Synthesis, Antifungal Activity and 3D-QSAR Study of Novel Anisaldehyde-Derived Amide-Thiourea Compounds.

Succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) is an important target enzyme for designing agricultural chemical fungicides. In order to explore novel natural product-based antifungal agents, twenty-one unreported anisaldehyde-derived amide-thiourea compounds were designed and synthesized using the principle of active splicing, and structurally confirmed by 1 H-NMR, 13 C-NMR, ESI-MS, FT-IR, and element analysis. In vitro antifungal activity of the target compounds was evaluated by the agar dilution method. The results showed that some target compounds exhibited better or comparable antifungal activity than that of the commercial fungicide chlorothalonil, in which compounds 5c, 5o, and 5r displayed excellent antifungal activity of 92.6 %, 92.6 % and 99.1 % against P. piricola, respectively, better than that of the positive control. In addition, 3D-QSAR analysis was carried out by the CoMFA method to reveal the relationship between the structures of the target compounds and their inhibitory activities. The simulative binding mode of the target compounds and SDH was also studied by molecular docking.

Modification of the Surface Composition of PTB7-Th: ITIC Blend Using an Additive.

We investigated the effect of adding p-anisaldehyde (AA) solvent to the ink containing poly[[2,60-4,8-di(5-ethylhexylthienyl)benzo[1,2-b:3,3-b]dithiophene][3-fluoro-2[(2-ethylhexyl)carbonyl]thieno[3,4-b]thiophenediyl]](PTB7-Th) and 3,9-bis(2-methylene-(3-(1,1-dicyanomethylene)-indanone))-5,5,11,11-tetrakis(4-hexylphenyl)-dithieno[2,3-d:20,30-d0]-s-indaceno[1,2-b:5,6-b0]-dithiophene(ITIC) on the morphology of the active layer. The present study focuses on determining the effect of the additive on the compositions at the surface of the PTB7-Th: ITIC composite and its morphology, forming one side of the interface of the blend with the MoOX electrode, and the influence of the structural change on the performance of devices. Studies of device performance show that the addition of the additive AA leads to an improvement in device performance. Upon the addition of AA, the concentration of PTB7-Th at the surface of the bulk heterojunction (BHJ) increases, causing an increase in surface roughness of the surface of the BHJ. This finding contributes to an understanding of the interaction between the donor material and high work function electrode/interface material. The implications for the interface are discussed.

Production of an Anise- and Woodruff-like Aroma by Monokaryotic Strains of Pleurotus sapidus Grown on Citrus Side Streams.

The production of natural flavors by means of microorganisms is of great interest for the food and flavor industry, and by-products of the agro-industry are particularly suitable as substrates. In the present study, Citrus side streams were fermented using monokaryotic strains of the fungus Pleurotus sapidus. Some of the cultures exhibited a pleasant smell, reminiscent of woodruff and anise, as well as herbaceous notes. To evaluate the composition of the overall aroma, liquid/liquid extracts of submerged cultures of a selected monokaryon were prepared, and the volatiles were isolated via solvent-assisted flavor evaporation. Aroma extract dilution analyses revealed p-anisaldehyde (sweetish, anisic- and woodruff-like) with a flavor dilution factor of 218 as a character impact compound. The coconut-like, herbaceous, and sweetish smelling acyloin identified as (2S)-hydroxy-1-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1-propanone also contributed to the overall aroma and was described as an aroma-active substance with an odor threshold in air of 0.2 ng L-1 to 2.4 ng L-1 for the first time. Supplementation of the culture medium with isotopically substituted l-tyrosine elucidated this phenolic amino acid as precursor of p-anisaldehyde as well as of (2S)-hydroxy-1-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1-propanone. Chiral analysis via HPLC revealed an enantiomeric excess of 97% for the isolated product produced by P. sapidus.

Synthesis and Biological Activities of Novel (Z)-/(E)-Anisaldehyde-Based Oxime Ester Compounds.

