Main Ingredients Research Articles

Exploration of the Potential Mechanism of Yujin Powder treating Dampness-heat Diarrhea by Integrating UPLC-MS/MS and Network Pharmacology Prediction.

Yujin powder (YJP) is a classic prescription for treating dampness-heat diarrhea (DHD) in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), but the main functional active ingredients and the exact mechanisms have not been systematically studied. This study aimed to preliminarily explore the potential mechanisms of YJP for treating DHD by integrating UPLC-MS/MS and network pharmacology methods. Ultra performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) technology was used to determine the ingredients of YJP. And then, the targets of these components were predicted and screened from TCMSP, SwissTargetPrediction databases. The disease targets related to DHD were obtained by using the databases of GeneCards, OMIM, DisGeNET, TTD, and DrugBank. The protein-protein interaction networks (PPI) of YJP-DHD were constructed using the STRING database and Origin 2022 software to identify the cross-targets by screening the core-acting targets and a network diagram by Cytoscape 3.8.2 software was also constructed. Metascape database was used for performing GO and KEGG enrichment anlysis on the core genes. Finally, molecular docking was used to verify the results with AutoDock 4.2.6, AutoDock Tools 1.5.6, PyMOL 2.4.0, and Open Babel 2.3.2 software. 597 components in YJP were detected, and 153 active components were obtained through database screening, among them the key active ingredients include coptisine, berberine, baicalein, etc. There were 362 targets treating DHD, among them the core targets included TNF, IL-6, ALB, etc. The enriched KEGG pathways mainly involve PI3K-Akt, TNF, MAPK, etc. Molecular docking results showed that coptisine, berberine, baicalein, etc., had a strong affinity with TNF, IL-6, and MAPK14. Therefore, TNF, IL-6, MAPK14, ALB, etc., are the key targets of the active ingredients of YJP coptisine, baicalein, and berberine, etc. They have the potential to regulate PI3K-Akt, MAPK, and TNF signalling pathways. The component-target-disease network diagram revealed that YJP treated DHD through the effects of anti-inflammation, anti-diarrhea, immunoregulation, and improving intestinal mucosal injury. It is demonstrated that YJP treats DHD mainly through the main active ingredients coptisine, berberine, baicalein, etc. comprehensively exerting the effects of anti-inflammation, anti-diarrhea, immunoregulation, and improving intestinal mucosal injury, which will provide evidence for further in-depth studying the mechanism of YJP treating DHD.

Mechanistic analyses reveal that Pueraria montana var. lobata (Willd.) is effective in inhibiting ovarian cancer progression.

Ovarian cancer (OC) is a common malignancies of the female genitalia. P. montana var. lobata (Willd.), a herb with anti-tumor effects, is widely used in the clinical treatment of ovarian cancer (OC), but the ingredients and molecular mechanism of action remains to be explored. In this study, we extracted the main active ingredients of P. montana var. lobata (Willd.) from the TCMSP database, and predicted its potential targets of action against OC from the DisGeNET and GeneCards databases. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) was constructed using the STRING database, while pathway enrichment analyses were performed using the DAVID database. Next, we generated an Ingredient-Target-Pathway network using Cytoscape 3.7.2, then processed the key targets of action and main active ingredients for molecular docking.The results showed that seven active ingredients of P montana var. lobata (Willd.) were associated with treating for OC, namely beta-sitosterol, coumestrol, daidzein, formononetin, genistein, puerarin and scoparone, two important targets Casp3 and Jun, and signaling pathways of P. montana var. lobata (Willd.) against the progression of OC. TUNEL staining, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and Western blot assays, the pharmacodynamic effect of puerarin in the treatment of OC and the major targets were verified. Animal experiment demonstrated that application of puerarin at different times of modeling not only upregulated expression of Casp3, Smac, and c-jun proteins, but also promoted apoptosis in tumor cells, hence inhibiting progression of OC. This study demonstrates that P. montana var. lobata (Willd.) can thereby induce apoptosis in tumor cells and inhibit malignant progression through activating expression of Casp3, smac, and c-jun proteins to regulate related apoptosis pathways, as validated by network pharmacology predictions and animal experiments, and can be verifed by large-scale clinical trials in the future. This study also provides theoretical support and new research perspectives for this disease.

