bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence-Value-Accuracy Plots: A New Method for Comparing Diagnostic Tests Based on Misclassification Costs
Authors: Remaley Alan T , Sampson Maureen L , DeLeo James M , Remaley Nancy A , Farsi Beriuse D , Zweig Mark H
Published: July 2020

The clinical accuracy of diagnostic tests commonly is assessed by ROC analysis. ROC plots, however, do not directly incorporate the effect of prevalence or the value of the possible test outcomes on test performance, which are two important factors in the practical utility of a diagnostic test. We describe a new graphical method, referred to as a prevalence-value-accuracy (PVA) plot analysis, which includes, in addition to accuracy, the effect of prevalence and the cost of misclassifications (false positives and false negatives) in the comparison of diagnostic test performance. PVA plots are contour plots that display the minimum cost attributable to misclassifications (z-axis) at various optimum decision thresholds over a range of possible values for prevalence (x-axis) and the unit cost ratio (UCR; y-axis), which is an index of the cost of a false-positive vs a false-negative test result. Another index based on the cost of misclassifications can be derived from PVA plots for the quantitative comparison of test performance. Depending on the region of the PVA plot that is used to calculate the misclassification cost index, it can potentially lead to a different interpretation than the ROC area index on the relative value of different tests. A PVA-threshold plot, which is a variation of a PVA plot, is also described for readily identifying the optimum decision threshold at any given prevalence and UCR. In summary, the advantages of PVA plot analysis are the following: (a) it directly incorporates the effect of prevalence and misclassification costs in the analysis of test performance; (b) it yields a quantitative index based on the costs of misclassifications for comparing diagnostic tests; (c) it provides a way to restrict the comparison of diagnostic test performance to a clinically relevant range of prevalence and UCR; and (d) it can be used to directly identify an optimum decision threshold based on prevalence and misclassification costs.
Clinical Utility of Biochemical Markers of Bone Remodeling
Authors: Watts Nelson B
Published: July 2020

Remodeling is essential for bone health. It begins with resorption of old bone by osteoclasts, followed by the formation of new bone by osteoblasts. Remodeling is coupled (formation is linked to resorption). After middle age or perhaps beginning earlier, bone loss occurs because resorption exceeds formation. This imbalance is accentuated by estrogen deficiency as well as by many diseases and conditions. Biochemical markers that reflect remodeling and can be measured in blood or urine include resorption markers (e.g., collagen cross-links) and formation markers (e.g., alkaline phosphatase).

Bone markers exhibit substantial short-term and long-term fluctuations related to time of day, phase of the menstrual cycle, and season of the year, as well as diet, exercise, and anything else that alters bone remodeling. These biological factors, in addition to assay imprecision, produce significant intra- and interindividual variability in markers.

Bone marker measurements are noninvasive, inexpensive, and can be repeated often. Unfortunately, most of the studies that provided insight on clinical situations did not focus on markers as a primary endpoint. Bone markers have been useful in clinical practice and have been helpful in understanding the pathogenesis of osteoporosis and the mechanism of action of therapies. In clinical trials, markers aid in selecting optimal dose and in understanding the time course of onset and resolution of treatment effect. Clinical questions that might be answered by bone markers include diagnosing osteoporosis, identifying “fast bone losers” and patients at high risk of fracture, selecting the best treatment for osteoporosis, and providing an early indication of the response to treatment. Additional information is needed to define specific situations and cut points to allow marker results to be used with confidence in making decisions about individual patients.
Objective Criteria for Partitioning Gaussian-distributed Reference Values into Subgroups
Authors: Lahti Ari , Hyltoft Petersen Per , Boyd James C , Fraser Callum G , Jørgensen Nils
Published: July 2020

Background: The aim of this study was to develop new and useful criteria for partitioning reference values into subgroups applicable to gaussian distributions and to distributions that can be transformed to gaussian distributions.

Methods: The proposed criteria relate to percentages of the subgroups outside each of the reference limits of the combined distribution. Critical values suggested as partitioning criteria for these percentages were derived from analytical bias quality specifications for using common reference intervals throughout a geographic area. As alternative partitioning criteria to the actual percentages, these were transformed mathematically to critical distances between the reference limits of the subgroup distributions, to be applied to each pair of reference limits, the upper and the lower, at a time. The new criteria were tested using data on various plasma proteins collected from ∼500 reference individuals, and the outcomes were compared with those given by the currently widely applied and recommended partitioning model of Harris and Boyd, the “Harris-Boyd model”.

Results: We suggest 4.1% as the critical minimum percentage outside that would justify partitioning into subgroups, and 3.2% as the critical maximum percentage outside that would justify combining them. Percentages between these two values should be classified as marginal, implying that nonstatistical considerations are required to make the final decision on partitioning. The correlation between the critical percentages and the critical distances was mathematically precise in the new model, whereas this correlation is rather approximate in the Harris-Boyd model because focus on the difference between means in this model makes high precision hard to achieve. The application examples suggested that the new model is more radical than the Harris-Boyd model.

