Low Level Of Toxicity Research Articles

Efficient removal of sulfamethoxazole by activated peroxodisulphates using Fe/N co-doped biochar: The minimal role of high-valent iron species

The harmful effects of the widespread presence of sulfamethoxazole (SMX) in water on ecosystems have become an increasingly pressing concern, necessitating the urgent development of an effective decontamination strategy. In this work, iron and nitrogen co-doped biochar (Fe-N-BC) samples were synthesized using peanut shells as a precursor to activate peroxydisulfate for SMX degradation. The most effective Fe-N-BC had a 12 times higher SMX removal rate of 97.00% within 90 min compared to the pristine biochar. The excellent catalytic performance was achieved by the synergistic effect of the Fe and N active sites, and the system contained not only typical free radicals (SO4− and OH) but also high-valent iron species (Fe(IV)). Further quantitative experiments with active species revealed that the free radical reaction pathway played a predominant role, while the relative contribution of Fe(IV) was only 8.01%. Furthermore, the degradation pathways of SMX in the system were proposed, and toxicity assessment revealed that all intermediate products exhibited lower toxicity levels than SMX. This study clarifies the structure–activity relationships of Fe-N-BC for PDS activation and offers an innovative strategy for the treatment and utilization of agricultural waste biomass as the catalyst.

Light microscopical and parasitological analyses revealed the beneficial effects of silver nanoparticles and various myrrh extracts against Trichinella spiralis infection in mice.

Trichinella spiralis infection is a food-borne zoonotic disease caused by nematodes that dwell in the tissues, presenting a significant public health concern. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of different treatments including silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), myrrh biosynthesized AgNPs "AgNPs synthesized using plant-based green technologies", myrrh extract, and myrrh essential oil, as alternative treatments against T. spiralis infection. Parasitological, histopathological, and cytotoxicity assessments were conducted to investigate the effects of various concentrations of these treatments in reducing the populations of adult worms and larvae during both the intestinal and muscular phases of T. spiralis-infected mice. The results showed that the highest antihelminthic efficacy against the intestinal phase of T. spiralis was achieved by myrrh extract (86.66%), followed closely by AgNPs (84.96%) and myrrh AgNPs (82.51%) at higher concentrations (800 mg/kg for myrrh extract, 40 μg/mL for AgNPs, and 40 μg/mL for myrrh AgNPs). While the group treated with myrrh essential oil showed the lowest percentage of adult reduction (78.14%). However, all treatments demonstrated comparable effects in reducing the larvae population in the muscle phase. Histopathological examination of the tissues revealed compelling evidence of the effectiveness of AgNPs, particularly when prepared with myrrh. Additionally, a comprehensive assessment of the cytotoxicity of AgNPs indicated low toxicity levels. This study supports that AgNPs synthesized using plant-based green technologies hold therapeutic potential for the treatment of T. spiralis infection. These findings present a promising avenue for the development of novel antiparasitic drugs that are both effective and safe. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Myrrh extract has the highest antihelminthic efficacy against the intestinal phase of T. spiralis. Histopathological examination of the tissues revealed compelling evidence of the effectiveness of AgNPs, particularly when prepared with myrrh. During intestinal phase of T. spiralis, varying levels of nanoparticle precipitation were detected in the liver, brain, lung, and intestine. During the muscular phase, the highest amount of AgNPs precipitation was detected in the liver, followed by the brain, and lung.

Design and In Silico and In Vitro Evaluations of a Novel Nicotinamide Derivative as a VEGFR-2 Inhibitor

A new nicotinamide derivative, (E)-N-(4-(1-(2-(4-benzamidobenzoyl)hydrazone)ethyl)phenyl)nicotinamide, was designed as a VEGFR-2 inhibitor. Utilizing the density functional theory (DFT) calculations, the three-dimensional structure of the designed compound was determined, shedding light on its stability and reactivity. Molecular docking revealed its capability to inhibit VEGFR-2, which was further supported by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations confirming its binding to the target protein. In addition, molecular mechanics-generalized born surface area (MM-GBSA), protein-ligand interactions profiler (PLIP), and essential dynamics studies provided further validation of the compound’s precise binding with optimal energy. Then, the “compound 10” was synthesized and subjected to in vitro assays. Compound 10 inhibited VEGFR-2 with an IC50 value of 105.4 ± 0.896 nM, comparing sorafenib’s IC50 value of 61.65 ± 0.934 nM. Besides, it exhibited cytotoxicity against HepG2 and MCF-7 cancer cell lines, with IC50 values of 35.78 ± 0.863 μM and 57.62 μM ± 0.871, comparing sorafenib’s IC50 values of 5.95 ± 0.917 μM and 8.45 ± 0.912 μM. Furthermore, compound 10 demonstrated a lower level of toxicity towards Vero cell lines, with an IC50 value of 127.3 μM. Likewise, compound 10 induced apoptosis in HepG2 cell lines through a flow cytometric analysis in addition to an increase in the levels of caspase-3 and caspase-9. Moreover, compound 10 hindered the migration and healing abilities of HepG2 cells. In conclusion, our study positions compound 10 as a promising candidate for further chemical modifications and biological evaluations.

Design, synthesis and bioactivity of a new class of antifungal amino acid-directed phthalide compounds.

Peanut southern blight disease, caused by Sclerotium rolfsii, is a destructive soil-borne fungal disease. The current control measures, which mainly employ succinate dehydrogenase inhibitors, are prone to resistance and toxicity to non-target organisms. As a result, it is necessary to explore the potential of eco-friendly fungicides for this disease. Fourteen novel phthalide compounds incorporating amino acid moieties were designed and synthesized. The in vitro activity of analog A1 [half maximal effective concentration (EC50) = 332.21 mg L-1] was slightly lower than that of polyoxin (EC50 = 284.32 mg L-1). It was observed that on the seventh day, the curative activity of A1 at a concentration of 600.00 mg L-1 was 57.75%, while the curative activity of polyoxin at a concentration of 300.00 mg L-1 was 42.55%. These results suggested that our compound exhibited in vivo activity. Peanut plants treated with A1 showed significant agronomic improvements compared to the untreated control. Several compounds in this series exhibited superior root absorption and conduction in comparison to the endothermic fungicide thifluzamide. The growth promotion and absorption-conduction experiments demonstrated the reason for the superior in vivo activity of the target compound. Cytotoxic assays have demonstrated that this series of targeted compounds exhibit low toxicity levels toward human lo2 liver cells. Our results provide a new strategy for the design and synthesis of novel green compounds. Furthermore, the target compound A1 can serve as a lead for further development of green fungicides. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Electrocatalytic denitrification biofilter for advanced purification of chlorophenols via ceramsite-based Ti/SnO2–Sb particle electrode: Performance, microbial community structure and mechanism

In response to the demand for advanced purification of industrial secondary effluent, a new method has been developed for treating chlorophenol wastewater using the novel ceramsite-based Ti/SnO2–Sb particle electrodes (Ti/SnO2–Sb/CB) enhanced electrocatalytic denitrification biofilter (EDNBF-P) to achieve removal of chlorophenols (CPs), denitrification, and reduction of effluent toxicity. The results showed that significantly improved CPs and TN removal efficiency at low COD/N compared to conventional denitrification biofilter, with CPs removal rates increasing by 0.33%–59.27% and TN removal rates increasing by 12.53%–38.92%. Under the conditions of HRT = 2h, 3V voltage, charging times = 12h, and 25 °C, the concentrations of the CPs in the effluent of EDNBF-P were all below 1 mg/L, the TN concentration was below 15 mg/L, while the effluent toxicity reached the low toxicity level. Additionally, the Ti/SnO2–Sb/CB particle electrodes effectively alleviated the accumulation of NO2−-N caused by applied voltage. The Silanimonas, Pseudomonas and Rhodobacter was identified as the core microorganism for denitrification and toxicity reduction. This study validated that EDNBF-P could achieve synergistic treatment of CPs and TN through electrocatalysis and microbial degradation, providing a methodological support for achieving advanced purification of chlorophenol wastewater with low COD/N in industrial applications.

