Gas Chromatography Coupled To Mass Spectrometry Research Articles

Fundamental Understanding and Quantification of Capacity Losses Involving the Negative Electrode in Sodium-Ion Batteries.

Knowledge about capacity losses related to the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) in sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) is still limited. One major challenge in SIBs is that the solubility of SEI species in liquid electrolytes is comparatively higher than the corresponding species formed in Li-ion batteries. This study sheds new light on the associated capacity losses due to initial SEI formation, SEI dissolution and subsequent SEI reformation, charge leakage via SEI and subsequent SEI growth, and diffusion-controlled sodium trapping in electrode particles. By using a variety of electrochemical cycling protocols, synchrotron-based X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1 H-NMR) spectroscopy, capacity losses due to changes in the SEI layer during different open circuit pause times are investigated in nine different electrolyte solutions. It is shown that the amount of capacity lost depends on the interplay between the electrolyte chemistry and the thickness and stability of the SEI layer. The highest capacity loss is measured in NaPF6 in ethylene carboante mixed with diethylene carbonate electrolyte(i.e., 5 µAhh-1/2 pause or 2.78 mAhg·h-1/2 pause ) while the lowest value is found in NaTFSI in ethylene carbonate mixed with dimethoxyethance electrolyte (i.e., 1.3 µAhh-1/2 pause or 0.72 mAhg·h-1/2 pause ).

In Vitro Evaluation of the Effects of 7-Ketocholesterol and 7β-Hydroxycholesterol on the Peroxisomal Status: Prevention of Peroxisomal Damages and Concept of Pexotherapy.

7-Ketocholesterol and 7β-hydroxycholesterol are most often derived from the autoxidation of cholesterol. Their quantities are often increased in the body fluids and/or diseased organs of patients with age-related diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, Alzheimer's disease, age-related macular degeneration, and sarcopenia which are frequently associated with a rupture of RedOx homeostasis leading to a high oxidative stress contributing to cell and tissue damages. On murine cells from the central nervous system (158N oligodendrocytes, microglial BV-2 cells, and neuronal N2a cells) as well as on C2C12 murine myoblasts, these two oxysterols can induce a mode of cell death which is associated with qualitative, quantitative, and functional modifications of the peroxisome. These changes can be revealed by fluorescence microscopy (apotome, confocal microscopy), transmission electron microscopy, flow cytometry, quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), and gas chromatography-coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Noteworthy, several natural molecules, including ω3 fatty acids, polyphenols, and α-tocopherol, as well as several Mediterranean oils [argan and olive oils, Milk-thistle (Sylibum marianum) and Pistacia lenticus seed oils], have cytoprotective properties and attenuate 7-ketocholesterol- and 7β-hydroxycholesterol-induced peroxisomal modifications. These observations led to the concept of pexotherapy.

Detection of 2-ethyl-1-hexanol and its modulating effect in biofilm of Fusarium oxysporum.

In immunocompetent individuals, Fusarium spp. stands out as the causative agent of onychomycosis, among the non-dermatophyte molds. Despite evidence indicating that Fusarium oxysporum organizes itself in the form of a biofilm causing onychomycosis, there is little literature on the etiopathogenesis of the biofilm on the nail, specifically the signaling molecules present, known as quorum sensing (QS). Thus, this study detected the presence of a molecule related to QS from the exvivo biofilm of F. oxysporum on human nail and investigated its effect on preformed biofilm invitro. The detection and physicochemical characterization of a QS molecule, from the extracellular matrix (ECM), was carried out by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy with an attenuated total reflectance (ATR) accessory and by headspace gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analyses. Determination of viable cells, cell activity, total biomass, ECM components and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were performed to evaluate the influence of the QS molecule on the invitro biofilm of F. oxysporum. The beginning, in the exvivo biofilm of F. oxysporum on human nails, the volatile organic compound 2-ethyl-1-hexanol (2EH) was detected as a component of QS. Thereafter invitro analyses, synthetic 2EH was able to modulate the biofilm by stimulating its filament, increasing total biomass and ECM production in terms of total carbohydrates, but with a reduction in total proteins and nucleic acids. We thus evidence, for the first time, the presence of 2EH in the biofilm of F. oxysporum, developed on the human nail, and the invitro action of this compound as a QS molecule.

