Associations between indoor volatile organic compounds and nocturnal heart rate variability of young female adults: A panel study / 北京大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the association between short-term exposure to indoor total volatile organic compounds (TVOC) and nocturnal heart rate variability (HRV) among young female adults.@*METHODS@#This panel study recruited 50 young females from one university in Beijing, China from December 2021 to April 2022. All the participants underwent two sequential visits. During each visit, real time indoor TVOC concentration was monitored using an indoor air quality detector. The real time levels of indoor temperature, relative humidity, noise, carbon dioxide and fine particulate matter were monitored using a temperature and humidity meter, a noise meter, a carbon dioxide meter and a particulate counter, respectively. HRV parameters were measured using a 12-lead Holter. Mixed-effects models were used to evaluate the association between the TVOC and HRV parameters and establish the exposure-response relationships, and two-pollutant models were applied to examine the robustness of the results.@*RESULTS@#The mean age of the 50 female subjects was (22.5±2.3) years, and the mean body mass index was (20.4±1.9) kg/m2. During this study, the median (interquartile range) of indoor TVOC concentrations was 0.069 (0.046) mg/m3, the median (interquartile range) of indoor temperature, relative humidity, carbon dioxide concentration, noise level and fine particulate matter concentration were 24.3 (2.7) ℃, 38.5% (15.0%), 0.1% (0.1%), 52.7 (5.8) dB(A) and 10.3 (21.5) μg/m3, respectively. Short-term exposure to indoor TVOC was associated with significant changes in time-domain and frequency-domain HRV parameters, and the exposure metric for most HRV parameters with the most significant changes was 1 h-moving average. Along with a 0.01 mg/m3 increment in 1 h-moving average concentration of indoor TVOC, this study observed decreases of 1.89% (95%CI: -2.28%, -1.50%) in standard deviation of all normal to normal intervals (SDNN), 1.92% (95%CI: -2.32%, -1.51%) in standard deviation of average normal to normal intervals (SDANN), 0.64% (95%CI: -1.13%, -0.14%) in percentage of adjacent NN intervals differing by more than 50 ms (pNN50), 3.52% (95%CI: -4.30%, -2.74%) in total power (TP), 5.01% (95%CI: -6.21%, -3.79%) in very low frequency (VLF) power, and 4.36% (95%CI: -5.16%, -3.55%) in low frequency (LF) power. The exposure-response curves showed that indoor TVOC was negatively correlated with SDNN, SDANN, TP, and VLF when the concentration exceeded 0.1 mg/m3. The two-pollutant models indicated that the results were generally robust after controlling indoor noise and fine particulate matter.@*CONCLUSION@#Short-term exposure to indoor TVOC was associated with significant negative changes in nocturnal HRV of young women. This study provides an important scientific basis for relevant prevention and control measures.

Establishment of a fast discriminant model with electronic nose for Polygonati Rhizoma mildew based on odor variation / 中国中药杂志

The odor fingerprint of Pollygonati Rhizoma samples with different mildewing degrees was analyzed and the relationship between the odor variation and the mildewing degree was explored. A fast discriminant model was established according to the response intensity of electronic nose. The α-FOX3000 electronic nose was applied to analyze the odor fingerprint of Pollygonati Rhizoma samples with different mildewing degrees and the radar map was used to analyze the main contributors among the volatile organic compounds. The feature data were processed and analyzed by partial least squares discriminant analysis(PLS-DA), K-nearest neighbor(KNN), sequential minimal optimization(SMO), random forest(RF) and naive Bayes(NB), respectively. According to the radar map of the electronic nose, the response values of three sensors, namely T70/2, T30/1, and P10/2, increased with the mildewing, indicating that the Pollygonati Rhizoma produced alkanes and aromatic compounds after the mildewing. According to PLS-DA model, Pollygonati Rhizoma samples of three mildewing degrees could be well distinguished in three areas. Afterwards, the variable importance analysis of the sensors was carried out and then five sensors that contributed a lot to the classification were screened out: T70/2, T30/1, PA/2, P10/1 and P40/1. The classification accuracy of all the four models(KNN, SMO, RF, and NB) was above 90%, and KNN was most accurate(accuracy: 97.2%). Different volatile organic compounds were produced after the mildewing of Pollygonati Rhizoma, and they could be detected by electronic nose, which laid a foundation for the establishment of a rapid discrimination model for mildewed Pollygonati Rhizoma. This paper shed lights on further research on change pattern and quick detection of volatile organic compounds in moldy Chinese herbal medicines.

Smoke of Capsicum baccatum L. var. baccatum (Solanaceae) repels nymphs of triatoma infestans (Klug) (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) / Humo de capsicum baccatum L. var. baccatum (Solanaceae) repele las ninfas de Triatoma infestans (Klug) (Hemiptera: Reduviidae)

Control of the Chagas disease vector, Triatoma infestans (Klug) (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) with synthetic pesticides in Bolivia has become increasingly inefficient due to the development of resistance in the insects. In the Chaco region of Bolivia, guaraní populations have approached the problem by fumigating their houses with the smoke of native plants. Through interviews and field work with local guides, the main plant used by the guaraníes was collected and later identified as Capsicum baccatumL. var. baccatum (Solanaceae). In choice bioassays, filter papers exposed to the smoke of the plant repelled nymphs of T. infestans. Activity remained significant after storing the exposed filter papers for 9 days. Chemical analysis of smoke and literature data suggested that capsaicinoids present in the smoke were responsible for the repellent effect. The data presented provide a rationale for the use of C. baccatumvar. baccatumto control the Chagas vector bythe guaraní populations.

