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To understand the role of microorganisms in nitrogen (N)‐containing compound changes during the processing of Yujiangsuan by autochthonous starter cultures, the GC‐TOF‐MS‐based metabolomics method was adopted to investigate the effects of Weissella cibaria and Lactobacillus plantarum. The results demonstrated that inoculation of autochthonous strains led to differential metabolites, such as fatty acids, organic oxygen compounds, and carboxylic acids on day 4 to day 12 of fermentation. The N‐containing compounds under the inoculated fermentation group showed a faster relative concentration change. Nucleotide metabolism and arginine and proline metabolism exerted an influence on the formation of N‐containing compounds. Apart from that, the effect of W. cibaria and L. plantarum on the hydrolysis of macromolecules was the main factor causing differences in major N‐containing compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: White tea has become more and more popular with consumers due to its health benefits and unique flavor. However, the key aroma‐active compounds of white tea during the aging process are still unclear. Thus, the key aroma‐active compounds of white tea during the aging process were investigated using gas chromatography‐time‐of‐flight‐mass spectrometry (GC‐TOF‐MS) and gas chromatography‐olfactometry (GC‐O) combined with sensory‐directed flavor analysis. Results: A total of 127 volatile compounds were identified from white tea samples with different aging years by GC‐TOF‐MS. Fifty‐eight aroma‐active compounds were then determined by GC‐O, and 19 of them were further selected as the key aroma‐active compounds based on modified frequency (MF) and odor activity value (OAV). Conclusion: Aroma recombination and omission testing confirmed that 1‐octen‐3‐ol, linalool, phenethyl alcohol, geraniol, (E)‐β‐ionone, α‐ionone, hexanal, phenylacetaldehyde, nonanal, (E, Z)‐(2,6)‐nonadienal, safranal, γ‐nonalactone and 2‐amylfuran were the common key aroma‐active compounds to all samples. Cedrol, linalool oxide II and methyl salicylate were confirmed peculiar in new white tea, while β‐damascenone and jasmone were peculiar in aged white tea. This work will offer support for further studies on the material basis of flavor formation of white tea. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Yu jiangsuan (YJS) is a unique traditional fermented condiment in China. Physicochemical, bacterial communities, and non-volatile properties were examined in inoculation Autochthonous Weissella cibaria and Lactobacillus plantarum. The results indicated that inoculation samples did well in shortening fermentation time; amino acid nitrogen (AN) and TCA-soluble peptide contents of fermented YJS were 10.8% and 17.4% higher than those of naturally fermented YJS, respectively. However, its total volatile base nitrogen (TVB-N), thiobarbituric acid (TBARS), and nitrite were only 74.3%, 87.2% and 83.6% of those of naturally fermented YJS. In addition, the dominant bacterial genera were Lactobacillus, Weissella and Pectobacterium, whose contributions were 41.2%, 20.3% and 5.5%, respectively. Moreover, 26 significantly differential metabolites were identified, and involved in 10 metabolic pathways. The decomposition of substrates and the formation of differential metabolites in YJS were primarily centered on the TCA cycle and the metabolism of carbohydrates. Therefore, this study is conducive to discovering the bacterial community structure and metabolite composition of probiotic inoculated YJS fermentation, as well as the potential value of core functional bacteria genera in controlling YJS production in industry.

A low-temperature and low-salt industrially fermented Chinese kohlrabi (LSCK) was developed in this study, with the salt usage decreased by approximately 70% compared to the traditional high-salt fermented Chinese kohlrabi (HSCK). The differences in physicochemical properties, metabolites and overall flavors during LSCK fermented for 0, 45 and 90 days (d) were analyzed by gas chromatography-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC-TOF-MS), electronic nose (E-nose) and other techniques. The results showed that the total acid content increased significantly from 3.68 to 8.59 g/kg. However, the protein content significantly decreased from 2.52/100 to 0.66 g/100 g. The number of lactic acid bacteria cells increased significantly from 3.69 to 4.46 log10CFU/g. Based on multivariate statistical analysis, 21, 14, and 15 differential metabolites were identified in the three treatment groups A1 (0 and 45 days), A2 (45 and 90 days), and A3 (0 and 90 days) respectively (VIP > 1, p

• Organic extract from leaves of Strychnos mitis exhibited a potent antimycotoxigenic activity. • Mystroxylon aethiopicum showed notable mycelial growth inhibition against Fusarium verticiloides. • Phytocompounds identified from both Mystroxylon aethiopicum and Spirostachs africana such as tetradecane, heptadecane (14.96%) and n-hexadecanoic acid may well explain biological activity observed. The use of pesticides and fungicides in the treatment and management of pathogenic mycotoxin producing fungal strains is detrimental to human health. Such fungal strains produce toxins which result low production of crops and many human and animal infections when ingested. In our quest in finding possible plant-based pesticides, the in vitro anti-mycotoxigenic activity of plants extracts and their mycelial growth inhibition against fungal pathogens have been assessed. Antifungal activity was carried out using microdilution assay while the cytotoxicity was explored against African green monkey (Vero). Organic extracts from Strychnos mitis S.Moore exhibited lowest minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value of 0.01 mg/ml against three Fusarium species and further MIC value of 0.08 mg/ml against three Aspergillus species at 24 hr incubation period. In the mycelial growth inhibition (MGI), Mystroxylon aethiopicum (Thunb.) Loes. showed the highest mycelial growth inhibition yielding 44.38% against Fusarium verticiloides in a three-day incubation period. Organic extract from S. africana exhibited the lowest lethal concentration (LC 50) value of 0.10 mg/ml against both cell African green monkey (Vero) and bovine dermis cell lines. In the antioxidant assay, extracts from S. africana and M. aethiopicum exhibited a noteworthy antioxidant activity against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), yielding 50% inhibition (IC 50) values of 0.51 and 0.74 mg/100 ml, respectively. In the Gas-chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC-ToF-MS) analysis, M. aethiopicum extract exhibited the presence of tetradecane (15.7%) while Spirostachys africana Sond. yielded n -hexadecanoic acid (12.1%) and nonadecane,2-methyl (12.1%). These results suggest that phytocompounds from these medicinal plants are likely to inhibit growth of fungal strains, preventing oxidation of crops and should be further explored in vivo and used to develop a bio-fungicide with less side effects compared to synthetic fungicides. These plants could assist in increasing possible food yields, preventing decay, promote food safety and alleviate poverty [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to obtain the best extraction process of smoked Amomum tsaoko(SDAT) oleoresin, the extraction solvent, extraction temperature, solid-liquid ratio, extraction time and particle size were regarded as the influence factors. On the basis of single factor experiment, the eexperimental design of three factors and three levels was used by Box-Benhnken central composite method, according to the extraction rate of SDAT oleoresin as the response value, and the extraction conditions were further optimized by response surface methodology(RSM). The results showed that the optimum process conditions of SDAT oleoresin was as follows: Anhydrous methanol as solvent, extraction temperature was 75 ℃, solid-liquidratio was 1:20(g/mL), extraction time was 7 h and particle size was 80 mesh. The regression equation predicted that the theoretical extraction rate of SDAT could reach 9.57%, the average extraction rate of the three validation experiments was 9.48%, and the predicted value was close to the actual result. And 58 compounds were identified by GC-TOF-MS, including alcohols(31.59%), aldehydes(21.13%), alkenes(1.23%), ketones(1.56%), esters(2.38%) and phenols(0.79%), 1,8-eucalyptol(9.28%), α-terpineol(3.55%), gera-niol(8.4%), trans citral(5.78%), 2-methyl-3-ph-enylpropanal(6.33%), etc. Through the determination of the best process of SDAT oleoresin, the detected components are mainly concentrated in alcohols and aldehydes, which provides a theoretical basis for the nutritional components and biological activity of grass fruit oleoresin in the later stage.

