Methyl Salicylate Research Articles

First identification of methyl benzoate and methyl salicylate as major volatile compounds in the floral scent of alstroemeria

First identification of methyl benzoate and methyl salicylate as major volatile compounds in the floral scent of alstroemeria

An in silico study of sustainable drug pollutants removal using carboxylic acid functionalized-MOF nanostructures (MIL-53 (Al)-(COOH)2): Towards a greener future

Emerging environmental pollutants have become a major environmental challenge due to the highly toxic effluents produced by industries. Among these emerging pollutants, pharmaceutical drugs, which are consumed and are highly soluble, lead to the severe degradation of water resources. To address this issue, adsorptive capturing methods have been considered as a potential solution due to their efficiency and environmental compatibility. This study focuses on the use of carboxylic acid functionalized MIL-53 (Al) (CA/MIL-53 (Al)) for the removal of pharmaceutical pollutants (PhPs) such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, aspirin and methyl salicylate. The study was conducted employing quantum mechanical (QM), Monte Carlo (MC) and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The results of QM analysis exhibited that the functionalization of MIL-53 (Al) with carboxylic acid (CA) groups improved its adsorption affinity. Moreover, the MOF-water-Ibuprofen mixed configurations showed higher chemical reactivity and adsorption capacity. It was demonstrated that the MIL-53 (Al) adsorption characteristics were significantly improved following its functionalization with CA groups. This study highlights the potential of functionalized MOFs as a promising solution for PhPs removal from water resources. The results of this study provide valuable information for further research and the development of new adsorbents for the removal of emerging pollutants in the environment.

Zein-based nanoformulations with encapsulated methyl salicylate incorporated in 3D printing biopolymer devices targeting potential uses in pest management

The management of pests in agriculture has numerous issues, for instance, their impact in the environment. The use of synthetic semiochemicals for the pest control have a limited shelf life and low stability in the field. In this regard, nanocarrier systems may improve the stability overtime and to promote a sustainability release. The objective of this study was to prepare and characterized zein nanoparticles (NP-Zein) containing the semiochemical methyl salicylate (S_Met) and incorporated into sodium alginate (SA) and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)-created by 3D printing prototypes targeting as a potential application for pest management. The system was characterized using different physicochemical techniques and the results showed that the nanocarrier system had encapsulation efficiency of 99 % of S_Met. The NP-Zein had an average diameter of 150 nm with a polydispersity index of 0.18 ± 0.04. The incorporation of NP-Zein loaded S_Met in the crosslinked prototypes exhibited a rough surface with excellent NP-Zein adhesion as showed by fluorescence optical microscopy and atomic force microscopy images. The non-crosslinked prototypes had smooth and cracked surfaces, however, it did not affect the adhesion of NP-Zein loaded S_Met. Moreover, NP-Zein loaded S_Met in SA promote a sustained release over time, improving the S_Met stability and loss by volatilization. The results demonstrated that is possible to develop prototypes containing NP-Zein loaded S_Met by 3D printing using biodegradable polymeric materials. The developed prototypes can be a potential alternative for sustainable management aiming future application for pest control.

Development of a detection system for gas-phase aromatics and other molecules ionizable by soft X-rays demonstrated using methyl salicylate

In the present study, we developed the detection method for gas-phase aromatics and other molecules ionizable by soft X-rays demonstrated using methyl salicylate which is one of the chemical warfare agent simulants by using soft X-ray and aerosol measurement techniques. The aromatic chemical compounds which have the benzene ring are well detected by the soft X-ray assisted detection method which converts gas vapors to nanoparticles through the photochemical processes. The present study reports on the formation of nanoparticles by describing the stage change during the soft X-ray irradiation: particle-free mode; nucleation mode; transition mode; accumulation mode; and stable mode. In a controlled environment, the empirical calibration curves can predict ppbv-level methyl salicylate vapor concentrations using particle number or volume concentration data obtained from the real-time aerosol detection instrument. We expect that this technology can be utilized for calibrating or intercomparing other instruments that measure methyl salicylate concentrations.

