Progress in biological activities and biosynthesis of edible fungi terpenoids.

The edible fungi have both edible and medicinal functions, in which terpenoids are one of the most important active ingredients. Terpenoids possess a wide range of biological activities and show great potential in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries. In this review, the diverse biological activities of edible fungi terpenoids were summarized with emphasis on the mechanism of anti-cancer and anti-inflammation.

Enhancement of carotenoid production and its regulation in edible mushroom Cordyceps militaris by abiotic stresses.

Cordyceps militaris carotenoids are widely used as food additives, animal feed supplements, and so on. However, the biosynthetic pathway of carotenoids in C. militaris is still obscure.

[Spatial distribution of Se in soils from different land use types and its influencing factors within the Yanghe Watershed, China].

Based on different land use types, altitudes, soil and vegetation types etc, 171 representative topsoils (0-10 cm) were collected within the Yanghe watershed, China for determining the total concentrations, spatial distribution and influencing factors of selenium (Se). The results showed that the total selenium concentrations in soils within the watershed ranged from 0.02 to 3.

Regulation effect of polysaccharides from Pleurotus tuber-regium (Fr.) on the immune activity of mice macrophages.

Pleurotus tuber-regium (Fr.) is widely consumed as a nutritious food due to its multiple health effects, especially immune function. This study was aimed at investigating its immune activity using the mice peritoneal macrophage model.

In vitro antioxidant activities of the polysaccharides from Pleurotus tuber-regium (Fr.) Sing.

The antioxidant activities of two homogeneous polysaccharides, water extraction of polysaccharide (W-PTR) and alkali extraction of polysaccharide (A-PTR) from Pleurotus tuber-regium (Fr.) Sing. were evaluated.

Characterization of water and alkali-soluble polysaccharides from Pleurotus tuber-regium sclerotia.

Pleurotus tuber-regium sclerotia, an edible and medicinal mushroom, is a rich source of polysaccharides used as a functional food to promote health and longevity. The crude polysaccharides were isolated from the P. tuber-regium by hot aqueous and alkali extraction and then further purified by DEAE-52 cellulose chromatography and Sephadex G-100 chromatography.

Accumulation and remobilization of metals in superficial sediments in Tianjin, China.

The concentrations of Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb in superficial sediment samples collected from three representative sites (Yuqiao Reservoir, Haihe River, and Haihe River Estuary) in Tianjin, North China, were analyzed using various single extraction and sequential extraction procedures to determine their remobilization, extractability, and distribution patterns. Sediments from the Haihe River had higher metal concentrations and geo-accumulation indices, especially for Cd and Zn, than sediments from the other two sites, suggesting that the Haihe River has been heavily influenced by anthropogenic activities. In addition, over 31% and 28.

Effects of salinity changes on the growth of Dunaliella salina and its isozyme activities of glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase.

Dunaliella salina could survive in media containing a wide range of NaCl concentrations ranging from about 0.05 M to saturation (around 5.5 M).

[Distribution and enrichment of nutrients in superficial sediment in Tianjin typical waters].

Concentrations of organic matter (OM), total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP) and bioavailable phosphorus (BAP) were determined in superficial sediment (0-25 cm) collected from 4 selected typical waters (Yuqiao reservoir, Haihe River, Haihe estuary and Bohai Bay) in Tianjin, China. Pollution index (P(i)) and enrichment factors (EF) were taken to analyze nutrients enrichment and dynamic characteristic. The results show that 4 typical waters are polluted by anthropogenic source and much higher than the permissible limits which most benthos can bearing, the concentrations of OM, TN, TP and BAP are decreasing progressively by the order: Haihe River > Haihe estuary> Bohai Bay Tianjin Sea Area.

[Source and enrichment of heavy metals in sewage-irrigated area soil of Dagu Sewage Discharge Channel].

Concentrations of metals, total nitrogen, total phosphorus and organic matter were determined in topsoil (0-25 cm) and subsoil (25-50 cm) samples collected from 16 selected blocks in the sewage-irrigated area of Dagu Sewage Discharge Channel in Tianjin, China. Contamination factors (CF), relative enrichment factors (REF) and cluster analysis (CA) were taken to analyze the source and enrichment of heavy metals. The results show that the concentrations of Hg, Cd, Pb and Zn are above the 1st limit value of Environmental Quality Standard for Soils (China), while those of As, Ni and Cr are below the 1st limit value of the standard.

[Concentrations and distribution of heavy metals in urban sewage discharge channel of Tianjin].

Concentrations of metals, organic matter(OM), total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP) were determined in sediment and soil samples collected from 15 selected sites along Dagu sewage discharge channel in Tianjin, China. Relative enrichment factors and correlation analysis were taken to study the distribution and pollution level of metals. The results show that pollution level is more serious in sediment than that in soil.

Biosynthesis and regulation of carotenoids in Dunaliella: progresses and prospects.

Natural carotenoids are high in demand in global market owing to their widespread applications in nutrition, medicine, food coloring agent and cosmetic, as well as to the natural and healthy preference of consumers today. Some strains of Dunaliella are well known for their talent of massive beta-carotene accumulation. Content of the high bioavailability stereoisomer of beta-carotene, the 9-cis stereoisomer, is highest in Dunaliella among all the natural carotenoids sources.