Phytochemical Profiling, Antioxidant and Tyrosinase Regulatory Activities of Extracts from Herb, Leaf and In Vitro Culture of Achillea millefolium (Yarrow)

Achillea millefolium L. is one of the most known medicinal plants with a broad spectrum of applications in the treatment of inflammation, pain, microbial infections and gastrointestinal disorders. In recent years, the extracts from A. millefolium have also been applied in cosmetics with cleansing, moisturizing, shooting, conditioning and skin-lightening properties. The growing demand for naturally derived active substances, worsening environmental pollution and excessive use of natural resources are causing increased interest in the development of alternative methods for the production of plant-based ingredients. In vitro plant cultures are an eco-friendly tool for continuous production of desired plant metabolites, with increasing applicability in cosmetics and dietary supplements. The purpose of the study was to compare phytochemical composition and antioxidant and tyrosinase inhibitory properties of aqueous and hydroethanolic extracts from A. millefolium obtained from field conditions (AmL and AmH extracts) and in vitro cultures (AmIV extracts). In vitro microshoot cultures of A. millefolium were obtained directly from seeds and harvested following 3 weeks of culture. Extracts prepared in water, 50% ethanol and 96% ethanol were compared for the total polyphenolic content, phytochemical content using the ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-hr-qTOF/MS), antioxidant activity by DPPH scavenging assay and the influence on the activity of mushroom and murine tyrosinases. The phytochemical content of AmIV extracts was significantly different from AmL and AmH extracts. Most of the polyphenolic compounds identified in AmL and AmH extracts were present in AmIV extracts only in trace amounts and the major constituents presented in AmIV extracts were fatty acids. The total content of polyphenols in AmIV exceeded 0.25 mg GAE/g of dried extract, whereas AmL and AmH extracts contained from 0.46 ± 0.01 to 2.63 ± 0.11 mg GAE/g of dried extract, depending on the solvent used. The low content of polyphenols was most likely responsible for the low antioxidant activity of AmIV extracts (IC₅₀ values in DPPH scavenging assay >400 µg/mL) and the lack of tyrosinase inhibitory properties. AmIV extracts increased the activity of mushroom tyrosinase and tyrosinase present in B16F10 murine melanoma cells, whereas AmL and AmH extracts showed significant inhibitory potential. The presented data indicated that microshoot cultures of A. millefolium require further experimental research before they can be implemented as a valuable raw material for the cosmetics industry.

Electronic cigarettes – an important progress or just another risk for health?

Liquids for electronic cigarettes and the vapor generated from them were examined by chemical and biological methods in order to reveal potential risk factors and their acceptability for consumers. Although the majority of the liquids on the market appear to be safe, some aroma compositions have been identified as possibly toxic for human vein epithelial cells, similar to tobacco smoke, thus indicating potential health risks and suggesting suitable test procedures before marketing the liquids.

Quantification of selected aroma compounds in e-cigarette products and toxicity evaluation in HUVEC/Tert2 cells

During recent years, the number of consumers using so-called e-cigarettes, which are electrical devices to aerosolize a liquid consisting of propylene glycol, glycerol, optional nicotine and flavoring chemicals, has been increasing. Aromas vary from common flavors such as mint to more unusual flavors such as buttermilk or pepperoni pizza. Consumers today can buy e-concentrates that consist of propylene glycol and aroma to blend their own desired flavor at home. Little is known about the composition and concentration of various aroma molecules in the different e-liquids and e-concentrates. In addition, the process of EU-wide regulation is still ongoing. The aim of this research study was to identify and quantify possible undesirable aroma compounds in e-liquids and e-concentrates. Flavoring chemicals such as estragole, benzaldehyde and cinnamaldehyde were quantified. The measurements were carried out on a GC-MS system. The results show the presence of highly concentrated flavoring compounds and limonene oxide in lemon-flavored e-concentrates. In the final step, samples and single-aroma standards were tested for their toxicity to HUVEC/Tert2 cells, where some single-flavoring chemicals such as cinnamic aldehyde revealed significant toxic effects.