Root and canal morphology of third molar teeth

Restorative and prosthetic considerations usually necessitates endodontic treatment of third molars in order to retain them as a functional component of the dental arch. However, the anatomy of third molars has been described as unpredictable. To date, there has been little published work on root and canal morphology of third molars, with an adequate sample size. The aim of this study was to investigate root and canal morphology of third molars. Maxillary and mandibular third molars were gathered from dental surgeries within north Jordan. Following access cavity preparation, pulp tissue was removed and root canals stained. Teeth were subject to examination after rendering them clear by immersion in methyl salicylate, and the following features evaluated: (1) number of roots; (2) number and type of root canals; (3) number and position of lateral canals; and (4) presence of inter-canal communications. Out of the examined 592 maxillary third molars, 69.9% had three roots, 10.81% had one, 9.79% had two, 9.12% had four, and 0.34% had five roots. Most had three (52.36%) and four canals (28.2%) with less frequency of two (11.48%), one (5.91%) and five canals (2.03%). Of the 639 mandibular third molars, 89.76% had two roots, 7.35% had three, 2.5% had one, and 0.47% had four roots. Most had three (55.71%) and two canals (29.42%) with less frequency of four (13.61%), one (1.09%) and five canals (0.15%). The majority of maxillary third molars had 3 roots, while the majority of mandibular third molars had two. Overall, nearly half of the maxillary and mandibular third molars had three canals. New canal configurations, not previously described in the literature nor included in Vertucci’s classifications, were identified in both maxillary and mandibular third molars.

Comparative morphology and plant volatile responses of antennal sensilla in Cinara cedri (Hemiptera: Lachninae), Eriosoma lanigerum (Hemiptera: Eriosomatinae), and Therioaphis trifolii (Hemiptera: Calaphidinae).

Olfaction is important for mediating aphid behaviors and is involved in host location and mating. Antennal primary rhinaria play a key role in the chemoreception of aphids. The function of the peripheral olfactory system in the subfamily Aphidinae has been intensively studied, but little is known about other subfamilies of Aphididae. Therefore, three aphid species were selected to study the olfactory reception of plant volatiles: Cinara cedri (Lachninae), Eriosoma lanigerum (Eriosomatinae), and Therioaphis trifolii (Calaphidinae). In this study, the morphology and distribution of the antennal sensilla of apterous adults were observed by scanning electron microscopy. Three morphological types were identified (placoid sensilla, coeloconic sensilla, and trichoid sensilla); the first two were distributed on the antennal primary rhinaria. A pattern of primary rhinaria in C. cedri was found that differed from that of E. lanigerum and T. trifolii and consists of 1 large placoid sensillum (LP) on the 4th segment, 2 LPs on the 5th segment, and a group of sensilla on the 6th antennal segments. Later, we recorded and compared neuronal responses of the distinct placoid sensilla in the primary rhinaria of the three aphid species to 18 plant volatiles using a single sensillum recording (SSR) technique. The results indicated that the functional profiles based on the tested odorants of the primary rhinaria of the three investigated aphid species were clustered into three classes, and exhibited excitatory responses to certain types of odorants, especially terpenes. In C. cedri, the ORNs in LP6 exhibited the highest responses to (±)-citronellal across all tested chemicals, and showed greater sensitivity to (±)-citronellal than to (+)-limonene. ORNs in LP5 were partially responsive to α-pinene and (-)-β-pinene in a dose-dependent manner. Across different species, E. lanigerum showed significantly stronger neuronal responses of LP5 to several terpenes, such as (-)-linalool and α-terpineol, compared to other species. In T. trifolii, the neuronal activities in LP6 showed a greater response to methyl salicylate as compared to LP5. Overall, our results preliminarily illustrate the functional divergence of ORNs in the primary rhinaria of aphids from three subfamilies of Aphididae and provide a basis for better understanding the mechanism of olfactory recognition in aphids.

Exogenous Application of Methyl Salicylate Induces Defence in Brassica against Peach Potato Aphid Myzus persicae.

