Halogenated Anesthetics Determination in Urine by SPME/GC/MS and Urine Levels Relationship Evaluation with Surgical Theatres Contamination

Cancer breath testing: a patent review

INTRODUCTION

Human breath can contain thousands of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and semi-volatile compounds that are related to metabolism and other biochemical processes. The presence of cancer cells can affect the identity and abundances of chemicals in breath when compared to those in healthy control subjects, which can be used to indicate the likelihood of a patient having cancer. Recently, the chemical analysis of exhaled breath from patients has been shown to be promising for diagnosing many different types of cancers, including lung, breast, colon, head, neck, and prostate, along with pre-cancerous conditions (dysplasia).

AREAS COVERED

Here, we reviewed the sampling, analytical and data analysis methods reported in the recent patent literature related to cancer breath testing (2014-2017). In addition, the different types of cancer biomarkers that were disclosed are discussed.

EXPERT OPINION

The major advantages of breath testing compared to conventional X-ray and imaging based methods includes simplicity of use, non-invasiveness, and the potential to detect cancer at a relatively early stage. Such methods are also suitable to perform population screening because of their non-invasiveness. However, the establishment of standard sampling, detection and quantification methods for breath testing is required before the methods can be employed for clinical diagnosis.

Triacylglycerols in edible oils: Determination, characterization, quantitation, chemometric approach and evaluation of adulterations

Vegetable oils are a dietary source of lipids that constitute an essential component of a healthy diet. The commonly used vegetable oils differ significantly for their triacylglycerol (TAG) profile. TAGs represent the principal components of oils and may contain different fatty acids (FA) esterified with glycerol leading to several positional isomers. To differentiate individual TAGs species in edible oils, advanced analysis systems and innovative methods are therefore required. TAGs can be considered as good fingerprints for quality control and many studies have been performed to develop rapid and low cost analytical methods to determinate the authenticity, origin and eventually evidence frauds or adulterations. The present manuscript provides a general overview on the most common vegetable oils TAGs compositions and on the related analytical methodologies recently used. Finally, the chemometric applications developed to assess the authenticity, quality and botanical origin of various edible oils are discussed.

Effect of solid waste landfill organic pollutants on groundwater in three areas of Sicily (Italy) characterized by different vulnerability

The aim of this study was to obtain information on the presence and levels of hazardous organic pollutants in groundwater located close to solid waste landfills. Eighty-two environmental contaminants, including 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), 20 volatile organic compounds (VOCs), 29 polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), 7 dioxins (polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins, PCDDs) and 10 furans (polychlorinated dibenzofurans, PCDFs) were monitored in areas characterised by different geological environments surrounding three municipal solid waste landfills (Palermo, Siculiana and Ragusa) in Sicily (Italy) in three sampling campaigns. The total concentrations of the 16 PAHs were always below the legal threshold. Overall, the Fl/Fl + Py diagnostic ratio revealed that PAHs had a petrogenic origin. VOC levels, except for two notable exceptions near Palermo landfill, were always below the legal limit. As concerns PCB levels, several samples were found positive with levels exceeding the legal limits. It is worth noting that the % PCB distribution differs from that of commercial compositions. In parallel, some samples of groundwater containing PCDDs and PCDFs exceeding the legal threshold were also found. Among the 17 congeners monitored, the most abundant were the highest molecular weight ones.

Determination of ketosteroid hormones in meat by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry and derivatization chemistry

A method for the determination and quantification of ketosteroid hormones in meat by mass spectrometry, based on the derivatization of the carbonyl moiety of steroids by O-methylhydroxylamine, is presented. The quantitative assay is performed by means of multiple-reaction-monitoring (MRM) scan mode and using the corresponding labelled species, obtained by reaction with d 3-methoxylamine, as internal standard. The accuracy of the method was established by evaluating artificially spiked samples, obtaining values in the range 90-110%. Recovery tests were performed on blank matrix samples spiked with non-natural steroids including trenbolone and melengestrol acetate. The latter experiment revealed that the yield of the extraction processes was approximately 60%. Good values of LOQ and LOD were achieved, making this method competitive with current hormone assay methods.