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International Journal of Biological... Jul 2024The use of essential oils is widespread in various fields such as pharmacy, pest control, and active packaging. However, their instability and short-term effects require...
The use of essential oils is widespread in various fields such as pharmacy, pest control, and active packaging. However, their instability and short-term effects require methods to enhance their durability and effectiveness. Encapsulation in biopolymer matrices appears to be a promising approach due to the environmental safety and cost-effectiveness of such formulations. In this study, different oil-in-water emulsions were prepared by mixing chitosan-gelatin (C-G) or pectin-gelatin (P-G) solutions with lemongrass essential oil (LG). ZnO NPs were used as an additional active component. Encapsulation in biopolymer matrices resulted in stable emulsions with a significantly slower release of LG, and ZnO NPs further suppressed LG release, particularly in the P-G emulsion. They also contributed to the stability of the emulsions and a decrease in the average droplet size of LG. Furthermore, the presence of LG and ZnO NPs improved the smoothness of the films prepared from the emulsions and dispersions using the casting technique. SEM/EDS analysis confirmed the homogeneous distribution of ZnO NPs in both C-G and P-G films. By adjusting the type and content of the biopolymers and NPs, such emulsions could be effectively utilized in various applications where controlled release of active components is required.
PubMed: 38955548
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.133335 -
BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care Jul 2024To identify the relationship between the degree of anxiety and the capacity for resilience in palliative care physicians.
OBJECTIVE
To identify the relationship between the degree of anxiety and the capacity for resilience in palliative care physicians.
METHODS
Cross-sectional analytical study with non-probability sampling. We included 42 Colombian Palliative Care Physicians and administered a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Zung Anxiety Scale and the Resilience Scale.
RESULTS
42 palliative care physicians with an average age of 41 participated in the study. Anxious symptoms were present in 100% of the physicians evaluated. Mild or moderate anxiety was identified in 93.7% of the population and 6.3% of people with severe anxiety symptoms. Less than half of the participants considered demonstrated high levels of resilience. We found an inverse and significant correlation between the factors that make up the Resilience Scale and the manifestation of psychological and physical symptoms of anxiety.
CONCLUSION
Our results reflect that the population of palliative care physicians has a higher risk and exposure to developing anxiety and its adverse outcomes. We found higher anxiety levels compared with other studies so this population requires greater vigilance and intervention in treating and preventing mental health difficulties.
PubMed: 38955460
DOI: 10.1136/spcare-2023-004455 -
Saudi Medical Journal Jul 2024To compare carotid endarterectomy patch angioplasty (p-CEA) with eversion carotid endarterectomy (e-CEA) and associated risks of early cardio-cerebrovascular... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
OBJECTIVES
To compare carotid endarterectomy patch angioplasty (p-CEA) with eversion carotid endarterectomy (e-CEA) and associated risks of early cardio-cerebrovascular complications.
METHODS
The study was a prospective randomized single-blind trial, monocentric, clinically applicable, descriptive analytical and comparative. From June 2021 to June 2023, 62 consecutive patients with symptomatic and asymptomatic stenosis of the internal carotid artery, admitted to our department and randomized into two groups: carotid endarterectomy with patch angioplasty and eversion carotid endarterectomy. Follow-up for 30 days after surgery.
RESULTS
During surgery e-CEA, 70% patients had an arrhythmia, and 24 hours after 66.7%, seven days after 46.7% and month after 13.3%. During surgery p-CEA, 33.3% patients had an arrhythmia, 24 hours later 33.3%, 7 days after 13.3% and 30 days after 13.3% patients. Statistically significant difference observed during surgery (Fishers =0.004). One day after the surgery rate of patients with arrhythmia that were treated e-CEA has decreased, but it was still higher than after p-CEA (Fishers =0.010).
CONCLUSION
The frequency and categorization of postoperative cardiac arrhythmias after eversion carotid endarterectomy, the clinical implications of various postoperative heart rhythm disturbances and their long-term effects on patients need to be further investigate through sufficiently powered randomized controlled studies.
