Assessment of the application of selected metal-organic frameworks as advanced sorbents in passive extraction used in the monitoring of contaminants of emerging concern in surface waters

Water pollution has become a critical global concern requiring effective monitoring techniques and robust protection strategies. Contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) are increasingly detected in various water sources, with their harmful effects on humans and ecosystems continually evolving. Based on literature reports highlighting the promising sorption properties of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), the aim of this study was to evaluate the suitability of NH2-MIL-125 (Ti) and UiO-66 (Ce) as sorbents in passive sampling devices (MOFs-PSDs) for the collection and extraction of a wide group of CECs. Solvothermal methods were used to synthesize MOFs, and the characterization of the obtained materials was performed using field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), powder X-ray diffractometry (pXRD) and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The research demonstrated the sorption capabilities of the tested MOFs, the ease and rapidity of their chemical regeneration and the possibility of reuse as sorbents. Using chemometric analysis, the structural properties of CECs determining the sorption efficiency on the surface of NH2-MIL-125 (Ti) were identified. The MOFs-PSDs were lab-calibrated to examine the kinetics of analytes sorption and determine the sampling rates (Rs). MOFs-PSDs and CNTs-PSDs (PSDs containing carbon nanotubes as a sorbent) were then placed in the Elbląg River and the Vistula Lagoon to sampling and extraction of the target compounds from the water. CNTs-PSDs were selected, based on our previous research, for the comparison of the effectiveness of the MOFs-PSDs in environmental monitoring. MOFs-PSDs were successfully used in monitoring of CECs in water. The time-weighted average concentrations (CTWA) of 2-hydroxycarbamazepine, carbamazepine-10,11-epoxide, p-nitrophenol, 3,5-dichlorophenol and caffeine were determined in the Elbląg River and CTWA of metoprolol, diclofenac, 2-hydroxycarbamazepine, carbamazepine-10,11-epoxide, p-nitrophenol, 3,5-dichlorophenol and caffeine were determine in the Vistula Lagoon using MOFs-PSDs and a high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole mass spectrometer.

Essential spectral pixels-based improvement of UMAP classifying hyperspectral imaging data to identify minor compounds in food matrix

Classifying big data in hyperspectral imaging (HSI) can be challenging when minor (low-concentrated) compounds are present in actual samples, as for chemical additives and adulterants in food matrix. Herein, we propose a new strategy to classify HSI data for the identification of adulterants in food material for the first time. This strategy is based on the selection of essential spectral pixels of full HSI data followed by the feature space construction using uniform manifold approximation and projection as well as the data clustering utilizing hierarchical clustering analysis on the reduced data (named ESPs-UMAP-HCA). We apply our approach to analyze two real NIR datasets and four new Raman datasets. Compared with non-ESPs UMAP-HCA and t-distributed stochastic neighbor embedding combined with ESPs and HCA (ESPs-t-SNE-HCA), the developed strategy provides well-separated clusters for major and minor compounds in food matrix. Finally, the adulterants as minor compounds are accurately identified, which is confirmed by the fact that the extracted spectra of them perfectly match with their pure spectra. In addition, their locations are found in the contribution map even though they are present in a few pixels. What's more, the proposed strategy does not need any a priori knowledge of the data structure and the class memberships and therefore reduced the studied difficulty and confirmation bias in the analysis of big HSI datasets. Overall, the proposed ESPs-UMAP-HCA method could be a potential approach for food adulteration detection.

Analysis of differences in aroma and sensory characteristics of the mainstream smoke of six cigars

Cigars have unique aroma and style characteristics. In order to clarify the differences of aroma components between domestic and imported cigars and the material basis of the stylistic characteristics of different cigars, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and sensory evaluation were used to compare and analyze the aroma components in the mainstream smoke of four domestic cigars and two imported cigars. The GC-MS results showed that a total of 97 aroma components were measured in the smoke of the six cigars, and the types of aroma components were similar, but there were differences in their contents. In comparison with those of domestic cigars, imported cigars had suitable nicotine content, and higher contents of phytol, neophytadiene, 3-methylpentanoic acid, and (+)-δ-cadinene. To further explore the differences in the aroma components of the six cigars, GC-MS data combined with chemometrics were used to screen out 14 key aroma components based on P-value (P) < 0.05, Variable Importance Projection (VIP) > 1, and Aroma Activity Values (OAV) > 1. The key aroma components of each cigar were obtained, Snow Dream No. 5: cedrol; Wangguan Guocui: 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one, pyridine, 2-ethyl-6-methylpyrazine; General Achileus No. 3: p-cresol, 2-methylbutyraldehyde, methyl cyclopentenolone; Montecristo No. 4: cedrol, 2-methylbutyraldehyde, guaiacol, 4-vinylguaiacol, methyl cyclopentenolone; Romeo y Julieta Wide Churchills: cedrol, 2,6-dimethylpyrazine, 2-ethyl-6-methylpyrazine, 2-heptanone, phenethyl alcohol; Great Wall No. 2: p-cresol, phenethyl alcohol, geranylacetone, methyl cyclopentenolone, dihydroactinidiolide. The odor descriptors of these compounds were consistent with the aroma profiles that were prominent in the senses of each cigar. This experiment initially explored the differences in aroma composition and style characteristics of cigars and provided data to support the quality improvement of domestic cigars.

Evaluation Method of Texture of Glutinous Rice Cakes (Niangao) and Its Key Impact Indicators

This study aimed to find a unique method to assess the textural properties of Niangao (glutinous rice cakes), to determine the relationship between the textural properties of rice cakes and the indicators of glutinous rice, and to identify the key indicators that significantly affect the textural properties of Niangao. The study encompassed the analysis of the chemical composition and pasting characteristics of 22 glutinous rice varieties, revealing the substantial impact of variety on lipid content, straight-chain starch content, and pasting performance. Subsequently, the textural features of the resulting Niangao were subjected to principal component analysis (PCA) to derive a mathematical method for evaluating their textural attributes, with the obtained scores employed in hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) to identify 12 key textural characteristics. Further analysis using stepwise linear regression (SLR) demonstrated that the regression model incorporating final and peak viscosities of the glutinous rice significantly predicted the composite score of the Niangao's textural properties. This highlights the importance of final and peak viscosities as key indicators for assessing the textural quality of Niangao.

Comparative Study of Essential Oils from Different Organs of Syzygium cumini (Pamposia) Based on GC/MS Chemical Profiling and In Vitro Antiaging Activity

Syzygium cumini L. is an evergreen tree belonging to family Myrtaceae, employed for different traditional uses like diabetes, inflammation, and fever. The current study aimed to compare the chemical compositions of the essential oils (EOs) isolated from different organs of Syzygium cumini (leaves (Scl), fruits (Scf), seeds (Scs), and bark (Scb)) using a GC/MS analysis. Also, a chemometric analysis was applied to explore the main similarities and differences among different organs using a Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and a hierarchal cluster analysis (HCA). Furthermore, in vitro antiaging activities were investigated via anti-collagenase, anti-elastase, and anti-hyaluronidase assays. The GC-MS analysis revealed 82 compounds representing 92.13%, 99.42%, 100%, and 92.97% in Scl, Scf, Scs, and Scb, respectively. The predominant components were α-pinene, β-pinene, (E)-β-caryophyllene, α-caryophyllene, caryophyllene oxide, and α-humulene epoxide II with variable percentages. All EOs were positioned on positive PC1, except for Scs, which was positioned on the negative side in a separate quadrant. The HCA dendrogram displayed the closeness of Scl and Scb, which was not clearly recognized in the PCA score plot. Moreover, the Scs oils were totally discriminated from other parts. The Scl and Scs oils showed superior anti-collagenase, anti-elastase, and anti-hyaluronidase activities. Thus, S. cumini oils should be considered for cosmetic preparations to retard skin aging manifestations.

Taxonomic implications of leaf morphology and epidermal anatomy for 14 species of Gagea (Liliaceae) from Xinjiang, China

BACKGROUND

Leaf morphology and epidermal characters are important for phylogenetic and taxonomic studies of many plants, but there is currently insufficient data to use them to help distinguish species of Gagea, which is a taxonomically difficult genus mainly due to polyploidy and hybridization. Therefore, leaf morphology and epidermal characters of Gagea were studied to assess the characters that can be used to elucidate the taxonomy and systematics of 14 species of Gagea collected in Xinjiang, China. Using light microscopy (LM), six qualitative and three quantitative leaf epidermal anatomical characters were examined for both the adaxial and abaxial surfaces. Hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) was employed to reveal the similarities based on leaf morphology and epidermal characters of the investigated species.

