Gas Chromatography Research Articles

Pharmaceutical effluent degradation using hydrogen peroxide-supported zerovalent iron nanoparticles catalyst

Pharmaceutical effluents generated during drugs production and application are often times released into the water systems with little or no treatment, which could pose potential danger to the ecosystem. Advanced oxidation processes for organic pollutants treatment have gained wide consideration due to their effectiveness. In this work, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and hydrogen peroxide-supported nano zerovalent iron (H2O2@nZVIs) were deployed to study pharmaceutical effluents (PE) degradation via batch experiments, under various reaction time, (H2O2) and (H2O2@nZVIs) concentrations, pH, PE concentration, and temperature. The nZVIs was prepared from the green synthesis of Vernonia amygdalina leaf extract and characterized using different analytical tools such as Fourier Transform-Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), Gas Chromatography Mass Spectroscopy (GC-MS), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and X-Ray Diffraction Spectroscopy (XRD). The FT-IR results showed the presence of -C = O, -NH, -OH, -C = C and, -C-O functional groups, SEM report showed that the morphology of the nZVIs is round in shape, while GC-MS revealed the presence of several phytochemicals. When the concentration of the effluent was increased from 10 to 30 ml, the percentage decolourization decreased from 74.74 to 51.96% and from 80.36 to 54.38% for H2O2 and H2O2@nZVI respectively, whereas when the contact time was increased from 10 to 60 min, the percentage decolourization rose from 70.39 to 83.49% for H2O2 and from 85.19 to 89.73% when H2O2@nZVI was used. When the effect of pH was assessed, it was observed that on increasing the pH from 2 to 10, the percentage decolourization rose from 74.5 to 80.25% for H2O2, however, with H2O2@nZVI, the percentage decolourization decreased from 81.50 to 68%. Maximum percentage decolourization of 57.10% and 94.56% for H2O2 and H2O2@nZVI was achieved at catalyst volume of 25 ml. For all the parameters tested, the H2O2@nZVIs performed much better indicating that the nZVIs enhanced the decolourization ability of the H2O2. The kinetic results showed that the decolorization of pharmaceutical effluent by both catalysts fitted very well with the second-order model, while thermodynamic properties of enthalpy change were found to be 10.025 and 27.005 kJ/mol/K for H2O2 and H2O2@nZVIs respectively suggesting that the oxidation process is endothermic in nature. This technique employed in using hydrogen peroxide-supported zero valent iron, proved to be highly efficient not only for pharmaceutical effluent degradation but also in the elimination of lead from the effluent.

Extraction, Characterization, and Encapsulation of Cinnamon Hydrosol Obtained via Microwave-Assisted Hydrodistillation: Analysis of Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities

Microwave-assisted hydrodistillation (MAHD) method was employed to extract cinnamon oil and hydrosol (a byproduct). The total polyphenol content (TPC) of the cinnamon hydrosol (CH) was determined using the Folin-Ciocalteu method, and its antioxidant power was assessed through the DPPH radical reduction method. Gas chromatography was utilized to quantify the main bioactive compound (cinnamaldehyde). The disc agar diffusion method was applied to evaluate the inhibition of pathogenic microorganisms. To protect the bioactive compound, an encapsulation method involving cross-linking with calcium alginate was utilized. The capsules were examined using environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM). The TPC content was found to be 15.63 ± 0.21 mg gallic acid/g dry matter, and the DPPH radical inhibition rate was 84.26 ± 1.35%. CH exhibited a significant inhibitory effect against Escherichia coli, and a moderate inhibition effect against Shigella flexneri, Salmonella spp., Salmonella typhimurium, and Escherichia coli EPEC. Finally, successful encapsulation of CH was achieved using sodium alginate, resulting in bead sizes ranging between 1.75 and 2.75 mm.

Effect of integrated pest management practices on the occurrence of pesticide residue in okra cultivated by farmers in Kwara state.