Conclusions: New percentage and distance criteria, to be used for partitioning gaussian-distributed data, have been developed. The distance criteria, applied separately to both reference limit pairs of the subgroup distributions, seemed more reliable and correlated more accurately with the critical percentages than the distance criteria of the Harris-Boyd model. As opposed to the Harris-Boyd model, the new model is easily adjustable to new critical values of the percentages, should they need to be changed in the future.
Differential Migration in Western Sandpipers with Respect to Body Size and Wing Length
Authors: O'Hara Patrick D. , Fernández Guillermo , Haase Ben , de la Cueva Horacio , Lank David B.
Published: July 2020

We examined differential migration in the Western Sandpiper (Calidris mauri) with respect to body size and wing chord allometry within sex and age categories. Culmen and wing chord data were collected as indices of structural body size at three sites that vary latitudinally: Ecuador, Panama, and Mexico. Within all sex and age categories, larger individuals (i.e., those with longer culmens and wing chords) and those with a disproportionately longer wing chord relative to the culmen migrated farther south. Our results, coupled with known molting schedules, indicate that i) immature sandpipers that grow disproportionately longer primary feathers on breeding grounds migrate farther during their first southward migration, and ii) adults that fly farther grow disproportionately longer primary feathers on the nonbreeding grounds. Although no single-factor hypothesis accounts for all aspects of age, sex, and size of Western Sandpiper distributions, costs associated with flight during migration play a significant role in determining differential nonbreeding latitudinal distributions.
P787Long-term prognostic value of the combination of fibrosis-4 index and acute kidney injury in patients with admitted for acute decompensated heart failure
Authors: Yamada T , Morita T , Furukawa Y , Tamaki S , Kawasaki M , Kikuchi A , Kawai T , Seo M , Nakamura J , Abe M , Yamamoto K , Kayama K , Kawahira M , Tanabe K , Fukunami M
Published: July 2020

Background

Liver dysfunction in patients with heart failure (HF) is caused by liver congestion, which is related to liver stiffness. It was reported that liver stiffness assessed by non-invasive fibrosis marker such as Fibrosis-4 (FIB4) index (based on age, aspartate aminotransferase [AST] and alanine aminotransferase [ALT] levels, and platelet counts) predicts mortality in HF pts. Acute kidney injury (AKI) during HF treatment is associated with poor outcome in pts admitted for acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF). However, there is no information available on the long-term prognostic significance of the combination of FIB4 index and AKI in ADHF pts.

Methods and results

We studied 299 ADHF pts with survival discharge. FIB4 index was calculated by the formula: age (yrs) × AST[U/L]/(platelets [103/μL] × (ALT[U/L])1/2). AKI during ADHF treatment was defined according to AKI Network criteria (stage 1: mild, stage 2: moderate, stage 3: severe). During a follow-up period of 4.3±3.3 yrs, 94 pts died. At multivariate Cox analysis, FIB4 index and stage2/3 AKI, but not stage1 AKI, significantly associated with total mortality, independently of prior HF hospitalization and serum sodium and blood urea nitrogen levels after adjustment with BMI, systolic blood pressure, hemoglobin, serum creatinine and albumin levels, left ventricular end-diastolic and left atrial dimension indexes. Pts with both greater FIB4 index (>2.674: median) and stage 2/3 AKI had a significantly higher risk of total mortality than those with none of them. Adjusted hazard ratio in pts with both greater FIB4 index and stage 2/3 AKI was 3.5 (95% CI 1.6–7.7), which was two-fold of that in pts with either of them (1.7 [95% CI 1.1–2.7]).

Conclusion

The combination of FIB4 index and moderate to severe AKI might identify higher risk subset for total mortality in ADHF pts.
P964Relationships between extent of ischemic burden and changes in absolute myocardial perfusion after chronic total occlusion percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Schumacher S P , Kockx M , Stuijfzand W J , Driessen R S , Van Diemen P A , Bom M J , Everaars H , Raijmakers P G , Boellaard R , Van Rossum A C , Opolski M P , Nap A , Knaapen P
Published: July 2020

Background

The patient benefits after chronic coronary total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) are being questioned.

Purpose

The present study explored the relationships between baseline ischemic burden findings and subsequent changes in absolute myocardial perfusion after CTO PCI.

Methods

Consecutive patients underwent serial [15O]H2O positron emission tomography perfusion imaging prior and 3 months after successful CTO PCI. Change in perfusion defect size (in myocardial segments), quantitative (hyperemic) myocardial blood flow (MBF) and coronary flow reserve (CFR) in the CTO area were compared between patients with a limited (0–1 segment), moderate (2–3 segments) and large perfusion defect (≥4 segments).

Results

193 patients were included, with 15, 61 and 117 patients having a limited, moderate and large perfusion defect at baseline. Hyperemic MBF and CFR were lower in a large perfusion defect compared to smaller defects (all comparisons p<0.01). The median decrease in defect size was 1 [0–1] vs 2 [1–3] vs 4 [2–5] in patients with a limited, moderate and large defect (all comparisons p<0.01), whereas hyperemic MBF and CFR improved significantly regardless of baseline defect size (between groups p=0.45 and p=0.55, respectively). Furthermore, when all 193 patients were divided in a low, median and high tertile based on hyperemic MBF and CFR at baseline, changes in hyperemic MBF and CFR after CTO PCI were comparable between patients in different tertiles (between groups p=0.75 and p=0.79, respectively)

Conclusions

Patients with a CTO and a larger perfusion defect have more severe hyperemic MBF and CFR levels. Major reductions in ischemic burden can be achieved by CTO PCI, with more defect size reduction in patients with a larger perfusion defect, whereas hyperemic MBF and CFR significantly improve irrespective of starting values before PCI.

