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A new procedure is proposed for the voltammetric determination of ultra-trace cadmium(II), copper(II), lead(II), platinum(II), palladium(II), rhodium(III) and zinc(II) by a single run of square wave adsorptive catalytic stripping voltammetry. The voltammetric cell was based on a typical three-electrodes set-up: working electrode (stationary hanging mercury drop), reference electrode (Ag|AgCl|KClsat) and auxiliary electrode (platinum). The supporting electrolyte contained the formazone complex together with dimethylglyoxime and the disodium salt of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid. Validation of the analytical procedure was obtained by the analysis of standard reference materials (Mussel Tissue BCR-CRM 278, Oyster Tissue NIST-SRM 1566a). Comparison with spectroscopic measurements was performed. Good accuracy was achieved. The analytical procedure was finally applied to mussels and clams sampled on the mouth of Po river, employed as bio-monitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present paper reports a new application: the voltammetric determination in herbal medicines of ultra-trace thallium(I), in the presence of lead(II), tin(II) and antimony(III) as interfering metals, by square wave anodic stripping voltammetry (SWASV). A conventional three-electrodes voltammetric cell was employed with a stationary hanging mercury drop electrode (HMDE) as working electrode and a platinum electrode and an Ag|AgCl|KClsatd. electrode as auxiliary and reference electrodes, respectively. The supporting electrolyte was 0.5 mol L􀀀1 ammonium citrate buffer pH 6.5 + 7.3 10􀀀3 mol L􀀀1 EDTA-Na2. The analytical procedure was verified by the analysis of the standard reference materials: spinach Leaves NIST-SRM 1570a and tomato leaves NIST-SRM 1573a from National Institute of Standards and Technology. Precision and trueness, expressed as relative standard deviation and relative error, respectively, were generally lower than 7% in all cases. Once set up on the standard reference materials, the analytical procedure was transferred and applied to herbal medicines samples--Taraxacun officinale weber, Eucalyptus globulus and Harpagophytum procumbens DC--sold on the market. A critical comparison with spectroscopic measurements is also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Advancements in industrial technologies and the application of quality by design (QbD) guidelines are shifting the attention of manufacturers towards innovative production techniques. In the pharmaceutical field, there is a significant focus on the implementation of continuous processes, in which the production stages are carried out continuously, without the need to interrupt the process and store the production intermediates, as in traditional batch production. Such innovative production techniques also require the development of proper analytical methods able to analyze the products in-line, while still being processed. The present study aims to compare a traditional batch manufacturing process with an alternative continuous one. To this end, a real pharmaceutical formulation was used, substituting the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) with riboflavin, at the concentration of 2 %w/w. Moreover, a direct and non-destructive analytical method based on UV–Vis reflectance spectroscopy was applied for the quantification of riboflavin in the final tablets, and compared with a traditional absorbance analysis. Good results were obtained in the comparison of both the two manufacturing processes and the two analytical methods, with R2 higher than 0.9 for all the calculated calibration models and predicted riboflavin concentrations that never significantly overcame the 15 % limits recommended by the pharmacopeia. The continuous production method demonstrated to be as reliable as the batch one, allowing to save time and money in the production step. Moreover, UV–Vis reflectance was proved to be an interesting alternative to absorption spectroscopy, which, with the proper technology, could be implemented for in-line process control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accomplishing the Italian law to verify honey quality is onerous, because it requires measuring many chemical and physical parameters. On the contrary, bioluminescence-based analytical methods allow for rapid and inexpensive analysis. Bioluminescence has never been applied before to verify honey adulteration. The application of chemometrics to analytical methods based on bioluminescence has been here explored for this scope. Several honey samples were prepared, in which sugar syrup was added without exceeding legal limits: in this case, univariate analysis prescribed by the law cannot reveal the fraud. All samples were subjected to measurements of parameters prescribed by the law and also to bioluminescence analysis, executed using the Vibrio fischeri bacterium, one of the most common bioluminescent bacteria. Principal components analysis, linear discriminant analysis, and partial least square regression were applied to discriminate sugar-added honeys with respect to natural honeys, both by regulated physicochemical parameters and by bioluminescence ones. The feasibility of combining bioluminescence and multivariate analysis for a rapid screening of honey authenticity was demonstrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The botanical origin of honey is subjected to severe controls by Food Control Institutions, both for health protection and for frauds prevention. The complexity of honey makes it very difficult to verify the botanical origin. Among the available validated methods, sensory analysis and melissopalynology are the most widely employed. These methods require a long time and deep consolidated expertise. To shorten analysis time while simplifying the analytical procedure, head-space flash gas chromatography was applied in the present study. Chromatographic peak areas were processed by chemometrics (in particular principal components analysis and linear discriminant analysis). Three hundred and thirty-nine honey samples from twelve categories of unifloral honey were analyzed: acacia, citrus, chestnut, thistle, tree heath, eucalyptus, sunflower, rhododendron, lime, French honeysuckle, fir honeydew, and wood honeydew. Each sample was a priori classified by sensory analysis. The multivariate models were validated by cross validation and test-set validation, with predictive abilities always higher than 80%: good results were obtained both in calibration and in prediction mode, showing a good agreement between this new approach and the traditional one for the determination of the botanical origin of honey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aims to highlight the therapeutic potential of Asphodeline lutea (AL), a wild edible plant of the Mediterranean diet. Roots, aerial parts, and flowers of AL at two different phenological stages were collected from three locations in Italy. The inhibitory activities of extracts on strategic enzymes linked to human diseases were assessed. The antioxidant properties were evaluated in vitro, using six standard bioassays. The phenolic and anthraquinone profiles were also established using HPLC-PDA. Zinc, cadmium, lead, and copper contents were also determined. All the samples inhibited acetylcholinesterase (from 1.51 to 2.20 mg GALAEs/g extract), tyrosinase (from 7.50 to 25.3 mg KAEs/g extract), and α-amylase (from 0.37 to 0.51 mmol ACAEs/g extract). Aloe-emodin and physcion were present in all parts, while rhein was not detected. The phenolic profile and the heavy metals composition of specimens gathered from three different regions of Italy were different. It can be argued that samples collected near the street can contain higher concentrations of heavy metals. The experimental data confirm that the A. lutea species could be considered as a potential source of bioactive metabolites, and its consumption could play a positive and safe role in human health maintenance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At present, the geographical origin of extra virgin olive oils can be ensured by documented traceability, although chemical analysis may add information that is useful for possible confirmation. This preliminary study investigated the effectiveness of flash gas chromatography electronic nose and multivariate data analysis to perform rapid screening of commercial extra virgin olive oils characterized by a different geographical origin declared in the label. A comparison with solid phase micro extraction coupled to gas chromatography mass spectrometry was also performed. The new method is suitable to verify the geographic origin of extra virgin olive oils