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Invasive plant species may cause not only several health problems, but also economic and environmental negative impacts – a gradual decrease of biodiversity and decline of soil fertility, issues that have recently come into the attention of several organizations including the research ones, in order to limit the spread of such species. The control methods of invasive species are often effective on the short term and include the probability of ecosystem imbalance over time, so that an efficient and sustainable management method that could add value to products or improve some industrial processes are strongly required. This study describes the potential of alien plants to maintain the quality of human life through different types of valorization, such as pharmaceutical, agriculture or food industry applications, energy production, paper technology and natural dyeing of various materials. Invasive plant species represent a global problem, accelerated by the current level of pollution and the rapidly-evolving society. Knowledge of chemical composition of different plant parts of invasive species, their potential for developing new products and their health effects will contribute to an efficient control, mechanical, chemical or biological, and an integrated management.

The isotope radon (222Rn), an inert water-soluble gas that may contaminate water, represents a potential risk for human health, including cancer. The present study reports the evaluation of the 222Rn concentration in drinking-water samples collected in 2020 from 10 sources located in Sibiu County, as measured using the pulse ionization chamber. Values of 222Rn varied from 0.0549 to 37.4770 Bq/l, with an average of 4.586 Bq/l. These values were below the maximum level of 100 Bq/l recommended by WHO and EU Directive/Euratom. With the exception of the sample from groundwater, the others showed 222Rn values below the maximum level of 11.1 Bq/l, as recommended by US EPA. In the case of impermeable soils, this radionuclide floats inside the cracks until it reaches the atmospheric air, so it is harmful to human health both in water and in the air. Evaluation of radon in water, in particular from groundwater sources becomes essential for the management of remedial solutions.

The efficient use of renewable energy resources is one of the most important elements of energy sustainability at the European Union level. The growing demand for energy will continue to support the use of other materials as resources of energy than conventional ones, coal, crude oil and natural gas. This paper investigates the feasibility of valorizing wastes with energetic potential in a multi-component alternative solid fuel. Biomass - vegetable waste (BW), meat and bone meal (MBM) and slag/bottom ash from lignite combustion, in combination with a low-rank, lignite, was used to prepare tri-component mixtures (MBM+Lignite +Slag and MBM+BW+Lignite) indifferent variable proportions, and further characterized to assess their potential for use as energy source. The thermal behavior of the mixtures was assessed by thermogravimetric analysis; the resulting ashes were characterized by scanning electron microscopy.Also, the environmental impact as emissions level after their combustion was considered. In terms of an effective way of removing wastes (e.g. slag/bottom ash and MBM), the most promising proposed solid mixture was the combination MBM(50%): Lignite(25%): Slag (25%), with a high energetic value, > 2700 kcal/kg, a volatile matter content > 35 %wt, and the ash in half amount compared to its initial mass. Thestudy’s findings illustrate the possibility of turning solid waste to raw material by converting them into energy, and promote the development of long-term waste management and recovery solutions.

The evaluation of radioactivity levels was performed on milk samples collected biannually for a period of 10 years (2012-2021) from two Central Romanian counties, Sibiu and Alba. The radioactivity concentrations in milk samples originated from Sibiu varied from 0.028�0.001 Bq/L to 0.347�0.017 Bq/L, from 24.017�0.977 Bq/L to 65.403�6.281 Bq/L, from 0.090�0.010 Bq/L to 0.110�0.010 Bq/L, from 0.085 to 0.110 Bq/L, for gross alpha, gross beta, 137Cs and 90Sr, respectively. The radioactivity concentrations in milk samples originated from Alba varied from 0.056�0.003 Bq/L to 0.347�0.020 Bq/L, from 23.499�0.785Bq/L to 59.483�2.881 Bq/L, from 0.095�0.010 Bq/L to 0.110�0.011 Bq/L, from 0.088�0.009 Bq/L to 0.101�0.009 Bq/L, for gross alpha, gross beta, 137Cs and 90Sr, respectively. The mean values in tested samples from Sibiu/Alba were 0.163�0.006 Bq/L/0.194�0.008 Bq/L for gross alpha, 41.232�3.360 Bq/L/ 39.285�3.230 Bq/L for gross beta, 0.100�0.010 Bq/L/ 0.098�0.009 Bq/L for 137Cs, and 0.093�0.009 Bq/L/ 0.094�0.009 Bq/L for 90Sr. No statistically significant differences between values in tested milk from Sibiu and Alba counties were found. In the absence of WHO and UNSCEAR recommendations on limit values for alpha and beta raw activity levels in milk, but in accordance with the recommendations of Directive 52/2016, 137Cs and 90Sr radionuclides of the tested milk samples were within the maximum permitted levels and have no side effects on health.

