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In ovo sexing identifies chicken embryo sex before or during incubation to avoid euthanising male chicks after hatching, enhancing animal welfare in the laying hen industry. Recently, researchers demonstrated the potential for non-invasive and early in ovo sexing through the analysis of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted by eggs. However, a knowledge gap remains in understanding prediction model robustness, the efficacy of faster acquisition techniques, and day-to-day performance. In this study, two experiments were performed to fill these gaps. In Experiment 1, passive VOC extractions were performed on 110 eggs on incubation day 10 using sampling bags employing headspace sorptive extraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HSSE-GC-MS), proton transfer reaction-time-of-flight-mass spectrometry (PTR-TOF-MS), and selected ion flow tube-mass spectrometry (SIFT-MS). Prediction models were built using partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) and variable selection methods. As a result, prediction accuracies ranged from 57.6 % to 61.4 %, indicating no significant difference between the devices and highlighting the need for further optimisations. In Experiment 2, passive VOC samplings were performed on 42 eggs in glass jars during the initial 12 days of incubation using HSSE-GC-MS. Consequently, the optimised setup yielded higher accuracies ranging from 63.1 % (on day 0) to 71.4 % (on days 4, 6, and 12), revealing VOCs consistently elevated in relative abundance for a specific sex, and overall VOC abundance was higher in male embryos. Suggestions for future experiments to increase the accuracy of VOC in ovo sexing include active sampling with inert materials, expanding sample sets, and targeting consistent compounds. [Display omitted] • VOCs allow early, non-invasive in ovo sexing, yet with currently a low accuracy. • Up to 71.4 % accuracy was obtained within 12 days of incubation using HSSE-GC-MS. • Certain VOCs consistently had higher relative abundances for a specific sex. • Male embryos showed a significantly higher total VOC abundance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spin-coated thin films of lactoperoxidase enzyme (LPO) were used on conjunction with the bio-composite (chitosan–gelatin), glutaraldehyde and cysteine as first-layers to characterize the interactions on the sensing characteristics. The prospect of tuning these three under-layers is to investigate the change of active vapor binding sites of LPO film after inter-layer interactions. Initially, spin-coated thin film properties of three under-layers and LPO are investigated by reporting deposited mass and layer thickness using the quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) frequency change. LPO spin-coated films with different under-layers are exposed to formic acid, acetic acid, chloroform, acetone and ethyl acetate vapors. The response characteristics of LPO films are investigated via QCM using time dependence frequency recording. LPO films are sensitive to those five vapors and the chemical and the physical properties of the analytes affect the sensitivity and the response rate. The results showed that the structural changes in the thin film affect the number of active binding sites of sensitive layer and thus the sensor response can be enhanced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: As one of the main grain crops in China, maize is highly susceptible to Aspergillus infection during processing, storage and transportation due to high moisture at harvest, which results in the loss of quality. The aim of this study is to explore the early warning marker molecules when Aspergillus infects maize kernels. Methods: Firstly, strains MA and MB were isolated from moldy maize and identified by morphological characterization and 18S rRNA gene sequence analysis to be Aspergillus flavus (A. flavus) and Aspergillus niger (A. niger). Next, fresh maize was moldy by contaminated with strains MA and MB. The volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during the contamination process of two fungal strains were analyzed by gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry (GC-IMS). A total of 31 VOCs were detected in maize contaminated with strain MA, a total of 32 VOCs were detected in maize contaminated with strain MB, including confirmed monomers and dimers. Finally, heat maps and principal component analysis (PCA) showed that VOCs produced in different growth stages of Aspergillus had great differences. Combined with the results of GC-IMS, total fungal colony counts and fungal spores, it was concluded that the Aspergillus-contaminated maize was in the early stage of mold at 18 h. Results: Therefore, the characteristic VOCs butan-2-one, ethyl acetate-D, Benzaldehyde, and pentan-2-one produced by maize at 18 h of storage can be used as early mildew biomarkers of Aspergillus infection in maize. Discussion: This study provided effective marker molecules for the development of an early warning and monitoring system for the degree of maize mildew in granaries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are ubiquitous environmental pollutants which have been suggested to have adverse effects on human health. While the influence of environmental pollutant exposures on periodontitis has attracted elevating attention in recent years, the epidemiological evidence on the association between VOCs exposure and periodontitis was scarce. This study aimed to investigate the potential mediating role of systemic inflammation factors in the complex association between VOCs exposure and periodontitis. Methods: Utilizing data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011–2014, we examined the impacts of VOCs exposure on periodontitis. Concentrations of urinary metabolites of VOCs (mVOCs) were measured using electrospray tandem mass spectrometry to evaluate internal VOCs exposure. Multivariable logistic regression, restricted cubic spline regression (RCS), Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) and Quantile g-computation (QGC) models were performed to investigate the impacts of VOCs exposure on periodontitis. Mediation models were applied to assess the mediated effects of systemic inflammation on the association between mixed VOCs exposure and periodontitis. Besides, we analyzed the association between mixed VOCs exposure and periodontitis in stratified age, gender, and smoking status subgroups. Results: 1,551 participants were ultimately included for further analyses, of whom 45.20% suffering from periodontitis. Multivariable logistic regression and RCS identified positive associations between single urinary mVOCs and periodontitis (P < 0.05). Notably, BKMR and QGC models suggested that mixed VOCs exposure was significantly associated with periodontitis, with 2-Aminothiazoline-4-carboxylic acid (ATCA) contributing the most (conditional posterior inclusion probability = 0.997). Moreover, systemic inflammation markers (leukocyte and lymphocyte counts) were found to partly mediate the association between VOCs exposure and periodontitis (P < 0.05). No interaction effect was identified between mixed VOCs exposure and periodontitis in age, gender and smoking status subgroups (P > 0.05). Conclusion: This study demonstrated a positive association between VOCs exposure and periodontitis, which was potentially mediated by systemic inflammation factors. Further longitudinal researches are demanded to clarify the underlying mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Caterpillar feeding immediately triggers the release of volatile compounds stored in the leaves of cotton plants. Additionally, after 1 d of herbivory, the leaves release other newly synthesised volatiles. We investigated whether these volatiles affect chemical defences in neighbouring plants and whether such temporal shifts in emissions matter for signalling between plants. Undamaged receiver plants were exposed to volatiles from plants infested with Spodoptera caterpillars. For receiver plants, we measured changes in defence‐related traits such as volatile emissions, secondary metabolites, phytohormones, gene expression, and caterpillar feeding preference. Then, we compared the effects of volatiles emitted before and after 24 h of damage on neighbouring plant defences. Genes that were upregulated in receiver plants following exposure to volatiles from damaged plants were the same as those activated directly by herbivory on a plant. Only volatiles emitted after 24 h of damage, including newly produced volatiles, were found to increase phytohormone levels, upregulate defence genes, and enhance resistance to caterpillars. These results indicate that the defence induction by volatiles is a specific response to de novo synthesised volatiles, suggesting that these compounds are honest signals of herbivore attack. These findings point to an adaptive origin of airborne signalling between plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, there has been a growing interest in the biocontrol activity of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) produced by microorganisms. This study specifically focuses on the effects of VOCs produced by the co-culture of Burkholderia vietnamiensis B418 and Trichoderma harzianum T11-W for the control of two phytopathogenic fungi, Botrytis cinerea and Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cucumerium Owen. The antagonistic activity of VOCs released in mono- and co-culture modes was evaluated by inhibition assays on a Petri dish and in detached fruit experiments, with the co-culture demonstrating significantly higher inhibitory effects on the phytopathogens on both the plates and fruits compared with the mono-cultures. Metabolomic profiles of VOCs were conducted using the solid–liquid microextraction technique, revealing 341 compounds with significant changes in their production during the co-culture. Among these compounds, linalool, dimethyl trisulfide, dimethyl disulfide, geranylacetone, 2-phenylethanol, and acetophenone were identified as having strong antagonistic activity through a standard inhibition assay. These key compounds were found to be related to the improved inhibitory effect of the B418 and T11-W co-culture. Overall, the results suggest that VOCs produced by the co-culture of B. vietnamiensis B418 and T. harzianum T11-W possess great potential in biological control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Our aim was to comprehensively investigate the relationship between blood volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and kidney stone prevalence for U.S. adults. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 10,052 participants from the 2007–2020 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were included. Multivariate logistic regression model was employed to investigate the association between 9 blood VOCs and kidney stones. We explored the dose–response relationship between blood VOCs and kidney stones using restricted cubic spline (RCS) analysis. Additionally, weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression model was performed to assess the overall association of 9 blood VOCs with kidney stones. Finally, subgroup analyses were conducted to identify the findings in different populations at high prevalence. Results: Logistic regression analysis and dose–response risk curves revealed that blood benzene (aOR = 1.308, 95% CI: 1.118–1.530, P = 0.001), blood ethylbenzene (aOR = 1.280, 95% CI: 1.054–1.554, P = 0.013), blood m-/p-xylene (aOR = 1.187, 95% CI: 1.008–1.398, P = 0.040), blood 2,5-dimethylfuran (aOR = 1.319, 95% CI: 1.135–1.533, P < 0.001) and blood furan (aOR = 1.698, 95% CI: 1.305–2.209, P < 0.001) were positively associated with the prevalence of kidney stones. WQS regression analysis revealed that exposure to mixed blood VOCs was positively correlated with kidney stone prevalence (OR = 1.34, 95% CI: 1.14–1.57), with furans carrying the greatest weight. Subgroup analyses suggested that kidney stones were more susceptible to the effects of blood VOCs in young and middle-aged, female, overweight and obese, non-hypertensive, and non-diabetic populations. Conclusions: In this study, the results indicated that high VOC exposure was positively and independently associated with kidney stones in U.S. adults. This finding highlighted the need for public health strategies to reduce VOC exposure and its role in kidney stone prevention and treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the characteristics and sources of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as well as their impacts on secondary organic aerosols (SOAs) formation during high-incidence periods of PM2.5 pollution, a field measurement was conducted in December 2019 in Hefei, a typical city of the Yangtze River Delta (YRD). During the whole process, the mixing ratios of VOCs were averaged as 21.1 ± 15.9 ppb, with alkanes, alkenes, alkyne, and aromatics accounting for 59.9%, 15.3%, 15.0%, and 9.8% of the total VOCs, respectively. It is worth noting that the contributions of alkenes and alkyne increased significantly during PM2.5 pollution periods. Based on source apportionment via the positive matrix factorization (PMF) model, vehicle emissions, liquefied petroleum gas/natural gas (LPG/NG), and biomass/coal burning were the main sources of VOCs during the research in Hefei. During pollution periods, however, the contribution of biomass/coal burning to VOCs increased significantly, reaching as much as 47.6%. The calculated SOA formation potential (SOAFP) of VOCs was 0.38 ± 1.04 µg m−3 (range: 0.04–7.30 µg m−3), and aromatics were the dominant contributors, with a percentage of 96.8%. The source contributions showed that industrial emissions (49.1%) and vehicle emissions (28.3%) contributed the most to SOAFP during non-pollution periods, whereas the contribution of biomass/coal burning to SOA formation increased significantly (32.8%) during PM2.5 pollution periods. These findings suggest that reducing VOCs emissions from biomass/coal burning, vehicle, and industrial sources is a crucial approach for the effective control of SOA formation in Hefei, which provides a scientific basis for controlling PM2.5 pollution and improving air quality in the YRD region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This proof-of-concept study aimed to assess the diagnostic potential of gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) in profiling volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from exhaled breath as a diagnostic tool for the chronic coronary syndrome (CCS). Methods: Exhaled air was collected from patients undergoing invasive coronary angiography (ICA), with all samples obtained prior to ICA. Post hoc, patients were divided into groups based on coronary lesion severity and indications for revascularization. VOCs in the breath samples were analyzed using GC-MS. Results: This study included 23 patients, of whom 11 did not require myocardial revascularization and 12 did. GC-MS analysis successfully classified 10 of the 11 patients without the need for revascularization (sensitivity of 91%), and 7 of the 12 patients required revascularization (specificity 58%). In subgroup analysis, GC-MS demonstrated 100% sensitivity in identifying patients with significant coronary lesions requiring intervention when the cohort was divided into three groups. A total of 36 VOCs, including acetone, ethanol, and phenol, were identified as distinguishing markers between patient groups. Conclusions: Patients with CCS exhibited a unique fingerprint of exhaled breath, which was detectable with GC-MS. These findings suggest that GC-MS analysis could be a reliable and non-invasive diagnostic tool for CCS. Further studies with larger cohorts are necessary to validate these results and explore the potential integration of VOC analysis into clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can arise from underlying metabolism and are detectable in exhaled breath, therefore offer a promising route to non-invasive diagnostics. Robust, precise, and repeatable breath measurement platforms able to identify VOCs in breath distinguishable from background contaminants are needed for the confident discovery of breath-based biomarkers. Objectives: To build a reliable breath collection and analysis method that can produce a comprehensive list of known VOCs in the breath of a heterogeneous human population. Methods: The analysis cohort consisted of 90 pairs of breath and background samples collected from a heterogenous population. Owlstone Medical's Breath Biopsy® OMNI® platform, consisting of sample collection, TD-GC-MS analysis and feature extraction was utilized. VOCs were determined to be "on-breath" if they met at least one of three pre-defined metrics compared to paired background samples. On-breath VOCs were identified via comparison against purified chemical standards, using retention indexing and high-resolution accurate mass spectral matching. Results: 1471 VOCs were present in > 80% of samples (breath and background), and 585 were on-breath by at least one metric. Of these, 148 have been identified covering a broad range of chemical classes. Conclusions: A robust breath collection and relative-quantitative analysis method has been developed, producing a list of 148 on-breath VOCs, identified using purified chemical standards in a heterogenous population. Providing confirmed VOC identities that are genuinely breath-borne will facilitate future biomarker discovery and subsequent biomarker validation in clinical studies. Additionally, this list of VOCs can be used to facilitate cross-study data comparisons for improved standardization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, our primary focus is the biomimetic design and rigorous evaluation of an economically viable and portable 'e-nose' system, tailored for the precise detection of a broad range of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in local Thai craft spirits. This e-nose system is innovatively equipped with cost-efficient metal oxide gas sensors and a temperature/humidity sensor, ensuring comprehensive and accurate sensing. A custom-designed real-time data acquisition system is integrated, featuring gas flow control, humidity filters, dual sensing/reference chambers, an analog-to-digital converter, and seamless data integration with a laptop. Deep learning, utilizing a multilayer perceptron (MLP), is employed to achieve highly effective classification of local Thai craft spirits, demonstrated by a perfect classification accuracy of 100% in experimental studies. This work underscores the significant potential of biomimetic principles in advancing cost-effective, portable, and analytically precise