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AbstractThe presence of arsenic (As) in drinking water represents a public health concern due to its high toxicity. Determining arsenic by total reflection X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (TXRF) requires the separation of its matrix and subsequent preconcentration, due to the low concentrations allowed in water quality standards for human consumption. The present study describes a method to determine As in drinking water by TXRF, proposing its capture on copper (Cu) films. A simple “in situ” concentration of As directly on the reflector is performed, enabling the elimination of the sample matrix and facilitating the As extraction to the Cu film. These promising results warrant further research to evaluate the procedure’s efficiency and validation, potentially establishing this as a routine method for low-concentration As determination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Faecal occult blood test (FOBT) has demonstrated effectiveness in colorectal cancer (CRC) screening. Faecal calprotectin (FC) has proven efficient for evaluating activity in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), but its value in CRC detection is less established. Most symptomatic patients have benign pathologies, but still undergo colonoscopy in many settings. Aims: To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy and cost-effectiveness of the combination of FOBT plus FC in symptomatic patients. Methods: Patients who completed colonic investigations and returned stool samples, on which FOBT and FC were performed, were recruited prospectively. CRC, advanced adenoma, IBD and angiodysplasia were considered as relevant pathologies. Results: A total of 404 patients were included, of whom 87 (21.5%) had relevant pathologies. Sensitivity and specificity were 50.6% and 69.6% for FOBT, 78.2% and 54.4% for FC. Negative predictive value (NPV) was 90.1% for FC and 86.9% for FOBT. NPV for the combination of FOBT and FC was 94.1%, with a sensitivity and specificity of 88.5% and 50.3%. The area under ROC (receiver operator curve) (AUC) was 0.741 for FOBT, 0.736 for FC and 0.816 for the combination. The total cost for visits and procedures was €233,016 (€577/patient). Using a combination of FOBT and FC as pre-endoscopic tool allows colonoscopies to be reduced by 39.4%, reducing total costs by 20.5%. Conclusion: The combination of FOBT and FC has a better diagnostic accuracy compared with each test alone. Performing both tests before colonoscopy is a less costly and more effective strategy, reducing unnecessary procedures and complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Faecal occult blood test (FOBT) has demonstrated effectiveness in colorectal cancer (CRC) screening. Faecal calprotectin (FC) has proven efficient for evaluating activity in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), but its value in CRC detection is less established. Most symptomatic patients have benign pathologies, but still undergo colonoscopy in many settings. Aims: To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy and cost-effectiveness of the combination of FOBT plus FC in symptomatic patients. Methods: Patients who completed colonic investigations and returned stool samples, on which FOBT and FC were performed, were recruited prospectively. CRC, advanced adenoma, IBD and angiodysplasia were considered as relevant pathologies. Results: A total of 404 patients were included, of whom 87 (21.5%) had relevant pathologies. Sensitivity and specificity were 50.6% and 69.6% for FOBT, 78.2% and 54.4% for FC. Negative predictive value (NPV) was 90.1% for FC and 86.9% for FOBT. NPV for the combination of FOBT and FC was 94.1%, with a sensitivity and specificity of 88.5% and 50.3%. The area under ROC (receiver operator curve) (AUC) was 0.741 for FOBT, 0.736 for FC and 0.816 for the combination. The total cost for visits and procedures was €233,016 (€577/patient). Using a combination of FOBT and FC as pre-endoscopic tool allows colonoscopies to be reduced by 39.4%, reducing total costs by 20.5%. Conclusion: The combination of FOBT and FC has a better diagnostic accuracy compared with each test alone. Performing both tests before colonoscopy is a less costly and more effective strategy, reducing unnecessary procedures and complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silicon, while not an essential element, is known to have positive roles in certain vegetable species. For instance, it has been recognized to protect them from biotic and abiotic stress. Due to the fact that certain species accumulate the aforementioned element in their tissues, the determination of its concentration is of importance in different disciplines, such as dendrology, plant physiology, forest management, agroecology, and also in the wood industry. Usually, its quantification is preceded by a series