bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Determination of Lipophilic Toxins by LC/MS/MS: Single-Laboratory Validation
Authors: Villar-González Adriano , Rodríguez-Velasco María Luisa , Gagoo-Martínez Ana 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
An LC/MS/MS method has been developed, assessed, and intralaboratory-validated for the analysis of the lipophilic toxins currently regulated by European Union legislation: okadaic acid (OA) and dinophysistoxins 1 and 2, including their ester forms; azaspiracids 1, 2, and 3; pectenotoxins 1 and 2; yessotoxin (YTX), and the analogs 45 OH-YTX, Homo YTX, and 45 OH-Homo YTX; as well as for the analysis of 13-desmetil-spirolide C. The method consists of duplicate sample extraction with methanol and direct analysis of the crude extract without further cleanup or concentration. Ester forms of OA and dinophysistoxins are detected as the parent ions after alkaline hydrolysis of the extract. The validation process of this method was performed using both fortified and naturally contaminated samples, and experiments were designed according to International Organization for Standardization, International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry, and AOAC guidelines. With the exception of YTX in fortified samples, RSDr below 15% and RSDR were below 25%. Recovery values were between 77 and 95%, and LOQs were below 60 μg/kg. These data together with validation experiments for recovery, selectivity, robustness, traceability, and linearity, as well as uncertainty calculations, are presented in this paper.
Validation of a Digestion System Using a Digester Block/Cold Finger System for the Determination of Lead in Vegetable Foods by Electrothermal Atomic Absorption Spectrometry
Authors: De Jesus Robson M , Junior Mario M S , Matos Geraldo D , Santos Ana Dos M P , Ferreira Sérgio L C 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
This paper presents the validation of a system for sample digestion using a digester block/ cold finger to determine the lead content in vegetables by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (ETAAS). After mineralization, lead contents were determined by ETAAS using a calibration curve based on aqueous standards prepared in 2.60 M nitric acid solutions containing 5 μg ammonium phosphate as chemical modifier. A pyrolysis temperature of 900°C and atomization temperature of 2000°C were used. This method allowed the determination of lead with a characteristic mass of 35 pg; LOD and LOQ of 0.6 and 2 ng/g, respectively, were found. The precision was investigated in terms of reproducibility and repeatability. Reproducibility was estimated by analysis of nine different portions of a certified reference material (CRM) of spinach leaves, and the repeatability was determined through the analysis of nine aliquots of the same solution. The reproducibility and repeatability were found to be 4.27 and 2.94% RSD, respectively. The accuracy was confirmed by analysis of whole meal flour, spinach leaves, and orchard leaves CRMs, all furnished by the National Institute of Standards and Technology. Lead contents were measured using the newly developed technique in 11 different potato samples. The lead contents ranged from 12.80 to 69.27 ng/g, with an average value of 28.59 ng/g. These values were in agreement with data reported in the literature.
Validation of a Method for Arsenic Speciation in Food by Ion Chromatography-Inductively Coupled Plasma/Mass Spectrometry After Ultrasonic-Assisted Enzymatic Extraction
Authors: Dufailly Vincent , Nicolas Marine , Janique-Payot Richoz , Poitevin Eric 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
A fully validated and rapid quantitative method is presented for determination of inorganic arsenic [arsenite, As(III) and arsenate, As(V)] and organic arsenic species (methylarsonic acid, dimethylarsinic acid, and arsenobetaine) by ion chromatography paired with inductively coupled plasma/MS after ultrasonic-assisted enzymatic extraction (UAEE) in rice- and seafood-based raw materials and finished products. This method gives toxicological meaning to arsenic analysis, since the sum of the toxic chemical forms As(III) and As(V) can be determined. In contrast to classical water–methanol extraction, UAEE enables drastic acceleration of sample extraction (5 min instead of several hours), while total arsenic extraction efficiency is improved without species conversion. Validation was performed to evaluate the method for selectivity, linearity, LOD/LOQ (0.007–0.020 mg/kg), trueness, precision (HorRat values, 0.2–0.6), recovery (93–122%), and uncertainty. The method was also satisfactorily tested using two proficiency tests. Performance characteristics are reported for four certified reference materials, standard reference material (SRM) 1568a (rice flour), Institute for Reference Materials and Measurements 804 (rice flour), SRM 2976 (mussel tissue), certified reference material-627 (tuna fish), and several commercial food samples populating five AOAC triangle food sectors. The results indicated that this speciation method is cost-efficient, time-saving, and accurate, as well as fit-for-purpose, according to International Organization for Standardization/International Electrotechnical Commission 17025:2005 standard, and could be used for routine analysis.
