Article
Agricultural Engineering
Xiaolu Wu, Shuzhen Zhang, Xi Li, Fan Zhang, Yijun Fan, Qinglin Liu, Xueqin Wan, Tiantian Lin
Summary: Postharvest UV-B radiation can increase the contents of chlorophyll, carotenoid, soluble sugar, catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in honeysuckle leaves, while decreasing the malonaldehyde (MDA) content. The polysaccharide, total polyphenols, total flavonoid, and chlorogenic acid contents in different organs all increased significantly under specific UV-B treatments, showing a correlation with physiological traits.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Doaa Abouelenein, Simone Angeloni, Giovanni Caprioli, Jessica Genovese, Ahmed M. Mustafa, Franks Kamgang Nzekoue, Riccardo Petrelli, Pietro Rocculi, Gianni Sagratini, Silvia Tappi, Elisabetta Torregiani, Sauro Vittori
Summary: PAW treatment has been shown to cause changes in the volatile compounds, phytosterols, and pigment content of rocket leaves. Shorter PAW treatment times can significantly increase certain compounds, while PAW-10 and -2 were closer to the control group. Overall, PAW is a safe alternative for rocket leaf decontamination, with certain compounds showing significant changes after treatment.
Article
Agronomy
Giulia Franzoni, Roberta Bulgari, Antonio Ferrante
Summary: The research investigated the effect of maceration time on borage extracts applied to rocket plants, finding that flower extracts were more effective than leaf extracts in improving the quality of leafy vegetables and nitrate assimilation. Promising results were observed in reducing nitrate accumulation and enhancing electron transport rates in treated plants.
Article
Plant Sciences
Ana Mariel Torres-Contreras, Antoni Garcia-Baeza, Heriberto Rafael Vidal-Limon, Isaias Balderas-Renteria, Monica A. Ramirez-Cabrera, Karla Ramirez-Estrada
Summary: Human skin acts as a barrier against harmful effects of environmental agents, including UV radiation. Proper preventive measures like sunscreen use can avoid over 90% of skin cancer cases. Plants, constantly exposed to sunlight, synthesize specialized molecules to combat UV damage, making them an important source for UV protection and prevention of skin cancers. This study reviewed the main plant secondary metabolites related to UV protection and their mechanisms, and summarized the research on Mexican plants in terms of UV protection and photoprotective molecules.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Luana Malacaria, Emilia Furia
Summary: It is well known that dissociation constants of organic compounds are indicative of the groups present in them, and acid-base dissociation constants are crucial for understanding the properties of molecules in biological systems. This study aimed to determine the acidic constants of three natural molecules, quercetin, luteolin, and l-ascorbic acid, which are known for their antioxidant properties. The evaluation was conducted in aqueous media at 37 degrees Celsius using a combination of potentiometric and spectrophotometric measurements. The results highlight the importance of using both experimental techniques to obtain accurate acidic constant values and avoid uncertainties related to oxidation reactions.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Siqiu Xiao, Dewen Li, Zhonghua Tang, Hongling Wei, Ying Zhang, Jing Yang, Chunjian Zhao, Ying Liu, Wei Wang
Summary: This study comprehensively evaluated the effects of supplementary UV-B (sUV-B) radiation on the photosynthetic characteristics and content of secondary metabolites in Eucommia ulmoides Oliver leaves. The results showed that sUV-B radiation promoted leaf growth and increased the content of chlorophylls and secondary metabolites. Transcriptome analysis revealed differential expression of genes related to signal transduction and metabolic pathways, which might contribute to the physiological changes and increased content of chlorogenic acid in E. ulmoides. This study provides valuable insights into the effects of sUV-B radiation on leaf growth and secondary metabolites in E. ulmoides.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Parya Ezati, Jong-Whan Rhim
Summary: Three functional packaging films were prepared by adding quercetin into carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), gelatin, and poly(lactic acid) (PLA) polymers, showing different properties and release mechanisms. CMC and gelatin films exhibited strong antioxidant and antibacterial activities, especially showing significant inhibition on Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia coli.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Doaa Abouelenein, Ahmed M. M. Mustafa, Franks Kamgang Nzekoue, Giovanni Caprioli, Simone Angeloni, Silvia Tappi, Juan Manuel Castagnini, Marco Dalla Rosa, Sauro Vittori
