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Background: Honey aroma is one of its most important properties and it depends on the qualitative and quantitative composition of the volatile compounds. The volatile profile of honey could reveal its botanical origin to avoid a false characterization. Thus, it is of great significance to honey authentication. This study developed and validated a headspace solid‐phase microextraction and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (HS‐SPME‐GC–MS) method for simultaneous qualitative and quantitative analyses of 34 volatile components in honey. The developed method was applied to 86 honey samples from six different botanical origins, including linden honey, rape honey, jujube honey, vitex honey, lavender honey and acacia honey. Results: The volatile fingerprints and quantitative results were simultaneously obtained by using the full scan and selected ion monitoring (SCAN+SIM) MS scanning mode. The limits of quantification (LOQs) and limits of detection (LODs) of 34 volatile compounds were in the ranges of 1–10 ng/g and 0.3–3 ng/g, respectively. And the spiked recoveries ranged between 70.6% and 126.2%, with the relative standard deviations (RSDs) not higher than 45.4%. A total of 98 volatile compounds were found with relative contents determined, and the 34 volatile compounds were determined with absolute concentrations. Based on the volatile fingerprints and the contents of volatile compounds, honey samples from six botanical origins were well classified by principal component analysis and orthogonal partial least‐squares discrimination analysis. Conclusions: The HS‐SPME‐GC–MS method was successfully applied to achieve the volatile fingerprints of six types of honey and to quantitatively analyze 34 volatile compounds with satisfying sensitivity and accuracy. Chemometrics analysis showed significant correlations between honey types and volatiles. These results reveal the characteristics of volatile compounds in six types of unifloral honey and provide some supports for honey authentication. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aeromagnetic anomalies existing in the Deng Deng – Garga Sarali region in Eastern Cameroon were filtered for a structural study of the region’s subsoil. This study presents the results of lineaments and fractures extracted by aeromagnetic image processing methods and compared with scientific data to obtain potential terrain models in the study area. The methodological approach used is based on the filtering of aeromagnetic image by using the analytical signal, the Euler deconvolution, and 2D3/4 modeling, to establish the maps of the lineaments and faults of the study area and their characteristics, and also to propose three models from three previously chosen profiles. Analytical signal and Euler deconvolution techniques have been applied to aeromagnetic anomalies to highlight the relationship between the depth and the source of magnetic anomalies, two parameters whose importance in geoexploration and modeling of the body is essential. We identified the potential contacts by interpretation of the deep Euler anomalies, these are highlighted on the basis of a certain similarity between the maps of the total magnetic field, the map of the analytical signal, the map of the maxima of the gradient horizontal, and geological map. Euler’s map of solutions correlates well with the edges of certain superficial and deep causative bodies.

Abstract Ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography–Q–Exactive Orbitrap–mass spectrometry (MS) and gas chromatography (GC)–MS were performed for the qualitative and quantitative analyses of Citri Sarcodactylis Fructus (CSF) from different origins. The contents of eight major CSF components, namely 5,7‐dimethoxycoumarin, scopoletin, hesperidin, tangeretin, nobiletin, limonin, nomilin, and stachydrine, were quantitatively analyzed. Clustering analysis and principal component analysis (PCA) were, respectively, performed to classify and compare the 10 CSF batches. One hundred and two volatile components were identified accordingly by comparing retention times, reference standards, parent peaks, fragment peaks, and findings from relevant literature. Moreover, high content of 5,7‐dimethoxycoumarin and stachydrine was detected in all the CSFs, especially in CSF‐Zhe. Therefore, the high content component coumarin “5,7‐dimethoxycoumarin” was suggested to be quality analysis component rather than hesperidin. Additionally, characteristic compounds were found to distinguish different CSFs. This work was a comprehensive study about the components of various CSF. It distinguished the basic differences in the compositions of CSF from different origins. Eventually, it provided experimental and systematic bases for the quality control analysis of CSF, which has potential application in the further research.

Ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography–Q–Exactive Orbitrap–mass spectrometry (MS) and gas chromatography (GC)–MS were performed for the qualitative and quantitative analyses of Citri Sarcodactylis Fructus (CSF) from different origins. The contents of eight major CSF components, namely 5,7‐dimethoxycoumarin, scopoletin, hesperidin, tangeretin, nobiletin, limonin, nomilin, and stachydrine, were quantitatively analyzed. Clustering analysis and principal component analysis (PCA) were, respectively, performed to classify and compare the 10 CSF batches. One hundred and two volatile components were identified accordingly by comparing retention times, reference standards, parent peaks, fragment peaks, and findings from relevant literature. Moreover, high content of 5,7‐dimethoxycoumarin and stachydrine was detected in all the CSFs, especially in CSF‐Zhe. Therefore, the high content component coumarin "5,7‐dimethoxycoumarin" was suggested to be quality analysis component rather than hesperidin. Additionally, characteristic compounds were found to distinguish different CSFs. This work was a comprehensive study about the components of various CSF. It distinguished the basic differences in the compositions of CSF from different origins. Eventually, it provided experimental and systematic bases for the quality control analysis of CSF, which has potential application in the further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At the outset of an analysis, there is a need to interact with the problem-owners to understand their perspectives on the issues. This understanding leads to the construction of one or more models to reflect their views, their values and their uncertainties. Some models are qualitative; others, quantitative. Quantitative models need populating with numbers, either from data or from further judgements elicited from the problem-owners, their stakeholders or their experts. The model(s) may then be analysed to provide feedback to the problem-owners on the possible resolution of the problem. In practice, the process may iterate, cycling through more sophisticated models, which require further inputs from the problem-owners. This paper discusses the elicitation processes involved, arguing that the current literature has developed if not in silos, then in pockets of activity that do not reflect the more joined up processes that often take place in practice. Furthermore, it is suggested that potential psychological and behavioural biases that may occur in quantitative elicitation are reasonably well understood and guarded against, whereas less attention has been paid to similar biases that may affect more qualitative model building. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was aimed at evaluating the performance of perfusion patterns and the quantitative parameters of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in the detection of soft tissue tumors (STTs) and establishing a US workflow for STTs to improve patient management. Conventional ultrasound (US) and CEUS data were retrospectively collected from 156 soft tissue masses. Six perfusion patterns (P1-P6) were applied for CEUS qualitative analysis. Multivariate logistic regression was used to evaluate the performance of conventional US and qualitative and quantitative CEUS in distinguishing benign and malignant STTs. The malignancy rates of P1-P6 in STTs were 0%, 50.0%, 9.1%, 33.3%, 73.4% and 61.0%, respectively. For "non-P1" STTs, the predictive model combining quantitative CEUS parameters with conventional US features, including margin (odds ratio [OR] = 4.490, p = 0.000), vascular density (OR = 2.307, p = 0.013), 50% wash-out intensity (OR = 1.904, p = 0.032) and 50% wash-out time (OR = 1.031, p = 0.019), performed favorably in predicting malignancy, with an accuracy of 81.0% and an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.868. Furthermore, a US workflow for the detection of STTs based on conventional US and CEUS was established. CEUS with qualitative and quantitative analyses could be an effective tool for STT diagnosis. The US workflow in this study may improve the management of STT patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oligosaccharides in Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz. (AMK) have a wide range of clinical effects, especially in terms of improving immunity. In this study, the oligosaccharide fingerprint of AMK was first established by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with evaporative light-scattering detection. This method was confirmed to be accurate and reliable. Twenty-six batches of samples from four regions were detected, and the oligosaccharide fingerprint similarity of AMK was evaluated (> 0.900). Second, the oligosaccharide profile of AMK was analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry. Fourteen inulin-type oligosaccharides with a degree of polymerization of 2–15 were identified, including sucrose, 1-kestose, and nystose. Finally, two representative compounds, 1-kestose and nystose, were selected for quantification analysis. The established method had good regression equations, precision, repeatability, and stability. The average contents of 1-kestose and nystose were 0.688% and 0.827%, respectively. This study provides valuable information on the quality evaluation and discrimination of different varieties of AMK. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Subsea oil production facilities may face extreme or accidental events in association with site-specific conditions. In this paper, qualitative and quantitative assessment for the subsea manifold system is carried out by the fault tree analysis (FTA) method, and the reliability results of the manifold system are also obtained. The proposed approach has achieved the following three objectives: (a) based on the FTA method, the system reliability results can be effectively analysed; (b) according to the results of qualitative and quantitative analyses, the weak points in the system are identified; (c) based on the analyses of key components, the structure of valve spool can be optimised. Through the CFD numerical simulation for the spool structure, it shows that the valve flow characteristics are well improved. The solution proposed in this paper can help engineers to better assess and improve the reliability risk of process modules of subsea production system-related devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, three active ingredients, namely, gallic acid, orientin and orientin-2″-O-β-l-galactoside, in Chinese medicine compound antibacterial gels (CMCAGs) were identified and quantified by high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC). The thin-layer plate was a