Photocatalytic Cellulose-Paper: Deepening in the Sustainable and Synergic Combination of Sorption and Photodegradation.

Clean water is one of the sustainable development goals set by the United Nations for 2030. The development of effective but worldwide affordable strategies is essential to guarantee this achievement. Photocatalysis technology fulfills these criteria whenever the photocatalyst is sustainable and nontoxic. In this article, a cellulose-paper modified with a polyamide-titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanocomposite by dip-coating is evaluated to degrade estrogens efficiently under solar light. The study deepens on the synergic combination of the sorptive capacity of the polyamide and the activity of TiO2. The photocatalytic performance was studied under artificial and sunlight in a miniaturized experimental setup (batch of six reactors). Also, the effects of the dispersed/immobilized catalyst, irradiation time, and adsorption evaluation were studied under kinetic conditions. The photocatalyst composition, considering the polyamide (nylon-6) and TiO2 amounts and the dipping cycles, was studied by a response surface methodology, and the reusability of the photocatalytic cellulose-paper was investigated. The LED source provided removal efficiencies of 65, 62, and 52% (for estrone, 17ß-estradiol, and estriol, respectively) after 420 min of light exposure. Under sunlight, the efficiency increased up to 99.5% for estrone and 17ß-estradiol and 98.5% for estriol after 180 min of irradiation. The sustainable character of the cellulosic substrate, the low toxicity of the nanocomposite ingredients, and its performance under sunlight make the material attractive for in-field application.

A proof-of-concept of parallel single-drop microextraction for the rapid and sensitive biomonitoring of pesticides in urine.

In this study, a lab-made parallel single-drop microextraction methodology using the magnetic ionic liquid trihexyltetradecylphosphonium tetrachloromanganate (II) as extraction solvent was developed to determine the pesticides tebuconazole, pendimethalin, dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane, and dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene in human urine samples. The experimental setup consisted of a 96-well plate system containing a set of magnetic pins that allowed for the manipulation of up to 96 samples simultaneously, providing an enhanced drop stability compared to traditional single-drop microextraction approaches. The optimal conditions employed 5.38 ± 0.55 mg of extraction solvent, 1.5 mL of diluted urine samples (1:10), extraction time of 130 min, and subsequent dilution in 20 µL of acetonitrile. The method exhibited satisfactory analytical performance, with limits of detection of 7.5 µg/L for all analytes and coefficients of determination higher than 0.9955. Intraday and interday precisions ranged from 3 to 17% (n = 3) and 15 to 18% (n = 9), respectively, with relative recovery of analytes ranging from 70 to 122%. The method proposed was successfully applied in two human urine samples and no sign of the analytes was detected. The results demonstrated that the proposed method allowed for cost-effective and high-throughput methodology to be explored as a valuable tool in bioanalytical applications.

High-throughput approach for the in situ generation of magnetic ionic liquids in parallel-dispersive droplet extraction of organic micropollutants in aqueous environmental samples.

In this work, a novel and high-throughput parallel-dispersive droplet extraction (Pa-DDE) based on in situ formation of the hydrophobic MILs ([Co(C4IM)4+2]2[NTf2-], [Ni(C4IM)4+2]2[NTf2-] and [Ni(BeIM)4+2]2[NTf2-]) is demonstrated, for the first time, for the determination of benzophenone, metolachlor, triclocarban, pendimethalin, 4-methylbenzylidene camphor, and 2-ethylhexyl-4-methoxycinnamate from aqueous environmental samples. This experimental setup is comprised of a 96-well plate system containing a set of magnetic pins which were used to collect the MIL droplet after in situ formation. This consolidated system enabled simultaneous extraction of up to 96 samples and MIL production in one step. Using this apparatus, sample preparation times of 0.78 min per sample was achieved. The experimental conditions were carefully optimized using uni and multivariate approaches. The optimal conditions were comprised of sample volume of 1.25 mL, 4 mg of [Co(C4IM)4+2]2[Cl-] and 40 µL of LiNTf2 for the in situ formation, and dilution in 20 µL of acetonitrile. The analytical parameters of merit were successfully determined with LODs ranging from 7.5 to 25 µg L-1 and coefficients of determination higher than 0.989. Intraday and interday precision ranged from 6.4 to 20.6% (n = 3) and 11.6-22.9% (n = 9), respectively, with analyte relative recovery ranging between 53.9 and 129.1%.

