Search Results (145)

The genus Terminalia has a long history of use in traditional medicine to treat various diseases, including bacterial infections. We previously reported a metabolomic analysis using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry of selected Australian Terminalia spp. and highlighted numerous flavonoids that may contribute to the antimicrobial activities of those plants. This study examines the antibacterial activities of fifteen flavonoids found in Terminalia spp. against a range of gastrointestinal pathogens using broth dilution assays. Flavonoids were also combined with six different classes of conventional antibiotics to investigate interactions. The efflux pump inhibitory activity of the flavonoid was evaluated using ethidium bromide accumulation and efflux assays. Toxicities were assessed via human dermal fibroblast cell line assays. Fisetin, hispidulin, isoorientin, orientin, rutin, and vitexin showed noteworthy growth inhibitory activity (MIC values 62.5–250 µg/mL). Isoorientin and orientin were most potent against Bacillus cereus and Alcaligenes faecalis, displaying MIC values of 62.5 µg/mL against both bacteria. All flavonoids except genistein, isorhamnetin, kaempferol, luteolin, taxifolin, and vitexin were nontoxic in human dermal fibroblast (HDF) cell proliferation assays. When individual flavonoids were combined with selected antibiotics, some potentiated the activity of these antibiotics. Two synergistic, eighteen additive and thirty-one non-interactive interactions were observed. The synergistic interactions were all observed in combination with orientin. Notably, orientin exhibited efflux pump inhibitory effects at concentrations from 15.26 µg/mL to 125 µg/mL. The findings reported herein indicate that the selected flavonoids have the potential for addressing bacterial antibiotic resistance and highlight the need for further study. Full article

Capparis spinosa is an edible plant with a long history in the Mediterranean region since antiquity. Its flower buds and leaves are mostly consumed salted or fermented (in vinegar) and are rarely eaten raw or dried. For the first time, caper samples subjected to different preservation processes (dried, salted, and desalted) were studied, foraged from the most producing Cycladic islands in Greece (Sifnos, Serifos, and Tinos). The quantitative determination of the flavonoids rutin and quercetin was carried out using high performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC), revealing the abundance of rutin in the buds and leaves (9.26–76.85 mg/g dry extract). Only one sample of desalted buds from Serifos showed a sufficient amount of quercetin (2.88 mg/g dry extract). The determination of total phenolic content (TPC) showed a decrease during brine (salted) preservation (11.7–37.7 mg GAE/g extract) compared to air-dried samples (50.9–62.4 mg GAE/g extract). The DPPH evaluation (8.0–35.2% inhibition at 200 μg/mL) was in agreement with the TPC results. All extracts showed stronger activity against Gram positive bacteria and the human pathogenic fungi C. glabrata. The samples from Sifnos exerted better bioactivities, with air-drying being the most effective preservation process in terms of antioxidant properties and phenolic content, although it resulted in a more bitter taste. Due to its high economic value, the caper holds great potential for further exploitation through better established and optimized processes in the food industry. Full article

There are two types of noninvasive biomarkers of human embryo developmental potential: those based on a direct assessment of embryo morphology over time and those using spent media after embryo in vitro culture as source of information. Both are derived from previously acquired knowledge on different aspects of pre-implantation embryo development. These aspects include embryo morphology and kinetics, chromosomal ploidy status, metabolism, and embryonic gene transcription, translation, and expression. As to the direct assessment of morphology and kinetics, pertinent data can be obtained by analyzing sequential microscopic images of in vitro cultured embryos. Spent media can serve a source of genomic, metabolomic, transcriptomic and proteomic markers. Methods used in the early pioneering studies, such as microscopy, fluorescence in situ hybridization, autoradiography, electrophoresis and immunoblotting, or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, are too subjective, invasive, and/or time-consuming. As such, they are unsuitable for the current in vitro fertilization (IVF) practice, which needs objective, rapid, and noninvasive selection of the best embryo for uterine transfer or cryopreservation. This has been made possible by the use of high-throughput techniques such as time-lapse (for direct embryo evaluation), next-generation sequencing, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, high-performance liquid chromatography, nanoparticle tracking analysis, flow cytometry, mass spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, near-infrared spectroscopy, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (for spent culture media analysis). In this review, individual markers are presented systematically, with each marker’s history and current status, including available methodologies, strengths, and limitations, so as to make the essential information accessible to all health professionals, even those whose expertise in the matter is limited. Full article

