Tetracycline Removal through the Synergy of Catalysis and Photocatalysis by Novel NaYF4:Yb,Tm@TiO2-Acetylacetone Hybrid Core-Shell Structures.

Novel hybrid core-shell structures, in which up-converting (UC) NaYF4:Yb,Tm core converts near-infrared (NIR) to visible (Vis) light via multiphoton up-conversion processes, while anatase TiO2-acetylacetonate (TiO2-Acac) shell ensures absorption of the Vis light through direct injection of excited electrons from the highest-occupied-molecular-orbital (HOMO) of Acac into the TiO2 conduction band (CB), were successfully synthesized by a two-step wet chemical route. Synthesized NaYF4:Yb,Tm@TiO2-Acac powders were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, diffuse-reflectance spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and photoluminescence emission measurement. Tetracycline, as a model drug, was used to investigate the photocatalytic efficiencies of the core-shell structures under irradiation of reduced power Vis and NIR spectra. It was shown that the removal of tetracycline is accompanied by the formation of intermediates, which formed immediately after bringing the drug into contact with the novel hybrid core-shell structures. As a result, ~80% of tetracycline is removed from the solution after 6 h.

Extrinsic Point Defects in TiO2-Acetylacetone Charge-Transfer Complex and Their Effects on Optical and Photochemical Properties.

TiO2-based visible-light-sensitive nanomaterials are widely studied for photocatalytic applications under UV-Vis radiation. Among the mechanisms of visible-light sensitization, extrinsic oxygen vacancies have been introduced into TiO2 and charge-transfer complexes (CTCs) have been formed between chelating ligands, such as acetylacetone, and nanocrystalline TiO2 (TiO2-ACAC). However, the influence of extrinsic oxygen vacancies on the photocatalytic performance of TiO2-based CTCs is unknown. In this work, surface/bulk extrinsic oxygen vacancies were introduced into TiO2-ACAC through calcination at 270 °C under static air, argon, and hydrogen atmospheres. TiO2-ACAC CTCs were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, diffuse-reflectance spectroscopy, photoluminescence, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy techniques. The correlation between EPR-spin trapping and tetracycline (TC) photodegradation, using scavengers, highlighted the key role of the superoxide radical in TC degradation by TiO2-ACAC CTCs under low-power visible-light radiation. The increased extrinsic oxygen vacancies concentration was not beneficial for the photocatalytic performance of TiO2 CTCs, since bulk extrinsic oxygen vacancies additionally act as recombination centers. In fact, the TiO2-ACAC CTC with the lowest extrinsic oxygen vacancies concentration exhibited the highest photocatalytic performance for TC degradation due to an adequate distribution of extrinsic bulk oxygen vacancies, which led to the trapped electrons undergoing repeated hopping, reducing the recombination rates and improving the efficiency in superoxide radicals production. Our findings indicated that TiO2-ACAC CTCs are able to degrade pollutants via interactions with electronic holes and principally superoxide radicals and also, provided fundamental information about the influence of surface/bulk extrinsic oxygen vacancies on the photocatalytic performance, lattice parameters, and optical and photochemical properties of TiO2-based CTCs.

Spot urinary sodium as a prognostic marker for mortality in patients with acute decompensated heart failure / Sodio urinario como factor pronóstico para mortalidad en pacientes con falla cardiaca aguda descompensada.

Introduction. Urinary sodium has been proposed as a prognostic marker and indicator of the diuretic response in patients with heart failure. However, study results are heterogeneous. Objective. To evaluate the spot urinary sodium level as a risk factor for mortality in patients with decompensated heart failure. Materials and methods. We conducted a case-control study nested in a prospective cohort of patients with decompensated heart failure. The primary outcome was mortality at 180 days. The risk factors associated with mortality were evaluated through a bivariate analysis. Differences in clinical variables between groups with urinary sodium greater than or lesser than 70 mEq/L were analyzed. Results. The study included 79 patients; 15 died at 180 days. Their mean age was 68.9 years (SD=± 13.8); 30 were women (38%), and 15 (18.9%) had urinary sodium <70 mEq/L. In the bivariate analysis, a significant association was found between mortality and past medical history of hospitalizations, SBP<90 mm Hg, the use of inotropes, and urinary sodium <70 mEq/L. Regarding clinical characteristics, patients with low urinary sodium level in the last year were hospitalized more frequently with hyponatremia and hypotension at admission. Conclusion. Patients with urinary sodium <70 mEq/L had more severe signs. In a bivariate analysis, urinary sodium was associated with mortality at 180 days.

