Removal and toxicity evaluation of a diverse group of drugs from water by a cyclodextrin polymer/pulsed light system.

The presence of pharmaceutical compounds (PhCs) in the effluents of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) is an ecological concern. The issue could be alleviated by trapping those substances by cyclodextrin (CD) polymers or photolyzing them by pulsed light (PL). Consequently, a sequential CD polymer/PL system was tested for the removal of PhCs. Firstly, a survey detected the presence of recurrent PhCs in the effluents of local WWTPs. Then, pure water was spiked with 21 PhCs, 100 µg/L each one. The three-dimensional network provides amphiphilic features to the CD polymer that reduced the pollutant concentration by 77 %. Sorption involves a plead of physical and chemical mechanisms hindering the establishment of a general removal model for all compounds. The performed simulations hint that the retention capacity mainly correlates with the computed binding energies, so that theoretical models are revealed as valuable tools for further improvements. The complementary action of PL rose the elimination to 91 %. The polymer can be reused at least 10 times for ibuprofen (model compound) removal, and was able to eliminate the ecotoxicity of an ibuprofen solution. Therefore, this novel sequential CD polymer/PL process seems to be an efficient alternative to eliminate PhCs from wastewater.

Protective effect of cyclodextrins on the quality parameters of roast preserved pepper.

Total phenolics (TP), vitamin C, antioxidant activity and colour of preserved peppers were evaluated at 4, 25 and 50 ℃ storage during 30-day intervals. Except for 4 ℃, TP decreased during storage at 25 ℃ and 50 ℃, being softer for fortified samples with ß-CDs. The protective effect was evident, since 50 ℃ samples containing ß-CDs exhibited lower TP loss (19%) than control samples (38%) for 5 months storage. A decrease in the vitamin C content was observed for both samples as time and temperature progressed. In samples stored at 50 ℃ the protective effect of ß-CD only was evident at the first month, since fortified samples showed lower vitamin C loss (10%) than control samples. The fortified samples with ß-CDs exhibited lowest antioxidant activity loss (40%) during 90-day storage at 50 ℃, than control samples (64%). The colour changes were in line with those observed for total phenolics and at the end of study, the presence of 1% ß-CDs delayed the darkening of samples at both (25 and 50 ℃) storage conditions.

Loophole-free Bell inequality violation using electron spins separated by 1.3 kilometres.

More than 50 years ago, John Bell proved that no theory of nature that obeys locality and realism can reproduce all the predictions of quantum theory: in any local-realist theory, the correlations between outcomes of measurements on distant particles satisfy an inequality that can be violated if the particles are entangled. Numerous Bell inequality tests have been reported; however, all experiments reported so far required additional assumptions to obtain a contradiction with local realism, resulting in 'loopholes'. Here we report a Bell experiment that is free of any such additional assumption and thus directly tests the principles underlying Bell's inequality. We use an event-ready scheme that enables the generation of robust entanglement between distant electron spins (estimated state fidelity of 0.92 ± 0.03). Efficient spin read-out avoids the fair-sampling assumption (detection loophole), while the use of fast random-basis selection and spin read-out combined with a spatial separation of 1.3 kilometres ensure the required locality conditions. We performed 245 trials that tested the CHSH-Bell inequality S ≤ 2 and found S = 2.42 ± 0.20 (where S quantifies the correlation between measurement outcomes). A null-hypothesis test yields a probability of at most P = 0.039 that a local-realist model for space-like separated sites could produce data with a violation at least as large as we observe, even when allowing for memory in the devices. Our data hence imply statistically significant rejection of the local-realist null hypothesis. This conclusion may be further consolidated in future experiments; for instance, reaching a value of P = 0.001 would require approximately 700 trials for an observed S = 2.4. With improvements, our experiment could be used for testing less-conventional theories, and for implementing device-independent quantum-secure communication and randomness certification.

Fluorescent chemosensor for pyridine based on N-doped carbon dots.

