A study on the processing technology for Rhizoma Coptidis

Background The present study intends to optimize the processing technology for the wine-processing of Rhizoma Coptidis, using alkaloids as indicators. Method In the present study, the Box–Behnken design method was adopted to optimize the processing technology for Rhizoma Coptidis, using the alkaloid component quantities as the index. 100 g of Rhizoma Coptidis slices and 12.5 g of Rhizoma Coptidis wine were used. After full mixing, box-Behnken design method was used to optimize the processing time, processing temperature and processing time of coptis chinensis by taking alkaloid content as index. After mixing well, these components were fried in a container at 125 °C for 6 min and exhibited good parallelism. Results The content of alkaloids in coptis chinensis was the highest after roasting at 125 °C for 6 min. The characteristic components were berberine hydrochloride, and the relative content was about 15.96%. And showed good parallelism. The effective components of Rhizoma Coptidis were primarily alkaloids. Conclusion The optimized processing technology for Rhizoma Coptidis is good.

Bacterial Diversity, Organic Acid, and Flavor Analysis of Dacha and Ercha Fermented Grains of Fen Flavor Baijiu

Fen flavor Baijiu needs two rounds of fermentation, which will obtain Dacha after initial fermentation and Ercha after secondary fermentation. The quality of Baijiu is closely related to the microbes within fermented grains. However, the bacterial diversity in Dacha and Ercha fermented grains of Fen flavor Baijiu has not been reported. In the present study, the structure and diversity of bacteria communities within fermented grains of Fen flavor Baijiu were analyzed and evaluated using MiSeq platform’s HTS with a sequencing target of the V3-V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene. Through the analysis of physical and chemical indexes and electronic senses, the relationship between bacterial flora, organic acid, taste, and aroma in fermented grains was clarified. The results indicated that Lactobacillus was the main bacteria in Dacha, and the mean relative content was 97.53%. The bacteria within Ercha samples were Pseudomonas and Bacillus, mean relative content was 37.16 and 28.02%, respectively. The diversity of bacterial communities in Ercha samples was significantly greater than that in Dacha samples. The correlation between Lactobacillus and organic acids, especially lactic acid, led to the difference between Dacha and Ercha organic acids, which also made the pH value of Dacha lower and the sour taste significantly higher than Ercha. Lactobacillus was significantly positively correlated with a variety of aromas, which made Dacha the response value of aromas higher. In addition, Bacillus had a significant positive correlation with bitterness and aromatic compounds, which led to a higher response value of bitterness in Ercha and made it present an aromatic aroma. This study provides an in-depth analysis of the difference between different stages of Fen flavor Baijiu, and theoretical support for the standard production and improvement in quality of Fen flavor Baijiu in the future.

Study of the Structural-Phase State of Pipeline Welded Metal

The issues of research of structural changes as applied to welded joints of steam pipelines are considered. The results of metallographic analysis of structural changes in the metal of steam pipelines are presented. There was carried out the analysis for a number of samples cut from different sections of the steam line at different operating time under creep and low-cycle fatigue conditions. In the analyzing process of the images of micro sections, the relative content of the structural-phase components and their distribution in the metal were revealed. A comparative analysis of the statistical characteristics of the distribution and the relative content of structural components for different sections of the metal of welded joints with different operating time is carried out. A scientifically substantiated description of structural changes in the metal of various sections of samples of welded joints is given, as well as the possibility of extending the service life of elements of steam pipelines with a degraded structure and the presence of damageability. The most promising, in the opinion of the authors, directions of further research of samples to provide conditions for extending the service life of steam pipelines have been formulated and substantiated.

INHIBITORY EFFICIENCY AND PHYSICOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF LIPIDS FROM LEAVES AND JUICE OF ALOE ARBORESCENS Mill.

The composition of lipids isolated from leaves and juice of A. arborescens (7 years ago) and the inhibitory efficiency of lipids from leaves of A. arborescens were studied. The phospholipid (PL) fractions were divided by means of TLC method. The quantitative proportion of PL fractions was determined by spectrophotometrically. The more substantial differences in the composition of PL from leaves and juice of A. arcorescens are revealed in the proportion of the more poorly oxidizable fractions of PL. The more low relative content of PL in the total lipid composition from leaves compared with than in lipids from juice, and shares of sterols are the same for lipids from leaves and juice cause 16% diminution of the molar ratio of [sterols]/[PL] in lipids from juice of A. arborescens. Lipids from leaves are known to characterize the high inhibitory efficiency that is demonstrated by model of the low temperature autoxidation of methyl oleate in the thin layer. Using UV-spectroscopy and the mathematic analysis of spectra by Gauss method the presence of the biologically active substances which contain in lipids was analysed. There are only flavonoids in the chloroform solution of lipids from juice and flavonoids and carotenoids in the small quantity in the chloroform solution of lipids from the leaves of A. arborescens.

