Chemical Composition Research Articles

Chemical and electrochemical repair methods for the anchorage regions of grouted, post-tensioned concrete systems

Grouted, post-tensioned concrete systems are commonly used for constructing bridges with an intended corrosion-free service life of 100+ years. However, the use of inadequate grout materials and improper grouting techniques have caused voids at the anchorage regions – resulting in premature corrosion (say, within one or two decades) of strands. In addition, re-grouting the voids with repair grout has aggravated the corrosion of strands at the interface between the base grout (usually carbonated) and repair grout due to the differences in their chemical properties – raising concerns and leading to reluctance in re-grouting the voids in tendons. This work focused on developing non-invasive chemical (re-alkalization) and electrochemical (galvanic cathodic protection) methods to repair the anchorages of grouted, post-tensioned concrete systems. Immersion experiments were conducted to assess the efficiency of alkaline solutions in re-alkalizing the carbonated grouts. It was found that 1M Ca(OH)2 solution can restore the pH of the carbonated grouts in about a day. Moreover, the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy studies indicated that 1M Ca(OH)2 solution can re-passivate the embedded strands within a week. It can be sometimes challenging to achieve complete re-alkalization and re-grouting of voids; hence, a redundant electrochemical system that could work from outside the anchorage was found necessary. Therefore, experiments were conducted to evaluate the viability of galvanic anodes in protecting the anchorages. It was found that a thin layer of grout surrounding the strand would be sufficient to provide ionic conductivity for the galvanic anode (connected to the strand-end outside the anchorage) to protect the strand portions inside the anchorage. Based on the study, recommendations for the repair of the anchorage regions using chemical and electrochemical methods are presented.

Exceptional strength-ductility synergy in the novel metastable FeCoCrNiVSi high-entropy alloys via tuning the grain size dependency of the transformation-induced plasticity effect

In-depth knowledge of the coupling between grain refinement and the transformation-induced plasticity (TRIP) effect in metastable alloys is a viable approach for the improvement of strength-ductility synergy, which needs systematic research with consideration of commercial austenitic stainless steels and novel high-entropy alloys (HEAs). Accordingly, in the present work, two Si-containing metastable HEAs in the Fe47Co30Cr10Ni5V8-xSix system (x = 3 and 6 at.%) were designed, and the TRIP-assisted AISI 304L stainless steel was also considered for comparison. The alloys were processed by cold rolling and annealing to obtain different grain sizes. Reducing the stacking fault energy (SFE) through adjusting chemical composition contributes to minimizing the detrimental effect of grain refinement on the ductility of TRIP alloys, while extremely low SFE must be avoided owing to the fast kinetics of deformation-induced martensitic phase transformation, which leads to the deterioration of ductility. In contrast to AISI 304L stainless steel, a strong TRIP effect was maintained upon grain refinement in the Fe47Co30Cr10Ni5V2Si6 HEA due to the remaining apparent SFE in the appropriate TRIP range. The tuned kinetics of martensitic transformation was found to be responsible for the exceptional ductility (∼65%) of Fe47Co30Cr10Ni5V2Si6 HEA at an ultrahigh tensile strength of 1250 MPa. Therefore, considering the identical trend of SFE with grain size, an appropriate initial SFE value is important for tuning the grain size dependency of the TRIP effect. Moreover, the ultrahigh strength was attributed to the high volume fraction of α΄-martensite as well as the high strength of the martensite phase due to the high Si content. Accordingly, for achieving strong-yet-ductile HEAs, a high Si content is recommended to benefit from solid solution strengthening in the martensite phase, a specially-designed chemical composition is needed for attaining a high volume fraction of α΄-martensite, and SFE should be in a desirable range to tune the kinetics of martensitic phase transformation.

Nutritional Values of Foxtail Millet (Setaria italica) and other Millets Used for Common Diseases and Management

Abstract: The ever-increasing population and malnutrition in tropical and sub-tropical countries upsurge the demand and security for poor people’s food and nutrition. In erratic climatic conditions, millets can survive as they require less water, short cultivation period and are somewhat tolerant to biotic (bacteria and fungi) and biotic stresses (drought, salinity, nutrient deficiency, etc). Millets possess several nutrient rich components and several health benefits. Despite having superior nutritional, health and agricultural advantages, millets have not received their due attention. Among the millets, foxtail millet is one of the major millets in terms of its second in global production and millets’ yield, quality, and quantity are affected by various diseases. This review provides an overview of the origin and distribution of eight millets, their morphological characteristics with chemical composition, potential health benefits and the fungal, bacterial and viral diseases affecting the growth and yield of millets and their effective management in the framework of ensuring food and nutritional securities in the tropical and sub-tropical countries.

