Alcohol Acid Research Articles

Physiochemical performance of electrospun PLA-lignin and PVA-lignin

Abstract Polylactic acid (PLA) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) are promising biocompatible and biodegradable materials for biomedical uses, yet they have limitations. Similarly, lignin is a precursor for carbon fiber but requires plasticizers to be spun into fibers. This hampers their use in areas like carbon fiber production and tissue engineering, thus the reason for this study. Lignin was extracted from the plantain stem, and a lignin blend with PLA and PVA was made and electrospun into fibers. Thereafter, the physiochemical properties of the composite fibers were analyzed. The XRD spectra revealed increased crystallinity in PLA/Lignin fiber. When 0.75 wt.% of lignin was added to PVA, a new peak and peak shift were formed in the composite fiber, indicating strong interaction. The crystallinity of PVA/lignin decreased from 71.5 to 60.1% when 0.25 wt. % of lignin was added. DSC showed miscibility of polymers and improved melting temperatures from 155 to 228 °C, for PLA/lignin (0.5wt.%) fiber, but a reduction in melting temperatures of PVA, with higher lignin content (149–143 °C). FTIR showed notable functional groups, typical of PLA, PVA, and lignin, such as the OH group between 3800 and 3459 cm−1. The minor peak shift in PLA/lignin showed that the level of molecular interaction is less than that of PVA/lignin. PLA/lignin displayed better fiber morphology compared to PVA/lignin, where fibers became sheet-like with higher lignin content. The addition of lignin improved the tensile strength of PVA (0.7 to 2.7 MPa). Conversely, PLA/lignin’s tensile strength decreased, due to reduced load transfer efficiency. Overall, PVA/lignin and PLA/lignin composites exhibit potential as reinforcement materials for biopolymers and carbon fiber precursors, with PVA showing more promise for carbon fiber production due to robust polymer-lignin interaction.

Rapid screening of pottery lipid residue profile via comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography.

Pottery lipid residue analysis has been extensively practiced worldwide as an important part of archaeometry studies, but in some cases, the complexity of archaeological residue cannot be fully revealed by one-dimensional gas chromatography (1D GC) separation. Although the development of comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GCxGC) has offered another way to achieve better separation and higher resolution, GCxGC separation has rarely been applied to pottery residue analysis. Clearly, GCxGC separation needs to be explored to examine and scrutinize the complexity of pottery lipid residue profile as well as rapid data treatment workflow. We analyzed pottery residue via comprehensive gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GCxGC/MS), through which a thorough understanding and deeper insight into their constituent complexity were obtained. The merits of GCxGC/MS separation were illustrated by a structured layout of different series of compounds on a 2D contour plot, with a detailed examination of the distributions of linear and branched fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) congeners, dimethyl esters (DIMEs) congeners and ω-(o-alkylphenyl)alkanoic acids (APAA) congeners with similar structures. The results showed that 2D analysis increased the number of chemical signatures, especially those at a trace level, which can be favorable for fingerprinting and identification. Additionally, the ordered group featured layout in the 2D profile leads to easy and quick location and identification of compound series as well as individual compounds, together with the use of high-quality mass spectra, facilitating a more rapid and reliable identification workflow. The improved characterization of aquatic biomarkers such as APAAs provides a more detailed discussion of ancient aquatic culinary and dietary practices. The complexity of isomerism and the number of congener patterns within pottery residues are illustrated for the first time, and 2D separation is beneficial for the analysis of pottery residues as well as other complex archaeological residues in cultural heritage and archaeological research. The 2D analysis built a visualized color plot with a structured layout of different compound series that simplified the analysis workflow, in which the archaeologist can visually compare the complexity of the sherd residue not attainable in the 1D analysis workflow. The improvement in sensitivity also enables the detection of trace-level compounds, which, in some cases, constitute key information in ancient diet studies.

Tunning the Wettability of the PVDF Membrane using the PVA-Stabilized TA-UiO-66-NH2 MOF Membranes to Separate Layered Oil-Water Mixture and Surfactant-Stabilized Emulsion.

