains unclear how rice rhizosphere assemblages alter MeHg production. Here, we used network analyses of microbial diversity to identify bulk soil (BS), rhizosphere (RS) and root bacterial networks during rice development at Hg gradients. Hg gradients greatly impacted the niche-sharing of taxa significantly relating to MeHg/THg, while plant development had little effect. In RS networks, Hg gradients increased the proportion of MeHg-related nodes in total nodes from 37.88% to 45.76%, but plant development enhanced from 48.59% to 50.41%. The module hub and connector in RS networks included taxa positively (Nitrososphaeracea, Vicinamibacteraceae and Oxalobacteraceae) and negatively (Gracilibacteraceae) correlating with MeHg/THg at the blooming stage. In BS networks, Deinococcaceae and Paludibacteraceae were positively related to MeHg/THg, and constituted the connector at the reviving stage and the module hub at the blooming stage. Soil with an Hg concentration of 30 mg kg−1 increased the complexity and connectivity of root microbial networks, although microbial community structure in roots was less affected by Hg gradients and plant development. As most frequent connector in root microbial networks, Desulfovibrionaceae did not significantly correlate with MeHg/THg, but was likely to play an important role in the response to Hg stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some thiols, such as cysteine (CYS) at moderate concentrations (10–500 µM), can enhance methylmercury (MeHg) formation by Geobacter sulfurreducens PCA, whereas others such as dithiol 2,3-dimercaptopropanesulfonate (DMPS) and 2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) abolish mercury [Hg(II)] methylation. Little is known, however, about whether Hg(II) methylation could be enhanced or inhibited by the presence of mixed thiol ligands at low concentrations observed in the environment. Surprisingly we found that mixing CYS (1 µM) with DMPS (0.025–0.5 µM) or DMSA (0.025–1 µM) substantially increased MeHg production by 1.5–3.5-fold, compared to the no-thiol control, whereas complexation with a single DMPS, or DMSA, or CYS (1 µM) strongly inhibited Hg(II) methylation. Pre-equilibration between Hg(II) and thiols before the addition of cells was necessary to observe enhanced methylation. Spectroscopic analyses indicated the formation of mixed or heteroleptic coordinated Hg(II)-S 3 /S 4 complexes, which likely facilitated exchange of Hg(II) with cells and its uptake and internal transfer to the HgcAB proteins required for methylation. These results suggest that the effects of thiols on Hg(II) methylation were more complex than previously thought (using a single thiol) and thus underscore the importance of understanding how mixed thiols and their interactions with Hg(II) may ultimately influence MeHg production in the natural environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• REEs in clay-sized fractions (CSFs) of sedimentary rocks were quantified. • Iron oxides and phyllosilicates were main REE hosts in CSFs of parent materials. • CSFs were REE sinks during carbonate rock weathering, with 2–3.8-fold enrichment. • REE patterns in CSFs recorded weathering for carbonate rock derived soils. • REEs in CSFs indicated provenance for clastic rocks derived soils. Rare earth elements (REEs) have gained attention as tracers of pedogenic processes over the last few decades. Clay-sized fractions (CSFs, < 2 μm) may play a crucial role in hosting REEs. To better understand the pedochemical signals of REEs in clay-sized phases, such as iron oxides and phyllosilicates, we analyzed REE speciation in CSFs of carbonate rocks (limestone), clastic rocks (sandstone and shale), and their derived saprolites. Our results quantified the REE content (41.2–144.6 mg kg−1) and speciation in CSFs of parent materials, revealing that REEs were primarily hosted in amorphous iron oxides (Fe ox1), followed by crystalline iron oxides (Fe ox2) and phyllosilicates. Compared to parent materials, saprolites derived from carbonate rocks exhibited more than a two-fold enrichment of REEs in major clay-sized phases, confirming the role of CSFs as REE sinks during carbonate rock weathering. Furthermore, the initial REE patterns of CSFs of carbonate rocks underwent alteration throughout the weathering process, likely due to water–mineral interactions. Our findings suggest that REEs in CSFs record the weathering fingerprint for soils derived from carbonate rocks, while they are indicative of provenance for soils originating