Unveiling the Latest Breakthroughs: A Comprehensive Review of the Therapeutic Activity and Safety Profile of Aloe vera.

The use of herbal drugs as alternative and complementary medicine has increased in popularity, raising concerns about their safety profile. Aloe vera, a plant with diverse therapeutic properties, has been extensively used for centuries. This review aims to assess the therapeutic activity and safety profile of Aloe vera. A comprehensive literature search was conducted to gather relevant information from various biomedical databases. The chemical composition, mechanism of action, and therapeutic activities of Aloe vera were analyzed. Aloe vera contains numerous active components such as vitamins, enzymes, minerals, sugars, lignin, saponins, and anthraquinones. Its mechanisms of action involve collagen synthesis, anti-inflammatory effects, immune modulation, laxative properties, and antiviral activity. Aloe vera has demonstrated potential therapeutic benefits in wound healing, diabetes management, liver and kidney protection, and glycemic control. However, it is essential to consider potential side effects, such as skin irritation and allergic reactions. This review provides evidence-based information to improve patient safety and promote informed decisions regarding the use of Aloe vera as a therapeutic agent.

Towards the mechanical stability of biocrusts in drylands: Insights from inorganic ions and organic compounds and their interactions

Biocrusts are an important component of dryland ecosystems as they perform crucial ecological functions like stabilizing soils, mediating the hydrological cycle, and improving nutrient availability. The high mechanical stability of biocrusts is understood to be linked to exopolymeric substances (EPS), which in turn, are responsible for the adsorption of various ions and chemical compounds. This study aimed to investigate the chemical composition of biocrusts and assess potential correlations between their chemical composition and mechanical stability. Samples of three types of biocrusts (cyanobacteria, cyanobacteria and moss mixed, and moss crusts) and bare soil (as control) were collected from the northern Loess Plateau of China. The inorganic ions and organic compounds present in biocrusts were quantified using inductively coupled plasma-optic emission spectrometry, ion chromatography, and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Biocrust mechanical stability was assessed by penetration resistance (PR) and the mean weight diameter (MWD) of aggregates. Finally, the contribution of inorganic ions and organic compounds to the stability of the biocrusts was elucidated. The results indicated that all three types of biocrusts were more stable than bare soil, with moss crusts being the most stable. Chemical analyses revealed an enrichment of inorganic ions such as K+, Ca2+, Na+, Mg2+, SO42–, and halogen ions within the biocrusts, while they showed a depletion of Fe2+, Al3+, and NO3–. Ten types of organic compounds were identified in biocrusts and bare soil, with medium-chain alkanes and long-chain acids being the dominant compounds. In some cases, acids accounted for more than 40 % of the total organic compound content of the biocrusts. Redundancy analysis showed that the content of inorganic ions, such as Ca2+ and Mg2+, and organic compounds such as acids, amides, and alkenes, exhibited the closest association with the biocrust stability. Partial least squares path modeling indicated that both inorganic ions and organic compounds indirectly affected biocrust stability by influencing electric conductivity, bulk density, EPS, and fine particle (clay and silt) content. A strong association was found between the inorganic ions and PR or MWD (0.658 and 0.744, respectively), whilst the total effect of organic compounds on PR and MWD was 0.814 and 0.801, respectively. It is suggested that both the magnitude and types of chemicals associated with EPS indicate their capability to grant mechanical stability of the biocrusts, which in turn is conducive to maintaining the critical functions of biocrusts in global drylands.

Physical and chemical surface modification by laser polishing of CuZn42 parts produced by laser powder bed fusion

The widespread use of Cu-Zn alloys containing lead (Pb) in plumbing applications poses significant health risks due to potential Pb leaching into drinking water. In response to international legislation aimed at reducing or eliminating Pb in metal alloys, there is an increasing demand for environmentally friendly brass. In this experimental work, authors show that during the Laser Beam Powder Bed Fusion (PBF-LB) process of the CuZn42 (CW510L) alloy, small particles only a few microns large mixed with large particles that are hundreds of microns in size, are spattered from the material. Large particles show average Zn/Cu ratio around 0.22, while for small particles it increases up to 3, against a nominal value of 0.72 for the CW510L alloy. The fallout of such particles on the produced part enriches surface of Zn, thus altering the surface chemical composition with an increase in Zn concentration beyond the acceptance limit of 43 at.%. To restore the standard chemical composition of the surface, a treatment based on the ablation of the surface material by a laser beam was proposed. Results clearly show that, after the laser treatment, the chemical composition of the surface is completely restored, and the standard properties recovered.

