bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transepithelial Corneal Collagen Crosslinking for Keratoconus: Qualitative Investigation by in vivo HRT II Confocal Analysis
Authors: Caporossi Aldo , Mazzotta Cosimo , Baiocchi Stefano , Caporossi Tomaso , Paradiso Anna Lucia 
Published: February 2012

Purpose This was a qualitative investigation of corneal microstructural modifications in keratoconic patients undergoing experimental transepithelial crosslinking (TE CXL). Methods Ten patients with keratoconus intolerant to gas-permeable rigid contact lenses were enrolled. Corneal thickness was in the range 350-390 µm at the thinnest point measured by Visante AC optical coherence tomography system (Zeiss, Jena, Germany). All patients underwent TE CXL with 0.1% riboflavin–15% dextran solution supplemented with TRIS plus sodium EDTA (Ricrolin TE®, Sooft Italia) according to Siena protocol. In vivo Heidelberg retinal tomograph II laser scanning confocal analysis (Rostock Cornea Module, Heidelberg, Germany) was performed with the following follow-up: preoperative and postoperative assessments at 1, 3, and 6 months. The following morphologic parameters were evaluated: epithelium, subepithelial, and anterior stroma nerve plexi, keratocytes apoptosis, stromal changes, and the endothelium. Results After TE CXL, epithelial cells showed apoptosis, with mosaic alterations gradually disappearing. Keratocytes apoptosis was variable, superficial, and uneven, with a maximum depth of penetration at about 140 µm, measured from the surface of epithelium. Treatment respected subepithelial and stromal nerves that did not disappear. No variation in cell count or endothelial mosaic was observed. Conclusions In vivo confocal analysis of corneal modifications induced by TE CXL showed a limited apoptotic affect of this treatment, about one-third of classic epi-off crosslinking procedure. The TE CXL respected sub-basal and anterior stroma nerve fibers, resulting safe for corneal endothelium. According to limited penetration, its mid- to long-term efficacy needs to be determined in different clinical settings related to patient age and keratoconus progression.
Direct Thrombin Inhibitor (Dti) vs. Aspirin in Primary Total Hip and Knee Replacement Using Wound Ooze as the Primary Outcome Measure. A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Aquilina Alexander L. , Brunton Luke R. , Whitehouse Michael R. , Sullivan Niall , Blom Ashley W. 
Published: February 2012

The latest NICE guidance dictates that all patients undergoing lower-limb arthroplasty should be prescribed potent venous thromboembolic (VTE) prophylaxis. However, use of potent anti-thrombotics is likely to lead to increased post-operative wound ooze. Postoperative wound ooze is associated with increased risk of infection. This study used a prospective, consecutive, multi-surgeon sample of 110 patients undergoing primary total hip replacement (THR) and total knee replacement (TKR) prescribed either direct thrombin inhibitor (DTI) (n=51, 26 males: 25 females, age 69 ±18) or aspirin (n=59, 25 males: 34 females, age 69 ± 19). Hospital stay, body mass index (BMI), wound length and patient demographics were documented along with a daily assessment of wound ooze. The use of DTI's was associated with a significant increase in mean days to dryness in both THR (6.2 ± 0.98, 95% C.I. 5.2–7.1) and TKR (6.6 ± 1.89, 95% C.I. 4.7–8.5) compared to aspirin in THR (3.0 ± 1.03, 95% C.I 1.9–4.0) and TKR (3.4 ± 1.21, 95% C.I 2.2–4.6) with p-values of <0.0001 and 0.0024 for THR and TKR respectively. Age, gender and wound length were not found to be significant confounding variables. DTI's proven benefit in lowering venous thromboembolism when compared with aspirin needs to be balanced with their increased cost and increased duration of wound ooze.
Development of a Headspace-Solid Phase Microextraction-Gas Chromatography Method to Determine Organohalogen Contamination in Drinking Water
Authors: Mariani Maurizio Boccacci , Giannetti Vanessa , Testani Elena , D'Aiuto Virginia 
Published: February 2012

