The detection and quantification of hormones are important to assess the reproductive and stress status of experimental models and for the diagnosis of diseases in human and veterinary clinics. The peptide secretoneurin (SN) has been proposed as a new sex hormone, but effective quantification methods are challenging. Traditional methods require the use of antibodies with either radioactive or non-radioactive tracers. There are difficulties with these methods in terms of sensitivity, specificity, and inter-laboratory repeatability. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) can circumvent many of these challenges. Another source of variation is the extraction of lipophilic steroidal compounds, which is incompatible with the extraction of hydrophilic peptide hormones. I have developed efficient extraction and sensitive detection methods of SN with numerous other peptide and steroid hormones in the same tissue sample in mice and zebrafish. The extraction efficiency for both peptide and steroid analytes is over 85%. The standard deviation for extraction and LC-MS/MS analysis for each compound varies between 5-10%. The steroid hormones can be quantified in the low to medium fmol/µL range. We quantified peptide hormones in the high fmol/µL to low pmol/µL range. Mouse SN levels were measured and compared against the levels of GnRH 1, oxytocin, vasopressin, E2, and P4 in multiple tissues at 3 important periods through the estrous cycle. In addition, SN levels were found to be moderately related to GnRH 1 levels in the hypothalamus in the estrous cycle. This is important because it is GnRH 1 that stimulates the luteinizing hormone surge in the pituitary that regulates ovulation in all vertebrate species. I also determined that SNa and SNb were both within the 2-8 pmol/µL range in the brain or pituitary harvested from a single female zebrafish. This makes it feasible for the first time to study the correlation between the SNs and other peptides and steroid hormones by quantifying them simultaneously in very small tissue samples. Untargeted peptidomics determined that the SN peptides in zebrafish can be further processed into smaller discrete fragments. This implies not only active synthesis and selective peptide processing but suggests that the are unknown functions of the SN peptide fragments that await discovery. This cost-effective package was used for the detailed assessment of hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal function in mice and zebrafish and may be adaptable to many other hormones across species.

In the early 19th century a ground-breaking discovery was made that linked a dietary deficiency of a fat-soluble vitamin with the childhood disease known as rickets. The vitamin was named vitamin D and extensive research regarding the physiological importance of this vitamin followed ever since. It is currently known that vitamin D plays an important role in maintaining the calcium and phosphate homeostasis in the human body. Less clear evidence states the medical importance of vitamin D in the prevention and cancer, autoimmune disease and diabetes. Current literature shows that vitamin D has five distinct forms, vitamin D1 to D5, of which vitamin D2 and D3 are the most studied forms. The term “vitamin D” is often wrongfully used to include the vitamin D mother molecule, the vitamin D status indicator (25(OH)D), the biologically active form (1,25(OH)2D) and biologically inactive form (24,25(OH)2D). The interest for measurement of these vitamin D analogues is a continuously growing field both on individual and epidemiological level. For decades laboratories have struggled to produce a robust method capable of quantifying these different vitamin D analogues and uncovered a new form of complexity regarding the analysis of these analogues. The identification of the C3-epimeric forms of vitamin D metabolites has forced laboratories to rethink their analytical methods and several concerns were raised regarding the overestimation of the true vitamin D status by current analytical methods. The quantification of the biologically active and inactive forms of vitamin D is reported to be difficult and to date very few LC-MS/MS methods reported in the literature are able to quantify various vitamin D analogues. However, to our knowledge none of these methods are able to include the precursor vitamin D, the 25-hydroxylated metabolites, the biologically active and inactive metabolites, C3-epimers and isobaric compounds in a single run. Therefore the aim of this study was to develop, optimise and validate a LC-MS/MS method for the quantification of twelve vitamin D analogues in a single run. This was done by optimising the underlying LC-MS/MS parameters to ensure optimal analytical sensitivity in positive ESI mode and sufficient chromatographic separation between analytes with similar chemical properties. Furthermore, the optimised method was validated to ensure the accuracy and precision of the method before implementation into a clinical environment. The vitamin D analogues included in this study were vitamin D2, vitamin D3, 25(OH)D2, 25(OH)D3, 1,25(OH)2D2, 1,25(OH)2D3, 24,25(OH)2D2, 24,25(OH)2D3, 3-epi-25(OH)D2, 3-epi- 25(OH)D3, 7(OH)4C3 and 1α(OH)D3. A double liquid-liquid extraction with hexane and ethyl acetate were found to be the most efficient at extracting the vitamin D analogues from a serum matrix after matrix modification with sodium hydroxide. Recoveries of > 95 % (CV <10 %) were achieved for all the analytes. It was noted that a precursor adduct other than the molecular mass ion for a specific vitamin D analogue can produce a more abundant MS1 signal and that the ESI source parameters vary between analytes with different chemical properties and should therefore be optimised individually for each analyte. Various columns were assessed and sufficient chromatographic separation between the relevant analytes was achieved with an Agilent Technologies Pentafluorophenyl column. Baseline separation was achieved between 25(OH)D3 and 3-epi-25(OH)D3 as well as 25(OH)D2 and 3-epi-25(OH)D2, which is a requirement for this method to be viable. The method was subjected to a series of validation steps to ensure the accuracy and precision of the method. These included the assessment of the analytical range, LOD, LOQ, inaccuracy, imprecision, stability, interference and recovery. It was found that the optimised