Chemical Analysis Research Articles

Recognizing Fakes, Propaganda and Disinformation in Ukrainian Content based on NLP and Machine-learning Technology

The project envisages the creation of a complex system that integrates advanced technologies of machine learning and natural language processing for media content analysis. The main goal is to provide means for quick and accurate verification of information, reduce the impact of disinformation campaigns and increase media literacy of the population. Research tasks included the development of algorithms for the analysis of textual information, the creation of a database of fakes, and the development of an interface for convenient access to analytical tools. The object of the study was the process of spreading information in the media space, and the subject was methods and means for identifying disinformation. The scientific novelty of the project consists of the development of algorithms adapted to the peculiarities of the Ukrainian language, which allows for more effective work with local content and ensures higher accuracy in identifying fake news. Also, the significance of the project is enhanced by its practical value, as the developed tools can be used by government structures, media organizations, educational institutions and the public to increase the level of information security. Thus, the development of this project is of great importance for increasing Ukraine's resilience to information threats and forming an open, transparent information society.

Optimized Proton Assistance of Ni-Intercalated Bilayer Vanadate Cathode for High-Performance Aqueous Manganese Storage.

Mn metal has become a highly promising candidate anode of aqueous batteries due to its high abundance, non-toxicity, relatively low redox potential, and large theoretical capacity. However, the development of Mn ion batteries (MIBs) is hindered by controversies over reaction mechanisms, metal hydrogen evolution reactions, and poor conversion efficiency. Therefore, a further comprehensive study is urgently desired for its research and application. In this work, a V2O5 bilayer structure is innovatively constructed by introducing stripping agents (H2O and Ni2+) to form stable "Ni─O" columns, which not only enhances the stability of the structure but also effectively blocks interlayer corrosion. The preferential orientation and the excellent interlayer spacing d (001) = 10.28 Å broads Mn2+ diffusion channels. In this way, the sites for ion storage are also increased by creating abundant vacancies, accelerating the diffusion rate of ions in the modified V2O5 (Ni0.48V2O5•0.90H2O, NiVO) lattice. The co-storage mechanism of Mn2+/H+ ions effectively alleviates the limitations of high charge density and large solvation ion radius. Furthermore, the storage mechanism and structural evolution process are investigated via analytical chemistry. These findings provide new ideas for designing new positive electrode materials and effectively promote the progress of the MIB research and application.

Recent advances in electrochemiluminescence sensing for in vitro cell analysis: a review.

Electrochemiluminescence (ECL) is a chemiluminescence phenomenon triggered by electrochemical reactions and is widely used for (bio)chemical analyses and electrochemical bioimaging. Compared to fluorescence sensing, ECL sensing reduces background noise by eliminating autofluorescence associated with excitation light. In addition, compared with conventional electrochemical imaging with scanning electrochemical microscopes, ECL imaging is faster as it requires no scanning. Furthermore, unlike electrode arrays, ECL devices can function without complex wiring, simplifying their construction. These characteristics render ECL sensing a useful analytical tool. Recently, ECL sensing has been widely used for in vitro cell analysis due to high demand for biochips in regenerative medicine, drug screening, and microphysiological systems. This review focuses on recent advancements in ECL-based cell analysis with applications for the detection of H2O2, respiration activity, cell adhesion, lipid membranes, and bipolar electrochemistry-based devices.

Smartphones as a platform for molecular analysis: concepts, methods, devices and future potential.

