Acetonitrile adducts of tranexamic acid as sensitive ions for quantification at residue levels in human plasma by UHPLC-MS/MS

The quantitative analysis of pharmaceuticals in biomatrices by liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS) is often hampered by adduct formation. The use of the molecular ion resulting from solvent adducts for quantification is uncommon, even if formed in high abundance. In this work, we propose the use of a protonated acetonitrile adduct for the quantitative analysis of tranexamic acid (TXA) by LC-MS/MS. The high abundance of the protonated acetonitrile adduct [M + ACN + H]+ was found to be independent of source-dependent parameters and mobile phase composition. The results obtained for TXA analysis in clinical samples were comparable for both [M + ACN + H]+ and [M + H]+ , and no statistically significant differences were observed. The relative stability and structure of the [M + ACN + H]+ ions were also studied by analyzing probable structures from an energetic point of view and by quantum chemical calculations. These findings, and the studied fragmentation pathways, allowed the definition of an acetimidium structure as the best ion to describe the observed acetonitrile protonated adduct of TXA.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Freeze‑dried Nannochloropsis oceanica biomass protects eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) from metabolization in the rumen of lambs

Research Areas: Science & Technology ; Other TopicsEicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) from freeze-dried biomass of Nannochloropsis oceanica microalgae resists ruminal biohydrogenation in vitro, but in vivo demonstration is needed. Therefore, the present study was designed to test the rumen protective effects of N. oceanica in lambs. Twenty-eight lambs were assigned to one of four diets: Control (C); and C diets supplemented with: 1.2% Nannochloropsis sp. oil (O); 12.3% spray-dried N. oceanica (SD); or 9.2% N. oceanica (FD), to achieve 3 g EPA /kg dry matter. Lambs were slaughtered after 3 weeks and digestive contents and ruminal wall samples were collected. EPA concentration in the rumen of lambs fed FD was about 50% higher than lambs fed SD or O diets. Nevertheless, the high levels of EPA in cecum and faeces of animals fed N. oceanica biomass, independently of the drying method, suggests that EPA was not completely released and absorbed in the small intestine. Furthermore, supplementation with EPA sources also affected the ruminal biohydrogenation of C18 fatty acids, mitigating the shift from the t10 biohydrogenation pathways to the t11 pathways compared to the Control diet. Overall, our results demonstrate that FD N. oceanica biomass is a natural rumen-protected source of EPA to ruminants.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Automatic solid-phase extraction by programmable flow injection coupled to chromatographic fluorimetric determination of fluoroquinolones

Fluoroquinolones are broad-spectrum bactericidal agents applied for the treatment of human and veterinary diseases. Their common use and their incorrect disposal foster environmental contamination, namely in water resources, increasing the risk of antimicrobial resistance. Hence, a method based on automatic solid-phase extraction coupled to liquid chromatography and fluorimetric detection is proposed for the determination of fluoroquinolones in environmental waters. For the solid-phase extraction procedure, a commercially available molecularly imprinted polymer targeting fluoroquinolones was trapped inside a flow-through extraction column, integrated into a programmable flow injection system using multisyringe flow injection analysis, where all steps concerning sorbent conditioning, sample loading, matrix removal, and analyte elution were performed under computer control. The eluate resulting from the sample preparation was collected and transferred at-line to chromatographic analysis using a reversed-phase monolithic column coupled to a fluorimetric detector, and isocratic elution with methanol-phosphoric acid (pH 3.0; 5.0 mM) (17.5:82.5, v/v) at a flow rate of 3.5 mL min-1. Sample treatment and chromatographic analysis were performed in tandem, with sample throughput limited by the sample treatment step. Calibration curves based on fluorescence intensity vs. analyte mass were obtained in the range of 10 to 1000 pg for norfloxacin, ciprofloxacin, and enrofloxacin with LOD values of 6-19 ng L-1 for a sample volume of 100 mL, and RSD < 11% at 0.7 ¿g L-1. The method was successfully applied to estuarine river water analysis.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Melhor evidência científica na prevenção das quedas em idosos institucionalizados

