Concentrations In Urine Samples Research Articles

Propylparaben concentrations in the urine of women and adverse effects on ovarian function in mice in vivo and ovarian cells in vitro.

Female reproduction is precisely regulated by hormones, and the ovary is easily affected by environmental endocrine disruptors (EDCs), which are ubiquitous in industrialized societies. Parabens are EDCs that are used as antibacterial preservatives in cosmetics, personal care products (PCPs), medicines, and food. We used ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry to quantitatively detect methyl-, ethyl-, butyl-, and propylparaben (PP) concentrations in urine samples from 74 women of childbearing age. Balb/c mice were subcutaneously injected with 100 mg/kg/day of PP for 21 consecutive days or 100 or 1,000 mg/kg/day of PP during superovulation. Various concentrations of PP (ranging from 1 to 1,000 nM) were added to a human ovarian granulosa tumor-derived cell line (KGN) culture for 24 h. The urinary paraben concentrations of women who used cosmetics and other PCPs within 48 h prior to sample collection were significantly elevated, and the PP concentration was significantly positively correlated with the basal estradiol concentration. After PP injection, the mouse serum estradiol concentrations were significantly increased, estrus cycles were disordered, corpus luteum number was reduced, and number of oocytes retrieved was significantly reduced. In in vitro experiments, PP treatment increased estradiol synthesis and the expression levels of aromatase enzyme (CYP19A1) and steroidogenic acute regulatory protein. This study demonstrates the adverse effects of PP on ovarian estradiol secretion and ovulation, further evaluates the safety of PP as a preservative, and provides guidance for the use of PCPs and cosmetics by women of childbearing age.

Ion Chromatography with Pulsed Amperometric Detection for Determining Cyanide in Urine and Meconium Samples.

The parents’ addictions and eating habits have a significant influence on the child’s growth. The first stool of a newborn baby provides a large amount of information about xenobiotics transmitted by the mother’s body. The analytical technique used in the study is ion chromatography with pulsed amperometric detection (IC-PAD). The biological samples, which were obtained from women staying in a maternity ward and their partners, revealed cyanide concentrations in urine samples spanning 1.30–25.3 μg L−1. Meanwhile, the results of the meconium samples were in the range of 1.54 μg L−1 to 24.9 μg L−1. Under the optimized chromatographic conditions, the IC-PAD system exhibited satisfactory repeatability (R < 3%, n = 3) and good linearity in the range of 1–100 μg L−1. Thus, it proved to be an effective tool for monitoring trace cyanide concentration in a series of human body fluid matrices, including meconium. Based on the literature review, this is the first application of the IC-PAD analytical technique for the determination of cyanide ions in meconium samples.

Development of a deep eutectic solvent-based ultrasound-assisted homogenous liquid-liquid microextraction method for simultaneous extraction of daclatasvir and sofosbuvir from urine samples

An ultrasound-assisted homogenous liquid–liquid microextraction method using a new deep eutectic solvent was proposed for the extraction of daclatasvir and sofosbuvir from urine. The analytes were determined by high performance liquid chromatography–diode array detector. The deep eutectic solvent was prepared by mixing p-aminophenol with tetrabutyl ammonium chloride. It was used in the extraction procedure as an extraction solvent. The amine group in structure of the prepared deep eutectic solvent led to its various solubility in different pHs. In this method, urine sample was placed in a glass test tube and then mixed with sodium chloride and its temperature adjusted at 50 °C. Then, the deep eutectic solvent was dissolved in the solution by manually shaking. In the following, an ammonia solution was added to the solution and the mixture was sonicated for 4 min. After centrifugation, an aliquat of the sedimented phase was injected into the determination system. Low limits of detection (daclatasvir 1.0 and sofosbuvir 1.3 μg/L) and quantification (daclatasvir 3.3 and sofosbuvir 4.0 μg/L), high enrichment factor (daclatasvir 96 and sofosbuvir 90) and extraction recovery (daclatasvir 96 and sofosbuvir 90 %), and good percision (relative standard deviation ≤9.3 %) were obtained. The introduced method was successfully applied in the determination of daclatasvir and sofosbuvir concentrations in urine samples.

Urinary metabolites as exposure biomarkers of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene in footwear workers and assessment of pulmonary function

Aim: This pilot cross-sectional study focused on biological monitoring of the benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX) urinary metabolites trans, trans-muconic acid (tt-MA), s-phenyl mercapturic acid (SPMA), hippuric acid (HA), mandelic acid (MA), and methylhippuric acid (MHA) and measured the effects of workplace BTEX exposure on pulmonary function of workers engaged in footwear manufacturing. Materials and Methods: Urinary metabolites tt-MA, SPMA, HA, MA, and MHA concentration in urine samples of study participants (N = 35) were analyzed by reverse-phase high-pressure liquid chromatography. Pulmonary function parameters were measured by spirometer and peak flow meter. Demographic information and work exposure information of study participants were collected by questionnaire interview. Results: In exposed workers, concentration of urinary SPMA, tt-MA, and HA was significantly higher (P < 0.01, in all) than the control group. Reduction in both force expiratory volume in 1 s (Forced expiratory volume in one second) and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) were inversely associated (P < 0.01) with growing years of age among all workers. Inverse association was measured between urinary tt-MA and decline in forced vital capacity and PEFR (P < 0.05, for each) in workers. Based on the questionnaire interview, workers were not found to be aware of workplace exposure hazards. Conclusions: Exposure biomarkers of benzene (tt-MA and SPMA) and toluene (HA) were significantly higher in workers than the control group. Study results evident the presence of occupational exposure to benzene and toluene in footwear workers. Deterioration in FEV1 and PEFR were also measured among all workers with growing years of age. The sample size was small in the present study, so further research required to confirm our results.

Ion mobility-high resolution mass spectrometry in doping control analysis. Part II: Comparison of acquisition modes with and without ion mobility

In the second part of this study, a systematic comparison was made between two ion fragmentation acquisition modes, namely data-independent acquisition (DIA) and DIA with ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) technology. These two approaches were applied to the analysis of 192 doping agents in urine. Group I included 102 compounds such as stimulants, diuretics, narcotics, and β2-agonists, while Group II contained 90 compounds included steroids, glucocorticoids, and hormone and metabolic modulators. Important method parameters were examined and compared, including the fragmentation, sensitivity, and assignment capability with the minimum occurrence of false positive hits.The results differed between Group I and II in number of detected fragments when exploring the MS/MS spectra. In Group I only 13%, while in the Group II 64% of the substances had a higher number of fragments in DIA-IMS mode vs. DIA. In terms of sensitivity, the performance of the two modes with and without activated IMS dimension was identical for about 50% of the doping agents. The sensitivity was higher without IMS, i.e. in simple DIA mode, for 20–40% of remaining doping agents. Despite this sensitivity reduction with IMS, 82% of compounds from both Groups met the minimum required performance level (MRPL) criteria of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) when the DIA-IMS mode was applied.Automated data processing is important in routine doping analysis. Therefore, processing methods were optimized and evaluated for the prevalence of false peak assignments by analysing the target substances at different concentrations in urine samples. Overall, a significantly higher number of misidentified compounds was observed in Group II, with an almost 2-fold higher number of misidentifications in DIA compared to DIA-IMS. This result highlights the benefit of the IMS dimension to reduce the rate of false positive in screening analysis. The optimized UHPLC-IM-HRMS method was finally applied to the analysis of urine samples from administration studies including nine doping agents from both Groups. However, to limit the number of interferences from the biological matrix, an emphasis is needed on the adequate settings of the data processing method.

Measurement of uranium concentrations in urine samples of adult healthy groups in Najaf governorate with estimation of urine concentrations of 8-OHdG compound as biomarker for DNA damage

In this study, 88 healthy adults in Al-Najaf governorate of Iraq have been divided into three groups according to the type of exposure to radiation including environmentally uranium exposures n=29 (G1), occupationally exposures n=27 (G2), and non-uranium exposures n=32 (G3). All groups were subjected for estimation of uranium concentration in urine samples using CR-39 SSNTD method beside measurement of urine concentrations of 8-OHdG compound as a biomarker for oxidative DNA damage using Elisa technique. Reactive oxygen species produced under the effect of many causes including ionizing radiation exposure, (0 H)free radical induced the formation of 8-OHdG compound from cellular and mitochondrial DNA through attack of C-8 in purine ring of guanine base. The results showed that mean values of uranium concentration were (1.836±0.426 μg/L), (2.02±0.404 μg/L) and (1.755± 0.437 μg/L) for group1, group2 and group3, respectively. While mean values for 8-OHdG were (49.810±15.484 ng/ml), (47.717±14.232ng/ml) and (46.769±14.249ng/ml) for the three groups, respectively. No significant statistical differences were recorded between all data obtained. These results suggested the presence of uranium pollution in all groups including the non-exposed group as compared with reference value of (WHO, 2004). Results also demonstrate the presence of DNA oxidative damage in all groups according to concentration levels of 8-OHdG in urine samples. Therefore, the uranium pollution in urine samples of the examined groups indicate the presence of chronic low dose radiation source in Najaf governorate, which might be the cause of DNA damage as reflected by the urinary levels of 8-OHdG compound.

