bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical and treatment profiles of patients affected by acute coronary syndromes derived from administrative databases in the ASSL 10 Veneto orientale
Authors: Piergentili Paolo , Valle Roberto , Milani Loredano
Published: December 2015

Background. This paper presents a revision of services provided to patient over two years following a myocardial infarction (MI) based on data derived from administrative databases. The study aims to evaluate the burden and the resources consumed by these patients, as well as the adherence to clinical guidelines. Methods. All patient hospitalised for myocardial infarction in the cardiology unit of the hospital of San Donà di Piave (Venice, Italy) were identified. The clinical record was reviewed to reconstruct clinical history. Then from the Local Health Unit n. 10 all information regarding these patient were collected and analysed after record linkage. Results. The patients with MI were 236. Of these, 20 died during the first hospitalization, 2 were lost to the follow up and 40 died within the two years period. The 214 patients who were alive after the first hospitalization produced 447 ordinary and 57 day hospital hospitalization. Specialist services were 23.250, and of these 17.583 were evaluated as being related to the cardiac disease. The value of drug prescribed over the two year period was € 553.108. The number of prescriptions belonging to the anatomic ATC class C were 29.076, received by 210 people. The mean pro capita estimated cost was € 22.058 in the first year, and € 6.226 in the second year. Conclusions. The characteristics of the sample population of our patients with MI were similar to those described in the literature. Follow up showed a sharp decrease of care and services received by patients during the second year after the acute event. In addition, a large part of services was not related to the cardiac diseases. Only a limited number of patients followed a rehabilitation programme. The estimated pro capita overall cost was very relevant in the first year, and the difference with the cost of the second year suggests a fall over time of the relevance attributed by the patients to the cardiac problems.
Adult-onset pulmonary involvement in Niemann-Pick disease type B
Authors: Iaselli F. , Rea G. , Cappabianca S. , Fabozzi G. , Montemarano M. , Vitale C. , Stanziola A.A. , Muto R. , Rotondo A.
Published: December 2015

Niemann-Pick disease type B is caused by a deficiency in acid sphingomyelinase activity; among the six variants of Niemann-Pick disease known to date, it is the most frequently associated with lung involvement, a major cause of morbidity and mortality in this subtype in patients of all ages. Nevertheless, the vast majority of reports in the literature concern infantile forms, while less reported is, for several reasons, the onset in adults being consequently still poorly understood and characterized its clinical, radiographic and functional manifestations. We report a case of a 37 years-old female patient affected by subtype B since she was an infant, operated for aortic valve replacement two years before and came to our attention for the onset of a worsening exertional dyspnoea which proved, through a series of functional tests and radiological exams, to be a consequence of the diffuse lung involvement by the metabolic disorder; we performed a review on this topic through a Medline search of all the available “adult-onset” case reports published since the first description in 1964, also considering the possible association between NPDB and, more generally lysosomal storage disorders, and the valvular disease, already suggested by several Authors in previous works.
Large pulmonary hamartoma with “popcorn” like calcification
Authors: Madan K. , Radhika S. , Sharma S. , Singh N.
Published: December 2015

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Prevalence of airflow obstruction according GOLD, ATS and ERS criteria in symptomatic ever-smokers referring to a Pulmonary Rehabilitation Department
Authors: Barbarito N. , Vaghi A. , De Mattia E.
Published: December 2015

Aim. To evaluate in a Pulmonary Rehabilitation (PR) setting the prevalence of airflow obstruction (AO) in either current or former smokers ≥45 years old both with dyspnoea and with chronic productive cough, using European Respiratory society (ERS) statement (FEV1/SVC <88 and <89% predicted in men and women, respectively), American Thoracic Society (ATS) statement (FEV1/FVC <75%), and Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) statement (FEV1/FVC <70%). Methods. Lung function tests were performed in each patient who was referred to our PR department due to respiratory diagnosis or symptoms. For analysis, in patients showing AO we used post-bronchodilator lung function values. Results. In 184 ever-smoker patients with symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the prevalence rates of AO were as follows: ERS = 89.7%, ATS = 76.6%, and GOLD = 63.6%. Patients with AO according ERS criteria showing moderate to severe (M/S) obstruction (i.e., FEV1 <70% predicted) were 119. Patients with ERS M/S AO but without AO using either ATS or GOLD criteria were 8.4% and 19.3%, respectively. Conclusions. Prevalence of AO is highly dependent on which guidelines it is based. ATS and particularly GOLD statement can cause a large under-diagnosis even of moderate to severe COPD. Diagnosis of COPD may be overlooked if SVC is not performed.
Bronchial glomus tumor mimicking a COPD exacerbation
Authors: Ravenna F. , Saturni S. , Casalini A. , Pilato F.P. , Pasquini C. , Caramori G. , Papi A.
Published: December 2015

We report the case of a glomus tumor originating in the left main bronchus diagnosed in a 79 year old Caucasian man. A glomus tumor is an extremely rare neoplasm in the bronchi with nonspecific clinical features. Bronchoscopy allows the diagnosis through biopsy and subsequent histopathological examination of the tissue and in selected cases may represent a valid alternative to surgery permitting a radical tumor excision.
Pulmonary complications after cardiac surgery: breathing down the patient’s neck
Authors: Temporelli P.L. , Ambrosetti M.
Published: December 2015

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Peritoneal sarcoidosis: an unusual presentation and a brief review of the literature
Authors: Nicolini A. , Vita M. , Lanata S.
Published: December 2015

