Determination of Fe, Cu, and Pb in edible oils using choline chloride:ethylene glycol deep eutectic solvent-based dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction associated with microwave-induced plasma optical emission spectrometry.

A new simple, fast and environmentally friendly deep eutectic solvent based dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (DES-based DLLME) methodology assisted by vortex is presented for the separation and preconcentration of three elements (i.e., Fe, Cu and Pb) from edible oil samples (i.e., soybean, sunflower, rapeseed, sesame, and olive oil) prior to the determination by microwave-induced plasma optical emission spectrometry (MIP-OES). The deep eutectic solvent selected as extractant (i.e., choline chloride and ethylene glycol, 1:2) is synthesized and characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H NMR) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and the extraction conditions are optimized by a two steps experimental design. Under the optimum extraction conditions (i.e., diluted sample weight: 8.6 g; DES volume: 100 µL; extraction time: 1 min; centrifugation time and speed: 3 min and 3000 rpm; and dispersion system: vortex) the analytical method presents excellent linearity (i.e., R2 values higher than 0.99) in the range 10-500 µg kg-1, repeatability (i.e., CV values lower than 9.2%), and limits of detection (LOD) values of 3, 2 and 0.7 µg kg-1 for Pb, Fe and Cu, respectively. None of the analytes displayed amounts over the upper limit permitted by law, and recovery values of all analytes evaluated in the different samples using external standard calibration were close to 100%, which excludes significant matrix effects. Finally, AGREEprep metric has been used to evaluate the method greenness (final score of 0.47) and it has been compared successfully with previous publications for the same type of analytes and matrices.

Educational interventions and identification of risk factors to prevent and reduce peritonitis in peritoneal dialysis: A scoping review.

BACKGROUND: Peritonitis is a common and serious complication of peritoneal dialysis and is one of the main causes of peritoneal dialysis technique failure and long-term hemodialysis conversion. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the review was to identify and clarify peritonitis risk factors and learn about strategies employed at international level to prevent and reduce the occurrence of peritoneal dialysis associated infections and their complications. DESIGN: A scoping review. PARTICIPANTS: Adults in pertitoneal dialysis. MEASUREMENTS: The methodology framework of Arksey and O'Malley and PRISMA for Scoping Reviews guidelines were applied. A search was conducted of PubMed, Scopus and CINAHL using terms to identify peritoneal dialysis -associated risk factors and interventions carried out for the prevention and reduction of peritonitis in adult persons living at home. RESULTS: The 17 studies selected were based on work carried out in nine different countries. Eleven articles analysed modifiable risk factors (low educational level, being a foreigner and low adherence to aseptic technique) and non-modifiable risk factors (age and comorbidities) that predispose to peritonitis in peritoneal dialysis. The other six studies applied an intervention to improve the prevalence of peritonitis considering educational practices adapted to patient characteristics and the application of retraining. CONCLUSIONS: Personalised patient training and the identification of risk factors for peritonitis are key to reducing complications and enhancing the survival of peritoneal dialysis patients and the effectiveness of the technique.

Using LEGO® Serious Play for students' Critical-Reflective Reasoning development in the construction of the nursing metaparadigm.

INTRODUCTION: In a nursing degree critical reasoning competency includes reasoning both inside and outside the clinical setting. One of the major challenges for nursing students is learning concepts at a high abstract level. In this sense, the LEGO® Serious Play method has the potential to improve thinking skills. AIMS: To describe a) which elements of thinking link to the learning of the nursing metaparadigm through the use of the LEGO® Serious Play "four Cs" method b) analyse how this method helps to generate critical reflective thinking in nursing students during the process of application of theoretical knowledge about the nursing metaparadigm in a new situation. METHODS: An interpretive phenomenological analysis, integrating qualitative research methods was implemented as a means of undertaking research facilitated using LEGO® Serious Play method as an innovative method of data collection. RESULTS: 280 participants were recruited. From the analysis of the contributions made to the students' forum, six categories emerged: Starting point, Consciousness, Process, Teamwork, Capacities and Limitations. CONCLUSION: LEGO® Serious Play is an effective method for teaching nursing metaparadigms and helps students acquire and generate new knowledge.

