Detection of Carbamazepine and Its Metabolites in Blood Samples by LC-MS/MS / 法医学杂志

OBJECTIVES@#To establish a method for the detection of carbamazepine and its metabolites 10,11-dihydro-10,11-epoxycarbamazepine and 10,11-dihydro-10-hydroxycarbamazepine in blood samples by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS).@*METHODS@#The blood samples were treated with 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate as an extraction solvent. The samples were extracted by ultrasound-assisted extraction and separated by ZORBAX Eclipse Plus C18, 95Å column. The mobile phase A aqueous solution containing 0.1% formic acid and 10 mmol/L ammonium acetate, and mobile phase B mixed organic solvent containing acetonitrile/methanol (Vacetonitrile∶Vmethanol=2∶3) were used for gradient elution at the flow rate of 1.00 mL/min. An electrospray ion source in positive mode was used for detection in the multiple reaction monitoring.@*RESULTS@#The linearities of carbamazepine and its metabolites 10,11-dihydro-10,11-epoxycarbamazepine and 10,11-dihydro-10-hydroxycarbamazepine in blood samples were good within the corresponding range, with correlation coefficients (r) greater than 0.995 6. The limits of detection were 3.00, 0.40 and 1.30 ng/mL, respectively. The limit of quantitation were 8.00, 1.00 and 5.00 ng/mL, respectively. The extraction recoveries ranged from 76.00% to 106.44%. The relative standard deviations of the intra-day and inter-day precisions were less than 16%. Carbamazepine and its main metabolite 10,11-dihydro-10,11-epoxycarbamazepine were detected in blood samples of death cases with a mass concentration of 2.71 μg/mL and 252.14 ng/mL, respectively.@*CONCLUSIONS@#This method has high sensitivity and good selectivity, which is suitable for the detection of carbamazepine and its metabolites in blood samples, and can be used for carbamazepine-related forensic identifications.

Determination of acetochlor and its metabolites in urine using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

Objective: A method for the determination of acetochlor and its metabolites in urine by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was established. Methods: After cleaned-up by a HLB extraction cartridges, the urine was eluted with 1% acetic acid acetonitrile solution. The target compounds were separated by ACQUITY UPLC®HSS T3 Column (2.1 mm×100 mm×1.8 μm) by using 1% formic acid solution and acetonitrile as mobile phase with gradient elution program, and analyzed in positive electrospray ionization mode by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Results: All the target compounds showed good linear relationships in the range of 1-50 μg/L, and the correlation coefficients (r) were higher than 0.997. The recoveries rates at three different spiked levels for all target compounds in blank matrices were 107.6%-129.1%, and the relative standard deviations (RSD) were 1.5%-9.9% (n=6) . The limits of detection and quantitation of the method were 0.04-0.11 μg/L and 0.15-0.42 μg/L, respectively, and target substances were detected in all urine samples from occupational exposure workers to acetochlor. Conclusion: This method is suitable for rapid screening and analysis of acetochlor and metabolites in urine with the advantages of accuracy, rapidity, simplicity, high sensitivity and good specificity.

Fast determination of bongkrekic acid in plasma by high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

Objective: To establish a method for rapid determination of bongkrekic acid (BA) in plasma by high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). Methods: In November 2020, plasma samples were extracted by methanol and acetonitrile (1∶1) and purified directly. The samples were separated by C18 column. Gradient elution was carried out with 5 mmol/L ammonium acetate water acetonitrile solution as mobile phase. Under the optimized instrument conditions, the electrospray ionization multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode was used, and the external standard method was used for quantitative analysis. Results: The linear relationship of BA in plasma was good in the concentration range of 2-100 μg/L, the correlation coefficient was 0.9998, the average recovery was 83.7%-112.0%, the relative standard deviation within and between batches was less than 10%, the detection limit of the method was 0.7 μg/L and the lower limit of quantification was 2.0 μg/L. Conclusion: The method is simple, rapid, accurate and sensitive, and can meet the requirements for the determination of BA in blood samples of poisoning patients.

Métodos de extração, estabilidade e biodisponibilidade da guanitoxina em cultivos de Sphaeropermopsis torques-reginae analisadas por espectrometria de massas / Methods of extraction, stability, and bioavailability of guanitoxin in Sphaeropermopsis torques-reginae cultures analyzed by mass spectrometry

