White Needles Research Articles

Isolasi Senyawa Metabolit Sekunder Dari Ekstrak Heksana Batang Kelakai (Stenochlaena palustris)

Isolation is a method of obtaining pure secondary metabolite compounds from plant extracts, which provide benefits such as health, medicine, cosmetics, and agriculture. This research has been carried out and aims to isolate the secondary metabolite compound from the hexane extract of the kelakai stems (Stenochlaena palustris). Phytochemical screening of that extract resulted in a positive-containing steroid. The isolation method includes the separation of hexane extract with column chromatography using silica gel as the stationary phase and eluted successively with hexane, chloroform, and ethyl acetate (step gradient polarity). The column chromatography of the hexane extract resulted in five fractions (H1–H5). Furthermore, fraction H3 was purified to obtain a white needle crystal. The isolated compound spot is invisible in thin-layer chromatography (KLT) under an ultraviolet lamp at 254 nm and 365 nm wavelengths. The isolated compound structure was elucidated by proton and carbon nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and mass spectroscopy (MS), as well as comparisons with literature data. The isolated compound is a group of steroids identified as β-sitosterol with the molecular formula C29H50O.

Monitoring Eastern White Pine Health by Using Field-Measured Foliar Traits and Hyperspectral Data.

Canopy foliar traits serve as crucial indicators of plant health and productivity, forming a vital link between plant conditions and ecosystem dynamics. In this study, the use of hyperspectral data and foliar traits for white pine needle damage (WPND) detection was investigated for the first time. Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus L., EWP), a species of ecological and economic significance in the Northeastern USA, faces a growing threat from WPND. We used field-measured leaf traits and hyperspectral remote sensing data using parametric and non-parametric methods for WPND detection in the green stage. Results indicated that the random forest (RF) model based solely on remotely sensed spectral vegetation indices (SVIs) demonstrated the highest accuracy of nearly 87% and Kappa coefficient (K) of 0.68 for disease classification into asymptomatic and symptomatic classes. The combination of field-measured traits and remote sensing data indicated an overall accuracy of 77% with a Kappa coefficient (K) of 0.46. These findings contribute valuable insights and highlight the potential of both field-derived foliar and remote sensing data for WPND detection in EWP. With an exponential rise in forest pests and pathogens in recent years, remote sensing techniques can prove beneficial for the timely and accurate detection of disease and improved forest management practices.

Investigating the Potential Therapeutic Mechanisms of Puerarin in Neurological Diseases.

Plants and their derived phytochemicals have a long history of treating a wide range of illnesses for several decades. They are believed to be the origin of a diverse array of medicinal compounds. One of the compounds found in kudzu root is puerarin, a isoflavone glycoside commonly used as an alternative medicine to treat various diseases. From a biological perspective, puerarin can be described as a white needle crystal with the chemical name of 7-hydroxy-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-benzopyran-4-one-8-D-glucopyranoside. Besides, puerarin is sparingly soluble in water and produces no color or light yellow solution. Multiple experimental and clinical studies have confirmed the significant therapeutic effects of puerarin. These effects span a wide range of pharmacological effects, including neuroprotection, hepatoprotection, cardioprotection, immunomodulation, anticancer properties, anti-diabetic properties, anti-osteoporosis properties, and more. Puerarin achieves these effects by interacting with various cellular and molecular pathways, such as MAPK, AMPK, NF-κB, mTOR, β-catenin, and PKB/Akt, as well as different receptors, enzymes, and growth factors. The current review highlights the molecular mechanism of puerarin as a neuroprotective agent in the treatment of various neurodegenerative and neurological diseases. Extensive cellular, animal, and clinical research has provided valuable insights into its effectiveness in conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, cerebral stroke, depression, and more.