Dually Active Apigenin-Loaded Nanostructured Lipid Carriers for Cancer Treatment.

Purpose: Cancer is one of the major causes of death worldwide affecting more than 19 million people. Traditional cancer therapies have many adverse effects and often result in unsatisfactory outcomes. Natural flavones, such as apigenin (APG), have demonstrated excellent antitumoral properties. However, they have a low aqueous solubility. To overcome this drawback, APG can be encapsulated in nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC). Therefore, we developed dual NLC encapsulating APG (APG-NLC) with a lipid matrix containing rosehip oil, which is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Methods: Optimisation, physicochemical characterisation, biopharmaceutical behaviour, and therapeutic efficacy of this novel nanostructured system were assessed. Results: APG-NLC were optimized obtaining an average particle size below 200 nm, a surface charge of -20 mV, and an encapsulation efficiency over 99%. The APG-NLC released APG in a sustained manner, and the results showed that the formulation was stable for more than 10 months. In vitro studies showed that APG-NLC possess significant antiangiogenic activity in ovo and selective antiproliferative activity in several cancer cell lines without exhibiting toxicity in healthy cells. Conclusion: APG-NLC containing rosehip oil were optimised. They exhibit suitable physicochemical parameters, storage stability for more than 10 months, and prolonged APG release. Moreover, APG-NLC were internalised inside tumour cells, showing the capacity to cause cytotoxicity in cancer cells without damaging healthy cells.

Surface Potential Modulation in Boronate-Functionalized Magnetic Nanoparticles Reveals Binding Interactions: Toward Magnetophoretic Capture/Quantitation of Sugars from Extracellular Matrix.

Phenylboronic acids (BAs) are important synthetic receptors that bind reversibly to cis-diols enabling their use in molecular sensing. When conjugated to magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles, BAs have potential for application in separations and enrichment. Realizing this will require a new understanding of their inherent binding modes and measurement of their binding capacity and their stability in/extractability from complex environments. In this work, 3-aminophenylboronic acid was functionalized to superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (MNPs, core diameter 8.9 nm) to provide stable aqueous suspensions of functionalized particles (BA-MNPs). The progress of sugar binding and its impact on BA-MNP colloidal stability were monitored through the pH-dependence of hydrodynamic size and zeta potential during incubation with a range of saccharides. This provided the first direct observation of boronate ionization pKa in grafted BA, which in the absence of sugar shifted to a slightly more basic pH than free BA. On exposure to sugar solutions under MNP-limiting conditions, pKa moved progressively to lower pH as maximum capacity was gradually attained. The pKa shift is shown to be greater for sugars with greater BA binding affinity, and on-particle sugar exchange effects were inferred. Colloidal dispersion of BA-MNPs after binding was shown for all sugars at all pHs studied, which enabled facile magnetic extraction of glucose from agarose and cultured extracellular matrix expanded in serum-free media. Bound glucose, quantified following magnetophoretic capture, was found to be proportional to the solution glucose content under glucose-limiting conditions expected for the application. The implications for the development of MNP-immobilized ligands for selective magnetic biomarker capture and quantitation from the extracellular environment are discussed.

Plan de cuidados de enfermería para el abordaje del duelo perinatal según la teoría del duelo disfuncional. Caso clínico / Nursing care plan for dealing with perinatal bereavement according to the theory of dysfunctional bereavement. Clinical case