e-nose systems, offering valuable insights into future applications of advanced gas sensor technology in food, biomedical, and environmental monitoring and safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Main conclusion: New findings are presented for Chaerophyllum coloratum L. on the volatile composition of the essential oil, based on data of hydrosol and fresh plant material, light and electron microscopy of leaves, and cytotoxic and antiviral activity. The widespread Apiaceae family includes many well-known and economically important plants that are cultivated as food or spices. Many produce essential oils and are generally a source of secondary metabolites and compounds that have numerous applications in daily life. In this study, the chemical composition of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), ultrastructure and biological activity of the Mediterranean endemic species Cheaerophyllum coloratum L. are investigated, as literature data for this plant species are generally very scarce. The essential oil and hydrosol were extracted from the air-dried leaves by hydrodistillation and the chemical composition of both extracts was analysed by GC–MS in conjunction with headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) of VOCs from the hydrosol and the fresh plant material. In the composition of the essential oil, the oxygenated sesquiterpenes spathulenol and caryophyllene oxide were the most abundant components. In the fresh plant material, non-oxygenated sesquiterpenes dominated, with β-caryophyllene and germacrene D being the main components. The hydrosol was dominated by monoterpenes, with the oxygenated monoterpene p-cymen-8-ol being the most abundant. Light and electron micrographs of the leaf of C. coloratum show secretory structures, and we hypothesize that glandular leaf trichomes, secretory epidermal cells and secretory canals are involved in the production of volatiles and their secretion on the leaf surface. Since the biological potential of C. coloratum is poorly investigated, we tested its cytotoxic activity on cancer and healthy cell lines and its antiviral activity on plants infected with tobacco mosiac virus (TMV). Our results dealing with the composition, ultrastructure and biological activity show that C. coloratum represent a hidden valuable plant species with a potential for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND RESULTS CONCLUSIONS ‘Xynisteri’ is considered as the reference white grape cultivar in Cyprus with remarkable adaptation to adverse edaphoclimatic conditions and appreciable oenological properties that renders it as an appropriate cultivar for studies within a global context due to climate change. To this aim, two distinct non‐irrigated plots with different climatic conditions, soil properties and levels of rainfall were selected; Koilani [KO, altitude 800 m, 76% calcium carbonate (CaCO3) content, pH 7.97, average temperature: 16.5 °C, rainfall: 229 mm] and Kyperounda (KY, altitude 1200 m, CaCO3‐free soil, pH 6.47, average temperature: 14.9 °C, rainfall: 658 mm). An array of physiological, biochemical and qualitative indices during successive developmental stages (BBCH 75–89) were determined. During the advanced on‐vine developmental stages (BBCH 85–89), the aromatic profile of grapes was assessed with the employment of gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Such analysis was complemented with non‐destructive chemometric analyses.Berry ripening process substantially differed on the examined plots; BBCH 89 stage reached at 267 and 303 Julian days for KO and KY, respectively. Results indicated that berry weight, soluble solids content (SSC) and α‐amino nitrogen were higher in KO than in KY, with exception made for ammonium nitrogen content. A total of 75 compounds, including aliphatic alcohols, benzenic compounds, phenols, vanillins, monoterpenes and C13‐norisoprenoids were identified and quantified. The variations of mesoclimatic conditions affected the volatile organic compound (VOC) profiles at the fully‐ripe stage, showing a considerable rise in glycosylated aroma compounds, especially monoterpenes and benzenic compounds. In particular, the higher amount of glycosylated aroma compounds were obtained in KY berries up to mid‐ripe, whereas KO showed higher glycosylated aroma compounds at fully‐ripe stage. Results reported herein indicate that aroma profile of ‘Xynisteri’ grapes varied substantially in the examined terroirs. Interestingly, the limited rainfall in KΟ non‐irrigated vine did not compromise qualitative and aromatic properties of berries.The present study aimed at dissecting the impact of terroir on bush‐trained, non‐irrigated grapevines of a cultivar appropriate for extreme climate change scenarios. The volatilome fingerprint was highly variable among the examined plots; such results can be further exploited at vinification level towards production of single vineyard premium end products. © 2024 The Author(s). Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gaseous air pollutants emitted primarily by anthropogenic sources form secondary products through photochemical reactions, complicating the regulatory analysis of anthropogenic emissions in the atmosphere. We used an environmental chassis dynamometer and a photochemical smog chamber to conduct a parameter sensitivity experiment to investigate the formation of secondary products from a gasoline passenger car. To simulate the mitigation of ammonia emissions from gasoline vehicle exhausts assuming future emission controls and to allow photochemical oxidation and aging of the vehicle exhaust, ammonia was selectively removed by a series of five denuders installed between the vehicle and photochemical smog chamber. Overall, there were no differences in the formation of secondary organic aerosols and ozone with or without ammonia mitigation. However, the potential for ammonium nitrate particle formation was significantly reduced with ammonia mitigation. In addition, ammonia mitigation resulted in increased aerosol acidity due to nitric acid in the gas phase not being neutralized by ammonia and condensing onto the liquid particle phase, indicating a potentially important secondary effect associated with ammonia mitigation. Thus, we provide new insights into the effects of ammonia mitigation on secondary emissions from gasoline vehicle exhaust and into a potentially useful experimental approach for determining primary and secondary emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study characterizes cancer and non-cancer risks due to inhalation exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in a border city of Windsor in southern Ontario, Canada, using hourly ambient concentrations collected from 17 November 2021 to 17 March 2023. The total incremental lifetime cancer risk (CR) due to benzene and ethylbenzene is 4.33 × 10−6, which is in the acceptable risk range of 1 × 10−6 to 1 × 10−4 used by the USEPA. The CR was higher in winter (5.20 × 10−6), followed by fall (4.32 × 10−6), spring (3.86 × 10−6), and summer (2.96 × 10−6), all in the acceptable range. The total chronic non-cancer risk (Hazard Quotient, HQ) of inhalation exposure to 16 VOCs was 0.0488, with a higher value in fall (0.0571), followed by winter (0.0464), and lower in spring (0.0454) and summer (0.0451), all in the safe level of below HQ = 1 used by the USEPA. The hazard index (HI) by organs was higher for the nervous system (0.0213), followed by the hematologic system and immune system (0.0165 each), but much lower for the other five target organs, i.e., the liver/kidney (1.52 × 10−4), developmental system (3.38 × 10−4), endocrine system and urinary system (2.82 × 10−4 each), and respiratory system (9.70 × 10−5). Similar hour-of-day trends were observed in the total CR, total HQ, and HI by organs with higher values in the early morning hours of 5:00–8:00 and lower values during 12:00 to 15:00. Benzene was the major contributor to both total CR (89%) and total HQ (34%) due to its high toxicity and high concentrations. Benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes (BTEX) contributed 100% of the total CR and 51% of the total HQ. Further, BTEX is the sole contributor to the HI for the hematologic system and immune system and the major contributor to the HI for the nervous system (39%) and developmental system (55%). Higher cancer and non-cancer risks were associated with the airmass from the east, southeast, and southwest of Windsor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Breath samples from patients with type 1 diabetes can be used to train dogs. • Odours used by glycaemic alert dogs are preserved during sampling and storage. • Volatile organic compound profiles differ with blood glucose concentration. • Collection material, day of collection and storage length all affect VOC profiles. Tight control of blood glucose can reduce the risk of severe health consequences of type 1 diabetes. For individuals with impaired awareness of hypoglycemia, glycemic control can be especially challenging. Fear of hypoglycemic events can lead individuals to adjust their glucose management resulting in poor glycemic control. Glycemic alert dogs trained on breath odor have been shown to accurately alert to changes in blood glucose in individuals with type 1 diabetes, providing them with an opportunity to intervene before dangerous fluctuations