Canopy reflectance, stalk sugar and juice yields in specialty corn hybrids as affected by nitrogen management strategies

BACKGROUND

The newly developed sugarcorn is conceived for dual-purpose use as a potential biofuel feedstock and a high-energy silage crop. Its agronomic traits are, however, not fully appraised under the umbrella of nitrogen (N) management and with canopy reflectance indicator. A 3-year field study was conducted to examine the responses of silage biomass, stalk sugar concentration, sugar and juice yields to various N applications; and determine the quantitative relationships between canopy reflectance, expressed as the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), and stalk sucrose or other sugar measures in a dual-purpose sugarcorn (cv. 'CO384xC103'), in comparison with a commercial leafy silage-specific hybrid (cv. 'Pride A5892G3 EDF').

RESULTS

The moderate N rate, 125 kg ha^-1 , produced similar stalk sucrose, silage and grain yields, compared to the high rate (250 kg N ha^-1 ), regardless of application methods. The NDVI signatures measured at the V8-V10 stage exhibited significant (P < 0.01) and exponential relationships with stalk sucrose concentrations, sucrose and juice yields at the R3 stage, and with silage yield at approximately 65% whole-plant moisture, the optimum silage-harvest window.

CONCLUSION

The results indicate that the moderate N rate, 125 kg ha^-1 , which is recommended for conventional grain corn production in the region, was likely close to the economic optimum N rate for leafy silage-specific and sugarcorn. Canopy reflectance, measured at the early growth stages, can be used as a potential indicator of sugar and silage production, and this quantitative relationship necessitates further evaluation with more genotypes and under wide environmental conditions. © 2019 Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

Comparison of chemical constitution and bioactivity among different parts of Lonicera japonica Thunb

BACKGROUND

Lonicera japonica Thunb is a common herb in East Asia. The flower buds are usually regarded as the traditional medicinal part, while leaves and stems are considered less valuable and receive little attention. This study compared the chemical constituents and anti-inflammatory effects of the different tissues in L. japonica Thunb for the first time.

RESULTS

Thirty compounds were identified by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-photodiode detector-quadrupole / time of flight-mass spectrometry (UPLC-PDA-Q/TOF-MS/MS) analysis. Hydroxycinnamic acids, flavonoids, and iridoids were identified as the major components. The flower buds (FLJ), leaves (LLJ), and stems (SLJ) of L. japonica Thunb showed strong similarities in chemical components. The LLJ contained higher levels of hydroxycinnamic acids and flavonoids than the FLJ and SLJ. Furthermore, FLJ, LLJ, and SLJ exhibited potent anti-inflammatory activity in croton oil-induced ear edema and carrageenan-induced paw edema assays in mice. Moreover, FLJ, LLJ, and SLJ showed a cytoprotective effect on lipopolysaccharide- (LPS-) stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Lipopolysaccharide-induced increases in nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were suppressed by treatments of FLJ, LLJ, and SLJ, respectively. The LLJ possessed a stronger anti-inflammatory effect than the FLJ.

CONCLUSION

Leaves and stems of L. japonica Thunb have chemical components and anti-inflammatory properties similar to flower buds, and may become alternative or supplementary sources of flower buds. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

Phytochemical study, molecular docking, genotoxicity and therapeutic efficacy of the aqueous extract of the stem bark of Ximenia americana L. in the treatment of experimental COPD in rats

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Ximenia americana L. is popularly known as yellow plum, brave plum or tallow wood. All the parts of this plant are used in popular medicine. Its reddish and smooth bark are used to treat skin infections, inflammation of the mucous membranes and in the wound healing process.

OBJECTIVE

Verification of phytochemical profile, the molecular interaction between flavonoid, (-) epi-catechin and 5-LOX enzyme, by means of in silico study, the genotoxic effect and to investigate the pharmacological action of the aqueous extract of the stem bark of X. americana in pulmonary alterations caused by experimental COPD in Rattus norvegicus.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The identification of secondary metabolites was carried out by TLC and HPLC chromatographic methods, molecular anchoring tests were applied to analyze the interaction of flavonoid present in the extract with the enzyme involved in pulmonary inflammation process and the genotoxic effect was assessed by comet assay and micronucleus test. For induction of COPD, male rats were distributed in seven groups. The control group was exposed only to ambient air and six were subjected to passive smoke inhalations for 20 min/day for 60 days. One of the groups exposed to cigarette smoke did not receive treatment. The others were treated by inhalation with beclomethasone dipropionate (400 mcg/kg) and aqueous and lyophilized extracts of X. americana (500 mg/kg) separately or in combination for a period of 15 days. The structural and inflammatory pulmonary alterations were evaluated by histological examination. Additional morphometric analyses were performed, including the alveolar diameter and the thickness of the right ventricle wall.

RESULTS

The results showed that the aqueous extract of the bark of X. americana possesses (-) epi -catechin, in silico studies with 5-LOX indicate that the EpiC ligand showed better affinity parameters than the AracA ligand, which is in accordance with the results obtained in vivo studies. Genotoxity was not observed at the dose tested and the extract was able to stagnate the alveolar enlargement caused by the destruction of the interalveolar septa, attenuation of mucus production and decrease the presence of collagen fibers in the bronchi of animals submitted to cigarette smoke.

CONCLUSION

Altogether, the results proved that the aqueous extract of X. americana presents itself as a new option of therapeutic approach in the treatment of COPD.

Exploring the metabolomic diversity of plant species across spatial (leaf and stem) components and phylogenic groups

BACKGROUND

Plants have been used as an important source of indispensable bioactive compounds in various cosmetics, foods, and medicines. However, the subsequent functional annotation of these compounds seems arduous because of the largely uncharacterized, vast metabolic repertoire of plant species with known biological phenotypes. Hence, a rapid multi-parallel screening and characterization approach is needed for plant functional metabolites.

RESULTS

Fifty-one species representing three plant families, namely Asteraceae, Fabaceae, and Rosaceae, were subjected to metabolite profiling using gas chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC-TOF-MS) and ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole orbitrap ion trap tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-orbitrap-MS/MS) as well as multivariate analyses. Partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) of the metabolite profiling datasets indicated a distinct clustered pattern for 51 species depending on plant parts (leaves and stems) and relative phylogeny. Examination of their relative metabolite contents showed that the extracts from Fabaceae plants were abundant in amino acids, fatty acids, and genistein compounds. However, the extracts from Rosaceae had higher levels of catechin and ellagic acid derivatives, whereas those from Asteraceae were higher in kaempferol derivatives and organic acids. Regardless of the different families, aromatic amino acids, branch chain amino acids, chlorogenic acid, flavonoids, and phenylpropanoids related to the shikimate pathway were abundant in leaves. Alternatively, certain amino acids (proline, lysine, and arginine) as well as fatty acids levels were higher in stem extracts. Further, we investigated the associated phenotypes, i.e., antioxidant activities, affected by the observed spatial (leaves and stem) and intra-family metabolomic disparity in the plant extracts. Pearson's correlation analysis indicated that ellagic acid, mannitol, catechin, epicatechin, and quercetin derivatives were positively correlated with antioxidant phenotypes, whereas eriodictyol was positively correlated with tyrosinase inhibition activity.

CONCLUSIONS

This work suggests that metabolite profiling, including multi-parallel approaches and integrated bioassays, may help the expeditious characterization of plant-derived metabolites while simultaneously unraveling their chemodiversity.

Bioactive compounds and total antioxidant capacity of cane residues from different grape varieties

BACKGROUND

Every year, the viticulture activity generates considerable amounts of underused lignocellulosic residues as grape cane, which are generally composted or burned despite their potential value as a source of bioactive compounds. Determination of their phytochemical composition and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) may be a useful way of exploiting different high-added value applications.

RESULTS

Twenty-one phenolic compounds (PC) and two carotenoids (Car) were quantified by high performance-liquid chromatography-diode array detection in eight grape varieties from different locations in Mendoza, Argentina. The maximum concentrations corresponded to the stilbene ϵ-viniferin [10 552 μg g^-1 dry weight (DW)], followed by the flavanols (+)-catechin (3718 μg g^-1 DW) and (-)-epicatechin (2486 μg g^-1 DW). In addition, lutein and β-carotene were quantified at levels ranging between 350 and 2400 ng g^-1 DW. The TAC of the extracts was assessed by oxygen radical absorbance capacity, 2,20-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl assays, with a good correlation between TAC and total PC for each sample (r ≥ 0.82).