Se presenta el caso clínico de una mujer de 33 años que, tras una muerte perinatal, presenta un proceso de duelo complicado.El objetivo es aplicar un plan de cuidados individualizado que permita un restablecimiento del equilibrio de la mujer y su entorno tras una vivencia de muerte perinatal.La valoración se inició durante la primera visita a su matrona en la que se aplicaron las escalas de insomnio de Atenas, de continuidad de vínculos y de ansiedad y depresión de Goldberg. Se realizó una valoración focalizada mediante los patrones de Gordon y desde el enfoque descrito en la teoría del duelo disfuncional.Se identificaron 6 etiquetas diagnósticas NANDA Internacional (duelo inadaptado, insomnio, desesperanza, proceso de maternidad ineficaz, sufrimiento moral y ansiedad), y se procedió a la priorización utilizando razonamiento clínico en red mediante el modelo análisis de resultados del estado actual, observando las relaciones entre las etiquetas diagnósticas e identificando cómo incidían sobre el resto.Para cada una de las etiquetas diagnósticas NANDA Internacional se planificaron los resultados esperados junto con las intervenciones enfermeras planificadas. Los resultados esperados contaron con la descripción de los indicadores de evaluación utilizando las escalas de Likert. Tanto resultados como intervenciones fueron consensuados entre el profesional y la mujer.El plan de cuidado plantea la dificultad que para los profesionales de enfermería supone la asistencia de situaciones de duelo complicado, y concretamente, las asociadas a una muerte perinatal. Esta situación hace necesarias competencias clave en la formación, así como la necesidad de conocer nuevos enfoques enfermeros.(AU)

We present the clinical case report of a 33-year-old woman who, after a perinatal death, presents a complicated grieving process.The aim is to apply an individualized care plan that allows a reestablishment of the balance of the woman and her environment after an experience of perinatal death.During the first visit to her midwife, the Athens Insomnia, Continuituing Bonds and Goldberg Anxiety and Depression scales were applied. Focused assessment was made using the Gordon patterns and based on the nursing approach described in Dysfunctional Grief Theory.Six International NANDA diagnostic labels were identified (maladaptative grieving, insomnia, hopelessness, ineffective motherhood process, moral distress and anxiety), and they were prioritized using clinical network reasoning using the Outcome Present State (OPT) model, observing the relationships between the labels, diagnoses and identifying how they affected the rest.For each International NANDA diagnostic labels, the nursing outcomes were planned nursing interventions. The expected results included the description of the evaluation indicators using the Likert scales. Both results and interventions were agreed between the professional and the woman.The care plan raises the difficulty that nursing professionals pose in assisting in situations of complicated grief, and specifically, associated with perinatal death. This situation makes key competencies necessary in training as well as the need to know new nursing approaches.(AU)

A novel non-invasive colorectal cancer diagnostic method: Volatile organic compounds as biomarkers.

INTRODUCTION: Population-based fecal tests for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening have shown to reduce mortality thanks to the early detection of the disease. However, currently available fecal tests are limited in their sensitivity and specificity. Our aim is to look for volatile organic compounds in fecal samples as biomarkers for CRC detection. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eighty participants were included; 24 had adenocarcinoma, 24 had adenomatous polyps and 32 presented no neoplasms. Fecal samples were collected 48 h preceding the colonoscopy from all participants, except CRC patient samples that were collected after 3-4 weeks from the colonoscopy. Magnetic headspace adsorptive extraction (Mag-HSAE) followed by thermal desorption-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (TD-GC-MS) was performed on stool samples to identify volatile organic compounds as biomarkers. RESULTS: p-Cresol was significantly more abundant in the cancer samples (P < 0.001) with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.85 (CI 95%; 0.737-0.953), having a sensitivity and specificity of 83% and 82%, respectively. In addition, 3(4H)-dibenzofuranone,4a,9b-dihydro-8,9b-dimethyl- (3(4H)-DBZ) was also more abundant in the cancer samples (P < 0.001) with an AUC of 0.77 (CI 95%; 0.635-0.905), sensitivity of 78% and specificity of 75%. When combined (p-cresol and 3(4H)-DBZ), the AUC was 0.86, sensitivity 87% and specificity 79%. p-Cresol also appeared to be promising as a biomarker for pre-malignant lesions with an AUC of 0.69 (CI 95%; 0.534-0.862), sensitivity 83% and specificity 63%, P = 0.045. CONCLUSIONS: Volatile organic compounds emitted from feces and determined by a sensitive analytical methodology (Mag-HSAE-TD-GC-MS), employing a magnetic graphene oxide as extractant phase, could be used as a potential screening technology for CRC and pre-malignant lesions.

Natural deep eutectic solvent-based microextraction for mercury speciation in water samples.

