First report on quality and purity assessment of sweet almond oil in Brazilian body oils by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry.

Sweet almond oil is a raw material with high-added value used in different products. Then, the aim of this study is to evaluate the quality and purity of 10 body oils based on sweet almond oils currently available in the Brazilian market. Fatty acid composition and triacylglycerol (TAG) profile were determined by gas chromatography with flame ionization detector (GC-FID) and atmospheric solids analysis probe mass spectrometry (ASAP-MS), respectively. The authenticity of samples was assessed using an analytical curve equation. Soybean oil was chosen as the adulterant because it is the cheapest vegetable oil commercialized in Brazil. Hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA) in conjunction with ASAP-MS classified product samples according to the type of vegetable oil (soybean and sweet almond oils). The addition of soybean oil (8.79% to 99.70%) was confirmed in samples. However, only two samples stated in their label the presence of soybean oil as an ingredient. These findings highlight the need for better oversight by regulatory bodies to ensure that consumers acquire high quality and authentic products based on equally high quality and purity of sweet almond oils.

Application of essential oils as sanitizer alternatives on the postharvest washing of fresh produce.

Growers commonly wash fresh produce with chemical sanitizers during postharvest handling. However, these sanitizers can be harsh to washing systems and pose a health risk to workers. Essential oils (EOs) can be used as alternatives to chemical sanitizers in produce washing. Previous studies reveal that the EOs from thyme, oregano, cinnamon, and clove are the main EOs evaluated in the studies as potential sanitizers for the washing of produce. The use of EOs and surfactants, such as tween80 and cetylpyridinium chloride, might be used to improve the antimicrobial activity of emulsions. However, studies are still required to evaluate the potential effect of different chemical components of EOs and preparations. Also, it is recommended that researchers focus on overcoming obstacles regarding EOs application in washing systems, including the high levels of EO required to reduce bacterial growth, undesired organoleptic impact on produce, and the poor solubility of EOs in aqueous solution.

Fatty Acid Incorporation in the Muscle, Oxidative Markers, Lipid Peroxidation and PPAR-α and SREBP-2 Expression of Zebrafish Fed Linseed Oil and Clove Leaf Essential Oil.

The objective of this study is to assess, in zebrafish, the effects of combining linseed oil (LO) and clove leaf essential oil (CLEO) on the incorporation of fatty acids in the muscle, oxidative markers, lipid peroxidation and expression of the PPAR-α (Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor-α) and the SREBP-2 (Sterol Regulatory Element Binding Protein-2) genes. Six diets were prepared, containing combinations of LO (3, 6 and 9%) and CLEO (0.5 and 1%): 3% LO + 0.5% CLEO; 3% LO + 1% CLEO; 6% LO + 0.5% CLEO; 6% LO + 1% CLEO; 9% LO + 0.5% CLEO; 9% LO + 1% CLEO. Results showed increase in the incorporation of n-3 fatty acids in the muscle concomitantly with the addition of LO and CLEO. The activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase were reduced and the glutathione content had increased. Lipid peroxidation was lower in the treatment with 1% CLEO, regardless of LO content. The expression of the PPAR-α and the SREBP-2 genes was higher in animals fed 9% LO + 0.5% CLEO. Therefore, for a greater incorporation and protection against the oxidative damages of n-3 fatty acids, a combined use of 9% LO with 0.5% CLEO is recommended for zebrafish.

TOCSY, hydrogen decoupling and computational calculations to an unequivocal structural elucidation of a new sesquiterpene derivative and identification of other constituents from Praxelis sanctopaulensis.

INTRODUCTION: Praxelis genus comprises 24 species, however, only two species of this genus have been chemically investigated. Here we investigated Praxelis sanctopaulensis, a native plant from Brazil, that occurs mainly in Cerrado regions. OBJECTIVE: The goal was to identify the specialised metabolites from P. sanctopaulensis, and compare with those described from Praxelis and Chromolaena species. METHODS: The phytochemical study of P. sanctopaulensis was performed through different chromatography techniques, including high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), gas chromatography flame ionisation detector (GC-FID), and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS/MS). The structures of the compounds were established based on spectroscopic analysis, total correlated spectroscopy (TOCSY), hydrogen decoupling and computational calculations was used to an unequivocal structural elucidation of a new sesquiterpene. The antioxidant activity was evaluated using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and antimicrobial assay was performed by the microdilution method. Comparison of the flavonoids described P. sanctopaulensis was carried out using principal component analysis. RESULTS: The phytochemical investigation of P. sanctopaulensis led to the isolation of a pair of diastereomers, praxilone A and praxilone B. Seven known compounds were isolated from this species, another 14 fatty acids were detected in hexane fraction, and 26 compounds were identified from ethyl acetate fraction. All these compounds are being described for the first time in this species, with the exception of viridifloric acid. The ethyl acetate fraction showed potent antioxidant activity. CONCLUSIONS: Forty-seven compounds are described from P. sanctopaulensis. The combination of different techniques of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and computational calculations allowed the unequivocal structure elucidation of a new cadinene. The clustering analysis showed similarities between the flavonoids identified in P. sanctopaulensis and in Chromolaena species.

