Negative Ion Research Articles

Identification of a Chimera Mass Spectrum of Isomeric Lipid A Species Using Negative Ion Tandem Mass Spectrometry.

The toxic nature of bacterial endotoxins is affected by the structural details of lipid A, including the variety and position of acyl chains and phosphate group(s) on its diglucosamine backbone. Negative-ion mode tandem mass spectrometry is a primary method for the structure elucidation of lipid A, used independently or in combination with separation techniques. However, it is challenging to accurately characterize constitutional isomers of lipid A extracts by direct mass spectrometry, as the elemental composition and molecular mass of these molecules are identical. Thus, their simultaneous fragmentation leads to a composite, so-called chimera mass spectrum. The present study focuses on the phosphopositional isomers of the classical monophosphorylated, hexaacylated Escherichia coli-type lipid A. Collision-induced dissociation (CID) was performed in an HPLC-ESI-QTOF system. Energy-resolved mass spectrometry (ERMS) was applied to uncover the distinct fragmentation profiles of the phosphorylation isomers. A fragmentation strategy applying multi-levels of collision energy has been proposed and applied to reveal sample complexity, whether it contains only a 4'-phosphorylated species or a mixture of 1- and 4'-phosphorylated variants. This comparative fragmentation study of isomeric lipid A species demonstrates the high potential of ERMS-derived information for the successful discrimination of co-ionized phosphorylation isomers of hexaacylated lipid A.

A multianalyte LC-MS/MS method for accurate quantification of Nitrosamines in Olmesartan tablets

This research summaries the development, optimization and validation of liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometric (LC-MS/MS) method for concurrent measurement of seven nitrosamines viz; NDMA, NDEA, NDIPA, NDPA, NEIPA, NMPA & NMBA in Olmesartan tablet. Controlling these nitrosamines at trace levels is imperative for ensuring the safety of drug substances and products for consumption. Various regulatory authorities stress the significance of utilizing highly sensitive analytical methods to precisely measure nitrosamines at trace levels. The method applied effective chromatographic separation and optimized parameters for mass spectrometric detection. Detection was carried out using APCI positive ion mode. Chromatographic separation was achieved using a Thermo Accucore PFP column (150 mm x 4.6 mm, 2.6 µ), with a simple gradient elution of mobile phase consisting of 0.1 % formic acid in water (mobile phase A) and methanol (mobile phase B). The total run time was 20 min, with a flow rate of 0.800 mL/min.The method was validated according to the International Council on Harmonisation (ICH Q2 (R2)) guidelines. The established method demonstrated excellent linearity (R2> 0.99) and sensitivity for all the nitrosamines. Detection and quantification limits were sufficiently low for trace nitrosamine levels having good S/N ratio. The method showed good accuracy in Olmesartan tablet samples, with recoveries ranges between 80 % to 120 %. The new analytical approach has exceptional repeatability and reliability, making it possible to precisely quantify the levels of seven nitrosamines in Olmesartan medoxomil tablets in a single analytical run.

Nonlinear change of ion-induced secondary electron emission in the κ-Al2O3 surface charging from first-principle modelling

Secondary electron emission (SEE) induced by the positive ion is an essential physical process to influence the dynamics of gas discharge which relies on the specific surface material. Surface charging has a significant impact on the material properties, thereby affecting the SEE in the plasma-surface interactions. However, it does not attract enough attention in the previous studies. In this paper, SEE dependent on the charged surface of specific materials is described with the computational method combining a density functional theory (DFT) model from the first-principle theory and the theory of Auger neutralization. The effect of κ-Al2O3 surface charge, as an example, on the ion-induced secondary electron emission coefficient (SEEC) is investigated by analyzing the defect energy level and band structure on the charged surface. Simulation results indicate that, with the surface charge from negative to positive, the SEEC of a part of low ionization energy ions (such as E i = 12.6 eV) increases first and then decreases, exhibiting a nonlinear changing trend. This is quite different from the monotonic decreasing tendency observed in the previous model which simplifies the electronic structure. This irregular increase of the SEEC can be attributed to the lower escaped probability of orbital energy. The results further illustrate that the excessive charge could cause the bottom of the conduction band close to the valence band, thus leading to the decrease of the orbital energy occupied by the excited electrons. The nonlinear change of SEEC demonstrates a more realistic situation of how the electronic structure of material surface influences the SEE process. This work provides an accurate method of calculating SEEC from specific materials, which is urgent in widespread physical scenarios sensitive to surface materials, such as increasingly growing practical applications concerning plasma-surface interactions.

