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Juveniles are considered as one of the most vulnerable population groups concerning mycotoxins and their modified forms. The weaning stage is a particularly vulnerable period in the life of mammals, reflected in intestinal and immune dysfunction. The current study investigated the toxicokinetic (TK) characteristics of zearalenone (ZEN), zearalenone-14-glucoside (ZEN14G), and zearalenone-14-sulfate (ZEN14S) in weaned (4-week-old) piglets, by means of oral and intravenous administration of equimolar doses, i.e., 331, 500, and 415 μg/kg bodyweight, respectively. Plasma and urine were sampled pre- and post-administration and were quantitatively analyzed for ZEN, ZEN14G, ZEN14S, and in vivo metabolites by liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry. Tailor-made TK models were elaborated to process data. A statistical comparison of the results was performed with TK data obtained in a previously reported study in pigs of 8 weeks of age. Additionally, porcine plasma protein binding was determined to support TK findings. The TK results for ZEN, ZEN14G, and ZEN14S, obtained in 4- and 8-week-old pigs, revealed significant age-related differences, based on differences in intestinal permeability, body fat content, gastrointestinal transit time, and biotransformation, with a special emphasis on an increased absorbed fraction of ZEN14G, i.e., 94 vs 61% in 4- compared to 8-week-old pigs. Since the growing pig has been reported to be a suitable pediatric animal model for humans concerning TK processes, these results may contribute to refine the risk assessment concerning modified ZEN forms in juvenile animals and humans.

In the context of increasing occurrences of toxic cyanobacterial blooms worldwide, their monitoring in Belgium is currently performed by regional environmental agencies (in two of three regions) using different protocols and is restricted to some selected recreational ponds and lakes. Therefore, a global assessment based on the comparison of existing datasets is not possible. For this study, 79 water samples from a monitoring of five lakes in Wallonia and occasional blooms in Flanders and Brussels, including a canal, were analyzed. A Liquid Chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method allowed to detect and quantify eight microcystin congeners. The mcyE gene was detected using PCR, while dominant cyanobacterial species were identified using 16S RNA amplification and direct sequencing. The cyanobacterial diversity for two water samples was characterized with amplicon sequencing. Microcystins were detected above limit of quantification (LOQ) in 68 water samples, and the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended guideline value for microcystins in recreational water (24 µg L−1) was surpassed in 18 samples. The microcystin concentrations ranged from 0.11 µg L−1 to 2798.81 µg L−1 total microcystin. For 45 samples, the dominance of the genera Microcystis sp., Dolichospermum sp., Aphanizomenon sp., Cyanobium/Synechococcus sp., Planktothrix sp., Romeria sp., Cyanodictyon sp., and Phormidium sp. was shown. Moreover, the mcyE gene was detected in 75.71% of all the water samples.

The development of incurred reference materials containing citrinin (CIT) and their successful application in a method validation study (MVS) in order to harmonize CIT determination in food and food supplements are demonstrated. CIT-contaminated materials made of red yeast rice (RYR), wheat flour, and Ginkgo biloba leaves (GBL), as well as food supplements made of red yeast rice (FS-RYR) and Ginkgo biloba leaves (FS-GBL), were manufactured in-house via fungal cultivation on collected raw materials. The homogeneity and stability from randomly selected containers were verified according to the ISO 13528. CIT was found to be homogenously distributed and stable in all contaminated materials, with no significant degradation during the timescale of the MVS when storage was performed up to +4 °C. Next, an MVS was organized with eighteen international laboratories using the provided standard operating procedure and 12 test materials, including three RYRs (blank, &lt, 50 µg/kg, &lt, 2000 µg/kg), two wheat flours (blank, &lt, 50 µg/kg), two GBL powders (blank, &lt, 50 µg/kg), three FS-RYRs (blank, &lt, 2000 µg/kg), and two FS-GBLs (blank, &lt, 50 µg/kg). The results of seven CIT-incurred materials showed acceptable within-laboratory precision (RSDr) varying from 6.4% to 14.6% and between-laboratory precision (RSDR) varying from 10.2% to 37.3%. Evidenced by HorRat values &lt, 2.0, the results of the collaborative trial demonstrated that the applied analytical method could be standardized. Furthermore, the appropriateness of producing CIT reference materials is an important step towards food and feed quality control systems and the organization of proficiency tests.

