Characterizing the composition of volatile compounds in different types of Chinese bacon using GC-MS, E-nose, and GC-IMS.

Chinese bacon is highly esteemed by consumers worldwide due to its unique aroma. The composition of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) varies significantly among different types of Chinese bacon. This study analyzed the VOCs of Chinese bacon from Sichuan, Hunan, Guangxi, and Shaanxi provinces using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), an electronic nose (E-nose), and gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry (GC-IMS). The results demonstrate that the combination of GC-MS and GC-IMS effectively distinguishes Chinese bacon from different regions. Notably, Guangxi bacon lacks a smoky aroma, which sets it apart from the other types. However, it contains many esters that play a crucial role in its flavor profile. In contrast, phenols, including guaiacol, which is typical in smoked bacon, were present in the bacon from Sichuan, Hunan, and Shaanxi but were absent in Guangxi bacon. Furthermore, Hunan bacon exhibited a higher aldehyde content than Sichuan bacon. 2-methyl-propanol and 3-methyl-butanol were identified as characteristic flavor compounds of Zhenba bacon. This study provides a theoretical foundation for understanding and identifying the flavor profiles of Chinese bacon. Using various analytical techniques to investigate the flavor compounds is essential for effectively distinguishing bacon from different regions.

Picosecond Spin Current Generation from Vicinal Metal-Antiferromagnetic Insulator Interfaces.

We report the picosecond spin current generation from the interface between a heavy metal and a vicinal antiferromagnet insulator Cr_{2}O_{3} by laser pulses at room temperature and zero magnetic field. It is converted into a detectable terahertz emission in the heavy metal via the inverse spin Hall effect. The vicinal interfaces are apparently the source of the picosecond spin current, as evidenced by the proportional terahertz signals to the vicinal angle. We attribute the origin of the spin current to the transient magnetic moment generated by an interfacial nonlinear magnetic-dipole difference-frequency generation. We propose a model based on the in-plane inversion symmetry breaking to quantitatively explain the terahertz intensity with respect to the angles of the laser polarization and the film azimuth. Our work opens new opportunities in antiferromagnetic and ultrafast spintronics by considering symmetry breaking.

Carbon Dots Improve Nitrogen Bioavailability to Promote the Growth and Nutritional Quality of Soybeans under Drought Stress.

The inefficient utilization of nitrogen (N) in soil and drought stress seriously threatens agricultural and food production. Herein, soil application of carbon dots (CDs, 5 mg kg-1) promoted the growth and nutritional quality of soybeans by improving N bioavailability, which was beneficial to alleviate the economic losses caused by drought stress. Soil application of CDs enhanced the N-fixing ability of nodules, regulated rhizosphere processes, and ultimately enhanced N and water uptake in soybeans under drought stress. Compared to control (drought stress), the application of CDs under drought stress enhanced soybean nitrogenase activity by 8.6% and increased N content in soybean shoots and roots by 18.5% and 14.8%, respectively. CDs in soil promoted the secretion of root exudates (e.g., organic acids, fatty acids, and polyketides) and regulated beneficial microbial communities (e.g., Proteobacteria, Acidobacteria, Gemmatimonadetes, and Actinobacteria), thus enhancing the N release from soil. Besides, compared to control, the expression of GmNRT, GmAMT, GmLB, and GmAQP genes in roots were upregulated by 1.2-, 1.8-, 2.7-, and 2.3-fold respectively, implying enhanced N transport and water uptake. Furthermore, the proteins, fatty acids, and amino acids in soybean grains were improved by 3.4%, 6.9%, and 17.3%, respectively, as a result of improved N bioavailability. Therefore, CD-enabled agriculture is promising for improving the drought tolerance and quality of soybeans, which is of significance for food security in facing the crisis of global climate change.

Foliar carbon dot amendment modulates carbohydrate metabolism, rhizospheric properties and drought tolerance in maize seedling.

