Qualitative Profile Research Articles

Primordial aqueous alteration recorded in water-soluble organic molecules from the carbonaceous asteroid (162173) Ryugu

We report primordial aqueous alteration signatures in water-soluble organic molecules from the carbonaceous asteroid (162173) Ryugu by the Hayabusa2 spacecraft of JAXA. Newly identified low-molecular-weight hydroxy acids (HO-R-COOH) and dicarboxylic acids (HOOC-R-COOH), such as glycolic acid, lactic acid, glyceric acid, oxalic acid, and succinic acid, are predominant in samples from the two touchdown locations at Ryugu. The quantitative and qualitative profiles for the hydrophilic molecules between the two sampling locations shows similar trends within the order of ppb (parts per billion) to ppm (parts per million). A wide variety of structural isomers, including α- and β-hydroxy acids, are observed among the hydrophilic molecules. We also identify pyruvic acid and dihydroxy and tricarboxylic acids, which are biochemically important intermediates relevant to molecular evolution, such as the primordial TCA (tricarboxylic acid) cycle. Here, we find evidence that the asteroid Ryugu samples underwent substantial aqueous alteration, as revealed by the presence of malonic acid during keto–enol tautomerism in the dicarboxylic acid profile. The comprehensive data suggest the presence of a series for water-soluble organic molecules in the regolith of Ryugu and evidence of signatures in coevolutionary aqueous alteration between water and organics in this carbonaceous asteroid.

From grape to wine: A thorough compound specific isotopic, enantiomeric and quali-quantitative investigation by means of gas chromatographic analysis

In this study, multiple analytical approaches, including simultaneous enantiomeric and isotopic analysis, were employed to thoroughly investigate the volatile fraction in Moscato giallo grape berries and wines. For the qualitative and quantitative profiling, a fast GC-QqQ/MS approach was successfully utilized. However, prior to isotopic analysis, the extracts underwent an additional concentration step, necessitating an assessment of isotopic fractionation during the concentration process. Once the absence of carbon isotopic fractionation was confirmed, this research aimed to develop a suitable gas chromatographic method for the simultaneous detection of both enantiomeric and isotopic ratios of target monoterpenoids in Moscato giallo samples. To address the limitations associated with a one-dimensional approach, multidimensional gas chromatography was employed to enhance separation before IRMS and qMS detections. Utilizing a Deans switch transfer device, the coupling of an apolar column in the first dimension and a chiral cyclodextrin-based stationary phase in the second dimension proved effective for this purpose. The data obtained from the analysis of Moscato giallo samples allowed for the assessment of natural isotopic and enantiomeric distributions in grapes and wines for the first time in the literature. Significant enantiomeric excesses were observed for the target terpenoids investigated. Regarding isotopic distribution, a consistent trend was observed for all detected target terpenols, including the linalool enantiomers. To date, this study represents the first investigation of simultaneous δ13C and chiral investigation of the main terpenoids in oenological products in the literature.

Vine spacing of <i>Vitis vinifera</i> cv. Shiraz/101-14 Mgt. III. Grape and wine quality

