Psychosocial status and risk perception among Iranian healthcare workers during the fifth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: Healthcare workers (HCWs) are essential resources, and their health and wellbeing are key not only for offering constant and useful care facilities to clients, but also for maintaining the safety of the workforce and patients. The risk of severe mental health problems among HCWs may have increased during large outbreaks of COVID-19. To evaluate the psychosocial status and risk perception of HCWs who participated in treating COVID-19 patients in Northern Iran, we performed a web-based cross-sectional study. METHODS: The web-based cross-sectional design was applied between June 27 and September 2, 2021. Using convenience sampling, 637 HCWs were recruited from hospitals in Northern Iran (Mazandaran). The HCWs completed self-report questionnaires that included a sociodemographic information form, the 12-item General Health Questionnaire, Impact of the Event Scale-Revised, Risk Perception Questionnaire, and Anxiety Stress Scale-21. The data were analyzed via descriptive and inferential statistics and univariate/multivariate logistic regression to assess the risk factors linked to each psychosocial consequence. RESULTS: The results reveal that the COVID-19 pandemic had an adverse psychosocial influence on HCWs, which was already apparent 1.5 years after the crisis began. Based on the results, 71.6%, 55.6%, and 32.3% of HCWs reported having anxiety, depression, and stress symptoms, respectively, since the outbreak of this disease. The logistic regression models displayed that marital status, having children, and working hours with patients were all risk factors of psychosocial impairment. CONCLUSIONS: The outbreak of COVID-19 can be considered an important experience of a bio-disaster resulting in a significant rate of psychiatric problems in HCWs. There is a need for designing and promoting supportive programs to help HCWs cope and to improve their psychosocial state, and the present study has detected for whom psychosocial support may be effective and practical 1.5 years after the primary outbreak. Moreover, detecting and managing concerns and reducing infection-related embarrassment/stigma are essential for improving HCWs' mental health.

Trace determination of triazine herbicides in fruit and vegetables using novel hydrophobic deep eutectic solvent-based dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction followed by high-performance liquid chromatography-ultraviolet.

In the present research, a novel hydrophobic deep eutectic solvent-based dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction technique was established and combined with high-performance liquid chromatography-ultraviolet for the determination of triazine herbicides in fruit and vegetable samples. A deep eutectic solvent was synthesized using l-menthol as a hydrogen bond acceptor and ethylene glycol as a hydrogen bond donor and used as a green extractant. The characterization of deep eutectic solvent was investigated by Fourier-transform infrared, nuclear magnetic resonance, and thermogravimetric analysis. Under the optimum conditions, relative standard deviation values for intra-day and inter-day of the method based on seven replicate measurements of 50.0 µg/kg of triazines were in the range of 2.8%-5.5% and 3.7%-7.2%, respectively. The calibration graphs were linear in the range of 3.0-500 µg/kg and the limits of detection were in the range of 1.0-2.0 µg/kg. The relative recoveries of different fruit and vegetable samples that have been spiked with two levels of target compounds were 91.5%-109.8%. The method has good linearity, sensitivity, accuracy, and precision. It is also environmentally friendly and was successfully used to determine the concentrations of triazines in fruit and vegetable samples.

Source, spatial distribution, and toxicity potential of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in sediments from Iran's environmentally hot zones, the Persian Gulf.

