Currently available methods for the analysis of hydrophilic compounds are usually time-consuming, tedious and inefficient. Ionic liquids (ILs) are salts with low melting points that are described as ...designer solvents. When ILs are used in the extraction of hydrophilic compounds, liquid chromatographic analysis can be challenging, as a result of co-elution of the IL with the analyte and poor miscibility of the IL with the mobile phase. This paper describes the development of analytical methods for hydrophilic compounds in the presence of water-immiscible ILs. Conventional and ion-pair reversed phase and hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography were tested, with the best results obtained with the last one. The proposed methods showed a good performance and represent a useful alternative for the analysis of hydrophilic drugs.
Objectives: To describe the frequency of COVID-19 and the effect of vaccination in patients with interstitial lung disease and systemic autoimmune disease (ILD-SAD) and to identify factors associated ...with infection and severity of COVID-19. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional multicenter study of patients with ILD-SAD followed between June and October 2021. The main variable was COVID-19 infection confirmed by a positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) result for SARS-CoV-2. The secondary variables included severity of COVID-19, if the patient had to be admitted to hospital or died of the disease, and vaccination status. Other variables included clinical and treatment characteristics, pulmonary function and high-resolution computed tomography. Two logistic regression was performed to explore factors associated with “COVID-19” and “severe COVID-19”. Results: We included 176 patients with ILD-SAD: 105 (59.7%) had rheumatoid arthritis, 49 (27.8%) systemic sclerosis, and 22 (12.54%) inflammatory myopathies. We recorded 22/179 (12.5%) SARS-CoV-2 infections, 7/22 (31.8%) of them were severe and 3/22 (13.22%) died. As to the vaccination, 163/176 (92.6%) patients received the complete doses. The factors associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection were FVC (OR (95% CI), 0.971 (0.946−0.989); p = 0.040), vaccination (OR (95% CI), 0.169 (0.030−0.570); p = 0.004), and rituximab (OR (95% CI), 3.490 (1.129−6.100); p = 0.029). The factors associated with severe COVID-19 were the protective effect of the vaccine (OR (95% CI), 0.024 (0.004−0.170); p < 0.001) and diabetes mellitus (OR (95% CI), 4.923 (1.508−19.097); p = 0.018). Conclusions: Around 13% of patients with ILD-SAD had SARS-CoV-2 infection, which was severe in approximately one-third. Most patients with severe infection were not fully vaccinated.
RESUMEN Objetivo: Evaluar los menús ofertados en los colegios públicos, privados y concertados de la ciudad de Sevilla (España) para los diferentes grupos de edad escolar. Métodos: Se consideró un ...total de 86 colegios, incluyendo centros públicos, privados y concertados, representando a todos los distritos de la ciudad. Cuatro colegios disponían de cocina propia, mientras el resto tenían contratado un catering. Los menús iban dirigidos a escolares de entre 3 a 16 años. Se evaluó el grado de cumplimiento de las recomendaciones respecto a la frecuencia mensual de los distintos grupos de alimentos, repetición de recetas, variabilidad de técnicas culinarias y equilibrio nutricional. Para el tratamiento estadístico se utilizó el programa Statistica 7. Resultados: En la mayoría de comedores escolares la oferta de frutas, verduras y legumbres era deficitaria a diferencia de los postres lácteos, carnes y patatas. Se observaron diferencias significativas entre los tres tipos de colegio respecto a la frecuencia mensual de alimentos, siendo los públicos los que más se ajustaban a las recomendaciones. La mayoría de los comedores evaluados no aportaban menús suficientemente detallados así como se observó falta de variedad de técnicas culinarias. La energía no se ajustaba a las necesidades de todos los grupos de edad y la distribución de macronutrientes sólo era adecuada en el 50% de los menús. Conclusión: Aunque se ha observado una evolución favorable de los menús respecto a estudios anteriores hay que seguir trabajando en aumentar la oferta de frutas y verduras, disminuir el aporte de lípidos y proteínas, así como adaptar la energía de los menús a los diferentes grupos de edad.
ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate menus offered in public, private and charter schools in the city of Seville (Spain) for different groups of school children. Methods: A total of 86 schools were evaluated, including public, private and charter schools, which represented every district of the city. Four schools possessed their own kitchen, while the others had hired a catering service. The menus were aimed at school children aged between 3 and 16 years. The adequacy of menus regarding the monthly frequency of the different food groups, recipe repetition, variability of cooking techniques and nutritional balance were evaluated according to the recommendations. Statistica 7 software was used for statistical analysis. Results: In most school cafeterias fruits, vegetables and legumes supply was defincient compared to dairy desserts, meats and potatoes. Significant differences regarding the monthly food frequency were observed between the three types of school, being the public schools the ones the most followed the recommendations. Most school cafeterias evaluated did not provide sufficiently detailed menus and a lack of variety of culinary techniques was observed.The calories offered did not meet the needs of all age groups and macronutrient distribution was only adequate in 50% of the evaluated menus. Conclusion: Although there has been a favourable evolution of menus from previous studies, further work is needed to increase the offer of fruits and vegetables, to reduce the intake from lipids and protein, as well as to adapt the calories of the menus to the different age groups.