Introducción. En los pacientes con falla cardíaca, el sodio urinario se ha propuesto como marcador de gravedad y resistencia a los diuréticos, pero los resultados de los estudios reportados son heterogéneos. Objetivo. Evaluar el sodio en orina ocasional como factor pronóstico de mortalidad en pacientes con falla cardiaca descompensada. Materiales y métodos. Se realizó un análisis anidado de casos y controles de una cohorte prospectiva de falla cardíaca descompensada. El desenlace primario fue mortalidad a los 180 días. Se hizo un análisis bivariado para evaluar las variables que se asocian con la mortalidad. Se analizaron las diferencias de las variables clínicas entre los grupos con sodio urinario mayor o menor de 70 mEq/L. Resultados. Se incluyeron 79 pacientes de los cuales 15 fallecieron a los 180 días. La edad promedio fue de 68,9 años (DE: ±13,8), 30 eran mujeres (38 %). Quince pacientes (18,9 %) tuvieron un sodio en orina inferior a 70 mEq/L. En el análisis bivariado se encontró una asociación significativa de la mortalidad con las hospitalizaciones, la presión arterial sistólica inferior a 90 mm Hg, el uso de inotrópicos y el sodio urinario inferior a 70 mEq/L. Los pacientes con sodio urinario bajo habían estado hospitalizados con mayor frecuencia en el último año, tenían menores valores de sodio sérico y presión arterial al ingreso. Conclusión. Los pacientes con sodio urinario inferior a 70 mEq/L tienen características de mayor gravedad. En el análisis bivariado, el sodio urinario se asoció con mortalidad a los 180 días.

Sodio urinario como factor pronóstico para mortalidad en pacientes con falla cardiaca aguda descompensada

Introducción. En los pacientes con falla cardíaca, el sodio urinario se ha propuesto como marcador de gravedad y resistencia a los diuréticos, pero los resultados de los estudios reportados son heterogéneos. Objetivo. Evaluar el sodio en orina ocasional como factor pronóstico de mortalidad en pacientes con falla cardiaca descompensada. Materiales y métodos. Se realizó un análisis anidado de casos y controles de una cohorte prospectiva de falla cardíaca descompensada. El desenlace primario fue mortalidad a los 180 días. Se hizo un análisis bivariado para evaluar las variables que se asocian con la mortalidad. Se analizaron las diferencias de las variables clínicas entre los grupos con sodio urinario mayor o menor de 70 mEq/L. Resultados. Se incluyeron 79 pacientes de los cuales 15 fallecieron a los 180 días. La edad promedio fue de 68,9 años (DE: ±13,8), 30 eran mujeres (38 %). Quince pacientes (18,9 %) tuvieron un sodio en orina inferior a 70 mEq/L. En el análisis bivariado se encontró una asociación significativa de la mortalidad con las hospitalizaciones, la presión arterial sistólica inferior a 90 mm Hg, el uso de inotrópicos y el sodio urinario inferior a 70 mEq/L. Los pacientes con sodio urinario bajo habían estado hospitalizados con mayor frecuencia en el último año, tenían menores valores de sodio sérico y presión arterial al ingreso. Conclusión. Los pacientes con sodio urinario inferior a 70 mEq/L tienen características de mayor gravedad. En el análisis bivariado, el sodio urinario se asoció con mortalidad a los 180 días.

