Smoke of Capsicum baccatum L. var. baccatum (Solanaceae) repels nymphs of triatoma infestans (Klug) (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) / Humo de capsicum baccatum L. var. baccatum (Solanaceae) repele las ninfas de Triatoma infestans (Klug) (Hemiptera: Reduviidae)

Control of the Chagas disease vector, Triatoma infestans (Klug) (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) with synthetic pesticides in Bolivia has become increasingly inefficient due to the development of resistance in the insects. In the Chaco region of Bolivia, guaraní populations have approached the problem by fumigating their houses with the smoke of native plants. Through interviews and field work with local guides, the main plant used by the guaraníes was collected and later identified as Capsicum baccatumL. var. baccatum (Solanaceae). In choice bioassays, filter papers exposed to the smoke of the plant repelled nymphs of T. infestans. Activity remained significant after storing the exposed filter papers for 9 days. Chemical analysis of smoke and literature data suggested that capsaicinoids present in the smoke were responsible for the repellent effect. The data presented provide a rationale for the use of C. baccatumvar. baccatumto control the Chagas vector bythe guaraní populations.

El control del vector de la enfermedad de Chagas, Triatoma infestans (Klug) (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) con plaguicidas sintéticos en Bolivia se ha vuelto cada vez más ineficiente debido al desarrollo de resistencias en los insectos. En la región del Chaco de Bolivia, las poblaciones guaraníes han abordado el problema fumigando sus casas con el humo de las plantas nativas. A través de entrevistas y trabajo de campo con guías locales, se recogió la principal planta utilizada por los guaraníes y posteriormente se identificó como Capsicum baccatumL. var. baccatum (Solanaceae). En bioensayos selectos, los papeles de filtro expuestos al humo de la planta repelieron a las ninfas de T. infestans. La actividad siguió siendo significativa después de almacenar los papeles de filtro expuestos durante 9 días. El análisis químico del humo y los datos de la literatura sugieren que los capsaicinoides presentes en el humo eran responsables del efecto repelente. Los datos presentados proporcionan una justificación para el uso de C. baccatum var. baccatum para el control del vector Chagas por las poblaciones guaraníes.

Caracterização de cereja-do-rio grande (Eugenia involucrata DC. ) e grumixama (Eugenia brasiliensis LAM. ), frutos nativos da Mata Atlântica, quanto a compostos voláteis e precursores / Volatile compounds and precursors characterization of the Grumixama (Eugenia brasiliensis LAM. ) and Cereja-do-Rio-Grande (Eugenia involucrata DC. ), atlantic forest native fruits

Mesmo reduzida e fragmentada, o vasto bioma da Mata Atlântica abriga milhares de plantas. Como destaque, tem-se as espécies frutíferas, aos quais podem ser atribuídas um importante valor para a segurança alimentar, nutricional e sociocultural. Entre elas, têm-se a cereja-do-rio grande (Eugenia involucrata DC.) e a grumixama (Eugenia brasiliensis Lam.), caracterizadas pela polpa de sabor doce-acidulado, sendo muito apreciadas e utilizadas tanto in natura, quanto no preparo de doces, xaropes, licores e geleias. Uma das características determinantes para o sucesso e aceitação destes frutos pelo consumidor, são os atributos de qualidade sensorial. As propriedades aromáticas dos frutos dependem da potência individual dos voláteis e a concentração de cada um, bem como a combinação com outros compostos. Todavia, apesar do grande potencial de mercado, devido às características nutricionais, fitoterápicas, potencial funcional e ao sabor exótico, os plantios existentes destas são oriundos de multiplicação por sementes, resultando em plantas desuniformes quanto as características de produção e qualidade. Neste sentido, o presente trabalho teve como objetivo identificar metabólitos voláteis que confiram características sensoriais desejáveis aos frutos. Auxiliando na identificação de plantas que produzem frutos com voláteis de interesse para o sabor, o que permitirá a clonagem e propagação de plantas com homogeneidade na produção. Os compostos voláteis foram analisados em triplicata, de acordo com o método de microextração em fase sólida (SPME, do inglês Solid Phase Microextraction). Os resultados mostraram que os grupos de frutos das diversas regiões se diferenciaram quanto a composição dos metabolitos voláteis, bem como na abundância destes compostos. Observou-se também uma variação de composição entre as árvores da mesma região demonstrando tal irregularidade ocasionada pela propagação por sementes. A maioria de compostos voláteis produzidos foram identificados como terpenos, sendo estes já conhecidos pela importância no flavor em frutos. Desta forma, conhecer o aroma fornecerá um conjunto de dados que são subsídios para outros pesquisadores trabalharem em suas diversas áreas buscando características necessárias para o sucesso da comercialização, ocasionando no incentivo ao cultivo e valorização da riqueza nacional, no âmbito das espécies frutíferas, com vistas à proteção ambiental e em defesa da biodiversidade brasileira

The Atlantic Forest harbors thousands of plants despite of its reduced and fragmented character. It is important to highlight the fruit species which hold attributed and important value for food and socio-cultural security. Among them, there are the big cherry (Eugenia involucrata DC.) And the grumixama (Eugenia brasiliensis Lam.), fruit with sweet-acidulated flavor, which is much appreciated and used in the preparation of sweets, syrups, liqueurs, and jellies. One of the determining characteristics for the success and acceptance of these fruits by the consumer are the attributes of sensorial quality. The aromatic properties of the fruits depend on the individual potency of the volatiles and the concentration in each one of them, as well as the combination with other compounds. Despite of the great market potential due to the nutritional, phytotherapic and exotic flavor characteristics, the existing plantations of these fruits are originated from seed multiplication, resulting on uneven plants in terms of production and quality characteristics. In this sense, the presented work below was aimed to identify volatile metabolites that confer desirable sensorial characteristics to the fruits. The volatile compounds were analyzed in triplicate according to the Solid Phase Microextraction (SPME) method. The results showed that the fruit groups from different regions differed in terms of the composition of volatile metabolites, as well as in the abundance of these compounds. There was also a variation of composition among the trees of the same region which demonstrated such heterogeneity caused by seed propagation. Most volatile compounds produced were identified as terpenes which are known for playing an important role in the flavor of fruits. In this way, by knowing the aroma, a set of data will be provided and used as an allowance for other researchers who are working in the various areas related to the pursue of the necessary characteristics for the commercial success, resulting on the motivation to cultivate and value the forest