CONCLUSION

Samples of cv. Malbec, the most representative variety of Argentina's winemaking industry, presented high contents of PC, particularly ϵ-viniferin, (+)-catechin and (-)-epicatechin. Quercetin-3-galactoside, OH-tyrosol and Car were reported for the first time in grape canes of the eight varieties. The results add to the existing knowledge related to this inexpensive source of high-value bioactive compounds, which could be used as functional ingredients. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

ANATOMICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITY OF THE STEMS AND LEAVES OF DAPHNE ALBOWIANA WORONOW EX POBED

The aim of the study was to determine the stable diagnostic traits and the biological activity of the stems and leaves of Daphne albowiana Woronow ex Pobed., a plant native to Georgia. Biological assays of the methanol, chloroform and hexane extracts show the plant to possess cytotoxic and antioxidant activities, but no noteworthy antibacterial or antifungal activities. All extracts show cytotoxic activity on A549 (lung carcinoma) cells. The following stable diagnostic characteristic were identified during the microstructural analysis: leaf surface glabrous, hypostomatic, dorsoventral; epidermal cells chaotic; curved with curved walls on both the upper and lower epidermis; stomata paracytic; well visible spherical crystals of inulin in leaf epidermis; leaf vascular bundles reverse-collateral; vascular system monocyclic, bilateral; wood diffuse-porous; xylem parenchyma is apotracheal, slightly diffuse; vessel walls are predominantly spirally thickened; collenchyma lamellar; radial rays in single rows, heterogeneous. The identified cytotoxic and antioxidant activity showcase this species to be of significant interest to the medicinal field. The identified anatomical peculiarities provide valuable information for the correct identification and standardization of the Daphne albowiana plant material.

Schinortriterpenoids from Tujia ethnomedicine Xuetong-The stems of Kadsura heteroclita

In the present work, we take advantage of the characteristic NMR signal (δ_C-10 = 96.0-99.9) for guiding the isolation of schinortriterpenoids (SNTs) from n-butanol fraction of stems of Kadsura heteroclita which is a Tujia ethnomedicine with trivial name "Xuetong". This effort resulted in the identification of three unreported 3,4:9,10-disecocycloartane triterpenoids xuetongdilactones A-C and three undescribed SNTs xuetongdilactones D-F, along with two known SNTs, namely, wuweizidilactone B and micrandilactone B. The structures of the unreported compounds were established based on 1D, and 2D NMR, HRESIMS, and ECD spectroscopic data analysis. The absolute stereochemistry of xuetongdilactone A was determined by X-ray diffraction analysis along with ECD calculation. The antioxidant and cytotoxic activities were evaluated for all the isolated compounds.

Antibacterial and antibiofilm activities of Scorzonera mackmeliana

Scorzonera have been confirmed to have potent bioactivity. Scorzonera mackmeliana (Asteraceae), the endemic plant to Lebanon, has not yet been investigated. In the present study, we assessed the antibacterial activity of S. mackmeliana extracts against referenced bacterial strains. Extracts from different parts of the plant were evaluated against Staphylococcus, Enterococcus, Escherichia and Pseudomonas species. Phytochemical screening was done by standard biochemical tests and minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) and minimal biofilm eradication concentration (MBEC) were determined by micro dilution method. The extracts possessed mainly alkaloids, phenols, flavonoids and coumarins. Gram-negative bacteria were most sensitive, whose MICs ranged between 48.98 and 341.85 mg/ml. Water stems extract, rich in phenols, was the most active with an MIC of 48.98 mg/ml. MBC was only recorded for water flowers extract, rich in resins, against P. aeruginosa and ethanolic roots extract, rich in terpenoids, against S. epidermidis with values of 160.85 mg/ml and 284.35 mg/ml, respectively. Furthermore, antibiofilm activity showed that the lowest MBEC was 0.1 mg/ml for water stems extract with an eradication ability of 91% (p <0.0001). Hence, this study suggests S. mackmeliana as a promising candidate for future investigations to elucidate the major bioactive compound behind the antibacterial and antibiofilm effect.

Chemical Constituents, Antioxidant, Anticholinesterase and Antiproliferative Effects of Algerian Pistacia atlantica Desf. Extracts

BACKGROUND

Pistacia atlantica Desf. (Anacardiaceae) has various applications for dietetic and medicinal purposes.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the present study was to evaluate antioxidant, antiproliferative and anticholinesterase activities of different extracts from leaf and stem of Pistacia atlantica Desf.

METHODS

The antioxidant activity was performed by four methods: DPPH, ABTS, CUPRAC and reducing power assays. Anti-cholinesterase activity was performed against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and Butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) enzymes. Antiproliferative assays were investigated against HeLa cell lines using xCELLigence RTCA instrument. The secondary metabolites composition was established by HPLC-TOF/MS analysis.

RESULTS

In DPPH, reducing power and in ABTS .+ scavenging activity, all the extracts showed strong inhibitory activity compared to synthetic antioxidants such as butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) and butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), in which the activities were almost equal to the two standards. The results were less significant in CUPRAC assay. The ethyl acetate (EtOAc) extracts exhibited the best antioxidant activity in all tests. Moreover, P. atlantica extracts inhibited AChE and BChE activities in a dose-dependent manner. The strongest AChE and BuChE inhibition activities were obtained for EtOAc extract of the stem (IC50 values 15.14±0.74 and 24.01±0.21 μg/mL, respectively) compared to galantamine (IC50 values 6.27±1.15 and 34.75±1.99 μg/mL, respectively). P. atlantica extracts also showed significant antiproleferative activity against HeLa cell lines, the best antiproleferative activity was obtained for the methanol and EtOAc extracts. The observed biological activities can be attributed to the presence of phenolic compounds and flavonoids in the extracts. The HPLC-TOF/MS analysis identified the presence of 22 phytochemicals. Gallic acid and rutin were the main compounds detected. Cichoric, gentisic, vanillic, protocatechuic and rosmarinic acids as well as catechin and quercetin were also present.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated good antioxidant, anticholinesterase and antiproliferative activities of P. atlantica extracts, which opens up new possibilities for pharmaceutical and food industries.

A pair of new tirucallane triterpenoid epimers from the stems of Picrasma quassioides

A pair of new tirucallane triterpenoid epimers, picraquassins M and N (1> and 2), were isolated from the stems of Picrasma quassioides (D. Don) Benn. Their structures were determined based on comprehensive spectroscopic and X-ray crystallographic analyses. In addition, their AChE inhibitory activity, cytotoxicity against five human tumour cell lines (SW480, MCF-7, HepG2, Hela, and PANC-1), and antimicrobial activity against two bacteria (Staphylococcus. aureus 209P and Escherichia coli ATCC0111) and two fungi (Candida albicans FIM709 and Aspergillus niger R330) were evaluated.

Cytotoxic 20,22-Dihydrodigitoxigenin Glycosides and Other Constituents of Vallaris glabra Stems

Ten cardiac glycosides (1-10) including six 20,22-dihydrodigitoxigenin and four gitoxigenin glycosides were isolated from the stems of Vallaris glabra together with six known triterpenoid cinnamates. Spectroscopic data of these previously undescribed compounds are reported. All isolates were evaluated for their growth inhibitory activities against three cancer cell lines, and compound 2 was the most active against KB cells with an IC₅₀ value of 0.03 ± 0.001 μM. Also, compounds 1, 3, 5, and 6 and the triterpenoid cinnamates 11-13 showed inhibitory activity (IC₅₀ < 10 μM) for one or more of the cell lines used.

