Flow analysis-solid phase extraction system and UHPLC-MS/MS analytical methodology for the determination of antiviral drugs in surface water.

An automated flow analysis-solid phase extraction (FA-SPE) system and methodology of ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) analysis were developed for the determination of selected antiviral drugs (acyclovir, amantadine, rimantadine, and oseltamivir) in water samples. The proposed FA-SPE approach enables the integration of various extraction stages and elimination of the sample evaporation step and offers individual customisation of SPE parameters, inter alia sample, and eluate flow rate and volume. Using the developed FA-SPE procedure, e.

Novel sample double dilution calibration method for determination of lithium in biological samples using automatic flow system with in-syringe reaction.

A novel sample double dilution calibration method (SDDCM) and an automatic flow system with in-syringe reaction and spectrophotometric detection were developed for determining lithium in biological samples. The method is based on the reaction of lithium with Thorin in an alkaline medium and the signal was measured at 480 nm. The reaction was performed simultaneously for both standards and samples in three syringes of the automatic flow system.

Enhancing Patient Selection in Stage IIIA-IIIB NSCLC: Invasive Lymph Node Restaging after Neoadjuvant Therapy.

Restaging of mediastinal lymph nodes plays a crucial role in the multimodal treatment of stage IIIA Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC). This study aimed to assess the impact of restaging using endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS), endoesophageal ultrasound (EUS), and transcervical extended mediastinal lymphadenectomy (TEMLA) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (CHT) or chemoradiotherapy (CRT) on the 5-year overall survival (OS) of patients with NSCLC diagnosed with clinical stage IIIA-IIIB and metastatic ipsilateral mediastinal nodes (N2) who underwent radical pulmonary resections. Patients diagnosed with stage IIIA-IIIB NSCLC and N2 mediastinal nodes were included in this study.

Impact of Artificial Intelligence-driven Quality Improvement Software on Mammography Technical Repeat and Recall Rates.

Poor positioning decreases mammography sensitivity and is arguably the single most important contributor to image quality (IQ). Inadequate IQ may subject patients to technical repeat views during the examination or return for technical recalls. Artificial intelligence (AI) software can objectively evaluate breast positioning and compression metrics for all images and technologists.

NiTi Shape Memory Clamps with Modified Surface for Bone Fracture Treatment.

Using NiTi alloys with shape memory for long-term medical implants requires modification of their surface due to the possible occurrence of corrosion. Hence, the surface of the staples used to join fractured bone within the craniofacial region was modified by applying a titanium oxy-nitrogen layer and a hydroxyapatite coating. Surface-modified clamps were tested in vivo using New Zealand white rabbits.

Exhaled Air Metabolome Analysis for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Fingerprints Identification-The Preliminary Study.

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare disease with a serious prognosis. The aim of this study was to identify biomarkers for PAH in the breath phase and to prepare an automatic classification method to determine the changing metabolome trends and molecular mapping. A group of 37 patients (F/M: 8/29 women, mean age 60.

Patient-centered Care and Integrated Practice Units: Embracing the Breast Care Continuum.

Patient-centered care is a health care approach optimized for the needs of the patient. As patients have sought more autonomy in recent years, this model has been more frequently adopted. Breast radiologists aspiring to advance patient-centered care should seek greater ownership of the breast diagnostic imaging and intervention workflows, helping their patients navigate the complex breast care landscape with patients' preferences taken into account.

Polyurethane-Based Porous Carbons Suitable for Medical Application.

The main aim of the study was to synthesize and analyze spectral data to determine the structure and stereometry of the carbon-based porous material internal structure. Samples of a porous biomaterial were synthesized through anionic polymerization following our own patent and then carbonized. The samples were investigated using MALDI ToF MS, FTIR ATR spectroscopy, optic microscopy, SEM, confocal laser scanning microscopy and CMT imaging.

Blended Online Intervention to Reduce Digital Transformation Stress by Enhancing Employees' Resources in COVID-19.