Shenqi Fuzheng injection hinders non-small cell lung cancer cell growth by regulating the Bax/Bcl-2 signaling pathway.

Lung cancer (LC) is the most common solid tumor and is currently considered the primary cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. In clinical efficacy studies, it was not difficult to find that the combination of SFI and chemotherapy could improve the general condition of patients, reduce the side effects of chemotherapy drugs, and have a cooperative antitumor effect in NSCLC patients. However, whether SFI can be used as a novel antitumor drug is still unknown. First, meta-analysis aimed to explore the efficacy of SFI in NSCLC patients, and SFI was identified by ultra-performance liquid chromatography‒mass spectrometry (UPLC‒MS). Cell proliferation, migration, and invasion were explored by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), scratch healing, and Transwell assays, respectively. Cell cycle and apoptosis assays were performed by flow cytometry. Transcriptome sequencing analysis was performed in four NSCLC cell lines. Differential expression analysis was used to identify potential targets. Apoptosis-related protein levels were detected by Western blotting assays. The effects of SFI in NSCLC were further investigated by mouse xenografts. SFI could markedly improve the chemotherapy efficacy of NSCLC patients. The main active ingredients include flavonoids and terpenoids, which can effectively exert antitumor effects. SFI could not only inhibit tumor cell proliferation and cell migration/invasion but also regulate the cell cycle and promote tumor cell apoptosis. In NSCLC, SFI could enhance the transcription level of the CHOP gene, thereby upregulating the expression of the proapoptotic proteins Bax and caspase 3, and inhibiting the expression of the antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2. SFI hindered the growth of mouse NSCLC xenografts in vivo. SFI hindered tumor progression and might promote apoptosis by increasing the expression of Bax, caspase 3 and decreasing the level of Bcl-2 in NSCLC.

Analysis of Steel Slag Sand – An Eco Friendly Fine Aggregate for Construction

Industrial waste slag is a major issue concerning the environmentalists today. The steel making industry produces a large amount of byproduct which is termed as Slag. Slag is produced during the steel-making operations that utilize Electric Arc Furnaces (EAF) and operate by smelting iron ore in the Basic Oxygen Furnace (BOF). Steel slag finds numerous uses in the construction industry e.g in the applications involving hot mixture asphalt, in Stone Matrix Asphalt (SMA), berms and embankments constructions, main ingredient in manufacturing of Portland cement, as fine and coarse aggregates, to name a few. But steel slag has a negative impact on the environment when disposed of. In that case a wide variety of use of steel slag becomes relevant. Steel Slag is a perfect candidate to replace the coarse and fine aggregates in the traditional concrete used in the construction industry. Most of the volume of concrete is aggregate. Steel Slag can be used as replacement to these aggregates in a more prominent way. In this research study, we will be making steel slag as substitution for raw fine aggregate. Fine aggregate would be replaced by these wastes in different proportions (20%, 40%, & 60 %) by weight of fine aggregate. The aim of this study is to investigate the compressive strength, split tensile strength and Material properties of concrete with partial replacement for fine aggregate. We will be performing pull off test on the applications of this modified concrete and checking the results for strength and durability.