method had good linearity (r > 0.995), acceptable repeatability (CV < 10 %) and within-lab precision (CV < 15%) and excellent method accuracy (systematic error < 6.60 %). Furthermore, all the analytes proved to be stable for 48 hours after sample preparation with no interferences found for co-eluting analytes. Finally, based on the sigma metric scale specifications, it was calculated that this method proved to be “world class” and very little QC is needed to ensure the quality of the data derived from this method. Based on the findings in this study, it was concluded that a novel LC-MS/MS method for the quantification of twelve vitamin D analogues in a single run was successfully developed. All the LC-MS/MS parameters were optimised to ensure optimal analytical sensitivity for each analyte and the method was validated based on a series of method validation steps required for implementation into a clinical laboratory. This validation proved this method to be ready for implementation into a clinical environment. / MSc (Biochemistry), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

In the early 19th century a ground-breaking discovery was made that linked a dietary deficiency of a fat-soluble vitamin with the childhood disease known as rickets. The vitamin was named vitamin D and extensive research regarding the physiological importance of this vitamin followed ever since. It is currently known that vitamin D plays an important role in maintaining the calcium and phosphate homeostasis in the human body. Less clear evidence states the medical importance of vitamin D in the prevention and cancer, autoimmune disease and diabetes. Current literature shows that vitamin D has five distinct forms, vitamin D1 to D5, of which vitamin D2 and D3 are the most studied forms. The term “vitamin D” is often wrongfully used to include the vitamin D mother molecule, the vitamin D status indicator (25(OH)D), the biologically active form (1,25(OH)2D) and biologically inactive form (24,25(OH)2D). The interest for measurement of these vitamin D analogues is a continuously growing field both on individual and epidemiological level. For decades laboratories have struggled to produce a robust method capable of quantifying these different vitamin D analogues and uncovered a new form of complexity regarding the analysis of these analogues. The identification of the C3-epimeric forms of vitamin D metabolites has forced laboratories to rethink their analytical methods and several concerns were raised regarding the overestimation of the true vitamin D status by current analytical methods. The quantification of the biologically active and inactive forms of vitamin D is reported to be difficult and to date very few LC-MS/MS methods reported in the literature are able to quantify various vitamin D analogues. However, to our knowledge none of these methods are able to include the precursor vitamin D, the 25-hydroxylated metabolites, the biologically active and inactive metabolites, C3-epimers and isobaric compounds in a single run. Therefore the aim of this study was to develop, optimise and validate a LC-MS/MS method for the quantification of twelve vitamin D analogues in a single run. This was done by optimising the underlying LC-MS/MS parameters to ensure optimal analytical sensitivity in positive ESI mode and sufficient chromatographic separation between analytes with similar chemical properties. Furthermore, the optimised method was validated to ensure the accuracy and precision of the method before implementation into a clinical environment. The vitamin D analogues included in this study were vitamin D2, vitamin D3, 25(OH)D2, 25(OH)D3, 1,25(OH)2D2, 1,25(OH)2D3, 24,25(OH)2D2, 24,25(OH)2D3, 3-epi-25(OH)D2, 3-epi- 25(OH)D3, 7(OH)4C3 and 1α(OH)D3. A double liquid-liquid extraction with hexane and ethyl acetate were found to be the most efficient at extracting the vitamin D analogues from a serum matrix after matrix modification with sodium hydroxide. Recoveries of > 95 % (CV <10 %) were achieved for all the analytes. It was noted that a precursor adduct other than the molecular mass ion for a specific vitamin D analogue can produce a more abundant MS1 signal and that the ESI source parameters vary between analytes with different chemical properties and should therefore be optimised individually for each analyte. Various columns were assessed and sufficient chromatographic separation between the relevant analytes was achieved with an Agilent Technologies Pentafluorophenyl column. Baseline separation was achieved between 25(OH)D3 and 3-epi-25(OH)D3 as well as 25(OH)D2 and 3-epi-25(OH)D2, which is a requirement for this method to be viable. The method was subjected to a series of validation steps to ensure the accuracy and precision of the method. These included the assessment of the analytical range, LOD, LOQ, inaccuracy, imprecision, stability, interference and recovery. It was found that the optimised method had good linearity (r > 0.995), acceptable repeatability (CV < 10 %) and within-lab precision (CV < 15%) and excellent method accuracy (systematic error < 6.60 %). Furthermore, all the analytes proved to be stable for 48 hours after sample preparation with no interferences found for co-eluting analytes. Finally, based on the sigma metric scale specifications, it was calculated that this method proved to be “world class” and very little QC is needed to ensure the quality of the data derived from this method. Based on the findings in this study, it was concluded that a novel LC-MS/MS method for the quantification of twelve vitamin D analogues in a single run was successfully developed. All the LC-MS/MS parameters were optimised to ensure optimal analytical sensitivity for each analyte and the method was validated based on a series of method validation steps required for implementation into a clinical laboratory. This validation proved this method to be ready for implementation into a clinical environment. / MSc (Biochemistry), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

