Environmental Markers of Plastics and Microplastics.

The slow reaction rates to chemical and photochemical degradation are well-known properties of plastics. However, large plastic surfaces exposed to environmental conditions release particles and compounds that affect ecosystems and human health. The aim of this work was to identify compounds associated with the degradation of polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) microplastics (markers) on silica and sand and evaluate their use to screen microplastics on natural sand. Products were identified by using targeted and untargeted LC-HRMS analysis. All polymers underwent chemical oxidation on silica. PE released dicarboxylic acids (HO2C-(CH2)n-CO2H (n = 4-30), while PS released cis/trans-chalcone, trans-dypnone, 3-phenylpropiophenone, and dibenzoylmethane. PVC released dicarboxylic acids and aromatic compounds. Upon irradiation, PE was stable while PS released the same compounds as under chemical oxidation but at lower yields. Under the above condition, PVC generated HO2C-[CH2-CHCl]n-CH2-CO2H and HO2C-[CH2-CHCl]n-CO2H (n = 2-19) dicarboxylic acids. The same products were detected on sand but at a lower concentration than on silica due to better retention within the pores. Detection of markers of PE and PS on natural sand allowed us to screen microplastics by following a targeted analysis. Markers of PVC were not detected before or after thermal/photo-oxidation due to the low release of compounds and limitations associated with surface exposure/penetration of radiation.

Predictors of flare in SLE patients fulfilling lupus low disease activity state: a cohort study of 292 patients with 36-month follow-up.

OBJECTIVES: The treatment target in SLE should be maintained stable by preventing flares. The objectives were to identify predictors of flare in patients attaining lupus low disease activity state (LLDAS), and to assess whether remission with no glucocorticoids is associated with lower risk of flares. METHODS: This was a cohort study of SLE patients followed in a referral centre over 3 years. Baseline was the first visit where each patient attained LLDAS. Flares up to 36 months' follow-up were identified by three instruments: revised Safety of Estrogen in Lupus Erythematosus National Assessment (SELENA) Flare Index (r-SFI), SLEDAI-2000 (SLEDAI-2K) and SLE Disease Activity Score (SLE-DAS). Demographic, clinical and laboratory parameters at baseline were evaluated as predictors of flare, with distinct models for each flare instrument, using survival analysis with univariate followed by multivariate Cox regression. Hazard ratios (HR) were determined with 95% CI. RESULTS: A total of 292 patients fulfilling LLDAS were included. Over follow-up, 28.4%, 24.7% and 13.4% of the patients developed one or more flare, according to r-SFI, SLE-DAS and SLEDAI-2K definitions, respectively. After multivariate analysis, the predictors of SLE-DAS flares were presence of anti-U1-ribonucleoprotein (anti-U1RNP) (HR = 2.16, 95% CI 1.30, 3.59), SLE-DAS score at baseline (HR = 1.27, 95% CI 1.04, 1.54) and immunosuppressants (HR = 2.43, 95% CI 1.43, 4.09). These predictors were equally significant for r-SFI and SLEDAI-2K flares. Remitted patients with no glucocorticoids presented a lower risk of SLE-DAS flares (HR = 0.60, 95% CI 0.37, 0.98). CONCLUSION: In patients with LLDAS, anti-U1RNP, disease activity scored by SLE-DAS and SLE requiring maintenance immunosuppressants predict higher risk of flare. Remission with no glucocorticoids is associated with lower risk of flares.

New Vectors of TTX Analogues in the North Atlantic Coast: The Edible Crabs Afruca tangeri and Carcinus maenas.

Tetrodotoxin (TTX) and its analogues are naturally occurring toxins historically responsible for human poisoning fatalities in Eastern Asia. It is typically linked to the consumption of pufferfish and, to a lesser extent, marine gastropods and crabs. In the scope of a comprehensive project to understand the prevalence of emergent toxins in edible marine organisms, we report, for the first time, the detection of TTX analogues in the soft tissues of edible crabs, the European fiddler crab (Afruca tangeri) and green crab (Carcinus maenas), harvested in southern Portugal. No TTX was detected in the analyzed samples. However, three TTX analogues were detected-an unknown TTX epimer, deoxyTTX, and trideoxyTTX. These three analogues were found in the European fiddler crab while only trideoxyTTX was found in the green crab, suggesting that the accumulation of TTX analogues might be influenced by the crabs' different feeding ecology. These results highlight the need to widely monitor TTX and its analogues in edible marine species in order to provide adequate information to the European Food Safety Authority and to protect consumers.