Determination of Some Heavy Metals by Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry Before Coprecipitation with Neodymium Hydroxide
Authors: Soylak Mustafa , Kizil Nebiye 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
A procedure is described for the determination of trace amounts of Cd(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), Pb(II), Fe(III), Co(II), and Mn(II) that combines flame atomic absorption spectrometry with neodymium hydroxide coprecipitation. The influences of analytical parameters (amount of neodymium, pH of the model solutions, etc.) that affect quantitative recoveries of the analyte ions were investigated. The effects of concomitant ions were also examined. The detection limits for analytes were found in the range of 0.2–3.3 μg/L. The validation of the presented procedure was controlled by analysis of certified reference materials (National Institute of Standards and Technology 1570a spinach leaves and TMDA 54.4 fortified lake water). The applications of the procedure were performed by the analysis of water, food, and herbal plants from Turkey.
Selective Determination of Arbutin in Cosmetic Products Through Online Derivatization Followed by Disposable Electrochemical Sensor
Authors: Zen Jyh-Myng , Yang Hsueh-Hui , Chiu Mei-Hsin , Yang Chao-Hsun , Shih Ying 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
An online derivatization followed by a disposable electrochemical sensor was used for the determination of arbutin (AR) in cosmetic products. The AR was chemically oxidized by MnO2 and subsequently reduced at inexpensive screen-printed carbon electrodes using a low detection potential which improved the selectivity of the method. The effects of various parameters, such as solution pH, detection potential, and flow rate of the mobile phase, were studied in detail. Under optimal conditions [pH 1.6 (0.1 M H3PO4), detection potential 0.0 V (versus Ag/AgCl), flow rate 0.6 mL/min], the linear range for AR was 0.1–1500 ppm (r2 = 0.999) with LOD of 30.06 ppb (S/N = 3). The practical application of the proposed method was demonstrated by the determination of arbutin concentration in commercial cosmetic products.
Reliable Detection of Milk Allergens in Food Using a High-Resolution, Stand-Alone Mass Spectrometer
Authors: Monaci Linda , Losito Ilario , Palmisano Francesco , Visconti Angelo 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Reliable methods are needed for detection of allergenic milk proteins in complex food matrixes. The feasibility of an LC/high-resolution MS method for the analysis of milk proteins in a thermally processed model food (incurred cookies) and in white wine spiked, respectively, with milk powder and caseinate is described. Detection of milk proteins was based on the identification of unique peptides in the tryptic digests of cookie/wine extracts using an RP-HPLC separation coupled to an Exactive™ nonhybrid mass spectrometer using Orbitrap technology. The extremely high mass accuracy and resolution provided by the Orbitrap analyzer allowed a fast preliminary identification of four previously proposed peptide markers of caseins using only accurate values of the m/z of their ions. No interference was observed, despite the complexity of the analyzed matrixes. Moreover, the availability of a high- energy, collisionally activated dissociation cell integrated in the mass spectrometer enabled acquisition of peptide MS/MS-like spectra through post-source fragmentation. Confirmation of peptide marker identity could then be achieved by a comparison between experimental and predicted product ions. The described method shows the great potential of Orbitrap MS as a reliable technique in the field of protein allergen detection once the peptide markers are identified.
