Tamara Jurina

Biotransformation of macrolide antibiotics using enriched activated sludge culture: Kinetics, transformation routes and ecotoxicological evaluation

The biotransformation of three prominent macrolide antibiotics (azithromycin, clarithromycin and erythromycin) by an activated sludge culture, which was adapted to high concentrations of azithromycin (10 mg/L) was investigated. The study included determination of removal kinetics of the parent compounds, identification of their major biotransformation products (TPs) and assessment of ecotoxicological effects of biotransformation. The chemical analyses were performed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography/quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry, which enabled a tentative identification of TPs formed during the experiments. The ecotoxicological evaluation included two end-points, residual antibiotic activity and toxicity to freshwater algae. The enriched activated sludge culture was capable of degrading all studied macrolide compounds with high removal efficiencies (>99%) of the parent compounds at elevated concentrations (10 mg/L). The elimination of all three macrolide antibiotics was associated with the formation of different TPs, including several novel compounds previously unreported in the literature. Some of the TPs were rather abundant and contributed significantly to the overall mass balance at the end of the biodegradation experiments. Biodegradation of all investigated macrolides was associated with a pronounced reduction of the residual antibiotic activity and algal toxicity, indicating a rather positive ecotoxicological outcome of the biotransformation processes achieved by the enriched sludge culture.

Multi-criteria Decision Analysis: Linear and Non-linear Optimization of Aqueous Herbal Extracts

This chapter is aimed to present the multi-criteria decision analysis: Linear and non-linear optimization of aqueous herbal extracts. Modelling is an indispensable part of food production, from “farm to fork”, where it is used to optimize the initial production of food and feed as well as in the food and feed processing. Different particle sizes of olive leaves were used in extraction of biologically active components using water as a solvent. Experiment conditions varied in mixing times (5, 10, 15 min), heating treatments (40 °C, 60 °C, 80 °C), Revolutions per minute: rpm (250, 500, 750 min−1) and particle sizes (100, 300, 500 μm). Based on the measured bioactive compounds (pH, total dissolved solids, conductivity, dry matter, total polyphenols and the antioxidant capacity by ABTS method, DPPH method and FRAP method). Aim was to develop models to support the optimization of this decision-making process—find the best experiment conditions for extraction of a certain bioactive compound. Two approaches; linear and nonlinear approaches were investigated. Linear optimization is presented with two models: Response Surface Methodology and using linear programing based on the Simplex method while the nonlinear approach is presented by developing membership functions using fuzzy logic approach. Final results showed that, simple or complex, i.e. linear or nonlinear approach(es) in the search for optimal experiment conditions in extraction of bioactive compounds from olive leaves, will lead to an optimal solution, but the engineer will decide which approach is suitable for further application. Linear optimization and application of fuzzy logic resulted with the best possible offer per set limitations. But each approach resulted with other optimal extraction conditions. However, the application of fuzziness allowed the extension of the set of acceptable experiment combinations to achieve the best extraction of a bioactive component.

Integrated approach for bioactive quality evaluation of medicinal plant extracts using HPLC-DAD, spectrophotometric, near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy and chemometric techniques

ABSTRACT To establish a universal analytical tool that could be used as a bioactive quality determination procedure on medicinal plant extracts, a range of spectrophotometric assays, HPLC, near infrared reflectance spectroscopy and chemometric analysis were employed for determination of the bioactive quality of 16 widely spread medicinal plants. Macro-constituents (total carbohydrates, soluble polysaccharides, proteins, amino acids) and secondary plant metabolites (total phenols, flavonoids, hydroxycinnamic acids, flavons, and flavonols) were determined, and HPLC method for the simultaneous determination of phenolic acids and flavonoids was developed, and its linearity, limits of detection and quantification, precision, and accuracy were validated. The evaluated medicinal plant extracts were characterised by a marked protein (marigold – 4.22 g/kg dw), amino acid (marigold – 61.14 g/kg dw), and carbohydrate content (dandelion – 113.5 g/kg dw), while Lamiaceae plants were distinguished as the predominant sources of polyphenolic bioactives (<2.26 g GAE/L). The developed HPLC method enabled separation of 24 polyphenolic compounds within a short analysis time (30 min) and revealed rosmarinic and chicoric acids as the prevalent polyphenolic constituents. NIR spectroscopy coupled with chemometric analysis of all determined analytical parameters indicated the suitability of NIR analysis for amino acids, carbohydrates, and polyphenols determination in medicinal plant extracts.

