Composition Of Different Parts Research Articles

Physiological responses of young cacao trees to soil water deficiency as affected by Pb pollution and Fe availability

Plants are subject to various abiotic stresses such as water shortage and exposure to heavy metals, such as Pb in soil. These types of stress trigger a series of plant responses, ranging from a decrease in leaf gas exchange, an increase in lipid peroxidation, and even changes in the chemical composition of leaves and roots. As an essential micronutrient, Fe is involved in several physiological and biochemical processes in plants, such as photosynthetic activity, directly participating in chlorophyll synthesis and electron transport, being necessary for the maintenance of the structure and functioning of chloroplasts. The main objective of this work was to evaluate the action of Fe in mitigating Pb toxicity in young plants of the CCN 51 cacao genotype, subjected to water deficit in the soil, through photosynthetic responses and analysis of the chemical composition of different parts of the plant. Plants were grown with Pb (2 mmol Pb kg-1 soil) and different equimolar doses of Pb+Fe in the soil (2+0.5, 2+1, 2+1.5 and 2+2 mmol kg−1 soil), maintaining constant the Pb dose, whose soil was subjected to water deficit, with gradual reduction of water content, or its moisture was maintained near to field capacity, making a total of 12 treatments, together with the control treatment (without addition of Pb and Fe in soil). It was observed that the greater Fe absorbing, by the root system, mitigated the Pb toxicity. Fe application, in adequate dose in soil (2 mmol Pb kg-1 soil + 0.5 mmol Fe kg−1 soil), mitigated the toxic effects caused by Pb and water deficit in the plants, through the greater Fe taking up and translocation for the shoot in Pb detriment. Greater Pb translocation and accumulation in the leaves caused damage to leaf gas exchange and to the accumulation of carbohydrates in leaves. Fe and Pb applied in soil competed with each other for root absorbing regardless of soil water conditions.

Integrative analysis of proteomics and lipidomic profiles reveal the fat deposition and meat quality in Duroc × Guangdong small spotted pig.

This study aims to explore the important factors affecting the characteristics of different parts of pork. Lipidomics and proteomics methods were used to analyze DAL (differential lipids) and DAPs (differential proteins) in five different parts (longissimus dorsi, belly meat, loin, forelegs and buttocks) of Duhua pig (Duroc × Guangdong small spotted pig), to identify potential pathways affecting meat quality, investigating fat deposition in pork and its lipid-protein interactions. The results show that TG (triglyceride) is the lipid subclass with the highest proportion in muscle, and the pathway with the most significantly enriched lipids is GP. DAP clustered on several GO terms closely related to lipid metabolism and lipogenesis (lipid binding, lipid metabolism, lipid transport, and lipid regulation). In KEGG analysis, there are two main DAP aggregation pathways related to lipid metabolism, namely Fatty acid degradation and oxidative phosphorylation. In PPI analysis, we screened out 31 core proteins, among which NDUFA6, NDUFA9 and ACO2 are the most critical. PC (phosphatidylcholine) is regulated by SNX5, THBS1, ANXA7, TPP1, CAVIN2, and VDAC2 in the phospholipid binding pathway. TG is regulated by AUH/HADH/ACADM/ACADL/HADHA in the lipid oxidation and lipid modification pathways. Potential biomarkers are rich in SFA, MUFA and PUFA respectively, the amounts of SFA, MUFA and PUFA in the lipid measurement results are consistent with the up- and down-regulation of potential biomarker lipids. This study clarified the differences in protein and lipid compositions in different parts of Duhua pigs and provided data support for revealing the interactions between pork lipids and proteins. These findings provide contributions to the study of intramuscular fat deposition in pork from a genetic and nutritional perspective.

Chemical characterization, multivariate analysis and comparison of biological activities of different parts of Fraxinus mandshurica.