Summary: Plasma activated water (PAW) is a potential alternative for food preservation. The study investigated the effect of PAW processing time on bioactive compounds and antioxidant/peroxidase activities in rocket-salad leaves. Results showed that PAW treatment increased the content of phenolic compounds, vitamin C, riboflavin, and nicotinic acid in rocket. PAW-20 treatment also improved antioxidant activity and reduced peroxidase activity.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Aleksandra Maria Juszczak, Katarzyna Jakimiuk, Robert Czarnomysy, Jakub Wladyslaw Strawa, Marijana Zovko Koncic, Krzysztof Bielawski, Michal Tomczyk
Summary: The extracts obtained from Jasione montana have a stimulating effect on wound healing, promoting the viability and migration of fibroblasts, and moderating oxidant and inflammatory processes and elastase activity.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Psychiatry
Elena Zambrelli, Althea Lividini, Sofia Spadavecchia, Katherine Turner, Maria Paola Canevini
Summary: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition with a poorly understood etiology, where oxidative stress and antioxidant capacity imbalance may be associated with the pathogenesis. Research on antioxidant supplementation as a potential therapeutic strategy, particularly for common comorbidities like sleep disturbances, is ongoing, but data on the efficacy of antioxidant agents in ASD patients are limited. Further studies are needed to define the role of antioxidants as adjunctive therapy in managing sleep disorders in children and adolescents with ASD.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHIATRY
(2021)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Zdenka Zachova, Petra Curinova, Marie Sajfrtova
Summary: This paper investigates the extraction kinetics of total extract and biological active substances from Leuzea Carthamoides roots using pressurized liquid extraction (PLE). The results show that PLE provides a 63% higher extraction yield compared to Soxhlet extraction. This study can be helpful for optimizing process parameters and scaling up the extraction process to obtain extracts rich in target substances.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Denis Stajnko, Peter Berk, Andrej Orgulan, Marko Gomboc, Damijan Kelc, Jurij Rakun
Summary: This study examined the growth and glucosinolate profiles of rocket salad Eruca sativa and Diplotaxis tenuifolia under different lighting conditions. The results showed that light treatment had a significant impact on plant growth and glucosinolate accumulation.
PLANT SOIL AND ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Monica R. Loizzo, Assunta Napolitano, Maurizio Bruno, Anna Geraci, Rosario Schicchi, Mariarosaria Leporini, Rosa Tundis, Sonia Piacente
Summary: The study on Diplotaxis erucoides collected in Sicily revealed a chemical profile with various bioactive compounds and demonstrated its potential as a source of antioxidants, hypoglycemic, and hypolipidemic substances.
JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Daniel Kasungi Isika, Omowunmi A. Sadik
Summary: This study reported the synthesis and characterization of partial flavonoid acetamide derivatives from quercetin, apigenin, and luteolin, and evaluated their antioxidant, bioavailability, drug likeness, and toxicity properties. The results showed that chemical modification can improve the biological properties of flavonoids, making them potential drug candidates.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ivan Kreft, Alena Vollmannova, Judita Lidikova, Janette Musilova, Mateja Germ, Aleksandra Golob, Blanka Vombergar, Darja Kocjan Acko, Zlata Luthar
Summary: Tartary buckwheat and common buckwheat are adapted to grow in harsh conditions of high altitudes. The synthesis of UV-B defense metabolites, including flavonoids and rutin, is genetically conditioned and depends on the intensity of ultraviolet radiation. These substances are formed in the leaves and flowers of both buckwheat species, while the concentration of rutin in Tartary buckwheat grain is significantly higher. Flavonoids have protective functions against pests and diseases in plants and also play an important role in human nutrition and the prevention of chronic diseases.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Luigi G. Duri, Antonio Pannico, Spyridon A. Petropoulos, Antonio G. Caporale, Paola Adamo, Giulia Graziani, Alberto Ritieni, Stefania De Pascale, Youssef Rouphael
Summary: The addition of organic matter shows promising results in enhancing the fertility of Martian and Lunar regolith for agriculture in future space settlements.
