Rapid Procedure Research Articles

A rapid and simple capillary electrophoresis procedure for quantification of vanillylmandelic acid in urine samples

Aim: To develop a one-step vortex-assisted liquid-liquid extraction (VALLE) method, without the need for evaporation and reconstitution steps, to establish a rapid and straightforward treatment procedure based on capillary electrophoresis-diode array detection (CE-DAD) for the determination of vanillylmandelic acid (VMA) in human urine. Methodology: Optimization of VALLE and CE-DAD procedures were studied in detail. The effects of various experimental parameters, such as the type of the extraction solvent, sample pH, salt addition, and extraction time were investigated. Also, CE separation conditions including background electrolyte type, concentration, and pH, injection time and separation voltage were optimized as well. Results: A successful separation of VMA was achieved in less than 6 min using a basic background electrolyte composed of 60 mmol·L-1 acetate/ACN (acetonitrile) 50% (v/v) (final apparent pH is 5.73). The linear response was obtained over the concentration range from 1.0 to 14 μg·mL-1. The limit of detection and quantification were 0.30 and 1.0 μg·mL-1, respectively. The intra- and inter-day precisions were found to be less than 4.3%. The extraction recoveries of VMA were between 95%-97%. Conclusion: The developed method is found to be a simple, rapid, and reliable method for quantitative analysis of urinary VMA.

Trichoscopy pattern and evaluation of serum vitamin D status in alopecia areata

BackgroundVitamin D (VD) insufficiency has been linked to a number of autoimmune illnesses including, alopecia areata (AA). To distinguish between clinically common hair problems, trichoscopy is a beneficial non-invasive, rapid, and affordable procedure that is yet neglected. Objectiveto evaluate trichoscopic patterns and severity in various clinical categories of AA considering vitamin D level (VDL). Also, focusing on specific patterns of trichoscopy in AA related to VDL. Subject and methodsSeverity of Alopecia Tool (SALT) was used to clinically assess patients with AA scores. Trichoscopic patterns were analyzed concerning VDL and disease severity. The VDL was estimated for 59 patients and 60 healthy controls. ResultsVDL was higher in healthy controls than in AA patients. The most common trichoscopic findings seen in our study were yellow dots (77.97%), followed by black dots (67.8%), and broken hairs (59.32%). Short vellus hairs and yellow dots were the most common in remitting AA. In progressive AA, the most common findings were broken hairs, yellow dots, and tapering hairs. VDL was significantly higher in both mild and moderate AA. ConclusionsVDL was significantly lower in severe AA and active progressive disease. Trichoscopic features could predict disease activity and VDL in patients with AA. Broken and tapering hairs will be more represented in patients with progressive disease. Short vellus hairs were seen more in stable or remitting disease. Furthermore, black dots and broken hairs were more prevalent in AA with deficient VDL.

Surmounting Withdrawal to Initiate Fast Treatment with Naltrexone (SWIFT): A stepped wedge hybrid type 1 effectiveness-implementation study

BackgroundExtended-release injectable naltrexone (XR-NTX) is an effective treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD), but initiation remains a barrier to implementation. Standard practice requires a 10- to 15-day inpatient admission prior to XR-NTX initiation and involves a methadone or buprenorphine taper followed by a 7- to 10-day washout, as recommended in the Prescribing Information for XR-NTX. A 5- to 7-day rapid induction approach was developed that utilizes low-dose oral naltrexone and non-opioid medications. MethodsThe CTN-0097 Surmounting Withdrawal to Initiate Fast Treatment with Naltrexone (SWIFT) study was a hybrid type I effectiveness-implementation trial that compared the effectiveness of the standard procedure (SP) to the rapid procedure (RP) for XR-NTX initiation across six community inpatient addiction treatment units, and evaluated the implementation process. Sites were randomized to RP every 14 weeks in an optimized stepped wedge design. Participants (target recruitment = 450) received the procedure (SP or RP) that the site was implementing at time of admission. The hypothesis was RP will be non-inferior to SP on proportion of inpatients who receive XR-NTX, with a shorter admission time for RP. Superiority testing of RP was planned if the null hypothesis of inferiority of RP to SP was rejected. DiscussionIf RP for XR-NTX initiation is shown to be effective, the shorter inpatient stay could make XR-NTX more feasible and have an important public health impact expanding access to OUD pharmacotherapy. Further, a better understanding of facilitators and barriers to RP implementation can help with future translatability and uptake to other community programs.Trial Registration: NCT 04762537 Registered February 21, 2021.

Катионообменное выделение америция при анализе природных вод альфа-спектрометрическим методом

The chromatographic method for isolating americium on a single column with KU-2-8 cation exchange resin from nitric acid solutions is proposed for determination of 241Am in natural waters. The advantages of this simple and rapid procedure are the availability and low cost of equipment, reagents and materials and a small amount of waste. Electrolytic deposition of americium is carried out on stainless steel disks from a solution of ammonium chloride and EDTA-Na2 for 30 minutes. Losses are controlled by the internal standard 243Am. The radiochemical recovery of americium was 60–84% for the model samples, including water with high salinity.

Rapid assessment of seismic vulnerability of historic masonry structures through fragility curves approach and national database data

The research focuses on shared built heritage, which forms one of the most vulnerable parts of the building stock in historic centres. To prevent severe damage to this building category and to aid decision-making, the paper presents a rapid seismic vulnerability assessment procedure based on an engineering approach to safety assessment. The construction of fragility curves is developed on a probabilistic framework on the computed set of Safety Factors over a range of considered Peak-Ground-Accelerations. Input data necessary for the computations are extracted from CARTIS database. The methodology is implemented in a spreadsheet combined with a script in Visual Basic for Applications. Two case studies are used to demonstrate the applicability to a single building and at the territorial scale. Results show that the proposed methodology allows for a rapid testing of loss of structural performance given various scenarios, as well as contributing by prioritizing interventions in probabilistic terms.

Investigation of LCD 3D Printing of Carbon Fiber Composites by Utilising Central Composite Design

The technology of additive manufacturing (AM) has transformed the fields of machinery, aerospace, and electronics. Adopting cost-effective, precise, and rapid procedures in AM is one of the major concerns of today’s industry. Stereolithography is a promising AM technique that is thought to meet these requirements. However, the fact that materials printed with stereolithography do not have good mechanical properties limits their application, such as in biomedicine and aerospace. Previous studies have shown the shortcomings of stereolithography printers. This research focuses on enhancing the mechanical characteristics of the polymer resin used in stereolithography (SLA)-like liquid crystal display (LCD) 3D printers by fabricating a new AM composite material with carbon fibers. For this reason, chopped carbon fibers (0.1 mm size) at amounts of 0.25 wt% and 0.5 wt% have been used with Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)-like photopolymer transparent resin during the printing process, and three different print layer thicknesses were tested. For the design of the experiment (DoE), Q-DAS software was used to analyze the resulting data. A tensile-testing machine was utilized to determine the ultimate strength using the ASTM D638 standard. The results show an increase in the ultimate strength by adding carbon fiber to some extent, but after a certain percentage of carbon fiber added, the strength drops off.

Zinc oxide-copper sulfide semiconductor nano-heterostructure for low-level electrochemical detection of 4-nitrotoluene