Revolutionizing C–H Activation Reactions: Harnessing Green Solvents for Sustainable Catalysis

AbstractThis short review showcases the developing field of C–H activation reactions, with a particular focus on green catalysis through the use of environmentally friendly solvents. It evaluates the effects of these solvents on reaction outcomes, environmental aspects and general efficacy, highlighting their advantages that lead to greater selectivity, lower levels of toxicity and enhanced reaction rates. Water and biobased alternatives such as polyethylene glycols, glycerol, 2-methyltetrahydrofuran, γ-valerolactone, methanol, ethanol, p-cymene and diethyl carbonate are representative examples of such solvents. The scope of this short review encompasses studies of different methodologies, catalysts, and reaction conditions that help to develop C–H activation reactions utilizing green solvents.1 Introduction2 Water3 Polyethylene Glycols (PEGs)4 Glycerol5 2-Methyltetrahydrofuran (2-MeTHF)6 γ-Valerolactone (GVL)7 Methanol8 Ethanol9 p-Cymene10 Diethyl Carbonate11 Conclusion

Assessment of toxicity and antimicrobial performance of polymeric inorganic coagulant and evaluation for eutrophication reduction

In this study, the efficacy of the promising iron—based polymeric inorganic coagulant (POFC) was assessed for the reduction of eutrophication effect (freshwater toxicity) and the microbial loads from wastewater. Toxicity assessment for POFC was conducted on mice and skin cell lines. The results confirm the lower toxicity level of POFC. The POFC showed excellent antibacterial efficacy against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Moreover, it demonstrated a remarkable effectiveness against black fungus such as Aspergillus niger and Rhizopus oryzae. Additionally, POFC showed antiviral effectiveness against the highly pathogenic H5N1 influenza virus as well as Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). POFC-based treatment gives excellent removal percentages for phosphate, and phosphorus at doses below 60 ppm with a low produced sludge volume that leads to 84% decrease in the rate of eutrophication and freshwater toxicity. At a POFC concentration of 60 ppm, remarkable reduction rates for total coliforms, fecal coliforms, and E. coli were achieved. After POFC-based coagulation, the produced sludge retains a lower bacterial density due to the antibacterial activity of POFC. Furthermore, it revealed that the observed removal efficiencies for fungi and yeasts in the produced sludge reached 85% at a POFC dose of 60 ppm. Overall, our research indicates that POFC has potential for application in pre-treatment of wastewater and serves as an antimicrobial agent.

A simple vitamin B6-based fluorescent chemosensor for selective and sensitive Al3+ recognition in water: A spectral and DFT study

This paper describes the development and characterization of a hydrazone-type chemosensor for the detection of Al3+ ions. Hydrazone is based on pyridoxal 5′-phosphate and pyrazine-2-carbohydrazide and exhibits a blue emissive turn-on response upon binding to Al3+. The aggregation-induced emission enhancement phenomenon of the sensor and its Al3+ complex was investigated in mixed DMSO/H2O solvents. The sensor is capable of detecting extremely low levels of Al3+ ions (8 nM) in almost pure water, making it suitable for analyzing water with good ion recovery. Quantum chemical calculations were used to optimize the structure and electron absorption spectra of the sensor and its Al complex. The chemosensor has low toxicity levels (up to 50 μM) on tumor and non-tumor cell lines, which makes it a potential candidate for bioimaging use. This study provides valuable insights into the development of fluorescence sensors for precise recognition of metal ions.

Antimicrobial mechanisms of g-C3 N4 @ZnO against oomycetes Phytophthora capsici: from its metabolism, membrane structures and growth.

Phytophthora capsici, a refractory and model oomycete plant pathogen, especially threatens multiple vegetable crops. A limited number of chemical pesticides play a vital role in controlling oomycete plant diseases. However, this approach often leads to excessive use of chemical agent, exacerbates environmental issues and more and more drug-resistant strains of oomycete. Therefore, it is imperative to devise innovative solutions that can effectively address the infection of oomycete while maintaining high levels of environmental sustainability and low toxicity. In this study, g-C3 N4 @ZnO heterostructure was synthesized and characterized. The g-C3 N4 @ZnO showed higher toxicity on Phytophthora capsici than graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3 N4 ) nanosheets and zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles in vitro and in vivo. Except the hyphal growth of Phytophthora capsici, their germination rate of spores, sporangium formation and number of spores were all suppressed by g-C3 N4 @ZnO heterostructure. Furthermore, we found that this g-C3 N4 @ZnO heterostructure has higher photocatalytic activity under visible light, which potentially enhanced the reactive oxygen species (ROS) mediated stress on Phytophthora capsici. Ultrastructural morphology, global changes of gene expression and weighted gene co-expression network analysis all supported that the anti-oomycete activity of g-C3 N4 @ZnO was manifested in the destruction of membrane system and inhibition of multiple metabolisms of Phytophthora capsici under visible irradiation, which also could be attributed to the ROS and zinc ion (Zn2+ ) mediated stress. This works offers a novel oomycete disease management strategy by using g-C3 N4 @ZnO, which were attributed to the ROS stress, destruction of membrane system and inhibition of multiple metabolisms. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Acylation of Oleanolic Acid Oximes Effectively Improves Cytotoxic Activity in In Vitro Studies.

(1) Background: The aim of the presented work was to obtain a set of oleanolic acid derivatives with a high level of anticancer activity and a low level of toxicity by applying an economic method. Three types of oleanolic acid derivatives were obtained: (i) derivatives of methyl oleanonate oxime, (ii) derivatives of methyl oleanonate oxime with an additional 11-oxo function, and (iii) derivatives of morpholide of oleanonic acid oxime. (2) Methods: The above oximes were acylated with aliphatic or aromatic carboxylic acid. The newly obtained compounds were subjected to ADMETox analysis and were also tested for cytotoxicity activity on the HeLa, KB, MCF-7, A-549, and HDF cell lines with the MTT assay. (3) Results: Among the tested acylated oximes of oleanolic acid, some derivatives, particularly those with two nitro groups attached to the aromatic ring, proved to be the most potent cytotoxic agents. These triterpene derivatives significantly inhibited the growth of the HeLa, KB, MCF-7, and A-549 cancer cell lines in micromolar concentrations. (4) Conclusions: The introduction of different moieties, particularly the 3,5-dinitro group, resulted in the synthesis of highly potent cytotoxic agents with favorable SI and ADMETox parameters.

Bioactive Compounds and In Vitro Evaluation of Phyllanthus niruri Extract as Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities

Phyllanthus niruri grows easily in Indonesia and is widely used in traditional medicine. Differences in growing conditions, methods of preparation, and harvest time greatly affect the phytochemical contents, affecting the efficacy and toxicity of medicinal plants. This study aims to identify the phytochemical contents and toxicity and determine the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of Phyllanthus niruri extract (PNE) commonly used by people in Aceh. Phytochemical analysis was carried out qualitatively and semi-quantitatively with GC-MS. A toxicity test was carried out with the brine shrimp lethality test (BSLT). The antioxidant activity was assessed by measuring IC50 against the DPPH system. Antimicrobial assays against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans were determined based on the disc diffusion test. The results of this study indicate that PNE contains phenolics, flavonoids, tannins, steroids, saponins, and alkaloids. Based on the semiquantitative phytochemical analysis using GC-MS, the major phytochemical component of PNE is 2,3 dihydro-3-5-dihydroxy-6-methyl-4H-pyran-4-one, hexadecanoic acid, triazole derivates, linolenic acid, benzaldehyde 3,4-dimethoxy, hexahydroanthracene derivatives, and phytol. The LC50 PNE is 532.96 ppm. The IC50 value for PNE in inhibiting DPPH is 56.72 ppm. PNE has antimicrobial activity against S. aureus, directly proportional to the increase in concentration. PNE obtained in community yards in Aceh has a low level of toxicity with potent antioxidant and antimicrobial activity against S. aureus. HIGHLIGHTS Phyllanthus niruri (PNE) extract contains various compounds such as phenolics, flavonoids, alkaloids, steroids, tannins, and saponins PNE exhibits strong antioxidant activity with low toxicity Antimicrobial activity of PNE against the growth of S. aureus while exhibiting comparatively lower potency against E. coli and C. albicans GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Seizure Prophylaxis in Young Patients Following Traumatic Brain Injury.

