Search Results (153)

The aim of this study was to prevent the development of microorganisms in the refrigerated storage of tench by releasing allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) produced by black mustard seeds. Tench reared in an aquaculture centre were sacrificed and the fillets were separated. Different amounts of defatted mustard seed (300, 400 and 500 mg) were added to hermetic polypropylene trays. Microbiological, sensory, and gas chromatography with MS detection analysis were done. AITC release increased progressively until the third day of storage, significantly delaying the development of microorganisms in samples with higher mustard seed content. The tasting panel detected positive aromas at the beginning of the study, but these decreased and negative aromas appeared. The mustard seed treatment resulted in a higher positive aroma at the end of the storage, reducing rotting and ammonia odours. A total of 31 volatile compounds were detected and grouped into hydrocarbon, alcohol, benzenoid, isothiocyanate, ketone, acetate, aldehyde, and others. Butylated hydroxytoluene, an indicator of bacterial contamination, was the major aromatic compound found during storage. The release of AITC resulted in fewer organic compounds with negative aromas appearing during storage. PCA analysis allowed us to classify the assays during storage according to their volatile profiles, confirming the differences observed between treatments. Thus, adding mustard seed to fish packaging could be a viable alternative to extending the product’s shelf life and ensuring food safety. Full article

Mung bean (Vigna radiata L.) is globally cultivated and has been widely used in the food industries. Other than nutrients, the composition of the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) often influences the quality of mung bean-based products. However, the dynamics of VOCs and the flavor changes during mung bean seed development remain unexplored. This study investigated the VOC and flavor composition in four mung bean varieties by integrating relative odor activity value (ROAV) evaluation and transcriptomic analysis. A total of 65 VOCs were identified, with eucalyptol serving as a key maturity indicator in LL655 and SH-1, while nonanal contributed significantly to the characteristic beany flavor across all varieties. Transcriptomic analysis revealed four downregulated geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase genes during seed development, leading to terpenoid accumulation patterns. Terpenoids, including trans-beta ocimene and gamma-terpinene, appeared to be regulated by transcription factors (TFs) from the RLK-Pelle, WRKY, AP2/ERF, bHLH, and bZIP families. Additionally, two MYB TFs showed potential roles in modulating the accumulation of phenylpropanoid/benzenoid derivatives. This study provides a comprehensive understanding of the VOC accumulation and flavor variation during mung bean seed development, enriches the knowledge of flavor chemistry in mung bean varieties, and facilitates a theoretical foundation for optimizing and developing mung bean-based products. Full article

Papilloscopy, the science of human identification through fingerprints, has seen notable advancements in developing less toxic latent fingerprint developers (LFDs), especially from natural feedstock. Tannins, the second most abundant natural polyphenol, present a potential eco-friendly and cost-effective alternative, with no record of their use as LFDs in the existing literature. This study characterized four types of tannins from black wattle, using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, revealing key functional groups like C=O, C=C, and O–H. Ultraviolet–visible absorption spectra showed similar behaviors for all tannins, indicating phenolic and benzenoid structures. Energy-dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy identified high concentrations of chlorine, sodium, potassium, and sulfur, naturally found in biomass and soil. Finally, elements in significant concentrations, such as sodium, potassium, iron, zinc, and copper, were found through the incineration of the spent bark. On the basis of these findings, the tannin with the highest potential for LFD was selected. Combining this tannin with spent bark ash resulted in a composite whose performance was evaluated using different methods, including depletion studies, tests with various donors, and assessments on different surfaces. The results demonstrated that this combination significantly enhanced the material’s efficiency by integrating organic and inorganic properties, which improved visual contrast and powder adhesion. Full article

1,2,4-Cyclohexatrienes are strained, reactive intermediates often formed by the tetradehydro-Diels–Alder (TDDA) reaction of a conjugated enyne bearing a tethered alkyne as the enynophile. The ene component is commonly the π-bond of an aromatic group. In this focused study, we investigated the reactivity of a symmetrical substrate in which the pair of terminal ene moieties were simple 2-propenyl groups. The intermediate 1,2,4-cyclohexatriene, now bearing a 5-isopropenyl group, underwent competitive aromatization (the most usual outcome of the strain-relieving event of the cyclohexatriene), along with an intramolecular [1,5]-hydrogen atom migration, ultimately producing a non-benzenoid, pyrrole derivative. This represents a previously unknown process for a 1,2,4-cyclohexatriene derivative. Mechanistic aspects of the competitive processes were revealed by experiments performed in the presence of various protic additives (MeOD and BHT). Full article