Abstract
The formation of organohalogen compounds in waters treated by chlorination has drawn increasing scientific attention due to the potentially hazardous health effects of this class of substances. Today, chlorination is the most widely used technology for civil water disinfection. In this study, headspace- solid phase microextraction coupled with GC-electron capture detector was used to determine organohalogen compounds in drinking water sampled from aqueducts and artesian wells in Italy. Experimental parameters, such as sample volume, stirring, salting out, extraction temperature, and extraction time, were evaluated and optimized. The LODs ranged from 1 to 10 ng/L and LOQs from 5 to 50 ng/L. A linear response was confirmed by correlation coefficients ranging from 0.9443 to 0.9999. Quantifiable organohalogen residues were found in 11 water samples, with concentration up to 11.3 ± 0.5 μg/L for the sum of all trihalomethanes and 0.66 ± 0.03 μg/L for the sum of trichloroethylene and tetrachloroethylene. These concentrations are lower than the current regulatory limits in Italy.
Extension of the Validation of AOAC Official MethodSM 2005.06 for dc-GTX2,3: Interlaboratory Study
Authors: Ben-Gigirey Begoña , Rodríguez-Velasco María L , Gago-Martínez Ana 
Published: February 2012

Abstract
AOAC Official MethodSM 2005.06 for the determination of saxitoxin (STX)-group toxins in shellfish by LC with fluorescence detection with precolumn oxidation was previously validated and adopted First Action following a collaborative study. However, the method was not validated for all key STX-group toxins, and procedures to quantify some of them were not provided. With more STX-group toxin standards commercially available and modifications to procedures, it was possible to overcome some of these difficulties. The European Union Reference Laboratory for Marine Biotoxins conducted an interlaboratory exercise to extend AOAC Official Method 2005.06 validation for dc-GTX2,3 and to compile precision data for several STX-group toxins. This paper reports the study design and the results obtained. The performance characteristics for dc-GTX2,3 (intralaboratory and interlaboratory precision, recovery, and theoretical quantification limit) were evaluated. The mean recoveries obtained for dc-GTX2,3 were, in general, low (53.1–58.6%). The RSD for reproducibility (RSDr%) for dc-GTX2,3 in all samples ranged from 28.2 to 45.7%, and HorRat values ranged from 1.5 to 2.8. The article also describes a hydrolysis protocol to convert GTX6 to NEO, which has been proven to be useful for the quantification of GTX6 while the GTX6 standard is not available. The performance of the participant laboratories in the application of this method was compared with that obtained from the original collaborative study of the method. Intralaboratory and interlaboratory precision data for several STX-group toxins, including dc-NEO and GTX6, are reported here. This study can be useful for those laboratories determining STX-group toxins to fully implement AOAC Official Method 2005.06 for official paralytic shellfish poisoning control. However the overall quantitative performance obtained with the method was poor for certain toxins.
Interlaboratory Comparison of an Analytical Method for the Determination of Semduramicin in Poultry Feed at the Authorized Level Using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography Coupled to Postcolumn Derivatization and Spectrophotometric Detection
Authors: de la Huebra María José González , Vincent Ursula , Serano Federica , von Holst Christoph 
Published: February 2012

Abstract
The performance characteristics of a method based on HPLC with postcolumn derivatization and spectrophotometric detection for the quantification of semduramicin in poultry feedingstuffs have been determined via a collaborative study. Semduramicin is a feed additive that is authorized for fattening chickens within the European Union at a minimum and maximum content of 20 and 25 mg/kg in feedingstuffs, respectively. The target concentration of semduramicin in the test samples ranged from 11.5 to 45.0 mg/kg. The study has been conducted with two different types of test material, namely, feedingstuff samples that have been previously ground in our laboratory and pelleted feedingstuffs. In the latter case, the laboratories participating in the study had to grind the samples prior to analysis. The obtained RSD for repeatability (RSDr) ranged from 2 to 10% for the ground materials, and from 2 and 7% for the pelleted materials. The RSD for reproducibility (RSDR) varied between 11 and 16% for the ground materials, and between 12 and 15% for the pelleted materials. These data indicated that grinding as an additional step in the analytical procedure did not influence the precision profile of the method. In addition, the HorRat values for all test materials were below or equal to 1.5, thus demonstrating that the obtained precision data were acceptable for the purpose of the method. Furthermore, an estimation of trueness based on statistical treatment of the results reported from the laboratories for spiked samples revealed acceptable mean recovery values of 88 ± 4%. Based on the obtained performance profile, the method can be considered fully validated and transferable to control laboratories to be used within the framework of official control.
Developing a Modified Preservative Efficacy Testing Approach as a Predictive Tool for the Evaluation of Preservative Systems in Liquid Home Care Products Under Variable Test Conditions
Authors: Hoyt Anne L , Bushman Don , Lewis Nathan , Faber Robert 
Published: February 2012