Plants use a variety of secondary metabolites to defend themselves against herbivore insects. Methyl salicylate (MeSA) is a natural plant-derived compound that has been used as a plant defence elicitor and a herbivore repellent on several crop plants. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of MeSA treatment of Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis ('Hanakan' pak choi) on its interactions with peach potato aphids, Myzus persicae, and their natural enemy, Diaeretiella rapae. For this, we selected two concentrations of MeSA (75 mg/L and 100 mg/L). Our results showed that aphid performance was significantly reduced on plants treated with MeSA (100 mg/L). In a cage bioassay, the MeSA (100 mg/L)-treated plants showed lower adult survival and larviposition. Similarly, the MeSA (100 mg/L)-treated plants had a significantly lower aphid settlement in a settlement bioassay. In contrast, the M. persicae aphids did not show any significant difference between the MeSA (75 mg/L)-treated and control plants. In a parasitoid foraging bioassay, the parasitoid D. rapae also did not show any significant difference in the time spent on MeSA-treated and control plants. A volatile analysis showed that the MeSA treatment induced a significant change in volatile emissions, as high numbers of volatile compounds were detected from the MeSA-treated plants. Our results showed that MeSA has potential to induce defence in Brassica against M. persicae and can be utilised in developing sustainable approaches for the management of peach potato aphids.

Identification of Key Components Responsible for the Aromatic Quality of Jinmudan Black Tea by Means of Molecular Sensory Science.

A fruity aroma is regarded as an important factor in the evaluation of black tea quality. However, the compounds contributing to a particularly fruity aroma still garner less attention. In this study, we aimed to identify the aroma-active compounds of the peach-like aroma of Jinmudan black tea (JBT). We used gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to reveal the profile of the chemical compounds integrated into JBT and identified terpenoids, heterocyclic, and esters that contribute to its floral and fruity aroma. Under the PCA and PLS-DA modes, JBT and Fuyun NO. 6 black tea (FBT) can be divided into two classes, respectively (class 1 and class 2); several compounds, including indole, methyl salicylate, and δ-decalactone, have a higher VIP value (Variable Importance in Projection), and it has been found that δ-decalactone was the characteristic aromatic compound of peach fruit. Gas chromatography-olfactometry (GC-O) and the odor activity value (OAV) indicated that, in JBT, linalool, phenylacetaldehyde, and δ-decalactone could be considered aroma-active compounds (AACs). However, in FBT, the high content of heterocyclic compounds contribute to its caramel-like aroma. As for the biochemical compounds measurement, JBT has a higher content of theaflavins (TFs), thearubigins (TRs), and flavonoids. These results provide a theoretical basis for the quality and processing improvement in JBT.

Contribution of terpenes, methanethiol, and fermentative esters to sparkling wine aroma in relationship to production technology, vintage, and aging: a case study on Durello wines.

This study aims at assessing the chemical and sensory variability existing across sparkling white wines of a single appellation in relationship to production technique and aging, identifying the existence of specific aroma chemical and sensory (odor) signatures. For this purpose, we selected Durello, an emerging sparkling white wine from Veneto region produced using either Charmat or Classico methods. Comparison of Durello varietal volatiles profile with other Italian sparkling and still wines highlighted specific features of Durello such as high content of 1,4-cineole and non-megastigmane norisoprenoids. Production technique (Charmat or Champenoise) impacted both the volatile chemical profile, influencing the content of esters, fatty acids, cyclic terpenoids, C6 alcohols, β-damascenone and methanethiol. With regard to wine age and vintage, an influence on esters, p-menthane-1,8-diol, cineoles and methyl salicylate was observed. Sensory evaluation by means of a sorting task approach indicated the existence of two main types of odor profile, one clearly associated with Classico method. The main drivers of such aroma diversity were esters, 1,4-cineole and methanethiol. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Nutritional and Feeding Adaptability of Clanis bilineata tsingtauica Larvae to Different Cultivars of Soybean, (Glycine max).