Caracterização de cereja-do-rio grande (Eugenia involucrata DC. ) e grumixama (Eugenia brasiliensis LAM. ), frutos nativos da Mata Atlântica, quanto a compostos voláteis e precursores / Volatile compounds and precursors characterization of the Grumixama (Eugenia brasiliensis LAM. ) and Cereja-do-Rio-Grande (Eugenia involucrata DC. ), atlantic forest native fruits

Mesmo reduzida e fragmentada, o vasto bioma da Mata Atlântica abriga milhares de plantas. Como destaque, tem-se as espécies frutíferas, aos quais podem ser atribuídas um importante valor para a segurança alimentar, nutricional e sociocultural. Entre elas, têm-se a cereja-do-rio grande (Eugenia involucrata DC.) e a grumixama (Eugenia brasiliensis Lam.), caracterizadas pela polpa de sabor doce-acidulado, sendo muito apreciadas e utilizadas tanto in natura, quanto no preparo de doces, xaropes, licores e geleias. Uma das características determinantes para o sucesso e aceitação destes frutos pelo consumidor, são os atributos de qualidade sensorial. As propriedades aromáticas dos frutos dependem da potência individual dos voláteis e a concentração de cada um, bem como a combinação com outros compostos. Todavia, apesar do grande potencial de mercado, devido às características nutricionais, fitoterápicas, potencial funcional e ao sabor exótico, os plantios existentes destas são oriundos de multiplicação por sementes, resultando em plantas desuniformes quanto as características de produção e qualidade. Neste sentido, o presente trabalho teve como objetivo identificar metabólitos voláteis que confiram características sensoriais desejáveis aos frutos. Auxiliando na identificação de plantas que produzem frutos com voláteis de interesse para o sabor, o que permitirá a clonagem e propagação de plantas com homogeneidade na produção. Os compostos voláteis foram analisados em triplicata, de acordo com o método de microextração em fase sólida (SPME, do inglês Solid Phase Microextraction). Os resultados mostraram que os grupos de frutos das diversas regiões se diferenciaram quanto a composição dos metabolitos voláteis, bem como na abundância destes compostos. Observou-se também uma variação de composição entre as árvores da mesma região demonstrando tal irregularidade ocasionada pela propagação por sementes. A maioria de compostos voláteis produzidos foram identificados como terpenos, sendo estes já conhecidos pela importância no flavor em frutos. Desta forma, conhecer o aroma fornecerá um conjunto de dados que são subsídios para outros pesquisadores trabalharem em suas diversas áreas buscando características necessárias para o sucesso da comercialização, ocasionando no incentivo ao cultivo e valorização da riqueza nacional, no âmbito das espécies frutíferas, com vistas à proteção ambiental e em defesa da biodiversidade brasileira

The Atlantic Forest harbors thousands of plants despite of its reduced and fragmented character. It is important to highlight the fruit species which hold attributed and important value for food and socio-cultural security. Among them, there are the big cherry (Eugenia involucrata DC.) And the grumixama (Eugenia brasiliensis Lam.), fruit with sweet-acidulated flavor, which is much appreciated and used in the preparation of sweets, syrups, liqueurs, and jellies. One of the determining characteristics for the success and acceptance of these fruits by the consumer are the attributes of sensorial quality. The aromatic properties of the fruits depend on the individual potency of the volatiles and the concentration in each one of them, as well as the combination with other compounds. Despite of the great market potential due to the nutritional, phytotherapic and exotic flavor characteristics, the existing plantations of these fruits are originated from seed multiplication, resulting on uneven plants in terms of production and quality characteristics. In this sense, the presented work below was aimed to identify volatile metabolites that confer desirable sensorial characteristics to the fruits. The volatile compounds were analyzed in triplicate according to the Solid Phase Microextraction (SPME) method. The results showed that the fruit groups from different regions differed in terms of the composition of volatile metabolites, as well as in the abundance of these compounds. There was also a variation of composition among the trees of the same region which demonstrated such heterogeneity caused by seed propagation. Most volatile compounds produced were identified as terpenes which are known for playing an important role in the flavor of fruits. In this way, by knowing the aroma, a set of data will be provided and used as an allowance for other researchers who are working in the various areas related to the pursue of the necessary characteristics for the commercial success, resulting on the motivation to cultivate and value the forest

Valores de referencia regionales para parámetros, espirométricos en jóvenes de La Plata, provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina / Regional reference values for spirometric parameters in young people from La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina

INTRODUCCIÓN: En los estudios espirométricos se recomienda que cada población cuente con sus propios valores de referencia debido a condiciones regionales y a características de tipo étnico, etario, social, geográfico y climático. Estudios previos muestran elevados niveles de material particulado, hidrocarburos policíclicos y compuestos volátiles en el aire de La Plata y alrededores, con correlación entre exposición crónica a contaminantes y efectos adversos sobre desarrollo y función pulmonar. El objetivo fue establecer valores de referencia regionales para parámetros espirométricos en jóvenes de La Plata, siguiendo las recomendaciones de la American Thoracic Society (ATS) y la European Respiratory Society (ERS). MÉTODOS: Estudio transversal, observacional y descriptivo. Se realizaron y analizaron 171 espirometrías a jóvenes sanos de 13-17 años. Se llevaron a cabo medidas de correlación, identificando las variables predictoras. Para las ecuaciones de predicción se ajustaron modelos de regresión en función del sexo. RESULTADOS: La mayor correlación se encontró con talla y peso. Se desarrollaron ecuaciones para capacidad vital forzada (FVC) y volumen espiratorio forzado en el primer segundo (FEV1) según género. DISCUSIÓN: El cálculo de nuevos parámetros con valores menores a los propuestos por un estudio en Barcelona y adaptados por la Sociedad Española de Neumología y Cirugía Torácica (SEPAR) confirmó la importancia de contar con valores de referencia regionales.

