Anthocyanins: a comprehensive review of their chemical properties and health effects on cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases

Anthocyanins are a class of water-soluble flavonoids widely present in fruits and vegetables. Dietary sources of anthocyanins include red and purple berries, grapes, apples, plums, cabbage, or foods containing high levels of natural colorants. Cyanidin, delphinidin, malvidin, peonidin, petunidin, and pelargonidin are the six common anthocyanidins. Following consumption, anthocyanin, absorption occurs along the gastrointestinal tract, the distal lower bowel being the place where most of the absorption and metabolism occurs. In the intestine, anthocyanins first undergo extensive microbial catabolism followed by absorption and human phase II metabolism. This produces hybrid microbial–human metabolites which are absorbed and subsequently increase the bioavailability of anthocyanins. Health benefits of anthocyanins have been widely described, especially in the prevention of diseases associated with oxidative stress, such as cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. Furthermore, recent evidence suggests that health-promoting effects attributed to anthocyanins may also be related to modulation of gut microbiota. In this paper we attempt to provide a comprehensive view of the state-of-the-art literature on anthocyanins, summarizing recent findings on their chemistry, biosynthesis, nutritional value and on their effects on human health

optimization of plasma actuator excitation waveform and materials for separation control in turbomachinery

Abstract Different input waveforms applied to a Single Dielectric Barrier Discharge Plasma Actuator (SDBDPA) were compared for flow separation control on low-pressure turbines (LPTs). The investigated Reynolds number (Re) was 2·104. The work aim was the device optimization in terms of materials and excitation conditions for enhancing its durability and performances. The SDBDPA was manufactured by microfabrication techniques. Device materials that could withstand the plasma environment were selected. Sine, square and triangle waveforms were compared in terms of actuator dissipated power and induced velocity. At comparable peak-to-peak applied voltage, the sinus outperformed the other waveforms, while the square dissipated the most

A 177 ppm RMS Error-Integrated Interface for Time-Based Impedance Spectroscopy of Sensors

This paper presents an integrated circuit for time-based electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) of sensors. The circuit exploits maximum-length sequences (MLS) in order to perform a broadband excitation of the sensors under test. Therefore, the measured time-domain EIS is obtained by cross-correlating the input with the output of the analog front end (AFE). Unlike the conventional digital approach, the cross-correlation operation is performed in the analog domain. This leads to a lower RMS error in the measured time-domain EIS since the signal processing is not affected by the quantization noise of the analog-to-digital converter (ADC). It also relaxes the sampling frequency of the ADC leading, along with the lack of random access memory (RAM) usage, to a reduced circuit complexity. Theoretical concepts about the circuit’s design and operation are presented, with an emphasis on the thermal noise phenomenon. The simulated performances are shown by testing a sensor’s equivalent model composed of a 50 kΩ resistor in parallel with a 100 (Formula presented.) (Formula presented.) capacitor. A time-based EIS output of 255 points was obtained with a maximum tested frequency of 500 (Formula presented.) (Formula presented.) and a simulated RMS error of 0.0177% (or 177 ppm)

Laser welding in e-mobility: process characterization and monitoring

The global automotive industry is shifting to e-mobility, where the main challenge is addressed to battery’s mass-production. To keep up with the market demand, high speed production rates and quality products must be accomplished. Since laser welding of dissimilar thins sheets has earned rising demand for battery electrodes connections, a defect-free welding process has to be performed on behalf of a closed-loop monitoring system that updates corrective and/or preventive actions in order to obtain a reliable, “zero waste, zero stop” process. However, nowadays photodiode systems do not allow real-time modification of the parameters, they only tell, at the end of the process, if any signal has gone out of threshold. The objective of this paper is to find correlations between the data collected by the monitoring system with the typical process characteristics of laser welding. Materials investigated are pure copper 300 μm and aluminum 400 μm, processed by means of different sources, length tracks, wavelengths and scanning heads. In this contribution, a Precitec system has been implemented as a possible economical and industrial-oriented solution. The experimental data was analyzed offline and the relationships between technological and signals outputs were evaluated by means of statistical analysis with MATLAB for both Al-Cu and Cu-Al configuration. Findings plotted stable signals if high speeds were set. Results further suggested the power to be the most influent variable for the closed-loop monitoring system and the dependance on the first material irradiated and the laser source used to define the threshold value for the control of the welding process