Acknowledgement/Funding

None
Description of Shewanella salipaludis sp. nov., isolated from a salt marsh
Authors: Park Sooyeon , Chen Siyu , Lee Jung-Sook , Kim Wonyong , Yoon Jung-Hoon
Published: July 2020

A Gram-stain-negative and flagellated bacterial strain, SHSM-M6T, was isolated from salt marsh from Yellow Sea, Republic of Korea. Neighbor-joining phylogenetic tree of 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain SHSM-M6T belongs to the genus Shewanella. 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity values between strain SHSM-M6T and the type strains of Shewanella species were <98.0%. The average nucleotide identity and DNA–DNA hybridization values between genomic sequences of strain SHSM-M6T and the type strains of Shewanella species were <73.3 and 20.7%, respectively. Strain SHSM-M6T contained MK-6 as predominant menaquinone and Q-7 and Q-8 as the predominant ubiquinones. The novel strain contained C16:1ω7c and/or C16:1ω6c, iso-C15:0 and C16:0 as major fatty acids. Major polar lipids of strain SHSM-M6T were phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, one unidentified lipid, one unidentified aminolipid and one unidentified phospholipid. Differential phenotypic properties of strain SHSM-M6T, together with its phylogenetic and genetic distinctiveness, revealed that strain SHSM-M6T is separated from recognized Shewanella species. On the basis of the data presented, strain SHSM-M6T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Shewanella, for which the name Shewanella salipaludis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is SHSM-M6T (=KACC 19901T = NBRC 113646T).
Archaea join the conversation: detection of AHL-like activity across a range of archaeal isolates
Authors: Charlesworth James , Kimyon Onder , Manefield Michael , Beloe Charlotte J , Burns Brendan P
Published: July 2020

Quorum sensing is a mechanism of genetic control allowing single cell organisms to coordinate phenotypic response(s) across a local population and is often critical for ecosystem function. Although quorum sensing has been extensively studied in bacteria comparatively less is known about this mechanism in Archaea. Given the growing significance of Archaea in both natural and anthropogenic settings, it is important to delineate how widespread this phenomenon of signaling is in this domain. Employing a plasmid-based AHL biosensor in conjunction with thin-layer chromatography (TLC), the present study screened a broad range of euryarchaeota isolates for potential signaling activity. Data indicated the presence of 11 new Archaeal isolates with AHL-like activity against the LuxR-based AHL biosensor, including for the first time putative AHL activity in a thermophile. The presence of multiple signals and distinct changes between growth phases were also shown via TLC. Multiple signal molecules were detected using TLC in Haloferax mucosum, Halorubrum kocurii, Natronococcus occultus and Halobacterium salinarium. The finding of multiple novel signal producers suggests the potential for quorum sensing to play an important role not only in the regulation of complex phenotypes within Archaea but the potential for cross-talk with bacterial systems.
Association of Blood Chemistry Quantifications of Biological Aging With Disability and Mortality in Older Adults
Authors: Parker Daniel C , Bartlett Bryce N , Cohen Harvey J , Fillenbaum Gerda , Huebner Janet L , Kraus Virginia Byers , Pieper Carl , Belsky Daniel W
Published: July 2020

Quantification of biological aging has been proposed for population surveillance of age-related decline in system integrity and evaluation of geroprotective therapies. However, methods of quantifying biological aging have been little studied in geriatric populations. We analyzed three clinical-biomarker-algorithm methods to quantify biological aging. Klemera–Doubal method Biological Age and homeostatic dysregulation algorithms were parameterized from analysis of U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) data (N = 36,207) based on published methods. Levine method Biological Age was adapted from published analysis of NHANES data. Algorithms were applied to biomarker data from the Duke Established Populations for Epidemiologic Studies of the Elderly (Duke-EPESE) cohort of older adults (N = 1,374, aged 71–102 years, 35% male, 52% African American). We tested associations of biological aging measures with participant reported Activities of daily living (ADL), instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) dependencies, and mortality. We evaluated the sensitivity of results to the demographic composition of reference samples and biomarker sets used to develop biological aging algorithms. African American and white Duke-EPESE participants with more advanced biological aging reported dependence in more ADLs and IADLs and were at increased risk of death over follow-up through 2017. Effect sizes were similar across algorithms, but were strongest for Levine method Biological Age (per-quintile increase in ADL incidence rate ratio = 1.25, 95% confidence interval [1.17–1.37], IADL incidence rate ratio = 1.23 [1.15–1.32], mortality hazard ratio = 1.12 [1.08–1.16]). Results were insensitive to demographic composition of reference samples, but modestly sensitive to the biomarker sets used to develop biological aging algorithms. Blood-chemistry-based quantifications of biological aging show promise for evaluating the effectiveness of interventions to extend healthy life span in older adults.
More Than Selection Effects: Volunteering Is Associated With Benefits in Cognitive Functioning
Authors: Kail Ben Lennox , Carr Dawn C
Published: July 2020

Objectives

Volunteering is a lifestyle behavior that bolsters cognitive resilience. However, previous studies have not assessed the degree to which cognitive functioning is predictive of becoming a volunteer (i.e., selection into volunteering), and how this might contribute to the superior cognitive performance observed among volunteers. The purpose of this brief report is to address the role of cognition-related selection into becoming a volunteer in the association between formal volunteering and two cognitive measures: (a) overall cognitive function and (b) self-rated memory.

