Winemaking Technologies for the Production of Cabernet Sauvignon and Feteasca Neagra Wines Enriched with Antioxidant Active Principles Due to the Addition of Melatonin.

In recent years, various studies have been carried out to increase the concentration of antioxidant active principles in red wines as a consequence of the effects of winemaking techniques on the polyphenols content. In this study, in order to obtain the most optimal wine in terms of content and efficiency of antioxidant activity, various winemaking technologies (punching-down and pumping-over maceration) were tried with diverse gradations (Feteasca Neagra and Cabernet Sauvignon wines) and the addition of different concentrations of melatonin in must. Suitable HPLC and spectrophotometric methods were used to follow the evolution of the antioxidant compounds from wines during aging (for 12 months). After comparing the acquired results, an increase was observed in the antioxidant compound concentrations, particularly in resveratrol (85%), peonidin-3-glucoside (100%) or cyanidin-3-glucoside (100%), and antioxidant activity (10-40%). The most enriched wine was obtained in the case of Feteasca Neagra by the addition of 0.5 mg of melatonin per 1 kg of must using the punch-down technology and, in the case of Cabernet Sauvignon, by the addition of 0.05 mg of melatonin per 1 kg of must using the pumping-over technique. This study can provide winemakers with an approach to enhance red wines with antioxidant compounds.

Evaluating the Antioxidant and Antidiabetic Properties of Medicago sativa and Solidago virgaurea Polyphenolic-Rich Extracts.

The present study evaluated the antioxidant and antidiabetic properties of Medicago sativa and Solidago virgaurea extracts enriched in polyphenolic compounds. The extracts were obtained by accelerated solvent extraction (ASE) and laser irradiation. Then, microfiltration was used for purification, followed by nanofiltration used to concentrate the two extracts. The obtained extracts were analyzed to determine their antioxidant activity using DPPH radical scavenging and reducing power methods. The antidiabetic properties have been investigated in vitro on a murine insulinoma cell line (ß-TC-6) by the inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase. M. sativa obtained by laser irradiation and concentrated by nanofiltration showed the highest DPPH• scavenging (EC50 = 105.2 ± 1.1 µg/mL) and reducing power activities (EC50 = 40.98 ± 0.2 µg/mL). M. sativa extracts had higher inhibition on α-amylase (IC50 = 23.9 ± 1.2 µg/mL for concentrated extract obtained after ASE, and 26.8 ± 1.1), while S. virgaurea had the highest α-glucosidase inhibition (9.3 ± 0.9 µg/mL for concentrated extract obtained after ASE, and 8.6 ± 0.7 µg/mL for concentrated extract obtained after laser extraction). The obtained results after evaluating in vitro the antidiabetic activity showed that the treatment with M. sativa and S. virgaurea polyphenolic-rich extracts stimulated the insulin secretion of ß-TC-6 cells, both under normal conditions and under hyperglycemic conditions as well. This paper argues that M. sativa and S. virgaurea polyphenolic-rich extracts could be excellent natural sources with promising antidiabetic potential.

In Vitro Assessment of the Antidiabetic and Anti-Inflammatory Potential of Artemisia absinthium, Artemisia vulgaris and Trigonella foenum-graecum Extracts Processed Using Membrane Technologies.