from clastic rocks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lead (Pb) is a widespread highly toxic and persistent environmental pollutant. Plant leaves play a key role in accumulating atmospheric Pb, but its distribution in different cells and subcellular structures and the factors affecting it have been little studied. Here, Tillandsia usneoides , an indicator plant for atmospheric heavy metals, was treated with an aerosol generation device to analyze Pb contents in different cells (three types of cells in leaf surface scales, epidermal cells, mesophyll cells, vascular bundle cells), subcellular structures (cell wall, cell membrane, vacuoles, and organelles) and cell wall components (pectin, hemicellulose 1 and 2, and cellulose). Results show the different cells of T. usneoides leaves play distinct roles in the process of Pb retention. The outermost wing cells are structures that capture external pollutants, while mesophyll cells, as the aggregation site after material transport, ring cells, disc cells, epidermal cells, and vascular cells are material transporters. Pb was only detected in the cell wall and pectin, indicating the cell wall was the dominant subcellular structure for Pb retention, while pectin was the main component affecting Pb retention. FTIR analysis of cell wall components indicated the esterified carboxyl (C O) functional group in pectin may function in absorbing Pb. Pb entered leaf cells mainly in the form of low toxicity and activity to enhance its resistance. [Display omitted] • Plant leaves are important atmospheric Pb sinks. • Different types of cells play different roles in Pb retention. • Cell wall is the main subcellular structure affecting atmospheric Pb retention. • Pectin is the main component affecting Pb retention in cell wall. • C O functional group is the main component affecting Pb retention in pectin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The methanogenic performance was better when the applied voltage was 0.8 V. • Clostrodium and Methanosaeta were the most dominant microbial populations. • MES-Cathode was more tolerant to the effects of higher NH 4 +-N concentration. • CH 4 was produced mainly via hydrogenotrophic methanogenic pathway in MES-Cathode. • MES produced CH 4 via SOAB, hydrogenotrophic archaea if acetoclastic pathway curbed. Microbial electrosynthesis (MES) has great potential for energy and resource recovery in wastewater treatment and has therefore gradually become a popular research topic. In this study, MES with an applied voltage (0.6 V, 0.8 V and 1.0 V) significantly improved biogas production (36.0 %, 52.3 %, and 59.1 %, respectively) compared with the control (without electrodes). Analysis of microbial community structure revealed that Clostridium and Methanosaeta had the highest relative abundance in all reactors. The abundances of Acetivibrio and Geobacter dominated the bioanode, and methane production was mainly mediated by the acetoclastic methanogenic pathway. On the biocathode, the abundances of Methanolinea and Methanothermobacter were higher than those of other microbes, and methane was produced primarily through the hydrogenotrophic methanogenic pathway. When the acetoclastic methanogenic pathway in the biocathode was inhibited, MES could efficiently produce methane through other pathways. In addition, MES was more tolerant to the effects of high NH 4 +-N concentrations than anaerobic digestion (AD). These results suggest that applying voltage to the bioanode and biocathode could better improve the efficiency of methane production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Realizing accurate pesticide multiresidue detection in a complex matrix is still a challenge for point-of-care sensing methods. Herein, we introduced background-free and multicolor aptasensors based on bioorthogonal surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) tags and successfully applied them to analyze multiple pesticide residues. The excellent anti-interference and multiplex capability are due to the application of three bioorthogonal Raman reporters involving 4-ethenylbenzenamine (4-EBZM), Prussian blue (PB) and 2-amino-4-cyanopyridine (AMCP) with alkynyl and cyano groups, which demonstrated apparent Raman shift peaks at 1993 cm−1, 2160 cm−1, and 2264 cm−1 in the biologically Raman-silent region, respectively. Ultimately, a detection range of 1–50 nM for acetamiprid, atrazine and malathion was achieved with detection limits of 0.39, 0.57 and 0.16 nM, respectively. The