Peak Weight Research Articles

Qualitative analysis of licorice and strychnine decoction before and after combination using UPLC-QE-Orbitrap-MS.

Glycyrrhiza glabra L. (GG) and Strychnos nux-vomica L. (NV) are traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs). Changes in the chemical composition may occur before and after the GG-NV compatibility. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography Q-exactive Orbitrap mass spectrometry (UPLC-QE-Orbitrap-MS) was applied here to study the difference in the components of the GG and NV decoctions before and after they were combined. The changes in the chemical composition of GG and NV before and after the combination were determined. The precise molecular weight, retention time, and fragment ion peak of the different components of the decoctions before and after compatibility were obtained through UPLC-QE-Orbitrap-MS. Differential analysis methods, such as principal component analysis, were used for comparison. In the positive ion mode, 200 new components were added, whereas six components were lost. In the negative ion mode, 144 new compounds were identified, whereas three components were missing. The compatibility difference between GG and NV was studied through UPLC-QE-Orbitrap-MS. The chemical composition of GG and NV changed before and after compatibility, and a class of compounds different from GG and NV was identified in the co-decoction. This study provides an experimental basis for subsequent research into detoxification mechanisms of the GG-NV combination and offers a new analytical method for investigating the compatibility of various other TCM pairs.

Assessing Process Control in the Foundry

Relying on scrap rates alone to assess process control in the foundry can be deceiving. Depending on the inspection method used, it is possible to sort grossly non-conforming parts, while still allowing a wide window of acceptance, masking a process that is out of control. Modern methods of acoustic resonance testing (ART) allow for detailed data logging of both part weight and resonant frequency peak data. Monitoring these two factors at the lot level can give foundry managers insight into how consistent their process is both within a single date code and across multiple date codes. The information collected during quality testing can and should be combined with statistical information gathered at the front of the foundry (design, tooling, molding, inoculation, pouring, cooling, and shakeout) and used to adjust the process to achieve smaller data spreads and more consistent and repeatable process control. Once a process is deemed to be under control, consideration should be given to monitoring the defined specification limits and subsequent control limits using statistical trend analysis as a means for ensuring a process is not approaching a condition in which the opportunity for quality issues can arise.

Management of severe acute respiratory distress syndrome in Australia and New Zealand (SAGE-ANZ): An observational study

ObjectiveAcute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is associated with significant mortality, morbidity, and cost. We aimed to describe characteristics and management of adult patients admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) in Australia and New Zealand with moderate-severe ARDS, to better understand contemporary practice. DesignBi-national, prospective, observational, multi-centre study. Setting19 ICUs in Australia and New Zealand. ParticipantsMechanically ventilated patients with moderate-severe ARDS. Main outcome measuresBaseline demographic characteristics, ventilation characteristics, use of adjunctive support therapy and all-cause mortality to day 28. Data were summarised using descriptive statistics. Results200 participants were enrolled, mean (±SD) age 55.5 (±15.9) years, 40% (n = 80) female. Around half (51.5%) had no baseline comorbidities and 45 (31%) tested positive for COVID-19. On day 1, mean SOFA score was 9 ± 3; median (IQR) PaO2/FiO2 ratio 119 (89, 142), median (IQR) FiO2 70% (50%, 99%) and mean (±SD) positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP) 11 (±3) cmH2O. On day one, 10.5% (n = 21) received lung protective ventilation (LPV) (tidal volume ≤6.5 mL/kg predicted body weight and plateau pressure or peak pressure ≤30 cm H2O). Adjunctive therapies were received by 86% (n = 172) of patients at some stage from enrolment to day 28. Systemic steroids were most used (n = 127) followed by neuromuscular blockers (n = 122) and prone positioning (n = 27). Median ventilator-free days (IQR) to day 28 was 5 (0, 20). In-hospital mortality, censored at day 28, was 30.5% (n = 61). ConclusionsIn Australia and New Zealand, compliance with evidence-based practices including LPV and prone positioning was low in this cohort. Therapies with proven benefit in the treatment of patients with moderate-severe ARDS, such as lung protective ventilation and prone positioning, were not routinely employed.

