Ml Of Urine Research Articles

Magnetic 3D macroporous MOF oriented urinary exosome metabolomics for early diagnosis of bladder cancer

Bladder cancer (BCa) exhibits the escalating incidence and mortality due to the untimely and inaccurate early diagnosis. Urinary exosome metabolites, carrying critical tumor cell information and directly related to bladder, emerge as promising non-invasive diagnostic biomarkers of BCa. Herein, the magnetic 3D ordered macroporous zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (magMZIF-8) is synthesized and used for efficient urinary exosome isolation. Notably, beyond retaining the single crystals and micropores of conventional ZIF-8, MZIF-8 is further enhanced with highly oriented and ordered macropores (150 nm) and the large specific surface area (973 m2·g–1), which could enable the high purity and yield separation of exosomes via leveraging the combination of size exclusion, affinity, and electrostatic interactions between magMZIF-8 and the surfaces of exosome. Furthermore, the magnetic and hydrophilic properties of magMZIF-8 will further simplify the process and enhance the efficiency of separation. After conditional optimization, a 50 mL of urine is sufficient for exosome metabolomics analysis, and the time for isolating exosomes from 42 urine samples was 2 hours only. Incorporating machine learning algorithms with LC-MS/MS analysis of the metabolic patterns obtained from isolated exosomes, early-stage BCa patients were differentiated from healthy controls, with area under the curve (AUC) value of 0.844–0.9970 in the training set and 0.875-1.00 in the test set, signifying its potential as a reliable diagnostic tool. This study offers a promising approach for the non-invasive and efficient diagnosis of BCa on a large scale via exosome metabolomics.Graphical

Improved Nucleic Acid Amplification Test for the Diagnosis of Onchocerciasis and Its Use for Detection of Circulating Cell-free DNA

Abstract Background The coendemicity of onchocerciasis with other filariae warrants a better diagnostic tool for elimination efforts that are highly sensitive and specific for use in surveillance and xenomonitoring. Methods Based on next-generation sequencing data, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assays were designed for 15 highly repeated targets from Onchocerca volvulus (Ov) and 11 from Onchocerca ochengi. The 2 most promising repeats Ov15R and Ov16R from Ov and OoR1 and OoR5 from O. ochengi, were selected for further testing. Results The analytic sensitivity of Ov15R and Ov16R was similar, with limits of detection at 1 fg and specificity approaching 100%. Using DNA obtained previously from skin snips of participants infected with Ov, Ov16R identified 17 additional samples as positive for Ov infections when compared with the gold standard O-150. Although Ov16R failed to detect circulating cell-free DNA (ccfDNA) in the plasma of individuals infected with Ov, 1-mL urine samples were variably positive for ccfDNA. Interestingly, plasma levels of ccfDNA were shown to be easily measurable as early as 12 to 24 hours following treatment. To enable processing of larger volumes of urine for better sensitivity, a chitosan-based filter technique was developed that efficiently captured ccfDNA from 1 to 15 mL of urine. Interestingly, Ov15R, Ov16R, and O-150 map to the same region(s) of the Ov genome, prompting a redesign of the standard O-150 qPCR. This resulted in a new O-150 assay that performs on par with Ov15R/Ov16R. Conclusions Each of these assays dramatically improve detection of Ov DNA and can easily be configured to field-friendly isothermal formats.

SPME arrow-based extraction for enhanced targeted and untargeted urinary volatilomics