Surface sediments, sampled from Iranian coast of the Persian Gulf (n = 134), were analyzed in order to track spatial distribution of PAHs and their related eco-hazards. The levels of PAHs were in the range of 1.98-814 ng g-1 dw and the region was lowly to moderately polluted. The profile of PAHs was mainly composed of 2,3-ring chemicals and suggested a local source of PAHs and relatively fresh inputs. Statistical analysis and molecular fingerprints proposed that the basin receives PAHs from multiple origins including petrogenic and pyrogenic (traffic and auto emission) ones. Spatial distribution of organic matter and fine fraction of the sediments had a horizontally increasing trend in the studied basin. ∑16PAHs showed significant positive correlation with TOC and fine fraction (p < 0.05) and the spatial deposition of ∑16PAHs followed the spatial trends of TOC and fine fraction. Spatial mapping techniques confirmed that Pars Special Economic Energy Zone (PSEEZ) is the hot zone of PAH pollution. A combination of source availability, finer sediments, and great organic matter levels were the main effective factors that highlighted the deposition of PAHs in the PSEEZ. The Nayband Bay, as the Iran's first national marine Park, possibly received PAHs from its adjacent zone, the PSEEZ. On the other hand, low organic matter and sandy nature of the Nayband Bay was not suitable for effective sequestration of PAHs. Thus, the biota of Nayband Park was encountering with relatively severe multiple eco-hazards due to both ecological and economic factors.

Persistent sample circulation microextraction combined with graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy for trace determination of heavy metals in fish species marketed in Kermanshah, Iran, and human health risk assessment.

BACKGROUND: Persistent sample circulation microextraction (PSCME) combined with graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS) was developed as a high pre-concentration technique for the determination of heavy metals in fish species. In this method, a few microliters of organic solvent (40.0 µL carbon tetrachloride) was transferred to the bottom of a conical sample cup. Then 10.0 mL of aqueous solution was transformed to fine droplets while passing through the organic solvent. At this stage, metal-ligand hydrophobic complex was extracted into the organic solvent. After extraction, 20 µL of extraction solvent was injected into the graphite tube using an auto-sampler. RESULTS: Under optimal conditions, enrichment factors and enhancement factor were in the range of 180-240 and 155-214, respectively. The calibration curves were linear in the range of 0.03-200 µg kg-1 and the limits of detection (LODs) were in the range of 0.01-0.05 µg kg-1 . Repeatability (intra-day) and reproducibility (inter-day) for 0.50 µg L-1 Hg and 0.10 µg L-1 Cd and Pb were in the range of 3.1-4.2% (n = 7) and 4.3-6.1% (n = 7), respectively. CONCLUSION: Potential human health risk assessment was conducted by calculating estimated weekly intake (EWI) of the metals from eating fish and comparison of these values with provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) values. EWI data for the studied metals through fish consumption were lower than the PTWI values. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

Characteristics, distribution and sources of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in coastal sediments from the heavily industrialized area of Asalouyeh, Iran.

In this research, the levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were investigated in the marine sediments of Asaluyeh harbor, in the Persian Gulf. The samples were taken from industrial, semi-industrial and urban regions. The mean concentration levels of total (Σ) 18 detected PCBs were 514.32, 144.67 and 31.6 pg/g dw for the industrial, semi-industrial and urban sampling stations, respectively. Based on a multivariate statistical analysis, it was found that high contamination levels of PCBs in sediments collected along the Persian Gulf were associated with releases from local industries. Total organic carbon (TOC) content was significantly and positively correlated with the concentrations of PCB congeners. World Health Organization toxic equivalents (TEQs) for PCBs ranged from 0.04 to 2.66 pg TEQ/g dry weight (dw) in the coastal sediments. The TEQ values in this study were higher than many reported worldwide in the literature for sediments. This suggests that there are high levels of contamination in the area due to industrial and other human activities.

Comparison of serum lipoprotein (a) level between non-cardioembolic ischemic stroke and traumatic brain injury.

BACKGROUND: Numerous studies have reported higher lipoprotein (a) levels among stroke patients than controls, but it could be due to an acute phase reaction. The aim of this study was to compare lipoprotein (a) levels between patients with ischemic stroke and those with traumatic brain injury. METHODS: In this case control study from February 2010 to September 2010, 43 patients with traumatic brain injury and 48 patients with ischemic stroke aged above 45 years who had a neurologic attack and attended to hospital in less than 3 days were enrolled in the study. Demographic data were registered and lab tests such as lipoprotein (a) were done. The control group was patients with significant head trauma. Blood specimens were taken in less than 72 hours after admission. RESULTS: 91 patients were enrolled (43 with head trauma (female/male: 15/28, age: 39.17 +/- 19.3 years) and 48 with non-cardioembolic ischemic stroke (female/male: 30/18, age: 67.19 +/- 12.65 years)). In patients with stroke, there were no correlations between patients' age and gender with lipoprotein (a) levels. Lipoprotein (a) was significantly higher in patients with ischemic stroke than patients with head trauma (p = 0.012). CONCLUSIONS: The present study demonstrated that lipoprotein (a) level is significantly higher in patients with ischemic stroke than in patients with head trauma and the relation is not related to its inflammatory action.

