MicrobIdentifier: A Microbial Identification Software Based on Mass-Spectrometry

As the technology of microbial identification by mass cataloging has been widely used, we have developed the micro-bial identification software, MicrobIdentifier, which integrates and automates different steps in the procedure of rapid species identification based on mass-spectrometry. This software is written in Java for cross-platform intention.

Molecular Fingerprints of Soil Organic Matter in a Typical Freshwater Wetland in Northeast China

Natural wetlands are known to store huge amounts of organic carbon in their soils. Despite the importance of this storage,uncertainties remain about the molecular characteristics of soil organic matter(SOM), a key factor governing the stability of soil organic carbon(SOC). In this study, the molecular fingerprints of SOM in a typical freshwater wetland in Northeast China were investigated using pyrolysis gas-chromatography/mass-spectrometry technology(Py-GC/MS). Results indicated that the SOC, total nitrogen(TN),and total sulfur contents of the cores varied between 16.88% and 45.83%, 0.93% and 2.82%, and 1.09% and 3.79%, respectively. The bulk δ^13C and δ^15N varied over a range of 9.85‰, between –26.85‰ and –17.00‰, and between –0.126‰ and 1.002‰, respectively. A total of 134 different pyrolytic products were identified, and they were grouped into alkyl(including n-alkanes(C:0) and n-alkenes(C:1),aliphatics(Al), aromatics(Ar), lignin(Lg), nitrogen-containing compounds(Nc), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons(PAHs), phenols(Phs), polysaccharides(Ps), and sulfur-containing compounds(Sc). On average, Phs moieties accounted for roughly 24.11% peak areas of the total pyrolysis products, followed by Lg(19.27%), alkyl(18.96%), other aliphatics(12.39%), Nc compounds(8.08%), Ps(6.49%), aromatics(6.32%), Sc(3.26%), and PAHs(1.12%). Soil organic matter from wetlands had more Phs and Lg and less Nc moieties in pyrolytic products than soil organic matters from forests, lake sediments, pastures, and farmland.δ^13 C distribution patterns implied more C3 plant-derived soil organic matter, but the vegetation was in succession to C4 plant from C3 plant. Significant negative correlations between Lg or Ps proportions and C3 plant proportions were observed. Multiple linear analyses implied that the Ar and Al components had negative effects on SOC. Alkyl and Ar could facilitate ratios between SOC and total nitrogen(C/N), while Al plays the opposite role. Al was positively related to the ratio of dissolved organic carbon(DOC) to SOC. In summary, SOM of wetlands might characterize by more Phs and lignin and less Nc moieties in pyrolytic products. The use of Pyrolysis gas-chromatography/mass-spectrometry(Py-GC/MS) technology provided detailed information on the molecular characteristics of SOM from a typical freshwater wetland.

In situ Lu–Hf phosphate geochronology:Progress towards a new tool for space exploration

Geochronology is fundamental to understanding planetary evolution.However,as space exploration continues to expand,traditional dating methods,involving complex laboratory processes,are generally not realistic for unmanned space applications.Campaign-style planetary exploration missions require dating methods that can(1)rapidly resolve age information on small samples,(2)be applied to minerals common in mafic rocks,and(3)be based on technologies that could be installed on future rover systems.We demonstrate the application of rapid in situ microanalytical Lu–Hf phosphate geochronology using samples of pallasite meteorites,which are representative examples of the deep interiors of differentiated planetoids that are generally difficult to date.Individual pallasites were dated by laser ablation tandem mass-spectrometry(LA-ICP-MS/MS),demonstrating a rapid novel method for exploring planetary evolution.Derived formation ages for individual pallasites agree with traditional methods and have<2%uncertainty,opening an avenue of opportunity for remote micro-analytical space exploration.

Determination and Quantification of Trace Elements, by ICP_MS, in the River Water of Sarzhal and Akzhar Villages

In the present study, trace elements present in the river waters of Sarzhal and Akzhar region were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The reason for monitoring trace elements at those two locations is to verify water quality. The village of Sarzhal is situated in an area that has been affected by weapon testing and continues to receive inputs of contaminants (including radionuclides). The concentrations of trace elements in the river water of Sarzhal and Akzhar villages were generally found to be within allowable levels. However, the concentrations of Na 251.56 mg/l, Cr 3.26 μg/l, P 64.56 μg/l and Se 18.162 μg/l in the river of Akzhar were found to be higher than the maximum allowable concentrations (MAC). In Sarzhal, the level of Al 6.66 mg/l, Cr 5.04 μg/l and P 13.44 μg/l exceeded the MAC values.

