Guaranteeing the quality and integrity of pork - An Australian case study.

The Australian pork industry is strongly committed to assuring the integrity of its product, with substantial research investment made over the past ten years to develop and implement systems to assure the consistency and quality of fresh pork and to enable accurate tracing of unpackaged fresh pork back to property of origin using trace elemental profiling. These initiatives are pivotal to allow Australian pork of guaranteed eating quality to be successfully positioned as higher value products, across a range of international and domestic markets, whilst managing any threats of product substitution. This paper describes the current status of the development of a predictive eating quality model for Australian pork, utilizing eating quality datasets generated from recent Australian studies. The implementation of trace elemental profiling, by Physi-Trace™, to verify and defend provenance claims and support the supply of consistently high eating quality Australian pork to its customers, is also discussed.

Trace isotope analysis of Ricinus communis seed core for provenance determination by laser ablation-ICP-MS.

The castor bean plant, Ricinus communis, grows wild throughout many regions of Australia. The seeds of the plant contain the schedule 1 chemical agent ricin, a type II ribosomal inhibiting protein. Currently there are limited analytical techniques that can be applied in analysis of the seeds to establish attribution. In this study, laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) was used for the analysis of seeds collected from 68 plants across 38 locations around Australia. Of the 92 elemental isotopes measured, fifteen (24Mg, 27Al, 44Ca, 53Cr, 55Mn, 57Fe, 60Ni, 65Cu, 66Zn, 75As, 85Rb, 88Sr, 98Mo, 138Ba and 202Hg) yielded data that were relevant to all collection sites. Data were further analysed using multivariate statistical analysis which facilitated the potential for the identification of unique provenance isotopes. Furthermore, this analysis indicated that 59Co was present at significant levels in Victorian and Sydney specimens only.

Multi-element analysis using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy for provenancing of animals at the continental scale.

Chemical signatures within the environment vary between regions as a result of climatological, geochemical and anthropogenic influences. These variations are incorporated into the region's geology, soils, water and vegetation; ultimately making their way through the food chain to higher level organisms. Because the variation in chemical signatures between areas is significant, a specific knowledge of differences in elemental distribution patterns between, and within populations, could prove beneficial for provenancing animals or animal related products when applied to indigenous and feral faunal populations. The domestic pig (Sus scrofa domestica) was used as an investigative model to determine the feasibility of using a chemical traceability method for the provenance determination of animal tissue. Samples of pig muscle, tongue, stomach, heart, liver and kidney were collected from known farming areas around Australia. Samples were digested in 1:3 H2O2:HNO3 and their elemental composition determined using solution based Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-AES) and Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). Pigs from different growing regions in Australia could be distinguished based on the chemical signature of each individual tissue type. Discrimination was possible at a region, state and population level. This investigation demonstrates the potential for multi-element analysis of low genetic variation native and feral species of forensic relevance.

Evaluation of plasma trace element and mineral status in children and adolescents with phenylketonuria using data from inductively-coupled-plasma atomic emission and mass spectrometric analysis.

BACKGROUND: Phenylketonuria (PKU) is caused by a severe phenylalanine hydroxylase deficiency; the mainstay of treatment is a low-phenylalanine diet. A diet which is so restrictive is associated with a risk of nutritional deficiencies. We investigated plasma concentrations for 46 elements, including minerals and trace elements. METHODS: We enrolled 20 children and adolescents with PKU and 20 matched controls. Multi-elementary quantification was carried out by solution-based inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) and ICP mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). RESULTS: With the exception of manganese and aluminium, no significant differences were found for element levels between PKU patients and controls. As a trend, manganese levels were lower in PKU patients than in control subjects (p < 0.05) but were within the reference range. There was a positive linear relationship between manganese and tyrosine levels in subjects with PKU (r(2) = 0.2295, p < 0.05). If detectable, potentially toxic elements were only identified in ultra-trace quantities in plasma samples of either group; aluminium levels were found to be slightly higher in PKU subjects than in controls (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The combination of ICP-AES and ICP-MS data is a useful diagnostic tool for element quantification at a high analytical rate and for monitoring bio-element status, e.g. in patients on a restrictive diet.

Provenance establishment of coffee using solution ICP-MS and ICP-AES.