of digestion steps that, aside from been time-consuming, and contamination-prone, prevents from conducting a spatial distribution of the element on the sample. In this research, samples of Pinus radiata wood were studied using a synchrotron radiation source that allowed direct scanning of its surface without any treatment, and the determination of silicon as a function of the position and the tree rings, using micro X-ray fluorescence (µXRF). A quantification method based in the fundamental parameters approach was evaluated. It was found that silicon concentration increases near the latewood ring zones, showing a periodical behavior, related to seasonal environmental events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The performance of the methods of digestion, dry ash (DVS) and microwave assisted (DAAM) were evaluated in the analysis of sugar cane leaf samples (Saccharum Officinarum L.). The usual laboratory detection techniques were also evaluated (P: visible molecular absorption spectrometry (UV-VIS); K: emission atomic spectrometry (AES); Ca, Mg, Cu, Zn: Flame atomic absorption spectrometry) respect to the Total reflection X ray fluorescence technique (TXRF), for the results obtained by the two digestion methods. The accuracy and precision were determined using two certified samples, vegetable tissue N°6 and 11 (Comisión de Normalización y Acreditación - Sociedad Chilena de la Ciencia del Suelo). The determination of P reported higher results by TXRF respect to UV-VIS in the sugar cane foliar samples. The methods of digestion showed accurate and precise results for Ca when using FAAS or TXRF. For Zn and Cu deviations and variances, associated to the low sample concentration and relation to reagent blank were found. In general, accuracy and precision are related mainly to the concentration range of each element in samples, and to quantification limit. Regarding to the analytical performance, no significant differences were found for both digestion methods. The detection by TXRF presents a lower analytical efficiency in accuracy and precision, but a better performance in analysis time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The WASP 7.4 model was applied to the Tumaque basin (Lara and Yaracuy states, Venezuela), to evaluate contaminant dispersion. The geographical characterization of the basin was made considering spot and diffuse sources for sampling points with the aid of Google Earth. Physical, chemical and biological characterization of the waters was carried out. For the hydrodinamic model, the water body was divided into 12 cells. The calibration was performed using two tracers: total dissolved solids and chlorides. The differences between determined and predicted values was 6% when dissolved solids is used as a tracer for the control point at Entrada al Eneal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The onion ( Allium cepa L.) is one of the most important cultivars in the world and its production level occupies the second place in Venezuela. It becomes important to develop analytical procedures for arsenic determination and to study the effect of this element on the cultures, as well the absorption, transport and translocation processes. A TXRF method for As determination in onions was developed. Two treatments were applied to the onion plants, As contaminated and control. The contaminant was added to the plants to an amount of 100 μg, in a single time 3 weeks after the transplant of plantlets. The green leaves bulbs, and roots together with the stems were separated 45 days after transplant and analyzed by TXRF and HG-AAS for total Arsenic determination. A good agreement was found between these two techniques, demonstrating the accuracy of the TXRF procedure. It was found that the highest concentration corresponded to the root and stems (37 ± 31 μg g), followed by the bulbs (11 ± 7 μg g), being the smallest level found in the green leaves (4 ± 3 μg g). At low As contamination levels of 0.25 μg g, a risk for translocation of the toxic element to the edible parts of the onion plants exists. At this level the normal development of the plant is not affected, being the only exception the root length, which is significantly higher in the contaminated treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The determination of arsenic in water samples requires techniques of high sensitivity. Total Reflection X-Ray Fluorescence (TXRF) allows the determination but a prior separation and pre-concentration procedure is necessary. Alumina is a suitable substrate for the selective separation of the analytes. A method for separation and pre-concentration in alumina, followed by direct analysis of the alumina is evaluated. Quantification was performed using the Al–Kα and Co–Kα lines as internal standard in samples prepared on an alumina matrix, and compared to a calibration with aqueous standards. Artificial water samples of As (III) and As (V) were analyzed after the treatment. Fifty milliliters of the sample at ppb concentration levels were mixed with 10mg of alumina. The pH, time and temperature were controlled. The alumina was separated from the slurry by centrifugation, washed with de-ionized water and analyzed directly on the sample holder. A pre-concentration factor of 100 was found, with detection limit of 0.7μgL− 1. The percentage of recovery was 98% for As (III) and 95% for As (V) demonstrating the suitability of the procedure. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The use of vermicompost as adsorbent substrate for removing Pb, Ni, V and Cr from waste waters is proposed. In this work, after a preliminary physical and chemical characterization of the vermicompost, the optimal parameters for the heavy metal adsorption were obtained. A synthetic multielemental solution of Pb, Cr and Ni and a solution of NH4VO3 for vanadium were evaluated. The optimized parameters were pH, vermicompost mass to volume ratio, agitation time and particle size of the adsorbent. A batch system was employed for the assays. The elements were determined in the supernatant solution after filtration of the substrate. An optimal pH of 4.5 was found for ion removal. The agitation time slightly influences the adsorption of Pb and Cr, but it has a high influence on the Ni and V adsorption. The highest adsorption and removal of the metals was observed for a vermicompost mass of 2 g per 500 mL using a particle size between 75 to 841 µm for Pb, Cr and Ni, and 841 till 1192 µm for V. The mean removal percentage for each element is around 95% for Pb. Ni and Cr in the multielemental synthetic sample, demonstrating a high removal capacity of the substrate. For V it was found a removal efficiency of 50%. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A flow injection analysis (FIA) method was developed for the determination of pyruvate in onion cultivars (Allium cepa L.) from the West-Center region of Venezuela. The reference Schwimmer and Weston (1961) (J. Agric. Food Chem. 9 (1961) 301) Batch method was modified and adapted to FIA conditions. The formation kinetic of the 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine (DNPH)–pyruvate complex was evaluated at room temperature and at 37 °C. It was demonstrated the suitability of the chromopher formation at room temperature. The optimal values for the FIA parameters were: sample injection volume 3 mL, flow rate 6 mL min-1, reactor length 1.5 m, sodium hydroxide concentration 1.0 mol L-1 and hydrochloric acid concentration 0.5 mol L-1. The working calibration range was extended from 80 mg L-1 (Batch method) to 700 mg L-1 with the FIA set up. The sample dilution step is thus avoided, simplifying the whole analysis process. The pungency in representative samples of the cultivars Yellow granex 438, Ultra Hybrid and Red onion “Sangre de Toro” was evaluated by the flow injection analysis (FIA)–pyruvate method and the results were compared to the reference Batch pyruvate method and to the taste panel test. Non-significant differences were found at the 95% of confidence level between the FIA method and the Batch reference method. Correlation coefficient when comparing the FIA results to the taste panel test was r2 = 0.8353. Significant differences (P < 0.05) were found in the pungency of the cultivars, the Ultra Hybrid having the highest pungency. The pungency order from minor to major was: Red onion, Texas Grano 438 and Ultra Hybrid. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The technique of total reflection X-ray fluorescence (TXRF) is well suited for the direct analysis of biological samples due to the low matrix interferences and simultaneous multi-element nature. Nevertheless, biological organic samples are frequently analysed after digestion procedures. The direct determination of analytes requires shorter analysis time, low reactive consumption and simplifies the whole analysis process. On the other hand, the biological/clinical samples are often available in minimal amounts and routine studies require the analysis of large number of samples. To overcome the difficulties associated with the analysis of organic samples, particularly of solid ones, different procedures of sample preparation and calibration to approach the direct analysis have been evaluated: (1) slurry sampling, (2) Compton peak standardization, (3) in situ microwave digestion, (4) in situ chemical modification and (5) direct analysis with internal standardization. Examples of analytical methods developed by our research group are discussed. Some of them have not been previously published, illustrating alternative strategies for coping with various problems that may be encountered in the direct analysis by total reflection X-ray fluorescence spectrometry. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Iron, copper, zinc and selenium were determined directly in serum samples from healthy individuals (n=33) and cancer patients (n=27) by total reflection X-ray fluorescence spectrometry using the Compton peak as internal standard [L.M. Marcó P. et al., Spectrochim. Acta Part B 54 (1999) 1469–1480]. The standardized concentrations of these elements were used as input data for two-layer artificial neural networks trained with the generalized delta rule in order to classify such individuals according to their health status. Various artificial neural networks, comprising a linear function in the input layer, a hyperbolic tangent function in the hidden layer and a sigmoid function in the output layer, were evaluated for such a purpose. Of the networks studied, the (4:4:1) gave the highest estimation (98%) and prediction rates (94%). The latter demonstrates the potential of the total reflection X-ray fluorescence spectrometry/artificial neural network approach in clinical chemistry. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A simple procedure for the determination of manganese in different sections of human brain samples by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry has been developed. Brain sections included cerebellum, hypothalamus, frontal cortex, vermix and encephalic trunk. Two sample preparation procedures were evaluated, namely, slurry sampling and microwave-assisted acid digestion. Brain slurries (2% w/v) could be prepared in distilled, de-ionized water, with good stability for up to 30 min. Brain samples were also digested in a domestic microwave oven using 5 ml of concentrated HNO3. A mixed palladium+magnesium nitrate chemical modifier was used for thermal stabilization of the analyte in the electrothermal atomizer up to pyrolysis temperatures of 1300 °C, irrespective of the matrix. Quantitation of manganese was conducted in both cases by means of aqueous standards calibration. The detection limits were 0.3 and 0.4 ng ml−1 for the slurry and the digested samples, respectively. The accuracy of the procedure was checked by comparing the results obtained in the analysis of slurries and digested brain samples, and by analysis of the NIST Bovine Liver standard reference material (SRM 1577a). The ease of slurry preparation, together with the conventional set of analytical and instrumental conditions selected for the determination of manganese make such methodology suitable for routine clinical applications. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Simple Summary: Gastrointestinal symptoms are a common reason for endoscopic referral. Symptoms alone are unreliable predictors of colorectal cancer (CRC), but as CRC prognosis relies mainly in an early diagnosis, many of these patients undergo colonoscopy. Therefore, most colonoscopies performed in this setting are normal, exposing these patients to endoscopy-related risks and increasing the workload of endoscopic units. This work analyses a point-of-care (POC) qualitative faecal test that simultaneously detect four biomarkers, comparing it with a quantitative occult blood and calprotectin tests, in stool samples of symptomatic patients referred for colonoscopy. Our results indicate that the POC test may be a useful strategy to triage symptomatic patients, as patients with a negative result in the four biomarkers have a low probability of relevant pathology (94.8–100% for CRC). Moreover, a positive result in the four biomarkers was associated with high risk of serious pathology (70.6% were diagnosed with CRC or inflammatory bowel disease). Most colonoscopies performed to evaluate gastrointestinal symptoms detect only non-relevant pathologies. We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of a qualitative point-of-care (POC) test combining four biomarkers (haemoglobin, transferrin, calprotectin, and lactoferrin), a quantitative faecal immunochemical test (FIT) for haemoglobin, and a quantitative faecal calprotectin (FC) test in symptomatic patients prospectively recruited. Colorectal cancer (CRC), adenoma requiring surveillance, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), microscopic colitis, and angiodysplasia were considered significant pathologies. A total of 571 patients were included. Significant pathology was diagnosed in 118 (20.7%), including 30 CRC cases (5.3%). The POC test yielded the highest negative predictive values: 94.8% for a significant pathology and 100% for CRC or IBD if the four markers turned negative (36.8% of the patients). Negative predictive values of FIT, FC, and its combination for diagnosis of a significant pathology were 88.4%, 87.6%, and 90.8%, respectively. Moreover, the positive predictive value using the POC test was 82.3% for significant pathology when all biomarkers tested positive (6% of the patients), with 70.6% of these patients diagnosed with CRC or IBD. The AUC of the POC test was 0.801 (95%CI 0.754-0.848) for the diagnosis of