Exposure to mycotoxins is a worldwide problem. To ensure public health, it is imperative to characterize the risks related to these toxins. The present study aims to conduct a dietary exposure assessment of citrinin (CIT) and ochratoxin A (OTA) in the Belgian population using consumption data of a variety of foodstuffs. A total of 367 food samples from different food categories were collected in Belgian supermarkets and analysed for CIT and OTA using a validated liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method. Daily CIT and OTA exposure to the Belgian population was calculated based on the analytical results and food consumption data in three age categories (3–9, 10–17 and 18–64 years), obtained from a national food consumption survey. Furthermore, a risk characterization was performed for CIT, in which no intake values exceeded the tolerable daily intake (TDI) of 200 ng kg−1 bw day−1, indicating no health risk. However, a CIT intake level of 187 ng kg−1 bw day−1 was detected for children in the age category of 3–9 years in the worst case scenario for rice, indicating that rice consumption could contain a potential health hazard for young children. For OTA, a potential health risk was detected in several food categories (biscuits, croissants, rice, flour, meat imitates, herbs and spices) in the higher percentiles (P99) or at maximum found concentrations when calculating the margin of exposure (MoE) for neoplastic effects. An attempt to perform a cumulative health risk assessment for both toxins was done. Although a high number of uncertainties is involved, combined margin of exposure (MoET) values indicated a potential health risk related to the combined exposure to CIT and OTA. For the first time, our study demonstrated the potential health risks of CIT and OTA after individual and combined exposure, in particular related to rice consumption. Moreover, further research is recommended concerning multiple mycotoxin exposure in young children.

Cyanotoxins can be produced in surface waters by cyanobacterial blooms, mostly during summer and early autumn. Intoxications would result from consumption of water contaminated with the potent hepatotoxins, microcystins and nodularin. Therefore, the WHO has set a guideline value for drinking water quality concerning one congener of microcystin. Consequently, the design of a validated, public reference method to detect and quantify the hepatotoxins in drinking water is necessary. During this study, a method was developed to quantify cyanotoxins (eight microcystin congeners and nodularin) in water using liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. Additionally, bottled and tap water samples were tested for the presence of cyanotoxins. No cyanotoxins were detected in any of the collected water samples. However, quality controls and the results of a proficiency test show the validity of the method.

For the first time, a comprehensive human intervention study was conducted to unravel the urinary excretion profile and metabolism of the fungal metabolite deoxynivalenol (DON) and its modified form deoxynivalenol-3-glucoside (DON-3-glucoside). Twenty volunteers were restricted in consuming cereals and cereal-based foods for 4 days. At day 3, a single bolus of 1 µg/kg body weight of DON and a single bolus of 1 µg/kg body weight of DON-3-glucoside after a washing-out period of two months was administered, and a 24-h urine collection was performed. The urine was analysed for DON, DON-3-glucoside, 3-ADON, 15-ADON, deepoxy-deoxynivalenol (DOM-1), deoxynivalenol-3-glucuronide (DON-3-glucuronide) and deoxynivalenol-15-glucuronide (DON-15-glucuronide). The urinary biomarker-analysis revealed that DON and DON-3-glucoside were rapidly absorbed, distributed, metabolized and excreted. Sixty-four % of the administered DON and 58% of DON-3-glucoside was recovered in the urine collected within 24 h. DON-15-glucuronide was the most prominent urinary biomarker followed by free DON and DON-3-glucuronide. Moreover, correlations among the presence of DON-15-glucuronide and DON-3-glucuronide were observed (within 24 hours (r = 0.61)). The DOM-1 detected in the urine was higher after the DON-3-glucoside administration. The obtained results are imperative to construct a standardized method to estimate DON-intake by means of urinary biomarkers.