This study systematically evaluated the residual behavior of fluxapyroxad (FXP) and mefentrifluconazole (MFZ) in rice–soil systems, alongside their soil and metabolic impacts. Analytical methods validated via linear regression (0.0001–0.05 mg/L) complied with EU guidelines, demonstrating recoveries of 71.97–114.96%, RSDs ≤ 12.12%, and effective mitigation of matrix effects (−85.08% to −76.97%) using matrix-matched calibration. Residual dissipation followed first-order kinetics, with half-lives (T_1/2) spanning 10.83–21.00 d (FXP) and 23.10–57.76 d (MFZ). Notably, MFZ exhibited prolonged persistence in brown rice (T_1/2 = 57.76 d), though final residues (0.031 ± 0.001 μg/g FXP; 0.011 ± 0.0003 μg/g MFZ) remained below regulatory limits (China: 1 mg/kg; CAC: 5 mg/kg). Microbial analysis revealed transient diversity loss in rhizosphere communities (Chao1 index, p < 0.05), recovering by 21 d, while endophytes displayed resilience linked to plant metabolites. Enrichment of degraders (e.g., Sphingomonas) contrasted with suppression of nitrogen-fixing Bradyrhizobium, indicating functional trade-offs. Metabolomic profiling identified 3512 metabolites, with 332 and 173 differentially expressed metabolites at 7 d (S) and 21 d (T), dominated by lipids, benzenoids, and phenylpropanoids. Key metabolic shifts included a 2.11-fold increase in coumarin and elevated L-aspartic acid, highlighting adaptive responses via phenylalanine and TCA cycle pathways. Correlation analyses linked stress-tolerant endophytes (Azorhizobium) to defense-related metabolites (e.g., coumarin), suggesting microbial modulation of plant resilience. These findings emphasize the need for integrated strategies combining residue monitoring, microbial management, and metabolic insights to mitigate agrochemical risks in sustainable agriculture. Full article

This research focuses on creating CuO/PANI nanocomposite films by electrodepositing copper oxide nanoparticles into a polyaniline matrix on ITO substrates. The CuO nanoparticle content was adjusted between 7% and 21%. These nanocomposites are promising for various applications, such as optoelectronic devices, gas sensors, electromagnetic interference shielding, and electrochromic devices. We utilized UV-Vis spectroscopy to examine the nanocomposites’ interaction with light, allowing us to ascertain their refractive indices and absorption coefficients. The Scherrer formula facilitated the determination of the average crystallite size, shedding light on the material’s internal structure. Tauc plots indicated a reduction in the energy-band gap from 3.36 eV to 3.12 eV as the concentration of CuO nanoparticles within the PANI matrix increased, accompanied by a rise in electrical conductivity. The incorporation of CuO nanoparticles into the polyaniline matrix appears to enhance the conjugation length of PANI chains, as evidenced by shifts in the quinoid and benzenoid ring vibrations in FTIR spectra. SEM analysis indicates that the nanocomposite films possess a relatively smooth and homogeneous surface. Additionally, FTIR and XRD analyses demonstrate an increasing degree of interaction between CuO nanoparticles and PANI chains with higher CuO concentrations. At lower concentrations, interactions were minimal. In contrast, at higher concentrations, more significant interactions were observed, which facilitated the stretching of polymer chains, improved molecular packing, and facilitated the formation of larger crystalline structures within the PANI matrix. The incorporation of CuO nanoparticles resulted in nanocomposites with electrical conductivities ranging from 1.2 to 17.0 S cm⁻¹, which are favorable for optimum performance in optoelectronic devices. These results confirm that the nanocomposite films combine pronounced crystallinity, markedly enhanced electrical conductivity, and tunable band-gap energies, positioning them as versatile candidates for next-generation optoelectronic devices. Full article

In this study, liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS) was employed to conduct untargeted metabolomics analysis on black rice (BR), milled black rice (MBR), wet germinated black rice (WBR), and high-temperature and high-pressure-treated WBR (HTP-WBR). A total of 6988 positive ions and 7099 negative ions (multiple difference ≥1.2 or ≤0.8333, p < 0.05, and variable importance in projection ≥1) were isolated, and 98 and 100 differential metabolic pathways were identified between the different samples in the positive and negative ion modes, respectively. Distinctive variations in the metabolic compositions of BR, MBR, WBR, and HTP-WBR were observed. Flavonoids, fatty acids, lipids, phenylpropanoids, polyketides, benzenoids, and organooxygen were the dominant differential metabolites. Milling removed the majority of bran-associated bioactive components such as phenolic acids, anthocyanins, micronutrients, fatty acids, antioxidants, and dietary fiber. The germination process significantly reduced the number of flavonoids, polyketides, and lipid-related metabolites, while enzymatic activation notably increased the number of organic acids and amino acids. HTP treatment synergistically enhanced the content of heat-stable flavonoids and polyketides, while simultaneously promoting fatty acid β-oxidation. These findings establish novel theoretical foundations for optimizing processing methodologies and advancing functional characterization in black rice product development. Full article