RESULTS

Basal leaf of these species can be terete or flat, and it is triangle, flat, or circular in transverse section. Anticlinal wall patterns of the leaf epidermal cells were straight and sinuous, and only three species had epidermal hairs. Shape of long cells varies, ranging from quadrangular to irregular. HCA revealed that the 14 species could be divided into two groups. Group A was arranged into three subgroups (A1, A2 and A3), based on the Euclidean distance of 6.96. Subgroup A1 consisted of three species with indumentum; subgroup A2 had four species with sinuous type anticlinal walls; and subgroup A3 comprised of two species with a fistulose basal leaf. Group B included five species with short cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Leaf morphology and epidermal characters did not differ significantly among populations of the same species in Gagea, whereas they differ significantly among species. Thus, leaf morphology and epidermal characters provide diagnostic information for differentiating G. nigra and G. filiformis; G. altaica, G. jensii and G. alberti, which are morphologically similar species.

Antioxidant Activity of Medicinal Herbs and Spices from Plants of the Lamiaceae, Apiaceae and Asteraceae Families: Chemometric Interpretation of the Data

Plant products, especially medicinal herbs and spices, have been used for centuries as a remedy to support human health and improve the flavor of food. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to identify plant species distinguished by their high content of phenolic compounds and high antioxidant activity using advanced multivariate statistical techniques such as Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA). To realize the purpose of the study, the total phenolic (TPC) and flavonoids (FC) content, antioxidant activity (TAC) and Fe(II) ion chelating capacity (FIC) of medicinal herbs and spices from plants belonging to three botanical families, Lamiaceae, Apiaceae and Asteraceae were determined. The interpretation of the obtained data revealed that the studied samples are localized in the PCA and HCA plots according to their TPC, FC, TAC and FIC values. Chemometric analysis confirmed that medicinal herbs and spices from plants belonging to the Lamiaceae family are richer sources of phenolic compounds and exhibit stronger antioxidant activity than those raw materials from plants in the Apiaceae family. In addition, no significant differences were found in terms of TPC, FC, TAC and FIC values between medicinal herbs and spices from the same plant species, i.e., oregano (Origanum vulgare), common thyme (Thymus vulgaris), rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), caraway (Carum carvi) and lovage (Levisticum officinale). A close relationship between antioxidant properties and contents of phenolic compounds was also confirmed.

The histologic fetal inflammatory response and neonatal outcomes: systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the prognostic role of concomitant histologic fetal inflammatory response with chorioamnionitis on neonatal outcomes through a systematic review and meta-analysis of existing literature.

DATA SOURCES

The primary search was conducted on October 17th, 2021, and it was updated on May 26th, 2023, across four separate databases (MEDLINE, CENTRAL, Embase, and SCOPUS) without using any filters.

STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Observational studies reporting obstetrical and neonatal outcomes of infant-mother dyads with histological chorioamnionitis and histologic fetal inflammatory response in comparison to histological chorioamnionitis alone were eligible. We included studies that enrolled only preterm neonates, born before the 37th gestational week, or very low birth weight neonates (birthweight < 1500 g). The protocol was registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (CRD42021283448).

STUDY APPRAISAL AND SYNTHESIS METHODS

The records were selected by title, abstract, and full text, and disagreements were resolved by consensus. Random-effect model-based pooled odds ratios with corresponding 95% confidence intervals were calculated for dichotomous outcomes.

RESULTS

In total of 50 studies were identified. Quantitative analysis of 14 outcomes was performed. We conducted subgroup analysis using mean gestational age of the studies, and we implemented the 28th gestational week as a cut off line. Among neonates with lower gestational ages, early-onset sepsis (pooled odds ratio 2.23; 95% confidence interval, 1.76-2.84). and bronchopulmonary dysplasia was associated (pooled odds ratio 1.30; 95% confidence interval, 1.02 to 1.66) with the histologic fetal inflammatory response. Our analysis showed that preterm neonates with a concomitant histologic fetal inflammatory response are more likely to develop intraventricular hemorrhage (pooled odds ratio 1.54; 95% confidence interval, 1.18 to 2.02) and retinopathy of prematurity (pooled odds ratio 1.37; 95% confidence interval, 1.03 to 1.82). Among infant-mother dyads with histologic fetal inflammatory response, the odds of clinical chorioamnionitis were almost three-fold higher (pooled odds ratio 2.99; 95% CI, 1.96 to 4.55) than in the histological chorioamnionitis alone group.

CONCLUSION

Investigating multiple neonatal outcomes, we found a statistically significant association in the case of four major morbidities: early-onset sepsis, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, intraventricular hemorrhage and retinopathy of prematurity.

Unveiling Diversity for Quality Traits in the Indian Landraces of Horsegram [Macrotyloma uniflorum (Lam.) Verdc.]

Horsegram (Macrotyloma uniflorum [Lam.] Verdc.) is an underutilized pulse crop primarily cultivated in South Asian countries like India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. It offers various nutraceutical properties and demonstrates remarkable resilience to both biotic and abiotic stresses. As a result, it has emerged as a promising crop for ensuring future food and nutritional security. The purpose of this study was to assess the nutritional profile of 139 horsegram germplasm lines obtained from 16 Indian states that were conserved at the National Gene Bank of India. Standard analytical methods, including those provided by the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC), were used for this investigation. The study revealed substantial variability in essential nutrients, such as protein (ranging from 21.8 to 26.7 g/100 g), starch (ranging from 26.2 to 33.0 g/100 g), total soluble sugars (TSSs) (ranging from 0.86 to 12.1 g/100 g), phenolics (ranging from 3.38 to 11.3 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAEs)/g), and phytic acid content (ranging from 1.07 to 21.2 mg/g). Noteworthy correlations were observed, including a strong positive correlation between sugars and phenols (r = 0.70) and a moderate negative correlation between protein and starch (r = -0.61) among the studied germplasm lines. Principal component analysis (PCA) highlighted that the first three principal components contributed to 88.32% of the total variability, with TSSs, phytates, and phenols emerging as the most significant contributors. The cluster analysis grouped the accessions into five clusters, with cluster III containing the accessions with the most desirable traits. The differential distribution of the accessions from north India into clusters I and III suggested a potential geographical influence on the adaptation and selection of genes. This study identified a panel of promising accessions exhibiting multiple desirable traits. These specific accessions could significantly aid quality breeding programs or be directly released as cultivars if they perform well agronomically.

Estrobolome and Hepatocellular Adenomas-Connecting the Dots of the Gut Microbial β-Glucuronidase Pathway as a Metabolic Link

Hepatocellular adenomas are benign endothelial tumors of the liver, mostly associated with female individual users of estrogen-containing medications. However, the precise factors underlying the selective development of hepatic adenomas in certain females remain elusive. Additionally, the conventional profile of individuals prone to hepatic adenoma is changing. Notably, male patients exhibit a higher risk of malignant progression of hepatocellular adenomas, and there are instances where hepatic adenomas have no identifiable cause. In this paper, we theorize the role of the human gastrointestinal microbiota, specifically, of bacterial species producing β-glucuronidase enzymes, in the development of hepatic adenomas through the estrogen recycling pathway. Furthermore, we aim to address some of the existing gaps in our knowledge of pathophysiological pathways which are not yet subject to research or need to be studied further. As microbial β-glucuronidases proteins recycle estrogen and facilitate the conversion of inactive estrogen into its active form, this process results in elevated levels of unbound plasmatic estrogen, leading to extended exposure to estrogen. We suggest that an imbalance in the estrobolome could contribute to sex hormone disease evolution and, consequently, to the advancement of hepatocellular adenomas, which are estrogen related.

The Diversity in Grapes of Vitis labrusca Grown in Bolu (Türkiye) Assessed by Multivariate Approaches

The grape is one of the most produced and processed horticultural crops. This study evaluated the grape genetic resource belonging to the Vitis labrusca species. The diversity was assessed according to morphometric, antioxidant, physicochemical, and colorimetric characteristics. The diversity was evaluated using a variation index and multivariate analyses. The bunch weight of the vines exhibited a range from 21.05 g to 162.46 g, with a coefficient of variation (CV) of 38.97%. The average bunch weight was 64.74 g. In terms of the berry properties, the highest CV was observed for the berry weight (21.95%). The peel thickness displayed a CV of 36.40%, and an average of 0.23 mm. The CVs for the juice characteristics in the berries of the studied vines were 7.11%, 16.61%, 19.41%, and 28.10% for the pH, TSS, must yield, and TA, respectively. The TPC of the accessions exhibited a notably low variation (CV = 4.63%). The color properties of the accessions displayed an immense variation, except for the L* values. The hierarchical clustering analysis divided the accessions into two main clusters, which both had two subclusters. The multivariate approaches separated individuals into different groups, and they were considered useful tools for utilization in the genetic diversity assessments. Further studies on the cultivation technique and crossbreeding with Vitis vinifera will provide more insights into the population, and this study will be a source for upcoming studies on V. labrusca in the region.

