Search

The aim of presented study was to test nutritional properties of potato tubers and silver ions accumulation pattern after foliar application of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) during potato vegetation. Potato plants were sprayed with different concentration of Ag nanoparticles (0.1, 1.0 and 10 mg·dm−3) synthesized with incorporation with sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) and sodium citrate as stabilizing agent. The lowest amounts of silver ions were transported to the tubers after spraying with AgNPs synthesized with SDS, rather than with citrate. Nevertheless silver ions accumulation in tubers was negligible. SDS method of synthesis was more favourable in terms of nutritional properties of potato tubers. The highest tested concentration of AgNPs_SDS had a favourable effect on a variety of macro- and micronutrients, ascorbic acid and soluble sugars. In turn, lower concentrations of AgNPs_SDS increased the content of phenolic compounds and free radical scavenging efficiency of tubers. These correlations were also confirmed by Principal Component Analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fenugreeks (Trigonella L. spp.), are well-known herbs belonging to the family Fabaceae, whose fresh and dried leaves have nutritional and medicinal value. In the present study, the content of phytochemical traits (essential oil, diosgenin, trigonelline, total phenol, total flavonoid, total saponins, and total tannins), bitterness value, pigments (chlorophyll, carotenoid, β-carotene, and anthocyanin), vitamins (group B vitamins and ascorbic acid), minerals, and antioxidant activity of thirty cultivated populations belonging to ten Trigonella species were evaluated. The species and populations were significantly different in all studied parameters. A significant positive and negative correlation (p < 0.05) was also observed between the studied parameters. In total, T. teheranica, T. elliptica, and T. foenum-graecum were distinguished as superior species. The results showed that fenugreeks leaves can be considered as a valuable source of food and phytochemical compounds. The obtained data can be help to expand the inventory of wild and cultivated Trigonella species for further exploitation of rich chemotypes in the new foods and specific applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Vitamin C deficiency is associated with excess mortality in kidney transplant recipients (KTR). We aim to evaluate plasma vitamin C status at different post-transplantation moments and assess the main characteristics associated with vitamin C deficiency in KTR. Methods: Plasma vitamin C was assessed in 598 KTR at 3-, 6-, 12-, 24-, and 60-months post-transplantation, 374 late KTR with a functioning graft ≥ 1 year, and 395 potential donors. Vitamin C deficiency was defined as plasma vitamin C ≤ 28 µmol/L. Diet was assessed by a 177-item food frequency questionnaire. Data on vitamin C-containing supplements use were extracted from patient records and verified with the patients. Results: Vitamin C deficiency ranged from 46% (6-months post-transplantation) to 30% (≥ 1 year post-transplantation). At all time points, KTR had lower plasma vitamin C than potential donors (30–41 µmol/L vs 58 µmol/L). In cross-sectional analyses of the 953 KTR at their first visit ≥ 12 months after transplantation (55 ± 14 years, 62% male, eGFR 55 ± 19 mL/min/1.73 m2), the characteristics with the strongest association with vitamin C deficiency were diabetes and smoking (OR 2.67 [95% CI 1.84–3.87] and OR 1.84 [95% CI 1.16–2.91], respectively). Dietary vitamin C intake and vitamin C supplementation were associated with lower odds (OR per 100 mg/day 0.38, 95% CI 0.24–0.61 and OR 0.21, 95% CI 0.09–0.44, respectively). Conclusion: Vitamin C deficiency is frequent among KTR regardless of the time after transplantation, especially among those with diabetes and active smokers. The prevalence of vitamin C deficiency was lower among KTR with higher vitamin C intake, both dietary and supplemented. Further research is warranted to assess whether correcting this modifiable risk factor could improve survival in KTR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A solution anode glow discharge (SAGD) was established as a miniaturized excitation source of atomic emission spectrometry (AES) for the detection of Cd in rhizosphere soil, carrot, and carrot leaf samples. The working conditions, such as electrolyte pH, discharge voltage, support electrolyte, solution flow rate, and discharge distance, were systematically optimized. The effect of 31 foreign ions on the Cd determination was investigated. In addition, the influences of matrix modifiers on the Cd signal intensity and interference elimination were examined in detail. The results showed that under the optimal operating parameters, the presence of Fe3+, Co2+, Pb2+, Cu2+, Cr3+, and Tl3+ ions at 30 mg/L causes severe depression effects for the detection of Cd, and adding ascorbic acid as a matrix modifier can reduce the matrix interference, improve sensitivity, and lower the limit of detection (LOD). The LOD of Cd is 4.4 μg/L, and power is below 8 W using SAGD without any matrix modifier. Compared with the solution cathode glow discharge–atomic emission spectrometry (SCGD-AES), the sensitivity is improved about 11-fold, and the power is consumed only about one-sixth. The analysis results of SAGD-AES are in agreement with the Cd-certified reference material and verification values measured by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy, suggesting that proposed method has high accuracy and reliability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the main interests in the food industry is the preservation of food from spoilage by microorganisms or lipid oxidation. A novel alternative is the development of additives of natural origin with dual activity. In the present study, a chemically modified lysozyme (Lys) with epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) was developed to obtain a conjugate (Lys-EGCG) with antibacterial/antioxidant activity to improve its properties and increase its application potential. The modification reaction was carried out using a free radical grafting method for the Lys modification reaction, using ascorbic acid and hydrogen peroxide as radical initiators in an aqueous medium. The synthesis of Lys-EGCG conjugate was confirmed by spectroscopic (FT-IR, 1H-RMN, and XPS) and calorimetry differential scanning (DSC) analyses. The EGCG binding to the Lys biomolecule was quantified by the Folin-Ciocalteu method; the antibacterial activity was evaluated by minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MCB) against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas fluorescens; the antioxidant activity was evaluated by ABTS, DPPH, and FRAP. The spectroscopic results showed that the Lys-EGCG conjugate was successfully obtained, and the DSC analysis revealed a 20 °C increase (P < 0.05) in the denaturation temperature of Lys due to EGCG modification. The EGCG concentration in Lys-EGCG was 97.97 ± 4.7 µmol of EGCG/g of sample. The antibacterial and antioxidant activity of the Lys-EGCG conjugate was higher (P < 0.05) than pure EGCG and Lys. The chemical modification of Lys with EGCG allows for the bioconjugate with a dual function (antibacterial/antioxidant), broadening the range of Lys and EGCG applications to different areas such as food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aims to evaluate the use of cranberry bush fruit pomace (CBFP) (Viburnum opulus L.), which has recently become popular raw material, as a substrate in the presence of a reducing agent to increase biobutanol production by Clostridium beijerinckii DSMZ 6422. For this purpose, some factors were optimized, including the pretreatment, initial concentration of CBFP (5–20%), different types of reducing agents (ascorbic acid, L-cysteine, sodium dithionite and sodium sulfite), different concentrations of sodium dithionite (2.5–15 mM), inoculum concentration (5%, 10%, and 20%), and fermentation time (24–96 h). The maximum biobutanol, total ABE, biobutanol yield, and biobutanol productivity were 9.45 g/L, 12.08 g/L, 0.21 g/g, and 0.13 g/L/h in the medium containing enzymatically hydrolyzed 10% CBFP, 10 mM sodium dithionite, and 20% inoculum at the end of 72 h, respectively. These findings demonstrate that CBFP can be considered as a sustainable, economical, and viable substrate on biobutanol production for the first time in the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scurvy is a rare nutritional disorder caused by deficiency of ascorbic acid (vitamin C). It is often under-diagnosed in clinical settings, especially in North America where population statistics are unavailable. However, scurvy is more common than previously thought and appears to be re-emerging in children with developmental delays. Here, we review the pertinent literature and present a case of a previously healthy, 5-year-old, non-verbal boy who presented with multiple, acute, and subacute spontaneous epidural hemorrhages managed by neurosurgical intervention. He remained in hospital for 17 days and was seen in follow-up 3 weeks post-operatively having returned to his neurological baseline. Our case suggests the importance of considering scurvy in patients who have developmental delays and poor nutritional status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to develop plant-based model snacks that are high in fibre, contain probiotic bacteria and are convenient for long-term storage. The research focused on selecting a suitable form of probiotic bacteria (active biomass, microencapsulated, freeze-dried), inoculation method (in the base mass or in the filling of a snack) and appropriate storage conditions (4°Cor 20 °C). The potential synbiotic properties were evaluated. The microencapsulated bacteria had the highest survival rate at 4 °C, while the freeze-dried bacteria showed better survival rates at 20 °C. Probiotics had a higher survival rate when enclosed inside snacks with a low water activity (aw = 0.27) peanut butter filling than in snacks without filling (aw = 0.53). Enclosing the probiotics in a low aw filling ensures their survival at ambient temperature for 5 months at a count higher than 6 log CFU/g. The snacks exhibited high antioxidant capacity (average 300 mg ascorbic acid equivalent/100 g), polyphenol content (average 357 mg gallic acid equivalent/100 g) and high fibre content (average 10.2 g/100 g). The sensory analysis showed a high overall quality of the snacks (average 7.1/10 of the conventional units). Furthermore, after six months of storage, significant changes were observed in the antioxidant properties, polyphenol content and texture of the snacks, while their sensory quality remained unchanged. Moreover, a potential synbiotic effect was observed. The method used to assess bacterial growth indicated significantly higher values in the model snacks compared to a control sample. Therefore, this study has effectively addressed the gap in knowledge regarding the survival of probiotics in snacks of this nature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kinnow mandarin is a perishable fruit that suffers from various post-harvest losses during storage and transportation. To preserve the postharvest quality of fresh fruit, this study investigated the effect of gum Arabic (GA) and essential oils (EO) of lemongrass (1.0%), neem (1.0%), and rosemary (1.0%) on Kinnow fruit. The results revealed that the composite coatings of gum Arabic (10%) and essential oils effectively maintained the titratable acidity, ascorbic acid content, total flavonoid content, and total antioxidant activity. Also, the coated fruit resulted in a reduced loss in weight, decay incidence and maintained higher enzymatic activities of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), peroxidase (POD), and catalase in contrast to the uncoated fruit. Additionally, the scanning electron microscopic imageries of the GA + EO treated fruit revealed a smooth surface morphology whereas open stomatal pores were observed on uncoated fruit. The findings suggest that the GA 10% fortified with lemongrass oil (1.0%) could potentially be applied to maintain the quality attributes of Kinnow fruit stored at 5–7 °C for 75 days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To improve the performance of biodegradable materials and endow them with antimicrobial properties, herein, pyridine-3,5-dicarboxylic acid was introduced as a third monomer into the molecular chain of polybutylene succinate (PBS) via copolymerization, followed by introduction of pyridine quaternary ammonium into the PBS branched chain through nucleophilic substitution to afford antimicrobial PBS-BD, which was then comingled with polylactic acid (PLA) to prepare PBS-BD/PLA composites. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that the introduction of pyridine-3,5-dicarboxylic acid caused a small shift in the diffraction peaks of PBS and a decrease in crystallinity, which was further decreased upon blending with PLA. PBS-BD and PLA were bound together by intermolecular forces. When the PBS-BD/PLA ratio was 8:2, the melting points of the two phases were the closest, the compatibility was the best, and the thermal and antimicrobial properties were optimal. The antimicrobial properties of the composites were gradually enhanced with increasing PBS-BD content, reaching optimal values for application as antimicrobial materials. The composites were degraded in soil supernatant for 6 months at a rate of 31.52%. After 42 d of enzymatic degradation, the degradation rate reached 23.24%. The PBS-BD/PLA composites promoted the growth of green vegetables to a certain extent and enhanced their nutritional value, reaching the highest chlorophyll content and vitamin C content after 45 d of growth in the presence of the composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polygonum minus Huds. has massive potential to be commercialized following many current discoveries of its medicinal properties. We investigated the growth and physiology changes of P. minus under different shading and treatment durations. The effects of four shading levels: 0% (T1), 30% (T2), 50% (T3) and 70% (T4) and two treatment durations of 10 weeks and 20 weeks were studied. Significant effects of shading levels and treatment durations were observed on the transpiration rate (E), leaf resistance, pigment content in leaves (Chl a, Chl b and Car), carbohydrate, ascorbic acid, total anthocyanin, phenolic and flavonoid contents. Enzyme activity of superoxide dismutase and ascorbate peroxidase were also significantly affected by shading levels and treatment durations. The highest antioxidant activities were recorded under T4 of both treatment durations along with the high content of Chl a, Chl b and Car. The leaf, stem and root extracts of P. minus were also subjected to HPLC analysis for quantification of selected flavonoid compounds. It was observed that longer treatment duration of 20 weeks reduced the amount of flavonoid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, we investigated the effects of immunostimulants on the growth, immune responses, and post-infection survival of hybrid sturgeons (Huso huso♀ × Acipenser ruthenus♂). Therefore, we examined the effects of dietary supplementation of β-glucan, vitamin C, and Radix Bupleuri (Chaihu) extract (RBE) at various concentrations (0.2, 0.4, and 0.6% incorporated through feed) on the growth rate and non-specific immune responses of hybrid sturgeon. When supplemented individually, these immunostimulants significantly reduced the feed conversion ratio while promoting weight gain, with the vitamin C-administered groups showing the most pronounced differences. Further, we observed that dietary β-glucan, vitamin C, and RBE, when fed at 0.4 and 0.6% concentrations, significantly enhanced the rates of superoxide anion production and phagocytosis by head kidney leukocytes. Moreover, vitamin C and RBE supplementation at 0.4 and 0.6% and β-glucan supplementation at 0.6% concentration significantly increased the serum lysozyme activity. Further, vitamin C and β-glucan supplementation at 0.6% and RBE supplementation at 0.4 and 0.6% concentrations showed the highest survival rates after Aeromonas hydrophila infection. In conclusion, our findings highlight that the dietary supplementation of β-glucan, vitamin C, or RBE in appropriate concentrations can significantly enhance superoxide anion production and phagocytic activity of leukocytes, serum lysozyme activity, and the survival of hybrid sturgeons after A. hydrophila infection. Our results suggest that incorporating immunostimulants such as Chinese medicinal herbs at optimal levels can effectively boost the growth, immunity, and disease resistance of hybrid sturgeons in aquaculture. These results provide valuable insights for future studies on the inclusion of immunostimulants in aquaculture feed.Highlights: Adding immunostimulants β-glucan, vitamin C, and Radix Bupleuri (Chaihu) extract (RBE) to hybrid sturgeon food can significantly improve food conversion and weight gain rates, with the addition of vitamin C being the most significant. β-glucan, vitamin C, and RBE influence the innate immune system of hybrid sturgeon. Adding immunostimulants β-glucan, vitamin C, and RBE to hybrid sturgeon food can prevent A. hydrophila infection. β-glucan, vitamin C, and RBE are potential immunostimulants for hybrid sturgeon breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A. capitiformis (Poir.) Ooststr has a long history of usage as a medicinal cure for a wide variety of illnesses in many different cultures. Pharmacological properties and phytochemical characterization of the crude A. capitiformis whole plant are evalutted, in this paper. Methods: Antioxidant activity was tested by the DPPH free radical scavenging method. In vitro anti-arthritic, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxic effects were assessed using Bovine serum albumin (BSA), protein denaturation method, and brine shrimp mortality assays, respectively with antihelmintic activity through Pheretima Posthuma worms. Acetic acid-induced writhing, hot plate and tail immersion testing assessed in vivo analgesia. CNS activity was evaluated through elevated plaze maize, open field, hole cross, and head dipping method. Results: Phytochemiical investigation of A. capitiformis showed the presence of alkaloid, saponin, terpennoids, steroid and flavonoids etc. with the % yield of crude 2.04%.With an IC50 of 45.35 µg/ml, the whole plant methanolic preparation has antioxidant activity equivalent to ascorbic acid. Anti-arthritic protein blocking dropped from 74.25 ± 0.12% to 12.18 ± 0.12%. 