Advances in the microbial synthesis of aromatic fragrance molecules / 生物工程学报

Aromatic compounds make up a large part of fragrances and are traditionally produced by chemical synthesis and direct extraction from plants. Chemical synthesis depends on petroleum resources and has disadvantages such as causing environment pollutions and harsh reaction conditions. Due to the low content of aromatic compounds in plants and the low yield of direct extraction, plant extractions require large amounts of plant resources that occupy arable land. In recent years, with the development of metabolic engineering and synthetic biology, microbial synthesis of aromatic compounds from renewable resources has become a promising alternative approach to traditional methods. This review describes the research progress on the synthesis of aromatic fragrances by model microorganisms such as Escherichia coli or yeast, including the synthesis of vanillin through shikimic acid pathway and the synthesis of raspberry ketone through polyketide pathway. Moreover, this review highlights the elucidation of native biosynthesis pathways, the construction of synthetic pathways and metabolic regulation for the production of aromatic fragrances by microbial fermentation.

Reproductive biology of endemic Solanum melissarum Bohs (Solanaceae) and updating of its current geographic distribution as the basis for its conservation in the Brazilian Cerrado / Biologia reprodutiva da endêmica Solanum melissarum Bohs (Solanaceae) e atualização da distribuição geográfica atual, como base para a sua conservação no Cerrado Brasileiro

Abstract The genus Solanum (family Solanaceae) includes more than 1400 species and has buzz-pollinated flowers with poricidal anthers. The present study aimed to describe the distribution, breeding system and pollination mechanism of Solanum melissarum, a species endemic to Brazil. The study of breeding system was conducted in an urban forest fragment in Jataí, GO. Distribution data were gathered from floristic surveys and digital plant databases. The floral morphology and the pollination mechanism were studied on through field observations and preserved flowers. The breeding system was determined through hand pollination treatments. The species has a distribution only in the Brazilian Atlantic forest coastal, and this study provides the first records of S. melissarum for the state of Goiás. The pendulous flowers have poricidal anthers close to the stigma, with membranous thecae joined by a connective bearing osmophores that attract males of Euglossa cordata bees. As they collect fragrances, the bees press the thecae and pollen is released through a bellows mechanism. Based on the hand-pollination treatments, this species is self-incompatible. Isolated forest fragments may not include enough pollinators to ensure the pollination of plants with specialized systems. However, they are essential for the conservation of species with interesting phytogeographic patterns, such as the vicariance observed in S. melissarum, and for the conservation of regional diversity.

Resumo O gênero Solanum (família Solanaceae) inclui mais de 1400 espécies e apresenta polinização vibrátil e flores com anteras poricidas. O estudo tem o objetivo de descrever a distribuição, sistema reprodutivo e o mecanismo de polinização de Solanum melissarum, uma espécie endêmica do Brasil. O estudo da biologia reprodutiva foi conduzido em um fragmento florestal urbano em Jataí, GO. As informações de distribuição foram obtidas através de trabalhos florísticos e de banco de dados digitais de plantas. A morfologia floral e o mecanismo de polinização foram estudados através de observações diretas em campo e em flores preservadas. O sistema reprodutivo foi determinado a partir de tratamentos de polinização manual. A espécie apresentava distribuição somente na Mata Atlântica litorânea brasileira, e este estudo demonstrou o primeiro registro de S. melissarum para o estado de Goiás. As flores são pendentes e com anteras poricidas próximas ao estigma, com tecas membranosas envoltas por um conectivo giboso com osmóforos que atraem machos da abelha Euglossa cordata. Na coleta de fragrâncias, as abelhas pressionam as tecas e o polén é liberado por um mecanismo de fole. Baseado nos tratamentos de polinização manual, a espécie é autoincompatível. Fragmentos florestais isolados podem não incluir polinizadores suficientes para garantir a polinização das plantas com sistemas especializados, no entanto, eles são essenciais para a conservação de espécies com padrões fitogeográficos interessantes, como o vicariância observada em S. melissarum, e também para a conservação da diversidade regional.

