We optimized the conditions of mixed fermentation of very high gravity ethanol with cassava flour and sugarcane juice. Based on the single factor experiment, we screened the important parameters for very high gravity ethanol fermentation with cassava flour and sugarcane juice by the Plackeet-burman design. Then, we obtained the optimum values of the important parameters by the orthogonal experiments: the mixing ratio of cassava flour to sugarcane juice, 1:5; initial pH of fermentation, 4.0-4.5; the concentrations of urea and MgSO4, 0.25% and 0.04% (W/W), respectively. Finally, we used a gradient temperature control strategy with the optimized conditions, and ethanol concentration of 17.84% (V/V) and fermentation efficiency of 91.82% were achieved, correspondingly.
Biofuels ; analysis ; Ethanol ; analysis ; metabolism ; Fermentation ; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration ; Manihot ; metabolism ; Powders ; Saccharum ; metabolism

Objective:To investigate the role and mechanism of PM(2.5)exposure on airway inflammation in juvenile rats based on macrophage recruitment induced by JNK/CCl2 signaling pathway.Methods:A total of 50 juvenile SD rats were randomly divided into 5 groups(n=10).The control group received no treatment,the PM(2.5)group received PM(2.5)particulate matter expo-sure,and the PM(2.5)+Anisomycin group received PM(2.5)exposure and Anisomycin,an activator of JNK,intravenously.Rats in the PM(2.5)+SP600125 group received PM(2.5)exposure and intravenous administration of the JNK inhibitor SP600125,and rats in the PM(2.5)+Pirfenidone group received PM(2.5)exposure and intravenous administration of Pirfenidone,a CCl2 inhibitor.The rats were euthanized and lung tissue was harvested.JNK,phosphorylated JNK(p-JNK)and CCl2 protein expressions were detected by Western blot.Hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining was used to detect the pathological changes of lung airway tissue and score the pulmo-nary bronchial inflammation.The number of macrophages in alveolar lavage fluid was analyzed by flow cytometry.The levels of IL-6,IL-1β,and TNF-α in alveolar lavage fluid were determined by ELISA.Results:The expression levels of JNK,p-JNK,and CCl2 among all groups(F=205.296,950.408,260.019;all P<0.001)and macrophage content(F=48.414;P<0.001),pulmonary bronchial inflammation score(F=101.703;P<0.001)and IL-6(H=44.890;P<0.001),IL-1β(H=42.071;P<0.001),TNF-α(F=297.154;P<0.001)were statistically significant.Compared with the control group,the expressions of JNK/CCl2 pathway proteins JNK,p-JNK,and CCl2 in PM(2.5)group were significantly up-regulated(all P<0.05),while the content of macrophages was increased(P<0.05),and the pulmonary and bronchial inflammation score was significantly increased(P<0.05).The levels of IL-6,IL-1β,and TNF-α were up-regulated(all P<0.05).Compared with PM(2.5)group,the content of macrophages in PM(2.5)+Anisomycin group was sig-nificantly increased(P<0.05),the pulmonary bronchial inflammation score was significantly increased(P<0.05),and the levels of IL-6,IL-1β,and TNF-α were increased(all P<0.05).The expression levels of JNK,p-JNK,and CCl2 were increased(all P<0.05).Compared with PM(2.5)group,the content of macrophages in PM(2.5)+SP600125 group and PM(2.5)+Pirfenidone group were signifi-cantly decreased(P<0.05),and the pulmonary bronchial inflammation score was significantly decreased(P<0.05).In addition,the levels of IL-6,IL-1β,and TNF-α were significantly decreased(all P<0.05).Compared with PM(2.5)group,the expression levels of JNK,p-JNK,and CCl2 in PM(2.5)+SP600125 group were down-regulated(all P<0.05),and the expression level of CCl2 in PM(2.5)+Pirfenidone group was down-regulated(all P<0.05).Conclusion:JNK/CCl2 pathway induces macrophage recruitment and pro-motes allergic airway inflammation induced by PM(2.5)particulate matter exposure in juvenile rats.

Succinic acid is an important C4 platform chemical in the synthesis of many commodity and special chemicals. In the present work, different compounds were evaluated for succinic acid production by Actinobacillus succinogenes GXAS 137. Important parameters were screened by the single factor experiment and Plackeet-Burman design. Subsequently, the highest production of succinic acid was approached by the path of steepest ascent. Then, the optimum values of the parameters were obtained by Box-Behnken design. The results show that the important parameters were glucose, yeast extract and MgCO3 concentrations. The optimum condition was as follows (g/L): glucose 70.00, yeast extract 9.20 and MgCO3 58.10. Succinic acid yield reached 47.64 g/L at the optimal condition. Succinic acid increased by 29.14% than that before the optimization (36.89 g/L). Response surface methodology was proven to be a powerful tool to optimize succinic acid production.
Actinobacillus ; classification ; genetics ; metabolism ; Bioreactors ; Culture Media ; metabolism ; Fermentation ; Glucose ; metabolism ; Industrial Microbiology ; methods ; Succinic Acid ; metabolism

【Objective】 To explore the feasibility of en-bloc resection of bladder tumors by flexible cystoscope combined with laparoscopic instruments through urethra and to provide reference for the clinical application of this technique. 【Methods】 Self-designed and processed transurethral single-hole PORT and Olympus electronic cystoscope were used as observation mirror; Φ1.8 mm soft grasper, tissue scissors, electric hook, and ultrasonic scalpel were used as instruments; the porcine bladder was used as a model.The PORT was placed through the urethra, and the cystoscope was inserted to observe the inner wall of the bladder and the condition of the mucosa.After the lesion site was identified in the bladder cavity, the soft grasper was inserted to pull the mucosa to be removed, which was then fixed with tension at the target position to maintain a satisfactory feild of view.The surgeon held the cystoscope in the left hand, and operated the laparoscopic instruments into the bladder cavity through the PORT with the right hand.Observing with the cystoscope and lifting and pulling the mucosa with the grasper, the surgeon simulated the cutting and pushing actions to realize the en-bloc resection of the lesioned mucosa. 【Results】 The mucosa at 4 different locations were successfully resected on 2 in vitro porcine bladder models. 【Conclusion】 The in vitro experiments show that the combination of flexible electronic cystoscope and laparoscopic instruments achieves synergistic effects in en-bloc resection of bladder tumor by transurethral single-hole laparoscope without additional iatrogenic bladder injury caused by percutaneous bladder incision.This method is feasible in the treatment of bladder tumors, and has the potential of clinical application after further optimization.