Influence of distillation time and distillation apparatus on the chemical composition and quality of Lavandula angustifolia Mill. essential oil

Abstract In the study, the influence of distillation time as well as distillation apparatus on the chemical composition and quality of lavender (Lavandula angustifolia Mill.) essential oil were investigated. Two different types of distillation apparatuses: Deryng (popular in Poland) and Clevenger-type (recommended by European Pharmacopoeia) were used for the isolation of the essential oil from dried lavender flowers (Lavandulae flos). Moreover, different distillation times (2, 3 and 4 hours) were also applied. The chemical composition of the isolated oils, determined by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS), revealed the dominance of linalool (11.55–17.19%) and linalyl acetate (12.84–16.78%) in the all analyzed samples. Other important constituents were: caryophyllene oxide (5.66–7.35%), lavandulyl acetate (4.64–5.40%) and borneol (4.62–5.51%). On the basis of the obtained data it was proved that the distillation time and distillation apparatus affect the amounts of some constituents in the lavender oil.

Chemical composition, mineral profile, anti-bacterial, and wound healing properties of snail slime of Helix aspersa Müller.

Mucus is a substance made by snails that serves a variety of purposes and is increasingly employed in the medical and cosmetic industries. It includes bioactive compounds with a range of biological characteristics that could be useful in the treatment of particular issues. This study assessed the wound-healing efficiency, antibacterial activity, chemical and mineral composition of Helix aspersa Müller slime. Inductively Coupled Argon Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES) was used for mineral analysis, while Gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis was used for chemical characterization. The findings showed that the H. aspersa Müller slime had inhibitory activity on the test samples. Additionally, it revealed significant healing activity. These findings point to the chemical composition and various biological activities of the H. aspersa Müller slime, which may be related to the animal's particular functions and be useful for medical applications. Our findings suggest that the H. aspersa Müller slime has biological effects related to antimicrobial activities and wound healing, and they pave the way for a more thorough investigation of its potential therapeutic effects.

Seasonal variation of essential oil from Murraya koenigii (Rutaceae) and insecticidal potential against Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae)

Murraya koenigii is a plant with exploited pharmacological potential and wide traditional use in Asian culture. This research investigated the chemical composition and seasonal variation of essential oil constituents of M. koenigii cultivated in the city of Goiânia, Goiás, region under climatic influence of the Cerrado domain. The larvicidal potential of these essential oils against Aedes aegypti was investigated. The constituents were evaluated by Gas Chromatography coupled to Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS). Climatological information and phenological conditions were also considered. Samples grouped into chemically similar sets were used in bioassays to investigate larvicidal activity. The results show the essential oil characterized by the majority presence of β-phellandrene, z-caryophyllene, α-pinene, sabinene and isodaucene. The phenological stage had more influence on the chemical composition of the essential oil than climatic factors. All essential oil samples were effective against Ae. aegypti, with no significant change in lethal concentrations.

Physicochemical characterization, antioxidant and antifungal activities of essential oils of Urginea maritima and Allium sativum

Abstract This study aims to contribute to the valorizing of aromatic and medicinal plants of Morocco by studying the antioxidant and antifungal properties of the essential oils (EOs) of Allium sativum (AS) (garlic) and Urginea maritima (Syn. Drimia maritima) tested in vitro. After the hydrodistillation of EOs, we determined their physicochemical indices according to an international standard (Moroccan ISO standard), and the chemical composition of the oils was studied by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Then, the antioxidant properties were determined using the free radical scavenging capacity of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and the ferric-reducing antioxidant power of these oils. The evaluation of the antifungal activity was carried out by the direct contact method against two fungal strains, Fusarium oxysporum and Fusarium equiseti. GC-MS analysis revealed a significant percentage of terpenes in U. maritima EO, with terpinolene (21.82%) and estragole (6.24%) as the main compounds. Biological tests have demonstrated the remarkable antioxidant activities of this EO compared with AS EO, with an IC50 of 1.03 mg/mL and an RP0.5 of 1.60 mg/mL. On the other hand, while A. sativum (garlic) EO showed exceptional antifungal activities, with 100% inhibition and MICs of 0.5 µL/mL for F. equiseti and 2.5 µL/mL for F. oxysporum. Also, regardless of its antioxidant properties being moderate, this EO stands out for its efficacy against fungal infections of the Fusarium genus. In summary, the results suggest that U. maritima EO could be used as a natural source of antioxidants, while garlic EO could be considered a potentially effective treatment against fungal infections caused by Fusarium fungi.

