Organic Acid Compounds Research Articles

Effects of Deacidification on Composition of Schisandra chinensis Ethanolic Extract and Studies on Acute Toxicity in Mice.

Schisandra chinensis Fructus (SCF), a well-known traditional medicinal material, is a rich source of dibenzocyclooctene type lignans and polyphenols, which are important ingredients in SCF and show various activities. SCF also contains about 18% organic acids, mainly citric acid, which makes the fruit and extract taste extremely sour and limited its application in beverages or food industries. In the present study, a chemical deacidification method was applied to defatted and non-defatted ethanol extract of SCF, and the effects on organic acid, lignans, and phenolic compounds were evaluated. Free radical scavenging activity and acute toxicity in mice before and after deacidification were also compared. Our results demonstrated that chemical deacidification significantly decreased the contents of organic acid and lignan compounds and markedly improves the safety of the ethanol extract of SCF, which will facilitate the comprehensive utilization of SCF extract in food and beverage industries.

ANTIFUNGAL AND ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY OF ALOE VERA PLANT EXTRACT

Aloe vera is a well-known medicinal plant used in many therapeutic purposes. Naturally it is composed of many useful compounds that have ability to use for treatment of many diseases. The active compounds reported in this plant are saponins, sugar, enzymes, vitamins, aloesin, aloeemodin, aloin, acemannan aloemannan, aloeride, methylchromones, flavonoids, naftoquinones, sterols, minerals, anthraquinones, amino acids, lignin and salicylic acid and other different compounds including fat-soluble and water-soluble vitamins, enzymes, minerals, simple/complex sugars, organic acid and phenolic compounds. In this study aloe vera is used for antibacterial and antifulgal activity against different strains of bacteria and pathogenic fungal strains. Ethanol extract of Aloe vera leaves and roots is applied on these bacterial and fungal strains in different concentrations (15, 20, 25, 30µl). Bacillus cereus, Bacillus subtitis, Bacillus megaterium, Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii, and some other bacterial strains are used for this study. Escherichia coli and Agrobacterium tumefacins shows zone of inhibition around 18mm which consider as good result. Bacillus subtitis and Bacillus megaterium also shows good result around 16mm. Proteus mirabilis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa shows minimum zone of inhibition which is around 11mm. among all used fungal strains (fuserium oxysporum, Candida albicans, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus niger) fuserium oxysporum and Aspergillus niger shows excellent results around 19mm both against root extract and leaves extract.

New suitable deprotonating matrices for the analysis of carboxylic acids and some acidic compounds by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry in negative ion mode.

Direct non-derivatization analysis of organic acids and acidic compounds by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry (MS) in positive ion mode is not always possible due to the low ionization efficiency of analytes. Some new efficient deprotonating matrices were suggested that allowed the production of negative ions from acidic compounds during MALDI-MS experiments. Various tested carboxyl-containing compounds as well as compounds with acidic properties were mixed with the suggested deprotonating matrices [4-dimethylaminobenzaldehyde (DMABA), N,N-dimethylamino-p-phenylenediamine or 3-aminoquinoline] and applied on a standard MALDI target followed by recording MALDI mass spectra in negative ion mode. All the tested acidic compounds mixed with the suggested deprotonating matrices produced abundant [M - H]- ions under MALDI conditions. DMABA produced the strongest signals reflecting greater sensitivity of analysis. The suggested deprotonating matrices are commercially available compounds and are good alternatives to well-known matrices of this kind and, in particular, the often used 9-aminoacridine. DMABA is the best of the tested potential matrices and is suitable for the detection of low molecular weight carboxyl-containing compounds, substituted phenols, and mixtures of naphthenic acids by (-)MALDI-MS.

Organic production of vinegar from mango and papaya.