Topics: Humans; Endarterectomy, Carotid; Male; Female; Carotid Stenosis; Prospective Studies; Aged; Angioplasty; Middle Aged; Single-Blind Method; Postoperative Complications; Arrhythmias, Cardiac
PubMed: 38955440
DOI: 10.15537/smj.2024.45.7.20240245 -
Methods and Applications in Fluorescence Jul 2024Continuous in-line detection and process monitoring are essential for industrial, analytical, and biomedical applications. Lightweight, highly flexible, and low-cost...
Continuous in-line detection and process monitoring are essential for industrial, analytical, and biomedical applications. Lightweight, highly flexible, and low-cost fiber optics enable the construction of compact and robust hand-held devices for in situ chemical and biological species analysis in both industrial and biomedical in vitro/in vivo detection. Despite the broad range of fiber-optic based applications, we lack a good understanding of the parameters that govern the efficiency of light collection or the sensitivity of detection. Consequently, comparing samples of different optical density and/or geometry becomes challenging and can lead to misinterpretation of results; especially when we lack the approaches necessary to correct the detected signal (spectra) for artifacts such as inner-filter effect or scattering. Hence, in this work, we discuss factors affecting the signal detected by the fiber optic in the bare and lens-coupled flat-tipped configurations that lead to signal/spectral distortions. We also present a simple generic model describing the excitation profile and emission collection efficiency that we verify with experimental data. Understanding the principles governing the signal collected by the fiber will provide rationales for correcting the measured emission spectra and recovering the true emission profile of optically dense samples.
PubMed: 38955337
DOI: 10.1088/2050-6120/ad5e5b -
Neurotoxicology Jun 2024The 3,4-methylenedioxy-alpha-pyrrolidinohexanophenone (MDPHP) is a synthetic cathinone closely related to 3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV), one of the most common...
The 3,4-methylenedioxy-alpha-pyrrolidinohexanophenone (MDPHP) is a synthetic cathinone closely related to 3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV), one of the most common synthetic cathinones present in the "bath salts". MDPHP has recently gained attention due to increasing seizures and involvement in human intoxications which occurred in Europe and Italy in the last years, but currently there is a lack of information about its pharmaco-toxicological effects. With the aim at filling this gap, the present study is endeavoured to (i) evaluate the effects of acute administration of MDPHP (0.01-20mg/kg; i.p.) on behaviour, cardiorespiratory and cardiovascular parameters in CD-1 male mice, comparing them to those observed after administration of MDPV; (ii) predict the ADMET profile of the two analogues using the Plus ADMET Predictor®; (iii) present clinical data related to MDPHP and MDPV-induced intoxications recorded between 2011 and 2023 by the Pavia Poison Control Centre (PCC) - National Toxicology Information Centre (Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri, IRCCS Pavia, Italy). Our results substantiated that MDPHP and MDPV similarly affect sensorimotor and behavioural responses in mice, importantly increased locomotion and induced aggressive behaviour, and, at higher dosage, increased heart rate and blood pressure. These findings are in line with those observed in humans, revealing severe toxidromes typically characterized by Central Nervous System (CNS) alterations (behavioural/neuropsychiatric symptoms), including psychomotor agitation and aggressiveness, cardiovascular and respiratory disorders (e.g. tachycardia, hypertension, dyspnoea), and other peripheral symptoms (e.g. hyperthermia, acidosis, rhabdomyolysis).
PubMed: 38955288
DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2024.06.014 -
The Science of the Total Environment Jun 2024In this study, a comprehensive and sensitive method for the simultaneous detection of 17 opioids (OPs) and their human metabolites in wastewater using high-performance...
