INTRODUCTION:Plants of the Rosa genus are renowned for their pronounced and pleasant aroma and colors. OBJECTIVE:The aim of this work was to develop a novel liquid chromatographic triple quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometric (LC-QTOF-MS/MS) method for the investigation of the bioactive fingerprint of petals of different genotypes belonging to Rosa damascena and Rosa centifolia species. METHODOLOGY:Central composite design (CCD) of response surface methodology (RSM) was used for the optimization of the LC-QTOF-MS/MS method. The method was validated and target, suspect, and non-target screening workflows were applied. Statistical analysis and chemometric tools were utilized to explore the metabolic fingerprint of the Rosa species. RESULTS:RSM revealed that the optimal extraction parameters involved mixing 11 mg of sample with 1 mL of MeOH:H2O (70:30, v/v). Target analysis confirmed the presence of 11 analytes, all of which demonstrated low limits of quantification (LOQs; as low as 0.048 ng mg-1) and sufficient recoveries (RE: 85%-107%). In total, 28 compounds were tentatively identified through suspect analysis. Non-target analysis enabled the generation of robust OPLS-DA and HCA models that classified the samples according to their species with 100% accuracy. CONCLUSIONS:A novel LC-QTOF-MS/MS method was developed and applied in the analysis of 47 R. centifolia and R. damascena flowers belonging to different genotypes.

One the main research goals of bioinorganic chemists is the synthesis of novel coordination compounds possessing biological potency. Within this context, three novel iron(III) complexes with the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs diflunisal and diclofenac in the presence or absence of the nitrogen donors 1,10-phenanthroline or pyridine were isolated and characterized by diverse techniques. The complexes were evaluated for their ability to scavenge in vitro free radicals such as hydroxyl, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl and 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radicals, revealing their selective potency towards hydroxyl radicals. The in vitro inhibitory activity of the complexes towards the enzymes acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase was evaluated, and their potential to achieve neuroprotection appeared promising. The interaction of the complexes with calf-thymus DNA was examined in vitro, revealing their ability to intercalate in-between DNA nucleobases. The affinity of the complexes for serum albumins was evaluated in vitro and revealed their tight and reversible binding.

A series of copper(II), nickel(II) and cobalt(II) complexes with the non–steroidal anti–inflammatory drug oxaprozin (Hoxa) have been synthesized and characterized by diverse techniques. The crystal structures of two copper(II) complexes, namely the dinuclear complex [Cu2(oxa)4(DMF)2] (1) and the polymeric complex {[Cu2(oxa)4]·2MeOH·0.5MeOH}2 (12) were determined by single–crystal X–ray diffraction studies. In order to evaluate in vitro the antioxidant activity of the resultant complexes, their scavenging ability towards 1,1–diphenyl–picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), hydroxyl and 2,2′–azinobis(3–ethylbenzothiazoline–6–sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radicals was investigated revealing their high effectiveness against these radicals. The binding of the complexes to bovine serum albumin and human serum albumin was examined and the corresponding determined albumin–binding constants showed a tight and reversible interaction. The interaction of the complexes with calf–thymus DNA was monitored by diverse techniques including UV–vis spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, DNA–viscosity measurements and competitive studies with ethidium bromide. Intercalation may be proposed as the most possible DNA–interaction mode of the complexes.

Background: Cancer cases are continuously increasing, while the prevalence rates of physical inactivity are also continuously increasing. Physical inactivity is a causative factor in non-communicable diseases, including cancer. However, the potential beneficial effects of exercise on cancer treatment have not received much attention so far. The aim of this study was to highlight the relationship between cancer and exercise on a molecular basis. Methods: Comprehensive and in-depth research was conducted in the most accurate scientific databases by using relevant and effective keywords. Results: The mechanisms by which exercise may reduce cancer risk and/or progression may include the metabolic profile of hormones, systemic inflammation reduction, insulin sensitivity increase, antioxidant capacity augmentation, the boost to the immune system, and the direct effect on the tumor. There is currently substantial evidence that the effect of exercise may predict a stronger association with cancer and could supplementarily be embedded in cancer clinical practice to improve disease progression and prognosis. Conclusion: The field of this study requires interconnecting the overall knowledge of exercise physiology with cancer biology and cancer clinical oncology to provide the basis for personalized targeting strategies that can be merged with training as a component of a holistic co-treatment approach to optimize cancer healthcare.

