Regulation mechanism of airflow velocity in air fryer on the uniformity of acrylamide formation in potato strips: Water migration and microstructure evolution

To weaken the uneven distribution of acrylamide in air-fried potato strips, the effects of central and peripheral airflow velocity on acrylamide formation were investigated, along with changes in moisture characteristics and microstructure of strips. Due to differential airflow velocities, the acrylamide accumulation of strips in peripheral area was at least 1.5 times higher than that in the central area. Meanwhile, the acrylamide content of strips escalated at least 2.8 times as peripheral airflow velocity increased from 2.00 to 5.00 m/s. The higher airflow velocities led to enhancement of free water loss and change of water status with bound water over 50 %. The degree of surface wrinkling and porosity inside the strips significantly increased with the rise of airflow velocity. Regulating the peripheral airflow velocity below 3.33 m/s and reducing velocity differences between the center and periphery improved the uniformity of acrylamide formation. This could provide guidance for controlling acrylamide generation.

Portuguese Monofloral Honeys: Molecular Insights and Biochemical Characterization

Honey is a multifaceted substance whose composition is intricately affected by various biotic and abiotic elements generated in the bee colony's surroundings, including botanical and geographical origins, climatic conditions, soil characteristics, and beekeeping techniques. Monofloral honeys are identified by pollen analysis and are derived from the nectar of a predominant plant species, exhibiting rich sensory and nutritional profiles, making them food matrices with unique characteristics and excellent qualities. To explore the monofloral honey potential harvested in different regions of Portugal, a comprehensive study was conducted including the determination of phenolic composition and the assessment of biological activities. In addition to this evaluation, the inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) was used to help differentiate honeys by botanical origin. The phenolic content and the antioxidant capacity were evaluated by spectrophotometric methods, observing, in general, differences between monofloral honeys. The honey from Citrus sinensis (Silves) exhibited the lowest phenolic content, including total phenols, ortho-diphenols, and flavonoids, whereas honeydew (Vinhais) showed the highest values. Regarding the antioxidant capacity, honey from Lavandula stoechas (Almodôvar) presented the lowest values, while honeydew (Vinhais) displayed the highest values for both DPPH and FRAP assays. In relation to the ABTS assay, the honey from Metrosideros excelsa (Aveiro) exhibited the lowest values, whereas the honey from Eucalyptus spp. (Arouca) showed the highest. The ISSR marker analysis allows the distribution of the samples based on the honey's botanical origin, suggesting its potential role in honey authentication.

Development and validation of an LC-MS method for free monosaccharide analysis in milk from 8 species

Free monosaccharides are important carbohydrates in milk, providing both basic and bioactive nutritional benefits; however, the content and composition of free monosaccharides in milk from different species are still not well understood. The aim of this study was to develop a highly sensitive and accurate liquid chromatography (LC)-MS method for the precise quantification of free monosaccharides in milk from 8 species, including human, cow, goat, sheep, yak, camel, horse, and donkey. The chromatographic conditions and MS parameters were systematically optimized to ensure high resolution, minimal matrix effects, and low detection limits for all 8 target monosaccharides. The method was validated with excellent linearity (R2 > 0.996), high recovery rates (94.18%-115.02%), and low CV (<10%), demonstrating robustness across various concentrations. The compositional analysis revealed significant interspecies differences in monosaccharide profiles. Human milk was uniquely enriched in glucose (4,262.98 ± 246.49 ng/mL) and fucose (1,024.80 ± 61.82 ng/mL). In contrast, ruminant milk, such as cow and sheep milk, exhibited high levels of galactose (1,803.56 ± 94.63 ng/mL and 1,230.31 ± 52.33 ng/mL, respectively) and mannose (375.24 ± 16.27 ng/mL and 55.81 ± 3.76 ng/mL, respectively). Principal component analysis and a complementary stacked bar chart effectively visualized the clustering and relative distribution of monosaccharides among species, highlighting their metabolic and functional diversity. This study provides novel insights into the biological roles and evolutionary significance of milk monosaccharides. The developed LC-MS method offers a robust tool for advancing our understanding of milk composition and its implications for neonatal nutrition, dairy product innovation, and human health.

Shredded Bacterial Cellulose as a Potential Carrier of Polyphenols Derived from Apple Waste Applying Rapid Solid-Liquid Dynamic Extraction

The production and application of bacterial cellulose (BC) from nonpathogenic microorganisms, such as Acetobacter species, have gained popularity due to its high-water absorption capacity and mechanical strength. Although BC is already used as an additive to modulate the texture of some cosmetic and food formulations, it has not yet been characterized as a carrier of bioactive compounds in such formulations. This study explores the production and characterization of shredded-BC incorporating polyphenolic compounds extracted from waste apples using rapid solid-liquid dynamic extraction (RSLDE) at room temperature. While shredding did not alter BC's inner microstructure, the increased surface-to-volume ratio and simplified tridimensional structure significantly enhanced the absorption and release kinetics of polyphenols, enabling faster delivery. These findings highlight the potential of shredded-BC as a particle-based ingredient for cosmetic masks, facilitating the rapid release of antioxidant compounds and offering new opportunities for the development of BC cosmetic formulations capable of controlling the release rate of bioactive compounds by modulating their size.

Transformation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons during frying stinky tofu

Reductions in polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) concentrations have been observed during frying. However, transformation mechanisms of PAHs remain unclear. We hypothesize that PAHs may be oxidized into oxygenated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (OPAHs) and other derivatives during frying. First, the levels of 24 PAHs and 12 OPAHs during frying stinky tofu were evaluated. Among the OPAHs, 9,10-anthraquinone exhibited the greatest increase in frying oil, with an increase rate of 55 %. The transformation of anthracene into 9,10-anthraquinone was further confirmed through stable isotope tracing. Targeted and untargeted mass spectrometry analyses suggested that anthrone, heavy PAHs, and alkyl derivatives were also produced from anthracene. Theoretical calculations revealed that radical addition was kinetically and thermodynamically more favourable than hydrogen abstraction in the initial reaction of anthracene. This study systematically elucidates, for the first time, the transformation mechanisms of anthracene in frying oil, paving the way for reducing health risks associated with PAHs.

Key cellulase components synergizing with lactic acid bacteria to degrade alfalfa lignocellulose to improve lactic acid fermentation

Using cellulase to convert alfalfa lignocellulose into lactic acid (LA) is useful in low-temperature seasons to improve fermentation quality, but it is still unknown which specific cellulase component synergizes with lactic acid bacteria (LAB) to promote LA fermentation. This study aimed to clarify the key cellulase components that synergized with LAB when converting alfalfa lignocellulose into LA during ensiling from late fall to winter (3-20°C) over 140 days. Seven combinations of cellulase component gene-engineered Lactococcus lactis (MG1363), cellulase (EN), and a combination of Lactobacillus plantarum and cellulase (LPEN) were used as parallel treatments, with a control (CON) without treatment also used. EN degraded lignocellulose best. The pH value in the channel of converting sugars into LA was the key limiting factor for lignocellulose saccharification in LPEN. The optimal combination resulted in the fewest disaccharides (1.02 g/kg DM) and the highest conversion of water-soluble carbohydrates (WSC) to LA, up to 170%. It increased LA content to 80.0 g/kg DM maximally, since cellobiohydrolase better cooperated with MG1363 to ferment lignocellulose into LA than endoglucanase and β-glucosidase. Strong LA production was achieved by clarifying key cellulase components with cellulase component gene-engineered LAB.

Application of machine learning assisted multi-variate UV spectrophotometric models augmented by kennard stone clustering algorithm for quantifying recently approved nasal spray combination of mometasone and olopatadine along with two genotoxic impurities: comprehensive sustainability assessment

The recent approval of the nasal spray combination of mometasone (MOM) and olopatadine (OLO) presents a significant analytical challenge, as only a single reported method exists for its determination, deviating from eco-friendly practices. This study addresses this critical gap by pioneering the application of machine learning techniques to develop robust UV spectrophotometric approach for the simultaneous quantification of MOM and OLO, along with two genotoxic impurities: 4-dimethylamino pyridine (DAP) and methyl para-toluene sulfonate (MTS). By simultaneously determining these highly concerning genotoxic impurities and active pharmaceutical ingredients, this method underscores its paramount significance in upholding rigorous pharmaceutical quality standards and safeguarding patient safety. Applying the multilevel-multifactor experimental design, the calibration set was meticulously chosen at five different concentrations, yielding 25 calibration mixtures with central levels of 4, 46.5, 2.5, and 3 µg/mL for MOM, OLA, MTS, and DAP, respectively. The key innovation lies in the strategic implementation of the Kennard-Stone Clustering Algorithm to create a robust validation set of thirteen mixtures, resolving the limitations of reported chemometric methods' random data splitting. This approach ensures unbiased evaluation across the full concentration space, improving the method's reliability and sustainability. The robustness of this approach was rigorously tested using five distinct chemometric models: principal component regression, classical least squares, partial least squares, genetic algorithm-partial least squares, and multivariate curve resolution-alternating least squares, demonstrating its broad applicability across diverse modeling techniques. All models successfully determined all components with excellent recovery, low bias-corrected prediction, and adequate limits of detection. The Greenness Index Spider Charts and the Green Solvents Selection Tool were used to choose environmentally conscious solvents. A comprehensive sustainability assessment employed six state-of-the-art tools, including the national environmental method index, complementary green analytical procedure index, analytical greenness metric, blue applicability grade index, carbon footprint analysis, and the red-green-blue 12 metrics. Favorable results across all metrics affirmed the method's eco-friendliness, real-world applicability, and cost-effectiveness, supporting sustainable development goals in pharmaceutical quality control processes.

Emerging Mycotoxins in Cheese: Simultaneous Analysis of Aflatoxin M1, Aflatoxicol, and Sterigmatocystin by LC-MS/MS

The presence of mycotoxins in cheese is a significant concern due to their potential health risks. Mycotoxins can contaminate cheese through two main routes: indirectly via contaminated animal feed, and/or directly, because of mold growth on dairy products. It has been reported that cheese may contain metabolites of aflatoxin B1 such as aflatoxin M1 (AFM1), aflatoxicol (AFL), and, its precursor, sterigmatocystin (STC). This study presents a reliable method for the simultaneous determination of AFM1, AFL, and STC in cheeses made from ovine, goat, or buffalo milk. The method was developed using single liquid extraction, clean-up by an immunoaffinity column (IAC), and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) determination. The method was subjected to initial validation according to EU regulations, which outline the required performance parameters and criteria of analytical methods for official food control. The limits of quantification (LOQs) of the method for AFM1, AFL, and STC are 2.0 ng/kg, 5.0 ng/kg, and 1.0 ng/kg, respectively. The method was applied in a study for the assessment of mycotoxin transfer from milk to cheeses and also their growth.

Rye secalin isolates to develop reference materials for gluten detection

Gluten-free products must not contain more than 20 mg/kg of gluten to be safe for consumption by celiac disease patients. Almost all analytical methods are calibrated to wheat, wheat gluten or gliadin, and there is no rye-specific reference material available. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of the harvest year on rye gluten composition and to generate distinct rye isolates to serve as calibration standards. Four different extraction procedures of a specific rye cultivar mixture were tested yielding prolamins (PROL), glutelins (GLUT), gluten (G) and acetonitrile/water-extractable proteins (AWEP). The isolates were characterized using different methods such as RP-HPLC, GP-HPLC, SDS-PAGE and LC-MS/MS. The isolates were evaluated in the R5 ELISA which resulted in the following response order: PROLiso > AWEPiso > Giso > GLUTiso. This paper represents a significant step towards improving gluten analysis, particularly in the context of rye-contaminated gluten-free products.

Deduction of full factorial design of HPLC technique for the simultaneous analysis of meloxicam and esomeprazole in their laboratory prepared tablets

A reversed phase HPLC method with UV detection was designed for the first time for the simultaneous estimation of meloxicam and esomeprazole in their combined tablet dosage forms. Full factorial design was used for rapid optimization of the proposed method. Chromatographic separation was reached using isocratic elution on C18 column. The mobile phase was a mixture of methanol: acetonitrile: 0.05 M potassium dihydrogen phosphate buffer at pH 5, adjusted using phosphoric acid and/or NaOH when needed. The flow rate was 1 mL/min and the injection volume was 20 µL. The detection wavelength was 230 nm. The working ranges of the method were 5.0-100.0 and 10.0-100.0 µg/mL, LOD values were 0.8 and 1.8 µg/mL and LOQ values were 2.6 and 5.5 µg/mL for meloxicam and esomeprazole, respectively. The proposed method was successfully applied to their combined tablet dosage forms with acceptable % recoveries (100.4 - 100.7%) obtained. Four methods were used to evaluate the greenness of the proposed method, suggesting the acceptability of the greenness of the proposed method.

The value of spray drying as stabilization process for proteins

Protein stability in solution state is often poor due to the intrinsic instability of proteins. A solution is to solidify them by using techniques like freeze or spray drying (SD). To shield therapeutic proteins from stress (e.g., heat or shear stress) related to the solidification process, suitable buffers and excipients are added during formulation development. In this work, buffers and excipients were identified for the stabilization of three protein model compounds (BSA, IgG and lysozyme) in solution state using a design of experiments (DoE) approach based on screening results from differential scanning fluorimetry (DSF) combined with static light scattering (SLS). The aim was to investigate whether it is possible to predict protein stability in solid state using data from protein stabilization in solution state according to DSF/SLS. Therefore, three concepts per protein were analyzed after SD, two of which were expected to stabilize the protein, and one less stabilizing and compared these results to screening results obtained in solution state. Analytical techniques prior to and post SD were reversed-phase and size-exclusion chromatography (RPC and SEC, respectively), dynamic light scattering (DLS), UV and circular dichroism (CD). Furthermore, yield and residual moisture were analyzed. BSA and lysozyme showed high stability during SD and therefore only minor changes were observed. IgG was more affected by solidification which partly resulted in a loss of more than 15 % of the initial protein concentration in comparison to before SD. In future studies, the use of analytical techniques that do not require reconstitution would give additional value.

Acute cannabis intoxication among the paediatric population

This narrative review synthesizes the toxicological, clinical and medico-legal aspects of paediatric cannabis intoxication. By providing a comprehensive overview, it aims to inform future research, guide policymaking, and enhance clinical and toxicological practice in addressing this growing public health concern. The pharmacokinetics of cannabinoid ingestion in children are significantly influenced by the immaturity of their gastrointestinal tract and metabolic enzyme systems, resulting in altered oral bioavailability. Clinical data indicate that Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)-related effects in paediatricpaediatric patients typically emerge within 2 hours of ingestion, with more severe symptoms developing within 4 hours. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) undergoes significant developmental changes, with marked differences in cannabinoid receptor expression and distribution across fetal, neonatal, and adult brains. During neurodevelopment, CB1 receptors exhibit unique expression patterns, including transient localization in brainstem regions critical for neurovegetative functions. These developmental dynamics likely explain children's heightened sensitivity to THC's neurological and neurovegetative effects, often resulting in more severe outcomes compared to adults. The reliable detection of cannabinoids involves integrating screening methods with confirmatory analytical techniques. Urine immunoassay testing is widely considered an helpful toolto assess a previous exposure, becoming positive within 3-4 h of ingestion. However, this method is prone to false positives. Plasma THC concentration, when measured close to the event, offers valuable insights into the quantity ingested and the correlation between exposure and clinical outcomes in the impairment window. Hair analysis, while useful for distinguishing between acute and chronic use, is susceptible to various biases. The rising incidence of acute cannabis intoxication in children underscores the urgent need for targeted public health interventions and stricter regulatory frameworks. Preventive measures such as child-resistant packaging, public education campaigns, and cannabis use screening during pregnancy are essential to mitigate risks. Clinicians should consider THC exposure in the differential diagnosis of children presenting with unexplained neurological, immune, or metabolic symptoms.

Prediction of Chromatographic Retention Time of a Small Molecule from SMILES Representation Using a Hybrid Transformer-LSTM Model

Accurate retention time (RT) prediction in liquid chromatography remains a significant consideration in molecular analysis. In this study, we explore the use of a transformer-based language model to predict RTs by treating simplified molecular input line entry system (SMILES) sequences as textual input, an approach that has not been previously utilized in this field. Our architecture combines a pretrained RoBERTa (robustly optimized BERT approach, a variant of BERT) with bidirectional long short-term memory (BiLSTM) networks to predict retention times in reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). The METLIN small molecule retention time (SMRT) data set comprising 77,980 small molecules after preprocessing, was encoded using SMILES notation and processed through a tokenizer to enable molecular representation as sequential data. The proposed transformer-LSTM architecture incorporates layer fusion from multiple transformer layers and bidirectional sequence processing, achieving superior performance compared to existing methods with a mean absolute error (MAE) of 26.23 s, a mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) of 3.25%, and R-squared (R2) value of 0.91. The model's explainability was demonstrated through attention visualization, revealing its focus on key molecular features that can influence RT. Furthermore, we evaluated the model's transfer learning capabilities across ten data sets from the PredRet database, demonstrating robust performance across different chromatographic conditions with consistent improvement over previous approaches. Our results suggest that the hybrid model presents a valuable approach for predicting RT in liquid chromatography, with potential applications in metabolomics and small molecule analysis.