occur. By analyzing the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) of breath samples used during glycemic alert dog training, the aim of this study is to see if we, too, can detect differences in odor associated with blood glucose in type 1 diabetes. Breath samples from an individual with type 1 diabetes were collected during euglycemia, hypoglycemia, and hyperglycemia and analyzed using thermal desorption gas-chromatography time-of-flight mass-spectrometry. Statistical analysis with permutational multivariate analysis of variance, canonical analysis of principal coordinates, and random forest found significant differences in VOC profiles at different blood glucose concentrations. In addition, factors such as collection material, day of sample collection, and storage length had significant effects on the VOC profiles of samples. These findings show the complexity of the samples glycemic alert dogs are presented with and can direct future sample collection, storage, and training protocols. Despite variations associated with collection methods, differences associated with blood glucose remained detectable, suggesting the odors used by glycemic alert dogs to detect hypoglycemia are preserved in training samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leaf litter decomposition, a crucial component of the global carbon cycle, relies on the pivotal role played by microorganisms. However, despite their ecological importance, leaf-litter-decomposing microorganism taxonomic and functional diversity needs additional study. This study explores the taxonomic composition, dynamics, and functional role of microbial communities that decompose leaf litter of forest-forming tree species in two ecologically unique regions of Europe. Twenty-nine microbial metagenomes isolated from the leaf litter of eight forest-forming species of woody plants were investigated by Illumina technology using read- and assembly-based approaches of sequences analysis. The taxonomic structure of the microbial community varies depending on the stage of litter decomposition; however, the community's core is formed by Pseudomonas, Sphingomonas, Stenotrophomonas, and Pedobacter genera of Bacteria and by Aureobasidium, Penicillium, Venturia genera of Fungi. A comparative analysis of the taxonomic structure and composition of the microbial communities revealed that in both regions, seasonal changes in structure take place; however, there is no clear pattern in its dynamics. Functional gene analysis of MAGs revealed numerous metabolic profiles associated with leaf litter degradation. This highlights the diverse metabolic capabilities of microbial communities and their implications for ecosystem processes, including the production of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during organic matter decomposition. This study provides important advances in understanding of ecosystem processes and the carbon cycle, underscoring the need to unravel the intricacies of microbial communities within these contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are ubiquitous environmental pollutants which have been suggested to have adverse effects on human health. While the influence of environmental pollutant exposures on periodontitis has attracted elevating attention in recent years, the epidemiological evidence on the association between VOCs exposure and periodontitis was scarce. This study aimed to investigate the potential mediating role of systemic inflammation factors in the complex association between VOCs exposure and periodontitis. Methods Utilizing data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011–2014, we examined the impacts of VOCs exposure on periodontitis. Concentrations of urinary metabolites of VOCs (mVOCs) were measured using electrospray tandem mass spectrometry to evaluate internal VOCs exposure. Multivariable logistic regression, restricted cubic spline regression (RCS), Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) and Quantile g-computation (QGC) models were performed to investigate the impacts of VOCs exposure on periodontitis. Mediation models were applied to assess the mediated effects of systemic inflammation on the association between mixed VOCs exposure and periodontitis. Besides, we analyzed the association between mixed VOCs exposure and periodontitis in stratified age, gender, and smoking status subgroups. Results 1,551 participants were ultimately included for further analyses, of whom 45.20% suffering from periodontitis. Multivariable logistic regression and RCS identified positive associations between single urinary mVOCs and periodontitis (P 0.05). Conclusion This study demonstrated a positive association between VOCs exposure and periodontitis, which was potentially mediated by systemic inflammation factors. Further longitudinal researches are demanded to clarify the underlying mechanisms.

Abstract Objective Our aim was to comprehensively investigate the relationship between blood volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and kidney stone prevalence for U.S. adults. Methods In this cross-sectional study, 10,052 participants from the 2007–2020 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were included. Multivariate logistic regression model was employed to investigate the association between 9 blood VOCs and kidney stones. We explored the dose–response relationship between blood VOCs and kidney stones using restricted cubic spline (RCS) analysis. Additionally, weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression model was performed to assess the overall association of 9 blood VOCs with kidney stones. Finally, subgroup analyses were conducted to identify the findings in different populations at high prevalence. Results Logistic regression analysis and dose–response risk curves revealed that blood benzene (aOR = 1.308, 95% CI: 1.118–1.530, P = 0.001), blood ethylbenzene (aOR = 1.280, 95% CI: 1.054–1.554, P = 0.013), blood m-/p-xylene (aOR = 1.187, 95% CI: 1.008–1.398, P = 0.040), blood 2,5-dimethylfuran (aOR = 1.319, 95% CI: 1.135–1.533, P

• The VOC emissions of leather with different grades and the health risk were studied. • The hexanal is the main cause of the unpleasant taste in low grade leathers. • The relationship between VOCs and health risk in sofa leathers were determined. • The leather materials barely pose health effects to residents. Furniture is identified as a vital volatile organic compound (VOC) emission source in the indoor environment. Leather has become the most common raw and auxiliary fabric material for upholstered furniture, particularly with extensive consumption in sofas, due to its abundant resources and efficient functions. Despite being widely traded across the world, little research has been conducted on the VOCs released by leather materials and their health risk assessment in the indoor environment. Accordingly, this study investigated the VOC emissions of leather with different grades and the health risk of the inhalation exposure. Based on the ultra-fast gas phase electronic nose (EN) and GC-FID/Qtof, the substantial emissions of aliphatic aldehyde ketones (Aks), particularly hexanal, appear to be the cause of off-flavor in medium and low grade (MG and LG) sofa leathers. The health risk assessment indicated that leather materials barely pose non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic effects to residents. Given the abundance of VOC sources and the accumulation of health risks in the indoor environment, more stringent specifications concerning qualitative and quantitative content should be extended to provide VOC treatment basic for the manufacturing industry and obtain better indoor air quality. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aphids and mites, which cause severe yield reductions, are commonly controlled by commercial insecticides, which has led to serious environmental problems. Research is currently being performed on developing safe and low-toxicity botanical pesticides, which are an effective way to reduce environmental pollution and pesticide residue in food. Trifolium pratense L. is a globally important forage and vulnerable to aphids and mites. The differences in secondary metabolites between infested leaves (ILs) and pest-free leaves (PFLs) of T. pratense were investigated by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to determine the chemical defense mechanism. The results revealed significant differences in the contents of fatty acids and isoflavones. The contents of neophytadiene, methyl linoleate, daidzein, genistein, formononetin, and biochanin A in ILs were significantly increased compared with PFLs. The insecticidal compounds were further separated by bioassay-directed fractionation against Myzus persicae Sulzer, Brevicoryne brassicae Linnaeus and Tetranychus cinnabarinus Boisduval. The ethyl acetate (EtOAc) extract had greater insecticidal activity than the petroleum ether (PE) extract. Notably, there was no significant difference between the EtOAc extract and avermectin at 1.00 mg/mL against T. cinnabarinus after 48 h. The following ten compounds were obtained from the PE and EtOAc extracts: prunetin (1), genistein (2), formononetin (3), biochanin A (4), 8-hydroxy-4',7-dimethoxyisoflavane (5), L-maackiain (6), 4-hydroxy-3-methoxy-(6aR,11aR)-8,9-methylenedioxypterocarpan (7), β-sitosterol (8), linoleic acid (9) and linoleic acid