Concentrations Of Constituents Research Articles

Developing a novel index for detection of optically shallow waters using multispectral satellite imagery and radiative transfer modelling

ABSTRACT Optical remote sensing of water quality has been problematic due to contamination of remote sensing observations by the sea-bottom effect over complex shallow or very clear waters. This has resulted in providing misleading information on the estimation of Water Constituent Concentrations (WCCs) retrieved from satellite images. In this research, we used Radiative Transfer (RT) Modelling to develop a simple and innovative index named the Sea-Bottom Effect Index (SEBEI) to readily determine water pixels contaminated by the sea-bottom effect, (hereafter named Optically Shallow Waters, (OSWs)) from remote sensing observations. To define the SEBEI, we initially assessed the influence of the sea-bottom on simulated water-leaving reflectance (R rs ) using RT Water-Sea-Bottom (WSB) modelling. This evaluation encompassed a range of water depths, seabed albedos, and WCCs (i.e. Chlorophyll-a (Chla) and Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM)). Next, we detected the most sensitive wavelengths (i.e. 750 nm, 810 nm, and 900 nm) to the seabed contribution on the simulated R rs spectra at the water surface level and developed the SEBEI. We validated the accuracy of the proposed SEBEI over a time series of MEdium Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (MERIS) and Ocean and Land Colour Instrument (OLCI) images captured during low and high tidal phases over shallow waters of the Dutch Wadden Sea, the Netherlands. The results indicate that the SEBEI effectively distinguishes between OSWs and Optically Deep Waters (ODWs) using satellite images (with an R2 value of ≥ 0.97 and a Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) of ≤ 0.65). The SEBEI can serve as an intermediate solution for detecting OSWs in multispectral and hyperspectral satellite images worldwide. It eliminates the need for ancillary datasets like bathymetry maps and significantly enhances the reliability of WCC maps produced over complex shallow coastal waters.

LaFeSi–LaFe13−xSix composites: Modulating magnetic and magnetocaloric properties through inherent stress manipulation

We examine structural and magnetic properties of a series of La–Fe–Si alloys in the region of concentrations where they naturally form two-phase LaFeSi–LaFe13−xSix composites with variable content and connectivity of LaFe13−xSix grains distributed within the LaFeSi matrix. Theoretical calculations confirm that the LaFeSi constituent is magnetically and structurally inert below room temperature and at pressures between −10 and 10 GPa. The LaFe13−xSix constituent, on the other hand, is magnetically and structurally active: it exhibits first-order magnetostructural transformations that, in addition to xSi, can be controlled with temperature, magnetic field, and pressure. In composites where the concentration of the inactive constituent is ∼70 wt. % or greater, the standard, single-step, LaFe13−xSix first-order phase transformation proceeds in two steps separated by over 30 K in a zero magnetic field. Increasing the magnetic field recouples the two steps and restores the single-step phase transformation pathway. We analyze the roles of stresses caused by both thermal expansion mismatch and the first-order magnetic phase transition in LaFe13−xSix to rationalize the observed physical behaviors that emerge as the temperature or/and magnetic field vary.

Metabolic picture of microbial interaction: chemical crosstalk during co-cultivation between three dominant genera of bacteria and fungi in medicinal plants rhizosphere.

Microbial communities affect several aspects of the earth's ecosystem through their metabolic interaction. The dynamics of this interaction emerge from complex multilevel networks of crosstalk. Elucidation of this interaction could help us to maintain the balance for a sustainable future. To investigate the chemical language among highly abundant microbial genera in the rhizospheres of medicinal plants based on the metabolomic analysis at the interaction level. Coculturing experiments involving three microbial species: Aspergillus (A), Trichoderma (T), and Bacillus (B), representing fungi (A, T) and bacteria (B), respectively. These experiments encompassed various interaction levels, including dual cultures (AB, AT, TB) and triple cultures (ATB). Metabolic profiling by LC-QTOFMS revealed the effect of interaction level on the productivity and diversity of microbial specialized metabolites. The ATB interaction had the richest profile, while the bacterial profile in the monoculture condition had the lowest. Two native compounds of the Aspergillus genus, aspergillic acid and the dipeptide asperopiperazine B, exhibited decreased levels in the presence of the AT interaction and were undetectable in the presence of bacteria during the interaction. Trichodermarin N and Trichodermatide D isolated from Trichoderma species exclusively detected during coexistence with bacteria (TB and ATB). These findings indicate that the presence of Bacillus activates cryptic biosynthetic gene clusters in Trichoderma. The antibacterial activity of mixed culture extracts was stronger than that of the monoculture extracts. The TB extract exhibited strong antifungal activity compared to the monoculture extract and other mixed culture treatments. The elucidation of medicinal plant microbiome interaction chemistry and its effect on the environment will also be of great interest in the context of medicinal plant health Additionally, it sheds light on the content of bioactive constituents,and facilitating the discovery of novel antimicrobials.