Peritoneal involvement continues to be a rare manifestation of sarcoidosis: its involvement is not always isolated and sarcoid granulomas are also found elsewhere. Peritoneal diseases tend to have an increased incidence in women. Peritoneal involvement presents as ascites, as peritoneal thickening and multiple soft tissue nodules, and can often simulate peritoneal carcinomatosis. We describe a case of a man presenting abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and a clinical picture of intestinal obstruction, with peritoneal sarcoidosis and abdominal findings suggesting peritoneal carcinomatosis. The diagnosis of sarcoidosis was confirmed by biopsy of the peritoneum during surgical laparotomy. Peritoneal involvement is a rare manifestation of sarcoidosis (less than 30 cases described in English medical literature) : to our knowledge this is the first reported case of the disease presenting with an acute abdominal obstruction treated with surgery.
Tracheal melanic tattoo
Authors: Mondoni M. , Carlucci P. , Boiocchi L. , Centanni S.
Published: December 2015

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Paediatric Bronchology
Authors: Del Prato B. , Casalini A.G. , Majori M. , Martucci P.
Published: December 2015

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The importance of the Proceedings in Thoracic Endoscopy of the AIPO Study Group of Interventional Pulmonology
Authors: Patelli M. , Balbi B.
Published: December 2015

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Emerging role of S-1 in gastric cancer
Authors: Krasniqi Eriseld , Pellicori Stefania , Formica Vincenzo
Published: December 2015

Gastric cancer remains one of the most important malignancies worldwide in terms of incidence and mortality. The treatment is based on the combination of local surgery and radiation therapy as well as systemic chemotherapy and targeted molecules. Fluoropyrimidines and particularly 5-fluorouracil (FU) represent still the backbone for gastric cancer chemotherapy and new molecular versions of this molecule have been brought to clinical practice in order to improve benefits and reduce adverse effects. S-1 is an oral prodrug of 5-FU, which has demonstrated high effectiveness for gastric cancer treatment and a favorable safety profile. Currently, there are geographic differences in the treatment of gastric cancer and in the use of S-1, which is a mainstay of gastric cancer management in Eastern countries, but is not part of the standard care in the rest of the world. In this review, we gathered data from phase I, II, and III trials of S-1 in gastric cancer, in order to define its real benefit-risk ratio and assess whether geographic differences in S-1 use are justified by unchangeable factors.
N-acetylcysteine renoprotection in methotrexate induced nephrotoxicity and its effects on B-cell lymphoma
Authors: Singh Ruchi , Shah Rikin , Turner Curtis , Regueira Osvaldo , Vasylyeva Tetyana L.
Published: December 2015

Background: Nephrotoxicity is one of the known side effects of methotrexate (MTX) therapy despite the use of conventional protective measures. Our objectives were to evaluate the effects of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) on MTX-induced toxicity in renal tubular cells and to evaluate whether adjunctive use of NAC interferes with MTX antitumor activity in the B-cell lymphoma. Methods: Kidney Epithelial (Madin-Darby canine kidney [MDCK]) cells were exposed to MTX (10 μM or 100 μM) alone and with NAC (0.2 mM or 0.4 mM). Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation at 1, 2, 4, and 24 h was measured by flow cytometer. Quantification of total glutathione (GSH) was performed by using GSH assay kit. To measure the impact of NAC on the antitumor activity of MTX, B lymphoma cells were exposed to MTX alone and with NAC. A percentage of apoptosis was measured using fluorescein isothiocyanate in both cell lines. Quantitative data was presented as a means ± standard deviation, and P values were analyzed using the Student′s t-test. Results: Apoptosis in MDCK cells were observed after 24 h of incubation with both 10 μM and 100 μM MTX. Maximum ROS generation was observed at 4 h and corresponded to GSH production. Treatment with 0.2 and 0.4 mM of NAC led to decrease percentages of apoptotic MDCK cells. NAC did not change either proliferation or apoptosis of B-cell lymphoma. Conclusion: Using NAC for kidney protection may not interfere with the antitumor activity of MTX. Further in vivo studies are warranted to confirm noninterference between MTX and NAC and assess synergistic antitumor effects.
L’ Hantavirus Puumala dans les écosystèmes forestiers d’Europe de l’ouest
Authors: Marianneau Philippe , Monchâtre-Leroy Élodie
Published: December 2015

Les virus du genre Hantavirus sont les seuls représentants de la famille des Bunyaviridae qui ne sont pas transmis à l’Homme par des vecteurs arthropodes mais par de petits rongeurs. Certains insectivores et chiroptères sont porteurs d’hantavirus mais aucun cas de transmission à l’Homme n’est connu à ce jour. En Europe, l’hantavirus Puumala qui a comme réservoir le campagnol roussâtre (Myodes glareolus), est responsable d’une zoonose d’importance croissante, la Néphropathie Epidémique, une forme atténuée de Fièvre Hémorragique à Syndrome Rénal. La contamination humaine s’effectue généralement par inhalation d’aérosols contenant des excrétas ou des sécrétions de rongeurs infectés. Malgré une zone de distribution continue des populations de campagnols roussâtres, la répartition de l’incidence de la Néphropathie Epidémique présente une forte variabilité aux échelles continentale et régionale. Les zones endémiques recouvrent une large partie de l’Europe du Nord (Scandinavie, Finlande, Pays Baltes) et de manière parcellaire la Belgique, le nord-est de la France et l’ouest de l’Allemagne. Une meilleure compréhension de la distribution actuelle de la Néphropathie Epidémique et de son risque d’extension est essentielle et doit s’appuyer sur une approche multidisciplinaire prenant en compte les différents acteurs impliqués dans le cycle de transmission (Homme, campagnol roussâtre et virus).
Investigating Alaskan methane and carbon dioxide fluxes using measurements from the CARVE tower
Authors: Karion A. , Sweeney C. , Miller J. B. , Andrews A. E. , Commane R. , Dinardo S. , Henderson J. M. , Lindaas J. , Lin J. C. , Luus K. A. , Newberger T. , Tans P. , Wofsy S. C. , Wolter S. , Miller C. E.
Published: December 2015