Combustion of fossil fuels, greenhouse gas emissions, large amounts of sewage sludge, lead to environmental pollution and global warming. For this reason we must think of feasible solutions to disposal the sewage sludge by capitalization it and energy recovery. One of the most interesting technologies for disposal the sewage sludge is the pyrolysis process. After the pyrolysis process of sewage sludge are obtained three types of products: bio-oil, syngas and biochar. Bio-oil can be used as an alternative fuel for fossil fuels after refining. Bio-char can be used as an adsorbent after an activation process for the capture and storage CO2. Pyrolysis is considered an environmentally friendly process because it reduces the emission of greenhouse gases, while heavy metals are concentrated in the final residue. In this paper are presented the advantages of sewage sludge pyrolysis.

Plant pigments gained popularity over synthetic dyes because of safety issues regarding the impact on health and environment. The present paper deals with optimization of anthocyanins extraction from Paeonia officinalis L. flowers and their application in cotton eco-dyeing processes. The results on extraction and mathematical models indicate improved extraction by ultrasonication at high solvent/solid ratio (50/1) compared to that by maceration. Among the investigated extraction solvents, the most efficient was 70% ethanol. Cotton dyeing was performed via conventional procedure and ultrasonication, in the presence and absence of classic mordant (copper sulphate) and biomordants (tannic and citric acids). A successful dyeing was obtained according to ATR-FTIR analysis of mordanted dyed samples. The colour properties of dyed cellulosic substrates as determined by CIELAB system showed higher redness values and large positive differences in chroma in samples dyed with peony extract by exhaustion in presence of high concentration of citric acid.

The study aims to promote clean energy technologies that ensure the recycling and recovery of waste, namely the sewage sludge (SS), by converting it into products (e.g. oil, gas) with added value, contributing thus to reducing the negative impact on environment and health. An experimental setup was proposed in order to achieve the pyrolysis process, by varying the heating rate, (5�C/min, 10�C/min and 50�C/min). The resulted products, namely i) char - SSPyChar, ii) oil - SSPyOil and iii) gas - SSPyGas, were investigated in terms of elemental content, high heat value (HHV), low heat value (LHV) and emission factor (EF). The pyrolysis oils obtained with lower heating rate, 5�C/min and 10 �C/min, presented higher HHV, in comparison with the oils obtained at 50 �C/min, which were rich in water. These oils can have a negative impact on the environment, through their combustion due to their high content of N (6 wt%) and S (1.2 wt%), responsible for the formation of NOx and SOx. Pyrolysis gas revealed in its composition high contents of hydrocarbons (C1-C6), carbon dioxide (CO2) and hydrogen (H2). The highest HHV was obtained by using 5�C/min increment, namely 33.81 MJ/m3. Also, the pyrolysis gases had comparable energy values with natural gas, biogas or gases resulted from the plastic pyrolysis.

The proper functioning of human immune system is essential for organism survival against infectious, toxic and oncogenic agents. The present study aimed to describe the scientific evidence regarding the immunomodulatory properties of the main micronutrients and specific phytochemicals. Plants of food interest have the ability to dynamically affect the immune system through particular molecules. Plant species, type of compounds and biological effects were herein reviewed mainly focusing on plants which are not commonly used in food supplements. Several efficient phytoproducts showed significant advantages compared to synthetic immunomodulators, being good candidates for the development of immunotherapeutic drugs.

There is a great demand for developing efficient anthocyanins extraction related to each plant material. Conventional methods have been replaced by novel techniques, but they might remain attractive when combined with the latter. Anthocyanins extraction from fresh and dried red cabbage was investigated by maceration, ultrasonication, and with enzymes. Pre-treatments through drying determined an improved extraction with respect to fresh samples, freeze-drying emerging as the best method. Combined enzyme-assisted extraction with maceration resulted in higher yield by conducting several extractions (1078.8±12.5 mg/100 g DW). The kinetic studies revealed good stability of anthocyanins at 50 °C, while constant degradation at 80 °C. The rate constant k at 80 °C and pH 3.5 was 1.7 10–3 min–1 and the half-life time t1/2 was 6.7 h. Thermal analysis evidenced heat-induced changes in particular for extracts undergoing pre-heating. These results are valuable for optimal processing conditions of anthocyanins-containing products.