BackgroundVolatile organic compounds (VOCs) present in human urine are promising biomarkers for various health conditions and environmental exposures. However, their reliable detection is challenging due to the complexity of urinary matrices and the low concentrations of VOCs. Moreover, untargeted approaches present considerable challenges in terms of data interpretation, increasing the complexity of method development. Here we address these challenges by developing a new method that combines solid-phase microextraction (SPME) Arrow with gas chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (GC-HRMS), using a design of experiments (DOE) approach for targeted and untargeted compounds. This methodology, specifically tailored for SPME Arrow, represents a significant advancement in untargeted urinary analysis. ResultsThe method was developed based on targeted and untargeted outcomes, were ranking results focus on the highest response area of 11 spiked target VOCs representative of urinary volatilomics, and on identifying the maximum untargeted number of VOCs. The method was developed focusing on the highest response area of 11 spiked target VOCs representative of urinary volatilomics and identifying the maximum number of VOCs. A univariate method determined the optimal coating type, urine volume, and salt addition. Subsequently, a central composite design (CCD) DOE was used to determine ideal temperature, extraction, and incubation times. The best method obtained has an extraction time of 60 min at a temperature of 53 °C, with an SPME Arrow CAR/PDMS using 2 mL of urine, with 0.25 % w/v of NaCl and a pH of 2. Compared to conventional SPME fibers, the SPME Arrow showed improved extraction efficiency, detecting more VOCs. Finally, the enhanced method was successfully applied to urine samples from children exposed and non-exposed to tobacco smoke, identifying specific VOCs, like p-cymene and p-isopropenyl toluene related to tobacco exposure. SignificanceBy integrating both targeted and untargeted approaches, the developed method comprehensively captures the complexity of urinary metabolomics. This dual strategy ensures the precise identification of known compounds and the discovery of novel biomarkers, thereby providing a more complete metabolic profile. Such an approach is crucial for advancing in non-invasive diagnostics and environmental health studies, as it offers deeper insights into the intricate relationships between metabolic processes and various health conditions.

Isolation and quantification of human urinary exosomes using a Tween-20 elution solvent from polyester, capillary-channeled polymer fiber columns

BackgroundExosomes, a subset of extracellular vesicles (EVs), are a type of membrane-secreted vesicle essential for intercellular communication. There is a great deal of interest in developing methods to isolate and quantify exosomes to study their role in intercellular processes and as potential therapeutic delivery systems. Polyester, capillary-channeled polymer fiber columns and spin-down tips are highly efficient, low-cost means of exosome isolation. As the methodology evolves, there remain questions as to the optimum elution solvent for specific end-uses of the recovered vesicles; fundamental biochemistry, clinical diagnostics, or therapeutic vectors. ResultsWhile both acetonitrile and glycerol have been proven highly successful in terms of EV recoveries in the hydrophobic interaction chromatography workflow, many biological studies entail the use of the non-ionic detergent, Tween-20, as a working solvent. Here we evaluate the use of Tween-20 as the elution solvent for the recovery of exosomes. A novel 10-min, two-step gradient elution method, employing 0.1 % v/v Tween-20, efficiently isolated EVs at a concentration of ∼1011 EV mL−1 from a 100 μL urine injection. Integration of absorbance and multi-angle light scattering detectors in standard HPLC instrumentation enables a comprehensive single-injection determination of eluted exosome concentration and sizes. Transmission electron microscopy verifies the retention of the vesicular structure of the exosomes. The micro-bicinchoninic acid protein quantification assay confirmed high-purity isolations of exosomes (∼99 % removal of background proteins) SignificanceThe effective use of Tween-20 as an elution solvent for exosome isolation/purification using capillary-channeled polymer fiber columns adds greater versatility to the portfolio of the approach. The proposed method holds promise for a wide range of fundamental biochemistry, clinical diagnostics, and therapeutic applications, marking a significant advancement in EV-based methodologies.

A headspace injection double-column dual-detector gas chromatography system for the analysis of 12 volatile compounds such as ethanol in human blood

