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Nutrients Apr 2024Understanding the nutritional content of protein supplements is crucial for optimal nutritional planning among athletes and other people. Distribution of macronutrients...
Understanding the nutritional content of protein supplements is crucial for optimal nutritional planning among athletes and other people. Distribution of macronutrients and aminograms in the main products available in the national Chilean market remains unknown. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted to identify the main protein supplements available in the Chilean market. Information on macronutrients and aminograms from the nutritional labels of each product was extracted. The analysis considered the content per portion and per 100 g. Cluster analysis models and graphical representations were explored. Eighty protein shakes were assessed in the Santiago de Chile market. The median protein dosage was 32 g (range from 25 to 52), and the median energy value stood at 390 kcal (range from 312 to 514). The median protein content per 100 g of product was found to be 75 g (range from 42.5 to 97.2). The combined median concentration of amino acids was 4749.75 mg. Among these, the essential amino acid L-Tryptophan exhibited the lowest concentration at 1591.50 mg, while the conditional amino acid L-Glutamine had the highest median concentration at 17,336 mg. There was a significant prevalence of animal-derived products, placing specific emphasis on protein supplements that feature elevated levels of the amino acids L-Glutamine and L-Leucine.
Topics: Chile; Cross-Sectional Studies; Dietary Supplements; Dietary Proteins; Humans; Nutritive Value; Amino Acids; Food Labeling; Tryptophan; Nutrients; Leucine; Energy Intake; Glutamine
PubMed: 38674821
DOI: 10.3390/nu16081129 -
Microscopy Research and Technique Dec 2021In this work, we introduce the use of 4-dimethylamino-4'-nitrostilbene (DANS) fluorescent dye for applications in the detection and analysis of microplastics, an...
In this work, we introduce the use of 4-dimethylamino-4'-nitrostilbene (DANS) fluorescent dye for applications in the detection and analysis of microplastics, an impendent source of pollution made of synthetic organic polymers with a size varying from less than 5 mm to nanometer scale. The use of this dye revealed itself as a versatile, fast and sensitive tool for readily discriminate microplastics in water environment. The experimental evidences herein presented demonstrate that DANS efficiently absorbs into a variety of polymers constituting microplastics, and its solvatochromic properties lead to a positive shift of the fluorescence emission spectrum according to the polarity of the polymers. Therefore, under UV illumination, microplastics glow a specific emission spectrum from blue to red that allows for a straightforward polymer identification. In addition, we show that DANS staining gives access to different detection and analysis strategies based on fluorescence microscopy, from simple epifluorescence fragments visualization, to confocal microscopy and phasor approach for plastic components quantification.
Topics: Environmental Monitoring; Microplastics; Plastics; Polymers; Water Pollutants, Chemical
PubMed: 34047435
DOI: 10.1002/jemt.23841 -
Respirology (Carlton, Vic.) Mar 2023
Topics: Humans; Netherlands; Air Pollutants; Air Pollution
PubMed: 36704901
DOI: 10.1111/resp.14455 -
International Journal of Environmental... Sep 2022Electronic waste (e-waste) recycling releases mercury (Hg) into the environment, though to our knowledge Hg levels at such sites have yet to be examined on a worldwide... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Electronic waste (e-waste) recycling releases mercury (Hg) into the environment, though to our knowledge Hg levels at such sites have yet to be examined on a worldwide basis. A systematic review of scientific studies was conducted to extract, analyze, and synthesize data on Hg levels in e-waste products, environments near recycling sites, and in people. Data were extracted from 78 studies from 20 countries, and these included Hg levels in 1103 electrical and electronic products, 2072 environmental samples (soil, air, plant, food, water, dust), and 2330 human biomarkers (blood, hair, urine). The average Hg level in products was 0.65 μg/g, with the highest levels found in lamps (578 μg/g). Average soil and sediment Hg levels (1.86 μg/g) at e-waste sites were at least eight times higher than at control sites. Average urinary Hg levels (0.93 μg/g creatinine) were approximately two-fold higher among e-waste workers versus control groups. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that e-waste recycling may lead to Hg contamination in environments and human populations in close proximity to processing sites. These findings contribute to a growing knowledge base of mercury exposure through diverse source-exposure pathways, and the work has potential policy implications in the context of the Minamata Convention.
Topics: Biomarkers; Creatinine; Dust; Electronic Waste; Environmental Monitoring; Humans; Mercury; Soil; Waste Products; Water Pollutants, Chemical
PubMed: 36231146
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191911843 -
PeerJ 2023The social acceptability of wild freshwater macrophytes as locally consumed vegetables is widespread. Freshwater macrophytes have several uses; for example, they can be...
BACKGROUND
The social acceptability of wild freshwater macrophytes as locally consumed vegetables is widespread. Freshwater macrophytes have several uses; for example, they can be used as food for humans. This study determined the proximate composition and mineral content of three freshwater macrophyte species, , , , and .
