When microsurgery becomes the only lifesaving resource: An institutional experience treating patients from low-income backgrounds affected by posterior circulation brain aneurysms.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Aneurysms of the posterior cerebral circulation constitute a burdensome condition with high mortality and morbidity. In the modern era, there has been a trend toward favoring an endovascular approach over microsurgery for aneurysm cases. Nevertheless, this transition has yet to be mirrored in low-to-middle-income countries where endovascular therapy may not be widely available. Herein, we aim to illustrate our experience treating these challenging conditions in patients from low-income backgrounds and discuss the relevance of the clinical setting in the treatment decision. METHODS: The authors conducted a retrospective review of the health records of patients who received microsurgical treatment for aneurysms in the posterior circulation, including the basilar artery (BA), posterior cerebral artery (PCA), and posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) in an institution providing treatment to people of low-income backgrounds. Epidemiological data, microsurgical technique, and neurological function were retrieved and analyzed. RESULTS: Surgical clipping was employed for 12 patients (75% female) harboring 15 aneurysms (87% in the posterior circulation and 62% ruptured at presentation). Aneurysms were predominately located in the BA (69%), followed by the PCA (15%) and PICA (15%). Among neurological complications, 25% of patients developed oculomotor nerve palsy. The mortality rate was 17% owing to complications such as cerebral vasospasm, infarction, and severe intracranial hypertension. At the 6-month follow-up, 90% of patients had a good clinical outcome (modified Rankin scale scores of 0-2). CONCLUSION: The present case series illustrates the manifest role of microsurgical techniques for posterior circulation aneurysms, particularly in a scenario where endovascular techniques are not easily accessible. Importantly, this clinical setting pressure could exhort trainees to strive for microsurgical mastery and gain a competitive advantage.

Unraveling the role of internal-external metal substitution in Zn3[Co(CN6)]2 for the styrene oxide-CO2 cycloaddition reaction.

We investigated the influence of the structural and textural properties along with the chemical environment of pure Zn3[Co(CN)6]2 in comparison with the modified phases on the catalytic performance in the cycloaddition reaction between styrene oxide and CO2. We relate these to the proposed reaction pathways and mechanisms. The natural cubic phase (ZnCoCn) was dehydrated to obtain the rhombohedral phase (ZnCoRn), while the stabilized cubic phase (ZnCoCs) was synthesized by substituting external zinc atoms with cadmium atoms. The rhombohedral stabilized phase (ZnCoRs) was achieved by the internal cobalt change with iron. All the materials were extensively characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and N2 adsorption. The catalytic behavior of the four phases was tested. The crystalline structure of each phase was obtained, and by XPS, it was demonstrated that the chemical environments of all elements conforming to the rhombohedral stabilized phase are different from those of all other materials owing to the exchange of internal metals. The bulk textural properties were similar; only the ZnCoRs presented more micropore area but did not exceed the total surface area of the other materials. The product distribution and yield at reaction times of 2 h and 6 h were closer to those of the cubic phases. The natural rhombohedral phase exhibits the best performance. The tetrabutylammonium bromide (TBAB) and rhombohedral stabilized phase work together to yield a bigger copolymer quantity at the expense of the styrene carbonate (StCO3) production. From the proposed mechanism, the TBAB cation (TBA+) has a "protection" function that drives the closing of the StCO3 ring; however, the charge distribution anisotropy in the four nitrogen atoms generated by Co replacement in ZnCoRs could hold TBA+ as the reaction time progressed, causing an unavailability that triggered the copolymerization propagation step.

Use of Nile tilapia (Oreocromis niloticus) processing residues in the production of pâtés with the addition of oregano (Origanum vulgare) essential oil.