Mining nutri-dense accessions from rice landraces of Assam, India

The Indian subcontinent is the primary center of origin of rice where huge diversity is found in the Indian rice gene pool, including landraces. North Eastern States of India are home to thousands of rice landraces which are highly diverse and good sources of nutritional traits, but most of them remain nutritionally uncharacterized. Hence, nutritional profiling of 395 Assam landraces was done for total starch, amylose content (AC), total dietary fiber (TDF), total protein content (TPC), oil, phenol, and total phytic acid (TPA) using official AOAC and standard methods, where the mean content for the estimated traits were found to be 75.2 g/100g, 22.2 g/100g, 4.67 g/100g, 9.8 g/100g, 5.26%, 0.40 GAE g/100g, and 0.34 g/100g for respectively. The glycaemic index (GI) was estimated in 24 selected accessions, out of which 17 accessions were found to have low GI (<55). Among different traits, significant correlations were found that can facilitate the direct and indirect selection such as estimated glycemic index (EGI) and amylose content (-0.803). Multivariate analyses, including principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA), revealed the similarities/differences in the nutritional attributes. Four principal components (PC) i.e., PC1, PC2, PC3, and PC4 were identified through principal component analysis (PCA) which, contributed 81.6% of the variance, where maximum loadings were from protein, oil, starch, and phytic acid. Sixteen clusters were identified through hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA) from which the trait-specific and biochemically most distant accessions could be identified for use in cultivar development in breeding programs.

MALDI-TOF MS Is an Effective Technique To Classify Specific Microbiota

MALDI-TOF MS is well-recognized for single microbial identification and widely used in research and clinical fields due to its specificity, speed of analysis, and low cost of consumables. Multiple commercial platforms have been developed and approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) has been used for microbial identification. However, microbes can present as a specific microbiota, and detection and classification remain a challenge. Here, we constructed several specific microbiotas and tried to classify them using MALDI-TOF MS. Different concentrations of nine bacterial strains (belonging to eight genera) constituted 20 specific microbiotas. Using MALDI-TOF MS, the overlap spectrum of each microbiota (MS spectra of nine bacterial strains with component percentages) could be classified by hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA). However, the real MS spectrum of a specific microbiota was different than that of the overlap spectrum of component bacteria. The MS spectra of specific microbiota showed excellent repeatability and were easier to classify by HCA, with an accuracy close to 90%. These results indicate that the widely used MALDI-TOF MS identification method for individual bacteria can be expanded to classification of microbiota. IMPORTANCE MALDI-TOF MS can be used to classify specific model microbiota. The actual MS spectrum of the model microbiota was not a simple superposition of every single bacterium in a certain proportion but had a specific spectral fingerprint. The specificity of this fingerprint can enhance the accuracy of microbiota classification.

The impact of sewage effluents on water quality of Lake Hawassa, Ethiopia

The physicochemical characteristics of water samples from Lake Hawassa was determined with the aim of pointing out possible impacts of industrial effluents, agricultural chemicals and domestic sewage on the water quality of the lake. For this, a total of 15 physicochemical parameters were measured in 72 water samples collected from four different locations on the lake that are adjacent to areas involved in various human activities including agriculture (Tikur Wuha), resort hotel (Haile Resort), public recreation (Gudumale) and referral hospital (Hitita). Samples were collected over a period of six months covering the dry and wet seasons in 2018/19. One-way analysis of variance revealed the presence of significant difference in the physicochemical quality of the lake's water across the four study areas and the two seasons. Principal component analysis identified the most discriminating characteristics that differentiate the studied areas according to the nature and level of pollution status. Tikur Wuha area was found to be characterized by high levels of EC and TDS, the values of these parameters were about twice or more than that measured in the other areas. This was ascribed to contamination of the lake by runoff water from the surrounding farmlands. On the other hand, the water around the other three areas was characterized by high nitrate, sulfate and phosphate. Hierarchical cluster analysis classified the sampling areas in to two groups, where Tikur Wuha constituted one group and the other three locations the second group. Linear discriminant analysis provided 100% correct classification of the samples into the two cluster groups. The measured values of turbidity, fluoride and nitrate were found to be significantly higher than the standard limits set by national and international guidelines. These results show that the lake has been facing serious pollution problems from various anthropogenic activities.

Simultaneous quantitative analysis of 11 constituents in Viticis Fructus by HPLC-HRMS and HPLC-DAD combined with chemometric methods

INTRODUCTION

Viticis Fructus is the dried ripe fruit of Vitex trifolia L. (VTF) or V. trifolia subsp. litoralis Steenis (VTLF). Different botanical sources of the same herbal medicines may have different clinical efficacies, but few studies have reported the comparative identification of VTF and VTLF.

OBJECTIVES

To establish a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method for the simultaneous assay of 11 constituents in Viticis Fructus, to compare the chemical compositions of VTF and VTLF, and to identify chemical markers for the discrimination and quality evaluation of the two botanical origins of Viticis Fructus.

METHODOLOGY

An HPLC-diode array detection (DAD)-high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) method was developed for the simultaneous separation and quantification of 11 constituents in 21 batches of Viticis Fructus samples from different sources in China. Moreover, chemometrics were performed to compare and discriminate VTF and VTLF samples.

RESULTS

The results from 11 batches of VTF and 10 batches of VTLF were compared for 11 components, of which 3,4-dicaffeoylquinic acid and 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid were identified and quantified in Viticis Fructus for the first time. The quantitative analysis showed significantly higher chlorogenic acid and casticin contents in VTLF than in VTF, and the chemometric analysis indicated that chlorogenic acid and casticin were responsible for the significant differences between VTF and VTLF; these two compounds might be used as chemical markers to distinguish the two original plant sources of Viticis Fructus.

CONCLUSIONS

The present work provides useful information for understanding the chemical differences between VTF and VTLF. This work also provides feasible methods for the quality evaluation and discrimination of herbal medicines originating from multiple botanical sources.

Human health risk assessment and pollution index of groundwater in Jammu plains of India: A geospatial approach

To examine the drinking water suitability as well as to study the influence of local lithology in controlling groundwater chemistry a study has been carried out in the Jammu plains of India by using 50 groundwater samples during the post-monsoon (POM) and pre-monsoon (PRM) seasons. The groundwater samples are found to be dominated by Mg-Ca-HCO₃, and Ca-Mg-HCO_3, types. Besides this, the Pollution Index of Groundwater (PIG) was also calculated to assess the overall groundwater quality of the study area. As per the PIG, the groundwater quality of the study is suitable for domestic utilization except for a few samples (2%) which need conventional treatment in order to make the groundwater resources potable. Based on rock water interaction, there is a considerable variation in the POM and PRM seasons, which indicates the role of weathering and dissolution of rock minerals. The multivariate statistical analysis reveals that the lithogenic factors, such as rock-water interactions and weathering of carbonate-bearing rocks, are predominantly controlling groundwater chemistry. Further, trace elements such as As, Cu, Cd, Fe, Mn, and Zn were also analyzed to determine the Human Health Risk Assessment (HHRA) in order to know about the carcinogenic risk in adults and children in the study area.

Free tocopherols and tocotrienols in 82 plant species' oil: Chemotaxonomic relation as demonstrated by PCA and HCA

The tocopherol (T) and tocotrienol (T3) profile were investigated in the present study for four hundred and eighteen plant oil samples, including thirty-one families, eighty-two species, and five cross-species. Fifteen species were dominated by tocotrienols, while sixty-seven - by tocopherols. The mean proportion of γ-T was almost half of the total tocochromanol content (49.3%) in the investigated samples, while α-T constituted to one quarter (25.0%), and the remaining other tocochromanols were present as minor constituents. A strong relationship between the taxonomic plant origin and the presence of the characteristic tocochromanol profile in oils obtained from those plants was noted. This is the first study to demonstrate that not only monocotyledonous, but also dicotyledons families can be rich in tocotrienols. The usefulness of statistical tools - principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) for plant sample discrimination based on their tocochromanol profile was also shown.