El control del vector de la enfermedad de Chagas, Triatoma infestans (Klug) (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) con plaguicidas sintéticos en Bolivia se ha vuelto cada vez más ineficiente debido al desarrollo de resistencias en los insectos. En la región del Chaco de Bolivia, las poblaciones guaraníes han abordado el problema fumigando sus casas con el humo de las plantas nativas. A través de entrevistas y trabajo de campo con guías locales, se recogió la principal planta utilizada por los guaraníes y posteriormente se identificó como Capsicum baccatumL. var. baccatum (Solanaceae). En bioensayos selectos, los papeles de filtro expuestos al humo de la planta repelieron a las ninfas de T. infestans. La actividad siguió siendo significativa después de almacenar los papeles de filtro expuestos durante 9 días. El análisis químico del humo y los datos de la literatura sugieren que los capsaicinoides presentes en el humo eran responsables del efecto repelente. Los datos presentados proporcionan una justificación para el uso de C. baccatum var. baccatum para el control del vector Chagas por las poblaciones guaraníes.

Analysis of volatile organic compounds in exhaled breath after radiotherapy / 浙江大学学报（英文版）（B辑：生物医学和生物技术）

Radiotherapy uses high-energy X-rays or other particles to destroy cancer cells and medical practitioners have used this approach extensively for cancer treatment (Hachadorian et al., 2020). However, it is accompanied by risks because it seriously harms normal cells while killing cancer cells. The side effects can lower cancer patients' quality of life and are very unpredictable due to individual differences (Bentzen, 2006). Therefore, it is essential to assess a patient's body damage after radiotherapy to formulate an individualized recovery treatment plan. Exhaled volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can be changed by radiotherapy and thus used for medical diagnosis (Vaks et al., 2012). During treatment, high-energy X-rays can induce apoptosis; meanwhile, cell membranes are damaged due to lipid peroxidation, converting unsaturated fatty acids into volatile metabolites (Losada-Barreiro and Bravo-Díaz, 2017). At the same time, radiotherapy oxidizes water, resulting in reactive oxygen species (ROS) that can increase the epithelial permeability of pulmonary alveoli, enabling the respiratory system to exhale volatile metabolites (Davidovich et al., 2013; Popa et al., 2020). These exhaled VOCs can be used to monitor body damage caused by radiotherapy.

Effects of different field processing methods on volatile components of Chuanxiong Rhizoma: an exploration based on headspace gas chromatography-mass spectrometry / 中国中药杂志

The volatile oil of Chuanxiong Rhizoma(CX) is known as an effective fraction. In order to seek a suitable method for processing CX and its decoction pieces, this study selected 16 volatile components as indices to investigate how different processing methods such as washing/without washing, sun-drying, baking, oven-drying and far-infrared drying at different temperatures affected the quality of CX and its decoction pieces(fresh CX was partially dried, cut into pieces, and then dried) by headspace gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(GC-MS), cluster analysis, principal component analysis and comprehensive weighted scoring. The results showed that the rapid washing before processing did not deteriorate the volatile components of CX. Considering the practical condition of production area, oven-drying was believed to be more suitable than sun-drying, baking, and far-infrared drying. The CX decoction pieces with a thickness of 0.3-0.4 cm were recommended to be oven-dried at 50 ℃. The integrated processing(partial drying, cutting into pieces, and drying) did not cause a significant loss of volatile components. For the fresh CX, the oven-drying at 60 ℃ is preferred. The temperature should not exceed 60 ℃, and drying below 60 ℃ will prolong the processing time, which will produce an unfavorable effect on volatile components. This study has provided the scientific evidence for field processing of CX, which is conducive to realizing the normalization and standardization of CX processing in the production area and stabilizing the quality of CX and its decoction pieces.

Rapid determination of 30 volatile organic compounds in workplace air by gas chromatography / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

Objective: To establish a method for rapid detection of DB-WAX capillary column and determination of the workplace air in 30 kinds of volatile organic pollutants. Methods: In August 2020, N-pentane, n-hexane, methylcyclohexane, octane, Acetone, ethyl acetate, butanone, benzene, 3-pentanone, trichloroethylene, tetrachloroethylene, toluene, butyl acetate, 2-hexanone, Isoamyl acetate, ethylbenzene, p-xylene, m-xylene, amyl acetate, o-xylene, chlorobenzene, styrene, cyclohexanone, P-chlorotoluene, bromobenzene, M-dichlorobenzene, p-dichlorobenzene, O-dichlorobenzene, o-Chlorotoluene, 1, 2 , 4-trichlorobenzene of 30 kinds of substances in air were collected by activated carbon tube. After analysis by carbon disulfide, the analytical solution was analyzed by DB-WAX column and determined by FID detector. Results: The above 30 kinds of volatile organic pollutants had good separation effect, the correlation coefficient of the standard curve was above 0.999, the relative standard deviation was 0.1%-3.2%, the desorption efficiency was 77.0%-117.1% , the lower limit of quantitation was 0.33-5.33 μg/ml, and the lowest quantitation concentration was 0.22-3.55 mg/m(3), the recoveries ranged was 95.4%-104.9%. Conclusion: The method can effectively separate and accurately determine 30 volatile organic compounds in these workplaces, and the method is simple and quick.