A Study of Patch Test Results with 20 Fragrance Antigens / 대한피부과학회지

BACKGROUND: The TRUE test and Korean standard series are frequently used to determine the cause of allergic contact dermatitis. Although the TRUE test and Korean standard series have some fragrance antigens, they do not include all Korean Food & Drug Administration (KFDA) labeled fragrances. Moreover, there is no report regarding the patch test result of the KFDA-labeled fragrances in Korea. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of positive patch test reactions to the KFDA-labeled fragrances and compare the results of the TRUE test or Korean standard series. METHODS: The patch test was conducted on patients with suspected allergic contact dermatitis due to fragrances or cosmetics. The fragrance ingredients patch test comprised 20 KFDA-labeled fragrance antigens including fragrance mix (FM)1, FM2, etc. We reviewed the clinical information of patients using the MOAHLFA index. RESULTS: Of 237 patch-tested patients, 21 (8.9%) showed at least 1 positive reaction and 13 (5.5%) showed 2 or more positive reactions. The characteristics of the MOAHLFA index were not related to fragrance allergy. Eleven (4.5%) revealed a disagreement in the patch tests of FM and FM1 ingredients. Of 21 patients with fragrance allergy, 3 (14.3%) reacted solely to FM2. Cinnamyl alcohol and cinnamyl were the most common fragrance allergens. CONCLUSION: If the TRUE test or Korean standard series is solely employed to determine fragrance allergy, false negative cases and patients with contact allergy to fragrance ingredients not included in the FM1 fragrance can be missed. Therefore, it would be desirable to test the FM and fragrance ingredient antigens simultaneously.

Brazilian gorgonians: a source of odoriferous compounds?

Abstract The gorgonian Phyllogorgia dilatata Esper is an octocoral known to be source of biologically active terpenes. In this study, odoriferous compounds present in P. dilatata tissues were investigated, due to their exotic olfactory notes. The search of volatile compounds was performed in a dichloromethane/methanol extract submitted to a silica gel vacuum chromatography and HPLC, yielding the isomers (Z,E) and (E,E)-germacrones, identified by GC/MS, 1 and 2D NMR. The stereochemistry of (E,E)-germacrone, as well as its preferred conformation, was confirmed by NOESY. Sensory analysis of the two isomers revealed a fragrant, citrus, woody and weak marine odor, similar to the odor of the natural gorgonian, and (E,E)-germacrone has a three times more intense aroma than the (Z,E) isomer.

Comparisons of Consumption Attitude toward Vegetables and Fragrance Vegetables Preference among Primary School to University Students in Gyeongbuk Area / 대한지역사회영양학회지

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to provide the preliminary data for dietary education to increase students' vegetables intake. METHODS: The attitude of vegetables consumption (5-Likert scale), preference score (7-Likert scale) and eating frequency (5-Likert scale) of 9 fragrance vegetables were investigated by survey questionnaire. A total of 370 students enrolled in primary, middle, high schools, and university participated in the study and data were analyzed by the SPSS WIN (ver 12.0). RESULTS: About 40% of those surveyed answered that they do not eat some kinds of foods and 16% of students do not eat vegetables, the most unfavorable foods. The students in all groups (primary 2nd and 5th, middle and high school, university students) answered that they liked vegetables with the highest score in university students, and they did not often eat fragrance vegetables. Lower age student group, especially primary school 2nd showed more positive attitudes of eating challenge toward no experience, bad taste, and dislike but nutritious vegetable foods. The most important factor of vegetable preference was taste, the biggest reason of both like and dislike. Only 4 students designated nutrition as for vegetable dislike reason, means that all students knew about the nutritional importance of vegetables. It was shown that the color and flavor of the vegetables act as dislikable reason rather than likable reason. The significant correlations between preference score and intake frequency of fragrance vegetables were confirmed, and the younger the students the greater the correlation coefficient. CONCLUSIONS: Thus providing more chance to experience vegetables, such as fragrance vegetables and education about the importance of balanced diet will be an effective way of increasing vegetables intake, and the younger the students the greater the education effect.

Efecto de las fragancias en el desempeño sensorial de productos cosméticos tipo champú / Effect of the fragrance on the sensorial performance of cosmetic shampoos

En el desarrollo de cosméticos, las fragancias constituyen un factor clave en términos de la aceptabilidad del producto por parte del consumidor. No obstante, durante la etapa de formulación, la atención se focaliza comúnmente en la evaluación de factores tales como el desempeño y la estabilidad del perfil olfativo, y no se profundiza en las consecuencias de las posibles interacciones causadas entre los ingredientes de la formulación y los ingredientes de la fragancia. Como un aporte en este sentido, el presente trabajo evidencia el efecto de diferentes fragancias en el desempeño funcional de productos cosméticos tipo champú. De acuerdo con los resultados obtenidos, el solvente orgánico presente en la composición de la fragancia podría influenciar de forma significativa en el comportamiento de materias primas de naturaleza polimérica que se emplean en las formulaciones de champús y que determinan tanto la viscosidad del producto como su desempeño sensorial en las pruebas de uso.

Fragrances are a key factor when cosmetics are developed because of their crucial influence on the consumer acceptance. However, the development stages of the product are frequently focused on factors such as the cosmetic performance and the olfactory profile, overlooking the potential chemical interactions between the recipe ingredients and the fragrance ingredients like their consequences in terms of the product performance. As a contribution on this regard, this research evidences the incidence of different fragrances on the functional performance of cosmetic shampoos. The results reveal that the organic solvent included into the fragrance recipe could influence in significant way the behavior of polymeric raw materials which govern both the product viscosity and the product sensorial performance when in use tests are carried out.

Influence of the presence and type of fragrance on the sensory perception of cosmetic formulations

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the sensory assessments of identical cosmetic formulations with and without fragrance to investigate not only the acceptance but also how different fragrances affected their attributes, such as skin feel, tackiness and spreadability. Three gel and three cream formulations with and without two types of fragrance, fennel and sweet flowers, were assessed for various attributes. The presence and type of fragrance used affected the testers' perception of some attributes, showing that the influence of this component should not be disregarded. Apparently, a consumer's reaction to a cosmetic product is not only based on its efficacy but also on how its attributes are perceived, such as appearance, skin feel and smell.

Pattern Of Allergic Contact Dermatitis In School Children In Selayang Hospital, Malaysia

Background: Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) was thought to be infrequent in children. However, there was an increasing number of case reports and cross-sectional studies in the past three decades indicating that ACD is not as rare as previously thought. Understanding the pattern of allergic contact dermatitis in children would help with the diagnosis and prevention of this disease. Aim: This study explored the spectrum of contact allergens in schoolchildren. Methodology: This is a retrospective analysis of all primary and secondary schoolchildren who underwent patch test at the Department of Dermatology, Hospital Selayang, Malaysia between January 2012 and March 2013. Patch tests were performed with European Baseline Series and other additional commercial series from Chemotechnique Diagnostics in IQ chambers. The parameters studied included sites of dermatitis, positive patch test reactions and sources of the allergens. Readings were recorded according to the International Contact Dermatitis Research Group recommendation. Results were analyzed using the SPSS Version 12.0. Results: 84 out of 327 (25.7%) patients who underwent patch tests were primary and secondary schoolchildren. Of the 84 schoolchildren, 60.7% had at least one positive patch test reaction. The most common allergens were preservatives found in cosmetic series (51%), rubber chemicals (47.1%), nickel sulfate (31.3%), fragrances (19.6%) and topical medicaments (19.6%). The majority (86%) of patients with facial dermatitis were positive to allergens in dental series, whereas 41.9% of patients with dermatitis involving the upper limbs and 50% of patients with dermatitis involving the lower limbs had positive patch test to rubber chemicals. Patients with dermatitis involving the trunk mostly had positive patch test to fragrances (50%). Sources of fragrances were mainly found in toiletries, topical medicaments and cosmetics. Discussion: This results of this study were interesting because of the high rate of sensitization to preservatives, mainly paraben mix. There were also high sensitization rates to rubber chemicals, which could be due to contact with rubberized shoes, sports equipment and stationery. Conclusions: Schoolchildren with face, limbs or trunk dermatitis should be patch tested with additional dental, rubber and fragrance series respectively.