Vine spacing effects of Shiraz/101-14 Mgt on a relatively high potential soil in the Breede River Valley, Robertson, South Africa, on grape composition and wine quality, were investigated. Canopies were VSP trellised and orientated approximately NNE-SSW. Spacing between rows was fixed at 2.2 m. In-row vine spacing changed from 0.3 – 4.5 m with increments of 30 cm (from 15151 – 1010 vines/ha). Grape composition and wine quality were monitored over six seasons and two grape ripeness levels. Decreasing trends of soluble solids (°B) and pH and increasing titratable acidity from narrow to wide spacing were observed. Sugar accumulation of wider spacings seemed delayed. Berry skin total anthocyanin index and phenol content showed virtually no change. Malvidin mono-glucoside and its p-coumaroyl and acetyl derivatives were present in the highest concentrations, followed by peonidin-, petunidin-, delphinidin- and cyanidin mono-glucosides and derivatives, each vine spacing treatment displaying a unique grape anthocyanin profile. The narrower spacing of vines seemed to favour skin anthocyanin accumulation compared to wider spacing. Decreasing trends in wine total anthocyanin intensity, anthocyanin density, and phenols were observed from narrow to wide spacing; all had higher levels in wines from riper grapes. Individual wine anthocyanin concentrations also showed qualitative profile changes. The first regression join points for all anthocyanins occurred around 1.8 – 2.4 m vine spacing; those for malvidin and derivatives consistently appeared at 1.8 m spacing. Although volatile compounds only seemed to respond to ripeness level and not to vine spacing, wine sensory quality generally decreased with wider vine spacing at both grape ripeness levels. Given the changes in biotic and abiotic growth conditions with wider vine spacing, the results likely displayed adaptation to the combined impact of increasing light exposure, berry temperature, physiological functioning, vegetative and reproductive growth ratios, and plant stress. The study showed the prominent role of plant spacing in sustainable grape growing and wine outcomes and thus the importance of judicious decision-making during the establishment and management of vines under any growth conditions and in any terroir.

Qualitative Profiling of Venom Toxins in the Venoms of Several Bothrops Species Using High-Throughput Venomics and Coagulation Bioassaying.

Envenoming resulting from snakebites is recognized as a priority neglected tropical disease by The World Health Organization. The Bothrops genus, consisting of different pitviper species, is considered the most medically significant taxa in Central and South America. Further research into Bothrops venom composition is important to aid in the development of safer and more effective snakebite treatments. In addition, the discovery of Bothrops toxins that could potentially be used for medical or diagnostic purposes is of interest to the pharmaceutical industry. This study aimed to employ high-throughput (HT) venomics to qualitatively analyze venom composition while utilizing coagulation bioassays for identifying coagulopathic toxins and characterizing coagulopathic activity in various Bothrops venoms. Using the recently demonstrated HT venomics workflow in combination with post-column coagulopathic bioassaying, focus was placed at anticoagulant toxins. Well-known procoagulant toxins were also investigated, taking into account that using the HT venomics workflow, procoagulant toxins are especially prone to denaturation during the reversed-phase chromatographic separations performed in the workflow. The findings revealed that the venoms of B. atrox and B. jararaca harbored procoagulant toxins, whereas those of B. alternatus and B. neuwiedi contained both procoagulant and anticoagulant toxins. In general, anticoagulation was associated with phospholipases A2s, while procoagulation was associated with snake venom metalloproteinases and snake venom serine proteases. These results showed the identification of coagulopathic venom toxins in the Bothrops venoms analyzed using multiple analytical methods that complement each other. Additionally, each venom underwent qualitative characterization of its composition.

Corylus avellana as a potential alternative source for the production of taxol and taxanes

This paper demonstrates the increased interest that scientists have recently shown in the non-food components of the hazel plant, such as leaves, as well as hard and green shells, in addition to the nuts. The review discusses studies conducted to determine the qualitative and quantitative profiles of different parts of Corylus avellana. It has been demonstrated that extracts made from various Corylus avellana components possess a variety of biological properties, such as anticancer, antiproliferative, and antioxidant effects. It has been shown that secondary metabolites can be directly synthesized by in vitro cell culture, which allows the production of valuable secondary metabolites such as paclitaxel, one of the most important anticancer compounds synthesized by hazel. A brief review of existing literature data serves to emphasize C.avellana as a source of bioactive compounds. Further research is needed to explore the health benefits of C.avellana extracts and their use as food supplements. Keywords: Hazel, Corylus avellana, secondary metabolites, taxol, anticancer drug

