Gas Chromatography-mass Spectrometry Research Articles

Rhanterium Epapposum Essential Oil and Its Primary Compounds Control Infection, Inflammation, and Serum Electrolyte Imbalance in Mice with Giardiasis.

The present experimental study seeks to evaluate the in vitro and in vivo effects, as well as the potential mechanisms of action, of Rhanterium epapposum essential oil (REE) and its main constituents against Giardia lamblia infection. The analysis of REE was performed using the Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) detector. The in vitro effects of REE and its main constituents on viability of G. lamblia cysts and the human intestinal epithelial cell line, as well as their effects on plasma membrane permeability, the reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and trophozoite adherence were assessed by MTT assay. Effects of oral administration of REE and its main constituents at doses 10 and 20mg/kg on the number of Giardia cysts, the serum level of electrolytes of sodium (Na+) and potassium (K+), as well as the gene expression of inflammatory genes of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-10, NF-κB p65, and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)) were assessed. The 50% inhibitory concentrations (IC50) value of REE, MC, CP, LN and MTZ against G. lamblia cysts was 26.7, 32.1, 35.3, 45.1, and 42.1µg/mL, respectively; indicated that REE, MC, and CP displayed high antigiardial effects in comparison with MTZ. The obtained 50% cytotoxic concentration (CC50) value of REE, MC, CP, LN, and MTZ on HIEC-6 cells was 279.1, 363.4, 394.2, 478.3, and 422.1µg/mL, respectively. REE and its main compounds significantly (p < 0.001) increased the plasma membrane permeability and ROS generation in Giardia trophozoites, while, reduced the Giardia trophozoites adherence. In vivo, REE, MC, CP, and LN mainly at the dose of 20mg/kg considerably reduced the number and viability of Giardia cysts, modulated the serum level of electrolytes Na and K in the infected mice compared with the mice treated with MTZ (P < 0.01); whereas inhibited the inflammation cytokines in the infected mice compared with the mice treated with MTZ (p < 0.001). The current investigation showed that R. epapposum essential oil and its main compounds controlled the Giardia infection in mice by inhibiting inflammation, and serum electrolyte imbalance. After confirmation in further studies, these compounds may be considered for development as a novel therapeutic option for the treatment of giardiasis.

Chemical Composition and Anti-sickling Activity of the Essential Oil From the Leaves of Lantana Montevidensis (Spreng.) Briq (Verbenaceae) Growing Wild in the Western Region of Democratic Republic of Congo.

Lantana montevidensis (Spreng.) Briq. is a shrub native to South American countries. In Congolese traditional medicine, its leaves are used as herbal tea or in steam inhalation therapy for the treatment of respiratory disorders. The goal of this study was to determine the chemical composition and the anti-sickling activity of the essential oil obtained from the leaves of this species growing wild in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Previous studies on the chemical composition of this species essential oil showed that it is mainly rich in sesquiterpene hydrocarbons such as (E)-caryophyllene, germacrene-D, (Z)-caryophyllene, valencene, bicyclogermacrene, (E)-nerolidol, β-selinene, sabinene, γ-terpinene, and β-elemene in different ratios. The gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of our oil revealed that it is rather rich in monoterpenes, with geranial (24.13%), neral (17.73%), limonene (8.27%), γ-terpinene (2.81%), p-cymene (2.36%), geraniol (2.33%), nerol (1.52%), citronellol (1.37%), linalool (1.24), and carvone (1.20%) as major constituents. Germacrene D (4.21%), α-elemol (3.53%), and β-caryophyllene (1.08%) were the only main sesquiterpenes detected, besides 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one (3.51%). The Emmel test performed on this essential oil displayed a strong anti-sickling activity at the concentration of 625µg/mL.

Carbon residue from co-pyrolysis of cartons and plastics: Characteristics, environmental behaviors and applications.

