Search Results (14,361)

During large-scale pavement construction, the preparation of SBS-modified asphalt typically produces large amounts of harmful fumes. The emergence of deodorants can effectively alleviate the problem of smoke emissions during the asphalt manufacturing process. On the basis of ensuring the original road performance, exploring more suitable dosages and types of deodorant is urgently needed. Five commercial deodorants were evaluated using an asphalt smoke collection system, and UV-visible spectrophotometry (UV) was employed to screen the deodorants based on smoke concentration. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used to quantitatively analyze changes in harmful smoke components before and after adding two deodorants. Subsequently, the mechanisms of action of the two different types of deodorants were analyzed microscopically using fluorescence microscopy. Finally, the performance of bitumen and asphalt mixtures after adding deodorants was evaluated. The results showed that deodorant A (reactive type) and D (adsorption type) exhibited the best smoke suppression effects, with optimal addition rates of 0.6% and 0.5%, respectively. Deodorant A reduced benzene homologues by nearly 50% and esters by approximately 40%, while deodorant D reduced benzene homologues by approximately 70% and esters by approximately 60%, without producing new toxic gases. Both deodorants had a minimal impact on the basic properties of bitumen and the road performance of asphalt mixtures, with all indicators meeting technical specifications. This research provides a theoretical basis for the effective application of deodorants in the future, truly enabling a transition from laboratory research to large-scale engineering applications in the construction of environmentally friendly roads. Full article

This study evaluated biomass accumulation and phenolic compound production in seven Hypericum species (H. androsaemum, H. calycinum, H. hirsutum, H. kalmianum, H. olympicum, H. perforatum, and H. triquetrifolium) cultivated in vitro under varying growth regulator treatments and culture periods. Shoots were grown on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with benzyladenine (BA) or meta-topoline (mT) and analyzed after 40 and 60 days. MS medium supplemented with 0.2 mg/L BA was the most effective condition for promoting biomass across all species, with shoot fresh weight increasing significantly at 60 days, particularly in H. olympicum, H. perforatum, and H. triquetrifolium. High-performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detection and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS) identified 13 phenolic compounds, including flavonols, hydroxycinnamic acids, anthocyanins, phloroglucinols, and naphthodianthrones. Phenolic profiles were species-specific and influenced by culture period. H. kalmianum accumulated the highest total phenolic content (37.6 mg/g DW), while H. olympicum was the top producer of hypericin and pseudohypericin. These results highlight the crucial role of culture conditions in regulating both biomass and phytochemical production and provide a promising approach for producing bioactive metabolites in Hypericum species through in vitro systems. Full article

Cooked-rice aroma strongly affects consumer choice, yet the chemical traits distinguishing glutinous rice from normal-amylose japonica rice remain underexplored because earlier studies targeted only a few dozen volatiles using one-dimensional gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). In this study, four glutinous and seven normal Japanese cultivars were cooked under identical conditions, their headspace volatiles trapped with MonoTrap and qualitatively profiled by comprehensive GC × GC-TOFMS. The two-dimensional platform resolved 1924 peaks—about ten-fold previous coverage—and, together with hierarchical clustering, PCA, heatmap visualization and volcano plots, cleanly separated the starch classes (78.3% cumulative PCA variance; Euclidean distance >140). Volcano plots highlighted 277 compounds enriched in the glutinous cultivars and 295 in Koshihikari, including 270 compounds that were not previously documented in rice. Normal cultivars were dominated by ethers, aldehydes, amines and other nitrogenous volatiles associated with grainy, grassy and toasty notes. Glutinous cultivars showed abundant ketones, furans, carboxylic acids, thiols, steroids, nitro compounds, pyrroles and diverse hydrocarbons and aromatics, yielding sweeter, fruitier and floral accents. These results expand the volatile library for japonica rice, provide molecular markers for flavor-oriented breeding and demonstrate the power of GC × GC-TOFMS coupled with chemometrics for grain aroma research. Full article