Mechano-Transduction Boosts the Aging Effects in Human Erythrocytes Submitted to Mechanical Stimulation

Erythrocytes' aging and mechano-transduction are fundamental cellular pathways that determine the red blood cells' (RBCs) behavior and function. The aging pattern can be influenced, in morphological, biochemical, and metabolic terms by the environmental conditions. In this paper, we studied the effect of a moderate mechanical stimulation applied through external shaking during the RBCs aging and revealed a strong acceleration of the aging pattern induced by such stimulation. Moreover, we evaluated the behavior of the main cellular effectors and resources in the presence of drugs (diamide) or of specific inhibitors of the mechano-transduction (probenecid, carbenoxolone, and glibenclamide). This approach provided the first evidence of a direct cross-correlation between aging and mechano-transduction and permitted an evaluation of the overall metabolic regulation and of the insurgence of specific morphological features, such as micro-vesicles and roughness alterations. Overall, for the first time the present data provided a schematic to understand the integration of distinct complex patterns in a comprehensive view of the cell and of its interactions with the environment. Mechano-transduction produces structural effects that are correlated with the stimulation and the strength of the environmental stimulation is paramount to effectively activate and trigger the biological cascades initiated by the mechano-sensing

Green route for the isolation and purification of hyrdoxytyrosol, tyrosol, oleacein and oleocanthal from extra virgin olive oil

Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) phenols represent a significant part of the intake of antioxidants and bioactive compounds in the Mediterranean diet. In particular, hydroxytyrosol (HTyr), tyrosol (Tyr), and the secoiridoids oleacein and oleocanthal play central roles as anti-inflammatory, neuro-protective and anti-cancer agents. These compounds cannot be easily obtained via chemical synthesis, and their isolation and purification from EVOO is cumbersome. Indeed, both processes involve the use of large volumes of organic solvents, hazardous reagents and several chromatographic steps. In this work we propose a novel optimized procedure for the green extraction, isolation and purification of HTyr, Tyr, oleacein and oleocanthal directly from EVOO, by using a Natural Deep Eutectic Solvent (NaDES) as an extracting phase, coupled with preparative high-performance liquid chromatography. This purification method allows the total recovery of the four components as single pure compounds directly from EVOO, in a rapid, economic and ecologically sustainable way, which utilizes biocompatible reagents and strongly limits the use or generation of hazardous substances

Variability in Quantity and Composition of Water Soluble Carbohydrates Among Irish Accessions and European Varieties of Perennial Ryegrass

The objective of this study was to identify perennial ryegrass accessions displaying high fructose and glucose contents and an improved ratio between fructose and glucose fractions across different time points throughout the year. Fructose and glucose are the main constituents of the water soluble carbohydrate (WSC) fraction in perennial ryegrass. For animal nutrition the amount of WSC is crucial as it is the primary energy source available to metabolise the intake of plant protein. The ratio between fructose and glucose fractions is important since fructosan chains, which are an excellent energy source for ruminants, are built from fructose. Furthermore the seasonal variability of WSC content in feed reflects the changing balance between protein and carbohydrates

Variability in Quantity and Composition of Water Soluble Carbohydrates Among Irish Accessions and European Varieties of Perennial Ryegrass

The objective of this study was to identify perennial ryegrass accessions displaying high fructose and glucose contents and an improved ratio between fructose and glucose fractions across different time points throughout the year. Fructose and glucose are the main constituents of the water soluble carbohydrate (WSC) fraction in perennial ryegrass. For animal nutrition the amount of WSC is crucial as it is the primary energy source available to metabolise the intake of plant protein. The ratio between fructose and glucose fractions is important since fructosan chains, which are an excellent energy source for ruminants, are built from fructose. Furthermore the seasonal variability of WSC content in feed reflects the changing balance between protein and carbohydrates