Palynological features and taxonomic significance for 16 species of Gagea (Liliaceae) from Xinjiang, China

Since pollen characters can be used to help distinguish species, our aim was to determine if palynological information has taxonomic significance for Gagea species from Xinjiang, China. Gagea is widely distributed in north temperate and the subtropical zones. The genus has limited taxonomic characteristics and large morphological variation, which results in difficulty of species classification. Pollen morphology of 16 species of this genus was examined comprehensively via light microscope (LM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). One qualitative and nine quantitative traits of the pollen grains were surveyed, followed by hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA). The pollen grains were bilaterally symmetrical heteropolar monads with a mono-sulcus and they were oblate or peroblate (Polar diameter (P) / Equatorial diameter (E) = 0.36-0.73) in shape and medium to large (P = 17.17-34.64 μm, E = 27.63-81.65 μm) in size. Three types of exine ornamentation were observed: perforate, microreticulate and reticulate cristatum. The HCA divided the 16 species into two groups. This research provides new data on pollen morphology for Gagea (the pollen morphology of eight species was reported for the first time). Pollen morphology also can be used to identify species with similar external morphology, such as G.nigra and G.filiformis. Furthermore, the study of pollen morphology not only provides new data for palynology research on Gagea, but also provides a basis for future classification of this genus.

Mineral and Trace Elements in Nutritious Flours: Total Contents, In Vitro Bioaccessibility and Contribution to Dietary Intake

The consumption of fruits, vegetables, and cereals in the form of flour has been an alternative for the intake of nutrients, currently seen in a society that seeks a healthier diet. Thus, the assessment of total contents and bioaccessibility is important to better understand the actual intake of nutrients or contaminants present in foods. The objective of this study was to determine the total content and estimate the bioaccessible fraction of Cu, Fe, and Zn in nutritious flours by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP OES) after microwave acid digestion. Bioaccessibility was assessed using the in vitro method, taking into account the entire gastrointestinal tract (Unified Bioaccessibility Method (UBM)). The following concentration ranges, in μg g^-1, were found: Ca (341-6275), K (2984-13,953), P (476-6110), Na (< 0.39-2995), Fe (1.4-167), Cu (< 0.01-59.6), and Zn (< 0.07-30.3). Principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) showed a tendency towards the formation of three groups. The bioaccessible fractions for Cu, Fe, and Zn were considered low, ranging from 0.96 to 40% in the gastrointestinal phase and from 4.1 to 100% in the gastric phase.

Utilization of Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) Theory to Evaluate Workplace Stress Experienced by Health Care Assistants in a UK In-Patient Dementia Unit after 10 Years of National Financial Austerity (2008-2018)

AIMS

Workplace stress for support workers in UK hospitals (Health Care Assistants; HCAs) is poorly understood. This study explores experiences of HCAs working in a National Health Service in-patient dementia unit after 10 years of national financial austerity (2008-2018).

DESIGN

Qualitative evaluation.

METHODS

15 HCAs (42%) from a specialist dementia care Unit were interviewed. Interviews were guided by UK Health & Safety Executive published dimensions of work stress. Framework analysis was applied to interview transcriptions, corroborated by a follow-up focus group (6 HCAs). Post hoc interviews with 10 nurses were later introduced to obtain a balanced view of teamwork on the Unit.

RESULTS

Health care assistants were altruistic regarding demands of dementia care but otherwise negative of most aspects of their work environment. Staff shortages had increased job demands: workload, poor shift rotas, and excessive reliance on inexperienced agency staff. According to HCAs, job resources of the care team were in significant deficit: nurses in charge were perceived as poor team leaders, had poor interpersonal skills, lacked respect for experienced HCAs, and deemed to be frequently absent from the ward so failing to support carers. HCAs' lack of decision-latitude exacerbated the situation. In contrast, nurses interviewed did not recognise the teamwork issues raised by HCAs, who were considered obstructive, unsupportive, lacked awareness of nurses' responsibilities, and of insights how understaffing meant excessive administration and time required to support patients' relatives. Such dissonant inter-group views caused considerable friction and exacerbated the work pressure.

CONCLUSION

Study outcomes spotlighted impacts of socioeconomic issues for HCAs. Staff shortage, exacerbated by financial austerity measures (pre-COVID pandemic), increased job demands for HCAs but their psychosocial job resources were in serious deficit, so putting them at risk of burnout. Inter-group relations are key for a collaborative ethos, and are amenable to interventions. Such difficulties should not be allowed to fester.

Comparative Study of Antiviral, Cytotoxic, Antioxidant Activities, Total Phenolic Profile and Chemical Content of Propolis Samples in Different Colors from Turkiye

Propolis is a valuable natural substance obtained by honey bees after being collected from the bark, resin of trees, plant leaves and mixed with their saliva, and has been widely used for various biological activities. The properties of propolis can vary widely by botanical origin, location of the hives and colony population. It is thought that the color of propolis is one of the main factors determining its acceptability and originates from the flower markers, pollen and nectar of some plants and is directly related to its chemical content. It is important to compare and standardize the colors, chemical content and biological activities of propolis in our country, which has a rich endemic plant diversity. Thus, in this study, the color indexes of 39 propolis samples from different locations in Turkiye were determined by Lovibond Tintometer, for the first time. The color index, total phenolic content, cytotoxic and antioxidant activities relationship of propolis and two commercial propolis samples were also investigated by HCA and PCA. Turkish propolis, which is defined by its color indices, chemical contents and many different activity potentials, such as antioxidant, antiviral and cytotoxic activity, will find use in many fields from medicine to cosmetics with this study.

HCA (2-Hydroxy-Docosahexaenoic Acid) Induces Apoptosis and Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Pancreatic Cancer Cells

Pancreatic cancer has a high mortality rate due to its aggressive nature and high metastatic rate. When coupled to the difficulties in detecting this type of tumor early and the lack of effective treatments, this cancer is currently one of the most important clinical challenges in the field of oncology. Melitherapy is an innovative therapeutic approach that is based on modifying the composition and structure of cell membranes to treat different diseases, including cancers. In this context, 2-hydroxycervonic acid (HCA) is a melitherapeutic agent developed to combat pancreatic cancer cells, provoking the programmed cell death by apoptosis of these cells by inducing ER stress and triggering the production of ROS species. The efficacy of HCA was demonstrated in vivo, alone and in combination with gemcitabine, using a MIA PaCa-2 cell xenograft model of pancreatic cancer in which no apparent toxicity was evident. HCA is metabolized by α-oxidation to C21:5n-3 (heneicosapentaenoic acid), which in turn also showed anti-proliferative effect in these cells. Given the unmet clinical needs associated with pancreatic cancer, the data presented here suggest that the use of HCA merits further study as a potential therapy for this condition.

Deciphering the growth stage specific bioactive diversity patterns in Murraya koenigii (L.) Spreng. using multivariate data analysis

The study was undertaken to characterize the total phenolics, flavonoids, essential oils, quinones, tannins and antioxidant activity of 15 samples of wild Murraya koenigii (L.) Spreng. (MK) leaves obtained from different locations of Himachal Pradesh at various growth stages. The results indicated a significant variation in total phenolic content which ranged from [(170.09 ± 4.59 to 303.57 ± 7.94) in pre-flowering, (266.48 ± 7.49 to 450.01 ± 11.78) in the flowering stage, and (212.72 ± 5.37 to 363.85 ± 9.79) in fruiting stage], expressed as mg tannic acid equivalents (TAE)/g. The total flavonoid content ranged from [(15.17 ± 0.36 to 33.40 ± 0.81) in pre-flowering, (25.16 ± 0.67 to 58.17 ± 1.52) in flowering stage, and (17.54 ± 0.42 to 37.34 ± 0.97) in fruiting stage], expressed as mg catechin equivalent (CE)/g. Total tannin content ranged from [(75.75 ± 1.69 to 143 ± 3.74) in pre-flowering, (116 ± 3.26 to 207 ± 5.42) in the flowering stage, and (47 ± 1.18 to 156 ± 4.05) in fruiting stage], expressed as mg TAE/g. The essential oil content ranged from (0.64 ± 0.01 to 0.89 ± 0.02%) in pre-flowering, (0.85 ± 0.02 to 1 ± 0.02%) in flowering stage, and (0.54 ± 0.01 to 0.7 ± 0.01%) in fruiting stage. Quinones ranged from [(2.05 ± 0.05 to 2.97 ± 0.07) in pre-flowering, (3.07 ± 0.07 to 4.95 ± 0.13) in flowering stage, and (1.02 ± 0.02 to 1.96 ± 0.04) in fruiting stage], expressed as mM/min/g tissue. Antioxidant activity ranged from [(4.01 ± 0.09 to 7.42 ± 0.17) in pre-flowering, (8.08 ± 0.19 to 13.60 ± 0.35) in flowering stage, and (3.11 ± 0.06 to 6.37 ± 0.15) in fruiting stage], expressed as μg/ml. Data was subjected to multivariate analysis using principal component analysis (PCA), hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA). This was used for elucidating the intricate relationships between the phytochemical properties. All evaluated phytochemical parameters significantly increased during the growth transition from pre-flowering to the flowering stage, followed by their gradual decrease during the fruiting stage. The present study can serve as rationale for commercializing MK for aromatic and phytopharmaceutical industries.

