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Abstract: Current study presents the effect of irrigation with different compositions (0%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80% and 100%) of PBM effluent on growth and antioxidant potential of Brassica rapa var. rapa L. plants. Seeds were exposed to different PBM effluent compositions, which resulted in significant decrease in their germination potential with elevated delay index. Significant changes in growth parameters (plant height, number of leaves and leaf area) were recorded for turnip plants at regular intervals (25, 50 and 75d) as function of PBM effluent proportion. Response of biochemical and antioxidant constituents in different parts of turnip, against stress induced by PBM effluent, was assessed by estimating the contents of chlorophyll (a+b), carotenoids, protein, phenolics, flavonoids, ascorbic acid and malondialdehyde. Antioxidant activity was evaluated by measuring DPPH radical scavenging potential. The results of this study suggest that the impact of PBM effluent irrigation is dependent on concentration of effluent in irrigation mixture and is very clear on plant growth and antioxidant attributes. Maximum benefits were secured at 40% PBM effluent to irrigate turnip plants till maturity while higher concentrations were found useful for shorter period (25–50d). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

There is increasing evidence that chemicals/test substances cannot only have adverse effects, but that there are many substances that can (also) have a beneficial effect on health. As this journal regularly publishes papers in this area and has every intention in continuing to do so in the near future, it has become essential that studies reported in this journal reflect an adequate level of scientific scrutiny. Therefore a set of essential characteristics of studies has been defined. These basic requirements are default properties rather than non-negotiables: deviations are possible and useful, provided they can be justified on scientific grounds. The 10 basic requirements for a scientific paper reporting antioxidant, antimutagenic or anticarcinogenic potential of test substances in in vitro experiments and animal studies in vivo concern the following areas: (1) Hypothesis-driven study design; (2) The nature of the test substance; (3) Valid and invalid test systems; (4) The selection of dose levels and gender; (5) Reversal of the effects induced by oxidants, carcinogens and mutagens; (6) Route of administration; (7) Number and validity of test variables; (8) Repeatability and reproducibility; (9) Statistics; and (10) Quality Assurance. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The effect of free-air ozone fumigation and crown position on antioxidants were determined in old-growth spruce (Picea abies) trees in the seasonal course of two consecutive years (2003 and 2004). Levels of total ascorbate and its redox state in the apoplastic washing fluid (AWF) were increased under double ambient ozone concentrations (2×O3), whilst ascorbate concentrations in needle extracts were unchanged. Concentrations of apoplastic and symplastic ascorbate were significantly higher in 2003 compared to 2004 indicating a combined effect of the drought conditions in 2003 with enhanced ozone exposure. Elevated ozone had only weak effects on total glutathione levels in needle extracts, phloem exudates and xylem saps. Total and oxidised glutathione concentrations were higher in 2004 compared to 2003 and seemed to be more affected by enhanced ozone influx in the more humid year 2004 compared to the combined effect of elevated ozone and drought in 2003 as observed for ascorbate. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This study assesses the antioxidant enzymes activities viz., catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione S-transferase and nonenzymatic antioxidant molecule such as glutathione in Anguilla anguilla L. gill, kidney and liver in response to 8- and 48-h exposure to bleached kraft pulp mill effluent (BKPME). A. anguilla were caged and plunged at three different sites—50 (Site 1), 100 (Site 2) and 2000 m (Site 3) away from the closed BKPME outlet. A significant gill (8 and 48 h) and kidney (48 h) catalase activity decrease was observed at site 2 exposure whereas liver showed a significant increase in catalase activity after 8 and 48 h to site 1 exposure. Glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activity was significantly decreased in gill after 8-h exposure to site 1 and 48-h exposures to sites 1 and 2, respectively. Concerning gill, kidney and liver glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity, a significant gill GST activity decrease after 8 h at site 2 and 48 h at sites 1 and 2 was observed; in kidney, a significant decrease in its activity was observed after 48 h at sites 1 and 2, respectively, whereas in liver, the decrease was significant only at site 2 after 48-h exposure. The in situ BKPME exposure caused a significant total gill and kidney reduced glutathione (GSH) decrease after 8 h at site 2 exposure and after 48 h at site 1 and 2 exposures, respectively. However, a biphasic response was observed in liver, i.e. initial significant increase after 8 h at site 2 followed by a significant decrease after 48 h to the same site exposure. The enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidants pattern in gill and kidney, as observed in this study, was different than liver, demonstrating that the liver was more resistant to oxidative damage than gill and kidney. In addition, A. anguilla gill, kidney and liver antioxidants adaptation potentials may serve as a surrogate biomarker to BKPME exposure. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Systematic and thorough investigation of the structure and antioxidant properties of different technical lignins, high molecular polyphenols of natural origin, which are formed in large amounts as by-product of pulp-and-paper industry and other lignocellulosics chemical processing, was made. Py-GC/MS was the main method used to quantitatively determine the structural descriptors needed for rationalization of lignin antioxidant activity. Size-exclusion chromatography (SEC), electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy and wet chemistry tests were also used as complementary methods. Antioxidant properties of lignin samples under study were evaluated as their capacity to scavenge the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH ) free radicals. The use of Py-GC/MS in combination with some other experimental and chemometric methods allowed for the first time quantitatively characterize lignin structure-antioxidant activity relationship, which can significantly favor the rational use of lignin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Synthesis of novel fluorescent 4′-(3,4-diethoxyphenyl)-2,2′:6′,2′'-terpyridine ligand L. • Utilization of in-situ prepared ZnCl 2 L receptor for selective detection of pyrophosphate in water with LOD ∼36 nm. • Real-Time detection of PPi utilizing Spray test on tissue-paper strips with ZnCl 2 L receptor. • Significant cytotoxic activity against MDAMB-231 cells with IC 50 value 53.85 µM. • Excellent antioxidant activity with an antioxidant percentage of 73.75%. A new fluorescent 4′-(3,4-diethoxyphenyl)-2,2′:6′,2′'-terpyridine ligand L and its 1:1 zinc complex ZnCl 2 L have been synthesized, characterized with the help of NMR, Mass spectroscopy, CHN analysis, and DFT study. In-situ prepared non-fluorescent ZnCl 2 L receptor was utilized for selective detection of pyrophosphate anion (P 2 O 7 4-, PPi) in water (10 mM HEPES buffer, pH 7.4) in the vicinity of other competing analytes (10 equivalents of HPO 4 2-, H 2 PO 4 -, CO 3 2–, HCO 3 –, Cl−, OH–, Br−, CH 3 CO 2 –, F−, I-, NO 3 –, SO 4 2-, SO 3 2-, S 2 O 3 2-, N 3 –) by employing UV–Visible spectroscopy and fluorescence "ON–OFF–ON" mechanism. ZnCl 2 L receptor formed a fluorescent 2:1 adduct with PPi in water during its detection at a nanomolar concentration (LOD ∼27.89 nM). The receptor is also successfully employed in low-cost PPi detection through real-time easily accessible paper strip application. Further, ZnCl 2 L exhibited significant cytotoxic activity against MDAMB-231 cells with an IC 50 value of 53.85 µM and excellent antioxidant activity having an antioxidant percentage of 73.75%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Sonotrode-based extraction was used for the recovery of bioactive compounds from CBS and CPH. • The RSM coupled to BBD was used to optimize the CBS and CPH extraction. • Optimum conditions were 15 min, 80 % amplitude, and 50 % ethanol. • Identification of 39 compounds in CBS and 40 compounds in CPH by LC-ESI-qTOF-MS. • The main classes of bioactive compounds were organic acids, fatty acids, glycosides, flavonoids and procyanidins. Cocoa pod husk (CPH) and cocoa bean shell (CBS) are by-products obtained during pre-processing and processing of cocoa beans. Several bioactive compounds have been identified in these by-products that can be used for commercial applications as a way to promote the circular economy. Therefore, the objective of this paper was to recover bioactive compounds from CPH and CBS by sonoextraction process, to determine the type, content, and antioxidant activity in optimized extracts. To achieve our purpose, an optimization strategy using Box-Behnken Design coupled response surface methodology (MRS) was applied. The