Investigation of the evaporation behavior of aroma compounds in e-cigarettes

The aim of this work was to evaluate the evaporation behavior of certain aroma compounds found in e-liquids. Since an e-liquid is evaporated, the aroma present can reach the lungs and could be absorbed into the body which may have long-term health effects above critical concentrations. Due to a lack in regulations, the sort and concentration of the compounds in sold e-liquids can vary. To capture the aroma compounds in the vapor, a smoking machine was developed. The resulting data represent the amount of aroma reaching the consumers’ lungs. The influence of the e-cigarette temperature, ranging from 100 to 315 °C, on the evaporation of benzaldehyde, estragole, and different terpenoids was examined. Additionally, the effect of the liquid base composition on the amount of aroma in the vapor was compared using the analysis of variances. The influence of high temperature, the type of e-cigarette, and the atomizer coil material, which could lead to oxidation of limonene and linalool in the vapor, is shown here.

Comparison survey of EVOO polyphenols and exploration of healthy aging-promoting properties of oleocanthal and oleacein

Olive oil is widely accepted as a superior edible oil. Great attention has been given lately to olive oil polyphenols which are linked to significant health beneficial effects. Towards a survey of Greek olive oil focusing on polyphenols, representative extra virgin olive oils (EVOOs) from the main producing areas of the country and the same harvesting period have been collected and analyzed. Significant differences and interesting correlations have been identified connecting certain polyphenols namely hydroxytyrosol, tyrosol, oleacein and oleocanthal with specific parameters e.g. geographical origin, production procedure and cultivation practice. Selected EVOOs polyphenol extracts, with different oleacein and oleocanthal levels, as well as isolated oleacein and oleocanthal were bio-evaluated in mammalian cells and as a dietary supplement in the Drosophila in vivo model. We found that oleocanthal and oleacein activated healthy aging-promoting cytoprotective pathways and suppressed oxidative stress in both mammalian cells and in flies.

Identification and quantification and antioxidant activity of flavonoids in different strains of silk cocoon, Bombyx mori

Silk cocoon is produced from silkworm (Bombyx mori) to protect itself from outer environment. Various strains of cocoon contain different forms and amounts of flavonoids, which may affect on their antioxidant activity. Moreover, the extraction method would influence the amount of flavonoids extracted. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to identify and quantify the flavonoids in 3 strains of bivoltine Bombyx mori silk cocoon (Chul 1/1; white cocoon, Chul 3/2; greenish cocoon, and Chul 4/2; yellow cocoon) extracted by 6 different solvents including acetone, ethyl acetate, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), ethanol, methanol, and purified water. The flavonoids extracted were identified and quantified by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). The antioxidant activity of flavonoids extracted was also investigated by visible spectroscopy at 517 nm. The results showed that Chul 3/2 silk cocoon contained the highest amount of flavonoids. Purified water seemed to be the best solvent that preserved most antioxidant activity of the flavonoids extracted. Flavonoids in Chul 1/1 and Chul 4/2 silk cocoon were rarely found, however they contained some antioxidant activities. The data from this study can provide basic information for flavonoid extraction from silk cocoon which can also apply for other flavonoid-containing natural biomaterials.

Synthesis and Crystal Structures of 1-Alkoxy-3-alkylimidazolium Salts Including Ionic Liquids, 1-Alkylimidazole 3-oxides and 1-Alkylimidazole Perhydrates

Functionalized quaternary imidazolium salts were prepared with the intention to obtain new ionic liquids (ILs). Thus, more than forty 3-alkoxy-1-alkylimidazolium salts, 3-alkoxy-1-alkyl-2-methylimidazolium salts, 1-methylimidazole 3-oxide and 1,2-dimethylimidazole 3-oxide as well as their salts, 1,3-dihydroxyimidazolium salts and 1,3-dihydroxy-2-methylimidazolium salts were synthesized and characterized by spectroscopy and, to a limited extent, by viscosity and conductivity measurements. Results of fourteen single crystal X-ray structure determinations are reported, among them also the parent compounds 1-hydroxyimidazole 3-oxide and 1-hydroxy-2-methylimidazole 3- oxide. Selective debenzylation of 1-benzyloxy-3-methyl imidazolium salts and mono-demethoxylation of 1,3-dimethoxyimidazolium salts were achieved by hydrogenolysis. In addition, a crystalline semiperhydrate of 1,2-dimethylimidazole was characterized. Furthermore, an addition compound of 1-methylimidazole 3-oxide with tris(2-thienyl)borane and a silver carbene complex derived from 1-benzyloxy-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate was crystallized and characterized.