A Combined Gas and Liquid Chromatographic Approach for Quality Evaluation of Saffron-Based Food Supplements.

Considering the interest in the bioactive properties of saffron (Crocus sativus L.), as well as its limited production and high price, saffron-based food supplements (SFS) are highly susceptible to adulteration. However, their complex composition and the wide variety of potential fraudulent practices make the comprehensive assessment of SFS quality a challenging task that has been scarcely addressed. To that aim, a new multianalytical strategy based on gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and liquid chromatography with diode array detection coupled to mass spectrometry (HPLC-DAD-MS) was developed and validated in order to detect different frauds affecting SFS. Dried saffron stigmas and a commercial standardized saffron extract (affron®) were selected as reference samples (RS) to obtain an authenticity profile, which was further used to evaluate the quality of 17 SFS. Up to 17 crocins and crocetins, 5 kaempferol glycosides, picrocrocin (determined for the first time by GC-MS), safranal, furanone and isophorone-related compounds were determined in RS. Safranal and crocins were identified in all SFS except for one sample. However, discrepancies with the content declared were detected in 65% of the cases. Moreover, this multianalytical methodology also allowed identifying undeclared additives and the non-declared addition of vegetable sources other than saffron.

Metabolomics and frailty: a "from bench to bedside" approach to atrial fibrillation in older patients

Abstract Background Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained arrhythmia diagnosed at an advanced age. The most important complications of AF are stroke, heart failure and dementia. The pathophysiology of the arrhythmia is complex and multifaceted and several aspects are still not completely understood. Purpose Our project aimed at exploring the molecular characteristics of AF in older patients using an untargeted metabolomics approach, an analytical technique that provides an insight of the global metabolic profile at an individual level. As secondary endpoints, we evaluated the association between metabolomics and acylcarnitines, which are mediators of myocyte electrical instability, and difference in metabolomics profile between healthy controls (C) and AF patients (AF-P). Method We evaluated 50 consecutive older AF-P with persistent AF, waiting to be treated with elective electrical cardioversion of the arrhythmia, and 22 healthy controls (C). In all patients, the cardiological evaluation was integrated with tools of the Geriatric Multidimensional Assessment (GMA) to describe neurocognitive function (Mini-Mental State Examination, MMSE), depressive symptoms (15-item Geriatric Depression Scale, GDS), and physical performance (Short Physical Performance Battery, SPPB). Interleukin-6 (IL-6), a marker of low-grade inflammation, was measured with ELISA assays. Metabolomics analysis and acylcarnitine measurements were carried out using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Results AF-P and C did not differ by age (76 ± 6 vs. 70 ± 14 years, p = 0.055); patients had a lower proportion of women (AF-P: 32% vs. C: 64%, p = 0.012). Cluster analysis applied to metabolomic data in all population identified two subset of subjects, characterized by a different body mass index (BMI; 23.57 vs. 32.53 Kg/m², p = 0.046). When studying only the AF-P group, the simultaneous presence of a higher CHA2DS2-VASc score (4.17 ± 1.32 vs. 2.88 ± 1.83, p = 0.007), a lower physical function (SPPB; 8.97± 2.22 vs. 10.75 ± 1.13, p = 0.009), and higher IL-6 levels (4.42 vs. 2.39 pg/mL, p = 0.002) described the cluster with a worse clinical phenotype and a specific metabolomics pattern. Furthermore, an association between IL-6 and medium- long-chain acylcarnitines emerged (acylcarnitine 12:1, β = 31.7 ± 9.4, R = 0.446, p = 0.001). Conclusions Present analysis demonstrated that a specific metabolomics profile was characteristic of older AF patients with a frail phenotype, identified by higher CHA2DS2-VASc score and IL-6 concentration, and lower physical performance. Future studies are needed to reveal the single molecular pathways responsible of these behaviour, potentially useful to guide a targeted therapy. Last, inflammation per se could contribute to electrical instability in AF, while body mass index, a surrogate measure of undernutrition, could identify different metabolic pathways in controls and in patients with the arrhythmia.Metabolomics by clinical phenotypes