This study introduces a UiO-66-NH2/Tannic acid/Polyvinylidene fluoride (UTP) composite membrane for efficient oil-water separation. Pristine polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membranes, due to their hydrophobic nature, tend to foul during oil-in-water emulsion separation. By incorporating the metal-organic framework (MOF) UiO-66-NH2 and stabilizing it with tannic acid (TA) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), the membrane's hydrophilicity and antifouling properties were significantly enhanced. The water contact angle of the UTP membrane decreased from 121° to 3°, indicating a dramatic increase in hydrophilicity, while the underwater oil contact angle (UWOCA) of 119° demonstrated excellent oleophobicity. The modified membrane achieved over 99 % separation efficiency and improved flux by 15 times compared to the pristine PVDF. TA acted as a binder, ensuring uniform MOF dispersion and improving the composite's stability. The PVA further reinforced the structure, enhancing durability under operational conditions. Durability tests showed no significant MOF detachment after repeated use, confirming the stability of the UTP composite. The results highlight the potential of the UTP membrane for oil-water separation with superior permeability and fouling resistance.

Biodegradable Poly(oxamide ester)s from Adipic Acid and Amino Alcohols with Different Chain Lengths: Synthesis, Characterization, and Properties

Biodegradable Poly(oxamide ester)s from Adipic Acid and Amino Alcohols with Different Chain Lengths: Synthesis, Characterization, and Properties

Permeation Enhancer in Microemulsions and Microemulsion-Based Gels: A Comparison of Diethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether and Oleyl Alcohol.

Microemulsions have been commonly used with various permeation enhancers to improve permeability through the skin. The purpose of this study was to compare the release and permeation ability of two commonly used permeation enhancers-diethylene glycol monoethyl ether (DGME) and oleyl alcohol-by the changes in oil composition, the addition of a gelling agent, and water content using ibuprofen as a model drug. Four microemulsions were formulated, selection was based on ternary phase diagrams, and physicochemical properties were evaluated. The release and permeation of the microemulsion formulations were performed in vitro by Franz cell studies on a regenerated cellulose membrane and a Strat-M® membrane, respectively, and the amount of ibuprofen permeated and released was analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). All four microemulsions were compatible with the skin pH, and the average pH ranged from 4.9 to 5.6. The average droplet size of the microemulsions ranged from 119.8 to 153.3 nm. Drug release was significantly the highest from the gel-based microemulsions (59% and 64%, p < 0.05). However, there was a fourfold difference in drug permeation from these gels-a significantly higher permeation from the microemulsion-gel containing oleic acid and oleyl alcohol compared to the DGME formulation. These results indicated that the microemulsion-gel with oleyl alcohol as the permeation enhancer could be a preferable formulation approach for the topical administration of ibuprofen. These results highlight the need for optimization of the microemulsion formulation to confirm the permeation-enhancing effects of chosen permeation enhancers despite being a well-known permeation enhancer.

Problems of Concrete Protection against Biogenic Sulfuric Acid Aggression by Means of Polymer Coatings

The work is devoted to the determination of the causes of destruction of organic polymer coatings designed to protect concrete structures in sewer collectors from microbiological sulfuric acid corrosion. The breakage of these coatings occurred as a result of intensive expansion of concrete under the coating, which indicated that mineral acid freely diffuses through the organic coating. To elucidate the causes of this phenomenon, a detailed analysis of the metabolites of the microbiocenosis that develops on the arch part of collectors was carried out. Among the organic substances identified were phospholipids, phthalic acid esters, alkanes, alcohols, and aromatic compounds. These organic compounds can attack the polymer coatings of concrete, making them permeable to sulfuric acid and therefore not effective in protecting concrete from biogenic sulfuric acid aggression. Therefore, it is necessary to test the effectiveness of polymer coatings not in model solutions of sulfuric acid, but with exposure of samples in an operating sewer collector.