Antibacterial properties and chemical characterization of the essential oils from summer savory extracted by microwave-assisted hydrodistillation

Antibacterial properties and chemical characterization of the essential oils from summer savory (Satureja hortensis) extracted by microwave-assisted hydrodistillation (MAHD) were compared with those of the essential oils extracted using the traditional hydrodistillation (HD) method. While MAHD at 660 W required half as much time as HD needed, similar antibacterial efficacies were found from the essential oils obtained by the two extraction methods on two food pathogens (Staphylococcus aureus, a gram positive bacterium, and Escherchia coli, a gram negative bacterium). Also, as it was the case with the essential oils extracted by HD, that of MAHD indicated greater influence on S. aureus than on E. coli. The compositions of the extracted essential oils were also studied using GC-MS analysis. The same components with negligible differences in their quantities were found in the extracted essential oils using the two methods outlined above. Overall, to reduce the extraction time, MAHD can be applied at higher microwave levels without any compromise in the antibacterial properties of the essential oils extracted.

Evaluation of photopatch test allergens for Indian patients of photodermatitis: Preliminary results.

Background: There is a strong need to develop a photopatch test tray suitable for Indian patients of photodermatitis as European/Scandinavian photopatch test trays may not be wholly relevant for them. Aim: We carried out this study using photoallergens relevant in the Indian context to determine their relevance in patients of photodermatitis. Methods: Thirty patients (M:F, 23:7) between 19 and 76 years of age of photodermatitis and 10 controls were patch- and photopatch tested with 20 common photoallergens. In addition, the patients were also (photo) patch tested with articles of daily use as and when these were suspected to be the cause. Results: Forty-three positive reactions to one or more antigens were seen in 22 (74%) patients. Fourteen positive photopatch tests to seven allergens were observed in 10 (33%) patients, and nine (30%) of them had a definite relevance. The most common contact allergen was fragrance mix (FM) (30%), followed by p-phenylenediamine (20%) and Parthenium hysterophorous (17%). The definite relevance of the patch- and photopatch tests could be correlated in 47% of these patients. Conclusions: FM is the most common contact and photocontact allergen among the various photopatch test antigens. Although differences in technique and evaluation make direct comparison between different centers difficult, still photopatch testing remains an integral part and gold standard for the work-up of the photosensitive patients.

Impact of Environmental Tobacco Smoke Exposure and Home Environment on Asthma and Wheeze in School Children / 소아알레르기및호흡기학회지

PURPOSE: Environmental factors may increase risk for childhood asthma. The objective of this study was to investigate the association of environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) exposure and home environment with the development of wheeze and asthma. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 969 elementary school students. Data included questions about asthma and wheeze symptoms, exposure to tobacco smoke, and home environment including history of moving into a new house within 1 year of age after birth, use of fragrance at home, recent purchase of new furniture. Logistic regression and Pearson chi statistics were used to estimate these associations. RESULTS: ETS exposure was associated with current wheeze and nocturnal sleep disturbance. Paternal smoking over 20 cigarettes per day was associated with 4 or more episodes of wheeze during the past 1 year. However, there were no significant differences in pulmonary function, serum total IgE levels, blood eosinophil counts, and atopy between children with ETS exposure and non-exposure. Moving into a new house within 1 year of birth was associated with current asthma or wheeze. Use of fragrance at home and purchase of new furniture during the past 1 year were associated with current wheeze, current physician-diagnosed asthma, and nocturnal cough. CONCLUSION: Exposure to ETS, moving into a new house after birth, and indoor fragrance are risk factors for wheeze and asthma in schoolchildren.

Abelhas Euglossina (Hymenoptera: Apidae) em área de restinga do nordeste do Maranhão / Euglossina Bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae) in an area with sandbanks in the northeast of the State of Maranhão, Brazil

As abelhas da subtribo Euglossina são importantes elementos da fauna neotropical, ocorrendo em maior diversidade em floresta tropical que em área de restinga. Essas abelhas são responsáveis pela polinização de inúmeras espécies de plantas, sendo consideradas boas indicadoras das condições ambientais. De fevereiro/2005 a janeiro/2006 foram coletados 429 indivíduos pertencentes a três gêneros [Euglossa (Latreille), Eulaema (Lepeletier) e Eufriesea (Cockerell)] e 14 espécies. As espécies mais frequentes foram Eulaema cingulata (Fabricius) (24,5 por cento), Euglossa cordata (L.) (20,5 por cento) e Eufriesea nigrescens (Friese) (19,8 por cento), constituindo 64,8 por cento dos indivíduos. Pluviosidade foi a variável ambiental que teve maior importância relativa sobre a variação da composição de espécies, pelo menos para algumas espécies de Eufriesea. Eg. cordata e Eg. gaianii Dressler nidifi caram em ninhos armadilhas colocados na área, o que sugere que são espécies residentes. A grande abundância e riqueza de espécies, quando comparadas a outros trabalhos, podem ser devidas ao mosaico de distintas formações vegetais encontrado nas áreas adjacentes ao sítio específico de coleta.

The bees of subtribe Euglossina are an important component of neotropical fauna and have greater species diversity in tropical forests than in spits. They play an important role in the pollination of several plant species and are considered good indicators of environmental conditions. From February 2005 to January 2006, a total of 429 specimens belonging to three genera [Euglossa (Latreille), Eulaema (Lepeletier) and Eufriesea (Cockerell)] and 14 species were collected. Eulaema cingulata (Fabricius) (24.5 percent), Euglossa cordata (L.) (20.5 percent) and Eufriesea nigrescens (Friese) (19.8 percent) were the most abundant species, representing 64.8 percent of all bees collected. Rainfall was the environmental variable with the greatest relative influence on species composition, particularly for some species of Eufriesea. Euglossa cordata and Eg. gaianii Dressler nested in trap nests, suggesting they are resident species. The larger number of individuals and greater richness of species compared with data available in the literature may result from the great variety of plant species found in the areas adjacent to the collection site.

Horário de atividade de machos de Euglossina (Hymenoptera: Apidae) e preferência por fragrâncias artificiais em mata e dunas na Área de Proteção Ambiental da Barra do Rio Mamanguape, Rio Tinto, PB / Activity time of male Euglossina and preference for artificial fragrances in forest and dunes in the Environmental Protection Area of the Mamanguape River Bar, Rio Tinto, Paraíba, Brazil

As abelhas Euglossina formam um grupo com cerca de 200 espécies conhecidas, distribuídas na Região Neotropical. Os machos coletam compostos aromáticos em flores e com a utilização de análogos artificiais é possível realizar levantamentos faunísticos e estudar diversos aspectos ecológicos dessas abelhas. Neste trabalho foram estudados o horário de atividade dos machos de Euglossina e sua preferência por fragrâncias artificiais em áreas de mata e restinga na Área de Proteção Ambiental da Barra do Rio Mamanguape, Rio Tinto, PB, de agosto de 2002 a julho de 2004. Seis fragrâncias artificiais foram utilizadas como atrativos: acetato de benzila, beta ionona, escatol, eucaliptol, eugenol e vanilina. Foram amostradas nove espécies, sendo duas exclusivas da mata. Euglossa cordata (L.) e Eulaema nigrita Lepeletier foram as mais abundantes tanto na mata quanto na restinga. Os machos foram mais ativos entre 8:00h e 10:00h nas duas áreas, sem variação ao longo do ano. Eucaliptol e eugenol foram as fragrâncias que atraíram o maior número de espécies. E cordata demonstrou preferência pela beta ionona e eucaliptol e E. nigrita pelo escatol e eucaliptol.

Euglossina bees form a group with about 200 species known, widespread in Neotropical Region. Males collect aromatic compounds on flowers and by using synthesized analogs it is possible to accomplish faunistic inventories and study several ecological aspects of these bees. In this work we studied the activity hours and the preference of aromatic compounds by Euglossina males in forest and dunes at Environmental Protection Area of the Mamanguape River Bar, Rio Tinto, Paraíba State, between August 2002 and July 2004. Six artificial compounds were used as attractive: benzyl acetate, ionone beta, skatole, eucalyptol, eugenol and vanillin. Nine species were sampled, being two of them exclusive of the forest. Euglossa cordata (L.) and Eulaema nigrita Lepeletier were the most abundant species as in the forest as on dunes. Males were more active between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. in both areas, with no variation throughout the year. Eucalyptol and eugenol attracted most number of species. E. cordata demonstrated preference by ionone beta and eucalyptol and E. nigrita by skatole and eucalyptol.

