Multiresidue automated turbulent flow online LC-MS/MS method for the determination of antibiotics in milk

A fast and reliable multiresidue method is reported for the identification and quantification of 36 different compounds from seven different classes of antibiotics (aminoglycosides, sulfonamides, macrolides, quinolones, tetracyclines, lincosamides and trimethoprim) in milk. Automated online sample cleanup was applied using turbulent flow chromatography (Transcend TLX system), directly coupled to a mass spectrometer (MS/MS) for sensitive and specific detection. The method involved a simple extraction/protein precipitation using acetonitrile, followed by centrifugation and filtration. After this preliminary step, the extract was injected into the TLX-ESI-MS/MS using optimised turbulent flow and liquid chromatography (LC) conditions. Single-laboratory validation of the method was carried out according to the Directive 2002/657/EC, clearly demonstrating the suitability of this method for quantitative determination of this wide range of antibiotics in milk. A small survey, which covered milk samples of different origin and varied fat content, demonstrated the robustness of this method and its suitability for enforcement purposes

Coupled Turbulent Flow Chromatography: LC-MS/MS Method for the Analysis of Pesticide Residues in Grapes, Baby Food and Wheat Flour Matrices

This paper describes an on-line sample preparation method for the simultaneous determination of 48 pesticides in grapes, baby food and wheat flour matrices. Target pesticides were selected to represent a wide variety of chemical structures and three typical matrices were selected. Turbulent flow chromatography was applied for on-line sample cleanup directly coupled to LC-MS/MS. The aim of the method was to reduce total analysis time, eliminate manual laboratory work, provide clean extracts and achieve reproducible results. Single laboratory method validation was conducted establishing limits of detection between 0.8 and 6.0 ng g(-1) for baby food, and 0.8-10.3 ng g(-1) for other matrices. Within-day precision values varied between 4 and 18 %, while between-day precisions were in the range 5-22 %. Method recovery ranged from 67 to 124 %, and method accuracy was demonstrated by analysis of external quality control samples. The method was also tested on 24 different survey samples from both bio and organic origin. The method was shown to be convenient, fast and fit for purpose in meeting regulatory requirements for pesticide residue monitoring

Best supportive care from the conservative/non-surgical perspective and its costs in the treatment of patients with advanced medullary thyroid cancer : results of a Delphi panel

Background: Medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) is a rare tumor entity. The contents of best supportive care (BSC) have not been defined in advanced MTC. The objective of this work is to describe the epidemiology, the treatment patterns with respect to symptom management, as well as palliative treatment and associated costs. Method: A Delphi panel with 9 clinical experts experienced in treating MTC was conducted to obtain details on the epidemiology of MTC and to gain insights into the therapeutic options considered for BSC in advanced MTC in Germany. Unit costs were applied to the described resources from the perspective of the German National Healthcare System in 2011. Results: The annual incidence of MTC in Germany was estimated at about 220. 32% of all patients were estimated to have aggressive/symptomatic MTC, with an estimated mean survival of 36.7 months (median: 36 months). The core element of BSC is relief of symptoms to maintain quality of life. The total mean cost of BSC per patient/year was estimated at € 9,248, lifetime cost at € 28,283. Conclusion: There was consistent agreement within the panel on the epidemiology of MTC and on the structure of the provided therapeutic measures for BSC in advanced MTC, also defining the management of symptoms as a crucial goal of treatment