The frequency and intensity of forest fires are amplified by climate change. Substantial quantities of PM1 emitted from forest fires can undergo gradual atmospheric dispersion and long-range transport, thus impacting air quality far from the source. However, the chemical composition and physical properties of PM emitted from forest fires and its changes during atmospheric transport remain uncertain. In this study, the evolution of organic carbon (OC), elemental carbon (EC), water-soluble ions, and water-soluble metals in the particulate phase of smoke emitted from the typical forest vegetation combustion in Southwest China before and after photo-oxidation was investigated in the laboratory. Two aging periods of 5 and 9 days were selected. The OC and TC mass concentrations tended to decrease after 9-days aged compared to fresh emissions. OP, OC2, and OC3 in PM1 are expected to be potential indicators of fresh smoke, while OC3 and OC4 may serve as suitable markers for identifying aged carbon sources from the typical forest vegetation combustion in Southwest China. K+ exhibited the highest abundant water-soluble ion in fresh PM1, whereas NO3- became the most abundant water-soluble ion in aged PM1. NH4NO3 emerged as the primary secondary inorganic aerosol emitted from typical forest vegetation combustion in Southwest China. Notably, a 5-day aging period proved insufficient for the complete formation of the secondary inorganic aerosols NH4NO3 and (NH4)2SO4. After aging, the mass concentration of the water-soluble metal Ni in PM1 from typical forest vegetation combustion in Southwest China decreased, while the mean mass concentrations of all other water-soluble metals increased in varying degrees. These findings provide valuable data support and theoretical guidance for studying the atmospheric evolution of forest fire aerosols, as well as contribute to policy formulation and management of atmospheric environment safety and human health.

Volatility of organic aerosols (OAs) significantly influences new particle formation and the occurrence of particulate air pollution. However, the relationship between the volatility of OA and the level of particulate air pollution (i.e., particulate matter concentration) is not well understood. In this study, we compared the chemical composition (identified by an ultrahigh-resolution Orbitrap mass spectrometer) and volatility (estimated based on a predeveloped parametrization method) of OAs in urban PM2.5 (particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter ≤ 2.5 μm) samples from seven German and Chinese cities, where the PM2.5 concentration ranged from a light (14 μg m-3) to heavy (319 μg m-3) pollution level. A large fraction (71-98%) of compounds in PM2.5 samples were attributable to intermediate-volatility organic compounds (IVOCs) and semivolatile organic compounds (SVOCs). The fraction of low-volatility organic compounds (LVOCs) and extremely low-volatility organic compounds (ELVOCs) decreased from clean (28%) to heavily polluted urban regions (2%), while that of IVOCs increased from 34 to 62%. We found that the average peak area-weighted volatility of organic compounds in different cities showed a logarithmic correlation with the average PM2.5 concentration, indicating that the volatility of urban OAs increases with the increase of air pollution level. Our results provide new insights into the relationship between OA volatility and PM pollution levels and deepen the understanding of urban air pollutant evolution.

Propolis extracts have been widely studied due to their popularity in traditional medicine, presenting incredible biodiversity. This study aimed to analyze propolis extracts\' phytochemical, physicochemical, and biological activities from four different biogeographic zones of the Huila region (Colombia). The raw material samples were collected by the scraping method and the ethanolic extracts (EEPs) were obtained by cold maceration with ethanol (96%). The physicochemical and sensory characterization was carried out according to the protocols recommended by the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture and the main components of the EEPs were identified by LC-HRMS analysis. The determination of total phenols and flavonoids was carried out using colorimetric techniques. The antioxidant activity, cytotoxicity, and cell cycle regulation analyses in L929 and HGnF cells were evaluated using DPPH, Alamar Blue, and 7-amino actinomycin D (7-AAD) assays. The propolis samples presented an average yield of 33.1%, humidity between 1.6 and 2.8%, melting point between 54 and 62 °C, ashes between 1.40 and 2.19%, and waxes of 6.6-17.9%, respectively. The sensory characteristics of all samples were heterogeneous, complying with the quality specifications established by international standards. The polyphenolic and total flavonoid content was representative in the samples from Quebradon (255.9 ± 9.2 mg GAE/g, 543.1 ± 8.4 mg QE/g) and Arcadia (543.1 ± 8.4 mg GAE/g, 32.5 ± 1.18 g QE/g) (p < 0.05) that correlated with high antioxidant activity (Quebradon: 37.2 ± 1.2 µmol/g, Arcadia: 38.19 ± 0.7 µmol/g). In the chemical composition analysis, 19 compounds were characterized as phenolic acids and flavonoids, the most representative being chrysoeriol-O-methyl-ether, ellagic acid, and 3,4-O-dimethylcaffeic acid. Regarding biological activity, Quebradon and Arcadia propolis presented low toxicity with IC50 of 2.83 ± 2.3 mg/mL and 4.28 ± 1.4 mg/mL in HGnF cells, respectively, and an arrest of the cell cycle in the G2/M phase of 71.6% and 50.8% compared to the control (11.9%) (p < 0.05). In general, the results of this study contribute to the identification of valid quality criteria to evaluate Colombian propolis, contributing to its study and chemical and biological characterization as a source of raw material for industrial and pharmaceutical use. In addition, Quebradon and Arcadia propolis can be important sources of bioactive molecules for the development of new drugs.