developed aptasensors were successfully used to determine pesticide residues in real samples. These proposed multicolor aptasensors offer an effective strategy for pesticide multiresidue detection with advantages of anti-interference, high specificity and high sensitivity. [Display omitted] • Aptasensors for Pesticide Multi-residues detection Using Bioorthogonal SERS tags. • Bioorthogonal tags demonstrated Raman peaks at 1993, 2160 and 2264 cm−1. • Aptasensors showed LODs of 0.39, 0.57 and 0.16 nM for three pesticides respectively. • Aptasensors were efficiently applied to detect pesticide multi-residues in real samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we propose an interference-free SERS-based aptasensor for trace detection of chlorpyrifos (CPF) in real samples. In the aptasensor, gold nanoparticles coated with Prussian blue (Au@PB NPs) were employed as SERS tags to provide a sole and intense Raman emission at 2160 cm−1, which could avoid overlapping with the Raman spectrum of the real samples in 600–1800 cm−1 to improve the anti-matrix effect ability of the aptasensor. Under the optimum conditions, this aptasensor displayed a linear response for CPF detection in the range of 0.1–316 ng mL−1 with a low detection limit of 0.066 ng mL−1. In addition, the prepared aptasensor shows excellent application to determine CPF in cucumber, pear and river water samples. The recovery rates were highly correlated with high-performance liquid chromatography‒mass spectrometry (HPLC‒MS/MS). This aptasensor shows interference-free, specific and sensitive detection for CPF and offers an effective strategy for other pesticide residue detection. Interference-free SERS-based Aptasensor for Chlorpyrifos Detection. [Display omitted] • An interference-free SERS aptsensor for chlorpyrifos residue detection was firstly developed. • PB containing CN was used as Raman report with a sole Raman emission in Raman-silent region (1800-2800 cm−1). • The aptsensor showed a linear detection range of 0.1–316 ng mL−1 with a LOD of 0.031 ng mL−1. • The aptsensor was successfully appiled to detect chlorpyrifos in real samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous research has found total mercury (THg) and methylmercury (MeHg) levels increase with litterfall decay, thus suggesting litterfall decomposition plays an essential role in the biogeochemical transformation of mercury (Hg). However, it remains unclear how Hg accumulates in the decaying litter, how bacterial taxa networks vary and what roles various microorganisms play during litterfall decomposition, especially nitrogen (N)-fixing, MeHg-degrading and Hg-methylating microbes. Here, we demonstrated as degradation proceeded, a gradually-complex network evolved for litterfall bacteria for the subtropical mixed broadleaf-conifer (MBC) forest, whereas a relatively static network existed for the evergreen broadleaf (EB) forest. N-fixing and MeHg-degrading bacteria dominated throughout litterfall decomposition process, with relative abundances of N-fixing genera and nifH copies maximum and relative abundances of MeHg-degrading bacteria and merAB copies minimum in summer. Hence, N-fixing bacteria likely mediate THg increase in the decomposing litterfall, while MeHg enhancement may be regulated by aerobic MeHg-degrading microbes which can transform MeHg to inorganic divalent Hg (Hg2+) or further to elemental Hg (Hg0). Together, this work elucidates variations of N-fixing and MeHg-degrading microbes in decaying litterfall and their relationships with Hg accumulation, providing novel insights into understanding the biogeochemical cycle of Hg in the forest ecosystem. [Display omitted] • A gradually-complex network evolved for the decaying litterfall of MBC forest. • A relatively static network existed for the decomposing EB forest litterfall. • N-fixing bacteria may mediate the increase of THg levels in the decomposing litterfall. • MeHg enhancement is likely regulated by aerobic MeHg-degrading microbes. • Underlying soil is the source of litterfall THg, while MeHg is transported from litterfall to soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To strengthen mass heat transfer in dry fermentation and avoid the high shear forces breaking microbial flora. A reactor is designed to rotate itself instead of mechanical stirring. Its performance was verified by comparing it with the common stirring of dry digestion and wet digestion. The results showed that the designed reactor could effectively overcome the existing problems