a significant pathology. Therefore, this POC faecal test allows the avoidance of unnecessary colonoscopies and prioritizes high risk symptomatic patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long COVID syndrome has emerged as a long-lasting consequence of acute SARS-CoV-2 infection in adults. In addition, children may be affected by Long COVID, with potential clinical issues in different fields, including problems in school performance and daily activities. Yet, the pathophysiologic bases of Long COVID in children are largely unknown, and it is difficult to predict who will develop the syndrome. In this multidisciplinary clinical review, we summarise the latest scientific data regarding Long COVID and its impact on children. Special attention is given to diagnostic tests, in order to help the physicians to find potential disease markers and quantify impairment. Specifically, we assess the respiratory, upper airways, cardiac, neurologic and motor and psychological aspects. Finally, we also propose a multidisciplinary clinical approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple quantification of silicon is described, in woods such as Pinus Insigne Dougl obtained from the 8th region of Bío-Bío, 37°15″ South-73°19″ West, Chile. The samples were prepared through fractional calcination, and the ashes were directly analyzed by total reflection X-ray fluorescence (TXRF) technique. The analysis of 16 samples that were calcined is presented. The samples were weighed on plastic reflectors in a microbalance with sensitivity of 0.1 µg. Later, the samples were irradiated in a TXRF PICOFOX spectrometer, for 350 and 700 s. To each sample, cobalt was added as an internal standard. Concentrations of silicon over the 1 % in each sample and the self-absorption effect on the quantification were observed, in masses higher than 100 μg. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The potentiality of portable instrumentation lies on the possibility of the in situ determinations. Sampling, packaging and transport of samples from the site to the laboratory are avoided and the analysis becomes non destructive at all. However, detection limits for light elements are, in most cases, a limitation for quantification purposes. In this work a comparison between the results obtained with an X ray fluorescence spectrometer laboratory based and a portable instrument is performed. A set of 76 obsidian archaeological specimens from northwest Patagonia, Argentina was used to carry out the study. Samples were collected in the area of the middle and high basin of the Limay River. The analytical information obtained with both instrumentations was complemented with Principal Component Analysis in order to define groups and identify provenance sources. The information from both instruments allows arriving to the same conclusion about sample provenance and mobility of hunter-gatherer groups. Three groups of sources were identified in both cases matching with the geographical information. Also, same sets of outlier samples or not associated to these sources were found. Artifact samples were associated mainly to the closest sources, but some of them are related to sources located more than three hundred kilometers, evidencing the large mobility of the hunter-gatherers by the obsidian interchange. No significant differences between concentrations values obtained by laboratory based instrument and portable one were found. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study the removal of arsenic by the Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) and Lesser Duckweed (Lemna minor) was monitored under a concentration of 0.15mgL−1 of the element. Plant densities were 1kg/m2 for Lesser Duckweed and 4kg/m2 for Water Hyacinth on a wet basis. The arsenic was determined in foliar tissue and water samples by hydride generation atomic absorption spectroscopy. The element was monitored as a function of time during 21 days. No significant differences were found in the bioaccumulation capability of both species. The removal rate for L. minor was 140mg As/had with a removal recovery of 5%. The Water Hyacinth had a removal rate of 600mg As/had and a removal recovery of 18%, under the conditions of the assay. The removal efficiency of Water Hyacinth was higher due to the biomass production and the more favorable climatic conditions. This specie represents a reliable alternative for arsenic bioremediation in waters. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A flow injection (FIA) method was designed for the determination of chlorophylls a and b in small in vitro Dieffenbachia maculata “Sublime” plants. In the first step, the pigments from spinach leaves were separated, purified by solvent extraction and freeze–dried, to obtain standards for the FIA optimization. The sample extraction procedure was optimized. Four solvents were tested: diethyl ether, methanol, acetone and ethanol. The ethanol 96% was the optimal solvent for FIA purposes. It allows to the efficient extraction of the pigments and water can be used as carrier. The best FIA conditions found for the quasi-simultaneous quantification of chlorophylls a and b were a flow rate of 10.84 mL min-1, a sample injection volume of 1.45 mL and a reactor length of 63 cm. The detection was performed with the automatic wavelength scanning Cintra 10e spectrometer, at 649 and 665 nm. The results obtained by the FIA method were compared to those obtained by the Arnon method. A deviation less than 5% was found between results for both methods. The concentration (mg g-1) of chlorophylls a and b during three periods of the plants (in vitro, acclimatization, and adult) was determined to evaluate the whole in vitro procedure. It was found an increment of both pigment concentrations since the in vitro step till the adult stage, while the chlorophylls a to b ratio decreases. The designed method is suitable especially for the determination of the pigments at low concentrations in small samples with appropriate analytical quality. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background & Aims Sorafenib ( SOR) is the standard of care for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma ( HCC) and portal vein invasion ( PVI), based on the results of phase 3 trials. However, radioembolization ( RE) using yttrium-90 microspheres has been shown to achieve higher response rates and better survival in large cohorts and phase 2 trials. This study aimed to compare survival of HCC patients with PVI treated by RE or SOR. Methods Survival among patients with HCC and PVI treated with RE or SOR in four Spanish hospitals between 2005 and 2013 was analysed retrospectively. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were plotted and baseline variables tested for prognostic value using the log-rank test. A multivariate prognostic model including variables identified in the univariate analysis and adjusted by a propensity score based on factors that may determine the probability of exposure to RE was generated using Cox regression analyses. Results After a median follow-up of 6 months, 60 deaths had occurred: 38 and 22 in SOR and RE groups respectively. Median survival was 6.7 months (95% CI 5.2-8.1 months) for the entire cohort, and 8.8 months (95% CI 1.8-15.8) in the RE group and 5.4 months (95% CI 2.7-8.1) in the SOR group ( P = 0.047). The difference in survival was still statistically significant when 13 patients in the RE group who started SOR after a median time of 8 months were censored from the analysis. Conclusions In a cohort of patients with HCC and PVI treatment with RE was associated with a more prolonged survival compared with SOR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The investigation of hunter-gatherers archaeological sites in the Limay river basin, Patagonia, Argentina, raised questions concerning the lithic technology. The chemical characterization of artifacts, rocks and possible sources of provenances could help to elucidate the hunter-gatherer mobility. In three archaeological sites-Rincón Chico 2 (RCh2/87; C 710 ± 60 BP), Cueva Traful I (CTI; C 9430 ± 230 BP) and Casa de Piedra de Ortega (CPO; C 2840 ± 80 BP), tools and debitage or discarded flakes made in black volcanic rock have been found. Nearby an extensive rock outcrop of black volcanite, Paso Limay quarry (CPL), with similar characteristics was located. Samples coming from these four sites were analyzed by energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry. This characterization allowed the geochemical classification of the lithic material and to correlate the samples with the suspected source after a previous statistical analysis. The majority of the samples were classified as dacites and rhyolites. Only samples coming from CPO site, the closest place to CPL were made exclusively with the quarry rocks. A set of five samples from RCh2/87 and two samples from CTI appear to have same chemical composition as CPL in spite of this site is placed in the opposite bank of the Limay river suggesting that hunter-gatherers could accede to the quarry, eventually. Finally, only a set of five samples coming from RCh2/87 and CTI do not group with the quarry. This fact evidences the existence of secondary sources of supply. The information of this research allowed inferring ancient human mobility patterns in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Monitoring inflammatory bowel disease patients may be challenging. Fecal calprotectin is one of the most performed tests. Other fecal biomarkers are less used in clinical practice. Rapid fecal tests that could be performed by patients may be a useful strategy to closely monitor disease activity. Methods: We performed a prospective observational study including consecutive inflammatory bowel disease patients