Introduction. Urinary sodium has been proposed as a prognostic marker and indicator of the diuretic response in patients with heart failure. However, study results are heterogeneous. Objective. To evaluate the spot urinary sodium level as a risk factor for mortality in patients with decompensated heart failure. Materials and methods. We conducted a case-control study nested in a prospective cohort of patients with decompensated heart failure. The primary outcome was mortality at 180 days. The risk factors associated with mortality were evaluated through a bivariate analysis. Differences in clinical variables between groups with urinary sodium greater than or lesser than 70 mEq/L were analyzed. Results. The study included 79 patients; 15 died at 180 days. Their mean age was 68.9 years (SD=± 13.8); 30 were women (38%), and 15 (18.9%) had urinary sodium <70 mEq/L. In the bivariate analysis, a significant association was found between mortality and past medical history of hospitalizations, SBP<90 mm Hg, the use of inotropes, and urinary sodium <70 mEq/L. Regarding clinical characteristics, patients with low urinary sodium level in the last year were hospitalized more frequently with hyponatremia and hypotension at admission. Conclusion. Patients with urinary sodium <70 mEq/L had more severe signs. In a bivariate analysis, urinary sodium was associated with mortality at 180 days.

Lactate clearance: prognostic mortality marker in trauma patients / La depuración de lactato: marcador pronóstico de mortalidad en pacientes traumatizados

Abstract Introduction: High lactate values are associated with adverse outcomes in almost all clinical situations, lactate levels above 2 mmol/L are proposed as an early and reliable marker of tissue hypoperfusion, and lactate clearance during treatment has also been proposed during resuscitation as a prognostic factor. Objective: To determine the association between the initial value of lactate and its clearance after 6 and 24 hours in trauma patients with mortality. Materials and methods: A subanalysis of a prospective cohort collected between March 2014 and October 2016 was carried out at the San Vicente Fundación University Hospital (Medellin, Colombia), with trauma patients over 18 years of age. Lactate and clinical variables were measured at admission, at 6 and at 24hours. The association of lactate levels at admission and clearance with in hospital mortality was estimated, using logistic regression models. Results: A total of 251 patients met the inclusion criteria, 15.5% died, 45.4% required admission to intensive care, in patients who died the lactate at admission was 4.6mmol/L (Interquartile range = 2.9-6.9). The adjusted logistic regression model showed that lactate on admission, lactate clearance of 50% (0-24hours), trauma mechanism, and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score were independent factors associated with mortality. Conclusion: High values of lactate at admission are associated with greater probability of dying and its clearance is an independent factor of mortality in those who enter with high lactate values.

Resumen Introducción: Valores elevados de lactato se relacionan con desenlaces adversos en casi todas las situaciones clínicas, los niveles de lactato por encima de 2mmol/L se proponen como marcador temprano y confiable de hipoperfusión tisular, igualmente se ha propuesto la depuración de lactato durante la reanimación como factor pronóstico. Objetivo: Determinar en pacientes traumatizados la asociación del valor inicial de lactato y su depuración después de 6 y 24 horas con mortalidad. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un sub-análisis de una cohorte prospectiva recolectada entre marzo de 2.014 y octubre de 2.016 en el Hospital Universitario San Vicente Fundación (Medellín, Colombia), con pacientes mayores de 18 años poli traumatizados. Se midió el lactato y las variables clínicas al ingreso, a la hora 6 y a las 24. Se estimó la asociación con mortalidad hospitalaria, los niveles de lactato al ingreso y su depuración, mediante modelos de regresión logística. Resultados: 251 pacientes cumplieron criterios de inclusión, el 15.5% fallecieron, el 45.4% requirieron ingreso a cuidados intensivos, en pacientes que murieron el lactato al ingreso fue de 4,6 mmol/L (IQR=2,9-6,9), en el modelo de regresión logística ajustado se encontró que el lactato al ingreso, la depuración de lactato del 50% (0-24 horas), el mecanismo de trauma y el puntaje de SOFA fueron factores independientes asociados con mortalidad. Conclusión: Valores altos de lactato al ingreso se asocian con mayor probabilidad de morir y en quienes ingresan con valores de lactato elevados, su depuración es un factor independiente de mortalidad.

Antibiotics has more impact on mortality than other early goal-directed therapy components in patients with sepsis: An instrumental variable analysis.

