ABSTRACT
Liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (LC-MS) is seen as an integral part of methods of choice for the replacement of animal tests in the determination of lipophilic shellfish toxins. However, these techniques are prone to matrix effects that need to be considered when developing and validating methods. The analysis of shellfish is a challenging task due to the complexity of the shellfish matrix and the number of shellfish species encountered in monitoring laboratories. Therefore, it is crucial that the cause and the extent of matrix effects is fully understood in order to apply corrective measures to the analytical method and to develop efficient sample clean-up steps. This paper presents different approaches to evaluate matrix effects associated with the analysis of okadaic acid (OA), azaspiracid-1 (AZA1) and pectenotoxin-2 (PTX2) in cooked and raw mussel flesh. Post-extraction addition and standard addition experiments were carried out and analysed using various LC-MS methods. Gradient and isocratic elution were compared and ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC), using C8 and C18 Acquity BEH columns, was evaluated for the extent of matrix effects. When matrix effects were observed, OA and PTX2 were always prone to signal enhancement and AZA1 to signal suppression. For all the toxins studied, matrix effects were dependent on chromatographic conditions. UPLC separation using a C8 column significantly reduced matrix effects compared to the other conditions assessed. Furthermore, sample dilution has proven to be an efficient way of reducing matrix effects associated with OA analysis.
Subject(s)
Chromatography, Liquid/methods , Food Contamination , Marine Toxins/analysis , Mytilus edulis/chemistry , Animals , Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid/methods , Furans/analysis , Hot Temperature , Macrolides , Mass Spectrometry/methods , Okadaic Acid/analysis , Pyrans/analysis , Spiro Compounds/analysisABSTRACT
Biomechanical properties of soft tissue are important not only during computer simulation for medical training but also for systems where tissue deformation must be estimated in real-time, for example, Robot Assisted Surgery. The purpose of this paper is to describe some biomechanical tests consisting in the measurement of contact forces and deformations in tissue phantoms and porcine soft tissues (liver, brain, stomach and intestine). During the measurements two different procedures were applied. First, we have used a 5DOF micromanipulator instrumented with a spherical probe and a 6-axis force/torque ATI sensor. In the second procedure instead of the micromanipulator a Stäubli RX60 robot was used to apply the force over the samples. During this last test a high noise-signal relationship was detected and in order to improve the accuracy of the experiments some results were obtained using a Stäubli TX40 robot. Major accuracy in research in the field of soft tissue could be reached using standard procedures. Robotic systems allow precise movements to carry on biomechanical tests, and also permit a wide range of tasks to be implemented.
Subject(s)
Biomechanical Phenomena , Elastic Tissue/physiology , Robotics/instrumentation , Stress, Mechanical , Animals , Liver , Phantoms, Imaging , Software , Swine , Weight-BearingABSTRACT
The recently published final regulations for transactions and code sets under HIPAA are the light at the end of the tunnel in the quest for uniform healthcare standards--and the first step on a long road to HIPAA implementation. What are the standard transactions and code sets? This article takes an in-depth look.
Subject(s)
Computer Communication Networks/standards , Computer Security/standards , Forms and Records Control/standards , Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act/standards , Information Management/standards , Medical Records Systems, Computerized/standards , Eligibility Determination/standards , Guidelines as Topic , Humans , Insurance Claim Reporting/standards , Medical Record Administrators , Medical Records Department, Hospital/standards , Reference Standards , United StatesSubject(s)
Confidentiality/legislation & jurisprudence , Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act , Medical Records Systems, Computerized/legislation & jurisprudence , Administrative Personnel , Guideline Adherence , Inservice Training/organization & administration , State Government , United StatesSubject(s)
Information Management , Medical Records/classification , Societies , Confidentiality , Credentialing , Current Procedural Terminology , Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act , Humans , Information Management/organization & administration , Information Management/standards , Medical Errors/prevention & control , Medical Record Administrators/standards , United StatesSubject(s)
Diagnosis-Related Groups/classification , Forms and Records Control/classification , Medical Record Administrators , Medicare/organization & administration , Physicians , Societies , Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, U.S. , Forms and Records Control/legislation & jurisprudence , Fraud/prevention & control , Humans , Organizational Policy , United StatesABSTRACT
As autoras apresentam um projeto a ser desenvolvido pelas integrantes do Núcleo de Apoio Permanente ao Programa Vivendo e Trabalhando Melhor: uma proposta de reflexão e atualização das relações na Enfermagem do Hospital Universitário da Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina. Implantado pela diretoria de Enfermagem desde agosto de 1996, o Programa tem o objetivo de superar a dicotomia vida e trabalho, buscando a satisfação dos trabalhadores e a qualidade da assistência. Este Projeto, elaborado segundo os princípios metodológicos e didáticos do Sistema de Aprendizagem Vivencial, configura-se como o primeiro exercício de práxis deste Núcleo...
The author introduces a project to be developed by the partakers at the Permanent Support Center (NAP) to the improved living and Working Program: a proposal for the reflection and updating of relationship in Nursing at the University hospital - The Federal University of Santa Catarina. Implanted by the Nursing Directorship since August of 1996, the program has as its goal to overcome the life-work dichotomy, trying to obtain the satisfaction of workers and the quality of assistance. This project, designed according to the methodological and didactic principles pf the Living Learning System, is presented as the first exercise in praxis for this center...
Las autoras presentan un proyecto para ser desarrollado por las integrantes del Núcleo de Apoyo Permanente al Programa Viviendo y Trabajando Mejor. Una propuesta de reflexión y actualización de las relaciones en Enfermería del Hospital Universitario, de la Universidad Federal de Santa Catarina. Implantado por la Dirección de Enfermería desde agosto de 1996, el programa tiene el objetivo de superar la dicotomía vida y trabajo, buscando la satisfacción de los trabajadores y la calidad de la asistencia. Este Proyecto, elaborado según los principios metodológicos y didácticos del Sistema de Aprendizaje Vivencial, se configura como el primer ejercido práctico del Núcleo...
