@misc{MorrisSaltRailaetal.2012, author = {Morris, Penelope J. and Salt, Carina and Raila, Jens and Brenten, Thomas and Kohn, Barbara and Schweigert, Florian J. and Zentek, J{\"u}rgen}, title = {Safety evaluation of vitamin A in growing dogs}, series = {Potsprints der Universit{\"a}t Potsdam : Mathematisch-Naturwissenschaftliche Reihe}, journal = {Potsprints der Universit{\"a}t Potsdam : Mathematisch-Naturwissenschaftliche Reihe}, number = {686}, doi = {10.25932/publishup-41492}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus4-414929}, pages = {10}, year = {2012}, abstract = {The safe upper limit for inclusion of vitamin A in complete diets for growing dogs is uncertain, with the result that current recommendations range from 5.24 to 104.80 mu mol retinol (5000 to 100 000 IU vitamin A)/4184 kJ (1000 kcal) metabolisable energy (ME). The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of feeding four concentrations of vitamin A to puppies from weaning until 1 year of age. A total of forty-nine puppies, of two breeds, Labrador Retriever and Miniature Schnauzer, were randomly assigned to one of four treatment groups. Following weaning at 8 weeks of age, puppies were fed a complete food supplemented with retinyl acetate diluted in vegetable oil and fed at 1ml oil/100 g diet to achieve an intake of 5.24, 13.10, 78.60 and 104.80 mu mol retinol (5000, 12 500, 75 000 and 100 000 IU vitamin A)/4184 kJ (1000 kcal) ME. Fasted blood and urine samples were collected at 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 20, 26, 36 and 52 weeks of age and analysed for markers of vitamin A metabolism and markers of safety including haematological and biochemical variables, bone-specific alkaline phosphatase, cross-linked carboxyterminal telopeptides of type I collagen and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Clinical examinations were conducted every 4 weeks. Data were analysed by means of a mixed model analysis with Bonferroni corrections for multiple endpoints. There was no effect of vitamin A concentration on any of the parameters, with the exception of total serum retinyl esters, and no effect of dose on the number, type and duration of adverse events. We therefore propose that 104.80 mu mol retinol (100 000 IU vitamin A)/4184 kJ (1000 kcal) is a suitable safe upper limit for use in the formulation of diets designed for puppy growth.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{EspeRailaHenzeetal.2012, author = {Espe, Katharina M. and Raila, Jens and Henze, Andrea and Blouin, Katja and Schneider, A. and Schmiedeke, D. and Krane, Vera and Schweigert, Florian J. and Hocher, Berthold and Wanner, Christoph and Drechsler, Christiane}, title = {Low vitamin E plasma levels are associated with cerebrovascular events and mortality in hemodialysis patients}, series = {Annals of nutrition \& metabolism : journal of nutrition, metabolic diseases and dietetics ; an official journal of International Union of Nutritional Sciences (IUNS)}, volume = {60}, booktitle = {Annals of nutrition \& metabolism : journal of nutrition, metabolic diseases and dietetics ; an official journal of International Union of Nutritional Sciences (IUNS)}, number = {2}, publisher = {Karger}, address = {Basel}, issn = {0250-6807}, pages = {137 -- 137}, year = {2012}, language = {en} } @article{ChupeerachTungtrongchitrPhonratetal.2012, author = {Chupeerach, Chaowanee and Tungtrongchitr, Anchalee and Phonrat, Benjaluck and Schweigert, Florian J. and Tungtrongchitr, Rungsunn and Preutthipan, Sangchai}, title = {Association of Thr420Lys polymorphism in DBP gene with fat-soluble vitamins and low radial bone mineral density in postmenopausal Thai women}, series = {Biomarkers in medicine}, volume = {6}, journal = {Biomarkers in medicine}, number = {1}, publisher = {Future Medicine}, address = {London}, issn = {1752-0363}, doi = {10.2217/BMM.11.88}, pages = {103 -- 108}, year = {2012}, abstract = {Aims: To investigate the genetic markers for osteoporosis bone mineral density by the genotyping of rs7041, rs4588 and rs1352845 in the DBP gene with either bone mineral density or serum 25-hydroxycholecalciferol, retinol