[Factors involved in the burden of the primary caregiver of cancer patients]. / Factores que intervienen en la sobrecarga del cuidador primario del paciente con cáncer.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to identify the factors involved between burden in the primary caregiver of cancer patients and their quality of life. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a secondary level hospital on 100 primary caregivers of cancer patients. The level of burden was determined using the Zarit scale and the perception of quality of life using the World Health Organisation Quality of Life questionnaire. Quality of life was categorised as high or low and compared between groups according to their level of burden. Descriptive statistics were performed on the study variables, and differences between groups were analysed according to their level of burden. RESULTS: In assessing the overload, it was found that 31% of caregivers had burden. A good quality of life was perceived by 76% of caregivers, while the remaining 24% perceived it as poor. To identify association between these two variables Chi squared (X2) was used to determine whether there was any association between quality of life and overloading of the primary caregiver, giving a P≤.05. A Spearman correlation was also performed, obtaining an r-value of .321 with a P≤.05, finding a slightly positive correlation. CONCLUSIONS: The factors that have a bearing on a good quality of life despite having burden were: being married, dedicated to the home, and kinship (to be immediate family: spouse, parents and children). Conversely, the type of cancer, sleep hours, and hours of care influence the perception of a poor quality of life.

Analysis of phenolic compounds in health care products by low-pressure liquid-chromatography with monolithic column and chemiluminescent detection.

This paper presents a new application for monolithic columns with low-pressure chromatographic separation using an flow injection analysis configuration with chemiluminescent detection for the determination of a mixture of phenolic compounds: phloroglucinol, 2,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid, salicylic acid, methyl paraben and n-propyl gallate. The procedure consists of the separation of these compounds on a reverse-phase ultra-short monolithic column with pH 3.0 acetate buffer and 5% acetonitrile as carrier phase. The detection is based on a chemiluminescence measurement coming from Ce(IV)-Rhodamine 6G chemistry with the incorporation of two different chemiluminescent chemical conditions in the chromatographic setup in order to enhance the sensitivity for the different phenolic compounds. All separation and detection variables were optimized to propose a determination method. The analysis is performed in 280?s, with the sampling frequency being some 13 h(-1) . The calibration function is a double reciprocal function obtaining good results within two orders of magnitude. The limits of detection were 8.8 × 10 (-8) m (phloroglucinol), 2.7 × 10 (-8) m (2,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid); 2.3 × 10 (-8) m (salicylic acid); 5.2 × 10 (-8) m (methyl paraben) and 4.1 × 10 (-6) m (n-propyl gallate), and the relative standard deviations at a medium level of the linear range were 4.4% (phloroglucinol), 2.8% (2,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid), 5.2% (salicylic acid), 3.6% (methyl paraben) and 6.8% (n-propyl gallate). The method was applied and validated satisfactorily for the determination of these compounds in healthcare products, comparing the results against an HPLC reference method.

Simultaneous determination of three antioxidants in foods and cosmetics by flow injection coupled to an ultra-short monolithic column.

The combination of an ultra-short C18 monolithic column (5 mm long) with flow injection analysis results in a versatile and efficient system that has been used for the determination of three antioxidants [propylgallate (PG), butylhydroxyanisole (BA), and butylhydroxytoluene (BT)]. Due to the wide variety of polarities of the analytes, two different carriers (carrier A: methanol-water 42% and carrier B: methanol-water 70%) were able to separate the analytes in only 85 s. The applicable concentration range, the detection, and the relative standard deviation (n=10) were: for PG, from 2.77 to 300 microg/mL, 0.84 microg/mL, 2.84%; for BA, between 1.51 and 300 microg/mL, 0.46 microg/mL, and 2.70%; and for BT, between 1.65 and 100 microg/mL, 0.55 microg/mL, and 2.22%, respectively. The method was applied and validated satisfactorily for the determination of PG, BA, and BT in food and cosmetic samples.

Analysis of parabens in cosmetics by low pressure liquid chromatography with monolithic column and chemiluminescent detection.