Talbot Effect for the Manakov System on the Torus

In this paper, the Talbot effect for the multi-component linear and nonlinear systems of the dispersive evolution equations on a bounded interval subject to periodic boundary conditions and discontinuous initial profiles is investigated. Firstly, for a class of two-component linear systems satisfying the dispersive quantization conditions, we discuss the fractal solutions at irrational times. Next, the investigation to nonlinear regime is extended, we prove that, for the concrete example of the Manakov system, the solutions of the corresponding periodic initial-boundary value problem subject to initial data of bounded variation are continuous but nowhere differentiable fractal-like curve with Minkowski dimension 3/2 at irrational times. Finally, numerical experiments for the periodic initial-boundary value problem of the Manakov system, are used to justify how such effects persist into the multi-component nonlinear regime. Furthermore, it is shown in the nonlinear multi-component regime that the interplay of different components may induce subtle different qualitative profile between the jump discontinuities, especially in the case that two nonlinearly coupled components start with different initial profile.

PhD holders at the boundaries and knowledge brokering

ABSTRACT Over the past decade, there has been an increase in the number of PhDs pursuing careers at the boundaries between academic and non-academic sectors, particularly with multiple transitions and dual appointments. However, the professional links that PhD holders pursuing non-academic careers maintain with academia and how these relate to different knowledge brokering activities across sectors remain unexplored. To fill this gap, 39 PhD holders working beyond academia in Spain in the fields of Social Sciences, Humanities, and STEM were interviewed. The results revealed that PhD holders navigate diverse professional links with academia, including both organisational and individual-based links, and are involved in a variety of knowledge brokering activities gathered in four distinct qualitative profiles: the professional co-creator, the valuable knowledge holder, the bridge builder, and the knowledgeable associate lecturer. The profiles highlighted a complex relationship with academia, suggesting that in some cases deploying academic links does not secure or explain brokering activities. Moreover, results underscore the influence of career factors such as the organisational culture and support, the research performance in their primary job position, and the disciplinary background. Several research and practical implications of the study are discussed.

Alpibectir: Early Qualitative and Quantitative Metabolic Profiling from a First-Time-in-Human Study by Combining 19F-NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance), 1H-NMR, and High-Resolution Mass Spectrometric Analyses.

Alpibectir (also known as BVL-GSK098 and GSK3729098) is a new chemical entity (NCE) with a novel mechanism for the treatment of tuberculosis. The disposition of alpibectir was determined in subjects from a first-time-in-human trial after a single oral dose of 40 mg and after 7 days repeat dosing at 30 mg. Here we present a combined approach of 19F-NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance), 1H-NMR, and high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) to confidently determine the human metabolic fate of alpibectir. Utilizing multiple sites of fluorination in the molecule, it was possible to fractionate human urine and plasma to confidently detect and quantify the metabolite responses using 19F-NMR. Qualitative detection and structural characterization of F-containing NMR fractions were performed using complementary high-resolution ultra-high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) analyses to further add confidence to the metabolite responses in these fractions. Subsequent 1H-NMR then provided unequivocal standard-free structural confirmation for key metabolites, which would not be possible with conventional radioactivity detection and LC-MS/MS techniques. Alpibectir was shown to undergo extensive hydrolysis of the central amide moiety, where the resultant N-dealkylated amine and trifluorobutyric acid products were detected initially by unbiased 19F-NMR detection along with major downstream biotransformations to form a carbamoyl glucuronide conjugate and trifluoroacetic acid, respectively. Parallel UHPLC-MS/MS analyses provided confirmatory or additional structural characterization only where relevant. These concerted data allowed for the qualitative metabolic profile and quantitative determination of drug-related material (DRM) in urine and plasma, along with the percentage of dose excreted in urine, to be reported in a comprehensive, efficient, and data-led manner. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Combining the selectivity of 19F-NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance) for unfractionated samples as first-intent, data-led sample fractionation prior to 19F-NMR and structure-rich 1H-NMR detection, along with the sensitivity of high-resolution ultra-high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS), a novel alternative for time-efficient detection and quantification of drug-related material (DRM) in human without use of radiolabeled drug is reported. This allowed more complete data rationalization of human metabolism, permitting early risk assessment and progression of the development of antitubercular agent, alpibectir.

Phenolic compound profiling and antioxidant potential of different types of Schisandra henryi in vitro cultures.