The study describes the transformation of mangoes of the local variety "Assabonou" and papaya solo No.8 into alcohol and then into vinegar through the process of directed fermentation. Indeed, mango and papaya juices extracted from ripe fruits contained in vials are first subjected to an alcoholic fermentation with Saccharomyces cerevisiae in anaerobic conditions and secondly to an acetic fermentation with strains of acetic acid bacteria cultivated from unpasteurized cider vinegar. To assess the quality of the vinegars produced, their profile and composition in organic acid and volatile compounds were compared to those of an unpasteurized cider vinegar from France and a vinegar produced in Côte d’Ivoire. The ethanol content for both juices is more or less high with 9.24 ± 0.04 g/L for mango and 12.68 ± 0.39 g/L for papaya. The concentration of acetic acid is the highest of the organic acids for the four vinegars ranging from 37.46 ± 4.6 g/L to 55.85 ± 9.94 g/L. The acetic acid contents of mango and papaya vinegars are close to that of unpasteurized cider vinegar from France but higher than that of vinegar produced in Côte d'Ivoire. Thus, this study allowed the production of "Assabonou" mango and papaya vinegars from two consecutive fermentations (alcoholic then acetic). This process is fast, less expensive and easily applicable. This application case could be an alternative for the processing of seasonal fruits to reduce postharvest losses.

Investigation of sugars, organic acids, phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity and the aroma fingerprint of small white apricots grown in Xinjiang.

Small white apricot is well known as a famous fresh fruit and even a folk medicine in Xinjiang. To investigate nutritive value, antioxidant activity, and flavor of small white apricot, sugars, organic acids, total flavonoids, phenolic compounds, antioxidant activities, and volatile compounds in five apricot cultivars were examined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and headspace solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS). The results showed that sucrose (32.94% to 42.49%), malic acid (69.21% to 76.75%), and quercetin-3-rutinoside (72.84% to 74.05%) were the dominant sugar, organic acid, and phenolic compounds in small white apricot, respectively. The antioxidant activity reached up to 61.72 to 135.52mg TEs 100 g-1 . Furthermore, the aroma fingerprint of the small white apricot consisted of 1-octen-3-ol, 1-dodecanol, pentanal, hexanal, (E)-2-hexenal, (E)-2-heptenal, 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one, (E)-2-nonenal, 1-octen-3-one, β-myrcene, and linalool, providing clear green, grassy, and fatty notes. Apricots from different cultivars possessed a similar flavor, while linalool and (E)-2-hexenal had been identified as the characteristic aroma compounds in small white apricot. The results provide a complete chemical characterization of the taste, functional ingredients and aroma of the small white apricot. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The nutritive value, antioxidant activity and flavor of small white apricot were investigated in this study. The results will provide a theoretical basis for developing characteristic variety aroma, nutritive value, and medicinal value of small white apricot.

Rheological modeling and activation energy of Persian grape molasses

AbstractStudy the rheological behavior, modeling and activation energy (Ea) of Persian grape molasses (PGM) at different conditions. The shear rate and shear stress of PGM were measured at 25, 45, and 65°C and Brix concentrations (BC) of 35, 50, and 76%. Next different statistical parameters and Sigma plot software were used to test the obtained data on six different rheological models. Then the Ea and consistency coefficient of PGM were calculated at different BC using exponential and power equations. PGM exhibited a shear‐thickening behavior (n > 1) at BC's of 35–76% between 25 and 65°C. It showed the best fitness (R2 = 1.00) with power law (Ostwald–de‐Waele) model. The exponential relationship for computing Ea had higher R2 (0.937) than those in power law relationship (0.876). When the BC in PGM increased from 35 to 50% and then from 50 to 76% both at 25°C, the Ea raised ~10 and >100%. Exponential relationships were more trustable to calculate the effects of BC on consistency coefficient and Ea of PGM than power law equations. There is a high potential to raise the empirical Ea by increasing the BC of PGM to 76% at low temperature and retard its degradation process significantly.Practical ApplicationsPersian grape molasses (PGM) has high content of glucose and fructose, mineral, organic acid and bioactive compounds. The PGM with good nutritional components can be substituted instead of sugar in different food, and its rheological parameters will enhance the organoleptic (texture, color and flavor) properties of resulting products, considerably. On the other hand, rheological values of PGM will help us to solve numerous engineering calculations involved with this product when is produced in an industrial scale. Additionally, identifying rheological properties will help us to select and control processing equipment (such as mixing, dispersing, refining, spinning, concentration, and packaging), predict energy requirements, and evaluate sensory assessment of this product properly. Additionally, calculation of empirical activation energy could assist us to evaluate the degradation process of PGM and possibly predict its storage time at different brix concentrations and storage temperatures.

