Analytical Level Research Articles

Determination of 42 antimicrobials in disinfection products by dispersive solid phase extraction-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

Antimicrobials inhibit the growth and reproduction of microorganisms thereby alleviating skin and other problems caused by microorganisms. Antimicrobials are classified into different categories, including antibacterials, antifungals, and antivirals, among others, and include azoles, sulfonamides, tetracyclines, quinolones, and many other classes of synthetic and natural compound. The inappropriate or excessive use of antimicrobials can damage skin and other human organs and increase antimicrobial resistance. Relevant regulations and standards clearly state that antimicrobials are prohibited for use as ingredients in disinfection products. However, since antimicrobials enhance the disinfection or antibacterial effect of a product, with a significant short-term effect, antimicrobials are occasionally illegally added to disinfectant products, including those intended for human use. Therefore, establishing testing methods that provide technical support for enforcing regulations is an urgent objective. Herein, a method was established for the analysis of 42 antimicrobials in disinfection products, that is applicable to common types of disinfection-product matrix, including creams, gels, and aqueous solutions, using high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) combined with dispersive solid phase extraction. The 42 antimicrobials comprise antibacterials, antifungals, and antivirals, and include seven sulfonamides, ten quinolones, three lincosamides, five tetracyclines, three macrolides, eight azoles, three purine nucleoside analogs, one furan, one nonpolyene antifungal, and one steroid. Briefly, 0.2 g of a sample was first dispersed in 2 mL of water and then extracted with 10 mL of 0.5% formic acid in acetonitrile, with 3 g of anhydrous Na2SO4 added to remove water. After centrifugation, 5 mL of the supernatant was cleaned using dispersive solid phase extraction with EMR-Lipid as the adsorbent. Lipids, waxes, surfactants, and moisturizing lubricants are commonly used as cream and gel matrices. Matrix substances containing long carbon chains dissolved in acetonitrile were removed using the EMR-Lipid adsorbent. Target analytes were separated on a Poroshell 120 EC-C18 analytical chromatography column (150 mm×3.0 mm, 2.7 μm), with 0.1% formic acid in acetonitrile and 0.1% formic acid aqueous solution used as mobile phases under gradient-elution conditions. The target analytes in the test solution were detected in positive ionization (ESI+) and multi-reaction-monitoring (MRM) modes. Analytes were characterized in terms of their retention times and selected ions, and quantified using the external-standard method. The main factors affecting method response, recovery, and sensitivity, such as the extraction method and solvent, purification method and adsorbent, mobile phase, and MS conditions, were examined during sample pretreatment and instrumental analysis. The 42 antimicrobials were effectively separated under the optimized experimental conditions; the target compounds exhibited linear working curves in the 0.25-5.0 mg/kg concentration range, with correlation coefficients (r) greater than 0.99. Limits of detection (LODs) for the 42 antimicrobials were determined from the signal-to-noise ratios (S/N) of their chromatographic peaks. LODs of 0.03-0.10 mg/kg were determined for the three matrices using 0.2-g samples and 10-mL test solution. Recoveries of 80.3-109.8%, with relative standard deviations (RSDs) of less than 9.8%, were obtained by determining three levels of each target analyte added to the three blank matrices; this process was repeated for six parallel samples. The developed method was used to analyze antimicrobials in commercially available disinfection products, with two sample batches testing positive. The established method is simple, accurate, precise, and suitable for the rapid screening and quantification of antimicrobials in disinfection products. This study provides powerful technical support for regulating the illegal addition of related antimicrobials to disinfection products.

Krukenberg tumour in a 46-year-old black African woman with a background of ovarian fibroma- A case report