Water colloidal solutions of iron oxide nanoparticles coated with tetramethylammonium hydroxide were synthesized by co-precipitation methods. Dimensional analyses were accomplished by transmission ...

Peony is a less utilized herbaceous plant of ornamental and medicinal relevance. The petals are rich in bioactive phenolics and hence, the development of efficient extraction is required for maximum recovery and bioactivity. In this study, the optimal conditions for the ultrasound-assisted extraction of peony phenolics were first investigated by comparing to conventional extraction and testing the data fit by mathematical models (linear, two factor interactions, quadratic) followed by investigation of cellulase pre-treatment combined with ultrasonication. High amounts of flavonoids, phenolics and tannins were extracted in 30 min under ultrasound conditions of 150 W, 40 kHz, 50 % amplitude, in 70 % ethanol with 50/1 solvent/solid ratio. A further cellulase pre-treatment at 40 ?C for different incubation times combined with ultrasonication facilitated the extraction of anthocyanins (720.48 mg/100 g DW), phenolics (3985.50 mg/100 g DW), flavonoids (2369.28 mg/100 g DW) and tannins (8917.81 mg/100 g DW). Good antioxidant activities by FRAP (350.03 mg ascorbic acid/100 g DW) and DPPH (inhibition values >80 %) were registered showing great potential for developing high-value bioingredients. The FTIR analysis revealed the presence of characteristic functional groups. The hereby- -combined extraction methods could be extended to other peony species.

Parsnip (Pastinaca sativa L.) is a vegetable that gained attention due to its significant content of fructans, besides macronutrients and other biologically active compounds. The major compound of fructan class is inulin, an ingredient with prebiotic properties used in pharmaceutical and functional food industries. The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the extraction yield of fructans and phenolics in fresh and dried parsnip root following non-conventional techniques (ultrasound and enzyme -assisted extraction) and to compare it to that of the traditional method. Extraction was performed in water, as eco-friendly solvent. Ultrasound-assisted extraction was optimized for different extraction time (5, 10 and 15 minutes) at ultrasonic amplitude of 70%. The enzyme cellulase was used in the pre-treatment experiments. Enzyme-assisted extraction was optimized for different incubation temperature (40o, 50o and 55oC). Quantitative analysis of the investigated compounds was done using standard spectrophotometric methods. The results showed good extraction yields in ultrasonic and enzyme pre-treated extracts compared to those of samples extracted by traditional methods. High levels of inulin and phenolic compounds were obtained in ultrasonic extracts which undergoes an enzymatic treatment for 3h at 40oC.

Cold pressed parsley seed oil gained special interest for the development of new functional foods. Similar to other edible oils it needs protection against oxidation. The present study evaluated the protective effects of anthocyanins extracted from outer skins of red onion on parsley seed oil. The natural extract-oil samples and control have been subjected to storage at 45 °C for 10 days. The results of thermal analysis by DSC showed an optimal concentration of anthocyanins of 3 mL/100 g oil. Kinetic studies using the Ozawa-Flynn-Wall and Kissinger-Akahira-Sunose methods were performed on the sample optimally prepared. The results regarding the activation energy indicated improved stability of parsley seed oil in the presence of anthocyanins. The kinetic studies based on peroxide values also suggested the protective role of red onion anthocyanins. The results are important for the development of natural alternatives useful for the inhibition of oxidation in parsley seed oil.

Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) occurrence in human and animal milk, infant formula, powdered milk, cheese and yoghurt represents a risk for health. The last four years (2010–2014) of data, as well as the most frequently and updated analytical methods applied for AFM1 quantification, are evaluated. Aflatoxin B1, considered the most potent toxic aflatoxin, is metabolised to form the monohydroxy derivative AFM1. This metabolized, expressed in the milk, is relatively stable, and it is not eliminated by heat treatments or pasteurisation, and thus represents a serious health concern.