Laser driven wake wave in pair-ion electron plasma with inclusion of ion dynamics

The generation of laser driven plasma wake wave has been investigated in hydrogen pair-ion electron plasma. The consideration of dynamics of the positive and negative ion pair have been adopted. Inclusion of the ion motion has the effect of modifying the electric field and density profiles of the wake wave. This has been demonstrated by observing the variation of the electron density and electric field profiles with the change in positive ion/negative ion concentration. High density spikes and sawtooth like electric field profiles (indication of wave breaking) are observed to transform into sinusoidal electric field profile and low amplitude density profile when the positive ion density in the plasma system is kept higher. Furthermore, we observe the variation of the electric field amplitude of the wake wave with the laser pulse width. This feature is the indication of the possibility of hybrid acceleration (Direct Laser Acceleration and wake field acceleration) of accelerated beam. The results are quite relevant in laser plasma interaction field in experimental physics and also in planetary environment.

A comparative metabolomic analysis reveals the metabolic variations among cartilage of Kashin-Beck disease and osteoarthritis.

The metabolic variations between the cartilage of osteoarthritis (OA) and Kashin-Beck disease (KBD) remain largely unknown. Our study aimed to address this by conducting a comparative analysis of the metabolic profiles present in the cartilage of KBD and OA. Cartilage samples from patients with KBD (n = 10) and patients with OA (n = 10) were collected during total knee arthroplasty surgery. An untargeted metabolomics approach using liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC-MS) was conducted to investigate the metabolomics profiles of KBD and OA. LC-MS raw data files were converted into mzXML format and then processed by the XCMS, CAMERA, and metaX toolbox implemented with R software. The online Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) database was used to annotate the metabolites by matching the exact molecular mass data of samples with those from the database. A total of 807 ion features were identified for KBD and OA, including 577 positive (240 for upregulated and 337 for downregulated) and 230 negative (107 for upregulated and 123 for downregulated) ions. After annotation, LC-MS identified significant expressions of ten upregulated and eight downregulated second-level metabolites, and 183 upregulated and 162 downregulated first-level metabolites between KBD and OA. We identified differentially expressed second-level metabolites that are highly associated with cartilage damage, including dimethyl sulfoxide, uric acid, and betaine. These metabolites exist in sulphur metabolism, purine metabolism, and glycine, serine, and threonine metabolism. This comprehensive comparative analysis of metabolism in OA and KBD cartilage provides new evidence of differences in the pathogenetic mechanisms underlying cartilage damage in these two conditions.

Cyanonaphthalene and cyanonaphthyl radicals: Vibrational structures via computed negative ion photoelectron spectra and thermochemistry of 1- and 2-cyanonaphthalene.

A double harmonic oscillator model is applied to compute the negative ion photoelectron spectra (NIPES) of the 1- and 2-cyanonaphthalene (CNN) radical anions. The computed Franck-Condon factors utilize optimized structures and harmonic vibrational frequencies obtained using density functional theory with the B3LYP 6-311++G (2d,2p) basis set while considering the mode-mixing Duschinsky effects. To test the accuracy of our model, the NIPES of α and β naphthyl radical anions were computed, and a strong agreement between the slow electron velocity-map ion imaging spectra and the predicted spectra was found. The adiabatic electron affinities (EAs) of the ground singlet states (S0) in 1-CNN and 2-CNN are 0.856 and 0.798eV, respectively. The origin of the lowest-lying triplet (T1) states in 1-CNN and 2-CNN is found to be 3.226 and 3.266eV, resulting in singlet-triplet energy splittings (ΔEST) of 2.370 and 2.468eV, respectively. Both the NIPES for electron detachment to the S0 and T1 states exhibit well-resolved vibrational features, allowing for the assignment of several vibrational fundamental frequencies. Following deprotonation, several isomers are formed, with the most stable deprotonated radical anions in 1-CNN and 2-CNN, corresponding to the removal of the most acidic proton, with EAs of 2.062 and 2.16eV. The rich spectroscopic and thermochemical data obtained in the current study make the CNN radical anions and their deprotonated species interesting systems for investigation in gas-phase, negative-ion experiments.