BackgroundTumours that metastasize to the ovary can occur in conjunction with other ovarian lesions, including benign sex cord stroma tumours like fibroma or fibrothecoma. This case report presents a unique instance of metastatic signet ring carcinoma involving the ovary in a background of fibroma in a Black African woman.Patient presentationA 46-year-old gravida 3, para 0 (2 alive), patient was referred from the general outpatient clinic to the gynecology clinic due to progressive abdominal swelling over the past eight months. Abdominal examination revealed marked distension with massive ascites. Physical examination of the chest demonstrated dullness to percussion over both lung bases, with increased dullness noted on the right. Auscultation revealed decreased air entry in the right middle and lower lung zones, with normal to increased air entry in the remaining lung fields. Abdominopelvic ultrasound revealed a large irregularly marginated homogeneous solid mass in the right adnexa measuring 16.4 × 11.7 × 12.7 cm. An abdominal CT scan revealed bilateral pleural effusion, which was more pronounced on the right, ascites, and evidence of pulmonary and hepatic metastasis. Serum chemistry revealed abnormal levels of several analytes, including elevated CA 125 at 1,108.8 (normal range 0–35) U/L and CA 19–9 at 63.8 (normal range 0–35) U/L. She subsequently underwent staging laparotomy with total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, without any postoperative complications. The histologic sections of the right and left ovaries revealed a moderately cellular lesion composed of intersecting bundles of spindle cells in a fascicular and storiform pattern. Additionally, pockets of small round to oval-shaped cells with intracytoplasmic clear vacuoles pushing the nucleus to the periphery (signet ring cells) were identified in a few foci. These cells were initially thought to be ovarian stroma or theca cells. Microscopic examination revealed signet ring cells with cytoplasmic positivity for periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining. The histopathological diagnosis was metastatic signet ring cell carcinoma involving the ovary, with an underlying ovarian fibroma.ConclusionsOvarian metastatic signet ring carcinoma in a background of fibroma can pose a significant diagnostic challenge, as signet ring cells can mimic the ovarian stroma or theca cells, especially if they are only observed in a few foci of the sections.

Transformation Patterns of the Psyche’s Regulatory Subsystem in the Context of Digitalization

This study examines the impact of digitalization on the formation and development of the regulatory subsystem, which is a key component of the human psyche. The findings reveal that digitalization has a significant and complex influence on this subsystem, operating at two complementary levels: analytical and structural. The analytical level reflects a profound decrease in the development of the subsystem’s individual components, including essential regulatory processes and their associated qualities. This decline raises concerns about the capacity of individuals to effectively manage their cognitive and emotional resources in a digital context. In contrast, the structural level involves meaningful transformations in the organization, structuring, and integration of these components. These changes indicate a shift in how the regulatory subsystem operates, suggesting that digitalization is reshaping the very foundation of psychological regulation. As a result of this complex influence, a new phenomenon emerges, referred to as the syndrome of reduced personality regulation. This syndrome holds significant implications for overall personality development and regulatory potential, sharing similarities with previously identified syndromes of decreased cognition and metacognition. The structural transformations in the regulatory subsystem, influenced by digitalization, primarily manifest as changes in the degree of organization and integration, rather than qualitative alterations. The qualitative aspects remain invariant and resist the pervasive effects of digitalization, suggesting the subsystem’s resilience that may offer avenues for further exploration and intervention.

Advancing emigrants' rights in India: strategies of civil society in spaces for engagement

ABSTRACT This article explores Indian civil society's efforts to promote the rights of migrant Indian labourers working abroad in low-wage employment as a response to weakly institutionalized rights frameworks in the global and India's national governance of labour migration. Existing scholarship has explored civil societies' advocacy in multi-national fora, at regional levels, and as forms of transnationally organized networks, but only marginally at the analytical level of migrant-origin states. The article examines their multi-level and multi-stakeholder strategies through the analytical lens of spaces for engagement. Drawing on original qualitative data, this article shows that civil society organizations play a leading role in (e)migration governance in India and are key to understanding the politics of migration of the world’s largest migrant-origin state. In particular, the local and subnational levels are important entry points to advance their agendas in the context of migrant-origin states.

Childhood cerebral malaria: Pattern of biochemical parameters and clinical outcome in a Nigerian tertiary hospital