A questão das quedas em idosos constitui um problema de saúde pública. Objetivo: Verificar se a prática de atividade física, em comparação com a não prática de atividade física, fornece melhor evidência para prevenir quedas em idosos que estão institucionalizados. Metodologia: Realizou-se uma revisão sistemática da literatura de acordo com a metodologia Problema, Intervenção, Comparação e Outcomes. Selecionaram-se 44 artigos na plataforma Web of Science dos quais resultaram, para análise final 9, segundo os critérios de inclusão definidos. Para atestar da qualidade dos estudos e classificação dos níveis de evidência aplicou-se a escala Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine. A seleção dos estudos e a extração dos dados foi realizada por dois revisores. Resultados: A evidência científica encontrada foi de alta qualidade resultando em estudos maioritariamente de nível I e II. Dos 9 artigos, 55% evidenciam que a atividade física diminuiu a prevalência de quedas em idosos institucionalizados, quando comparada com a não atividade física. Há evidência de que os programas de exercícios para prevenir as quedas em idosos reduzem a prevalência e evitam lesões decorrentes das mesmas. Assim, muitos dos fatores de risco para quedas são passíveis de serem corrigidos através de bons programas de exercícios. Conclusões: Os estudos revelam que praticar exercício físico contribui para melhorar a capacidade funcional dos idosos e resulta em protecção relativamente às quedas. Assim, sugere-se que existam equipas multidisciplinares que incentivem a atividade física quer nas instituições quer na comunidade. Um protocolo, simples e de baixo custo poderá ser aplicado em instituições.The issue of falls in the elderly is a public health problem. Objective: To verify whether the practice of physical activity, in comparison with non-practice of physical activity, provides better scientific evidence in the prevention of falls in institutionalized elderly. Methodology: A systematic literature review was conducted according to the methodology, Problem, Intervention, Comparison and Outcomes. 44 articles were selected on the Web of Science platform, of which 9 were selected for final analysis according to the defined inclusion criteria. The Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine scale was applied to attest to the quality of studies and classification of levels of evidence. Two reviewers carried the selection of studies and the extraction of data. Results: The scientific evidence found was of high quality resulting in mostly level I and II studies. Of the 9 articles, 55% show that physical activity reduces the prevalence of falls in institutionalized elderly, when compared with non-physical activity. There is evidence that exercise programmes to prevent falls in the elderly reduce the prevalence and prevent injuries from falls. Thus, many of the risk factors for falls are correctable through good exercise programmes. Conclusions: Studies show that physical exercise contributes to improve the functional capacity of the elderly and results in protection against falls. Thus, it suggests that there are multidisciplinary teams that encourage physical activity both in institutions and in the community. A simple and low-cost protocol can be applied in institutions.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Sweets and Jams

This manual aims to assist the Work Health and Safety Assessment Tool – Horticultural Products – Sweets and Jams user, in carrying out a simplified and easy-to-use occupational risk assessment with a view to adopting risk control solutions at workplaces. The design of this tool trie to provide an instrument capable of being used without internet access or specific software installation. In addition to its main purpose, this tool can also be used for workers consultation or training actions, provided as a complement of the other instruments developed within the scope of this project. The tool is organized in three distinct parts (see Figure 1): the first, where a checklist is filled out, from which a graphical overview is obtained, which will give the overview of the level of risk control (second part). This synthesis of results allows the user to immediately visualize the level of control of the main risks and in which will have to make major interventions. Finally, the third part appears, where a report is generated with solutions, particularized for each one of the risks in which the adoption of measures proves necessary.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Safety and Health at Work - Assessment tool: Meat Products

This manual aims to assist the Work Health and Safety Assessment Tool – Meat Products user, in carrying out a simplified and easy-to-use occupational risk assessment with a view to adopting risk control solutions at workplaces. The design of this tool trie to provide an instrument capable of being used without internet access or specific software installation. In addition to its main purpose, this tool can also be used for workers consultation or training actions, provided as a complement of the other instruments developed within the scope of this project. The tool is organized in three distinct parts: the first, where a checklist is filled out, from which a graphical overview is obtained, which will give the overview of the level of risk control (second part). This synthesis of results allows the user to immediately visualize the level of control of the main risks and in which will have to make major interventions. Finally, the third part appears, where a report is generated with solutions, particularized for each one of the risks in which the adoption of measures proves necessary.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant nanostructured cellulose membranes loaded with phenolic-based ionic liquids for cutaneous application

The utilization of natural compounds, such as phenolic acids and biopolymers, in the healthcare domain is gaining increasing attention. In this study, bacterial nanocellulose (BC) membranes were loaded with ionic liquids (ILs) based on phenolic acids. These ionic compounds, with improved solubility and bioavailability, were prepared by combining the cholinium cation with anions derived from caffeic, ellagic and gallic acids. The obtained BC-ILs membranes were homogeneous, conformable and their swelling ability agreed with the solubility of each IL. These membranes revealed a controlled ILs dissolution rate in the wet state and high antioxidant activity. In vitro assays performed with Raw 264.7 macrophages and HaCaT keratinocytes revealed that these novel BC-ILs membranes are non-cytotoxic and present relevant anti-inflammatory properties. Diffusion studies with Hanson vertical diffusion cells showed a prolonged release profile of the ILs from the BC membranes. Thus, this work, successfully demonstrates the potential of BC-ILs membranes for skin treatment.publishe