Bioactive metabolites identification of the foxnut and broken millet-based nutritional bar using HR-MS

The by-products of the grain processing industry are a vital resource for the valorization methods in the food industry. In comparison to the whole grain, the broken kernels and seeds own similar nutrient and bioactive compounds having multifaceted health properties. This study aims to develop a nutritional bar by utilizing the by-products from barnyard millet and foxnut with added sweeteners. Furthermore, high-resolution mass spectrometry (HR-MS) metabolomics was carried out in positive and negative both ion modes to identify the major bioactive compounds formed in the matrix of the best-optimized valorized bar. The formulation of the bar having 15 % foxnut flour and the barnyard flour each, was elucidated highest rheological and sensory scores. A sum of 29 bioactive metabolites has been observed in the obtained metabolome. Major metabolites were palmitoyl serinol, glycitein, persin, bufagargarizin, apigenin, carvone, etc. covering a wide area in the mass spectrum. The therapeutic value of these compounds is heart health promotion, anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic, anti-diabetic, anti-microbial, etc. This work highlights the bioactivity of the valorized nutritional bar employing robust and accurate tool of mass spectrometry. The developed snack is a functional food for the consumers.

Exploring negative ion behaviors and their influence on properties of DC magnetron sputtered ITO films under varied power and pressure conditions

Abstract We deposited indium-tin-oxide (ITO) films on silicon and quartz substrates by magnetron sputtering technology in pure argon. Using electrostatic quadrupole plasma diagnostic technology, we investigate the effects of discharge power and discharge pressure on the ion flux and energy distribution function of incidence on the substrate surface, with special attention to the production of high-energy negative oxygen ions, and elucidate the mechanism behind its production. At the same time, the structure and properties of ITO films are systematically characterized to understand the potential effects of high energy oxygen ions on the growth of ITO films. Combining with the kinetic property analysis of sputtering damage mechanism of transparent conductive oxide (TCO) thin films, this study provides valuable physical understanding of optimization of TCO thin film deposition process.

Effects of negative ions on equilibrium solar plasmas in the fabric of gravito-electrostatic sheath model

The gravito-electrostatic sheath (GES) model, exploring the solar wind plasma (SWP) origin from the solar interior plasma (SIP) via the solar surface boundary (SSB), is revaluated by including realistic negative ionic species. A constructive numerical analysis of the structuring equations shows that the SIP volume shrinks with an increase in the negative ion concentration. This shrinking nature is independent of ion mass and plasma temperature. The electric potential is insensitive to the negative ion concentration, mass, and plasma temperature. The solar plasma flow dynamics is studied with the Mach number and current density profiles. The sonic transition of the SWP depends on the Ti/Te-ratio. The current density responds to the negative ion density and Ti/Te−ratio in both the SIP and SWP. A deviation from the local quasi-neutrality state is observed in the SIP. The GES model equations result in a modified GES-Bohm sheath criterion in a well justifiable and validated form. The obtained results are then compared with the various observed outcomes and previous GES-based predictions. The relevance of this multi-parametric solar plasma analysis is lastly emphasized on the basis of the current solar research progressions.

The electron affinity of rubidium: a state selective measurement

Negative ions, which are formed when an electron is attached to a neutral system, are unique quantum systems. The lack of a long-range Coulomb force causes the inter-electronic interactions to become relatively more important. As a consequence, the independent particle model, which adequately describes atomic structure under normal conditions, breaks down. The alkali negative ions, with a closed valence s-shell, are among the simplest anionic systems. Hence, they can favorably be used to benchmark atomic theory. In this work, we have determined the electron affinity of 85Rb by measuring the relative partial photodetachment cross section of the negative ion, leaving the residual atom in the 5p 2P3/2 excited state. Resonance ionization spectroscopy allows for state selectivity and the ability to measure the Wigner s-wave threshold onset of the photodetachment process. The electron affinity of 85Rb was determined to be 485.887(6) meV.

Low energy electron scattering cross sections of cyanotriacetylene (HC7N) based on ab-initio R-matrix method

Cyanotriacetylene (HC7N) is a linear unsaturated molecule detected in various regions of space. In this present study, we explored the quantum dynamics of low-energy electron collisions with linear cyanopolyyne molecule (HC7N) to identify the locations and structural features of their metastable negative ions (also known as transient negative ions). We employed the R-matrix method for handling low-energy electron scattering studies. To uncover trends among cyanopolyynes molecules, we have also incorporated results from Cyanoacetylene (HC3N) and Cyanodiacetylene (HC5N). Notably, we observed that the number of π* resonances increases and shifts to lower energies as the number of triple bonds increases in higher-order molecules. Our theoretical calculations contain elastic, differential, and momentum cross-sections in the elastic part. Additionally, we calculated excitation and ionization cross-sections in the inelastic regime. This comprehensive theoretical data on electron scattering will be valuable for understanding the molecular chemistry involving this interesting molecule.

Network pharmacology combined with experimental validation reveals the mechanism of action of erpixing granules on functional dyspepsia

Ethnopharmacological relevanceFunctional dyspepsia (FD) is a prevalent gastrointestinal disorder characterised by high incidence and recurrence rates, posing significant health risks. Erpixing Granules (EPX), approved by the National Food and Drug Administration in 2002, are known for their spleen and stomach invigorating properties, effectively treating FD. However, its mechanism of action remains unclear. Aim of the studyThis study aims to elucidate EPX's mechanism of treating FD through network pharmacology, and experimental validation using FD animal models. MethodsIn this study, the chemical composition of EPX in positive and negative ion modes was analyzed by UHPLC-Q-TOF MS. The mass spectral data were processed and analyzed using MS-DIAL software to automatically match compound fragment information and identify the known components with the compound database to obtain the active components of EPX. SwissTargetPrediction was used to obtain EPX targets, while FD-related targets were sourced from GeneCards, OMIM and DisGeNET databases. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using the STRING platform, and potential signalling pathways of EPX were determined through Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis. Finally, an FD model was established in rates by administering a 0.1% iodoacetamide sucrose solution, followed by tail clamp stimulation to experimentally validate the network pharmacology findings. ResultsOur results revealed 139 effective ingredients in EPX, targeting 60 core FD-related genes. PPI network analysis identified EGFR, CTNNB1 and NFκB1 as core target genes. The KEGG pathway analysis indicated that EPX can modulate FD progression through the PI3K/AKT signalling pathway. Animal experiments demonstrated EPX's capacity to increase body mass, food intake and food utilisation efficiency in FD rats, alongside increased gastric juice secretion, pepsin activity, trypsin activity, cholesterol, bile acid and bilirubin activity. HE examination revealed that EPX improved the inflammatory infiltration of gastric mucosal cells in rats. Furthermore, EPX also promoted gastric emptying and intestinal propulsion in mice. These results suggest that EPX improves spleen and stomach function, enhances the protective effect on the spleen and stomach and promotes food digestion and absorption. Immunofluorescence studies revealed upregulated expression of PI3K, AKT and ANO1 proteins in gastric tissue following EPX administration, while Western blotting indicated increased expression of SCF and C-kit proteins. ConclusionSuggesting EPX's anti-FD effect may involve the regulation of the SCF/C-kit signalling pathway and activation of downstream PI3K/AKT signalling pathway, thereby promoting gastrointestinal motility and improving FD symptoms.

Improved high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method for quantification of infliximab in pediatric plasma and its application in therapeutic drug monitoring.

The application of infliximab (IFX) to immune-mediated disease is limited by the significant individual variability and associated clinical nonresponse, emphasizing the importance of therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM). Because of the cross-reactivity, limited linear range, and high costs, the clinical application of the previous reported methods was limited. Here, an improved high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) method was developed to address the issues. This study developed an improved bioanalytical HPLC-MS/MS method coupling nanosurface and molecular-orientation limited proteolysis technology. The commercially available compound P14R was selected as the internal standard. This method was developed with fewer volume of reagents and was thoroughly validated. The validated method was applied to TDM in pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Chromatography was performed using a Shim-pack GISS-HP C18 metal-free column (3 μm, 2.1 × 100 mm) with a gradient elution of 0.1% formic acid in water and acetonitrile at 0.4 mL/min. Detection and quantitation were performed using electrospray ionization (ESI) and multiple reaction monitoring in the positive ion mode. The method was validated to demonstrate its selectivity, linearity, accuracy, precision, recovery, matrix effect, and stability. The method exhibited a linear dynamic range of 0.3-100 μg/mL, with intra- and inter-day precision and relative errors below 15%. The recovery and matrix effect were measured as 87.28%-89.72% and 41.98%-67.17%, respectively, which were effectively compensated by the internal standard. A total of 32 samples collected from 24 pediatric patients with IBD were analyzed using the validated method, and only 46.9% achieved the reported targeted trough level. This study developed an improved HPLC-MS/MS method for the quantitative determination of IFX concentration in human plasma. The accurate, reliable, and cost-effective method was validated and utilized in the analysis of clinical samples. The results confirmed the importance of TDM on IFX and the clinical application prospects of the improved method.