A Solid-Phase Microextraction GC/MS/MS Method for Rapid Quantitative Analysis of Food and Beverages for the Presence of Legally Restricted Biologically Active Flavorings
Authors: Bousova Katerina , Mittendorf Klaus , Senyuva Hamide 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
A method was developed using automated headspace solid-phase microextraction coupled with GC/MS/MS to simultaneously determine the presence of seven biologically active ﬂavoring substances whose levels of use in processed foods is controlled by statutory limits. The method can be applied to identify and quantify the presence of 1,2-benzopyrone (coumarin), β-asarone, 1-allyl-4-methoxybenzene (estragole), menthofuran, 4-allyl-1,2-dimethoxybenzene (methyl eugenol), pulegone, and thujone at levels ranging from 0.5 to 3000 mg/kg. The method has been optimized and validated for three different generic food types categorized on the basis of composition and anticipated use levels of ﬂavorings and food ingredients. The food categories are alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages; semisolid processed foods (e.g., soups, sauces, confectionary, etc.); and solid foods (muesli, bakery products, etc.). The method is simple, inexpensive, and rapid, and eliminates the use of ﬂammable and toxic solvents. There is no sample preparation, and using MS/MS, unequivocal confrmation of identifcation is achieved even in highly complex matrixes containing many potential interfering volatiles. The method precision for spiked samples ranged from 2 to 21%, with the greatest variability associated with solid matrixes. The LOD and LOQ values were well below 0.1 and 0.5 mg/kg, respectively, in all cases for individual substances, fulflling requirements for enforcement purposes. The robustness of the method was demonstrated in a small survey of retail samples of four spirits, fve ﬂavored milks, three energy drinks, fve liqueurs, fve soups, 10 sauces, fve herbal teas, and three breakfast cereals.
Synthesis and Application of a New Thiazolylazo Reagent for Cloud Point Extraction and Determination of Cobalt in Pharmaceutical Preparations
Authors: Yamaki Regina Terumi , Nunes Luana Sena , De Oliveira Hygor Rodrigues , Araújo André S , Bezerra Marcos Almeida , Lemos Valfredo Azevedo 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
The synthesis and characterization of the reagent 2-(5-bromothiazolylazo)-4-chlorophenol and its application in the development of a preconcentration procedure for cobalt determination using ﬂame atomic absorption spectrometry after cloud point extraction is presented. This procedure is based on cobalt complexing and entrapment of the metal chelates into micelles of a surfactant-rich phase of Triton X-114. The preconcentration procedure was optimized by using a response surface methodology through the application of the Box-Behnken matrix. Under optimum conditions, the procedure determined the presence of cobalt with an LOD of 2.8 μg/L and LOQ of 9.3 μg/L. The enrichment factor obtained was 25. The precision was evaluated as the RSD, which was 5.5% for 10 μg/L cobalt and 6.9% for 30 μg/L. The accuracy of the procedure was assessed by comparing the results with those found using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry. After validation, the procedure was applied to the determination of cobalt in pharmaceutical preparation samples containing cobalamin (vitamin B12).
Simultaneous Determination of Diloxanide Furoate and Metronidazole in Presence of Diloxanide Furoate Degradation Products
Authors: Abbas Samah S , Wagieh Nour E , Abdelkawy Mohamed , Abdelrahman Maha M 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Three methods are presented for the simultaneous determination of diloxanide furoate (DLX) and metronidazole (MTR), used for their antiprotozoal and antiamoebic effect, in the presence of DLX alkaline degradates and in pharmaceutical formulations, without previous separation. The first method is chemometric-assisted spectrophotometry, in which principal component regression and partial least squares were applied. These two approaches were successfully applied to quantify each drug in the mixture using the information included in the absorption spectra in the range of 225–320 nm. The second method is TLC-densitometry, in which the binary mixture and degradates were separated on silica gel plates using a chloroform–acetone–glacial acetic acid (9.5 + 0.5 + 0.07, v/v/v) mobile phase and the bands were scanned at 254 nm. The last method is HPLC, in which DLX, MTR, and degradates were separated using the mobile phase acetonitrile–0.05 M dibasic potassium phosphate (25 + 75, v/v), adjusted to pH 4 with orthophosphoric acid, at a flow rate of 1 mL/min, on a C18 analytical column. Detection was at 254 nm. The proposed methods were successfully applied for the analysis of DLX and MTR in pharmaceutical formulations, and the results were statistically compared with a reported spectrophotometric method.