The Design of a Glycerol Concentration Sensor Based on an LRSPP Hybrid Photonic Biosensor.

A refractive index sensor based on an on-chip silicon nitride (Si3N4) ridge waveguide long-range surface plasmon polariton (LRSPP) is theoretically designed. The waveguide sensor consists of a gold film to enable the plasmonic resonance on top of a Cytop polymer layer. A proper finite element method was used to design and optimize the geometric parameters at the optical wavelength of 633 nm. In addition, the spectral performance was evaluated using the transfer matrix method from 580 to 680 nm. The redshifted interference spectrum results from an increasing analyte refractive index. The sensitivities of 6313 dB/cm/RIU and 251.82 nm/RIU can be obtained with a 400 nm wide and 25 nm thick Au layer. The proposed sensor has the potential for point-of-care applications considering its compactness and simplicity of construction.

2-Hydroxychalcone-ß-Cyclodextrin Conjugate with pH-Modulated Photoresponsive Binding Properties.

Stimuli-responsive supramolecular receptors are important building blocks for the construction of self-assembled functional materials. We report the design and synthesis of a pH- and light-responsive 2-hydroxychalcone-ß-cyclodextrin conjugate (1-Ct) and its characterization by spectroscopic and computational methods. 1-Ct follows the typical reaction network of trans-chalcone-flavylium photoswitches. Upon light irradiation, 1-Ct can be photochemically converted into the cis-chalcone/hemiketal forms (1-Cc/1-B) under neutral pH conditions or to the flavylium cation (1-AH+) at acidic pH values. This stimuli-responsive ß-cyclodextrin host, 1-Ct, was found to form stronger intramolecular self-inclusion complexes (Kintra = 14) than 1-AH+ (Kintra = 3) and weaker than 1-Cc/1-B (overall Kintra = 179), allowing control over their stability and binding properties by combinations of pH and light stimuli.

LC-HRMS Profiling of Paralytic Shellfish Toxins in Mytilus galloprovincialis after a Gymnodinium catenatum Bloom.

Saxitoxin and its more than 50 analogues are a group of naturally occurring neurotoxins collectively designated as paralytic shellfish toxins (PSTs). PSTs are toxic to humans and maximum legal limits in seafood have been implemented by regulatory authorities worldwide. In the European Union, monitoring of PSTs is performed using the AOAC Official Method 2005.06, based on liquid chromatography coupled with fluorescence detection (LC- FLD). However, this method has been suggested to not effectively detect the emerging C-11 hydroxyl (M-toxins) and benzoate (GC-toxins) analogues, with these analogues currently not being surveyed in monitoring programs. In this study, a liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) method was used to search for these emerging PSTs in mussels, Mytilus galloprovincialis, contaminated following an intense Gymnodinium catenatum bloom in the Tagus estuary (Lisbon, Portugal). Five M-toxins (M1, M2, M6, dcM6, and dcM10), but no GC-toxins, were detected in the mussels' whole-soft body tissue. Moreover, the classical PSTs (C1 to C4, GTX 4 to GTX6, dcGTX1 to dcGTX4, dcSTX, dcNEO, and STX) were also found and comprised the largest fraction of the PSTs' profile. The presence of unregulated PSTs in edible mussel samples suggests potential seafood safety risks and urges further research to determine the frequency of these analogues in seafood and their contribution to toxicity.

Quantitation Overcoming Matrix Effects of Lipophilic Toxins in Mytilus galloprovincialis by Liquid Chromatography-Full Scan High Resolution Mass Spectrometry Analysis (LC-HR-MS).