1000 µg/ml extract demonstrated 54.05 ± 0.12*% anti-inflammatory activity with protein denaturation. In the cytotoxicity assay, the extract had 129.72 µg/ml LC50 and the positive group 34.67 µg/ml. Unlike Albendazole, the methanol extract triggered mature earthworms at 50 mg/ml. The extract's analgesic efficacy at 200 and 400 mg/kg was statistically significant (p < 0.001) in the acetic acid writhing and tail immersion method. The hot plate technique yielded statistically significant results only at 400 mg/kg (p < 0.001). Only 400 mg/kg was statistically significant in the Elevated Plaze Maize and Hole Board Procedure (p < 0.01). The hole cross and open field methods yielded highly statistically significant outcomes at 200 and 400 mg/kg (p < 0.001). Conclusion: In this research, the whole crude methanol extract of A. capitiformis revealed phytochemicals, antioxidants, in vitro anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic properties, cytotoxicity, anti-helminthic, in vivo analgesic, and CNS inhibitory activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Estradiol (E2) is a hormone that influences various aspects of women's health. Beyond its reproductive functions, E2 impacts neurotransmitter systems such as dopamine (DA). Vertically aligned carbon nanofibers (VACNFs) have shown good sensitivity, selectivity against ascorbic acid (AA) and uric acid (UA), biocompatibility, and reduced fouling in DA sensing. In this study, we explore the use of Ti-Ni-CNF electrodes with CNFs grown for 5 min and 30 min for the direct electrochemical co-detection of E2 and DA. The longer growth time led to a 142% increase in average CNF length and a 36% larger electroactive surface area. In E2 detection, the electrodes demonstrate a wide linear range of 0.05–10 µM and sensitivity of 0.016 and 0.020 µA/µM for Ti-Ni-CNF-5 min and Ti-Ni-CNF-30 min, respectively. The sensor performance remains largely unaffected even in the presence of other steroid hormones such as progesterone and testosterone. Co-detection of equimolar E2 and DA shows promising peak separation of 0.34 ± 0.01 V and repeatability after 10 measurements. A notable improvement in the E2/DA peak current ratio, from 0.53 ± 0.07 to 0.81 ± 0.16, was achieved with the increased CNF length. Our results demonstrate the influence of adsorption sites in electrochemical detection, especially for analytes such as E2 and DA that both rely on adsorption for oxidation. While detecting small and fluctuating physiological concentrations remains a challenge, these findings can be used in choosing and fabricating electrode materials for more accurate and accessible continuous hormone measurements, including the possibility of multianalyte sensing platforms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing highly effective iron-based catalyst to selectively remove organic contaminants has garnered considerable attention. Herein, a magnetic Fe0/FeS2-doped carbon nanolayer (S-Fe@NC) was synthesized through a straightforward one-step pyrolysis method, pyrolyzing a mixture composed of 4,6-dihydroxypyrimidine, trithiocyanuric acid, and FeCl3·6H2O. With the presence of PMS, S-Fe@NC demonstrated the ability to remove almost 100% bisphenol-A (50 μM) within 3 min, attributed to its excellent graphitization degree and high FeS2/Fe0 content. Furthermore, the S-Fe@NC catalyst demonstrated an impressive kobs value of 1.476 min−1, which surpassed the traditional Fenton system by 77 times and even exceeded the commercial Fe0 catalyst by 127 times. More importantly, the S-Fe@NC/PMS system succeeded in selectively removing organic contaminants based on the hydrophobic interaction between catalyst and contaminants. Besides, the result of electron paramagnetic resonance and the radical quenching experiments indicated that ·OH, SO4·−, 1O2, and O2·− were involved in the organic contaminants removal. Interestingly, after adding ascorbic acid (AA) to the S-Fe@NC/PMS system, more ROS could be generated to result in the kobs augmenting by 4.16 times (6.133 min−1), completely different from the common sense that AA was usually used as a radical quencher. Additionally, the magnetically separable catalyst also exhibited excellent reusability and broad pH adaptability (2.0–12.0). This study provided a valuable insight for developing highly selective and effective Fe-based catalyst for practical wastewater treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hazelnut seed skins (HSS) are by-products from roasting or blanching hazelnuts without direct second utilization. The generation of HSS creates an economic and environmental problem. The object of the study was a comprehensive analysis of the properties for reuse of HSS. Water extraction of industrial HSS was applied (water with sonication of the HSS for 10 min at 90 ℃). The extracts obtained were freeze-dried to facilitate analysis and future application. The HSS and their extracts were analysed. Polyphenols, antioxidants, allergens, antimicrobial properties and instrumental sensory analysis were examined. The total polyphenol content in the samples was 37.8–44.0 mg gallic acid equivalent g−1. Gallic acid was the major phenolic compound. The antioxidant capacity of the samples was 198.9–250.6 mg VCEAC g−1 (vitamin C equivalent) according to the ABTS method and 98.4–106.8 mg VCEAC g−1 in the DPPH method. The extracts inhibited all tested strains of pathogenic bacteria. Allergen content was reduced in HSS and the extracts. Instrumental sensory analysis showed differences between taste parameters and odour profile samples. HSS can be reused in food production as a bacteriostatic, antioxidant additive and sensory-creating factor due to various chemical compounds corresponding with taste and odour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Bangladesh, okra is an important popular summer vegetable. However, traditional farming practices often lead to suboptimal yields. Thus, the study was designed to determine the ideal GA3 and NAA doses for accelerating okra growth, yield, and quality characteristics. A three-replication, randomized complete block design was adopted. Foliar sprays with three concentrations of GA3 (0 ppm, 150 ppm, and 250 ppm) and NAA (0 ppm, 150 ppm, and 250 ppm) were applied in 2022 and 2023. In comparison to the control, the combined application of GA3 @ 150 ppm and NAA @ 150 ppm improved plant height, leaf number, leaf area, branch number, internode length, bud number, pod number, pod length, pod diameter, and 1000 seed weight average over the two years. Furthermore, GA3 @ 150 ppm with NAA 150 ppm increased yield by 35.08% and 27.01% in 2022 and 2023 respectively, above the control. Combining NAA @ 150 ppm with GA3 resulted in higher levels of vitamin C, TSS, magnesium, and zinc by 19.31%, 81.2%, 22.73% and 21.43% in 2022 and 22.83%, 50.57%, 18.07%, 33.33% in 2023 respectively, compared to the control. In contrast, GA3 and NAA decreased potassium and calcium in both year when compared to the control. Overall, the results of this experiment indicated that using GA3 @ 150 ppm with NAA @ 150 ppm could enhance okra growth, yield, and quality. These findings provide insightful information for improving okra cultivation techniques and improving Bangladesh's productivity in agriculture and food security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We studied the effect of intramuscular injection of physostigmine and neostigmine on Na+,K+-ATPase activity in erythrocytes of rats subjected to intense physical exercise. Both anticholinesterase drugs had a significant effect on the development of the stress response, which was expressed in a decrease in the manifestation of its individual components such as the concentration of ascorbic acid in the adrenal glands, stress-related erythrocyte polycythemia, and LPO indicators. Anticholinesterase drugs reverse the stress-induced decrease in Na+,K+-ATPase activity, as well as changes in its magnesium-dependent properties. There were no changes in the activity of the studied enzyme in the erythrocyte ghosts. We associate the observed differences with the correction of the functions of the cholinergic components of the hypothalamic—pituitary—adrenal axis leading to the development of a hypoergic type stress reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lilium rosthornii Diels, commonly known as the Nanchuan lily in China, is a unique wild lily species with potential medicinal or ornamental value. The development and utilization are mainly restricted to its highly efficient regeneration and the scarcity of new germplasm. In this study, an efficient plant regeneration method for Nanchuan lily was established based on embryogenic callus induction, adventitious bud sprouting, and shoot proliferation and rooting. The results showed that Murashige and Skoog (MS) media supplemented with 0.5 mg L−1 picloram (PIC) and 1.0 mg L−1 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) were suitable for embryogenic callus induction using outer bulblet scales (78.89% rate), and MS supplemented with 0.5 mg L−1 6-benzylaminopurine (6-BA), 1.0 mg L−1 NAA, and 75.0 mg L−1 ascorbic acid in darkness was optimal for embryogenic callus proliferation (2.62 coefficient). Moreover, callus inoculation in MS medium supplemented with 1.0 mg L−1 thidiazuron (TDZ) and 0.1 mg L−1 NAA significantly promoted shoot induction (3.16 coefficient) under relatively low light conditions. The shoot proliferation and rooting of MS plants treated with 0.1 mg L−1 NAA and 0.5 mg L−1 TDZ were greatest under light conditions at 93.33% and 98.89%, respectively. In addition, bulblet growth was induced by treatment with different combinations of colchicine at different concentrations for different durations. Focusing on the bulblet centre, 100% morphological changes were achieved for in vitro induction using 0.15% colchicine for 72 h of treatment. Compared with the control, three stable mutagenic plants with greater guard cells and reduced stomatal density were generated and were identified as chimaeras by flow cytometry analysis. These results provide support for improving tissue reproduction and breeding autotetraploid germplasm in Nanchuan lily. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antibiotics are crucial in the control of bacterial infections on fish farms. However, the influence of licensed antibiotics on DNA damage, histological changes, and protein differentiation in some farmed fish species is unidentified. The current study aimed to investigate the effect of therapeutic (80 mg/kg body weight/day) and high doses (160 mg/kg body weight/day) of oxytetracycline (OTC) on some biological indices, protein differentiation, histological changes, and DNA damage in Oreochromis niloticus (n = 360; 40 ± 3.5 g) and the potential positive effects of dietary ascorbic acid (AA) and whether it is capable of reducing the deleterious impacts of OTC and working synergistically to increase fish disease resistance and decrease morbidity and mortality rates. In the current study, fish were fed diets with or without OTC (80 or 160 mg/kg body weight/day) and AA (100 mg/kg diet/day) for 28 days, followed by a bacterial stress test with two different virulent strains for 14 days. Treatments include CTR (control; without additives), AA, OTC80, OTC160, OTC80 + AA, and OTC160 + AA. The results revealed that the AA group had the best antioxidative (significant increase in SOD, CAT, and GPx) and immunomodulatory effects (an increase in IgM, nitroblue tetrazolium, and total leucocytic count). Furthermore, the hematological parameters, immune indices (NBT), and antioxidant enzymes were significantly reduced by OTC160 (p ≤ 0.05). The results also showed that OTC160 notably augmented the activity of liver (ALT, AST, and LDH) and kidney (creatinine and urea) damage markers (p ≤ 0.05). OTC160 revealed considerable hepatic and renal tissue damage and significantly higher hepatocyte DNA damage. Pathological changes and DNA damage were directly correlated to the dosage of OTC exposure, where they were more severe in OTC160. OTC80 showed insignificant changes in most parameters. Compared to CTR, the inclusion of AA in the O. niloticus diet significantly restored the biological indices, histological changes, and DNA damage in OTC-treated groups. The morbidity and mortality percentages after bacterial challenge were significantly lower in the OTC80 + AA group, followed by the OTC160 + AA group than in the CTR. These results corroborate the use of AA as a potent antioxidant and immune stimulant and a potential co-adjuvant to OTC in the diet of O. niloticus to reach optimal resistance to disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the twenty-first century, we are witnessed of a large number of infectious ailments which spread very quickly worldwide and effect the public health significantly. Thus, in the current research, with the aim of a suitable malaria and oxidant controlling agent, micro-assay, DPPH and ABTS protocols were conducted against previously synthesized and well-characterized (mass spectrometry, NMR (1H and 13C), powder XRD, IR, electronic spectra, TGA magnetic moment, molar conductivity and SEM) hydrazone ligands (1–2) and their Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), Ni(II) metal complexes (3–10) of benzaldehyde derivatives and 3,5-dichlorobenzohydrazide. The biological assessment revealed that the (8), (9), (10) complexes were more potent to inhibit the malarial and oxidant infections although the complex (10) has highest ability (0.42 ± 0.05 µM for antimalaria and 1.98 ± 0.09–99 ± 0.08 µM for antioxidant) to control these diseases with comparable IC50 value to quinine and ascorbic acid. Moreover, molecular docking (against 8E1Z and 1U5A proteins), DFT and ADMET investigations were examined against the highly potent HL2 ligand and its (7–10) complexes to corroborate the acquired biological findings. The theoretical investigations also advocate the more potency of complex (10) through significant binding affinity, binding modes, hardness, softness, etc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this study is to produce novel 4(3H)-quinazolinone derivatives, analyze their efficacy as antibacterial and antifungal agents, and investigate their antioxidant abilities. Methods: New quinazolinone derivatives were synthesized by mixing Schiff bases with three different chemicals: phenyl isocyanate, 4-chlorophenyl isocyanate, and phenyl iso thiocyanate. This resulted in the formation of compounds (VIa–VIb), (VIIa–VIIb), and (VIIIa–VIIIb). The efficacy of these synthesized compounds against bacteria and fungi was evaluated. Subsequently, their antioxidant activity was assessed using the DPPH scavenging method. Results: FT-IR, 1H NMR, and 13C NMR spectroscopy were used to investigate all the prepared derivatives. Compounds (VIIb), (VIIIa), and (VIIIb) exhibited good antioxidant activity when compared to ascorbic acid. Discussion: The presence of the quinazolinone nucleus in some compounds gives them good biological properties as antimicrobials and antioxidants. Conclusions: All the synthesized compounds were highly effective at killing fungi, especially Rhizopus microrhizosporium, and Candida. Most of them were also very effective at killing bacteria like E. coli, Bacillus cereus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Although most of these compounds have relatively moderate effectiveness against Staphylococcus aureus, some of them contain good antioxidants, particularly compound (VIIIb). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Synthesis of pyrano[2,3-d]pyrimidinone derivatives and evaluation of their antimicrobial and antioxidant activity. Methods: An efficient protocol for the synthesis of pyranopyrimidinone derivatives via a one-pot three-component condensation reaction of aryl aldehydes, malononitrile and barbituric acid in aqueous conditions using a phase transfer catalyst was employed. Physical and spectroscopic methods were used to assign the structures of the synthesized derivatives (IVa–IVj). The agar well diffusion method was used to test the in vitro antimicrobial activity of the compounds against Dickeya sp. (Gram-negative bacteria) and Streptomycesscabiei (Gram-positive bacteria). The antioxidant activity of the synthesized pyrimidinone derivatives (IVa–IVj) was evaluated by the H2O2 scavenging assay using ascorbic acid and gallic acid as the positive controls. Results and Discussion: A simple procedure, short reaction time, high yields (78–93%), broader substrate scope, easy handling of the catalyst and simple work-up, i.e., non-column chromatographic separation of the desired products were attractive features of this process. Synthesized compounds exhibited zone of inhibition at 10.67 ± 0.33, 9.50 ± 0.29, and 10.75 ± 0.14 mm in diameter for (IVf), (IVg), and (IVj), respectively against Dickeya sp., compared to Gentamicin as standard (zone of inhibition at 19.17 ± 0.22 mm). Using H2O2 scavenging assay, the derivatives (IVg), (IVj), (IVi), and (IVf) emerged to display promising antioxidant activities with inhibition percentages of 82.0 ± 0.3, 81.6 ± 0.3, 81.0 ± 0.2, and 77.0 ± 0.3 respectively, similar to the ascorbic acid and gallic acid (percent inhibition of 80.5 ± 0.3 and 79.5 ± 0.1, respectively) used as reference standards. Conclusions: The compounds (IVf–IVg), (IVi–IVj) possessing electron-donating groups were found to be potent towards antioxidant activity and could be potentially utilized to develop pharmaceutical products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Telogen effluvium is characterized by excessive hair shedding usually following a stressful event. Ferritin has been used in clinical practice as a biomarker of nonanemic iron deficiency in cases of telogen effluvium. During the years of the COVID19 pandemic, telogen effluvium was reported as a part of post covid manifestations. As ferritin was also a biomarker for inflammation in cases with covid infection, this study was designed to evaluate the value of ferritin in cases with postcovid telogen effluvium one hundred patients recovering from covid 19 for 4–12 weeks were included in the study, detailed drug and laboratory history was obtained and serum ferritin level was measured. the mean serum level of ferritin among telogen effluvium patients was significantly lower than controls (68.52 ± 126 and 137 ± 137.597 ug/L respectively). Patients with telogen effluvium used significantly more azithromycin and ivermectin and significantly less vitamin C, D, lactoferrin and zinc than the controls Although serum ferritin is lower among telogen effluvium patients, it was still higher than the cutoff value for diagnosing nonanemic iron deficiency, we suggest that it will not be a good biomarkers in these cases. Our secondary outcomes showed that dietary supplements used during active infection such as vitamin C, D, lactoferrin and zinc might have a preventive value on postcovid hair loss, while azithromycin and ivermectin could have a negative long term effect on telogen effluvium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydroxyl radical (·OH) scavenging capacity (HOSC) estimation is essential for evaluating antioxidants, natural extracts, or drugs against clinical diseases. While nanozymes offer advantages in related applications, they still face limitations in activity and selectivity. In response, this work showcases the fabrication of laminarin-modulated osmium (laminarin-Os) nanoclusters (1.45 ± 0.05 nm), functioning as peroxidase-like nanozymes within a colorimetric assay tailored for rational HOSC estimation. This study validates both the characterization and remarkable stability of laminarin-Os. By leveraging the abundant surface negative charges of laminarin-Os and the surface hydroxyls of laminarin, oxidation reactions are facilitated, augmenting laminarin-Os's affinity for 3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) (KM = 0.04 mM). This enables the laminarin-Os-based colorimetric assay to respond to ·OH more effectively than citrate-, albumin-, or other polysaccharides-based Os. In addition, experimental results also validate the selective peroxidase-like behavior of laminarin-Os under acidic conditions. Antioxidants like ascorbic acid, glutathione, tannic acid, and cysteine inhibit absorbance at 652 nm in the colorimetric platform using laminarin-Os's peroxidase-like activity. Compared with commercial kits, this assay demonstrates superior sensitivity (e.g., responds to ascorbic acid 0.01–0.075 