Alleviation of Salt Stress and Changes in Glycyrrhizic Acid Accumulation by Dark Septate Endophytes in Glycyrrhiza glabra Grown under Salt Stress.

This study aimed to investigate the mechanisms by which dark septate endophytes (DSE) regulate salt tolerance and the accumulation of bioactive constituents in licorice. First, the salt stress tolerance and resynthesis with the plant effect of isolated DSE from wild licorice were tested. Second, the performance of licorice inoculated with DSE, which had the best salt-tolerant and growth-promoting effects, was examined under salt stress. All isolated DSE showed salt tolerance and promoted plant growth, withCurvularia lunata D43 being the most effective. Under salt stress, C. lunata D43 could promote growth, increase antioxidant enzyme activities, enhance glycyrrhizic acid accumulation, improve key enzyme activities in the glycyrrhizic acid synthesis pathway, and induce the expression of the key enzyme gene and salt tolerance gene of licorice. The structural equation model demonstrated that DSE alleviate the negative effects of salt stress through direct and indirect pathways. Variations in key enzyme activities, gene expression, and bioactive constituent concentration can be attributed to the effects of DSE. These results contribute to revealing the value of DSE for cultivating medicinal plants in saline soils.

Influence of Aspergillus parasiticus on aflatoxins production and quality change in Chrysanthemum morifolium at various storage conditions

SummaryIn this study, a full factorial design with three temperature levels (20, 30 and 40 °C), three moisture content (MC) levels (8%, 15% and 22%), and four storage times (7, 14, 21 and 28 days) was used to investigate the changes of aflatoxins (AFs), active constituents, and antioxidant activities in Hangbaiju (HBJ, Chrysanthemum morifolium) after simulated inoculation with Aspergillus parasiticus. The results showed that AFs could be produced in the range of 20~30 °C and 8~22% MC after mould infection, but both mould growth and AFs production were inhibited under the tested MC condition at 40 °C. The analysis of variance (anova) indicated that the temperature, time, interaction between the temperature and time, and interaction between MC and time had significant effects on the total aflatoxins (AFTOT) accumulation. Under 20 and 30 °C, AFTOT in inoculated HBJ usually increased with the increase of MC and storage time, while its active constituents and antioxidant activities decreased with the increase of AFTOT under corresponding storage conditions. Pearson correlation analysis suggested that relatively stronger negative correlations were observed between luteolin‐7‐O‐glucoside (LUT7G), total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and AFTOT. Grey correlation analysis (GCA) showed that antioxidant activity was highly linked to the content of active constituents, and the characteristic flavonoid LUT7G exhibited the highest grey correlation degrees (GCDs) in the three antioxidant activities. The AFTOT reached the highest level (31.15 μg kg−1) after 28 days of storage at 30 °C and 22% MC; meanwhile, LUT7G, TPC and TFC decreased by 93.66%, 20.77% and 55.50%, respectively, and all the three antioxidant activities indicated more than 25% reduction. This is the first study about the changes and relationships of AFTOT, active constituents and bioactivities in the medicinal food influenced by A. parasiticus under different storage conditions. These results provide important references to prevent AFs production and quality control for HBJ and other medicinal foods influenced by A. parasiticus in storage strategy.

Effect of post-harvest drying period on the chemical composition of Zingiber zerumbet Sm. Rhizomes essential oil and its biological activities.