Blue and red light affects morphogenesis and 20-hydroxyecdisone content of in vitro Pfaffia glomerata accessions

The combination of different colors from light-emitting diodes (LEDs) may influence growth and production of secondary metabolites in plants. In the present study, the effect of light quality on morphophysiology and content of 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E), a phytoecdysteroid, was evaluated in accessions of an endangered medicinal species, Pfaffia glomerata, grown in vitro. Two accessions (Ac22 and Ac43) were cultured in vitro under three different ratios of red (R) and blue (B) LEDs: (i) 1R:1B, (ii) 1R:3B, and (iii) 3R:1B. An equal ratio of red and blue light (1R:1B) increased biomass accumulation, anthocyanin content, and 20E production (by 30-40%). Moreover, 1R:1B treatment increased the size of vascular bundles and vessel elements, as well as strengthened xylem lignification and thickening of the cell wall of shoots. The 1R:3B treatment induced the highest photosynthetic and electron transport rates and enhanced the activity of oxidative stress-related enzymes. Total Chl content, Chl/Car ratio, and NPQ varied more by accession type than by light source. Spectral quality affected primary metabolism differently in each accession. Specifically, in Ac22 plants, fructose content was higher under 1R:1B and 1R:3B treatments, whereas starch accumulation was higher under 1R:3B, and sucrose under 3R:1B. In Ac43 plants, sugars were not influenced by light spectral quality, but starch content was higher under 3R:1B conditions. In conclusion, red and blue LEDs enhance biomass and 20E production in P. glomerata grown in vitro.

Salacia chinensis L. Stem Extract Exerts Antifibrotic Effects on Human Hepatic Stellate Cells Through the Inhibition of the TGF-β1-Induced SMAD2/3 Signaling Pathway

Salacia chinensis L. (SC) stems have been used as an ingredient in Thai traditional medicine for treating patients with hepatic fibrosis and liver cirrhosis. However, there is no scientific evidence supporting the antifibrotic effects of SC extract. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the antifibrotic activity of SC stem extract in human hepatic stellate cell-line called LX-2. We found that upon TGF-β1 stimulation, LX-2 cells transformed to a myofibroblast-like phenotype with a noticeable increase in α-SMA and collagen type I production. Interestingly, cells treated with SC extract significantly suppressed α-SMA and collagen type I production and reversed the myofibroblast-like characteristics back to normal. Additionally, TGF-β1 also influenced the development of fibrogenesis by upregulation of MMP-2, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2 and related cellular signaling, such as pSmad2/3, pErk1/2, and pJNK. Surprisingly, SC possesses antifibrotic activity through the suppression of TGF-β1-mediated production of collagen type 1, α-SMA, and the phosphorylation status of Smad2/3, Erk1/2, and JNK. Taken together, the present study provides accumulated information demonstrating the antifibrotic effects of SC stem extract and revealing its potential for development for hepatic fibrosis patients.

Epigynumgenane-type pregnane glycosides from Epigynum cochinchinensis and their immunosuppressive activity

Five undescribed C₂₁ pregnane glycosides, epigycosides D-H, together with four known analogues, two lignans, and a flavonoid have been isolated from the stems of Epigynum cochinchinensis. The structures of pregnane glycosides were elucidated using spectroscopic techniques and acid hydrolysis. The in vitro immunological activities were assessed against Con A-stimulated proliferation of mice splenocytes. The C₂₁ pregnane glycosides showed immunosuppressive activity in a concentration-dependent manner. Moreover, epigycoside E exhibited a potent immunosuppressive effect, and the IC₅₀ value on Con A-stimulated mice splenocytes was 22.1 ± 6.4 μM. Epigycoside E also caused G₀/G₁ arrest, and inhibited TNF-α and IL-2 production.

Biosynthesis of the anti-diabetic metabolite montbretin A: glucosylation of the central intermediate mini-MbA

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) affects over 320 million people worldwide. Healthy lifestyles, improved drugs and effective nutraceuticals are different components of a response against the growing T2D epidemic. The specialized metabolite montbretin A (MbA) is being developed for treatment of T2D and obesity due to its unique pharmacological activity as a highly effective and selective inhibitor of the human pancreatic α-amylase. MbA is an acylated flavonol glycoside found in small amounts in montbretia (Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora) corms. MbA cannot be obtained in sufficient quantities for drug development from its natural source or by chemical synthesis. To overcome these limitations through metabolic engineering, we are investigating the genes and enzymes of MbA biosynthesis. We previously reported the first three steps of MbA biosynthesis from myricetin to myricetin 3-O-(6'-O-caffeoyl)-glucosyl rhamnoside (mini-MbA). Here, we describe the sequence of reactions from mini-MbA to MbA, and the discovery and characterization of the gene and enzyme responsible for the glucosylation of mini-MbA. The UDP-dependent glucosyltransferase CcUGT3 (UGT703E1) catalyzes the 1,2-glucosylation of mini-MbA to produce myricetin 3-O-(glucosyl-6'-O-caffeoyl)-glucosyl rhamnoside. Co-expression of CcUGT3 with genes for myricetin and mini-MbA biosynthesis in Nicotiana benthamiana validated its biological function and expanded the set of genes available for metabolic engineering of MbA.

Metabolism and distribution of dibutyl phthalate in wheat grown on different soil types

Herein, we investigated the distribution of dibutyl phthalate (DBP) in the tissues of wheat grown on DBP-contaminated soils and determined the activity of detoxifying enzymes [cytochrome P450 (P450) and glutathione S-transferase (GST)] in these tissues at different growth stages of wheat. The content of DBP in wheat grown on all soil types increased with increasing DBP stress concentration, and the DBP content of each tissue decreased as wheat growth progressed. Under the same conditions, the DBP content of roots exceeded that of leaves and stems, and the DBP content of all tissues decreased in the order of brown soil > fluvo-aquic soil > cinnamon soil. The decrease of DBP content with growth and the content of mono-n-butyl dicarboxylate (MBP, main metabolite of DBP) followed the order of cinnamon soil > fluvo-aquic soil > brown soil; the latter parameter initially increased and then decreased as growth progressed. The changes in P450 content and GST activities in wheat tissues were highly consistent with the corresponding changes in DBP and MBP content, except for the DBP stress level of 40 mg kg^-1 at the seedling stage. Based on the obtained results, it was speculated that P450 and GST were strongly involved in the metabolism of DBP in wheat: oxygen atoms were inserted into the aldehyde C-H bond of the species generated after hydrolysis of ester groups under the action of P450 to achieve hydrocarbon hydroxylation under mild conditions and generate MBP.

Rapid and efficient recovery of silver with nanoscale zerovalent iron supported on high performance activated carbon derived from straw biomass

High performance activated carbon (HPAC) supported nanoscale zerovalent iron (nZVI) was prepared and used for recovery of silver. This composite material was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The removal amount of Ag⁺ increased with pH values and temperature. The removal process achieved equilibrium within 40 min and the maximum removal capacity was 986.5 mg/g at 298 K. The composite material showed fast adsorption rate and high adsorption capacity because the presence of high surface area activated carbon could effectively inhibit aggregation of nanoscale zerovalent iron, thus enhancing its reactivity. The Ag⁺ removal followed pseudo-second-order kinetic model and Langmuir isotherm model. XPS and XRD characterizations were performed to elucidate removal mechanism. It could be concluded that both coordination adsorption and reductive precipitation contributed to removal of Ag⁺ on the nZVI/HPAC.

Genome-wide association analysis for maize stem Cell Wall-bound Hydroxycinnamates

BACKGROUND

The structural reinforcement of cell walls by hydroxycinnamates has a significant role in defense against pests and pathogens, but it also interferes with forage digestibility and biofuel production. Elucidation of maize genetic variations that contribute to variation for stem hydroxycinnamate content could simplify breeding for cell wall strengthening by using markers linked to the most favorable genetic variants in marker-assisted selection or genomic selection approaches​.

RESULTS

A genome-wide association study was conducted using a subset of 282 inbred lines from a maize diversity panel to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with stem cell wall hydroxycinnamate content. A total of 5, 8, and 2 SNPs were identified as significantly associated to p-coumarate, ferulate, and total diferulate concentrations, respectively in the maize pith. Attending to particular diferulate isomers, 3, 6, 1 and 2 SNPs were related to 8-O-4 diferulate, 5-5 diferulate, 8-5 diferulate and 8-5 linear diferulate contents, respectively. This study has the advantage of being done with direct biochemical determinations instead of using estimates based on Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) predictions. In addition, novel genomic regions involved in hydroxycinnamate content were found, such as those in bins 1.06 (for FA), 4.01 (for PCA and FA), 5.04 (for FA), 8.05 (for PCA), and 10.03 and 3.06 (for DFAT and some dimers).