Exploring the role of SAP chemical composition in the internal curing of high-performance cementitious materials

This study investigates the impact of the chemical composition of superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) on their effectiveness in internal curing within high-performance cementitious materials. Although the use of commercial SAPs in cementitious systems has been widely researched, there is still no consensus on how different SAP structures influence material properties. For the first time, this research employs photoinitiated free radical polymerization technology to synthesize three structurally distinct SAPs: SAP with sulfonic acid groups (PAMPS), SAP with amide groups (PAM), and SAP with carboxyl groups (PAAs). The effects of these SAPs on the cement hydration process and microstructure were examined by analyzing their water absorption behavior in cement filtrate. The residual cation content on the SAP surface was evaluated using EDS, while XRD and TGA were used to study how SAP structure affects cement hydration products. Furthermore, the impact of these SAPs on the strength and autogenous shrinkage of the material was investigated. The results indicate that PAMPS, with its sulfonic acid groups, exhibited stable water absorption performance in the alkaline cement environment, promoting hydration reactions and increasing the formation of needle-shaped C-S-H. This stability contributed to mitigating the negative effects on mechanical properties. While the inclusion of SAPs generally reduced the strength of the cement matrix, PAMPS was the most effective in mitigating autogenous shrinkage, achieving a shrinkage mitigation efficiency of 86 %. These findings highlight the importance of SAP chemical structure in influencing cement hydration and material performance, offering insights for the development of effective internal curing agents to enhance high-performance concrete.

Chemical Composition, In vitro and In silico Evaluation of Essential Oil Extracted from Mentha Piperita L. for Lung Cancer

Background: Mentha piperita, a naturally occurring herb, is utilized in medicinal formulations. It possesses abundant bioactive elements, including flavonoids and phenolic acid compounds,that exhibit various properties such as antioxidants, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer. Objective: In the present study, chemical constituents of essential oil extracted from Mentha piperita were analyzed and identified through GC-MS. In vitro antiproliferative activity was performed on A549 lung cancer cell line lines. In silico study was conducted by Schrodinger’s Maestro’s software to identify chemical constituents in the plant as potential EGFR (Epidermal Growth Factor Receptors) inhibitors Methods: Hydro-distilled essential oil was analyzed by GC-MS to identify chemical components based on the retention index and mass fragmentation pattern, which was then tested for its antiproliferative activity by MTT assay against human lung cancer cell lines. All the identified constituents were investigated in silico for their affinity towards EGFR (Epidermal Growth Factor Receptors). Results: A total of thirty constituents were identified where D-carvone (56.69%), L-limonene (12.36%), squalene (3.36%), cis-carveol (2.93%), and α-amorphene (2.36%) were observed as major constituents of the essential oil. The essential mentha oil also exhibited antiproliferative activity against lung cancer cell lines with an IC50 value of 86.05 µg/ml. Furthermore, from the in silico study, five constituents were identified to have a better affinity for EGFR (Epidermal Growth Factor Receptors) than that of the standard drug Osimertinib. Conclusion: In the present study, the aerial part of the plant Mentha piperita was hydrodistilled.Thirty phytoconstituents were identified through GC-MS data. An in-silico study was performed using Schrodinger software, and a further in vitro study was performed in which essential oil showedgood antiproliferative activity against the A549 cancer cell line.