Zingiber zerumbet Sm. (Family: Zingiberaceae) is an important perennial medicinal oil-bearing herb that is native to the Southeast Asia. This study examines the impact of different durations of post-harvest shade drying (ranging from 1 to 12months) on essential oil yield and chemical composition of Z. zerumbet, in comparison to the freshly collected oil sample. This study explores how post-harvest shade drying impact the composition and longevity of Z. zerumbet rhizomes as well as its antimicrobial, antibiofilm activity. The oils were analyzed for their chemical composition analysis using a gas chromatography-flame ionization detector (GC-FID) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The post-harvest periods of drying (1-12months) were discovered to enhance the concentration of marker constituents in the oil. The primary constituent, Zerumbone, was detected in concentrations ranging from 69.38 ± 5.63% to a maximum of 80.19 ± 1.53% as the drying duration of the rhizome was extended. The output of the essential oil was not significantly affected by drying times; however, it did have a noticeable impact on the proportions of monoterpenes. Both disc diffusion and broth microdilution assay were used in freshly collected Z. zerumbet oil for its antimicrobial potential against S. aureus, L. monocytogens, S. hominis, Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium, P. aeruginosa, S. intermedius, E. coli, and C. albicans. For the first time, the oil reported to exhibit antibiofilm activity against S. aureus which was validated using fluorescence microscopy, and effectively disrupts the biofilm by 47.38% revealing that essential oil was able to disintegrate the clusters of the pathogen. Z. zerumbet rhizome oil is effective to reduce food-borne microorganisms. Therefore, its essential oil, a natural source of bioactive zerumbone, may improve flavor, aroma, and preservation.

Quantitative and qualitative phytochemical analysis of ethanol leaf extract of Pleiocarpa mutica

This research project examined Pleiocarpa mutica leaf extract, extracted from ethanol using both quantitative and qualitative phytochemical analysis. Sourced is at Ugbene-Ajima in the Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area of Enugu State, Nigeria, where fresh Pleiocarpa mutica leaves were collected. After been gathered, the newly sprouted P. mutica leaves were cleaned. We then shade-dried the leaves until they were crispy, rotating them frequently to prevent them from rotting. A mechanical grinder was utilized to reduce the dried leaves to a powdered state while a maceration flask was used to macerate 1.5 kg of the known weight of the ground leaves in 10 liters of 100% ethanol. In using a muslin cloth, the mixture was filtered into a flask with a flat bottom after being left for 72 hours with irregular stirring. Quantitative phytochemical analysis procedures identified the specific concentration of a certain chemical constituent present in a plant sample using methods such as mass spectrometry, chromatography, and spectrophotometry. This makes it possible to determine the concentration of a component in the plant material. Qualitative phytochemical analysis techniques focus on identifying the presence or absence of several chemical groups in a plant sample. Discovering the existence of substances such as alkaloids, phenols, terpenoids, and flavonoids often requires a range of chemical analyses or the use of specific reagents. Thus, the standard quantitative and qualitative phytochemical analysis technique were used to investigate the chemical composition of plants and identify bioactive compounds that may offer nutritional, medicinal, or pharmacological advantages. Hence, it has been shown that the ethanol leaves extract of P. mutica contains various concentrations of phytochemical constituents, which might be responsible for its biological activities.

LED blue light enhances the accumulation and synthesis of steroidal alkaloids in Fritillaria unibracteata Hsiao et K. C. Hsia in vitro

The unique light environment of alpine regions exerts significant influences on the growth, development, and metabolism of alpine plants, with light quality being a fundamental component of light conditions. Varied light qualities manifest diverse effects on plant physiology and function. In order to investigate the impact of light quality on F. unibracteata, this study conducted a comparative analysis of six distinct light quality treatments on the growth, development, stress tolerance, and bioactive compound content of isolated seedlings, and to determine the biomass, physiological parameters, and concentrations of medicinal constituents. It was showed that the blue light treatment was beneficial to F. unibracteata to maintain stable plant growth and increase the total alkaloid content. Furthermore, we explored the effects of blue light treatment on the growth and major medicinal components of F. unibracteata using transcriptome sequencing technology. Through DEGs analysis, we explain the mechanism by which F. unibracteata responds to blue light and that blue light promotes alkaloid accumulation by up-regulating the MEP pathway in the steroidal alkaloid synthesis pathway. These findings suggest that optimizing light conditions can regulate F. unibracteata growth, development, and active ingredient content, laying the groundwork for potential large-scale production.