Schisandra henryi is an endemic species of medicinal potential known from traditional Chinese medicine. As part of this study, a complex biotechnological and phytochemical assessment was conducted on S. henryi with a focus on phenolic compounds and antioxidant profiling. The following in vitro cultures were tested: microshoot agar and callus, microshoot agitated, and suspension, along with the microshoot culture in PlantForm bioreactors. Qualitative profiling was performed by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography with a photodiode array detector coupled with ion-trap mass spectrophotometry with electrospray ionization and then quantitative analysis by high-performance liquid chromatography with a diode array detector using standards. In the extracts, mainly the compounds from procyanidins were identified as well as phenolic acids (neochlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, protocatechuic acid) and catechin. The highest content of phenolic compounds was found for in vitro agar microshoot culture (max. total content 229.87mg/100g DW) and agitated culture (max. total content 22.82mg/100g DW). The max. TPC measured using the Folin-Ciocalteu assay was equal to 1240.51mg GAE/100g DW (agar microshoot culture). The extracts were evaluated for their antioxidant potential by the DPPH, FRAP, and chelate iron ion assays. The highest potential was indicated for agar microshoot culture (90% of inhibition and 59.31nM/L TEAC, respectively). The research conducted on the polyphenol profiling and antioxidant potential of S. henryi in vitro culture extracts indicates the high therapeutic potential of this species. KEY POINTS: • Different types of S. henryi in vitro cultures were compared for the first time. • The S. henryi in vitro culture strong antioxidant potential was determined for the first time. • The polyphenol profiling of different types of S. henryi in vitro cultures was shown.

Tomato pomace food waste from different variants as a high antioxidant potential resource

Pomaces obtained from three San Marzano tomato genotypes including the wild type (WT), Sun Black (SB), and colorless fruit epidermis (CL) were dried at 50 °C and analyzed for nutritional composition, total polyphenol (TPC), flavonoid (TFC) content, polyphenol qualitative profile, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and antimicrobial activity. Commercial dried tomato powder (CTRP) was included as a control. No differences were detected nutritionally, in TPC and antimicrobial activity, but significant changes were observed for TFC and TAC, underlying variation in the phenolic profile. SB pomace (SBP) had the highest TFC and TAC. LC-HRMS analysis showed a flavonoid-enriched profile in SBP besides the exclusive presence of anthocyanins, with petanin and negretein as the most abundant. Among flavonoids, quercetin-hexose-deoxyhexose-pentose, naringenin, and rutin were the major. Overall, we showed the potential of dried tomato pomace, especially SBP, as an extremely valuable waste product to be transformed into a functional ingredient, reducing the food industry waste.

Characterization and quantification of intact glucosinolates in Catozza rapeseeds: A promising food matrix for nutraceuticals development as a source of hydrogen sulfide

Glucosinolates (GSLs), anionic sulfur-containing secondary metabolites of Brassicales order, have shown beneficial effects for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. This study has focused on HPLC-HESI-MS/MS analysis of intact GSLs in a poorly studied food matrix, Catozza rapeseeds (Brassica rapa L. var. rapa DC.), providing the first qualitative profile of this matrix by the identification of fifteen GSLs and the quantification of the nine most abundant compounds. After the evaluation of different powder granulometries, the best myrosinase inactivation treatment condition was achieved with a 30-minute heating treatment at 80 °C, resulting in the highest GSLs content. Two extraction methods were performed on the rapeseed meal to obtain hydroalcoholic Catozza rapeseed extracts (HCRE) and aqueous Catozza rapeseed extracts (ACRE) showing a concentration-dependent and endothelium-independent relaxing effect in mice aorta by releasing hydrogen sulfide (H2S). This study represents the starting point for further investigation of Catozza rapeseed use for GSLs-based formulations for nutraceuticals purpose.