Home-based informal jewelry production increases exposure of working families to cadmium

Trace element concentrations in biological fluids may vary according to the individual exposome, especially when considering specific external factors of the environment, such as occupational activities. The aim of this study was to determine concentrations of Potentially Toxic Elements (PTEs: As, Cr, Cd, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn) in urine samples of informal jewelry workers and in jewelry and soldering powder. Fifty-two families from Brazil comprised the Exposed (n = 113) and Control (n = 79) groups. PTE concentrations in urine samples (n = 192) of workers, controls and their family members were determined by ICP-MS. Soldering powder samples (n = 7) and jewelry pieces (n = 54) were measured for PTEs by field-portable X-ray fluorescence. Levels of PTEs in urine and occupational exposure associations were determined. The environment-wide association study (EWAS) approach was applied to test the influence of occupational activities on participant exposure. Mean PTE concentrations were within the limits recommended in urine by Brazilian occupational guidelines. However, As, Cd, Ni and Zn concentrations in some samples exceeded acceptable values for environmental exposure in the U.S and Canada, as well as Brazilian occupational limits. Cd concentrations were higher for women (0.19 μg g−1 creatinine; p = 0.01), adult workers (0.25 μg g−1 creatinine; p = 0.0002) and smokers (0.27 μg g−1creatinine; p = 0.0001). The difference between the Exposed (0.17 μg g−1creat.) and Control groups (0.10 μg g−1creat.) for Cd was significant among non-smokers. Workers engaged in soldering and assemblers had higher Cd concentrations (0.61 and 0.18 μg g−1 creatinine, respectively) than individuals not working with jewelry production (0.12 μg g−1 creat). PTEs in some jewelry and all soldering powder exceeded Brazilian limits. Considering this exposure scenario, informal jewelry production increased urinary cadmium levels in workers. Occupational exposure to this element in the household environment should be explored, as it may pose a health risk to family members and workers alike.

Development and validation of a biomonitoring method to measure As, Cr, and Ni in human urine samples by ICP-UCT-MS.

We developed an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) method using Universal Cell Technology (UCT) with a PerkinElmer NexION ICP-MS, to measure arsenic (As), chromium (Cr), and nickel (Ni) in human urine samples. The advancements of the UCT allowed us to expand the calibration range to make the method applicable for both low concentrations of biomonitoring applications and high concentrations that may be observed from acute exposures and emergency response. Our method analyzes As and Ni in kinetic energy discrimination (KED) mode with helium (He) gas, and Cr in dynamic reaction cell (DRC) mode with ammonia (NH3) gas. The combination of these elements is challenging because a carbon source, ethanol (EtOH), is required for normalization of As ionization in urine samples, which creates a spectral overlap (40Ar12C+) on 52Cr. This method additionally improved lab efficiency by combining elements from two of our previously published methods(Jarrett et al., 2007; Quarles et al., 2014) allowing us to measure Cr and Ni concentrations in urine samples collected as part of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) beginning with the 2017-2018 survey cycle. We present our rigorous validation of the method selectivity and accuracy using National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Standard Reference Materials (SRM), precision using in-house prepared quality control materials, and a discussion of the use of a modified UCT, a BioUCell, to address an ion transmission phenomenon we observed on the NexION 300 platform when using higher elemental concentrations and high cell gas pressures. The rugged method detection limits, calculated from measurements in more than 60 runs, for As, Cr, and Ni are 0.23μg L-1, 0.19μg L-1, and 0.31μg L-1, respectively.

