Early-life and chronic exposure to high-fat diet alters noradrenergic and glutamatergic neurotransmission in the male rat amygdala and hippocampus under cognitive challenges.

Childhood obesity increases the risk of health and cognitive disorders in adulthood. Consuming high-fat diets (HFD) during critical neurodevelopmental periods, like childhood, impairs cognition and memory in humans and animals, affecting the function and connectivity of brain structures related to emotional memory. However, the underlying mechanisms of such phenomena need to be better understood. This study aimed to investigate the neurochemical profile of the amygdala and hippocampus, brain structures involved in emotional memory, during the acquisition of conditioned odor aversion in male rats that consumed a HFD from weaning to adulthood. The rats gained weight, experienced metabolic changes, and reduced insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance. Rats showed enhanced odor aversion memory, contrary to the expected cognitive impairments. This memory enhancement was accompanied by increased noradrenergic and glutamatergic neurotransmission in the amygdala and hippocampus. Importantly, this upregulation was specific to stimuli exposure, as basal neurotransmitter levels remained unaltered by the HFD. Our results suggest that HFD modifies cognitive function by altering neurochemical signaling, in this case, upregulating neurotransmitter levels rendering a stronger memory trace, demonstrating that metabolic dysfunctions do not only trigger exclusively detrimental plasticity processes but also render enhanced plastic effects depending on the type of information.

Slaughterhouse by-products composting: can microorganisms inoculum addition mitigate final compost odor emission?

Small slaughterhouses generate biowaste, which for economic reasons, is generally destined for composting. Inoculating appropriate microorganisms can improve biodegradation efficiency and mitigate odor generation during the composting process and can give rise to composts with neutral or pleasant odors. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the odor intensity reduction of compost generated with and without a formulated inoculum (Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Bacillus subtilis, and Rhodopseudomonas palustris). A set of experimental data was collected and analyzed according to the German "Verein Deutscher Ingenieure" odor protocol. The results showed that adding microorganisms was effective in reducing unpleasant odors in all three composts generated from swine, cattle, and poultry slaughterhouse by-products during both summer and winter seasons. Additionally, soil odor was predominant in composts that were inoculated in the two tested seasons (i.e., summer and winter). On the other hand, composts without inoculation had odors similar to peat for swine compost, ammonia for cattle compost, and manure for poultry compost, regardless of the season tested. Overall, composting process with appropriate inoculum can help in the correct disposal of slaughterhouse wastes by transforming organic matter into composts, which can have economic and environmental value as a soil conditioner and/or fertilizer.

Colleters, osmophores, and nectaries in the species Ceropegia lenewtonii: a sapromyiophilous stapeliad (Asclepiadoideae, Apocynaceae).

Ceropegia lenewtonii (Plowes) Bruyns (=Huernia keniensis), currently belonging to the Huernia section of the genus Ceropegia, is a stapeliad species distributed in Africa and the Arabian Peninsula; but it is widely cultivated as ornamental in most parts of the world. This species of stapeliad presents "carrion flowers" associated with a sapromyophilous pollination syndrome since the flowers emit an unpleasant odor. In this work, we describe the floral morphology and anatomy of the calyx, corolla, and corona of this species based on bright-field and scanning electron microscope techniques. We detected the presence of diverse floral secretor tissues, and based on different histochemical tests, the principal component of the secreted substance was identified. We interpret the functions of the glands and compare with other related species of stapeliads. Our results indicate that flowers of C. lenewtonii present colleters in sepals, osmophores in corolla, and primary and secondary nectaries in corona. All these floral glands have specific functions that involve the processes of pollination and reproduction of this species, as well as protection and defense mechanisms.

Evolution of physico-chemical parameters, microorganism diversity and volatile organic compound of apple pomace exposed to ambient conditions.