Fluorescent carbon dots (CDs) and its nitrogen doped (N-CDs) nanoparticles have been synthesized from lactose as precursor using a bottom-up hydrothermal methodology. The synthesized nanoparticles have been characterized by elemental analysis, FTIR, Raman, TEM, DLS, XPS, and steady-state and life-time fluorescence. The synthesized carbon nanoparticles, CDs and N-CDs, have a size at about 7.7±2.4 and 50±15nm, respectively, and quantum yields of 8% (CDs) and 11% (N-CDs). These techniques demonstrated the effectiveness of the synthesis procedure and the functionalization of the CDs surface with amine and amide groups in the presence of NH3 in aqueous media. The effect of excitation wavelength and pH on the luminescent properties was studied. Under the optimal conditions, the nitrogen doped nanoparticles can be used as pyridine sensor in aqueous media because they show an enhancement of its fluorescence with a good linear relationship. The analytical method is simple, reproducible and very sensitive for pyridine determination.

Ultra-fast quantum randomness generation by accelerated phase diffusion in a pulsed laser diode.

We demonstrate a high bit-rate quantum random number generator by interferometric detection of phase diffusion in a gain-switched DFB laser diode. Gain switching at few-GHz frequencies produces a train of bright pulses with nearly equal amplitudes and random phases. An unbalanced Mach-Zehnder interferometer is used to interfere subsequent pulses and thereby generate strong random-amplitude pulses, which are detected and digitized to produce a high-rate random bit string. Using established models of semiconductor laser field dynamics, we predict a regime of high visibility interference and nearly complete vacuum-fluctuation-induced phase diffusion between pulses. These are confirmed by measurement of pulse power statistics at the output of the interferometer. Using a 5.825 GHz excitation rate and 14-bit digitization, we observe 43 Gbps quantum randomness generation.

Fluorimetric determination of sulphathiazole in honey by means the formation of CDs inclusion complexes.

The inclusion complex of sulphathiazole in ß-cyclodextrin has been investigated. A 1:2 stoichiometry of the complex was established and formation constants K2 (42.83 ± 3.27 M(-1)) and K1 (4.98 ± 0.36 M(-1)) were calculated by using the changes produced on the native fluorescence of the drug, when included on the hydrophobic cyclodextrin cavity. An enhancement in the fluorescence emission of sulphathiazole and protection of the drug against photochemical reactions has been attained upon inclusion. In solutions of ß-CD dual emission (458 nm) was noticed in STZ. Formation of the inclusion complex of STZ should result in dual emission, which is due to a twisted intramolecular charge transfer band (TICT). A fluorimetric method for the determination of sulphathiazole has been proposed and applied in honey without sample treatment. The optimized fluorimetric method showed detection and quantitation limits of 9.74 ng/g and 32.48 ng/g, respectively. Selectivity is high, showing no cross-reactivity to other chemically related antibiotics. The results obtained for blind honey samples (mean recovery 97%), were in good agreement with those obtained by liquid chromatography separation and mass spectrometry detection (LC-MS) (mean recovery 102%), showing that the proposed method might be used for the determination of sulphathiazole residues without expensive equipment.

Medida de la satisfacción del paciente e identificación de oportunidades de mejora en la preparación de pacientes de cirugía bariátrica / Measuring patient satisfaction and identifying opportunities for improvement in the preparation of bariatric surgery patients

Objetivo. Evaluar la satisfacción de los pacientes candidatos a cirugía bariátrica con la realización de un programa de preparación grupal precirugía, detectar oportunidades de mejora en el programa y evaluar la satisfacción de los participantes tras su implantación. Material y métodos. Se ha utilizado una encuesta diseñada ad hoc dirigida a evaluar la opinión sobre diferentes aspectos del programa, la satisfacción con el mismo y la identificación de mejoras. Se administró a dos grupos de pacientes: al primero un año después del programa para identificar propuestas de mejora y al segundo un año después de la implementación de la mejora. Se evaluaron 112 pacientes, 66 en el primer pase de la encuesta y 46 en el segundo. Ambos grupos fueron homogéneos en las variables sociodemográficas. Resultados. La principal mejora detectada fue la participación de pacientes expertos en el programa de preparación. Tras su implantación se produjeron ligeros cambios en las valoraciones de las diferentes preguntas, que no fueron significativos. La satisfacción general pasó de un 9,5 a 9,74 sobre 10. Otras propuestas de mejora fueron mejorar la presentación audiovisual y adaptar el mobiliario de la sala a las características de los pacientes. Conclusiones. La elevada satisfacción encontrada es habitual en los trabajos sobre satisfacción hospitalaria, siendo los resultados obtenidos aquí aún mayores que los de los estudios consultados y estando en todos los casos en niveles de excelencia. Esto impide que se produzcan diferencias estadísticamente significativas. Tampoco se encontró una diferencia significativa en los resultados pre y postimplantación de la mejora. La evaluación continua permite constatar nuevas posibilidades de mejora(AU)