Integrated pest management (IPM) is a sustainable approach for minimizing the negative impacts of pests on crops while reducing reliance on synthetic pesticides. This study was conducted in Kwara State Nigeria in 2023, to investigate the effects of implementation of IPM practices on the occurrence of pesticide residues in okra cultivated by the farmers in Kwara State, Nigeria, and identify the factors affecting the use of IPM practices for pest control in okra production. A sample of 245 okra farmers was selected across 4 agricultural zones of Kwara State using a multistage sampling technique. Additionally, okra samples were collected from the farmers of each community of the local government areas. The data collected from the farmers were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics including frequency count, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and Pearson product moment correlation (PPMC). The collected okra samples were taken to the laboratory for pesticide residue extraction and analysis was performed using gas chromatography (GC)-mass spectrometer (MS). The results showed that most okra producers in Kwara State were smallholder farmers who, despite practicing IPM, had limited knowledge of the technology. Some pesticide residues were detected in okra, out of which two were present in quantities above the maximum residue limit, while others were below the maximum residue limit. Therefore, this study recommends that the government should improve extension services in the State by providing adequate funds and training extension agents who can provide comprehensive training to farmers on the types and application of IPM as an eco-friendly technology for preventing pesticide residue in okra.

Antioxidant property and structural characteristics of exopolysaccharides derived from Lactiplantibacillus plantarum VAL6

The novel exopolysaccharides (EPS) derived from Lactiplantibacillus plantarum VAL6, a species of lactic acid bacteria isolated from fermented vegetable samples in Vietnam, show promising potential as a natural alternative to commercial additives. Among the six isolates, L. plantarum VAL6 exhibited remarkable EPS production, reaching 5.72 g/L, surpassing other isolated strains. The characteristics of the EPS extracted from L. plantarum VAL6 were determined through Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) analysis and Gas Chromatography with Flame-Ionization Detection. The monosaccharide composition of the EPS was found to contain mannose, glucose, rhamnose, and galactose in molar ratios of 71.98: 23.41: 2.54: 2.07. NMR analysis revealed the presence of both alpha and beta configurations of sugar residues in the EPS structure. In vitro antioxidant activity testing demonstrated that the EPS exhibited significant antioxidant properties, with 2,2-Diphenyl-1-(2,4,6-trinitrophenyl) hydrazyl free radical scavenging capacity of 14.07 µmol TE/g and a total antioxidant capacity of 8.00 (mg AAE/g). The simultaneous presence of both alpha and beta configurations, combined with the high mannose content in the molecular structure of the EPS produced by L. plantarum VAL6, may be the key factors governing their observed antioxidant properties. These findings collectively indicate that the EPS produced by L. plantarum VAL6, as a natural compound, holds great potential for development as a natural antioxidant or functional additive in the food industry.

Study of the Feasibility of Extracting Babassu Seed Oil by Extraction in an Ultrasonic Bath Using Organic Solvents

Introduction: Orbignia speciosa or phalerata (babassu) is an oilseed plant of great economic importance. The structure of the babassu fruit is similar to that of a coconut, and is composed of four parts: epicarp, mesocarp, endocarp and the seed, which contains approximately 60% oil, where lauric acid predominates in its composition, which is mainly responsible for the antiviral, antifungal and bactericidal activities of babassu oil. Babassu oil is a vegetable oil widely used in the food industry, and it also has wide application in the cosmetic, pharmaceutical and chemical industries. The objective of this work will be to use organic solvents in the extraction of oil from the babassu seed by the ultrasonic bath method with hexane, and with less toxic solvents such as ethyl acetate, isopropanol and ethanol. The kinetic curve of the extraction process will be determined to define the time required to reach saturation, establishing the time found as the ideal for the process. The fatty acid composition will be determined by gas chromatography. The antioxidant activity will be analyzed according to the adapted method of free radical capture by ultraviolet and visible spectrophotometry (UV-VIS). This method is based on the capture of the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radical by antioxidants, producing a decrease in absorbance. After the interpretation and correlation of the results, it will be possible to establish the factors that present the best performance for the extraction of babassu oil and its chemical properties and compare them with the oil obtained using hexane. Objective: The objective of this study is to investigate the extraction of babassu seed oil with different organic solvents in order to evaluate the possibility of replacing hexane with a less toxic alternative solvent using the ultrasound extraction method. Theoretical Framework: A large amount of waste is produced by the food and agricultural industries, such as pulp, skins, seeds and fruit peels, some of which are considered by-products with a certain economic value. Babassu seed oil is rich in lauric acid, which has anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activities, among others. Method: The methodology used is experimental and applied in stages; the ideal oil extraction conditions were verified, the extraction was carried out using different organic solvents, the oil content obtained was quantified, the fatty acids were characterized, the antioxidant activity was determined using the DPPH method and finally the results obtained were compared. Results and Discussion: The oils obtained from the babassu seed through extraction in an ultrasonic bath with different organic solvents proved to be a promising by-product due to the characteristics evaluated. Research Implications: The oils obtained through organic solvents presented similar characteristics to those obtained with hexane, thus enabling its replacement due to it being a more toxic solvent. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature on vegetable oils extracted through green technologies with organic solvents, adding value to a by-product of a native fruit.