CONCLUSIONS

The effect of individual SNPs significantly associated with stem hydroxycinnamate content was low, explaining a low percentage of total phenotypic variability (7 to 10%). Nevertheless, we spotlighted new genomic regions associated with the accumulation of cell-wall-bound hydroxycinnamic acids in the maize stem, and genes involved in cell wall modulation in response to biotic and abiotic stresses have been proposed as candidate genes for those quantitative trait loci (QTL). In addition, we cannot rule out that uncharacterized genes linked to significant SNPs could be implicated in dimer formation and arobinoxylan feruloylation because genes involved in those processes have been poorly characterized. Overall, genomic selection considering markers distributed throughout the whole genome seems to be a more appropriate breeding strategy than marker-assisted selection focused in markers linked to QTL.

Four New Iridoid Metabolites Have Been Isolated from the Stems of Neonauclea reticulata (Havil.) Merr. with Anti-Inflammatory Activities on LPS-Induced RAW264.7 Cells

One new iridoid, namely neonanin C (1) one monocyclic iridoid ring-opened derivative namely neonanin D (2), two new bis-iridoid derivatives namely reticunin A (3) and reticunin B (4) with sixteen known compounds (5-20) were isolated from the stems of Neonauclea reticulata (Havil.) Merr. These new structures were determined by the detailed analysis of spectroscopic data and comparison with the data of known analogues. Compounds 1-20 were evaluated for inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages cell line. The results showed that all compounds exhibited no obvious cytotoxicity compared to the control group and five compounds including isoboonein (7), syringaresinol (10), (+)-medioresinol (12), protocatechuic acid (14) and trans-caffeic acid (15) exhibited inhibitory activities with IC50 values at 86.27 ± 3.45; 9.18 ± 1.90; 76.18 ± 2.42; 72.91 ± 4.97 and 95.16 ± 1.20 µg/mL, respectively.

Dasymaschalolactams A-E, Aristolactams from a Twig Extract of Dasymaschalon dasymaschalum

Five new aristolactam alkaloids (1-5), dasymaschalolactams A-E, and the first isolation of dasymaschalolactone (17) as a natural product, together with 19 known compounds (6-16 and 18-25) were isolated from the twig extract of Dasymaschalon dasymaschalum. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods as well as comparisons made from the literature. Compounds 20 and 21 showed α-glucosidase inhibitory activities with IC₅₀ values of 4.5 and 24.7 μM, respectively.

Terpenoids from the Stems of Fissistigma polyanthoides and Their Anti-Inflammatory Activity

Twelve new terpenoids (1-12) were isolated from the stems of Fissistigma polyanthoides, an anti-inflammatory medicinal plant traditionally used in Vietnam. Most of them (1-9) possess a sesquiterpenoid backbone (e.g., guaiane, germacrane, and cadinane) connected to a 2'-O-trans-cinnamoyl)-β-d-glucopyranose moiety, which is rare in Nature. Among them, compounds 4 (5/8-fused ring) and 6 (spiran [4,5] ring) represent uncommonly rearranged sesquiterpenoids. Compounds 10-12 are a novel monoterpene and two megastigmane derivatives, respectively. The individual structures were elucidated by combining NMR and MS data, and their configuration was established in NOESY and ECD experiments. Compounds 1-9 were also examined for their potential to interact with nuclear factor-kappa B activator protein 1 (NF-κB/AP-1) signaling by using the myelomonocytic reporter cell line THP-1Blue-CD14. Compounds 1-5 showed dose-dependent inhibitory effects [IC₅₀ 13.7 μM (1) to 49.0 μM (5)] on lipopolysaccharide-stimulated cells. However, compounds 1 to 4 also negatively affected cell viability in the same concentration range, while compound 5 was less potently cytotoxic.

Study on analytical characteristics of Nicotiana tabacum L., cv. Solaris biomass for potential uses in nutrition and biomethane production

In order to limit the smoking tobacco sector crisis, a new non-GMO Nicotiana tabacum L. cv. Solaris was proposed as oil seed crop. Residues of oil extraction were successfully used in swine nutrition. The aim of this study was to explore the full potential of this innovative tobacco cultivar as multitasking feedstock non interfering with the food chain. In the triennium 2016-2018, samples from whole plant, inflorescence and stem-leaf biomass were collected in three experimental sites and analysed for chemical constituents, including fibre fractions, sugars and starch, macro-minerals and total alkaloids. The KOH soluble protein content and the amino-acid profile were also investigated as well as the biochemical methane potential. All the analyses were performed according to official methods and results were compared with values reported in literature for conventional lignocellulosic crops and agro-industry residues. The average protein content, ranging from 16.01 to 18.98 g 100 g-1 dry matter respectively for stem-leaf and whole plant samples, and their amino-acid profile are consistent with values reported for standard grass plant. These findings suggest the potential use of cv. Solaris in industrial food formulations. Moreover, considering the average content of both fibre available for fermentations (72.6% of Neutral Detergent Fibre) and oils and fats (7.92 g 100 g-1 dry matter), the whole plant biomass of cv. Solaris showed good attitude to anaerobic fermentation, confirmed by the biochemical methane potential of whole plant (168 Nm3 t-1 organic matter). Similarly, results allow to define the cv. Solaris biomass as a good quality forage apt to ensiling for its chemical composition. The low total alkaloids content of cv. Solaris, in average 0.3 g 100 g-1 dry matter, was previously reported not to affect growth performances and welfare traits of dairy heifers. These are the first results showing the multitasking potential use of cv. Solaris biomass, that could allow the recovery of tobacco cultivation know-how especially in marginal areas.

Amino modification of rice straw-derived biochar for enhancing its cadmium (II) ions adsorption from water

To enhance the adsorption capacity of Cd²⁺, -NH₂ groups were introduced into the rice straw-derived biochar surface by combining nitrification and amination. The batch and continuous Cd²⁺ adsorption experiments were performed to determine the role of -NH₂ groups on the surface of biochar. The physical and chemical characteristics were analyzed for comparison. The results indicated that the adsorption capacity of the modified biochar (BC-NH₂) was boosted by 72.1%. The results of continuous adsorption experiments in fixed bed columns showed that the penetration time of BC-NH₂ was three times that of original biochar. The adsorption of Cd²⁺ by BC-NH₂ is a spontaneous endothermic chemical reaction, which was obtained by combing sorption kinetics, isotherms and thermodynamic analysis. The Cd²⁺ adsorption was mainly the complexation between -NH₂ group on biochar surface and Cd²⁺ in solution. Finally, a possible interaction mechanism between Cd²⁺ and BC-NH₂ was proposed.

Differential Cytotoxic Potential of Acridocarpus orientalis Leaf and Stem Extracts with the Ability to Induce Multiple Cell Death Pathways

This study systematically analyzed the anticancer potential of Acridocarpus orientalis (AO), a traditional medicinal plant of the Arabian Peninsula/East Africa known for its anti-inflammatory and pain relief properties. Tests of serial organic fractions from methanolic extracts of its leaves and stems revealed that only some fractions showed anti-proliferative potential with the dichloromethane fraction from leaves (AOD (L)) showing the most cytotoxic effect against both breast (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231) and cervical (HeLa) cancer cell lines. The n-butanol fraction from the stems (AOB (S)), on the other hand, was more effective against cervical cancer cells and did not harm the normal cells. Further characterization of the mode of cell killing revealed that AOD (L) depended more on non-apoptotic pathways for its cytotoxicity in breast cancer cells, while it could activate some apoptosis and necroptosis in HeLa cells. The AOB (S) fraction could primarily activate apoptosis and some necroptosis in HeLa cells. Both fractions perturbed autophagy, but in a dissimilar manner. Thus, different parts of A. orientalis revealed variable potential to induce cell death in cancer cells via apoptotic and non-apoptotic pathways, making A. orientalis a valuable plant for the exploration of anticancer bioactive reagents, some of which may be protective for normal cells.

Microwave-assisted hydrothermal extraction of non-structural carbohydrates and hemicelluloses from tobacco biomass

Microwave-assisted hydrothermal extraction of non-structural carbohydrates and hemicelluloses from tobacco biomass was investigated. Non-structural carbohydrates extraction was optimized by an Optimal design. The maximum yields for the leaf and stem were 118.57 mg/g and 120.33 mg/g biomass, respectively. The extracted stem residue was further treated for hemicelluloses extraction. A temperature of 200 °C without holding was proved to be the most efficient condition to produce a hemicelluloses yield of 105.15 mg/g. GPC results showed that the Mw values of precipitated hemicelluloses decreased from 143.5 kDa to 13.25 kDa with increasing temperature and holding time, while the un-precipitated fraction were ranging from 11.83 to 4.88 kDa. Monosaccharide analysis revealed that hemicelluloses extracted at lower temperature are heterogeneous compositional type, including xylan, glucuronoxylan and xylanglucan, while the ratio of xylose increased significantly (up to 72.64%) with increasing temperature. The developed microwave-assisted hydrothermal extraction process opens new avenues for a sustainable tobacco-based biorefinery.

Protoberberine compounds extracted from Chelidonium majus L. as novel natural photosensitizers for cancer therapy

BACKGROUND

It has been shown that secondary metabolites occur in Chelidonium majus L. (C. majus) crude extract and milky sap (alkaloids such as berberine, coptisine, chelidonine, chelerythrine, sanguinarine, and protopine) are biologically active compounds with a wide spectrum of pharmacological functions. Berberine, an isoquinoline alkaloid extracted from plants, possesses a wide range of biological activities, including inhibition of growth of a variety of cancer cell lines.

PURPOSE AND STUDY DESIGN

In the present study, we investigated the potential anticancer effect of a protoberberine alkaloidal fraction (BBR-F) isolated from the medicinal plant C. majus on HeLa and C33A cervical cancer cells after light irradiation (PDT treatment).

METHODS

BBR-F was prepared from an ethanolic extract of stems of C. majus. Identification of alkaloidal compounds was performed using high-performance liquid chromatography - mass spectrometry (HPLC/ESI-MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. BBR-F was then biologically evaluated for its anticancer properties. Cytotoxic activity after PDT treatment and without light irradiation (dark cytotoxicity) was determined by colorimetric WST-1 assay. The impact of the protoberberine alkaloidal fraction on the morphology and function of the cells was assessed by fluorescence and confocal microscopy as well as by flow cytometric analysis. To investigate the proinflammatory effect of the extracted natural BBR-F, nitric oxide concentration was determined using the Griess method.

RESULTS

An effective reduction in HeLa and C33A cell viability was observed after PDT treatment of BBR-F treated cells. Furthermore, microscopic analysis identified various morphological changes in the studied cells that occurred during apoptosis. Apoptosis of HeLa and C33A cells was also characterized by biochemical changes in cell membrane composition, activation of intracellular caspases, disruption of the mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation.

CONCLUSION

Our results strongly suggest that the components of the natural plant protoberberine fraction (BBR-F) extracted from C. majus may represent promising novel photosensitive agents and can be applied in cancer photodynamic therapy as natural photosensitizers.

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of phenolic extracts of Genista ferox (Fabaceae)

Phenolic extracts of aerial parts of Genista ferox have been characterized and evaluated for their pharmacological properties which are still not reported. The total phenol and flavonoid contents in the extracts were estimated spectrophotometrically via the Folin-Ciocalteu and aluminium chloride methods, respectively. Leaves and pods extracts showed the highest contents of total phenols and total flavonoids. The same extracts exhibited also the highest antioxidant capacity (IC₅₀ of 105.37μg/mL and 113.98μg/mL, respectively) assessed by the in-vitro DPPH radical scavenging method. Leave and stem extracts were explored for their possible anti-inflammatory activity assayed by carrageenan-induced paw edema model. Both extracts (at 400mg/kg) showed edema inhibitory effect, which was found to be close to that of Dichlofenac reference. However, the leave extract produced the highest significant (p<0.001) anti-inflammatory activity when compared with the control. A preliminary characterisation of these phenolic extracts were carried out by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with diode-array detector (DAD), in order to determine the relevance of identified compounds in the pharmacological properties of the plant.

Chemical Constituents of Stems and Leaves of Tagetespatula L. and Its Fingerprint

Tagetespatula L. is a widely cultivated herbal medicinal plant in China and other countries. In this study, two new 2, 3-dihydrobenzofuran glucosides (1, 2) and fourteen known metabolites (3–16) were isolated from the stems and leaves of T. patula (SLT). The chemical structures of the isolated compounds were characterized comprehensively based on one- and two-dimensional NMR spectroscopy and high resolution mass spectrometry. Absolute configurations of compounds 1 and 2 were determined by ECD calculations. Compounds 1 and 2 exhibited moderate in vitro inhibitory activities against human gastric cancer cell lines (AGS) with IC₅₀ values of 41.20 μmol/L and 30.43 μmol/L, respectively. The fingerprint profiles of stems and leaves of T. patula with three color types of flowers (Janie Yellow Bright, Jinmen Orange, Shouyao Red and Yellow color) were established by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Ten different batches of stems and leaves were examined as follow: Shouyao Red and Yellow color (1, 2, 3), Janie Yellow Bright (4, 5, 6, 7) and Jinmen Orange (8, 9, 10). Twenty-two common peaks were identified with similarity values ranging from 0.910 to 0.977. Meanwhile, the average peak area of SLT in the three types of flowers was different and it was the highest in Janie Yellow Bright.

Deposition, Distribution, Metabolism, and Reduced Application Dose of Thiamethoxam in a Pepper-Planted Ecosystem

To decrease the application dose of thiamethoxam (TMX) to control the pepper whitefly (Bemisia tabaci Q), the deposition, dissipation, metabolism, and field efficacy of TMX were investigated in a pepper (Capsicum annuum var. grossum)-planted ecosystem using eight types of nozzles at six concentrations (56.25, 41.25, 26.25, 21.0, 15.75, and 10.5 g a.i./hm²). The initial deposition amount of TMX in the pepper plant first increased and then decreased with increasing application dose. The optimum spray conditions of TMX were found to be a droplet size of 200 μm volume median diameter and a spray volume of 350 L/hm². Moreover, three metabolites, TMX-dm, clothianidin (CLO), and C₅H₈O₂N₃SCl, were detected in the pepper-planted system. The dissipation rate of TMX in the pepper-field ecosystem was leaves > stems > fruits > roots > soils. The results revealed the deposition and fate of TMX in the pepper-field ecosystem, and the application dose could be reduced by 20% based on the minimum recommended dose for controlling pepper whitefly.

Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Some Characteristic Constituents from the Vine Stems of Spatholobus suberectus

The dried vine stems of Spatholobus suberectus are commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine for treating gynecological and cardiovascular diseases. In this study, five new compounds named spasuberol A (2), homovanillyl-4-oxo-nonanoate (5), spasuberol C (6), spasuberoside A (14), and spasuberoside B (15), together with ten known compounds (1, 3, 4, 7–13), were isolated from the dried vine stems of S. suberectus. Their chemical structures were analyzed using spectroscopic assays. This is the first study interpreting the detailed structural information of 4. The anti-inflammatory activity of these compounds was evaluated by reducing nitric oxide overproduction in RAW264.7 macrophages stimulated by lipopolysaccharide. Compounds 1 and 8–10 showed strong inhibitory activity with half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) values of 5.69, 16.34, 16.87, and 6.78 μM, respectively, exhibiting higher activity than the positive drug l-N⁶-(1-iminoethyl)-lysine (l-NIL) with an IC₅₀ value of 19.08 μM. The IC₅₀ values of inhibitory activity of compounds 2 and 4–6 were 46.26, 40.05, 45.87, and 28.29 μM respectively, which were lower than l-NIL, but better than that of positive drug indomethacin with an IC₅₀ value of 55.44 μM. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed that assayed compounds with good anti-inflammatory activity, such as 1, 6, 9, and 10 at different concentrations, can reduce the messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of some pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2). The anti-inflammatory activity and the possible mechanism of the compounds mentioned in this paper were studied preliminarily.

Two New AChE Inhibitors Isolated from Li Folk Herb Heilaohu "Kadsura coccinea" Stems

Two new triterpenoids, named kadsuricoccins A and B, together with three known ones, were isolated from the Li folk herb Heilaohu, the stems of Kadsura coccinea (Lem.) A. C. Smith, which was used for food and as a healthy supplement. Their structures were elucidated by comprehensive analyses of mass spectrometry (MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopic data. To search healthy components, an acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activity test by Ellman’s Method was conducted, kadsuricoccins A and B showed activity with the AChE inhibit index (AII) up to 68.96% ± 0.19% and 57.8% ± 0.11% at 94 nM (compared with positive control tacrine AII 79.80% ± 0.20%, 9.4 nM), respectively.

