Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.) and tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) are two of the most common tick-borne diseases in Sweden. Varicella-zoster-virus (VZV) is a contagious, airborne herpesvirus with nearly 100% prevalence in individuals over 30 years old. At the Laboratorymedicine, County Hospital Ryhov, Jönköping, IgG-antibody analysis against B. burgdorferi s.l., TBE and VZV is performed on serum. The aim of the study was to compare ethylenediaminetetraacetic-acid-plasma and lithium-heparin-plasma with serum for thesea nalyses. The goal was to investigate whether it was possible to switch the sample material from serum to plasma for these analyses. Samples from 500 blood donors were collected for analysis in serum, ethylenediaminetetraacetic-acid-plasma and lithium-heparin-plasma. The qualitative data from the study indicated that there was no statistically significant difference in the interpretations (positive and negative) between the sample materials. The quantitative analysis of antibody levels showed a statistically significant difference between the sample materials. Due to the study´s limited sample size, no general conclusions could be drawn about whether plasma could replace serum. Further studies on the subject could provide increased understanding of the relationship between serum and plasma for analysis of Borrelia, TBE and VZV and how results are affected in the different sample materials. / Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.) och tick-borne encefalit (TBE) är två av de vanligaste fästingöverförda sjukdomarna i Sverige. Varicella-zoster-virus (VZV) är ett smittsamt, luftburet herpesvirus med nära 100% prevalens hos personer över 30 år. På Laboratoriemedicin, Länssjukhuset Ryhov, Jönköping utförs analys av IgG-antikroppar mot B. burgdorferi s.l. TBE och VZV på serum. Syftet med studien var att jämföra etylendiamintetraättiksyra-plasma och litiumheparinplasma mot serum för dessa analyser. Målet var att undersöka om det var möjligt att byta provmaterial från serum till plasma för nämnda analyser. Prover från 500 blodgivare samlades in för analys i serum, etylendiamintetraättiksyra- och litiumheparin-plasma. Resultatet från studiens kvalitativa data indikerade att ingen statistisk signifikant skillnad förelåg vad det gäller tolkningarna (positiv och negativ) mellan provmaterialen. Kvantitativa analysen av antikroppsnivåerna visade en statistisk signifikant skillnad mellan provmaterialen. På grund av studiens begränsadeprovstorlek kunde inga generella slutsatser dras kring huruvida plasma kunde ersätta serum. Vidare studier kring ämnet kan ge ökad förståelse kring sambandet mellan serum och plasma för analys av Borrelia, TBE och VZV samt hur resultaten påverkas i de olika provmaterialen.

Entre os compostos orgânicos tóxicos possíveis de serem encontrados em águas de consumo humano, estão as nitrosaminas, substâncias nitrogenadas originárias da reação de aminas com compostos nitrosantes e de dificil detecção pelos métodos convencIOnaIs. O objetivo deste estudo foi desenvolver uma metodologia de rotina alternativa para a determinação de nitrosaminas em águas e a aplicação deste procedimento em algumas amostras de interesse à Saúde Pública. Um minucioso estudo e otimização dos parâmetros envolvidos na detecção e separação cromatográfica empregando o detector de quimiluminescência induzida por ozônio ou Thermo Energy Analyser (TEA), permitiram melhorar em 10 vezes a sensibilidade deste equipamento, permitindo assim a análise de traços de nitrosaminas, com o auxílio de uma pré-concentração da amostra e sem a necessidade do dessorvedor térmico. Comparativamente a outros detectores, o uso do GCffEA elimina as várias etapas necessárias para a descontaminação de material, requisitadas no uso do NPD e apresenta sensibilidade compatível com as técnicas de espectrometria de