Food fraud and adulteration have been persistent issues affecting food supply chains throughout history. They intensify in parallel with the continuous growth in the global food market. Plant-based proteins, which are recognized as sustainable alternatives, face increased food fraud risks because of disparities in the cost of raw materials and complex processing methods. Despite these challenges, most efforts toward preventing food fraud and developing detection technologies have largely focused on animal-based products, with limited attention given to plant-based proteins. This comprehensive review systematically examines the characteristics of major plant protein sources and explores documented instances of food fraud (e.g., ingredient substitution, adulteration with lower-cost alternatives, and mislabeling) within this sector. Furthermore, we discuss key analytical techniques in detecting food fraud, including chromatography, DNA analysis, spectroscopy, and imaging-based approaches, examining their applications and effectiveness. A systematic literature review was conducted using structured search strategies across Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed, covering publications from 2010 to 2025 and incorporating keywords related to plant-based proteins, food fraud, adulteration, and authentication, thereby ensuring methodological rigor and comprehensive coverage. This study provides a foundational framework to strengthen food fraud prevention strategies and uphold the integrity of the expanding plant-based protein market. Full article

Torreya grandis kernels, with their long cultivation history and significant economic value, have gained attention for their characteristic chemical components. This review systematically evaluates recent research on the chemical constituents and biological activities of T. grandis kernels. The key highlights include the following. (1) Chemical composition: This review details their unique fatty acid profile, particularly the high content of unsaturated fatty acids and rare polymethylene-interrupted polyunsaturated fatty acids such as sciadonic acid. It also examines polyphenolic compounds (flavonoids, phenolic acids, and biflavonoids like kayaflavone) and volatile components dominated by D-limonene. Other constituents, such as proteins, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals, are covered. Advanced analytical techniques (Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry, GC-MS; Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry, LC-MS/MS) for component identification are discussed. (2) Biological activities: This review summarizes the major biological activities of T. grandis kernel extracts and key components. These include antioxidant effects (via the polyphenol-mediated NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway), anti-inflammatory properties (via polymethylene-interrupted polyunsaturated fatty acids, PMI-PUFAs, inhibition of 5-LOX, and polyphenol regulation of NF-κB), and cardiovascular protection (potentially involving the AMPKα/SREBP-1c pathway). Research on gut microbiota regulation and enzyme inhibition is also outlined. (3) Research gaps and prospects: This review critically analyzes the limitations in the current research, including mechanism elucidation, component interactions, bioavailability, and safety assessment (especially the lack of human studies). Future research directions should focus on multiomics integration, structure–activity relationship analysis, standardization, and rigorous clinical evaluation. This review provides a theoretical reference for understanding the scientific value of T. grandis kernels and promoting their sustainable development. Full article

Gelatin from deer has garnered attention as a high-value health-promoting resource given its history of usage as a traditional Chinese medicine and recent studies demonstrating its biological activities. Mass spectrometry-based methods have increasingly been employed for species identification in collagen-based materials, effectively addressing challenges in quality control and authenticity verification. This study aims to identify characteristic marker peptides in gelatins from sika deer (Cervus nippon) to support their effective use as a health-promoting resource. Gelatin samples were enzymatically digested, and the resulting peptide mixtures were analyzed using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole Q-Exactive-Orbitrap mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-Exactive-Orbitrap MS). Marker peptide candidates were selected based on their high detection intensity and a literature review. Among the 28 selected marker peptide candidates, four peptides (P11, R2, R3, and R4) were defined as characteristic of sika deer gelatin. Comparative analyses with gelatins derived from donkey hide, bovine, porcine, and fish samples further confirmed the specificity of these peptides. These findings establish a robust analytical method for verifying the authenticity of sika deer gelatin, contributing to its safe and effective use as a health-promoting resource. Full article