Structural and functional state of blood lymphocytes in patients with infectious mononucleosis with different course

The article presents the results of our own studies. The aim was to determine the structural and functional status of blood lymphocytes in patients with acute and prolonged course of infectious mononucleosis (IM) in children. Materials and methods. 102 children were under clinical and laboratory-instrumental supervision, the children were divided into groups: group 1 – 65 children with IM with an acute course of the disease; group 2 – 37 children with a prolonged course of the disease. All children underwent standard clinical laboratory and instrumental laboratory examinations. The diagnosis of IM was confirmed by PCR (detection of EBV DNA in the blood) and ELISA (anti-EBV IgM and IgG). Research results. In the study of the structural state of the cytoplasmic membrane of the lymphocytes in the blood of patients with MI in the onset of the disease, it was found that the average values of penetration rate of the electron paramagnetic resonance of spin probes (PR EPR s. p.) in children of both groups were significantly higher than normal (P < 0.001). There are also differences between groups of patients. In this case, the value of PR EPR s. p. in patients with a prolonged course by 15.8 % exceeded those in patients with acute IM (P < 0.001). According to the rate of microviscosity of the intracellular content (MV IC), its values were reduced compared with the control – by 22.1 % (P < 0.001) in patients with acute course of the disease and by 25.1 % – with a prolonged course of IM). In addition, in patients with a prolonged course of the disease, the values were 9 % lower than in the group with acute infectious mononucleosis. When considering immunological parameters, it was found that the indicators of the T-immune system for patients with a prolonged course of the disease in comparison with the alternative group was characterized by a decrease in the content of CD3 <50 % (respectively in 51.3 % and 26.2 % of patients; P < 0.05); CD4 <31 % (62.1 % and 32.4 %, respectively; P < 0.05) and CD8 <15 % (37.8 % and 10.8 %, respectively; P < 0.01). With regard to the cytokine profile, the level of IL-1 <20.0 pg/ml was determined 3.5 times more often in patients with a prolonged course of the disease compared to the acute course (64.8 % and 18.5 % of patients, respectively); TNFα <20.0 pg/ml 1.9 times more often (48.6 % and 24.6 %, respectively) and a very high (>30.1 pg/ml) level of IL4 in 40.5 % and 20 %). From the B-system of immunity in patients with a prolonged course of IM in comparison with the acute course increased content of CD22 was more often determined, as well as low levels of IgA, IgM <1.1 g/l and IgG <10.0 g/l. Conclusions. According to the results of observations, the pathogenetic role of the violation of the structural organization of blood lymphocytes in the formation of IM is established. It was found that these disorders in the form of increased permeability of their cytoplasmic membrane and reduced viscoelastic properties of their intracellular environment are more pronounced with a prolonged course of the disease, which is a factor in the prolongation of the disease. It is determined that the indicators of cellular and humoral parts of the immune system affect the course of IM. During formation of an acute course of IM in children already in the acute period of a disease activation of both cellular and humoral links of immunity, which is shown in the form of increase in relative content of CD3+, CD4+, CD8+ and CD22+ and levels of immunoglobulins M, A, is noted. For the prolonged course of the disease depression of T-cell immunity in the form of a decrease in the relative content of CD3+, CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytes and an increase in CD22+, as well as inhibition of antibody genesis are characteristic. It was found that the variant of IM depends on the type of reaction of T-helper clones, namely – in the initial period of manifestation of IM with its acute course there is activation of T1 and T2 helper response, which manifests itself in a significant increase in IL-1, TNFα and moderate IL-4. Prolonged course of the disease is formed against the background of weak activation of pro-inflammatory interleukins (IL-1, TNFα) and significant – anti-inflammatory IL-4.

Preparation of Nano/Micro Bimodal Aluminum Powder by Electrical Explosion of Wires

Electrical explosion of aluminum wires has been shown to be a versatile method for the preparation of bimodal nano/micro powders. The energy input into the wire has been found to determine the relative content of fine and coarse particles in bimodal aluminum powders. The use of aluminum bimodal powders has been shown to be promising for the development of high flowability feedstocks for metal injection molding and material extrusion additive manufacturing.