Matrine inhibits invasion and migration of gallbladder cancer via regulating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is a common malignant cancer in the biliary system, which poses a serious threat to human health. It is urgent to explore ideal drugs for the treatment of GBC. Matrine is the main active ingredient of Sophora flavescentis, with a wide range of biological activities encompassing anti-inflammatory, antiviral, immunomodulatory, and anti-tumor. However, the underlying mechanism by which Matrine treats GBC is still unclear. The purpose of this study is to investigate the anti-tumor effects of Matrine on GBC in vivo and in vitro and to clarify the potential regulatory mechanisms. Here, we found that Matrine had a significant killing effect on GBC through CCK8 and flow cytometry, including arrest of cell cycle, inhibition of GBC cell, and induction of apoptosis. Further in vivo studiesconfirmed the inhibitory effect of Matrine on tumor growth in NOZ xenografted nude mouse. At the same time, Matrine also significantly suppressed the migration and invasion of GBC cells through scratch and Transwell experiments. In addition, by detecting the mRNA and protein levels of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and matrix metalloproteinases, Matrine furtherly substantiated the inhibitory role on invasion and migration of GBC. From a mechanistic perspective, network pharmacology analysis suggests that the potential targets of Matrine in the treatment of GBC are enriched in the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Subsequently, Matrine effectively decreased the abundance of p-PI3K and p-AKT protein in vivo and in vitro. More importantly, PI3K activator (740 Y-P) antagonized the anti-tumor effect of Matrine, while PI3K inhibitor (LY294002) increased the sensitivity of Matrine for GBC. Based on the above findings, we conclude that Matrine inhibits the invasion and migration of GBC by regulating PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Our results indicate the crucial role and regulatory mechanism of Matrine in suppressing the growth of GBC, which provides a theoretical basis for Matrine to be a candidate drug for the treatment and research of GBC.

The Multimodal Discourse Analysis on “Teh Pucuk Harum” Advertisement Video

In the world of digital technology, digital advertisement is a process of introducing and persuading the consumer to buy the product. The advertiser also needs to consider the culture, situation, interaction, and population in which the advertisement is addressed. This study aimed to analyze the interpersonal meaning of the “Teh Pucuk Harum” advertisement video. The research is conducted qualitatively. The current research discusses interpersonal meaning using multimodal discourse analysis. Therefore, the analysis will be done on the video, image, speech, and video length. The research implemented the analytical-qualitative procedures. In order to explore the meaning conveyed by the video in terms of the speech and music, image, and duration. “Teh Pucuk Harum” was chosen as the research object because the drink is popular with Indonesian people and the main ingredients as the commodity in Indonesia. Tea is also well-known as a beneficial plant. Thus, the research found the interpersonal meaning conveyed through the video's speech, music, image, and duration. Combining those components attracts the audience’s attention to buy the product.

Analysis of an Aqueous Extract from Turkish Galls Based on Multicomponent Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis Combined with Network Pharmacology and Chemometric Analysis

The current quality control method for Turkish gall (TG) is limited to assessing total tannin or gallic acid (GA), which offers a basic level of quality control but does not fully capture the true quality of TG. Therefore, it is essential to establish a comprehensive method that utilizes multiple indicators to assess the intrinsic quality of TG. This research utilized UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS technology to qualitatively analyze the chemical composition of TG. Subsequently, the potential main active ingredients, targets, and pathways of TG in treating recurrent aphthous ulcers (RAU) were explored and analyzed using network pharmacology technology. Quantitative analysis of multicomponents by single marker (QAMS) was then employed to quantify the primary pharmacodynamic components in TG. Finally, chemometrics analysis was utilized to interpret the measured results and identify the markers of scavenging quality. The study identified 36 chemical components in TG, highlighting ellagic acid (EA), GA, and so on as key components in treating RAU. A method for simultaneously determining GA, EA, 1,2,3,6-tetra-O-galloyl-β-D-glucose (TEGG) and 1,2,3,4,6-penta-O-galloyl-β-D-glucose (PEGG) in TG was established. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in the content of these 4 components across 14 batches of TG, with GA and PEGG identified as the primary contributors to the variations. This study determined a quality index for TG, providing a reference for quality evaluation and introducing a cost-effective and efficient quality control method. Furthermore, it addressed the challenge of developing new Chinese medicine by overcoming the lack of reference substances.

