UPLC-MS is a commonly used technique to first separate complex samples and subsequently quantify molecules of interest. Herein we describe the use of UPLC-MS using an amide stationary phase to quantify non-derivatized amino acids extracted from fingerprints. As detector either a triple-quadrupole MS/MS or a TOF-MS detector was used. This method allows for a simple and fast sample preparation, which facilitates the analysis of large amounts of samples.
DOCUMENT
Fingerprints are widely used in forensic science for individualization purposes. However, not every fingermark found at a crime scene is suitable for comparison, for instance due to distortion of ridge detail, or when the reference fingerprint is not in the database. To still retrieve information from these fingermarks, several studies have been initiated into the chemical composition of fingermarks, which is believed to be influenced by several donor traits. Yet, it is still unclear what donor information can be retrieved from the composition of one's fingerprint, mainly because of limited sample sizes and the focus on analytical method development. It this paper, we analyzed the chemical composition of 1852 fingerprints, donated by 463 donors during the Dutch music festival Lowlands in 2016. In a targeted approach we compared amino acid and lipid profiles obtained from different types of fingerprints. We found a large inter-variability in both amino acid and lipid content, and significant differences in L-(iso)leucine, L-phenylalanine and palmitoleic acid levels between male and female donors. In an untargeted approach we used full-scan MS data to generate classification models to predict gender (77.9% accuracy) and smoking habit (90.4% accuracy) of fingerprint donors. In the latter, putatively, nicotine and cotinine are used as predictors.
MULTIFILE
The amino acid profile obtained from a fingerprint may provide valuable information on its donor. Unfortunately, the collection of chemicals from the fingerprint is often destructive to the fingerprint ridge detail. Herein we detail the use of cross-linkable solutions of dextran-methacrylate to form hydrogels capable of collecting amino acids from surfaces followed by extraction and quantification with UPLC-MS. This method allows for the amino acid profile analysis of fingerprints while allowing for their increased visualization at a later stage using the standard method of cyanoacrylate fuming followed by basic-yellow dyeing.
DOCUMENT
In this review, we present the growing scientific evidence showing the importance of protein and amino acid provision in nutritional support and their impact on preservation of muscle mass and patient outcomes.
DOCUMENT
The NANOSPRESSO project is a pioneering response to the complex challenge of treating orphan diseases, which, despite affecting millions of people globally, have only scant therapeutic options. This initiative represents a paradigm shift by decentralizing the production of personalized nucleic acid nanomedicines. Integrating advanced microfluidic technology with lipid nanoparticle engineering platforms—validated by their efficacy in COVID-19 messenger (m)RNA vaccines— the NANOSPRESSO model enables hospital pharmacists to seamlessly assemble tailored therapeutic cartridges for gene/RNA therapy administration at the patient’s bedside. This innovative model subverts the traditional constraints of high-cost, intricate manufacturing and the instability of nucleic acid-based treatments, offering a streamlined. localized, flexible, and patient-centric alternative. Inspired by the traditional art of compounding in pharmacy, NANOSPRESSO strives to democratize access to innovative treatments for rare diseases, challenging the conventional, monolithic medical approach.