Nonlinear analysis of ion‐acoustic solitary waves in an unmagnetized highly relativistic quantum plasma

AbstractThe present paper explores the dynamics of ion‐acoustic solitary waves (IASWs) within an unmagnetized, highly relativistic quantum plasma containing positive and negative ions alongside electrons, employing the quantum hydrodynamic model. The treatment accounts for the inertial characteristics of negative and positive ions, considering electrons as inertialess. The nonlinear nature of quantum IASWs is investigated through the derivation of the Korteweg–de Vries equation using the reductive perturbation method. The investigation highlights how wave propagation characteristics, whether compressive or rarefactive, are substantially modulated by several parameters, such as the quantum diffraction parameter , relativistic effects , equilibrium density , and ion mass ratio . The analysis identifies the existence of both slow and fast wave modes, heavily influenced by the relativistic parameters involved. Our findings have significant implications for the understanding of both laboratory and space plasmas, especially in contexts where negative ions are present.

Persistent and Bioaccumulative Halogenated Natural Products in Various Tropical Reef Fish Species from the Seychelles, Western Indian Ocean.

Gas chromatography with electron capture negative ion mass spectrometry (GC/ECNI-MS) was used to quantify and compare halogenated natural products (HNPs) and selected anthropogenic persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in individual samples of 17 fish species from the Seychelles (Western Indian Ocean). The sum-HNP amounts (9.5-1100 ng/g lipid mass (lm)) were between 1 and 2 orders of magnitude higher than those of the sum of seven abundant polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners (0.2-15 ng/g lm) and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane-related compounds (DDTs) (<1.1-43 ng/g lm). Within the group of HNPs, the two tetrabrominated phenoxyanisoles (aka methoxylated diphenyl ethers, MeO-BDEs), 2'-MeO-BDE 68 ≫ 6-MeO-BDE 47, were predominant in most cases. Pearson correlation analysis showed that MeO-BDE levels were positively correlated with less abundant HNPs (2,2'-diMeO-BB 80, 2',6-diMeO-BDE 68, and Br6-DBP) (p < 0.01). Accordingly, HNPs, rather than PCBs and DDTs, were the predominant polyhalogenated contaminants in the current species.

Addressing a major interference in the quantification of psilocin in mouse plasma: Development of a validated liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method

Psilocybin is a psychedelic compound found in some hallucinogenic “magic mushrooms”. Psilocin is the active metabolite of Psilocybin, and it is the subject of several studies for the treatment of psychological disorders, such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. As such, the pharmacokinetic properties of psilocin should be evaluated to ensure its safety and efficacy as part of the drug development process. Based on the previously published studies, reversed-phase liquid chromatography (LC) was tested for psilocin quantification. The analysis, however, showed a major interference in mouse plasma that was not, to the best of our knowledge, reported previously. We, therefore, aimed to identify and separate the interference, using various chromatographic columns, mobile phase conditions, and mass spectrometers (MS) instruments. Chromatographic separation was achieved on an ultra high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) system, and a quadrupole-linear ion trap equipped with an electrospray ionization (ESI) source was used in positive ion mode with multiple reaction monitoring (MRM). Several chromatographic conditions and column chemistries, including C-18 and Phenyl-hexyl were initially tested, and failed to separate the interference. Exact mass measurement and MS/MS analysis were used to determine the structure of the interfering compound, which was confirmed to be tryptophan. Using the identified structure of the interfering compound, a fast and reliable hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC)-MS/MS method was developed and validated, that was capable of separating psilocin from the interference while achieving a 0.5 ng/ml lower limit of quantification (LLOQ). The validated method was successfully applied to a pharmacokinetic study where psilocin was orally administered to C57BL/6 mouse subjects. Psilocin concentration in all the analyzed mouse plasma samples was successfully determined.

Cationization agent affects the stability of secondary ions in MeV-SIMS

The work presents studies of the cationization agent effect on the ionization efficiency, and on the stability of secondary molecules, which are desorbed from the surface as a result of bombardment by MeV primary ions. Different organic molecule standards were mixed with various trifluoroacetate (TFA) salts, namely AgTFA, LiTFA, NaTFA and KTFA, with Ag, Li, Na and K being common cationization agents of secondary ions besides hydrogen. Results show modest differences in ionization efficiency, and significant variation of secondary ions’ stability when different cationization agents are attached to the molecule. For all reference samples, lithium provided the most stable secondary ions with almost none detected fragmentations after the desorption, while secondary ions with attached potassium were measured as much less stable, and the ratio between neutrals (fragments) and normal positive ions is estimated to be more than 0.2. However, even potassium – ionized molecules were recognized as more stable than protonated molecules.