and alpha-tocopherol, among 365 postmenopausal Thai women. Materials \& methods: The DBP genotypes were analyzed by a PCR restriction fragment-length polymorphism method. Serum 25-hydroxycholecalciferol was assessed using a commercial chemiluminescent immunoassay. Serum retinol and alpha-tocopherol were measured by reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. Results: After adjustment for age >50 years, elder Thai subjects with low BMI (<= 25 kg/m(2)) and carrying the rs4588 CC genotype had a higher risk of radial bone mineral density osteoporosis (odds ratio: 6.29; p = 0.048). The rs1352845 genotype also had a statistical association with total hip bone mineral density; however, it disappeared after adjustment for age and BMI. No association was found in fat-soluble vitamins with bone mineral density. Conclusion: DBP genotypes may influence the osteoporosis bone mineral density in postmenopausal Thai women.}, language = {en} } @article{RailaEnjalbertMothesetal.2012, author = {Raila, Jens and Enjalbert, Francis and Mothes, Ralf and Hurtienne, Andrea and Schweigert, Florian J.}, title = {Validation of a new point-of-care assay for determination of ss-carotene concentration in bovine whole blood and plasma}, series = {Veterinary clinical pathology}, volume = {41}, journal = {Veterinary clinical pathology}, number = {1}, publisher = {Wiley-Blackwell}, address = {Malden}, issn = {0275-6382}, doi = {10.1111/j.1939-165X.2012.00400.x}, pages = {119 -- 122}, year = {2012}, abstract = {Background: beta-Carotene is an important precursor of vitamin A, and is associated with bovine fertility. beta-Carotene concentrations in plasma are used to optimize beta-carotene supplementation in cattle, but measurement requires specialized equipment to separate plasma and extract and measure beta-carotene, either using spectrophotometry or high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Objective: The objective of this study was to validate a new 2-step point-of-care (POC) assay for measuring beta-carotene in whole blood and plasma. Methods: beta-carotene concentrations in plasma from 166 cows were measured using HPLC and compared with results obtained using a POC assay, the iCheck-iEx-Carotene test kit. Whole blood samples from 23 of these cattle were also evaluated using the POC assay and compared with HPLC-plasma results from the same 23 animals. The POC assay includes an extraction vial (iEx Carotene) and hand-held photometer (iCheck Carotene). Results: Concentrations of beta-carotene in plasma measured using the POC assay ranged from 0.40 to 15.84 mg/L (n = 166). No differences were observed between methods for assay of plasma (mean +/- SD; n = 166): HPLC-plasma 4.23 +/- 2.35 mg/L; POC-plasma 4.49 +/- 2.36 mg/L. Similar good agreement was found when plasma analyzed using HPLC was compared with whole blood analyzed using the POC system (n = 23): HPLC-plasma 3.46 +/- 2.12 mg/L; POC-whole blood 3.67 +/- 2.29 mg/L. Conclusions: Concentrations of beta-carotene can be measured in blood and plasma from cattle easily and rapidly using a POC assay, and results are comparable to those obtained by the highly sophisticated HPLC method. Immediate feedback regarding beta-carotene deficiency facilitates rapid and appropriate optimization of beta-carotene supplementation in feed.}, language = {en} } @article{KuhlAurichWulfetal.2012, author = {Kuhl, Juliane and Aurich, J{\"o}rg E. and Wulf, Manuela and Hurtienne, A. and Schweigert, Florian J. and Aurich, Christine}, title = {Effects of oral supplementation with beta-carotene on concentrations of beta-carotene, vitamin A and alpha-tocopherol in plasma, colostrum and milk of mares and plasma of their foals and on fertility in mares}, series = {Journal of animal physiology and animal nutrition}, volume = {96}, journal = {Journal of animal physiology and animal nutrition}, number = {3}, publisher = {Wiley-Blackwell}, address = {Malden}, issn = {0931-2439}, doi = {10.1111/j.1439-0396.2011.01150.x}, pages = {376 -- 384}, year = {2012}, abstract = {In this study, effects of oral beta-carotene supplementation to mares (beta-carotene group: 1000 