Onion represents one of the most important crop, based on its production,consumption and high pharmacological potential supported by its chemicalcomposition. Phytochemicals of phenolic structure, in particular anthocyanins, areamong the strongest antioxidant compounds with large biological and industrialapplications. Because their conventional extraction involves the use of highamounts of polar organic solvents, there is a strong requirement for development ofnew strategies based on greener solvents. The aim of the present paper was toextract valuable compounds of polyphenolic structure from red onion wastes usingdeep eutectic solvents, as green strategy for their isolation. In addition, the totalantioxidant activity as measured by ferric reducing antioxidant capacity assay wasinvestigated. Extraction performed at 40oC in the selected solvent system wasoptimized for two parameters, solvent/sample ratio and extraction time. Theobtained results showed the highest content of anthocyanins and antioxidantactivity at a solvent/sample ratio of 30/1 and the extraction time of 90 min, at 40oC.Regarding the total phenolics and flavonoids, the optimal extraction parameterswere 20/1 solvent/sample ratio and 90 min, at 40oC. Compared to conventionalextraction in organic solvent, the values of the antioxidant activity were similar,while those of the content of bioactive compounds were higher in extracts obtainedin ethanol solution. By further optimization of the extraction process, the obtainedproducts may find useful application in obtaining natural ingredients intended fordifferent purposes.

Introduction. Sweet cherries are important dietary components, based mainly on their content of antioxidant compounds related to health benefits. Different preservation procedures cause changes in the content of these compounds. Our work aimed at evaluation of changes in the total anthocyanin contents and antioxidant activities in fresh, frozen and dried sweet cherry fruits. Materials and methods. The total anthocyanin content of edible parts of sweet cherries was studied under different postharvest conditions. The total antioxidant activities were studied using total phenolic content and ferric reducing antioxidant power assays. Results and discussion. We report higher amounts of phenolics and anthocyanins in wild crops compared with orchard-grown and ‘Black Gold’ cultivars. Phenolics and anthocyanins of wild and cultivated samples degraded differently during frozen storage at −18 °C for six months, with a more pronounced effect on anthocyanins than on phenolics, which retained approximately half of their amounts. Black Gold sweet cherries showed much less degradation than wild crops. We found good retention of anthocyanins in air-oven-dried sweet cherries for up to 8 h at 60 °C compared with infrared-dried cherries, which showed 48% anthocyanin degradation at 60 °C. While anthocyanins drastically degraded at higher temperatures (70−80 °C), the antioxidant activity increased. Conclusion. Fresh and processed sweet cherries may find potential applications as natural colorants, antioxidants and nutraceuticals, related to their content of phenolics/anthocyanins, antioxidant properties and intended use.

Objective This study aimed to provide the toxicological profile of some lead-exposed workers and obtain a predictive model for lead poisoning. Methods Data regarding external and absorbed exposure were collected from 585 subjects employed in ten metallurgical production departments. Airborne lead concentration, blood lead level (BLL), cumulative blood lead index (CBLI), urine delta-aminolevulinic acid (DALA), age, workplace/section, exposure period, and whether reported lead poisoning as occupational disease were examined using ANOVA, and, post-ANOVA, Pearson correlation matrix, PCA (principal component analysis), decision-tree modeling, and logistic modeling. Results BLL was less sensitive than CBLI in predicting poisoning. Decision-tree modeling highlighted the importance of CBLI ≥1,041 µg.years/dl and air lead concentration ≥0.3 mg/m3 in the occurrence of occupational poisoning. Age ≥48 years and DALA ≥19.3 mg/L were also factors. Conclusions Workers were at risk of poisoning as a result of their long term unacceptable exposure. Decision-tree modeling is potentially useful for risk management. Am. J. Ind. Med. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Water-based suspensions of magnetotactic bacteria (MTB) containing magnetite (Fe 3 O 4 ) nanocrystals in the form of magnetosomes (MS) chained inside the bacteria cells have been exposed to radiofrequency fields with the aim of observing how the electromagnetic energy is converted and expressed as thermal or non-thermal effects. A wide frequency band was tested, (0.1-2.9) GHz, by applying continuous wave stimuli. Significant field strength components were provided and characterized, by using a GTEM cell and adequate expo-dosimetric instruments. The heating rates of the suspensions were measured. Because the recorded values were very low, non-thermal expression of energetic conversion was further investigated by scanning-transmission electron microscopy methods, by various spectroscopic means and by electrical conductivity determinations. Clear non-thermal effects were revealed, which need further research.