In search of novel natural product-based bioactive molecules, twenty (ten pairs) novel (Z)-/(E)-anisaldehyde-based oxime ester compounds were designed and synthesized by using anisaldehyde as starting material. Structural characterization of the target compounds was carried out by NMR, FT-IR, ESI-MS, and elemental analysis. Their herbicidal and antifungal activities were preliminarily tested. As a result, at 50 µg/mL, compound (E)-5b exhibited excellent to good inhibition rates of 92.3 %, 79.2 %, and 73.9 %, against Rhizoctonia solani, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cucumerinum, and Bipolaris maydis, respectively, better than or comparable to that of the positive control chlorothalonil. In addition, at 100 µg/mL, compounds (E)-5b, (E)-5f, (Z)-5f and (E)-5d exhibited excellent to good inhibition rates of 85.8 %, 82.9 %, 78.6 % and 64.2 %, respectively, against the root-growth of rape (B. campestris), much better than that of the positive control flumioxazin. The bioassay result also showed that the synthesized compounds had obvious differences in antifungal and herbicidal activities between (Z)- and (E)-isomers. Preliminary structure-activity relationship was also discussed by theoretical calculation.

Antimicrobial Activity of, and Cellular Pathways Targeted by, p-Anisaldehyde and Epigallocatechin Gallate in the Opportunistic Human Pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Plant-derived aldehydes are constituents of essential oils that possess broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity and kill microorganisms without promoting resistance. In our previous study, we incorporated p-anisaldehyde from star anise into a polymer network called proantimicrobial networks via degradable acetals (PANDAs) and used it as a novel drug delivery platform. PANDAs released p-anisaldehyde upon a change in pH and humidity and controlled the growth of the multidrug-resistant pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1. In this study, we identified the cellular pathways targeted by p-anisaldehyde by generating 10,000 transposon mutants of PAO1 and screened them for hypersensitivity to p-anisaldehyde. To improve the antimicrobial efficacy of p-anisaldehyde, we combined it with epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a polyphenol from green tea, and demonstrated that it acts synergistically with p-anisaldehyde in killing P. aeruginosa We then used transcriptome sequencing to profile the responses of P. aeruginosa to p-anisaldehyde, EGCG, and their combination. The exposure to p-anisaldehyde altered the expression of genes involved in modification of the cell envelope, membrane transport, drug efflux, energy metabolism, molybdenum cofactor biosynthesis, and the stress response. We also demonstrate that the addition of EGCG reversed many p-anisaldehyde-coping effects and induced oxidative stress. Our results provide insight into the antimicrobial activity of p-anisaldehyde and its interactions with EGCG and may aid in the rational identification of new synergistically acting combinations of plant metabolites. Our study also confirms the utility of the thiol-ene polymer platform for the sustained and effective delivery of hydrophobic and volatile antimicrobial compounds.IMPORTANCE Essential oils (EOs) are plant-derived products that have long been exploited for their antimicrobial activities in medicine, agriculture, and food preservation. EOs represent a promising alternative to conventional antibiotics due to their broad-range antimicrobial activity, low toxicity to human commensal bacteria, and capacity to kill microorganisms without promoting resistance. Despite the progress in the understanding of the biological activity of EOs, our understanding of many aspects of their mode of action remains inconclusive. The overarching aim of this work was to address these gaps by studying the molecular interactions between an antimicrobial plant aldehyde and the opportunistic human pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa The results of this study identify the microbial genes and associated pathways involved in the response to antimicrobial phytoaldehydes and provide insights into the molecular mechanisms governing the synergistic effects of individual constituents within essential oils.

Condensation Product of p-anisaldehyde and L-phenylalanine: Fluorescent "on-off" Sensor for Cu2+ and IMPLICATION Logic Gate.

(Z)-2-(4-methoxybenzylideneamino)-3-phenylpropanoic acid (L) synthesized by condensation of p-anisaldehyde and L-phenylalanine acts as selective fluorescent as well as voltammetric sensor for Cu2+ in 2:1 (v/v) CH3OH:H2O. The fluorescence intensity of L (λmax 425 nm) is quenched ca. 65% by Cu2+. Metal ions - Li+, Na+, K+, Al3+, Cu2+, Zn2+, Cd2+, Hg2+, Mn2+, Ni2+ and Pb2+ do not interfere. The binding constant and the detection limits were calculated to be 0.56 × 102 M-1 and 10-6 M respectively. DFT and TDDFT calculations confirmed 2:1 binding stoichiometry between L and Cu2+ obtained from fluorescence data. The interaction between L and Cu2+ is reversible for many cycles with respect to ethylenediamine tetraacetate anion (EDTA2-) which results in IMPLICATION logic gate.

The Natural Product Eugenol Is an Inhibitor of the Ebola Virus In Vitro.

