Probiotics may be used to enhance the functionality and nutritional values of fermented sausages. This study aims to evaluate the physicochemical and sensory properties of beef sausages fermented by lactic acid bacteria of Lactobacillus plantarum IIA-2C12 and L. acidophilus IIA-2B4. These strains were isolated from beef cattle and have shown to display probiotic features. While the nutrient contents were not affected by the probiotics, the pH, texture, and color varied among the sausages. Further analysis on fatty acids showed different profiles of saturated (C14:0, C17:0, and C20:0) and unsaturated (C14:1, C18:1n9c, C18:2n6c, and C22:6n3) fatty acids in sausages with probiotics. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry further revealed some flavor development compounds including acid, alcohols, aldehydes, aromatic, ketones, sulfur, hydrocarbons and terpenes, varied among the sausages. Hedonic test showed no difference in the preference toward aroma, texture, and color for untrained panelists.
Matched MeSH terms: Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry
Background:Helicobacter pylori colonizes the gastric mucosa of more than half of the world's population. There is increasing evidence H. pylori protects against the development of obesity and childhood asthma/allergies in which the development of these diseases coincide with transient dysbiosis. However, the mechanism underlying the association of H. pylori eradication with human metabolic and immunological disorders is not well-established. In this study, we aimed to investigate the local and systemic effects of H. pylori eradication through untargeted fecal lipidomics and plasma metabolomics approaches by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Results: Our study revealed that eradication of H. pylori eradication (i.e., loss of H. pylori and/or H. pylori eradication therapy) changed many global metabolite/lipid features, with the majority being down-regulated. Our findings primarily show that H. pylori eradication affects the host energy and lipid metabolism which may eventually lead to the development of metabolic disorders. Conclusion: These predictive metabolic signatures of metabolic and immunological disorders following H. pylori eradication can provide insights into dynamic local and systemic metabolism related to H. pylori eradication in modulating human health.
With a diverse host range, Meloidogyne incognita (root-knot nematode) is listed as one of the most economically important obligate parasites of agriculture. This nematode species establishes permanent feeding sites in plant root systems soon after infestation. A compatible host-nematode interaction triggers a cascade of morphological and physiological process disruptions of the host, leading to pathogenesis. Such disruption is reflected by altered gene expression in affected cells, detectable using molecular approaches. We employed a high-throughput proteomics approach to elucidate the events involved in a compatible banana- M. incognita interaction. This study serves as the first crucial step in developing natural banana resistance for the purpose of biological-based nematode management programme. We successfully profiled 114 Grand naine root proteins involved in the interaction with M. incognita at the 30th- and 60th- day after inoculation (dai). The abundance of proteins involved in fundamental biological processes, cellular component organisation and stress responses were significantly altered in inoculated root samples. In addition, the abundance of proteins in pathways associated with defence and giant cell maintenance in plants such as phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, glycolysis and citrate cycle were also implicated by the infestation.
The presence of erectile dysfunction (ED) drugs in adulterated dietary supplements, mainly in pharmaceutical dosage forms, is frequently addressed in the literature. Little attention is given to food products despite their increasing adulteration trend. To address this knowledge gap targeted, suspected-target, and non-targeted strategies were utilised to analyse ED drugs and their analogues in powdered drink mix (PDM), honey, jelly, hard candy, and sugar-coated chewing gum using liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS). The method was optimised and validated using 23 target analytes, representing different ED drugs with structural similarities. The modified quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe (QuEChERS) extraction exhibited insignificant matrix effect (ME) within - 9.2-8.8% and provided complete coverage of target analytes with acceptable extraction recovery (RE) within 75.5-123.9%, except for carbodenafil in the PDM matrix. Based on the ME and RE performance, the analytical method was validated to analyse 25 food samples that claimed to enhance male sexual performance. The method exhibited good specificity and linearity with a limit of detection within 10-70 ng/mL and limit of quantification of 80 ng/mL. Similarly, the accuracy and precision were satisfactory within 77.4-122.0% and