Fraxinus mandshurica (Oleaceae) is used as a traditional medicinal plant for the treatment of red eyes, menstrual disorders, excessive leucorrhea, chronic bronchitis and psoriasis. To perform chemical characterization of the secondary metabolites of F. mandshurica roots, bark, stems and leaves, 32 samples were collected from eight provinces in this study. A total of 64 chemical components were detected from four different parts of F. mandshurica by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Meanwhile, a total of nine secoiridoids were obtained by natural product chemical extraction, isolation and identification methods. Quantitative analysis by high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection-mass spectrometry showed the highest total content of secoiridoids in the bark, which is also consistent with the traditional medicinal parts. The results of methodological validation showed that the correlation coefficient (R2 ) values were all >0.9993, indicating a good linear range of the standard curve, while the relative standard deviations of precision, reproducibility and stability were <3%, and the spiked recoveries ranged from 98.22 to 102.27%, indicating that the experimental method was reliable and stable. In addition, fingerprinting and a heatmap were established to demonstrate the content trends of F. mandshurica more visually from different origins. Multivariate analysis, including principal component analysis and partial least squares discriminant analysis, was performed to determine the chemical characteristics of different parts of F. mandshurica, and six characteristic secoiridoids that could be used to distinguish different origins were screened. Finally, the inhibition of tyrosinase, α-glucosidase, acetylcholinesterase and pancreatic lipase activities by the nine characteristic compounds and extracts from different parts were investigated, and the results showed that they all exhibited different degrees of enzyme activity inhibition and thus have potential applications in whitening and blemish removal, hypoglycemia, anti-Alzheimer's disease and anti-obesity as a new source of natural enzyme activity inhibitors. This study establishes an identification and evaluation method applicable to phytochemistry of different origins, which is a guideline for quality control, origin evaluation and clinical application of traditional medicinal plants. This is also an unprecedented study on the identification of the chemical composition of different parts of F. mandshurica, characteristic compounds and the inhibition of enzyme activity of extracts from different parts.

Comparison of the Nutritional Composition of Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) Inflorescences, Green Leaves, and Grains

The nutritional composition of different parts of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.), such as sprouts, green leaves, and grains, have previously been studied in detail. This study aimed to compare the nutritional values of quinoa inflorescences against those of quinoa leaves and grains. The assessment of nutritional composition includes crude protein, crude fat, fiber, ash, carbohydrates, essential amino acids, and minerals. The proximate analysis showed that on a dry weight (DW) basis, quinoa inflorescences contain higher amounts of protein, fiber, all essential amino acids, and minerals when compared to quinoa grains. However, quinoa green leaves have higher protein and fat contents than quinoa inflorescences, while retaining all essential amino acids and minerals. Inflorescences possess a higher fiber content and a lower fat content than green leaves and grains do. In this study, nutritional assessments of inflorescences typically ranked in the middle when compared to those of green leaves and grains. These findings emphasize the nutritional potential of quinoa inflorescences as prospective ingredients to develop healthy foods and supplements that provide health benefits beyond basic nutritional functions. Nevertheless, additional research is essential to confirm and substantiate these results.

Prospects for the creation of new phytochemical medicinal products based on Myrtus communis L. (a review)

The number of medicinal products based on biologically active substances (BAS) of plant origin is increasing every year. Scientists are exploring non-official plant raw materials used in non-traditional medicine to expand the raw material base for creating new phytopreparations. Among numerous plants, common myrtle (Myrtus communis L.), which is a fairly common indoor plant, is recognized as a valuable source of BAS. The aim of the work is to analyze and summarize new literature data on the botanical characteristics, chemical composition, pharmacological and toxicological properties of Myrtus communis L. Materials and methods. Data were collected from several legitimate databases and services such as PubMed, Medline, Scopus, Google Scholar, ResearchGate using the key terms “Myrtus communis L.”, “botanical characteristics”, “pharmacological studies”, “phytochemical studies” in each database data Relevant and related data were filtered as appropriate if deemed relevant to the topic of interest. Time frames have also been adjusted to provide up-to-date information. Results. Myrtus communis L., commonly known as common myrtle, is a widely recognized medicinal plant in the Mediterranean region. Various parts of this plant, including the leaves, fruits, and flowers, have been used in traditional medicine for treating a wide range of ailments. The pharmacological properties of common myrtle are attributed to the presence of essential oils and phenolic compounds, and these properties include antimicrobial, antiviral, antidiabetic, antispasmodic, vasodilator, antiulcer, antioxidant, antitumor, and anti-inflammatory effects. This article offers an overview of the botanical characteristics and chemical composition of different parts of common myrtle, and it presents a literature review of pharmacological studies that provide evidence for the plant’s medicinal properties. Conclusions. Common myrtle is a promising plant for further pharmacognostic research with the aim of expanding the raw material base, using the method of clonal micropropagation and creating new phytopreparations based on it.