High-speed identification of odor changes and substance basis of Myristicae Semen mildew by electronic nose and HS-GC-MS / 中国中药杂志

This study adopted headspace-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(HS-GC-MS) and electronic nose to detect volatile components from Myristicae Semen samples with varying degrees of mildew, aiming at rapidly identifying odor changes and substance basis of Myristicae Semen mildew. The experimental data were analyzed by electronic nose and principal component analysis(PCA). The results showed that Myristicae Semen samples were divided into the following three categories by electronic nose and PCA: mildew-free samples, slightly mildewy samples, and mildewy samples. Myristicae Semen samples with different degrees of mildew greatly varied in volatile components. The volatile components in the samples were qualitatively and quantitatively detected by HS-GC-MS, and 59 compounds were obtained. There were significant differences in the composition and content in Myristicae Semen samples with different degrees of mildew. The PCA results were the same as those by electronic nose. Among them, 3-crene, D-limonene, and other terpenes were important indicators for the identification of mildew. Bicyclo[3.1.0]hexane, 4-methylene-1-(1-methylethyl)-, terpinen-4-ol, and other alcohols were key substances to distinguish the degree of mildew. In the later stage of mildew, Myristicae Semen produced a small amount of hydroxyl and aldehyde compounds such as acetaldehyde, 2-methyl-propionaldehyde, 2-methyl-butyraldehyde, and formic acid, which were deduced as the material basis of the mildew. The results are expected to provide a basis for the rapid identification of Myristicae Semen with different degrees of mildew, odor changes, and the substance basis of mildew.

Identification of Volatile Organic Compounds Used to Diagnose and Evaluate Acute Promyelocyte Leukemia / 中国实验血液学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To analyze the characteristics of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in expiratory air components of patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), and assess the feasibility of VOCs for the diagnosis and prognostic evaluation of APL.@*METHODS@#The VOCs exhaled from the patients with APL and healthy volunteers should be analyzed with SPME-GC/MS, and compared between newly-diagnosed group, relapse group, remission group, and healthy group with Wilcoxon/Kruskal-Wallis one-way analysis of variance and Dunn-Bonferroni test.@*RESULTS@#Dimethyl sulfide, toluene, and dodecane obtained of newly-diagnosed APL patients were significantly higher, while ethanol, n-hexanal, and benzaldehyde were significantly lower than those of healthy people (P<0.05). Compared with the newly-diagnosed group, dimethylsulfide, toluene, and dodecane of the remission group significantly decreased, while ethanol, n-hexanal, and benzaldehyde significantly increased (P<0.05), which was just opposite from the relapse group.@*CONCLUSION@#Dimethyl sulfide, toluene, dodecane, ethanol, n-hexanal, and benzaldehyde can be used as biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis assessment of APL patients.

Estudo longitudinal da halitose por meio da cromatografia gasosa / Longitudinal study of halitosis through gas chromatography

Objetivos: correlacionar os exames organolépticos (método subjetivo) e a cromatografia gasosa (método objetivo) para diagnóstico conclusivo da halitose e avaliar o comportamento dos compostos sulfurados voláteis (CSVs) durante o manuseio clínico desta patologia. Metodologia: estudo longitudinal com 19 pacientes submetidos ao diagnóstico de halitose, com exames organolépticos (EOt1) e cromatografia gasosa (ECGt1) realizados durante a consulta inicial, com todos os pacientes oriundos do município de Ijuí, Rio Grande do Sul. Todos os 38 exames complementares foram confrontados entre si, por meio do teste estatístico Qui-Quadrado de independência. Para acompanhamento clínico da efetividade do tratamento da halitose e, consequentemente, análise do comportamento dos CSVs, outros quatro exames de cromatografia gasosa (ECGt2, ECGt3, ECGt4 e ECGt5) foram realizados para cada paciente, e todos (95) comparados entre si, pelo teste de Wilcoxon. Resultados: a correlação entre EOt1 e ECGt1 obteve concordância em 78,9% dos casos, indicando forte associação (p = 0,002) entre ambos. Ao avaliar a monitorização dos compostos sulfurados H2S, CH3SH e (CH3)2S, todos envolvidos em alguma fase da gênese da halitose, houve significativa redução de todos os compostos. Conclusões: os exames de cromatografia gasosa (objetivo) e organoléptico (subjetivo) são equivalentes para diagnóstico inicial da halitose, pois apresentaram correlação estatística significante. Em relação à monitorização do tratamento da halitose, a cromatografia gasosa se mostrou eficiente, apresentando altos índices de redução de todos os CSVs. (AU)

Objectives: To correlate organoleptic evaluations (subjective method) and gas chromatography (objective method) for the conclusive diagnosis of halitosis and to examine the behavior of volatile sulfur compounds (VSC) during the clinical management of this pathology. Methodology: Longitudinal study with 19 patients diagnosed with halitosis through organoleptic evaluations (EOt1) and gas chromatography (ECGt1), both applied during the initial appointment. All patients were from the city of Ijuí, located in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. All 38 complementary analyses were compared using the chi-square test of independence. Regarding the clinical follow-up on the effectiveness of halitosis treatment, and consequently the analysis of VSC behavior, four other gas chromatography tests (ECGt2, ECGt3, ECGt4, and ECGt5) were conducted with each patient, and all (95) were compared using the Wilcoxon test. Results: The correlation between EOt1 and ECGt1 showed concordance in 78.9% of cases, indicating a strong association (p=0.002). The evaluation of the monitoring of sulfate compounds H2S, CH3SH, and (CH3) 2S, which are all involved in some phase of the halitosis genesis, showed a significant reduction of all compounds. Conclusions: The gas and chromatography and organoleptic tests are equivalent for the initial diagnosis of halitosis because they presented significant statistical correlation. Regarding the monitoring of halitosis treatment, gas chromatography was efficient, presenting high reduction rates of all VSC. (AU)