polyamide film plate, and the deploying agent was dichloromethane‒butanone‒methanol‒formic acid (6:0.5:2:0.6, V/V). The scanning wavelength was 280 nm for the determination of gallic acid and 360 nm for the determination of orientin and orientin-2″-O-β-l-galactoside. Under the deploying conditions, the RF values of gallic acid, orientin and orientin-2″-O-β-l-galactoside were 0.37 ± 0.02, 0.51 ± 0.03 and 0.65 ± 0.04, respectively. The linearity ranges were 0.089‒0.785 μg, 0.026‒0.209 μg and 0.082‒0.575 μg with linear correlation coefficient (r) of 0.9957, 0.9950 and 0.9953, which indicated a good linear relationship. The average recovery rates were 99.94%, 100.92% and 98.82% with percent relative standard deviations of 2.67%, 3.70% and 3.69%, respectively. The developed method was simple and accurate for the simultaneous qualitative and quantitative analyses of the three components in the CMCAG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current research intends to affirm the link between the Nile Valley and the depression that thought to be the Bahariya River. To perform this target, shallow subsurface tectonic and geomorphic investigations of the basin northwest of Asyut using remote sensing and gravity data were carried out. Many image enhancement and transformation methods such as band combination, automatic stream extraction, and shaded relief were preceded to the remote sensing data such as Landsat-7 and Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM). Qualitative and quantitative analyses such as regional residual separation process, and derivatives maps were applied on gravity data to delineate structural trends. The result revealed a geomorphic and structure feature trend in NW–SE that consistent with the Nile segment between Qena to Asyut. This trend most likely connected to the structure event of the Nile Valley. Prominent uplift that detected by remote sensing and gravity data hindered the Bahariya River. Subsequently, NS, NE–SW, and EW trends controlled the area and shaped the geomorphic and structural features of the present study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radicinin is a phytotoxic fungal dihydropyranopyran-4,5-dione under evaluation for the development of a target-specific bioherbicide for invasive buffelgrass (Cenchrus ciliaris) control. It has already demonstrated high toxicity on host plants, low toxicity to native plants and no negative effects on zebrafish embryos. To continue these studies at the whole-plant level there is a need to obtain much larger quantities of radicinin, either by optimizing its large-scale production by fungal fermentation or through its total stereoselective synthesis. A rapid and sensitive HPLC method for quantification of radicinin in complex mixtures has been developed in order to evaluate its production by different Cochliobolus australiensis strains and in different cultural conditions. The analysis proved that radicinin is not produced by all the strains tested and its synthesis is strongly affected by cultural conditions. The HPLC method could be useful in selecting the best fungal source for the production of this promising potential bioherbicide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ventrolateral thalamic nucleus (VL), as part of the 'motor thalamus', is main relay station of cerebellar and pallidal projections. It comprises anterior (VLa) and posterior (VLpd and VLpv) subnuclei. Though the fibre architecture of cerebellar and pallidal projections to of the VL nucleus has already been focus in a numerous amount of in vitro studies mainly in animals, probabilistic tractography now offers the possibility of an in vivo comparison in healthy humans. In this study we performed a (a) qualitative and (b) quantitative examination of VL-cerebellar and VL-pallidal pathways and compared the probability distributions between both projection fields in the VL after an (I) atlas-based and (II) manual-based segmentation procedure. Both procedures led to high congruent results of cerebellar and pallidal connectivity distributions: the maximum of pallidal projections was located in anterior and medial parts of the VL nucleus, whereas cerebellar connectivity was more located in lateral and posterior parts. The median connectivity for cerebellar connections in both approaches (manual and atlas-based segmentation) was VLa > VLpv > VLpd, whereas the pallidal median connectivity was VLa ~ VLpv > VLpd in the atlas-based approach and VLpv > VLa > VLpd in the manual approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Making use of a small direct methanol fuel cell device (DMFC), used as an analytical sensor, chemometric methods, organic compounds very different from one another, can be determined qualitatively and quantitatively. In this research, the following seven different organic compounds of pharmaceutical and biomedical interest, having in common only one –OH group, were considered: chloramphenicol, imipenem, methanol, ethanol, propanol, atropine and cortisone. From a quantitative point of view, the traditional approach, involving the building of individual calibration curves, which allow the quantitative determination of the corresponding organic compounds, even if with different sensitivities, was followed. For the qualitative analysis of each compound, this approach has been much more innovative. In fact, by processing the data from each of the individual response curves, obtained through the fuel cell, using chemometric methods, it is possible to directly identify and recognize each of the seven organic compounds. Since the study is a proof of concept to show the potential of this innovative methodological approach, based on the combination of direct methanol fuel cell with advanced chemometric tools, at this stage, concentration ranges that may not be the ones found in some real situations were investigated. The three methods adopted are all explorative methods with very limited computation costs, which have different characteristics and, therefore, may provide complementary information on the analyzed data. Indeed, while PCA (principal components analysis) provides the most parsimonious summary of the variability observed in the current response matrix, the analysis of the current response behavior was performed by the “slicing” method, in order to transform the current response profiles into numerical matrices, while PARAFAC (Parallel Factor Analysis) allows to obtain a finer deconvolution of the exponential curves. On the other hand, the multiblock nature of “ComDim” (Common Components and Specific Weight Analysis) has been the basis to relate the variability observed in the current response behavior with the parameters of the linear calibrations.