Assessment of the concentration of toxic metals (aluminum, cadmium and manganese) in the soil and evergreen plant species at the Sastavci surface mine and its vicinity

The study aims to determine the concentration of Al+3, Cd+2 and Mn+2 in the soil and parts of evergreen plant species - juniper and white pine - at the surface mine Sastavci (Badanj) and its vicinity in order to determine the possibility of using evergreen plants as an ecological indicator or for phytoremediation. Globally, as a result of various anthropogenic activities such as traffic, agricultural activities, waste incineration, industrial production, mining, etc., it represents a serious problem leading to pollution with toxic and potentially toxic metal cations. One of the more innovative techniques used for the remediation of mining areas is phytoremediation. By applying phytoremediation, certain plant species in polluted areas have the ability to act as accumulators or hyperaccumulators, absorbing toxic metals from the soil through the plant roots and transporting them to the upper parts. This research has been conducted to determine the concentration of Al+3, Cd+2 and Mn+2 at the surface mine itself and its surroundings, as well as to monitor the distribution of metal cations in the system of roots, branches, needles, and fruits of the evergreen plant species - white pine and juniper. The results showed that the sampled soil was contaminated with Cd in zones I and II for both plant species, since the concentrations exceeded the limit values, while the concentration of Cd in zone III as well as in the control zone was below the determination limits for both plant species. The concentration of Mn in the soil from the white pine and juniper zone was above the world average in all three zones, as well as in the control zone itself. The soil was most enriched with the analyzed elements in the surface mine of zone I and zone II. According to the analysis of elements in the parts of white pine, roots, branches, needles and fruits, the highest concentration of Al was detected in the root in zone I, while the lowest concentration was recorded in the fruit (cones) in the control zone, an increased concentration of Cd was recorded in the branches in zones I and II, and the highest concentration of Mn was recorded in needles in zone II. The highest Al concentration was recorded in the juniper root in zone I and the lowest in the juniper fruit in the control zone, the Cd concentration was the highest in the juniper root zone I, and the lowest in the juniper fruit and the highest Mn concentration was recorded in the juniper needles in zone I. Based on the obtained values of the coefficient of biological absorption, it can be concluded that white pine is not suitable for phytoextraction or phytostabilization of the tested elements. The analysis of biological factors (bioconcentration, translocation and bioaccumulation factor) indicated possible usage of juniper in phytoextraction only for Cd.

METABOLIT SEKUNDER DARI FRAKSI AKTIF AKAR PANDAN (Pandanus amaryllifolius roxb.) YANG BERSIFAT ANTIFEEDANT TERHADAP Epilachna sparsa (SECONDARY METABOLITES OF THE ACTIVE FRACTION OF PANDAN ROOT (Pandanus amaryllifolius roxb.) AS ANTIFEEDANT AGAINST Epilachna sparsa)

Pandan wangi (Pandanus amaryllifolius Roxb.) contains flavonoids, terpenoids, steroids, saponins, alkaloids and tannins which can be used as antifeedant compounds. This study aims to determine the antifeedant activity and to identify of secondary metabolites from pandan roots extract against Epilachna sparsa. The antifeedant activity test was carried out on the methanol extract and the partition yeild fraction. The research was carried out by maceration of pandan root which had been mashed into powder with methanol solution to obtain a methanol extract of 86.51 g. The extract was then separated by partitioning to obtain methanol fraction, ethyl acetate fraction, dichloromethane fraction and n-hexane fraction. The methanol extract and fraction from partition results were then tested for antifeedant activity against Epilachna sparsa. The results showed that at a concentration of 6% the methanol extract had an antifeedant activity of 59.37 ± 2.11 % against Epilachna sparsa. The fractions resulting from the partition included methanol, ethyl acetate, dichloromethane and n-hexane fractions at a concentration of 6% respectively showing antifeedant activity of 81.25 ± 3.56 %; 75.00 ± 2.99 %; 37.50 ± 3.77 % and 21.18 ±1.23 %. Based on the antifeedant activity test results, the methanol fraction showed the best activity. Furthermore, the methanol fraction was separated and purified by chromatographic techniques. The isolate obtained was 53.11 mg in the form of white needle crystals and had a melting point of 135-138oC. The isolate based on the phytochemical test showed positive for flavonoid

Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography Coupled with Mass Metabolic Profiling of Ammi majus Roots as Waste Product with Isolation and Assessment of Oral Mucosal Toxicity of Its Psoralen Component Xanthotoxin.