Statistical interpretation of the concentrations of 59 elements, determined using solution based inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and inductively coupled plasma emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES), was used to establish the provenance of coffee samples from 15 countries across five continents. Data confirmed that the harvest year, degree of ripeness and whether the coffees were green or roasted had little effect on the elemental composition of the coffees. The application of linear discriminant analysis and principal component analysis of the elemental concentrations permitted up to 96.9% correct classification of the coffee samples according to their continent of origin. When samples from each continent were considered separately, up to 100% correct classification of coffee samples into their countries, and plantations of origin was achieved. This research demonstrates the potential of using elemental composition, in combination with statistical classification methods, for accurate provenance establishment of coffee.

The development of analytical and interpretational protocols to facilitate the provenance establishment of polycarbonate headlamp lens material.

Despite the forensic significance of polycarbonate headlamp lenses, robust analytical protocols to facilitate their discrimination are scarce. In this study, laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry has been applied to the analysis of polycarbonate headlamp lenses with multivariate chemometrics techniques utilized to facilitate interpretation of the data. The analytical protocol involves the analysis of 46 analytes on material comprising the exterior surface of the lens. Using this data, it was found that although minor variation exists within a single headlamp lens, discrimination between lenses produced from a single manufacturing plant was still possible using iterative forward stepwise linear discriminant analysis processes. Discrimination between all headlamp lenses, with the exception of some lenses produced on the same day in a single plant, could be achieved using the analytical protocol. Furthermore, an interpretational protocol has been developed that has successfully classified all tested headlamp lens samples, within the discrimination limits of the analytical method.

A comparison of the use of refractive index (RI) and laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) for the provenance establishment of glass bottles.

The use of laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) has been compared with the traditional method of refractive index (RI) measurement for the establishment of the provenance of glass bottles. Using the RI method alone, it is not possible to discriminate between certain glass bottles produced up to 18 days apart from a single manufacturing plant. Furthermore, variations in RI within a single bottle can be large enough to invalidate co-provenance establishment using this technique alone. Determination of the trace elemental composition of bottles collected over a 1-month period confirmed that minimal variation of trace metal distribution occurred within individual bottles made during this period. Therefore, the trace element composition of any fragment of glass from a broken bottle may be considered representative of the elemental composition of the entire bottle. In addition, statistical comparison of the distribution of approximately 38 of the 56 analytes that were determined established that it was possible to discriminate between two glass bottles manufactured in the same plant two hours apart. Using this methodology it has been possible to develop an analytical protocol to significantly improve the accurate comparison and provenance establishment of forensic glass evidence.

Plasma copper and bone mineral density in osteopenia: an indicator of bone mineral density in osteopenic females.

Copper concentrations in blood plasma have been determined in 25 osteopenic females using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. A high degree of correlations has been demonstrated between the copper concentrations in plasma and the bone mineral density of the lumbar spine as measured using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry and quantitative computerized tomography. Results clearly indicate the involvement of copper in bone health and osteopenia. It is further suggested that plasma copper might be useful as a cheap and simple method indicative of bone mineral density in osteopenic postmenopausal females.

Chemical fingerprinting of adhesive tapes by GCMS detection of petroleum hydrocarbon products.

Pressure-sensitive adhesive tapes often represent key evidence of crimes such as assault, rape or homicide; thus, the development of analytical techniques able to contribute to a detailed characterization of these materials is of forensic importance. The gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GCMS) analysis of the solvent extractable fractions of a suite of electrical and gaffer adhesive tapes spanning a range of colors and manufacturers identified a number of petroleum-derived hydrocarbons. Molecular and isotopic analyses of hydrocarbon constituents of complex materials have found wide analytical utility including the forensic investigation of oil spills and arson. Here, we investigate the utility of these techniques for characterizing the hydrocarbon composition of pressure-sensitive adhesive tapes for forensic correlation purposes. Subtle distinction of tape samples was evident in the GCMS distribution of several hydrocarbon groups including alkyl-naphthalenes, hopane and sterane biomarkers. Linear discriminant analysis of the abundances of these products provided high level differentiation of tape manufacturer. The distinction of different adhesive tape samples was further extended by measurement of their stable carbon isotopic values. The molecular and isotopic differences of the petroleum content of tapes are consistent with the use of different petroleum materials used in the manufacturing process and demonstrate the benefits of the combined use of complementary oil hydrocarbon characterization approaches. This study reveals the forensic potential of using established petroleum characterization methods for characterizing materials with a petroleum-derived hydrocarbon element.

Trace element fingerprinting of Australian ocher using laser ablation inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) for the provenance establishment and authentication of indigenous art.