Designing a green device to BAµE: Recycled cork pellet as extraction phase for the determination of parabens in river water samples.

This study reports a novel and environmentally friendly method based on bar adsorptive microextraction (BAµE) with cork pellet as extraction phase for the determination of methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben and butylparaben in river water samples. This natural approach consists of a cork pellet recycled from wine stoppers used as biosorbent material to replace the traditional BAµE device. The analytical determinations were performed using a high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detector (HPLC-DAD). Parameters such as type of desorption solvent, desorption and extraction time, sample pH and ionic strength were carefully optimized through univariate and multivariate approaches. Cork pellets of 15 mm length were inserted into vials containing 15 mL of water sample adjusted at pH 3 and 25% (w/v) of NaCl. The extraction step was carried out under agitation for 45 min followed by liquid desorption with 120 µL of methanol:acetonitrile (1:1 v/v) for 30 min. Satisfactory analytical performance was obtained with coefficients of determination ranging from 0.9921 for methylparaben to 0.9994 for propylparaben; intraday precision ranged from 6.7 to 18.3%, and interday precision varied from 7.2 to 20.0%. Accuracy was assessed through relative recovery assays and varied from 53 to 124%.

A straightforward and semiautomated membrane-based method as efficient tool for the determination of cocaine and its metabolites in urine samples using liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole time-of-flight-mass spectrometry.

In this study, a novel and straightforward analytical methodology was proposed for the determination of cocaine (COC) and its main metabolites benzoylecgonine (BZE) cocaethylene (CE) and hydroxy­cocaine (COCOH) in urine samples. This approach consisted of a high-throughput and semiautomated configuration based on hollow-fiber renewal liquid membrane extraction (HFRLM) coupled to a 96-well plate system, which was proposed for the first time to analyze complex biological samples such as urine. The analytical determinations were performed using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole time-of-flight-mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-QTOF-MS). The analytical methodology was fully optimized through Doehlert and simplex-centroid designs, and univariate approaches. Polypropylene membranes of 1 cm length were inserted in the pins of an extraction blade combined with a 96-well plate system and its pores were filled with hexane:dichloromethane:ethyl acetate (1:1:1 v/v/v) for 180 s; moreover, 20 µL of this mixture was added to the sample to allow for a renewable liquid membrane. The extraction step was carried out by keeping the blades immersed in vials containing 1.5 mL of diluted urine adjusted at pH 10 with 10% (w/v) of Na2CO3 during 20 min, followed by liquid desorption with 100 µL of acetonitrile. Finally, the extract was dried under N2 stream and resuspended with 20 µL of ultrapure water. Satisfactory analytical performance was obtained with coefficients of determination ranging from 0.9875 for BZE to 0.9986 for CE; intra-day precision ranged from 1.6 to 13.5%, and inter-day precision varied from 2.2 to 17.5%. Limits of detection ranged from 1.5 to 15.1 ng mL-1, and limits of quantification varied from 5 to 50 ng mL-1, with relative recoveries varied from 70.7 to 124.1%.

A high throughput approach to rotating-disk sorptive extraction (RDSE) using laminar cork for the simultaneous determination of multiclass organic micro-pollutants in aqueous sample by GC-MS.

In this study, a high throughput approach to rotating-disk sorptive extraction (RDSE) using laminar cork as extraction phase is demonstrated for the first time in the determination of 20 multiclass organic micro-pollutants including pesticides, PAHs and UV filters compounds from aqueous samples with gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The influencing parameters (desorption solvent, volume and time, extraction time and sample pH and ionic strength) were carefully optimized using multivariate designs. The optimal conditions were 10 min for extraction using 35 mL of water samples and a liquid desorption using 1 mL of MeOH:AcOEt (50:50% v/v) for 20 min. A low-cost apparatus that allows six extractions simultaneously, providing a high throughput of 5 min per sample turnaround times, considering the sample preparation step was used for the first time in this modified RDSE methodology. Satisfactory analytical performance was achieved with limits of detection (LOD) between 0.08 and 1.5 µg L-1 and limits of quantification (LOQ) between 0.3 and 4.8 µg L-1. The relative recoveries for the analytes were determined using river and lake water samples spiked at different concentrations and ranging from 80% to 119% for all analytes, with relative standard deviations (RSD) lower than 20%. The extraction efficiency obtained for the proposed configuration with laminar cork was significantly superior to powdered cork, demonstrating an interesting new configuration for new applications.