The continuously growing of municipal solid waste (MSW) has posed a threat to human-being. Pyrolysis is a promising technique for MSW disposal, as it can reduce its volume and produce valuable products as well. This study evaluated the potential of carbon residue (CR) derived from waste carton as soil amendment. Additionally, considering the waste plastics, such as plastic bags, plastic tape, etc., can mix with carton in MSW, the effect of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) addition on the characteristics of CR and its environmental behavior was measured. Results showed that the CR derived from carton exhibited notable efficacy in adsorbing Cd2+ (56.111mg/g), pesticides and PO43- (0.231mmol/g), thereby mitigating pollutants and immobilizing nutrient in soil environment. The introduction of PVC was found to enhance the adsorption of CR for Cd2+ (65.623mg/g) and PO43- (0.524mmol/g), albeit exhibiting diminished performance in the removal of pesticides. Different from previous studies, this study revealed that the dissolved black carbon (DBC) released from CRs did not generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) effectively under solar irradiation, and the light screening of DBC can mitigate the photodegradation of pollutants. Furthermore, both CRs increased bacterial luminescence by approximately 70%, which indicated that no toxicity produced during the pyrolysis process. And gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) revealed the absence of polyaromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) in CRs. In summary, this study may provide some new insights on the disposal of MSW, and the CR made by MSW could be effective in soil amendment and reduce the leaching of pollutants and nutrient.

Study on exhaled volatile organic compounds identifying cognitive fatigue induced by N-back task in healthy young adults.

Cognitive fatigue in specific occupations may present a risk to personal safety. The study aimed to explore the characteristic volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in exhaled breath in response to cognitive fatigue, to provide a scientific basis for the non-invasive exhaled breath diagnostic techniques for cognitive fatigue assessing. Thirty healthy young adults were recruited and assigned to complete two 1.5-hour cognitive fatigue-inducing trials of the N-back task and one control trial of low emotion film watching of the same duration time. The Chalder Fatigue Scale was employed to assess the cognitive fatigue of the subjects before and after the induction and film watching. Exhaled VOCs were collected and detected using a Bio-VOC sampler and Thermal Desorption Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy method. The differences in exhaled VOCs between the pre- and post-induction and film watching was evaluated using either the paired t-test or the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. It was found that the scale scores of the task group (n = 50) significantly increased after the induction, whereas no such findings were observed in the control group (n = 10), indicating that the cognitive fatigue state of the task group was effectively induced through the performance of the N-back task. A total of 15 VOCs were identified in the exhaled breath samples of the task group. And only the level of isoprene changed significantly from 339.77 ± 162.21 μg/m³ to 604.18 ± 230.75 μg/m³ with the induction of cognitive fatigue. In contrast, the change of isoprene in the control group was not statistically significant. The study demonstrated that after inducing cognitive fatigue by N-back task in healthy young subjects, isoprene levels in exhaled breath increased significantly. It suggests that isoprene could be considered a characteristic volatile organic compound in exhaled breath associated with cognitive fatigue.

Rapid and Simple Dispersive Liquid-Liquid Microextraction (DLLME) Sample Preparation for Propofol Analysis in Hair, Blood, and Urine by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry.

Propofol is a widely used anesthetic. Although considered safe, propofol-related deaths occur, as it is sometimes abused recreationally or used to commit suicide. A simple, rapid, and reliable method for its analysis in various biological samples is needed. Sample clean-up is a critical step in the analysis, both in terms of time and cost, indeed. Dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (DLLME) is a simple and fast extraction based on ternary solvent mixtures that uses small volumes of solvent and sample. A DLLME extraction followed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis was developed and validated for the analysis of propofol in blood, urine, and hair. The same extraction mixture of 2.5:1 methanol/chloroform was used for the different biological samples. Validation for linearity, LOD, LOQ, precision, accuracy, and recovery gave satisfactory results for the three types of biological samples included in the study, with limits of quantification of 1 μg/mL for urine, 0.2 μg/mL for blood, and 0.1 ng/mg for hair. The DLLME procedure for purification involves a small amount of solvent, thus reducing the cost and the environmental impact. In addition, a high enrichment factor is obtained, and the time for analysis is short. The method was applied to authentic post-mortem samples for the determination of propofol in blood, urine, and hair. Also, segmental hair analysis was performed to assess chronic propofol abuse. The developed method proved to be rapid, simple, and cost-effective for blood, urine, and hair extract clean-up for the determination of propofol by GC/MS.

Periodontitis Exacerbates Colorectal Cancer by Altering Gut Microbiota-Derived Metabolomics in Mice.