Effects of Cabya (Piper retrofractum Vahl.) Fruit Developmental Stage on VOCs

The differences in VOCs can affect the flavor and medicinal value of cabya, and the flavor changes that occur in stages as the fruit develops are currently unknown. In order to investigate the influence of the developmental stage on the aroma composition of cabya essential oil, VOCs at each of the four developmental stages were analyzed by steam distillation (SD) extraction combined with GC-MS detection. The similarities and differences in fruit composition among the developmental stages were evaluated using hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) and principal component analysis (PCA). A total of 60 VOCs, mainly alcohols, alkenes and alkanes, were identified across all of the developmental stages. The most acidic substances were detected in phase A and have a high medicinal value. There was no significant difference between the B and C phases, and the alcohols in those phases mainly promoted terpenoid synthesis in the D phase. Constituents during the D phase were mainly alkenes, at 57.14%, which contributed significantly to the aroma of the essential oil. PCA and HCA both were able to effectively differentiate the cabya fruit developmental stages based on the SD-GC-MS data. In summary, this study investigated the flavor variation characteristics and the diversity of VOCs in cabya fruits at different developmental stages, and its findings can provide a reference for developing essential oil products for different uses and determining appropriate stages for harvesting cabya resources.

Human non-CpG methylation patterns display both tissue-specific and inter-individual differences suggestive of underlying function

DNA methylation (DNAm) in mammals is mostly examined within the context of CpG dinucleotides. Non-CpG DNAm is also widespread across the human genome, but the functional relevance, tissue-specific disposition, and inter-individual variability has not been widely studied. Our aim was to examine non-CpG DNAm in the wider methylome across multiple tissues from the same individuals to better understand non-CpG DNAm distribution within different tissues and individuals and in relation to known genomic regulatory features.DNA methylation in umbilical cord and cord blood at birth, and peripheral venous blood at age 12-13 y from 20 individuals from the Southampton Women's Survey cohort was assessed by Agilent SureSelect methyl-seq. Hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) was performed on CpG and non-CpG sites and stratified by specific cytosine environment. Analysis of tissue and inter-individual variation was then conducted in a second dataset of 12 samples: eight muscle tissues, and four aliquots of cord blood pooled from two individuals.HCA using methylated non-CpG sites showed different clustering patterns specific to the three base-pair triplicate (CNN) sequence. Analysis of CAC sites with non-zero methylation showed that samples clustered first by tissue type, then by individual (as observed for CpG methylation), while analysis using non-zero methylation at CAT sites showed samples grouped predominantly by individual. These clustering patterns were validated in an independent dataset using cord blood and muscle tissue.This research suggests that CAC methylation can have tissue-specific patterns, and that individual effects, either genetic or unmeasured environmental factors, can influence CAT methylation.

Insights into the value of statistical models, solvent, and relativistic effects for investigating Re complexes of 2-(4'-aminophenyl)benzothiazole: a potential spectroscopic probe

Cancer affects a major part of the worldwide population, and, to minimize deaths, the diagnosis in the early stages of the disease is fundamental. Thus, to improve diagnosis and treatment new potential spectroscopic probes are crucial. Benzothiazole derivates present antitumor properties and are highly selective and interact strongly with the enzyme phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), which was associated with cell proliferation and breast cancer cells. In this paper, the rhenium shielding tensors (¹⁸⁷Re(σ)) and hydrogen and carbon chemical shifts (¹H(δ) and ¹³C(δ)) of the Re(CO)₃(NNO) complex conjugated with 2-(4'-aminophenyl)benzothiazole (ReABT) were evaluated. A statistical HCA model was used to analyze the best DFT protocol to compute σ and δ values and to evaluate the relativistic effects, both in the basis set and Hamiltonian as well as the functionals M06L or PBE0. The best protocol was applied to obtain ¹⁸⁷Re(σ) of the ReABT complex in different environments (gas phase, solution, and in the active site of the PI3K enzyme). The results point out that ¹⁸⁷Re(σ) values of the ReABT complex change significantly when the complex is docked in the PI3K enzyme.

Differential of cholangiocarcinoma disease using Raman spectroscopy combined with multivariate analysis

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a type of cancer, which 5-year survival is lower than 20 %, and which is detected mostly in advanced stage of the disease. Unfortunately, there are no diagnostic tools, which could show changes in the body indicating the development of the disease. Therefore, in this study, we investigate Raman spectroscopy as a promising analytical tool in medical diagnostics and as a method, which would allow to distinguish between healthy patients and patients suffering from cholangiocarcinoma. The obtained Raman spectra showed, that lower intensities of peaks corresponding to amino acids and proteins, as well as higher intensities of peaks originating from lipids vibrations were observed in healthy individuals in comparison with cancer patients. Moreover, Partial Last Square (PLS), Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Hierarchical Component Analysis (HCA) of Raman spectra indicate that the ranges between 800 cm^-1 and 1800 cm^-1, 3477 cm^-1 -3322 cm^-1 and 1394 cm^-1 -1297 cm^-1 allow to distinguish cancer patients from healthy ones. The obtained results showed, that Raman spectroscopy is a good candidate, to become in future one of the diagnostic tools of Cholangiocarcinoma.

Chemometric characterization of raw olives from important Turkish table olive cultivars Cvs. using HPLC-DAD method based on their biophenolic profiles

In this study, raw fruits of important olive cultivars mostly used in the Turkish table (and oil) olive sector, Ayvalik, Gemlik, Domat, Memecik and Uslu, were investigated based on their biophenolic profiles by a HPLC-DAD method. Biophenolic compounds have great importance in olive processing (table and oil) technology and human nutrition physiology and are commonly found in natural products obtained from fruits and vegetables, including table olives and olive oil. Raw olive fruits samples, grown in Bornova and Kemapaşa which are the experimantal areas of Olive Research Institute (İzmir-Turkey), were harvested in different maturity stages during two corp years (2007-2008). The total phenolic content (TPC) and the simple biophenolic profile analysis of raw olive samples were carried out using UV/VIS spectroscopic and HPLC-DAD methods, respectively. It was showed that domestic olive cultivars, mostly used in table and oil technologies, exposed great differences in biophenolic profiles due to the cultivar and harvest time according to the results of this study. TPC data for all raw samples varied from1 89.8 mg GAE /100 g (Domat) to 421 mg GAE /100 g (Uslu). Hydroxytyrosol (HT) was the major phenolic compound for all raw olive samples and it varied from 58.70 mg/100 g (Uslu) to 27.53 mg/100 g (Memecik). The highest amount of tyrosol (TY) compound was found Uslu (21.23 mg/100 g) while Ayvalik had the lowest amount of this compound (6.13 mg/100 g). In this study, the raw fruits of the domestic five table cultivars were characterized and classified chemometric methods (Principal Component Analysis, PCA and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis, HCA) based on their simple phenolic compounds. Luteloin (LT) was effective on the characterization of Uslu cultivar while Gemlik was classified with the apigenin (APG). The Hydroxytyrosol (HT) was discriminative in classification of Memecik cultivar whereas the tyrosol (TY) played role in characterization of Ayvalik cultivar.

Discrimination of the geographical origins of rice based on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

Over the past few decades, several techniques have been applied to identify the geographical origins of rice products. In this study, the chemical characterization of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) was carefully conducted by analysing PAHs in rice samples collected from private sector planting areas located in Bali and Yogyakarta, Indonesia (i.e. ID; n = 20), west sides of Malaysia (i.e. MY; n = 20), Mandalay, Legend, Myingyan, Myanmar (i.e. MM; n = 20), northern parts of Lao PDR (i.e. LA; n = 20), central parts of Cambodia (i.e. KH; n = 20), northern parts of Vietnam (i.e. VN; n = 20), and Thailand (i.e. TH; n = 22). Percentage contributions show the exceedingly high abundance of 5-6 ring PAH congeners in rice samples collected from Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia and Vietnam. Lao PDR rice samples were overwhelmed by 4-ring PAH congeners with the percentage contribution of 46% followed by 5-6 ring PAHs (33%) and 3-ring PAHs (21%). In addition, hierarchical cluster analysis and principal component analysis can successfully categorize some rice samples based on its geographical origins.

Implementation and evaluation of clinical supervision for support workers in a paediatric palliative care setting

Support workers represent a large proportion of the NHS workforce and yet their supervisory needs are often overlooked. This study focused specifically on a cohort of support workers in a community paediatric palliative care setting. Peer supervision was implemented for this group, initially face to face and then virtually. The experiences of clinical supervision for this group were investigated through responses to an online survey (n = 25) and two focus groups (n = 7). Survey data were analysed concurrently with a thematic analysis. The following themes and sub-themes were developed from transcribed focus groups: (1) Barriers to engagement (2) Being Listened to (3) What Worked Well: Logistics. Overall, delivery of supervision was effective to a mixed degree - though support workers appreciated a space to be listened to, their distrust of colleagues and other barriers impeded the capacity of supervision to achieve more than support and catharsis for this group. Future projects should focus on introducing more preliminary interventions to promote reflection and peer support for these groups as well as continue to consider the supervisory needs of support workers.