Abstract 3626: Genomic characterization of primary tumor in colorectal cancer according to serum carcinoembryonic antigen level

Abstract Background: Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is one of the most widely used tumor markers in colorectal cancer (CRC). High preoperative concentrations of CEA correlate with poor survival outcomes. Serial CEA measurements have been used for detecting recurrent CRC. However, the genomic characteristics of primary CRC according to the blood CEA level are still not clear. Though patients with low CEA levels are associated with good prognosis, some of these patients have progression of their tumor. It would aid in applying careful surveillance to identify a subset of patients at high risk for poor prognosis among those with low CEA level. In this study, the different types of molecular profiles were compared between CRC with low and high serum CEA levels. In addition, we compared the genomic characteristics between CRC without progression and with progression among patients with low CEA levels. Methods: Using data acquired from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), we performed survival and genomic analyses on 381 CRC patient samples with serum CEA levels. Differential mRNA expression, miRNA expression and DNA methylation were examined between CRC with low serum CEA levels (low CEA group; ≤ 5 ng/mL) and high serum CEA levels (high CEA group; > 5 ng/mL). Among the 140 patients with low CEA levels, the same analyses were performed between CRC without progression and with progression. Results: High CEA group was associated with higher pathologic stage, more venous and lymphatic invasion. High CEA group had worse overall and progression-free survival than low CEA group (p <0.001 and p <0.001, respectively). A total of 28 genes were identified as significantly differentially expressed genes between low and high CEA group. Functional annotation and pathway analyses of the differentially expressed genes identified the possible association of cell adhesion, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction and Wnt signaling network. Two differentially expressed miRNAs (mir-486 and mir-509-1) and 3 differential CpG sites (cg07530063, cg24216966 and cg11622162) were identified between low and high CEA group. Between CRC without progression and with progression in low CEA group, we identified 20 differentially expressed genes that were associated with epithelial to mesenchymal transition and transport of organic acid, metal ion and amine compounds. Four differentially expressed miRNAs (mir-483, mir-9-1, mir-9-2, and mir-31) and no differential CpG sites were identified between CRC with and without progression. Conclusions: In this study, we have identified different molecular features between primary CRC with low and high CEA levels. Notably, specific genomic profiles may contribute to discriminating patients with poor outcomes in CRC with low CEA level. Citation Format: Ji Won Park, Manu Shivakumar, Eun Kyung Choe, Dokyoon Kim. Genomic characterization of primary tumor in colorectal cancer according to serum carcinoembryonic antigen level [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research 2020; 2020 Apr 27-28 and Jun 22-24. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(16 Suppl):Abstract nr 3626.

Rapid identification of chemical composition and metabolites of Pingxiao Capsule in vivo using molecular networking and untargeted data-dependent tandem mass spectrometry.

Pingxiao capsule (PXC) is a herbal medicine used for adjuvant therapy in breast cancer. However, the constituents and absorbed components of the formula and their related metabolites have not been elucidated to date. PXC is a typical traditional Chinese medicine formula consisting of Strychnos nux-vomica L., Curcuma wenyujin Y. H., Agrimonia pilosa Ledeb., Toxicodendron vernicifluum, Trogopterus dung, alumen, potassium nitrate (saltpeter) and Citrus aurantium L. In this study, a ultra-high performance liquid chromatography system equipped with high resolution Q-Orbitrap mass spectrometry (MS) and comparative Global Natural Product Social molecular networking together with the Compound Discoverer software were used to identify metabolites of PXC in vitro and in vivo. Based on untargeted data-dependent MS2 and data-mining techniques, 89 peaks of alkaloids, flavonoids, organic acid and phenolic compounds were identified in a PXC 70% methanol extract. Furthermore, 15 absorbed prototype compounds and their metabolites were rapidly confirmed in rat blood. Glucuronidation, oxidation, methylation and hydroxylation were the main metabolic pathways. We fully clarified the chemical constituents of PXC and provided a scientific and efficient strategy for rapid discovery and identification of prototypes and their metabolites in rat plasma using high-resolution MS aided by Global Natural Product Social and Compound Discoverer software.