The expansion of indigenous art and the interest it has generated both at a domestic and international level means large monetary transactions are taking place between art galleries or centers and purchasers. As such, an accurate and conclusive method for provenance determination of traditional indigenous artistic materials must be established that can, if necessary, be used to assist in authentication of artworks. Laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry was utilized for elemental differentiation and provenance establishment of ocher samples. This research was used to develop a robust scientific protocol which facilitates definitive and accurate determination of provenance of Australian ochers and the artworks created using them. Analysis of the results obtained through this study show that the trace metal distribution patterns alone appear to be sufficient evidence to establish provenance of specific ochers, although additional differentiation between ocher samples, using major element distribution patterns, was achieved through the utilization of X-ray analytical techniques.

Provenance determination of oriental porcelain using laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS).

The sale of fraudulent oriental ceramics constitutes a large proportion of the illegal artifact and antique trade and threatens to undermine the legitimate international market. The sophistication and skill of forgers has reached a level where, using traditional appraisal by eye and hand, even the most experienced specialist is often unable to distinguish between a genuine and fraudulent piece. In addition, current provenancing techniques such as energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) spectrometry and thermoluminescence (TL) dating can result in significant damage to the artifact itself. Laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS), a relatively nondestructive analytical technique, has been used for the provenance determination of materials based on geographical origin. The technique requires the production of a laser crater, c. 100 microm in diameter, which is essentially invisible to the naked eye. Debris from this crater is analyzed using ICP-MS, with the results forming the basis of the provenance establishment protocol. Chinese, Japanese, and English porcelain shards have been analyzed using this protocol and generic isotopic distribution patterns have been produced that enable the provenance establishment of porcelain artifacts to their country of production. Minor variations between elemental fingerprints of artifacts produced in the same country also indicate that it may be possible to further provenance oriental ceramics to a specific production region or kiln site.

Detecting art forgeries using LA-ICP-MS incorporating the in situ application of laser-based collection technology.

The nature of art lends itself to forgery as a skilled and determined forger can mimic the techniques and styles of an artist to a level where even an expert can be duped. The authentication of paintings is a subjective process, but modern techniques may provide the means to provenance artist pigments based on elemental composition. This study applies laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) to the analysis of artist paints from different manufacturers to identify variation between the elemental association patterns of these materials. The technique facilitates comparison of the paints used by an artist with produced works of art to assist provenancing initiatives of questioned materials. The effects of the trace element profiles of the backing substrate and binder on analytical data were also identified. By applying the technique to paint scraped from real paintings, a limited database was created to allow comparison to be made with some of Australian artist, Kathleen O'Connor's artworks and assist in determining production chronology. Data from this study were able to facilitate comparison of blue paints from two different paintings and confirm their co-provenance consequently determining the relative production date of a separate painting of previously unknown age. Preliminary trials of a prototype collection device designed to reduce damage and allow for in situ sampling of artworks were also undertaken. The device, which allows direct laser-based sampling of a complete painting, was tested using a Francis Ryan painting. The prototype allows for the collection of debris directly generated by LA-ICP-MS of a predefined area of a painting prior to subsequent analysis using direct LA-ICP-MS. This collection method significantly minimizes the amount of damage produced by conventional sampling methods. Analyses of the debris collected, using the prototype, were found to be comparable to the scrapings of equivalent paint analysed using direct LA-ICP-MS analysis.

The potential of using laser ablation inductively coupled plasma time of flight mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-TOF-MS) in the forensic analysis of micro debris.

The majority of crimes result in the generation of some form of physical evidence, which is available for collection by crime scene investigators or police. However, this debris is often limited in amount as modern criminals become more aware of its potential value to forensic scientists. The requirement to obtain robust evidence from increasingly smaller sized samples has required refinement and modification of old analytical techniques and the development of new ones. This paper describes a new method for the analysis of oxy-acetylene debris, left behind at a crime scene, and the establishment of its co-provenance with single particles of equivalent debris found on the clothing of persons of interest (POI). The ability to rapidly determine and match the elemental distribution patterns of debris collected from crime scenes to those recovered from persons of interest is essential in ensuring successful prosecution. Traditionally, relatively large amounts of sample (up to several milligrams) have been required to obtain a reliable elemental fingerprint of this type of material [R.J. Walting , B.F. Lynch, D. Herring, J. Anal. At. Spectrom. 12 (1997) 195]. However, this quantity of material is unlikely to be recovered from a POI. This paper describes the development and application of laser ablation inductively coupled plasma time of flight mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-TOF-MS), as an analytical protocol, which can be applied more appropriately to the analysis of micro-debris than conventional quadrupole based mass spectrometry. The resulting data, for debris as small as 70mum in diameter, was unambiguously matched between a single spherule recovered from a POI and a spherule recovered from the scene of crime, in an analytical procedure taking less than 5min.