The analysis of marine lipophilic toxins in shellfish products still represents a challenging task due to the complexity and diversity of the sample matrix. Liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC-MS) is the technique of choice for accurate quantitative measurements in complex samples. By combining unambiguous identification with the high selectivity of tandem MS, it provides the required high sensitivity and specificity. However, LC-MS is prone to matrix effects (ME) that need to be evaluated during the development and validation of methods. Furthermore, the large sample-to-sample variability, even between samples of the same species and geographic origin, needs a procedure to evaluate and control ME continuously. Here, we analyzed the toxins okadaic acid (OA), dinophysistoxins (DTX-1 and DTX-2), pectenotoxin (PTX-2), yessotoxin (YTX) and azaspiracid-1 (AZA-1). Samples were mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis), both fresh and processed, and a toxin-free mussel reference material. We developed an accurate mass-extracted ion chromatogram (AM-XIC) based quantitation method using an Orbitrap instrument, evaluated the ME for different types and extracts of mussel samples, characterized the main compounds co-eluting with the targeted molecules and quantified toxins in samples by following a standard addition method (SAM). An AM-XIC based quantitation of lipophilic toxins in mussel samples using high resolution and accuracy full scan profiles (LC-HR-MS) is a good alternative to multi reaction monitoring (MRM) for instruments with HR capabilities. ME depend on the starting sample matrix and the sample preparation. ME are particularly strong for OA and related toxins, showing values below 50% for fresh mussel samples. Results for other toxins (AZA-1, YTX and PTX-2) are between 75% and 110%. ME in unknown matrices can be evaluated by comparing their full scan LC-HR-MS profiles with those of known samples with known ME. ME can be corrected by following SAM with AM-XIC quantitation if necessary.

High Sensitivity Surface Plasmon Resonance Sensor Based on a Ge-Doped Defect and D-Shaped Microstructured Optical Fiber.

In this work a plasmonic sensor with a D-Shaped microstructured optical fiber (MOF) is proposed to detect a wide range of analyte refractive index (RI ;na) by doping the pure silica (SiO2) core with distinct concentrations of Germanium Dioxide (GeO2), causing the presentation of high spectral sensitivity. In this case, the fiber is shaped by polishing a coating of SiO2, on the region that will be doped with GeO2, in the polished area, a thin gold (Au) layer, which constitutes the plasmonic material, is introduced, followed by the analyte, in a way which the gold layer is deposited between the SiO2. and the analyte. The numerical results obtained in the study shows that the sensor can determine efficiently a range of 0.13 refractive index units (RIU), with a limit operation where na varies from 1.32 to 1.45. Within this application, the sensor has reached an average wavelength sensitivity (WS) of up to 11,650.63 nm/RIU. With this level of sensitivity, the D-Shaped format and wide range of na detection, the proposed fiber has great potential for sensing applications in several areas.

Competing pathways for photoremovable protecting groups: the effects of solvent, oxygen and encapsulation.

Extending the applications of Photoremovable Protecting Groups (PPGs) to "cage" phenols has generally met with unusually complex PPG byproducts. In this study, we demonstrate that the p-hydroxyphenacyl (pHP) cage for both simple and complex phenolics, including tyrosine, dispenses free phenols. With the simpler unsubstituted phenols, the reaction is governed by their Brønsted Leaving Group ability. On the other hand, the byproducts of the cage vary with these phenols. For the more acidic phenols the cage byproduct follows the Favorskii rearrangement to form p-hydroxyphenylacetic acid whereas for the weaker phenols other reactions such as reduction and hydrolysis begin to emerge. When the photolysis is conducted in octa acid (OA) containers, non-Favorskii, unrearranged fragments of the cage and other byproducts arise.

A Visible-Near-Infrared Light-Responsive Host-Guest Pair with Nanomolar Affinity in Water.

The discovery of stimuli-responsive high affinity host-guest pairs with potential applications under biologically relevant conditions is a challenging goal. This work reports a high-affinity 1:1 complex formed between cucurbit[8]uril and a water-soluble photochromic diarylethene derivative. It was found that, by confining the open isomer within the cavity of the receptor, a redshift in the absorption spectrum and an enhancement of the photocyclization quantum yield from Φ=0.04 to Φ=0.32 were induced. This improvement in the photochemical performance enables quantitative photocyclization with visible light that, together with the near-infrared light-induced ring-opening reaction and the 100-fold selectivity for the closed isomer, confirms this as an outstanding light-responsive affinity pair.

Supramolecular photochemistry of encapsulated caged ortho-nitrobenzyl triggers.

ortho-Nitrobenzyl (oNB) triggers have been extensively used to release various molecules of interest. However, the toxicity and reactivity of the spent chromophore, o-nitrosobenzaldehyde, remains an unaddressed difficulty. In this study we have applied the well-established supramolecular photochemical concepts to retain the spent trigger o-nitrosobenzaldehyde within the organic capsule after release of water-soluble acids and alcohols. The sequestering power of organic capsules for spent chromophores during photorelease from ortho-nitrobenzyl esters, ethers and alcohols is demonstrated with several examples.

Multifactorial explanatory model of depression in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a structural equation approach.

OBJECTIVES: Depressive symptoms are common among patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This study was aimed at developing a multifactorial explanatory model that evaluated the influence of personality traits, disease activity, perceived disease impact, and comorbidities. METHODS: This cross-sectional study used structural equation modelling estimation to analyse the associations between these dimensions, pursuing three hypotheses. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, disease impact by the Rheumatoid Arthritis Impact of Disease score, personality by the Ten Item Personality Inventory and the disease activity through the Disease Activity Score 28 joints. The influence of comorbidities was investigated by multigroup analysis. RESULTS: The final model derived from data of 254 patients presented a good fit. Disease activity had an indirect relation with depressive symptoms mediated by disease impact (ß=0.17, p<0.001), but the direct relationship between disease activity and depressive symptoms was not significant (ß=0.09; p=0.07). "Positive" personality had a strong negative direct relation with depressive symptoms as well as an indirect relationship mediated by disease impact (total effect ß=-0.61, p<0.001). The final proposed model explained 58% of the variance of depressive symptoms. Multigroup analysis showed an invariant model when comparing patients with and without comorbidities (dχ2=9.03; df=12; p=0.70). CONCLUSIONS: Personality characteristics seem to have a major influence upon the impact of disease and the patient's adjustment to RA, including the vulnerability or resilience to depression. Individual personality traits deserve attention in tailored assessment and treatment of patients with RA, in order to optimise outcomes.

Quantitative analysis of biogenic polyamines in distilled drinks by direct electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry using a nanocontainer.

RATIONALE: Biogenic polyamines in drinks have been implicated in undesirable physiological effects. Methods for their detection and quantification usually involve derivatization, pre-concentration and clean-up. To assist the evaluation of the potential risk of distillates, it was important to develop a simple and fast analytical method, which is described in this study. METHODS: Biogenic polyamines were selectively encapsulated after addition of a nanocontainer, cucurbit[7]uril (50 µM), to the distilled drink samples, which were acidified with HCl (pH 3) prior addition of the nanocontainer. The quantification of polyamines was achieved by direct infusion electrospray ionization quadrupole ion trap mass spectrometry in the multiple reaction monitoring mode, using encapsulated amantadine as internal standard, and by monitoring signals originating from their host-guest complexes. RESULTS: Six point calibration curves, ranging from 0.5 µM to 20 µM of polyamines in water and ethanol/water (50:50), were used to establish instrument response. The method was validated by analysis of fortified Arbutus spirits. Samples of Arbutus and grape pomace spirits were also analyzed. Linear responses were observed for all polyamines and were similar in water, hydro-alcoholic solutions and fortified Arbutus spirits. Putrescine the simple polyamine was detected only in grape pomace distillate samples. CONCLUSIONS: A quantitative method was developed for rapid and simple analysis of biogenic polyamines in distilled drinks. The detection limits depend on the ionization properties of the samples. Encapsulated amantadine can be used to probe these properties and method application. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Phototransformation of benzimidazole and thiabendazole inside cucurbit[8]uril.

The phototransformation of benzimidazole (BZ) and of the benzimidazole pesticide thiabendazole (TBZ) was investigated in aqueous solution in the absence and presence of the supramolecular host cucurbit[8]uril (CB8). ESI-MS and NMR reveal that both compounds form stable 1 : 2 host-guest complexes with CB8 (BZ2@CB8, TBZ2@CB8). The phototransformation of free BZ leads to dehydrodimerization, while for TBZ the photoreactivity leads to BZ, benzimidazole-2-carboximide and 2-acetylbenzimidazole. Inside CB8, BZ undergoes photohydrolysis to form 2-aminoformanilide, while for TBZ2@CB8 additional photoproducts were observed which are pH dependent. At pH 1.2 photolysis of TBZ2@CB8 leads to new red-shifted photoproducts with extended π conjugation.

Optimizing Surgical Selection for Transposition With Left Ventricular Outflow Tract Obstruction.

BACKGROUND: Studies that have assessed the Rastelli and Nikaidoh operations for transposition of the great arteries (TGA) with obstructed left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO) have not fully evaluated the anatomic drivers that may contribute to surgical selection. We present our procedural selection process for optimizing outcomes of complex TGA in the modern era. METHODS: This is a single-center, retrospective study that included pediatric patients who underwent either a Nikaidoh or Rastelli operation for the treatment of TGA-LVOTO, congenitally corrected TGA-LVOTO, or double-outlet right ventricle TGA type-LVOTO from June 2004 to June 2021. RESULTS: There were 34 patients stratified by Nikaidoh (n = 16) or Rastelli (n = 18) operation. The incidence of all postoperative complications and mortality was low, and the incidence of complications between the groups was similar. Patients were more likely to have undergone a Nikaidoh than a Rastelli if they had a pulmonary annulus >5 mm (87.5% vs 11.1%), anteriorly/posteriorly oriented great vessels (88% vs 8%), remote (80% vs 11%) or restrictive (75% vs 6%) ventricular septal defect, and right ventricular hypoplasia (50% vs 0%; all, P < .05). The resulting rates of reoperation were similar between the groups (44.0% vs 37.5%; P = .24) and largely composed of conduit replacements in the Rastelli patients and valvular repairs or replacements in the Nikaidoh group. Rates of catheter-based interventions were also similar. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that for the optimal treatment of conotruncal anomalies with discordant ventriculoarterial connections, procedural selection should be based on pathoanatomic criteria that can ensure patients undergo the operation most suited to their anatomy.

Liver transplantation after stage II palliation for hypoplastic left heart syndrome.

The association of biliary atresia (BA) with congenital heart diseases has been extensively described, and there are a number of reports on the outcomes of patients in this group who undergo liver transplantation (LT). The intraoperative management and the timing of LT for patients with end-stage liver disease are matters of debate, especially when complex heart diseases are involved. This report describes the outcome after LT for a pediatric recipient with BA and hypoplastic left heart syndrome. The patient underwent Norwood-Sano and Glenn procedures for heart palliation before LT. He was cyanotic, was severely malnourished, and had complications secondary to chronic liver failure. At the time of transplantation, the child was 16 months old and weighed 5175 g. Despite the critical clinical scenario and the long hospitalization period, there were no cardiac, vascular, or biliary complications after LT. At the age of 48 months, the patient was awaiting the final cardiac repair. In conclusion, the presence of complex cardiac malformations may not be a contraindication to LT. An experienced surgical team and a multidisciplinary approach are key to a successful outcome.

Deep-cavity cavitand octa acid as a hydrogen donor: photofunctionalization with nitrenes generated from azidoadamantanes.

1-azidoadamantane and 2-azidoadamantane form a 1:1 complex with hosts octa acid (OA) and cucurbit[7]uril (CB7) in water. Isothermal titration calorimetric measurements suggest these complexes to be very stable in aqueous solution. The complexes have been characterized by (1)H NMR in solution and by ESI-MS in gas phase. In both phases, the complexes are stable. Irradiation of these complexes (λ > 280 nm) results in nitrenes via the loss of nitrogen from the guest azidoadamantanes. The behavior of nitrenes within OA differs from that in solution. Nitrenes included within octa acid attack one of the four tertiary benzylic hydrogens present at the lower interior part of OA. While in solution intramolecular insertion is preferred, within OA intermolecular C-H insertion seems to be the choice. When azidoadamantanes included in CB7 were irradiated (λ > 280 nm) the same products as in solution resulted but the host held them tightly. Displacement of the product required the use of a higher binding guest. In this case, no intermolecular C-H insertion occurred. Difference in reactivity between OA and CB7 is the result of the location of hydrogens; in OA they are in the interior of the cavity where the nitrene is generated, and in CB7 they are at the exterior. Reactivity of nitrenes within OA is different from that of carbenes that do not react with the host.