FRONTIERS IN NUTRITION
(2022)
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Donatella Ambroselli, Fabrizio Masciulli, Enrico Romano, Giuseppina Catanzaro, Zein Mersini Besharat, Maria Chiara Massari, Elisabetta Ferretti, Silvia Migliaccio, Luana Izzo, Alberto Ritieni, Michela Grosso, Caterina Formichi, Francesco Dotta, Francesco Frigerio, Eleonora Barbiera, Anna Maria Giusti, Cinzia Ingallina, Luisa Mannina
Summary: The definition of metabolic syndrome (MetS) has changed over time due to the difficulty in establishing universal criteria. MetS is associated with a pro-inflammatory state related to altered glucose metabolism, leading to increased cardiovascular risk. Complications of MetS include cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and type 2 diabetes (T2D). Genetic factors, human microbiota, and diet play complex roles in the predisposition to MetS. This review summarizes the literature of the past decade on MetS, including its definition, pathophysiology, treatment approaches, prediction and diagnosis using advanced methodologies, and the role of specific foods in prevention and/or treatment.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Massimo Rippa, Vito Pagliarulo, Francesco Napolitano, Teodoro Valente, Pietro Russo
Summary: Composite materials have been widely used in various sectors for their lightweight, fatigue resistance, and corrosion resistance. However, their manufacturing processes are not eco-friendly and disposal is difficult. In recent years, the use of natural fibers has gained attention for the development of eco-friendly materials with similar advantages. This study used infrared analysis to study the behavior of eco-friendly composite materials during flexural tests and reported positive results achieved using jute- and basalt-based composites.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Alfonso Narvaez, Luana Izzo, Luigi Castaldo, Sonia Lombardi, Yelko Rodriguez-Carrasco, Alberto Ritieni
Summary: Breakfast cereals are highly susceptible to mycotoxin contamination, posing a concerning risk to human health, especially for children. This study aimed to monitor multiple mycotoxins in Italian breakfast cereal samples using advanced analytical techniques. The results revealed that 93% of the samples contained at least one mycotoxin, with beauvericin being the most prevalent toxin. Multiple mycotoxins were found to co-occur in 73% of the positive samples. These findings highlight the need for improved analytical methodologies to detect non-regulated mycotoxins that may go unnoticed with current methods.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Paola Cennamo, Roberta Scielzo, Massimo Rippa, Giorgio Trojsi, Simona Carfagna, Elena Chianese
Summary: This study compared the efficiency of UV-C irradiation and an essential-oils-based product in reducing biofilm in a semi-hypogeum room in Baia, Italy. The autotrophic component of the biofilm was isolated, and the composition of the fresco paintings' pigments was examined in situ. The results showed that both UV-C irradiation and the essential-oils-based product successfully removed the biofilm without changing the pigments, suggesting a combined strategy to prevent biological growth in archaeological contexts.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Antonella Vitiello, Luana Izzo, Luigi Castaldo, Ivana d'Angelo, Francesca Ungaro, Agnese Miro, Alberto Ritieni, Fabiana Quaglia
Summary: Food supplements containing red yeast rice are commonly used to reduce lipid levels in the blood. The main active ingredient, monacolin K, is a natural compound with similar structure as lovastatin. In this study, the quality profile of red yeast rice supplements marketed in Italy was evaluated, and variations in dosage form uniformity and disintegration time were observed. The bioaccessibility of monacolin K and the contamination of citrinin were also investigated, with no contamination found. These findings suggest the need for greater attention to the quality and safety of marketed products.