A guanitoxina (GNT) é uma neurotoxina produzida por algumas cepas de cianobactérias dos gêneros Dolichospermum e Sphaerospermopsis>. A GNT é o único organofosforado natural, capaz de causar a morte de animais selvagens e domésticos devido à inibição irreversível da acetilcolinesterase. Apesar de sua alta toxicidade, o diagnóstico da GNT em amostras biológicas ainda é um grande desafio. A dificuldade para sua detecção está diretamente ligada à sua instabilidade em altas temperaturas e pH alcalino, tornando difícil seu monitoramento em corpos d'água. Por isso, esta pesquisa objetivou estudar a estabilidade e biodisponibilidade da GNT em amostras aquosas, com intuito de obter mais informações sobre a natureza química e biológica dessa potente neurotoxina. Para realizar este estudo, a cepa ITEP-24 (S. torques-reginae) produtora de GNT foi cultivada em laboratório sob condições controladas, para obter biomassa para os experimentos de extração, semi-isolamento, estabilidade, ensaio in vitro e identificação por LC-MS/MS. Primeiramente foram realizados testes de extração da GNT partir de células liofilizadas da cepa ITEP-24 utilizando água, metanol e etanol em pH ácido. Depois utilizou-se dois métodos de extração em fase sólida (SPE) com cartuchos preenchidos com fases estacionarias C18 em fase reversa e sílica gel em fase normal, com objetivo de avaliar qual método de SPE seria melhor para extrair e concentrar a GNT. Nós também testamos métodos para lisar as células com sondas de ultrassom, misturador e centrifugação. Além dos métodos de extração, nós avaliamos a estabilidade da toxina em diferentes temperaturas, para isso a biomassa seca contendo a GNT ficou condicionada a 4 °C, 23 °C, -20 °C, -80 °C durantes seis meses, e análises de identificação foram realizadas dentro período de 150 dias em uma sequência de 30 dias. A estabilidade da toxina foi analisada também a partir de extrações em soluções com diferentes valores de pH (1,5; 3,0; 5,0; 7,0; 8,5; 10,5) e temperatura (23 ºC e 37 ºC). Depois, analisou-se a biodisponibilidade da GNT em células frescas da linhagem ITEP-24 através de teste de dissolução in vitro. O objetivo deste teste foi avaliar a liberação da toxina intracelular em meio simulado do conteúdo gástrica e intestinal com e sem enzimas digestivas para compreender e estimar a disponibilidade da GNT in vivo. Os resultados de todos experimentos descritos neste estudo, foram obtidos a partir de análises por cromatografia líquida de interação hidrofílica (HILIC) acoplado ao espectrômetro de massas do tipo triplo quadrupolo LC-QqQ-MS/MS utilizando as transições 253>58, 253>159 e 159>58 [M+H]+ utilizando coluna com fase estacionária zwitteriônica (ZIC). A identificação da GNT foi realizada também por cromatografia líquida acoplada ao espectrômetro de massas de alta resolução (LC-HR-QTOF-MS) com coluna Luna C18, Hydro-RP C18 e ZIC-HILIC. Dos protocolos de extração testados, a combinação de metanol/água (70:30 v/v) com ácido acético (0.3%) extraiu maior quantidade relativa da GNT a partir de células frescas e liofilizadas da cepa ITEP-24 e a concentração da toxina foi maior em amostras de células frescas. Em relação aos métodos de lise celular, as extrações realizadas em sonda de ultrassom com banho-maria e centrifugação por 1h foram estatisticamente significantes para liberar a toxina intracelular. Não houve diferença significativa entre os testes de SPE, no entanto, a semipurificação da toxina foi melhor com cartucho preenchido com sílica gel em fase normal e adaptação desse método em coluna aberta permitiu obter uma fração enriquecida com GNT. A GNT mostrou ser mais estável em pH ácido, sendo o pH 3,0 o melhor para manter e extrair a toxina em amostras aquosas e a toxina intracelular presente em células secas podem degradar em temperatura de 23 °C por um período de 150 dias mesmo em solução com pH 3,0. Durante os testes de extração e purificação foi observado também a degradação da toxina em processos de secagem e ressuspensão. As análises realizadas no LC-HR-QTOF-MS com diferentes métodos cromatográficos possibilitou a identificação da GNT, porém o método realizado com coluna ZIC-HILIC mostrou melhor resolução cromatográfica dos picos relativos m/z e tempo de retenção de toxina. Os resultados obtidos nos testes de dissolução in vitro mostraram que a GNT fica mais disponível no simulado gástrico com e sem a enzima pepsina, mas também pode ser absorvida no intestino. Portanto, o teste de dissolução in vitro pode ser uma ferramenta útil para a avaliação de risco de cianotoxinas in vivo, devido ao seu potencial de monitorar qualitativa e quantitativamente substâncias dissolvidas em fluidos gastrointestinais. Os resultados apresentados neste estudo fornecem informações valiosas para uma melhor compreensão da estabilidade e biodisponibilidade do GNT. Além disso, os métodos apresentados neste estudo podem ser úteis para diversas aplicações projetadas para identificar a toxina em amostras ambientais, bem como orientações para procedimentos de purificação da GNT

Guanitoxin (GNT) is a neurotoxin produced by some strains of cyanobacteria of the genus Dolichospermum and Sphaerospermopsis. GNT is the only natural organophosphate, capable of causing the death of animals from wild and domestic animals due to irreversible inhibition of acetylcholinesterase. Despite its high toxicity, the diagnosis of GNT in biological samples is still a significant challenge. The difficulty in its detection is directly linked to its instability at high temperatures and alkaline pH, making it difficult to monitor in bodies of water. Therefore, this research aimed to study the stability and bioavailability of GNT in aqueous samples to provide more information about the chemical and biological nature of this molecule. The strain ITEP-24 (S. torques-reginae) producing GNT was grown in the laboratory under controlled conditions to obtain biomass for the extraction, semi-isolation, stability, in vitro tests, and toxin identification by LC-MS/MS. Firstly, tests were carried out to extract GNT from lyophilized cells strain ITEP-24 using water, methanol, and ethanol at acidic pH and, two SPE methods in cartridges with stationary phases of C18 reverse phase and normal phase gel silica, to evaluate which would be better to extract and concentrate the GNT. We also tested different methods of cell lysis, such as ultrasound probes, mixers, and centrifugation. In addition to the extraction methods, the stability of the toxin was evaluated at different temperatures, for this, the dry biomass containing the toxin was conditioned at 4 °C, 23 °C, -20 °C, -80 °C for 150 days and analysis of the identification of the GNT was carried out within that period in a sequence of 30 days. The toxin stability was also analyzed from extractions in solutions with different pH values (1.5; 3.0; 5.0; 7.0; 8.5; 10.5) and temperature (23 ºC and 37 ºC). In addition, we performed dissolution tests with fresh cells of the ITEP-24 strain to evaluate the bioavailability of GNT in simulated gastric and intestinal fluids with and without digestive enzymes to understand and estimate the availability of GNT in vivo. The results of all experiments described in this study were obtained from analyzes by hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) coupled to the LC-QqQ-MS/MS triple quadrupole mass spectrometer using the transitions m/z 253> 58, m/z 253> 159 and m/z 159> 58 [M + H]+ using a column with the zwitterionic stationary phase (ZIC). Liquid chromatography coupled to the high-resolution mass spectrometer (LC-HR-QTOF-MS) with Luna column C18, Hydro-RP C18, and ZIC-HILIC carried out the identification of the GNT. From the extraction protocols tested, the combination of methanol/water (70:30 v/v) with acetic acid (0.3%) extracted a greater relative amount of GNT from fresh and lyophilized ITEP-24 cells, and the concentration of the toxin is higher previously fresh. Concerning cellular methods, the ultrasound probe with a water bath and centrifugation for 1h ware statistically significant to release the intracellular toxin. There was no significant difference between the SPE tests. However, the semi-purification of the toxin was better with a cartridge filled with gel silica in the normal phase and adaptation of this method in an open column allowed to obtain a fraction enriched with GNT. GNT was more stable at acid pH, with pH 3.0 being the best to maintain and the intracellular toxin present in dry cells can degrade at a temperature at 23 °C for 150 days even in pH 3.0 solution. The toxin can also hydrolyze in the drying and resuspension processes. The analyzes carried out in LC-HR-QTOF-MS with different chromatographic methods made it possible to identify the GNT itself, however, the ZIC-HILIC column method showed excellent chromatographic resolution of the relative m/z peaks and toxin retention time. The results obtained in the in vitro dissolution tests showed that GNT is more available in the gastric simulation with and without the enzyme pepsin, but it can also be absorbed in the intestine. Thus, in vitro dissolution tests can be used as a useful tool for the risk assessment of cyanotoxins in vivo due to their potential to qualitatively and quantitatively monitor substances dissolved in gastrointestinal fluids. The results presented in this study provide valuable information for a better understanding of the stability and bioavailability of GNT. Besides, the methods presented in this study can be useful for various applications designed to identify the toxin in environmental samples, as well as guidance on procedures for purifying GNT