PURPOSE: Since the 2014 Ebola virus (EBOV) outbreak in West Africa there has been considerable effort towards developing drugs to treat Ebola virus disease and yet to date there is no FDA approved treatment. This is important as at the time of writing this manuscript there is an ongoing outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo which has killed over 1000. METHODS: We have evaluated a small number of natural products, some of which had shown antiviral activity against other pathogens. This is exemplified with eugenol, which is found in high concentrations in multiple essential oils, and has shown antiviral activity against feline calicivirus, tomato yellow leaf curl virus, Influenza A virus, Herpes Simplex virus type 1 and 2, and four airborne phages. RESULTS: Four compounds possessed EC50 values less than or equal to 11 µM. Of these, eugenol, had an EC50 of 1.3 µM against EBOV and is present in several plants including clove, cinnamon, basil and bay. Eugenol is much smaller and structurally unlike any compound that has been previously identified as an inhibitor of EBOV, therefore it may provide new mechanistic insights. CONCLUSION: This compound is readily accessible in bulk quantities, is inexpensive, and has a long history of human consumption, which endorses the idea for further assessment as an antiviral therapeutic. This work also suggests that a more exhaustive assessment of natural product libraries against EBOV and other viruses is warranted to improve our ability to identify compounds that are so distinct from FDA approved drugs.

Schiff Base Derived from 4,4'-methylenedianiline and p-anisaldehyde: Colorimetric Sensor for Cu2+, Paper Strip Sensor for Al3+ and Fluorescent Sensor for Pb2.

The condensation product (L) of 4,4'-methylenedianiline and p-anisaldehyde acts as colorimetric sensor for Cu2+ and Pb2+ ions. On interaction with Cu2+, ethanolic solution of L changes its color to brown while it becomes light pink on interaction with Pb2+. Interaction of Al3+ with L coated paper strip emits bright blue fluorescence. Metal ions like Mg2+, Cu2+, Li+, K+, Na+, Mn2+, Al3+, Hg2+, Co2+, Pb2+, Ni2+, Cd2+, Zn2+, Fe3+ do not interfere the paper strip sensor. The fluorescent intensity of L in ethanol is quenched 25 times by Pb2+ ion. The interaction between L and Pb2+ is reversible and the detection limit of Pb2+ is 10-6 M. The binding constant and stoichiometry of binding between L and Pb2+ was calculated to be 104.8 and 1:2. Theoretical calculations show that the binding of the metal ions to L are favorable and the fluorescence of L is due to π → π* transition.

Visualization of Aspalathin in Rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) Plant and Herbal Tea Extracts Using Thin-Layer Chromatography.

Aspalathin, the main polyphenol of rooibos (Aspalathus linearis), is associated with diverse health promoting properties of the tea. During fermentation, aspalathin is oxidized and concentrations are significantly reduced. Standardized methods for quality control of rooibos products do not investigate aspalathin, since current techniques of aspalathin detection require expensive equipment and expertise. Here, we describe a simple and fast thin-layer chromatography (TLC) method that can reproducibly visualize aspalathin in rooibos herbal tea and plant extracts at a limit of detection (LOD) equal to 178.7 ng and a limit of quantification (LOQ) equal to 541.6 ng. Aspalathin is a rare compound, so far only found in A. linearis and its (rare) sister species A. pendula. Therefore, aspalathin could serve as a marker compound for authentication and quality control of rooibos products, and the described TLC method represents a cost-effective approach for high-throughput screening of plant and herbal tea extracts.

Ozone degrades floral scent and reduces pollinator attraction to flowers.

In this work we analyzed the degradation of floral scent volatiles from Brassica nigra by reaction with ozone along a distance gradient and the consequences for pollinator attraction. For this purpose we used a reaction system comprising three reaction tubes in which we conducted measurements of floral volatiles using a proton-transfer-reaction time-of-flight mass spectrometer (PTR-TOF-MS) and GC-MS. We also tested the effects of floral scent degradation on the responses of the generalist pollinator Bombus terrestris. The chemical analyses revealed that supplementing air with ozone led to an increasing reduction in the concentrations of floral volatiles in air with distance from the volatile source. The results revealed different reactivities with ozone for different floral scent constituents, which emphasized that ozone exposure not only degrades floral scents, but also changes the ratios of compounds in a scent blend. Behavioural tests revealed that floral scent was reduced in its attractiveness to pollinators after it had been exposed to 120 ppb O3 over a 4.5 m distance. The combined results of chemical analyses and behavioural responses of pollinators strongly suggest that high ozone concentrations have significant negative impacts on pollination by reducing the distance over which floral olfactory signals can be detected by pollinators.

