Identification of hazardous organic compounds in e-waste plastic using non-target and suspect screening approaches

End-of-life electric and electronic devices stand as one of the fastest growing wastes in the world and, therefore, a rapidly escalating global concern. A relevant fraction of these wastes corresponds to polymeric materials containing a plethora of chemical additives. Some of those additives fall within the category of hazardous organic compounds (HOCs). Despite the significant advances in the capabilities of analytical methods, the comprehensive characterization of WEEE plastic remains as a challenge. This research strives to identify the primary additives within WEEE polymers by implementing a non-target and suspect screening approach. Gas chromatography coupled to time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC-QTOF-MS), using electron ionization (EI), was applied for the detection and identification of more than 300 substances in this matrix. A preliminary comparison was carried out with nominal resolution EI-MS spectra contained in the NIST17 library. BPA, flame retardants, UV-filters, PAHs, and preservatives were among the compounds detected. Fifty-one out of 300 compounds were confirmed by comparison with authentic standards. The study establishes a comprehensive database containing m/z ratios and accurate mass spectra of characteristic compounds, encompassing HOCs. Semi-quantification of the predominant additives was conducted across 48 WEEE samples collected from handling and dismantling facilities in Galicia. ABS plastic demonstrated the highest median concentrations, ranging from 0.154 to 4456 μg g-1, being brominated flame retardants and UV filters, the families presenting the highest concentrations. Internet router devices revealed the highest concentrations, containing a myriad of HOCs, such as tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA), tribromophenol (TBrP), triphenylphosphate (TPhP), tinuvin P and bisphenol A (BPA), most of which are restricted in Europe.

Assessment of the occurrence and interaction between pesticides and plastic litter from vineyard plots

In this research, aged plastic fragments collected from vineyards were characterized in terms of composition, residues of pesticides, and their potential to exchange these compounds with the aquatic media. To this end, we employed the qualitative and quantitative information provided by complementary analytical techniques, including chromatography, organic and inorganic mass spectrometry, infrared spectroscopy and electronic microscopy. Debris of weathered plastics were identified as polypropylene and polyethylene, containing different types of additives, from organic UV stabilizers to inorganic fillers, such as calcium salts. Regardless of polymer type, plastic litter collected from vineyards contained residues of pesticides, and particularly of fungicides, with total concentrations in the range of values from 114 ng g-1 to 76.4 μg g-1. Data obtained under different extraction conditions suggested that a fraction of these compounds was absorbed in aged polymers, penetrating inside the material. The parallel analysis of plastic litter and vineyard soils reflected higher pesticide residues in the former matrix. Furthermore, several fungicides, considered as labile in vineyard soils (i.e. zoxamide and folpet), were those showing the highest levels in plastic litter. Simulated sorption-desorption studies, with plastic debris in contact with surface water, demonstrated the higher affinity of aged materials by moderately polar pesticides than their new counterparts. For the first time, the manuscript highlights the presence of plastic litter in vineyards soils, reflecting the accumulation of several fungicides in this matrix, in some cases, with a different stability pattern to that observed in the soil from same vineyards.

Occurrence and risk assessment of pesticides and pharmaceuticals in viticulture impacted watersheds from Northwest Spain

An automated analytical methodology was developed, validated and applied to monitor 73 organic pollutants (pesticides and pharmaceuticals) in surface and groundwater samples obtained in watersheds from an intensive viticulture, rural region, in the Northwest of Spain. Filtered samples were concentrated using a reusable solid-phase extraction sorbent, on-line combined with liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The analytical procedure achieved limits of quantification between 1 ng L-1 and 10 ng L-1, with a throughput of 2 samples hour-1, providing accurate recoveries for more than 90% of the 73 selected compounds, using calibration solutions prepared in ultrapure water (in presence of methanol and formic acid) as neat solvent. The distribution and the concentrations of pesticides in small streams impacted by discharges of treated municipal wastewaters were different in rural and residential areas. On the other hand, pharmaceuticals showed a similar distribution in both streams. In surface waters from viticulture impacted watersheds, with a limited influence of municipal wastewaters, pulses of pesticides were noticed, with values above 100 ng L-1 for several fungicides. Cardiovascular pharmaceuticals, psychiatric drugs and/or their transformation products were also ubiquitous in these samples, with low, but relatively stable concentrations among sampling campaigns. Within the suite of investigated compounds, maximum pesticide residues remained below their predicted-non effect concentration (PNEC) in all samples. On the other hand, the environmental concentrations of the cardiovascular drug olmesartan stayed systematically above its PNEC in fresh water samples.

Basic micro-pollutants in sludge from municipal wastewater treatment plants in the Northwest Spain: Occurrence and risk assessment of sludge disposal

Sludge is one of the most problematic residues generated during wastewater treatment. Herein, we validate a single-step, sensitive procedure for the determination of a selection of 46 basic micro-pollutants, either used as pharmaceuticals or pesticides, in sludge from municipal sewage treatment plants (STPs), using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry as determination technique. The proposed method permitted to achieve accurate recoveries (values from 70% to 120%, for samples spiked at different concentration levels) using solvent-based calibration standards. This feature, combined with limits of quantification lower than 5 ng g^-1 (dry weight), allowed the rapid and sensitive quantification of target compounds in freeze-dried sludge samples. Out of 46 investigated pollutants, 33 species showed detection frequencies above 85% in a group of 48 sludge samples, obtained from 45 STPs located in the Northwest of Spain. The assessment of eco-toxicological risks associated to sludge disposal as fertilizer in agriculture and/or forestry, considering average concentrations found in sludge samples, highlighted eight pollutants (sertraline, venlafaxine, N-desethyl amiodarone, amiodarone, norsertraline, trazodone, amitriptyline and ketoconazole) representing an environmental hazard based on ratios between predicted soil levels and non-effect concentrations estimated using the equilibrium partition method.