Ready-to-eat meat products face quality challenges during storage and reheating. This study aimed to (i) characterize the physicochemical/microbiological changes in stewed mutton during storage (4 °C/−18 °C, 0–28 days) and (ii) evaluate reheating methods (boiling vs. microwaving) on day-7 samples. The nutritional analysis confirmed moisture reduction (57.32 vs. 72.12 g/100 g)-concentrated protein/fat levels. Storage at −18 °C suppressed microbial growth (the total plate count (TPC), 3.73 vs. 4.80 log CFU/g at 28 days; p < 0.05) and lipid oxidation (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS): 0.14 vs. 0.19 mg/kg) more effectively than storage at 4 °C. The total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N) kinetics projected a shelf life ≥90 days (4 °C) and ≥120 days (−18 °C). Microwave reheating after frozen storage (−18 °C) maximized the yield (86.21% vs. 75.90% boiling; p < 0.05) and preserved volatile profiles closest to those in the fresh samples (gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS)/electronic nose). The combination of freezing storage and subsequent microwave reheating has been demonstrated to be an effective method for preserving the quality of a precooked lamb dish, thereby ensuring its nutritional value. Full article

Background/Objectives: Possessing red and white ecotypes, and utilized in traditional Guyanese medicine, Doliocarpus dentatus’ red ecotype is preferred locally for its purported superior therapeutic efficacy. Although therapeutic metabolites were detected in D. dentatus previously, phytohormones remain largely unexplored, until now. Cytokinins, phytohormones responsible for plant cell division, growth and differentiation, are gaining traction for their therapeutic potential in human health. This study screened and quantified endogenous cytokinins and correlated detected cytokinins with selected secondary metabolites. Methods: Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry was used to acquire phytohormone and metabolite data. Bioinformatics tools were used to assess untargeted metabolomics datasets via statistical and pathway analyses, and chemical groupings of putative metabolites. Results: In total, 20 of the 35 phytohormones were detected and quantified in both ecotypes, with the red ecotype displaying higher free base and glucoside cytokinin concentrations and exhibited 6.2 times the total CK content when compared to the white ecotype. Pathway analysis revealed flavonoid and monoterpenoid biosynthesis in red and white ecotypes, respectively. Positive correlations between specific cytokinins and alkaloids, and between trans-Zeatin and isopentenyladenosine riboside with phenolic compounds were observed. Conclusions: These results suggest that the red ecotype’s elevated cytokinin levels coupled with flavonoid biosynthesis enrichment support its preference in Guyanese traditional medicine. Full article

Ensuring bacterial safety of blood transfusions remains a critical focus in medicine. We investigated a novel pathogen reduction technology utilizing nylon functionalized with synthetic dyes (nylon affinity networks) to capture and remove bacteria from plasma. In the initial screening process, we spiked phosphate buffer solution (PBS) and human plasma (1 mL each) with 10 or 100 colony forming units (cfu) of either Escherichia coli or Staphylococcus epidermidis, exposed the suspensions to affinity networks and assessed the extent of bacterial reduction using agar plate cultures as the assay output. Nineteen synthetic dyes were tested. Among these, Alcian Blue exhibited the best performance with both bacterial strains in both PBS and plasma. Next, bacterial suspensions of approximately 1 and 2 cfu/mL in 10 and 50 mL, respectively, were treated with Alcian Blue affinity networks in three sequential capture steps. This procedure resulted in complete bacterial depletion, as demonstrated by the lack of bacterial growth in the remaining fraction. The viability of the captured bacteria was confirmed by plating the post-treatment affinity networks on agar. Alcian Blue affinity networks captured and sequestered a few plasma proteins identified by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. These findings support the potential applicability of nylon affinity networks to enhance transfusion safety, although additional investigations are needed. Full article