Comparative Analysis of Phytocompound Variations in Leaves, Bark and Roots of Allspice (Pimenta Dioica) Collections in Tanzania

Allspice, scientifically known as Pimenta dioica, holds potential as a natural source of beneficial compounds that have been historically used to address various human health concerns. The aim of this research was to explore differences in the compounds found in parts of Allspice (i.e., the leaves, bark, and roots). Petroleum ether, dichloromethane, and methanol were used to extract the substances from each part; the resulting crude extracts were then analyzed using gas chromatography mass spectrometry. To interpret the obtained data, the National Institute of Standards and Technology database was referred to for a spectra analysis. The findings indicated that the leaves contained 81 phytocompounds, bark had 18 types, and roots exhibited 12 varieties. Prominent phytocompounds found in the leaves were eugenol in 72.24% – 73.91% of the total compounds detected. Bark was primarily composed of 1,4-Methanoazulene, decahydro-4,8,8-trimethyl-9-methylene-, [1S-(1. alpha.,3a. beta.,4. alpha.,8a. beta.)] in 74.35% – 84.24%; while roots contained γ-sitosterol at an 86.08% concentration level. In terms of solvent performance, methanol exhibited high efficiency on leaves, while dichloromethane demonstrated optimal results on bark and roots. The findings confirm significant variations in phytocompound composition in different parts of Allspice and underscores the importance of considering specific types of phytocompounds, as well as extraction techniques to achieve valuable outcomes.

Changes in microbial composition and interaction patterns of female urogenital tract and rectum in response to HPV infection

BackgroundPrevious studies have shown that changes in the microbial community of the female urogenital tract are associated with Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. However, research on this association was mostly focused on a single site, and there are currently few joint studies on HPV infection and multiple sites in the female urogenital tract.MethodsWe selected 102 healthy women from Yunnan Province as the research object, collected cervical exfoliation fluid, vaginal, urethral, and rectal swabs for microbial community analysis, and measured bacterial load, and related cytokine content. The link between HPV, microbiota, and inflammation was comprehensively evaluated using bioinformatics methods.FindingsThe impact of HPV infection on the microbial composition of different parts varies. We have identified several signature bacterial genera that respond to HPV infection in several detection sites, such as Corynebacterium, Lactobacillus, Campylobacter, and Cutibacterium have been detected in multiple sites, reflecting their potential significance in cross body sites HPV infection responses. There was a solid microbial interaction network between the cervix, vagina, and urethra. The interrelationships between inflammatory factors and different bacterial genera might also affect the immune system's response to HPV infection.InterpretationIt might be an effective strategy to prevent and treat HPV infection by simultaneously understanding the correlation between the microbial changes in multiple parts of the female urogenital tract and rectum and HPV infection, and controlling the microbial network related to HPV infection in different parts.