Over the past 15 years, smartphones have had a transformative effect on everyday life. These devices also have the potential to transform molecular analysis over the next 15 years. The cameras of a smartphone, and its many additional onboard features, support optical detection and other aspects of engineering an analytical device. This article reviews the development of smartphones as platforms for portable chemical and biological analysis. It is equal parts conceptual overview, technical tutorial, critical summary of the state of the art, and outlook on how to advance smartphones as a tool for analysis. It further discusses the motivations for adopting smartphones as a portable platform, summarizes their enabling features and relevant optical detection methods, then highlights complementary technologies and materials such as 3D printing, microfluidics, optoelectronics, microelectronics, and nanoparticles. The broad scope of research and key advances from the past 7 years are reviewed as a prelude to a perspective on the challenges and opportunities for translating smartphone-based lab-on-a-chip devices from prototypes to authentic applications in health, food and water safety, environmental monitoring, and beyond. The convergence of smartphones with smart assays and smart apps powered by machine learning and artificial intelligence holds immense promise for realizing a future for molecular analysis that is powerful, versatile, democratized, and no longer just the stuff of science fiction.

Looking for the origins of the human brain: the role of South Africa in the history of (palaeo)neurology

In 1925, Raymond Arthur Dart published his description and interpretations of the ‘Taung Child’ in the journal Nature, including a description of the natural brain endocast associated with the face and mandible. Details preserved in the endocast of the Taung Child have opened critical questions and debates about how the human brain evolved, and how to identify and study evidence of brain changes from fossil hominin crania. In this paper, we review and synthesise methodological innovations (how do we study fossil hominin brains?) and critical conceptual shifts (how did the hominin brain evolve?) triggered by the discovery of the Taung Child. In particular, we detail the impact of the study of the well-preserved crania and natural endocasts from the southern African hominin-bearing sites on our understanding of brain evolution and the integration of newly developed analytical tools into research in palaeoneurology (e.g. imaging techniques, 3D modelling). Additionally, we examine how the use of digital replicas of fossil hominin endocasts and the need to study extant human brains to form a comparative platform might raise questions about research practices (e.g. study and exhibition of fossil and extant human brains) and management of such invaluable heritage resources (e.g. data sharing). We finally consider how our view of human brain evolution, and in particular the putative uniqueness of the hominin brain, has changed over the last century.

MINCE III. Detailed chemical analysis of the UVES sample

The Measuring at Intermediate Metallicity Neutron-Capture Elements (MINCE) project aims to provide high-quality neutron-capture abundances measurements for several hundred stars at an intermediate metallicity of -2.5 < Fe/H $<-1.5$. This project will shed light on the origin of the neutron-capture elements and the chemical enrichment of the Milky Way. The goal of this work is to chemically characterize the second sample of the MINCE project and compare the abundances with the galactic chemical evolution model at our disposal. We performed a standard abundance analysis based on one-dimensional (1D) local thermodynamic equilibrium (LTE) model atmospheres based on high-resolution and high-signal-to-noise-ratio (S/N) spectra from Ultraviolet and Visual Echelle Spectrograph (UVES) . We provide the kinematic classification (i.e., thin disk, thick disk, thin-to-thick disk, halo, Gaia Sausage Enceladus, Sequoia) of 99 stars and the atmospheric parameters for almost all stars. We derived the abundances for light elements (from Na to Zn) and neutron-capture elements (Rb, Sr, Y, Zr, Ba, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, and Eu) for a subsample of 32 stars in the metallicity range of -2.5 < Fe/H $< -1.00$. In the subsample of 32 stars, we identified eight active stars exhibiting (inverse) P-Cygni profile and one Li-rich star, CD,28-11039. We find a general agreement between the chemical abundances and the stochastic model computed for the chemical evolution of the Milky Way halo for elements Mg, Ca, Si, Ti, Sc, Mn, Co, Ni, Zn, Rb, Sr, Y, Zr, Ba, La, and Eu . The MINCE project has already significantly increased the number of neutron-capture elements measurements in the intermediate metallicity range. The results from this sample are in perfect agreement with the previous MINCE sample. The good agreement between the chemical abundances and the chemical evolution model of the Galaxy supports the nucleosynthetic processes adopted to describe the origin of the n-capture elements.