Recently, there has been increased interest in the discovery of new natural herbal remedies for treating diabetes and inflammatory diseases. In this context, this work analyzed the antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory potential of Artemisia absinthium, Artemisia vulgaris and Trigonella foenum-graecum herbs, which have been studied less from this point of view. Therefore, extracts were prepared and processed using membrane technologies, micro- and ultrafiltration, to concentrate the biologically active principles. The polyphenol and flavone contents in the extracts were analyzed. The qualitative analysis of the polyphenolic compounds was performed via HPLC, identifying chlorogenic acid, rosmarinic acid and rutin in A. absinthium; chlorogenic acid, luteolin and rutin in A. vulgaris; and genistin in T. foenum-graecum. The antidiabetic activity of the extracts was analyzed by testing their ability to inhibit α-amylase and α-glucosidase, and the anti-inflammatory activity was analyzed by testing their ability to inhibit hyaluronidase and lipoxygenase. Thus, the concentrated extracts of T. foenum-graecum showed high inhibitory activity on a-amylase-IC50 = 3.22 ± 0.3 µg/mL-(compared with acarbose-IC50 = 3.5 ± 0.18 µg/mL) and high inhibitory activity on LOX-IC50 = 19.69 ± 0.52 µg/mL (compared with all standards used). The concentrated extract of A. vulgaris showed increased α-amylase inhibition activity-IC50 = 8.57 ± 2.31 µg/mL-compared to acarbose IC50 = 3.5 ± 0.18 µg/mL. The concentrated extract of A. absinthium showed pronounced LOX inhibition activity-IC50 = 19.71 ± 0.79 µg/mL-compared to ibuprofen-IC50 = 20.19 ± 1.25 µg/mL.

White matter changes in fetal brains with ventriculomegaly.

Introduction: Ventriculomegaly (VM) is a fetal brain malformation which may present independently (isolated form) or in association with different cerebral malformations, genetic syndromes or other pathologies (non-isolated form). Methods: This paper aims to study the effect of ventriculomegaly on the internal tridimensional architecture of fetal brains by way of Klingler's dissection. Ventriculomegaly was diagnosed using fetal ultrasonography during pregnancy and subsequently confirmed by necropsy. Taking into consideration the diameter of the lateral ventricle (measured at the level of the atrium), the brains were divided into two groups: moderate ventriculomegaly (with atrial diameter between 13 and 15 mm) and severe ventriculomegaly (with atrial diameter above 15 mm). Results and discussion: The results of each dissection were described and illustrated, then compared with age-matched reference brains. In the pathological brains, fascicles in direct contact with the enlarged ventricles were found to be thinner and displaced inferiorly, the opening of the uncinate fasciculus was wider, the fornix was no longer in contact with the corpus callosum and the convexity of the corpus callosum was inverted. We have studied the prevalence of neurodevelopmental delay in children born with ventriculomegaly in the literature and discovered that a normal developmental outcome was found in over 90% of the mild VM cases, approximately 75% of the moderate and 60% in severe VM, with the correlated neurological impairments ranging from attention deficits to psychiatric disorders.

The Influence of Melatonin Treatment in the Vinification of Feteasca Neagra and Cabernet Sauvignon Wines on the Profile of Polyphenolic Compounds and Antioxidant Activity.

Until recently, the main antioxidant role among wine constituents was attributed to polyphenolic compounds, but once the presence of melatonin in wines was confirmed, an interesting new field of research opened up due to its possible synergistic effects with other antioxidants in the winemaking process, which may lead to a change in the profile of polyphenolic compounds and antioxidant activity. In order to investigate the evolution of active principles from the phenylpropanoid metabolism associated with the synergistic effects of melatonin, for the first time, a melatonin treatment was performed in the pre-stage of the different winemaking processes of Feteasca Neagra and Cabernet Sauvignon wines with different melatonin concentrations. After comparing the acquired results for the evolution of the polyphenolic compound profile and antioxidant activity of treated wines, we ascertained an increase in the antioxidant compound concentrations, especially in resveratrol, quercetin, and cyanidin-3-glucoside, directly proportional to the used melatonin concentration; an intensification in activity of PAL and C4H enzymes; and the modification in the expression of specific anthocyanin biosynthesis genes, especially UDP-D-glucose-flavonoid-3-O-glycosyltransferase. It was also shown that the application of melatonin in the pre-stage of the winemaking process can be successfully used to obtain red wines with increased antioxidant activity (almost 14%).

Neonatal Hemochromatosis: Systematic Review of Prenatal Ultrasound Findings-Is There a Place for MRI in the Diagnostic Process?

