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Introduction: Despite numerous successful cases, there are still some challenges in using analytical quality by design (AQbD) for the development of analytical methods. Knowledge organization helps to enhance the objectivity of risk assessment, reduce the number of preliminary exploratory experiments, identify potential critical method parameters (CMPs) and their scope. Objective: In the present study, we aimed to develop a simple, rapid, and robust analytical method for detecting phenolic compounds in Xiaochaihu capsule intermediates utilizing knowledge organization. Methods: Knowledge organization and AQbD were combined to obtain the initial analytical conditions through knowledge collection, extraction, reorganization, and analysis. The quantitative relationship between critical method attributes (CMAs) and CMPs was then established by a definitive screening design. The method operable design region was calculated using an exhaustive Monte Carlo approach based on the probability of reaching the standard. Robustness investigation and methodological validation were finally performed. Results: Analytical target profiles, CMAs, potential CMPs, and initial analytical conditions were initially identified, and the optimized ranges of operating parameters were obtained. A UHPLC method was successfully established for the analysis of phenolic compounds in ginger–ginger pinellia percolate, and the method validation outcomes were also satisfactory. Conclusion: The developed method can be a reliable means to detect the phenolic compounds of Xiaochaihu capsule intermediates. Knowledge organization provides a new approach for making better use of prior knowledge, significantly enhancing the efficiency of analytical method development. The approach is versatile and can be similarly applied to the development of other methods. This study employed an AQbD process based on knowledge organization to develop an analytical method for detecting phenolic compounds in Xiaochaihu capsule intermediate, improving the efficiency of conducting single‐factor experiments and identifying potential CMPs in the early stage of method development. Simultaneously, it offers a new approach for utilizing prior knowledge effectively. This analytical method can be used for quality control of intermediate in Xiaochaihu capsule. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tetranychus urticae, a prominent pest mite in strawberry and vegetable cultivation in China, has developed escalating resistance due to extensive chemical pesticide application. Consequently, there is an urgent need to identify safe and efficacious methods to reduce resistance development. In this study, 38 commercially available plant essential oils (EOs) were screened for their acaricidal potential and ability to inhibit oviposition. The findings revealed that 13 EOs exhibited notable acaricidal activity, with lemon EO demonstrating the highest toxicity, followed by sage, patchouli, frankincense, lemongrass, palmarosa, and oregano EOs. In addition, 18 EOs displayed significant inhibitory effects on oviposition, with lemon EO exhibiting the highest inhibition rate (99.15%) and inhibition index (0.98). Subsequently, sage, frankincense, clove, lemongrass, oregano, patchouli, myrrh, black pepper, palmarosa, and geranium EOs also showed inhibition rates exceeding 50%. Despite black pepper, clove, myrrh, and oregano EOs demonstrating relatively low toxicity against T. urticae, they exhibited heightened efficacy in inhibiting oviposition and suppressing population expansion. This study conducted a comparative assessment of the acaricidal and oviposition inhibition activities of EOs and their principal constituents, thus providing a theoretical basis for the development of botanical acaricides against T. urticae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we analyzed the components of Mentha spp. essential oils (EOs) and evaluated their major constituents and binary combinations against Reticulitermes dabieshanensis. We also determined the activities of esterases (ESTs), glutathione S-transferases (GSTs), and acetylcholinesterase activity (AChE) in treated insects. According to our findings, the most effective oils were those obtained from M. citrata (with the major constituent linalool constituting 45.1%), M. piperita (menthol, 49.1%), and M. spicata (carvone, 69.0%), with LC50 values of 0.176, 0.366, and 0.146 μL/L, respectively. The LC50 values were recorded for linalool (0.303 μL/L), followed by menthol (0.272 μL/L), and carvone (0.147 μL/L). The insecticidal potency increased with binary mixtures of major active constituents, with carvone strongly synergizing the toxicity of linalool and menthol against R. dabieshanensis. Compared to the control, except for M. citrata treated with no difference in α-NA or GST activity, the activities of ESTs and GST in other treatment groups were significantly increased. Additionally, our results found that Mentha spp. EOs and their major constituents inhibited the activity of AChE in vivo and in vitro. Finally, we performed a structure-based virtual screening of linalool, menthol, and carvone to identify that linalool