Search

This paper describes the use of a combination of two specific layers to protect the surface of low–carbon steel against electrochemical corrosion phenomena, which has not been published in the scientific literature so far. The layers include a black oxide film and siloxane coating, which are formed in the steel blackening and sol–gel processes, respectively. The so–obtained samples were subjected to surface morphology and physicochemical analysis (atomic force microscopy and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy) as well as electrochemical measurements, including AC and DC techniques. The physicochemical and surface morphology analysis allowed to prove the presence and adhesion of the siloxane coating to the surface of the black oxide layer, while the results of the electrochemical tests show that low–carbon steel modified this way is characterized by remarkable anti–corrosive properties, comparable to those of stainless steel.

Summary Introduction: The molecular basis of in vivo metabolism of selected representatives of phenylethanoids in the presence of ethanol has not been fully elucidated. Objective: The aim was to estimate a salidroside (Sal) metabolism in the liver tissue in rats with induced alcohol tolerance by assessing changes in the transcription of genes encoding cytochromes: CYP1A2, 2D2, 3A1, 2C23. Methods: cDNA was synthesized from total RNA isolated from rat liver samples. mRNA level changes were evaluated using real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) technique. Results: Ethanol caused a significant induction of the CYP1A2 and CYP2C23 genes transcription, and a decrease in the CYP3A1 mRNA level, predominantly without statistical significance. A statistically significant increase of the CYP1A2 mRNA level was observed in the group receiving only Sal (4.5 mg/kg b.w.; p.o.) (p Conclusions: There was no unequivocal effect of salidroside on the transcription of investigated cytochrome genes in the liver of rats with induced alcohol tolerance.

3′-N-(2-Thio-1,3,2-oxathiaphospholane) derivatives of 5′-O-DMT-3′-amino-2′,3′-dideoxy-ribonucleosides (NOTP-N), that bear a 4,4-unsubstituted, 4,4-dimethyl, or 4,4-pentamethylene substituted oxathiaphospholane ring, were synthesized. Within these three series, NOTP-N differed by canonical nucleobases (i.e., AdeBz, CytBz, GuaiBu, or Thy). The monomers were chromatographically separated into P-diastereomers, which were further used to prepare NNPSN′ dinucleotides (3), as well as short P-stereodefined oligo(deoxyribonucleoside N3′→O5′ phosphoramidothioate)s (NPS-) and chimeric NPS/PO- and NPS/PS-oligomers. The condensation reaction for NOTP-N monomers was found to be 5–6 times slower than the analogous OTP derivatives. When the 5′-end nucleoside of a growing oligomer adopts a C3′-endo conformation, a conformational ‘clash’ with the incoming NOTP-N monomer takes place, which is a main factor decreasing the repetitive yield of chain elongation. Although both isomers of NNPSN′ were digested by the HINT1 phosphoramidase enzyme, the isomers hydrolyzed at a faster rate were tentatively assigned the RP absolute configuration. This assignment is supported by X-ray analysis of the protected dinucleotide DMTdGiBuNPSMeTOAc, which is P-stereoequivalent to the hydrolyzed faster P-diastereomer of dGNPST.

Two series of novel fluorinated nucleosides dimers with an unnatural 1,2,3-triazole linkage were synthesized. The obtained molecules were prepared using "click" chemistry approach based on copper(I) catalyzed Huisgen azide-alkyne cycloaddition. It was performed between 3'- and 5'-azido-nucleosides as the azide components, and the 3'

The research and development of new carbon materials of electrochemical capacitors cause a huge interest in chemical power sources causes. The appropriate modification of carbon materials leads to an increase in supercapacitor capacitance. Therefore, activated carbon was modified by ozone treatment. The process of ozonation was carried out for 15, 30, 60, 120 and 240 min. Moreover, activated carbon was also modified by cobalt(II) hydroxide impregnation in order to construct asymmetric electrochemical capacitor. The performance of electrochemical capacitors has been examined by cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge/discharge in 1 M H2SO4, 1 M Na2SO4 and 6 M KOH

In 30 monosubstituted benzene cation radicals, studied at the ωB97XD/aug-cc-pVTZ level, the phenyl rings usually adopt a compressed form, but a differently compressed form—equivalent to an elongated one—may coexist. The computational and literature ionization potentials are well correlated. The geometrical and magnetic aromaticity, estimated using HOMA and NICS indices, show the systems to be structurally aromatic but magnetically antiaromatic or only weakly aromatic. The partial charge is split between the substituent and ring and varies the most at C(ipso). In the ring, the spin is 70%, concentrated equally at the C(ipso) and C(p) atoms. The sEDA(D) and pEDA(D) descriptors of the substituent effect in cation radicals, respectively, were determined. In cation radicals, the substituent effect on the σ-electron system is like that in the ground state. The effect on the π-electron systems is long-range, and its propagation in the radical quinone-like ring is unlike that in the neutral molecules. The pEDA(D) descriptor correlates well with the partial spin at C(ipso) and C(p) and weakly with the HOMA(D) index. The correlation of the spin at the ring π-electron system and the pEDA(D) descriptor shows that the electron charge supplied to the ring π-electron system and the spin flow oppositely.

The phenolic and antioxidant potential of potentially bioaccessible fractions of lentil sprouts was studied. Sprouts were cocultivated with a probiotic to obtain a new functional product and further stored in cool conditions. The fraction obtained after buffer extraction and gastric digestion had higher content of phenolics compared to the control (by 20% and 46%, respectively), however, a 9% decrease was observed in samples obtained after gastrointestinal digestion. After gastrointestinal digestion, the highest content of phenolics (278 µg/g d.w.) was determined in the fresh control sprouts. Compounds neutralizing ABTS and hydroxyl radicals, chelating metal ions, and exhibiting strong reducing power were effectively released after gastrointestinal digestion (e.g., the values of the gastrointestinal digestibility index for chelating power and ability to quench hydroxyl radicals significantly exceeded 1 in all studied samples). It was proved that the enrichment of sprouts with a probiotic and further storage significantly improved the antioxidant potential, compared to the fresh control sprouts, an increase by 45% and 10% was determined after the gastric and gastrointestinal digestion, respectively. Lentil sprouts enriched with L. plantarum 299v may be a new functional product characterized by the high antioxidant capacity of the potentially bioaccessible fraction.

