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Biomedical subjects

M Fiori

Publications and source records attributed to M Fiori.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

ELISA and LC-MS/MS methods for determining cyanobacterial toxins in blue-green algae food supplements.

The use of natural products as a diet supplement is increasing worldwide but sometimes is not followed by adequate sanitary controls and analyses. Twenty samples of pills and capsules of lyophilised cyanobacteria (blue-green algae), commercialised in Italy as dietary supplements, were found positive at the Vibrio fischeri bioassay. Further analyses with ELISA and LC-MS/MS methods revealed the presence of four microcystin (MC) analogues, MC-LR, -YR, -LA, -RR and two demethylated forms of MC-RR. The highest total microcystin content was 4.5 and 1.4 microg g-1 in pills and capsules, respectively. The ELISA measurements, compared to the LC-MS/MS analyses, showed significantly lower concentrations of microcystins in pills, this confirming a possible ELISA underestimate of mixed microcystins, due to different sensitivities for some toxic analogues.

Aliivibrio fischeri↗
PubMed2004

Identification and quantification method of spiramycin and tylosin in feedingstuffs with HPLC-UV/DAD at 1 ppm level.

The use of the two macrolides antibiotics Spiramycin (S) and Tylosin (T) as growth promoters in animal feeding has been recently withdrawn in the European Union due to a concern about the outbreaks of farmacoresistance fenomena as a possible hazard for humans. For feed additives monitoring purposes, an analytical method has been developed for their extraction, purification and identification in different animal feedingstuffs (pelleted beef, pig, poultry feeds and calves milk replacer) at a minimum performance required limit (MRPL) of 1 microg g(-1) (ppm). Such limit has been established according to the lowest dosage of additives still able to elicit an appreciable growth promoting effect. Blank feeds were spiked at two concentration levels, 1.0 and 2.5 ppm in six replicates. After methanolic extraction, samples were cleaned up on SPE CN columns and extracts analysed in HPLC-UV/DAD, using a gradient elution. Detection limits, calculated as the tree time mean noise of 20 blank feeds, were 176 and 118 ng g(-1) for S and T, respectively. Results show good repeatability (CV% not exceeding the value of 15) and mean recovery in the range of 99-74% and 81-53% for S and T, respectively, at 1 ppm. When the standards were injected up to 250 ng the chromatographic method can resolve the components of analytes (Spiramycin I, II and III; Tylosin A and B) but can not resolve the components on real feed samples at the spiked levels considered. For this reason the identification and quantification of analytes on matrix were carried out considering the main compound of the drugs (Spiramycin I and Tylosin A). As a verification, the overlapping of UV spectra in the range 220-350 nm between analytical standards and the compounds in the matrix were considered.

Animal Feed↗
PubMed2004

Tension-free vaginal tape and female stress incontinence: further evidence of effectiveness.

OBJECTIVES: Female stress incontinence is a frequent and distressing event with subsequent impact on quality of life. The tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) technique is considered to fulfill the criteria for an ideal surgical procedure and we therefore reviewed our cases to further analyze its effectiveness. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 57 patients suffering from stress incontinence with grade 1-2 cystocele underwent the TVT operation. During follow-up (mean 22.2 months), the short- and long-term results were investigated. RESULTS: 91.3% of patients achieved complete resolution of previous stress incontinence in the early postoperative period. Early complications occurred in 8.7% of patients. Follow-up (mean 22.2 months) highlighted the stabilization of positive outcomes in 87.7% of cases. No postoperative modification of sexual habits and a significant improvement in quality of life were reported by all patients. CONCLUSION: The results of our study confirm that the TVT technique for stress incontinence is an easy to perform procedure which is safe, effective and long-lasting.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Extraction, clean-up and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry characterization of zilpaterol as feed additive in fattening cattle.

Zilpaterol is an adrenergic drug currently licensed in Mexico and South Africa as a feed additive for cattle close to consignment. In this study an analytical method to detect zilpaterol in commercial feeds was set up. The influence of extraction solvent and matrix was evaluated. The drug as a trimethylsilyl derivative was characterized by GC-MS, on a quadrupole detector, in the electron impact mode. Acidic extraction, solid-phase extraction C(18) non-endcapped clean-up and mass characterization on ions m/z 308, 291, 405, 390 provided zilpaterol recoveries >75.3% and repeatability <3.3% in feeds spiked in the range 30.0-120.0 ng/g. The limits of detection and quantification were 7.5 and 25.0 ng/g, respectively. Such limits are well below the dose of 5.0-20.0 microgram/g proposed as effective.

