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The utilization of new plant-based fumigants is one of the most important green control methods for safe storage and protection of grain. The rusty grain beetle, Cryptolestes ferrugineus (Stephens) (Coleoptera: Laemophloeidae), is a common stored grain pest that causes a great loss of stored grain every year. This study determined that, Schizonepeta tenuifolia Briq. spike (SS) powder had strong fumigant insecticidal effectiveness against C. ferrugineus. Moreover, the volatile eluates (VEs) of SS extracted with Porapak™ Q adsorbent at a flow rate of 600 mL/min exhibited higher insecticidal activity against C. ferrugineus adults than the larvae; the VEs LC 50 of C. ferrugineus adults were 14.93%− 24.83% of those of C. ferrugineus larvae. The temperature, not the age of C. ferrugineus adults, significantly influenced the fumigation effect of SS VEs; at relatively low temperature (15 ℃) the SS VEs showed quicker and more efficient fumigant activity than at a high temperature (30–35 ℃). In addition, S. tenuifolia VEs showed better fumigation effects against Oryzaephilus surinamensis (Coleoptera: Silvanidae) and Sitophilus oryzae (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) compared to Tribolium castaneum (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae). The four most abundant components of SS volatiles analyzed by GC-MS were pulegone (62.62%), isomenthone (18.34%), 2-isopropyl-2,5-dimethylcyclohexanone (2.45%), and isopulegone (1.32%), in order by their peak area ratio. Toxicity testing of the two compounds with the largest proportion indicated that only pulegone had insecticidal activity against C. ferrugineus adults with a LC 50 (8.90 mL/L) at 72 h. Consistent with VEs, temperature also greatly affect the fumigant activity of pulegone and at low temperature (15 ℃) the pulegone showed more quick and effective insecticidal activity against C. ferrugineus adults. We further found that both VEs and pulegone can inhibit carboxylesterase (CarE), peroxidase (POD), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in vivo and in vitro, especially the inhibition rate of carboxylesterase, which reached 84.87% and 63.82% at 24 h in vivo, which suggested that the fumigant insecticidal activity of SS VEs and pulegone may partly be mediated by affecting the detoxification and metabolism enzyme system of C. ferrugineus. Therefore, both S. tenuifolia and pulegone can be used as botanical fumigant to potentially control stored grain pests. • The powder and volatile eluates of Schizonepeta tenuifolia spike (SS) had fumigant insecticidal activity against rusty grain beetle (Cryptolestes ferrugineus). • Pulegone, the SS volatiles component showed good fumigation effect against Cryptolestes ferrugineus. • Low temperature significantly enhanced the fumigation effect of SS volatile eluates and pulegone against Cryptolestes ferrugineus. • SS volatile eluates and pulegone could significantly inhibit carboxylesterase activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we focus on direct limits and inverse limits in the category with generalized pseudo-effect algebras (GPEAs for short) as objects and GPEA-morphisms as morphisms. We show that direct limits exist in the category of GPEAs and direct limits of GPEAs satisfy the Riesz decomposition properties whenever the directed systems of GPEAs satisfy the Riesz decomposition properties. Then, we give a condition under which the quotient of a direct limit of GPEAs is a direct limit of quotients of GPEAs. Moreover, we prove that if inverse systems of GPEAs satisfy the Riesz decomposition properties, then inverse limits also satisfy the Riesz decomposition properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The natural question about the sum of observables on σ-complete MV-effect algebras, which was recently defined by A. Dvurečenskij, is how it affects spectra of observables, particularly, their extremal points. We describe boundaries for extremal points of the spectrum of the sum of observables in a general case, and we give necessary and sufficient conditions under which the spectrum attains these boundary values. Moreover, we show that every bounded observable x on a complete MV-effect algebra E can be decomposed into the sum x=x~+x′, where x~ is the greatest sharp observable less than x and x′ is a meager and extremally non-invertible observable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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]