Endoscopic-assisted neck tissue expansion in reconstruction of facial burn injuries.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic-assisted tissue expansion has been recently used in plastic surgery. However, there is limited evidence regarding its efficacy in reconstruction of facial burn injuries. AIMS: Our study aimed to evaluate the utility of endoscopic-assisted neck tissue expansion in reconstruction of facial burn deformities. METHODS: Through a prospective study, 42 consecutive patients with facial burn injuries attending a major referral center of plastic and reconstructive surgery in Iran underwent reconstruction of facial defects with endoscopic-assisted neck tissue expansion. Intraoperative events, expansion process, and postoperative outcomes were measured for this group of patients. RESULTS: The mean ± SD injected volume for intraoperative expansion was 66 ± 3.7 mL (range, 35-80 mL). The mean ± SD operative time was 45.6 ± 3.5 minutes. Moreover, the mean ± SD distance between the main access incision and the expander pocket was 5.6 ± 1.2 cm. Time to achieve full expansion ranged between 12 and 16 weeks, and the expanded volume at the time of reconstruction ranged from 400 to 800 mL. All the patients had less than 24 hours of hospital stay after placement of tissue expanders. There were only 2 minor complications during the postoperative follow-up including 1 case of seroma and 1 case of severe pain, which were treated conservatively. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic-assisted neck tissue expansion is associated with lower complication rate, shorter duration of hospitalization, reduced operative time, earlier initiation of expansion, and faster expansion process. It could be a feasible alternative to open technique in reconstructing facial burns, allowing smaller incision at port site, far placement of tissue expander, and excellent visualization of operation site.

Prevalence of Untreated Canals and Their Association with Periapical Periodontitis Using Cone-beam Computed Tomography.

Introduction: Untreated canals represent the primary cause of treatment failure in molars and the second leading cause in other dental groups. This study determined the prevalence of untreated canals and their relationship with periapical periodontitis using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images. Materials and Methods: 385 CBCT images with at least one treated canal were selected from the oral and maxillofacial radiology center. The number of roots and canals, presence, and size of periapical pathology, and presence of untreated canals were recorded. The study used descriptive statistics and Chi-square, Fisher's exact, and odds ratio tests to analyze data. Results: Of the 2053 teeth examined, 14.9% had at least one untreated canal. Untreated canals in teeth increase the chance of having a periapical lesion, raising the prevalence by 11 times. Of these, 91.8% had both untreated canals and periapical lesions. This was more than teeth without untreated canals (35.8%). Most untreated canals were in maxillary molars (65.3%), and mandibular molars (12.54%). There was a statistically significant relationship (P<0.001) between the number of roots, canals, expansion, destruction, and jaw type with the prevalence of untreated canals. The maxillary first molar (68.66%) and second mesiobuccal (MB2) canal (63.27%) had the highest percentages of untreated canals. Conclusions: The MB2 had the highest prevalence of untreated canals. The presence of untreated canals significantly increased the risk of expansion and/or destruction. Therefore, identifying these conditions can also be useful in diagnosing untreated canals. Dentists should assess the anatomy of the tooth and the structure of the root canal to minimize the possibility of an untreated canal. CBCT can assist in this process.

Enhanced tetracycline degradation with TiO2/natural pyrite S-scheme photocatalyst.

