Brown Substance Research Articles

Instability of natural deep eutectic solvents (NADESs) induced by Amadori rearrangement and its effects on cryopreservation of yeast cells

Natural deep eutectic solvents (NADESs) showing higher cryoprotective effects are attracting concerns, because during the storage, system browning always occurs in aldose/amino acid-based NADESs, which generated brown substances remarkably weaken the cryoprotective effects. In this study, proline/glucose-based (PG) and proline/sorbitol-based (PS) NADESs were prepared, of which storage stability, browning profile, brown substance, and cryoprotective effects were investigated. Results showed that PG at molar ratios of 1:1, 2:1, and 3:1, as well as PS at 1:1, and 2:1 can form NADESs, among which only the PG-based ones could get browning after storage. The predominant brown substance was identified as 1-deoxy-1-L-proline-d-fructose (C11H19O7N, 278 m/z), which was subsequently verified to show cytotoxicity and decrease Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells viability after cryopreservation, suggesting that the brown substance could take a negative effect on cryopreservation. This study may help to attract more concerns to the storage and cryopreservation stabilities of the NADESs in food-related applications.

Comparative Morpho-Anatomical Study of Cypselas in some Species of the Tribe Heliantheae (Asteraceae)

A comparative study of morphology and anatomy of mature cypselas in 14 species belonging to 10 genera, such as BIDENS, CHRYSANTHELLUM, COREOPSIS, COSMOS, ECHINACEA, GAILLARDIA, GLOSSOGYNE, HELIANTHUS, TITHONIA and XANTHIUM under the tribe Heliantheae (Asteraceae) was undertaken under light and scanning electron microscopes. Morphologically the form and structure of cypselas, carpopodia and pappus are diacritical for characterization of taxa. In all species pericarp is well differentiated into 2 zones. Cells of the epicarp are usually tangentially elongated, provided with yellow or brown substances. Mesocarp is mainly differentiated into 4 zones. Number and distribution of vascular traces, phytomelan layer and secretory cavities are taxonomically significant in certain taxa. An artificial bxonomic key using the detailed morphological, anatomical and SEM observations on the mature cypselas are provided.

Characterization of composting process and chemical composition of compost from recycling centers in Surabaya City, Indonesia

Composting serves as a pivotal strategy in waste management, alleviating the burden on final disposal sites while simultaneously providing valuable fertilizer for urban agriculture. This study aims to delineate the intricacies of the composting process and elucidate the characteristics of compost derived from recycling centers/compost houses in Surabaya City, Indonesia. Employing a qualitative descriptive approach, this research scrutinized the composting process by delving into the origins of raw materials, procedural stages, and the chemical composition of the resultant compost. The composting materials encompassed household waste, market refuse, and fall foliage. Notably, composting occurred within an open aerobic system devoid of bio-activators. Chemical analysis revealed: C/N ratio (17.10 - 19.60), C-total (17.65% - 18.10%), N-total (0.95% - 1.12%), P2O5 (0.35% - 0.51%), K2O (0.39% - 0.41%), Cu (1.65 ppm - 2.01 ppm), Pb (2.05 ppm - 3.11 ppm), Cd (0.11 ppm - 0.24 ppm), and Zn (1.02 ppm - 1.14 ppm). Physically, the compost manifested as a dark brown substance, exhibiting a soil-like softness attributable to grinding, with temperatures oscillating between 41.90 to 55.00°C. Visually, the compost appeared mature and primed for utilization based on color and texture criteria; however, indicators such as C/N ratio and temperature suggest an immature state rendering the compost unsuitable for immediate planting. To ensure optimal maturity conducive to plant growth, it is recommended that users store the compost for a minimum of one month before application, thereby fostering its maturation process.