Major food constituents influence the antibacterial activity of vanillin immobilized onto silicon microparticles against Escherichia coli

Antimicrobial filtration materials based on essential oil components (EOCs) immobilized onto silicon oxide particles have been found effective for nonthermal stabilization of liquid foods (i.e., beer, juice, wine, and etc.). However, their antimicrobial efficiency depends on the food matrix. The present work aimed to assess the effect of the major constituents of liquid food matrices on the antimicrobial activity of vanillin immobilized onto silica microparticles. Silicon oxide particles were functionalized with vanillin and characterized. The maximum tolerated concentrations of different food major constituents (i.e., proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, organic acids, alcohols and minerals) were determined against Escherichia coli K12. The results showed that organic acid and alcohol had synergetic effects on vanillin-functionalized particles, and the addition of proteins, lipids or some carbohydrates inhibited their antimicrobial activity. No effects on microbial counts were found for mineral salts. The dual combinations between the synergistic and nonsynergistic food constituents showed improved antimicrobial activity compared to single compounds. The data confirmed previous in vitro experiments and could be used to predict the antimicrobial activity of the filtration system when treating real liquid food matrices.

Is replacing missing values of PM2.5 constituents with estimates using machine learning better for source apportionment than exclusion or median replacement?

East Asian countries have been conducting source apportionment of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) by applying positive matrix factorization (PMF) to hourly constituent concentrations. However, some of the constituent data from the supersites in South Korea was missing due to instrument maintenance and calibration. Conventional preprocessing of missing values, such as exclusion or median replacement, causes biases in the estimated source contributions by changing the PMF input. Machine learning (ML) can estimate the missing values by training on constituent data, meteorological data, and gaseous pollutants. Complete data from the Seoul Supersite in 2018 was taken, and a random 20% was set as missing. PMF was performed by replacing missing values with estimates. Percent errors of the source contributions were calculated compared to those estimated from complete data. Missing values were estimated using a random forest analysis. Estimation accuracy (r2) was as high as 0.874 for missing carbon species and low at 0.631 when ionic species and trace elements were missing. For the seven highest contributing sources, replacing the missing values of carbon species with estimates minimized the percent errors to 2.0% on average. However, replacing the missing values of the other chemical species with estimates increased the percent errors to more than 9.7% on average. Percent errors were maximal at 37% on average when missing values of ionic species and trace elements were replaced with estimates. Missing values, except for carbon species, need to be excluded. This approach reduced the percent errors to 7.4% on average, which was lower than those due to median replacement. Our results show that reducing the biases in source apportionment is possible by replacing the missing values of carbon species with estimates. To improve the biases due to missing values of the other chemical species, the estimation accuracy of the ML needs to be improved.

Bioactive Compounds from Vicia sativa L. and Vicia monantha Retz. with Unveiling Antiviral Potentials in Newly Green Synthesized CdO Nanoparticles.

in the current study, a comparative phytochemical analysis was carried out to explore the phenolic and flavonoid contents in the aerial parts of Vicia sativa L and Vicia monantha Retz growing in cultivated, reclaimed, and desert habitats. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to detect Vicia methanolic extracts' individual phenolic and flavonoid constituents. The first-time synthesis of cadmium oxide nanoparticles (CdO NPs) using the aqueous extract of V. monantha has been developed using a green approach. Also, the cytotoxicity of V. monantha extract and CdO NPs was examined using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay for unveiling them as anti-HAV and anti-AdV. Our results indicated that in the case of desert habitat, the contents of total phenolics (76.37 mg/g) and total flavonoids (65.23 mg/g) of V. monantha were higher than those of V. sativa (67.35 mg/g and 47.34 mg/g, respectively) and the contents of these secondary metabolites were even increased in V. monantha collected from reclaimed land (phenolics: 119.77 mg/g, flavonoids: 88.61 mg/g). Also, V. monantha surpassed V. sativa in the contents of some individual HPLC constituents, and hence, V. monantha was used to synthesize the green CdO NPs and subsequent antiviral tests. The average size of CdO NPs was determined to be 24.28 nm, and the transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images of CdO NPs clearly showed their spherical form and varying particle sizes, with different diameters in the range of 19-29 nm. MTT assay was positive to the exposure of CdO NPs in the normal cell line, proposing that CdO NPs can reduce cell viability. V. monantha extract showed promising antiviral activity against Hepatitis A virus (HAV) and Adenovirus (AdV) with SI of 16.40 and 10.54. On the other hand, CdONPs had poor antiviral activity against HAV with an SI of 4.74 and moderate antiviral activity against AdV with an SI of 10.54. V. monantha is now considered a new, valuable natural resource for phenolics and flavonoids, especially when grown in reclaimed soil. The green CdO NPs based on V. monantha extract showed a promising antiviral effect against HAV and AdV.