Electronic Nose, Tongue and Eye: Their Usefulness for the Food Industry / Nariz, Lengua y Ojo Electrónico: Su Utilidad para la Industria Alimentaria

Background: The electronic nose, tongue, and eye are futuristic technologies that have been used for many years; they have been gaining market in different types of industries and can increasingly be found in the food area; their function is to determine sensory characteristics (smell, aroma, and flavor) and objective visuals, without the subjectivity that can be represented by sensory analysis by people (the study that can complement the analysis of machines, without being exclusive). Objectives: Find the main generalities of these mechanisms, their sensors, software, mechanism of action, and applications within the food industry. Methods: A search was carried out in the main databases of indexed articles, with terms that allowed collecting the necessary information, and 89 articles were used that met different inclusion criteria. Results: The main outcomes were to understand the operation of each of these technologies, what their main components are, and how they can be linked in the beer, wine, oil, fruit, vegetable, dairy, etc. industry to determine their quality, safety, and fraud. Conclusions: The use of electronic nose, tongue, and eye is found in more food industries every day. Its technology continues to evolve; the future of sensory analysis will undoubtedly apply these mechanisms due to the reliability, speed, and reproducibility of the results.

Antecedentes: La nariz, lengua y ojo electrónico son tecnologías futuristas que se vienen empleando hace muchos años, han ido ganando mercado en diferentes tipos de industria y cada vez más se lo puede encontrar en el área de alimentos, su función es el de determinar características sensoriales (olor, aroma y sabor) y visuales objetivas, sin la subjetividad que puede representar el análisis sensorial por parte de personas (análisis que puede complementar al análisis de las máquinas, sin ser excluyente). Objetivo: El objetivo de esta investigación fue encontrar las principales generalidades de estos mecanismos, sus sensores, software, mecanismo de acción y aplicaciones dentro de la industria de los alimentos. Métodos Se realizó una búsqueda en las principales bases de datos de artículos indexados, con términos que permitieran recabar la información necesaria, y se utilizaron 89 artículos que cumplieron distintos criterios de inclusión. Resultados: Los principales resultados fueron entender el funcionamiento de cada una de estas tecnologías, cuáles son sus principales componentes y cómo pueden estar ligados en la industria de la cerveza, vino, aceites, frutas, hortalizas, lácteos, etc., para determinar su calidad, inocuidad y fraude. Conclusión: El uso de nariz, lengua y ojo electrónico cada día se encuentra en más industrias de alimentos y su tecnología sigue evolucionando, el futuro del análisis sensorial será sin duda la aplicación de estos mecanismos por la fiabilidad, rapidez y reproducibilidad de los resultados.

Chemical composition, antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of the essential oil of leaves of Eugenia involucrata DC / Composição química, atividade antimicrobiana e antioxidante do óleo essencial das folhas de Eugenia involucrata DC

In the Myrtaceae family, the species Eugenia involucrata DC., popularly known as "cerejeira-do-mato", is traditionally used for the antidiarrheal and digestive action of its leaves. However, no studies were found in the literature regarding its antimicrobial and antioxidant potential. In this context, the objective of the present study was to determine the chemical composition by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to evaluate the antimicrobial activity by the broth microdilution technique and the antioxidant activity by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazila (DPPH) method of the essential oil of E. involucrataleaves. GC-MS identified 28 compounds, all sesquiterpenes, corresponding to 89.41% of the essential oil. The antimicrobial activity of the essential oil was observed for all Gram-positive bacteria tested (Staplylococcus epidermidis, Enterococcus faecalis,Bacillus subtilis and Staplylococcus aureus) and for yeast Candida albicans. The essential oil presented a reduction capacity of DPPH up to 66.81%, evidencing its antioxidant potential. It is suggested that the antimicrobial and antioxidant action of E. involucrata essential oil is related to the presence of the major compounds, elixene (26.53%), ß-caryophyllene (13.16%), α-copaene (8.41%) and germacrene D (7.17%).

Na família Myrtaceae, a espécieEugenia involucrata DC. popularmente denominada "cerejeira-do-mato" é conhecida tradicionalmente pela ação antidiarreica e digestiva de suas folhas. Contudo, na literatura não foram encontrados trabalhos referentes ao seu potencial antimicrobiano e antioxidante. Neste contexto, o objetivo do presente estudo foi determinar a composição química por cromatografia gasosa acoplada a espectrometria de massas (CG-EM) e avaliar a atividade antimicrobiana pela técnica de microdiluição em caldo e a atividade antioxidante pelo método do 2,2-difenil-1-picril-hidrazila (DPPH) do óleo essencial das folhas de E. involucrata. A CG-EM identificou 28 compostos, todos sesquiterpenos, correspondendo a 89,41% do óleo essencial. A atividade antimicrobiana do óleo essencial foi observada para todas as bactérias Gram-positivas testadas (Staplylococcus epidermidis, Enterococcus faecalis,Bacillus subtilise Staplylococcus aureus) e para a levedura Candida albicans. O óleo essencial apresentou capacidade redutora de radicais DPPH de até 66,81%, evidenciando sua potencialidade antioxidante. Sugere-se que a ação antimicrobiana e antioxidante do óleo essencial de E. involucrata esteja relacionada à presença dos compostos majoritários, elixeno (26,53%), ß-cariofileno (13,16%), -copaeno (8,41%) e germacreno D (7,17%).