Chemical profile, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of Miconia albicans (Sw.) Triana (Melastomataceae) fruits extract.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Miconia albicans (Sw.) Triana has been widely used in Brazilian popular medicine for the treatment of several diseases. Aerial parts are used as an infusion to treat arthrosis and arthritis, to relieve rheumatic and stomach pains, and intestinal disorders due to its anti-inflammatory, anti-mutagenic anti-nociceptive, digestive and hepatoprotective properties. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study aimed to characterize the of M. albicans (Sw.) Triana fruits extract (MAFRE) chemical profile and to evaluate its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antitumor activities, as well as its toxicity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Maceration with methanol as liquid extractor was used to prepare MAFRE. M. albicans (Sw.) Triana fruits chemical composition was characterized by UHPLC-QTOF-MS/MS and GC-FID (fatty acid methyl esters composition from lyophilized fruits). MAFRE antioxidant potential was evaluated in vitro using a combination of assays: Folin-Ciocalteu reducing capacity, DPPH• and ABTS radical scavenging ability and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). In vitro antiproliferative activity was investigated in four human tumor cell lines (U251, 786-0, HT29 and MDA-MB-231) while the effect on the non-tumor cell viability was assessed in the VERO cell line using the on-step MTT assay. In addition, in vivo anti-inflammatory effect was assessed by Croton oil-induced ear edema in mice followed by myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity evaluation. RESULTS: Thirty-five compounds were identified by UHPLC-QTOF-MS/MS. Among it flavonoids derived from quercetin (8), myricetin (1), kaempferol (2), terpenoids (6) and other compounds (18). GC-FID analysis identified and quantified nine fatty acids: palmitic, stearic, arachidic, behenic, elaidic, oleic, eicosenoic, and linoleic acids. The most abundant fatty acids were polyunsaturated fatty acids (5.33 ± 0.17 mg g-1), followed by saturated fatty acids (2.38 ± 0.07 mg g-1) and monounsaturated fatty acids (1.74 ± 0.09 mg g-1). The extract revealed high content of phenolic compounds (43.68 ± 0.50 mg GAE/g of extract), potent antioxidant, and ferrous chelating capacities. Morever, it proved to be non-toxic to the VERO cells, not affecting cells viability (95% of viable cells). No antiproliferative effect against human tumor cell lines were found. Furthermore, MAFRE significantly (p<0.05) reduced ear edema (≈35%) and MPO activity (84.5%) having a statistical effect similar to traditional steroidal and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, the results evidenced that M. albicans fruit extract has antioxidant properties, a higher concentration of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, fatty acids, and also topical anti-inflammatory activity with low toxicity of extract on VERO cells. Through the ethnomedicinal study, these findings supporting the popular use of M. albicans, but also highlight that not only aerial parts and leaves deserve attention, but the fruits also have anti-inflammatory proprieties and can be a source of phenolic compounds and other substances with potential health benefices.

A High-Fat Diet Induces Lower Systemic Inflammation than a High-Carbohydrate Diet in Mice.