monoglyceride (10). Compound 7 exhibited the highest level of insecticidal activity, which was close to that of avermectin. The results indicated that isoflavones were the main active insecticidal components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to their high reactivity, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can engage in physical and chemical reactions with particulate matter in the atmosphere, leading to air pollution. Extended exposure to VOCs may result in various health concerns, including respiratory system problems, neurological effects, skin and eye irritation, and an increased risk of certain cancers. Traditional benchtop mass spectrometers possess the advantages of high sensitivity and rapid analysis capabilities, but the large size typically confines their applications to professional laboratories. To overcome this limitation, portable mass spectrometers are emerging as a new tool for in-situ analysis. In this study, a portable mass spectrometer based on discontinuous atmosphere pressure interface was developed, which combined with a sub-vacuum plasma ionization source. Ion trap, known for its small size and adequate performance, was adopted in this miniaturized mass spectrometer. This portable mass spectrometer features a total weight of about 4.6 kg, with the dimensions of 217 mm×162 mm×106 mm, and operates with a power consumption under 150 W. On this design, a fully metallic solenoid valve was selected as the core component to limit atmospheric pressure, eliminating the need for the rubber tubing used in traditional pinch valves. Compared to traditional pinch valves, this solenoid valve ensures a more stable airflow during experiments. As a result, the repeatability and environmental adaptability of the portable mass spectrometer were improved. A certain delay marked as radio freqency (RF) delay was introduced between the injection and cooling periods, and the RF-delay time was optimized. Frequency scanning mode and amplitude scanning mode were tested in parallel. Despite of a trade-off in size, amplitude scanning offered improved resolution, enabling the differentiation of ions with close mass to charge ratios. After systematic optimization, satisfactory performances in mass resolution and sensitivity were achieved. The mass resolution of the mass spectrometer for dimethyl carbonate was improved to 0.2 u (FWHM), and a sensitivity of 60 μg/m3 for naphthalene was achieved. The capability of mixed VOCs was also validated using dimethyl carbonate and trimethyl phosphate. This mass spectrometer developed in this study, characterized by its high portability and satisfactory performance, is expected to hold great potential for applications in VOCs analysis.

To examine the variances in volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and sensory attributes across various hop cultivars, an analytical approach was employed. Specifically, gas chromatography-ion mobility spectroscopy (GC-IMS), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and quantitative descriptive analysis (QDA) were employed to scrutinize the VOCs and sensory characteristics of four distinct hop varieties, namely Magnum, Palisade, Saaz, and Hersbrucker. The outcomes of QDA revealed a diverse array of sensory profiles in the hops, encompassing citrus and non-citrus fruit aromas, woody, floral, herbal, spicy, and green aromas, with noticeable distinctions in sensory attributes discernible among the various hop cultivars. The results showed that 79 VOCs were identified in the GC-IMS spectra of different varieties of hops, including terpenes, alcohols, esters, aldehydes, and ketones. 140 VOCs were identified in the GC-MS spectra of different varieties of hops, including terpenes, alcohols, ketones, esters, acids, and aldehydes, with terpenes and esters emerging as the prevailing constituents in hops. The principal component analysis (PCA) of different hop VOCs was performed to effectively identify the differences among hop varieties. This study can provide a valuable reference for the comprehensive analysis of VOCs and sensory attributes in hops. Furthermore, it contributes theoretical underpinnings to inform the precise application of hops in the context of beer brewing.

Abstract Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) represent a significant component of air pollution. However, studies evaluating the impact of VOC exposure on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have predominantly focused on single pollutant models. This study aims to comprehensively assess the relationship between multiple VOC exposures and COPD. A large cross-sectional study was conducted on 4983 participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Four models, including weighted logistic regression, restricted cubic splines (RCS), weighted quantile sum regression (WQS), and the dual-pollution model, were used to explore the association between blood VOC levels and the prevalence of COPD in the U.S. general population. Additionally, six machine learning algorithms were employed to develop a predictive model for COPD risk, with the model’s predictive capacity assessed using the area under the curve (AUC) indices. Elevated blood concentrations of benzene, toluene, ortho-xylene, and para-xylene were significantly associated with the incidence of COPD. RCS analysis further revealed a non-linear and non-monotonic relationship between blood levels of toluene and m-p-xylene with COPD prevalence. WQS regression indicated that different VOCs had varying effects on COPD, with benzene and ortho-xylene having the greatest weights. Among the six models, the Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) model demonstrated the strongest predictive power, with an AUC value of 0.781. Increased blood concentrations of benzene and toluene are significantly correlated with a higher prevalence of COPD in the U.S. population, demonstrating a non-linear relationship. Exposure to environmental VOCs may represent a new risk factor in the etiology of COPD.

The electronic nose aims to emulate the olfactory capabilities of osmatic animals, utilizing olfactory sensing array with different sensing characteristics to perceive odors. However, the separate precursors and preparation methods of sensing materials pose challenges in the fabrication of an olfactory sensing array. In this work, the customization of the surface crystal phase of Sr─Fe─O materials (SFO) is demonstrated through the control of annealing temperature, enabling the simple fabrication of an olfactory sensing array using a single precursor. Significantly, the SFO materials exhibit diverse proportions of surface crystal phases, showcasing varied selective characteristics toward volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The materials also demonstrate remarkable responsiveness, linearity, and response/recovery times. Furthermore, this study unraveles the intricate gas‐sensor mechanism through first principle calculations, revealing that Fe spin‐down d band center of Sr3Fe2O7, located near the Fermi level, significantly enhances the binding strength of intermediates, leading to a higher response specifically to certain VOCs. Integrating these materials into a unified device, the sensor array quantitatively and discriminatively detected different VOCs. The results indicate that SFO materials hold tremendous potential as a promising and easily manufacturable olfactory material system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To examine the variances in volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and sensory attributes across various hop cultivars, an analytical approach was employed. Specifically, gas chromatography-ion mobility spectroscopy (GC-IMS), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and quantitative descriptive analysis (QDA) were employed to scrutinize the VOCs and sensory characteristics of four distinct hop varieties, namely Magnum, Palisade, Saaz, and Hersbrucker. The outcomes of QDA revealed a diverse array of sensory profiles in the hops, encompassing citrus and non-citrus fruit aromas, woody, floral, herbal, spicy, and green aromas, with noticeable distinctions in sensory attributes discernible among the various hop cultivars. The results showed that 79 VOCs were identified in the GC-IMS spectra of different varieties of hops, including terpenes, alcohols, esters, aldehydes, and ketones. 