Based on the technical methods of GB/T 42430-2023 and GA/T 204-2019, this study established an analytical method for headspace injection double-column dual-detector (hydrogen flame ion detector) gas chromatography for the simultaneous analysis of at least 12 volatile compounds, including ethanol, in human blood using two different equipment platforms and chromatographic columns. A 100 μL blood or urine sample and a 0.04 g/L tert-butanol working solution prepared as an internal standard are introduced into the headspace sample bottle and then sealed, mixed, and placed on the headspace sampler rack. Using different equipment platforms and columns, methodological parameters such as the limit of detection (LOD), limit of quantification (LOQ), precision, and accuracy of the method were systematically evaluated. The chromatographic separation of acetone, alcohols and benzenes using the established method was satisfactory. The linear ranges, linear correlation coefficients (r), and LODs of acetone and six alcohols, including ethanol, were 0.10-3.00 g/L, >0.997, and 0.05 g/L, respectively. The LOQs were 0.10 g/L for all other compounds, excluding n-propanol (0.005 g/L). Additionally, the linear ranges, r values, LODs, and LOQs of benzene and four benzene derivatives were 0.05-50 mg/L, >0.995, 0.02 mg/L, and 0.05 mg/L, respectively (Column J&W DB-BAC1 UI and Column Rtx-BAC-PLUS 2). The average recoveries of compounds on J&W DB-BAC1 UI and Rtx-BAC-PLUS 2 columns ranged from 92.2% to 111.6%, and the relative standard deviations (RSDs, n=6) ranged from 0.4% to 7.4%. The LOD, LOQ, precision, accuracy, and linearity of the established method met the requirements of relevant standards, and no significant differences arose between the methodological parameters of the two platforms. CNAS-GL006 (2019) and JJF 1059.1-2012 were used as guides to evaluate the uncertainty of ethanol on two different sets of equipment platforms and chromatographic columns. The ethanol uncertainty was mainly derived from the calibration curve; however, the confidence probability was 95% (k=2). According to the analysis of the verification samples and real samples, the established method is suitable for the high-precision quantitative analysis of acetone and six alcohols and five benzene derivatives in human blood and other body fluids. It can be used in practical scenarios such as judicial identification and the detection of poisons.

Significance of scattered small echogenic foci floating in urinary bladder as ultrasonography finding in dogs

BackgroundDespite the prevalence of echogenic foci floating in the urinary bladder seen in ultrasonography in dogs, surprisingly little has been written on its significance, including its potential association with urinalysis. The objective of the study was to determine the diagnostic value of the echogenic foci floating in urinary bladders in dogs.Results- Cystosonography was performed on 45 dogs. Bladder contents were examined and divided into positive (containing echogenic particles) and negative (absent echogenic particles) groups according to the presence and absence of floating echogenic particles. Five mL of urine was collected via cystocentesis. Urine analysis and culture were done and the relationship between ultrasound evaluation and urinalysis results was investigated. In dogs with bladder echogenic particles in ultrasonography, the prevalence of hematuria, pyuria, bacteriuria, and lipiduria were 88.9%, 92.6%, 29.6%, and 70.3%, respectively. However, in dogs in which echogenic particles were not observed in their bladders, the prevalence of hematuria, pyuria, bacteriuria, and lipiduria was 77%, 50%, 5.5%, and 77%, respectively. There was a significant association between bladder debris and positive urine culture, with an odds ratio of 7.15 (95% confidence interval: 0.81–63.28) compared with matched controls. Furthermore, there was a significant relationship between the presence of floating echogenic particles with pyuria, and urine color ( p ≤ 0.05).ConclusionIn conclusion, the present results showed the detection of bladder debris on ultrasound can be a predictor for pyuria and positive urine culture in dogs.

MyACR: A Point-of-Care Medical Device for Determination of Albumin-Creatinine Ratio (uACR) in Random Urine Samples as a Marker of Nephropathy.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a progressive condition that affects more than 10% of the world's population. Monitoring urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (uACR) has become the gold standard for nephropathy diagnosis and control. The objective of the present study was to develop a simple, accurate, sensitive, and rapid point-of-care test (PoCT) device, MyACR, for uACR measurement, intended for use in community healthcare to screen for the risk and monitor the progress of CKD. Albumin and creatinine concentrations in urine samples were determined using spectrophotometric dye (tetrabromophenol blue)-binding and colorimetric Jaffe assay, respectively. Urine samples were diluted with distilled water (1:80) and mixed separately with albumin and creatinine reaction mixture. The creatinine reaction was incubated at room temperature (25 °C) for 30 min before analysis. Optical density (OD) was measured at the wavelengths of 625 nm (albumin) and 515 nm (creatinine). All calibration curves (0-60 mg/L and 0-2 mg/dL for albumin and creatinine) yielded linear relationships with correlation coefficients (R2) of >0.997. Good accuracy (% deviation of mean value (DMV) ≤ 5.42%) and precision (% coefficients of variation (CV) ≤ 12.69%) were observed from both the intra- and inter-day assays for the determination of albumin and creatinine using MyACR. The limit of quantification (LOQ) of albumin and creatinine in urine samples determined using MyACR and a laboratory spectrophotometer were 5 mg/L and 0.25 mg/dL, respectively, using 37.5 μL urine spiked samples (n = 5). The device was well-applied with clinical samples from 20 CKD patients. The median (range) of %DMV of the central (hospital) laboratory method (immune-based assay) was 3.48 (-17.05 to 21.64)%, with a high correlation coefficient (R2 > 0.98). In conclusion, MyACR showed satisfactory test performance in terms of accuracy, reproducibility, and sensitivity. Cost-effectiveness and improvement in clinical decision making need to be proven in future multisite community and home studies.

LC-SRM Combined With Machine Learning Enables Fast Identification and Quantification of Bacterial Pathogens in Urinary Tract Infections

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a worldwide health problem. Fast and accurate detection of bacterial infection is essential to provide appropriate antibiotherapy to patients and to avoid the emergence of drug-resistant pathogens. While the gold standard requires 24 h to 48 h of bacteria culture prior to MALDI-TOF species identification, we propose a culture-free workflow, enabling bacterial identification and quantification in less than 4 h using 1 ml of urine. After rapid and automatable sample preparation, a signature of 82 bacterial peptides, defined by machine learning, was monitored in LC-MS, to distinguish the 15 species causing 84% of the UTIs. The combination of the sensitivity of the SRM mode on a triple quadrupole TSQ Altis instrument and the robustness of capillary flow enabled us to analyze up to 75 samples per day, with 99.2% accuracy on bacterial inoculations of healthy urines. We have also shown our method can be used to quantify the spread of the infection, from 8 × 104 to 3 × 107 CFU/ml. Finally, the workflow was validated on 45 inoculated urines and on 84 UTI-positive urine from patients, with respectively 93.3% and 87.1% of agreement with the culture-MALDI procedure at a level above 1 × 105 CFU/ml corresponding to an infection requiring antibiotherapy.

Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry determination of nicotine and cotinine in urine: A study of the effect of passive smoking.

Recent data suggest that passive smoking has a risk comparable to active smoking. Passive smoking is considered dangerous in children and is suspected as a cause of asthma. However, some reports are opposing such claims, indicating the need for solid results and large-scale studies. This scientific work aims to develop a method for the determination of nicotine (NCOT) and major nicotine's metabolite cotinine (COT) in urine samples, using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Analysis was performed using a gas chromatograph Agilent Technologies 7890A with an MS 5975C inert XL, EI/CI MSD with Triple-Axis detector. For sample preparation, liquid-liquid extraction was applied after an optimization study with different extraction media. Eventually, 1 mL of dichloromethane was selected for the extraction of 0.5mL of urine. Suitable chromatographic conditions were found for the rapid and accurate determination of NCOT and COT. Injection of 2μL was performed using GC-MS, and selected ion monitoring (SIM) analysis was performed with the following ions (m/z): 162 (quantifier ion) and 84, 133, 161 qualifier ions for NCOT, and 176 (quantifier ion) and 98, 118, 119, 147 qualifier ions for COT. Nicotine-D4 (NCOT-D4) and cotinine-D3 (COT-D3) were used as internal standards with quantifier ions 101 and 166, respectively. The retention time (Rt) for NCOT was 7.557 min and 9.743 min for COT. The method was validated following international principles, assessing characteristics such as absolute recovery, carryover, linearity, specificity, selectivity, accuracy, precision, and stability. The method showed a linear dynamic range from 0.5 to 50 ng/mL, and the limits of detection and quantification were for both NCOT and COT 0.2 and 0.5 ng/mL, respectively. Validation results were found satisfactory.Finally, the method was applied to the analysis of 60 clinical pediatric samples obtained from Aristotle University's pediatric clinic to check for possible exposure to smoke. Concentration levels ranged between 0.5 and 16.2ng/mL for NCOT and between 1.0 and 25.1ng/mL for COT. A rapid, sensitive, accurate, and simple method was developed and used as a tool for the confirmation of passive smoking in children. It is the first method applied to the analysis of such samples belonging to nonsmokers of young age. The total runtime of the GC-MS analysis was short (20 min), and the pretreatment protocol was simple, giving the ability for analysis of a large number of samples on a daily routine basis.

First reports of urogenital schistosomiasis in the Ndikiniméki health district, Center Cameroon

ObjectivesSchistosomiasis is still a public health problem in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in Cameroon. In this context, a cross-sectional study was carried out from June 2023 to July 2023 in the Ndikiniméki subdivision, with the aim of knowing the status of this locality in relation to Schistosoma haematobium infection. MethodsA parasitologic analysis of S. haematobium eggs was carried out on urine samples using the sedimentation technique. ResultsA total of 402 urine samples were collected from households. The age range of participants was 1-96 years, with the most signified age group being 1-9 years. Women were the most represented, with a proportion of 56.47%. Of the 402 people examined, 18 (4.45%) were affected, with an average intensity of 54.43 ± 85.30 eggs/10 mL urine. Women were the most affected, with a prevalence and average parasite intensity of 3.73% and 53.10 ± 131.27 eggs/10 mL of urine. The most affected age group was 10-19 years, with a prevalence and intensity of 4.60% and 49.49 ± 67.00 eggs per 10 mL of urine, respectively. Of those infected, 72.22% were lightly infected and 27.28% were heavily infected. ConclusionsThis study indicates that this locality is a risk area for urinary schistosomiasis despite its low prevalence.

Impact of Mass Drug Distribution (MDD) of Praziquantel on Schistosomiasis through Sentinel Site Monitoring in Mali

Background—Mali was one of the first countries in sub-Saharan Africa to initiate a National Schistosomiasis Control Program (NSCP) in 1982. The WHO’s 2021–30 roadmap sets out the criteria for eliminating and controlling schistosomiasis as a public health problem. Our study aimed to assess the impact of annual mass drug distribution (MDD) of praziquantel (PZQ) on the prevalence and intensity in school-aged children (SAC) at NSCP sentinel sites (SSs). Methods—This study took place at twelve SSs in the Kayes and Koulikoro regions. Two-round cross-sectional studies were carried out in December 2014–2015 and in April 2018 after four to five years of annual MDD. Our sample size was 2439 schoolchildren aged 7 to 14 years, i.e., 485 in the first round (2014), 246 in the second round (2015) and 1708 in the third round (2018). Urine filtration and the Kato–Katz method were used for determining Schistosoma haematobium and S. mansoni eggs, respectively. Results—A total of 1708 samples were successfully examined. Of the twelve SSs treated from 2014–2015, one met the criterion for elimination of S. haematobium as a public health problem (prevalence of heavy-intensity infections (PHI) < 1%) (i.e., ≥50 S. haematobium eggs per 10 mL of urine or ≥400 S. mansoni eggs per g of stool) and four met the morbidity control criterion (PHI < 5%), while two sites remained below the morbidity control criterion (PHI > 5%). Five SSs had no heavy-intensity infections. The prevalence of S. mansoni was less than 1%. Conclusion—The impact of MDD of praziquantel in the SSs of the NSCP highlights that it has significantly reduced the PHI of schistosomiasis. However, the high prevalence of schistosomiasis or its increase in some sites requires in-depth studies.

URINE ANALYSIS OF ETAWA BREED GOATS IN SUKAWATI DISTRICT, GIANYAR REGENCY BALI

Etawa crossbreed goats (Capra aegagrus hircus) are livestock that are starting to be developed among breeders. In goat farming there are health problems that arise both clinically and subclinically, including disorders of the urinary tract. This study aims to determine the clinical condition of Etawa crossbreed goats (PE) in Sukawati District, Gianyar Regency by using urine examination. This study used 30 urine samples from Etawa crossbreed goats at the Raka Etawa Farm. A total of 10-30 ml of urine is taken using the mid-stream method and collected in a urine container which is then tested using a dipstick pad. This research is an observational study with a cross sectional study design using a purposive sampling method. Based on the results of the examination, data was obtained in the form of specific gravity (BJ) with a range of 1,005-1,010 and an average of 1.00567; pH in the range 8-9 and an average of 8.867; a total of 18 samples were found to contain proteins in the range 15-30 and an average of 15.83; and negative results were found in the parameters glucose, negative bilirubin, ketones, erythrocytes, urobilinogen, nitrites and leukocytes. These results indicate that the clinical condition of Etawa crossbreed goats (PE) is healthy (not sick) through urine examination in the form of physical examination and dipstick. It is necessary to carry out additional examinations in the form of examination of urine sidemen and bacterial culture, as well as measuring the specific gravity (BJ) using a refractometer to obtain a more accurate value.