extraction conditions were optimized. The results obtained for CBS were: TPC (193 mg GAE/g), TEAC (1.02 mmol TE/g), FRAP (1.02 mmol FeSO4/g) and ORAC (2.6 mmol TE/g), while for CPH, the reported values were: TPC (48 mg GAE/g), TEAC (0.30 mmol TE/g), FRAP (0.35 mmol FeSO 4 /g) and ORAC (0.43 mmol TE/g) under the optimized conditions: Time (X A): 15 min, Amplitude (X B): 80 %, Ethanol (X C): 50 %. The LC-ESI-qTOF-MS analysis results allowed the identification of 79 compounds, of which 39 represent the CBS extract, while 40 compounds were identified in CPH extract. To conclude, sonotrode based extraction could be considered as an efficient and fast alternative for the recovery of bioactive substances from CBS and CPH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A callus culture from Annurca apple was reported in this paper for the first time. • Apple callus cultures accumulated interesting secondary metabolites. • Annurca callus cultures showed a remarkable antioxidant activity. • The bioactivity of the callus cultures extracts positively affected wound healing. Today, plant cell cultures represent a valid alternative method to produce secondary metabolites. Here, we developed a protocol to obtain callus cultures from the pulp of the Italian apple variety, named Annurca. To increase the accumulation of bioactive compounds, yeast extract was used as elicitor. This elicitor induced a remarkable increase in total polyphenol content, with chlorogenic acid, procyanidin B2, and epicatechin being the most abundant. The antioxidant potential of extracts from the callus cultures was investigated and results showed that the use of the elicitor improved the protective antioxidant effect of the extracts on UVA-stressed keratinocytes. Furthermore, the extracts from the elicited callus cultures were able to speed up the process of healing after 24 h. Our results suggest that extracts obtained from elicited apple callus cultures can represent a promising alternative to chemically synthesised bioactive compounds for their use in the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical and cosmetic industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Biological study of phenolic extracts of Limonium spathulatum (Desf.) Kuntze. • Phenolic-rich extracts exhibited an interesting antioxidant activity. • Methanol:Water (5:1) extract demonstrate a high inhibition potential of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE). • α-glucosidase was efficiently inhibited by both Methanol and Methanol:Water extracts. • Moreover, NO release by murine macrophages was significantly decreased by the methanol extract. The present paper reports on both the quantification of phenolic compounds and the determination of the biological activities of the endemic North African halophyte Limonium spathulatum (Desf.) Kuntze. The extracts were prepared by maceration using three solvents (methanol, methanol: water (5:1), and chloroform). Phenolic compounds were spectrophotometrically quantified with the microplate method, while the bioactivity of the extracts was assessed by determining of antioxidant activity, inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), α-glucosidase, and nitric oxide (NO) production by murine macrophages (RAW 264). The polar extracts showed high contents of total phenolic and exhibited the highest antioxidant potential. Moreover, methanol: water extract demonstrated the best inhibitory activity against AchE and BchE with IC 50 values of 3.28±0.16 µg/ml and 26.64±0.96 µg/ml, respectively. Both methanol: water and methanol extracts were found to be more effective in inhibiting α-glucosidase (IC 50 : 2.83±0.19 and 5.03±0.03 µg/ml, respectively) than the positive control acarbose, which gave a high IC 50 value (275.43±1.59 µg/ml). Additionally, the methanol extract displayed the highest anti-inflammatory activity inhibiting the release of NO by 86.21% at 100 μg/ml in LPS-stimulated RAW 264 cells. The findings issued from the present study showed the multiple therapeutic actions of L. spathulatum and can be considered as a potential and valuable source of bioactive compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Modulation of endogenous cellular defense mechanisms represents an innovative approach to therapeutic intervention in diseases causing chronic tissue damage, such as in neurodegeneration. This paper introduces the emerging role of exogenous molecules in hormetic-based neuroprotection and the mitochondrial redox signaling concept of hormesis and its applications to the field of neuroprotection and longevity. Maintenance of optimal long-term health conditions is accomplished by a complex network of longevity assurance processes that are controlled by vitagenes, a group of genes involved in preserving cellular homeostasis during stressful conditions. Vitagenes encode for heat shock proteins (Hsp) Hsp32, Hsp70, the thioredoxin and the sirtuin protein systems. Dietary antioxidants, such as polyphenols and L-carnitine/acetyl-L-carnitine, have recently been demonstrated to be neuroprotective through the activation of hormetic pathways, including vitagenes. Hormesis provides the central underpinning of neuroprotective responses, providing a framework for explaining the common quantitative features of their dose response relationships, their mechanistic foundations, their relationship to the concept of biological plasticity as well as providing a key insight for improving the accuracy of the therapeutic dose of pharmaceutical agents within the highly heterogeneous human population. This paper describes in mechanistic detail how hormetic dose responses are mediated for endogenous cellular defense pathways including sirtuin, Nrfs and related pathways that integrate adaptive stress responses in the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Antioxidants and Antioxidant Treatment in Disease. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Mushrooms have been used both for food and medicine purposes for centuries. This paper provides a chemical study of Agaricus silvaticus Schaeff., Hydnum rufescens Pers. and Meripilus giganteus (Pers.) Karst. extracts and an evaluation of their antioxidant and anticholinesterase activities. Chemical investigations allowed as to note that the highest flavonoids and polyphenols contents are represented respectively in the ethyl acetate extract of A. silvaticus (47.06 ± 2.4 mg catechin g−1) and the methanolic extract of H. rufescens (32.54 ± 1.9 mg catechin g−1). While the highest amount of tannins (98.2 ± 4.8 mg catechin g−1) is present in M. giganteus ethyl acetate extract. The antioxidant activity was evaluated using 1,1-Diphenyl-2-Picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2′-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonate (ABTS), Ferric-Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) and Catalase Activity Assay (CAT). The ethyl acetate extract of H. rufescens showed the highest antioxidant activity (IC 50 = 0.852 ± 0.003 mg mL−1) by the DPPH method as well as a significant catalase activity (448.430 ± 0.002 μmol H 2 O 2 degraded/min/protein). The anticholinesterasic activity showed 63.10% inhibition against butyrylcholinesterase by the methanolic extract of H. rufescens at the concentration of at 10 mg mL−1. The cholinesterase inhibition decreases with the concentrations decrease until its total disappearance at a concentration of 0.312 mg mL−1. • Phenolic profile, antioxidant and anticholinesterase potential of three Tunisian edible mushrooms were evaluated. • The ethyl acetate extract of A. silvaticus possess the highest flavonoids content. • H. rufescens showed the highest antioxidant activity by the DPPH method. • The methanolic extract of H. refescens tested at 10 mg mL−1 exhibited 63.10% inhibition against butyrylcholinesterase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This paper investigates the physico-chemical properties of several polyhydroxylated fullerene (fullerenol, C 60 (OH) 22–24) water solutions. The values of densities (ρ), refraction indexes (n D), isobaric heat capacities (C p) and viscosities (η) were experimentally determined in the temperature range 278.15–323.15 K and at fullerenol concentrations up to 40 g·dm−3. For the highest fullerenol concentration (40 g·dm−3), density, viscosity and isobaric heat capacity modifications reach 4.5%, 56%, and 3%, respectively. Either temperature, T , and concentration, x , dependences of these physical properties were described by polynomial fittings or well-known expressions as the Vogel-Fulcher-Tamman equation, while T - x behaviors were described with the use of a second order polynomial function of both temperature and concentration (the standard deviations do not exceed 0.04). The dynamic and structural characteristics of (fullerene-water) and (fullerenol-water) binary systems were determined by using DFT and MD methods. Finally, the study was completed with the characterization of antioxidant activity of the fullerenol. Highlights • Physico-chemical properties of the fullerenol aqueous solutions were investigated. • T – x –experimental densities, viscosities and refractive indexes were correlated. • Dynamic and structural characteristics of fullerenol solutions were determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Cerium oxide (CeO 2) nanoparticles (NPs) have indicated great potentials as nanofiller owing to its high surface area, antioxidant properties and low cost. In this paper, thin film