Bioremediation of Iron-Laden Steel Plant Effluent Using Bacillus Licheniformis: A Study of Isolation, Characterization, and Optimization

Objective: The objective of this study is to investigates the physicochemical characteristics and bioremediation potential of Bacillus licheniformis on effluent from a steel manufacturing facility in Salem, India Method: A laboratory-based experimental approach was used in the study to assess Bacillus licheniformis's capacity for bioremediation of steel production wastewater. Separating the bacteria from the wastewater, describing its physicochemical characteristics, and evaluating how well it reduced iron levels were the steps in the process. For chemical analysis, FTIR spectroscopy was employed, and for microbiological identification, normal biochemical assays were employed. Optimizing bioremediation parameters including inoculum concentration, pH, temperature, and incubation duration was one of the procedures. Results and Discussion: The study discovered that Bacillus licheniformis successfully decreased iron concentrations in steel production wastewater, bringing them down from 41.54 mg/L to 23.08 mg/L. Significant alterations in the effluent's chemical composition were shown by FTIR analysis, suggesting that organic contaminants had been successfully degraded. The greatest results were obtained after optimizing the bioremediation settings, which included a 48-hour incubation at 30°C, pH 6, and a 6% inoculum concentration. These results contribute to more sustainable effluent management techniques by highlighting Bacillus licheniformis as a viable bioremediation agent for treating iron-laden industrial wastewater. Research Implications: The research's practical implications indicate that Bacillus licheniformis can be used to clean wastewater that contains iron, especially in the steel sector, using bioremediation techniques. The results might encourage ecologically friendly methods of treating industrial effluent and have an impact on sustainable wastewater management practices. Theoretically, this work advances our knowledge of the role that microbes play in environmental biotechnology, namely in the reduction of metals and the breakdown of organic contaminants. Environmental engineering, industrial wastewater treatment, and microbial bioremediation research are among the fields that potentially profit from these discoveries.

Chemical characterization of Alphitonia neocaledonica (Schltr.) Guillaumin bark extract and its anti-inflammatory activities.

Alphitonia neocaledonica (Schltr.) Guillaumin is a small forest tree endemic of New Caledonia traditionally used to treat rheumatic pain and dermatoses. Very few studies described biological activities and phytochemical composition of this plant. This study aims to investigate the anti-inflammatory and anti-gout activities of A. neocaledonica bark extract (ANBE) and its chemical composition. LPS-induced PMA-differentiated THP-1 macrophages and LPS/MSU-treated THP-1 model reproducing gout in vitro were used. Chemical analyses were undertaken using LC-HRMS approaches. Dose-dependent inhibitory effects of ANBE on inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α were observed. Inhibition of LPS/MSU-dependent IL-1β at 1 and 10µg/mL was also reported. Chemical analyses by LC-HRMS allowed us to putatively identify some features such as epigallocatechin, iridoid- and flavonoid-glycosides, oligopeptides, and triterpenoids in ANBE. These results provide some cues in favor of traditional uses of A. neocaledonica bark extract and support the need of further bioactivities and chemical investigations.

The world's first anabolic-androgenic steroid testing trial: A two-phase pilot combining chemical analysis, results dissemination and community feedback.

The clandestine production and distribution of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) poses health risks due to the uncertainty of their contents. This study aimed to test the chemical content of AAS samples and provide aggregate results back to the community, exploring how these results influenced usage decisions and risk management. A mixed-methods approach was used, combining chemical analysis of AAS samples with qualitative interviews. Participants submitted samples for testing, and the results were later shared with them. Semi-structured interviews explored participants' perceptions of AAS risks and the impact of testing results on their behaviour. The study was conducted at CheQpoint drug checking service in Brisbane, Australia. Thirty-two samples were submitted for testing between 19 April and 7 June 2024, with 23 samples analysed. A total of 25 active AAS users participated in interviews. Chemical analyses identified substances present and assessed active ingredient concentrations. Qualitative interviews gathered participants' perceptions, and these data were analysed through iterative categorisation, guided by the Health Belief Model. Chemical analysis identified that 13% of samples contained substances different from what was expected. Concentrations of active ingredients were close to expected levels [e.g. testosterone propionate at 96.2mg/mL (range = 91.39-101.01 mg/mL)]. Interviews identified four key theme categories. Participants sought testing primarily for substance verification, expressing concerns about contamination and dosage. Barriers to testing included limited access and fear of disclosure. While testing was seen as a valuable harm reduction tool, gaps in health guidance and follow-up support were identified as areas for improvement. Thirteen percent of 23 anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) samples analysed contained substances different from what was expected. Interviews with active AAS users highlighted the need for reliable information, accessible testing services and tailored health approaches for AAS use.