Eco-Friendly Bamboo-Based Composites

The study focuses on obtaining bamboo-based composite materials and new environmentally friendly binders with different degrees of silylation (15-35%) at different pressures and temperatures. The synthesis was carried out using silylated polystyrene (poly[trimethoxy(4-vinylphenethyl)] silane) and styrene as a binder and reinforcing agent in the presence of organic/inorganic additives, antioxidants and antipirene. Poly[trimethoxy(4-vinylphenethyl)] silane, a solid brown substance, was synthesized via an alkylation reaction of vinyltrimethoxysilane and polystyrene, in the presence of anhydrous AlCl3. This paper presents the development of composites for ecological purposes (eco-composites) using bamboo fibers and their basic mechanical properties. The surface structures of the new composites were studied by several techniques including electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis, bending test, Charpy impact test, thermogravimetry study, and water absorption determination. The new composites are characterized by good mechanical properties, thermal resistance, ecological purity, and water absorption capacity much smaller than the water absorption of existing particle boards.

Contents of an Early Byzantine Amphora from Kruglaya Bay, the Black Sea

A fragment of an amphora found in the Kruglaya Bay near Sevastopol was filled with an unknown brown substance with a strong smell of tar. On the vessel’s neck, there is a round stamp ~30 mm in diameter, depicting the bust of an emperor encircled by an inscription. It resembles stamps on amphorae made in Alexandria and the Geronisos Island. The inscription reads, “επί Πτολεμαίου επάρχου”. The gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis revealed dehydroabietic acid, methyl dehydroabietate, norabietatrienes, retene, and other phenanthrene derivatives, suggesting that the substance resulted from dry distillation of wood of the Pinaceae family. The headspace analysis yielded components of turpentine oil such as α-pinene, camphene, limonene, cymenes, and others terpenes. To establish the sample’s origin, the amphora’s content was compared with modern pinewood tar obtained by the traditional method. Given nearly identical chromatogram profiles of the amphora’s contents and of tar in areas relating to resin acids, similar values of peak areas of biomarker components, and the presence of turpentine oil components in the sample, it is highly probable that the amphora indeed contained tar.

Late-onset non-obstructive mesenteric ischemia (NOMI) resulting from delayed absorption of overdosed antihypertensive drugs: An autopsy case report.

Non-obstructive mesenteric ischemia (NOMI) is caused by reduced blood flow to the intestines without physical occlusion in the mesenteric artery. Previous reports show that drug overdose occasionally induces late-onset NOMI; however, in most cases, the reason for the delayed onset is unclear. Here, we present an autopsy case of late-onset NOMI that was induced by a drug overdose. An 80-year-old man was admitted to the intensive care unit because of severe hypotension after an overdose of antihypertensive drugs. He received vasopressor therapy and continuous hemodiafiltration dialysis; however, gastrointestinal decontamination was not performed. He began to recover but developed acute mesenteric ischemia on the evening of day 4 and died on day 5. Autopsy showed discontinuous submucosal bleeding from the duodenum to the colon; there was no thrombus in the mesenteric artery, which led to a diagnosis of NOMI. In the stomach, there was 250mL of reddish-brown fluid with a muddy brown substance. Histologic examination revealed ischemic necrosis in the small intestine. Quantitative analysis of serum collected during hospitalization revealed that nifedipine and cilostazol levels had peaked on day 3 of hospitalization. The formulation of nifedipine was a controlled-release tablet, and the low water solubility of cilostazol may have caused the tablets to adhere and remain in the stomach. Therefore, the drugs had been released into the blood stream several days after hospitalization, leading to delayed-onset NOMI. In cases of overdose, it is crucial to consider the formulation and properties of the involved drugs when determining medical treatment.

Recovery of Succinic Acid-Rich Fraction from the Juice of Chaenomeles japonica (Thunb.) Lindl. Ex Spach by Ion Exchange Fractionation Resin