Ammi majus, a well-established member of the Umbelliferae (Apiaceae) family, is endogenous to Egypt. The main parts of this plant that are used are the fruits, which contain coumarins and flavonoids as major active constituents. The roots are usually considered by-products that are discarded and not fed to cattle because of coumarins' potential toxicity. The goal of this study was to ensure the sustainability of the plant, investigate the active metabolites present in the roots using UPLC/MS-MS, isolate and elucidate the major coumarin Xanthotoxin, and predict its oral bioavailability and its potential biological impact on tongue papillae. The results revealed coumarins as the dominant chemical class in a positive acquisition mode, with bergaptol-O-hexoside 5%, Xanthotoxin 5.5%, and isoarnoittinin 6% being the major compounds. However, phenolics ruled in the negative mode, with p-coumaroyl tartaric acid 7%, 3,7-dimethyl quercetin 6%, and hesperidin 5% being the most prominent metabolites. Fractionation and purification of the chloroform fraction yielded Xanthotoxin as one of the main compounds, which appeared as white needle crystals (20 mg). ADME studies for oral bioavailability were performed to predict the potential properties of the compound if used orally. It was noted that it followed Lipinski's rule of five, had just one parameter outside of the pink area in the radar plot, and was detected inside the threshold area using the boiled egg approach. In vivo, histopathological studies performed on rats showed a notable decrease in the tongue's keratin thickness from an average of 51.1 µm to 9.1 µm and an average of 51.8 µm to 9.8 µm in fungiform and filiform cells, respectively. The results indicated that although Xanthotoxin is a well-known medical agent with several potential therapeutic activities in oral therapy, it may cause a destructive effect on the structure of the specialized mucosa of the tongue.

Pharmacological Activity, Pharmacokinetics, and Clinical Research Progress of Puerarin.

As a kind of medicine and food homologous plant, kudzu root (Pueraria lobata (Willd.) Ohwi) is called an "official medicine" in Chinese folk medicine. Puerarin is the main active component extracted from kudzu root, and its structural formula is 8-β-D-grapes pyranose-4, 7-dihydroxy isoflavone, with a white needle crystal; it is slightly soluble in water, and its aqueous solution is colorless or light yellow. Puerarin is a natural antioxidant with high health value and has a series of biological activities such as antioxidation, anti-inflammation, anti-tumor effects, immunity improvement, and cardio-cerebrovascular and nerve cell protection. In particular, for the past few years, it has also been extensively used in clinical study. This review focuses on the antioxidant activity of puerarin, the therapy of diverse types of inflammatory diseases, various new drug delivery systems of puerarin, the "structure-activity relationship" of puerarin and its derivatives, and pharmacokinetic and clinical studies, which can provide a new perspective for the puerarin-related drug research and development, clinical application, and further development and utilization.

Seasonal influence on lipid profiles of fish in Northeastern Brazil

The seasonal effect in the fatty acid composition of total lipids of four fish species, white needle (Hemiramphus brasiliensis), black needle (Hyporhamphus unifasciatus), mackerel (Scomberomorus cavalla), and sardines (Opisthonema oglinum) was evaluated. Fish samples were collected from coastal regions of the State Pernambuco of Northeastern Brazil in two seasonal periods (summer and winter). The results showed that fatty acid composition of total lipids values was slightly higher in the winter for all species, however, with no significant statistical difference between seasons, except for the pentanoic fatty acid (C15:0) content, which showed a significantly higher value in mackerel, in the summer. The highest contents of docosahexaenoic and eicosapentaenoic acids were observed in sardines, which also presented the best lipid profile. All examined species contained ω-3/ω-6 and ω-6/ω-3 ratios that are nutritionally recommended and could be considered a source of benefits to human health.

Variation in White spruce needle respiration at the species range limits: A potential impediment to Northern expansion.

White spruce (Picea glauca) spans a massive range, yet the variability in respiratory physiology and related implications for tree carbon balance at the extremes of this distribution remain as enigmas. Working at both the most northern and southern extents of the distribution range more than 5000 km apart, we measured the short-term temperature response of dark respiration (R/T) at upper and lower canopy positions. R/T curves were fit to both polynomial and thermodynamic models so that model parameters could be compared among locations, canopy positions, and with previously published data. Respiration measured at 25°C (R25 ) was 68% lower at the southern location than at the northern location, resulting in a significantly lower intercept in R/T response in temperate trees. Only at the southern location did upper canopy leaves have a steeper temperature response than lower canopy leaves, likely reflecting canopy gradients in light. At the northern range limit respiration is nearly twice that of the average R25 reported in a global leaf respiration database. We predict that without significant thermal acclimation, respiration will increase with projected end-of-the-century warming and will likely constrain the future range limits of this important boreal species.

