Volatile Sulfur Compounds Research Articles

Features of Idiopathic Halitosis and Its Association With Low-Grade Systemic Inflammation.

Idiopathic halitosis is occasionally encountered in clinical practice, yet with scarce reports. This work aimed to investigate its features and potential association with low-grade systemic inflammation (LGSI). This retrospective study reviewed idiopathic halitosis from 2469 halitosis patients and compared them with 63 healthy controls (HCs). Organoleptic score (OLS), exhaled volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs), serum inflammatory cytokines, and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO200) to indicate LGSI were determined. Totally, 54 (2.19%) idiopathic halitosis patients were identified and they were extraoral. Dimethyl sulfide (DMS) was found to be the primary exhaled VSC. Inflammatory cytokines were slightly elevated in 5.56% (3/54) of idiopathic halitosis compared to none of HCs (p = 0.095). FeNO200 was elevated in 79.63% (43/54) of idiopathic halitosis compared to none of HCs (p < 0.001), with a sensitivity of 79.63% and specificity of 100% for the diagnosis of idiopathic halitosis. The FeNO200 level had positive correlations with OLS (r = 0.871) and DMS level (r = 0.485). Idiopathic halitosis is a rare condition which is closely associated with LGSI and possibly caused by unexplored extraoral pathologies. FeNO200 is recommended for its diagnosis with a high diagnostic power.

Job Stress Can Lead to Intestinal Inflammation and Subsequent Gut-Originated Extraoral Halitosis.

Reports on stress-associated halitosis are scarce and have only focused on intraoral halitosis. This work aimed to study stress-associated extraoral halitosis (EOH) and further investigate its potential association with stress-induced intestinal inflammation. This retrospective study included 664 white-collar employees with self-reported stress-associated halitosis. They underwent the organoleptic score (OLS) to assess halitosis, modified Brief Job Stress Questionnaire (BJSQ) score to assess job stress, OralChroma breath test to measure volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) in breath, and hydrogen/methane breath test (HMBT) and nitric oxide breath test (NOBT) to detect intestinal inflammation. They were classified into high-stress and low-stress groups based on their modified BJSQ score. Totally, 106 eligible patients were identified as having stress-associated EOH, and 61 of them had high stress. Additionally, 70 (66.04%) and 73 (68.87%) of them tested positive for HMB and NOBT, respectively. Dimethyl sulfide (DMS) was found to be the predominant VSC in breath. High-stress patients had significantly higher positivity rates for HMBT and NOBT, OLS, and exhaled DMS levels compared to low-stress patients. HMBT-positive patients and NOBT-positive patients had significantly higher OLS and exhaled DMS levels compared to their respective negative counterparts. Job stress can lead to intestinal inflammation and subsequent gut-originated EOH.

Heat-Killed Lactobacillus paracasei SMB092 Reduces Halitosis by Stimulating the Expression of β-Defensins in Oral Keratinocytes

The purpose of this study is to evaluate Lactobacillus paracasei SMB092 as a prophylactic agent for oral pathogens. We examined the physical interaction of SMB092 with a host by identifying the presence of mucus-binding (MuB) protein domains and the capacity of the mucin binding. We determined the role of heat-killed SMB092 in host oral immunity by quantifying the mRNA levels of β-defensins (BDs), Toll-like receptors (TLRs), and their cofactors (CD14/CD36) in normal human oral keratinocytes (HOK-16B cells). To assess the clinically relevant oral health effects of heat-killed SMB092, the growth of Porphyromonas (P.) gingivalis and the production of a volatile sulfur compound (H2S) were also measured in the filtered condition media (FCM) obtained from its cultures with HOK-16B cells. SMB092 possessed 14 putative MuB protein domains and was attached to mucin. Significant amounts of hBD1/2 and TLR2/6 were expressed in heat-killed SMB092-treated HOK-16B cells. The specific neutralization of TLR2 attenuated the expression of hBD1/2 and CD14/CD36. The FCM inhibited the growth of P. gingivalis and the production of H2S. Our data indicate that heat-killed SMB092 may contribute to a healthy oral microbiome as an immune stimulant in the production of BDs via the activation of the TLR2/6 signaling pathway.

