Comment on "Global distribution of earthworm diversity"

Phillips et al (Reports, 25 October 2019, p. 480) incorrectly conclude that tropical earthworm communities are less diverse and abundant than temperate communities. This result is an artifact generated by some low-quality datasets, lower sampling intensity in the tropics, different patterns in richness-area relationships, the occurrence of invasive species in managed soils, and a focus on local rather than regional richness.

The Mars Environmental Dynamics Analyzer, MEDA. A Suite of Environmental Sensors for the Mars 2020 Mission

NASA's Mars 2020 (M2020) rover mission includes a suite of sensors to monitor current environmental conditions near the surface of Mars and to constrain bulk aerosol properties from changes in atmospheric radiation at the surface. The Mars Environmental Dynamics Analyzer (MEDA) consists of a set of meteorological sensors including wind sensor, a barometer, a relative humidity sensor, a set of 5 thermocouples to measure atmospheric temperature at ∼1.5 m and ∼0.5 m above the surface, a set of thermopiles to characterize the thermal IR brightness temperatures of the surface and the lower atmosphere. MEDA adds a radiation and dust sensor to monitor the optical atmospheric properties that can be used to infer bulk aerosol physical properties such as particle size distribution, non-sphericity, and concentration. The MEDA package and its scientific purpose are described in this document as well as how it responded to the calibration tests and how it helps prepare for the human exploration of Mars. A comparison is also presented to previous environmental monitoring payloads landed on Mars on the Viking, Pathfinder, Phoenix, MSL, and InSight spacecraft.

Unravelling the polarity of InN quantum dots using a modified approach of negative-spherical-aberration imaging

InN quantum dots (QDs) are considered to be promising nanostructures for different device applications. For any hexagonal AB-stacking semiconductor system, polarity is an important feature which affects the electronic properties. Therefore, the determination of this characteristic on any wurtzite (semi)polar III-N compound or alloy is essential for defining its applicability. In this paper, the polarity of InN QDs grown on silicon by indium droplet epitaxy plus nitridation and annealing was determined by a modified approach combining exit wave reconstruction with negative-spherical-aberration high-resolution lattice imaging using TEM. Comparing the micrographs of two QDs from the same TEM specimen with the simulated images of InN slab structures generated under the same conditions as of the experiments, it was confirmed that the QDs of the present study are N polar. Given that the settlement of material's polarity has always been a tedious, indirect and controversial issue, the major value of our proposal is to provide a straightforward procedure to determine the polar direction from atomic-resolution focal series images.

Water resources and nitrate discharges in relation to agricultural land uses in an intensively irrigated watershed

Application of integrated hydrological models to manage water resources and non-point agricultural pollutants are increasingly used in decision-making processes. In this study SWAT (Soil and Water Assessment Tool) was used to simulate the water balance and nitrate pollution in an intensively irrigated agricultural catchment (Flumen River in Monegros, Aragon, NE Spain). Rainfall comprised only 45% of the inputs of water in the Flumen watershed and the rest is contributed through irrigation canals from two other rivers outside the Flumen watershed. Green water storage and green water flow are the dominant components of the water balance in the watershed, which is related to the important contribution of water for irrigation. In general, green water storage and green water flow are quite similar in the subwatersheds dominated by irrigation agriculture that are located in the central part of the watershed. A similar pattern was observed for blue water, with high amounts in the central irrigated subwatersheds compared to the non-irrigated subwatersheds. Consequently, nitrate infiltration in the aquifer was higher in the inner irrigated subwatersheds (100-250 kg N ha^-1 year^-1) but much lower than the lateral flow rates estimated in the non-irrigated subwatersheds (1400-2000 kg N ha^-1 year^-1). Two scenarios simulating the effects of expected climate change factors in this zone were performed. A reduction in the availability of water for irrigation will transform the area from irrigated crops to cereal. In this case the water flow of River Flumen at the outlet of the watershed is reduced by 15%. If a reduction of 40% nitrate fertilization is applied, the nitrate exported to Flumen River would decreased by 28%. These results suggest that dosing irrigation water and fertilizers in accordance with crop requirements would contribute to buffer peaks of water and nitrate discharges and to a more efficient agricultural use of the resources.