Effects of bamboo leaf flavonoids on growth performance, antioxidants, immune function, intestinal morphology, and cecal microbiota in broilers.

Bamboo leaf flavonoids (BLF) are the main bioactive ingredients in bamboo leaves. They have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and other effects. In this study, the effects of dietary BLF on growth performance, immune response, antioxidant capacity, and intestinal microbiota of broilers were investigated. A total of 288 broilers were divided into three groups with eight replicates and 12 birds in each replicate. Broilers were fed a basic diet or the basic diet supplemented with 1000 or 2000 mg kg-1 BLF for 56 days. The results showed that supplementation of BLF increased body weight (BW) and average daily weight gain (ADG), and reduced average daily feed intake (ADFI) (P < 0.05). The serum immunoglobulin A (IgA), immunoglobulin M (IgM), and interleukin 10 (IL-10) content of broilers in the BLF1000 group was increased and the interleukin 1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) content was decreased (P < 0.05). The levels of IgM and IL-10 in jejunum mucosa were found to be enhanced by BLF (P < 0.05). The BLF1000 group exhibited a significant reduction in the concentration of TNF-α (P < 0.05). Serum and jejunum mucosa total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) levels in the BLF1000 group were increased (P < 0.05). The serum catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) effects of the BLF1000 group and serum CAT effects of BLF2000 group were increased (P < 0.05). The CON group demonstrated a lower relative abundance of Christensenellaceae_R-7_group and Oscillibacter than the BLF group (P < 0.05). Dietary BLF inclusion enhanced the growth performance, immune, and antioxidant functions, improved the intestinal morphology, and ameliorated the intestinal microflora structure in broiler. Adding 1000 mg kg-1 BLF to the broiler diet can be considered as an effective growth promoter. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Quantitative derivation of a two-phase porous media system from the one-velocity Baer–Nunziato and Kapila systems

We derive a novel two-phase flow system in porous media as a relaxation limit of compressible multi-fluid systems. Considering a one-velocity Baer–Nunziato system with friction forces, we first justify its pressure-relaxation limit toward a Kapila model in a uniform manner with respect to the time-relaxation parameter associated with the friction forces. Then, we show that the diffusely rescaled solutions of the damped Kapila system converge to the solutions of the new two-phase porous media system as the time-relaxation parameter tends to zero. In addition, we also prove the convergence of the Baer–Nunziato system to the same two-phase porous media system as both relaxation parameters tend to zero. For each relaxation limit, we exhibit sharp rates of convergence in a critical regularity setting. Our proof is based on an elaborate low-frequency and high-frequency analysis via the Littlewood–Paley decomposition and includes three main ingredients: a refined spectral analysis of the linearized problem to determine the frequency threshold explicitly in terms of the time-relaxation parameter, the introduction of an effective flux in the low-frequency region to overcome the loss of parameters due to the overdamping phenomenon, and renormalized energy estimates in the high-frequency region to cancel higher-order nonlinear terms. To justify the convergence rates, we discover several auxiliary unknowns allowing us to recover crucial O(ε) bounds.

Impact of TEMPO-Oxidation Pretreatment of Red Ginseng Residual on Nanofibrillation

Red ginseng extract is one of the most widely used herbal medicines to prevent and cure various diseases. Among the processed products derived from red ginseng, the water-insoluble part as red ginseng residual (RGR) becomes waste, even though it contains important ingredients. TEMPO-oxidation (TO) can be used as a pre-treatment with different degrees of oxidation (DO) (0 to 0.4) in red ginseng residual (RGR-TO) by introducing chemical oxidation and high-pressure homogenizer (HPH) as a nanofibrillation process. 1H NMR was used to determine the carbohydrate composition and calculate DO, size was examined using a nanoparticle analyzer, and the zeta potential was used to determine surface charge density. RGR-TO with different concentrations had different compositions; glucose and uronic acid were the main ingredients. All treated RGR-TO showed higher oxidant levels than the untreated counterpart (RGR-TO 0). As the oxidant levels increased, the zeta potential and uronic acid increased, but the size of the nanofibril from RGR-TO decreased. The results of this study showed that TEMPO-oxidation pretreatment was effective in producing RGR cellulose nanofibril (CNF) with a variety of properties by adjusting the level of oxidation pretreatment and the number of HPH passes.