The aim of this study was to assess the activity of extracts from Platycodon grandiflorum A. DC (PG) in a model of chronic bronchitis in rats. The research was carried out on three water extracts: E1 &ndash, from roots of field cultivated PG, E2 &ndash, from biotransformed roots of PG, E3 &ndash, from callus of PG. The extracts differed in saponins and inulin levels&mdash, the highest was measured in E3 and the lowest in E1. Identification of secondary metabolites was performed using two complementary LC-MS systems. Chronic bronchitis was induced by sodium metabisulfite (a source of SO2). Animals were treated with extracts for three weeks (100 mg/kg, intragastrically) and endothelial growth factor (VEGF), transforming growth factors (TGF-&beta, 1, -&beta, 2, -&beta, 3), and mucin 5AC (MUC5AC) levels were determined in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, whereas C reactive protein (CRP) level was measured in serum. Moreover, mRNA expression were assessed in bronchi and lungs. In SO2-exposed rats, an elevation of the CRP, TGF-&beta, 1, TGF-&beta, 2, VEGF, and mucin was found, but the extracts&rsquo, administration mostly reversed this phenomenon, leading to control values. The results showed a strong anti-inflammatory effect of the extracts from PG.

The aim of the study is to characterise biologically active hydolysates and peptide fractions obtained from vacuum-packed string beans (Phaseolus vulragis L.) (PB). Unpacked beans were a control sample. The influence on human squamous carcinoma cell line SCC-15 (ATCC CRL-1623) was determined. Packed bean (PB) and unpacked bean (UB) extracts were found to exert no effect on the tongue squamous carcinoma cells. The results of the study indicated that the packing process contributed to the retention of protein, soluble dietary fibre, and free sugar (2.36, 3.5, and 1.79 g/100 d.m., respectively). PB was characterised by higher antioxidant activity (expressed as neutralisation of 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS ABTS•+) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH·) free radicals) as well as Fe2+ chelation and reducing power (IC50 = 54.56, 0.46, 3.85 mg mL−1; 0.088 A700/peptide content, respectively) than the UB samples before hydrolysis. The hydrolysis process enhanced these properties. The IC50 value of lipase and α-amylase inhibitory activity of the hydrolysates obtained from UB was reduced. The PB and UB fractions exhibited a certain level of antimicrobial activity against S. aureus and E. coli. Candida albicans were not sensitive to these peptide fractions.

In the present work, we have investigated the anion-specific upper critical solution temperature (UCST) behavior of polymer-supported borinic acid (PBA) in dimethyl sulfoxide–water (DMSO–H2O) mixtures. An inverted V-shaped series CH3COO– NO3– > ClO4– > SCN– is observed in terms of the anion-specific UCST of PBA in the DMSO–H2O mixtures. Both direct anion–polymer interactions and indirect solvent-mediated anion–polymer interactions are involved in the specific anion effect on the UCST behavior of PBA. The direct binding of anions to the PBA surface generates a salting-in effect on PBA, causing the UCST for the different types of anions to increase from chaotropic to kosmotropic anions due to the stronger binding of the more chaotropic anions. On the other hand, the indirect anionic polarization of hydrogen bonding between PBA and DMSO molecules also produces a salting-in effect on PBA, leading the UCST for the different types of anions to increase from kosmotropic to chaotropic anions b...

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of heat treatment of edible insects on antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory activities of peptide fractions from hydrolysates obtained by in vitro gastrointestinal digestion thereof. Identification of bioactive peptides from the edible insects and their chemical synthesis were carried out as well. The highest antiradical activity against ABTS•⁺ and DPPH• was noted for the peptide fraction from the Gryllodes sigillatus protein preparation (EC₅₀ value 2.75 and 6.91 μg mL⁻¹, respectively). This fraction exhibited the strongest LOX and COX‐2 inhibitory activity (IC₅₀ value 0.13 and 0.26 μg mL⁻¹, respectively). The peptide fraction from the Tenebrio molitor protein preparation showed the highest Fe²⁺ chelating ability (EC₅₀ value 2.21 μg mL⁻¹) and the highest reducing power (0.198). The heat treatment process has a positive effect on the antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory properties of peptides. All identified and synthesised peptides from insect protein showed antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory activity.

Summary Introduction: In recent years, the search for potential neuroprotective properties of salidroside and its ability to influence the activity of nervous system become the subject of intense studies of many research groups. None of these studies, however, include an attempt to determine the effect of salidroside on the course of alcohol tolerance in vivo. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the ability of salidroside to inhibit the development of alcohol tolerance in rats, determining whether the effect of its action may occur in a dose-dependent manner, reducing both metabolic and central tolerance without affecting body temperature in control rats. Methods: Male Wistar rats were injected daily with ethanol at a dose of 3 g/kg for 9 consecutive days to produce ethanol tolerance. Salidroside in two doses (4.5 mg/kg and 45 mg/kg b.w.) or vehiculum was administered orally. On the 1st, 3rd, 5th and 8th day a hypothermic effect of ethanol was measured, while the loss of righting reflex procedure was performed on the 2nd, 4th, 6th and 7th day. On the 9th day rats were treated with salidroside, sacrificed 1 h after ethanol injections and blood was collected for blood-ethanol concentration measurement. Results: Salidroside at a dose of 45 mg/kg inhibited the development of tolerance to hypothermic and sedative effects of ethanol, whereas insignificant elevation of blood-ethanol concentration was observed. The dose of 4.5 mg/kg b.w. had minimal effect, only small inhibition of tolerance to hypothermic action was observed. Salidroside affected neither body mass growth nor body temperature in non-alcoholic (control) rats. Conclusions: Results of the study indicate that salidroside at a dose of 45 mg/kg inhibited the development of tolerance to the hypothermic effect of ethanol. Observed inhibition of tolerance to the sedative effect of ethanol seems to be associated with salidroside influence on the central nervous system. A comprehensive explanation of the abovementioned observations requires further pharmacological and pharmacodynamic studies.