The Global Burden of Clostridioides difficile Infections, 2016-2024: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is a major cause of healthcare-associated infections globally. Understanding variations in CDI incidence and outcomes across settings, populations, and regions is important for guiding prevention strategies. Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the global epidemiology of CDI to better understand disease burden across settings and geographic regions. Methods: Relevant publications were identified through searches of major databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, published from 1 January 2016 through 24 July 2024. Random effects models were used to pool estimates, and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Results: A total of 59 studies, representing 24 countries across North America, Europe, the Asia-Pacific region, Latin America, and the Middle East, met the inclusion criteria. The incidence of CDI was highest in hospital-onset healthcare facility settings, with 5.31 cases/1000 admissions (95% CI 3.76-7.12) and 5.00 cases/10,000 patient-days (95% CI 3.96-6.15). Long-term care facilities reported 44.24 cases/10,000 patient-days (95% CI 39.57-49.17). Pediatric populations faced a greater risk, with 4.52 cases/1000 admissions (95% CI 0.55-12.17), than adults did at 2.13 (95% CI 1.69-2.61). Recurrence rates were highest for community-acquired CDI at 16.22%. The death rates for the CDI cases tracked for 30 days and of unspecified duration were 8.32% and 16.05%, respectively. Conclusions: This comprehensive review identified healthcare facilities, long-term care, pediatric populations, and North America as disproportionately burdened. This finding provides guidance on priority areas and populations for targeted prevention through antimicrobial stewardship, infection control, and surveillance.

UPLC-Q-TOF/MS-based study on chemical composition, in vivo metabolites, and tissue distribution of ethanol extract of Ganoderma lucidum

Ganoderma lucidum (G. lucidum), a medicinal fungus, exhibits diverse pharmacological effects against many diseases. Studies have shown that the ethanol extract of G. lucidum (GLEE), which is rich in triterpenoids, possesses significant anti-carcinogenic effects. Early research focused solely on the pharmacokinetics and metabolism of individual triterpenoids in normal rodents. However, no research has examined the distribution of prototype compounds and metabolites of GLEE in multiple tissues, plasma, or tumor tissue. In this study, ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF/MS), combined with the Global Natural Products Social Molecular Networking (GNPS) platform and UNIFI software, was employed to identify and quantify the chemical composition of GLEE. A total of 105 compounds were identified, including 100 triterpenoids and 5 fatty acids, with 18 high-content monomers quantitatively analyzed. Following six weeks of GLEE administration in tumor-bearing nude mice, 42 prototype compounds and 24 metabolites were identified across plasma, tumors, and eight tissues, including small intestine, stomach, liver, heart, lung, kidney, spleen, and colon. Notably, ganoderic acids A, B, C1, F, and H were the most widely distributed compounds across these tissues. The metabolism of GLEE involves both phase I and phase II reactions. This study is the first to provide a comprehensive profile of GLEE's chemical composition, distribution, and metabolism, revealing the potential active triterpenoids responsible for its anti-cancer effects. Our findings provide a foundation for future studies focused on the pharmacological mechanisms of these compounds, offering new insights into the therapeutic potential of G. lucidum in cancer treatment.

Stability indicating HPTLC - densitometric method for estimation of vonoprazan fumarate

OBJECTIVES

High performance thin layer chromatography method was developed and validated for analysis of vonoprazan fumarate. An Alkaline forced degradation kinetic study was performed to find out probable rate of degradation of vonoprazan fumarate.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Aluminum packed TLC plates precoated with silica gel 60 F 254 were used as stationary phase and Methanol: Toluene: triethylamine (6: 4: 0.1 v/v/v) was used as mobile phase. The detection was carried out at 267 nm wavelength as absorbance mode. HPTLC/MS analysis study was performed to detect alkaline degradant.

RESULTS

A compact band (Rf value of 0.43 ± 0.1) was obtained for vonoprazan fumarate. Regression analysis shows a good linear relationship (R2 = 0.9996) between peak area and concentration in the range 200-1200 ng/band. The accuracy determined by standard addition method for vonoprazan fumarate and percentage recovery was found to be 99.72% - 101.74%. Forced degradation stability study was performed under different stress conditions including hydrolytic, oxidative, thermal and photolytic. Degradation was observed under alkaline condition and it was found to follow first order degradation kinetic. The possible structure of base degradants was also determined using HPTLC-MS analysis. The method was successfully applied for the estimation of drug in synthetic mixture.

CONCLUSION

A New, Simple, precise and accurate method has been developed and validated for the quantification of vonoprazan fumarate. Forced degradation studies were performed. The method can be used for quality control and stability sample evaluation of vonoprazan fumarate.

Development and validation of a highly sensitive HPLC method for quantifying cardiovascular drugs in human plasma using dual detection

Cardiovascular diseases are the major cause of global mortality, and often require the concomitant use of a number of drugs to prevent and reduce these deaths. The challenge is to find effective and accurate methods for analyzing these drugs in plasma. This research introduces an innovative, sustainable HPLC-FLD method for the concurrent determination of bisoprolol (BIS), amlodipine besylate (AML), telmisartan (TEL), and atorvastatin (ATV) within human plasma. Chromatographic separation was achieved using an isocratic elution mode on a Thermo Hypersil BDS C18 column (150 × 4.6 mm, 5.0 μm), while the mobile phase comprised of ethanol and 0.03 M potassium phosphate buffer (pH 5.2) in a 40:60 ratio, with a flow rate of 0.6 mL/min. The eluate was analyzed using UV detection within the wavelength range of 210-260 nm to confirm effective separation of the four cardiovascular drugs. For enhanced specificity, a fluorescence detector was set to 227ex/298em for BIS, 294ex/365em for TEL, 274ex/378em for ATV, and 361ex/442em for amlodipine. The method was validated following the International Council for Harmonisation (ICH) guidelines. Linearity was established within the ranges of 5-100 ng/mL for BIS and AML, 0.1-5 ng/mL for TEL, and 10-200 ng/mL for ATV, ensuring accuracy and precision. The significant of the current work represented in introduction of a highly sensitive, and selective analytical method, utilizing an economical sample preparation strategy, for the simultaneous determination of four different cardiovascular drugs (bisoprolol, amlodipine, telmisartan, and atorvastatin) in spiked human plasma. The extraction of sample was carried by liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) and analyzed by LC-fluorescence detector. The chromatographic run was short (less than10 min) which is a greet economical value.

Decoding Xanthine Derivatives: Advanced Analytical, Extraction, and Quantification Techniques in Pharma and Biofluids - A Comprehensive Review

Xanthine derivatives, such as bamifylline hydrochloride (BMFH), theophylline (THP), aminophylline (AMI), and diprophylline (DPH), are potent adenosine-receptor antagonists widely used in managing respiratory disorders like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, and cardiac asthma due to their cardiovascular and diuretic properties. Despite their clinical utility, the complexity of their bioanalysis and limited advancements in analytical methodologies exhibit challenges to their broader application. This review evaluates advanced analytical, extraction, and quantification techniques for selected xanthine derivatives, emphasizing their applicability in pharmaceutical and biofluid matrices. A comprehensive review was conducted using databases like Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect, utilizing keywords UV-visible spectrophotometric, chromatographic (high-performance liquid chromatography [HPLC], high-performance thin-layer chromatography [HPTLC]), and hyphenated (liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry [LC-MS]) techniques. A detailed analysis of extraction methods, including solid-phase extraction (SPE), liquid-liquid extraction (LLE), and protein precipitation (PPE), was included. The findings demonstrate that HPLC, often combined with SPE, offers superior sensitivity and specificity for quantifying xanthine derivatives. BMFH is effectively analyzed using HPLC with methanol (MeOH)-ammonium acetate mobile phases, achieving limits of detection <2 ng/mL. THP exhibits broad applicability in respiratory treatments, with UV-visible spectroscopy being widely used for its quantification. However, limited data for bioanalytical techniques, particularly for AMI and DPH, highlights the need for further development. Hyphenated techniques provide significant advantages in pharmacokinetic studies but remain underutilized for xanthines. This review refines analytical methods for xanthine derivatives to enhance their clinical and research applications. Future directions include developing high-throughput, automated techniques and expanding the bioanalytical profiling of underexplored derivatives like BMFH and AMI.

Rapid Quantification of Salmonella Typhimurium in Ground Chicken Using Immunomagnetic Chemiluminescent Assay

Many countries have established regulatory frameworks to monitor and mitigate Salmonella contamination in poultry products. The ability to rapidly quantify Salmonella is critical for poultry processors to facilitate early detection, implement corrective measures, and enhance product safety. This study aimed to develop an Immunomagnetic Chemiluminescent Assay (IMCA) for the quantification of Salmonella Typhimurium in ground chicken. Immunomagnetic microbeads functionalized with monoclonal antibodies were employed to selectively capture and concentrate Salmonella from ground chicken samples. A biotin-labeled monoclonal antibody, followed by an avidin-horseradish peroxidase conjugate, was used to bind the captured bacteria and initiate a chemiluminescent reaction catalyzed by peroxidase. Light emission was quantified in relative light units (RLUs) using two luminometers. Ground chicken samples were inoculated with a four-strain S. Typhimurium cocktail ranging from 0 to 3.5 Log CFU/g. Bacterial concentrations were confirmed using the Most Probable Number (MPN) method. Samples underwent enrichment in Buffered Peptone Water (BPW) supplemented with BAX MP Supplement at 42 °C for 6 and 8 h before analysis via IMCA. A linear regression analysis demonstrated that the optimal quantification of Salmonella was achieved at the 8 h enrichment period (R2 ≥ 0.89), as compared to the 6 h enrichment. The limit of quantification (LOQ) was determined to be below 1 CFU/g. A strong positive correlation (R2 ≥ 0.88) was observed between IMCA and MPN results, indicating methodological consistency. These findings support the application of IMCA as a rapid and reliable method for the detection and quantification of Salmonella in ground chicken.