Strengthening The Skill of The Sri Tanjung Batik Community (KBT) Trough Ecoprint Batik Innovation In Bangsring Village Wongsorejo Banyuwangi

Abstract: Bangsring Village Wongsorejo is one of the village that has both tangible and intangible assets, one of the intangible assets is an organizational asset in the form of a batik community founded by women, but several years ago this community was passive so it needs to be reactivated by carrying out assistance to them in producing batik because around them there are other assets which are also very strategic in the form of leaves which are the main ingredient in eco-printing. This cammunity service uses the ABCD method which focuses on assets in the community, data mining techniques in the form of in-depth interviews and Focus Group Discussions. The main activity program in this cammunity service is strengthening the capacity of members of the Tanjung Sari batik group in the form of workshops and field practice. After carrying out the activities, community experienced changes in the knowledge aspect of producing eco-print batik, in attitudes, organizational and increase income.

Insights into Nimbolide molecular crosstalk and its anticancer properties.

Nimbolide, one of the main ingredients constituent of Azadirachta indica (neem) leaf extract, has garnered attention for its potential as an anticancer agent. Its efficacy against various cancers and chemopreventive action has been demonstrated through numerous in vivo and in vitro studies. This updated review aims to comprehensively explore the chemopreventive and anticancer properties of nimbolide, emphasizing its molecular mechanisms of action and potential therapeutic applications in oncology. The review synthesizes evidence from various studies that examine nimbolide's roles in apoptosis induction, anti-proliferation, cell death, metastasis inhibition, angiogenesis suppression, and modulation of carcinogen-metabolizing enzymes. Nimbolide exhibits multifaceted anticancer activities, including the modulation of multiple cell signaling pathways related to inflammation, invasion, survival, growth, metastasis, and angiogenesis. However, its pharmacological development is still in the early stages, mainly due to limited pharmacokinetic and comprehensive long-term toxicological studies. Nimbolide shows promising anticancer and chemopreventive properties, but there is need for systematic preclinical pharmacokinetic and toxicological research. Such studies are essential for establishing safe dosage ranges for first-in-human clinical trials and further advancing nimbolide's development as a therapeutic agent against various cancers. The review highlights the potential of nimbolide in cancer treatment and underscores the importance of rigorous preclinical evaluation to realize its full therapeutic potential.

Nigella sativa, active principle thymoquinone, alleviates palmitate-induced cytotoxicity, inflammation and bioenergetic disruptions in macrophages: An invitro study model

Thymoquinone (TQ) is one of the main phytochemical bioactive ingredients in Nigella sativa, with reported immunity-boosting properties. The current study evaluated the anti-inflammatory effect of TQ against inflammation brought on by free fatty acid Palmitate (PA) using macrophages raw 264.7 cell line. Data revealed that TQ significantly improved the viability of basal and PA stimulated Macrophages at concentrations of 50 and 100 μg/mL. Also, TQ significantly reduced nitric oxide and triglyceride levels in PA-stimulated macrophages at concentrations of 50 and 100 μg/mL. The pro-inflammatory cytokines studies revealed that PA significantly increased the release of the cytokines TNF-α, MHGB-1, IL-1β, and IL-6. TQ at concentrations 25, 50, and 100 μg/ml significantly decreases the release of the studied cytokines in PA-stimulated macrophages to variable extents with parallel inhibition to their corresponding gene expression. Bioenergetic assays showed that PA significantly decreased cellular ATP, mitochondrial complexes I and III activities and mitochondrial membrane potential with a subsequent significant increase in lactate production. At the same time, TQ can alleviate the effect of PA on macrophages' bioenergetics parameters to variable extent based on TQ concentration. To conclude, TQ could mitigate palmitate-induced inflammation and cytotoxicity in macrophages by improving macrophage viability and controlling cytokine release with improved PA-induced bioenergetics disruption.