Research on Damping Hole Optimization of Hydro-Pneumatic Suspension for Mining Trucks under Variable Load Conditions

The hydro-pneumatic suspension, known for enhancing vehicle ride comfort and stability, finds widespread use in engineering vehicles. Presently, the majority of mining trucks employ hydro-pneumatic suspension with a fixed damping hole, underscoring the critical importance of selecting appropriate damping hole parameters. Initially, an equilibrium mathematical model of the ¼ hydro-pneumatic suspension is established, and the influencing factors of the damping characteristics are analyzed. Subsequently, the simulation model and experimental bench for the hydro-pneumatic suspension are constructed. Sinusoidal signals with different frequencies and amplitudes serve as the excitation signals to analyze the variation trend of the force on the rod with displacement changes. The simulation and experimental results demonstrate a high degree of consistency, validating the rationality and validity of the simulation model. Building upon this foundation, various damping apertures are then selected to study the damping characteristics of the hydro-pneumatic suspension. The research indicates that as the damping aperture increases, the setting time of the hydro-pneumatic suspension system after excitation extends, accompanied by a decrease in the acceleration overshoot. As a result, a comprehensive evaluation index is developed, considering various factors, such as different weight setting times and peak longitudinal accelerations to assess the ride comfort of the suspension. This approach is then employed to determine the optimal damping aperture under both full-load and no-load conditions. The findings of this research offer valuable insights for the development of adaptive variable damping hydraulic suspensions, especially under variable load conditions.

Influence of body weight, age, and sex on cerebrospinal fluid peak flow velocity in dogs without neurological disorders.

Changes in the brain can affect the flow velocity of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). In humans, the flow velocity of CSF is not only altered by disease but also by age and sex. Such influences are not known in dogs. Peak flow velocity of CSF in dogs is associated with body weight, age, and sex. Peak flow velocity of CSF was measured in 32 client-owned dogs of different breeds, age, and sex. Peak flow velocity of CSF was determined by phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging (PC-MRI) at the mesencephalic aqueduct, foramen magnum (FM), and second cervical vertebral body (C2). Dogs were grouped according to body weight, age, and sex. Flow velocity of CSF was compared between groups using linear regression models. Dogs with body weight >20 kg had higher CSF peak velocity compared with dogs <10 kg within the ventral and dorsal subarachnoid space (SAS) at the FM (P = .02 and P = .01, respectively), as well as in the ventral and dorsal SAS at C2 (P = .005 and P = .005, respectively). Dogs ≤2 years of age had significantly higher CSF peak flow velocity at the ventral SAS of the FM (P = .05). Females had significantly lower CSF peak flow velocity within the ventral SAS of FM (P = .04). Body weight, age, and sex influence CSF peak flow velocity in dogs. These factors need to be considered in dogs when CSF flow is quantitatively assessed.

Fractionation and characterisation of pectin-rich extracts from garlic biomass

Polysaccharides from garlic waste leaf and skin biomass have been isolated using a sequential extraction protocol and characterised using constituent sugar composition and linkage analysis, spectroscopy, chromatography and dilute solution viscometry. The results revealed that the isolated polysaccharides were predominantly pectins. The predominant monosaccharide in all samples was galacturonic acid (>61 %), followed by galactose and rhamnose. The pectins extracted from skin biomass were mainly homogalacturonan (83–91 %), whereas those extracted from leaf biomass comprised both homogalacturonan (62–65 %) and rhamnogalacturonan-I (35–38 %). The degree of methyl esterification of uronic acids in all samples was 44–56 %. The peak molecular weight of the main polysaccharide population in each sample was ∼ 350 x103 g/mol, with leaf extracts and the skin acidic extract containing a second, lower molecular weight peak. Overall, waste garlic biomass is a potential resource for commercial pectin extraction for use in food or pharmaceutical industries.

Opposing effects of ecdysone signaling regulate neuroblast proliferation to ensure coordination of brain and organism development