As elevadas taxas de colesterol plasmático representam um grande risco à saúde, uma vez que podem causar doenças cardiovasculares. Para o tratamento e prevenção da dislipidemia são utilizados medicamentos reguladores do colesterol, como as estatinas. Embora eficazes e extensamente utilizados, esses fármacos apresentam efeitos adversos se administrados na dosagem errada. Assim, faz-se necessário o desenvolvimento de um método de monitorização terapêutica a fim de se ajustar a concentração desses compostos no sangue. Este trabalho visa o desenvolvimento de um método para análise de pravastatina (PRA), atorvastatina (AT), fluvastatina (FLV) e sinvastatina (SV) em plasma humano usando cromatografia líquida acoplada à espectrometria de massas (LC-MS). Na etapa de preparo de amostras, de forma inédita, utilizou-se a técnica microextração por sorvente empacotado (MEPS) para a análise de plasma humano contendo quatro estatinas. Para a otimização das condições de extração avaliaram-se, por experimentos univariados, parâmetros como fase extratora, composição do solvente de eluição e de lavagem. Outros fatores como volume de amostra, ciclos de amostragem, ciclos de eluição e etapas de eluição foram avaliados empregando-se planejamento experimental multivariado. A extração foi realizada utilizando-se uma fase estacionária C18 Chromabond como sorvente. O método MEPS-LC-MS/MS desenvolvido foi validado baseando-se nas recomendações da agência nacional de vigilância sanitária (ANVISA) e apresentou linearidade, seletividade, precisão, exatidão e recuperação adequadas para as estatinas, excetuando-se para a sinvastatina. A faixa de linearidade obtida foi de 10-200 ng mL-1 (FLV e AT) e 20-200 ng mL-1 (PRA). Os limites de quantificação obtidos foram da ordem de 10 ng mL-1 (AT e FLV) e 20 ng mL-1 (PRA). Desta forma o método desenvolvido poderá ser utilizado para a determinação dos níveis de pravastatina, fluvastatina e atorvastatina em amostras de plasma humano. / Elevated plasma cholesterol level is a risk factor for coronary diseases, which are the most deadly sickness according to the World Health Organization (WHO). In order to fight the hypercholesterolemia in patients, statins are a well-established class of drugs to be prescribed. Even though they are efficient, some side effects can be associated with statin therapy, especially when interactions with other drugs occur. In these cases, monitoring the concentration can optimize the drug dosage to therapeutic effectiveness whilst minimizing the adverse effects. The aim of this work was to develop a method for analysis of pravastatin (PRA), atorvastatin (AT), fluvastatin (FLV) and simvastatin (SV) in human plasma. The experimental means chosen to attain the goal was liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and for the sample preparation, microextraction by packed sorbent (MEPS). To optimize the extraction conditions, parameters such as sorbent, elution and washing solution were evaluated. Other parameters such as sampling, elution cycles, sample volume and elution steps were evaluated using multivariate experimental design. The extraction was performed using C18 Chromabond as sorbent. The method was validated based on ANVISA recommendations and featured appropriated linearity, selectivity, accuracy, precision, and recovery, except for simvastatin. The calibration curve in plasma was obtained in the concentration range 10-200 ng mL-1 (FLV and AT) and 20-200 ng mL-1 (PRA) and the limit of quantification (LOQ) was 10 ng mL-1 (FLV and AT) and 20 ng mL-1 (PRA). The method developed proved to be suitable for the analysis of pravastatin, fluvastatin and atorvastatin in human plasma sample, but not simvastatin, and it can contribute to a more efficient usage of the statins in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia.

O quadro evolutivo da agricultura brasileira resulta em benefícios à população exigindo crescentes avanços tecnológicos no setor. Constantemente, novos agrotóxicos são introduzidos estimulando estudos científicos com a finalidade de determinar e avaliar os impactos na população e no meio ambiente. No presente trabalho, a matriz avaliada foi o lodo gerado no processo de tratamento de água para consumo humano, coletado na região do Vale do Ribeira, SP. A técnica empregada foi a cromatografia líquida de fase reversa acoplada à espectrometria de massas triploquadrupolar em tandem com ionização por electrospray. Os compostos foram extraídos previamente da matriz. O desenvolvimento da metodologia exigiu tratamento dos dados para que esses pudessem ser utilizados e transformados em informações confiáveis. Os processos envolvidos foram avaliados usando o conceito da validação de ensaios químicos. Os indicadores avaliados foram seletividade, linearidade, intervalo de trabalho, sensibilidade, exatidão, precisão, limite de detecção, limite de quantificação e robustez. Esses indicadores produziram valores quantitativos e qualitativos que foram estatisticamente evidenciados de forma objetiva. A metodologia desenvolvida e validade é simples. Como resultado, mesmo explorando a sensibilidade da técnica, os compostos estudados não foram encontrados no lodo da ETA de Registro. Isso leva a crer que esses compostos podem estar presentes em concentrações muito baixas, podem sofrer degradação durante o tratamento da água ou não são retidos completamente pela ETA. 7 / The evolving scenario of Brazilian agriculture brings benefits to the population and demands technological advances to this field. Constantly, new pesticides are introduced encouraging scientific studies with the aim of determine and evaluate impacts on the population and on environment. In this work, the evaluated sample was the sludge resulted from water treatment plant located in the Vale do Ribeira, São Paulo, Brazil. The technique used was the reversed phase liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry. Compounds were previously liquid extracted from the matrix. The development of the methodology demanded data processing in order to be transformed into reliable information. The processes involved concepts of validation of chemical analysis. The evaluated parameters were selectivity, linearity, range, sensitivity, accuracy, precision, limit of detection, limit of quantification and robustness. The obtained qualitative and quantitative results were statistically treated and presented. The developed and validated methodology is simple. As results, even exploring the sensitivity of the analytical technique, the work compounds were not detected in the sludge of the WTP. One can explain that these compounds can be present in a very low concentration, can be degraded under the conditions of the water treatment process or are not completely retained by the WTP.