Raman Research on Bleomycin-Induced DNA Strand Breaks and Repair Processes in Living Cells

Even several thousands of DNA lesions are induced in one cell within one day. DNA damage may lead to mutations, formation of chromosomal aberrations, or cellular death. A particularly cytotoxic type of DNA damage is single- and double-strand breaks (SSBs and DSBs, respectively). In this work, we followed DNA conformational transitions induced by the disruption of DNA backbone. Conformational changes of chromatin in living cells were induced by a bleomycin (BLM), an anticancer drug, which generates SSBs and DSBs. Raman micro-spectroscopy enabled to observe chemical changes at the level of single cell and to collect hyperspectral images of molecular structure and composition with sub-micrometer resolution. We applied multivariate data analysis methods to extract key information from registered data, particularly to probe DNA conformational changes. Applied methodology enabled to track conformational transition from B-DNA to A-DNA upon cellular response to BLM treatment. Additionally, increased expression of proteins within the cell nucleus resulting from the activation of repair processes was demonstrated. The ongoing DNA repair process under the BLM action was also confirmed with confocal laser scanning fluorescent microscopy.

Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) profiling reveals substantial metabolome diversity in seabuckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) berries originating from different geographical regions in the Indian Himalayas

INTRODUCTION

Seabuckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) is a high-altitude plant with immense medicinal, nutritional, and therapeutic value. Earlier studies have documented the presence of various useful bioactive substances in this species; however, comprehensive metabolome profiling of seabuckthorn berries originating from different regions of the Indian Himalayas has not been undertaken.

OBJECTIVE

Metabolomic profiling of seabuckthorn berries originating from different geographical sites in the Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir regions of the Indian Himalayas was performed by using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The GC-MS metabolome profiles of seabuckthorn berries collected from different sites (altitude 1,400-4,270 m; average temperature 8°C-27°C) were subjected to multivariate analysis following principal component analysis and hierarchical clustering analysis.

RESULTS

The GC-MS results showed substantial variability for berry metabolites, including fatty acids, alkyl ethers, and alkyl esters. Fatty acids and their esters were mainly responsible for the variation in the berry metabolome. The metabolite expression profile heat map revealed two distinct groups of seabuckthorn berries originating from Himachal Pradesh (Lahaul and Spiti) and Jammu & Kashmir (Leh, Nubra, and Kargil), the former showing higher expression of metabolites. Interestingly, a strong negative association existed between altitude and the amounts of metabolites such as amides, alkyl esters, alcohols, sugars, and sugar esters. In contrast, temperature showed a strong positive association with ketone and alkyl ether levels.

CONCLUSION

GC-MS profiling provides important phytochemical indicators to distinguish between seabuckthorn berries from different geographical sites. Our metabolome profiling analysis generated valuable information that will be useful in the formulation of various seabuckthorn products, benefiting farmers and industries.

Determination and multivariate evaluation of the mineral composition of red jambo (Syzygium malaccense (L.))

This work aimed to evaluate the mineral composition of twelve samples of red jambo (Syzygium malaccensis) collected in 10 cities in the state of Bahia. The samples were digested in a digester block with a reflux system and cold finger, and the analytes were determined by optical emission spectrometry with inductively coupled plasma. The accuracy of the method was confirmed by analyzing NIST 1570a certified reference material (spinach leaves) at a 95% confidence level. The results were evaluated through Principal Component Analysis and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis, which allowed the identification of outliers in the results of the city of Jaguaquara. The analyte concentrations in the samples (mg 100 g ^-1) comprised a range of: Ca (3.0-28.9), Fe (0.035-0.125), K (134.8-197.5), Mg (2.7-19.8), Mn (0.012-0.131), Na (0.5-10.8), P (0.24-13.5), Sr (0.010-0.314), and Zn (0.026-0.129). This demonstrates that the fruit can be indicated as a potential nutritional supplement in human nutrition.

[Multi-index components of Scutellariae Barbatae Herba according to UHPLC-QTRAP-MS coupled with chemometrics]

The present study developed an ultra-fast liquid chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole-linear ion trap composite mass spectrometry(UHPLC-QTRAP-MS) to simultaneously determine the content of potential active components in Scutellariae Barbatae Herba and also to provide a reference approach for screening out the differential quality control components among different batches of Scutellariae Barbatae Herba. Chromatographic separations were conducted on a Thermo Acclaim~(TM) RSLC 120 C_(18) column(3.0 mm×100 mm, 2.2 μm) in a gradient program. The mobile phase consisted of 0.1% aqueous formic acid and acetonitrile, and the column temperature was maintained at 40 ℃. The flow rate was 0.4 mL·min~(-1) and the injection volume was 2 μL. The targeted compounds were monitored in the multiple reaction monitoring(MRM) mode. The acquired data were processed by hierarchical cluster analysis(HCA) and partial least square discriminant analysis(PLS-DA). Sixteen compounds all showed good linear relationship within the corresponding linear ranges and the R~2 values were all higher than 0.993 2. The RSDs of precision, repeatability, and stability were less than or equal to 3.7%. Mean recovery rates were in the range of 95.67% and 104.8% with RSDs≤3.2%. According to HCA and PLS-DA, all samples were clustered into four categories. Scutellarin, acteoside, scutellarein, and scutebarbatine X(VIP&gt;1) were considered as differential chemical markers in the four categories. In conclusion, the developed method can be used for the simulta-neous determination of the multiple components and quality control of Scutellariae Barbatae Herba.

Identification of discriminating chemical compounds in banana species and their odor characterization using GC-MS, statistical, and clustering analysis

The study aims identification of discriminating chemical constituents in the banana odor grown in Philippines and Ecuador using GC-MS characterization. Ester is recognized as a major chemical class in selected banana odor. Odors discriminating compounds like, 2-hexenal, ethyl acetate, and hexanoic acid, ethyl ester, etc. have been identified. Besides, other odors generating chemical compounds (alcohols, esters, aldehydes, and ketones) have been recognized. Furthermore, principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis were implemented to differentiate banana odors. PCA achieved 100% discrimination of selected bananas odors using the peak area information about recognizing chemical compounds. Odor identity and discrimination of selected bananas have been achieved successfully.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13197-021-05298-9.

by Different Techniques Combined with Chemometrics (PCA and HCA)

Interest in medicinal plants and fruits has increased in recent years due to people beginning to consume natural foods. This study aims to investigate the total phenolic flavonoid content, antioxidant activity, condensed tannin content, oil content, and fatty acid compositions of five local breeds of Berberis spp. from Bayburt, Turkey, and their antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. The fatty acid composition of samples was performed with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and the total fatty acid content of samples was between 6.12% and 8.60%. The main fatty acids in Berberis spp. samples were α-linolenic acid (32.85–37.88%) and linoleic acid (30.98–34.28%) followed by oleic acid (12.85–19.56%). Two antioxidant assays produced similar results, demonstrating that extracts of wild B. vulgaris L. had the highest ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) (621.02 μmol FeSO₄.7H₂O/g) and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) (0.10 SC₅₀ mg/mL) values. According to principal component analysis (PCA), four components were determined. In addition, two main groups were determined according to hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA), and wild and culture of B. vulgaris L. were in different subgroups. This is the first original report about the fatty acid composition and oil content of Berberis spp. grown in Bayburt, Turkey. The obtained results indicate that B. integerrima Bunge and B. vulgaris, which have especially remarkable fatty acid content, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activity, could be potential sources for these properties in different areas of use.

The use of an optimized DRIFTS-FTIR method for the forensic analysis and classification of silicone condom lubricants

Condom residues may be encountered in forensic investigations as traces left in sexual assault or rape cases. Considering casework samples analysis, where material from swabs will need to be extracted, Diffuse Reflectance Infrared Fourier Transform Spectroscopy (DRIFTS) was reported as the most relevant method for trace evidence analysis. However, there has been no study to identify which specific parameters were the most suitable for the analysis of silicone-based lubricants, especially in terms of repeatability of the analyses. This study looked at the resolution and number of scans with the aim of optimizing these parameters for polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) analysis and detection. Experimental parameters were refined while performing a full factorial experimental design (FFD) for the screening and extended to a face centered central composite design (FCCD) for the optimisation. Repeatability of the results was also investigated using principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) in order to select the most relevant analytical parameters. The optimized DRIFTS parameters were then used to collect data from reference material and from traces after a transfer in a vaginal matrix has occurred. Discrimination models were built with DRIFTS data and compared to pre-existing models built with Attenuated Total Reflectance (ATR)-FTIR data. Condom traces were recovered from volunteers who had sexual intercourse using different types of silicone-lubricated condoms. The corresponding traces characteristics were investigated and analysed.