Improving maize drought tolerance is of great importance for scaling up production due to food security and population growth. Carbon dots (CDs) were synthesized by hydrothermal method with citric acid and ethylenediamine as carbon sources. Then, CDs (5 ml, 5 mg‧L-1) were sprayed on 25th day-old maize (Zea mays L., drought-stress, 35% soil moisture) for seven consecutive days (spraying ultra-pure water as control), after which the physiological parameters and rhizospheric properties of maize under drought were evaluated. Foliar sprayed CDs (5 mg‧L-1) could increase root exudates (e.g., succinic acid (14.5 folds), pyruvic acid (10.0 folds), and betaine (11.8 folds)), and modify microbial community. Particularly, the relative abundance of Pseudomonas, Sphingomonas, Nitrospira, and Conocybe were significantly increased by 344.4%, 233.3%, 126.2%, and 122.6%, respectively. The altered microbial abundance could improve soil available nitrogen and phosphorus by 33.5% and 16.8%, respectively, and increase plant water uptake by 37.2%. The change of exudate synthesis and microbial abundance could be driven by the significantly increased in net photosynthesis rate by 122.9%, and carbohydrate content by 35.4% in shoots and 113.6% in roots, respectively upon foliar application of CDs. Meanwhile, fresh weight of shoots and roots were increased by 62.1% and 50.6%, and dry weight of shoots and roots were increased by 29.2% and 37.5%, respectively. These results demonstrated that foliar application of CDs could improve the rhizosphere environment to enhance maize drought tolerance and even growth. Therefore, foliar application of CDs would be a promising strategy for sustainable nano-agriculture in response to drought stress.

Copper nanoclusters promote tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) yield and quality through improving photosynthesis and roots growth.

The innovative and sustainable technologies are highly needed to decrease serious environmental problems from current agriculture. Herein, the green and biosafe copper-based nano-agriculture was described for tomato production. Prepared Cu nanoclusters (NCs) showed small size (3.0 ± 0.5 nm) and high bioavailability. At low concentration (1 mg kg-1) in soil, Cu NCs improved the activities of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase and peroxidase) in the tomato plants, which could help to slow down leaf aging, increase photosynthesis and carbohydrates content by 19.4 % and 14.9 %, respectively. Cu NCs promoted the roots' growth, especially increasing the root tip' number, which might contribute to the increase in absorption of macronutrients (K, Mg and P) and micronutrients (B, Mn, Cu and Zn). The Cu NCs (1 mg kg-1) promoted tomato growth and increased the tomato fruit yields by 12.2 % compared to the control. Moreover, the tomato fruit qualities had been improved meanwhile the accumulation of Cu in fruits was not observed. These findings indicate that the Cu NCs have potential to be safely applied for tomato production.

Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Dots Increased Light Conversion and Electron Supply to Improve the Corn Photosystem and Yield.

Fluorescent carbon dots (CDs) have been reported as an artificial antenna to amplify the harvesting ability of light and enhance photosynthesis in plants. However, the main mechanism of this promotive effect and contributions of CDs' structure are unclear. Herein, CDs and nitrogen (N)-doped CDs (N-CDs) with blue fluorescence were synthesized, and they could promote photosynthesis and growth of corn at an application concentration of 50 mg·L-1 or lower, compared to the control. Foliar application of N-CDs (5 mg·L-1) on corn could increase the net photosynthesis rate (21.51%), carbohydrate content (66.43% in roots and 42.03% in shoots), fresh weight (24.03% in roots and 34.56% in shoots), and dry weight (72.30% in roots and 55.75% in shoots), which were much higher than those of CDs. Principal component analysis and density functional theory calculation demonstrated that, compared with undoped CDs, N doping enhanced the light conversion and electron supply via altering the structure of CDs, making N-CDs effective light conversion materials and electron donors to promote the photoelectron transfer rate. Furthermore, foliar application of N-CDs could increase the yield and 1000-grain weight by 24.50 and 15.03%, respectively. Therefore, the application of N-CDs could be a promising approach for increasing agricultural production.

The bioequivalence of a single dose of a generic solifenacin succinate tablet or Vesicare in fasting or postprandial healthy Chinese adults.

