Determination of metaldehyde in different commercial pesticide formulations using green analytical procedure and gas chromatography flame ionization detection

Metaldehyde is a molluscicide allowed for use in the control of slugs and snails in agriculture and horticulture in many countries. A simple, fast, and precise gas chromatography method was developed and single-laboratory validated for determination of metaldehyde in different formulations of plant protection products. The proposed method involves extraction of active substance from samples by sonication with acetone and analysis using gas chromatography-flame ionization detection (GC-FID). The suggested analytical procedure is accurate, precise, and repeatable. Moreover, it is environmentally friendly and useful for laboratories as it uses a no time- and no solvent-consuming reference chromatography technique for quality control of commercially available pesticide formulations. Advantages of the proposed method are consistent with the ideas of sustainable development, which are in accordance with the principles of Green Analytical Chemistry. Analysis of real samples of commercial pesticide formulations confirmed that the proposed method is fit for its purpose

Interaction of Helicobacter pylori with C-Type Lectin Dendritic Cell-Specific ICAM Grabbing Nonintegrin

In this study we asked whether Helicobacter pylori whole cells and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) utilize sugar moieties of Lewis (Le) antigenic determinants to interact with DC-SIGN (dendritic cell specific ICAM grabbing nonintegrin) receptor on dendritic cells (DCs). For this purpose the soluble DC-SIGN/Fc adhesion assay and the THP-1 leukemia cells with induced expression of DC-SIGN were used. We showed that the binding specificity of DC-SIGN with H. pylori LeX/Y positive whole cells and H. pylori LPS of LeX/Y type was fucose dependent, whereas in LeXY negative H. pylori strains and LPS preparations without Lewis determinants, this binding was galactose dependent. The binding of soluble synthetic LeX and LeY to the DC-SIGN-like receptor on THP-1 cells was also observed. In conclusion, the LeXY dependent as well as independent binding of H. pylori whole cells and H. pylori LPS to DC-SIGN was described. Moreover, we demonstrated that THP-1 cells may serve as an in vitro model for the assessment of H. pylori-DC-SIGN interactions mediated by LeX and LeY determinants

Internet and Social Media as a Source of Information About Plastic Surgery: Comparison Between Public and Private Sector, A 2-center Study

Background:. The popularity of social media among plastic surgeons and patients has increased in the last years. We conducted this study to explore the differences in patients’ social media habits between public and private aesthetic plastic surgery practice. Methods:. A 2-cohort study was conducted in aesthetic plastic surgery clinic and public department of plastic and surgery by surveying consecutive first-time patients. Results:. Two hundred patients completed a 18-question survey at a private aesthetic plastic surgery clinic. The questionnaire was also filled by 113 patients at a public plastic surgery department. Facebook was the most popular social media platform in both groups. Word of mouth from other patients and the clinic’s website were the most-valued source of information about the surgeon and surgical procedure for patients of both studied groups. Patients from the aesthetic group were mainly women from small towns; they were significantly younger and better educated and used Instagram more frequently than patients from public group. The aesthetic group patients focused significantly more often on the surgeon’s credentials and on before and after photographs. They appreciated social media as a source of information for patients significantly more than public group patients who stated that social media were the worst source of information. Conclusions:. Word of mouth from other patients remains the most-valued source of information about plastic surgery. However, proper use of social media and building online image in a professional manner can provide attract more patients to the aesthetic plastic surgery practice