Does Faeces Excreted by Moxidectin-Treated Sheep Impact Coprophagous Insects and the Activity of Soil Microbiota in Subtropical Pastures?

Moxidectin (MOX) is used to control helminth parasites in ruminant livestock. It is released through feces and remains in the environment for a long period. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of faeces excreted by moxidectin-treated sheep on soil biodiversity (coprophagous insects, soil microbial biomass, and activity) to establish environment-related guidelines regarding the use of MOX in sheep livestock. The study consisted of two experiments. In the first one, faeces from MOX-treated (subcutaneous dose of 0.2 mg·kg-1 body weight) and nontreated rams were placed on an animal-free pasture field, protected or not against rain, for 88 days. Then, coprophagous insects were captured, identified, and counted, and faeces degradation was evaluated by measuring dry weight and carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) contents over time. Diptera, Hymenoptera, Isoptera, and Coleoptera were equally encountered in faeces from MOX-treated and nontreated animals. Faecal boluses of MOX-treated animals (with higher N content) not protected against rain degraded faster than faecal boluses of nontreated animals (with lower N content). In the second experiment, faeces from nontreated animals were amended with increasing amounts of MOX (75 to 3,000 ng·kg-1 faeces), mixed with soil samples from animal-free pasture (1.9 to 75 ng·kg-1 soil), and incubated in a greenhouse for 28 days. Increasing concentrations of MOX did not prevent the growth of cultivable bacteria, actinobacteria, or fungi in culture media. However, even the lower MOX concentration (1.9 ng·kg-1 soil) abruptly decreased soil microbial biomass, basal respiration, and N mineralization. Thus, the results indicate that faeces excreted from sheep treated with MOX under the experimental conditions of this study are not harmful to the coprophagous insects. However, adding MOX to faeces from drug-free sheep had a negative impact on soil microbial activity and biomass.

White tea modulates antioxidant defense of endurance-trained rats.

The interest in nutritional strategies that may counteract the deleterious oxidative effects induced by strenuous exercises is remarkable. Herein, the impact of white tea (Camellia sinensis) (WT), a polyphenol-rich beverage, on antioxidant status in endurance-trained rats after one session of exhaustive exercise were evaluated. Male Wistar rats were divided into groups, which received: control groups - water, and testing groups - WT1 (0.25%; w/v) or WT2 (0.5%; w/v). Drinks were consumed, ad libitum, for 5 or 10 weeks, concomitantly with the running training. Exhaustive running tests were applied before and after the experimental periods. WT intake increased the serum antioxidant capacity of rats in a dose-dependent manner (P < 0.001), which was unaccompanied by the activity of endogenous antioxidant enzymes SOD, GPx, and GR, and GSH content. Inflammatory markers in serum [IL-1ß (P = 0.004) and IL-6 (P = 0.001)] could be downregulated by tea intake. In liver tissue, lower levels of lipid oxidation (P < 0.05) and improved antioxidant defenses (SOD, GPx, GR, and GSH, P < 0.05) were related to the consumption of WT in both doses, supporting protective effects in this responsible metabolic organ. In conclusion, long-term consumption of WT could be a promising adjuvant to exercise-stress management, emphasizing its ability to regulate antioxidant responses and prevent oxidative tissue damage.

Exploring miniaturized sample preparation approaches combined with LC-QToF-MS for the analysis of sulfonamide antibiotic residues in meat- and/or egg-based baby foods.

Miniaturized and simplified sample preparation methods with reduced consumption of chemicals and non-halogenated solvents are presented for the determination of 12 sulfonamides in baby foods. Hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry was used for the identification and quantification of the compounds based on the acquisition of full spectrum at high resolution with accurate mass for precursor and its fragment ions. Three miniaturized protocols based on QuEChERS, salting-out assisted liquid-liquid extraction or low-temperature cleanup were evaluated regarding the extraction efficiency and removal capability of matrix co-extractives. All approaches achieved satisfactory recoveries (70.0-120.0%); however, the miniaturized QuEChERS distinguished by lower co-extractives content in the final extract providing lower matrix effects. Thus, the performance characteristics of the miniaturized QuEChERS were established using different matrices: beef-, egg yolk- and vegetable-based baby food or chicken- and vegetable-based baby food, in compliance with the Codex Alimentarius Commission guidelines. The target compounds were investigated in 30 commercial baby foods.