BackgroundThe outcome of children with cerebral malaria involves an interplay of factors including clinical and biochemical parameters, a deep knowledge of these laboratory biochemical parameters is essential. Thus, this study aimed to assess the pattern of the biochemical parameters in children with cerebral malaria and how it may affect the clinical outcomes. MethodsA prospective observational cohort study among fifty subjects at the children's emergency unit. The participants were children aged 6 months to 12 years admitted with a history of fever and altered sensorium, demonstrable malaria parasite in the blood film and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis not suggestive of central nervous system (CNS) infections. Detailed history was taken with thorough examinations of each child. Samples were collected for malaria parasites, serum electrolytes, urea, creatinine, and blood glucose values. The clinical outcomes were correlated with the analyte levels. Results60 % of the children survived without any sequelae with the highest proportion (70 %) of survivors being children above five years. Children with hypoglycemia had a 3.5-fold higher risk of poor outcomes and this is statistically significant (RR = 3.65 p = 0.014). Hyperkalaemia was significantly associated with poor outcomes (RR = 2.57, p = 0.009). Subjects with hypochloraemia had three times the risk of poor outcome and mortality with statistically significant association (RR = 3.07, χ2 = 8.519, p = 0.004). There was a significant association between metabolic acidosis and poor clinical outcome. (RR = 1.99, χ2 = 4.089, p = 0.043). The parasite density was significantly associated with the serum bicarbonate (HCO3−) and Chloride, p-value < 0.05. ConclusionHypoglycaemia, hyperkalemia, hypochloremia and metabolic acidosis were significantly associated with poor outcomes, thus, good predictors of clinical outcomes in children diagnosed with cerebral malaria. Periodic evaluation and monitoring of these parameters is essential for prompt intervention to forestall devastating outcomes.

A-199 Use of R programming for monthly quality control (QC) data review in a university hospital laboratory

Abstract Background Our laboratory information system (LIS) provides only cursory capability for monthly review of quality control measurements. We streamlined the major portion of this process using customized programming in R, as described below. Methods Month-long QC data were obtained using the LIS archive’s data retrieval program (QLIK). Data were read and processed using our R program (QC-R.R), for each analyte and QC level, to produce both Levey-Jennings (LJ) plots (for evaluation of possible temporal trends in QC data) as well as cumulative distribution (CD) plots (to evaluate whether QC data are normally distributed). Plots were sent to graphics files whereby they could be reviewed sequentially by a single forward-arrow click. Results Our laboratory utilizes two QC measurements for each of 157 analytes. Thus, monthly review involves evaluation of 314 datasets for QC results. With the R program outputs, results can be reviewed visually in rapid fashion, to determine whether there exist discrepancies between fixed limits and current data. An example CD plot is shown in Figure. In this example, QC data (points) were, appropriately, normally distributed (theoretical curved line based on data mean and SD). The currently operative fixed mean±2SD limits (vertical dashed lines) were, however, disparate from those of data (vertical solid lines). This set of results was thus marked for updating of mean and SD, with reference to a master list of results of calculations generated by the QC-R.R program. Time for review of monthly QC results was dramatically reduced, from more than 12 man-hours to less than 4 man-hours per month. Conclusions Limitations of our LIS for monthly QC review were bypassed using R-based programming to automate a significant fraction of the process. This led to a significant savings in labor attending to this important task. The use of CD plots is helpful for rapid data interpretation.

A-306 High Sensitivity Capability of an Anti-müllerian Hormone Assay on the Beckman Coulter DxI 9000 Immunoassay Analyzer*, a Next Step Toward Enabling Ovarian Failure Staging?

Abstract Background Measurement of anti-müllerian hormone (AMH) has proven value in the evaluation of ovarian reserve using assays such as the Beckman Coulter Access AMH assay. If improved sensitivity of AMH measurement can be achieved, enhanced clinical utility during the assessment of reproductive aging and ovarian response to enable staging of ovarian failure is possible (Practice Committee of the American Society of Reproductive Medicine 2020, Cappola et al. 2023). The Beckman Coulter DxI 9000 Immunoassay Analyzer* has been designed with new technology that can be leveraged to improve assay sensitivity. Such technological advancements include the new Lumi-Phos PRO chemiluminescent substrate which yields markedly increased signal-to-noise, a new luminometer with increased dynamic range, and improved low-volume pipetting capabilities. Data herein summarize results from analytical verification studies of the Access AMH assay on the DxI 9000 Immunoassay Analyzer. Results demonstrate an example of DxI 9000 technologies enabling sensitivity claims that are up to 20-fold improved. * The official name is DxI 9000 Access Immunoassay Analyzer. Methods A method comparison study was performed based on CLSI guideline EP09c, 3rd ed. to compare results for the Access AMH assay on DxI 9000 to the predicate device, the Access AMH assay on the Access 2 Immunoassay System. Within-laboratory precision was also evaluated following CLSI EP05-A3. Finally, performance at low analyte levels was evaluated following CLSI EP17-A2, and linearity was evaluated following CLSI EP06-Ed2. Results Method comparison of the Access AMH assay on DxI 9000 compared to the Access AMH assay on the Access 2 yielded excellent agreement with a Passing-Bablok slope of 1.02 for N=126 samples. Further, bias estimates for a number of key medical decision points suggest minimal bias (≤ 2%) across the assay range, and minimal non-linearity was observed. 20-day imprecision studies yielded CV’s between 2 and 5% across a broad range of concentrations evaluated. Sensitivity studies yielded estimates of limit of quantitation (LoQ) between 0.001 and 0.003 ng/mL. This represents an approximately 10- to 20-fold improvement in sensitivity claims compared to the AMH assay on the Access 2 and other commercially available automated immunoassay analyzers. Conclusions The data herein present performance data for the Access AMH assay on the DxI 9000 Immunoassay Analyzer. The assay demonstrates excellent accuracy relative to the predicate device, while showing good linearity and imprecision. Of note, the Access AMH assay exhibits exceptional low-end performance on the DxI 9000 analyzer as demonstrated by the ability to enable sensitivity claims that are up to 20-fold improved in comparison to existing immunoassays for the measurement of AMH. The sensitivity capabilities of the Access AMH assay on DxI 9000 suggest an opportunity for the addition of further intended uses for scenarios where extremely low AMH measurements can provide additional value of clinical significance. Further studies are needed to fully understand additional clinical utilities of the Access AMH assay with high sensitivity capability on DxI 9000, including the assessment of reproductive aging for menopause diagnosis or ovarian response for fertility treatment.

Longitudinal Fatigue Symptoms and Inflammatory Markers in African American Adults With Hypertension and Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

There is a dearth of research inclusive of African Americans living with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) despite differences in symptom presentations compared to non-Hispanic White patient populations. Less is known regarding the potential effect of comorbidities, such as hypertension, on commonly reported symptoms, such as fatigue, and their association with inflammatory biomarkers. This longitudinal pilot study aimed to characterize fatigue symptom presentations among African Americans newly diagnosed with OSA and discern peripheral blood analytes linked to symptoms while accounting for co-occurring hypertension. Adult African Americans newly diagnosed with OSA with and without co-occurring hypertension were approached by study staff and recruited following their diagnostic visit with sleep medicine clinicians at two health systems and followed over 6 months after commencing continuous positive airway pressure treatment. Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Fatigue surveys and plasma were collected every 3 months from 29 participants. Mixed effects models examined changes in fatigue symptom presentations over time while accounting for plasma-based analytes and hypertension status. Despite higher fatigue symptom severity upon diagnosis, participants with co-occurring hypertension reported greater improvements in fatigue scores after commencing continuous positive airway pressure treatment for up to 6 months than those without hypertension. Inverse correlations were observed between fatigue scores, C-reactive protein, matrix-metalloproteinase-8, and osteoprotegerin analyte levels among participants with/without hypertension. Across all participants, changes in interleukin-6 were associated with changes in fatigue scores in the first three months after diagnosis. Findings indicate that hypertension is linked to increased fatigue upon diagnosis of OSA in this sample of African Americans. Fatigue in persons with hypertension improved after treatment. These hypothesis-generating findings can inform future interventional studies aimed at improving fatigue among persons with OSA while leveraging markers linked to fatigue symptom severity as potential objective markers of improvements. Further research on the role of inflammatory markers, such as IL-6, on fatigue symptom presentations is warranted in those with OSA regardless of hypertension status.