Modeling, assessment and characterization of soiling on PV Technologies. Toward a Better understanding of the Relation between dust deposition and performance losses

Soiling is a critical, site-specific challenge that affects the performance and economic viability of photovoltaic power plants. This study evaluates the effectiveness of an outdoor microscopy method under the specific climatic conditions and dust composition of the Mid-south region of Morocco. Semi-empirical models were developed to correlate the Soiling Coverage Index with losses in optical and electrical performance. Additionally, a comprehensive analysis of local dust, encompassing its chemical composition, morphology, and size distribution, was conducted. Results indicate quartz as the predominant mineral in Benguerir city’s dust particles, with diameters ranging from 0 μm to 26 μm. Additionally, following a 2-week exposure with no rainfall, a dust density of 2.5 g/m2 accumulated on the deployed glass coupons, resulting in a soiling ratio of 6.9 % and a relative transmittance loss of 15.19 %. The surface coverage index, as calculated by the outdoor microscope, was 9.16 %. Furthermore, the evaluation of this metric revealed strong positive correlations (r2 = 0.95 to 0.99) with key soiling indicators such as dust density, soiling ratio, and transmittance loss. These findings underscore the efficacy of the outdoor microscope as a fast, low-cost, and reliable soiling monitoring sensor, offering valuable insights for future monitoring and mitigation efforts.

Spinacia Oleracea: Exploring the Therapeutic Potential in Persian Medicine and Modern Pharmacology.

Spinach is a widely cultivated dark leafy vegetable highly regarded for its medicinal properties in traditional Persian medicine. It is rich in vitamins, minerals, flavonoids, carotenoids, and other bioactive compounds, and this review aims to explore the historical applications of spinach in Persian medicine and juxtapose them with current scientific evidence. Despite its historical significance, there remains a need to comprehensively evaluate and integrate traditional knowledge with modern research on the therapeutic benefits of spinach. To achieve this, a comprehensive search was conducted in Persian medicine references and scientific databases to gather information on the traditional uses, chemical composition, and pharmacological effects of spinach. Studies that met the inclusion criteria were meticulously categorized, and relevant data were analyzed to draw insightful comparisons. Persian medicine describes spinach as a nutrient-rich, laxative, and fast-digesting agent with therapeutic effects on inflammation, lung diseases, back pain, sore throats, jaundice, urinary disorders, joint pain, eye inflammation, insomnia, dementia, and more. Modern studies have substantially corroborated these traditional uses, revealing that spinach possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, blood sugar-lowering, lipid-lowering, anti-obesity, neurological, ocular, and musculoskeletal effects. Spinach exhibits a wide range of beneficial effects on various health conditions. Its widespread availability, low cost, and exceptional nutritional richness position it as a promising candidate for further investigation. Future studies should explore the clinical effectiveness of spinach in various diseases, while taking into consideration the principles emphasized in Persian medicine to guide research and inform therapeutic strategies.

Single layered Ag/NiO plasmonic nanocoatings: A new green synthesis method for selective solar absorber

This study presents the synthesis of environmentally benign, single-layered spectrally selective Ag/NiO nanocoating absorbers using a green synthesis method. Various characterization techniques, including Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy (RBS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM), were used to examine the effects of plasmonic Ag concentration on the structural, chemical composition, and surface morphology of the nanocomposites. The optical properties of the deposited nanocoatings were investigated using a UV–Vis-NIR spectrophotometer in the solar spectrum region (300–2500 nm) and an FT-IR spectrophotometer in the infrared wavelength region (3000–20,000 nm). XRD results confirmed the coexistence of a face-centered cubic phase of Ag and NiO in the Ag/NiO nanocermet thin films. SEM and TEM topography revealed uniformly distributed nanosphere NiO thin films and cubic Ag metal with better dispersibility and crystallization. The RBS spectrum of the samples showed a homogeneous distribution of Ni, Ag, and O atoms throughout the coatings. Ag/NiO nanocoatings deposited with 8 wt% Ag content exhibited excellent solar absorptance (α) = 0.95 and thermal emittance of (ɛ) of 0.08. This enhancement is primarily attributed to the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) effect associated with the embedded Ag nanoparticles, which facilitates more effective utilization of light.

Coffee substitutes: A review of the technology, characteristics, application, and future perspective.

Despite being one of the most frequently consumed beverages worldwide, there are concerns that excessive consumption of coffee can have adverse effects, especially concerning the addictive and stimulating effects of the alkaloid caffeine, which contributes to coffee's popularity. It is known to increase the risk of hypertension and heart rate among predisposed individuals, adversely affecting the nervous system. Even though they differ in nature from those found in coffee, coffee substitutes can be considered economically and health-wise as a favorable alternative to natural coffee brews. This review summarizes the state-of-the-art varieties of plants used as coffee substitutes and discusses their production technology, chemical composition, nutritional properties, health benefits, economic challenges, and rationale for choosing the plant as a substitute for coffee. Various instant products and coffee substitute blends are also available on the market especially based on different kinds of plants and herbs like ginger, rye, date pits, quinoa, lupine, chicory, barley, rye, oak, and so on. These coffee substitutes have several advantages especially having no caffeine and containing different beneficial phytochemicals, although the results of the difference between the levels of harmful compounds in coffee and coffee substitutes were contradictory. Therefore, it is no wonder that the development of coffee substitutes, which are beverages that are able to mimic the taste and aroma of coffee, is on the rise at present.