Characterization of the chemical composition of different parts of Dolichos lablab L. and revelation of its anti-ulcerative colitis effects by modulating the gut microbiota and host metabolism

Ethnopharmacological relevanceUlcerative colitis (UC) is a non-specific inflammatory disease characterized by long duration and easy relapse. Dolichos lablab L. (DLL) belongs to the family Fabaceae, was listed in a famous Chinese medical classic, Compendium of Materia Medic, and described as possessing features that invigorate the spleen, alleviate dampness, provide diarrhea relief, and other effects. The DLL-dried white mature seeds (DS) and dried flower (DF), which hold significant medicinal value in China, were used in clinical prescriptions to prevent and treat UC. DS and DF have appeared in different editions of the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China from 1977 to 2020. However, their chemical composition, pharmacological effects, and mechanism of treating UC are unclear. Aim of the studyThis study aimed to characterize the chemical composition of different parts of DLL (seeds and flowers), further explore their pharmacological effects, and elaborate its underlying mechanism of treating UC. MethodsThe chemical composition of DS and DF crude polysaccharides (DSP and DFP) and ethanolic extracts (DSE and DFE) were characterized by high-performance anion-exchange chromatography (HPAEC), ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS), and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Then, based on the acute UC mice model, the pharmacodynamic effects were investigated by Western blotting, ELISA, and other methods. Finally, the 16S rRNA gene sequencing and metabonomic analysis were used to explore the regulatory effects of DS and DF on intestinal microbiota and host metabolism. ResultsDSE and DFE inhibited the oxidative stress response, reducing proinflammatory factor production and maintaining intestinal barrier integrity in UC mice. The 16S rRNA gene sequencing and metabonomic analysis revealed that DS and DF treated UC by regulating the intestinal microbiota structure and reversing the abnormal metabolism of the host. ConclusionThis study suggested that different parts of DLL (flowers and seeds) may be potential medicines for treating UC, which exert their therapeutic effects through various active ingredients and might contribute significantly to reducing the economic pressures and challenges of UC treatment worldwide.

Comparison of chemical compositions of different parts of Xanthoceras sorbifolium seeds based on UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS

Xanthoceras sorbifolium seeds have a wide range of applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries. To compare and analyze the chemical compositions of different parts of X. sorbifolium seeds and explore the potential value and research prospects of non-medicinal parts, this study used ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole Orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry(UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS) to detect the chemical composition of various parts of the seeds. A total of 82 components were preliminary identified from X. sorbifolium seeds, including 5 amino acids, 4 polyphenols, 3 phenylpropionic acids, 7 organic acids, 15 flavonoids, 6 glycosides, and 23 saponins. Mass spectrometry molecular networking(MN) analysis was conducted on the results from different parts of the seeds, revealing significant differences in the components of the seed kernel, seed coat, and seed shell. The saponins and flavonoids in the seed kernel were superior in terms of variety and content to those in the seed coat and shell. Based on the chromatographic peaks of different parts from multiple batches of samples, multivariate statistical analysis was carried out. Four differential components were determined using HPLC, and the average content of these components in the seed kernel, seed coat, and seed shell were as follows: 0.183 6, 0.887 4, and 1.440 1 mg·g~(-1) for fraxin; 0.035 8, 0.124 1, and 0.044 5 mg·g~(-1) for catechin; 0.032 9, 0.072 0, and 0.221 5 mg·g~(-1) for fraxetin; 0.435 9, 2.114 7, and 0.259 7 mg·g~(-1) for epicatechin. The results showed that catechin and fraxetin had relatively low content in all parts, while fraxin had higher content in the seed coat and seed shell, and epicatechin had higher content in the seed kernel and seed coat. Therefore, the seed coat and seed shell possess certain development value. This study provides rapid analysis and comparison of the chemical compositions of different parts of X. sorbifolium seeds, which offers an experimental basis for the research and clinical application of medicinal substances in X. sorbifolium seeds.