AirCore Observations at Northern Tibetan Plateau During the Asian Summer Monsoon

AbstractWe present data and analysis of a set of balloon‐borne sounding profiles, which includes co‐located O3, CO, CH4, and particles, over the northern Tibetan Plateau during an Asian summer monsoon (ASM) season. These novel measurements shed light on the ASM transport behavior near the northern edge of the anticyclone. Joint analyses of these species with the temperature and wind profiles and supported by back trajectory modeling identify three distinct transport processes that dominate the vertical chemical structure in the middle troposphere, upper troposphere (UT), and the tropopause region. The correlated changes in profile structures in the middle troposphere highlight the influence of the strong westerly jet. Elevated constituent concentrations in the UT identify the main level of convective transport at the upstream source regions. Observed higher altitude maxima for CH4 characterize the airmasses' continued ascent following convection. These data complement constituent observations from other parts of the ASM anticyclone.

The quality difference in five oolong tea accessions under different planting management patterns in south Fujian of China

IntroductionOolong tea, celebrated for its significance in Chinese tea culture, was the subject of investigation in this study.MethodsFive varieties of Minnan oolong tea were sampled, each cultivated under two distinct management approaches: conventional management and natural growth methods. The study aimed to discern variations in sensory attributes, encompassing appearance and liquor color, alongside the analysis of chemical composition.Results and discussionThe results indicated that oolong tea cultivated through conventional manual management generally exhibited qualities in terms of shape and foliage appearance, in contrast to those grown naturally. However, naturally grown oolong tea tended to exhibit more favorable aroma and taste profiles compared to conventionally managed counterparts. Furthermore, the content of water extract, amino acids, polyphenols, caffeine, and other pivotal chemical constituents were typically higher in naturally grown tea varieties compared to conventionally managed ones. Conversely, catechin content was found to be more abundant in traditionally managed bushes than in those grown naturally. These findings emphasize the significance of implementing appropriate natural growth management practices to enhance the quality of Minnan oolong tea and maintain ecological sustainability.

A High-Precision Monitoring Method Based on SVM Regression for Multivariate Quantitative Analysis of PID Response to VOC Signals

In the moist environment of soil-water-air, there is a problem of low accuracy in monitoring volatile organic compounds (VOCs) using a photoionization detector (PID). This study is based on the PID water-soil-gas VOC online monitor developed by this group, online monitoring of the concentration of different constituents of VOCs in different production enterprises of the petroleum and chemical industries in Shandong Province, with the concentration of the laboratory test, to build a relevant model. The correlation coefficient about the PID test concentration and the actual concentration correlation coefficient was obtained through the collection of a large number of data trainings. Based on the application of PID in VOC monitoring, the establishment of a PID high-precision calibration model is important for the precise monitoring of VOCs. In this paper, multiple quantitative analyses were conducted, based on SVM regression of PID response to VOC signals, to study the high-precision VOC monitoring method. To select the response signals of PID under different concentrations of environmental VOCs measured by the research group, first, the PID response to VOC signals was modeled using the support vector machine principle to verify the effect of traditional SVM regression. For the problem of raw data redundancy, calculate the time-domain and frequency-domain characteristics of the PID signal, and conduct the principal component analysis of the time-domain of the PID signal. In order to make the SVM regression more generalized and robust, the selection of kernel function parameters and penalty factor of SVM is optimized by genetic algorithm. By comparing the accuracy of PID calibration models such as PID signal feature extraction, SVM regression, and principal component analysis SVM regression, the superiority of photoionization detector using the signal feature extraction PCA-GA-SVM method to monitor VOCs is verified.

Chemical profiling, anticonvulsant and anxiolytic effects of the smoke constituents isolated from Leonotis leonurus (L.) R.Br.