In this work, an extensive set of spectroscopic and biophysical techniques (including FT-IR absorption, CD, 2D-NMR, fluorescence, and CW/PELDOR EPR) was used to study the conformational preferences, membrane interaction, and bioactivity properties of the naturally occurring synthetic 14-mer peptaibiotic chalciporin A, characterized by a relatively low (?20%), uncommon proportion of the strongly helicogenic Aib residue. In addition to the unlabeled peptide, we gained in-depth information from the study of two labeled analogs, characterized by one or two residues of the helicogenic, nitroxyl radical-containing TOAC. All three compounds were prepared using the SPPS methodology, which was carefully modified in the course of the syntheses of TOAC-labeled analogs in view of the poorly reactive ?-amino function of this very bulky residue and the specific requirements of its free-radical side chain. Despite its potentially high flexibility, our results point to a predominant, partly amphiphilic, ?-helical conformation for this peptaibiotic. Therefore, not surprisingly, we found an effective membrane affinity and a remarkable penetration propensity. However, chalciporin A exhibits a selectivity in its antibacterial activity not in agreement with that typical of the other members of this peptide class.

Introduction: Bacterial proliferation in health environments may lead to the development of specific pathologies, but can be highly dangerous under particular conditions, such as during chemotherapy. To limit the spread of infections, it is helpful to use gauzes and clothing containing antibacterial agents. As cotton tissues are widespread in health care environments, in this contribution we report the preparation of cellulose fibers characterized by the covalent attachment of lipopeptides as possible antimicrobial agents. Aim: To covalently link peptides to cotton samples and characterize them. Peptides are expected to preserve the features of the fabrics even after repeated washing and use. Peptides are well tolerated by the human body and do not induce resistance in bacteria. Materials and Methods: A commercially available cotton tissue (specific weight of 150 g/m2, 30 Tex yarn fineness, fabric density of 270/230 threads/10 cm in the warp and weft) was washed with alkali and bleached and died. A piece of this tissue was accurately weighed, washed with methanol (MeOH) and N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF), and air-dried. Upon incubation with epibromohydrin, followed by treatment with Fmoc-NH-CH2CH2-NH2 and Fmoc removal, the peptides were synthesized by incorporating one amino acid at a time, beginning with the formation of an amide bond with the free NH2 of 1,2&ndash, diaminoethane. We also linked to the fibers a few peptide dendrimers, because the mechanism of action of these peptides often requires the formation of clusters. We prepared and characterized seven peptide-cotton samples. Results: The new peptide-cotton conjugates were characterized by means of FT-IR spectroscopy and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS). This latter technique allows for discriminating among different amino acids and thus different peptide-cotton samples. Some samples maintain a pretty good whiteness degree even after peptide functionalization. Interestingly, these samples also display encouraging activities against a Gram positive strain. Conclusions: Potentially antimicrobial lipopeptides can be covalently linked to cotton fabrics, step-by-step. It is also possible to build on the cotton Lys-based dendrimers. XPS is a useful technique to discriminate among different types of nitrogen. Two samples displaying some antibacterial potency did also preserve their whiteness index.

The paper deals with investigation of growth parameters of vegetative organs, peroxidase and catalase activities of Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. treated with a systemic fungicide and acetylsalicylic acid, respectively. Our results showed that both fungicide and acetylsalicylic acid lead to growth delays in tomato stems and leaves compared to control samples. During the growth, pathogen was rapidly inhibited by tomatoes treated with acetylsalicylic acid, affecting few plants (10%) compared to control group (40%). Results showed that samples treated with acetylsalicylic acid and control samples fructified better (30% higher) than tomatoes treated with fungicide. The latter did not suffer pathogen attack, but catalase activity was increased (107 mg H2O2/100 g FW) indicating oxidative stress. Activity of catalase and peroxidase in control and acetylsalicylic acid treated plants were of similar increased values, probably due to the pathogen infection. In particular, peroxidase activity increased during tomato fructification. Alternative substitution of fungicides with aspirin may improve tomato quality and production.