mg/day, n = 15; control group: n = 15) from 2 weeks before foaling until 6 weeks thereafter on concentrations of beta-carotene, vitamin A and a-tocopherol in plasma, colostrum and milk and plasma of their foals were determined. In addition, effects on fertility were studied. Beta-carotene concentrations increased in plasma and colostrum of beta-carotene-supplemented mares compared to control mares (p < 0.05). In mares of both groups, beta-carotene concentrations were higher in colostrum than in milk (p < 0.05). In foals, beta-carotene concentrations increased with colostrum uptake and were higher in foals born to supplemented mares (p < 0.05; control group: 0.0003 +/- 0.0002 mu g/ml on day 0, 0.008 +/- 0.0023 mu g/ml on day 1; beta-carotene group: 0.0005 +/- 0.0003 mu g/ml on day 0, 0.048 +/- 0.018 mu g/ml on day 1). Concentrations of vitamin A and a-tocopherol were higher in colostrum than in milk (p < 0.05) but did not differ between groups. Concentration of a-tocopherol in plasma of mares decreased over time and in foals, increased markedly within 4 days after birth. All but one mare (control group) showed oestrus within 2 weeks post-partum. Occurrence of oestrus did not differ between groups. More mares of the control group (7/7 vs. 5/12 in the beta-carotene group) became pregnant after being bred in first post-partum oestrus (p < 0.05). In conclusion, beta-carotene supplementation to mares increased beta-carotene concentrations in plasma, colostrum and milk of mares and plasma of their foals but had no positive effects on fertility.}, language = {en} } @article{BechirSchellingKraemeretal.2012, author = {Bechir, Mahamat and Schelling, E. and Kr{\"a}mer, K. and Schweigert, Florian J. and Bonfoh, Bassirou and Crump, L. and Tanner, M. and Zinsstag, J.}, title = {Retinol assessment among women and children in sahelian mobile pastoralists}, series = {EcoHealth : conservation medicine, human health, ecosystem sustainability}, volume = {9}, journal = {EcoHealth : conservation medicine, human health, ecosystem sustainability}, number = {2}, publisher = {Springer}, address = {New York}, issn = {1612-9202}, doi = {10.1007/s10393-012-0781-7}, pages = {113 -- 121}, year = {2012}, abstract = {Micronutrient deficiencies are widespread in developing countries, particularly in remote communities such as mobile pastoralists. The nutritional and vitamin A status of this population is not well-documented in Chad. This study assessed serum retinol levels among women and children under five-year-old in nomadic and semi-nomadic pastoralist and rural-settled communities, who are similarly exposed to risk factors such as gastrointestinal parasitic infection, anaemia and emaciation. The novel method of portable fluorometry was used for the first time to measure beta-carotene and retinol levels in a pastoral nomadic area. Moderate level blood retinol deficiency (< 0.7 mu mol/L) was observed in 5\% (CI 1-11) of nomadic, 29\% (CI 13-45) of semi-nomadic and 22\% (CI 8-35) of sedentary women. In children, 1\% (CI 0.1-4), 17\% (CI 9-25) and 28\% (CI 18-39), respectively, had moderate level blood retinol deficiency. In nomadic communities, women and children had blood retinol levels close to normal. Deficiency of retinol was strongly linked with lifestyle (nomadic, semi-nomadic and settled) among women and lifestyle and age among children. The results support an ecological linkage between human retinol levels and livestock milk retinol. This study shows the feasibility of portable retinol and beta-carotene measurement in human blood as well as human and animal milk under remote field conditions, but the approach requires further validation.