In vitro studies on the relationship between the antioxidant activities of some berry extracts and their binding properties to serum albumin

The aim of this study was to investigate the possibility to use the bioactive components from cape gooseberry (Physalis peruviana), blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum), and cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) extracts as a novel source against oxidation in food supplementation. The quantitative analysis of bioactive compounds (polyphenols, flavonoids, flavanols, carotenoids, and chlorophyll) was based on radical scavenging spectrophometric assays and mass spectrometry. The total phenolic content was the highest (P < 0.05) in water extract of blueberries (46.6 ± 4.2 mg GAE/g DW). The highest antioxidant activities by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging assay and Cupric reducing antioxidant capacity were in water extracts of blueberries, showing 108.1 ± 7.2 and 131.1 ± 9.6 μMTE/g DW with correlation coefficients of 0.9918 and 0.9925, and by β-carotene linoleate assay at 80.1 ± 6.6 % with correlation coefficient of 0.9909, respectively. The water extracts of berries exhibited high binding properties with human serum albumin in comparison with quercetin. In conclusion, the bioactive compounds from a relatively new source of gooseberries in comparison with blueberries and cranberries have the potential as food supplementation for human health. The antioxidant and binding activities of berries depend on their bioactive compounds

Characterization of metabolites in different kiwifruit varieties by NMR and fluorescence spectroscopy

It is known from our previous studies that kiwifruits, which are used in common human diet, have preventive properties of coronary artery disease. This study describes a combination of 1H NMR spectroscopy, multivariate data analyses and fluorescence measurements in differentiating of some kiwifruit varieties, their quenching and antioxidant properties. A total of 41 metabolites were identified by comparing with literature data Chenomx database and 2D NMR. The binding properties of the extracted polyphenols against HSA showed higher reactivity of studied two cultivars in comparison with the common Hayward. The results showed that the fluorescence of HSA was quenched by Bidan as much as twice than by other fruits. The correlation between the binding properties of polyphenols in the investigated fruits, their relative quantification and suggested metabolic pathway was established. These results can provide possible application of fruit extracts in pharmaceutical industry

Information gain in environmental monitoring through bioindi-cation and biomonitoring methods ("B & B technologies") and phytoremediation processes : with special reference to the Biological System of Chemical Elements (BSCE) under specific consideration of Lithium

Different definitions for the concepts of information, information transfer, i.e. communication and its effect and efficiency of false, but also correct information, especially from the environmental sector, are given. "THE TEN ECOLOGICAL COMMANDMENTS"developed by Menke-Glückert at the end of the 1960s, the 9th commandment "Do not pollute information", in particular, is examined in more detail and understood practically as a currently unchanging law in our existing world societies. The "Ethics Consensus", derived from "THE TEN ECOLOGICAL COMMANDMENTS"and developed by Markert at the end of the 1990s, reflects both theoretical and practical levels of action that many people in our highly diverse world societies can support. From a scientific point of view, this article deals with the so-called B &amp; B technologies, i.e. bioindication and biomonitoring of chemical elements, their chemical speciation as well as organic substances. B &amp; B technologies, which deals with the biological detection of atmospheric deposition of chemical substances on a regional, national, and international level, are taken into account. From both an academic and a practical point of view, mosses have prevailed here in the last decades in addition to lichens. The use of mosses is a major focus of international air monitoring, especially in Europe. Furthermore, the phytoremediation of chemical substances in water, soil and air is described as a biological and sustainable biological process, which does not yet have the full scope as it is used in bioindication and biomonitoring, as shown in the example of mosses. However, the phytoremediation is considered to be an excellent tool to have the leading role in the sustainable pollutant "fight". In the future qualitative and quantitative approaches have been further developed to fit scientifically and practically B&amp;B Technologies as well the different forms of phytotechnological approaches. Finally, the example of lithium, which is optionally derived from the Biological System of Chemical Elements (BSCE), becomes a chemical example that the administration of lithium to ALL mentally conditioned diseases such as manic depression to smoking cigarettes becomes one of the most valuable services for the recovery of human society on a global level. As a conclusion of these tremendous effects of lithium can be considered: Pulled out, to make clear that only this chemical element beside a psychiatric care and the involvement of family members, friends, physicians, psychologists and psychiatrists. In addition, it is a must that there is a strong relationship between patient, psychiatrist(s) and strongly related persons to the patient. First an intensive information transfer via communication must be guaranteed. After it, psychological support by doctors and, only if it seems necessary Lithium is to be given in a patient specific dose.RST/Applied Radiation & Isotope