Differences in Tolerance of Alnus cordata (Loisel.) Duby and Tilia × europaea L. ‘Pallida’ to Environmental Stress in the First Year After Planting in Urban Conditions

The success of establishing new trees in cities and their subsequent growth depend, among others, on the proper selection of tree species which can easily tolerate the post-planting stress. In the spring of 2023, young Italian alder (Alnus cordata (Loisel.) Duby) and common lime (Tilia × europaea L. ‘Pallida’) trees were planted in a street of heavy traffic in Warsaw. In the summer of 2023, leaf samples were collected during the growing season for chlorophyll a fluorescence measurements and chemical analyses. Additionally, the autumn phenological phases were monitored. Chlorophyll a fluorescence measurements revealed higher values of Fv/Fm, density of reaction centers per cross-section, and electron transport chain efficiency between photosystems II and I, as well as lower energy dissipation rate per active reaction center of photosystem II in A. cordata. Moreover, A. cordata revealed higher chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and carotenoid content. The flavonoid and proline content in both species was the highest by the end of July and then decreased. In T. × europea ‘Pallida’, the contents of these stress biomarkers increased in the late growing season. Our results showed that T. × europaea ‘Pallida’ is less resistant to post-planting stress in urban conditions, while A. cordata showed higher resistance to variable weather conditions, high photosynthetic efficiency, and long foliage lifespan.

Nutritional Characterization of Moringa oleifera as a Potential Equine Feed and Human Application

The demand for high-quality horse feed in Malaysia has led to a reliance on imported products. Locally grown Moringa oleifera is a promising protein source for horse feed and possible human application. Hence, this study aimed to characterize Moringa oleifera as a potential horse feed, projecting into possible human use. In this study, Moringa pellets were formulated to compose of rice bran, molasses, corn meal, palm kernel cake (PKC), calcium carbonate, mineral premix and salt. The formulation was designed based on the nutritional needs of maintenance horses (11% CP and 11 MJ/kg DM ME). The production process involved drying Moringa leaves, weighing of ingredients according to formulation followed by mixing, and pelletizing of the components. The nutritional composition of the Moringa pellets was analyzed following standard Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC). It was found that the Moringa pellets contained 90.4% dry matter (DM), 11.7% crude protein (CP), 9.7% crude fiber (CF), and 4.9% ether extract (EE). The Moringa pellets have met the requirement for maintenance horse. Hence, the use of locally sourced ingredients ensures that the Moringa pellets provide balanced nutrition, supporting the overall health and wellness of horses while reducing dependence on imported feed ingredients. The individual protein and fibers compositions are also useful for human applications such as for topical use and oral consumption. However, further exploration and modification should be done for the purpose of human application.

Single compound data supplementation to enhance transferability of fermentation specific Raman spectroscopy models.