mM, glutathione 1–15 µg/mL, tannic acid 0.5–5 µM, and monoammonium glycyrrhizinate cysteine 1.06–10.63 µM) and HOSC testing for glutathione, tannic acid, and monoammonium glycyrrhizinate cysteine. Overall, this study introduces a novel Os nanozyme with exceptional TMB affinity and ·OH selectivity, paving the way for HOSC estimation in biomedical research, pharmaceutical analysis, drug quality control, and beyond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel optical lactate biosensor is presented that utilizes a colorimetric interaction between H2O2 liberated by a binary enzymatic reaction and bis(neocuproine)copper(II) complex ([Cu(Nc)2]2+) known as CUPRAC (cupric reducing antioxidant capacity) reagent. In the first step, lactate oxidase (LOx) and pyruvate oxidase (POx) were separately immobilized on silanized magnetite nanoparticles (SiO2@Fe3O4 NPs), and thus, 2 mol of H2O2 was released per 1 mol of the substrate due to a sequential enzymatic reaction of the mixture of LOx-SiO2@Fe3O4 and POx-SiO2@Fe3O4 NPs with lactate and pyruvate, respectively. In the second step, the absorbance at 450 nm of the yellow-orange [Cu(Nc)2]+ complex formed through the color reaction of enzymatically produced H2O2 with [Cu(Nc)2]2+ was recorded. The results indicate that the developed colorimetric binary enzymatic biosensor exhibits a broad linear range of response between 0.5 and 50.0 µM for lactate under optimal conditions with a detection limit of 0.17 µM. The fabricated biosensor did not respond to other saccharides, while the positive interferences of certain reducing compounds such as dopamine, ascorbic acid, and uric acid were minimized through their oxidative removal with a pre-oxidant (NaBiO3) before enzymatic and colorimetric reactions. The fabricated optical biosensor was applied to various samples such as artificial blood, artificial/real sweat, and cow milk. The high recovery values (close to 100%) achieved for lactate-spiked samples indicate an acceptable accuracy of this colorimetric biosensor in the determination of lactate in real samples. Due to the increase in H2O2 production with the bienzymatic lactate sensor, the proposed method displays double-fold sensitivity relative to monoenzymatic biosensors and involves a neat color reaction with cupric-neocuproine having a clear stoichiometry as opposed to the rather indefinite stoichiometry of analogous redox dye methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ti3C2Tx MXene/CuxO composites were prepared by acid etching combined with electrochemical technique. The abundant active sites on the surface of MXene greatly increase the loading of CuxO nanoparticles, and the synergistic effect between the different components of the composite can accelerate the oxidation reaction of glucose. The results indicate that at the working potential of 0.55 V (vs. Ag/AgCl), the glucose sensor based on Ti3C2Tx MXene/CuxO composite presents large linear concentration ranges from 1 µM to 4.655 mM (sensitivity of 361 µA mM−1 cm−2) and from 5.155 mM to 16.155 mM (sensitivity of 133 µA mM−1 cm−2). The limit of detection is 0.065 µM. In addition, the sensor effectively avoids the oxidative interference of common interfering species such as ascorbic acid, dopamine and uric acid. The sensor has good reproducibility, stability and acceptable recoveries for the detection of glucose in human sweat sample (97.5-103.3%) with RSD values less than 4%. Based on these excellent properties it has great potential for the detection of glucose in real samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a novel approach for iodide sensing based on the heavy-atom effect to quench the green fluorescent emission of organosilicon nanoparticles (OSiNPs). The fluorescence of OSiNPs was significantly quenched (up to 97.4% quenching efficiency) in the presence of iodide ions (I–) through oxidation by hydrogen peroxide. Therefore, OSiNPs can serve as a fluorescent probe to detect I– with high selectivity and sensitivity. The highly selective response is attributed to the hydrophilic surface enabling good dispersion in aqueous solutions and the lipophilic core allowing the generated liposoluble I2 to approach and quench the fluorescence of OSiNPs. The linear working range for I– was from 0 to 50 μM, with a detection limit of 0.1 μM. We successfully applied this nanosensor to determine iodine content in edible salt. Furthermore, the fluorescent OSiNPs can be utilized for the determination of total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Antioxidants reduce I2 to I–, and the extent of quenching by the remaining I2 on the OSiNPs indicates the TAC level. The responses to ascorbic acid, pyrogallic acid, and glutathione were investigated, and the detection limit for ascorbic acid was as low as 0.03 μM. It was applied to the determination of TAC in ascorbic acid tablets and fruit juices, indicating the potential application of the OSiNP-based I2 sensing technique in the field of food analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Orange juice shows browning issue during storage which seriously affects its quality. Based on our previous study demonstrating the inhibition of browning of concentrated orange juice (COJ) by epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and L-cysteine (L-cys), this study evaluated the effect of ultrasonic-vacuum combined with high-pressure CO2 on browning. Ultrasonic-vacuum can reduce the dissolved oxygen content in COJ more effectively than ultrasonic and also minimize the loss of ascorbic acid. The lowest dissolved oxygen content and ascorbic acid loss in COJ were achieved by ultrasonic-vacuum at 900 W and 15.6 min for COJ sample of 50.0 g. Ultrasonic-vacuum effectively removes most of the dissolved oxygen from COJ, and high-pressure CO2 reduces oxygen in the headspace of the container. This reduction in oxygen content effectively reduces aerobic acid degradation and inhibits browning caused by ascorbic acid degradation. In addition, the results showed that although ultrasonic-vacuum combined with high-pressure CO2 had a significant effect on delaying ascorbic acid degradation and reduced the loss by 35.01%, it has little effect on browning caused by Maillard reaction. Finally, it is concluded that ultrasonic-vacuum combined with high-pressure CO2 based on EGCG and L-cys has the best inhibitory effect on browning of COJ during storage, inhibiting 69.8% of the increase in BI values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to dry whole strawberries, which are a sensitive and high value-added food, with different heating rate approach in different drying stages developed to overcome the problems encountered in microwave freeze-drying (MFD). To do this, a specially designed microwave (2450 MHz) freeze-drying system developed in our laboratory was used. Internal temperatures at two different whole strawberries which are one at the center and one at the edge of the basket were recorded during drying experiments by using a signal conditioner and fiber optic probes. Drying experiments were carried out until a moisture content of below 10% by weight was attained. Heating rates determined by preliminary trials of 0.035 °C/min and 0.2 °C/min were applied to whole strawberries in the primary and secondary drying stages, respectively. The quality parameters of microwave freeze-drying and freeze-dried whole strawberries were compared. In this context, dried strawberries were subjected to some physical (moisture content, water activity, texture, and color) and chemical (vitamin C, total phenolic content, and antioxidant capacity) analyses. Microwave freeze-drying (MDF) was able to preserve the vitamin C content of all strawberries by approximately 55% while yielding a final product of substantially similar quality to freeze-drying (FD). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The defensive role performed by exogenously supplied ascorbic acid in the cyanobacterium Nostoc muscorum Meg1 against damages produced by UV-C radiation exposure was assessed in this study. Exposure to UV-C (24 mJ/cm2) significantly enhanced reactive oxygen species (ROS) (50%) along with peroxidation of lipids (21%) and protein oxidation (22%) in the organism. But, addition of 0.5 mM ascorbic acid prior to UV-C exposure showed reduction in ROS production (1.7%) and damages to lipids and proteins (1.5 and 2%, respectively). Light and transmission electron microscopic studies revealed that ascorbic acid not only protected filament breakage but also restricted severe ultrastructural changes and cellular damages in the organism. Although the growth of the organism was repressed up to 9% under UV-C treatment within 15 days, a pre-treatment with ascorbic acid led to growth enhancement by 42% in the same period. Various growth parameters such as photo-absorbing pigments (phycoerythrin, phycocyanin, allophycocyanin, chlorophyll a, and carotenoids), water splitting complex (WSC), D1 protein, RuBisCO, glutamine synthetase and nitrogenase activities in the UV-C treated organism were seen to be relatively intact in the presence of ascorbic acid. Thus, a detailed analysis undertaken in the present study was able to demonstrate that ascorbic acid not only act as first responder against harmful UV-C radiation by down-regulating ROS production, it also accelerated the growth performance in the organism in the post UV-C incubation period as an immediate response to an adverse experience presented in the form of UV-C radiation exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Pain is the most common reason for seeking medical treatment. Despite extensive research efforts and effective analgesics modulating pain, there is still a major therapeutic gap in addressing the root causes of pain. Pain is associated with tissue damage induced by oxidative stress