Abstract
How can a formulator have confidence that a preservative system will perform as expected under adverse conditions? Extreme conditions that can lead to the development of “off odors” in the product can be a serious challenge for companies providing home care products in the global market. Formulation and stability testing occur under controlled parameters that simulate limited environmental conditions and microbial challenges are typically performed with a standard inoculum level. While this is an acceptable and dependable process, it does not necessarily assess how well a preservative system can perform under extreme environmental conditions or against unusually high levels of bacterial challenges. This is especially true when formulations are diluted and stored by the end-user. By modifying microbial challenge testing of a liquid dishwashing product to include unexpected dilution schemes, increased microbial assaults, and elevated temperatures, a pattern of preservative efficacy was established. The resulting approach proved to be a useful tool when developing use directions, recommended dilution levels, the overall surfactant system, preservative type, and storage restrictions.
BIOTECON Diagnostics foodproof®Listeria monocytogenes Detection Kit, 5′ Nuclease in Combination with the foodproof ShortPrep II Kit
Authors: Junge Benjamin , Grönewald Cordt , Berghof-Jäger Kornelia 
Published: February 2012

Abstract
A method was developed for the detection of Listeria monocytogenes in food. The method is based on real-time PCR using hydrolysis probes (5′ Nuclease). This advanced PCR method was designed to reduce the time necessary to achieve results from PCR reactions and to enable the user to monitor the amplification of the PCR product simultaneously, in real-time. After DNA isolation using the BIOTECON food proof® ShortPrep II Kit designed for the rapid preparation of L. monocytogenes DNA for direct use in PCR, the real- time detection of L. monocytogenes DNA is carried out using the food proof Listeria monocytogenes Detection Kit. The kit provides primers and hydrolysis probes for sequence-specific detection, convenient premixed reagents, and controls for reliable interpretation of results. For the internal comparison study, three different foods (soft cheese, coalfish, and smoked ham) were analyzed, chosen from the 15 food groups recommended by the AOAC Research Institute for detection of L. monocytogenes. From each food, 20 samples were inoculated with a low level (1–10 CFU/25 g) and 20 samples with a high level (10–50 CFU/25 g) of L. monocytogenes. Additionally, five nonspiked samples were prepared from each food. Depending on the matrix, the food samples were examined with the test kits and compared with the cultural methods according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Bacteriological Analytical Manual or the U.S. Department of Agriculture/Food Safety and Inspection Service Microbiology Laboratory Guidebook.
Development and Validation of Rapid Ion-Pair RPLC Method for Simultaneous Determination of Certain B-Complex Vitamins Along with Vitamin C
Authors: Patil Suyog S , Srivastava Ashwini K 
Published: February 2012

Abstract
A rapid, simple, and accurate ion-pair RPLC method has been developed for simultaneous analysis of vitamin C and major B-complex vitamins. An RP C18 column thermostated at 30°C was used with gradient elution of mobile phase comprising 10 mM potassium dihydrogen phosphate buffer (containing 3 mM sodium hexane-1-sulfonate, adjusted to pH 2.80 with o-phosphoric acid) and methanol at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min to achieve the best possible separation and resolution of all vitamins in about 11.00 min. The detection was performed at 274 nm. The method has been implemented successfully for simultaneous determination of vitamins present in 12 multivitamin/multimineral pharmaceutical preparations, as well as in human urine. Typical validation characteristics were evaluated in accordance with International Conference on Harmonization guidelines. Good linearity over the investigated concentration levels was observed. Intraday repeatability was ≤2.0%, and interday variation was ≤2.6%, for all vitamins. The method can be used for assay of these vitamins over a wide concentration range with good precision and accuracy; hence, it would be appropriate for routine QC as well as in clinical analysis.
Variances and Uncertainties of the Sample Laboratory-to-Laboratory Variance (sL2) and Standard Deviation (sL) Associated with an Interlaboratory Study
Authors: McClure Foster D , Lee Jung K 
Published: February 2012

Abstract
The validation process for an analytical methodusually employs an interlaboratory study conducted as a balanced completely randomized model involving a specified number of randomly chosen laboratories, each analyzing a specified number of randomly allocated replicates. For such studies, formulas to obtain approximate unbiased estimates of the variance and uncertainty of the sample laboratory-to-laboratory (lab-to-lab) STD (sL) have been developed primarily to account for the uncertainty of sL when there is a need to develop an uncertainty budget that includes the uncertainty of sL. For the sake of completeness on this topic, formulas to estimate the variance and uncertainty of the sample lab-to-lab variance (sL2) were also developed. In some cases, it was necessary to derive the formulas based on an approximate distribution for sL2.
Validation of a New Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay to Detect the Triggering Proteins and Peptides for Celiac Disease: Interlaboratory Study
Authors: Mujico Jorge R , Dekking Liesbeth , Kooy-Winkelaar Yvonne , Verheijen Ron , Wichen Piet van , Streppel Lucia , Sajic Nermin , Drijfhout Jan W , Koning Frits 
Published: February 2012

Abstract
The performance of Gluten-Tec® (EuroProxima, Arnhem, The Netherlands) was tested through an interlaboratory study in accordance with AOAC guidelines. Gluten-Tec is a competitive ELISA that detects an immunostimulatory epitope of α-gliadin in dietary food for celiacs. Fifteen laboratories, representing 14 different countries, announced their interest in taking part in this study. Of the 12 laboratories that sent the results within the established timeframe, two submitted inappropriate standard curves and were excluded from the statistical analysis. Four different food matrixes (rice-based baby food, maize bread, chocolate cake mix, and beer) were selected for preparing the test samples. Two gliadin extraction procedures were used: the conventional 60% ethanol, and a new method based on the reducing reagent dithiothreitol. The 38 samples (19 blind duplicates) tested in this study were prepared by diluting the different extracts in order to cover a wide range of gliadin levels. Both sample extraction and dilution were performed by EuroProxima; the present interlaboratory study was focused only on testing the ELISA part of the Gluten-Tec kit protocol. Repeatability values (within-laboratory variance), expressed as RSDr, ranged from 6.2 to 25.7%, while reproducibility values (interlaboratory variance), expressed as RSDR, ranged from 10.6 to 45.9%. Both statistical parameters were in the acceptable range of ELISAs under these conditions, and the method will be presented to the Codex Alimentarius as a preferred method for gluten analysis.
Detection of Hazelnut in Foods Using ELISA: Challenges Related to the Detectability in Processed Foodstuffs
Authors: Cucu Tatiana , Devreese Bart , Trashin Stanislav , Kerkaert Barbara , Rogge Maarten , De Meulenaer Bruno 
Published: February 2012

Abstract
Hazelnuts are widely used nowadays, and can pose a serious threat to allergic consumers due to cross-contamination that may occur during processing. This might lead to the presence of hidden hazelnut in foods. Therefore, reliable tests are needed to detect hazelnut, especially in processed foods. A hazelnut-specific indirect competitive ELISA based on polyclonal chicken antibodies was developed. The polyclonal antibodies were raised against modified hazelnut proteins in order to improve the detectability of hazelnut proteins in processed foods. The assay showed a detection limit of 1.36 μg hazelnut protein/mL of 5 mM urea in phosphate-buffered saline buffer (pH 7.4). Limited cross-reactivity with walnut and pecan nut was observed; no cross-reactivity was observed with other food ingredients. Blank cookies spiked before analysis showed recoveries of 73–107%. However, cookies spiked before baking showed that the detectability was severely decreased. Addition of lactose to the cookies, which led to more severe modification through the Maillard reaction, led to an increase in the detectability. These results indicate that using antibodies developed toward allergens modified through food processing-simulating reactions is a better approach for detection.
Validation of the Delvotest SP NT DA
Authors: Hennart Stephen L A , Faragher John 
Published: February 2012

Abstract
Delvotest® SP NT DA is designed to test milk for the presence of antibacterial substances, such as antibiotics. The test is made of an agar gel containing bacterial spores and a color indicator. The milk sample is added onto the agar gel, and the test is incubated at 64°C. The principle of the test is based on the diffusion of possible inhibitory substances that may be present in the milk sample into agar. This reduces growth and acid production by the test organism, and delays or prevents the agar from changing color from purple to yellow. The Delvotest Accelerator is an automated system in which the plates containing the milk to be analyzed are placed for incubation. The Accelerator automatically detects the end of the incubation and reads the results. A sample containing antibiotic will be noted as “positive.” A sample without antibiotics or with antibiotics at concentrations below detection level will be noted as “negative.” The present report includes all technical details about the Delvotest SP NT DA, and the results of the validation study. The validation study demonstrates that the Delvotest SP NT DA conforms to the product performance claims and confirms the robustness of the test. The Delvotest SP NT DA is, therefore, granted Performance Tested MethodSM certification.
Quantitative HPLC Method for Determining Two of the Major Active Phthalides from Ligusticum porteri Roots
Authors: Rivero Isabel , Juárez Krutzkaya , Zuluaga Magda , Bye Robert , Mata Rachel 
Published: February 2012

