Elemental Geochemical Characterization of Sedimentary Conditions and Organic Matter Enrichment for Lower Cambrian Shale Formations in Northern Guizhou, South China

The black shale deposited in the Niutitang Formation and its adjacent strata is considered to be a favorable source rock in northern Guizhou of south China and has become a target horizon for shale gas exploration in recent years. Based on SQ-1 and CY-1 core samples, the organic matter properties and geochemical elements were obtained through experimental analysis. Provenance, paleoredox, paleoclimate, paleoproductivity and deposition conditions were analyzed, and the sedimentary effects on organic matter enrichment were discussed. The results show that total organic carbon (TOC) is between 0.22–10.10 wt.% in SQ-1, with an average of 2.60 wt.%, and TOC is between 0.23–7.7 wt.% in CY-1, with an average of 1.45 wt.%. The geochemical data of the samples indicate that the black shale of the Niutitang Formation and adjacent strata are deposited in the tectonic background of the passive continental margin. The provenance shows moderate weathering, with hot and humid paleoenvironmental characteristics and fast deposition rate. Using multiple ancient redox indicators, it is concluded that the formation has undergone changes in the oxidizing environment and anaerobic environment during deposition. According to the (La/Yb)N value (the average value of SQ-1 is 1.23 and the average value of CY-1 is 1.26), it shows a faster deposition rate of the two wells and shortens the residence time of organic matter in the microbial degradation zone. The Babio indicates that the bottom has a high paleoproductivity when deposited. Considering the influencing factors, the paleoproductivity mainly controls the organic matter enrichment, followed by ancient redox conditions and the deposition rate. The research results provide a reference for deepening sedimentary understanding and shale gas exploration in the study area

Self-Microemulsifying Drug Delivery System of Phillygenin: Formulation Development, Characterization and Pharmacokinetic Evaluation

Phillygenin, as an active ingredient of Forsythia suspensa, possesses a wide range of biological and pharmacological activity. However, its development and application are restricted due to its poor bioavailability and low solubility. Our work aimed to develop a self-microemulsifying drug delivery system to improve the oral bioavailability of phillygenin. The composition of the self-microemulsifying drug delivery system was preliminary screened by the pseudo-ternary phase diagram. Subsequently, the central composite design method was employed to optimize the prescription of the self-microemulsifying drug delivery system loaded with phillygenin. The prepared self-microemulsifying drug delivery system of phillygenin was characterized in terms of morphology, droplet size distribution, polydispersity index and stability. Then, the in vitro dissolution and the oral bioavailability were analyzed. The optimized self-microemulsifying drug delivery system of phillygenin consisted of 27.8% Labrafil M1944CS, 33.6% Cremophor EL, 38.6% polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG-400) and 10.2 mg/g phillygenin loading. The prepared self-microemulsifying drug delivery system of phillygenin exhibited spherical and uniform droplets with small size (40.11 ± 0.74 nm) and satisfactory stability. The in vitro dissolution experiment indicated that the cumulative dissolution rate of the self-microemulsifying drug delivery system of phillygenin was significantly better than that of free phillygenin. Furthermore, after oral administration in rats, the bioavailability of phillygenin was significantly enhanced by the self-microemulsifying drug delivery system. The relative bioavailability of the self-microemulsifying drug delivery system of phillygenin was 588.7% compared to the phillygenin suspension. These findings suggest that the self-microemulsifying drug delivery system of phillygenin can be a promising oral drug delivery system to improve the absorption of phillygenin

Investigate the mystery of Baijiu production region - Environmental factors for Luzhou (Sichuan, China)

With a long tradition of brewing history, Chinese strong-flavour Baijiu (SFB) developed prosperously in the southwest, especially in Luzhou, and has existed for more than 300 years building craftwork and brewing techniques. As a product of the distillation of fermented grains, its production involves many microbial communities. During this time, microbial communities within production have burgeoned and evolved throughout the development history, enhancing unique texture and flavour. Meanwhile, environmental factors are critical constituents in the production, which provide the optimal conditions for processing procedures and various microorganisms, including externally controlled macro-environment and micro-environment of fermentation. By studying the correlation with environmental factors from macro and micro perspectives, we illustrated the bond with environmental symbiotic and holistic patterns of the intrinsic microbial community and fermentation characteristics. This review is essential to study and control the whole ecological conditions of the Baijiu fermentation process, aiming to gain insight into the dynamics of the microorganisms and ensure a traditional fermentation environment for quality control