had the greatest potential to bind to the active site of AChE. The present study suggests that Mentha spp. EOs could provide an additional approach for the management of termites over synthetic insecticides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rainfall is the main factor inducing landslides. Clarifying rainfall-induced landslides' mechanisms and establishing adequate warning and prevention measures are crucial for regional disaster prevention and sustainable development. The weathering degree of fully weathered granite slopes is high, and the engineering mechanics property is poor, so it is easy to lose stability under extreme rainfall conditions. In this paper, the Fanling fully weathered granite landslide in Laoshan Scenic Spot in eastern China is taken as the research object, and the fluid–solid coupling landslide numerical model is established using ABAQUS 2022. The numerical simulation is carried out under five different rainfall intensity and time conditions, and the seepage field response, deformation response, and stability of the slope are analyzed. The research results indicate that (1) the fully weathered granite landslide in Fanling is a thrust-type landslide, and the response of horizontal deformation is greater than that of vertical deformation. (2) Compared with a long-term small rainstorm, a short-term heavy rainstorm is more harmful, and the slope is more prone to instability and damage. (3) The established unstable and under-stable rainfall warning curves for fully weathered granite landslides can provide a reference for the warning and prevention of similar regional landslides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Geological disasters refer to adverse geological phenomena that occur under the influence of natural or human factors and cause damage to human life and property. Establishing prevention and control zones based on geological disaster risk assessment results in land planning and management is crucial for ensuring safe regional development. In recent years, there has been an increase in extreme rainfall events, so it is necessary to conduct effective geological hazard and risk assessments for different extreme rainfall conditions. Based on the first national geological disaster risk survey results, this paper uses the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) combined with the information method (IM) to construct four extreme rainfall conditions, namely, 10-year, 20-year, 50-year, and 100-year return periods. The susceptibility, hazard, vulnerability, and risk of geological disasters in the Laoshan District in eastern China are evaluated, and prevention and control zones are established based on the evaluation results. The results show that: (1) There are 121 collapse geological disasters in Laoshan District, generally at a low susceptibility level. (2) A positive correlation exists between extreme rainfall and hazards/risks. With the rainfall condition changing from a 10-year return period to a 100-year return period, the proportion of high-hazard zones increased from 20% to 41%, and high-risk zones increased from 31% to 51%, respectively. The Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) proved that the assessment accuracy was acceptable. (3) Key, sub-key, and general prevention zones have been established, and corresponding prevention and control suggestions have been proposed, providing a reference for geological disaster prevention and early warning in other regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The volatile metabolites of Salvia sclarea, Rosmarinus officinalis, Thymus serpyllum, Mentha spicata, Melissa officinalis, Origanum majorana, Mentha piperita, Ocimum basilicum and Lavandula angustifolia were determined by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The vapor insecticidal properties of the analyzed essential oils and their compounds were screened using Reticulitermes dabieshanensis workers. The most effective oils were S. sclarea (major constituent linalyl acetate, 65.93%), R. officinalis (1,8-cineole, 45.56%), T. serpyllum (thymol, 33.59%), M. spicata (carvone, 58.68%), M. officinalis (citronellal, 36.99%), O. majorana (1,8-cineole, 62.29%), M. piperita (menthol, 46.04%), O. basilicum (eugenol, 71.08%) and L. angustifolia (linalool, 39.58%), which exhibited LC50 values ranging from 0.036 to 1.670 μL/L. The lowest LC50 values were recorded for eugenol (0.060 μL/L), followed by thymol (0.062 μL/L), carvone (0.074 μL/L), menthol (0.242 μL/L), linalool (0.250 μL/L), citronellal (0.330 μL/L), linalyl acetate (0.712 μL/L) and 1,8-cineole (1.478 μL/L). The increased activity of esterases (ESTs) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) were observed but only alongside the decreased activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in eight main components. Our results indicate that S. sclarea, R. officinalis, T. serpyllum, M. spicata, M. officinalis, O. marjorana, M. piperita, O. basilicum and L. angustifolia essential oils (EOs) and their compounds, linalyl acetate, 1,8-cineole, thymol, carvone, citronellal, menthol, eugenol and linalool could be developed as control agents against termites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The