Abstract
Z-Ligustilide (1) and Z-6,6′,7,3′-α-diligustilide (2), two of the major active phthalides of the medicinal plant Ligusticum porteri (osha), were chosen for the development and validation of an HPLC–diode array detection method suitable for QC of the crude drug. The method used gradient elution to achieve separation on a Hibar RT LiChrospher® 100 C18 column. The LOD values were 29 and 45 μg/mL, and the LOQs were 89 and 125 μg/mL, respectively. The method showed good intraday precision (%RSD: 0.7 for 1 and 3.1 for 2) and interday precision (%RSD: 1.2 for 1 and 1.8 for 2). The method was used for the analysis of 1 and 2 in crude drug samples and several herbal preparations from Mexico and the United States. Quantitative analysis showed that the content of the two phthalides varied significantly among the samples. All the samples contained higher concentrations of 1 (0.15–2.5%) than 2 (0.002–1.0%). The profiles of volatile compounds in the essential oil obtained by hydrodistillation and solid-phase microextraction of L. porteri roots were analyzed by GC-MS. Thirty one chemical constituents (&gt;99.7% of the total content) were identified in the essential oil, which was characterized by the presence of a high percentage of phthalides (44.61%) and sesquiterpenes (10.69%). The major light volatile components extracted by solid-phase microextraction were monoterpenes.
Composition of Pomegranate Juice
Authors: Krueger Dana A 
Published: February 2012

Abstract
A database of 793 commercial pomegranate juices was analyzed to produce a profile for authentication of pure pomegranate juice. The database consisted of data from a mix of authentic and adulterated samples. Statistical tools were used to reduce the database to a stable sample set of 477 presumably authentic samples. The profile obtained (mean, SD at 16 Brix) are as follows: fructose (g/100 g) 6.83, 0.50; glucose (g/100 g) 6.66, 0.44; sucrose (g/100 g) 0.00, 0.00; sorbitol (g/100 g) 0.00, 0.01; acidity (g/100 g as citric acid) 1.25, 0.32; citric acid (g/100 g) 1.19, 0.30; malic acid (g/100 g) 0.065, 0.034; tartaric acid (g/100 g) 0.00, 0.00; isocitric acid (mg/kg) 63, 21; potassium (mg/kg) 2320, 400; proline (mg/kg) 7, 5; formol value [milliequivalents/100 g] 1.00, 0.24; 13C/12C ratio [o/oo Pee Dee belemnite]–26.4, 0.8. The profile samples had a consistent anthocyanin pattern consisting of four major peaks corresponding to delphinidin-3,5-diglucoside, delphinidin-3-glucoside, cyanidin-3,5-diglucoside, and cyanidin-3-glucoside. Minor peaks corresponding to pelargonidin-3,5-diglucoside and pelargonidin-3-glucoside were also generally present. No maltose, D-malic acid, or tartaric acid were detected in any of the samples. The profile obtained corresponds closely with previously published data.
Spectrophotometric Determination of Mercury in Water Samples After Preconcentration Using Dispersive Liquid–Liquid Microextraction
Authors: Lemos Valfredo Azevedo , Santos Liz Oliveira dos , Silva Eldevan dos Santos , Vieira Emanuel Vitor dos Santos 
Published: February 2012

Abstract
A simple method for the determination of mercury in water samples after preconcentration using dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction is described. The procedure is based on the extraction of mercury in the form of a complex and its subsequent determination by spectrophotometry. The complex is formed between Hg(II) and 2-(2-benzothiazolylazo)-p-cresol. The detection at 650 nm is performed directly in the metal-rich phase, which is spread on a triacetylcellulose membrane. The method eliminates the need to use a cuvet or large quantities of samples and reagents. The parameters that influence the preconcentration were studied, and the analytical characteristics were determined. The enrichment factor and the consumptive index for this method were 64 and 0.16 mL, respectively. The LOD (3.3 μg/L) and LOQ (11.1 μg/L) were also determined. The accuracy of the method was tested by the determination of mercury in certified reference materials BCR 397 (Human Hair) and SRM 2781 (Domestic Sludge). The method was applied to the determination of mercury in samples of drinking water, sea water, and river water.