Phenytoin is one of the commonly used anti.seizure medications in nontraumatic seizures. However, its utility and safety in young patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) for the prevention of early-onset seizures (EOS) are debatable. We sought to explore the use of phenytoin as a seizure prophylaxis following TBI. We hypothesized that administering phenytoin is not effective in preventing EOS after TBI. This was a retrospective observational study conducted on adult TBI patients. EOS was defined as a witnessed seizure within a week postinjury. Data were compared as phenytoin versus no-phenytoin use, EOS versus no-EOS, and among TBI severity groups. During 1 year, 639 TBI patients were included with a mean age of 32 years; of them, 183 received phenytoin as seizure prophylaxis, and 453 received no prophylaxis medication. EOS was documented in 13 (2.0%) patients who received phenytoin, and none had EOS among the nonphenytoin group. The phenytoin group was more likely to have a higher Marshall Score (P = 0.001), lower Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) (P = 0.001), EOS (P = 0.001), and higher mortality (P = 0.001). Phenytoin was administrated for 15.2%, 43.2%, and 64.5% of mild, moderate, and severe TBI patients, respectively. EOS and no-EOS groups were comparable for age, gender, mechanism of injury, GCS, Marshall Score, serum phenytoin levels, liver function levels, hospital stay, and mortality. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that low serum albumin (odds ratio [OR] 0.81; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.676.0.962) and toxic phenytoin level (OR 43; 95% CI 2.420.780.7) were independent predictors of EOS. In this study, the prophylactic use of phenytoin in TBI was ineffective in preventing EOS. Large-scale matched studies and well-defined hospital protocols are needed for the proper utility of phenytoin post-TBI.

Effluent toxicity study using biomarkers for ciprofloxacin photoelectrocatalytic degradation by bismuth-doped titanium dioxide nanotubes

ABSTRACT Ciprofloxacin hydrochloride (CIP) is a broad-spectrum synthetic antibiotic often found in domestic sewage and industrial waste due to the inefficiency of conventional treatments. Given the potential risk of drug accumulation, this study presents coatings of titanium dioxide nanotubes (TiO2) doped with different bismuth (Bi) concentrations to degrade CIP through photocatalytic and photoelectrochemical processes. Characterization studies revealed that bismuth (Bi) doping affected the morphology of the materials, with concentrations of 0.01 and 0.05 mol L−1, resulting in collapsed materials with a smaller active surface area. Photocatalysis tests for all the materials exhibited a similar degree of efficiency to photolysis, approximately 33%. Ecotoxicity tests using the biomarkers Lactuca sativa L., Lemna minor, and Artemia salina indicated that, although they were similar to photolysis in terms of efficiency, the effluents generated when employing the doped catalysts showed lower levels of toxicity, with the best results achieved for the material doped with 0.005 mol L−1 of Bi, with a toxicity level approximately 40% lower. Photoelectrocatalysis proved to be the most efficient CIP degradation technique. The highest degradation rate was observed for materials doped with 0.005 mol L−1 of Bi, with an efficiency of 46%, which is 1.4 times more efficient than photolysis. These results demonstrate that materials doped with low amounts of Bi can be effectively used as photoanodes for drug degradation, as their performance is superior, and the final product generated exhibits low toxicity to living organisms.

Microbial disinfection and safety applications of ozone generators: bactericidal effect

Ozone generator is one of the promising novel disinfectant technology that have recently been proposed as the alternative to conventional decontamination methods such as heat and chemical sanitizers. The objective of this research was to examine various properties of ozone generator to ensure safety and to further proper hygiene practical guideline. The tests are performed by evaluated the propertiesof chemical and microbiological on bacteria that cause clinically important pathogens at different times and cytotoxicity to Cellosaurus cell line OUMS-36 fibroblasts. Moreover, the efficacy of sterilization techniques (soaking, and spraying) of this disinfectants was compared as well. The results showed that ozone-sprayed water, ozone treated water, and ozone treated air has an ability to kill all bacteria within 1-3, 15-20 and 3-5 minutes respectively. Toxicity test and Phenol coefficient of ozone-treated water showed that it is low toxicity level and showed 0.125 times to phenol. Moreover, the use of immersion technique on smooth surface object were found to be more effective for cleaning contaminated than spraying and fabrics, which take only 15-20 minutes to disinfect. In summary, ozone generator is effective in disinfecting surfaces of objects and safe for cleaning surfaces, and other equipment. This research contributes to increasing confidence in safety and as a guideline to carry out for the better and suitable hygiene in the future.

Synthesis, Characterization, Biological Properties, ADMET and Drug-likeness Analysis of Mn (II) complexes with Schiff Bases Derived from Sulphathiazole and 4-diethylaminosalicyaldehyde/Salicyaldehyde

Mn (II) complexes were synthesized with the Schiff base ligand obtained by the condensation of sulfathiazole with 4-diethylaminosalicyaldehyde/Salicyaldehyde. Their characterization was performed by elemental analysis, molar conductance, melting points, magnetic susceptibility, infrared, and UV–Vis spectral analysis. The results suggest that the Schiff bases and their complex are synthesized in excellent yield, molar conductance studies on the complexes indicated they were non-electrolytic. The IR data indicated that the Schiff base ligand is tridentate coordinated to the metallic ion with two N atoms from the azomethine group and thiazole ring and one O atom from the phenolic group. The electronic spectral study showed octahedral geometry for all the complexes which are further supported by magnetic moment values. The ligand and its complexes were screened against four bacterial and two fungal strains using the disk diffusion method. The antimicrobial evaluation results revealed that the metal (II) complexes exhibited higher antimicrobial activity than the free Schiff base ligand. The ADMET and drug-likeness studies of the synthesized ligands indicated that the Schiff base ligands fulfill Lipinski’s, Ghoose, Veber, Egan, and Mugge rules but the complexes showed some deviations. They also displayed low toxicity levels.

C−N Bond Formation Using Paraformaldehyde as C1 Source – Recent Advances

AbstractRecently, polyformaldehyde (PFA) has been used as C1 source to synthesize a series of value‐added compounds due to its low price, stability, low level of toxicity and easy operation. Exploiting paraformaldehyde as C1 source, rather than using traditional methylation reagent to develop benign N‐methylation reactions, can be more environment‐friendly and make the chemical industry more sustainable. In this paper, the chemical transformation of polyformaldehyde and a new strategy of methylating polyformaldehyde with amine compound to methylamine compound are reviewed. These methods will provide a reference for researchers to synthesize a large number of methylamine compounds in a short reaction by using paraformaldehyde as a single carbon source.

In Vitro Anti-Diabetic, Anti-Inflammatory, Antioxidant Activities and Toxicological Study of Optimized Psychotria malayana Jack Leaves Extract.

Psychotria malayana Jack (Family: Rubiaceae, local name: Salung) is a traditional herb used to treat diabetes. A previous study by our research group demonstrated that P. malayana methanolic and water extract exhibits significant potential as an effective agent for managing diabetes. Further research has been performed on the extraction optimization of this plant to enhance its inhibitory activity against α-glucosidase, a key enzyme associated with diabetes, and to reduce its toxicity. The objectives of this study are to evaluate the anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties of the optimized P. malayana leaf extract (OE), to evaluate its toxicity using a zebrafish embryo/larvae model, and to analyze its metabolites. The anti-diabetic effects were assessed by investigating α-glucosidase inhibition (AGI), while the inflammation inhibitory activity was performed using the soybean lipoxygenase inhibitory (SLOXI) test. The assessment of antioxidant activity was performed utilizing FRAP and DPPH assays. The toxicology study was conducted using the zebrafish embryo/larvae (Danio rerio) model. The metabolites present in the extracts were analyzed using GC-MS and LC-MS. OE demonstrated significant AGI and SLOXI activities, represented as 2.02 and 4.92 µg/mL for IC50 values, respectively. It exhibited potent antioxidant activities as determined by IC50 values of 13.08 µg/mL (using the DPPH assay) and 95.44 mmol TE/mg DW (using the FRAP assay), and also demonstrated an LC50 value of 224.29 µg/mL, which surpasses its therapeutic index of 111.03. OE exhibited a higher therapeutic index compared to that of the methanol extract (13.84) stated in the previous state of the art. This suggests that OE exhibits a lower level of toxicity, making it safer for use, and has the potential to be highly effective in its anti-diabetic activity. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) demonstrated the presence of several constituents in this extract. Among them, several compounds, such as propanoic acid, succinic acid, D-tagatose, myo-inositol, isorhamnetin, moracin M-3'-O-β-D-glucopyranoside, procyanidin B3, and leucopelargonidin, have been reported as possessing anti-diabetic and antioxidant activities. This finding offers great potential for future research in diabetes treatment.

The Antimicrobial and Antioxidation Activities of Olive Pomace Extract in Pasteurized White Cheese

Olive pomace from an olive mill was collected in December 2021. Proximate analysis revealed that the major constituents of the pomace were fiber (60.85 %) and fat (11.91%). Extraction of the olive pomace by methanol provided a higher yield, phenolic content, and free radical scavenging ability than the ethanol extract, but the latter was used due to its lower toxicity level as the extract is used in foods. The extract contained high concentrations of phenolic compounds, particularly syringic, p-coumaric, vanillin, and caffeic acid which accounted for ~80% of the total phenolic content. When the olive pomace extract (OPE) was used (0.08%) in pasteurized white cheese (PWC), the counts of mesophilic aerobes were significantly reduced to 3.62 log10 CFU/g after 30d of storage at 5°C compared to the control (4.04 log10CFU/g) after the same storage period. The corresponding values for LAB were 3.38 log10 CFU/g and 3.79 log10 CFU/g, respectively. The yeasts and molds were eliminated from the cheese for 14d at all of the tested OPE concentrations (0.01% to 0.08%). Fortification of cheese with OPE alleviated the increase in titrable acidity in cheese during storage, but the fortified cheese exhibited sensory attributes similar to those of the control cheese. It can thus be concluded that fortification of PWC with OPE improves the chemical and microbial attributes of the cheese

Impact of More Intense Smoking Parameters and Flavor Variety on Toxicant Levels in Emissions of a Heated Tobacco Product.

IQOS HEETS are promoted as reduced-risk alternatives to cigarettes. Although some studies have investigated the chemical composition of HEETS emissions, little is known on whether toxicant levels in such emissions are affected by different puffing parameters and flavor varieties. This has important implications when assessing actual human exposure, since IQOS users develop a specific and personalized puffing behavior and may use different HEETS variants. This study measured the levels of nicotine, total particulate matter, carbonyl compounds, and tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNAs) in the emissions of nine differently flavored HEETS and two cigarettes (1R6F and Marlboro Red, MR). Emissions from Yellow HEETS, 1R6F, and MR were collected using the World Health Organization Intense smoking regime and four more intense smoking regimes. Yellow HEETS aerosol contained lower levels of toxicants compared to 1R6F and MR smoke. More intense smoking regimes increased carbonyl release in cigarette smoke, whereas only higher puff frequency led to lower levels of toxicants in Yellow HEETS aerosol. Some HEETS varieties exhibited higher levels of formaldehyde and TSNAs in their aerosols compared to Yellow HEETS. Puff frequency was identified as the only smoking parameter that significantly lowered the release of almost all toxicants in Yellow HEETS, whereas a combination of higher puff volume and puff duration led to increased levels of some carbonyls. Differences in toxicant levels between various commercially available HEETS have important implications when assessing their health impact, as their consumption might induce different toxicant exposure and health effects. HEETS release about half as much nicotine and substantially lower levels of toxicants compared to cigarettes. Literature data showed that puffing intensity is increased in cigarette smokers switching to HEETS, maybe in reaction to these lower nicotine levels. Our results show a differential impact of increased puff frequency, puff duration, and puff volume in the release of toxicants from HEETS. Thus, industry-independent studies on puff topography are critical to make choices for the most relevant puffing regime for heated tobacco product regulation. Regulators should consider evaluating the health impact of multiple HEETS varieties, as the tobacco filler composition significantly affects the release of certain toxicants.

Aerosol Emissions from Heated Tobacco Products: A Review Focusing on Carbonyls, Analytical Methods, and Experimental Quality.

We provide an extensive review of 17 independent and industry-funded studies targeting carbonyls in aerosol emissions of Heated Tobacco Products (HTPs), focusing on quality criteria based on the reproducibility of experiments, appropriate analytic methods, and puffing regimes. Most revised studies complied with these requirements, but some were unreproducible, while others failed to consider analytical variables that may have affected the results and/or produced unrealistic comparisons. We also provide a review of the literature on the physicochemical properties of heated tobacco and HTP aerosols, as well as the evaluation of HTPs by regulatory agencies, addressing various critiques of their relative safety profile. The outcomes from the revised studies and regulatory evaluations tend to agree with and converge to a general consensus that HTP aerosols expose users to significantly lower levels of toxicity than tobacco smoke.