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An analytical method was validated and developed to determine the levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) including 1,3-butadiene, isoprene, acrylonitrile, benzene, toluene, and styrene from smoking cessation aids using by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Seventeen non-ignitable cigarette type of smoking cessation aids, liquid-phase of smoking cessation aids, gas-phase of smoking cessation aids, and ignitable cigarette type of smoking cessation aids were analyzed for levels of six VOCs. The proposed method for six VOCs was validated in satisfactory linearity (R

This study analyzed four polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from frequently consumed home meal replacement (HMR) products in Korea and evaluated their chemical analysis methods. The PAHs investigated were benzo[a]anthracene, chrysene, benzo[b]fluoranthene and benzo[a]pyrene. Chrysene-d12 and benzo[a]pyrene-d12 served as internal standards. The sample was dissolved in dichloromethane before extraction. Liquid–liquid extraction, microwave extraction, alkali digestion and GC–MS were used for analysis. Method validation was conducted on four matrices: fatty solid, fatty liquid, non-fatty liquid, non-fatty solid. Linear correlation coefficients (R(2)) were all above 0.99 and accuracy ranged from 80.03 to 119.65%. The LOD and LOQ were in the range of 0.03–0.15 and 0.09–0.44 μg/kg, respectively. The recoveries varied from 81.09 to 116.42% and precision ranged from 0.07 to 10.73% in both intraday and interday analysis. All concentrations of total PAHs from HMR products were detected at relatively low concentration. This study could provide the PAHs content from HMR products in Korea.

Jayanta Kumar Patra,1 Han-Seung Shin,2 Gitishree Das1 1Research Institute of Biotechnology & Medical Converged Science, Dongguk University-Seoul, Gyeonggi-do, 10326, Republic of Korea; 2Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, Dongguk University‐Seoul, Gyeonggi‐do, 10326, Republic of KoreaCorrespondence: Gitishree DasResearch Institute of Biotechnology & Medical Converged Science, Dongguk University-Seoul, Gyeonggi-do, 10326, Republic of KoreaEmail gitishreedas@gmail.comBackground: The dragon tongue beans are a legume belonging to the Fabaceae family, are rich in protein, starch, fiber, and other micronutrients that have numerous health-promoting benefits. Its peel commonly the waste parts also contains lots of bioactive compounds.Materials and Methods: In the current research, dragon tongue bean peels (DtbP) extract is tested for the existence of phytochemicals. Ag nanoparticles are biosynthesized using DtbP extract. The generated DtbP silver nanoparticle characterization was accomplished using UV-Vis spectral analysis, FTIR spectral analysis, SEM analysis, EDX analysis, XRD analysis, zeta potential, and DLS study. Furthermore, comparative assessment on multi-biological activities of the biosynthesized Ag nanoparticles was accomplished by employing cytotoxicity (inhibition against HepG2 cancer cells), antidiabetic (α-glucosidase inhibition assay), and antioxidant (free-radical scavenging) analysis.Results: The characterization result of the DtbP-AgNPs demonstrated that the AgNPs synthesized within 24 h. The AgNPs are nearly spherical. The biological effect assay of AgNPs displayed that DtbP-AgNPs is having significant cytotoxicity, antidiabetic, and moderate antioxidant effect. This study results as a whole report the biosynthesis of DtbP-AgNPs utilizing the legume dragon tongue bean waste peel and assessment of their multiple biological activities. The synthesized DtbP-AgNPs could serve as a potential candidate in the pharmaceutical industries in the formulation of drugs for the treatment of several medical ailments concerning cancer, diabetes, etc.Keywords: antidiabetic, antioxidant, cytotoxicity, legume peel, silver nanoparticles, green nano-synthesis

Presently, photo-mediated optimized synthesis of SNPs (CS-AgNPs) was carried out with the help of aqueous extracts of coconut (Cocos nucifera) outer shell fibre. Green synthesis of CS-AgNPs was undertaken under laboratory light conditions and characterized by several standard techniques such as UV–visible spectrophotometer (UV–Vis), X-ray diffraction pattern (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDX). UV–Vis spectra displayed a surface plasmon resonance peak at 468 nm equivalent to CS-AgNPs, and the FT-IR spectra confirmed the association of biological molecules from the extract in the synthesis process. The SEM image data confirmed the round and circular nature of CS-AgNPs. The EDX data presented the elemental configuration with a solid peak at 3 KeV that matched with the Ag. The synthesized CS-AgNPs exhibited substantial cytotoxicity potential against the HepG2 cells with (effective concentration (IC50) value of 15.28 µg/ml along with robust antioxidant potential, with respect to its 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging (IC50 of 96.39 µg/ml) and reducing assay (IC0.5 of 209.96 µg/ml). The CS-AgNPs demonstrated encouraging antimicrobial potential against four different pathogenic bacteria and one Candida sp. with inhibition zone diameter ranged between 8.87 and 13.07 mm. Overall, the existing investigation suggested that CS-AgNPs can be an attractive, cost-effective, and environment-friendly candidate for its possible uses in the food, cosmetics, and therapeutic fields.

In the search for novel, natural melanogenesis inhibitors, a new sesquiterpene, inularin, was isolated from the flowers of Inula britannica, and the structure was determined using spectroscopic and chemical methods. The antimelanogenic effects of inularin on B16F10 melanoma cells and zebrafish embryos were evaluated. Inularin dose-dependently reduced melanocyte-stimulating hormone-induced melanin production and L-DOPA oxidation in B16F10 cells. Zebrafish embryos were used to confirm the antimelanogenic activity. Inularin significantly decreased the pigmentation of embryos compared with untreated controls.

In the present study, we investigated the effects of Galla Rhois (GR) on obesity and gene expression. We prepared a GR extract and various solvent fractions and evaluated the degree to which they inhibited adipocyte differentiation and adipogenesis in vitro. Among them, the GR ethyl acetate fraction (GE) had the lowest EC50 for adipocyte differentiation and adipogenesis and thus was selected for in vivo experiments. We induced obesity in C57BL/6 mice by providing them a high-fat diet (HFD). Then, GE (10-40 mg/kg) or orlistat (positive control, 4 mg/kg) was orally administered daily for six weeks. Mean body weights and weight gain were significantly lower in the GE40 group (40 mg/kg of GE) compared with the HFD group (p < 0.05). The most significant changes in serum glucose, total cholesterol, and triglyceride levels were confirmed in the GE40 group (p < 0.05). Epididymal fat was weighed and stained for body fat measurement, and significant differences were recorded from GE10 to GE40 (p < 0.05). Finally, 3T3-L1 pre-adipocytes were treated with GE, and cDNA from these cells was used for microarray analysis and qRT-PCR. Microarray analysis revealed 13 genes up-regulated and 21 genes down-regulated by GE. From the qRT-PCR analysis, we found that GE altered the mRNA expression of eosinophil peroxidase, glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptor, and apolipoprotein B. Based on this study, we suggest that GR could be developed as an anti-obesity therapeutic agent.