Microdiplanol and microdiplane: a new m-anisaldehyde and a new 24-methylcholestanol derivative from the endophytic fungus Microdiplodia sp.

Phytochemical investigation of the endophytic fungus Microdiplodia sp. afforded a new m-anisaldehyde derivative named microdiplanol (1) and a new 24-methylcholestanol derivative named microdiplane (2). Their structures were confirmed by a comprehensive analysis of 1D and 2D NMR and mass spectrometric data.

Identification of the odorant binding proteins of Western Flower Thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis), characterization and binding analysis of FoccOBP3 with molecular modelling, molecular dynamics simulations and a confirmatory field trial.

Olfactory systems are indispensable for insects as they, including Western Flower Thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis), use olfactory cues for ovipositing and feeding. F. occidentalis use odorant binding proteins (OBPs) to transport semiochemicals to odorant receptors to induce a behavioural response from the sensillum lymph of the insect's antennae. This study identifies four OBPs of F. occidentalis and analyses their expression at three stages of growth: larvae, adult males and adult females. Further, it investigates the presence of conserved motifs and their phylogenetic relationship to other insect species. Moreover, FoccOBP3 was in silico characterized to analyse its structure along with molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations to understand its binding with semiochemicals of F. occidentalis. Molecular docking revealed the interactions of methyl isonicotinate, p-anisaldehyde and (S)-(-)-verbenone with FoccOBP3. Moreover, molecular dynamics simulations showed bonding stability of these ligands with FoccOBP3, and field trials validated that Lurem TR (commercial product) and p-anisaldehyde had greater attraction as compared to (S)-(-)-verbenone, given the compound's binding with FoccOBP3. The current study helps in understanding the tertiary structure and interaction of FoccOBP3 with lures using computational and field data and will help in the identification of novel lures of insects in the future, given the importance of binding with OBPs.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of a tincture derived from the fruit of Pimpinella anisum L. (anise tincture) for use in all animal species (FEFANA asbl).

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of a tincture from the fruit of Pimpinella anisum L. (anise tincture) when used as a sensory additive in feed and water for drinking for all animal species. The product is a ■■■■■ solution, with a dry matter content of approximately 1.6%. The product contained on average 0.0414% polyphenols (of which 0.0144% were flavonoids), 0.0009% anisaldehyde, 0.0003% anethole. Estragole (≤ 1.2 mg/kg) was detected in the additive. The estimated maximum content of furocoumarins was 8.2 mg/kg. The use of the anise tincture in feed was not expected to increase the exposure to furocoumarins of those target species that are already fed citrus by-products to a relevant extent (< 10%). For dogs, cats and ornamental fish not normally exposed to citrus by-products, no conclusion could be drawn. The Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) concluded that the anise tincture was safe at the maximum proposed use levels in complete feed of 200 mg/kg for horses and 50 mg/kg for poultry, pigs, ruminants, rabbits and salmonids and other fin fish. Anise tincture should be considered as irritant to skin and eyes, and as a dermal and respiratory sensitiser. Since anise tincture may contain furocoumarins, they may cause phototoxicity. When handling the additive, exposure of unprotected users to estragole may occur. Therefore, to reduce the risk, the exposure of the users should be minimised. The use of the anise tincture as a flavour in animal feed was not expected to pose a risk for the environment. Since the fruit of P. anisum and its preparations were recognised to flavour food and their function in feed would be the same, no demonstration of efficacy was necessary.

Insight into the mechanism of water-insoluble dietary fiber from star anise (Illicium verum Hook. f.) on water-holding capacity of myofibrillar protein gels.

This study aimed to determine the efficacy of star anise dietary fiber (SADF) in alleviating the oxidative damage of myofibrillar protein (MP) from the perspective of volatile components. SADF and SADF without essential oils (EOs) (NSADF) were added to oxidized MP. The addition of NSADF and SADF improved the water-holding capacity (WHC) and gel strength, with the 0.4% addition showing the highest values. Moreover, the WHC of MP from the SADF-treated group was significantly higher than that from the NSADF-treated group at the same dosage, suggesting that EOs in SADF improved the WHC through antioxidation. EOs in SADF prevented the attack of hydroxyl radicals on MP, increasing the ß-sheet level and decreasing the random coil level, which was supported by the results of FT-IR, carbonyl content, and sulfhydryl content. Limonene and anisaldehyde present in EOs played an antioxidant role, and anisaldehyde could scavenge free radicals through demethoxylation.

Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of a tincture derived from the fruit of Foeniculum vulgare Mill. ssp. vulgare var. dulce (sweet fennel tincture) for use in all animal species (FEFANA asbl).

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of a tincture from the fruit of Foeniculum vulgare Mill. ssp. vulgare var. dulce (sweet fennel tincture) when used as a sensory additive in feed and water for drinking for all animal species. The product is a ■■■■■ solution, with a dry matter content of approximately 2.16%. The product contained 0.0586% polyphenols (of which 0.0052% were flavonoids), anethole (0.0006%), anisaldehyde (0.0035%) and estragole (0.0006%). The Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) concluded that sweet fennel tincture is safe at the maximum proposed use levels of 200 mg/kg complete feed for horses and 50 mg/kg complete feed for all other animal species. The FEEDAP Panel considered that the use in water for drinking is safe provided that the total daily intake of the additive does not exceed the daily amount which is considered safe when consumed via feed. No safety concern would arise for the consumer from the use of sweet fennel tincture up to the maximum proposed use levels in feed. Sweet fennel tincture should be considered as irritant to skin and eyes, and as a dermal and respiratory sensitiser. When handling the additive, exposure of unprotected users to estragole cannot be excluded. Therefore, to reduce the risk, the exposure of the users should be minimised. F. vulgare is native to Europe. The use of sweet fennel tincture as a flavour in animal feed was not expected to pose a risk for the environment. Since the fruit of F. vulgare and its preparations were recognised to flavour food and their function in feed would be essentially the same, no demonstration of efficacy was considered necessary.

Cloning and expression of a novel trans-anethole oxygenase gene from Paraburkholderia sp. MR185.

trans-Anethole oxygenase (TAO) is the key enzyme responsible for the oxidation of trans-anethole to p-anisaldehyde. A strain, Paraburkholderia sp. MR185, was isolated from soil in Yulin star anise-planting regions using trans-anethole as a sole carbon source and a gene which encodes a protein with high similarities to a hypothetical protein of Paraburkholderia sp. MM5384-R2 which shows 61.27% identies with TAO from Pseudomonas putida JYR-1 was cloned and sequenced. The gene, tao, was expressed in E. coli cells and its protein product was purified by affinity chromatography through regenerated amorphous cellulose (RAC). SDS-PAGE analysis indicated a clear band of recombinant protein TAO, and its molecular weight, 38.3 kDa, was consistent with the theoretical value. Its enzyme activity of producing p-anisaldehyde from trans-anethole was detected by DNPH (2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine) chromogenic reaction and HPLC, and the specific activity of TAO reached 3.93 U/mg protein. Immobilized TAO on RAC was used to catalyze the production of p-anisaldehyde from trans-anethole, and the enzyme retained more than 60% of its initial activity after 10 uses. This is the first report on Paraburkholderia TAO.

Wound dressing membranes based on immobilized Anisaldehyde onto (chitosan-GA-gelatin) copolymer: In-vitro and in-vivo evaluations.

Herein, wound dressing membranes based on covalently linked Chitosan (Ch) to Gelatin (GE) via Glutaraldehyde (GA) to have (Ch-GA-GE) copolymer have been developed. In addition, Anisaldehyde (An) was immobilized onto Ch-GA-GE to has An-(Ch-GA-GE) membrane. The changes of the Ch-GA-GE membranes wettability, from 26 ± 1.3° to 45.3 ± 2.27° of the An-(Ch-GA-GE) copolymer membrane, indicating the reduction of copolymers hydrophilicity. The thermal characterization was done using TGA and DSC, while the morphological analysis was done using SEM. The antibacterial properties were assessed against four bacterial strains (P. aeruginosa, S. aureus, Streptococcus, and E. coli). In-vitro evaluation of the fabricated membranes to be used as wound dressings was investigated by measuring their hemocompatibility, cytotoxicity, and biodegradability. Finally, the in-vivo assessment of the developed membranes to encourage skin regeneration was assessed utilizing adult Wistar albino rats. The results illustrated that the An-(Ch-GA-GE) copolymer membranes significantly enhanced the rat's full-thickness injuries, as monitored by reducing the wound region. Furthermore, histological analyses of the injuries covered with An-(Ch-GA-GE) membranes demonstrated a notable re-epithelialisation contrasted with wounds treated with the cotton gauze Ch-GA-GE membranes dressings proving the efficiency of Anisaldehyde. Those findings indicate that the An-(Ch-GA-GE) membrane has considerable potential for wound healing and skin regeneration.

