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In this study, we describe a simple and rapid liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS) method for the evaluation of caffeine, taurine, and aspartame in teas, soft drinks, and energy drinks using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with electrospray ionization (ESI)-MS detection and multiple injections in a single experimental run (MISER) analysis.

Spreadsheet computer simulations can identify the influencing factors for the set-up of a calibration function such as the number of calibration points and their distribution or the position of the experimental points. By using a Monte Carlo approach, the quality of the experimental results (bias and standard deviation) can be studied under different conditions. This article presents a spreadsheet for the simulation of unweighted and weighted linear least-squares fit.

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A Matter of Balance

Incognito continues with his “back to basics” focus. This time is the turn of the analytical balance.

Fish from the Baltic Sea are a major source of lipophilic environmental pollutants for consumers in Finland. Surrounded by land, the Baltic Sea is one of the most threatened marine environments, making fish from the Baltic Sea a major source of lipophilic environmental pollutants including polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs).

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Paralytic shellfish toxins (PSTs) are naturally occurring toxins produced by some species of microscopic algae that can accumulate in filter feeding shellfish. These toxins are a threat to shellfish aquaculture and pose a serious hazard to public health when ingested. A group of scientists has developed a method using hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography coupled to ultrahigh?performance LC tandem mass spectrometry (HILIC UHPLC–MS–MS) to determine PSTs in a variety of shellfish species as part of the Safe New Zealand Seafood Research programme.

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Researchers from the California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory at the University of California Davis in the USA have developed an ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (UHPLC–MS) method for the detection of desmethylbromethalin (DMB) residues in animal tissues.