Cerebral ischemia, resulting from compromised blood flow, is one of the leading causes of death worldwide with limited therapeutic options. Potential deleterious injuries resulting from reperfusion therapies remain a clinical challenge for physicians. This study aimed to explore the metabolomic alterations during ischemia-reperfusion injury by employing metabolomic analysis coupled with gas chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC-TOF-MS) and ultraperformance liquid chromatography quadrupole (UPLC/Q)-TOF-MS. Metabolomic data from mice subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) followed by reperfusion (MCAO/R) were compared to those of the sham and MCAO groups. A total of 82 simultaneously differentially expressed metabolites were identified among each group. The top three major classifications of these differentially expressed metabolites were organic acids, lipids, and organooxygen compounds. Metabolomics pathway analysis was conducted to identify the underlying pathways implicated in MCAO/R. Based on impactor scores, the most significant pathways involved in the response to the reperfusion after cerebral ischemia were glycerophospholipid metabolism, linoleic acid metabolism, pyrimidine metabolism, and galactose metabolism. 17 of those 82 metabolites were greatly elevated in the MCAO/Reperfusion group, when compared to those in the sham and MCAO groups. Among those metabolites, glucose-6-phosphate 1, fructose-6-phosphate, cellobiose 2, o-phosphonothreonine 1, and salicin were the top five elevated metabolites in MCAO/R group, compared with the MCAO group. Glycolysis, the pentose phosphate pathway, starch and sucrose metabolism, and fructose and mannose degradation were the top four ranked pathways according to metabolite set enrichment analysis (MSEA). The present study not only advances our understanding of metabolomic changes among animals in the sham and cerebral ischemia groups with or without reperfusion via metabolomic profiling, but also paves the way to explore potential molecular mechanisms underlying metabolic alteration induced by cerebral ischemia-reperfusion.