Detecting White Pine Needle Damage through Satellite Remote Sensing

Eastern white pines (Pinus strobus L.) of New England forests have been recently impacted by a fungal disease known as White Pine Needle Damage (WPND), causing widespread needle damage. To complement current WPND monitoring methods based on field and aerial detection surveys, we evaluated the potential of satellite remote sensing technology to detect WPND outbreaks. Using Sentinel-2 spectral vegetation indices (SVIs), we directly visualized change overlapping WPND outbreaks and ran Random Forest machine learning classifiers for feature selection and WPND detection and severity classification. Direct visualization of WPND associated change was most effective through the Normalized Difference Infrared Index (NDII), which captured decreases in vegetation health conditions coinciding with peak WPND symptoms. We obtained good accuracies in binary (WPND vs. Non-WPND) detection (70%) and two-class severity modeling of WPND (75%). The highest accuracies were achieved using imagery from early to late summer. The most selected SVIs for modeling were the Carotenoid Reflectance Index1 (CRI1), the Sentinel-2 Red-Edge Position (S2REP), and the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI). Our results suggest detecting severe WPND through fine resolution remote sensing is feasible. However, more work is needed to determine the effects of spatial, spectral, and temporal resolution of remote sensing data for detecting WPND severity levels.

Utilization of HVS Paper Waste for The Manufacture of Oxalic Acid

The purpose of this research is to determine the effect of time and temperature on the manufacture of oxalic acid from HVS paper waste by removing ink and alkali melting methods The research methodology began with the first stage, namely pre-treatment and then paper hydrolysis, weighing 600 grams of HVS paper waste. The HVS paper waste was put into a three-neck flask and 200 mL of 40% NaOH was added. The tools are assembled and set the time and temperature used. The time used is 60 minutes at a temperature of 55°C, 65°C, 75°C and 95°C, then a three-neck flask is heated. After heating is complete the solution is cooled. The filtrate was filtered into a 500 mL beaker glass then the remaining sediment was washed with hot aquadest into a beaker containing up to 400 mL of filtrate. The procedure was repeated for variations in time of 70, 80 and 90 minutes at temperatures of 55°C, 65°C, 75°C and 95°C, respectively. The second stage is crystallization of oxalic acid, pipette of the filtrate as much as 25 mL obtained from the hydrolysis results then added 10% CaCl2 to form a white precipitate of calcium oxalate. The precipitate was filtered then added 100 mL of H2SO4 4N so that the precipitate would break down into oxalic acid and calcium sulfate, then filtered and washed the remaining sediment using 96% ethanol. The filtrate is heated to a temperature of 70°C. The filtrate is cooled in ice water for about 24 hours to form oxalic acid crystals in the form of white needle crystals. The third stage is the calculation of the weight of oxalic acid (gr). The fourth stage is testing for oxalic acid using permanganate titration. Oxalic acid crystals were weighed as much as 0.3 grams then added 10 mL of distilled water and put into 250 mL Erlenmeyer, added 10 mL of H2SO4 4N. The solution is heated to a temperature of 60-70°C. In a hot state, the solution is titrated with 0.1 N potassium permanganate until the solution appears a pink color that does not disappear for 30 seconds. The fifth stage is the calculation of the yield (yield) of oxalic acid. The sixth stage is the melting test. The time and temperature in producing oxalic acid from the graph can be seen that the average temperature that produces the most oxalic acid is at 80 minutes and 65°C, which is 3.9 grams. The analysis results show that the melting point obtained is between 100-101 ° C. This happens because the oxalic acid in the research indicates that the oxalic acid corresponds to the actual melting point of oxalic acid based on the Indonesian National Standard (SNI), namely 101-102°C.