Using the unitizations of symmetric-generalized pseudo-effect algebras, we investigate the relationships between the maximal compatible sets in a prelattice symmetric-generalized pseudo-effect algebra and the maximal compatible sets in its unitization. We also prove that a symmetric-generalized pseudo-effect algebra is a symmetric-generalized pseudo MV-effect algebra if and only if its unitization is a symmetric pseudo MV-effect algebra. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we present techniques for constructing a lattice-ordered effect algebra using a given family of MV-effect algebras. First, we introduce the Greechie diagrams of the pastings of a family of MV-effect algebras. As application of the Greechie diagrams, we provide some sufficient conditions for pasting a lattice-ordered effect algebra using a family of MV-effect algebras. Especially, we illustrate a kind of technique of how to obtain a lattice-ordered effect algebra by substituting the atoms of an orthomodular lattice with the lattice-ordered effect algebras. Finally, we prove a version of the “Loop Lemma” for MV-effect algebras pasting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One kind of generalized measures called quantum measures on finite effect algebras, which fulfil the grade-2 additive sum rule, is considered. One basis of vector space of quantum measures on a finite effect algebra with the Riesz decomposition property (RDP for short) is given. It is proved that any diagonally positive symmetric signed measure $$\lambda $$ on the tensor product $$E\otimes E$$ can determine a quantum measure $$\mu $$ on a finite effect algebra $$E$$ with the RDP such that $$\mu (x)=\lambda (x\otimes x)$$ for any $$x\in E$$ . Furthermore, some conditions for a grade-2 additive measure $$\mu $$ on a finite effect algebra $$E$$ are provided to guarantee that there exists a unique diagonally positive symmetric signed measure $$\lambda $$ on $$E\otimes E$$ such that $$\mu (x)=\lambda (x\otimes x)$$ for any $$x\in E$$ . At last, it is showed that any grade- $$t$$ quantum measure on a finite effect algebra $$E$$ with the RDP is essentially established by the values on a subset of $$E$$ . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An n-perfect pseudo effect algebra means that it can be decomposed into n+1 comparable slices. We show that such a pseudo effect algebra satisfying a Riesz Decomposition Property type corresponds to the lexicographic product of a cyclic group $\frac{1}{n}\mathbb{Z}$ with some po-group. The analogous result will be proved for strong $\mathbb{Q}$-perfect pseudo effect algebras. [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]

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]

We give sufficient and necessary conditions to guarantee that a pseudo-effect algebra admits an ( n + 1)-valued discrete state. We introduce n-perfect pseudo-effect algebras as algebras which can be split into n + 1 comparable slices. We prove that the category of strong n-perfect pseudo-effect algebras is categorically equivalent to the category of torsion-free directed partially ordered groups of a special type. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the properties of the super quantum measures are studied. Firstly, the products of Dirac measures are discussed; Secondly, based on the properties of Dirac measures, the structures of super quantum measures are characterized; At last, we prove that any super quantum measure can determine a unique diagonally positive strongly symmetric signed measure. This result verifies the conjecture which was proposed by Gudder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The definition of E-perfect effect algebras is introduced, and their structure is studied. We study the lexicographical product of an effect algebra with any upwards directed partially ordered Abelian group, and we show that every E-perfect effect algebra is isomorphic with such a kind of the lexicographical product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We discuss the relationships between effect algebras with the Riesz Decomposition Property and partially ordered groups with interpolation. We show that any σ-orthocomplete atomic effect algebra with the Riesz Decomposition Property is an MV-effect algebras, and we apply this result for pseudo-effect algebras and for states. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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]

noncommutative generalizations of effect algebras, we introduce weak commutative pseudoeffect algebras. In this paper, we prove that the generalized pseudoeffect algebras can be unitized if and only if they are weak commutative. Then we discuss the relationships between weak commutative pseudoeffect algebras and weak commutative generalized pseudoeffect algebras. We prove that the category of weak commutative pseudoeffect algebras is a reflective subcategory of weak commutative generalized pseudoeffect algebras. Similarly, we introduce weak commutative pseudodifference posets and show the relationships between weak commutative pseudoeffect algebras and weak commutative pseudodifference posets. [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]

• 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 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]

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]