Recent Progress in Isolating and Purifying Amide Alkaloids from their Natural Habitats: A Review

: Alkaloids are nitrogen-containing chemical compounds found in nature. Many alkaloids are heterocyclic in nature. They are nitrogen-based organic compounds with the nitrogen atoms enclosed in a heterocyclic ring. The chemical "pro alkaloid" is derived from the alkyl amines in it. Many ancient people, long before the advent of organic chemistry, recognized that many of these substances have measurable effects on the body's physiological functions. Alkaloids are a type of natural substances that are classified as secondary metabolites. Many different types of organisms create alkaloids, which are a class of natural products. Alkaloids showed antifungal, local anesthetic, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, analgesic, neuropharmacologic, antimicrobial, and many other activities. Amines, as opposed to alkaloids, are the more common classification for naturally occurring compounds that contain nitrogen in the exocyclic position (such as mescaline, serotonin, and dopamine). An amide molecule has a nitrogen atom that is chemically bound to a carbon atom in the carbonyl group. The -oic acid ending of the corresponding carboxylic acid is converted to -amide to form the correct nomenclature for an amide. This article offers an overview of numerous techniques for extracting, separating, and purifying alkaloids for use in natural medicine.

A sprayable and rapidly cross-linked hydrogel membrane for fruit preservation

Hydrogel membranes (HMs) exhibit great potential for fruit preservation due to their excellent biocompatibility and scalability. However, most HMs cannot meet the requirements of rapid and large-scale preparation. In this work, one type of hydrogel paint that can form a uniform membrane on fruit surfaces by either spraying, brushing, or dipping methods has been developed. The hydrogel paint, which utilizes ethanol to dynamically modulate the hydrogen-bond cross-linking between tannic acid (TA) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), enables the rapid and uniform formation of a membrane (PVA@TA1 HM) on fruit surfaces within 50 s by ethanol evaporation. The PVA@TA1 HMs can not only effectively extend the freshness of fruits to 8 days (25 °C, 40 % relative humidity) but also possess properties such as easy cleaning, recyclability, and antioxidation. Besides, the natural antibacterial properties of TA endow the PVA@TA1 HMs with long and effective antibacterial activity (antibacterial rate ≥ 99.7 %, lasting for 7 days) against both Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Furthermore, the dense hydrogen-bonds cross-linking between PVA and TA molecules endow the PVA@TA1 HMs with high tensile strength (≥ 7 MPa) and significantly reduces their water and oxygen transmission rate. Moreover, the adhesion of hydrogel paint has been significantly improved with the introduction of TA, as validated by both atomic force microscopy and lap-shear adhesion tests, at both micro- and macro- scales. This work provides a method for the rapid and large-scale preparation of HMs under different working environments, which shows great potential for fruit preservation.

Development of an impressive method for the synthesis of α-MoO3 nanobelts as an efficient catalyst for biodiesel production.

This work presents a novel and eco-friendly technique for the first time to create α-MoO3 nanobelts (NBs) by employing a straightforward procedure with glycerol and ascorbic acid acting as green complexing and polymerizing agents, respectively. The produced α-MoO3 NBs were characterized using a range of analytical techniques, including thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The NBs were used as a catalyst in the manufacturing of biodiesel. To assess the acidity strength of the catalyst, NH3 was used in a temperature-programmed desorption (NH3-TPD) experiment. Biodiesel was effectively produced from oleic acid and ethyl alcohol by the α-MoO3 NBs. Response surface methodology (RSM) was employed in the experimental design and optimization to get the ideal circumstances. Important variables, including temperature, reaction time, catalyst dosage, reaction time, temperature, and the molar ratio of alcohol to fatty acid, were examined. The outcomes demonstrated that the biodiesel production might approach 85% at ideal temperatures of 75 °C, 50 min of reaction time, a 30:1 molar ratio of alcohol to oleic acid, and 0.007 g of catalyst. The results also showed no appreciable activity loss throughout the catalyst's efficient recovery and reuse for four cycles.

Design of A PFR For the Production of 1,000,000 Tons Per Year of Ethyl Acetate from Esterification of Acetic Acid and Ethyl Alcohol