Impact of Long-term Fasting on Breath Volatile Sulphur Compounds, Inflammatory Markers and Saliva Microbiota Composition.

Despite substantial evidence supporting the role of resident bacterial communities in therapeutic fasting outcomes, research has primarily focused on gut microbiota, leaving changes in oral microbiota largely unexplored. The clinical significance of oral health changes during fasting is nonetheless underscored by the documented development of halitosis in fasting individuals. However, no scientific studies have comprehensively examined the interplay between salivary microbiota alterations, inflammatory changes in the gingival crevice, and the production of malodorous volatile compounds. We examined volatile sulphur compounds (VSC) in breath during fasting, cytokine levels in the gingival crevice, and oral microbiota composition of the saliva in a single-arm interventional study involving 36 subjects who fasted for 10 ± 3 days. Participants fasted according to Buchinger fasting guidelines. VSC were evaluated every morning before any food or drink intake using the OralChroma gas chromatography device. Saliva and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) samples were collected at the clinical site before fasting, at the end of fasting, and at the end of food reintroduction. Follow-up saliva samples were sent to the patients after 1 and 3 months. Saliva samples were processed and analysed by targeted sequencing of 16S rRNA gene amplicons, whereas the expression of 6 inflammatory markers in the GCF were analysed using a multiplex fluorescent bead-based immunoassay. The quantification of volatile compounds in the breath demonstrated a statistically significant increase in dimethylsulfide levels during fasting, which corroborates the occurrence of bad breath as a common side effect of fasting. Salivary microbiota profiling showed a shift in microbial composition, including reduction in the levels of Neisseria, Gemella and Porphyromonas spp., concomitant with an increase in the levels of Megasphaera, Dialister, Prevotella, Veillonella, Bifidobacteria, Leptotrichia, Selenomonas, Alloprevotella, and Atopobium. We further demonstrated a reduction in the levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-8 in the GCF. Dimethylsulfide concentrations in the breath increased during fasting, and this was correlated to changes in the oral microbiota. Future studies are needed to illuminate the possible impact of these changes on oral and general health status.

Research Progress on the Mechanism of the Impact of Myofibrillar Protein Oxidation on the Flavor of Meat Products.

Myofibrillar proteins primarily consist of myosin, actin, myogenin, and actomyosin. These proteins form complex networks within muscle fibers and are crucial to the physical and chemical properties of meat. Additionally, myofibrillar proteins serve as significant substrates for the adsorption of volatile flavor compounds, including aldehydes, alcohols, ketones, and sulfur and nitrogen compounds, which contribute to the overall flavor profile of meat products. A series of chemical reactions occur during the processing, storage, and transportation of meat products. Oxidation is one of the most significant reactions. Oxidative modification can alter the physical and chemical properties of proteins, ultimately impacting the sensory quality of meat products, including flavor, taste, and color. In recent years, considerable attention has been focused on the effects of protein oxidation on meat quality and its regulation. This study investigates the impact of myofibrillar protein oxidation on the sensory attributes of meat products by analyzing the oxidation processes and the factors that initiate myofibrillar protein oxidation. Additionally, it explores the control of myofibrillar protein oxidation and its implications on the sensory properties of meat products, providing theoretical insights relevant to meat processing methods and quality control procedures.

Development and validation of the Thai Halitosis Associated Life-Quality Test (T-HALT): an evaluation of psychometric properties.