Abstract. Northern high-latitude carbon sources and sinks, including those resulting from degrading permafrost, are thought to be sensitive to the rapidly warming climate. Because the near-surface atmosphere integrates surface fluxes over large (~ 500–1000 km) scales, atmospheric monitoring of carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) mole fractions in the daytime mixed layer is a promising method for detecting change in the carbon cycle throughout boreal Alaska. Here we use CO2 and CH4 measurements from a NOAA tower 17 km north of Fairbanks AK, established as part of NASA's Carbon in Arctic Reservoirs Vulnerability Experiment (CARVE), to investigate regional fluxes of CO2 and CH4 for 2012–2014. CARVE was designed to use aircraft and surface observations to better understand and quantify the sensitivity of Alaskan carbon fluxes to climate variability. We use high-resolution meteorological fields from the Polar Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model coupled with the Stochastic Time-Inverted Lagrangian Transport model (hereafter, WRF-STILT), along with the Polar Vegetation Photosynthesis and Respiration Model (PolarVPRM), to investigate fluxes of CO2 in boreal Alaska using the tower observations, which are sensitive to large areas of central Alaska. We show that simulated PolarVPRM/WRF-STILT CO2 mole fractions show remarkably good agreement with tower observations, suggesting that the WRF-STILT model represents the meteorology of the region quite well, and that the PolarVPRM flux magnitudes and spatial distribution are consistent with CO2 mole fractions observed at the CARVE tower. CO2 signals at the tower are larger than predicted, with significant respiration occurring in the fall that is not captured by PolarVPRM. Using the WRF-STILT model, we find that average CH4 fluxes in boreal Alaska are somewhat lower than flux estimates by Chang et al. (2014) over all of Alaska for May–September 2012; we also find emissions persist during some wintertime periods, augmenting those observed during the summer and fall. The presence of significant fall and winter CO2 and CH4 fluxes underscores the need for year-round in-situ observations to quantify changes in boreal Alaskan annual carbon balance.
Controls on hydrologic drought duration in near-natural streamflow in Europe and the USA
Authors: Tijdeman E. , Bachmair S. , Stahl K.
Published: December 2015

Abstract. Climate classification systems, such as Köppen–Geiger and the aridity index, are often used in large-scale drought modeling studies and in drought monitoring and early warning systems to stratify regions with similar hydro-climatic drought properties. What is currently lacking is a large-scale evaluation of the relation between climate and hydrologic drought characteristics. In this study we explored how suitable common climate classifications are for differentiating river basins according to their characteristic hydrologic drought duration and whether drought durations within the same climate classes are comparable between different regions. This study uses a dataset of 808 near-natural streamflow records from Europe and the USA to answer these questions. First, we grouped drought duration distributions of each record over different classes of climate classification systems and individual climate and catchment controls. Then, we compared these drought duration distributions of all classes within each climate classification system or classification based on individual controls. Results showed that climate classification systems that include absolute precipitation in their classification scheme (e.g., the aridity index) are most suitable to differentiate basins according to drought duration within both the USA and Europe. However, differences in duration distributions were found for the same climate classes in Europe and the USA. These differences are likely caused by differences in precipitation, in catchment controls as expressed by the base flow index and in differences in climate beyond the total water balance (e.g., seasonality in precipitation), which have shown to exert a control on drought duration as well. Climate classification systems that include an absolute precipitation control can be tailored into drought monitoring and early warning systems for Europe and the USA to define regions with different sensitivities to hydrologic droughts, which, for example, have been found to be higher in basins with a low aridity index. However, stratification of basins according to these climate classification systems is likely to be complemented with information of other climate classification systems (Köppen–Geiger) and individual controls (precipitation and the base flow index), especially in a comparative study between Europe and the USA.
Steinbeck's Pregnant Bodies: Childbirth, Land, and Production
Authors: Restivo Julianna
Published: December 2015

The Steinbeck novels that contain scenes of childbirth attempt to revise the narrative of production to favor the masculine over the feminine. In Dubious Battle, East of Eden, The Forgotten Village, The Grapes of Wrath, and To a God Unknown represent the spectrum of types of childbirth that ranges from the successful male-centric model to the disastrous female-led birth in The Forgotten Village and The Grapes of Wrath. This revision of the generative power of women is a part of Steinbeck's broader revision of the production narrative as it relates to his social commentaries about the land.
Diminishing the Discontent: A Biological Perspective on Ethan Allen Hawley and the New Baytown Tide Pool
Authors: Powers Lawrence Wade
Published: December 2015