A Methodological Approach for Spatiotemporally Analyzing Water-Polluting Effluents in Agricultural Landscapes Using Partial Triadic Analysis

Multivariate techniques for two-dimensional data matrices are normally used in water quality studies. However, if the temporal dimension is included in the analysis, other statistical techniques are recommended. In this study, partial triadic analysis was used to investigate the spatial and temporal variability in water quality variables sampled in a northeastern Spain river basin. The results highlight the spatiality of the physical and chemical properties of water at different sites along a river over 1 yr. Partial triadic analysis allowed us to clearly identify the presence of a stable spatial structure that was common to all sampling dates across the entire catchment. Variables such as electrical conductivity and Na and Cl ions were associated with agricultural sources, whereas total dissolved nitrogen, NH-N concentrations, and NO-N concentrations were linked to polluted urban sites; differences were observed between irrigated and nonirrigated periods. The concentration of NO-N was associated with both agricultural and urban land uses. Variables associated with urban and agricultural pollution sources were highly influenced by the seasonality of different activities conducted in the study area. In analyzing the impact of land use and fertilization management on water runoff and effluents, powerful statistical tools that can properly identify the causes of pollution in watersheds are important. Partial triadic analysis can efficiently summarize site-specific water chemistry patterns in an applied setting for land- and water-monitoring schemes at the landscape level. The method is recommended for land-use decision-making processes to reduce harmful environmental effects and promote sustainable watershed management.

Lower incidence of catheter-related bloodstream infection in subclavian venous access in the presence of tracheostomy than in femoral venous access: prospective observational study

Guidelines for the prevention of catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) recommend subclavian rather than femoral venous access to minimize the risk of CRBSI. However, they do not address the issue of CRBSI with subclavian venous access in the presence of tracheostomy, where the incidence of CRBSI has been found to be higher than without tracheostomy. In this study, we found lower CRBSI in subclavian venous access in the presence of tracheostomy than in femoral venous access (3.9 vs. 10.1 CRBSI per 1000 catheter-days; odds ratio = 0.39; 95% confidence interval ≤0.001-0.91; p 0.03).

Overview of pesticide residues in stored pollen and their potential effect on bee colony (Apis mellifera) losses in Spain

In the last decade, an increase in honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) colony losses has been reported in several countries. The causes of this decline are still not clear. This study was set out to evaluate the pesticide residues in stored pollen from honey bee colonies and their possible impact on honey bee losses in Spain. In total, 1,021 professional apiaries were randomly selected. All pollen samples were subjected to multiresidue analysis by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (MS) and liquid chromatography-MS; moreover, specific methods were applied for neonicotinoids and fipronil. A palynological analysis also was carried out to confirm the type of foraging crop. Pesticide residues were detected in 42% of samples collected in spring, and only in 31% of samples collected in autumn. Fluvalinate and chlorfenvinphos were the most frequently detected pesticides in the analyzed samples. Fipronil was detected in 3.7% of all the spring samples but never in autumn samples, and neonicotinoid residues were not detected. More than 47.8% of stored pollen samples belonged to wild vegetation, and sunflower (Heliantus spp.) pollen was only detected in 10.4% of the samples. A direct relation between pesticide residues found in stored pollen samples and colony losses was not evident accordingly to the obtained results. Further studies are necessary to determine the possible role of the most frequent and abundant pesticides (such as acaricides) and the synergism among them and with other pathogens more prevalent in Spain.