The larvae of Clanis bilineata tsingtauica, a special species of Chinese edible insect, are of great nutritional, medicinal and economic value to humans. This study aimed to clarify the effect of different soybean varieties (Guandou-3 (G3), Ruidou-1 (R1), September cold (SC)) on the nutritional quality and feeding selection behavior of C. bilineata tsingtauica larvae. The results showed that soybean isoleucine (Ile) and phenylalanine (Phe) were positively correlated with larval host selection (HS) and protein content. The order of soybean plants selected by C. bilineata tsingtauica larvae was R1 > SC > G3, and they selected R1 significantly higher than SC and G3 by 50.55% and 109.01%, respectively. The protein content of the larvae fed on R1 was also the highest among the three cultivars. In addition, a total of 17 volatiles belonging to 5 classes were detected from soybeans: aldehydes, esters, alcohols, ketones, and heterocyclic compounds. Pearson's analysis showed that soybean methyl salicylate was positively correlated with larval HS and their protein content, and soybean 3-octenol was negatively correlated with larval HS and their palmitic acid content. In conclusion, C. bilineata tsingtauica larvae are more adapted to R1 than to the other two soybean species. This study provides a theoretical basis for the production of more protein-rich C. bilineata tsingtauica in the food industry.

Characterization of the Aroma Profiles of Guangdong Black Teas Using Non-Targeted Metabolomics.

Guangdong black teas have diverse flavors and aromas. To explore the molecular basis of these aromas, we extracted and analyzed the volatile flavor compounds of 31 black tea samples from 7 districts (Yingde, Luokeng, Renhua, Meizhou, Chaozhou, Lianshan, and Heyuan) in Guangdong Province with headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Then, 135 volatile flavor compounds (VFCs) were identified and grouped into 12 classes according to their chemical structure. Notably, alcohols accounted for 31.40-44.43% of total VFCs. The score plot of supervised partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) revealed good discrimination for most black tea samples. Additionally, 64 compounds with variable importance in projection > 1.0 were identified as differential odorants. Through an odor activity value analysis, eight volatile compounds were identified as the key active differential VFCs: linalool, methyl salicylate, phenylethyl alcohol, p-cresol, 3-methyl-butanoic acid, geraniol, benzaldehyde, and benzeneacetaldehyde. Thus, benzeneacetaldehyde and linalool in YJ-Yingde samples, benzaldehyde in Luokeng samples with an almond-like aroma, phenylethyl alcohol in the Heyuan samples, and p-cresol and 3-methyl-butanoic acid in the Chaozhou samples were the key volatile flavor compounds that could differentiate local black teas from other black teas. These findings will enrich the research in tea aroma chemistry and provide a method for identifying the origins of Guangdong black teas.

Syzygiumaromaticum Antioxidant, Anticancer, and Antibacterial Activities of Clove: Review Article

Because of its curative properties, Syzygiumaromaticum has long been used in conventional, holistic medicine. It has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, and cancer-fighting properties. Clove oil, also known as the essential oil of the Syzygiumaromaticum tree, contains a wide variety of compounds, including the methyl salicylate, tannins like bicorningallotannic acid, acetyl eugenol, beta-caryophyllene, vanillin, catholic acid, and the flavonoids eugenin and hesperetin., kaempferol, and rhamnetin are some of the bioactive compounds found in eucalyptus., and eugenic Using the MTT assay, we were able to determine the cytotoxicity of the stable oil and found that it inhibited the growth of cancer cells, suggesting that this formulation may be helpful as a complementary therapy for cancer. Also tested was the oil's efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. According to membrane permeability studies, it is highly effective in passing through cell membranes and themes, increasing the leakage of cytoplasmic contents.

A Brief Review on Murraya paniculata (Orange Jasmine): pharmacognosy, phytochemistry and ethanomedicinal uses.