In this study, TiO2 nanoparticles were employed as a photocatalyst for the degradation of tetracycline (TC) under visible light irradiation. The TiO2 nanoparticles were decorated on natural pyrite (TiO2/NP) and characterized using XRD, FTIR, and SEM-EDX methods. This study evaluated the impacts of various operational parameters such as pH, catalyst dosage, initial TC concentration, and light intensity on TC removal. The findings revealed that under optimal conditions (pH 7, catalyst: 2 g/L, TC: 30 mg/L, and light intensity: 60 mW/cm2), 100% of TC and 84% of TOC were removed within 180 min. The kinetics of TC elimination followed a first-order model. The dominant oxidation species involved in the photocatalytic elimination of TC was found to be ·OH radicals in the TiO2/NP system. The reuse experiments showed the high capability of the catalyst after four consecutive cycles. This study confirmed that the TiO2/NP system has high performance in photocatalytic TC removal under optimized experimental conditions.

Acrylamide in potato chips in Iran, health risk assessment and mitigation.

This study aimed to determine the acrylamide content in potato chips sold in Kermanshah, Iran and assess the potential health concerns associated with acrylamide exposure. HPLC-DAD was used to analyse 120 samples across 40 brands. The possible non-carcinogenic risk index for adults was below 1 for all 40 brands (100%), but for children it was only below 1 for 9 brands (22.5%) and above 1 for 31 brands (77.5%). Regarding the possible carcinogenic risk index, for adults only 1 out of 40 brands rated > 10-4, whereas for children all brands rated > 10-4. This shows that children's exposure to acrylamide through potato chips consumption in Kermanshah can be considered a risk on cancer and exposure of adults requires attention and monitoring. The best way to reduce acrylamide in potato chips and associated health risks is to improve the production process, especially temperature and time.

Acid-based deep eutectic solvents followed by GFAAS for the speciation of As(III), As(V), total inorganic arsenic and total arsenic in rice samples.

In the present study, an efficacious, safe, inexpensive and eco-friendly microextraction was provided by deep eutectic solvents based on dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (DLLME - DES) followed by GFAAS. A series of DESs were synthesised using l-menthol as hydrogen bond acceptor (HBA) and carboxylic acids with 4, 6, 8 and 10 carbon atoms as hydrogen bond donors (HBD). The synthesised DESs were used as extractants of arsenic ions. Under optimised conditions, good linearity with coefficient of determination (r2) 0.992 and an acceptable linear range of 0.3-100 µg kg-1 was obtained. The limit of detection was 0.1 µg kg-1 (S/N = 3) for arsenite (As(III)) ions, and a high enrichment factor (EF = 200) was obtained. The enhancement factor and extraction recovery (ER%) of the method were 340 and 60%, respectively. RSDs including inter- and intra-day ranged from 3.2% to 5.8% in three examined concentrations. After a specific digestion, the capability of the synthesised DES in the extraction of As(III) from rice was tested. Total inorganic arsenic was separated similarly after reduction of arsenate (As(V)) to As(III), and As(V) concentration was calculated by difference. Using a second digestion method, total arsenic concentration (sum of organic and inorganic arsenic) in the samples was determined.

Transfer of heavy metals from soil to vegetables: A comparative assessment of different irrigation water sources.

This study aimed to assess the transfer factor (TF) of heavy metals (HMs) from soil to commonly consumed vegetables irrigated with different water sources. The field study covered 36 m2 of agricultural land in Kermanshah province, Iran, divided into nine equal-sized plots. Coriander, basil, and radish were the three types of vegetables cultivated and subjected to irrigation over two months, utilizing three different water sources: treated wastewater effluent (TWE), river water (RW), and well water + nitrogen fertilizer (WWF). After the irrigation and harvesting stages, soil samples from the cultivation area and harvested vegetables were collected. These samples underwent analysis using the ICP-OES method to assess HM levels and subsequent calculation of the TF of HMs from soil to plants. The results revealed that the TF levels indicated plants' relatively weak response (TF < 1) to the absorption of HMs. For non-toxic elements (Mn, Fe, Zn, Cu, Ni), TF values were generally higher than those for toxic elements (Cd, As, Pb) across all three vegetable types and irrigation treatments. The study's findings suggest that the TF of HMs in the studied vegetables varied based on the irrigation source and vegetable type. Various factors, including the type of irrigation source and vegetable, influenced the TF of HMs, each having different impacts on the transfer rate of each HM. The study highlights the importance of monitoring irrigation water and soil quality to prevent the accumulation of HMs in cultivated vegetables, thereby mitigating potential risks to human health.