METHODS
Young shoots of , , and were collected from shallow channels of Puchong (3°00'11.89″N, 101°42'43.12″E), Ladang 10, Universiti Putra Malaysia (2°58'44.41″N, 101°42'44.45″E), and Kampung Alur Selibong, Langgar (06°5'50.9″N, 100°26'49.8″E), Kedah, Peninsular Malaysia. The nutritional values of these macrophytes were analysed by using a standard protocol from the Association of Official Analytical Chemists. Eight replicates of and and four replicates of were used for the subsequent analyses.
RESULTS
In the proximate analysis, possessed the highest percentage of crude protein (29.61%) and energy content (4,269.65 cal g), whereas had the highest percentage of crude fat (5.75%) and ash (18.31%). The proximate composition trend for each species was different; specifically, all of the species possessed more carbohydrates and fewer crude lipids. All of the species demonstrated a similar mineral trend, with high nitrogen and potassium and lower copper contents. Nitrogen and potassium levels ranged from 12,380-40,380 mg kg and from 11,212-33,276 mg kg, respectively, and copper levels ranged from 16-27 mg kg. The results showed that all three plant species, i.e., , and are plant-based sources of macro- and micronutrient beneficial supplements for human consumption.
Topics: Humans; Copper; Minerals; Vegetables; Potassium; Fresh Water; Nutritive Value; Nitrogen
PubMed: 37456903
DOI: 10.7717/peerj.15496 -
Chemical & Pharmaceutical Bulletin 2021Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) are biopharmaceuticals produced by chemically linking small molecules (payloads) to antibodies that possess specific affinity for the... (Review)
Review
Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) are biopharmaceuticals produced by chemically linking small molecules (payloads) to antibodies that possess specific affinity for the target cell. The ADCs currently on the commercially market are the result of a stochastic conjugation of highly-potent payloads to multiple sites on the monoclonal antibody, resulting in a heterogeneous drug-antibody ratio (DAR) and drug distribution. The heterogeneity inherent to ADCs not produced site-specifically may not only be detrimental to the quality of the drug but also is less-desirable from the perspective of regulatory science. An ideal method or unified approach used to measure the DAR for ADCs, a critical aspect of their analysis and characterization, has not yet been established in the ADC field and remains an often-challenging issue for bioanalytical chemists. In this review we describe, compare, and evaluate the characteristics of various DAR determination methods for ADCs featuring recently reported technologies. The future landscape of bioconjugate DAR analysis is also discussed.
Topics: Humans; Immunoconjugates; Molecular Structure
PubMed: 34602579
DOI: 10.1248/cpb.c21-00258 -
Toxins Mar 2023This study seeks a comprehensive meta-analysis of mycotoxin contaminants in animal feed consumed in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The obtained articles... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
This study seeks a comprehensive meta-analysis of mycotoxin contaminants in animal feed consumed in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The obtained articles were reviewed, and 49 articles that investigated the contamination of mycotoxins including aflatoxins (AFs), deoxynivalenol (DON), zearalenone (ZEA), T-2 toxin, fumonisins (FUM), and ochratoxin A (OTA), in feed samples or components of animal feed in the MENA region were selected. The titles of the final articles included in the study were meta-analyzed. Necessary information was extracted and categorized from the articles, and a meta-analysis was performed using Stata software. The highest contamination was in dry bread (80%), and Algeria was the most contaminated country (87% of animal feed), with the most mycotoxins contaminating AFs (47%) and FUM (47%). The highest concentration of mycotoxins in animal feed is related to FUM (1240.01 μg/kg). Climate change, economic situation, agricultural and processing methods, the nature of the animal feed, and improper use of food waste in animal feed are among the most critical factors that are effective in the occurrence of mycotoxin contamination in animal feed in MENA. Control of influential factors in the occurrence of contaminations and rapid screening with accurate identification methods to prevent the occurrence and spread of mycotoxin contamination of animal feed seem important.
Topics: Animals; Mycotoxins; Prevalence; Food Contamination; Refuse Disposal; Aflatoxins; Fumonisins; Middle East; Africa, Northern; Animal Feed
PubMed: 36977105
DOI: 10.3390/toxins15030214 -
Water Research Sep 2022Urban wet-weather discharges from combined sewer overflows (CSO) and stormwater outlets (SWO) are a potential pathway for micropollutants (trace contaminants) to surface...