}, language = {en} } @article{KhalilRailaAlietal.2012, author = {Khalil, Mahmoud and Raila, Jens and Ali, Mostafa and Islam, Khan M. S. and Schenk, Regina and Krause, Jens-Peter and Schweigert, Florian J. and Rawel, Harshadrai Manilal}, title = {Stability and bioavailability of lutein ester supplements from Tagetes flower prepared under food processing conditions}, series = {Journal of functional food}, volume = {4}, journal = {Journal of functional food}, number = {3}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {1756-4646}, doi = {10.1016/j.jff.2012.03.006}, pages = {602 -- 610}, year = {2012}, abstract = {Tagetes spp. belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is recognized as a major source of lutein ester (lutein esterified with fatty acids such as lauric, myristic and palmitic acids), a natural colorant belonging to the xanthophylls or oxygenated carotenoids. Four species of Tagetes flower (Tagetes tenuifolia, Tagetes erecta, Tagetes patula, and Tagetes lucida) were used to extract lutein and lutein esters with three different methods. The results showed that T. erecta, type "orangeprinz", is the richest source of lutein esters (14.4 +/- 0.234 mg/g) in comparison to other Tagetes spp. No significant differences between extractions of lutein esters with medium-chain triacylglycerols (MCT) oil, orange oil or solvent (hexane/isopropanol) could be observed. MCT oil also improved stability of lutein esters at 100 degrees C for 40 min. Emulsification of MCT oil improved the stability of lutein ester extract against UV light at 365 nm for 72 h. Finally, an emulsion was prepared under food processing conditions, spray dried and its bioavailability investigated in a preliminary human intervention study. The results show a lower resorption, but further data suggest improvements in implementation of such supplements. (c) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{DoyonSchmiedchenBayazitetal.2012, author = {Doyon, Anke and Schmiedchen, Bettina and Bayazit, Aysun and Canpolat, Nur and Duzova, Ali and Kracht, Daniela and Litwin, Mieczyslaw and Niemirska, Anna and Sozeri, Betul and Zeller, Rene and Ranchin, Bruno and Anarat, Ali and Caliskan, Salim and Mir, Sevgi and Melk, Anette and W{\"u}hl, Elke and Schweigert, Florian J. and Querfeld, Uwe and Sch{\"a}fer, Franz}, title = {Distribuion and determinants of serum vitamin d concentrations in european children with chronic kidney disease}, series = {Pediatric nephrology : journal of the International Pediatric Nephrology Association}, volume = {27}, booktitle = {Pediatric nephrology : journal of the International Pediatric Nephrology Association}, number = {9}, publisher = {Springer}, address = {New York}, organization = {4C Consortium}, issn = {0931-041X}, pages = {1627 -- 1628}, year = {2012}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{DoyonSchmiedchenBayazitetal.2012, author = {Doyon, Anke and Schmiedchen, Bettina and Bayazit, Aysun and Canpolat, Nur and Duzova, Ali and Kracht, Daniela and Litwin, Mieczyslaw and Niemirska, Anna and Sozeri, Betul and Zeller, Rene and Anarat, Ali and Caliskan, Salim and Mir, Sevgi and Shroff, Rukshana and Melk, Anette and W{\"u}hl, Elke and Schweigert, Florian J. and Querfeld, Uwe and Sch{\"a}fer, Franz}, title = {Altered arterial morphology and function in children with CKD Role of mineral-bone disorder}, series = {Pediatric nephrology : journal of the International Pediatric Nephrology Association}, volume = {27}, booktitle = {Pediatric nephrology : journal of the International Pediatric Nephrology Association}, number = {9}, publisher = {Springer}, address = {New York}, organization = {4C Study Consortium}, issn = {0931-041X}, pages = {1606 -- 1607}, year = {2012}, language = {en} } @article{EliasMiroMassipSalcedoRailaetal.2012, author = {Elias-Miro, Maria and Massip-Salcedo, Marta and Raila, Jens and Schweigert, Florian J. and Mendes-Braz, Mariana and Ramalho, Fernando and Jimenez-Castro, Monica B. and Casillas-Ramirez, Arani and Bermudo, Raquel and Rimola, Antoni and Rodes, Juan and Peralta, Carmen}, title = {Retinol binding protein 4 and retinol in steatotic and nonsteatotic rat livers in the setting of partial hepatectomy under ischemia/reperfusion}, series = {Liver transplantation}, volume = {18}, journal = {Liver transplantation}, number = {10}, publisher = {Wiley-Blackwell}, address = {Hoboken}, issn = {1527-6465}, doi = {10.1002/lt.23489}, pages = {1198 -- 1208}, year = {2012}, abstract = {Steatotic livers show increased hepatic damage and impaired regeneration after partial hepatectomy (PH) under ischemia/reperfusion (I/R), which