Drying of Saffron Petals as a Critical Step for the Stabilization of This Floral Residue Prior to Extraction of Bioactive Compounds.

Saffron petals represent floral biomass generally wasted due to rapid deterioration. Previous characterization studies have revealed the presence of bioactive compounds in petals, such as flavonols and anthocyanins. Petal stabilization is a challenge for the efficient isolation of these compounds.

Influence of Comorbidity and Obesity on the Occurrence of Vascular Events in Obstructive Apnoea Treated with CPAP.

Background: Obesity has increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. It is the leading risk factor for obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). The relationship between obesity-OSA and vascular disease seems clear.

Distribution of Main Bioactive Compounds from Saffron Species as a Function of Infusion Temperature and Time in an Oil/Water System.

Most research on saffron has focused on its composition and beneficial effects, while the culinary perspective to enhance its gastronomic potential remains unexplored. This study aims to define the transfer of the main compounds responsible for color, flavor, and aromatic properties, evaluating three critical variables: temperature (60 °C, 80 °C and 100 °C), infusion time (ranging from 10 to 30 min), and the composition of the medium (water, oil, and water/oil). Samples were analyzed using the LC-QTOF MS/MS and ISO 3632-1:2011 methods.

Phenolic enrichment of foods curated in olive oil: Kinetics and chemical evaluation.

Since ancient times food has been preserved in vegetable oils for curation. Nevertheless, the transfer of bioactive compounds from these oils to curated foods has not been studied. This research has evaluated the phenolic enrichment of foods curated in olive oil.

The dynamic changes in olive fruit phenolic metabolism and its contribution to the activation of quiescent Colletotrichum infection.

Anthracnose, the most critical disease affecting olive fruits, is caused by Colletotrichum species. While developing olive fruits are immune to the pathogen regardless of the cultivar, the resistance level varies once the fruit ripens. The defense mechanisms responsible for this difference in resistance are not well understood.

Comprehensive profiling of ceramides in human serum by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry combining data independent/dependent acquisition modes.

Ceramides are sphingolipids with a structural function in the cell membrane and are involved in cell differentiation, proliferation and apoptosis. Recently, these chemical species have been pointed out as potential biomarkers in different diseases, due to their abnormal levels in blood. In this research, we present an overall strategy combining data-independent and dependent acquisitions (DIA and DDA, respectively) for identification, confirmation, and quantitative determination of ceramides in human serum.

Real-World Cohort Study on the Effectiveness and Safety of Filgotinib Use in Ulcerative Colitis.

Background: Filgotinib is a small molecule with preferential inhibition of Janus kinase type 1, approved for the treatment of ulcerative colitis in Scotland in May 2022. We present the first real world experience on its use in clinical practice.

Methods: In this retrospective, observational, cohort study we assessed patients with active ulcerative colitis who received filgotinib in NHS Lothian, Scotland.

Changes in human sweat metabolome conditioned by severity of obstructive sleep apnea and intermittent hypoxemia.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a sleep disorder that has been associated with the incidence of other pathologies. Diagnosis is mainly based on the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) obviating other repercussions such as intermittent hypoxemia, which has been found to be associated to cardiovascular complications. Blood-based samples and urine have been the most utilised biofluids in metabolomics studies related to OSA, while sweat could be an alternative due to its non-invasive and accessible sampling, its reduced complexity, and comparability with other biofluids.

Qualitative and quantitative determination of phenols and their metabolites in urine by in-syringe solid-phase extraction and LC-MS/MS analysis for evaluation of virgin olive oil metabolism.

To know the bioavailability of virgin olive oil (VOO) phenols and its impact on health, it is necessary to determine the levels of phenols excreted in urine. We present here a novel strategy for in-syringe solid-phase extraction and analysis of the extract by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), using ammonium fluoride as ionization agent to enhance sensitivity. This approach allows avoiding additional steps such as solvent evaporation or analytes derivatization.

MetaboMSDIA: A tool for implementing data-independent acquisition in metabolomic-based mass spectrometry analysis.

Data-dependent acquisition (DDA) is the most widely used mode in untargeted metabolomic analysis despite its limited tandem mass spectrometry (MS2) detection coverage. We present MetaboMSDIA for complete processing of data-independent acquisition (DIA) files by the extraction of multiplexed MS2 spectra and further identification of metabolites in open libraries. In the analysis of polar extracts from lemon and olive fruits, DIA allows one to obtain multiplexed MS2 spectra for 100% of precursor ions compared to 64% of precursor ions from average MS2 acquisition in DDA.

Spatial Distribution and Antioxidant Activity of Extracts from Citrus Fruits.

Citrus fruits are recommended components of the human diet because of their enriched composition in bioactive compounds and health benefits. Among their notable components are phenols, with a special emphasis on flavonoids, limonoids, and carboxylic acids. In this research, we have carried out a spatial metabolomics analysis for the characterization of these bioactive families in three citrus fruits, namely, lemons, limes, and mandarins.

Helicobacter Species and Hepato-Biliary Tract Malignancies: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

may cause chronic inflammation of the biliary tract, but its relationship with cancer is controversial. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the association between and hepatobiliary tract malignancies. Twenty-six studies (4083 patients) were included in qualitative synthesis, and 18 studies ( = 1895 qualified for meta-analysis.

