Confirmation of the unexpected occurrence of bitterness-inducing cucurbitacins in edible unripe melons by a two-step workflow based on liquid chromatography with combined UV and high-resolution MS detection.

Plant metabolites known as cucurbitacins are known to impart an unpleasant bitter taste to edible fruits and even lead to severe health complications after the ingestion of relatively high amounts. In this study, an analytical method based on reversed phase liquid chromatography with combined detection by UV spectroscopy and atmospheric pressure chemical ionization high-resolution single/tandem mass spectrometry was applied to confirm the occurrence of four cucurbitacins (B, D, and R, and 23,24-dihydro cucurbitacin B) previously inferred in unexpectedly bitter-tasting fruits of an Italian variety (Scopatizzo) of unripe melon (Cucumis melo L.), known for the sweetness of its fruits.

Noninvasive Assessment of portal Hypertension in Patients With Primary Biliary Cholangitis is Affected by Severity of Cholestasis.

Background & Aims: Noninvasive tests (NITs) for ruling-out clinical significant portal hypertension (CSPH) and high-risk varices (HRVs) in patients with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and compensated advanced chronic liver disease (cACLD) are lacking. We evaluated NITs in these patients and the influence of cholestasis on their performance.

Methods: Consecutive patients from the "Italian PBC registry" and 2 United Kingdom large-volume PBC referral centers with upper endoscopy within 6 months from biochemical evaluation and transient elastography were included.

Integrating Epoxidation, High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry and Ultraviolet Spectroscopy to Unravel the Complex Profile of Boswellic Acids and Related Compounds in the Gum Resin Extract.

The chemical characterization of natural products is often a complex task that demands powerful analytical techniques. Liquid chromatography with high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry (HRMS/MS) is often employed, yet it can face hard challenges when isomeric species are present, and reference standards are lacking. In such cases, the confidence level in compound identification can be significantly improved by the collection of orthogonal information on target analytes.

Effectiveness of gellan gum scaffolds loaded with Boswellia serrata extract for in-situ modulation of pro-inflammatory pathways affecting cartilage healing.

In this study, we developed a composite hydrogel based on Gellan gum containing Boswellia serrata extract (BSE). BSE was either incorporated directly or loaded into an MgAl-layered double hydroxide (LDH) clay to create a multifunctional cartilage substitute. This composite was designed to provide anti-inflammatory properties while enhancing chondrogenesis.