The ethanolic extract from Erythrina mulungu Benth. flowers attenuates allergic airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness in a murine model of asthma

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Erythrina mulungu Benth. ("mulungu", Fabaceae) is a Brazilian native species with ethnopharmacological use for respiratory diseases. However, the effects of E. mulungu on the respiratory were never studied.

AIMS OF THE STUDY

To evaluate the effects of an ethanolic extract from flowers of E. mulungu in ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthma in mice, and to study the mechanisms involved.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

OVA-sensitized mice were intraperitoneally (i.p.) treated with four doses (200, 400, 600, and 800 mg/kg) of the E. mulungu extract or dexamethasone (DEXA, 2 mg/kg) during seven consecutive days and simultaneously challenged with intranasal OVA. Bronchial hyperresponsiveness was evaluated in vivo, 24 h after the last OVA challenge. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was collected for counting the number of total and differential inflammatory cells. Blood was collected for measurement of anti-OVA IgE levels. Levels of cytokines interleukin (IL)- 4, IL-5, IL-10, IL-13, and interferon (INF)-γ were measured in pulmonary homogenate by ELISA. The recruitment of inflammatory cells to the lung tissue was determined using hematoxylin and eosin staining (H&E). The extract's chromatographic profile was evaluated by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS).

RESULTS

The treatment with E. mulungu extract significantly reduced bronchial hyperresponsiveness, significantly reduced the number of leukocytes, eosinophils, and lymphocytes in BAL, and significantly decreased the levels of IL-4 and IL-5, while increased levels of IL-13 and INF-γ. In addition, E. mulungu significantly decreased the cellular inflammatory infiltration in the lung tissue. Erysotrine, erysotrine-N-oxide, and hypaphorine were the major constituents identified in the extract.

CONCLUSION

Collectively, these results confirm the potential of E. mulungu for asthma treatment, through modulation of inflammatory response, supporting its ethnopharmacological use for respiratory diseases.

The sensitivity of soil microbial respiration declined due to crop straw addition but did not depend on the type of crop straw

An incubation experiment was conducted to investigate whether the type of crop straw added to soil influenced the temperature sensitivity of soil microbial respiration. The soil for incubation was collected from a winter wheat-soybean rotation cropland. Five temperature levels (5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 °C), five crop straw types (soybean, peanut, rice, winter wheat, and maize), and a control (CK, no crop straw addition) were established. Soil microbial respiration rates were measured on days 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 10, 14, 20, and 27 after crop straw addition using an infrared CO₂ analyser. Soil enzyme activities of invertase, urea, and catalase and the dissolved organic carbon (DOC) content were measured after incubation. Estimated Q₁₀ (temperature sensitivity of soil microbial respiration) ranged from 1.472 ± 0.045 to 1.970 ± 0.020 and showed no significant (P > 0.05) difference between straw addition treatments, but there was significantly (P < 0.001) higher temperature sensitivity (1.970 ± 0.020) for CK. A significant (P = 0.002) relationship was found between the Q₁₀ of cumulative soil microbial respiration and basal soil microbial respiration (soil microbial respiration at 0 °C). Moreover, a marginally significant (P < 0.1) relationship was found between the Q₁₀ at different incubation stages and basal soil microbial respiration. A quadratic function was used to explain the relationship between estimated basal microbial respiration and the lignin content. Soil microbial respiration was positively correlated with the activities of invertase, urease, and catalase and the dissolved organic carbon (DOC) content in all treatments. This study indicated that crop straw addition significantly (P < 0.001) reduced the Q₁₀ of soil microbial respiration and that the types of crop straw added to soil did not significantly (P > 0.05) change the Q₁₀ value.

Fabrication and characterization of a hierarchical porous carbon from corn straw-derived hydrochar for atrazine removal: efficiency and interface mechanisms

The excellent hierarchical porous carbon was fabricated from corn straw-derived hydrochar by chemical activation using potassium oxalate (K₂C₂O₄). SEM, BET, XPS, XRD, and Raman analysis were carried out for the characterization of the as-obtained samples. The morphology of the as-obtained porous carbon with hierarchical porous structures is made up of a large number of nano-particle aggregates and some nanosheet-like structures, possessing a super-large specific surface area (SSA, up to 2523 m² g^-1) with a large total pore volume of 1.464 cm³ g^-1. The as-fabricated carbon material rapidly removes atrazine in the first 3 h at the initial concentration of 20 mg L^-1 with an adsorption efficiency of 93.6%, which is faster and better than other representative materials reported previously. The acidic conditions are favorable for the atrazine adsorption onto the porous carbon. An efficient adsorbent was fabricated for environmental remediation, and in-depth insights into the interface mechanism between hierarchical porous carbon and atrazine are proposed. In addition, 95% of the adsorption capacity of MPC-1:3 can be recovered by simple annealing treatment.

Three new C23 steroids from the leaves and stems of Nicandra physaloides

Nicandra physaloides is a medicinal and edible plant and has been used as traditionally herbal medicine to treat various diseases in folk. Its characteristic withanolides, a kind of ergostane-type steroids, are reported to display plentiful biological activities that many explain the effect of N. physaloides to some extent. Thus, to further find bioactive steroids, the stems and leaves of N. physaloides were investigated and three new C23 steroids, nic-physatones I-J (1-2), and nic-physatone S (3), together with a known C25 steroid, nic 17 (4), were isolated. Their structures were elucidated by extensive 1D NMR and 2D NMR (HSQC, HMBC, ¹H-¹H COSY, and ROESY), UV and MS analyses. Compounds 1-3 possess a rare C23 steroid skeleton. Among them, compound 3 represented the first example of a C23 steroid featuring a benzene ring (D ring). The isolated compounds showed no cytotoxic activity.

Molluscicidal activity of cardiac glycosides isolated from Adenium obesum

BACKGROUND

Terrestrial mollusks are one of most important agricultural pests worldwide. Natural phytochemicals have an extended history as a source of pesticides. This study was planned to isolate molluscicidal active compounds from the stems of Adenium obesum.

RESULTS

The benzene-soluble fraction of the hydroethanolic extract displayed the most potent molluscicidal activity against Monacha obstructa among different solvent fractions with a median lethal dose (LD₅₀ ) of 4.91 µg g^-1 body weight (bw). The bioactivity-guided chemical exploration of the benzene-soluble fraction led to the isolation of two known cardiac glycosides, cerberin and neriifolin which showed significant molluscicidal activity with LD₅₀ values of 5.39 and 4.3 µg g^-1 bw, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Isolation of the cardiac glycoside neriifolin from A. obesum and the molluscicidal activity of cerberin and neriifolin against terrestrial snails are reported for the first time. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

Risk evaluation of biochars produced from Cd-contaminated rice straw and optimization of its production for Cd removal

Based on the "waste-treat-waste" concept, biochars were produced from cadmium (Cd)-contaminated rice straw (CRSBs) at 300, 500, and 700 °C (CRSB300, CRSB500, and CRSB700). The risks of the Cd remaining in CRSBs were evaluated and the optimal biochar pyrolysis temperature for Cd removal was investigated. It was observed that 41% of the total Cd in the raw rice straw was exchangeable, which may pose significant risks to crops and humans. Pyrolyzing at 300 °C did not significantly alter the Cd fractions, while the exchangeable fraction of Cd greatly dropped to 5.79% at 500 °C and further to 2.12% at 700 °C. Increasing the highest pyrolysis temperature resulted in CRSBs with higher pH values, greater surface area, and smaller pore sizes, thus providing more rapid and efficient removal of Cd from aqueous solutions. For Cd removal tests, increasing pyrolysis temperature (300-700 °C) increased the total (24.8-55.1 mg/g) and non-exchangeable (18.9-52.8 mg/g) Cd concentrations immobilized on the CRSBs and significantly decreased the exchangeable Cd fraction (23.7%-4.85%). It is suggested based on the study from aqueous solutions that CRSB700 was the most suitable for the remediation of Cd contaminated soil on site due to the lowest risks of remained Cd from feedstock, fastest and highest Cd removal, and most stable immobilization of Cd.