Neonatal hemochromatosis (NH) is an uncommon, severe disorder that results in fetal loss or neonatal death due to liver failure. NH is currently regarded as the phenotypic expression of gestational alloimmune liver disease (GALD). The diagnosis of NH-GALD is rarely prenatally established. In addition to providing a systematic review of the prenatal features that are identifiable using ultrasound (US) and MRI, we suggest a prenatal diagnosis algorithm for use in suspected NH during the first affected pregnancy. From a total of 586 database entries identified in PubMed, Google Scholar, and ResearchGate, we selected 18 studies published from 1993 to 2021 that reported maternal medical and obstetric history, prenatal ultrasound findings, and postpartum outcomes. We investigated the ultrasound and MRI features of these studies, along with the outcome due to this condition. A total of 74 cases were identified. The main reported prenatal US finding was fetal growth restriction (FGR) (33%), followed by oligohydramnios (13%) and hydrops fetalis (13%), with 13% cases described as uneventful. Other rare prenatal findings were fetal anemia, ascites, and abnormal fetal liver and spleen. Most pregnancies ended with fetal/perinatal death or therapeutic interruption of pregnancy. Favorable evolution with treatment (ensanguine transfusion and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG)) was reported for only 7% of fetuses. Using T2-weighted MRI, fetal extrahepatic siderosis confirmed prenatally in two cases and postnatally in 11 cases. IVIG treatment throughout subsequent pregnancies was found to significantly improve fetal prognosis. MRI should be indicated in selected cases of oligohydramnios, fetal hydrops, fetal hepatomegaly, ascites, or unexplained FGR or anemia after ruling out all other more frequently encountered conditions. MRI can be used to detect iron overload in the liver and extrahepatic siderosis.

Artemisia abrotanum and Symphytum officinale Polyphenolic Compounds-Rich Extracts with Potential Application in Diabetes Management.

Lately, there has been increased interest in the development of phytochemical alternatives for the prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes, the alternatives that are able to reduce or prevent glucose absorption by inhibiting digestive enzymes. In this context, this study aims to analyze the inhibitory α-amylase and α-glucosidase activities of Artemisia abrotanum and Symphytum officinale polyphenolic compound-rich extracts obtained by membrane technologies (micro- and ultrafiltration). Polyphenols and flavones content, HPLC-MS polyphenolic compounds profiling, antioxidant activity, and cytotoxic potential of these herbs were determined. Major phenolic acid compounds were chlorogenic acid, ellagic acid, caffeic acid, and rosmarinic acid. The flavone content was higher in the case of A. abrotanum extracts, and the major compounds were rutin and umbelliferone. The polyphenolic-rich extract of A. abrotanum had the highest quantities of polyphenols, 977.75 µg/mL, and flavones, 552.85 µg/mL, as well as a pronounced α-amylase inhibitory activity (IC50 1881.21 ± 1.8 mg/mL), a value close to acarbose inhibitory activity (IC50 1110.25 ± 8.82 mg/mL) that was used as the control for both enzymes. The α-glucosidase inhibitory activity was higher for both herb extracts, more pronounced for S. officinale polyphenolic-rich extract (IC50 291.56 ± 2.1 mg/mL), a value higher than that of acarbose (IC50 372.35 ± 3.2 mg/mL). These plants show potential as a complementary therapy for type 2 diabetes management.

Different Extraction Approaches for the Analysis of Melatonin from Cabernet Sauvignon and Feteasca Neagra Wines Using a Validated HPLC-FL Method.

In recent years, the wine industry has shown a considerable degree of interest in the occurrence of melatonin in wines. Sample pretreatment may be the most important step in trace analysis. Since wine is a complex matrix and melatonin is present in low amounts (ppb), an adequate extraction technique is required. In this study, the effect of several extraction methods, such as solid phase extraction (SPE), Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe extraction (QuEChERS), and dispersive liquid-liquid micro-extraction (DLLME) was studied and the variable parameters that can arise throughout the extraction process were optimized to obtain the best results. A high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detector (HPLC-FL) method was adapted and validated, including measurement uncertainty, for the analysis of melatonin in wines and to assess the efficiency of the extraction yield. After comparing the acquired results, the DLLME method was optimized. Extraction recoveries values ranging from 95 to 104% demonstrated that the approach may be successfully applied for the extraction and concentration (enrichment factor of almost eight) of melatonin in wine samples prior to HPLC-FL analysis. The first report of melatonin levels in Feteasca Neagra wines has been made. The data obtained for Cabernet Sauvignon revealed that the final levels of melatonin in the wines are dependent on the winemaking process.

Ultrasound Placental Remodeling Patterns and Pathology Characteristics in Patients with History of Mild SARS-CoV-2 Infection during Pregnancy.

Introduction: This research aims to describe a progressive pattern of ultrasound placental remodeling in patients with a history of SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy. Materials and Methods: This was a longitudinal, cohort study which enrolled 23 pregnant women with a history of former mild SARS-CoV-2 infection during the current pregnancy. Four obstetricians analyzed placental ultrasound images from different gestational ages following COVID infection and identified the presence and degree of remodeling. We assessed the inter-rater agreement and the interclass correlation coefficients. Pathology workup included placental biometry, macroscopic and microscopic examination. Results: Serial ultrasound evaluation of the placental morphology revealed a progressive pattern of placental remodeling starting from 30-32 weeks of gestation towards term, occurring approximately 8-10 weeks after the SARS-CoV-2 infection. Placental changes-the "starry sky" appearance and the "white line" along the basal plate-were identified in all cases. Most placentas presented normal subchorionic perivillous fibrin depositions and focal stem villi perivillous fibrin deposits. Focal calcifications were described in only 13% of the cases. Conclusions: We identified two ultrasound signs of placental remodeling as potential markers of placental viral shedding following mild SARS-CoV-2. The most likely pathology correspondence for the imaging aspect is perivillous and, respectively, massive subchorionic fibrin deposits identified in most cases.

Electroanalysis of Naringin at Electroactivated Pencil Graphite Electrode for the Assessment of Polyphenolics with Intermediate Antioxidant Power.

A simple and rapid differential pulse voltammetric (DPV) method using a single-use electroactivated pencil graphite electrode (PGE*) is proposed for the rapid screening of the total content of polyphenolics (TCP) with intermediate antioxidant power (AOP) in grapefruit peel and fresh juice. The results were compared and correlated with those provided by the HPLC-DAD-MS method. NG voltammetric behavior at PGE* was studied by cyclic voltammetry and an oxidation mechanism was suggested. The experimental conditions (type of PGE, electroactivation procedure, pH, nature and concentration of supporting electrolyte) for NG DPV determination were optimized. The NG peak current varied linearly with the concentration in the ranges 1.40 × 10-6-2.00 × 10-5 and 2.00 × 10-5-1.40 × 10-4 mol/L NG and a limit of detection (LoD) of 6.02 × 10-7 mol/L NG was attained. The method repeatability expressed as relative standard deviation was 7.62% for the concentration level of 2.00 × 10-6 mol/L NG. After accumulation for 240 s of NG at PGE* the LoD was lowered to 1.35 × 10-7 mol/L NG, the linear range being 6.00 × 10-7-8.00 × 10-6 mol/L NG. The developed electrochemical system was successfully tested on real samples and proved to be a cost-effective tool for the simple estimation of the TCP with intermediate AOP in citrus fruits.

New Hybrid Nanofiltration Membranes with Enhanced Flux and Separation Performances Based on Polyphenylene Ether-Ether-Sulfone/Polyacrylonitrile/SBA-15.

