An intrinsic dual-emitting fluorescence sensing toward tetracycline with self-calibration model based on luminescent lanthanide-functionalized metal-organic frameworks

 Food Chem. 400, 133995, 2023

A novel ratiometric fluorescence sensor based on lanthanide-functionalized metal-organic frameworks (Ag+/Eu3+@UiO-66(COOH)2, AEUC) with intrinsic dual-emitting bands was fabricated to determine tetracycline (TC) residues by exploiting (UiO-66-(COOH)2, UC) as reference units, Eu3+as recognition units and Ag+ as fluorescence enhancer. Benefiting from specific binding sites and functional adsorbent channels of AEUC, efficient capture and specific recognize toward TC could be achieved, remarkably enhancing the reliability. The synergistic effect of inner filter effect (IFE) and photoinduced electron transfer (PET) process between TC and AEUC was verified, enabling the detection limit and quantification limit of established strategy reaching as 12.8 nmol/L and 38.6 nmol/L and conspicuous fluorescence color gradation from red to blue. Given its portability, point-of-care sensing platform and nanoprobe-immobilized test-paper-based measurement allowing for on-site qualitative identification and semi-quantitative assay of TC was devised for sensing visualization and has been successfully applied in foodstuff samples, providing prospect in the field of smart devices for visual monitoring of TC.

Study on cinnamon essential oil release performance based on pH-triggered dynamic mechanism of active packaging for meat preservation

 Food Chem. 400, 134030, 2023

The regular release kinetics of active ingredients is inconsistent with the demand of meat preservation. Herein, the pH-triggered dynamic mechanism of packaging film was developed based on L100 polymer incorporated with Cinnamon essential oil (CEO) by coaxial electrospinning. The acquired results revealed that UV–vis and fluorescence spectra confirmed the pH release behavior. The fabricated film was quickly dissolved and transformed from solid to liquid phase, resulting in a faster release rate of CEO from 68.9 % to 98.2 % with the pH increasing. The morphological structure verified the core–shell structure formation with a specific surface area value of 7.22 m2/g. The live/dead results of bacteria indicated good antibacterial efficacy against E. coli and S. aureus. The pH-sensitive film successfully extends the shelf-life of griskin by 3 days. In conclusion, this work will aid in optimizing durability of active ingredients in packaging.

Enhancement of bioavailability and bioactivity of diet-derived flavonoids by application of nanotechnology

 Crit. Rev. Food Sci. Nut. 63 (3) 378-393 (2023)

Flavonoids, which are a class of polyphenols widely existing in food and medicine, have enormous pharmacological effects. The functional properties of flavonoids are mainly distributed to their anti-oxidative, anticancer, and anti-inflammatoryeffects, etc. However, flavonoids’ low bioavailability limits their clinical application, which is closely related to their intestinal absorption and metabolism. In addition, because of the short residence time of oral bioactive molecules in the stomach, low permeability and low solubility in the gastrointestinal tract, flavonoids are easy to be decomposed by the external environment and gastrointestinal tract after digestion. To tackle these obstacles, technological approaches like microencapsulation have been developed and applied for the formulation of flavonoid-enriched food products. In the light of these scientific advances, the objective of this review is to establish the structural requirements of flavonoids for appreciable anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects, and elucidate a comprehensive mechanism that can explain their activity. Furthermore, the novelty in application of nanotechnology for the safe delivery of flavonoids in food matrices is discussed. After a literature on the flavonoids and their health attributes, the encapsulation methods and the coating materials are presented.

Exploration of Indian Traditional recipe “Tarvaani” from the drained rice gruel for nutritional and probiotic potential

 Int. j. Gastron. Food Sci. 31, 100670, 2023

Study background

Traditional fermented foods are the source of probiotic bacteria which can be envisaged as formulation ingredients in various food and beverages.

Scope and approach

The present research aimed to explore one of the Indian traditional recipes, “Tarvaani,” for nutritional and probiotic potential as a part of its healthy perspectives.

Main findings and conclusion: The traditional recipe was found to contain the lactic acid bacteria and isolated. The isolated product showed prominent curdling activity after 48 h, and bacterial growth was seen in all the pH (pH 3–7) tested. The antibiotic susceptibility test found that streptomycin, vancomycin, and kanamycin were resistant to the bacterial culture, and imipenem, gentamycin, rifampicin, and tetracycline were found to be resistant susceptible to the bacterial culture according to zone diameter interpretative criteria given in ICMR SOP 2015. A clear halo zone around the tested colony was obtained in the amylase test, which indicated that starch was degraded and α-amylase was produced. The culture also showed prominent antimicrobial action and inhibited the growth of the pathogenic strains tested by a well-diffusion assay. Moreover, the isolates only showed no haemolysis activity after incubation at 30 °C for 24 h under anaerobic conditions. Overall, the present research findings showcase the nutritional and probiotic potential of Lactobacillus sp. of “Tarvaani” as a viable option as a formulation ingredient in traditional-based functional foods.