A comprehensive toxicokinetic analysis of citrinin (CIT) revealed interspecies differences for all toxicokinetic parameters and in absolute oral bioavailability. Oral bioavailability for CIT was complete for broilers (113–131%), while ranging from 37 to 44% in pigs. CIT was more rapidly absorbed in pigs (Tmax = 0.92 h) compared to broiler chickens (Tmax = 7.33 h). The elimination of CIT was slower in pigs (T1/2el = 26.81 h after intravenous (IV) administration) compared to chickens (T1/2el = 1.97 h after IV administration), due to the striking difference in clearance (Cliv=9.87 mL/h/kg for pigs versus Cliv = 863.09 mL/h/kg for broilers). Also, the volume of distribution differed significantly between pigs (Vd = 0.30 L/kg after IV administration) and chickens (Vd = 2.46 L/kg after IV administration). However, plasma protein binding did not differ statistically significant (91–98%). It is imperative to further investigate biotransformation and elimination pathways in different species, including humans.

The aim of this study was to determine the toxicokinetic characteristics of ZEN and its modified forms, α-zearalenol (α-ZEL), β-zearalenol (β-ZEL), zearalenone-14-glucoside (ZEN14G), and zearalenone-14-sulfate (ZEN14S), including presystemic and systemic hydrolysis in pigs. Crossover pig trials were performed by means of intravenous and oral administration of ZEN and its modified forms. Systemic plasma concentrations of the administered toxins and their metabolites were quantified and further processed via tailor-made compartmental toxicokinetic models. Furthermore, portal plasma was analyzed to unravel the site of hydrolysis, and urine samples were analyzed to determine urinary excretion. Results demonstrate complete presystemic hydrolysis of ZEN14G and ZEN14S to ZEN and high oral bioavailability for all administered compounds, with further extensive first-pass glucuronidation. Conclusively, the modified-ZEN forms α-ZEL, β-ZEL, ZEN14G, and ZEN14S contribute to overall ZEN systemic toxicity in pigs and should be taken into account for risk assessment.

Mycotoxins may cause deleterious effects (among others nephrogenic, hepatogenic, carcinogenic, teratogenic, neurogenic) in animals and humans, therefore they have been intensely studied and monitored over the years. For citrinin (CIT), a nephrotoxic mycotoxin, however, this has not yet been the case. According to the latest European Food Safety Authority report, a correct risk assessment of CIT was not possible due to the lack of occurrence data. Besides, traces of CIT or its metabolite, dehydrocitrinone are widely (in up to 90% of samples) present in human urine according to recent Belgian and German scientific reports, which might imply chronic exposure. Only recently, a European maximum limit has been set for CIT in cholesterol reducing food supplements including red yeast fermented rice (RYR). During production of RYR through fungal (among others Monascus purpureus) fermentation of rice other components, like CIT, as well as nephrotoxic ochratoxin A (OTA) may form. Consequently, the present work attempted develop to a robust and routinely applicable ultra-high performance liquid chromatographytandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) method for the analysis of CIT and OTA in food, feed and in RYR food supplements. The method was successfully validated based on EU/657/2002 and EU/519/2014 in RYR food supplements and wheat flour, achieving respective limits of quantification (LOQ) for CIT of 0.4 μg/kg and 0.1 μg/kg and for OTA of 15 μg/kg and 0.4 μg/kg. The average between-day recoveries varied from 72 to 110% with relative standard deviations ≤16%. Single-day validation in rice, curry and apple matrices showed LOQs ranging from 0.3-1.0 μg/kg. Next, the occurrence of CIT/OTA was surveyed in 138 RYR, food and feed samples, proving the potential of this method for future data acquisition within a risk assessment framework specifically for CIT, while also gaining information about the (co-)occurrence of OTA in edible matrices.

A 7-year-old girl was seen at the ER with severe pain of her index finger after twisting her hand whilst performing a handstand. Physical examination and X-rays showed an isolated dorsal dislocation of the metacarpophalangeal joint, also known as a Kaplan's lesion. A Kaplan's lesion is a complex dislocation with volar plate interposition. Therefore, most of the lesions require surgical reduction, preferably from a dorsal approach.