DIETARY FACTORS AFFECTING FIRMICUTES AND BACTEROIDETES RATIO IN SOLVING OBESITY PROBLEM: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Obesity is caused by several factors. Gut microbiota composition is known to be one of the factors to play a role in modulating the obesity process. Nutrient factors and bioactive compounds from food can infl uence and help in modifying the gut microbiota composition, especially Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes. The purpose of this article is to discuss how signifi cant the role of nutrients and other bioactive compounds on Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes ratio in solving the obesity problem. This article was compiled based on the literature search in the last ten years, related to nutrients and bioactive compounds infl uence Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio in obesity. The results from several literature searches provided evidence that alteration in gut microbiota composition was linked to the increase of body weight through metabolic pathways, which was characterized by the increasing number of Firmicutes, the decreased number of Bacteroidetes, and an increase in Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio. The increasing number of Firmicutes could induce short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production and lead to more energy harvesting. Several dietary factors from fi ber and amino acid, as well as bioactive compounds from an organic acid and polyphenol compounds, could infl uence the gut microbiota composition by reducing the Firmicutes level and increasing Bacteroidetes. The gut microbiota composition, especially Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes, could be induced by modifying diet enriched with fi ber, polyphenol compounds, and other specifi ed nutrients

Advanced landfill leachate biochemical effluent treatment using Fe-Mn/AC activates O3/Na2S2O8 process: process optimization, wastewater quality analysis, and activator characterization.

A novel catalyst of Fe-Mn/AC was prepared and used as a heterogeneous catalyst to activate O3/Na2S2O8 for landfill leachate biochemical effluent treatment. The experimental results indicated that the highest COD (84%) and color (98%) removal was obtained at Fe-Mn/AC dosage 1.2g/L, O3 concentration 1.2g/L, Na2S2O8 dosage 6g/L, initial pH10, and reaction time 100min. Three-dimensional and excitation emission matrix (3D-EEM) fluorescence spectrometry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC/MS) of wastewater samples before and after treatment demonstrated that the leachate biochemical effluent contained a large amount of humic and fulvic acid organic compounds. After treatment with this coupling system, both the pollution level of dissolved organic matter (DOM) and the fluorescence intensity declined. The micro morphology of Fe-Mn/AC was characterized using scanning X-ray diffraction patterns (XRD), electron microscope spectra (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. It can be concluded that the microscopic morphology of the catalyst is porous. The main active components are amorphous MnO2 and multivalent iron oxides. Furthermore, the Fe-Mn/AC catalyst showed great reusability; the removal efficiency of COD was only reduced from 84% to 79% at the fourth reaction. Moreover, the COD removal efficiency could recover to 81% after catalyst regeneration.

Green Synthesis and Evaluation of Dimocarpus longan Leaves Extract Based Chitosan Nanoparticles against Periodontitis Triggering Bacteria

Present study was intended to synthesize and evaluate the Dimocarpus longan leaves aqueous extract (DLLAE) based chitosan nanoparticles (CSNPs) against periodontitis triggering bacteria. In present study the DLLAE was prepared by extracting D. Longan leaves in distilled water using decoction method. The prepared DLLAE was subjected to phytochemical investigations, total phenolic content, total flavonoid content study and CSNPs synthesis. The CSNPs were characterized (using UV-visible, FT-IR, SEM, FESEM, XRD and EDX) and evaluated for their potential against periodontitis triggering bacteria (using agar well diffusion method). The phytochemical investigations over DLLAE exhibited presence of monosaccharides, reducing sugars, proteins, steroids, anthraquinones and coumarins glycosides, flavonoids, alkaloids, organic acid, tannic and phenolic compounds. The CSNPs were formed using DLLAE when the colour changed from white to pale brown. Absorbance of the CSNPs was in the desired range (201-310 nm). The optimization study revealed 1% acetic acid, 1% sodium alginate, 2 mg/mL chitosan, pH 5.8 and 1 mL DLLAE as the standard requirement for CSNPs synthesis using DLLAE. The CSNPs characterization data of FT-IR exhibited shifted bands. The FESEM revealed that the synthesized CSNPs were spherical in shape and their size ranged from 74.66 to 94.07 nm. The XRD data showed peaks at 2θ values of 22.28º, 25.19º, 34.72º, 40.0º, 71.16º and 73.0º. The average size for CSNPs was between 30.11-62.98 nm. The EDX spectrum revealed signal for carbon (76.17%), oxygen (22.14%) and sodium (1.53%) which confirmed formation of CSNPs. The antibacterial activity revealed high inhibitory potential of green CSNPs against S. aureus. Present studies establish that CSNPs biosynthesis using D. longan leaves aqueous extract is an efficient method and the biosynthesized CSNPs possess high antibacterial potential against S. aureus (bacteria that triggers periodontitis).