Depletion study and estimation of the withdrawal period for albendazole in tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) parasitised by acanthocephalan (Neoechinorhynchus buttnerae) treated with albendazole-containing feed.

This study provides the first data related to albendazole (ABZ) and its main metabolites [albendazole sulphoxide (ABZSO), albendazole sulphone (ABZSO2), and albendazole-2-amino sulphone (ABZ-2-NH2-SO2)] residue depletion in tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) parasitised by acanthocephalan (Neoechinorhynchus buttnerae). The ABZ withdrawal period was also calculated. The fish received a daily dose of 10 mg ABZ kg-1 body weight (b.w.) via medicated feed for 34 days. Samples of target tissue (muscle plus skin in natural proportions) were collected 24, 48, 72, 120, 168, 240, and 336 h after the end of ABZ administration. The quantitation of ABZ residues and its metabolites in the target tissue was performed using a validated ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) analytical method. After treatment, ABZ in the target tissue was rapidly metabolised over time, and ABZSO was the most persistent metabolite and was shown to be at the highest levels in the target tissue. Considering the maximum residue limit (MRL) established by Codex Alimentarius in the muscle (100 µg kg-1, species not specified), a withdrawal period of 4 days (112 °C-day) was estimated for the total residue (sum of ABZ and its metabolite residues). Considering data reported in the literature and data obtained in this study, it is suggested that the total residue be considered as marker residue to be adopted for fish in the legislative framework.

Effect of food processing (fish burger preparation and frying) on residual levels of enrofloxacin and ciprofloxacin.

The influence of fish burger preparation and frying on residual levels of enrofloxacin (ENR) and ciprofloxacin (CIP) was evaluated. For this purpose, a high-throughput liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analytical method for the quantitation of ENR and CIP residues in tilapia products (fillet, raw fish burger and fried fish burger) was developed and validated based on European and Brazilian guidelines. Sample preparation was accomplished by extraction with acidified acetonitrile followed by clean-up with hexane. Chromatographic analysis was performed on a C18 column using isocratic elution with 0.1% formic acid and acetonitrile (85:15 v:v). The analytical method showed suitable performance to quantify the residual levels of ENR and CIP in the studied matrices. No reduction in the residual levels of ENR and CIP was observed during fish burger preparation and only a 10% reduction occurred as a consequence of frying, indicating that both compounds were stable to the preparation of the fish burger and to frying conditions.

Assessment of the Association of COPD and Asthma with In-Hospital Mortality in Patients with COVID-19. A Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis, and Meta-Regression Analysis.

Together, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma account for the most common non-infectious respiratory pathologies. Conflicting preliminary studies have shown varied effect for COPD and asthma as prognostic factors for mortality in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The aim of this study was to explore the association of COPD and asthma with in-hospital mortality in patients with COVID-19 by systematically reviewing and synthesizing with a meta-analysis the available observational studies. MEDLINE, Scopus, and medRxiv databases were reviewed. A random-effects model meta-analysis was used, and I-square was utilized to assess for heterogeneity. In-hospital mortality was defined as the primary endpoint. Sensitivity and meta-regression analyses were performed. Thirty studies with 21,309 patients were included in this meta-analysis (1465 with COPD and 633 with asthma). Hospitalized COVID-19 patients with COPD had higher risk of death compared to those without COPD (OR: 2.29; 95% CI: 1.79-2.93; I2 59.6%). No significant difference in in-hospital mortality was seen in patients with and without asthma (OR: 0.87; 95% CI: 0.68-1.10; I2 0.0%). The likelihood of death was significantly higher in patients with COPD that were hospitalized with COVID-19 compared to patients without COPD. Further studies are needed to assess whether this association is independent or not. No significant difference was demonstrated in COVID-19-related mortality between patients with and without asthma.

Occurrence of antimicrobial residues in tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fillets produced in Brazil and available at the retail market.