The research considered the design or size of a plug flow reactor for the production of 1,000,000 tons of ethyl acetate per year from the esterification of acetic acid and ethyl alcohol in the presence of an acid catalyst. The PFR design models for volume, height, diameter, space time, space velocity, quantity of heat generated, quantity of heat generated per unit volume of the reactor as well as the temperature effect models were developed using the conservation principle of mass and energy at steady state operation of the reactor. The developed models were simulated using MATLAB at initial feed and operating temperature of 299.830k and 343.15k respectively and fractional conversion variation between 0 to 0.95 at an interval of 0.05. At a maximum conversion of 0.95, the PFR size specification for volume, height, diameter, space time, space velocity, quantity of heat generated and the quantity of heat generated per unit volume of the reactor was 15.2774m3, 4.2691m, 2.1346m, 2.9956sec., 0.3338sec-1, 12821.5800j/s and 839.2536j/sm3 respectively. The effect of the operating parameters on the performance or functional parameters of the reactor are presented in profiles as shown in figure 2 to 12 and the profile behaviour or trend were in agreement with process behaviour of PFR steady state operation in various literatures. The research have shown that in order to ensure sustainability and continuous production of ethyl acetate to meet the global demand of the economic and viable product, the plug flow reactor have demonstrated a good performance characteristics as a reacting media for the esterification process especially in the energy efficiency of the process as well as the product yield.

NEW UV ABSORBERS BASED ON N-(2-AMINOARYL)BENZOTRIAZOLES

A joint method for the synthesis of 1-(2-aminoaryl)-1H- and 2-(2-aminoaryl)-2H-benzotriazoles including the SNAr reaction of 1H-benzotriazole with ortho-nitrogalogenarenes and the reduction of the resulting mixture of isomeric nitro derivatives of benzotriazole, was developed. The influence of the temperature and structure of the electrophile on the selectivity of the SNAr reaction was studied. 1-(2-Nitroaryl)-1H-benzotriazole was mainly formed at high temperature. The amount of 2-(2-nitroaryl)-2H-benzotriazole increased with a decrease in the reaction temperature. The highest selectivity for 2-substituted 2H-benzotriazole was observed at 40 ºC. The electron deficiency character of the electrophile had a significant effect on the ratio of isomers formed in the substitution reaction. The amount of 2-substituted isomer in the reaction mixture became smaller with its increase. The effect of hydrochloric acid concentration on the course of the main and side processes during the reduction of N-nitroaryl derivatives of benzotriazole with tin (II) chloride in an acidic aqueous alcohol medium was studied. The use of 9% HCl led to the formation of azoxy compounds – condensation products intermediately formed during the reduction of nitroso- and hydroxylamine derivatives. Alkylation of 1-(2-aminoaryl)-1H-benzotriazole occurred in 36% HCl with alcohol used as a solvent. There were no by-products during the reduction in the i-PrOH/18% HCl system. The total yield of isomeric amino derivatives of benzotriazole was 96-99%. Separation of 1-(2-aminoaryl)-1H- and 2-(2-aminoaryl)-2H-benzotriazoles was based on the different polarity of the isomers and, accordingly, solubility in a nonpolar solvent – petroleum ether. The resulting N-(2-aminoaryl)benzotriazoles absorbed UV radiation in both the short-wave, medium- and near-wave ultraviolet ranges of the electromagnetic spectrum. 1-Substituted benzotriazoles were more effective UV absorbers in the UVC region than 2-aryl derivatives and Tinuvin P. By the ability to absorb medium-wave UV radiation 1-(2-aminoaryl)-1H-benzotriazoles were significantly inferior to the corresponding isomeric 2-(2-aminoaryl)derivative. The presence of 2-(2-aminoaryl)-2H-benzotriazole acceptor substituents enhanced the ability of the substance to absorb UV radiation compared with 2-(2-aminophenyl)-2H-benzotriazole. 2-Substituted benzotriazoles were more effective ultraviolet adsorbers in the UVB region than Tinuvin P. 2-(2-Aminophenyl)-2H-benzotriazoles also absorbed ultraviolet radiation in the range of 315-400 nm more actively than 1-substituted analogues, but were partly inferior to a commercial photostabilizer. For citation: Begunov R.S., Khlopotinin A.I., Lobanova L.V., Vorontsov S.M., Savina L.I., Danilova A.S. New UV absorbers based on N-(2-aminoaryl)benzotriazoles. ChemChemTech [Izv. Vyssh. Uchebn. Zaved. Khim. Khim. Tekhnol.]. 2024. V. 67. N 11. P. 86-94. DOI: 10.6060/ivkkt.20246711.7070.