Cooperative assembly of discrete stacked aggregates driven by supramolecular host-guest complexation.

p-Sulfonatocalix[4]arene (SC4) interacts with the aromatic dye crystal violet (CV) to form complexes with stoichiometries ranging from SC4:CV = 1:1 up to 1:5 both in solution and in the gas phase. While the 1:1 complex is of the inclusion type, as frequently observed for other guests, in the higher-order complexes the CV molecules interact with SC4 in a peripheral manner. The formation of such complexes is driven by ionic interactions established between the dye and the calixarene and by CV-CV stacking interactions. The application of an advanced fitting procedure made possible a quantitative analysis of the UV-vis data and allowed the determination of the stepwise binding constants. This unprecedented approach provides evidence that the formation of the highest-order complexes occurs through a cooperative mechanism. Moreover, the development of a quantitative analytical model enables the possibility of using this type of system for water-soluble sensing assays, as is also exemplified in the present work.

Mechanism of the antihypertensive and vasorelaxant effects of the flavonoid tiliroside in resistance arteries.

Hypertension is a leading cause of death and disability globally, and its prevalence continues to accelerate. The cardiovascular effects of the flavonoid tiliroside have never been reported. In this work, using complementary in vivo and in vitro approaches, we describe the antihypertensive effect of tiliroside and the underlying mechanisms involved in the reduction of blood pressure. Tiliroside (1, 5 or 10 mg/kg) induced a dose-dependent long-lasting decrease in blood pressure in conscious DOCA-salt hypertensive rats that was accompanied by an increased heart rate. Tiliroside also induced a concentration-dependent vasodilation of mesenteric resistance arteries precontracted with phenylephrine. Removal of the endothelium or pretreatment of the preparation with L-NAME or indomethacin did not modify the vasodilator response for tiliroside. When vessels were precontracted with a high K⁺ (50 mM) solution, tiliroside exhibited a vasodilator effect similar to that observed in vessels precontracted with phenylephrine. Experiments carried out in nominally Ca²âº-free solution showed that tiliroside antagonized CaCl2-induced contractions. Moreover, tiliroside reduced the rise in intracellular Ca²âº concentration induced by membrane depolarization in vascular smooth muscle cells. Finally, tiliroside decreased the voltage-activated peak amplitude of the L-type Ca²âº channel current in freshly dissociated vascular smooth muscle cells from mesenteric arteries. Altogether, our results point to an antihypertensive effect of tiliroside due to a reduction in peripheral resistance through blockage of voltage-activated peak amplitude of the L-type Ca²âº channel in smooth muscle cells.

Tissue accumulation of tetrodotoxin (TTX) and analogues in trumpet shell Charonia lampas.

Tetrodotoxin (TTX) is a potent neurotoxin responsible for a human intoxication event in Spain associated with the consumption of trumpet shell Charonia lampas. In Europe, TTX is not regulated or monitored, and there is little knowledge about its presence in seafood. Here, we investigated the tissue distribution of TTX and analogues in three specimens of trumpet shell C. lampas bought in a market in southern Portugal. Toxin concentration was above the EFSA recommended limit in the non-edible tissues of all specimens and within the limit in the edible tissues of two specimens. 4,9-AnhydroTTX and 13 additional TTX analogues were detected in tissues, the most abundant being anhydrotrideoxyTTX and trideoxyTTX. These results suggest that although thorough evisceration may lower the amount of TTX consumed, it may not be sufficient to ensure consumer safety. Regular monitoring of TTX and analogues in trumpet shell and other edible gastropods is therefore recommended to avoid poisoning incidents.