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The branches and leaves of 8 varieties of Lonicera japonica as materials, a high-performance liquid chromatography detection method for 8 phenolic acid components was established to determine the content characteristics of phenolic acids in the samples. The content determination results were evaluated by multivariate statistical methods such as cluster analysis, factor comprehensive analysis, and partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA). The results indicated that the established method for determining the content of 8 phenolic acids in the branches and leaves of L. japonica was stable, reliable and simple. The variation range of phenolic acids total content in the branches and leaves of 8 varieties of L. japonica was 19.4162~33.6684 mg⋅g-1, and 40.9900~80.3068 mg⋅g-1, respectively. The total content of phenolic acids varied greatly among different varieties, with 'Beihua No.1' had the highest total content in both branches and leaves, and 'Juhua No.1' had the lowest total content. Cluster analysis found that among the branches of 'Beihua No.1' was clustered separately into one group, with higher content of each component than other varieties. Factor comprehensive analysis showed that the comprehensive score of 'Beihua No.1' was >1. PLS-DA analysis identified isochlorogenic acid A, isochlorogenic acid C, ferulic acid and chlorogenic acid as the main components that might cause differences in phenolic acid content in branches. Among leaves, 'Beihua No.1' and 'Jiufeng No.1' were clustered into one category, and their comprehensive factor analysis scores were both greater than 1. PLS-DA analysis identified chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid and ferulic acid as the main components that might cause differences in phenolic acid content in leaves. In summary, there were differences in the main phenolic acid composition characteristics of different varieties. In terms of phenolic acid content, the branches and leaves of 'Beihua No.1' and 'Jiufeng No.1' have more advantages. This study provides a scientific basis for the utilization of L. japonica branches and leaves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The object of this study is the force parameters of the working process when cleaning the udder nipples of cows from contamination. Failure to provide adequate care for a cow, especially concerning its udder, could lead to significant health and productivity problems. On the other hand, utilizing modern tools, devices, and materials could improve the sanitary and hygienic conditions for milking cows and udder care, thus leading to better overall outcomes. As part of the research, mathematical expressions were derived theoretically, allowing the determination of the force parameters of the working process for cleaning cows’ udders from contamination by expanding the range of the device’s functional characteristics. Distinctive features of the results regarding the solution to this problem is evaluation of the elasticity force exerted by the lint bundles on the nipple during the rotation of the brush device’s drum and the circular force generated by the brush lint. The developed algorithm of the work process aimed at cleaning the nipples and udders of cows made it possible to combine a set of clearly defined and sequentially performed operations into a single whole. It has been demonstrated that the efforts required to retain different types of contamination on the skin vary significantly. To objectively determine it, a new device has been designed. Its distinctive features are the precision of measurement and simplicity of operation. Following laboratory testing, it was established that the highest contaminant retention forces were exhibited by solid manure (Fret=40 ± 3.21 N), while the lowest values were observed for sawdust (Fret=19 ± 2.17 N) (p≤0.001). The developments are relevant and could be used at cattle breeding farms of various forms of ownership, the scientific community, and at industrial enterprises manufacturing technological equipment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Abrus precatorius is a universal panacea in herbal medicine. In view of this, phytochemical screening, proximate analysis, median lethal dose (LD50), hematological and biochemical effects of extracts of A. precatorius seed was studied in Mus musculus. Materials and methods: Nineteen (19) mice were used for the study. Four (4) mice were used for determination of median lethal dose of the aqueous and ethyl acetate extracts respectively. The LD50 of aquous and ethyl acetate extracts was estimated at 187.5±62.5 mg/Kg and 175±75 mg/Kg respectively. The remaining fifteen (15) mice divided into 3 groups of 5 each were used for hematological and biochemical studies. Group 1 was administered 1 mL of distilled water while groups 2 and 3 were administered 1/10th (18.75 mg/Kg) of LD50 (187.5 mg/Kg) of methanolic and ethanolic seed extracts, for a period of 4 weeks. Results: Proximate analysis showed the presence of moisture, ash, crude protein and crude fiber. Carbohydrate and organic matter were calculated. Phytochemical screening showed alkaloids, flavanoids, tannins, saponins, and reducing sugars in both ethanolic and aqueous extracts. Cardiac glycosides were present in aqueous extract. Hematology revealed increased packed cell volume (PCV), hemoglobin (Hb), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) whereas red blood cell (RBC) and white blood cell (WBC) were significantly (P<0.05) decreased. Biochemistry revealed significantly decreased (P<0.05) total protein, albumin, cholesterol, globulin and albumin/globulin ratio whereas creatinine and alkaline phosphatase were significantly increased. Conclusion: A. precatorius seed extracts are very toxic and can be used as blood tonic, immunosupressant, hypocholesterolemic and renotoxic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]