This study presents the preparation of hybrid nanofiltration membranes based on poly(1,4-phenylene ether ether sulfone), polyacrylonitrile, poly(vinyl pyrrolidone), and SBA-15 mesoporous silica. Laser treatment of polymeric solutions to enhance the hydrophilicity and performance of membranes was investigated. The membranes' structure was characterized using scanning electron (SEM) and atomic force (AFM) microscopy and contact angle measurements. The addition of PAN in the casting solution produced significant changes in the membrane structure, from finger-like porous structures to sponge-like porous structures. Increased PAN concentration in the membrane composition enhanced the hydrophilicity of the membrane surface, which also accounted for the improvement in the antifouling capabilities. The permeation of apple pomace extract and the content of polyphenols and flavonoids were used to evaluate the efficacy of the hybrid membranes created. The results showed that the hybrid nanofiltration membranes based on PPEES/PAN/PVP/SBA-15: 15/5/1/1 and 17/3/1/1 exposed to laser for 5 min present a higher rejection coefficient to total polyphenols (78.6 ± 0.7% and 97.8 ± 0.9%, respectively) and flavonoids (28.7 ± 0.2% and 50.3 ± 0.4%, respectively) and are substantially better than a commercial membrane with MWCO 1000 Da or PPEES-PVP-based membrane.

The Evaluation of the Four-Chamber Cardiac Dissection Method of the Fetal Heart as an Alternative to Conventional Inflow-Outflow Dissection in Small Gestational-Age Fetuses.

The examination of very small fetal hearts requires special equipment and a specialist that are not available in many general pathology laboratories. Compared to conventional examination, the four-chamber cardiac dissection (4CCD) method can be performed by any pathologist using instruments generally available in pathology services. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficiency of the 4CCD method in the examination of small fetal hearts using post-mortem magnetic resonance imaging (pm-MRI) at 7T as the standard. Twelve fetuses with gestational ages between 13 and 19 weeks have been included in this study. All fetuses underwent pm-MRI examination prior to pathologic examination. The 4CCD method was used for the cardiac examination in all cases following the same guidelines for cardiac sectioning. The 4CCD was able to identify all cardiac anatomic structures as compared to pm-MRI at 7T, demonstrating a sensibility of 95.8% (95% CI, 94.5-95.8) and specificity of 100% (95% CI, 32.3-100). The overall accuracy in identifying cardiac anatomic structures was 95.8% (95% CI, 93.4-95.8). Additionally, the 4CCD method was able to detect cardiac anomalies with an overall diagnostic accuracy of 91% (95% CI, 85.8-94.2), sensibility of 67.6% (95% CI, 54.5-75.3), and specificity of 97% (95% CI, 93.7-99) as compared to pm-MRI at 7T. The four-chamber view dissection method can be considered as an alternative to the conventional inflow-outflow dissection method in selected cases.

Diagnostic value of virtual autopsy using pm-MRI at 3T on malformed second trimester fetuses vs classic autopsy.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the diagnostic value of virtual autopsy using post mortem-MRI (pm-MRI) at 3Tesla (T) compared to classic autopsy for the confirmation of fetal structural anomalies and secondly to establish which cases of termination of pregnancy would benefit mostly from a virtual autopsy. METHODS: In each of 32 fetuses included in the study, 32 anatomical structures were assessed, after termination of pregnancy in the second trimester. All cases were evaluated by prenatal ultrasonography, virtual autopsy and classic autopsy, and then divided into four groups: Cerebral Group, Cardiac Group, Renal Group and Other Group (miscellaneous group). The concordance of virtual autopsy with classic autopsy was calculated overall and for each group and each structural item. Also, the concordance between the two methods was assessed using a diagnostic error score (DgE_score), calculated as the absolute value of the difference between the number of malformations detected by classic autopsy per case (CA score) and the number of malformations detected at virtual autopsy per case (VA score). RESULTS: Overall virtual autopsy demonstrated a diagnostic sensitivity (Se) compared to classic autopsy of 67.33% [95% CI 57.28-76.33], with a specificity (Sp) of 98.37% [95% CI 97.33-99.09], a positive predictive value (PPV) of 81.93% [95% CI 71.95-89.52], a negative predictive value (NPV) of 96.49% [95% CI 95.11-97.57] achieving a diagnostic accuracy of 95.31% [95% CI 93.83-96.52]. Overall, no statistic significant correlation was demonstrated between DgE_score and the gestational age of the fetuses or between DgE_score and the weight of the fetuses, but a significant correlation was revealed between the virtual autopsy and classic autopsy score. The diagnostic utility of virtual autopsy using pm-MRI at 3 T as compared to classic autopsy for each category of termination of pregnancy revealed in the Cerebral Group a Se of 80.00% [95% CI 28.36-99.49], with a 96.30% [95% CI 81.03-99.91], a PPV of 80.00% [95% CI 35.75-96.64] a NPV of 96.30% [95% CI 81.81-99.34], with a diagnostic accuracy of 93.75% [95% CI 79.19% to 99.23] and a Cohen's Kappa coefficient of 0.76 [95% CI 0.4494-1.0765]; in the Renal Group a Se and Sp of 100%, but in the Cardiac Group the Se was only 60.00% [95% CI 26.24-87.84], Sp 75% [95% CI 34.91-96.81], the PPV 75.00% [95% CI 44.92-91.69], NPV 60% [95% CI 38.87-77.96], with a diagnostic accuracy of 66.67% [95% CI 40.99-86.66] and a Cohen's Kappa coefficient of 0.32 [95% CI -0.07-0.76]. CONCLUSIONS: The results support virtual autopsy using pm-MRI at 3T as a reliable alternative to classic autopsy for the non-forensic analysis of second trimester fetuses. Analyzing the diagnostic utility of virtual autopsy using pm-MRI at 3 T for the confirmation of prenatal ultrasound findings in second trimester fetuses as compared to classic autopsy, the best results were obtained in the Cerebral and Renal Group. Reserved results were found in the Cardiac Group. Therefore, for the pregnancies with termination of pregnancy for cerebral or renal abnormalities, virtual autopsy by pm-MRI at 3T can be taken into consideration as a first-line investigation to confirm the prenatal findings.

Evidence of SARS-CoV-2 Virus in the Middle Ear of Deceased COVID-19 Patients.

The presence of SARS-CoV-2 in the middle ear reveals the etiopathogenesis of otitis media in COVID-19, as well as an epidemiological risk during otologic examination and surgical procedures in COVID-19 patients. The study included 8 deceased patients with COVID-19. Tissue samples from the middle ear were subjected to virology, histopathology, scanning (SEM) and transmission (TEM) electron microscopy investigation. Ethmoidal mucosa samples were processed for virology analyses. qPCR resulted positive for 75% of nasal mucosa samples and 50% of middle ear samples. Ct values showed lower viral loads in middle ear samples. A proportion of 66.6% patients with positive results in the nasal mucosa showed positive results in the middle ear, and the subtype analysis of the complete genome sequences indicated B.1.1.7 lineage for all samples. In histopathological and SEM samples, no pathological aspects were identified. TEM revealed on the background of death critical alteration of cellular morphology, suggestive structures resembling SARS-CoV-2, goblet cells and immune cells. SARS-CoV-2 can be present in the middle ear of COVID-19 patients even if there is not clinical evidence of acute otitis media. Otolaryngologists could be particularly exposed to COVID-19 infection.

Respiratory Nasal Mucosa in Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps versus COVID-19: Histopathology, Electron Microscopy Analysis and Assessing of Tissue Interleukin-33.

(1) Background: Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is one of the most studied rhinological disorders. Modifications of the respiratory nasal mucosa in COVID-19 patients are so far unknown. This paper presents a comparative morphological characterization of the respiratory nasal mucosa in CRSwNP versus COVID-19 and tissue interleukin (IL)-33 concentration. (2) Methods: We analyzed CRSwNP and COVID-19 samples through histopathology, scanning and transmission electron microscopy and performed proteomic determination of IL-33. (3) Results: Histopathologically, stromal edema (p < 0.0001) and basal membrane thickening (p = 0.0768) were found more frequently in CRSwNP than in COVID-19. Inflammatory infiltrate was mainly eosinophil-dominant in CRSwNP and lymphocyte-dominant in COVID-19 (p = 0.3666). A viral cytopathic effect was identified in COVID-19. Scanning electron microscopy detected biofilms only in CRSwNP, while most COVID-19 samples showed microbial aggregates (p = 0.0148) and immune cells (p = 0.1452). Transmission electron microscopy of CRSwNP samples identified biofilms, mucous cell hyperplasia (p = 0.0011), eosinophils, fibrocytes, mastocytes, and collagen fibers. Extracellular suggestive structures for SARS-CoV-2 and multiple Golgi apparatus in epithelial cells were detected in COVID-19 samples. The tissue IL-33 concentration in CRSwNP (210.0 pg/7 µg total protein) was higher than in COVID-19 (52.77 pg/7 µg total protein) (p < 0.0001), also suggesting a different inflammatory pattern. (4) Conclusions: The inflammatory pattern is different in each of these disorders. Results suggested the presence of nasal dysbiosis in both conditions, which could be a determining factor in CRSwNP and a secondary factor in COVID-19.

Nanofiltration Composite Membranes Based on KIT-6 and Functionalized KIT-6 Nanoparticles in a Polymeric Matrix with Enhanced Performances.

The nanofiltration composite membranes were obtained by incorporation of KIT-6 ordered mesoporous silica, before and after its functionalization with amine groups, into polyphenylene-ether-ether-sulfone (PPEES) matrix. The incorporation of silica nanoparticles into PPEES polymer matrix was evidenced by FTIR and UV-VIS spectroscopy. SEM images of the membranes cross-section and their surface topology, evidenced by AFM, showed a low effect of KIT-6 silica nanoparticles loading and functionalization. The performances of the obtained membranes were appraised in permeation of Chaenomeles japonica fruit extracts and the selective separation of phenolic acids and flavonoids. The obtained results proved that the PPEES with functionalized KIT-6 nanofiltration membrane, we have prepared, is suitable for the polyphenolic compound's concentration from the natural extracts.

Assessment of Melatonin and Its Precursors Content by a HPLC-MS/MS Method from Different Romanian Wines.

Because melatonin has strong antioxidant activity and wine is an alcoholic beverage of economic relevance, in the present work, the impact of some variable parameters that may occur in the winemaking process on the concentrations of melatonin and its precursors in Romanian wines was studied. Therefore, a sensitive and selective high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) method was developed for the simultaneous analysis of melatonin, serotonin, and l-tryptophan, and some method performance parameters including selectivity, detection limit, precision (by comparing with an alternative HPLC-FL method), accuracy, and robustness were validated. These determinations are significant and the final amounts of analytes are dependent on the microorganisms involved in the winemaking process, the grape variety, geographic regions of vineyards, and aging of wines. In the future, the method may be useful to increase the melatonin content and the antioxidant activity in wines by improved steps in the winemaking process, especially based on application of selected yeasts and improved fermentation conditions.

Assessment of Gold-Coated Iron Oxide Nanoparticles as Negative T2 Contrast Agent in Small Animal MRI Studies.