Aging is a physical procedure for people and nature. Our aging world is expanding because of the life span extension. Aging has a crucial relationship with our body composition (muscles, bones, and adipose tissue), which is characterized by an increase in fat mass and a gradual decrease in muscle mass and strength and bone density. These alterations affect physical performance and impact quality of life enhancing the risk for non-communicable diseases, immobilization, and disability. As far we know, osteoarthritis of lower limbs, sarcopenic obesity, and muscle mass and/or strength loss are treated separately. However, bones, muscles, adipose tissue, and aging appear to have an interconnection through a dialogue as they talk to each other. Health disorders are coming into the surface when this relationship is disrupted. The aim of our study is to search deeper into this interconnection, so that when adipose tissue increases, we have to take a look into the condition of muscle mass, bone, and connective tissue and vice versa, through the assessment of physical performance. Consequently, the triad muscle-bone-adipose tissue disorders by aging should be treated as a single entity.

Objective The critical role played by the nutritional status in the complications, duration of hospitalization and mortality in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection (COVID-19) has emerged from several research studies in diverse populations. Obesity has been associated with an increased risk of serious complications, as the adipose tissue appears to have significant effects on the immune response. The aim of this narrative review was to investigate the relationship between COVID-19 and obesity. Methods We performed a review of papers in the English language derived from PubMed, Science Direct, and Web of Science. The primary outcomes investigated were the severity of the disease, admission to the intensive care unit (ICU), need for intubation, and mortality. Results and Conclusion Review of 44 eligible studies from 18 countries around the world revealed evidence that obesity increases the risk of severe COVID-19 complications, ICU admission, intubation and mortality. Patients with a higher body mass index (BMI) appear to be more vulnerable to SARS-CoV-2 infection, with more severe illness requiring admission to ICU and intubation, and to have higher mortality. A healthy body weight should be targeted as a long-term prevention measure against acute complications of infection, and in the event of COVID-19, overweight and obese patients should be monitored closely.

1. Berk Ş, Kaya S, Akkol EK, Bardakçı H. A comprehensive and current review on the role of flavonoids in lung cancer–Experimental and theoretical approaches. Phytomedicine. 2022;98:153938. doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2022.153938 CrossRef Google Scholar

A rapid HPLC-UV method was developed for the determination of tocopherols in walnut seed oils. The method was validated and the LODs ranged between 0.15 and 0.30 mg/kg, while the LOQs were calculated over the range of 0.50 to 1.00 mg/kg. The accuracy values ranged between 90.8 and 97.1% for the within-day assay (n = 6) and between 90.4 and 95.8% for the between-day assay (n = 3 × 3), respectively. The precision of the method was evaluated and the RSD% values were lower than 6.1 and 8.2, respectively. Overall, 40 samples of walnuts available on the Greek market, originating from four different European countries (Greece, Ukraine, France, and Bulgaria), were processed into oils and analyzed. One-way ANOVA was implemented in order to investigate potential statistically significant disparities between the concentrations of tocopherols in the walnut oils on the basis of the geographical origin, and Tukey’s post hoc test was also performed to examine exactly which varieties differed. The statistical analysis of the results demonstrated that the Ukrainian walnut seed oils exhibited significantly higher total concentrations compared to the rest of the samples.

