Search Results (410)

Emerging and persistent contaminants (EPCs) were detected at high concentrations in Chiang Mai’s Mae Kha Canal, identifying urban waterways as important sources of pollution in the Ping River system in northern Thailand. Maximum levels of metformin (20,000 ng/L), fexofenadine (15,900 ng/L), gabapentin (12,300 ng/L), sucralose (38,000 ng/L), and acesulfame (23,000 ng/L) point to inadequately treated wastewater as a plausible contributor. Downstream enrichment patterns relative to upstream sites highlight the cumulative impact of urban runoff. Five compounds—acesulfame, gemfibrozil, fexofenadine, TBEP, and caffeine—consistently emerged as reliable tracers of urban wastewater, forming a distinct chemical fingerprint of the riverine exposome. Median EPC concentrations were highest in Mae Kha, lower in other urban canals, and declined with distance from the city, reflecting spatial gradients in urban density and pollution intensity. Although most detected concentrations fell below predicted no-effect thresholds, ibuprofen frequently approached or exceeded ecotoxicological benchmarks and may represent a compound of ecological concern. Non-targeted analysis revealed a broader “chemical cocktail” of unregulated substances—illustrating a witches’ brew of pollution that likely escapes standard monitoring efforts. These findings demonstrate the utility of wide-scope surveillance for identifying key compounds, contamination hotspots, and spatial gradients in mixed-use watersheds. They also highlight the need for integrated, long-term monitoring strategies that address diffuse, compound mixtures to safeguard freshwater ecosystems in rapidly urbanizing regions. Full article

Background/Objectives: Most snakebite incidents in Latin America are caused by species of the Bothrops genus. Their venom induces severe local effects, against which antivenom therapy has limited efficacy. Metabolites derived from Coffea arabica have demonstrated anti-inflammatory and anticoagulant properties, suggesting their potential as therapeutic agents to inhibit the local effects induced by B. asper venom. Methods: Three enzymatic assays were performed: inhibition of the procoagulant and amidolytic activities of snake venom serine proteinases (SVSPs); inhibition of the proteolytic activity of snake venom metalloproteinases (SVMPs); and inhibition of the catalytic activity of snake venom phospholipases A₂ (PLA_2s). Additionally, molecular docking studies were conducted to propose potential inhibitory mechanisms of the metabolites chlorogenic acid, caffeine, and caffeic acid. Results: Green and roasted coffee extracts partially inhibited the enzymatic activity of SVSPs and SVMPs. Notably, the green coffee extract, at a 1:20 ratio, effectively inhibited PLA₂ activity. Among the individual metabolites tested, partial inhibition of SVSP and PLA₂ activities was observed, whereas no significant inhibition of SVMP proteolytic activity was detected. Chlorogenic acid was the most effective metabolite, significantly prolonging plasma coagulation time and achieving up to 82% inhibition at a concentration of 62.5 μM. Molecular docking analysis revealed interactions between chlorogenic acid and key active site residues of SVSP and PLA₂ enzymes from B. asper venom. Conclusions: The roasted coffee extract demonstrated the highest inhibitory effect on venom toxins, potentially due to the formation of bioactive compounds during the Maillard reaction. Molecular modeling suggests that the tested inhibitors may bind to and occupy the substrate-binding clefts of the target enzymes. These findings support further in vivo research to explore the use of plant-derived polyphenols as adjuvant therapies in the treatment of snakebite envenoming. Full article