Octahydro-Protoberberine and Protoemetine-Type Alkaloids from the Stems of Alangium salviifolium and Their Cytotoxicity

Two octahydro-protoberberine alkaloids, alangiifoliumines A (1) and B (2), and two new protoemetine derivatives, alangiifoliumines C (3) and D (4), together with 11 known compounds, have been isolated from the stems of Alangium salviifolium. While the structures of these compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic methods, the absolute configurations of the new alkaloids were determined by conformational analysis and time-dependent density functional theory-electronic circular dichroism spectra calculations on selected stereoisomers. Compounds 1 and 2 represent the first 5,8,8a,9,12,12a,13,13a-octahydro-protoberberine derivatives, in which the aromatic ring D was reduced to cyclohexene. All the compounds isolated were evaluated for their cytotoxic activity against three human cancer cell lines: A-549, HeLa, and SKOV-3. Alkaloids 1, 3, and 6-14 exhibited inhibitory effects against all three human cancer cell lines, with half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) values in the range of 3 nM to 9.4 μM.

Cytotoxic Limonoids from the Twigs and Leaves of Toona ciliata

Eight new limonoids, toononoids A-H (1-8), eight new B-seco-29-norlimonoids, toonanoronoids A-H (9-16), and seven known analogues were obtained from the EtOAc extract of the twigs and leaves of Toona ciliata. Compounds 2, 4, 8, and 16 are rare lactam-bearing limonoids. Compounds 1, 14, and 15 possess an unusual γ-methoxybutenolide moiety at C-17, while compounds 9, 10, and 15 have a rare 3β-hydroxy group. Their 2D structure and relative configurations were identified using spectroscopic data. The absolute configurations of 1, 9, 14, and 15 were established via X-ray diffraction crystallography or comparison of experimental and calculated ECD data. The cytotoxicity of the compounds was assessed toward five human tumor cell lines, and their anti-inflammatory activity was assessed based on NO production using LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages. Compounds 11 and 12 exerted inhibition toward two tumor cell lines (MCF-7, SW-480) with IC₅₀ values between 2.1 and 3.7 μM, while 18-22 inhibited the proliferation of HL-60, MCF-7, and SW-480 cells (IC₅₀ 0.6-4.0 μM). Only compound 4 exhibited weak anti-inflammatory activity with an IC₅₀ value of 28.3 μM.

Pyrolysis, morphology and microwave absorption properties of tobacco stem materials

The recent development of microwave radiation technology has increased the application possibilities of waste tobacco stems (WTSs). In this study, the morphology and microwave absorption properties of tobacco stem materials as well as the pyrolysis of the resultant biomass (BMTS) were studied via thermogravimetry-differential scanning calorimetry (TG-DSC), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP), and a vector network analysis (VNA). The results show that the BMTS pyrolysis involves four stages in air: dehydration, heat transfer, pyrolysis, and carbonisation, and it involves three stages in N2: moisture evaporation, de-volatilization, and charring. The microwave-assisted expansion of WTSs can improve the pore diameter and total porosity of the expanded tobacco stems (ETSs) and BMTS. The latter is a macroporous material with a total porosity of 78.2% and a probable pore size of 29.5 μm. Its pore size distribution ranges from 10.7 nm to 227 μm. The microwave absorption properties of the WTSs are affected by the moisture content, bulk density, and grain size; the properties can be enhanced by decreasing the grain size and increasing the moisture content and bulk density within the experimental range. The 3 dB bandwidth and amplitude vary by 0.45 MHz and - 0.406 dB per 1% increase in the moisture content of the materials, respectively. Our results demonstrate that tobacco stem materials with different moisture contents and grain sizes should be classified before the expansion or re-drying steps to ensure heating uniformity and product quality during the microwave radiation treatment.

Effect of pyrolysis condition on the adsorption mechanism of heavy metals on tobacco stem biochar in competitive mode

To clarify the adsorption mechanism of multi-ions on biochars in competitive environment is very important for the decontamination of co-existed heavy metals. Herein, tobacco stem was pyrolyzed in different temperatures with selected residences to obtain biochars with various surface chemistry. Then the adsorption of co-existed typical heavy-metal ions like lead, cadmium, and copper was studied, followed with systematic analysis of surface properties of the post-adsorption biochars. After carefully examining the adsorption performance and surface property alteration of the demineralized biochars, the adsorption mechanism of multi-ions in competitive environment was discovered. Lead showed the most competitive nature with co-existence of cadmium and copper, but the adsorption capacity reduced significantly with the removal of minerals. Combined with the observation of large amount of lead containing crystals on the post-adsorption biochars, the main adsorption mechanism of lead should be precipitation. The adsorb capability of copper barely changed for biochars with and without minerals, which suggests the best affinity of copper on surface functional groups even with large content of competitors. Biochar that pyrolyzed in 700 °C for 6 h that contained more aromatic structures showed the highest sorbing capability of cadmium, which suggested the dominant position of cation-π interaction in cadmium removal.

Characteristics of chemical components in the trunk xylem sap of pine trees by means of a centrifugation collection method

Knowledge of the characteristics of chemical components transported in the xylem sap of trunks remains deficient and limited because no appropriate method exists to extract the xylem sap from this part of the tree. We thus explored the differences in xylem sap components extracted by means of centrifugation and water displacement methods and depicted the level and behavior of chemical components in the xylem sap of trunks and branches of different aged trees from a pine forest in northern China. There were no significant differences between the two methods with respect to nitrogen (N) compounds and inorganic ions in the xylem sap. Potassium concentrations obtained by the methods were similar and consistent with the values obtained from earlier publications on woody species. This suggests that contamination of the xylem sap by the centrifugation method is negligible, and this method would be a reliable and robust tool for collection of the trunk xylem sap. Dissolved organic N was the dominant component of total N followed by nitrate (NO₃^-) and ammonium (NH₄⁺). Potassium and chloride were the predominant cation and anion, respectively, of the xylem sap. The NO₃^- concentration basically did not change, whereas the NH₄⁺ concentration was larger transported from the trunk to branches for the large tree class during foliage senescence. More inorganic N components (mainly NO₃^-) were found in young trees than in old trees. Our study contributes to improve the diagnostic assessments of tree physiological processes and growth in mature forest trees under environmental changes.

Sunflower stalk-derived biochar enhanced thermal activation of persulfate for high efficient oxidation of p-nitrophenol

Sunflower stalk-derived biochars (BC) were prepared at various temperatures (i.e., 500, 650, and 1000 °C) and demonstrated as a highly efficient catalyst in persulfate (PS) activation for the oxidation of p-nitrophenol (PNP) at 60 °C. The apparent PNP oxidation rate constant in the BC500 (0.1543 L mol^-1 S^-1), BC650 (0.6062 L mol^-1 S^-1), or BC1000 (2.1379 L mol^-1 S^-1) containing PS system was about 2, 8 and 28 times higher than that in PS/PNP (0.0751 L mol^-1 S^-1) system, respectively. The effect of reaction temperature on PNP oxidation was also investigated. Furthermore, the radical quenching tests and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy (EPR) were employed to investigate the sulfate and hydroxyl radicals for PNP oxidation. The Raman results suggested that the defective sites on biochars possess vital role for oxidation of PNP in PS system. The possible activation pathway of PS/BC was proposed that the defective sites on BC were involved for weakening the O-O bond in PS and subsequently cleaving O-O bond by heat to generate sulfate radical. The oxidation of PNP at low concentration (below 100 μg L^-1) was completely removed in urban wastewater by PS/BC system within 30 min. This work would provide new insights into PS activation by BC catalyst and afford a promising method for organic pollutant removal in high-temperature wastewater.

Regulation of circadian rhythms by NEAT1 mediated TMAO-induced endothelial proliferation: A protective role of asparagus extract

Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) promotes atherosclerosis in association with the functions of endothelial cells. Clock and Bmal1, as two main components of molecular circadian clock, play important regulatory roles during progression of atherogenesis. However, whether Clock and Bmal1 are involved in the regulation of endothelial proliferation disturbed by TMAO are unclear. We observed that cell proliferation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) was inhibited after exposed to TMAO for 24 h. Besides, TMAO caused increased expression of lncRNA-NEAT1, Clock and Bmal1, and inhibited MAPK pathways. While MAPK pathways were blocked, the expression of Clock and Bmal1 was elevated. NEAT1 showed a circadian rhythmic expression in HUVECs, and its overexpression reduced cell proliferation. Knockdown or overexpression of NEAT1 might decrease or increase the expression of Clock and Bmal1 respectively, while raised or suppressed the expression of MAPK pathways correspondingly. Asparagus extract (AE) was found to improve the TMAO-reduced HUVECs proliferation. Moreover, it ameliorated the disorders of NEAT1, Clock, Bmal1, and MAPK signaling pathways induced by TMAO. Therefore, our findings indicated that NEAT1 regulating Clock-Bmal1 via MAPK pathways was involved in TMAO-repressed HUVECs proliferation, and AE improved endothelial proliferation by TMAO, proposing a novel mechanism for cardiovascular disease prevention.