Global, regional, and national burden of chronic kidney disease, 1990–2017 : a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017

Background Health system planning requires careful assessment of chronic kidney disease (CKD) epidemiology, but data for morbidity and mortality of this disease are scarce or non-existent in many countries. We estimated the global, regional, and national burden of CKD, as well as the burden of cardiovascular disease and gout attributable to impaired kidney function, for the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study 2017. We use the term CKD to refer to the morbidity and mortality that can be directly attributed to all stages of CKD, and we use the term impaired kidney function to refer to the additional risk of CKD from cardiovascular disease and gout. Methods The main data sources we used were published literature, vital registration systems, end-stage kidney disease registries, and household surveys. Estimates of CKD burden were produced using a Cause of Death Ensemble model and a Bayesian meta-regression analytical tool, and included incidence, prevalence, years lived with disability, mortality, years of life lost, and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs). A comparative risk assessment approach was used to estimate the proportion of cardiovascular diseases and gout burden attributable to impaired kidney function. Findings Globally, in 2017, 1·2 million (95% uncertainty interval [UI] 1·2 to 1·3) people died from CKD. The global all-age mortality rate from CKD increased 41·5% (95% UI 35·2 to 46·5) between 1990 and 2017, although there was no significant change in the age-standardised mortality rate (2·8%, −1·5 to 6·3). In 2017, 697·5 million (95% UI 649·2 to 752·0) cases of all-stage CKD were recorded, for a global prevalence of 9·1% (8·5 to 9·8). The global all-age prevalence of CKD increased 29·3% (95% UI 26·4 to 32·6) since 1990, whereas the age-standardised prevalence remained stable (1·2%, −1·1 to 3·5). CKD resulted in 35·8 million (95% UI 33·7 to 38·0) DALYs in 2017, with diabetic nephropathy accounting for almost a third of DALYs. Most of the burden of CKD was concentrated in the three lowest quintiles of Socio-demographic Index (SDI). In several regions, particularly Oceania, sub-Saharan Africa, and Latin America, the burden of CKD was much higher than expected for the level of development, whereas the disease burden in western, eastern, and central sub-Saharan Africa, east Asia, south Asia, central and eastern Europe, Australasia, and western Europe was lower than expected. 1·4 million (95% UI 1·2 to 1·6) cardiovascular disease-related deaths and 25·3 million (22·2 to 28·9) cardiovascular disease DALYs were attributable to impaired kidney function. Interpretation Kidney disease has a major effect on global health, both as a direct cause of global morbidity and mortality and as an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease. CKD is largely preventable and treatable and deserves greater attention in global health policy decision making, particularly in locations with low and middle SDI

Canonical wnt signaling activity in early stages of chick lung development

Wnt signaling pathway is an essential player during vertebrate embryonic development which has been associated with several developmental processes such as gastrulation, body axis formation and morphogenesis of numerous organs, namely the lung. Wnt proteins act through specific transmembrane receptors, which activate intracellular pathways that regulate cellular processes such as cell proliferation, differentiation and death. Morphogenesis of the fetal lung depends on epithelial-mesenchymal interactions that are governed by several growth and transcription factors that regulate cell proliferation, fate, migration and differentiation. This process is controlled by different signaling pathways such as FGF, Shh and Wnt among others. Wnt signaling is recognized as a key molecular player in mammalian pulmonary development but little is known about its function in avian lung development. The present work characterizes, for the first time, the expression pattern of several Wnt signaling members, such as wnt-1, wnt-2b, wnt-3a, wnt-5a, wnt-7b, wnt-8b, wnt-9a, lrp5, lrp6, sfrp1, dkk1, β-catenin and axin2 at early stages of chick lung development. In general, their expression is similar to their mammalian counterparts. By assessing protein expression levels of active/total β-catenin and phospho-LRP6/LRP6 it is revealed that canonical Wnt signaling is active in this embryonic tissue. In vitro inhibition studies were performed in order to evaluate the function of Wnt signaling pathway in lung branching. Lung explants treated with canonical Wnt signaling inhibitors (FH535 and PK115-584) presented an impairment of secondary branch formation after 48 h of culture along with a decrease in axin2 expression levels. Branching analysis confirmed this inhibition. Wnt-FGF crosstalk assessment revealed that this interaction is preserved in the chick lung. This study demonstrates that Wnt signaling is crucial for precise chick lung branching and further supports the avian lung as a good model for branching studies since it recapitulates early mammalian pulmonary development.Rute S. Moura was supported by a grant of ON.2 SR&TD Integrated Program (N-01-01-0124-01-07), ref: UMINHO/BPD/31/2013. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis