scholarly journals Influence of the Anthocyanin and Cofactor Structure on the Formation Efficiency of Naturally Derived Pyranoanthocyanins

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (13) ◽  
pp. 6708
Author(s):  
Gonzalo Miyagusuku-Cruzado ◽  
Danielle M. Voss ◽  
M. Monica Giusti

Pyranoanthocyanins are anthocyanin-derived pigments with higher stability to pH and storage. However, their slow formation and scarcity in nature hinder their industrial application. Pyranoanthocyanin formation can be accelerated by selecting anthocyanin substitutions, cofactor concentrations, and temperature. Limited information is available on the impacts of the chemical structure of the cofactor and anthocyanin; therefore, we evaluated their impacts on pyranoanthocyanin formation efficiency under conditions reported as favorable for the reaction. Different cofactors were evaluated including pyruvic acid, acetone, and hydroxycinnamic acids (p-coumaric, caffeic, ferulic, and sinapic acid) by incubating them with anthocyanins in a molar ratio of 1:30 (anthocyanin:cofactor), pH 3.1, and 45 °C. The impact of the anthocyanin aglycone was evaluated by incubating delphinidin, cyanidin, petunidin, or malvidin derivatives with the most efficient cofactor (caffeic acid) under identical conditions. Pigments were identified using UHPLC-PDA and tandem mass spectrometry, and pyranoanthocyanin formation was monitored for up to 72 h. Pyranoanthocyanin yields were the highest with caffeic acid (~17% at 72 h, p < 0.05). When comparing anthocyanins, malvidin-3-O-glycosides yielded twice as many pyranoanthocyanins after 24 h (~20%, p < 0.01) as cyanidin-3-O-glycosides. Petunidin- and delphinidin-3-O-glycosides yielded <2% pyranoanthocyanins. This study demonstrated the importance of anthocyanin and cofactor selection in pyranoanthocyanin production.

Materials ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (24) ◽  
pp. 5719
Author(s):  
Olga Olejnik ◽  
Anna Masek

The aim of the research was to obtain intelligent and eco-friendly packaging materials by incorporating innovative additives of plant origin. For this purpose, natural substances, including green tea extract (polyphenon 60) and caffeic acid, were added to two types of biodegradable thermoplastics (Ingeo™ Biopolymer PLA 4043D and Bioplast GS 2189). The main techniques used to assess the impact of phytocompounds on materials’ thermal properties were differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetry (TGA), which confirmed the improved resistance to thermo-oxidation. Moreover, in order to assess the activity of applied antioxidants, the samples were aged using a UV aging chamber and a weathering device, then retested in terms of dynamic mechanical properties (DMA), colour changing, Vicat softening temperature, and chemical structure, as studied using FT-IR spectra analysis. The results revealed that different types of aging did not cause significant differences in thermo-mechanical properties and chemical structure of the samples with natural antioxidants but induced colour changing. The obtained results indicate that polylactide (PLA) and Bioplast GS 2189, the plasticizer free thermoplastic biomaterial containing polylactide and starch (referred to as sPLA in the present article), both with added caffeic acid and green tea extract, can be applied as smart and eco-friendly packaging materials. The composites reveal better thermo-oxidative stability with reference to pure materials and are able to change colour as a result of the oxidation process, especially after UV exposure, providing information about the degree of material degradation.


2005 ◽  
Vol 40 (4) ◽  
pp. 491-499 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeremy T. Kraemer ◽  
David M. Bagley