Profile and relative concentrations of fatty acids in corn and soybean seeds from transgenic and isogenic crops

In this work 44 fatty acids, which were analyzed as methyl esters by GC/MS in scan mode, have been determined in genetically modified corn and soybean seeds. Their relative concentrations have been compared with those of isogenic lines grown in the same conditions. Studied compounds comprised saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, including cis/trans isomers and minor fatty acids. A classical soxhlet extraction and an accelerated solvent extraction have been assayed to extract the fatty compounds from seeds and the GC separation has been carried out on a biscyanopropylpolysiloxane chromatographic column. Soxhlet extraction was selected as the most convenient and applied to compare the samples. Specific compounds, which could denote the origin of the crop have not been observed, but for some sample pairs, significant differences have been found in relation to the percentage of certain acids; the highest differences for major acids were 4.1% in corn and 4.8% in soybean. The concentrations of long chain acids such as 24:0, 26:0 and 28:0 were higher in some isogenic lines whereas the concentrations of short chain acids such as 6:0, 8:0, 9:0, 10:0 and 12:0 were higher in their transgenic counterparts.

Comparative study of sample preparation procedures to determine fipronil in pollen by gas chromatography with mass spectrometric and electron-capture detection

Several sample preparation methods have been assayed to analyze residues of fipronil in pollen at trace concentrations. Extraction with organic solvents, solid-phase extraction on either commercial cartridges or a Florisil-packed column and a matrix solid-phase dispersion, also with Florisil as a dispersing agent, have been tested. Determination of fipronil in the extracts has been carried out by GC with electron-capture and mass spectrometric detection. An extraction with acetonitrile followed by a clean-up on ODS or polymeric cartridges was the most suitable procedure to obtain acceptable recoveries and relatively simple chromatograms. The matrix-effects observed in the quantification can be corrected with a matrix-matched calibration.

Sample preparation methods for beeswax characterization by gas chromatography with flame ionization detection

New and simpler methods of sample preparation to determine several families of compounds in beeswax by conventional and high temperature gas chromatography are proposed. To analyze hydrocarbons and palmitates, a dilution of sample is enough whereas for the total acid content, a hydrolysis and simultaneous methylation with BF3-methanol results more effective than the usual methods; for the total content of alcohols, a further acetylation with acetic anhydride is necessary. Free alcohols are directly acetylated in a sample dissolution but for free acids and monoesterified 1,2,3-propanetriols analysis, a previous extraction with acetonitrile is required. The concentrations of all the compounds studied are expressed in weight percentage referred only to one standard: octadecyl octadecanoate. The precision of the analytical methods has been evaluated showing its importance in the analysis of beeswaxes used in apiculture.

Trace analysis of tiamulin in honey by liquid chromatography–diode array–electrospray ionization mass spectrometry detection

A liquid chromatography with diode array or electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry detection (LC-DAD-ESI-MS) method for the determination of tiamulin residues in honey is presented. The procedure employs a solid-phase extraction (SPE) on polymeric cartridges for the isolation of tiamulin from honey samples diluted in aqueous solution of tartaric acid. Chromatographic separation of the tiamulin is performed, in isocratic mode, on a C18 column using methanol and ammonium carbonate 0.1% in water, in proportion (30:70, v/v). Average analyte recoveries were from 88 to 106% in replica sets of fortified honey samples. The LC-ESI-MS method detection limits differ from 0.5 microg kg(-1) for clear honeys to 1.2 microg kg(-1) for dark honeys. The developed method has been applied to the analysis of tiamulin residues in multifloral honey samples collected from veterinary treated beehives.

Comparative study of the enantioselective separation of several antiulcer drugs by high-performance liquid chromatography and supercritical fluid chromatography

A comparative study of the enantiomeric separation of several antiulcer drugs such as omeprazole, lansoprazole, rabeprazole and pantoprazole using HPLC and supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) on the Chrialpak AD column is presented in this work. The results show that employing the above mentioned column only two compounds (omeprazole and pantoprazole) could be enantiomerically resolved using HPLC, on the contrary SFC allowed the enantiomeric separation of all the compounds studied with higher resolutions and lower analysis times.