Water-soluble AstaSana astaxanthin (AST) was loaded into 75/25 blend films made of polysaccharides (carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), gum Arabic (GAR), starch sodium octenyl succinate (OSA), water-soluble soy polysaccharides (WSSP)) and gelatin (GEL) at levels of 0.25, 0.5, and 1%, respectively. Due to the presence of starch granules in the AST formulation, the supplemented films exhibited increased surface roughness as compared to the AST-free films. Apart from the CMC/GEL carrier, the migration of AST to water (25 °C, 32 h) was incomplete. Excluding the CMC-based carrier, the gradual rise in the AST concentration decreased the release rate. The Hopfenberg with time lag model provided the best fit for all release series data. Based on the quarter-release times (t25%), the 0.25% AST-supplemented OSA/GEL film (t25% = 13.34 h) ensured a 1.9, 2.2, and 148.2 slower release compared to the GAR-, WSSP- and CMC-based carriers, respectively. According to the Korsmeyer–Peppas model, the CMC-based films offered a quasi-Fickian release of AST (n &lt, 0.5) with the burst effect (t100% = 0.5–1 h). In general, the release of AST from the other films was multi-mechanistic (n &gt, 0.5), i.e., controlled at least by Fickian diffusion and the polymer relaxation (erosion) mechanism. The 1% AST-added WSSP/GEL system provided the most linear release profile.

BACKGROUND Berry juices are a rich source of phenolic compounds exhibiting antioxidant activity. Unfortu- nately, polyphenols and especially anthocyanins are degraded during storage. METHODS The levels of total phenolic compounds, phenolic acids, flavonoids, and antho- cyanins as well as antioxidant activity (radical scavenging ability against DPPH and ABTS+• and chelating power Fe2+) were determined in raspberry juices (obtained after enzymatic treatment with three commercial pectinolytic enzyme preparations) and syrups (obtained by the addition of sucrose at concentrations of 30% and 70%) during storage. RESULTS During the five-month storage of juices and syrups at room temperature, there was significant re- duction in the level of phenolic compounds, in particular anthocyanins (up to 95% in relation to the initial content). Storage of raspberry juices and syrups also resulted in a reduction in antioxidant activity. CONCLUSIONS The enzymatic treatment of the raspberry mash generally increased the losses of anthocyanins. The addition of sugar to fruit juices only slightly reduced these losses.

The potential bioaccessibility and bioavailability of phenolics, caffeine and antioxidant activity of wheat bread enriched with green coffee were studied. Supplementation enhanced nutraceutical potential by improving phenolic content and lipid protecting capacity. The simulated-digestion-released phenolics (mainly caffeic acid, syringic acid and vanillic acid) from bread, also caused significant qualitative changes (chlorogenic acids were cleaved and significant amounts of caffeic acid and ferulic acid were determined). Compared to the control, for the bread with 1% and 5% of the functional component the contents of phenolics were 1.6 and 3.33 times higher. Also, an approximately 2.3-fold increase in antioxidant activity was found in bread containing 5% of the supplement. The compounds responsible for antioxidant potential have high bioaccessibility but poor bioavailability. The qualitative composition of the phenolic fraction has a key role in developing the antioxidant potential of bread; however, caffeine and synergism between antioxidants are also important considerations.

The main objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of a coating composed of carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), candelilla wax and potassium sorbate (KS) as a post-cold-storage treatment to prevent fungal infections in pears stored under simulated retail display conditions. Moreover, the effect of coating on the physiology and biochemistry of pears was investigated. The coating was very effective against Botrytis cinerea and Monilinia fructigena, while Rhizopus nigricans was the most resistant to KS. The KS-free coating also delayed the fungal growth rate, probably due to modification of the gaseous atmosphere within the fruit tissues. Coated pears showed slower ripening than the uncoated samples, as indicated by unaffected green skin color and inhibited loss of firmness. Unfortunately, coating induced anaerobic respiration and the symptoms of superficial scald in pears. Overall, the results showed that KS can be added into a coating formulation to control fungal growth; however, CMC-based emulsion is not a suitable carrier for KS, when coating is intended to be applied to pears exposed to postharvest cold storage.

This paper presents a synthesis and characterizes highly amorphous lead dioxide and its use in hybrid electrochemical capacitor C/PbO2. Highly amorphous lead dioxide with a small amount of β-PbO2 was synthesized by galvanostatic deposition from acetate solution. The hybrid supercapacitor was constructed with PbO2 as the positive electrode whereas activated carbon as the negative electrode. The morphology of materials was examined by scanning electron microscopy and their structure was characterized by means of an X-ray diffraction technique. The electrochemical performance of hybrid electrochemical capacitor with synthesized PbO2 was studied by cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge/discharge and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. To indicate that the amorphous form of lead dioxide was predominant, results were compared to highly crystalline β-PbO2. The hybrid electrochemical capacitor with synthesized material exhibits a much greater specific capacitance, higher specific energy and power than the highly crystalline one. The specific capacitance values obtained for the supercapacitor rose more than twice in favour of amorphous PbO2. Also, long cycling did not influence any of the electrochemical properties of this hybrid electrochemical capacitor, which makes it an interesting energy storage device.