This study was carried out to assess the occurrence of antimicrobial residues in samples of tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fillets collected at the State of São Paulo retail market and produced from fish farmed in Brazil. For this purpose, a liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method was validated and used to quantify residues of 25 antibacterial drugs (2 ß-lactams, 8 quinolones, 2 macrolides, 5 sulfonamides, 4 tetracyclines, 3 amphenicols and 1 sulfonamide potentiator). For the sample preparation step the QuEChERS approach was performed. Chromatographic separation was conducted using a Zorbax SB C18 column. Method validation was performed based on European and Brazilian guidelines. The validation parameters (linearity, intra- and inter-day precision, accuracy, decision limit, detection capability and robustness) attended the adopted validation guidelines. Limits of detection and quantitation were also determined. Antimicrobial drug residues were quantitated in the incurred samples by using matrix-matched analytical curves. Oxytetracycline, florfenicol and, for the first time, enrofloxacin residues are reported in tilapia fillet samples from Brazil, though, in accordance with the European and Brazilian regulatory framework. Thus, our results draw attention to the use of veterinary products in fish farming in Brazil. Monitoring of veterinary drug residues is essential to ensure the safety of fish products available to the consumer, as well as to keep fish as a food commodity.

Avaliação de risco ecológico do óleo essencial de Piper aduncum em organismos não alvo / Ecological risk assessment of Piper aduncum essential oil in non-target organisms

Uma possível alternativa ao uso de fármacos veterinários no tratamento e prevenção de doenças na piscicultura é o uso do óleo essencial de Piper aduncum. No entanto, são necessários dados ecotoxicológicos para garantir seu uso apropriado sem causar efeitos adversos a organismos não alvo. Esta informação é relevante, pois esse óleo essencial é descrito como tendo atividades inseticidas, moluscicidas e citotóxicas, possivelmente associadas à sua composição química. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a ecotoxicidade do óleo essencial de P. aduncum para cinco organismos-teste, usando o método estatístico da Distribuição da Sensibilidade das Espécies (SSD). A composição química do óleo essencial foi caracterizada por cromatografia gasosa acoplada a espectrometria de massa (GC-MS) e cromatografia gasosa com detector de ionização de chama (GC-FID), para fins de identificação e quantificação, respectivamente. O principal componente (75,5%) do óleo essencial foi o dilapiol. A concentração perigosa para 5% de espécies biológicas (HC5) foi calculada com um nível de proteção de 95%, resultando em um valor de 0,47 mg L-1 (com intervalo de confiança de 50% = 0,028 - 1,19 mg L-1). A faixa de concentração relacionada aos níveis de proteção para comunidades aquáticas (concentração sem efeito previsto - PNEC) foi calculada através da aplicação de fatores de segurança ao valor de HC5. Os parâmetros de ecotoxicidade indicaram que o óleo essencial de P. aduncum pode ser usado com segurança em corpos d'água se a concentração for igual ou inferior a 0,09 mg L-1.(AU)

Role of bioactive metabolites from Acremonium camptosporum associated with the marine sponge Aplysina fulva.

Acremonium camptosporum, a fungus associated with the marine sponge Aplysina fulva, was collected from the isolated mid-Atlantic Saint Peter and Saint Paul Archipelago, Brazil, and was found to produce secondary metabolites that displayed antibacterial activities. Mass spectra data obtained by UPLC-ESI-MS/MS analyses of these extracts were compared to several databases and revealed the presence of several different cytotoxic acremonidins and acremoxanthones. The close association between the sponge and the fungi with its compounds could be of strategic importance in defending both from the high predation pressure and spatial competition in the warm-water scarps of the islands.

Nutritional composition and bioactive compounds of Melipona seminigra pot-pollen from Amazonas, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Pot-pollen is a fermented product stored by stingless bees in cerumen pots and traditionally used as food or medicine by natives in tropical regions. Knowledge of pot-pollen composition from the Amazon region is important to strengthen the breeding of native bees and consequently contribute to sustainable development in this region. The aim of the present study was to determine the chemical composition of Melipona seminigra pot-pollen from Amazonas, Brazil. RESULTS: We report the identification of 21 phenolic compounds using ultra-performance liquid chromatography- electrospray ionization-quadrupole time-of-flight-mass spectrometry. Overall, the predominant constituents of pot-pollen were protein (333.8-470.7 g kg-1 ) and dietary fibers (247.6-353.3 g kg-1 ). The predominant fatty acids were polyunsaturated (44.95-59.57% of total fatty acid content) and the samples contained all essential amino acids. Total carotenoid content ranged from 3.2 to 48.0 µg g-1 , total flavonoid content (as catechin equivalents) from 1.9 to 4.5 mg g-1 , total reducing capacity (as gallic acid equivalents) from 7.0 to 15.0 mg g-1 , ferric-reducing antioxidant power from 2.8 to 8.9 µmol g-1 and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (as Trolox equivalents) from 224.9 to 1117.0 µmol g-1 . CONCLUSIONS: This study reports for the first time a comprehensive chemical characterization of M. seminigra pot-pollen. The samples presented antioxidant activity, high values of nutrients and bioactive compounds such as polyphenols, carotenoids, insoluble dietary fibers, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and essential amino acids, comparable to other health foods. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

Glyphosate and aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA) residues in Brazilian honey.