Method

The Health and Retirement Study was used to assess whether, net of cognitive selection into volunteering, formal volunteering is associated with cognitive function.

Results

Selection explained between 4.9% and 29% of the effect of volunteering on cognitive function (depending on the cognitive outcome and the level of volunteering). However, net of cognitive selection into volunteering, among all cognitive measures there are beneficial effects of formal volunteering on cognitive function.

Discussion

These findings suggest a proportion of the positive association between volunteering and cognitive function is explained by selection. However, net of selection, formal volunteering is associated with benefits to cognitive function. These findings offer promise for the development of volunteer-based interventions designed to bolster cognitive functioning.
Thrust Into the Spotlight: COVID-19 Focuses Media Attention on Nursing Homes
Authors: Miller Edward Alan , Simpson Elizabeth , Nadash Pamela , Gusmano Michael
Published: July 2020

Objective

This study sheds light on the agenda-setting role of the media during the COVID-19 crisis by examining trends in nursing home (NH) coverage in 4 leading national newspapers—The New York Times, Washington Post, USA Today, and Los Angeles Times.

Method

Keyword searches of the Nexis Uni database identified 2,039 NH-related articles published from September 2018 to June 2020. Trends in the frequency of NH coverage and its tone (negative) and prominence (average words, daily article count, opinion piece) were examined.

Results

Findings indicate a dramatic rise in the number of NH articles published in the months following the first COVID-19 case, far exceeding previous levels. NH coverage became considerably more prominent, as the average number of words and daily articles on NHs increased. The proportion of negative articles largely remained consistent, though volume rose dramatically. Weekly analysis revealed acceleration in observed trends within the post-COVID-19 period itself. These trends, visible in all papers, were especially dramatic in The New York Times.

Discussion

Overall, findings reveal marked growth in the frequency and number of prominent and negative NH articles during the COVID-19 crisis. The increased volume of coverage has implications for the relative saliency of NHs to other issues during the pandemic. The increased prominence of coverage has implications for the perceived importance of addressing pre-existing deficits and the devastating consequences of the pandemic for NHs.
Do Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease Benefit from an Enhanced Recovery Pathway?
Authors: Liska David , Bora Cengiz Turgut , Novello Matteo , Aiello Alexandra , Stocchi Luca , Hull Tracy L , Steele Scott R , Delaney Conor P , Holubar Stefan D
Published: July 2020

Background

Enhanced recovery pathways (ERPs) have been shown to reduce length of stay (LOS), complications, and costs after colorectal surgery; yet, little data exists regarding patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We hypothesized that implementation of ERP for IBD patients is associated with shorter LOS and improved economic outcomes.

Methods

An IRB-approved prospective clinical database was used to identify consecutive patients from 2015 to 2017. Patients were grouped as “pre-ERP” and “post-ERP” based on the date of implementation of a comprehensive ERP. Ileostomy closures, redo pouch operations, and outpatient operations were excluded. The relationship between ERP, LOS, and secondary outcomes was assessed using univariate and multivariate analysis.

Results

Overall, a total of 671 patients were included: 345 (51.4%) with Crohn’s disease (CD) and 326 (48.6%) with ulcerative colitis (UC). Of these, 425 were pre-ERP (63.4%), and 246 were post-ERP (36.6%). The groups did not differ in terms of age, gender, American Society of Anesthesiologist (ASA) scores, comorbidities, estimated blood loss, or ostomy construction. The post-ERP group had a significantly higher mean body mass index (BMI), more patients with CD, longer operative time, and more minimally invasive surgery (MIS; all P < 0.05). The post-ERP group had a significantly shorter LOS (6 vs 4.5 days, median), whereas mean hospital costs decreased by 15.7%. There was no difference in readmissions or complications. On multivariate analysis, MIS and ERP use were both associated with a shorter LOS.

Conclusion

Inflammatory bowel disease patients benefit from the use of ERP, demonstrating decreased LOS and costs without an increase in complications and readmissions. Enhanced recovery pathways should be routinely implemented in this often challenging patient population.
Detex for Detection of Escherichia coli O157 in Raw Ground Beef and Raw Ground Poultry
Authors: Henry Yvette M , Natrajan Nandini , Lauer Wendy F
Published: July 2020

A method for detection of Escherichia coli O157 in beef and poultry is presented. The method is antibody-based and uses a patented antibody-specific metal-plating procedure for the detection of E. coli O157 in enriched meat samples. Both raw ground beef and raw ground poultry were tested as matrixes for the organism. The sensitivity and specificity of the assay were 98 and 90%, respectively. The accuracy of the assay was 96%. Overall, the method agreement between the E. coli O157 Detex assay and the U.S. Department of Agriculture/Food Safety Inspection Service method was 96%. Sample temperature upon loading of the apparatus was critical to the observed false-positive rate of the system.
A New, Sensitive, and Rapid Spectrophotometric Method for the Determination of Sulfa Drugs
Authors: Nagaraja Padmarajaiah , Yathirajan Hemmige S , Sunitha Kallanchira R , Vasantha Ramanathapura A
Published: July 2020