OBJECTIVE: The present study evaluated the bioequivalence of the test preparation (5 mg generic solifenacin succinate tablet, produced by Jiangsu Deyuan Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.) or the reference preparation (5 mg solifenacin succinate tablets with the trade name Vesicare, produced by Astellas Pharma Europe B.V.) in either fasting or postprandial states in healthy Chinese subjects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study was designed as an open-label, randomized, single-center, single-dose, dual-cycle, dual-crossover, fasting/postprandial study. 56 healthy Chinese subjects (28 each in the fasting and postprandial groups) were enrolled. WinNolin software (version 7.0 or above) was used to calculate the pharmacokinetic parameters. RESULTS: In the fasting and postprandial group, pharmacokinetic analysis and bioequivalence analysis were carried out based on the blood concentration-time data. The 90% confidence interval of the geometric mean ratio of Cmax, AUC0-t, and AUC0-∞ of the test preparation and the reference preparation were both within the acceptance range of 80.00 - 125.00%. CONCLUSION: A single administration of a 5-mg tablet of either the test preparation, generic solifenacin succinate, or the reference preparation, solifenacin succinate with the brand-name Vesicare, was safe and bioequivalent in healthy Chinese subjects in either fasting or postprandial states according to the criteria of bioequivalence of the State Drug Administration of China.

Bioequivalence of a Generic Nateglinide Formulation in Healthy Chinese Volunteers under Fasting and Fed Conditions: A Randomized, Open-Label, Double-Cycle, Double-Crossover Study.

INTRODUCTION: Nateglinide or N-(trans-4-isopropylcyclohexyl-1-carbonyl)-D-phenylalanine is a drug with a rapid hypoglycemic effect that is mainly used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Very few studies have assessed bioequivalence based on feeding status. This study aimed to assess the pharmacokinetic bioequivalence and safety of nateglinide-containing tablets (0.12 g) in healthy Chinese volunteers under fasting and fed conditions. METHODS: The studies were performed in 2017-2018 in the Phase I Clinical Trial Ward of the Affiliated Hospital of Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, China. Eligible Chinese volunteers received a single 0.12-g dose of the test or reference formulation, followed by a 7-day washout period and administration of the alternate formulation. Blood samples were collected at various time intervals, and plasma nateglinide concentrations were analyzed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Then, the adverse events, laboratory test results, vital signs, and physical exam findings were compared between the 2 groups. RESULTS: The ratios of the geometric means of Cmax, AUC0-t, and AUC0-inf of the tested to reference preparations under fasting conditions were 105.03% (90% confidence interval [CI]: 99.53-110.83%), 104.02% (90% CI: 101.37-106.74%), and 104.04% (90% CI: 101.38-106.77%), respectively. The same ratios under fed conditions were 96.55% (90% CI: 85.80-108.65%), 103.08% (90% CI: 100.07-106.18%), and 103.07% (90% CI: 100.21-106.01%), respectively. The 90% CI values for Cmax, AUC0-t, and AUC0-inf fell within the accepted range of bioequivalence (80.00-125.0%). Common adverse events included hypoglycemia, heart rate increase, palpitation, sweating, dizziness, and diarrhea. CONCLUSIONS: The test formulation (0.12 g) met the CFDA's regulatory definition for bioequivalence to the reference formulation. Both formulations were well tolerated by healthy Chinese subjects. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This trial has been registered in the Chinese Clinical trial registry (ChiCTR2000030694), March 10, 2020.

Development of an LC-MS Method for 4-Fluoroaniline Determination in Ezetimibe.

A rapid and sensitive high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry method was developed and validated to determine 4-fluoroaniline concentration in ezetimibe. Chromatographic separation was achieved on a Phenomenex Gemini-NX C18 column (150 × 4.6 mm, 3 µm) maintained at 30°C. The liquid chromatography system was operated in gradient mode with an injection volume of 20 µL at a flow rate of 1 mL/min. Mobile phase A was water and mobile phase B consisted of acetonitrile with 0.05% acetic acid. The detection was performed using a single quadrupole mass spectrometer in single ion monitoring mode by using positive ionization. An m/z value of 112 was selected for monitoring 4-fluoroaniline. The method showed good linearity over the concentration range of 0.94-30.26 ng/mL. The limit of quantification and limit of detection were 0.19 and 0.94 ng/mL, respectively. The precision relative standard deviations were less than 8.7% (n = 12), and the accuracy values were within 92-99%. A standard solution of 4-fluoroaniline was stable for at least 24 h at 25°C. Small changes in the organic phase acidity of the mobile phase, flow rate, column temperature, and the instrument parameters had no significant effect on the results for 4-fluoroaniline.