Urogenital schistosomiasis among adult male population in an endemic area of southern Tanzania: a descriptive cross-sectional study

BackgroundUrogenital schistosomiasis (UGS) caused by Schistosoma haematobium is endemic in Southern Tanzania. The disease has significant implications for both socioeconomic and public health. Because infections with S. haematobium usually peak...

Leptospirosis as a cause of infertility in Uruguayan beef cattle

Leptospirosis, caused by pathogenic spirochetes of the genus Leptospira spp., is a globally significant zoonotic disease that affects humans and animals. In cattle, leptospirosis is associated not only with overt clinical manifestations but also with reproductive diseases, including infertility. This study assesses the potential correlation between leptospirosis and infertility in Uruguayan beef cattle. A case-control study involved 31 beef herds with no prior history of Leptospira vaccination. In each herd, veterinarians identified 10 non-pregnant (cases) and 25 pregnant cows (controls) using ultrasound, and blood and urine samples were collected from each cow. Serological diagnosis was performed using the Microscopic Agglutination Test (MAT), and quantitative PCR (qPCR) was used to assess Leptospira excretion. Additionally, antibodies against bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) and infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR) were tested. The results demonstrated an association between seropositivity to the Sejroe serogroup (cut-off 1:200) and infertility in cattle (OR=1.31; p-value=0.06). Furthermore, the level of Leptospira excretion (qPCR) in urine was associated with increased infertility risk, with cows excreting over 100 copies per mL of urine having the highest odds of infertility (OR=2.34; p-value<0.01). This study suggests a potential association between leptospirosis and infertility in Uruguayan beef cattle, emphasizing the importance of both serological and molecular diagnostics for assessing reproductive health in cattle herds. Future research should explore the impact of Leptospira serogroups on other reproductive disorders in cattle.

Comparative Retrospective Assessment of the Effectiveness and Risk Factors of Fluoroquinolones, Cephalosporines, and Selective Antibiotic Prophylaxis for Transrectal Prostate Biopsy

Introduction: Despite increasing resistance of enterobacteria against fluoroquinolones (FLU), they are still widely used during transrectal prostate biopsy (TRPB). This study was designed to analyse infectious complications and risk factors between FLU, cephalosporines (CEPH) and selective other antibiotics (O-AB) used during TRPB. Methods: 664 patients were included retrospectively (152 FLU, 452 CEPH and 60 O-AB). Infectious complications were defined as fever >38.0°C, the in-house definition of complicated urinary tract infection (cUTI) (if all applied: fever >38.0°C, leucocytosis >11.000/µL and positive urine dipstick) or postinterventional bacteriuria. Hospitalisation rate, duration and comorbidities were also assessed. χ2 and Fisher’s exact test were used for group comparison. Multivariate regression analysis assessed the association of comorbidities with infectious complications. Results: FLU and CEPH were indifferent regarding infectious complications, however in the O-AB group significantly more common compared to FLU and CEPH (11.6, 13.3, 25%, p < 0.05). Duration of hospital stay in CEPH was significantly shorter compared to FLU and O-AB (4.1 vs. 6.3 vs. 8.2 days, p < 0.05). Arterial hypertension showed increased association with fever (OR 6.002 (1.178; 30.597) p = 0.031) and cUTI (OR 6.006 (1.207; 29.891) p = 0.029). Conclusion: Infectious complications were low and indifferent between FLU and CEPH but significantly more frequent in O-AB. Arterial hypertension was significantly associated with postinterventional fever and cUTI.

Electrically charged forward osmosis for enhancing urea recovery from synthetic urine

Human urine, known as liquid gold, provides 80 % of the nitrogen sources in wastewater treatment plants through urea, making urea recovery an effective method for recycling nitrogen resources. In this work, a novel urea electrically charged forward osmosis (UEFO) system was used to treat human urine to enhance the accumulation of water penetration and urea recovery by overcoming concentration polarization and reverse solute flux. The system contained four chambers with an effective volume of 28 mL and was equipped with external glass vials. The feed solution was 40 mL of urine and the draw solution was 50 mL of potassium chloride solution. With the addition of an electric field, Cl−, SO42− and PO43− were transported from the feed solution (FS) to the anode chamber through the AEM, while OH– and SO42− were transported from the cathode chamber to the draw solution (DS) through the AEM, resulting in high osmotic pressure difference between the DS and FS, which enhanced the urea recovery. With the enhancement of current intensity from 0 to 0.04 A, water flux and urea increased from 8.02 LMH and 39.78 mg to 12.74 LMH and 56.16 mg (accounting for 76.82 % of total urea), respectively. These results demonstrated that the UEFO system could overcome the limitations of traditional FO systems (50 % recovery barrier) and showcased a promising performance for urea recovery from human urine by integrating electrochemical and osmotic-driven processes.

Miniature mass spectrometer-based point-of-care assay for quantification of metformin and sitagliptin in human blood and urine.

Metformin (MET) and sitagliptin (STG) are widely used as the first-line and long-term oral hypoglycemic agents for managing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, the current lack of convenient and rapid measurement methods poses a challenge for individualized management. This study developed a point-of-care (POC) assay method utilizing a miniature mass spectrometer, enabling rapid and accurate quantification of MET and STG concentrations in human blood and urine. By combining the miniature mass spectrometer with paper spray ionization, this method simplifies the process into three to four steps, requires minimal amounts of bodily fluids (50 μL of blood and 2 μL of urine), and is able to obtain quantification results within approximately 2min. Stable isotope-labeled internal standards were employed to enhance the accuracy and stability of measurement. The MS/MS responses exhibited good linear relationship with concentration, with relative standard deviations (RSDs) below 25%. It has the potential to provide immediate treatment feedback and decision support for patients and healthcare professionals in clinical practice.

Endemic status of urogenital schistosomiasis and the efficacy of a single-dose praziquantel treatment in unmapped rural farming communities in Oyo East Local Government Area, Oyo State, Nigeria.

Schistosomiasis is endemic in Nigeria, and the treatment is largely concentrated on children enrolled in schools. Consequently, the coverage of non-enrolled school-aged children is often neglected. Ajagba and Awosan are two communities in Nigeria that have never had any control intervention. Hence, this survey was designed to determine the endemicity of urogenital schistosomiasis and to evaluate the efficacy of a single-dose praziquantel in the communities. Urine sample (10 mL) of each participant from Ajagba and Awosan communities was filtered through 12μm polycarbonate filter. The filter was placed on a microscope slide, and stained with a drop of 1% Lugol iodine solution. The stained slides were examined under the microscope and the numbers of S. haematobium eggs were counted. Water contact sites were searched for snail hosts and the snails collected were shed for Schistosoma cercariae. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 24.0 and the significance level was set at 95%. The overall prevalence of infection in the Ajagba community was 45.6% with a mean intensity of 61.1 ± 144.5 eggs/10 mL of urine, while the prevalence of infection in the Awosan community was 5.7% with a mean intensity of 1.4 ± 6.8 eggs/10 mL of urine. The school-aged children had a prevalence and mean intensity of infection of 73.1% and 111.6 ± 177.9 eggs/10 mL of urine, respectively. Following treatment, women had a higher egg reduction rate than men (p = 0.0283). Bulinus globosus were found in Ajagba but not in Awosan, with 5.7% shedding Schistosoma spp, cercariae. Urogenital schistosomiasis was hyperendemic in the Ajagba community, and hypoendemic in the Awosan community. The presence of Bulinus globosus supported the transmission of the schistosomiasis in the Ajagba community. Communities where schistosomiasis is still actively transmitted in Nigeria should be identified for effective intervention through the MDA programs.