This paper presents an application of chromatographic separation based on an ultra-short monolithic column and chemiluminescent detection in an FIA type instrument manifold for the determination of four paraben mixtures: methylparaben (MP), ethylparaben (EP), propylparaben (PP) and butylparaben (BP). The separation is achieved in 150 s using two consecutive carriers: first 12% ACN:water that changes 75 s after injection to 27% ACN:water. The detection is based on the oxidation of the hydrolysis product of parabens, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, with Ce(IV) in the presence of Rhodamine 6G which evokes chemiluminescence of sufficient intensity to enable a sensitive determination of these species. After optimization of the variables involved, the analytical method is characterized, displaying the following values for concentration ranges, detection limits and precision, as relative standard deviation at low concentration (0.15 mg l(-1))-MP: from 9.9x10(-7) to 3.3x10(-4)M; 1.9x10(-8); 5.6%; EP: from 9.0x10(-7) to 3.3x10(-4)M; 2.8x10(-8); 3.5%; PP: from 8.3x10(-7) to 9.9x10(-5)M; 2.3x10(-8); 4.2%; and BP: from 7.7x10(-7) to 9.9x10(-5)M; 4.2x10(-8)M; 6.2%. The method was applied and validated satisfactorily for the determination of these parabens in cosmetic samples, comparing the results against a liquid chromatography reference method.

Simultaneous determination of antioxidants, preservatives and sweetener additives in food and cosmetics by flow injection analysis coupled to a monolithic column.

Today it is common to find samples with various additives from several families. This is the case of sweeteners, preservatives and antioxidants. We have selected a set of additives broadly used in foods and cosmetics with an ample variety of polarities, namely: aspartame (AS), acesulfame (AK)/saccharin (SA), methylparaben (MP), ethylparaben (EP), propylparaben (PP), butylparaben (BP), propylgallate (PG) and butylhydroxyanisole (BA). The monolithic column used as separative system is a 5 mm commercial precolumn of silica C18 coupled to a flow injection manifold working with a peristaltic pump. The mixture was separated in only 400 s with resolution factors greater than 1.1 in all cases. To achieve the separation in the FIA system we used two carriers: first, a mixture of ACN/water buffered with 10 mM pH 6.0 phosphate buffer and second, a methanol:water mixture to improve the carrier strength and speed up the more apolar analytes at 3.5 mL min(-1). Detection is accomplished by means of a diode array spectrometer at the respective wavelength of each compound. The comparison of the analytical parameters obtained for this procedure with a standard HPLC method validates our new method, obtaining a method that is quick, with high repeatability and reproducibility and with good resolution between analytes. We have successfully applied the method to real food and cosmetics samples.

Resolution of an intense sweetener mixture by use of a flow injection sensor with on-line solid-phase extraction. Application to saccharin and aspartame in sweets and drinks.

An integrated solid-phase spectrophotometry-FIA method is proposed for simultaneous determination of the mixture of saccharin (1,2-benzisothiazol-3(2H)-one-1,1-dioxide; E-954) (SA) and aspartame (N-L-alpha-aspartyl-L-phenylalanine-1-methyl ester; E-951) (AS). The procedure is based on on-line preconcentration of AS on a C18 silica gel minicolumn and separation from SA, followed by measurement, at lambda = 210 nm, of the absorbance of SA which is transiently retained on the adsorbent Sephadex G-25 placed in the flow-through cell of a monochannel FIA setup using pH 3.0 orthophosphoric acid-dihydrogen phosphate buffer, 3.75x10(-3) mol L(-1), as carrier. Subsequent desorption of AS with methanol enables its determination at lambda = 205 nm. With a sampling frequency of 10 h(-1), the applicable concentration range, the detection limit, and the relative standard deviation were from 1.0 to 200.0 microg mL(-1), 0.30 microg mL(-1), and 1.0% (80 microg mL(-1), n = 10), respectively, for SA and from 10.0 to 200.0 microg mL(-1), 1.4 microg mL(-1), and 1.6% (100 microg mL(-1), n = 10) for AS. The method was used to determine the amounts of aspartame and saccharin in sweets and drinks. Recovery was always between 99 and 101%. The method enabled satisfactory determination of blends of SA and AS in low-calorie and dietary products and the results were compared with those from an HPLC reference method.

Flow-through spectrophotometric sensor for the determination of aspartame in low-calorie and dietary products.