No work of John Steinbeck has received more controversy, disparate opinion, and misinterpretation than his last novel, The Winter of Our Discontent. Many critics characterize the protagonist, Ethan Allen Hawley, as immoral, greedy, and a Judas-like betrayer of friend and associates. Several critiques characterize the story as vague, implausible, and irresolute, especially in comparison to Steinbeck's earlier California novels. In this article, the morality of Hawley's decisions and the structural format of this complex novel are examined in biological terms of adaptability, survival, and the community tide pool. Key passages from Sea of Cortez and excerpts from Steinbeck: A Life in Letters illuminate the rationale for Ethan's character and relationships with his family and others in New Baytown. The novel and Ethan's behavior are compared with the Arthurian principles that Steinbeck extolled in his life and works. Finally, a case is presented for reading The Winter of Our Discontent as an “experiment” that worked and as a novel that accomplished what its author intended.
The likelihood of having a serum PSA level of ≥2.5 ng/mL according to the degree of fatty liver disease in a screened population
Authors: Yoon Jong Hyun , Yang Hee Jo , Kim Jae Heon , Doo Seung Whan , Yang Won Jae , Hwang Jiyoung , Hong Seong Sook , Park Suyeon , Cho Dae Yeon
Published: December 2015

Introduction: We sought to investigate the impact of fatty liver disease (FLD) on prostate cancer (PCa) screening by estimating the odds of having a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) value over the cutoff used  to prompt for the recommendation of prostate biopsy.

Methods: Between 2007 and 2013, 18 533 native Korean men eligible to receive a serum PSA test, liver profiles, and abdominal ultrasonography were recruited. Logistic regression was used to estimate the odds of an abnormal PSA (≥2.5 ng/mL) in these men (age 45-75 years, PSA≤10 ng/mL) in relation to FLD. The FLD status was categorized as normal, mild, moderate, and severe grade by abdominal sonography.

Results: A total of 16 563 men (89.4%) were included in the study after applying the inclusion criteria. Liver profiles were negatively correlated with the serum PSA level. After controlling for age and obesity, there was a statistically significant trend towards a lower likelihood of having a serum PSA level of ≥2.5 ng/mL with severe FLD, having a 34.7% lower likelihood (odds ratio 0.653, 95% confidence interval 0.477–0.88; p<0.01) compared to men in the normal group.

Conclusions: Severe FLD is an independent predictor of a lower likelihood of having abnormal PSA level. Further studies are needed to better define these results in clinical biopsy practice.
Simultaneous percutaneous nephrolithotomy and early endoscopic ureteric realignment for iatrogenic ureteropelvic junction avulsion during ureteroscopy
Authors: El Tayeb Marawan M , Mellon Matthew J , Lingeman James E
Published: December 2015

We present a case report of successful management of ureteropelvice junction avulsion during ureteroscopy successfully managed with simultaneous percutaneous nephrolithotomy and early endoscopic ureteral realignment.
Bladder preserving approach for liposarcomatoid variant of transitional urothelial carcinoma
Authors: Singh Shrawan K , Mittal Ankur , Mukhopadhyay Abhinandan , Kakkar Nandita , Chatterjee Debajyoti
Published: December 2015

Urothelial carcinoma of the bladder with variant histologies is usually underdiagnosed and understaged. It is found in <25% of cases during transurethral resection of bladder tumours. The majority of cases carry worse prognosis, with higher rates of recurrence and progression, and should be managed agressively. Here, we report a rare case of liposarcomatoid variant of urothelial carcinoma managed by partial cystectomy and standard pelvic lymph node dissection
Bleeding due to ectopic varices in a urinary diversion: A multidisciplinary diagnostic and therapeutic challenge
Authors: Albers Acosta Eduardo Mariano , Friera Reyes Alfonsi , Brime Menéndez Ricardo
Published: December 2015

The ectopic varices in patients with portal hypertension are those that occur at any level of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, regardless of the varices that occur at the esophageal level. These ectopic varices account for 2‒5% of the causes of GI bleeding varices. The risk of bleeding is quadrupled compared to the esophagogastric area, with a mortality of up to 40%. The transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt, should be considered in cases secondary to recurrent bleeding varices. We present a case report of an urological emergency of bleeding in a urinary diversion secondary to ectopic varices successfully treated through the placement of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt. The condition described here is rare, but important, as it can be a life-threatening complication of portal hypertension. This kind of complication should be known by urologic surgeons managing patients with urinary diversions.
Incidentally diagnosed post-cesarean vesicouterine fistula (Youssef’s syndrome)
Authors: Keskin Mehmet Zeynel , Budak Salih , Can Ertan , Ilbey Yusuf Ozlem
Published: December 2015

Vesicouterine fistula (VUF) is a very rare occurrence and is estimated to occur in only 1–4% of all genitourinary fistulas; 90% of cases are Youssef syndrome, which is accompanied by amenorrhea and cyclic hematuria (menouria). In this article, a renal transplant donor who was incidentally diagnosed with Youssef syndrome 20 years after a second cesarean delivery.
A single-centre experience with tumour tract seeding associated with needle manipulation of renal cell carcinomas
Authors: Viswanathan Aravind , Ingimarsson Johann P , Seigne John D , Schned Alan R
Published: December 2015

With the rise in detection of incidental renal masses on imaging, there has been a commensurate rise in the use of percutaneous biopsies for evaluation of these tumours. Tumour tract seeding had previously been one of the most feared complications of percutaneous biopsy of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Recently, less emphasis has been placed on this complication, with the assertion that it has only been reported eight times in literature, and thus must be exceedingly rare. However, we report two cases of tumour tract seeding associated with percutaneous biopsy and treatment of RCC over a short time period at a single institution. This report challenges the current extremely low estimates of the frequency of this complication and calls for a more realistic assessment.
Multiple secondary malignancies following radiation therapy for testicular cancer
Authors: Neufeld Sam , Kroczak Tadeusz , Drachenberg Darrel
Published: December 2015

Testicular germ cell tumours (TGCT) are a rare malignancy that affect primarily young men. We present an interesting case of nonseminoma testicular cancer treated with external beam radiation therapy (RT), which subsequently resulted in two separate secondary malignancies decades after initial treatment.
A Rapid Method for Analysis of Phenylalanine in Cereal Products by MEKC-UV Using LC/MS/MS as a Comparative Method
Authors: Valese Andressa Camargo , Vitali Luciano , Fett Roseane , Micke Gustavo Amadeu , de Oliveira Marcone Augusto Leal , Oliveira Costa Ana Carolina
Published: December 2015

The aim of this study was to develop a new and fast micellar electrokinetic chromatography (MEKC) method for the determination of phenylalanine in cereal samples. The background electrolyte was chosen by a factorial design and was composed of 30 mmol/L phosphoric acid, 100 mmol/L sodium dodecyl sulfate, and 25% methanol (v/v) at pH 1.9. A fused silica capillary (48.5 cm total length × 8.5 cm effective length × 50 μm id × 375 μm od) was used in a short-end injection configuration, and direct UV detection was at 200 nm. The method was validated following the Eurachem guidelines, and values such as linearity (from 10.1 to 40.4 mg/L); recovery (86.8–103.9%); repeatability (0.06–0.22% for migration time and 1.14–4.82% for peak area); reproducibility (0.04–0.61% for migration time and 2.22–5.72% for peak area); and LOD and LOQ of 20 and 60 mg/100 g, respectively, were obtained. After the comparison involving selectivity and accuracy between capillary electrophoresis and LC/MS/MS method, the MEKC-UV method was successfully applied to analysis of phenylalanine in different cereal products.
Detection of Adulterated Vegetable Oils Containing Waste Cooking Oils Based on the Contents and Ratios of Cholesterol, β-Sitosterol, and Campesterol by Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Zhao Haixiang , Wang Yongli , Xu Xiuli , Ren Heling , Li Li , Xiang Li , Zhong Weike
Published: December 2015

A simple and accurate authentication method for the detection of adulterated vegetable oils that contain waste cooking oil (WCO) was developed. This method is based on the determination of cholesterol, β-sitosterol, and campesterol in vegetable oils and WCO by GC/MS without any derivatization. A total of 148 samples involving 12 types of vegetable oil and WCO were analyzed. According to the results, the contents and ratios of cholesterol, β-sitosterol, and campesterol were found to be criteria for detecting vegetable oils adulterated with WCO. This method could accurately detect adulterated vegetable oils containing 5% refined WCO. The developed method has been successfully applied to multilaboratory analysis of 81 oil samples. Seventy-five samples were analyzed correctly, and only six adulterated samples could not be detected. This method could not yet be used for detection of vegetable oils adulterated with WCO that are used for frying non-animal foods. It provides a quick method for detecting adulterated edible vegetable oils containing WCO.
Determination of β-N-methylamino-L-alanine, N-(2-aminoethyl)glycine, and 2,4-diaminobutyric acid in Food Products Containing Cyanobacteria by Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography and Tandem Mass Spectrometry: Single-Laboratory Validation
Authors: Glover W Broc , Baker Teesha C , Murch Susan J , Brown Paula
Published: December 2015

A single-laboratory validation study was completed for the determination of β- N -methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA), N -(2-aminoethyl)glycine (AEG), and 2,4-diaminobutyric acid (DAB) in bulk natural health product supplements purchased from a health food store in Canada. BMAA and its isomers were extracted with acid hydrolysis to free analytes from protein association. Acid was removed with the residue evaporated to dryness and reconstituted with derivatization using 6-aminoquinolyl- N - hydroxysuccinimidyl carbamate (AccQ-Fluor). Chromatographic separation and detection were achieved using RP ultra-performance LC coupled to a tandem mass spectrometer operated in multiple reaction monitoring mode. Data from biological samples were evaluated for precision and accuracy across different days to ensure repeatability. Accuracy was assessed by spike recovery of biological samples using varying amino acid concentrations, with an average recovery across all samples of 108.6%. The analytical range was found to be 764–0.746 ng/mL prior to derivatization, thereby providing a linear range compatible with potentially widely varying analyte concentrations in commercial health food products. Both the U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and U. S. Pharmacopeia definitions were evaluated for determining method limits, with the FDA approach found to be most suitable having an LOD of 0.187 ng/mL and LLOQ of 0.746 ng/mL. BMAA in the collected specimens was detected at concentrations lower than 1 μg/g, while AEG and DAB were found at concentrations as high as 100 μg/g. Finding these analytes, even at low concentrations, has potential public health significance and suggests a need to screen such products prior to distribution. The method described provides a rapid, accurate, and precise method to facilitate that screening process.
Determination of 11 Cannabinoids in Biomass and Extracts of Different Varieties of Cannabis Using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography
Authors: Gul Waseem , Gul Shahbaz W , Radwan Mohamed M , Wanas Amira S , Mehmedic Zlatko , Khan Ikhlas I , Sharaf Maged H M , ElSohly Mahmoud A
Published: December 2015