The correlation between periodontitis and colorectal cancer (CRC) has drawn widespread attention. However, how periodontitis affects CRC progression remains unclear. C57BL/6 mice were used to establish experimental periodontitis and CRC model. Histological alterations of periodontium and colon were observed by hematoxylin and eosin staining. Micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) was applied to evaluate alveolar bone loss (ABL). Tumor growth was detected by immunofluorescence. Gut bacteria were analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was performed to observe the alterations of gut microbial metabolites. The detection of associated pathways was carried out using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Experimental periodontitis significantly induced increases in tumor number in mice with CRC. Double immunofluorescence for Ki67 and β-catenin, as well as Cyclin D1 and β-catenin, indicated that experimental periodontitis observably promoted tumor growth. 16S rRNA sequencing and untargeted metabolomics analysis displayed that experimental periodontitis altered gut microbial community and metabolite profiles in CRC mice. Notably, we found that experimental periodontitis dramatically increased the level of three oncometabolites (serotonin, adenosine, and spermine) in mice with CRC. Alterations of gut microbial community and metabolites might be relevant in experimental periodontitis deteriorating CRC.

Phytochemical analysis and investigation of the anti-inflammatory and anticancerous activity of Walsura robusta leaf volatile compounds

Walsura robusta Roxb., a member of the Annonaceae family, has long been used to treat various illnesses. For the first time, W. robusta volatile compounds (WRVCs) were extracted from leaves and identified using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The anti-inflammatory and anticancer of WRVCs were evaluated in vitro and in silico. As a result, the main components of WRVCs were bicyclogermacrene (25.8%), β-caryophyllene (13.4%), α-humulene (8.6%), and β-elemene (8.5%). WRVCs inhibited nitric oxide production moderately (23.75±1.7% at 20 μg/mL) but effectively inhibited the proliferation of various cancer cells with IC50 values ranging from 52.09±2.40 to 56.45±2.14 μg/mL. WRVCs (25 μg/mL) significantly reduced the migration of cancer cells with the percentage of wound closure only 12.77±3.79% (p < 0.05). Additionally, the main compounds in WRVCs bound tightly to VEGFR2 with free energy levels of -71.7 to -88.68 kcal/mol. These findings indicated that WRVCs could have a promising anticancer effect via targeting metastasis.

Identification of Components of the Sex Pheromone of the kōwhai Moth, Uresiphita Polygonalis Maorialis, a New Zealand Native Crambid

The identification of sex pheromones in native New Zealand moths has been limited, largely due to their minimal pest impact on agricultural ecosystems. The kōwhai moth, Uresiphita polygonalis maorialis, a native crambid, is known for its herbivory on Sophora spp. and Lupinus arboreus leaves. Understanding the chemical ecology of this species is essential for studying its behavior, population dynamics, and ecological interactions. In this study, the female sex pheromone of U. polygonalis maorialis was analyzed using coupled gas chromatography-electroantennogram detection (GC-EAD). This approach identified four antennally active compounds in the female gland extracts. Subsequent gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and chemical derivatization revealed these compounds to be tetradecyl acetate (14:Ac), (E)-11-tetradecenyl acetate (E11-14:Ac), (Z)-11-tetradecenyl acetate (Z11-14:Ac), and (Z)-11-hexadecenyl acetate (Z11-16:Ac). Field trapping experiments evaluated various combinations of these four EAD-active compounds and (E)-11-hexadecenyl acetate (E11-16:Ac). Results indicated that traps baited with blends containing E11-14:Ac, Z11-14:Ac, and Z11-16:Ac captured significantly more males compared to unbaited delta traps. A blend ratio of 144:84:72 µg (E11-14:Ac: Z11-14:Ac: Z11-16:Ac) proved the most effective, capturing the highest number of males. Male captures were recorded from late November to late February, peaking in late December, suggesting a univoltine population in Canterbury. Among the three tested doses, the 300 µg and 1000 µg doses of the three-component blend were the most effective. The identification of the sex pheromone components of U. polygonalis maorialis provides a valuable tool for monitoring this species, contributing to a deeper understanding of its population densities and distribution within its native range. It also offers insights into the evolutionary development of pheromone communication within the genus, shedding light on species divergence and adaptation.