Effects of Group Reminiscence with Mugwort Fragrance Inhalation on Pain, Depression and Ego Integrity of the Elderly with Chronic Pain / 성인간호학회지

PURPOSE: This study was to test some effects on pain, depression and ego integrity of the elderly by adapting group reminiscence therapy with mugwort fragrance to the elderly with chronic pain. METHOD: The research was executed from April 2001 through September 2001, and research participants were male and female olderly people randomly assigned from 3 environmentally similar day care centers. They were divided into experimental group A and B, and a control group; The control group was divided into a daily care group and a regularly visiting group, and the experimental group A was for group reminiscence therapy with mugwort fragrance inhalation and the group B for group reminiscence therapy. RESULT: The group reminiscence therapy with mugwort fragrance inhalation showed significant effects on decrease of pain and depression, and improvement of ego integrity, and for 2 weeks after the treatment proved its continuous effect. CONCLUSION: The result above explains the fact the mugwort fragrance stimulates reminiscence and shows curing effects. In further researches, it is necessary to adapt various health problems of the elderly, not only to the aged with chonic pain.

Common allergens in contact dermatitis as determined by patch testing: a 4-year experience at Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center (JRRMMC) - preliminary report

Objective: This study sought to determine through patch testing the ten most common allergens among patients with suspected allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) and thus, provide dermatologists with a useful guide in patient evaluation and counseling regarding the avoidance of triggering factors that perpetuate their allergic skin problemsDesign: An observational desriptive studySetting: Tertiary government hospitalPatients: A total of 119 patients who presented with skin lesions at the outpatient section of the JRRMMC Dermatology Department from July 1991-June 1995 were patch tested. From these, 80 patients diagnosed to have ACD were given emphasis in the final analysis and evaluationResults: Of the total 119 patients patch tested during this 4-year time period, 80 patients (67.22%) were clinically diagnosed to have allergic contact dermatitis. The sites of dermatitis commonly affected in this group were the feet, the hands and the arms. the ten most common skin sensitizers identified among these patients were as folows: fragrance mix, nickel sulfate, potassium dichromate and thiurum mix-both at third, p-phenylenediamine, cinnamic aldehyde, balsam of Peru, epoxy resin and paraben mix-both at seventh, carba rubber mix, bronopol and 2-mercaptobenzothiazole both at ninth, wool alcohol and mercapto-mix sharing the tenth place. It is interesting to note that the top five allergens in this group share similar ranking to that which figured prominently among patients who exhibited various kinds of dermatitidesConclusions: As the result of rapid industrialization, the incidence of ACD has risen to the leaping proportion in the last two decades. Definite cure is obtained primarily by avoidance of the specific allergen(s). These are best indentified through patch testing. By undertaking this study, the authors hope to provide some local statistics on the most common skin sensitizers causing the ACD and therefore, place physicians and dermatologists in particular, in a better position to give their patients sound advice regarding the avoidance of tigerring factors that can readily perpetuate their skin problems.(Author)

Analysis of positive patch tests of fragrance allergy / 대한피부과학회지

63 of 348 patients patch tested with an European standard series, had positive reaction to either a fragrance mix or Balsam of Peru. Twelve showed positiv reaction to bot,h patches. The number of positive patch tests to the fragrance mix was 56, while those to Balsarn of Peru was 19 out, of the 63 patients, manifesting sensitivities of 83% and 30% repectively. The fragrance mix was considered a useful screening patch for fragrance allergies. Twenty-five of the patients showing fragrance allergy were further analysed with 8 individual fragrance ingredients at 2% petrolatum. Cinnamic aldehyde and cinnamic alcohol were considered as she most frequent and important. sensitizers.