Highest third worldwide production of the agricultural product namely rice causes a huge quantity of waste residues especially, rice bran concurrently with rice husk. It fabricates the residual wastes nearly of about 31.9 MMT annually throughout the world and owing to the thermal point of view they are not easily upgradable due to high silica content. Meanwhile, rice bran after extrusion in broilers have been used to extract oil containing free fatty acids (FFAs) (15–30%) such as cis–9–, & cis–12–octadecadienoic and cis–9, cis–12 & cis–15–octadecatrienoic oils. Rice bran fatty oil methyl esters are suitably converted into biodiesel for compression ignition (CI) engines via transesterification path in the presence of Ni/H2 heterogeneous basic catalytical environment along with 4–methoxy–2–hydroxybenzalidene–p–toluidine promoter. Owing to significant viscous and volatile nature drawbacks of potential alternative first and second generation biofuels, there occur some troubles in their long application in CI engines could effectively minimized by such a catalytical pathway. The literature has been found a very little research on this oil as a potential substitute for petro–diesel. Finally, the produced rice bran based biodiesel was analyzed for its appropriateness as a fuel for CI engines. The outcomes explored the characteristics for the biodiesel extracted, under the most promising circumstances are resembling those of the petro–based fuels. The observed yields are high when compared to other enzymatic transesterification and homogeneous catalysis. In addition, in vitro microbial and antioxidant potentialities of RBOB were tested and compared with standard controls. Alternatively, low value by–products for the biodiesel industries like glycerol were also obtained and it gave oil suitable to feed the power generators.

In this study, a green approach by utilizing Acacia nilotica leaves (ANL) extract to produce silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) has been made. The biosynthesized AgNPs displayed surface plasmon resonance (SPR) centered at 430 nm. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and energy-dispersive spectra (EDS) results showed the contribution of phyto-constituents of ANL in the reduction, capping and stabilizing matrix for AgNPs. The AgNPs were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), and high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) revealed the synthesized ANL-AgNPs were crystalline and spherical forms having about ∼20 nm average particle size. ANL-AgNPs exhibited significant antineoplastic efficacy towards SKOV3 ovarian cancer cells (LD50; 66.5 µg/mL) thus could be useful to treat the cancer and to trounce limitations of conventional chemotherapy treatment. The synthesized AgNPs unveiled substantial antioxidant activity represented by common enzyme markers 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) (IC50; 48.4 µg/mL) and 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) (IC50; 55.2 µg/mL) activity. The ANL-AgNPs displayed substantial anti-bacterial activity against human pathogenic bacterial strains and also studied their minimum inhibitory and minimum bactericidal concentration (MIC and MBC) for individual strain. Additionally, the synthesized ANL-AgNPs exhibited colorimetric detection of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) with better selectivity which showed its viability in determining reactive oxygen species in biological and environmental samples. Overall, the ANL-AgNPs could be used in multitasking biomedical applications, including anticancer, antioxidant, and antibacterial potential and also in sensing application.

Background: Cancer remains a major health concern throughout history and is responsible for huge numbers of deaths globally. The sensitivity of cancer cells to anticancer drugs is a crucial factor for developing effective treatments. Methods: Pyrrolo[1,2-a]azepines coupled with benzothiazole and fluorinated aryl thiourea scaffolds have been synthesized, and their potential as cytotoxic agents was investigated against different cancer cell lines such as human ovarian cancer (SK-OV-3), cervical cancer (HeLa), colon adenocarcinoma (HT-29) and non-small-cell lung carcinoma (A549). Cytotoxicity of new compounds was confirmed using SRB assay against non-cancer MDCK cell line. In addition, free radical scavenging activity of new pyrrolo[1,2-a]azepines was examined by adopting DPPH and ABTS assays. Results: The results concluded that the presence and position of fluorine atom(s) on the thiourea unit played a significant role in order to gain anticipated efficacies. Results of the cytotoxic assay against non-cancer MDCK cells showed that these new derivatives are safe to study further. New structures were confirmed using spectral and elemental analyses. Conclusion: Pyrrolo[1,2-a]azepines endowed with a benzothiazole entity and fluorinated aryl thiourea substituents were derived aiming to furnish remarkable antioxidant and anticancer activities. New molecules generated showed interesting biological result correlated with the structure and substituent of the final derivatives. Specifically, numbers and position of fluorine atoms on the thiourea unit influenced the biological profile of the mentioned compounds.

Background Entrepreneurs involved in the commercialization of natural products are currently displaying significant interests in herbal drugs, medicines, and natural product-based herbal products. A broad range of bioactive chemical compounds have been derived from medicinal plants, either in their pure form or as homogenous extracts. As these compounds have broad structural and functional diversities, they offer pharmaceutical companies numerous opportunities for the development of new drug leads. They also represent an excellent source of molecules for the production of food additives, functional foods, nutritional products, and nutraceuticals for the growing number of natural food companies. Scope and approach A number of bioactive compounds, including polyphenols, are present in high concentrations in plant species whereas a number of other important compounds such as saponin are present at very low levels. Several identification, extraction, and isolation techniques are currently used to extract bioactive compounds from plants. However, as these techniques are generally laborious and very expensive, there is an urgent need for new advanced techniques for identification, extraction, and isolation of plant bioactive compounds in quantities sufficient for their potential applications in various sectors. Key findings and conclusions The aim of this review is to collate and present information on the identification, extraction, and isolation of the most widely used bioactive compounds from selected commercial medicinal plants, thereby providing a useful resource for medicinal scientists and pharmaceutical and food-related industries seeking to generate high yields at low cost to meet market requirements.

The effect of cellulosic aerogel treatments used for adsorption of four polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)—benzo[a]anthracene, chrysene, benzo[b]fluoranthene, and benzo[a]pyrene [BaP])—generated during the manufacture of sesame oil was evaluated. In this study, eulalia (Miscanthus sinensis var. purpurascens)-based cellulosic aerogel (adsorbent) was prepared and used high performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection for determination of PAHs in sesame oil. In addition, changes in the sesame oil quality parameters (acid value, peroxide value, color, and fatty acid composition) following cellulosic aerogel treatment were also evaluated. The four PAHs and their total levels decreased in sesame oil samples roasted under different conditions (p &lt, 0.05) following treatment with cellulosic aerogel. In particular, highly carcinogenic BaP was not detected after treatment with cellulosic aerogel. Moreover, there were no noticeable quality changes in the quality parameters between treated and control samples. It was concluded that eulalia-based cellulosic aerogel proved suitable for the reduction of PAHs from sesame oil and can be used as an eco-friendly adsorbent.

In this study, we have introduced newly synthesized substituted benzothiazole based berberine derivatives that have been analyzed for their in vitro and in silico biological properties. The activity towards various kinds of influenza virus strains by employing the cytopathic effect (CPE) and sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay. Several berberine–benzothiazole derivatives (BBDs), such as BBD1, BBD3, BBD4, BBD5, BBD7, and BBD11, demonstrated interesting anti-influenza virus activity on influenza A viruses (A/PR/8/34, A/Vic/3/75) and influenza B viral (B/Lee/40, and B/Maryland/1/59) strain, respectively. Furthermore, by testing neuraminidase activity (NA) with the neuraminidase assay kit, it was identified that BBD7 has potent neuraminidase activity. The molecular docking analysis further suggests that the BBD1–BBD14 compounds’ antiviral activity may be because of interaction with residues of NA, and the same as in oseltamivir.