Rhein suppresses esophageal cancer development by regulating cell cycle through DNMT3B gene.

The mechanism by which DNMT3B facilitates esophageal cancer (ESCA) progression is currently unknown, despite its association with adverse prognoses in several cancer types. To investigate the potential therapeutic effects of the Chinese herbal medicine rhubarb on esophageal cancer (ESCA), we adopted an integrated bioinformatics approach. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) was first utilized to screen active anti-ESCA components in rhubarb. We then employed Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) to identify key molecular modules and targets related to the active components and ESCA pathogenesis. This system-level strategy integrating multi-omics data provides a powerful means to unravel the molecular mechanisms underlying the anticancer activities of natural products, like rhubarb. To investigate module gene functional enrichment, Gene Ontology (GO), and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were conducted. In addition, we evaluated the predictive impact of DNMT3B expression on ESCA patients utilizing the Kaplan-Meier method. Finally, we conducted experiments on cell proliferation and the cell cycle to explore the biological roles of DNMT3B. In this study, we identified Rhein as the main active ingredient of rhubarb that exhibited significant anti-ESCA activity. Rhein markedly suppressed ESCA cell proliferation. Utilizing Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis, we determined that the blue module was associated with Rhein target genes and the cell cycle. Additionally, DNMT3B was identified as a Rhein target gene. Analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database revealed that higher DNMT3B levels were associated with poor prognosis in ESCA patients. Furthermore, Rhein partially reversed the overexpression of DNMT3B to inhibit ESCA cell proliferation. In vitro studies demonstrated that Rhein and DNMT3B inhibition disrupted the S phase of the cell cycle and affected the production of cell cycle-related proteins. In this study, we found that Rhein exerts its anti-proliferative effects in ESCA cells by targeting DNMT3B and regulating the cell cycle.

Establishment of chemical fingerprint and determination of main active ingredients in Centellae Herba by HPLC combined with multivariate chemometrics analysis

AbstractIn this paper, a simple and efficient high‐performance liquid chromatography method was established to analyze the chemical composition fingerprint of Centellae Herba (CHA) and determine five triterpenoid active components in CHA, namely, asiaticoside B (AB), madecassoside, asiaticoside, madecasic acid, and asiaticoic acid. The separation of the compounds was carried out on an XD‐C18 column (250 mm × 4.6 mm, 5 µm), the wavelength of the ultraviolet detector was set to 205 nm, and the mobile phase was composed of acetonitrile −0.05% phosphoric acid, 2 mmol/L β‐cyclodextrin aqueous solution, and gradient elution at the flow rate of 1.0 mL/min. A general chromatographic fingerprint consisting of 20 characteristic peaks of 18 batches of CHA samples was established, and the samples were classified and evaluated by similarity analysis, hierarchical cluster analysis, and principal component analysis combined with multivariate econometric analysis. In quantitative analysis, all calibration curves showed good linear regression in the test range (r &gt; 0.999), the average recovery was 96.12%–104.63%, and the relative standard deviations of repeatability and stability were less than 2.00%. The results show that the method is accurate and effective and can be used for the comprehensive quality control of CHA.