Determination of vitamin D conjugated metabolites: a complementary view on hydroxylated metabolites.

Experts typically define vitamin D deficiency levels by the determination of a circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D-calcifediol prohormone. A large part of the population is characterized by deficient vitamin D levels (calcifediol < 20 ng mL) despite individuals not being affected by any disorder. Cholecalciferol (vitamin D) and/or calcifediol supplementation is a common practice for vitamin D-deficient individuals as recommended by international scientific societies and official agencies.

Impact of infection in patients admitted with ulcerative colitis.

Background: Patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) are at increased risk of infection (CDI), which is the principal causative agent of nosocomial diarrhoea in western countries. This has been related to complications such as need of colectomy and mortality among these patients. The aim of this study was to assess the incidence and impact of CDI in patients hospitalised with UC.

Combining data acquisition modes in liquid-chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry for comprehensive determination of acylcarnitines in human serum.

Acylcarnitines (ACs) are metabolites involved in fatty acid β-oxidation and organic acid metabolism. Metabolic disorders associated to these two processes can be evaluated by determining the complete profile of ACs. In this research, we present an overall strategy for identification, confirmation, and quantitative determination of acylcarnitines in human serum.

The secoiridoid profile of virgin olive oil conditions phenolic metabolism.

The European Food Safety Authority highlights the beneficial effects of olive oil phenols, mainly, secoiridoids. Nevertheless, the metabolism of secoiridoids in humans has not been fully elucidated. This research evaluated the metabolism of secoiridoids in humans after intake of olive oils with diverse phenolic profiles.

Antifungal activity screening of fractions from Annona cherimola Mill. leaf extract against Fusarium oxysporum.

The antifungal effect of ethanolic extract fractions of Annona cherimola leaves against the mycelial growth of Fusarium oxysporum was studied. The ethanolic crude extract was solvent partitioned and the ethyl acetate phase was fractionated by column or preparative thin-layer chromatography. All fractions were developed on TLC and analyzed for acetogenins (ACG) with Kedde reagent.

EHO-85: A Multifunctional Amorphous Hydrogel for Wound Healing Containing Leaf Extract: Effects on Wound Microenvironment and Preclinical Evaluation.

The prevalence of chronic wounds is increasing due to the population aging and associated pathologies, such as diabetes. These ulcers have an important socio-economic impact. Thus, it is necessary to design new products for their treatment with an adequate cost/effectiveness ratio.

Evaluation of Antioxidant and Wound-Healing Properties of EHO-85, a Novel Multifunctional Amorphous Hydrogel Containing Leaf Extract.

The excess of free radicals in the wound environment contributes to its stagnation during the inflammatory phase, favoring hard-to-heal wounds. Oxidative stress negatively affects cells and the extracellular matrix, hindering the healing process. In this study, we evaluated the antioxidant and wound-healing properties of a novel multifunctional amorphous hydrogel-containing leaf extract (OELE).

Influence of genetic and interannual factors on bioactive compounds of olive pomace determined through a germplasm survey.

Olive mill wastes, generated in the extraction of virgin olive oil (VOO), are of important concern for the industry owing to the produced volume and polluting load, mainly associated with the presence of organic compounds. Among them, it is worth mentioning bioactive compounds, mainly phenols and triterpenes, which could be potentially isolated for further use in the cosmetic, pharmaceutical, or food industries. This research analyzed the olive pomace after extraction of VOO from fruits harvested of 43 international olive cultivars during three consecutive seasons.

Circulating Tumor Cells in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Comprehensive Review and Critical Appraisal.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common neoplasm and a major cause of cancer-related death worldwide. There is no ideal biomarker allowing early diagnosis of HCC and tumor surveillance in patients receiving therapy. Liquid biopsy, and particularly circulating tumor cells (CTCs), have emerged as a useful tool for diagnosis and monitoring therapeutic responses in different tumors.

Clearance of Circulating Tumor Cells in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma Undergoing Surgical Resection or Liver Transplantation.

Background: In patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a complete clearance of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) early after liver transplantation (LT) or surgical resection (LR) could prevent tumor recurrence.

Methods: prospective pilot study including patients with HCC who underwent LR or LT from September 2017 to May 2020. Enumeration of CTCs was performed in peripheral blood samples (7 mL) using the Isoflux system (Fluxion Biosciences) immediately before surgery, at post-operative day 5 and at day 30.

Vitamin D levels in women and factors contributing to explain metabolic variations.

The elucidated metabolism of vitamin D in humans has been the support to explain the high involvement of this liposoluble vitamin in physiological functions. Clinical studies have associated levels of vitamin D metabolites with several disorders. Despite this knowledge, there is a controversy regarding the estimation of deficiency and the physiological and supraphysiological levels of vitamin D metabolites.

Influence of genetic and interannual factors on the phenolic profiles of virgin olive oils.

Phenolic compounds in virgin olive oil (VOO) contribute to its health properties, organoleptic features and oxidative stability. In this study, a total of 44 olive tree cultivars categorized by the International Olive Council to be among the most internationally widespread varieties were exhaustively and homogenously evaluated by analysis of the VOO phenolic profile during three consecutive crop seasons. Differences among cultivars resulted in up to 15-fold variations in the total phenol concentration.