Determination of azolic fungicides in wine by solid-phase extraction and high-performance liquid chromatography–atmospheric pressure chemical ionization–mass spectrometry

A method for simultaneous analysis of eight azolic fungicides: cyproconazole, diniconazole, tetraconazole, thiabendazole, flusilazole, triadimenol, triadimefon, carbendazim and the degradation product 2-aminobenzimidazole in wine samples is described. The compounds are isolated from the samples and concentrated by solid-phase extraction on polymeric cartridges. The determination is carried out by liquid chromatography with mass spectrometric detection in positive ionization and selected ion monitoring modes. The influence of parameters such as the mobile phase composition, column temperature, corona current and fragmentor voltage is studied and the proposed method is validated. Recoveries of the nine compounds added to wine samples range from 83 to 109%, with relative standard deviations below 10%. The quantitation limits are between 9 and 31 microg/L. Real wine samples are analyzed by the proposed method, also.

Evaluation of new surfactant expanded zirconium and titanium phosphates for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons extraction from waters

A newly synthesized family of materials prepared with surfactant as organic template were tested for the extraction of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from water, using pyrene (Pyr) and benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) as PAHs representatives. Particular attention was paid to the evaluation of the recovery factors with dichloromethane as eluent in order to estimate their potential as adsorbing solid phases for PAH remediation or analysis. Eleven lamellar MCM-50 type materials incorporating n-alkyl- (n = 12, 16, 18) trimethylammonium bromide molecules with different concentrations and chain lengths and two hexagonal MCM-41 type materials incorporating octadecyl-trimethyl ammonium bromide were tested. Best results were obtained by preparing lamellar MCM-50 zirconium and titanium phosphates in the presence of n-dodecyl-trimethylammonium at a relative molar concentration (surfactant/phosphate) of 1.

Liquid-liquid extraction followed by solid-phase extraction for the determination of lipophilic pesticides in beeswax by gas chromatography-electron-capture detection and matrix-matched calibration

Analytical methods for the simultaneous analysis of lindane, chlorpyriphos, z-chlorfenvinphos, endosulfan A and B, 4,4'-DDE, 4,4'-TDE, acrinathrine, bromopropylate, tetradifon, coumaphos and fluvalinate in pure beeswax samples are studied. For the analysis of bleached beeswaxes, a liquid-liquid extraction with acetonitrile followed by a clean-up on polymeric cartridges is the best option in terms of recovery and precision. However, some interferences that hinder the identification and quantification of important varroacides are found when non-bleached beeswaxes are analyzed. The analysis of all compounds in the latter samples require a clean-up by coupling an ODS cartridge before the polymeric cartridge. Considerations about the influence of the matrix in the quantitative analysis by a classical external standard calibration are also made and the use of a matrix-matched calibration is advised. Recoveries resulted to be about 100% with coefficients of variation between 10% and 20% (n = 5) for concentrations of 0.5 and 5 mg/kg.

Chiral separation of some triazole pesticides by supercritical fluid chromatography

The enantiomeric separation of six triazole pesticides: cyproconazole, propiconazole, diniconazole, hexaconazole, tebuconazole and tetraconazole, using supercritical fluid chromatography and the Chiralpak AD column, is presented in this work. The effect of different organic modifiers such as methanol, ethanol and 2-propanol on the retention and resolution was studied as well as the presence of additives in the mobile phase. The results obtained were highly successful, all the compounds were enantiomerically separated and in most of the cases the analysis time was close to 10 min. The type of organic modifier that provided the best results depended on the compound.

Quality assurance of commercial beeswax

The use of low-temperature capillary gas chromatography coupled to electron impact mass spectrometry for the characterization of crude beeswaxes yielded by Apis mellifera is described. The system allows the identification of a great number of compounds, some of them not reported till now in beeswax, such as a family of ethyl esters, tetracosyl oleate, and several saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbons. The information acquired makes possible the differentiation between pure beeswax and some foundation beeswax samples where mixture of pure beeswax with another substances is suspected.

Quality assurance of commercial beeswax II. Gas chromatography-electron impact ionization mass spectrometry of alcohols and acids

Gas chromatography with mass spectrometric detection was used to find the fraction of alcohols and acids present in pure beeswax from Apis mellifera. Some new compounds not described till now were found, such as a family of unsaturated linear fatty acids, several hydroxyacids and 1,2,3-propanetriol monoesters. The chromatographic profiles obtained from pure beeswax and bee-rejected foundation beeswax can be used to discriminate them; they mainly differ in the amount of some acids and alcohols.