4-nitrotoluene (4-NT) is an extensively used chemical, and a highly hazardous water contaminant. Exploring new materials for development of efficient 4-NT sensors is extremely important. Hence, this work reports the development of novel ZnO-CuS nano-heterostructure (NHS) using cost-effective and easy synthesis procedure. The well-characterized ZnO-CuS NHS were utilized for the fabrication of ZnO-CuS NHS/gold (Au) sensor for 4-NT detection using voltammetric techniques (CV and DPV). The ZnO-CuS NHS 2 (ZnO:CuS = 2:1)/Au sensor offered significant electrical response for 4-NT reduction in neutral pH samples. ZnO-CuS NHS 2/Au electrode demonstrated linear response in 0.769–38.00 µM detection range, a nanomolar detection limit of 77.5 nM, and good sensitivity of 1.87 µA (µM)−1 cm2. Moreover, reusable, reproducible and selective sensing performance was shown by the ZnO-CuS NHS 2/Au sensor, and the sensing efficiency was validated in real samples as well. The synergy between the n-type ZnO and p-type CuS, resulted in amelioration of the electrocatalytic activity of the NHS, as compared to individual ZnO and CuS nanostructures. Phytotoxicity and biocompatibility studies assured the low-toxicity of ZnO-CuS NHS 2. ZnO-CuS NHS 2/Au sensor had an easy and rapid development procedure, and provided substantially low detection limit for 4-NT compared with many previously developed 4-NT sensors. Herein devised efficient ZnO-CuS NHS 2/Au electrochemical sensor for 4-NT detection is cost-efficient with the prospective of being scaled-up for point-of-care sensors required for monitoring 4-NT from environmental samples.

Modulating the proliferative and cytotoxic properties of patient-derived TIL by a synthetic immune niche of immobilized CCL21 and ICAM1.

A major challenge in developing an effective adoptive cancer immunotherapy is the ex-vivo generation of tumor-reactive cells in sufficient numbers and with enhanced cytotoxic potential. It was recently demonstrated that culturing of activated murine CD8+ T-cells on a "Synthetic Immune Niche" (SIN), consisting of immobilized CCL21 and ICAM-1, enhances T-cell expansion, increases their cytotoxicity against cultured cancer cells and suppresses tumor growth in vivo. In the study reported here, we have tested the effect of the CCL21+ICAM1 SIN, on the expansion and cytotoxic phenotype of Tumor Infiltrating Lymphocytes (TIL) from melanoma patients, following activation with immobilized anti-CD3/CD28 stimulation, or commercial activation beads. The majority of TIL tested, displayed higher expansion when cultured on the coated SIN compared to cells incubated on uncoated substrate and a lower frequency of TIM-3+CD8+ cells after stimulation with anti-CD3/CD28 beads. Comparable enhancement of TIL proliferation was obtained by the CCL21+ICAM1 SIN, in a clinical setting that included a 14-day rapid expansion procedure (REP). Co-incubation of post-REP TIL with matching target cancerous cells demonstrated increased IFNγ secretion beyond baseline in most of the TIL cultures, as well as a significant increase in granzyme B levels following activation on SIN. The SIN did not significantly alter the relative frequency of CD8/CD4 populations, as well as the expression of CD28, CD25, several exhaustion markers and the differentiation status of the expanded cells. These results demonstrate the potential capacity of the CCL21+ICAM1 SIN to reinforce TIL-based immunotherapy for cancer patients.

Portable rapid detection of maize chlorotic mottle virus using RT-RAA/CRISPR-Cas12a based lateral flow assay.

Maize lethal necrosis seriously threatens maize production worldwide, which was caused by coinfection by maize chlorotic mottle virus (MCMV) and a potyvirid. To effectively control maize lethal necrosis, it is vital to develop a rapid, sensitive, and specific detection method for the early diagnosis of MCMV in host plant tissues. We established a rapid detection procedure by combining the one-step reverse-transcription recombinase-aided amplification (one-step RT-RAA) and CRISPR/Cas12a-based lateral flow assay in one tube (one-tube one-step RT-RAA/CRISPR-Cas12a), which can be implemented on a portable metal incubator at 37~42°C. Furthermore, the crude extract of total RNA from plant materials using alkaline-PEG buffer can be directly used as the template for one-step RT-RAA. The developed one-tube one-step RT-RAA/CRISPR-Cas12a lateral flow assay can detect as low as 2.5 copies of the coat protein (CP) gene of MCMV and 0.96 pg of the total RNA extracted from MCMV infected maize leaves. Furthermore, the MCMV infected maize leaves at 5 dpi having no obvious symptoms was detected as weak positive. The crude extraction method of total RNA from plant materials required no complicated device, and all the procedures could be implemented at room temperature and on a portable metal incubator, costing a total time of about 1h. The one-step RT-RAA reagents and CRISPR/Cas12a reagents can be lyophilized for easy storage and transportation of reagents, which makes this method more feasible for the filed detection. This method presents rapidness, robustness and on-site features in detecting viral RNA, and is a promising tool for the field application in minimally equipped laboratories.

Vivid COVID-19 LAMP is an ultrasensitive, quadruplexed test using LNA-modified primers and a zinc ion and 5-Br-PAPS colorimetric detection system

Sensitive and rapid point-of-care assays have been crucial in the global response to SARS-CoV-2. Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) has emerged as an important diagnostic tool given its simplicity and minimal equipment requirements, although limitations exist regarding sensitivity and the methods used to detect reaction products. We describe the development of Vivid COVID-19 LAMP, which leverages a metallochromic detection system utilizing zinc ions and a zinc sensor, 5-Br-PAPS, to circumvent the limitations of classic detection systems dependent on pH indicators or magnesium chelators. We make important strides in improving RT-LAMP sensitivity by establishing principles for using LNA-modified LAMP primers, multiplexing, and conducting extensive optimizations of reaction parameters. To enable point-of-care testing, we introduce a rapid sample inactivation procedure without RNA extraction that is compatible with self-collected, non-invasive gargle samples. Our quadruplexed assay (targeting E, N, ORF1a, and RdRP) reliably detects 1 RNA copy/µl of sample (=8 copies/reaction) from extracted RNA and 2 RNA copies/µl of sample (=16 copies/reaction) directly from gargle samples, making it one of the most sensitive RT-LAMP tests and even comparable to RT-qPCR. Additionally, we demonstrate a self-contained, mobile version of our assay in a variety of high-throughput field testing scenarios on nearly 9,000 crude gargle samples. Vivid COVID-19 LAMP can be an important asset for the endemic phase of COVID-19 as well as preparing for future pandemics.

Analysis of factors associated with the success of microimplant-assisted rapid palatal expansion

Success-related factors of microimplant-assisted rapid palatal expansion (MARPE) were evaluated, including age, palatal depth, suture, and parassutural bone thickness, suture density and maturation, and the relation to corticopuncture (CP) technique, as well as skeletal and dental effects. Sixty-six cone-beam computed tomography scans were analyzed before and after rapid maxillary expansion procedures in 33 patients aged 18-52 years for both sexes. The scans were generated in digital imaging and communications in medicine file format and analyzed in the multiplanar reconstruction of the regions of interest. Palatal depth, suture thickness, density and maturation, age, and CP were assessed. To evaluate dental and skeletal effects, the sample was divided into 4 groups: successful MARPE (SM), SM+ CP technique (SMCP), failure MARPE (FM), and FM+ CP (FMCP). Successful groups presented more skeletal expansion and dental tipping than failure groups (P<0.05). The mean age of the FMCP group was significantly higher than the SM groups; suture and parassutural thickness significantly related to the success, and patients who received CP showed a success rate of 81.2% compared with 33.3% in the no CP group (P<0.05). Suture density and palatal depth did not show a difference between the success and failure groups. Suture maturation was higher in SMCP and FM groups (P<0.05). Older age, thin palatal bone, and higher stage of maturation can influence the success of MARPE. CP technique in these patients appears tohave a positive impact, increasing the chance of treatment success.

Two Techniques for the Analysis of WS-3 With Potential Application to the Analysis of Other Cooling Agents *