Abstract Succinic acid (SA) is one of the most demanded and widely used constituents for producing various healthcare and skincare products, biodegradable polymers, and food and feed additives. The present study was undertaken to establish the protocol for selective recovery of SA from a complex matrix of Japanese quince (JQ) (Chaenomeles japonica) fruit using ion-exchange fractionation resin DIAION™ UBK550 with negatively charged functional groups cross-linked with a styrene-divinylbenzene matrix. A second SA purification method was used for data comparison using either Supel™-Select HLB or Strata-X columns packed with a hydrophilic modified sty-rene-based polymer. The analysis of SA accomplished by multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) using triple quadrupole mass selective detection (HPLC-ESI-TQ-MS/MS) revealed the presence of SA in the JQ juice without pretreatment, in the amount of 0.202 mg·100 ml–1. The use of sty-rene-based polymer Strata-X sorbent for purification of JQ juice led to an increase of 11.0% in the concentration of SA compared with the initial concentration of SA in JQ juice. On the other hand, after purification of JQ juice with Supel™-Select HLB, the concentration of desorbed SA in the eluate fraction was 7.8% lower compared to the initial concentration. The use of ion-exchange fractionation resin DIAION™ UBK550 for purification and concentration of JQ juice ensured up to 152.3 mg of SA in 100 ml–1 of syrup-like brown substance, which was much (754.4-fold) higher than that observed in JQ juice itself. All three sorbents ensured the complete removal of monoand disaccharides from the juice, as no signs of mono- and disaccharides were detected in the eluate fractions.

New insight of solvent-replacement-induced damage to pores of cement stone by comparison with 1H NMR relaxometry, mercury intrusion porosimetry, and nitrogen adsorption

The consensus on the damage to pore structure of cement-based materials caused by solvent-displacement-drying method has yet not been achieved. This work explored the effect of replacing pore water with ethanol, methanol, isopropanol, cyclohexane and acetone on the pore parameters of hardened white cement paste by means of low field NMR, mercury intrusion porosimetry and nitrogen adsorption techniques, with direct-drying (oven-drying and vacuum-drying) as the control. The results show that the degree of damage to the pore structure after secondary-solvent-replacement is close to that of direct- drying in terms of porosity, total pore area, characteristic pore size and pore size distribution. The difference of pore parameters of samples dried by different solvent-displacement is caused by the physical properties of solvents and the reaction with hydration products. Furthermore, thermal analysis results have confirmed the reaction between acetone and hydration products to generate a dark brown substance. If the possible chemical reaction between organic solvents and hydration products is not considered, the pore structure of cement stone can be well protected by replacing pore water with methanol.

Electron probe microanalysis and gene expression analysis of melanization caused by summer atrophy virus in the Akoya pearl oyster (Pinctada fucata)

The Akoya pearl oyster, Pinctada fucata, is the major species used for pearl culture in Japan. However, a massive mortality of juvenile and mantle atrophy of adult P. fucata have occurred during summer in Japan's major pearl production areas since 2019, and the symptoms were named “summer atrophy,” where a brown substance was deposited on the inner surface of their shell and mainly at the edge of the mantle. Summer atrophy is caused by a non-enveloped virus with a diameter of <100 nm. This study aimed to reveal whether the deposits are melanin and determine the gene expression in the mantle with the deposition through an infectious experiment. The body fluid of diseased P.fucata containing the causative virus was inoculated into the adductor muscle of three-year-old P. fucata. P. fucata were sampled at 0 (before injection), 1, 3, 6, 10, 14, 21, and 35 days post-injection. First, an electron probe microanalyzer was used to observe the detailed structure and material composition of the deposits of experimentally and spontaneously diseased P. fucata. Protuberances and wrinkled structures differed from a normal inner surface shell. Cluster analysis of these elemental composition ratios revealed that the brown deposits formed a cluster with the melanin standard, a prismatic layer of Mytilus galloprovincialis. Therefore, the brown deposits were considered to be melanin. The gene expression of infected mantles was analyzed by quantitative PCR. RNA was extracted from the mantle and body fluids, and the gene expression of shell matrix protein genes (msi31 and msi60), tyrosinase genes involved in melanin formation (OT47 and pfty1), and superoxide dismutase (SOD), which is an indicator of reactive oxygen species, was analyzed. A general linear model was created using the presence of deposits as an objective variable, with virus gene copy numbers in the body fluid and mantle and expression levels of the above five genes as explanatory variables. Then, an optimal model was selected. As a result, OT47, msi60, and SOD were selected as explanatory variables. The results suggest that virus infection induced the up-regulation of SOD and tyrosinase, inducing the deposits on the inner surface of shells in summer atrophy. Melanization is known in many animals and plays a major role in immunity, particularly in invertebrates. In bivalves, melanization caused by bacterial diseases has been reported, but this is the first report of melanization caused by viral diseases.