Murraya paniculata (family-Rutaceae), popularly known as orange jasmine, is the most important evergreen plant. The Rutaceae family is economically significant due to its diverse edible fruits and essential oils. Murraya paniculata extracts (MPE) of leaf have been shown to include phenolic compounds, highly oxygenated flavonoids, flavanones, sesquiterpenoids, polymethoxy glycosides, and coumarins. Cyclocitral, methyl salicylate, trans-nerolidol, cubenol, isogermacrene, -cadinol, and cubeb-11-ene are all abundant in MPE. The usages of various parts of this plant, such as bark, leaves and flower, as a remedy for a variety of ailments as widely recorded in the traditional literature. The plant has anti-diabetic, anti-obesity, antibacterial, anti-implantation, anti-oxidative, cytotoxic, anti-diarrheal, antidepressant and anti-anxiety properties and many others. The goal of the review is to reignite interest in this potential plant, encouraging researchers to continue their research in order to uncover novel therapeutic compounds for the treatment and management of a range of infections. The current review provided a comprehensive overview of this traditional unique plant. The review paves a way for exploring its active chemical elements with substantial pharmacological values further for potential benefits of mankind.

Paeonia anomala (Paeoniaceae) component composition and antioxidant, antiradical and cytotoxic activity

Paeonia anomala L. is a valuable medicinal plant in the world. The aim of this study was the study of composition of the plant P. anomalaand its antioxidant, antiradical and cytotoxic activities. The underground part of P.anomalawas extracted with ethanol and the composition was determined using gas chromatography with mass spectrometric detection (Agilent 7890A/5975C). Methyl salicylate (32.07%), sucrose (11.23%), benzoic acid (9.12%), cyclopropyl carbine (7.7 %), 2,5-dimethyl-4-hydroxy-3(2H)-furanone (4.77%), ben-zoic acid, 2,4-dihydroxy-3,5,6-trimethyl-, methyl ester (4.48%), are the main components. The ethyl acetate extract of the underground part (root) of P. anomalaat concentrations of 0.25 and 0.5 mg/ml has a low content, and at concentrations of 0.75 and 1 mg/ml, an average antioxidant activity compared to the antioxidant activity ofascorbic and gallic acids. The ethanol extract of the underground part of P. anomalaat concentrations of 0.25 and 0.5 mg/ml has an average, and at concentrations of 0.75 and 1 mg/ml the highest antioxidant activity compared to the antioxidant activity comparators. Also, the ethanol extract of the underground part P.anomalahas the highest antiradical activity in all concentrations compared to the antiradical activity of gallic acid. Ethanol and ethyl acetate extracts of the underground part of P. anomalain all concentrations do not show cytotoxicity.

Effects of storage conditions on permeability and electrical impedance properties of the skin barrier

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of various skin preservation protocols on in vitro drug permeation, epidermal-dermal drug distribution, and electrical impedance properties of skin membranes. Acyclovir (AC) and methyl salicylate (MS) were selected as model drugs due to their different physicochemical properties and skin metabolic profiles. In particular, AC is relatively hydrophilic (logP −1.8) and not expected to be affected by skin metabolism, while MS is relatively lipophilic (logP 2.5) and susceptible to metabolism, being a substrate for esterase residing in skin. Skin from pig ears was used and freshly excised into split-thickness membranes, which were divided and immediately stored at five different storage conditions: a) 4 °C overnight (fresh control), b) 4 °C for 4 days, c) and d) −20 °C for 6 weeks and one year, respectively, and e) −80 °C for 6 weeks. Based on the combined results, general trends are observed showing that fresh skin is associated with lower permeation of both model drugs and higher skin membrane electrical resistance, as compared to the other storage conditions. Interestingly, in the case of fresh skin, significantly lower amounts of MS are detected in the epidermis and dermis compartments, implying higher levels of ester hydrolysis of MS (i.e., higher esterase activity). In line with this, the concentration of salicylic acid (SA) extracted from the dermis is significantly higher for fresh skin, as compared to the other storage conditions. Nevertheless, for all storage conditions, substantial amounts of SA are detected in the receptor medium, as well as in the epidermis and dermis, implying that esterase activity is maintained to some extent in all cases. For AC, which is not expected to be affected by skin metabolism, freeze storage (protocols c-e) is observed to result in higher accumulation of AC in the epidermis, as compared to the case of fresh skin, while the AC concentration in dermis is unaffected. These observations can be rationalized primarily by the observed lower permeability of fresh skin towards this hydrophilic substance. Finally, a strong correlation between AC permeation and electrical skin resistance is shown for individual skin membranes irrespective of storage condition, while the corresponding correlation for MS is inferior. On the other hand, a strong correlation is shown for individual membranes between MS permeation and electrical skin capacitance, while a similar correlation for AC is lower. The observed correlations between drug permeability and electrical impedance open up for standardizing in vitro data for improved analysis and comparisons between permeability results obtained with skin stored at different conditions.