Enzyme Production by Induratia spp. Isolated from Coffee Plants in Brazil

Abstract Endophytic fungi belonging to the genus Muscodor now transferred to Induratia are known producers of bioactive volatile organic compounds (VOCs) with many industrial applications. However, the members of this genus have rarely been reported to produce non-volatile metabolites including enzyme. Enzymes of the endophytes are degraders of the polysaccharides available in the host plants and the knowledge of enzyme production by Induratia spp. may provide insights into their possible biotechnological applications. The aim of this study was to evaluate the activity of amylase, cellulase, lipase, pectinase, phytase, protease, endo β-1,4 glucanase and exo β-1,4 glucanase enzymes produced by fungi of the species Induratia coffeana, Induratia yucatanensis and Induratia sp. isolated from organic coffee plants. All Induratia spp. were able to produce the extracellular enzymes cellulase, pectinase, protease, and phytase. Eight fungi were able to produce lipase and four produced amylase. The specific activity of endo β-1, 4 glucanase and exo β-1,4 glucanase enzymes were detected for 9 and 8 endophytic fungi, respectively. This work demonstrated for the first time, the array of enzymes produced by Induratia spp. isolated from Coffea arabica in organic systems in Brazil.

Multivariate optimization of a HS-SPME/GC-MS technique for the characterization of volatile compounds present in Hedeoma multiflorum Benth / Optimización Multivariada de una técnica HS-SPME/GC para la caracterización de los compuestos volátiles presentes en Hedeoma multiflorum Benth

The aim of the present work was to optimize the main experimental variables of a procedure using HS-SPME/GC-MS as the analytical methodology to establish the profile of the volatile compounds present in aerial parts of Hedeoma multiflorum Benth. The influence of the type of fiber, equilibrium time, extraction time and extraction temperature on the composition of the volatile compounds was determined using response surface methodology (RSM), and the parameters of the models were corroborated by multiple linear regressions. The results showed that the regression models generated adequately explained the data variation and represented the relationships between the parameters and their responses. The optimal analysis conditions from the contour plots were established (DVB/CAR/PDMS fiber, with a 10 min equilibrium time, 10 min extraction time, and 40°C). Under these conditions, 41 volatile components in the whole plant were determined, which represents more than those reported using hydrodistillation.

El objetivo del presente trabajo fue optimizar las principales variables experimentales de un procedimiento HS-SPME/GC para establecer el perfil de compuestos volátiles presentes en la parte aérea de Hedeoma multiflorum Benth. Se determinó la influencia de las variables tipo de fibra, tiempo de equilibrio, tiempo de extracción y temperatura de extracción sobre la composición de los volátiles, utilizando una met odología de superficie de respuesta (RSM) y los parámetros del modelo se corroboraron por regresión lineal múltiple. Los resultados demostraron que los modelos de regresión generados explican adecuadamente la variación de los datos y representaron significativamente las relaciones reales entre los parámetros y sus respuestas. Las condiciones óptimas de análisis fueron establecidas (DVB/CAR/PDMS, con un tiempo de equilibrio de 10 minutos, un tiempo de extracción de 10 minutos y trabajando a 40°C). Utilizando esta metodología, se determinaron 41 componentes volátiles en planta entera, más que los reportados mediante hidrodestilación.

Estudo longitudinal da halitose por meio da cromatografia gasosa / Longitudinal study of halitosis through gas chromatography

Objetivos: correlacionar os exames organolépticos (método subjetivo) e a cromatografia gasosa (método objetivo) para diagnóstico conclusivo da halitose e avaliar o comportamento dos compostos sulfurados voláteis (CSVs) durante o manuseio clínico desta patologia. Metodologia: estudo longitudinal com 19 pacientes submetidos ao diagnóstico de halitose, com exames organolépticos (EOt1) e cromatografia gasosa (ECGt1) realizados durante a consulta inicial, com todos os pacientes oriundos do município de Ijuí, Rio Grande do Sul. Todos os 38 exames complementares foram confrontados entre si, por meio do teste estatístico Qui-Quadrado de independência. Para acompanhamento clínico da efetividade do tratamento da halitose e, consequentemente, análise do comportamento dos CSVs, outros quatro exames de cromatografia gasosa (ECGt2, ECGt3, ECGt4 e ECGt5) foram realizados para cada paciente, e todos (95) comparados entre si, pelo teste de Wilcoxon. Resultados: a correlação entre EOt1 e ECGt1 obteve concordância em 78,9% dos casos, indicando forte associação (p = 0,002) entre ambos. Ao avaliar a monitorização dos compostos sulfurados H2S, CH3SH e (CH3)2S, todos envolvidos em alguma fase da gênese da halitose, houve significativa redução de todos os compostos. Conclusões: os exames de cromatografia gasosa (objetivo) e organoléptico (subjetivo) são equivalentes para diagnóstico inicial da halitose, pois apresentaram correlação estatística significante. Em relação à monitorização do tratamento da halitose, a cromatografia gasosa se mostrou eficiente, apresentando altos índices de redução de todos os CSVs. (AU)

Objectives: To correlate organoleptic evaluations (subjective method) and gas chromatography (objective method) for the conclusive diagnosis of halitosis and to examine the behavior of volatile sulfur compounds (VSC) during the clinical management of this pathology. Methodology: Longitudinal study with 19 patients diagnosed with halitosis through organoleptic evaluations (EOt1) and gas chromatography (ECGt1), both applied during the initial appointment. All patients were from the city of Ijuí, located in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. All 38 complementary analyses were compared using the chi-square test of independence. Regarding the clinical follow-up on the effectiveness of halitosis treatment, and consequently the analysis of VSC behavior, four other gas chromatography tests (ECGt2, ECGt3, ECGt4, and ECGt5) were conducted with each patient, and all (95) were compared using the Wilcoxon test. Results: The correlation between EOt1 and ECGt1 showed concordance in 78.9% of cases, indicating a strong association (p=0.002). The evaluation of the monitoring of sulfate compounds H2S, CH3SH, and (CH3) 2S, which are all involved in some phase of the halitosis genesis, showed a significant reduction of all compounds. Conclusions: The gas and chromatography and organoleptic tests are equivalent for the initial diagnosis of halitosis because they presented significant statistical correlation. Regarding the monitoring of halitosis treatment, gas chromatography was efficient, presenting high reduction rates of all VSC. (AU)

Phenolic Profile, Essential Oil Composition and Bioactivity of Lasia spinosa (L) Thwaites

Abstract Lasia spinosa (L.) Thwaites is a widely used ethnomedicinal plant in Bangladesh. In this study, we investigated phenolic contents, volatile compounds and fatty acids, and essential oil components of extracts prepared from aerial parts of the plant. The main volatile compounds were methyl ester of oleic acid, palmitic acid and stearic acid as determined by GC/MS. Phenolic contents of the extracts were determined qualitatively and quantitatively by HPLC/TOF-MS. Six phenolic compounds (syringic acid, morin, gentistic acid, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, cinnamic acid, and apigenin) were found in the extracts. GC/MS analysis of steam distilled essential oil showed camphor, α-pinene and δ-3-carene as the main constituents. In DPPH radical scavenging assay, the highest free radical scavenging activity was observed for the methanol extract with an IC50 value of 0.48 ± 0.04 mg/mL, whereas, in metal chelating activity on ferrous ions (Fe2+) assay, the highest chelating activity was observed for hexane extract (IC50 = 0.55 ± 0.08 mg/mL). The extracts and essential oil were tested against five severe human pathogenic bacteria using disc diffusion assay and subsequent MIC values were also determined. All the extracts (except methanol extract) and the essential oil were found to possess potential antimicrobial activity with corresponding inhibition zone and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) ranging from 9-23 mm and 62.5-500 µg/mL. This study has been explored the plant Lasia spinosa can be seen as a potential source of biologically active compounds.

Ion mobility spectrometry: the diagnostic tool of third millennium medicine

SUMMARY Ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) is a fast, low cost, portable, and sensitive technique that separates ions in a drift tube under the influence of an electric field according to their size and shape. IMS represents a non-invasive and reliable instrumental alternative for the diagnosis of different diseases through the analysis of volatile metabolites in biological samples. IMS has applications in medicine in the study of volatile compounds for the non-invasive diagnose of bronchial carcinoma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and other diseases analysing breath, urine, blood, faeces, and other biological samples. This technique has been used to study complex mixtures such as proteomes, metabolomes, complete organisms like bacteria and viruses, monitor anaesthetic agents, determine drugs, pharmaceuticals, and volatile compounds in human body fluids, and others. Pharmaceutical applications include analysis of over-the-counter-drugs, quality assessment, and cleaning verification. Medical practice needs non-invasive, robust, secure, fast, real-time, and low-cost methods with high sensitivity and compact size instruments to diagnose different diseases and IMS is the diagnostic tool that meets all these requirements of the Medicine of the future.

RESUMO A espectrometria de mobilidade iônica (IMS) é uma técnica rápida, de baixo custo, portátil e sensível que separa íons em um tubo de deriva sob a influência de um campo elétrico de acordo com seu tamanho e forma. A IMS representa uma alternativa instrumental não invasiva e confiável para o diagnóstico de diferentes doenças por meio da análise de metabólitos voláteis em amostras biológicas. A IMS possui aplicações em medicina no estudo de compostos voláteis para o diagnóstico não invasivo de carcinoma brônquico, doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica e outras doenças que analisam respiração, urina, sangue, fezes e outras amostras biológicas. A IMS tem sido usada para estudar misturas complexas, como proteomas, metabólitos, organismos completos como bactérias e vírus, monitorar agentes anestésicos, determinar drogas, produtos farmacêuticos e compostos voláteis em fluidos corporais e outros fluidos. As aplicações farmacêuticas incluem análises de medicamentos sem receita, avaliação de qualidade e verificação de limpeza. A prática médica precisa de métodos não invasivos, robustos, seguros, rápidos, em tempo real e de baixo custo com instrumentos de alta sensibilidade e tamanho compacto para diagnosticar diferentes doenças e a IMS é a ferramenta de diagnóstico que atende a todos esses requisitos da medicina do futuro.

Prospecção de compostos orgânicos voláteis e seus efeitos na auto-regulação fisiológica em cianobactérias / Prospection of volatile organic compounds and their effects on physiological self-regulation in cyanobacteria

Apesar dos diversos estudos sobre a presença de cianobactérias e a correlação entre fatores ambientais que influenciam ou desencadeiam florações, é ainda incipiente a informação sobre o controle fisiológico e bioquímico da produção de metabólitos secundários, cianotoxinas e compostos orgânicos voláteis (COVs) nestes organismos. Os COVs mais comumente encontrados em cianobactérias são a geosmina e o 2- metil-isoborneol, compostos que resistem ao tratamento convencional da água, causam mau cheiro e alteram seu gosto, além de bioacumular em peixes e moluscos. Estudos sobre possíveis sistemas de competição (alelopatia) entre linhagens de cianobactérias, ou entre elas e outros organismos, podem contribuir para elucidação do papel da produção de COVs por cianobactérias. Dessa forma, os objetivos deste projeto foram (i) prospectar a produção de COVs e seus efeitos na auto-regulação fisiológica em cianobactérias mantidas em laboratório; e (ii) desenvolver um método analítico, por microextração em fase sólida (SPME) e cromatografia em fase gasosa com detecção por espectrometria de massas (GC-MS), para a determinação destes compostos. Foram realizados ensaios para avaliar os perfis de produção dos COVs em duas linhagens de M. aeruginosa em diferentes fases de crescimento, sob diferentes intensidades luminosas (50, 150 e 250 ?µmol.fótons.m-2.s-1) e também ao longo do ritmo circadiano, avaliando a influência dos períodos claro e escuro. Para avaliar efeitos alelopáticos, exsudatos de uma linhagem de M. aeruginosa produtora de microcistinas foram testados em culturas de outra linhagem de M. aeruginosa não produtora de toxinas por meio de técnicas tradicionais de cultivo com monitoramento do crescimento. Na análise da produção de COVs, por GC-MS, observou-se que se destacam, majoritariamente, os compostos α-ciclocitral, ß-ciclocitral e ß-ionona, sendo o ß-ciclocitral o mais abundante, em todas as condições testadas, para as ambas as linhagens estudadas. A linhagem não toxigênica, no entanto, apresentou produção mais elevada de todos os compostos identificados. Dentre as intensidades luminosas testadas, a intensidade de 250 µmol.fótons.m-2s-1 foi a que apresentou a maior taxa de crescimento para a linhagem LTPNA 08 e relação negativa entre o aumento da irradiância e a produção de ß-ciclocitral. Foram identificadas, também, variações na produção dos compostos α-ciclocitral, ß-ciclocitral e ß-ionona nas linhagens ao longo do ritmo circadiano, sendo as maiores concentrações encontradas no período escuro. Observou-se morte celular e redução na produção de COVs 24 horas após adição de exsudatos pertencentes à linhagem de M. aeruginosa toxigênica em cultivos da linhagem não-toxigênica. Sendo assim, pode-se inferir que a produção dos COVs pode sofrer alterações qualitativas e quantitativas dependendo do estímulo ambiental presente, tanto por interações bióticas (com outros organismos e ritmo circadiano), quanto por fatores abióticos (intensidade luminosa)

There are several studies on the presence of cyanobacteria and the correlation between environmental factors that may influence or trigger blooms. However, information concerning the physiological and biochemical control of the production of secondary metabolites, toxins and volatile organic compounds (VOC) by cyanobacteria is poorly understood. Geosmin and 2-methyl-isoborneolare are commonly found VOC in cyanobacteria, they resist to conventional water treatment and can cause bad smell and taste in the final water. In addition, VOC can bioaccumulate in fish and shellfish. Studies on possible competition systems (allelopathy) either among strains of cyanobacteria or among them and other organisms such as green microalgae, may help to elucidate the role of VOC production by cyanobacteria. Thus, the main objectives of this study are: (i) prospect the production of VOCs and their effects on physiological self-regulation in cyanocrobacteria kept in the laboratory; and (ii) to develop an analytical method, by solid phase microextraction (SPME) and gas chromatography with mass spectrometry detection (GC-MS), for the determination of these compounds. The assays were carried out to evaluate the production profiles of VOCs in two strains of M. aeruginosa at different growth stages under different light intensities (50, 150 and 250 µmol.fótons.m-2.s-1) and also along of the circadian rhythm, evaluating the influence of light and dark periods. To assess allelopathic effects, exudates from a microcystin-producing strain of M. aeruginosa were tested on cultures of another non-toxin producing M. aeruginosa strain by traditional growth monitoring culture techniques. In the analysis of VOC production by GC-MS, it was observed that α-cyclocyclal, ß-cyclocyclal and ß-ionone compounds were the most prominent, with ß-cyclocitral being the most abundant in all conditions tested, for both strains studied. The non-toxigenic lineage, however, showed higher production of all the identified compounds. Among the light intensities tested, the intensity of 250 µmol.fótons.m-2s-1 was the one with the highest growth rate and positive relation between the irradiance increase and the ß-cyclocitral production. Variations in the production of the α-cyclocyclal, ß-cyclocyclal and ß-ionone compounds were also identified in the lines along the circadian rhythm, being the highest concentrations found in the dark period. Cell death and reduction in VOC production were observed 24 hours after addition of exudates belonging to the toxigenic M. aeruginosa lineage in cultures of the non-toxigenic lineage. Thus, it can be inferred that the production of VOCs can undergo qualitative and quantitative changes depending on the environmental stimulus present, both by biotic interactions (with other organisms and circadian rhythm) and by abiotic factors (luminous intensity)

Volatile compounds and palynological analysis from pollen pots of stingless bees from the mid-north region of Brazil

ABSTRACT Samburá is the botanical pollen nectar agglutinated by salivary secretions of bees. Stingless bee pollen samples were collected in three periods of the year in Monsenhor Gil town, PI, Brazil, for extraction of volatile constituents by different techniques, analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and the palynological analysis used to identify the dominant pollen. Among the volatile compounds identified, kaur-16-ene, methyl and ethyl hexadecanoate, methyl linoleate and heneicosane were identified more frequently in the studied parameters: period of sample collection and extraction techniques used. The palynological analysis identified the pollen of Mimosa caesalpiniifolia Benth. as the dominant pollen in all samples studied.

Volatile metabolites produced from agro-industrial wastes by Na-alginate entrapped Kluyveromyces marxianus

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of alginate entrapment on fermentation metabolites of Kluyveromyces marxianus grown in agrowastes that served as the liquid culture media. K. marxianus cells entrapped in Na-alginate were prepared using the traditional liquid-droplet-forming method. Whey and pomaces from processed tomatoes, peppers, and grapes were used as the culture media. The changes in the concentrations of sugar, alcohol, organic acids, and flavor compounds were analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). Both free and entrapped, K. marxianus were used individually to metabolize sugars, organic acids, alcohols, and flavor compounds in the tomato, pepper, grape, and acid whey based media. Marked changes in the fermentation behaviors of entrapped and free K. marxianus were observed in each culture. A 1.45-log increase was observed in the cell numbers of free K. marxianus during fermentation. On the contrary, the cell numbers of entrapped K. marxianus remained the same. Both free and entrapped K. marxianus brought about the fermentation of sugars such as glucose, fructose, and lactose in the agrowaste cultures. The highest volume of ethanol was produced by K. marxianus in the whey based media. The concentrations of flavor compounds such as ethyl acetate, isoamyl alcohol, isoamyl acetate, 2-phenylethyl isobutyrate, phenylethyl acetate, and phenylethyl alcohol were higher in fermented agrowaste based media compared to the control.

Volatile compounds profile of Bromeliaceae flowers / Perfil de compuestos volátiles de las flores en las Bromeliaceae

Abstract:Volatile compounds play a vital role in the life cycle of plants, possessing antimicrobial and anti-herbivore activities, and with a significant importance in the food, cosmetic, chemical, and pharmaceutical industry. This study aimed to identify the volatile compounds emitted by flowers of thirteen species belonging to four genera of Bromeliaceae, using headspace solid-phase micro-extraction and detection by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. A total of 71 volatile compounds belonging to nine chemical groups were identified. The compounds identified represented more than 97 % of the major components in Aechmea bicolor, Ae. bromeliifolia, Ae. distichantha, Ae. fasciata, and Vriesea friburgensis. In the Ananas varieties, over 99 % of the components were identified, and around 90 % in V. simplex. V. friburgensis presented the largest diversity of volatiles with 31 compounds, while Alcantarea nahoumii presented only 14. All three Ananas varieties presented the same 28 compounds in relatively similar abundance, which has been confirmed by principal component analysis. Current taxonomy and pollination syndrome studies available can adequately explain the variation in volatile compounds among species. Rev. Biol. Trop. 64 (3): 1101-1116. Epub 2016 September 01.

ResumenLos compuestos volátiles tienen un papel vital en el ciclo de vida de las plantas. Poseen actividad antimicrobiana y anti-herbivoría biológica y una gran importancia en la industria de alimentos, cosméticos, perfumes, productos químicos y farmacéuticos. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo identificar los compuestos volátiles de trece flores de especies, pertenecientes a cuatro géneros de Bromeliaceae utilizando microextracción en fase sólida mediante cromatografía de gases hifenada con espacio de cabeza acoplada a espectrometría de masas. Se han identificado setenta y un diferentes compuestos volátiles pertenecientes a nueve grupos. Los compuestos identificados representaron más del 97 % de los componentes principales en Aechmea bicolor, Ae. bromeliifolia, Ae. distichantha, Ae. fasciata, Vriesea friburgensis, 99 % en las variedades de Ananas y 90 % en V. Simplex. V. friburgensis mostró la mayor diversidad de compuestos volátiles con 31, mientras que en Al. nahoumii se han encontrado sólo 14 compuestos. Las tres variedades de Ananas presentan los mismos 28 compuestos en cantidades relativamente similares, lo que se confirmó por el análisis de componentes principales. Estudios taxonómicos y síndromes de polinización disponibles podrían explicar la variación de los compuestos volátiles entre especies.

Biomethane production from vinasse in upflow anaerobic sludge blanket reactors inoculated with granular sludge

ABSTRACT The main objective of this study was to evaluate the anaerobic conversion of vinasse into biomethane with gradual increase in organic loading rate (OLR) in two upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactors, R1 and R2, with volumes of 40.5 and 21.5 L in the mesophilic temperature range. The UASB reactors were operated for 230 days with a hydraulic detection time (HDT) of 2.8 d (R1) and 2.8-1.8 d (R2). The OLR values applied in the reactors were 0.2-7.5 g totalCOD (L d)−1 in R1 and 0.2-11.5 g totalCOD (L d)−1 in R2. The average total chemical oxygen demand (totalCOD) removal efficiencies ranged from 49% to 82% and the average conversion efficiencies of the removed totalCOD into methane were 48-58% in R1 and 39-65% in R2. The effluent recirculation was used for an OLR above 6 g totalCOD (L d)−1 in R1 and 8 gtotalCOD (L d)−1 in R2 and was able to maintain the pH of the influent in R1 and R2 in the range from 6.5 to 6.8. However, this caused a decrease for 53-39% in the conversion efficiency of the removed totalCOD into methane in R2 because of the increase in the recalcitrant COD in the influent. The largest methane yield values were 0.181 and 0.185 (L) CH4 (gtotal COD removed)−1 in R1 and R2, respectively. These values were attained after 140 days of operation with an OLR of 5.0-7.5 g totalCOD (L d)−1 and total COD removal efficiencies around 70 and 80%.

Atração de vetores de leishmaniose tegumentar americana por compostos orgânicos voláteis presentes na pele humana / Attraction of American tegumentary leishmaniasis vectors by volatile organic compounds present on human skin

INTRODUÇÃO. A Leishmaniose Tegumentar Americana (LTA) é a forma de leishmaniose com maior incidência em humanos, e no Brasil a maioria dos casos está concentrada nas regiões Norte e Nordeste. O protozoário Leishmania braziliensis é considerado o principal agente etiológico com ocorrência no país e tem como principais vetores os flebotomíneos Lutzomyia (Nyssomyia) intermedia e Lutzomyia (Nyssomyia) whitmani. Sabe-se que, de modo geral, o olfato é o principal sentido de orientação dos insetos e, assim, foi assumido neste trabalho que esses vetores são atraídos por compostos orgânicos voláteis (COVs) presentes nos odores da pele humana. OBJETIVO. O objetivo geral do projeto foi identificar os COVs presentes na pele humana e avaliar os seus efeitos na atração de vetores de LTA, com a finalidade de desenvolver e aprimorar alternativas para o controle dos mesmos, de modo que estas possam ser baseadas em COVs que mimetizem os odores da pele humana e, portanto, sejam efetivas na captura de flebotomíneos antropofílicos...