Enhancing nanofiltration performance with tannic acid and polyvinyl alcohol interlayers for improved water permeability and selective solute rejection

Global water shortages have significantly intensified the demand for efficient and sustainable water purification technologies. Nanofiltration (NF) plays a crucial role in desalination, providing distinct advantages by removing a variety of pollutants including heavy metals and organic compounds, all while consuming minimal energy. Traditional NF membranes often struggle to balance high rejection with satisfactory permeability. This study advances NF technology by utilizing polysulfone as a durable substrate and introducing tannic acid (TA)-polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) interlayer to enhance structural robustness and functional capabilities of membranes. Through streamlined one-step coating followed by precise interfacial polymerization, this approach optimizes monomer piperazine storage and dispersion on substrate, effectively controlling its diffusion rate, resulting in a thinner polyamide (PA) layer. These strategic enhancements not only lead to a significant increase in permeability to 216.3 L·m−2·h−1·MPa−1 and an impressive rejection for Na2SO4 of 99.04 % but also ensure enhanced long-term operational stability. The innovative TA-PVA interlayer sets new benchmarks for high-performance NF membranes by combining environmental friendliness with cost-effectiveness, making it ideal for large-scale industrial applications. This unique composition promotes sustainability and economic efficiency in water treatment technologies, and underscoring the vast potential for expanding the production and application of advanced NF systems.

Water-enhanced polymer gel adhesive driven by interfacial solvent molecule rearrangement

A new family of versatile water-enhanced adhesives based on hydrophobic polymers and amphiphilic alkanoic acids has been developed. These polymer gels form responsive surface bonding upon water exposure through softening effect and/or autonomous rearrangement of alkanoic acid molecules at the interface, thereby enhancing adhesion on both hydrophilic and hydrophobic, smooth and rough surfaces under wet conditions.

Glycyrrhizic acid and patchouli alcohol in Huoxiang Zhengqi attenuate intestinal inflammation and barrier injury via regulating endogenous corticosterone metabolism mediated by 11β-HSD1

Ethnopharmacological relevanceUlcerative colitis (UC), a chronic inflammatory bowel disease, has become a significant public health challenge due to the limited effectiveness of available therapies. Huoxiang Zhengqi (HXZQ), a well-established traditional Chinese formula, shows potential in managing UC, as suggested by clinical and pharmacological studies. However, the active components and mechanisms responsible for its effects remain unclear. Aim of studyThis study aimed to identify the bioactive components of HXZQ responsible for its therapeutic effects on UC and to elucidate their underlying mechanisms. Materials and methodsThe effect of HXZQ against dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis was investigated. Ingredients in HXZQ were characterized and analyzed in colitic mice using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). In vitro, biological activity of compounds was assessed using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced Ana-1 cells and bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α)-induced Caco-2 cells, and isolated intestinal crypts from colitic mice. These results were confirmed in vivo. The targets of the components were identified through bioinformatics analysis and validated via molecular docking, enzyme inhibition assays, and in vivo experiments. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining, immunohistochemistry, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), western blotting, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) were employed to confirm the pharmaceutical effects. ResultsA clinical equivalent dose of HXZQ (2.5 mL/kg) effectively treated DSS-induced colitis. A total of 113 compounds were identified in HXZQ, with 35 compounds detected in colitic mice. Glycyrrhizic acid (GA) and patchouli alcohol (PA) emerged as key contributors to the anti-colitic effects of HXZQ. Further investigation revealed that HXZQ and its active components decreased the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in colon, likely by inhibiting nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) signaling pathway. This inhibition indirectly activated the intestinal farnesoid X receptor (FXR) signaling pathway, correcting bile acid imbalances caused by colitis. Additionally, these components significantly enhanced the expression of tight junction proteins ZO-1 and Occludin, as well as the adhesion protein E-cadherin, and reduced goblet cell loss, thereby repairing intestinal barrier injury. Mechanistically, GA and PA were found to inhibit 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 (11β-HSD1) activity, leading to increased local active corticosterone levels in the intestine to exert anti-inflammatory effects. Notably, the inhibition of 11β-HSD1 with the selective inhibitor BVT2733 (BVT) ameliorated colitis in mice. ConclusionsHXZQ exhibits therapeutic effects on UC, primarily through GA and PA inhibiting 11β-HSD1. This suggests new natural therapy approaches for UC and positions 11β-HSD1 as a potential target for colitis treatment.

Methods of thermogasochemical impact for intensifying oil production

This paper presents the results of a study of the effect of modifiers such as stearic acid, graphite and polyvinyl alcohol on the combustion characteristics of aluminum powder for gas generator compositions for oiland gas wells. The methodology used includes mechanochemical treatment of aluminum with various modifiers and subsequent analysis of their effect on the combustion rate and temperature of gas generators. The results demonstrate that the addition of stearic acid showed an increase in the combustion rate by 25%. These changes are confirmed by the results of infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis, which emphasizes a significant improvement in combustion characteristics. The results of the study show that modification of aluminum powder allows for the creation of more efficient and safe fuel and explosive mixtures for gas generators with high specific energy capacity, reducing the risks associated with high ignition temperatures and incomplete combustion.

Recent Advance of Sustainable Polymers for Packaging Applications

The extensive application of non-renewable polymers has brought about deep environmental concerns, demonstrating the immediate requirement for new biodegradable and biobased packaging choices. The work offers an in-depth look at a wide array of degradable and biobased polymers like Polylactic Acid (PLA), Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), and Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVOH), as well as starch and cellulose materials, discussing their qualities, uses, and the issues faced in food packaging. These types of green polymers, either in new ways or from renewable sources, offer great advances not only from decomposition into harmless parts but also from the reduction of environmental damage. The essay covers the exploitation side of this material, be it the role of PLA in enzymatic, hydrolytic, or microbial degradations, or the main tactical function of PHA in terms of a water barrier aimed at preserving the quality of stored food. Additionally, the multifunctionality of these substances is represented anew in packaging dairy goods, such as fruits, and vegetables, and specialized applications like edible films or water-soluble bags. The participation of compostable polymers has become increasingly vital in the area of food packaging to meet consumers’ demands and to upgrade the present science technologies aimed at guiding food producers who are looking for more sustainability in their business.

Rumex japonicus Houtt. leaves: the chemical composition and anti-fungal activity

BackgroundCandida albicans is a pathogenic commensal fungus. Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Trichophyton rubrum are the leading pathogens of dermatophysis. Rumex japonicus Houtt. has a miraculous effect on the treatment of tinea skin disease, but its mechanism has not been clarified. PurposeThis paper investigated the anti-fungal ingredients of the leaves of Rumex japonicus Houtt. (RJH-L) and the mechanism of the anti-fungal (Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Trichophyton rubrum and Candida albicans). MethodFirst, the chemical composition analysis of RJH-L was conducted by acid extraction and alcohol precipitation, high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR); in vitro anti-fungal experiments were carried out, including the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) spore germination rate, germ tube production rate, nucleic acid and protein leakage rate, biofilm structure, PCR, etc., to study the mechanism of action of RJH-L anti-fungal and anti-biofilm activity. ResultSeven monomer compounds were obtained: anthraquinones (rhein, emodin and aloe-emodin); polyphenols (ferulic acid, p-coumaric acid), and flavonoids (rutin and quercetin). The results of in vitro anti-fungal experiments showed that the extracts of RJH-L had strong inhibitory effect on both fungi (MIC: 1.96 µg/mL-62.50 µg/mL), of which emodin had the strongest effect on Trichophyton mentagrophytes; and rhein had the strongest effect on Candida albicans and Trichophyton rubrum. The above active components can inhibit the germination of fungal spores and germ tube, change cell membrane permeability, prevent hyphal growth, destroy the biofilm structure, and down-regulate the expression of agglutinin-like sequencefamily1 of biofilm growth. ConclusionThis study shows that RJH-L are rich in polyphenols, flavonoids, and anthraquinones, and play a fungicidal role.

Influence of maternal health status during pregnancy and the child´s medical history on molar-incisor hypomineralization in a group of Spanish children (aged 6-14 years): a retrospective case-control study.