In recent decades, interest in the Cordyceps genus has amplified due to its immunostimulatory potential. Cordyceps species, its extracts, and bioactive constituents have been related with cytokine production such as interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-a, phagocytosis stimulation of immune cells, nitric oxide production by increasing inducible nitric oxide synthase activity, and stimulation of inflammatory response via mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway. Other pharmacological activities like antioxidant, anti-cancer, antihyperlipidemic, anti-diabetic, anti-fatigue, anti-aging, hypocholesterolemic, hypotensive, vasorelaxation, anti-depressant, aphrodisiac, and kidney protection, has been reported in pre-clinical studies. These biological activities are correlated with the bioactive compounds present in Cordyceps including nucleosides, sterols, flavonoids, cyclic peptides, phenolic, bioxanthracenes, polyketides, and alkaloids, being the cyclic peptides compounds the most studied. An organized review of the existing literature was executed by surveying several databanks like PubMed, Scopus, etc. using keywords like Cordyceps, cordycepin, immune system, immunostimulation, immunomodulatory, pharmacology, anti-cancer, anti-viral, clinical trials, ethnomedicine, pharmacology, phytochemical analysis, and different species names. This review collects and analyzes state-of-the-art about the properties of Cordyceps species along with ethnopharmacological properties, application in food, chemical compounds, extraction of bioactive compounds, and various pharmacological properties with a special focus on the stimulatory properties of immunity. This work was supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) grant funded by the Korea government (MSIT) (No. 2020R1G1A1004667), Republic of Korea.

Grape pomace, a most abundant and renewable wine industry waste product was utilized as a suitable reducing, capping, and stabilizing biomolecules for green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). The physicochemical properties of biosynthesized grape pomace extract (GPE)-AgNPs were duly appraised via UV&ndash, Visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffractometer (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and transmission electron microscopy. The analytical studies revealed that the GPE-AgNPs were well formed and stable in nature. The functional groups of organic molecules of GPE are present on the surface of AgNPs with average NPs diameter in the range of 20&ndash, 35 nm. GPE-AgNPs exhibited significant free radical scavenging activity mainly DPPH radical (IC50, 50.0 &plusmn, 2.25 &mu, g/mL) and ABTS radical (IC50, 38.46 &plusmn, 1.14 &mu, g/mL). Additionally, the synthesized AgNPs showed noticeable inhibition of carbohydrate hydrolyzing enzymes mainly, &alpha, amylase (IC50, 60.2 &plusmn, 2.15 &mu, g/mL) and &alpha, glucosidase (IC50, 62.5 &plusmn, 2.75 &mu, g/mL). The GPE fabricated AgNPs showed noteworthy antibacterial potential against infectious bacteria viz., Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The reaction mechanism of antibacterial activity was studied by measuring the bacterial cell membrane breakage and cytoplasmic contents, mainly, nucleic acid, proteins, and reducing sugar. Therefore, this research attempt illustrated the potential of GPE as a novel source intended for the biosynthesis of AgNPs that may open up new horizons in the field of nanomedicine.

This study quantified eight polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in fishery products. Satisfactory linearity (r > 0.99), recovery (80.00–120.00%), LOD (0.21–0.54 μg/kg), LOQ (0.07–0.18 μg/kg), accuracy (81.00–120.00%), and precision (0.61–15.00%) of 8 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were obtained. The average concentration of PAH8 was 2.13 μg/kg. PAHs concentrations were converted to carcinogenicity of benzo [a]pyrene (BaP) to recalculate the toxic equivalent value (TEQ) of individual PAHs and then divided by age group to evaluate the average exposure to PAHs for the whole population and determine the 95th percentile of exposure from daily intake of fishery products. The exposure amount of PAH8 was 7.18 × 10−4μg-TEQBaP/kg/day. Based on estimated total dietary exposure to PAHs published by WHO/JECFA, the margin of exposure (MOE) of PAH8 was 6.54 × 1010, demonstrating that intake associated with fishery products is negligible. Based on MOE, incremental lifetime cancer risk of total PAHs showed low level of potential risk.

Background Berberine, a quaternary ammonium salt from the protoberberine group of benzylisoquinoline alkaloids has drawn high attention for its several biological potencies. Objective To furnish new rationalized derivatives based on berberine core which can deliver promising antioxidant and cytotoxic activities. Method The N-Mannich base of an isoquinoline alkaloid, berberine, bearing substituted benzothiazole moieties was obtained. Novel synthesized analogues were in vitro screened for antioxidant efficacy toward 2,2-diphenyl- 1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) free radicals and in vitro cytotoxicity towards cervical cancer cell lines (HeLa and CaSki), an ovarian cancer cell line (SK-OV-3) and human renal cancer cell line (Caki-2). Cytotoxicity of the compounds toward normal cell lines was examined using the Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) non-cancer cell line. Results Analogues bearing a methoxy functional group (5e), acid functionality (5c), and a cyano group (5m) showed remarkable radical scavenging potential in DPPH and ABTS bioassays. Potent cytotoxicity exhibited by berberine against the HeLa cell line was attributable to the presence of a 2-aminobenzothaizole moiety (5a) and its 6-chloro congener (5g) on the berberine core, and the 6-cyano group (5m) on the benzothiazole ring revealed strong sensitivity for the CaSki cell line, whereas subjected scaffolds demonstrated diminished activity against the SK-OV-3 cell line. In addition, the compound with a 2-aminobenzothaizole moiety (5a), compound with methoxy functional group (5e) and compound with cyano group appeared with the most significant cytotoxicity effect in Caki-2 cell line. Their structures have been elucidated by FT-IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and elemental analyses (CHN) essential research. Conclusion N-Mannich bases of berberine were efficiently generated utilizing pharmacologically diverse substituted 2-aminobenzothiazole entities and final compounds were found remarkably active in antioxidant and cytotoxic assay. Hence, such types of compounds can be further studied or rationalized in future drug discovery studies.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are carcinogenic and mutagenic compounds that are often formed during the thermal processing of herbal medicine ingredients. In this study, the concentrations of four PAHs (PAH4) in various herbal medicine ingredients were monitored. Further, the QuEChERS method was used to replace conventional pretreatment, a more complex and cumbersome approach. The recovery range of the QuEChERS method ranged between 89.65–118.59%, and the average detection levels of benzo[a]anthracene (BaA), chrysene (CHR), benzo[b]fluoranthene (BbF), and Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) in 50 herbal medicine ingredients were 0.18, 0.27, 1.13, and 0.17 μg/kg, respectively. The BaP and PAH4 levels in all tested samples were deemed safe according to risk characterization analyses based on European Union and Korean guidelines. Therefore, our findings indicated that the QuEChERS method could be used as an effective alternative to conventional sample pretreatment for the analysis of herbal medicine ingredients.

