Different extraction methods shape the phenolic signature and biological activity of Morinda lucida extracts: A novel source of bioactive compounds preparing functional applications.

The extraction of bioactive compounds is based on the application of various extraction techniques. Therefore, the stem and root bark of the plant species Morinda lucida L. were used in this research, while the extraction procedure was performed using three extraction techniques: HAE (homogenizer extraction), UAE (ultrasound extraction) as modern, and MAC (maceration) as conventional extraction technique. The presence of different classes of secondary metabolites was determined using the UHPLC method, while the content of total phenols and flavonoids was determined spectrophotometrically. The biological potential was investigated by in vitro antioxidant and enzyme assays. Different extraction technologies showed significant differences in only two classes of phenols, namely lignans and phenolic acids, which were significantly higher in HAE than in UAE and MAC. These findings highlight the significant effect of stem and bark extracts of M. lucida, opening the way for innovative industrial exploitation of these matrices.

LC-QTOF-MS/MS metabolic profiling and hepatoprotective effects of Litsea monopetala bark methanol extract against liver injury in rats and HepG2 cells.

Fresh stem bark decoction of Litsea monopetala has been practiced for the treatment of jaundice and other liver disorders by the tribal communities of Thakht-e-Sulaiman hills from West Pakistan. As per the folkloric claim, this study aims to identify the phytoconstituents and evaluate the hepatoprotective action of stem bark methanol extract of L. monopetala (LMME). The in-vitro hepatoprotective effect of L. monopetala was performed by H2O2-induced toxicity in the HepG2 cell line and in-vivo by cclt;sub>4-induced hepatotoxicity in Wistar albino rats taking Silymarin as standard drug. Phytoconstituents were identified using LC-QTOF-MS analysis followed by in-silico docking and validation. Molecular docking interactions between identified compounds of L. monopetala and two target proteins, namely 1VJY and 5HYK were presented. In this study, treatment with LMME at 100 µg/mL showed 67.73 % cell viability as compared to H2O2 (100 µM) treated alone i.e., 18.55 % in the HepG2 cell line. In-vivo treatment of LMME reversed the altered serum biochemical parameters and reduced the inflammatory response similar to that of the Silymarin-treated group supported by histopathological investigation. This research reveals that L. monopetala is a rich source of flavonoids and phenols which supports its hepatoprotective effects and is proposed for its usage as a promising hepatoprotective agent after controlled trials.

Long- and short-term pollution effect in megapolis assessed from magnetic and geochemical measurements on soils, tree trunk bark, and air filters.

This study identifies factors influencing spatial and temporal variations in magnetic susceptibility and heavy metal content in soils and airborne particulate matter within the Kyiv megapolis, Ukraine, and highlights how source apportionment differs in the long and short run. Topsoil magnetic susceptibility anomalies of > 70 × 10-8 m3kg-1 are observed around old factories. The tree bark magnetic susceptibility map provides a record of industry general low emissions for the last 2-3 decades. The patterns of both spatial distributions confirm that factory emissions dominate the composition of particulate falling on the ground in urban area, with exclusion of streets with heavy traffic. Enhanced concentrations of Cu, Ni, and Zn have been found in urban soils, showing a positive correlation with magnetic susceptibility. Re-suspended road dust dominates temporal variation of particulate matter magnetic susceptibility collected on air filters. The air at busy streets is cleaner in winter, when the street dust gets immobilized by snow cover or freezing. Industries in Kyiv pose no significant effect on air quality; the concentrations of Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb are at normal urban level with the exception of the near vicinity to factories. Air in streets with heavy traffic is enriched with Fe and Mn. Principal component analysis reveals different pattern of air pollution for the busy streets and yard areas. Yards are less affected by road dust; thus, contribution of industrial emissions can be distinguished. The results provide context for further quantification of any alterations in ecological state of Kyiv megapolis that may have arisen from socio-economic shocks and direct threats connected to the current war.

GC-MS analysis, molecular docking, and pharmacokinetic studies on Dalbergia sissoo barks extracts for compounds with anti-diabetic potential.