Raman spectroscopy is a valuable analytical tool for real-time analyte quantification in fermentation processes. Quantification is performed with chemometric models that translate Raman spectra into concentration values, which are typically calibrated with process data from multiple comparable fermentations. However, process-specific models underperform for minor process variation(s) or different operation modes due to the integration of cross-correlations, resulting in low target analyte specificity. Thus, model transferability is poor and labor-intensive (re-)calibration of models is required for related processes. In this work, partial least-squares models for glucose, ethanol, and biomass were calibrated with Saccharomyces cerevisiae batch fermentation data and subsequently transferred to a fed-batch operation. To enhance model transferability without additional process runs, single compound data supplementation was performed. The supplemented models increased overall target analyte specificity and demonstrated sufficient prediction accuracy for the fed-batch process (root-mean-square errors of prediction (RMSEP) of 3.06mM, 8.65mM, and 0.99g/L for glucose, ethanol, and biomass), while maintaining high prediction accuracy for the batch process (RMSEP of 1.71mM, 4.20mM, and 0.17g/L for glucose, ethanol, and biomass). This work showcases that process data in combination with single compound spectra is a fast and efficient strategy to apply Raman spectroscopy for real-time process monitoring across related processes.

Soil Multitrophic Interactions in a Changing World

ABSTRACTMultitrophic interactions in the soil food web represent an important factor in shaping the relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem functions (BEF) under the changing environmental conditions. Despite some recent advancements, the relative contribution, and mechanisms by which multitrophic interactions affect ecosystem functions and stability, however, remain poorly understood. Here, we provide an overview of the current understanding of the role of multitrophic interactions in BEF and explore mechanistic pathways that may underpin their role in ecosystem functions and stability. We also discuss potential approaches to quantify the contribution of the multitrophic interactions in the soil food web. Specifically, we highlight the need for improvements in empirical frameworks and analytical tools for quantifying the strength of these interactions in the soil food web. We argue that addressing the key knowledge gaps in current understanding, BEF research requires integration of multitrophic interactions as a key factor when predicting the rate and stability of ecosystem multifunctionality under changing climatic conditions.

АНАЛИЗ БЕЛКОВ СОИ НА СОДЕРЖАНИЕ ТРИПТОФАНА

The purpose of the study is to evaluate grain proteins of Amur soybean varieties for tryptophan content. Task: selection of the most suitable soybean varieties for creating functional products. The objects of the study are 26 soybean varieties created by breeders of the Federal Scientific Center All-Russian Research Institute of Soybeans (Amur Region) over the past few years, included in the register of breeding achievements and zoned both in the region and beyond. Chemical analysis of soybeans was carried out in the laboratory for processing agricultural products of the All-Russian Research Institute of Soybeans using the Kapel-205 capillary electrophoresis system (Lumex, Russia). The studied varieties were grown in the experimental fields of the laboratory of selection and primary seed production (the village of Sadovoe, Tambov District, Amur Region). The largest amount of protein was observed in soybean grain of the Sentyabrinka variety (42.3 %), the smallest in the MK 100 and Alena varieties (38.4 %). The content of tryptophan in the protein of soybean grains of Amur varieties ranges from 0.99 to 1.21 g/100 g of protein. The best indicators for tryptophan content were noted for the varieties of All-Russian Research Institute of Soybean Husbandry – 18 (1.21 g) and Nevesta (1.17 g). Only one of the studied varieties, Sentyabrinka, has less than 1 g of tryptophan (0.99 g) in its protein composition. In 25 varieties, the tryptophan content in grain protein exceeds the FAO/WHO standard (1 g/100 g protein), which means that these soybean varieties are well suited for creating food products. Also, the best indicators for creating functional products taking into account the medicinal properties of tryptophan are soybean varieties of All-Russian Research Institute of Soybean Husbandry – 18, Nevesta, Zolotnitsa, Zhuravushka and Persona.

Large Language Models (such as ChatGPT) as Tools for Machine Learning-Based Data Insights in Analytical Chemistry.