massas empregadas (High Resolution Mass Spectroscopy (HRMS) e Positive Chemical Ionization Mass Spectroscopy (PCI MS)), com a vantagem de uma operação mais simples e de menor custo. Para o alcance do objetivo, a utilização do planejamento de experimentos foi uma ferramenta fundamental. Por intermédio dela, os parâmetros críticos, como o fluxo de gases, temperatura de pirólise, etc. das principais etapas envolvidas no processo analítico, puderam ser estudados e otimizados. A metodologia proposta para a análise de traços de nitrosaminas em águas empregando GC/TEA mostrou boa especificidade, linearidade e precisão adequada com coeficientes de variação, na análise cromatográfica, na faixa entre 6 a 12% para as nitrosaminas voláteis analisadas. Considerando o propósito das análises, os limites de detecção alcançados foram adequados, como por exemplo, 0,2 ngL-l para a N-nitrosopiperidina e 2,0 ngL-I para a N-nitrosopropilamina levando em conta a recuperação obtida na etapa de pré-concentração. O método foi aplicado em amostras de água tratada, água bruta de reservatório e de rio, água de poço artesiano e extratos orgânicos provenientes de amostras de águas bruta e tratada. Algumas nitrosaminas voláteis de interesse toxicológico foram detectadas, como por exemplo, a N-nitrosodimetilamina (NUMA), que foi encontrada, dependendo da amostra, em concentrações menores que 0,3 ngL-1, limite de detecção, até 5,0 ngL-1. / Among the poisonous organic compounds liable to be found in waters of human consumption, are the nitrosamines, nitrogenous substances originated from amine reaction with nitrousing compounds, and of difficult detection by the conventional methods. The scope of this study was to develop an altemative routine methodology for the nitrosamine determination in waters and the application of this procedure in some samples of interest to the Public Health. A meticulous study and optimization of the parameters involved in the detection and chromatographic separation using a chemiluminescense detector induced by ozone or Thermo Energy Analyser (TEA), allowed a 10 times improvement in the sensibility of this equipment, allowing trace analysis of nitrosamines, with the aid of a pre-concentration of the sample and without the need of the thermal desorber. Comparing to other detectors, the use of GC/TEA eliminates several necessary stages for material decontamination, required in the use of NPD and it comparable presents sensibility with such Mass Spectrometric techniques as High Resolution Mass Spectroscopy (HRMS) and Positive Chemical Ionization Mass Spectroscopy (PCI MS), with the advantage of simpler operation at lower cost. To achieve the objective, the use of statistical of experimental design was a fundamental tool. By means of it, the criticall parameters, such as the gas flow rate, pyrolysis temperature, among others involved in the analytical process, could be studied and optimized. The methodology proposed for the analysis of nitrosamine traces in waters using GC/TEA showed good specificity, linearity and appropriate precision with a coefficient variation, in the chromatographic analysis, in the range between 6 and 12% for the analyzed volatile nitrosamines. Considering the purpose of the analyses, the detection limits reached were appropriate, as for instance, 0,2 ngL-1 for N-nitrosopyperidine and 2,0 ngL-1 for N-nitrosopropylamine taking into account the recovery obtained in the pre-concentration stage. The method was applied to samples of treated water, raw water of reservoirs and rivers, water of artesian wells and organic extracts coming from samples of treated and raw waters. Some volatile nitrosamines of toxicological interest were detected, as for instance, N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), that was found, depending on the sample, in concentrations below the 0,3 ngL-1 (detection limit) till up to 5,0 ngL-1.