The effect of the use of Nilo tilapia filleting residues in the production of pâtés with the addition of oregano essential oil stored for 90 days at 4 °C was evaluated. For that, 5 treatments were performed as follows: TSA-control treatment; TES with the addition of sodium erythorbate; and formulation TOE1 with 600 ppm oregano essential oil; TOE2 with 1000 ppm essential oil; and TOE3 with 1400 ppm essential oil. The pâtés showed adequate technological and physicochemical characteristics and microbiological counts within the legislation standards. No significant differences were observed in the luminosity of the pâté formulations during storage, and the addition of oil contributed to the increase in a* values and stability of b* values. Regarding the lipid and protein oxidation, TOE3 showed lower values at the end of the shelf-life. The addition of essential oil did not affect the hardness and cohesiveness of the products. The fatty acids in greater amounts in the samples were linoleic, oleic, palmitic, and stearic acids. The analysis of biogenic amines indicated that only the treatments with the highest amounts of sodium erythorbate (TES and TOE1) showed losses of spermidine. It was observed that decreasing the inclusion of sodium erythorbate and increasing the inclusion of oregano essential oil resulted in a drop in cadaverine values. A total of 46 volatile compounds were detected in the samples with the highest amount of free fatty acids and all the formulations were well accepted sensorially.

Hypercitratemia is a mortality predictor among patients on continuous venovenous hemodiafiltration and regional citrate anticoagulation.

The use of regional citrate anticoagulation (RCA) in liver failure (LF) patients can lead to citrate accumulation. We aimed to evaluate serum levels of citrate and correlate them with liver function markers and with the Cat/Cai in patients under intensive care and undergoing continuous venovenous hemodiafiltration with regional citrate anticoagulation (CVVHDF-RCA). A prospective cohort study in an intensive care unit was conducted. We compared survival, clinical, laboratorial and dialysis data between patients with and without LF. Citrate was measured daily. We evaluated 200 patients, 62 (31%) with LF. Citrate was significantly higher in the LF group. Dialysis dose, filter lifespan, systemic ionized calcium and Cat/Cai were similar between groups. There were weak to moderate positive correlations between Citrate and indicators of liver function and Cat/Cai. The LF group had higher mortality (70.5% vs. 51.8%, p = 0.014). Citrate was an independent risk factor for death, OR 11.3 (95% CI 2.74-46.8). In conclusion, hypercitratemia was an independent risk factor for death in individuals undergoing CVVHDF-ARC. The increase in citrate was limited in the LF group, without clinical significance. The correlation between citrate and liver function indicators was weak to moderate.

Optimization of the extraction of phenolic compounds from the leaves of yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) through high hydrostatic pressure system using mixture design with process variables.

In this study, a mixture design with process variables was used to optimize the extraction of total phenolic compounds (TPC) from yerba mate leaves through high hydrostatic pressure extraction. The studied variables were pressure (50, 100, and 150 MPa), extraction time (10, 20, and 30 min), and solvent (water, glycerin, and 50% v/v water/50% v/v glycerin). The multiple linear regression model presented an excellent fit (R2 adjusted of 0.9792) and demonstrated the major influence of glycerin content on the water/glycerin mixture solvent for TPC extraction. Optimal process conditions obtained were 69% v/v water, 31% v/v glycerin, 50 MPa pressure, and 10 min time. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The paper describes a novel extraction method to obtain phenolic compounds from yerba mate (compounds that can replace synthesized antioxidants in the food industry) using high hydrostatic pressure and environmentally friendly solvents. The extraction process was studied to optimize its performance, obtaining more phenolic compounds from the same amount of yerba mate.

Lipid profile and cost of enteral nutrition formula with addition of fish oil used in a public hospital.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: The present study evaluated the lipid profile of enteral nutrition formulas with added fish oil used in a public hospital, with an emphasis on the fatty acid (FA) composition. METHODS: FA composition was determined using gas chromatography coupled to a flame ionization detector (GC-FID). Nine enteral nutrition formulas were evaluated and the results obtained were compared with those reported on the formulas labels. RESULTS: The sample with the highest percentage of added fish oil according to the label information had the lowest total amounts of eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid (EPA + DHA) (p < 0.05). In the evaluation of the total amount of polyunsaturated fatty acids/saturated fatty acids (ΣPUFA/ΣSFA) ratio, five samples were not within the values recommended by Brazilan and international health regulatory agencies. Regarding the n-6/n-3 fatty acids ratio, five samples showed values higher than the recommended ratio. It was observed that EPA + DHA content was positively correlated with the cost of the diet. Importantly, we also found that there was a significant difference between the results of our analysis and the descriptions found on the labels for fatty acids n-6, n-3, EPA, DHA, SFA, PUFA and MUFA. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that the discrepancies for fatty acids between the values obtained in the analyses and the values reported on the labels highlight the need for more rigorous inspection when public hospitals purchase enteral nutrition formulas with added fish oil, since the administration of formulas with inadequate levels of FA in hospitalized patients can compromise clinical results during the hospitalization period.