The existence of aniline blue in aquatic environments poses a large threat to aquatic organisms. Microbial degradation of aniline blue has been frequently used in remediation because of its effectiveness, low cost, and environmental friendliness. However, the mechanisms by which the dye can be biodegraded are not well understood. In this study, Bacillus thuringiensis DHC4 was isolated from the gut of a soil-feeding termite, and its ability to degrade aniline blue was investigated. The results showed that DHC4 was highly resistant to both aniline blue and salt, with the decolorization rate reaching 78% and 67% after 96 h of incubation at initial dye concentrations of 1 g/L and 7% salinity, respectively. Aniline blue degradation products were identified based on UV–vis, FTIR, and GC–MS analyses, and genome analysis confirmed that DHC4 contained many potential dye-degrading genes. Transcriptome analysis revealed significant up-regulation of methyltransferase, nitroreductase, arylamine N-acetyltransferase and oxidoreductase genes on exposure to aniline blue, indicating their active role in its biodegradation. A new degradation pathway of aniline blue by DHC4 is proposed, based on analysis of metabolites and differentially expressed genes. This mechanism involves cleavage of aniline blue by oxidoreductases into mono- and diphenyl ring molecules, followed by further methylation and alkylation through methyltransferases. The phytotoxicity results showed that aniline blue was degraded by DHC4 into less toxic metabolites. These results provide new insights into the mechanism of biodegradation of aniline blue by microorganisms. [Display omitted] • Bacillus thuringiensis DHC4, able to degrade aniline blue, was isolated. • DHC4 had tolerance of high concentrations of aniline blue and salt. • The mechanism by which aniline blue is degraded by DHC4 was established. • The key genes involved in aniline blue degradation were identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global impact of termites that damage wood products causes quite significant losses. Synthetic insecticides have been extensively employed to combat termites. However, as the long-term application of insecticides developed adverse effects on humans and the environment, the use of essential oils (EOs) has emerged as an alternative approach for controlling termites. Hence, the present report assessed the fumigation activity of three Cymbopogon EOs toward Reticulitermes flaviceps workers. The results showed that C. citratus (with the major constituent citral (mixture of neral and geranial) at 78.58 %), C. khasans (geraniol, 38.54 %), and C. nardus (citronellal, 26.99 %) had respective LC 50 values of 0.39, 0.45 and 0.48 μL/L. These values for citral, geraniol, and citronellal were 0.35, 0.34, and 0.40 μL/L. The duration of fumigation using Cymbopogon EOs and their primary compounds exhibited a positive correlation with the knockdown and mortality rates of R. flaviceps while displaying a negative correlation with grasping ability. In addition, each component caused a concentration-dependent reaction measured using electroantennography (EAG) and triggered a significant response at 100 μg/μL. The activities of detoxifying enzymes like β-esterase and glutathione S-transferase were remarkably increased in treated R. flaviceps. The findings also demonstrated that both Cymbopogon EOs and their primary components effectively suppressed acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in vitro and in vivo. In silico structural analyses of citral, geraniol, and citronellal revealed that citronellal exhibited the highest potential for binding to the active site of AChE. Similarly, the activity of acid phosphatases, alkaline phosphatases, aspartate aminotransferase, and lactate dehydrogenase was elevated in treated R. flaviceps , whereas that of alanine aminotransferase was diminished. This study may provide a robust foundation for developing and using Cymbopogon EOs to control R. flaviceps in an environmentally friendly manner. [Display omitted] • Cymbopogon EOs and their major constituents have toxic effects on R. flaviceps. • Major detoxifying agents are affected by Cymbopogon EOs and their major constituents. • Cymbopogon and their constituents inhibited activity of AChE in in vivo and in vitro. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A novel process for developing a quantitative chromatographic fingerprint analysis method based on AQbD was proposed. • Strong polar compounds were considered for the first time when establishing the analysis method of Xiaochiahu preparations. • The chromatographic fingerprint analysis method can also be used to determine four compounds in Xiaochaihu Capsules. In this study, an improved Analytical Quality by Design (AQbD) process was proposed to establish quantitative fingerprints of Chinese medicines. A quantitative fingerprint method for the strong polar components in Xiaochaihu capsules was developed as an example. Different method evaluation indicators were used to characterize this method, and these indicators were measured at different stages of quantitative fingerprint development. Through this method, the difficulty in determining common peaks in the early stage of quantitative fingerprint development is eliminated. The method parameters that needed to be optimized were the mobile phase gradient conditions, column temperature and flow rate through the Ishikawa diagram. Single-factor experiments were used to determine some parameters. Definitive screening design (DSD) experiments were used to optimize critical method parameters (CMPs). The common peaks were determined, and indices were optimized. The critical method attributes (CMAs) were the resolution of guanosine, the percentage of common peak to the total peak area, retention time of the last peak and the common peak number. A stepwise regression method was used to build quantitative models for critical method