In apple processing, waste material known as apple pomace amounts to 45% of production volumes. When this residue is stored in open-air for its stabilization and potential uses, Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are produced, resulting in environmental and odor pollution, and must be managed to avoid their impact. This work aims to study the emission of VOCs utilizing TD-GC/MS and its relationship with changes in physico-chemical (moisture, pH, proteins, among others) and biological (bacteria and fungi using Illumina MiSeq) parameters under three environmental conditions: open-air (outdoors), under-roof (indoors) and oxygen-free. The 8-month study results showed a gradual increase in odorous VOCs and microbial diversity, a product of chemical and biological transformation processes in the samples. A 30% increase in odorant compounds responsible for the unpleasant smell was observed, especially esters, aldehydes and hydrocarbons in samples stored in oxygen-free and Open-air conditions. Increases in VOCs over time were associated with changes in physico-chemical and biological parameters, as well as fluctuations in environmental variables (temperature, relative humidity, and precipitation). The results of this research allow establishing a relationship between storage conditions and the production of VOCs. In addition, recommendations for waste storage time are provided for the most common uses of apple pomace based on the physico-chemical parameters observed, in order to avoid the generation of odorous compounds. Of all storage methods analyzed, under-roof is the most adequate in practice. This study's findings are pertinent for managing agribusiness waste and its potential environmental pollution.

Olfactory neurogenesis and its role in fear memory modulation.

Olfaction is a critical sense that allows animals to navigate and understand their environment. In mammals, the critical brain structure to receive and process olfactory information is the olfactory bulb, a structure characterized by a laminated pattern with different types of neurons, some of which project to distant telencephalic structures, like the piriform cortex, the amygdala, and the hippocampal formation. Therefore, the olfactory bulb is the first structure of a complex cognitive network that relates olfaction to different types of memory, including episodic memories. The olfactory bulb continuously adds inhibitory newborn neurons throughout life; these cells locate both in the granule and glomerular layers and integrate into the olfactory circuits, inhibiting projection neurons. However, the roles of these cells modulating olfactory memories are unclear, particularly their role in fear memories. We consider that olfactory neurogenesis might modulate olfactory fear memories by a plastic process occurring in the olfactory bulb.

Olfaction and Melatonin: The Use of the Olfactory Discrimination Test.

In order to investigate the role of melatonin in olfactory function, we present the olfactory discrimination test as a simple and low-cost behavioral assessment. The test consists in evaluating the time that each rat spent in two compartments: one has a familiar odor (sawdust with the smell from the animal) and the other one with an unfamiliar odor (clean sawdust). Animals with the normal olfactory functions will discriminate between these two odors and will spend more time in the familiar compartment. We used the olfactory discrimination test to evaluate the role of melatonin receptors expressed in the olfactory bulb of rats. In a previous study, our results have successfully detected an olfactory modulation, by mean of the olfactory discrimination test, promoted by the infusion of melatonin receptor ligands into the olfactory bulb of rats.

Fecal descriptor in honey: indole from a floral source as an explanation.

BACKGROUND: Animal odor, is one of the most common aroma defects described in the honey odor aroma wheel. It comprises two secondary descriptors: 'fecal' and 'cowshed'. However, the compounds responsible for these honey defects have not been fully identified. In this context, the aim of this work was to identify the compounds responsible for the aromatic defect 'fecal' in Uruguayan honeys by means of gas chromatography coupled to olfactometry (GC-O). RESULTS: Samples of honey described by beekeepers as having fecal aroma were analyzed by GC-O and gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Through GC-O, it was possible to establish the region of the chromatogram corresponding to the fecal descriptor, while the GC-MS analysis allowed to identify indole as the compound responsible for the fecal descriptor. The content of indole in the analyzed samples ranged between 132 and 414 µg kg-1 . The melissopalynological analysis indicated the presence of Scutia buxifolia ('quebracho' or 'coronilla') pollen in all samples studied. The volatile profile of Scutia buxifolia flowers was evaluated during the full day, enabling the identification of indole as one of its components. The detection threshold value for indole in honey was experimentally determined as 64 µg kg-1 of honey, a value lower than the concentration found in the evaluated samples. CONCLUSION: Results from the study allowed the identification of indole as the compound responsible for the 'fecal' aroma defect in Scutia buxifolia honeys. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Correspondência de teor de dissulfeto de captopril com odor de enxofre em comprimidos de captopril 25 mg, provenientes de farmácias públicas (postos de saúde) e drogarias comerciais / Correspondence of captopril disulfide content with sulfur odor in 25 mg captopril tablets from public pharmacies (health clinics) and commercial drugstores

