Search

Copyright of Entomologia Hellenica is the property of Hellenic Entomological Society and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Molybdenum trioxide (MoO3) thin films have been prepared by the spray pyrolysis technique on glass substrates at 460 °C using (NH4)6Mo7O24·4H2O (ACROS pure more than 99.0%) as precursor in the starting solution. X-ray analysis shows that MoO3 thin film crystallizes in orthorhombic structure with a preferred orientation of the crystallites along (020) and (040) directions. The surface topography of these films was performed by atomic force microscopy and the optical properties were investigated through reflectance and transmittance measurements. The optical band gap energy value is about 3.46 eV and the Urbach energy is of the order of 191 meV. Raman spectroscopy shows the bands' positions corresponding to α-MoO3 phase. PL measurements show two large bands located at 375 nm and 575 nm respectively. Finally, the electric conductivity of MoO3 thin film was investigated using impedance spectroscopy technique in the frequency range 5 Hz-13 MHz at various temperatures (300-500 °C). The variation of the conductivity in terms of the temperature is characterized by the existence of two ranges with activation energy of 1.00, and 0.42 eV. AC conductivity of MoO3 thin films is investigated through Jonsher law. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We have investigated the optical properties of sol–gel thin films of tin dioxide (SnO2) codoped with Er3+–Yb3+ as a function of Yb3+ concentration. The Judd–Ofelt model has been applied to absorption intensities of Er3+ (4f11) transitions to establish the so-called Judd–Ofelt intensity parameters: Ω 2, Ω 4, Ω 6. Various spectroscopic parameters were obtained to evaluate their dependence and the potential of the samples as a laser material in the eye-safe laser wavelength (1.53μm) as a function of Yb3+ concentration. An amelioration of the quality factor Ω 4/Ω 6 was found with Yb content. Both the IR photoluminescence (PL) intensity and the up-conversion emission, from Er3+ ion in SnO2, were found to increase with Yb concentration. We show that the Yb3+ ion acts as sensitizer for Er3+ ion and contributes largely to the improvement of the spectroscopic properties of SnO2:Er. The mechanism of up-conversion emission is discussed and a model is proposed. The results showed that sol–gel SnO2 is promising gain media for developing the solid-state 1.5μm optical amplifiers and tunable up-conversion lasers. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A sol-gel method was used to prepare erbium (Er3+)-doped tin dioxide (SnO2). Photoluminescence (PL) properties of Er3+-doped SnO2 were investigated using a 798-nm excitation wavelength. We show efficient green and red up-conversion emissions by varying the concentration of erbium. The study of the 4S3/2 → 4I15/2 (545nm) and 4F9/2 → 4I15/2 (647nm) transition intensities of Er3+ versus the laser pump power has evidenced a two-step up-conversion process. It was found that the increase of Er3+ concentration leads to a considerable enhancement of the red up-conversion emission compared to the green one. This behaviour has been explained in terms of an energy transfer between excited ions. By increasing the temperature in the range 80–300K, the up-conversion PL intensity of both green and red presents a weak quenching. This weak thermal quenching is related to the excitation mechanism of Er in SnO2 host where the multiphonon process is not probable. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Erbium-doped tin dioxide (SnO2:Er3+) was obtained by the sol–gel method. Spectroscopic properties of the SnO2:Er3+ are analyzed from the Judd–Ofelt (JO) theory. The JO model has been applied to absorption intensities of Er3+ (4f11) transitions to establish the so-called Judd–Ofelt intensity parameters: Ω2, Ω4, and Ω6. With the weak spectroscopic quality factors Ω4/Ω6, we expect a relatively prominent infrared laser emission. The intensity parameters are used to determine the spontaneous emission probabilities of some relevant transitions, the branching ratios, and the radiative lifetimes of several excited states of Er3+. The emission cross section (1.31×10-20 cm2) is evaluated at 1.54 μm and was found to be relatively high compared to that of erbium in other systems. Efficient green and red up-conversion luminescence were observed, at room temperature, using a 798-nm excitation wavelength. The green up-conversion emission is mainly due to the excited state absorption from 4 I 11/2, which populates the 4 F 3/2,5/2 states. The red up-conversion emission is due to the energy transfer process described by Er3+ (4I13/2)+Er3+(4I11/2)→Er3+(4F9/2)+Er3+ (4 I 15/2) and the cross-relaxation process. The efficient visible up-conversion and infrared luminescence indicate that Er3+-doped sol–gel SnO2 is a promising laser and amplifier material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: CuAlO2 thin films have been grown on glass substrates using spray technique; a low-cost method of thin films depositing. The deposition was carried out in a 450–525°C range of substrate temperature. The solution and gas flow rates were kept constant at 5cm3 min−1 and 6.10−3 m3 min−1, respectively. Compressed air was used as a carrier gas. The structural, morphological and optical properties of these thin films have been studied. These properties are strongly related to the substrate temperature and to the [Cu]/[Al] molar ratio r. X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed the initial amorphous nature of as-deposited films and phase transition into crystalline CuAlO2 with the preferential orientation (101) upon annealing at 570°C. The optical transmission of 80% has been achieved in the visible spectrum. CuAlO2 band gap energy in the range of 3.34–3.87eV has been found by optical measurement depending on fabrication parameters. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] Single crystal and Eu3+ doped powders of KLa(PO3)4 have been synthesized. [•] The crystal structure has been resolved. [•] Electronic properties have been performed by DFT method. [•] The chemical bonding properties have been discussed. [•] The experimental and computed optical band gaps have been compared and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The strong photoluminescence (PL) of porous anodic alumina (PAA) with terbium deposition is reported. PAA, which has a regular pore morphology, is considered an effective template for fabricating luminescent composites. Tb was deposited onto PAA films by immersion in alcoholic solution with terbium chloride followed by heat treatment. The PL spectra demonstrate typical bands of Tb3+ corresponding to 5D4 → 7F j (j =3, 4, 5, 6,) electron transition, with the maximum at 18,360cm−1 (5D4 → 7F5). The PL mechanism of Tb3+ was systematically studied with annealing temperature. The non-radiative relaxation channel is provided by OH hydroxyls at the surface of porous anodic alumina and, after annealing at 900°C, the PL yield is highly improved. The PL intensity of Tb3+ increases with laser power and a saturation phenomenon, associated with the ratio of Tb3+ to Tb4+ ions, is observed at approximately 90W/cm2. Based on a theoretical model, the optical cross-section σ of terbium in PAA is estimated, with a value close to that of other porous materials doped with the rare-earth elements. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Our present study focuses on examining the thermal, structural and luminescent characteristics of sodium barium metaphosphate glasses doped with Sm 3+ . Glass samples with molar compositions (100 - y )[(50P 2 O 5 )-(50- x Na 2 O)-( x BaO)]- y Sm 2 O 3 , where x = 20, 25, 30, 35, 40 and y = 0.3 and 1% were first synthesized by conventional melt quenching and later dehydroxylated under a constant N 2 flow to ensure final glasses with a very high degree of chemical and optical homogeneity and free of water. Upon the addition of BaO and Sm 2 O 3 , refractive index, molar mass, density, glass transition temperature and dilatometric softening temperature exhibited an increase, whereas the coefficient of thermal expansion showed a decrease. The FTIR spectra analysis reveals a network depolymerization that intensifies with rising BaO concentration, ultimately transitioning from a modifier oxide to a glass-forming element, at higher BaO concentrations. All doped samples exhibited prominent absorption bands in the visible (VIS) and near-infrared (NIR) regions, as revealed by the optical absorption spectra. The Na 2 O modifier demonstrated greater influence on Sm 3+ emission compared to BaO, a phenomenon that can explained by the moderation of the local ligand field strength resulting from this substitution. With an increase in Sm 2 O 3 concentration from 0.3 to 1 mol%, the experimental lifetimes of the 4 G 5/2 level decrease, primarily attributed to the presence of energy transfer mechanisms. A discussion of Judd-Ofelt parameter analysis and glass radiation properties will be presented., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (This journal is © The Royal Society of Chemistry.)

Background : Berry fruits are recognized as a "superfood" due to their high content of bioactive compounds and health benefits. Scope and approach : Herein, extracts of Cornus sanguinea and Cornus mas fresh and dried fruits obtained by different extraction procedures (ethanolic and hydroalcoholic maceration, ultrasound-assisted extraction, and Soxhlet apparatus) were analysed using liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-quadrupole-time of flight-mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-QTOF-MS) and compared to identify the main healthy compounds and their impact on the inhibition of key enzymes (pancreatic lipase, α-glucosidase, and α-amylase) associated with metabolic disorders. The antioxidant activity and inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) and NF-κB pathway were also investigated. Key findings and conclusions : Flavonoids, iridoids, and phenolic acids were the main classes of identified compounds. Herein, kaempferol 3- O -galactoside, kaempferol 3- O -glucoside, quercetin, quercetin 3- O -xyloside, and myricetin 3- O -galactoside were detected for the first time in C. sanguinea . Remarkable antioxidant effects and promising α-glucosidase and lipase inhibitory activity were observed with extracts obtained by hydroalcoholic maceration of both Cornus dried fruits. Consequently, these extracts were subjected to fractionation using Amberlite XAD-16 resin. The most promising biological activities, which are attributed to the presence of some flavonoids and iridoids, were detected with the C. sanguinea fractions, in particular SD2(II). The results of this study offer new insights into the potential development of functional foods, nutraceuticals, and food supplements using the Cornus species.