N,N'-Di(alkyloxy)imidazolium Salts: New Patent-free Ionic Liquids and NHC Precatalysts

1-Hydroxyimidazole-3-oxides (2-H, 2-Me) were alkylated with (RO)2SO2 (R =Me, Et) to give the new 1,3-di(alkyloxy)imidazolium cations which were isolated as hexafluorophosphates. Ion metathesis yielded new hydrophobic ionic liquids (bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imides, tris(pentafluoroethyl) trifluorophosphates). Bromination afforded 2-bromo derivatives which were converted to Ni and Pd N-heterocyclic carbene complexes by oxidative insertion. Fifteen crystal structures were determined by X-ray diffraction. The N-alkyloxy groups are twisted out of the imidazole ring plane and adopt either syn or anti conformations in the solid state.

Spindly/CCDC99 is required for efficient chromosome congression and mitotic checkpoint regulation

Human Spindly is required for kinetochore localization of cytoplasmic dynein, which is essential for poleward movement of chromosomes and for kinetochore protein streaming. In addition, Spindly controls the activity and kinetochore abundance of the RZZ complex, which contributes to microtubule attachment and mitotic checkpoint activity.

Spindly recruits a fraction of cytoplasmic dynein to kinetochores for poleward movement of chromosomes and control of mitotic checkpoint signaling. Here we show that human Spindly is a cell cycle–regulated mitotic phosphoprotein that interacts with the Rod/ZW10/Zwilch (RZZ) complex. The kinetochore levels of Spindly are regulated by microtubule attachment and biorientation induced tension. Deletion mutants lacking the N-terminal half of the protein (NΔ253), or the conserved Spindly box (ΔSB), strongly localized to kinetochores and failed to respond to attachment or tension. In addition, these mutants prevented the removal of the RZZ complex and that of MAD2 from bioriented chromosomes and caused cells to arrest at metaphase, showing that RZZ-Spindly has to be removed from kinetochores to terminate mitotic checkpoint signaling. Depletion of Spindly by RNAi, however, caused cells to arrest in prometaphase because of a delay in microtubule attachment. Surprisingly, this defect was alleviated by codepletion of ZW10. Thus, Spindly is not only required for kinetochore localization of dynein but is a functional component of a mechanism that couples dynein-dependent poleward movement of chromosomes to their efficient attachment to microtubules.

Nanocrystalline diamond--an excellent platform for life science applications

Nanocrystalline diamond (NCD) has recently been successfully utilized in a variety of life science applications. NCD films are favorable and salubrious substrates for cells during cultivation. Therefore NCD has also been employed in tissue engineering strategies. NCD as reported in this contribution was grown by means of a modified hot-filament chemical vapor deposition technique, which results in less than 3% sp2-hybridization and yields grain sizes of 5-20 nm. After production the NCD surface was rather hydrophobic, however it could be efficiently refined to exhibit more hydrophilic properties. Changing of the surface structure was found to be an efficient means to influence growth and differentiation capacity of a variety of cells. The particular needs for any given cell type has to be proven empirically. Yet flexible features of NCD appear to be superior to plastic surfaces which can be hardly changed in quality. Besides its molecular properties, crystal structural peculiarities of NCD appear to influence cell growth as well. In our attempt to facilitate, highly specialized applications in biomedicine, we recently discovered that growth factors can be tightly bound to NCD by mere physisorption. Hence, combination of surface functionalization together with further options to coat NCD with any kind of three-dimensional structure opens up new avenues for many more applications. In fact, high through-put protein profiling of early disease stages may become possible from serum samples, because proteins bound to NCD can now be efficiently analyzed by MALDI/TOF-MS. Given these results, it is to be presumed that the physical properties and effective electrochemical characteristics of NCD will allow tailoring devices suitable for many more diagnostic as well as therapeutic applications.

Multicapillary Electrophoresis Analysis of Single-Nucleotide Sequence Variations in the Deoxycytidine Kinase Gene

Background: Investigation of the genetic background of complex traits is the focus of recent interest, as several common diseases or the individual response to treatments of various illnesses have not yet been explored. These studies require the development and implementation of reliable and large-scale genotyping methods. In this report, we introduce an efficient technique based on PCR–restriction fragment length sequence variation technique for the analysis of the −360CG and −201CT single-nucleotide sequence variations in the deoxycytidine kinase gene.

Methods: A multicapillary gel electrophoresis instrument was used for the size determination of the generated DNA fragments. A healthy Hungarian population of 100 individuals was investigated to determine allele and genotype frequencies for the 2 sequence variations of interest.

Results: We found that the occurrence of the minor allele is rather low, i.e., the frequency of both the −360G and −201T variants is 1%.

Conclusions: Our technique can readily facilitate the analysis of these important sequence variations in other ethnic groups to clarify the role of these sequence variations in conjunction with arabinosylcytosine treatment in acute myeloid leukemia.

Simultaneous determination of carotenoids, tocopherols, and gamma-oryzanol in crude rice bran oil by liquid chromatography coupled to diode array and mass spectrometric detection employing silica C30 stationary phases

Crude rice bran oil contains tocopherols (vitamin E), carotenoids (vitamin A), and phytosterols, which possess antioxidant activities and show promising effects as preventive and therapeutic agents. The aim of this work was to establish methods and to compare C18 and C30 silica stationary phases in order to separate and detect tocopherols, carotenoids, and gamma-oryzanol in one single run. Comparing RP-LC on silica C18 and C30, higher resolution between all target compounds was obtained using the C30 stationary phase. Methanol was used as eluent and the elution strength was increased by the addition of tert-butyl methyl ether for highly hydrophobic analytes such as gamma-oryzanol. Detection was accomplished by diode array detection from 200 to 500 nm. Absorbance maxima were found at 295 nm for tocopherols, 324 nm for gammaoryzanol, and 450 nm for carotenoids. Furthermore, compounds were characterized and identified on the basis of their UV-spectra. Both RP systems were coupled to MS (LC-MS) by using an atmospheric pressure chemical ionization interface.

Strong binding of bioactive BMP-2 to nanocrystalline diamond by physisorption

Nano-crystalline diamond (NCD)-coated surfaces were efficiently functionalized with bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) by means of physisorption. Due to their randomly oriented texture, NCD-coated surfaces appear to bind complex molecules firmly. Applying various highly sensitive analytical methods, the interaction was found extremely stable. The strength of the experimentally measured adherence between BMP-2 and NCD was further corroborated by theoretical calculations. Oxygen treatment rendered NCD hydrophilic by the appearance of surface oxygen containing groups. This particular NCD surface exhibited even higher binding energies towards BMP-2 than the hydrophobic surface, and this surface was also favoured by cultured cells. Most importantly in this context, bound BMP-2 was found fully active. When cultured on BMP-2-treated NCD, osteosarcoma cells strongly up-regulated alkaline phosphatase, a specific marker for osteogenic differentiation. Hence, this simple method will allow generating highly versatile surfaces with complex biomimetic coatings, essentials for novel medical devices and implants as well as for innovative scaffolds in tissue engineering.

Analysis of drugs, natural and bioactive compounds containing phenolic groups by capillary electrophoresis coupled to mass spectrometry

This review summarizes the use of capillary electrophoresis (CE) coupled to mass spectrometry (MS) for the analysis of phenolic compounds and its latest developments. Special attention is paid to the different interfaces. The instrumental setups are discussed and demonstrated in a high number of real applications.

Tympanic membrane patching with bandage contact lens after removal of ventilation T tubes

OBJECTIVE

Early closure of the tympanic membrane, after removal of longstanding ventilation T tubes (VTs), is a desirable outcome. A prospective randomized control study was undertaken to determine if spontaneous healing of the tympanic membrane is promoted with a bandage contact lens (BCL).