Acute chemical pulmonary edema with inhaled nitrogen dioxide intoxication

Nitrogen dioxide is released by the interaction of some metals with nitric acid. Inhalation intoxication with nitrogen dioxide leads to chemical pulmonary edema. This study presents the case of a patient who had acute inhalation exposure to an unidentified brown gaseous substance (presumably nitrogen dioxide) when he etched a metal product with nitric acid. Twenty-four hours after contact with the gas, he manifested signs of intoxication, such as chest pain, tachypnea, and decreased saturation. Laboratory tests revealed hemoconcentration, hyperfermentemia, and arterial hypoxemia. The X-ray image of the entire lung surface revealed a sharp increase and deformation of the pulmonary pattern due to the vascular component. The diagnosis was T65, i.e., toxic effect of other and unspecified substances. With treatment, the patients condition improved. On day 4 after therapeutic exposure, with decreased oxygen fraction in the inhaled gas mixture to 0.3, the saturation increased to 98%, and tachypnea disappeared. On day 6, with ongoing treatment (oxygen therapy, use of antioxidants, antihypoxants, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial drugs), the inflammatory reaction stopped, the rheological properties of the blood improved, and the gas composition of arterial blood normalized, i.e., the oxygenation index was 436, which indicated the disappearance of arterial blood oxygenation disorders. During the radiological examination, the normal radiological picture of the lungs was determined. Thus, on day 6 after the start of therapy, signs of intoxication were completely stopped. Specific changes in the lungs during radiation research techniques, hemoconcentration, inflammation, and hypoxemia during laboratory blood tests should be considered prognostic signs of chemical pulmonary edema. As a pathogenetic therapy, treatment must be supplemented with drugs that stop the cascade of free radical oxidation reactions (acetylcysteine and sodium thiosulfate). Individuals exposed to nitrogen dioxide should be considered a high-risk group for lung damage and hospitalized for dynamic observation for at least 2 days. Taking into account the genotoxic effects of nitrogen dioxide, affected patients should be classified as at risk of developing neoplasms and undergo further dynamic monitoring.

Novel carbazole alkaloid from Murraya koenigii (l.) Spreng

Background: The plant Murraya koenigii (L.) Spreng.native to Pakistan and India and a part of the Rutaceae family, plays a vital role in the Indian Ayurvedic medicine system. Studies have shown that this plant's bark, roots, and leaves contain many carbazole alkaloids. These alkaloids are known to have substantial therapeutic properties. Methods: The crushed and powdered organs of M. koenigii were extracted with several solvents (acetone, chloroform, and methanol). Then, using column chromatography, a dull brown oily substance, MK- 1 (1.05 g), was obtained with chloroform and methanol (7:3). Result We have successfully isolated a new carbazole alkaloid, 3-geranyl 8-hydroxy 6, 7-di methoxy 3’, 3’-dimethyl 1, 2-pyranocarbazole, from the seeds of M. koenigii. The structure was further elucidated by cross-referencing our NMR, UV, IR, and MS data with that found in the published literature. Conclusion: Comparing the previously published literature data clearly explained that this alkaloid is new to M. koenigii.