Natural Repellents as a Method of Preventing Ant Damage to Microirrigation Systems.

Ants are important because they damage agricultural equipment, including microirrigation systems. The aim of this research was to assess the efficiency of the incorporation of repellents in drip irrigation tubing as a method of protection against ant damage. Unlike previous studies, we tested a series of nontoxic compounds that are repellent to ants. First, we assessed their repellent effects on a local ant species via olfactometer trials. Then, the candidates showing the best results (cinnamon essential oil, p-anisaldehyde and ethyl anthranilate) were incorporated via compounding, injection and extrusion to polyethylene tubing to test their efficiency in the field. Field tests showed high damage levels in the control tubing containing no repellents, presumably caused by up to six different ant species (Cardiocondyla batesii, Plagiolepis pygmaea, P. schmitzii, Solenopsis sp., Tapinoma nigerrimum and Tetramorium semilaeve). In contrast, the pipes containing the three selected compounds remained almost intact, with the treatment including ethyl anthranilate showing no damage at all. These results suggest the strong repellent potential of the selected compounds, even when integrated into plastic, as well as the apparent success of the proposed methodology against the damage caused by ants. The diversity of damage-causing agents that exist in or above the soil strongly encourages further studies to determine the overall efficiency of repellents in protecting irrigation pipes.

Maintenance of Postharvest Quality and Reactive Oxygen Species Homeostasis of Pitaya Fruit by Essential Oil p-Anisaldehyde Treatment.

The performance of p-Anisaldehyde (PAA) for preserving pitaya fruit quality and the underpinning regulatory mechanism were investigated in this study. Results showed that PAA treatment significantly reduced fruit decay, weight loss and loss of firmness, and maintained higher content of total soluble solids, betacyanins, betaxanthins, total phenolics and flavonoids in postharvest pitaya fruits. Compared with control, the increase in hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) content and superoxide anion (O2•-) production was inhibited in fruit treated with PAA. Meanwhile, PAA significantly improved the activity of antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD) and catalase (CAT). Moreover, PAA-treated pitaya fruit maintained higher ascorbic acid (AsA) and reduced-glutathione (GSH) content but lower dehydroascorbate (DHA) and oxidized glutathione (GSSG) content, thus sustaining higher ratio of AsA/DHA and GSH/GSSG. In addition, activities of ascorbate peroxidase (APX), glutathione reductase (GR), monodehydroascorbate reductase (MDHAR) and dehydrogenation ascorbic acid reductase (DHAR), as well as the expression of HpSOD, HpPOD, HpCAT, HpAPX, HpGR, HpDHAR and HpMDHAR, were enhanced after PAA treatment. The findings suggest that postharvest application of PAA may be a reliable method to control postharvest decay and preserve quality of harvested pitaya fruit by enhancing the antioxidant potential of the AsA-GSH cycle and activating an antioxidant defense system to alleviate reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation.

A new organic-inorganic compound, ethyl-enedi-ammonium hexa-chlorido-stannate(IV) p-anisaldehyde disolvate.

The asymmetric unit of the title organic-inorganic hybrid complex [systematic name: ethane-1,2-diaminium hexa-chlorido-stannate(IV)-4-meth-oxy-benz-alde-hyde (1/2)], (C2H10N2)[SnCl6]·2C8H8O2, contains one half of an ethyl-enedi-ammonium cation, one half of an [SnCl6]2- anion and one p-anisaldehyde mol-ecule. Both the organic cation and the quasi-regular octa-hedral inorganic anion are located about inversion centres. The organic cations and [SnCl6]2- anions lie in layers parallel to the ac plane with p-anisaldehyde mol-ecules occupying the space between the layers. A network of classical N-H⋯Cl and N-H⋯O hydrogen bonds exists between the ethyl-enedi-ammonium cations and the [SnCl6]2- anions and p-anisaldehyde mol-ecules. These inter-actions, together with non-classical C-H⋯O inter-actions between the ethyl-enedi-ammonium cations and the p-anisaldehyde mol-ecules, serve to hold the structure together. The crystal studied was refined as a two-component twin.