In research laboratories of both organic synthesis and extraction of natural products, every day a lot of products that can potentially introduce some biological activity are obtained. Therefore it ...is necessary to have in vitro assays, which provide reliable information for further evaluation in in vivo systems. From this point of view, in recent years has intensified the use of high-throughput screening assays. Such trials should be optimized and validated for accurate and precise results, i.e. reliable. The present review addresses the steps needed to develop and validate bioanalytical methods, emphasizing UV-Visible spectrophotometry as detection system. Particularly focuses on the selection of the method, the optimization to determine the best experimental conditions, validation, implementation of optimized and validated method to real samples, and finally maintenance and possible transfer it to a new laboratory.
Dental caries is a disease of the oral cavity in humans. Currently seeking active principles of plants with antimicrobial effect represents a promise in Dental Therapy. This study evaluated the ...activity of the essential oil of Syzygium aromaticum (clove) with emphasis on its antimicrobial property. The oil was obtained by hydrodistillation, characterized by thin layer chromatography and chemical tests. The major compound was identified in the oil obtained from the flower buds and their antibacterial activity was evaluated against planktonic cells Streptcoccus mutans ATCC (700,611) performed serial dilutions; from 15 to 1000μg / mL and compared with 0.12% chlorhexidine and dimethylsulfoxide also the MIC was determined. Subsequently, the UFC was analyzed and compared with the Test CMR® Ivoclar Vivadent. The efficiency of oil extraction was 2.20%. CCD technique by the disclosed UV fraction corresponding to eugenol was identified. He had a good response to flavonoids and triterpenes. He showed greater antimicrobial activity at concentrations of 1000, 500 and 250 μg/mL. The MIC and MBC of the oil was 125 and 250 µg/mL respectively. The presence of eugenol as an active ingredient in the oil obtained was checked. Projection currently use of plant extracts has led to the evaluation of biocompatible for use in the formulations for oral hygiene products applied to the prevention or treatment of oral diseases, effective and alternative antibacterial agents
La caries dental es una enfermedad que afecta la cavidad oral en los humanos. Actualmente la búsqueda de principios activos de plantas con efecto antimicrobiano representa una promesa en la terapia Odontológica. El presente trabajo, evaluó la actividad, del aceite esencial de Syzygium aromaticum (clavo) con énfasis en su propiedad antimicrobiana. El aceite fue obtenido por hidrodestilación, caracterizado por cromatografía en capa delgada y pruebas químicas. Se identificó el compuesto principal en el aceite obtenido de los botones florales y se evaluó su actividad antibacteriana contra células plantónicas de Streptcoccus mutans ATCC (700611) realizándose diluciones seriadas; desde 15 hasta 1000µg/mL, comparándose con clorhexidina al 0.12% y dimetilsulfóxido, además se determinó la CMI. Posteriormente, se analizó las UFC, comparándose con el Test CMR® ivoclar vivadent. La eficiencia en la obtención del aceite fue de 2.20%. Por la técnica de CCD se identificó una fracción al revelado UV, correspondiente al eugenol. Presentó respuesta positiva para flavonoides y triterpenos. Mostró mayor actividad antimicrobiana a las concentraciones de 1000, 500 y 250 µg/mL. La CMI y CMB del aceite, resultó a 125 y 250 µg/mL respectivamente. Se comprobó la presencia del eugenol como principio activo en el aceite obtenido. Actualmente la proyección del uso de extractos de plantas ha favorecido la evaluación de agentes antibacterianos alternos, eficaces y biocompatibles para su empleo en las formulaciones de productos de higiene bucal aplicados a la prevención o tratamiento de enfermedades orales.
RESUMEN Objetivo: Evaluar los menús ofertados en los colegios públicos, privados y concertados de la ciudad de Sevilla (España) para los diferentes grupos de edad escolar. Métodos: Se consideró un ...total de 86 colegios, incluyendo centros públicos, privados y concertados, representando a todos los distritos de la ciudad. Cuatro colegios disponían de cocina propia, mientras el resto tenían contratado un catering. Los menús iban dirigidos a escolares de entre 3 a 16 años. Se evaluó el grado de cumplimiento de las recomendaciones respecto a la frecuencia mensual de los distintos grupos de alimentos, repetición de recetas, variabilidad de técnicas culinarias y equilibrio nutricional. Para el tratamiento estadístico se utilizó el programa Statistica 7. Resultados: En la mayoría de comedores escolares la oferta de frutas, verduras y legumbres era deficitaria a diferencia de los postres lácteos, carnes y patatas. Se observaron diferencias significativas entre los tres tipos de colegio respecto a la frecuencia mensual de alimentos, siendo los públicos los que más se ajustaban a las recomendaciones. La mayoría de los comedores evaluados no aportaban menús suficientemente detallados así como se observó falta de variedad de técnicas culinarias. La energía no se ajustaba a las necesidades de todos los grupos de edad y la distribución de macronutrientes sólo era adecuada en el 50% de los menús. Conclusión: Aunque se ha observado una evolución favorable de los menús respecto a estudios anteriores hay que seguir trabajando en aumentar la oferta de frutas y verduras, disminuir el aporte de lípidos y proteínas, así como adaptar la energía de los menús a los diferentes grupos de edad.