Background: We previously established that male Swiss mice (Mus musculus) receiving a high-fat diet (HFD) during 8 weeks exhibit similar caloric ingestion and body weight (grams) compared with mice fed a high-carbohydrate diet (HCD). HFD mice exhibit a lower inflammatory state than an HCD in the liver, skeletal muscle, and brain. In addition, we demonstrated that HFD and HCD modulated fatty acids (FA) composition in these tissues. In this study, our objective was to compare HFD mice and HCD mice in terms of systemic inflammation. Methods: Saturated FA (SFA), monounsaturated FA, omega-6 polyunsaturated FA (n-6 PUFA), and n-3 PUFA were evaluated at the time points 0, 1, 7, 14, 28, and 56 days after starting the administration of the diets. We investigated n-6 PUFA:n-3 PUFA, SFA:n-3 PUFA, palmitic acid:α-linolenic acid (ALA), and myristic acid:docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) ratios as potential serum biomarkers of systemic inflammation. We also measured the serum levels of basic fibroblast growth factor, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), inducible protein 10 (IP-10), interferon gamma (IFN-γ), interleukin (IL)-1α, IL-1ß, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, IL-13, IL-17, macrophage inflammatory protein-1α (MIP-1-α), monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1), monokine induced by IFN-γ (MIG), and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α). Results: The HFD group had lower (P < 0.05) n-6 PUFA:n-3 PUFA, palmitic acid:ALA, myristic acid:DHA ratios, and lower plasma levels of proinflammatory cytokines (IFN-γ, MIG, GM-CSF, and IL-6). Conclusion: The HFD mice showed lower systemic inflammation compared with a caloric ingestion-body weight-matched control HCD mice.

Pharmacokinetics of amoxicillin in obese and nonobese subjects.

AIMS: To compare the pharmacokinetics of amoxicillin (AMX) in obese and nonobese subjects, given as single dose 875-mg tablets. METHODS: A prospective, single-centre, open-label, clinical study was carried out involving 10 nonobese and 20 obese subjects given a dose of an AMX 875-mg tablet. Serial blood samples were collected between 0 and 8 hours after administration of AMX and plasma levels were quantified by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The pharmacokinetic parameters (PK) were calculated by noncompartmental analysis and means of the 2 groups were compared using Student t-test. Analysis of correlation between covariates and PK was performed using Pearson's correlation coefficient. RESULTS: Ten nonobese subjects (mean age 30.6 ± 7.12 y; body mass index 21.56 ± 1.95 kg/m2 ) and 20 obese subjects (mean age 34.47 ± 7.03 y; body mass index 33.17 ± 2.38 kg/m2 ) participated in the study. Both maximum concentration (Cmax ; 12.12 ± 4.06 vs. 9.66 ± 2.93 mg/L) and area under the curve (AUC)0-inf (34.18 ± 12.94 mg.h/L vs. 26.88 ± 9.24 mg.h/L) were slightly higher in nonobese than in obese subjects, respectively, but differences were not significant. The volume of distribution (V/F) parameter was statistically significantly higher in obese compared to nonobese patients (44.20 ± 17.85 L vs. 27.57 ± 12.96 L). Statistically significant correlations were observed for several weight metrics vs. AUC, Cmax , V/F and clearance, and for creatinine clearance vs. AUC, Cmax and clearance. CONCLUSION: In obese subjects, the main altered PK was V/F as a consequence of greater body weight. This may result in antibiotic treatment failure if standard therapeutic regimens are administered.

Tea catechin role in decreasing the oxidation of dairy beverages containing linseed oil.

Dairy beverages containing emulsified linseed oil is a suitable vehicle for delivering polyunsaturated fatty acids to consumers. However, these beverages are prone to oxidation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of adding various concentrations (0, 0.001, 0.01 and 0.1% (w/w)) of green tea extract (GTE) to dairy beverages (DB) containing linseed oil (2.0%, w/w), in order to inhibit lipid oxidation during storage at high temperature (50 °C) or under fluorescent light exposure. During storage, the concentration of catechin (C), epicatechin (EC) and epicatechin gallate (ECG) were significantly reduced (P ≤ 0.05) and degradation rate was greater when the DB were exposed to light (C 35%, EC 74% and ECG 68%) as compared to high temperature (C 34%, EC 45% and ECG 49%). In DB without GTE, the conjugated dienes (CD) hydroperoxides concentration increased significantly (P ≤ 0.05) from 23 mmol kg-1 fat to 243 mmol kg-1 fat under 6-day-light exposition, and to 83 mmol kg-1 fat under 6-day-heat temperature. The addition of GTE significantly increased the antioxidant capacity of DB and reduced the formation of CD, propanal and hexanal, induced by light exposure or high temperature. GTE at 0.10% completely inhibited CD formation during the storage period and reduced propanal and hexanal concentrations below the threshold.

Ultrasound assisted extraction of hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) bioactive compounds for application as potential functional ingredient.