Effects of alginates on the growth, haematological, immunity, antioxidant and pro-inflammatory responses of rabbits under high temperature

 Res. Vet. Sci. 155, 36-43, 2023

Heat stress (HS) is one of the most severe hurdles impacting rabbit growth, immunity, homeostasis, and productivity. Alginate oligosaccharides (AOS) have considerable beneficial effects due to their plausible antioxidant and immune-stimulatory properties. This work was planned to explore the preventive function of AOS as a new bio-feed additive against the harmful effects caused by environmental HS on growing rabbits. Rabbits were allotted in four experimental groups (25 animals in each group) and fed on a basal diet supplemented with 0.0 (AOS0), 50 (AOS50), 100 (AOS100), and 150 (AOS150) mg AOS/kg diet reared under summer conditions. Dietary AOS supplementation improved significantly (P ≤ 0.001) feed conversion rate, while both AOS100 and AOS150 significantly (P ≤ 0.001) enhanced the final body weight and body weight gain. All AOS addition significantly increased nitric oxide and lysosome activity and significantly reduced interferon-gamma (IFNγ) compared with those in the control group. Tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), interleukin1β (IL-1β), myeloperoxidase and protein carbonyl levels were significantly reduced in rabbits fed diets containing AOS (100 and 150 mg/kg) compared with those in the control group under heat stress conditions. In addition, glutathione (GSH) and catalase (CAT) were significantly (P ≤ 0.001) improved with increasing AOS dietary levels compared with the control group. Still, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA), hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), eosinophils, and lymphocytes did not change. Erythrocyte's indices improved significantly (P ≤ 0.001), while neutrophils and white blood cell counts were decreased by dietary AOS inclusion. Immunological (IgM and IgG) were markedly reduced in AOS-treated groups compared with the control group. The current investigation exemplified that AOS as a novel bio-feed additive that could be an effective strategy to extenuate prejudicial effects in heat-stressed rabbits via enhancing immunity, and antioxidant defence system, further regulating the inflammation cytokines.

Evaluation of Moringa oleifera and corn starch as feed for seed production of the pearl oyster Pteria sterna (Gould,1851)

Aquaculture, 567, 739259, 2023

In the search for complementary diets to improve performance in bivalve farming, the use of terrestrial plants with nutritional and nutraceutical properties has been proposed as an alternative. The effectiveness of moringa leaf meal Moringa oleifera (Mo) was evaluated under controlled laboratory conditions (30 days), as a dietary supplement during the pre-growth stage of Pteria sterna seeds (7.2 ± 0.59 mm), as well as its combinations with microalgae and corn starch (Co), on growth and survival in the laboratory and its subsequent initial suspended culture in the sea. Diets were formulated with a mixture of the microalgae Tetraselmis suecica and Chaetoceros gracilis (M), diet M; M and 5% Mo (M + Mo); diet M and 5% corn starch (M + Co); 100% moringa leaf meal (Mo); 100% corn starch (Co), and diet M with 2.5% Mo and 2,5% Co (M + Mo + Co). The Mo diet did not provide pre-seed sustainability, resulting in 100% mortality at 30 days. From the rest of the diets, M obtained the lowest oyster survival, while M + Mo and M + Mo + Co showed the highest growth rates. At the end of the laboratory bioassay, the seeds were sown in a culture system in the open sea (50 days), where the highest growth occurred in the juveniles previously fed with M + Mo + Co. The results suggest that, in the nursery, P. sterna pre-seeds can be maintained with a diet of 100% corn starch, but not with 100% moringa flour, probably due to its poor digestibility. However, moringa used as an additive to the microalgae diet provided a higher yield in the oyster, which is reflected in a higher yield in the initial culture outdoors.

Guaiazulene and related compounds: A review of current perspective on biomedical applications

 Life Sci. 316, 121389, 2023

Background

Thousands of people worldwide pass away yearly due to neurological disorders, cardiovascular illnesses, cancer, metabolic disorders, and microbial infections. Additionally, a sizable population has also been impacted by hepatotoxicity, ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and breast fissure. These ailments are likewise steadily increasing along with the increase in life expectancy. Finding innovative therapies to cure and consequently lessen the impact of these ailments is, therefore, a global concern.

Methods and materials

All provided literature on Guaiazulene (GA) and its related compounds were searched using various electronic databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, Elsevier, Springer, ACS, CNKI, and books via the keywords Guaiazulene, Matricaria chamomilla, GA-related compounds, and Guaiazulene analogous.