and induction of inflammatory mediators following high consumption of antioxidants. The role of antioxidants in general, and the administration of l-ascorbate in particular, is still controversially discussed and underestimated in the daily clinical practice. Methods: The current literature on the therapeutic effect of l-ascorbate, ascorbic acid, and vitamin C on various pain conditions was evaluated against the background of evidence-based medicine. Those articles, obtained from systematic search in PubMed, were critically assessed and rated in terms of evidence level and methodological quality by two independent experts. The primary purpose of this work was to establish specific pain therapy guidance for intravenous l-ascorbate. Results: A PubMed search revealed 14 suitable articles comprising controlled clinical trials and meta-analyses. An additional ten publications could be identified via secondary literature. There is supporting evidence for the efficacy of ascorbate treatment in inflammatory pain conditions, in the complex regional pain syndrome, in post zoster neuralgia, in neuropathic pain, in post-operative pain conditions, and in tumor-related pain. However, the considered studies differ in the type of administration, in dosage, in duration of treatment, as well as in quality of research. Despite all study heterogeneity, it became evident that research of high scientific quality is in support of the efficacy of l-ascorbate in pain treatment. Discussion: Oxidative stress is present in almost all pain conditions. Because oral administration of most magistral formulas of vitamin C does not provide biological availability, parenteral administration should be preferred and can be supported by an oral dose with high bioavailability on days without intravenous treatment. l-ascorbate should be preferred for parenteral high dosage, rather than ascorbic acid, as it does not release acid valences under physiological conditions. Conclusions: l-ascorbate is an effective, safe, and economically favorable integrative treatment option for various pain conditions, addressing the root cause of tissue damage and inflammatory mediator burst. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Excessive iron intake causes lipid peroxidation and increases oxidative stress. Ascorbic acid is a natural compound with antioxidant and therapeutic properties. In this study, the effect of AA on oxidative stress parameters in fruit flies in the presence of iron was investigated. Third instar larvae were exposed to Fe and/or AA. Antioxidant enzyme activities, MDA, and GSH levels were determined in adult heads developing from the larvae. The mRNA levels of the enzymes were also analyzed. Iron treatment caused inhibition of SOD, CAT, and GPx enzymes, and only a decrease in the mRNA level of CAT. However, AA treatment together with iron prevented the inhibition. In addition, iron treatment increased the MDA level and decreased the GSH level. AA treatment together with iron ameliorated the changes in MDA and GSH levels. The results showed that AA can interfere with the iron-induced changes. Considering the potential of AA to ameliorate iron-induced changes, further studies are needed to elucidate the effect of AA on different mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sunflower oil cake (SFC), a by-product of oil manufacturing, possesses a high protein content but is often disregarded due to its undesirable green color caused by phenolic compounds (PCs) during alkaline extraction. This study aimed at improving the color of extracted sunflower protein concentrate (SPC) without eliminating the PCs by employing two anti-greening additives, ascorbic acid (ASC) and N-acetylcysteine (NAC), at different concentrations (4, 8, and 12 mg/g meal) during extraction. Moreover, the effects of these additives on the chemical, structural, and functional properties of extracted proteins were assessed. The results showed that the SPC extracted without additives (control) and with 4 and 8 mg/g additives exhibited green color, while the most significant greening inhibition was attained with 12 mg/g of either ASC or NAC. All the extraction solutions resulted in SPC with comparable water solubility exceeding 90% and minor variations in the secondary structure, hydrophobicity, and thermal stability of the proteins. All extracted SPCs demonstrated substantial antioxidant activity, adding nutritional benefits to the protein concentrates. In conclusion, incorporating ASC and NAC during the alkaline extraction process proved to be an effective strategy for producing sunflower protein concentrate with improved color and acceptable functional properties. This approach offers the food industry an opportunity to reduce reliance on expensive protein sources, such as soy protein isolates, and paves the way for sustainable utilization of sunflower oil cake as a valuable and versatile protein ingredient in various food applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of probiotic Lactiplantibacillus plantarum S61 and prebiotic Xylooligosaccharide (XOS) on the physicochemical (pH, Titratable acidity, and °Brix), functional (color, total phenolic content, antioxidant activity, Vitamin C content), and sensory properties of orange juice during fermentation at 37 °C for 48 h. The fermented juice displayed favorable physicochemical characteristics (pH, Titratable acidity, and °Brix), important growth of the probiotic L. plantarum S61 (p < 0.05), and enhanced color and shelf life of the final product. The results showed that the values of total phenolic content, antioxidant activities, and Vitamin C range between 55.33 and 38.50 µM, 50.68–63.57%, and 17.5-23.75 mg/100 g, respectively, at the end of the fermentation. Furthermore, Probiotic and prebiotic supplementation enhanced significantly (p < 0.05) the total phenolic content, and antioxidant activity, and preserved the degradation of Vitamin C during fermentation. Moreover, there were no significant differences between the formulations regarding color, texture, and overall acceptance (p > 0.05). Consequently, the orange juice supplemented Xylooligosaccharide (prebiotic) and probiotic cultures could be applied to develop a new non-dairy synbiotic beverage product with important and high functional values and acceptance sensory properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, PtNi@SWCNT (Platinum Nickel @ Single Walled Carbon Nanotube) and PtNi@MWCNT (Platinum Nickel @ Multi Walled Carbon Nanotube) catalysts were obtained using carbon nanotubes (CNTs) produced by arc discharge method and used for ascorbic acid (AA) detection. SWCNT and MWCNT were used as support structures in PtNi nanostructures and synthesis was carried out by chemical reduction method. The nanostructure was analyzed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Electrochemical analyses were carried out on catalysts of appropriate size. According to the differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) results obtained; The calculated Limit of Detection (LOD) and Limit of Quantification (LOQ) values for PtNi@SWCNT and PtNi@MWCNT catalysts were 6.94 mM/ 21.05 mM and 5.03 mM /15.26 mM, respectively. With these results, it was seen that sensitive and selective sensor was created for AA detection. The results showed that both CNTs based materials are highly effective in AA detection. In addition, this study is important for the industrial scale production of SWCNT and MWCNT by arc discharge method and performance evaluation in different applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prunus spinosa L., commonly known as blackthorn, holds traditional significance both as a food source and an herbal remedy. This study aims to determine the extract that includes the highest total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant capacity (AC) using DPPH and CUPRAC assays, and vitamin C from blackthorn using the response surface method in an ultrasonic water bath and to this extract into powder by foam mat drying. The investigation comprises two primary phases. Firstly, the impact of temperature (20–80 °C) and extraction time (5–30 min) on TPC, AC, and vitamin C were systematically explored. Subsequently, the extracts derived from blackthorn fruit were subjected to foam mat drying, utilizing two distinct ratios (7:3 w/w and 8:2 w/w) of foaming agents [maltodextrin (MD) to egg white (EW)], along with three drying techniques (oven, microwave, and natural drying). The optimized extraction parameters were determined as follows: temperature (80 °C) and time (30 min). Furthermore, the results reveal that microwave-dried powders with a low EW ratio exhibit superior preservation of TPC, AC, and vitamin C content. This research underscores the potential utility of foam mat-dried blackthorn powders as functional ingredients and natural colorants within the realm of the food industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vitamin C is extensively used in cosmetic formulation, howbeit stability is the supreme demerit that limits its use in beautifying products. Numerous techniques are being employed to inhibit the degradation of vitamin C caused by formulation components to facilitate the use in skin rejuvenating products. Diverse materials are being exercised in formulation to stabilize the ascorbic acid and ingredients selected in this formulation composition help for stabilization. The initial stable prototype is developed and further optimization is accomplished by applying the design of experiment tools. The stable pharmaceutical formulations were evaluated for the evaluation parameters and designated as two optimized formulations. The analytical method for the assay of ascorbic acid from the United States pharmacopeia and the related substance method from European pharmacopeia has