Critical Assessment of Clean-up Procedures Used for Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry Analysis of Pesticide Residues in Cannabis Inflorescence.

Accurate analysis of pesticide residues in such a complex matrix as cannabis is a challenging task. The aim of this study was to find an optimal way of removing abundant matrix co-extracts from Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe extract prior to its analysis by gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS). Out of the seven procedures tested, clean-up with Supel QuE Verde sorbent provided the most satisfactory performance characteristics for 277 targeted pesticides, which is the highest number of these analytes ever investigated within a GC-MS-based study focused on cannabis.

Expression of individual members of the TGF-β/SMAD signalling pathway in the progression and survival of patients with colorectal carcinoma.

Current knowledge of tumor biology offers many "targets" for therapeutic intervention. The molecular basis of many processes that play a role in the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer has been identified. One part of colorectal cancer clinical trials is focused on testing substances in a group of patients with tumors in which the TGF-β signalling pathway is hyperactivated.

Comprehensive Characterization of Micronized Wholemeal Flours: Investigating Technological Properties across Various Grains.

With a suitable milling system, it is achievable to produce wholegrain flours that match the granulation and technological properties of refined flours while maintaining a complete nutritional profile. This process also minimizes the generation of additional industrial waste. This study aimed to characterize wholemeal flours with a fine granulation size of less than 160 µm: wheat (MWF), rye (MRF), spelt (MSF), barley (MBF), buckwheat (MBWF), and sorghum (MSGF).

Comparative analysis of matrix metalloproteinases by zymography in patients with colorectal carcinoma.

Zymography is an electrophoretic method in which proteins are separated in a polyacrylamide gel in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS-PAGE). This method is used for the detection of enzymatic activity and molecular characterization of proteins. In contrast to the standard SDS-PAGE method, a substrate is incorporated into the gel during zymography, which is subsequently cleaved by target proteases.

Stage-Dependent Levels of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor and Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 in the Prognosis of Colorectal Cancer.

Purpose: The development of sensitive and non-invasive biomarkers for the early detection of CRC and determination of their role in the individual stages of CRC.

Methods: MMP-9 expression in serum and tissue, and BDNF expression in plasma were detected using the ELISA method. MMP-9 and BDNF in the tissue were also determined by immunohistochemical staining.