Introduction: Drug-resistance is a major hindrance to successful treatment of AML. Current predictive biomarkers are mainly genetic aberrations and insufficient in foretelling treatment outcome in all acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) due to its heterogeneous and aggressive nature. Proteins are stable and reliable. Secreted proteins in AML may have predictive or prognostic values for early intervention. Proteomic studies on AML are few and further investigations will benefit in selection of best markers. The aim of the study was to identify differentially expressed plasma proteins in AML with different treatment outcome. Methods: Two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE) technique was utilised to identify proteins differentially expressed in chemo-sensitive/chemo-resistant AML. Plasma and peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) lysate proteome analysis were performed on six chemo-resistant, four chemo-sensitive and six healthy controls and seven chemo-resistant, three chemo-sensitive and six healthy controls, respectively. Each experiment was conducted in duplicate or triplicate. Images were captured and protein spots detected by software. Differentially expressed protein spots were excised from gel and proteins were identified using LC/MS/MS. Proteins spots that were also detected in healthy controls were excluded. Results: Comparing mean % volume of each spot demonstrated significantly enhanced expression of apoliprotein-E (APO-E) and haptoglobin (HP) (p
Zeylanicobdella arugamensis (Hirudinea), a marine parasitic leech, not only resulted in the mortality of the host fish (Groupers) but also caused economic losses. The current study aimed to elucidate the antiparasitic efficacy of the aqueous extract of the Azadirachta indica leaves against Z. arugamensis and to profile the composition via LC-Q Exactive HF Orbitrap mass spectrometry. Different concentrations (25, 50 and 100 mg/mL) of A. indica extract were prepared and tested on the parasitic leeches. The total mortality of leeches was noticed with an exposure to the A. indica aqueous extract. The average times required for the aqueous extract at concentrations of 25, 50 and 100 mg/mL to kill the leeches were 42.65 ± 9.20, 11.69 ± 1.11 and 6.45 ± 0.45 min, respectively, in a dose-dependent manner. The Orbitrap mass spectrometry analysis indicated the presence of five flavonoids (myricetin 3-O-galactoside, trifolin, isorhamnetin, quercetin and kaempferol), four aromatics (4-methoxy benzaldehyde, scopoletin, indole-3-acrylic acid and 2,4-quinolinediol), three phenolics (p-coumaric acid, ferulic acid and phloretin) and two terpenoids (pulegone and caryophyllene oxide). Thus, our study indicates that A. indica aqueous extract is a good source of metabolites with the potential to act as a biocontrol agent against the marine parasitic leech in aquaculture.
Introduction: Pesticides may influence the physicochemical properties of soil and the water quality parameters, which is vital in maintaining soil fertility and producing high quality crops. Objective: This study aims to determine the relationship between the concentration of pesticides, the physicochemical properties of the paddy soil samples and the water quality parameters of paddy water samples. Methods: A total of 72 soil and 72 water samples were collected in Tanjung Karang, Malaysia. The paddy soil and water were extracted using Quick, Easy, Cheap, Efficient, Rugged and Safe (QuEChERS) and solid phase extraction (SPE) techniques respectively. The concentrations of pesti- cides were analysed in ultra-high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS). The relationship of the concentration of target pesticides and the paddy soil and water physicochemical properties were studied using Spearman correlation. Results: In paddy soil, the concentration of propiconazole shows moderate positive correlation with manganese (Mn) (r = 0.587) (p 0.01). Meanwhile buprofezin-total organic carbon (TOC) (r = -0.55) (p 0.01), imidacloprid-cation exchange capacity (CEC) (r = -0.519) (p 0.01), pymetrozine-sodium (Na) (r = -0.588) (p 0.01), and trifloxystrobin-calcium (Ca) (r = 0.566) (p 0.01) showed moderate negative correlation. Whereas in water, trifloxystrobin showed significant positive correlation with turbidity (r = 0.718) (p 0.01) and te- buconazole showed negative correlation to dissolved oxygen (DO) (r = 0.634) (p 0.01). Conclusion: The presence of pesticides in paddy field may influence the soil and water quality, thus regular monitoring of pesticides usage and nutrient management in soil is deemed important.
Strobilanthes crispus and Clinacanthus nutans are popular herbal plants in the Southeast
Asian region. The present work was aimed at determining the antioxidant activities and the
associated components in the leaf extracts of both species using polar and non-polar solvents
namely water, methanol, ethyl acetate, and hexane. The total phenolic content (TPC) and total
flavonoid content (TFC) were higher in the leaf extracts of S. crispus as compared to C.