PURPOSE: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents are pharmaceuticals that enable a better visualization of internal body structures. In this study, we present the synthesis, MRI signal enhancement capabilities, in vitro as well as in vivo cytotoxicity results of gold-coated iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe3O4@AuNPs) as potential contrast agents. METHODS: Fe3O4@AuNPs were obtained by synthesizing iron oxide nanoparticles and gradually coating them with gold. The obtained Fe3O4@AuNPs were characterized by spectroscopies, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and energy dispersive X-ray diffraction. The effect of the nanoparticles on the MRI signal was tested using a 7T Bruker PharmaScan system. Cytotoxicity tests were made in vitro on Fe3O4@AuNP-treated retinal pigment epithelium cells by WST-1 tests and in vivo by following histopathological changes in rats after injection of Fe3O4@AuNPs. RESULTS: Stable Fe3O4@AuNPs were successfully prepared following a simple and fast protocol (<1h worktime) and identified using TEM. The cytotoxicity tests on cells have shown biocompatibility of Fe3O4@AuNPs at small concentrations of Fe (<1.95×10-8 mg/cell). Whereas, at higher Fe concentrations (eg 7.5×10-8 mg/cell), cell viability decreased to 80.88±5.03%, showing a mild cytotoxic effect. MRI tests on rats showed an optimal Fe3O4@AuNPs concentration of 6mg/100g body weight to obtain high-quality images. The histopathological studies revealed significant transient inflammatory responses in the time range from 2 hours to 14 days after injection and focal cellular alterations in several organs, with the lung being the most affected organ. These results were confirmed by hyperspectral microscopic imaging of the same, but unstained tissues. In most organs, the inflammatory responses and sublethal cellular damage appeared to be transitory, except for the kidneys, where the glomerular damage indicated progression towards glomerular sclerosis. CONCLUSION: The obtained stable, gold covered, iron oxide nanoparticles with reduced cytotoxicity, gave a negative T2 signal in the MRI, which makes them suitable for candidates as contrast agent in small animal MRI applications.

In Vitro Evaluation of Antidiabetic and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Polyphenolic-Rich Extracts from Anchusa officinalis and Melilotus officinalis.

This study was focused on the phytochemical composition and biological activities of Anchusa officinalis and Melilotus officinalis polyphenolic-rich extracts obtained by nanofiltration. The high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis showed that chlorogenic acid and rosmarinic acid were the main phenolic acids in both extracts. The main flavonoid compound from A. officinalis extracts is luteolin, whereas rutin and isoquercitrin are the main flavonoids in M. officinalis. M. officinalis polyphenolic-rich extract had the highest α-amylase (from hog pancreas) inhibitory activity (IC50 = 1.30 ± 0.06 µg/mL) and α-glucosidase (from Saccharomyces cerevisiae) inhibitory activity (IC50 = 92.18 ± 1.92 µg/mL). However, both extracts presented a significant α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. Furthermore, the hyaluronidase inhibition of polyphenolic-rich extracts also proved to be stronger (IC50 = 11.8 ± 0.1 µg/mL for M. officinalis and 36.5 ± 0.2 µg/mL for A. officinalis), but there was moderate or low lipoxygenase inhibition. The studies on the fibroblast cell line demonstrated that both A. officinalis and M. officinalis polyphenolic-rich extracts possess the cytotoxic effect at a concentration higher than 500 µg/mL. The experimental data suggest that both extracts are promising candidates for the development of natural antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory food supplements.

Dataset on large area nano-crystalline graphite film (NCG) grown on SiO2 using plasma-enhanced chemical vapour deposition.

A Si wafer coated with a low temperature oxide (LTO) was used as substrate (Si/SiO2) during the deposition of a thick nano-crystalline graphite (NCG) film by means of plasma-enhanced chemical vapour deposition (PECVD) procedure. The process parameters, the atomic force (AFM) and scanning electron (SEM) micrographs, Raman spectrum and X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern are herein illustrated. The as deposited NCG film was electrochemically pretreated (3 mA applied current, during 240 s, in 10 mM phosphate buffer saline (PBS) solution containing 0.1 M KCl, pH 7) and thereafter used as electrode for sensing the caffeic acid content in lyophilised berries and dried chokeberries in "Nano-crystalline graphite film on SiO2: Electrochemistry and electro-analytical application" [1].