based on principal components analysis and discriminant analysis applied to the volatile profile of the headspace as a fingerprint. The selected variables were suitable in discriminating between “100% Italian” and “non-100% Italian” oils. Partial least squares discriminant analysis also allowed prediction of the degree of membership of unknown samples to the classes examined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A home-made carbon-nanotube paste electrode and multivariate standard-addition method by partial least square regression are employed to pursue improvement of analytical performance in differential pulse stripping voltammetry. Validation is achieved by analyzing reference standard solutions of Pb(II) and evaluating the control parameters: correlation coefficient, prediction coefficient, root-mean square error in calibration and root-mean square error in validation. Validation of multivariate calibration by external-standard method (interpolation) and partial least squares regression is obtained. Analogous validation is obtained also in extrapolation mode by multivariate standard addition method. Application to the analysis of drugs is described, showing the possibility to analyze complex matrices by the rapid, inexpensive and potentially multianalyte and portable voltammetric methodology here presented. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Recently, various approaches have been addressed to improve chromatographic performance in terms of sensitivity or selectivity, from the development of novel on-line (or off-line) enrichment methodologies, to the improvement of stationary-phase type and multidimensional chromatography, to novel and more performing detectors such as tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and infrared spectrometry (IR). For the analysis of complex matrices (e.g., biological fluids, plant extracts, food, and environmental samples), coupling chromatographic instrumentation with these detectors provides a powerful analytical device that can be applied in many fields, such as analysis of pharmaceutical and natural products (and medicinal plant), quality control, and environmental trace analysis. This review describes major advances in the HPLC field in terms of enrichment techniques and chromatographic separation, and especially in terms of detector improvement for a complete identification and quantification of targeted analytes. The possibility of high-throughputs analyses, as a consequence of sensitivity and selectivity enhancement in drug and metabolites profile and multi-residue assays for natural compounds and/or products containing natural species, is also highlighted. Finally, it is shown how multivariate analysis may enhance analytical performance in terms of useful analytical information that can be extracted from experimental data and in terms of methods for exploring and modeling data. Chemometrics provides tools for making the most of analytical signals, once selectivity and sensitivity have been improved from the chemical point of view. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper reports the sequential voltammetric determination of Hg(II) and Cu(II) at the gold electrode (GE), and of Cu(II), Pb(II), Cd(II), Zn(II) at the hanging mercury drop electrode (HMDE) by square wave anodic stripping voltammetry (SWASV). Determination was performed in matrices involved in food chain as wholemeal, wheat and maize meal, using 0.01mol/L EDTA-Na2 +0.06mol/L NaCl+2.0mol/L HClO4 as supporting electrolyte. The analytical procedure was validated by the analysis of the standard reference materials Wholemeal BCR-CRM 189, Wheat Flour NIST-SRM 1567a and Rice Flour NIST-SRM 1568a. For all the elements, precision as repeatability, expressed as relative standard deviation (s r) was of the order of 3–5%, while trueness, expressed as relative error (e) was of the order of 3–7%. Once set up on the standard reference materials, the analytical procedure was transferred and applied to commercial meals sampled on the market for sale. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This study takes the first step toward in situ analysis of powder drugs which does not require any alteration of the samples. A fast, inexpensive analytical method based on reflectance near-infrared (NIR) spectrometry and multivariate calibration was applied. A diode-array fiber-optic portable spectrometer in the 900-1700 nm range was employed. Samples were laboratory-prepared ternary powders (diacetylmorphine, caffeine, and paracetamol). Partial least squares regression was applied. The choice of the standard samples for calibration and validation was performed through a D-optimal experimental design. The explained variance was higher than 90%, and the relative root mean square errors were <2%. The number of principal components (6) was very low when compared with the number of raw variables (356 absorbance values). Response plots showed slopes and intercepts were very close to optimal values. Correlation coefficients ranged between 0.909 and 0.989. The method here proposed proved to be competitive with Fourier transform NIR spectrometry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Checking for the presence of egg in a painting layer allows to decide whether or not it is a tempera. Several already assessed analytical techniques may be used to perform the chemical analysis for the detection of egg in paintings. As an advantageous and alternative methodology for the determination of egg, a new application of analytical pyrolysis, hyphenated with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) system, in presence of hexamethyldisilazane (HMDS) and tetramethylammonium-hydroxide (TMAH), is reported here. The innovation lays mainly in the choice of new markers for the presence of egg. It is here demonstrated that in art diagnostic tris-TMS-ester and methyl ester of phosphoric acid, generated by the pyrolysis of standard phospholipids and synthetic painting layers containing egg as binding medium, may be used as new markers for identification of egg in tempera layers. The adoption of these new markers in analytical pyrolysis allows to obtain higher analytical performance with respect to classical markers (fatty acids), especially in terms of yield and, as a consequence, in terms of limit of detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article reports the sequential voltammetric determination of Hg(II) and Cu(II) at gold electrode (GE), and of Cu(II), Pb(II), Cd(II), Zn(II) at hanging mercury drop electrode by square wave anodic stripping voltammetry in mussels and clams, possible environmental bio-monitors. The analytical procedure was verified by the analysis of standard reference materials: oyster tissue NBS-SRM 1566a, mussel tissue BCR-CRM 278 and cod muscle BCR-CRM 422. Precision and accuracy, expressed as relative standard deviation and relative error, respectively, were always less than 6%. Then, the analytical procedure was transferred and applied to mussels and clams sampled in two lagoon ecosystems connected with Adriatic Sea (Italy): the Goro Bay, located in the Po river mouth area and the lagoon ecosystem located in proximity to Ravenna. A critical comparison with spectroscopic measurements is also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• New application for the determination of ultra-trace Platinum Group Metals (PGMs). • Herbal medicines analyses. • Sample treatment for the voltammetric technique application to real samples. • Potential application to quality control and safety studies. A new application of voltammetric techniques in stripping mode to the quantitative determination of metals belonging to the platinum group (PGM) in herbal medicines, at the ultra-trace level, is reported. Pd (II), Pt (II) and Rh (III) are determined by means of square-wave adsorption voltammetry (SWAdSV); Os (VIII) and Ru (III) are determined through square-wave voltammetry in catalytic mode (SWCV); Ir (III) is determined through the application of square-wave catalytic voltammetry in adsorption mode (SWAdCSV). In all the applied methods, the voltammetric cell has the conventional setting with three-electrodes, which sees the presence of a suspended mercury-drop electrode (HMDE) or a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) as working electrodes for the determination of Ir (III). The auxiliary electrode was a platinum electrode, and an Ag∣AgCl∣KCl satd. electrode was employed as reference electrode. Validation of the analytical procedure here proposed has been achieved using reference standards: NIST-SRM 1570a (Spinach Leaves) and NIST-SRM 1573a (Tomato Leaves), both added with pure metal standards, obtaining satisfying precision values, better than the limits set for the validation