Comprehensive characterization of volatile and semi-volatile compounds in e-liquids for electronic cigarette using gas chromatography accurate mass spectrometry

The consumption of electronic cigarettes is a habit with an increasing prevalence, particularly among youths. Knowing the composition of e-liquids used in these devices represents the first step to understand the potential impact of e-smoking in the health of consumers. Herein, a non-target screening methodology was applied to the identification of volatile and semi-volatile compounds in a set of e-liquids from different suppliers, with different flavors, and containing different kinds of additives, such as nicotine or cannabidiol. To this end, samples were characterized by gas chromatography accurate mass spectrometry, using a time-of-flight mass analyzer. Combination of deconvoluted electronic ionization mass spectra with linear retention index values, obtained for two columns with different selectivity, permitted the identification of more than 250 chemicals with different confidence levels. Among them, respiratory pro-inflammatory compounds, acetals of propylene glycol and glycerin with aldehydes, nicotine-related and non-related alkaloids, and psychoactive cannabinoids were confirmed as concerning compounds in e-liquid samples. Concentration ratios between propylene glycol acetals and parent aldehydes varied in the range from 2% (ethyl vanillin) to more than 80% (case of benzaldehyde). The ratios between the concentrations of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol in e-liquids stayed in the range from 0.02% to 0.3%.

Direct, automated and sensitive determination of glyphosate and related anionic pesticides in environmental water samples using solid-phase extraction on-line combined with liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry

An automated procedure for the simultaneous determination of six anionic pesticides, including glyphosate (GLY) and its transformation product aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA), was developed and applied to the analysis of environmental water samples. The proposed method combines on-line concentration of water samples (0.160 mL), with compounds separation in an anion-exchange liquid chromatography (LC) column, followed by their selective determination by tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS). The global procedure was completed in 25 min, providing limits of quantification (LOQs) between 5 ng L^-1 and 20 ng L^-1, with reduced effect of the surface water matrix in the efficiency of process (SPE and ionization yields). The method was applied to the analysis of grab samples obtained from three watersheds, in two rural and one residential area, in Galicia (Northwest Spain). Out of six investigated compounds, Fosetyl, AMPA and GLY were noticed in the set of processed samples. Their detection frequencies increased from 12% (Fosetyl) to 88% (AMPA). Median concentrations followed the same trend varying from 9 ng L^-1 (Fosetyl) to 44 ng L^-1 (AMPA). The higher levels and the large seasonal variations in the residues of the latter species were noticed in small rivers affected by discharges of municipal sewage treatment plants (STPs).

Improvement of biogas production and nitrogen recovery in anaerobic digestion of purple phototrophic bacteria by thermal hydrolysis

Purple phototrophic bacteria (PPB) are a novel driver to recover organics and nutrients from wastewater by assimilative growth. Depending on the source, assimilated resources from the PPB biomass can still be recovered after a releasing step. Anaerobic digestion (AD) releases carbonand nutrients, but the release is incomplete. Thermal hydrolysis (TH) as a pretreatment before AD improves the digestibility, release, and subsequent recovery potentials. This work determines the effects of TH in batch and continuous modes regarding methane potential, nutrients' release efficiencies, volatile solids destruction, degradability, and hydrolysis rates. Continuous runs over 165 days (d) confirmed enhanced recovery potentials, achieving up to 380 LCH₄/kgVS (83 % solids destruction) and 73 % N release, respectively. The TH pretreatment is energy-intensive, but with appropriate heat recovery and increased methane production in the AD of the pretreated biomass, a combined configuration is energy positive.

When does self-report of pain occur?: A study of older adults

Technologies for self-care can drive participatory health and promote independence of older adults. One self-care activity is regularly measuring and registering personal health indicators (self-reporting). Older adults may benefit from this practice, as they are more likely to have chronic health issues and have specific self-monitoring needs. However, self-reporting technologies are usually not designed specifically for them. Pain is usually measured using patient reports compiled during medical appointments, although this process may be affected by memory bias and under reporting of fluctuating pain. To address these issues, we introduced a simple tangible interface to self-report pain levels and conducted a three-hour evaluation with 24 older adults. The goal of this study was to identify whether specific activities, activity levels or pain levels trigger older adults to self-report their pain level, besides to understand how older adults would use such a device. Within the limited time frame of the experiment, the majority of our participants chose to report pain when they felt it most, not reporting lower levels of pain. No evidence was found to suggest a relationship between the reporting of pain and the activity (or activity level). Several design insights intended to improve the design of technologies are provided.

Simplified risk-prediction for benchmarking and quality improvement in emergency general surgery. Prospective, multicenter, observational cohort study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Emergency General Surgery (EGS) conditions account for millions of deaths worldwide, yet it is practiced without benchmarking-based quality improvement programs. The aim of this observational, prospective, multicenter, nationwide study was to determine the best benchmark cutoff points in EGS, as a reference to guide improvement measures.

METHODS

Over a 6-month period, 38 centers (5% of all public hospitals) attending EGS patients on a 24-h, 7-days a week basis, enrolled consecutive patients requiring an emergent/urgent surgical procedure. Patients were stratified into cohorts of low (i.e., expected morbidity risk <33%), middle and high risk using the novel m-LUCENTUM calculator.

RESULTS

A total of 7258 patients were included; age (mean ± SD) was 51.1 ± 21.5 years, 43.2% were female. Benchmark cutoffs in the low-risk cohort (5639 patients, 77.7% of total) were: use of laparoscopy ≥40.9%, length of hospital stays ≤3 days, any complication within 30 days ≤ 17.7%, and 30-day mortality ≤1.1%. The variables with the greatest impact were septicemia on length of hospital stay (21 days; adjusted beta coefficient 16.8; 95% CI: 15.3 to 18.3; P < .001), and respiratory failure on mortality (risk-adjusted population attributable fraction 44.6%, 95% CI 29.6 to 59.6, P < .001). Use of laparoscopy (odds ratio 0.764, 95% CI 0.678 to 0.861; P < .001), and intraoperative blood loss (101-500 mL: odds ratio 2.699, 95% CI 2.152 to 3.380; P < .001; and 500-1000 mL: odds ratio 2.875, 95% CI 1.403 to 5.858; P = .013) were associated with increased morbidity.

CONCLUSIONS

This study offers, for the first time, clinically-based benchmark values in EGS and identifies measures for improvement.