Abstract Upgrading conventional single-stage mesophilic anaerobic digestion to an advanced digestion technology can increase sludge stability, reduce pathogen content, increase biogas production, and also increase ammonia concentrations recycled back to the liquid treatment train. Limited information is available to assess whether the higher ammonia recycle loads from an anaerobic sludge digestion upgrade would lead to higher discharge effluent ammonia concentrations. Biowin, a commercially available wastewater treatment plant simulation package, was used to predict the effects of anaerobic digestion upgrades on the liquid train performance, especially effluent ammonia concentrations. A factorial analysis indicated that the influent total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN) and influent alkalinity each had a 50-fold larger influence on the effluent NH3 concentration than either the ambient temperature, liquid train SRT or anaerobic digestion efficiency. Dynamic simulations indicated that the diurnal variation in effluent NH3 concentration was 9 times higher than the increase due to higher digester VSR. Higher recycle NH3 loads caused by upgrades to advanced digestion techniques can likely be adequately managed by scheduling dewatering to coincide with periods of low influent TKN load and ensuring sufficient alkalinity for nitrification.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Khanh Ngoc Cong Duong ◽  
Tien Nguyen Le Bao ◽  
Phuong Thi Lan Nguyen ◽  
Thanh Vo Van ◽  
Toi Phung Lam ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND The first nationwide lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic was implemented in Vietnam from April 1 to 15, 2020. Nevertheless, there has been limited information on the impact of COVID-19 on the psychological health of the public. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of psychological issues and identify the factors associated with the psychological impact of COVID-19 during the first nationwide lockdown among the general population in Vietnam. METHODS We employed a cross-sectional study design with convenience sampling. A self-administered, online survey was used to collect data and assess psychological distress, depression, anxiety, and stress of participants from April 10 to 15, 2020. The Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) were utilized to assess psychological distress, depression, anxiety, and stress of participants during social distancing due to COVID-19. Associations across factors were explored using regression analysis. RESULTS A total of 1385 respondents completed the survey. Of this, 35.9% (n=497) experienced psychological distress, as well as depression (n=325, 23.5%), anxiety (n=195, 14.1%), and stress (n=309, 22.3%). Respondents who evaluated their physical health as average had a higher IES-R score (beta coefficient [B]=9.16, 95% CI 6.43 to 11.89), as well as higher depression (B=5.85, 95% CI 4.49 to 7.21), anxiety (B=3.64, 95% CI 2.64 to 4.63), and stress (B=5.19, 95% CI 3.83 to 6.56) scores for DASS-21 than those who rated their health as good or very good. Those who self-reported their health as bad or very bad experienced more severe depression (B=9.57, 95% CI 4.54 to 14.59), anxiety (B=7.24, 95% CI 3.55 to 10.9), and stress (B=10.60, 95% CI 5.56 to 15.65). Unemployment was more likely to be associated with depression (B=3.34, 95% CI 1.68 to 5.01) and stress (B=2.34, 95% CI 0.84 to 3.85). Regarding worries about COVID-19, more than half (n=755, 54.5%) expressed concern for their children aged &lt;18 years, which increased their IES-R score (B=7.81, 95% CI 4.98 to 10.64) and DASS-21 stress score (B=1.75, 95% CI 0.27 to 3.24). The majority of respondents (n=1335, 96.4%) were confident about their doctor’s expertise in terms of COVID-19 diagnosis and treatment, which was positively associated with less distress caused by the outbreak (B=–7.84, 95% CI –14.58 to –1.11). CONCLUSIONS The findings highlight the effect of COVID-19 on mental health during the nationwide lockdown among the general population in Vietnam. The study provides useful evidence for policy decision makers to develop and implement interventions to mitigate these impacts. CLINICALTRIAL


Toxins ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 158
Author(s):  
Colin Eady

For 30 years, forage ryegrass breeding has known that the germplasm may contain a maternally inherited symbiotic Epichloë endophyte. These endophytes produce a suite of secondary alkaloid compounds, dependent upon strain. Many produce ergot and other alkaloids, which are associated with both insect deterrence and livestock health issues. The levels of alkaloids and other endophyte characteristics are influenced by strain, host germplasm, and environmental conditions. Some strains in the right host germplasm can confer an advantage over biotic and abiotic stressors, thus acting as a maternally inherited desirable ‘trait’. Through seed production, these mutualistic endophytes do not transmit into 100% of the crop seed and are less vigorous than the grass seed itself. This causes stability and longevity issues for seed production and storage should the ‘trait’ be desired in the germplasm. This makes understanding the precise nature of the relationship vitally important to the plant breeder. These Epichloë endophytes cannot be ‘bred’ in the conventional sense, as they are asexual. Instead, the breeder may modulate endophyte characteristics through selection of host germplasm, a sort of breeding by proxy. This article explores, from a forage seed company perspective, the issues that endophyte characteristics and breeding them by proxy have on ryegrass breeding, and outlines the methods used to assess the ‘trait’, and the application of these through the breeding, production, and deployment processes. Finally, this article investigates opportunities for enhancing the utilisation of alkaloid-producing endophytes within pastures, with a focus on balancing alkaloid levels to further enhance pest deterrence and improving livestock outcomes.