The Tibetan Plateau (TP), being an average of surpassing 4000 m above sea level and around 2.5 × 10 6  km 2 , is the highest and largest plateau in the world and also called as the “Third Pole”. Due to its elevated land surface and complex terrain, the TP is subjected to combined regulations of multiple climate systems and associated large-scale atmospheric circulations. In this paper, we comprehensively review the recent studies of atmospheric moisture transport versus precipitation across the TP, with the attempt to link the two, which did not receive much attention previously. This review focuses on the atmospheric moisture transport and associated circulation patterns in this region, widely adopted approaches to identify the atmospheric moisture transport, qualitative and quantitative analyses for the role of water vapor transport on the precipitation, as well as the internal physical mechanism between atmospheric moisture transport and precipitation over the TP. Moreover, directions of future research are discussed based on the following aspects, which include 1) proposing an integrated statistical-physical framework for demonstrating the influence of atmospheric moisture transport and associated circulation patterns on the precipitation, especially the extremes, in the high-cold mountainous region; 2) quantifying the contribution of atmospheric water vapor from the surrounding sources as well as the local moisture recycling on the TP's precipitation; 3) providing higher quality data for atmospheric water vapor and precipitation; 4) emphasizing on the physical mechanism sustaining the atmospheric moisture transport as well as its potential influence on the extreme precipitation, including amount, frequency, intensity and duration. It is expected that this review will be beneficial for exploring the linkage between atmospheric moisture transport versus precipitation across the TP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the last few decades, benefitting from the sufficient sensitivity, high specificity, nondestructive, and rapid detection capability of the surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) technique, numerous nanostructures have been elaborately designed and successfully synthesized as high-performance SERS substrates, which have been extensively exploited for the identification of chemical and biological analytes. Among these, Ag nanorods coated with thin metal oxide layers (AgNRs-oxide hybrid array substrates) featuring many outstanding advantages have been proposed as fascinating SERS substrates, and are of particular research interest. The present review provides a systematic overview towards the representative achievements of AgNRs-oxide hybrid array substrates for SERS applications from diverse perspectives, so as to promote the realization of real-world SERS sensors. First, various fabrication approaches of AgNRs-oxide nanostructures are introduced, which are followed by a discussion on the novel merits of AgNRs-oxide arrays, such as superior SERS sensitivity and reproducibility, high thermal stability, long-term activity in air, corrosion resistivity, and intense chemisorption of target molecules. Next, we present recent advances of AgNRs-oxide substrates in terms of practical applications. Intriguingly, the recyclability, qualitative and quantitative analyses, as well as vapor-phase molecule sensing have been achieved on these nanocomposites. We further discuss the major challenges and prospects of AgNRs-oxide substrates for future SERS developments, aiming to expand the versatility of SERS technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The culture filtrate of Lentinula edodes shows potent antimicrobial activity against the plant pathogenic bacteria Ralstonia solanacearum. Bioassay-guided fractionation was conducted using Diaion HP-20 column chromatography, and the insoluble active compound was not adsorbed on the resin. Further fractionation by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) suggested that the active compounds were organic acids. Nine organic acids were detected in the culture filtrate of L. edodes; oxalic acid was the major component and exhibited antibacterial activity against nine different phytopathogenic bacteria. Quantitative analysis by HPLC revealed that the content of oxalic acid was higher in the water extract from spent mushroom substrate than in liquid culture. This suggests that the water extract of spent L. edodes substrate is an eco-friendly control agent for plant diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which aims to listen to peoples' perspectives on what constitutes a good physician communication. The researchers detail the study design using videotaped standardized medical encounters to discuss their preferences in gender-specific focus groups. It implies that the physicians' affective attitude is most desired and appreciated by patients.

