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The tomb of Marquis Yi of Zeng was unearthed in 1978 at Leiguudun in Suizhou City, Hubei Province, China. This is the largest wooden coffin in rock pit and vertical cave in the Warring States period in China. The large wooden coffin components provide reliable material data for the study of the feudal burial system in the pre-Qin period and have high value. In this paper, the wooden coffin excavated from the tomb of Marquis Yi of Zeng was studied. By understanding the composition of wood, studying the weight gain rate, shrinkage rate, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and compression resistance, the wood reinforced by rosin and epoxy resin was compared, and the reinforcement effect and principle of the two reinforcement methods were discussed. The study found that the wood properties of rosin reinforced group were better than those of epoxy reinforced group in the aspects of compressive strength, weight gain rate and volume shrinkage rate, and the mechanical properties of wood were significantly improved. In addition, methanol or ethanol can be used to dissolve the rosin shellac in this strengthening process, which can achieve reversible strengthening treatment. The results provide valuable examples and research ideas for the selection of different conservation techniques of large wooden cultural relics unearthed in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River during the Warring States Period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rosin, a natural resin obtained from conifer trees, has a long history of use in traditional folk medicine for treating abscesses, wounds, carbuncles, and burns, etc. It has been employed in ancient Egypt, China, Nordic countries, and Turkey as a therapeutic remedy. This comprehensive review examines the traditional uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacology of rosin, and it provides a critical update on current knowledge of rosin and identifies potential therapeutic opportunities. The chemical composition of rosin is known to vary depending on factors such as botanical sources, geographical locations, and processing methods. Rosin acids, which account for over 90% of its primary chemical constituents, have been identified as the predominant compounds in rosin. Researchers have isolated approximately 50 compounds from rosin, with terpenoid rosin acids being the most prevalent. Furthermore, the review highlights the potential pharmacological activities of rosin and its constituents. Crude extracts and isolated rosin acids have demonstrated promising properties, including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, insecticidal, wound healing, and anti-obesity effects. However, the review emphasizes that further research is needed, as existing studies are predominantly preliminary. Many of the reported bioactivities require further verification, and the underlying mechanisms of action remain largely unexplored. In conclusion, rosin has been extensively used in traditional medicine across different cultures, and its chemical composition has been confirmed to a significant extent. The pharmacological activities observed in crude extracts and isolated rosin acids support its traditional uses. Nevertheless, additional research is necessary to deepen our understanding of the pharmacological mechanisms underlying its effects. [Display omitted] • Rosin, a folk remedy, has long been used to treat inflammation skin diseases. • Rosin contains over 90% rosin acids (abietic- and pimaric-type rosin acids) and other diterpenoids. • Rosin acids have anti-microbial, anti-inflammation, anti-tumor, insecticidal activity, and others. • Abietic acid is a highly valuable potential lead compound due to its wide range of biological activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The secretory ducts of Ferula ferulaeoides (Steud.) Korov. are the main tissue of synthesis, secretion, and accumulation of resin. The formation of secretory ducts is closely related to the harvest and quality of resin, but the lumen formation mode and corresponding mechanism have not been thoroughly studied. This study of F. ferulaeoides investigated the microstructure and ultrastructure of the secretory ducts from a developmental point of view. Stem samples were analyzed by light microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and fluorescence microscopy. The data results showed (1) the walls of secretory cells were intact during the development of secretory ducts in F. ferulaeoides; (2) the plastids and endoplasmic reticulum of secretory cells participated in the synthesis of resin; (3) pectinase was involved in the degradation of the middle lamella; and (4) no features of programmed cell death during the formation of secretory ducts. The results suggested that the formation of F. ferulaeoides' secretory ducts was