Phenolic Profile, Essential Oil Composition and Bioactivity of Lasia spinosa (L) Thwaites

Abstract Lasia spinosa (L.) Thwaites is a widely used ethnomedicinal plant in Bangladesh. In this study, we investigated phenolic contents, volatile compounds and fatty acids, and essential oil components of extracts prepared from aerial parts of the plant. The main volatile compounds were methyl ester of oleic acid, palmitic acid and stearic acid as determined by GC/MS. Phenolic contents of the extracts were determined qualitatively and quantitatively by HPLC/TOF-MS. Six phenolic compounds (syringic acid, morin, gentistic acid, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, cinnamic acid, and apigenin) were found in the extracts. GC/MS analysis of steam distilled essential oil showed camphor, α-pinene and δ-3-carene as the main constituents. In DPPH radical scavenging assay, the highest free radical scavenging activity was observed for the methanol extract with an IC50 value of 0.48 ± 0.04 mg/mL, whereas, in metal chelating activity on ferrous ions (Fe2+) assay, the highest chelating activity was observed for hexane extract (IC50 = 0.55 ± 0.08 mg/mL). The extracts and essential oil were tested against five severe human pathogenic bacteria using disc diffusion assay and subsequent MIC values were also determined. All the extracts (except methanol extract) and the essential oil were found to possess potential antimicrobial activity with corresponding inhibition zone and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) ranging from 9-23 mm and 62.5-500 µg/mL. This study has been explored the plant Lasia spinosa can be seen as a potential source of biologically active compounds.

Ion mobility spectrometry: the diagnostic tool of third millennium medicine

SUMMARY Ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) is a fast, low cost, portable, and sensitive technique that separates ions in a drift tube under the influence of an electric field according to their size and shape. IMS represents a non-invasive and reliable instrumental alternative for the diagnosis of different diseases through the analysis of volatile metabolites in biological samples. IMS has applications in medicine in the study of volatile compounds for the non-invasive diagnose of bronchial carcinoma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and other diseases analysing breath, urine, blood, faeces, and other biological samples. This technique has been used to study complex mixtures such as proteomes, metabolomes, complete organisms like bacteria and viruses, monitor anaesthetic agents, determine drugs, pharmaceuticals, and volatile compounds in human body fluids, and others. Pharmaceutical applications include analysis of over-the-counter-drugs, quality assessment, and cleaning verification. Medical practice needs non-invasive, robust, secure, fast, real-time, and low-cost methods with high sensitivity and compact size instruments to diagnose different diseases and IMS is the diagnostic tool that meets all these requirements of the Medicine of the future.

RESUMO A espectrometria de mobilidade iônica (IMS) é uma técnica rápida, de baixo custo, portátil e sensível que separa íons em um tubo de deriva sob a influência de um campo elétrico de acordo com seu tamanho e forma. A IMS representa uma alternativa instrumental não invasiva e confiável para o diagnóstico de diferentes doenças por meio da análise de metabólitos voláteis em amostras biológicas. A IMS possui aplicações em medicina no estudo de compostos voláteis para o diagnóstico não invasivo de carcinoma brônquico, doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica e outras doenças que analisam respiração, urina, sangue, fezes e outras amostras biológicas. A IMS tem sido usada para estudar misturas complexas, como proteomas, metabólitos, organismos completos como bactérias e vírus, monitorar agentes anestésicos, determinar drogas, produtos farmacêuticos e compostos voláteis em fluidos corporais e outros fluidos. As aplicações farmacêuticas incluem análises de medicamentos sem receita, avaliação de qualidade e verificação de limpeza. A prática médica precisa de métodos não invasivos, robustos, seguros, rápidos, em tempo real e de baixo custo com instrumentos de alta sensibilidade e tamanho compacto para diagnosticar diferentes doenças e a IMS é a ferramenta de diagnóstico que atende a todos esses requisitos da medicina do futuro.

Prospecção de compostos orgânicos voláteis e seus efeitos na auto-regulação fisiológica em cianobactérias / Prospection of volatile organic compounds and their effects on physiological self-regulation in cyanobacteria

Apesar dos diversos estudos sobre a presença de cianobactérias e a correlação entre fatores ambientais que influenciam ou desencadeiam florações, é ainda incipiente a informação sobre o controle fisiológico e bioquímico da produção de metabólitos secundários, cianotoxinas e compostos orgânicos voláteis (COVs) nestes organismos. Os COVs mais comumente encontrados em cianobactérias são a geosmina e o 2- metil-isoborneol, compostos que resistem ao tratamento convencional da água, causam mau cheiro e alteram seu gosto, além de bioacumular em peixes e moluscos. Estudos sobre possíveis sistemas de competição (alelopatia) entre linhagens de cianobactérias, ou entre elas e outros organismos, podem contribuir para elucidação do papel da produção de COVs por cianobactérias. Dessa forma, os objetivos deste projeto foram (i) prospectar a produção de COVs e seus efeitos na auto-regulação fisiológica em cianobactérias mantidas em laboratório; e (ii) desenvolver um método analítico, por microextração em fase sólida (SPME) e cromatografia em fase gasosa com detecção por espectrometria de massas (GC-MS), para a determinação destes compostos. Foram realizados ensaios para avaliar os perfis de produção dos COVs em duas linhagens de M. aeruginosa em diferentes fases de crescimento, sob diferentes intensidades luminosas (50, 150 e 250 ?µmol.fótons.m-2.s-1) e também ao longo do ritmo circadiano, avaliando a influência dos períodos claro e escuro. Para avaliar efeitos alelopáticos, exsudatos de uma linhagem de M. aeruginosa produtora de microcistinas foram testados em culturas de outra linhagem de M. aeruginosa não produtora de toxinas por meio de técnicas tradicionais de cultivo com monitoramento do crescimento. Na análise da produção de COVs, por GC-MS, observou-se que se destacam, majoritariamente, os compostos α-ciclocitral, ß-ciclocitral e ß-ionona, sendo o ß-ciclocitral o mais abundante, em todas as condições testadas, para as ambas as linhagens estudadas. A linhagem não toxigênica, no entanto, apresentou produção mais elevada de todos os compostos identificados. Dentre as intensidades luminosas testadas, a intensidade de 250 µmol.fótons.m-2s-1 foi a que apresentou a maior taxa de crescimento para a linhagem LTPNA 08 e relação negativa entre o aumento da irradiância e a produção de ß-ciclocitral. Foram identificadas, também, variações na produção dos compostos α-ciclocitral, ß-ciclocitral e ß-ionona nas linhagens ao longo do ritmo circadiano, sendo as maiores concentrações encontradas no período escuro. Observou-se morte celular e redução na produção de COVs 24 horas após adição de exsudatos pertencentes à linhagem de M. aeruginosa toxigênica em cultivos da linhagem não-toxigênica. Sendo assim, pode-se inferir que a produção dos COVs pode sofrer alterações qualitativas e quantitativas dependendo do estímulo ambiental presente, tanto por interações bióticas (com outros organismos e ritmo circadiano), quanto por fatores abióticos (intensidade luminosa)