Fermented kohlrabi is a very popular side dish in China. Chinese kohlrabies industrially fermented for 0 years (0Y), 5 years (5Y), and 10 years (10Y) were employed and analyzed by non-targeted metabolomics based on GC-TOF-MS, and the differential metabolites were screened using multivariate statistical analysis techniques, including principal component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares discrimination analysis (OPLS-DA). The results showed that 47, 38, and 33 differential metabolites were identified in the three treatment groups of 0Y and 5Y (A1), 0Y and 10Y (A2), and 5Y and 10Y (A3), respectively (VIP > 1, p < 0.05). The metabolites were mainly carbohydrates, amino acids, and organic acids. Furthermore, 13 differential metabolites were screened from the three groups, including L-glutamic acid, L-aspartic acid, γ-aminobutyric acid, and other compounds. Four metabolic pathways termed alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism, arginine biosynthesis, arginine and proline metabolism, and glycolysis/gluconeogenesis were the most significant pathways correlated with the differential metabolites, as analyzed according to the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG). The odors for the three ultra-long-term industrially fermented kohlrabies were significantly different, as detected by E-nose. The present work describes the changes in metabolites between different ultra-long-term industrially fermented kohlrabies and the associated metabolic pathways, providing a theoretical basis for the targeted regulation of characteristic metabolite biosynthesis in Chinese fermented kohlrabi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The primary metabolism of Afrikelp-treated tomato seeding roots and shoots is profiled. • Metabolites in the shoots are related to nitrogen and energy metabolism and hormone synthesis. • Metabolites in the roots suggest mycorrhizal colonisation. • Pathway analysis supports enhanced carbon and nitrogen metabolism pathways. Excessive fertilizer use has had severe environmental and economic consequences globally, posing a major challenge to sustainable agriculture. Biostimulants are naturally-occurring biological products that are used to enhance plant productivity by modulating metabolism. One such biostimulant is Afrikelp, which is derived from the brown alga Ecklonia maxima and is purported to enhance plant growth when applied to either the roots or shoots. However, whether a metabolic response is elicited by plants treated with Afrikelp, as well as the manner in which this biostimulant might regulate plant metabolism, has not been scientifically evaluated. In response to this, the present study used gas chromatography-mass spectrometry to explore the changes in primary metabolites between the roots and shoots of tomato (Lycopersicon esculemtum) seedlings treated with Afrikelp and those treated with water alone. Principal components analysis separated the samples treated with Afrikelp and the control, confirming a response to treatment at the metabolite level, particularly in the roots. Fold-change analysis identified many metabolites that were increased in abundance (log2 fold-change > 1.5) in both the shoot and root tissues in comparison with the control. Glycerol-3-phosphate, putrescine, and γ-aminobutyric acid were significantly differentially abundant in the root tissues treated with Afrikelp, possibly suggesting mycorrhizal colonization. In the shoot tissues, the most abundant metabolites included tryptophan, sucrose, and galactinol, and, based on pathway analysis, were largely related to energy metabolism, growth, and hormone synthesis, supporting observations that Afrikelp treatment improves crop growth. Metabolic pathway analysis further suggested the enrichment of carbon and nitrogen metabolism pathways in plants treated with the biostimulant. In summary, Afrikelp appears to increase sugar and nitrogen metabolism in the leaves of tomato plants and might encourage mycorrhizal symbiosis in the roots, thereby promoting growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Suantangzi is a fermented corn food product with Manchu characteristics from Liaoning Province, China. To analyze the microbial diversity and flavor compounds in Suantangzi dough, this study utilized high-throughput sequencing of the 16S rRNA and internal transcribed spacer regions, high-performance liquid chromatography, and gas chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Spearman correlation analysis and random forest model were conducted to investigate the correlation between the dominant genera and flavor compounds. A total of 267 and 123 bacterial and fungal genera, respectively, were identified. Flavor compound analysis identified 7 and 156 organic acids and other flavor compounds, respectively, and partial least squares discriminant analysis was used to screen 22 differential flavor compounds. Additionally, Paucilactobacillus , Pediococcus , and Tausonia genera were speculated to produce different flavors in Suantangzi dough made in different regions. These findings provide a theoretical foundation for microbial community dynamics and the formation of key flavor compounds in Suantangzi dough. [Display omitted] • Suantangzi dough contained 17 bacterial and 5 fungal phyla (267 and 123 genera). • HPLC revealed seven organic acids, with lactic acid being the most important. • GC-TOF-MS revealed 156 flavor compounds, divided into 8 categories. • Differential flavor compounds primarily included acids and carbohydrates. • Paucilactobacillus , Pediococcus , and Tausonia were related to different flavors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brown carbon (BrC), the important component of carbonaceous aerosol, attracted much attention for its complex chemical composition which affect its light absorption, fluorescent properties, and atmospheric reactions. In this study, we revealed for the first time the molecular composition of non-polar/low-polar organic matters contributing to fluorescence of Beijing PM 2.5 from 2016 to 2018. Firstly, excitation-emission matrix (EEM) spectra of the 122 PM 2.5 samples were analyzed and supported by gas chromatography-time of flight mass spectrometry (GC-ToF-MS) and partial least squares regression model, 400 BrC molecules associated with fluorescence were screened out among which 44 were the newly ones. Secondly, six chromophores (C1–C6) were identified by applying parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC) model, which represented categories of compounds consistent with the ToF results. Then, the specific molecule composition of each chromophore was achieved by combining GC-ToF-MS and EEM-PARAFAC. For example, indeno[1,2,3- cd ]pyrene is a new fluorescent molecule which contributed high in C3 (high oxygenated humic-like chromophore) and C5 (fluorescein chromophore). The results can, on one side, enrich the database of fluorescent molecular composition, which turns out to be similar as that of light-absorption; on the other side and more importantly, provide chemical characteristics of BrC fluorescent chromophores on the level of molecule. [Display omitted] • Identified fluorescent low-polar molecules in PM 2.5 by applying GC-ToF-MS and PLS model. • Decomposed six fluorescent components of PM 2.5 via EEM-PARAFAC. • Revealed the molecular composition of each chromophore by combining EEM-PARAFAC and GC-ToF-MS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mosses inhabit nearly all terrestrial ecosystems and engage in important interactions with nitrogen‐fixing microbes, sperm‐dispersing arthropods, and other plants. It is hypothesized that these interactions could be mediated by biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs). Moss BVOCs may play fundamental roles in influencing local ecologies, such as biosphere–atmosphere–hydrosphere communications, physiological and evolutionary dynamics, plant–microbe interactions, and gametophyte stress physiology. Further progress in quantifying the composition, magnitude, and variability of moss BVOC emissions, and their response to environmental drivers and metabolic requirements, is limited by methodological and analytical challenges. We review several sampling techniques with various analytical approaches and describe best practices in generating moss gametophyte BVOC measures. We emphasize the importance of characterizing the composition and magnitude of moss BVOC emissions across a variety of species to better inform and stimulate important cross‐disciplinary studies. We conclude by highlighting how current methods could be employed, as well as best practices for choosing methodologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Essential oils derived from plant materials are a mixture of compounds that exhibit antibacterial properties. Due to their distinct aroma, they also serve as a desirable natural additive for various food products, including dairy products. In this study, the essential oils of lemon peels, clove buds, and juniper berries were obtained by steam distillation and characterized using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry to determine their chemical compositions and effects on the viability of seven Bifidobacterium strains. Furthermore, the effect of essential oils on the viability of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis Bb-12 was investigated in cream samples during fermentation and after storage for 21 days at 6 °C. The fatty acid composition of fat extracted from essential oils containing sour cream samples and the volatile aroma compound profile of the sour cream samples were also determined chromatographically. Among the 120 compounds identified, monoterpene hydrocarbons were dominant in the essential oils of lemon peels (limonene and γ-terpinene) and juniper berries (sabinene and β-myrcene), while eugenol and eugenol acetate were abundant in the essential oil of clove buds. In addition to these compounds, butanoic and acetic acids were found in the tested sour cream samples. In turn, fat extracted from these samples was rich in saturated fatty acids, mainly palmitic acid. Among the tested strains of the genus Bifidobacterium, B. animalis subsp. lactis Bb-12 was the most sensitive to the essential oils of clove and juniper, as indicated by the larger growth inhibition zones. However, both the concentration and type of essential oils used had no effect on the number of cells of this strain present in the cream samples immediately after fermentation and after its 21-day storage, which suggests that the tested essential oils could be a natural additive to dairy products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Semen Ziziphi spinosae and Radix Polygalae, two herbs commonly used together in Traditional Chinese Medicine for the treatment of insomnia and anxiety. The study aims to study the sedative-hypnotic effect of the active components of the herbal pair, the possible mechanisms of such effect, and related metabolic pathways in vivo. Methods The sedative and hypnotic effect of the active components (EI30) of the herbal pair was studied by recording influence on the proportion of sleeping within 30 min, sleep latency and sleep length of pentobarbital sodium-induced sleeping on mice. Possible mechanisms of the sedative-hypnotic effect of the active components were investigated by measuring the content of neurotransmitters in the total protein of mice brain tissue. The main chemical compounds of the herbal pair were identified by Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS). Serum samples of mice were studied, and related differential metabolites between the normal group and model group, and between model group and treatment group were identified by Gas Chromatography Time-Of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (GC-TOF-MS), Principal Components Analysis (PCA), and Orthogonal Projections to Latent Structures Discriminant Analysis (OPLS-DA). Results Compared with the control group, high dose EI30 group and the Clonazepam group were with significantly higher proportions of sleep within 30 min (P = 0.027 and 0.005 respectively). Compared with the control group, all of the high, medium and low dose of EI30 groups were with significantly shorter sleep latency (P

Abstract Mosses inhabit nearly all terrestrial ecosystems and engage in important interactions with nitrogen‐fixing microbes, sperm‐dispersing arthropods, and other plants. It is hypothesized that these interactions could be mediated by biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs). Moss BVOCs may play fundamental roles in influencing local ecologies, such as biosphere–atmosphere–hydrosphere communications, physiological and evolutionary dynamics, plant–microbe interactions, and gametophyte stress physiology. Further progress in quantifying the composition, magnitude, and variability of moss BVOC emissions, and their response to environmental drivers and metabolic requirements, is limited by methodological and analytical challenges. We review several sampling techniques with various analytical approaches and describe best practices in generating moss gametophyte BVOC measures. We emphasize the importance of characterizing the composition and magnitude of moss BVOC emissions across a variety of species to better inform and stimulate important cross‐disciplinary studies. We conclude by highlighting how current methods could be employed, as well as best practices for choosing methodologies.

Thymol has been considered as an organic varroacide with less toxicity than synthetic chemicals such as amitraz, coumaphos or tau-fluvalinate. The present study evaluates the presence, persistence and distribution of thymol during a five-month sampling period; before, during and after the application of thymol treatment in field conditions. Moreover, its impact on the development of bee brood was also studied at different development stages which consist of larvae, prepupae, pupae and adult honeybee. Samples of beebread (processed pollen), honey, beeswax, adult bees, pupae, prepupae and larvae were analysed by gas chromatography coupled to time of flight mass spectrometry for an accurate identification. Adult bees were the samples with the highest concentration level of thymol during treatment application (Thymovar® strips, 30 gr of thymol per hive) by the beekeeper, however they showed 69% of thymol dissipation three months after treatment. Regarding the bee brood, concentrations of thymol decreased significantly (89-97% of disappearance) in a period of three months, though about 42 µg/kg of thymol persisted in larvae. Thymol was found to accumulate in honey and beeswax at a level of 882 μg/kg and 1305 μg/kg respectively, in the studied period. As the main issue of thymol residues in honey is related to the modification of organoleptic properties, more than toxicology, the levels found in this study indicate that the taste of honey may be affected during and up to three months after the treatment application. In addition, we did not find adverse effects on the evolution of the colonies due to the applied treatment.