Results

The FDA has approved the bicyclic sesquiterpene GA, commonly referred to as azulon or 1,4-dimethyl-7-isopropylazulene, as a component in cosmetic colorants. The pleiotropic health advantages of GA and related substances, especially their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, attracted a lot of research. Numerous studies have found that GA can help to manage various conditions, including bacterial infections, tumors, immunomodulation, expectorants, diuretics, diaphoresis, ulcers, dermatitis, proliferation, and gastritis. These conditions all involve lipid peroxidation and inflammatory response. In this review, we have covered the biomedical applications of GA. Moreover, we also emphasize the therapeutic potential of guaiazulene derivatives in pre-clinical and clinical settings, along with their underlying mechanism(s).

Conclusion

GA and its related compounds exhibit therapeutic potential in several diseases. Still, it is necessary to investigate their potential in animal models for various other ailments and establish their safety profile. They might be a good candidate to advance to clinical trials.

Recent advances in Chinese food authentication and origin verification using isotope ratio mass spectrometry

 Food Chem. 398, 133896, 2023

Over the last decade, isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) using up to 5 light stable isotopes (13C/12C, 2H/1H, 15N/14N, 18O/16O, 34S/32S) has become more widely applied for food origin verification as well as food authentication in China. IRMS technology is increasingly used to authenticate a range of food products including organic foods, honey, beverages, tea, animal products, fruits, oils, cereals, spices and condiments that are frequently unique to a specific region of China. Compared to other food authenticity and traceability techniques, IRMS has been successfully used to characterize, classify and identify many Chinese food products, reducing fraud and food safety problems and improving consumer trust and confidence. IRMS techniques also provides scientific support to enhance China’s strict government regulatory policies. Isotope testing verifies geographical origin labelling of domestic and imported foods, protects and verifies high value foods that are unique to China, and indicates environmentally friendly farming practices such as ‘green’ or ‘organic’ methods. This paper reviews recently published Chinese research to highlight the recent advances of IRMS as a regulatory and verification tool for Chinese food products.

Structures and Functions of Cuticular Wax in Postharvest Fruit and Its Regulation: A Comprehensive Review with Future Perspectives

 Engineering, 2023

Cuticular wax plays a major role in the growth and storage of plant fruits. The cuticular wax coating, which covers the outermost layer of a fruit’s epidermal cells, is insoluble in water. Cuticular wax is mainly composed of very long-chain fatty acids (VLCFAs); their derivatives, including esters, primary alcohols, secondary alcohols, aldehydes, and ketones; and triterpenoids. This complex mixture of lipids is probably biosynthesized in the epidermal cells of most plants and exuded onto the surface. Cuticular wax not only makes the fruit less susceptible to microbial infection but also reduces mechanical damage to the fruit, thereby maintaining the fruit’s commodity value. To date, research has mostly focused on the changes, function, and regulation of fruit wax before harvest, while ignoring the changes and functions of wax in fruit storage. This paper reviews on the composition, structure, and metabolic regulation of cuticular wax in fruits. It also focuses on postharvest factors affecting wax composition, such as storage temperature, relative humidity (RH), gas atmosphere, and as exogenous hormones; and the effects of wax on fruit postharvest quality, including water dispersion, fruit softening, physiological disorders, and disease resistance. These summaries may be of assistance in better understanding the changes in cuticular wax in postharvest fruit and the resulting effects on fruit quality.

Effects of quercetin on emissions of aldehydes from heated docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)-fortified soybean oil

 J. Hazard. Mat. 442, 130134, 2023

Home cooking has been considered as an indoor pollution problem since cooking oil fumes contain various toxic chemicals such as aldehydes. Fortifying edible oils with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) has been applied to enhance the nutritional value of oils. This study designed a frying simulation system and examined the effect of oil type, DHA fortification, heating time, and addition of natural antioxidant on the emissions of aldehydes from heated oils. Results showed that linseed oil had the highest total aldehyde emissions, followed by soybean oil, peanut oil, and palm oil. Fortifying soybean oil with DHA increased the toxic aldehydes emitted. Quercetin, a flavonoid, significantly reduced aldehydes emitted from DHA-fortified soybean oil (by up to 39.80%) to levels similar to those of normal soybean oil. Further analysis showed that DHA-fortified soybean oil with quercetin had a significantly higher DHA and unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs) content than the control oil at each heating time point. The result indicated that quercetin inhibited emissions of aldehydes, at least in part, by protecting UFAs from oxidation. Collectively, quercetin could be used as a natural additive in DHA-fortified and normal cooking oils to reduce aldehyde emissions, indoor air pollution, and preserve functional DHA and other UFAs.