Classification of Sesame Oil Based on Processing-Originated Differences in the Volatile Organic Compound Profile by a Colorimetric Sensor

Fragrant edible sesame oil is popular for its unique aroma. The aroma of sesame oil is determined by its volatile organic compound (VOC) profile. Sesame oils produced by different techniques could have different VOC profiles. In addition, blending fragrant sesame oil with refined oil could also alter the VOC profile of the final product. Current practices in aroma analysis, such as sensory evaluation and gas chromatography (GC), still face many restraints. Hence, there is a need for alternatives. We present a novel 14-unit multiplexed paper-based colorimetric sensor for fragrant sesame oil VOC analysis. The sensor was designed to visualize the VOC profile as a color “fingerprint”. The sensor was validated with 55 branded sesame oil samples produced by two different techniques, i.e., hot pressing and small milling; the experimental results suggested a processing dependency in color VOC fingerprints. The sensor also demonstrated the potential to detect the change in sesame oil VOC profile due to blending with refined oil, with an estimated limit of detection down to 20% v/v of the refined oil. The colorimetric sensor might be used as a simple, rapid, and cost-effective analytical tool in the production and quality control of fragrant sesame oil.

The Effect of Biochar Particle Size on the Leaching of Organic Molecules and Macro- and Microelements

Biochar is a carbon-rich material that has recently received attention due to its increasing agronomical potential. The agricultural utilization of biochar relates to its potential to act in the soil as a soil conditioner; nevertheless, complex information on the direct dependence of biochar’s physical properties (texture, particle size) and corresponding leaching and availability of organic molecules (e.g., the polycyclic and heterocyclic organic compounds) and inorganic mineral salts (based on micro- and macroelements) is still inconsistent. Multi-elemental analysis by using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) was used to assess the information on the contents and availability of macro- and microelements in studied commercial biochar samples. The results showed a statistically significant indirect relation between an increase in the size fraction of biochar and the content of aqueous-extractable K and Na and the direct relation with the aqueous-extractable Ca, Mg, and P. Compared to the macroelements, the detected contents of aqueous-extractable microelements were almost three orders lower, and the dependence on fraction size was not consistent or statistically significant. In addition, gas chromatography (GC) coupled with mass spectroscopy (MS) was further used to reveal the concentrations of available polycyclic aromatic and heterocyclic compounds in biochar samples. The detected concentrations of these types of organic compounds were far below the certified limits, and a statistically significant indirect correlation with particle size was also observed for all the studied biochar samples. The proposed methodological concept could provide the necessary insights into the description of biochar mineral content and its connection to biochar texture, the physicochemical properties, and the potential of biochar to release nutrients into the soil. These findings could help in the further assessment of biochar as a soil conditioner in modern agriculture.

Application of straw-derived biochar: a sustainable approach to improve soil quality and crop yield and reduce N2O emissions in paddy soil.

The burning of agricultural straw is a pressing environmental issue, and identifying effective strategies for the rational utilization of straw resources is decisive for achieving sustainable development. Owing to its high carbon content and exceptional stability, straw biochar produced via pyrolysis has emerged as a key focus in multidisciplinary research. However, the efficacy of biochar in mitigating nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions from paddy soils is not consistent. A 2-year field experiment was conducted and investigated the impact of biochar derived from two feedstocks (rice straw and wheat straw, pyrolyzed at 450°C) on N2O emissions, global warming potential (GWP), greenhouse gas intensity (GHGI), nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), crop yield, and soil quality. The static chamber technique was used for collecting N2O gas samples, and concentrations were analyzed through gas chromatography methods. The treatment combinations included BR0 (control), BR1 (NPK at the recommended dose, 120:60:40kgha-1), BR2 (wheat straw biochar, 5 t ha-1), and BR3 (rice straw biochar, 5 t ha-1). The results exhibited that cumulative N2O emissions from BR2 and BR3 treatments decreased by 10.55% and 13.75% respectively, compared to BR1. Lower GWP and GHGI were observed under both biochar treatments compared with BR1. The highest rice grain yield (3.48Mgha-1) and NUE (76.72%) were recorded from BR3, which also exhibitedthe lowest yield-scaled N2O emission. We observed positive correlations between soil nitrate, ammonia and water-filled pore spaces, while NUE showed negative correlations with N2O emissions. Significant (p < 0.05) improvements in soil quality were also detected in both the biochar treated plots, indicated by increased soil pH, water holding capacity, porosity, and nutrient contents. Overall, the results suggest that applying biochar at a rate of 5 t ha-1 in paddy soil is a viable nutrient management strategy with the potential to reduce reliance on inorganic fertilizers, mitigate N2O emissions, and contribute to sustainable food production.