is commonly applied in clinical practice to reduce bleeding. The known function of retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4) is to transport retinol in the circulation. We examined whether modulating RBP4 and/or retinol could protect steatotic and nonsteatotic livers in the setting of PH under I/R. Steatotic and nonsteatotic livers from Zucker rats were subjected to PH (70\%) with 60 minutes of ischemia. RBP4 and retinol levels were measured and altered pharmacologically, and their effects on hepatic damage and regeneration were studied after reperfusion. Decreased RBP4 levels were observed in both liver types, whereas retinol levels were reduced only in steatotic livers. RBP4 administration exacerbated the negative consequences of liver surgery with respect to damage and liver regeneration in both liver types. RBP4 affected the mobilization of retinol from steatotic livers, and this revealed actions of RBP4 independent of simple retinol transport. The injurious effects of RBP4 were not due to changes in retinol levels. Treatment with retinol was effective only for steatotic livers. Indeed, retinol increased hepatic injury and impaired liver regeneration in nonsteatotic livers. In steatotic livers, retinol reduced damage and improved regeneration after surgery. These benefits of retinol were associated with a reduced accumulation of hepatocellular fat. Thus, strategies based on modulating RBP4 could be ineffective and possibly even harmful in both liver types in the setting of PH under I/R. In terms of clinical applications, a retinol pretreatment might open new avenues for liver surgery that specifically benefit the steatotic liver. Liver Transpl 18:1198-1208, 2012.}, language = {en} } @article{HenzeEspeWanneretal.2012, author = {Henze, Andrea and Espe, Katharina M. and Wanner, Christoph and Krane, Vera and Raila, Jens and Hocher, Berthold and Schweigert, Florian J. and Drechsler, Christiane}, title = {Transthyretin predicts cardiovascular outcome in hemodialysis patients with type 2 diabetes}, series = {Diabetes care}, volume = {35}, journal = {Diabetes care}, number = {11}, publisher = {American Diabetes Association}, address = {Alexandria}, issn = {0149-5992}, doi = {10.2337/dc12-0455}, pages = {2365 -- 2372}, year = {2012}, abstract = {OBJECTIVE-BMI and albumin are commonly accepted parameters to recognize wasting in dialysis patients and are powerful predictors of morbidity and mortality. However, both parameters reveal limitations and may not cover the entire range of patients with wasting. The visceral protein transthyretin (TTR) may be helpful in overcoming the diagnostic and prognostic gap. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the association of TTR with morbidity and mortality in hemodialysis patients. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS-The TTR concentration was determined in plasma samples of 1,177 hemodialysis patients with type 2 diabetes. Cox regression analyses were used to determine hazard ratios (HRs) for the risk of cardiovascular end points (CVEs) and mortality according to quartiles of TTR concentration for the total study cohort and the subgroups BMI >= 23 kg/m(2), albumin concentration >= 3.8 g/dL, and a combination of both. RESULTS-A low TTR concentration was associated with an increased risk for CVE for the total study cohort (HR 1.65 [95\% CI 1.27-2.14]), patients with BMI >= 23 kg/m(2) (1.70 [1.22-2.37]), albumin >= 3.8 g/dL (1.68 [1.17-2.42]), and the combination of both (1.69 [1.13-2.53]). Additionally, a low TTR concentration predicted mortality for the total study cohort (1.79 [1.43-2.24]) and patients with BMI >= 23 kg/m(2) (1.46 [1.09-1.95]). CONCLUSIONS-The current study demonstrated that TTR is a useful predictor for cardiovascular outcome and mortality in diabetic hemodialysis patients. TTR was particularly useful in patients who were not identified to be at risk by BMI or albumin status.