Introdução: O captopril (CP) é o medicamento de escolha para o tratamento da hipertensão arterial. Sua degradação leva à formação do dímero dissulfeto de captopril (DSCP), este associado a um odor forte no medicamento, podendo causar abandono do tratamento pelo paciente. Objetivo: Determinar DCSP, associar a percepção olfativa de odor de enxofre desprendido do produto e realizar a avaliação de bula de comprimidos de captopril 25 mg distribuídos pelos setores público e privado. Método: Foi verificado o desempenho do método de determinação do CP e DSCP pela Farmacopeia Brasileira 6a ed. por HPLC (DAD). Foram analisados 13 produtos de comprimidos de captopril 25 mg, sendo dois provenientes do setor público de lotes diferentes e mesmo fabricante e 11 do setor privado de diferentes fabricantes e lotes. Foram avaliados aspectos do comprimido quanto à percepção de odor, determinação de peso, identificação e teor de CP e de DSCP e análise do conteúdo da bula. Resultados: Dentre os 13, o medicamento vencido apresentou 4,4% de DSCP, os demais estavam de acordo com a especificação. Verificouse  correspondência do odor de enxofre perceptível com teor de DSCP acima de 0,5%. Considerando os textos de bula sobre odor de enxofre, as constatações foram: nenhuma informação (três produtos), odor característico (dois), leve odor de enxofre (um), leve odor de enxofre sem diminuir a eficácia (sete). Conclusões: As amostras apresentaram resultados satisfatórios para os ensaios realizados. Verificou-se falta de homogeneidade nas informações das bulas sobre o odor dos comprimidos. A percepção do paciente quanto ao odor de enxofre, mesmo dentro do limite tolerado de DSCP, pode levar a não aceitação do medicamento e consequente não adesão ao tratamento da hipertensão, além de gerar prejuízos ao SUS.

Introduction: Captopril (CP) is the drug of choice for the treatment of hypertension. Its degradation leads to the formation of captopril disulfide dimer (DSCP), associated with a strong odor in the drug, which can cause the patient abandonment of treatment. Objective: To determine DCSP, associate the olfactory perception of the sulfur odor given off by the product and carry out the evaluation of the package insert for captopril 25 mg tablets distributed in the public and private sectors. Method: The performance of CP and DSCP determination method of the Brazilian Pharmacopoeia 6 ed was verified by HPLC (DAD). Thirteen products of 25 mg captopril tablets were analyzed, 2 of which came from the public sector from different batches and the same manufacturer: the other 11 came from the private sector from different batches and manufacturers. The samples were analyzed regarding appearance, odor perception, identification, weight determination, CP and DSCP content (by HPLC) and package insert content. Results: Among the 13, the expired drug had 4.4% DSCP; the others were in accordance with the specification. Correspondence of perceptible sulfur odor was established for drugs with DSCP content above 0.5%. Considering the texts on sulfur odor in the package inserts, the findings were: none information (3 products), characteristic odor (2), slight sulfur odor (1), slight sulfur odor without decreasing effectiveness (7). Conclusions: The samples showed satisfactory results for the tests performed. There was a lack of homogeneity in the information in the package inserts about odor of the tablets. The patient's perception of sulfur odor, even within the tolerated limit of DSCP, can lead to non-acceptance of the drug and consequent non- adherence to the treatment of hypertension, in addition to causing damage to the SUS.

Atmospheric odor dispersion from oil refinery flare system: a case study.

A flare stack is an indispensable device in the oil and gas industry for allowing the safe combustion of gases into the atmosphere, especially during emergencies. However, it is not ideal for the routine disposal of gaseous waste, as it is subject to meteorological influences and poor operational control. In addition, it can be affected by toxic currents and thus pose a potential risk of odors; in view of this, an assessment must be made of the implications of burning on the environment and health. Atmospheric dispersion modelling has proved to be a very useful tool for this purpose. In light of this, an attempt has been made in this work to evaluate the impact of H2S on the well-being (odor perception) of the community in the surrounding area of an oil refinery, where the temporary burning of rich gas in H2S occurs in a chemical flare, and operational factors have an influence on atmospheric dispersion. The odor assessment was carried out with the aid of AERMOD which was adapted to estimate the maximum odor concentration for very short periods by means of peak-to-mean ratios. The results showed that H2S detection can reach a probability rate of 42% at 3.5 km distance from the flare (in a time interval of 5 s) with a relatively high degree of annoyance (3.0 AU). However, some operational procedures can reduce the probability of odor detection to 29% and the degree of annoyance to 2.6 AU.