attributes and critical method parameters. The method operable design region (MODR) was calculated by the experimental error simulation method and successfully verified. After the analysis conditions were optimized, four components, uridine, adenine, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, and guanosine, were quantitatively determined. There were 7 common peaks in the fingerprints. The common peak area accounted for 90.64%. Both fingerprint and quantitative detection analysis methods were methodologically validated. The new AQbD process proposed in this study can be potentially applied to develop other Chinese medicines fingerprint methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monoterpenes are the major components of essential oils from many aromatic plants, partly contributed to the insecticidal properties of essential oils. In this study, the fumigation activity of 40 pure monoterpenes against fruitfly, Drosophila melanogaster , were evaluated. Results from fumigation tests revealed that terpinolene, 3-carene, eugenol, thymol, carvacrol, isoeugenol, citral, (±)-citronellal, cuminaldehyde, (−)-verbenone, and (+)-pulegone exhibited strong fumigation activity against D . melanogaster . In addition, the (±)-citronellal and (+)-pulegone (aldehydes and ketones) were the most toxic monoterpenes to D . melanogaster with LC 50 values of 0.015 and 0.02 μl/L, respectively. Oxygenated monoterpenes were found to be with higher toxicity as compared with monoterpene hydrocarbons. The present results indicated that (±)-citronellal and (+)-pulegone exhibit a potential for the development of new botanical insecticides against the D . melanogaster , suggesting that further studies of a number of medically important dipterans might be warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biodegradation of wood by fungi is a chronic problem for wood utilization. Natural products from plants have great potential as novel fungicide sources for controlling wood decay fungi as alternative to synthetic pesticides. Many plant extracts and essential oils contain monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes and aliphatic compounds. In the present study, 41 pure monoterpenes were tested for the toxicity against wood white-rot fungi, Trametes hirsuta , Schizphylhls commune , and Pycnoporus sanguineus . Results from antifungal tests revealed that β-citronellol, geraniol, carvacrol, thymol, eugenol and citral showed good antifungal activities against the three tested fungi. In addition, the carvacrol was the most toxic monoterpenes against the three tested fungi, the IC 50 values against T. hirsuta , S. commune and P. sanguineus were 87.6, 53.6 and 71.7 μg ml −1 , respectively. The present results indicated that carvacrol have potential to be developed as natural fungicidal agents, suggesting that further study of wood preservation treatment be warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Spearmint EO and its major constituents have toxic effects on R. dabieshanensis. • The toxic efficacy increased with increasing temperature against R. dabieshanensis. • Carvone highly synergized the toxicity of limonene and dihydrocarvone. • All treated termite showed the increased activity of detoxifying enzymes. • Spearmint EO and its constituents inhibited activity of AChE in vivo and in vitro. This study evaluated the chemical components of spearmint essential oil, and determined individually the efficacy of spearmint EO and its major constituents, and their mutual binary combination against Reticulitermes dabieshanensis. We also evaluated the activities of esterases (ESTs), glutathione S-transferases (GST) and Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) enzymes in treated insects. GC–MS analysis showed that the major constituents of spearmint EO were carvone (52.25 %), limonene (19.78 %), and dihydrocarvone (11.1 %). In fumigant toxicity assay, the spearmint EO achieved a LC 50 value of 0.194 μl/L. The three major constituents, carvone, dihydrocarvone, and limonene were most effective against R. dabieshanensis , with LC 50 values of 0.074, 0.155, and 2.650 μl/L, respectively. The toxicity assay of binary mixtures of carvone + dihydrocarvone, carvone + limonene and limonene + dihydrocarvone in all the used ratios showed the three major constituents exhibited synergistic effects against R. dabieshanensis. Spearmint EO and its major constituents showed significantly stronger insecticidal efficacies at the high temperature, with rapid insecticidal action. The increased activity of ESTs and GST were observed, but with the decreased activity of AChE in all treatments. In vitro experiments, all treatments showed significant inhibition of AChE activity, except for dihydrocarvone, with IC 50 values were 0.871, 2.405, 2.653 and 4.343 μl/mL for limonene, carvone, carvone + limonene and carvone + dihydrocarvone, respectively. The results showed that the insecticidal efficacy of spearmint EO can be attributed to the major component, possibly carvone, with strong AChE inhibition properties. Hence, spearmint EO and its bioactive constituents have the potential to be used as new environmentally safe insecticides for controlling R. dabieshanensis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this study, we develop a bactericidal coating material for micro-implant, TiO2 films with Ag deposited on were prepared on titanium plates by sol–gel process. Their anti-microbial properties were analyzed as a function of the annealed temperature using Escherichia coli as a benchmark microorganism. Ag nanoparticles deposited on TiO2 film were of metallic nature and could grow to larger ones when the annealed temperature increased. The results indicated that the smaller size of Ag nanoparticles, the better bactericidal ability. On the other hand, the positive antibacterial effect of TiO2 enhanced the bactericidal effect of Ag. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]