Study on the spatial specificity of phenolics in fruit of different jujube varieties

Phenol, an important bioactive substance in jujube fruit, is one of the most important indexes of fruit quality. In order to clarify the phenolic substance composition, content and distribution characteristics of different varieties of jujube fruits, this study measured and compared the content of total phenols, total flavonoids and phenolic substance composition in different parts of fruits of six jujube varieties, and combined with the principal component analysis, the results showed that: Fourteen phenolic substances were identified in the fruits of different jujube varieties, and proanthocyanidins, epicatechin, catechin and rutin were the main components, accounting for 58.60%, 16.08%, 13.56% and 5.57% of the total phenolic substances, respectively. The total phenolic and total flavonoid contents of jujube fruits of each variety were between 18.11 and 21.45 mg GAE/g DW and 10.56–20.25 mg RE/g DW, respectively, and the differences in the contents between the varieties were significant, and the contents of ‘Junzao’ and ‘Jinlingyuanzao’ were higher than those of other varieties.The phenolic content of different parts of jujube fruits showed spatial distribution differences, manifested as the total phenols, total flavonoids and their fractions of the peel were significantly higher than that of the pulp, while the content of the pulp near the kernel was significantly higher than that of other parts of the pulp, This study provides a theoretical basis for analysing the differences in phenolic substances in jujube fruits.

On Terms Used in Defining the Corpus Delicti under Art. 133 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation

The article analyzes the terms used by the legislator when defining the disposition of the corpus delicti under Art. 133 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation. An analysis of the term «blackmail» is presented, which does not have a legal definition and requires clarification of the content. Since it is used not only in the construction of Article Art. 133 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, but also a number of others, it is advisable to formalize the content of this term in a note to the article in which it is used for the first time - Art. 127.2 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation as follows: «In the articles of this Code, blackmail is understood as the threat of dissemination of information defaming the victim or their relatives, or other information that can cause significant harm to the rights or legitimate interests of the victim or their relatives». The criticism of the construction «use of material or other dependence of the victim» as a sign of the objective side of the considered corpus delicti is presented, and with examples from practice, the problems of qualification for it are considered. It is proposed to replace this construction with «under the threat of committing actions that violate the rights and legitimate interests of the victim, who is financially or otherwise dependent on the perpetrator». It is substantiated that outside the corpus delicti under Art. 133 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, there remains a number of actions that have public danger, but also do not fall under the signs of other elements of sexual crimes. This made it possible to propose that a list of methods for committing the crime in question be left open, pointing out the threat of committing another criminal act. The necessity of the existence of different structures of the composition in different parts of the article, depending on the effectiveness of coercive actions, is substantiated. In conclusion, a new version of Art. 133 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation is proposed, taking into account the need to correct the terms that describe actions of a sexual nature.

Biochemical and Antioxidant Profiling of Raspberry Plant Parts for Sustainable Processing.

The optimization of innovation and food technological processes not only increases the profits of companies but also allows them to achieve the set goals of the green trajectory. This research aimed to collect data on the biochemical composition of different parts of the raspberry variety 'Polka', including the various morphological parts, to present the importance of differentiating plant parts in food processing, and to show the potential of usage for primary processing in different fields of the food industry. Fruits, stems (cane), leaves, flowers, seeds, and roots were evaluated according to their chemical composition and mineral (Ca, Mg, B, Zn, Cu, Fe, and Mn) contents, phenolic compounds, and antioxidant activity. In our study, the contents of inverted sugar, saccharose, and total sugar varied from 51.8 ± 2.46 %, 18.9 ± 0.31 %, and 69.7 ± 4,36 % in raspberry puree to 5.9 ± %, 1.51 ± %, 7.39 ± % in the seeds, respectively. The results regarding the mineral composition of various raspberry parts (mg/kg) indicated significant differences (p < 0.05). The contents of manganese and iron (57.6 ± 0.50; 36.9 ± 0.59) were the highest in all the parts in the plant. Manganese varied from 246 ± 10.32 in inflorescence to 40.1 ± 0.87 in the seeds. Iron fluctuated from 1553 ± 44.03 in the roots to 35.5 ± 0.15 in the seeds. The highest statistically significant boron content (p < 0.05) was found in the leaves (41.8 ± 0.33), while the lowest was in the seeds (7.17 ± 0.19). The total phenol content of the raspberry's distinct parts ranged from 6500 mg GAE/100 g DW to 1700 mg GAE/100 g DW. The inflorescence had the considerably highest total phenol content. Our study found that the highest amount of epicatechin is found in the roots (9162.1 ± 647.86 mg), while the fruits contain only 657.5 ± 92.99, and the lowest value is in the stems (130.3 ± 9.22). High levels of procyanidin B2 were found in the raspberry roots (7268.7 ± 513.98), while the stems had the lowest value-368.4 ± 26.05. The DPPH of the raspberry morphological parts ranged from 145.1 to 653.6 µmol TE/g FW, ABTS-from 1091.8 to 243.4 µmol TE/g FW, and the FRAP-from 720.0 to 127.0 µmol TE/g FW. The study revealed the importance of differentiating plant parts in production for the quality of the final product. Studies showed that raspberry plant parts represent a potential source of natural food ingredients, and can be a potential raw material for products rich in phenolic compounds or dietary fiber, which can provide healthy properties to food when used as an additive that may be economically attractive for consumers.