Entre os compostos orgânicos tóxicos possíveis de serem encontrados em águas de consumo humano, estão as nitrosaminas, substâncias nitrogenadas originárias da reação de aminas com compostos nitrosantes e de dificil detecção pelos métodos convencIOnaIs. O objetivo deste estudo foi desenvolver uma metodologia de rotina alternativa para a determinação de nitrosaminas em águas e a aplicação deste procedimento em algumas amostras de interesse à Saúde Pública. Um minucioso estudo e otimização dos parâmetros envolvidos na detecção e separação cromatográfica empregando o detector de quimiluminescência induzida por ozônio ou Thermo Energy Analyser (TEA), permitiram melhorar em 10 vezes a sensibilidade deste equipamento, permitindo assim a análise de traços de nitrosaminas, com o auxílio de uma pré-concentração da amostra e sem a necessidade do dessorvedor térmico. Comparativamente a outros detectores, o uso do GCffEA elimina as várias etapas necessárias para a descontaminação de material, requisitadas no uso do NPD e apresenta sensibilidade compatível com as técnicas de espectrometria de massas empregadas (High Resolution Mass Spectroscopy (HRMS) e Positive Chemical Ionization Mass Spectroscopy (PCI MS)), com a vantagem de uma operação mais simples e de menor custo. Para o alcance do objetivo, a utilização do planejamento de experimentos foi uma ferramenta fundamental. Por intermédio dela, os parâmetros críticos, como o fluxo de gases, temperatura de pirólise, etc. das principais etapas envolvidas no processo analítico, puderam ser estudados e otimizados. A metodologia proposta para a análise de traços de nitrosaminas em águas empregando GC/TEA mostrou boa especificidade, linearidade e precisão adequada com coeficientes de variação, na análise cromatográfica, na faixa entre 6 a 12% para as nitrosaminas voláteis analisadas. Considerando o propósito das análises, os limites de detecção alcançados foram adequados, como por exemplo, 0,2 ngL-l para a N-nitrosopiperidina e 2,0 ngL-I para a N-nitrosopropilamina levando em conta a recuperação obtida na etapa de pré-concentração. O método foi aplicado em amostras de água tratada, água bruta de reservatório e de rio, água de poço artesiano e extratos orgânicos provenientes de amostras de águas bruta e tratada. Algumas nitrosaminas voláteis de interesse toxicológico foram detectadas, como por exemplo, a N-nitrosodimetilamina (NUMA), que foi encontrada, dependendo da amostra, em concentrações menores que 0,3 ngL-1, limite de detecção, até 5,0 ngL-1. / Among the poisonous organic compounds liable to be found in waters of human consumption, are the nitrosamines, nitrogenous substances originated from amine reaction with nitrousing compounds, and of difficult detection by the conventional methods. The scope of this study was to develop an altemative routine methodology for the nitrosamine determination in waters and the application of this procedure in some samples of interest to the Public Health. A meticulous study and optimization of the parameters involved in the detection and chromatographic separation using a chemiluminescense detector induced by ozone or Thermo Energy Analyser (TEA), allowed a 10 times improvement in the sensibility of this equipment, allowing trace analysis of nitrosamines, with the aid of a pre-concentration of the sample and without the need of the thermal desorber. Comparing to other detectors, the use of GC/TEA eliminates several necessary stages for material decontamination, required in the use of NPD and it comparable presents sensibility with such Mass Spectrometric techniques as High Resolution Mass Spectroscopy (HRMS) and Positive Chemical Ionization Mass Spectroscopy (PCI MS), with the advantage of simpler operation at lower cost. To achieve the objective, the use of statistical of experimental design was a fundamental tool. By means of it, the criticall parameters, such as the gas flow rate, pyrolysis temperature, among others involved in the analytical process, could be studied and optimized. The methodology proposed for the analysis of nitrosamine traces in waters using GC/TEA showed good specificity, linearity and appropriate precision with a coefficient variation, in the chromatographic analysis, in the range between 6 and 12% for the analyzed volatile nitrosamines. Considering the purpose of the analyses, the detection limits reached were appropriate, as for instance, 0,2 ngL-1 for N-nitrosopyperidine and 2,0 ngL-1 for N-nitrosopropylamine taking into account the recovery obtained in the pre-concentration stage. The method was applied to samples of treated water, raw water of reservoirs and rivers, water of artesian wells and organic extracts coming from samples of treated and raw waters. Some volatile nitrosamines of toxicological interest were detected, as for instance, N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), that was found, depending on the sample, in concentrations below the 0,3 ngL-1 (detection limit) till up to 5,0 ngL-1.