citrus red mite, Panonychus citri (McGregor), is an important pest of citrus in China, where pesticides are commonly used in citrus orchards. In order to reduce the use of chemical pesticides against P. citri and the development of resistance, the screening of biological control agents has attracted the attention of students. In this study, seven plant essential oils with high toxicity were selected from 40 plant essential oils by the leaf-dip bioassay, including plant essential oils of lemongrass, patchouli, juniper berry, sage, clove, frankincense, and citrus. The LC50 after 72 h treatment were 3.198 μL/mL, 8.312 μL/mL, 3.244 μL/mL, 6.701 μL/mL, 8.350 μL/mL, 21.953 μL/mL, and 8.788 μL/mL, respectively. According to the LT50, the essential oils' acute toxicity to P. citri from high to low were lemongrass, juniper berry, patchouli, citrus, sage, vetiver, and frankincense essential oils. In general, lemongrass and juniper berry essential oils have the best acaricidal effect and have high application value for the biological control of P. citri, which provides a basis for the development of botanical acaricides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Xiaochaihu capsule is composed of seven traditional Chinese medicines. The pharmacopoeia only focuses on the quantitative detection of baicalin, which cannot fully reflect the quality of the preparation. Some medium polar components were used to establish the fingerprint of Xiaochaihu capsule, but there was no report on the strong polar components. Methods: A high performance liquid chromatography-corona charged aerosol detection technology was used to establish a fingerprint analysis method for Xiaochaihu capsules following an analytical quality by design approach. Definitive screening designed experiments were used to optimize the method parameters. A stepwise regression method was used to build quantitative models. The method operable design region was calculated using the experimental error simulation method. Plackett–Burman designed experiments were carried out to test robustness. Results: The contents of four components were simultaneously determined. There were seven common peaks in the fingerprint. The common peak area accounted for 91.72%. Both fingerprint and quantitative analysis methods were validated as applicable in the methodology study. The quantitative fingerprint analysis method for sugar components can fill the gap in the detection of strong polar components in the existing methods. It provides a new technology for the comprehensive overall evaluation of Xiaochaihu capsule. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cymbopogon citratus, essential oil, citral, walking and gripping behavior, chitin structure, Reticulitermes flaviceps 10.1002/ps.1927 50 Caballero-Gallardo K., Olivero-Verbel J., Stashenko E.E. Repellency and toxicity of essential oils from Cymbopogon martinii, Cymbopogon flexuosus and Lippia origanoides cultivated in Colombia against Tribolium castaneum. Oil Res. 2018; 30: 40-46. 10.1080/10412905.2017.1375035 10 Gao S., Liu G., Li J., Chen J., Li L., Li Z., Zhang X., Zhang S., Thorne R.F., Zhang S. Antimicrobial activity of Lemongrass essential oil (Cymbopogon flexuosus) and its active component citral against dual-species biofilms of Staphylococcus aureus and Candida species. Keywords: Reticulitermes flaviceps; Cymbopogon citratus; essential oil; citral; walking and gripping behavior; chitin structure EN Reticulitermes flaviceps Cymbopogon citratus essential oil citral walking and gripping behavior chitin structure N.PAG N.PAG 15 09/27/22 20220901 NES 220901 1. [Extracted from the article]

Biodegradation of wood by fungi is recognized as one of the most serious problems for wooden structures and forest management. This study evaluated the fungicidal activity of 6 plant essential oils ( Origanum vulgare , Cymbopogon citratus , Thymus vulgaris , Pelargonium graveolens , Cinnamomum zeylanicum and Eugenia caryophyllata ) against the wood-rot fungi, Trametes hirsuta and Laetiporus sulphureus . Results from antifungal tests revealed that six essential oils showed good antifungal activities, in which, O. vulgare was the most toxic to the wood-rot fungi, with the IC 50 values against T. hirsuta and L. sulphureus of 79.1 and 36.9 μg/mL, respectively. The composition of six essential oils was indentified by using gas chromatographic-mass spectrometry. The six major compounds from 6 essential oils were tested individually for their fungicidal activities against two wood-rot fungi. Results from the antifungal tests demonstrated that the six major compounds exhibited strong fungicidal activity. In addition, carvacrol was the most toxic against the wood-rot fungi, with the IC 50 values against T. hirsuta and L. sulphureus of 33.6 and 17.2 μg/mL, respectively. Furthermore, phenol and aldehyde groups were more toxic than alcohol. The results show that the six plant essential oils and their major chemical constituents have potential for the development of natural wood preservatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rhizoctonia solani and Fusarium oxysporum are very well known phytopathogens with worldwide spread that cause one of the