Drug Use Patterns in Wastewater and Socioeconomic and Demographic Indicators

Measuring drug use behaviors in individuals and across large communities presents substantial challenges, often complicated by socioeconomic and demographic variables. To detect spatial and temporal changes in community drug use by analyzing concentrations of analytes in influent wastewater and exploring their associations with area-based socioeconomic and sociodemographic metrics like the area deprivation index (ADI) and rural-urban commuting area (RUCA) codes. This longitudinal, cross-sectional wastewater study was performed from May 2022 to April 2023 and included biweekly influent wastewater samples of 39 analytes from 8 sampling locations across 6 wastewater treatment plants in southern Nevada. Statistical analyses were conducted in December 2023. It was hypothesized that wastewater monitoring of pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) and high-risk substances (HRSs) could reveal true spatial and temporal drug use patterns in near-real time. Data collection of samples for PPCPs and HRSs was performed using mass spectrometry. Both ADI and RUCA scores were utilized to characterize neighborhood contexts in the analysis. The false discovery rate (FDR) method was utilized to correct for multiple comparisons (PFDR). Over the 12-month wastewater monitoring period, 208 samples for PPCPs and HRSs were collected, and analysis revealed an increase in the consumption of HRSs and the seasonal variation in PPCP use in southern Nevada. There was a significant increase in levels of stimulant-associated analytes, such as cocaine (β = 9.17 × 10-4; SE = 1.29 × 10-4; PFDR = 1.40 × 10-10), and opioids or their metabolites, notably norfentanyl (β = 1.48 × 10-4; SE = 1.88 × 10-4; PFDR = 1.66 × 10-12). In contrast, DEET, an active ingredient in mosquito and tick repellents, demonstrated a seasonal use pattern (β = -4.85 × 10-4; SE = 2.09 × 10-4; PFDR = 4.87 × 10-2). Wastewater from more disadvantaged or rural neighborhoods, as assessed through ADI and RUCA scores, was more likely to show a significant positive correlation with HRSs, such as cocaine (β = 0.075; SE = 0.038; P = .05) and norfentanyl (β = 0.004; SE = 0.001; P = 1.64 × 10-5). These findings suggest that wastewater monitoring of PPCPs and HRSs offers a complementary method to existing public health tools, providing timely data for tracking substance use behaviors and use of PPCPs at a population level.

Novel quantum dots-based assay for the determination of anti-hypertensive drugs minoxidil and timolol in different matrices

The present work reports a sensitive, affordable, and ecologically friendly spectrofluorimetric method for the assessment of two antihypertensive medications, namely minoxidil and timolol. Blue-emitting sulfur and nitrogen co-doped carbon quantum dots (S,N-CQDs) were generated by exposing soluble starch and thiourea to a 15-minute microwave treatment. The so- prepared nanodots displayed fluorescence at 276/430 nm with a quantum yield of 22 %. Inspection of the so-prepared nano-sensor verified their doping with nitrogen and sulfur, and their size was in the range of 4.5–9.03 nm. The proposed method was found to be rectilinear in the range of 0.20–5.0 and 2.0–30.0 µg/mL, with LOQs of 0.16 and 0.82 µg/mL for minoxidil and timolol, respectively. The developed method was employed to assess the concentrations of minoxidil and timolol in their pharmaceutical formulations, with %recoveries varying between 99.00 % and 101.94 %, and low RSD values (less than 2 %). The high sensitivity of the developed method allowed its use for timolol measurement in artificial aqueous humor, with % recoveries between 97.60 %.and 101.57 %. The study further examined how each analyte interacted with the prepared dots, leading to a quenching of their fluorescence. Additionally, an interference study was utilized to evaluate the specificity of the proposed approach through determining analyte levels in the existence of common additives, co-formulated drugs, and co-administered drugs. The analytical eco-scale, GAPI and AGREE assessment techniques were utilized to confirm the suggested method greenness.

Structural aspects of cognitive decline syndrome

The article presents the results of a study of the impact of digitalization on the formation and development of one of the main subsystems of the psyche that is cognitive subsystem. The determinative influence of digitalization on its formation, significant in degree and complex in nature, has been revealed. It is shown that it is carried out at two main and mutually complementary levels: analytical and structural. The essence of the analytical level of determination is that, in general, there is a significant decrease in the degree of formation of individual components of the cognitive subsystem: basic cognitive processes and their corresponding qualities. The specificity of the structural level of determination is that similarly - also significant and essential transformations are carried out in terms of general organization - structuring and integration of these components into integrity. On the basis of this, the position is justified, according to which the previously established syndrome of cognitive decline includes not only the reduction of individual parameters of the cognitive subsystem, but also the transformation of their overall structure. At the same time, an important specific pattern of structural transformations of the cognitive subsystem under the influence of digitalization factors is that it develops mainly in terms of changing the degree (measure) of its organization and integration, and not in terms of its qualitative restructuring. On the contrary, it remains quite invariant and resistant to the determinative influence of digitalization factors.

A general unit hydrograph theory for water level and tidal range distributions in the Modaomen Estuary, China

Understanding the spatial distributions of river-tide dynamics in estuaries and their response to intensive human interventions is critical. However, the studies on the characteristics of the spatial distributions of water level and tidal range are insufficient, with inadequate direct established empirical formulas. In this study, we propose a general and analytical water level and tidal range distribution model based on the recently proposed General Unit Hydrograph (GUH) theory and apply it to the Modaomen Estuary in China. Due to the intensive human interventions, the evolution of river-tide dynamics in the Modaomen Estuary was divided into three distinct periods: Pre-human, Transitional and Post-human Periods. The results show that the water level increased at the SZ station, yet decreased at other stations, thereby reducing the maximum water level gradient by approximately 9.08 × 10−6 on average from the Pre-human to the Post-human Periods. The tidal range generally increased along the channel and the absolute value of the maximum tidal range gradient decreased by approximately 54 % on average. Correspondingly, the positions of both maximum water level gradient and minimum tidal range gradient generally move seaward by approximately 27.25 km and 0.34 km, respectively. Additionally, the spatial distributions of river-tide dynamics tended more linear after human interventions. The satisfactory correspondence of the model outputs with observations at the six gauging stations along the Modaomen Estuary (with maximum RMSE values being 0.05 m for the water level and 0.03 m for the tidal range, respectively) indicate that the newly proposed GUH model could serve as a simple tool to describe the spatial distributions of water level and tidal range in a specific channel together with their response to anthropogenic modifications, which is also particularly useful for the identification of regime shifts in river-tide dynamics and sustainable water resources management in other highly human-modified estuaries worldwide.

Pre-Service Mathematics Teachers' Performance on Reflection on Mathematics Teaching and Learning Using GeoGebra Programme

The advancement of applied mathematics founded upon information technology represents a pivotal aspect of contemporary mathematical development, with the integration of (IT) information technology into the mathematics curriculum becoming an indispensable necessity. The study of relevant IT-based courses by pre-service mathematics teachers will contribute to their professional development, as will their reflection on their teaching. This study combines the two, using 40 Master of Education students from a university as respondents and employing open-ended interviews to investigate the reflective performance of pre-service mathematics teachers in teaching mathematics after completing the GeoGebra course. Subsequently, the data were analysed from three perspectives: dimensions of reflection, level of reflection and degree of collaboration. The results were concluded as follows: 1. The dimensions of pre-service teachers' reflection was extensive but skewed, and reflection on the students' aspect was not yet evident; 2. The level of reflection was "describes only" (Level 1) and single-angle analytical (Level 2); 3. The degree of collaboration in teaching reflection was predominantly limited to "integration" and "self only"; 4. In conclusion, the GeoGebra programme can be considered an effective tool for assisting pre-service teachers in teaching mathematics. Therefore, it is suggested that: 1. It is recommended that higher education institutions reinforce the training of prospective mathematics teachers by incorporating pertinent GeoGebra courses into their curriculum. 2. Pre-service mathematics teachers should take the initiative to conduct learning, research, and reflection, and to improve their own awareness and ability to reflect, so that they can: (1) Strengthen their own mathematical knowledge and technical knowledge, and improve their own quality and professionalism; (2) Conduct multiple analyses by considering both teachers, students, and mathematics. knowledge reserves, improve their own quality and professionalism; (3) Pay attention to both group work and be able to think independently to identify problems.

The impact of sampling time point on the lipidome composition

Lipidomic profiling has been reported as an effective approach for characterizing and differentiating brain tumors. However, since lipids can undergo non-specific enzymatic and nonenzymatic reactions due to tissue disruption, it is critical to consider the preanalytical phase of the diagnostic process (e.g., optimizing the sampling time and sampling conditions). Thus, this study assesses the ways in which the time point of sampling impacts the lipidome composition of brain tumors. Two histologically distinct brain tumors—namely, meningiomas and gliomas—were sampled using solid-phase microextraction (SPME) fibers at two time points: on-site directly after removal, and after 12 months of storage at −30 °C. The samples were analyzed via HILIC chromatography coupled with HRMS, which enabled the detection of a wide range of features, including phospholipids and sphingolipids, as well as changes in the profiles of these compounds. The samples obtained from the stored tissues tended to have elevated levels of analytes with lower m/z values. In addition, the samples obtained from the fresh and stored tissues were easily distinguished based on their lipidome compositions, regardless of the histological tumor type. Notably, while storage did not affect the possibility of differentiating meningiomas and gliomas, the biological interpretation of the obtained results were prone to bias.

Salivary and serum inflammatory biomarkers during periodontitis progression and after treatment.

To identify serum- and salivary-derived inflammatory biomarkers of periodontitis progression and determine their response to non-surgical treatment. Periodontally healthy (H; n = 113) and periodontitis patients (P; n = 302) were monitored bi-monthly for 1 year without therapy. Periodontitis patients were re-examined 6 months after non-surgical periodontal therapy (NSPT). Participants were classified according to disease progression: P0 (no sites progressed; P1: 1-2 sites progressed; P2: 3 or more sites progressed). Ten salivary and five serum biomarkers were measured using Luminex. Log-transformed levels were compared over time according to baseline diagnosis, progression trajectory and after NSPT. Significant differences were sought using linear mixed models. P2 presented higher levels (p < .05) of salivary IFNγ, IL-6, VEGF, IL-1β, MMP-8, IL-10 and OPG over time. Serum analytes were not associated with progression. NSPT led to clinical improvement and significant reduction of IFNγ, IL-6, IL-8, IL-1β, MMP-8, IL-10, OPG and MMP-9 in saliva and of CRP, MMP-8, MMP-9 and MPO in serum. Periodontitis progression results from a sustained pro-inflammatory milieu that is reflected in salivary biomarkers, but less so in serum, likely because of the limited amount of progression per patient. NSPT can significantly decrease the levels of several salivary analytes.

Understanding the city as an analytical lens for career development: A systematic literature review

The local peculiarities that govern labor relations influence individuals’ agency in their career trajectories. The study of cities as a context in which careers develop has received little attention from scholars, highlighting a research gap based on understanding the city as a new analytical level. This study aims to analyze how international literature articulates the constructs of careers and cities from human capital, ecosystems, innovation, and sustainable development perspectives. Through a systematic literature review using the Web of Science database and the Iramuteq® software, we examine 42 previous studies in four main categories: city livability and attractiveness, labor market and mobility, organizational work and expatriation, and educational system. Using an interdisciplinary approach, we present four assumptions to foster future empirical research. As contributions, this study put together areas with a little academic approach, opening spaces for deeper investigations and fruitful possibilities for scholars, urban planners, and policymakers. We conclude that career management is not just an individual endeavor but part of a wide ecosystem that must be analyzed collectively, within the scope of employability, labor market, educational system, talent, human capital, attractiveness, and livability, demanding integrated actions and partnerships between the individuals and public and private sectors.

Conceptual maps using Cmap Tools and student learning at a National Intercultural University Fabiola Salazar Leguía of Bagua

The objective of this research is to determine the relationship between the use of concept maps using Cmap Tools and student learning at the National Intercultural University of Bagua in the year 2023. This is a basic study of non-experimental nature, of cross-sectional and correlational design. The population will be composed of 106 students belonging to the Faculty of Social and Business Sciences, from which a sample of 35 students of the technological education career of the I cycle will be selected. Likewise, a questionnaire with Likert scale was used as an instrument of data collection which has allowed us to arrive at the results where the existing relationship between the variables is established in such a way that the degree of existing significance is verified. In addition, the camp tools software facilitates the students' achievement of competences making the pedagogical activity interactive and motivating, allowing them to understand the specific topic in order to organize the ideas and concepts at a comprehensive and analytical learning level

Association between aneuploidy screening analytes and adverse outcomes in twin gestations.