Zeolite Nanocrystals Protect the Performance of Organic Additives and Adsorb Acid Compounds during Lubricants Oxidation

Zeolite nanocrystals were used as proactive agents to extend the lifetime of commercial lubricants by protecting the performance additives from depletion and adsorbing the acid formed during oxidation. The nanosized zeolites were introduced into four lubricants and subjected to oxidation (90 °C and 150 °C). A strong affinity towards protection of zinc dialkyldithiophosphate (ZDDP) additive was demonstrated by 31P NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance) and FTIR (fourier-transform infrared) spectroscopy even after heating at 150 °C for 24 h. FTIR profiles of lubricants aged in the presence of LTL (Linde Type L zeolite) showed lower oxidation degree while the formed oxidation products (aldehydes, ketones, and acids) were adsorbed on the zeolite crystals acting as scavengers.

SPME-GC-MS & metal oxide E-Nose 18 sensors to validate the possible interactions between bio-active terpenes and egg yolk volatiles.

This study was focused on the differences between three concentrations of four safe bio-active volatile terpenes and natural compounds (trans-cinnamaldehyde, thymol, menthol, and vanillin) on the egg yolk volatile components. In which, Headspace Solid phase Micro Extraction (HS-SPME) followed by GC/MS were used for volatiles analysis, and electronic nose (E-Nose) with 18 sensors was used for the aroma pattern. In the results, a total of 111 different volatile compounds were identified by using GC/MS. Some ketones, amines, nitro and organic acid compounds such as hexanone were significantly reduced after using these compounds. On the other hand, first principal components (PC1) of trans-cinnamaldehyde (0.1%) was decreased significantly (p < .05) to -4.8 ± 0.8, compared to the control with 4.3 ± 2.1. And, it increased benzaldehyde and nonanal peaks area significantly to 46.56 ± 14.46 and 9.22 ± 4.81 MPA. In menthol (0.1%), the content of d-limonene was decreased to 4.65 ± 0.49 MPA, compared to the control with 14.16 ± 4.95 MPA. On the other hand, by E-Nose, vanillin (0.1%) PC1 was decreased significantly to -4.48 ± 0.43. Moreover, thymol (0.1%) decreased hydrocarbon sensation to 0.448 ± 0.005. And, vanillin (0.1%) decreased hydrogen sulfide and ketones sensation to 0.169 ± 0.01 and 0.344 ± 0.01, respectively. In conclusion, this study is providing novel information to understand the effects of bio-active molecules on the biological fatty media volatility. Also, it explains how terpenes can protect egg yolk media from the unacceptable odor formation which results from the degradation of its lipids and proteins.

Physiological behaviors and fruit quality changes in five peach cultivars during three ripening stages in a semi-arid climate

In the present study, five Prunus persica L. cultivars, covering all the peach season production in Tunisia, were tested. Flordastar (FS) and Early Maycrest (EMC) which are early cultivars, Rubirich (RUB) which is a cultivar of season and Sweet Cap (SC) and O’Henry (O’H) which are late cultivars. Phenological stages and gas exchange parameters were followed. Fruit quality, sugar and organic acids profile as well as bioactive compounds and antioxidant activities were investigated in exocarp and mesocarp during three ripening stages (1, 2 and 3). The results showed a significant difference in chlorophyll content and assimilation rate among cultivars. In addition, significant difference found in total phenol contents among cultivars and it was ranged in mesocarp between 673.61 and 1966.21 mg 100 g−1 DW in RUB and SC, respectively, during stage 1. During ripening, there was a significant rise in sugar and soluble solids content and a decrease in citric and malic acids in addition to titratable acidity. Phenolic compounds decreased during ripening as well as ABTS and DPPH activities. ABTS activity decreased by 58.35% for FS mesocarp while DPPH activity decreased by 40.81% from stage 1 to stage 3. In conclusion, our results attested that fruit in stage 1 was more abundant in organic acid and phenolic compounds, while fruit in stage 3 was less firm, had best color and concentrated with sugar and total soluble contents. Sweet Cap cultivar exhibited a high phenolic compounds concentration and great antioxidant activity compared to other cultivars.

Analysis of Medicinal Composition and Pharmacological Action of Chinese Medicine Honeysuckle

Objective: To analyze and study the medicinal components and pharmacological effects of traditional Chinese medicine honeysuckle, and to provide important clinical value for future clinical treatment. Methods: Actively review relevant literature reports and medical works related to honeysuckle, and carry out scientific statistics and summary on its medicinal components and clinical pharmacological effects. Results: The main medicinal ingredients were volatile oil, triterpenoid soap and organic acid and acid compounds; it has many pharmacological effects, such as antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, liver-protecting, anti-viral, hemostasis and so on. Conclusion: The traditional Chinese medicine honeysuckle has a very high medicinal value in clinical practice, and can be actively promoted and used in the clinical treatment of Chinese and Western medicine.

Effect of Bacterial and Yeast Starters on the Formation of Volatile and Organic Acid Compounds in Coffee Beans and Selection of Flavors Markers Precursors During Wet Fermentation.

Coffee quality has recently become a high demand of coffee consumers, due to all the specialty coffees available on the market. Specialty coffees can be generated by favoring growth of some groups of microorganisms during fermentation or by using starters. Just as yeast, a variety of bacteria can be used to generate important flavor precursors. The aim of this work was to test the efficiency of coffee sterilization and adhesion of microbial cells on beans, to evaluate the effect of yeast and bacterial starters on the production of organic and volatile compounds, and selection of potential flavor marker precursors during the wet fermentation. Three yeast and six bacterial starters were inoculated in coffee beans. Coffee sterilization and microbial adhesion was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Organic compounds were detected by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and volatile compounds by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Micrographs from the SEM showed that sterilization was efficient, because there were no microbial cells after autoclaving for 5 min. Also, it was observed an increase of microbial cells from 0 to 48 h of fermentation. Malic, lactic, and acetic acid were only detected in the bacterial treatments. Volatile compounds: 4-ethenyl-1,2-dimethoxybenzene, heptadecanol, 4-hydroxy-2-methylacetophenone, and 1-butanol,2-methyl were only found in yeast treatments. Guaiacol was only produced by the inoculated B. subtilis starters. In conclusion, yeast starters were better producers of volatile alcohols and bacterial starters of acid compounds. This study allowed the selection of potential flavor marker precursors, such as heptadecanol, 4-hydroxy-2-methylacetophenone, 7-methyl-4-octanol, and guaiacol.

In-situ growth of zinc-aluminum-layered double hydroxide on nanoporous anodized aluminum bar for stir-bar sorptive extraction of phenolic acids

The present study is the first report in case of in-situ preparation and application of Zn-Al layered double hydroxide coated anodized aluminum stir bar for stir bar sorptive extraction approach. An anodized aluminum bar was electrochemically prepared and used as nanoporous substrate for in-situ growth of LDH without adding any aluminum precursor. The prepared anion exchange sorbent has been explored for the extraction of three organic acidic compounds including p-hydroxybenzoic acid, 3.4-dihydroxybenzoic, gallic acid from grape juice and nonalcoholic beer samples. In addition, the capability of the prepared bar for the extraction of quercetin was also investigated. After SBSE, phenolic acids were quantified through reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection. Plackett–Burman design was employed for screening the experimental factors. The effective factors were then optimized using Box Behnken design (BBD). Under optimum conditions, the linearity range of the method was between 0.2 and 200 μg L−1 and the coefficient of determination (r2) was higher than 0.9945. Relative standard deviations for intra- and inter-day precision of the analytes at 50 μg L−1 were 3.4–3.8% and 4.1–4.5%, respectively. Batch-to-batch reproducibility at the concentration level of 50 μg L−1 was 4.6–5.1% (n = 3); the limits of detection were between 0.06 and 0.26 μg L−1 and so were the enrichment factors between 46 and 50. Different samples of juice such as commercial and natural white and red grape, cranberry and beer were satisfactorily analyzed in order to investigate the method capability in real sample analysis.