of quantitative methods. Following the verification of the validity of the here presented procedure, commercially available herbal medicines, based on Eucalyptus globulus, Harpagophytum procumbens DC and Taraxacun officinale weber , were analyzed. Standard samples were also analyzed by atomic absorption spectroscopy, in order to have a reference technique for validating the entire procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: An analytical procedure for the sequential determination of Zn(II), Cr(VI), Cu(II), Sb(III), Sn(II), Pb(II) by square wave anodic stripping voltammetry (SWASV) and Fe(III), Mn(II), Mo(VI) by square wave voltammetry (SWV) in matrices involved in foods and food chain as wholemeal, wheat and maize meal is described. The digestion of each matrix was carried out using a concentrated HCl–HNO3–H2SO4 attack mixture, employing dibasic ammonium citrate buffer solution (pH 6.9 and 8.7) as supporting electrolytes. The analytical procedure was verified by the analysis of the standard reference materials Wholemeal BCR-CRM 189, Wheat Flour NIST-SRM 1567a and Rice Flour NIST-SRM 1568a. For all the elements in the certified matrix, the precision as repeatability, expressed as relative standard deviation (s r) was of the order of 3–5%; the accuracy, expressed as relative error (e) was generally of the order of 3–6%. In presence of reciprocal interference, the standard addition method considerably improved the resolution of the voltammetric technique. Finally, the analytical procedure was transferred and applied to commercial meals sampled on market. A critical comparison with atomic absorption spectroscopic measurements is also discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper reports voltammetric sequential determination of Pt(II), Pd(II), and Rh(III), by square-wave adsorption stripping voltammetry (SWAdSV), and Pb(II), by square-wave anodic stripping voltammetry (SWASV), in vegetable environmental matrices. Analytical procedures were verified by the analysis of the standard reference materials: Olive Leaves BCR-CRM 062 and Tomato Leaves NIST-SRM 1573a. Precision and accuracy, expressed as relative standard deviation and relative error, respectively, were always less than 6% and the limits of detection (LOD) for each element were below 0.096 μg g−1. Once set up on the standard reference materials, the analytical procedure was transferred and applied to laurel leaves sampled in proximity to a superhighway and in the Po river mouth area. A critical comparison with spectroscopic measurements is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Field-flow fractionation is a separation technique characterized by a retention mechanism which makes it suitable for sorting cells over a short analysis time, with low sample carry-over and preserving cell viability. Thanks to its high sensitivity, chemiluminescence detection is suitable for the quantification of just a few cells expressing chemiluminescence or bioluminescence. In this work, different formats for coupling gravitational field-flow fractionation and chemiluminescence detection are explored to achieve ultra-sensitive cell detection in the framework of cell sorting. The study is carried out using human red blood cells as model sample. The best performance is obtained with the on-line coupling format, performed in post-column flow-injection mode. Red cells are isolated from diluted whole human blood in just a few minutes and detected using the liquid phase chemiluminescent reaction of luminol catalysed by the red blood cell heme. The limit of detection is a few hundred injected cells. This is lower than the limit of detection usually achieved by means of conventional colorimetric/turbidimetric methods, and it corresponds to a red blood cell concentration in the injected sample of five orders of magnitude lower than in whole blood. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Yeasts are widely used in several areas of food industry, e.g. baking, beer brewing, and wine production. Interest in new analytical methods for quality control and characterization of yeast cells is thus increasing. The biophysical properties of yeast cells, among which cell size, are related to yeast cell capabilities to produce primary and secondary metabolites during the fermentation process. Biophysical properties of winemaking yeast strains can be screened by field-flow fractionation (FFF). In this work we present the use of flow FFF (FlFFF) with turbidimetric multi-wavelength detection for the number–size distribution analysis of different commercial winemaking yeast varieties. The use of a diode-array detector allows to apply to dispersed samples like yeast cells the recently developed method for number–size (or mass–size) analysis in flow-assisted separation techniques. Results for six commercial winemaking yeast strains are compared with data obtained by a standard method for cell sizing (Coulter counter). The method here proposed gives, at short analysis time, accurate information on the number of cells of a given size, and information on the total number of cells. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Biogenic silica is the major component of the external skeleton of marine micro-organisms, such as diatoms, which, after the organisms death, settle down onto the seabed. These micro-organisms are involved in the CO2 cycle because they remove it from the atmosphere through photosynthesis. The biogenic silica content in marine sediments, therefore, is an indicator of primary productivity in present and past epochs, which is useful to study the CO2 trends. Quantification of biosilica in sediments is traditionally carried out by wet chemistry followed by spectrophotometry, a time-consuming analytical method that, besides being destructive, is affected by a strong risk of analytical biases owing to the dissolution of other silicatic components in the mineral matrix. In the present work, the biosilica content was directly evaluated in sediment samples, without chemically altering them, by attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy. Quantification was performed by combining the multivariate standard addition method (MSAM) with the net analyte signal (NAS) procedure to solve the strong matrix effect of sediment samples. Twenty-one sediment samples from a sediment core and one reference standard sample were analyzed, and the results (extrapolated concentrations) were found to be comparable to those obtained by the traditional wet method, thus demonstrating the feasibility of the ATR-FTIR-MSAM-NAS approach as an alternative method for the quantification of biosilica. Future developments will cover in depth investigation on biosilica from other biogenic sources, the extension of the method to sediments of other provenance, and the use higher resolution IR spectrometers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel approach for the quantification of recycled polyethylene terephthalate (r-PET) in commercial bottles is presented. Fifty-eight bottle samples from several brands and producers containing different percentages of r-PET were purchased from the market. Samples were analyzed by two spectroscopic methods: near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy and attenuated total reflection (ATR) spectroscopy in the mid-infrared (MIR) region. No chemical pre-treatment was applied before analyses. The spectra were analyzed by partial-least squares (PLS) regression, and two models for NIR and MIR data were computed. Then, a multi-block regression was applied to join the two datasets. All models were validated by cross-validation and by excluding and projecting onto the model the replicated spectra of one sample at a time. Results demonstrated the potential of this approach, especially considering the variability of commercial samples in terms of additives, shape, or thickness of the bottles: for samples close to the centroids of the models (i.e., from 10 to 50% r-PET), the predictions of multi-block method seldom departed from the expected values of ±10%. Only for samples with 0% declared r-PET, the models showed poor prediction abilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The production of wine grapes in upstate New York (USA) is limited by diseases that are promoted by the cool and sometimes rainy climate. A breeding program has been introducing disease resistance from related species into the cultivated stock. Previous work has indicated that such resistance may be based on biochemical reactions rather than on a hypersensitive reaction. We therefore undertook metabolic profiling of amino acids and phenolic compounds in berries from collections of susceptible and resistant hybrids over the course of berry development to determine whether any of these compounds could be causal in disease resistance. The most abundant amino acids were GLN, ARG, PRO and THR. The amount of amino acids in ripe berries was from 3 to 4.7-fold higher compared to earlier stages. The concentrations of total phenolics were variable through the season with no consistent trend between susceptible and resistant fruits. Notable changes in phenolic compounds, especially anthocyanins, were recorded, especially during the ripening phase, when phenolics and anthocyanins increased following veraison. The most abundant phenolic compounds were catechin and epi-catechin; the most abundant anthocyanin was delphinidin-3-glucoside, which had a slightly greater concentration in resistant fruit at harvest, followed by malvidin-3-glucoside and petunidin-3-glucoside. The content of both amino acids and phenolic compounds in white-fruited parent cv. Horizon was equal to several-fold lower than the progeny plants, whether susceptible or resistant, depending on the harvest time. While no major differences between susceptible and resistant lines were found, multivariate analyses showed that it is possible to discriminate the susceptibility or resistance of grapes by analyzing their combined concentrations of amino acids, polyphenols and anthocyanins. Therefore, these compounds are influenced by the resistance capacity of grapes and could be used as a chemical fingerprint of this ability. However, it is likely that these are associations with disease resistance rather than their cause as no major consistent differences were noted. Highlights • Amino acids and phenolic compounds in fruits in a hybrid population of grapes differing in disease resistance were analyzed over the developmental season. • The amount of amino acids in ripe berries was from 3 to 4.7-fold higher compared to earlier stages. • Notable changes in phenolic compounds, especially anthocyanins, were recorded, especially during the ripening phase following veraison. • Analysis using LDA and LASSO, unique in plant research, can distinguish populations differing in disease resistance. • The overall difference is probably related to fungal infection rather than a factor in disease resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives. A relatively small number of studies have investigated the characteristics, comorbidities and laboratory measures associated with prognosis in patients with COVID-19, admitted to Internal Medicine Units (IMU) in Italy. Therefore, we performed a retrospective multicentre study to identify baseline features, predisposing to severe disease and poor outcomes, in adult individuals with SARS-CoV2 infection, hospitalized in 5 IMUs in the Emilia-Romagna region (Italy). Materials and Methods. We included 129 consecutive patients (male 75, median age 68 years) from 1st March 2020 to 31st October 2021. Patients’ baseline characteristics, comorbidities, laboratory measures, and outcomes were collected. Results. At admission, the factors significantly associated with a higher risk of in-hospital mortality included: age (median 68 vs. 83 years in survived vs. dead patients, P=0.000), diabetes [Odds Ratio (OR) 4.00, P=0.016], chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (OR 4.60, P=0.022), cancer (OR 5.81, P=0.021), acute- (OR 9.88, P=0.000) and chronicrenal failure (OR 6.76, P=0.004). During the study period, 16 individuals died (12.4%), all over 70 years old. In deceased vs. non-deceased patients were detected: i) more elevated white blood cells and neutrophils-counts and lower lymphocytes count; ii) higher levels of total/direct bilirubin, creatinine, C-reactive-protein, lactate-dehydrogenase, ferritin, but only a slight Interleukin-6 increase; iii) a trend of lower vitamin D values. Conclusions. We proposed a new I index, a modified form of the Age-Adjusted Charlson Comorbidity Index, by considering pO2/FiO2 ratio, to better characterize the severity of COVID-19. Furthermore, we critically discuss our results with the current assumption which considers COVID-19 as a pathological condition associated with cytokine storm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives. A relatively small number of studies have investigated the characteristics, comorbidities and laboratory measures associated with prognosis in patients with COVID-19, admitted to Internal Medicine Units (IMU) in Italy. Therefore, we performed a retrospective multicentre study to identify baseline features, predisposing to severe disease and poor outcomes, in adult individuals with SARS-CoV-2 infection, hospitalized in 5 IMUs in the Emilia-Romagna region (Italy). Materials and Methods. We included 129 consecutive patients (male 75, median age 68 years) from 1st March 2020 to 31st October 2021. Patients' baseline characteristics, comorbidities, laboratory measures, and outcomes were collected. Results. At admission, the factors significantly associated with a higher risk of in-hospital mortality included: age (median 68 vs. 83 years in survived vs. dead patients, P=0.000), diabetes [Odds Ratio (OR) 4.00, P=0.016], chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (OR 4.60, P=0.022), cancer (OR 5.81, P=0.021), acute- (OR 9.88, P=0.000) and chronicrenal failure (OR 6.76, P=0.004). During the study period, 16 individuals died (12.4%), all over 70 years old. In deceased vs. non-deceased patients were detected: i) more elevated white blood cells and neutrophils-counts and lower lymphocytes count; ii) higher levels of total/direct bilirubin, creatinine, C-reactive-protein, lactate-dehydrogenase, ferritin, but only a slight Interleukin-6 increase; iii) a trend of lower vitamin D values. Conclusions. We proposed a new I index, a modified form of the Age-Adjusted Charlson Comorbidity Index, by considering pO2/FiO2 ratio, to better characterize the severity of COVID-19. Furthermore, we critically discuss our results with the current assumption which considers COVID-19 as a pathological condition associated with cytokine storm. ! [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor is presented discussing manual data processing in teaching analytical chemistry.

Honey traceability to food quality is required by consumers and food control institutions. Melissopalynologists traditionally use percentages of nectariferous pollens to discriminate the botanical origin and the entire pollen spectrum (presence/absence, type and quantities and association of some pollen types) to determinate the geographical origin of honeys. To improve melissopalynological routine analysis, principal components analysis (PCA) was used. A remarkable and innovative result was that the most significant pollens for the traditional discrimination of the botanical and geographical origin of honeys were the same as those individuated with the chemometric model. The reliability of assignments of samples to honey classes was estimated through explained variance (85%). This confirms that the chemometric model properly describes the melissopalynological data. With the aim to improve honey discrimination, FT-microRaman spectrography and multivariate analysis were also applied. Well performing PCA models and good agreement with known classes were achieved. Encouraging results were obtained for botanical discrimination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tomato sauce is a world famous food product. Despite standards regulating the production of tomato derivatives, the market suffers frpm fraud such as product adulteration, origin mislabelling and counterfeiting. Methods suitable to discriminate the geographical origin of food samples and identify counterfeits are required. Chemometric approaches offer valuable information: data on tomato sauce is usually obtained through chromatography (HPLC and GC) coupled to mass spectrometry, which requires chemical pretreatment and the use of organic solvents. In this paper, a faster, cheaper, and greener analytical procedure has been developed for the analysis of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and the colloidal fraction via multivariate statistical analysis. Tomato sauce VOCs were analysed by GC coupled to flame ionisation (GC-FID) and to ion mobility spectrometry (GC-IMS). Instead of using HPLC, the colloidal fraction was analysed by asymmetric flow field-fractionation (AF4), which was applied to this kind of sample for the first time. The GC and AF4 data showed promising perspectives in food-quality control: the AF4 method yielded comparable or better results than GC-IMS and offered complementary information. The ability to work in saline conditions with easy pretreatment and no chemical waste is a significant advantage compared to environmentally heavy techniques. The method presented here should therefore be taken into consideration when