Amoxicillin degradation by iron photonanocatalyst synthetized by green route using pumpkin (Tetsukabuto) peel extract.

Amoxicillin is a pharmaceutical compound that is not degraded in wastewater treatment plants, causing harm to the environment. In this work, an iron nanoparticle (IPP) was synthesized using pumpkin (Tetsukabuto) peel extract for the degradation of amoxicillin under UV light. The IPP was characterized using scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and Raman spectroscopy techniques. The photocatalytic efficiency of IPP was analyzed by investigating the effect of IPP dosage (1-3 g L-1), initial amoxicillin concentration (10-40 mg L-1), pH (3-9), reaction time (10-60 min), and the effect of inorganic ions (1 g L-1). The optimum conditions for the maximum photodegradation removal (≈60%) were IPP = 2.5 g L-1, initial amoxicillin concentration = 10 mg L-1, pH = 5.6, and irradiation time = 60 min. The results of this study showed that inorganic ions (Mg2+, Zn2+, and Ca2+) negatively affect the photodegradation of amoxicillin by IPP; the quenching test showed that hydroxyl radical (OH•) is the primary reactive species of the reaction; NMR analysis revealed changes in amoxicillin molecules after photoreaction; the subproducts of photodegradation were identified by LC-MS; the proposed kinetic model demonstrated good applicability, predicting the behavior of OH• and determining the kinetic constant, and the cost analysis based on required energy (238.5 kWh m-3 order-1) indicated that the amoxicillin degradation method by IPP is economically viable. This study developed a new efficient iron nanocatalyst for the removal of antibiotics from aqueous environments and provided optimal conditions and relevant information in the area of advanced oxidative processes.

Neurovascular Microsurgical Experience Through 3-Dimensional Exoscopy: Case Report and Literature Review.

BACKGROUND: The microscope is important in neurosurgery, but it is not exempt from limitations. The exoscope has emerged as an alternative because it offers better 3-dimensional (3D) visualization and better ergonomics. We present our initial experience in vascular pathology using 3D exoscopy at the Dos de Mayo National Hospital to show the viability of the 3D exoscope in vascular microsurgery. We also provide a review of the literature. METHODS: In this work, the Kinevo 900 exoscope was used in 3 patients with cerebral (2) and spinal (1) vascular pathology. We evaluated the image quality, equipment management, ergonomics, educational utility, and 3D glasses and recorded the characteristics of the cases. We reviewed the experience of other authors as well. RESULTS: Three patients underwent surgery: 1 occipital cavernoma, 1 cerebral dural fistula, and 1 spinal dural fistula. Excellent 3D visualization with Zeiss Kinevo 900 exoscope (Carl Zeiss, Germany), surgical comfort, and educational utility occurred, and there were no complications. CONCLUSIONS: Our experience and that of other authors suggests that the 3D exoscope shows excellent visualization, better ergonomics, and an innovative educational experience. Vascular microsurgery can be performed safely and effectively.

Freeze-dried human milk microcapsules using gum arabic and maltodextrin: An approach to improving solubility.

Human milk (HM) is essential for newborns' food, but its low storage stability is a limiting factor so that microencapsulation may stabilize and protect compounds sensitive to degradation. This study investigated the action of maltodextrin and gum arabic on freeze-dried HM concerning its quality and solubility. Microencapsulation was evidenced by morphology, and all samples presented high encapsulation efficiency (>85 %), proving to be an efficient process. Furthermore, specific signals in the Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectra indicate the interactions between the coating materials and the HM matrix. Gum arabic improved the reconstitution properties of freeze-dried HM (higher solubility, 3 % on average, and lower dissolution time, around 80 %), elucidating its high stabilization capacity, even at low concentrations (5 and 10 %). Despite the best results reached by gum arabic, the addition of maltodextrin proved effective; in other words, its low stabilization capacity enables combinations with gum arabic. A lower polidispersibility (difference of 20 % between samples: control and containing gum arabic) was also observed, which means that the encapsulated samples were more homogeneous. Therefore, through the analysis performed, we recommend using gum arabic alone or with maltodextrin to obtain HM microcapsules with a good quality of reconstitution.