Категоричний негативний висновок в експертизі наркотичних засобів

The article examines the rationale for an expert's categorical negative opinion on the example of an expert study of narcotic drugs from the poppy plant. The plant mass submitted for examination, which by its external features resembles poppy straw, was examined by microscopic and chemical methods. The microscopic examination revealed anatomical and morphological elements characteristic of poppy sleeping pills, which is the basis for classifying the substance under investigation as poppy straw. According to the List of Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic Substances and Precursors, poppy straw containing narcotically active opium alkaloids is a narcotic drug. To confirm the presence of narcotically active opium alkaloids in poppy straw, the study was carried out by microscopic and thin-layer chromatography. As a result of the study, it was established that the poppy straw provided for the study did not contain any narcotically active opium alkaloids, and, therefore, was not a narcotic drug. The absence of opium alkaloids can be explained by the multiple extraction of poppy straw, as evidenced by its appearance, colour and smell of the solvent. The study of the residues of a dark brown substance from the surface of the dishes was carried out by thin-layer chromatography according to the standard method. As a result of the study, trace amounts of morphine, which is a narcotic drug, were found. The results of the study provided a categorical negative conclusion, which may be the basis for closing the criminal proceedings. The presence of a small amount of morphine in the substance on the surface of the dishes does not significantly affect this decision. Key words: categorical negative conclusion, forensic examination of narcotic drugs,narcotic drug, poppy straw, anatomical and morphological elements of poppy, opium alkaloids, extraction of poppy straw, microscopic method, thin-layer chromatography method.

A laccase gene (LcLac) was involved in polyphenol metabolism and tissue browning of litchi callus

Postharvest pericarp browning restricts the shelf life of litchi fruit and was considered as the main bottleneck of litchi industry. Browning is mainly due to the enzymatic catalysis of phenols to form brown substances in the litchi pericarp. (-)-Epicatechin, (-)-gallocatechin, and procyanidin B2 are the main substrates for enzyme catalysis. Previous works have reported that laccase activity was correlated with pericarp browning, and laccase polymerizes substrates in vitro, but the direct evidence was absent. In this research, the sequence of laccase gene LcLac was analyzed, whose expression was correlated with browning index of litchi pericarp at postharvest. Overexpression of LcLac in callus led to higher gene expression and enzymatic activity, and a lower polyphenol content, which contributed to browning of callus. Contrarily, the LcLac gene blocked by CRISPR/Cas9 resulted in an opposite trend of polyphenol contents. LcLac overexpression promoted callus browning, and the gene target block delayed the browning phenomenon. The results clearly indicate that LcLac can be polymerized with polyphenols and is involved in callus browning. LcLac may also participate in polyphenol synthesis and maintain the polyphenol balance in vacuoles.

Browning mechanism of tobacco leaves during flue-curing process: Proteomics and metabolomics analysis reveals the changes in materials

Tobacco leaves, as raw materials, undergo complex processing before the final product is obtained. During the flue-curing process, inadequate control of environmental factors such as temperature, humidity or water loss rate, may lead to enzymatic browning occur caused by starvation metabolism of tobacco leaves, and therefore large amount of internal chemical substances consumed and changed, leading to excessive darker color and affecting the quality of products. This study aimed to investigate the mechanisms and material basis of browning, as well as the relationship between browning and internal substances changes. The microstructural changes of tobacco leaves under transmission electron microscopy were observed, quantitative proteomic and untargeted metabonomic methods were conducted in browning and normal tobacco leaves. In the results, 106 differential proteins and 576 differential metabolites were identified, with differential proteins mainly involved in biosynthesis and metabolism of polysaccharides, lipid, as well as the regulation of chlorophyll degradation and polyphenol oxidation related proteins. Differential metabolites were mainly enriched in purine metabolism, histidine metabolism and isoflavone biosynthesis pathway, with more secondary metabolites biosynthesis pathway enrichment. Moreover, tyrosine metabolism and phenylpropane biosynthesis metabolism were identified as the mainly differential proteins and metabolites pathways. Additionally, two metabolites, resveratrol and iridin, that exhibited strong free radicals scavenging activity and good antioxidant properties were uncovered. Taken together, these findings demonstrated changes of chemical substances and differences of proteins and metabolites between browning and normal tobacco leaves under specific conditions, and provided a theoretical reference for exploring optimized conditions and controlling material changes during the processing of tobacco to inhibit browning.

Safety Evaluation of Rock Hyrax (Procavia capensis) Hyraceum: Oral Toxicity Study in Rats

Urine from domestic animals has traditionally been used to treat multiple human diseases. Rock hyrax hyraceum (RHH) is a dark brown resin-like substance made up of accumulated feces and urine of rock hyraxes, used in traditional African medicine to treat snake and scorpion bites, as well as colic, hysteria, epilepsy, and Parkinson’s disease. As there is no scientific backing for the utilization of hyrax hyraceum, there is an urgent need to establish its safety as a medicine. Furthermore, toxicity evaluation facilitates the identification of factors for clinical surveillance of the potential side effects, as well as the estimation of a preliminary hygienic dose level and dosing frequency range for human clinical trials. The safety of RHH was assessed by administering 2.5 and 5 gm/kg doses of hyraceum crystals dissolved in de-ionized water and administered to rats orally. We evaluated the acute toxicity profile, as well as the effect of RHH on liver and kidney function and histopathological investigations. The results of this investigation showed that consuming RHH does not have any hazardous effects on liver and kidney function and histopathological investigations. Drinking RHH did not cause toxicity. These findings are consistent with those of previous studies of drinking cows and camel urine. We encourage more research on hyraceum composition in relation to rock hyrax habitat areas and eating patterns, as we believe it will help us understand why people practice drinking hyraceum as a medicine.

Pengaruh Jenis Kentang dan Konsentrasi Asam Sitrat terhadap Mutu Tepung Kentang

Potato is a horticultural product which is easily damaged so that it needs to be handled properly or further processed. One of them is to process it into flour. Potato flour is one of the recommended alternatives to semifinished products because of its longer shelf life, ease of use and rich in nutrients. One of the problems that often occurs in the manufacture of potato flour is the occurrence of browning. To prevent this, soak in citric acid. Citric acid is an anti browning agent that functions as chelating agent and is able to lower the pH below the optimum so that the enzyme is denatured and it safer to use than other anti browning substances. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of potato type and citric acid concentration on the quality of potato flour based on yield, moisture content, ash content, starch content and flour brightness. Potato flour was made from three types of potato, namely yellow-, white- and red potatoes and these potatoes were immersed in different concentrations of citric acid solution, namely 0,5%, 1% and 1,5%. This study used a factorial completely randomized design with two treatments and three replications. The best result for making potato flour is from the interaction of K2A3 (raw material of white potato type and 1,5% citric acid solution) because it produces highest yield and best brightness of potato flour, as well as lower water and ash contents. K2A3 potato flour meets the standard set by the Directorate of Nutrition of the Ministry of Health the Republic of Indonesia.

Chemical composition of Ayahuasca seized in Poland

Ayahuasca is a traditional psychoactive brew of Amazonian indigenous, used for medicinal and spiritual purposes. Over the years, the consumption of ayahuasca all over the world has increased not only in shamanic and religious rituals, but also for recreational purposes. Wide variation in the concentration of alkaloids, i.e. N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT), harmaline, harmine, tetrahydroharmine (THH) and harmalol in Ayahuasca has been reported worldwide. Being a plant preparation, traditional Ayahuasca is variable in appearance, taste, and effects. Several studies suggest that it has anxiolytic, antidepressant, and antiaddictive effects. The aim of our study was to determine alkaloids concentration in Ayahuasca preparation seized in two cases of Ayahuasca rituals in Poland. In these cases we also analyzed plant material, i.e. the bark and stem of Banisteriopsis caapi, leaves of Psychotria viridis, seeds of Peganum Harmala and brown powder substances. The research material consisted of 32 samples of Ayahuasca brew seized in two Ayahuasca rituals cases in Poland and sent for examination to the Institute of Forensic Research in Krakow. Samples were prepared by dilution in ethanol or ethanol:water (1:1 v/v) mixture. The qualitative analyses of the samples were carried out by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Gas chromatograph HP 6890N GC System coupled with the 5973 Network Mass Selective Detector with a quadrupole mass analyzer from Agilent Technologies (USA), were used in the study. Chromatographic separation of the tested compounds in the programmed temperature increase was carried out on the HP-5MS capillary column (30 m × 0.25 mm; 0.25 μm). The sample was dosed automatically in the splitless mode. The mass spectrometer operated in positive electron ionisation mode (EJ), and the energy beam was 70 eV. The acquisition was conducted in the scanning mode of the full mass range of m/z from 29 to 600 amu. The concentrations of DMT, harmaline and harmine were determined by liquid chromatography combined with mass spectrometry, a hybrid combination of quadrupole and time of flight analyzer (LC-MS/QTOF). The 1200 series liquid chromatograph and the 6520 Accurate-Mass QTOFMS mass spectrometer from Agilent Technologies (Santa Clara, CA, USA) were used. The separation was carried out on the Ascentis express C18 column (7.5 cm × 2.1 mm; 2.7 μm) from Supelco, thermostated at 35 °C. A mixture of 0.1% formic acid in water (A, v/v) and acetonitrile (B, v/v) was used as a mobile phase. Our research showed large variations in alkaloid profiles of Ayahuasca samples from one source. The concentration ranges of alkaloids was within: for DMT: 0.09–1.60 mg/mL, harmaline: 0.02–5.39 mg/mL and for harmine: 0.11–1.49 mg/mL. Concentration of DMT, HRL and HRM in Ayahuasca preparation was analyzed. Our research showed large variations in alkaloid profiles of Ayahuasca samples from one source. Variability of the brew composition and individual variability of effects together make it difficult for users to assess the quality of the brew that they drink during the ceremony. Our research results may be surely used as warning for participants of illicit Ayahuasca ceremonials, by increasing awareness about the quality of herbal preparations used.