Animal Feed↗
PubMed2003

Traceability of inbred and crossbred Cinta Senese pigs by evaluating the oxidative stress.

Previous studies on the oxidative stress in swine indicated a strong link between the values of reactive oxygen metabolites (ROMs), the subsequent antioxidant adaptive response (OXY) and the genetic selection. Such findings, mainly related to a cardiovascular inadequacy in lean, large muscle blocks and fast growing breeds, is associated with specific metabolic diseases such as porcine stress syndrome and mulberry heart disease. In this study, we investigated the oxidative stress parameters to trace the genetics of Cinta Senese (CS) pigs, a historical breed free-range reared in Siena countryside. Sera from CS (n = 24) and Large White x CS (LW x CS) (n = 24) groups around 120 kg body weight fed the same diet were sampled at slaughter. Sera from wild boars (WB) (n = 24) hunted in the same district were also considered. ROMs and OXY were evaluated in the three groups of swine. Significant differences by one-way anova (P < 0.05) between groups were found for both procedures. ROM levels were lower in WB (9.79 +/- 5.76 mm H2O2) and CS (18.02 +/- 7.42 mm H2O2), and highest in LW x CS (42.78 +/- 8.61 mm H2O2). OXY values ranged from 271.37 +/- 50.90 microm neutralized HOCl (WB) to 343.21 +/- 57.45 microm neutralized HOCl (LW x CS). Results indicated that the evaluation of the oxidative stress can effectively trace the CS pigs, thus aiding in preserving the overall specific traits of such a historical animal.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Use of molecularly imprinted polymers in the solid-phase extraction of clenbuterol from animal feeds and biological matrices.

Clenbuterol molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) as chromatographic stationary phase for the solid-phase extraction (SPE) of the drug from biological samples have been prepared. Propylene columns filled with 500 mg of clenbuterol MIPs have been tested with respect to their loading capacity, memory effects, selectivity toward related drugs (mabuterol, clenproperol, clenisopenterol, ritodrine) and specificity toward interferences arising from heterogeneous matrices such as animal feeds, bovine urine and liver. Analytes were concentrated on Extrelut 20 columns and the residues resuspended in 70% acetonitrile. Application, washing and elution fractions were collected and analyzed by HPLC-diode array detection. Results indicate this MIP approach in SPE is extremely selective for clenbuterol, mabuterol, clenproperol and clenisopenterol (>95% found in the eluate), with a loading capacity of about 20 microg/100 mg of stationary phase. Ritodrine showed a recovery rate of 51%. The molecular recognition mechanism is so specific to allow clenbuterol detection and identification by conventional detectors at level of interest (ppb) also from complex matrices such as feeds, urine and liver.

Adrenergic beta-Agonists↗
PubMed2001

Determination of ethyl-p-hydroxybenzoate in sow pancreatic juice by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography.

We have developed a high-performance liquid chromatographic-UV-Vis-diode-array detection (HPLC-DAD) method for the determination of ethyl-p-hydroxybenzoate, a hydrolytic degradation product of the synthetic protease inhibitor, gabexate-mesilate ethyl-p-(6-guanidinohexanoyloxy) benzoate methanesulfonate (GM) (FOY) in sow pancreatic juice. Methyl-p-hydroxybenzoate (I) was used as the internal standard. The pancreatic juice was deproteinised by acetonitrile and the analytes were chromatographed on a reversed-phase C18 LC column using the gradient elution method. The mobile phase consisted of a solution of 0.017 M orthophosphoric acid and another solution of acetonitrile-water (80:20, v/v). The wavelength of detection was 237 nm. The limit of quantification of the method was 0.20 microM at a 9:1 signal-to-noise ratio. The overall intra- and inter-day accuracy (relative error, RE) ranged from 14.2 to 8.3% and from 13.3 to 9.8, respectively. The overall intra- and inter-day precision (relative standard deviation, RSD) ranged from 7.6 to 2.62% and from 6.7 to 3.1%, respectively. The method proved to be sensitive, specific, accurate and precise and was successfully used to determine the ethyl-p-hydroxybenzoate (II) in sow pancreatic juice.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Evaluation of the oxidative stress in growing pigs by microplate assays.

The ability of pigs to neutralize the reactive oxygen species (ROS) plays a key role in their welfare. Two micromethods were developed to evaluate the oxidative stress and the anti-oxidative response in sera. We tested these methods for linearity, repeatability and reproducibility. A hydroxyl radicals (HR) test, based on the Fenton reaction, showed a linearity between 0.26 and 4.5 mM H2O2 (r = 0.997), with a coefficient of repeatability (CVr) of 1.9 and a coefficient of reproducibility (CVR) of 2.9. An anti-oxidant power (AOP) test, based on the capability of sera to neutralize a titred hypochlorous acid solution (HClO), showed a linearity between 55 and 880 microM HClO neutralized (r = 0.984), with CVr = 3.1 and CVR = 4.9. We assessed the applicability of such tests in field conditions on three different farms. Farm A recorded a positive anamnesis of Mulberry heart disease. Dietary Vitamin E supplementation was given at 50 p.p.m. in farms A and B and at 150 p.p.m. in farm C, respectively. The group from farm A showed HR sera levels higher than those of farm B and farm C (farm A, mean = 31.61 +/- 2.87 mM H2O2, n = 10; farm B, 28.53 +/- 2.30, n = 10; and farm C, 25.63 +/- 1.03, n = 10; P < 0.01). The AOP test was not able to discriminate between farms. The AOP levels found (mean = 472.50 microM HClO neutralized: n = 30) probably represent the maximum response of the organism to compensate the oxidative stress. HR and AOP are stable in sera stored at +4 degrees C. We discuss the application of such methods for the assessment of farmed animals' welfare.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Phytotoxicity to and uptake of flumequine used in intensive aquaculture on the aquatic weed, Lythrum salicaria L.

Phytotoxicity of Flumequine on the aquatic weed Lythrum salicaria L. was determined by two laboratory models: a single concentration test, by which the effects of 100 mg l-1 were evaluated after 10, 20, 30 days and a multiple concentration test, by which the effects of 5000-1000-500-100-50 micrograms l-1 were evaluated after 35-day exposure. 100 mg l-1 are highly toxic and significantly decrease the growth of plants; this effect increases with time. Concentrations between 5000 and 50 micrograms l-1 induced hormesis in plants, by significantly increasing mean number and dimension of leaves and secondary roots. The effect is the highest at 50 micrograms l-1 and decreases with increase in concentration. Both toxic effect and hormesis can be related to plant drug uptake, quite high, in the order of micrograms g-1. The ecological implication of Flumequine contamination in aquatic environments and the possible use of Lythrum salicaria for bioremediation and/or monitoring technique are discussed.

Anti-Infective Agents↗
PubMed1999

Treatment of hyperfiltering blebs with Nd:YAG laser-induced subconjunctival bleeding.

PURPOSE: To assess the feasibility of a new technique to manage hyperfiltering blebs after penetrating glaucoma surgery. METHODS: Neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG) laser bursts were used to induce bleeding in conjunctival and episcleral vessels in the bleb area to achieve local delivery of autologous blood. RESULTS: In the three cases reported here in which this technique was used, the treatment was successful and safe, leading to resolution of hypotony and reduction of the bleb with no complications. CONCLUSION: Subconjunctival bleeding can be achieved using Nd:YAG laser, and can represent a valuable alternative to autologous blood injection in cases of hyperfiltration after glaucoma surgery.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Identification of main corticosteroids as illegal feed additives in milk replacers by liquid chromatography-atmospheric pressure chemical ionisation mass spectrometry.

Corticosteroids were proposed as growth promoting agents to improve commercial quality of meat. We developed a liquid chromatography-atmospheric pressure chemical ionisation mass spectrometry (LC-APCI-MS) method able to identify the presence in milk replacers, when given by mouth, of dexamethasone, betamethasone, flumethasone, triamcinolone, predinisotone, prednisolone, methylprednisolone, fludrocortisone and beclomethasone, at levels in the range of 20-100 ppb. C18 solid-phase extraction, LC-RP C8 column separation, data acquisition (positive ions) in the scan range m/z 200-550 allowed us to differentiate and identify compounds by protonated molecules, their methanolic adducts and fragmentation patterns.

Adrenal Cortex Hormones↗
PubMed1998

A possible correlation between the blood leukocyte formula and the use of glucocorticoids as growth promoters in beef cattle.

Clinical analyses designed to set welfare parameters were performed on blood drawn from the caudal vein of 14 groups of cattle (young bulls and heifers) (n = 10) from 480 to 550 kg b.w., each group representative of a different farm. The leukocyte formula exhibited a lymphocytopenia in four groups compared with the values from a control group (n = 50). This finding was related to the possible illicit use of corticoids as growth promoters in meat production. The individual plasmas tested negative by two different ELISA kits for corticosteroids, but chemical analyses by LC-MS/APCI (detection limit 0.5 ng/ml) on the pooled plasma of each of the 14 groups revealed the presence of beclomethasone and fluocinolone acetonide in 3 of the 4 suspect farms. These corticosteroids are not always efficiently screened by commercially available immunoassays. The epidemiological reliability of blood analysis as a screening test for such drugs is discussed in the light of the need for quality certification of the whole meat production processes 'from farm to fork', and for enhanced animal welfare.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Alpha 1-acid glycoprotein affinity columns for the clean-up of adrenergic drugs.

alpha 1-Acid glycoproteins (AAGs) have a structure resembling beta-adrenergic receptors and bind several basic drugs in plasma. Chromatographic columns were prepared by linking epsilon-NH2 groups of AAG lysines to a Sepharose 4B support, in order to purify by affinity chromatography adrenergic drugs of possible use in animal production. Loading capacities, binding efficiency, memory effects and matrix interferences from urine samples were studied. The method developed involves sample application in buffered media (pH 7.4), washing with 5 ml of PBS, and elution with 4 ml of 1% v/v acetic acid. Under these conditions no memory effect was observed. Loading capacity is correlated with the physiological plasma binding rate (PB) of the drug. For clenbuterol (PB 50%) and anilino-like related drugs, 5 mg of AAG were able to bind about 15 x 10(-6) g of drug, with a 100% recovery from the column. Repeatability and reproducibility, expressed as RSD, were 4.2 and 5.4%, respectively. The calculated AAG: drug molar ratio was 4.5:1, indicating 22% of the AAG bound to the column retained drug affinity. Among phenolic-like agonists, salbutamol (PB 5%), fenoterol and isoxsuprine hardly interacted, whereas nylidrin, ritodrine and bamethan showed more effective binding. We also checked binding of other drugs of possible use in veterinary medicine. Application of the AAG column to spiked bovine urine revealed a mean recovery of 97.8%; no matrix interferences were observed.

Adrenergic beta-Agonists↗
PubMed1998

Nd:YAG laser iridotomy in pigment dispersion syndrome: an ultrasound biomicroscopic study.

AIMS: Ultrasound biomicroscopy was used to study the shape of the iris and the iridolenticular contact in pigment dispersion syndrome (PDS) eyes, to compare them with matched normal eyes, and to assess the morphological effects of laser iridotomy in PDS eyes. METHODS: 50 eyes of 50 patients suffering from PDS (group 1), and 15 normal eyes of 15 subjects matched for age and refraction (group 2), were studied by ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM, Humphrey-Zeiss). Nd:YAG laser iridotomy was proposed to the 30 PDS patients with concave iris and 18 underwent the treatment. RESULTS: The iris was concave in 27 eyes in group 1, and three more eyes showed a concave iris during accommodation. Among normals, iris concavity was present in two eyes. The height of the iris convexity was -0.15 (0.24) mm (range -0.65 to +0.21), in the eyes of group 1, whereas it was +0.07 (0.10) mm (range -0.21 to +0.16) in group 2 (p < 0.0012). Group 1 had greater iridolenticular contact than group 2: 1.55 (0.78) mm (range 0.30-2.88) and 1.07 (0.61) (range 0.30-2.50; p = 0.0304). After laser iridotomy, only one eye still had a concave iris. Pre- and post-treatment deflections were -0.35 (0.18) mm (range -0.61 to -0.05) and +0.01 (0.06) mm (range -0.12 to +0.17), respectively (p < 0.0001). Pre- and post-treatment iridolenticular contact was 2.10 (0.65) mm (range 0.70-2.88) and 0.93 (0.38) mm (range 0.4-1.75), respectively (p < 0.0001). After laser iridotomy, the treated irises were flatter than normal (p = 0.0207), whereas the iridolenticular contact was not significantly different. CONCLUSIONS: Laser iridotomy can restore a normal iris shape and iridolenticular contact in eyes suffering from PDS.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Beta-human chorionic gonadotropin and alpha-fetoprotein in central and peripheral venous blood of patients with testicular tumors.

From January 1989 to June 1991, 18 patients ranging in age from 19 to 41 (mean 34) years with testicular tumor were examined. 14 patients had seminoma (11 typical and 3 spermatocytic) and 4 patients had a mixed form (2 seminoma + embryonal tumor and 2 seminoma + teratocarcinoma). Serum levels of beta-human chorionic gonadotropin and alpha-fetoprotein from peripheral venous blood and from spermatic venous vessel were evaluated in every patient. All patients with seminoma and in a patient with mixed tumor (seminoma + embryonal tumor) the markers were regular. The increase of the markers was found in the peripheral and in spermatic blood of 3 patients (2 seminoma + embryonal carcinoma and 1 seminoma + teratocarcinoma). For these reasons the values of spermatic vessels are an important confirmation of the level of peripheral markers.

Adult↗