Preparation and Properties of Phenolic Epoxy Modified Silicone Resin

Phenolic epoxy resin (F51) was first reacted with silane coupling agent (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (KH550) to form a silanized phenolic epoxy resin (SPER); then the SPER was copolymerized with methylphenyl silicone resin (MPS) to synthesize phenolic epoxy modified silicone copolymer (PEMSC). The chemical structure of the PEMSC was characterized by FT-IR. The results of tensile strength and shear strength measurements indicated that the successful introduction of F51 significantly improved the mechanical and adhesive properties of the PEMSC; compared with the PEMSC with 10 phr of F51 added, the tensile strength and shear strength of the PEMSC with 40 phr increased by 8.5 and 3.5 times respectively. The TGA and DTGA analysis showed that the initial thermal decomposition temperature and the residual weight of PEMSC at 800 °C decreased compared to MPS, but the temperature corresponding to the maximum thermal decomposition rate in the second stage increased. Qualitative analysis was conducted on the decomposition products of PEMSC using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The results showed that the relative content of aromatic hydrocarbons and their derivatives in the decomposition products of PEMSC was 64.11%, and the relative content of cyclic trimers and higher cyclomers was 20.41%.

Nano-Fertilization of Phosphorous and Potassium, Spraying Sepehr 4 Nano-Fertilizer and Carbon Nanotubes on some Qualitative Traits and Active Substances in the Grains of Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

The study aimed to investigate the response of rice crop (Oryza satival L.), local variety Anbar 33, to nano-phosphorus and nano-potassium, spraying with carbon nanotubes and synthetic nano fertilizer Sepehr 4 (K+Fe+Zn+Mn). Some indicators of rice grains traits were used to evaluate the response. The field experiment was conducted in Al-Taliaah district 41-Al-Husseiniyah in the southern pater of Babylon Governorate - Iraq. The experiment was carried out according to the Randomized Complete Blocks Design (RCBD), and the treatments were randomly distributed according to a straightforward one-way experiment. Phosphorus nano fertilizer at two levels 0 and 10 kg ha-1 and potassium nano fertilizer at two levels 0 and 10 kg ha-1, and the treatments of nanomaterials of carbon nanotubes 50 mg L-1 and Sepehr 4 fertilizer (K+Fe)+Zn+Mn, 2.5 ml L-1 it was sprayed on the shoots of plants. The applications were conducted four times of nanomaterials with combinations of foliar sprays and ground additives to the soil, so that the number of treatments is sixteen, with three repetitions. The results of the gas chromatograph coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) presented that the treatment of N-K + (CNT) + Nano(K + Fe + Zn + Mn) potassium nano fertilizer, carbon nanotubes spraying and Sepehr 4 fertilizer K + Fe + Zn + Mn resulted in the highest percentage of the saturated fatty acid content of rice grains 2.16% and volatile oils 6.82%. The treatment of N-(P+K)+N-(K+Fe+Zn+Mn) phosphorus and potassium nano fertilizer and Sepehr 4 fertilizer resulted in the highest value in the content of palmitic acid, 26.41% in rice grains. The treatment of N-(P+K)+(CNT) +N-(IIII) phosphorus and potassium nano fertilizer and spraying carbon nanotubes fertilizer and Sepehr 4 fertilizer resulted in the highest content of rice grains of unsaturated oleic acid, 3.95%. N-K+ (CNT) Potassium nano fertilizer and carbon nanotube fertilizer spraying resulted in the highest value of rice grains’ unsaturated linoleic acid content, 6.94%.

Antifungal and toxicological evaluation of the alkaloids fraction from Neltuma nigra leaves

The use of synthetic fungicides for control soybean crop diseases has been cuestionated because of its impacts on human health and the environment. This work evaluated the composition, antifungal activity and toxicity of the alkaloids fraction obtained from Neltuma nigra leaves and compared its effect with the fungicide difenoconazole on Sclerotium rolfsii, Cercospora kikuchii, and C. sojina. Alkaloids fraction was extracted from leaves of N. nigra and its composition was analyzed by gas-chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The antifungal effect was recorded by measuring diameters of halos of inhibition of the growth of the different evaluated fungis. The toxicity of the alkaloids fraction was carried out using the method of Caenorhabditis elegans toxicity test. The extracted alkaloids fraction contained the alkaloids tryptamine (63.9%), tetrahydroxyharman (13.8%), phenethylamine (11.1%), cassine (10.4%), and N-formylphenylethylamine (0.8%). The alkaloids fraction was as effective against S. rolfsii as on the Cercospora strains, with minimum inhibitory doses of 25.0 μg disc-1 and inhibitory halos in the range of 8.5-13.0 mm, while difenoconazole had no effect on S. rolfsii. The toxicity of the alkaloid fraction (30.4-68.8 mg L-1) and difenoconazole (0.1-2.8 mg L-1) was tested on the reproduction, body length, and fertility of C. elegans. The fraction reduced the reproductive rate by 28.8-72.4% whereas difenoconazole did it from 12.2% to complete suppression. Neither of them affected the fertility of C. elegans. These findings suggest that the alkaloids fraction of N. nigra leaves is less toxic than difenoconazole and is a promising botanical fungicide against pathogenic soybean fungi.

Deciphering Electrolyte Degradation in Sodium-Based Batteries: The Role of Conductive Salt Source, Additives, and Storage Condition

This work investigates the stability of electrolyte systems used in sodium-ion-based batteries. The electrolytes consist of a 1:1 (v:v) mixture of ethylene carbonate (EC) and propylene carbonate (PC), a sodium-conducting salt (either NaPF6 or NaTFSI), and fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC), respectively, sodium difluoro(oxalato) borate (NaDFOB), as additives. Through systematic evaluation using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS), we analyze the formation of degradation products under different conditions including variations in temperature, vial material, and the presence or absence of sodium metal. Our results reveal the significant influence of the conductive salt’s source on degradation. Furthermore, we observe that FEC’s stability is affected by the storage temperature, vial material, and presence of sodium metal, suggesting its active involvement in the degradation process. Additionally, our results highlight the role of NaDFOB as an additive in mitigating degradation. The study provides crucial insights into the complex network of degradation reactions occurring within the electrolyte, thus informing strategies for improved electrolyte systems in sodium-based batteries. Since the production, material selection and storage of electrolytes are often insufficiently described, we provide here an insight into the different behavior of electrolytes for Na-ion batteries.

Essential oil compositions and antioxidant activity of the fresh leaves of <i>Talinum triangulare</i> (Jacq.) Willd from Nigeria

Essential oils from the fresh leaves of Talinum triangulare (100 g) growing along Ijesha road, Ago Iwoye, Ijebu north local government area of Ogun State, Nigeria were obtained by hydrodisitllation in an all-glass clevenger type apparatus and the chemical constituents determined by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The antioxidant activity of the essential oils was tested with 1,1 diphenyl 2 picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). The yield of the essential oils was 0.060% (v/w). A total of thirteen constituents representing 100% of the essential oil were identified from the GC-MS analysis. The major components of T. triangular eessential oil were γ-terpinene (26.34%), dlimonene (16.08%), β-pinene (13.91%), β-bisabolol (12.62%), cyclotrisiloxane hexamethyl (8.18%) and caryophyllene (5.65%). Monoterpenes (61.30%), sesquiterpenoids (14.14%), sesquiterpenes (11.72%) and organosilicon (12.84%) were the classes of compounds identified from the essential oil. The leaves essential oil of T. triangulare displayed potent antioxidant activity with percentage inhibition values of 51.886, 54.209, 58.447, 62.137 and 66.648 at varying concentrations. T.triangulare exhibited the highest inhibition (66.648) at concentration of 0.5 mg/mL as against the standard of 70.36 at similar concentration which also makes it a good antioxidant agent.

Chemical composition and antibacterial effects of Etlingera elatior (Jack) R.M. Smith against Staphylococcus aureus efflux pumps

Multidrug resistance is a significant health problem worldwide, with increasing mortality rates, especially in the last few years. In this context, a consistent effort has been made to discover new antibacterial agents, and evidence points to natural products as the most promising source of bioactive compounds. This research aimed to characterize the antibacterial effect of the essential oil of Etlingera elatior (EOEE) and its major constituents against efflux pump-carrying Staphylococcus aureus strains. The essential oil was extracted from fresh inflorescences by hydrodistillation. Chemical analysis was performed using gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and gas chromatography equipped with a flame ionization detector (GC-FID). The strains RN-4220, 1199B, IS-58, and 1199 of S. aureus were used to evaluate the antibacterial activity and the inhibition of efflux pumps. A total of 23 compounds were identified, including dodecanal and 1-dodecanol as major compounds. EOEE and dodecanal showed weak activity against the strains, while 1-dodecanol inhibited bacterial growth at low concentrations, indicating strong antibacterial activity. In addition, this compound potentiated the activity of norfloxacin against S. aureus 1199. In conclusion, 1-dodecanol was identified as the most effective compound of EOEE, showing significant potential to be used in antibacterial drug development.