Approaches to liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry assessment of glyphosate residues in wine

The performance of two different analytical methodologies to investigate the presence of glyphosate (GLY) and aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA) residues in wine samples was evaluated. Transformation of compounds in their fluorene-9-methyloxycarbonyl derivatives permitted their separation under reversed-phase liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) determination. Although the wine matrix severely impaired the efficiency of GLY derivatization, this drawback was solved using a molecularly imprinted sorbent for the previous, selective extraction of GLY and AMPA from wine. Alternatively, the use of a strong anionic exchange, polyvinyl alcohol-based LC column, turned to be the most effective alternative for direct determination of both compounds in diluted wine samples. The chromatographic behavior of this column and the magnitude of matrix effects observed during analysis of diluted wine samples were significantly affected by the composition of the mobile phase. Under final working conditions, this column permitted the separation of AMPA and the fungicide fosetyl (which shows common transitions in tandem MS/MS methods), it improved significantly the sample throughput versus extraction-derivatization-purification method, and it allowed the use of solvent-based calibration standards. Both analytical procedures provided similar limits of quantification (LOQs) for GLY (0.5-1.0 ng mL-1), while the multistep method was 8 times more sensitive to AMPA than the direct procedure. GLY residues stayed above method LOQs in 70% of the processed wines; however, concentrations measured in 95% of positive samples remained 100 times below the maximum residue limit (MRL) set for GLY in vinification grapes.

Assessment of direct analysis in real time accurate mass spectrometry for the determination of triclosan in complex matrices

In this work, the applicability of direct analysis in real time coupled to accurate mass spectrometry (DART-MS) to the quantitative determination of triclosan (TCS) in samples with increasing complexity, from personal care products to extracts from sewage, is investigated. In the first term, DART-MS spectra of TCS as free phenol and as derivatized species are characterized; thereafter, the effects of several instrumental variables in the detectability of TCS (i.e., temperature, solvent, and compound holder) are discussed. Under final selected conditions, TCS was determined from its [M-H]⁻ ions, without need of derivatization, attaining an instrumental limit of quantification of 5 ng mL⁻¹, with a linear response range up to 1000 ng mL⁻¹. Complex matrices, such as solid-phase extracts obtained from environmental water samples, moderately inhibited the ionization efficiency of TCS, with signal attenuation percentages in the range of 6 to 57%, depending on the sample type and on the concentration factor provided by the SPE procedure. The accuracy of results obtained by DART-MS was evaluated using liquid chromatography (LC) with MS detection; in both cases, a time-of-flight (TOF) MS instrument was employed for the selective determination of the [M−H]⁻ ions of TCS (m/z values 286.9439 and 288.9410) using a mass window of 20 ppm. DART-MS did not only provide enough sensitivity to detect the presence of TCS in environmental samples (raw and treated wastewater as well as freeze-dried sludge), but also measured concentrations matched those determined by LC-ESI-TOF-MS, with only slightly higher standard deviations. During analysis of personal care products, containing much higher concentrations of TCS in a less complex matrix, both techniques were equivalent in terms of accuracy and precision.

Identification and determination of emerging pollutants in sewage sludge driven by UPLC-QTOF-MS data mining

Sludge from sewage treatment plants (STPs) is recognized as a sink of moderate to high lipophilic compounds resistant to biodegradation. Herein, we investigate the presence of emerging pollutants in sewage sludge combining the information provided by mass spectrometry detection, following ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC), with the use of an accurate spectral database of pesticides and pharmaceuticals. In a first step, the performance of matrix solid-phase dispersion, as sample preparation technique, and two non-target data acquisition strategies (data dependent, DDA, and data independent analysis modes, DIA), used in combination with a UPLC quadrupole time-of-flight system, are assessed using a selection of deuterated compounds added either to freeze-dried sludge samples, or to sludge extracts. Possibilities and limitations of both modes are discussed. Following the DDA approach, a group of 68 micropollutants was identified in sludge from different STPs. Some of them are reported in this compartment for the first time. Finally, semi-quantitative concentration data are reported for a group of 37 pollutants in samples obtained from 16 STPs. Out of them, 10 pharmaceuticals, showing detection frequencies and median sludge residues above 50% and 100 ng g^-1, respectively; are highlighted as pollutants to be monitored in sludge in order to understand their behaviour during the wastewater treatment.

Supercritical fluid chromatography-mass spectrometric determination of chiral fungicides in viticulture-related samples

Supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC), combined with mass spectrometry (MS), was employed for the determination of five chiral fungicides, from two different chemical families (acylalanine and triazol) in wine and vineyard soils. The effect of different SFC parameters (stationary phase, chiral selector, mobile phase modifier and additive) in the resolution between enantiomers and in the efficiency of compounds ionization at the electrospray source (ESI) was thorougly described. Under final working conditions, chiral separations of selected fungicides were achieved using two different SFC-MS methods, with an analysis time of 10 min and resolution factors from 1.05 to 2.45 between enantiomers. In combination with solid-phase extraction and pressurized liquid extraction, they permitted the enantiomeric determination of target compounds in wine and vineyard soils with limits of quantification in the low ppb range (between 0.5 and 2.5 ng mL^-1, and from 1.3 to 6.5 ng g^-1, for wine and soil, respectively), and overall recoveries above 80%, calculated using solvent-based standards. For azolic fungicides (tebuconazole, myclobutanil and penconazole) soil dissipation and transfer from vines to wines were non-enantioselective processes. Data obtained for acylalanine compounds confirmed the application of metalaxyl (MET) to vines as racemate and as the R-enantiomer. The enantiomeric fractions (MET-S/(MET-S+MET-R)) of this fungicide in vineyard soils varied from 0.01 to 0.96; moreover, laboratory degradation experiments showed that the relative dissipation rates of MET enantiomers varied depending on the type of soil.