Introduction The prevalence of the junctional ST-depression with tall symmetrical T-waves in a field triage system for ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) is unknown. Material and methods We prospectively collected all transmitted 12-lead electrocardiograms (ECGs) from the STEMI field triage system in Amsterdam from 2011 to 2013. Electrocardiograms with junctional ST-depression with tall symmetrical T-waves were recognized and angiographic documentation and clinical follow up were collected. Results A total of 5588 patients with at least 1 transmitted field ECG were identified from the database. ST-elevation infarction was present on the field ECG in 1864 patients (33%) and 701 ECGs (12,5%) showed anterior infarction. In 11 patients, junctional ST-depression with tall symmetrical T-waves was identified (0,2% of total transmitted ECGs and 1,6% of anterior infarctions). The 11 angiograms invariably showed involvement of the proximal Left Anterior Descending (LAD) artery (segment 5,6 and 7). Mortality was 27% within the first week. Conclusions An ECG with junctional ST-depression with tall symmetrical T-waves is an infrequent finding. Because this pattern of STEMI equivalent is associated with LAD occlusions, it is important to recognize this pattern, so patients can be transported to the catheterization laboratory without delay.

An ultra-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-ESI+/−-MS/MS) method for the simultaneous analysis of citrinin (CIT) and ochratoxin A (OTA) in feed (chicken and pig) and food (cereal-based products, fruit, vegetable juices, nuts, seeds, herbs, spices, vegetarian and soy products, alcoholic beverages, baby food products and food supplements) was developed. The mycotoxins were extracted from these matrices using a QuEChERS-based extraction method without any further clean-up step. The samples were 5-fold concentrated. Final extracts were analyzed using a UPLC–MS/MS system and chromatographic separation was achieved by applying a gradient elution for a total run time of 10 min. Mycotoxins were quantified using an internal calibration via analyte/13C-labeled internal standard ratio. The developed method was validated according to the criteria described in Commission Regulation No. 401/2006/EC and Commission Decision No. 2002/657/EC. Specificity, linearity, apparent recovery, limit of detection and quantification, intraday and interday precision, measurement uncertainty, matrix effect, and extraction efficiency were the parameters studied. Finally, 90 Belgian chicken and pig feed samples were analyzed, revealing the simultaneous presence of CIT (

Aim To introduce a multimodular combination of techniques as a novel minimal invasive approach to investigate efficiently and accurately external cervical resorption (ECR). Methodology One case of a central incisor with extensive external cervical resorption was selected to demonstrate the potential of a comparative novel study methodology. ECR diagnosis was based on clinical inspection, digital radiography and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). After extraction, the tooth was investigated using microfocus computed tomography (micro-CT), nano-CT and hard tissue histology. These techniques were compared for their accuracy and applicability to highlight their advantages and disadvantages. Results Nano-CT was more effective than micro-CT and CBCT for detailed ex vivo exploration of ECR. The reparative tissue, pericanalar resorption resistant sheet (PRRS), pulp tissue reactions, resorption channels and their interconnection with the periodontal ligament space were accurately visualized by detailed processing and analysis of the nano-CT data set with Dataviewer and CTAn software. Nano-CT analysis provided better insight in the true extent of the resorption, based on quantitative measurements and 3D visualization of the tooth structure. Nano-CT imaging results were similar to hard tissue histology at the mineralized tissue level. To clarify the dynamic phenomenon of reparative tissue formation and substitution of the resorbed tissues, nano-CT needed to be associated with hard tissue histology. Conclusion Nano-CT is a fast and minimal invasive technique for the ex vivo analysis and understanding of ECR and is complementary with hard tissue histology. A combined approach of clinical and CBCT examination, with nano-CT and histological mapping measurements, can provide an ideal platform for future ECR imaging and exploration studies.