Differences in olfactory sensitivity and odor detection correlate with foraging task specialization in honeybees Apis mellifera.

Division of labor is central to the ecological success of social insects. Among honeybees foragers, specialization for collecting nectar or pollen correlates with their sensitivity to gustatory stimuli (e.g. sugars). We hypothesize that pollen and nectar foragers also differ in their sensitivity to odors, and therefore in their likelihood to show odor-mediated responses. To assess foragers sensitivity to natural odors, we quantified the conditioning of the proboscis extension reflex (PER) to increasing concentrations (0.001; 0.01; 0.1; 1 M) of linalool or nonanal. Furthermore, we compared electroantennogram (EAG) recordings to correlate bees' conditioned responses with the electrophysiological responses of their antennae. To further explore differences of the antennal response of foragers in relation to task-related odors, we registered EAG signals for two behaviorally ''meaningful'' odors that mediate pollen collection: fresh pollen odors and the brood pheromone (E)-ß-ocimene. Pollen foragers performed better than nectar foragers in PER conditioning trials when linalool and nonanal were presented at low concentrations (0.001, 0.01 M). Consistently, their antennae showed stronger EAG signals (higher amplitudes) to these odors, suggesting that differences in sensitivity can be explained at the periphery of the olfactory system. Pollen and nectar foragers detect pollen odors differently, but not (E)-ß-ocimene. Pollen volatiles evoked EAG signals with hyper and depolarization components. In pollen foragers, the contribution of the hyperpolarization component was higher than in nectar foragers. We discuss our findings in terms of adaptive advantages to learn subtle olfactory cues that influence the ability to better identify/discriminate food sources.

Characterization of odor-active volatile compounds of jambolan [Syzgium cumini (L.) Skeels] wine.

Volatile constituents in jambolan [Syzgium cumini (L.) Skeels] wine were isolated by headspace-solid phase microextraction (HS-SPME) and analyzed by gas chromatography-flame ionization detector (GC-FID), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and gas chromatography-olfactometry (GC-O). The composition of the jambolan wine included 52 esters, 20 terpenes, 13 alcohols, 12 acids, 11 aldehydes, 4 ketones, 4 oxides, and 5 miscellaneous compounds. Aroma extract dilution analysis and odor activity units were used for the determination of odor-active compounds. A total of 19 odor-active compounds were found as odor-active volatiles, from which (E)-ß-ionone, phenylacetaldehyde, ethyl acetate, ethyl hexanoate, and ethyl benzoate were the most important. The similar results of the GC-O and OAV approaches suggests that HS-SPME-GC-O could be used as a fast and simple tool to quality control of the jambolan wine aroma.

The digital scent device as a new concept for olfactory assessment.

BACKGROUND: There are major challenges in olfactory measurements in clinical practice; therefore, a handheld digital scent device (DSD; Noar MultiScent 20) was developed as a tablet with an integrated storage system for odors. The DSD is a self-administered, handheld device that controls the duration of odor release to the nasal cavity through a touchscreen digital interface with automatic database generation. In this study we aimed to determine the feasibility of this DSD as an olfactory assessment test. METHODS: We recruited 180 participants (age [mean ± standard deviation], 34.58 ± 9.71 years; 114 women and 66 men) to participate in smell tests using both the DSD and the 40-item Smell Identification Test (SIT-40), which contained the same type and order of odors and the same multiple-choice answers. The scores were compared and evaluated for correlation between the tests, and test-retest reliability was calculated. RESULTS: The DSD test scores were higher than the SIT-40 scores (median [interquartile range], 32 [5.0] vs 31 [7.0]; p = 0.005). The completion time was less for the DSD test than for the SIT-40 (12.5 [5.0] vs 16 [6.0] minutes; p < 0.001). The tests were strongly correlated (Spearman rho = 0.74; p < 0.001) and exhibited a high level of agreement (Bland-Altman regression coefficient = 0.672; p = 0.003). The DSD test-retest reliability coefficient was 0.820. CONCLUSION: The DSD is feasible as an olfactory assessment test. The digitalization of olfactory assessment combined with data science may enable new research perspectives in the field of olfaction.