The molecular biology of grafting: Recent research may provide new applications for a millennia-old agricultural technology.

Plant biologists have begun to unravel the molecular mechanisms behind grafting, yielding insights into plant evolution and expanding the scope of this technique.

Antimicrobial Efficacy of Vitellaria paradoxa fractions and compounds on some wood Fungi and Bacteria

This study examined antifungal efficacy of Vitellaria paradoxa fractions and compounds in the control of some wood degrading fungi. Stem bark and heartwood parts of Vitellaria paradoxa were collected, dried, pulverised and macerated sequentially in n- hexane, methanol and ethyl acetate solvents. The mixtures were filtered, evaporated and the dried samples were mixed and run over silica gel in column chromatography with a mixture of n -hexane and ethyl acetate solvents to obtain fractions. The fractions collected were evaporated and those with white needles were subjected to Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopic analysis. Spinasterol was isolated and characterised from the heartwood fraction while the stem bark fractions were fatty. Vitellaria paradoxa fractions were active against Serpula lacrymans, Sclerotium rolfsii, Aspergillus fumigatus, Fomitopsis pinicoca, Phaeolus schweinitzii, Rhizopus sp., Coniophora puteana, Gloeophyllum sepiarium, and Fibroporia vaillantii at zones of inhibition (ZOI) of 18 mm - 24 mm. Although the antibiotics were active (25 – 31 mm), they were found inactive against the Fomitopsis pinicoca fungus which was sensitive to all the V. paradoxa fractions at zones of inhibition of 18 - 24 mm. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of the V. paradoxa fractions were active at 50 μg/mL against all test fungi. At minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) of between 50 - 200 μg/mL, all the test fungi were killed. Based on the ZOI, MIC and MFC, the V. paradoxa stem bark heartwood fractions have been proven to be very efficient in inhibiting the growth of test wood rot fungi; hence the species could be explored as a potential source of bioactive fungicides.

Defensive Traits during White Spruce (Picea glauca) Leaf Ontogeny.

Simple SummaryLeaves can only toughen after they have finished growing and, as a result, many herbivorous insects specialize in newly developing leaves because softer leaves are easier to chew. The foliage of conifer trees is particularly tough, and so one would expect conifers to invest more defensive chemicals into soft vulnerable growing needles than into tough mature ones. We summarize the literature describing how chemical defenses of foliage change during the growing season in white spruce, an economically important conifer tree. We next report measurements of the toughness of white spruce buds as they swell, burst, and grow into young needles. As expected, buds soften as they swell in spring, but after budburst, needles become tougher until they are similar to previous-year foliage in mid-summer. Leaves grown in the sun are slightly tougher than leaves grown in the shade. However, there was no indication that trees invest more in chemical defense of growing leaves than of mature leaves.Changes during leaf ontogeny affect palatability to herbivores, such that many insects, including the eastern spruce budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana (Clem.)), are specialist feeders on growing conifer leaves and buds. Developmental constraints imply lower toughness in developing foliage, and optimal defense theory predicts higher investment in chemical defense in these vulnerable yet valuable developing leaves. We summarize the literature on the time course of defensive compounds in developing white spruce (Picea glauca (Moench) Voss) needles and report original research findings on the ontogeny of white spruce needle toughness. Our results show the predicted pattern of buds decreasing in toughness followed by leaves increasing in toughness during expansion, accompanied by opposite trends in water content. Toughness of mature foliage decreased slightly during the growing season, with no significant relationship with water content. Toughness of sun-grown leaves was slightly higher than that of shade-grown leaves. However, the literature review did not support the expected pattern of higher defensive compounds in expanding leaves than in mature leaves, suggesting that white spruce might instead exhibit a fast-growth low-defense strategy.

Isolation and Characterization Chemical Compounds From N-Hexane Extract of Zodia Leaves (Evodia suaveolens Scheff.)

