Feasibility of Matrix-Matched Material for Determining Elements in Rice Flour by SN-ICP-MS and LA-ICP-MS.

The preparation of matrix-matched material for elemental quantitative analysis in rice flour matrix is proposed here for the first time as part of a feasibility study using the SN-ICP-MS and LA-ICP-MS methods. It was prepared via the spiking process in colloidal solution of rice flour with different levels of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb), followed by drying in a climatic chamber. Comparative studies of the results on external calibration and gravimetric standard addition ICP-MS approaches through the use of calibration standard solutions were discussed.

Commutable Blood Materials from the Fixed-Cell Method for Performance Evaluation of Blood Glucose by a Glucose Meter.

Glucose meters provide a rapid blood glucose status for evidence-based diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of diabetes mellitus. We aimed to evaluate the commutability of processed blood materials (PBMs) and their use in the performance evaluation of glucose meters. Two PBMs obtained by the fixed-cell method were analyzed for homogeneity, stability, and commutability.

Utilization of 3D evaluation for assessing selective caries removal practice in pre-clinical dental students: a pilot study.

Background: Practicing and assessment of selective caries removal techniques in dental students remain challenges in many dental schools. The aim of this study was to utilize a 3D assessment technique, within a designated acceptable range of deviation, to evaluate the tendency of dental students in performing selective caries removal (SCR). The correlation between 3D assessment results and the conventional rubric rated by an instructor was also determined.

Toxic Heavy Metals and Their Risk Assessment of Exposure in Selected Freshwater and Marine Fish in Thailand.

This study identified the levels of arsenic, cadmium, mercury, and lead in 15 species of commonly consumed fish in Thailand (7 freshwater species, 8 marine species), as well as the risk of these toxic elements for consumers. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS-MS) was used to identify toxic elements, while an exposure assessment was conducted by applying consumption amounts from the national food consumption survey to the toxic element contents in the fish samples. The results showed that the fish contained arsenic ranging from less than the limit of detection (LOD) to 8.

Thickness measurements of graphene oxide flakes using atomic force microscopy: results of an international interlaboratory comparison.

Flake thickness is one of the defining properties of graphene-related 2D materials (GR2Ms), and therefore requires reliable, accurate, and reproducible measurements with well-understood uncertainties. This is needed regardless of the production method or manufacturer because it is important for all GR2M products to be globally comparable. An international interlaboratory comparison on thickness measurements of graphene oxide flakes using atomic force microscopy has been completed in technical working area 41 of versailles project on advanced materials and standards.

In Vitro Bioaccessibility of Selenium from Commonly Consumed Fish in Thailand.

Selenium (Se), abundantly obtained in fish, is a crucial trace element for human health. Since there are no data on Se bioaccessibility from commonly consumed fish in Thailand, this study assessed the in vitro bioaccessibility of Se using the equilibrium dialyzability method. The five fish species most commonly consumed in Thailand were selected to determine total Se content using several preparation methods (fresh, boiling, and frying).

Effect of Different Cooking Methods on Selenium Content of Fish Commonly Consumed in Thailand.

Although fish are good sources of selenium (Se), an essential trace element for the human body, very limited data exist on Se content in commonly consumed fish in Thailand. Consequently, this study investigated selenium content and the effect of cooking among 10 fish species (5 freshwater and 5 marine) most-commonly consumed by the Thai people. The fish were purchased from three representative wholesale markets within or nearby to Bangkok.

Combining Isotope Dilution and Standard Addition-Elemental Analysis in Complex Samples.

A new method combining isotope dilution mass spectrometry (IDMS) and standard addition has been developed to determine the mass fractions of different elements in complex matrices: (a) silicon in aqueous tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH), (b) sulfur in biodiesel fuel, and (c) iron bound to transferrin in human serum. All measurements were carried out using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The method requires the gravimetric preparation of several blends (b)-each consisting of roughly the same masses () of the sample solution (x) and of a spike solution (y) plus different masses () of a reference solution (z).

Magnetic microsphere sorbent on CaCO templates: Simple synthesis and efficient extraction of trace carbamate pesticides in fresh produce.

Polypyrrole magnetic microspheres were synthesized and used to extract carbaryl, carbofuran, and methomyl before analysis by a high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection. Under optimal conditions, four times the preconcentration was achieved with the use of only 1.2 mL of sample.

A Microfluidic Paper-Based Analytical Device for Type-II Pyrethroid Targets in an Environmental Water Sample.

A detection method for type-II pyrethroids in an environmental water sample using a microfluidic paper-based analytical device (µPAD) is reported here. The detection approach is based on the formation of cyanide from the hydrolysis of type-II pyrethroids and the colorimetric detection of cyanide on a layer-based µPAD. Parafilm and inexpensive laminating pouches were used to create a hydrophobic barrier for the assay on the µPAD.

Dynein light chain DYNLL1 subunit facilitates porcine circovirus type 2 intracellular transports along microtubules.

Microtubule (MT) and dynein motor proteins facilitate intracytoplasmic transport of cellular proteins. Various viruses utilize microtubules and dynein for their movement from the cell periphery to the nucleus. The aim of this study was to investigate the intracellular transport of porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) via 8 kDa dynein light chain (DYNLL1, LC8) subunit along the MTs.

An international comparability study on quantification of mRNA gene expression ratios: CCQM-P103.1.

Measurement of RNA can be used to study and monitor a range of infectious and non-communicable diseases, with profiling of multiple gene expression mRNA transcripts being increasingly applied to cancer stratification and prognosis. An international comparison study (Consultative Committee for Amount of Substance (CCQM)-P103.1) was performed in order to evaluate the comparability of measurements of RNA copy number ratio for multiple gene targets between two samples.