schizogenous, and pectinase was involved in its formation. These data may be beneficial to further explore the formation of secretory duct in other species of Ferula L. and the formation mechanism of schizogenous secretory structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Five new characteristic cembrane-type diterpenoids (olibacartiols A–E, 1 – 5) were acquired from the gum resin of Boswellia carterii. The structures of these diterpenoids were characterized by detailed spectroscopic analysis, and compounds 1 – 3 were unambiguously confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction experiments. The anti-inflammatory activities of the isolated compounds were evaluated using LPS-induced BV2 cell model and compounds 2 – 5 showed moderate NO inhibitory effects with IC 50 values of 8.84 ± 1.02, 9.82 ± 1.95, 9.75 ± 2.24, and 7.39 ± 1.24 μM, respectively. [Display omitted] • Five undescribed cembrane-type diterpenoids were acquired from the gum resin of Boswellia carterii. • Their structures were characterized by spectroscopic analysis, ECD calculations, and X-ray diffraction experiments. • Compounds 2 – 5 showed moderate anti-inflammatory effects on LPS-induced BV2 cell. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conifer-produced oleoresin is mainly composed of monoterpenoids, sesquiterpenoids, and diterpenoids that can protect conifers against herbivores and pathogens. Pinus massoniana Lamb. is an important economic species in southern China. However, the traumatic resin duct (TD) formation and terpenoid accumulation induced by adult Monochamus alternatus (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) of P. massoniana have not been clearly reported. Here, we infested P. massoniana with M. alternatus and characterized the induced terpene defenses by microscopy, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and GCflame ionization detector (GC-FID), and quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR (qRT-PCR). The induced responses involve TD formation, tissue-specific terpenoid accumulation differentiation, and temporal related gene changes. Formation of TDs was observed in secondary xylem 7 days after feeding. GC-MS and GC-FID results showed terpenoid composition varied in bark and xylem tissue in response to infestation. Following feeding damage, most of the terpenoid synthase genes were up-regulated, which is consistent with the changes in terpenoid constitution. The genes were activated before terpenoid changes were detected indicating that this complex physiological and biochemical process requires time. This study provides evidence of the temporal sequence of changes in terpenoid defenses against herbivory in P. massoniana. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sinopodophyllum hexandrum is an important traditional Tibetan medicinal plant with great development potential in pharmaceutical industry because of the presence of major bioactive lignans such as podophyllotoxin (PT) that are widely used in combination therapy of cancer. In this study, a green and efficient method for the extraction of PT from S. hexandrum was established by optimized subcritical water extraction (SWE) combined with macroporous resin enrichment. Response surface methodology was introduced for SWE optimization to obtain the maximum yield of PT. The maximum extraction efficiency was achieved under the following conditions: extraction pressure 4 MPa, extraction solvent to feed ratio 18 mL/g, extraction temperature 180 °C, and SW flow rate 2.5 mL/min. Subsequently, an efficient macroporous resin enrichment method was developed to further purify PT in the crude extract obtained from SWE. D101 resin was selected as a proper adsorbent owing to its adsorption and desorption properties, whereas its adsorption process was found to be consistent with a pseudo-second-order model. The optimized loading amount was 3 BV of extract solution, and the desorption conditions were as follows: First, the product was eluted with deionized water until no sugar was detected in the effluent, followed by 6 BV of 20% aqueous ethanol elution and then by 15 BV of 60% aqueous ethanol elution. After the treatment with D101 resin, the concentration of PT increased from 8.3% in the crude extract to 61.5% in the final product. Moreover, the recovery yield of PT extracted with SW combined with D101 resin enrichment was 74.6%. The results show that SWE combined with macroporous resin enrichment is a green, effective, and low-cost technique for the extraction of PT from S. hexandrum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Conservation of biodiversity is primary important of today's critically vulnerable environment. Efficient conservation can be possible only with the long-term participation and understanding of the communities. Ritual beliefs of the indigenous people are one of the important tools to understand the local communities