Analysis of tritium activity concentrations in urine and internal dose assessment for nuclear power plant workers

ObjectiveTo investigate the activity concentration of tritium in urine of nuclear power plant (NPP) workers, in order to evaluate the occupational exposure levels. MethodsThree chosen NPPs were respectively located in southern, southeastern and northeastern China. Workers involved in operating, service, nuclear cleaning, chemical analysis, health physics, technical support, among others were randomly selected as the research targets, and 69 urine samples of no less than 50 ​mL were collected. The oxidative distillation method was used to pretreat the urine samples, and the activity concentration of tritium in distillate was then measured using liquid scintillation counter. The formula for the committed effective dose was also applied used to estimate the internal doses. ResultsThe highest tritium activity concentrations in urine samples from three NPPs were 2412.7, 6351.4, and 478.7 Bq/L, respectively. Correspondingly, the internal doses due to tritium intake were 1.8, 4.8 and 0.4 ​μSv, respectively. ConclusionsThe urine tritium activity concentration of workers varied greatly dependent on their job categories. The values for urine tritium radioactivity concentrations of workers involved in health care, nuclear cleaning and maintenance were generally higher than those for other job categories. The difference in urine tritium activity concentration mainly came from the different exposure time and tritium concentrations. From the dose assessment results, the internal dose caused by tritium intake did not exceed the public annual effective dose limit.

Uranium Concentrations in Urine of Maternal Samples in Baghdad Governorate

The trace concentration of uranium in urine samples for pregnant women and non- pregnant women were determined using fission track technique with CR-39 track detector that is employed for registration of induced fission tracks. A total of 32 urine samples were collected from Yarmouk Teaching Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology for Pregnant women and 5 urine samples were collected from Different regions of Baghdad governorate. The results show that the uranium concentration in urine of Pregnant women were ranged from 0.58 μg/l (30 years old, living in AL- Shurta AL khamisa region) to 1.58 μg/l (23 years old living in AL–Doura region) with average 0.92±0.2 μg/l. While for non-Pregnant women, uranium concentration ranged from 0.61 μg/l (24 years old, living in AL-Doura region) to 1.16μg/l (40 years old, living in AL-Ghazaliya region) with average 0.874±0.19μg/l. It was found that the average uranium concentrations in urine samples for pregnant women living in Hayi AL-maealif region higher than other regions in Baghdad governorate.

Measurement the uranium, radon and radium concentrations in urine samples for diabetics in Najaf city

In this study, the total number of urine samples were 88 for diabetic patients and healthy controls in Najaf city of Iraq. Uranium, radium and radon concentration levels were estimated using CR-39 detector method. The samples have been grouped in two groups of 44 individuals each. The first group of urine samples were taken as 22 healthy controls and 22 diabetic patients from different regions of Najaf city. The second group were taken from Al-Ansaar region also as 22 healthy controls and 22 diabetic patients.Results indicate the presence of uranium, radium and radon pollution in all urine samples for four groups. It was found that urine samples of Al-Ansaar area were more polluted with radiation than those of other regions in Najaf city. Also urine samples of diabetic patients were more polluted specially with radon than urine samples of healthy controls.

Paper-based biosensor based on phenylalnine ammonia lyase hybrid nanoflowers for urinary phenylalanine measurement

The Phenylketonuria (PKU) is an inborn defect of phenylalanine (Phe) metabolism, in which Phe accumulated in the blood causing alterations at the central nervous system. Therefore, the detection of PKU is very important for the early diagnosis of PKU patients. However, existing tests for PKU are time-consuming and require high-resource laboratories. In this study, a novel paper-based biosensor based on phenylalnine ammonia lyase (PAL) hybrid nanoflowers was constructed that provides a semi-quantitative output of the concentration of Phe from urine samples. PAL@Ca3(PO4)2 hybrid nanoflowers (PAL@NF) were first prepared using PAL and Ca2+. Synthesis conditions of the PAL@NF on the formation of the PAL@NF were optimized. The PAL@NF exhibited 90% activity recovery under optimal condition. Compared with free PAL, the PAL@NF displayed good storage stability and increased tolerance to proteolysis. After five consecutive operating cycles, the PAL@NF still retained 73% of its initial activity, indicating excellent reusability. Furthermore, the paper-based biosensor was able to detect Phe concentration in urine samples, and exhibited good linearity to the Phe concentrations in the range from 60 to 2400 μM and the response time was only about 10 min. Therefore, the paper-based biosensor can be a promising candidate as a biosensor for the detection of PKU.