Evaluation of Moringa oleifera and corn starch as feed for seed production of the pearl oyster Pteria sterna (Gould,1851)

Aquaculture, 567, 739259, 2023

In the search for complementary diets to improve performance in bivalve farming, the use of terrestrial plants with nutritional and nutraceutical properties has been proposed as an alternative. The effectiveness of moringa leaf meal Moringa oleifera (Mo) was evaluated under controlled laboratory conditions (30 days), as a dietary supplement during the pre-growth stage of Pteria sterna seeds (7.2 ± 0.59 mm), as well as its combinations with microalgae and corn starch (Co), on growth and survival in the laboratory and its subsequent initial suspended culture in the sea. Diets were formulated with a mixture of the microalgae Tetraselmis suecica and Chaetoceros gracilis (M), diet M; M and 5% Mo (M + Mo); diet M and 5% corn starch (M + Co); 100% moringa leaf meal (Mo); 100% corn starch (Co), and diet M with 2.5% Mo and 2,5% Co (M + Mo + Co). The Mo diet did not provide pre-seed sustainability, resulting in 100% mortality at 30 days. From the rest of the diets, M obtained the lowest oyster survival, while M + Mo and M + Mo + Co showed the highest growth rates. At the end of the laboratory bioassay, the seeds were sown in a culture system in the open sea (50 days), where the highest growth occurred in the juveniles previously fed with M + Mo + Co. The results suggest that, in the nursery, P. sterna pre-seeds can be maintained with a diet of 100% corn starch, but not with 100% moringa flour, probably due to its poor digestibility. However, moringa used as an additive to the microalgae diet provided a higher yield in the oyster, which is reflected in a higher yield in the initial culture outdoors.

Guaiazulene and related compounds: A review of current perspective on biomedical applications

 Life Sci. 316, 121389, 2023

Background

Thousands of people worldwide pass away yearly due to neurological disorders, cardiovascular illnesses, cancer, metabolic disorders, and microbial infections. Additionally, a sizable population has also been impacted by hepatotoxicity, ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and breast fissure. These ailments are likewise steadily increasing along with the increase in life expectancy. Finding innovative therapies to cure and consequently lessen the impact of these ailments is, therefore, a global concern.

Methods and materials

All provided literature on Guaiazulene (GA) and its related compounds were searched using various electronic databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, Elsevier, Springer, ACS, CNKI, and books via the keywords Guaiazulene, Matricaria chamomilla, GA-related compounds, and Guaiazulene analogous.

Results

The FDA has approved the bicyclic sesquiterpene GA, commonly referred to as azulon or 1,4-dimethyl-7-isopropylazulene, as a component in cosmetic colorants. The pleiotropic health advantages of GA and related substances, especially their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, attracted a lot of research. Numerous studies have found that GA can help to manage various conditions, including bacterial infections, tumors, immunomodulation, expectorants, diuretics, diaphoresis, ulcers, dermatitis, proliferation, and gastritis. These conditions all involve lipid peroxidation and inflammatory response. In this review, we have covered the biomedical applications of GA. Moreover, we also emphasize the therapeutic potential of guaiazulene derivatives in pre-clinical and clinical settings, along with their underlying mechanism(s).

Conclusion

GA and its related compounds exhibit therapeutic potential in several diseases. Still, it is necessary to investigate their potential in animal models for various other ailments and establish their safety profile. They might be a good candidate to advance to clinical trials.

Traditional use, phytochemistry, toxicology, and pharmacological properties of Lavandula dentata L.,: A comprehensive review

 South Africa J. Botany, 154- 67-87, 2023

Lavandula dentata L. is a medicinal plant belonging to the Lamiaceae family, frequently used in traditional medicine to treat various pathologies such as diabetes, inflammation, microbial infections, and other disordors. The present work aims to explore this medicinal plant by highlighting its ethno-medicinal uses, its phytochemical characteristics, as well as its pharmacological and industrial properties on a global scale.

Thus, in this review, the highlighted properties are reported to explore possible therapeutic pathways of L. dentata. As reported, this medicinal species is rich in different phytochemicals belonging to several chemical families, including phenolic acids, flavonoids, and terpenoids. Indeed, L. dentata chemical compounds are characterized by several promising biological and pharmacological properties. These bioactivities include antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, anti-diabetic, anticancer, anti-inflammatory effects, etc. In fact, and even at low concentrations, L. dentata essential oils (EOs) and organic extracts specifically inhibit enzymes, membrane or intracellular receptors, proteins or signaling pathways involved in the genesis of these pathologies. The findings of this work revealed that the pharmacological activities of L. dentata confirm the importance, the diversified use, and the effectiveness of this plant in the traditional remedies of many diseases. Nevertheless, pharmacokinetic validation and toxicological examinations are required to detect any possible toxicity for future clinical trials.

HPLC–DAD Analysis, Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Properties of Aromatic Herb Melissa officinalis L., Aerial Parts Extracts

 Food Analytical Methods 16, 45–54 (2023)

In order to enhance natural products value, Melissa officinalis (lemon balm) aerial part (leaves) has been studied in this work. Hence, the objective of this study is to determine the chemical composition of the studied plant polyphenols extracts using HPLC/DAD, as well as evaluate their flavonoid extracts’ antioxidant and antimicrobial activities using DPPH• and disk diffusion methods, respectively. The results of phenols chemical composition showed the existence of two phenolic acids, five flavonic aglycones and six heterosides, while the biologic results of the plant flavonoid extracts exhibited the existence of a good antioxidant and antimicrobial activities.

The International Natural Product Sciences Taskforce (INPST) and the power of Twitter networking exemplified through #INPST hashtag analysis

 Phytomed. 108, 154520, 2023

Background

The development of digital technologies and the evolution of open innovation approaches have enabled the creation of diverse virtual organizations and enterprises coordinating their activities primarily online. The open innovation platform titled “International Natural Product Sciences Taskforce” (INPST) was established in 2018, to bring together in collaborative environment individuals and organizations interested in natural product scientific research, and to empower their interactions by using digital communication tools.

Methods

In this work, we present a general overview of INPST activities and showcase the specific use of Twitter as a powerful networking tool that was used to host a one-week “2021 INPST Twitter Networking Event” (spanning from 31st May 2021 to 6th June 2021) based on the application of the Twitter hashtag #INPST.

Results and Conclusion

The use of this hashtag during the networking event period was analyzed with Symplur Signals (https://www.symplur.com/), revealing a total of 6,036 tweets, shared by 686 users, which generated a total of 65,004,773 impressions (views of the respective tweets). This networking event's achieved high visibility and participation rate showcases a convincing example of how this social media platform can be used as a highly effective tool to host virtual Twitter-based international biomedical research events.

Icariin: A Promising Natural Product in Biomedicine and Tissue Engineering

 J. Funct. Biomater. 2023, 14(1), 44

Among scaffolds used in tissue engineering, natural biomaterials such as plant-based materials show a crucial role in cellular function due to their biocompatibility and chemical indicators. Because of environmentally friendly behavior and safety, green methods are so important in designing scaffolds. A key bioactive flavonoid of the Epimedium plant, Icariin (ICRN), has a broad range of applications in improving scaffolds as a constant and non-immunogenic material, and in stimulating the cell growth, differentiation of chondrocytes as well as differentiation of embryonic stem cells towards cardiomyocytes. Moreover, fusion of ICRN into the hydrogel scaffolds or chemical crosslinking can enhance the secretion of the collagen matrix and proteoglycan in bone and cartilage tissue engineering. To scrutinize, in various types of cancer cells, ICRN plays a decisive role through increasing cytochrome c secretion, Bax/Bcl2 ratio, poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase as well as caspase stimulations. Surprisingly, ICRN can induce apoptosis, reduce viability and inhibit proliferation of cancer cells, and repress tumorigenesis as well as metastasis. Moreover, cancer cells no longer grow by halting the cell cycle at two checkpoints, G0/G1 and G2/M, through the inhibition of NF-κB by ICRN. Besides, improving nephrotoxicity occurring due to cisplatin and inhibiting multidrug resistance are the other applications of this biomaterial.

Structures and Functions of Cuticular Wax in Postharvest Fruit and Its Regulation: A Comprehensive Review with Future Perspectives

 Engineering, 2023

Cuticular wax plays a major role in the growth and storage of plant fruits. The cuticular wax coating, which covers the outermost layer of a fruit’s epidermal cells, is insoluble in water. Cuticular wax is mainly composed of very long-chain fatty acids (VLCFAs); their derivatives, including esters, primary alcohols, secondary alcohols, aldehydes, and ketones; and triterpenoids. This complex mixture of lipids is probably biosynthesized in the epidermal cells of most plants and exuded onto the surface. Cuticular wax not only makes the fruit less susceptible to microbial infection but also reduces mechanical damage to the fruit, thereby maintaining the fruit’s commodity value. To date, research has mostly focused on the changes, function, and regulation of fruit wax before harvest, while ignoring the changes and functions of wax in fruit storage. This paper reviews on the composition, structure, and metabolic regulation of cuticular wax in fruits. It also focuses on postharvest factors affecting wax composition, such as storage temperature, relative humidity (RH), gas atmosphere, and as well as exogenous hormones, and the effects of wax on fruit postharvest quality, including water dispersion, fruit softening, physiological disorders, and disease resistance. These summaries may be of assistance in better understanding the changes in cuticular wax in postharvest fruit and the resulting effects on fruit quality.