Growth regulation must be robust to ensure correct final size, but also adaptative to adjust to less favorable environmental conditions. Developmental coordination between whole-organism and the brain is particularly important, as the brain is a critical organ with little adaptability. Brain growth mainly depends on neural stem cell (NSC) proliferation to generate differentiated neural cells, it is however unclear how organism developmental progression is coordinated with NSCs. Here we demonstrate that the steroid hormone ecdysone plays a multi-step, stage specific role in regulating Drosophila NSCs, the neuroblasts. We used animals that are unable to synthesize ecdysone, to show that the developmental milestone called “critical weight peak”, the peak that informs the body has reached minimum viable weight to survive metamorphosis, acts a checkpoint necessary to set neuroblast cell cycle pace during larval neurogenesis. The peaks of ecdysone that occur post-critical weight are no longer required to maintain neuroblast division rate. We additionally show that in a second stage, at the onset of pupariation, ecdysone is instead required to trigger neuroblast's proliferation exit and consequently the end of neurogenesis. We demonstrate that, without this signal from ecdysone, neuroblasts lose their ability to exit proliferation. Interestingly, although these neuroblasts proliferate for a longer period, the number of differentiated neurons is smaller compared to wild-type brains, suggesting a role for ecdysone in neuron maintenance. Our study provides insights into how neural stem cells coordinate their division rate with the pace of body growth, identifying a novel coordination mechanism between animal development and NSC proliferation.

Classifying and Optimizing Spiral Seed Self-Servo Writer Parameters in Manufacturing Process Using Artificial Intelligence Techniques

This paper presents a technique for evaluating the performance of high-precision machines and classifying machine conditions in terms of test capability, such as hard disk drive (HDD) signal writing machines. In general, position errors generated during the signal writing process must be minimized to ensure high-quality writing. Position errors refer to deviations in the signal writing process and can be caused by several factors, such as deviations in the performance of the positioner that result in a position error signal exceeding its control limit. The proportion-al-integral-derivative (PID) controller must be optimized to minimize position errors. In model-based controller tuning, an accurate mathematical model is essential. The first step utilizes system identification methods, including adaptive weight least squares and peak detection, to create a partition resonance frequency model. This mathematical model is used to determine the open-loop stability, which involves achieving gain and phase margin at a specific crossover frequency, and the closed-loop dynamic response, which involves minimizing the discrete Fourier transform (DFT) of the position error signal. The DFT of the position error signal in each harmonic can be represented as a resonance peak in the transfer function model. The DFT and other combinations of operating parameters are analyzed and used as machine learning features. The ANN classifier was also effective in categorizing the performance of signal writing machines into four classes: 0 (healthy machine), 1 (sensor fault), 2 (loose pushpin), and 3 (tunable machine). The results showed that the classification performance was sufficient to separate class 1 and 2 for the maintenance process and class 3 for further optimization achieved using the mathematical model.

Timing and Magnitude of Peak Body Mass Index and Peak Weight Velocity in Infancy Predict Body Mass Index at 2 Years in a Retrospective Cohort of Electronic Health Record Data

To use growth data from electronic health records to describe and model infant growth (weight velocity and peak body mass index [pBMI]) characteristics. We extracted data from all children born at ≥34weeks of gestation within one health system between 2014 and 2017. After excluding implausible growth data with an algorithm created for childhood growth, we estimated pBMI, peak weight and length velocities, and the odds of obesity at 2years, adjusted for race, sex, ethnicity, and birth weight, by the magnitude of peak weight velocity, peak length velocity, and pBMI. Among 6425 children (41% White, 28% Black, 26% other race; 16% Hispanic ethnicity), mean pBMI was 17.9kg/m2 (SD 1.5) and mean age at pBMI was 9.6months (SD 2.7). Mean peak weight velocity was 949g (SD 165) per 2weeks, and the mean peak length velocity was 3.4cm (SD 0.3) per 2weeks. Children with obesity at 2years (n=931, 14.5%) were more likely to be Hispanic, had greater peak weight and peak length velocities, and had 2kg/m2 greater magnitude of pBMI than children without obesity. For each unit increase in pBMI, children had more than 4 times greater odds of obesity at age 2 years. In a large sample of infants with clinical growth data tracked via electronic health records, we foundassociations between the magnitude and timing of peak infant BMI and obesity at 2years of age.

Starch from Pueraria lobata and the amylose fraction alleviates dextran sodium sulfate induced colitis in mice

Starch from Pueraria lobata (PLS) had polyhedral or spherical granules, displaying a bimodal size distribution within 0.6–30 μm. It showed a trimodal distribution of different molecular weight peaks, with amylose fraction of 18.2 %. PLS had a high crystallinity degree of 37.76 % and consisted of C-type starch, which gelatinized at 64.46–79.61 °C, with a high range of gelatinization (15.15 °C) and high enthalpy (13.98 J/g). A 21-day supplementation of PLS presented a regulative effect on gut microbiota in normal mice, and alleviated DSS-induced murine colitis through attenuating colonic inflammation, maintaining barrier function, preventing gut dysbiosis, increasing the short-chain fatty acids production and inhibiting NF-κB/IL-1β axis. The protective effect of PLS against colitis was in a gut microbiota-dependent manner. Notably, the amylose fraction was responsible for the prebiotic effect of PLS. The results would potentiate new application of PLS and the amylose fraction as functional prebiotics for prevention of colitis.