Foods ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 441
Author(s):  
Yan Yan ◽  
Shuang Chen ◽  
Yao Nie ◽  
Yan Xu

Pyrazines are important compounds in soy sauce aroma type Baijiu (SSAB). In this work, a total of 16 pyrazines were analyzed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC–MS/MS) in SSAB. The quantitative results showed that 2,3,5,6-tetramethylpyrazine, 2,6-dimethylpyrazine and 2,3,5-trimethylpyrazine were the three most concentrated pyrazines. The highest odor activity value (OAV) was determined for 2-ethyl-3,5-dimethylpyrazine. Quantitative analysis combined with descriptive sensory analysis revealed that sub-threshold pyrazines (2,3-dimethylpyrazine, 2,3-diethylpyrazine, 2,3-diethyl-5-methylpyrazine and 2-acetyl-3-methylpyrazine) are significantly correlated with the roasted aroma in SSAB. Our study focused on the impact of sub-threshold pyrazines on the perception of roasted aroma in SSAB. The effect of the sub-threshold pyrazines was detected by the addition of various pyrazines in SSAB samples, despite their sub-threshold concentrations. Furthermore, the presence of sub-threshold pyrazines in dilute alcohol solution resulted in a significant reduction in the odor thresholds of supra-threshold pyrazines. Sensory investigation indicated that pyrazines have a synergistic effect on the perception of roasted aroma. The results highlighted the contribution of some pyrazines to the roasted aroma in SSAB despite their sub-threshold concentrations.


Fuels ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 194-209
Author(s):  
Akira Nishimura ◽  
Tomohiro Takada ◽  
Satoshi Ohata ◽  
Mohan Lal Kolhe

Biogas, consisting of CH4 and CO2, is a promising energy source and can be converted into H2 by a dry reforming reaction. In this study, a membrane reactor is adopted to promote the performance of biogas dry reforming. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of pressure of sweep gas on a biogas dry reforming to get H2. The effect of molar ratio of supplied CH4:CO2 and reaction temperature is also investigated. It is observed that the impact of psweep on concentrations of CH4 and CO2 is small irrespective of reaction temperature. The concentrations of H2 and CO increase with an increase in reaction temperature t. The concentration of H2, at the outlet of the reaction chamber, reduces with a decrease in psweep. It is due to an increase in H2 extraction from the reaction chamber to the sweep chamber. The highest concentration of H2 is obtained in the case of the molar ratio of CH4:CO2 = 1:1. The concentration of CO is the highest in the case of the molar ratio of CH4:CO2 = 1.5:1. The highest sweep effect is obtained at reaction temperature of 500 °C and psweep of 0.045 MPa.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arnelle Löbbert ◽  
Sonja Schanzer ◽  
Henrik Krehenwinkel ◽  
Franz Bracher ◽  
Christoph Müller

A novel, validated QuEChERS-based GC-MS/MS method was developed, which will allow the assessment of the impact of pesticides on forest ecosystems.


Molecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (5) ◽  
pp. 1340
Author(s):  
Ying Kong ◽  
Huan Wang ◽  
Lixin Lang ◽  
Xiaoying Dou ◽  
Jinrong Bai

