Study of 3,4-hydroxypyridinones functionalized beads for iron (III) determination in a microsequential injection solid phase spectrophotometry mode

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Non-transferrin-bound iron determination in blood serum using microsequential injection solid phase spectrometry – proof of concept

Non-transferrin-bound iron (NTBI) is a group of circulating toxic iron forms, which occur in iron overload or health conditions with dysregulation of iron metabolism. NTBI is responsible for increased oxidative stress and tissue iron loading. Despite its relevance as a biochemical marker in several diseases, a standardized assay is still lacking. Several methods were developed to quantify NTBI, but results show high inter-method and even inter-laboratory variability. Thus, the development of a consistent NTBI assay is a major goal in the management of iron overload and related clinical conditions. In this work, a micro sequential injection lab-on-valve (μSI-LOV) method in a solid phase spectrophotometry (SPS) mode was developed for the quantification of NTBI, using a bidentate 3,4–hydroxypyridinone (3,4-HPO) ligand anchored to sepharose beads as a chromogenic reagent. To attain SPS, the functionalized beads were packed into a column in the flow cell, and the analyte, NTBI retained as iron (III), formed a colored complex at the beads while eliminating the sample matrix. The dynamic concentration range was 1.62–7.16 μmol L−1 of iron (III), with a limit of detection of 0.49 μmol L−1 and a limit of quantification of 1.62 μmol L−1. The proposed μSI-LOV-SPS method is a contribution to the development of an automatic method for the quantification of the NTBI in serum samples.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Perceived Discrimination and injury at Work: a Cross-Sectional Study among Latino Day Laborers

BACKGROUND: Given the stigma of their undocumented status and their high prevalence of workplace injury, understanding the impact of discrimination on Latino day laborers (LDLs) is a critical public health issue. METHODS: We surveyed LDLs (N = 149) and assessed their sociodemographics, experiences of and perceived reasons for discrimination, and work-related injury. A logistic regression examined the association between discrimination and injury, adjusting for sociodemographics. Next, Chi-square tests identified perceived reasons for discrimination associated with injury which were then included in a second logistic regression to test their association with injury, adjusting for discrimination and sociodemographics. RESULTS: Participants reported a work-related injury (42%) and experiences of discrimination (81%). Discrimination was associated with injury in the first model (aOR = 2.25, p = 0.049), and discrimination attributed to immigration status was associated with injury in the second model (aOR = 5.04, p = 0.019). DISCUSSION: Injury prevention programs should account for perceived mistreatment to reduce LDL risk for injury at work

Mexican-American perspectives on participation in clinical trials: A qualitative study

AbstractClinical trials are essential to advancing knowledge to reduce disease morbidity and mortality; however, ethnic and racial minorities remain under-represented in those studies. We explored knowledge and perceptions of clinical trials among Mexican-Americans in Texas. We conducted focus groups (N = 128) stratified by gender, language preference, and geographical location. This paper presents four emergent, primary themes: 1) knowledge and understanding of clinical trials, 2) fears and concerns about participating, 3) perceived benefits of participating, and 4) incentives to participate. Results suggest that lack of knowledge and understanding of clinical trials leads to misunderstanding about research, including fears and lack of trust. Participants indicated that fears related to perceived experimentation, harm, immigration status, and lack of clinical trial opportunities within their communities were barriers to participation. On the other hand, free healthcare access, helping family members in the future, and monetary incentives could facilitate participation. We also found differences across themes by language, gender, and place of residence. Findings from our study could inform the development of interventions to enhance recruitment of Mexican-American participants into clinical trials

Perceived Discrimination and injury at Work: a Cross-Sectional Study among Latino Day Laborers

BACKGROUND: Given the stigma of their undocumented status and their high prevalence of workplace injury, understanding the impact of discrimination on Latino day laborers (LDLs) is a critical public health issue. METHODS: We surveyed LDLs (N = 149) and assessed their sociodemographics, experiences of and perceived reasons for discrimination, and work-related injury. A logistic regression examined the association between discrimination and injury, adjusting for sociodemographics. Next, Chi-square tests identified perceived reasons for discrimination associated with injury which were then included in a second logistic regression to test their association with injury, adjusting for discrimination and sociodemographics. RESULTS: Participants reported a work-related injury (42%) and experiences of discrimination (81%). Discrimination was associated with injury in the first model (aOR = 2.25, p = 0.049), and discrimination attributed to immigration status was associated with injury in the second model (aOR = 5.04, p = 0.019). DISCUSSION: Injury prevention programs should account for perceived mistreatment to reduce LDL risk for injury at work

How Social Networks May Influence Cancer Patients' Situated Identity and Illness-Related Behaviors

Little research is currently available that captures variation in the degree to which individuals who have, or had cancer in the past (but are in remission) integrate their cancer experience into their sense of self or their cancer-associated identity. Such research should cover how those identities shape personal narratives within existing or new social networks so that, ultimately, we understand the implications for treatment choices and health outcomes. Particularly understudied are the social factors influencing the incorporation of cancer into identity, learning, and behavior. Social network analysis captures specific relationships, what they offer, and the structure or constellation of these relationships around someone who has cancer or has had cancer. Some studies point to potential cultural differences in ethnic or social groups in how social influences on the cancer experience play out in terms of individual coping strategies. In some populations, social cohesion or tight networks are common and of particular importance to individuals and include social institutions like church communities. Social status might also generate social pressures not typically noticed or experienced by other groups. We will discuss how social network analysis can be used to elucidate these factors and, conversely, how the specific context of cancer diagnosis can be used through social network analysis to better understand the role of community in helping individuals address situations of severe adversity

System architecture for home muscle rehabilitation treatment

The constant loss of functional capacity due to aging is a serious problem that can severely worsen the quality of life. Among the possible treatments, muscles electrostimulation can be a viable option because it is cheap and easy to access. With the evolution of wearable devices and the Internet of Things, this paper proposes a system architecture that enables an electrostimulation treatment to be performed at the patient’s home. For that, a scenario is presented in which the physiotherapist sets the treatment parameters online and the patient performs the electrostimulation sessions using a wearable with biofeedback sensors. To test the proposed architecture, a prototype capable of simulating a muscle rehabilitation treatment was implemented. The prototype was successful in performing the proposed scenario, following the defined rules for electrostimulation and collecting biofeedback at the same time.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio