Applications of Romanian Propolis in Phyto-Inhibitory Activity and Antimicrobial Protection: A Comparative Study.

Propolis use in medicine, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food industries is well known. This study aimed to investigate propolis' phyto-inhibitory and antimicrobial potential. Nine propolis samples obtained from distinct Romanian regions and characterized in terms of physical-chemical parameters, phenols and flavonoid contents, and antioxidant properties were prepared as dry propolis and aqueous extracts. The phyto-inhibitory effect was comparatively tested on different cereals: hexaploid bread wheat (Triticum aestivum), maize (Zea mays L.), oats (Avena sativa L.), and barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), while their in vitro antimicrobial activity was evaluated against bacterial and fungal strains specific to cereals: Bacillus subtilis, B. cereus, Proteus mirabilis, Fusarium oxysporum, Penicillium chrysogenum, and Aspergillus niger. All propolis samples showed a phyto-inhibitory effect on the cereals, the most pronounced being corn and oats. Propolis powder samples displayed a lower phyto-inhibitory activity than propolis extracts. Also, all tested products showed inhibitory efficacy against both bacteria and fungi. Furthermore, principal component analysis showed differences between the samples' phyto-inhibitory and antimicrobial properties depending on the geographical origin. Positive correlations were found between the polyphenols, flavonoid content, and antioxidant activity, respectively. These data support propolis' phyto-pharmaceutical potential related to its use in plant crop management as an alternative in ecological agriculture.

Boswellia Essential Oil: Natural Antioxidant as an Effective Antimicrobial and Anti-Inflammatory Agent.

The research aimed to determine the chemical composition, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity as well as the antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive, Gram-negative and two fungal Candida ATCC strains of a commercial Boswellia essential oil (BEO) containing Boswellia carteri, Boswellia sacra, Boswellia papryfera, and Boswellia frereana. Additionally, molecular docking was carried out to show the molecular dynamics of the compounds identified from the essential oil against three bacterial protein targets and one fungal protein target. The major components identified by GC-MS (Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry) were represented by α-pinene, followed by limonene. Evaluation of antioxidant activity using the DPPH (2,2-Diphenyl-1-Picrylhydrazyl) method showed high inhibition comparable to the synthetic antioxidant used as a control. Oxidative stability evaluation showed that BEO has the potential to inhibit primary and secondary oxidation products with almost the same efficacy as butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA). The use of BEO at a concentration of 500 ppm provided the best protection against secondary oxidation during 30 days of storage at room temperature, which was also evident in the peroxide value. Regarding the in vitro anti-inflammatory activity, the membrane lysis assay and the protein denaturation test revealed that even if the value of protection was lower than the value registered in the case of dexamethasone, the recommendation of using BEO as a protective agent stands, considering the lower side effects. Gram-positive bacteria proved more sensitive, while Pseudomonas aeruginosa presented different sensitivity, with higher MICs (minimal inhibitory concentration). Haemophilus influenzae demonstrated a MIC at 2% but with consecutive inhibitory values in a negative correlation with the increase in concentration, in contrast to E. coli, which demonstrated low inhibitory rates at high concentrations of BEO. The computational tools employed revealed interesting binding energies with compounds having low abundance. The interaction of these compounds and the proteins (tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase, DNA gyrase, peptide deformylase, 1,3-ß-glucan synthase) predicts hydrogen bonds with amino acid residues, which are reported in the active sites of the proteins. Even so, compounds with low abundance in BEO could render the desired bioactive properties to the overall function of the oil sustained by physical factors such as storage and temperature. Interestingly, the findings from this study demonstrated the antioxidant and antimicrobial potential of Boswellia essential oil against food-related pathogens, thus making the oil a good candidate for usage in food, feed or food-safety-related products.

Strategies to Formulate Value-Added Pastry Products from Composite Flours Based on Spelt Flour and Grape Pomace Powder.

In recent years, sustainability has promoted new research to develop reformulation strategies for value-added food products by exploiting grape pomace. Grape pomace powder (GP) was used to substitute spelt flour (SF) at 0, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25% to obtain three types of fortified pastry products: biscuits and cakes involving a chemical leavening agent, and rolls leavened by yeast. Proximate composition, total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoids content (TFC), 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity and ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) along with physical characteristics and sensory analysis of the enriched products were considered. The retention rate of the functional attributes of formulations in response to baking was also evaluated. Significant improvements in TPC, TFC and both antioxidant tests were achieved in the fortified products by the incremental incorporation of GP. With a substitution of 25% SF by GP, the following increases were recorded in biscuits, cakes and rolls over the control samples: 7.198-, 7.733- and 8.117-fold for TPC; 8.414-, 7.000- and 8.661-fold for TFC; 16.334-, 17.915- and 18.659-fold for FRAP and 16.384-, 17.908- and 18.775-fold for DPPH. The retention rates of TPC, TFC, FRAP and DPPH relative to the corresponding dough were 41-63%, 37-65%, 48-70% and 45-70%. The formulas leavened by yeast revealed higher functionality than those produced with a chemical raising agent. With the increase in GP, the elasticity and porosity gradually decreased for cakes and rolls, while the spread ratio of biscuits increased. Regarding sensory evaluation, all formulations with incorporated GP up to 10% were rated at an extremely pleasant acceptability level. The solutions derived from this study have great practical applicability for the development of new pastry formulations with improved functionality from GP valorisation.

Integrating (Nutri-)Metabolomics into the One Health Tendency-The Key for Personalized Medicine Advancement.

Metabolomics is an advanced technology, still under development, with multiple research applications, especially in the field of health. Individual metabolic profiles, the functionality of the body, as well as its interaction with the environment, can be established using this technology. The body's response to various external factors, including the food consumed and the nutrients it contains, has increased researchers' interest in nutrimetabolomics. Establishing correlations between diet and the occurrence of various diseases, or even the development of personalized nutrition plans, could contribute to advances in precision medicine. The interdependence between humans, animals, and the environment is of particular importance today, with the dramatic emergence and spread of zoonotic diseases, food, water and soil contamination, and the degradation of resources and habitats. All these events have led to an increase in risk factors for functional diseases, burdening global health. Thus, this study aimed to highlight the importance of metabolomics, and, in particular, nutrimetabolomics, as a technical solution for a holistic, collaborative, and precise approach for the advancement of the One Health strategy.

Surveys on Pet-Reptile-Associated Multi-Drug-Resistant Salmonella spp. in the Timișoara Metropolitan Region-Western Romania.

The number of reptiles owned as pets has risen worldwide. Additionally, urban expansion has resulted in more significant human encroachment and interactions with the habitats of captive reptiles. Between May and October 2022, 48 reptiles from pet shops and 69 from households were sampled in the Timișoara metropolitan area (western Romania). Three different sample types were collected from each reptile: oral cavity, skin, and cloacal swabs. Salmonella identification was based on ISO 6579-1:2017 (Annex D), a molecular testing method (invA gene target), and strains were serotyped in accordance with the Kauffman-White-Le-Minor technique; the antibiotic susceptibility was assessed according to Decision 2013/652. This study showed that 43.28% of the pet reptiles examined from households and pet shops carried Salmonella spp. All of the strains isolated presented resistance to at least one antibiotic, and 79.32% (23/29) were multi-drug-resistant strains, with the most frequently observed resistances being to gentamicin, nitrofurantion, tobramycin, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. The findings of the study undertaken by our team reveal that reptile multi-drug-resistant Salmonella is present. Considering this aspect, the most effective way of preventing multi-drug-resistant Salmonella infections requires stringent hygiene control in reptile pet shops as well as ensuring proper animal handling once the animals leave the pet shop and are introduced into households.

Exploring the Potential of Grape Pomace Extract to Inhibit Thermo-Oxidative Degradation of Sunflower Oil: From Routine Tests to ATR-FTIR Spectroscopy.

Exploring new sources of natural antioxidants is of great interest to edible oil producers, in line with the toxicological problems generated by the use of synthetic antioxidants. This study assesses the potential of lyophilized Pinot Noir grape pomace extract (GPE) to enhance the sunflower oil stability against thermo-oxidative damage compared to BHT during a prolonged exposure to convective heat at 185 °C. Oil thermo-oxidation was monitored based on specific indices such as peroxide value (PV), para-anisidine value (p-AV), inhibition of oil oxidation (IO), total oxidation (TOTOX) value, conjugated dienes and trienes (CDs, CTs), but also by attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), where absorbance ratios A 3009 cm-1/A 2922 cm-1 (RI), A 3009 cm-1/A 2853 cm-1 (RII), A 3009 cm-1/A 1744 cm-1 (RIII) and RIV = A 1744 cm-1/A 2922 cm-1 (RIV) were investigated. GPE showed a significant inhibitory effect on oil thermo-oxidation and this response was concentration-dependent. Substantial decreases in the investigated indices, compared to the control without added antioxidants, were obtained after 4 h and 8 h of heat exposure of the 800 ppm GPE sample: PV (47%; 42%), p-AV (38%; 33%), IO (54%; 46%), TOTOX (41%; 37%), CDs (46%; 39%), CTs (44%; 29%). Oil exposure to heat resulted in changes in RI-RIV attributed to the reduction in the degree of unsaturation, in response to primary and secondary lipid oxidation. FTIR spectroscopy can be used to differentiate untreated and heat-treated oils based on the absorbance ratios. An inhibitory effect close to that of BHT was achieved by 500 ppm GPE, while a dose of 800 ppm provided greater protection against thermo-oxidation. Our results promote GPE as a natural additive to limit the thermo-oxidative damage of plant oils.

Rutin bioconjugates as potential nutraceutical prodrugs: An in vitro and in ovo toxicological screening.

Rutin (RUT) is considered one the most attractive flavonoids from a therapeutic perspective due to its multispectral pharmacological activities including antiradical, anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative, and antimetastatic among others. Still, this compound presents a low bioavailability what narrows its clinical applications. To overcome this inconvenience, the current paper was focused on the synthesis, characterization, and toxicological assessment of two RUT bioconjugates obtained by enzymatic esterification with oleic acid (OA) and linoleic acid (LA)-rutin oleate (RUT-O) and rutin linoleate (RUT-L), as flavonoid precursors with improved physicochemical and biological properties. Following the enzymatic synthesis in the presence of Novozyme® 435, the two bioconjugates were obtained, their formation being confirmed by RAMAN and FT-IR spectroscopy. The in vitro and in ovo toxicological assessment of RUT bioconjugates (1-100 µM) was performed using 2D consecrated cell lines (cardiomyoblasts - H9c2(2-1), hepatocytes-HepaRG, and keratinocytes-HaCaT), 3D reconstructed human epidermis tissue (EpiDerm™), and chick chorioallantoic membranes, respectively. The results obtained were test compound, concentration-and cell-type dependent, as follows: RUT-O reduced the viability of H9c2(2-1), HepaRG, and HaCaT cells at 100 µM (to 77.53%, 83.17%, and 78.32%, respectively), and induced cell rounding and floating, as well as apoptotic-like features in the nuclei of all cell lines, whereas RUT-L exerted no signs of cytotoxicity in all cell lines in terms of cell viability, morphology, and nuclear integrity. Both RUT esters impaired the migration of HepaRG cells (at 25 µM) and lack irritative potential (at 100 µM) in vitro (tissue viability >50%) and in ovo (irritation scores of 0.70 for RUT-O, and 0.49 for RUT-L, respectively). Computational predictions revealed an increased lipophilicity, and reduced solubility, drug-likeness and drug score of RUT-O and RUT-L compared to their parent compounds-RUT, OA, and LA. In conclusion, we report a favorable toxicological profile for RUT-L, while RUT-O is dosage-limited since at high concentrations were noticed cytotoxic effects.

Natural Emulsions Based on Essential Oils as Antifungal and Antimycotoxicogenic Agents on Wheat for Bakery Industry.

This study aimed to investigate the antifungal and antimycotoxicogenic effect of binary and tertiary mixtures of Thymus vulgaris, Origanum sativum, and Coriandrum sativum essential oils (EOs), as well as emulsions based on EO mixtures, on fungi developed on wheat grains destined for the bakery industry. The chemical composition of the EO mixtures, the physical characteristics of the emulsions, and the influence of treatments on the proximate composition of wheat seeds were also studied. The methods used included the microbiological analysis of fungi developed on wheat seeds, the ELISA technique for determining the deoxynivalenol content (DON), gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to detect the chemical composition of the EOs, Zetasizer to analyse the particle sizes and their electric charge at the surface, and NIR analysis of the proximate composition of wheat. The chemical composition analysis revealed that thymol and o-cymene were the major components in the binary mixture of the EOs with thyme, linalool in the binary mixtures of the EOs with coriander and carvacrol, and o-cymene in the binary mixtures of the EOs with oregano. The results showed that, based on the zeta potential, the tertiary mixture ensured maximum emulsion stability, while the emulsion based on thyme and oregano was the less stable system. Regarding the antifungal and antimycotoxicogenic effect, the results showed that the highest inhibition potential on fungi was observed with the binary mixtures of the EOs based on thyme and oregano, and on deoxynivalenol (DON) when the binary emulsion based on the same EOs was applied to wheat seeds. The proximate composition of wheat seeds contaminated with DON showed an increase in protein content and mineral substances, and there were changes in the colour of the wheat seeds after treatment with the EOs. In conclusion, the results obtained in this study showed the possibility of using binary/tertiary mixtures of EOs and emulsions as healthy and environmentally friendly alternatives in the bakery industry.

Lupin (Lupinus spp.)-Fortified Bread: A Sustainable, Nutritionally, Functionally, and Technologically Valuable Solution for Bakery.

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the nutritional, phytochemical, rheological, technological, and sensory properties of wheat flour dough and bread under a replacement of lupin flour at level 10, 20, and 30%. In this sense, the proximate composition, fatty acids profile, the content in total polyphenols content (TPC), antioxidant activity (AA), and flavonoids content (TFC) of lupin; wheat and flour composites; and the bread obtained from them were determined. The rheological properties of the dough using the Mixolab system were also evaluated. The results showed an improvement in the nutritional properties of bread with addition of lupin in the composite flour, especially in terms of proteins, lipids, and mineral substances and a significant increases of functional attributes, such as TPC, TFC, and AA, which recorded the highest values in the bread with 30% lupin flour (76.50 mg GAE/100 g, 8.54 mg QE/100 g, 54.98%). The decrease of lupin bread volume compared to wheat bread ranged between 0.69-7.37%, porosity between 6.92-35.26%, elasticity between 63-70%, and H/D between 3.17-19.05%. The rheological profile of the dough obtained with lupin flours indicates a moderate stability and proper kneading behavior. The sensory analysis was also performed in order to identify the consumer's acceptability regarding this type of bread. According to a 5-point hedonic scale, the most highly appreciated was the bread with 10% lupin flour, which obtained mean scores of 4.73 for general acceptability as compared with control bread (4.43).

Chemical Composition, Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activity of Some Types of Honey from Banat Region, Romania.

Honey is a natural product with multiple health benefits. The paper presents the chemical characterization and the antioxidant and antimicrobial potential of ten types of honey (knotweed, linden, wild cherry, acacia, honeydew, oilseed rape, sunflower, phacelia, plain polyflora and hill polyflora) from the Banat region, Romania. We studied the water content, dry matter, impurities, acidity and pH of honey. We also determined the content of reducing sugar, minerals and flavonoids and the total phenolic content. All honey samples analysed showed good nutritional characteristics according to the standard codex for honey. From the analysis of the mineral content of the honey samples, we observed a variability in the macro and microminerals, influenced by the botanical origin, ranging between 0.25% (wild cherry honey) and 0.54% (honeydew). The toxic metals' (Cd and Pb) levels met the standard for almost all samples analysed except for knotweed. The flavonoid content of the samples ranged from 9.29 mg QE/100 g for wild cherry honey to 263.86 mg QE/100 g for linden honey, and for polyphenols between 177.6 mgGAE/100 g for acacia honey and 1159.3 mgGAE/100 g for honeydew. The best antioxidant capacity was registered in the case of linden honey (79.89%) and honeydew (79.20%) and the weakest in acacia (41.88%) and wild cherries (50.4%). All studied honey samples showed antimicrobial activity, depending on the type of honey, concentration and strain analysed. The novelty of this study is given by the complex approach of the study of honey quality, both from the perspective of chemical attributes and the evaluation of the antimicrobial potential on specific strains in correlation with the botanical and geographical origin of the analyzed area.

Quercetin Beneficial Role in the Homeostatic Variation of Certain Trace Elements in Dyslipidemic Mice.

Background: Quercetin's role in the homeostasis of certain trace elements in dyslipidemia induced in mice was assessed. Methods: Forty BALB/c mice were allocated into 4 groups as follows: control; HFD, received fat diet; HFD + Q group, received HFD +500 mg/L quercetin; and blank control (Q)-normal food + 500 mg/L quercetin in drinking water. Results: By analyzing the values of total proteins, albumins, cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and the levels of several trace elements in blood and organs, we perceived a statistically significant increase ( ∗∗ , p < 0.01) of TP, ALB, TC, TGE, and LDL-c. A nonsignificant decrease was ascertained to HDL-c value in the HFD and quercetin groups (p > 0.05). In the HFD group, all analyzed elements in the kidney and spleen increased, also Cu, Li, Mg, Mn, Pb, and of B, Ba, Cr, Cd, Cu, Fe, Li, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn in the heart increased, but furthermore, Ag, B, Ba, Cd, Cr, Fe, Ni, and Zn in blood, Ag and Zn in the liver, and Cd in the spleen decreased. In the HFD group who received quercetin, elements (except B) were decreased in kidney and liver, also increased Ag, Ba, Cr, Fe, Li, Ni, Zn in blood, but similarly, Ag, B, Ba, Cd, Cu, Mn, and Pb declined in the spleen and heart. Conclusions: Results proved the quercetin beneficial role.

Antimicrobial Drug-Resistant Salmonella in Urban Cats: Is There an Actual Risk to Public Health?

The present study was undertaken to investigate the presence of Salmonella spp. in the faeces of client-owned cats in urban areas and to evaluate the risk that is posed to public health. Fresh faecal samples were collected directly from the rectums from 53 diarrhoeic and 32 non-diarrhoeic cats. The samples were individually screened for the presence of Salmonella spp. using standard methods and, in the case of positive findings, the resulting typical colonies were then biochemically confirmed using the VITEK®2 automated system. Subsequently, all of the Salmonella spp. isolates were molecularly tested for the presence of the invA gene. All of the isolates were serotyped using the slide agglutination technique according to the White-Kauffmann-Le Minor scheme. The phenotypic antimicrobial susceptibility profile of the isolated strains was obtained from the VITEK®2 system using specific cards from the Gram-negative bacteria. A total of 16 of the samples (18.82%) tested positive for Salmonella spp. according to conventional and molecular testing methods. Serotyping of the Salmonella isolates showed the presence of three serotypes, namely S. enteritidis (n = 9; 56.3%), S. typhimurium (n = 4; 25%), and S. kentucky (n = 3; 18.8%). All of the tested strains showed strong resistance towards cefazolin, cefepime, ceftazidime, and ceftriaxone. Additionally, resistance (listed in descending order of strength) was observed to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (11/16; 68.8%), ampicillin (10/16; 62.5%), ampicillin/sulbactam (9/16; 56.3%), gentamicin (9/16; 56.3%), nitrofurantoin (8/16; 50.0%), and amikacin (5/16; 31.3%). No resistance was expressed against ciprofloxacin, ertapenem, imipenem, levofloxacin, piperacillin/tazobactam, and tobramycin. The results of this study highlight a substantial public health issue and medical concern, especially in vulnerable people, such as children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals.

Phytochemical Profile and Microbiological Activity of Some Plants Belonging to the Fabaceae Family.