Glyphosate (GLY) is the most widely used herbicide in the world and studies have shown that its exposure at sublethal doses has led to reduced sensitivity and decreased associative memory in bees. Thus, a high-performance liquid chromatography-fluorescence detector with derivatisation reaction was used to determine residues of GLY and aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA) in Brazilian honey. The method met the validation criteria of the European Union (EU) SANTE 11813/2017 guideline and showed a limit of quantitation of 0.04 µg g-1 for both GLY and AMPA. Residues of these compounds were quantitated in honey samples from five Brazilian States. Six samples showed GLY levels above the EU maximum residue limit (0.05 µg g-1) and one sample showed AMPA at 0.10 µg g-1. This study indicates the presence of GLY residues in honey from regions that have had high losses of bee colonies and at the same time, frequent use of GLY in agriculture.

Monensin residues in the production of Minas Frescal cheese: Stability, effects on fermentation, fate and physicochemical characteristics of the cheese.

Considering the widespread use of the antibiotic monensin (MON) in the Brazilian livestock and the possibility of residues in milk, this paper aimed to study the stability and fate of this drug during the production of Brazilian Minas Frescal cheese, its effects on milk fermentation and on the physicochemical characteristics of this product. For that, samples of raw milk were fortified with MON at three different nominal concentrations (1.0, 2.0 and 8.0 µg/kg), passed through heat treatment and used to produce Minas Frescal cheese. Pasteurization efficiency was certified by alkaline phosphatase and peroxidase enzyme tests and cheese samples were evaluated for pH, moisture and total protein and fat content. MON residues were determined by LC-MS/MS in the following steps: raw milk, heat-treated milk, whey and cheese. No significant degradation of MON due to heat treatment was observed, suggesting that the drug is resistant to high temperatures. Moreover, the residue levels quantified in cheese and whey demonstrated a concentration of this antibiotic in the curd by about 5-fold, with a small amount of MON being lost during draining. There were no significant differences (p > 0.05) considering the physicochemical parameters evaluated in cheese samples. Fermentation was also not affected by the presence of the drug. The results showed that residues of MON in milk are stable during cheese production and may be concentrated in the final product, as well as indicate the need to establish a MON safe residue level for this food commodity.

Hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry as a potential combination for the determination of sulfonamide residues in complex infant formula matrices.

An accurate, sensitive and selective analytical method is proposed for sulfonamide residues analysis in infant formulas based on hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) and quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry in full scan mode. The sample preparation approach involves low-temperature lipid precipitation followed by dispersive solid-phase extraction with PSA and C18 sorbents, which was successfully optimized using Plackett-Burman design. In order to achieve high analytical sensitivity, the influence of HILIC conditions on sulfonamide ionization was investigated, such as the mobile phase composition, buffer concentration, and sample diluent for injection. The method performance characteristics, including linearity (range 5-120 µg kg-1), reliable limits of quantification (between 5 and 20 µg kg-1), recovery (72.9-109.2%) and precision (coefficient of variation values ≤ 19.8%) under repeatability and within-laboratory reproducibility conditions, were in accordance with the Codex Alimentarius Commission CAC/GL 71-2009 for quantitative analytical methods for veterinary drug residues in foods. Moreover, adequate identification of the compounds was provided with accurate mass measurement of both precursor and fragment ions in one single run. Finally, the developed method was applied to thirty-five powdered milk-based infant formula samples available in the Brazilian market.

Polyether ionophores residues in Minas Frescal cheese by UHPLC-MS/MS.

An analytical method was developed and validated for the determination of three polyether ionophores (monensin, lasalocid, and salinomycin) in 60 samples of Brazilian Minas Frescal cheese by UHPLC-MS/MS. Linearity ranged from 1 to 8 µg kg-1 for monensin and salinomycin, and from 0.50 to 4 µg kg-1 for lasalocid. Limits of detection and quantitation were 0.50 µg kg-1 and 1 µg kg-1, respectively, for both monensin and salinomycin, and 0.25 µg kg-1 and 0.50 µg kg-1, respectively, for lasalocid. Recoveries were between 69% and 84% with coefficients of variation up to 16.28% for repeatability and 13.79% for intermediate precision. A total of 60 samples of Minas Frescal cheese were analysed and only monensin residues were found. Monensin was detected in 55% of the samples and quantified in 5 of them at mean levels varying from 1.00 to 1.73 µg kg-1. The proposed method demonstrated the suitability for monitoring these substances in cheese.

Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamic Efficacy Prediction Indexes and Monte Carlo Simulations of Enrofloxacin Hydrochloride Against Bacterial Strains That Induce Common Clinical Diseases in Broiler Chickens.

Pharmacokinetic parameters and efficacy prediction indexes (Cmax/MIC90 and AUC0-24/MIC90) of an enrofloxacin hydrochloride (ENR-HCl) veterinary product soluble in water were determined in healthy broiler chickens of both sexes after a single oral dose of ENR-HCl (equivalent to 10 mg ENR base/kg bw). Monte Carlo simulations targeting Cmax/MIC90 = 10 and AUC0-24/MIC90 =125 were also performed based on a set of MIC (minimum inhibitory concentration) values of bacterial strains that induce common clinical diseases in broiler chickens and that showed to be susceptible to ENR-HCl. Plasma concentrations of ENR and its main metabolite ciprofloxacin (CIP) were determined by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Plasma concentration-time curves were found to fit a non-compartmental open model. The ratio of the area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) of CIP/ENR was 4.91%. Maximum plasma concentrations of 1.35 ± 0.15 µg/mL for ENR-HCl and 0.09 ± 0.01 µg/mL for CIP were reached at 4.00 ± 0.00 h and 3.44 ± 1.01 h, respectively. Areas under the plasma vs. time concentration curve in 24 h (AUC0-24) were 18.91 ± 1.91 h × µg/mL and 1.19 ± 0.12 h × µg/mL for ENR-HCl and CIP, respectively. Using a microbroth dilution method, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC90) values were determined for ENR-HCl for 10 bacterial strains (Mycoplasma gallisepticum, Mycoplasma synoviae, Avibacterium paragallinarum, Clostridium perfringens, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella ser. Enteritidis, Salmonella ser. Gallinarum, Salmonella ser. Pullorum, and Salmonella ser. Typhimurium), which are the most common causes of infectious clinical diseases in broiler chickens. In summary, the PK/PD ratios and Monte Carlo simulation were carried out for ENR-HCl in poultry, which due to its solubility was administered in drinking water. The PK/PD efficacy prediction indexes and Monte Carlo simulations indicated that the ENR-HCl oral dose used in this study is useful for bacterial infections in treating C. perfringens (Gram-positive), E. coli and S. ser. Enteritidis (Gram-negative) and M. gallisepticum bacteria responsible for systemic infections in poultry, predicting a success rate of 100% when MIC ≤ 0.06 µg/mL for E. coli and S. ser. Enteritidis and MIC ≤ 0.1 µg/mL for M. gallisepticum. For C. perfringens, the success rate was 98.26% for MIC ≤ 0.12. However, clinical trials are needed to confirm this recommendation.

Applicability of MALDI-TOF MS for determination of quinolone residues in fish.

MALDI-TOF MS approach for determination of six quinolones residues in fillets of pangasius (Pangasionodon hypophthalmus) was studied, considering that is a very sensitive analytical technique with simple and high-throughput operation, contributing to knowledge regarding application of this technique to the determination of small-molecular-weight organic compound residues in foods. LIFT-MS/MS showed to be a successful approach to identify the presence of all quinolone residues in the fish fillet, at their respective MRL level. This study opens an important field of research for the development of simple and high-throughput bioanalytical screening methods for the determination of veterinary drug residues in foods.

Development and validation of an analytical method for the determination of 17ß-estradiol residues in muscle of tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum Cuvier, 1818) by LC-MS/MS and its application in samples from a fish sexual reversion study.

Tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum Cuvier, 1818) is the main native fish species farmed in Brazil, and 17ß-estradiol (E2) is a natural steroid hormone commonly used for the production of female fish monosex population, which, in tambaqui, shows a higher growth rate than the male. Thus, to assess whether the fish meat of treated tambaqui contains hormonal residue levels, a high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method for the determination of E2 residues in fish muscle was developed and validated. A QuEChERS (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged and Safe) dispersive solid phase extraction method was used for the sample preparation. The chromatographic separation was performed in a Poroshel EC-18 reverse phase column. The mobile phase was a mixture of acetonitrile with 0.01% ammonium hydroxide (A) and water with 0.01% ammonium hydroxide (B). The ratio of A:B phases was 60:40 (v/v) used in an isocratic mode. The method validation was performed according to Commission Decision 2002/657/EC and Veterinary International Conference Harmonization (VICH GL49). Since matrix effects were observed, matrix-matched analytical curves are recommended for quantitation. The linearity, selectivity, intraday and interday precision, accuracy, decision limit, detection capability, and detection and quantitation limits of the method are reported. The limits of detection and quantitation were 0.3 ng/g and 1.0 ng/g, respectively. At these limits and slaughtering fish 7 months after the end of the treatment, the muscle of tambaqui did not show detectable hormone residue level. Thus, consumption of tambaqui edible tissue from fish treated with E2 for the purpose of sexual reversion is unlikely to represent a risk associated with the exposure of human subjects as residue levels of this hormone are not detected in the fish muscle.

Myxedema Coma Complicated by Pancytopenia.

Hypothyroidism is common, with an extreme manifestation of myxedema coma if untreated. Hematologic consequences of myxedema coma include mild leukopenia and anemia, rarely pancytopenia. We present a patient with typical symptoms of myxedema coma, but found to be pancytopenic, with sustained response to levothyroxine and blood transfusion for anemia.

A simple and high-throughput method for multiresidue and multiclass quantitation of antimicrobials in pangasius (Pangasionodon hypophthalmus) fillet by liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry.

The development and validation of a throughput method for the determination of 25 antibacterial drugs (two ß-lactams, eight quinolones, two macrolides, five sulfonamides, trimethoprim, four tetracyclines and three amphenicols) in pangasius fish muscle by LC-MS/MS were performed. A simple, efficient and fast extraction procedure was developed using acetonitrile and a 0.1 M EDTA solution as solvents for extraction. All compounds were determined in a single run, and chromatographic separation was achieved using a Zorbax SB C18 column with a mobile phase comprised of purified water +0.1% formic acid (A) and acetonitrile +0.1% formic acid (B) in a linear gradient program. The method was validated aαording to the requirements of European Decision 2002/657/EC. To quantify the analytes, matrix-matched analytical curves were constructed with spiked blank tissues and showed linearity (r2) higher than 0.99. For all analytes, the precision and accuracy were determined at the levels of 3 ng/g (low), 10 ng/g (low-middle), 50 ng/g (high-middle) and 100 ng/g (high). The precision (CV%) was lower than 18.6% and the accuracy (determined as recovery) was between 65% and 119%. The limit of quantitation was 3.0 ng/g, with the exception of chloramphenicol, which was 0.3 ng/g, and amoxicillin and doxycycline, which were 10 ng/g. The method was successfully applied to analyze pangasius muscle samples from Vietnam available at the Brazilian retail market, and 5 out of 40 samples showed the presence of low-residue levels of enrofloxacin and, consequently, must be considered out of conformity. It is recommended that competent authorities should avoid the commercialization of pangasius fillet contaminated with residues of this veterinary drug.

Assessment of Cardiovascular Disease Risk and Therapeutic Patterns among Urban Black Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients have nearly twice the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) compared to the general population. We aimed to assess, in a predominantly Black population, the prevalence of traditional and RA-specific CVD risk factors and therapeutic patterns. Utilizing ICD codes, we identified 503 RA patients ≥18 years old who were seen from 2010 to 2017. Of them, 88.5% were Black, 87.9% were women and 29.4% were smokers. CVD risk factors (obesity, diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia) were higher than in previously reported White RA cohorts. Eighty-seven percent of the patients had at least one traditional CVD risk factor, 37% had three or more traditional CVD risk factors and 58% had RA-specific risk factors (seropositive RA, >10 years of disease, joint erosions, elevated inflammatory markers, extra-articular disease, body mass index (BMI) < 20). CV outcomes (coronary artery disease/myocardial infarction, heart failure, atrial fibrillation and stroke) were comparable to published reports. Higher steroid use, which increases CVD risk, and lesser utilization of biologics (decrease CV risk) were also observed. Our Black RA cohort had higher rates of traditional CVD risk factors, in addition to chronic inflammation from aggressive RA, which places our patients at a higher risk for CVD outcomes, calling for revised risk stratification strategies and effective interventions to address comorbidities in this vulnerable population.