Isotype-Specific Autoantibody Signatures in Cancer and Sepsis Samples through Multiplex Profiling

Abstract Many diseases can be characterized by specific autoantibodies. The Luminex™ multi-analyte profiling platform enables simultaneous detection a panel of autoantibodies in a single assay with minimal sample volume. MILLIPLEX™ multiplex assays include the 15-plex Human Cancer Autoantibody Panel, 23-plex Human Cytokine Autoantibody Panel, and 20-plex Human Autoimmune Autoantibody Panel, allowing qualitative profiling of autoantibodies in serum and plasma samples. In this study, we focused on detecting cancer-associated autoantibodies and anti-cytokine autoantibodies in breast cancer, colorectal cancer, sepsis, and healthy control samples (n ≥ 20 in each group). We used the Luminex™ 200™ system and the xMAP™ INTELLIFLEX DRSE instrument for analysis. Preliminary data revealed anti-cytokine IgG autoantibodies against multiple cytokines (e.g., IL-2, IL-4, IFNγ) in cancer, sepsis, and healthy individuals. Additionally, certain cytokine autoantibodies (e.g., IL-1α, IL-12p40, IL-6) were detected in the tested disease samples but not in healthy controls. Isotype profiling demonstrated increased detection of cancer-associated autoantibodies by combining IgG and IgM signatures in cancer samples (e.g., p53, CCNB1/Cyclin B1, SOX2, CTAG1B/NY-ESO-1, Her2/ErbB2). We believe this robust MILLIPLEX™ autoantibody detection and comprehensive isotype profiling can guide further research on autoantibodies as translational biomarkers in a clinical setting.

Lending on the Edge

In Australia, pawnbrokers are largely exempt from national consumer credit legislation. They are instead governed by state legislation, which affords very limited protection to consumers. This study outlines the current regulation of pawn lending and presents a qualitative profile of consumers who use pawn loans. In the absence of reliable industry data, it draws on case law, media reports, law reform submissions, previous qualitative studies and an online survey of consumers, conducted by the authors. The study argues that the light regulation of pawn lending creates a high risk of consumer harm and regulatory arbitrage by unscrupulous providers. It proposes law reforms and policy measures to address these risks and to provide more effective protection to consumers.

Qualitative Metabolite Profiling of Orchis purpurea Huds. by GC and UHPLC/MS Approaches.

Orchids are experiencing wide success in ornamental, medicinal, and food fields. The reason for their success is correlated with both their morphology and metabolomics, the latter linked to their taste and biological effects. Despite many orchids having already been the subject of chemotaxonomic works, some of them are still untapped, like the case of Orchis purpurea. O. purpurea is one of the most common species of the genus Orchis, present in hedgerows, verges, and light woodland, where it is one of the few herbaceous plants able to be unpleasant to herbivorous animals. Essential oil from roots, stems, leaves, and flowers were analyzed via GC/MS analyses, revealing the presence of 70 compounds, with a clear prevalence of coumarin. The high concentration of this metabolite may explain the resistance of O. purpurea to herbivores, being associated with appetite-suppressing properties and a bitter taste. Non-volatile fractions were analyzed via UHPLC-MS analysis revealing the presence of hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives, polyphenols, and glycosidic compounds, probably responsible for their color and fragrance. Taken together, the herein presented results shed light on both the defensive strategy and the chemotaxonomy of O. purpurea.

Amino acid profile and potential biomass conversion of Vitellaria paradoxa fruit pulp