Exploring the Application of Advanced Chromatographic Methods to Characterize the Surface Physicochemical Properties and Transition Phenomena of Polystyrene-b-poly(4-vinylpyridine)

The linear diblock copolymer polystyrene-b-poly(4-vinylpyridine) (PS-P4VP) is an important copolymer recently used in many applications such as optoelectronics, sensors, catalysis, membranes, energy conversion, energy storage devices, photolithography, and biomedical applications. (1) Background: The surface thermodynamic properties of PS-P4VP copolymers are of great importance in many chemical and industrial processes. (2) Methods: The inverse gas chromatography (IGC) at infinite dilution was used for the experimental determination of the retention volumes of organic solvents adsorbed on copolymer surfaces as a function of temperature. This led to the variations in the free energy of interaction necessary to the evaluation of the London dispersive and polar acid–base surface energies, the polar enthalpy and entropy, the Lewis acid–base constants, and the transition temperatures of the PS-P4VP copolymer. (3) Results: The application of the thermal Hamieh model led to an accurate determination of the London dispersive surface energy of the copolymer that showed non-linear variations versus the temperature, highlighting the presence of two transition temperatures. It was observed that the Lewis acid–base parameters of the copolymer strongly depend on the temperature, and the Lewis base constant of the solid surface was shown to be higher than its acid constant. (4) Conclusions: An important effect of the temperature on the surface thermodynamic properties of PS-P4VP was proven and new surface correlations were determined.

Translating 2D-Chromatographic Fingerprinting to Quantitative Volatilomics: Unrevealing Compositional Changes in Maize Silage Volatilome for Robust Marker Discovery.

This study examines the complex volatilome of maize silage, both with and without commercial heterolactic strain inoculation, conserved for 100 days, using quantitative volatilomics. Chemical classes linked to microbial metabolism were analyzed across a concentration range from 10 μg g-1 to 1 ng g-1. A reference method using comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GC × GC) and time-of-flight mass spectrometry (TOF MS) with loop-type thermal modulation (TM) was translated to a differential-flow modulation (FM) platform with parallel MS and flame ionization detector (FID) detection. With translation, the original method's analyte elution order and resolution are preserved. The new method allowed for accurate quantification using multiple headspace solid-phase microextraction (MHS-SPME) and FID-predicted relative response factors (RRFs). Both methods showed comparable discriminatory power with FM GC × GC-MS/FID achieving satisfactory quantification accuracy without external calibration. Analysis of 98 volatiles provided insights into silage fermentation, supporting marker discovery and correlations with silage quality and stability.

In vitro antibacterial activity of essential oils from Cymbopogon flexuosus and Cymbopogon winterianus

The objective of the study was to identify and quantify chemical compounds present in the essential oils of C. flexuosus and C. winterianus and evaluate their antibacterial action on Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. This is an in vitro experimental study using essential oils of Cymbopogon flexuosus and Cymbopogon winterianus. The gram-negative strains E. coli (ATCC 25922) and P. aeruginosa (ATCC 27853) and Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923) were used as a Gram-positive strain for the analysis of the antibacterial properties of essential oil. Oil analyzes were carried out using gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The antibacterial activity of lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus) and citronella (Cymbopogom winterianus) essential oils against bacteria of pathological relevance was confirmed, denoting the potential of using plant essential oils as antibacterial agents, an important alternative considering the emergence of antibiotic resistance.