In this study, a comprehensive and sensitive method for the simultaneous detection of 17 opioids (OPs) and their human metabolites in wastewater using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry was validated. The chromatographic separations of opioids were carried out on a Kinetex® Biphenyl column (1.7 μm, 100 Å, 50 × 2.1 mm). A synthetic wastewater approach was used for recovery studies to mimic a contaminant-free matrix. Two solid-phase extraction (SPE) sorbents (hydrophilic-lipophilic balance and mixed mode with the previous phase and a weak cationic exchange) were studied to optimize sample treatment and obtain higher recoveries. The mixed mode was chosen because the recoveries of 17 target analytes at three spiked concentrations (25, 50, and 100 ng/ml) were > 80 % for 75 % of the analytes in a simulated wastewater. The intra- and inter-day relative standard deviations (RSDs) were between ±1 % and ±20 %. The method limits of quantification ranged from 5 to 25 ng L, the only exceptions being heroin (275 ng L) and morphine-3β-glucuronide (250 ng L). Suppression/enhancement is comparable between the synthetic and the influent wastewater. The analytical method was applied to the OPs analysis in twenty-one influent samples collected from the treatment plants treating the wastewater of Valencia City (Spain). Twelve OPs were detected with total daily concentrations ranging from 1 ng L to 2135 ng L. The widespread presence of these compounds in water suggests potential widespread exposure, highlighting the need for increased environmental awareness. Furthermore, the estimated daily intake results raise concerns about opioid use as a potential future health and social issue.
PubMed: 38955278
DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174382 -
Journal of Dentistry Jun 2024This bibliometric analysis evaluated the top 100 most-cited articles on the application of quantitative light-induced fluorescence (QLF) technology in caries research. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
This bibliometric analysis evaluated the top 100 most-cited articles on the application of quantitative light-induced fluorescence (QLF) technology in caries research.
DATA
The following data were collected: title, authors, country, institution, citations count, title and year of article, study design, topic and keywords. Networks among authors and keywords were constructed by VOSviewer software.
SOURCES
Scopus database on April 25, 2024.
STUDY SELECTION
A global citation score of 4633 (average 46.33 citations) was calculated with publication years ranged from 1999 to 2020. Caries Research emerged as the top contributing journal. Pretty IA was the most prolific author (18%). United Kingdom had the highest number of most-cited papers (32%), followed by Netherlands and USA (20 % each). Laboratory studies constituted the predominant study design (45%), followed by randomized clinical trials (20%) and non-systematic reviews (11%). The keywords "dental caries" and "fluorescence" had 81 and 79 occurrences, respectively. The main topic was QLF use for caries detection (45%).
CONCLUSIONS
This paper provides an update summary of the scientific impact of QLF technology application in caries research. QLF has gained increasing attention worldwide, accompanied by a consistent rise in scientific investigations exploring its application in caries research.
CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE
The findings offer valuable insights into the most influential articles in QLF technology for caries assessment, serving as a critical resource for researchers, clinicians, and students. Understanding the trends in this field can aid in informed decision-making and the advancement of evidence-based practices in caries management and prevention.
PubMed: 38955259
DOI: 10.1016/j.jdent.2024.105220 -
Journal of Breath Research Jul 2024Preservation of the breath sample integrity during storage and transport is one of biggest challenges in off-line exhaled breath gas analysis. In this context, adsorbent...
Preservation of the breath sample integrity during storage and transport is one of biggest challenges in off-line exhaled breath gas analysis. In this context, adsorbent tubes are frequently used as storage containers for use with analytical methods employing gas chromatography with mass spectrometric detection. The key objective of this short communication is to provide data on the recovery of selected breath volatiles from Tenax® TA adsorbent tubes that were stored at -80 C for up to 90 days. For this purpose, an Owlstone Medical's ReCIVA® Breath Sampler was used for exhaled breath collection. The following fifteen compounds, selected to cover a range of chemical properties, were monitored for their stability: isoprene, n-heptane, n-nonane, toluene, p-cymene, allyl methyl sulfide, 1-(methylthio)-propane, 1-(methylthio)-1-propene, -pinene, DL-limonene, β-pinene, -terpinene, 2-pentanone, acetoin and 2,3 butanedione. All compounds but one (acetoin) were found to be stable during the first 4 weeks of storage (recovery within 2×RSD). Furthermore, n-nonane was stable during the whole of the investigated period.
PubMed: 38955168
DOI: 10.1088/1752-7163/ad5dee -
Journal of Chromatography. A Jun 2024A new, versatile, and straightforward vapor phase deposition (VPD) approach was used to prepare continuous stationary phase gradients (cSPGs) on silica thin-layer...
A new, versatile, and straightforward vapor phase deposition (VPD) approach was used to prepare continuous stationary phase gradients (cSPGs) on silica thin-layer chromatography (TLC) plates using phenyldimethylchlorosilane (PDCS) as a precursor. A mixture of paraffin oil and PDCS was placed at the bottom of an open-ended rectangular chamber, allowing the reactive silanes to evaporate and freely diffuse under a controlled atmosphere. As the volatile silane diffused across the length of the TLC plate, it reacted with the surface silanol groups thus functionalizing the surface in a gradient fashion. Characterization of the gradient TLC plates was done through UV visualization and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). Visualizing the fluorescent gradient plates under UV radiation shows the clear presence of a gradient with the side closest to the vapor source undergoing the most modification. More quantitative characterization of the shape of the gradient was provided by DRS. The DRS showed that the degree of modification and shape of the gradient was dependent on the concentration of silane, VPD time, and relative humidity. To evaluate the chromatographic performance, a mixture of three aromatic compounds (acetaminophen (A), aspirin (As), and 3-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid (3H)) was spotted on the high (GHP) and low phenyl (GLP) ends of the gradient TLC plates and the results compared to the separations carried out on unmodified and uniformly modified plates. The GHP TLC plates showed retention factors (Rf) of 0.060 ± 0.006, 0.391 ± 0.006, and 0.544 ± 0.006, whereas the unmodified plate displayed Rf values of 0.059 ± 0.006, 0.092 ± 0.003, and 0.037 ± 0.002 for the analytes A, As, and 3H, respectively. From the Rf values, it was observed that each modified plate exhibited different selectivity for the analytes. The GHP TLC plates exhibited better separation performance, and improved resolution compared to the GLP, unmodified, and uniformly modified plates. Overall, VPD is a new, cost-effective method for creating a gradient on the stationary phase which has the potential to advance chromatographic separation capabilities.
PubMed: 38955129
DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2024.465090 -
Talanta Jun 2024Sensitive and accurate analysis of pyrophosphate (PPi) is of great importance for preventing health hazard in environment. Nevertheless, most of sensors focus on...
Sensitive and accurate analysis of pyrophosphate (PPi) is of great importance for preventing health hazard in environment. Nevertheless, most of sensors focus on sensitivity and selectivity, but practicality is also a significant quota. How to reconciling sensitivity, selectivity and practicability in one single sensor is desirable but remains challenging. Here, we created a novel metal-carbon nanozyme VO@C with two-dimensional (2D) morphology and high yet exclusive peroxidase (POD)-like activity via a glucose and NHNO-co-directed avenue, and further showed its application in constructing a portable and disposable paper-based analytical chip (PA-chip) for rapid, visual and onsite analysis of PPi. PPi etched VO to prevent the decomposition of HO into ·OH, resulting in weakened POD-like activity. In comparison with PPi deficiency, colorless TMB couldn't be oxidized into oxidized TMB with a dropped absorption at 652 nm. Therefore, obviously shallowed blue color on PA-chip surface was recorded, and demonstrated a negative relationship with PPi dosage, enabling rapid and visual detection of PPi with a limit of detection of 2.6 nM. This study demonstrated the burgeoning applications of nanozymes with POD-like activity in construction of PA-chips for PPi and will quicken the advancement of practical sensors, guaranteeing environmental safety.
PubMed: 38955106
DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2024.126490