of stirring dry digestion. The total solids removal rate was up to 68.74%, which was 18% higher than that of wet digestion. Acetic acid and propionic acid were the main volatile fatty acids in dry digestion, and acetic acid and butyric acid were higher in wet digestion. The high diversity of fermentation bacteria integrated with hydrotrophic methanogens in the designed dry reactor resulted in its better performance. The information provided will be useful to research the anaerobic treatment of solid municipal waste. • A reactor used rotating instead of stirring was designed for dry fermentation. • The designed reactor performed well in the dry fermentation of kitchen waste. • More functional bacteria and hydrotrophic methanogens lead to good fermentation. • Methahnosarcina dominated in both designed dry reactor and common wet reactor. • Proteiniphilum and Enterococcus dominated in the designed reactor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The solubility of marbofloxacin in binary solvents was measured by a dynamic laser monitoring method. • Experimental data was correlated with the modified Apelblat, λh, and NRTL models. • A model proposed by Jain et al. was employed to estimate the fusion enthalpy of marbofloxacin. • The dissolution behavior of marbofloxacin in different binary solvent systems was discussed. • Ethanol + water solvent system is considered to be the most suitable crystallization reagent. Marbofloxacin (MAB) is a broad-spectrum veterinary antibacterial drug with the great application prospects. The solid-liquid equilibrium solubility of MAB in three kinds of aqueous binary solvent systems (ethanol + water, acetonitrile + water, and methanol + water) was determined between 283.15 and 323.15 K using a dynamic laser-monitoring method at atmospheric pressure. The experimental results revealed that the solubility of MAB increased with increasing temperature and mole fraction of water in the three binary solvent systems. The modified Apelblat, λh, and (non-random two-liquid) NRTL models were used to correlate the experimental data. For the ethanol + water system, the modified Apelblat model provided a better correlation with the experimental results than the other two models. However, for the acetonitrile + water and methanol + water systems, the most favorable correlation was obtained using the NRTL model. Furthermore, the van't Hoff equation was used to study the thermodynamic properties of MAB. The obtained solubility data and thermodynamic properties of MAB can provide theoretical guidance for selecting the appropriate solvent system for the reaction, crystallization, and purification of MAB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A mild ischemic stroke may cause both debilitating locomotor and cognitive decline, for which the mechanism is not fully understood, and no therapies are currently available. In this study, a nonfatal stroke model was constructed in mice by a modified middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) procedure, allowing an extended recovery period up to 28 days. The extended MCAO model successfully mimicked phenotypes of a recovery phase post-stroke, including locomotor motor and cognitive deficiencies, which were effectively improved after Shuxuening injection (SXNI) treatment. Tissue slices staining showed that SXNI repaired brain injury and reduced neuronal apoptosis, especially in the hippocampus CA3 region. Transcriptomics sequencing study revealed 565 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the ischemic brain after SXNI treatment. Integrated network pharmacological analysis identified Neurotrophin/Trk Signaling was the most relevant pathway, which involves 15 key genes. Related DEGs were further validated by RT-PCR. Western-blot analysis showed that SXNI reversed the abnormal expression of BDNF, TrkB, Mek3 and Jnk1after stroke. ELISA found that SXNI increased brain level of p-Erk and Creb. At sub-brain level, the expression of BDNF and TrkB was decreased and GFAP was increased on the hippocampal CA3 region in the post-stroke recovery phase and this abnormality was improved by SXNI. In vitro experiments also found that oxygen glucose deprivation reduced the expression of BDNF and TrkB, which was reversed by SXNI. In summary, we conclude that SXNI facilitates the recovery of cognitive and locomotor dysfunction by modulating Neurotrophin/Trk Signaling in a mouse model for the recovery phase of post-ischemic stroke. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]