Two novel microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) methods were developed for the isolation of phenols and tocopherols from pistachio nuts. The extracts were analyzed by reversed-phase high-pressure liquid chromatography coupled with a UV detector (RP-HPLC-UV). In total, eighteen pistachio samples, originating from Greece and Turkey, were analyzed and thirteen phenolic compounds, as well as α-tocopherol, (β + γ)-tocopherol, and δ-tocopherol, were identified. The analytical methods were validated and presented good linearity (r2 > 0.990) and a high recovery rate over the range of 82.4 to 95.3% for phenols, and 93.1 to 96.4% for tocopherols. Repeatablility was calculated over the range 1.8–5.8%RSD for intra-day experiments, and reproducibility over the range 3.2–9.4%RSD for inter-day experiments, respectively. Principal component analysis (PCA) was employed to analyze the differences between the concentrations of the bioactive compounds with respect to geographical origin, while agglomerative hierarchical clustering (AHC) was used to cluster the samples based on their similarity and according to the geographical origin.

The interaction of Mn+2 with substituted salicylaldehydes (X-saloH) led to the formation of five manganese(II) complexes formulated as [Μn(X-salo)2(MeOH)2]. When the reactions took place in the presence of an α-diimine such as 2,2'-bipyridine, 1,10-phenanthroline or 2,2'-bipyridylamine, five manganese(II) complexes of the formula [Mn(X-salo)2(α-diimine)] were isolated. The characterization of the complexes was accomplished by various spectroscopic techniques and single-crystal X-ray crystallography. The antioxidant activity of the compounds was evaluated via the scavenging of 1,1-diphenyl-picrylhydrazyl, 2,2'-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) and hydroxyl free radicals. The antibacterial activity of the complexes was tested in vitro against Staphylococcus aureus and Xanthomonas campestris bacterial strains and was found moderate. Diverse techniques were employed to examine the interaction of the complexes with calf-thymus DNA which showed intercalation as the most possible interaction mode. The affinity of the complexes for bovine serum albumin was investigated by fluorescence emission spectroscopy and the binding constants were determined.

SummaryCanned tuna was fortified with a mixture of brine and hydrosols of aromatic plants (i.e. oregano, laurel, sage and lemon balm). An HPLC‐DAD method was developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of thirteen antioxidants in tuna fillets, including phenolic acids (gallic acid, vanillic acid, syringic acid and rosmarinic acid), flavonoids (catechin, epicatechin, vanillin, myricetin, rutin, quercetin, luteolin and apigenin) and one hydroxybenzaldehyde (syringaldehyde). The analytes showed satisfying recovery efficiency (82.1–92.1%), and the method presented excellent linearity (r2 > 0.99). The precision limit was ≤5.6% RSDr for intra‐day and ≤7.2% RSDR for inter‐day experiments. The determined analytes ranged between 8.86 mg (quercetin) and 512 mg (rosmarinic acid) per 100g tuna flesh (n = 10), verifying that the hydrosols fortified the tuna fillets.

We describe a copper-mediated method that enables the synthesis of seven-membered-ring fused pyrroles (7mrFPs). The protocol proceeds via an in situ spiro-intermediate ring expansion and tolerates a library of 7-mrFP derivatives with a broad range of functional groups in a simple step with tangible parameters and substrate adaptations. These rare 7-mrFPs are now accessible on a millimolar scale, and selected examples exhibit high antioxidant activity.

The interaction of FeCl3 with the fenamate non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs has led to the formation and isolation of trinuclear iron(III) complexes, while in the presence of the nitrogen-donors 2,2'-bipyridine or pyridine tetranuclear iron(III) complexes were derived. The five resultant complexes were characterized by diverse techniques (including infrared, electronic and Mössbauer spectroscopy) and their crystal structures were determined by single-crystal X-ray crystallography. These complexes are the first structurally characterized Fe(III)-fenamato complexes. The complexes were evaluated for their ability to scavenge in vitro free radicals such as hydroxyl, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl and 2,2΄-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid). The in vitro binding affinity of the complexes to calf-thymus (CT) DNA was examined and their interaction with serum albumins was also investigated. In total, the complexes present promising activity against the radicals tested, and they may bind tightly to CT DNA possibly via intercalation and reversibly to serum albumins.