Single drop microextraction in a 96-well plate format: A step toward automated and high-throughput analysis.

In this study, an innovative and high-throughput parallel-single-drop microextraction (Pa-SDME) using the [P6,6,6,14+]2[MnCl42-] magnetic ionic liquid (MIL) as extraction phase is demonstrated, for the first time, in the determination of methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, bisphenol A, butylparaben, benzophenone and triclocarban from environmental aqueous samples. This experimental setup comprised of a 96-well plate system containing a set of magnetic pins which aided in stabilizing the MIL drops and enabled the simultaneous extraction of up to 96 samples. Using this low-cost experimental apparatus, the sample throughput was lower than 1 min per sample. This novel approach exhibits a number of advantages over classical SDME approaches, particularly in maintaining a stable solvent microdrop and facilitating high-throughput analysis. Experimental conditions were carefully optimized using one-factor-at-a-time and multivariate designs. The optimal conditions employed 5.38 ±â€¯0.55 mg (n = 10) of MIL, a sample volume of 1.5 mL at pH 6, and dilution in 20 µL of acetonitrile. The analytical parameters of merit were determined under the optimized conditions and highly satisfactory results were achieved, with LODs ranging from 1.5 to 3 µg L-1 and coefficients of determination higher than 0.994. Intraday and interday precision ranged from 0.6 to 21.3% (n = 3) and 10.4-20.2% (n = 9), respectively, with analyte relative recovery in three aqueous samples ranging between 63% and 126%.

Expanding the applicability of cork as extraction phase for disposable pipette extraction in multiresidue analysis of pharmaceuticals in urine samples.

In this paper, cork is proposed as a natural and renewable material for the extraction phase in disposable pipette extraction to be applied in the multiresidue determination of pharmaceuticals in human urine by HPLC with diode array detection. The compounds carbamazepine, losartan, ketoprofen, 17­ß­estradiol, naproxen, diazepam, 17­α­ethinylestradiol, estrone, diclofenac and ibuprofen were studied. A known amount (5 mg) of cork, with a size of 200 mesh, was inserted into a pipette tip. The method optimization was carried out with univariate and multivariate approaches. The optimized conditions were sample pH adjusted to 3, urine dilution factor of 40 (158 µL of urine diluted in 6.142 mL of ultrapure water), 9 extraction cycles each performed with 700 µL of sample, and extraction time of 10 s per cycle. Desorption was performed with 85 µL of methanol applying 6 cycles of 10 s each using the same solvent aliquot. For the clean-up step, 4 cycles were carried out each with 200 µL of methanol. The limits of quantification varied from 5 to 10 µg L-1 with determination coefficients higher than 0.9919 for the calibration curves for all the analytes. Intra-day and inter-day precision and relative recovery from urine samples donated by two volunteers were assessed based on three spiked concentrations. The analyte relative recoveries ranged from 65 to 117% (n = 3) for the two samples. Intra-day precision ranged from 1.2 to 17% (n = 3) and inter-day precision varied from 11 to 21% (n = 9).

Low-cost approach to increase the analysis throughput of bar adsorptive microextraction (BAµE) combined with environmentally-friendly renewable sorbent phase of recycled diatomaceous earth.