A sensitive, rapid, and simple spectrophotometric method is described for the determination of sulfa drugs. The method is based on the formation of a red-colored product by the diazotization of sulfonamides such as sulfathiazole (SFT), sulfadiazine (SFD), sulfacetamide (SFA), sulfamethoxazole (SFMx), sulfamerazine (SFMr), sulfaguanidine (SFG), and sulfamethazine (SFMt), followed by complexation with dopamine in the presence of molybdate ions in (1 + 1) H2SO4 medium. Absorbance of the resulting red product is measured at 490–510 nm, and the product is stable for 2 days at 27°C. Beer's law is obeyed in the concentration range of 0.04–8.0 μg/mL at the wavelength of maximum absorption. The method was used successfully for the determination of some sulfonamides in tablets and eye drops. Common excipients used as additives in pharmaceuticals do not interfere in the proposed method. The method offers the advantages of simplicity, rapidity, and sensitivity without the need for extraction or heating. The limits of detection and quantitation were calculated for SFT, SFD, SFA, SFMx, SFMr, SFG, and SFMt.
Reversed-Phase Liquid Chromatographic Determination of Riboflavin in Feeds
Authors: Britton Nancy L , Riter Ken L , Smallidge Robert L , Hillebrandt Joseph
Published: July 2020

A method for determination of riboflavin in animal feeds using liquid chromatography (LC) was developed for feed samples fortified with riboflavin at 1 mg/lb or greater (up to 10 000 mg/lb). Feed samples were extracted in 0.1N HCl with heating on a steam bath for 30 min, followed immediately by mechanical shaking for 30 min. Sample extracts were diluted to target volume with 2%acetic acid and filtered; riboflavin was determined by LC on a reversed-phase C18 column with 2% acetic acid–acetonitrile (85 + 15) mobile phase for separation and fluorescence detection with excitation at 460 nm and emission at 530 nm. The extraction was compared with that of the AOAC Official Method for riboflavin in food and feed premixes. The 2 method extractions were not significantly different from each other at the 95% confidence level. The developed method also had good linearity over 4 orders of magnitude, recovery of 95–99% from spiked feed samples, a limit of detection of riboflavin at 0.00034 μg/mL in solution, a limit of quantitation of 0.023 mg/lb in feed, and good ruggedness.
Determination of Sulfite in Dried Garlic by Reversed-Phase Ion-Pairing Liquid Chromatography with Post-Column Detection
Authors: Perfetti Gracia A , Diachenko Gregory W
Published: July 2020

A method is described for determining sulfite in dried garlic. Garlic is extracted with an HCl solution to inhibit the formation of allicin, which interferes with the determination of sulfite. After cleanup of the extract on a C18 solid-phase extraction column, sulfite is converted to hydroxymethylsulfonate (HMS) by adding formal-dehyde and heating to 50°C. HMS is determined by reversed-phase ion-pairing liquid chromatography with post-column detection. The post-column reaction system consists of the addition of KOH to convert HMS to sulfite ion, followed by the addition of 5,5'-dithiobis(2-nitrobenzoic acid) to produce 5-mercapto-2-nitrobenzoic acid which is detected spectrophotometrically at 450 nm. Background levels in unsulfited dried garlic equivalent to <20 ppm SO2 were found. Recoveries of HMS from spiked garlic averaged 94.8% with a coefficient of variation of 3.8%. Sulfite was found in 13 of 21 samples of dried garlic produced in China, with sulfite ranging from 114 to 445 ppm. Sulfite was found in 60% of commercial dried garlic products purchased locally. The suitability of the Monier-Williams method for determining sulfite in garlic is discussed.
Impedance Method for Rapid Detection of Total Counts of Bacteria and Fungi in Bottled Purified Water
Authors: Ji-Cheng Huang , Ji-Wen Yang , Wei-Dong Lai , Man-Dang Song , Feng Deng , Jin-Yan Lin
Published: July 2020

A study was conducted to compare the current conventional method and the impedance method for rapid detection of total counts of bacteria and fungi in bottled purified water. The results indicated that the corresponding detection rate for the 2 methods was 94.5 and 90.4%, respectively. The detection time was shortened from 48 h (bacteria) and 5 days (fungi) to 14.5 and 44 h, respectively. Moreover, for more serious contamination, less time was needed. The impedance method predicted a positive sample within 11.3 h (bacteria) and 27.1 h (fungi). Therefore, the impedance method was found to be a rapid, accurate method.
Determination of the Presence of Bovine Immunoglobulin G in Liquid or Spray-Dried Porcine Plasma and Whole Blood by Agar Gel Immunodiffusion
Authors: Polo Javier , Saborido Neus , Ródenas Jesús , Rodríguez Carmen
Published: July 2020

There is currently urgent interest in identifying the species of origin of the components of different animal by-products. In Europe, this interest is expected to increase with authorization of the re-introduction of these proteins into animal feed formulations. The number of validated methods to differentiate the species of origin for most of these products is limited. An easy, inexpensive, and accurate test was developed to determine the cross-contamination of bovine blood or plasma in porcine whole blood and plasma, both before and after spray drying. Agar gel immunodiffusion (AGID), the studied technique, detected the presence of bovine immunoglobulin G (IgG) in porcine plasma and in whole blood at inclusion levels >0.5% (v/v) in all cases. However, detectability was lower in liquid plasma (0.3%, v/v) and in liquid whole blood (0.5%, v/v). No differences were found when cross-contamination was simulated before or after whole blood centrifugation. The method described is reliable and inexpensive, and the samples are easy to prepare. Both minimal laboratory equipment and expertise are required for detection of bovine IgG in porcine blood products at inclusion levels of >0.5% (v/v).
Analysis of Sterol Oxidation Products in Foods
Authors: Guardiola Francesc , Bou Ricard , Boatella Josep , Codony Rafael
Published: July 2020

The main aspects related to the analysis of sterol oxidation products (SOP) in foods are comprehensively reviewed. Special emphasis is placed on the critical and controversial points of this analysis because these points affect crucial analytical parameters such as precision, accuracy, selectivity, and sensitivity. The effect of sample preparation and the conditions of quantification by gas chromatography and liquid chromatography on these parameters are also reviewed. The results show that, in order to choose an adequate method to analyze SOP in a certain food, the analyst must consider its SOP concentration and matrix complexity. The term SOP includes both cholesterol oxidation products (COP) and phytosterol oxidation products (POP). The state of the art of COP and POP analysis is quite different; many more studies have dealt with the analysis of COP than of POP. However, most of the results presented here about COP analysis may be extrapolated to POP analysis because both groups of compounds show similar structures and characteristics.
Resistant Starch as Related to Companion Animal Nutrition
Authors: Spears Julie K , Fahey George C
Published: July 2020

Companion animal dietsmay contain up to 50% starch, derived from cereal grains. The amount of resistant starch (RS) in an ingredient depends on the origin and form of the ingredient and on the processing conditions to which the ingredient has been exposed. Extrusion has proven to be a means of optimizing utilization of starch by companion animals. Although the RS fraction of starch typically decreases by extrusion, retrogradation can result in increased concentrations of this fraction. Limited research exists regarding the effects of RS in companion animal nutrition and gastrointestinal health. Existing in vitro and in vivo research indicates that certain RS sources are readily fermented in the large bowel, producing short-chain fatty acids, whereas others are less fermentable, resulting in excellent laxation properties. Feeding dogs a diet high in RS may result in an increase in fecal bulk due to an increased excretion of microbial matter in those cases where RS is highly fermentable, or to indigestibility of the RS source in other cases. RS has a role to play as a potential proxy for dietary fiber, especially for those companion animals fed diets high in protein and fat and devoid of traditional dietary fiber.
Collaborative Trial for Validation of a Real-Time Reverse Transcriptase-Polymerase Chain Reaction Assay for Detection of Central Nervous System Tissues as Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy RiskMaterial: Part 1
Authors: Abdulmawjood Amir , Schnenbrcher Holger , BÜlte Michael
Published: July 2020

A collaborative trial was conducted to evaluate a real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay for detection of central nervous system (CNS) tissues in meat products (e.g., sausages). The method is based on the detection of ruminant glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) mRNA by applying real-time RT-PCR. The assay was evaluated through a multicenter trial involving 12 participating laboratories that received coded cDNA obtained from 3 different types of sausages. The participants used 5 different real-time detection systems. The results obtained in this validation revealed that this real-time RT-PCR assay performed well in the different laboratories with a detection limit of at least 0.1% CNS in those test materials that contained strongly heat-treated samples (sausages cooked at 120C) and the medium heat-treated samples (sausages cooked at 80C). The detection limit of liver sausages was determined to be 0.2% of CNS. Neither the samples with no CNS additive nor the bovine DNA and the negative control containing 100% swine brain gave any positive signals. The presented results indicate that the real-time RT-PCR assay was just as reproducible between laboratories, as repeatable within a laboratory, could reliably be used for detection of bovine spongiform encephalopathy risk material in meat and meat products, and signify that it may be used with confidence in any laboratory.
Interlaboratory Evaluation of Two Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay Kits for the Detection of Egg, Milk, Wheat, Buckwheat, and Peanut in Foods
Authors: Matsuda Rieko , Yoshioka Yasuo , Akiyama Hiroshi , Aburatani Kenichi , Watanabe Yumiko , Matsumoto Takashi , Morishita Naoki , Sato Hidetaka , Mishima Takashi , Gamo Reiko , Kihira Yasunori , Maitani Tamio
Published: July 2020

The labeling of 5 major allergenic ingredients (egg, milk, wheat, buckwheat, and peanut) is mandatory in Japan, and 2 series of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits have been established as official screening methods. However, these official methods have not provided the necessary sensitivity, due in part to poor extraction efficiency. To address this need, 2 novel ELISA kits have been developed: the FASTKIT ELISA Ver. II Series and the FASPEK Allergenic Substances Detection Kit. The new kit systems use an improved extraction buffer that can extract insoluble proteins produced by processing and feature new antibodies that bind to the denatured proteins extracted with the new extraction buffer. The analytical performances of the 2 new ELISA kit series were evaluated in an interlaboratory study. Ten laboratories participated in the study and determined the major allergenic ingredients contained in 5 types of model processed food. The 2 ELISAs displayed fairly good reproducibility and sufficient recovery.
Simultaneous Determination of 17 Sulfonamides and the Potentiators Ormetoprim and Trimethoprim in Salmon Muscle by Liquid Chromatography with Tandem Mass Spectrometry Detection
Authors: Potter Ross A , Burns B Garth , Riet Jeffrey M van de , North David H , Darvesh Rozina
Published: July 2020