Nonspecific toxicity to normal and malignant cells restricts the clinical utility of many anticancer drugs. In particular, anemia in cancer patients develops due to drug-induced toxicity to red blood cells (RBCs). The anticancer alkaloid, cepharanthine (CEP), elicits distinct forms of cell death including apoptosis and autophagy, but its cytotoxicity to RBCs has not been investigated. Colorimetric and fluorometric techniques were used to assess eryptosis and hemolysis in control and CEP-treated RBCs. Cells were labeled with Fluo4/AM and annexin-V-FITC to measure Ca²⁺ and phosphatidylserine (PS) exposure, respectively. Forward scatter (FSC) was detected to estimate cell size, and extracellular hemoglobin along with lactate dehydrogenase and aspartate transaminase activities were assayed to quantify hemolysis. Physiological manipulation of the extracellular milieu and various signaling inhibitors were tested to dissect the underlying mechanisms of CEP-induced RBC death. CEP increased PS exposure and hemolysis indices and decreased FSC in a concentration-dependent manner with prominent membrane blebbing. Although no Ca²⁺ elevation was detected, chelation of intracellular Ca²⁺ by BAPTA-AM reduced hemolysis. Whereas SB203580, D4476, acetylsalicylic acid, necrosulfonamide, and melatonin inhibited both PS exposure and hemolysis, staurosporin, L-NAME, ascorbate, caffeine, adenine, and guanosine only prevented hemolysis. Interestingly, sucrose had a unique dual effect by exacerbating PS exposure and reversing hemolysis. Of note, blocking KCl efflux augmented PS exposure while aggravating hemolysis only under Ca²⁺-depleted conditions. CEP activates Ca²⁺-independent pathways to promote eryptosis and hemolysis. The complex cytotoxic profile of CEP can be mitigated by targeting the identified modulatory pathways to potentiate its anticancer efficacy. Full article

Background: Energy drinks (EDs) are non-alcoholic, functional beverages sold worldwide in more than 165 countries. These products are very popular and often consumed by children, teenagers, and young adults to improve physical performance, reduce drowsiness, and improve memory and concentration with increased intellectual effort. However, their consumption is associated with an increased risk of various health consequences. Objectives: The purpose of this non-systematic review was to discuss the components of EDs and their effects, summarize the AEs reported in the literature associated with the consumption of EDs, and briefly characterize the possible ED-related drug interactions. Methods: Scientific evidence was extracted by searching the databases PubMed and Google Scholar. In addition, the reference lists of the retrieved papers were reviewed and cross-referenced to reveal additional relevant scientific evidence. Results: The most common ingredients in EDs are caffeine, taurine, glucuronolactone, B vitamins, the vitamin-like compound inositol, and sweeteners (sugar, fructose, glucose–fructose syrup or artificial sweeteners). Although it is difficult to conclusively prove a cause-and-effect relationship between the consumption of EDs and the observed pathophysiological abnormalities, most scientific evidence (mostly clinical case reports) indicates that both occasional and especially chronic use of EDs is associated with the occurrence of numerous adverse effects (AEs). Among these, the best documented AEs are those on the cardiovascular system. It should also be noted that the components of EDs (primarily caffeine) may have drug interactions; therefore, EDs may be an important factor influencing the safety of pharmacotherapy in patients consuming EDs. Conclusions: Consuming energy drinks lead to various health problems and may interfere with pharmacotherapy due to the potential development of drug interactions. Due to the widespread availability of EDs, their suggestive advertising aimed at the youngest customers, and ambiguous regulations, new legislative policies are required to limit the widespread consumption of such products and their negative health effects. Full article

Coffee kombucha beverages were developed by fermenting various coffee substrates, including instant coffee (I), coffee brews of ground coffee beans (G), and additional spent coffee added ground coffee (GSC) using either SCOBY (S) or Lactiplantibacillus plantarum ELB90 (L), or a combination of both (SL). The combined SL inoculation did not synergistically enhance the growth of acetic and lactic acid bacteria, nor did it increase the acetic and lactic acid concentrations or improve retention of caffeoylquinic acids (CQA) compared to non-fermented controls stored for the incubation period (7 days). Samples fermented with L better preserved the total CQAs during incubation, notably increasing 3-CQA and 4-CQA in L-fermented G and GSC samples by up to 40%, whereas 5-CQA showed a slight decrease (up to 8%) in L-fermented G and GSC samples. After one week, all fermented samples maintained stable levels of 3-CQA compared to the non-fermented SCG control, with significantly elevated 4-CQA. Caffeic acid was detected only in the bound fraction of beans, exhibiting similar concentrations in both fermented and non-fermented samples. SL-fermented coffees showed significant reductions in caffeine contents, except for I coffee substrate, and spent coffee grounds (SCG) filtered from the SL-fermented sample also had significantly lower caffeine content. Panelists preferred coffee kombucha beverages inoculated with S over those fermented with L, which were rated least appealing. The study concludes that fermentation with specific inoculation cultures could mitigate the degradation of coffee phenolic compounds during storage and facilitate the production of beverages with lower caffeine content, potentially enhancing both functional properties and consumer acceptability. Full article