A new natural deep eutectic solvent (NADES)-based analytical method for mercury speciation in water samples is presented. A NADES (i.e., decanoic acid:DL-menthol in a molar ratio of 1:2) is used as an environmentally friendly extractant for separation and preconcentration using dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction before LC-UV-Vis. Under optimal extraction conditions (i.e., NADES volume, 50 µL; sample pH, 12; volume of the complexing agent, 100 µL; extraction time, 3 min; centrifugation speed, 3000 rpm; and centrifugation time, 3 min), the limit of detection values were 0.9 µg L-1 for the organomercurial species and 3 µg L-1 for Hg2+, which had a slightly higher value. The relative standard deviation (RSD, n = 6) has been evaluated at two concentration levels (25 and 50 µg L-1) obtaining values for all the mercury complexes within the range of 6-12% and 8-12%, respectively. The trueness of the methodology has been evaluated using five real water samples from four different sources (i.e., tap, river, lake, and wastewater). The recovery tests have been performed in triplicate obtaining relative recoveries between 75 and 118%, with RSD (n = 3) between 1 and 19%, for all the mercury complexes in surface water samples. However, wastewater sample showed a significant matrix effect (recoveries ranged between 45 and 110%), probably due to the high amount of organic matter. Finally, the greenness of the method has also been evaluated by the analytical greenness metric for sample preparation (i.e., AGREEprep).

Nursing care plan for dealing with perinatal bereavement according to the theory of dysfunctional bereavement. Clinical case.

We present the clinical case report on a 33-year-old woman who, after a perinatal death, presented a complicated grieving process. The aim was to apply an individualised care plan that enabled reestablishment of the woman's emotional balance and environment after an experience of perinatal death. During the first visit to her midwife, the Athens Insomnia, Continuity Bonds and Goldberg Anxiety and Depression scales were applied. Focussed assessment was made using the Gordon patterns and based on the nursing approach described in the Dysfunctional Bereavement Theory. Six International NANDA diagnostic labels were identified (maladaptative grieving, insomnia, hopelessness, ineffective mothering process, moral distress and anxiety), and these were prioritised using clinical network reasoning, using the Outcome Present State Test (OPT) model, observing the relationships between the labels, diagnoses and identifying how they affected the rest. For each International NANDA diagnostic labels, the nursing outcomes were planned, along with the planned nursing interventions. The expected results included the description of the evaluation indicators using the Likert scales. Both results and interventions were agreed between the professional and the mother. The care plan raises the difficulty that nursing professionals face when attending to situations of complicated grief, and specifically, those associated with perinatal death. This situation makes key competencies necessary in training, as well as the need to find out about new nursing approaches.

Comunicar la Historia de la Enfermería en la universidad: motivación innovadora y co-creación / Communicating the History of Nursing at University: Innovative Motivation and Co-Creation

Objetivo principal: Conocer el desarrollo de las prácticas innovadoras educativas en la docencia de Historia de la Enfermería en el Grado de Enfermería de España, caracterizando los entornos docentes e identificando las necesidades para su potenciación. Metodología: Estudio descriptivo transversal de alcance exploratorio, con encuesta que se aplicó a docentes de esta materia de universidades españolas, tanto públicas como privadas o concertadas. Resultados principales: Se observa variabilidad de perfiles de profesorado, de horas de impartición y de competencias y metodologías docentes. Si bien las metodologías activas son utilizadas por la mayoría de los encuestados, se aprecia la falta de procesos innovadores. Conclusión principal: Es mayor la motivación del profesorado hacia la comunicación de la Historia de la Enfermería de una manera innovadora que el nivel de desarrollo alcanzado hasta ahora en las tecnologías empleadas, identificándose por tanto un importante margen de mejora de cara al futuro. (AU)

Objective: To know the development of innovative educational practices in the teaching of Nursing History in the Nursing degree in Spain, characterizing the teaching environments and identifying the needs for their empowerment. Methods: Cross-sectional descriptive study with an exploratory scope, with a survey that was applied to teachers of this subject at Spanish universities, both public and private or concerted. Results: Variability in teacher profiles, teaching hours, and teaching skills and methodologies is observed. Although active methodologies are used by the majority of respondents, there is a lack of innovative processes. Conclusions: The motivation of the teaching staff towards the communication of the History of Nursing in an innovative way is greater than the level of development reached so far in the technologies used, thus identifying an important margin for improvement for the future. (AU)