Syntheses and crystal structures of new naphthalene- and anthracene-vanadate salts and an unprecedented dimetallabis(anthracene) sandwich complex: [Na(tetrahydrofuran)3][V2(anthracene)2

Reduction of bis(naphthalene)vanadium(0) by potassium naphthalene (KNp) in tetrahydrofuran (THF) provides a highly reactive, thermolabile, and so far unisolable brown substance, which affords the first reported derivatives of bis(naphthalene)vanadates. From these solutions, thermally stable (298 K) and structurally characterized compounds have been obtained, including dark-red rods of catena-poly[bis(μ3-η4:η6:η4-naphthalene)tetrakis(tetrahydrofuran)dipotassiumvanadium], [K2V(C4H8O)4(C10H8)2]n or [K(THF)2]2[V(C10H8)2] (3), and red plates of (4,7,13,16,21,24-hexaoxa-1,10-diazabicyclo[8.8.8]hexacosane)potassium [1,2-bis(dimethylphosphanyl)ethane]bis(η4-naphthalene)vanadium tetrahydrofuran monosolvate, [K(C18H36N2O6)][V(C10H8)2(C6H16P2)]·C4H8O or [K([2.2.2]cryptand)][V(C10H8)2(dmpe)]·THF [dmpe is 1,2-bis(dimethylphosphanyl)ethane] (4b). Notably, [V(C10H8)2]2- is the only example of a structurally authenticated homoleptic bis(arene)metallate dianion and was obtained by further reduction of the brown material by KNp in THF, in the presence of trimethylphosphane (PMe3). Addition of anthracene (An) to the brown material in THF afforded deep-violet and paramagnetic crystalline (1,4,7,10,13,16-hexaoxacyclooctadecane)bis(tetrahydrofuran)potassium [(η4-anthracene)(tetrahydrofuran)vanadium]-μ-η4:η2-anthracene-[(1,4,7,10,13,16-hexaoxacyclooctadecane)potassium]-μ-η2:η4-anthracene-[(η4-anthracene)(tetrahydrofuran)vanadium] tetrahydrofuran disolvate, [K(C12H24O6)(C4H8O)2][KV2(C12H24O6)(C4H8O)2(C14H10)4]·2C4H8O or [K(18-crown-6)][K(18-crown-6)(THF)2][V(C14H10)2(THF)]2·2(THF) (5), which readily reacted with PMe3 and dmpe to give new vanadate salts. These were structurally characterized as (1,4,7,10,13,16-hexaoxacyclooctadecane)bis(tetrahydrofuran)potassium bis(η4-anthracene)(trimethylphosphane)vanadium tetrahydrofuran monosolvate, [K(C12H24O6)(C4H8O)2][V(C14H10)2(C3H9P)]·C4H8O or [K(18-crown-6)(THF)2][V(C14H10)2(PMe3)]·THF (6), and tetrakis(1,2-dimethoxyethane)potassium bis(η4-anthracene)[1,2-bis(dimethylphosphanyl)ethane]vanadium, [K(C4H10O2)4][V(C14H10)2(C6H16P2)] or [K(DME)4][V(C14H10)2(dmpe)] (DME is 1,2-dimethoxyethane) (7b). The last three structures contain the first known bis(anthracene)vanadates and are thereby derivatives of the unknown bis(anthracene)vanadium(0). Attempts to obtain the sodium salt analog of 5 in THF resulted instead in the formation of a unique substance, (μ3-η6:η6:η6-anthracene)(μ2-η6:η6-anthracene)tris(tetrahydrofuran)sodiumdivanadium, [NaV2(C14H10)2(C4H8O)3] or [Na(THF)3][V2(C14H10)2] (8), containing the first reported dimetallabis(anthracene) sandwich compound.