Peonies are globally renowned ornamental plants, and distant hybridization is a key method for breeding new varieties, though it often faces cross-incompatibility challenges. The metabolic mechanisms underlying the crossing barrier between tree peony (Paeonia sect. Moutan) and herbaceous peony (P. lactiflora) remain unclear. To identify key metabolites involved in cross-incompatibility, we performed a cross between P. ostii ‘Fengdanbai’ (female parent) and P. lactiflora ‘Red Sara’ (male parent) and analyzed metabolites in the stigma 12 h after pollination using UPLC-MS. We identified 1242 differential metabolites, with 433 up-regulated and 809 down-regulated, including sugars, nucleotides, amino acids, lipids, organic acids, benzenoids, flavonoids, and alkaloids. Most differential metabolites were down-regulated in hybrid stigmas, potentially affecting pollen germination and pollen tube growth. Cross-pollinated stigma exhibited lower levels of high-energy nutrients (such as amino acids, nucleotides, and tricarboxylic acid cycle metabolites) compared to self-pollinated stigma, which suggests that energy deficiency is a contributing factor to the crossing barrier. Additionally, cross-pollination significantly impacted KEGG pathways such as nucleotide metabolism, purine metabolism, and vitamin B6 metabolism, with most metabolites in these pathways being down-regulated. These findings provide new insights into the metabolic basis of cross-incompatibility between tree and herbaceous peonies, offering a foundation for overcoming hybridization barriers in peony breeding. Full article

Antrodia cinnamomea (A. cinnamomea), a medicinal and edible mushroom endemic to Taiwan, has been traditionally valued as a health tonic. Recent studies have highlighted the diverse specialized metabolites and bioactive potential of this substance, primarily attributed to key secondary metabolites such as benzenoids, maleic and succinic acids, ubiquinone, triterpenoids, and the primary metabolite polysaccharides. These compounds exhibit a broad spectrum of pharmacological properties, including those related to antibacterial, antitumor, anti-inflammation, hepatoprotection, hypoglycaemia, and antioxidant activities, and immunomodulation and gut microbiota regulation. These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of A. cinnamomea and its potential applications in health supplements and functional foods. This review evaluated recent advancements in the cultivation, extraction, and characterization of bioactive compounds from A. cinnamomea, with a particular focus on submerged and solid-state fermentation methods. We hope to provide a comprehensive framework for promoting the efficient and scientific evidence based utilization of A. cinnamomea in novel therapeutic strategies and health-related innovations. Full article

With geometric significance, the Euler Sombor index of a graph $\Gamma$ is defined as $EP(\Gamma )={\sum }_{\left\{uv\right\}\in E(\Gamma )}\sqrt{d{\left(u\right)}^2+d{\left(v\right)}^2+d\left(u\right)d\left(v\right)}$. It originates from the mathematical distance property and has been proven to have good chemical applications in octane isomers. In this paper, the minimum and maximum of the Euler Sombor index for unicyclic graphs with given girth, as well as the corresponding extremal graphs, are determined. As an application, the experimental values of this index for some benzenoid hydrocarbons and drug molecules were compared with the boiling point. Through regression analysis, it was further demonstrated that the Euler Sombor index has excellent predictability in the physicochemical properties of compounds. Full article