There are several studies on the presence of cyanobacteria and the correlation between environmental factors that may influence or trigger blooms. However, information concerning the physiological and biochemical control of the production of secondary metabolites, toxins and volatile organic compounds (VOC) by cyanobacteria is poorly understood. Geosmin and 2-methyl-isoborneolare are commonly found VOC in cyanobacteria, they resist to conventional water treatment and can cause bad smell and taste in the final water. In addition, VOC can bioaccumulate in fish and shellfish. Studies on possible competition systems (allelopathy) either among strains of cyanobacteria or among them and other organisms such as green microalgae, may help to elucidate the role of VOC production by cyanobacteria. Thus, the main objectives of this study are: (i) prospect the production of VOCs and their effects on physiological self-regulation in cyanocrobacteria kept in the laboratory; and (ii) to develop an analytical method, by solid phase microextraction (SPME) and gas chromatography with mass spectrometry detection (GC-MS), for the determination of these compounds. The assays were carried out to evaluate the production profiles of VOCs in two strains of M. aeruginosa at different growth stages under different light intensities (50, 150 and 250 µmol.fótons.m-2.s-1) and also along of the circadian rhythm, evaluating the influence of light and dark periods. To assess allelopathic effects, exudates from a microcystin-producing strain of M. aeruginosa were tested on cultures of another non-toxin producing M. aeruginosa strain by traditional growth monitoring culture techniques. In the analysis of VOC production by GC-MS, it was observed that α-cyclocyclal, ß-cyclocyclal and ß-ionone compounds were the most prominent, with ß-cyclocitral being the most abundant in all conditions tested, for both strains studied. The non-toxigenic lineage, however, showed higher production of all the identified compounds. Among the light intensities tested, the intensity of 250 µmol.fótons.m-2s-1 was the one with the highest growth rate and positive relation between the irradiance increase and the ß-cyclocitral production. Variations in the production of the α-cyclocyclal, ß-cyclocyclal and ß-ionone compounds were also identified in the lines along the circadian rhythm, being the highest concentrations found in the dark period. Cell death and reduction in VOC production were observed 24 hours after addition of exudates belonging to the toxigenic M. aeruginosa lineage in cultures of the non-toxigenic lineage. Thus, it can be inferred that the production of VOCs can undergo qualitative and quantitative changes depending on the environmental stimulus present, both by biotic interactions (with other organisms and circadian rhythm) and by abiotic factors (luminous intensity)

Volatile compounds profile of Bromeliaceae flowers / Perfil de compuestos volátiles de las flores en las Bromeliaceae

Abstract:Volatile compounds play a vital role in the life cycle of plants, possessing antimicrobial and anti-herbivore activities, and with a significant importance in the food, cosmetic, chemical, and pharmaceutical industry. This study aimed to identify the volatile compounds emitted by flowers of thirteen species belonging to four genera of Bromeliaceae, using headspace solid-phase micro-extraction and detection by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. A total of 71 volatile compounds belonging to nine chemical groups were identified. The compounds identified represented more than 97 % of the major components in Aechmea bicolor, Ae. bromeliifolia, Ae. distichantha, Ae. fasciata, and Vriesea friburgensis. In the Ananas varieties, over 99 % of the components were identified, and around 90 % in V. simplex. V. friburgensis presented the largest diversity of volatiles with 31 compounds, while Alcantarea nahoumii presented only 14. All three Ananas varieties presented the same 28 compounds in relatively similar abundance, which has been confirmed by principal component analysis. Current taxonomy and pollination syndrome studies available can adequately explain the variation in volatile compounds among species. Rev. Biol. Trop. 64 (3): 1101-1116. Epub 2016 September 01.