Zodia (Evodia suaveolens Scheff.) (Rutaceae) is one of Indonesia's native plants, which comes from Papua which is widely used as traditional medicine. Empirically, zodia leaves are used as anti-mosquitoes, dysentery drugs, boiled bark is useful as a reliever for malaria fever, leaf decoction is used as a tonic, and increases stamina. Until now, no investigation has been carried out for the main compounds of the zodia leaf n-hexane extract which have proven activity. Therefore, it was done the isolation and characterization of the main compound in the zodia leaf n-hexane extract (Evodia suaveolens Scheff.). Zodia leaves were extracted with n-hexane using the Soxhlet tool. The n-hexane extract was fractionated using column chromatography with a gradient of n-hexane-chloroform mixture. Isolates were isolated in the form of white needle crystals which were purified by washing with n-hexane. Isolates were characterized by analyzing various UV, IM, 1D and 2D RMI spectrometry data which were confirmed by analyzing the mass spectrum. Based on the results of spectrometric analysis, it is known that the isolate is thought to be a triterpenoid compound, namely neohop-13 (18) -ene-3α-ol.Keywords: Evodia suaveolens, neohop-13(18)-ene-3α-ol, triterpenoide,

Potential Antibacterial Activity of Bioactive β-sitosterol from Root Bark of Rhizophora apiculata from Lampung Coastal

β-sitosterol is an essential bioactive phytosterol naturally present in plant cell membranes. It has a coincident structure with animal cholesterol. This investigation reported isolation, structure analysis, and an antimicrobial assay of β-sitosterol from the root bark of Bakau Minyak (Rhizophora apiculata) from Lampung coastal. The isolation of β-sitosterol was carried out through maceration using methanol, separation by vacuum liquid chromatography (VLC), and purification by column chromatography (CC) using ethyl acetate/n-hexane (2:8) as eluent. The structure of β-sitosterol was determined using spectroscopic analysis (UV-Vis, FT-IR, 13C-NMR, 1H-NMR, DEPT, and GC-MS). The pure β-sitosterol has 107.4 mg of white needle crystalline compound, the compound melting point about 140.7-141.2oC, the molecular mass confirmed by m/z 414, and UV absorption detected at λ 203.9 nm. The β-sitosterol antimicrobial bioactivity assay has shown potential activity to be developed as a lead compound against E. coli.

White Tip Silver Needle (Slightly Fermented White Tea) Flavonoids Help Prevent Aging via Antioxidative and Anti-Inflammatory Effects.

AimWhite tip silver needle, a slightly fermented white tea, is abundant in flavonoids, and it has great significance in terms of D-galactose/lipopolysaccharide-induced aging in mice.MethodsWe analyzed the antioxidant capacity of white tip silver needle flavonoids (WTSNF) in vitro, assessed the effects of WTSNF on organ indexes, pathological changes, liver function indexes, biochemical indicators, molecular biological indicators, and genes related to oxidation and inflammation.ResultsUltra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry results showed that WTSNF contained baicalin, kaempferol, kaempferide, quercetin, isorhamnetin, lespenephryl, and rutin. WTSNF showed strong scavenging ability for both 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2ʹ-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS) free radicals. Pathological analysis results showed that WTSNF reduced liver, kidney, and lung damage in mice with induced aging. In the serum and liver tissue, WTSNF effectively increased the antioxidant-related levels of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione, and total antioxidant capacity and reduced the levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, malondialdehyde and nitric oxide. WTSNF also reduced the inflammation-related levels of interleukin-6, interleukin-1 beta, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), and interferon gamma (IFN-γ) and increased the levels of interleukin-10 and interleukin-12. Furthermore, WTSNF upregulated the mRNA expression levels of cupro-zinc superoxide dismutase, manganese superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, interleukin-10, neuronal nitric oxide synthase, endothelial nitric oxide synthase, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor, heme oxygenase 1, NAD(P)H dehydrogenase [quinone] 1, nuclear factor of kappa light polypeptide gene enhancer in B-cells inhibitor, alpha (IκB-α), and thioredoxin, while it downregulated the mRNA expression levels of interleukin-6, interleukin-18, interleukin-1 beta, TNFα, IFN-γ, inducible nitric oxide synthase, cyclooxygenase-2, and nuclear factor kappa-light chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB).ConclusionWTSNF is a high-quality natural product with antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties that can inhibits D-galactose/lipopolysaccharide-induced aging in mice.