Fermented kohlrabi is a very popular side dish in China. Chinese kohlrabies industrially fermented for 0 years (0Y), 5 years (5Y), and 10 years (10Y) were employed and analyzed by non-targeted metabolomics based on GC-TOF-MS, and the differential metabolites were screened using multivariate statistical analysis techniques, including principal component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares discrimination analysis (OPLS-DA). The results showed that 47, 38, and 33 differential metabolites were identified in the three treatment groups of 0Y and 5Y (A1), 0Y and 10Y (A2), and 5Y and 10Y (A3), respectively (VIP > 1, p < 0.05). The metabolites were mainly carbohydrates, amino acids, and organic acids. Furthermore, 13 differential metabolites were screened from the three groups, including L-glutamic acid, L-aspartic acid, γ-aminobutyric acid, and other compounds. Four metabolic pathways termed alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism, arginine biosynthesis, arginine and proline metabolism, and glycolysis/gluconeogenesis were the most significant pathways correlated with the differential metabolites, as analyzed according to the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG). The odors for the three ultra-long-term industrially fermented kohlrabies were significantly different, as detected by E-nose. The present work describes the changes in metabolites between different ultra-long-term industrially fermented kohlrabies and the associated metabolic pathways, providing a theoretical basis for the targeted regulation of characteristic metabolite biosynthesis in Chinese fermented kohlrabi.

Metabolic disorders may lead to the inactive ovaries of dairy cows during early lactation. However, the detailed metabolic profile of dairy cows with inactive ovaries around 55 days postpartum has not been clearly elucidated. The objective of this study was to investigate the metabolic difference in cows with inactive ovaries and estrus from the perspective of serum metabolites. According to clinical manifestations, B-ultrasound scan, rectal examination, 15 cows were assigned to the estrus group (E; follicular diameter 15–20 mm) and 15 to the inactive ovary group (IO; follicular diameter

Pre-fermentation is crucial for black glutinous rice wine production. However, the dynamic changes occurring in metabolites during pre-fermentation remain unclear. Hence, multivariate analysis to investigate the relationship between metabolites and fermentation time was performed. Both PCA and OPLS-DA score plots showed a typical drift of metabolite profiles during fermentation for 0–60 h, whereas a reverse change occurred after 60 h. Of the 28 significantly different metabolites (SDMs) (VIP > 1 and p 0.1 and p

Essential oils derived from plant materials are a mixture of compounds that exhibit antibacterial properties. Due to their distinct aroma, they also serve as a desirable natural additive for various food products, including dairy products. In this study, the essential oils of lemon peels, clove buds, and juniper berries were obtained by steam distillation and characterized using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry to determine their chemical compositions and effects on the viability of seven Bifidobacterium strains. Furthermore, the effect of essential oils on the viability of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis Bb-12 was investigated in cream samples during fermentation and after storage for 21 days at 6 °C. The fatty acid composition of fat extracted from essential oils containing sour cream samples and the volatile aroma compound profile of the sour cream samples were also determined chromatographically. Among the 120 compounds identified, monoterpene hydrocarbons were dominant in the essential oils of lemon peels (limonene and γ-terpinene) and juniper berries (sabinene and β-myrcene), while eugenol and eugenol acetate were abundant in the essential oil of clove buds. In addition to these compounds, butanoic and acetic acids were found in the tested sour cream samples. In turn, fat extracted from these samples was rich in saturated fatty acids, mainly palmitic acid. Among the tested strains of the genus Bifidobacterium, B. animalis subsp. lactis Bb-12 was the most sensitive to the essential oils of clove and juniper, as indicated by the larger growth inhibition zones. However, both the concentration and type of essential oils used had no effect on the number of cells of this strain present in the cream samples immediately after fermentation and after its 21-day storage, which suggests that the tested essential oils could be a natural additive to dairy products.

Objectives: The management of diabetes is considered a global problem, and a cure is yet to be discovered. This study investigated the modulatory effect of Kigelia africana fruit on oxidative stress and hyperlipidaemic biomarkers in STZ‐induced diabetic rats, profiled phytoconstituents using GC‐TOF‐MS and evaluated antidiabetic effects on 3T3 L1 adipocytes. Methods: Thirty male Wistar rats (120–150 g) were divided into six groups (n = 5). Diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of STZ (60 mg/kg) and treated with 100, 200 and 400 of hexane fraction of KA for 28 days. Immunohistochemical evaluation was carried out using avidin‐biotin immunoperoxidase (ABI) method. Catalase and SOD activities as well as the levels of total protein, albumin, bilirubin, triglyceride, cholesterol, and high‐density lipoprotein were measured. Key findings: The expressions of oxidative stress and hyperlipidaemic biomarkers alongside fasting blood glucose concentrations were remarkedly decreased in KA‐treated diabetic rats. Moreover, there was a significant increase in endocrine cell distribution, area covered with increase in β‐cell mass, composition and morphology of KA‐treated animals. Additionally, there was constant up‐regulation in 3T3 L1 adipocytes due to the presence of phytoconstituents. Conclusion: Kigelia africana fruit can act as a modulatory agent due to its ameliorative effects against oxidative stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Semen Ziziphi spinosae and Radix Polygalae, two herbs commonly used together in Traditional Chinese Medicine for the treatment of insomnia and anxiety. The study aims to study the sedative-hypnotic effect of the active components of the herbal pair, the possible mechanisms of such effect, and related metabolic pathways in vivo. Methods: The sedative and hypnotic effect of the active components (EI30) of the herbal pair was studied by recording influence on the proportion of sleeping within 30 min, sleep latency and sleep length of pentobarbital sodium-induced sleeping on mice. Possible mechanisms of the sedative-hypnotic effect of the active components were investigated by measuring the content of neurotransmitters in the total protein of mice brain tissue. The main chemical compounds of the herbal pair were identified by Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS). Serum samples of mice were studied, and related differential metabolites between the normal group and model group, and between model group and treatment group were identified by Gas Chromatography Time-Of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (GC-TOF-MS), Principal Components Analysis (PCA), and Orthogonal Projections to Latent Structures Discriminant Analysis (OPLS-DA). Results: Compared with the control group, high dose EI30 group and the Clonazepam group were with significantly higher proportions of sleep within 30 min (P = 0.027 and 0.005 respectively). Compared with the control group, all of the high, medium and low dose of EI30 groups were with significantly shorter sleep latency (P < 0.01) and prolonged sleeping time (P < 0.01). The herbal pair has good sedative-hypnotic effects, although it is weaker than the effect of Clonazepam. The sedative-hypnotic effect of EI30 is possibly related to the adjustment of neurotransmitters 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), norepinephrine (NE), and dopamine (DA) in the total protein of mice brain tissue. There are five metabolic pathways in vivo most related to the sedative-hypnotic effect of EI30, and they are biosynthesis of valine, leucine, and isoleucine, metabolism of glyceride, metabolism of alanine, aspartic acid and glutamic acid, metabolism of phenylalanine, and metabolism of cysteine and methionine. Conclusions: This study reveals the mechanisms of sedative and hypnotic effects of herbal pair Semen Ziziphi spinosae and Radix Polygalae by using metabolomics methods. This study provides a basis for further development and utilization of this herbal pair. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the current study was to examine the antidiabetic effect of noodle containing fermented lettuce extract (FLE) on diabetic mice as a pre-clinical study. The γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) content, antioxidant capacity, and total polyphenol content of the FLE noodles were analyzed and compared with those of standard noodles. In addition, oral glucose and sucrose tolerance, and fasting blood glucose tests were performed using a high-fat diet/streptozotocin-mediated diabetic mouse model. Serum metabolite profiling of mice feed standard or FLE noodles was performed using gas chromatography–time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC–TOF-MS) to understand the mechanism changes induced by the FLE noodles. The GABA content, total polyphenols, and antioxidant activity were high in FLE noodles compared with those in the standard noodles. In vivo experiments also showed that mice fed FLE noodles had lower blood glucose levels and insulin resistance than those fed standard noodles. Moreover, glycolysis, purine metabolism, and amino acid metabolism were altered by FLE as determined by GC–TOF-MS-based metabolomics. These results demonstrate that FLE noodles possess significant antidiabetic activity, suggesting the applicability of fermented lettuce extract as a potential food additive for diabetic food products.