ResumenLos compuestos volátiles tienen un papel vital en el ciclo de vida de las plantas. Poseen actividad antimicrobiana y anti-herbivoría biológica y una gran importancia en la industria de alimentos, cosméticos, perfumes, productos químicos y farmacéuticos. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo identificar los compuestos volátiles de trece flores de especies, pertenecientes a cuatro géneros de Bromeliaceae utilizando microextracción en fase sólida mediante cromatografía de gases hifenada con espacio de cabeza acoplada a espectrometría de masas. Se han identificado setenta y un diferentes compuestos volátiles pertenecientes a nueve grupos. Los compuestos identificados representaron más del 97 % de los componentes principales en Aechmea bicolor, Ae. bromeliifolia, Ae. distichantha, Ae. fasciata, Vriesea friburgensis, 99 % en las variedades de Ananas y 90 % en V. Simplex. V. friburgensis mostró la mayor diversidad de compuestos volátiles con 31, mientras que en Al. nahoumii se han encontrado sólo 14 compuestos. Las tres variedades de Ananas presentan los mismos 28 compuestos en cantidades relativamente similares, lo que se confirmó por el análisis de componentes principales. Estudios taxonómicos y síndromes de polinización disponibles podrían explicar la variación de los compuestos volátiles entre especies.

Atração de vetores de leishmaniose tegumentar americana por compostos orgânicos voláteis presentes na pele humana / Attraction of American tegumentary leishmaniasis vectors by volatile organic compounds present on human skin

INTRODUÇÃO. A Leishmaniose Tegumentar Americana (LTA) é a forma de leishmaniose com maior incidência em humanos, e no Brasil a maioria dos casos está concentrada nas regiões Norte e Nordeste. O protozoário Leishmania braziliensis é considerado o principal agente etiológico com ocorrência no país e tem como principais vetores os flebotomíneos Lutzomyia (Nyssomyia) intermedia e Lutzomyia (Nyssomyia) whitmani. Sabe-se que, de modo geral, o olfato é o principal sentido de orientação dos insetos e, assim, foi assumido neste trabalho que esses vetores são atraídos por compostos orgânicos voláteis (COVs) presentes nos odores da pele humana. OBJETIVO. O objetivo geral do projeto foi identificar os COVs presentes na pele humana e avaliar os seus efeitos na atração de vetores de LTA, com a finalidade de desenvolver e aprimorar alternativas para o controle dos mesmos, de modo que estas possam ser baseadas em COVs que mimetizem os odores da pele humana e, portanto, sejam efetivas na captura de flebotomíneos antropofílicos...

INTRODUCTION. American Tegumentary Leishmaniasis (ATL) is the most frequent form of leishmaniasis among humans. In Brazil most of the cases occurs in the North and in the Northeast of the country. Leishmania braziliensis is the main ethilogic agent and its most common vectors are the phlebotomine sand flies Lutzomyia (Nyssomyia) intermedia and Lutzomyia (Nyssomyia) whitmani. It is known that the olfact is the best developed sense of orientation among insects and thus it was assumed that these vectors are attracted by volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from human skin odors. AIM. The aim of this project was to identify the VOCs from human skin and evaluate their effect on the attraction of ATL vectors, aiming to develop and enhance alternatives of its control, in a way that it can be based on VOCs that mimic human skin odors, which can be effective for anthropophilic phlebotomine capture...

Assessment of Occupational Symptoms and Chemical Exposures for Nail Salon Technicians in Daegu City, Korea / 예방의학회지

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate occupational symptoms and chemical exposures of nail salon technicians. METHODS: Work-related symptoms of nail salon technicians in Daegu City were surveyed using a researcher-administered questionnaire, and responses were compared to those of non-exposed office workers as controls. Personal exposure level of airborne volatile organic compounds was also monitored using passive samplers. RESULTS: A total of 159 subjects in 120 salons were interviewed. Average work-shift concentrations of 13 chemicals were measured for 50 workers from 30 salons using personal passive samplers. The most frequently reported respiratory or neurologic symptoms by nail shop technicians compared to controls were nose irritation (odds ratio [OR], 54.0; confidence interval [CI], 21.6 to 134.8), followed by headache (OR, 9.3; CI, 4.7 to 18), and throat irritation (OR, 4.3; CI, 2.2 to 8.5). For eyes and skin, 92% of respondents complained eye irritation (OR, 13.1; CI, 5.7 to 30.1). In musculoskeletal symptoms, workers reported pain or discomfort in shoulders (OR, 20.3; CI, 7.7 to 54) and neck (OR, 19.7; CI, 8.9 to 43.6). From personal measurements, the proportion of exceeding the Korean Occupational Exposure Limit was the highest for acetone with 64%, followed by toluene (50%), butyl acetate (46%), and methyl methacrylate (12%). However, the service was being provided without a proper ventilation system in most surveyed shops. CONCLUSIONS: Based on these findings, it is warranted to have appropriate local exhaust ventilation place to ensure adequate health protection of nail shop technicians as well as customers. At the same time, greater policy interests are warranted in nail care business to protect health of both workers and customers.

Análisis multivariable y variabilidad química de los metabolitos volátiles presentes en las partes aéreas y la resina de Bursera graveolens (Kunth) Triana & Planch. de Soledad (Atlántico, Colombia) / Multivariate analysis and chemical variability of the volatile metabolites present in the aerial parts and the resin of Bursera graveolens (Kunth) Triana & Planch from Soledad (Atlántico, Colombia)

