An all-in-one dry chemistry immunoassay for the screening of coccidiostat nicarbazin in poultry eggs and liver

An automated immunoassay for the detection of nicarbazin residues in poultry eggs and liver was developed. The assay was based on a novel all-in-one dry chemistry concept and time-resolved fluorometry. The analyte specific antibody was immobilized into a single microtiter well and covered with an insulation layer, on top of which the label was dried in a small volume. The extracted sample was added automatically to the dry microtiter well, and the result was available within 18 min. Due to the rapidity and simplicity, the quantitative immunoassay could also be used as a high throughput screening method. The analytical limit of detection for the assay was calculated as 0.1 ng mL(-1) (n = 12) and the functional limit of detection as 3.2 ng g(-1) for egg (n = 6) and 11.3 ng g(-1) for liver (n = 6) samples. The sample recovery varied from 97.3 to 115.6%. Typically, the intra-assay variations were less than 10%, and interassay variations ranged between 8.1 and 13.6%.

A specificity-enhanced time-resolved fluoroimmunoassay for zeranol employing the dry reagent all-in-one-well principle

A simple dry chemistry time-resolved fluorescence immunoassay (TR-FIA) method was developed for the measurement of zeranol in bovine urine samples. The samples were purified by immunoaffinity chromatography and a specificity-enhanced zeranol antibody was employed in the immunoassay. This resulted in a highly selective method, which had only negligible reactivity with Fusarium spp, toxins. The all-in-one-well dry chemistry concept made the assay very simple to use because all the assay-specific reagents were already present in the reaction wells in dry form. Only the addition of diluted sample extract was required to perform the competitive one-step TR-FIA and the results were available in less than 1 h. The analytical limit of detection (mean + 3s) for the immunoassay was 0.16 ng ml(-1) (n=12) and the functional limit of detection for the whole method, estimated by the analysis of zeranol-free samples, was 1.3 ng ml(-1) (n=20). The recovery of zeranol at the level of 2 ng ml(-1) was 99% (n=18) and the within-assay variation ranged between 4.5 and 9.0%.

Synthesis, characterization and electrical properties of solid state electrolyte materials La2-xCaxMo1.7W0.3O9-delta (0 <= x <= 0.2)

The new compounds La2-xCaxMo1.7W0.3O9-delta (0 <= x <= 0.2) in which La3+ substituted with Ca2+ were synthesized by dry-chemistry techniques based on the oxygen Ionic conductor La2Mo1.7W0.3O9. The new series were characterized by X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Raman and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) and the electrical conductivity of samples were investigated by AC impedance spectroscopy. The lattice parameters were reduced due to the smaller atomic radius of the Ca2+ compared with that of the La3+. Furthermore, Additional oxygen vacancies were introduced into La2Mo1.7W0.3O9 lattice by substitution, and then the oxygen ionic conductivity was increased. At 550 degrees C, the conductivity increased 89.9%, that is, from 0.79 x 10(-4) S center dot cm(-1) (x=0) to 1.5 X 10(-4)S center dot cm(-1) (x=0.16, 0.2).

Association of dyslipidemia with intakes of fruit and vegetables and the body fat content of adults clinically selected for a lifestyle modification program

To investigate the relationship of dyslipidemia with demographic distribution and patterns of body fat and dietary intakes. From a universe of adults clinically selected for a lifestyle modification program 979 subjects (409 males and 570 females, 52.2 +/- 9.6 years) fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Overnight-fasting plasma was assayed (dry chemistry) for triglycerides (TG), total (TC) and HDL fraction of cholesterol given the non-HDL (n-HDL) fraction by the difference. Anthropometric assessment included body weight (kg), height (m), fat (bioelectrical impedance) and waist circumference (WC). Food intake was assessed by the 24-hour recall questionnaire and the food groups evaluated through recommendations from an adapted food pyramid. The chances of dyslipidemia from other variable changes were determined by logistic regression with p < 0.05. Normal values of BMI and WC were protective against all dyslipidemia markers whereas only hypercholesterolemia was influenced by diet (meat intake > 2 servings). Dietary intakes have protective effects against hypertriglyceridemia with whole grains, odds ratio (OR) 0.342 (Cl 95%, 0.154-0.760), fruits >= 3 servings (OR 0.523, 0.290-0.941) and vegetables >= 4 servings (OR 0.360, 0.176-0.735). In general total body and abdominal adiposity influenced all dystipidemia markers while dietary intake of fruits and vegetables protected against triglyceridemia.

Dietary, anthropometric, and biochemical determinants of uric acid in free-living adults

Background: High plasma uric acid (UA) is a prerequisite for gout and is also associated with the metabolic syndrome and its components and consequently risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. Hence, the management of UA serum concentrations would be essential for the treatment and/or prevention of human diseases and, to that end, it is necessary to know what the main factors that control the uricemia increase. The aim of this study was to evaluate the main factors associated with higher uricemia values analyzing diet, body composition and biochemical markers. Methods. 415 both gender individuals aged 21 to 82 years who participated in a lifestyle modification project were studied. Anthropometric evaluation consisted of weight and height measurements with later BMI estimation. Waist circumference was also measured. The muscle mass (Muscle Mass Index - MMI) and fat percentage were measured by bioimpedance. Dietary intake was estimated by 24-hour recalls with later quantification of the servings on the Brazilian food pyramid and the Healthy Eating Index. Uric acid, glucose, triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol, urea, creatinine, gamma-GT, albumin and calcium and HDL-c were quantified in serum by the dry-chemistry method. LDL-c was estimated by the Friedewald equation and ultrasensitive C-reactive protein (CRP) by the immunochemiluminiscence method. Statistical analysis was performed by the SAS software package, version 9.1. Linear regression (odds ratio) was performed with a 95% confidence interval (CI) in order to observe the odds ratio for presenting UA above the last quartile (♂UA > 6.5 mg/dL and ♀ UA > 5 mg/dL). The level of significance adopted was lower than 5%. Results: Individuals with BMI ≥ 25 kg/m§ssup§2§esup§ OR = 2.28(1.13-4.6) and lower MMI OR = 13.4 (5.21-34.56) showed greater chances of high UA levels even after all adjustments (gender, age, CRP, gamma-gt, LDL, creatinine, urea, albumin, HDL-c, TG, arterial hypertension and glucose). As regards biochemical markers, higher triglycerides OR = 2.76 (1.55-4.90), US-CRP OR = 2.77 (1.07-7.21) and urea OR = 2.53 (1.19-5.41) were associated with greater chances of high UA (adjusted for gender, age, BMI, waist circumference, MMI, glomerular filtration rate, and MS). No association was found between diet and UA. Conclusions: The main factors associated with UA increase were altered BMI (overweight and obesity), muscle hypotrophy (MMI), higher levels of urea, triglycerides, and CRP. No dietary components were found among uricemia predictors. © 2013 de Oliveira et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.

Associações das concentrações séricas de ácido úrico com as variáveis dietéticas, antropométricas e bioquímicas de adultos clinicamente selecionados para programa de mudança de estilo de vida

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Fatores associados à hipertensão arterial de adultos triados para programa de mudança de estilo de vida

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Efeito da suplementação de erva mate (Ilex paraguariensis) sobre a capacidade antioxidante total em atletas futebolistas em teste exaustivo em esteira

Introduction: Physical exercise are related to high oxygen consumption, leading to increase on reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and subsequent oxidative stress. Concomitantly, physical training can improve the antioxidant defense systems, reducing the deleterious activity of ROS. The yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) has several bioactive compounds in its composition, providing important antioxidant activity in improving defense systems and reducing the damage caused by ROS. Few studies related to yerba mate with antioxidant effects during exercise. Objective: Evaluate whether the consumption-based drink yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) is able to increase the total antioxidant performance (TAP) after an exhaustive test on a treadmill. Methods: The sample counted with 15 female soccers players from Botucatu-SP female soccer team with a mean age of 22.1 ± 4.2 years. For laboratory tests , it was evaluated: triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC) and fractions, glucose and gamma-GT were dosed by dry chemistry (Vitros® System, Johnson & Johnson). LDL-cholesterol was obtained by Friedwald formula. Total antioxidant performance (TAP) was obtained by the method of fluorescence assay for the measurement of plasma. Weight, height and body mass index (IMC) were measured, percentage of body fat was obtained by bioeletrical impedance analysis (Biodinâmics, modelo 450, USA). Arterial blood pressure was checked by auscultatory method and cardiorespiratory fitness was determined by ergoespirometric test (Ramp Protocol). Maltodextrin was supplemented (30 g in 400 ml) 30 minutes after M0 with placebo (400 ml) or mate (5 g in 400 ml of water). Statistical analysis: ANOVA for repeated measures followed by Tukey's test set, p<0.05. Results: There was a decrease in the pH after exhaustive testing for water and tea (p<0.0001), the same was observed for bicarbonate (p<0.0001). In both groups pO₂ increased for ...

Influência da composição corporal e da síndrome metabólica sobre a relação da aptidão cardiorrespiratória com o estresse inflamatório

Physical activity is associated with lower cardiovascular disease risk factors, being cardiorespiratory fitness a major component of physical activity health related. Body fatness and sarcopenia are related to sedentary lifestyle leading to proinflammatory stress and lower cadiorespiratory capacity. This study aimed correlates C-reactive protein with cardiorespiratory fitness, analyzing the influences of anthropometrics variables and metabolic syndrome (MS) presence. the cross-sectional retrospective study included baseline data of 194 adults (62 male and 132 female), 53,74 ± 8,77 years, clinically and ethically selected for a lifestyle modification program. Total cholesterol (TC) and cholesterol lipoprotein fractions, triglycerides (TG) and glucose was dosed by dry chemistry (Vitros® system, Johnson & Johnson). Blood leukocytes was quantified by automatic cell counter (Coulter ABX®, Horiba). LDL-cholesterol was obtained by Friedwald formula. Serum ultrasensitive C-reactive protein (US-CRP) was accessed by the immunochemoluminescence method (Immulite 2000®, DPC Medlab). Weight, height, body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) were measured. Muscular mass and fat mass were obtained by bioelectrical impedance analysis (impedancemeter Quantum BIA-101Q®, Clinton Township). Arterial blood pressure was checked by auscultatory method and cardiorespiratory fitness was determined by ergoespirometric test (Balke protocol). The metabolic syndrome was diagnosed according NCEP – ATP III (2001), following recommendations of American Diabetes Association (2004). Pearson’s correlation crude and adjusted for confounders variables with p<0,05. The prevalence of MS was 30.4%. Crude correlation shows hsCRP was correlated inverse and significantly with VO2max (r= -0.21; p=-0.003) ...(Complete abstract click electronic access below)