Urinary BPA Concentrations and Postpartum Depressive Symptoms: The HOME Study

Background/Aim: Bisphenol-A (BPA) is a suspected endocrine disrupting compound (EDC) that may adversely affect human health. In rodent studies, prenatal BPA exposure alters maternal behavior, including reduced caregiving behavior towards their pups. These rodent behaviors may be correlates of maternal postpartum depressive symptoms that include feeling withdrawn, numb/disconnected from their offspring, or in doubt of their caregiving ability.Methods: We analyzed data from the Health Outcomes and Measures of the Environment (HOME) Study (n=346), a cohort of pregnant women and their children in Cincinnati, Ohio, enrolled between March 2003 and January 2006. We measured BPA concentrations in urine samples collected at ~16 and 26 weeks gestation. Mothers self-reported depressive symptoms at approximately four weeks post-partum using the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II). Using linear and logistic regression, we estimated changes in continuous and categorical (&gt;mild vs. minimal symptoms) BDI-II scores, respectively, per interquartile range (IQR) increase in log10-transformed urinary BPA concentrations, adjusting for sociodemographic and perinatal factors.Results: The mean BDI-II score was 8.3 (25th and 75th percentiles: 5, 11). A total of 25 (7.2%), 13 (3.8%), and 6 (1.7%) women reported mild (scores: 14-19), moderate (scores: 20-28), and severe (scores: 29-63) depressive symptoms, respectively. Each IQR increase in log10-transformed urinary BPA concentration was associated with a 0.85-point increase in BDI-II score (95% CI: 0.2, 1.6). In addition, each IQR increase in BPA concentrations was associated with a 50% increased odds of having &gt; minimal depressive symptoms (95% CI: 1.0, 2.2).Conclusion: Higher maternal urinary BPA concentrations during pregnancy were associated with more postpartum depressive symptoms at four weeks among mothers in this study.

Association of Urinary THC Concentrations and Sperm Abnormalities in US Urban Men

Background: The use of marijuana in the US has increased as more states have legalized sales. While smoking marijuana is associated with several negative outcomes, little is known about its effects on the male reproductive system. The endocannabinoid system, a target of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), is known to impact the male reproductive system. However, epidemiological information about the potential risks of THC on sperm are limited. Three human studies have found conflicting evidence of an influence on motility, morphology, and concentration. One study has found evidence of increased aneuploidy.Aim: We sought to determine the association between urinary THC concentrations and semen parameters and aneuploidy among urban men living in the United States. Methods: Semen and urine samples, from men recruited at an urban health center and in the community, were provided by participants on the same day. Semen were assessed for abnormal sperm concentration, motility, and morphology. Sperm sex chromosomes were identified using fluorescent in situ hybridization. Sex chromosome aneuploidy was determined using a semi-automated scoring method. Gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometry was used to determine COOH-THC (metabolite of THC) concentrations in urine samples. Multivariable logistic regression was used to model the association between COOH-THC concentrations and abnormal concentration, motility and morphology. Multivariable Poisson regression (SAS GENMOD procedure) was used to model the association between COOH-THC and sex chromosome disomy.Results: 179 samples were included in the analyses and 15% tested positive for COOH-THC. Mean age was 38.8 years and 55.7% of participants were white. The odds of abnormal semen concentration, morphology, and motility were not significantly associated with increasing concentrations of COOH-THC. A significant inverse association was seen between XX18 disomy and total disomy and increasing COOH-THC concentrations in adjusted models (p &lt;0.0001).Conclusion: This study demonstrates a relationship between urinary THC concentrations and sex chromosome disomy in sperm.

Urinary cadmium and risk of incident heart failure and acute myocardial infarction among never-smokers in the Danish Diet, Cancer, and Health Cohort