Relationship Between Achievement Motivation, Mental Health and Academic Success in University Students.

Students of medical sciences are under intense mental stress induced by medical training system and are more likely to develop psychological and mental disorders. These psychological disorders may influence their performance in different aspects of life including their study. The aim of the present study is to assess the possible relationships between mental health, achievement motivation, and academic achievement and to study the effect of background factors on mentioned variables. The sample group consists of students of Kurdistan University of medical sciences. 430 students at Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences were selected randomly to participate in the present cross-sectional study in 2016. We used General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) and Achievement motivation test (AMT) as the measures of our study. Our findings indicated that mental health is significantly correlated with achievement motivation (p < .001), but has no correlation with educational success (p = .37). Also, a significant relationship was observed between achievement motivation and academic achievement (p = .025). GHQ was not correlated with demographic factors, while academic achievement and achievement motivation are associated with the field of study and marital status respectively. Conclusively, students who are more motivated to achieve their educational and academic goals, will be more likely to be successful in their education and have stronger academic performance. Also, students with more appropriate mental health status will have higher level of motivation in their education and studies. These findings reflect the importance of maintaining the medical field students' motivation and its role in their academic success.

Chalcopyrite as an oxidants activator for organic pollutant remediation: A review of mechanisms, parameters, and future perspectives.

Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) based on oxidants have attracted attention for the degradation of organic pollutants. The combination of chalcopyrite with oxidants such as persulfate, peroxide, percarbonate, and others shows promise as a system due to its ability to activate through various pathways, leading to the formation of numerous radical and non-radical species. In this review, the generation of sulfate radical (SR) and hydroxyl radical (HR) in AOPs were summarized. The significance of chalcopyrite in various approaches including Fenton, photo-Fenton, and photo/Fenton-like methods, as well as its involvement in electrochemical Fenton-based processes was discussed. The stability and reusability, toxicity, catalyst mechanism, and effects of operational parameters (pH, catalyst dosage, and oxidant concentration) are evaluated in detail. The review also discusses the role of Fe2+/3+, Cu1+/2+, S2- and Sn2- present in CuFeS2 in the generation of free radicals. Finally, guidelines for future research are presented in terms of future perspectives.

Extraction and determination of strobilurin fungicides residues in apple samples using ultrasound-assisted dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction based on a novel hydrophobic deep eutectic solvent followed by H.P.L.C-U.V.

In this study, several novel and natural hydrophobic deep eutectic solvents (D.E.Ss) were prepared using methyl trioctylammonium chloride (M.T.O.A.C) as H.B.A and different types of straight chain alcohols as H.B.Ds. One of the D.E.Ss composed of M.T.O.A.C and n-butanol was advantageously used to develop an ultrasound-assisted dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (U.A-D.L.L.M.E) method combined with high-performance liquid chromatography-ultraviolet detection (H.P.L.C-U.V) for the determination of some strobilurin fungicides in apple samples. Several important parameters influencing extraction efficiency were investigated and optimised, including the type and volume of extractant in ultrasound stage, sonication time, the type and volume of D.E.S, sample solution pH and effect of salt addition. Under optimal experimental conditions, the method showed good linearity with correlation coefficients (R2) of 0.9985 - 0.9991 in the linear range of 4-1500 µg kg-1, low limits of detection of 1.5-2 µg kg-1 and acceptable extraction recoveries in the range of 76-92%. Enrichment factor was in the range of 95-115. The proposed method was successfully applied for the extraction and preconcentration of trace fungicides in apple samples, and the results demonstrated the potential of the synthesised D.E.S for the extraction and determination of contaminants in aqueous samples.