Vitellaria species is one of Africa's most important fruit crops with enormous human benefiting nutrients including amino acids. This study characterised Vitellaria paradoxa shea nut pulp from 5 regional zones of Ghana based on its acidity, pH and among the few for its qualitative and quantitative amino acids profile. Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) techniques, using cellulose TLC plates were used to profile and quantify the amino acids. Fifteen essential amino acids were detected in the Vitellaria paradoxa shea nut pulp. Alanine, arginine, glutamic acid, glutamine and histidine were common in the Vitellaria paradoxa shea nut pulp. The most concentrated (41.02 g/100 g) of the 7 essential amino acids in the shea nut pulp was arginine and the least was glycine, 2.12 g/100 g. All seven 7 essential amino acids, except leucine and valine, were significantly different (P < 0.05) across the 5 shea regional zones of Ghana. The most acidic pulp, with 18.63% acidity, was from the Upper West Region. The quality and quantitative of amino acids in Vitellaria paradoxa shea nut pulp differed significantly from one region to the other. The shea nut pulp is a good source of essential amino acids and can be used fruit juice production and provide the required N for an effective fermentation to proceed. This has remarkable economic implication and significant environmental effects. Some health benefits of eating shea nut fruits consequential of its nutritional effects due to its amino acids composition have been noted to include its ability to help improve mood, boost exercise performance, prevent muscle loss and promote weight loss. Moreover, the amino acids profile of shea nut pulp may provide researchers with useful applications of the Vitellaria paradoxa shea nut pulp in the various industries.

PLIF Flame Study on the Qualitative and Quantitative Measurement of OH Species for Conventional and Alternative Jet Fuels; Experimental and Theoretical Investigations

ABSTRACT The hydroxyl molecule is one of the most important intermediate species in the chemistry of combustion processes and plays an important role in the chemical reactions of a hydrocarbon-air flame. However, investigation on a laser-based quantitative measurement of OH in heavy liquid hydrocarbon flames remains very scarce. Thus, in this study, OH radicals were measured qualitatively with the aid of planar laser-induced fluorescence in atmospheric pressure studies of burner stabilized laminar flames of kerosene and alcohol-to-jet (ATJ) fuel. These qualitative profiles were then put on a quantitative basis by analysis of the impact of temperature on the Boltzmann distribution of OH over the ground electronic state rotational energy levels and the use of a simple methane reference flame and its modeling using ANSYS Chemkin-Pro. The quantitative profiles in turn were used to validate the developed chemical kinetic mechanisms of kerosene and ATJ combustion. An experimental apparatus has been developed to investigate the temperature profile and the OH relative amounts of kerosene and ATJ laminar flames in an optimized premixed flat flame burner, under three different air/fuel ratio conditions. Fine wire type thermocouples were applied to provide reliable temperature profiles for the fuel flames. In general, reasonable agreement were observed between the experimental OH results and the simulations for the target fuel flames in the case of kerosene, while a higher peak value of OH was predicted in the ATJ model output compared to the PLIF derived data.

A comprehensive strategy for quality evaluation of Changan powder by fingerprinting combined with rapid qualitative and quantitative multi-ingredients profiling.

Changan powder (CAP) is mainly used to treat various intestinal diseases. Few studies on CAP have been reported; therefore, it is necessary to clarify the material basis of CAP to lay the foundation for further elucidating its functional mechanism and support the rational use of drugs. In the present study, we aimed to propose a methodology for the quality control of CAP based on qualitative and quantitative analysis of its components. An ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (UPLC-FT-ICR-MS) method was developed to identify chemical components in CAP. In addition, fingerprints of 10 different batches of CAP were established, and quantitative analysis based on UPLC was performed to analyze the quality of CAP. A total of 58 compounds were preliminarily characterized. The similarity of 10 batches of CAP was greater than 0.995, and 23 common peaks were calibrated. Investigation of the quantitative analytical methodology showed that the four components had good linear relationships within their respective concentration ranges (r2 ≥ 0.9992), and the relative standard deviation (RSD) of precision and stability was less than 2%. The RSD of sample recovery ranged from 0.78% to 1.52%. The established method can quickly and effectively identify the chemical components of CAP and accurately quantify the known components in CAP. The established fingerprinting and content determination method is stable, reliable, and easy to operate and can be applied in quality control and in vivo research on CAP.