The present study proposes a natural cellulosic adsorbent for removing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) generated during the manufacture of smoked pork sausage. Cellulose aerogels regenerated from three different solutions (NaOH/urea, LiBr, and LiOH/urea) were prepared and evaluated for adsorption of PAHs (benzo[a]anthracene, chrysene, benzo[b]fluoranthene, and benzo[a]pyrene) under different smoking conditions by high-performance liquid chromatography) with fluorescence detection. The quality properties (moisture content, protein content, pH, peroxide value, microbial and sensory properties) of smoked sausages after adsorbent treatment were also noted. All the adsorbents proved suitable for the removal of PAHs. The adsorption efficacy was strongly dependent on the surface structure and pore size distribution of the cellulosic aerogels. Among the three adsorbents, the LiBr-functionalized absorbent displayed the highest adsorptive efficiency for total PAHs, without causing noticeable quality changes in pork sausages. It was concluded that functionalized cellulosic aerogels have prospects as eco-friendly adsorbents that effectively remove PAHs from smoked meat and meat products.

A new series of 7-trifluoromethyl-2-pyridylquinazolin-4(3 H)-one-based acyl thiourea derivatives has been generated and tested for their cytotoxicity towards human ovarian cancer (SK-OV-3), cervical cancer (HeLa), renal cancer (Caki-2) cell lines, as well as noncancerous a human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) line. The new thiourea derivatives were found to be promisingly cytotoxic towards the cancerous cell lines. Changing the substituent at the thiourea linkage led to variations in the cytotoxic potential of the resultant derivatives towards specific cell lines. Molecules with fluorine functionality and multiple pyridyl moieties showed encouraging anticancer effects and could be used as a platform for the design of further chemotherapeutic agents. The proposed structures of the products were ascertained through FTIR, mass, 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectra and elemental analyses.

Process byproducts from the fruit industry may represent a cheap and reliable source of green reducing agents to be used in current bio-nanosynthesis. This study reports the use of orange (Citrus × clementina) peel aqueous extract (OPE) for one-pot green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) with high effectiveness against various microbial pathogens as well as rat glial tumor C6 cells. The effects of various operational parameters on the synthesis of AgNPs were systematically investigated. The morphology, particle size, and properties of synthesized AgNPs were characterized using UV–visible spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy shows that the nanoparticles are mostly spherical in shape and monodispersed, with an average particle size of 15–20 nm. Notably, the OPE-synthesized AgNPs were stable up to 6 months without change in their properties. Low doses of OPE-AgNPs inhibited the growth of human pathogens Escherichia coli, Bacillus cereus, and Staphylococcus aureus. The minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration of AgNPs against selected pathogenic bacteria were determined. OPE-AgNPs exhibited strong antioxidant activity in terms of ABTS (2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)) radical scavenging (IC50 49.6 μg/mL) and DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging (IC50 63.4 μg/mL). OPE-AgNPs showed dose-dependent response against rat glial tumor C6 cells (LD50 60 μg/mL) showing a promising potential as anticancer agents. Overall, the current investigation highlighted a cheap green technology route to synthesize AgNPs using OPE byproducts and could potentially be utilized in biomedical, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industry.

The current investigation highlighted a novel cost-effective green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Argyreia nervosa leaves extract (ANE) as a potential reducing and capping agent. Surface plasmon resonance confirmed the formation of AgNPs with maximum absorbance at λ max = 435 nm. FTIR revealed the involvement of biological macromolecules of ANE in the synthesis and stabilization of AgNPs. HRTEM images showed that the size of the spherical AgNPs ranged between 5 and 40 nm with average particle size of about 15 nm. The ANE-AgNPs showed inhibition activity against carbohydrate digestive enzymes α-amylase and α-glucosidase, with EC50 of 55.5 and 51.7 µg/mL, respectively, indicating its antidiabetic potential. The in vitro antioxidant activity of ANE-AgNPs was evaluated in terms of ABTS (2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) and DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) free radicals scavenging assays with IC50 value of 44.3 and 55.9 µg/mL, respectively. The AgNPs displayed strong antibacterial activity against foodborne bacteria with zone of inhibition 16.0 and 12.5 mm for Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, respectively, and also exhibited strong synergistic antibacterial activity together with standard antibiotics. The biological activity in terms of antioxidant, antidiabetic and antibacterial potential could be useful in various bio-applications such as cosmetics, food, and biomedical industry.

Sesamol is a phenol derivative of sesame oil and a potent anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-hepatotoxic, and anti-aging compound. We investigated the effects of sesamol on the molecular mechanisms of adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. The intracellular lipid accumulation accompanied by increased extracellular release of free glycerol was decreased during differentiation on treating 3T3-L1 with sesamol. Sesamol treatment on 3T3-L1 inhibited adipogenic differentiation by down-regulating adipogenesis-related factors (C/EBPα, PPARγ, and SREBP-1). Lipid accumulation was repressed by decreasing fatty acid synthase and by up-regulating lipolysis-response genes (HSL and LPL). The molecular mechanisms of sesamol-induced inhibition in adipogenesis were mediated by increased levels of phosphorylated adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase and its substrate acetyl-CoA carboxylase. Sesamol treatment, in turn, modulated the different members of the mitogenactivated protein kinase family by suppressing phosphorylation of ERK 1/2 and JNK and by increasing the phosphorylation of p38. In summary, sesamol inhibits adipogenic differentiation by reducing phosphorylation levels of ERK 1/2 and JNK while inducing lipolysis by activating p38 and AMPK. Our results demonstrate that the molecular mechanisms of in vitro anti-obesity effects of sesamol are due to the combined effects of preventing both lipid accumulation and adipogenesis.

Medicinal herbs are one of the imperative sources of drugs all over the world. Star anise (Illicium verum), an evergreen, medium-sized tree with star-shaped fruit, is an important herb with wide distribution throughout southwestern parts of the Asian continent. Besides its use as spice in culinary, star anise is one of the vital ingredients of the Chinese medicinal herbs and is widely known for its antiviral effects. It is also the source of the precursor molecule, shikimic acid, which is used in the manufacture of oseltamivir (Tamiflu®), an antiviral medication for influenza A and influenza B. Besides, several other molecules with numerous biological benefits including the antiviral effects have been reported from the same plant. Except the antiviral potential, star anise possesses a number of other potentials such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, antifungal, anthelmintic, insecticidal, secretolytic, antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, gastroprotective, sedative properties, expectorant and spasmolytic, and estrogenic effects. This review aimed to integrate the information on the customary attributes of the plant star anise with a specific prominence on its antiviral properties and the phytochemical constituents along with its clinical aptness.

Cacao (Theobroma cacao) has a significant polyphenol content and has been reported to elicit anti-obesity effects. Previous studies have focused on the properties of cacao extract and procyanidins, while the potential mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. Here, we investigated the inhibitory effects of procyanidin metabolites on adipogenic cocktail-induced adipogenesis and lipogenesis in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. It was observed that 5-(3′,4′-dihydroxyphenyl)-γ-valerolactone (DHPV), a major procyanidin metabolite, exhibited the greatest inhibitory effects on adipogenesis and lipogenesis. DHPV dose-dependently reduced the expression levels of proteins involved in adipogenesis including peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPAR γ) and CCAT/enhancer-binding protein α (C/EBP α), as well as lipogenesis-related factors such as fatty acid synthase and acetyl-CoA carboxylase. These inhibitory effects were primarily due to G1 phase arrest and the suppression of cell proliferation during mitotic clonal expansion, the early stage of adipogenesis. In an extensive kinase array, DHPV directly suppressed activation of the CDK2/cyclin O complex, and inhibited the phosphorylation of C/EBP β, which is responsible for the induction of PPAR γ and C/EBP α. Taken together, these findings suggest that DHPV is a highly biologically active compound with potential anti-obesity effects and works by inhibiting the intracellular lipid content and cell differentiation.