Thyronamine (TAM) sind eine neue Molekülklasse, die endokrinologische und metabolische Prozesse miteinander vereinen. Der biologisch aktive Metabolit 3-Iod-L-Thyronamin (3-T1AM) wird durch eine kombinierte Deiodierung und Decarboxylierung von Schilddrüsenhormonen (TH) gebildet. Existierende Methoden zum Nachweis und zur Quantifizierung von 3-T1AM im menschlichen Serum sind immer noch umstritten. Auch die an der Biosynthese vermutlich beteiligte TH-Decarboxylase konnte noch nicht identifiziert werden. Für die Identifizierung und Quantifizierung von TH und TAM Profilen wurde die Flüssigchromatographie-Tandem-Massenspektrometrie (LC-MS/MS) verwendet. In der bisherigen präanalytischen Aufarbeitung liefern weder Flüssig-Flüssig- noch Festphasenextraktionen reproduzierbare Ergebnisse des 3-T1AM-Gehalts im Serum. Mit der Entwicklung eines spezifischen Extraktionsverfahrens und nachfolgender Detektion mittels LC-MS/MS gelang der gleichzeitige Nachweis der häufigsten TH im humanen Serum. Parallel dazu wurden monoklonale Antikörper gegen 3-T1AM entwickelt, auf deren Basis ein quantitativer 3-T1AM Chemilumineszenz-Immunoassay entstand. Ergebnisse aus klinischen Kollektiven zeigen, dass 3-T1AM im Serum im nM Konzentrationsbereich vorkommt und dass 3-T1AM bei Patienten außerhalb der Schilddrüse produziert wird. Viele Forscher gehen davon aus, dass die aromatische L-Aminosäure Decarboxylase (AADC) die Synthese von TAM über Decarboxylierung von TH katalysiert. Diese Hypothese wurde durch Inkubation von rekombinanter humaner AADC mit TH getestet. In keinem der Experimente konnte AADC die Decarboxylierung von TH katalysieren. Zusammenfassend ist die Bestimmung von 3-T1AM im Serum mittels LC-MS/MS aufgrund der nicht reproduzierbaren präanalytischen Probenaufbereitung problematisch. In dieser Arbeit wird der erste MAb-basierte 3-T1AM assay vorgestellt, der 3-T1AM zuverlässig in humanem Serum quantifiziert. Die AADC ist wahrscheinlich nicht an der Biosynthese von TAM beteiligt. / Thyronamines (TAM) are a new class of molecules linking endocrinology and metabolism. Combined deiodination and decarboxylation of thyroid hormones (TH) generates a biologically active ‘cooling’ metabolite, 3-iodo-L-thyronamine (3-T1AM).. It remains controversial, which methods are able or not to reliably detect 3-T1AM in human serum, and the presumed TH decarboxylase is still elusive. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was used for the simultane-ous identification and quantification of TH and TAM profiles in biological samples. Several preanalytical methods were tested for complete extraction of 3-T1AM in human serum. Thus far, neither liquid-liquid nor solid-phase extraction methods allowed reproducible extraction of 3-T1AM from human serum samples in the preanalytical sample workup. Nevertheless, a rapid and sensitive extraction procedure was developed for detection of the major TH by LC-MS/MS in a single human serum sample. In parallel, monoclonal antibodies (MAb) targeting 3-T1AM were developed and characterized, and a highly specific quantitative 3-T1AM MAb-based chemiluminescence immunoassay was developed. Studies in clinical cohorts provide evidence that 3-T1AM is present in human serum in the nM concentration range and that 3-T1AM is produced extrathyroidally. Many researchers have reasoned that the aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) mediates TAM synthesis via decarboxylation of TH. This hypothesis was tested by incubating recombinant human AADC with several TH. In all tested conditions, AADC failed to catalyze the decarboxylation of TH. These in vitro observations are supported by the finding that 3-T1AM is also present in plasma samples of patients with AADC deficiency. In summary, 3-T1AM detection in serum using LC-MS/MS encounters preanalytical problems. The first MAb-based 3-T1AM CLIA is presented, which reliably quantifies 3-T1AM in human serum. AADC is likely not involved in TAM biosynthesis.