scholarly journals Biography of biophenols: past, present and future

2013 ◽  
Vol 3 (6) ◽  
pp. 230 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hassan K. Obied

Background: The term “biophenols” was first coined by Romeo and Uccella in 1996 to denote bioactive phenols in olives replacing the more common and less chemically accurate term “polyphenols”. “Biophenols” has started gaining popularity beyond olive chemistry and currently used by researchers to refer to plant phenols in general. Biophenols constitute the largest group of secondary plant metabolites with ubiquitous presence in plants and wide spectrum of biological activities. During the last three decades, biophenols have seized scientific attention, lured industry and attracted consumers’ interest due to their antioxidative potential in preservation of food and maintaining human health. For the first time, a definition for “biophenols” has been proposed to present a more precise and comprehensive umbrella term to encompass all phenolic compounds of botanical origin. In this article, the author is tracing the landmarks of the history of biophenol research; profiling contemporary research directions; highlighting research controversies and uncertainties; and presenting an outlook of the biophenols future research. Keywords: polyphenols, chemistry, pharmacology, biological activities, antioxidant

Zygote ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 10-16 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Zapata-Martínez ◽  
G. Sánchez-Toranzo ◽  
F. Chaín ◽  
C.A.N. Catalán ◽  
M.I. Bühler

SummarySesquiterpene lactones (STLs) are a large and structurally diverse group of plant metabolites generally found in the Asteraceae family. STLs exhibit a wide spectrum of biological activities and it is generally accepted that their major mechanism of action is the alkylation of the thiol groups of biological molecules. The guaianolides is one of various groups of STLs. Anti-tumour and anti-migraine effects, an allergenic agent, an inhibitor of smooth muscle cells and of meristematic cell proliferation are only a few of the most commonly reported activities of STLs. In amphibians, fully grown ovarian oocytes are arrested at the beginning of meiosis I. Under stimulus with progesterone, this meiotic arrest is released and meiosis progresses to metaphase II, a process known as oocyte maturation. There are previous records of the inhibitory effect of dehydroleucodin (DhL), a guaianolide lactone, on the progression of meiosis. It has been also shown that DhL and its 11,13-dihydroderivative (2H-DhL; a mixture of epimers at C-11) act as blockers of the resumption of meiosis in fully grown ovarian oocytes from the amphibian Rhinella arenarum (formerly classified as Bufo arenarum). The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of four closely related guaianolides, i.e., DhL, achillin, desacetoxymatricarin and estafietin as possible inhibitors of meiosis in oocytes of amphibians in vitro and discuss some structure–activity relationships. It was found that the inhibitory effect on meiosis resumption is greater when the lactone has two potentially reactive centres, either a α,β–α′,β′-diunsaturated cyclopentanone moiety or an epoxide group plus an exo-methylene-γ-lactone function.


2017 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 332-343 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karolina A. Wojtunik-Kulesza ◽  
Katarzyna Targowska-Duda ◽  
Katarzyna Klimek ◽  
Grażyna Ginalska ◽  
Krzysztof Jóźwiak ◽  
...  

AbstractAlzheimer’s disease (AD) is by far the most prevalent of all known forms of dementia. Despite wide-spread research, the main causes of emergence and development of AD have not been fully recognized. Natural, low-molecular, lipophilic terpenoids constitute an interesting group of secondary plant metabolites, that exert biological activities of possible use in the prevention and treatment of AD. In order to identify secondary metabolites possessing both antioxidant activity and the potential to increase the level of acetylcholine, selected terpenoids have been screened for possible acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity by use of two methods, namely Marston (chromatographic assay) and Ellman (spectrophotometric assay). In order to describe the interaction between terpenes and AChE active gorge, molecular docking simulations were performed. Additionally, all analyzed terpenes were also evaluated for their cytotoxic properties against two normal cell lines using MTT assay. The obtained results show that: carvone (6), pulegone (8) and γ-terpinene (7) possess desirable AChE inhibitory activity. MTT assay revealed low or lack of cytotoxicity of these metabolites. Thus, among the investigated terpenes, carvone (6), pulegone (8) and y-terpinene (7) can be recognized as compounds with most promising activities in the development of multi-target directed ligands.


Author(s):  
Maria Northcote

The field of online learning, like many other technological innovations, has not burgeoned without controversy. Despite the debates about the role and value of online learning, it has continued to grow in many sectors, especially in higher education. Alongside the growth of online learning, discussions about its benefits and limitations have also flourished, and many studies have investigated the quality and integrity of online courses. This chapter offers an investigation of some of the history of online learning, concluding with a collection of practical recommendations and suggestions for future research directions to guide institutions embarking on online learning programs.


Author(s):  
Steven Walczak

Artificial intelligence is the science of creating intelligent machines. Human intelligence is comprised of numerous pieces of knowledge as well as processes for utilizing this knowledge to solve problems. Artificial intelligence seeks to emulate and surpass human intelligence in problem solving. Current research tends to be focused within narrow, well-defined domains, but new research is looking to expand this to create global intelligence. This chapter seeks to define the various fields that comprise artificial intelligence and look at the history of AI and suggest future research directions.