Because most of the natural dyes show positive effect as eco-safe products both for humans and environment, the present study deals with the investigation regarding the application of natural extracts in textile dyeing processes. Thus, anthocyanins which are water soluble pigments widely distributed in fruits, were the central point of this research which focused on a hydroethanolic anthocyanin extract obtained from bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.). Their behavior and the opportunity of their application onto textile materials dyeing were investigated. The study relies on the improvement of multifunctionalities such as colour fastness by using the ability of hydrophobic MCT- β-CD’s cavity to form inclusion complexes with dyes based on their selectivity. Ultrasounds dyeing with the obtained anthocyanin extract were carried out and results were compared to the standard technology. Concerning the experimental methodology, the study points out firstly a preliminary improvement of the linen substrate carried out using monochlorotriazinyl-β-cyclodextrin (MCT-β-CD). Secondly, bilberry anthocyanin extract was applied on linen material, by both exhaustion and ultrasonic dyeing procedures. The characterization of the morphology, structural and fastness properties of dyed materials was performed, by using an investigation system consisting of: scanning electron microscopy SEM, FT-IR spectroscopy, BET Surface Area Analysis, as well as dyeing fastness. The results of analysis revealed an eveness of samples, in terms of coloring by ultrasounds dyeing method. Moreover, improvements of washing and rubbing fastness were achieved (0.5-1 pints).

Backbone modification is a common chemical tool to control the conformation of linear peptides and to explore potentially useful effects on their biochemical and biophysical properties. The thioamide, ψ[CS-NH], group is a nearly isosteric structural mimic of the amide (peptide) functionality. In this paper, we describe the solution synthesis, chemical characterization, preferred conformation, and membrane and biological activities of three, carefully selected, peptide analogues of the lipopeptaibiotic [Leu11-OMe] trichogin GA IV. In each analogue, a single thioamide replacement was incorporated. Sequence positions near the N-terminus, at the center, and near the C-terminus were investigated. Our results indicate that (i) a thioamide linkage is well tolerated in the overall helical conformation of the [Leu11-OMe] lipopeptide analogue and (ii) this backbone modification is compatible with the preservation of its typical membrane leakage and antibiotic properties, although somewhat attenuated.

Workplace health promotion is a business management system that aims to promote and improve the health situations of all employees in a comprehensive and sustainable mode, and should be seen as an equal partner for occupational health and safety. Certain industrial hazards (in particular chemical agents) display oxidant capacity in the human body acting via oxidative stress, caused by a cellular excess of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. Species like superoxide and hydrogen peroxide are involved in protein kinase regulation, while nitric oxide and peroxynitrite inactivate phosphatases as well as activating kinases, which are key agents for translating signals of cell needs into metabolic change through enzyme action, gene transcription, protein synthesis, and biochemical flux. These reactions are permanently balanced by the redox system, a nonequilibrium thermodynamic state as a basic part of aerobic life, determined by relative and constantly changing amounts of oxidative and antioxidative (reductive) agents. Review of a large number of studies shows that external sources of antioxidants, mainly fruits and vegetables, are a real benefit for human defense mechanisms, considering now that sufficient scientific evidence exists for public health policy to promote a plant-rich diet. In our investigation, we focused on anthocyanins, as highly potent phytochemical antioxidants expected to protect us from oxidative injury. Furthermore, these specific antioxidants were found to act against lipoperoxidation and oxidative stress induced by industrial chemicals like carbon tetrachloride, paraquat or heavy metals. Anthocyanin extracts of Vaccinium Myrtillus (bilberry) improve night vision and eye strain caused by excessive computer use. Because of the antioxidant skin protection against UVB radiation, these phytochemicals can be used (both local and oral administration) by workers from oil-bearing platforms, furnaces or agriculture. We think that such important findings may be used for workplace health promotion projects in chemical industry, in order to prevent occupational diseases or work-related diseases. The individual approach of workplace health promotion focuses on the health-related behaviors of employees, and is called risk factor reduction (educational approach). We focused our initiative on using dietary natural antioxidants by running health campaigns, and raising awareness of the harmful effects of chemical agents and xenobiotics, addressed both to employees and managers. We propose a one year project sustaining behavior change mainly through educational and informative sessions, based on assessment of workers’ needs and also on developing healthy lifestyles. We also want to encourage company managers to offer antioxidant supplements/fresh fruits/berries juices to those employees who are working in harmful conditions, considering a daily estimated intake of 200 mg anthocyanins. Health promotion on consuming anthocyanins-rich fruits and vegetables may contribute in reducing age-related neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease, age-related metabolic diseases (especially cardiovascular diseases), and not at least, cancer. Designing potent antioxidant phytococktails and standardised mixtures of anthocyanins for human consumption will be a great challenge on essentially inter-disciplinary research topic involving interaction of nutritionists, physicians, chemists, pharmacists and others.

Naturally colored flax fabrics are considered potential eco-friendly materials for textile industries because they avoid the use of synthetic dyes and pigments which in general, contain toxic chemicals.In this context, a comparative study about the posibility to use these natural extract has been made. The selected natural extracts of bilberry fruits and red-onion skin were applied to the dyeing of flax fibres under various conditions. The textile composites made of a flax fibrous support previously grafted with inclusion compound,namely β-cyclodextrin and dyed with the natural dye extracts have been morphologically and chemically characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X rays diffraction, FT-IR spectroscopy; the colorfastness measurements have completed this study. The measurements revealed the fact that the treatment with β-CD hasrelatively enhanced the washing and dry rubbing properties of the pretreated and control samples, as well. Our work paper pointed out the importance of this novel route of dyeing, regarding the safety in textiles and reducing the negative impact due to dye processes in the textile companies.

The main result/outcome and characterizing attribute of the study envisages a facile route of ionic silver (Ag(NH3)2]OH) onto some linen fibrous supports previously grafted with MCT-β-CD(MonoChloroTriazinyl–β-CycloDextrin), in different concentrations. The method is aiming at an antibacterial activity/behaviour, without affecting other comfort attributes and mechanical strength. In terms of methodology, an homogenous solution of AgNO3, and amonia has been stirred, in order to obtain Ag(NH3)2]OH complex. After a 10 minutes ultrasonication phase, the linen fibrouss pecimens previouslygrafted with MCT-β-CD (MonoChloroTriazinyl–β-CycloDextrin), have been immersed in the homogenous solution, for 24 h.The fibrous supports surface patterning by grafting process has been evaluated through a coassisted investigation system: FT-IR and XPS Spectroscopy. The antimicrobial activity of studied specimens has been quantitatively and comparatively tested, against and Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia Colli. A remarkable efficient biostatic efficacy has been highlighted against Escherichia Colli bacile.

A set of analogues of the 14-residue peptaibol tylopeptin B, containing the stable free-radical 4-amino-1-oxyl-2,2,6,6,-tetramethylpiperidine-4-carboxylic acid (TOAC) at one or two selected positions, was synthesized by the solid-phase methodology. A solution conformational analysis performed by FTIR absorption and CD suggests that, in membrane-mimicking solvents, the labeled tylopeptin B analogues preserve the helical propensity of the parent peptide, with a preference for the α-helix or the 310-helix type depending upon the nature of the solvent. In aqueous environment, the spin-labeled analogues present a higher content of helical conformation as a consequence of the strong helix promoter effect of the conformationally constrained TOAC residue. We observed a progressive increase of the quenching effect of the nitroxyl radical on the fluorescence of the N-terminal tryptophan as TOAC replaces the Aib residue at positions 13, 8, and 4, respectively. A membrane permeabilization assay performed on two selected analogues, TOAC8- and TOAC13-tylopeptin B, showed that the labeled peptides exhibit membrane-modifying properties comparable with those of the natural peptaibiotic. We conclude that our TOAC paramagnetic analogues of tylopeptin B are good models for a detailed ESR investigation of the mechanism of membrane permeabilization induced by medium-length peptaibiotics. Copyright © 2011 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

In this work, an extensive set of spectroscopic and biophysical techniques (including FT-IR absorption, CD, 2D-NMR, fluorescence, and CW/PELDOR EPR) was used to study the conformational preferences, membrane interaction, and bioactivity properties of the naturally occurring synthetic 14-mer peptaibiotic chalciporin A, characterized by a relatively low (≈20%), uncommon proportion of the strongly helicogenic Aib residue. In addition to the unlabeled peptide, we gained in-depth information from the study of two labeled analogs, characterized by one or two residues of the helicogenic, nitroxyl radical-containing TOAC. All three compounds were prepared using the SPPS methodology, which was carefully modified in the course of the syntheses of TOAC-labeled analogs in view of the poorly reactive α-amino function of this very bulky residue and the specific requirements of its free-radical side chain. Despite its potentially high flexibility, our results point to a predominant, partly amphiphilic, α-helical conformation for this peptaibiotic. Therefore, not surprisingly, we found an effective membrane affinity and a remarkable penetration propensity. However, chalciporin A exhibits a selectivity in its antibacterial activity not in agreement with that typical of the other members of this peptide class.