Fusarium species isolated from Belgian maize were screened for their ability to produce fusarin C, fusaric acid, fumonisins B1 (FB1), FB2 and FB3 in maize grains. First, cultivation of Fusarium species in Myro liquid medium allowed overcoming the shortage of the standard of fusarin C on the market. All Fusarium verticillioides produced much higher contents of mycotoxins in Myro compared to Fusarium graminearum or Fusarium venenatum. The optimization of the LC-MS/MS method resulted in low limits of detection and quantification for fusarin C, fusaric acid, FB1, FB2 and FB3 determination in maize grains. Its application for screening the potential toxin production ability evidenced that the concentrations of the analytes were significantly increased at various levels when F. verticillioides strains were cultivated in maize grains and reached 441 mg kg(-1) for fusaric acid, 74 mg kg(-1) for fusarin C, 1,301 mg kg(-1) for FB1, 367 mg kg(-1) for FB2 and 753 mg kg(-1) for FB3.

De Nederlandse Reanimatieraad vermeldt in de richtlijn voor de postresuscitatieperiode een streefwaarde voor de zuurstofsaturatie van 94-98%. Met een praktijkonderzoek hebben we gekeken wat het effect is van de protocolwijziging op de zuurstofsaturatie (SaO2) bij patienten met return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) na een out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. In dit artikel kijken beschrijven we of de prehospitale zorg de nieuw target haalt.

Due to their unavoidable presence in agricultural products and their potential risk for human and animal health, it is imperative that mycotoxins be detected and removed from the food chain. This review reports both established conventional and emerging methods based on recent advances in mycotoxin analyses. Although most official detection methods are chromatographic (coupled with an ultraviolet or fluorescence detector), alternative strategies such as immunochemical methods and liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry have seen a major breakthrough on the commercial market. They comport the advantages of making simple extraction possible along with high sensitivity multidetection. Emerging technologies are of potential application in the analysis of mycotoxins and may demonstrate advantages over the more conventional and well established techniques used as official analytical methods.

The interest in LC-MS/MS multi-mycotoxin methods unveiled an urgent need for multi-mycotoxin reference material. A multi-fusariotoxin, including deoxynivalenol (DON); zearalenone (ZEN); T-2 toxin (T-2); HT-2 toxin (HT-2); enniatin A, A1, B, and B1 (ENNs); and beauvericin (BEA), contaminated wheat flour was obtained by inoculation Fusarium spp. strains. The candidate material has successfully passed the homogeneity test and submitted to an international interlaboratory study achieved by 19 laboratories from 11 countries using their routine analytical method. The dispersion of the results for ZEN and BEA did not allow the derivation of reliable consensus values, while the assignment was only possible for DON, HT-2, T-2, and ENN A. No link was found between the methods used by the participants and the results. Significant changes in dry matter contents (≥±1.4 % of the initial dry matter) and significant changes in ergosterol contents (≥±10 %) did not occur. Using the mycotoxin contents in wheat flour stored at −80 °C as reference values, statistically significant decreases were observed only for T-2 contents at +24 °C, in contrast to the storage at −20 and +4 °C. For the other involved toxins, the candidate material was found to be stable at −20, +4, or +24 °C. Based on the T-2 decreases, a shelf life of 6 years was derived from isochronous study when the material is kept at −20 °C. At room temperature (e.g., +24 °C) or higher, this time validity drastically decreases down to 6 months. The development of this metrological tool is an important step towards food and feed quality control using multi-mycotoxin analyses. In vivo animal experiments using multi-mycotoxin-contaminated feeds dealing with the carryover or mitigation could further benefit from the methodology of this work.

Over a 4-year period (2010-13), a survey aiming at determining the occurrence of Fusarium spp. and their relations to mycotoxins in mature grains took place in southern Belgium. The most prevalent species were F. graminearum, F. avenaceum, F. poae and F. culmorum, with large variations between years and locations. An even proportion of mating type found for F. avenaceum, F. culmorum, F. cerealis and F. tricinctum is usually a sign of ongoing sexual recombination. In contrast, an unbalanced proportion of mating type was found for F. poae and no MAT1-2 allele was present in the F. langsethiae population. Genetic chemotyping indicates a majority of deoxynivalenol (DON)-producing strains in F. culmorum (78%, all 3-ADON producers) and F. graminearum (95%, mostly 15-ADON producers), while all F. cerealis strains belong to the nivalenol (NIV) chemotype. Between 2011 and 2013, DON, NIV, enniatins (ENNs) and moniliformin (MON) were found in each field in various concentrations. By comparison, beauvericin (BEA) was scarcely detected and T-2 toxin, zearalenone and α- and β-zearalenols were never detected. Principal component analysis revealed correlations of DON with F. graminearum, ENNs and MON with F. avenaceum and NIV with F. culmorum, F. cerealis and F. poae. BEA was associated with the presence of F. tricinctum and, to a lesser extent, with the presence of F. poae. The use of genetic chemotype data revealed that DON concentrations were mostly influenced by DON-producing strains of F. graminearum and F. culmorum, whereas the concentrations of NIV were influenced by the number of NIV-producing strains of both species added to the number of F. cerealis and F. poae strains. This study emphasises the need to pay attention to less-studied Fusarium spp. for future Fusarium head blight management strategies, as they commonly co-occur in the field and are associated with a broad spectrum of mycotoxins.