Electronic noses (e-nose) offer potential for the detection of cancer in its early stages. The ability to analyse samples in real time, at a low cost, applying easy–to-use and portable equipment, gives e-noses advantages over other technologies, such as Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). For diseases such as cancer with a high mortality, a technology that can provide fast results for use in routine clinical applications is important. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is among the highest occurring cancers and has high mortality rates, if diagnosed late. In our study, we investigated the use of portable electronic nose (PEN3), with further analysis using GC-TOF-MS, for the analysis of gases and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to profile the urinary metabolome of colorectal cancer. We also compared the different cancer stages with non-cancers using the PEN3 and GC-TOF-MS. Results obtained from PEN3, and GC-TOF-MS demonstrated high accuracy for the separation of CRC and non-cancer. PEN3 separated CRC from non-cancerous group with 0.81 AUC (Area Under the Curve). We used data from GC-TOF-MS to obtain a VOC profile for CRC, which identified 23 potential biomarker VOCs for CRC. Thus, the PEN3 and GC-TOF-MS were found to successfully separate the cancer group from the non-cancer group.

This study characterizes three bacterial strains isolated from plant rhizospheres and evaluates their performance as plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria. Pseudomonas plecoglossicida strain Pp20 was isolated from the rhizosphere of a date palm in Bechar (Algerian Sahara), Bacillus spec. strain Bt04 isolated from the rhizosphere of pear in Ghardaia (Algerian Sahara) and Lysinibacillus fusiformis strain Lf89 was isolated from the rhizosphere of tomato in Ain Defla (northern Algeria). Their effects on plant growth and development were analyzed in different in vitro cultures: an Arabidopsis thaliana plate assay and two hydroponic systems for Datura stramonium and Datura tatula. Our results show that all strains significantly improve plant growth of the plant species tested and some strains produce a shift in the C/N ratio in A. thaliana. Inoculation had no effect on alkaloid production per gram leaf dry weight in D. stramonium, but specific plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria interactions may alter the alkaloid composition in the shoot.

Austropuccinia psidii, the causal agent of myrtle rust, is a biotrophic pathogen whose growth and development depends on the host tissues. The uredospores of A. psidii infect Eucalyptus by engaging in close contact with the host surface and interacting with the leaf cuticle that provides important chemical and physical signals to trigger the infection process. In this study, the cuticular waxes of Eucalyptus spp. were analyzed to determine their composition or structure and correlation with susceptibility/resistance to A. psidii. Twenty-one Eucalyptus spp. in the field were classified as resistant or susceptible. The resistance/susceptibility level of six Eucalyptus spp. were validated in controlled conditions using qPCR, revealing that the pathogen can germinate on the eucalyptus surface of some species without multiplying in the host. CG-TOF-MS analysis detected 26 compounds in the Eucalyptus spp. cuticle and led to the discovery of the role of hexadecanoic acid in the susceptibility of Eucalyptus grandis and Eucalyptus phaeotricha to A. psidii. We characterized the epicuticular wax morphology of the six previously selected Eucalyptus spp. using scanning electron microscopy and observed different behavior in A. psidii germination during host infection. It was found a correlation of epicuticular morphology on the resistance to A. psidii. However, in this study, we provide the first report of considerable interspecific variation in Eucalyptus spp. on the susceptibility to A. psidii and its correlation with cuticular waxes chemical compounds that seem to play a synergistic role as a preformed defense mechanism.

Climate change scenarios pose major threats to many crops worldwide, including coffee. We explored the primary metabolite responses in two Coffea genotypes, C. canephora cv. Conilon Clone 153 and C. arabica cv. Icatu, grown at normal (aCO2) or elevated (eCO2) CO2 concentrations of 380 or 700 ppm, respectively, under well-watered (WW), moderate (MWD), or severe (SWD) water deficit conditions, in order to assess coffee responses to drought and how eCO2 can influence such responses. Primary metabolites were analyzed with a gas chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry metabolomics platform (GC-TOF-MS). A total of 48 primary metabolites were identified in both genotypes (23 amino acids and derivatives, 10 organic acids, 11 sugars, and 4 other metabolites), with differences recorded in both genotypes. Increased metabolite levels were observed in CL153 plants under single and combined conditions of aCO2 and drought (MWD and SWD), as opposed to the observed decreased levels under eCO2 in both drought conditions. In contrast, Icatu showed minor differences under MWD, and increased levels (especially amino acids) only under SWD at both CO2 concentration conditions, although with a tendency towards greater increases under eCO2. Altogether, CL153 demonstrated large impact under MWD, and seemed not to benefit from eCO2 in either MWD and SWD, in contrast with Icatu.

