The results show that the in-fiber standardization technique, which is kinetic diffusion-controlled, could shorten sampling time and obtain accurate results using isotopically-labeled reference compounds. Another quantitative method, time-weighted average sampling, may be viable for simultaneously measuring all analytes in sediment porewater, as it is more effective with respect to cost and time. In addition, the effects of temperature and salinity on passive sampling should be quantified in field applications.

Currently available passive samplers (e.g., employing polymer-coated fibers and low-density polyethylene sheets) can sense hydrophobic

organic chemicals (HOCs) in sediment porewater, but the small capacity and the inflexibility of polymer-coated fibers need to be further improved, while better

physical protection of polyethylene devices, particularly when they are deployed under rough conditions, should be carefully considered.

In Epigenetics inhibitor conclusion, passive samplers for in-situ measurement of dissolved HOCs in sediment porewater should be combined with a suitable quantitative method and calibration for the effects of temperature and salinity. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“A best evidence topic in cardiac surgery was written according to a structured protocol. The question addressed was: Are antibiotic implants like Vorasidenib gentamicin-collagen implants useful in preventing sternal selleck products wound infections (SWIs)? Altogether, more than 484 papers were found using the reported search; of these, 7 represented the best evidence to answer the clinical question. The authors, journal, date and country of publication, patient group studied, study type, relevant outcomes and results of these papers are tabulated. We conclude that most randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have been performed with gentamicin-collagen sponges for sternal closure. Two out of four RCTs showed a significant benefit of the implant in a reduction in superficial and deep SWIs in routine and emergency cardiac surgery. One RCTs showed a significant reduction in superficial infections in 2005, a follow-up

trial by the same group in 2009 showed a reduction in deep infections as well. Another group has shown a reduction in deep and superficial SWI with gentamicin implant, in an RCT on 800 patients, however have not published details of the complete trial. The third trial on 542 patients showed no benefit of the implant, but was not adequately powered. However, the most recent multicentre RCT conducted on 1052 patients showed no benefit of gentamicin-collagen sponges in elective surgery (coronary artery bypass grafting and/or valve surgery) in high-risk patients with diabetes, obesity or both. Concerns were raised that gentamicin sponges dipped in saline 1-2 s prior to application may have lost the gentamicin into the saline, thereby reducing their efficacy and that some surgeons may have been unfamiliar with wound closure with sponges.