Halitosis appears to have significant impacts on quality of life, necessitating reliable assessment tools. The Halitosis Associated Life-Quality Test (HALT) has been validated in various populations, but not among Thai people. While HALT provides a valuable foundation, there is a need for a culturally adapted and expanded instrument for the Thai context. Consequently, this study aimed to develop and validate a comprehensive questionnaire for assessing halitosis-related quality of life in Thai populations, incorporating a Thai version of HALT (T-HALT) as a core component. This cross-sectional study involved 200 dental patients at Mahidol University. The original HALT was translated into Thai using forward-backward translation. Cultural adaptation and psychometric properties of T-HALT were evaluated through multiple approaches. Content validity was ensured through expert reviews, while face validity was assessed by patient feedback. Reliability was examined via test-retest and internal consistency measures. Criterion and discriminant validity was evaluated by correlating T-HALT scores with self-perceived halitosis and volatile sulfur compound (VSC) measurements, respectively. VSCs were quantified using the OralChroma™ device, which analyzes breath samples collected directly from patients' mouths. Construct validity was assessed through exploratory (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), providing insights into the questionnaire's underlying structure. T-HALT demonstrated excellent internal consistency (Cronbach's alphas = 0.940-0.943) and test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.886). Criterion validity was supported by a significant correlation between T-HALT scores and self-perceived halitosis (r = 0.503, P < 0.001). Discriminant validity was confirmed by the absence of a significant correlation between T-HALT scores and VSC levels (r = 0.071, P = 0.32). EFA revealed a four-factor structure, which was subsequently confirmed by CFA. However, Items 1 and 7 were excluded due to poor standardized factor loadings. T-HALT demonstrates good reliability and validity for assessing halitosis-related quality of life in Thai populations. It performs well as a unidimensional measure, but its multidimensional application requires modifications. Future research should validate a modified version excluding Items 1 and 7 across diverse Thai populations, potentially enhancing its cultural specificity.

Regulation of freshwater filamentous green algae (Cladophora) and its impact on malodorous volatile organic sulfur compound (DMS) by biomanipulation

When improving the water quality of natural bodies such as lakes, the explosive growth of filamentous green alga Cladophora can limit the growth of submerged macrophytes and prevent the water from shifting to a clear state. During the decay of Cladophora, it can cause various water quality issues such as reduced dissolved oxygen, increased nutrient levels and water odor. Biomanipulation, involving the introduction of a suitable density of aquatic animals into the water, can reduce the biomass of filamentous algae. We hypothesized that stocking appropriate densities of aquatic animals could reduce filamentous algal biomass and at the same time reduce the concentration of odorants in the water. Our study investigated the impact of stocking swamp shrimp (Macrobrachium nipponense), rosy bitterling (Rhodeus ocellatus), and silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) at low (30 g/m3), medium (60 g/m3) and high (120 g/m3) densities on water quality, biomass of primary producers (such as Cladophora, submerged macrophyte and algae) and malodorous volatile organic sulfur compound dimethyl sulfide (DMS) in the water, respectively. It was found that the swamp shrimp treatment groups and the rosy bitterling high-density groups effectively inhibited the growth of filamentous green algae cover, in which the rosy bitterling high-density group reduced the filamentous green algae mat coverage by 29.65 % compared with the control group. Additionally, the high-density swamp shrimp and rosy bitterling groups notably promoted the growth of submerged macrophytes (Vallisneria denseserrulata), and significantly reduced the concentration of the malodorous DMS in the water. Overall, stocking swamp shrimp and rosy bitterling can benefit the restoration of aquatic ecology and the maintenance of clear water. However, it is essential to consider potential changes in water quality resulting from excessive stocking density. Therefore, the appropriate density and proportion of stocking should be determined in conjunction with the specific scale of the aquatic ecological restoration project.

Rapid cycling and emission of volatile sulfur compounds in the eastern Indian Ocean: Impact of runoff inputs and implications for balancing atmospheric carbonyl sulfide budget