In this study, a novel apparatus for bar adsorptive microextraction (BAµE) using a voltage regulator was proposed as an alternative tool to improve the analysis throughput. In addition, recycled diatomaceous earth obtained as a brewery residue was employed as a biosorbent coating for the determination of methyl paraben, ethyl paraben, benzophenone and triclocarban in water samples by high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection (HPLC-DAD). The use of the extraction devices, comprised of floating adsorptive bars of 7.5mm length, in the extractions with magnetic stirrers linked to a voltage regulator enabled the analysis of multiple samples, simultaneously. The method optimization was carried out by univariate and multivariate analyses. The optimal conditions for the method were sample solution at pH 5, extraction time of 90min and liquid desorption in 100µL of acetonitrile:methanol (50:50, v/v) for 15min. The total sample preparation time was 17.5min per sample for a simultaneous batch of six extractions. The R2 values for the calibration curves obtained were higher than 0.9985. The limits of detection (LODs) varied from 0.19 to 2µgL-1 and the limits of quantification (LOQs) ranged from 0.63 to 6.9µgL-1. The method was applied to freshwater samples collected from Peri Lagoon (Florianópolis, SC, Brazil) and the relative recoveries ranged from 63% to 124% with relative standard deviations (RSDs) of < 20% (n = 2). The RSD values for the reproducibility of the performance of the magnetic stirrers and inter-device extraction efficiency were lower than 14% (n = 3) and 11% (n = 3), respectively.

Speech-language therapy to elderly patients in a health care network in Florianópolis: a health surveillance initiative. / O cuidado ao idoso do ponto de vista fonoaudiológico na rede assistencial em saúde de Florianópolis: uma ação de vigilância em saúde.

PURPOSE: To investigate aspects of health care provided to the elderly, as a way to undertake health surveillance initiatives. METHODS: Cross-sectional quantitative study with elderly people who participate in health promotion groups in health centers at Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil. Surveys were conducted on aspects relative to comprehensive health care provision, namely, records of the Family Health Strategy, diagnosis, awareness of initiatives to treat non-communicable diseases, as well as awareness of related risks and complications. A descriptive statistical analysis was performed of the profile and perception of elderly patients about comprehensive health care. RESULTS: Were interviewed 58 elderly patients; 94.83% of them reported having Arterial Hypertension (AH); 44.83%, Diabetes Mellitus (DM) and 39.66% reported having both comorbidities. Only a small part of the participants was aware of initiatives promoted by health centers for treatment of AH and DM; thus, there is little participation of the elderly in such initiatives. It was found that these patients still have limited awareness of the risks of not treating chronic Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs). CONCLUSION: The population's lack of awareness of primary health care initiatives and low adherence must be addressed by primary health care policies. Importantly, awareness-raising proposals that seek to integrate health promotion and disease prevention may bring comprehensive health care provision to the elderly, thus strengthening health surveillance initiatives.

OBJETIVO: Verificar aspectos relacionados ao cuidado na atenção à saúde do idoso, como forma de efetivar ações de vigilância em saúde. MÉTODO: Estudo quantitativo transversal com idosos participantes de grupos de promoção da saúde em Centros de Saúde de Florianópolis, SC, que apresentam Hipertensão Arterial (HA) e/ou Diabetes Mellitus (DM). Foram conduzidos inquéritos que permitiram verificar aspectos relacionados ao cuidado integral à saúde, desde cadastro na Estratégia de Saúde Família, diagnóstico, conhecimento de ações voltadas a estes agravos, assim como conhecimento quanto aos riscos e complicações. Foi realizada uma análise estatística descritiva quanto ao perfil e percepção dos idosos no que se refere à integralidade do cuidado. RESULTADOS: Foram entrevistados 58 idosos, destes, 94,83% referiram HA, 44,83%, DM e 39,66% relataram ambas as comorbidades. Pequena parcela dos participantes conhece ações promovidas pelos centros de saúde relacionadas à HA e ao DM, configurando pouca participação de idosos nessas atividades. Com relação ao conhecimento quanto aos riscos da falta de controle destas Doenças Crônicas Não Transmissíveis (DCNT), observa-se conhecimento, ainda que limitado. CONCLUSÃO: O desconhecimento da população quanto às ações na atenção primária, assim como a baixa adesão, deve compor a agenda de planejamento em saúde da atenção primária. Da mesma forma, propostas educativas incorporando ações de promoção e prevenção da saúde representam efetivação do cuidado integral ao idoso, contribuindo para as ações de vigilância em saúde.