Application of multifold characteristic ion filtering combined with statistical analysis for comprehensive profiling of chemical constituents in anti-renal interstitial fibrosis I decoction by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with hybrid quadrupole-orbitrap high resolution mass spectrometry

A Chinese herbal formula of Anti-Renal Interstitial Fibrosis I Decoction (ARIF I) is composed of Eucommia ulmoides Oliv., Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, and Rheum. officinale Baill., and it has been used for the treatment of chronic kidney disease for many years. However, the comprehensive chemical analysis of the formulated ARIF I has yet to be clarified. In this study, an ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with hybrid quadrupole-orbitrap high resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC/Q-orbitrap HRMS) method executed in full scan/data-dependent MS2 (full MS/dd-MS2) mode has been established in negative ion mode to analyze the major chemical constituents in ARIF I as well as in its three constituent herbs. To rapidly and efficient identify these compounds, we employed a combination of statistical analysis of the MS2 data and fragmentation pathway method to screen for elementary characteristic ions and sub-characteristic ions. Then, we applied multifold characteristic ion filtering to comprehensively profile ARIF I extract chemical constituents with diverse structures. A total of 360 compounds, including anthraquinones, sennosides, galloyl glucoside derivatives, catechin and its derivatives, flavonoids, iridoids, phenylpropanoids, lignan, organic acid, and other compounds were rapidly identified or tentatively characterized by multifold characteristic ion filtering based on their accurate mass spectra (within 5 ppm error) and structure types or by comparison with reference standards. All the ARIF I compounds were also detected in the individual constituent herbs. This study provides a basis for further pharmacokinetic studies of ARIF I and may help in the discovery of new chemical drugs to treat chronic kidney disease. This study also provides a more efficient approach for the screening of appropriate characteristic ions, and a practical strategy for the detection of the types of compounds identified in this study in other herbal medicines.

Response of four potato cultivars to soil application with organic and amino acid compounds

A field experiment was implemented at Vegetable field, Department of Plant Production, Agricultural Technical College, Mosul, Iraq during spring season of 2018 to study the response of four potato cultivars (Actrice, Arizona, Riviera and Universa) to four organic and amino acid compounds (Azomine 4 ml/l, Tecamin Max 3 ml/l, Delfan plus 3 ml/l and Humibest 4 g/l) as soil application. These compounds were applied near the plant roots three times, the first after complete tubers emergency 45 days after planting, the second after 60 days and the third after 75 days of planting. The four potato cultivars were sown on 1st February in loamy soil, sprouted seed tubers were planted at 25 cm apart within the row. The treatments were arranged incomplete randomized block design with three replicates. The area of each plot was 6.75m2 (3linex3m long x 0.75 m wide). All experimental areas received the recommended dose of organic and mineral fertilizers. Samples of three plants from each treatment and each plot were randomly taken after 90days of planting and growth characters recorded were plant length, shoot number, leaf area, fresh and dry weights of shoots/plant. The total chlorophyll content in fully expanded leaves after 80 days of planting was measured as SPAD units using Minolta Chlorophyll Meter (model SPAD 502).

Recovering rare earths from fertilizer waste

Rare-earth elements are widely used in technology applications such as electronic devices and strong magnets. Chinese mines supply more than 80% of the critical minerals, so other countries are keen to develop domestic sources. Richard E. Riman of Rutgers University and colleagues have now shown that rare earths can be extracted from phosphogypsum, a calcium sulfate waste product of fertilizer manufacturing (J. Chem. Thermodynamics 2019, DOI: 10.1016/j.jct.2018.12.034). An estimated 100,000 metric tons of rare earths—equivalent to about three-quarters of the world’s current production—are consigned to this waste stream every year. Riman’s team prepared phosphogypsum samples and spiked them with six different rare earths, then tested four acids for their ability to extract the metals. Sulfuric acid was the most effective, teasing out 77–94% of the rare earths at pH 0.7. The team also saw promising results from a mixture of gluconic acid and other organic compounds produced by the bacterium