Background: Epidemiologic studies suggest cadmium exposure is associated with hypertension, peripheral arterial disease, and risk of cardiovascular mortality. However, these associations may be confounded by tobacco smoking, a dominant source of cadmium exposure. To clarify cardiovascular risk of cadmium exposure independent of smoking, we investigated the association of urinary cadmium with risk of incident heart failure and acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in a case-cohort study of never-smokers.Methods: Between 1993-1997, 19,394 never-smoking participants (ages 50-64 years) were enrolled in The Danish Diet, Cancer, and Health cohort. From the full cohort, we identified incident heart failure (n=958) and AMI (n=809) cases occurring between baseline and 2015 using the Danish National Patient Registry. We randomly selected a sub-cohort of 600 males and 600 females for comparison. We quantified cadmium and creatinine concentrations in urine samples collected at baseline. Using an unweighted case-cohort approach, we estimated adjusted hazard ratios for heart failure and AMI in separate Cox proportional hazards models with age as the time scale, and stratified by sex.Results: Overall, participants had relatively low concentrations of urinary cadmium as expected for never smokers (median= 0.20; 25th, 75th= 0.13, 0.32 g cadmium/g creatinine). In adjusted models, higher urinary cadmium concentrations were associated with a higher risk for heart failure (HR=1.11 per interquartile range difference; 95% CI= 1.02-1.21). Furthermore, sex modified this association (Pheterogeneity=0.012). Higher urinary cadmium concentrations were associated with higher risk for heart failure among males (HR= 1.48; 95% CI= 1.18, 1.85), but not among females (HR= 1.06; 95%CI= 0.97, 1.17). Higher urinary cadmium concentrations were not associated with a higher risk of AMI (HR=1.02; 95% CI= 0.93, 1.12).Conclusion: Among never-smokers, urinary cadmium may be associated with higher risk for heart failure, especially among males. We did not observe an association between urinary cadmium and risk of AMI.

A novel electrochemical biosensor based on peptidoglycan and platinum-nickel-copper nano-cube for rapid detection of Gram-positive bacteria.

A novel non-enzyme electrochemical biosensor for the rapid detection of Gram-positive bacteria has been constructed that relys on a stable and efficient combination between the peptidoglycan layer and platinum-nickel-copper nanocubes (Pt-Ni-Cu NCs). Briefly, bacteria were first captured by a specific antibody. Then, the electrochemical signal materials (Pt-Ni-Cu NCs) were bound to the bacteria peptidoglycan layer using specific structural and surface features. The rapid and sensitive bacterial detection was then achieved using intrinsic electrochemical characteristics and superoxidase-like activity of the Pt-Ni-Cu NCs. Moreover, the nature of peptidoglycan covering the whole bacteria provided the premise for signal amplification. Under optimal conditions, the electrochemical signal variation was proportional to the concentration of bacteria ranging from 1.5 × 102to 1.5 × 108CFU/mL with a detection limit of 42CFU/mL using a working potential of - 0.4V. This electrochemical biosensor has been successfully applied to detect bacteria concentrations in urine samples, and the recoveries range from 90.4 to 107%. The proposed biosensor could be applied for broad-spectrum detection of Gram-positive bacteria since most Gram-positive bacteria possess a thick peptidoglycan layer. The developed electrochemical biosensing strategy might be used as a potential tool for clinical pathogenic bacteria detection and point-of-care testing (POCT).

Site-specific concentration of uranium in urine of workers of the hydrometallurgical plant of Stepnogorsk mining and chemical combine.

Radiation monitoring is an important radiation safety measure implemented at the hydrometallurgical plant of the Stepnogorsk mining and chemical combine (HMP SMCC, Republic of Kazakhstan). Follow-up of the workers and their regular medical examinations has laid the basis to create a cohort with the potential to be used in radiation epidemiology. The aim of current pilot study was to analyze the dose forming factors for workers of HMP SMCC. For this, bioassays samples collected from 54 workers employed at eight HMP workshops were measured using the "Agilent 7800 ICP-MS" mass spectrometer. Three years later, measurements were repeated for four workers with the highest concentrations of uranium in urine. The results of site-specific measurements of dose rates, long-lived alpha-particle activity concentrations and equivalent equilibrium volume activity of radon were derived from the archive of the HMP SMCC Service of Radiation and Toxic Safety and analyzed to fully evaluate the radiation situation at those workplaces. Maximum urine uranium concentrations were measured for workers at the extraction workshop and mechanical repair shop (up to 26.7µg/L and 14.6µg/L, respectively). Urinary uranium from workers employed at other sites was mainly (for about 72% of the samples) in the range of values that may occur in natural conditions (< 0.4µg/L). A wide individual variability in uranium concentration in urine samples (from 60% to 200% of CV) was found. A linear dependence of cumulative effective dose on work experience was found with a slope of 7.5mSv per year. This slope did not depend on working place. For the investigated workers, cumulative effective doses of workers were found in the range of low (< 100mSv) and medium doses (100-500mSv). It is concluded that the newly created cohort of HMP SMCC workers has the potential to improve the knowledge on health effects from low- and medium doses of ionizing radiation.