Elucidating the Biological Potential and DNA Protective Activities of Astragalus tokatensis Fisch: GC-MS and LC-HRMS-based Characterization and Molecular Docking Studies.

Astragalus tokatensis is a local endemic species and no study exists on this species. In this study, hexane, dichloromethane, methanol and water extracts were obtained from the parts of root, leaf and flower of A. tokatensis. The phytochemical analyses of hexane and methanol extracts were identified and characterized using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS), respectively, for the first time. The total 11 fatty acid and 8 flavonoid derivatives was detected in GC-MS and LC-HRMS analyses, respectively. Total antioxidant levels (TAL) and total oxidant levels (TOL) values of extracts were investigated. TAL and TOL values were given as mM Trolox equiv./L. and μM H2O2 equiv./L, respectively. The α-amylase enzyme activity of all extracts was examined, and it was found that the extracts had no significant effect on the α-amylase activity. Also, the DNA protective activities of the leaf and flower extracts were determined by using gel electrophoresis method and it was seen that all flower extracts had high DNA protective activity. Moreover, Docking assays showed that the limited interactions of sinapinic acid and salicylic acid, the most abundant in the methanol extracts, with α-amylase, supported the weak inhibitory effects observed experimentally in the methanol extracts.

Degradation rates and ageing effects of UV on tyre and road wear particles.

Tyre and road wear particles (TRWPs) are estimated to be the largest source of microplastics in the environment and due to the intrinsic use of tyres in our society this will continue to grow. Understanding their degradation mechanisms and subsequent accumulation over time is important to gain insights into the fate and impact of these particles in the environment. Accelerated UV-ageing was performed on cryomilled tyre tread particles and TRWPs from a road simulator to investigate the abiotic degradation of rubber. Degradation was followed with thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) that led to an average abiotic degradation rate of 0.025 day-1 when corrected for the acceleration factor. Static light scattering (SLS) showed that during degradation, the average particle size reduced by 0.03μm day-1 and smaller particles <10μm were formed. Further characterisation with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX) confirmed these findings and showed that the sulphur content is reduced through UV-ageing suggesting that crosslinking breakage may be a mechanism of degradation. Analysis with gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC-MS) showed a substantial decrease in chemical additives by UV-induced oxidation and breakdown. Finally, with measurements in the field TRWP particle sizes and accumulation times were studied, confirming the experimentally determined degradation mechanisms.

Effect of H2O2 induced oxidative stress on volatile organic compounds in differentiated 3T3-L1 cells

Oxidative stress (OS) refers to the disruption in the balance between free radical generation and antioxidant defenses, leading to potential tissue damage. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) can interact with biological components, triggering processes like protein oxidation, lipid peroxidation, or DNA damage, resulting in the generation of several volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Recently, VOCs provided new insight into cellular metabolism and can serve as potential biomarkers. The objective is to investigate the impact of OS on cell metabolism by analyzing the release or alterations of VOCs in the headspace of differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes. An OS model in differentiated 3T3-L1 cell lines was constructed using hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) treatment. The effect of OS on cell metabolism was analyzed by detecting VOCs in the headspace of the cells using solid phase micro extraction (SPME) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GCMS). Our findings indicate that H2O2 concentrations exceeding 300 µM induce significant OS, leading to adipocyte apoptosis, as evidenced by various assays. Of the twenty VOCs identified, ten were upregulated in the cells. VOCs such as diphenyl ether, 1,3,5-trioxane, 5-methyl tridecane, 2-ethyl-1-hexanol, and 2,4-di-tert-butyl phenol emerged as potential biomarkers for OS. This study demonstrates that elevated OS alters VOC profiles in differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes, providing insights into the effects of OS on adipose tissue and identifying potential OS biomarkers.

Dynamic photosynthetic labeling and carbon-positional mass spectrometry monitor in vivo Rubisco carbon assimilation rates.