Assessment of UV combined with free chlorine for removal of valsartan acid from water samples

Valsartan acid (VALA) is a persistent and mobile pollutant, ubiquitously distributed in the aquatic environment. Herein, we assessed the efficiency of UV/free chlorine for the removal of this pollutant. Degradation experiments were performed using different water samples, considering several pH values and concentrations of inorganic anions. Time-course of VALA was measured by injection of different reaction time aliquots in a liquid chromatography (LC) triple quadrupole (QqQ) mass spectrometry (MS) system, whilst the study of potential transformation products (TPs) was evaluated by LC combined with a hybrid quadrupole time-of-flight (QTOF) MS system. Formation of volatile disinfection by-products (DBPs) was investigated by gas chromatography (GC) with TOF-MS detection. Compared to free chlorine treatment and UV photolysis, the combination of both parameters significantly enhanced the degradability of VALA. At neutral pH, UV/free chlorine was also more effective than UV/H₂O₂ to remove VALA from spiked water solutions. Three TPs of VALA were tentatively identified by LC-QTOF-MS, although only one was stable in the UV/free chlorine media. As regards volatile DBPs, the formation of chloroform, dichloroacetonitrile, di- and trichloroacetic acid was noticed. The mass yield of DBPs formation from VALA varied from 0.3% (dichloroacetonitrile) to 1.1% (chloroform). The efficiency of UV/free chlorine was first investigated in spiked solutions with increasing complexities: ultrapure, river and treated wastewater. Thereafter, the feasibility of reducing VALA levels in polluted river water was demonstrated.

Multiresidue procedure to assess the occurrence and dissipation of fungicides and insecticides in vineyard soils from Northwest Spain

The presence of fungicide and insecticide residues in wine has been largely investigated. However, few studies have addressed the persistence of these compounds in vineyard soils. In this research, we investigate the residues of a relevant number of fungicides and insecticides in vineyard soils, obtained in the Northwest of Spain, at the beginning of each agriculture campaign. Moreover, the dissipation of species showing high concentrations were monitored during the non-vegetative period of vines, in order to understand their soil evolution between application campaigns. To this end, a multiresidue analytical procedure based on pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) followed by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) determination was first optimized. Under final working conditions, absolute recoveries in the range from 70 to 130% were achieved for 44 out of 51 selected compounds. The method LOQs remained at the low ng g^-1 level (0.2-13 ng g^-1) with a linear response range up to 500 ng g^-1. Analysis of vineyard soils, collected during a 2-year period, from a geographic area with a high incidence of fungal diseases, demonstrated the presence of relevant concentrations of several fungicides and the insecticide imidacloprid (IMI) in this compartment. Most compounds detected at the end of the application season remained in soil at the beginning of the next year campaign. Among them, six fungicides (dimethomorph, boscalid, myclobutanil, penconazole, pyraclostrobin and pyrimethanil) and IMI showed average dissipation efficiencies below 50%, so they pose a potential to accumulate in this kind of soils.

Portable dehumidifiers condensed water: A novel matrix for the screening of semi-volatile compounds in indoor air

The comprehensive identification of organic species existing in indoor environments is a key issue to understand their impact in human health. This study proposes the analysis of condensed water samples, collected with portable dehumidifiers, to characterize semi-volatile compounds in the gas phase of confined areas. Water samples are concentrated by solid-phase extraction (SPE). The obtained extracts are analysed by gas chromatography (GC) time-of-flight mass spectrometry (TOF-MS), following a non-target screening data mining approach. In first term, spectra of deconvoluted compounds are compared with those in NIST low resolution library; thereafter, tentative identifications are verified using an in-house database of accurate electron ionization (EI) MS spectra. Chromatographic (retention index) and spectral data are combined for unambiguous species identification. The potential of condensed water samples to reflect changes in the composition of indoor atmospheres, the match between data obtained using different dehumidifiers, and the relative concentration efficiency of condensed water compared to that attained by active sampling of moderate air volumes are discussed. A total of 141 semi-volatile compounds were identified (98 confirmed against authentic standards) in a set of 21 samples obtained from different homes and working places. This list contains more than 40 fragrances (including several potential allergens), solvents and intermediates in the production of polymeric materials, plasticizers and flame retardants.

First-trimester fasting glycemia as a predictor of gestational diabetes (GDM) and adverse pregnancy outcomes

AIMS

Studies to prevent gestational diabetes (GDM) have shown the best results when lifestyle measures have been applied early in pregnancy. We aimed to investigate whether first-trimester fasting plasma glucose (FPG) could predict GDM risk and adverse pregnancy outcomes.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from singleton pregnancies who were attended at our hospital between 2008 and 2018 (n = 27,198) was performed. We included patients with a recorded first-trimester FPG and complete pregnancy data (n = 6845). Patients under 18, with pregestational diabetes or reproductive techniques, were excluded. First-trimester FPG was evaluated as a continuous variable and divided into quartiles. GDM was diagnosed by NDDG criteria. The relationship between first- and second-trimester glucose > 92 mg/dL was also investigated. The relationship between FPG and pregnancy outcomes was assessed in 6150 patients who did not have GDM.

RESULTS

Maternal age was 34.2 ± 3.9 years, BMI 23.1 ± 3.7 kg/m² and mean FPG 83.0 ± 7.3 mg/dL. Glucose quartiles were: ≤ 78, 79-83, 84-87 and ≥ 88 mg/dL. First-trimester FPG predicted the risk of GDM (7%, 8%, 10.2% and 16% in each quartile, p < 0.001) and the risk of second-trimester glucose > 92 mg/dL (2.6%, 3.8%, 6.3% and 11.4% in each quartile, p < 0.001). FPG was significantly associated with LGA (8.2%, 9.3%, 10% and 11.7% in each quartile, p = 0.011) but not with other obstetrical outcomes. In a multivariate analysis including age, BMI, tobacco use, number of pregnancies and weight gained during pregnancy, first-trimester FPG was an independent predictor of LGA.

CONCLUSIONS

First-trimester FPG is an early marker of GDM and LGA.

The Effect of Different Oxygen Surface Functionalization of Carbon Nanotubes on the Electrical Resistivity and Strain Sensing Function of Cement Pastes

Different studies in the literature indicate the effectiveness of CNTs as reinforcing materials in cement-matrix composites due to their high mechanical strength. Nevertheless, their incorporation into cement presents some difficulties due to their tendency to agglomerate, yielding a non-homogeneous dispersion in the paste mix that results in a poor cement-CNTs interaction. This makes the surface modification of the CNTs by introducing functional groups on the surface necessary. In this study, three different treatments for incorporating polar oxygen functional groups onto the surface of carbon nanotubes have been carried out, with the objective of evaluating the influence of the type and oxidation degree on the mechanical and electrical properties and in strain-sensing function of cement pastes containing CNTs. One treatment is in liquid phase (surface oxidation with HNO₃/H₂SO₄), the second is in gas phase (O₃ treatment at 25 and 160 °C), and a third is a combination of gas-phase O₃ treatment plus NaOH liquid phase. The electrical conductivity of cement pastes increased with O₃- and O₃-NaOH-treated CNTs with respect to non-treated ones. Furthermore, the oxygen functionalization treatments clearly improve the strain sensing performance of the CNT-cement pastes, particularly in terms of the accuracy of the linear correlation between the resistance and the stress, as well as the increase in the gage factor from 28 to 65. Additionally, the incorporation of either non-functionalized or functionalized CNTs did not produce any significant modification of the mechanical properties of CNTs. Therefore, the functionalization of CNTs favours the de-agglomeration of CNTs in the cement matrix and consequently, the electrical conductivity, without affecting the mechanical behaviour.