Molar-incisor hypomineralization (MIH) is a qualitative enamel defect that is highly prevalent in children. It has been reported that patients with MIH have higher caries occurrence with an increased need and frequency of dental treatment compared to patients without MIH. The objective of this study was to analyze the association between MIH and a series of factors related to maternal health status during pregnancy and children´s medical history in early childhood. A retrospective study of cases (patients with MIH) and controls (patients without MIH) was designed between 2023 and 2024. A total of 280 children (cases = 140; controls = 140) aged 6 to 14 years (138 boys and 142 girls) were examined according to the European Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (EAPD) criteria for MIH. A survey was carried out with mothers regarding the potential exposure of their children to etiological factors of MIH. Possible prenatal and postnatal etiological factors were obtained through a personal interview with the patients' mothers. The statistical analysis was carried out with the contrast test and the chi-square test. During pregnancy, folic acid consumption, alcohol intake, systemic viral and/or bacterial infections, and gestational diabetes were statistically significantly related to MIH, as were breastfeeding, asthma, and corticosteroid consumption during childhood. Although there are different factors that may have statistically significant relationships with MIH, they cannot be predicted. Therefore, longitudinal studies, with a large sample size, are needed to determine the influence of prenatal and postnatal factors on the prevalence and severity of MIH in children.

Natural variation in the chickpea metabolome under drought stress.

Chickpea is the world's fourth largest grown legume crop, which significantly contributes to food security by providing calories and dietary protein globally. However, the increased frequency of drought stress has significantly reduced chickpea production in recent years. Here, we have performed a field experiment with 36 diverse chickpea genotypes to evaluate grain yield, photosynthetic activities and molecular traits related to drought stress. For metabolomics analysis, leaf tissue was collected at three time points representing different pod-filling stages. We identified L-threonic acid, fructose and sugar alcohols involved in chickpea adaptive drought response within the mid-pod-filling stage. A stress susceptibility index for each genotype was calculated to identify tolerance capacity under drought, distributing the 36 genotypes into four categories from best to worst performance. To understand how biochemical mechanisms control different traits for genetic improvement, we performed a differential Jacobian analysis, which unveiled the interplay between various metabolic pathways across three time points, including higher flux towards inositol interconversions, glycolysis for high-performing genotypes, fumarate to malate conversion, and carbon and nitrogen metabolism perturbations. Metabolic GWAS (mGWAS) analysis uncovered gene candidates involved in glycolysis and MEP pathway corroborating with the differential biochemical Jacobian results. Accordingly, this proposed data analysis strategy bridges the gap from pure statistical association to causal biochemical relations by exploiting natural variation. Our study offers new perspectives on the genetic and metabolic understanding of drought tolerance-associated diversity in the chickpea metabolome and led to the identification of metabolic control points that can be also tested in other legume crops.

The Critical Role of Phenylpropanoid Biosynthesis Pathway in Lily Resistance Against Gray Mold

Gray mold caused by Botrytis elliptica is one of the most determinative factors of lily growth and has become a major threat to lily productivity. However, the nature of the lily B. elliptica interaction remains largely unknown. Here, comparative transcriptomic and metabolomic were used to investigate the defense responses of resistant (‘Sorbonne’) and susceptible (‘Tresor’) lily cultivars to B. elliptica infection at 24 hpi. In total, 1326 metabolites were identified in ‘Sorbonne’ and ‘Tresor’ after infection, including a large number of phenylpropanoids. Specifically, the accumulation of four phenylpropanes, including eriodictyol, hesperetin, ferulic acid, and sinapyl alcohol, was significantly upregulated in the B. elliptica-infected ‘Sorbonne’ compared with the infected ‘Tresor’, and these phenylpropanes could significantly inhibit B. elliptica growth. At the transcript level, higher expression levels of F3′M, COMT, and CAD led to a higher content of resistance-related phenylpropanes (eriodictyol, ferulic acid, and sinapyl alcohol) in ‘Sorbonne’ following B. elliptica infection. It can be assumed that these phenylpropanes cause the resistance difference between ‘Sorbonne’ and ‘Tresor’, and could be the potential marker metabolites for gray mold resistance in the lily. Further transcriptional regulatory network analysis suggested that members of the AP2/ERF, WRKY, Trihelix, and MADS-M-type families positively regulated the biosynthesis of resistance-related phenylpropanes. Additionally, the expression patterns of genes involved in phenylpropanoid biosynthesis were confirmed using qRT-PCR. Therefore, we speculate that the degree of gray mold resistance in the lily is closely related to the contents of phenylpropanes and the transcript levels of the genes in the phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathway. Our results not only improve our understanding of the lily’s resistance mechanisms against B. elliptica, but also facilitate the genetic improvement of lily cultivars with gray mold resistance.