140 VOCs were identified in the GC-MS spectra of different varieties of hops, including terpenes, alcohols, ketones, esters, acids, and aldehydes, with terpenes and esters emerging as the prevailing constituents in hops. The principal component analysis (PCA) of different hop VOCs was performed to effectively identify the differences among hop varieties. This study can provide a valuable reference for the comprehensive analysis of VOCs and sensory attributes in hops. Furthermore, it contributes theoretical underpinnings to inform the precise application of hops in the context of beer brewing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, online ambient volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were collected at an urban site of Zhengzhou in Central China during February 2018. The VOCs characteristics, source contributions and the Chinese New Year (CNY) effects have been investigated. During the sampling period, three haze periods have been identified, with the corresponding VOCs concentrations of (92 ± 45) ppbv, (62 ± 18) ppbv and (83 ± 34) ppbv; in contrast, the concentration during non-haze days was found to be (57 ± 27) ppbv. In addition, the festival effects of the CNY were investigated, and the concentration of particulate matter precursor decreased significantly. Meanwhile, firework-displaying events were identified, as the emission intensity had been greatly changed. Both potential source contribution function (PSCF) and the concentration weighted trajectory (CWT) models results indicated that short-distance transportation was the main influencing factor of the local VOCs pollution, especially by transport from the northeast. Source contribution results by the positive matrix factorization (PMF) model showed that vehicle exhaust (24%), liquid petroleum gas and natural gas (LPG/NG, 23%), coal combustion (21%), industrial processes (16%) and solvent usages (16%) were the major sources of ambient VOCs. Although industry and solvents have low contribution to the total VOCs, their secondary organic aerosol (SOA) contribution were found to be relatively high, especially in haze-1 and haze-3 periods. The haze-2 period had the lowest secondary organic aerosol potential (SOAp) during the sampling period; this is mainly caused by the reduction of industrial and solvent emissions due to CNY. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Strawberry aroma, crucial for determining quality, involves complex volatile compounds which are challenging to identify. This study explores strawberry aroma analysis using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and the Automated Mass Spectral Deconvolution and Identification System (AMDIS). Central to our research is the creation of a bespoke strawberry Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) user library using AMDIS, specifically for analyzing strawberry aromas. The library contains VOCs from 61 strawberry cultivars, integrating information on 104 VOCs, including mass spectra, retention index, chemical class, CAS number, formula, odor threshold, and odor description. This custom library significantly outperformed a commercial library by reducing potential false hits by 200, decreasing the size of report files by over 96%, and, most importantly, shortening AMDIS analysis processing time from 31 s to 9 s, representing an approximate 71% reduction. Further, the study demonstrates the library's practical application by contrasting the aroma profiles of strawberries harvested in winter and spring. This comparison revealed significant VOC variations depending on seasonal temperature changes, offering insights into environmental influences on strawberry aroma. In conclusion, this research marks a significant advance in strawberry aroma quality analysis. The strawberry VOC library developed in this study is expected to greatly aid targeted metabolomics and flavor research in strawberry breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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In recent years, the coastal area in East China has experienced elevated volatile organic compounds (VOCs) levels during specific periods. VOCs have become one of the major atmospheric pollutants in these areas. In this study, 64 compounds including alkanes, alkenes, halohydrocarbons, aromatics, and oxygenated VOCs (OVOCs) were obtained by the TO-15 method through a 12-month campaign in industrial, urban and suburban areas in the Yangtze River Delta of China. The overall trends of total VOC (TVOC) concentrations at eight sampling sites were as follows: winter > autumn > spring > summer. The proportion of VOC categories was various at industrial sites, while OVOCs and halohydrocarbons had high proportions at urban sites and suburban sites, respectively. Coating, vehicle emission, petrochemical source, industrial source, and gasoline volatilization were identified as the major VOC emission sources by the positive matrix factorization model. Petrochemical and coating sources were the prime VOC sources at industrial sites. Aromatics contributed the most ozone formation potential at industrial sites, while OVOCs provided the main contributions at both urban and suburban sites during four seasons. According to the health risk assessment, a high probability of non-carcinogenic risk existed at three industrial sites. Special attention should be given to certain VOCs, such as acrolein and 1,2-dibromoethane in industrial areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Air pollution is a critical issue impacting urban environments, leading to severe health problems and environmental degradation. This comprehensive review examines the potential of green systems—specifically green walls, active green walls, and urban greenery systems—to mitigate atmospheric pollutants such as particulate matter (PM), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and carbon dioxide (CO2). By systematically analyzing 44 recent studies, this review highlights the pollutant capture efficiency of various green technologies and plant species in both indoor and outdoor settings. Active green walls, particularly those utilizing plant species such as Chlorophytum comosum and Sansevieria trifasciata, were found to be highly effective, with VOC reduction efficiencies of up to 96.34%, PM reductions of 65.42%, and CO2 reduction rates reaching 4.8% under optimal conditions. This review identifies key strengths in current research, including diverse experimental setups and the use of sophisticated measurement techniques, but also notes significant limitations such as variability in experimental conditions and a lack of long-term performance data. This study underscores the importance of proper maintenance to sustain green systems' efficacy and highlights the potential issue of pollutant resuspension, which remains under-researched. Practical implications for urban planning are discussed, advocating for the integration of effective green systems into urban infrastructure to enhance air quality and public health. Recommendations for future research include the need for standardized metrics, long-term studies, economic feasibility analyses, and real-world validation of simulation models to better understand and optimize green systems for urban air pollution mitigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bispidine based Hg(II) coordination polymers of helical topology CP‐MeOH and CP‐EtOH are almost isostructural (they mainly differ for the solvent included in their lattice and by a small % in unit cell parameters) but they differ for everything else: i) their intrinsic stability, ii) their ability to adsorb solvents upon prior evacuation, iii) their accessible structural transformations. In particular, one of the two starting materials, once evacuated, is capable to adsorb methanol from atmospheres containing binary and ternary mixtures of volatile organic compounds (MeOH, CHCl3 and EtOH) under ambient conditions (25 °C, 1 atm) and with a marked selectivity. The other one is not, but undergoes a 1D to 2D dimensionality change which can be monitored in situ by SC‐XRD through a SC‐to‐SC process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) represent a significant component of air pollution. However, studies evaluating the impact of VOC exposure on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have predominantly focused on single pollutant models. This study aims to comprehensively assess the relationship between multiple VOC exposures and COPD. A large cross-sectional study was conducted on 4983 participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Four models, including weighted logistic regression, restricted cubic splines (RCS), weighted quantile sum regression (WQS), and the dual-pollution model, were used to explore the association between blood VOC levels and the prevalence of COPD in the U.S. general population. Additionally, six machine learning algorithms were employed to develop a predictive model for COPD risk, with the model's predictive capacity assessed using the area under the curve (AUC) indices. Elevated blood concentrations of benzene, toluene, ortho-xylene, and para-xylene were significantly associated with the incidence of COPD. RCS analysis further revealed a non-linear and non-monotonic relationship between blood levels of toluene and m-p-xylene with COPD prevalence. WQS regression indicated that different VOCs had varying effects on COPD, with benzene and ortho-xylene having the greatest weights. Among the six models, the Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) model demonstrated the strongest predictive power, with an AUC value of 0.781. Increased blood concentrations of benzene and toluene are significantly correlated with a higher prevalence of COPD in the U.S. population, demonstrating a non-linear relationship. Exposure to environmental VOCs may represent a new risk factor in the etiology of COPD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Closely-related plant groups with distinct microbiomes, chemistries and ecological characteristics represent tractable models to explore mechanisms shaping species spread, competitive dynamics and community assembly at the interface of native and introduced ranges. We investigated phyllosphere microbial communities, volatile organic compound (VOC) compositions, and potential interactions among introduced S. trilobata, native S. calendulacea and their hybrid in South China. S. trilobata exhibited higher α diversity but significantly different community composition compared to the native and hybrid groups. However, S. calendulacea and the hybrid shared certain microbial taxa, suggesting potential gene flow or co-existence. The potent antimicrobial VOC profile of S. trilobata, including unique compounds like p-cymene (13.33%), likely contributes to its invasion success. The hybrid's intermediate microbial and VOC profiles suggest possible consequences for species distribution, genetic exchange, and community assembly in heterogeneous environments. This hybrid deserves further study as both an opportunity for and threat to diversity maintenance. These differentiating yet connected plant groups provide insight into ecological and evolutionary dynamics shaping microbiome structure, species co-occurrence and competitive outcomes during biological exchange and habitat transformation. An interdisciplinary approach combining chemical and microbial ecology may reveal mechanisms underlying community stability and change, informing management of species spread in a globalized world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: As the prevalence of premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) continues to increase, exposure to environmental chemicals is being discussed as one factors causing POI but the vast majority of POI is idiopathic and the mechanisms are not clear. The purpose of this study is to explore the association between environmental chemicals and POI using data from the Korean National Environmental Health Survey (KoNEHS) collected between 2009 and 2012. Objectives: This study aims to demonstrate a correlation between EDCs and Premature Ovarian Insufficiency in Korean women. Results: The POI group shows higher concentrations of two phthalates, including metabolite–mono-n-butyl phthalate (MnBP) and mono-2-ethyl-5-hydroxyl phthalate (MEOHP), and urinary mercury than does the non-POI group. The POI group also shows significantly higher crustacean consumption and frozen food consumption. Using logistic regression analysis on metabolite of environmental pollutant and, lifestyle factors and dietary habits, the POI group varies significantly from the non-POI group only in metabolite–mono-n-butyl phthalate (MnBP). Conclusions: Our study shows relationships between exposure to environmental chemicals and POI in spite of low exposure levels, suggesting that exposure to environmental chemicals may affect the female reproductive system even under the human monitoring reference value (RV) threshold. Further study is needed to evaluate the causal relationship between low level chemical exposure and women's health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sea buckthorn juice has high nutritional value and a rich flavor that consumers enjoy. Traditional sea buckthorn thermal processing (TP) technology has problems such as low juice yield, poor quality, and poor flavor. Sea buckthorn berries are processed using a technique combining pulsed electric field (PEF) and high-pressure processing (HPP) to increase juice yield and study its impact on the quality and volatile aroma of sea buckthorn juice. Results have show that, compared with TP, under the condition of PEF-HPP, the juice yield of sea buckthorn significantly increased by 11.37% (p > 0.05); TP and PEF-HPP treatments could effectively kill microorganisms in sea buckthorn juice, but the quality of sea buckthorn juice decreased significantly after TP treatment (p > 0.05), whereas PEF-HPP coupling technology could maximally retain the nutrients of sea buckthorn juice while inhibiting enzymatic browning to improve color, viscosity, and particle size. The flavor of sea buckthorn juice is analyzed using electronic nose (E-nose) and gas chromatography–ion mobility spectrometer (GC–IMS) techniques, and it has been shown that PEF-HPP retains more characteristic volatile organic compounds (VOCs) of sea buckthorn while avoiding the acrid and pungent flavors produced by TP, such as benzaldehyde, (E)-2-heptenal, and pentanoic acid, among others, which improves the sensory quality of sea buckthorn juice. PEF-HPP technology is environmentally friendly and efficient, with significant economic benefits. Research data provide information and a theoretical basis for the sea buckthorn juice processing industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The challenges posed by volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions in iron ore sintering flue gas are significant. La-based perovskite catalysts offer a promising solution for efficiently degrading VOCs. In this study, a series of LaBO3 (B = Cu, Fe, Cr, Mn, Co) perovskite catalysts were synthesized using the sol-gel method. The influence of various B-site elements on the catalyst's structure and surface chemical properties was thoroughly examined. Simulations were conducted to assess the VOC reduction capabilities of these catalysts under conditions mimicking sintering flue gas composition. It was found that the crystallite size of the perovskite catalyst decreases as the ionic radius of the B-site elements increases, while the specific surface area, total pore volume, and average pore size increase correspondingly. Notably, LaCoO3 and LaMnO3 demonstrated exceptional activity, attributed primarily to their elevated surface oxygen concentration and oxygen migration capability, positioning them as highly promising materials for further development. Furthermore, a proposed mechanism elucidates the La-based perovskite catalytic reduction of toluene, wherein lattice oxygen and adsorbed oxygen undergo mutual conversion during the oxidation process. This mechanism aligns with the L-H and M-v-K models, providing a comprehensive understanding of the catalytic process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flexible self-cleaning surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) sensors are highly desirable for the detection of various environmental pollutants, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs). However, achieving sensitive detection without labeling and ensuring efficient cyclic use remain significant challenges. Herein, we introduce a direct approach to create a versatile Ni3S2/MoS2@Ag@PDMS (PDMS = polydimethylsiloxane) composite SERS substrate using chemical vapor deposition technology. The produced substrate shows outstanding performance, offering extremely low detection sensitivity (1.0 × 10−12 M 4-aminobenzenethiol) and high enhancement factors (approximately 107). The interactions between the rod-shaped Ni3S2/MoS2@Ag heterostructure and the molecules facilitate the transfer of charge, resulting in an increased electric field enhancement of the exciton resonance. This has the dual benefit of providing a self-cleaning effect and enhancing SERS efficiency. Importantly, the substrate enables sensitive detection of VOCs gas molecules without the need for labels, achieving a minimum detectable concentration as low as 1 ppm for o-dichlorobenzene, due to the preconcentration effect of PDMS. Theoretical calculations further explain the combined effect of electromagnetic and chemical enhancement in this composite substrate. By utilizing the developed visual SERS barcode, quick multiple detection and analysis of mixtures can be accomplished. This flexible and versatile SERS technique has significant potential for on-site detection and analysis of environmental pollutants, opening the doors for the development of a wearable in-situ SERS sensing platform. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leaf litter decomposition, a crucial component of the global carbon cycle, relies on the pivotal role played by microorganisms. However, despite their ecological importance, leaf-litter-decomposing microorganism taxonomic and functional diversity needs additional study. This study explores the taxonomic composition, dynamics, and functional role of microbial communities that decompose leaf litter of forest-forming tree species in two ecologically unique regions of Europe. Twenty-nine microbial metagenomes isolated from the leaf litter of eight forest-forming species of woody plants were investigated by Illumina technology using read- and assembly-based approaches of sequences analysis. The taxonomic structure of the microbial community varies depending on the stage of litter decomposition; however, the community’s core is formed by Pseudomonas, Sphingomonas, Stenotrophomonas, and Pedobacter genera of Bacteria and by Aureobasidium, Penicillium, Venturia genera of Fungi. A comparative analysis of the taxonomic structure and composition of the microbial communities revealed that in both regions, seasonal changes in structure take place; however, there is no clear pattern in its dynamics. Functional gene analysis of MAGs revealed numerous metabolic profiles associated with leaf litter degradation. This highlights the diverse metabolic capabilities of microbial communities and their implications for ecosystem processes, including the production of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during organic matter decomposition. This study provides important advances in understanding of ecosystem processes and the carbon cycle, underscoring the need to unravel the intricacies of microbial communities within these contexts.