Introspective and Neurophysiological Measures of Mind Wandering in Schizophrenia

Patients with schizophrenia have often been considered to be “in their own world”. However, this casual observation has not been proven by scientific evidence so far. This can be explained because scientific research has usually addressed cognition related to the processing of external stimuli, but only recently have efforts been made to explain thoughts, images and feelings not directly related to the external environment. This internally directed cognition has been called mind wandering. In this paper, we have explored mind wandering in schizophrenia under the hypothesis that a predominance of mind wandering would be a core dysfunction in this disorder. To this end, we collected verbal reports and measured electrophysiological signals from patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders and matched healthy controls while they were presented with segments of films. The results showed that mind wandering was more frequent in patients than in controls. This higher frequency of mind wandering did not correlate with deficits in attentional, memory or executive functioning. In addition, mind wandering in patients was characterized by a different pattern of Electroencephalography (EEG) complexity in patients than in controls, leading to the suggestion that mind wandering in schizophrenia could be of a different nature. These findings could have relevant implications for the conceptualization of this severe mental disorder.

Assessment of gas chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry for the screening of semi-volatile compounds in indoor dust

Indoor dust contains a complex mixture of anthropogenic and synthetic compounds closely related to dermal and respiratory diseases. Target methods have been developed for the quantification of distinct groups of substances in dust samples; however, the comprehensive characterization of the different species existing in this matrix remains a challenging issue. Herein, we assess the performance of gas chromatography (GC) time-of-flight mass spectrometry (TOF-MS), using electron ionization (EI), for the screening of compounds present in indoor dust. Samples are processed by pressurized-liquid extraction (PLE) before GC-EI-TOF-MS analysis. The study proposes a data mining workflow for the non-target identification of species contained in dust extracts, aided by preliminary comparison with nominal resolution EI-MS spectra in the NIST17 library. The possibilities, and the limitations, of the above approach are discussed and the identities of >75 compounds are confirmed by comparison with authentic standards in dust from indoor environments. Some species, such as indigo, phthalic anhydride, 2,4-toluene di-isocyanate, phthalimide, certain UV absorbers and octyl isothiazolinone, identified in this research, have not been previously considered in target methods dealing with dust analysis. The study also evaluates two different algorithms for the suspected-target screening of dust extracts using a customized library of accurate EI-MS spectra. Finally, a semi-quantitative estimation of the range of concentrations for a group of 44 pollutants in a set of 27 dust samples is provided.

Estudio morfométrico de pezuñas en genotipos bovinos criados en los humedales del Ñeembucú Paraguay

Se evaluó la morfometría de pezuñas en bovinos criados en los humedales del Ñeembucú y áreas de influencia. Participaron 80 hembras adultas agrupadas por genotipos en Criollo Ñeembucú; Criollo Pilcomayo; Nelore; Brahman y Brangus, analizándose Longitud muralla (LM); Altura pezuña (AP); Longitud talón (LT); Longitud pezuña (LP); Diagonal pezuña (DP); Grosor pezuña (GP). El análisis con el software R incluyó varianza paramétrica y no paramétrica, y en las pezuñas anterior medial y posterior lateral, Análisis de Componentes Principales, Discriminante Canónico y Clúster por el método de Ward. El Criollo Ñeembucú mostró mayores LM y AP, el Nelore las menores; la LT, reveló estabilidad longitudinal en nativos, no así en el Nelore. La LP fue mayor en Criollos, Nelore y Brangus. La DP mostró adecuado reparto de las cargas. El GP, mayor en el Nelore y Brangus, fue menor en el Brahman, con talones bajos y menores DP y LP. El ACP explicó más del 70% de la variación. El CP1 se asoció positivamente a DP, LP, LM, LT y AP; el CP2 fue vinculado a GP. El ADC explicó mejor la variabilidad entre genotipos, con valores elevados de GP en el Nelore y bajos en el Brahman. El método de Ward conformó grupos con la mayoría de los genotipos, revelando poca diferencia entre individuos; no obstante, algunos clústeres concentraron en grupos diferentes a la mayoría de los animales Nelore y Brahman.

TLI in pediatric patients

PURPOSE

Hematopoietic progenitor cell transplantation (HSCT) is a procedure used in different hematological diseases as part of the curative treatment, so the investigators propose a system of conditioning of reduced intensity based on total lymphoid irradiation (TLI) as an alternative to the classic total body irradiation (TBI) followed by haploidentical transplantation in patients compatible with a single HLA haplotype, as an alternative to patients who do not have an HLA compatible donor.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A cohort of 25 patients with hematological disease underwent haploidentical HSCT from February 2015 to May 2018, conditioned with TLI from day - 10 (2-4 days of treatment) followed by thiotepa (5 mg/kg/12 h) and melphalan (70 mg/m²/day) prior to HSCT and prophylaxis with ciclosporin (1.5 mg/kg/12 h). 2 Gy/fraction was administered to complete 8 Gy with IMRT and VMAT technique.

RESULTS

12% rejection of the transplant was obtained with acute GVHD < II (48%) and chronic GVHD 12%. No acute toxicity was recorded in irradiated patients and 56% survival of patients at the end of follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Conditioning the haploidentical transplant with TLI, IMRT, and VMAT techniques compared with TBI and RT3D-C techniques is a feasible technique that helps inducing the necessary immunosuppression in patients with a high risk of graft rejection, minimal adverse effects, low incidence of GVHD, and high survival rate.