Avaliação da interferência do ácido ascórbico na detecção da glicosúria

INTRODUÇÃO: O ácido ascórbico (vitamina C) é comumente ingerido como suplemento vitamínico. É uma vitamina hidrossolúvel, excretada pela urina e pode interferir nos ensaios laboratoriais, como nas reações de oxirredução para detecção da glicosúria. OBJETIVO: Este trabalho tem como objetivo avaliar a interferência do ácido ascórbico na detecção de glicosúria pelo método de química seca por meio do uso de tiras reagentes. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Amostras de urina foram avaliadas no analisador da marca Clinitek Atlas (Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics Inc., EUA). Foram selecionadas quatro amostras de urina com diferentes concentrações de glicose: 100 mg/dl, 250 mg/dl, 500 mg/dl e 1.000 mg/dl. Para cada concentração de glicose foram criadas cinco alíquotas, adicionando-se uma solução de ácido ascórbico 200 mg/dl, suficiente para obter uma concentração final de ácido ascórbico de 20 mg/dl no primeiro tubo, de 50 mg/dl no segundo tubo, de 270 mg/dl no terceiro tubo, de 1.000 mg/dl no quarto tubo e de 2.000 mg/dl no quinto tubo. Após essa adição, as amostras foram novamente avaliadas no analisador Clinitek Atlas. RESULTADOS: Nas amostras com concentração de 20 mg/dl de ácido, não se evidenciou interferência. Nas concentrações iguais e acima de 50 mg/dl, a interferência do ácido ascórbico se fez presente, sendo que o fato foi caracterizado pelos resultados falso negativos para detecção da glicose urinária. CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados demonstraram a interferência do ácido ascórbico no método da química seca (tiras reagentes), subestimando o nível de glicose urinária.

Monsoonal Circulation of the McMurdo Dry Valleys, Ross Sea Region, Antarctica: Signal from the Snow Chemistry

McMurdo Dry Valleys (MDV, Ross Sea region, Antarctica) precipitation exhibits extreme seasonality in ion concentration, 3-5 orders of magnitude between summer and winter precipitation. To identify aerosol sources and investigate causes for the observed amplitude in concentration variability, four snow pits were sampled along a coast-Polar Plateau transect across the MDV. The elevation of the sites ranges from 50 to 2400 m and the distance from the coast from 8 to 93 km. Average chemistry gradients along the transect indicate that most species have either a predominant marine or terrestrial source in the MDV. Empirical orthogonal function analysis on the snow-chemistry time series shows that at least 57% of aerosol deposition occurs concurrently. A conceptual climate model, based on meteorological observations, is used to explain the strong seasonality in the MDV. Our results suggest that radiative forcing of the ice-free valleys creates a surface low-pressure cell during summer which promotes air-mass flow from the Ross Sea. The associated precipitating air mass is relatively warm, humid and contains a high concentration of aerosols. During winter, the MDV are dominated by air masses draining off the East Antarctic ice sheet, that are characterized by cold, dry and low concentrations of aerosols. The strong differences between these two air-mass sources create in the MDV a polar version of the monsoonal flow, with humid, warm summers and dry, cold winters.

Seawater carbonate chemistry and coverage and dry weight of Ecklonia radiata during experiments, 2010

Predictions about the ecological consequences of oceanic uptake of CO2 have been preoccupied with the effects of ocean acidification on calcifying organisms, particularly those critical to the formation of habitats (e.g. coral reefs) or their maintenance (e.g. grazing echinoderms). This focus overlooks the direct effects of CO2 on non-calcareous taxa, particularly those that play critical roles in ecosystem shifts. We used two experiments to investigate whether increased CO2 could exacerbate kelp loss by facilitating non-calcareous algae that, we hypothesized, (i) inhibit the recovery of kelp forests on an urbanized coast, and (ii) form more extensive covers and greater biomass under moderate future CO2 and associated temperature increases. Our experimental removal of turfs from a phase-shifted system (i.e. kelp- to turf-dominated) revealed that the number of kelp recruits increased, thereby indicating that turfs can inhibit kelp recruitment. Future CO2 and temperature interacted synergistically to have a positive effect on the abundance of algal turfs, whereby they had twice the biomass and occupied over four times more available space than under current conditions. We suggest that the current preoccupation with the negative effects of ocean acidification on marine calcifiers overlooks potentially profound effects of increasing CO2 and temperature on non-calcifying organisms.