In this study, exposure experiments were conducted to assess the effects of polystyrene nanoparticles (PS) and amine-modified polystyrene nanoparticles (APS) at environmental concentrations (1, 10, and 100 µg L??1) on two fungal species (Geotrichum candidum and Aspergillus niger), isolated from leaf litter in streams, concerning their growth and metabolic activity. Results showed that PS at 1 and 10 µg L??1 have hormesis effects on G. candidum growth. Compared with G. candidum, A. niger had higher sensitivity to nanoplastic exposure. Besides, the peroxidase and cellobiohydrolase activities of A. niger were significantly inhibited by nanoplastics (except 1 µg L??1 PS), which would weaken its metabolic activity in carbon cycling. These results provided a new thought on how the growth and functions of aquatic fungi cope with the stress induced by nanoplastics. Overall, the study provided evidence for the different responses of aquatic fungi to nanoplastics in streams.
BACKGROUND: Chinese herbal medicine has a long history of human use. A novel herbal formula, anti-asthma herbal medicine intervention (ASHMI), has been shown to be an effective therapy in a murine model of allergic asthma. OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to compare the efficacy, safety, and immunomodulatory effects of ASHMI treatment in patients with moderate-severe, persistent asthma with prednisone therapy. METHODS: In a double-blind trial, 91 subjects underwent randomization. Forty-five subjects received oral ASHMI capsules and prednisone placebo tablets (ASHMI group) and 46 subjects received oral prednisone tablets and ASHMI placebo capsules (prednisone group) for 4 weeks. Spirometry measurements; symptom scores; side effects; and serum cortisol, cytokine, and IgE levels were evaluated before and after treatment. RESULTS: Posttreatment lung function was significantly improved in both groups as shown by increased FEV(1) and peak expiratory flow findings (P<.001). The improvement was slightly but significantly greater in the prednisone group (P<.05). Clinical symptom scores, use of beta(2)-bronchodilators, and serum IgE levels were reduced significantly, and to a similar degree in both groups (P<.001). T(H)2 cytokine levels were significantly reduced in both treated groups (P<.001) and were lower in the prednisone-treated group (P<.05). Serum IFN-gamma and cortisol levels were significantly decreased in the prednisone group (P<.001) but significantly increased in the ASHMI group (P<.001). No severe side effects were observed in either group. CONCLUSION: Anti-asthma herbal medicine intervention appears to be a safe and effective alternative medicine for treating asthma. In contrast with prednisone, ASHMI had no adverse effect on adrenal function and had a beneficial effect on T(H)1 and T(H)2 balance. 相似文献