Extraction of gunshot residues from the larvae of the forensically important blowfly Calliphora dubia (Macquart) (Diptera: Calliphoridae).

Whole body concentrations of lead (Pb), barium (Ba) and antimony (Sb) were determined in larvae of the blowfly Calliphora dubia (Macquart) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) removed from a piece of beef shot and contaminated with gunshot residue and compared with the concentrations detected within larvae feeding on a control piece of beef. Whole larvae were taken into solution and analysed using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Significantly higher concentrations of Pb, Ba and Sb were detected within the larvae feeding on the shot piece of beef compared with larvae that were feeding on the control piece of beef. Initial results indicate that the concentrations of Pb and Sb within the larvae decrease as the duration of feeding increases, whereas Ba concentrations appear to increase, suggesting a bioaccumulation of Ba within the larvae. The second part of this experiment investigated the depuration of Pb, Ba and Sb from the larvae following removal of the gunshot residue source. A significant reduction in Pb, Ba and Sb concentrations within the larvae was observed following the transfer of larvae from the shot piece of beef to the control piece of beef.

Comparison of Sensory Profile scores of young children with and without autism spectrum disorders.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to describe the sensory-based behaviors of young children with autism as reported by their parents on the Sensory Profile. Factor scores of children with autism were compared with those of children without autism. METHOD: The Sensory Profile questionnaire was completed by parents of 40 children with autism 3 through 6 years of age and parents of 40 children without autism 3 through 6 years of age. RESULTS: The performance of children with autism was significantly different from that of children without autism on 8 of 10 factors. Factors where differences were found included Sensory Seeking, Emotionally Reactive, Low Endurance/Tone, Oral Sensitivity, Inattention/Distractibility, Poor Registration, Fine Motor/Perceptual, and Other. CONCLUSION: Findings from the study suggest that young children with autism have deficits in a variety of sensory processing abilities as measured by the Sensory Profile. Further research is needed to replicate these findings, to examine the possibility of subgroups on the basis of sensory processing, and to contrast the sensory processing abilities of children with other disabilities to those of children with autism.

Hypercalciuria in ex-preterm children, aged 7-8 years.

In a previous study, 8 of 28 ex-preterm infants, aged 4-5 years, had increased urinary calcium excretion. The aim of this study was to confirm this finding and to determine if raised urinary calcium excretion is associated with reduced bone mineralisation. Forty-six ex-preterm children, aged 7-9 years, and 40 age- and sex-matched controls were recruited. The calcium excretion measured from 3 separate 24-h urine collections was recorded and a dietary assessment made from a diary record. Data were retrieved from the neonatal case notes and included aminoglycoside usage. Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry was used to measure bone mineral content and bone mineral density (BMD) in all children. The mean maximum 24-h urinary calcium was significantly higher in the preterm group than the term group (P=0.01). Increased calcium excretion was associated with raised neonatal aminoglycoside levels (P=0.0013). Height standard deviation score and hip BMD were significantly lower in the 21 preterm children with a 24-h urinary calcium above 4 mg/kg per day than term controls (P=0.04 and P=0.004, respectively). Urinary calcium excretion had a negative relationship with hip BMD in the preterm group (P=0.004). This difference in BMD was not observed in the 25 preterm children with normocalciuria. In the 10 preterm girls with hypercalciuria, hip BMD was lower than in control females (P=0.01). This difference in hip BMD between the 11 preterm boys with hypercalciuria and term boys was not significant (P=0.05). In conclusion, preterm children are shorter and have a lower hip BMD than those with normocalciuria. Further prospective studies are required to assess this risk and its influence on subsequent impaired bone mineralisation.

Interventions to facilitate auditory, visual, and motor integration in autism: a review of the evidence.