Diabetes is a metabolic condition defined by abnormal blood sugar levels. Targeting starch-hydrolyzing enzymes and Dipeptidyl Peptidase 4 (DPP-4) expressed on the surface of numerous cells is one of the key strategies to lower the risk of Type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Dalbergia sissoo Roxb. bark (DSB) extracts have been reported to have anti-diabetic properties. This study intended to scientifically validate use of alcoholic and hydro-alcoholic extracts of DSB for T2DM by conducting preliminary phytochemical investigations, characterising potential phytochemicals using Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis followed by comprehensive in-silico analysis. A qualitative phytochemical evaluation indicated the presence of alkaloids, phenolics, glycosides, conjugated acids and flavonoids. Ethanolic extracts showed highest total phenolic content (TPC) (127.072 ± 14.08031 µg GAE/g dry extract) and total flavonoid content (106.911 ± 5.84516 µg QE /g dry extract). Further FT-IR spectroscopy also revealed typical band values associated with phenol, alcohol, alkene, alkane and conjugated acid functional groups. The GC-MS analysis identified 139 compounds, 18 of which had anti-diabetic potential. In-silico ADMET analysis of potential compounds revealed 15 compounds that followed Lipinski's rule and demonstrated drug-like properties, as well as good oral bioavailability. Molecular docking was utilised to analyse their potential to interact with three targets: α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and DPP-4, which are crucial in managing diabetes-related problems. Molecular Docking analysis and membrane permeability test utilising the PerMM platform revealed that compounds in the extracts, such as Soyasapogenol B and Corydine, had better interactions and permeability across the plasma membrane than standard drugs in use. Molecular dynamics simulations also showed that selected compounds remained stable upon interaction with α-amylase. Overall, using the in-silico approaches it was predicted that DSB extracts contain potential phytochemicals with diverse anti-diabetic properties. It further needs to be investigated for possible development as formulation or drug of choice for treating T2DM.

Exploring the anticancer and antioxidant potential of gold nanoparticles synthesized from Pterocarpus marsupium bark extract against oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a disease of significant concern with higher mortality rates. Conventional treatment approaches have several drawbacks, leading to the opening of new research avenues in the field of nanoparticle-based cancer therapeutics. The study aimed at the synthesis of gold nanoparticles (Pm-AuNPs) from the aqueous bark extract of Pterocarpus marsupium, followed by its characterization and in vitro anticancer evaluation against OSCC. The synthesized Pm-AuNPs were characterized using UV-visible spectroscopy, particle size analyser, zeta potential, FTIR and SEM techniques. The anticancer potential of the Pm-AuNPs was evaluated against OSCC cell lines (SCC29b, SSC154 and OECM-1) through in vitro assays. The IC50 value was found to be 25 ± 1.2, 45 ± 1.5 and 75 ± 2.1 µg/mL for the three OSCC cell lines, elucidating Pm-AuNPs cytotoxic effects and mechanism of action. Intracellular ROS and SOX detection, mitochondrial transmembrane potential analysis and apoptosis detection were used to confirm the activity of Pm-AuNPs against OSCC. Acute toxicity studies on Wistar rats confirmed the non-toxic nature of the Pm-AuNPs at a higher dose concentration up to 2000 mg/kg body weight. The findings underscore Pm-AuNPs as promising candidates for future anticancer therapeutics, providing insights into their mechanism of action and therapeutic efficacy against OSCC.

Description of Millerago gen. nov. based on taxogenomic analysis, with two new species, Millerago phaffii f.a., sp. nov. and Millerago galiae f.a., sp. nov.

Four yeast isolates obtained from tree bark and fermenting sap of Quercus spp. and insects in Colombia and Japan were phylogenetically related to Candida galis based on analyses of the sequences of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region and the D1/D2 domains of the large subunit rRNA gene. The novel species differs from C. galis by 20 nt substitutions and 5 indels in the D1/D2 sequences. A phylogenomic analysis suggested that these species are related to Candida ficus, the genus Phaffomyces and a small clade containing Barnettozyma botsteinii, Barnettozyma siamensis and Candida montana. Our genomic analyses suggest that the novel species and C. galis should be separated in a novel yeast genus. We propose the genus Millerago gen. nov. to accommodate these species and the species Millerago phaffii f.a., sp. nov. (CBS 18021T; MycoBank MB856172) to accommodate the Colombian and Japanese isolates. The Colombian isolate of M. phaffii differs from the Japanese isolates by three nt substitutions and one indel and two substitutions and one indel in the ITS and D1/D2 sequences, respectively, showing that they were conspecific. We also propose the new species Millerago galiae sp. nov. to validate this species according to the rules of the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi and plants.