DWDP-Stream: A Dynamic Weight and Density Peaks Clustering Algorithm for Data Stream

Identifying clusters of arbitrary shapes and constantly processing the newly arrived data points are two critical challenges in the study of clustering. This paper proposes a dynamic weight and density peaks clustering algorithm to simultaneously solve these two key issues. An online–offline framework is used, creating and maintaining micro-clusters in the online phase, and treating the micro-clusters as pseudo-points to form the final cluster in the offline phase. In the online phase, when a new data point is merged into the corresponding micro-cluster, a dynamic weight method is proposed to update the weight of the micro-cluster according to the distance between the point and the center of the micro-cluster, so as to more accurately describe the information of the micro-cluster. In the offline phase, the density peak clustering algorithm is improved, natural neighbors are introduced to adaptively obtain the local density of the data point, and the allocation process is improved to reduce the probability of allocation errors. The algorithm is evaluated on different synthetic and real-world datasets using different quality metrics. The experimental results show that the proposed algorithm improves the clustering quality in both static and streaming environments.

Physicochemical Properties of Rice Bran Hydrolysate Prepared in a Pilot Scale Process and Its Application in Milk Tablets

The objectives of this study were to produce rice bran hydrolysate (RBH) in a pilot-scale process and determine its physicochemical properties including chemical compositions, α-amino contents, molecular weight (MW) distribution and antioxidant activities. The results found that RBH contained a crude protein of 16.14 %, α-amino contents of 51.56 mg Leucine Eq./g RBH, ABTS radical scavenging activity of 20.17 mg Trolox Eq./g RBH, and FRAP value of 5.77 mg Trolox Eq./g RBH. The major peak of MW peptides of RBH was 753 - 6,088 Da (50.81 %). RBH in various levels (0 - 2.0 %) was supplemented in milk tablets. Physicochemical properties, and sensory evaluation (9-point hedonic scale) of all milk tablets were then determined. The result indicated that the milk tablets with 2.0 % RBH (MT_2%RBH) contained higher antioxidant activities than the others, however, the overall acceptability score of all milk tablets was not significantly different (p ≥ 0.05). MT_2 %RBH was selected for further development by adding 2.0 % cocoa (MT_2%RBHC) and 2.0 % vanilla powder (MT_2%RBHV). The MT_2%RBHC containing higher antioxidant activities and sensory attributes score than the others was further selected for microbiological qualities, consumer and purchase tests (n = 300). It was found that MT_2%RBHC was accepted by 300 people, with an overall acceptability score of 7.16 (Like moderately), and its microbiological qualities, including total bacteria, total yeast and mold and Escherichia coli did not exceed the standard limits. These results suggested that RBH produced in the pilot-scale process has a potential as nutritive and antioxidative supplementation in milk tablets. HIGHLIGHTS Rice bran hydrolysate (RBH) has a potential for production in a pilot-scale process The major peak of molecular weight (MW) peptides of RBH was 753 - 6,088 Da (50.81 %) RBH has a potential as antioxidative supplementation in milk tablets Cocoa milk tablets supplemented with RBH were accepted by 300 panelists Microbiological qualities of milk tablet did not exceed the standard limits GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

LBMON199 Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cell Mitochondria Function Differs In Adolescent Transgender Males By Gnrha Use