Migration Studies and Endocrine Disrupting Activities: Chemical Safety of Cosmetic Plastic Packaging.

The endocrine activity and endocrine disruptor (ED) chemical profiles of eleven plastic packaging materials covering five major polymer types (3PET, 1HDPE, 4LDPE, 2 PP, and 1SAN) were investigated using in vitro cell-based reporter-gene assays and a non-targeted chemical analysis using gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS). To mimic cosmetic contact, six simulants (acidic, alkaline, neutral water, ethanol 30%, glycerin, and paraffin) were used in migration assays performed by filling the packaging with simulant. After 1 month at 50 °C, simulants were concentrated by Solid Phase Extraction (SPE) or Liquid-Liquid Extraction (LLE). The migration profiles of seven major endocrine disrupting chemicals detected from GC-MS in the different materials and simulants were compared with Estrogen Receptor (ER) and Androgen Receptor (AR) activities. With low extraction of ED chemicals in aqueous simulants, no endocrine activities were recorded in the leachates. Paraffin was shown to be the most extracting simulant of antiandrogenic chemicals, while glycerin has estrogenic activities. Overall, ED chemical migration in paraffin was correlated with hormonal activity. The NIAS 2,4-di-tert-butyl phenol and 7,9-di-tert-butyl1-oxaspiro (4,5) deca-6,9-diene-2,8-dione were two major ED chemicals present in all polymers (principally in PP and PE) and in the highest quantity in paraffin simulant. The use of glycerin and liquid paraffin as cosmetic product simulants was demonstrated to be relevant and complementary for the safety assessment of released compounds with endocrine activities in this integrated strategy combining bioassays and analytical chemistry approaches.

The protective combined effect of chitosan and essential oil coatings on cheese and cured meat against the oviposition of Piophila casei

This study investigated the effect of chitosan (CHT) incorporated with essential oils (EOs) from three plants: Laurus nobilis L. (bay leaf), Piper nigrum L. (black pepper), and Cinnamomum verum J. Presl (cinnamon) on fresh foods. A panel of expert sensory analysts selected the best EO olfactory profile to be used with cheese and cured meat. The components of EOs were studied by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Bay leaf EO was mainly rich in 1,8-cineole (28.1%), while black pepper was mainly characterized by β-caryophyllene (45.7%) and cinnamon was dominated by (E)-cinnamaldehyde (85.5%). The food samples were divided into four groups and subjected to the following treatments: control, chitosan (CHT), EO, and CHT + EO at different concentrations to determine their influence on the oviposition behavior of Piophila casei over time. Under those conditions, the best concentration of EO to be used to control the P. casei oviposition was assessed. The samples coated with CHT + EOs showed the highest efficacy in controlling the oviposition behavior of P. casei as the treatment was able to decrease the oviposition percentage from 40 to 80% (control) to 5–10%. The EOs of bay leaf (1%) and black pepper (0.5%) were pinpointed as the best choices because they totally controlled the oviposition. Besides, the panelists accepted their sensory profile, overall pleasantness, and hedonic index with the highest scores. Therefore, the use of a CHT mixed with EOs was the most effective solution to repel P. casei without negatively affecting the organoleptic qualities of the treated foods.

Synergy between amikacin and Protium heptaphyllum essential oil against polymyxin resistance Klebsiella pneumoniae.