Identification of differential volatile and non-volatile compounds in coffee leaves prepared from different tea processing steps using HS-SPME/GC–MS and HPLC-Orbitrap-MS/MS and investigation of the binding mechanism of key phytochemicals with olfactory and taste receptors using molecular docking

Tea processing steps affected the proximate composition, enzyme activity and bioactivity of coffee leaves; however, the effects of different tea processing steps on the volatiles, non-volatiles, color, and sensory characteristics of coffee leaves have yet been demonstrated. Here the dynamic changes of volatile and non-volatile compounds in different tea processing steps were investigated using HS-SPME/GC–MS and HPLC-Orbitrap-MS/MS, respectively. A total of 53 differential volatiles (alcohol, aldehyde, ester, hydrocarbon, ketone, oxygen heterocyclic compounds, phenol, and sulfur compounds) and 50 differential non-volatiles (xanthone, flavonoid, organic acid, amino acid, organic amine, alkaloid, aldehyde, and purine et al.) were identified in coffee leaves prepared from different processing steps. Kill-green, fermentation, and drying steps significantly influenced the volatiles; however, kill-green, rolling, and drying steps significantly affected the color of coffee leaves and their hot water infusion. The coffee leaf tea that was prepared without the kill-green process was found to have a more pleasant taste as compared to the tea that was prepared with the kill-green process. This can be attributed to the fact that the former contained lower levels of flavonoids, chlorogenic acid, and epicatechin, but had higher levels of floral, sweet, and rose-like aroma compounds. The binding interactions between the key differential volatile and non-volatile compounds and the olfactory and taste receptors were also investigated. The key differential volatiles, pentadecanal and methyl salicylate generate fresh and floral odors by activating olfactory receptors, OR5M3 and OR1G1, respectively. Epicatechin showed a high affinity to the bitter receptors, including T2R16, T2R14, and T2R46. Since the specific content of differential compounds in different samples varies greatly, the dose–effect and structure–function relationships of these key compounds and the molecular mechanism of the odor and taste of coffee leaf tea need to be further studied.

Development and Validation of UV-spectrophotometric Method for the Estimation of Wintergreen Oil in Pharmaceutical Formulation

Abstract: Objectives: The study aimed to develop and validate a simple UV-spectrophotometric method for quantifying Wintergreen oil in micro/nanosponges. Materials and Methods: The method was developed using acetonitrile as a solvent system and validated for various parameters such as linearity, precision, repeatability, the Limit of Detection (LOD), and the Limit of Quantification (LOQ), and accuracy according to ICH guidelines. Results: The oil showed an absorption maximum at 237nm. Linearity between concentration and absorbance was established within a concentration range of 2 to 28 mcg/mL and showed a regression coefficient of 0.9746. The recovery of 97.14-107.82% and % RSD of less than 2% for repeatability, intraday, inter-day, and ruggedness revealed that the method is accurate and precise. The LOD and LOQ were determined as 0.103 mcg/mL and 0.312 mcg/mL respectively. Insignificant changes in absorption values with deliberate variation in absorption maximum indicate the method's robustness. The entrapment efficiency and loading capacity ranged between 88-97.82% and 3.085-24.35%. Conclusion: The validation results conclude that the method is simple, sensitive, precise, accurate, and robust. Hence, the method was used for quantifying wintergreen oil in micro/nanosponges. The procedure can further be adapted for analysing wintergreen oil in other pharmaceutical preparations and commercial products. Keywords: Wintergreen oil, UV-spectrophotometry, Validation, Micro/nanosponges, Pharmaceutical formulation.