Strategies used for the promotion of critical thinking in nursing undergraduate education: A systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: Identifying the strategies used to promote critical thinking (CT) during undergraduate education in nursing courses. DESIGN: Systematic review. SOURCE OF DATA: Five electronic databases were searched without language, publication time or geographic filters. METHOD: A systematic review of the literature. Including experimental studies that considered at least one teaching strategy to promote critical thinking of undergraduate students in Nursing courses. The search for studies occurred in three phases: title and summary review, complete text and implementation of a clinical form of selection according to predetermined criteria. All included studies were assessed for quality through a classification tool for experimental studies. RESULTS: Six studies were selected. The results were grouped into three key themes: an evaluation of the quality of the selected studies, characterization of the studies and the strategies used to promote critical thinking. All selected studies were in English, with significant conceptual similarity of Critical Thinking and dominance in choosing the approached theme during strategies in clinical nursing education with an emphasis on the nursing process. CONCLUSIONS: The most widely used teaching intervention was Problem-Based Learning. Nursing education mediated by strategies that stimulate CT is considered a positive difference in undergraduate curriculums.

O cuidado ao idoso do ponto de vista fonoaudiológico na rede assistencial em saúde de Florianópolis: uma ação de vigilância em saúde / Speech-language therapy to elderly patients in a health care network in Florianópolis: a health surveillance initiative

RESUMO Objetivo Verificar aspectos relacionados ao cuidado na atenção à saúde do idoso, como forma de efetivar ações de vigilância em saúde. Método Estudo quantitativo transversal com idosos participantes de grupos de promoção da saúde em Centros de Saúde de Florianópolis, SC, que apresentam Hipertensão Arterial (HA) e/ou Diabetes Mellitus (DM). Foram conduzidos inquéritos que permitiram verificar aspectos relacionados ao cuidado integral à saúde, desde cadastro na Estratégia de Saúde Família, diagnóstico, conhecimento de ações voltadas a estes agravos, assim como conhecimento quanto aos riscos e complicações. Foi realizada uma análise estatística descritiva quanto ao perfil e percepção dos idosos no que se refere à integralidade do cuidado. Resultados Foram entrevistados 58 idosos, destes, 94,83% referiram HA, 44,83%, DM e 39,66% relataram ambas as comorbidades. Pequena parcela dos participantes conhece ações promovidas pelos centros de saúde relacionadas à HA e ao DM, configurando pouca participação de idosos nessas atividades. Com relação ao conhecimento quanto aos riscos da falta de controle destas Doenças Crônicas Não Transmissíveis (DCNT), observa-se conhecimento, ainda que limitado. Conclusão O desconhecimento da população quanto às ações na atenção primária, assim como a baixa adesão, deve compor a agenda de planejamento em saúde da atenção primária. Da mesma forma, propostas educativas incorporando ações de promoção e prevenção da saúde representam efetivação do cuidado integral ao idoso, contribuindo para as ações de vigilância em saúde.

ABSTRACT Purpose To investigate aspects of health care provided to the elderly, as a way to undertake health surveillance initiatives. Methods Cross-sectional quantitative study with elderly people who participate in health promotion groups in health centers at Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil. Surveys were conducted on aspects relative to comprehensive health care provision, namely, records of the Family Health Strategy, diagnosis, awareness of initiatives to treat non-communicable diseases, as well as awareness of related risks and complications. A descriptive statistical analysis was performed of the profile and perception of elderly patients about comprehensive health care. Results Were interviewed 58 elderly patients; 94.83% of them reported having Arterial Hypertension (AH); 44.83%, Diabetes Mellitus (DM) and 39.66% reported having both comorbidities. Only a small part of the participants was aware of initiatives promoted by health centers for treatment of AH and DM; thus, there is little participation of the elderly in such initiatives. It was found that these patients still have limited awareness of the risks of not treating chronic Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs). Conclusion The population's lack of awareness of primary health care initiatives and low adherence must be addressed by primary health care policies. Importantly, awareness-raising proposals that seek to integrate health promotion and disease prevention may bring comprehensive health care provision to the elderly, thus strengthening health surveillance initiatives.