Evaluation of the Mineral Content in Forage Palm (Opuntia ficus-indica Mill and Nopalea cochenillifera) Using Chemometric Tools

An acid digestion procedure of the forage palm (Opuntia ficus-indica Mill and Nopalea cochenilifera) employing a closed digestor block applied full 2⁴ factorial design was optimized. The optimal conditions were HNO₃ 5.0 mol L^-1, 2.0 mL of H₂O₂ 30% m m^-1, 120 min of digestion, and heating temperature of 180 °C. The certified reference materials of apple leaves (NIST 1515) and tomato leaves (Agro C1003a) were used to evaluate the accuracy of the analytical method. The concentrations of the macroelements were (in % m m^-1) Ca (1.32-3.71), K (0.88-5.29), Mg (0.70-1.78), and P (0.03-0.32). For the microelements, the concentrations (in μg g^-1) obtained were As (< 1.39), Cd (< 0.10), Cu (< 0.17-5.6), Fe (8.0-50.2), Na (< 1.85), Sr (41-348), and Zn (17.3-159). Essential elements such as Ca, Mg, and Zn made good contributions to daily intake, being an alternative to meet the nutritional needs of these macroelements and microelements in humans. Principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) were used to evaluate the results, obtaining trends between the samples in relation to their mineral composition.

Comprehensive Evaluation of Amino Acids and Polyphenols in 69 Varieties of Green Cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. var. capitata L.) Based on Multivariate Statistical Analysis

The biological activities of the primary metabolites and secondary metabolites of 69 green cabbage varieties were tested. The LC-MS detection method was used to determine the content of 19 free amino acids (lysine, tryptophan, phenylalanine, methionine, threonine, isoleucine, leucine, valine, arginine, asparagine, glycine, proline, tyrosine, glutamine, alanine, aspartic acid, serine, and glutamate). The content of 10 polyphenols (chlorogenic acid, gallic acid, 4-coumaric acid, ferulic acid, gentisic acid, cymarin, erucic acid, benzoic acid, rutin, and kaempferol) was determined by the HPLC detection method. Considering the complexity of the data obtained, variance analysis, diversity analysis, correlation analysis, hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA), and principal component analysis (PCA) were used to process and correlate amino acid or polyphenol data, respectively. The results showed that there were significant differences between the different amino acids and polyphenols of the 69 cabbage varieties. The most abundant amino acids and polyphenols were Glu and rutin, respectively. Both amino acids and polyphenols had a high genetic diversity, and multiple groups of significant or extremely significant correlations. The 69 cabbage varieties were divided into two groups, according to 19 amino acid indexes, by PCA. Among them, seven varieties with high amino acid content all fell into the fourth quadrant. The HCA of amino acids also supports this view. Based on 10 polyphenols, the 69 cabbage varieties were divided into two groups by HCA. Based on 29 indexes of amino acids and polyphenols, 69 cabbage varieties were evaluated and ranked by PCA. Therefore, in this study, cabbage varieties were classified in accordance with the level of amino acids and polyphenols, which provided a theoretical basis for the genetic improvement of nutritional quality in cabbage.

The Novel Antitumor Compound HCA Promotes Glioma Cell Death by Inducing Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Autophagy

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and aggressive type of primary brain tumor in adults, and the median survival of patients with GBM is 14.5 months. Melitherapy is an innovative therapeutic approach to treat different diseases, including cancer, and it is based on the regulation of cell membrane composition and structure, which modulates relevant signal pathways. Here, we have tested the effects of 2-hydroxycervonic acid (HCA) on GBM cells and xenograft tumors. HCA was taken up by cells and it compromised the survival of several human GBM cell lines in vitro, as well as the in vivo growth of xenograft tumors (mice) derived from these cells. HCA appeared to enhance ER stress/UPR signaling, which consequently induced autophagic cell death of the GBM tumor cells. This negative effect of HCA on GBM cells may be mediated by the JNK/c-Jun/CHOP/BiP axis, and it also seems to be provoked by the cellular metabolite of HCA, C21:5n-3 (heneicosapentaenoic acid). These results demonstrate the efficacy of the melitherapeutic treatment used and the potential of using C21:5n-3 as an efficacy biomarker for this treatment. Given the safety profile in animal models, the data presented here provide evidence that HCA warrants further clinical study as a potential therapy for GBM, currently an important unmet medical need.

Quantification of the Geranium Essential Oil, Palmarosa Essential Oil and Phenylethyl Alcohol in Rosa damascena Essential Oil Using ATR-FTIR Spectroscopy Combined with Chemometrics

Rosa damascena essential oil is an essential oil that has the greatest industrial importance due to its unique quality properties. The study used ATR-FTIR (attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared) spectroscopy coupled with chemometrics of PLSR (partial least squares regression) and PCR (principal component regression) for quantification of probable adulterants of geranium essential oil (GEO), palmarosa essential oil (PEO) and phenyl ethyl alcohol (PEOH). Hierarchical cluster analysis was performed to observe the classification pattern of Rosa damascena essential oil, spiked samples and adulterants. Rosa damascena essential oil was spiked with each adulterant at concentrations of 0–100% (v/v). Excellent R² (regression coefficient) values (≥0.96) were obtained in all PLSR and PCR cross-validation models. The SECV (standard error of cross-validation) values ranged between 0.43 and 4.15. The lowest SECV and bias values were observed in the PLSR and PCR models, which were built by using the raw FTIR spectra of all samples. Hierarchical cluster analysis through Ward’s algorithm and Euclidian distance had high potential to observe the classification pattern of all adulterated and authentic samples. In conclusion, the combination of ATR-FTIR spectroscopy with multivariate analysis can be used for rapid, cost-effective, easy, reliable and high-throughput detection of GEO, PEO and PEOH in Rosa damascena essential oil.

Single Origin Coffee Aroma: From Optimized Flavor Protocols and Coffee Customization to Instrumental Volatile Characterization and Chemometrics

In this study, the aroma profile of 10 single origin Arabica coffees originating from eight different growing locations, from Central America to Indonesia, was analyzed using Headspace SPME-GC-MS as the analytical method. Their roasting was performed under temperature–time conditions, customized for each sample to reach specific sensory brew characteristics in an attempt to underline the customization of roast profiles and implementation of separate roastings followed by subsequent blending as a means to tailor cup quality. A total of 138 volatile compounds were identified in all coffee samples, mainly furan (~24–41%) and pyrazine (~25–39%) derivatives, many of which are recognized as coffee key odorants, while the main formation mechanism was the Maillard reaction. Volatile compounds’ composition data were also chemometrically processed using the HCA Heatmap, PCA and HCA aiming to explore if they meet the expected aroma quality attributes and if they can be an indicator of coffee origin. The desired brew characteristics of the samples were satisfactorily captured from the volatile compounds formed, contributing to the aroma potential of each sample. Furthermore, the volatile compounds presented a strong variation with the applied roasting conditions, meaning lighter roasted samples were efficiently differentiated from darker roasted samples, while roasting degree exceeded the geographical origin of the coffee. The coffee samples were distinguished into two groups, with the first two PCs accounting for 73.66% of the total variation, attributed mainly to the presence of higher quantities of furans and pyrazines, as well as to other chemical classes (e.g., dihydrofuranone and phenol derivatives), while HCA confirmed the above results rendering roasting conditions as the underlying criterion for differentiation.

Rifle bullets comparison by wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy and chemometric analysis

Despite Federal Bureau of Investigation Laboratory announcing the discontinuation of bullet lead examinations, knowledge of the composition of the bullets has been used as an alternative means of identifying their origin, achieving success in some case studies. In this work, wavelength dispersion X-ray fluorescence (WDXRF) and chemometrics were used for the analysis of rifle bullets, in order to identify the spectral similarities of these samples. For this purpose, 54 lead core fragments from 7.62 mm rifle bullets from 5 different manufacturers were obtained: Companhia Brasileira de Cartuchos (CBC), Israel Military Industries (IMI), Federal Cartridge (FC), Fray Luiz Beltrán (FLB) and Zavod Vlasim (ZV). Principal components analysis (PCA) discriminated the five groups of bullets according to their manufacturers in a three-dimensional scores graph, where 3 principal components accounted for>99% of the variability between the samples. The spectral region for Sb and the scattering region together proved to be determinant for discrimination of the groups. The dendrogram presented in the hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) showed the formation of five groups. The k-nearest neighbor algorithm (k-NN) and soft independent modeling of class analogy (SIMCA) correctly classified all samples of the test set. X-ray scattering spectrum were used for the first time in the analysis of the fragments and contributed to the grouping of samples from the same manufacturers. The results indicate that the WDXRF technique is suitable for forensic purposes in case studies, as, besides being quick and relatively simple, it has the advantage of preserving evidence.