Quantitative and qualitative subgenomic RNA profiles of SARS-CoV-2 in respiratory samples: A comparison between Omicron BA.2 and non-VOC-D614G

The SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variants are notorious for their transmissibility, but little is known about their subgenomic RNA (sgRNA) expression. This study applied RNA-seq to delineate the quantitative and qualitative profiles of canonical sgRNA of 118 respiratory samples collected from patients infected with Omicron BA.2 and compared with 338 patients infected with non-variant of concern (non-VOC)-D614G. A unique characteristic profile depicted by the relative abundance of 9 canonical sgRNAs was reproduced by both BA.2 and non-VOC-D614G regardless of host gender, age and presence of pneumonia. Remarkably, such profile was lost in samples with low viral load, suggesting a potential application of sgRNA pattern to indicate viral activity of individual patient at a specific time point. A characteristic qualitative profile of canonical sgRNAs was also reproduced by both BA.2 and non-VOC-D614G. The presence of a full set of canonical sgRNAs carried a coherent correlation with crude viral load (AUC ​= ​0.91, 95% CI 0.88–0.94), and sgRNA ORF7b was identified to be the best surrogate marker allowing feasible routine application in characterizing the infection status of individual patient. Further potentials in using sgRNA as a target for vaccine and antiviral development are worth pursuing.

GC/MS and LC-MS Analysis and in-vitro Antioxidant Activity of Essential Oil and Crude Methanol Extract from the Leaves of Acacia Gerrardii Benth. Growing in Saudi Arabia.

In this study, I determined the essential oil (EO) chemical composition and crude methanol extract (ME) phytochemical profile of the leaves of Acacia gerrardii (ACGL), a plant growing in Saudi Arabia. Additionally, I assessed their in vitro antioxidant activity. The gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of the EO revealed a high content of oxygenated monoterpenes (79.86 %), primarily dominated by pulegone (35.11 %), carvacrol (27.36 %), and neo-dihydrocarveol (4.67 %). The ME was analyzed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry to determine its qualitative chemical profile. Four organic acids, eleven phenolic compounds, sixteen flavonoids, nine terpenoids (eight triterpenoids and one diterpenoid), and one coumarin were found in the ME of ACGL. This extract was found to be dominated by 5,6,4-trihydroxy-7,3-dimethoxyflavone (39.30 %), acteoside (30.27 %), nevadensin (7.55 %), isoacteoside (3.08 %) and apiin (3.23 %), and hesperidin (2.73 %). The phenolic (TPC=127.70±1.47 mg gallic acid equivalents/g of extract) and flavonoid (TFC=85.48±0.12 mg quercetin equivalents/g of extract) contents of the ME were also assessed. The in vitro antioxidant activities of both the EO and ME were evaluated using DPPH, ABTS, and ferrous ion chelating effect assays. Compared to the positive control (vit. E and Vit. C), and both extracts exhibited excellent activity.

Analysis of global research on vegetable seedlings and transplants and their impacts on product quality.

Previous research has established that using high-quality planting material during the early phase of vegetable production significantly impacts success and efficiency, leading to improved crop performance, faster time to harvest and better profitability. In the present study, we conducted a global analysis of vegetable seedlings and transplants, providing a comprehensive overview of research trends in seedling and transplant production to enhance the nutritional quality of vegetables. The analysis involved reviewing and quantitatively analysing 762 articles and 5248 keywords from the Scopus database from 1971 to 2022. We used statistical, mathematical and clustering tools to analyse bibliometrics and visualise the most relevant research topics. A visualisation map was generated to identify the evolution of keywords used in the articles, resulting in five clusters for further analysis. Our study highlights the importance of the size of seed trays for the type of crop, the mechanical seeder used and the greenhouse facilities to produce desirable transplants. We identified grafting and light-emitting diode (LED) lighting technology as rapidly expanding technologies in vegetable seedlings and transplant production used to promote plant qualitative profile. There is a need for sustainable growing media to optimise resources and reduce input use. Thus, applying grafting, LED artificial lighting, biostimulants, biofortification and plant growth-promoting microorganisms in seedling production can enhance efficiency and promote sustainable vegetable nutritional quality by accumulating biocompounds. Further research is needed to explore the working mechanisms and devise novel strategies to enhance the product quality of vegetables, commencing from the early stages of food production. © 2024 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.