Article
Plant Sciences
Aurora Cirillo, Giulia Graziani, Lucia De Luca, Marco Cepparulo, Alberto Ritieni, Raffaele Romano, Claudio Di Vaio
Summary: The effects of climate change on Mediterranean regions have led to increased drought periods and extreme temperatures. The use of anti-transpirant products, such as kaolin, has been found to reduce the damage caused by extreme environmental conditions on olive plants. This study evaluated the effect of kaolin on the quantitative and qualitative parameters of drupes and oil in a little-known olive cultivar. The results showed that kaolin treatments increased the oil content, anthocyanins, total polyphenols, antioxidant activity, and certain fatty acids in the drupes and oil of the olive cultivar.
Article
Plant Sciences
Massimo Rippa, Andrea Pasqualini, Rossella Curcio, Pasquale Mormile, Catello Pane
Summary: Cultivation of wild rocket as a baby-leaf vegetable is increasing due to its nutritional and taste qualities, but it is susceptible to soil-borne fungal diseases. Current disease management methods include synthetic fungicides and agro-ecological and biological approaches. This study explores the use of infrared thermography (IT) for early detection of rot diseases in wild rocket plants. Both active and passive thermographic methods were used to monitor leaves inoculated with soil-borne pathogens, and the results showed promising potential for early detection of these diseases.
Article
Horticulture
Aurora Cirillo, Lucia De Luca, Luana Izzo, Marco Cepparulo, Giulia Graziani, Alberto Ritieni, Raffaele Romano, Claudio Di Vaio
Summary: The Vesuvian apricot includes numerous varieties originating from the same production area and with a long tradition of cultivation. The presence of secondary metabolites, many of which act as antioxidants, makes apricot fruit and its derivatives important for human health. This study analyzed 12 Vesuvian apricot accessions using chemical-physical and nutraceutical analyses. The results showed a wide range of organoleptic characteristics in Vesuvian apricot accessions, providing options for consumers and processors.
Article
Soil Science
Massimo Rippa, Changrong Yan, Qin Liu, Elia Tucci, Pasquale Mormile
Summary: An innovative soil solarization system based on biochar was proposed, which involves spraying a biodegradable black liquid on the soil surface after irrigation to increase absorption of radiation. Experimental results showed higher temperatures and faster elimination of pathogens compared to traditional solarization. The new system also overcomes the limitations of traditional solarization in terms of application time.
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Massimo Rippa, Carmine Del Regno, Elisa Cappetta, Assunta Russo, Francesca Mele, Rossella Curcio, Anna De Rosa, Antonietta Leone, Pasquale Mormile, Michelina Ruocco, Alfredo Ambrosone
Summary: Timely and noninvasive detection of plant diseases is crucial for sustainable plant protection. Pulsed thermography (PT) has been applied to predict early stages of gray mold. This study demonstrated that PT could reveal thermal patterns within a few hours after inoculation, before the appearance of necrotic lesions caused by B. cinerea. The high reliability of PT in early detection of B. cinerea infection was confirmed through diagnostic parameters, physiological, and molecular analyses.
ACS AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Maria Giordano, Michele Ciriello, Luigi Formisano, Christophe El-Nakhel, Antonio Pannico, Giulia Graziani, Alberto Ritieni, Marios C. Kyriacou, Youssef Rouphael, Stefania De Pascale
Summary: The success of space missions and colonization of extraterrestrial environments require ensuring adequate nutrition for astronauts and independence from terrestrial resources. Microgreens, such as tatsoi, coriander, green basil, and purple basil, can provide a balanced diet and improve the overall nutraceutical profile of astronaut meals. The addition of potassium iodide (KI) at different concentrations increased the level of iodine (I) in the microgreens, resulting in improved antioxidant activity and increased concentration of phenolic acids and flavonoids.