The fluorinated nucleoside dimers with a 1,2,3-triazole linkage are novel compounds within the field of bioorganic chemistry. We report on the synthesis and properties of two groups of nucleoside dimers analogs possessing a different arrangement of the 1,4-disubstituted 1,2,3-triazole linkage. Based on analysis of the 3JHH, 3JH1'C2, and 3JH1'C6 we estimated conformational preferences of sugar part and orientation around glycosidic bond. These compounds show moderate anticancer activity, with cytostatic studies in three different cancer cell lines.

Sixty-five colistin-resistant Enterobacterales isolates recovered from different clinical specimens were analyzed. The strains were collected in 12 hospitals all over Poland within a period of nine months. Strains were analyzed for eight genes from the mcr family. The presence of mcr-1 gene was detected in three Escherichia coli strains. The 45/65 isolates were identified as ESBL producers. CTX-M-1-like enzymes were the most common ESBLs (n = 40). One E. coli and seven Klebsiella pneumoniae strains produced carbapenemases, with the NDM being produced by five isolates. Among all the strains tested, four and five were resistant to new drugs meropenem/vaborbactam and ceftazidime/avibactam, respectively.

This review covers studies which exploit triazole-modified nucleic acids in the range of chemistry and biology to medicine. The 1,2,3-triazole unit, which is obtained via click chemistry approach, shows valuable and unique properties. For example, it does not occur in nature, constitutes an additional pharmacophore with attractive properties being resistant to hydrolysis and other reactions at physiological pH, exhibits biological activity (i.e., antibacterial, antitumor, and antiviral), and can be considered as a rigid mimetic of amide linkage. Herein, it is presented a whole area of useful artificial compounds, from the clickable monomers and dimers to modified oligonucleotides, in the field of nucleic acids sciences. Such modifications of internucleotide linkages are designed to increase the hybridization binding affinity toward native DNA or RNA, to enhance resistance to nucleases, and to improve ability to penetrate cell membranes. The insertion of an artificial backbone is used for understanding effects of chemically modified oligonucleotides, and their potential usefulness in therapeutic applications. We describe the state-of-the-art knowledge on their implications for synthetic genes and other large modified DNA and RNA constructs including non-coding RNAs.

Summary Introduction: Our study is a part of a trend of studies on the antioxidative properties of Chelidonium majus extracts or their fractions suggesting that antioxidant activities may depend on total flavonoid and/or alkaloid contents. Objective: This study focused on the examination of antioxidative activities of full water extract, non-protein fraction and protein fraction of the extract from aerial parts of mature plants and young seedlings. Methods: Total flavonoid and alkaloid contents were evaluated by spectrometric methods. Quantitative determination of chelidonine, coptisine, sanquinarine, berberine was made by HPLC-UV. The antioxidative activities were evaluated using (1) 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), (2) 2,2’-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging and (3) ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) methods. Results: All concentrations of herb extracts exhibited higher antioxidant capacities than extract from seedlings. Two antioxidant tests (DPPH, FRAP) showed that full water extract from herb had the highest antioxidant activity, while its non-protein fraction and protein fraction showed lower antioxidant activity. It was found that the full water extract from herb contained the highest concentrations of flavonoids and alkaloids when compared with other samples. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that chelidonine and coptisine especially could be responsible for the observed changes in the extract antioxidant activity, because these alkaloids were determined in the highest concentration in full water extract from herb. It cannot be also excluded that the observed variables values between extracts and their fractions from herb or from seedlings may also be the result of interactions between flavonoids and other chemical compounds.

The aim of this work was to compare the effect of increasing concentrations of anhydrous milk fat (AMF), candelilla wax (CNW), lecithin (LEC) and oleic acid (OLA) on the physicochemical and morphological properties of sorbitol-plasticized pea protein isolate (PPI) edible emulsion films. The lipids were incorporated into film-forming solutions at 0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0%. It was found that among the tested lipids, only AMF and CNW reduced water vapour permeability (WVP) of the films, most likely due to their ability to increase film surface hydrophobicity. The greatest effect on the WVP reduction was achieved with CNW. The WVP of PPI films incorporated with 2.0% CNW was 2.5 times lower than that of the control. The incorporation of lipids into PPI films caused an increase in oxygen permeability. LEC destroyed the continuous structure of film matrix and caused an increase in film wettability and solubility. Increasing the amount of lipids in the films led to a decrease in mechanical strength. CNW-added films tended to have the best toughness properties. Unlike the solid lipids, OLA did not reduce the film transparency and showed a plasticizing effect, making the films more extensible. The addition of 2.0% OLA caused phase separation leading to the formation of discontinuity zones during film drying. Films with CNW had remarkably higher transparency compared to those of containing other solid lipids. All the resulting films were effective UV barriers. Surface microstructure of the emulsion films was influenced by the lipid type and lipid volume fraction.

Background. Coff ee is important source of natural antioxidants in the diet, such as phenolic compounds, alkaloids, mainly caff eine, diterpenes (cafestol and kahweol) and Maillard reaction products formed during roasting. Material and methods. In aqueous and methanolic extracts of coff ee (Coff ea arabica L.) roasted using traditional techniques from Brazil (B), Colombia (C), Ethiopia (E), Kenya (K) and coff ee roasted using an industrial technique from Brazil (T), the phenolic and caff eine content as well as antioxidant properties were determined. Results. Comparing the results from water and methanolic extracts it should be noted that the highest amount of phenolics was determined for a methanolic extract of coff ee roasted using the industrial technique (650.96 mg GAE/g DW) and a water extract of Kenya coff ee (461.63 mg GAE/g DW). Caff eine content was on aver- age two times higher in all methanolic extracts than in water extracts. The radical scavenging activity of aque- ous extracts was found to be higher than methanolic extracts. The highest antioxidant scavenging activity was determined for C (EC 50 = 1.16 mg DW/ml) and E (EC 50 = 1.3 mg DW/ml) water extracts. Compared to water extracts methanolic extracts showed signifi cantly higher reducing power, ability to chelate Fe 2+ , inhibition of linoleic acid peroxidation and inhibition of lipoxygenase. Conclusions. This study demonstrated that the methanolic extracts obtained from diff erent types of coff ee exhibit potential anti-infl ammatory and antioxidant properties. The highest antioxidant activity was shown by traditionally roasted coff ees from Colombia and Ethiopia.