Novel deep eutectic solvent-based liquid phase microextraction for the extraction of estrogenic compounds from environmental samples.

Steroid hormones, such as estrone (E1), 17ß-estradiol (E2), 17ß-ethinylestradiol (EE2) and estriol (E3) are a group of lipophilic active substances, synthesized biologically from cholesterol or chemically. A pH-switchable hydrophobic deep eutectic solvent-based liquid phase microextraction (DES-LPME) technique was established and combined with gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy for the determination of estrogenic compounds in environmental water and wastewater samples. A DES was synthesized using l-menthol as HBA and (1S)-(+)-camphor-10-sulfonic acid (CSA) as HBD, and used as a green extraction solvent. By adjusting the pH of the solution, the unique behavior of the DES in the phase transition and extraction of the desired analytes was investigated. The homogenization process of the mixture is done only by manual shaking in less than 30 seconds and the phase separation is done only by changing the pH and without centrifugation. Some effective parameters on the extraction and derivatization, such as molar ratio of DES components, DES volume, KOH concentration, HCl volume, salt addition, extraction and derivatization time and derivatization prior or after extraction were studied and optimized. Under the optimum conditions, relative standard deviation (RSD) values for intra-day and inter-day of the method based on 7 replicate measurements of 20 ng L-1 of estrogenic compounds and 10 ng L-1 for internal standard in different samples were in the range of 2.2-4.6% and 3.9-5.7%, respectively. The calibration graphs were linear in the range of 0.5-100 ng L-1 and the limits of detection (LODs) were in the range of 0.2-1.0 ng L-1. The relative recoveries of environmental water and wastewater samples which have been spiked with different levels of target compounds were 91.0-108.8%.

Decontamination of toxic Malathion pesticide in aqueous solutions by Fenton-based processes: Degradation pathway, toxicity assessment and health risk assessment.

This study evaluates the degradation efficiency of Malathion using Fenton (Fe2+/H2O2: F), photo-Fenton (UV/Fe2+/H2O2: PF), and sono-photo Fenton (US/UV/Fe2+/H2O2: SPF) processes as well as determines the toxicity of the byproducts of degradation. The effect of various operational parameters on the Malathion degradation rate, including pH, Fe2+ concentration, Malathion concentration, and H2O2 were studied. The removal efficiency was determined to be 98.79% for the SPF, > 70.92% for the PF, and > 55.94% for the F processes under the following optimal conditions: pH = 3, [H2O2]0 = 700 mg/L, [Fe2+]0 = 20 mg/L, and [Malathion]0 = 20 mg/L. The operating costs (USD/kgMalathion-removed) were acquired as SPF > PF > F. Moreover, Malaoxon, diethyl maleate, diethyl malate, ethyl 2-hydroxysuccinate, and D-malate were among the detected byproducts from the Malathion degradation in the SPF process. Both the non-carcinogenic risk and the carcinogenic risk were assessed to establish the quality of the effluent from all three processes. The toxicity of the treated effluents, determined by Vibrio fischeri luminescence, indicated that the toxicity depends on the selected treatment process. The high degradation efficiency of the Fenton-based processes is not equivalent to achieving detoxification of the effluents. As such, the SPF process was determined to be the most effective for the Malathion degradation, total organic carbon (TOC) removal, and health risk assessment.

Clinical, epidemiological, and mycological features of patients with candidemia: Experience in two tertiary referral centers in Iran.