A very simple flow-through sensor is presented for the determination of the intense sweetener aspartame in low-calorie and dietary products. The sensor is implemented in a monochannel flow-injection system with UV spectrophotometric detection using a Sephadex CM-C25 cationic exchanger packed 20 mm high in a flow cell. This method is based on the transient retention of a cationic species of the sweetener on the solid phase when a pH 5.0 acetic acid sodium acetate buffer (0.01 M) is used as a carrier (2.6 mL(-1) min). The carrier itself elutes the analyte from the solid support, regenerating a sensing zone. Aspartame was determined by measuring its intrinsic absorbance at 219 nm at its residence time without any derivatization. Calibration graphs were linear over the range of 5.0 - 600.0 microg mL(-1) with an RSD of 0.55% (peak height). This sweetener was determined in several samples by measuring the height or peak area, obtaining recoveries ranging between 95 - 101% and 97.5 - 101%, respectively. The procedure was validated for its use in the determination of aspartame in low-calorie and dietary products, giving reproducible and accurate results.

Flow-through spectrophotometric sensor for the determination of saccharin in low-calorie products.

A simple, rapid and inexpensive monoparameter flow-through sensor has been developed for the determination of saccharin in low calorie and dietary products. The method is based on the transient adsorption of the sweetener on Sephadex G-25 solid phase packed to a height of 20 mm in the flow cell. The optimal transient retention of the synthetic sweetener, in terms of sensitivity and sampling frequency, was obtained when pH 2.75 citric acid-sodium citrate buffer 5 x 10(-3) M was used as a carrier at a flow-rate of 1.5 ml min(-1). Saccharin was determined measuring its intrinsic absorbance at 217 nm at its residence time. Calibration graphs for peak height and peak area were linear over the range 5.0-200.0 microg ml(-1), RSD 1.18%, and 1.0-200.0 microg ml(-1), RSD 0.78%, respectively. Saccharin was determined in several food samples measuring height or area peak, obtaining recoveries ranging between 98-104 and 99-102% for height and area peak, respectively. The procedure was validated for use in the determination of saccharin in low calorie and dietary products giving reproducible and accurate results.

Monoparameter sensors for the determination of the antioxidants butylated hydroxyanisole and n-propyl gallate in foods and cosmetics by flow injection spectrophotometry.

A flow-through optosensor with solid phase UV spectroscopic detection is proposed for the direct determination of single antioxidants, namely butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and n-propyl gallate (n-PG), without previous derivatization. The methods are based on the transient retention behaviour of these compounds in a flow-through cell packed with C-18 silica using ethanol-water mixtures as a carrier, and on the intrinsic absorbance monitored at 290 and 283 nm, respectively. After recording the analytical signal, the antioxidants were easily and quickly desorbed from the solid support by the same carrier. For BHA, calibration graphs were linear over the range 1.0-300.0 mg L-1 using area as the analytical parameter. The relative standard deviation (RSD) was between 0.5 and 1.6%. For n-PG, calibration graphs were linear over the range 1.0-300.0 mg L-1 in area and the RSD was between 1.4 and 1.5%. The methods were applied to the determination of these antioxidants in several food and cosmetics samples, and were validated using the standard additions method and an HPLC reference method.

Q fever seroprevalence and associated risk factors among students from the Veterinary School of Zaragoza, Spain.

Q fever is a zoonosis related to the existence of Coxiella burnetii infected animals. The authors studied the seroprevalence and risk factors associated to C. burnetii infection in veterinary students in Zaragoza (Spain). Sera were collected at the beginning and the end of the academic year (1994-1995) and were tested by Complement fixation test to detect antibodies against C. burnetii. 10.02 and 11.02% seroprevalences were observed at the beginning and the end of the study respectively. The cumulative incidence through the period of study was 0.0157. Risk factors associated to C. burnetii were multiple: students coursing the speciality in Food Inspection and Technology or the speciality of Animal Production; to practise with living animals in general and particularly with ruminants and to contact frequently with persons who worked with animals, particularly with veterinarians, farmers and animal traders. In parallel, the students coursing the first course showed a significant lower seroprevalence. Male students from the fifth course were significantly more seroprevalent than females, where sex was a protection factor. Concerning the clinical signs asked in the questionnaire, cardiovascular disturbances, flu and/or pneumonia, sweating, transient hyperthermia or spondylitis were associated factors. Conversely, a good response after treatment of symptoms was a protection factor. The only risk factor associated with incidence along the year of study was practising in farms. The authors recommend a revision of hygiene measures to control risk factors and the diagnostic of C. burnetii infection when populations at risk show the associated symptoms.