PURPOSE: To estimate the effect of each of the EGDT components, as well as of the antibiotics, on length-of-stay and mortality. METHODS: Prospective cohort in three hospitals. Adult patients admitted by the Emergency Rooms (ER) with infection and any of systolic blood pressure < 90 mmHg or lactate >4 mmol/L. An instrumental analysis with hospital of admission as the instrumental variable was performed to estimate the effect of each intervention on hospital mortality and secondary outcomes. RESULTS: Among 2587 patients evaluated 884 met inclusion criteria, with a hospital mortality rate of 17% (n = 150). In the instrumental analysis, the only intervention associated with an absolute reduction in mortality (21%) was the use of antibiotics in the first 3 h. In patients with lactate values ≥4 mmol/L in the ER, a non-decrease of at least 10% at six hours was independently associated with mortality (OR = 3.1; 95%CI = 1.5-6.2). CONCLUSIONS: Among patients entering ER with infection and shock or hypoperfusion criteria, the use of appropriate antibiotics in the first 3 h is the measure that has the greatest impact on survival. In addition, among patients with hyperlactatemia >4 mmol/L, the clearance of >10% of lactate during resuscitation is associated with better outcomes.

Association of Clinical Hypoperfusion Variables With Lactate Clearance and Hospital Mortality.

BACKGROUND: Lactate has shown utility in assessing the prognosis of patients admitted to the hospital with confirmed or suspected shock. Some findings of the physical examination may replace it as screening tool. We have determined the correlation and association between clinical perfusion parameters and lactate at the time of admission; the correlation between the change in clinical parameters and lactate clearance after 6 and 24 h of resuscitation; and the association between clinical parameters, lactate, and mortality. METHODS: Prospective cohort study of adult patients hospitalized in the emergency room with infection, polytrauma, or other causes of hypotension. We measured serum lactate, capillary refill time, shock index, and pulse pressure at 0, 6, and 24 h after admission. A Spearman's correlation was performed between clinical variables and lactate levels, as well as between changes in clinical parameters and lactate clearance. The operative characteristics of these variables were determined by area under the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis and the association between lactate, clinical variables, and mortality through logistic regression. RESULTS: A total of 1,320 patients met the inclusion criteria, 66.7% (n = 880) confirmed infection, 19% (n = 251) polytrauma, and 14.3% (n = 189) another etiology. No significant correlation was found between any clinical variable and lactate values (r < 0.28). None of the variable had an adequate discriminatory capacity to detect hyperlactatemia (AUC < 0.62). In the multivariate model, lactate value at admission was the only variable independently associated with mortality (OR 1.2; 95% CI = 1.1-1.1). CONCLUSIONS: Among patients with hypoperfusion risk or shock, no correlation was found between clinical variables and lactate. Of the set of parameters collected, lactate at admission was the only independent marker of mortality.

Asociación de variables clínicas de hipoperfusión con el lactato y la mortalidad / Association of clinical variables of hypoperfusion with lactate and mortality

Resumen Introducción: entre los pacientes con infección la hiperlactatemia identifica una población de mayor gravedad. Este estudio pretende determinar en pacientes de urgencias la correlación y asociación entre los parámetros clínicos de perfusión y los valores de lactato en el momento de admisión; así como el cambio en los parámetros clínicos con la depuración del lactato. Además, determinar la asociación entre estas variables y la mortalidad intrahospitalaria. Métodos: cohorte prospectiva de pacientes que ingresaron con sospecha de infección a un hospital de tercer nivel. Se midió el lactato en la admisión a las 6 y 24 horas, concomitantemente con las variables llenado capilar, índice de choque y presión de pulso, entre otras. Se realizó correlación de Spearman entre las variables clínicas, los niveles de lactato y su depuración; así como curvas ROC para determinar la capacidad discriminativa de las variables clínicas para detectar hiperlactatemia. Se realizó un modelo de regresión logística multivariable para mortalidad. Resultados: se evaluaron 2257 pacientes, 651 correspondían a infección confirmada. No se encontró ninguna correlación de utilidad entre las variables clínicas y el lactato (r<0.25); y tampoco se detectó adecuada capacidad discriminativa para la detección de hiperlactatemia con ninguna variable clínica (AUC<0.61). En el modelo de regresión logística multivariada el valor del lactato al ingreso fue la única variable que se asoció de manera independiente con mortalidad (OR=1.4, IC95%=1.3-1.6). Conclusiones: entre los pacientes que ingresan a urgencias con infección no se encontró correlación entre las variables clínicas y el lactato; sin embargo, el lactato al ingreso es un marcador pronóstico independiente de mortalidad. (Acta Med Colomb 2017: 42: 97-105).

Abstract Introduction: among patients with infection, hyperlactatemia identifies a population of greater severity. This study aims to determine the correlation and association between clinical perfusion parameters and lactate values in emergency patients at the time of admission, as well as the change in clinical parameters with lactate clearance. In addition, to determine the association between these variables and in-hospital mortality. Methods: Prospective cohort of patients admitted with suspected infection to a third level hospital. Lactate was measured at admission, at 6 and 24 hours, concomitantly with the variables capillary filling, shock index and pulse pressure, among others. Among the clinical variables, Spearman correlation, lactate levels and their clearance, as well as ROC curves to determine the discriminative ability of clinical variables to detect hyperlactatemia were performed. A multivariate logistic regression model for mortality was carried out. Results: 2257 patients were evaluated. 651 were confirmed with infections. No utility correlation was found between clinical variables and lactate (r <0.25), and no discriminative capacity was detected for the detection of hyperlactatemia with any clinical variable (AUC <0.61). In the multivariate logistic regression model the lactate value at admission was the only variable that was independently associated with mortality (OR = 1.4, 95% CI = 1.3-1.6). Conclusions: no correlation was found between clinical variables and lactate among patients admitted to the emergency department with infection; however lactate at admission is an independent prognostic marker of mortality. (Acta Med Colomb 2017: 42: 97-105).

Immunological characterization of compensatory anti-inflammatory response syndrome in patients with severe sepsis: a longitudinal study*.

OBJECTIVES: To perform a complete immunological characterization of compensatory anti-inflammatory response syndrome in patients with sepsis and to explore the relationship between these changes and clinical outcomes of 28-day mortality and secondary infections. DESIGN: Prospective single-center study conducted between April 2011 and December 2012. SETTING: ICUs from Hospital Universitario San Vicente Fundación at Medellin, Colombia. PATIENTS: One hundred forty-eight patients with severe sepsis. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: At days 0, 1, 3, 5, 10, and 28, we determined the expression of HLA-DR in monocytes and the apoptosis and the proliferation index in T lymphocytes, as well as the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, interleukin-1ß, interleukin-10, and transforming growth factor-ß in both plasma and cell culture supernatants of peripheral blood mononuclear cells. The mean percentage of HLA-DR was 60.7 at enrollment and increased by 0.9% (95% CI, 0.7-1.2%) per day. The mean percentage of CD4 T cells and CD8 T cells AV+/7-AAD- at enrollment was 37.2% and 20.4%, respectively, but it diminished at a rate of -0.5% (95% CI, -0.7% to -0.3%) and -0.3% (95% CI, -0.4% to -0.2%) per day, respectively. Plasma levels of interleukin-6 and interleukin-10 were 290 and 166 pg/mL and decreased at a rate of -7.8 pg/mL (95% CI, -9.5 to -6.1 pg/mL) and -4 pg/mL (95% CI, -5.1 to -2.8 pg/mL) per day, respectively. After controlling for confounders, only sustained plasma levels of interleukin-6 increase the risk of death (hazard ratio 1.003; 95% CI, 1.001-1.006). CONCLUSIONS: We found no evidence to support a two-phase model of sepsis pathophysiology. However, immunological variables did behave in a mixed and time-dependent manner. Further studies should evaluate changes over time of interleukin-6 plasma levels as a prognostic biomarker for critically ill patients.

Lactato sérico en urgencias como factor pronóstico en pacientes con sepsis sin hipotensión / Serum lactate in the emergency department as a prognostic factor in patients with sepsis without hypotension

Fundamento y objetivo: La relación del lactato y la mortalidad en sepsis no ha sido explorada adecuadamente en el paciente normotenso. Nuestro objetivo fue determinar la utilidad del lactato como factor pronóstico de mortalidad a los 28 días en pacientes admitidos en el Servicio de Urgencias con diagnóstico clínico de sepsis y sin shock séptico. Pacientes y método: Análisis secundario del estudio La epidemiología de la sepsis en Colombia, una cohorte prospectiva de pacientes en 10 hospitales generales de 4 ciudades de Colombia. Se incluyeron en este análisis los pacientes sin hipotensión, con disponibilidad de lactato y admitidos con infecciones adquiridas en la comunidad confirmadas con los criterios de los Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Se realizó una regresión logística controlando para la edad, el sexo, las comorbilidades y la puntuación de gravedad. Resultados: Se incluyeron 961 pacientes, con edad media (DE) de 57,2 (21,0) años, el 54,2% eran mujeres, la puntuación SOFA (Sequential Organ Failure Assessment) promedio fue de 3,0 (2,3) y el APACHE (Acute Physiologic and Chronic Health Evaluation) de 11,1 (6,4). Se observó un buen ajuste al modelo lineal entre el lactato y el riesgo de muerte, y al ajustar por los factores de confusión el lactato se asoció de manera significativa con la mortalidad (odds ratio 1,16, intervalo de confianza del 95% 1,02-1,33). Conclusión: El valor de lactato se asocia de forma independiente y significativa con la mortalidad a los 28 días entre los pacientes con infección que se presentan en el Departamento de Urgencias sin hipotensión. Además, la mortalidad se incrementa de manera lineal con los valores de lactato sérico a partir de cualquier valor detectable (AU)

Background and objective: The relationship between lactate and mortality in patients without hypotension has not been appropriately explored. Our aim was to determine the usefulness of serum lactate as a prognostic factor of 28-day mortality in patients admitted to the Emergency Department with clinical diagnosis of sepsis without septic shock. Patients and methods: We performed a secondary analysis of the study The epidemiology of sepsis in Colombia, a prospective cohort of patients from 10 general hospitals in 4 Colombian cities. We analyzed patients without hypotension with serum lactate available and admitted with community-acquired infections, which were confirmed according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC criteria. A logistical regression was performed adjusting for age, sex, comorbidities and severity scores. Results: We included 961 patients aged 57.2 ± 21.0 years, 54.2% were females, mean SOFA score was 3.0 ± 2.3 and APACHE score was 11.1 ± 6.4. We observed a linear relationship between serum lactate and the odds of death, and after adjustment there was a significant and independent association between lactate and mortality (odds ratio 1,16, 95% confidence interval 1.02-1.33). Conclusion: Serum lactate is independently and significantly associated with 28-day mortality among patients with infection who present to the Emergency Department without hypotension. Besides, mortality increases in a linear way with serum lactate from any detectable value (AU)

[Serum lactate in the emergency department as a prognostic factor in patients with sepsis without hypotension]. / Lactato sérico en urgencias como factor pronóstico en pacientes con sepsis sin hipotensión.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The relationship between lactate and mortality in patients without hypotension has not been appropriately explored. Our aim was to determine the usefulness of serum lactate as a prognostic factor of 28-day mortality in patients admitted to the Emergency Department with clinical diagnosis of sepsis without septic shock. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We performed a secondary analysis of the study The epidemiology of sepsis in Colombia, a prospective cohort of patients from 10 general hospitals in 4 Colombian cities. We analyzed patients without hypotension with serum lactate available and admitted with community-acquired infections, which were confirmed according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC criteria. A logistical regression was performed adjusting for age, sex, comorbidities and severity scores. RESULTS: We included 961 patients aged 57.2 ± 21.0 years, 54.2% were females, mean SOFA score was 3.0 ± 2.3 and APACHE score was 11.1±6.4. We observed a linear relationship between serum lactate and the odds of death, and after adjustment there was a significant and independent association between lactate and mortality (odds ratio 1,16, 95% confidence interval 1.02-1.33). CONCLUSION: Serum lactate is independently and significantly associated with 28-day mortality among patients with infection who present to the Emergency Department without hypotension. Besides, mortality increases in a linear way with serum lactate from any detectable value.