A avicultura de corte brasileira tem apresentado elevados índices de crescimento. No intuito de garantir uma maior eficiência da produção de aves, medicamentos veterinários são administrados para tratamento e prevenção de doenças. A coccidiose é uma dessas doenças, a qual é causada por várias espécies do protozoário do gênero Eimeria. Os poliéteres ionóforos são antibióticos largamente administrados no controle desses microrganismos. No entanto, a administração contínua de doses subterapêuticas dessa classe de fármacos pode acarretar no acúmulo de resíduos nos tecidos dos frangos de corte. No intuito de garantir a segurança dos consumidores, são definidos Limites Máximos de Resíduos (LMRs) por órgãos internacionais como: Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Commission Regulation, Codex Alimentarius; e nacionais como Ministério da Agricultura Pecuária e Abastecimento (MAPA). Dessa forma, este estudo teve por objetivo o desenvolvimento, validação e aplicação de um método para determinação em peito de frango de resíduos de Lasalocida (LAS), Monensina (MON), Salinomicina (SAL) e Narasina (NAR) por cromatografia líquida acoplada a espectrometria de massas sequencial com ionização por eletrospray (LC-ESI-MS/MS). Nigericina (NIG) foi utilizada como padrão interno do método analítico. As amostras foram liofilizadas, trituradas e tamisadas, sendo utilizadas no método amostras com tamanho de partículas entre 125 ?m e 250 ?m. Os resíduos foram extraídos com metanol e uma alíquota do extrato foi evaporada e reconstituída para análise em LC-ESI-MS/MS no modo positivo de monitoramento de reação selecionada (SRM). A etapa de clean up foi realizada por meio de filtração do extrato em membrana de PTFE 0,22 ?m. O método apresentou-se linear no intervalo de concentração de 0,0 a 40,0 ?g kg-1 para LAS, de 0,0 a 20,0 ?g kg-1 para MON, de 0,0 a 200,0 ?g kg-1 para SAL e de 0,0 a 30,0 ?g kg-1 para NAR. Para todos os antibióticos o coeficiente de correlação linear (r) esteve de acordo com as diretrizes para métodos bioanalíticos (r >= 0,98). A repetitividade foi avaliada em três concentrações de fortificação para cada antibiótico ionóforo, sendo realizada em três dias consecutivos. Foi obtida boa reprodutibilidade intralaboratorial, com coeficiente de variação (CV) de 4,5% para NAR (22,5 ?g kg-1) e 15,2% para LAS (10,0 ?g kg-1). A recuperação ficou acima de 90,0% para todos os antibióticos, sendo de 91,5% para LAS (10,0 ?g kg-1) e 99,1% para MON (15 ?g kg-1). Valores satisfatórios para o limite de decisão (CC?) e capacidade de detecção (CC?) foram obtidos, sendo CC? de 11,8 ?g kg-1 e 115,2 ?g kg-1 para MON e SAL, respectivamente, e CC? de 13,6 ?g kg-1 e 130,3 ?g kg-1 para os mesmos antibióticos. Os limites de detecção (LD) e os limites de quantificação (LQ) foram determinados a partir de dados da curva de calibração. Todos os antibióticos apresentaram LQ inferior ao seu respectivo LMR. O método foi aplicado em 18 amostras disponíveis comercialmente em Ribeirão Preto, SP. De todas as amostras analisadas apenas uma apresentou resíduo de NAR com concentração acima do seu respectivo LD. / The Brazilian poultry industry has shown high rates of growth. In order to ensure greater efficiency of poultry production, veterinary drugs are administered for the treatment and prevention of diseases. Coccidiosis is one of those diseases, which is caused by various species of protozoa of the genus Eimeria. Polyether ionophore antibiotics are widely administered to control these microorganisms. Continuous administration of subtherapeutic doses of this class of drugs may result in the accumulation of residues at low concentration levels in the tissues of broiler. In order to ensure consumer safety, are set Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) by international organizations such as Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Commission Regulation (EU), Codex Alimentarius; and national such as Ministério da Agricultura e Pecuária (MAPA). Thus, this study aimed to develop, validate and apply a simple method for determination of residues of Lasalocid (LAS), Monensin (MON), Salinomycin (SAL) and Narasin (NAR) in chicken meat by liquid chromatography electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS). Nigericin (NIG) was used as qualitative internal standard. Samples were lyophilized, powdered and sieved. Particles size between 125 ?m and 250 ?m were used. Residues were extracted with methanol and aliquots of the extracts were evaporated and reconstituted for injection in the LC-ESI-MS/MS operated in positive selected reaction monitoring (SRM). From the molecular ion were obtained two fragment ions and that of higher relative abundance was used in quantification process. Clean-up step was performed by filtration on 0.22 ?m PTFE membrane. In the validation process, this method showed linearity over the concentration range from 0.0 to 40.0 ?g kg-1 for LAS; 0.0 to 20.0 ?g kg-1 for MON; 0.0 to 200.0 ?g kg-1 for SAL and 0.0 to 30.0 ?g kg-1 for NAR. For all antibiotics the coefficient of linear correlation (r) was in accordance with the guidelines for bioanalytical methods (r >= 0.99). The intra-day precision was evaluated at three spiked concentrations for each ionophore