SUMMARY WS-3 (N-ethyl-p-menthane-3-carboxamide) is a compound used as a cooling agent for tobacco or nicotine products. Three other similar compounds WS-23 (N,2,3-trimethyl-2-propan-2-ylbutanamide), Evercool 180 (N-p-benzene-acetonitrile menthanecarboxamide), and Evercool 190 (N-(2-pyridine-2-yl)ethyl-3-p-menthancarboxamide) also have cooling properties and can be used as tobacco additives. A few previously reported methods for WS-3 analysis were rather complex, and the goal of present work was to develop a simple, rapid, and accurate procedure for simultaneous analysis of WS-3 and of the other three cooling compounds. For this purpose, a LC/MS procedure has been developed that requires 6-min runs. The method was calibrated to analyze solutions containing each analyte in the range of concentrations between 48.8 ng/mL to 12.5 µg/mL. The procedure is selective and shows excellent precision with typical RSD lower than 3%. In parallel to the LC/MS method, a GC/MS procedure was also developed mainly with the goal of having a proof of the accuracy for both methods. This GC separation requires 20-min runs. The GC/MS technique was calibrated to analyze solutions containing each analyte in the range of concentrations between 1.56 µg/mL to 125 µg/mL for WS-23 and WS-3, from 6.25 µg/mL to 125 µg/mL for Evercool 180, and from 3.13 µg/mL to 125 µg/mL for Evercool 190. The sensitivity of the LC/MS method is significantly higher than the GC/MS one, and for the analysis of traces of cooling agents the LC/MS method is recommended. The LC/MS method was applied for the analysis of WS-3 in tobacco, cigarette smoke, flavor solutions, and in nicotine pouches. No samples containing the other cooling agents were available. [Contrib. Tob. Nicotine Res. 32 (2023) 26–33]

Pretesting of Infographic as a Communication Tool on Pregnant Women During Covid-19 Period.

This study was to analyze the responses of informants about Instagram infographics on Covid-19 prevention for pregnant women. This was a qualitative study that used Rapid Assessment Procedure (RAP) and used pretesting communication theory. The informant selection technique was purposive sampling that consist of three pregnant women as main informants, a midwifery lecturer and a visual graphic designer as key informants. One-to-one pretesting communication procedure was selected because the research was conducted at the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, so it had a difficulty in recruiting informants. The interview guideline was conducted by the research team and was examined in a field trial. Data collection was by semi-structured interview using voice call WhatsApp application. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. In attraction aspect, this was considered quite interesting by the informants. In comprehension aspect, the messages were easily understood because of using brief, concise, and simple sentences. Furthermore, the messages were supported by images and comprehensive. In acceptance aspect, all the informants' opinions were identified that the messages of this infographic did not have a conflict with the existing norms. In self-involvement aspect, this infographic was in accordance with the current condition of the informants. In persuasion aspect, it had a good persuasive value as the informants were willing to share the infographic with others. The infographic still needed improvements from the attraction aspect such as consider using contrasting colour between the background and text, equalize the font size and change icons to become related to the text. As from the comprehension aspect consider using terms that are more popular in the community. There were no need improvements from acceptance, self-involvement, and persuasion aspects. However, evidence-based research is still needed on how this infographic is developed and implemented to optimize transfer of knowledge.

Covid-19 Vaccine Hesitancy: Frequency and causes among Population of Lahore

Background: Covid-19 vaccine hesitancy is prime hurdle in control and eradication of Covid-19 pandemic. The rapid Procedure of development of new vaccines resulted in a lot of false information and rumors leading to decrease trust of the public in the safetyand effectiveness of the vaccine. Aim: To study the frequency and causes of Covid-19 vaccine hesitancy amid population of Lahore. Methods: This cross sectional study design was done on a sample of 385 participants from lahore were included in the study. Frequency and causes were recorded on the prescribed questionnaire. Results: Frequency of hesitancy was found to be 41.7%. 12.8% had doubts related to efficacy and safety of the vaccine. 9.9% were of the view that the risks of the vaccine are greater than its benefits. 5.7% assumed that vaccines were promoted for gains of pharmaceutical companies. 4.4% were concerned about the immediate side effects of the vaccine. 2.6% responded by saying that vaccine was not recommended by health professionals. 2.3% had myths related to vaccine. And lastly, 1.63% said vaccine was not available free of cost. Conclusion: Hesitancy of covid-19 vaccine is seen more in illiterate people and the main cause of hesitancy is uncertainty related to protection and efficacy of covid-19 vaccine. Keywords: Covid-19 vaccine, hesitancy, myths, safety and efficacy, uncertainty, doubt, well being ,protection

HPLC Determination of Biperiden in Solid Dosage Forms

A rapid, new analytical method, based on liquid chromatography with UV detection, has been developed and utilised for the determination of biperiden hydrochloride in solid dosage forms. The chromatographic separation was performed on a conventional C18 reversed phase column with a mobile phase composed of acetonitrile-buffer mixture. Ultraviolet detection was carried out at 205 nm. A rapid extraction procedure using ultrasonic bath obtained good extraction yield values for the analyte (≥ 98.4%). The method was developed specifically for routine analysis of biperiden in solid dosage forms in the applicable concentration range. The linearity and range of the method investigated for the assay of biperiden is between 2–6 μg mL−1. The method is selective and sufficiently precise. Thus, the method developed is suitable for routine analysis of biperiden.

Development of a rapid and efficient analytical method for trace lead determination: Manganese dioxide nanoflower based dispersive solid-phase extraction

Lead (Pb) is a heavy metal that is highly toxic and a major environmental pollutant. Anthropogenic activities are the main sources of Pb release into the air, water and food, from which humans and other organisms become exposed. In this study, a suitable, rapid, and environmental friendly dispersive solid phase extraction procedure based on manganese dioxide nanoflower (MnO 2 NF-DSPE) was developed for the effective enrichment of Pb coupled with flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). Under the optimal experimental conditions, limit of detection (LOD), quantification (LOQ) values and enhancement in detection power (EDP) obtained for the MnO 2 NFs-DSPE-FAAS system were calculated as 6.1 µg/L, 20.3 µg/L and 44, respectively. Three different ginger tea samples were used in recovery studies to investigate the applicability/accuracy of the proposed method. Matrix matching calibration strategy was performed in recovery studies and percentage recoveries were calculated between 106 and 122% with low standard deviation values. • Trace level lead was preconcentrated by DSPE prior to FAAS measurement. • MnO 2 nanoflowers were used as adsorbent in the extraction procedure. • LOD and LOQ for ginger tea matrix were 6.09 µg/L and 20.29 µg/L, respectively. • The detection limit for conventional FAAS system was improved by about 43.7 folds. • Recovery results for the prepared ginger tea were found in the range of 106.1–121.5%.

FINE NEEDLE ASPIRATION CYTOLOGY OF LYMPH NODES - IS IT A BOON?

Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is a simple and rapid diagnostic procedure to identify etiology in an enlarged lymph node. We studied malignant lymph nodes .Most common site aspirated, age &amp; sex distribution an Aim: d spectrum of diagnosis was presented in our result. We retrospectively reviewed malignant lymph node Methods: aspirates over a period of three years from June 2019 to May 2022 in Department of Pathology, Gajraraja Medical College, Gwalior, India .We excluded tubercular and reactive lymph nodes. A total of1026 lymph node aspirate Results: s were identified during this period. 198 cases (12.1%) were identified as malignant. Age distribution was 5 to 88 years. Male to female ratio was 5.8:1.In metastatic lymph nodes Cervical lymph nodes (174/201; 86.56%) were the main group.173 cases ( 86 %) showed metastatic deposits which was more common compared to 28 cases ( 13.9%) of primary lymphomas.Malignancies, included 143 cases (71.1%) of SCC (metastasis) and 22 cases (78.5%) of Non Hodgkins lymhoma. Cervical lymph node was the most common malignant lymph node aspirated. Squamous cell Conclusion: carcinoma and Non Hodgkins lymphoma were the most common primary and secondary malignancies. We can conclude FNAC as a one-step routine OPD procedure as mostly lymph nodes are easily accessible and can be reported within 5 days thus saving time and reducing discomfort of biopsy. Majority of benign etiologies can be triaged, thereby focusing more on malignant cases. FNAC thus proves to be a boon for diagnosing lymph node malignancies

A Delphi consensus checklist helped assess the need to develop rapid guideline recommendations