Adaptation of an olfactometric system in a GC-FID in combination with GCxGC/MS to evaluate odor-active compounds of wine.

A step-by-step approach to easily adapt and use a GC-FID as an olfactometer, as well as a detailed description of acquisition and interpretation of olfactometric data by the OSME (from the Greek word for odor, ὀσµÎ®) method. A Merlot wine was used to exemplifly this strategy and its volatiles were characterized, rendering 43 volatiles in 1D-GC/MS and 142 in GCxGC/MS. GC-O showed the presence of 24 odor-active compounds and GCxGC/MS indicated aditional 14 odor-active compounds, which were found as coelutions. Six compounds (isoamyl acetate, ethyl octanoate, ethyl decanoate, 3-methylthio-1-propanol, carvone, benzyl alcohol and nonanoic acid) were described in 1D-GC-O analyses as having distinct odors by the same and by different assessors. This fact indicated the presence of coeluting bands, which were resolved by GCxGC/MS. The adapted GC-O in combination with the use of GCxGC/MS may be a tool to more accurate investigation of the odor-active compounds of wine.

Melaleuca armillaris essential oil as an odor reducer in intestinal ostomy bags: a semi-experimental study / Aceite esencial de Melaleuca armillaris reductor de olores en bolsas de ostomía intestinal: estudio cuasi-experimental / Óleo essencial de Melaleuca armillaris redutor de odor em bolsas de estomia intestinal: estudo quase experimental

ABSTRACT Objective: Evaluate the effect of essential oil in odor reduction for intestinal ostomy bags. Method: Primary study, semi-experimental, prospective clinical trial with quantitative approach. A product prepared with Melaleuca armillaris leaves was tested in ostomy pouches, with and without effluents, for adhesion and odor control. Instrument: Labeled Magnitude Scale. Results: Colostomized participants, with a mean age of 73 ± 14.94, predominantly males; and informal caregivers, with a mean age of 44 ± 8.98, predominantly females. In the visual evaluation of the oil, 100% of the participants perceived its adherence. Regarding the evaluation of effluent odor by the colostomized, five reported "strong odor" before oil use and, six reported "weak" odor after use (p = 0.005). Five informal caregivers reported "very strong" effluent odor before oil use; and one reported "weak" and nine reported "moderate" after use (p = 0.0025). Conclusion: There was a reduction in the odor of effluents in the ostomy pouches with the essential oil of Melaleuca armillaris at 10%. Application for patent registration in the Brazilian National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI) under no. BR 10 2020 026987 9.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Evaluar el efecto del aceite esencial en la reducción del olor en bolsas de ostomía intestinal. Método: Estudio primario, ensayo clínico cuasi-experimental, prospectivo de tipo cuantitativo. Se evaluó un preparado con hojas de Melaleuca armillaris, probado en bolsas de recogida con y sin efluentes, en cuanto a adherencia y olor. Se aplicó como instrumento la Escala de Magnitud Etiquetada. Resultados: Los participantes colostomizados tenían edad media de 73 años ± 14,94, con predominio del sexo masculino, y los cuidadores informales, edad media de 44 años ± 8,98 y prevalencia mayor para el sexo femenino. En la evaluación visual del aceite, el 100% de los participantes notaron la adherencia. Respecto a la evaluación del olor del efluente por los pacientes colostomizados, cinco reportaron sentir un "olor fuerte" antes de usar el aceite y, después del uso, seis reportaron sentir un olor "débil" (p = 0,005). Cinco cuidadores informales detectaron un olor "muy fuerte" de los efluentes antes de usar el aceite y, después de usarlo, uno sintió un olor "débil" y nueve "moderado" (p = 0,0025). Conclusión: El olor de los efluentes en las bolsas de recolección con el aceite esencial de Melaleuca armillaris se redujo en un 10%. Solicitud de registro de patente ante el INPI bajo el n. BR 10 2020 026987 9.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar o efeito do óleo essencial na redução de odor em bolsas de estomia intestinal. Método: Estudo primário, ensaio clínico quase experimental, prospectivo, com abordagem quantitativa. Preparado com folhas de Melaleuca armillaris, foi testado em bolsas coletoras, sem e com efluentes, quanto à aderência e odor. Instrumento: escala de magnitude rotulada. Resultados: Participantes colostomizados, com média de 73 anos ± 14,94, predomínio do sexo masculino; e cuidadores informais, com média de 44 anos ± 8,98, predomínio do sexo feminino. Na avaliação visual do óleo, 100% dos participantes perceberam a aderência. Em relação à avaliação do odor dos efluentes pelos colostomizados, cinco relataram "odor forte" antes do uso do óleo e, após o uso, seis relataram odor "fraco" (p = 0,005). Cinco cuidadores informais detectaram odor "muito forte" dos efluentes antes do uso do óleo e, após o uso, um "fraco" e nove "moderado" (p = 0,0025). Conclusão: Houve redução do odor dos efluentes nas bolsas coletoras com o óleo essencial de Melaleuca armillaris a 10%. Pedido registro de patente no INPI sob nº. BR 10 2020 026987 9.