Proteomic profiling using ultrafast chromatography–mass spectrometry provides valuable insights into plant responses to abiotic factors by linking molecular changes with physiological outcomes. Nanopriming, a novel approach involving the treatment of seeds with nanoparticles, has demonstrated potential for enhancing plant metabolism and productivity. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying nanoparticle-induced effects remain poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the impact of gold nanoparticle (Au-NP) seed priming on the proteome of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) seedlings. Differentially regulated proteins (DRPs) were identified, revealing a pronounced reorganization of the photosynthetic apparatus (PSA). Both the light-dependent reactions and the Calvin cycle were affected, with significant upregulation of chloroplast-associated protein complexes, including PsbC (CP43), chlorophyll a/b-binding proteins, Photosystem I subunits (PsaA and PsaB), and the γ-subunit of ATP synthase. The large subunit of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (RuBisCo) exhibited over a threefold increase in expression in Au-NP-treated seedlings. The proteomic changes in the large subunit RuBisCo L were corroborated by transcriptomic data. Importantly, the proteomic changes were supported by physiological and biochemical analyses, ultrastructural modifications in chloroplasts, and increased photosynthetic activity. Our findings suggest that Au-NP nanopriming triggers coordinated molecular responses, enhancing the functional activity of the PSA. Identified DRPs may serve as potential biomarkers for further elucidation of nanopriming mechanisms and for the development of precision strategies to improve crop productivity. Full article

Essential oils (EOs) constitute intricate mixtures of volatile phytochemicals that have garnered significant attention due to their multifaceted biological effects. Notably, the presence of bioactive constituents capable of inhibiting tyrosinase enzyme activity and scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS) underpins their potential utility in skin-related applications, particularly through the modulation of melanin biosynthesis and protection of skin-relevant cells from oxidative damage—a primary contributor to hyperpigmentation disorders. Zingiber officinale Rosc. (ginger) and Humulus lupulus L. (hop) are medicinal plants widely recognized for their diverse pharmacological properties. To the best of our knowledge, this study provides the first report on the synergistic interactions between essential oils derived from these species (referred to as EOZ and EOH) offering novel insights into their combined bioactivity. The purpose of this study was to evaluate essential oils extracted from ginger rhizomes and hop strobiles with respect to the following: (1) chemical composition, determined by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS); (2) tyrosinase inhibitory activity; (3) capacity to inhibit linoleic acid peroxidation; (4) ABTS^•+ radical scavenging potential. Furthermore, the study utilizes both the combination index (CI) and dose reduction index (DRI) as quantitative parameters to evaluate the nature of interactions and the dose-sparing efficacy of essential oil (EO) combinations. GC–MS analysis identified EOZ as a zingiberene-rich chemotype, containing abundant sesquiterpene hydrocarbons such as α-zingiberene, β-bisabolene, and α-curcumene, while EOH exhibited a caryophyllene diol/cubenol-type profile, dominated by oxygenated sesquiterpenes including β-caryophyllene-9,10-diol and 1-epi-cubenol. In vitro tests demonstrated that both oils, individually and in combination, showed notable anti-tyrosinase, radical scavenging, and lipid peroxidation inhibitory effects. These results support their multifunctional bioactivity profiles with possible relevance to skin care formulations, warranting further investigation. Full article

The large number of underutilized tree residues in Japan is a matter of concern, and their appropriate application needs to be promoted. Trees are very diverse, and there are differences in the volatile essential oil compounds and biological activities among different tree species. However, the effects of these tree species’ characteristics on human sensitivity and mental and physical functionality remain underexplored. This study investigated the effects of essential oils from multiple tree species on subjective and physiological responses. The essential oils from nine tree species were tested, subjective scent assessments were conducted, and their effect on autonomic nervous activity was measured. The volatile profiles of the oils were analyzed using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Our findings revealed clear differences in the composition of volatile essential oils among species, which influenced the scent evaluation and individual preferences. We suggest that scent preferences have the potential to influence physiological responses. The findings indicate that volatile essential oils could play a potential role in making use of tree resources effectively, and they may also be beneficial for maintaining human health. Full article

Analysis of changes in TVOC and VOCs chemical composition or odor characteristics of particleboard before and after decoration treatment with resin-impregnated paper (RIP), polypropylene (PP) film and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) film were studied. The effects of these three decoration treatments on masking or suppressing the release of VOCs and odorants from particleboard were explored. The substances that were covered or suppressed and newly introduced before and after processing were identified to provide a basis for reducing the odor emissions of PVC-, PP- and RIP-decorated particleboard. Taking undecorated particleboard and particleboard treated by three types of decorative materials as research subjects, the air permeability of the three decorative materials was tested using the Gurley Permeability Tester. TVOC emissions from the boards were evaluated using the 1 m³ environmental chamber method. Qualitative and quantitative analyses of the samples were conducted via thermal desorption–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (TD-GCMS). The contribution of odor substances was determined using odor activity value (OAV). The results indicated that the permeability from high to low was PVC film, PP film and RIP. Compared with undecorated particleboard, the TVOC emissions of PVC-decorated boards decreased by 93%, PP-decorated particleboard by 83% but the TVOC emissions of RIP-decorated particleboard increased by 67%. PP decoration treatment masked or suppressed the release of 20 odor substances but introduced xylene, which can increase potentially the health risks for PP-decorated particleboard. PVC decoration treatment masked or suppressed 19 odor substances, but it introduced 12 new compounds, resulting in an overall increase in TVOC emissions. RIP treatment did not introduce new odor substances. After PP film and RIP treatments, both the variety of VOCs released and the number of key odor-contributing compounds and modifying odorants decreased. In contrast, the number of modifying odorants and potential odorants increased after PVC treatment. VOC emissions were effectively masked or suppressed by three decoration treatments, same as the release of substances contributing to overall odor of particleboard was reduced. Among them, PP and RIP decorative materials demonstrate better effects. Full article

The increasing prevalence of antibiotic resistance and the limited availability of antiviral therapeutics for pathogens such as human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV) underscore the need for novel, plant-derived antimicrobial substances. In this study, we evaluated the antiproliferative, antibacterial, and antiviral activities of aqueous leaf extracts from two plants commonly found in North America, Osage orange (M. pomifera) and spearmint (M. spicata). Both extracts exhibited no significant cytotoxic or morphologic impact on HEp-2 human cancer cells up to 25 mg/mL. However, both extracts demonstrated strong dose-dependent antibacterial activity, significantly inhibiting replication of E. coli and S. aureus at concentrations ≥ 1 mg/mL. Antiviral assays revealed that both extracts inhibited hRSV infectivity, with spearmint extract showing higher potency (EC₅₀ = 1.01 mg/mL) compared to Osage orange (EC₅₀ = 3.85 mg/mL). Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) identified three major extract constituents: 3-hydroxybenzyl alcohol, 4-hydroxybenzyl alcohol (Osage orange), and R-(-)-carvone (spearmint). Among these, only carvone significantly inhibited hRSV in vitro, suggesting its key role in spearmint’s antiviral activity. These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of Osage orange and spearmint leaf extracts, particularly as sources of water-soluble compounds with antimicrobial properties, and support further investigation into their mechanisms of action and broader clinical relevance. Full article

Wild Ganoderma lucidum from Nepal’s high-altitude regions was studied to identify key bioactive compounds and assess the influence of solvent type—water, ethanol, methanol, and acetone—on extraction efficiency and biological activity. Extracts were evaluated for antioxidant potential, cytotoxicity against HeLa cells, and phytochemical composition via gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Solvent type significantly affected both yield and bioactivity. Acetone yielded the highest crude extract (5.01%), while ethanol extract exhibited the highest total phenolic (376.5 ± 9.3 mg PG/g) and flavonoid content (30.3 ± 0.5 mg QE/g). Methanol extract was richest in lycopene (0.07 ± 0.00 mg/g) and β-carotene (0.45 ± 0.02 mg/g). Ethanol extract demonstrated consistently strong DPPH, superoxide, hydroxyl, and nitric oxide radical scavenging activity, along with high reducing power. All extracts showed dose-dependent cytotoxicity against HeLa cells, with ethanol and water extracts showing the greatest inhibition (>65% at 1000 µg/mL). GC-MS profiling identified solvent-specific bioactive compounds including sterols, terpenoids, polyphenols, and fatty acids. Notably, pharmacologically relevant compounds such as hinokione, ferruginol, ergosterol, and geranylgeraniol were detected. These findings demonstrate the therapeutic potential of G. lucidum, underscore the importance of solvent selection, and suggest that high-altitude ecological conditions may influence its bioactive metabolite profile. Full article

Tacrolimus (TAC)-induced chronic nephrotoxicity (TAC nephrotoxicity) remains a major contributor to late allograft dysfunction in kidney transplant recipients. Although detailed mechanisms remain incompletely understood, our previous metabolomic studies revealed disruptions in carnitine-related and redox pathways, suggesting impaired mitochondrial β-oxidation of fatty acids. To further characterize metabolic alterations associated with this condition, we conducted an untargeted lipidomic analysis of renal tissues using a murine model of TAC nephrotoxicity. TAC (1 mg/kg/day) or saline was subcutaneously administered to male ICR mice for 28 days, and kidney tissues were harvested for comprehensive lipidomic profiling. Lipidomic analysis was performed with liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (p < 0.05, n = 5/group). Triacylglycerols (TGs) were the predominant lipid class identified. TAC-treated mice exhibited reduced levels of unsaturated TG species with low carbon numbers, whereas TGs with higher carbon numbers and various degrees of unsaturation were increased. All detected TGs containing docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) showed an increasing trend in TAC-treated kidneys. Although accumulation of polyunsaturated TGs has been previously observed in chronic kidney disease, the preferential increase in DHA-containing TGs appears to be a unique feature of TAC-induced nephrotoxicity. These results suggest that DHA-enriched TGs may serve as a metabolic signature of TAC nephrotoxicity and offer new insights into its pathophysiology. Full article

Background/Objectives: COVID-19 is a systemic viral infection that may lead to serious complications including acute kidney injury that requires kidney replacement therapy. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate urinary SerpinA3 (uSerpinA3) excretion as a biomarker of kidney recovery at 90 days, and the mortality in patients with critical COVID-19 and AKI requiring kidney replacement therapy (KRT). Methods: The study included patients with critical COVID-19 on invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) requiring KRT. Blood and urine samples were obtained when KRT was initiated (day zero), and thereafter on days 1, 3, 7, and 14 post-replacement. uSerpinA3, kidney injury molecule-1 (uKIM-1), and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (uNGAL) were measured in urine, and interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-10 (IL-10), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) in peripheral blood. In addition, metabolomics in sample days zero and 3, and in the survivors on sample day 90 was performed by employing gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. Results: A total of 60 patients were recruited, of whom 29 (48%) survived hospitalization and recovered kidney function by day 90. In the survivors, 79% presented complete recovery (CRR) and the remaining (21%) recovered partially (PRR). In terms of uSerpinA3, levels on days 7 and 14 predicted CRR, with AUC values of 0.68 (p = 0.041) and 0.71 (p = 0.030), respectively, as well as mortality, with AUC values of 0.75 (p = 0.007) and 0.76 (p = 0.015), respectively. Among the other biomarkers, the excretion of uKIM-1 on day zero of KRT had a superior performance as a CRR predictor [(AUC, 0.71 (p = 0.017)], and as a mortality predictor [AUC, 0.68 (p = 0.028)]. In the metabolomics analysis, we identified four distinct profiles; the metabolite that maintained statistical significance in predicting mortality was p-cresol glucuronide. Conclusions: This study strongly suggests that uSerpinA3 and uKIM-1 can predict CRR and mortality in patients with critical COVID-19 and AKI requiring KRT. Metabolic analysis appears promising for identifying affected pathways and their clinical impact in this population. Full article

High semen quality is vital for reproductive success in the swine industry; however, seasonal fluctuations often compromise this quality. The molecular mechanism underlying these seasonal effects on semen quality remains largely unclear. This study employed untargeted metabolomic profiling of boar seminal plasma (SP) to identify metabolites and metabolic pathways associated with semen quality during the summer and winter months. Semen samples were collected from mature Duroc boars at a commercial boar stud and classified as Passed or Failed based on motility and morphology. SP from five samples per group was analyzed using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS). In total, 373 metabolites were detected in positive ion mode and 478 in negative ion mode. Several differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs) were identified, including ergothioneine, indole-3-methyl acetate, and avocadyne in the summer, as well as LysoPC, dopamine, and betaine in the winter. These metabolites are associated with key sperm functions, including energy metabolism, antioxidant defense, and capacitation. KEGG pathway analysis indicated enrichment in starch and sucrose metabolism, pyrimidine metabolism, and amino acid metabolism across the seasons. Overall, the results reveal that SP metabolomic profiles vary with the season, thereby influencing semen quality. The identified metabolites may serve as potential biomarkers for assessing semen quality and enhancing reproductive efficiency in swine production. Full article