Background/Objectives: Cortisol levels are increased in stressful situations but can also result from a history of COVID-19 infection. Long-term exposure to high cortisol levels has a destructive effect on the CNS (Central Nervous System) and can lead to depression, among other things. The most commonly used psychotropic drugs reduce cortisol concentrations. Methods: The aim of our study was to develop an analytical method to determine the level of the hormone in a small volume of saliva (200 µL) in COVID-19 patients using CNS-active drugs. Solid-phase extraction was used to isolate the analyte, and the determination was performed by liquid chromatography with a diode array detector (LC with DAD). Results: The developed method was validated. Its linearity was determined to be in the range of 4–500 ng/mL (R² > 0.9986) and the intra- and inter-day precision expressed as coefficient of variation (CV%) did not exceed 12%. The method was then applied to determine cortisol levels in the saliva of post-COVID-19-recovered patients and healthy volunteers. The determined cortisol levels were 12.24 ± 7.33 ng/mL in the recovered patients and 4.11 ± 1.46 ng/mL in the healthy subjects, respectively. A comparison of the results showed that cortisol levels in the recovered patients and healthy volunteers were significantly different statistically. Conclusions: The developed method allowed for the determination of cortisol in a small volume of saliva. Comparison of cortisol concentration in healthy individuals and COVID-19 recoveries indicates that the hormone level in both groups significantly differed statistically, and the psychotropic drugs used did not reduce cortisol concentration in COVID-19 patients. The results obtained indicate that the psychotropic drugs used did not reduce cortisol concentrations in COVID-19 patients. Full article

Three people in England consumed fish steaks labeled as Red Snapper (Lutjanus bohar) originating from the Indian Ocean. Within 12 h, all three experienced sickness including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, as well as myalgia and paresthesia. Three steaks from a single package of fish obtained from a grocery store were consumed, leaving one uneaten, which was submitted for analysis. Cytotoxicity testing via the mouse neuroblastoma assay confirmed the presence of sodium channel specific activity consistent with a ciguatoxin standard, and the levels detected were above established guidance limits for safe consumption. Chemical detection using liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry of both intact toxins and periodate oxidation products was used to confirm the presence of chromatographic peaks consistent with tri- and di-hydroxylated Pacific ciguatoxin 3C congeners. Taking the shared medical symptoms of patients, the recent dietary history, and the known potential for ciguatera poisoning to occur in snapper species, the subsequent evidence for CTX-like activity and CTXs in the same fish sample provides very strong evidence that the fish steaks consumed were similarly contaminated with CTXs. Furthermore, given the levels reported, such toxicity would be expected to cause intoxication in humans. Fish species identification based on DNA barcoding confirmed that the fish products were mislabeled, with the tissues instead being the Pinjalo snapper, Pinjalo pinjalo. This is the first confirmed ciguatera poisoning incident in both the UK and from the Pinjalo snapper and highlights the need for monitoring of these emerging toxins in reef fish imports to prevent future human intoxication. Full article

Background: The purpose of this study was to detect proteomic alterations and corresponding signaling pathways involved in the formation of age-related cataract (ARC), diabetic cataract (DC), and post-vitrectomy cataract (PVC). Methods: Three sample types, the aqueous humor (AH), the anterior capsule (AC), and the content of the phaco cassette, were collected during phacoemulsification surgery. The samples were obtained from 12 participants without diabetes mellitus (DM), 11 participants with DM, and 7 participants without DM, with a history of vitrectomy surgery in the past 12 months. The Sp3 protocol (Single-Pot, Solid-Phase, Sample-Preparation) was used for the sample preparation. The recognition and quantification of proteins were carried out with liquid chromatography online with tandem mass spectrometry. The DIA-NN software was applied for the identification and quantification of peptides/proteins. Statistical analysis and data visualization were conducted on Perseus software. Data are available via ProteomeXchange. Results: A very rich atlas of the lens and AH proteome has been generated. Glycosaminoglycan biosynthesis and the non-canonical Wnt receptor signaling pathway were differentially expressed in ARC compared to both the DC and PVC groups. In the PVC group, complement activation was differentially expressed in AH samples, while glutathione metabolism and oxidoreductase activity were differentially expressed in AC samples. Microfilament motor activity, microtubule cytoskeleton organization, and microtubule binding were differentially expressed in the DC and PVC groups in both AH and AC samples. Conclusions: The results of this study expand the existing knowledge on pathways involved in the pathophysiology of cataract, and suggest possible important druggable targets for slower progression or even prevention of cataract. Full article

Atmospheric carbonyl compounds have significant impacts on the atmospheric environment and human health, making the selection of appropriate analytical techniques crucial for accurately detecting these compounds in specific environments. Based on extensive literature research, this study summarized the development history, relevant features, and applicable scenarios of the main analytical techniques for atmospheric carbonyl compounds; pointed out the main problems and challenges in this field; and discussed the needs and prospects of future research and application. It was found that the direct sampling methods of atmospheric carbonyl compounds were applicable to low-molecular-weight carbonyl species with low reactivity, low boiling points, high polarity, and high volatility, while indirect sampling methods were suitable for a wider range and various types and phases of species. For formaldehyde, offline detection was primarily influenced by chemical reagents and reaction conditions, whereas online monitoring relied on sufficiently stable operating environments. For multiple carbonyl compounds, offline detection results were greatly influenced by detectors coupled with chromatography, whereas online monitoring techniques were applicable to all types of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including some carbonyl compounds, providing higher temporal resolution and improved isomer identification with the development of online mass spectrometry. The combined use of proton transfer reaction-mass spectrometry (PTR-MS) and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was suitable for the detection of carbonyl compounds in atmospheric photochemical smog chamber simulation studies. Currently, offline analytical techniques for carbonyl compounds require significant time and advanced experimental skills for multiple optimization experiments to detect a broader range of species. Online monitoring techniques face challenges such as poor stability and limited species coverage. In smog chamber simulation studies, the detection of carbonyl compounds is heavily influenced by both the sampling system and the chamber itself. Future efforts should focus on improving the environmental adaptability and automation of carbonyl compound analytical techniques, the synergistic use of various techniques, developing new sampling systems, and reducing the impact of the chamber itself on carbonyl compound detection, in order to enhance detection sensitivity, selectivity, time resolution, accuracy, and operability. Full article

The purpose of this study was to assess the practical implications of supplementing soluble fiber in the diet of dogs. Dogs with a history of managed or active chronic enteropathy were randomized to receive either wheat dextrin (fiber group) or maltodextrin (placebo group) mixed with food once daily for 28 days. Owners recorded a daily fecal score one week prior to and during the supplementation period. Shallow shotgun sequencing, quantitative PCR abundances of core bacterial taxa, and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) concentrations via gas chromatography/mass spectrometry were performed on fecal samples collected before and after supplementation. Seventeen dogs completed the study (fiber group: nine dogs; placebo group: eight dogs). The change in fecal score differed between groups, with the fiber group developing softer stools (p = 0.03). Alpha diversity, quantified PCR abundances of the SCFA-producing taxa, and fecal SCFA concentrations were not different after supplementation in either group. Fecal microbial communities differed between baseline and day 28 for fiber and placebo groups (p = 0.02, respectively); however, the size effect (ANOSIM R = 0.18 and R = 0.26, respectively) was minimal. In this small group of dogs fed variable commercial diets, the additional intake of wheat dextrin powder supplement was well accepted, but had minimal discernable clinical benefit, and could soften stools. Full article