nutans. Among the solvents, methanol was the best solvent in extracting the antioxidant
components for S. crispus (TPC: 159.85 ± 0.89 mg GAE/g extract and TFC: 955.47 ± 2.66 mg
RE/g extract). However, for C. nutans, its methanolic extract yielded the highest TPC (36.39
± 0.17 mg GAE/g extract), whereas ethyl acetate yielded the highest TFC (229.61 ± 7.81 mg
RE/g extract). The high levels of both TPC and TFC contributed to the antioxidant activities
of S. crispus extract as reflected in the methanolic extract attaining the highest level of
antioxidant activities, measured by ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) (6.84 ± 1.12
mmol Fe2+/g extract), DPPH radical scavenging (IC50: 203.60 ± 7.28 μg/mL), and Trolox
equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) (1.01 ± 0.01 mmol TE/g extract) assays. This
contrasted with C. nutans which showed lower antioxidant activities owing to its lower TPC
and TFC. Correlation analysis revealed significant correlations (p < 0.05, r = 0.915 - 0.985)
between both TPC and TFC in S. crispus and antioxidant activities. However, only TPC of C.
nutans showed a significant correlation with FRAP values (r = 0.934). Further tentative
identification of the constituents in the extracts using HPLC-ESI-QToF-MS/MS revealed the
existence of 20 polyphenolic compounds in both S. crispus and C. nutans, which were likely
responsible for their antioxidant activities. In addition, 15 polyphenolic compounds classified
as chalcones, isoflavanoids, flavones, and flavonols have not been previously reported in both
species. The methanolic extracts of both species yielded a higher content of antioxidants, with
S. crispus offering a richer source of dietary antioxidants as compared to C. nutans. However,
further study is needed to identify their bioactivities in relation to their bioactive components.
Sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) is a very important food additive as well as for its therapeutic and cosmetic potential. The composition of essential oils in plants is affected by genetics and environmental conditions, which is determined by growth region and harvesting time in terms of ontogenetical variability. This study was carried out to assess the effect of plant ontogeny (pre-flowering, at flowering, fruiting) on essential oil content and chemical constituents for four sweet basil cultivated under irrigation conditions in the experimental farm of the National Oilseed Processing Research Institute (NOPRI), University of Gezira, Sudan. The essential oils were hydro-distilled from the leaves using Clevenger apparatus and the chemical constituents were determined by GC-MS. The results reveal that the essential oil yield content ranged from 0.1% to 0.2% at pre-flowering stage, whereas the oil content obtained at post-flowering stage was 0.1% for the investigated accessions. The highest essential oil content was recorded at flowering stage (0.2-0.5%), where the two Sudanese accessions had the maximum content (0.5%). The major chemical constituents, linalool, citral, methyleugenol, and eucalyptol reported at different developmental stages, punctuated between 5.73% and 32.93% in the four investigated accessions.
Matched MeSH terms: Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry
The optimum combination of Baccaurea angulata fruit juice (X1: 15 - 85 ratio) and Trigona sp. honey (TH) (X2: 15 - 85 ratio) in developing a high antioxidant soft jelly was investigated based
on the antioxidant capacity (Y1), phenolic (Y2), and flavonoid (Y3) content. Response surface
methodology (RSM), via central composite design (CCD), was used to produce optimal combination effects of the two independent variables (B. angulata fruit juice and TH) for highest
recovery of antioxidant capacity (AC), total phenolic content (TPC), and total flavonoid content
(TFC). The polynomial models generated were satisfactory. The lack-of-fit test were higher
than p > 0.05 for all three analyses, signifying the suitability of the models in accurately predicting the variations. Predicted values of the analysis agreed with those of the experimental values.
An optimum combination of B. angulata fruit juice and TH was developed (ratio 40:40). The
sample also exhibited significant FRAP and DPPH radical scavenging activities. Several
polyphenols were identified for the samples through UHPLC-MS/MS. In conclusion, B. angulata and Trigona sp. honey have high potentials to be used in fortifying the soft jelly samples,
making them prospective food supplements due to their nutritional and health benefits.
The pressing need for SARS-CoV-2 controls has led to a reassessment of strategies to identify and develop natural product inhibitors of zoonotic, highly virulent, and rapidly emerging viruses. This review article addresses how contemporary approaches involving computational chemistry, natural product (NP) and protein databases, and mass spectrometry (MS) derived target-ligand interaction analysis can be utilized to expedite the interrogation of NP structures while minimizing the time and expense of extraction, purification, and screening in BioSafety Laboratories (BSL)3 laboratories. The unparalleled structural diversity and complexity of NPs is an extraordinary resource for the discovery and development of broad-spectrum inhibitors of viral genera, including Betacoronavirus, which contains MERS, SARS, SARS-CoV-2, and the common cold. There are two key technological advances that have created unique opportunities for the identification of NP prototypes with greater efficiency: (1) the application of structural databases for NPs and target proteins and (2) the application of modern MS techniques to assess protein-ligand interactions directly from NP extracts. These approaches, developed over years, now allow for the identification and isolation of unique antiviral ligands without the immediate need for BSL3 facilities. Overall, the goal is to improve the success rate of NP-based screening by focusing resources on source materials with a higher likelihood of success, while simultaneously providing opportunities for the discovery of novel ligands to selectively target proteins involved in viral infection.