In situ analysis of volatile oil in Angelica sinensis roots by fluorescence imaging combined with mass spectrometry imaging

In this study, the spatial distribution and accumulation dynamics of volatile oil in Angelica sinensis roots was realized by fluorescence imaging combined with mass spectrometry imaging. The laser scanning confocal microscopy was used to determine the optimal excitation wavelength and the fluorescent stability of volatile oil in the sections of Angelica sinensis roots. The results demonstrated that 488 nm was the most suitable excitation wavelength for the identification and quantitative analysis of volatile oil. It was observed that volatile oil accumulated in the oil chamber of the phelloderm and secondary phloem, and the oil canal of the secondary xylem. The results also indicated that there were differences in content during different periods. Furthermore, the MALDI-TOF-MSI technology was used to study the spatial distribution and compare the chemical compositions of different parts of Angelica sinensis roots during the harvest period. A total of 55, 49, 50 and 30 compounds were identified from the head, body, tail of the root and root bark, respectively. The spatial distribution of phthalides, organic acids and other compounds were revealed in Angelica sinensis roots. The method developed in this study could be used for the in situ analysis of volatile oil in Angelica sinensis roots.

Variations in Bioactive Properties, Phenolic Compounds and Fatty Acid Compositions of Different Parts of Prickly Pear (Opuntia ficus-indica Spp) Fruits

Variations in Bioactive Properties, Phenolic Compounds and Fatty Acid Compositions of Different Parts of Prickly Pear (Opuntia ficus-indica Spp) Fruits

Comparative Chemical Profiling and Biological Potential of Essential Oils of Petal, Choke, and Heart Parts of Cynara scolymus L. Head

The essential oil and macroelemental composition of different parts of flower bud (petal, choke, and heart) of Cynara scolymus L. were explored and compared using gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Overall, 62 organic components were detected in the flower bud based on mass spectra characteristics and retention indices. The essential oil extracted from the petals, choke, and bud showed the presence of thirty-one, twenty-one, and twenty-one compounds, respectively, with linoleic acid and palmitic acid as the major components. 21 components were identified in the oil of the petals, comprising 94.45% of the total oil, in which linoleic acid methyl ester, palmitic acid methyl ester, octadecanoic acid methyl ester, O-α-d-glucopyranoside, and heptyl oct-3-yl ester were the major constituents. Twenty-one compounds, representing 89.13% of the total oil, were detected in the choke oil. Linoleic acid methyl ester, palmitic acid methyl ester, and 2-methyl-1-hexadecanol were the main components. However, the edible heart oil contains twenty compounds, comprising 86.84% of the total oil. Cyclopropane butanoic acid, linoleic acid, methyl ester, and palmitic acid were the major constituents. The analysis executed by ICP-MS revealed the presence of significant amounts of various inorganic elements in all the three samples. The extracted essential oils were tested for antibacterial, antioxidant, and anticancer activities. The results showed that the oil extracted from the petals of C. scolymus flower bud displayed the highest antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer effects, as compared to choke and heart oils.

Triterpene Content in Flesh and Peel of Apples Grown on Different Rootstocks.