nanocomposite (TFN) RO membranes were proposed to be prepared through incorporation of hydrophilic CeO 2 NPs in polyamide (PA) selective layers via interfacial polymerization (IP). EDX, XPS, SEM, AFM, contact angle and zeta potential were used to examine the property and morphology of the prepared membranes. CeO 2 NPs were successfully embedded in the PA network, which endowed the TFN membranes with rougher surfaces and thinner PA layers. The TFN membranes were fabricated with different CeO 2 NPs contents (0, 50, 100, 150, 200, 400 mg/L). With increasing CeO 2 NPs loading amount, the hydrophilicity improved from 85.4° to 65.7° and the surface charge declined from −19.4 to −34.2 mV. These characteristics contributed to a 50% enhancement in water flux of TFN-CeO 2 100 membrane (containing 100 mg/L of CeO 2 NPs) without compromise the NaCl rejection (98%). Moreover, CeO 2 embedded membrane exhibited an enhanced fouling resistance property through preventing the adhesion of hydrophobic foultants. This study demonstrated the desirable applicability of CeO 2 NPs in synthesizing novel TFN membranes for desalination application. Graphical abstract Image 1097903 Highlights • CeO 2 NPs are successfully introduced into PA layer via IP process. • CeO 2 NPs improve surface hydrophilicity of the membranes. • TFN-CeO 2 100 membrane exhibit high permeability and remarkable antifouling property. • NaCl rejections remain above 97.5% in long-term desalination experiment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TDCPP) has been frequently detected in environmental media and biological samples. However, knowledge of its adverse health consequences is limited. In the current study, Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans , L1 larvae) were exposed to TDCPP at environmentally relevant concentrations (control, 0.1, 1, 100 and 1000 μg L−1) for 72 h to explore any association between TDCPP and the aging process. Some of the degenerative age-related indicators were observed, including locomotion behaviors and lifespan. As crucial biomarkers of aging, the accumulation of lipofuscin, and lipid peroxidation (LPO) products exemplified by 4-hydroxynon-2-enal (4-HNE) were detected. This product forms as a result of oxidative stress, as confirmed by an N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) pharmacological assay. Moreover, a significant increase in reactive oxide species (ROS) production in a dose-dependent manner using a fluorescent probe was observed. For the underlying molecular mechanism of the above aging phenotypes, significantly upregulated transcription of genes related to antioxidant systems, especially a subset of glutathione S-transferase (gst-5, gst-6, gst-9, gst-10, gst-19, gst-24, gst-26, gst-29, gst-33, and gst-38), was found by RNA-Seq and further confirmed by RT-qPCR. The elevated glutathione S-transferase (GST) was attributed to the significant increase in 4-HNE because mutations in gst-5 and gst-24 inhibited the conjugation of GSTs with 4-HNE. Therefore, GST play an indispensable role in the detoxification process of TDCPP exposure and further confirmed LPO accumulation at the molecular mechanism level. In conclusion, TDCPP accelerated the aging process induced by the LPO products, 4-HNE, response to reactive oxidative species in C. elegans. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • Prolonged exposure to TDCPP accelerated the aging process of C. elegans. • The aging was induced by increased 4-HNE response to the overproduction of ROS. • The elevated level of GST was attributed to lipid peroxidation accumulation. The paper aimed to provide a better understanding of the phenotypes and underlying molecular mechanisms of aging in C. elegans by TDCPP exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In the frame of the present paper the enzymatic transformation of apigenin-glucosides into free aglycone was achieved by autofermentation of chamomile ligulate flowers (CLF). Antioxidant properties of the autofermented CLF (A-CLF) extract were evaluated by their radical scavenging activity against hydroxyl radicals and inhibition of lipid peroxidation. Obtained results showed that A-CLF extract in a concentration of 0.84 mg/mL was able to inhibit 50% of hydroxyl radicals, while IC 50 value in the case of inhibition of lipid peroxidation was 5.21 mg/mL. Antimicrobial activity was done by measuring minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values for eight microbial strains. Obtained MIC values (9.75–156.25 μg/mL) confirmed high antibacterial and antifungal activities of the extract. Cytotoxic activity was done by using three histological different cell lines: Hep2C; RD and L2OB. Obtained IC 50 values for these cell lines were: 28.72; 17.31 and 10.92, respectively. Furthermore, in vitro investigation of the A-CLF ability to inhibit selected enzymes (α-amylase, α-glucosidase, tyrosinase) was done as well. Determined activities against α-amylase and α-glucosidase were 0.94 and 3.24 mmol ACAE/g, respectively. Further, measured activity against tyrosinase was 0.69 mg KAEs/g indicating high enzyme-inhibitory activity of examined sample. Results demonstrated that A-CLF extracts showed considerable pharmacological activity. Highlights • Transformation of apigenin glycosides into apigenin by autofermentation of chamomile • Determination of antioxidant properties of extracts • Antimicrobial properties of extracts were examined using six indicator strains. • Using different cell lines cytotoxic activity of examined extracts was determined. • Enzyme-inhibitory activity was determined against amylase, glucosidase and tyrosinase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The extensive use of nanoparticles (NPs) in a variety of applications has raised great concerns about their environmental fate and biological effects. This study examined the impact of dissolved organic matter (DOM) and salts on ZnO NP dispersion/solubility and toxicity to the earthworm Eisenia fetida. To be able to better evaluate the toxicity of NPs, exposure in agar and on filter paper was proposed for enabling a comparison of the importance of different uptake routes. A dose-related increase in mortality was observed in earthworms exposed in agar with almost 100% mortality after 96h exposure to the highest concentration (1000mgZnO/kg agar). Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) showed that the addition of salts enhanced the aggregation of ZnO NPs in agar and consequently affected the dissolution behavior and biological availability of the particles. On filter paper, mortality was the highest at the lowest exposure concentration (50mgZnO/L) and seemed to decrease with increasing exposure levels. TEM images of ZnO showed that the solubility and morphology of NPs were changed dramatically upon the addition of Humic Acids (HA). The subcellular distribution pattern of Zn in earthworms after 96h exposure in agar and on filter paper showed that the Zn taken up via dietary ZnO particles (from agar) was mainly found in organelles and the cytosol while the Zn accumulated as soluble Zn from filter paper was mainly distributed in cell membranes and tissues. Antioxidant enzymatic activities (SOD, CAT, and GSH-px) were investigated in the worms surviving the toxicity tests. A slight increase of SOD activities was observed at the lowest exposure dose of ZnO (50mg/kg), followed by a decrease at 100mg/kg in the agar cubes. Activities of both CAT and GSH-Px enzymes were not significantly influenced in the worms exposed to agar, although a slight decrease at 500 and 1000mgZnO/kg agar was observed. A similar change trend of SOD activities was observed for the earthworms on filter paper, but a significant decrease began at a higher ZnO NP concentration of 500mgZnO/L. The use of soil extracts instead of deionized water (DW) to simulate a realistic exposure system significantly reduced the toxicity of the ZnO NPs on filter paper, which increases the predictive power of filter paper toxicity tests for the environmental risk assessment of NPs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights • Constitutive amino acids of various defense proteins are lost in the gut. • Stress and local or systemic inflammation divert amino acids from use for growth. • Efficient and environmental-friendly diets require better tuning of amino acid provision for different sanitary conditions. Abstract On commercial farms, young growing pigs are frequently affected by health problems from multifactorial origins (e.g. environmental changes, biosecurity, management, and feed) that result in inflammation and activation of body defenses. Inflammation states alter animal metabolism in such a way that nutrients (particularly amino acids) are diverted from the use for growth towards the production of defense-related proteins and low-molecular-weight compounds (e.g., nitric oxide, H 2 S, and glutathione) for supporting the activity of rapidly dividing cells such as immune cells and enterocytes. Furthermore, amino acids may act specifically as signaling molecules to regulate metabolic pathways during inflammation. Thus, new knowledge on the specific role and metabolism of each amino acid is needed to refine nutritional recommendations for pigs of different phenotypes and genotypes, with the objective of maintaining animal health and performance under sub-optimal rearing conditions. This paper aims at summarizing recent advances in research on the functional roles of amino acids related to swine health. Specifically, the review highlights current knowledge on the impact of inflammation on the intake and metabolism of amino acids; their relevance for the physical gut mucosal barrier and antioxidant defense, as well as their roles in the syntheses of defense molecules and in the regulation of immune response. Practical implications for feeding strategies adapted to various health conditions of growing pigs are also discussed along with our general perspectives on related research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Cancer is a relevant public health problem that represents the second leading cause of global death. In this regard, cisplatin is a highly effective antineoplastic drug used in treatment of several types of cancer, such as head and neck, testicular, ovarian, gastric, lung and breast cancer. Nevertheless, treatment with this compound leads to nephrotoxicity, which limits its use. Oxidative stress plays a pivotal role in cisplatin-induced renal damage and several dietary antioxidants have been reported to ameliorate this secondary effect. Relevant findings on the protective effects of these antioxidant agents in cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity are summarized in this paper. Further, limitations of animal models used in these studies are discussed. Additionally, clinical studies on the protective effect of these antioxidants, as well as future directions for these kind of trials are also considered. Highlights • Oxidative stress plays a pivotal role in cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity. • Food-derived antioxidants exert a protective role against cisplatin-induced renal damage. • Food-derived antioxidants also potentiate cisplatin antineoplastic effect. • Preclinical studies on the protective effect of antioxidants present relevant limitations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This paper provides results from a comprehensive experimental characterization on two gelatins extracted from golden grey mullet skin (GGSGs) with (5 U/g of skin) and without acid protease from the same specie. In view of their possible applications in medical engineering, GGSGs could be used as substrates for mechanobiological studies and wound healing. The resulting gelatins were structurally characterized by optical microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), as well as by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and nuclearmagnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopies. According to optical micrographs, DSC analysis, and XRD spectra, GGSGs are semi-crystalline polymers. Antioxidant activities of GGSGs were evaluated by five different methods in-vitro. GGSGs acted as a strong free-radical scavengers and they effectively protected skin genomic DNA against hydroxyl radical-induced oxidative damage. In addition, the wound healing efficiency of the GGSGs was assessed on circular excision wound rat model. GGSGs exhibited remarkable wound healing properties with 100% reduction of the wound area within 14 days. Histological examination also demonstrated a fully re-epithelialized wound with epidermal regeneration. These evidences depicted that GGSGs can be an ideal biomaterial for enhanced wound-healing effect presumably achieved through their antioxidant properties. Highlights • Gelatins (GGSG 0 and GGSG 5) were extracted from the skin of golden grey mullet. • GGSGs are a semi-crystalline polymers by optical micrographs, XRD and DSC analysis. • GGSGs showed antioxidant property. • GGSGs enhanced wound healing activity. • GGSG 5 could be a potential therapeutic agent for treating dermal injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant bioactive molecules could play key preventive and therapeutic roles in chronological aging and the pathogenesis of many chronic diseases, often accompanied by increased oxidative stress and low-grade inflammation. Dietary antioxidants, including genkwanin, could decrease oxidative stress and the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines or pathways. The present study is the first comprehensive review of genkwanin, a methoxyflavone found in several plant species. Indeed, natural sources, and pharmacokinetics of genkwanin, the biological properties were discussed and highlighted in detail. This review analyzed and considered all original studies related to identification, isolation, quantification, investigation of the biological and pharmacological properties of genkwanin. We consulted all published papers in peer‐reviewed journals in the English language from the inception of each database to 12 May 2023. Different phytochemical demonstrated that genkwanin is a non-glycosylated flavone found and isolated from several medicinal plants such as Genkwa Flos , Rosmarinus officinalis, Salvia officinalis , and Leonurus sibiricus. In vitro and in vivo biological and pharmacological investigations showed that Genkwanin exhibits remarkable antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, genkwanin, via activation of glucokinase, has shown antihyperglycemic activity with a potential role against metabolic syndrome and diabetes. Additionally, it revealed cardioprotective and neuroprotective properties, thus reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases and assisting against neurodegenerative diseases. Furthermore, genkwanin showed other biological properties like antitumor capability, antibacterial, antiviral, and dermato-protective effects. The involved mechanisms include sub-cellular, cellular and molecular actions at different levels such as inducing apoptosis and inhibiting the growth and proliferation of cancer cells. Despite the findings from preclinical studies that have demonstrated the effects of genkwanin and its diverse mechanisms of action, additional research is required to comprehensively explore its therapeutic potential. Primarily, extensive studies should be carried out to enhance our understanding of the molecule's pharmacodynamic actions and pharmacokinetic pathways. Moreover, toxicological and clinical investigations should be undertaken to assess the safety and clinical efficacy of genkwanin. These forthcoming studies are of utmost importance in fully unlocking the potential of this molecule in the realm of therapeutic applications. [Display omitted] • Genkwanin possesses a potent anti-inflammatory effect by inhibiting inflammatory mediators and pathways. • Genkwanin acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells from oxidative stress and scavenging free radicals. • Genkwanin exhibits anticancer properties by inhibiting tumor cell proliferation, inducing apoptosis, and suppressing angiogenesis. • Genkwanin exerts neuroprotective effects by reducing oxidative stress, inhibiting neuroinflammation, and modulating neuronal signaling pathways. • Genkwanin shows promising anti-diabetic effects by enhancing insulin sensitivity, regulating glucose metabolism, and reducing oxidative stress associated with diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• First cocrystal of esculetin. • Niacinamide was specially selected as the cocrystal former for its high water solubility and synergistic antioxidant effect with esculetin. • The cocrystal comprehensively optimized in vitro/vivo properties and antioxidant effect of esculetin. • New thinking for developing multitudinous coumarin drugs represented by esculetin. Esculetin (ELT) is one of the best-known and simplest coumarins with powerful natural antioxidant effects but insoluble and difficult to absorb. In order to overcome the problems, cocrystal engineering was first applied to ELT in this paper. Nicotinamide (NAM) was selected as the coformer for its excellent water solubility and potential synergistic antioxidant effect with ELT. The structure of the ELT-NAM cocrystal was successfully prepared and characterized by IR, SCXRD, PXRD, and DSC-TG. Furthermore, the in vitro/vivo properties and antioxidant effects of the cocrystal were adequately studied. The results highlight that the ELT obtained tremendous improvements in water solubility and bioavailability after cocrystal formation. Meanwhile, the synergistic enhancement of ELT with NAM in antioxidant effect was demonstrated by the DPPH assay. Ultimately, the simultaneously optimized in vitro/vivo properties and antioxidant activity of the cocrystal created an improved practical effect of hepatoprotective in rat experiments. The investigation is significant for developing coumarin drugs represented by ELT. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the paper the ability of CeO 2-x nanoparticles (nanoceria) to inactivate free radicals formed during water photolysis under UV irradiation is shown. UV irradiation of nanoparticles with sizes less than 10 nm in the aqueous medium promotes Ce 4+ → Ce 3+ reduction, and after the cessation of irradiation Ce 3+ → Ce 4+ reverse process is observed. The displacement of Ce 3+ ⇄Ce 4+ equilibrium in one direction or another occurs with time delay. Pre-irradiated nanoparticles in hydrosols are more active antioxidants than unirradiated ones. A possible mechanism of the antiradical action of nanoceria in aqueous solutions under UV irradiation was proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper was to develop stable, non-irritant topical formulations for the incorporation of aqueous extract from Eugenia dysenterica leaves, which could improve cutaneous permeation without compromising its antioxidant activity. For this, O/W and W/O microemulsions were obtained. Droplet sizes varied from 175 nm to 208 nm for the O/W formulations and from 27 nm to 35 nm for the W/O microemulsions, with PDI values below 0.2. Nanoformulations implemented a significant improvement in the stability of catechin over 90 days compared to simple solutions of the actives, especially the W/O microemulsions, which remained a catechin content of 96.1% and 96.6% (for the formulations containing the extract or the isolated catechin, respectively) when the formulations were stored at 6 °C, while the respective controls remained only 66.7% and 94.4% of catechin at the same storage conditions. All nanoformulations were capable of significantly increasing the penetration of catechin into skin, with emphasis on the O/W microemulsions, which proved to significantly increase the penetration of catechin to the deeper layers of the skin, compared to controls. The antioxidant activity of the active substances was maintained with the formulation in microemulsions, and the formulations containing the extracts presented superior activity to those containing the isolated catechin. All microemulsions presented low irritability potential. In conclusion, the microemulsions containing the aqueous extract of E. dysenterica leaves seem to be promising systems for topical application, which enables their use in dermatological treatments that require antioxidant action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aimed to study the dietary effects of Bacillus subtilis fmbj (BS fmbj) on growth performance, small intestinal histomorphology, and its antioxidant capacity of broilers at 21 d of raising. A total of 300 1-d old male Arbor Acres broilers were randomly assigned to 5 groups: broilers fed the basal diets with 0 g/kg BS fmbj (CON), 0.2 g/kg BS fmbj (BS-1), 0.3 g/kg BS fmbj (BS-2), 0.4 g/kg BS fmbj (BS-3), and 0.5 g/kg BS fmbj (BS-4). The results showed that there were no differences in the growth performance among treatments during the trail. Dietary BS fmbj in broiler diets increased (P < 0.05) the serum immunoglobulin A (IgA) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentration, and enhanced the secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) level of small intestine (jejunum and ileum) compared with those in the CON group. The BS groups could improve (P < 0.05) the values of villus length, villus width, crypt depth, and villus area of small intestine compared with that in the CON group. Compared with the CON group, the BS group increased (P < 0.05) small intestinal antioxidant capacity and its mitochondrial antioxidant capacity, and also improved the antioxidant related-gene expression. The BS group exerted a lower (P < 0.05) level of oxidative damages in small intestine than that of the CON group. In conclusion, dietary BS fmbj in broiler diets was potential to improve the small intestinal histomorphology, small intestinal antioxidant capacity, and its mitochondrial antioxidant capacity. Thus this BS fmbj might be considered to be an important additive for the poultry industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is reported in this study the effect of isolates from leaves of Aristotelia chilensis as inhibitors of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) and tyrosinase enzymes. The aim of the paper was to evaluate the activity of A. chilensis towards different enzymes. In addition to pure compounds, extracts rich in alkaloids and phenolics were tested. The most active F5 inhibited AChE (79.5% and 89.8% at 10.0 and 20.0 μg/mL) and against BChE (89.5% and 97.8% at 10.0 and 20.0 μg/mL), showing a strong mixed-type inhibition against AChE and BChE. F3 (a mixture of flavonoids and phenolics acids), showed IC 50 of 90.7 and 59.6 μg/mL of inhibitory activity against AChE and BChE, inhibiting the acetylcholinesterase competitively. Additionally, F3 showed and high potency as tyrosinase inhibitor with IC 50 at 8.4 μg/mL. Sample F4 (anthocyanidins and phenolic composition) presented a complex, mixed-type inhibition of tyrosinase with a IC 50 of 39.8 μg/mL. The findings in this investigation show that this natural resource has a strong potential for future research in the search of new phytotherapeutic treatments for cholinergic deterioration ailments avoiding the side effects of synthetic drugs. This is the first report as cholinesterases and tyrosinase inhibitors of alkaloids and phenolics from A. chilensis leaves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High content of hydroxyflavones in fruits, vegetables, cereals and herbs makes them a common component of the human diet. Because of their antioxidant, antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anticancer properties they still pay an attention of many scientific centers. Hydroxyflavones may form complexes with metal cations, and their chelating properties differ significantly depending on the number and position of hydroxyl substituents in the ring. Synthesis of new complexes of hydroxyflavones allows for improvement biological properties, stability, water-solubility, hydrophilicity, bioavailability comparing with the parent hydroxyflavones. It expands the applicability of hydroxyflavones as food additives, diet supplements, preservatives or drug. This paper reviews on the procedures of synthesis of metal complexes with hydroxyflavones, their molecular structure, mode of coordinations, spectroscopic properties and their biological activity. The dependency between the biological activity of these compounds and their molecular structure is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this paper is to study the effect the light on the stability of 6 flavonoids with different structures under different oxygen amounts. The evolution of their antioxidant activity and the identification of degradation products were also investigated. The results obtained indicated that the kinetics of flavonoid degradation are not only influenced by the light intensity and the oxygen amount but also by the flavonoid structure. The 6 flavonoids can be ranked below according to their stability: naringin, eriodictyol then rutin, luteolin, luteolin-7- O -glucoside and mesquitol. The presence of a hydroxyl group in position 3 and a double bond C2-C3 decrease flavonoid stability. Moreover, it was also observed that despite the total degradation of some flavonoids, the treated solutions still have an antioxidant activity. The identification of the degraded products by LC–MS showed that the degradation pathways are different according to the flavonoid studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • An injectable hydrogel with both hemostatic and antioxidant properties is developed. • The preparation method of multifunctional hydrogel is gentle and simple. • The hydrogel can significantly accelerate the healing of full-thickness skin wounds. Acute skin injuries require timely and effective treatment. Injectable self-healing hydrogels are a very promising approach, but they face many challenges because of the complex microenvironments of skin wound. Although hydrogels have been extensively studied for multifunction, injectable self-healing hydrogels with both hemostatic and antioxidant properties are rare. In this paper, gelatin grafted protocatechuic acid (GT-PCA) and oxidized-dextran (Odex) were used to engineer GT-PCA/Odex composite hydrogels via Schiff base reaction. The in vitro experimental results show that the hydrogels not only are injectable, self-healing, hemostatic, antioxidant, but also have good degradability, adhesion and biocompatibility. Further, the hydrogels can promote wound healing in full-thickness mouse skin defect models by reducing inflammation and increasing angiogenesis, collagen deposition and granulation tissue formation. Notably, the preparation method of GT-PCA/Odex hydrogels is gentle and simple, the hydrogel system has bright prospects in the treatment of acute skin injury and is expected to be applied in clinical trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The application of direct analysis in real time combined with mass spectrometry (DART-MS) to the qualitative analysis of lubricant and oil additives, and the quantitative analysis of a lubricant antioxidant additive is reported. The additives were analysed alone and in the presence of a base oil, from filter paper, glass and steel surfaces, showing the potential of the DART-MS technique for the direct, rapid analysis of lubricant oil additives. The quantitative capabilities of the technique were evaluated for the antioxidant in an oil matrix at concentrations in the range 0.1–8 mg/mL in oil (1–80 μg antioxidant on spot), using a structural analogue of the antioxidant as an internal standard. The linearity (R 2 = 0.997), precision (% RSD = 2.6%) and LOD (0.04 mg/mL in oil) of the method demonstrates that DART-MS is capable of the rapid determination of additives in oil without pre-extraction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lung Cancer has been an issue of concern these days as there is an alarming toll of rising deaths every year. A good amount of research is pursued on aspects of the genetic and hereditary and also computational methods to detect Lung cancer. Even though there is a lack of awareness about this disease due to a colossal gap between technical and clinical research areas. Accordingly this research paper presents a comprehensive study on Lung Cancer detection in terms of simulation of medical images and clinical analysis wherein one of the KRAS mutations has been analysed in lung cancer patients and their lung images have been used for developing medical images with better tumour spot detection. The computational technique used for simulation purpose involves morphological image processing methods, which mainly work on the topological and shape content of the images acquired. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cheese-whey, a major co-product of the dairy industry, has recently been the subject of many technological applications. We studied the bioconversion of whey into valuable bio-products such as a potential lactulose prebiotic and compounds with antioxidant properties. This paper examines efficiency, safety, and economics of electro-activation as an eco-friendly technology for a maximum valorization of whey. Thus, a bottomup approach was therefore addressed. The effect of 4 experimental parameters—low working temperatures (0, 10, and 25°C), current intensities (400, 600, and 800 mA), volume conditions (100, 200, and 300 mL), and feed concentrations [7, 14, and 28% (wt/vol)]-on lactose-whey isomerization to lactulose under electroactivation process were studied. Structural characteristics of whey proteins and antioxidant functionality were also investigated. The results showed a compromise to be reached between both parameters. Therefore, the maximum yield of 35% of lactulose was achieved after 40 min of reaction at the working temperature of 10°C under 400 mA electric current field and 100-mL volume conditions with using feed solution at 7% (wt/vol). The isomerization of lactose to lactulose is accomplished by subsequent degradation to galactose, but only at a very small amount. Additionally, whey electro-activation showed significantly elevated antioxidant capacity compared with the untreated samples. The enhancement of antioxidant functionality of whey electro-activation resulted from the synergistic effect of its partial hydrolysis and the formation of antioxidant components that were able to scavenge free radicals. In conclusion, the findings of this study reveal that the whey treated by the safety electro-activation technology has both lactulose- prebiotic and antioxidant properties and could have a substantial application in the manufacture of pharmaceutical and functional foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quercetin (3,3′,4′,5,7–pentahydroxy-flavone) is a flavonoid known for its pharmacological activities, which include antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as possible beneficial action on diseases involving bone loss. In this work, we explored the possibility to functionalize hydroxyapatite (HA) with quercetin in order to obtain new materials for bone repair through local administration of the flavonoid. HA was synthesized in presence of different concentrations of quercetin according to two different procedures: direct synthesis and phase transition from monetite. Direct synthesis lead to composite nanocrystals containing up to 3.1 wt% quercetin, which provokes a reduction of the crystals mean dimensions and of the length of the coherently scattering domains. Synthesis conditions provoke a partial oxidation of quercetin and, as a consequence, a significant reduction of its radical scavenging activity (RSA). On the other hand, synthesis through phase transition yields samples containing up to 1.3 wt% of quercetin incorporated into hydroxyapatite, with minor structural modifications, which exhibit relevant anti-oxidant activities, as testified by their high RSA levels, (slightly lower than that of pure quercetin). The biological response to these materials was tested using an innovative triculture model involving osteoblast, osteoclast and endothelial cells, in order to mimic bone microenvironment. The results show that the presence of quercetin in the composite materials enhances human osteoblast-like MG63 proliferation and differentiation, whereas it downregulates osteoclastogenesis of osteoclast precursors 2T-110, and supports proliferation and differentiation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). Statement of Significance The pharmacological activities of the flavonoid quercetin include anti-oxidant and antiinflammatory properties, as well as capability to prevent bone loss. In this paper, we demonstrate that it is possible to synthesize hydroxyapatite functionalized with different amounts of quercetin and obtain new composite materials which display both the good bioactivity of the inorganic phase and the therapeutic properties of the flavonoid. The innovative in vitro model developed in this study, which involves co-culture of osteoblast, osteoclast and endothelial cells, allows to state that the new materials exert a beneficial action onto bone repair microenvironment, stimulating osteoblast proliferation and activity, downregulating osteoclastogenesis, and supporting microangiogenetic processes necessary for new bone formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper studied the impact of Cu and Pb pollution on concentrations of reactive oxygen species (superoxide anion radical (O 2 ●− ) and peroxide (H 2 O 2 )) and on the activity of antioxidant enzyme (superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and peroxidase (POD)) in the halophyte Suaeda heteroptera . At concentrations less than 50 mg kg −1 , Cu had little effect on S. heteroptera . At concentrations higher than 200 Cu mg kg −1 , the growth of S. heteroptera was significantly inhibited, an impact that was most pronounced in seedling weight ( p < 0.05). At concentrations of Pb higher than 400 mg kg −1 , the growth of S. heteroptera was also significantly affected ( p < 0.05). Antioxidant enzyme activities in S. heteroptera increased and then decreased with increasing Cu concentrations, while reactive oxygen species concentrations continually increased. SOD decreased significantly with Pb pollution ( p < 0.05), while the concentrations of reactive oxygen species rose slowly. The combined effect of Cu and Pb contamination on the growth and antioxidant enzyme activities of S. heteroptera was higher than with single Cu. With the increasing concentration of Cu, this synergistic effect enhanced ( p < 0.05), indicating that S. heteroptera is more sensitive to Cu than to Pb. Besides, the growth index of S. heteroptera was significantly inhibited with the increasing concentration of single and combined Cu and Pb exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The introduction of sulfide units is a potential strategy to improve solubility and processibility of polybenzimidazole (PBI) polymer, as well as to enhance antioxidant capacity of corresponding membrane. In this paper, the novel S-PBI- x serial copolymers ( x denotes the percentage of sulfide-containing monomer) were prepared by a microwave-assisted tetracopolymerization with 3,3′,4,4′-tetraaminobiphenyl, 2,6-pyridinedicarboxylic acid, hexanedioic acid and the synthesized methyl 3-((2-methoxy-2-oxoethyl)thio)propanoate as copolymerized monomers in different proportion. The resultant copolymers were characterized by FT-IR, GPC and energy dispersive spectroscopy. These sulfide-containing copolymers exhibit much better solubility in aprotic solvents such as N,N-dimethylacetamide, N,N-dimethylformamide and dimethylsulfoxide than unmodified PBI. The oxidative stability of the membranes was studied by enhanced Fenton test (20% H 2 O 2 and 4 ppm Fe 2+ , 80 °C, refreshed every 3 h). Additionally, the oxidized membranes were further characterized by FT-IR, TGA, and tension test. The experimental results show that S-PBI-7% membrane suffers less than 5% weight loss after 24 h of treatment with enhanced Fenton reagent. Typically, after treated in enhanced Fenton reagent, the oxidized S-PBI-7% membrane still retains considerable thermal stability and mechanical strength. The anti-oxidative mechanism of the prepared membranes was discussed as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phospholipid-based nanotherapeutics such as nanoemulsions are gaining popularity as nutraceutical delivery systems due to their efficacy in improving the solubility, stability and bioavailability of the loaded food components. Curcumin, a potential component of Indian diet is not only a potential anticancer but also possess remarkable antioxidant properties. The paper exploits the formulation of curcumin loaded O/W nanoemulsion of Tween 80/Lecithin/ethyl oleate (EO)/water by controlling the oil/surfactant ratio. The mean droplet diameter (about 24 ± 6 nm) and stability of nanoemulsion has been characterized by particle size estimation and UV–visible absorption spectroscopic studies. Attempt has been made to understand in vitro, loading and release of the formulated nanoemulsion. The hydrolysis of curcumin (degradation) at pH 7.4 has been controlled by encapsulating it in nanoemulsion. Interactions of curcumin with bovine serum albumin in aqueous medium have also been studied. Structural analysis shows that curcumin binds BSA via polypeptide polar groups with overall binding constants of K = 2.863 ± 0.042 × 10 4 M − 1 . The number of binding site (n) is 0.98 for curcumin at 25 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Semicrystalline polymers are chemically/physically inhomogeneous, since they contain from as little as a fraction of a percent to even a few percent of non-polymeric substances (oligomers, antioxidants, processing agents) of different physicochemical properties, preferentially localized in non-crystalline regions. In this paper, the extraction process of non-polymeric substances with the use of supercritical CO 2 for several semicrystalline polymers, such as polypropylene, high and low density polyethylene was performed. The quantitative/semi-qualitative analysis of extracted substances was performed and their thermal properties were determined. Then, their influence on the structure of amorphous phase-content and size of free volume pores were assessed. Finally, the influence of non-polymeric substances on thermal, thermo-mechanical and barrier properties of analyzed polymers and the course and intensity of the cavitation phenomenon during uniaxial stretching was determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper reports a simple, versatile and ecofriendly protocol for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles using the aqueous extract of Areca catechu nut and its application in catalysis and antioxidant activity. Nanoparticles of varying sizes have been synthesized at 300 K and 373 K. The synthesized nanoparticles are characterized by UV–visible spectroscopy, Transmission Electron Microscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis and Fourier Transform Infra-Red Spectroscopy. The newly formed silver nanoparticles are stable, spherical and crystalline with average particle size varying from 18.2 to 24.3 nm on changing the temperature. The phytochemicals involved in the reduction and stabilization of silver nanoparticles are identified using FTIR spectra. The synthesized silver nanoparticles show potent catalytic activity in the degradation of organic pollutants (methylene blue, Eosin-yellowish, methyl orange, and 4-nitrophenol). The catalytic activity is found to be size dependent and the degradation reaction is observed to obey pseudo-first order kinetics. Moreover, antioxidant studies on the as synthesized nanoparticles reveal efficient scavenging of the stable or harmful free radicals including DPPH, NO and OH. The catalytic and antioxidant activities of the biogenic nanoparticles would find applications in environmental and biomedical field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poultry and poultry meat are particularly susceptible to oxidative reactions. Oxidation processes have been for decades the focus of animal and meat scientists owing to the negative impact of these reactions on animal growth, performance, and food quality. Lipid oxidation has been recognized a major threat to the quality of processed poultry products. The recent discoveries on the occurrence of protein oxidation in muscle foods have increased the scientific and technological interest in a topic that broadens the horizons of food biochemistry into innovative fields. Furthermore, in recent years we have witnessed a growing interest in consumers on the impact of diet and oxidation on health and aging. Hence, the general description of oxidative reactions as harmful phenomena goes beyond the actual impact on animal production and food quality and reaches the potential influence of oxidized foods on consumer health. Likewise, the current antioxidant strategies aim for the protection of the living tissues, the food systems, and a potential health benefit in the consumer upon ingestion. Along these lines, the application of phytochemicals and other microelements (Se, Cu) with antioxidant potential in the feeds or directly in the meat product are strategies of substantial significance. The present paper reviews in a concise manner the most relevant and novel aspects of the mechanisms and consequences of oxidative reactions in poultry and poultry meat, and describes current antioxidant strategies against these undesirable reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Besides being important occupational hazards, lead and cadmium are nowadays metals of great environmental concern. Both metals, without any physiological functions, can induce serious adverse health effects in various organs and tissues. Although Pb and Cd are non-redox metals, one of the important mechanisms underlying their toxicity is oxidative stress induction as a result of the generation of reactive species and/or depletion of the antioxidant defense system. Considering that the co-exposure to both metals is a much more realistic scenario, the effects of these metals on oxidative status when simultaneously present in the organism have become one of the contemporary issues in toxicology. This paper reviews short and long term studies conducted on Pb or Cd-induced oxidative stress in blood, liver and kidneys as the most prominent target organs of the toxicity of these metals and proposes the possible molecular mechanisms of the observed effects. The review is also focused on the results obtained for the effects of the combined treatment with Pb and Cd on oxidative status in target organs and on the mechanisms of their possible interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• ZEN can cause genome toxicity, including DNA damage, and epigenetic modification. • Increased ROS is an important pathway that ZEN exposure can lead to genome toxicity. • Strategies to counteract ZEN effects are proposed. Zearalenone (ZEN), a common non-steroidal estrogenic mycotoxin of the Fusarium genus , is one of the most frequent and powerful contaminant of grains and cereal products representing a serious threat for people and livestock health. In fact, ZEN causes cytotoxicity and genotoxicity in a variety of cell types at least in part through binding to estrogen receptors (ERs). The main pathways through which ZEN induces such effects remain, however, elusive. In particular, how the mycotoxin causes DNA damage, dysregulates DNA repair mechanisms, changes epigenome of targeted cells and, not least, affects chromatin conformation and non-coding RNA (ncRNA), is unclear. In the present paper, following extensive review of the literature about such ZEN effects and our own experience in studying the effects of this compound on reproductive processes, we propose that increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and consequently oxidative stress (OS) are central in ZEN genotoxicity. Besides to shed light on the action mechanisms of the mycotoxin, this notion might help to develop effective strategies to counteract its deleterious biological effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • No reagent is needed for the new antioxidant activity assessment method. • Graphene oxide docking layer improved the stability and activity of the redox film. • Chronopotentiometric responses of different antioxidants were tested. • Model calculations were done to explain the shapes of the response curves. • With the amount of confined mediator the optimal measuring range can be set. Antioxidants are substances that even in low concentrations can delay or prevent unwanted oxidizing processes. In this way, they can prevent or treat certain diseases in a physiological environment. The presence, amount, concentration and activity of these compounds in foods, beverages and in living tissues are therefore important parameters. Many methods have been developed for assessing antioxidant activity or capacity in different samples. Recently we introduced a new, reagentless, chronopotentiometric method for antioxidant measurement that was tested by measuring L-ascorbate in aqueous samples. The method uses a carbon working electrode chemically modified by a thin reversible redox mediator layer on its measuring surface. A simple, two-step procedure is used for the determination. First, in a short, controlled potential step, the mediator layer is converted into its oxidized state. In the second step, the potential control is terminated and the open cell redox potential value is recorded over time to obtain an analytical signal. In this paper, results obtained in further experiments using the novel method are described. An electrochemically formed graphene docking layer was employed to increase the stability of the redox mediator layer. The performance of the method has been tested using different antioxidant species. The influence of redox layer thickness on the sensitivity has been studied. The expected shapes of the chronopotentiometric function (E–t) and the calibration curve (Δ E /Δ t initial – c analyte) were predicted using a rough model. The calculated and measured curves were compared. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Apoptosis in neuronal tissue is an efficient mechanism which contributes to both normal cell development and pathological cell death. The present study explores the effects of extracellular ADP on low [K+]-induced apoptosis in rat cerebellar granule cells. ADP, released into the extracellular space in brain by multiple mechanisms, can interact with its receptor or be converted, through the actions of ectoenzymes, to adenosine. The findings reported in this paper demonstrate that ADP inhibits the proapoptotic stimulus supposedly via: i) inhibition of ROS production during early stages of apoptosis, an effect mediated by its interaction with cell receptor/s. This conclusion is validated by the increase in SOD and catalase activities as well as by the GSSG/GSH ratio value decrease, in conjunction with the drop of ROS level and the prevention of the ADP protective effect by pyridoxalphosphate-6-azophenyl-2′,4′-disulfonic acid (PPADS), a novel functionally selective antagonist of purine receptor; ii) safeguard of the functionality of the mitochondrial adenine nucleotide-1 translocator (ANT-1), which is early impaired during apoptosis. This effect is mediated by its plausible internalization into cell occurring as such or after its hydrolysis, by means of plasma membrane nucleotide metabolizing enzymes, and resynthesis into the cell. Moreover, the findings that ADP also protects ANT-1 from the toxic action of the two Alzheimer's disease peptides, i.e. Aβ1–42 and NH2htau, which are known to be produced in apoptotic cerebellar neurons, further corroborate the molecular mechanism of neuroprotection by ADP, herein proposed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In Italy the use of vegetable oils for energy production is widespread and rapidly increasing especially in small power plants. Some studies have investigated long-term engine performance, and have highlighted some problems connected with the use of vegetable oils. In particular the quality of the engine lubricating oil is important. In this paper this quality has been monitored by remaining useful life (RUL) through the level of the antioxidant additive in the lubricating oil. The study was carried out on two electric generators of 350 kW power fueled with refined sunflower and palm oils. The good mathematical relationships found between RUL and engine operating time could be used as reference to optimize the lubricating oil change and to identify the beginning of problems or defects affecting the engine. These possibilities could eliminate the need for scheduled oil changes and save operating costs. This aspect is particularly important for small power plants where maintenance and lubricating oil costs are not negligible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A water-soluble antioxidant (ascorbic acid, vitamin C) was encapsulated together with poly(l-glutamic acid)-capped silver nanoparticles (AgNpPGA) within a poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) polymeric matrix and their synergistic effects were studied. The PLGA/AgNpPGA/ascorbic acid particles synthesized by a physicochemical method with solvent/non-solvent systems are spherical, have a mean diameter of 775nm and a narrow size distribution with a polydispersity index of 0.158. The encapsulation efficiency of AgNpPGA/ascorbic acid within PLGA was determined to be >90%. The entire amount of encapsulated ascorbic acid was released in 68days, and the entire amount of AgNpPGAs was released in 87days of degradation. The influence of PLGA/AgNpPGA/ascorbic acid on cell viability, generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in HepG2 cells, as well as antimicrobial activity against seven different pathogens was investigated. The 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay indicated good biocompatibility of these PLGA/AgNpPGA/ascorbic acid particles. We measured the kinetics of ROS formation in HepG2 cells by a DCFH-DA assay, and found that PLGA/AgNpPGA/ascorbic acid caused a significant decrease in DCF fluorescence intensity, which was 2-fold lower than that in control cells after a 5h exposure. This indicates that the PLGA/AgNpPGA/ascorbic acid microspheres either act as scavengers of intracellular ROS and/or reduce their formation. Also, the results of antimicrobial activity of PLGA/AgNpPGA/ascorbic acid obtained by the broth microdilution method showed superior and extended activity of these particles. The samples were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, zeta potential and particle size analysis. This paper presents a new approach to the treatment of infection that at the same time offers a very pronounced antioxidant effect. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The exact pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD) is still unknown and proper mechanisms that correspond to the disease remain unidentified. It is understood that PD is age-related; as age increases, the chance of onset responds accordingly. Although there are no current means of curing PD, the understanding of reactive oxygen species (ROS) provides significant insight to possible treatments. Complex I deficiencies of the respiratory chain account for the majority of unfavorable neural apoptosis generation in PD. Dopaminergic neurons are severely damaged as a result of the deficiency. Symptoms such as inhibited cognitive ability and loss of smooth motor function are the results of such impairment. The genetic mutations of Parkinson's related proteins such as PINK1 and LRRK2 contribute to mitochondrial dysfunction which precedes ROS formation. Various pathways are inhibited by these mutations, and inevitably causing neural cell damage. Antioxidants are known to negate the damaging effects of free radical overexpression. This paper expands on the specific impact of mitochondrial genetic change and production of free radicals as well as its correlation to the neurodegeneration in Parkinson's disease. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

[Display omitted] • Two bridged cyclodextrins dimers were designed and synthesized to encapsulate CBD. • The Ks values of two inclusion complexes are in the range of 105 ~ 106 M−1. • Water solubility of CBD has been promoted by 6.76 × 105 and 4.52 × 105 folds. • The inclusion complexes both shows effective biological activity. The poor water-solubility of Cannabidiol (CBD) seriously hinders its pharmacological activities such as anti-anxiety, anti-epilepsy, anti-oxidation and anti-cancer, etc. In this paper, we successfully designed and synthesized two bridged cyclodextrins (CDs) dimers with different length of bridged chains (succinic acid (SACDD) and 3,3′-thiodipropionic acid (TPACDD)) to encapsulate CBD, a reported DMCD (2,6-Di-O-methyl-β-cyclodextrin) with single cavity was used as a control complex. Their characteristics and inclusion complexation behaviors were investigated via XRD, SEM, NMR and TGA, the obtained data suggests CBD is successfully encapsulated into two cavity of bridged CD dimers with stronger stability constants, compared with DMCD. Water solubility of CBD is significantly promoted by 6.76 × 105 and 4.52 × 105 folds after formation of inclusion complexes, as well as the antioxidant activity in vitro (5.26-fold enhanced). MTT assays shows they remained effective anti-tumor activity, while they barely show cytotoxicity to normal cell. Our work might provide a strategy for development and application of water-solubility CBD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of present work was to assess the total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), phenolic compounds and antioxidant properties of various extracts of three Ceropegia spp.: Ceropegia spiralis, Ceropegia panchganiensis and Ceropegia evansii from Western Ghats of India. TPC of the samples varied from 0.3±0.2 to 28.5±0.3mg TAE/g FW, whereas, TFC of the samples ranged between 0.1±0.1 and 15.3±0.3mg RE/g FW. The major phenolic compounds identified were gallic acid, vanillin, cathechol and ferulic acid. All the extracts possess 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) as well as metal chelating ability and this was also supported by significant correlation with TPC and TFC. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first paper presenting comprehensive data on TPC, TFC, phenolic profile and antioxidant properties of the Ceropegia spp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Xyloketals, a new type of antioxidants from a marine mangrove fungus, have potential pharmacological properties. In this paper, the radical-scavenging activities of a series of synthetic xyloketals and related chromanes toward 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) were evaluated by absorption spectrometry. One of the compounds (compound 10) displayed significant antioxidative action against DPPH and ABTS. A structure-activity analysis showed that the reactive sites on these compounds correlated with a hydroxy-group and also with ketal or aromatic H substituents. Based in part on a density functional theory (DFT) calculation of compound 10, the antioxidant mechanism of this chromane was deduced as a possible radical-scavenging mechanism by a sequential proton loss electron-transfer (SPLET) process. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The potential use of natural antioxidants for polyolefin stabilisation came into the centre of attention because of some doubts about the effects of the reaction products of synthetic phenolic antioxidants on human health. The effect of curcumin on the melt stability of polyethylene was investigated in this paper with and without a phosphonite stabiliser by using multiple extrusions. Irganox 1010 was applied as reference phenolic antioxidant. Curcumin was characterised by FT-IR and UV–VIS spectroscopy, as well as by thermal analysis. Its stabilisation efficiency was determined by measuring the chemical structure, the rheological properties, the residual thermo-oxidative stability, and the colour of the polymer. The results reveal that the melt stabilising efficiency of curcumin is superior to that of the synthetic antioxidant investigated and is further enhanced by the addition of the phosphonite secondary antioxidant. The changes in the characteristics of the polymer indicate that besides the phenolic OH groups also the linear linkage between the two methoxyphenyl rings of curcumin participates in the stabilisation reactions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]