Red Ginseng is well-known functional food in Asia which is produced by steaming and drying fresh ginseng (Panax ginseng). In the production of red ginseng extract, around 65% of the original material is left over as by-product and discarded. Most studies on ginseng are focused on ginsenosides. Many functional substances other than ginsenoside are found in red ginseng, but they have not been studied and are usually discarded. Acidic polysaccharides, which are functional polysaccharides found in the by-product of red ginseng, can be utilized as excellent high-value-added material. In this study, we developed red ginseng by-product polysaccharides (RGBPs) by applying an enzyme-linked high-pressure process (ELHPP). We have demonstrated the antioxidant, anti-aging, and anti-atopic dermatitis efficacy of ELHPP-RGBPs in this study. In acute oral toxicity and skin irritation tests, ELHPP-RGBPs were found to be very low in toxicity. ELHPP-RGBPs inhibited solar ultraviolet-induced matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) protein through activator protein-1 (AP-1), a major transcription factor for MMP-1. ELHPP-RGBP attenuated DFE-induced AD-like symptoms as assessed by skin lesion analyses, dermatitis score, and skin thickness. Taken together, these results suggest that ELHPP-RGBP may have potential as a nutraceutical ingredient for skin health. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: This paper presents a new method of using ginseng by-product that has not been used and discarded. The use of polysaccharides in ginseng by-product has been shown to prevent skin wrinkles and atopic dermatitis. This is an economical new functional food material.

Two series of sulfonylpiperazines linked [1,3]dioxolo[4,5-g]chromenones were synthesized featuring phenyl (7a-k) and chalcone (12a-k) bridge representing flavones or homoisoflavonoids core. New molecules are synthesized utilizing aldol condensation to inspect as antioxidants against DPPH and ABTS + and antiproliferative agents toward selected human cancer cell lines. Cytotoxicity of new compounds was confirmed using SRB assay against non-cancer MDCK cell line. The results concluded that both individual structures of 7 and 12 were vital for modulating pharmacological potencies and presence of different electron withdrawing and electron donating functional group(s) on the phenylsulfonyl entity yielded varied biological effects. Substituent h (OCF3) and j, k (OCH3) were found to play a crucial role scavenging DPPH and ABTS + as well as inhibiting cancer cell lines SK-OV-3 and HT-29. Moreover, molecules bearing halogen atom(s) such as substituent b-g expressed excellent inhibitory potential against HeLa and A-549 cancerous cell lines. Bioassay data displayed some interesting structure-activity relationships which are discussed in this paper. The results justified that tested derivatives are promising antioxidants and cytotoxic agents and warrant further structural optimization and bioassay studies. Spectroscopic techniques such as FT-IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and elemental analysis (CHN) were carried out to confirm the final structures.

Lignin, is the most abundant, renewable and degradable biopolymer available in the nature. The present study exploited purified lignin from wheat straw as reducing, capping and stabilizing agent for the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (Li-AgNPs) under optimized conditions. The analytical studies revealed synthesized Li-AgNPs having a face centered cubic crystalline structure, size ranging ~15–20 nm and the biomolecules comprising majorly phenolic, hydroxyl and carboxylic group of lignin coated on the surface of AgNPs. Li-AgNPs showed significant antimicrobial efficacy against human pathogens namely; Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli and also determined their minimum inhibitory and minimum bactericidal concentration (MIC and MBC). Li-AgNPs also displayed substantial antioxidant activity in terms of well-known enzyme marker viz.; ABTS and DPPH free radical scavenging assay relative to commercial AgNPs. In vitro cytotoxicity assay of Li-AgNPs demonstrated dose-dependent toxicity effects in SKOV3 ovarian cancer cell line (LD50; 150 μg/mL) indicative of promising anticancer agent. Further, H2O2 sensing ability of stabilized Li-AgNPs exhibited its vital role in determining reactive oxygen species. Synthesis of Li-AgNPs is a cheap green technology and could exhibit its commercial use in biomedical, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industry.

In the food processing environment, Listeria monocytogenes has the ability to persist on the surfaces, resulting in serious safety concerns. This study aimed to determine the anti-biofilm activity of N-Mannich bases of berberine linking piperazine (MBP) against L. monocytogenes. Among the MBPs used in this study, MBP5 and MBP6 (200 μg/mL) showed a significant decrease in the L. monocytogenes biofilm on the surface of polystyrene at low (4 °C) and high (37 °C) temperatures (approximately ≥ 50% reduction). Both MBPs also reduced the L. monocytogenes biofilm on the surface of stainless steel at low and high temperatures (approximately ≥ 1 log CFU/cm2 reduction). According to fluorescence and scanning electron microscopic analyses, both MBPs prevented the clustered and aggregated forms of L. monocytogenes, which are typical biofilm characteristics; thus, suggesting that both MBPs effectively reduced the L. monocytogenes biofilm. In addition, XTT reduction and ATP production clearly showed that the viability of L. monocytogenes was obviously decreased in the presence of MBP5 and MBP6. Collectively, these results suggest that MBP5 and MBP6 might be used as promising anti-biofilm agents to prevent the L. monocytogenes biofilm.

A method has been developed and validated for the determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the electronic liquid/gas (e-liquid/e-gas) of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) and ignitable/non-ignitable smokeless cigarettes by high-performance liquid chromatography-fluorescence detection. The proposed method was further applied to detect the presence of PAHs in 16 commercially available smoking cessation aids. The analytical method for benz [a]anthracene, chrysene, benzo [b]fluoranthene, benzo [k]fluoranthene, benzo [a]pyrene, dibenz [a,h]anthracene, and benzo [g,h,i]perylene (BghiP) was validated in terms of linearity, limit of detection, limit of quantification, recovery (%), accuracy (%), and precision (%). Results showed low levels of PAHs in all samples, except for the non-ignitable cigarettes. In particular, BghiP was detected in e-liquid even though a mixture of food-grade propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin was used, and at least one PAH was present in the e-gas of all e-cigarettes, except for one. From these results, it is necessary to prepare an accurate quantitative analysis method and investigate unexpected hazardous materials generated from smoking cessation aids to prevent health problems and provide the scientific basis for safety management.