Abstract Rising atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO 2), primarily from anthropogenic emissions, are resulting in increasing absorption of CO 2 by the oceans, leading to a decline in oceanic pH in a process known as ocean acidification (OA). There is a growing body of evidence demonstrating the potential effect of OA on the energetics/physiology and consequently life-history traits of commensally important marine organisms. However, despite this little is known of how fundamental metabolic pathways that underpin changes in organismal physiology are affected by OA. Consequently, a gas chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC-TOF-MS) based metabolic profiling approach was applied to examine the metabolic responses of Crassostrea gigas to elevated p CO 2 levels, under otherwise natural field conditions. Oysters were exposed natural environmental p CO 2 (~625.40 μatm) and elevated p CO 2 (~1432.94 μatm) levels for 30 days. Results indicated that 36 differential metabolites were identified. Differential metabolites were mapped in the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) database to search for the related metabolic pathways. Pathway enrichment analysis indicates that alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism and glycine, serine and threonine metabolism were the most statistically enriched pathways. Further analysis suggested that elevated p CO 2 disturb the TCA cycle via succinate accumulation and C. gigas most likely adjust their energy metabolic via alanine and GABA accumulation accordingly to cope with elevated p CO 2. These findings provide an understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in modulating C. gigas metabolism under elevated p CO 2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Austropuccinia psidii , the causal agent of myrtle rust, is a biotrophic pathogen whose growth and development depends on the host tissues. The uredospores of A. psidii infect Eucalyptus by engaging in close contact with the host surface and interacting with the leaf cuticle that provides important chemical and physical signals to trigger the infection process. In this study, the cuticular waxes of Eucalyptus spp. were analyzed to determine their composition or structure and correlation with susceptibility/resistance to A. psidii. Twenty-one Eucalyptus spp. in the field were classified as resistant or susceptible. The resistance/susceptibility level of six Eucalyptus spp. were validated in controlled conditions using qPCR, revealing that the pathogen can germinate on the eucalyptus surface of some species without multiplying in the host. CG-TOF-MS analysis detected 26 compounds in the Eucalyptus spp. cuticle and led to the discovery of the role of hexadecanoic acid in the susceptibility of Eucalyptus grandis and Eucalyptus phaeotricha to A. psidii. We characterized the epicuticular wax morphology of the six previously selected Eucalyptus spp. using scanning electron microscopy and observed different behavior in A. psidii germination during host infection. It was found a correlation of epicuticular morphology on the resistance to A. psidii. However, in this study, we provide the first report of considerable interspecific variation in Eucalyptus spp. on the susceptibility to A. psidii and its correlation with cuticular waxes chemical compounds that seem to play a synergistic role as a preformed defense mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pre-fermentation is crucial for black glutinous rice wine production. However, the dynamic changes occurring in metabolites during pre-fermentation remain unclear. Hence, multivariate analysis to investigate the relationship between metabolites and fermentation time was performed. Both PCA and OPLS-DA score plots showed a typical drift of metabolite profiles during fermentation for 0–60 h, whereas a reverse change occurred after 60 h. Of the 28 significantly different metabolites (SDMs) (VIP > 1 and p <.05) identified during pre-fermentation, 50% were enriched at 60 h including sugar, phenolic acid, and organic acid. This resulted in the highest levels of total phenolic and total acid. Pathway analysis based on SDMs indicated that the starch and sucrose metabolism, alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism, and pentose phosphate pathway were most relevant to pre-fermentation (Pathway impact value > 0.1 and p <.05). The integrated metabolic pathway was generated to understand the transformation and accumulation of SDMs. Metabolite profiles at 0, 60, and 72 h were compared using S-plot. More sugar types were observed at 60 h than at 72 h. Moreover, succinic acid and 4-hydroxyphenylethanol, as metabolites of yeast, were significantly upregulated between 60 and 72 h. Therefore, 60 h is potentially optimal for pre-fermentation of black glutinous rice wine. This study rationalizes the pre-fermentation steps vital for black glutinous rice wine production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Growth and health responses of pigs fed fermented liquid diet are not always consistent and causes for this issue are still not very clear. Metabolites produced at different fermentation time points should be one of the most important contributors. However, currently no literatures about differential metabolites of fermented liquid diet are reported. The aim of this experiment was to explore the difference of metabolites in a fermented liquid diet between different fermentation time intervals. A total of eighteen samples that collected from Bacillus subtilis fermented liquid diet on days 7, 21 and 35 respectively were used for the identification of metabolites by gas chromatography time of flight mass spectrometry (GC-TOF-MS). Fifteen differential metabolites including melibiose, sortitol, ribose, cellobiose, maltotriose, sorbose, isomaltose, maltose, fructose, d-glycerol-1-phosphate, 4-aminobutyric acid, beta-alanine, tyrosine, pyruvic acid and pantothenic acid were identified between 7-d samples and 21-d samples. The relative level of melibiose, ribose, maltotriose, d-glycerol-1-phosphate, tyrosine and pyruvic acid in samples collected on day 21 was significantly higher than that in samples collected on day 7 (P

Curcuma amada Roxb. (Zingiberaceae), commonly known as mango ginger because its rhizome and foliar parts have a similar aroma to mango. The rhizome has been widely used in food industries and alternative medicines to treat a variety of internal diseases such as cough, bronchitis, indigestion, colic, loss of appetite, hiccups, and constipation. The composition of the volatile constituents in a fresh rhizome of C. amada is not reported in detail. The present study aimed to screen and characterize the composition of volatile organic compound (VOC) in a fresh rhizome of three C. amada (ZO45, ZO89, and ZO114) and one C. longa (ZO138) accessions originated from Myanmar. The analysis was carried out by means of headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) coupled with gas chromatography-time-of-flight-mass spectrometry (GC-TOF-MS). As a result, 122 VOCs were tentatively identified from the extracted 373 mass spectra. The following compounds were the ten most highly abundant and broadly present ones: ar-turmerone, α-zingiberene, α-santalene, (E)-γ-atlantone, cuparene, β-bisabolene, teresantalol, β-sesquiphellandrene, trans-α-bergamotene, γ-curcumene. The intensity of ar-turmerone, the sesquiterpene which is mainly characterized in C. longa essential oil (up to 15.5–27.5%), was significantly higher in C. amada accession ZO89 (15.707 ± 5.78a) compared to C. longa accession ZO138 (0.300 ± 0.08b). Cis-α-bergamotene was not detected in two C. amada accessions ZO45 and ZO89. The study revealed between-species variation regarding identified VOCs in the fresh rhizome of C. amada and C. longa.

Zingiber species are members of the Zingiberaceae family, and are widely used for medicinal and food purposes. In this study aboveground and root parts of Zingiber mioga and Zingiber officinale were subjected to metabolite profiling by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS) and gas chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC-TOF-MS) in order to characterize them by species and parts and also to measure bioactivities. Both primary and secondary metabolites showed clear discrimination in the PCA score plot and PLS-DA by species and parts. Tetrahydrocurcumin, diarylheptanoid, 8-gingerol, and 8-paradol were discriminating metabolites between Z. mioga and Z. officinale that were present in different quantities. Eleven flavonoids, six amino acids, six organic acids, four fatty acids, and gingerenone A were higher in the aboveground parts than the root parts. Antioxidant activities were measured and were highest in the root part of Z. officinale. The relatively high contents of tetrahydrocurcumin, diarylheptanoid, and galanganol C in the root part of Z. officinale showed highly positive correlation with bioactivities based on correlation assay. On the basis of these results, we can suggest different usages of structurally different parts of Zingiber species as food plants.

Yu jiangsuan (YJS) is a unique traditional fermented condiment in China. Physicochemical, bacterial communities, and non-volatile properties were examined in inoculation Autochthonous Weissella cibaria and Lactobacillus plantarum. The results indicated that inoculation samples did well in shortening fermentation time; amino acid nitrogen (AN) and TCA-soluble peptide contents of fermented YJS were 10.8% and 17.4% higher than those of naturally fermented YJS, respectively. However, its total volatile base nitrogen (TVB-N), thiobarbituric acid (TBARS), and nitrite were only 74.3%, 87.2% and 83.6% of those of naturally fermented YJS. In addition, the dominant bacterial genera were Lactobacillus, Weissella and Pectobacterium, whose contributions were 41.2%, 20.3% and 5.5%, respectively. Moreover, 26 significantly differential metabolites were identified, and involved in 10 metabolic pathways. The decomposition of substrates and the formation of differential metabolites in YJS were primarily centered on the TCA cycle and the metabolism of carbohydrates. Therefore, this study is conducive to discovering the bacterial community structure and metabolite composition of probiotic inoculated YJS fermentation, as well as the potential value of core functional bacteria genera in controlling YJS production in industry., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (© 2023 The Author(s).)