Separation of albendazole sulfoxide enantiomers by chiral supercritical-fluid chromatography

The enantioseparation of albendazole sulfoxide (ABZSO) by chiral supercritical-fluid chromatography (SFC) on two columns, based on the polysaccharide derivatives Chiralpak AD and Chiralcel OD, was studied. The effect of different modifiers, methanol, ethanol, 2-propanol, and acetonitrile, was examined. The results showed that ABZSO can be separated on both columns, using an alcohol-type modifier. Using the Chiralpak AD column, the best results were obtained with 2-propanol and, in the case of the Chiralcel OD, with methanol.

Factors affecting the extraction, hydrolysis and derivatization steps for the quantitation of total residues of amitraz in honey by gas chromatography with electron capture detection

A study about the most adequate conditions for the determination of the amitraz total residues in honey by gas chromatography is presented. Solvent and solid phase extraction procedures as well as the influence of several parameters on the extraction, hydrolysis and derivatization steps are considered. Solid phase extraction on ODS cartridges was found to be not reliable for the determination of total residues, because recovery for 2,4-dimethylaniline (DMA) was poor. Liquid-liquid extraction with hexane was accomplished in a single step and was more reproducible. The pH of the aqueous solution had to be set at pH 11 to achieve extraction of DMA. The derivatization of DMA with heptafluorobutyric anhydride (HFBA) was practically instantaneous at room temperature.

Extraction of thymol, eucalyptol, menthol, and camphor residues from honey and beeswax. Determination by gas chromatography with flame ionization detection

A gas chromatographic method to determine thymol, eucalyptol (cineole), menthol and camphor residues in honey and beeswax is proposed. To isolate the compounds, three methods involving liquid-liquid extraction with methylene chloride, distillation, or solid-phase extraction on octadecylsilica cartridges can be used. The GC separation is carried out on a 60 m x 0.53 mm Stabilwax DA capillary column, using a flame ionization detector. The method is applied to the analysis of natural honey and also honey and beeswax samples from beehives treated with the above compounds.

Capillary gas chromatography with mass spectrometric and atomic emission detection for characterization and monitoring chlordimeform degradation in honey

Capillary gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and capillary gas chromatography-atomic emission detection have been successfully used to identify and monitor the main degradation products of chlordimeform when this compound is initially present in honey. The analysis of laboratory-spiked honey samples over 28 weeks revealed the occurrence of two degradation products: 4-chloro-o-toluidine (I) and N-formyl-4-chloro-o-toluidine (III). During this period the concentration of chlordimeform decreased to 7.5% of its initial value; the concentration of compound I increased gradually whereas compound III was present in a larger proportion and reached a maximum around the 14th week.

[Diet of an anecic earthworm from the Colombian savannas: questioning ecological groups]

An ecological classification based on a set of morphological characters may be used to describe earthworm functions in soil. However these relationships have been seldom verified. Gizzards of the earthworm Martiodrilus carimaguensis (Glossoscolecidae) were studied to find out if its anecic morphology was in agreement with its diet (shallow litter remains and deep organo-mineral material). By direct observation of 13 adults' gizzard contents with a dissecting and a phase contrast microscope, the volumetric percentage of plant fragments, roots, amorphous organic matter and mineral particles reached respectively 63, 5, 6.5 and 30% v/v. Eighty percent of plant fragments were microscopic, and mostly incorporated into the organo-mineral earthworm casts well preserved in the gizzard. Coprophagy and rhizophagy were the dominant feature of M. carimaguensis diet. Yet, the casts produced revealed a high variability in its diet, what could be related to transitional adoption of a typical anecic diet during some periods.