Zirconium-Doped Zinc Nanocomposites (ZDZN): Preparation, Characterization, and Evaluation of Antibacterial Activity

The present study focuses on zirconium-doped zinc nanocomposites (ZDZN), representing a novel class of materials with antibacterial and antifungal properties. This work involves the preparation, characterization, and evaluation of the antibacterial activity of ZDZN. Zinc oxide nanoparticles were doped with varying concentrations of zirconium ions to create nanocomposites using a simple precipitation technique. The structural, morphological, and chemical properties were investigated using EDS, TEM, SEM, and XRD analyses. The results indicated the successful incorporation of zirconium ions into the lattice of zinc oxide nanoparticles, resulting in nanocomposites with well-defined shapes and compositions. Agar diffusion studies were conducted to assess the antibacterial activities of the nanocomposites against various bacterial and fungal species. The findings revealed that ZDZN exhibited superior antibacterial activity compared to pure zinc oxide nanoparticles, attributed to the concentration-dependent effect of the zirconium dopant. Furthermore, the nanocomposites demonstrated excellent biocompatibility and stability, making them highly suitable for applications in biomedical devices and antimicrobial coatings.

Conjugation of Doxorubicin and Carbon-based-nanostructures for Drug Delivery against HT-29 Colon Cancer Cells.

A drug delivery system is the method or process of administering a pharmaceutical compound to achieve a therapeutic effect in humans or animals. Such systems release the drugs at specific amounts in a specific site. The carbon based-nanomaterials have been actively used as drug carriers to treat various cancer. This study aimed to evaluate the cytotoxic effects of DOX-GO, DOX-OMC and DOXCNT in colon cancer cells (HT29). We reported platforms based on graphene oxide (GO), ordered mesoporous carbon (OMC) and carbon nanotubes (CNT) to conjugate with doxorubicin (DOX). The conjugation of DOX with carbon nanomaterial was investigated by UV-Vis spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) and cyclic voltammetry (CV) methods. We showed that graphene oxide was a highly efficient matrix. Efficient loading of DOX, 89%, 78%, and 73.5% at pH 7.0 was seen onto GO, OMC and CNT, respectively. Upon pH 4. 0 after 15 h, 69%, 61% and 61% of DOX could be released from the DOX-GO, DOX-OMC and DOX-CNT, respectively, which illustrated the significant benefits of the developed approach for carbon nanomaterial applications. In vitro cytotoxicity analysis showed greater cytotoxicity of DOX/GO, DOX/OMC and DOX/CNT in comparison with GO, OMC and CNT against HT29 colon cancer cells with cell viability of 22%, 40% and 44% after 48 h for DOX-GO, DOX-OMC and DOX-CNT, respectively. The nanohybrids based on DOX-carbon nanomaterial, because of their unique physical and chemical properties, will remarkably enhance the anti-cancer activity.

Long-term rice cultivation enhances root development and yields by improving the structural properties of soil aggregates in saline–alkaline environments

Rice cultivation has the ability to improve saline soils. However, the effects of long-term rice cultivation on saline soil chemistry, salt ions, root characteristics, and aggregate formation remain unclear. In this study, the impact of different planting durations (1, 3, 5, 8, and 10 years) on the spatial and temporal transport of soil salts, soil chemical properties, distribution and stability of aggregates, root characteristics, and yields, were assessed. Long-term rice cultivation reduced soil pH, exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP), and EC in the 0-60cm soil layer compared to 1Y (5.45%, 61.57%, and 81.87% reduction in topsoil (0-20cm) and 8.54%, 72.82%, and 71.94 in subsoil (20-60cm), respectively). However, the soil organic matter (OM), alkaline nitrogen (AN), phosphorus (AP), and potassium (AK) increased (217.09%, 90.18%, 89.23%, and 179.18% increase in topsoil and 223.72%, 81.24%, 174.28%, and 172.57% increase in subsoil, respectively). Additionally, the Cl-, K+, and Na+ in the soil gradually leached downward with the increase in the duration of rice cultivation (55.87%、36.08%、59.80%). Simultaneously, the increased duration markedly elevated the soil macroaggregate content (11.43%-20.04% by dry-sieving and 53.48%-288.09% by wet-sieving), clayey grain content (59.17%-198.33%), and soil aggregate stability, especially for 8Y and 10Y. The improved soil structure and root characteristic under long-term rice cultivation conditions increased the yield (28.89-54.81%). Partial least squares path model displayed that rice cultivation affected the aggregate stability, root characteristics, and rice yield via the corresponding chemical properties (pH, EC, and ESP), nutrient contents (AN, AP, AK, and SOM), and salt ion contents (Cl-, K+, and Na+). These findings are critical to understanding aggregate formation in saline soils.