First report on quality and purity assessment of sweet almond oil in Brazilian body oils by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry.

Sweet almond oil is a raw material with high-added value used in different products. Then, the aim of this study is to evaluate the quality and purity of 10 body oils based on sweet almond oils currently available in the Brazilian market. Fatty acid composition and triacylglycerol (TAG) profile were determined by gas chromatography with flame ionization detector (GC-FID) and atmospheric solids analysis probe mass spectrometry (ASAP-MS), respectively. The authenticity of samples was assessed using an analytical curve equation. Soybean oil was chosen as the adulterant because it is the cheapest vegetable oil commercialized in Brazil. Hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA) in conjunction with ASAP-MS classified product samples according to the type of vegetable oil (soybean and sweet almond oils). The addition of soybean oil (8.79% to 99.70%) was confirmed in samples. However, only two samples stated in their label the presence of soybean oil as an ingredient. These findings highlight the need for better oversight by regulatory bodies to ensure that consumers acquire high quality and authentic products based on equally high quality and purity of sweet almond oils.

Câncer de reto: qual a melhor técnica para excisão total do mesorreto laparoscópica ou robótica? / Rectum cancer: which is the best technique for total excision of the mesorectum laparoscopic or robotic?

Introdução: As operações laparoscópicas, assistidas por robô e a abertas são técnicas cirúrgicas comumente utilizadas na vida diária. A viabilidade e os resultados em curto e longo prazos dos procedimentos laparoscópicos e robóticos têm sido amplamente relatados. Objetivos: Comparar os dados clínicos e oncológicos da cirurgia assistida por robô e laparoscópica no câncer retal. Métodos: Foram pesquisados o Pubmed/Medline, Embase, e Cochrane Library para artigos relevantes publicados até 2021. Estudos baseados na comparabilidade entre operação assistida por robô e laparoscópica para câncer retal foram designados. Os parâmetros analisados incluíram tempo operatório, conversão para procedimento aberto, perda estimada de sangue, tempo de recuperação da função intestinal, tempo de internação, vazamento da anastomose e complicações pós-operatórias. Resultados: Operação assistida por robô foi associada com maior tempo operatório (342 vs.192 min na cirurgia laparoscópica, p<0,001), menor conversão para procedimento aberto, menor tempo de internação hospitalar e recuperação mais rápida da função intestinal, menores complicações pós-operatórias de forma significativa (p=0,041). A perda estimada de sangue, a taxa de vazamento da anastomose e os resultados oncológicos, incluindo o número de linfonodos extraídos, não mostraram diferenças significativas entre os grupos. Conclusão: A cirurgia assistida por robô para câncer retal mostrou maior tempo operatório, menor conversão, taxas de recuperação da função intestinal mais rápidas e menor permanência no hospital. Seus resultados oncológicos forram semelhantes à cirurgia laparoscópica.

Introduction: Laparoscopic surgery, robot-assisted surgery and open surgery are the most commonly used surgical techniques in daily living. The feasibility and short- and long-term results of laparoscopic and robotic procedures have been widely reported. Objectives: To compare the clinical and oncological results of robot-assisted and laparoscopic surgery for rectal cancer. Methods: PubMed/Medline, Embase, The Cochrane Library were searched for relevant articles published until 2021. Studies based on comparability between robot-assisted and laparoscopic surgery for rectal cancer were designed. The parameters analyzed included operative time, conversion to open surgery, estimated blood loss, bowel function recovery time, length of hospital stay, anastomosis leak, and postoperative complications. Results: The robot-assisted surgery group was associated with longer operative time (342 vs. 192 min in laparoscopic surgery,p <0.001), lower conversion to open surgery, shorter length of hospital stay, faster bowel function recovery and lower postoperative complications significantly (p=0.041). Estimated blood loss, anastomosis leak rate, and oncological outcomes including the number of lymph nodes extracted showed no significant differences between groups. Conclusion: Robot-assisted surgery for rectal cancer showed longer operative time, lower conversion, faster bowel function recovery rates, shorter hospital stay, and similar oncological outcomes compared to laparoscopic surgery.