antibiotic and was determined in three consecutive days. Good inter-day precision was obtained, with relative standard deviations from 4.5% for NAR (22.5 ?g kg-1) and 15.2% for LAS (10.0 ?g kg-1). For all antibiotics recovery above 90.0% was obtained, which were 91.5% for LAS (10.0 ?g kg-1) and 99.1% for MON (15.0 ?g kg-1). Satisfactory results of decision limit (CC?) and detection capability (CC?) were determined, which were CC? 11.8 ?g kg-1 and 115.2 ?g kg-1 for MON and SAL, respectively; CC? 13.6 ?g kg-1 and 130.3 ?g kg-1 for the same drugs. The limit of detection (LD) and limit of quantification (LQ) were determined from data of the calibration curve. All the LQs were remarkably below the MLRs for each antibiotic. The method was applied to 18 samples acquired in Ribeirão Preto, SP. Of all analyzed samples only one exhibited traces of NAR with concentration above its respective LD. Thus, the proposed method can be applied in routine analysis on samples of commercial chicken meat.

A constante preocupação com o aumento do uso de agrotóxicos nas lavouras e os riscos gerados pelos resíduos destes compostos fazem com que os órgãos responsáveis pela fiscalização de alimentos no Brasil controlem a presença dessas substâncias nos produtos que chegam à mesa do consumidor. Atualmente, um dos grandes problemas na produção de alimentos é a utilização de substâncias proibidas em lavouras, muitas das quais não possuem estudos nem limites máximos de resíduos (LMR) estabelecidos, assim como a utilização de substâncias já registradas, mas em quantidades ou métodos de manejo incorretos. Ambos os casos podem resultar em sérios problemas à saúde humana. O objetivo deste estudo foi a avaliação da determinação de morfolina em amostras de manga utilizando técnicas como a Extração em Fase Sólida e a Cromatografia Gasosa acoplada à Espectrometria de Massas (SPE-GC-MS), assim como a Microextração em Sorvente Empacotado e Cromatografia Gasosa acoplada à Espectrometria de Massas (MEPS-GC-MS). Um segundo objetivo deste estudo consistiu em desenvolver, validar e avaliar uma metodologia analítica capaz de identificar quantitativamente a morfolina em amostras de manga por Cromatografia Líquida de Ultra Eficiência acoplada a Espectrometria de Massas em tandem (UHPLC-MS/MS). Para análise por GC-MS fez-se necessária a etapa de derivatização do analito, de forma que o mesmo aumentasse sua volatilidade e diminuísse a polaridade. A comparação entre as técnicas SPE e MEPS não foi possível devido ao efeito de matriz causado pela contaminação do liner e da coluna cromatográfica. Já a metodologia validada por UHPLC-MS/MS seguiu os critérios exigidos pelo Manual de Garantia da Qualidade Analítica, do Ministério da Agricultura Pecuária e Abastecimento (MAPA). O método foi aplicado em mangas de diferentes variedades obtidas no comércio local. Não foram encontrados resíduos de morfolina em nenhuma das amostras investigadas, de acordo com a metodologia proposta. Os resultados apresentados neste trabalho estabelecem metodologias eficientes, rápidas e de baixo custo na determinação de morfolina em amostras de manga. / The recurrent increasing of the use of pesticides on crops and the consequent risks due the exposure to chemical residues have urged the food regulation agencies to control the levels of these substances in products that reach consumer\'s table. A major problem nowadays for the production of food is the use of banned substances in crops and the extrapolation of the limit dosages of substances, which may result in serious problems to human health. Furthermore, many of these substances commonly used in crops still lack substantial information about the maximum residue levels (MRLs). The aim of this study was the evaluation of morpholine levels in mango samples using distinct techniques such as Solid Phase Extraction followed by Gas Chromatography coupled to Mass Spectrometry (SPE-GC-MS) and Microextraction by Packed Sorbent followed by Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (MEPS-GC-MS). Another main goal of this work is the development, validation and evaluation of an analytical methodology to identify and quantitfy the presence of morpholine in mango samples, using Ultra-High Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled to tandem Mass Spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS). For the analysis of samples by GC-MS, it was required an initial step of derivatization of the analyte, in order to increase its volatility and reduce polarity. The comparison between SPE and MEPS techniques could not be performed due to matrix effects caused by contamination of the liner and the chromatographic column. On the other hand, the validated methodology for UHPLC-MS/MS presented herein followed all requirements proposed by the Analytical Quality Assurance Manual, accordingly to the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Supply from Brazil. This method was applied in mango sample belonging to a wide variety of species found in the city of São Carlos, SP. Nevertheless, no significant levels of morpholine residues were found in any of the samples. In this work, we established a methodology efficient, fast and low cost for the determination of morpholine in mangos.