RIBULOSE-1,5-BISPHOSPHATE CARBOXYLASE/OXYGENASE (RUBISCO) is the most abundant enzyme and CO2 bio-sequestration system on Earth. Its in vivo activity is usually determined by 14CO2 incorporation into 3-phosphoglycerate (3PGA). However, the radiometric analysis of 3PGA does not distinguish carbon positions. Hence, RUBISCO activity that fixes carbon into the 1-C position of 3PGA and Calvin-Benson-Bassham (CBB) cycle activities that redistribute carbon into its 2-C and 3-C positions are not resolved. This study aims to develop technology that differentiates between these activities. In source fragmentation of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) enables paired isotopologue distribution analyses of fragmented substructures and the complete metabolite structure. GC-MS measurements after dynamic photosynthetic 13CO2 labelling allowed quantification of the 13C fractional enrichment (E13C) and molar carbon assimilation rates (A13C) at carbon position 1-C of 3PGA by combining E13C from carbon positions 2,3-C2 and 1,2,3-C3 with quantification of 3PGA concentrations. We validated the procedure using two GC-time of flight (TOF)-MS instruments, operated at nominal or high mass resolution, and tested the expected 3PGA positional labelling by in vivo glycolysis of positional labelled glucose isotopomers. Mutant analysis of the highly divergent GLYCERALDEHYDE-3-PHOSPHATE DEHYDROGENASEs (GAPDH1 and 2) from Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 revealed full inactivation of the CBB cycle with maintained RUBISCO activity in Δgapdh2 and a CBB cycle modulating role of GAPDH1 under fluctuating CO2 supply. RUBISCO activity in the CBB-deficient Δgapdh2 can re-assimilate CO2 released by catabolic pathways. We suggest that RUBISCO activity in Synechocystis can scavenge carbon lost through the pentose phosphate pathway or other cellular decarboxylation reactions.

Assessment of volatile compounds variability among two Commiphora species using gas chromatography coupled with chemometric analysis and their biological activities

ABSTRACT Commiphora wightii is an important medicinal plant often widely used in ayurvedic medicines. However, the chemical constituents of the essential oil (EOs) obtained from C. agallocha were not well explored. Therefore, the present study aims to get an extreme understanding of the comparative volatile composition of different accessions of two important Commiphora species, namely C. wightii and C. agallocha, using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), followed by multivariate principal component analysis and partial least squares discriminant analysis-based chemometric analysis. A total of 129 diverse volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were identified in EOs of both Commiphora species, and the concentration of VOCs varied significantly from species to species as well as from accession to accession. In C. wightii EO, 80 compounds were identified, containing sesquiterpenes followed by diterpenes, whereas 49 compounds were identified in C. agallocha EO with high sesquiterpene levels. The GC-MS and chemometric analyses distinguished C. wightii and C. agallocha species based on their qualitative and quantitative variations in terpenoid contents. Both EOs exhibited promising antioxidant activity to the positive standard butylated hydroxyl toluene. The EOs of the Commiphora species exhibited antimicrobial activities in disc diffusion and biofilm assays against two bacterial and one fungal strain; however, C. wightii EO displayed a strong inhibitory effect against Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans compared to other EOs. In this study, we first reported the comprehensive profiling of terpenoid content of C. wightii and C. agallocha stems along with their antibiofilm activity against two pathogenic bacterial strains and one fungal strain in a comparative manner. Based on the comparative antimicrobial assay between two Commiphora species, the EO of C. wightii showed good biofilm inhibition potential against Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans compared with EO of C. agallocha. Based on the current results, the two Commiphora species may be promising ingredients for applications in the pharmaceutical industry.

Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles from macroalgae Hormophysa triquetra and investigation of its antibacterial activity and mechanism against pathogenic bacteria

In this study, brown macroalgae Hormophysta triquetra (HT) collected from the Qatari coast is used to biosynthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from its aqueous (AQ), chloroform: methanol (MCF), and ethanolic extracts (ET). The NPs are characterized using Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Gas chromatography/Mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The NPs were evaluated for their antibacterial activities by disc-diffusion method and their minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) were assessed. The NPs synthesized through biological process exhibited significant antibacterial efficacy against Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas stutzeri, and Pseudomonas fragi for all the three NPs. AQ-AgNP and ET-AgNP showed higher zones of inhibition for P. fragi with inhibitory zones of 22.5 mm and 25 mm respectively. On the other hand, MCF-AgNP showed a higher zone of inhibition for E. coli with an inhibition zone of 23.5 mm. The NPs inhibited the growth of bacterial strains by deforming their structure and forming pits. The results revealed that macroalgae HT could be used as a potential candidate to produce AgNPs and have efficient antibacterial activities against both types of bacteria i.e., Gram-positive (B. subtilis and S. aureus) and Gram-negative (E. coli, P. stutzeri, and P. fragi).