designing chemometric approaches which encompass a large number of samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bioindicator plants are species that have the capacity to linearly uptake some elements (metal and metalloids) from the growing substrate, thus reflecting their concentration in the soil. Many factors can influence the uptake of these elements by plants, among which is the simultaneous presence of several metals, a common situation in contaminated or natural soils. A novel approach that can be used to validate the bioindication ability of a species growing on a polymetallic substrate is the design of experiment (DoE) approach. The aim of the present study was to apply the DoE in full factorial mode to model the Cu, Cd, Pb, Zn, and Cr bioindication capacity of Polygonum aviculare, used as the model plant. The results showed that P. aviculare has the ability to bioindicate Cd and Cr with a linear uptake (from 0.35 to 6.66, and 0.1 to 3.4 mg kg−1, respectively) unaffected by the presence of other metals. Conversely, the uptake of Pb, Cu, and Zn is strongly influenced by the presence of all the studied metals, making their concentration in the plant shoot not proportional to that of the soil. In conclusion, these preliminary results confirmed that the DoE can be used to predict the bioindicator abilities of a plant for several elements at the same time and to evaluate the interactions that can be established between variables in the growing medium and in the plant itself. However, more studies including other plant species are needed to confirm the effectiveness of this method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An authenticity study on Italian grape marc spirit was carried out by gas chromatography (GC) and chemometrics. A grape marc spirit produced in Italy takes the particular name of "grappa", a product which has peculiar tradition and production in its country of origin. Therefore, the evaluation of its authenticity plays an important role for its consumption in Italy, as well as for its exportation all around the world. For the present work, 123 samples of grappa and several kinds of spirits were analyzed in their alcohol content by electronic densimetry, and in their volatile fraction by gas-chromatography with a flame-ionization detector. Part of these samples (94) was employed as a training set to compute a chemometric model (by linear discriminant analysis, LDA) and the other part (29 samples) was used as a test set to validate it. Finally, two grappa samples seized from the market by the Italian Customs and Monopolies Agency and considered suspicious due to their aroma reported as non-compliant were projected onto the LDA model to evaluate the compliance with the "grappa" class. A further one-class classification method by principal component analysis (PCA) was carried out to evaluate the compliance with other classes. Results showed that the suspicious samples were not recognized as belonging to any of the analyzed spirit classes, confirming the starting hypothesis that they could be grappa samples adulterated in some way. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Milk fraud is a concern for consumer safety and protection of origin. • Available analytical methods are expensive and time-consuming. • FFF-multidetection yields multidimensional dataset for chemometric analysis. • The strategy offers green, cheap and fast food grouping. • Bovine milks were grouped by fat content, treatment and manufacturer via a single analysis. Addressing food safety and detecting food fraud while fulfilling greenness requisites for analysis is a challenging but necessary task. The use of sustainable techniques, with limited pretreatment, non-toxic chemicals, high throughput results, is recommended. A combination of Field Flow Fractionation (FFF), working in saline carrier and with minimal preprocessing, and chemometrics was for the first time applied to bovine milk grouping. A set of 47 bovine milk samples was analyzed: a single analysis yielded a characteristic multidimensional colloidal dataset, that once processed with multivariate tools allowed simultaneously for different discriminations: fat content, thermal treatment, brand and manufacturing plant. The analytical methodology is fast, green, simple, and inexpensive and could offer great help in the field of quality control and frauds identification. This work represents also the first attempt to identify milk sub-typologies based on colloidal profiles, and the most complete study concerning multivariate analysis of FFF fingerprint. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The international seafood trade is based on food safety, quality, sustainability, and traceability. Mussels are bio-accumulative sessile organisms that need regular control to guarantee their safe consumption. However, no well-established and validated methods exist to trace mussel origin, even if several attempts have been made over the years. Recently, an inorganic multi-elemental fingerprint coupled to multivariate statistics has increasingly been applied in food quality control. The mussel shell can be an excellent reservoir of foreign inorganic chemical species, allowing recording long-term environmental changes. The present work investigates the multi-elemental composition of mussel shells, including Al, Cu, Cr, Zn, Mn, Cd, Co, U, Ba, Ni, Pb, Mg, Sr, and Ca, determined by inductively-coupled plasma mass-spectrometry in Mytilus galloprovincialis collected along the Central Adriatic Coast (Marche Region, Italy) at 25 different sampling sites (18 farms and 7 natural banks) located in seven areas. The experimental data, coupled with chemometric approaches (principal components analysis and linear discriminant analysis), were used to create a statistical model able to discriminate samples as a function of their production site. The LDA model is suitable for achieving a correct assignment of >90% of individuals sampled to their respective harvesting locations and for being applied to counteract fraud. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prosecco wine is one of the most important products of the Italian oenological landscape. Its production is strictly regulated by several disciplinary. Thus, it is important to verify the quality of the final product, to defend the uniqueness of this wine. This work describes a rapid method to discriminate among varieties of Italian Prosecco wine using the volatile-fraction distribution as an untargeted fingerprint. The volatile profile corresponds to gas-chromatograms obtained in head-space mode. Principal components analysis of chromatograms allows discriminating the Prosecco samples depending on geographical origin, cultivation practices, and wine-making technologies. In particular, conventional vs. biological agriculture and manual vs. mechanical harvesting give well-separated clusters when projected on a scores plot. Influence plots allow evaluating which variables are the most effective to describe the differences between oenological classes, which are declared in the label and coded in the disciplinary of origin denomination. The identification of discriminating molecules in the volatile profile is also performed by Kovats indexes. Thus, possible chemical markers for the classification of Italian Prosecco wines are appointed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The direct quantification of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients in solid formulations is a challenging open issue. A consolidated analytical technique based on X-ray Powder Diffraction is available, being the definitive test for the identification of polymorphs and crystal phases. However, its application for quantitative analysis is hindered by matrix effects: refinement methods (e.g. Rietveld method) require a complete knowledge of samples' composition, while univariate calibration methods require the matrix effect to be studied and severely suffer from the co-presence of crystalline and amorphous phases in the sample. Multivariate analysis is the only way to bypass problems affecting refinements procedures and univariate calibration. In particular, the multivariate standard addition method (SAM) is promising; however, it is straightforward only when the analytical blank (matrix devoid of analyte) is available: in that case SAM is applied by simply extrapolating the SAM model to the matrix experimental signal. In this work, the quantitative analysis of polymorphic forms of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients based on X-ray Powder Diffraction is performed for the first time by a method based on multivariate standard addition method combined with net analyte signal procedure; it allows for reliable quantification of polymorphs of active principles in solid formulations, which are rapidly analyzed without any sample pre-treatment. Two test cases are presented: quantification of two polymorphs of piracetam in binary mixtures (forms II and III), and quantification of paracetamol (form I) in Tachifludec®. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method for the determination of four Alternaria toxins, i.e. alternariol, alternariol monomethyl ether, tentoxin, and tenuazonic acid in tomato-based and fruit-based products was developed using a QuEChERs approach for the extraction of the mycotoxins. To optimise the QuEChERs extraction, several parameters were tested: types of QuEChERs pouches, sample weights, quantities of added water, use of dispersive SPE as a purification step, types of solvent and conditions of shaking. The method showed good linearity (R 2  > 0.997) and precision (RSD% < 10) for all analytes. Tenuazonic acid showed very good recovery (98.8%–108.9%) for tomato-based products, as well as for fruit-based products. The method was successfully applied to 57 samples collected from the Italian market. Tenuazonic acid was found in appreciable concentrations in some products. The highest value was found in a tomato sauce sample (814 μg/kg). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2020 North Italy suffered the SARS-CoV-2-related pandemic with a high number of deaths and hospitalization. The effect of atmospheric parameters on the amount of hospital admissions (temperature, solar radiation, particulate matter, relative humidity and wind speed) is studied through about 8 months (May–December). Two periods are considered depending on different conditions: a) low incidence of COVID-19 and very few regulations concerning personal mobility and protection ("free/summer period"); b) increasing incidence of disease, social restrictions and use of personal protections ("confined/autumn period"). The "hospitalized people in medical area wards/100000 residents" was used as a reliable measure of COVID-19 spreading and load on the sanitary system. We developed a chemometric approach (multiple linear regression analysis) using the daily incidence of hospitalizations as a function of the single independent variables and of their products (interactions). Eight administrative domains were considered (altogether 26 million inhabitants) to account for relatively homogeneous territorial and social conditions. The obtained models very significantly match the daily variation of hospitalizations, during the two periods. Under the confined/autumn period, the effect of non-pharmacologic measures (social distances, personal protection, etc.) possibly attenuates the virus diffusion despite environmental factors. On the contrary, in the free/summer conditions the effects of atmospheric parameters are very significant through all the areas. Particulate matter matches the growth of hospitalizations in areas with low chronic particulate pollution. Fewer hospitalizations strongly correspond to higher temperature and solar radiation. Relative humidity plays the same role, but with a lesser extent. The interaction between solar radiation and high temperature is also highly significant and represents surprising evidence. The solar radiation alone and combined with high temperature exert an anti-SARS-CoV-2 effect, via both the direct inactivation of virions and the stimulation of vitamin D synthesis, improving immune system function. • Temperature, sun radiation, particulate matter, % humidity, wind vs hospitalization. • Multiple linear regression analysis has been performed to create multivariate models. • Two time periods free of restrictions and with restrictions has been considered. • Temperature, solar radiation, and their interaction match with fewer hospitalization. • Particulate matter matches higher hospitalization in areas with low chronic pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The sculptural polychromy in the Zhongshan Grottoes, sited in northwest China, has been investigated in terms of chemical composition of employed materials and pigments, state of conservation and painting technique. Raman analysis, Fourier-transform infrared analysis, analysis through energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry coupled to scanning electron microscopy and pyrolysis coupled to gas chromatography and mass spectrometry were applied. Six analyzed samples showed silicates and kaolin as main components of the ground layers. Also lead white has been found in these layers. Minium, red-earth and mercury sulfide are the red pigments detected in the polychromy. A mixed use of malachite and atacamite has been detected in three green samples. Optical characteristics of atacamite and malachite found in the samples indicate a synthetic origin. The presence of a synthetic organic pigment such as phthalocyanine chlorinated pigment was also revealed. Ultramarine blue pigment, obtained by purification of lapis lazuli, has been detected in the blue sample. As for the binders used, fatty materials and siccative oil were found. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Biocompatible methods capable of rapid purification and fractionation of analytes from complex natural matrices are increasingly in demand, particularly at the forefront of biotechnological applications. Field-flow fractionation is a separation technique suitable for nano-sized and micro-sized analytes among which bioanalytes are an important family. The objective of this preliminary study is to start a more general approach to field-flow fractionation for bio-samples by investigation of the correlation between channel surface composition and biosample adhesion. For the first time we report on the use of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) to study the surface properties of channels of known performance. By XPS, a polar hydrophobic environment was found on PVC material commonly used as accumulation wall in gravitational field-flow fractionation (GrFFF), which explains the low recovery obtained when GrFFF was used to fractionate a biological sample such asStaphylococcus aureus. An increase in separation performance was obtained first by conditioning the accumulation wall with bovine serum albumin and then by using the ion-beam sputtering technique to cover the GrFFF channel surface with a controlled inert film. XPS analysis was also employed to determine the composition of membranes used in hollow-fiber flow field-flow fractionation (HF FlFFF). The results obtained revealed homogeneous composition along the HF FlFFF channel both before and after its use for fractionation of an intact protein such as ferritin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work continues the project on field-flow fractionation characterisation of whole wine-making yeast cells reported in previous papers. When yeast cells are fractionated by gravitational field-flow fractionation and cell sizing of the collected fractions is achieved by the electrosensing zone technique (Coulter counter), it is shown that yeast cell retention depends on differences between physical indexes of yeast cells other than size. Scanning electron microscopy on collected fractions actually shows co-elution of yeast cells of different size and shape. Otherwise, the observed agreement between the particle size distribution analysis obtained by means of the Coulter counter and by flow field-flow fractionation, which employs a second mobile phase flow as applied field instead of Earth's gravity, indicates that yeast cell density can play a major role in the gravitational field-flow fractionation retention mechanism of yeast cells, in which flow field-flow fractionation retention is independent of particle density. Flow field-flow fractionation is then coupled off-line to gravitational field-flow fractionation for more accurate characterisation of the doubly-fractionated cells. Coupling gravitational and flow field-flow fractionation eventually furnishes more information on the multipolydispersity indexes of yeast cells, in particular on their shape and density polydispersity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interest in low-cost, analytical-scale, highly efficient and sensitive separation methods for cells, among which bacteria, is increasing. Particle separation in hollow-fiber flow field-flow fractionation (HF FlFFF) has been recently improved by the optimization of the HF FlFFF channel design. The intrinsic simplicity and low cost of this HF FlFFF channel allows for its disposable usage, which is particularly appealing for analytical bio-applications. Here, for the first time, we present a feasibility study on high-performance, hyperlayer HF FlFFF of micrometer-sized bacteria (Escherichia coli) and of different types of cells (human red blood cells, wine-making yeast from Saccharomyces cerevisiae). Fractionation performance is shown to be at least comparable to that obtained with conventional, flat-channel hyperlayer FlFFF of cells, at superior size-based selectivity and reduced analysis time. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This study was conducted to develop systems for the identification of four tuna species (skipjack tuna Katsuwonus pelamis, yellowfin tuna Thunnus albacares, bullet tuna Auxis sp. and Atlantic bonito Sarda sp). At first, raw samples of these species and a mix intended as internal control were prepared for the authentication of fish muscle tissue of the genus Thunnus sp., Auxis sp. and Sarda sp. DNA from raw muscle tissue, the mix and samples was extracted with the DNeasy mericon Food Kit (Qiagen GmbH, Hilden, Germany). The concentration and purity of DNA in raw samples were evaluated using a spectrophotometer. Primers and probe sequences were specifically designed to identify the selected species. In addition, primers and a probe for the endogenous 12S rRNA gene were designed to determine the presence of amplifiable fish (especially tuna) DNA in samples. Furthermore, the species specificity of the designed primers and probes was verified in DNA samples of various tuna and bonito species. Limit of detection for the selected species was calculated as well as the coefficient of determination R2 and efficiency of real-time PCR testing was determined. To evaluate the developed real-time PCR methods, 70 commercial tuna products were analysed. The results show that mislabelling of fish products can still be encountered and, moreover, the presence of an additional species can be identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alternaria toxins are emerging mycotoxins whose regulation and standardization are in progress by the European Commission and the European Committee for Standardization. This paper describes a dilute and shoot approach to determine five Alternaria toxins in selected food samples using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The strategy involves sample extraction with acidified aqueous methanol, followed by a solvent change accomplished via sample evaporation and reconstitution. The quantification is based on isotope dilution, applying all corresponding isotopically labeled internal standards to compensate possible matrix effects of the analysis. The main advantages of the present method over other existing methods includes simple and effective sample preparation, as well as detection with high sensitivity. The five-fold sample dilution can decrease matrix effects, which were evaluated with both external and internal standard methods. The results demonstrated a limit of quantification lower than 1.0 µg/kg for all five analytes for the first time. The newly presented method showed acceptable accuracy (52.7–111%) when analyzing naturally contaminated and spiked standard samples at the described levels. The method was validated for tomato-based and flour samples (wheat, rye, and maize). The absolute recovery ranged from 66.7% to 91.6% (RSD < 10%). The developed method could be an alternative approach for those laboratories that exclude sample cleanup and pre-concentration of state-of-the-art instruments with enhanced sensitivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We developed a method for determination of imidacloprid and its metabolites 5-hydroxy imidacloprid, olefin imidacloprid, imidacloprid urea and 6-chloronicotinic acid in Procambarus clarkii (crayfish) tissues using quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe (QuEChERS) and high-performance liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry. Samples (plasma, cephalothorax, hepatopancrea, gill, intestine, and muscle) were extracted with acetonitrile containing 0.1% acetic acid and cleaned up using a neutral alumina column containing a primary secondary amine. The prepared samples were separated using reverse phase chromatography and scanned in the positive and negative ion multiple reaction-monitoring modes. Under the optimum experimental conditions, spiked recoveries for these compounds in P. clarkii samples ranged from 80.6 to 112.7% with relative standard deviations of 4.2 to 12.6%. The limits of detection were 0.02–0.5 μg·L−1, the limits of quantification were 0.05–2.0 μg·L−1 and the method of quantification was 0.05–2.0 μg·kg−1. The method is rapid, simple, sensitive and suitable for rapid determination and analysis of imidacloprid and its metabolites in P. clarkii tissues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plants growing on heavy metal (HM)-polluted soils show toxicity symptoms, such as chlorosis and growth reduction, and undergo oxidative stress due to the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Plants overcome oxidative stress by producing a wide range of antioxidant molecules, such as polyphenols and flavonoids. The aim of the present work was to study the accumulation of these molecules in response to increasing concentrations of Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn and to assess whether they can be used as a tool in assessing metal-related stress in Polygonum aviculare and Senecio vulgaris. On average, P. aviculare shoots accumulated lower amounts of metals than S. vulgaris shoots. The uptake of all six elements was correlated and proportional to their concentration in the nutrient solution (ρ > 0.9), with the bioaccumulation factor (BAF) being >1 for most of them. The present research demonstrated that 82% of the samples showed a good correlation (|ρ| > 0.5) between the level of polyphenols, flavonoids and antioxidant activity and the metal concentration in plant shoots, confirming that the metal stress level and production of phenolic compounds having antioxidant activity were strictly connected. Nonetheless, the mere quantification of these molecules cannot identify the type of metal that caused the oxidative stress, neither determine the concentration of the stressors. The five tested populations of each species did not show any specific adaptation to the environment of origin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exceeding the maximum levels for environmental pollutants creates public and scientific interest for the environmental and human health impact it may have. In Northern Italy, the Po Valley, and in particular the Veneto region, is still a hotspot for air quality improvement. Several monitoring campaigns were carried out in this area to acquire information about sources of pollutants which are considered critical. For the first time, a deep study of the aerosol organic fraction was performed in the town Sernaglia della Battaglia, nearby Treviso. During three seasons of 2017, PM 1 and PM 2.5 samples were collected simultaneously. Organic molecular markers have been analyzed by in-situ derivatization thermal desorption gas chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry (IDTD-GC-TOFMS). Alkanes, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, oxi-polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, anhydrous sugars, resins acids, triterpenoids, and acids were considered. The organic chemical composition has been analyzed based on seasonal variation and source contributions. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) have been combined to deeply investigate the main sources of particulate organic matter. On the one hand, PCA evaluates the correlations between the organic markers and their seasonal distribution. On the other hand, the source contributions to aerosol composition are estimated by PMF. Four main emission sources were found by PMF: solid fuel combustion (coal, wood), combustion of petroleum distillates (gas and fuel oil) and exhaust gases of vehicles, industrial combustion processes, home heating, and forest fires are evaluated as the most important sources for the air quality and pollution in this municipality of Northern Italy. • Extensive analysis of the Particulate Matter in a hot spot for air quality in Europe, the Po Valley. • Chemical and environmental characterization of Particulate Matter. • Complementary use of two statistical techniques: PCA and PMF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surface pollution deposition in a high voltage surface can reduce the surface flashover voltage, which is considered to be a serious accident in the transmission of electric power for the high conductivity of pollution in wet weather, such as rain or fog. Accordingly, a rapid and accurate online pollution detection method is of great importance for monitoring the safe status of transmission lines. Usually, to detect the equivalent salt deposit density (ESDD) and non-soluble deposit density (NSDD), the pollution should be collected when power cut off and bring back to lab, time-consuming, low accuracy and unable to meet the online detection. Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) shows the highest potential for achieving online pollution detection, but its application in high voltage electrical engineering has only just begun to be examined. In this study, a LIBS method for quantitatively detecting the compositions of pollutions on the insulators was investigated, and the spectral characteristics of a natural pollution sample were examined. The energy spectra and LIBS analysis results were compared. LIBS was shown to detect pollution elements that were not detected by conventional energy spectroscopy and had an improved capacity to determine pollution composition. Furthermore, the effects of parameters, such as laser energy intensity and delay time, were investigated for artificial pollutions. Increasing the laser energy intensity and selecting a suitable delay time could enhance the precision and relative spectral intensities of the elements. Additionally, reducing the particle size and increasing the density achieved the same results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in wood furniture are an important factor that affects indoor air quality. In this study, radiata pine (Pinus radiata D. Don) was treated with sodium bicarbonate and ozone aqueous solution to reduce the VOC contents without sacrificing mechanical properties. The VOCs of radiata pine were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and the functional group changes of wood samples were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The results showed that the main VOCs of radiata pine include alkenes, aldehydes, and esters. The sodium bicarbonate and ozone treatments almost eliminated the VOC contents of radiata pine. The two treatments mentioned above had little effect on compressive strength and surface color of radiata pine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: Flavonoids are the primary medicinal ingredient of Saussurea involucrate, which have significant antioxidant capacity. Optimizing the extraction of Saussurea involucrate flavonoids (SIFs) and exploring the ability to block melanin deposition caused by reactive oxygen can greatly promote the development of S. involucrate whitening products. (2) Methods: Ultrasonic extraction process was optimized using the Box–Behnken design (BBD) and response surface methodology (RSM). Then, the effect of SIFs on antioxidant activity and anti-deposition of melanin, and genes related to the melanin synthesis are studied. (3) Results: The optimal extraction procedures are as follows: the extraction time, ethanol content, and solvent ratio (v/w) are 64 min, 54%, and 54:1, respectively. The reducing activity and scavenging rates of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), superoxide anion, hydroxyl radical, and ABTS+ were promoted as more S. involucrate flavonoid extract was added. The SIFs extract induced a decrease in the melanin synthesis by inhibiting the human melanoma A375 cell tyrosinase activity. SIFs also depress expression of melanin synthesis related genes. (4) Conclusions: the highest SIFs content was obtained by using 54% ethanol and 54:1 solvent ratio (v/w) for 64 min. The extract of SIFs exhibited good ability of antioxidant and anti-deposition of melanin in human melanocytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are lipid bilayer enclosed particles which present in almost all types of biofluids and contain specific proteins, lipids, and RNA. Increasing evidence has demonstrated the tremendous clinical potential of EVs as diagnostic and therapeutic tools, especially in biofluids, since they can be detected without invasive surgery. With the advanced mass spectrometry (MS), it is possible to decipher the protein content of EVs under different physiological and pathological conditions. Therefore, MS-based EV proteomic studies have grown rapidly in the past decade for biomarker discovery. This review focuses on the studies that isolate EVs from different biofluids and contain MS-based proteomic analysis. Literature published in the past decade (2009.1–2019.7) were selected and summarized with emphasis on isolation methods of EVs and MS analysis strategies, with the aim to give an overview of MS-based EV proteomic studies and provide a reference for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Composite nanoparticles were used in solid phase micro membrane tip extraction and capillary electrophoresis to determine phenol and p-amino-phenol in wastewater. The optimized conditions were 100 g/L concentration, 40 min contact time, 11 pH, 5 mg/mL nanoparticles amounts, 60 min desorption time, 9 desorption pH and 298 K temperature. Capillary electrophoresis conditions were phosphate buffer (15 mM, pH 7.0) background electrolyte, 18 kV applied voltage, 214 nm UV detection, 30 s sample loading at 23 ± 1 °C. The maximum percent uptakes of p-amino-phenol and phenol were 80.0 and 85.0%. High ratio recoveries of p-amino-phenol and phenol from nanomaterial were 99.0 and 98. Consequently, the actual extractions of p-amino-phenol and phenol from wastewater were 79.2 and 83.30 percent. The migration times of phenol and p-amino-phenol and were 9.0 and 12.0 min. The detection limits of phenol and p-amino-phenols were 0.1 and 0.2 µg/L after extraction and CE. Therefore, this combination of solid phase micro membrane tip extraction and capillary electrophoresis may be considered as the ideal one for monitoring of toxic phenol and p-amino-phenol in water sample. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiclass screening of drugs with high resolution mass spectrometry is of great interest due to its high time-efficiency and excellent accuracy. A high-scale, fast screening method for pesticides in fishery drugs was established based on ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography tandem quadrupole-Orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometer. The target compounds - were diluted in methanol and extracted by ultrasonic treatment, and the extracts were diluted with MeOH-water (1:1, v/v) and centrifuged to remove impurities. The chromatographic separation was performed on an Accucore aQ-MS column (100 mm × 2.1 mm, 2.6 μm) with gradient elution using 0.1% formic acid in water (containing 5 mmol/L ammonium formate) and 0.1% formic acid in methanol (containing 5 mmol/L ammonium formate) in Full Scan/dd-MS2 (TopN) scan mode. A screening database, including mass spectrometric and chromatographic information, was established for identification of compounds. The screening detection limits of methods ranged between 1–500 mg/kg, the recoveries of real samples spiked with the concentration of 10 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg standard mixture ranged from 70% to 110% for more than sixty compounds, and the relative standard deviations (RSDs) were less than 20%. The application of this method showed that target pesticides were screened out in 10 samples out of 21 practical samples, in which the banned pesticide chlorpyrifos were detected in 3 out of the 10 samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ginseng (Panax ginseng) has long been used as a traditional medicine for the prevention and treatment of various diseases. Generally, the harvest time and age of ginseng have been regarded as important factors determining the efficacy of ginseng. However, most studies have mainly focused on the root of ginseng, while studies on other parts of ginseng such as its berry have been relatively limited. Thus, the aim of this study iss to determine effects of harvest time on yields, phenolics/ginsenosides contents, and the antioxidant/anti-elastase activities of ethanol extracts of three- and four-year-old ginseng berry. In both three- and fourfour-year-old ginseng berry extracts, antioxidant and anti-elastase activities tended to increase as berries ripen from the first week to the last week of July. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis has revealed that contents of ginsenosides except Rg1 tend to be the highest in fourfour-year-old ginseng berries harvested in early July. These results indicate that biological activities and ginsenoside profiles of ginseng berry extracts depend on their age and harvest time in July, suggesting the importance of harvest time in the development of functional foods and medicinal products containing ginseng berry extracts. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the influence of harvest time on the biological activity and ginsenoside contents of ginseng berry extracts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]