Targeting of neuroinflammation by glibenclamide in Covid-19: old weapon from arsenal

 Inflammopharmacology, 31, 1-7 (2023)

In coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) era, neuroinflammation may develop due to neuronal tropism of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and/or associated immune activation, cytokine storm, and psychological stress. SARS-CoV-2 infection and linked cytokine storm may cause blood–brain barrier (BBB) injury through which activated immune cells and SARS-CoV-2 can pass into the brain causing activation of glial cells with subsequent neuroinflammation. Different therapeutic regimens were suggested to alleviate Covid-19-induced neuroinflammation. Since glibenclamide has anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects, it could be effective in mitigation of SARS-CoV-2 infection-induced neuroinflammation. Glibenclamide is a second-generation drug from the sulfonylurea family, which acts by inhibiting the adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-sensitive K channel in the regulatory subunit of type 1 sulfonylurea receptor (SUR-1) in pancreatic β cells. Glibenclamide reduces neuroinflammation and associated BBB injury by inhibiting the nod-like receptor pyrin 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, oxidative stress, and microglial activation. Therefore, glibenclamide through inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome, microglial activation, and oxidative stress may attenuate SARS-CoV-2-mediated neuroinflammation.

The International Natural Product Sciences Taskforce (INPST) and the power of Twitter networking exemplified through #INPST hashtag analysis

 Phytomed. 108, 154520, 2023

Background

The development of digital technologies and the evolution of open innovation approaches have enabled the creation of diverse virtual organizations and enterprises coordinating their activities primarily online. The open innovation platform titled “International Natural Product Sciences Taskforce” (INPST) was established in 2018, to bring together in collaborative environment individuals and organizations interested in natural product scientific research, and to empower their interactions by using digital communication tools.

Methods

In this work, we present a general overview of INPST activities and showcase the specific use of Twitter as a powerful networking tool that was used to host a one-week “2021 INPST Twitter Networking Event” (spanning from 31st May 2021 to 6th June 2021) based on the application of the Twitter hashtag #INPST.

Results and Conclusion

The use of this hashtag during the networking event period was analyzed with Symplur Signals (https://www.symplur.com/), revealing a total of 6,036 tweets, shared by 686 users, which generated a total of 65,004,773 impressions (views of the respective tweets). This networking event's achieved high visibility and participation rate showcases a convincing example of how this social media platform can be used as a highly effective tool to host virtual Twitter-based international biomedical research events.

Effects of alginates on the growth, haematological, immunity, antioxidant and pro-inflammatory responses of rabbits under high temperature

 Res. Vet. Sci. 155, 36-43, 2023

Heat stress (HS) is one of the most severe hurdles impacting rabbit growth, immunity, homeostasis, and productivity. Alginate oligosaccharides (AOS) have considerable beneficial effects due to their plausible antioxidant and immune-stimulatory properties. This work was planned to explore the preventive function of AOS as a new bio-feed additive against the harmful effects caused by environmental HS on growing rabbits. Rabbits were allotted in four experimental groups (25 animals in each group) and fed on a basal diet supplemented with 0.0 (AOS0), 50 (AOS50), 100 (AOS100), and 150 (AOS150) mg AOS/kg diet reared under summer conditions. Dietary AOS supplementation improved significantly (P ≤ 0.001) feed conversion rate, while both AOS100 and AOS150 significantly (P ≤ 0.001) enhanced the final body weight and body weight gain. All AOS addition significantly increased nitric oxide and lysosome activity and significantly reduced interferon-gamma (IFNγ) compared with those in the control group. Tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), interleukin1β (IL-1β), myeloperoxidase and protein carbonyl levels were significantly reduced in rabbits fed diets containing AOS (100 and 150 mg/kg) compared with those in the control group under heat stress conditions. In addition, glutathione (GSH) and catalase (CAT) were significantly (P ≤ 0.001) improved with increasing AOS dietary levels compared with the control group. Still, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA), hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), eosinophils, and lymphocytes did not change. Erythrocyte's indices improved significantly (P ≤ 0.001), while neutrophils and white blood cell counts were decreased by dietary AOS inclusion. Immunological (IgM and IgG) were markedly reduced in AOS-treated groups compared with the control group. The current investigation exemplified that AOS as a novel bio-feed additive that could be an effective strategy to extenuate prejudicial effects in heat-stressed rabbits via enhancing immunity, and antioxidant defence system, further regulating the inflammation cytokines.