Background and ObjectivesWe aimed to develop a checklist to aid guideline developers in determining which scientific or societal cause (“triggers”) are relevant when considering to initiate a rapid recommendation procedure. MethodsWe conducted a two-round modified Delphi procedure with a panel of Dutch guideline experts, clinicians, and patient representatives. A previously conducted systematic literature review and semistructured interviews with four science journalists were used to generate a list of potential items. This item list was submitted to the panel for discussion, reduction and refinement into a checklist. ResultsThirteen experts took part. Two questionnaires were completed in which participants scored an initial list of 64 items based on relevance. During two online meetings, the scores were discussed, irrelevant items were removed, and relevant items were reformulated into seven questions. The final “quickscan assessment of the need for a rapid recommendation” covers user perspective, scientific evidence, clinical relevance, clinical practice variation, applicability, quality of care and public health outcomes, and ethical/legal considerations. ConclusionThe quickscan aids guideline developers in systematically assessing whether a trigger expresses a valid need for developing a rapid recommendation. Future research could focus on the applicability and validity of the checklist within guideline development programs.

Rapid LC-MS/MS quantification of Organophosphate non-specific metabolites in hair using alkaline extraction approach

Assessing human exposure to commonly used, highly toxic, but non-persistent organophosphates (OPs) is challenging because these toxicants are readily biotransformed into dialkyl phosphates (DAPs) and other metabolites. Growing hair accumulates toxicants and their metabolites, which makes hair a valuable non-invasively sampled matrix that can be used to retrospectively examine chemical exposure. However, the efficient quantification of hydrophilic DAP compounds in hair is challenging due to complex hair matrix effects. To improve upon existing methods, we first examined the acid dissociation constants (pKa) of DAPs and amino acids (major components in hair) and identified the best pH conditions for minimizing matrix effects. We hypothesized that under basic pH conditions DAPs and amino acids would be negatively charged and have weak interactions favorable to DAP dissociation from the matrix. To test this, we compared the efficiency of various pH conditions of suitable solvents to extract six DAPs from hair samples, and we quantified these DAPs using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectroscopy (LC-MS/MS). As expected, a basic extraction (methanol with 2% NH4OH) approach had the highest extraction efficiency and yielded satisfactory recoveries for all six DAPs (72%-152%) without matrix effects. Additionally, the alkaline extract can be directly injected into the LC-MS/MS. This relatively rapid and simple procedure allowed us to process up to 90 samples per week with reproducible results. To our knowledge, this is the first method to quantify all six DAPs simultaneously in hair using LC-MS/MS with electrospray ionization (ESI) in negative ion mode. Finally, we demonstrated the feasibility of measuring DAP levels in hair samples from patients affected with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a neurodegenerative disease potentially linked to OP exposure. Due to our optimized solvent extraction process, the method we have developed is compatible with the rapidity and sensitivity needed for hair analysis applied to population biomonitoring.

Smoking Behaviour and Its Impact on the Quality of Life of the Beneficiary Families of Social Assistance Funds in East Java, Indonesia

The government implements social assistance programs for poor families and vulnerable groups. Therefore, the implementation is still facing various challenges. One of the toughest challenges is smoking behaviour. As the income has been increasing, the cigarette’s expense is also high. Cigarette’s expenditure substitutes other basic needs, such as nutritional foods, health, and education expenses. This study analyses smoking behaviour in social assistance recipients and its impact on quality of life. By using qualitative method, particularly the Rapid Assessment Procedure, data were obtained through in-depth interviews. The study uses purposive method to collect samples in East Java, both Malang City and Kediri Regency. Results show that all the informants have family members who were heavy smokers. The daily cigarette’s expenditure of social assistance’s recipients was significant compared to their daily expenses. It substitutes basic needs expenses and affects their quality of life specifically for nutritional, health, and child’s education status. Furthermore, due to nicotine addiction, it is very difficult for smokers to reduce the number of cigarette consumption, even though at difficult economies. Smoking behaviour also leads to family conflicts. It is important to regulate social assistance recipients who still disburse their budget for temptation goods such as cigarette. In addition, government must inform the negative impacts of smoking, as well as promote the healthy life behaviour using the existing program, Family Capacity Building Meeting/Pertemuan Peningkatan Kemampuan Keluarga (P2K2). As part of effective solutions to reduce smoking prevalence, unaffordable cigarette price is important due to lowering the consumption of addictive product.