Canine Olfactory Detection of SARS-COV2-Infected Patients: A One Health Approach.

The aim of the present study is to apply the canine olfactory sensitivity to detect COVID-19-positive axillary sweat samples as a One Health approach in Latin America. One hundred volunteers with COVID-like symptoms were invited to participate, and both axillary sweat samples for dog detection and nasopharynx/oropharynx swabs for qPCR were collected. Two dogs, previously trained, detected 97.4% of the samples positive for COVID-19, including a false-negative qPCR-test, and the positive predictive value was 100% and the negative predictive value was 98.2%. Therefore, we can conclude that canine olfactory sensitivity can detect a person infected with COVID-19 through axillary sweat successfully and could be used as an alternative to screen them without invasive testing.

The Relation between Drying Conditions and the Development of Volatile Compounds in Saffron (Crocus sativus).

Saffron is derived from the stigmas of the flower Crocus sativus L. The drying process is the most important post-harvest step for converting C. sativus stigmas into saffron. The aim of this review is to evaluate saffron's post-harvest conditions in the development of volatile compounds and its aroma descriptors. It describes saffron's compound generation by enzymatic pathways and degradation reactions. Saffron quality is described by their metabolite's solubility and the determination of picrocrocin, crocins, and safranal. The drying process induce various modifications in terms of color, flavor and aroma, which take place in the spice. It affects the aromatic species chemical profile. In the food industry, saffron is employed for its sensory attributes, such as coloring, related mainly to crocins (mono-glycosyl esters or di-glycosyl polyene).

Escala de Avaliação do Odor de Feridas Neoplásicas: Construção e Evidência de Validade de Conteúdo / Odor scale for neoplastic wounds: construction and evidence of content validity

Objetivo: Construir e obter a evidência de validade de conteúdo da Escala de Avaliação do Odor de Feridas Neoplásicas. Método: Estudo conduzido em 2019 em duas etapas: construção da escala a partir de revisão de literatura e validação a partir da avaliação de 17 juízes que responderam a um questionário por meio de ferramenta online. Foi aplicado o cálculo de índice de Validade de Conteúdo (IVC) para a análise dos dados. Resultados: As principais mudanças indicadas foram: retirada do swab para avaliar a carga microbiana e a inclusão do exsudato sanguinolento como item relevante na avaliação do odor. O IVC da escala foi de 0,91, indicando que 91% dos juízes consideraram a escala um instrumento relevante para avaliar o odor das feridas neoplásicas. Conclusão: A escala desenvolvida foi aprovada como instrumento de análise clínica que poderá auxiliar os profissionais na avaliação mais consistente do odor das feridas neoplásicas.(AU)

Objective: To build and obtain evidence of content validity of the Neoplastic Wound Odor Rating Scale. Materials and method: Two-step study: construction of the scale based on a literature review and validation based on the evaluation of 17 judges who answered a questionnaire through an online tool. The Content Validity Index (CVI) calculation was applied for data analysis. Results: The main changes indicated were: removal of the swab to assess the microbial load and the inclusion of bloody exudate as a relevant item in the odor assessment. The scale's CVI was 0.91, indicating that 91% of the judges considered the scale a relevant instrument to assess the odor of neoplastic wounds. Conclusion: The developed scale was approved as a clinical analysis instrument that can help professionals to more consistently assess the odor of neoplastic wounds.(AU)