This study aimed to investigate the chemical composition and the activity against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) (ATCC 25923), Streptococcus pyogenes (S. pyogenes) (ATCC 19615), Escherichia coli (E. coli) (ATCC 25922), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) (ATCC 27853), Shigella flexneri (S. flexneri) (ATCC 12022), Salmonella typhimurium (S. typhimurium) (ATCC 14028), Haemophillus influenzae (H. influenza) type B (ATCC 10211) and two fungal strains: Candida albicans (C. albicans) (ATCC 10231) and Candida parapsilopsis (C. parapsilopsis) (ATCC 22019) of the extracts obtained from Melilotus officinalis (MO), Coronilla varia (CV); Ononis spinosa (OS) and Robinia pseudoacacia (RP) (Fabaceae), and to identify the chemical compounds responsible for the antimicrobial effect against the tested strains. The extracts were obtained by conventional hydroalcoholic extraction and analyzed in terms of total polyphenols using the spectrophotometric method and by liquid chromatography (LC). The results have shown that the highest polyphenols content was recorded in the RP sample (16.21 mg gallic acid equivalent GAE/g), followed by the CV (15.06 mg GAE/g), the OS (13.17 mg GAE/g), the lowest value being recorded for the MO sample (11.94 mg GAE/g). The antimicrobial testing of plant extracts was carried out using the microdilution method. The most sensitive strains identified were: E. coli, S. typhimurium, P. aeruginosa and S. pyogenes, while protocatechuic acid, gallic acid, caffeic acid, quercetin, rutin, and kaempferol were identified as the chemical compounds responsible for the antibacterial effect. The analysis of the correlation between the chemical composition and the antimicrobial effect proved a moderate (r > 0.5) positive correlation between rosmarinic acid and S. pyogenes (r = 0.526), rosmarinic acid and S. typhimurium (r = 0.568), quercetin and C. albicans (r = 0.553), quercetin and S. pyogenes (r = 0.605). Therefore, it suggested possible antimicrobial activity generated by these chemical components. The results recommend the Fabaceae plants as promising candidates for further research to develop novel natural antimicrobial drugs.

Aronia melanocarpa Ameliorates Adrenal Cytoarchitecture Against the Hexavalent Chromium-Induced Injury.

Hexavalent chromium is a toxin that penetrates the cell, triggering reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Aronia melanocarpa, due to its proanthocyanidins, anthocyanins, and phenolic acid contents, is a valuable antioxidant. The aim was to observe the influence of hexavalent chromium Cr(VI) on the adrenal gland, and if this impact can be recovered by the administration of A. melanocarpa. Accordingly, 36 rats were divided into six groups: control; Aronia; Cr receiving Cr(VI) in distilled water for 3 months; CrA receiving a mix of Cr(VI) and A. melanocarpa at 2.5% aqueous extract for 3 months; Cr2 receiving, for 3 months, Cr(VI) in distilled water, and next, for 1 month, only distilled water; and respectively, CrA2 receiving, for 3 months, Cr(VI) in distilled water, followed by 1 month of Aronia at 2.5% extract administration. The adrenal gland samples were examined toward histological and molecular assessment, and results were statistically analyzed (ANOVA). Hexavalent chromium induced changes in the adrenal cortex expressed by focal or diffuse hypertrophies, cytoplasmic vacuolization (due to lipidic accumulation), and cells' shape and size alteration, including necrosis. These structural alterations were carried by Bax and Bcl2 gene expression: the Bax gene expression levels, increased significantly (p < 0.001) in all experimental groups, except the Aronia group, compared with control. In the Cr2, CrA, and CrA2 groups, notable reduction of Bax gene expression (p < 0.001) was reported compared with the Cr group. Regarding the Bcl2 gene expression (p < 0.001), a significant increase was observed in the experimental groups, compared with the control. The Bcl2 expression level had a similar pattern to Bax gene, consequently trying to compensate its overexpression. Aronia administered concomitantly, or after Cr(VI), diminished structural changes and expression of the studied genes, thus reducing the Bax/Bcl2 ratio and suggesting that the active ingredients from Aronia are capable of blocking apoptotic cascade induced by the pathway of Bax and Bcl2 proteins.

Nutritional, Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, and Toxicological Profile of Two Innovative Types of Vegan, Sugar-Free Chocolate.

Increased sugar consumption and unhealthy dietary patterns are key drivers of many preventable diseases that result in disability and death worldwide. However, health awareness has increased over the past decades creating a massive on-going demand for new low/non-caloric natural sweeteners that have a high potential and are safer for consumption than artificial ones. The current study aims to investigate the nutritional properties, in vitro toxicological profile, total/individual polyphenols content, and the antioxidant, anti-cariogenic, and antimicrobial activity of two newly obtained vegan and sugar-free chocolate (VHC1 and VHC2). The energy values for the two finished products were very similar, 408.04 kcal/100 g for VHC1 and 404.68 kcal/100 g for VHC2. Both products, VHC1 and VHC2 present strong antioxidant activities, whereas antimicrobial results show an increased activity for VHC1 compared to VHC2, because of a higher phenolic content. In vitro toxicological evaluation revealed that both samples present a safe toxicological profile, while VHC2 increased cellular turnover of dermal cell lines, highlighting its potential use in skin treatments. The current work underlines the potential use of these vegetal mixtures as sugar-free substitutes for conventional products, as nutraceuticals, as well as topic application in skin care due to antimicrobial and antioxidant effects.