Abstract Background About 2% of youth in the United States identify as transgender, meaning their gender identity differs from sex at birth. The Endocrine Society recommends gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) therapy for eligible individuals starting at Tanner 2 to halt endogenous pubertal progression, and later testosterone or estradiol treatment. Studies in animals and cisgender adults have shown that sex hormones influence whole-body metabolism and mitochondrial function, but most of the literature has focused on sex differences and the impact of menopause in females. Little is known about the impact of puberty blockade and gender-affirming hormone therapy on metabolic health in transgender youth. Methods For this pilot study, transgender males (TGM) aged 14-17 were recruited (n=16) with an assessment prior to initiation of testosterone therapy. Measures of metabolic health (body mass index [BMI], weight, exercise capacity via peak oxygen uptake [VO2 peak]) and hormone status (use of GnRHa, circulating sex hormone levels) were collected. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated from whole blood via density-gradient centrifugation and mitochondrial function (maximal respiratory capacity [States 2, 3, 3s, 4, uncoupled] and respiratory control ratio [RCR]) was measured via high-resolution respirometry under carbohydrate (CHO) and lipid substrates. Participants were stratified by GnRHa use for analysis. Results Eight TGM were on GnRHa (average duration of use of 25.3+13.1 months). As expected, individuals taking GnRHas had significantly lower luteinizing hormone (LH; p=0. 03), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH; p&amp;lt;0. 01) and estradiol (p&amp;lt;0. 01) compared to those not on GnRHa. BMI, body weight, and VO2 peak were not different by GnRHa status. PBMC respiration differed between groups; those on GnRHa had higher ADP-stimulated State 3 respiration (p=0.11 CHO, p=0. 06 lipid) and RCR (p&amp;lt;0. 01 CHO, lipid) and lower basal State 4 respiration (p=0. 01 CHO, p=0. 01 lipid). Further, FSH and estradiol were negatively correlated with RCR (all p≤0. 05; Pearson's R -0.5 to -0.7), a finding consistent across both substrate experiments. Conclusion TGM youth on GnRHa had higher PBMC mitochondrial RCR compared to TGM not on GnRHa. These RCR data, combined with lower basal and greater ADP-stimulated respiration likely represents either an advantageous mitochondrial profile in youth using GnRHa or a compensatory increase in response to estrogen suppression. Our correlation data suggest these differences are related to the absence of estradiol and FSH rather than metabolic outcomes traditionally thought to impact respiratory capacity. Future interventional investigations are needed to evaluate the impact of GnRHa in transgender youth and should target physiological mechanisms underlying this preliminary finding. Presentation: Monday, June 13, 2022 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Resistance Training Prevents Muscle Atrophy In Diabetic Rats Via MSTN Pathway

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) induces serious skeletal muscle atrophy. resistance training is one of the effective ways to improve muscle atrophy. However, the mechanisms underlying exercise preventing muscle atrophy are still not clear. PURPOSE: To explore the influence of resistance training on muscle atrophy of type1 diabetes rats. METHODS: Fifty male Sprague-Dawley rats (8 weeks, 200-240 g) were randomly assigned to either the normal control group (NC = 8) or the T1DM model group (T1DM, n = 42). T1DM was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ) at 60 mg/kg. Once T1DM was induced, the diabetic rats were randomly allocated into three groups: sham-treated diabetic control rats (DC + Sham, DC, n = 8), T1DM rats treated with an insulin injection (DC + INS, DI, n = 8), and treated with resistance training (DC + Training, DT, n = 8). The body weight and muscle strength were measured after the resistance training. HE staining of rat gastrocnemius test morphological changes in muscle fiber cross-sectional area. The protein levels and gene expression of MSTN, Akt, and FoxO1 were measured by Western Blot and Quantitative Real-time PCR. RESULTS: The body weights of NC continued to be remarkably higher than those in the other three diabetic groups during the whole experimental period (P < 0.01). After 6 weeks of training, the body weight (295.40 g ± 20.44 vs. 212.79 g ± 13.26, P < 0.01) and average peak force (9.54 N ± 1.57 vs. 7.85 N ± 1.69, P < 0.01) of DT were significantly increased compared with the DC. The muscle fiber cross-sectional area in the DT significantly increased compared with the DC rats (23729.87 μm2 ± 774.69 vs. 11726.46 μm2 ± 755.66, P < 0.01). DT significantly decreased the mRNA expression of MSTN (1.51 ± 0.22 vs. 2.62 ± 0.26, P < 0.01) and FoxO1(1.37 ± 0.12 vs. 2.26 ± 0.19, P < 0.01) compared with the DC group, as were in protein expression of MSTN (1.66 ± 0.02 vs. 2.09 ± 0.08, P < 0.01), and FoxO1(0.76 ± 0.02 vs. 0.92 ± 0.11, P < 0.05). The mRNA expression of Akt (0.47 ± 0.17 vs. 0.03 ± 0.01, P < 0.01) were increased in the DT, as were the protein expression of Akt (2.83 ± 0.22 vs. 1.64 ± 0.08, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: These results indicate that 6 weeks of resistance training improved muscle atrophy induced by type 1 diabetes, and the MSTN/Akt/FoxO1 signaling pathway may play a role in this improvement.

