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The aim of this study was to determine the presence and the level of contamination of the most important mycotoxins (deoxynivalenol, fumonisin B 1 and B 2 , aflatoxin B 1 , B 2 , G 1 and G 2 , ochratoxin A and zearalenone) in 48 samples of extruded dry dog food found in the Italian market (24 samples from standard economy lines, 24 of premium lines). Analyses were performed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry. Although the concentrations of the mycotoxins in all samples proved to respect the European legislation with regards to animal feed, the analyses revealed a substantial presence of deoxynivalenol, fumonisins and ochratoxin A, with values above the limit of quantification (5 μg/kg) in 100%, 88% and 81% of the samples, respectively. In contrast, aflatoxins and zearalenone contamination proved to be very modest, with 88% and 75% of the samples, respectively, showing concentrations below the corresponding limit of quantification (5 μg/kg for aflatoxins and 10 μg/kg for zearalenone). Moreover, despite a very heterogeneous contamination, the concentration of fumonisins and ochratoxin A was significantly higher in standard foods than in premiumones (491 vs. 80.2 μg/kg dry matter for fumonisin B 1 ; 113 vs. 38.5 μg/kg dry matter for fumonisin B 2 ; 599 vs. 103 μg/kg dry matter for total fumonisins; 23.8 vs. 13.0 μg/kg dry matter for ochratoxin A; P<0.001). Furthermore, a simultaneous presence of different mycotoxins (at concentrations higher than their limit of quantification) was observed in most of the pet foods analyzed; in particular, 19% of the samples were contaminated by no fewer than two different types of mycotoxins, 52% by three, 25% by four and 2% by all the mycotoxins evaluated. These results revealed the need for further investigation into the potential risk deriving from chronic exposure to low doses of the different types of mycotoxins that pet species are subject to today. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A method using ultra performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry was developed to measure cobalamins in naturally enriched raw milk and to evaluate their fate during thermal treatments and along the process of cheese making. After addition of methotrexate as internal standard, samples were submitted to heat treatment in the presence of cyanide, which converts all the less-stable cobalamins into cyanocobalamin; then, purification was performed by a solid-phase extraction step. Reverse-phase ultra performance liquid chromatography separation coupled with tandem mass spectrometry provided a fast and reliable determination. Mass spectrometric analysis was carried out in multiple reaction monitoring mode. The monitored transitions were m/z 678.36 → 147.10 and 678.36 → 359.30 for vitamin B12 and m/z 455.22 → 175.13 and 455.22 → 308.22 for methotrexate (internal standard). The limit of quantification was 2 ng/g. The method showed good linearity from 2 to 20 ng/g (R² ≥0.98) and intra- and interday precisions were always less than 19%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Intraperitoneal local anaesthetic nebulization is a relatively novel approach to pain management after laparoscopic surgery. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluated the effects of intraperitoneal ropivacaine nebulization on pain control after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Methods Patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy were randomized to receive intraperitoneal nebulization of ropivacaine 1% (3 ml) before surgical dissection and normal saline 3 ml at the end of surgery (preoperative nebulization group); intraperitoneal nebulization of normal saline 3 ml before surgical dissection and ropivacaine 1% (3 ml) at the end of surgery (postoperative nebulization group); or intraperitoneal nebulization of normal saline 3 ml before surgical dissection and at the end of surgery (placebo group). Intraperitoneal nebulization of ropivacaine or saline was performed using the Aeroneb Pro® device. Anaesthetic and surgical techniques were standardized. The degree of pain on deep breath or movement, incidence of shoulder pain, morphine consumption, and postoperative nausea and vomiting were collected in the post-anaesthesia care unit and at 6, 24, and 48 h after surgery. Results Compared with placebo, ropivacaine nebulization significantly reduced postoperative pain (−33%; Cohen's d 0.64), referred shoulder pain (absolute reduction −98%), morphine requirements (−41% to −56% Cohen's d 1.16), and time to unassisted walking (up to −44% Cohen's d 0.9) (P<0.01). There were no differences in pain scores between ropivacaine nebulization groups. Conclusions Ropivacaine nebulization before or after surgery reduced postoperative pain and referred shoulder pain after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Furthermore, ropivacaine nebulization reduced morphine requirements and allowed earlier mobility. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]