most destructive diseases, resulting significant yield losses in crop production. In order to find effective fungicides for controlling phytopathogen, the structure-activity relationships of cinnamaldehyde and eugenol derivatives against R. solani and F. oxysporum were evaluated. Additionally, the composition and fungicidal activity of Cinnamomum cassia and Syzygium aromatica essential oils was assessed. Cinnamaldehyde (49.75%) is the major compound in cinnamon bark oil, and eugenol (89.17%) is most abundant in clove bud oil. The clove bud oil exhibited good antifungal activities against R. solani and F. oxysporum (IC 50 = 106.5 and 149.9 μg/mL, respectively). Cinnamon bark oil showed a lower activity than clove bud oil. The fungicidal activity of cinnamaldehyde (IC 50 = 75.4 and 156.9 μg/mL, respectively) and eugenol (IC 50 = 58.9 and 52.9 μg/mL, respectively) against R. solani and F. oxysporum was also evalutated. Comparisons of the antifungal activities of cinnamaldehyde and eugenol derivatives revealed that α-methylcinnamaldehyde, α-methylcinnamic acid, methyleugenol, acetyleugenol, isoeugenol, methylisoeugenol, and acetylisoeugenol showed good antifungal activities against R. solani and F. oxysporum . In structure-activity relationships, the fungicidal activity of cinnamaldehyde derivatives could be related to conjugated double bond and the length of CH chain outside the ring. In addition, the presence of the lipophilicity may have a considerable influence on the toxicity of phenylpropenes. The present approach may help future work in the search for fungicidal compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biodegradation of wood by fungi and termites is recognized as one of the most serious problems for wooden structures. In this study, we analyzed the antitermitic and antifungal activities of flower buds essential oil from Syzygium aromaticum and its dominant constituents. Essential oil components were analyzed by gas chromatography and the major compound of essential oil was eugenol (90.6%). The results demonstrated that at the dosage of 50 μg/g, clove essential oil had 100% mortality to Reticulitermes chinensis after testing for 5 d. Furthermore, we found eugenol killed all termites after testing for 3 d, with an LC 50 value of 12.1 μg/g. Meanwhile, we also found clove essential oil and eugenol displayed activity against three fungi, Trametes hirsuta , Schizphylhls commne , and Pycnoporus sanguineus . We found eugenol was principal antifungal constituent of clove oil. The IC 50 values of eugenol against T. hirsuta , S. commne , and P. sanguineus were 83.6, 116.1, and 102.4 μg/mL, respectively. In addition, comparisons of the termite mortality and antifungal indices of eugenol and its congeners proved that eugenol exhibited the strongest antitermitic and antifungal activities. The clove oil and eugenol have potential for the development of natural wood preservatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Forty-two monoterpenes were evaluated for termiticidal activity toward Reticulitermes chinensis. [•] The (+)-pulegone and carvacrol were the most toxic monoterpenes to R. chinensis. [•] The termiticidal activity of oxygenated hydrocarbon was higher than the hydrocarbon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The essential oils of composition obtained from the leaves ofCryptomeria fortunei, collected at different seasons in Wuhan (China), were analyzed by gas chromatography (GC) GC–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Fifty constituents were identified, constituting 92.3–97.7% of the essential oils. Our results showed that seasonal differences did not have an effect on the composition of oils but on the amount of oil components. The main components of the oil were kaur-16-ene (30.9–42.4%), elemol (16.8–18.9%), α-eudesmol (7.4–13.6%), α-pinene (1.9–8.0%) and γ-eudesmol (4.0–7.5%). On the basis of the results obtained, some suggestions are made concerning the optimal season for theC.fortuneioils. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: Essential oils were extracted by hydrodistillation from the leaves of Cryptomeria fortunei from the principal habitats in China. The essential oil yields of samples from various locations ranged from 0.61 to 1.66% (w/w). GC–MS analysis revealed eighty-seven compounds, constituting 85.89–94.75% of the total essential oils. The main constituents were kaurene (0–44.69%), phyllocladene (0.07–32.98%), kaur-16-ene (0–32.28%), elemol (5.28–18.92%), α-cadinol (0–11.39%), α-eudesmol (0–11.21%), α-pinene (2.32–9.15%). The samples were separated into 3 chemotypes by hierarchical cluster analysis, according to the composition of the corresponding essential oils. Chemical composition of essential oils was significantly related to nine geographic distributions among populations. Our results revealed chemical polymorphism in the essential oils of the C. fortunei leaf in China. The chemical variability could be attributed to genetic and environmental factors. The chemical diversity of the oils offers opportunity to choose C. fortunei leaves and essential oils with preferential compound for green plant protection, pharmaceutical, perfume and food industries. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The essential oils obtained by hydrodistillation from leaves of Chinese native Cryptomeria japonica and Cryptomeria fortunei were analyzed by GC and GC–MS. Fifty-seven compounds were identified in the essential oils of C. japonica with α-elemol (20.12%), kaur-16-ene (14.84%), β-phellandrene (5.97%), β-elemene (5.87%), α-eudesmol (5.62%) and β-eudesmol (5.03%) as main constituents. Forty components were identified in the oil of C. fortunei with kaurene (34.04%), α-elemol (13.34%), γ-eudesmol (10.80%), β-eudesmol (10.16%), α-pinene (2.75%) and γ-cadinene (1.92%) as the most abundant components. This study demonstrated the occurrence of α-elemol chemotype in C. japonica and kaurene chemotype in C. fortunei from China. The essential oil compositions of two Cryptomeria samples were shown that they can be used for green plant protection, pharmaceutical, perfume and food industries. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Illicium verum powder and its volatiles had fumigation activity to Cryptolestes ferrugineus. • Only the volatile component trans -anethole showed effective biological activity. • Estragole could did significantly enhance fumigant efficiency of trans -anethole. • Trans -Anethole affects the beetles acetylcholinesterase activity of nervous system. The safe storage and protection of grain includes the exploitation of plant-based fumigants as a green control technology. This study first determined the fumigant toxicity of 12 traditional Chinese medicinal plants against adults of the rusty grain beetle, Cryptolestes ferrugineus (Stephens), one of the most ubiquitous and pestilent grain storage pests worldwide. Exposure to volatiles released from Illicium verum Hook. f. powder was found to be by far the most lethal. Illicium verum power and its volatiles eluent were then confirmed to be highly effective in killing both larvae and adults of C. ferrugineus. Star anise volatiles also showed good biological activity against Lasioderma serricorne (Fabricius) and Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky, but not Tribolium castaneum Herbst. No significant differences were found in mortality of the adults of the rusty grain beetle when exposed at different temperatures ranging from 15−35°C. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis showed that the main components of the eluent of star anise powder were trans -anethole (62.60%), estragole (23.70%), linalool (3.66%) and d -limonene (2.15%). In the fumigation test using synthetic standards of these four chemicals, only trans -anethole showed effective biological activity with exposure to 30 mL/L trans -anethole for 24 h resulting in 100% mortality of rusty grain beetle adults. Estragole did significantly enhance fumigant efficiency of trans -anethole. We further found that trans -anethole affects the beetles acetylcholinesterase activity, which was inhibited and decreased by 64.48% within 24 h. The results therefore show that trans -anethole, the major component of star anise volatiles contributes to its fumigant toxicity against C. ferrugineus by, at least partly, affecting its insect nervous system. Hence, star anise or its biologically active substances show very good potential to be used as a botanical insecticide to control C. ferrugineus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The persistent use of synthetic termiticides is at present of environmental concern and has resulted in the need to search for plant-derived compounds as an alternative for termite control. Antitermitic activity of Chinese cedar (Cryptomeria fortunei Hooibrenk) against Reticulitermes chinensis was demonstrated in laboratory tests. Bioactivity tests against the termite R. chinensis demonstrate that the lethal concentration (LC50) value of leaf essential oil is 2.80 mg/mL. Furthermore, α-terpineol, which was responsible for the antitermitic property and isolated from Chinese cedar that exhibited very strong antitermitic activity, was found to be significantly effective against R. chinensis with median LC50 values of 0.86 mg/mL. The findings suggested that the essential oil from Chinese cedar leaf and α-terpineol might be considered as a potent source for the production of effective, environmentally friendly and safe termiticides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The complete mitochondrial genome of drywood termite, Incisitermes minor, is reported in this study. The circular mitogenome has a length of 15,970 bp and encodes 37 genes including 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNA (tRNA), two ribosomal RNA (rRNA), and a non-coding control region (D-loop). The percentage of A and T (65.44%) within this mitogenome is much higher than that of G and C (34.56%). The phylogenetic tree revealed that mitogenomes of Kalotermitidae formed one clade. The tree also revealed that I. minor was closest to Cryptotermes secundus, and was a sister group to Neotermes. I. minor is a only species in which mitogenome has been completed so far among the Incisitermes termite. The data provide resource for ecological and evolution analysis within termites especially Kalotermitidae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]