Os pesticidas têm sido largamente empregados na agricultura para controle de pragas, doenças e ervas daninhas. O uso intensivo de pesticidas nas culturas de tomates, desrespeitando as boas práticas agrícolas, tem causado preocupações quanto à provável contaminação do produto final e muitos métodos multirresíduos têm sido empregados para avaliar e determinar os níveis de resíduos em amostras de alimentos. Para tanto, o objetivo deste estudo foi a validação do método usando QuEChERS no preparo de amostra e LC-MS/MS para a quantificação de resíduos de 61 pesticidas de diferentes classes químicas em tomate. A detecção foi realizada utilizando espectrômetro de massas no modo MRM dinâmico, o tempo de análise foi de 13 min com coluna analítica recheada com partículas de 1,8 \'mü\'m de partícula. Dos 61 pesticidas estudados, 46 estão de acordo com os parâmetros de validação da Comissão Européia e Anvisa, 15% dos pesticidas validados apresentaram efeito matriz médio e as recuperações ficaram entre 87 e 116% e coeficiente de variação de 5 a 17%. Mais de 85% dos compostos investigados apresentaram limites de detecção igual ou menor que 5 \'mü\'g kg-1 e de quantificação igual ou menor que 10 \'mü\'g kg-1. Foram analisadas 58 amostras de tomate coletadas em supermercados da cidade de Piracicaba, SP, Brasil. Doze compostos foram detectados em trinta e cinco amostras (60% do total analisado), todos abaixo do limite máximo de resíduos permitido no Brasil para acefato, acetamiprido, azoxistrobina, benalaxil, bromuconazol, diflubenzurom, imidacloprido, iprodiona, procloraz e tiametoxam, e 15 amostras positivas para metamidofós e 1 para oxamil, que não possuem uso autorizado para a cultura de tomate. Foi realizado um estudo de lavagem de tomates contaminados com produtos formulados (8 pesticidas) com água, solução com 10% de vinagre e com 10% de bicarbonato de sódio e analisada a casca e polpa, para avaliar a capacidade de remoção de cada procedimento. Todos os tratamentos de lavagens (n=3) diferiram estatisticamente para todos os pesticidas avaliados (n=8), com exceção do fipronil, para o qual as lavagens com solução de 10% de bicarbonato de sódio e água não apresentaram diferença no nível de significância de 5%. A lavagem com água ou outras soluções antes do consumo é indicada para a redução de resíduos de pesticidas em tomate e a retirada da casca também contribui para essa redução / Pesticides have been widely used in agriculture to control pests, diseases and weeds. The intensive use of pesticides in tomato crops disrespecting good agricultural practices have been causing concerns about the possible contamination of the final product and many multiresidue methods have been used in order to evaluate and determine the levels of residues in food samples. Therefore, the aim of this study was validate the method using QuEChERS sample preparation and LC-MS/MS for quantification of 61 pesticides residues from different chemical classes in tomato. Detection was performed using mass spectrometry in dynamic MRM mode, run time had 13 min and analytical column packed with 1,8 \'mü\'m particles. Of the 61 pesticides studied, 46 are in accordance with the validation parameters of the European Commission and ANVISA, 15% of the validated pesticides presented matrix effect, recoveries were between 87 and 116% and coefficient of variation 5 to 17%. More than 85% of the compounds investigated showed limits of detection less or equal than 5 \'mü\'g kg-1 and the limits of quantification less or equal than 10 \'mü\'g kg-1. 58 real samples of tomato were analyzed and collected in supermarkets in Piracicaba, SP, Brazil. Twelve compounds were detected in thirty-five samples (60% of the total analyzed), all below the maximum residue limit allowed in Brazil for acephate, acetamiprid, azoxystrobin, benalaxyl, bromuconazole, diflubenzuron, imidacloprid, iprodione, prochloraz and thiamethoxam, and 15 positive samples of methamidophos and 1 for oxamyl, which are not authorized to use at the culture of tomatoes. A wash study was conducted with spiked tomatoes using formulated products (8 pesticides) with water, 10% acetic acid, 10% sodium bicarbonate solution and analyzed concentration in the peel and pulp, in order to evaluate the capacity to remove pesticides in each procedure. All wash treatments (n= 3) differed significantly for all pesticides evaluated (n= 8), with the exception of fipronil, which the washing with 10% of sodium bicarbonate solution and water no showed difference in the level of significance 5%. The washing with water or other solutions before consumption is indicated for the reduction of pesticide residues in tomatoes and the peeling also contributes to this reduction