Effect of carbonization temperature on fuel and caffeine adsorption characteristics of white pine and Norway spruce needle derived biochars

The presence of pharmaceutical compounds in drinking water continues to be problematic in recent times. Adsorption of these compounds is an effective way to mitigate these problems to protect aquatic wildlife. Biochar is a renewable resource that can be used as an adsorption media in this role. This study explored the use of white pine (Pinus strobus) and Norway spruce (Picea abies) needles as feedstocks for producing biochars, which can be utilized as both an adsorbent and solid fuel. The effect of carbonization temperature (500, 700, & 900 ℃) on the solid fuel and caffeine adsorption characteristics of biochars derived from these feedstocks were investigated. The calorific values increased from 29.09–30.30 MJ/kg and 26.62–27.44 MJ/kg for white pine and Norway spruce needle derived biochars, respectively as the carbonization temperature increased. The ignition temperature increased from 390 to 480 ℃ for white pine needle derived biochars and from 368 to 400 °C for Norway spruce needle derived biochars as the carbonization temperature increased. The burnout temperatures for white pine needle derived biochars were between 670–775 ℃ while Norway spruce needle derived biochars presented burnout temperatures of 679–685 ℃. The specific surface areas of the biochars were between 1.72 and 167.71 m2/g. The monolayer caffeine adsorption capacities (qm) of the NS900 and WP900 biochars were 9.27 and 11.85 mg/g, respectively.

Identification and antibacterial activity of flavonoid compounds from wood branches of the pudau plant (Artocarpus kemando Miq.)

In this research, isolation, identification, and antibacterial assay of flavonoid compounds have been carried out. These compounds were obtained from the wood branches of the pudau endemic plant from Karang Anyar village, Penengahan, South Lampung Regency, Lampung Province. Flavonoid compound extraction was carried out by maceration method using methanol, while fractionation and purification were conducted using chromatography technique. The purity of the compounds was determined by the melting point test and thin layer chromatography, the identification of compounds was assigned by UV-Vis and IR spectroscopy. The results of the isolation obtained two compounds, artocarpin (1) and cycloartocarpin (2). Compound (1), 92 mg, in the form of a yellow needle crystal with a melting point of 184.9 -187.5 °C; compound (2), 20 mg, in the form of yellowish white needle crystals with melting point 280 - 283 °C. In the antibacterial assay against Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli, compounds (1) showed very strong antibacterial activity at a concentration of 0.4 mg/disk and 0.5 mg/disk, respectively, whereas compound (2) had strong antibacterial activity against B. subtilis and E. coli at the same concentration of 0.5 mg/disk.

Pathogen-induced defoliation impacts on transpiration, leaf gas exchange, and non-structural carbohydrate allocation in eastern white pine (Pinus strobus)

Pathogen-induced defoliation resulted in a reduction in transpiration, an upregulation of photosynthesis in the early growing season, and no change in NSC reserves across stem, root, and foliar tissues. The defoliation of eastern white pine (Pinus strobus L.) by native fungi associated with white pine needle damage (WPND) can substantially reduce foliar area for much of the growing season in the northeastern United States. Chronic defoliations in the region are known to have slowed growth rates in symptomatic stands, but the physiological impacts of WPND as it relates to tree water use and carbon assimilation are largely unresolved. We investigated how the severity of WPND defoliation influences transpiration throughout the course of a growing season. We also assessed leaf-level gas exchange between defoliation severity classes and needle age over time. Finally, we compared concentrations of non-structural carbohydrates (NSC) between defoliation severity classes in five different tissue types over time. We found that trees experiencing a high-severity defoliation had 20% lower sap flux density compared to low-severity individuals. We found that rates of photosynthesis were significantly influenced by the needle age class and time of year, while instantaneous water use efficiency was higher across all needle age classes late in the growing season. Our findings suggest that the residual current-year foliage of high-severity defoliated trees compensated for the loss of mature second- and third-year foliage in the early portion of the growing season. This study found that soluble sugars and starch varied significantly over time and by tissue type, but defoliation severity had little effect on NSC concentrations. Together with reduced basal area increment in high-severity trees relative to low-severity trees, this indicates that WPND-affected trees are prioritizing NSC storage over secondary growth.