Corporate Liability for Toxic Torts Abroad: Vedanta v Lungowe in the Supreme Court
Authors: Bradshaw Carrie 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Multinational corporate groups pose a challenge to traditional methods of legal control, particularly when corporations domiciled in wealthy western countries exploit, through foreign-domiciled subsidiaries, the resources and ‘weak governance’ of the developing world. In holding England as the proper place in which to bring a claim against both a UK-domiciled company and its Zambian subsidiary, for environmental damage abroad, the Supreme Court has allegedly ‘opened the door’ to similar future actions. However, in the absence of robust and mandatory due diligence requirements, parent companies may simply retreat from comprehensively reporting on group-wide systems of management and control. A desire to avoid future ‘voluntary assumptions of responsibility’ may be the undoing of post-Vedanta optimism.
Clinicopathological Features, Staging, and Current Approaches to Treatment in High-Risk Resectable Melanoma
Authors: Keung Emily Z , Gershenwald Jeffrey E 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
The incidence of melanoma in the United States has been increasing over the past several decades. Prognosis largely depends on disease stage, with 5-year melanoma-specific survival ranging from as high as 99% in patients with stage I disease to less than 10% for some patients with stage IV (distant metastatic) disease. Fortunately, in the last 5–10 years, there have been remarkable treatment advances for patients with high-risk resectable melanoma, including approval of targeted and immune checkpoint blockade therapies. In addition, results of recent clinical trials have confirmed the importance of sentinel lymph node biopsy and continue to refine the approach to regional lymph node basin management. Lastly, the melanoma staging system was revised in the eighth edition AJCC Cancer Staging Manual, which was implemented on January 1, 2018. Here we discuss these changes and the clinicopathological features that confer high risk for locoregional and distant disease relapse and poor survival. Implications regarding the management of melanoma in the metastatic and adjuvant settings are discussed, as are future directions for neoadjuvant therapies.
Primary mesenchymal chondrosarcoma of the orbit in a young female: imaging and histopathological features
Authors: D’Alì Lorenzo , Tulisso Angelica , Mariuzzi Laura 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Mesenchymal chondrosarcoma (MCS) is a rare high-grade sarcoma of bone and soft tissue with highly aggressive behavior and a peak incidence in the second and third decades. We report a case of primary orbital MCS in a 30 year-old female, with radiological and clinicopathological features. Orbital MCS is an entity that should be considered in the differential diagnosis of calcified orbital lesions.
Reprogramming and remodeling: transcriptional and epigenetic regulation of salicylic acid-mediated plant defense
Authors: Chen Jian , Clinton Michael , Qi Guang , Wang Daowen , Liu Fengquan , Fu Zheng Qing 
Published: February 2020

AbstractAs a plant hormone, salicylic acid (SA) plays essential roles in plant defense against biotrophic and hemibiotrophic pathogens. Significant progress has been made in understanding the SA biosynthesis pathways and SA-mediated defense signaling networks in the past two decades. Plant defense responses involve rapid and massive transcriptional reprogramming upon the recognition of pathogens. Plant transcription factors and their co-regulators are critical players in establishing a transcription regulatory network and boosting plant immunity. A multitude of transcription factors and epigenetic regulators have been discovered, and their roles in SA-mediated defense responses have been reported. However, our understanding of plant transcriptional networks is still limited. As such, novel genomic tools and bioinformatic techniques will be necessary if we are to fully understand the mechanisms behind plant immunity. Here, we discuss current knowledge, provide an update on the SA biosynthesis pathway, and describe the transcriptional and epigenetic regulation of SA-mediated plant immune responses.
Foxtail mosaic virus-induced flowering assays in monocot crops
Authors: Yuan Chen , Li Hongmei , Qin Cheng , Zhang Xian , Chen Qianqian , Zhang Pengcheng , Xu Xiaorui , He Meiling , Zhang Xinlian , Tör Mahmut , Xue Dawei , Wang Huizhong , Jackson Stephen , He Yuehui , Liu Yule , Shi Nongnong , Hong Yiguo 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Virus-induced flowering (VIF) exploits RNA or DNA viruses to express flowering time genes to induce flowering in plants. Such plant virus-based tools have recently attracted widespread attention for their fundamental and applied uses in flowering physiology and in accelerating breeding in dicotyledonous crops and woody fruit-trees. We now extend this technology to a monocot grass and a cereal crop. Using a Foxtail mosaic virus (FoMV)-based VIF system, dubbed FoMViF, we showed that expression of florigenic Flowering Locus T (FT) genes can promote early flowering and spikelet development in proso millet, a C4 grass species with potential as a nutritional food and biofuel resource, and in non-vernalized C3 wheat, a major food crop worldwide. Floral and spikelet/grain induction in the two monocot plants was caused by the virally expressed untagged or FLAG-tagged FT orthologs, and the florigenic activity of rice Hd3a was more pronounced than its dicotyledonous counterparts in proso millet. The FoMViF system is easy to use and its efficacy to induce flowering and early spikelet/grain production is high. In addition to proso millet and wheat, we envisage that FoMViF will be also applicable to many economically important monocotyledonous food and biofuel crops.