Ganoderma, often hailed as a holistic \"health package\", comprises an array of nutritional components and active compounds, contributing to its esteemed status in the realm of healthy foods. In this study, a comprehensive analysis was performed to elucidate the diverse nutritional profiles, bioactive components, and antiproliferative activities between two Ganoderma species: G. lucidum (GLU) and G. leucocontextum (GLE). The results showed that GLE possessed a higher level of nutritional constituents, except for dietary fiber. Fatty acid analysis revealed comparable profiles rich in unsaturated fatty acids for both species. The ethanol extract of GLU and GLE exhibited potent antioxidant capabilities and remarkable inhibition of tumor cell proliferation via apoptosis induction, with greater potency in GLE. The heightened triterpene levels in GLE potentially contribute to its augmented antitumoral effects. The exploration emphasized the significance of comprehending the varied chemical compositions of Ganoderma species, providing insights into their potential health benefits applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Several foods are used in both the nutraceutical and health sectors; vegetable oils, for example, can prevent the onset of numerous diseases. The properties of these oils are related to their chemical composition and primarily to the presence of fatty acids. The present work aimed to determine the chemical profiles of Argania spinosa, Pinus halepensis, and Pistacia altantica oils, used in traditional Tunisian foods, and to evaluate some biological properties. We evaluated their antioxidant, anti-enzymatic, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Linoleic acid was the main component of the three oils. P. atlantica oil showed more significant inhibitory activity against the enzymes studied than A. spinosa and P. halepensis. All three oils showed similar antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. Furthermore, A. spinosa and P. halepensis oils showed antibiofilm activity against P. aeruginosa, with 30-40% inhibition. These results focus on the possible use of these oils in the nutraceutical and healthcare sectors.

The essential oil of Pelargonium graveolens (PGEO) is identified in the literature as a rich source of bioactive compounds with a high level of biological activity. This study aimed to examine the chemical profile of PGEO as well as its antioxidant, antibacterial, antibiofilm, and insecticidal properties. Its chemical composition was analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), achieving comprehensive identification of 99.2% of volatile compounds. The predominant identified compounds were β-citronellol (29.7%) and geraniol (14.6%). PGEO\'s antioxidant potential was determined by means of DPPH radical and ABTS radical cation neutralization. The results indicate a higher capacity of PGEO to neutralize the ABTS radical cation, with an IC50 value of 0.26 ± 0.02 mg/mL. Two techniques were used to assess antimicrobial activity: minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and disk diffusion. Antimicrobial evaluation using the disk diffusion method revealed that Salmonella enterica (14.33 ± 0.58 mm), which forms biofilms, and Priestia megaterium (14.67 ± 0.58 mm) were most susceptible to exposure to PGEO. The MIC assay demonstrated the highest performance of this EO against biofilm-forming S. enterica (MIC 50 0.57 ± 0.006; MIC 90 0.169 ± 0.08 mg/mL). In contrast to contact application, the assessment of the in situ vapor phase antibacterial activity of PGEO revealed significantly more potent effects. An analysis of antibiofilm activity using MALDI-TOF MS demonstrated PGEO\'s capacity to disrupt the biofilm homeostasis of S. enterica growing on plastic and stainless steel. Additionally, insecticidal evaluations indicated that treatment with PGEO at doses of 100% and 50% resulted in the complete mortality of all Harmonia axyridis individuals.

China Xihu Longjing tea is famous for its good flavor and quality. However, information on its related metabolites, except for flavonoids, is largely deficient. Different processing methods for China Xihu Longjing tea fixing-by machines at both the first and second step (A1), first step by machine and second step by hand (A2), first step by hand and second step by machine (A3), and by hand at both the first and second step (A4)-were compared using a UHPLC-QE-MS-based metabolomics approach. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to analyze the metabolic profiles of the processed samples. A total of 490 metabolites (3 alkaloids, 3 anthracenes, 15 benzene and substituted derivatives, 2 benzopyrans, 13 coumarins and derivatives, 128 flavonoids, 4 furanoid lignans, 16 glycosides and derivatives, 5 indoles and derivatives, 18 isocoumarins and derivatives, 4 chalcones and dihydrochalcones, 4 naphthopyrans, 3 nucleosides, 78 organic acids and derivatives, 55 organooxygen compounds, 5 phenols, 109 prenol lipids, 3 saccharolipids, 3 steroids and steroid derivatives, and 17 tannins) were identified. The different metabolic profiles were distinguished using PCA and OPLS-DA. There were differences in the types and contents of the metabolites, especially flavonoids, furanoid lignans, glycosides and derivatives, organic acids and derivatives, and organooxygen compounds. There was a positive correlation between flavonoid metabolism and amino acid metabolism. However, there was a negative correlation between flavonoid metabolism and amino acid metabolism, which had the same trend as prenol lipid metabolism and tannins. This study provides new valuable information regarding differences in the metabolite profile of China Xihu Longjing tea processed based on machine fixing and on manual fixing methods.

Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels (A. sinensis) has a long processing history. In order to obtain a more valuable composition and higher antioxidant behavior, it is often processed by stir-frying and vinegar treatment. However, the underlying mechanism of chemical changes remains ambiguous. Using UPLC-QQQ-MS/MS alongside targeted metabolomics techniques, this study probed the variances between crude and processed A. sinensis. We identified 1046 chemical components in total, 123 differential components in stir-fried A. sinensis, and 167 in vinegar-treated ones were screened through multivariate statistical analysis. Moreover, 83 significant compounds, encompassing amino acids, phenolic acids, etc., were identified across both processing methods. The in vitro antioxidant activities of these A. sinensis forms were assessed, revealing a positive correlation between most of the unique components emerging after processing and the antioxidant capabilities. Notably, post-processing, the chemical composition undergoes significant alterations, enhancing the antioxidant activity. Specific compounds, including 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde, syringetin-3-O-glucoside, and salicylic acid, greatly influence antioxidant activity during processing.

The chemical composition of acid rain and its impact on lake water chemistry in Chongqing, China, from 2000 to 2020 were studied in this study. The regional acid rain intensity is affected jointly by the acid gas emissions and the neutralization of alkaline substances. The pH of precipitation experienced three stages of fluctuating decline, continuous improvement, and a slight correction. Precipitation pH showed inflection points in 2010, mainly due to the total control actions of SO2 and NOx implemented in 2011. The total ion concentrations in rural areas and urban areas were 489.08 µeq/L and 618.57 µeq/L, respectively. The top four ions were SO42-, Ca2+, NH4+ and NO3-, which accounted for more than 90% of the total ion concentration, indicating the anthropogenic effects. Before 2010, SO42- fluctuated greatly while NO3- continued to rise; however, after 2010, both SO42- and NO3- began to decline rapidly, with the rates of -12.03 µeq/(L·year) and -4.11 µeq/(L·year). Because the decline rate of SO42- was 2.91 times that of NO3-, the regional acid rain has changed from sulfuric acid rain to mixed sulfuric and nitric acid rain. The lake water is weakly acidic, with an average pH of 5.86, and the acidification frequency is 30.00%. Acidification of lake water is jointly affected by acid deposition and acid neutralization capacity of lake water. Acid deposition has a profound impact on water acidification, and nitrogen (N) deposition, especially reduced N deposition, should be the focus of future research.

Our representative studies to achieve sustainable use of crude drugs and ensure their stable quality are introduced: comprehensive studies on genetic, chemical, and sometimes pharmacological diversity of Asian medicinal plants including Paeonia lactiflora, Glycyrrhiza uralensis, Ephedra spp., Saposhnikovia divaricata, and Curcuma spp., as well as their related crude drugs. (1) For peony root, after genetic and chemical diversity analysis of crude drug samples including white and red peony root in China, the value-added resources with quality similar to red peony root were explored among 61 horticultural P. lactiflora varieties, and two varieties were identified. In addition, an optimized post-harvest processing method, which resulted in high contents of the main active components in the produced root, was developed to promote cultivation and production of brand peony root. (2) Alternative resources of glycyrrhiza, ephedra herb and saposhnikovia root and rhizome of Japanese Pharmacopoeia grade were discovered in eastern Mongolia after field investigation and quality assessment comparing Mongolian plants with Chinese crude drugs. Simultaneously, suitable specimens and prospective regions for cultivation were proposed. (3) Because of the wide distribution and morphological similarities of Curcuma species, classification of some species is debated, which leads to confusion in the use of Curcuma crude drugs. Molecular analyses of the intron length polymorphism (ILP) markers in genes encoding diketide-CoA synthase (DCS) and curcumin synthase (CURS) and trnK sequences, combined with essential oils analysis, were demonstrated as useful for standardization of Curcuma crude drugs. The above studies, representing various facets, can be applied to other crude drugs.