A simple, robust method using liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) for the simultaneous determination of 17 sulfonamides sulfanilamide (SNL), sulfacetamide (SAA), sulfaguanidine (SGD), sulfapyridine (SPY), sulfadiazine (SDZ), sulfathiazole (STZ), sulfamerazine (SMR), sulfamethoxazole (SOZ), sulfamoxole (SXL), sulfisoxazole (SXZ), sulfamethizole (SML), sulfamethazine (SMZ), sulfamethoxypyridazine (SMP), sulfamonomethoxine (SMM), sulfachloropyridazine (SCP), sulfaquinoxaline (SQX), and sulfadimethoxine (SDM) and 2 potentiators ormetoprim (OMP) and trimethoprim (TMP) in fish tissue has been developed. The analytes were extracted from homogenized fish tissue with wateracetonitrile (50 + 50). The extract was clarified by centrifugation and a portion defatted with hexane. The analytes were partitioned into chloroform and evaporated to dryness. The redissolved residue was applied to a C18 reversed-phase column with a wateracetonitrile (0.1% acetic acid) gradient. All of the compounds were completely separated and detected in <10 min at 30°C using LC/MS/MS. Standard curves were linear over the range of 0.02 to 5 ng injected. The limit of detection varied from 0.1 ng/g for SMZ and OMP to 0.9 ng/g for SXL and SOZ. Recoveries varied from 100% for SDM, SOZ, and SQX and 85% for SMR, OMP, and TMP to approximately 30% for SAA. Relative standard deviations for repeat analysis varied from 4% for SMZ and SCP to 23% for SAA.
Stability-Indicating Reversed-Phase Liquid Chromatographic Method for Simultaneous Determination of Simvastatin and Ezetimibe from Their Combination Drug Products
Authors: Chaudhari Bharat G , Patel Natvarlal M , Shah Paresh B
Published: July 2020

A simple, precise, and rapid stability-indicating reversed-phase column liquid chromatographic (RP-LC) method has been developed and subsequently validated for simultaneous estimation of simvastatin (SIM) and ezetimibe (EZE) from their combination drug product. The proposed RP-LC method utilizes a LiChrospher 100 C18, 5 m, 250 4.0 mm id column at ambient temperature; optimum mobile phase consisting of acetonitrilewatermethanol (60 + 25 + 15, v/v/v) with apparent pH adjusted to 4.0 0.1; mobile phase flow rate of 1.5 mL/min; and ultraviolet detection at 238 nm. SIM, EZE, and their combination drug product were exposed to thermal, photolytic, hydrolytic, and oxidative stress conditions, and the stressed samples were analyzed by the proposed method. There were no other coeluting, interfering peaks from excipients, impurities, or degradation products due to variable stress conditions, and the method is specific for the estimation of SIM and EZE in the presence of degradation products. The described method was linear over the range of 180 and 380 g/mL for SIM and EZE, respectively. The mean recoveries were 99.17 and 100.43 for SIM and EZE, respectively. The intermediate precision data were obtained under different experimental conditions, and the calculated value of the coefficient of variation was found to be less than the critical value. The proposed method can be useful in the quality control of bulk manufacturing and pharmaceutical dosage forms.
Evaluation of Sample Preparation Methods for the Isolation of Salmonella from Alfalfa and Mung Bean Seeds with the Bacteriological Analytical Manual's Salmonella Culture Method
Authors: Jacobson Andrew P , Hammack Thomas S , Andrews Wallace H
Published: July 2020

Five pre-enrichment methods were evaluated for effectiveness with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Bacteriological Analytical Manual Salmonella culture method in recovering S. Stanley, S. Poona, and S. Muenchen from artificially contaminated alfalfa seeds, and S. Saintpaul, S. Anatum, and S. Infantis from artificially contaminated mung bean seeds. The methods included: (1) Soak.Test portions were inoculated into pre-enrichment media; (2) Rinse.Test portions were rinsed with pre-enrichment media, and the media was decanted from the test portions; (3) Rinsed seed.Pre-enrichment media was added to the test portions that were rinsed in the rinse method; (4) Wet blend.Test portions were blended with the pre-enrichment media; and (5) Dry blend.Test portions were blended prior to pre-enrichment. The methods of pre-enrichment were also evaluated for effectiveness in recovering Pantoea agglomerans from alfalfa and mung bean seeds with a modified culture method for the recovery of Enterobacteriaceae from foods. The purpose of these studies was to provide a model for the recovery of Salmonella that may occur in seeds as a natural contaminant. The relative effectiveness of the soak method was consistently superior to the rinse method in isolating the selected Salmonella serovars from both seed types. Statistically, the rinsed seed method was as effective as the soak method in all trials, except 1 of 3, with S. Muenchen and alfalfa seeds (P > 0.05). The relative effectiveness of the methods in isolating P. agglomerans from alfalfa and mung bean seeds was similar to that observed with the artificially contaminated test portions. The soak method was consistently the most effective method and the rinse method was consistently the most ineffective method. The rinsed seed, wet blend, and dry blend methods were also as effective as the soak method in all 3 trials with each seed type (P > 0.05).
Incomplete Recoveries of Fumonisins Present in Naturally Contaminated Corn Foods from an Immunoaffinity Column
Authors: Oh Keum Soon , Scott Peter M , Chung Soo-Hyun
Published: July 2020