Author(s):  
Nikolaos Karipidis ◽  
Jim Prentzas

Wiki technology has become very popular during the last years and is used in many fields. It enables the collaborative creation and management of content retaining the history of changes. There is abundant wiki-based content on the web covering a large number of subjects. A significant contribution of wikis involves education. Under certain conditions, technology may enhance the learning process due to the unique features it encompasses. In this context, wikis may prove very helpful as they provide the infrastructure for collaborative learning approaches and the development of online learning communities. This chapter discusses main features of wikis, wiki features specifically required in education, and typical uses of wikis in education. Representative examples of successful wikis are presented. Future research directions are also outlined.


2020 ◽  
pp. 322-330
Author(s):  
Allison Margaret Bigelow

This chapter reviews the major methodological and theoretical approaches used in Mining Language, at once concluding the book and gesturing toward future research directions in the fields of history of colonial science and technology and Indigenous Studies. Specifically, it reflects on the relationship between history and literary studies within these intersecting fields. By reflecting on what colonial archives say and do not say, the conclusion argues for the importance of research ethics and methods that confront, acknowledge, and respond to historical silences.


Molecules ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (22) ◽  
pp. 5267
Author(s):  
Karolina A. Wojtunik-Kulesza

Terpenes, wide-spread secondary plant metabolites, constitute important parts of many natural compounds that hold various biological activities, including antioxidant, calming, antiviral, and analgesic activities. Due to their high volatility and low solubility in water, studies of compounds based on terpenes are difficult, and methodologies must be adjusted to their specific characteristics. Considering the significant influence of iron ions on dementia development, the activity of terpenes in reducing Fe3+ represents an important area to be determined. Previously obtained results were unreliable because ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) methodology was not adjusted regarding studying terpenes. Taking this fact into account, the aim of this study was to optimize the method for monoterpene assessment. The study included three modifications, namely, (1) slightly adjusting the entire FRAP procedure, (2) replacing methanol with other solvents (heptane, butanone, or ethyl acetate), and (3) adding Tween 20. Additionally, a thin layer chromatography (TLC) -FRAP assay was performed. The obtained results revealed significant improvement in the reduction activity of selected terpenes (linalool, α-phellandrene, and α-terpinene) in studies with Tween 20, whereas replacing methanol with other solvents did not show the expected effects.


Planta Medica ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 84 (09/10) ◽  
pp. 627-637 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rosa Tundis ◽  
Monica Loizzo

AbstractThe genus Santolina is a taxonomically complex group of plant species widely distributed in the Mediterranean flora and used in traditional medicine since ancient times for their biological properties, including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, digestive, and analgesic activities. Phytochemical investigations of Santolina species have revealed the presence of terpenoids as the main bioactive constituents of the genus. Coumarins and flavonoids were also identified. This review deals, for the first time, with information on the traditional uses, chemical profile, and biological properties of plants of the genus Santolina in order to provide input for future research prospects.


2020 ◽  
pp. 152483802091561
Author(s):  
Kristen N. Vitek ◽  
Elizabeth A. Yeater

The consequences of sexual violence are substantial and include both intra- and interpersonal problems. Notably, sexual violence has been associated with difficulties in interpersonal relationships including intimate relationships. While there have been prior reviews considering various interpersonal and dyadic consequences associated with sexual violence, there has not been a comprehensive review considering the various aspects of adult dyadic functioning including intimacy, relationship conflict, and satisfaction satisfaction among both child and adult victims of sexual violence. The databases PsycINFO and PubMed were searched for terms related to sexual victimization (e.g., sexual assault, sexual victimization, sexual abuse, rape, revictimization), terms related to relationships (e.g., romantic relationship, intimate relationship), and terms related to relationship functioning (e.g., satisfaction, relationship quality, conflict, communication, intimacy, sexual functioning). Eligible studies for this review were required to (1) be an original study, (2) be written in English, (3) identify a sample or subsample consisting of women reporting a history of sexual violence in either childhood or adulthood, and (4) measure at least one of the following relationship areas: intimacy, relationship conflict, or relationship satisfaction in heterosexual adult romantic relationships. A total of 20 articles met inclusion criteria and were included in this review. Results demonstrated mixed findings on the association between sexual violence and relationship functioning, with some studies demonstrating an association between sexual violence and relationship functioning, and others failing to find such associations. These findings are discussed within the context of gaps in the extant literature and future research directions.


2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 252-259 ◽  
Author(s):  
Camilla J. Knight

It is widely accepted that parents are a pivotal part of young people’s sporting journey, and over the last 4 decades there has been a substantial growth in research pertaining to youth sport parenting. The aim of this paper is to review the status of the literature pertaining to parenting in youth sport and suggest areas for future work. Specifically, the author provides a very brief history of sport parenting research before turning attention to the 3 areas of study that are currently attracting the majority of researchers’ attention: the influence of parental involvement in youth sport, factors affecting parental involvement in youth sport, and strategies to promote high-quality parental involvement. Future research directions pertaining to the sport parenting questions that are asked, the populations that are sampled, and the interventions that are developed and evaluated are subsequently provided. Finally, the paper concludes with some considerations for best practice in sport clubs and organizations that seek to foster more adaptive youth sport parenting.


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