A gas freshness indicator consisting of the pH-sensitive dye bromothymol blue-phenol red (BTB-PR) was investigated for visible color changes of fish product quality based on the quantity of volatile amines. Chromaticity values of the gas indicator accurately tracked an increase in the ammonia content in the packaging headspace of fish products, especially skate (Raja kenojei). Gradual color changes of the gas indicator response correlated with the quality of fish including pH values during storage. Ammonia content was evaluated during the fish storage using headspace solid-phase microextraction analysis with gas chromatography-flame ionization detection. The validation results suggested that good linearity (R²=0.99) and recovery of 84.00%. The limits of detection and quantification were 8.70 and 26.30 mg/L, respectively. A pH values of skate and chromaticity of gas indicator were measured and the correlation with ammonia content was evaluated. Results of this study could prove the application of gas indicator as intelligent package for improvement of food safety.

A potential natural melanogenesis inhibitor was discovered in the form of a sesquiterpene isolated from the flowers of Inula britannica, specifically 6-O-isobutyrylbritannilactone (IBL). We evaluated the antimelanogenesis effects of IBL on B16F10 melanocytes and zebrafish embryos. As a result, we found that 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX)-induced melanin production was reduced in a dose-dependent manner in B16F10 cells by IBL. We also analyzed B16F10 cells that were and were not treated with IBMX, investigating the melanin concentration, tyrosinase activity, mRNA levels. We also studied the protein expressions of microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF), tyrosinase, and tyrosinase-related proteins (TRP1, and TRP2). Furthermore, we found that melanin synthesis and tyrosinase expression were also inhibited by IBL through the modulation of the following signaling pathways: ERK, phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT, and CREB. In addition, we studied antimelanogenic activity using zebrafish embryos and found that the embryos had significantly reduced pigmentation in the IBL-treated specimens compared to the untreated controls.

Development of an effective pretreatment method is a vital stage to enhance biomass-based biopolymers production. The present study aims on the pretreatment of wheat waste biomass (WS) with alkaline and in combination with ultrasound (US) treatment to enhance enzymatic saccharification of WS into monomeric sugars. Effects of chemical dosage, substrate loading, US power and US pretreatment time on the pretreatment efficiency were systematically investigated. Under optimized conditions; US + NaOH pretreatment attained maximum 70% delignification of WS, with 84.5% hydrolysis yield, 90% glucose yield and 65% xylose yield after enzymatic hydrolysis (30 FPU/g of dry WS) which is substantially higher than the individual pretreatment. Analytical studies (XRD, FTIR, and SEM) revealed that the combined US + NaOH pretreatment can effectively destroyed the ultrastructure of biomass and improved the accessibility to hydrolyzing enzymes. The resulted enzymatic hydrolysates were utilized as a possible biomass feedstock for polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) production using Ralstonia eutropha. Effects of supplementation of nutrients, stressing agents and initial concentration of US + NaOH pretreated WS hydrolysates (20 to 40 g/L) on PHB production were evaluated. The maximum 74% PHA accumulation, PHB titer of 7.85 g/L and yield of PHB about 0.441 g/g of reducing sugar production was obtained. Analytical characterization and thermal characteristics of extracted biopolymer showed the poperies of standard PHB. The foregoing results suggested the potential of WS as an alternate renewable resource for sustainable biopolymer production and enables WS waste biomass disposal concerns.

Present day rising necessity for rare earth elements (REE) is of great interest for its recovery through processing various waste materials concerning both economic and environmental benefits. The present study investigates the recovery potential of yttrium from fluorescent lamp waste using a hydrometallurgical process. Leaching of metals from the waste was studied by applying acids viz. hydrochloric acid (HCl), nitric acid (HNO3) and sulfuric acid (H2SO4). Influence of various factors (solid:liquid ratio, reaction temperature, reaction time, and acid concentration) were conducted by full factorial design for the recovery of yttrium. Experimental variables such as decomposition, leaching and the oxide preparation were studied and the mechanisms responsible during the progress in each step was systematically investigated. The optimal experimental conditions attained with 40% solid/liquid ratio, at 45 °C in 0.5 h at 150 rpm, with 3N H2SO4 concentration. Whereas, HCl and HNO3 leachants showed poor performance. Leaching process conducted in this study were best suited to ‘ash diffusion control dense constant size-spherical particles model’, which means that the diffusion process through the ash is the rate regulatory step in the leaching process. With increase in the concentration of oxalic acid as precipitating agent, a reduction in the nuclear induction period resulted indicating a higher sedimentation rate and shorter equilibration time. In addition, crystal nucleation rate and crystal growth rate, showed that the reaction velocity of the crystal nucleation ‘p’ is 2.88 and the crystal growth degree and value increases with the increase in the concentration of oxalic acid (n: 0.3437–0.4872). The precipitation rate was improved with the rise in temperature (from 25 °C to 45 °C) while the sedimentation rate was found negligible above 45 °C. This detailed study methodology can be considered as a feasible process thus creating a possibility to treat fluorescent waste lamp powders for various industrial applications.

The current investigation was performed to evaluate the chemical analytical techniques for PAHs (organic, carcinogenic and mutagenic compounds) in food. It also determines the content of eight polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in frequently consumed fruit, vegetables, meats and their products. The methodology included saponification or ultrasonication, liquid-liquid extraction with solvents like n-hexane, clean-up using a silica solid phase extraction cartridge and a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry technique. A good linearity (R2 > 0.99) was achieved for the PAHs at different concentrations. Recovery results for PAHs extended from 88.75 to ∼100.00%. The limit of detection was 0.08–0.25 µg/kg and the limit of quantification was 0.24–0.75 µg/kg. The mean concentration (n = 3) of benzo[a]pyrene was not identified in fruits, was 0.05 µg/kg in vegetables, and 0.64 µg/kg in meat products. Overall concentration of the eight PAHs was 0.67 µg/kg in fruits, 0.82 µg/kg in vegetables, and 3.37 µg/kg in meat products.

In these studies, we analyzed substituted piperazine based berberine analogs conjugated through a pentyloxy side chain for their in vitro and in silico biological effects. All the final analogs were screened for their in vitro antiviral action against a collection of different influenza virus strains using the CPE assay and SRB assay. Moreover, their cytotoxicity towards non-cancer cell lines was examined employing Madin–Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cell lines. The anti-influenza activities of berberine-piperazine derivatives (BPD) were evaluated in the range from 35.16 μg/mL to 90.25 μg/mL of the IC50s along with cytotoxicity level which was observed in the range 44.8 μg/mL to 3890.6 μg/mL of CC50s towards MDCK cells. In an effort to know the mechanism of action of BPD1-BPD23, results of Neuraminidase inhibition assay and Molecular docking studies carried out against neuraminidase as the target enzyme revealed that titled compounds are potential neuraminidase inhibitors that merge to the active site of neuraminidase, with moderate to high binding energy.