}, language = {en} } @article{MorrisSaltRailaetal.2012, author = {Morris, Penelope J. and Salt, Carina and Raila, Jens and Brenten, Thomas and Kohn, Barbara and Schweigert, Florian J. and Zentek, Juergen}, title = {Safety evaluation of vitamin A in growing dogs}, series = {BRITISH JOURNAL OF NUTRITION}, volume = {108}, journal = {BRITISH JOURNAL OF NUTRITION}, number = {10}, publisher = {CAMBRIDGE UNIV PRESS}, address = {CAMBRIDGE}, issn = {0007-1145}, doi = {10.1017/S0007114512000128}, pages = {1800 -- 1809}, year = {2012}, abstract = {The safe upper limit for inclusion of vitamin A in complete diets for growing dogs is uncertain, with the result that current recommendations range from 5.24 to 104.80 mu mol retinol (5000 to 100 000 IU vitamin A)/4184 kJ (1000 kcal) metabolisable energy (ME). The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of feeding four concentrations of vitamin A to puppies from weaning until 1 year of age. A total of forty-nine puppies, of two breeds, Labrador Retriever and Miniature Schnauzer, were randomly assigned to one of four treatment groups. Following weaning at 8 weeks of age, puppies were fed a complete food supplemented with retinyl acetate diluted in vegetable oil and fed at 1ml oil/100 g diet to achieve an intake of 5.24, 13.10, 78.60 and 104.80 mu mol retinol (5000, 12 500, 75 000 and 100 000 IU vitamin A)/4184 kJ (1000 kcal) ME. Fasted blood and urine samples were collected at 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 20, 26, 36 and 52 weeks of age and analysed for markers of vitamin A metabolism and markers of safety including haematological and biochemical variables, bone-specific alkaline phosphatase, cross-linked carboxyterminal telopeptides of type I collagen and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Clinical examinations were conducted every 4 weeks. Data were analysed by means of a mixed model analysis with Bonferroni corrections for multiple endpoints. There was no effect of vitamin A concentration on any of the parameters, with the exception of total serum retinyl esters, and no effect of dose on the number, type and duration of adverse events. We therefore propose that 104.80 mu mol retinol (100 000 IU vitamin A)/4184 kJ (1000 kcal) is a suitable safe upper limit for use in the formulation of diets designed for puppy growth.}, language = {en} } @article{GrafRailaSchweigertetal.2012, author = {Graf, Christine and Raila, Jens and Schweigert, Florian J. and Kohn, Barbara}, title = {Effect of leukoreduction treatment on vascular endothelial growth factor concentration in stored canine blood transfusion products}, series = {American journal of veterinary research}, volume = {73}, journal = {American journal of veterinary research}, number = {12}, publisher = {American Veterinary Medical Association}, address = {Schaumburg}, issn = {0002-9645}, pages = {2001 -- 2006}, year = {2012}, abstract = {Objective-To evaluate vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) concentrations in canine blood products treated with or without a leukoreduction filter. Sample-10 canine blood donors. Procedures-Dogs underwent blood collection. Five of 10 units were leukoreduced prior to separation into packed RBCs and fresh frozen plasma (FFP). Concentrations of VEGF were measured by ELISA in plasma supernatants from aliquots of packed RBCs obtained immediately after separation and on days 7, 14, and 21 of storage. Fresh frozen plasma samples of 2 filtered and 2 nonfiltered units were examined after storage. Results-RBC counts in whole blood before and after leukoreduction did not differ significantly, but WBCs and platelets were removed effectively. The VEGF concentration was lower than the detection limit (9 pg/mL) in 9 of 10 plasma samples and in all packed RBC and FFP units immediately after separation. The median VEGF concentrations in 5 nonfiltered packed RBC units were 37, 164, and 110 pg/mL on days 7, 14, and 21 of storage, respectively. In 5 filtered packed RBC and all FFP units, VEGF concentrations remained lower than the detection limit. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance-Leukoreduction filters were effective in preventing the release of VEGF during storage of canine RBC products.