Phytochemical Characterization and Anti-Biofilm Activity of Primula veris L. Roots

In this study, three new undescribed triterpene saponins named primulasaponin III-V (19-21) were isolated from the roots of Primula veris L. of Bulgarian origin together with the known primulasaponin I. Their structures were elucidated via 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy and HR-ESI-MS. In addition, 17 known phenolic compounds (six flavones, three acetophenones, four bisbibenzyls, and four phenolic glycosides) were identified in the chloroform and methanol extracts. Among them, flavone, 2'-methoxyflavone, 3'-methoxyflavone, 3'-hydroxy-4',5'-dimethoxyflavone, 2',5'-dimethoxyflavone, 3'-methoxy-4',5'-methylendioxyflavone, paeonol, 2-primeverosyl-5-methoxy-acetophenone, and paeonolide were detected for the first time in the roots of P. veris. The minimum inhibitory and minimum bactericidal concentrations of the chloroform and methanol extracts of P. veris roots and the saponin-enriched fraction were determined, with MIC values ranging between 0.5 and 1 mg/mL. Additionally, the tested samples were evaluated for their ability to inhibit biofilm formation in the presence of sub-MICs. All tested samples showed better biofilm inhibition of Gram-negative strains compared to Gram-positive strains. The strongest effect was observed for the chloroform extract against the biofilm formation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, while the saponin-enriched fraction showed the highest percentage of biofilm inhibition of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Staphylococcus mutans. At the same time, chloroform extract showed lower cytotoxicity against human keranocyte cell line HaCaT, as compared with methanol extract and the saponin-enriched fraction.

Occurrence of regulated, emerging, and masked mycotoxins in Chinese wheat between 2021 and 2022

Wheat is one of three major food crops in China. Wheat grains are prone to contamination with various mycotoxins. The risk of exposure to mycotoxins through the consumption of wheat flour has long been a concern. This study evaluated the occurrence of regulated, marked, and emerging mycotoxins in 304 wheat samples that were randomly sampled from major wheat-producing regions of China. Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) was detected in only 3 wheat samples, with a maximum concentration of 2.37 μg/kg. Deoxynivalenol (DON) was identified as the most prevalent mycotoxin, being present in 94.4 % of the samples with a maximum concentration of 2.84 mg/kg. Additionally, 11.5 % of the positive DON samples exceeded the maximum Chinese limit of 1000 μg/kg. The incidence of zearalenone (ZEN), zearalanone (ZAN), α-zearalenol, and β-zearalenol in wheat samples were 27.96, 2.96, 2.63, and 2.63 %, respectively. Of 304 wheat samples, 86.2 %, 14.5 and 7.24 % were positive for Deoxynivalenol-3-Glucoside (range: 3.58-609 μg/kg), 3-AcDON (range: 2.31-95.97 μg/kg), and 15-AcDON (range: 2.26-76.65 μg/kg), respectively. Beauvericin (BEA) was detected in 89.14 % of wheat samples with the maximum concentrations 114 μg/kg. However, the average concentration of BEA (2.40 μg/kg) in the positive samples was less than 10 μg/kg. Alternariol (AOH) and moniliformin were detected in 48.68 % and 16.78 % of wheat samples, respectively. Most wheat samples (89 %) were simultaneously contaminated with more than one mycotoxin, with an average of approximately five mycotoxins per sample, and up to 15 mycotoxins were detected in individual samples. In conclusion, DON was the most prevalent mycotoxin in wheat samples, followed by D-3-G, BEA, and AOH, and co-contamination of mycotoxins in wheat samples were very common.

Detection of Mechanically Separated Meat from Pork in Meat-Containing Foods by Targeted LC-MS/MS Analysis

Microscopy and calcium analysis have proven to be inadequate for the detection of mechanically separated meat (MSM) in meat-containing foods. Therefore, a pseudo-MRM-LC-MS/MS-based bottom-up assay was developed and validated for the detection of porcine MSM. In contrast to a comparable study on MSM from poultry, the studies on porcine MSM showed that the use of cartilage/intervertebral disc material was not useful. Here, we report a new marker protein from porcine MSM, protegrin-4, which allows the detection of 5/3/1 mm MSM. The validity of the developed assay was ensured by the investigation of 182 blinded samples. After unblinding, all samples containing 5/3/1 mm MSM and all negative control samples were correctly classified (precision 100%). Furthermore, new results related to the investigation of the species specification of chicken, turkey, and pork are presented. In conclusion, LC-MS/MS-based detection of potentially undeclared use of MSM has been successfully extended from poultry to porcine MSM. Moreover, the assay was successfully transferred to a tripleQuad LC-MS system.

Assessment of ecological and human health risks of heavy metals in soils and Polygonatum sibiricum plants from various cultivation areas in China

In this study, we collected 528 samples from 7 important Polygonatum sibiricum (P. sibiricum) planting areas in China. The P. sibiricum samples were classified into P. sibiricum Red., P. cyrtonema Hua. and P. kiugianum Col.et Hemsl. The content of the Cu, As, Zn, Cd, Pb, and Cr in P. sibiricum and soil were determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, and the ecological and health risks were evaluated. The results showed that addition to Cu, the soil exhibits varying degrees of excessive pollution from Zn, As, Pb, Cd, and Cr exceeding permissible levels (GB15618 - 2018, Soil environmental quality-Risk control standard for soil contamination of agricultural land in China). Among them, 31.56% Zn, 22.43% As, and 22.05% Cd in soil exceeded the GB 15618 - 2018 standard. Additionally, three types of P. sibiricum soil have risks, with the risk level being P. cyrtonema Hua. > P. kiugianum Col.et Hemsl. > P. sibiricum Red. It was worth noting that the practice of artificial cultivation management may reduce the amount of As, Cd, and Cr in the soil while increasing the amount of Zn. The order of P. sibiricum bioaccumulating ability in different heavy metals was: Cd > Zn > Cu > Cr > As > Pb, and it had good tolerance to As, Pb, and Cr. In addition, the chronic daily intake, hazard quotient and hazard indexes indicate that the current Cu, Hg, As, Cd and Pb contents of P. sibiricum in China do not pose a health risk to humans. In summary, the impact of Cd in P. sibiricum should be given attention.

Electrochemical behavior of the synthetic food diazo dye Brilliant Black BN (E151) and the first voltammetric method for its determination

As synthetic food azo dyes have been proven to cause adverse health problems, their content is regulated and must be strictly controlled. Therefore, the availability of reliable as well as simple and cost-effective methods for their determination is essential to ensure the quality and safety of food and beverages. This work reports on a systematic study of the electrochemical behavior of Brilliant Black BN (BB BN), a purple synthetic food diazo dye, labelled as E151, in aqueous media using polarography/cyclic voltammetry over a wide range of pH and scan rates. In particular, the electrochemical reduction of BB BN was investigated using a dropping mercury electrode, while the BB BN oxidation - using a glassy carbon electrode. Importantly, this work describes the development of the very first voltammetric method for the determination of BB BN, which is based on its reduction in the Britton-Robinson buffer, pH 3.0, at two types of silver solid amalgam electrodes (AgSAEs), such as polished (p-AgSAE) and mercury meniscus modified one (m-AgSAE). The results demonstrated that the linear scan adsorptive stripping voltammetry in combination with m-AgSAE allows to reach a limit of detection of 0.12 μM applying the accumulation time of 300 s in unstirred solution. The newly developed method was successfully utilized for the direct determination of BB BN in spiked tap water, spiked soft drink, and pharmaceuticals. According to the Blue Applicability Great Index metric tool, the proposed method scored 72.5 points, indicating its suitability in terms of practicality and applicability.

Precision of in Vivo Pesticide Toxicology Research Can Be Promoted by Mass Spectrometry Imaging Technology

Pesticides are crucial for agricultural production, but their excessive use has become a significant pollution source, leading to increased pesticide residues in the environment and food and posing a threat to human health. In vivo pesticide toxicology research aims to protect humans with detection technology playing a key role. Spatial information plays a crucial role in in vivo pesticide toxicity research. However, current technologies cannot simultaneously analyze the content and spatial information on pesticides in vivo. Mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) technology can address this limitation by simultaneously analyzing the content and spatial distribution of chemicals in vivo with high sensitivity and efficiency, aiding in the discovery of toxic biomarkers and mechanisms. Nevertheless, the limited application of MSI in vivo pesticide toxicology research hinders the accuracy of such research. Therefore, MSI should be promoted to enhance the accuracy of in vivo pesticide toxicology research.

Thinking Outside the Therapeutic Box: The Potential of Polyphenols in Preventing Chemotherapy-Induced Endothelial Dysfunction

The numerous side effects and adverse health implications associated with chemotherapies have long plagued the field of cancer care. Whilst in some cases a curative measure, this highly toxic intervention consistently scores poorly on quantitative measures of tolerability and safety. Of these side effects, cardiac and microvascular defects pose the greatest health risk and are the leading cause of death amongst cancer survivors who do not succumb to relapse. In fact, in many low-grade cancers, the risk of recurrence is far outweighed by the cardiovascular risk of morbidity. As such, there is a pressing need to improve outcomes within these populations. Polyphenols are a group of naturally occurring metabolites that have shown potential vasoprotective effects. Studies suggest they possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, in addition to directly modulating vascular signalling pathways and gene expression. Leveraging these properties may help counteract the vascular toxicity induced by chemotherapy. In this review, we outline the main mechanisms by which the endothelium is damaged by chemotherapeutic agents and discuss the ability of polyphenols to counteract such side effects. We suggest future considerations that may help overcome some of the published limitations of these compounds that have stalled their clinical success. Finally, we briefly explore their pharmacological properties and how novel approaches could enhance their efficacy while minimising treatment-related side effects.

Assessment of essential mineral (Ca, Mg, P, K, Na, Cu, Fe, and Zn) intakes from cuban diets and their health implications: Insights from a total diet study

This study focuses on evaluating the intake of selected essential minerals in the Cuban population's diet and their associated health implications. Using 24-hour recall surveys and a Total Diet Study approach, 17 food groups were established from a total of 107 foods collected from the three regions of the Cuban territory. The minerals in the 17 groups were quantified by digesting the foods through dry ashing, and the analysis was carried out using the flame atomic absorption spectroscopy method (for Ca, Mg, K, Na, Cu, Fe and Zn) and spectrophotometric method (for P). The results revealed significant variations in mineral intake among the food groups, with dairy products, meats, legumes, and condiments being the primary sources of these nutrients. Average calcium and magnesium intakes (687 and 230 mg/day) were below the recommended 1000 mg/day and 300-350 mg/day, respectively. However, phosphorus consumption was excessive, averaging 1220 mg/day, which could pose health risks, especially with inadequate calcium intake (molar ratio of 0.44:1). Despite sufficient iron intake (16.8 mg/day), sodium consumption was high (3242 mg/day), exceeding the safe limit of 2000 mg/day, and may contribute to increased cardiovascular disease risk. The assessment of the risks associated with the individual intake of each mineral indicated that the Cuban population is not currently at significant risk. However, the synergistic effect of these minerals resulted in a Total Target Hazard Quotient of 1.23, indicating potential cause for concern. In conclusion, improving the Cuban diet requires policies that ensure balanced mineral intake and reduce health risks.

Multilaboratory Study of a Nontarget Data Acquisition for Target Analysis (nDATA) Workflow Using Ultrahigh-Performance Liquid Chromatography-High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry for the Screening of 1087 Pesticides in Fresh Fruits and Vegetables

A nontarget Data Acquisition for Target Analysis (nDATA) workflow was developed to screen pesticides in fresh produce based on ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-high-resolution full scan mass spectrometry/variable data-independent tandem mass spectrometry acquisition (LC-FS MS/vDIA MSMS) and a pesticide database. The MSMS spectral library was generated to create a database consisting of 1087 pesticides based on authentic pesticide standards. The retention time (±0.5 min), precursor ion (≤± 5 ppm), and product ions (≤± 5 ppm) were extracted for each pesticide from LC-FS MS/data-dependent MSMS acquisition (LC-FS MS/DDA MSMS). Mass accuracy criteria, along with ±0.1 min retention time tolerance, were used for the identification of pesticides. Three laboratories evaluated and validated the nDATA workflow to screen and identify pesticides from produce extracts (apples, bananas, broccoli, carrots, grapes, lettuce, oranges, potatoes, strawberry, and tomatoes) prepared by the Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe (QuEChERS) procedure. Of the 1087 pesticides evaluated, false-positive rates were ≤5% for 977 pesticides in blank matrices and false-negative rates were ≤5% for 921 and 985 pesticides in fortified matrices at 10 and 100 μg/kg, respectively. False positives detected were misidentified pesticides, incurred residues, or contaminants possibly resulting from process or system contamination detected below the threshold level of 10 μg/kg. False negatives were attributed to pesticides that did not sufficiently ionize or fragment or had poor stabilities and QuEChERS extraction efficiencies. Incurred residues in archived produce samples (apple, Chinese broccoli, grape, kale, kohlrabi, orange, pepper, strawberry, tomato, and turnip green) were prepared using QuEChERS, evaluated by the nDATA workflow, and the results were compared and confirmed, if possible, to targeted GC-MS/MS, LC-MS/MS, and LC-FS MS/DDA MSMS methods. The three laboratories identified 25 parent pesticides at levels >10 μg/kg that were consistent with findings from targeted procedures and discovered 10 different metabolites that were not provided in the multiple reaction monitoring method or inclusion list of the targeted procedures. GC-MS/MS identified two pesticides, chlorothalonil and dacthal, and a possible chlorothalonil metabolite, pentachlorobenzonitrile, that were not amenable to LC-low or LC-high-resolution mass spectrometry analysis in produce samples. To improve the identification quality, the nDATA workflow further implemented quality control, operational, and processing measures to reduce the number of false detects, and the data evaluation workload. As demonstrated in this study, the validated nDATA workflow creates new opportunities for chemical residues analysis, offering a potential screening complement to targeted LC-MS/MS, GC-MS/MS, and nontargeted methods for pesticides and other contaminants of interest.

Advanced fluorescent carbon dots for quantitative detection of Sudan Red via inner filter effect mechanism

Food safety concerns regarding Sudan Red, a carcinogenic dye, necessitate effective detection methods. This study introduces S, P co-doped blue-emitting carbon dots (BSP-CDs), synthesized via a one-pot hydrothermal method using asparagine as the carbon source. BSP-CDs exhibit excellent optical properties, environmental stability, and selective fluorescence quenching due to the inner filter effect. These properties were utilized to develop a sensitive and rapid "on-off" fluorescence sensing system for Sudan Red detection. The sensor demonstrated a linear detection range of 50-175 μM and a detection limit of 2.11 μM, with high accuracy and recovery rates in real-world water samples. This work offers a green, economical, and highly reproducible approach for Sudan Red monitoring, with significant implications for food safety and environmental protection.

Molecular Allergology: Epitope Discovery and Its Application for Allergen-Specific Immunotherapy of Food Allergy

The prevalence of food allergy continues to rise, posing a significant burden on health and quality of life. Research on antigenic epitope identification and hypoallergenic agent design is advancing allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT). This review focuses on food allergens from the perspective of molecular allergology, provides an overview of integration of bioinformatics and experimental validation for epitope identification, highlights hypoallergenic agents designed based on epitope information, and offers a valuable guidance to the application of hypoallergenic agents in AIT. With the development of molecular allergology, the characterization of the amino acid sequence and structure of the allergen at the molecular level facilitates T-/B-cell epitope identification. Alignment of the identified epitopes in food allergens revealed that the amino acid sequence of T-/B-cell epitopes barely overlapped, providing crucial data to design allergen molecules as a promising form for treating (FA) food allergy. Manipulating antigenic epitopes can reduce the allergenicity of allergens to obtain hypoallergenic agents, thereby minimizing the severe side effects associated with AIT. Currently, hypoallergenic agents are mainly developed through synthetic epitope peptides, genetic engineering, or food processing methods based on the identified epitope. New strategies such as DNA vaccines, signaling molecules coupling, and nanoparticles are emerging to improve efficiency. Although significant progress has been made in designing hypoallergenic agents for AIT, the challenge in clinical translation is to determine the appropriate dose and duration of treatment to induce long-term immune tolerance.

Role of Phytonutrients in the Prevention and Treatment of Chronic Diseases: A Concrete Review

Delving into the intricate role of phytonutrients is paramount to effectively preventing and treating chronic diseases. Phytonutrients are "plant-based nutrients" that positively affect human health. Phytonutrients perform primary therapeutic functions in the management and treatment of various diseases. It is reported that different types of pathogenesis occur due to the excessive production of oxidants (reactive nitrogen species and reactive oxygen species). The literature shows that a higher intake of fruits, vegetables, and other plant-based food is inversely related to treating different chronic diseases. Due to many phytonutrients (antioxidants) in fruits, vegetables, and other medicinal plants, they are considered major therapeutic agents for various diseases. The main purpose of this review is to summarize the major phytonutrients involved in preventing and treating diseases. Fourteen major phytonutrients are discussed in this review, such as polyphenols, anthocyanin, resveratrol, phytosterol (stigmasterol), flavonoids, isoflavonoids, limonoids, terpenoids, carotenoids, lycopene, quercetin, phytoestrogens, glucosinolates, and probiotics, which are well-known for their beneficial effects on the human body and treatment of different pathological conditions. It is concluded that phytonutrients play a major role in the prevention and treatment of diabetes mellitus, obesity, hypertension, cardiovascular disorders, other types of cancers, neurological disorders, age-related diseases, and inflammatory disorders and are also involved in various biological activities.