Artificial intelligence (AI), especially through the development of deep learning techniques like convolutional neural networks (CNNs), has revolutionized numerous fields. CNNs, introduced by Yann LeCun in the 1990s (Hubbard, W.; Jackel, L. D. Backpropagation Applied to Handwritten Zip Code Recognition. Neural Comput. 1989, 1 (4), 541- 551. https://doi.org/10.1162/neco.1989.1.4.541), have found applications in healthcare for medical diagnostics, autonomous vehicles in transportation, stock market prediction in finance, and image recognition in computer vision to name just a few. Similarly, in analytical chemistry, deep learning has enhanced data analysis from techniques like MS spectrometry, NMR, fluorescence spectroscopy, and chromatography. Another AI branch, Natural Language Processing (NLP), has surged recently with the advent of Large Language Models (LLMs), such as OpenAI's ChatGPT. This paper demonstrates the application of an LLM via a smartphone to conduct multivariate data analyses, in an interactive conversational manner, of a hyper-spectral imaging data set from laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS). We demonstrate the potential of LLMs to process and analyze data sets, which automatically generate and execute code in response to user queries, and anticipate their growing role in the future of analytical chemistry.

In the liminal realm: Qatar's world cup struggle between tradition, modernity, and human rights

This paper examines Qatar's 2022 World Cup through the lens of liminality, presenting the intricate interplay between tradition, modernity, and human rights. By introducing liminality as an analytical tool, the paper explores how Qatar navigates traditional norms amidst global scrutiny, particularly concerning human rights issues such as migrant labour practices and cultural contestations around human rights. Employing liminality as a conceptual framework, this analysis offers a nuanced understanding of Qatar's endeavour to balance cultural authenticity with international expectations. I reveal why Qatar utilised the transient phase to implement reforms to its social and legal systems, aligning with international human rights while ensuring changes were akin with its cultural identity. The paper highlights the transient nature of change during the liminal phase of sport mega-events, emphasising both the opportunities and challenges presented for changes in Qatar. The paper unpacks Qatar continued navigation in the global stage as an extension of the initial liminal phase, demonstrating its engagements with processes of change and adaptation. The World Cup is a prime example that exposes the dual nature of sport mega events, serving as a springboard for social change, while also revealing underlying cultural and structural tensions. I conclude that Qatar utilised this liminal phase as a rite of passage, enabling the nation to traverse the terrain of modernity while testing the permeability of its cultural boundaries.

Dynamic, Single‐cell Monitoring of RNA Modifications Response to Viral Infection Using a Genetically Encoded Live‐cell RNA Methylation Sensor

AbstractRNA modifications, such as N6‐methylation of adenosine (m6A), serve as key regulators of cellular behaviors, and are highly dynamic; however, tools for dynamic monitoring of RNA modifications in live cells are lacking. Here, we develop a genetically encoded live‐cell RNA methylation sensor that can dynamically monitor RNA m6A level at single‐cell resolution. The sensor senses RNA m6A in cells via affinity‐induced cytoplasmic retention using a nuclear location sequence‐fused m6A reader. It allows for simultaneously measure RNA m6A dynamics and viral invasion at single‐cell level. Based on the single‐cell analytical tool, we found that SARS‐CoV‐2 infection enhances host‐cell RNA m6A level, and high‐level RNA m6A modification in host cells, in turn, facilitates viral infection. Particularly, Omicron, a variant of SARS‐CoV‐2, that features as high infection capacity, however, exhibits a reduced facilitation of m6A modification in host cells. In addition, the sensor can estimate viral inhibition via measuring cellular m6A level, that was explored for screening potential antiviral drugs. The methylation sensor can serve for elucidating the interplay between pathogens and host‐cell epigenetics at single‐cell level.

Rheological, microstructural, thermal and barrier properties of polylactide/polyethylene glycol/inulin/encapsulated cinnamon essential oil films