Using Bayesian networks in the construction of a bi-level multi-classifier. A case study using intensive care unit patients data

Combining the predictions of a set of classifiers has shown to be an effective way to create composite classifiers that are more accurate than any of the component classifiers. There are many methods for combining the predictions given by component classifiers. We introduce a new method that combine a number of component classifiers using a Bayesian network as a classifier system given the component classifiers predictions. Component classifiers are standard machine learning classification algorithms, and the Bayesian network structure is learned using a genetic algorithm that searches for the structure that maximises the classification accuracy given the predictions of the component classifiers. Experimental results have been obtained on a datafile of cases containing information about ICU patients at Canary Islands University Hospital. The accuracy obtained using the presented new approach statistically improve those obtained using standard machine learning methods.

Applications of the Chiralpak AD and Chiralcel OD chiral columns in the enantiomeric separation of several dioxolane compounds by supercritical fluid chromatography

Two chiral columns based on polysaccharide derivatives (Chiralpak AD and Chiralcel OD) have been tested for the chiral separation of several dioxolane compounds, using supercritical fluid chromatography. The compounds studied included ketoconazole and some of its precursors. The effect of the different modifiers and the pressure, on the chromatographic parameters was also evaluated. In general, the alcohol modifiers provided better results than acetonitrile, and all the compounds could be separated with these two columns, but the selection of the column depends on the kind of compound.

Use of deactivated fused-silica capillary precolumns in pesticide analysis by gas chromatography with electron-capture detection

The advantages and disadvantages of coupling a retention gap of fused-silica between the injection port and the chromatographic column are discussed. The influence on the peak width and height of several factors such as the solvent (n-hexane, acetone, ethyl acetate and methanol), the gap (length, inner diameter, deactivation mode), the injection volume and the pesticide concentration has been examined. Those factors have very different incidences so, it is not possible to extract a general recommendation about the use of gaps. For this reason, checking its viability in each particular case is more advisable.

Analysis of pesticide residues in wine by solid-phase extraction and gas chromatography with electron capture and nitrogen-phosphorus detection

A feasible and reproducible method for multiresidue analysis of several common pesticides, of different polarities, in wine samples is proposed. The method combines a solid-phase extraction on polymeric cartridges eluted with ethyl acetate and a gas chromatographic determination using electron capture and nitrogen-phosphorus detection. To avoid the matrix effect, previous washing of the cartridges with a mixture of water-2-propanol (90:10) and further clean-up of the extract on Florisil cartridges, together with a calibration using spiked extracts, are recommended.

High-performance liquid chromatographic determination of methyl anthranilate, hydroxymethylfurfural and related compounds in honey

A high-performance liquid chromatographic method for determining 5-hydroxymethyl-2-furaldehyde (hydroxymethylfurfural), 2-furaldehyde (furfural), furan-2-carboxylic acid (2-furoic acid), furan-3-carboxylic acid (3-furoic acid), furan-3-carboxaldehyde (3-furaldehyde) and 2-aminobenzoic acid methyl ester (methyl anthranilate) in honey and honeydew samples is described. To prevent matrix interference and to isolate the compounds, a clean-up step which implies a solid-phase extraction on polymeric cartridges and an elution with 0.5 ml methanol is recommended. The compounds are separated on a reversed-phase column with a gradient of (A) 1% aqueous acetic acid-acetonitrile (97:3, v/v) and (B) acetonitrile-water (50:50, v/v), with UV detection at 250 nm. The method is applied to the analysis of samples from different botanical origin.

Gas chromatographic determination of acrinathrine and 3-phenoxybenzaldehyde residues in honey

A procedure involving an extraction step and further gas chromatographic analysis with flame ionization detection to determine residues of acrinathrine and its main metabolite, 3-phenoxybenzaldehyde, in honey is proposed. Residues can be isolated from the matrix by means of liquid-liquid extraction with a mixture of benzene-isopropanol, by solid-phase extraction with octadecylsilane cartridges or Florisil packed columns, the latter method giving higher recoveries. Assays on spiked honey samples are carried out to test the procedures that are afterwards applied to honey samples from treated beehives.

