Multi-Elemental Analysis of Edible Insects, Scorpions, and Tarantulas from French (Online) Market and Human Health Risk Assessment Due to Their Consumption: A Pilot Study.

Edible insects are becoming increasingly popular as protein alternatives to traditional animal-based products. As such, information on their elemental composition is important to ensure they are safe for human consumption. This article describes the development and validation of a rapid, reliable method for the simultaneous determination of 19 elements (Al, As, B, Ba, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Pb, Se, Sr, and Zn) in edible insects by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) following closed vessel microwave digestion.

Single particle inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and its variations for the analysis of nanoparticles.

Single particle inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (spICPMS) can count and weigh metal-containing nanoparticles (NPs), enabling their sizing if their geometry, density, and composition are known. With a nebulizer and a spray chamber for sample introduction, both the sample uptake rate and the transport efficiency must be determined when calibrating with solutions. In contrast, flow injection (FI) and mono-segmented flow analysis (MSFA) coupled to spICPMS do not need determination of the transport efficiency and sample uptake rate for accurate NP mass measurement.

MeaningBERT: assessing meaning preservation between sentences.

In the field of automatic text simplification, assessing whether or not the meaning of the original text has been preserved during simplification is of paramount importance. Metrics relying on n-gram overlap assessment may struggle to deal with simplifications which replace complex phrases with their simpler paraphrases. Current evaluation metrics for meaning preservation based on large language models (LLMs), such as BertScore in machine translation or QuestEval in summarization, have been proposed.

Forensic analysis by solid sampling electrothermal vaporization coupled to inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry.

To analyze trace evidence found at crime scenes, non-destructive analysis techniques or analysis techniques requiring minute amounts of sample are preferred. One such technique is solid sampling electrothermal vaporization (ETV) coupled to inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICPOES), which requires only 0.1-5 mg of sample.

Sex determination of mummies through multi-elemental analysis of head hair using electrothermal vaporization coupled to inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry.

Sex determination of human remains is of great archaeological significance, as it provides a more complete picture of social and familial structures within ancient societies. Typically performed through examination of bones in the pelvic region, accurate sex determination can be exceedingly challenging in the absence of a sufficiently preserved skeleton. Here, a method for sex determination in living humans, involving measurement of magnesium, strontium, sulfur, and zinc in head hair along with multivariate statistics, was applied for the first time to hair collected from 500 year-old mummies originating from Peru.

Literature review and meta-analysis of gastric and intestinal bioaccessibility for nine inorganic elements in soils and soil-like media for use in human health risk assessment.

When soils become contaminated, a human health risk assessment (HHRA) is beneficial for determining whether identified contaminants of potential concern (COPCs) pose a risk to human health. In certain jurisdictions, when calculating doses from soil ingestion during the exposure assessment step of a HHRA, validated bioaccessibility methods may be used to accurately represent a contaminant's relative absorption factor (RAF). Where validated methods do not exist, risk assessors must either a) conduct their own literature search (which can be time consuming), b) create their own validation study (also a time consuming process), or c) use default assumptions (i.

Source apportionment of bioaccessible lead in soil reference materials using the continuous on-line leaching method and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.

Bioaccessibility (the amount of a contaminant extracted by the gastrointestinal fluids during digestion) is often incorporated in the assessment of contaminated soils and foods. Current methods, including those published by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) and United States Pharmacopoeia (USP), use a batch method of analysis which requires hours of extraction prior to instrumental analysis with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPMS). The continuous on-line leaching method (COLM) uses a more direct method of analysis as extracts are sent directly to the ICPMS instrument, which can reduce extraction time and give real-time elution kinetics.

Biosynthesis of the Fungal Organophosphonate Fosfonochlorin Involves an Iron(II) and 2-(Oxo)glutarate Dependent Oxacyclase.

The fungal metabolite Fosfonochlorin features a chloroacetyl moiety that is unusual within known phosphonate natural product biochemistry. Putative biosynthetic genes encoding Fosfonochlorin in Fusarium and Talaromyces spp. were investigated through reactions of encoded enzymes with synthetic substrates and isotope labelling studies.