Volatile sulfur compounds, such as dimethyl sulfide (DMS), carbonyl sulfide (OCS), and carbon disulfide (CS2), significantly influence atmospheric chemistry and climate change. Despite the oceans being an important source of these sulfides, the limited understanding of their biogeochemical cycles in seawater introduces considerable uncertainties in quantifying their oceanic emissions and assessing atmospheric OCS budgets. To address this issue, we conducted a comprehensive field survey in the tropical eastern Indian Ocean (EIO) to examine the spatial distributions, source-sink dynamics, and sea-air exchange fluxes of marine DMS, OCS, and CS2. Our study indicates that nutrients, organic matter, and freshwater input from terrestrial runoff significantly affect most of the source-sink processes of these sulfides in the Bay of Bengal and even the tropical EIO. The resulting sulfide accumulation in seawater combined with high wind speeds establishes the tropical EIO as a considerable direct and indirect atmospheric OCS source. These insights underscore the potentially critical role of marine environments influenced by runoff in contributing to the atmospheric OCS budget. However, by integrating these results with previous field surveys, we believe that actual OCS emissions from tropical oceans exceed some bottom-up box-model simulations, yet fall significantly below those predicted by top-down models, still insufficient to bridge the atmospheric OCS source gap. Our detailed examination of source-sink dynamics offers deeper insights into the marine sulfur cycle and has potential implications for refining future box-models, thus mitigating uncertainties in estimating marine sulfur emissions.

Volatile sulfur compounds, biofilm, and salivary parameters in patients with periodontal disease: a cross-sectional study.

This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the interplay between volatile sulfur compounds (VSC), biofilm, salivary parameters, and periodontal status in patients with and without periodontal disease. Sixty-four subjects diagnosed with periodontitis and 60 periodontally healthy individuals were included. Probing depth, clinical attachment level, bleeding on probing, tongue coating index, plaque index, number of teeth, spinnability of unstimulated whole saliva, and salivary flow rate were evaluated. The concentrations of VSC were quantified using a portable gas chromatograph. The mean differences in hydrogen sulfide, methyl mercaptan, salivary flow, spinnability, and plaque index did not exhibit statistically significant variances between the two groups. However, a pronounced tongue coating index and a diminished tooth count showed statistical significance in the periodontitis group (p = 0.039; p < 0.001). Unstimulated salivary flow rate less than 0.25mL/min was statistically significant in the periodontitis group (p = 0.032). After controlling for confounding factors, bleeding on probing remained significant. A positive correlation between periodontal parameters and VSC concentration was found. An inverse correlation was also noted between the spinnability of saliva and tongue coating index (-0.34; p < 0.001). Salivary parameters may contribute to the formation of tongue coating and are correlated with periodontal status. Bleeding on probing, clinical attachment level, and probing depth were identified as potential contributors to VSC formation.

PSIX-11 Effects of black soldier fly larvae on the serum chemistry, hematology, fecal characteristics, and oral health measures of healthy adult cats

Abstract Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) serve as an alternative protein source for pet food products. Even though BSFL are one of many insect species being added to dog foods and treats, knowledge of its effects in cats remains limited. Further investigations are imperative to delineate the effects of BSFL-based ingredients in cats. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the effects of BSFL on serum chemistry, hematology, fecal characteristics, and oral health measures of adult cats. All procedures were approved by the University of Illinois IACUC prior to experimentation. Adult cats [n = 25; 17 females, 8 males; 6.28 ± 0.27 yr of age; 4.50 ± 0.18 kg body weight (BW)] were used in a completely randomized design. The study was composed of a 21-d baseline phase and a 70-d experimental phase. During the baseline phase, all cats were fed a control diet based on chicken meal (35% of diet). After baseline, cats were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 experimental diets: control diet (n = 12) or BSFL-containing diet (20% whole BSFL meal and 24% chicken meal; n = 13). At baseline, teeth were cleaned by a veterinary dentist. Breath samples were analyzed for volatile sulfur compounds (VSC), salivary pH was measured, and blood samples were collected for serum chemistry and hematology at baseline and after 35 d and 70 d on treatment. At baseline and after 70 d on treatment, fecal samples were scored and collected for pH, dry matter, and metabolite measurement. Gingivitis, plaque, and calculus scores were performed by a veterinary dentist after 70 d on treatment. All data were analyzed using the Mixed Models procedure of SAS. Diet, time, and diet*time interaction effects were tested, with P &amp;lt; 0.05 being considered significant. Over time, VSC increased (P &amp;lt; 0.0001) in all cats, but was unaffected by diet. Diet*time interactions were observed for fecal pH, fecal scores, and blood cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations. Blood cholesterol concentrations increased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) over time in cats fed the control diet, but remained stable in cats fed the BSFL diet. The opposite effect was observed with blood triglycerides. Triglyceride concentrations increased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) in cats fed the BSFL diet over time, but were stable in cats fed the control diet. Cats consuming BSFL had reduced (P &amp;lt; 0.05) fecal pH, dry matter content, and protein catabolite concentrations, but increased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) fecal short-chain fatty acid concentrations and fecal scores. Overall, 20% BSFL dietary inclusion had comparable effects as chicken meal, suggesting that it will serve as a suitable replacement in cat foods.