The associations of zinc and GRIN2B genetic polymorphisms with the risk of dyslexia

BackgroundZinc is an essential trace element and a number of studies have identified the importance of zinc in neurodevelopment in children. However, epidemiologic data on the associations of zinc and genetic susceptibility with the risk of dyslexia are limited. We aimed to investigate whether genetic polymorphisms in GRIN2B genes modify the association between zinc levels and dyslexia risk. MethodsA case-control study of 240 dyslexic children and 230 healthy controls was conducted in Wuhan, Hangzhou and Jining city in China from April 2017 to April 2018. Zinc concentrations in urine samples were measured with inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICPMS). Multiple imputation was used to impute missing values of covariates. We applied multivariable logistic regression models to evaluate the effect in the study. ResultsAfter adjustment for potential confounders, we observed the associations of urinary zinc with dyslexia risk were modified by rs1805502 (Pinteraction = 0.048) in gene GRIN2B. About 2-fold increase in creatinine-corrected zinc levels was significantly related to a reduced risk of dyslexia [odds ratio (OR) = 0.53, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.29, 0.95 in rs1805502 mutation carriers]. ConclusionsThe associations between zinc levels and dyslexia risk were modified by polymorphism of rs1805502 in gene GRIN2B.

Analytical Detection of Novel Stimulants by Immunoassay and Liquid Chromatography-High Resolution Mass Spectrometry: Case Studies on Ethylphenidate and Mephedrone.

The advent of hundreds of new compounds aimed at the substance misuse market has posed new analytical challenges. A semi-quantitative liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) method has been developed to detect exposure to two novel stimulants, mephedrone and ethylphenidate, and selected metabolites. Centrifuged urine (50 µL) was diluted with LC eluent containing internal standards (mephedrone-d3, methylphenidate-d9 and ritalinic acid-d10; all 0.02 mg/L) (450 µL). Intra- and inter-assay accuracy and precision were within ±15% and <6%, respectively, for all analytes. The limit of detection was 0.01 mg/L for all analytes. Urine samples from mephedrone and ethylphenidate users were analyzed using immunoassay (amphetamine-group cloned enzyme donor immunoassay [CEDIA]) and LC-HRMS. Ethylphenidate, mephedrone and selected metabolites all had low cross-reactivity (<1%) with the immunoassay. The median (range) amphetamine-group CEDIA concentration in urine samples from mephedrone users (n = 11) was 0.30 (<0.041-3.04) mg/L, with only 1 sample giving a positive CEDIA result. The amphetamine-group CEDIA concentration in the urine sample from an ethylphenidate user was <0.041 mg/L. Improving the detection of novel compounds is of increasing importance to enable accurate diagnosis and treatment. Immunoassay methods used for drug screening may be inappropriate and lead to false-negative results. Conversely, detection of these compounds is possible through use of LC-HRMS and can provide information on the metabolites present after exposure to these drugs.

Rapid Colorimetric Screening of Elevated Phosphate in Urine: A Charge-Transfer Interaction.

A charge-transfer (CT) interaction between 1,3,5-trinitro-2,4-dimethylbenzene (TNX) and anionic phosphate is evaluated, yielding a high band electronic transfer interaction that can be observed as a distinct color change when phosphate is present in solution. The induced interaction was studied using 1H NMR, UV–visible, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopies. The stoichiometric determination of the interaction was divined by means of continuous variation, applying the Schaeppi–Treadwell method to calculate the binding constant (k). Furthermore, the effect of the polarity of solvents toward the generation of the CT interaction was examined, with multiple solvents considered. Complex deconstruction studies were undertaken, examining the effects of water on complex destruction and understanding the volumes needed to hinder the CT interaction potency. Specificity and selectivity of the CT interaction were also studied against other biologically relevant species (CH3CH2OH, Na+, K+, Ca2+, Cl–, HCO3–, F–, CH3COO–, and SO42–), assessing the capabilities of the assay to differentiate anionic species and counter cations that could act as interferences. The role of TNX concentration in CT formation was also analyzed, aiming to optimize the phosphate-sensing assay and improve its limit of detection. The sensing platform was subsequently used to study phosphate concentrations in urine samples to further understand its potential application in biomedical research. To validate the developed technique, urine samples were analyzed for their phosphate content with both the developed sensor and a validated vanadate–molybdate reagent. The results indicate that the sensing method is capable of accurately reporting elevated phosphate levels in urine samples in a rapid and sensitive manner, illustrating that the colorimetric test could be used as a prescreening test for conditions such as hyperphosphatemia or chronic kidney disease.