Comunicar la Historia de la Enfermería en la universidad: motivación innovadora y co-creación / Communicating the History of Nursing at University: Innovative Motivation and Co-Creation

Objetivo principal: Conocer el desarrollo de las prácticas innovadoras educativas en la docencia de Historia de la Enfermería en el Grado de Enfermería de España, caracterizando los entornos docentes e identificando las necesidades para su potenciación. Metodología: Estudio descriptivo transversal de alcance exploratorio, con encuesta que se aplicó a docentes de esta materia de universidades españolas, tanto públicas como privadas o concertadas. Resultados principales: Se observa variabilidad de perfiles de profesorado, de horas de impartición y de competencias y metodologías docentes. Si bien las metodologías activas son utilizadas por la mayoría de los encuestados, se aprecia la falta de procesos innovadores. Conclusión principal: Es mayor la motivación del profesorado hacia la comunicación de la Historia de la Enfermería de una manera innovadora que el nivel de desarrollo alcanzado hasta ahora en las tecnologías empleadas, identificándose por tanto un importante margen de mejora de cara al futuro (Au)

Objective: To know the development of innovative educational practices in the teaching of Nursing History in the Nursing degree in Spain, characterizing the teaching environments and identifying the needs for their empowerment. Methods: Cross-sectional descriptive study with an exploratory scope, with a survey that was applied to teachers of this subject at Spanish universities, both public and private or concerted. Results: Variability in teacher profiles, teaching hours, and teaching skills and methodologies is observed. Although active methodologies are used by the majority of respondents, there is a lack of innovative processes. Conclusions: The motivation of the teaching staff towards the communication of the History of Nursing in an innovative way is greater than the level of development reached so far in the technologies used, thus identifying an important margin for improvement for the future (AU)

Purinergic Receptors P2X7 and P2X4 as Markers of Disease Progression in the rd10 Mouse Model of Inherited Retinal Dystrophy.

The purinergic receptor P2X7 (P2X7R) is implicated in all neurodegenerative diseases of the central nervous system. It is also involved in the retinal degeneration associated with glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy, and its overexpression in the retina is evident in these disorders. Retinitis pigmentosa is a progressive degenerative disease that ultimately leads to blindness. Here, we investigated the expression of P2X7R during disease progression in the rd10 mouse model of RP. As the purinergic receptor P2X4 is widely co-expressed with P2X7R, we also studied its expression in the retina of rd10 mice. The expression of P2X7R and P2X4R was examined by immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, and western blotting. In addition, we analyzed retinal functionality by electroretinographic recordings of visual responses and optomotor tests and retinal morphology. We found that the expression of P2X7R and P2X4R increased in rd10 mice concomitant with disease progression, but with different cellular localization. Our findings suggest that P2X7R and P2X4R might play an important role in RP progression, which should be further analyzed for the pharmacological treatment of inherited retinal dystrophies.

Customized cationic nanoemulsions loading triamcinolone acetonide for corneal neovascularization secondary to inflammatory processes.

Customized cationic oil-in-water nanoemulsions (NEs) have been produced to improve the bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drugs, such as triamcinolone acetonide (TA). TA is a synthetic glucocorticoid with anti-inflammatory and antiangiogenic therapeutic properties and it is widely used as an effective treatment in ocular disorders. In this work, TA-NEs were characterized using two different custom-made cationic surfactants, showing a high positive surface charge favouring corneal penetration and a particle size below 300 nm. Both TA-NE formulations demonstrated to be stable at 4 °C during the first months of storage. Furthermore, TA-NEs were able to produce antiangiogenic effects in chicken membranes. The TA-NEs safety profile was evaluated using in vitro and in vivo ocular tolerance tests. Out of the two formulations, the one showing no irritant effects was screened in vivo demonstrating capacity to ameliorate ocular inflammation in New Zealand rabbits significantly, specially to reduce the risk of ocular inflammation processes, with antiangiogenic activity, and can therefore be exploited as a suitable formulation to avoid inflammatory reactions upon ocular surgical procedures, such as cataracts.