Advancements in rootstock breeding and selection have revolutionized the manner in which apples are grown throughout the world. Fruit tree breeding has typically focused on key horticultural characteristics. Even though agents with health benefits have been investigated more frequently during the recent years, information about the effect of different cultivation factors, such as the rootstock, on triterpene concentration is still lacking. The present study aimed to evaluate triterpene profiles and the quantitative composition of different parts of apple fruit that was grown on 17 various origin and vigor rootstocks. HPLC analyses of triterpenes in apple samples were performed. The highest total content of triterpenes (7.72 ± 0.39 mg/g) was found in peel samples of apples grown on the dwarf rootstock 62-396-B10®. Depending on the rootstock, apple peel samples accumulated 3.52 to 4.74 times more triterpene compounds than apple flesh samples. Ursolic acid was the predominant triterpene compound in apple peel and flesh samples. The highest content of ursolic acid (5.84 ± 0.29 mg/g) was found in peel samples of apples grown on the dwarf rootstock 62-396-B10®. Meanwhile, the lowest amount of ursolic acid (3.25 ± 0.16 mg/g) was found in apple peel samples grown on the dwarf rootstock Cepiland-Pajam®2. A proper match of a cultivar and a rootstock can program a fruit tree to grow larger amounts of higher quality, antioxidant-rich, and high-nutrition-value fruit.

Comprehensive Characterization and Quantification of Antioxidant Compounds in Finger Lime (Citrus australasica L.) by HPLC-QTof-MS and UPLC-MS/MS

Australian finger limes (Citrus australasica L.), an unusual citrus due to its unique pulp with a caviar-like appearance, has reached the global market as a promising source of bioactive compounds that promote health. This research was, therefore, performed to shed light on the bioactivity and composition of different parts of Citrus australasica L. (peel and pulp). Initial ultrasound-assisted extraction using MeOH:H2O (80:20, v/v) was carried out. After that, four fractions (hexane, ethyl acetate, butanol and water) were generated through liquid–liquid partitioning, and the total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity were evaluated using the Folin–Ciocalteu and the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays, respectively. The ethyl acetate fraction in the peel, which presented the highest values of TPC and antioxidant activity, was characterized using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole time-of-flight (HPLC-QTof) mass spectrometry. Fifteen compounds were identified, of which seven were characterized for the first time in this matrix. Moreover, ten phenolic compounds were quantified using ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). The major compounds in the sample were citric acid, pyrogallol, caffeic acid, coumarin, rutin, naringin, 2-coumaric acid, didymin, naringenin and isorhamnetin, which were found in a range from 2.7 to 8106.7 µg/g sample dry weight. Finally, the results presented in this novel work confirmed that the peel by-product of C. australasica L. is a potential source of bioactive compounds and could result in a positive outcome for the food, cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries.

Alien flora of Oman: invasion status, taxonomic composition, habitats, origin, and pathways of introduction

We present the first inventory and status assessment of the alien flora of Oman, mainly based on field data collected from 1998 to 2021. The study provides (i) a comprehensive account of alien vascular plant species occurring in the wild in Oman, with information on their taxonomic composition. For each species information is given on (ii) invasion status (casual, naturalized or invasive), biogeography, habitat and life-form characteristics, and pathways of introduction. Further, we (iii) explain the differences in the alien species composition in different parts of the country, and (iv) analyse the drivers of plant invasions in Oman. Out of the 111 alien species reported (7.7% of the total Oman vascular flora), 34 species are casuals and 77 naturalized; of the latter seven are considered invasive. The moderate number of alien plant species is likely a result of the country’s arid climate, with extremely high summer temperatures and low annual precipitation in most of its area, and the relatively long isolation of the country. The families richest in alien plant species are Fabaceae (17 species), Asteraceae (14 species) and Poaceae (12 species). More alien plants were found in northern Oman (82 species) than in southern Oman (60 species), and very few species are recorded from the central desert (7 species). The main habitats colonized were man-made habitats, either ruderal or agricultural. Most species alien to Oman are native to South America (49 species) or North America (43 species). This inventory provides a knowledge base for developing a national management strategy for alien vascular plants in Oman.

Distribution of proteins in the different parts of the schirmer strips

AstractPurposeTo analyze and compare protein composition in different parts of the Schirmer strips (called the bulb and the rest of the strip) by using a comprehensive proteomics approach based on highly sensitive trapped ion‐mobility spectrometry coupled quadrupole time‐of‐flight (timsTOF Pro).MethodsSchirmer strips were collected from healthy subjects on 4 different visits over two consecutive days to rationally prepare three groups: 4 whole strips, 4 bulbs and 4 rests of the strips. Each group was extracted in ammonium bicarbonate before analysis with nanoElute UHPLC (ultra‐high‐pressure liquid chromatography) coupled timsTOF Pro. Protein Gene Ontology classification was performed by using Panther. Mass spectrometry data were processed using MaxQuant for protein identification.ResultsThe number of identified proteins increased by 49.6% when the bulbs are separated from the rests of the strips, each group being processed independently. Most of the identified proteins (%50.5) were common in the bulbs and the rests, 26.3% identified only in the bulbs and 23.2% only in the rests. Among all, 1650 proteins were identified from three groups, binding (44%) and catalytic activities (38.3%) constituted the main groups of molecular functions. The cellular (31.3%), metabolic (20.9%), biological regulation processes (13%) formed the main classes in the biological processes of identified proteins. A high number of enzymes (480), formed of hydrolases (47.5%), oxidoreductases (22.1%), transferases (16.7%), ligases (10%), isomerases, (2.1%) and lyases (1.7%) were identified in tear proteome.ConclusionsThe separate study of the bulbs and the rests identified several proteins that are not found in the entire strip alone. Probably, treating bulbs and rests apart allowed to elute more proteins from each part. A decrease in the concentration of abundant tear proteins might have enabled the identification of less abundant ones too. This methodology could improve the pre‐analytical steps before MS analysis. The dataset created can help to model and compare multiple signaling pathways associated with ocular surface pathologies. Moreover, the TimsTOF Pro could also add a technical improvement for the investigation of biomarkers in ocular diseases.

Investigation of phenolic compounds, in vitro antioxidant and enzyme inhibition activities of methanol and aqueous extracts of different parts of Glaucosciadium cordifolium

The present study was designed to evaluate the biological potentials and phenolic composition of different parts of Glaucosciadium cordifolium, which is less investigated and known as a wild endemic species to Turkey. The antioxidant activity of the plant was determined using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2'-Azinobis-(3-Ethylbenzthiazolin-6-Sulfonic Acid) (ABTS), iron chelating capacity, and a ?-carotene / linoleic acid emulsion assay. The total phenol and flavonoid contents of the plant were determined using the Folin-Ciocalteu and aluminum chloride methods, respectively. The study of the enzyme inhibition activity of the plant was carried out for acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase, ?-glucosidase, ?-amylase, and tyrosinase. The antiglycation activity of the aqueous extract of the plant was evaluated using established methods such as browning, a Nitroblue-tetrazolium (NBT) assay, the 2,4-dinitrophenyl hydrazine (DNPH) method, a Congo red assay, and fluorescent Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA). The HPLC profiling of the phenolics revealed that 18 standard phenolic compounds were found in different amounts in various extracts of the plant parts. According to our bioactivity results, the methanol extract obtained from the flower parts of the plant contained higher amounts of phenolic compounds and flavonoids, which also demonstrated the highest DPPH radical scavenging activity. In addition, the methanol extracts obtained from the leaves and roots were found to be the most active extracts against the acetylcholinesterase enzyme, as well as moderately active against the tyrosinase enzyme. The antiglycation capacity of the extract followed this order: G. cordifolium leaves &gt; stems &gt; roots &gt; flower. As a result, our study indicated that G. cordifolium extracts have strong antioxidant potential, good enzyme inhibitory effects and antiglycation potential. Further studies on G. cordifolium with in vivo bioassays need to be carried out to seek the importance of the plant in pharmaceutical techniques.