Background and Purpose: Candidemia is a major cause of morbidity and mortality among patients receiving immunosuppressive therapy and those hospitalized with serious underlying diseases. Here, we investigated the epidemiological, clinical, and mycological features of candidemia in Tehran, Iran. Materials and Methods: A prospective observational study of all patients diagnosed with candidemia was performed at two referral teaching hospitals in Tehran, Iran, from February to December 2018. Demographic characteristics, underlying diseases, risk factors, clinical symptoms, and laboratory analyses of candidemic patients with positive culture were mined. Candida isolates were molecularly identified by sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer region (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2). The antifungal susceptibility testing for fluconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole, posaconazole, amphotericin B, caspofungin, micafungin, and anidulafungin against the isolates was performed using CLSI broth microdilution reference method (M27-A3). Results: A total of 89 episodes were identified, with an incidence of 2.1 episodes/1000 admissions. The common underling disease were malignancy (46%), renal failure/dialysis (44%), and hypertension (40%). The overall crude mortality was 47%. C. albicans (44%) was the most frequent causative agent, followed by C. glabrata (21%), C. parapsilosis complex (15%), C. tropicalis (11%), and C. lusitaniae (3.5%). All the isolates were susceptible to amphotericin B. The activity of all four azoles was low against non-albicans Candida species, especially C. tropicalis. Conclusion: The increase in non-albicans Candida species with reduced susceptibility to antifungal drugs might be alarming in high-risk patients. Therefore, accurate knowledge of predisposing factors and epidemiological patterns in candidemia are effective steps for managing and decreasing the mortality rate in candidemia.

Novel hydrophobic deep eutectic solvent for vortex-assisted liquid phase microextraction of common acaricides in fruit juice followed by HPLC-UV determination.

In the present research, several novel and natural hydrophobic deep eutectic solvents (DESs) were prepared using methyltrioctylammonium chloride (MTOAC) as the hydrogen bond acceptor (HBA) and different types of straight chain alcohols as hydrogen bond donors (HBDs). One of the DESs composed of MTOAC and n-butanol was advantageously used to develop a vortex-assisted liquid phase microextraction (VALPME) method combined with high-performance liquid chromatography-ultraviolet detection (HPLC-UV) for the determination of common acaricides in fruit juice samples. Several important parameters influencing extraction efficiency were investigated and optimized, including the type and volume of DES, sample solution pH, effect of salt addition and, extraction and vortex time. Under optimal experimental conditions, the method showed good linearity with the correlation coefficients (R 2) of 0.9986-0.9991 in the linear range of 2-300 µg L-1, low limits of detection of 0.5-1 µg L-1 and acceptable extraction recoveries in the range of 85-93%. The proposed method was successfully applied for the extraction and preconcentration of trace acaricides in real fruit juice samples, and the results demonstrated the potential of the synthesized DESs for the extraction and determination of contaminants in aqueous samples.

Various wastewaters treatment by sono-electrocoagulation process: A comprehensive review of operational parameters and future outlook.

Electrochemical processes are a promising alternative to traditional water treatment systems because they have advantages than conventional techniques such as chemical storage, small treatment systems, no alkalinity depletion, remote adjustment, and cost-effectiveness. The most crucial electrochemical method is Electrocoagulation (EC). Through creating cationic species, the EC causes the neutralization of pollutant surface charges and destabilizes suspended, emulsified or dissolved contaminants led to attracting particles of opposite charge and form flocculants. The main drawback of the EC process is a passive film forming on the electrode surface over time. Ultrasonic (US) waves breaking down sediments formed at the electrode surface and generate high amounts of radical species to remove pollutants by creating high-pressure points inside the solution during the cavitation phenomenon. Although EC systems are considered as an exemplary renaissance in water and wastewater treatment, various parameters related to these types of systems in pollutant degradation have not been fully addressed. To present a comprehensive vision of the current state of the art, and progress the treatment efficiency and agitate new studies in these fields, this review aimed to provide an overview of electrocoagulation's application in pollutant degradation, besides the advantages, associated disadvantages and further strategies for improving the performance of this technique. Moreover, this review discussed various parameters affecting the EC/US process, including nanoparticles addition, electrolyte concentration, current intensity, electrode distance, temperature, oxidant addition, pH, pollutant concentration, reaction time, and electrode combination, chloride addition, and ultrasonic frequency. Also, the efficiency of the EC/US process for disinfection, as well as treatment of car-washing, textile, pulp, and paper industry, oily, brewery wastewater, surfactant, humic acid, and heavy metals, are addressed.