International journal of biological macromolecules 87, 62 - 69(2016). doi:10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2016.02.047, Histidine triad nucleotide-binding protein 1 (HINT1) represents the most ancient and widespread branch in the histidine triad proteins superfamily. HINT1 plays an important role in various biological processes, and it has been found in many species. Here, we report the first structure (at a 2.34 Å resolution) of a complex of human HINT1 with a non-hydrolyzable analog of an Ap4A dinucleotide, containing bis-phosphorothioated glycerol mimicking a polyphosphate chain, obtained from a primitive monoclinic space group P21 crystal. In addition, the apo form of hHINT1 at the space group P21 refined to 1.92 Å is reported for comparative studies., Published by Elsevier, New York, NY [u.a.]

A series of new 3'-O- and 5'-O-propargyl derivatives of 5-fluoro-2'-deoxyuridine (1-4) was synthesized by means of propargyl reaction of properly blocked nucleosides (2,4), followed by the deprotection reaction with ammonium fluoride. The synthesized propargylated 5-fluoro-2'-deoxyuridine analogues (1-4) were evaluated for their cytotoxic activity in three human cancer cell lines: cervical (HeLa), oral (KB) and breast (MCF-7), using the sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay. The highest activity and the best SI coefficient in all of the investigated cancer cells were displayed by 3'-O-propargyl-5-fluoro-2'-deoxyuridine (1), and its activity was higher than that of the parent nucleoside. The other new compounds exhibited moderate activity in all of the used cell lines.

P-diastereomers of dithymidyl-( N3′→P5′ )-phosphoramidothioate (T NPS T) were synthesized by condensation of chromatographically separated P-diastereomers of 5′- O -DMT-2′,3′-dideoxythymidine-3′- N -(2-thio-4,4-dimethyl-1,3,2-oxathiaphospholanes) (OTP derivatives, assigned as fast and slow -eluting diastereoisomers) with 3′- O -acetylthymidine. The resulting (T NPS T) dimers were transformed into S -methyl derivatives by a standard treatment with methyl iodide in a pyridine/acetonitrile solution. The absolute configuration at phosphorus atoms of each S-methylated diastereoisomer was assigned by the analysis of the 2D NMR ROESY cross-peaks, analogously to the approach already published for 2′-deoxyribonucleoside methylphosphonamidates N NPMe N. To the T NPS T dimers originating from the fast - and slow -OTP substrate the S P and R P absolute configurations were assigned, respectively. The obtained NMR results are well supported by molecular modeling calculations.

This paper examines the influence of aprotic solvents on the spectroscopic properties as well as the energy deactivation of two free-base corrole dyes substituted with C6F5 and/or 4-NO2C6H4 groups. Absorption, fluorescence and laser-induced optoacoustic spectroscopy have been used to follow the singlet and triplet states of fluorine corroles belonging to the A2B and A3 type in toluene (TL), chloroform (CL), dimethylformamide (DMF), dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and also in solvent mixtures. Changes in the absorption and fluorescence spectra are influenced by the type of solvent mixture. The fluorescence behaviors of the two investigated corroles were extremely different - fluorescence of the nitro-corrole in TL is dramatically quenched in the presence of DMF. In contrast, fluorescence quenching of fluorine corroles in DMF-TL mixtures is substantially weakened. Absorption, fluorescence, triplet population as well as singlet oxygen generation parameters are evaluated. The spectral experimental data are supported by quantum chemical calculations - time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) and cyclic voltammetry experiments. The presented results are discussed from a viewpoint of aggregation, tautomerization, and deprotonation effects occurring in the corroles.

The study was focused on determination of the effect of cool storage on the polyphenol profile and antioxidant capacity of potentially bioaccessible phenolics from control and probiotic-rich soybean sprouts. Malonyl glycitin and malonyl genistin were found to be the dominant isoflavones in the sprouts. The contents of the isoflavones after cold storage were generally equal or higher than in the fresh sprouts. The highest reducing power was determined for the potentially bioaccessible fraction from the probiotic-rich sprouts (9.9 mg TE/g, approx. a 4-fold increase compared to the control). The storage positively influenced the reducing potential; after gastric digestion, there was a 61% and 59% increase for the control and probiotic-rich sprouts, respectively. The addition of probiotic bacteria did not increase the phenolic content; however, it improved the antioxidant capacity. Importantly, the antioxidants in the proposed sprouted food were characterized by high storage stability. Soybean sprouts enriched with L. plantarum can be recommended for consumers who prefer new functional foods with pro-health properties.

Summary This study presents the effect of heat treatment of chickpea seeds on biological activity of peptides obtained by in vitro gastrointestinal digestion. The most significant antiradical activity against ABTS+• expressed as IC50 value was observed for 3.5- to 7-kDa peptide fraction from TC hydrolysate (41.01 μg mL−1). In turn, peptide fraction of 3.5–7.0 kDa obtained from raw chickpea seeds hydrolysate showed the highest antiradical activity against DPPH• and Fe2+ chelating activity with IC50 value of 20.94 and 52.53 μg mL−1, respectively. The highest Cu2+ chelating activity was observed for peptides obtained from TC hydrolysate (IC50 = 56.60 μg mL−1). Peptide fraction

Minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of chitosan lactate (CHL) was tested against bacteria and phytopathogenic fungi. Then, the structural, physicochemical and antimicrobial properties of films based on CHL, oxidized potato starch (OPS), and gelatin (GEL) were investigated. With the exception of Rhizopus nigricans, CHL was effective against the target organisms. Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus) were more sensitive to CHL than Gram-negative bacteria (Pectobacterium carotovorum and Escherichia coli). Cryo-SEM images showed total miscibility between the polymers in the blends and the ATR-FTIR spectra revealed that there was an interaction among the polymeric components. Pure CHL films displayed the highest moisture content (25.51%), water vapor permeability (48.78gmmm(-2)d(-1)kPa(-1)), and the lowest tensile and puncture strength (2.00 and 1.45MPa, respectively) among the studied films. CHL50/GEL50 films had lower permeability, higher mechanical strength, and lower elongation compared to CHL50/OPS50 films. Films obtained from CHL and CHL50/GEL50 were completely water-soluble and did not show sorbitol recrystallization. The incorporation of CHL into OPS and GEL films did not affect their transparency and improved UV-blocking capacity. CHL films were the only ones that exhibited antibacterial efficiency. Antifungal activities against Alternaria alternata and Monilinia fructigena were detected for CHL and CHL50/GEL50 films.