An HPLC single-laboratory validation was performed for the detection and quantification of the 11 major cannabinoids in most cannabis varieties, namely, cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), cannabigerol (CBG), cannabidiol (CBD), tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), cannabinol (CBN), Δ9-trans-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), Δ8- trans-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ8-THC), cannabicyclol (CBL), cannabichromene (CBC), and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid-A (THCAA). The analysis was carried out on the biomass and extracts of these varieties. Methanol–chloroform (9:1, v/v) was used for extraction, 4-androstene-3,17-dione was used as the internal standard, and separation was achieved in 22.2 min on a C18 column using a two- step gradient elution. The method was validated for the 11 cannabinoids. The concentration-response relationship of the method indicated a linear relationship between the concentration and peak area with r2 values of >0.99 for all 11 cannabinoids. Method accuracy was determined through a spike study, and recovery ranged from 89.7 to 105.5% with an RSD of 0.19 to 6.32% for CBDA, CBD, THCV, CBN, Δ9-THC, CBL, CBC, and THCAA; recovery was 84.7, 84.2, and 67.7% for the minor constituents, CBGA, CBG, and Δ8-THC, respectively, with an RSD of 2.58 to 4.96%. The validated method is simple, sensitive, and reproducible and is therefore suitable for the detection and quantification of these cannabinoids in different types of cannabis plant materials.
Determination of Myo-Inositol in Infant, Pediatric, and Adult Formulas by Liquid Chromatography-Pulsed Amperometric Detection with Column Switching: Collaborative Study, Final Action 2011.18
Authors: Butler-Thompson Linda D , Jacobs Wesley A , Schimpf Karen J ,   Collaborators:, Austad J , Basumallick L , Bolong W U , Chen L , Christiansen S , Domer C , Ellingson D , Lautenschlager G , Malaviole I , Purachaka S , Wang G , Xong F
Published: December 2015

AOAC First Action Method 2011.18, Myo-Inositol (Free and Bound as Phosphatidylinositol) in Infant and Pediatric Formulas and Adult Nutritionals, was collaboratively studied. With this method free myo-inositol and phosphatidylinositol bound myo-inositol are extracted using two different sample preparation procedures, separated by ion chromatography using a combination of Dionex Carbo Pac PA1 and MA1 columns with column switching, and detected with pulsed amperometry using a gold electrode. Free myo-inositol is extracted from samples with dilute hydrochloric acid and water. Phosphatidylinositol is extracted from samples with chloroform and separated from other fats with silica SPE cartridges. Myo-inositol is then released from the glycerol backbone with concentrated acetic and hydrochloric acids at 120°C. During this collaborative study, nine laboratories from five different countries analyzed blind duplicates of nine infant and pediatric nutritional formulas for both free and phosphatidylinositol bound myo-inositol, and one additional laboratory only completed the free myo-inositol analyses. The method demonstrated acceptable repeatability and reproducibility and met the AOAC Stakeholder Panel on Infant Formula and Adult Nutritionals (SPIFAN) Standard Method Performance Requirements (SMPRs®) for free myo-inositol plus phosphatidylinositol bound myo-inositol for all the matrixes analyzed. SMPRs for repeatability were ≤5% RSD at myo-inositol concentrations of 2–68 mg/100 g ready-to-feed (RTF) liquid. SMPRs for reproducibility were ≤8% RSD in products with myo-inositol concentrations ranging from 2 to 68 mg/100 g RTF liquid. During this collaborative study, repeatability RSDs ranged from 0.51 to 3.22%, and RSDs ranged from 2.66 to 7.55% for free myo-inositol plus phosphatidylinositol bound myo-inositol.
Determination of Vitamin B12 in Infant, Adult, and Pediatric Formulas by HPLC-UV and Column Switching: Collaborative Study, Final Action 2011.10
Authors: Butler-Thompson Linda D , Jacobs Wesley A , Schimpf Karen J ,   Collaborators:, Austad J , Chen B , Christiansen S , Domer C , Hostetler G , Labitan D , Liu B , Malaviole I , Marosanović B , Martin F , Mittal A , Oberson J M , Ruosch A , Shen Y , Wang G
Published: December 2015

AOAC First Action Method 2011.10, Vitamin B12 in Infant and Pediatric Formulas and Adult Nutritionals, was collaboratively studied. This method uses a pH 4.5 sodium acetate buffer and potassium cyanide at 105°C to extract and convert all biologically active forms of vitamin B12 present to cyanocobalamin; octylsilyl (C8) or C18 SPE cartridges to purify and concentrate cyanocobalamin; a combination of size-exclusion and RPLC to isolate cyanocobalamin; and visible absorbance at 550 nm to detect and quantitate cyanocobalamin in infant, pediatric, and adult nutritionals with vitamin B12 concentrations greater than 0.025 μg/100 g ready-to-feed (RTF) liquid. During this collaborative study, nine to 11 laboratories from eight different countries analyzed blind duplicates of 12 infant, pediatric, and adult nutritional formulas. Per the AOAC Expert Review Panel (ERP) on Stakeholder Panel on Infant Formula and Adult Nutritionals (SPIFAN) Nutrient Methods the method demonstrated acceptable repeatability and reproducibility and met SPIFAN Standard Method Performance Requirements (SMPRs®) for the majority of product matrixes analyzed. Vitamin B12 SPIFAN SMPRs for repeatability were ≤15% RSD at vitamin B12 concentrations of 0.01 μg/100 g RTF liquid and ≤7% RSD at vitamin B12 concentrations of 0.2–5.0 μg/100 g RTF liquid. Vitamin B12 SPIFAN SMPRs for reproducibility were ≤11% RSD in products with vitamin B12 concentrations ranging from 0.3 to 5.0 μg/100 g RTF liquid. During this collaborative study, the RSDr ranged from 2.98 to 9.77%, and the RSDR ranged from 3.54 to 19.5%. During previous single-laboratory validation studies, the method LOQ was estimated to be 0.025 μg/100 g RTF liquid.
Determination of Labeled Fatty Acids Content in Milk Products, Infant Formula, and Adult/Pediatric Nutritional Formula by Capillary Gas Chromatography: Single-Laboratory Validation, First Action 2012.13
Authors: Golay Pierre-Alain , Dong Yan
Published: December 2015

The method described is intended for the quantification of all fatty acids, including commercially important groups of fatty acids used for labeling reasons [i. e., trans fatty acids, saturated fatty acids, monounsaturated fatty acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9] and/or individual fatty acids (i. e., linoleic acid, α-linolenic acid, arachidonic acid, ecosapentaenoic acid, and docosahexaenoic acid) in milk products, infant formula, and adult/pediatric nutritional formula. These products often contain milk fat and/or vegetable oils and are supplemented or not supplemented with oils rich in long-chain PUFA. The determination is performed by direct transesterification of ready-to-feed (RTF) liquid concentrate or powder products without prior fat extraction. Single-laboratory validation (SLV) data were submitted to the AOAC Expert Review Panel (ERP) on Nutrient Methods for review at the AOAC Annual Meeting held on September 30 to October 3, 2012, in Las Vegas, NV. The ERP determined that the data reviewed met the Standard Method Performance Requirements (SMPR® 2012.011) set by the AOAC Stakeholder Panel on Infant Formula and Adult Nutritionals (SPIFAN) and was approved as an AOAC Official First Action method. The analytical range for SPIFAN samples was between 0.001 and 7.94 g/100 g reconstituted product or RTF liquid. LOQ was estimated as 0.001 g/100 g, while repeatability and intermediate precision were both less than 1.8% RSD above 0.05 g/100 g and <3.5% RSD at 0.005 g/100 g. Recovery values based on spiking experiments at two different levels of linoleic and linolenic acids ranged from 100.0 to 102.9% for three different SPIFAN products. All the parameters evaluated during the SLV were well within the values defined in SMPR 2012.011.
Automated Aflatoxin Analysis Using Inline Reusable Immunoaffinity Column Cleanup and LC-Fluorescence Detection
Authors: Rhemrev Ria , Pazdanska Monika , Marley Elaine , Biselli Scarlett , Staiger Simone
Published: December 2015

A novel reusable immunoaffinity cartridge containing monoclonal antibodies to aflatoxins coupled to a pressure resistant polymer has been developed. The cartridge is used in conjunction with a handling system inline to LC with fluorescence detection to provide fully automated aflatoxin analysis for routine monitoring of a variety of food matrixes. The handling system selects an immunoaffinity cartridge from a tray and automatically applies the sample extract. The cartridge is washed, then aflatoxins B1, B2, G1, and G2 are eluted and transferred inline to the LC system for quantitative analysis using fluorescence detection with postcolumn derivatization using a KOBRA® cell. Each immunoaffinity cartridge can be used up to 15 times without loss in performance, offering increased sample throughput and reduced costs compared to conventional manual sample preparation and cleanup. The system was validated in two independent laboratories using samples of peanuts and maize spiked at 2, 8, and 40 μg/kg total aflatoxins, and paprika, nutmeg, and dried figs spiked at 5, 20, and 100 μg/kg total aflatoxins. Recoveries exceeded 80% for both aflatoxin B1 and total aflatoxins. The between-day repeatability ranged from 2.1 to 9.6% for aflatoxin B1 for the six levels and five matrixes. Satisfactory Z -scores were obtained with this automated system when used for participation in proficiency testing (FAPAS®) for samples of chilli powder and hazelnut paste containing aflatoxins.
QuickTox™ Kit for QuickScan Aflatoxin FREE
Authors: Polakowski Sergiusz , Roberts Russell W , Tanguay Keith , Bailey Cheryl , Davis Alan H , Gow Brendan
Published: December 2015

The QuickTox Kit for QuickScan Aflatoxin FREE uses competitive lateral flow technology and a reader based system for quantitative determination of total aflatoxins in varied matrixes. Aqueous based extraction protocols are used for corn and wheat, reducing use of solvents. Fifty percent ethanol (Reagent Alcohol) extraction is used for oats, sorghum, and barley. Eighty percent ethanol (Reagent Alcohol) extraction is used for whole peanut, peanut seed, and peanut hull samples. Matrix specific assay procedures and calibration curves are used to enable analyses across multiple sample types. The performance of this assay was examined using naturally contaminated aflatoxin corn samples and spiked samples of barley, oats, sorghum, wheat, whole peanut, peanut seed, and peanut hull samples. All data were judged against previously established acceptance criteria. Performance was evaluated in linearity, selectivity, matrix, lot consistency, and robustness experiments in the sponsor's laboratory. Results produced in all studies except robustness were within acceptable ranges. Out of range robustness study results reflected simultaneous deviation in sample volume and assay development time compared to the standard assay procedures. Aflatoxin B1, B2, and G1 were detected with approximately equal sensitivity; sensitivity for G2 was 64% that of B1. The presence of other common mycotoxins did not interfere with the assay. Matrix studies in an independent laboratory examined corn and barley to challenge both aqueous and ethanol based extraction procedures. All data points in these studies fell within the ranges defined in the acceptance criteria. The assay exhibited a linear dose response over the range tested, 0–100 ppb, with R2 values exceeding 0.93 and RSDr values for results ranging from 2.27 to 23.84%.
Crystal Diagnostics Xpress E7 STEC Kit for the Rapid Multiplex Detection of E. coli O157 and non-O157 Shiga toxin-producing E. coli
Authors: Zhao Weidong , Stumpf Curtis H , Bullard Brian , Kuzenko Stephanie , Niehaus Gary D
Published: December 2015

The Crystal Diagnostics (CDx) Xpress E7 STEC kit is a rapid and sensitive detection assay for the detection of Escherichia coli O157 and six non-O157 Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (serogroups O26, O45, O1O3, O111, O121, and O145, collectively referred to as STEC) at 1 CFU/325 g of raw ground beef and raw beef trim, or 200 g of spinach. The system comprises an automatic Crystal Diagnostics Xpress System Reader that integrates immunochemical and optical processes for the liquid crystal-based detection of microorganisms, a CDx BioCassette that incorporates antibody-coupled microspheres and liquid crystal for selective identification of the intended microbe, and additional commercially available components. The Crystal Diagnostics Xpress SystemTM combines proprietary liquid crystal technology with antibody-coated paramagnetic microspheres to selectively capture and detect STEC from food matrixes. The Xpress System expeditiously (9.5 h enrichment) provides the sensitivity and specificity of the U. S. Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service and the U. S. Food and Drug Administration reference methods in screening as low as 1 STEC CFU/test portion. The inclusivity validation demonstrated detection of 53 of 54 STEC test strains. Shelf life testing of the antibody-coated microspheres and other Crystal Diagnostic consumables indicated that all materials were stable for a minimum of 3 months (ongoing), and lot-to-lot testing demonstrated consistent results between lots (data not shown). The internal and independent laboratory tests demonstrate that the method is rapid and sensitive for screening of the target STEC.
A gene-expression screen identifies a non-toxic sumoylation inhibitor that mimics SUMO-less human LRH-1 in liver
Authors: Suzawa Miyuki , Miranda Diego A , Ramos Karmela A , Ang Kenny K-H , Faivre Emily J , Wilson Christopher G , Caboni Laura , Arkin Michelle R , Kim Yeong-Sang , Fletterick Robert J , Diaz Aaron , Schneekloth John S , Ingraham Holly A
Published: December 2015

SUMO-modification of nuclear proteins has profound effects on gene expression. However, non-toxic chemical tools that modulate sumoylation in cells are lacking. Here, to identify small molecule sumoylation inhibitors we developed a cell-based screen that focused on the well-sumoylated substrate, human Liver Receptor Homolog-1 (hLRH-1, NR5A2). Our primary gene-expression screen assayed two SUMO-sensitive transcripts, APOC3 and MUC1, that are upregulated by SUMO-less hLRH-1 or by siUBC9 knockdown, respectively. A polyphenol, tannic acid (TA) emerged as a potent sumoylation inhibitor in vitro (IC50 = 12.8 µM) and in cells. TA also increased hLRH-1 occupancy on SUMO-sensitive transcripts. Most significantly, when tested in humanized mouse primary hepatocytes, TA inhibits hLRH-1 sumoylation and induces SUMO-sensitive genes, thereby recapitulating the effects of expressing SUMO-less hLRH-1 in mouse liver. Our findings underscore the benefits of phenotypic screening for targeting post-translational modifications, and illustrate the potential utility of TA for probing the cellular consequences of sumoylation.
Boligblokker i hardt klima. Hesteskoblokka i Hammerfest og Ormen långe i Svappavaara
Authors: Haugdal Elin
Published: December 2015

Large scale residential buildings from the modernist era have been severly criticized for being hostile both towards people and the environment. In small towns and in less urbanized areas in northern Scandinavia such residential blocks are highly visible elements in the landscape. When Hesteskoblokka (architect Astrup and Hellern) was erected in the recreational area outside Hammerfest in 1965 it was the largest residential block in Norway. A similar block, Ormen Långe (architect Ralph Erskine), was completed in Svappavaara in 1965. Both buildings contained apartments for workers in, respectively, the frozen food company Findus and in LKAB mining company. Brand new, they were strong symbols of growing industrial activity and modernization of the north. The blocks were similarly heavily affected by the economic downturn in the following decades, turned into slum or vacated. However, these blocks are not only sociologically interesting, but also the first in the Nordic countries where the architects undertook climate analyses. Both Hesteskoblokka and Ormen Långe obtained their form according to topographical and climatic conditions. Thus they were part of a growing environmentally conscious architecture and a new regionalism within the modernist architecture. This article discusses the attempts of new regionalism in the late modern architecture in the north, and questions both its ideas and realizations.
Ekebergparken, landskap og demokrati
Authors: Jørgensen Karsten
Published: December 2015

The article reflects on the relationship between landscape architects, influential clients, and public involvement in Ekeberg, a publicly owned area of Oslo, where significant changes have taken place since the beginning of World War II. “Ekebergparken” was established as a public sculpture park in 2013. The park is funded entirely by private funds owned by the investor Christian Ringnes. The plans for the park sparked a public debate about private investor influence over public space, and protesters organized demonstrations against the establishment. After the opening of the park, the opposition has subsided, and criticism has been replaced by praise and recognition. Inside the park, there are remains of an honorary cemetery established by the German occupying forces in 1940. An honorary tribunal set up by the Association of Norwegian landscape architects condemned the Norwegian landscape architects who designed the cemetery for Germans after the war ended in 1945. The development of the park in both cases raises questions of democratic control over public space and ethical frames for landscape architects’ work. The two examples in this article show that understanding or lack of understanding of the political context landscape architects are working in, can result in their work subsequently receiving wide recognition in one case, and is characterized as a democratic failure in the other.