Rapid classification of chromoblastomycosis agents genera by infrared spectroscopy and chemometrics supervised by sequencing of rDNA regions

Chromoblastomycosis (CBM) is a skin and subcutaneous infection caused by species of seven fungal genera. Identification of CBM species is performed by DNA sequencing of one or more genes, which becomes a time-consuming work. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) has been used for the identification of other microorganisms, however, only one CBM genus was evaluated by FTIR analysis to date. Therefore, the study is aimed to differentiate the CBM agents for identification at genera level using FTIR supervised by Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) rDNA region. Seventy-seven isolates of the main five CBM genera were prepared for Attenuated Total Reflection FTIR (ATR-FTIR) with a new methodology using slices of dry fungus in glass fixing-modeling proposed in this study. The algorithm Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA) was used to analyze the differences and similarities between species through the spectra. Orthogonal Partial Least Square Discriminant Analysis (OPLS-DA) allowed to correctly classify all samples of five CBM genera. The ATR-FTIR/OPLS-DA models highlighted important contributions of regions attributed to NH and OH stretching, amide I of proteins, polysaccharides bands and fingerprint region for the complete differentiation of the genera investigated. Thus, FTIR can be a fast and inexpensive alternative for identification of CBM agents.

Chemometric approach-based characterization and screening of gluten free flours for development of Indian unleavened flatbread

The objective of the study was to screen amongst various gluten free flours to prepare Indian unleavened flatbread using principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) as a mathematical tool. Gluten free flours studied in this work were, rice, sorghum, moong, amaranth, sama, ragi, water chestnut, buckwheat, soy, tamatind kernel, chickpea, black gram and unripe banana flour. The characteristics of sorghum: rice flatbread was analyzed such as dough making ability, subjective rollability, puffing and acceptability with respect to wheat. Interrelationship between the parameters analyzed and the different gluten free flours were investigated by using PCA and HCA. PCA revealed that the first two components represented 92.56% of the total variability in flatbread making characteristics. HCA classified samples into 6 clusters on the basis of measured flatbread making characteristics. From the results, moong, water chestnut and unripe banana flour in addition to mixture sorghum: rice (30:70) flour were chosen as ingredients for the preparation of Indian unleavened flatbread.

The famous Turkish rose essential oil: Characterization and authenticity monitoring by FTIR, Raman and GC-MS techniques combined with chemometrics

There is a necessity for rapid, robust, easy, accurate and cost-effective methodologies for the quality control of essential oils from medicinal and aromatic plants. Rosa damascena essential oil is a high-value natural product with its unique quality properties and economic importance. This research evaluated the capability of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) techniques combined with chemometrics for determination of the authenticity of R. damascena essential oil. Hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) and principal component analysis (PCA) were successfully employed with 100% accuracy for discrimination of authentic R. damascena essential oil samples from fraudulent commercial samples. Consistent results were obtained by FTIR, Raman and GC-MS techniques. Two of twenty commercial samples were determined as authentic R. damascena essential oil samples using the three analytical techniques. Findings showed that FTIR and Raman spectroscopy combined with chemometrics could be used as reliable, robust, rapid, accurate and low-cost analytical techniques for quality evaluation of R. damascena essential oil.

Characterization of Graphite Oxide and Reduced Graphene Oxide Obtained from Different Graphite Precursors and Oxidized by Different Methods Using Raman Spectroscopy Statistical Analysis

In this paper, various graphite oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) preparation methods are analyzed. The obtained materials differed in their properties, including (among others) their oxygen contents. The chemical and structural properties of graphite, graphite oxides, and reduced graphene oxides were previously investigated using Raman spectroscopy (RS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). In this paper, hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA) and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used to trace the directions of changes of the selected parameters relative to a preparation method of such oxides. We showed that the oxidation methods affected the physicochemical properties of the final products. The aim of the research was the statistical analysis of the selected properties in order to use this information to design graphene oxide materials with properties relevant for specific applications (i.e., in gas sensors).

Rapid Screening of Mentha spicata Essential Oil and L-Menthol in Mentha piperita Essential Oil by ATR-FTIR Spectroscopy Coupled with Multivariate Analyses

Mentha piperita essential oil (EO) has high economic importance because of its wide usage area and health-beneficial properties. Besides health-beneficial properties, Mentha piperita EO has great importance in the flavor and food industries because of its unique sensory and quality properties. High-valued essential oils are prone to being adulterated with economic motivations. This kind of adulteration deteriorates the quality of authentic essential oil, injures the consumers, and causes negative effects on the whole supply chain from producer to the consumer. The current research used fast, economic, robust, reliable, and effective ATR-FTIR spectroscopy coupled chemometrics of hierarchical cluster analysis(HCA), principal component analysis (PCA), partial least squares regression (PLSR) and principal component regression (PCR) for monitoring of Mentha spicata EO and L-menthol adulteration in Mentha piperita EOs. Adulterant contents (Mentha spicata and L-menthol) were successfully calculated using PLSR and PCR models. Standard error of the cross-validation SECV values changed between 0.06 and 2.14. Additionally, bias and press values showed alteration between 0.06 and1.43 and 0.03 and 41.15, respectively. Authentic Mentha piperita was successfully distinguished from adulterated samples, Mentha spicata and L-menthol, by HCA and PCA analysis. The results showed that attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy, coupled with chemometrics could be effectively used for monitoring various adulterants in essential oils.

Profile of Volatile Compounds of On-Farm Fermented and Dried Cocoa Beans Inoculated with Saccharomyces cerevisiae KY794742 and Pichia kudriavzevii KY794725

This study aimed to identify the volatile compounds in the fermented and dried cocoa beans conducted with three distinct inoculants of yeast species due to their high fermentative capacity: Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Pichia kudriavzevii, the mixture in equal proportions 1:1 of both species, and a control fermentation (with no inoculum application). Three starter cultures of yeasts, previously isolated and identified in cocoa fermentation in the municipality of Tomé-Açu, Pará state, Brazil. The seeds with pulp were removed manually and placed in wooden boxes for the fermentation process that lasted from 6 to 7 days. On the last day of fermentation, the almonds were packaged properly and placed to dry (36 °C), followed by preparation for the analysis of volatile compounds by GC-MS technique. In addition to the control fermentation, a high capacity for the formation of desirable compounds in chocolate by the inoculants with P. kudriavzevii was observed, which was confirmed through multivariate analyses, classifying these almonds with the highest content of aldehydes, esters, ketones and alcohols and low concentration of off-flavours. We conclude that the addition of mixed culture starter can be an excellent alternative for cocoa producers, suggesting obtaining cocoa beans with desirable characteristics for chocolate production, as well as creating a product identity for the producing region.

Morphologic assessment of hypertonic citrate adenine, histidine-tryptophan-ketoglutarate, and university of Wisconsin solutions for hypothermic uterus preservation in rats

AIM

Optimizing perfusate for static cold storage is one of the key ways of reducing organ dysfunction and rejection in organ transplantation. Here, we tested the effectiveness of the three different solutions for hypothermic uterus preservation.

METHODS

Twenty rats were divided into four groups, five in each group. Uterine grafts were retrieved and perfused in situ. The uteri were preserved at 4°C in normal saline as control group (group NS), hypertonic citrate adenine (group HCA), histidine-tryptophan-ketoglutarate (group HTK), or university of Wisconsin solutions (group UW) for 0, 12, 24, and 48 h, respectively. HE, electron microscopy, TUNEL staining, and Cleaved Caspase3 immunohistochemical staining were assessed at each time point.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in the uterine retrieval time, perfusion time, and the amount of perfusion solution in NS, HCA, HTK, and UW groups (p > 0.05). HCA and HTK can well preserve the pathological morphology of rat uterine tissues for up to 24 h, and the apoptosis rates of the two groups are 7.2% and 7.1%, respectively, with no statistical difference (p > 0.05). Still, the protective effect of HTK on the ultrastructure of cells was much better than HCA. There was a significant difference in the apoptosis rate of UW (6.5%), HTK (8.8%), and HCA (9.4%) at 48 h, with mitochondrial and endoplasmic reticulum structure well preserved only in UW.

CONCLUSION

At 4°C, normal saline is not suitable to preserve rat uterus for more than 12 h. The morphologic results would favor the use of HTK rather than HCA for short-term hypothermic uterus preservation (≤24 h). UW is better than HTK and HCA for 48 h hypothermic uterus preservation.