Ethnopharmacological relevanceThe use of medicinal plants for central nervous system (CNS)-related ailments, such as epilepsy and anxiety, is prevalent in South Africa. Plants from the Lamiaceae family are commonly used for their therapeutic benefits. Leonotis leonurus (L.) R.Br. has been reported in ethnobotanical literature to have anticonvulsant and anxiolytic effects through the inhalation of pyrolysis products obtained by combustion of the aerial parts. Aim and objectivesTo explore the chemical profiles and CNS activity of the smoke extract and isolated constituents of L. leonurus in zebrafish larvae, through anticonvulsive and anxiolytic activity assays. Materials and methodsThe smoke extract of L. leonurus was obtained through the combustion of the aerial parts of the plant using a custom-built smoke recovery apparatus. The chemical profile of the smoke constituents was determined using Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled with Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-MS). Targeted compounds were subjected to preparative High-Performance Liquid Chromatography for separation before structure elucidation using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR). The maximum tolerated concentrations, as well as the anxiolytic activity of the smoke extract were determined in five days post fertilisation zebrafish larvae. Reverse-thigmotaxis and locomotor activity of larvae in the light/dark transition assay were used to determine anxiolytic activity. Zebrafish larvae at six days post fertilisation (dpf) were subjected to several concentrations of the smoke constituents of L. leonurus. The baseline locomotor activity of the larvae was tracked for 30 min, prior to addition of pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) to induce seizure-like behaviour in the larvae, after which the locomotor activity of the larvae was once again tracked for an additional 30 min. ResultsThe UPLC-MS profiles of the smoke extract revealed the presence of two main compounds, leoleorin A and leoleorin B, which were targeted and isolated. Upon subjection to NMR spectroscopy for structure elucidation, the compounds were confirmed to be labdane diterpenoids. Both leoleorin A and leoleorin B, and the smoke extract displayed suppression of the PTZ induced seizure-like behaviour in zebrafish larvae. Under light and dark conditions, the smoke extract and compounds displayed potential anxiolytic activity at different concentrations. ConclusionOur results suggest that the smoke constituents of L. leonurus may exert anticonvulsant and anxiolytic effects which align with the traditional indications and the mode of administration.

Corrosion Mechanism and Electrochemical Reactions on Alloy 690 in Simulated Primary Coolant of Water-Water Energy Reactors.

During the power operation of the primary loop of a water cooled-water moderated energy reactor (WWER), the water chemistry evolves from a high-boron high-potassium composition to significantly lower concentrations of both constituents at the end of a campaign, and the Li concentration reaches ca. 0.7-0.9 ppm. In the present paper, the effect of primary water chemistry evolution during operation on the corrosion rate and conduction mechanism of oxides on Alloy 690 is studied by in situ impedance spectroscopy at 300 °C/9 MPa during 1-week exposures in an autoclave connected to a re-circulation loop. At the end of exposure, the samples were anodically polarized at potentials -0.8 to -0.1 V vs. SHE to evaluate the stability of the passive oxide. Simultaneously exposed samples of Alloy 690 were subsequently analyzed by XPS to estimate the thickness and in-depth composition of oxides. Impedance data were quantitatively interpreted using the mixed-conduction model (MCM) for oxide films. The effect of water chemistry evolution on the corrosion rate and conduction mechanism in the oxide on Alloy 690 in a primary coolant is discussed based on the obtained parameters.

Procuring the polysaccharides with anti-inflammatory bioactivity from Russula vinosa Lindblad by citric acid extraction

Russula vinosa Lindblad is a wildly edible fungus that has been used as the health food due to its high content of bioactive constituents. This study investigated the anti-inflammatory bioactivity of two kinds of low-molecular-weight polysaccharides (CA-S and CA-L) extracted by citric acid (CA) from Russula vinosa Lindblad. The structure of CA-S and CA-L were identified using different characterization techniques. Structural characterization revealed that both CA-S and CA-L possessed a similar structure for the backbone but differed in the substitution sites and residues. CA-S and CA-L demonstrated the ability to ameliorate the damage of intestinal tissue in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis mice in vivo, the DAI values of CA-S and CA-L fed mice decreased by 36.84% and 31.58% respectively. This might be attributed to CA-S's higher Mw, increased content of OH groups, and an enriched mannose fraction. Immuno-analysis revealed that CA-S better reduced inflammation and oxidative-state-related stress by scavenging the endogenous reactive oxygen species through the activation of Nrf2 and suppression of the NFκB signaling pathways.