This paper investigates changes in the anti-inflammatory and antioxidative activity of anthocyanins from purple basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) leaves induced by arachidonic acid (AA), jasmonic acid (JA) and β-aminobutyric acid (BABA). The anthocyanins content was significantly increased by all elicitors used in this study; however, no increase was observed in the antioxidant activity of the analyzed extracts. Additionally, a significant decrease by about 50% in the ability to chelate Fe(II) was noted. Further, an increase in the potential anti-inflammatory activity of basil anthocyanins was observed after treatment with each the abiotic elicitor. The IC50 value for lipoxygenase inhibition was almost twice as low after elicitation as that of the control. Also, cyclooxygenase inhibition by anthocyanins was stimulated by abiotic elicitors, except for JA-sample. Additionally, HPLC-analysis indicated that elicitation with AA, JA and BABA caused increases in content most of all anthocyanin compounds.

This study investigated the effect of heat treatment of edible insects on antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of peptides obtained by in vitro gastrointestinal digestion and absorption process thereof. The antioxidant potential of edible insect hydrolysates was determined as free radical-scavenging activity, ion chelating activity, and reducing power, whereas the anti-inflammatory activity was expressed as lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitory activity. The highest antiradical activity against DPPH• (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical) was noted for a peptide fraction from baked cricket Gryllodes sigillatus hydrolysate (IC50 value 10.9 µg/mL) and that against ABTS•+ (2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical) was the highest for raw mealworm Tenebrio molitor hydrolysate (inhibitory concentration (IC50 value) 5.3 µg/mL). The peptides obtained from boiled locust Schistocerca gregaria hydrolysate showed the highest Fe2+ chelation ability (IC50 value 2.57 µg/mL); furthermore, the highest reducing power was observed for raw G. sigillatus hydrolysate (0.771). The peptide fraction from a protein preparation from the locust S. gregaria exhibited the most significant lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitory activity (IC50 value 3.13 µg/mL and 5.05 µg/mL, respectively).

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of increasing concentrations of ascorbate ions (AIs, 0-100mM) in the form of ascorbic acid (AA) and sodium ascorbate (SA) on the properties of edible oxidized potato starch films. The browning reactions were faster in the SA-added films than in those of AA-added. In, turn, AA recrystallized faster than its sodium salt. The highest concentration of SA increased the water vapor permeability of the films. The mechanical strength and stiffness of the films gradually decreased with the increase of AI content. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy spectra suggested that addition of SA provoked a more intensive structural changes in the films than AA. X-ray diffraction showed that 25 and 50mM AI-added films exhibited higher crystanility than the control. The films with AA and SA did not differ in terms of dissolving behavior, ability to release AI, and consequently, antioxidant activity.

Background. Adzuki sprouts are one of more valuable but still underappreciated dietary supplements which may be considered as functional food. Sprouting reduces anti-nutritional factors and increases the bioavailability of macro and micronutrients and also affects phytochemical levels. Exposure of plants to abiotic stresses results in change in production of phytochemical compounds. The aim of this study was to assess the content and antioxidant properties of phenolic in adzuki bean seeds germinated in selected abiotic stress conditions. Material and methods. Adzuki bean seeds were germinated in different abiotic stress conditions: thermal, osmotic and oxidative. The content of phenolics in adzuki bean seeds coat extracts and antioxidant activity Fe 2+ chelating ability and neutralization of the free radicals generated from DPPH and ABTS were determined. Results. All applied stress conditions (except for thermal stress) have caused decrease the content of the analysed phenolic fractions. The lowest amounts of polyphenols in extracts of sprouts obtained in oxidative stress conditions were observed. The highest ability to neutralize free radicals generated with ABTS and DPPH have extracts from sprouts germinated under thermal stress 39.94 and 13.20 μmol TEAC/g d.w., respectively. The lowest – sprouts obtained in oxidative stress conditions (18.2 and 9.72 μmol TEAC/g d.w.). The highest ability to chelate Fe 2+ has been shown by the extract from adzuki bean seeds coat subjected to thermal stress (7.06 %) and the lowest control extract (3.08%). Conclusions. It can be concluded that only thermal stress contributes to the improvement of antioxidant activity of extracts obtained from adzuki bean seeds coat.

Despite the increasing number of studies on the molecular actions of quercetin and curcumin, their anticancer efficacy, safety and molecular aspects of chemopreventive action in the ovarian cancer prophylaxis or treatment and also their potential in the sensitization to cytostatics used in the clinical practice remains still not clearly understood. Based on basic studies we have summarized evidences for inhibitory activities of several often studied plantorigin bio-active compounds (mostly quercetin and curcumin) against ovarian cancer cells proliferation, their mechanisms of action as well as their strong potential to sensitization of ovarian cancer cells to the presence of several platinum-based cytostatics - cisplatin and oxaliplatin. Up to date only several dietary, clinical (cohort and case–control) studies evaluating the association of some flavonoids (mostly nonisoflavones) and its subgroup components consumption and ovarian cancer risk were already performed. According to the researchers, there has been no association between ovarian cancer risk and total nonisoflavone flavonoids intake. There is a still an insufficient amount of data designed to explain the effect of quercetin or curcumin (alone or together) on ovarian cancer development and/or its chemotherapy. Obtained results provide limited support for an association between nonisoflavone flavonoids intake and ovarian cancer risk, therefore there is a need for further and more accurate studies to be confirmed. We are of the opinion that this paper will contribute to a better understanding of the molecular basis for positive interactions between concomitant usage of quercetin or curcumin with above-mentioned cytostatics and other bio-active agents. This work may also contribute to an increase in the number of preclinical studies or other clinical, dietary trials using these or other phenolic / alkaloid, plant-origin constituents in order to investigate efficiency and safety of pharmacotherapy of ovarian cancer patients.