Antioxidant Activity of Cocoa Flavored Sterilized Milk Fortified with Whey Protein Hydrolysate Derived from Gastrointestinal Proteinases Digestion

The objectives of this work were to study the change in α-amino content and antioxidant activity of whey protein hydrolysate (WPH) using gastrointestinal proteinases (pepsin and pancreatin). In addition, whey protein hydrolysate powder (WPHP) with high antioxidant activity were produced by simulated GI digestion using an in vitro pepsin - pancreatin hydrolysis for supplementation in flavored milk. Whey protein was hydrolyzed with pepsin for 2 h followed by pancreatin for 3 h. WPH was collected to determine the α-amino content and antioxidant activity. The results showed that digested WPH contained higher α-amino content and antioxidant activity than undigested whey. To study optimum temperature, WPH was dried using Spray Dryer at 130, 140, and 150 °C. Results showed that WPHP at 150 °C exhibited the highest antioxidant activity with a major area peak of molecular weight around &gt;12,000 - 990 Da (43.4 %) and 990 - 336 Da (23.7 %). WPHP at 150 °C was selected to supplement in Cocoa flavored sterilized milk (CFSM_WPHP). α-Amino content, antioxidant activity, and microbiological of CFSM_WPHP were investigated. CFSM_WPHP contained higher α-amino content and antioxidant activity than Control (without addition of WPHP). Total plate count, fecal coliform, and E. coli of CFSM_WPHP were under Notification of the Ministry of Public Health of Flavored milk. These results suggested that WPHP has the potential as nutritive and antioxidative supplementation for Cocoa flavored sterilized milk.&#x0D; HIGHLIGHTS&#x0D; &#x0D; Whey protein hydrolysate prepared by pepsin-pancreatin had antioxidant activity&#x0D; At 150 ºC was the optimum drying temperature to produce WPH powder&#x0D; WPH exhibited the molecular weight around &gt;12,000-990 Da and 990 - 336 Da&#x0D; Addition of WPH improved antioxidant activity of Cocoa flavored sterilized milk&#x0D; WPH powder exhibited the potential of being used as a functional peptide&#x0D; &#x0D; GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Monoclonal Antibody Sequence Variants Disguised as Fragments: Identification, Characterization, and Their Removal by Purification Process Optimization

During early stage development of a therapeutic IgG1 monoclonal antibody, high levels of low molecular weight (LMW) peaks were observed by high performance size-exclusion chromatography and capillary electrophoresis. Further characterization of the LMW peak enriched HPSEC fractions using reversed phase liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry showed these LMW species were 47 kDa and 50 kDa in size. However, the measured masses could not be matched to any fragments resulting from peptide bond hydrolysis. To identify these unknown LMW species, molecular characterization methods were employed, including high-throughput sequencing of RNA. Transcriptomic analysis revealed the LMW species were generated by mis-splicing events in the heavy chain transcript, which produced truncated heavy chain products that assembled with the light chain to mimic the appearance of fragments identified by routine purity assays. In an effort to improve product quality, an optimized purification process was developed. Characterization of the process intermediates confirmed removal of both LMW species by the optimized process. Our study demonstrates that deep-dive analytical characterization of biotherapeutics is critical to ensure product quality and inform process development. Transcriptomic analysis tools can help identify the cause of unknown species, and plays a key role in product and process characterization.

TGA and elemental analysis of type II kerogen from the Bakken supported by HRTEM

In this study, non-isothermal thermogravimetric analysis was conducted on three samples taken from the Bakken Formation at one heating rate (10 °C/min). Based on the TGA thermograms, various intervals of weight loss were identified. The differences in weight loss, peak positions, and shapes of the samples’ thermograms were attributed to the variations in the composition (quantities of silicates and clay minerals), TOC content, and thermal maturity of the kerogen. Moreover, it was observed that the sample with the highest thermal maturity had the highest number of aromatic rings in its structure. XRD analysis demonstrated that the sample with the lowest silicate concentration and the highest clay mineral content lost the most weight during TGA analysis. Furthermore, CHNS elemental analysis indicated that samples with higher thermal maturity levels have higher amounts of C and H elements and lower content of N and S heteroatoms. Ultimately, our results were corroborated by HRTEM (High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy) analysis of p-kerogens, thus confirming the abundance of aromatic rings in the samples and delineating the relationship between aromaticity and thermal maturity.