Exorphins in urine from schizoaffective psychotics

Hyperpeptiduria and opioid excess have been reported in schizophrenia. According to Prof. Dr. L. Lindstrom, Sweden opioids may explain the patho-physiology of this syndrome. Therefore it is critical to elucidate the presence and nature of opioids in schizophrenia and diagnostic sub groups. First morning urine from untreated schizoaffective patients (ICD-10: F 25.1) was separated on HPLC and peaks that elute where different opioid standards appear, freeze dried, re-dissolved in methanol/water (50/50) and 10mM formic acid. Mass spectrometry and MS/MS or fragmentation mass spectrometry was performed. We found fragmentation pattern of beta-casomorphin 1-3 and 1-4 (bovine) identical to synthetic standards from Bachem. The aggregation tendency of peptides was much in evidence. The reported exorphins were found in the urine from 8 of 12 untreated schizoaffective patients.

Peptides and Exorphins in the Autism Spectrum

Problem: Some researchers have not found the opioids in urine of autistic children. We have therefore looked at this problem again. Method: Mass spectrometry and fragmentation mass spectrometry (MS/MS) have been carried out on peaks from the HPLC that show co-chromatography with synthetic standards and peaks that are shared by different autistic children. Results: In quickly frozen urine we find the presence of exorphins, and can also demonstrate a rather fast break down at room temperature of these peptides in urine. Conclusion: Exorphins are present in urine in autistic children, but must be protected against break down and aggregation by fast freezing or acetic acid and adjusting declustering potential and collision potential during mass-spectroscopy. Specific antibody increases and the effect of removing precursor proteins from the diet reinforce this view.

Etiology of invasive candidosis agents in Russia： a multicenter epidemiological survey

A multicenter prospective epidemiological survey on the etiologic agents of invasive candidosis was conducted in Russia in the period of 2012-2014. Samples were collected from 284 patients with invasive candidosis and Candida species isolated by culture. The species were identified by DNA sequencing and MALDI-TOF mass- spectrometry. A total of 322 isolates were recovered, in which 96% of Candida species belonged to six major species, namely, C. albicans （43.2%）, C. parapsilosis （20.2%）, C. glabrata （11.5%）, C. tropicalis （9.6%）, C. krusei （6.2%）, and C. guilliermondii （5.3%）. Most Candida species were isolated from blood samples （83.23%）. Notably, the prevalence rate of C. albicans reduced from 52.38% to 32.79% （2012 vs. 2014） （P = 0.01） whereas that of non-C. albicans increased from 47.62% （2012） to 67.21% （2014） （P〈 0.01）. Species distribution differed among geographical regions; specifically, the prevalence rate of C. albicans as an etiologic agent of invasive candidosis in Siberian Federal region was significantly higher than that in other Federal regions. Results indicated a shift from C. albicans to non-C, albicans. Therefore, a detailed investigation on the contributing factors and appropriate treatment of invasive candidosis is needed.

A new photolabeling probe for efficient enrichment and deep profiling of cell surface membrane proteome by mass spectrometry

The cell surface membrane proteome is a class of proteins encoded by ~25% of all protein-coding genes in living organisms and plays a key role in mediating communication between the cells and their surrounding environment. However, most cell surface membrane proteins(CSMPs) are naturally expressed at very low levels compared with intracellular proteins. The difficulties in their purification with high specificity further hinder the understanding of their structure and function. In this study, we developed a new photolabeling probe to achieve efficient tagging and facile enrichment of the CSMPs. The probe is composed of a lipid tail for cell surface localization, a polyethylene glycol(PEG) spacer for increased water solubility, two 4-(N-maleimido)benzophenone(MBP) groups for UV-active tagging of the CSMPs, and a biotin tag for subsequent isolation. Application of this photolabeling probe resulted in the successful enrichment and identification of 3098 annotated CSMPs in HT22 cells with close to 70% selectivity. The proposed photolabeling probe and enrichment strategy were demonstrated to be a powerful method for deep cell surface proteome profiling, representing one of the largest groups of current drug targets.