The overall research objective was to compare the effects of increasing concentrations of candelilla wax (CnW) on the physicochemical and morphological properties of edible films based on different biopolymers: carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), oxidized potato starch (OPS), soy protein isolate (SPI), and gelatin (GEL). The findings are discussed in terms of the stability of emulsion formulations. CnW was incorporated into film-forming solutions at 0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0%; sorbitol and Tween 40 were used as the plasticizer and surfactant, respectively. It was found that, with the exception of GEL films, wax incorporation significantly decreased the WVP of the films (from 11.1 to 41.7% compared to the controls). Regardless of the wax concentration used, OPS films had the lowest WVP compared to other films. GEL-based films, in turn, were characterized by the highest mechanical resistance and elongation. The incorporation of CnW decreased both all the analyzed tensile parameters and the puncture strength of the films. Generally, as CnW concentration increased, the transparency and redness of the films decreased, while UV blocking ability and yellowness increased. The 0.5% CnW addition was the most effective in improving water barrier properties, and simultaneously had the lowest impact on the other physical properties of films. For OPS, SPI, and GEL films, sorbitol recrystallization was observed over time. Wax accelerated the sorbitol crystal growth process. CMC films, in contrast to those obtained using other polymers, were completely water soluble and did not exhibit sorbitol crystallization. The emulsion films differed from the wax-free in their surface characteristics.

A new efficient approach for the synthesis of gemcitabine triphosphate has been developed. The method is based on the ring-opening reaction of 2-cyanoethoxy-2-oxo-1,3,2-oxathia­phospholane with protected gemcitabine in the presence of DBU. Subsequent treatment of gemcitabine monophosphate with DCC in the presence of ammonia provides gemcitabine 5′-O-phosphoramidate. Finally, this compound, on reaction with pyrophosphate, furnishes gemcitabine 5′-triphosphate in 50% yield.

Some physical, technological, nutritional, and nutraceutical determinants of six spelt varieties were evaluated. The grains were characterized by similar grain hardness and gave similar breakage patterns on a hammer mill and relatively low grinding energy requirements. The highest protein content was determined for Spelt I.N.Z. and Schwabenkorn (155 mg/g db), whereas the lowest was for Ceralio (98 mg/g db). The total starch content in tested cultivars averaged about 500 mg/g db; however, significant differences were observed for resistant and potentially bioavailable starch. The highest starch digestibility was observed for Ostro, Schwabenspelz, and Spelt I.N.Z. (about 45%), whereas the lowest was for Ceralio (about 33%). Chemically extractable total phenolic compounds content did not differ between cultivars. When flavonoids contents were compared, however, significant differences were observed; their contents ranged from 0.61 to 2.12 mg/g db (Spelt I.N.Z. and Schwabenkorn, respectively). The ab...

The aim of the presented study was to develop a feasible and technologically viable modification of a 12 V lead-acid battery, which improves its energy density, capacity and lifetime. The proposed solution promotes the addition of a protic ammonium ionic liquid to the active mass of the positive electrode in the lead-acid battery. The experiments included the synthesis and characterisation of several protic ammonium-based ionic liquids, which differed in terms of the length of the side chain in the cation. A three-stage procedure of the battery test was proposed. First, a laboratory model with a Pb-Ca-Sn alloy as a working electrode and ionic liquids as additives to the electrolytes enabled the selection of the best modifier. Addition of the best-studied ionic liquid, N,N-dimethylhexadecylammonium sulfate, suppressed the corrosion of current collector material by approx. 70% and increased the overpotential of hydrogen evolution reaction. Afterwards, tests on 2 V model lead-acid cells were carried out to compare the various concentrations of the ionic liquid in the active mass. Finally, tests on 12 V lead-acid batteries with 0.5% of protic ionic liquid were performed to evaluate the final influence on the full, industrial product.

Effects of glycerol (Gly) (3–7% w/w) and sorbitol (Sor) (4–8% w/w) concentration, pH (7.0, 9.0, 11.0) and heating (90C, 20 min) of film-forming solutions (FFS) on the tensile strength (σmax), elongation at break (eb), elastic modulus (EM) and puncture strength (PS) of pea protein isolate (PPI) films were investigated in this study. The films plasticized with Sor exhibited significantly higher σmax, EM, PS and lower eb, in comparison with Gly-plasticized films. Incorporation of higher Gly and Sor amounts in the films led to decreases in σmax, EM and PS but did not affect eb. An increase of pH value from 7.0 to 11.0 resulted in improved σmax of Gly-plasticized films, while for films with Sor, this effect was not observed. In turn, eb and PS of the films were significantly increased by alkalization of FFS, regardless of the plasticizer type. Generally, an improvement in mechanical strength of PPI films produced from heated FFS was observed. X-ray diffraction analyses of Gly- and Sor-plasticized PPI films did not show any differences in their internal structure. Practical Applications Edible films may be used as selective barriers to gasses, carriers of antimicrobial agents or agents improving appearance and handling of many different food groups. Most studies suggest their application as edible coatings that may prolong the shelf life of unprocessed plant and animal products. Other possible uses include wraps and separation layers; pouches, bags, food casings, and labels; drug coatings, capsules and microcapsules; paper coatings. The Sor-plasticized PPI films can be promising materials for the applications, e.g., in the fields of fruit and vegetables quality preservation. Because of Sor recrystallization, these films are not suitable for low-water activity food, especially if stored for a long duration at ambient conditions.