MULTIFILE
Exercise is one of the external factors associated with impairment of intestinal integrity, possibly leading to increased permeability and altered absorption. Here, we aimed to examine to what extent endurance exercise in the glycogen‐depleted state can affect intestinal permeability toward small molecules and protein‐derived peptides in relation to markers of intestinal function. Eleven well‐trained male volunteers (27 ± 4 years) ingested 40 g of casein protein and a lactulose/rhamnose (L/R) solution after an overnight fast in resting conditions (control) and after completing a dual – glycogen depletion and endurance – exercise protocol (first protocol execution). The entire procedure was repeated 1 week later (second protocol execution). Intestinal permeability was measured as L/R ratio in 5 h urine and 1 h plasma. Five‐hour urine excretion of betacasomorphin‐7 (BCM7), postprandial plasma amino acid levels, plasma fatty acid binding protein 2 (FABP‐2), serum pre‐haptoglobin 2 (preHP2), plasma glucagon‐like peptide 2 (GLP2), serum calprotectin, and dipeptidylpeptidase‐4 (DPP4) activity were studied as markers for excretion, intestinal functioning and recovery, inflammation, and BCM7 breakdown activity, respectively. BCM7 levels in urine were increased following the dual exercise protocol, in the first as well as the second protocol execution, whereas 1 h‐plasma L/R ratio was increased only following the first exercise protocol execution. FABP2, preHP2, and GLP2 were not changed after exercise, whereas calprotectin increased. Plasma citrulline levels following casein ingestion (iAUC) did not increase after exercise, as opposed to resting conditions. Endurance exercise in the glycogen depleted state resulted in a clear increase of BCM7 accumulation in urine, independent of DPP4 activity and intestinal permeability. Therefore, strenuous exercise could have an effect on the amount of food‐derived bioactive peptides crossing the epithelial barrier. The health consequence of increased passage needs more in depth studies.
DOCUMENT
Digitally supported dietary counselling may be helpful in increasing the protein intake in combined exercise and nutritional interventions in community-dwelling older adults. To study the effect of this approach, 212 older adults (72.2 ± 6.3 years) were randomised in three groups: control, exercise, or exercise plus dietary counselling. The dietary counselling during the 6-month intervention was a blended approach of face-to-face contacts and videoconferencing, and it was discontinued for a 6-month follow-up. Dietary protein intake, sources, product groups, resulting amino acid intake, and intake per eating occasion were assessed by a 3-day dietary record. The dietary counselling group was able to increase the protein intake by 32% at 6 months, and the intake remained 16% increased at 12 months. Protein intake mainly consisted of animal protein sources: dairy products, followed by fish and meat. This resulted in significantly more intake of essential amino acids, including leucine. The protein intake was distributed evenly over the day, resulting in more meals that reached the protein and leucine targets. Digitally supported dietary counselling was effective in increasing protein intake both per meal and per day in a lifestyle intervention in community-dwelling older adults. This was predominantly achieved by consuming more animal protein sources, particularly dairy products, and especially during breakfast and lunch.
MULTIFILE
Rationale: A higher protein intake is suggested to preserve muscle mass during aging, and may therefore reduce the risk for sarcopenia. We explored whether the amount, type (animal/vegetable) and essential amino acid (EAA) composition of protein intake were associated with 5-year change in mid-thigh muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) in older adults.Methods: Protein intake was assessed at year 2 by a Block food frequency questionnaire in 2,597 participants of the Health ABC study, aged 70–79 y. At year 1 and year 6 mid-thigh muscle CSA (cm2) was measured by computed tomography. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to examine the association between energy adjusted protein residuals (total, animal and vegetable protein) and muscle CSA at year 6, adjusted for muscle CSA at year 1 and potential confounders including prevalent health conditions, physical activity and 5-year change in fat mass. EAAintake was expressed as percentage of total protein intake.Results: Mean protein intake was 0.90 (SD 0.36) g/kg/d and mean 5-year change in muscle CSA was −9.8 (17.0) cm2 (n = 1,561). No association was observed between energy adjusted total (β = −0.00 cm2 ; SE = 0.03; P = 0.98), animal (β = −0.00 cm2; SE = 0.03; P = 0.92), and plant (β = +0.07 cm2; SE = 0.07; P = 0.291) protein intake and muscle CSA at year 6, adjusted for baseline mid-thigh muscle area and potential confounders. No associations were observed for the EAAs.Conclusion: A higher total, animal or vegetable protein intake was not associated with 5 year change in mid-thigh cross sectional area in older adults. This conclusion contradicts some, but not all previous research, therefore optimal protein intake for older adults is currently not known.
DOCUMENT