Antiplasmodial Activity of a New Chemotype of Croton sylvaticus Hochst. Ex C. Krauss Essential Oil.

Croton sylvaticus, a tropical African plant, is traditionally used to treat several diseases, including fever, inflammation, and malaria. Essential oils (EOs) from the plant's leaves, roots, and trunk bark were obtained by hydrodistillation, and their chemical composition was analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The major constituents identified were virdiflorene (18.13 ± 0.46%) in root EO, (E)-β-caryophyllene (18.40 ± 0.60%) in trunk bark EO, and farnesyl acetone (15.26 ± 0.25%) in leaf EO. Notably, Cameroonian C. sylvaticus leaf EO exhibited a distinct and newly described chemotype with high levels of farnesyl acetone, β-copaene-4-α-ol, β-cadinene, α-humulene, and trans-longipinocarveol. In vitro testing revealed significant antiplasmodial activity against Plasmodium falciparum asexual (Pf3D7) and sexual (NF-54 strain) stages, with trunk bark EO showing the highest potency (IC50: 9.06 ± 2.15 µg/mL for Pf3D7 and 0.56 µg/mL for gametocytes). These findings support the traditional antimalarial use of C. sylvaticus and represent the first chemical profile and antiplasmodial efficacy report for its root and trunk bark EOs against both parasite stages. To the best of our knowledge, we also report for the first time the antiplasmodial activity of an EO that exerts significant activity against both the asexual and sexual forms of P. falciparum.

Subchronic Exposure to Low-Dose Chlorfenapyr and Emamectin Benzoate Disrupts Kidney Metabolism in Rats.

Residues of the pesticides chlorfenapyr (CFP) and emamectin benzoate (EMB) often coexist in the environment and can be accumulated in the body. To understand the impact of these two chemicals on health, we investigated their effect on the kidneys. In this study, rats were treated with CFP and/or EMB at low/medium/high doses of 1/3/9 mg/kg/day and 0.2/0.6/1.8 mg/kg/day, respectively, via oral gavage for 60 days. Kidneys and serum samples were collected and serum biochemistry and kidney histopathological changes were analyzed and examined. Kidney metabolome alterations were analyzed by using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The results showed that combined exposure to CFP and EMB elevated BUN levels and induced pathological damage, which presented as thinner renal tubular epithelial cells, an abnormal glomerular morphology, and an increased fibrotic area. CFP and/or EMB disrupted glutathione metabolism and carbohydrate metabolism, resulting in the alteration of kidney metabolomes and inducing oxidative stress in the cells of kidney tissues. In addition, CFP decreased ATP content and inhibited pyruvate PDH activity in the kidneys. These findings suggest that long-term exposure to CFP and EMB at environmentally relevant levels induce alterations in the renal metabolome, oxidative stress, and an insufficient energy supply, which may contribute to renal histopathological damage.

Fabrication of oat β-glucan-starch composite systems by sequential extraction as batters for deep-fried mushrooms to prevent oil penetration.

Deep-fat frying (DF) of mushrooms is favored by consumers due to its appealing sensory characteristics. However, their high oil absorption can lead to obesity and elevated cholesterol levels. Therefore, developing healthy food coatings as oil barriers and water-holding layers is essential. In this study, oat starch (OS), oat β-glucan (OBG), and OS-OBG composite systems were prepared and evaluated for their effects on the processing characteristics and oil-repellent capacity of DF mushrooms. Results from 13C solid-state NMR and microstructures demonstrated that incorporating OBG into OS restricted the expansion of OS and reduced moisture migration, thereby forming continuous layers with enhanced cohesive strength. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) further confirmed that OS-OBG decreased oil uptake, improved the nutritional quality and desirable aroma typically associated with fried mushrooms. This study offers scientific and economic guidance for the large-scale production of low-fat fried foods using oat starch-β-glucan system as coatings.