Use of a particle beam interface combined with mass spectrometry/negative chemical ionization to determine polar herbicide residues in soil by liquid chromatography

The use of mass spectrometry/negative chemical ionization (MS/NCI), in combination with selected-ion monitoring, allows sensitive and selective determination of polar and thermally unstable herbicide residues by liquid chromatography coupled to a particle beam interface. The method has been applied to the analysis of soil samples for herbicide residues, using various procedures for their extraction and employing matrix-standard calibration to avoid quantitative errors due to transfer of matter through the interface. Data for the fragment ions found in the MS/NCI procedure and chromatograms from analyses of real samples are also presented.

Chiral separation of four 1,3-dioxolane derivatives by supercritical fluid chromatography on an amylose-based column

The chiral separation of four 1,3-dioxolane derivatives by supercritical fluid chromatography on an amylose-based column is described. The effects of mobile phase composition, temperature and pressure have been investigated. The nature of the modifier is the parameter which has the highest impact on the chiral resolution and it is more important than the polarity of the mobile phase. The organic modifier used for the best enantiomeric separation was different for each compound, because it depends strongly on the molecular structure of the compound.

Determination of rotenone residues in raw honey by solid-phase extraction and high-performance liquid chromatography

A method for determining residues of the insecticide rotenone in raw-honey by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) is described. To extract the residues, organic solvents such as ethyl acetate, n-hexane/dichloromethane and solid-phase extraction with octadecylsilane cartridges or Florisil packed columns were tested. Determination was carried out by reversed-phase HPLC using acetonitrile-buffer phosphate (pH 7) (60:40, v/v) as mobile phase and detection at 210 nm. Although the data showed that the two extraction methods were able to isolate the pesticide residues, the extraction on octadecylsilane cartridges was preferred due to its simplicity and higher recovery. Recoveries depended strongly on the fortification level for the two extraction procedures. Practical determination limits of 0.015 mg/kg were obtained. In the analysis of honeys, from beehives treated with rotenone at therapeutical doses for 1 month, residual amounts below 0.2 mg/kg were found.

Validation of the removal of acetylsalicylic acid. Recovery and determination of residues on various surfaces by high performance liquid chromatographic

The validation of a procedure to clean glass, vinyl and stainless steel surfaces that have been exposed to acetylsalicylic acid during its manufacture is described. The cleaning procedure using two cotton swabs moistened with the mobile phase was validated using a wipe-test and a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method developed to determine low quantities of the acid. The HPLC method involves an octadecylsilane column at 55 degrees C, a mixture of water-acetonitrile-orthophosphoric acid (779:220:1, v/v) as mobile phase and detection at 226 nm. Recoveries of 86%, 90% and 94% were obtained from vinyl, glass and stainless steel plates respectively. The validation gave acceptable levels of sensitivity, recovery, precision and linearity.

Acute adrenal insufficiency after cardiac surgery

Adrenal insufficiency after cardiac surgery can easily be confused during the course of an immediate unstable postoperative period. If unrecognized, this condition may cause serious morbidity and can be fatal. We report on a 43-yr-old female patient with chronic known adrenal insufficiency, who, despite her adequate preoperative replacement therapy, presented with one episode of acute hypoadrenal crisis after elective open heart surgery, which could serve as a model to illustrate the salient clinical features and possible problems in this setting for diagnosing this problem to patients in whom chronic adrenal insufficiency remains unknown.

Solid-phase microextraction applied to the analysis of pesticide residues in honey using gas chromatography with electron-capture detection

The possibilities of using solid-phase microextraction to determine residues of pesticides in honey have been examined. For this purpose, three types of fiber have been assayed: polyacrylate of 85 microns thickness, and polydimethylsiloxane of 7 and 100 microns thickness. They have been applied to the extraction of 21 pesticides of different chemical families. The effects of the temperature, extraction time and ionic strength on the microextraction have been studied, proposing the most adequate for each fiber. Under optimized conditions, precision, intervals of linearity and detection limits were evaluated.