BACKGROUND The use of lentil sprouts as bioreactors for obtaining low-processed food with modified composition and biological activity was studied. Special emphasis was placed on the nutritional quality. Sprouts metabolism was elicited with 20 mmol L−1 and 200 mmol L−1 H2O2. The polyphenolics content and antioxidative abilities at different germination stages of lentil were studied. RESULTS Both sprouting and elicitation significantly influenced the nutritional and nutraceutical quality of sprouts. In comparison to control conditions both treatments gave an increase in caffeic, salicylic acid and genistein contents in 4-day-old sprouts and p-hydroxybenzoic, chlorogenic, o-coumaric, p-coumaric acids and naringenin, (+)-catechin contents for 6-day-old sprouts. Elicitation significantly increased the ability to prevent lipid against peroxidation. The antioxidant potential was the most effectively elevated in 6-day-old sprouts. Elicitation caused a significant decrease in protein content associated with a significant elevation in the non-protein nitrogen content. Induction of sprout metabolism caused a decrease of bioavailable starch and subsequent elevation of resistant starch content. CONCLUSION The significantly elevated antioxidant potential, high content of resistant starch and low starch bioaccessibility of sprouts elicited with H2O2 indicated that this technology allows the production of functional food products with particular characteristics. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry

The nutraceutical potential of Chenopodium quinoa Leaves (ChL) was assessed through analyses of their phenolic content, elucidation of the effect of ChL phenolic compounds on cancer cell properties and estimation of their antioxidative activity, bioaccessibility and bioavailability in vitro. Considerable amounts of ferulic, sinapinic and gallic acids, kaempferol, isorhamnetin and rutin were observed in the chemical ChL extract and were linked with its inhibitory effect on prostate cancer cell proliferation, motility and cellular competence for gap junctional communication. Both extracts, chemical and obtained after simulated digestion, exerted an inhibitory effect on lipoxygenase activity, paralleled by their considerable chelating, antioxidative, antiradical and reducing power. These observations indicate that phenolic ChL compounds may exert a chemopreventive and anticarcinogenic effect on oxidative stress and ROS-dependent intracellular signaling via synergic effects. The relatively high potential bioaccessibility and bioavailability of the compounds probably responsible for these effects demonstrates the suitability of ChL for dietary supplementation.

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect on the antioxidant properties and sensory value of bread of adding ground onion skin (OS). For a determination of bioaccessibility and bioavailability in vitro the human gastrointestinal tract model was used. OS contained mastication-extractable quercetin (4.6 mg/g). Quercetin from OS was highly bioaccessible during in vitro conditions, but only approximately 4% of quercetin released during simulated digestion was bioavailable in vitro. The antioxidant potential of bread with OS was significantly higher than the activity noted in the control. In particular, OS addition significantly fortificated bread with bioaccessible lipid oxidation preventers and compounds with reducing and chelating abilities. The 2-3% OS addition caused significant improvement of antioxidant abilities (further increases in the OS supplement did not increase the activity of bread). Sensory evaluation showed that replacement of wheat flour in bread with up to 3% OS powder gave satisfactory consumer acceptability.

Di(nucleosid-5′-yl) polyphosphates (NPnN) are involved in various biological processes, and constitute signaling molecules in the intermolecular purinergic systems. They exert tumor suppression function and are substrates for specific hydrolases (e.g., HIT proteins). Their structural analogs may serve as molecular probes and potential therapeutic agents. Three P1,P3-bis-thio-analogs of symmetrical di(nucleosid-5′-yl) triphosphates (NP3N) bearing adenosine, guanosine or ribavirin residues (6, 7 and 8, respectively), were obtained by direct condensation of corresponding base-protected nucleoside-5′-O-(2-thio-1,3,2-oxathiaphospholane) with anhydrous phosphoric acid in the presence of DBU. Deprotected products 6 and 8 were separated into individual P-diastereoisomers, whereas 7 was partially separated to yield diastereomerically enriched fractions. The absolute configuration at P-stereogenic centers in the separated diastereoisomers was assigned by RP-HPLC analysis of the products of enzymatic digestion with snake venom phosphodiesterase. The Fhit-assisted hydrolysis rates for 6 and 7 are by 2–3 orders of magnitude lower than that for the reference AP3A, and depend on the configuration of the stereogenic phosphorus atoms, while 8 occurred to be resistant to this cleavage.

Effects of glycerol (3–7% w/w) and sorbitol (4–8% w/w) concentration, pH (7.0, 9.0, 11.0) and heating (90 °C, 20 min) of film-forming solution (FFS) on the water vapor permeability (WVP), moisture content (MC), solubility, light transmission and transparency of pea protein isolate (PPI) films were investigated. Films plasticized with sorbitol exhibited significantly lower WVP, lower MC and higher solubility, in comparison with glycerol-plasticized films. Increasing glycerol content of the films led to increases in WVP and MC but did not affect film solubility. In contrast, increase in sorbitol content had no effect on permeability and MC but resulted in increased film solubility. Moisture sorption isotherms of PPI films suggested that the difference in WVP observed among films plasticized with glycerol and sorbitol might be due to the different hygroscopicity of these plasticizers. The pH of FFS did not have a significant effect on WVP and MC. Solubility of PPI films formed from non-heated FFS was not affected by pH, whereas solubility of films formed from heat-treated FFS generally increased when pH was increased from 7.0 to 11.0. Heating of FFS resulted in improved film transparency. All tested films were characterized by excellent ability to absorb UV radiation. Microstructural observation by scanning electron microscopy did not show differences between sorbitol- and glycerol-plasticized films.