To evaluate associations between serum analytes used for genetic screening and obstetric complications among twin pregnancies. This cohort included twins delivered at a tertiary care hospital from 2009 to 2017. Abnormal levels of pregnancy associated plasma protein (PAPP-A), first and second trimester human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), alpha fetoprotein (AFP), estriol, and inhibin, reported as multiples of the median (MoM), were defined as <5 %ile or >95 %ile for our cohort. Associations between abnormal analytes and preterm delivery, small for gestational age, and pregnancy-associated hypertension were calculated using Fisher's exact test. A total of 357 dichorionic/diamniotic and 123 monochorionic/diamniotic twins were included. Among dichorionic/diamniotic twins, elevated AFP (>3.70 MoM) was associated with increased preterm delivery <34weeks (44.4 vs. 16.5 %, p=0.007), while elevated inhibin (>4.95 MoM) was associated with increased preterm delivery<37weeks (94.1 vs. 58.8 %, p=0.004). For monochorionic/diamniotic twins, elevated inhibin (>6.34 MoM) was associated increased preterm delivery <34weeks (66.7 vs. 24.8 %, p=0.04) and hypertension (66.7 vs. 21.4 %, p=0.03). Selected abnormal analyte levels were associated with increased rates of adverse outcomes in twin pregnancies, which differed by chorionicity. Our findings assist providers in interpreting abnormal analyte levels in twin pregnancies and may help to identify those at increased risk for adverse outcomes.

The effects of MIND diet and propolis supplementation on metabolic syndrome: A randomized controlled clinical trial

The MIND is a novel eating plan preserves cognitive function. Propolis is a resinous substance that has several biological and medicinal properties. This study examines the effect of the MIND diet and propolis supplementation on MetS indices among metabolic syndrome subjects. This RCT study, was conducted on adults with metabolic syndrome who were referred to the Hazrat Ali Health Center in Isfahan. 84 eligible subjects were divided into 3 groups. Including MIND diet + Propolis supplement, MIND diet + placebo, and control group. The data obtained from the subjects was analyzed in two descriptive and analytic levels. The Shapiro-Wilk test and examination of skewness were conducted to assess the normality of the distribution of quantitative variables. Quantitative variables were reported using either the mean (SD). SPSS Statistics software version 26 was used for statistical analysis of data. In this study the MIND + Propolis group compared to the control group after adjusting variables showed a significant decrease (p-value < 0.05) in weight, BMI, WC, SBP, DBP, and TG by 0.97 times (3%), 0.97 times (3%), 0.98 times (2%), 0.93 times (7%), 0.94 times (6%), and 0.75 times (25%), respectively; this significant change was also observed in FBS (p-value < 0.001) by 0.85 times (15%), and HDL-C (mg/dl) has shown a significant increase (p-value < 0.05) by 1.17 times (17%). MIND group compared to the control group after adjusting variables showed a significant decrease (p-value < 0.05) in BMI, WC, and SBP by 0.98 times (2%), 0.98 times (2%), and 0.95 times (5%), respectively; this significant change (p-value < 0.001) was also observed in DBP, FBS, and TG by 0.92 times (8%), 0.83 times (17%), and 0.71 times (29%), respectively; HDL-C has shown a significant increase (p-value < 0.001) by 1.21 times (21%), and weight has shown a non-significant decrease (p-value = 0.055) by 0.98 times (2%). This study indicated that the MIND diet + Propolis supplement and MIND diet compared to the control group can significantly decrease BMI, WC, SBP, DBP, FBS, TG, and weight (non-significant for the MIND group), and also increase HDL-C.

Impacts of Innovation and Business Analytics on the Performance of the Service Sector in Nigeria

The study investigated the impacts of innovation, including service innovation and business analytics adoption on the performance of the service sector in Nigeria between 2013 and 2022. The proportion of Nigeria's economy attributable to the service sector, the Innovation Efficiency Index, and the Business Analytics usage index were all calculated using secondary data drawn from metrics such as the number of service firms engaging in R&amp;D, the total amount of R&amp;D expenditures, and the share of total service sector revenue received via online channels. As a result of multicollinearity and heteroscedasticity, the study used quantitative analysis, including regression and correlation analyses. The results show that innovation and its impact on service quality, has a large impact on Nigeria's service sector, but that the sector's current adoption level of business analytics is too low to produce far-reaching changes in performance. It was further revealed from the study that the e-participation rate is very vital for driving both the adoption of business analytics and the performance of the service sector. According to the study, the adoption of business analytics should be given more attention in the Nigerian service sector so that its contribution to the performance of the sector is more significant. Finally, the scope of e-participation in the service sector is expanding by the day, and it is recommended that various organizations become more e-service driven to compete in today's market and maintain good performance.