Seed treatment with plant-defense elicitors decreases the abundance of ammonia oxidizers associated with winter wheat roots

Priming with elicitors, including phytohormones, is known to induce physiological changes in plants that affect resource allocation and nutrient uptake strategies. However, effects of these changes on belowground microbial communities, particularly those involved in nitrogen (N) transformations, remain poorly characterized. Here, we tested the hypothesis that treating seeds with elicitors would affect N-transforming communities associated to roots and rhizosphere, influencing soil N availability and thus plant performance. We measured the effects of treating winter wheat seeds with cis-jasmone, methyl jasmonate or methyl salicylate on plant traits and on the genetic potential for ammonia oxidation by ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) and archaea (AOA), the initial inorganic N transformation process resulting in N loss. Elicitors reduced the genetic potential for ammonia oxidation by AOB in root-associated microbial communities and increased traits reflecting N uptake in winter wheat. Proposed mechanisms include increased exploitative competition for ammonium, limiting substrate availability for microorganisms, and induced biological nitrification inhibition capacity actively suppressing ammonia oxidizers. There were minor effects on the composition of the AOB and AOA communities, but an indicator species analysis showed that several AOB and a few AOA genotypes were indicative of elicitor treatments. Seed treatment with elicitors may represent an overlooked strategy to minimize nitrification to mitigate N losses from arable soils.

Factors Guiding the Orientation of Nymphal Spotted Lanternfly, Lycorma delicatula.

A mark-release-recapture experiment was conducted to evaluate the orientation of spotted lanternfly (SLF) Lycorma delicatula White (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae) nymphs when released equidistant between two trees. The experiment was repeated weekly for eight weeks in a heavily infested area with mature tree-of-heaven Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle (Sapindales: Simaroubaceae) planted in rows as ornamental street trees in Beijing, China. One tree in each pair received a methyl salicylate lure, and the lure was rotated between trees every week as it aged. Two additional independent variables for each tree were also analyzed: size and SLF population density. Marked-released SLF significantly chose trees with higher SLF population density over trees with lower density populations, and they also chose larger trees significantly more than smaller trees. Population density and tree size were better predictors of attraction than lures, but when those factors were controlled, SLF significantly chose trees with methyl salicylate lures over control trees for the first 4 weeks of lure life. Wild SLF distribution was assessed weekly, revealing strong aggregation in first and second instars that diminished with development to the third and fourth instars. Thus, nymphal SLF aggregate, and orientation is strongly guided by the presence of other SLF and tree size.

Freezing of green peppers assisted by combined electromagnetic fields: Effects on juice loss, moisture distribution, and microstructure after thawing

AbstractThe combination of electric and magnetic field assisted freezing has potential as a new means of improving the freeze–thaw quality of green peppers. In this work, the quality of the freeze–thawed product was assessed in terms of thawing juice loss, moisture profile, ascorbic acid content, antioxidant activity, flavor, and microstructure. Juice loss was reduced by 16%–68%, freezing time was shortened by 15%–26%, and the nutrient retention rate was higher in the physical field‐assisted case compared to the no‐physical field case. Interestingly, the combined freezing of the two physical fields showed better freezing results compared to a single electric or magnetic field, with juice loss reduced to 3.04%, retention of 82% of calcium ions, retention of ascorbic acid increased by 6%–15%. In addition, the content of hexenal and methyl salicylate and other aromatic substances increased, showing a good flavor quality such as increased umami. The results suggest that combined electric and magnetic field assisted freezing is better in improving the quality of frozen products and may be a potential alternative to freezing and thawing of fruits and vegetables.Practical applicationThis research provides a simple and novel method for improving the speed and quality of frozen products. These steps combine electric and magnetic fields to explore, improve the quality of frozen products, but also provide a new idea for freezing research.