Construcción de la imagen profesional de enfermería durante la pandemia por Covid-19 a través de las noticias de prensa / Construction of nursing professional image during the Covid-19 pandemic through press news

Objetivo: Describir la imagen social de la enfermería durante la primera oleada de pandemia por Covid-19 a través de la prensa escrita generalista y especializada. Metodología: Estudio documental cualitativo descriptivo, análisis realizado bajo la teoría de Moscovici. Selección 95 noticias del 15 marzo a 15 de mayo. Se descartaron artículos con alusión puntual a las enfermeras o al personal sanitario general. Se incluyeron finalmente 37 noticias prensa general y 40 prensa especializada. Extracción de datos siguiendo 8 indicadores: lenguaje verbal, imágenes, grado trascendencia y difusión de la información, ámbito, personas implicadas, por qué trasciende la información, identificación de juicios por parte de los autores y elementos de construcción social. Resultados: Prensa general: 94,5% lenguaje periodístico frente 5,5% científico-divulgativo. Uso mayoritario del masculino, centradas en la actividad asistencial. Las principales categorías emergentes fueron: ámbito de trabajo/profesión (43,75%), contexto/entorno (34,71%), emociones (13,88%) y patrones de conocimiento (7,64%). Conclusiones: Las noticias publicadas en prensa generalista incorporan una visión reduccionista de la enfermera sobre su desempeño profesional, aunque le otorgan un gran valor social. Es necesario lograr el reconocimiento del rol autónomo, así como la visibilización de todos los campos de actuación. Se evidencia como un recurso necesario, a la vez que escaso, para la viabilidad del sistema de salud y los cuidados de la población.(AU)

Objective: Describe the image of nursing during the first wave of the Covid-19 pandemic through the generalist and specialized written press. Methods: Descriptive qualitative documentary study, analysis carried out under Moscovici's theory. 95 news items published from March 15 to May 15 were selected. Articles that made specific references to nurses or dealt with health personnel in general were discarded. In a second selection phase, 36 news from the general press and 40 from the specialized press were included for the analysis. Data were extracted taking into account 8 indicators: verbal language, images, degree of importance and dissemination of the information, scope, people involved, why the information transcends, identification of judgments by the authors and elements of social construction. Results: General press: 94.5% journalistic language compared to 5.5% scientific-informative. Majority use of masculine, focused on care activity. The main emerging categories were: field of work/profession (43.75%), context/environment (34.71%), emotions (13.88%) and knowledge patterns (7.64%). Conclusions: The news published in the general press incorporates a reductionist view of the nurse regarding their professional performance, although they give it great social value. It is necessary to achieve recognition of the autonomous role as well as the visibility of all fields of action. It is evidenced as a necessary resource, as well as scarce, for the viability of the health system and the care of the population.(AU)

Pd(II)-Catalyzed Fujiwara-Moritani Reactions for the Synthesis and Functionalization of Substituted Coumarins.

Highly substituted coumarins, privileged and versatile scaffolds for bioactive natural products and fluorescence imaging, are obtained via a Pd(II)-catalyzed direct C-H alkenylation reaction (Fujiwara-Moritani reaction), which has emerged as a powerful tool for the construction and functionalization of heterocyclic compounds because of its chemical versatility and its environmental advantages. Thus, a selective 6-endo cyclization led to 4-substituted coumarins in moderate yields. Selected examples have been further functionalized in C3 through a second intermolecular C-H alkenylation reaction to give coumarin-acrylate hybrids, whose fluorescence spectra have been measured.

Magnetic dispersive solid-phase extraction using ZSM-5 zeolite/Fe2O3 composite coupled with screen-printed electrodes based electrochemical detector for determination of cadmium in urine samples.