A ciclobenzaprina é um relaxante muscular de ação central estruturalmente similar aos antidepressivos tricíclicos. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a bioequivalência de comprimidos contendo 10 mg de cloridrato de ciclobenzaprina em voluntários sadios. O estudo de bioequivalência entre o produto teste (Miosan®) e referência (Flexeril®) foi do tipo randomizado, aberto e cruzado. Os produtos foram administrados por via oral aos voluntários em dose única de 10 mg de cloridrato de ciclobenzaprina. Amostras de sangue foram coletadas até 240 horas após a administração do fármaco e quantificadas por método previamente validado através de cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência acoplada a um detector de massas. As curvas médias de decaimento plasmático dos produtos teste (Miosan®) e referência (Flexeril®) foram semelhantes ASC0-t (teste: 193,00 ngxh/mL; referência: 191,66 ngxh/mL) e ASC0&#8734; (teste: 211,34 ngxh/mL; referência: 209,35 ngxh/mL). Assim como os parâmetros farmacocinéticos relativos à absorção de ciclobenzaprina, Cmax (teste: 7,16 ng/mL; referência: 6,95 ng/mL), tmax (teste: 4,61 h; referência: 4,48 h), Ka (referência: 0,79; teste: 0,67) e t(1/2)a (referência: 1,79 h; teste: 2,02 h). Os parâmetros farmacocinéticos relativos à eliminação plasmática de ciclobenzaprina Cl (teste: 31,15 L/h; referência: 31,73 L/h), Vd (teste: 1378,54 L e referência (1357,87 L), kß (referência: 0,08; teste: 0,08), t(1/2)ß (referência: 9,43 h; teste: 9,20 h), k&#947 (referência: 0,02; teste: 0,02) e t(1/2)&#947 (referência: 32,92 h; teste: 31,67 h) também apresentaram-se semelhantes entre os dois produtos. A análise multivariada realizada por meio da análise de variância (ANOVA), para a avaliação dos efeitos produto, grupo e período, revelou a ausência destes efeitos, indicando que o delineamento do estudo foi adequado. Os resultados do intervalo de confiança (I.C. 90 %) para a razão de Cmax (93,0 % - 112,0 %), ASC0-t(92,6 % - 111,1 %) e ASC0&#8734 (93,1 % - 110,4 %), encontram-se dentro dos limites estabelecidos pela ANVISA e FDA (80 - 125 %). A análise estatística dos parâmetros Cmax, ASC0-t e ASC0-&#8734 indicam que não há diferenças entre os dois produtos contendo 10 mg de cloridrato de ciclobenzaprina. Com base nos resultados deste estudo, conclui-se que os produtos avaliados são bioequivalentes e podem ser considerados intercambiáveis na terapêutica. / Cyclobenzaprine is a centrally acting muscle relaxant that has similarity with a tricyclic antidepressant. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the bioequivalence of two brands of cyclobenzaprine 10 mg tablets in healthy volunteers. The procedure of bioequivalence between test product (Miosan®) and reference product (Flexeril®) was a randomized, open and crossover study. The products were administered in a single oral dose of 10 mg of cyclobenzaprine hydrochloride to healthy volunteers. Blood samples were collected until 240 hours after administration and quantified by validated method using high-pressure liquid chromatography with mass spectrometric detection. The average plasmatic decay curves of test (Miosan&#174) and reference (Flexeril&#174) products were similar ASC0-t (test: 193,00 ngxh/mL; reference: 191,66 ngxh/mL), in the same way that absorption parameters Cmax (test: 7,16 ng/mL; reference: 6,95 ng/mL), tmax (test: 4,61 h; reference: 4,48 h), Ka (reference: 0,79; test: 0,67) e t(1/2)a (reference: 1,79 h; test: 2,02 h). The elimination parameters Cl (test: 31,15 L/h; reference: 31,73 L/h), Vd (test: 1378,54 L e reference (1357,87 L), k&#914 (reference: 0,08; test: 0,08), t(1/2)&#946 (reference: 9,43 h; test: 9,20 h), k&#947 (reference: 0,02; test: 0,02) e t(1/2)&#947 (reference: 32,92 h; test: 31,67 h) were similar between products too. The multivariate analysis accomplished trough analysis of variance (ANOVA), for assessment of product, group and period effects, revealed the absence of any of these effects in the present study, indicating that the crossover design was properly performed. The 90 % confidence intervals for the ratio of Cmax(93,0 % - 112,0 %), AUC0-t(92,6 % - 111,1 %) and AUC0&#8734 (93,1 % - 110,4 %) values for the test and reference products are within the 80 - 125 % interval proposed by ANVISA e FDA. Statistical analysis of Cmax, AUC0-t e AUC0-&#8734 parameters indicated no significant difference between two brands of 10 mg cyclobenzaprine hydrochloride products. Based in the results of this study, we can conclude that the two products are bioequivalent and can be considered interchangeable in the medical practice.