Classification and authentication of tea according to their harvest season based on FT-IR fingerprinting using pattern recognition methods

 J. Food Comp. Anal. 115, 104995 (2023)

The potential of FT-IR spectral fingerprinting was investigated to classify tea samples based on the harvest season (May and September). Tea samples were collected from five geographical regions (north of Iran) during the harvesting period 2019–2020. Principal component analysis (PCA), principal component analysis-linear discriminant analysis (PCA-LDA) and partial least square-linear discriminant analysis (PLS-LDA) were employed in order to assess the feasibility of discrimination of tea samples based on their harvest season using their FT-IR spectral data. The results showed that the tea samples from two harvest seasons can be identified based on FT-IR spectral fingerprints. All calibration samples were correctly classified (100.0 %) by the PCA-LDA and PLS-LDA models using leave-one-out cross validation. The mean sensitivity and specificity (for prediction set) were both 98.6 % for PCA-LDA model and 100.0 % for PLS-LDA mode. A high percentage of correct classifications for the training set shows the strong relationship between the FT-IR spectral fingerprinting and the harvest season, while the satisfactory results for the prediction set demonstrates the ability to identify the harvest season of an unknown tea sample based on its FT-IR spectral data.

Fatty acids in seed oil of wild and cultivated rosehip (Rosa canina L.) from different locations in Serbia

 Ind. Crop Prod. 191 B, 115797, 2023

Rosehip (Rosa canina L.) seeds are rich in bioactive compounds and nutrients and hence with a great potential to be employed in production of functional foods. This work aimed to evaluate the fatty acid composition of seed oil from wild and cultivated rosehip collected at different locations in the Republic of Serbia. Unsaturated fatty acids were dominant in majority of seed oil samples, with linoleic (LA), α-linolenic (ALA) and oleic (OA) acids (24.53–46.68 %, 4.73–12.39 % and 3.89–13.82 %, respectively) as the most abundant ones. Based on the analyses of most dominant bands in Raman spectra of seeds (∼1265 and ∼1660 cm-1) characteristic for unsaturated fatty acids, ANOVA revealed significantly higher content in two seed samples (5SW and 10SC). Ratios of UFAs/ SFAs, ω-6/ω-3 and LA/ALA and desirable fatty acids (DFA) indicated that most studied rosehip seed oils showed good quality. Factors such as genetic characteristics and agro-ecological conditions most likely affected FAs composition of seed oils.

Potential of essential oils for protection of Couscous against Aspergillus flavus and aflatoxin B1 contamination

 Food Control, 145, 109474, 2023

Our study was aimed to evaluate antifungal, antiaflatoxin, and antioxidant potential of Mentha pulegium, Myrtus communis, and Mentha piperita essential oils (EOs). The EOs showed efficacy as a couscous preservative. A total of 387 fungal species were isolated from Couscous samples, with Aspergillus flavus BN (20) which is identified as the highest aflatoxin producer. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of M. pulegium and M. communis EOs against the toxigenic strain of A. flavus BN (20) determined to be 4.00 μL/mL, whereas the MIC of M. piperita was 3.50 μL/mL. The EOs inhibited the aflatoxin B1 production at lower concentrations. The EOs showed fungitoxicity against wide-ranging of fungi and high antioxidant activity. The IC50 value of the oils ranged between 3.27 and 4.31 μL/mL. EOs may be able to contribute preservation of food commodities against quantitative and qualitative losses. During fumigation assays in Algerian traditional food system (Couscous), the three EOs showed protection of Couscous from A. flavus contamination indicating their efficacy as sustainable fumigant in food systems.

Application of fermentation for the valorization of residues from Cactaceae family

 Food Chem. 410, 135369, 2023

Cactaceae family is well-known for their adaptations to drought and arid environments. This family, formed by four subfamilies (Cactoideae, Opuntioideae, Pereskioideae, and Maihuenioideae) are known for being leafless stem succulent plants with numerous spines, and their commercial fruits, distinguished by their bright colors and their skin covered with bracts. Some of these species have been traditionally used in the food industry (e.g., pitaya, cactus, or prickly pear) or as pharmaceuticals to treat specific diseases due to their active properties. The processing of these fruits leads to different residues, namely pomace, skin, spines, and residues from cladodes; besides from others such as fruits, roots, flowers, mucilage, and seeds. In general, Cactaceae species produce large amounts of mucilage and fiber, although they can be also considered as a source of phenolic compounds (phenolic acids, flavonols and their glycosides), alkaloids (phenethylamines derived betalains), and triterpenoids. Therefore, considering their high content in fiber and fermentable carbohydrates, together with other target bioactive compounds, fermentation is a potential valorization strategy for certain applications such as enzymes and bioactive compounds production or aroma enhancement. This review will comprise the latest information about Cactaceae family, its potential residues, and its potential as a substrate for fermentation to obtain active molecules with application in the food industry.

Fatty acids in seed oil of wild and cultivated rosehip (Rosa canina L.) from different locations in Serbia

 Ind. Crop Prod. 191, Part B, 115797, 2023

Rosehip (Rosa canina L.) seeds are rich in bioactive compounds and nutrients and hence with a great potential to be employed in production of functional foods. This work aimed to evaluate the fatty acid composition of seed oil from wild and cultivated rosehip collected at different locations in the Republic of Serbia. Unsaturated fatty acids were dominant in majority of seed oil samples, with linoleic (LA), α-linolenic (ALA) and oleic (OA) acids (24.53–46.68 %, 4.73–12.39 % and 3.89–13.82 %, respectively) as the most abundant ones. Based on the analyses of most dominant bands in Raman spectra of seeds (∼1265 and ∼1660 cm-1) characteristic for unsaturated fatty acids, ANOVA revealed significantly higher content in two seed samples (5SW and 10SC). Ratios of UFAs/ SFAs, ω-6/ω-3 and LA/ALA and desirable fatty acids (DFA) indicated that most studied rosehip seed oils showed good quality. Factors such as genetic characteristics and agro-ecological conditions most likely affected FAs composition of seed oils.

Two Years of Life for a New Journal: Compounds

 Compounds 2023, 3, 37-39

The present year marked the third year of Compounds (ISSN 2673-6918), which was born in 2021 with the aim of providing a platform for the communication of scientific achievements in the field of the synthesis, characterization, and properties of chemical compounds from both a theoretical point of view as experimental.

During its first two years, the articles published in Compounds were viewed more than 60,000 times, which demonstrates the impact that our journal is amassing among the scientific community. These data stem from article metrics available on the MPDI publishing platform, where multiple requests originating from the same IP address are counted as one view/download. On the other hand, according to Crossref, the articles that we have published already have fifty citations.

Classification and authentication of tea according to their harvest season based on FT-IR fingerprinting using pattern recognition methods

 J. Food Comp. Anal. 115, 104995, 2023

The potential of FT-IR spectral fingerprinting was investigated to classify tea samples based on the harvest season (May and September). Tea samples were collected from five geographical regions (north of Iran) during the harvesting period 2019–2020. Principal component analysis (PCA), principal component analysis-linear discriminant analysis (PCA-LDA) and partial least square-linear discriminant analysis (PLS-LDA) were employed in order to assess the feasibility of discrimination of tea samples based on their harvest season using their FT-IR spectral data. The results showed that the tea samples from two harvest seasons can be identified based on FT-IR spectral fingerprints. All calibration samples were correctly classified (100.0 %) by the PCA-LDA and PLS-LDA models using leave-one-out cross validation. The mean sensitivity and specificity (for prediction set) were both 98.6 % for PCA-LDA model and 100.0 % for PLS-LDA mode. A high percentage of correct classifications for the training set shows the strong relationship between the FT-IR spectral fingerprinting and the harvest season, while the satisfactory results for the prediction set demonstrates the ability to identify the harvest season of an unknown tea sample based on its FT-IR spectral data.

Potential of essential oils for protection of Couscous against Aspergillus flavus and aflatoxin B1 contamination

Food Control, 145, 109474, 2023

Our study was aimed to evaluate antifungal, antiaflatoxin, and antioxidant potential of Mentha pulegium, Myrtus communis, and Mentha piperita essential oils (EOs). The EOs showed efficacy as a couscous preservative. A total of 387 fungal species were isolated from Couscous samples, with Aspergillus flavus BN (20) which is identified as the highest aflatoxin producer. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of M. pulegium and M. communis EOs against the toxigenic strain of A. flavus BN (20) determined to be 4.00 μL/mL, whereas the MIC of M. piperita was 3.50 μL/mL. The EOs inhibited the aflatoxin B1 production at lower concentrations. The EOs showed fungitoxicity against wide-ranging of fungi and high antioxidant activity. The IC50 value of the oils ranged between 3.27 and 4.31 μL/mL. EOs may be able to contribute preservation of food commodities against quantitative and qualitative losses. During fumigation assays in Algerian traditional food system (Couscous), the three EOs showed protection of Couscous from A. flavus contamination indicating their efficacy as sustainable fumigant in food systems.

A selective turn-on fluorescent chemosensor 1,1-diaminoazine for azinphos-methyl

 J. Photochem. Photobiol A: Chem. 437, 114476, 2023

Detection of organophosphorus pesticides (OPPs) is an important challenge in environmental chemistry, because their exposure to humans can cause severe health problems. In the current study, organic nanoparticles of (E)-(4-chlorophenyl)-1,1-diamino-2,3-diazabutadiene were developed using eco-friendly approach which was found to be in the range of 15–20 nm. These synthesized species exhibited both U.V. Visible and “turn-on” fluorescence responses in aqueous media for the selective detection of the extremely hazardous pesticide azinphos-methyl. These organic nanoparticles also exhibit a good linear relationship in the range of 1–100 μM and the limit of detection (LOD) is 7.4 µM. The selective fluorescence response was also observed in RO water, tap water and orange juice. The FT-IR and DFT studies helped in identifying the specific H-bonding interactions responsible for the selective detection of Azinphos-methyl.