Derivatization and rapid GC-MS screening of chlorides relevant to the Chemical Weapons Convention in organic liquid samples.

A simple derivatization technique was developed for the analysis of seven Schedule 3 chemicals and one Schedule 2 chemical listed in the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC). Phosgene, phosphorus oxychloride, phosphorus trichloride, phosphorus pentachloride, thionyl chloride, sulfur monochloride and sulfur dichloride (Schedule 3) as well as arsenic trichloride (Schedule 2) were derivatized using 1-propanol in 40% pyridine solution for analysis with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Derivatization temperature and concentration of the derivatization solution were optimized for maximum derivatization recovery. The stabilities of the target analytes and their derivatives in different solvents were studied. The derivatization yield showed a linear response within the analyte concentration range of 0.1-2 mM (10-200 µg ml-1) with correlation coefficients >0.99 (r2), except for AsCl3 which did not show a linear response after derivatization. Good reproducibility with relative standard deviations (RSDs) from 3 to 13% was achieved. The derivatization recovery was 66% for phosgene and 67-80% for the P-containing chemicals phosphorus oxychloride, phosphorus trichloride and phosphorus pentachloride. Recommendations to use the method for screening the presence of these chemicals in organic liquid samples are given. The method is used when CWC-related samples are screened at VERIFIN.

A Radical-Mediated Pathway for the Formation of [M + H](+) in Dielectric Barrier Discharge Ionization.

Active capillary plasma ionization is a highly efficient ambient ionization method. Its general principle of ion formation is closely related to atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI). The method is based on dielectric barrier discharge ionization (DBDI), and can be constructed in the form of a direct flow-through interface to a mass spectrometer. Protonated species ([M + H](+)) are predominantly formed, although in some cases radical cations are also observed. We investigated the underlying ionization mechanisms and reaction pathways for the formation of protonated analyte ([M + H](+)). We found that ionization occurs in the presence and in the absence of water vapor. Therefore, the mechanism cannot exclusively rely on hydronium clusters, as generally accepted for APCI. Based on isotope labeling experiments, protons were shown to originate from various solvents (other than water) and, to a minor extent, from gaseous impurities and/or self-protonation. By using CO2 instead of air or N2 as plasma gas, additional species like [M + OH](+) and [M - H](+) were observed. These gas-phase reaction products of CO2 with the analyte (tertiary amines) indicate the presence of a radical-mediated ionization pathway, which proceeds by direct reaction of the ionized plasma gas with the analyte. The proposed reaction pathway is supported with density functional theory (DFT) calculations. These findings add a new ionization pathway leading to the protonated species to those currently known for APCI. Graphical Abstract ᅟ.

Direct and Sensitive Detection of CWA Simulants by Active Capillary Plasma Ionization Coupled to a Handheld Ion Trap Mass Spectrometer.

An active capillary plasma ionization (ACI) source was coupled to a handheld mass spectrometer (Mini 10.5; Aston Labs, West Lafayette, IN, USA) and applied to the direct gas-phase detection and quantification of chemical warfare agent (CWA) related chemicals. Complementing the discontinuous atmospheric pressure interface (DAPI) of the Mini 10.5 mass spectrometer with an additional membrane pump, a quasi-continuous sample introduction through the ACI source was achieved. Nerve agent simulants (three dialkyl alkylphosphonates, a dialkyl phosporamidate, and the pesticide dichlorvos) were detected at low gas-phase concentrations with limits of detection ranging from 1.0 µg/m(3) to 6.3 µg/m(3). Our results demonstrate a sensitivity enhancement for portable MS-instrumentation by using an ACI source, enabling direct, quantitative measurements of volatile organic compounds. Due to its high sensitivity, selectivity, low power consumption (<80 W) and weight (<13 kg), this instrumentation has the potential for direct on-site CWA detection as required by military or civil protection. Graphical Abstract ᅟ.

Direct quantification of chemical warfare agents and related compounds at low ppt levels: comparing active capillary dielectric barrier discharge plasma ionization and secondary electrospray ionization mass spectrometry.

A novel active capillary dielectric barrier discharge plasma ionization (DBDI) technique for mass spectrometry is applied to the direct detection of 13 chemical warfare related compounds, including sarin, and compared to secondary electrospray ionization (SESI) in terms of selectivity and sensitivity. The investigated compounds include an intact chemical warfare agent and structurally related molecules, hydrolysis products and/or precursors of highly toxic nerve agents (G-series, V-series, and "new" nerve agents), and blistering and incapacitating warfare agents. Well-defined analyte gas phase concentrations were generated by a pressure-assisted nanospray with consecutive thermal evaporation and dilution. Identification was achieved by selected reaction monitoring (SRM). The most abundant fragment ion intensity of each compound was used for quantification. For DBDI and SESI, absolute gas phase detection limits in the low ppt range (in MS/MS mode) were achieved for all compounds investigated. Although the sensitivity of both methods was comparable, the active capillary DBDI sensitivity was found to be dependent on the applied AC voltage, thus enabling direct tuning of the sensitivity and the in-source fragmentation, which may become a key feature in terms of field applicability. Our findings underline the applicability of DBDI and SESI for the direct, sensitive detection and quantification of several CWA types and their degradation products. Furthermore, they suggest the use of DBDI in combination with hand-held instruments for CWAs on-site monitoring.

Loss of heterozygosity 1p36 and 19q13 is a prognostic factor for overall survival in patients with diffuse WHO grade 2 gliomas treated without chemotherapy.

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to elucidate the impact of loss of heterozygosity (LOH) for chromosomes 1p36 and 19q13 on the overall survival of patients with diffusely infiltrating WHO grade 2 gliomas treated without chemotherapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We assessed the LOH status of tumors from patients harboring WHO grade 2 gliomas diagnosed between 1991 and 2000. Patients were either followed after initial biopsy or treated by surgery and/or radiation therapy (RT). Overall survival, time to malignant transformation, and progression-free survival were last updated as of March 2005. RESULTS: Of a total of 79 patients, LOH 1p36 and LOH 19q13 could be assessed in 67 and 66 patients, respectively. The median follow-up after diagnosis was 6 years. Loss of either 1p or 19q, in particular codeletion(s) at both loci, was found to positively impact on both overall survival (log-rank P < .01), progression-free survival, and survival without malignant transformation (P < .05). Tumor volume (P < .0001), neurologic deficits at diagnosis (P < .01), involvement of more than one lobe (P < .01), and absence of an oligodendroglial component (P < .05) were also predictors of shorter overall survival. The extent of surgery was similar in patients with or without LOH 1p and/or 19q; RT was more frequently resorted to for patients without than for patients with LOH 1p/19q (30% v 60%). CONCLUSION: The presence of LOH on either 1p36 or 19q13, and in particular codeletion of both loci is a strong, nontreatment-related, prognostic factor for overall survival in patients with diffusely infiltrating WHO grade 2 gliomas.