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A calibration step in an analytical procedure is often not adequately treated, although it is a very important step in the analysis. Also, the approach to the nomenclature seems to be disrespectful. In order to resolve this problem we chose a new classification based on both how the calibration dependence is reconstructed, and how the measurement data is then transformed. In this paper we discussed the steps of a developed calibration procedure in the determination of trace elements in rat brain tissues by the Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry (LA ICP-TOF-MS) method. The developed calibration procedure uses the long established calibration method - the method of standard addition - although the standard samples are in this case the rat brain tissue samples. The results show the usefulness of the procedure developed in the presented analytical problem related to the analysis of solid samples, which is where the work is original., (© 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The procedure of restorative proctocolectomy is associated with a complete removal of the colon and slight reduction of ileum length, which together can lead to systemic shortages of trace elements. Inflammatory changes in the pouch mucosa may also have some impact. However, there is no data on trace elements in pouchitis. Therefore, in the present study we aimed to assess the effect of acute pouchitis on the status of selected trace elements in rats. Restorative proctocolectomy with the construction of intestinal J-pouch was performed in twenty-four Wistar rats. Three weeks after the surgery, pouchitis was induced. Eight untreated rats created the control group. Liver concentrations of selected micronutrients (Zn, Cu, Co, Mn, Se) were measured in both groups six weeks later, using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Liver concentrations of trace elements did not differ between the study and the control groups. However, copper, cobalt and selenium concentrations [μg/g] were statistically lower (p<0.02, p<0.05 and p<0.04, respectively) in rats with severe pouchitis (n=9) as compared with rats with mild pouchitis (n=7) [median (range): Cu--7.05 (3.02-14.57) vs 10.47 (5.16-14.97); Co--0.55 (0.37-0.96) vs 0.61 (0.52-0.86); Se--1.17 (0.69-1.54) vs 1.18 (0.29-1.91)]. In conclusion, it seems that acute pouchitis can lead to a significant deficiency of trace elements.

The purpose of this work was to determine trace element levels in urine and evaluate possible associations between urinary iodine concentration (UIC), other trace elements (Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Na, Se, Zn), toxic elements (Cd, Pb), anthropometrical measures (body weight and height), glycemic indices (serum insulin and glucose), and several parameters related to thyroid function (thyroid stimulating hormone, free thyroxine, antithyroid peroxidase antibodies, thyroid volume, and thyroid echogenicity) in pregnant women. One hundred sixty-nine participants were recruited. The whole study group, originating from Krakow region, comprised three subgroups belonging to three trimesters: I trimester (n = 28), II trimester (n = 83), and III trimester (n = 58). Trace elements were determined using inductively coupled plasma mass/(atomic emission) spectrometry. Partial least square model was used to reveal correlation structure between parameters investigated, as well as a possible causal relationship between dependent parameters and potentially explanatory parameters. Results obtained for trace and toxic elements in urine were comparable with results of other authors, although the study group was not homogenous. We confirmed (1) low iodine excretion in pregnant women, (2) the existence of statistically significant correlation between UIC and urinary selenium, and (3) lack of correlation between latter parameter and typical indices of thyroid function. Urinary selenium correlated with other urinary trace elements, but physiological significance of this finding remains uncertain. The fact that a large number of pregnant women fail to meet dietary recommendations for iodine is the major reason for concern.

This study was performed to investigate selenoenzyme activities and trace element concentrations in thyroid tissues, with reference to other parameters routinely used to characterize thyroid function. This was to reveal relevant parameters as possible additional markers of tumor grade, clinical course, and prognosis of thyroid disorders. The tissue samples were obtained during surgical treatment (total or near total thyroidectomy) of 122 patients with different types of thyroid tumor. For most of the investigated parameters in different groups of patients, we did not find statistically significant differences. In the majority of cases, thyroid benign or malignant tumors were not accompanied by significant derangement of the gland selenoenzymes and of either intrathyroidal or plasma concentration of selenium. Nevertheless, types I and II iodothyronine deiodinases were the most promising (among selenoenzymes) targets for diagnoses and possibly therapy of thyroid tumors. Higher activities of both enzymes in cases with Graves' disease, as compared with other thyroid lesions, suggest their involvement in the pathogenesis of this condition. Patients with struna nodosa had higher levels of thyroid Zn, Cu, and Pb as compared with papillary carcinoma subjects and also a higher level of Cu than follicular carcinoma cases. The above diagnostics may play a similar role to some of the general thyroid function indices, TSH, anti-TG, anti-TPO, and calcitonin, which can partially distinguish between various thyroid tumors. In conclusion, some of selenium status markers, when accompanied with general parameters, and trace elements can serve as factors with pathophysiologic relevance and be helpful in the identification of malignant disease. Multivariate statistical methods should be employed to tackle a broad array of thyroid tumor diagnostic data in a short time. Partial least squares model and other pattern recognition methods seem to be the most appropriate methods for that task. The miniaturization of all the steps of complex analytical procedure should be developed in a way to allow its completion as sensitive, robust, and efficient for use of the small quantity of material provided by fine-needle biopsy.