Amarogentin (AG) is a secoiridoid glycoside that is mainly extracted from the traditional Chinese medicine Swertia and Gentiana , which have been widely used in clinical practice to treat liver disease. However, the exact hepatoprotective mechanism of AG was still looking forward to further elucidation by far. In this study, C57BL/6 mice were divided into the following three groups: control, model and AG. Fibrosis was induced by CCl 4 . Mice were orally treated with 100 mg/kg AG or with normal saline as a control. At the end of the experiment, the validity of the model and the hepatoprotective effects of AG were examined by histopathology and biochemical indicators. Metabonomics technology was further performed to systematically evaluate the endogenous metabolite profiles. Gas chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC-TOF-MS) technology with pattern recognition analysis, including principal component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal partial least square discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA), showed a clear separation of the model group and the control group, with the AG treatment group located much closer to the control group than the model group, which was consistent with the results of biochemical and histopathological assays. Moreover, nine potential biomarkers were identified to elucidate the drug mechanism of AG, which may be related to pathways of amino acid and fatty acid metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Analysis of pesticide residues in water and food matrices is an active research area closely related to food safety and environmental issues. In this aspect mass spectrometry (MS) coupled to gas chromatography (GC) and liquid chromatography (LC) has been increasingly used in the analysis of pesticide residues in water and food. The increasing interest in application of high‐resolution mass spectrometry with time‐of‐flight (TOF) and hybrid triple quadrupole TOF in pesticide analysis is due to its capability of performing both targeted and nontargeted analysis. This article discusses an overview of the application of GC‐TOF‐MS and LC‐TOF‐MS in water and food matrices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Miombo and Mopane are ecological and economic important woodlands from Africa, highly affected by a combination of climate change factors, and anthropogenic fires. Although most species of these ecosystems are fire tolerant, the mechanisms that lead to adaptive responses (metabolic reconfiguration) are unknown. In this context, the aim of this study was to characterize the primary metabolite composition of typical legume trees from these ecosystems, namely, Brachystegia boehmii (Miombo) and Colophospermum mopane (Mopane) subjected to different fire regimes. Fresh leaves from each species were collected in management units and landscapes across varied fire frequencies in the Niassa National Reserve (NNR) and Limpopo National Park (LNP) in Mozambique. Primary metabolites were extracted and analyzed with a well-established gas chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry metabolomics platform (GC-TOF-MS). In B. boehmii, 39 primary metabolites were identified from which seven amino acids, two organic acids and two sugars increased significantly, whereas in C. mopane, 41 primary metabolites were identified from which eight amino acids, one sugar and two organic acids significantly increased with increasing fire frequency. The observed changes in the pool of metabolites of C. mopane might be related to high glycolytic and tricarboxylic acid (TCA) rate, which provided increased levels of amino acids and energy yield. In B. boehmii, the high levels of amino acids might be due to inhibition of protein biosynthesis. The osmoprotectant and reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging properties of accumulated metabolites in parallel with a high-energy yield might support plants survival under fire stress.

Nine varieties of pigmented rice (Oryza sativa L.) seeds that were black, red, or white were used to perform metabolite profiling by using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS) and gas chromatography (GC) TOF-MS, to measure antioxidant activities. Clear grouping patterns determined by the color of the rice seeds were identified in principle component analysis (PCA) derived from UPLC-Q-TOF-MS. Cyanidin-3-glucoside, peonidin-3-glucoside, proanthocyanidin dimer, proanthocyanidin trimer, apigenin-6-C-glugosyl-8-C-arabiboside, tricin-O-rhamnoside-O-hexoside, and lipids were identified as significantly different secondary metabolites. In PCA score plots derived from GC-TOF-MS, Jakwangdo (JKD) and Ilpoom (IP) species were discriminated from the other rice seeds by PC1 and PC2. Valine, phenylalanine, adenosine, pyruvate, nicotinic acid, succinic acid, maleic acid, malonic acid, gluconic acid, xylose, fructose, glucose, maltose, and myo-inositol were significantly different primary metabolites in JKD species, while GABA, asparagine, xylitol, and sucrose were significantly distributed in IP species. Analysis of antioxidant activities revealed that black and red rice seeds had higher activity than white rice seeds. Cyanidin-3-glucoside, peonidin-3-glucoside, proanthocyanidin dimers, proanthocyanidin trimers, and catechin were highly correlated with antioxidant activities, and were more plentiful in black and red rice seeds. These results are expected to provide valuable information that could help improve and develop rice-breeding techniques.

