Characterization and Valorization of the Agricultural Waste Obtained from Lavandula Steam Distillation for Its Reuse in the Food and Pharmaceutical Fields

The main focus of the current research was the characterization of the by-products from the steam distillation of Lavandula angustifolia Mill. (LA) and Lavandula x intermedia Emeric ex Loisel (LI) aerial parts, as they are important sources of bioactive compounds suitable for several applications in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. The oil-exhausted biomasses were extracted and the total polyphenol and flavonoid contents were, respectively, 19.22 ± 4.16 and 1.56 ± 0.21 mg/g for LA extract and 17.06 ± 3.31 and 1.41 ± 0.10 mg/g for LI extract. The qualitative analysis by liquid chromatography-electrospray tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MS) revealed that both the extracts were rich in phenolic acids and glycosylated flavonoids. The extracts exhibited radical scavenging, chelating, reducing activities, and inhibitory capacities on acetylcholinesterase and tyrosinase. The IC50 values against acetylcholinesterase and tyrosinase were, respectively, 5.35 ± 0.47 and 5.26 ± 0.02 mg/mL for LA, and 6.67 ± 0.12 and 6.56 ± 0.16 mg/mL for LI extracts. In conclusion, the oil-exhausted biomasses demonstrated to represent important sources of bioactive compounds, suitable for several applications in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries.     

The Influence of Different Bleaching Protocols on Dentinal Enzymatic Activity: An In Vitro Study

This study aimed to investigate matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity in human dentin using in-situ and gelatin zymography, after at-home and in-office bleaching, related to their clinical exposure times. Dentin specimens (n = 5) were treated with 35% hydrogen peroxide (50 min per session/4 sessions), 10% carbamide peroxide (180 min/21 sessions), or no treatment. All were subjected to in-situ zymography. Dentin slices were, subsequently, obtained, covered with fluorescein-conjugated gelatin, and examined with confocal laser-scanning microscopy. The fluorescence intensity was quantified and statistically analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Bonferroni tests (α = 0.05). Furthermore, gelatin zymography was performed on protein extracts obtained from dentin powder (N = 8 teeth), treated with hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, with different exposure times (10/50 min for hydrogen peroxide; 252/1260 min for carbamide peroxide). The results of the in-situ zymography showed no statistical differences between the bleached specimens and the control group, with a medium level of gelatinolytic activity expressed in the dentin tubules. The results of gelatin zymography showed an increased expression of pro-MMP-9 in carbamide peroxide groups. The expression of pro-MMP-2 decreased in all the experimental groups. The bleaching treatments performed on the enamel of sound teeth do not influence dentinal enzymatic activity. However, when unprotected dentin tissue is bleached, matrix metalloproteinases are more expressed, particularly when carbamide peroxide is used, proportional to the exposure time.     

Therapeutic Potential of Highly Selective A3 Adenosine Receptor Ligands in the Central and Peripheral Nervous System

Ligands of the G_i protein-coupled adenosine A₃ receptor (A₃R) are receiving increasing interest as attractive therapeutic tools for the treatment of a number of pathological conditions of the central and peripheral nervous systems (CNS and PNS, respectively). Their safe pharmacological profiles emerging from clinical trials on different pathologies (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis and fatty liver diseases) confer a realistic translational potential to these compounds, thus encouraging the investigation of highly selective agonists and antagonists of A₃R. The present review summarizes information on the effect of latest-generation A₃R ligands, not yet available in commerce, obtained by using different in vitro and in vivo models of various PNS- or CNS-related disorders. This review places particular focus on brain ischemia insults and colitis, where the prototypical A₃R agonist, Cl-IB-MECA, and antagonist, MRS1523, have been used in research studies as reference compounds to explore the effects of latest-generation ligands on this receptor. The advantages and weaknesses of these compounds in terms of therapeutic potential are discussed.     

Identification and Characterization of 4-Hydroxy-2H-1,2-benzothiazine-3-carboxylic Acid 1,1-Dioxide Derivatives by Mass Spectroscopy

Electron impact mass spectral fragmentation of certain esters and amides derived from 4-hydroxy-2H-1,2-benzothiazine-3-carboxylic acid 1,1-dioxide is described. Common ions to both series may be observed, as well as others allowing them to be differentiated. The method is promissory for identification and analysis of these compounds.     

Core–shell nanogels by RAFT crosslinking polymerization: Synthesis and characterization

A synthetic methodology is described for the preparation of core–shell nanogels by reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer. Well‐defined macro chain transfer agents (macro‐CTA's) were prepared in a first step using monomers that yield sensitive polymers. In the second step, a crosslinker alone or with the addition of a functionalized comonomer were used to form a crosslinked core. The ratio of crosslinker to macro‐CTA is crucial to yield nanogels. Furthermore, the polymerization time has an impact in the architecture of the nanomaterial obtained: it evolves from a core‐crosslinked star to a core–shell nanogel. Controlling the molecular weight of the macro‐CTA and the type of comonomer in the core forming step, core–shell nanogels with hydrodynamic diameters from 22 to 168 nm and a core that represents from 35 to 77% of the size, were prepared containing functional groups in the core which could be used as catalytic scaffolds. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012.     

Pressure-driven flow of a rate-type fluid with stress threshold in an infinite channel

In this paper we extend some of our previous works on continua with stress threshold. In particular here we propose a mathematical model for a continuum which behaves as a non-linear upper convected Maxwell fluid if the stress is above a certain threshold and as a Oldroyd-B type fluid if the stress is below such a threshold. We derive the constitutive equations for each phase exploiting the theory of natural configurations (introduced by Rajagopal and co-workers) and the criterion of the maximization of the rate of dissipation. We state the mathematical problem for a one-dimensional flow driven by a constant pressure gradient and study two peculiar cases in which the velocity of the inner part of the fluid is spatially homogeneous.     

A Homeomorphism Invariant for Substitution Tiling Spaces

We derive a homeomorphism invariant for those tiling spaces which are made by rather general substitution rules on polygonal tiles, including those tilings, like the pinwheel, which contain tiles in infinitely many orientations. The invariant is a quotient of ech cohomology, is easily computed directly from the substitution rule, and distinguishes many examples, including most pinwheel-like tiling spaces. We also introduce a module structure on cohomology which is very convenient as well as of intuitive value.     

Preparation of a new chiral non-racemic sulfur-containing diselenide and applications in asymmetric synthesis

The synthesis of the new chiral non-racemic sulfur-containing diselenide, di-2-methoxy-6-[(1S)-1-(methylthio)ethyl]phenyl diselenide, is described. When treated with ammonium persulfate this diselenide is transformed into the corresponding selenenyl sulfate, which acts as a strong electrophilic reagent and adds to alkenes, in the presence of methanol or water, to afford the products of selenomethoxylation or selenohydroxylation, respectively, with excellent diastereoselectivities. Starting from alkenes containing internal nucleophiles, asymmetric cyclofunctionalization reactions also resulted in good chemical yields, complete regioselectivities, and high diastereoselectivities. This sulfur-containing diselenide can also be used in catalytic amounts to promote one-pot selenenylation-deselenenylation processes, from which several types of products can be obtained in high yield and with good enantiomeric excess.