Global patterns and controlling factors of tree bark C : N : P stoichiometry in forest ecosystems consistent with biogeochemical niche hypothesis.

Bark serves crucial roles in safeguarding trees physically and chemically, while also contributing to nutrient cycling and carbon sequestration. Despite its importance, the broader biogeographical patterns and the potential factors influencing bark C : N : P stoichiometry in forest ecosystems remain largely unknown. In this study, we compiled a comprehensive dataset comprising carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) concentrations in bark with 1240 records from 550 diverse forest sites to systematically analyze the large-scale patterns and the factors controlling bark C : N : P stoichiometry. The geometric means of bark C, N, and P concentrations were found to be 493.17 ± 1.75, 3.91 ± 0.09, and 0.2 ± 0.01 mg g-1, respectively. Correspondingly, the C : N, C : P, and N : P mass ratios were 135.51 ± 8.11, 3313.19 ± 210.16, and 19.16 ± 0.6, respectively. Bark C : N : P stoichiometry exhibited conspicuous latitudinal trends, with the exception of N : P ratios. These patterns were primarily shaped by the significant impacts of climate, soil conditions, and plant functional groups. However, the impact of evolutionary history in shaping bark C : N : P stoichiometry outweigh climate, soil, and plant functional group, aligning with the biogeochemical niche (BN) hypothesis. These finding enhance our understanding of the spatial distribution of bark nutrient stoichiometry and have important implications for modeling of global forest ecosystem nutrient cycles in a changing environment.

Insights into the Detoxification of Spruce Monoterpenes by the Eurasian Spruce Bark Beetle.

Plant defence mechanisms, including physical barriers like toughened bark and chemical defences like allelochemicals, are essential for protecting them against pests. Trees allocate non-structural carbohydrates (NSCs) to produce secondary metabolites like monoterpenes, which increase during biotic stress to fend off pests like the Eurasian spruce bark beetle, ESBB (Ips typographus). Despite these defences, the ESBB infests Norway spruce, causing significant ecological damage by exploiting weakened trees and using pheromones for aggregation. However, the mechanism of sensing and resistance towards host allelochemicals in ESBB is poorly understood. We hypothesised that the exposure of ESBB to spruce allelochemicals, especially monoterpenes, leads to an upsurge in the important detoxification genes like P450s, GSTs, UGTs, and transporters, and at the same time, genes responsible for development must be compromised. The current study demonstrates that exposure to monoterpenes like R-limonene and sabiene effectively elevated detoxification enzyme activities. The differential gene expression (DGE) analysis revealed 294 differentially expressed (DE) detoxification genes in response to R-limonene and 426 DE detoxification genes in response to sabiene treatments, with 209 common genes between the treatments. Amongst these, genes from the cytochrome P450 family 4 and 6 genes (CP4 and CP6), esterases, glutathione S-transferases family 1 (GSTT1), UDP-glucuronosyltransferase 2B genes (UDB), and glucose synthesis-related dehydrogenases were highly upregulated. We further validated 19 genes using RT-qPCR. Additionally, we observed similar high expression levels of detoxification genes across different monoterpene treatments, including myrcene and α-pinene, suggesting a conserved detoxification mechanism in ESBB, which demands further investigation. These findings highlight the potential for molecular target-based beetle management strategies targeting these key detoxification genes.

Sustainable Assessment of Bio-Colorant from Bakain Bark (Melia azedarach L.) for Dyeing of Cellulosic and Proteinous Fabric.

The current study proceeded to reduce the environmental hazards spreading worldwide due to synthetic dyes. To overcome these problems, eco-friendly natural dyes are introduced as alternative sources of synthetic dyes. The present study was focused on exploring the bio-colorant of the aqueous and acidic extract of the bark of Melia azedarach L. for the dyeing of both silk and cotton samples. The results of the extraction medium specified that the aqueous extract gave maximum colorant solubility and upon fabric dyeing produced higher color strength in contrast to the acidic medium. The optimization experimentation data showed that excellent color strength of silk fabric was found at 45 min dyeing time duration, in 35:1 mL dye extract, and using 2% salt (NaCl) as an exhausting agent, whereas cotton fabric showed the maximum K/S value at 60 min dyeing time, in a 45:1 mL liquor ratio, and with the use of 2% salt. Bio-mordants produce different shades on both fabrics. Bio-mordanting experiments on silk revealed that pre-mordanting with 2% turmeric and 3% pomegranate, and post-mordanting using 3% turmeric and 2% pomegranate produced a darker shade. In the case of cotton, the pre-mordanted samples with 2% turmeric and 3% pomegranate and the post-mordanted samples with 4% turmeric and 4% pomegranate gave the highest color strengths. All the mordanted samples gave excellent fastness ratings. Overall, it has been found that Bakain bark proved to be an excellent source of tannin. The result of this study showed that it could be a cost-effective and eco-friendly dye source for textile progress.

Therapeutic potential of bark extracts from Macaranga denticulata on renal fibrosis in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

Macaranga denticulata (MD) bark is commonly utilized in traditional medicine for diabetes prevention and treatment. The bark extract of MD is rich in prenyl or farnesyl flavonoids and stilbenes, which possess antioxidant properties. Although data suggest the potential therapeutic benefits of the use of MD in treating diabetic nephropathy (DN), the precise mechanisms underlying MD-initiated protective effects against DN are not well understood. This study aimed to assess the renoprotective properties of MD extract by examining renofibrosis inhibition, oxidative stress, and inflammation utilizing streptozotocin-induced DN male Sprague - Dawley rats. Diabetic rats were intraperitoneally injected with streptozotocin (STZ) to induce diabetes. After 6 days, these rats were orally administered MD extract (200 mg/kg/day) or metformin (200 mg/kg/day) for 14 days. The administration of MD extract significantly lowered blood glucose levels, restored body weight, and reduced urine levels of various biomarkers associated with kidney functions. Histopathological analysis revealed protective effects in both kidneys and pancreas. Further, MD extract significantly restored abnormalities in advanced glycation end products, oxidative stress biomarkers, and proinflammatory cytokine levels in STZ-treated rats. MD extract markedly reduced renal fibrosis biomarker levels, indicating recovery from renal injury, and reversed dysregulation of sirtuins and claudin-1 in the kidneys of rats with STZ-induced diabetes. In conclusion, data demonstrated the renoprotective role of MD extract, indicating plant extract's ability to suppress oxidative stress and regulate proinflammatory pathways during pathological changes in diabetic nephropathy.

Antimicrobial Dihydroflavonols and Isoflavans Isolated from the Root Bark of Dalbergia gloveri.

Three new dihydroflavonols, gloverinols A-C (1-3), a new flavon-3-ol, gloverinol D (4), two new isoflavans, gloveriflavan A (5) and B (6), and seven known compounds were isolated from the root bark of Dalbergia gloveri. The structures of the isolates were elucidated by using NMR, ECD, and HRESIMS data analyses. Among the isolated compounds, gloverinol B (2), gloveriflavan B (6), and 1-(2,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-3-hydroxy-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-propanone (10) were the most active against Staphylococcus aureus, with MIC values of 9.2, 18.4, and 14.2 µM, respectively.

The n-Butanol Extract Obtained from the Inner Bark of Tabebuia rosea (Bertol.) DC, Specioside, and Catalposide Induce Leukemia Cell Apoptosis in the Presence of Apicidin.