Establishment of a headspace-thermal desorption and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry method (HS-TD-GC-MS) for simultaneous detection of 51 volatile organic compounds in human urine: Application in occupational exposure assessment

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are a group of ubiquitous environment pollutants especially released into the workplace. Assessment of VOCs exposure in occupational populations is therefore a crucial issue for occupational health. However, simultaneous biomonitoring of a variety of VOCs is less studied. In this study, a simple and sensitive method was developed for the simultaneous determination of 51 prototype VOCs in urine by headspace-thermal desorption coupled to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-TD-GC-MS). The urinary sample was pretreated with only adding 0.50 g of sodium chloride to 2 mL of urine and 51 VOCs should be determined with limits of detection (LODs) between 13.6 ng/L and 24.5 ng/L. The method linearity ranged from 0.005 to 10 μg/L with correlation coefficients (r) of 0.991 to 0.999. The precision for intraday and inter-day, measured by the variation coefficient (CV) at three levels of concentration, was below 15 %, except for 4-isopropyl toluene, dichloromethane, and trichloromethane at low concentration. For medium and high levels, recoveries of all target VOCs were within the standard range, but 1,1-dichloropropene and styrene, which were slightly under 80 % at low levels. In addition, the proposed method has been used to determine urine samples collected in three times (before, during and after working) from 152 workers at four different factories. 41 types of prototype VOCs were detected in workers urine. Significant differences (Kruskal-Wallis chi-squared = 117.18, df = 1, P < 0.05) in the concentration levels of VOCs between the exposed and unexposed groups were observed, but not between the three sampling times (Kruskal-Wallis chi-squared = 3.39, df = 2, P = 0.183). The present study provides an alternative method for biomonitoring and assessing mixed exposures to VOCs in occupational populations.

Assessing urogenital schistosomiasis and female genital schistosomiasis (FGS) among adolescents in Anaocha, Anambra State, Nigeria: implications for ongoing control efforts

BackgroundUrogenital schistosomiasis (UgS) remains a persistent health challenge among adolescents in Anambra State, Nigeria, despite ongoing control efforts. Mass praziquantel treatment programs, initiated in 2013, primarily target primary school-aged children (5–14 years old), leaving adolescents (10–19 years old) enrolled in secondary schools vulnerable to urogenital schistosomiaisis. Additionally, the extent of female genital schistosomiasis (FGS), a neglected gynaecological manifestation of UgS remains unclear.MethodologyTo address these gaps, a cross-sectional study was conducted in Anaocha Local Government Area from February to May 2023. Four hundred and seventy consenting adolescents aged 10–19 years were enrolled. Urinalysis including urine filtration was employed to confirm haematuria and detect urogenital schistosomiasis (UGS) among the participants. For females with heavy infections (≥ 50 eggs/10 ml urine), a gynaecologist performed colposcopy examinations, complemented by acetic acid and Lugol’s iodine staining to assess for female genital schistosomiasis (FGS) lesions or other related reproductive health conditions. Socio-demographic data, including information on potential risk factors, were systematically collected using the Kobo ToolBox software, following gender-sensitive data collection guidelines. Data were analysed using SPSS version 25, incorporating descriptive statistics, multinomial logistic regression, odds ratios, and significance testing.ResultsAmong the 470 adolescents (52.8% females, 47.2% males) examined, an overall UgS prevalence of 14.5% was observed, with an average of 5.25 eggs per 10 ml of urine. Females had a slightly higher prevalence (16.1%), and 7.5% had heavy infections. Although gender differences in infection rates were not statistically significant, males had slightly higher odds of infection (OR: 1.332; 95% CI: 0.791–2.244; p-value: 0.280). Adolescents aged 10–14 had the highest prevalence, with significantly increased odds of infection (OR: 1.720; 95% CI: 1.012–2.923; p-value: 0.045). Colposcopy examinations of females with heavy infections revealed FGS lesions and co-infections with Trichomonas vaginalis. Haematuria, though prevalent (24.6%), was not the sole indicator, as those without it faced significantly higher odds of infection (OR: 2.924; 95% CI: 1.731–4.941; p-value: 0.000). Dysuria and genital itching/burning sensation were other UgS and FGS associated symptoms. Direct water contact was associated with higher infection odds (OR: 2.601; 95% CI: 1.007–6.716; p-value: 0.048). Various risk factors were associated with UgS.ConclusionThe study highlights the need for a comprehensive Urogenital Schistosomiasis (UGS) control strategy that includes secondary school adolescents, emphasizes risk factor management, promotes safe water practices, and raises awareness about UGS and Female Genital Schistosomiasis (FGS) among adolescents, thus improving control efforts and mitigating this health challenge in the region.