Properties of medicinal plants related to NIR spectroscopy

The aim of the study on Big Data in Public Health, Telemedicine and Healthcare is to identify applicable examples of the use of Big Data in Health and develop recommenda-tions for their implementation in the European Union. Examples of Big Data in Health were identified by a systematic literature review, after which the added value of twenty selected examples was evaluated. Based on the as-sessment of the added value and the quality of the evidence, ten priority examples were selected. Furthermore, potential policy actions for the implementation of Big Data in Health were identified in the literature, and a SWOT analysis was conducted to check the feasibility of the proposed actions. Based on this analysis, and with the help of renowned experts, the study team developed ten policy recommendations in the field. These recommendations were validated through public consultations at three relevant conferences in Europe and were again reviewed by the Expert Group. The recommendations aim to benefit European citizens and patients in terms of strengthening their health and improving the performance of Member State’s health systems. They should be seen as suggestions for the European Union and its Member States on how to utilise the strengths and exploit the opportunities of Big Data for Public Health without threatening privacy or safety of citizens. Recommendations were developed for ten relevant fields: awareness raising, education and training, data sources, open data and data sharing, applications and purposes, data analysis, governance of data access and use, standards, funding and financial resources, as well as legal aspects and privacy regulation.P molecules found in plants are utilized currently for improving prostate health. The botanicals with the highest recognized profiles are Resveratrol and the isoflavonoids. Prostate health is compromised with aging, especially beginning in the mid-40s, when testosterone levels decline and estrogenic hormonal actions increase along with enhanced expression of the prostatic 5α-reductase enzyme that result in prostate enlargement commonly known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). There is a linear increase in BPH incidence with increasing age in men over 60 years old. Approximately 1 in 5 men with BPH had a clinical event (prostatectomies), within 1 year of initiating treatment for BPH. The symptoms of BPH include nocturia, incomplete emptying, urinary hesitancy, weak stream, frequency and urgency that negatively impact the quality of life. Current pharmaceuticals are somewhat effective, but can have serious side effects. Interest in complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) for BPH has increased during the last two decades. CAM agents include polyphenolic compounds such as Resveratrol and the isoflavonoids. Resveratrol is effective in vitro, but, in vivo administration presents efficacious challenges. Genistein was first thought to be responsible for improved prostate health, however, since the equal hypothesis was proposed in the late1990s, there has been increased focus on this isoflavonoid molecule. This presentation will briefly review Resveratrol and some isoflavonoid molecules where clinical studies have shown improvement of BPH symptoms in men using standardized laboratory biomarkers and survey indexing parameters. Clearly there is an opportunity for an efficacious and cost-effective approach for the treatment of BPH with botanicals.

Local sensitivity analysis and metabolic control analysis of the biological part of the BTEX bioremediation model

Environmental distribution and bioremediation of hydrocarbon pollutants is described in the literature with complex mathematical models. Better understanding and easier model application require detailed model analysis. In this work, local sensitivity analysis of the kinetic parameters and metabolic control analysis of the biological part of the integrated BTEX bioremediation model were performed. Local sensitivity analysis revealed that the dissolved oxygen concentration (SO) and particulate iron (III) oxide concentration (SFe) were the most sensitive to both positive and negative parameter value perturbations. In the case of model reactions, aerobic growth (r1) and aerobic growth on acetate (r13) were observed to be the most sensitive. The elasticity, flux control, and concentration control coefficients were estimated by applying the metabolic control analysis methodology. Metabolic control analysis revealed a positive effect of ammonium on all analysed model reactions. The results also indicated the importance of perturbation of the enzyme level catalysing iron reduction on acetate on model fluxes, as well as the importance of enzyme level catalysing aerobic growth on model metabolite concentration. These results can be used in planning optimal operating strategy for BTEX bioremediation.