The bulbs of several Lilium species are considered to be both functional foods and traditional medicine in northern and eastern Asia. Considering the limited information regarding the specific bioactive compounds contributing to the functional properties of these bulbs, we compared the secondary metabolites of ten Lilium bulb samples belonging to five different species, using an ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-ESI-MS/MS)-based secondary metabolomics approach. In total, 245 secondary metabolites were detected; further, more metabolites were detected from purple Lilium bulbs (217 compounds) than from white bulbs (123–171 compounds). Similar metabolite profiles were detected in samples within the same species irrespective of where they were collected. By combining herbal analysis and screening differential metabolites, steroid saponins were considered the key bioactive compounds in medicinal lilies. Of the 14 saponins detected, none were accumulated in the bulbs of L. davidii var. willmottiae, also called sweet lily. The purple bulbs of L. regale accumulated more secondary metabolites, and, notably, more phenolic acid compounds and flavonoids. Overall, this study elucidates the differential metabolites in lily bulbs with varying functions and colors and provides a reference for further research on functional foods and the medicinal efficacy of Lilium species.


2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (8) ◽  
pp. 5019-5033 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuning Xie ◽  
Gehui Wang ◽  
Xinpei Wang ◽  
Jianmin Chen ◽  
Yubao Chen ◽  
...  

Abstract. The Chinese government has exerted strict emission controls to mitigate air pollution since 2013, which has resulted in significant decreases in the concentrations of air pollutants such as SO2. Strict pollution control actions also reduced the average PM2.5 concentration to the low level of 39.7 µg m−3 in urban Beijing during the winter of 2017. To investigate the impact of such changes on the physiochemical properties of atmospheric aerosols in China, we conducted a comprehensive observation focusing on PM2.5 in Beijing during the winter of 2017. Compared with the historical record (2014–2017), SO2 decreased to the low level of 3.2 ppbv in the winter of 2017, but the NO2 level was still high (21.4 ppbv in the winter of 2017). Accordingly, the contribution of nitrate (23.0 µg m−3) to PM2.5 far exceeded that of sulfate (13.1 µg m−3) during the pollution episodes, resulting in a significant increase in the nitrate-to-sulfate molar ratio. The thermodynamic model (ISORROPIA II) calculation results showed that during the PM2.5 pollution episodes particle pH increased from 4.4 (moderate acidic) to 5.4 (more neutralized) when the molar ratio of nitrate to sulfate increased from 1 to 5, indicating that aerosols were more neutralized as the nitrate content elevated. Controlled variable tests showed that the pH elevation should be attributed to nitrate fraction increase other than crustal ion and ammonia concentration increases. Based on the results of sensitivity tests, future prediction for the particle acidity change was discussed. We found that nitrate-rich particles in Beijing at low and moderate humid conditions (RH: 20 %–50 %) can absorb twice the amount of water that sulfate-rich particles can, and the nitrate and ammonia with higher levels have synergetic effects, rapidly elevating particle pH to merely neutral (above 5.6). As moderate haze events might occur more frequently under abundant ammonia and nitrate-dominated PM2.5 conditions, the major chemical processes during haze events and the control target should be re-evaluated to obtain the most effective control strategy.


Plants ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 1142
Author(s):  
Alena Vollmannová ◽  
Janette Musilová ◽  
Judita Lidiková ◽  
Július Árvay ◽  
Marek Šnirc ◽  
...  

Common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) is a valuable source of proteins, B vitamins, manganese, tryptophan, phytochemicals with an antioxidant effect, and the natural flavonoid rutin. Due to its composition, buckwheat supports the human immune system, regulates blood cholesterol, and is suitable for patients with diabetes or celiac disease. The study aimed to compare the allocation of selected phenolic acids (neochlorogenic acid, chlorogenic acid, trans-caffeic acid, trans-p-coumaric acid, trans-sinapic acid, trans-ferulic acid) and flavonoids (rutin, vitexin, quercetin, kaempferol) in the leaves, flowers, and grain of buckwheat cultivars of different origin. The content of individual phenolics was determined by the HPLC-DAD method. The results confirmed the determining role of cultivar on the relative content of chlorogenic acid, trans-caffeic acid, trans-sinapic acid, vitexin, and kaempferol in buckwheat plants. A significantly negative correlation among concentrations of phenolic acids in different common buckwheat plant parts shows that there are different mechanisms of genetic influences on the concentration of phenolic substances in common buckwheat flowers, leaves, and grain. These differences should be taken into account when breeding buckwheat for a high concentration of selected phenolic substances.


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