and aid the nature conservation. In this paper, we documented contemporary ritual practices and ritual plant uses among the Naxi people and discussed the importance of traditional knowledge on ritual practice in the conservation of plants in the mountains presenting a case study of the Dongba culture. Methods: This study was carried out from July in 2013 to July in 2014. To document and analyze the present state of the ritual plant used by the Naxi people we conducted an ethnobotanical survey. We interviewed local people including Dongba priests using the semi-structured questionnaire. During the field study, we participated in the local religious activities to witness the use of different plants in ritual activities of the Naxi people. We interviewed twenty-two key informants and eleven of them were male. All the specimens of documented species were collected and deposited at the herbarium of Kunming Institute of Botany. Results: The survey results revealed the Naxi people possessed sound knowledge of the traditional ritual plants and great diversity of plants used in many of Naxi rituals and festivals. From the survey, we documented 32 ritual plant species belonging to 24 genera of 17 families used in various ritual activities. The ritual plants were grouped into two categories, namely those burned as incense, and those used for decoration. The incense plants like Olea europaea subsp. cuspidata and Pistacia weinmanniifolia were probably promising natural aromatic resource. Plants of genus Quercus were the most frequently used species. The places for ritual activities were diverse, such as the incense burners inside and outside the house and sacred trees at the Baishuitai. Local people except the young generation had an abundant of traditional knowledge. Conclusions: Our study shows the live ritual activities and the beliefs of the residents are keeping the plant diversity and the entire forest preserved as sacred mountains. Our study emphasizes traditional belief and an alternative view of conservation that is not led mainly by governmental policies, as local practices and ritual plants uses play as constant reminders to the Naxi on nature conservation. However, further research is recommended for in-depth understanding the role of traditional belief in biodiversity conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The biological activities of propolis are varied from plant sources and the prominent antioxidant effects of Chinese propolis (poplar type) have been extensively reported. Oxidative stress is associated with inflammation and induces many diseases. In the study, to evaluate antioxidant capacities and clarify the underlying molecular mechanisms of ethanol extracts of Chinese propolis (EECP) and ethanol extracts of poplar gums (EEPG), we analyzed their compositions by HPLC, evaluating their free radical scavenging activities and reducing power by chemical analysis methods. Moreover, we studied the roles of EECP and EEPG on the elimination of ROS and expressions of antioxidant genes (HO-1, TrxR1, GCLM, and GCLC) in RAW264.7 cells. We further investigated the effects of MAPKs on the antioxidant genes expression by specific inhibitors. The nucleus translocation effects of Nrf2 were also measured by confocal microscopy analysis. The results indicated that EECP had higher TPC and FDC values but regarding TFC values were not significant. EECP also possessed more contents of 11 compounds than EEPG. Both phytochemical analysis and cell experiment reflected that EECP exerted stronger antioxidant activities than EEPG. EECP and EEPG enhanced endogenous antioxidant defenses by eliminating reactive oxygen species directly and activating Erk-Nrf2-HO1, GCLM, and TrxR1 signal pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agarwood is a kind of important and precious traditional Chinese medicine. With the decreasing of natural agarwood, artificial cultivation has become more and more important in recent years. Quantifying the formation of agarwood is an essential work which could provide information for guiding cultivation and controlling quality. But people only can judge the amount of agarwood qualitatively by experience before. Fluorescence multispectral imaging method is presented to measure the agarwood quantitatively in this paper. A spectral cube from 450 nm to 800 nm was captured under the 365 nm excitation sources. The nonagarwood, agarwood, and rotten wood in the same sample were distinguished based on analyzing the spectral cube. Then the area ratio of agarwood to the whole sample was worked out, which is the quantitative information of agarwood area percentage. To our knowledge, this is the first time that the formation of agarwood was quantified accurately and nondestructively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A sensitive HPLC-ESI-MS method for the simultaneous determination of loureirin A (LA) and loureirin B (LB) in rat plasma and tissues was developed, and the pharmacokinetic and tissue distribution characteristics of LA and LB were investigated after gavage administration. The samples were pretreated by protein precipitation with ethyl acetate and then separated on a Welch Ultimate XB-C18 column with water-acetonitrile (42:58, v/v) containing 0.1% glacial acetic acid as the mobile phase. The analytes were detected with no interference in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode on an electrospray ionization ion trap mass spectrometer. The analytes showed good linearity over a wide concentration range and the lowest limit of quantification (LLOQ) was 5ng/mL for LA and 2ng/mL for LB in matrices. The pharmacokinetic curves of both analytes were best fitted to one-compartment model. It suggested that the analytes absorbed and distributed very quickly in rats. Tissue distribution results showed that the analytes had a wide distribution in tissues and the highest levels for LA and LB were observed in liver followed by kidney, lung, spleen, heart and cerebrum. This work provided the pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution characteristics of LA and LB, which would be instructive for their clinical regiment design. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Chemical investigation of 50% ethanol eluate fraction of macroporous resin for the flower of Datura metel L. collected in Jiangsu province of China resulted in the isolation of two novel naturally occurring norwithasteroids, baimantuoluoline I (1) and baimantuoluoside J (2). Their structures were elucidated as 5α, 6β, 12β-trihydroxy-1-oxo-2-en-ergosta-21,24;22,29-diepoxy-26-carboxylic acid (1) and 5α, 6/3,12/3,25-tetrahydroxy-l-oxo-2-en-ergosta-21,24;22,29-diepoxy-26-carboxylic acid (2) on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analysis, including ID, 2D-NMR, and HR-ESI-MS. According to the literatures, this study represents the first report of the norwithasteroids in the side chain with unusual six- and seven-membered ether rings instead of those with an unmodified skeleton (δ-lactone or δ-lactol side chain) and a modified skeleton (γ-lactone or γ-lactol side chain) in the family of withanolides. Meanwhile, compounds 1 and 2 were evaluated for their immunosuppressive activity against mice splenocyte proliferation in vitro. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Pyrolysis of two kerogens isolated from the and source rocks in the Niuzhuang sag, Dongying Depression, Bohai Bay Basin, China, was performed in a confined system. The products were extracted with solvent and separated using micro-column chromatography into group-type fractions (saturates, aromatics, resins and asphaltenes) with the kerogen residue in each case undergoing swelling with a variety of solvents. The kinetics for generation and retention of crude oil and its group-type fractions from the kerogens were studied and the kinetic parameters applied to modeling generation and retention of crude oil and its fractions from the and source rocks on the basis of burial and thermal history of the Niuzhuang sag. The results show that the “normal oil” was generated at about 4.26Ma and 24.85Ma ago, but expelled at about 3.96Ma and 17.46Ma ago, respectively, from and source rocks. The current proportions of the expelled saturates, aromatics and NSOs are about 60%, 15% and 25%, respectively. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Four new sesquiterpenes, myrrhterpenoids K−N (1− 4) have been isolated from the resin of Commiphora myrrha. Their structures and relative configurations were elucidated by spectroscopic methods (IR, ESIMS, HR-ESIMS, 1D and 2D NMR). Compounds 1 and 4 showed neuroprotective effects against MPP+-induced neuronal cell death in SH-SY5Y cells. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Two new pentacyclic triterpenes and eight known pentacyclic triterpenes were isolated from the petroleum ether extract of Liquidambaris Resina. The structural elucidation of these compounds was determined by spectroscopic data interpretation. Their cytotoxic and antiplatelet aggregation activities were examined to find potent cytotoxic and antiplatelet aggregation compounds from natural resources. The results showed that 3-keto oleane triterpenes had strong cytotoxicity against MDA-MB-435S cancer cells and that 28-carboxyl oleane triterpenes possessed significant inhibition of platelet aggregation induced by ADP. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Aim of the study: This present study was carried out to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of 85% ethanol extract (EE) of Commiphora myrrha and its different fractions partitioned with petroleum ether extract (EPE), ethyl acetate extract (EEA), n-butanol extract (EBu), and the water extract (ECY). Moreover, the chemical constituents in EPE were analyzed and identified by UPLC–QTOF/MS/MS. Materials and methods: The anti-inflammatory activities were investigated by utilizing the paw edema mice induced by formalin. In addition, we determined the levels of PGE2 in the edema paw. While the analgesic activity was examined against thermally and chemically induced nociceptive pain in mice, using the acetic acid and hot-plate test methods. The effects of the administration of dolantin or indomethacin were also studied for references. The components in EPE were analyzed by the ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrum. Results: In the anti-inflammatory test, EE inhibited the development of paw swelling induced by formalin significantly. The pharmacological activities of the petroleum ether fraction (EPE) were stronger than the EE extract and other fractions at the dose of 100mg/kg, and furthermore significantly decreased the levels of inflammatory factor PGE2 in the edema paw tissue at the fourth hour after formalin injection. It has been also shown that the ethanol extract (EE) significantly reduced acetic acid-induced writhing response in mice at the dose of 200mg/kg, and 100mg/kg. The petroleum ether fraction (EPE) showed significant analgesic activity in the model at the dose of 100mg/kg (p <0.01), and the ethyl acetate fraction (EEA) exhibited less analgesic activity (p <0.05). All test samples showed no significant analgesic activity on the hot plate pain threshold in mice. The UPLC–MS/MS chromatogram analysis of EPE stated that EPE contains the ingredients of sesquiterpenes, diterpenes, and diterpenic acids. Moreover, seven main compounds were identified. Conclusion: These data demonstrated that the EE and EPE posses analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities and may support the fact the traditional application of this herb in treating various diseases associated with inflammatory pain. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Ethnopharmacological relevance: “Dragon''s Blood” has been used as a medicine since ancient times by many cultures. In traditional Chinese medicine, the resin obtained from Daemonorops draco (RDD) and the resin from Dracaena cochinchinensis (RDC) are equally prescribed as “Dragon''s Blood” for facilitating blood circulation. Aim of the study: To verify the traditional efficacy and elucidate the mechanism, the present study compared the chemical profiles and the pharmacological effects of two species of “Dragon''s Blood” mainly used in China. Materials and methods: A UPLC-MS fingerprinting method was developed to compare the chemical profiles of the two medicines. The anti-platelet aggregation effects of the two medicines induced by arachidonic acid (AA) were investigated. Results: The chemical profiles of these two species of “Dragon''s Blood” were significantly different. The characteristic constituents were found to be: flavanes in RDD and stilbenes in RDC. In the in vivo platelet inhibition test, performed with the dose of 200mg/kg on rats, the peak inhibitory effects of RDD and RDC were 35.8% and 27.6%, respectively, compared with the control group. With the in vitro concentrations of 0.2, 0.4 and 0.8mg/ml, RDD exerted significant inhibition of aggregation by 18.7%, 20.0%, and 61.6%, respectively, and RDC exerted significant inhibition of aggregation by 13.3%, 20.2%, and 31.6%, respectively. Conclusion: The fingerprinting method used here is suitable for distinguishing them. All pharmacological tests indicated that RDD was more potent than RDC against platelet aggregation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A green and efficient method for the large-scale preparation of dioscin from Dioscorea nipponica Makino, a well known traditional Chinese medicinal herb, was developed. The preparation procedure consisted of two separation steps. In the first step, several types of macroporous resins including NKA-II, DA201, DM-301, AB-8, D1400, D4020, X-5, HPD-100 and D101 were investigated in order to choose the best resin. D101 resin was selected according to its adsorption and desorption properties. Other parameters during static and dynamic procedures were also investigated. In order to obtain a pure target, a second step was established, which involved the screening of various types of macroporous resins (D900, D318, D315, D280 and D301). The results demonstrated that D900 resin was the most suitable resin for use in this study. Under these conditions, the large-scale preparation of dioscin was carried out. The purity of dioscin after the first step was increased 9.16-fold from 9.35% to 85.64% with a recovery of 81.47%. The purity of dioscin then increased to 96.55% with a recovery of 89.64% after the second purification. A total of 1.486kg of pure dioscin was produced from 100.0kg raw material by the developed two-step macroporous resin column chromatography method using only aqueous ethanol as the solvent. Our study provides a green and efficient protocol for industrial-scale preparation of dioscin for pharmaceutical use. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Using HP20 macroporous resin, polyamide, Sephadex-LH20 and YMC preparation column (ODS), four kinds of C-glycoside flavones were isolated from the leaves of Belamcanda chinensis grown in Hainan island. Combined with the measurement of melting points and chemical reactions, the structures of C-glycoside flavones were identified by analyzing the spectroscopic data of UV, ¹H NMR, 13C NMR, MS. They are compound I 2″-O-rhamnosylisovitexin; compound II 2″-O-rhamnosylswertisin; compound III isovitexin and compound IV swertisin. All the compounds are isolated from the Iridaceae plants for the first time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Resin adsorption technique witli XAD-8 and XAD-4 was used to characterize the raw water from the Erlong reservoir in Jilln province, China. The NOM chemical composition sequences of the four organic fractions in the raw water, from high to low, are fulvic acid (FA) fraction, hydrophilic nonacid (HPINA) fraction, hydrophilic acid fraction(HPIA) fraction, and humic acid (HA) fraction. The experimental results show that FA is the main precursor of THMFP among the four organic fractions. However, HA or hydrophobic acid exhibits the highest chlorination activity in forming THMs. It is also found that the value of FI/DOC or SUVA and the specific THMFP have better positive correlation. Compared with former results, a part of these findings are different from some reports. It is implied that certain source water has a unique nature of NOM and DBPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Dyeing hemp with a natural yellow colorant from Buddleja officinalis. • Comparative research between natural mordants and metallic ones under different mordanting methods. • Expanded environmental-friendly dyeing based on ethnobotanical application. • Provided a case study is to explore new natural dyes for textile industry through ethnobotanical insight. Natural dyes are more eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic dyes. This research focuses on natural dyes and improved dye craft using plants employed by various ethnic groups in Southwestern China. In this study, we assessed the suitability of dried extracts from Buddleja officinalis flowers for dyeing hemp fabric. and valuated indicators including color strength (K / S), color characteristics, and fastness properties in response to washing, rubbing, and perspiration using metallic and natural mordants under pre-, post-, and simultaneous mordanting conditions. Specifically, we investigated the pigment compound crocin by ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy and Fourier transform–infrared spectroscopy analysis before using it to dye hemp fabric. Optimum dyeing conditions including staining temperature, staining duration, and pH have been identified using an orthogonal array experimental design. Optimum results were achieved when dyeing at pH 5, and at 60 °C for 90 min. Hemp fabric dyed without mordant had a shade of yellowness, while fabric mordanted with gum rosin, plant ash, KAl(SO 4) 2 , and Chaenomeles speciosa had a variety of pale to dark yellowness color shades. A darker yellow–green color shade was obtained with FeSO 4 mordant. The color change of washing fastness was mostly very poor, while the color stain of washing and perspiration fastness were good to excellent, and rubbing fastness was also good to excellent. The color fastness was kept and improved by the three natural mordants, especially gum rosin and plant ash, but reduced by FeSO 4. Those results show that the use of aqueous extract from B. officinalis flowers combined with natural mordants represents a promising approach for textile dyeing, revealing an alternative method that could improve and extend the dyeing properties of this indigenous dye plant. In addition, our findings lay the foundation for further basic studies and demonstrate the utility of preserving natural dye plants, along with the related traditional knowledge of indigenous groups in Yunnan, China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the biggest generator and consumer of household electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) in the world, China generates a large amount of printed circuit board (PCB) resin waste during the production and scrap disposal processes of household EEE each year, yet the precise estimation of the PCB resin waste generation in China is still to be determined. In this paper, the stock-based model is applied to forecast the future generation and sources of PCB resin waste in China. Eight major types of EEE are included to calculate the generation of PCB resin waste from 1998 to 2035. Results show that there will be more than 19.67 billion EEE scrapped during the research period, and about 12.97–13.43 million tonnes of PCB resin waste will generated from the production and scrap disposal processes of EEE. Waste air conditioner, TV set, and washing machine are the major contributors of PCB resin waste. At least 568.27 thousand tonnes of PCB resin waste will be produced in 2035, accompanied by over 231.09 thousand tonnes copper and 333.55 tonnes gold. It is also found that the generation of PCB resin waste is affected by lifestyle, technological level and population policy. This study provides a reliable tool to predict the generation of PCB resin waste and other waste generated from WEEE, and offers suggestions for policy design on waste management. • A model to forecast the future yield and sources of PCB resin waste is provided in this paper. • Selected 8 major types of EEE and calculated the yield of PCB resin waste from 1998 to 2035. • This method can also be used to forecast other wastes generated from EEE. • The study can help administrators formulate more scientific management policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Connections between China and the new Spanish colonies in America are known for an exchange of silver for silks and porcelains. That also medicinal drugs and medicinal knowledge crossed the Pacific Ocean is hardly known or discussed. Myroxylon balsamum (L.) Harms var. pereirae (Royle) Harms ("New World" or "Peruvian balsam") is a botanical balsam that has a long history of medicinal use, particularly as antiseptic and for wound healing. Except for a Chinese article discussing the reception of balsam in China and Japan, no scientific studies on its impact in China and Japan and the channels of transfer from the Americas to Asia exist. Methods: Description: (1) This section provides a general introduction into Commiphora gileadensis ("Old World" balsam) as a medicinal category and discusses the specific medicinal properties of Myroxylon balsamum (L.) Harms var. pereirae (Royle) Harms. The section "Historical research and uses" provides a brief survey on some historical analyses of balsam. Aim, design, setting: (2) Applying a comparative textual and archaeological analysis the article critically examines Chinese and Japanese sources (texts, maps) to show (i) what Chinese and Japanese scholars knew about balsam, (ii) where and how it was used, and (iii) to identify reasons why the "digestion" of knowledge on balsam as a medicinal developed so differently in China and Japan. Results and discussion: This chapter discusses the introduction of "Peruvian balsam" into, its uses as a medicinal as well as its scholarly reception in early modern China and Japan and introduces the channels of transmission from Spanish America to Asia. It is shown that Myroxylon balsamum (L.) Harms var. pereirae (Royle) Harms was partly a highly valued substance imported from the Americas into China and Japan. But the history of the reception of medicinal knowledge on Peruvian balsam was significantly different in China and Japan. Conclusions: In Japan, the knowledge on Myroxylon balsamum was continuously updated, especially through mediation of Dutch physicians; Japanese scholars, doctors and pharmacists possessed a solid knowledge on this balsam, its origin and its medicinal uses. In China, on the contrary, there was no further "digestion" or development of the knowledge on either Myroxylon balsamum (L.) Harms var. pereirae (Royle) Harms or Commiphora gileadensis. By the late nineteenth century, related medicinal and even geographic knowledge had mostly been lost. The interest in "balsam" in late Qing scholarship was pure encyclopaedic and philosophic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agarwood is a resinous wood of Aquilaria species and has been used for various applications. Burning agarwood incense is a common practice in temples and homes in Asia. Kynam is widely regarded as high-quality agarwood in the market. Recently, cultivated grafting Kynam (CGK) has emerged as a new agarwood product in the market, which greatly affects the price of high grading Kynam agarwood. In this study, the morphology, ethanol extract content, and incense chemical profile of CGK was investigated and compared with those of wild Kynam (WK) and cultivated common agarwood (CCA). The incense smoke of CGK was analyzed by thermogravimetric Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (TG-FTIR) and headspace gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (HS-GC–MS). The results showed that the heating of most incenses occurred below 200 °C, and the mass-loss rate value of CGK was between those of WK and CCA. The HS-GC–MS analysis showed the chemical compounds of incense smoke of CGK at 40, 100, and 180 °C, corresponding to the head, middle, and tail of the heating process, respectively. The results suggested that the sesquiterpenes compounds were the major contributors to the mysterious and elegant odoriferous character of agarwood incense. However, a peak area percentage analysis revealed a significant difference in the predominant compounds between CGK and WK, especially at lower temperatures. Therefore, it is not straightforward to substitute WK with CGK. The results are helpful for the study and usage of the new cultivated grafting Kynam agarwood and the development of the agarwood incense industry. Unlabelled Image • The incense of cultivated grafting Kynam (CGK) was analyzed by TG-FTIR and HS-GC–MS. • The morphology and chemistry properties of CGK were investigated. • The CGK was compared with the wild Kynam and cultivated common agarwood. • The chemical compounds of CGK at different temperature were found. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Twenty-two components were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. • Most resin components were under moderate genetic control at different sites. • Type-B genetic correlations for most resin components were weak and nonsignificant. • Resin yield should be improved through direct selection for β-pinene. Resin terpenes are used as raw material by an array of industrial sectors. Slash pine (Pinus elliottii Engelm.) is a multi-purpose tree, best known as a resin-tapping tree species for commercial production of resin. Breeding program of slash pine aimed to improve resin yield (RY) has been implemented for the past decade. The objective of this study was to examine the genetic variation for RY and main resin components in three progeny trials including 32 families planted in Ganzhou, Jian, Jingdezhen in southern China. In total, 22 components, including 5 monoterpenes and 17 diterpenes, were detected in the resin flow of slash pine in the present study. Individual narrow-sense heritability was moderate for RY ( h ^ i 2 = 0.19–0.32) and moderate to high for monoterpene components ( h ^ i 2 = 0.17–0.62) at different sites. A significant site effect for most of the studied properties was observed with the joint analysis of all trials. The estimates of type-B genetic correlations showed that the genotype-by-environment (G × E) interaction had a relatively strong influence on RY and most of the resin chemical components. The genetic correlations (r g) between RY and β-pinene were positive and strong at all three sites (r g = 0.76–0.86). In breeding program of slash pine, one feasible strategy would be to improve RY through selection for high β-pinene. The main components of diterpenes showed moderate to strong and negative correlations with α-pinene, and those with β-pinene were weak and nonsignificant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The annual consumption of plastics resins in China rose from 23 million metric tonnes in 2000 to 31.2 million metric tonnes in 2003 - an average annual growth rate of 11.8 percent. According to the China Plastics Processing Industry Association, it is predicted that plastic resin consumption will reach 38 million metric tonnes this year. Plastics Additives & Compounding reports on some of the details behind these dramatic headline figures. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Two new lignanamides, majusamides A and B (1 and 2), and two new alkaloids, chelidoniumine (3) and tetrahydrocoptisine N -oxide (4), together with six known hydroxycinnamic acid amides (HCCA) were isolated from the 75% ethanol extract of Chelidonium majus through the silica gel, Sephadex LH-20, MCI, ODS column chromatography, and semi-HPLC. Their structures were determined on the basis of spectroscopic data and physico-chemical methods. The absolute configurations of 1 – 3 were determined by electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations. The anti-inflammatory activities of all the isolates on the NO production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced macrophages were evaluated. Compounds 7 and 9 exhibited moderate inhibitory activity with IC 50 values of 25.3 ± 0.5 and 23.5 ± 1.7 μM, respectively. Unlabelled Image [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AkzoNobel and DSM used September''s China Composites Expo in Shanghai to introduce their BluCure™ branded range of innovative cobalt-free resin curing technologies and products to the Chinese market. The BluCure quality seal guarantees that products are 100% cobalt-free. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In China, Adeka Fine Chemical (Shanghai) Co, Ltd, the wholly owned subsidiary of Japan''s Adeka Corp, is building a plant to manufacture intumescent flame retardants for use in polyolefin resins. Construction of the 5000-tonne capacity plant began in January and is scheduled for completion in January 2011. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Reports on the production of gum rosin and turpentine in China. Reorganization of the naval stores industry in 1926; Pine gum collection as labor-intensive; Basic processes to produce pine gum.