been modified to be used for cream formulation. The DoE design exhibited that the stability of formulation is impacted by citric acid and tartaric acid but not by propylene glycol and glycerin. The analysis results of topical formulations for the evaluation parameter exhibited satisfactory results. The in-vitro release study method has been developed, optimized, and validated to fit the analysis. The in-vitro studies have been performed for selected compositions and both the formulation has similar kinds of release patterns. The stability study as per ICH guidelines exhibited that the product is stable for accelerated, intermediate, and room-temperature storage conditions. The optimized formulation shows constant release and permeation of ascorbic acid through the skin. The formulation with the combinations of citric acid, tartaric acid, and tocopherol is more stable and the degradation of vitamin C has been reduced significantly. The beaucoup strategies in the unique composition help to protect the degradation by inhibiting the multitudinous degradation pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ten-eleven translocases (TETs) are enzymes responsible for demethylation processes, playing a crucial role in maintaining the body's methylation balance. Dysregulation of TET expression can lead to abnormal methylation levels. Isocitrate dehydrogenases (IDH) are upstream genes involved in Kreb cycle responsible for production of α-ketoglutarate (α-KG). α-KG and vitamin C are cofactors of TET3 enzyme. There is limited data on the relationship between TET3 and its cofactor Vitamin C in head and neck carcinoma (H&NC). Methods and Results: In this study, we have investigated the expression of the TET3 gene along with IDH1/2 genes involved in the Krebs cycle in the peripheral blood of 32 H&NC patients compared to 32 healthy controls. We estimated serum levels of TET3 protein and vitamin C and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5-hmC) percentage in DNA isolated from EDTA blood samples. Our findings revealed that TET3 and IDH1/2 were downregulated in H&NC patients compared to healthy controls. Serum levels of TET3 and Vitamin C were low in H&NC patients compared to healthy controls. Diminished levels of percentage 5-hmC were detected in EDTA blood samples of H&NC patients compared to controls. Spearman correlation analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between TET3 levels, vitamin C levels and 5-hmC percentage. Conclusion: The low levels of Vitamin C are believed to contribute to decreased activity of the TET3 gene and less conversion of 5-methylcytosine (5-mC) to 5-hmC. Dietary supplementation of Vitamin C may increase TET3 activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the exploration of the therapeutic potential of Salvia has gained considerable attention, leading to a growing number of scientific studies emphasizing its pharmacological properties. Despite this, therapeutic applications of Salvia remain underexploited, requiring further investigation. Iran is a major center for sage diversity in Asia, boasting 60 Salvia species, 17 of which are unique to the area. This study aimed to comprehensively explore and compare the extracts of 102 Salvia samples belonging to 20 distinct Salvia species from Iran, providing a deeper understanding of their specific polyphenol content and, consequently, their antioxidant capabilities and potential therapeutic uses. All samples were analyzed to determine the contents of total phenolics, total flavonoids, total tannin, photosynthetic pigments, and ascorbic acid, along with their antioxidant activity. These data were then combined with the forty distinct chemical fingerprints identified by ultrafast high-pressure liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry. Multivariate data analysis was employed to find correlations and differences among the huge number of data obtained and to identify Salvia species with similar phytochemical and/or antioxidant properties. The results show that each Salvia species is characterized by a distinct class of polyphenols recognized for their antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective and neuroprotective properties. Overall, our findings reveal the potential of some Salvia species for targeted therapeutic applications and provide a rational basis for the development of Salvia-derived nutraceuticals, ultimately improving the prospects for the use of Salvia in medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fruits play an important role in human life on our planet, since they supply a variety of essential services. One of the paramount crops in Pakistan is Citrus reticulata (Kinnow), which plays a vital role in the country's economy. The citrus crops are confronted with various challenges such as fungi, bacteria, nematodes, and viruses, all of which have adverse effects on the quality and yield of the fruits. Citrus canker, in particular, stands as the most fatal disease, affecting numerous citrus species worldwide, inflicting devastating consequences. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of citrus canker on the morphology, physiology of leaves, and the quality of citrus fruits. The research was conducted in four major citrus-producing tehsils of the Sargodha district. The study found significant differences in morphological and physiological traits between healthy fruits and those infected with citrus canker. Healthy fruits exhibited higher values in fruit weight (FW) of 149.02 g, peel thickness (PT) of 3.76 g, rag weight (RW) of 35.95 g, leaf area (LA) of 22.49 cm2, and juice weight compared to the citrus canker-infected fruits. The significant variations in fruit weight, juice weight, chlorophyll content, vitamin C content were present between healthy and diseased fruits and leaves. A biochemical study revealed that healthy fruits had greater levels of total soluble solids (TSS), TSS-acid ratio, vitamin C, and reducing power (RP), but citrus canker-infected fruits had a higher acidity percentage. The significant decreases in important morphological and physicochemical characteristics, emphasizing the necessity for immediate disease control techniques to safeguard the citrus sector and maintain food security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Scurvy has been a rare condition in the developed world due to the increasing availability of adequate nutrition and easy access to fruits and vegetables. Scurvy is caused by severe vitamin C deficiency and has been historically associated with malnutrition in high-risk populations such as sailors. As it is an uncommon nutritional deficiency, scurvy is seldom suspected and usually under-diagnosed especially in the pediatric population. Case presentation: We report a case of a pediatric patient with a history of autism spectrum disorder presenting with atypical symptoms of scurvy with gait abnormalities, diffuse rash, musculoskeletal deconditioning, and bleeding manifestations. After multiple extensive investigations and a prolonged hospitalization, a detailed dietary analysis revealed a severely restricted diet devoid of fruits and vegetables. Physical examination revealed specific signs of corkscrew hair with peri-follicular hemorrhages, hypertrophic, and bleeding gums with a concurrent low vitamin C level. Treatment with vitamin C supplementation was initiated and he was ambulant within 1 month of discharge. Conclusion: This case highlights the importance of nutrition history for determining micronutrient deficiency in children with special needs. Enhanced physician education and higher index of suspicion regarding nutritional deficiencies will avoid over-investigations and delays for the institution of specific treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vitamin C (VC) serves as a pivotal nutrient for anti-oxidation process, metabolic responses, and stem cell differentiation. However, its precise contribution to placenta development and gestation remains obscure. Here, we demonstrated that physiological levels of VC act to stabilize Hand1, a key bHLH transcription factor vital for the development trajectory of trophoblast giant cell (TGC) lineages, thereby promoting the differentiation of trophoblast stem cells into TGC. Specifically, VC administration inactivated c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling, which directly phosphorylates Hand1 at Ser48, triggering the proteasomal degradation of Hand1. Conversely, a loss-of-function mutation at Ser48 on Hand1 not only significantly diminished both intrinsic and VC-induced stabilization of Hand1 but also underscored the indispensability of this residue. Noteworthy, the insufficiency of VC led to severe defects in the differentiation of diverse TGC subtypes and the formation of labyrinth's vascular network in rodent placentas, resulting in failure of maintenance of pregnancy. Importantly, VC deficiency, lentiviral knockdown of JNK or overexpression of Hand1 mutants in trophectoderm substantially affected the differentiation of primary and secondary TGC in E8.5 mouse placentas. Thus, these findings uncover the significance of JNK inactivation and consequential stabilization of Hand1 as a hitherto uncharacterized mechanism controlling VC-mediated placentation and perhaps maintenance of pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Decellularization of plant tissues is an emerging route to fabricate scaffolds for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Although significant progress has been made in the field of plant tissue decellularization, functionalization of plant scaffolds is still an emerging field, and loading them with L-ascorbic acid to promote skin regeneration has not yet been reported. L-ascorbic acid is an antioxidant that plays a key role in collagen synthesis as a