Coal Ash Triggers an Elevated Temperature Landfill Development: Lessons from the Bristol Virginia Solid Waste Landfill Neighboring Community

Landfills for disposing of solid waste are designed, located, managed, and monitored facilities expected to comply with government regulations to prevent contamination of the surrounding environment. After the average life expectancy of a typical landfill (30 to 50 years), a large investment in the construction, operation, final closure, and 30-year monitoring of a new site is needed. In this case study, we provide a holistic explanation of the unexpected development of elevated temperature landfills (ETLFs), such as that in the city of Bristol (United States) on the border of the states of Virginia and Tennessee, including the initial role played by coal ash. Despite the increasing frequency of ETLF occurrence, there is limited knowledge available about their associated environmental problems. The study uses mixed (qualitative, quantitative, and mapping) methods to analyze (1) the levels of odoriferous reduced sulfur compounds, ammonia, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted, (2) the ratio of methane to carbon dioxide concentrations in five locations, which dropped from unity (normal landfill) to 0.565, (3) the location of gas well heads with gradients of elevated temperatures, and (4) the correlation of the filling rate (upward of ~12 m y−1) with depth for registered events depositing coal ash waste. The work identifies spatial patterns that support the conclusion that coal ash served as the initiator for an ETLF creation. The case of the city of Bristol constitutes an example of ETLFs with elevated temperatures above the regulatory United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) upper threshold (65 °C), having alongside low methane emissions, large production of leachate, land subsidence, and a large production of organic compounds. Such landfills suffer abnormal chemical reactions within the waste mass that reduce the life expectancy of the site. Residents in such communities suffer intolerable odors from fugitive emissions and poor air quality becomes prominent, affecting the well-being and economy of surrounding populations. Conclusive information available indicates that the Bristol landfill has been producing large amounts of leachate and hazardous gases under the high pressures and temperatures developed within the landfill. A lesson learned, which should be used to prevent this problem in the future, is that the early addition of coal ash into the landfill would have catalyzed the process of ETLF creation. The work considers the public health risks and socioeconomic problems of residents exposed to emissions from an ETLF and discusses the efforts needed to prevent further incidents in other locations.

Effects of heat treatments on the stability, antioxidant activity and volatiles of milk and whey ultrafiltration permeates

Milk (MP) and whey (WP) ultrafiltration permeates were obtained from different dairy processing plants. The effects of pH (4 or 6) and heat treatments (63 °C, 30 min; or 110 °C, 6 min) on permeate stability were measured by the increase of turbidity, and precipitation of nitrogen and calcium. The antioxidant activity and the production of volatiles compounds, as affected by heat treatments, was also evaluated. WP showed a higher sensitivity to heat treatments than MP. Increasing heating temperature reduced the stability of permeates, with an intensified effect at pH 6. Calcium precipitation was the main factor responsible for the increase in turbidity. Lowering the pH to 4 prior to heating strongly limited the development of turbidity. Sterilisation improved antioxidant activity of both permeates, with a greater effect on WP. Sterilisation had no effect on the concentration of volatile aldehydes but promoted the formation of volatile sulfur compounds, and more significantly in WP.

A retrospective analysis of patients suffering from halitosis over a 17-year period.

Halitosis is a socially avoided topic with an increasing worldwide prevalence. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between the different forms of halitosis and factors such as: gender, smoking, stress, and oral hygiene. We analysed data from patients registered at the Center of Salivary Diagnostics, Hyposalivation and Halitosis at the University Center for Dental Medicine Basel over a 17-year period, using both subjective and objective approaches to determine the presence of halitosis. The data was statistically analysed using chi-squared and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests. Although halitosis is of multifactorial origin, an oral cause was found in 3 out of 4 patients. Men showed higher values of volatile sulfur compounds (VSC) (p = 0.002) indicative of halitosis than women, while women displayed better oral hygiene (p < 0.001), yet were twice as likely to suffer from halitophobia than males. Patients with higher tongue coating scores (p < 0.001) and periodontitis (p < 0.001) had higher levels of VSC, contributing to bad breath, whereas patients with symptoms such as stress (p = 0.81) or smoking (p = 0.28) did not reveal significantly altered measurements. This study sheds light on the complex and multifactorial nature of halitosis over a long period of time. It further underlines the importance of individualized treatment strategies, given halitosis' multifactorial nature, in order to contribute to the patients' treatment needs.

Effect of different nitrogen source and Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain on volatile sulfur compounds and their sensory effects in chardonnay wine

Three commercial Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains with low, medium, and high H2S-producing capacity were chosen to investigate the effect of yeast assimilable nitrogen (YAN) levels and composition on volatile compounds in a chemically defined medium, specifically high, medium, and low initial YAN levels with varying proportions of DAP or sulfur-containing amino acids (cysteine and methionine). The results revealed that the initial YAN containing a larger proportion of diammonium phosphate resulted in a higher YAN consumption rate during the early stages of fermentation. The yeast strain had a greater effect on the volatiles than the YAN level and composition. Keeping the total YAN constant, a higher proportion of sulfur-containing amino acids resulted in a considerably higher production of 3-methylthiopropanol. The sensory impact of three key volatile sulfur compounds was investigated in a Chardonnay wine matrix, indicating that 3-methylthiopropanol at subthreshold or greater concentrations was effective in enhancing the cantaloupe aroma.

Application of sulfur isotopes of volatile organic sulfur compounds to determine the natural gas secondary alterations and possible sources in the Tarim Basin, NW China

Currently, there are very limited methods for direct gas-source rock correlation studies. Herein, we applied sulfur isotope analyses of individual volatile organic sulfur compounds (VOSC) in natural gases and dibenzothiophenes (DBTs) in the associated oils from Ordovician reservoirs in Shunbei and Tahe areas of the Tarim Basin, and coupled them with characteristics of gaseous hydrocarbons to elucidate gas-source correlation and secondary alterations in the reservoirs. The results show that the VOSCs in some of the gas samples have reached isotopic equilibrium with the associated H2S but with distinct sulfur isotope compositions, suggesting that they may be related to the thermal cracking of kerogen and/or oil, or altered by thermochemical sulfate reduction (TSR). The δ34S values of VOSCs in the gases unaffected by TSR range from +14.9 to +21.3‰, which are correlated well with the Cambrian source rock kerogen and DBTs from its derived oils, indicating the gases may have a Cambrian source. Few gas samples from the Tahe area exhibit higher δ34S values of VOSCs (from +22.9 to +31.6‰) but with no evidence for TSR alteration in the associated oils. This suggests that exogenous TSR-H2S was charged into the reservoirs, and altered the δ34S values of the VOSCs. The sulfur isotopes of VOSCs in a gas sample range from +27.3 to +34.8‰ which are close to the Cambrian anhydrite but are not in isotopic equilibrium with the associated H2S. This suggests that the VOSCs have interacted with recently migrated H2S produced by TSR and the increasing concentrations of H2S might have prevented the system from reaching isotopic equilibrium with the VOSC. Thus, VOSC can provide an additional layer of information when interpreting gas generation and migration processes within a complex basin such as the Tarim Basin.

Towards Reducing Food Wastage: Analysis of Degradation Products Formed during Meat Spoilage under Different Conditions.

Foodstuffs, particularly perishable ones such as meat, are frequently discarded once the best-before date has been reached, despite the possibility of their continued suitability for human consumption. The implementation of intelligent packaging has the potential to contribute to a reduction in food wastage by enabling the monitoring of meat freshness during storage time independently of the best-before date. The process of meat spoilage is associated with the formation of specific degradation products, some of which can be potentially utilized as spoilage indicators in intelligent packaging. The aim of the review is to identify degradation products whose concentration correlates with meat shelf life and to evaluate their potential use as spoilage indicators in intelligent packaging. To this end, a comprehensive literature research was conducted to identify the factors influencing meat spoilage and the eight key degradation products (carboxylic acids, biogenic amines, total volatile basic nitrogen, aldehydes, alcohols, ketones, sulfur compounds, and esters) associated with this process. These degradation products were analyzed for their correlation with meat shelf life at different temperatures, atmospheres, and meat types and for their applicability in intelligent packaging. The review provides an overview of these degradation products, comparing their potential to indicate spoilage across different meat types and storage conditions. The findings suggest that while no single degradation product universally indicates spoilage across all meat types and conditions, compounds like carboxylic acids, biogenic amines, and volatile basic nitrogen warrant further investigation. The review elucidates the intricacies inherent in identifying a singular spoilage indicator but underscores the potential of combining specific degradation products to expand the scope of applications in intelligent packaging. Further research (e.g., storage tests in which the concentrations of these substances are specifically examined or research on which indicator substance responds to these degradation products) is recommended to explore these combinations with a view to broadening their applicability.

Comparative metabolome variation in Brassica juncea different organs from two varieties as analyzed using SPME and GCMS techniques coupled to chemometrics

Indian mustard (Brassica juncea; Brassicaceae) is an edible, oilseeds-yielding crop widely consumed as a food spice owing to its richness in nutrients with several health benefits. The current study aims to dissect the B. juncea metabolome heterogeneity among its different organs including leaf, stem, flower, and seed. Moreover, assessing the metabolome differences between two different varieties RH-725 and RH-761 grown at the same conditions. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS) post-silylation was used to dissect the composition of nutrient metabolites coupled to multivariate data analysis. Variation in sulphur aglycones was measured using headspace-solid phase-microextraction HS-SPME coupled to GC–MS. A total of 101 nutrient metabolites were identified with the abundance of sugars represented by monosaccharides in all organs, except for seeds which were enriched in disaccharides (sucrose). α-Linolenic acid was detected as a marker fatty acid in leaf from RH-725 at 12.5 µg/mg. Malic acid was detected as a significant variant metabolite between the two varieties as detected in the leaf from the RH-725 variety at ca. 128.2 µg/mg compared to traces in RH-761. 7 Volatile sulphur compounds were detected at comparable levels in RH-725 and RH-761, with 3-butenyl isothiocyanate was the most abundant at 0.8–2 ng/mg.

Wearable Masks Integrated with Conducting Polymer and Carbon-Based Nanomaterials for VOC and Breath Monitoring

There has been considerable effort to develop wearable electronics from life-supporting devices for solders to fashion accessories such as smartwatches. The research of gas sensors has also attempted to adapt wearables with the power of nanotechnology. On the wearable platform, miniature gas sensors will provide real-time information about the atmosphere to protect each personnel from possible hazardous chemical attacks. In addition, wearable gas sensors can be facilitated to monitor human’s breath as medical applications. [1] Continuous monitoring of respiratory rate in real-time can act as a crucial benchmark for non-invasively detecting cardiac or arterial vascular function. Anomalies in respiratory rate serve as a significant indicator of a patient's health deterioration. Furthermore, it has been reported that aberrations in respiratory rate, as a physiological parameter, can be utilized to monitor common COVID-19 symptoms [2]. The analysis of breath through identifying biomarkers in exhaled breath proves to be an effective method for assessing metabolic disorders or dysfunctions in the human body. Conducting polymers (CPs) have generated significant interest in constructing flexible gas sensors. The inherent issue with pure CPs lies in their tendency to deprotonate in the presence of air, leading to a notable decline in long-term stability. Furthermore, limited gas response on diverse gaseous species demands the exploration of hybridizing CPs and other nanomaterials. When nanomaterials are hybridized with CPs, a synergistic effect, which comes from the benefits of each material, can improve sensing performance.In this study, polyaniline (PANI) conducting polymer and carbon-based nanomaterials, including carbon nanotubes (CNTs), graphene, or MXene were synthesized in a composite form and deposited into disposable masks. The developed gas sensor demonstrates remarkable stability attributed to the presence of van der Waals forces and π–π interactions between carbon-based nanomaterials and polyaniline (PANI). This stability is crucial for its reliable performance over time. The sensor's sensitivity is notably improved due to enhanced charge transfer channels and a porous structure that facilitates the adsorption of target gas. Additionally, the composite sensors detect breathing patterns in real-time, which demonstrates noninvasive human breath monitoring. A noteworthy aspect is that a significant portion of breath signals originates from the presence of target gases and moisture in exhaled breath. Although volatile sulfur compounds, CO2, and volatile organic compounds in the exhaled breath have a minimal influence on the sensing signals, the sensor remains highly responsive to the key components, particularly target gas by selecting carbon-based nanomaterials [3, 4]. The proposed gas sensing mechanism of the CP-based composites is discussed.

The Influence of Probiotics in Halitosis and Cariogenic Bacteria: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the therapeutic potential of probiotics in patients with halitosis and to assess whether probiotics can also be implemented as a preventative tool in oral health. Secondary objectives included the effect of probiotics on oral-health-related quality of life, as well as their safety. Materials and methods: An electronic literature search in Medline (PubMed), Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane library was carried out for the identification and selection of relevant randomized controlled trials. Eligibility was based on inclusion criteria, which included RCTs published after 2013, and the outcome variables were volatile sulfur compound (VSC) levels, organoleptic scores, plaque, or saliva samples to assess cariogenic bacteria counts and/or pH levels. Results: Out of 192 identified records, 16 randomized controlled trials were included. Ten of those studied the effects of probiotics on halitosis and the other six analyzed the effect of probiotics on oral health parameters, such as cariogenic bacteria counts, pH levels, and salivary flow and quality. A total of 921 patients were evaluated. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias assessment tool version 2. Conclusions: Probiotics exhibit the potential for oral health management by reducing VSC levels, improving saliva quality, and enhancing oral-health-related quality of life. Combining probiotics with tongue scraping may sustain VSC reduction, while symbiotics show potential in reducing tongue coating. However, different bacterial strains have been used in the included studies; hence, the conclusions cannot be generalized, being one of the main limitations of this review. Future research should explore the probiotics’ potential to persist in the oral cavity post-treatment and employ standardized methodologies for conclusive efficacy assessment.

Profiles of volatile sulfur compounds in various vegetables consumed in Korea using HS-SPME-GC/MS technique.

Volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) are not only important for their therapeutic potential but also significantly influence the flavor profiles of agricultural products. VSCs exhibit various chemical structures due to their stability and volatility, and they may form or be altered as a result of enzymatic and chemical reactions during storage and cooking. This study has focused on profiles of VSCs in 58 different vegetable samples by using HS-SPME-GC/MS technique and chemometric analyses. The validation was carried out using cabbage juice as a vegetable matrix for VSCs analysis, showing satisfactory repeatability (RSD 8.07% ~ 9.45%), reproducibility (RSD 4.22% ~ 7.71%), accuracy and specificity. The established method was utilized on various vegetables, revealing that 21 VSCs such as sulfides, disulfides, trisulfides, isothiocyanates, sulfhydryls, and thiophenes were successfully identified and quantified. These compounds were found in a range of vegetables including Allium species, Cruciferae, Capsicum species, green leafy vegetables, and mushrooms. In particular, isocyanate and allyl groups were abundant in Cruciferae and Allium vegetables, respectively. Cooking conditions were shown to reduce the levels of certain sulfur compounds such as dimethyl sulfide and dimethyl trisulfide in vegetables like broccoli and cabbage, suggesting that heat treatment can lead to the volatilization and reduction of these compounds. The present study provides reliable insights into the compositions of VSCs in various vegetables and examines the changes induced by different cooking methods.