Flavonoids are integral components of various vegetation and in foods; consequently, they represent an inevitable part of the diet. Historical and epidemiological proof recommend that diet plans consisting of flavonoids such as quercetin have positive health benefits, especially on the heart. Flavonoids have been proven to be active against hypertension, inflammation, diabetes and vascular diseases. Quercetin exhibits significant heart related benefits as inhibition of LDL oxidation, endothelium-independent vasodilator effects, reduction of adhesion molecules and other inflammatory markers, the protective effect on nitric oxide and endothelial function under conditions of oxidative stress, prevention of neuronal oxidative and inflammatory damage and platelet antiaggregant effects. Searching for experimental evidence to validate the cardioprotective effects of quercetin, we review here the recent detailed in vivo studies. Quercetin and its derivatives lead to an enhancement in heart features, indicating the prospective for quercetin to be used therapeutically in the treatment of cardiac diseases. Several evidence-based studies suggest mechanisms to observe cardiovascular diseases such as aging effects, hypertension, angiotensin-converting enzyme activity and endothelial-dependent and independent functions. Different animal models including human are also used to elucidate the in vivo role of quercetin in cardiovascular diseases. The role of quercetin and its derivatives may go beyond their existence in food and has potential as a lead molecule in drug development programs.

This study focuses on development of calcium peroxide (CaO2) pretreatment that removes major part of lignin but retaining most of sugar components of kenaf core powder (KCP) biomass. In chemical pretreatment, usually higher loss of biomass occurs which was less during this pretreatment strategy. Supplementation of inorganic salts; manganese sulfate (MnSO4) and cobalt chloride (COCl2) in CaO2 pretreatment resulted in maximum delignification of KCP relative to individual CaO2 pretreatment. Maximum glucose yield (98%) and hydrolysis yield (80.5%) was achieved after enzymatic hydrolysis (30 FPU/g of KCP) under optimized conditions. Analytical results proved effective lignin removal and significant destruction of KCP with this pretreatment strategy. Finally, utilization of KCP enzymatic hydrolysates by developed strain Klebsiella pneumoniae KMK05 resulted in maximum 2,3-butanediol (BDO) production (10.42 g/L) and BDO titer (0.385 g/g of sugar). BDO titer achieved with KCP derived sugars were found comparable with the mixture of standard sugars which is notable.

This study was carried out to investigate contents of 8 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from frequently consumed seafood and dairy products and to evaluate their chemical analysis methods. Samples were collected from markets of 9 cities in Korea chosen as the population reference and evaluated. The methodology involved saponification, extraction with n-hexane, clean-up on Sep-Pak silica cartridges and gas chromatograph-mass spectrometry analysis. Validation proceeded on 2 matrices. Recoveries for 8 PAHs ranged from 86.87 to 103.57%. The limit of detection (LOD) 8 PAHs was 0.04~0.20 µg/kg, and limit of quantification (LOQ) of 8 PAHs was 0.12~0.60 µg/kg. The mean concentration of benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) was 0.34 µg/kg from seafood and 0.34 µg/kg from dairy products. The total PAHs concentration was 1.06 µg/kg in seafood and 1.52 µg/kg in dairy products.

The antioxidant activity and oxidative stability of spice extract-added mayonnaise during storage were evaluated. Antioxidant activities of spices were evaluated using DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl) and ABTS (2,2′-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical scavenging activity testing, along with total phenol and total flavonoid contents. Total phenol contents of ethanol extracts from rosemary, oregano, ginger, and black pepper were 19.30, 23.49, 5.97, and 8.85 mg/100 g, respectively. Total flavonoid contents were 12.11, 16.98, 2.19, and 3.58 mg/100 g, respectively. The order of the largest DPPH radical scavenging activities were vitamin C, rosemary, tocopherol, oregano, butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), black pepper, and ginger. Ethanol spice extracts were effective DPPH and ABTS radical scavengers, with volatile compound formation. Antioxidant activity testing showed a relationship between antioxidant activities, and total phenolic and flavonoid contents.

The effects of sesame oil (SO) on lipogenic gene expression and lipid metabolism were observed. One percent of SO was added into the high-fat diet (HFD) used to feed C57BL/6 male mice for 8 weeks. SO significantly lowered adipose tissue mass than that of the high-fat control group. In addition, serum and hepatic lipid contents were markedly lower than those of the high-fat control group. Especially, the ratio of HDL/LDL was much higher than that of the HFD group. The gene expression of key lipogenic enzymes, Ppar-γ, Srebp-1c, Scd-1, Fas, Acc, Lpl, and malic enzyme, was significantly downregulated in the liver and adipose tissue of mice fed sesame oil. This study suggests that high proportion of oleic acid in SO might be strongly associated with lowering serum and hepatic lipid profile and suppressing lipogenic gene expression.

Mercury is a well-known environmental pollutant that can cause nephropathic diseases, including acute kidney injury (AKI). Although quercetin (QC), a natural flavonoid, has been reported to have medicinal properties, its potential protective effects against mercury-induced AKI have not been evaluated. In this study, the protective effect of QC against mercury-induced AKI was investigated using biochemical parameters, new protein-based urinary biomarkers, and a histopathological approach. A 250 mg/kg dose of QC was administered orally to Sprague-Dawley male rats for 3 days before administration of mercury chloride (HgCl2). All animals were sacrificed at 24 h after HgCl2 treatment, and biomarkers associated with nephrotoxicity were measured. Our data showed that QC absolutely prevented HgCl2-induced AKI, as indicated by biochemical parameters such as blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine (sCr). In particular, QC markedly decreased the accumulation of Hg in the kidney. Urinary excretion of protein-based biomarkers, including clusterin, kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 1 (TIMP-1), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in response to HgCl2 administration were significantly decreased by QC pretreatment relative to that in the HgCl2-treated group. Furthermore, urinary excretion of metallothionein and Hg were significantly elevated by QC pretreatment. Histopathological examination indicated that QC protected against HgCl2-induced proximal tubular damage in the kidney. A TUNEL assay indicated that QC pretreatment significantly reduced apoptotic cell death in the kidney. The administration of QC provided significant protective effects against mercury-induced AKI.

Chemical properties of perilla oils under a variety of roasting conditions were evaluated. Roasting was performed in a hot-air roaster, with inlet air temperatures of 150–240 °C. The major fatty acid contents in perilla oil were α-linolenic, oleic, and linoleic acid. Trans-fatty acid content was 0.10–0.31 % from perilla oil under different roasting conditions. Maillard reaction products increased significantly from perilla oils exposed to higher temperatures for longer times. In particular, 2-methylpyrazine and 2,5-dimethylpyrazine were highest in the P210/30 (roasting temp. 210 °C, roasting time 30 min) and P210/30 treatments, respectively. Total benzo[a]pyrene of 0.21 µg/kg was detected in perilla oil under different roasting conditions. Evaluation of radical scavenging activity revealed that antioxidant function of perilla oil was promoted by increasing the roasting temperature of perilla seeds. As roasting temperature and time increased, the oxidative stability of perilla oils increased. The average iodine value of perilla oil under different roasting conditions was 154.23. Oxidation stability increased in the P240/20 group.