The ultrasound assisted extraction (UAE) of total anthocyanins (TA) and total phenolic compounds (TP) from hibiscus calyces was evaluated with the intention of using the extract in future food products. The Box-Behnken Design was used for the extraction evaluating sonication time, solvent concentration and temperature. Final results suggest that 45 min, 65 °C and 25% ethanol can be considered the best region for UAE extraction. The relative area of the peaks identified by UPLC-MS/MS in the extract obtained by the UAE are superior in 2 or even 4 times those obtained by conventional extraction, for all the compounds, suggesting that the UAE method is more effective in the extraction of bioactive compounds. The extract obtained was used to make jelly and submitted to in vitro digestion and colonic fermentation. Loss of TP, TA and antioxidant activity in the jelly with addition of extract was lower when compared to extract loss itself, showing that it is feasible the hibiscus extract application in food products.

Anthocyanidins structural study using positive electrospray ionization triple quadrupole mass spectrometry and H/D exchange.

We report herein a detailed structural study by collision-induced dissociation (CID) of nonglycosylated anthocyanins (anthocyanidins) using electrospray ionization triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (ESI-QqQ) and isotope labeling experiments to understand the fragmentation process often used in mass spectrometry analysis of this class of compounds. Tandem mass spectrometric product ion spectra for three anthocyanidins (cyanidin, delphynidin, and pelargonin) were evaluated to propose fragmentation mechanisms to this natural colorant class of organic compounds. The proposed rearrangements, retro Diels-Alder reaction, water loss, CO losses, and stable acylium ion formation, were evaluated based on tandem mass spectrometric experiments of normal and labeled precursor ions together to computational thermochemistry. B3LYP/6-311 + G** ab initio calculations studies were carried out to obtain energy diagrams to show the viability of the proposed mechanisms. The CO losses fragmentation channels have lower energies when compared with water losses and the other proposed fragmentations. The isotope labeling experiments indicate the H/D exchange of the hydroxyl protons and corroborate the proposed general fragmentation mechanism for anthocyanidins.

Fish oil supplementation reverses behavioral and neurochemical alterations induced by swimming exercise in rats.

Diet and exercise are known to affect learning and memory. However, the effects of these interventions in the brain under development remains to be better investigated as the effects of high-intensity exercise. Moreover, it is still unclear how long the influence of diet and exercise lasts after the interventions are ceased. To investigate this, juvenile Wistar rats (30 days old) were supplemented with fish oil rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and performed swimming training for 50 days, 45 min per day, 5 times/week. The animals were assessed for locomotor activity with the open field test and for spatial memory with the object location task. To investigate neurochemical parameters such as fatty acids incorporation within the plasma membrane and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels, the animals were euthanized, and the hippocampus dissected. These investigations were made at the end of the supplementation and exercise protocols and 21 days after the protocol has ended. Results indicate that high-intensity exercise impaired the spatial memory and decreased the levels of BDNF. Although supplementation led to PUFAs incorporation in plasma membrane, it did not prevent the harmful effect of exercise on memory. After 21 days of interruption, we observed that the supplementation reversed not only the deleterious effect of exercise on memory but also increased the BDNF levels. These results point to a complex influence of diet and exercise on spatial memory of juvenile rats, persisting after 21 days of interruption.

Polyelectrolyte complexes based on alginate/tanfloc: Optimization, characterization and medical application.

Hydrogels based on alginate and tanfloc (a cationic biopolymer obtained from natural condensed tannins) were successfully prepared. Tanfloc (TN) presents high aqueous solubility at pHs lower than 10; it contains substituted amino sites and molar weight of ca. 600,000gmol-1. A factorial design (22) was used to optimize the yield of alginate/tanfloc polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs). Dialysis recovered the overplus of alginate (AG) no complexed with TN. These materials were characterized by thermal analyses (TGA/DTG and DSC), zeta potential, and FTIR, while SEM technique depicted a rough surface on AG/TN complex, containing non-homogeneous pores. Indeed, the AG and TN were tailored to elicit scaffold materials with outstanding cytocompatibility, mainly upon mouse preosteoblastic cells because of reconstruction of bone tissues (119% at 10days). The AG/TN complex also displayed antioxidant and bactericidal activities against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). Besides, the pristine TN fostered bacteriostatic and bactericidal performances towards S. aureus and Escherichia coli. However, for our best knowledge, no studies were still carried out on TN and TN-based materials for medical purpose.

Optimization of photocatalytic degradation of biodiesel using TiO2/H2O2 by experimental design.

This study reports on the investigation of the photodegradation of biodiesel (B100) in contact with water using TiO2/H2O2. The TiO2 was characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), pH point of zero charge (pHpzc) and textural analysis. The results of the experiments were fitted to a quadratic polynomial model developed using response surface methodology (RSM) to optimize the parameters. Using the three factors, three levels, and the Box-Behnken design of experiment technique, 15 sets of experiments were designed considering the effective ranges of the influential parameters. The responses of those parameters were optimized using computational techniques. After 24h of irradiation under an Hg vapor lamp, removal of 22.0% of the oils and greases (OG) and a 33.54% reduction in the total of fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) concentration was observed in the aqueous phase, as determined using gas chromatography coupled with flame ionization detection (GC/FID). The estimate of FAMEs undergo base-catalyzed hydrolysis is at least 3years (1095days) and after photocatalytic treatment using TiO2/H2O2, it was reduced to 33.54% of FAMEs in only 1day.

Incorporation of conjugated fatty acids into Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus).

BACKGROUND: The aim of this work was to improve the nutritional quality of Nile tilapia meat through enriched diets with conjugated isomers of linolenic acid from tung oil. The transfer process of conjugated fatty acids (CFAs) into fish muscle tissue was evaluated by gas chromatography-flame ionization detection (GC-FID) and easy ambient sonic-spray ionization mass spectrometry (EASI-MS). RESULTS: The results showed that conjugated fatty acids were transferred from enriched diet for muscle tissue of Nile tilapia. Conjugated linoleic acids biosynthesis from conjugated linolenic acids was also observed after 10 days. Other important fatty acids such as docosahexaenoic (DHA), eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and arachidonic (AA) acids were also identified over time; however, DHA showed the highest concentration when compared with EPA and AA compounds. CONCLUSION: Therefore, the nutritional quality of Nile tilapia was improved through feeding with enriched diets. The ingestion of these fish may contribute to reaching adequate levels of daily CFA consumption. Furthermore, other important substances which play an important role in human metabolism, such as EPA, DHA and AA, can also be ingested together with CFA. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

Bioactive compounds and scavenging capacity of extracts from different parts of Vismia cauliflora against reactive oxygen and nitrogen species.

CONTEXT: Vismia cauliflora A.C.Sm. [Hypericaceae (Clusiaceae)] is a plant from Amazonian forest. It is used by Amerindians to treat dermatosis and inflammatory processes in the skin and has been considered an interesting source of bioactive compounds. OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the scavenging capacity of extracts from V. cauliflora (leaf, branch, stem bark, flower, and whole fruit) against reactive oxygen (ROS) and nitrogen species (RNS), namely, superoxide radical ([Formula: see text]), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), hypochlorous acid (HOCl), singlet oxygen ((1)O2), nitric oxide ((•)NO), and peroxynitrite (ONOO(-)). In addition, for the first time, the profile of phenolic compounds and carotenoids was determined. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The scavenging capacities of each extract were determined using specific probes (fluorescent, colorimetric, and chemiluminescent) to detect different reactive species ((1)O2, HOCl, H2O2, [Formula: see text], (•)NO, and ONOO(-)). The identification and the quantification of phenolic compounds and carotenoids were carried out by HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS and HPLC-DAD, respectively. RESULTS: (-)-Epicatechin and proanthocyanidin dimers and trimer were the major phenolic compounds tentatively identified in leaf, branch, stem bark, and flower extracts, while dihydroxybenzoic acids were the major compounds in whole fruit extracts. All-trans-zeinoxanthin and all-trans-ß-carotene were the major carotenoids tentatively identified in leaf extracts. All extracts of V. cauliflora showed high efficiency against all tested ROS and RNS, although flower and stem bark extracts exhibited the most remarkable scavenging capacity, especially for (•)NO and ONOO(-). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Vismia cauliflora has great potential to be used in the development of phytopharmaceutical products due to its characteristic of being a promising source of bioactive compounds with high antioxidant properties.

Fish oil improves anxiety-like, depressive-like and cognitive behaviors in olfactory bulbectomised rats.