Unique rumen micromorphology and microbiota–metabolite interactions: features and strategies for Tibetan sheep adaptation to the plateau

The rumen microbiota—a symbiont to its host and consists of critical functional substances—plays a vital role in the animal body and represents a new perspective in the study of adaptive evolution in animals. This study used Slide Viewer slicing analysis system, gas chromatography, RT-qPCR and other technologies, as well as 16S and metabolomics determination methods, to measure and analyze the microstructure of rumen epithelium, rumen fermentation parameters, rumen transport genes, rumen microbiota and metabolites in Tibetan sheep and Hu sheep. The results indicate that the rumen nipple height and cuticle thickness of Tibetan sheep are significantly greater than those of Hu sheep (p &amp;lt; 0.01) and that the digestion and absorption of forage are greater. The levels of carbohydrate metabolism, lipid metabolism, and protein turnover were increased in Tibetan sheep, which enabled them to ferment efficiently, utilize forage, and absorb metabolic volatile fatty acids (VFAs). Tibetan sheep rumen metabolites are related to immune function and energy metabolism, which regulate rumen growth and development and gastrointestinal homeostasis. Thus, compared with Hu sheep, Tibetan sheep have more rumen papilla and cuticle corneum, and the synergistic effect of the microbiota and its metabolites is a characteristic and strategy for adapting to high-altitude environments.

Influence of seasonal variation on the chromatographic profile and physicochemical properties of Basil (Ocimum basilicum) essential oil

Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is important in the Brazilian economy and its essential oil is used in cooking, industry and perfumery, and has antimicrobial properties. The chemical composition of essential oils can be altered by the action of various factors, whether internal or external to the plant, such as genetics, temperature, water availability and seasonality. The aim of this research was to assess whether seasonality interferes with the chromatographic profile and physicochemical characteristics of basil essential oil. The study was carried out by investigating the technical reports of the Haje Insumos company on the chemical composition using gas chromatography, physical-chemical analysis (density, refractive index and humidity) and organoleptic analysis (appearance, color and odor). Due to the presence of the linalool component in greater quantity, the oil analyzed is characterized as being of the linalool chemotype. The product showed no alterations to its organoleptic characteristics and all the results were in accordance with its specification. In addition, one of the batches had a higher moisture content, which may be related to the environmental conditions at the time of year, which requires attention as water can trigger a hydrolysis reaction in fat-soluble molecules. It is understood that seasonality may be related to changes in the essential oil, and it was possible to contribute to the recognition of this plant's product.

Multi-platform metabolic profiling of the stages of production of locally made lambanog, a traditional Philippine alcoholic beverage

Traditional alcoholic beverages contain a diverse range of metabolites that determine their taste and aroma profiles, as well as potential health benefits and possible toxicities. Furthermore, the metabolite levels can vary with the growing conditions of the raw materials and the production process, giving distinct profiles to products from different sources. Thus, the profiling of metabolites present in traditional alcoholic beverages is important for quality control, safety, and authentication purposes. In this study, the various metabolites that can be found in lambanog, a traditional Filipino coconut wine, are profiled using a multi-platform approach, together with the raw material and intermediates across the production process. Proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectroscopy, liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS), and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS), were used to tentatively identify the metabolites present in samples from the different stages of lambanog production. 1H NMR spectroscopy has revealed the presence of ethanol, pyruvate, uracil, and sugars such as glycerol, fructose, mannitol, and glucose. GC–MS studies revealed potential compounds that may influence organoleptic properties in the different stages of lambanog production. Identifying and monitoring the identified metabolite components along the production process can aid future product and process developments, quality control, and authentication of lambanog and other traditional alcoholic beverages.

Evaluation of High Vacuum Flavor Extraction Device as a Novel Technique for the Extraction of Volatile Compounds

In this study, a high vacuum flavor extraction (HVE) device was developed to address the limitations of traditional extraction methods, such as extended extraction times and artifact generation during high-temperature processes. Firstly, the repeatability and precision of the HVE method were evaluated through quantitative analysis of twelve volatile odor compounds across seven replicate extractions using gas chromatography–flame ionization detection (GC-FID). The results showed that the HVE system achieved a mean relative standard deviation (RSD) of 11.60 ± 1.79% and a recovery rate of 90.55 ± 4.56%, demonstrating its precision and reproducibility. Secondly, the performance of HVE was compared with solvent-assisted flavor evaporation (SAFE) and simultaneous distillation–extraction (SDE) for extracting flavor compounds from fried tilapia mince. The results indicated that HVE was more effective, particularly in extracting aldehydes and pyrazines, which are key contributors to the flavor profile. Finally, sensory evaluations supported these findings, showing that the odor profiles obtained through HVE were most similar to the original sample, with a similarity score of 72.55%, compared to 69.25% for SAFE and 60.29% for SDE. These findings suggest that HVE is a suitable method for the extraction and analysis of volatile compounds in complex food matrices such as fried tilapia mince.