EFFECT OF M2 MACROPHAGE-DERIVED SOLUBLE FACTORS ON DIFFERENTIATION OF SH-SY5Y CELLS

Macrophages play a key role in triggering and regulation of neuroregeneration. The characteristic feature of macrophages is pronounced plasticity, which manifests itself in the ability of macrophages to change their functional phenotype depending on the micromilieu. Apoptotic cell clearance (efferocytosis) is an important inducer of a macrophage polarization to M2 phenotype under pathological settings. Previously, we have developed an original protocol for the generation of M2-like macrophages, polarized by efferocytosis under serum-deprived conditions (M2 (LS), Low Serum). The present study was aimed to assess a neuroregenerative potential of M2 (LS) macrophages. We studied their effect on the differentiation of SH-SY5Y cells in comparison with retinoic acid (RA). As the morphological criteria of differentiation we have assessed the relative content of differentiated cells, i.e., cells with a neurite length exceeding the cell body length, and the average neurite length on days 3, 7, and 13. The ratio of neuron-like (N-type) and epithelial-like (S-type) cells in cultures was also assessed. SH-SY5Y cells were characterized by a low level of spontaneous differentiation, both under standard conditions (10% FBS) and serum deprivation (1% FBS). Upon RA treatment, SH-SY5Y cells stopped proliferating and underwent neuronal differentiation. Cultivation of SH-SY5Y cells in the presence of M2 (LS) conditioned medium also led to a significant increase in the relative content of differentiated cells, the average length of neurite-like processes, as well as a change in the balance of S- and N-type cells towards a pronounced predominance of the latter. The morphological features of differentiation were significantly less pronounced at early stage (day 3) of differentiation as compared with the RA-induced changes and reached the level of positive control only at later stages (day 13) (p < 0.05). In contrast to retinoic acid, M2 (LS) conditioned medium induced neuronal differentiation of SH-SY5Y cells without suppressing their proliferative activity. The data obtained may indicate a high neuroregenerative potential of M2 macrophages in vitro, which is realized through soluble factors and manifests itself in promoting SH-SY5Y differentiation.

FEATURES OF MONOCYTE POLARIZATION AT DIFFERENT OUTCOMES IN WOMEN WITH RECURRENT MISCARRIAGE

Currently, in the pathogenesis of recurrent miscarriage, a special role is given to immunological factors, in particular the role of innate immunity. The aim of the study was to assess the relative content of monocytes in the peripheral blood producing IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IFNγ, as well as to identify new criteria for predicting the outcome of pregnancy in women with the threat of early termination and recurrent miscarriage. Materials and methods. 88 pregnant women at 5-12 weeks’ gestation were examined, the main group consisted of 59 women with recurrent miscarriage and threatened miscarriage at the time of the study, the control group – 29 women with uncomplicated pregnancy without recurrent miscarriage. The main group, depending on the outcomes of pregnancy, was subdivided into subgroups: subgroup I – 42 women whose pregnancy ended in timely delivery, subgroup II – 8 women with preterm labor, subgroup III – 9 women with abortion up to 22 weeks (spontaneous miscarriage and non-developing pregnancy). In the control group, all women had a timely delivery. Research material – peripheral venous blood. The relative content of IL-4+, IL-6+, IL-10+, IFNγ+ monocytes was assessed on a FACSCanto II flow cytometer using monoclonal antibodies. Statistical data processing was carried out using a package of standard applied programs. Results. In the group of women with recurrent miscarriage and threatened miscarriage, the relative content of IL-10+ and IL-4+ monocytes was reduced and the content of IL-6+ monocytes was increased compared to the control group (p = 0.0001 in all cases). There were no statistically significant differences in the content of IFNγ+ monocytes in the compared groups (p = 0.069). With a relative content of IL-4+ monocytes equal to 26.7% or less, preterm labor is predicted. With a relative content of IL-10+ monocytes equal to 27.0% or less, abortion (spontaneous miscarriage or miscarriage) is predicted in gestational age up to 22 weeks. An increase in the ratio of IFNγ+/ IL-4+, IFNγ+/IL-10+, IL-6+/IL-4+, IL-6+/IL-10+ monocytes was found in the main group (p < 0.0001 in all cases ). Conclusions. In women with recurrent miscarriage in all subgroups, the level of M1 monocytes prevailed over the level of M2 monocytes. The data obtained allowed the development of new prognostic criteria for termination of pregnancy up to 22 weeks and premature birth.

Рrediction of the outcome of pregnancy in women with reccurent miscarriage

To determine the relative content of monocytes in the peripheral blood producing IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IFNγ, to identify new criteria for predicting abortion before 22 weeks of gestation in women with the threat of early termination and recurrent miscarriage. Materials and methods. A survey of 91 women in the gestation period of 5-12 weeks was carried out. The main group consisted of 59 women with recurrent miscarriage and the threat of early termination at the time of the study. Depending on the outcome of pregnancy, the main group was subdivided into 3 subgroups: subgroup I - 44 women whose pregnancy ended in timely delivery, II - 8 women who had preterm labor, III - 8 women with termination of pregnancy up to 22 weeks ( missed pregnancy or spontaneous miscarriage). The control group consisted of 32 women with uncomplicated pregnancy. The relative content of IL-4 +, IL-6 +, IL-10 +, IFNγ + monocytes was determined by flow cytometry on FACSCanto II (Becton Dickinson, USA). In women with threatened early miscarriage and recurrent miscarriage, the percentage of IL-4 + and IL-10 + cells in the population of peripheral monocytes is significantly lower, while IL-6 + cells are higher compared to the control group (p = 0.0001 in in all cases), no statistically significant differences were found in the percentage of IFNγ + cells (p = 0.076). A retrospective analysis revealed that in the group of women with termination of pregnancy up to 22 weeks, there was a significant decrease in IL-10 + monocytes in the peripheral venous blood. Prediction of termination of pregnancy before 22 weeks of gestation is possible with a relative content of IL-10 + monocytes equal to 27.0% or less (sensitivity 87.5%, specificity 95.2%, accuracy 93.1%).