Depression is increasingly present in the population, and its pathophysiology and treatment have been investigated with several animal models, including olfactory bulbectomy (Obx). Fish oil (FO) supplementation during the prenatal and postnatal periods decreases depression-like and anxiety-like behaviors. The present study evaluated the effect of FO supplementation on Obx-induced depressive-like behavior and cognitive impairment. Female rats received supplementation with FO during habituation, mating, gestation, and lactation, and their pups were subjected to Obx in adulthood; after the recovery period, the adult offspring were subjected to behavioral tests, and the hippocampal levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), serotonin (5-HT) and the metabolite 5-hydroxyindoleacetic (5-HIAA) were determined. Obx led to increased anxiety-like and depressive-like behaviors, and impairment in the object location task. All behavioral changes were reversed by FO supplementation. Obx caused reductions in the levels of hippocampal BDNF and 5-HT, whereas FO supplementation restored these levels to normal values. In control rats, FO increased the hippocampal level of 5-HT and reduced that of 5-HIAA, indicating low 5-HT metabolism in this brain region. The present results indicate that FO supplementation during critical periods of brain development attenuated anxiety-like and depressive-like behaviors and cognitive dysfunction induced by Obx. These results may be explained by increased levels of hippocampal BDNF and 5-HT, two major regulators of neuronal survival and long-term plasticity in this brain structure.

Lipid and protein oxidation in charqui meat and jerked beef

In this study, the changes in the lipid (Lox) and protein oxidation (Pox) were measured quantitatively by TBARS and carbonyl methods, respectively, throughout the salting and drying steps of charqui meat (CH) and jerked beef (JB) preparation and their storage up to 60 days. The experiment was carried out on CH samples treated with brine (20.0%) and JB with same brine solution added with sodium nitrite (0.02%). After 60 days of storage, the carbonyl substances in CH were 2.77nmol mg-1 while in the JB samples, there was 61.0% oxidation inhibition. The TBARS determination revealed a Lox inhibition by approximately 5-fold in the latter samples. These results indicated that in the metmyoglobin molecule, the nitrite kept the Fe in the Fe2+ state in JB samples whereas in CH, the Fe was oxidized to Fe3+, which catalyzed the oxidation reactions more efficiently, leading to the higher development of Lox and Pox.

The antioxidant activity of teas measured by the FRAP method adapted to the FIA system: optimising the conditions using the response surface methodology.

This study proposes a FRAP assay adapted to FIA system with a merging zones configuration. The FIA system conditions were optimised with the response surface methodology using the central composite rotatable design. The optimisation parameters studied were: the carrier flow rate, the lengths of the sample and reagent loops, and reactor length. The conditions selected in accordance with the results were: carrier flow rate of 1.00 ml/min, length of the loops 18.2 cm and length of the reaction coil 210.1 cm. The detection and quantification limits were, respectively, 28.6 and 86.8 µmol/l Fe(2+), and the precision was 1.27%. The proposed method had an analytical frequency of 30 samples/h and about 95% less volume of FRAP reagent was consumed. The FRAP assay adapted to the FIA system under the optimised conditions was utilised to determine the antioxidant activity of tea samples.

Easy dual-mode ambient mass spectrometry with Venturi self-pumping, canned air, disposable parts and voltage-free sonic-spray ionization.

An exceptionally easy to assemble source for ambient mass spectrometry is described. Based on Venturi easy ambient sonic-spray ionization (V-EASI), the source was further simplified by the use of a can of compressed air which simultaneously provides solution or solvent Venturi self-pumping and continuous, stable and abundant low-noise ion signal via voltage-free sonic-spraying. Further simplification was also attained by the use of inexpensive and readily commercially available parts: a surgical 2-way catheter, an aerosol can of compressed air, a 30 cm long fused-silica capillary and a hypodermic needle. This "Spartan" V-EASI source seems to offer one of the easiest and cheapest ways to make ions for ambient desorption/ionization mass spectrometry analysis of both liquid and solid samples.

Glyphosate affects seed composition in glyphosate-resistant soybean.

The cultivation of glyphosate-resistant (GR) soybeans has continuously increased worldwide in recent years mainly due to the importance of glyphosate in current weed management systems. However, not much has been done to understand eventual effects of glyphosate application on GR soybean physiology, especially those related to seed composition with potential effects on human health. Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of glyphosate application on GR soybeans compared with its near-isogenic non-GR parental lines. Results of the first experiment showed that glyphosate application resulted in significant decreases in shoot nutrient concentrations, photosynthetic parameters, and biomass production. Similar trends were observed for the second experiment, although glyphosate application significantly altered seed nutrient concentrations and polyunsaturated fatty acid percentages. Glyphosate resulted in significant decreases in polyunsaturated linoleic acid (18:2n-6) (2.3% decrease) and linolenic acid (18:3n-3) (9.6% decrease) and a significant increase in monounsaturated fatty acids 17:1n-7 (30.3% increase) and 18:1n-7 (25% increase). The combined observations of decreased photosynthetic parameters and low nutrient availability in glyphosate-treated plants may explain potential adverse effects of glyphosate in GR soybeans.