Symbiodiniaceae‐Derived Fatty Acids Are Stored Differentially Across Giant Clam Species and Organs

ABSTRACTGiant clams are invertebrates that form mutualistic associations with Symbiodiniaceae dinoflagellates. Despite their ecological significance, gaps persist regarding our understanding of their trophic ecology. Specifically, it is unknown whether Symbiodiniaceae‐derived photosynthates are metabolized differently according to species and organ. Therefore, we maintained Tridacna derasa and T. noae for 3 months in a well‐lit recirculated system without food supply. Samples were taken from eight organs and underwent lipid extraction and fatty acid esterification before analysis of three symbiont‐derived fatty acids (stearidonic acid, docosapentaenoic acid, and docosahexaenoic acid—SDA, DPA, and DHA, respectively) using gas chromatography. Results show considerable variation in fatty acids concentration among species and organs. SDA was found in higher concentrations in T. noae, especially in the adductor muscle. DPA was detected in low concentrations across T. noae organs and absent for T. derasa. DHA did not vary significantly among species and organs. Our findings indicate that Symbiodiniaceae supply clams with fatty acids, which are stored differentially according to species and organs. This demonstrates that these compounds are translocated to multiple organs throughout the complex giant clam anatomical system, in contrast to simpler hosts like corals. These results advance our understanding of the physiological dynamics of the mollusk‐algae association.

Phytohormonal dynamics in the abscission zone of Korla fragrant pear during calyx abscission: a visual study

IntroductionPhytohormones play a crucial role in regulating the abscission of plant organs and tissues.MethodsIn this study, the ultrastructure of the sepals of Korla fragrant pears was observed using a transmission electron microscope, and high-performance liquid and gas chromatography were used to analyze the dynamic changes of phytohormones in the abscission zone during the calyx abscission process of Korla fragrant pears, and mass spectrometry imaging was applied to ascertain the spatial distribution of phytohormones.ResultsThe results revealed that the mitochondria in the abscission zone of the decalyx fruits were regularly distributed around the cell wall, and the chloroplasts were moderately present. In contrast, in the persistent calyx fruit, the corresponding parts of the abscission zone showed a scattered distribution of mitochondria within the cells, and there was a higher number of chloroplasts, which also contained starch granules inside. Mass spectrometry imaging revealed that ABA was enriched in the abscission zone of the decalyx fruit, and their ionic signal intensities were significantly stronger than those of the persistent calyx fruit. However, the ionic signal intensities of Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and Gibberellin A3 (GA3) of the persistent calyx fruit were significantly stronger than those in the abscission zone of the decalyx fruit and were concentrated in the persistent calyx fruit. 1-Aminocyclopropanecarboxylic Acid (ACC) did not show distinct regional distribution in both the decalyx and persistent calyx fruits. Furthermore, before the formation of the abscission zone, the levels of IAA, GA3, and zeatin (ZT) in the abscission zone of the decalyx fruits were significantly lower than those in the persistent calyx fruits by 37.9%, 57.7%, and 33.0%, respectively, while the levels of abscisic acid (ABA) and ethylene (ETH) were significantly higher by 21.9% and 25.0%, respectively. During the formation of the abscission zone, the levels of IAA, GA3, and ZT in the abscission zone of the decalyx fruits were significantly lower than those in the persistent calyx fruits by 41.7%, 71.7%, and 24.6%, respectively, while the levels of ABA and ETH were significantly higher by 15.2% and 80.0%, respectively. After the formation of the abscission zone, the levels of IAA and GA3 in the abscission zone of the decalyx fruits were lower than those in the persistent calyx fruits by 20.8% and 47.8%, respectively, while the levels of ABA and ETH were higher by 271.8% and 26.9%, respectively. In summary, during the calyx abscission process of Korla fragrant pears, IAA and GA3 in the abscission zone inhibited abscission, while ABA and ETH promoted calyx abscission. These research findings enrich the understanding of the regulatory mechanism of plant hormones on calyx abscission and provide a theoretical basis for the study of exogenous plant growth regulators for regulating calyx abscission in Korla fragrant pear.