Synergistic regulation of salinity and nutrients on organic carbon mineralization in a 700-year cultivated saline soil chronosequence

Long-term cultivation in reclaimed mudflats significantly impacts soil properties through changes in salinity and organic carbon (OC) inputs, which subsequently affect soil physical, chemical, and biological characteristics. In addition, long-term rice cultivation can help optimize soil health and fertility management in paddy fields, mitigate climate change, and enhance ecosystem services. However, the impact of long-term cultivation on OC mineralization across a salinity gradient remains unclear. During an 80-d incubation experiment, we assessed 13C-labeled glucose mineralization in soils cultivated for 5, 20, 200, and 700 years, each with varying salinity levels. Our results demonstrated that glucose mineralization declined linearly with increasing soil salinity, from 76 % in low-salinity soils to 31 % in high-salinity soils, reflecting a clear physical impact. This process was closely linked with chemical properties, showing a positive correlation with Olsen P and levels of microbial biomass carbon and nitrogen. Soil organic carbon (SOC) mineralization was primarily controlled by dissolved OC regardless of soil salinity. Further investigation revealed significant shifts in the biological properties, notably the bacterial community composition, which varied with the duration of soil cultivation. The bacterial Shannon index increased steadily from 50 to 700 years, forming distinct clusters, influenced primarily by electrical conductivity and pH in high-salinity soils and by soil-labile nutrients in low-salinity soils. The abundance of Acidobacteria, Proteobacteria, and Verrucomicrobia—dominant phyla in soil cultivated for 700 years—is negatively correlated with soil salinity and pH and positively with labile nutrients, glucose, and OC mineralization, whereas the opposite was true for Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes dominant phyla in soil cultivated for 5 years, was affected positively by soil salinity and pH and negatively by labile nutrients and glucose mineralization. In conclusion, soil salinity and nutrients synergistically regulate OC mineralization in a 700-year cultivated saline soil chronosequence. Addressing these factors is critical to enhancing microbial activity and OC accumulation in saline soils, underscoring the importance of integrating measures to reduce salt and increase the import and accumulation of exogenous organic matter.

Characteristics of surface microlayer film under different freshwater environments: physical, chemical, and biological properties

The surface microlayer film (SMF) has been observed worldwide in water environments and its environmental behavior plays a vital role in the migration and transformation of water pollutants. However, there has been little description and explanation of their characteristics in freshwater environments. Here, we investigate the characteristics of SMF under different freshwater trophic status. The results demonstrated that under sufficient nutrition, the interior characteristics of the SMF are densely arranged Fe3O4 skeletal structures, and the enrichment concentration of Fe3+ on the SMF reached 4.66μg/mL, the dominant bacteria is Zoogloea. Under the constraint of nitrogen, the interior characteristics of the SMF is a tightly spherical encapsulated organic matter, the maximum enrichment concentration of Fe3+ on the SMF was only 0.75μg/mL, Limnobacter and Acidocella are the dominant bacteria in the carbon and nitrogen constraint. Under iron constraint, the interior of the SMF is an entangled organic organism, and the coverage rate of the SMF was only 31.41%, which decreased by 20.55% and 8.58%, compared with carbon and nitrogen constraint respectively, and the main microbial species is Cloacibacterium. These results reveal a strong correlation between water nutrient types and the formation of SMF, and established a connection between water pollution and SMF characteristics, provided a new approach for predicting water types using water surface microlayers, and have important implications for managing freshwater ecosystems.

1,3,4-Oxadiazole Scaffold in Antidiabetic Drug Discovery: An Overview.