referred for colonoscopy in a single center. Certest FOB + Transferrin + Calprotectin + Lactoferrin® (Certest Biotec S.L, Zaragoza, Spain), a one-step point-of-care test which simultaneously detects these four biomarkers was performed. Endoscopic inflammatory activity was defined using the Mayo score (≥1) in ulcerative colitis, SES-CD (>3) and Rutgeerts scores (≥1) for Crohn's disease. Results: Out of a total of 106 patients (56.5% female, mean age 51 years), 54 (50.9%) were diagnosed with ulcerative colitis and 52 (49.1%) with Crohn's disease. Endoscopic activity was detected in 42 patients (39.0%). Fecal calprotectin provided the best sensitivity (97.6%), with limited specificity (34.4%). Compared to calprotectin, the other 3 fecal biomarkers showed better specificity (87.5–92.1%) and lower sensitivity (45.2–59.5%). Patients with a negative result in all biomarkers (19/106—17.9%) had 100% (CI 95% 97.4–100) negative predictive value, while patients with the 4 biomarkers positive (13/106—12.3%) had 100% (CI 95% 96.1–100) positive predictive value of endoscopic inflammatory activity. AUROC of this 4 biomarker point-of-care test was 0.845 (95% CI 0.771–0.920), significantly higher than the AUROCs of any of the 4 biomarkers. Conclusions: This test may be a useful strategy to monitor inflammatory activity in clinical practice by excluding or prioritizing patients in need of a colonoscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Rapid and low cost off-line thin layer chromatography–total reflection X-ray fluorescence spectrometry and overpressured thin layer chromatography–total reflection X-ray fluorescence spectrometry methods have been developed for separation of 25 ng of each As(III), As(V), monomethyl arsonic acid and dimethylarsinic acid applying a PEI cellulose stationary phase on plastic sheets and a mixture of acetone/acetic acid/water=2:1:1 (v/v/v) as eluent system. The type of eluent systems, the amounts (25–1000 ng) of As species applied to PEI cellulose plates, injection volume, development distance, and flow rate (in case of overpressured thin layer chromatography) were taken into consideration for the development of the chromatographic separation. Moreover, a microdigestion method employing nitric acid for the As spots containing PEI cellulose scratched from the developed plates divided into segments was developed for the subsequent total reflection X-ray fluorescence spectrometry analysis. The method was applied for analysis of root extracts of cucumber plants grown in As(III) containing modified Hoagland nutrient solution. Both As(III) and As(V) were detected by applying the proposed thin layer chromatography/overpressured thin layer chromatography–total reflection X-ray fluorescence spectrometry methods. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: It is known that variations in the concentrations of certain trace elements in bodily fluids may be an indication of an alteration of the organism''s normal functioning. Multivariate analysis of such data, and its comparison against proper reference values, can thus be employed as possible screening tests. Such analysis has usually been conducted by means of chemometric techniques and, to a lower extent, backpropagation artificial neural networks. Despite the excellent classification capacities of the latter, its development can be time-consuming and computer-intensive. Probabilistic artificial neural networks represent another attractive, yet scarcely evaluated classification technique which could be employed for the same purpose. The present work was aimed at comparing the performance of two chemometric techniques (principal component analysis and logistic regression) and two artificial neural networks (a backpropagation and a probabilistic neural network) as screening tools for cancer. The concentrations of copper, iron, selenium and zinc, which are known to play an important role in body chemistry, were used as indicators of physical status. Such elements were determined by total reflection X-ray fluorescence spectrometry in a sample of blood serum taken from individuals who had been given a positive (N=27) or a negative (N=32) diagnostic on various forms of cancer. The principal components analysis served two purposes: (i) initial screening of the data; and, (ii) reducing the dimension of the data space to be input to the networks. The logistic regression, as well as both artificial neural networks showed an outstanding performance in terms of distinguishing healthy (specificity: 90–100%) or unhealthy individuals (sensitivity: 100%). The probabilistic neural network offered additional advantages when compared to the more popular backpropagation counterpart. Effectively, the former is easier and faster to develop, for a smaller number of variables has to be optimized, and there are no risk of overtraining. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]