In the present study, Monarda didyma L. essential oil (isolated from the flowering aerial parts of the plant) was examined to characterize its chemotype and to evaluate, in addition to the quali-quantitative chemical analysis, the associated antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. The plants were grown in central Italy, Urbino (PU), Marche region. Different analyses (TLC, GC-FID, GC-MS and 1 H-NMR) allowed the identification of twenty compounds among which carvacrol, p-cymene and thymol were the most abundant. On this basis, the chemotype examined in the present study was indicated as Monarda didyma ct. carvacrol. The antioxidant effect was assessed by DPPH assay. Moreover, this chemotype was investigated for the anti-inflammatory effect in an in vitro setting ( i.e ., LPS-stimulated U937 cells). The decreased expression of pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6 and the increased expression of miR-146a are suggestive of the involvement of the Toll-like receptor-4 signaling pathway. Although further studies are needed to better investigate the action mechanism/s underlying the results observed in the experimental setting, our findings show that M. didyma essential oil is rich in bioactive compounds (mainly aromatic monoterpenes and phenolic monoterpenes) which are most likely responsible for its beneficial effect., Competing Interests: Maria Cristina Albertini is an Academic Editor for PeerJ. The authors declare that they have no additional competing interests., (© 2022 Fraternale et al.)

Magnesium oxide (MgO) thin films with different magnesium concentrations ([Mg 2+ ] = 0.05, 0.1, 0.15 and 0.2 mol·L -1 ) in a spray solution have been successfully grown using a spray pyrolysis technique. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Maud software, FTIR spectroscopy, a confocal microscope, Wien2k software, spectrophotometry and a Photoluminescence spectrometer were used to investigate the structural, morphological and optical properties. XRD analysis revealed a better crystalline quality of the MgO thin layer synthesized with [Mg 2+ ] = 0.15 mol·L -1 , which crystallized into a face-centered cubic structure along the preferred orientation (200) lattice plan. The enhancement of the crystalline quality for the MgO thin film ([Mg 2+ ] = 0.15 mol·L -1 ) was obtained, which was accompanied by an increment of 94.3 nm of the crystallite size. No secondary phase was detected and the purity phase of the MgO thin film was confirmed using Maud software. From the transmission spectra results, high transparent and antireflective properties of the MgO thin film were observed, with an average transmission value of about 91.48% in the visible range, which can be used as an optical window or buffer layer in solar cell applications. The films also have a high reflectance value in the IR range, which indicates that the highly reflective surface will prevent an increase in surface temperature under solar irradiation, which could be beneficial in solar cell applications. A direct band gap type was estimated using the Tauc relation which is close to the experimental value of 4.0 eV for optimal growth. The MgO material was tested for the degradation of methylene blue (MB), which reached a high photodegradation rate of about 83% after 180 min under sunlight illumination. These experimental trends open a new door for promising the removal of water contaminants for photocatalysis application.

This work aimed to investigate and compare the in vitro antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of Salvia officinalis L. (sage) from Italy, with the aim of raising its current knowledge in this field. Leaves and flowers (S1-S8), harvested in two areas of Southern Italy, were extracted with methanol as a solvent by maceration or ultrasound-assisted extraction. Sage extracts, analysed by high pressure liquid chromatography-diode-array detection-electrospray ionization-quadrupole-mass spectroscopy (HPLC-DAD-ESI-Q-MS), exerted a promising antioxidant activity investigated using ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS), and β-carotene bleaching tests, and elicited a significant decrease in reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 murine macrophages. The anti-inflammatory activity was analysed in the same in vitro model. All the extracts did not affect cell viability although they showed anti-inflammatory activity, as they induced a decrease in nitrite levels that was greater than 50%, when employed at 50 µg/mL. Furthermore, they elicited a decrease in nitrite levels, as well as a decline in pro-inflammatory cytokine expression. The NF-κB transcription factor proved to be involved in the mechanisms that underlie such effects. Interestingly, sage extracts were able to interfere with the inflammatory activity induced by breast cancer cell-conditioned media (nitrite levels were significantly decreased, p < 0.05; p < 0.01), highlighting for the first time the important role of S. officinalis in controlling inflammation processes related to neoplastic progression.

A library of 33 polymethoxylated flavones (PMF) was evaluated for heme-binding affinity by biomimetic MS assay and in vitro antiplasmodial activity on two strains of P. falciparum. Stability of heme adducts was discussed using the dissociation voltage at 50% (DV 50 ). No correlation was observed between the methoxylation pattern and the antiparasitic activity, either for the 3D7 chloroquine-sensitive or for the W2 chloroquine-resistant P. falciparum strains. However, in each PMF family an increased DV 50 was observed for the derivatives methoxylated in position 5. Measurement of intra-erythrocytic hemozoin formation of selected derivatives was performed and hemozoin concentration was inversely correlated with heme-binding affinity. Kaempferol showed no influence on hemozoin formation, reinforcing the hypothesis that this compound may exert in vitro antiplasmodial activity mostly through other pathways. Pentamethoxyquercetin has simultaneously demonstrated a significant biological activity and a strong interaction with heme, suggesting that inhibition of hemozoin formation is totally or partially responsible for its antiparasitic effect., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

In this study, we evaluated and compared the chemical composition, the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-proliferative effects of four methanol extracts (R1-R4), of Salvia rosmarinus Spenn. in two different sites of Southern Italy obtained by maceration or ultrasound-assisted extraction. Extracts of S. rosmarinus collected on the Ionian coast are indicated with the abbreviations R1 (maceration) and R2 (ultrasound-assisted extraction). Extracts of S. rosmarinus collected on the Tyrrhenian coast are indicated with the abbreviations R3 (maceration) and R4 (ultrasound-assisted extraction). The chemical composition was analyzed using High Pressure liquid chromatography-Diod-Array detection-Electrospray ionization-Quadrupole-Mass Spectroscopy (HPLC-DAD-ESI-Q-MS). The antioxidant activity was analyzed by 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), β-carotene bleaching, and Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) assays. Antioxidant features were also assessed in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW-264.7 murine macrophages, evaluating Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) production; in the same experimental model, the anti-inflammatory activity of the extracts was investigated. Interestingly, all extracts displayed antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. They exhibited significative nitrite production inhibitory activity, whith IC 50 values ranging from 3.46 to 5.53 µg/mL, without impairing cell viability. The anti-inflammatory activity was also investigated by Western Blotting and immunofluorescence assay, highlighting the R3 and R4 extracts ability to reduce NF-κB translocation, as well as to disrupt the MAPKs signaling pathway. Extracts exhibited both potential anti-proliferative activity on breast cancer cells, inducing apoptosis, without affecting non-tumorigenic cells, and the ability to inhibit MDA-MB-231 cells' motility. Finally, the rosemary extracts treatment significantly reduced the power of conditioned media, from MCF-7 or MDA-MB-231 cells to induce nitrite production on RAW 264.7 cells, confirming their promising anti-inflammatory activity., Competing Interests: The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.

This study aims at investigating the contribution of two classes of compounds, flavonoids and iridoids, to the bioactivity of Arbutus unedo L. leaves and fruits. The impact of different extraction procedures on phytochemicals content and hypoglycemic, antioxidant, and nitric oxide (NO) inhibitory activities of A. unedo fresh and dried plant materials was investigated. Ellagic acid 4- O -β-D-glucopyranoside, kaempferol 3- O -glucoside, and norbergenin were identified for the first time in this genus by using liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-quadrupole-time of flight-mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-QTOF-MS). Three iridoids (gardenoside, geniposide, unedoside) are specifically identified in the leaves. Interestingly, asperuloside was extracted only from dried fruits by ethanol with Soxhlet apparatus. Extracts were screened for their potential antioxidant activities by using the 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), Ferric Reducing Activity Power (FRAP), and β-carotene bleaching tests. Based on the Global Antioxidant Score (GAS) calculation, the most promising antioxidant extract was obtained by hydroalcoholic maceration of dried leaves that showed half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC 50 ) of 0.42 and 0.98 μg/mL in ABTS and DPPH assays, respectively. The hypoglycaemic activity was investigated by α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition tests. Extracts obtained by ethanol ultrasound extraction of fresh leaves and hydroalcoholic maceration of fresh fruits (IC 50 of 19.56 and 28.42 μg/mL, respectively) are more active against α-glucosidase than the positive control acarbose (IC 50 of 35.50 μg/mL). Fruit extracts exhibited the highest anti-inflammatory activity.

In this retrospective series of 97 cases of manchineel fruit ingestion reported to French Poison Control Centers between 2009 and 2017, we investigated cases of poisoning due to manchineel fruit (from the Hippomane mancinella tree). This fruit is known to be responsible for oropharyngeal and gastrointestinal tract lesions and possibly hypotension and bradycardia (previously attributed to the presence of physostigmine). The most commonly observed clinical signs were oropharyngeal pain, abdominal pain, diarrhea and oropharyngeal irritation. No major gastrointestinal tract lesions were observed in the five cases in which upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy was performed. One case of laryngeal edema and one case of bradycardia were observed, but analysis of the harvested fruits did not confirm the presence of physostigmine. Ingestion of manchineel fruit can cause mild abdominal pain and digestive irritation, requiring medical attention. Rarely, when several fruits have been ingested, severe oropharyngeal injury or hemodynamic disorders may require otorhinolaryngological consultation or cardiac monitoring for several hours, respectively., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Tinospora crispa is a popular traditional herbal plant commonly used throughout the world for treatment of various diseases, in particular type 2 diabetes mellitus. We report here a new case of toxic hepatitis in a 57-year old male patient in the French West Indies following the consumption of two aqueous extracts of fresh Tinospora crispa stems. It thus differs from two previously reported cases that concerned the chronic intake of powdered dry stems delivered in solid oral dosage forms (i.e. pellets and tablets). Liquid Chromatography-Diode Array Detection-Mass Spectrometry (LC/DAD/MS) analyses were performed on an aqueous extract of the offending sample that mimics the swallowed preparation. They revealed the presence of species-specific molecular marker borapetoside C (1) and thus enabled an unambiguous phytochemical identification. The exploration of tandem MS/MS data obtained by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-ESI-QTOF-HRMS) allowed the identification of 17 additional cis-clerodane-type furanoditerpenoid lactones, analogues of 1. These results support the hypothesis that the mechanisms underlying hepatotoxicity of Tinospora crispa are the same as those encountered with furanoditerpenoids-containing plants such as Teucrium chamaedrys or Dioscorea bulbifera. In the context of type 2 diabetes treatment, we recommend that Tinospora crispa intake should be more closely monitored for signs of hepatotoxicity.

A review was carried out of the implementation of personalised projects, defined in the recommendations of the French national agency for the assessment and the quality of social and medical-social services and institutions (ANSEM), in nursing homes and long-term care units in Béarn and Soule. While highlighting the diversity of the practices and analysing the difficulty of their implementation, the question is raised whether the recommendations can be considered as a systemised and feasible reference. The relevance of the standardisation of the practices of the personalised project in institutions is thereby questioned., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

A new silver aluminium trimangan-ese penta-molybdate {silver(I) trimanganese(II) aluminium penta-kis-[tetra-oxidomolybdate(VI)]}, AgMn(II) 3(Mn(III) 0,26Al0,74)(MoO4)5, has been synthesized using solid-state methods. The structure is composed of M 2O10 dimers, M 3O14 (M = Mn, Al) trimers and MoO4 tetra-hedra sharing corners and forming three types of layers A, B and B'. The sequence of the constituting layers is A-BB'-A-BB', with B' obtained from B by inversion symmetry, forming a three-dimensional structure with large channels in which the positionally disordered and partially occupied Ag(+) ions reside. The Mn(III) and Al(III) atoms share the same site, M. AgMn(II) 3(Mn(III) 0,26Al0,74)(MoO4)5 is isotypic with the NaMg3 X(MoO4)5 (X = Al, In) family and with NaFe4(MoO4)5. A comparative structural description is provided between the structure of the title compound and those of related phases containing dimers, trimers and tetra-mers.