Miombo and Mopane are ecological and economic important woodlands from Africa, highly affected by a combination of climate change factors, and anthropogenic fires. Although most species of these ecosystems are fire tolerant, the mechanisms that lead to adaptive responses (metabolic reconfiguration) are unknown. In this context, the aim of this study was to characterize the primary metabolite composition of typical legume trees from these ecosystems, namely, Brachystegia boehmii (Miombo) and Colophospermum mopane (Mopane) subjected to different fire regimes. Fresh leaves from each species were collected in management units and landscapes across varied fire frequencies in the Niassa National Reserve (NNR) and Limpopo National Park (LNP) in Mozambique. Primary metabolites were extracted and analyzed with a well-established gas chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry metabolomics platform (GC-TOF-MS). In B. boehmii, 39 primary metabolites were identified from which seven amino acids, two organic acids and two sugars increased significantly, whereas in C. mopane, 41 primary metabolites were identified from which eight amino acids, one sugar and two organic acids significantly increased with increasing fire frequency. The observed changes in the pool of metabolites of C. mopane might be related to high glycolytic and tricarboxylic acid (TCA) rate, which provided increased levels of amino acids and energy yield. In B. boehmii, the high levels of amino acids might be due to inhibition of protein biosynthesis. The osmoprotectant and reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging properties of accumulated metabolites in parallel with a high-energy yield might support plants survival under fire stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To determine specific metabolic alterations in the myocardium of plateau pikas (Ochotona curzoniae) and potential metabolic biomarkers involved in their adaptation to the high-altitude environment of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Ten pikas were captured by traps in the Kekexili Reserve (4630m a.s.l; n = 5) and at the foot of the Laji Mountain (2600m a.s.l; n = 5) on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, Qinghai Province, China. Metabolite levels were determined by gas chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC-TOF-MS) metabolomics, and multivariate statistical analysis was performed. Several metabolites involved in carbohydrate, fat, energy, and redox homeostasis pathways were significantly altered in pikas living at 4630 m. In addition, those pikas showed increased levels of lactic acid, sarcosine, 4-hydroxybutyrate, methionine, tartaric acid, ribose, tyrosine, pentadecanoic acid, 2-monoolein, 3,5-dihydroxyphenylglycine, trehalose-6-phosphate, succinic acid, myoinositol, fumaric acid, taurine, 2-hydroxybutanoic acid, gluconic acid, citrulline, and glutathione, but decreased levels of oleic acid and 2'-deoxyadenosine 5'-monophosphate. Metabolic activity is significantly altered in the myocardium of pikas in the high-altitude areas of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. This study provides important insights into metabolic biomarkers related to the adaptation of pikas to high-altitude hypoxia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considering the international situation regarding the residues of pesticides in vegetables and fruits and the requirement for sensitive and reliable analytical methods that are able to ensure the compliance of marketed food commodities with the law on food safety, the aim of this paper was the identification and determination of some degradation products and metabolites of ten most often used pesticides. Two analytical approaches are proposed and used for the development of reliable screening, quantification and confirmation of pesticides metabolites in different vegetables. The proposed methods have different approaches than the other multi-residue methods for vegetables allowing the extensive investigation of previously undetectable or unknown pesticide metabolites in vegetables. These methods were tested on cherry tomato, cucumber, and chili pepper, some of the most widely consumed vegetables. The results suggests that spraying pesticides in high doses lead to high levels of pesticide residues in the case of some studied vegetables and the concentration of metabolites together concentration of parent pesticide must be taken into account in order to establish the MRL's in vegetables and fruits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Casuarina glauca is a model actinorhizal plant characterized by its ability to establish symbiosis with nitrogen-fixing Frankia bacteria. This species is able to thrive under extreme salinity environments. C. glauca tolerance to high salinity has been previously associated with low tissue dehydration, osmotic adjustments, and high membrane integrity. However, the full characterization of this plant system and the identification of key elements involved in its salt stress tolerance could be significantly improved through a metabolomics approach. To date, very little information is available in the literature about the C. glauca metabolome. Objectives: The present study investigates the impact of salt stress on the primary metabolome of nodulated (NOD+) and non-nodulated (KNO+) C. glauca tissues (nodules, roots, and branchlets) and aims to identify salt-stress responsive metabolites in these two plant groups. Methods: Gas chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC-TOF-MS) is a powerful tool to measure primary metabolites such as sugars, amino, and organic acids, involved in the regulation of plant developmental processes, and has contributed to better understand how plant metabolism readjusts in response to high salinity. Results: GC-TOF-MS data reveals major metabolite divergences in amino acid metabolism, which are highly consistent with the previously reported impairment of symbiotic activity, as well as down-regulation of the transcriptional activity of the plant symbiotic genes in the NOD+ plants. Conclusions: Altogether, our results revealed that C. glauca plants can tolerate high levels of salinity through modifications in the levels of some neutral sugars, proline, and ornithine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, an ID-GC-TOF-MS method was developed and validated for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) by spiking solutions onto thermal desorption tubes using calibration solution loading ring (CSLR) apparatus and sweeping them by the aid of air stream. Once the method was developed and validated, the effect of other compounds found in biogas and biomethane was investigated by the same methodology used in method development by using a gravimetrically prepared biogas mixture consisting of 45% methane, 40% carbon dioxide and 15% nitrogen. There are standard reference methods for measurements of PAHs in air but there was no available standard method for PAHs in biogas and biomethane yet. This study provides a basis for the future studies to develop a standard method. Data obtained through this study showed that present method is not affected by the compounds found in biogas that are not present in other matrices such as ambient air. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two different doenjang manufacturing processes, the industrial process (IP) and the modified industrial process (mIP) with specific microbial assortments, were subjected to metabolite profiling using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and gas chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC-TOF-MS). The multivariate analyses indicated that both primary and secondary metabolites exhibited distinct patterns according to the fermentation processes (IP and mIP). Microbial community analysis for doenjang using denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE), exhibited that both bacteria and fungi contributed proportionally for each step in the process viz., soybean, steaming, drying, meju fermentation, cooling, brining, and aging. Further, correlation analysis indicated that Aspergillus population was linked to sugar metabolism, Bacillus spp. with that of fatty acids, whereas Tetragenococcus and Zygosaccharomyces were found associated with amino acids. These results suggest that the components and quality of doenjang are critically influenced by the microbial assortments in each process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lichtheimia ramosais one of the predominant filamentous fungi in Korean traditionalnuruk. The nonvolatile and volatile metabolites ofL. ramosacultivated in three growth media: complete medium (CM), potato dextrose broth (PDB), and sabouraud dextrose broth (SDB), were investigated and compared. Among nonvolatile metabolites, serine, lysine, and ornithine increased in CM and PDB cultivated withL. ramosaduring the exponential phase. In addition, glucose level increased in CM whereas decreased in PDB and SDB. The major volatile metabolites in the extract samples were acetic acid, ethanol, 3-methyl-2-buten-1-ol, 2-phenylethanol, ethylacetate, 2-furaldehyde, 5-(hydroxymethyl)-2-furaldehyde, 2,3-dihydro-3,5,-dihydroxy-6-methyl-4H-pyran-4-one, andα-humulene. In particular, the levels of volatile metabolites related tomakgeolli(e.g., acetic acid, ethanol, and ethyl acetate) were highest in extracts cultivated in CM. On the other hand, the level of 2-phenylethanol was relatively higher in PDB and SDB, possibly due to there being more phenylalanine present in the biomass sample in media. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This study characterizes three bacterial strains isolated from plant rhizospheres and evaluates their performance as plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria.Pseudomonas plecoglossicidastrain Pp20 was isolated from the rhizosphere of a date palm in Bechar (Algerian Sahara),Bacillus spec. strain Bt04 isolated from the rhizosphere of pear in Ghardaia (Algerian Sahara) andLysinibacillus fusiformisstrain Lf89 was isolated from the rhizosphere of tomato in Ain Defla (northern Algeria). Their effects on plant growth and development were analyzed in different in vitro cultures: anArabidopsis thalianaplate assay and two hydroponic systems forDatura stramoniumandDatura tatula. Our results show that all strains significantly improve plant growth of the plant species tested and some strains produce a shift in the C/N ratio inA. thaliana. Inoculation had no effect on alkaloid production per gram leaf dry weight inD. stramonium, but specific plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria interactions may alter the alkaloid composition in the shoot. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We developed and validated an efficient and robust method for the simultaneous quantification of 44 fatty acid species in human plasma via GC-TOF-MS. The method is characterized by its robustness, accuracy and precision covering a wide range of fatty acid species with various saturation degrees including short chain fatty acids (beginning with FA 4:0) and long chain fatty acids (up to FA 32:0). The fatty acids were methylated prior to analyses and subsequently detected as fatty acid methyl esters by means of GC-TOF-MS. A highly substituted polar column allowed the separation of geometrical and positional isomers of fatty acid species. The method was applied to plasma samples of a strictly diet controlled clinical smoking cessation study including 39 smokers followed over the course of three months after having quit. Statistical significant alterations within the fatty acid profile were observed when comparing the baseline (subjects still smoking) with one week, one month and three months of smoking cessation. After 3 months of smoking cessation, a partial recovery of alterations in the fatty acid profile evoked by smoking was observed. In conclusion, the developed fatty acid profiling method using GC-TOF-MS has proven as a reliable tool for the quantitative determination of 44 individual fatty acid species within clinical studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]