Levels of BPA in makdous, a traditional Syrian food, using solid-phase extraction followed by HPLC

Bisphenol A (BPA), an endocrine disrupter, can migrate from packaging material into food stuff. This research was designed to measure BPA levels in makdous, a traditional Syrian food. Forty three samples of makdous stored in different plastic containers (polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and unspecified plastic containers) were analyzed every 3 months for one year beginning July 2017. Quantification of BPA was carried out by an RP-HPLC system equipped with fluorescence detector after solid phase extraction. Migration was found in PE and PP plastic containers with slight differences. Statistically significant differences in BPA levels were observed between samples assayed after two weeks of preparation and samples assayed after 12 months (mean 16.32 vs. 38.26 µg/kg, p value=0.003). According to these amounts, BPA levels were all under the specific migration limit of 0.05 mg/kg as newly referred in Regulation (EU) No 2018/213. These levels of exposure would only contribute to 2.15% and 2.75% of the EFSA t-TDI in both men and women respectively based on mean dietary exposure estimates derived from a 24-h dietary information study from 875 participants. Hence there are no concerns about potential health risks from makdous consumption

Analysis of carnosic acid metabolites in rats by UHPLC-Q-Exactive MS / 中国中药杂志

A method of ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole/electrostatic field Obitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry(UHPLC-Q-Exactive MS) was established to comprehensively identify the metabolites of carnosic acid in rats. After oral gavage of carnosic acid CMC-Na suspension in rats, urine, plasma and feces samples were collected and pretreated by solid phase extraction(SPE). Acquity UPLC BEH C_(18 )column(2.1 mm×100 mm, 1.7 μm) was used with 0.1% formic acid solution(A)-acetonitrile(B) as the mobile phase for the gradient elution. Biological samples were analyzed by quadrupole/electrostatic field Obitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry in positive and negative ion mode. Based on the accurate molecular mass, fragment ion information, and related literature reports, a total of 28 compounds(including carnosic acid) were finally identified in rat samples. As a result, the main metabolic pathways of carnosic acid in rats are oxidation, hydroxylation, methylation, glucuronide conjugation, sulfate conjugation, S-cysteine conjugation, glutathione conjugation, demethylation, decarbonylation and their composite reactions. The study showed that the metabolism of carnosic acid in rats could be efficiently and comprehensively clarified by using UHPLC-Q-Exactive MS, providing a reference for clarifying the material basis and metabolic mechanism of carnosic acid.

Optimization and validation of a highly sensitive method for determining glyphosate in human urine by solid-phase extraction and liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry: a methodological study

BACKGROUND@#Glyphosate and its salt formulations are nonselective herbicides that have been extensively used worldwide, both for residential and agricultural purposes. The possible carcinogenicity and teratogenicity of glyphosate remain to be elucidated. We developed a sensitive and high-throughput analytical method for urinary glyphosate using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry with the aim of contributing to glyphosate exposure assessment in epidemiological studies.@*METHODS@#After urine dilution (creatinine matching dilution to 0.05 g creatinine/L), glyphosate was extracted using two types of solid phase extraction columns (SCX and NH2) with automated sample preparation instruments. The eluate was dried and dissolved in the mobile phase, followed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis. The optimized method was applied to urine samples obtained from 54 Japanese adults and children.@*RESULTS@#The results from the validation study demonstrated good recoveries (91.0-99.6%), within- and between-run precisions (< 15%), low detection limits (0.1 μg/L), and lower limit of quantification (0.3 μg/L). The detection frequency and median concentration of the urinary glyphosate in Japanese subjects were 59% and 0.25 μg/L (0.34 μg/g creatinine).@*CONCLUSIONS@#Our reliable determination method was successful in measuring urinary glyphosate concentration. Moreover, this is the first biomonitoring report of urinary glyphosate levels in the Japanese general population.

Application of Dispersive Liquid-Liquid Microextraction in Forensic Toxicological Analysis / 法医学杂志

Currently, the main sample pretreatment methods for forensic toxic analysis are liquid-liquid extraction （LLE） and solid-phase extraction （SPE）. As a simple, convenient, and low-cost LLE method, dispersion liquid-liquid microextraction （DLLME） has high enrichment factor and good extraction efficiency, and therefore has attracted the attention of many researchers in the field of toxicology analysis in recent years. As a multi-functional microextraction method, DLLME has been widely used in the analysis of pesticides, sleeping sedatives, drugs and heavy metal poisons in forensic toxic analysis. Meanwhile, it can also be used in combination with such a variety of analytical instruments as gas chromatography-electron capture detectors （GC-ECD）, high performance liquid chromatography-diode array detectors （HPLC-DAD）. As a sample pretreatment method, DLLME has the advantages of simple operation, less use of organic solvent, reliable results and good reproducibility, thus can meet the requirements of modern court toxic analysis.