Passive dosimetry as an alternative technique to dynamic enrichment of organic pollutants of indoor air

Evaluation of the quality of indoor air was carried out in 20 apartments, 3 offices, and 3 laboratories in the Tricity area in Poland with reference to concentrations of selected volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such as benzene, toluene, butyl acetate, ethylbenzene, m-xylene, styrene, and m-dichlorobenzene. The time dependence of concentrations of selected VOCs in a newly erected building was studied. Two different techniques were used for the isolation and preconcentration of analytes from air samples: a passive method employing a home-made permeation-type passive sampler and a dynamic method based on a sorption tube. In both cases, activated charcoal was used as a sorption medium (trap packing). The sorption tube was used to validate the results obtained by the passive method, as well. In the majority of dwellings examined, the concentrations of air pollutants were relatively low and did not exceed the MAC values. No significant differences were observed between MAC concentrations determined by using the passive or the dynamic method of air sampling. The results obtained by both sampling methods were characterized by similar precision

Determination of POPs in Environmental Matrices - Proficiency Tests for Polish Laboratories

Thirty Polish laboratories participated in a proficiency tests (PT) for determination of persistant organic pollutants - POPs (PCBs - Polychlorinated Biphenyles, PAHs - Polyaromatic Hydrocarbons and pesticides) in solid environmental matrices (sediments, soil). Participants used their in-house method. The aim of the exercises was to obtain the information about the "state of the art" of POPs analysis in evironmental samples. The CV (Coefficient of Variation) of analytical results submitted varied from 45 to 65 %, with an outlier rate 2 to 7 %. The averages of results for all analytes were in good agreement with reference values. Statistical treatment of results was made. Comparison of the each result with the certified values characterizing the materials has been done. Additionally, z-scores were calculated taking into account the uncertainty of a certified value and the acceptable deviation from the certified value in the range of -20% to +10% (in accordance with recommendations in the newest directives of European Union).JRC.D.2-Reference material

Application of Different Sampling Procedures in Studies of Composition of Various Types of Runoff Waters—A Review

Runoff waters are one of the forms in which precipitation reaches the ground and surface waters. They are formed when rain or melting snow washes the surfaces of roofs, highways, agricultural areas or tree canopies. Pollutants present in runoff waters can constitute a potential danger to aquatic ecosystems. This paper reviews techniques and equipment for collecting runoff water. It discusses storage and preparation of samples for analysis (errors made on the stage of sampling, type of a sampled fraction—important step of analysis). This work presents bibliographic information about a wide range of inorganic and organic compounds in various form of runoff water (as a result of washing out pollutants from such surfaces as: highways, building roofs, and agricultural areas)

Evaluation of indoor air quality on the basis of measurements of VOC concentrations

Measurement of concentrations levels of volatile organic compounds (VOC) such as benzene, toluene, butyl acetate, ethylbenzene, m-xylene, styrene and m-dichlorobenzene was carried out in three newly erected and remodelled dwellings in Tricity area. To collect the series of air samples the active and passive methods were used. In both cases activated charcoal was applied as a sorption medium. The samples were liberated by solvent extraction, and analyzed by capillary column gas chromatography, employing a flame ionisation detector. The study also attempted to examine the time dependence of concentrations of selected VOC in each investigated dwelling. This was accomplished by at least triplicate measurements of the IAQ. The experimental results showed that values for analyzed VOC were exceeded (even a few orders of magnitude) for the measurements made before inhabiting of the occupants, in every investigated dwelling. The concentrations of the investigated VOC decreased significantly with time, which should be expected, although in some cases the levels of selected VOC remained still high. Our experience indicates that application of two different indoor air sampling techniques to determine analytes of interest, though more laborious and time consuming, can lead to significant conclusions concerning indoor air quality

Analytical Applications of Membrane Extraction for Biomedical and Environmental Liquid Sample Preparation

A review of the membrane extraction methods used in determination of various organic compounds in liquid environmental matrices and biological fluids is presented. Theory and principles, possibility of combining membrane extraction methods with methods of final determination, and applications are discussed in detail