The light oil wells within the Neogene Shawan Formation have been extensively drilled in the Chepaizi Uplift, reflecting an increase that provides new targets for unconventional resources in the Junggar Basin of northwestern China. However, the original sources of light oil remain controversial, as several source rocks could potentially generate the oil. For this study, we collected light oils and sandstone cores for biomarker detection using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Additionally, fluid inclusions were observed and described, and the homogenization temperatures of saltwater inclusions were measured to confirm the oil charging history in conjunction with well burial and thermal history analysis. Based on these geochemical characteristics and carbon isotopic analysis, the results indicate that light oil in the Chepaizi Uplift zone primarily originates from Jurassic hydrocarbon source rocks in the Sikeshu depression, with some contribution from Cretaceous hydrocarbon source rocks. Jurassic hydrocarbon source rocks reached a peak of hydrocarbon generation in the middle to late Neogene. The resulting crude oil predominantly migrated along unconformities or faults to accumulate at the bottom of the Cretaceous or Tertiary Shawan Formation, forming anticlinal or lithologic oil reservoirs. Some oil reservoirs contain mixtures of Cretaceous immature crude oil. During the Neogene light oil accumulation process, the burial rate of reservoirs was high, and the efficiency of charging and hydrocarbon supply was relatively high as well. Minimal loss occurred during the migration of light oil, which significantly contributed to its rapid accumulation. Full article

The National Museum of Transylvanian History in Cluj-Napoca, Romania, features a History of Pharmacy Collection that documents the evolution of pharmacies in the region since the 16th century. Within the “Pharmatrans” project (2021–2023), we investigated the chemical composition of ointments from fourteen historical pharmaceutical containers dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries. Most samples were from an aristocratic traveling medicine chest, a key artifact in the collection. This study marks the first extensive analysis of historical pharmaceutical formulations in Romania, enhancing our understanding of these valuable items. The main ingredients of formulations were characterized using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS), solid-phase microextraction–GC–MS (SPME–GC–MS), and pyrolysis–GC–MS (Py–GC–MS). Additionally, high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-Q-ToF) was employed for the detailed analysis of lipid materials and polar compounds. Elemental analysis was conducted using field emission gun–scanning electron microscope (FEG–SEM) with energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The results revealed that twelve out of fourteen mixtures contained interpretable organic content, often aligning with the vessels’ labels. The findings indicate that Transylvanian elites in the late 18th century had access to both rare drugs and traditional remedies, reflecting contemporary trends in pharmacy. Full article

The honey bee Apis cerana cerana (A. c. cerana), a subspecies of Apis cerana, is endemic in China and possesses a valuable ecological niche. Understanding the ways to protect this honey bee’s populations is crucial, but this topic has been understudied. For the efficient utilization of beekeeping and pollination, there is a need to explore its biology and management practices. In light of this, the current study was carried out to investigate the ontogeny and dietary differences in the queen and worker castes of the A. c. cerana honey bee. This article presents, supplemented by reference images, a detailed description of the life history of A. c. cerana queens and workers. Additionally, this study investigated the nutritional differences between royal jelly (RJ) and worker jelly (WJ) at various larval ages. The contents of the moisture, crude protein, and amino acids in RJ and WJ were determined via freeze drying, Kjeldahl nitrogen determination, and ultra-high performance liquid chromatography. The results highlight significant variations in the moisture content, crude protein concentration, and amino acid concentration between RJ and WJ. The results offer theoretical support for ex situ artificial rearing practices of A. c. cerana. Full article

The coupling of Solid-Phase Microextraction (SPME) technology with gas chromatography (GC) has a well-established and successful history. Traditionally, SPME fibers have been the most popular form thanks to their versatility and the ease with which they can be fully automated. However, alternative geometries for SPME have been developed over the years, beginning with Stir Bar Sorptive Extraction (SBSE) and later evolving into Thin-Film SPME (TF-SPME) devices. Each of these formats offers distinct advantages and disadvantages, which are explored in this study. The primary objective of this study was to comprehensively compare available forms of SPME devices, with a special focus on the advantages of TF-SPME, a novel microextraction method particularly suited for the analysis of odorants in food. The study involved analyzing a standard mixture of 11 key food odorants, representing a range of polarities, to evaluate the efficiency of TF-SPME devices in terms of the number of analytes extracted. Furthermore, four types of TF-SPME devices were compared against each other in both standard mixtures and actual food samples. The final stage of the study employed GCxGC-ToFMS analysis to showcase the potential of the most efficient HLB-TF-SPME device in the non-targeted analysis of complex samples, exemplified by unfiltered wheat beer. This analysis demonstrated the significant capability of HLB-TF-SPME in capturing and identifying a wide range of volatile compounds in complex matrices. Full article