Study on Biochemical Composition of Sea Buckthorn Fruit Cultivated from Leh, India and its Flavor Profile by Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS)

Sea buckthorn berries are among the most nutritious and vitamin rich fruit found in the plant kingdom. Biochemical composition of sea buckthorn berries cultivated from Leh, India was analyzed to study its suitability for making food products. Berry pulp was analyzed for sugars, acidity, TSS and pH. The results show that the sea buckthorn pulp exhibited higher acidity, lesser pH, total sugars and reducing sugars, when compared to fruits like pineapple and grapes. Calcium and potassium content of berry was found to be high when compared to other mineral content viz. sodium, iron and phosphorus. Antioxidant contents and antioxidant activity of pulp was determined and compared with other fruit pulps. Sea buckthorn fruit pulp exhibited significant antioxidant activity i.e. 88.72%, when compared to locally available fruits like grapes and pineapple. Totally 45 volatile flavour components were identified from sea buckthorn berry, which contains mainly esters, that contributes to significant berry aroma.

Magnetic Graphene Oxide Modified with MOF-199 for Efficient Extraction of Aromatic Amines from Water Samples for Their Determination with Gas Chromatography

A metal–organic framework (MOF-199) nanocomposite was coated on magnetic graphene oxide (MGO) as a sorbent (MGO/MOF-199) and used for the isolation of aromatic amines by magnetic solid-phase extraction (MSPE). The analytes subsequently determined using gas chromatography with a flame ionization detector (GC-FID). The sorbent mass, desorption solvent, extraction time, desorption time, and pH were optimized. The calibration plots demonstrate linear ranges from 0.1 to 500 ng mL−1 with correlation coefficients from 0.9908 to 0.9939. The limits of detection (LOD) were between 0.03 and 0.1 ng mL−1. To evaluate the repeatability, relative standard deviations (RSD) were evaluated for 0.1, 10, and 100 ng mL−1 of the aromatic amines, yielding values from 3.2% to 4.5%. The developed method was employed to extract aromatic amines from tap water, seawater, and spring water. The relative recoveries were from 97.2% to 99.9%.

Similarities of metabolomic disturbances in prematurity-associated obstructive lung disease to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Prematurity-associated lung disease (PLD) is a long-term consequence of preterm-birth. Since the underlying mechanisms of PLD remain poorly characterised, we compared the urinary metabolome between recently described spirometry phenotypes of PLD. Preterm- and term-born children aged 7–12 years, from the Respiratory Health Outcomes in Neonates (RHiNO) cohort, underwent spirometry and urine collection. The urinary metabolome was analysed by gas chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Preterm-born children were classified into phenotypes of prematurity-associated obstructive lung disease (POLD, Forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) < lower limit of normal (LLN), FEV1/Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) < LLN), prematurity-associated preserved ratio impaired spirometry (pPRISm, FEV1 < LLN, FEV1/FVC ≥ LLN) and Preterm/Term controls (FEV1 ≥ LLN). Metabolite set enrichment analysis was used to link significantly altered metabolites between the groups with metabolic pathways. Univariable and multivariable linear regression models examined associations between early and current life factors and significantly altered metabolites of interest. Urine from 197 preterm- and 94 term-born children was analysed. 23 and 25 were classified into POLD and pPRISm groups respectively. Of 242 identified metabolites, 49 metabolites were significantly altered in the POLD group compared with Preterm controls. Decreased capric acid (log2 fold change − 0.23; p = 0.003), caprylic acid (− 0.18; 0.003) and ceratinic acid (− 0.64; 0.014) in the POLD group, when compared to preterm controls, were linked with reduced β-oxidation of very long chain fatty acids (p = 0.004). Reduced alanine (log2 fold change − 0.21; p = 0.046), glutamic acid (− 0.24; 0.023), and pyroglutamic acid (− 0.17; 0.035) were linked with decreased glutathione metabolism (p = 0.008). These metabolites remained significantly associated with POLD in multivariable models adjusting for early/current life factors. The pPRISm urinary metabolome was minimally changed when compared with preterm-born controls. When compared to term-born subjects, alterations in tryptophan metabolism were implicated (p = 0.01). The urinary metabolome in POLD showed significantly altered β-oxidation of fatty acids and glutathione metabolism, implying alterations in cellular metabolism and oxidative stress. Similar findings have been noted in adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Given the similarity of findings between the POLD group and those reported for COPD, the POLD group should be considered at future risk of developing COPD.