Constituents of alexander’s celery (Smyrnium olusatrum) extracts and their antioxidant, enzyme inhibitory and anticancer effects based on in vitro, in silico and network pharmacology methods

This research delves into the medicinal significance of Smyrnium olusatrum by investigating ethyl acetate, ethanol, ethanol/water, and infusion extracts. The chemical composition analysed through LC-MS-qTOF metabolomic analysis, determine total phenolic and flavonoid contents, evaluate antioxidant potential using six in vitro tests (DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, CUPRAC, phosphomolybdenum assay (PBD), and metal chelating assay (MCA)), assess enzyme inhibition activity against acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), tyrosinase, α-amylase, and α-glucosidase, and explore their anticancer effects on HEp-2 cells. Additionally, qPCR analysis is conducted on HEp-2 larynx cancer cells to examine the impact of S. olusatrum on self-renewal and apoptosis pathways, along with the expression levels of key genes associated with these pathways. The findings indicated that the infusion extraction method demonstrated the highest levels, with a recorded TPC of 35.02 mg GAE/g and a TFC of 15.08 mg RE/g. All four extracts of S. olusatrum exhibited a total of 328 entities. The most significant metabolites, primarily comprising polyphenolics, flavonoids, non-structural carbohydrates, and amino acids in negative ionization mode, as well as sesquiterpene lactone and amino acids in positive ionization, were identified. Infusion exhibited the highest antioxidant effect among the extracts, with peak values ranged from 55.55 mg TE/g (DPPH) to 100.07 mg TE/g (ABTS). The extracts exhibited variable enzyme activities. Notably, ethyl acetate also demonstrated superior α-Amylase inhibition (0.69 mmol ACAE/g), while the ethanol extract exhibited higher α-Glucosidase inhibition (1.70 mmol ACAE/g). The HEp-2 cells demonstrated the quickest attainment of half maximal inhibitory concentration values with ethanol and ethanol/water extracts, yielding IC50 values of 250 µg/mL (24 h) and 125 µg/mL (24 h), respectively, among the applied extracts. The qPCR results revealed that S. olusatrum inhibited all self-renewal pathways and activated the apoptotic pathway. The ethanol and ethanol/water extracts of S. olusatrum significantly suppressed WNT1, APC, LEF1, and TCF7 genes. Furthermore, the downregulation of NOTCH1, SHH, and SMO gene expressions in all extracts suggests the activation of the Type 1 non-canonical hedgehog pathway in laryngeal cancer. The findings not only underscore the therapeutic potential of these extracts but also open the way for further exploration of their applications in combating oxidative stress, enzyme-related disorders, and potential anti-cancer effects through modulation of crucial cellular pathways.

Application of DBD air plasma for indoor particulate matter removal

The use of non thermal plasma (NTP) to improve indoor air quality (IAQ) has grown considerably in recent years. This paper demonstrates the advantage of NTP for IAQ improvement in terms of particulate matter (PM) removal. The PM removal mechanism using active air ions and radicals has been investigated. From the developed dielectric barreir discharge (DBD) air plasma reactor, the total PM removal efficiency of 61.72% has been achieved at an optimised concentration of negative and positive air ions in 2 hours of continuous operation. Due to the utilised sensor's limit of quantification (LOQ), PM 2.5 and PM 10 have been reduced to a certain value. The findings revealed that DBD air plasma can be effectively used for PM removal in an enclosed environment.

Investigating the Chemical Profile of Underexplored Parts of Dipteryx alata (Baru) Using the PS-MS Technique.

The baru (Dipteryx alata Vog.), a fruit native to the Cerrado biome, is well-known for its almonds, which are extensively exploited and exported. Unfortunately, the remaining parts of this fruit are often discarded. This study investigates the fixed chemical constituents of the baru, including the bark, pulp, endocarp, and almonds, using the PS-MS technique in positive and negative ionization modes. Notably, this research presents the first chemical profile of baru almonds in both their raw and roasted states. The analysis identified 57 compounds reported for the first time in a baru and 24 common compounds. The majority of these compounds are classified as flavonoids. In both ionization modes, the peel exhibited a higher proportion of phenolic compounds, although the chemical compounds varied among the peel, pulp, almond, and endocarp. These findings highlight the perspective of bioeconomy and biotechnology. By staggering baru fruit production alongside extractivists, we can optimize the utilization of all parts of the fruit. Furthermore, given the knowledge of the biological properties of flavonoids and the baru composition, we recommend additional studies to analyze their potential in preventing chronic non-communicable diseases.