Crocodiles are remarkable animals that have the ability to endure extremely harsh conditions and can survive up to a 100 years while being exposed to noxious agents that are detrimental to Homo sapiens. Besides their immunity, we postulate that the microbial gut flora of crocodiles may produce substances with protective effects. In this study, we isolated and characterized selected bacteria colonizing the gastrointestinal tract of Crocodylusporosus and demonstrated their inhibitory effects against three different cancerous cell lineages. Using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, several molecules were identified. For the first time, we report partial analyses of crocodile's gut bacterial molecules.
Humans are exposed to endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) in tap water via drinking water. Currently, most of the analytical methods used to assess a long list of EDCs in drinking water have been made available only for a single group of EDCs and their metabolites, in contrast with other environmental matrices (e.g., surface water, sediments, and biota) for which more robust methods have been developed that allow detection of multiple groups. This study reveals an analytical method of one-step solid phase extraction, incorporated together with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry for the quantification of multiclass EDCs (i.e., pharmaceuticals, hormones, plasticizers, and pesticides) in drinking water. Fifteen multiclass EDCs significantly varied in amount between field samples (p
Cryptocarya species are mainly distributed in Africa, Asia, Australia and South America, widely used in traditional medicines for the treatment of skin infections and diarrhea. The present investigation reports on the extraction by hydrodistillation and the chemical composition of three Cryptocarya species (Cryptocarya impressa, Cryptocarya infectoria, and Cryptocarya rugulosa) essential oils from Malaysia. The chemical composition of these essential oils was fully characterized by gas chromatography (GC-FID) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). A total of 51 components were identified in C. impressa, C. infectoria, and C. rugulosa essential oils representing 91.6, 91.4, and 83.0% of the total oil, respectively. The high percentages of α-cadinol (40.7%) and 1,10-di-epi-cubenol (13.4%) were found in C. impressa oil. β-Caryophyllene (25.4%) and bicyclogermacrene (15.2%) were predominate in C. infectoria oil. While in C. rugulosa oil, bicyclogermacrene (15.6%), δ-cadinene (13.8%), and α-copaene (12.3%) were predominate. To the best of our knowledge, there is no report on the essential oil composition of these three species.
Matched MeSH terms: Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry
A total of fourteen pyrazoline derivatives were synthesized through cyclo-condensation reactions by chalcone derivatives with different types of semicarbazide. These compounds were characterized by IR, 1D-NMR (1H, 13C and Distortionless Enhancement by Polarization Transfer - DEPT-135) and 2D-NMR (COSY, HSQC and HMBC) as well as mass spectroscopy analysis (HRMS). The synthesized compounds were tested for their antituberculosis activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Ra in vitro. Based on this activity, compound 4a showed the most potent inhibitory activity, with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value of 17 μM. In addition, six other synthesized compounds, 5a and 5c-5g, exhibited moderate activity, with MIC ranges between 60 μM to 140 μM. Compound 4a showed good bactericidal activity with a minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) value of 34 μM against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Ra. Molecular docking studies for compound 4a on alpha-sterol demethylase was done to understand and explore ligand-receptor interactions, and to hypothesize potential refinements for the compound.
Introduction: Manilkara zapota (L.) P. Royen or sapodilla is a fruit-bearing tree that has been cultivated mainly in tropical areas including Mexico and South East Asia. The fruits and the other parts of M. zapota plant have been used since ages ago for various medicinal purposes. However, the data on the antioxidant properties of various parts of M. zapota is limited. Therefore, we aimed to measure the content and capacity of antioxidants in various M. zapota plant parts and also to screen the phytoconstituents present in the part with the highest antioxidant content and capacity. Methods: The in vitro antioxidant evaluation including the content of total phenolic (TPC) and total flavonoids (TFC) as well as β-carotene bleaching and 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging ability of the leaves, seeds, flesh, and peels of M. zapota extracted by aqueous and ethanol were determined. The plant part that exhibited the highest TPC, TFC, and antioxidant capacity was selected for phytoconstituents identification using liq- uid chromatography mass spectrometry. Results: M. zapota leaves aqueous extract exhibited the highest TPC, TFC, and antioxidant capacities and therefore selected for phytoconstituents identification. Our study provide additional data in which a total of 39 phytoconstituents have been identified in the M. zapota leaves including m-coumaric acid, quinic acid, robinetinidol-4alpha-ol, isoorientin 6’’-O-caffeate, apocynin A, and C16 Sphinganine. Conclusion: Thus, our study revealed that M. zapota leaves aqueous extract has potential as a promising naturally-occurring an- tioxidant candidate which could be useful for medicinal and nutritional functions.
Clinacanthus nutans has been reported to have many medicinal properties and it is traditionally used in treating viral lesions. This study aims to determine the molecular docking of C. nutans compounds detected by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) with the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2 main protease) protein and its host receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) protein using the AutoDock 4.2 tool. The drug-likeness and molecular docking analyses showed that fourteen compounds of C. nutans satisfied the Lipinski's rule of five and they exhibited good inhibitory effects against the SARS-Cov-2 main protease and ACE2 proteins. In addition, the glyceryl 2-linolenate compound was found to have the most potent binding affinities with both proteins. The results provide useful insights into the molecular inhibitory interactions of C. nutans compounds detected by GC-MS analysis with the targeted SARS-CoV-2 main protease and ACE2 protein.
Matched MeSH terms: Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry
Introduction: Inhibition of the cholinesterase’s function leads to paralysis and death. This mechanism is served as a common mode of action of insecticide. The three tropical seaweeds, namely Bryopsis pennata, Padina australis and Sargassum binderi were reported for its potential mosquito larvicidal effect. In the present study, these seaweeds were evaluated for their potential as a cholinesterase inhibitor in the mechanism of larvicidal action. Methods: Ace- tylcholinsterase (AChE) inhibition assay was carried out based on the colorimetric method using a microplate reader. Phytochemical content of the seaweed extracts was screened by using liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy (LC-MS). Results: Green seaweed B. pennata showed the strongest inhibition effect towards in vitro AChE by using
tissue homogenates of Aedes aegypti (IC50 value = 0.84 mg mL ) and Aedes albopictus as the enzyme source (IC
-1
value = 0.92 mg mL-1). The pattern of Lineweaver-Burk plots revealed that B. pennata was a mixed type inhibitor of
AChE, as the readings of Km, Vmax, Ki and Ki’, indicates that it had a strong inhibition ability with high binding affin- ity towards both free enzyme and enzyme-substrate complex. Conclusion: These findings suggest the compound(s) in
B. pennata extract serves as a promising source that could be developed into a mosquito larvicidal agent with AChE inhibition effect.
Fine particulate matter (aerodynamic diameter ≤2.5 μm) (PM2.5) has become a major concern because it can adsorb chemicals e.g. polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) onto its surface. Although PAHs are priority pollutants that can cause adverse health effect, there is still limited information concerning indoor exposures to PAHs in Malaysia. This study aimed to characterise the distribution of PAHs bounded to PM2.5in primary school environments. Indoor and outdoor PM2.5 were collected between May and July 2017 using low volume samplers (LVS) at three public primary schools in the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur. PAHs were extracted by ultrasonic extraction with Dichloromethane: n-Hexane (1:1, v/v) as the extraction solvent and analysed using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometer (GC-MS). Based on the results, the average total concentration of PAHs (∑PAHs) ranged from 3.8 to 10.1 ng m-3and 1.6 to 8.0 ng m-3for outdoors and indoors, respectively. PAHs in PM2.5samples indicated the potential contribution of combustion at high temperature and indoor sources and the infiltration of outdoor PAHs were the important sources for outdoor and indoor, respectively. In addition, the diagnostic ratio analysis showed that vehicular emissions were the most predominant sources of PAHs in school environments.
Matched MeSH terms: Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry
The formation of 3-monochloropropane-1,2-diol (3-MCPD) esters in refined palm oil during deodorisation is attributed to the intrinsic composition of crude palm oil. Utilising D-optimal design, the effects of the degumming and bleaching processes on the reduction in 3-MCPD ester formation in refined palm oil from poor-quality crude palm oil were studied relative to the palm oil minor components that are likely to be their precursors. Water degumming remarkably reduced 3-MCPD ester formation by up to 84%, from 9.79 mg/kg to 1.55 mg/kg. Bleaching with synthetic magnesium silicate caused a further 10% reduction, to 0.487 mg/kg. The reduction in 3-MCPD ester formation could be due to the removal of related precursors prior to the deodorisation step. The phosphorus content of bleached palm oil showed a significant correlation with 3-MCPD ester formation.
Matched MeSH terms: Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry