Rapid and Accurate Identification of Animal Species in Natural Leather Goods by Liquid Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry.

The demand for leather goods has grown globally in recent years. Industry revenue is forecast to reach $91.2 billion by 2018. There is an ongoing labelling problem in the leather items market, in that it is currently impossible to identify the species that a given piece of leather is derived from. To address this issue, we developed a rapid and simple method for the specific identification of leather derived from cattle, horses, pigs, sheep, goats, and deer by analysing peptides produced by the trypsin-digestion of proteins contained in leather goods using liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry. We determined species-specific amino acid sequences by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry analysis using the Mascot software program and demonstrated that collagen α-1(I), collagen α-2(I), and collagen α-1(III) from the dermal layer of the skin are particularly useful in species identification.

Peptide Profiling Using Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization-Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry for Identification of Animal Fibers.

Identification of fibers for verification of their specific animal origin is necessary for maintaining quality and value in the clothing industry. In order to examine adulteration in animal fibers, there is a commercially accepted method of microscopy analysis. However, this method is subjective and time-consuming due to its reliance on an operator identifying magnified fibers from their scale image and other features. Therefore, alternative reliable identification methods are required. In this study, peptide analysis using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOFMS) is presented and used to distinguish between cashmere, wool, mohair, yak, camel, angora, and alpaca in untreated and treated fibers (dyed, chlorinated wool). Typical m/z values for each specific type of animal fiber were identified. Predictive models that could identify seven types of animal fibers as well as 50% blended samples were successfully constructed using multivariate analyses such as PCA and PLS regression. This technique is therefore extremely useful for complementing the conventional tests for detecting adulteration in animal fiber fabrics and clothing.

[Improved ambulatory syringe pump system for pain control therapy at home].

UNLABELLED: Terumo Corporation has been developing products for use at home, such as the Cafty pump, based on the opionions and suggestions received through Home-Joint. This time we improved the ambulatory syringe pump TE-361 PCA, so that patients could use it at home. RESULTS: We had patients 49 to 78 years of age use it, continuously, at an injecting speed of 0.1 to 1 ml/h for 5 to 26 days. Patients requiring large volumes of a medicine were offered two or more pumps pre-filled with the medicine. Drug transportation problems were not reported, because of the doctor in charge transported the medicine constantly. Terumo call center did not receive any incidence of trouble, and no trouble was reported in the collected questionnaire. From these facts, it was suggested that this apparatus can be used safely for in-home medical treatment. CONCLUSION: The burden of expenses when two or more pumps are required and installation of the back-up equipment, etc. are problems that should be coped with separately. Moreover, a cooperation system is required in preparation for troubles. We want to establish a system that can be used with confidence by the patients.

[The present situation and subject].

Terumo Corporation has been supporting the regional medical network, developing new products for home health care and providing service through the Home-Joint system in the fields of HPN, HEN, and HOT. In the chain of servicing, we are carrying out call center operations that can receive inquiries regarding machine operation and machine trouble from the patients, for 24 hours a day, all year round. Most inquiries are settled then and there, but some cases need further treatment. The principal cases are, Lowness mastery degree of patients or tenders, wants of knowledge of the person in charge of answering inquiries, and coming under the medical treatment. It is indispensable to connect closely with Hospitals, the visiting nurse, and agencies. Today's Subject: Pursuit of simplicity and safety of equipment based on On-Call experience. Thorough, careful confirmation for several days from the start. Standardization of On-call information and sharing with the agency and hospital. Advancement of knowledge for answering inquiries. Making a system to cope with medical facilities.