Diabetes mellitus is one of the biggest challenges for the scientific community in the 21st century. With the increasing number of cases of diabetes and drug-resistant diabetes, there is an urgent need to develop new potent molecules capable of combating this cruel disease. Medicinal chemistry concerns the discovery, development, identification, and interpretation of the mode of action of biologically active compounds at the molecular level. Oxadiazole-based derivatives have come up as a potential option for antidiabetic drug research. Oxadiazole is a five-membered heterocyclic organic compound containing two nitrogen atoms and one oxygen atom in its ring. Oxadiazole hybrids have shown the ability to improve glucose tolerance, enhance insulin sensitivity, and reduce fasting blood glucose levels. The mechanisms underlying the antidiabetic effects of oxadiazole involve the modulation of molecular targets such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ), α-glucosidase, α-amylase and GSK-3β which regulate glucose metabolism and insulin secretion. The present review article describes the chemical structure and properties of oxadiazoles and highlights the antidiabetic activity through action on different targets. The SAR for the oxadiazole hybrids has been discussed in this article, which will pave the way for the design and development of new 1,3,4-oxadiazole derivatives as promising antidiabetic agents in the future. We expect that this article will provide comprehensive knowledge and current innovation on oxadiazole derivatives with antidiabetic potential and will fulfil the needs of the scientific community in designing and developing efficacious antidiabetic agents.

A Recent Advance on Phytochemicals, Nutraceutical and Pharmacological Activities of Buckwheat.

Buckwheat, a member of the Fagopyrum genus in the Polygonaceae family, is an ancient pseudocereal with noteworthy nutraceutical properties that have been relatively less explored. This crop holds great promise for the future due to its gluten-free protein, wellbalanced amino acid profile, and the presence of bioactive flavonoids that promote good health. With its gluten-free nature and a combination of beneficial nutritional components, buckwheat shows significant potential for a variety of health benefits. The objective of the present review aims to explore various nutritional and pharmacological properties of buckwheat. With the help of various search engines such as, Pubmed, Google and Semantic Scholar, research and review papers were carefully investigated and summarized in a comprehensive review. A fascinating spectrum of nutritional and pharmacological activities of common buckwheat and Tartary buckwheat were explored such as antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, neurological disorders, antiobesity, anticancer, cardiovascular agents and many more. This review provides a concise overview of the current understanding of the chemical composition of both common buckwheat and Tartary buckwheat and the captivating spectrum of pharmacological activity and also underscoring their immense potential for future advancements.

Tree species selection for optimizing soil carbon storage: Insights from litter decomposition and bacterial community analysis in coastal ecosystems

Coastal wetland ecosystems are critical sinks for atmospheric carbon dioxide, playing a vital role in global carbon cycling and climate regulation. The decomposition of leaf litter plays a crucial role in the formation and stability of soil organic carbon (SOC) in these environments. This study investigated the impact of leaf litter decomposition from five tree species (Populus deltoids, Ligustrum lucidum, Taxodium 'Zhongshanshan', Hibiscus hamabo, and Nerium oleander) on SOC dynamics, humus composition, and soil bacterial community structure in a tidal flat. Litterbags were used to monitor the mass loss and changes in litter chemical composition over 270 days. The results revealed significant differences in decomposition rates among the tree species, with Nerium oleander exhibiting the fastest decomposition and Populus deltoids the slowest. Surprisingly, initial litter chemistry did not correlate with decomposition rates; however, changes in lignin and hemicellulose content during decomposition were significantly related to mass loss. Despite its rapid decomposition, Nerium oleander litter resulted in the highest accumulation of SOC, total humus, and humin compared to the other species, challenging the conventional view that slower decomposition leads to greater SOC storage. The soil microbial community structure was significantly influenced by SOC, humus, and litter components, with distinct microbial assemblages associated with each tree species. A random forest model identified key bacterial taxa, predominantly Proteobacteria, as important predictors of SOC content, highlighting the role of bacterial diversity in regulating SOC dynamics. These findings underscore the importance of considering litter quality, decomposition dynamics, and bacterial community composition in strategies aimed at enhancing soil carbon sequestration. This study suggests that selecting tree species with rapidly decomposing litter, such as Nerium oleander, in coastal plantations can be an effective management tool for optimizing soil carbon storage, offering valuable insights for mitigating climate change impacts.