In vivo metabolism of masked or conjugated mycotoxins is poorly documented as standards are not commercially available and indirect analysis using hydrolytic enzymes is difficult to validate and cumbersome. We synthesised zearalenone-14-glucoside (ZEA-14G) chemically. Deoxynivalenol-3-glucuronide (DON-3GlcA) and glucuronides of 3- and 15-acetyl-deoxynivalenol (3- and 15-ADON-GlcAs), de-epoxydeoxynivalenol, zearalenone (ZEA), α- and β-zearalenol (α- and β-ZOL) were synthesised using rat microsomes. For the first time three ADON-GlcAs were synthesised: two 3-ADON-GlcAs and one 15-ADON-GlcA. After purification, the masked mycotoxin and the metabolites were characterised by NMR (DON-3GlcA, ZEA-14G) or by full scan MS, MS/MS fragmentation, UV-spectra, β-glucosidase and β-glucuronidase treatment. In a first experiment, rats were fed orally DON-3-glucoside (DON-3G) and ZEA-14G, together with 13C-DON and 13C-ZEA and were sacrificed after 55 minutes. A total of 21 masked metabolites, metabolites and parent mycotoxins were quantified in rat organs. Whereas DON-3G was hardly hydrolysed in the stomach, ZEA was clearly formed from ZEA-14G. In a second experiment, 3- and 15-ADON were given orally to rats. The acetylated forms of DON were hydrolysed in the stomach, in contrast to DON-3G. Rats can directly glucuronidate ADONs without deacetylation. Neither DOM, α- or β-ZOL nor their glucuronides could be quantified. Glucuronidated 3-ADON accumulated in the small intestines, together with DON-3GlcA in rats fed orally with 3- and 15-ADON. These differences in masked mycotoxins metabolism can be important in risk analysis of masked mycotoxins in food and feed.

Aim To compare void detection in root fillings using different radiographic imaging techniques: intraoral analogue, intraoral digital and cone beam CT (CBCT) images and to assess factors influencing small void detection. Methodology Two straight root canals in canine teeth were prepared. Calibrated steel wires of five different diameters (200, 300, 350, 500, 800 μm) were inserted respectively in the canal after the injection of a sealer. To simulate filling voids of known dimensions, the wires were removed after the sealer had set. Each sample was imaged, using a Minray X-ray tube (Soredex, Helsinki, Finland) at optimal clinical settings combined with Vistascan PSP (Durr Dental, Bietigheim-Bissingen, Germany), Digora Optime PSP (Soredex), Sigma CCD (Instrumentarium, Tuusula, Finland) and E-speed films (Agfa-Gevaert, Mortsel, Belgium). The teeth were also imaged using CBCT (3D Accuitomo, Morita, Japan). A generalized mixed model and anova analysis were used on the acquired data (Tukey–Kramer correction). Results There was no evidence that the factor ‘root level’ affected void detection in root fillings. ‘Void size’ was a main determining factor as all voids larger than 300 μm were determined with all techniques. For the smaller voids, there were significant differences between the 5 imaging techniques at different void sizes and different root levels. Conclusions Void size and imaging technique were main determining factors. Voids larger than 300 μm were determined with all imaging techniques. For small void detection, all digital intraoral techniques performed better than intraoral analogue and CBCT images.

A direct, fast and sensitive LC–MS/MS method was developed to measure biomarkers for mycotoxin exposure in human urine. In total, 32 biomarkers were quantitatively or semi-quantitatively measured in 32 urine samples of Belgian volunteers using two injections. All urine samples contained deoxynivalenol-15-glucuronide, the major detoxification metabolite of deoxynivalenol, in the ng/mL range. Also deoxynivalenol-3-glucuronide and de-epoxy-deoxynivalenol-glucuronide were present in, respectively, 90 and 25 % of the samples, while deoxynivalenol was detected in 60 % of the samples, in lower concentrations. Deoxynivalenol glucuronides were the major biomarkers for deoxynivalenol exposure. Ochratoxin A was detected in 70 % of the samples in pg/mL. Citrinin and/or dihydrocitrinone were detected in 90 % of the samples, also in concentrations of pg/mL. The presence of ochratoxin A and citrinin was confirmed by a second method using sample cleanup by immunoaffinity columns, followed by LC–MS/MS. Our data show that humans are much more exposed to citrinin than realized before and suggest further work on citrinin exposure in relation with ochratoxin A exposure, as both mycotoxins are nephrotoxic.

Introduction The routine use of high-resolution images derived from 3-dimensional cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) datasets enables the linear measurement of lesions in the maxillary and mandibular bones on 3 planes of space. Measurements on different planes would make it possible to obtain real volumetric assessments. In this study, we tested, in vitro, the accuracy and reliability of new dedicated software developed for volumetric lesion assessment in clinical endodontics. Methods Twenty-seven bone defects were created around the apices of 8 teeth in 1 young bovine mandible to simulate periapical lesions of different sizes and shapes. The volume of each defect was determined by taking an impression of the defect using a silicone material. The samples were scanned using an Accuitomo 170 CBCT (J. Morita Mfg Co, Kyoto, Japan), and the data were uploaded into a newly developed dedicated software tool. Two endodontists acted as independent and calibrated observers. They analyzed each bone defect for volume. The difference between the direct volumetric measurements and the measurements obtained with the CBCT images was statistically assessed using a lack-of-fit test. A correlation study was undertaken using the Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient. Intra- and interobserver agreement was also evaluated. Results The results showed a good fit and strong correlation between both volume measurements (ρ > 0.9) with excellent inter- and intraobserver agreement. Conclusions Using this software, CBCT proved to be a reliable method in vitro for the estimation of endodontic lesion volumes in bovine jaws. Therefore, it may constitute a new, validated technique for the accurate evaluation and follow-up of apical periodontitis.

Aim To provide a three-dimensional representation of external cervical resorption (ECR) with microscopy, stereo microscopy, cone beam computed tomography (CT), microfocus CT and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Summary External cervical resorption is an aggressive form of root resorption, leading to a loss of dental hard tissues. This is due to clastic action, activated by a damage of the covering cementum and stimulated probably by infection. Clinically, it is a challenging situation as it is characterized by a late symptomatology. This is due to the pericanalar protection from a resorption-resistant sheet, composed of pre-dentine and surrounding dentine. The clastic activity is often associated with an attempt to repair, seen by the formation of osteoid tissue. Key learning points Cone beam CT is extremely useful in the diagnoses and treatment planning of ECR. SEM analyses provide a better insight into the activity of osteoclasts. The root canal is surrounded by a layer of dentine that is resistant to resorption.

Gunst V, Huybrechts B, De Almeida Neves A, Bergmans L, Van Meerbeek B, Lambrechts P. Playing wind instruments as a potential aetiologic cofactor in external cervical resorption: two case reports. International Endodontic Journal 44, 268–282, 2011. Abstract Aim To present two cases of external cervical resorption (ECR) on maxillary incisors, in which the primary aetiologic factor is suggested to be pressure trauma by frequently playing wind instruments. Summary The exact aetiological spectrum of ECR is still poorly understood. For resorption to occur, a defect in the cementum layer (trigger) is a likely prerequisite. Whilst the mechanism for continuation (stimulus) is still unclear, knowledge of potential predisposing factors is important in assessing patients at risk. Pressure generated by playing wind instruments could present an aetiological factor in ECR because it affects the cervical region of the root surface. The cases that are presented may confirm this hypothesis and the extent of resorption defects is shown by cone-beam computer tomography (CT) and micro-focus CT imaging techniques. Key learning points • The repetitive forces generated by playing wind instruments could be compared to excessive, longstanding, orthodontic forces and therefore may initiate and stimulate ECR. • Music teachers as well as general dental practitioners should be aware of the potential impact of playing wind instruments on the orofacial structures. • If possible, a protective mouth guard should be fabricated and used whilst practicing. • Cone-beam CT analysis is useful for the clinical diagnosis and treatment planning of ECR. • Micro-focus CT analysis does reveal the extent and complexity of an ECR defect ex vivo.

‘Cervicale wortelresorptie’ is een term die wordt gebruikt voor een relatief zeldzame, maar agressieve vorm van externe resorptie. Het optreden ervan wordt gekenmerkt door een cervicale lokalisatie en een invasieve aard. Cervicale wortelresorptie is een proces dat vaak leidt tot irreversibel verlies van harde tandweefsels zoals cement, dentine en glazuur, al dan niet in combinatie met afbraak van het aangrenzende bot (Gunraj, 1999; Heithersay, 2004) (afb. 2.1).

AIM: To test the hypothesis that photo-activated disinfection (PAD) has a bactericidal effect on pathogens inoculated in root canals, with emphasis on biofilm formation/destruction. METHODOLOGY: Root canals of extracted teeth (n = 38) were prepared (size 30, 0.10 taper), autoclaved, divided into three groups and two negative controls inoculated (Streptococcus anginosus, Enterococcus faecalis or Fusobacterium nucleatum) and treated (PAD, laser, dye or positive control) according to a cross-sectional design. Resultant colony-forming unit counts were associated with observations of cell structural changes using environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) on inoculated dentinal surfaces (n = 22, two controls) before (1, 2 and 6 days of incubation) and after treatment with PAD. RESULTS: Treatment of root canals with PAD (15 J) caused a significant reduction of the bacterial load, resulting in a 93.8% kill of S. anginosus (P < 0.0001), a 88.4% kill of E. faecalis (P < 0.05) and a 98.5% kill of F. nucleatum (P < 0.0001), but no sterilization. Laser alone had no significant effect on the load nor did the dye without laser. The ESEM experiment showed that individual cells or monolayers were easily eliminated with PAD. But when biofilms were present (2 and 6 days for E. faecalis, 6 days for S. anginosus), bacterial eradication was substantially reduced in deep layers. CONCLUSIONS: Photo-activated disinfection is not an alternative but a possible supplement to the existing protocols for root canal disinfection as the interaction between light (diode laser) and associated dye (TBO) provides a broad-spectrum effect. Some endodontic pathogens that grow as single-species biofilms, however, are difficult to eradicate. ispartof: International endodontic journal vol:41 issue:3 pages:227-239 ispartof: location:England status: published

Catalyst activities in olefin (co)polymerisation can be reduced by feed impurities. In the present work, a series of metal exchanged zeolites was tested for the removal of cyclopentadiene from 1-octene. Initial screening was performed at room temperature with a number of (transition) metal exchanged zeolites using 1-octene containing 1000 or 10,000 wt.ppm cyclopentadiene. From these experiments it was concluded that NaX zeolites ion exchanged successively with Ca and Co ions using an intermediate calcination were promising materials. Optimal activation conditions for the CoCaX samples were determined and resulted in the zeolite pretreatment at 500 °C in an oxygen atmosphere. Adsorption isotherms of cyclopentadiene in 1-octene on Ca, Co, and Ag containing NaX zeolites and related materials were recorded, confirming the superior behaviour of a zeolite NaX successively exchanged with Ca and Co ions using an intermediate calcination. Breakthrough experiments using 1-octene feeds containing about 100 wt.ppm cyclopentadiene also demonstrated that this zeolite allowed purification of octene spiked with cyclopentadiene to a concentration below 0.1 wt.ppm.