Collection of optimizations for untargeted metabolomics analysis of Leishmania promastigotes using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.

There is no consensus in the literature regarding the ideal protocol for obtaining and preparing cell samples for untargeted metabolomics. Nevertheless, the procedures must be carefully evaluated for proper and reliable results for each organism under study. This work proposes a novel protocol for determining intracellular metabolites in Leishmania promastigotes and is fully optimized for application in conjunction with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry platforms. Sample harvesting consisted of stopping metabolic activity by placing the parasite cells in a dry ice bath and removing extracellular interferants with two wash steps using cold PBS. The extraction is carried out with 1.0x108 promastigotes per sample using a mixture of cold 1:1 methanol:water and ultrasound mixing (1min at 30% power). Dried extracts were derivatized by oximation (at room temperature for 90min), followed by silylation (at 40°C for 30min). The method developed here can cover a wide range of the Leishmania parasite metabolome, including amino acids and derivatives, organic and fatty acids, carbohydrates and derivatives, and steroids.

Urinary odor molecules in the Otassha Study can distinguish patients with sarcopenia: A pilot study.

To identify sarcopenia markers in urinary odor. We performed solid-phase microextraction from the headspaceand gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of urinary volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in 71 healthy individuals and 68 patients diagnosed with sarcopenia according to the Asian Working Group on Sarcopenia 2019 criteria. The mass-to-charge ratios (m/z) of 10 VOCs with a significant difference in the total ion chromatogram of 220 VOCs detected in this study were compared by U-test. To calculate the predictive values for sarcopenia, binomial logistic regression analyses were conducted with sarcopenia (0, 1) as the dependent variable and the m/z values of each of the 10 VOCs and all 10 VOCs as independent variables. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves for predictive values were generated to evaluate diagnostic accuracy. The correlations between the predictive value and handgrip strength, usual gait speed, and skeletal muscle mass were assessed using Pearson's r. We identified 10 VOCs (p-xylene, 1-butanol, d-limonene, nonanal, pyrrole, γ-butyrolactone, texanol isomer, octanoic acid, nonanoic acid, and diisobutyl phthalate) as candidate biomarkers in urine. The ROC curve analysis showed high diagnostic accuracy of the predictive values of the 10 VOCs for sarcopenia (area under the curve = 0.866, 95% confidence interval: 0.829-0.942; sensitivity, 80.9%; specificity, 81.7%). Additionally, the predictive values significantly correlated with handgrip strength (male: r = -0.505, P < 0.0001; female: r = -0.568, P < 0.0001). This study identified 10 urinary VOCs as possible non-invasive biomarkers for sarcopenia, offering insights into its onset mechanism and potential therapeutic targets. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2025; ••: ••-••.

Comprehensive Qualitative Drug Screening in Emergency Toxicology Using an Automated LC-MSn System:Simultaneous Quantification of Relevant Drugs and Metabolites in Blood Plasma.

Rapid and comprehensive qualitative and quantitative analytical procedures are crucial in 24/7 emergency toxicology (ET) to support diagnosis and treatment of acute intoxications and to monitor their progression and efficacy of detoxification strategies. This study aimed to develop the simultaneous qualitative and quantitative analysis of 62 drugs, as well as seven active metabolites in human blood plasma using an automated liquid chromatography (LC)-linear ion trap mass spectrometry (MS) screening system. Sample preparation was conducted by liquid-liquid extraction, and plasma concentrations were determined using an electronically stored 5-point calibration. Validation was performed according to international guidelines and recommendations for ET including selectivity, carry-over, accuracy, precision, and matrix effects. Finally, applicability was evaluated using case samples and proficiency tests. The method demonstrated selectivity for all analytes, with no significant carry-over or matrix effects. Accuracy and precision recommended for ET could be fulfilled for all tested analytes, except for 10 analytes. Patient plasma samples were analyzed and compared with results obtained by reference LC-tandem MS or gas chromatography-MS methods. Furthermore, the applicability of the method could be demonstrated. It provides a fast, robust, and reliable blood plasma screening for 69 analytes and an additional quantification of 59 analytes relevant in ET. The use of an electronically stored 5-point calibration and a simplified "push and print solution" allows for straightforward assessment of blood plasma levels of the analytes.