A novel, simple, fast, sensitive and environmentally friendly approach is presented to determine cadmium in urine samples, combining magnetic dispersive solid-phase extraction (MDSPE) for sample preparation and screen-printed carbon electrodes (SPCEs) for square-wave anodic stripping voltammetry. This association involves the miniaturization of sample preparation and measurement process. Firstly, cadmium was extracted directly from urine samples employing a ZSM-5/Fe2O3, then, the composite enriched with cadmium was deposited onto the SPCE and finally covered with a suitable electrolyte for electrochemical detection. Thereby, the elution and detection of cadmium were carried out in a single step. To optimize experimental parameters affecting MDSPE, a two-step multivariate strategy has been employed. The method has been evaluated under optimized extraction/elution conditions (i.e., type of sorbent, ZSM-5/Fe2O3; amount of sorbent, 10 mg; sample pH, 6.8; extraction time, 5.5 min; and HCl concentration, 0.5 M) using standard addition calibration. Standard addition calibration curves gave a good linearity in the range from 0 to 30 µg L-1 with correlation coefficients ranging from 0.997 to 0.998 (N = 7). The limit of detection, evaluated empirically and statistically, ranged from 0.5 to 1.0 µg L-1 and from 0.4 to 0.8 µg L-1, respectively, which are lower than the threshold level established by the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (Spain) and World Health Organization for normal cadmium content in urine (i.e., 3.4 and 4.0 µg L-1, respectively). The repeatability of the proposed method was evaluated at 5 and 20 µg L-1 spiking levels obtaining coefficients of variation ranged between 12 and 15% (n = 6). A certified reference material (REC-8848/Level II) was analyzed to assess method accuracy finding 92% and 1.3 µg L-1 as the recovery (trueness) and standard deviation values, respectively. Finally, the method was applied to spiked urine samples, obtaining good agreement between spiked and found concentrations (recovery ranged from 89 to 98% and CV values ranged from 7% to 14%). Therefore, this is a new and successful contribution to the portable total analytical systems.

Lipid Nanoparticles as Carriers for the Treatment of Neurodegeneration Associated with Alzheimer's Disease and Glaucoma: Present and Future Challenges.

Glaucoma constitutes the second cause of blindness worldwide and it is considered a neurodegenerative disorder. In this sense, Alzheimer's disease, which is the most common type of dementia, also causes neurodegeneration. The association between both diseases remains unknown although it has been hypothesised that a possible connection might exist and it will be analysed throughout the review. In this sense, nanoparticulate systems and specially, lipid nanoparticles could be the key for effective neuroprotection. Lipid nanoparticles are the most recent type of drug nanoparticulate systems. These nanoparticles have shown great potential to encapsulate hydrophobic drugs increasing their bioavailability and being able to deliver them to the target tissue. In addition, they have shown great potential for ocular drug delivery. This review explores the most recent strategies employing lipid nanoparticles for AD and glaucoma.

Magnetic dispersive solid-phase extraction using a zeolite-based composite for direct electrochemical determination of lead(II) in urine using screen-printed electrodes.

Magnetic dispersive solid-phase extraction (MDSPE) is combined with electrochemical detection by using a screen-printed carbon electrode modified with gold nanoparticles to determine lead(II). A zeolite-based magnetic composite was used as sorbent during sample preparation, thus combining the unique properties of zeolites as sorbent materials with the remarkable advantages provided by magnetic materials. Three different zeolite-based magnetic composites were initially investigated and characterized. ZSM-5/Fe2O3 treated with HNO3 (ZSM-5/Fe2O3(tr)) was finally selected as sorbent. Lead was extracted from urine samples using ZSM-5/Fe2O3(tr). After extraction, the phases were separated by using an external magnet. Subsequently, the magnetic composite carrying the analyte was directly deposited onto the working electrode of a modified screen-printed carbon electrode for final electrochemical detection. Thereby, the elution and detection of Pb(II) were carried out in a single step. A multivariate approach was employed to optimize the experimental parameters affecting extraction. Under optimized conditions and at a typical working potential of -0.23 V (vs. Ag pseudo-reference electrode), response is linear in the 0 to 25 µg L-1 Pb(II) concentration range. The empirical limit of detection ranged from 1.0 to 2.0 µg L-1. The method was used to analyze Pb(II)-spiked urine samples, and apparent recoveries ranged between 99 and 107%, with coefficients of variation of <20%. Graphical abstractSchematic presentation of the analytical method to determine lead(II) in urine samples. Magnetic dispersive solid-phase extraction using a zeolite-based composite (ZSM-5/Fe2O3(tr)) is directly combined with electrochemical detection by using a screen-printed carbon electrode modified with gold nanoparticles (SPCnAuE).