Generally, the solutions based on information and communication technologies (ICT) provide positive outcomes for both companies and employees. However, the process of digital transformation (DT) can be the cause of digital transformation stress (DTS), when the work demands caused by fast implementation of ICT are elevated and employees' resources are limited. Based on the Job Demand-Resources (JD-R) Model we claim that DT, rapidly accelerating in the COVID-19 pandemic, can increase the level of DTS and general stress at work.

Pulmonary function, exercise capacity and dyspnea in patients 7 ​years after Nuss surgery.

Purpose: Pectus excavatum is a frequent thoracic malformation increasingly treated with minimally invasive methods (MIRPE), which are performed for cardio-respiratory problems and in some centers also for esthetic considerations. Theoretically, MIRPE may increase thoracic elastic recoil, work of breathing and cause emphysema. The aim of the present study was to determine whether teenagers who underwent MIRPE may expect normal thoracic cage development, cardio-respiratory function, exercise capacity and asymptomatic functioning.

Post-tracheostomy complications: respiratory failure caused by authologic foreign body-case report.

Tracheostomy is performed frequently as a palliative treatment in patients with end-stage respiratory failure (RF). However, in patients requiring prolonged mechanical ventilation it may be difficult to recognize and can often lead to life-threatening RF. We present two cases of acute-on-chronic respiratory failure (ACRF) occurring in patients who had undergone tracheostomy [one with percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy (PDT) and the second with surgical tracheostomy (ST)].

Novel Integrated Flow-Based Steam Distillation and Titration System for Determination of Volatile Acidity in Wines.

Novel integrated flow-based steam distillation and titration system with spectrophotometric detection was developed for determination of volatile acidity in wines. Using the system, the distillation procedure was carried out in an automatic manner, starting with introducing into a heated steam distillation module a sample and subjecting it to steam distillation. Under selected conditions, all the analyte was transferred to the distillate; therefore, the system did not require calibration.

A Perspective of the Comprehensive and Objective Assessment of Analytical Methods Including the Greenness and Functionality Criteria: Application to the Determination of Zinc in Aqueous Samples.

The recently proposed concept of White Analytical Chemistry (WAC), referring to the Red-Green-Blue color model, combines ecological aspects (green) with functionality (red and blue criteria), presenting the complete method as "white". However, it is not easy to carry out an overall quantitative evaluation of the analytical method in line with the WAC idea in an objective manner. This paper outlines the perspective of the future development of such a possibility by attempting to answer selected questions about the evaluation process.

3D-printed manifold integrating solid contact ion-selective electrodes for multiplexed ion concentration measurements in urine.

Urinalysis is a simple and non-invasive approach for the diagnosis and monitoring of various health disorders. While urinalysis is predominantly confined to clinical laboratories the non-invasive sample collection makes it applicable in wide range of settings outside of central laboratory confinements. In this respect, 3D printed devices integrating sensors for measuring multiple parameters may be one of the most viable approaches to ensure cost-effectiveness for widespread use.

Temporomandibular Joint Prostheses: Optimal Materials for the Optimal Stomatognathic System Performance-Preliminary Study.

The aim of this study was to quantitatively evaluate alloplastic Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Prostheses against other treatment modalities regarding the jaw kinematics. Six patients with Temporomandibular Joint Prostheses, four with mandibular ramus Patient-Specific Implant (PSI) with condylar head preservation, and four after mandibular condylectomy were evaluated by the means of axiography (Cadiax Compact 2), which is the noninvasive three-dimensional study of condylar movements. The patients were also evaluated clinically for the mandibular movements.

Salvage Therapies After 18F-Fluciclovine Detected Prostate Cancer Recurrences.

Background: F-Fluciclovine is the most recent prostate cancer (PCa)-directed PET radiotracer approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for detection of recurrent PCa. We report the treatments and outcomes of patients at our institution with PCa recurrences detected on F-fluciclovine PET/CT.

Methods: We identified men with recurrent PCa detected on F-fluciclovine PET/CT performed between 2017 and 2018 who were previously treated definitively and analyzed their patterns of care and cancer-specific outcomes.

3D-printed flow manifold based on potentiometric measurements with solid-state ion-selective electrodes and dedicated to multicomponent water analysis.

A 3D-printed flow manifold dedicated to potentiometric simultaneous determination of potassium, sodium, calcium and chloride in water is presented. The method is based on application of miniature solid-contact ion selective electrodes with a special design obtained with the use of 3D printing. The electrodes offer many attractive advantages including short response time and miniaturization feasibility.

Novel Approach to Sample Preconcentration by Solvent Evaporation in Flow Analysis.

A preconcentration module operated in flow mode and integrated with a sequential injection system with spectrophotometric detection was developed. Using the system, preconcentration was performed in continuous mode and was based on a membraneless evaporation process under diminished pressure. The parameters of the proposed system were optimized and the system was tested on the example of the spectrophotometric determination of Cr(III).

The influence of chlorine in indoor swimming pools on the composition of breathing phase of professional swimmers.

Objectives: Swimming is one of the most popular forms of physical activity. Pool water is cleaned with chlorine, which - in combination with compounds contained in water - could form chloramines and trichloromethane in the swimmer's lungs. The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of swimming training in an indoor pool on the composition of swimmers' respiratory phase metabolomics, and develop a system to provide basic information about its impact on the swimmer's airway mucosa metabolism, which could help to assess the risk of secondary respiratory tract diseases i.

Novel Approach to Automated Flow Titration for the Determination of Fe(III).

A novel approach to automated flow titration with spectrophotometric detection for the determination of Fe(III) is presented. The approach is based on the possibility of strict and simultaneous control of the flow rates of sample and titrant streams over time. It consists of creating different but precisely defined concentration gradients of titrant and analyte in each successively formed monosegments, and is based on using the calculated titrant dilution factor.

Contrast sensitivity and visual acuity in subjects wearing multifocal contact lenses with high additions designed for myopia progression control.

Objectives: To assess the visual performance of multifocal contact lenses (MFCLs) with high addition powers designed for myopia control.

Methods: Twenty-four non-presbyopic adults (mean age 24 years, range 18-36 years) were fitted with soft MFCLs with add powers of +2.0 D (Add2) and +4.

Assessment of Fibrosis in Liver Transplant Recipients: Diagnostic Performance of Shear Wave Elastography (SWE) and Correlation of SWE Findings With Biopsy Results.

Liver transplant patients are monitored for rejection and hepatic fibrosis and often undergo liver biopsies. The purpose of the present study is to determine whether noninvasive shear wave elastography (SWE) can quantify fibrosis in liver transplant recipients, with the aim of decreasing and possibly eliminating unnecessary biopsies for patients with suspected or progressive hepatic fibrosis. Between May 1, 2015, and December 31, 2017, our prospective study evaluated 111 adult liver transplant patients (age range, 23-79 years) who underwent 147 ultrasound (US) SWE examinations of the right hepatic lobe followed by biopsies.

18F-Fluciclovine PET/CT Detection of Recurrent Prostate Carcinoma in Patients With Serum PSA ≤ 1 ng/mL After Definitive Primary Treatment.

Purpose: The aims of this study were to report on our initial experience using F-fluciclovine PET/CT to detect recurrent prostate carcinoma in patients with low serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) after definitive treatment of primary disease and to conduct a preliminary investigation for factors associated with positive scan findings.

Patients And Methods: In this retrospective study, F-fluciclovine PET/CT scans from 28 men with suspected recurrence of prostate carcinoma and PSA values of 1 ng/mL or less were examined to identify the site(s) of disease recurrence. Differences in detection rate for Gleason scores of 7 and greater than 7, T2 and T3 disease, negative and positive surgical margins, and negative and positive seminal vesicle invasion were compared using the Fisher exact test.

Sequential injection system with in-line solid phase extraction and soil mini-column for determination of zinc and copper in soil leachates.

A sequential injection (SI) system equipped with in-line solid phase extraction column and in-line soil mini-column is proposed for determination of zinc and copper in soil leachates. The spectrophotometric determination (560 nm) is based on the reaction of both analytes with 1-(2-Pyridylazo)-2-naphthol (PAN). Zinc is determined after retaining copper on a cationic resin (Chelex100) whereas copper is determined from the difference of the absorbance measured for both analytes, introduced into the system with the use of a different channel, and zinc absorbance.