}, language = {en} } @article{RohnerGarrettLaillouetal.2012, author = {Rohner, Fabian and Garrett, Greg S. and Laillou, Arnaud and Frey, Simone K. and Mothes, Ralf and Schweigert, Florian J. and Locatelli-Rossi, Lorenzo}, title = {Validation of a user-friendly and rapid method for quantifying iodine content of salt}, series = {Food and nutrition bulletin}, volume = {33}, journal = {Food and nutrition bulletin}, number = {4}, publisher = {International Nutrition Foundation}, address = {Boston}, issn = {0379-5721}, pages = {S330 -- S335}, year = {2012}, abstract = {Background. Despite considerable progress made in the past decade through salt iodization programs, over 2 billion people worldwide still have inadequate iodine intake, with devastating consequences for brain development and intellectual capacity. To optimize these programs with regard to salt iodine content, careful monitoring of salt iodine content is essential, but few methods are available to quantitatively measure iodine concentration in a simple, fast, and safe way. Objective. We have validated a newly developed device that quantitatively measures the content of potassium iodate in salt in a simple, safe, and rapid way. Methods. The linearity, determination and detection limit, and inter- and intra-assay variability of this colorimetric method were assessed and the method was compared with iodometric titration, using salt samples from several countries. Results. Linearity of analysis ranged from 5 to 75 mg/kg iodine, with I mg/kg being the determination limit; the intra- and interassay imprecision was 0.9\%, 0.5\%, and 0.7\% and 1.5\%, 1.7\%, and 2.5\% for salt samples with iodine contents of 17, 30, and 55 mg/kg, respectively; the interoperator imprecision for the same samples was 1.2\%, 4.9\%, and 4.7\%, respectively. Comparison with the iodometric method showed high agreement between the methods (R-2 = 0.978; limits of agreement, -10.5 to 10.0 mg/kg). Conclusions. The device offers a field- and user-friendly solution to quantifying potassium iodate salt content reliably. For countries that use potassium iodide in salt iodization programs, further validation is required.}, language = {en} } @article{MuellerRailaAltenkampetal.2012, author = {Mueller, K. and Raila, Jens and Altenkamp, Rainer and Schmidt, D. and Dietrich, R. and Hurtienne, Andrea and Wink, M. and Krone, O. and Brunnberg, Leo and Schweigert, Florian J.}, title = {Concentrations of retinol, 3,4-didehydroretinol, and retinyl esters in plasma of free-ranging birds of prey}, series = {Journal of animal physiology and animal nutrition}, volume = {96}, journal = {Journal of animal physiology and animal nutrition}, number = {6}, publisher = {Wiley-Blackwell}, address = {Hoboken}, issn = {0931-2439}, doi = {10.1111/j.1439-0396.2011.01219.x}, pages = {1044 -- 1053}, year = {2012}, abstract = {This study investigated vitamin A compounds in the plasma of healthy free-ranging Central European raptors with different feeding strategies. Plasma samples of nestlings of white-tailed sea eagle [white-tailed sea eagle (WTSE), Haliaeetus albicilla) (n = 32), osprey (Pandion haliaetus) (n = 39), northern goshawk (Accipiter gentilis) (n = 25), common buzzard (Buteo buteo) (n = 31), and honey buzzard (Pernis apivorus) (n = 18) and adults of WTSE (n = 10), osprey (n = 31), and northern goshawk (n = 45) were investigated with reversed-phase-high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). In WTSE, northern goshawks and common buzzards retinol were the main plasma component of vitamin A, whilst in ospreys and honey buzzards, 3,4-didehydroretinol predominated. The median of the retinol plasma concentration in the nestlings group ranged from 0.12 to 3.80 mu M and in the adult group from 0.15 to 6.13 mu M. Median plasma concentrations of 3,4-didehydroretinol in nestlings ranged from 0.06 to 3.55 mu M. In adults, northern goshawks had the lowest plasma concentration of 3,4-didehydroretinol followed by WTSE and ospreys. The plasma of all investigated species contained retinyl esters (palmitate, oleate, and stearate). The results show considerable species-specific differences in the vitamin A plasma concentrations that might be caused by different nutrition strategies.}, language = {en} }