Urban wet-weather discharges from combined sewer overflows (CSO) and stormwater outlets (SWO) are a potential pathway for micropollutants (trace contaminants) to surface waters, posing a threat to the environment and possible water reuse applications. Despite large efforts to monitor micropollutants in the last decade, the gained information is still limited and scattered. In a metastudy we performed a data-driven analysis of measurements collected at 77 sites (683 events, 297 detected micropollutants) over the last decade to investigate which micropollutants are most relevant in terms of 1) occurrence and 2) potential risk for the aquatic environment, 3) estimate the minimum number of data to be collected in monitoring studies to reliably obtain concentration estimates, and 4) provide recommendations for future monitoring campaigns. We highlight micropollutants to be prioritized due to their high occurrence and critical concentration levels compared to environmental quality standards. These top-listed micropollutants include contaminants from all chemical classes (pesticides, heavy metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, personal care products, pharmaceuticals, and industrial and household chemicals). Analysis of over 30,000 event mean concentrations shows a large fraction of measurements (> 50%) were below the limit of quantification, stressing the need for reliable, standard monitoring procedures. High variability was observed among events and sites, with differences between micropollutant classes. The number of events required for a reliable estimate of site mean concentrations (error bandwidth of 1 around the "true" value) depends on the individual micropollutant. The median minimum number of events is 7 for CSO (2 to 31, 80%-interquantile) and 6 for SWO (1 to 25 events, 80%-interquantile). Our analysis indicates the minimum number of sites needed to assess global pollution levels and our data collection and analysis can be used to estimate the required number of sites for an urban catchment. Our data-driven analysis demonstrates how future wet-weather monitoring programs will be more effective if the consequences of high variability inherent in urban wet-weather discharges are considered.
Topics: Environmental Monitoring; Metals, Heavy; Pesticides; Pharmaceutical Preparations; Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons; Rain; Water; Water Pollutants, Chemical; Weather
PubMed: 35988331
DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2022.118968 -
Biosensors Aug 2021This work demonstrates the analysis of epinephrine (EP) and uric acid (UA) in a single drop (the volume of the test solution was only 50 µL) using a screen-printed...
This work demonstrates the analysis of epinephrine (EP) and uric acid (UA) in a single drop (the volume of the test solution was only 50 µL) using a screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE) sensor and square-wave voltammetry (SWV). The limit of detection, limit of quantification, linearity, accuracy, precision, and robustness were validated. The normality of the experimental data was tested and confirmed for both methods. Heteroscedasticity was checked by residual analysis followed by a statistical -test. The latter was confirmed for both analytes. The low relative standard deviations (RSD) at all calibration points and repetitive slopes justified the use of a calibration curve; therefore, the standard addition methodology was avoided (the latter is common in electroanalysis, but time-consuming). Since the conditions for using an ordinary least squares (OLS) regression were not met, weighted linear regression (WLR) was used to improve the accuracy of the analytical results at low concentrations of the analytes. In this manner, the best weighted model was determined and used for the quantification. A comparison was made between the OLS and WLR methods to show the necessity of using the WLR method for EP and UA analysis. The newly developed and validated methods were also shown to be effective in the analysis of real samples. The content of EP in an EP auto-injector and UA in human urine was tested by employing the best weighted model. For EP and UA, the accuracy in terms of the average recovery value was 101.01% and 94.35%, and precision in terms of RSD was 5.65% and 2.75%, respectively. A new analytical methodology is presented that uses a low volume (a single drop), and it offers the advantage of electroanalysis for on-site analysis, where conventional chromatographic techniques cannot be easily employed. Furthermore, the developed technique has additional advantages in terms of speed, cost, and miniaturization.
Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Biosensing Techniques; Catalysis; Electrochemical Techniques; Electrochemistry; Electrodes; Epinephrine; Humans; Nanotubes, Carbon; Uric Acid
PubMed: 34436086
DOI: 10.3390/bios11080285 -
Environmental Pollution (Barking, Essex... Jun 2020Nitrogen dioxide (NO) is a well-established traffic emissions tracer and has been associated with multiple adverse health outcomes. Short- and long-term exposure to NO... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Nitrogen dioxide (NO) is a well-established traffic emissions tracer and has been associated with multiple adverse health outcomes. Short- and long-term exposure to NO has been studied and is well-documented in existing literature, but information on intermediate-term NO effects and mortality is lacking, despite biological plausibility. We obtained daily NO and mortality data from 42 counties in China from 2013 to 2015. Distributed-lag non-linear models were employed to investigate the relationship between non-accidental mortality and NO up to 30 days before the event, including PM, temperature, relative humidity, and holidays as covariates in a random effects meta-analysis pooling county-specific estimates. We repeated the analysis for cardiovascular- and respiratory-related mortality, and explored sex-stratified associations. Per 10 μg/m increase in NO, we estimated a 0.13% (95%CI: 0.03, 0.23%), 0.57% (95%CI: -0.04, 1.18%), and -0.14% (95%CI: -1.63, 1.37%) change in non-accidental mortality for same-day and previous-day NO (lag0-1 cumulated), in the preceding 7 days (lag0-7 cumulated), and in the preceding 30 days (lag0-30 cumulated), respectively. The strongest estimate was observed for respiratory-related mortality in the lag0-30 cumulated effect for women (3.12%; 95%CI: -1.66, 8.13%). We observed a trend of higher effect estimates of intermediate-term NO exposure on respiratory mortality compared to that of the short-term, although the differences were not statistically significant. Our results at longer lags for all-cause and cardiovascular mortality were sensitive to modeling choices. Future work should further investigate intermediate-term air pollution exposure given their potential biological relevance, but in larger scale settings.
Topics: Air Pollutants; Air Pollution; China; Environmental Exposure; Female; Humans; Mortality; Nitrogen Dioxide; Particulate Matter
PubMed: 32097792
DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.114165