In vitro microrhizome induction in Acorus calamus L., a commercially important aromatic medicinal plant

Acorus calamus L., is a leading aromatic medicinal plant that produces pungent aromatic rhizomes that are valued worldwide as an important herbal medicine and is one of the main ingredients in several polyherbal formulations used for neurological and metabolic disorders. The present investigation aims to develop an efficient protocol for in vitro microrhizome induction in A. calamus for the large-scale production of disease-free planting material for commercial purposes. In vitro derived shoots were initiated on MS medium supplemented with different concentrations of sucrose alone (3–10 %) and different concentrations of sucrose (6 % and 7 %) with varying concentrations of BAP alone (0.5–2 mg/L) and combinations with IAA (0.5 and 1 mg/L) and NAA (0.5 and 1 mg/L) were carried out for the microrhizome induction experiments. In different concentrations of sucrose used, healthy and disease-free microshoots of A. calamus were obtained in MS media supplemented with 7 % sucrose followed by 6 % sucrose. The highest shoot length (24.79 ± 0.03 cm) and microrhizome size (4.98 ± 0.03 cm length and 399.60 ± 0.37 mg fresh weight) were obtained in MS solid medium supplemented with 1 mg/L BAP and 0.5 mg/L NAA with 7 % sucrose followed by the same hormone concentration with 6 % sucrose (shoot length-23.68 ± 0.03 cm, microrhizome length- 4.68 ± 0.03 cm and fresh weight of microrhizome-376.60 ± 0.57 mg). The developed protocol can be used for large-scale production of disease-free propagules without rooting and acclimatization and enhance the production of true-to-type planting material.

An Unknown 18th-Century Flemish Dyers Manuscript from Antwerp (1778–1802)

This paper presents a historical analysis of a rare dyer’s manuscript, preserved within the Museum of Industry in Ghent, Belgium. The manuscript, originating from a dyer in late 18th-century Antwerp, includes an extensive collection of recipes. The study will enable researchers to better grasp the practices of traditional dyeing techniques and materials in the region during that time. The manuscript focuses primarily on the dyeing of woolen fabrics. Approximately 90 of the 132 recipes utilize red dyes. Recipes for dying orange, brown, black, blue, and green colors are also described. The document mentions the use of madder, brazilwood, redwood, and cochineal. To create a variety of red shades, the dyer describes how fabrics were treated with different mordanting compounds, with alum and tin as the main ingredients, and how the dyeing solutions were prepared. The resulting colors include ‘madder red’, ‘formal red’, ‘crimson’, ‘scarlet’, ‘Turkish red’, ‘fire color’ and ‘flesh color’. In addition to the dyeing recipes, the manuscript contains various accounting documents and correspondences between the dyer, customers, and suppliers. Lastly, over 100 original, colored samples are attached to the described recipes. In this paper, the artifact’s contents will be disclosed, comprising recipes with attached samples and correspondence. Findings resulting from archive research will be included, contextualizing and placing the dyer in their urban and social context. The paper concludes by discussing its potential limitations and provides avenues for possible future research.

Trends of the cannabis market in Poland over the last decade = Tendencje na rynku konopi indyjskich w ostatniej dekadzie w Polsce

Cannabis is the most widely used drug. in recent years, interest in cannabis has grown significantly. over the last decade, the number of cannabis users worldwide has increased by almost 21%, reaching approximately 219 million people in 2021. Can- nabis cultivation covers practically all regions of the world. In recent years, 151 countries have reported cannabis cultivation, both outdoors and indoors. The increased growth of the latter is particularly observed in North America and Europe. Global data shows that in 2021, 5,226 tons of marihuana and 2,014 tons of hashish were confiscated. an increase in seizures of can- nabis products is observed in Europe and Poland. Another trend concerns the increasing content of the psychoactive substance Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) in cannabis plants. According to UNODC data, over the last 25 years there has been a 4-fold increase in the content of Δ9-THc in cannabis. over the last decade, the average content of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol in marihua- na seized in europe has increased approximately twice, and in hashish three times. The aim of this work is to assess potential changes in the content of the main psychoactive ingredients in cannabis in Poland in the last decade (2012–2022), based on expert opinions developed by the Institute of Forensic research in Kraków. The conduct- ed analyses confirmed the trends observed around the world. in the last ten years, the number of cases in which the drug-type cannabis was detected increased from 5.3% to 68.4% of total number of illicit drug cases examined for the presence of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and new psychoactive substances. an increasing trend in the content of Δ9-THC in the drug-type cannabis was also noted. over the last decade, the average total content of Δ9-THC increased almost three times and in 2022 reached 12%. This is due to the growth of cannabis cultivation in Europe, carried out using the technique known as sinsemilla, genetic modifications, as well as the appearance on the market of the feminized cannabis seeds.