Estudio de factibilidad técnica para escalar el acceso a la información de signos vitales integrando herramientas informáticas heterogéneas e IoT, aplicado a un Sistema Central de Monitoreo, CMS / Technical feasibility study to scale the access to vital signs information, integrating heterogeneous informatics tools and IoT, applied in a Central Monitoring System, CMS

El presente estudio de factibilidad técnica realizado por docentes investigadores del Centro Regional MEGATEC Zacatecoluca se centró en desarrollar una investigación descriptiva y aplicada para escalar la comunicación de un Sistema Central de Monitoreo de Pacientes a dispositivos móviles. El objetivo principal del proyecto fue brindar alternativas para escalar y optimizar el acceso a la información de los signos vitales de pacientes, a través de la integración y desarrollo de herramientas informáticas y aplicaciones de terceros, con el software del sistema y componentes informáticos del Sistema Central de Monitoreo. El proyecto integró herramientas, conocimientos, habilidades, experiencias, métodos y procedimientos requeridos para el desarrollo e implementación de un sistema de comunicación interoperable entre aplicaciones heterogéneas. Se utilizaron protocolos y estándares para intercambiar información entre aplicaciones de salud HL7 y FHIR.

This technical feasibility study carried out by research professors from the Centro Regional MEGATEC Zacatecoluca focused on the developing of a descriptive and applied research to scale the communication of a Central Patient Monitoring System to mobile devices. The main objective of the project was to provide alternatives to scale and optimize access to information on the vital signs of patients, through the integration and development of computer tools, and third-party applications with the system software and computer components of the Central System Monitoring. The project integrated tools, knowledge, skills, experiences, methods and procedures required for the development and implementation of an interoperable communication system between heterogeneous applications. Protocols and standards were used to exchange information between HL7 and FHIR health applications.

Modelling kidney outcomes based on MELD eras - impact of MELD score in renal endpoints after liver transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Acute kidney injury is a common complication in solid organ transplants, notably liver transplantation. The MELD is a score validated to predict mortality of cirrhotic patients, which is also used for organ allocation, however the influence of this allocation criteria on AKI incidence and mortality after liver transplantation is still uncertain. METHODS: This is a retrospective single center study of a cohort of patients submitted to liver transplant in a tertiary Brazilian hospital: Jan/2002 to Dec/2013, divided in two groups, before and after MELD implementation (pre-MELD and post MELD). We evaluate the differences in AKI based on KDIGO stages and mortality rates between the two groups. RESULTS: Eight hundred seventy-four patients were included, 408 in pre-MELD and 466 in the post MELD era. The proportion of patients that developed AKI was lower in the post MELD era (p 0.04), although renal replacement therapy requirement was more frequent in this group (p < 0.01). Overall mortality rate at 28, 90 and 365 days was respectively 7%, 11% and 15%. The 1-year mortality rate was lower in the post MELD era (20% vs. 11%, p < 0.01). AKI incidence was 50% lower in the post MELD era even when adjusted for clinically relevant covariates (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Liver transplants performed in the post MELD era had a lower incidence of AKI, although there were more cases requiring dialysis. 1-year mortality was lower in the post MELD era, suggesting that patient care was improved during this period.

Telehealth for Nutritional Care: A Tool for Improving Patient Flow in Hospitals.

Background: Hospitals are constantly searching for opportunities to improve efficiency, and telehealth (TH) has recently emerged as a strategy to assist in patient flow. We evaluated two methods of dietary counseling offered to patients in the time period between the medical and final hospital discharge. Counseling was given either via the TH group or the face to face (FTF) group to the patients and their respective impact was evaluated on the patients' satisfaction and on the hospital patient flow. Methods: This study was a prospective, randomized clinical trial where patients were randomized to receive dietary counseling via TH (use of tablet) or FTF at the time of hospital discharge. We evaluate the duration of time between medical discharge and hospital discharge; between requesting dietary counseling and dietitian's arrival; and duration of dietary counseling. At the end of dietary counseling, both groups received a patient satisfaction questionnaire to answer. Results: A total of 159 patients were randomized to receive dietary counseling via TH (TH, n = 78) or FTF (FTF, n = 81). The two groups TH and FTF did not differ in terms of the median time between (1) medical and hospital discharge; (2) requesting counseling and the dietitian's arrival; and (3) duration of dietary counseling. Both groups mostly reported being "satisfied" or "above expectations," and the FTF group scored "highest satisfaction" more often relative to the dietitian's work and interaction and on confidence in the dietitian's orientations. Finally, in the TH group, 90.7% graded likely-4 or very likely-5 when asked whether dietary counseling can be conducted entirely via TH, and 92% answered "4" or "5" when asked whether they would recommend dietary counseling via TH. Conclusions: Although the FTF group had a greater overall satisfaction relative to the TH group, TH proved to be a useful tool for dietary counseling.The trial has only Institutional Review Board approval (protocol 2685-16).

Fast and eco-friendly method using atmospheric solids analysis probe mass spectrometry to characterize orange varieties.

Orange fruit is one of the most popular types of fruit in the world, and its juice is the main product of its processing. This study aimed to evaluate a simple, fast, and eco-friendly methodology, atmospheric solids analysis probe mass spectrometry (ASAP-MS), to assess the chemical profile of four oranges varieties (Valencia, Folha Murcha, Pera, and Iapar). The oranges' varieties were evaluated for the physicochemical composition (extraction yield, pH, total titratable acidity, total soluble solids [TSS], °Brix), ratio (TSS/TA), and bioactive compounds (ASAP-MS analysis). The characterization of oranges resulted in great values of oranges yield according to the varieties (44.00-48.10% [w/w], adequate and characteristic acidity [0.73-1.35%], soluble solids content (10.24-13.80°Brix), pH (3.30-3.96), and ratio (7.59-19.90) level for this fruit. This powerful method showed that all analysis procedures were simple, fast, and easy because there is no need to prepare the sample and the analysis time lasted 2 min. Besides, results obtained exhibited a vast array of chemical groups. Principal component analysis (PCA) defined and distinguished the varieties of the orange. Therefore, ASAP-MS and PCA showed that they are very attractive candidates for routine analysis to monitor the varieties of the orange with its pronounced advantages, besides being contributing to the environment because it does not use any quantities of organic solvents. This methodology was applied for the first time to this type of sample.

Direct Methylation for Determination of Fatty Acids in Coffee Samples by GC-FID.

The direct methylation method developed in this work for coffee samples allowed the determination of fatty acids using smaller sample amounts (100 mg), lower solvent volumes (5 mL) and shorter experimental run time (~12 min). Hence, the experiments are more economical and collaborate with green chemistry, besides favoring the health of the analyst who handles a smaller amount of solvents in a short period. Design Expert software was employed to determine the optimal concentration of the acid and base (0.7 e 1.75 molL-1) and evaluate the sonication time (5 min for both procedures). The experiments were carried out on different coffee samples in which the fat content ranging from 10.18% to 14.86%. The relative standard deviation values for intraday and interday were 2.78% and 7.8%, respectively, confirming the good precision of the proposed method for fatty acid derivatization.

Rapid determination of L-ascorbic acid content in vitamin C serums by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to develop and validate a rapid, simple, accurate and precise analytical method for the quantification of L-AA in vitamin C serums. Moreover, the developed method was further applied to determine L-AA in eight different brands of vitamin C serums. A complementary study was also carried out to evaluate the stability of L-AA in the vitamin C serum samples after 15, 30, 45 and 60 days of storage at ambient temperature (15-35°C). METHODS: Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was applied. RESULTS: Quantitative analyses were performed with a total chromatographic run time of 1.5 min by matrix-matched calibration, and the analytical curve was linear over the range of 1-1700 µg L-1 with a correlation coefficient of 0.9998. The limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) were 0.3 and 1.0 µg L-1 , respectively. Intra- and inter-assay precisions, expressed in terms of relative standard deviation, ranged from 0.3% and 2.2%, respectively, and recoveries in concentration levels of 1 and 5 µg L-1 were 103.9% and 101.2%, respectively. The proposed analytical method was successfully applied to determine the L-AA content in eight commercial vitamin C serum samples. The stability of the target analyte in samples stored at ambient temperature (15-35°C) was evaluated throughout 60 days with a 15-day interval between analyses. At 0 days, L-AA content in samples ranged from 1.05 to 169.91 mg L-1 , which decreases over time. CONCLUSION: The proposed method could be powerful in routine analyses to ensure the quantification of L-AA in vitamin C serums since it proved to be a simple, reliable, fast, precise, accurate and sensitive analytical method.

OBJECTIF: Cette étude visait à développer et valider une méthode analytique rapide, simple, exacte et précise pour la quantification de l'acide L-ascorbique dans les sérums à la vitamine C. De plus, la méthode développée a été appliquée pour déterminer l'acide L-ascorbique dans huit différentes marques de sérums à la vitamine C. Une étude complémentaire a également été réalisée pour évaluer la stabilité de l'acide L-ascorbique dans les échantillons de sérum à la vitamine C après 15, 30, 45 et 60 jours de conservation à température ambiante (15 à 35 °C). MÉTHODES: La chromatographie en phase liquide à haute performance avec spectrométrie de masse en tandem a été employée. RÉSULTATS: Des analyses quantitatives ont été réalisées avec une durée totale d'exécution chromatographique de 1,5 minute par calibration matricielle appariée, et la courbe analytique était linéaire sur la plage de 1 à 1700 µg L-1 avec un coefficient de corrélation de 0,9998. La limite de détection (LD) et la limite de quantification (LQ) ont été déterminées à 0,3 et 1,0 µg L−1 , respectivement. Les précisions intra- et inter-essais, exprimées en termes d'écart-type relatif, étaient de 0,3 % et 2,2 %, respectivement, et les récupérations aux niveaux de concentration de 1 et 5 µg L-1 étaient de 103,9 % et 101,2 %, respectivement. La méthode analytique proposée a été employée avec succès pour déterminer la teneur en acide L-ascorbique de huit échantillons de sérum à la vitamine C commerciaux. La stabilité de l'analyte cible dans les échantillons conservés à température ambiante (15 à 35 °C) a été évaluée sur 60 jours avec un intervalle de 15 jours entre les analyses. À 0 jour, la teneur en acide L-ascorbique dans les échantillons était comprise entre 1,05 et 169,91 µg L-1 , ce qui diminue au fil du temps. CONCLUSION: La méthode proposée pourrait être puissante dans les analyses de routine pour assurer la quantification de l'acide L-ascorbique dans les sérums à la vitamine C puisqu'elle s'est avérée être une méthode analytique simple, fiable, rapide, précise, exacte et sensible.

Effect of Digital-Tool-Supported Basal Insulin Titration Algorithm in Reaching Glycemic Control in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes in Mexico.

BACKGROUND: My Dose Coach (MDC) is a mobile application combined with a web portal that can suggest optimized basal insulin (BI) injection doses using Self-Measured Plasma Glucose (SMPG) and hypoglycemia data. This study aimed to evaluate its efficacy on patients reaching SMPG and Fasting blood glucose (FBG) target range 90-130 mg/dl (5-7.2 mmol/L) goals without severe hypoglycemic episodes. We also addressed the mean reduction in glycated hemoglobin (A1C), FBG, and SMPG and the improvement in the WHO's Five Well Being Index (WBI). METHODS: This prospective pilot study involved the use of MDC in outpatients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) from a Hospital in Northern Mexico. Patients on treatment with any BI were included in the study. The follow-up was of 16 weeks. Student t-tests or McNemar test were used for effect comparisons. RESULTS: We included 158 patients (46.8% women), mean (SD) age 51 (10.3) years. We achieved SMPG target range in 58.9% [mean (95CI) reduction of 30.9 mg/dl (22.5-37.7; P < .001)] of the patients [66(28) days], with no severe hypoglycemia events. FBG goal was reached in 55.7% [mean (95CI) reduction of 63.4 mg/dl (49.6-77.2; P < .001)]. The mean (95CI) reduction of A1C was 1.78% (1.47-2, P < .01) with the last observation carried forward. There was a mean (95CI) increase of 2.23 (-3, -1.4, P < .01) points in WBI scale. CONCLUSIONS: MDC successfully helped to achieve FBG and SMPG goals, reduced A1C, and increased WBI with no severe hypoglycemia events.