Characterization of platinum nanoparticles for fuel cell applications by single particle inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.

The most effective utilization of platinum (Pt) in fuel cells is achieved through the use of nanoparticles (NPs) that offer a large electrochemically active surface area. Because the stability of NPs decreases as they become smaller, their size and size distribution must be known in order to optimize the catalysts' durability, while offering high catalytic activity. Single particle inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (spICPMS) can quantify the mass of metallic NPs suspended in aqueous medium, which can then be converted into a size if the NPs' shape, density and composition are known.

Preconcentration of noble metals on alumina prior to analysis by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry: Application to geological samples.

A preconcentration method for the determination of noble metals (Ag, Au, Ir, Os, Pd, Pt, Re, Rh, Ru) was developed using alumina as a sorbent. The method involves an off-line preconcentration analytical procedure: the formation of chloro-complexes of these elements with HCl, loading of the chloro-complexes on alumina followed by elution of analytes and analysis by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The effects of HCl/HNO concentration in the sample digest, mass of alumina, and concentration of eluents (HCl and HNO)/thiourea were studied using multivariate experimental designs.

Integrating Instead of Averaging Signal Intensity to Simplify Nanoparticle Mass Measurement by Single Particle Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry.

The use of single particle inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry has been rapidly expanding for the analysis of nanoparticles (NPs). When external calibration with standard solutions is done to find the mass of NPs, the average signal intensity for each standard solution is typically used, which requires measurement of the transport efficiency of solutions through the spray chamber. However, if the signal is integrated over a constant time period for all standards and samples, then there is no need to determine the transport efficiency to measure NP mass, as the mass of analyte aspirated can be directly found by multiplying the analyte concentration in each standard by the sample uptake rate and the integration time.

Single particle inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry with and without flow injection for the characterization of nickel nanoparticles.

This work compares the performance of transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), single particle inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (spICPMS) and flow injection (FI) coupled to spICPMS for the characterization of synthetic ferromagnetic Ni nanoparticles (NPs) prepared with and without polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) stabilizer. Whereas single NPs measurement by XRD yielded nominal diameters of 13.7 and 16.

Stabilization and Solvent Driven Crystal-to-Crystal Transition between New Bismuth Halides.

The investigations of bismuth halide chemistry in DMSO/MeOH solutions led to the discovery of a new solvent-stabilized compound with a chemical formula of CsBiBr·3DMSO. In addition, a new phase of CsBiBr was generated as a result of a crystal-to-crystal transition driven by the change in the solvent composition. The solvent stabilized CsBiBr·3DMSO adopts an orthorhombic 222 type crystal structure with unit cell dimension of = 13.

Enhancement of the Capabilities of Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry Using Monosegmented Flow Analysis.

Flow injection (FI) in combination with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPMS) is advantageous for the analysis of volume-limited samples and is invaluable for the analysis of corrosive samples that would prematurely degrade ICPMS components. However, the dispersion process with 50-μL injections in FI degrades ICPMS sensitivity. Monosegmented flow analysis (MSFA), where the sample plug is in the middle of 1 mL of air, eliminates dispersion while preserving the rinsing effect of the carrier.

Realistic risk assessment of arsenic in rice.

Over 3 billion people share a diet consisting mainly of rice, which may contain significant amounts of arsenic. Because the toxicity of arsenic is dependent on its chemical form and that it may be in a form that is not bio-accessible (i.e.

Simultaneous Speciation Analysis of Arsenic, Chromium, and Selenium in the Bioaccessible Fraction for Realistic Risk Assessment of Food Safety.

A simple and fast method was developed for risk assessment of As, Cr, and Se in food, which is demonstrated here using three cooked and uncooked rice samples (basmati as well as organic white and brown rice). The bioaccessible fraction was first determined through online leaching of rice minicolumns (maintained at 37 °C) sequentially with artificial saliva, gastric juice, and intestinal juice while continuously monitoring potentially toxic elements (As, Cr, and Se) by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPMS). Then, a new ion chromatography method with online detection by ICPMS was developed for the simultaneous speciation analysis of As, Cr, and Se in the bioaccessible fraction to determine the portion of these elements that was actually toxic.

Solid sampling ETV-ICPOES coupled to a nebulization/pre-evaporation system for direct elemental analysis of glutinous rice by external calibration with standard solutions.

Because glutinous rice flour is consumed by millions of individuals around the world, its analysis is essential to ensure its safety. Solid sampling electrothermal vaporization (ETV) coupled to inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICPOES) allows for a quick analysis, precluding the need for time-consuming acid digestion that may also lead to analyte loss or contamination. However, the amount of sample that can be introduced without extinguishing the plasma is limited to about 4mg.

Limits of Detection and Quantification of Electrochemical Quartz-Crystal Nanobalance in Platinum Electrochemistry and Electrocatalysis Research.

The electrochemical quartz-crystal nanobalance has been used in electrochemistry research for over three decades. It provides an atomic/molecular level insight into the nature of interfacial electrochemical phenomena by measuring in situ mass changes on the nanogram scale. The sensitivity of this technique remains unknown because there have been no attempts to determine its limits of detection (LOD) or quantification (LOQ).

Impact of Concanavalin-A-Mediated Cytoskeleton Disruption on Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor-Related Protein-1 Internalization and Cell Surface Expression in Glioblastomas.

The low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (LRP-1) is a multiligand endocytic receptor, which plays a pivotal role in controlling cytoskeleton dynamics during cancer cell migration. Its rapid endocytosis further allows efficient clearance of extracellular ligands. Concanavalin-A (ConA) is a lectin used to trigger in vitro physiological cellular processes, including cytokines secretion, nitric oxide production, and T-lymphocytes activation.

Estimation of the bio-accessible fraction of Cr, As, Cd and Pb in locally available bread using on-line continuous leaching method coupled to inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.

A previously developed, efficient and simple on-line leaching method was used to assess the maximum bio-accessible fraction (assuming no synergistic effect from other food and beverage) of potentially toxic elements (Cr, As, Cd and Pb) in whole wheat brown and white bread samples. Artificial saliva, gastric juice and intestinal juice were successively pumped into a mini-column, packed with bread (maintained at 37 °C) connected on-line to the nebulizer of an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) instrument equipped with a collision-reaction interface (CRI) using hydrogen as reaction gas to minimize carbon- and chlorine-based polyatomic interferences. In contrast to the conventional batch method to which it was compared, this approach provides real-time monitoring of potentially toxic elements that are continuously released during leaching.

Optimization of the operating conditions of solid sampling electrothermal vaporization coupled to inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry for the sensitive direct analysis of powdered rice.

Two different approaches were used to improve the capabilities of solid sampling (SS) electrothermal vaporization (ETV) coupled to inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) for the direct analysis of powdered rice. Firstly, a cooling step immediately before and after the vaporization step in the ETV temperature program resulted in a much sharper analyte signal peak. Secondly, point-by-point internal standardization with an Ar emission line significantly improved the linearity of calibration curves obtained with an increasing amount of rice flour certified reference material (CRM).

Characteristics of colored passive layers on titanium: morphology, optical properties, and corrosion resistance.

Electrochemically formed colored passive layers on titanium and their optical, surface morphology, and corrosion properties are presented and discussed. With the application of progressively higher AC voltages (VAC) during preparation of these passive layers, they are found to become more protective of the underlying metal, as determined from corrosion resistance measurements employing electrochemical polarization curve and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry experiments. The passive layers on titanium were found to be uniform in their surface morphology with no apparent cracks or pits.

Electrochemically active nickel foams as support materials for nanoscopic platinum electrocatalysts.

Platinum is deposited on open-cell nickel foam in low loading amounts via chemical reduction of Pt cations (specifically, Pt(2+) or Pt(4+)) originating from aqueous Pt salt solutions. The resulting Pt-modified nickel foams (Pt/Ni foams) are characterized using complementary electrochemical and materials analysis techniques. These include electron microscopy to examine the morphology of the deposited material, cyclic voltammetry to evaluate the electrochemical surface area of the deposited Pt, and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry to determine the mass of deposited Pt on the Ni foam substrate.