Following previous observations of apparent instability of fumonisin B1 in corn starch and corn meal, immunoaffinity column (IAC) cleanup, of the type used in the analysis of commercial starch-containing corn foods for fumonisins, was investigated. Foods analyzed for naturally occurring fumonisins B1, B2, and B3 included corn flour (3 different products), corn meal, and corn flakes. In 2 series of experiments, fractions were eluted by gravity or vacuum from narrow- or wide-bore Fumonitest IACs either with 2 2 mL methanol, followed by 2 mL methanolwater (8 2, v/v), or with 2 mL methanol, then 2 mL methanolwater (8 2, v/v). The ratio () of fumonisin B1 concentration in the first methanol eluate to the total concentration measured from all eluates in most cases varied from 2570. Incomplete recoveries were also observed for fumonisins B2 and B3. It is concluded that there can be a major underestimation of naturally occurring fumonisins in methods using only methanol elution for IAC cleanup, as in AOAC INTERNATIONAL Official Method 2001.04 (accuracy of these methods had been determined only by spiking the food with fumonisins). Elution with 2 2 mL methanolwater (8 2, v/v) was chosen as a practical procedure; means of 8198 of the total fumonisin B1 concentration were found in the first eluate, except for corn flakes and 2 experiments with corn meal.
Liquid ChromatographicDiode-Array Detection Multiresidue Determination of Rice Herbicides in Drinking and Paddy-Field Water
Authors: Roehrs Rafael , Zanella Renato , Pizzuti Ionara , Adaime Martha B , Pareja Luca , Niell Silvina , Cesio Mara V , Heinzen Horacio
Published: July 2020

A sensitive, rapid, and simple multiresidue method for the simultaneous determination of six postemergence herbicides currently used in rice cultivationmetsulfuron methyl, bensulfuron methyl, pyrazosulfuron ethyl, bentazone, bispyribac sodium, and cyhalofop butylin drinking and paddy-field water is presented. Water samples were extracted with solid-phase extraction cartridges. Final determination was made by LC with diode-array detection. The extraction efficiencies of C18 and HLB cartridges were compared. The average recovery obtained for these compounds for the lowest spiked level (0.1 g/L) varied from 70 to 122 for C18 and 75119 for HLB, with RSDs of 11 and 8.3, respectively. The method had good linearity, and the lower detection limit for the pesticides studied varied from 0.03 to 0.04 g/L. The proposed method was also tested in paddy-field water, with recovery studies giving good results with low RSDs at 1.0 g/L.
Modern High Performance Liquid Chromatography in the Analysis of Phytochemicals
Authors: Waksmundzka-Hajnos Monika
Published: July 2020

Phytochemical analysis is a very important field of phytochemistry that determines the quantitative and qualitative composition of plant material. The main significance of the analysis is to show the presence of plant metabolites in herbs that are responsible for their pharmacological and/or nutritive values.
PSIII-17 Nutritional value of high-lysine sorghum, red sorghum, white sorghum, and corn fed to growing pigs
Authors: Espinosa Charmaine D , Thomas Lori L , Goodband Robert D , Stein Hans H
Published: July 2020

Two experiments were conducted to test the hypothesis that the standardized total tract digestibility (STTD) of P and digestible energy (DE) and metabolizable energy (ME) in a new variety of high-lysine sorghum is not different from values obtained in conventional sorghum varieties or in corn. In experiment 1, 48 barrows (18.63 ± 0.89 kg) were housed individually in metabolism crates and randomly allotted to 1 of 8 diets. Diets were based on high-lysine sorghum, red sorghum, white sorghum, or corn as the sole source of P and these diets either contained no microbial phytase or 500 units/kg of phytase. Feces were collected using the marker to marker approach with 5-d adaptation and 4-d collection periods. Data were analyzed by ANOVA using the Mixed Procedure of SAS. Results indicated that phytase supplementation improved (P ≤ 0.05) STTD of P in all ingredients, but the STTD of P in high-lysine sorghum was not different from the STTD of P in other grains (Table 1). In experiment 2, 32 barrows (18.54 ± 0.77 kg) were housed individually in metabolism crates and randomly allotted to 1 of 4 diets. Diets contained high-lysine sorghum, red sorghum, white sorghum, or corn as the only energy-containing ingredient. Feces and urine samples were collected using the marker to marker approach with 5-d adaptation and 4-d collection periods. Data were analyzed as explained for Exp. 1. The ATTD of gross energy in high-lysine sorghum was less (P ≤ 0.05) than in corn, but the DE and ME in high-lysine sorghum was not different from corn. In conclusion, supplementation of phytase improved STTD of P in cereal grains, and values for STTD of P, as well as for DE and ME in high-lysine sorghum, were not different from corn, which indicates that high-lysine sorghum can replace corn in swine diets.