Isolation, structure characterization, and immunomodulating activity of a hyperbranched polysaccharide from the fruiting bodies of Ganoderma sinense

A polysaccharide (GSP-6B) with a molecular mass of 1.86 × 10? Da was isolated from the fruiting bodies of Ganoderma sinense . Chemical composition analysis, methylation analysis, infrared spectroscopy, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy were conducted to elucidate its structure. GSP-6B contains a backbone of (1→6)-linked-β-D-glucopyranosyl residues, bearing branches at the O-3 position of every two sugar residues along the backbone. The side chains contain (1→4)-linked-β-D-glucopyranosyl residues, (1→3)-linked-β-D-glucopyranosyl residues, and nonreducing end β-D-glucopyranosyl residues. An in vitro immunomodulating activity assay revealed that GSP-6B could significantly induce the release of IL-1β and TNF-α in human peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) and showed no toxicity to either PBMC or a human macrophage cell line THP-1. GSP-6B could also activate dendritic cells (DC) by stimulating the secretion of IL-12 and IL-10 from DC.     

Short-term soil nutrient impact in a real-time drain field soil moisture–controlled SDI wastewater disposal system

The Alabama Black Belt area is widespread of Vertisols that are generally unsuitable for conventional septic systems; nonetheless, systems of this type have been widely used in this region for decades. In order to explore alternatives for these conventional septic systems, a real-time soil moisture–controlled subsurface drip irrigation wastewater disposal system was integrated and field tested in a Houston Vertisol for 1 year. This automated disposal system effectively limited wastewater disposal during unfavorably wet drain field conditions. However, the resulting nutrient supply into the drain field was observed to be in surplus to crop growth requirements. Soil cores taken at the conclusion of the 1-year study indicated evidence of nitrate and phosphorus leaching. Available nitrates in the top 100 cm of soil showed a decreasing trend but were higher than all other parallel controls. Soil crop-available phosphorous in the soil increased below the drip line, as result that may be ascribed to soil cracking that was not properly controlled at the test site. Despite the demonstrated deficiencies, integrating timing of wastewater disposal with soil moisture conditions can supplement existing municipal or decentralized community wastewater treatment disposal systems.     

Studies on composite filaments from nanoclay reinforced polypropylene

The development of high tenacity, high modulus monofilaments from Polypropylene/Clay nanocomposite has been investigated. Pure sodium montmorillonite nanoclay was modified using hexadecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (HTAB) via an ion exchange reaction. Pure and modified clay were characterized through X-ray diffraction, FTIR and TGA. The modified clay was melt blended with polypropylene (PP) in presence of a swelling agent. Composite filaments from PP/Clay nanocomposite were prepared at different weight percentages of nanoclay and the spinning and drawing conditions were optimized. The filaments were characterized for their mechanical, morphological and thermal properties. The composite PP filaments with modified clay showed improved tensile strength, modulus and reduced elongation at break. The composite filaments with unmodified clay did not show any improvement in tensile strength but the modulus improved. The sharp and narrow X-ray diffraction peaks of PP/nanoclay composite filaments indicate increase in crystallinity in presence of modified clay at small loadings (0.5%). The improved thermal stability was observed in filaments with modified as well as unmodified clays.     

Speciation of heavy metals in garden soils: evidences from selective and sequential chemical leaching

Purpose  

Gardening (especially food growing) in urban areas is becoming popular, but urban soils are often very contaminated for historical reasons. There is lack of sufficient information as to the bioavailability of soil heavy metals to plants and human in urban environments. This study examines the relative leachability of Cr, Ni, As, Cd, Zn, and Pb for soils with varying characteristics. The speciation and mobility of these metals can be qualitatively inferred from the leaching experiments. The goal is to use the data to shed some light on their bioavailability to plant and human, as well as the basis for soil remediation.     

Characterization of codon-optimized recombinant candida rugosa lipase 5 (LIP5)

Recombinant Candida rugosa lipase 5 (LIP5) has been functionally expressed along with other isoforms in our laboratory. However, the characterization and codon optimization of LIP5 have not been done. In this work, we characterized, codon-optimized and compared LIP5 with commercial lipase. LIP5 activity on hydrolysis of p-nitrophenyl (p-NP) butyrate was optimal at 55 °C as compared with 37 °C of the commercial lipase. Several assays were also performed to determine the substrate specificity of LIP5. p-NP butyrate (C(4)), butyryl-CoA (C(4)), cholesteryl laurate (C(12)), and N-carbobenzoxy-l-tyrosine-p-nitrophenyl ester (l-NBTNPE) were found as preferred substrates of LIP5. Interestingly, LIP5 specificity on hydrolysis of amino acid-derivative substrates was shown to be the highest among any lipase isoforms, but it had very weak preference on hydrolyzing triacylglycerol substrates. LIP5 also displays a pH-dependent maximum activity of a lipase but an esterase substrate preference in general. The characterization of LIP5 along with that of LIP1-LIP4 previously identified shows that each lipase isoform has a distinct substrate preference and catalytic activity.     

Biocontrol agents to manage brown rot disease on cherry

European Journal of Plant Pathology - This review focuses on biological control as a management strategy for brown rot disease on cherry. Specifically, the strain Monilina laxa as much of the...     

Changes in the nutrient composition of potatoes during home preparation: I. Proximate composition

The effects of various home cooking methods on the proximate composition of four potato varieties were investigated. The results revealed significant increases in the dry matter content of tubers during oven-baking and microwave cooking. With one exception, cooking unpeeled tubers in boiling water did not significantly alter their proximate composition. Boiling peeled tubers resulted in a significant decrease in the total ash content. Except for one variety, there was a significant decrease in crude fiber in boiled peeled and oven-baked potatoes. Changes in protein values were erratic.