Heavy metal accumulation in rosemary leaves and stems exposed to traffic-related pollution near Adana-İskenderun Highway (Hatay, Turkey)

Pollution has become a problem on a global scale and poses a significant risk in terms of human health and natural ecosystems. Generally, the biggest sources of pollution are municipal and industrial facilities. However, traffic-related air pollution cannot be overlooked as a dangerous source either. There have been various methods of interventions to measure and reduce the risk and effects of traffic-related pollution. In the case of measuring, the use of certain plant species that can accumulate pollutants in their tissues is considered a practical solution. In this study, the aim is to find out the metals that are accumulated in rosemary leaves and stems and the rosemary leaves. In other words, the leaves and the stems are to be used as a biomonitors to reveal the rate of metal pollution along the highway. We try to identify the accumulation ability of traffic-related heavy metals (Al, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn) of the Rosmarinus officinalis L. (rosemary) which is used in the refuge and slopes along the highway connecting Adana with İskenderun (Hatay). Our findings concluded that the rosemary could have a decent capacity to accumulate Al, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb, and Zn in both leaves and stem. We therefore believe that R. officinalis is a great tool in determining the amount of traffic-related pollution in urban areas.

Establishment of optimal barley straw biochar application conditions for rice cultivation in a paddy field

This study was conducted to establish the optimal application conditions of barley straw biochar (BC) for rice cultivation and to determine the effects of combined application of BC and inorganic fertilizer (IF) on rice cultivation in a paddy field. Based on the characteristics of rice growth in pot-based experiments, the selected optimal application conditions of BC were application of 20 ton ha^-1 at 14 days before rice transplanting. The effects of BC application on rice cultivation in a paddy field when using those conditions were then evaluated. Each treatment was separated by a control (Cn), IF, BC, and combined BC + IF treatments, respectively. The rice yields in the BC + IF treatment were 38.6, 21.7, and 24.5% greater than those in the Cn, IF, and BC treatments, respectively. In addition, yield components of rice were significantly improved in the BC + IF treatment relative to the other treatments. Following rice harvest, soil status was improved, showing greater soil aggregation stability, decreased bulk density, and increased porosity in the BC-treated areas compared to those in the Cn- and IF-treated areas. At the time of rice harvesting, soil chemical properties such as pH, EC, SOC, TN, Avail. P₂O₅, and CEC in the BC-treated areas were improved over those in other areas. The results of this study indicate that using BC as a soil amendment is effective at improving rice cultivation and can benefit the soil environment.

Cytotoxic lignans from the stems of Herpetospermum pedunculosum

A bioassay-guided chemical investigation on the ethyl acetate extract of the stems of Herpetospermum pedunculosum led to the isolation and identification of 22 lignans including 6 previously undescribed ones, herpetosiols A-F. Their structures including stereochemistries were elucidated by analysis of NMR, HRMS and ECD data. The in vitro cytotoxic activities of all isolates were studied against human gastric carcinoma SGC7901, lung carcinoma A549, breast carcinoma MDA-MB-231 and hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cell lines. Among them, eight lignans exhibited anti-proliferative effects against four tumor cell lines with IC₅₀ ranging from 1.7 ± 0.1 to 32.6 ± 1.1 μM. Hedyotol-B displayed potent inhibitory effect with IC₅₀ values of 1.7 ± 0.1 μM against SGC7901 and 6.1 ± 0.5 μM against A549, respectively.

Microbial Enzymatic Activities and Community-Level Physiological Profiles (CLPP) in Subsoil Layers Are Altered by Harvest Residue Management Practices in a Tropical Eucalyptus grandis Plantation

Harvest residue management is a key issue for the sustainability of Eucalyptus plantations established on poor soils. Soil microbial communities contribute to soil fertility by the decomposition of the organic matter (OM), but little is known about the effect of whole-tree harvesting (WTH) in comparison to stem only harvesting (SOH) on soil microbial functional diversity in Eucalyptus plantations. We studied the effects of harvest residue management (branches, leaves, bark) of Eucalyptus grandis trees on soil enzymatic activities and community-level physiological profiles in a Brazilian plantation. We measured soil microbial enzymatic activities involved in OM decomposition and we compared the community level physiological profiles (CLPP) of the soil microbes in WTH and SOH plots. WTH decreased enzyme activities and catabolic potential of the soil microbial community. Furthermore, these negative effects on soil functional diversity were mainly observed below the 0-5 cm layer (5-10 and 10-20 cm), suggesting that WTH can be harmful to the soil health in these plantations.

Adsorption antagonism and synergy of arsenate(V) and cadmium(II) onto Fe-modified rice straw biochars

Arsenic-containing water poses a serious threat to human health. In this study, two types of Fe-modified rice straw biochars [(Fe-impregnated biochar (FeIm char) and pre-modified rice straw biochar (PMRS char)] were prepared, in which three ratios [1, 5, and 10% (w/w)] of Fe modification were evaluated, resulting in six different Fe-modified biochars. Then, a series of adsorption experiments, using single- and binary-metal solutions of As(V) and Cd(II), were conducted to investigate the performances of modified biochars on metal adsorption compared to pristine rice straw biochar (RS char). Results indicated Fe modification improved the As(V) adsorption capacity of biochar. PMRS char showed higher adsorption of As(V) than FeIm char. At the 5% Fe modification ratio (FMR), the As(V) removal by PMRS char (at 10 g/L dosage) from 100 mg/L As(V) solution was approximately 69.6%, which was higher than 46.1% of FeIm char or 22.6% of RS char. In contrast, the adsorption of Cd(II) was decreased after modified at 5 or 10% FMR. Interestingly, for treating solution containing As(V) and Cd(II) together, the adsorption of As(V) onto FeIm char or PMRS char prepared at 5 or 10% FMR remained higher than that onto RS char, while the simultaneous removal of Cd(II) ion by either modified biochar was kept over 50%. Thus, the finding of this study suggested Fe-modified biochars, especially prepared via the pyrolysis of FeCl₃ pre-soaking rice straw, could be a promising adsorbent for the remediation of complex As(V)-containing wastewater.

Anti-Diabetic Effect of a Shihunine-Rich Extract of Dendrobium loddigesii on 3T3-L1 Cells and db/db Mice by Up-Regulating AMPK-GLUT4-PPARα

The stems of Dendrobium loddigesii, a Chinese herb, are often used to treat diabetes and its polar extract is rich in shihunine, a water-soluble Orchidaceae alkaloid, but little is known about the anti-diabetes effects and mechanism of shihunine. This study investigated the anti-diabetic effect of a shihunine-rich extract of D. loddigesii (DLS) based on 3T3-L1 cells and db/db mice. The underlying mechanisms were primarily explored using Western blot analysis and immunohistochemical staining. The 3T3-L1 cell experiments showed that DLS can reduce the intracellular accumulation of oil droplets as well as triglycerides (p < 0.001) and promote the 2-[N-(7-nitrobenz-2-oxa-1,3-diazol-4-yl)amino]-2deoxyglucose (2-NBDG) uptake of 3T3-L1 cells (p < 0.001). The animal experiments confirmed that after 8 weeks of DLS treatment, the body weight, fasting blood sugar, and serum lipid levels of mice were significantly lowered, and the oral glucose tolerance test and serum insulin level were significantly improved compared to the no-treatment diabetes mellitus group. Further histomorphology observation led to the conclusion that the quantities of islet cells were significantly increased and the increase in adipose cell size was significantly suppressed. The immunohistochemical test of pancreatic tissue revealed that DLS inhibited the expression of cleaved cysteine aspartic acid-specific protease 3 (cleaved caspase-3). Western blot experiments showed that DLS had agonistic effects on adenosine monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase phosphorylation (p-AMPK) and increased the expression levels of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα) and glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) in liver or adipose tissues. These data suggest that the shihunine-rich extract of D. loddigesii is an anti-diabetic fraction of D. loddigesii. Under our experimental condition, DLS at a dose of 50 mg/kg has good anti-diabetic efficacy.