We investigated the chemical composition and the in vitro and in vivo antibacterial effects of Protium heptaphyllum essential oil (PHEO) alone and in combination with antibiotics against polymyxin-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates. Hydrodistillation was used to obtain PHEO, and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry revealed α-pinene, δ-3-carene, and β-pinene as major components present in PHEO. Minimum inhibitory concentration was determined using the broth microdilution technique and ranged from 256 to 512µg ml-1. The checkerboard method showed synergy with the combination of PHEO and amikacin (AMK) against the polymyxin-resistant K. pneumoniae isolates. In 8 of the 10 isolates tested, the fractional inhibitory concentration indexes (FICIs) ranged from 0.06 to 0.5, while in the remaining two isolates, the combination exerted an additive effect (FICI of 0.6 and 1.0), resulting in AMK dose reduce of range 2- to 16-fold, in the presence of PHEO. Analysis using zero interaction potency revealed high synergy score (63.9). In the in vivo assay, the survival of Caenorhabditis elegans was significantly improved in the presence of PHEO (1µg ml-1) + AMK (µg ml-1) combination as compared to 32µg ml-1 AMK alone. Furthermore, PHEO concentrations of 256 and 512µg ml-1 were found to be non-toxic on the experimental model. To our knowledge, this is the first report of such type of synergism demonstrating an antimicrobial effect against polymyxin-resistant K. pneumoniae isolates.

A Comparative GC/MS Analysis of Citrus Essential Oils: Unveiling the Potential Benefits of Herb-Drug Interactions in Preventing Paracetamol-Induced Hepatotoxicity.

Our study aimed to test the potential of Citrus oils in protecting against paracetamol (PAR)-induced hepatotoxicity. The essential oils of Pineapple sweet orange (OO), Murcott mandarin (MO), Red grapefruit (GO), and Oval kumquat (KO) were investigated using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Twenty-seven compounds were identified, with monoterpene hydrocarbons being abundant class. d-Limonene had the highest percentage (92.98 %, 92.82 %, 89.75 %, and 94.46 % in OO, MO, GO, and KO, respectively). Hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) and principal components analysis (PCA) revealed that octanal, linalool, germacrene D, and d-limonene were the principal discriminatory metabolites that segregated the samples into three distinct clusters. In vitro antioxidant capacities were ranged from 1.2-12.27, 1.79-5.91, and 235.05-585.28 μM Trolox eq/mg oil for 2,2'-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic (ABTS), ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC), respectively. In vivo, citrus oils exhibited a significant reduction in alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and nitric oxide (NO). Additionally, there was an increase in glutathione reductase (GSH), and the liver architecture was nearly normal. Molecular docking revealed that d-limonene exhibited a good inhibitory interaction with cytochrome P450 (CYP450) isoforms 1A2, 3A4, and 2E1, with binding energies of -6.17, -4.51, and -5.61 kcal/mol, respectively.

Analysis of ortho-phthalates and other plasticizers in select organic and conventional foods in the United States.

ortho-phthalates and other plasticizers impart flexibility to plastics in food production, processing, and packaging; food consumption is a dominant plasticizer exposure pathway. Lower molecular weight ortho-phthalates are being replaced in plastic products due to toxicity concerns, but toxic hazards of and exposures to replacementortho-phthalates and other plasticizers are poorly understood. We measured 12 ortho-phthalates and 9 other plasticizers in conventional and organic U.S. food products to assess magnitude and profiles of contamination. We measured plasticizers in 34 vegetable oils, 10 milks, 18 infant formulas, and 9 cheese powders from macaroni kits using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). We analyzed plastic packaging composition using FTIR spectroscopy. We detected eight ortho-phthalates and three alternatives ((1,2-cyclohexane dicarboxylic acid diisononyl ester (DINCH), diethylhexyl terephthalate (DEHT), and diisobutyl adipate (DIBA). Diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) was measured in all 71 products. DEHT had the highest concentration of any plasticizer (>10,000 ng/g in three oils). Oils had the highest total plasticizer (median = 770 ng/g, max = 14,900 ng/g) and milk the lowest (median = 88 ng/g, max = 120 ng/g). Organic milk and refined oils had higher median plasticizer levels than conventional. Refined oils had significantly lower concentrations than unrefined oils. Maximum contributors for every category were non-ortho-phthalates: DEHT (powdered infant formula and oils) and DIBA (cheese powder, milk and liquid formula). Plasticizers were not detected in packaging except epoxidized soybean oil in liquid formula lids. Human exposure to plasticizers is a significant public health concern. Nevertheless, sources of such exposures are poorly characterized. This study adds valuable information for estimating legacy and alternative plasticizer exposures from foods. The method developed for measuring DINCH, DINP and DIDP broadens the range of plasticizers other researchers may analyze in future work. The profiles of plasticizer contamination varied depending on the food type. We also document that food processing may be a source of plasticizer contamination in foods.