Packed-column supercritical fluid chromatography coupled with solid-phase extraction for the determination of organic microcontaminants in water

A multiresidue method for the analysis of 35 common contaminants (including pesticides, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and phenols) in lough and river waters from Castilla y León Spanish region, by using supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) with five silica packed columns, is described. In order to decrease the detection limits, a preconcentration step by coupling solid-phase extraction to the SFC system was used. The different variables affecting the extraction procedure were studied and optimized, selecting the Isolute Env+ as the best sorbent. The detection limits achieved ranged from 0.4 to 2.6 micrograms l-1.

Gas chromatography with electron-capture and nitrogen-phosphorus detection in the analysis of pesticides in honey after elution from a Florisil column. Influence of the honey matrix on the quantitative results

A modified procedure to extract pesticides from honey samples that involves loading the honey onto a Florisil packed column and subsequently eluting it with an n-hexane-dichloromethane mixture is proposed. Anomalous high gas chromatographic responses and subsequently very high recoveries for the pesticides in the extracts were obtained by a conventional calibration with pesticide solutions in organic solvent. This effect was attributed to the honey matrix and can be circumvented by using spiked honey extracts as calibration standards.

High-performance liquid chromatographic determination of benomyl and carbendazim residues in apiarian samples

Simple procedures for the extraction and chromatographic determination of benomyl and carbendazim in honey, bees wax, larvae, bees and pollen are proposed. The fungicides were extracted from honey, larvae and bees using ethyl acetate, while methanol was more suitable for wax and pollen samples. Pollen extracts need a further clean-up step with n-hexane. The determination is carried out by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with fluorescence detection. The procedures have been applied to the analysis of benomyl on honey and larvae samples from hives whose bees were nourished with artificial food mixed with benomyl.

Determination of the fungicide vinclozolin in honey and bee larvae by solid-phase and solvent extraction with gas chromatography and electron-capture and mass spectrometric detection

Methods for the determination of residual vinclozolin in honey and bee larvae are proposed. The fungicide can be extracted with an n-hexane-acetone (70:30, v/v) mixture, or by passage through ODS cartridges which requires no subsequent clean-up. Vinclozolin is quantified by capillary gas chromatography with electron-capture and mass spectrometric detection. Recoveries from spiked samples exceed 90%, with a relative standard deviation of 3.5-4.5%.

Acute cardiovascular effects of intravenous cyclosporine

The acute effects of intravenous (i.v.) cyclosporine A (CsA) on blood pressure and other haemodynamic parameters were examined in 8 patients with end-stage renal disease on haemodialysis (HD). The study was performed after the mid-week haemodialysis session, when the patients were on their dry body weight. Each patient received an i.v. infusion of 5 mg/kg of CsA in 120 ml of 5% dextrose in water during 2 hours. Heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP, DBP) were monitored by the Holter system. An echocardiogram (M-mode 2-dimensional and Doppler sonography) was performed using an automatic device (Ultramark 6) before CsA administration, at 30, 60 and 120 minutes during CsA infusion, and at 30 minutes thereafter. SBP, DBP and calculated peripheral vascular resistance (CPVR) increased significantly in respect to basal values at 120 and 150 minutes (SBP: basal 130 +/- 21, 120 min: 136 +/- 20, 150 min: 140 +/- 18, p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively. DBP: basal 80 +/- 9, 120 min: 86 +/- 13, 150 min: 88 +/- 13, p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively. CPVR: basal 1000 +/- 228, 120 min: 1178 +/- 305, 150 min: 1236 +/- 270 dyne/s/cm5, p < 0.01). However, systolic volume (SV) and cardiac output (CO) showed significant decreases from the basal values (SV: basal 103 +/- 29, 120 min: 85 +/- 22, 150 min: 85 +/- 17, p < 0.05. CO: basal 8.2 +/- 2, 120 min: 7.3 +/- 1.1, 150 min: 7 +/- 1.2 l/min, p < 0.05). In conclusion, CsA infusion produces a significant elevation of blood pressure, which seems to be mediated by a direct action on peripheral vascular resistance.