Nanocompósitos magnéticos para concentração/remoção de contaminantes de águas / Magnetic adsorbent nanocomposites for water treatment

Zeólitas e carvão ativado são materiais eficazes para o tratamento de efluentes devido a sua grande área superficial e possibilidades de funcionalização, que permitem o desenvolvimento de novos materiais derivados visando a processos de concentração/remoção de contaminantes, por exemplo, em águas. A preparação de nanocompósitos magnéticos e sua aplicação na remoção seletiva de poluentes em meio aquoso tornou-se viável devido as interações distintas que ocorrem entre zeólita e carvão ativado com compostos orgânicos, íons metálicos e compostos nitrogenados. Assim, novos materiais voltados para sistemas de tratamento de águas residuais e monitoramento ambiental foram desenvolvidos com base em materiais bem estabelecidos. Os nanocompósitos foram caracterizados estrutural e morfologicamente por técnicas de microscopia eletrônica de varredura, termogravimetria, espectroscopia no infravermelho, espalhamento de luz, difração de raios x, bem como suas capacidades de adsorção. Foi avaliado também a viabilidade de aplicações em métodos analíticos, como pré-concentração por extração em fase sólida magnética (M-SPE), e, para tratamento de efluentes em amostras reais. Contaminação por cromo (VI), outras espécies potencialmente tóxicas e amônio foram removidos de águas residuais, gerando produtos tratados com níveis de contaminantes suficientemente baixos para atenderem as recomendações da EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) e CONAMA (Conselho Nacional do Meio Ambiente), permitindo seu descarte na natureza. Os materiais demonstraram ser adequados para pré-concentração rápida, eficiente, economicamente competitiva e ambientalmente amigável de amostras por M-SPE para quantificação analítica de espécies orgânicas ou inorgânicas, por técnicas analíticas convencionais. Assim, foi demonstrado a possibilidade de determinação simultânea de elementos potencialmente tóxicos e de outros cátions metálicos em concentrações traço (ppb), diretamente no material compósito magnético, por espectroscopia de fluorescência de raios X de energia dispersiva (EDX), além da quantificação de traços de compostos orgânicos semi-voláteis por cromatografia emfase gasosa com detector por espectrometria de massas, aumentando a sensibilidade para além do limite nominal de detecção por essas técnicas

Zeolites and activated carbon are effective materials for the treatment of effluents due to their large surface area and functionalisation possibilities, which allow the development of new derived materials aiming at the concentration/removal of contaminants from water, for example. The preparation of magnetic nanocomposites and their application in the selective removal of pollutants in aqueous media has become feasible due to the distinct interactions that occur between zeolite and activated carbon with organic compounds, metal ions and nitrogen compounds. Thus, new materials for wastewater treatment and environmental monitoring systems were developed based on well-established materials. The nanocomposites were structural and morphologically characterized by scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetry, infrared spectroscopy, light scattering, x-ray diffraction, as well as their adsorption capacities, viability of applications in analytical methods such as preconcentration by extraction in magnetic solid phase, M-SPE, were evaluated, and the composite materials Cmag and Zmag applied for treatment of real samples. Chromium (VI) contamination, heavy metal cations and ammonium were removed from wastewater, generating treated products with levels of contaminants low enough to meet the EPA and CONAMA recommendations, allowing their disposal in the wild. The materials have been shown to be suitable for rapid, efficient, economically competitive and environmentally friendly preconcentration of samples per M-SPE for analytical quantification of organic or inorganic species by conventional analytical techniques. Thus, it was demonstrated the possibility of simultaneous analysis of heavy metals and other metal cations in trace concentrations (ppb), directly in the magnetic composite material, by dispersive energy X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (EDX), in addition to the quantification of traces of volatile organic compounds (VOC) by gas chromatography with mass spectrometry detector, increasing the sensitivity beyond the nominal limit of detection by these techniques

Inibição do sistema quorum sensing AI-1 por Capsicum frutescens e Capsicum annuum em bactérias Gram-negativas / Inhibition of AI-1 quorum-sensing system by Capsicum frutescens and Capsicum annuum in Gram-negative bacteria

A inibição do quorum sensing (QS) altera a comunicação bacteriana, reduzindo a expressão de fatores de virulência e a formação de biofilmes, o que pode conferir menor pressão seletiva em comparação aos antibióticos tradicionais. As frutas e hortaliças constituem uma fonte rica em compostos com propriedades potenciais de inibição do QS. Entretanto, há pouca referência sobre o potencial de pimentas do gênero Capsicum e de seus compostos isolados como inibidores do QS. Esse trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito de extratos orgânicos obtidos das variedades de pimenta-malagueta e pimentão vermelho sobre o sistema QS dependente do sinalizador AI-1 (acil homoserina lactona - AHL) em bactérias Gram-negativas. Os extratos foram obtidos por extração em fase sólida e separados em uma fração metanólica e outra amônica; sendo os compostos característicos identificados e quantificados por cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência (CLAE). A atividade antimicrobiana dos extratos foi avaliada pela determinação da concentração inibitória mínima (MIC) e pela curva de crescimento de Chromobacterium violaceum ATCC 12472, Serratia liquefaciens MG1 e Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1. O efeito anti-QS dos extratos foi avaliado pelos testes de difusão em ágar e quantificação da produção de violaceína em meio líquido por C. violaceum e sobre a formação de biofilme, avaliado pelo ensaio de cristal violeta e microscopia confocal, em S. liquefaciens e P. aeruginosa nas temperaturas 30 ºC e 37 ºC. Os resultados obtidos pela CLAE indicaram que o extrato metanólico de pimenta-malagueta (EMPM) continha capsaicinoides como a capsaicina e dihidrocapsaicina, luteolina e outros compostos não identificados; já o extrato amônico desta não continha os compostos capsaicinoides. Ambos os extratos de pimentão vermelho continham luteolina e compostos não identificados, mas não apresentaram capsaicinoides. Como o EMPM era representativo dos demais extratos, por conter tanto capsaicinóides quanto luteolina, o foco deste trabalho foi avaliar os efeitos do EMPM sobre fenótipos microbianos nas concentrações 5; 2,5; 1,25 e 0,625 mg/ml, além de utilizar a capsaicina como controle comparativo em concentrações equivalentes às do extrato (25, 50 e 100 µg/ml). Os resultados da atividade antimicrobiana mostraram inibição parcial do crescimento das bactérias nas concentrações sub-MIC (MIC >5 mg/ml) de 5 e 2,5 mg/ml de EMPM. A capsaicina também inibiu parcialmente o crescimento das bactérias a 100 µg/ml, com exceção de S. liquefaciens a 37 ºC, cujo crescimento foi induzido em 50 e 25 µg/ml. A produção de violaceína foi reduzida pelo EMPM a 1,25 e 0,625 mg/ml, sem afetar o crescimento de C. violaceum. Ensaios com C. violaceum CV026, estirpe biosensora capaz de produzir o pigmento na presença de AI-1 exógeno, sugerem que o possível mecanismo de atuação do extrato sobre o sistema QS em C. violaceum 12472 é sobre a síntese do sinalizador, já que não foi observada inibição da produção de violaceína em CV026 pelo extrato. Contrariamente, a capsaicina incrementou a produção do pigmento na estirpe 12472, mas ensaios com a estirpe CV026 indicaram que a capsaicina não atua como sinalizador do QS, uma vez que esta não induziu a produção de violaceína nesta estirpe. Já a formação de biofilme foi incrementada na presença do EMPM, sendo consideravelmente maior em P. aeruginosa a 30 ºC. Igualmente, observou-se indução da formação de biofilme por capsaicina em S. liquefaciens (37 ºC) e P. aeruginosa (30 ºC). Porém, a capsaicina não teve efeito sobre a formação de biofilme de S. liquefaciens quando cultivada a 30 ºC, nem P. aeruginosa a 37 ºC. Os resultados revelam que a produção de violaceína em C. violaceum ATCC 12472 é inibida pelo EMPM, mas não pela capsaicina. Já, o EMPM e a capsaicina, de forma geral, não inibem a formação de biofilme de S. liquefaciens MG1 nem P. aeruginosa PAO1. Outros estudos são necessários para elucidar os mecanismos pelos quais o EMPM e a capsaicina agem sobre os fenótipos avaliados neste trabalho

Quorum sensing inhibition alters bacterial communication by reducing virulence factors expression and biofilm formation, exerting less selective pressure compared to antibiotics. Fruits and vegetables are rich sources of compounds with potential QS-inhibition properties. However, there are few references about the potential of peppers belonging to the genus Capsicum and its isolated compounds as QS inhibitors. This study aimed to assess the effect of organic extracts obtained from Capsicum varieties, pimenta-malagueta (red chili) and pimentão vermelho (red bell pepper), on the AI-1 dependent QS system. The extracts were obtained by solid phase extraction and split into a methanolic and an ammonic fraction. Characteristic compounds were identified and quantified by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The antimicrobial activity of the extracts was assessed by determining the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the growth curve of Chromobacterium violaceum ATCC 12472, Serratia liquefaciens MG1 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1. The anti-QS effect of the extracts was evaluated by the agar diffusion assay and the quantification of violacein production was assessed in liquid medium by C. violaceum, as well as in the biofilm formation test determined by the crystal violet assay and confocal microscopy with S. liquefaciens and P. aeruginosa at 30 ºC and 37 ºC. HPLC results showed that the methanolic extract of pimenta-malagueta (EMPM) contained capsaicinoids such as capsaicin and dihidrocapsaicin, luteolin and other unidentified compounds in lower concentrations; while its ammonic extract did not have capsaicinoids. Both pimentão vermelho extracts contained luteolin and other unidentified compounds in low concentrations, but they did not contain capsaicinoids. As EMPM was representative among the extracts because it contained capsaicinoids and luteolin, the focus of this work was to assess the effect of EMPM over microbial phenotypes at concentrations of 5, 2.5, 1.25 and 0.625 mg/ml, using capsaicin as a comparative control at equivalent concentrations to those in EMPM (25, 50 and 100 µg/ml). Antimicrobial activity assays showed a partial inhibition growth of bacteria at sub-MIC concentrations (MIC >5 mg/ml) of EMPM at 5 and 2.5 mg/ml. Similarly, capsaicin partially inhibited bacterial growth at 100 µg/ml, except for S. liquefaciens at 37 ºC in which growth was induced at 50 and 25 µg/ml. Violacein production was reduced by EMPM at 1,25 and 0,625 mg/ml without affecting C. violaceum growth. Assays with C. violaceum CV026, a biosensor strain that produces violacein in the presence of exogenous AI-1, suggest that EMPM reduced violacein production in C. violaceum 12472 by interfering with the AI-1 synthesis. In contrast, capsaicin incremented violacein synthesis in strain 12472, but experiments with strain CV026 revealed that capsaicin does not function as an analog of AI-1. Biofilm formation was increased in EMPM presence, being remarkably superior in P. aeruginosa cultivated at 30 ºC, as opposed to cultivation at 37 ºC. Similarly, capsaicin induced biofilm formation in S. liquefaciens (37 ºC) and P. aeruginosa (30 ºC). However, capsaicin did not affect biofilm formation on S. liquefaciens cultured at 30 ºC, neither on P. aeruginosa at 37 ºC. These results show that violacein production in C. violaceum ATCC 12472 is inhibited by EMPM, but not by capsaicin. In general, EMPM and capsaicin did not inhibit biofilm formation in S. liquefaciens MG1 neither in P. aeruginosa PAO1. More studies are necessary to elucidate the mechanisms by which EMPM and capsaicin affect the studied phenotypes in this work

Efficient discovery and capturing of nNOS-PSD-95 uncouplers from Trifolium pratense / 中国中药杂志

Magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers(MMIPs) were prepared with ZL006 as template, acrylamide(AA) as the functional monomer, and acetonitrile as pore-forming agent; then Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(FT-IR) and scanning electron microscopy(SEM) were used to characterize their forms and structures. Simultaneously, the MMIPs prepared previously were used as sorbents for dispersive magnetic solid phase extraction(DSPE) to capture and identify potential nNOS-PSD-95 uncouplers from extracts of Trifolium pratense and the the activities of the screened compounds were evaluated by the neuroprotective effect and co-immunoprecipitation test. The experiment revealed that the successfully synthesized MMIPs showed good dispersiveness, suitable particle size and good adsorption properties. Formononetin, prunetin and biochanin A were separated and enriched from Trifolium pratense by using the MMIPs as artificial antibodies and finally biochanin A was found to have higher cytoprotective action and uncoupling action according to the neuroprotective effect and co-immunoprecipitation test.

Molecular imprinting technology and its application in terpenoids / 中国中药杂志

Molecular imprinting technology is widely used in the separation and analysis of compounds such as flavonoids, alkaloids and polyphenols, due to its high selectivity and specific recognition and so on. However, no much of attention has been paid to the terpenoids. This paper is aimed to not only review the effects of common synthetic elements such as functional monomers, cross-linking agents and porogens on the polymer properties, but also highlight the application of terpene molecular imprinting in solid phase extraction, sensor, membrane separation and chromatographic separation by means of statistical analysis of literature. Furthermore, the shortcomings and improvement directions are discussed.We believed that this paper could provide references for better applications of molecular imprinting techniques to the analysis of terpenoid compounds.

Detección del alucinógeno 25C-NBOMe en orina por dos técnicas cromatográficas / Detection of hallucinogen 25C-NBOMe in urine by two chromatographic techniques / Detecção de alucinógeno 25C-NBOME na urina através de duas técnicas cromatográficas

El consumo de drogas de síntesis ha ido en aumento. Estos nuevos derivados sintéticos son análogos estructurales de la feniletilamina N-sustituida. Este grupo ha provocado severos casos de intoxicación e incluso probablemente la muerte de varios consumidores. El principal derivado es conocido como 25C-NBOMe y se consume en estampillas idénticas al LSD. En este trabajo se desarrolla una metodología analítica para la determinación de 25C-NBOMe mediante cromatografía planar instrumental (cromatografía en capa delgada de alta resolución) y cromatografía de gases con detector de masas (CG/EM) como técnicas alternativas de fácil manejo y costo. Estas metodologías demostraron ser robustas y confiables para el propósito previsto.

Consumption of synthetic drugs has increased. These new synthetic derivatives are structural analogs of N-substituted phenylethylamine, and this group has caused severe cases of poisoning and even probably the death of several users. The main derivative is known as 25C-NBOMe and it is consumed in blotters in the same manner as LSD. In this work, an analytical methodology for 25C-NBOMe determination by instrumental planar chromatography high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) and gas chromatography with mass detector (GC/MS) were developed as alternative techniques; they are easy to use and low cost. These methods proved to be robust and reliable for the intended purpose.

O consumo de drogas sintéticas vem aumentando. Esses novos derivados sintéticos são análogos estruturais de feniletilamina N-substituída, este grupo tem causado casos graves de intoxicação e, até mesmo, provavelmente, a morte de vários consumidores. O principal derivado é conhecido como 25C-NBOMe e consumido em selos idênticos ao LSD. Neste trabalho é desenvolvida uma metodologia analítica para a determinação de 25C-NBOMe através de cromatografia planar instrumental (cromatografia em camada delgada de alta resolução) e cromatografia gasosa com detector de massas (CG/EM) como técnicas alternativas de fácil utilização e custo. Estas metodologias demonstraram serem robustas e fiáveis para a finalidade a que se destinam.

Antifungal activity of extracts from Atacama Desert fungi againstParacoccidioides brasiliensis and identification ofAspergillus felis as a promising source of natural bioactive compounds

Fungi of the genus Paracoccidioides are responsible for paracoccidioidomycosis. The occurrence of drug toxicity and relapse in this disease justify the development of new antifungal agents. Compounds extracted from fungal extract have showing antifungal activity. Extracts of 78 fungi isolated from rocks of the Atacama Desert were tested in a microdilution assay against Paracoccidioides brasiliensis Pb18. Approximately 18% (5) of the extracts showed minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values≤ 125.0 µg/mL. Among these, extract from the fungus UFMGCB 8030 demonstrated the best results, with an MIC of 15.6 µg/mL. This isolate was identified as Aspergillus felis (by macro and micromorphologies, and internal transcribed spacer, β-tubulin, and ribosomal polymerase II gene analyses) and was grown in five different culture media and extracted with various solvents to optimise its antifungal activity. Potato dextrose agar culture and dichloromethane extraction resulted in an MIC of 1.9 µg/mL against P. brasiliensis and did not show cytotoxicity at the concentrations tested in normal mammalian cell (Vero). This extract was subjected to bioassay-guided fractionation using analytical C18RP-high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and an antifungal assay using P. brasiliensis. Analysis of the active fractions by HPLC-high resolution mass spectrometry allowed us to identify the antifungal agents present in the A. felis extracts cytochalasins. These results reveal the potential of A. felis as a producer of bioactive compounds with antifungal activity.

Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry-Based In Vitro Metabolic Profiling Reveals Altered Enzyme Expressions in Eicosanoid Metabolism

BACKGROUND: Eicosanoids are metabolites of arachidonic acid that are rapidly biosynthesized and degraded during inflammation, and their metabolic changes reveal altered enzyme expression following drug treatment. We developed an eicosanoid profiling method and evaluated their changes on drug treatment. METHODS: Simultaneous quantitative profiling of 32 eicosanoids in liver S9 fractions obtained from rabbits with carrageenan-induced inflammation was performed and validated by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry coupled to anion-exchange solid-phase purification. RESULTS: The limit of quantification for the devised method ranged from 0.5 to 20.0 ng/mg protein, and calibration linearity was achieved (R 2>0.99). The precision (% CV) and accuracy (% bias) ranged from 4.7 to 10.3% and 88.4 to 110.9%, respectively, and overall recoveries ranged from 58.0 to 105.3%. Our method was then applied and showed that epitestosterone treatment reduced the levels of all eicosanoids that were generated by cyclooxygenases and lipoxygenases. CONCLUSIONS: Quantitative eicosanoid profiling combined with in vitro metabolic assays may be useful for evaluating metabolic changes affected by drugs during eicosanoid metabolism.

Determinación de la formación de óxidos de colesterol en el proceso de preparación de frito pastuso usando como técnica de análisis HPLC / Determination of the formation of cholesterol oxides in the process of preparation of frito pastuso using HPLC as the analysis technique

Introducción: Los procesos de preparación de los alimentos inducen a la formación de compuestos nocivos para la salud, entre estos se encuentran los óxidos de colesterol (COPs). Objetivo: Determinar la formación de 25-hidroxicolesterol (5-colesten-3ß,25-diol), 6-cetocolesterol (3ß-hidroxi-5α-colestan-6-ona) y 7-cetocolesterol (3ß-hidroxi-5α-colestan-7-ona), en el proceso de preparación de frito pastuso (alimento típico de Nariño, Colombia). Materiales y métodos: La determinación de los COPs se realizó mediante extracción en fase sólida (SPE) y cromatografía liquida de alta eficiencia (HPLC-UV) en fase reversa. Los factores evaluados fueron: receta de preparación, tipo de grasa o aceite utilizado y tipo de carne de cerdo, aplicando un diseño experimental DCA con tres factores y tres niveles en cada caso, se realizaron 10 ensayos totalmente aleatorizados por duplicado, para verificar la reproducibilidad de los resultados. El análisis de óxidos de colesterol (COPs) se aplicó a los diferentes insumos para la preparación y en el alimento listo para el consumo. Resultados: El 7-cetocolesterol se determinó en la mayoría de las muestras; los niveles más altos se encontraron en las muestras de los experimentos donde se utilizó: carne de costilla, grasa de cerdo y la receta de fritura directa de la carne. Los niveles más bajos se encontraron para los experimentos donde se utilizó lomo y pierna, aceite reutilizado y preparaciones de la carne a cocción en agua y posterior fritura. Conclusiones: Las desviaciones estándar relativas fueron inferiores al 4,76% obteniendo resultados reproducibles. La identificación de óxidos de colesterol en la presente investigación permitió establecer la influencia que tienen las formas de preparación de los alimentos de consumo frecuente, en la formación de compuestos que presentan reconocidos efectos adversos para la salud humana.

Introduction: Food preparation processes lead to the formation of harmful compounds to health, some of these include oxides of cholesterol (COPs). Objective: To determine the formation of 25-hydroxycholesterol (5-cholesten-3ß, 25-diol), 6-cetocolesterol (3ß-hidroxi-5α-colestan-6-ona) and 7-cetocolesterol (3ß-hidroxi-5α-colestan-7-ona) in the process of preparation of "frito pastuso" (a typical dish in Nariño, Colombia). Materials and methods: The COPs were determined by extraction in solid phase (SPE) and liquid chromatography of high efficiency (HPLC-UV) in reversed phase. The evaluated factors were: recipe, type of grease or oil used and type of pork by using a DCA experimental design with three factors and three levels in each case. 10 totally randomized tests were performed in duplicate to check the reproducibility of the results. The analysis of cholesterol oxides (COPs) was applied to different inputs for the preparation and the food ready for consumption. Results: The 7-cetocolesterol was determined in the majority of samples. The highest levels were found in the samples of the experiments which used rib meat, pork fat and direct meat fried recipe. The lowest levels were found for experiments which used loin and leg, reused oil and the recipe where the meat is first cooked in water before frying. Conclusions: The relative standard deviations were lower to 4,76% where reproducible results were obtained. The identification of cholesterol oxides in this research helped to establish the influence that the different ways to prepare food of frequent consumption have on the formation of compounds that have recognized adverse effects on human health.

Endocrine disruptors in water filters used in the Rio dos Sinos Basin region, Southern Brazil / Disruptores endócrinos em filtros de água utilizados na região da Bacia Hidrográfica do Rio dos Sinos no Sul do Brasil

The activated carbon filter is used in residences as another step in the treatment of drinking water, based on a physical-chemical process to absorb pollutants that are not removed in conventional treatment. Endocrine disruptors (EDCs) are exogenous substances or mixtures of substances that acts on the endocrine system similarly to the endogenously produced hormones, triggering malfunctions and harmful changes to human and animal health. The objective of the present work was to study EDCs through semi-quantitative analysis of residential water filters collected in the region of Rio dos Sinos basin, focusing on two specific classes: hormones and phenols. The solid phase extraction principle was used for the extraction of compounds and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry for the separation and characterization of EDCs. Four samples of residential filters collected from public water distribution and artesian wells, from the cities of Novo Hamburgo and São Leopoldo were analysed. Using the developed methodology, it was possible to detect and comparatively quantify selected EDCs in all studied samples, which indicates the presence of these contaminants in drinking water from different sources.

O filtro de carvão ativado é utilizado em residências como mais uma etapa no processo de tratamento da água potável, tendo como base um processo físico-químico para adsorção de poluentes presentes na água que não são removidos no tratamento convencional. Os Disruptores Endócrinos (DEs) são substâncias ou misturas exógenas que atuam no sistema endócrino de maneira similar aos hormônios produzidos endogenamente, desencadeando disfunções e alterações nocivas à saúde humana e animal. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi estudar DEs através da análise semi-quantitativa de amostras de filtros de água coletados na região da bacia do Rio dos Sinos focando em duas classes químicas: hormômios estrogênicos e fenóis. Foram utilizados os princípios da técnica de extração em fase sólida (SPE) para a extração dos compostos, e cromatografia gasosa acoplada à espectrometria de massas para a separação e detecção de DEs. Foram analisadas quatro amostras de filtros residenciais provenientes de água tratada e água de poço artesiano, das cidades de Novo Hamburgo e São Leopoldo. Com o método desenvolvido foi possível detectar e quantificar comparativamente DEs selecionados em todas as amostras estudadas, o que indica a presença desses contaminantes na água de consumo humano oriunda de diferentes fontes.

Quantitation of ethyl glucuronide in serum & urine by gas chromatography - mass spectrometry.

Background & objectives: Alcohol misuse has now become a serious public health problem and early intervention is important in minimizing the harm. Biochemical markers of recent and high levels of alcohol consumption can play an important role in providing feedback regarding the health consequences of alcohol misuse. Existing markers are not sensitive to recent consumption and in detecting early relapse. Ethyl glucuronide (EtG), a phase-II metabolite of ethanol is a promising marker of recent alcohol use and can be detected in body fluids. In this study an analytical technique for quantitation of EtG in body fluids using solid-phase extraction (SPE) and gas chromatography (GC) with mass spectrometric detection (MS) was developed and validated. Methods: De-proteinization of serum and urine samples was done with perchloric acid and hydrochloric acid, respectively. Serum samples were passed through phospholipids removal cartridges for further clean up. EtG was isolated using amino propyl solid phase extraction columns. Chromatographic separation was achieved by gas chromatography with mass spectrometry. Results: Limit of detection and limit of quantitation were 50 and 150 ng/ml for urine and 80 and 210 ng/ml for serum, respectively. Signal to noise ratio was 3:1, mean absolute recovery was 80-85 per cent. Significant correlation was obtained between breath alcohol and serum EtG levels (r=0.853) and urine EtG and time since last abuse (r = -0.903) in clinical samples. Interpretation & conclusions: In the absence of other standardized techniques to quantitate EtG in biological samples, this gc -ms method was found to have high throughput and was sensitive and specific.

Determination of five pesticides in fishpond by SPE-GC/MS / 法医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To establish the solid phase extraction (SPE) with GC/MS technology for fish poisoning cases to determine five pesticides in fishpond.@*METHODS@#By three solid phase extraction column including Oasis HLB cartridge, Bond Elut C18 and SampliQ C18, the recovery rate was compared to extract and purify five pesticides in fishpond. The effects of different kinds and dosages of eluents on extract rate were also reviewed.@*RESULTS@#Using Bond Elut C18 as solid phase extraction column and 3 mL benzene as eluent, the linear range of mass concentration of five pesticides in fishpond was 1-50 μg/mL, and the correlation coefficient was 0.996 2-0.999 6. The limit of detection was 3.4-26 μg/L and the recovery was 61.49%-102.48%. The relative standard deviations was less than or equal to 3.01%. CONCLU-SION: With high sensitivity, good accuracy and precision, SPE-GC/MS has simple and quick operation and less solvent. It can be applied to determination of five pesticides in fishpond.

Avaliação da remoção de interferentes endócrinos, ativos farmacêuticos e cafeína em água para abastecimento público do estado de São Paulo / Assessment of endocrine disruptors, pharmaceuticals and caffeine removal in drinking water of the São Paulo State

Alguns compostos orgânicos como interferentes endócrinos e ativos farmacêuticos estão sendo encontrados em águas superficiais e vêm chamando a atenção de orgãos públicos e da comunidade científica. Dentre esses compostos, foram enfatizados nesse trabalho, o hormônio sintético 17α-etinilestradiol, o surfactante (4-nonilfenol), bisfenol A, o antibiótico ß-lactâmico amoxicilina e a cafeína como traçador de atividade antrópica. Estes compostos são continuamente introduzidos em corpos d'água pelo lançamento de esgoto in natura o que afeta a qualidade da água, a saúde dos ecossistemas e impacta o suprimento de água potável. Considerando a baixa taxa de remoção desses contaminantes pelo tratamento de água atualmente utilizado no Brasil e o estado de degradação dos mananciais de água para abastecimento público, esse trabalho apresenta o desenvolvimento de metodologia analítica para determinação dos compostos citados e a avaliação da eficiência de remoção quando o tratamento convencional de água é aplicado. A determinação foi baseada em métodos já estabelecidos e envolveram as etapas de limpeza e concentração de amostra usando extração em fase sólida (SPE) e análise por cromatografia a líquido de alta eficiência (HPLC) com detector de arranjo de diodos (DAD) e espectrometria de massas. As amostras do Reservatório do Guarapiranga foram utilizadas para ensaios em escala laboratorial que simulavam o tratamento convencional de água em planta real. Os resultados mostraram a adequação dos métodos utilizados para a separação e determinação desses compostos em amostras ambientais. Além disso, apontaram para a necessidade de se avaliar a utilização de metodologias não convencionais que otimizem a remoção pelo tratamento de água atualmente utilizado

Some organic compounds, such as endocrine disruptors and pharmaceuticals, are being found in the surface water, and are concerning both the public organs and the scientific community. Among these compounds, the synthetic hormone 17α-ethinylestradiol, the surfactant (4-nonylphenol), bisphenol-A, the ß-lactam antibiotic amoxicillin and the marker of human activity caffeine were highlighted in the present work. These compounds are continuously drained to the water bodies by sewers, affecting not only the water quality itself, but also the ecosystems, and impacting the drinking water availability. Currently in Brazil, the removal rate of these contaminants is low, whereas the water sources for public supply are highly degraded. In this context, the present work develops an analytical method to detect the aforementioned compounds, and to evaluate the efficiency of its removal by conventional water treatments. Detection was based on pre-established methods and steps involved clean up and samples concentration by solid phase extraction (SPE), high performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection (DAD), and mass spectrometry. Recovery tests were done using environmental samples from Guarapiranga Reservoir (São Paulo, SP). This samples were further used in laboratorial tests, simulating real scale water conventional treatments. Current results revealed the adequacy of the chosen methods in the separation and determination of the abovementioned compounds from natural samples. Also, they highlight the need for the evaluation of non-conventional methodologies that optimize removal by current water treatment