Qualitative and quantitative analysis of the major components in Qinghao Biejia decoction by UPLC‐Orbitrap Fusion‐MS/MS and UPLC‐QQQ‐MS/MS and evaluation of their antibacterial activities

AbstractObjectiveIn the present study, the chemical components of Qinghao Biejia decoction (QBD) were qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed using UPLC‐Orbitrap Fusion‐MS/MS and UPLC‐QQQ‐MS/MS techniques, followed by identification of each component's origin and evaluation of the antibacterial activity of QBD and its components.MethodsHigh‐resolution mass spectrometry was used to obtain information on the precise molecular weight, retention time, and fragmentation ion peaks of the compounds used to identify the components of QBD and establish a method for their quantification. In vitro assays including determination of the minimal inhibitory concentration and growth curves were used to assess the antibacterial activity of QBD and its components.ResultsA total of 39 components, including fatty acids, phenolic acids, amino acids, flavonoids, coumarins, terpenoids, and alkaloids, were identified by UPLC‐Orbitrap Fusion‐MS/MS. A high‐performance analytical method was also established to quantify 12 components of QBD. The content of mangiferin was relatively high (estimated to be 814 μg/g). The results of the antibacterial assays indicated that mangiferin exhibits antibacterial effects against two strains causing respiratory tract infections.ConclusionsThe present study suggests that mangiferin may serve as a natural compound which shows high antibacterial activity. The results can aid the discovery and analysis of the active antimicrobial components present in QBD and further provide a reference for quality assessment of multi‐component herbal prescriptions.

Uncovering the interference from lipid fragments on the qualification and quantification of serum metabolites in matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometric analysis.

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) has exhibited great advantages in rapid analysis of metabolites. However, the influence of lipid fragments generated by in-source fragmentation (ISD) and/or post-source fragmentation (PSD) on the accurate qualification and quantification of metabolites has not been fully demonstrated. Phospholipid standards and serum extract were analyzed by MALDI MS with both TiO2 nanoparticle (TiO2 NP) and 2,5-DHB matrices to illustrate the structures of lipid fragments and their influence on the qualitative and quantitative analysis of metabolites in biological samples. Monophasic and biphasic extraction methods were also compared for their efficiency in removing potential interferents. The fragment ions derived from the phosphocholine head group of phosphatidylcholines (PC) interfere with peaks of low molecular weight (LMW) metabolites at both the MS and MS2 levels. The biphasic extraction system with methanol/chloroform very efficiently removed the interference from PC fragments, and the metabolites choline and carnitine in serum were directly and accurately quantified by MALDI MS by using this biphasic extraction. The phospholipids could produce fragment ions through ISD and PSD in MALDI MS with both nanoparticle and organic matrices. The fragments exerted influence on the qualification and qualification of metabolites in serum. By choosing the proper extraction method, the interference from lipid fragments could be efficiently alleviated.

Biodegradation of Reactive Red 198 by textile effluent adapted microbial strains.

A sustainable technology to eliminate the persistent reactive dyes from the textile effluents discharged indiscriminately in the environment is highly desirous given the explosive growth of textile industries. The present study investigated the potential of two different bacterial strains, Bacillus cereus SKB12 and Enterobacter hormaechei SKB16 isolated from the dye house effluent sludge in the biotransformation of Reactive Red 198 (RR 198). Process variables such as temperature, pH, shaking conditions and contact time were optimized for the successful decolourization of RR 198. Maximum decolourization of 80% and 85% of RR 198 was achieved at pH 6 and 7, and 40°C in microaerophilic conditions on treatment with B. cereus and E. hormaechei, respectively. High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analyses conducted further affirmed that the decolourization of RR 198 was rather due to biodegradation than biosorption through shift in wavenumbers, retention time variations and the appearance of lesser molecular weight peaks. Degradative pathway for RR 198 predicted based on the enzyme assay data and dye degraded metabolite peaks acquired through GC-MS analysis highlighted the significance of azoreductase and laccase in the degradation of RR 198 into smaller non-toxic compounds. In addition, toxicity assessment through zootoxicological and phytotoxicological experiments using brine shrimp and Vigna radiata validated the detoxified status of the metabolites thus proving the promising potentials of the bacterial strains in the remediation of azo dyes.