Fast and Simple Determination of 3-Aminopiperidine without Derivatization Using High Performance Liquid Chromatography-Charged Aerosol Detector with an Ion-Exchange/Reversed-Phase Mixed-mode Column.

A sensitive non-derivatization method for the determination of the highly polar compound 3-aminopiperidine was developed using a mixed-mode column combined with a charged aerosol detector (CAD). Chromatographic conditions, including the type of detector, separation mode, and mobile phase composition, were optimized to achieve high sensitivity towards and sufficient retention of 3-aminopiperidine. Compared to the precolumn derivatization UV method, the current method showed higher recovery and greater simplicify. High sensitivity (LOQ <2.73 µg mL-1) and good precision (RSD of peak area <2%) were also observed in the current method. Furthermore, the parameters such as buffer solution and column bleed that affected the sensitivity of the CAD were investigated. Finally, the current method was applied for the determination of 3-aminopiperidine in linagliptin samples. This is a new non-derivative for the determination of 3-aminopiperidine, and constitutes a novel application of the CAD for the quantitative analysis of highly polar basic compounds.

A Sensitive Precolumn Derivatization Method for Determination of Piperazine in Vortioxetine Hydrobromide Using a C8 Column and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry.

A rapid and sensitive high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry method was established to determine the trace residues of piperazine in vortioxetine hydrobromide. The presence of piperazine was determined by precolumn derivatization with dansyl chloride. Chromatographic separation was performed on a Waters SunFire C8 column (150 × 4.6 mm, 3.5 µm) in gradient elution mode, using formic acid and acetonitrile as mobile phase. Detection was performed in a single quadrupole mass spectrometer in single ion monitoring mode using positive ionization. An m/z value of 553 was selected for monitoring disubstituted piperazine by DNS-Cl. Linearity, accuracy, and precision were found to be acceptable over the piperazine concentration range of 0.3525 - 2.35 ng mL-1. The limit of detection and limit of quantification of piperazine were 0.1175 and 0.3525 ng mL-1, respectively, which complied with the requirements of qualitative and quantitative analyses. The method was deemed sensitive and efficient.

[Effect of Stimulated N Deposition on N2O Emission from a Stipa krylovii Steppe in Inner Mongolia, China].

With fast development of industry, agriculture and society, very high N deposition occurs in China. N deposition has exceeded 3 g · (m² · a)⁻¹ in some areas of temperate steppes, which is a significant part of the Eurasia grassland, but may possibly be sensitive to N deposition. To study the effect of N deposition on N cycling in typical temperate steppe, N2O emissions were measured in a Stipa krylovii steppe in Inner Mongolia for a whole year. A field control experiment of simulated N deposition (by NaNO3 addition) was also carried out at 6 dose levels, CK (control), N2 [2 g · (m² · a)⁻¹], N5 [5 g · (m² · a)⁻¹], N10 [10 g · (m² · a)⁻¹], N25 [25 g · (m² · a)⁻¹], and N50 [50 g · (m² · a)⁻¹]. The results showed that the natural N2O-N emission flux was 0.10 g · (m² · a)⁻¹, accounting for about 3% of the total N deposition, and much depended on soil water content and soil temperature under ambient N deposition. In addition, enhanced N deposition might significantly increase N2O emission, especially at very high N doses (N25 and N50 treatments). The annual N2 0 emission flux showed a linear relationship with the N addition. Greater attention should therefore be paid to the relatively high N2O emission in the typical temperate steppe in China.