Flavonoids are a large group of plant secondary metabolites that are present in most plants, and are vital for plant growth, development and protection. Among the many functions of these compounds is their contribution to stress amelioration. The accurate identification and quantification of total or individual flavonoids in plants exposed to stressful conditions (e.g. ultraviolet radiation) is challenging due to their structural diversity. The present review provides the up to date knowledge and highlights trends in plant flavonoid analysis. The review covers all steps from the field to the laboratory, focussing on UV-B effects on flavonoids, and identifying critical issues concerning sample collection, pre-treatment, extraction techniques and quantitative or qualitative analysis. A well-planned sampling and sample prehandling strategy is vital when capturing organ, tissue and developmental-stage dependent changes in flavonoids, as well as the dynamic changes due to time of UV-exposure and diurnal or seasonal parameters. A range of advanced extraction and purification techniques can facilitate the quantitative transfer of flavonoids to solvents. The advantages and disadvantages of analytical methods, including chromogenic assays, liquid and thin-layer chromatography, mass spectrometry, nuclear magnetic resonance detection, and non-destructive in situ fluorescent analysis need to be consciously evaluated in the context of the specific biological question posed. Thus, no one method can be applied to every single study of flavonoid. The message of this review is that researchers will need to carefully consider the biological process that they intend to study, and select an analytical method that optimally matches their specific objectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Recently, miniaturization of Raman, mid-infrared (IR), and near-infrared (NIR) spectrometers has made substantial progress. Though mid-infrared systems are based exclusively on attenuated total reflection (ATR) measurements, near-infrared spectrometers operate in the diffuse reflection or transmission mode. The reduction in size, however, must not be accompanied by deterioration in measurement performance, and portable instrumentation will only have a real impact on quality and process control if Raman, IR, and NIR spectra of comparable quality to laboratory spectrometers can be obtained. In the present communication, a short overview on the building principles of novel handheld systems will be provided and the results of qualitative and quantitative analyses of selected liquid and solid sample systems obtained with these Raman, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and NIR spectrometers will be evaluated in terms of their comparability with laboratory instruments and their suitability for on-site and field measurements. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

As a heritage from the Soviet period (1945-1991) about 500,000-700,000 (mostly Russophone) persons (military persons, workers and others) lived in Latvia with little or no command of Latvian. During the same period, the Russian language had replaced Latvian in the public administration. Following the restitution of independence in 1991, one of the key questions for the Latvian Government was the development and implementation of a successful language policy. For this purpose, a State language law was elaborated, followed by the Education Law and the Citizenship Law, which also addressed the language issue. The design and implementation of these laws caused a heated public debate. In this paper, the legislation process (the design and amendments of the laws) will be juxtaposed with what happens on the ground (through quantitative and qualitative survey results). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Making use of a small direct methanol fuel cell device (DMFC), used as an analytical sensor, chemometric methods, organic compounds very different from one another, can be determined qualitatively and quantitatively. In this research, the following seven different organic compounds of pharmaceutical and biomedical interest, having in common only one –OH group, were considered: chloramphenicol, imipenem, methanol, ethanol, propanol, atropine and cortisone. From a quantitative point of view, the traditional approach, involving the building of individual calibration curves, which allow the quantitative determination of the corresponding organic compounds, even if with different sensitivities, was followed. For the qualitative analysis of each compound, this approach has been much more innovative. In fact, by processing the data from each of the individual response curves, obtained through the fuel cell, using chemometric methods, it is possible to directly identify and recognize each of the seven organic compounds. Since the study is a proof of concept to show the potential of this innovative methodological approach, based on the combination of direct methanol fuel cell with advanced chemometric tools, at this stage, concentration ranges that may not be the ones found in some real situations were investigated. The three methods adopted are all explorative methods with very limited computation costs, which have different characteristics and, therefore, may provide complementary information on the analyzed data. Indeed, while PCA (principal components analysis) provides the most parsimonious summary of the variability observed in the current response matrix, the analysis of the current response behavior was performed by the "slicing" method, in order to transform the current response profiles into numerical matrices, while PARAFAC (Parallel Factor Analysis) allows to obtain a finer deconvolution of the exponential curves. On the other hand, the multiblock nature of "ComDim" (Common Components and Specific Weight Analysis) has been the basis to relate the variability observed in the current response behavior with the parameters of the linear calibrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blind deconvolution of light microscopy images could improve the ability of distinguishing cell-level substances. In this study, we investigated the blind deconvolution framework for a light microscope image, which combines the benefits of bi- l 0 - l 2 -norm regularization with compressed sensing and conjugated gradient algorithms. Several existing regularization approaches were limited by staircase artifacts (or cartooned artifacts) and noise amplification. Thus, we implemented our strategy to overcome these problems using the bi- l 0 - l 2 -norm regularization proposed. It was investigated through simulations and experiments using optical microscopy images including the background noise. The sharpness was improved through the successful image restoration while minimizing the noise amplification. In addition, quantitative factors of the restored images, including the intensity profile, root-mean-square error (RMSE), edge preservation index (EPI), structural similarity index measure (SSIM), and normalized noise power spectrum, were improved compared to those of existing or comparative images. In particular, the results of using the proposed method showed RMSE, EPI, and SSIM values of approximately 0.12, 0.81, and 0.88 when compared with the reference. In addition, RMSE, EPI, and SSIM values in the restored image were proven to be improved by about 5.97, 1.26, and 1.61 times compared with the degraded image. Consequently, the proposed method is expected to be effective for image restoration and to reduce the cost of a high-performance light microscope.

In order to study whether Paris forrestii could be developed as a substitute of Paridis Rhizome, chemical compositions of P. forrestii and P. polyphylla var. yunnanensis were investigated by UPLC-Q-TOF MS. In addition, the contents of eight primary steroidal saponins in 77 batches of P. forrestii samples from different habitats were simultaneously determined by HPLC-UV. The results showed that P. forrestii and P. polyphylla var. yunnanensis have similar chemical compositions, and all 22 major common peaks were identified as steroid derivatives. Meanwhile, there were some differences in the contents of saponins in P. forrestii samples from different habitats. The contents of 4 steroidal saponins in Chinese Pharmacopoeia ranged from 0.068% to 3.30%, and the highest content of the 8 kinds of steroidal saponins was 6.18%, while the lowest was just 0.71%. Moreover, 78% of P. forrestii samples were in conformity with the requirements of Chinese Pharmacopoeia, indicating that P. forrestii samples had relatively stable quality and could be further studied as a substitute for Paridis Rhizome., Competing Interests: The authors of this article and the planning committee members and staff have no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose., (Copyright© by the Chinese Pharmaceutical Association.)

Over the last few decades, benefitting from the sufficient sensitivity, high specificity, nondestructive, and rapid detection capability of the surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) technique, numerous nanostructures have been elaborately designed and successfully synthesized as high-performance SERS substrates, which have been extensively exploited for the identification of chemical and biological analytes. Among these, Ag nanorods coated with thin metal oxide layers (AgNRs-oxide hybrid array substrates) featuring many outstanding advantages have been proposed as fascinating SERS substrates, and are of particular research interest. The present review provides a systematic overview towards the representative achievements of AgNRs-oxide hybrid array substrates for SERS applications from diverse perspectives, so as to promote the realization of real-world SERS sensors. First, various fabrication approaches of AgNRs-oxide nanostructures are introduced, which are followed by a discussion on the novel merits of AgNRs-oxide arrays, such as superior SERS sensitivity and reproducibility, high thermal stability, long-term activity in air, corrosion resistivity, and intense chemisorption of target molecules. Next, we present recent advances of AgNRs-oxide substrates in terms of practical applications. Intriguingly, the recyclability, qualitative and quantitative analyses, as well as vapor-phase molecule sensing have been achieved on these nanocomposites. We further discuss the major challenges and prospects of AgNRs-oxide substrates for future SERS developments, aiming to expand the versatility of SERS technique., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

The culture filtrate of Lentinula edodes shows potent antimicrobial activity against the plant pathogenic bacteria Ralstonia solanacearum . Bioassay-guided fractionation was conducted using Diaion HP-20 column chromatography, and the insoluble active compound was not adsorbed on the resin. Further fractionation by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) suggested that the active compounds were organic acids. Nine organic acids were detected in the culture filtrate of L. edodes ; oxalic acid was the major component and exhibited antibacterial activity against nine different phytopathogenic bacteria. Quantitative analysis by HPLC revealed that the content of oxalic acid was higher in the water extract from spent mushroom substrate than in liquid culture. This suggests that the water extract of spent L. edodes substrate is an eco-friendly control agent for plant diseases.