Roadside inspections, traffic events and traffic accidents from 2010–2022 in the experience of the Institute of Forensic Research as a consulting body in light of the proposed thresholds for the states of ‘after use’ and ‘under the influence’ for THC = Kontrole, zdarzenia i wypadki drogowe z lat 2010–2022 w praktyce opiniodawczej Instytutu Ekspertyz Sądowych w świetle propozycji progów „po

Road traffic safety depends largely on the psychophysical fitness of drivers. Apart from ethyl alcohol, this efficiency is influenced by many other factors, including: presence in the blood of the so-called substances that act similarly to alcohol, and cannabinols constitute one of the most popular groups of these substances. The paper presents statistics on delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) – the main psychoactive ingredient of cannabis detected in the blood of drivers subjected to 7269 road inspections and involved in 4697 road events and accidents in the years 2010–2022 throughout Poland. Based on the results obtained, it was found that THC is present in the blood of 25–61% of roadside inspection cases, and in the case of road incidents and accidents, 5–15% of drivers have THC in a concentration equal to or higher than 1 ng/ml. The data in the charts are given in relation to two THC concentration ranges: 1.0–2.5 ng/ml and above 2.5 ng/ml (the value proposed as the limit of the state “after use” and “under the influence” of THC) and in relation to concentration ranges based on the THC elimination curve in human serum. The study did not distinguish between chronic or acute participants and occasional participants. It was based on THC and THCCOOH concentrations. The analyzes were performed using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent method (ELISA) and confirmatory methods such as liquid and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry, in which the limit of quantification of 1 ng/ml was in accordance with the applicable requirement contained in the Regulation of the Minister of Health of July 16, 2014 on the list of similarly acting agents to alcohol and the conditions and method of conducting tests for their presence in the body.

Diversity in Pyracantha fortuneana fruits maturity stages enables discrepancy in the phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity, and tyrosinase inhibitory activity.

Pyracantha fortuneana (P. fortuneana) fruit is a wild fruit that is popular because of its delicious taste and numerous nutrients, and phenolic compounds are considered to be the main bioactive components in P. fortuneana fruits. However, the relationship between phenolic compounds and their antioxidant and tyrosinase (TYR) inhibitory activities during the ripening process is still unclear. The study compared the influence of the five developmental stages on the accumulation of phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity, and TYR inhibitory activity in the fruits of P. fortuneana. The compounds were identified by offline two-dimensional liquid chromatography-electrochemical detection (2D-LC-ECD) combined with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, and the main active ingredients were quantified. The results showed that stage II had higher total phenolic and flavonoid content, as well as higher antioxidant and TYR inhibitory activity, but the total anthocyanin content was lowest at this stage. A total of 30 compounds were identified by 2D-LC-ECD. Orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis screened out six major potential markers, including phenolic acids, procyanidins, and flavonoids. In addition, it was found that caffeoylquinic acids, procyanidins, and flavonoids were higher in stage II than in stages I, III, IV, and V, whereas anthocyanins accumulated gradually from stages III to V. Therefore, this study suggests that the changes in antioxidant and TYR inhibitory activities of P. fortuneana during the five developmental stages may be due to the transformation of procyanidins, caffeoylquinic acids, and phenolic glycosides into other forms during the fruit maturation process. Practical Application: Differences in chemical constituents, antioxidant, and tyrosinase inhibitory activities in fruit maturity stages of P. fortuneana were elucidated to provide reference for rational harvesting and utilization of the fruits and their bioactive components. These findings are expected to provide a comprehensive assessment of the bioactive profile and guide the food industrial production.