The integration of computational intelligence techniques into pharmaceutical wastewater treatment offers promising opportunities to improve process efficiency and minimize operational costs. This study compares the predictive capabilities of Response Surface Methodology (RSM) and Artificial Neural Network (ANN) models in forecasting the rejection efficiencies of caffeine and paracetamol using AFC 40 and AFC 80 nanofiltration (NF) membranes. Experiments were conducted under varying operating conditions, including transmembrane pressure, feed concentration, and flow rate. The predictive performance of both models was evaluated using statistical metrics such as the Coefficient of Determination (R²), Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), Marquardt’s Percentage Squared Error Deviation (MPSED), Hybrid fractional error function (HYBRID), and Average Absolute Deviation (AAD). Both models demonstrated strong predictive accuracy, with R² values of 0.9867 and 0.9832 for RSM and ANN, respectively, in AFC 40 membranes, and 0.9769 and 0.9922 in AFC 80 membranes. While both approaches closely matched the experimental results, the ANN model consistently yielded lower error values and higher R² values, indicating superior predictive performance. These findings support the application of ANNs as a robust modelling tool in optimizing NF membrane processes for pharmaceutical removal. Full article

Dietary bitter compounds such as caffeine have the potential to reduce backfat in pigs. However, the use of caffeine as a feed additive has restrictions in many countries. It was hypothesised that grape seed and gentian plant extracts (GG) could replace caffeine in feed due to their bitterness and antiadipogenic effects. The effect of caffeine (0.5 g/kg), GG (2 g/kg) alone or in combination with caffeine (BM) at increasing concentrations (0.5, 1, 1.5, or 2 g/kg) on feed efficiency, carcass, and meat quality was assessed in finishing pigs (Large White × Landrace). Growth performance and carcass traits were evaluated at a pen level (n = 14). Loins (longissimus thoracis) were removed from eight pig/treatment at the abattoir to assess drip loss, lightness (L*), redness (a*), yellowness (b*), chroma (C*), hue angle (h°), pH, cook loss, and shear force. A linear increase (p < 0.05) in loin a*, b*, and C* values and a linear decrease (p < 0.05) in ADFI, ADG, backfat, dressing percentage, and HSCW were observed with increasing BM levels. At 1.5 g/kg, BM increased the loins a* (p < 0.05), b* (p < 0.05) and C* values (p < 0.05) compared to the control. Twenty-two proteins related to energy metabolism and myofibril assembly were identified to be upregulated (FDR < 0.05) in BM vs. control loins. In conclusion, GG could be used in combination with low doses of caffeine to modulate appetite and carcass leanness and improve pork colour. Full article

Bingdao ancient tree tea (BATT), a type of raw Pu-erh tea, is renowned for its brewing durability, characterized by a unique aroma and flavor. To explore the dynamic changes in infusion quality and the impact of multiple steeping process, BATT was brewed 14 times, and its sensory attributes, infusion color, and chemical composition were assessed across different brewing intervals. The color of the tea infusion remained relatively stable throughout the brewing process. Sensory evaluation indicated that BATT exhibited optimal sensory quality between the third and seventh infusions. While the leaching of polyphenols showed minimal variation across brews, the concentrations of ester-catechins, non-ester catechins, free amino acids, and caffeine after the seventh brewing decreased by 28.82%, 21.83%, 28.86%, and 40.37%, respectively. Our results indicated that higher concentrations of flavor compounds in the BATT infusion appeared between the fourth and seventh brews. This study provides a theoretical basis for understanding the brewing characteristics of BATT. Full article