INTRODUCTION. American Tegumentary Leishmaniasis (ATL) is the most frequent form of leishmaniasis among humans. In Brazil most of the cases occurs in the North and in the Northeast of the country. Leishmania braziliensis is the main ethilogic agent and its most common vectors are the phlebotomine sand flies Lutzomyia (Nyssomyia) intermedia and Lutzomyia (Nyssomyia) whitmani. It is known that the olfact is the best developed sense of orientation among insects and thus it was assumed that these vectors are attracted by volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from human skin odors. AIM. The aim of this project was to identify the VOCs from human skin and evaluate their effect on the attraction of ATL vectors, aiming to develop and enhance alternatives of its control, in a way that it can be based on VOCs that mimic human skin odors, which can be effective for anthropophilic phlebotomine capture...

Comparison of volatile compounds in Retanilla trinervia [Gillies & Hook] Hook & Arn honeys from central Chile / Comparación de compuestos volátiles en mieles de Retanilla trinervia[Gillies & Hook] Hook & Arn de Chile Central

The search for chemical markers for determining honey authenticity as a complementary tool for melissopalynological method is an important issue in the study of honeys from different botanical origins. The objective of this study was to determine the volatile compounds in tevo (Retanilla trinervia [Gillies & Hook] Hook & Arn [Fam. Rhamnaceae]) honey as one of the most relevant honeys from central Chile. For the identification and quantification of volatile compounds, Solid-Phase Microextraction and Gas Chromatography with Mass Spectrometry (SPME-GC-MS) was performed. A total of 28 out of 103 volatile compounds were found common to the five tevo honeys analyzed. Nevertheless, these compounds are common in unifloral honey of different floral sources from other countries. These results represent the first record in the identification of volatile compounds in tevo honey and would indicate that tevo honey does not present specific volatile compounds that allow its clear differentiation from other unifloral honey.

La búsqueda de marcadores químicos para determinar la autenticidad de la miel como una herramienta complementaria al análisis melisopalinológico es un tema importante en el estudio de las mieles de diferentes orígenes botánicos. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar los compuestos volátiles en miel de tevo (Retanilla trinervia [Gillies & Hook] Hook & Arn [Fam. Rhamnaceae]), una de las mieles más relevantes de Chile Central. La identificación y cuantificación de compuestos volátiles se llevó a cabo mediante Microextracción en Fase Sólida y Cromatografía de Gases con Espectrometría de Masas (SPME-CG-MS). Un total de 28 de los 103 compuestos volátiles identificados en las cinco mieles de tevo analizadas se encontraron en común para ellas. Sin embargo, estos compuestos son comunes en la miel monofloral de diferentes fuentes florales de otros países. Estos resultados representan los primeros avances en la identificación de compuestos volátiles en la miel de tevo e indicarían que la miel de tevo no presenta compuestos volátiles específicos que permitan su clara diferenciación respecto a otras mieles monoflorales.

Evaluación de la exposición a solventes orgánicos en pintores de carros de la ciudad de Bogotá / Evaluation of exposure of auto painters to organic solvents in the city of Bogota

Introducción. Los pintores de vehículos automotores están expuestos a solventes puros o mezclas, los cuales se han asociado con efectos neurológicos, mutagénicos y cancerígenos. Objetivo. Caracterizar las condiciones de salud y de trabajo de individuos expuestos a solventes orgánicos empleados en talleres de lámina y pintura de carros de Bogotá. Materiales y métodos. Se hizo un estudio transversal descriptivo en el que se caracterizaron las condiciones de salud y de trabajo de individuos expuestos a solventes orgánicos en talleres de lámina y pintura en Bogotá. Se comparó un grupo de trabajadores expuestos a solventes orgánicos con un grupo no expuesto. Se determinaron las concentraciones de benceno, tolueno y xileno en el aire, se hizo una encuesta individual y se midieron los ácidos fenil-mercaptúrico, hipúrico, orto y para-metilhipúrico en orina. Los resultados de las mediciones y de la encuesta se correlacionaron para establecer el panorama de exposición. Resultados. Hubo diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre la población expuesta y la no expuesta a solventes (p<0,001) en cuanto a los tres metabolitos de benceno, tolueno y xileno. Se encontraron correlaciones positivas entre el tolueno en el aire y el ácido hipúrico en la orina de los individuos expuestos (ro=0,82), y entre el xileno en el aire y el ácido o-metilhipúrico (ro=0,76). Los valores del ácido hipúrico estuvieron por encima de los límites permisibles en 11 trabajadores y, los de ácido p-metilhipúrico, en ocho de ellos. No se registraron valores de ácido fenil-mercaptúrico por fuera del límite permitido. Conclusión. Los pintores de carros están expuestos a niveles altos de solventes orgánicos en sus sitios de trabajo, y no tienen condiciones adecuadas de higiene y seguridad industrial para realizar sus labores.

Introduction: Painters of automobiles are exposed to pure and mixed solvents that have been associated with neurological effects and carcinogenic mutations. Objective: To characterize the health and work conditions of individuals who are occupationally exposed to organic solvents used in sheet metal and auto body shops in Bogota. Materials and methods: Descriptive, cross-sectional study that characterizes the health and work conditions of individuals exposed to organic solvents in sheet metal and auto body shops in Bogota. A group exposed to the solvents was compared to an unexposed group. Air concentrations of benzene, toluene and xylene (BTX) were determined, individual questionnaires were administered and phenylmercapturic, hippuric and ortho- and para-methylhippuric acids were measured in urine. The results of the measurements and the questionnaires were correlated to determine the exposure panorama. Results: For the three BTX metabolites, statistically significant differences (p<0.001) were found between the population exposed to the solvents and the unexposed population. For the exposed population, positive correlations were found between toluene in air and hippuric acid in urine (rho=0.82) and between xylene in air and o-methylhippuric acid in urine (rho=0.76). Hippuric acid values exceeded permissible levels in 11 workers and p-methylhippuric acid exceeded permissible levels in 8 workers. None of the phenylmercapturic values exceeded the limit. Conclusion: Auto painters are exposed to high levels of organic solvents at the workplace and do not have adequate industrial health and safety conditions to perform their jobs.