The aim of this study was to determine the chemical compositions of the volatile fractions from the immature fruits, leaves, branches, stem bark and resin of Bursera graveolens (Kunth) Triana & Planch. by SDE-GC/MS and their relationship through the multivariate statistical analysis. The most abundant constituents found in the volatile fractions were: (a). Fruits – 3-hydroxy-mint furanone (6.7 percent), mint furanone (6.4 percent), carvone (5.3 percent), limonene (4.2 percent), trans-carveol (4.1), limonene-1,2-diol (3.8 percent), limonene dioxide derivative (3.7 percent), 2-hydroperoxide-2S,4R-p-mentha-6,8-diene (3.4 percent) and caryophyllene oxide (3.0 percent); (b). Leaves – germacrene D (20.7 percent), -caryophyllene (18.0 percent), viridiflorol (8.0 percent), limonene (6.6 percent), linalool (6.5 percent) and dendrolasin (5.3 percent); (c). Branches – mint furanone (43.9 percent), iso-mint furanone (6.8 percent), 3-hydroxy mint furanone (6.2 percent); (d.) Stem bark – mint furanone (44.6 percent), 3-hydroxy-mint furanone (16.2 percent), iso-mint furanone (6.4 percent); and, (e.) Resin – limonene (23.2 percent), mint furanone (15.9 percent), mint furanone derivative (14.8 percent), pulegone (12.1 percent), 3-hydroxy-mint furanone (8.6 percent), and menthofuran (6.2 percent). The principal component analysis (70 percent of related information) and cluster analysis applied to the data allowed to find 3 groups: I. – fruits; II. – leaves; and, III. – resin, stem bark and branches; the latter group showed a close compositional relationship. Thus, the volatile fractions in the branches and stem bark were represented by benzofuranoids compounds (60-69 percent); in the leaves by sesquiterpenoids (60 percent); in the fruits by monoterpenoids (54 percent); and, in the resin by benzofuranoids (48 percent) and monoterpenoids (42 percent).

El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar las composiciones químicas de las fracciones volátiles de los frutos inmaduros, hojas, ramas, corteza del tallo y resina de Bursera graveolens (Kunth) Triana & Planch. mediante SDE-GC/MS y su relación a través de análisis estadístico multivariable. Los constituyentes más abundantes encontrados en las fracciones volátiles fueron: (a). Frutos – 3-hidroxi-mentofuranona (6.7 por ciento), mentofuranona (6.4 por ciento), carvona (5.3 por ciento), limoneno (4.2 por ciento), trans-carveol (4.1 por ciento), limonen-1,2-diol (3.8 por ciento), derivado de dióxido de limoneno (3.7 por ciento), 2-hidroperóxido-2S,4R-p-menta-6,8-dieno (3.4 por ciento) y óxido de cariofileno (3.0 por ciento); (b). Hojas – germacreno D (20.7 por ciento), trans--cariofileno (18.0 por ciento), viridiflorol (8.0 por ciento), limoneno (6.6 por ciento), linalol (6.5 por ciento) y dendrolasina (5.3 por ciento); (c). Ramas – mentofuranona (43.9 por ciento), iso-mentofuranona (6.8 por ciento), 3-hidroxi-mentofuranona (6.2 por ciento); (d.) Corteza del tallo – mentofuranona (44.6 por ciento), 3-hidroxi-mentofuranona (16.2 por ciento), iso-mentofuranona (6.4 por ciento); y, (e.) Resina – limoneno (23.2 por ciento), mentofuranona (15.9 por ciento), mentofuranona derivado (14.8 por ciento), pulegona (12.1 por ciento), 3-hidroxi-mentofuranona (8.6 por ciento) y mentofurano (6.2 por ciento). El análisis de componentes principales (70 por ciento de información relacionada) y de conglomerado, aplicado a los datos permitió encontrar 3 grupos: I. – frutos; II. – hojas; y, III. – resina, corteza del tallo y ramas; este último grupo mostró estrecha relación composicional. Así, las fracciones volátiles estuvieron representadas por compuestos benzofuranoides (60-69 por ciento) en las ramas y corteza del tallo; por sesquiterpenoides (60 por ciento) en las hojas; por monoterpenoides (54 por ciento) en los frutos; y, por benzofuranoides (48 por ciento) y monoterpenoides...

Volatile composition of peppermint (Mentha piperita L.) commercial teas through solid phase extraction

Volatiles from aqueous extract of peppermint commercial sachets were investigated through gas chromatography/flame ionization detection (GC/FID) and GC/mass spectrometry (MS). Samples were prepared under similar conditions as in homemade tea. Volatiles were isolated using solid phase extraction method (SPE) with Porapak Q trap followed by desorption with acetone. Estimated mean values for short and medium chain carboxylic acids (C2- C12) and ketones lay in the range of 50-64 μg kg-1 whilst aliphatic alcohols and acyclic hydrocarbons had values lower than 6 μg kg-1. The major volatiles were terpenes (275-382 μg kg-1) that reached 89 % of the total composition. A total of 16 compounds, among them dodecane, acetoin, acetol, citral, geraniol and octanoic acid have been described by the first time in peppermint tea. These findings could be attributed to the different analytical approach employed, mainly to the use of different extraction/pre-concentration techniques. Given the apparently lower proportion of terpenes in the aqueous extract it may be that the chemical properties of the peppermint essential oil are not entirely reproduced with homemade tea.

Estudo da composição da fração volátil do extrato aquoso de sachês de hortelã pimenta (Mentha piperita L.) através da extração em fase sólida. O princípio desse trabalho foi investigar a fração volátil do extrato aquoso de sachês comerciais de hortelã pimenta usando cromatografia gasosa com detectores de ionização em chama e de massas. As amostras foram preparadas em condições similares às usadas para o preparo do chá caseiro. Os compostos voláteis foram isolados via método de extração em fase sólida com adsorvente Porapak Q e eluídos com acetona. Uma estimativa dos valores médios dos ácidos carboxílicos de cadeias média e curta ficou na faixa de 50-64 μg kg-1, enquanto alcoóis alifáticos e hidrocarbonetos acíclicos tiveram valores menores do que 6 μg kg-1. Os terpenos (275-382 μg kg-1) foram os compostos majoritários alcançando 89 % dos sólidos totais. Um total de 16 compostos voláteis, entre eles, dodecano, acetoína, acetol, citral, geraniol e ácido octanóico foram descritos pela primeira vez no chá de hortelã pimenta. Esses resultados poderiam ser atribuídos aos diferentes métodos analíticos empregados, principalmente devido ao uso de diferentes técnicas de extração e pré-concentração. Em função da proporção menor de terpenos no extrato aquoso é razoável especular que as propriedades químicas do óleo essencial da hortelã pimenta não sejam totalmente reproduzidas com o consumo do chá caseiro.

Contribuições da atividade canavieira para as concentrações de ozônio troposférico em Araraquara, SP / Contributions of the Sugarcane Industry to Tropospheric Ozone Concentrations in Araraquara, SP

Objetivo: Avaliar a influência da atividade canavieira nas concentrações de ozônio troposférico em área urbana de Araraquara, SP. Método: Foram realizadas coletas passiva de ozônio e COV (Compostos Orgânicos Voláteis), na safra e entressafra de cana-de-açúcar 2011 2012, em 6 locais na área urbana, com exposição de 5 dias. Coleta ativa de COV foi realizada na área central durante 6 dias, não consecutivos, utilizando 24 coletores por dia com exposição de 1 hora cada um, totalizando 144 amostras. Coletas passivas de COV também foram realizadas em 3 situações: durante e após a queima de canavial e em área urbana, durante 1 hora cada, totalizando 9 amostras. A quali e quantificação dos COV foram realizadas por cromatografia gasosa, utilizando como pré-tratamento da amostra dessorvedor térmico e criogenia. A determinação de ozônio foi feita por cromatografia iônica com a quantificação de íons nitrato, produto da reação do ozônio com o absorvente químico. Além disso, foi realizada estimativa de emissões atmosféricas da atividade canavieira e urbanas para avaliar a participação dessas fontes de poluição na emissão de precursores de ozônio. Resultados: Concentrações médias de ozônio estiveram na faixa de 42,50±7,48 a 66,62±10,07 µg m-3, com média de 52,93±12,39 µg m-3, durante a safra de cana, e de 26,51±2,53 a 77,78±11,04 µg m-3, com média de 52,61±25,65 µg m-3, na entressafra. Os 11 COV identificados na atmosfera urbana de Araraquara estão associados à combustão de veículos automotores, com exceção do d-limoneno. Tolueno e d-limoneno foram os COV mais abundantes atingindo concentrações de 0,40 e 0,50 ppb, respectivamente. Detectaram-se diversos COV nas amostras coletadas nos canaviais durante a queima, destacando-se: eteno (51,59 por cento ), etano (11,14 por cento ), propeno (10,64 por cento ), butano (4,97 por cento ), tolueno (3,39 por cento ) e propano (2,21 por cento ). O eteno foi utilizado para caracterizar a emissão da queima de cana, sendo encontrado na atmosfera urbana na proporção de 13,31 por cento . Estimativa de emissão da agroindústria canavieira mostrou que a queima da palha contribuiu com cerca de 44 por cento de HCNM (Hidrocarbonetos Não-Metânicos) e os veículos pesados, a queima do bagaço e da palha corresponderam a 27 por cento da emissão de NOx (óxidos de nitrogênio). As emissões da frota veicular de Araraquara em 2011 contribuíram com 52,85 por cento e 65,55 por cento , respectivamente, para emissões de HCNM e NOx.

Determination of volatile organic compounds of tagetes Argentina Cabrera (Asteraceae) using HS-SPME analysis / Determinación de compuestos orgánicos volátiles de tagetes Argentina Cabrera (Asteraceae) utilizando análisis por HS-SPME

A headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) method followed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and gas chromatography-flame ionization detection (GC-FID) is described for the analysis of volatile compounds in Tagetes argentina Cabrera. The composition of the totality of the aerial parts of the plant (whole plant) and the inflorescences, leaves and stems was studied separately using HS-SPME. As a result, 53 compounds were determined, of which 39 were identified. The major components were: cis-tagetenone, trans-tagetenone, trans-tagetone and cis-tagetone.Using a much smaller amount of samples, a shorter extraction time and a very simple procedure, the HS-SPME method can achieve similar or better results than those obtained by EO analysis. In conclusion, the HS-SPME method is simple, rapid, effective and free of solvent, and can be used for the analysis of volatile compounds in samples of different populations of T. Argentina.

Se realizó el análisis de los componentes volátiles de T. argentina Cabrera utilizando el método de micro-extracción en fase sólida del espacio de cabeza con análisis posterior por cromatografía de gases acoplada a espectrometría de masas y por cromatografía de gases con detección por ionización de llama. Se estudio la composición de la totalidad de las partes aéreas de la planta (planta entera) como así también de las inflorescencias, hojas y tallos por separado empleando el método de HS-SPME. Como resultado, se determinaron 53 compuestos de los cuales 39 fueron identificados. Los componentes mayoritarios fueron: cis-tagetenona, trans-tagetenona, trans-tagetona and cis-tagetona. Utilizando una muy pequeña cantidad de muestra, un corto periodo de tiempo y un procedimiento muy simple se lograron similares o mejores resultados a aquellos reportados mediante el análisis del aceite esencial. En conclusión, el método de HS-SPME es simple, rápido, efectivo, libre de la utilización de solventes y puede ser fácilmente implementado para el análisis de componentes volátiles provenientes de muestras de diferentes poblaciones de T. Argentina.