METHOD

Thirty-nine paediatric patients, who required removal of VTs under general anaesthesia, were selected. After removal of the ventilation tubes, one tympanic membrane was randomly selected for patching with a BCL, while the other underwent conservative management. Follow-up examination was performed at 2 weeks. Remaining perforations of the tympanic membranes were noted. The mean length of time VTs were present was 35.7 months.

RESULTS

Chi-square analysis reveals that a significantly greater proportion of tympanic membranes patched with a BCL were healed at 2 weeks (p < .005).

CONCLUSIONS

Thus, promotion of spontaneous healing with BCL may allow for decreased risk of infection, improved hearing, and earlier avoidance of precautions necessary for perforated tympanic membranes. Also, it is possible that promoting spontaneous healing at the early phase may decrease the number of persistent tympanic membrane perforations after VT removal.

Histidine77, glutamic acid81, glutamic acid123, threonine126, asparagine194, and tryptophan197 of the human emopamil binding protein are required for in vivo sterol delta 8-delta 7 isomerization

The human emopamil binding protein (hEBP) exhibits sterol Delta8-Delta7 isomerase activity (EC 5.3.3.5) upon heterologous expression in a sterol Delta8-Delta7 isomerization-deficient erg2-3 yeast strain. Ala scanning mutagenesis was used to identify residues in the four putative transmembrane alpha-helices of hEBP that are required for catalytic activity. Isomerization was assayed in vivo by spectrophotometric quantification of Delta5,7-sterols. Out of 64 Ala mutants of hEBP only H77A-, E81A-, E123A-, T126A-, N194A-, and W197A-expressing yeast strains contained 10% or less of wild-type (wt) Delta5,7-sterols. All substitutions of these six residues with functionally or structurally similar amino acid residues failed to fully restore catalytic activity. Mutants E81D, T126S, N194Q, and W197F, but not H77N and E123D, still bound the enzyme inhibitor 3H-ifenprodil. Changed equilibrium and kinetic binding properties of the mutant enzymes confirmed our previous suggestion that residues required for catalytic activity are also involved in inhibitor binding [Moebius et al. (1996) Biochemistry 35, 16871-16878]. His77, Glu81, Glu123, Thr126, Asn194, and Trp197 are localized in the cytoplasmic halves of the transmembrane segments 2-4 and are proposed to line the catalytic cleft. Ala mutants of Trp102, Tyr105, Asp109, Arg111, and Tyr112 in a conserved cytoplasmic domain (WKEYXKGDSRY) between transmembrane segments 2 and 3 contained less than 10% of wt Delta5,7-sterols, implying that this region also could be functionally important. The in vivo complementation of enzyme-deficient yeast strains with mutated cDNAs is a simple and sensitive method to rapidly analyze the functional consequences of mutations in sterol modifying enzymes.

Fast separation of underivatized carbohydrates by coelectroosmotic capillary electrophoresis

A method for the rapid quantitative analysis of underivatized acidic sugars, monosaccharides and disaccharides using coelectroosmotic capillary electrophoresis was developed. Indirect UV detection at 254 nm using sorbate as background electrolyte was employed for monitoring the analytes. A highly alkaline pH value of the electrolyte system was chosen in order to achieve an electrophoretic mobility of the saccharides towards the anode. A dynamic reversal of the electroosmotic flow and, by this means, a codirectional movement of the negatively charged analytes and the electroosmotic flow is accomplished by employing a polycationic surfactant (hexadimethrine bromide), which is added to the background electrolyte. To further improve the resolution of specific carbohydrates, acetone is used as organic modifier. A practical application of the developed method for the fast determination of fructose, glucose, and sucrose in various soft drinks is provided.

Antiemetic prophylaxis for strabismus surgery

Droperidol can reduce the high incidence of vomiting after pediatric strabismus surgery; however, its use may be associated with sedation, delayed hospital discharge, dysphoria and extrapyramidal signs. Midazolam, a short-acting benzodiazepine with antiemetic properties, has few side effects and may be a suitable alternative. We prospectively compared the antiemetic effect of these two drugs in 393 healthy children aged 18 months to 14 years undergoing outpatient strabismus surgery. The children were randomly assigned to receive midazolam hydrochloride (50 micrograms/kg) (199 patients) or droperidol (50 micrograms/kg) (194 children). The incidence rates of vomiting in the two groups were 45% and 37% respectively, a nonsignificant difference. The incidence of vomiting was not affected by the duration of anesthesia, but the number of muscles repaired was a significant predictor of postoperative vomiting (p < 0.001).

Capillary zone electrophoresis of p-aminobenzoic acid derivatives of aldoses, ketoses and uronic acids

Aldoses, ketoses and uronic acids were derivatized with p-aminobenzoic acid and separated as their borate complexes by capillary zone electrophoresis, using a capillary tube of fused silica containing 150 mM borate buffer, pH 10.0, as carrier. The electrophoretic mobilities of 22 carbohydrates were determined and found to increase with increasing stability of the borate complexes formed. Besides the number of hydroxyl groups and the presence of substituents, complex stability depended most strongly on the configuration of the three vicinal hydroxyl groups at C2, C3 and C4. On-column UV monitoring at 285 nm allowed the detection of glucose with a lower mass detection limit of 15 fmol and a concentration sensitivity of 4 microM. Reproducible quantification of carbohydrates was achieved at least in the concentration range of 0.1-10 mM in reaction solutions by the relative peak area method, using cinnamic acid as internal standard. The method was applied successfully to the determination of the monosaccharide composition of polysaccharides extracted from Radix althaeae.

High-performance liquid chromatographic determination of free polyamines in human seminal plasma

Putrescine, spermidine and spermine were determined quantitatively in 192 ultrafiltered samples of human seminal plasma with a precision of +/- 1.9% by pre-column derivatization with benzoyl chloride and reversed-phase chromatography. The concentrations of free putrescine, spermidine and spermine ranged from 0 to 1.96 mmol/l (mean = 0.10), 0.017-0.96 mmol/l (mean = 0.16) and 0.13 to 20.80 mmol/l (mean = 2.43), respectively. A significant correlation between the amounts of spermidine and spermine was found (r2 = 0.806, P less than 0.0005). Otherwise, no significant correlations between free-polyamine levels and routine spermiogram parameters such as volume, sperm count, motility, vitality and morphology were obtained.

Lipid peroxidation--an initial event in experimental acute renal failure

A method was developed to monitor the occurrence of lipid peroxidation (LPO) during ischemia and Na-maleate-induced acute renal failure (ARF) on male rats in vivo by measuring malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in arterial and renal venous blood and in urine. No signs of LPO could be detected under control conditions. In ischemic ARF produced by 45 min of renal artery clamping a steep increase of MDA was found in the renal venous effluent immediately after starting reperfusion. This effect was nearly abolished after 5 min of blood reflow while glomerular filtration remained at 5% of control value during a 90-min postischemic observation period. Intoxication with Na-maleate leads to enhanced LPO in combination with an impaired renal function 2 h after administration. These findings would well explain cellular damage and some aspects of renal dysfunction associated with the initiation phase of ARF.

HPLC analysis of polyamines and their acetylated derivatives in the picomole range using benzoyl chloride and 3,5-dinitrobenzoyl chloride as derivatizing agent

Analytical methods are described for the quantitative determination of putrescine, cadaverine, spermidine, spermine and the acetylated derivatives of spermidine and spermine in biological fluids using pre-column derivatization with either benzoyl chloride or 3,5-dinitrobenzoyl chloride, which were added to each sample as solutions in diethyl ether. Putrescine, spermidine and spermine can be analysed in seminal plasma at nanogram levels when benzoyl chloride is used as derivatizing agent. In the analysis of putrescine, cadaverine, spermidine and acetyl derivatives of spermidine and spermine, higher sensitivity is obtained with 3,5-dinitrobenzoyl-chloride. This method can readily be used in the determination of acetylated polyamines in urine samples.