Mucoïde degeneratie van de voorste kruisband als oorzaak van diepe kniepijn

Mucoid degeneration of the anterior cruciate ligament: a little-known cause of deep knee pain Mucoid degeneration of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a little-known cause of deep atraumatic knee pain that is relatively frequent. Recent studies have reported a prevalence of 1,8-9,2% on MRI of the knee. Mucoid lesions consist of interstitial deposits of glycosaminoglycan between the collagen bundles. This causes hypertrophy of the ACL, which leads to mechanical impingement at the femoral notch, typically resulting in deep or posterior knee pain in terminal flexion and/or extension. Unlike the often-occurring traumatic ACL ruptures, there are no instability complaints. The gold standard for diagnosing mucoid degeneration of the ACL is MRI. This shows an abnormally thickened and ill-defined ACL with an increased intraligamentary signal on all sequences, but the orientation and continuity are usually maintained. Arthroscopically, the mucoid degeneration can be recognized by a hypertrophic ACL with yellowish to brown substances between the fibers. In addition, an absence of the synovial outline of the ACL is seen regularly. An arthroscopic partial or total ACL resection is the treatment of choice for symptomatic mucoid degeneration of the ACL and results in good post-operative outcomes without development of instability.

Dose-Effect of Zearalenone on the Localization and Expression of Growth Hormone, Growth Hormone Receptor, and Heat Shock Protein 70 in the Ovaries of Post-weaning Gilts.

Zearalenone (ZEA) has an estrogen-like effect, which can injure the reproductive system of animals, causing infertility, and abortion in sows. However, the underlying mechanisms are still not clear. The objective of this study was to assess the effects of ZEA on the localization and expression of growth hormone (GH), growth hormone receptor (GHR), and heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) in the ovaries of post-weaning gilts. Forty healthy post-weaning gilts were randomly provided one of four diets: normal basal diet supplemented with 0 (control), 0.5 (ZEA0.5), 1.0 (ZEA1.0), and 1.5 (ZEA1.5) mg ZEA/kg. Gilts were housed and fed individually for 35 days; the ovaries were collected after euthanasia for antioxidant index, relative mRNA and protein expression, and immunohistochemical analyses of GH, GHR, and Hsp70. The results revealed that the glutathione peroxidase and total superoxide dismutase levels decreased (p < 0.05), whereas the malondialdehyde level increased (p < 0.05) with increasing ZEA content. The localization pattern of GH, GHR, and Hsp70 in ZEA-treated gilts was the same as that in the control; however, the localization of yellow and brown immunoreactive substances of GH, GHR, and Hsp70 was stronger in the ZEA groups than in the control. The relative mRNA and protein expression of GHR and Hsp70 was the highest in the ZEA1.0 group (p < 0.05), whereas that of GH was the highest in the ZEA0.5 group (p < 0.05). The mRNA and protein expression of GH was lower in the ZEA1.5 group than in the control (p < 0.05). Hsp70 results showed adverse responses to increasing ZEA levels in gilt ovaries, suggesting that Hsp70 played an important role in alleviating ZEA-induced oxidative stress.