Plasma Sarcosine Measured by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry Distinguishes Prostatic Intraepithelial Neoplasia and Prostate Cancer from Benign Prostate Hyperplasia
Authors: Markin Pavel A , Brito Alex , Moskaleva Natalia , Fodor Miguel , Lartsova Ekaterina V , Shpot Yevgeny V , Lerner Yulia V , Mikhajlov Vasily Y , Potoldykova Natalia V , Enikeev Dimitry V , Lyundup Alexey V , Appolonova Svetlana A 
Published: February 2020

Abstract

Objective
Sarcosine was postulated in 2009 as a biomarker for prostate cancer (PCa). Here, we assess plasma sarcosine as a biomarker that is complementary to prostate-specific antigen (PSA).

Methods
Plasma sarcosine was measured using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) in adults classified as noncancerous controls (with benign prostate hyperplasia [BPH], n = 36), with prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN, n = 16), or with PCa (n = 27). Diagnostic accuracy was assessed using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis.

Results
Plasma sarcosine levels were higher in the PCa (2.0 µM [1.3–3.3 µM], P &lt;.01) and the PIN (1.9 µM [1.2–6.5 µM], P &lt;.001) groups than in the BPH (0.9 µM [0.6–1.4 µM]) group. Plasma sarcosine had “good” and “very good” discriminative capability to detect PIN (area under the curve [AUC], 0.734) and PCa (AUC, 0.833) versus BPH, respectively. The use of PSA and sarcosine together improved the overall diagnostic accuracy to detect PIN and PCa versus BPH.

Conclusion
Plasma sarcosine measured by GC-MS had “good” and “very good” classification performance for distinguishing PIN and PCa, respectively, relative to noncancerous patients diagnosed with BPH.
Crystalline silicate absorption at 11.1 μm: ubiquitous and abundant in embedded YSOs and the interstellar medium
Authors: Do-Duy Tho , Wright Christopher M , Fujiyoshi Takuya , Glasse Alistair , Siebenmorgen Ralf , Smith Robert , Stecklum Bringfried , Sterzik Michael 
Published: February 2020

ABSTRACT
Utilizing several instruments on 4–8 m telescopes, we have observed a large sample of objects in the mid-infrared (8–13 μm). These comprise a few evolved stars, multiple envelopes of embedded young stellar objects (YSOs) or compact H-II regions, and several sightlines through the interstellar medium (ISM). The latter is where dust resides – and is potentially modified – between its formation in evolved stellar outflows and deposition in molecular clouds. In most objects, we detect not only the well-known 9.7 μm absorption feature of amorphous silicates but also a second absorption band around 11.1 μm whose carrier is attributed to crystalline forsterite. We propose that crystalline silicates are essentially ubiquitous in the ISM and earliest phases of star formation, and are evolutionary precursors to T-Tauri and Herbig stars where such silicates have been commonly found. Modelling shows that in most YSOs, H-II regions and ISM cases, the forsterite mass fraction is between 1 and 2 per cent, suggesting that the younger phases inherit their abundance from the ISM. However, several sources show much stronger features (abundances ≥3 per cent). This suggests that significant processing, perhaps crystallization by thermal annealing, occurs early on in star formation. Most intriguing is the first detection of crystalline silicate in the diffuse ISM. We propose that our observed abundance is consistent with a mass fraction of crystalline silicates of 10–20 per cent injected into the ISM, along with commonly accepted lifetimes against their destruction, but only if cosmic ray-induced amorphization is insignificant over a few Giga years.