Objective. To evaluate the satisfaction of patients candidates for bariatric surgery with the performance of a group training program prior to surgery, identifying opportunities for improvement in the program and evaluating participants satisfaction following their implementation. Method. An "ad hoc" designed survey was used, addressed to assess opinions on different aspects of the program, overall satisfaction and identification of areas for improvement. The survey was administered to two groups of patients: the first after one year of implementation of the program to identify suggestions for improvement, and the second after one year of the implementation of the improvement. A total of 112 patients were assessed, 66 in the first pass of the questionnaire and 46 in the second. Both groups were homogeneous in demographic variables Results. The main improvement detected was expert patients in the preparation of the program. After implantation, slight changes in the ratings of the questions were produced, that were not significant. Overall satisfaction rose from 9.5 to 9.74 out of 10. The other proposals for improvement were to improve audiovisuals and to fit the room furniture to the characteristics of the patients. Conclusions. The very high satisfaction levels obtained are usual in studies on hospital satisfaction, our results still being above the studies consulted, as well as in levels of excellence. This prevents statistically significant differences being found. There were no significant differences in the results before and after implementation of improvement. Continuous assessment allows new possibilities for improvement(AU)

Red cabbage ( Brassica oleracea ) as a new source of high-thermostable peroxidase.

Soluble and membrane-bound peroxidases (PODs) were extracted from red cabbage using Triton X-114. Optimum activity was obtained at pH 4.0 for both enzymes, and both were inactivated by sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). The K(M) and V(m) values for H(2)O(2) were found to be 0.98 mM and 8.1 µM/min, respectively, for soluble POD and 0.82 mM and 6.1 µM/min, respectively, for membrane-bound POD. When the 2,2'-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazolinesulfonic acid (ABTS) concentration was increased, maintaining a steady concentration of H(2)O(2), the activity was inhibited at the highest ABTS concentrations in soluble POD. Ascorbic acid was found to be the most active modulator of POD activity. The effect of cyclodextrins was also studied, and the complexation constant between ABTS and hydroxypropyl-ß-cyclodextrins (HP-ß-CDs) was calculated (K(c) = 312 M(-1)). Membrane-bound POD is more thermostable than soluble POD, losing >90% of relative activity after 5 min of incubation at 76.6 and 30.2 °C, respectively.

[Measuring patient satisfaction and identifying opportunities for improvement in the preparation of bariatric surgery patients]. / Medida de la satisfacción del paciente e identificación de oportunidades de mejora en la preparación de pacientes de cirugía bariátrica.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the satisfaction of patients candidates for bariatric surgery with the performance of a group training program prior to surgery, identifying opportunities for improvement in the program and evaluating participants satisfaction following their implementation. METHOD: An "ad hoc" designed survey was used, addressed to assess opinions on different aspects of the program, overall satisfaction and identification of areas for improvement. The survey was administered to two groups of patients: the first after one year of implementation of the program to identify suggestions for improvement, and the second after one year of the implementation of the improvement. A total of 112 patients were assessed, 66 in the first pass of the questionnaire and 46 in the second. Both groups were homogeneous in demographic variables RESULTS: The main improvement detected was expert patients in the preparation of the program. After implantation, slight changes in the ratings of the questions were produced, that were not significant. Overall satisfaction rose from 9.5 to 9.74 out of 10. The other proposals for improvement were to improve audiovisuals and to fit the room furniture to the characteristics of the patients. CONCLUSIONS: The very high satisfaction levels obtained are usual in studies on hospital satisfaction, our results still being above the studies consulted, as well as in levels of excellence. This prevents statistically significant differences being found. There were no significant differences in the results before and after implementation of improvement. Continuous assessment allows new possibilities for improvement.