AbstractThe ongoing use of polymeric materials and associated pollution is a challenge to our society. It has resulted in a shift in the industry from polymeric to sustainable packaging. The aim of this work was to fabricate extruded polylactide (PLA)‐based packaging by incorporating inulin, polyethylene glycol, and cinnamon essential oil encapsulates. The fabricated film samples were characterized by various analytical tools (rheometer, TGA, FTIR, XRD, and AFM) to gain deeper insights into their compatibility and the effect of microstructure evolution on film‐forming properties for their potential packaging applications. Rheologically, the blend melt exhibited a shear‐thinning behavior and improved the mechanical rigidity of plasticized PLA films upon incorporation of CEO encapsulates. The thermal stability of the films was validated by the TGA thermograms, and the analyzed films showed insignificant variations from one another. The smoothness of the PLA/PEG/CEOINL film, along with the presence of some inulin particles on the surface, was evident. The XRD and FTIR peaks suggest a loss of volatiles during extrusion. The barrier properties of the films did not enhance with the addition of encapsulates or inulin to PLA. Overall, the PLA/PEG/CEOINL film has potential for active food packaging in anticipation of its antimicrobial properties, as demonstrated in the encapsulates.Highlights PLA/inulin/cinnamon essential oil active packaging films were fabricated. The addition of inulin lowered the mechanical and thermal properties of the film. The melt rheology of the films exhibited the shear‐thinning behavior. Unlike inulin, CEO distributes well on the PLA composite films.

Pea-Derived Raffinose-Family Oligosaccharides as a Novel Ingredient to Accelerate Sour Beer Production.

This study investigated raffinose family oligosaccharides (RFOs) derived from pulses as selective carbon sources for sour beer production. Fourteen lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were screened for growth in media supplemented with RFOs. Furthermore, the influence of ethanol and isomerized α-acids on the bacterial growth was investigated. While most LAB grew in the presence of RFOs, few did so in the presence of ethanol and α-acids. Some of the LAB with tolerance to these stressors were then combined with Brettanomyces claussenii to create classic-style sour beers with or without RFOs. These were characterized chemically, physically, and sensorially. Sour beers made with RFOs were evaluated as being comparable to a commercial Belgian sour beer for some sensory characteristics. Furthermore, the sensory analysis revealed significantly increased acidity levels and differences in flavor and taste between beers fermented with and without RFOs, which was underpinned by chemical analysis. Crucially, beany off-flavors, which are a common problem with pulse-derived ingredients, did not increase upon RFO addition. Thus, by combining selected LAB with RFOs, we successfully utilized a food sidestream and expanded the possibilities for brewing sour beers in a controlled manner in a short time. This is in contrast to the lengthy process used for traditional sour beers.

Subspecies delineation of Ziziphora clinopodioides complex (Lamiaceae) based on morphological, sequence-related amplified polymorphism and essential oils analyses

Ziziphora clinopodioides (Lamiaceae) is recognized as a native Iranian herb used for the treatment of diarrhea, intestinal gas, nausea, and vomiting. There is lack of consensus among some authors on its taxonomic boundaries at the subspecific level. To resolve this issue, the present study aimed to employ a combination of morphological, molecular, and phytochemical analyses. Firstly, 90 vegetative and floral characteristics were measured from 90 specimens of this species followed by conducting multivariate analyses on the 46 significantly discriminating morphological traits. Additionally, molecular markers (SRAP) were utilized generating 601 total loci of which 593 (98.31%) were polymorphic. The SRAP markers proved to be efficient, as demonstrated by the principal component analysis plot, which grouped all individuals according to their morphotypes, regardless of geographical location. According to the analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA), 10.69% of the total variations were associated with within-populations, while 89.31% were observed among populations. Furthermore, chemical analysis of essential oils (EOs) revealed the presence of Pulegone, 1,8-Cineole, and P-Mentha-3-n-8-ol as the major (>10%) EOs constituents in Z. clinopodioides. Notably, eight EOs compounds (Menthone, B-Pinene, Terpinen-4-ol, Minth-furanone, a-Thujene, Tricyclene, Caryophyllene-oxide, and Germacrene-d) identified in this study, show reliable yields with chemotaxonomic significance within the complex. A high correlation between the genetic markers and EOs content (Pearson’s correlation coefficient, r = 0.6) suggests that genetic markers may be linked to the EOs constituents. Overall, our results obtained from a combination of morphological, molecular, and chemical analyses indicate that nine subspecies of the Z. clinopodioides complex could be decreased to four subspecies.