Exposure and risk assessment was performed by evaluating levels of volatile organic compounds (VOC) benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX) in 207 consumer products. The products were categorized into 30 different items, consisting of products of different brands. Samples were analyzed for BTEX by headspace-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (headspace-GC/MS) with limit of detection (LOD) of 1 ppm. BTEX were detected in 59 consumer products from 18 item types. Benzene was detected in whiteout (ranging from not detected [ND] to 3170 ppm), glue (1486 ppm), oil-based ballpoint pens (47 ppm), and permanent (marking) pens (2 ppm). Toluene was detected in a leather cleaning product (6071 ppm), glue (5078 ppm), whiteout (1130 ppm), self-adhesive wallpaper (15-1012 ppm), shoe polish (806 ppm), permanent pen (609 ppm), wig adhesive (372 ppm), tapes (2-360 ppm), oil-based ballpoint pen (201 ppm), duplex wallpaper (12-52 ppm), shoes (27 ppm), and air freshener (13 ppm). High levels of ethylbenzene were detected in permanent pen (ND-345,065 ppm), shoe polish (ND-277,928 ppm), leather cleaner (42,223 ppm), whiteout (ND-2,770 ppm), and glue (ND-792 ppm). Xylene was detected in permanent pen (ND-285,132 ppm), shoe polish (ND-87,298 ppm), leather cleaner (12,266 ppm), glue (ND-3,124 ppm), and whiteout (ND-1,400 ppm). Exposure assessment showed that the exposure to ethylbenzene from permanent pens ranged from 0 to 3.11 mg/kg/d (men) and 0 to 3.75 mg/kg/d (women), while for xylene, the exposure ranges were 0-2.57 mg/kg/d and 0-3.1 mg/kg/d in men and women, respectively. The exposure of women to benzene from whiteout ranged from 0 to 0.00059 mg/kg/d. Hazard index (HI), defined as a ratio of exposure to reference dose (RfD), for ethylbenzene was 31.1 (3.11 mg/kg/d/0.1 mg/kg/d) and for xylene (2.57 mg/kg/d/0.2 mg/kg/d) was 12.85, exceeding 1 for both compounds. Cancer risk for benzene was calculated to be 3.2 × 10(-5) based on (0.00059 mg/kg/d × 0.055 mg/kg-d(-1), cancer potency factor), assuming that 100% of detected levels in some products such as permanent pens and whiteouts were exposed in a worst-case scenario. These data suggest that exposure to VOC via some consumer products exceeded the safe limits and needs to be reduced.

Gradual accumulation of the fishy-odor compound trimethylamine (TMA) from bacterial reduction of trimethylamine oxide (TMAO) is one of the characteristic chemical changes attributed to fish spoilage. Changes in TMA values were correlated with sensory testing results, storage temperature, storage time, and viable bacteria counts. TMA contents were determined under different storage conditions. Headspace solid-phase micro extraction analysis with gas chromatography using flame ionization detection was used with different storage times and temperatures. Mackerel samples were inoculated with Pseudomonas fragi to monitor changes in the TMA content and pH. The TMA content increased proportionally with time during storage, and pH values and the microbiological quality were evaluated to analyze correlations with the TMA content in fish products. The TMA content increased with an increasing number of P. fragi with good linearity (R2=0.997). Basic data are provided for developing a freshness indicator for fish spoilage.

A freshness indicator consisting of a polymer matrix solution containing the pH-sensitive dye bromocresol green was investigated for monitoring visible color changes of fish spoilage volatile compounds based on the quantity of volatile amines. Mackerel fillets were inoculated with Pseudomonas fragi and stored in incubators at 5, 12, 18, and 25°C. Chromaticity values of the freshness indicator accurately tracked an increase in the trimethylamine content in the packaging headspace. Gradual color changes of the freshness indicator response correlated with the quality of fish, including growth of P. fragi and pH values during storage. Results will be useful to establish a basis for development of a freshness indicator and to determine the suitability of freshness indicator formulations for intelligent food packaging applications.

Contents and human exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in fish and meat products in Korea were analyzed. Liquid-liquid extraction and HPLC with fluorescence detection were used. The average concentrations of total PAHs were 0.21 μg/kg for fish and shellfish, 1.97 μg/kg for meat, and 0.32 μg/kg for smoked products. The benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) content was

The contents of eight polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), including benzo[a]anthracene, chrysene, benzo[b]fluoranthene, benzo[k]fluoranthene, benzo[a]pyrene, dibenzo[a,h]anthracene, benzo[g,h,i]perylene], and indeno[1,2,3-c,d]pyrene were analyzed in 152 infant formulas in Korea as a risk assessment. To measure the eight PAHs, all infant formulas were randomly acquired from a supermarket or website. The 152 infant formulas were divided into three categories such as infant formula, follow-up formula, and special formula. The contents of eight PAHs were determined in the infant formulas by saponification, liquid-liquid extraction, purification, and high performance liquid chromatography with fluorescent detection. The concentrations of the eight PAHs varied from 0.088 to 0.181 μg/kg. In addition, the benzo[a]pyrene content in all samples was

Chrysin-based sulfonylpiperazines 7a-k were synthesized and investigated for their in vitro free radical scavenging potential as well as cytotoxic efficacies against selected cancer cell lines. Cytotoxicity of the new compounds toward noncancer cells was confirmed using the SRB assay against Madin-Darby Canine Kidney cells. Reaction of piperazine with different substituted benzenesulfonyl chlorides in triethylamine furnished sulfonylpiperazines (3a-k), which were then allowed to react with 7-(4-bromobutoxy)-5-hydroxy-2-phenyl-4H-chromen-4-one (6) prepared reacting chrysin with 1,4-dibromobutane to give the final derivatives 7a-k. The results concluded that chrysin-sulfonylpiperazines exerted better antioxidant and anticancer efficacies than previously studied chrysin-piperazine precursors. For example, compounds 7h, 7j, and 7k with 4-OCF3 , 4-OCH3 , and 2,4-diOCH3 groups exhibited the best antioxidant potential against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) radicals. Moreover, halogenated analogues (7b, 7c, 7g, and 7h) demonstrated promising anticancer potential against SK-OV3, HeLa, and HT-29 cell lines, whereas those bearing a methoxy functional group (7j and 7k) had beneficial effects against the cell lines A-549 and HT-29. Thus, it can be confirmed from the bioassay results that the overall structural design as well as proper substitution is crucial to deliver the anticipated biological effects. Spectroscopic techniques such as FT-IR, 1 H NMR, 13 C NMR, mass and elemental analysis (CHN) were carried out to confirm the final structures.

2-Amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (PhIP) is a major heterocyclic amine that belongs to a class of mutagens found in foods. In this study, the inhibitory effect of food constituents on PhIP formation and its kinetics were evaluated in a model system. Adding 6 antioxidants and 4 sugars resulted in a concentrationdependent inhibition effect on PhIP formation. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) (1,000 mg/L) inhibited (99.2%) of PhIP and was selected as an additive in a kinetic study. Inhibition of PhIP formation by EGCG decreased slightly with increased heating time. The rate constants and activation energy of PhIP formation increased when EGCG was added to the model system. This study has provided information for understanding the inhibition mechanisms of PhIP formation in a model system.

The influence of important precursors (amino acids and sugars) and heating conditions on the formation of 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo [4,5-b] pyridine (PhIP), an abundant heterocyclic amine compound, and its formation kinetics were evaluated in a chemical model system. Phenylalanine containing α-amino propenoic acid (NH2CH2CHCOOH) may be involved in PhIP formation whereas glycine is not. Adding different amounts of 4 sugars (glucose, galactose, fructose, and ribose) resulted in significant differences (p