cofactor of lysyl hydroxylase and prolyl hydroxylase. It has been shown to have significant importance in physiological wound healing by stimulating fibroblasts to produce collagen at both the molecular and the genetic levels. In this work, we aimed to fabricate an ascorbic acid-releasing bioactive scaffold by introducing a stable form of ascorbic acid, L-ascorbic acid 2-phosphate (AA2P), into decellularized baby spinach leaves and investigated its biological activity in vitro. Our results demonstrated that AA2P could be easily introduced into decellularized baby spinach leaf scaffolds and subsequently released within the effective dose range. AA2P-releasing baby spinach leaves were found to increase metabolic activity and enhance collagen synthesis in L929 fibroblasts after 21 days. In conclusion, this study demonstrated the fabrication of a novel functionalized skin tissue engineering scaffold and made a significant contribution to the fields of plant decellularization and skin tissue engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study introduces an electrochemical sensor designed for the determination of ascorbic acid (AA), dopamine (DA), and acetaminophen (AC). The sensor was crafted through a single electropolymerization step in a solution containing pyrrole and modified gold nanoparticles. Characterization of the resulting polypyrrole composite was conducted using diverse techniques, including scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, UV–vis spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and cyclic voltammetry. Differential pulse voltammetry was employed to record peak currents for the oxidation of the analytes. The sensor exhibits a linear response within the concentration ranges of 20–1000 μM for AA, 0.1–8.0 μM for DA and 4.0–150 μM for AC with detection limits (3σ) of 8.8 μM for AA, 79 nM for DA and 0.9 μM for AC, respectively. The efficacy of the developed sensor was validated through the electrochemical determination of these analytes in human serum, ampoules, and tablets, demonstrating its practical applicability in real samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, nanomaterials enter high numbers of daily used products and drug manufacture. A nanocomposite of vitamins C (VC) and vitamin E (VE) with chitosan as a vehicle and protector was used in a comparative eight-week feeding study, Nile tilapia weighing 31.2 ± 0.36 g distributed in seven groups and fed (G1) basal diet, (G2) bulk VC, (G3) VC- nanoparticles (NPs), (G4) bulk VE, (G5) VE-NPs, bulk VCE (G6), and (G7) VC plus VE (VCE)-NPs, respectively. The Nile tilapia-fed nanocomposite vitamins had significantly higher growth performance compared to the control; VCE-NPs had the superiority among tested supplementations where total weight gain (63.6 g), daily weight gain (1.13 g), relative growth rate (206.1%) with lower feed conversion rate (1.6) and insignificant feed intake (101.5 g). Overall, the level of liver enzymes was significantly decreased in fish serum after eight-week nanocomposite supplementation, and dietary VCE-NPs caused a significant reduction of serum AST (18.45 IU/L) and ALT (14.77 IU/L) compared to the control 25.5 IU/L and 17.6 IU/L, respectively. Fish fed dietary VCE-NPs, VC-NPs, and VE-NPs had significant enhancement of RBCs 4.2 × 106/μL, 3.8 × 106/μL, and 3.55 × 106/μL; WBCs 46.15 × 103, 42.9 × 103, and 44 × 103/μL, respectively, Also TP was significantly higher 6.38 g/dL in VCE-NPs group compared to the control and the other treatments. Over all, the dietary nanocomposite vitamins boost the innate immunity of the experimental Nile tilapia, the oxidative burst activity (OBA), phagocytic activity (PA), phagocytic index (PI), and serum antibacterial (SAA) were significantly increased compared to those received bulk vitamins and the control. The activity of antioxidant biomarkers in fish serum including glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), glutathione reductase (GR), and myeloperoxidase (MPO) showed a rise in the serum of Nile tilapia received nano- and bulk-form of VC and VCE compared to the control and both forms of VE. Furthermore, the level of malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH), and oxidized glutathione (GSSG) were significantly increased in the fish serum following the trend of antioxidants enzymes. In conclusion, a dietary nanocomposite of vitamin C and vitamin E enhanced Nile tilapia's growth performance and feed utilization. It could also improve health status and immune response. The values of antioxidant biomarkers indicated that the nanocomposite could help the fish body scavenge the generated reactive oxidative species (ROS). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Zinc Oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) are used widely in nowadays personal care products, especially sunscreens, as a protector against UV irradiation. Yet, they have some reports of potential toxicity. Silica is widely used to cage ZnO NPs to reduce their potential toxicity. Vitamin C derivative, Magnesium Ascorpyl Phosphate (MAP), is a potent antioxidant that can efficiently protect human skin from harmful impacts of UV irradiation and oxidative stress. The combination of silica coated ZnO NPs and MAP nanovesicles could have potential synergistic protective effect against skin photodamage. Methods: Silica coated ZnO NPs and MAP nanovesicles (ethosomes and niosomes) were synthesized, formulated, and evaluated as topical gels. These gel formulations were evaluated in mice for their photoprotective effect against UV irradiation through histopathology and immuno-histochemistry study. Split-face clinical study was conducted to compare the effect of application of silica coated ZnO NPs either alone or combined with MAP nanovesicles. Their photoprotective action was evaluated, using Antera 3D® camera, for melanin level, roughness index and wrinkles depth. Results: Silica coated ZnO NPs when combined with MAP nanovesicles protected mice skin from UV irradiation and decreased the expression of the proinflammatory cytokines, NF-κB. Clinically, silica coated ZnO NPs, alone or combined with MAP nanovesicles, could have significant effect to decrease melanin level, roughness index and wrinkles depth with higher effect for the combination. Conclusion: A composite of silica coated ZnO NPs and MAP nanovesicles could be a promising cosmetic formulation for skin protection against photodamage signs such as hyperpigmentation, roughness, and wrinkles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synthesis of 2-(benzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)-N-arylacetamide derivatives was achieved by cyclocondensation reaction of 2-aminothiophenol and different cyanoacetamide derivatives in solvent free condition and without any catalyst. The resultant products were used as a precursor for synthesis novel acetamide, acrylamide, pyrazole and pyridine derivatives via reaction with different reagents. All reaction products have been tested for their antioxidant activities compared with ascorbic acid. Some on novel synthesized products furnished promising results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amlodipine (AM) is a long active calcium channel blocker used to relax blood vessels by preventing calcium ion transport into the vascular walls and its supporting molecules acetaminophen (AP) and ascorbic acid (AA) are recommended for hypertension control and prevention. Considering their therapeutic importance and potential side effects due to over dosage, we have fabricated a sensor for individual and simultaneous determination of AA, AP, and AM in pharmaceuticals and human urine using novel Zn-doped Ca2CuO3 nanoparticles modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE). Optimally doped Ca2CuO3 (2.5 wt% Zn at Cu site) enhanced the detection of target molecules over much wider concentration ranges of 50 to 3130 µM for AA, 0.25 to 417 µM for AP, and 0.8 to 354 µM for AM with the corresponding lowest detection limits of 14 µM, 0.05 µM, and 0.07 µM, respectively. Furthermore, the Zn-Ca2CuO3/GCE exhibited excellent selectivity and high sensitivity even in the presence of several potential interfering agents. The usefulness of the developed electrode was tested using an amlodipine besylate tablet and urine samples of seven hypertension patients under medication. The results confirmed the presence of a significant amount of AP and AM in six patients' urine samples indicating that the personalized medication is essential and the quantum of medication need to be fixed by knowing the excess medicines excreted through urine. Thus, the Zn-Ca2CuO3/GCE with a high recovery percentage and good sensitivity shall be useful in the pharmaceutical and biomedical sectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Persistent luminescent nanomaterials (PLNPs) Zn0.8Ga2O4: Cr3+, Zr3+ with high brightness and good dispersion were prepared by hydrothermal method. The PLNPs were used as luminescent units, and CoOOH nanosheets were used as quenching agents. Based on the fluorescence internal filtering effect, the luminescence of PLNPs were effectively quenched by CoOOH modification on the surface of PLNPs. However, the introduction of ascorbic acid (AA) restored the luminescence of PLNPs and successfully achieved highly sensitive and selective detection of AA. This was due to a selective redox reaction between CoOOH and AA, in which CoOOH was reduced to Co2+. The degree of luminescence recovery of PLNPs showed a good linear relationship with AA concentration in the range 5-250 µM, with a detection limit of 0.72 µM. The recovery of actual spiked samples were 97.9–102.2%. This method is expected to provide reference for the study of other redox substances in biological systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]