Background/Objectives: Euphorbia neriifolia is a succulent plant from the therapeutically rich family of Euphorbia comprising 2000 species globally. E. neriifolia is used in Indigenous Guyanese asthma therapy. Methods: To investigate E. neriifolia’s therapeutic potential, traditionally heated leaf, simple leaf, and latex extracts were evaluated for phytohormones and therapeutic compounds. Full scan, data-dependent acquisition, and parallel reaction monitoring modes via liquid chromatography Orbitrap mass spectrometry were used for screening. Results: Pathway analysis of putative features from all extracts revealed a bias towards the phenylpropanoid, terpenoid, and flavonoid biosynthetic pathways. A total of 850 compounds were annotated using various bioinformatics tools, ranging from confidence levels 1 to 3. Lipids and lipid-like molecules (34.35%), benzenoids (10.24%), organic acids and derivatives (12%), organoheterocyclic compounds (12%), and phenylpropanoids and polyketides (10.35%) dominated the contribution of compounds among the 13 superclasses. Semi-targeted screening revealed 14 out of 16 literature-relevant therapeutic metabolites detected, with greater upregulation in traditional heated extracts. Targeted screening of 39 phytohormones resulted in 25 being detected and quantified. Simple leaf extract displayed 4.4 and 45 times greater phytohormone levels than traditional heated leaf and latex extracts, respectively. Simple leaf extracts had the greatest nucleotide and riboside cytokinin and acidic phytohormone levels. In contrast, traditional heated extracts exhibited the highest free base and glucoside cytokinin levels and uniquely contained methylthiolated and aromatic cytokinins while lacking acidic phytohormones. Latex samples had trace gibberellic acid levels, the lowest free base, riboside, and nucleotide levels, with absences of aromatic, glucoside, or methylthiolated cytokinin forms. Conclusions: In addition to metabolites with possible therapeutic value for asthma treatment, we present the first look at cytokinin phytohormones in the species and Euphorbia genus alongside metabolite screening to present a comprehensive assessment of heated leaf extract used in Indigenous Guyanese asthma therapy. Full article

The target of this review is to familiarize researchers from the field, especially for those who want to find out information about the synthesis pathways of azulenes. The properties of the azulene system are very different from those of its isomer, naphthalene. This difference is a consequence of the monoaxial symmetry of azulene geometry and its non-alternating aromatic structure as opposed to the biaxial symmetry and benzenoid structure of naphthalene. The processing of the information from the literature on azulene synthesis is based on the raw materials from which the procedures start. In many cases, instead of the description of reaction pathways, presentation in the form of schemes was preferred, in which the steps and reaction conditions chosen for them, as well as the yields obtained, were highlighted. Full article

Cheminformatics bridges chemistry, computer science, and information technology to predict chemical behaviors using quantitative structure–property relationships (QSPRs). This study advances QSPR modeling by introducing novel connection-based graphical invariants, specifically designed to enhance the predictive accuracy for physicochemical properties (PCPs) of benzenoid hydrocarbons (BHs). Employing cutting-edge computational methods, we evaluate these invariants against established descriptors in modeling the normal boiling point and standard heat of formation. The findings reveal superior predictive performance by newly proposed invariants, such as the sum-connectivity connection index, outperforming traditional indices like the Zagreb connection indices. Furthermore, we extend these methods to model the physicochemical properties of coumarin-related anti-cancer drugs, demonstrating their potential in drug development. The statistical analysis suggests that the most appropriate structure–property models are nonlinear. This work not only proposes robust tools for PCP estimation but also advocates for rigorous testing of descriptors to ensure relevance in cheminformatics. Full article

Wintersweet (Chimonanthus praecox) is known for its flowering in winter and its rich floral aroma; the whole flower is yellow and the inner petals are red. In this study, we chose the wintersweet genotypes HLT040 and HLT015 as the research materials, and studied the co-regulatory mechanism of color and fragrance of wintersweet through metabolomics and transcriptomics. This study found that there were more flavonoids in HLT015, and anthocyanins (cyanidin-3-O-rutinoside and cyanidin-3-O-glucoside) were only present in HLT015, but HLT040 contained more monoterpenes and FVBPs (phenylpropanoid volatile compounds) than HLT015. We constructed putative benzenoids and phenylpropanoid metabolism pathway as well as terpene metabolism pathways. We found some linkages between the different structural genes and metabolites for flower color and fragrance in wintersweet, and screened out 39 TFs that may be related to one or more structural genes in benzenoids and phenylpropanoid or terpene metabolism pathways. In the yeast one-hybrid assay, we found that CpERF7 was able to interact with the promoter of CpANS1, while CpbHLH50 and CpMYB21 interacted with the promoter of CpTPS4. This study provides a theoretical basis for understanding the co-regulatory mechanism of color and fragrance in wintersweet. Full article

A convenient total synthesis of the imidazo[1,2-f]phenanthridine-type Amaryllidaceae alkaloid zephycandidine A (3) was developed, which further allowed us to perform modifications of substituents on benzenoid ring A and imidazole ring D. The biological activities of all synthesized compounds were evaluated, and it was reported that activities against cancer cells of the parent alkaloid were poorly reproducible, while the closely related analogue THK-121 (11) showed a strong inhibitory effect on proliferation. Additionally, our novel analogue significantly induced cell death via the intrinsic apoptosis pathway, evident by the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, increased mitochondrial oxidative stress, and disrupted mitochondrial structure in the same cells. At the same time, healthy cells were less affected by the treatment with THK-121 (11), indicating a potential therapeutic margin. Full article