Fiber Preparation from Micronized Oat By-Products: Antioxidant Properties and Interactions between Bioactive Compounds

This study aimed to investigate the possibility of utilizing oat by-products for fiber preparation. Oat husk (OH) and oat bran (OB) were micronized and used to prepare a novel product rich in fiber and with enhanced antioxidant properties. The basic chemical composition and phenolic acid profile were determined in OH and OB. The antioxidant properties of OH and OB were also analyzed. The type and strength of interactions between the biologically active compounds from their mixtures were characterized by an isobolographic analysis. The analyses showed that the sum of phenolic acids was higher in OH than in OB. Ferulic acid was dominant in both OH and OB; however, its content in OH was over sixfold higher than that in OB. The results also suggested that both OH and OB can be used for preparing fiber with enhanced antioxidant properties. The optimal composition of the preparation, with 60–70% of OH and 30–40% of OB, allows for obtaining a product with 60–70% fiber and enhanced antioxidant activity due to bioactive substances and their synergistic effect. The resulting product can be a valuable additive to various food and dietary supplements.     

Modulation of the MOP Receptor (μ Opioid Receptor) by Imidazo[1,2-a]imidazole-5,6-Diones: In Search of the Elucidation of the Mechanism of Action

The μ-opioid receptors belong to the family of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), and their activation triggers a cascade of intracellular relays with the final effect of analgesia. Classical agonists of this receptor, such as morphine, are the main targets in the treatment of both acute and chronic pain. However, the dangerous side effects, such as respiratory depression or addiction, significantly limit their widespread use. The allosteric centers of the receptors exhibit large structural diversity within particular types and even subtypes. Currently, a considerable interest is aroused by the modulation of μ-opioid receptors. The application of such a technique may result in a reduction in the dose or even discontinuation of classical opiates, thus eliminating the side effects typical of this class of drugs. Our aim is to obtain a series of 1-aryl-5,6(1H)dioxo-2,3-dihydroimidazo[1,2-a]imidazole derivatives and provide more information about their activity and selectivity on OP3 (MOP, human mu opioid receptor). The study was based on an observation that some carbonyl derivatives of 1-aryl-2-aminoimidazoline cooperate strongly with morphine or DAMGO in sub-threshold doses, producing similar results to those of normal active doses. To elucidate the possible mechanism of such enhancement, we performed a few in vitro functional tests (involving cAMP and β-arrestin recruitment) and a radioligand binding assay on CHO-K1 cells with the expression of the OP3 receptor. One of the compounds had no orthosteric affinity or intrinsic activity, but inhibited the efficiency of DAMGO. These results allow to conclude that this compound is a negative allosteric modulator (NAM) of the human μ-opioid receptor.     

ChemInform Abstract: Influence of Hydrogen Absorption on Structural and Magnetic Properties of Ce2Ni2In.

Ce₂Ni₂InH_x hydrides with x < 2 retain the Mo₂FeB₂‐type structure of Ce₂Ni₂In and crystallize in the tetragonal space group P4/mbm (powder XRD).     

Reactivity of the >P‐O− nucleophiles toward arylmethyl chloride systems*†

The reactions of sodium dimethyl and diisopropyl phosphite, as well as dibenzylphosphinite with 4‐nitrobenzyl chloride, 9‐chlorofluorene, and diphenylchloromethane were studied in detail by the isolation and identification of all the products, and the examination of the effects of the solvents on the product distribution. The results of the performed experiments are compatible with the proposed mechanism: a >P‐O⁻ anion acts toward an arylmethyl chloride as a base and abstracts a proton to form a carbanion, which can then participate in the SET processes to produce carbon‐centered radicals. Additionally, the >P‐O⁻ reagent can act as a carbon‐centered radical trap if it is present in a high enough concentration. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Heteroatom Chem 10: 431–439, 1999