The cell signaling pathways involved in the antiproliferative activities of T. rosea inner bark remain unexplored. This study evaluated the apoptotic effects of two iridoids from the inner bark of T. rosea and apicidin on THP-1 cells. The cytotoxic effects of the extract and the pure compounds on THP-1 and Jurkat cells were also evaluated using the MTT assay. The apoptotic effect was determined by measuring the mitochondrial membrane potential. The expression of mRNA and MAPK kinase, Bax, and Bcl-2 proteins was detected by Western blotting and RT-qPCR, respectively. The extract and the compounds evaluated increased the percentage of apoptotic cells. Depolarization of the mitochondrial membrane was observed, and the number of cells in the G0/G1 phase increased. Catalposide and specioside significantly increased p38 protein expression, mostly in cells pretreated with apicidin. The p38 MAPK signaling pathway is at least one of the pathways by which the n-butanol extract obtained from Tabebuia rosea, catalposide, and specioside exerts its apoptotic effect on THP-1 cells, and this effect generates a response in the G0/G1 phase and subsequent cell death. In addition, there was depolarization of the mitochondrial membrane, an effect that was related to the participation of the proapoptotic protein Bax.

Comprehensive Analysis of Berberis aristata DC. Bark Extracts: In Vitro and In Silico Evaluation of Bioaccessibility and Safety.

Berberine (BER) is an alkaloid found, together with other protoberberinoids (PROTBERs), in several species used in medicines and food supplements. While some herbal preparations containing BER and PROTBERs, such as Berberis aristata DC. bark extracts, have shown promising potential for human health, their safety has not been fully assessed. Recently, the EFSA issued a call for data to deepen the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic understanding of products containing BER and PROTBERs and to comprehensively assess their safety, especially when used in food supplements. In this context, new data were collected in this work by assessing: (i) the phytochemical profile of 16 different commercial B. aristata dry extracts, which are among the most widely used preparations containing BER and PROTBERs in Europe; (ii) the In Vitro and In Silico investigation of the pharmacokinetic properties of BER and PROTBERs; (iii) the In Vitro cytotoxicity of selected extracts in different human cell lines, including tests on hepatic cells in the presence of CYP450 substrates; (iv) the effects of the extracts on cancer cell migration; and (v) the In Vitro molecular effects of extracts in non-cancer human cells. Results showed that commercial B. aristata extracts contain BER as the main constituent, with jatrorrhizine as main secondary PROTBER. BER and jatrorrhizine were found to have a good bioaccessibility rate, but they interact with P-gp. B. aristata extracts showed limited cytotoxicity and minimal interaction with CYP450 substrates. Furthermore, tested extracts demonstrated inhibition of cancer cell migration and were devoid of any pro-tumoral effects in normal cells. Overall, our work provides a valuable overview to better elucidate important concerns regarding botanicals containing BER and PROTBERs.

Anticancer Activity and Mechanism of Action of Couroupita guianensis Bark Decoction in Gastric Adenocarcinoma Cancer Cell Line.

Couroupita guianensis, a medicinal plant autochthonal to South America and South India, is widely used in the ethnomedicine of the indigenous peoples of these regions thanks to its alleged antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and wound-healing properties. The majority of studies have mainly analyzed organic extracts of the Indian plant's flowers and leaves, with limited research on its bark decoction, traditionally used in Amazonian shamanic medicine. In this study, we investigated the anticancer effects of the bark decoction and its main fractions obtained through chromatographic separation, as well as the underlying molecular mechanisms in AGS gastric cancer cells. Viability, cell proliferation, cell cycle, apoptosis and protein expression related to these processes were evaluated. Both the bark decoction and fraction III significantly inhibited cell viability, and the cytotoxic effect was linked to cell cycle blockade and the induction of apoptosis also through an engulfment of the autophagic flux. Increased expression or activation of the key proteins (p53, p21, cdk2, Bak, caspases, pAMPK, pAkt, beclin, p62 and LC3BII) involved in these processes was observed. The results obtained confirmed an important anticancer effect of C. guianensis bark decoction, providing scientific validation for its use in traditional medicine and highlighting its potential as a therapeutic agent against gastric cancer.

[Chemical constituents from stem bark of Aquilaria sinensis and their antibacterial activity against Helicobacter pylori].

The stem bark of Aquilaria sinensis(Thymelaeaceae), with the local name of "Li-Wa-Zi-Xing", is used in traditional Yi medicine for treating chronic gastritis and other diseases. However, its active ingredients remain currently unknown. In this study, Helicobacter pylori(Hp) is used in anti-bacterial experiments to test the active compounds derived from A. sinensis stem bark. Nineteen compounds were isolated from the stem bark of A. sinensis by column chromatography, high-performance liquid chromatography, recrystallization, etc. Aquilaridiester(1) is a new lignan. The other eighteen compounds were reported before, including docosyl caffeate(2), 6-hydroxy-2-[2-(4-methoxyphenyl)ethyl]-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one(3), qinanone A(4), 6-hydroxy-2-(2-phenylethyl)chromone(5), 6-hydroxy-2-[2-(3-hydroxy-4-methoxyphenyl)ethyl]-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one(6), 6-hydroxy-2-[2-(3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenyl)ethyl]-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one(7), 6-hydroxy-2-[2-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)ethyl]chromone(8), 6-hydroxy-2-[(1E)-2-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)ethenyl]-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one(9), genkwanin(10), 5-hydroxy-2-(4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-7-methoxy-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one(11), 3-hydroxy-1-(4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-1-propanone(12),(+)-syringaresinol(13), zhebeiresinol(14), aquilarin A(15), caruilignan D(16),(-)-ficusal(17), pistaciamide(18), and protocatechuic acid(19). The anti-bacterial results show that compounds 2-7, 10-11, and 13 have inhibitory activity against Hp. Among them, 6-hydroxy-2-(2-phenylethyl)chromone(5) and 6-hydroxy-2-[2-(3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenyl)ethyl]-4H-benzopyran-4-one(7) have superior inhibitory effects on Hp to others, with the same minimum inhibitory concentration(MIC) of 6.25 µmol·L~(-1). The 2-(2-phenylethyl)chromones are the major active ingredients in A. sinensis stem bark.

Antibacterial and antioxidant studies of silver nanoparticles formulated from Erythrina senegalensis stem bark extract.

Erythrina senegalensis, belongs to the family of Fabaceae and it has been used traditionally to treat microbial infections and diabetes mellitus. The aim of this study was to formulate silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from the methanol stem bark extract of Erythrina senegalensis and to evaluate the antibacterial and antioxidant effects of the nanoparticles. The methanol extract was screened qualitatively for the presence of tannins, alkaloids, saponins and flavonoids using standard protocols. The silver nanoparticles were synthesized using green method and the particles were evaluated using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X-Ray diffraction (XRD). The percent inhibition effects of the AgNPs and extract were analyzed using hydrogen peroxide and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assays. The antibacterial effect of the methanol and the AgNPs were determined by disk diffusion method. The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of tannins and flavonoids. The DPPH assay revealed IC50 values of 3.60, 2.25 and 1.75mg/mL for the silver nanoparticles, methanol extract and ascorbic acid respectively. The findings from this study indicated that the extracts contain some secondary metabolites such as flavonoids which may be responsible for the bio-reduction of silver ion (Ag+) to AgNPs as well as the antimicrobial and antioxidant activities.

Looking for Actives in the Haystack: Merging HRMS2-Based Molecular Networking, Chemometrics, and 13C NMR-Based Dereplication Approaches.

The identification of bioactive natural products (NPs) in complex mixtures has become an important subject of contemporary NP research. In an attempt to address this challenge, the present work proposes an integrated strategy that combines tandem mass spectrometry (MS2)-based molecular networking (MN), a partial least-squares (PLS) chemometric model, as well as 13C NMR-based dereplication using MixONat software. In addition, an advanced glycation end product (AGEs) assay was used for activity evaluation. The approach was implemented on a Garcinia parvifolia bark extract that comprised a high content of prenylated xanthones and had previously shown a notable inhibitory effect on AGE formation. As a main result, the proposed strategy permitted the identification of potentially active metabolites within complex mixtures and their annotation with a higher level of confidence by NMR data. Overall, this comprehensive approach provides a powerful and efficient solution for the targeting and annotating of active compounds in complex NP mixtures.

Herbicide Stress Inducesbeetle Oviposition on Red Maples.

Flatheaded borers (FHB; Chrysobothris spp.), are woodboring-beetles that lay their eggs in the bark and cambium of deciduous trees in North America. Females often target stressed host-plants for oviposition. The reason why is unknown; however, stressed plants often suffer various induced phytochemical changes that may enhance larval infestation success depending on the stressor such as induced upregulation of defenses, reallocation of nutrients, and changes to volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions. To understand attraction of FHB to specific stress-induced changes, we analyzed phytochemical changes associated with stress treatments and attractiveness maple trees to FHB. Trees were stressed by: (1) chemical stress (pelargonic acid herbicide), (2) physical stress (physically removing leaves), and (3) physical stress (removing portions of bark near the root crown). After reflush of defoliated trees, bark tissues where FHB larvae feed were analyzed for nutritional changes (carbon and nitrogen), anti-nutritive changes (polyphenols and tannins) and emissions of foliar VOCs. At the end of the growing season, trees were assessed for FHB larval presence and oviposition attempts. There were more larvae and oviposition attempts on trees stressed by herbicide application. Compared to other treatments, herbicide-stressed trees had greater nitrogen and total polyphenol concentrations. Greater nitrogen may play a role in the fitness of feeding larvae, and the greater polyphenol concentration may stimulate female oviposition in the herbicide stressed trees. Females may be able to locate the herbicide-stressed trees by using volatile cues such as increases in limonene, α-farnesene, (E)-4,8-dimethyl-1,3,7-nonatriene (DMNT) and hexenyl acetate.

Extraction and characterization of novel Prosopis Juliflora bark and Boehmeria nivea fibre for use as reinforcement in the hybrid composites with the effect of curing temperature, fibre length and weight percentages.

The hybrid composite sample based on Prosopis Juliflora (PJ) bark and ramie fibre with different length, weight percentage, and curing temperature were created for the first time in this work. Totally, 120 hybrid composite samples were tested in this study. There were five different fibre lengths: 10 mm, 15 mm, 20 mm, 25 mm, and 30 mm, weight percentages 10 %, 20 %, 30 %, 40 %, and 50 %, and different curing temperatures 80 °C, 90 °C, 100 °C, 110 °C, and 120 °C used to produce the hybrid composite samples. Due to the cross-linking ability with the epoxy matrix, the hybrid composite specimen shows high resistance up to 98 Shore D hardness. The high polarity of the epoxy matrix and the hydrogen bond strengthening effect, increased the composite sample flexural strength by 12 %. The curing temperature of 100 °C, 20 mm fibre length, and 30 % of the hybrid composite sample achieved the highest tensile strength (28.76 MPa), flexural strength (46.54 MPa), impact strength (4.5 J), and hardness strength properties (98 shore D). Thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA) revealed the composite samples initial decomposition temperature (Ti) at 98 °C, maximum decomposition temperature (Tmax) at 320 °C, and the final decomposition temperature (Tf) at 466 °C.

Comparative Evaluation of Various Antioxidants on the Shear Bond Strength of Composite Resin to Bleached Enamel - An In Vitro Study.

AIM: To evaluate and compare the effect of various antioxidants on the shear bond strength of composite resin to bleached enamel. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Labial enamel surfaces of 90 extracted human maxillary central incisors were randomly divided into five groups based on the antioxidant used as follows: Group I ( n = 20): Bleaching with 40% hydrogen peroxide gel for 10 min, without the use of an antioxidant; Group II ( n = 20): Bleaching followed by the use of 10% sodium ascorbate solution; Group III ( n = 20): Bleaching followed by the use of 5% grape seed extract solution; Group IV ( n =20): Bleaching followed by the use of 5% pine bark extract solution; and Group V ( n =20): Control group in which no bleaching was done. Groups I-IV were further subdivided into two subgroups of 10 teeth each, whether the antioxidant application and composite build-up was done immediately (subgroup A) or after 2 weeks of postbleaching (subgroup B). Shear bond strength of the specimens was tested under a universal testing machine. RESULTS: One-way analysis of variance followed by Mann-Tukey posthoc multiple comparison test was used to analyse the data. The level of significance was established at P < 0.05. CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this study, it was observed that the use of antioxidants effectively reversed the compromised bond strength of bleached enamel. Among the antioxidants, 5% pine bark extract application after bleaching showed better bond strength.