Exposure to hexavalent chromium Cr(VI) may occur in several occupational activities, placing workers in many industries at risk for potential related health outcomes. Untargeted metabolomics was applied to investigate changes in metabolic pathways in response to Cr(VI) exposure. We obtained our data from a study population of 220 male workers with exposure to Cr(VI) and 102 male controls from Belgium, Finland, Poland, Portugal and the Netherlands within the HBM4EU Chromates Study. Urinary metabolite profiles were determined using liquid chromatography mass spectrometry, and differences between post-shift exposed workers and controls were analyzed using principal component analysis. Based on the first two principal components, we observed clustering by industrial chromate application, such as welding, chrome plating, and surface treatment, distinct from controls and not explained by smoking status or alcohol use. The changes in the abundancy of excreted metabolites observed in workers reflect fatty acid and monoamine neurotransmitter metabolism, oxidative modifications of amino acid residues, the excessive formation of abnormal amino acid metabolites and changes in steroid and thyrotropin-releasing hormones. The observed responses could also have resulted from work-related factors other than Cr(VI). Further targeted metabolomics studies are needed to better understand the observed modifications and further explore the suitability of urinary metabolites as early indicators of adverse effects associated with exposure to Cr(VI).

Exposure to various forms of arsenic (As), the source of which may be environmental as well as occupational exposure, is associated with many adverse health effects. Therefore, methods to reduce the adverse effects of As on the human body are being sought. Research in this area focuses, among other topics, on the dietary compounds that are involved in the metabolism of this element. Therefore, the aim of this review was to analyze the influence of methionine, betaine, choline, folic acid, vitamin B₂, B₆, B₁₂ and zinc on the efficiency of inorganic As (iAs) metabolism and the reduction in the severity of the whole spectrum of disorders related to As exposure. In this review, which included 62 original papers (human studies) we present the current knowledge in the area. In human studies, these compounds (methionine, choline, folic acid, vitamin B₂, B₆, B₁₂ and zinc) may increase iAs metabolism and reduce toxicity, whereas their deficiency may impair iAs metabolism and increase As toxicity. Taking into account the results of studies conducted in populations exposed to As, it is reasonable to carry out prophylactic activities. In particular nutritional education seems to be important and should be focused on informing people that an adequate intake of those dietary compounds potentially has a modulating effect on iAs metabolism, thus, reducing its adverse effects on the body.

Population and laboratory studies indicate that exposure to various forms of arsenic (As) is associated with many adverse health effects; therefore, methods are being sought out to reduce them. Numerous studies focus on the effects of nutrients on inorganic As (iAs) metabolism and toxicity, mainly in animal models. Therefore, the aim of this review was to analyze the influence of methionine, betaine, choline, folic acid, vitamin B₂, B₆, B₁₂ and zinc on the efficiency of iAs metabolism and the reduction of the severity of the whole spectrum of disorders related to iAs exposure. In this review, which includes 58 (in vivo and in vitro studies) original papers, we present the current knowledge in the area. In vitro and in vivo animal studies showed that methionine, choline, folic acid, vitamin B₂, B₁₂ and zinc reduced the adverse effects of exposure to iAs in the gastrointestinal, urinary, lymphatic, circulatory, nervous, and reproductive systems. On the other hand, it was observed that these compounds (methionine, choline, folic acid, vitamin B₂, B₁₂ and zinc) may increase iAs metabolism and reduce toxicity, whereas their deficiency or excess may impair iAs metabolism and increase iAs toxicity. Promising results of in vivo and in vitro on animal model studies show the possibility of using these nutrients in populations particularly exposed to As.

The chemical profile of coffee depends on numerous factors, the complexity of which makes it difficult to clearly assess their influence. The aim of this study was to comprehensively evaluate the impact of selected coffee brewing methods (Espresso, Simple Infusion, French Press, V60), taking into account the coffee species (Arabica, Robusta, Blends), the degree of roasting (light, medium, dark) and the geographical origin (single-origin and multi-origin) on the chemical composition of the brew. Eighteen different types of coffee, which differ in the aforementioned characteristics, were analyzed. The caffeine content (using high-performance liquid chromatography), the total phenolic content (TPC; using a spectrophotometric method), and selected minerals (calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, sodium, phosphorus, zinc; using Inductively Coupled Plasma–Optical Emission Spectrometry) were analyzed. The analysis showed that both the brewing method and the species had a significant influence on the chemical profile of the resulting brews, while the degree of roasting and the origin showed no significant influence. The Espresso method showed the highest caffeine, TPC, potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus content, the V60 method—calcium, iron, and sodium, and the French Press and Simple Infusion methods showed intermediate values. Robusta coffee contained more caffeine and TPC, Arabica contained more magnesium, and Blend showed medium values for both species. The results obtained may have practical implications for both consumers and the coffee industry, supporting informed decision-making and the refinement of brewing methods.

Coffee is one of the most widely consumed beverages in the world due to its sensory and health benefits. The caffeine content, a bioactive compound of coffee, depends on many factors, including the brewing method, which is the subject of ongoing scientific research. In addition, various methods are used in studies to determine the caffeine content. However, it is worth noting that there is considerable variation in the individual analytical parameters within these methods. The aim of this study was to update the data on the effects of different brewing methods on the caffeine content of the brew and to present the current state of knowledge on techniques for the determination of this compound. A literature review was conducted, taking into account the latest studies in this field. The results showed that the caffeine content (mg/100 mL) of the brew prepared with the Cold Brew method was 48.50–179.95, Espresso—50.40–965.60, French Press—52.00–123.90, AeroPress—56.35–120.92, and Moka—128.00–539.90. These methods were characterized by different brewing parameters (time, water temperature and pressure, ratio of coffee to water), which differentiated the caffeine content. In addition, some methods were characterized by a wide range of caffeine content, suggesting that even minor variations in brewing method parameters may affect the content of this ingredient. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was the predominant method used. The detector wavelengths, along with other parameters of the HPLC method, such as gradient profiles and column temperatures, can affect the precision and accuracy of the analysis, and these differences can modify analyte retention and detection, leading to discrepancies in results. These results point to the need for studies that consider various brewing methods and a wide range of coffee types, including roast and origin, to accurately determine the effects of these factors on caffeine content determined by one precise method.

Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus L.) is a plant with high yield potential. Biostimulants can increase the quality and quantity of the raw material obtained. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the application of four biostimulants on the relationship between plant...