Effects of ruminal infusion of unsaturated fatty acids on digestive parameters, milk fatty acids and ruminal kinetics in Jersey cows supplemented with chitosan

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of ruminal infusion of unsaturated fatty acids on digestive parameters, milk fatty acids, and ruminal kinetics in Jersey cows supplemented (CHI) or not supplements (CON) with chitosan. Four multiparous Jersey cows cannulated in the rumen were used (DIM 150 ± 45, daily milk production 22.2 ± 4.5 kg). A crossover design was used, with two experimental periods of 17 days, seven days of adaptation, and 10 days of data collection. With a washout (buffer period) of five days between periods. Cows in the CHI group received 0.2% chitosan in the DM total of diet or 4g/kg of DMI. On day 17, 300 g of soybean oil were infused to evaluate the effect of chitosan's interaction on linoleic acid's biohydrogenation. No differences in dry matter intake and digestibility of nutrients, milk production, and composition were observed with the inclusion of 0.2% of CHI in the DM total of diet. CHI did not alter the fatty acid profile of milk, except for C18:1 cis-11 (P=0.02), which decreased with CHI supplementation. Diets did not influence any variables of energy balance, rumen characterization, omasal flow of nutrients, and rumen kinetics. Including chitosan in diets for lactating Jersey cows did not promote production and composition changes. Likewise, chitosan at the evaluated level does not influence rumen kinetics, omasal flow of nutrients, and energy balance.

Development of a Visual Assay for Detection of Viable Cronobacter sakazakii Using RT-PSR and Hydroxynaphthol Blue Indicator

Cronobacter sakazakii is a foodborne pathogen in powdered infant formula, which poses a significant risk to susceptible populations such as infants and the elderly. This study aims to develop a visual detection method for viable C. sakazakii using the reverse transcription-polymerase spiral reaction and hydroxynaphthol blue indicator. Under the optimized conditions, the detection process could be completed within 55 min with low equipment dependence. It was evaluated to have high specificity and sensitivity with the detection limit low to 1.2 × 101 CFU/mL. The assay also showed 100% accuracy in artificially contaminated samples.

The key active ingredients identification and pharmacological mechanism investigation of extract of ethyl acetate from Er Miao San aganist rheumatoid arthritis

BACKGROUND

Er Miao San (EMS) is a basic formula for clearing heat and drying dampness in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), which is mainly used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Previous studies have found that the ethyl acetate extract of EMS (EMS-EA) has the best anti-inflammatory effect, but its specific pharmacological material basis is still unclear.

PURPOSE

The aim of the study was to investigate the active components of the EMS-EA against RA and its mechanism of action using a combination of serum pharmacochemistry and network pharmacology.

METHODS

The anti-RA efficacy of EMS-EA was evaluated by establishing a rat model of adjuvant arthritis (AA). The chemical constituents of the EMS-EA and the blood components in the serum of rats after the administration of EMS-EA were detected by the ultra-high liquid chromatography-quadrupole Extractive Orbitrap Mass spectrometry (UPLC-QE-Orbitrap-MS). Network pharmacological analysis was utilized to predict the potential mechanism of action of key blood-entry components against RA, molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations and in vitro experiments were performed to preliminarily validate the results of network drug prediction. The anti-proliferative activity and pro-apoptotic ability of the key blood-entry components against TNF-α (10 ng/mL)-induced inflammatory injury model of MH7A were detected by MTT assay and TUNEL staining, the levels of IL-6 and IL-1β in the supernatant of the cells were detected by ELISA, and pathway proteins by WB assay.

RESULTS

Compared with the model group, EMS-EA treatment significantly attenuated the ankle joint injury condition in AA rats, reduced foot volume, arthritis index, organ index and serum levels of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β in rats, and alleviated the pathologies such as formation of vascular opacities and synovial hyperplasia of knee joints to different degrees. In positive and negative ion mode, 51 compounds including 19 alkaloids, 8 terpenoids, Subsequently, berberine (BER) and atractylenolide I (AT-I) were detected in the serum collected from rats after EMS-EA administration. Phellodendrine (PHE) found in rat abdominal aorta serum. Network pharmacology,molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations results revealed that BER、AT-I and PHE may exert anti-RA effects by modulating the MAPK signaling pathway, whose core targets are mainly CASP3, MAPK1 and MAPK8. Finally, we performed in vitro experiments to investigate the anti-RA activity of the three blood entry components mentioned above. The results showed that all three compounds were able to significantly reduce the TNF-α-induced proliferation level of MH7A cells and increase their apoptotic ability, while inhibiting the release of IL-1β and IL-6. WB experiments showed that all three compounds significantly elevated the level of Cleaved-caspase 3 in TNF-α-induced MH7A cells and down-regulated the phosphorylation levels of JNK and ERK.

CONCLUSION

EMS-EA has excellent therapeutic effects on AA rats, and its chemical components are mainly alkaloids, organic acids and terpenoids. Among them, BER、AT-I and PHE may be its direct acting substances in vivo, and the mechanism of action may be related to the inhibition of MAPK signaling pathway.

Unlocking the power of nanohybrids: A critical review on carbon nanomaterial-functionalized silver nanoparticles for advanced antimicrobial applications

Over the last decades, nanotechnology has enabled the development of several inorganic nanoparticles with significant biocidal properties against diverse microorganisms. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are among the most promising antimicrobial nanomaterials that have attracted substantial attention in various fields due to their low cost, low toxicity, biocompatibility, photo and chemical stability, easy preparation, high fluorescence, and tunability. Carbon nanomaterials (CNMs) are another appealing nanomaterial with antimicrobial qualities. While the antimicrobial efficacy of both AgNPs and CNMs is well-established, there is significant interest in the creation of CNMs/AgNPs hybrid materials for several applications due to their potential to exhibit synergistic bactericidal properties that surpass the yields of their components. This review represents a general overview of the different kinds, characterization techniques, synthesis processes, and antimicrobial activity of CNMs/AgNPs, along with an analysis of their benefits, drawbacks, and antimicrobial applications. Researchers and scientists interested in learning more about the potential of CNMs/AgNPs for advanced antimicrobial applications are likely to find this review to be a valuable resource.

Targeted and non-targeted metabolic analysis of chlorpromazine in grass carp as well as the in-silico and metabolomics toxicity assessment

Chlorpromazine (CPZ) is an abused sedative that is extensively metabolized in organisms. However, the metabolic pathway of CPZ in aquatic organisms is still unclear. In this study, CPZ metabolites was analyzed in grass carp exposed to CPZ in the raising water using ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole Orbitrap mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap MS). Thirteen CPZ metabolites were identified, including 11 previously reported and 2 newly identified metabolites (M9 and M13), and 5 known metabolites were confirmed using authentic standards. The molecular structures and transformation pathways of CPZ metabolites were putatively deduced, which mainly included oxygenation, demethylation, dechlorination and carboxylation reactions. Quantitative analysis of CPZ and its metabolites were also performed, and CPZ sulfoxide had a higher content as an important characteristic metabolite. In addition, in-silico toxicity prediction reminded that some metabolites possess ecotoxicity and developmental toxicities similar to, or even higher, than CPZ. Moreover, metabolomics results indicated that CPZ exposure could cause metabolic disorder in the endogenous metabolome of grass carp.

Raman spectroscopic fingerprinting for the identification and quantitative analysis of sports doping β - agonists based on gold nanopolyhedra

Beta - stimulant, that is, β - adrenergic stimulant, also known as β - agonists, is bioactive catecholamine compounds naturally produced in animals' adrenal medulla glands that induce relaxation in asthmatic airway smooth muscles upon inhalation while also temporarily boosting athletic alertness and alleviating fatigue. However, their potential for dependency poses health risks including unnoticed exacerbation leading to severe illness or fatality prompting their inclusion on WADA's prohibited substances list. Surface - enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) offers a rapid, sensitive, and label - free means for identifying characteristic peaks associated with β - agonist compounds. In our investigation, the utilization of seed - mediated synthesis technique facilitated production of gold polyhedral substrates serving as highly sensitive biosensors for detecting β - agonist presence. The unique geometry of these particles generates enhanced SERS signals due to their multiple corners, resulting low detection limits (9.33 × 10-7, 6.28 × 10-7, and 6.19 × 10-7 g·mL-1 for salbutamol, clenbuterol and higenamine respectively), with promising prospects for improving overall sensitivity in β - agonists detection.

Detection of Pesticide Residues Using Three-Dimensional SERS Substrate Based on CNTs/Ag/AgNWs/SiO2

In response to the shortcomings of traditional surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) substrates, such as short shelf life, poor uniformity, and low selectivity, this study innovatively proposed a three-dimensional composite substrate of CNTs/Ag/AgNWs/SiO2. This substrate demonstrates excellent SERS enhancement effects, with a detection limit of 10-12 mol/L for the probe molecule Rhodamine 6G (R6G) and an enhancement factor (EF) of 8.947 × 108. Further experiments confirmed the substrate's superior uniformity and stability. The enhancement mechanism was investigated using both experimental methods and the Finite Difference Time Domain (FDTD) approach. When commonly used pesticide thiram was used as the target analyte, the detection limit of the substrate reached 0.1 mg/L, which is significantly lower than the pesticide residue standards of China and the European Union. Additionally, the genetic algorithm (GA)-optimized Back Propagation (BP) neural network was introduced for the quantitative analysis of thiram concentrations. The experimental results indicated that the GA-BP algorithm achieved the training prediction accuracy of 92.5% for thiram, demonstrating good network performance. This method shows good selectivity and has broad application prospects in the detection of toxic chemicals, environmental pollutants, and food additives.

Glucosinolate profiles in wild-growing Lepidium draba L. from Tunisia and Croatia

The glucosinolate (GSL) profiles in different plant parts of the wild-growing species Lepidium draba L. (syn. Cardaria draba Desv.) (Brassicaceae) from Tunisia and Croatia were determined using UHPLC-DAD-MS/MS. The predominant GSLs in both Tunisian and Croatian samples were glucoraphanin and glucosinalbin, with the leaves and flowers being the richest sources. The study also revealed previously unreported GSLs in L. draba, methionine-derived glucoiberin, glucoalyssin, glucohesperin, and glucolesquerellin, as well as tryptophan-derived glucobrassicin and 4-methoxyglucobrassicin. In addition to the variability of GSL content across different plant parts, this study has also shown the limitations of indirect GSL analysis by isothiocyanates using GC-MS, which can lead to incorrect identification of GSLs due to thermal degradation of the isothiocyanates produced.

Increment of Ginsenoside Accumulation in Ginseng Rhizome Joints and the Prediction of the Growth Year

INTRODUCTION

The growth year of ginseng is relevant to its quality and commercial value. Ginseng rhizome joint number increases by growth year. The relationship between the metabolite accumulation and the growth year of a rhizome remains unclear. Most forest-grown ginseng rhizomes can conveniently be separated into different joints and are suitable materials for investigating ginseng metabolite accumulation.

OBJECTIVES

This work aims to elucidate how ginsenoside accumulates in the ginseng rhizome joint and if it is applicable for growth-year determination.

METHODS

Forest-grown Panax ginseng rhizomes were separated into different joints according to their growth scars; ginsenosides in each joint were then tested using high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The age-related ginsenosides screening was performed using orthogonal partial least squares analysis (OPLS). Several ground-cultivated ginseng rhizomes have also been tested.

RESULTS

Ginsenoside contents in different joints of a rhizome increase with its growth year and reach their corresponding equilibriums in specific years. Notoginsenoside R3 and ginsenoside Rg1 were the most relevant to the growth year. They increase continuously from 0 to 8 years. Perhaps, the OPLS improved the linearity of the relationship between scores and ages. The predictions of the growth year of a rhizome joint using the OPLS models were accurate.

CONCLUSION

Some ginsenosides increased in ginseng rhizome joints by their growth year. The OPLS score of a rhizome joint can be used to determine its growth year.

Advancements and Challenges in Sucralose Determination: A Comparative Review of Chromatographic, Electrochemical, and Spectrophotometric Methods

This review presents an in-depth analysis of the latest methods used for the determination of sucralose (E955), focusing on research conducted over the past 10 years. As a widely used sugar substitute in the food and pharmaceutical industries, sucralose has raised concerns about its environmental persistence, potential genotoxicity, and health impacts. This study examines several spectrophotometric, chromatographic, and electrochemical techniques, evaluating their sensitivity, selectivity, and limitations in differentiating sucralose from natural carbohydrates and other sweeteners. The review highlights the pressing need for novel detection methods that not only improve accuracy in trace detection but also address growing concerns about its bioaccumulation and conversion into harmful metabolites. Advancing these analytical techniques is essential for enhancing food safety, public health surveillance, and environmental risk assessment. Chromatographic methods are dominant in sucralose determination in foods and environmental objects, as they allow the determination of sucralose at micro- and nanomolar levels. However, spectrophotometric and electrochemical methods are frequently used as complementary to chromatographic methodologies, sensitizing them. On the other hand, purely spectrophotometric methods are less popular, and electrochemical methods remain underdeveloped. Therefore, the advancement of sucralose determination must be due to cheaper chromatographic and classical electrochemical methods.

Magnesium Molybdate: An Efficient Nanosorbent for Methylene Blue Cationic Dye Removal from Aqueous Solutions

The removal of methylene blue (MB) cationic dye from aqueous solutions was investigated by applying magnesium molybdate (β-MgMoO4) as a nanosorbent. The β-MgMoO4 was synthesized through a simple, rapid, and efficient method. The MB dye removal process was optimized by evaluating various parameters such as temperature, contact time, nanosorbent dosage, pH, and initial cationic dye concentration. The optimal conditions for MB removal were found to be pH 3, with a 99% removal efficiency achieved in just 10 min of contact time, when using an MB cationic dye concentration of 160 ppm. Magnesium molybdate (β-MgMoO4) showed a maximum adsorption capacity of 356 mg/g, according to Langmuir model-based calculations. The MB dye removal process occurred spontaneously while being favorable and endothermic. The kinetic investigation showed that the pseudo-second-order model accurately represented the reaction kinetics. The thermal regeneration test results indicated that the removal efficiency remained stable even after three consecutive rounds of reuse. A Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopic analysis confirmed the adsorption and desorption of MB on β-MgMoO4 and its regeneration. Overall, these results indicate that a β-MgMoO4 nanosorbent is a favorable and robust adsorbent for the removal of MB cationic dye from wastewater at its maximum capacity.

A Highly Efficient and Automated Magnetic Bead Extraction Method Overcomes the Matrix Effect in LC-MS/MS Analysis of Human Serum Steroid Hormones

Profiling of steroid hormones is incredibly valuable in clinical settings for diagnosing endocrine disorders. However, the presence of matrix effects and labor-intensive manual work in LC-MS/MS analysis has hindered its routine application. In the present study, a highly efficient and automated magnetic bead extraction method was developed to address matrix effects and quantitatively profile 15 steroid hormones in human serum. Octadecyl (C18) and N-vinylpyrrolidone divinylbenzene (HLB) modified magnetic beads were compared for enriching steroids from human serum. Following enrichment, the beads were separated using a magnetic field; the matrix was cleaned, and the steroid hormones were eluted from the beads for LC-MS/MS analysis. This entire process of enrichment, cleanup, and elution was conducted automatically, making it simple, fast, and cost-effective. The results indicated that steroid hormones could be selectively enriched from human serum in just 1 min using C18 magnetic beads. The absolute matrix effect, evaluated as the relative response between human serum matrix and methanol solution, ranged from 89.2% to 113.1% for low levels, from 82.3% to 112.0% for medium levels, and from 91.7% to 111.0% for high levels. The intrabatch coefficients of variation (CVs) and interbatch CVs were between 3.1% and 13.4% and between 3.0% and 13.7%, respectively. Recoveries were between 87.6% and 114.3% for low levels, 94.0% and 105.0% for medium levels, and 91.9% and 111.7% for high levels. The clinical application was demonstrated by profiling steroid hormones in 160 pregnant women at various gestational weeks. The results suggested that the automated magnetic bead extraction method for LC-MS/MS could effectively address matrix effects in profiling steroid hormones. To our knowledge, this is the first automated magnetic bead extraction method for LC-MS/MS profiling of steroid hormones in clinical practice.

Novel spectrophotometric methods for concurrent assessment of duloxetine and avanafil in their binary mixture using derivative spectroscopy: greenness-blueness evaluation

Antidepressant drugs, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are known to induce sexual dysfunction as a side effect. Duloxetine (DLX) and Avanafil (AVN) are simultaneously determined in their pure state and laboratory-prepared mixtures by two novel, environmentally friendly spectrophotometric methods. The first method was based on second order derivatives while the second method is based on first derivative dual-wavelength. In method I, the linearity range was found to be 0.5-12 µg/mL and 1-12 µg/mL with limit of detection 0.15 µg/mL and 0.27 µg/mL for DLX and AVN, respectively. In method II, the linearity range was found to be 1-10 µg/mL for both drugs with limit of detection 0.18 µg/mL and 0.21 µg/mL for DLX and AVN, respectively. The validation of these approaches meets the International Council for Harmonization's (ICH) standards. Furthermore, three current ecological tools namely the Eco-Scale, GAPI, and AGREE were used to evaluate the proposed method's greenness. The sustainability characteristics of the proposed method were also assessed using the Blue Applicability Grade Index (BAGI), a recently developed metric for assessing the practicality (blueness) of procedures.

Suitability of Real-Time PCR Methods for New Genomic Technique Detection in the Context of the European Regulations: A Case Study in Arabidopsis

PCR methods are widely applied for the detection of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in Europe, facilitating compliance with stringent regulatory requirements and enabling the accurate identification and quantification of genetically modified traits in various crops and foodstuffs. This manuscript investigates the suitability of real-time PCR methods for detecting organisms generated through new genomic techniques (NGTs), specifically focusing on a case study using Arabidopsis thaliana as a model gene-edited plant. Given the complexities of European regulations regarding genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and the classification of gene-edited plants, there is a pressing need for robust detection methods. Our study highlights the development and validation of a novel single-plex real-time PCR method targeting a specific single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the grf1-3 gene modified using CRISPR-Cas9 technology. We emphasize the effectiveness of locked nucleic acid (LNA)-modified primers in improving specificity. The results demonstrate that while the grf1-3 LNA method successfully detected and quantified gene-edited Arabidopsis DNA, achieving absolute specificity remains a challenge. This study also addresses the significance of the cross-laboratory method for validation, demonstrating that the method developed for an SNP-modified allele can be performed in accordance with the precision and trueness criteria established by the European Network of GMO Laboratories (ENGL). Furthermore, we call for continued collaboration among regulatory agencies, academia, and industry stakeholders to refine detection strategies. This proactive approach is essential not only for regulatory compliance but also for maintaining public trust in the safe integration of gene-edited organisms into food products.

Solvent-Driven Enrichment and Multiplex Analysis of Local Anesthetics by Thin-Layer Chromatography Coupled with Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy

Local anesthetics have been widely used in clinical analgesia due to their ability to provide effective regional pain management. Accurate measurement of local anesthetics in body fluids is crucial for ensuring patient medication safety and optimizing therapeutic efficacy. Herein, we present a convenient, economical, sensitive, and efficient TLC-SERS method for multiplex determination of six kinds of anesthetics (pro) in human plasma, including procaine hydrochloride (Pro), tetracaine hydrochloride (Tet), dibucaine (Dib), mepivacaine hydrochloride (Mep), lidocaine hydrochloride (Lid), and ropivacaine hydrochloride (Rop). The TLC method was adopted to separate six local anesthetics effectively. In order to improve the sensitivity, TLC spots were concentrated into smaller ones using methanol through solvent-driven enrichment, then Ag NPs staining was applied to enriched spots for a strong and unique SERS response of each anesthetic. As a result, linear calibration curves of SERS intensity ratio versus negative logarithm of spotting amounts sampled on TLC plates were obtained, along with the lowest detectable amounts in this study were 1 ng (Pro), 10 pg (Tet), 10 ng (Dib), 50 ng (Mep), 50 ng (Lid), and 0.1 μg (Rop), which were up to 2 × 104 times more sensitive than our previous TLC-Raman method. Moreover, the method was successfully applied to human plasma samples, demonstrating the feasibility and potential for multiplex analysis of local anesthetics in clinical practice, criminal forensics, and aquaculture.

Glycosaminoglycan Mass Spectrometry Imaging by Infrared Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Electrospray Ionization

Chondroitin sulfate (CS) is a type of glycosaminoglycan (GAG) that is abundant in cartilage and perineural networks (PNNs). Changes in the CS signature of PNNs have been implicated in several neurological diseases. Most CS-GAGs contain labile sulfate groups, which can be lost during ionization events that deposit large amounts of internal energy. Infrared matrix-assisted laser desorption electrospray ionization (IR-MALDESI) is a soft ionization technique used for mass spectrometry imaging. In this work, we determine the spatial distribution of CS-GAG disaccharides within rodent brain using IR-MALDESI MSI. Non-, mono-, and disulfated disaccharides were detected with various adducts. All disaccharides colocalized to the PNNs, which are most abundant in the cortex and hippocampus regions of the brain. This is the first MSI study to spatially resolve CS-GAG disaccharides within brain, paving the way for IR-MALDESI to measure GAGs in neurological diseases.

Determination of limit of detection and relative limit of detection of Salmonella in raw pet food matrices using Salmonella bacteriological analytical manual methods

Each year, there are multiple Salmonella recalls due to contaminated pet food products. Routine testing of finished products requires reliable, quick, and sensitive detection methods. In this study we comparatively evaluated the sensitivity of a culture-based reference method and two alternative methods, which are based on LAMP and PCR principles. The evaluation was performed in multiple trials using challenging pet food matrices, which were tested after various storage time intervals to better address the reliability of the methods. Raw freeze-dried treats, kibble, and patties were individually inoculated with Salmonella Typhimurium at fractional and high inoculation levels. Raw freeze-dried treats and kibble were inoculated at 0, 1, 3, 5, 7 and 10 CFU/25 g and raw patties were inoculated at 0, 1, 3, 5, 7, 10 and 30 CFU/25 g. For the culture method, the level of detection (LOD50) values were 0.9, 1.1, and 3.7 CFU/25 g for freeze-dried treats, kibble, and patties respectively. The calculated relative level of detection (RLOD) values were close to 1 CFU/25 g, indicating that LAMP and PCR methods have similar LOD50 values to the culture method. It was also confirmed that the alternative LAMP and PCR methods can provide reliable results within 24 h that match the reference culture method. Faster response times are invaluable when responding to potential pet food product contamination.

Sustainable signal processing spectrophotometric analysis of candesartan, hydrochlorothiazide, and amlodipine: Green methods aligned with global sustainability goals

Green Analytical Chemistry (GAC) aims to create eco-friendly methods for pharmaceutical analysis, with a focus on quality control. This study focuses on the simultaneous quantification of candesartan (CAN), hydrochlorothiazide (HCT), and amlodipine (AML) in a triple medication using two green spectrophotometric techniques. The study incorporates mathematical manipulation approaches to extract the parent spectrum of each drug component. These integrated methods address the problem of spectral signal overlap without requiring prior separation, utilizing a factorized spectrum (FS), which is notable for its capacity to assess the specified drugs in the mixture and retrieve their original zero-order spectra it is distinctive for its ability to evaluate the mentioned drugs within the mixture and recover their initial zero-order spectra. The first integrated resolution technique, the Integrated signal processing plan (ISPP-D0), was applied to the mixture's zero-order spectrum, including successive manipulation of three methods: extended absorbance difference, absorbance resolution, and spectrum subtraction. The second integrated resolution technique is the Integrated signal processing plan (ISPP-R)via ratio spectrum of the mixture, which includes successive manipulation of three methods: dual amplitude difference, ratio extraction, and spectrum subtraction. The proposed methods were validated and assessed following the International Conference on Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Registration of Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH) guidelines, showing linear concentration ranges of 5.0-35.0 µg/mL for CAN at 254.0 nm, 2.0-20.0 µg/mL for HCT at 270.0 nm, and 5.0-35.0 µg/mL for AML at 240.0 nm. The specificity was evaluated by accurately and precisely determining the concentrations of the three drugs in their synthetic blends and single-tablet pharmaceutical formulation. The findings were statistically analyzed against the official results using the F-test and Student's t-test, indicating no notable differences. These UV spectrophotometric techniques align with green analytical chemistry (GAC) and white analytical chemistry (WAC) principles, supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs). These integrated analytical techniques for drug analysis offer enhanced precision and efficiency, enabling the retrieval of zero-order spectra that serve as unique fingerprints for each analyte. These advancements simplify the identification process, improve accuracy, and ensure reliable results, making them invaluable in pharmaceutical research and quality control.

Phytoextraction and Cd Allocation to the Stem of Woody Species Used in Cacao Agroforestry

Global cacao production, primarily led by African countries, is facing a crisis, which presents growth potential for South American countries like Colombia, Peru, and Ecuador. However, a significant challenge for these countries is cadmium (Cd) contamination in cacao beans. Agroforestry systems with cacao (CAFSs) improve soil health and can remediate Cd through tree phytoextraction. Effective phytoremediation requires Cd-tolerant, high-biomass species and preferential Cd allocation to stems. This study evaluated the phytoremediation potential of four forest species (Cariniana pyriformis Miers, Terminalia superba Engl. and Diels, Swietenia macrophylla King, and Cedrela odorata L.) under cadmium (Cd) exposure. C. pyriformis exhibited hypertolerance, showing minimal biomass reduction (less than 15%, changing from 1.619 to 1.343 g plant-1) under excess Cd conditions, compared to Cedrela odorata and T. superba, which showed significant biomass reductions. C. pyriformis and T. superba showed notable Cd accumulation in stems (652.99 and 635.39 mg Cd kg-1), an essential feature for wood tree-mediated phytoextraction, while C. odorata allocated more Cd to leaves (35.35 mg Cd kg-1). C. pyriformis maintained high photosynthesis (12.8 μmol CO2 m-2 s-1), light use efficiency (0.086 mol CO2 mol photons-1), and an increased relative growth rate (0.575 g g-1 day-1) under Cd exposure. Overall, C. pyriformis demonstrated significant potential for use in phytoremediation due to its high Cd tolerance (84%), efficient allocation to stems (17%), and sustained physiological performance under Cd exposure. Conversely, C. odorata allocates Cd to leaves (16%), which can reintroduce Cd into the soil, and exhibits a low tolerance index (54%) under higher cadmium contamination. Further studies are still needed to understand the specific mechanisms of Cd accumulation in stems of promising species like C. pyriformis and T. superba.