Comparative study of different methods to measure antioxidant activity of resveratrol in the presence of cyclodextrins.

The antioxidant activity of resveratrol in the absence and presence of increasing concentrations of HP-ß-CDs was determined using three different methods: ORAC, ABTS and DPPH. The three methods were validated and compared for their linearity, precision and accuracy in measuring resveratrol antioxidant activity. The results indicated that the most sensitive method is the ORAC assay, which can measure the lowest resveratrol concentration (0.15-2 µM) with the highest precision. In the presence of increasing concentrations of HP-ß-CDs, the antioxidant activity of resveratrol was seen to increase when it was measured by the ORAC and ABTS assays. However, no increase was observed when the DPPH assay was used. With the ORAC assay, the antioxidant activity increased until all the resveratrol had been included in HP-ß-CDs (0.4 mM CDs), whereas in the case of ABTS assay the plateau in antioxidant activity was reached after 2 mM HP-ß-CDs, suggesting that the CDs interferences in the measurement method. When the DPPH assay was used, no effect was observed when increasing concentrations of HP-ß-CDs, indicating that in a methanolic medium resveratrol is free. Therefore, so this method cannot be used to measure the effect of resveratrol complexation with CDs on its antioxidant activity.

Preparation and characterization of the inclusion complex of chlorpyrifos in cyclodextrins to improve insecticide formulations.

The chemical control of crops by organophosphate insecticide treatment is usually limited because the insecticides do not maintain their efficiency for long periods for several reasons, including environmental conditions or rapid degradation of the active ingredient. Chlorpyrifos is an organophosphate insecticide used worldwide to control a variety of soil insects and arthropods in a wide range of crops. It is easily soluble in organic solvents but shows poor water solubility. The inclusion of chrorpyrifos in cyclodextrins (CDs) improves its water solubility, bioavailability, and insecticidal activity and helps prevent overdosing, leading to more cost-effective and more environmentally friendly agricultural practices. Solubility studies of chlorpyrifos in the presence of different types of CDs show G2-beta-CDs to be the most effective CDs in the complexation process, giving 1:2 complexes, with complexation constant (Kc) values of 12.34 +/- 3.1 M(-1) for K1 and 3895 +/- 183 M(-1) for K2. These complexation constant values were corroborated by applying a fluorimetric method.

Marked dissociation between hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal activation and long-term behavioral effects in rats exposed to immobilization or cat odor.

Exposure of rodents to cats or certain cat odors results in long-term behavioral effects reminiscent of enhanced anxiety that have been considered to model post-traumatic stress disorder. However, other severe stressors such as tail-shock or immobilization in wooden boards (IMO) appear to induce shorter lasting changes in anxiety. In addition, there are controversial results regarding the effects of urine/feces odors. In the present work, we studied in two experiments the relationship between the degree of stress experienced by the animals during exposure to IMO, urine odors or fur odors (as assessed by hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal activation and plasma glucose) and the short- and long-term behavioral consequences. In the first experiment, rats were individually exposed for 15 min to a novel environment (white large cages) containing either clean cat litter (controls) or litter soiled by cats (urine odors). Half of the rats in each condition were left to freely explore the environment whereas the others were subjected to immobilization (IMO) within the cages. Although ACTH, corticosterone and glucose responses to IMO were much stronger than those to the white cages with clean litter or urine odors (which did not differ from each other), no effect of treatments on anxiety-like behavior in the elevated plus-maze (EPM) were found one week later. However, previous IMO exposure did cause sensitization of the ACTH response to the EPM. In the second experiment, the response to white large cages containing either no odor (controls), litter soiled by cats (urine odor) or a cloth impregnated with cat odor (fur odor) was compared. Urine and fur odors elicited similar ACTH and corticosterone responses that were higher than those of controls, but plasma glucose levels were slightly higher in rats exposed to fur odor. When compared to controls, activity was only diminished in the novel cages containing fur odor. Similarly, fur odor-exposed rats, but not those exposed to urine odor, showed signs of enhanced anxiety in the EPM seven days later, although the ACTH response to the EPM was similar in the three groups. The present data demonstrate: (a) a marked dissociation between the degree of ACTH, corticosterone and glucose responses to stressors and their long-term anxiety-like effects; (b) that the type of cat odor is critical in determining the short-term and long-term physiological and behavioral consequences of exposure; and (c) that plasma ACTH released during brief exposure to the EPM does not appear to reflect anxiety-like behavior.

ORAC-fluorescein assay to determine the oxygen radical absorbance capacity of resveratrol complexed in cyclodextrins.

The effect of the complexation of resveratrol with hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrins (HP-beta-CDs) on the antioxidant capacity of the polyphenol is studied for the first time by means of the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) method, using fluorescein (FL) as the fluorescent probe. The method is validated through its linearity, precision, and accuracy for measuring the ORAC of resveratrol in the absence or presence of cyclodextrins (CDs). The complexation of resveratrol in CDs increased the net area under the FL decay curve (net AUC) of resveratrol up to its saturation level, at which the polyphenol showed almost double the antioxidant activity it shows in the absence of CDs. The complexation constant ( K c) between resveratrol and HP-beta-CDs was calculated by linear regression of the phase solubility diagram ( K c = 18048 M (-1)). The antioxidant activity of resveratrol was dependent on the complexed resveratrol because CDs acts as a controlled dosage reservoir that protects resveratrol against rapid oxidation by free radicals. In this way, its antioxidant activity is prolonged and only reaches its maximum when all the resveratrol is complexed.

[Anthropometric patterns in non-Caucasian full-term neonates of African, Moroccan and South American origin born in Catalonia (Spain)]. / Patrones antropométricos de los recién nacidos a término de grupos étnicos de raza no caucásica procedentes de Africa subsahariana, Marruecos y Sudamérica nacidos en Cataluña.

INTRODUCTION: The rise in immigration to Spain in recent decades has increased the number of non-Caucasian newborns in our environment. The aims of this study were to establish normal intrauterine development values for weight, length and head circumference in a population of non-Caucasian full-term newborns (FTN). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We studied 2,444 healthy full-term singleton newborns (37-42 weeks' gestational age; 1,230 boys, 1,214 girls) with the following ethnic origins: black (n =1,257; 622 boys, 635 girls), Moroccan (n =520; 297 boys, 223 girls) and South-American (n =667; 356 boys, 311 girls). Mean values and standard deviations were estimated for each week of gestation for sex and race and these values were compared with those of a Spanish population of the same gestational age and sex. RESULTS: Anthropometric values in black FTN were similar to those of the Catalan population. By contrast, these values were higher in Moroccans and South-American FTN than in the native population. Statistically-significant differences were observed in all the parameters evaluated from the 38th week of gestation in full-term Moroccan newborns compared with the reference population. Statistically significant differences were observed in full-term South-American newborns from the 38th week of gestation in girls and from the 40th week in boys. The presence of sexual dimorphism in the anthropometric patterns evaluated was not constant at all the gestational ages evaluated. CONCLUSIONS: Anthropometric patterns of the Spanish Caucasian FTN population are not extrapolable to FTN of other ethnicities.

Patrones antropométricos de los recién nacidos a término de grupos étnicos de raza no caucásica procedentes de África subsahariana, Marruecos y Sudamérica nacidos en Cataluña / Anthropometric patterns in non-Caucasian full-term neonates of African, Moroccan and South American origin born in Catalonia (Spain)

Introducción El incremento de la inmigración en las últimas décadas en España ha determinado un aumento del número de recién nacidos de raza no caucásica en nuestro medio. El objetivo fue establecer los valores de normalidad de desarrollo intrauterino del peso, la longitud y el perímetro craneal de una población de recién nacidos a término (RNAT) de raza no caucásica. Pacientes y métodos Se han incluido un total de 2.444 recién nacidos de 37-42 semanas de gestación (1.230 varones, 1.214 mujeres), producto de gestaciones únicas, sin malformaciones congénitas y de curso normal de los siguientes grupos étnicos de raza no caucásica y procedentes de África subsahariana (raza negra) (n 5 1.257; 622 niños, 635 niñas), de origen marroquí (n 5 520; 297 niños, 223 niñas) y de Sudamérica (n 5 667; 356 niños, 311 niñas). Se han calculado los valores de la media y las desviaciones típicas para cada semana de gestación de cada sexo y raza. Los resultados obtenidos se han comparado con relación a los de la población autóctona. Resultados Los valores antropométricos de los RNAT de raza negra son similares a los valores de la población catalana. Sin embargo estos valores son superiores en los recién nacidos de origen marroquí y sudamericanos con respecto a la población de referencia. Las diferencias son estadísticamente significativas en todos los parámetros evaluados a partir de las 38 semanas de gestación en la población de origen marroquí con relación a la población catalana. En la población sudamericana se han observado diferencias estadísticamente significativas a partir de la 38 semana de gestación en las niñas y a partir de la 40 semana de gestación en los niños. La existencia de dimorfismo sexual en los parámetros antropométricos evaluados no es constante en todas las edades gestacionales consideradas. Conclusiones Los patrones antropométricos de la población de RNAT de raza caucásica y nacionalidad española no son extrapolables a la hora de evaluar un RNAT de otro grupo étnico

Introduction The rise in immigration to Spain in recent decades has increased the number of non-Caucasian newborns in our environment. The aims of this study were to establish normal intrauterine development values for weight, length and head circumference in a population of non-Caucasian full-term newborns (FTN). Patients and methods We studied 2,444 healthy full-term singleton newborns (37-42 weeks' gestational age; 1,230 boys, 1,214 girls) with the following ethnic origins: black (n 5 1,257; 622 boys, 635 girls), Moroccan (n 5 520; 297 boys, 223 girls) and South-American (n 5 667; 356 boys, 311 girls). Mean values and standard deviations were estimated for each week of gestation for sex and race and these values were compared with those of a Spanish population of the same gestational age and sex. Results Anthropometric values in black FTN were similar to those of the Catalan population. By contrast, these values were higher in Moroccans and South-American FTN than in the native population. Statistically-significant differences were observed in all the parameters evaluated from the 38th week of gestation in full-term Moroccan newborns compared with the reference population. Statistically significant differences were observed in full-term South-American newborns from the 38th week of gestation in girls and from the 40th week in boys. The presence of sexual dimorphism in the anthropometric patterns evaluated was not constant at all the gestational ages evaluated. Conclusions Anthropometric patterns of the Spanish Caucasian FTN population are not extrapolable to FTN of other ethnicities

Impact of oxygen therapy on antioxidant status in newborns. Relationship with infection risk.

Newborns requiring intensive clinical care are susceptible to a wide range of excessive oxygen free radical production-related problems. In utero, fetal organs, particularly lungs, are exposed to relatively hypoxic tensions which rise abruptly after birth and this transition may cause oxidative injury in the neonate. The aims of this study were to determine oxygen free radical activity in neonates at the first 24 h, examine the role of immaturity and infection risk and compare the degree of oxidant stress in newborns treated with different oxygen concentrations. Plasma selenium levels in neonates with high infection risk (IR) were significantly lower than in healthy neonates. Comparative study of selenium in preterm, term and young infants showed age-related increases and differences were significant. Plasma selenium values were lower when oxygen therapy was administered. Vitamin E levels were significantly decreased in IR compared with healthy newborns. The results suggest that selenium and vitamin E deficiencies predispose to neonatal infection and that supplementary oxygen contributes significantly to decreasing the antioxidant defence system.

Juvenile xanthogranuloma with extracutaneous lesions.

The purpose of this article is to present a case of juvenile xanthogranuloma with pulmonary, retroperitoneal and splenic involvement. The similar echographic pattern of the cutaneous and visceral lesions was very helpful in order to suggest the correct diagnosis.