Clinically significant intra-day variability of serum progesterone levels during the final day of oocyte maturation: a prospective study with repeated measurements

STUDY QUESTION

Is there significant variability in progesterone levels during the final day of oocyte maturation in women undergoing ovarian stimulation?

SUMMARY ANSWER

Progesterone levels drop from the basal level up to 44% during the final day of oocyte maturation in women undergoing ovarian stimulation.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

It has been suggested that elevated progesterone levels on the final day of ovarian stimulation may be related to poorer outcomes in in vitro fertilization fresh cycles due to a negative impact on the endometrium. However, despite conflicting results regarding the actual effect of progesterone on pregnancy rates and the lack of a well-established cut off, currently many IVF patients have their embryo transfer deferred when progesterone values surpass a threshold of 1.5 ng/ml on the day of ovulation triggering.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION

This was a prospective cohort study conducted in 22 oocyte donors of a university-affiliated fertility centre between November 2017 and January 2018. We calculated the sample size to detect a difference of 15% between the first and last progesterone measurements with a 5% false-positive rate in a two-sided test with 80% statistical power and a 95% confidence interval (CI).

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

Progesterone circulating levels were evaluated at four different times during the final day of oocyte maturation (08:00, 12:00, 16:00 and 20:00) before ovulation triggering in healthy oocyte donors. A flexible antagonist protocol was used, and ovarian stimulation was achieved with recombinant follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in all cases. The pairwise percentage differences in progesterone levels for each patient were calculated. Univariate linear regression analysis was adopted in order to evaluate variables associated with progesterone levels on the first measurement. The intra-day variability of progesterone was analysed using mixed models.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

Mean serum progesterone values at 08:00, 12:00, 16:00 and 20:00 were 1.75 ng/ml, 1.40 ng/ml, 1.06 ng/ml and 0.97 ng/ml. The progesterone difference between 08:00 and 20:00 was 0.77 (95% CI, 0.56–0.99), which is equivalent to a 44% decline in the mean progesterone values between the first (08:00) and the last determination (20:00; P < 0.001). Among those patients with basal (08:00) progesterone levels >1.5 ng/ml (n = 10), 70% (n = 7) showed levels reduced to <1.5 ng/ml on the last determination of the day (20:00). A mixed model analysis revealed that the progesterone reduction during the day was significantly associated with time and total recombinant FSH dose administered.

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION

Only young healthy oocyte donors stimulated with an antagonist protocol using recombinant FSH were included. Extrapolation to the general IVF population, with different stimulation protocols and gonadotropins, needs to be confirmed.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

This study suggests that a single progesterone determination on the final day of oocyte maturation is not reliable enough to make clinical decisions due to the enormous variation in progesterone during the day. Further studies are needed to better define the impact of the follicular progesterone rise on the endometrium of IVF cycles.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)

Funding was granted from Fundació Santiago Dexeus Font. N.P.P. received unrestricted grants and/or lectures fees from Roche Diagnostics, MSD, Merck, Ferring Pharmaceuticals, IBSA, Theramex and BESINS International, not associated with the current study. The remaining authors have no competing interests.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

Clinicaltrials.gov NCT03366025.

Direct analysis in real time accurate mass spectrometry determination of bisphenol A in thermal printing paper

Contact with thermal printing paper is a relevant source of dermal exposure to unbonded bisphenol A (BPA). In order to limit this exposure route, the European Union has introduced a drastic reduction in the maximum allowed concentration of BPA in thermal paper produced after beginning of year 2020. This study investigates the suitability of direct analysis in real time (DART), combined with accurate mass spectrometry, as a faster alternative to chromatography-based methods for the quantitative determination of BPA, and three analogues species, in receipts and tickets usually printed on thermal paper. The ionization efficiency of these compounds is evaluated under different conditions, and the effect of instrumental parameters of the DART source in the observed responses is discussed. The yield of the DART desorption-ionization process was greatly improved when compounds are previously converted into their acetyl derivatives; thereafter, the temperature of electronically excited helium atoms was the most relevant of the evaluated instrumental parameters. Under optimized conditions, the reported method provided recoveries in the range from 90 to 110%, a limit of quantification of 0.004% (w:w), well below the maximum concentration established after 2020 for BPA (0.02%, w:w), and permitted to perform duplicate determinations of each sample extract with a response time around 1 min. The accuracy of BPA levels found in non-spiked samples was confirmed using GC-EI-MS as reference technique. BPA was systematically noticed in the processed samples with concentrations ranging from 0.005% to more than 6%.

Selective determination of sartan drugs in environmental water samples by mixed-mode solid-phase extraction and liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry

Herein, a method for the simultaneous determination of the currently prescribed sartan drugs (eprosartan, EPR; olmesartan, OLM; losartan, LOS; candesartan, CAN; telmisartan, TEL; irbesartan, IRB; and valsartan, VAL), and the biodegradation product valsartan acid (VALA), in water samples (raw and treated wastewater, river and tap water) was developed. Solid-phase extraction (SPE) and ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) were employed as concentration and determination techniques, respectively. Different sorbents and elution solvents were tested for sample preparation. Under optimized conditions, samples at neutral pH (6-8 units) were concentrated using mixed-mode (reversed-phase and anionic exchange) cartridges. Thereafter, the sorbent was washed with 5 mL of a methanol: water (1:1) solution, dried under a nitrogen stream and compounds were eluted with 2 mL of methanol: NH₃ (98:2). The accuracy of the method (accounting for SPE efficiency and matrix effects during electrospray ionization) was investigated using solvent-based calibration standards. Global recoveries, obtained for different water matrices (tap, river, treated and raw wastewater), ranged from 82% to 134%, with standard deviations between 2 and 18%. LOQs varied from 2 to 50 ng L^-1. Analysis of un-spiked samples confirmed: (1) the incomplete removal of sartans at sewage treatment plants (STPs), (2) the formation of VALA during municipal water treatment, and (3) the presence of VALA in the processed tap water samples. Additional findings of the current study are the detection of hydroxylated derivatives of the sartan drugs IRB and LOS in wastewater, and the E-Z isomerization of EPR in environmental water samples.

Free chlorine reactions of angiotensin II receptor antagonists: Kinetics study, transformation products elucidation and in-silico ecotoxicity assessment

Angiotensin II receptor antagonists (ARA II) are widely employed in the treatment of hypertension-related diseases. Because of their partial metabolization and limited biodegradability, these drugs have become ubiquitous pollutants in the aquatic environment, including surface water. This research evaluated the reactivity of the ARA II drugs: irbesartan (IRB), losartan (LOS) telmisartan (TEL) and valsartan (VAL) with free chlorine. Responses of parent compounds and their transformation products (TPs) were followed by liquid chromatography (LC) with quadrupole (Q) time-of-flight (TOF) mass spectrometry. Degradation experiments were carried out using ultrapure and river water samples, adjusted at different pHs and, in some cases, adding a small amount (ng mL^-1 level) of bromide salts. Whilst TEL and VAL remained stable in presence of relatively high concentrations of free chlorine (10 mg L^-1), IRB and LOS were removed according to a pseudo-first order kinetics model. Considering an initial chlorine concentration of 10 mg L^-1, their half-lives varied between 6 and 734 min, depending mostly on the water pH. IRB reacted with free chlorine through hydroxylation processes, with and without molecular cleavage and re-arrangements in the imidazolone ring. Its TPs showed a lower in-silico predicted toxicity than the parent drug. In case of LOS, two major competitive degradation routes were identified. They involved replacement of the methanol group attached to the imidazole cycle by chlorine or bromine, and the cleavage of this cycle with removal of the chlorinated carbon and the nitrogen in alpha position. The TPs generated following the first route are predicted to be more toxic than LOS.

Characterization of the flow of patients in a hospital from complex networks

We study the efficiency of operations management in a hospital from the dynamics of the flow of patients. Our principal aim is to characterize strategic departments and seasonal patterns in a hospital from a complex networks approach. Process mining techniques are developed to track out-patients' pathways along different departments for the purpose of building weekly networks. In these networks, departments act as nodes with multiple out/in-going arrows connecting other departments. Strategic departments are classified into target and critical departments. On the one hand, target departments, which in this study belong to the oncology area, correspond to those affected by new management policies whose impact is to be assessed. On the other hand, critical departments correspond to the most active departments, the hubs of the networks. Using suitable networks parameters, strategic departments are shown to be highly efficient regardless of the season, which naturally translates into a high level of service offered to patients. In addition, our results show conformance with the new objectives concerning target departments. The methodology presented is shown to be successful in evaluating the efficiency of hospital services in order to enhance process performances, and moreover, it is suitable to be implemented in healthcare management systems at a greater scale and the service industry whenever the flow of clients or customers are involved.

Fabric phase sorptive extraction followed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry for the determination of fungicides and insecticides in wine

In this work, fabric phase sorptive extraction (FPSE) is investigated for the extraction and preconcentration of ultra-trace level residues of fungicides (19 compounds) and insecticides (3 species) in wine samples. Subsequently, the preconcentrated analytes are selectively determined using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). Parameters affecting the efficiency and repeatability of the extraction are evaluated in depth; moreover, the proposed method is characterized in terms of linear response range, trueness, precision and limits of quantification (LOQs). The set-up of the extraction process and the type of coating were the variables exerting the most prominent effects in the repeatability and the yield of the extraction, respectively. Under optimized conditions, samples (10 mL of wine diluted with the same volume of ultrapure water) were extracted with a small amount of cellulose fabric (3 discs with 4 mm of diameter: total surface 0.38 cm²) coated with a sol-gel polyethylene glycol sorbent (sorbent amount 3.3 mg), immersed in the diluted sample, without being in direct contact with the PTFE covered magnetic stir bar. Following the overnight extraction step, analytes were quantitatively recovered using only 0.3 mL of an ACN-MeOH (80:20) mixture. Under equilibrium sampling conditions, the linear response range of the method varied from 0.2 to 200 ng mL^-1, with limits of quantification (LOQs) between 0.03 and 0.3 ng mL^-1. Relative recoveries ranged from 77 ± 6% to 118 ± 4%, and from 87 ± 4% to 121 ± 6% for red and white wines, respectively. Application of the optimized method to commercial wines demonstrated the existence of up to 9 out of 22 investigated compounds in the same wine sample. The compound identified at the highest concentration was iprovalicarb (IPR), with a value of 130 ± 9 ng mL^-1 in a commercial white wine.

StraightenUp+: Monitoring of Posture during Daily Activities for Older Persons Using Wearable Sensors

Monitoring the posture of older persons using portable sensors while they carry out daily activities can facilitate the process of generating indicators with which to evaluate their health and quality of life. The majority of current research into such sensors focuses primarily on their functionality and accuracy, and minimal effort is dedicated to understanding the experience of older persons who interact with the devices. This study proposes a wearable device to identify the bodily postures of older persons, while also looking into the perceptions of the users. For the purposes of this study, thirty independent and semi-independent older persons undertook eight different types of physical activity, including: walking, raising arms, lowering arms, leaning forward, sitting, sitting upright, transitioning from standing to sitting, and transitioning from sitting to standing. The data was classified offline, achieving an accuracy of 93.5%, while overall device user perception was positive. Participants rated the usability of the device, in addition to their overall user experience, highly.

Evaluation of the aqueous phototransformation routes of phenyl ethyl azolic fungicides by liquid chromatography accurate mass spectrometry

Similarities and differences among the phototransformation routes of four azolic fungicides (diniconazole, DIN, imazalil, IMA; penconazole, PEN; and propiconazole, PRO) in surface water aliquots are investigated. Selected compounds share a common chemical structure consisting on dichlorophenyl and azolic rings connected through an ethylene bridge, which is substituted with different functionalities. Liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-QTOF-MS) was employed as analytical technique to follow the time-course of precursor fungicides and to detect and to identify their photo-transformation products (TPs). Under solar light, the substituents linked to the ethylene chain controlled the stability of the fungicides. Whilst PEN and PRO remained stable, DIN and IMA showed moderate reactivities, with half-lives (t_1/2) of 5.1 and 33.5h, respectively. When exposed to UV (254nm) radiation, all compounds were effectively degraded with t_1/2 in the range from seconds to a few minutes. Dechlorination followed by intramolecular cyclization, between phenyl and azolic rings, was identified as a common phototransformation route under UV irradiation. Depending on the length and the kind of the functionalities attached to the ethylene bridge, additional cyclization reactions are also possible. In-silico toxicity predictions pointed out to dechlorinated tricyclic TPs as the most concerning ones, with predicted lethal concentrations (LC₅₀) in the same range as the precursor fungicides.

Understanding Monitoring Technologies for Adults With Pain: Systematic Literature Review

BACKGROUND

Monitoring of patients may decrease treatment costs and improve quality of care. Pain is the most common health problem that people seek help for in hospitals. Therefore, monitoring patients with pain may have significant impact in improving treatment. Several studies have studied factors affecting pain; however, no previous study has reviewed the contextual information that a monitoring system may capture to characterize a patient's situation.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to conduct a systematic review to (1) determine what types of technologies have been used to monitor adults with pain, and (2) construct a model of the context information that may be used to implement apps and devices aimed at monitoring adults with pain.

METHODS

A literature search (2005-2015) was conducted in electronic databases pertaining to medical and computer science literature (PubMed, Science Direct, ACM Digital Library, and IEEE Xplore) using a defined search string. Article selection was done through a process of removing duplicates, analyzing title and abstract, and then reviewing the full text of the article.

RESULTS

In the final analysis, 87 articles were included and 53 of them (61%) used technologies to collect contextual information. A total of 49 types of context information were found and a five-dimension (activity, identity, wellness, environment, physiological) model of context information to monitor adults with pain was proposed, expanding on a previous model. Most technological interfaces for pain monitoring were wearable, possibly because they can be used in more realistic contexts. Few studies focused on older adults, creating a relevant avenue of research on how to create devices for users that may have impaired cognitive skills or low digital literacy.

CONCLUSIONS

The design of monitoring devices and interfaces for adults with pain must deal with the challenge of selecting relevant contextual information to understand the user's situation, and not overburdening or inconveniencing users with information requests. A model of contextual information may be used by researchers to choose possible contextual information that may be monitored during studies on adults with pain.

Evaluation of nitrate effects in the aqueous photodegradability of selected phenolic pollutants

The effect of nitrate in the aqueous photodegradation of five phenolic environmental pollutants (ortho-phenylphenol, OPP; methyl paraben, MeP; propyl paraben, PrP; Triclosan, TCS and bisphenol A, BPA) is evaluated. Time-course of precursor compounds and formation of transformation products (TPs) were investigated by liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-QTOF-MS). Nitrate showed a positive effect in the removal of selected pollutants. Observed TPs resulted from hydroxylation, aromatic nitration (with or without molecule cleavage) and nitro dehalogenation processes. The above reactions involved the participation of ·OH and ·NO₂ radicals arising from photolysis of nitrate. Nitro TPs were produced in a different extent depending on the structure of the precursor pollutant, nitrate concentration, light source (254 nm UV and solar light) and water matrix (ultrapure, surface and urban wastewater). Some of these nitro TPs were also observed during UV irradiation of untreated and unbuffered wastewater, either naturally polluted with parent phenolic compounds or spiked with these species at the sub μg L^-1 level. Nitration reactions were particularly favourable for OPP with the generated nitro TPs displaying a higher stability than the precursor molecule and the hydroxylated TPs of the same compound.

Maternal fasting glycemia and adverse pregnancy outcomes in a Mediterranean population

AIMS

The hyperglycemia and adverse pregnancy outcome study demonstrated a continuous association between fasting plasma glucose (FPG) levels below those diagnostic of diabetes and adverse neonatal outcomes. We aimed to investigate whether the same association was found in a Mediterranean population.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of singleton pregnancies attended at our Hospital between 2008 and 2015 (n = 5203). FPG was evaluated in the second trimester, and it was divided into 7 categories (1 < 75, 2 75-79, 3 80-84, 4 85-89, 5 90-94, 6 95-99 and 7 100-124 mg/dL). Pregnancy outcomes included elective cesarean delivery, gestational hypertensive disorders (GHD), large for gestational age (LGA), small for gestational age (SGA), macrosomia, prematurity, severe prematurity and APGAR at 1 min <7.

RESULTS

Maternal age was 33.8 ± 3.8 years, and BMI at first antenatal visit was 22.9 ± 3.5 kg/m²; mean FPG was 79 ± 7 mg/dL. A positive association was observed between FPG and LGA (p < 0.001), GHD (p = 0.004) and prematurity both <37 and <34 weeks of gestation (p = 0.001 and p = 0.004). FPG and SGA were inversely related (p = 0,038). FPG was not significantly related to rate of C-section or APGAR. Adjusted odds ratios associated with 1 standard deviation increase in the fasting plasma glucose (7 mg/dL) were 1.26 (1.15 to 1.37) for LGA, 1.28 (1.09 to 1.49) for GHD and 0.83 (0.74-0.93) for SGA. In a multivariate analysis controlling for confounders, FPG remained associated with LGA.

CONCLUSIONS

We found an association between FPG levels, below those diagnostic of gestational diabetes according to our guidelines, and adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes in a Mediterranean population.

Liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry identification and determination of tri- and hexaaryl chloro imidazoles in sewage sludge

The identification and further quantification of 2-chloro-triarylimidazole (o-Cl-TAI) and its dimer (o-DCl-HABI) in sludge from a sewage treatment plant (STP) is reported for the first time. Liquid chromatography (LC) quadrupole time-of-flight (QTOF) mass spectrometry (MS) was used as analytical technique during screening and determination steps. Pollutants were identified following a post-run search strategy, applying the chlorine mass filter, and characterized by their accurate MS and product ion scan spectra. Finally, their identities were confirmed with authentic standards. The species (o-Cl-TAI) has been rated as potentially genotoxic and carcinogenic for mice and rats. Effects of sample preparation in the stability and the extraction efficiency of both compounds are discussed. Under final conditions, they were extracted from freeze-dried samples (0.5 g of sludge or biosolids dispersed with 2 g of C₁₈ and packed into a polypropylene syringe) with 20 ml of methanol, which also flowed through a clean-up layer of Florisil and PSA sorbents (0.5 g each). This method attained quantitative extraction yields and limits of quantification between 4 and 10 ng/g. The pollutants o-Cl-TAI and o-DCl-HABI were ubiquitous in sludge and biosolids obtained in consecutive years from the investigated STP. Their concentrations varied from 0.02 to more than 13 μg/g (freeze-dried sample). Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.