Bisfenóis, filtros UV de benzofenona, parabenos e antimicrobianos como triclocarban são amplamente utilizados em produtos alimentares, farmacêuticos, cosméticos e de cuidados pessoais e também são encontrados como contaminantes. A maioria destes compostos apresentam possíveis efeitos adversos à saúde, principalmente devido ao fato de sua potencial atividade desreguladora endócrina. Neste sentido, é crescente o interesse pelo desenvolvimento de métodos analíticos que sejam mais simples e que possam ter a capacidade de detecção do maior número de analitos possíveis simultaneamente para uso em estudos de biomonitoramento humano. O objetivo deste projeto foi desenvolver um novo método de preparo de amostras em microextração em sorvente empacotado (MEPS, do inglês \"microextraction by packed sorbent\") para a extração simultânea de substâncias potencialmente desreguladoras endócrinas (parabenos, bisfenóis, benzofenonas e triclocarban). Em 250 ?L de urina sintética (pH 5,3) foram adicionados os analitos a uma concentração de 20 ng/mL e diluídos com 250 ?L de água. Após este procedimento, os compostos foram extraídos manualmente da amostra de urina usando MEPS C18 com 5 ciclos de aspirar-dispensar de 100 ?L. A eluição dos analitos foi realizada utilizando 100 ?L (metanol/água 80:20), seguido de análise em LC-MS/MS. O cartucho MEPS, após a limpeza, foi reutilizado para extrações múltiplas sem a presença de efeito de memória. As separações cromatográficas foram conduzidas em uma coluna C18 a 40 °C. A fase móvel foi composta por um gradiente de metanol e água a uma vazão de 500 ?L/min. Os dados foram adquiridos no modo MRM com íons negativos como precursores. O método MEPS-LC-MS/MS proposto apresentou curva de calibração linear para todos os analitos com coeficiente de correlação (r) maior que 0,99 no intervalo do limite inferior de quantificação (LIQ) a 20,0 ng/mL. Os LODs variaram de 0,005-0,1 ng/mL e os LIQ variaram de 0,5-2,5 ng/mL. Além disso, a precisão foi expressa como o coeficiente de variação, onde os valores obtidos foram menores que 20% (n=3) nos LIQ e menores que 15% (n=3) nas concentrações de 10,0 e 20,0 ng/mL. A exatidão foi expressa na forma de erro padrão relativo, onde os valores obtidos não foram superiores a ±20% (n=3) para os LIQ e ±15% (n=3) nas concentrações 10,0 e 20,0 ng/mL. O procedimento MEPS proposto apresentou vantagens que incluem a possibilidade de extração e determinação simultânea de 16 analitos em urina, com redução dos volumes de amostra e solvente utilizados, além de vantagens como tempo reduzido de preparo de amostra, clean up da matriz e dispensa etapa prévia ao preparo de amostra / Bisphenol, benzophenone UV filters, parabens and antimicrobials as triclocarban are widely used in food, pharmaceuticals products, cosmetic and personal care products or they are fond as contaminants. Most of these compounds show possible health adverse effects, mainly due to the fact of its potential endocrine disrupting activity. Thus, there is an increasing interesting in new analytical method development that will be simple and able to detect largest number of analytes possible simultaneously to be used in human biomonitoring studies. The project goal was developed a new sample preparation methody in Microextraction in packed sorbent (MEPS) to simultaneous extraction followed by liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry in tandem analysis (LC-MS/MS) of 16 substances potentially endocrine disrupting (parabens, bisphenols, benzophenones and triclocarban). In 250 ?L of synthetic urine (pH 5.3) were spiked with compounds at a concentration of 20 ng/mL and diluted with 250 ?L of water. After this procedure, the compounds were extracted manually from urine sample using MEPS C18 with 5 draw-eject 100 ?L cycles. The elution was performed using 100 ?L (methanol/water 80:20) followed by LC-MS/MS analysis. The MEPS cartridge, after cleaned, was used for multiple extractions without any carry-over effect. Chromatographic separations were carried out on a C18 column at 40 oC. The Mobile phase was composed by a gradient methanol and water at a flow rate of 500 ?L/min. Data were acquired the MRM mode with negative ions as precursors. The proposed MEPS-LC-MS/MS method showed calibration curve linear to all analytes with correlation coefficient higher than 0,99 in the range from low limit of quantification (LIQ) to 20,0 ng/mL. The LODs range from 0,005-0,1 ng/mL and LIQ range from 0,5 to 2,5 ng/mL. Moreover, the precision was reported as variation coefficient, where the values were less than 20% (n=3) to the LIQ and less than 15% (n=3) to 10,0 and 20,0 ng/mL concentrations. The accuracy was reported as relative standard error, where the values were less than ±20% to the LIQ and less than ±15% (n=3) to 10,0 and 20,0 ng/mL concentrations. The MEPS procedure proposed showed advantages including possibility to extraction and simultaneous determination of 16 analytes in urine, with sample and solvents volume reduction besides it shows advantages as time reducing in sample preparation, matrix clean up and dispense previous sample preparation step.