Retrieval of Total Suspended Matter Concentration Based on the Iterative Analysis of Multiple Equations: A Case Study of a Lake Taihu Image from the First Sustainable Development Goals Science Satellite’s Multispectral Imager for Inshore

Inland waters consist of multiple concentrations of constituents, and solving the interference problem of chlorophyll-a and colored dissolved organic matter (CDOM) can help to accurately invert total suspended matter concentration (Ctsm). In this study, according to the characteristics of the Multispectral Imager for Inshore (MII) equipped with the first Sustainable Development Goals Science Satellite (SDGSAT-1), an iterative inversion model was established based on the iterative analysis of multiple linear regression to estimate Ctsm. The Hydrolight radiative transfer model was used to simulate the radiative transfer process of Lake Taihu, and it analyzed the effect of three component concentrations on remote sensing reflectance. The characteristic band combinations B6/3 and B6/5 for multiple linear regression were determined using the correlation of the three component concentrations with different bands and band combinations. By combining the two multiple linear regression models, a complete closed iterative inversion model for solving Ctsm was formed, which was successfully verified by using the modeling data (R2 = 0.97, RMSE = 4.89 g/m3, MAPE = 11.48%) and the SDGSAT-1 MII image verification data (R2 = 0.87, RMSE = 3.92 g/m3, MAPE = 8.13%). And it was compared with iterative inversion models constructed based on other combinations of feature bands and other published models. Remote sensing monitoring Ctsm was carried out using SDGSAT-1 MII images of Lake Taihu in 2022–2023. This study can serve as a technical reference for the SDGSAT-1 satellite in terms of remote sensing monitoring of Ctsm, as well as monitoring and improving the water environment.

Evaluation of Lippia scaberrima Sond. and Aspalathus linearis (Burm.f.) R. Dahlgren extracts on human CYP enzymes and gold nanoparticle synthesis: implications for drug metabolism and cytotoxicity

BackgroundMetabolism is an important component of the kinetic characteristics of herbal constituents, and it often determines the internal dose and concentration of these effective constituents at the target site. The metabolic profile of plant extracts and pure compounds need to be determined for any possible herb-drug metabolic interactions that might occur.MethodsVarious concentrations of the essential oil of Lippia scaberrima, the ethanolic extract of Lippia scaberrima alone and their combinations with fermented and unfermented Aspalathus linearis extract were used to determine the inhibitory potential on placental, microsomal and recombinant human hepatic Cytochrome P450 enzymes. Furthermore, the study investigated the synthesis and characterization of gold nanoparticles from the ethanolic extract of Lippia scaberrima as a lead sample. Confirmation and characterization of the synthesized gold nanoparticles were conducted through various methods. Additionally, the cytotoxic properties of the ethanolic extract of Lippia scaberrima were compared with the gold nanoparticles synthesized from Lippia scaberrima using gum arabic as a capping agent.ResultsAll the samples showed varying levels of CYP inhibition. The most potent inhibition took place for CYP2C19 and CYP1B1 with 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of less than 0.05 µg/L for the essential oil tested and IC50-values between 0.05 µg/L-1 µg/L for all the other combinations and extracts tested, respectively. For both CYP1A2 and CYP2D6 the IC50-values for the essential oil, the extracts and combinations were found in the range of 1 – 10 µg/L. The majority of the IC50 values found were higher than 10 µg/L and, therefore, were found to have no inhibition against the CYP enzymes tested.ConclusionTherefore, the essential oil of Lippia scaberrima, the ethanolic extract of Lippia scaberrima alone and their combinations with Aspalathus linearis do not possess any clinically significant CYP interaction potential and may be further investigated for their adjuvant potential for use in the tuberculosis treatment regimen. Furthermore, it was shown that the cytotoxic potential of the Lippia scaberrima gold nanoparticles was reduced by twofold when compared to the ethanolic extract of Lippia scaberrima.

Distinguishing the intrinsic differences of Cynomorium songaricum from different origins using chemical fingerprinting combined with chemometric methods

Cynomorium songaricum is a commonly used medicinal and culinary plant renowned for its effects in tonifying kidney yang, as well as nourishing essence and blood. Consequently, it has garnered considerable attention within the fields of pharmacology and chemistry. However, given the distinct geographical distribution of C. songaricum resources, establishing an accurate analytical method to differentiate its origin becomes indispensable in ensuring its quality and efficacy. In this study, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was utilized to obtain comprehensive information on the chemical composition of C. songaricum samples from various regions and establish HPLC fingerprints. Through chemometrics analysis, essential chemical markers for classifying them were successfully identified. Additionally, the Kruskal–Wallis rank sum test was employed to evaluate differences in the content of intrinsic constituents of C. songaricum from different origins. The results demonstrated that C. songaricum samples from Neimenggu, Gansu, and Xinjiang could be accurately classified, highlighting the significance of chemical markers in assessing the quality of C. songaricum. This study provides a scientific basis for systematic quality control of Chinese herbal medicines, thereby contributing to advancements in the Chinese medicine industry.