Background: Method quantification limits are typically determined by measuring variability at blank level only, without accounting for the uncertainties associated with the parameters of the calibration function applied. Methods: A method for the determination of artificial sweeteners and caffeine in soft drinks was validated. The effect of chosen regression function on quantification limits was assessed, considering both trueness and precision. Results: The validated method exhibited heteroscedasticity for all analytes, which is common in experimental methods. A linear response was observed within the working range for sweeteners, while a quadratic regression was required for caffeine. Due to the heteroscedasticity nature of the responses, weighted regressions were necessary to obtain the lowest method quantification limits, allowing for accurate (i.e., unbiased and precise) estimates at the lower end of the calibration range. Under weighted conditions, the regression equations obtained, with an upper range set at 600 mg·L⁻¹, were as follows: y = 3.9 + 58.9x for acesulfame K; y = 0.8 + 185.1x for saccharin; y = 3.5 + 43.3x for aspartame, and y = −7 + 159x − 0.242x² for caffeine. The method quantification limits determined using weighted regressions were 2 mg·L⁻¹ for each analyte, whereas these limits increased to 20 mg·L⁻¹ when non-weighted regressions were applied. Conclusions: The choice of regression function for transforming instrumental signals into analyte concentrations significantly affects the determination of quantification limits, owing to the inherent heteroscedasticity of analytical and bioanalytical calibrations. Weighted regressions are essential for producing accurate estimates at lower concentration levels. Applying weighted regression in the context of heteroscedastic calibrations can lead to quantification limits that are more than 10 times lower than unweighted approaches. Full article

Shallow lakes are highly vulnerable to pollution due to their small water volume. Those that receive effluent from the drainfields of onsite wastewater treatment systems (septic tanks) may contain pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) that escaped removal during treatment. This study examined the effects of seasonal rainfall variability on the assemblages and concentrations of fourteen PPCPs in two shallow lakes in West–Central Florida, USA: one surrounded by residents equipped with septic tanks and the other located within a nature preserve. Water samples were collected weekly during an 18-week interval from April to August 2021. Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry analyses revealed the omnipresence of five PPCPs: theophylline, caffeine, cotinine, DEET, and testosterone, although acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and sulfamethoxazole were also common. Of all the PPCPs detected, theophylline, DEET, and acetaminophen concentrations were higher during the wet season in the septic tank-influenced lake, while caffeine, cotinine, and testosterone concentrations decreased. In the lake located in the nature preserve, theophylline, caffeine, and acetaminophen levels increased in the wet season. In contrast, cotinine, DEET, and testosterone levels decreased. Overall, more compounds were detected during the wet season, with highly hydrophobic PPCPs (fluoxetine, atorvastatin, and octocrylene) only present during this period. Full article

The functional properties of coffee are mainly attributed to bioactive compounds, primarily caffeine and polyphenols. Their quantitative and qualitative profile depends on many factors, including the roasting process. The study aimed to assess the effect of different roasting conditions on the caffeine content and polyphenol composition of the Ethiopian variety Coffea arabica L. (from two regions: Sidama and Jimma). In total, 21 bioactive compounds were identified, including caffeine, 14 phenolic acids, 3 flavonoid glycosides, and 3 flavonoids. It was found that chlorogenic acid had the highest concentration of all phenolic compounds in the Jimma and Sidama varieties, regardless of the degree of roasting. Studies have shown that the initial stage of coffee roasting (light roast) affects chlorogenic acid content—its level increases compared to green coffee, but then decreases in subsequent roasting stages (medium and dark roast). In contrast, the concentration of caffeic acid decreases during the light roast stage, while it increases during the medium and dark roast stages. The Sidama variety contains more caffeine than the Jimma variety. Full article

This study investigated the impact of enzyme treatment on the physicochemical parameters and volatile and bioactive composition of Arabica coffee beans during self-induced anaerobic fermentation (SIAF). The physicochemical parameters of the beans treated with the enzyme solution were monitored over a 120 h fermentation period. The results showed that increasing enzyme concentration reduced the levels of reducing sugars and phenolic compounds, leading to decrease in antioxidant activity. Pectin lyase activity was highest in beans treated with 10 U.·mL⁻¹, while polygalacturonase activity fluctuated throughout fermentation. The highest caffeine content (722.09 ± 3.7 mg·100g⁻¹) was found in beans treated with 5 U.mL⁻¹ after 72 h of fermentation. In contrast, trigonelline (1028.75 ± 31.4 mg·100g⁻¹) and 5-O-caffeoylquinic acid (5CQA) (423.46 ± 40.3 mg·100g⁻¹) were more prominent in unfermented beans. Volatile formation showed a positive correlation with enzyme concentration, with beans treated with 10 U·mL⁻¹ exhibiting a more diverse volatile profile in the first 24 h. These findings suggest that enzymatic treatment modulates coffee’s volatile and bioactive composition, enhancing levels of aromatic compounds that are directly linked to the sensory quality of the coffee beverage. Full article

The work aimed to investigate the presence of pharmaceutical compounds from the anti-inflammatory class in seawater from the Romanian Black Sea coast and to assess the ecological risk of these substances on the most sensitive organisms. Using the solid-phase extraction technique (SPE) followed by liquid chromatography separation and mass spectrometry detection (LC-MS/MS) of the compounds, the concentrations of these contaminants in selected seawater samples were determined. Ibuprofen was the most commonly detected compound with a frequency of 42.9%, followed by ketoprofen at 31.0.%, diclofenac at 23.8%, and naproxen at 21.4%. The maximum concentrations of pharmaceutical products varied between 13.4 ng/L ketoprofen and 13,575 ng/L caffeine. The order of decreasing maximum concentrations of pharmaceutical compounds in the water of the Black Sea was CAF > IBU > NAP > DIC > KET. The dominant and ubiquitous compound that was determined with the maximum concentration values was caffeine. Strong correlations were observed between three compounds (naproxen: diclofenac, diclofenac: ketoprofen) suggesting the same pollution source. Through the ecological risk assessment, it was observed that both caffeine and ibuprofen can generate high ecological risks for some echinoderms, crustaceans, and fish. Full article

The Amazon region’s rich biodiversity supports a bioindustry model that utilizes various biological assets from different plant species, and where it will add value to existing production chains, starting to supply bio industrialized products and not just primary products. Guarana (Paullinia cupana) is rich in bioactive compounds that interest the food and pharmaceutical industries. Thus, the main objective of this review is to present ways to add value to the guarana production chain by developing bioproducts using the residues generated in its processing. During processing, various residues are generated, as follows: peel (corresponding to 30% of the total mass of the fruit), and pulp (aryl), shell, and spent seeds, which have potential for application according to their characteristics. These residues were used to obtain bioactive compounds (catechins, theobromine, and caffeine) through different types of extraction (conventional, enzymatic, and pressurized liquid), and, subsequently, encapsulation. They were also applied in biodegradable and active packaging. Due to the high hemicellulose concentration, residual guarana seeds’ characteristics could potentially produce xylooligosaccharides (XOS). Therefore, the concept of biorefinery applied within the guarana production chain provides products that can be studied in the future to determine which processes are viable for expanding and valuing the productive chain of this fruit, in addition to strengthening sustainable development in the Amazon. Full article

Background/Objectives: 7-Methylxanthine (7-MX) is a naturally occurring metabolite of caffeine and theobromine that can inhibit the crystallization of monosodium urate (MSU) and may be useful for the prevention or treatment of gout. However, the pharmacokinetics and ex vivo activity of 7-MX remain poorly characterized. Methods: The present study assessed the pharmacokinetics of 7-MX in Sprague Dawley rats following a single oral dose (30 mg/kg), and the ex vivo inhibition of MSU crystallization by 7-MX in rat plasma after the repeated administration of oral 7-MX. Results: The pharmacokinetic analysis showed that 7-MX reached peak plasma concentration (C_max ≈ 30 µM) at 30 min after administration (t_max), the terminal half-life was approximately 1.4 h, and there was no evidence of accumulation after repeated daily dosing. After repeated administration, the relationship between dose (30 or 60 mg/kg) and plasma concentration was proportional. In vitro and ex vivo crystallization assays demonstrated that 7-MX inhibited MSU crystallization in a concentration-dependent manner. The in vitro studies showed that 100 µM 7-MX inhibited up to 74% of MSU crystallization under supersaturated conditions (400 mg/L urate). The ex vivo experiments indicated that plasma from rats that received 30 or 60 mg/kg of 7-MX had 41.4% and 52.6% inhibition of crystallization, consistent with the measured plasma concentrations. Conclusions: These findings confirm that oral administration of 7-MX to rats led to a plasma level that was sufficient to decrease MSU crystallization in plasma, and there were no observable toxicities. These results support the potential of 7-MX as a safe oral treatment for gout, especially in combination with urate-lowering therapies, such as allopurinol. Further clinical investigations are warranted to confirm the therapeutic potential of 7-MX in humans. Full article