Reversed phase-high-pressure liquid chromatographic methodologies equipped with UV detector (RP-HPLC-UV) were developed for the determination of phenolic compounds and tocopherols in almonds. Nineteen samples of Texas almonds originating from USA and Greece were analyzed and 7 phenolic acids, 7 flavonoids, and tocopherols (−α, −β + γ) were determined. The analytical methodologies were validated and presented excellent linearity (r2 > 0.99), high recoveries over the range between 83.1 (syringic acid) to 95.5% (ferulic acid) for within-day assay (n = 6), and between 90.2 (diosmin) to 103.4% (rosmarinic acid) for between-day assay (n = 3 × 3), for phenolic compounds, and between 95.1 and 100.4% for within-day assay (n = 6), and between 93.2–96.2% for between-day assay (n = 3 × 3) for tocopherols. The analytes were further quantified, and the results were analyzed by principal component analysis (PCA), and agglomerative hierarchical clustering (AHC) to investigate potential differences between the bioactive content of almonds and the geographical origin. A decision tree (DT) was developed for the prediction of the geographical origin of almonds proposing a characteristic marker with a concentration threshold, proving to be a promising and reliable tool for the guarantee of the authenticity of the almonds.

Background: Aromatic plants are quite popular for daily use worldwide. However, little is known about the appropriate preparation of beverages in “house conditions” in order to preserve their beneficial characteristics after processing. Taraxacum officinale Weber ex Wigg contains a variety of compounds, with well-documented effects against oxidative stress. This study aims to investigate the optimum preparation conditions of a Taraxacum beverage in the household setting, with respect to its antioxidant characteristics. Methods: Dried, commercial T. officinale was used to prepare beverages boiling for 1, 3 or 5 min. The beverages were extracted using organic solvents of increasing polarity, and the solid residues of each extraction were examined by in vitro analysis on: the evaluation of total phenolic content (Folin Ciocalteau), the evaluation of antioxidant activity (DPPH and ABTS radicals scavenging), the evaluation of the ability of the tested extracts to compete with DMSO for OH radicals, the ability to inhibit lipid peroxidation of linoleic acid and soybean lipoxygenase inhibition assay. Results: All preparations had an overall good antioxidant profile. Regarding the chosen solvents, mid polarity solvents were more likely to give better results in all tests conducted, which can be indicative of the compounds extracted in each fraction. Samples prepared under 3 min boiling presented significant interaction with DPPH and strong lipoxygenase and lipid peroxidation inhibition. Conclusion: As previously observed in the literature, food processing can greatly affect its biochemical characteristics. In the case of Taraxacum, boiling for 3 min resulted in the best overall profile of the beverage with respect to its antioxidant properties. However, due to a variety of components present in each plant, further investigation and stratification, along with in vivo experiments are needed.

Upon the interaction of MnCl2 with the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs oxaprozin or flufenamic acid in the presence of the nitrogen-donors 2,2'-bipyridine or 1,10-phenanthroline as co-ligands, one dinuclear and two trinuclear Mn(II) complexes were isolated. The complexes were characterized by diverse techniques. The complexes were evaluated for their scavenging activity against free radicals such as hydroxyl, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl and 2,2'-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid). The in vitro binding affinity of the complexes to calf-thymus (CT) DNA and serum albumins was also monitored. In total, we may suggest that the complexes present promising scavenging activity against the radicals tested, and they may bind to CT DNA via intercalation and reversibly to serum albumins.

The interaction of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug sodium diclofenac with CoCl2 in the absence or presence of the nitrogen-donor ligands 2,2'-bipyridine, 1,10-phenanthroline, 2,2'-bipyridylamine, pyridine or imidazole resulted in the formation of six mononuclear Co(II) complexes. The complexes were characterized by diverse physicochemical and spectroscopic techniques and single-crystal X-ray crystallography revealing a monodentate or a bidentate chelating binding mode of the diclofenac ligands. The scavenging activity of the complexes was evaluated in vitro against the free radicals of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl, 2,2'-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) and hydroxyl; the complexes present significant scavenging activity of ABTS and hydroxyl radicals. The interaction of the complexes with calf-thymus (CT) DNA and bovine serum albumin (BSA) was also investigated; the complexes can bind tightly to CT DNA via intercalation and can bind to BSA tightly and reversibly.