Flow injection analysis with in-line solid phase extraction for the spectrophotometric determination of sulfonated and unsulfonated Quinoline Yellow in Cologne.

An integrated solid-phase spectrophotometry/ FIA method is proposed for the determination of the synthetic colorant matter Quinoline Yellow (QYWS) in the presence of its unsulfonated derivative QYSS. The procedure is based on the retention and preconcentration of the low level QYSS on a C-18 silica gel minicolumn, followed by sequential measurement of its absorbance at lambda = 410 nm after its elution with methanol. The applicable concentration range, the detection limit and the relative standard deviation were the following: for QYWS, from 0.10 to 30.0 mg L(-1); 0.013 mg L(-1); and 0.6%; and for QYSS, between 10 and 1.000 microg L(-1); 2 microg L(-1); and 1.3%, respectively. The method was applied to the determination of small amounts of QYSS present in QYWS in Colognes. Percentages of recovery between 98% and 99% were obtained in all instances. The method was also satisfactorily applied to the determination of these compounds in samples of commercial Colognes comparing the results for QYWS with those offered by an HPLC reference method and also validating the results chemometrically.

Speciation of selenium (IV) in natural waters by solid phase spectrophotometry.

A method for the speciation of selenium (IV) based on solid-phase spectrophotometry (SPS), has been developed. In acidic conditions selenium (IV) oxidizes potassium iodide and the I(3)(-) forms an ionic association with Rhodamine B (RB) which is fixed on a dextran type lipophilic gel. The gel phase absorbances at 590 and 800 nm are measured directly, and allows for the determination of selenium (IV) in the range of 0.7-18.0 microg l(-1), with a relative standard deviation (RSD) of 2.8%. The method has been applied to the determination of Se(IV) in natural waters.

Determination of vanadium by solid-phase spectrophotometry after its preconcentration as an Eriochrome Cyanine R complex on a dextran-type exchanger.

A method is described for the determination by solid phase spectrophotometry (SPS) of trace amounts of vanadium in natural water and crude petroleum samples. The procedure is based on fixation on a dextran-type anion exchanger of the complex V(IV)-Eriochrome Cyanine R. The absorbance of the gel, at 563 and 750 nm, packed in a 1 mm cell, is measured directly. Vanadium can be determined in the 0.6-25.0 mug l(-1) range with a relative standard deviation of 2.2%. The comparison of the SPS method and the gallic acid persulphate method shows that the linearity, analytical sensitivity and precision were better for the SPS method, and that the latter method has lower detection and quantification limits than the gallic acid persulphate method.

A solid-phase spectrophotometric method for the determination of sulphathiazole.

A spectrophotometric method for the determination of sulphathiazole (ST) has been developed, based on solid-phase spectrophotometry. The influence of experimental variables on fixation on Sephadex SP C-25 is discussed. The applicable concentration range is 0.10-10.00 mg/l., with a relative standard deviation of 0.62% and a detection limit of 0.02 mg/l. The accuracy and precision of the method are reported. The proposed method has been satisfactorily applied to the determination of sulphathiazole in pharmaceuticals.

Determination of acetoacetate in urine by solid-phase spectrophotometry.

A method for the determination of acetoacetate has been developed based on solid-phase spectrophotometry (SPS). The acetoacetate reacts with nitroprusside and glycine and the reaction product is sorbed on Dowex 1-X8 resin. The absorbance of the resin phase at 590 and 720 nm is measured directly. The calibration graph is linear up to 3.3 mg l-1 and the RSD is 1.9%. The detection limit is 7.6 micrograms l-1. The method has been applied to the determination of acetoacetate in normal and diabetic subjects' urine without pretreatment of the samples, and the results compared with those of 1H-NMR and homogeneous nitroprusside methods.