Evidence is reviewed on the prevalence of sensory and motor abnormalities in autism and the effectiveness of three interventions designed to address such abnormalities--sensory integration therapy, traditional occupational therapy, and auditory integration training. Although sensory processing and motor abnormalities are neither universal nor specific to autism, the prevalence of such abnormalities in autism is relatively high. There is, however, little controlled research on the effectiveness of interventions designed to address these abnormalities. Four objective outcome studies of sensory integration therapy were identified. These were of such small scale that no firm conclusions regarding efficacy could be made. No empirical studies of traditional occupational therapy in autism were found. Five studies of auditory integration training were found. Results of these studies provided no, or at best equivocal, support for the use of auditory integration training in autism.

Reliability of percentage ideal weight for height.

AIMS: To assess the reliability of percentage ideal weight for height (%WFH) as a measure in children. METHODS: Forty two dietitians calculated %WFH of six children. Eleven of the 42 repeated the calculations. RESULTS: Interexaminer estimates varied by 16.5 to 40 percentage points (mean 27.8). Intraexaminer variability was also large. CONCLUSIONS: %WFH is an unreliable measure of nutritional status.

Oral protein calorie supplementation for children with chronic disease.

BACKGROUND: Growth failure and poor nutritional status are common features in children with chronic diseases due to reduced appetite, malabsorption and increased nutritional requirements associated with some diseases. The provision of oral protein calorie supplements is one of a number of interventions used to improve nutritional status in these children. The use of these products, which are expensive, may be associated with a number of adverse effects, for example, they may effect development of normal eating behaviour patterns or lead to unpleasant symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhoea. OBJECTIVES: To examine the evidence that in children with chronic disease, oral protein calorie supplements alter daily nutrient intake, nutritional indices, survival and quality of life and are associated with adverse effects, for example diarrhoea, vomiting, reduced appetite, glucose intolerance, bloating and eating behaviour problems. SEARCH STRATEGY: All publications describing RCTs of the use of oral protein calorie supplements in children with chronic diseases were identified through comprehensive electronic database searches, handsearching relevant journals and handsearching abstract books of conference proceedings. The companies which market oral protein calorie supplements were also contacted. SELECTION CRITERIA: All randomised or quasi-randomised controlled trials comparing use of oral protein calorie supplements for at least one month to increase calorie intake with existing conventional therapy, which may include nutritional advice on how to improve nutritional intake from food or no specific intervention, in children with chronic disease. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: The following outcomes were assessed: indices of nutrition and growth, anthropometric measures of body composition, calorie and nutrient intake (total, from oral protein calorie supplements and from food), eating behaviour, compliance, quality of life, specific adverse effects and disease severity scores, and mortality. MAIN RESULTS: Three trials have been identified as being suitable for inclusion in the review and we are awaiting further data from one of these trials. All of these trials were carried out in children with cystic fibrosis. Few statistical differences could be found between the treatment and control groups apart from change in total fat intake at three months (weighted mean difference 69.20 [95% CI 11.05, 127.35]). However, this was based on the results of only one, small study. No trials have been identified which assess the effectiveness of oral protein calorie supplements in children with other chronic diseases. REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS: Oral protein calorie supplements are widely used to improve the nutritional status of children with a number of chronic diseases. We have only been able to identify a small number of trials assessing these products in children with cystic fibrosis and have been unable to draw any conclusions based on the limited data extracted from these. We therefore recommend that a series of large, randomised controlled trials are undertaken investigating the use of these products in children with different chronic diseases. Until further data are available, we would suggest that these products are only used with caution.

Current practice of occupational therapy for children with autism.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine the current practice patterns of occupational therapists experienced in working with children with autism spectrum disorders. METHOD: Occupational therapists experienced in providing services to 2-year-old to 12-year-old children with autism completed a mail questionnaire describing practice patterns, theoretical approaches, intervention techniques, and preferred methods of preparation for work with children with autism. RESULTS: Of those contacted, 72 occupational therapists met the study criteria and returned completed questionnaires. Practice patterns included frequent collaboration with other professionals during assessment and intervention. Intervention services were typically provided in a one-to-one format with the most common techniques being sensory integration (99%) and positive reinforcement (93%). Theoretical approaches included sensory integration (99%), developmental (88%), and behavioral (73%). Evaluations relied heavily on nonstandardized tools and clinical observations. Educational methods identified as most helpful were weekend workshops (56%) and on-the-job training (52%). CONCLUSION: This study clarified the nature of current occupational therapy practice patterns for 2-year-old to 12-year-old children with autism. Additional studies are needed to examine the efficacy of current evaluation and intervention methods, as well as to explore the relevance of available standardized assessments for this population.