Determination of four bisphenols in water and urine samples by magnetic dispersive solid-phase extraction using a modified zeolite/iron oxide composite prior to liquid chromatography diode array detection.

A novel approach is presented to determine four bisphenols in water and urine samples, employing magnetic dispersive solid-phase extraction combined with liquid chromatography and diode array detection. A modified zeolite-based magnetic composite was used as an efficient sorbent, combining the advantages of magnetic materials with the remarkable properties of zeolites. A multivariate optimization design was employed to optimize some experimental factors affecting magnetic dispersive solid-phase extraction. The method was evaluated under optimized conditions (i.e., amount of sorbent, 50 mg; sample pH, unadjusted; NaCl concentration, 1.25%; extraction and elution time, 2 min; eluent solvent, ethanol; eluent solvent volume, 400 µL), obtaining good linearity with correlation coefficients ranging between 0.995 and 0.999 (N = 5) (from 2 to 250 µg/L for bisphenol A, bisphenol AP, and bisphenol P and from 5 to 250 µg/L for bisphenol AF). Method repeatability was assessed obtaining coefficients of variation between 3 and 11% (n = 6). Finally, the method was applied to spiked real samples, obtaining for water samples relative recoveries between 83 and 105%, and for urine samples between 81 and 108% for bisphenol A, bisphenol AP, and bisphenol AF, and between 47 and 59% for bisphenol P.

Influence of Thrombus Composition on Thrombectomy: ADAPT vs. Balloon Guide Catheter and Stent Retriever in a Flow Model.

PURPOSE: A first-pass, direct aspiration technique and stent retrieval with a balloon guide catheter represent advanced thrombectomy techniques that are increasingly being used in the clinical routine. The purpose of this experimental study was to evaluate whether the techniques' effectiveness depended on the clot composition and to visualize the interaction between the devices and the clot. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Erythrocyte-rich (red) and fibrin-rich (white) clots were placed into the M1-segment of the middle cerebral artery in a transparent vascular phantom with physiological architecture. Physiological hemodynamic conditions were maintained with a programmable pump. On the one hand direct aspiration with a 5F aspiration catheter (ADAPT) and on the other hand stent retrieval with a balloon guide catheter (flow arrest/reversal) was performed. The experiments were made under direct visual control to observe the interaction between the devices and the clot. The primary end points were the number of passes/maneuvers and the occurrence of distal emboli and emboli in a new territory (anterior cerebral artery), until full recanalization was achieved. The experiment was filmed with a full high-definition camera identifying emboli. RESULTS: Six experiments were conducted for each technique and clot model. Red clots were retrieved by ADAPT with fewer passes and distal emboli, and could usually be aspirated directly at the occlusion site. White clots clogged the tip of the 5F aspiration catheter in every experiment. The catheter had to be pulled back into the long sheath in the cervical internal carotid artery, producing distal emboli. White clots were retrieved by the stent retriever and balloon guide catheter with fewer distal emboli. There was no difference in the number of passes. The stent-thrombus interaction was superficial in both clot models. Successful retrieval was granted by the flow arrest and proximal aspiration/flow reversal. One embolus in a new territory developed when using each technique in white clots. CONCLUSION: This experimental study showed that the efficacy of advanced thrombectomy techniques might depend on clot composition. Identifying the right technique for the right clot might improve the results of thrombectomy. In a clinical setting the thrombus morphology in non-enhanced CT could be used as a marker for patient selection. KEY POINTS: · The efficacy of thrombectomy seems to depend on thrombus composition.. · ADAPT might be more effective for rbc-rich clots.. · Thrombectomy with BGC might be more effective for fibrin-rich clots.. CITATION FORMAT: · Madjidyar J, Pineda Vidal L, Larsen N et al. Influence of Thrombus Composition on Thrombectomy: ADAPT vs. Balloon Guide Catheter and Stent Retriever in a Flow Model. Fortschr Röntgenstr 2020; 192: 257 - 263.