Objetivo: Construir y obtener evidencia de la validez de contenido de la Escala de calificación de olores de heridas neoplásicas. Materiales y método: Estudio de dos pasos: construcción de la escala a partir de una revisión de la literatura y validación a partir de la evaluación de 17 jueces que respondieron un cuestionario a través de una herramienta online. Se aplicó el cálculo del Índice de Validez de Contenido (IVC) para el análisis de datos. Resultados: Los principales cambios indicados fueron: extracción del hisopo para evaluar la carga microbiana y la inclusión de exudado sanguinolento como elemento relevante en la evaluación de olores. El CVI de la escala fue de 0,91, lo que indica que el 91% de los jueces consideró la escala un instrumento relevante para evaluar el olor de las heridas neoplásicas. Conclusión: La escala desarrollada fue aprobada como un instrumento de análisis clínico que puede ayudar a los profesionales a evaluar de manera más consistente el olor de las heridas neoplásicas.(AU)

A Narrative Review of the Current Knowledge on Fruit Active Aroma Using Gas Chromatography-Olfactometry (GC-O) Analysis.

Fruit aroma, a mixture of chemical compounds with odor, is a strong attractant derived from a complex mixture of different amounts and intensities (threshold) of chemical compounds found in fruits. The odor-producing compounds of fruit aroma are derived from carbohydrates, lipids, phenolic compounds, and mono- and sesquiterpenes, among others. The identification of compounds responsible for fruit aroma is usually conducted using gas chromatography coupled with olfactometry (GC-O). This technique separates the chemical compounds from the aroma of foods using a chromatographic column and divides the resultant outflow between the physical detector and a testing outlet (sniffing port). Trained judges describe the perceived odor in terms of the intensity of the odor zones perceived according to their training method. Moreover, the use of GC-O coupled with a mass detector (GC-MS-O) allows for the retrieval of chemical information such as identification and quantification of compounds, which can be correlated to sensory information. This review aimed to demonstrate the application of GC-MS-O in the identification of precursor compounds in fruit aroma, considering important factors for the application, main results, and most recent advances in this field.

Behavioral role of PACAP signaling reflects its selective distribution in glutamatergic and GABAergic neuronal subpopulations.

The neuropeptide PACAP, acting as a co-transmitter, increases neuronal excitability, which may enhance anxiety and arousal associated with threat conveyed by multiple sensory modalities. The distribution of neurons expressing PACAP and its receptor, PAC1, throughout the mouse nervous system was determined, in register with expression of glutamatergic and GABAergic neuronal markers, to develop a coherent chemoanatomical picture of PACAP role in brain motor responses to sensory input. A circuit role for PACAP was tested by observing Fos activation of brain neurons after olfactory threat cue in wild-type and PACAP knockout mice. Neuronal activation and behavioral response, were blunted in PACAP knock-out mice, accompanied by sharply downregulated vesicular transporter expression in both GABAergic and glutamatergic neurons expressing PACAP and its receptor. This report signals a new perspective on the role of neuropeptide signaling in supporting excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission in the nervous system within functionally coherent polysynaptic circuits.

Role of gas chromatography and olfactometry to understand the wine aroma: Achievements denoted by multidimensional analysis.

The human nose has been used as a detector in gas chromatography analysis to evaluate odoriferous compounds related to aroma and quality of wine. Several olfactometric techniques are available to access the description, intensity, and/or duration of the odor of each compound. Olfactometry can be associated with one-dimensional gas chromatography or multidimensional gas chromatography, including heart-cut gas chromatography and comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography. Multidimensional gas chromatography may help to resolve coeluted compounds and detect important trace components for the aroma. The identification of odor-active compounds may help to differentiate wines according to terroir, grapes cultivars used in winemaking or types of aging, understand the role of fungal infection of grapes for wine quality, find the best management practices in vineyard and vinification to obtain the greatest quality. In addition, when the instrumental techniques are combined with sensory analysis, even more accurate information may be obtained regarding the overall wine aroma. This review discloses the state of the art of olfactometric methods and the analytical techniques used to investigate odor-active compounds such as one-dimensional gas chromatography, multidimensional gas chromatography, and comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography. The advances in knowledge of wine aroma achieved with the use of these techniques in the target and profiling approaches were also discussed.