Comparative Evaluation of qnrA, qnrB, and qnrS Genes in Enterobacteriaceae Ciprofloxacin-Resistant Cases, in Swine Units and a Hospital from Western Romania.

Excessive use of antimicrobials and inadequate infection control practices has turned antimicrobial resistance (AMR) into a global, public health peril. We studied the expression of qnrA, qnrB, and qnrS plasmid in ciprofloxacin (CIP)-resistant strains of Escherichia coli in swine and humans from Romania, using the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technique. Antibiotic Susceptibility Testing (AST) for human subjects (H) on 147 samples and 53 swine (S) was ascertained as well as the isolation of bacterial DNA (E. coli) as follows: bacteriolysis, DNA-binding, rinsing, elution, amplification, and nucleic acids' migration and U.V. visualization stages. From 24 samples of E. coli resistant to CIP collected from H subjects and 15 from S, for PCR analysis, 15 H and 12 S were used, with DNA purity of 1.8. The statistically analyzed results using the Crosstabs function (IBM SPSS Statistics-Ver. 2.1.), revealed the qnrS (417 bp) gene in 13 human subjects (52.0%), as well as in all swine samples studied. The qnrB (526 bp) gene was exposed in 9 of the human patients (36.0%) and in all swine isolates, and the qnrA (516 bp) gene was observed only in 3 of the isolates obtained from human subjects (12.0%) and was not discovered in pigs (p > 0.05). The presence of plasmids qnrA, qnrB, and qnrS in the human samples and of qnrB and qnrS in swine, facilitates the survival of pathogens despite the CIP action. The long-term use of CIP could cause a boost in the prevalence of qnr resistance genes, and resistance in the pigs destined for slaughter, a perturbing fact for public health and the human consumer.

Sea Buckthorn and Grape Antioxidant Effects in Hyperlipidemic Rats: Relationship with the Atorvastatin Therapy.

BACKGROUND: Medications to reduce oxidative stress are preventing cellular damage associated with hyperlipidemia. In this regard, statins (e.g., atorvastatin) act primarily by decrease in low-density lipoprotein-c but, in the last decade, hepatotoxicity, associated with liver injuries in the next months after treatments' initiation, was reported. In this case, associated phytotherapy can be a solution. PURPOSE: To investigate the antioxidant potential and response to free radicals, in the case of hyperlipidemic rats treated with atorvastatin. Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) and a grape extract (antioxivita) efficiency in the oxidative stress were investigated, also being ascertained the rats' organs cytoarchitecture. METHODS: Eighty-four hyperlipidemic Wistar rats were divided into seven groups and orally treated as follows: ATS, atorvastatin (20 mg/kg·bw); ATS + Hr, atorvastatin + H. rhamnoides; ATS + Aox, atorvastatin + grape extract; Hr, H. rhamnoides; and Aox, grape extract (both as 100 mg/kg·bw). HFD and Control received high fat diet and normal fodder only. After two and six months, respectively, rats were euthanized and the heart, liver, and kidneys were gathered. The tissue samples were prepared by homogenization of 0.5 g tissue, in ethanol, kept for 48 hours at 4°C-10°C and then filtered, in order to assess organs' cytoarchitecture and the TAC's values (by using cupric ion reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) assay). The test tubes were incubated, at room temperature, for 30 minutes, and then analyzed using a spectrophotometer at 450-650 nm. RESULTS: The statistics (ANOVA) revealed that sea buckthorn diminished notably (p < 0.001) the oxidative stress in the heart, liver, and kidney. After six months, the TAC's reduced levels for the heart were significant (p < 0.001) in ATS + Aox. In the case of histology, the liver's cytoarchitecture in ATS revealed abnormal cytoarchitecture. In ATS + Hr, ATS + Aox, Hr, and Aox, cell regeneration improved in different stages, especially for ATS + Hr and ATS + Aox, in comparison with HFD, which exhibited fat degeneration. Kidney's cytoarchitecture revealed cellular healing, especially in ATS + Hr and ATS + Aox.

Assessment of Mint, Basil, and Lavender Essential Oil Vapor-Phase in Antifungal Protection and Lemon Fruit Quality.

There is an increasing interest in developing natural methods to replace the current chemicals used for maintaining postharvest quality of citrus fruits. The essential oil antifungal activity of mint (MEO), basil (BEO), and lavender (LEO) acting as the vapor-phases was tested against Penicillium digitatum. The minimum doses with fungistatic and fungicidal effect, in vitro, acting as the vapor-phases, were set up. The minimum fungicidal dose was 300 µL for BEO and 350 µL LEO, while for MEO only minimal dose with fungistatic effect was reached. The IC50 values were calculated and used (v/v) for testing preservation of lemon fruits, in close space enriched in vapor oil. For this purpose, the following two independent in vivo experiments were carried out: experiment 1, inoculated lemons with P. digitatum stored without chemical treatments 7 days, at 22 ± 2 °C, at two concentrations (C1-IC50 equivalent; C2-half of C1); and experiment 2, the non-inoculated lemons kept under the same conditions and concentrations of EO vapor served to evaluate the lemon quality properties. The results showed that antifungal protective effect was provided in the order of LEO-C1 > BEO-C1 > MEO-C1 > BEO-C2 > MEO-C2 > LEO-C2. The quality indicators like weight loss, pH, and firmness were not negatively influenced.

p-Aminobenzoate Organic Salts as Potential Plant Growth Regulators for Tomatoes.

The discovery of environmentally friendly and inexpensive plant growth regulators (PGRs) for agronomically important crops is a necessity and must be considered a priority worldwide. This study provides the synthesis, structure determination and the biological evaluation of two binary organic salts as potential PGRs. New compounds have dual biological activity and are based on natural metabolite p-aminobenzoic acid (pABAH) and different alkanolamines. Studied compounds exhibit hydrogen-bonded 3D supramolecular architectures with different crystal packing due to the formation of one homosynthon and various heterosynthons. The biological profile of new compounds was investigated in laboratory and greenhouse on Solanum lycopersicum L., revealing the efficiency in promoting plant rooting and plant productivity. The results may have a positive impact on agricultural economics, developing new sustainable PGRs for tomatoes.

Exploring Ecological Alternatives for Crop Protection Using Coriandrum sativum Essential Oil.

Essential oils (EOs) are a natural source of active compounds with antifungal, antimycotoxigenic, and herbicidal potential, and have been successfully used in organic agriculture, instead of chemical compounds obtained by synthesis, due to their high bioactivity and the absence of toxicity. The aim of this study was to highlight the importance of Coriandrum sativum essential oil (CEO) as a potential source of bioactive constituents and its applications as an antifungal and bioherbicidal agent. The CEO was obtained by steam distillation of coriander seeds and GC-MS technique was used to determine the chemical composition. Furthermore, in vitro tests were used to determine the antifungal potential of CEO on Fusarium graminearum mycelia growth through poisoned food technique, resulting in the minimum fungistatic (MCFs) and fungicidal concentrations (MCFg). The antifungal and antimycotoxigenic effect of CEO was studied on artificially contaminated wheat seeds with F. graminearum spores. Additionally, the herbicidal potential of CEO was studied by fumigating monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous weed seeds, which are problematic in agricultural field crops in Romania. The in vitro studies showed the antifungal potential of CEO, with a minimum concentration for a fungistatic effect of 0.4% and the minimum fungicidal concentration of 0.6%, respectively. An increase in the antifungal effects was observed in the in vivo experiment with F. graminearum, where a mixture of CEO with Satureja hortensis essential oil (SEO) was used. This increase is attributed to the synergistic effect of both EOs. Moreover, the synthesis of deoxynivalenol (DON)-type mycotoxins was found to be less inhibited. Hence, CEO has shown an herbicidal potential on weed seeds by affecting inhibition of germination.