China is one of the largest volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitters worldwide. The emission levels of and harm caused by VOCs have attracted much attention. China has implemented multiple policies for VOCs prevention and control but lacks economic control measures for VOCs In this study, the input-output (IO) price model was used to simulate and analyze the emission reduction and economic effects resulting from the imposition of a VOCs environmental protection tax (EPT) in 31 provinces in China. The results show that, first, the collection of a VOCs-EPT can achieve not only VOCs emission reductions but also the synergistic emission reductions of other major pollutants. Second, the collection of a VOCs-EPT could have a negative impact on the macroeconomy, i.e., the greater the tax scope and the higher the tax rate are, the greater the negative economic impact. Third, differences in the level of economic development, the structure of pollution emissions and the stringency of tax policies among regions would cause the emission reduction effect and related negative economic impact to vary across regions. Finally, the collection of a VOCs-EPT could have heterogeneous impacts on various industries, as high-emission industries would suffer greater negative impacts. Therefore, each region should set tax rates that match its provincial economic and environmental development levels. Furthermore, a VOCs-EPT can be levied on key industries, and reasonable preferential tax policies can be formulated to reduce negative macroeconomic benefits.

Objectives “Environmental Blindspots” are newly defined as a type of social problem within the realm of various environmental pollution and climate issues, wherein they are pushed down in priority due to factors such as corporate profit, consumer preferences, and government regulations, consequently remaining unresolved. This ultimately leads citizens to experience a sense of guilt. Despite the significant influence they wield on the welfare of current and future generations, various environmental social issues characterized by environmental blindspots (such as micro-hazardous substances like microplastics and environmental hormones) fail to become major considerations in societal decision-making. Consequently, they are not actively discussed within the social community. This absence of social consensus on these issues reflects the current situation. As a result, citizens repeatedly make choices that do not prioritize environmental values due to a perception of powerlessness stemming from the absence of environmentally friendly options, the belief that the issue is too immense to tackle individually, and lack of knowledge about specific actions to take for environmental problem-solving, among other factors. In this process, they experience involuntary and deliberate emotions of guilt. Since environmental blindspots are issues collectively experienced by the societal community comprising citizens, businesses, and government, solutions must also be derived collectively through collective thinking. This review has endeavored to incorporate such efforts. Methods In this review, to develop a more effective interdisciplinary research methodology for addressing the previously mentioned environmental social issues, ten interdisciplinary researchers from the Environmental Engineering and Social Sciences fields at the center for convergence research (SEBIS) collaborated, leveraging their respective expertise to document literature survey results. Firstly, they reported on the environmental behavior, toxicity, distribution, and regulatory status of micro-hazardous substances, namely (micro)plastics and volatile organic compounds, which are the research subjects of the Environmental Blindspot Research Center. Secondly, they compiled relevant treatment technologies. Subsequently, they described the socio-structural causes of environmental blindspots and various solutions to environmental social issues through social science methodologies. Results and Discussion To address the environmental blindspots, a key environmental social issue, it is necessary to advance various environmental technologies alongside responsible production by businesses and the enhancement of citizen environmental awareness. It is crucial for the government to institutionalize policies in the public domain to achieve this. Understanding the structural roles of citizens, businesses, and government is essential. It requires ethical consumer awareness and active participation, public campaigns and education, as well as effective government environmental policies to incentivize environmental friendly technological innovations by companies. Conclusion In this review, the issue of environmental blindspots as an environmental social issue is being addressed comprehensively for the first time. Through this, we aim to establish an effective communication and cooperation system among social entities to explore solutions to environmental blindspots, and to propagate this ability to address social issues to future academic generations.

Abstract This study aimed to identify carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) based on changes in levels of its volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in simulated blood cultures (BCs) using the gas chromatography–ion mobility spectrometry (GC–IMS) technique. A comprehensive analysis of volatile metabolites produced by Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae) in BC bottles was conducted using GC–IMS. Subsequently, the released VOCs were analyzed to examine differences in VOC release between CRKP and carbapenem-susceptible Klebsiella pneumoniae (CSKP). A total of 54 VOCs were detected, of which 18 (6 VOCs found in both monomer and dimer forms) were successfully identified. The VOCs produced by K. pneumoniae in BC bottles (BacT/ALERT® SA) were primarily composed of organic acids, alcohols, esters, and ketones. The content of certain VOCs was significantly different between CRKP and CSKP after the addition of imipenem (IPM). Moreover, the inclusion of carbapenemase inhibitors facilitated the identification of carbapenemase-producing K. pneumoniae based on the variations in VOCs. This study demonstrates the utility of GC–IMS technology in identifying CRKP, and reveals that changes in VOCs are closely related to the growth and metabolism of K. pneumoniae, indicating that they can be leveraged to promote early identification of CRKP bacteremia. However, further in-depth studies and experiments are needed to validate our findings.

Objective Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can exist in groundwater for a long time, thus causing harm to human body. Methods To characterize the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) pollution in the organic-contaminated phreatic zone beneath a decommissioned oil refinery in Northwest China, investigations and sample testing were carried out and possible health risks were assessed in the study area. Results A total of 18 VOCs were detected in the groundwater at the site, with detection rates ranging from 6.25% to 56.25%. Benzene and 1, 2, 4-trimethylbenzene were the main characteristic pollutants, with adetection rate being 56.25%, both of which exceeded the class Ⅲ standard of the Groundwater Quality Standard (GB/T14848-2017) in China by 50%. The pollutants at the site mainly originated from the vertical seepage from the former liquefied gas storage tank area and the former diesel oil irrigation area, indicating that these two areas may be the main pollution sources of groundwater at the site. The distribution of pollutants was influenced by hydrogeological conditions and groundwater flow direction, with pollution occurring in groundwater downstream of the site.The results of the health risk assessment showed a predominant health risk posed by drinking water. 83.3% of the points had a cancer risk (CR) value greater than 10-6, indicating a possible cancer risk. The CR value for GW11 located in the residual oil tank area was greater than 10-4, indicating a significant cancer risk. 50% of the points had a hazard quotient (HQ) greater than 1, which would pose a noncarcinogenic risk and influence human health. Conclusion Therefore, the attention and control of regional drinking water issues should be strengthened in the future.

Bronchial asthma, which is the most common chronic disease of the respiratory system, causes significant diagnostic problems in younger children due to the difficulty of performing typical respiratory function tests, including spirometry. This problem is especially important for paediatricians, allergists, and pulmonologists. A new, promising method of objectifying allergic inflammation in the respiratory tract is the measurement of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in exhaled air. They are formed during the metabolic processes of the body’s cells and the microorganisms that inhabit it. Clinical benefits of the VOC profile have been proven in differentiating asthma phenotypes, monitoring its course, predicting exacerbations, and responding to treatment. However, further studies are needed to standardise this process and establish reference standards. The aim of this study is to review the latest literature on the usefulness of VOC profiles in exhaled air and the composition of the microbiome in children with bronchial asthma.

To investigate the optimum parameters of gas chromatography ion mobility spectrometry (GC-IMS) in determination of flavors and fragrances in tobacco. The effects of reaction parameters such as chromatographic column temperature, incubation temperature, incubation time and injection volume are evaluated with the number of identified characteristic peaks, peak intensity and peak pacing as indexes by an orthogonal L9 (34) test. Furthermore, prediction of test results is conducted based on the PLS method. Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) is used to optimize the parameters. The collection of 30 different flavors and fragrances are tested by GC – IMS which operation parameters are set according to optimal results. The results show that a total of 60 kinds of the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are identified across all samples, including aldehydes, ketones, alcohols, esters, ethers and so on. Therefore, by means of fingerprints can infer the general composition of fragrance-base or distinguish flavors and fragrances.