[The effects of aranidipine on ambulatory blood pressures in patients with mild to moderate essential hypertension].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of aranidipine enteric-coated capsules on 24 h blood pressure and blood pressure variability (BPV) in patients with mild to moderate essential hypertension. METHODS: This was an open clinical trial with 2 weeks of placebo run-in period. A total of 74 patients with blood pressure (140-180/95-110 mm Hg (1 mm Hg = 0.133 kPa) were treated by aranidipine (5 mg/d) for 4 weeks.If clinical sitting blood pressure < 140/90 mm Hg at 4th week, aranidipine at 5 mg/d would be continued for another 8 weeks.If not, the dosage would be increased to 10 mg/d.If blood pressure <140/90 mm Hg at 8th week, aranidipine at 5 mg/d or 10 mg/d would be given constantly.If not, the dosage would be increased to 20 mg/d and given for another 4 weeks. All patients performed 24 h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) before and after the treatment with BPV evaluated by the average 24 h per unit time blood pressure standard deviation and morning blood pressure surge (MBPS). RESULTS: (1) After 12 weeks' treatment with aranidipine, the mean 24 h blood pressure was reduced significantly compared with the baseline [(14 ± 13)/(11 ± 9) mm Hg, both P < 0.05] with trough/peak (T/P) ratio of SBP and DBP in responders of 75.31% and 78.15%, respectively.(2) After 12 weeks' treatment, standard deviations of 24 h, daytime SBP/DBP and nighttime SBP/DBP were reduced significantly[(25 ± 3)/(14 ± 4) mm Hg vs (11 ± 3)/(8 ± 2) mm Hg, (24 ± 5)/(14 ± 4) mm Hg vs (11 ± 3)/(8 ± 2) mm Hg, (10 ± 3)/(8 ± 4) mm Hg vs (8 ± 3)/(6 ± 3) mm Hg], respectively with all P < 0.05.Significant decrease was shown in MBPS compared to the baseline [(27 ± 11) mm Hg vs (19 ± 9) mm Hg, P < 0.05]. (3) The incidence of adverse events was 13.4%, including mild dizziness, flushing and palpitation. CONCLUSION: Administration of aranidipine enteric-coated capsules can control 24 h blood pressure effectively and reduce BPV significantly in patients with mild to moderate essential hypertension with good safety profile.

[Efficacy and safety of aranidipine in Chinese patients with mild-to-moderate essential hypertension].

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy and safety of aranidipine versus retard-released felodipine in Chinese patients with mild-to-moderate essential hypertension. METHODS: This was a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo and active antihypertensive drug parallel-controlled study. After 2 weeks of placebo run-in period, 315 patients at 6 centers with diastolic blood pressure (DBP) between 95 to 109 mm Hg (1 mm Hg = 0.133 kPa) while systolic blood pressure (SBP) below 180 mm Hg were randomized to receive aranidipine 5-20 mg/d (n = 126) or retard-released felodipine 5-10 mg/d (n = 126) for 12 weeks. Others (n = 63) received placebo for 4 weeks. Their blood pressures were evaluated at baseline and the end of Weeks 4, 8 and 12. RESULTS: After a 12-week treatment, SBP decreased from 148.8 ± 10.7 mm Hg to (132.8 ± 11.2) mm Hg while DBP dropped from ( 98.4 ± 2.8) mm Hg to (83.9 ± 7.5) mm Hg. There were significant differences with the baseline values (P < 0.0001). After a 4-week treatment, the reductions of SBP in aranidipine and retard-released felodipine groups were (12.1 ± 11.0) mm Hg and (12.2 ± 11.2) mm Hg while the reductions of DBP in two groups (11.8 ± 6.9) mm Hg and (12.1 ± 7.9) mm Hg respectively. The reductions of SBP and DBP in two groups were (2.3 ± 8.4) mm Hg and (4.0 ± 5.1) mm Hg and they were significantly superior to that in placebo group (P < 0.0001). But no significant difference existed between aranidipine and retard-released felodipine groups. Also no significant differences were found between these two antihypertensive therapy groups at the end of Weeks 4, 8 and 12 in the reduction of blood pressure, total response rate and blood pressure control rate. But 20 mg daily aranidipine was significantly superior to 10 mg daily retard-released felodipine in the control rates of SBP and DBP. Adverse events occurred at 24.22% and 29.92% in aranidipine and retard-released felodipine groups respectively (P = 0.305). CONCLUSION: Administration of aranidipine 5-20 mg/d can effectively control blood pressure and is not inferior to retard-released felodipine 5-10 mg/d. The efficacy of 20 mg/d aranidipine is superior to that of retard-released felodipine 5-10 mg/d. And the effectiveness and safety of aranidipine are similar to those of retard-released felodipine.