Currently available methods for the analysis of hydrophilic compounds are usually time-consuming, tedious and inefficient. Ionic liquids (ILs) are salts with low melting points that are described as ...designer solvents. When ILs are used in the extraction of hydrophilic compounds, liquid chromatographic analysis can be challenging, as a result of co-elution of the IL with the analyte and poor miscibility of the IL with the mobile phase. This paper describes the development of analytical methods for hydrophilic compounds in the presence of water-immiscible ILs. Conventional and ion-pair reversed phase and hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography were tested, with the best results obtained with the last one. The proposed methods showed a good performance and represent a useful alternative for the analysis of hydrophilic drugs.
To describe comorbid conditions in patients with rheumatoid arthritis–associated interstitial lung disease (RA-ILD) and to analyze factors associated with multimorbidity.
Nested case-cohort study of ...2 prospective cohorts: one with RA-ILD (cases) and another with RA but not ILD (controls). The cohorts were matched for age, sex, and time since diagnosis. Multimorbidity was defined as the co-occurrence of 2 or more chronic diseases, in addition to RA and ILD. We evaluated the comorbid conditions included in the Charlson Comorbidity Index, cardiovascular risk factors, neuropsychiatric conditions, and other frequent conditions in RA. We also recorded clinical-laboratory variables, inflammatory activity according to the 28-joint Disease Activity Score, C-reactive protein (CRP), physical function, and pulmonary function. We performed 2 multivariate analyses to identify factors associated with multimorbidity in RA and RA-ILD.
The final study population comprised 110 cases and 104 controls. Multimorbidity was more frequent among cases than controls (80 72.7 vs 60 57.7; p = 0.021). In both groups, multimorbidity was associated with ILD (OR 95% CI 1.92 1.03–3.59; p = 0.039), age (OR 95% CI 1.05 1.01–1.08; p = 0.004), CRP (OR 95% CI 1.16 1.05–1.29; p = 0.003), and erosions (OR 95% CI 1.05 1.01–1.08; p = 0.004); in the cases, it was associated with CRP (OR 95% CI 1.17 1.01–1.35; p = 0.027), anti–citrullinated peptide antibody (OR 95% CI 1.23 1.14–13.02; p = 0.049), and forced vital capacity (OR 95% CI 0.79 0.96–0.99; p = 0.036).
In patients with RA, multimorbidity was associated with ILD, systemic inflammation, and advanced age.
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•Comorbid conditions are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD).•ILD was independently associated with multimorbidity in patients with RA.•The most frequent comorbid conditions associated with RA-ILD were traditional cardiovascular risk factors, depression, and osteoporosis.•Other factors, such as ACPA titers and elevated CRP levels, were also associated with multimorbidity in cases with RA-ILD.
In research laboratories of both organic synthesis and extraction of natural products, every day a lot of products that can potentially introduce some biological activity are obtained. Therefore it ...is necessary to have in vitro assays, which provide reliable information for further evaluation in in vivo systems. From this point of view, in recent years has intensified the use of high-throughput screening assays. Such trials should be optimized and validated for accurate and precise results, i.e. reliable. The present review addresses the steps needed to develop and validate bioanalytical methods, emphasizing UV-Visible spectrophotometry as detection system. Particularly focuses on the selection of the method, the optimization to determine the best experimental conditions, validation, implementation of optimized and validated method to real samples, and finally maintenance and possible transfer it to a new laboratory.
Alpha-synuclein (α-syn) is an intrinsically-disordered protein that has been associated with Parkinson's disease through its deposition in an amyloid fibril form within Lewy Body. Several lines of ...evidence suggest that the physical association of α-syn with the mitochondrial membranes may cause membrane damage and mitochondrial dysfunction, playing an important role in disease progression. Although there is strong evidence that the N-terminus part of α-syn is essential for membrane affinity, cooperative formation of helical domains and regulation of mitochondria membrane permeability, the amino acids involve in this membrane binding is still controversial. Fluorescence spectroscopy, circular dichroism and Langmuir monolayer technique were used to elucidate this recognition process of mitochondrial membrane system by synthetic peptides derived from α-syn N-terminal segment. The results obtained in this work show that the first 15 amino acid of the α-syn N-terminal segment mainly participate in the anchoring, perturbing the membrane hydrophobic region, while the peptide corresponding to 16–30 residues interacts only with the phospholipid polar headgroup, confirming that the binding affinity of the N-terminus is nonuniform.
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