Predictors of antiretroviral treatment failure to the first line therapy: a cross-sectional study among Iranian HIV-positive adults.

BACKGROUND: HIV virological failure is one of the main problems in HIV-infected patients, and identifying the main predictors of such treatment failure may help in combating HIV/AIDS. METHODOLOGY: This cross-sectional study included 1800 HIV-infected patients with either virological failure or treatment response. HIV viral load, CD4 count, and other tests were performed. Statistical analysis was used to determine the predictors of virological failure. RESULTS: Clinical stage, treatment with reverse transcriptase inhibitors (RTIs), under therapy for three years or more, suboptimal adherence to antiretroviral treatment (ART), age > 40 years, CD4 count < 200 cells/mm3, unemployment, being infected through sex, and the presence of symptoms were the predominant risk factors for virological failure. In addition, 55% of patients who experienced virological failure failed to experience immunological and/or clinical failure. CONCLUSION: As the first study in southern Iran and the second in Iran, Iranian policymakers should focus on intensive counseling and adherence support and emphasize more effective treatment regimens such as protease and integrase inhibitors (PIs and INTIs), to increase the chance of a treatment response to ART. The accuracy of identifying clinical and immunological criteria in resource-limited settings is not promising. The present findings can be used to determine effective measures to control HIV treatment failure and design efficient strategies for the ambitious 95-95-95 plan.

Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs) Provide a Potentially Unlimited T Cell Source for CAR-T Cell Development and Off-the-Shelf Products.

Chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cell therapy has been increasingly conducted for cancer patients in clinical settings. Progress in this therapeutic approach is hampered by the lack of a solid manufacturing process, T lymphocytes, and tumor-specific antigens. T cell source used in CAR-T cell therapy is derived predominantly from the patient's own T lymphocytes, which makes this approach impracticable to patients with progressive diseases and T leukemia. The generation of autologous CAR-T cells is time-consuming due to the lack of readily available T lymphocytes and is not applicable for third-party patients. Pluripotent stem cells, such as human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs), can provide an unlimited T cell source for CAR-T cell development with the potential of generating off-the-shelf T cell products. T-iPSCs (iPSC-derived T cells) are phenotypically defined, expandable, and as functional as physiological T cells. The combination of iPSC and CAR technologies provides an exciting opportunity to oncology and greatly facilitates cell-based therapy for cancer patients. However, T-iPSCs, in combination with CARs, are at the early stage of development and need further pre-clinical and clinical studies. This review will critically discuss the progress made in iPSC-derived T cells and provides a roadmap for the development of CAR iPSC-derived T cells and off-the-shelf T-iPSCs.

Ultrasensitive electrochemical molecularly imprinted sensor based on AuE/Ag-MOF@MC for determination of hemoglobin using response surface methodology.

Considering the importance of determining the levels of hemoglobin (Hb) as a vital protein in red blood cells, in this work a highly sensitive electrochemical sensor was developed based on a gold electrode (AuE) modified with Ag metal-organic framework mesoporous carbon (Ag-MOF@MC) and molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs). To that end, the MIP layer was formed on the Ag-MOF@MC by implanting Hb as the pattern molecule during the polymerization. The modified electrode was designed using electrochemical approaches including differential pulse voltammetry (DPV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and cyclic voltammetry (CV). Using a response level experimental design method, the most important parameters affecting the reaction of the sensing system including pH, incubation time, and scanning rate were optimized. Following the same route, the Hb concentration, pH, temperature, and elution times were optimized to prepare the imprinted polymer layer on the Ag-MOF@MC surface. By exploiting DPV techniques based on the optimal parameters, the electrochemical response of the AuE/Ag-MOF@MC-MIPs for Hb determination was recorded in a wide linear dynamic range (LDR) of 0.2 pM to 1000 nM, with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.09 pM. Moreover, the Ag-MOF@MC-MIP sensing system showed good stability, high selectivity, and acceptable reproducibility for Hb determination. The sensing system was successfully applied for Hb determination in real blood samples, and the results were compared with those of the standard methods for Hb determination. Acceptable recovery (99.0%) and RDS% (4.6%) confirmed the applicability and reliability of the designed Hb sensing system.

Novel synthesis of a dual fluorimetric sensor for the simultaneous analysis of levodopa and pyridoxine.

Herein, a fluorimetric sensor was fabricated based on molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) with two types of carbon dots as fluorophores. The MIPs produced had similar excitation wavelengths (400 nm) and different emission wavelengths (445 and 545 nm). They were used for the simultaneous analysis of levodopa and pyridoxine. First, two types of carbon dots, i.e. nitrogen-doped carbon dots (NCDs) with a quantum yield of 43%, and carbon dots from o-phenylenediamine (O-CDs) with a quantum yield of 17%, were prepared using the hydrothermal method. Their surfaces were then covered with MIPs through the reverse microemulsion method. Finally, a mixture of powdered NCD@MIP and O-CD@MIP nanocomposites was used for the simultaneous fluorescence measurement of levodopa and pyridoxine. Under optimal conditions using response surface methodology and Design-Expert software, a linear dynamic range of 38 to 369 nM and 53 to 457 nM, and detection limits of 13 nM and 25 nM were obtained for levodopa and pyridoxine, respectively. The capability of the proposed fluorimetric sensor was investigated in human blood serum and urine samples. Graphical Abstract Schematic representation of nitrogen-doped carbon dots (NCDs), carbon dots from o-phenylenediamine (O-CDs), NCDs coated with imprinted polymers (NCD@MIPs), and O-CDs coated with imprinted polymers (O-CD@MIPs) in the presence and absence of levodopa and pyridoxine.

Electrochemical sensor based on glassy carbon electrode modified by polymelamine formaldehyde/graphene oxide nanocomposite for ultrasensitive detection of oxycodone.

Polymelamine formaldehyde/graphene oxide (PMF/GO) nanocomposite was used, for the first time, to study the ultrasensitive and selective electrochemical detection of oxycodone (OXC). The successful characterization of PMF/GO was verified based on scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and Raman spectroscopy. The modified GCE (PMF/GO-GCE) proved its electrocatalytic effect on OXC determination according to cyclic, linear sweep, and differential pulse voltammetry (CV, LSV, and DPV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) studies. The developed sensor under optimal conditions offered a linear relationship in a limited range of  0.01 to 45 µmol L-1 with the limit of detection (LOD) of 2.0 nmol L-1. The proposed PMF/GO-GCE sensor was effectively employed for the OXC detection in human urine and serum samples. Graphical abstract.

A novel three-dimensional network of CuCr2O4/CuO nanofibers for voltammetric determination of anticancer drug methotrexate.

Considering the importance of measuring anticancer drugs, a carbon paste electrode (CPE) modified with CuCr2O4/CuO nanofibers in the presence of hydrophobic ionic liquid (IL) was fabricated for methotrexate (MTX) sensing. CuCr2O4/CuO nanofibers were prepared by electrospinning method. Then, the morphology and structure of the nanofibers were studied by scanning electron microscopy, thermal analysis, X-ray diffraction, energy-dispersive X-ray, map analysis, and FT-IR spectroscopy. The electrochemical behavior of MTX at CuCr2O4/CuO/IL/CPE surface was studied using cyclic voltammetry, differential pulse voltammetry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. After optimization of the experimental parameters, the prepared sensor showed a low detection limit of 25 nM MTX, based on signal-to-noise (S/N = 3), and it can determine in a wide range of 0.1-300 µM in Britton-Robinson buffer solution at pH 2.5. The modified electrode was used to determine MTX concentration in blood and urine samples with good recoveries of 94.1-104.3. This sensor has several advantages such as low cost, easy preparation, high-performance speed and high sensitivity, selectivity, stability, and repeatability. Graphical abstract Scheme of preparation of CuCr2O4/CuO nanofibers by electrospinning method and design of a carbon past electrode using prepared nanofibers (CuCr2O4/CuO/IL/CPE). This electrode was used for methotrexate determination in plasma and urine samples using differential pulse voltammetry.

Preparation and comparison of molecularly imprinted polymer fluorimetric nanoprobe based on polymer dots and carbon quantum dots for determination of acetamiprid using response surface method.

In this study molecularly imprinted polymers (MIP) based on carbon quantum dots (CQDs) and polymer dots (PDs) are developed for selective determination of acetamiprid using fluorometry. The measurement is based on the fluorescence quenching of CQDs and PDs in the presence of acetamiprid. PDs were prepared using a one-step aqueous synthesis method from ascorbic acid and diethylenetriamine at room temperature. CQDs were prepared from the same materials using the hydrothermal method at 180 °C. These particles were characterized using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), FTIR, dynamic light scattering (DLS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-Vis, and fluorescence. The quantum yield was 47% for PDs and 8% for CQDs. Then, molecularly imprinted polymers (MIP) were prepared based on PDs and CQDs using reverse microemulsion method. The fluorescence quenching of CQD@MIPs and PD@MIPs was investigated at an excitation wavelength of 350 nm and emission wavelength of 440 nm in the presence of a template. Other variables affecting the fluorescence peaking were optimized using design expert software. The results illustrate that the use of PD@MIPs had a wide dynamic range 0.08-109 nmol L-1, good accuracy and detection limit of 0.02 nmol L-1, while using CQD@MIPs led to a lower dynamic range 0.36-64 nmol L-1, and detection limit of only 0.11 nmol L-1. The responses of the optical nanoprobe for acetamiprid in water (recovery 92-102%) and apple (recovery 92-103%) were also investigated. Graphical abstract Schematic representation of preparation polymer dots (PDs), carbon quantum dots (CQDs), PDs coated with imprinted polymers (PD@MIPs), and CQDs coated with imprinted polymers (CQD@MIPs) in the presence and absence of acetamiprid.

Simple and green synthesis of carbon dots (CDs) from valerian root and application of modified mesoporous boehmite (AlOOH) with CDs as a fluorescence probe for determination of imipramine.

A novel, sensitive, rapid, and simple fluorescent probe has been developed based on green-synthesized carbon dots (CDs). In this work, CDs have been synthesized from valerian root by hydrothermal method. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) results confirm the formation of CDs with sizes of less than 10 nm. Fluorescence quenching of CDs was due to the aggregation of the negative charges of CDs with the positive charge of imipramine (IMI) and was then used as the signal for determination of IMI. In addition, the cytotoxicity of CDs was determined using the MTT assay. The probe responses under optimum conditions were linear in the range of 1.0-200.0 ng mL-1 with a limit of detection of 0.6 ng mL-1. Afterwards, mesoporous boehmite (MB) was modified with synthesized CDs (CDs/MB). TEM images confirmed MB modification with CDs. In this case, the variations in the fluorescence signal for different concentrations of IMI increased leading to the higher sensitivity for IMI detection. The limit of detection and linear range for determination of IMI with CDs/MB were obtained as 0.2 and 0.5-200.0 ng mL-1, respectively. To evaluate the fluorescent probe, IMI was measured in real samples. Graphical abstract.

Fluorometric label-free aptasensor for detection of the pesticide acetamiprid by using cationic carbon dots prepared with cetrimonium bromide.

A fluorometric aptamer-based method is described for sensitive detection of the pesticide acetamiprid. Cationic carbon dots (cCDs) with blue fluorescence were synthesized from cetrimonium bromide (CTAB) by a hydrothermal method. In the presence of the acetamiprid aptamers with a negative charge, the aptamers bind to the surface of the cCDs due to electrostatic attraction. As a result, the fluorescence of the cCDs is quenched partially (the best measurement was done at excitation/emission wavelengths of 360/445 nm). If acetamiprid is added to the above system, the aptamer binds to acetamiprid as a target with strong and specific affinity. Therefore, fluorescence increases proportionally to the acetamiprid concentrations. The aptasensor has a detection limit of 0.3 nM with a dynamic range from 1.6 to 120 nM which reveals that the method is sensitive in comparison to the other techniques. The selectivity of the method towards various pesticides was also studied and found to be adequate. The sensor was applied for the determination of acetamiprid in (spiked) wastewater, tap water, and tomatoes to underpin its practicability. Graphical abstract Cationic CDs (cCDs) were synthesized from cetrimonium bromide by a hydrothermal method. The addition of the negatively charged acetamiprid aptamer to a solution containing cCDs, the cCDs will be coated by the aptamer. This causes the blue fluorescence of the cCDs partially is quenched. If acetamiprid (ACP) is then added, the aptamer will bind to acetamiprid with strong and specific affinity. Hence, fluorescence will be gradually restored.

A fluorescent aptasensor for analysis of adenosine triphosphate based on aptamer-magnetic nanoparticles and its single-stranded complementary DNA labeled carbon dots.

A new fluorimetric aptasensor was designed for the determination of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) based on magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) and carbon dots (CDs). In this analytical strategy, an ATP aptamer was conjugated on MNPs and a complementary strand of the aptamer (CS) was labeled with CDs. The aptamer and its CS were hybridized to form a double helical structure. The hybridized aptamers could be used for the specific recognition of ATP in a biological complex matrix using a strong magnetic field to remove the interfering effect. In the absence of ATP, no CDs-CS could be released into the solution and this resulted in a weak fluorescence signal. In the presence of ATP, the target binds to its aptamer and causes the dissociation of the double helical structure and liberation of the CS, such that a strong fluorescence signal was generated. The increased fluorescence signal was proportional to ATP concentration. The limit of detection was estimated to be 1.0 pmol L-1 with a dynamic range of 3.0 pmol L-1 to 5.0 nmol L-1 . The specific aptasensor was applied to detect ATP in human serum samples with satisfactory results. Moreover, molecular dynamic simulation (MDS) studies were used to analyze interactions of the ATP molecule with the aptamer.

Application of modified mesoporous boehmite (γ-AlOOH) with green synthesis carbon quantum dots for a fabrication biosensor to determine trace amounts of doxorubicin.

An important form of carbon nanoparticles that are used for a wide range of applications, are carbon dots (CDs). In this study, a very easy, in expensive and green process was described for the preparation of CDs by using hydrothermal treatment of Tragacanth Gum (TG). A rapid assay for the determination of trace amounts of an anticancer medication doxorubicin (DOX) was developed, based on the quenching of the CDs derived from their aggregation. Electrostatic interaction between CDs and DOX could lead to fluorescence quenching. The optimized biosensor showed a detection range from 1 to 400 ng mL-1 and a limit of detection of 0.4 ng mL-1 . In the following, the synthesized CDs modified the Boehmite (Boh) mesoporous surface based on hydrogen bonding. The Boh has been used as supports and ideal hosts in this method, in which the particle size distribution of CDs in the pores of Boh is limited and they have controlled pore sizes. Accordingly, the surface-to-volume ratio and the presence of high-volume pores increased the longevity and sustainability of CDs; also prevented the aggregation of the CDs and improved their photo stability. The advantages of Boh are large pore volume, high surface area, and narrow size distribution. Variable factors influencing optical sensor response in DOX measurement were evaluated and optimized. In optimal conditions, the linear range was calculated from 1 to 500 ngmL-1 and the detection limit was 0.2 ng mL-1 . The sensors were used for measuring DOX in human blood plasma.

Molecularly imprinted electrochemical aptasensor for the attomolar detection of bisphenol A.

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were electrodeposited on the surface of a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) and then treated with a mixture of a thiolated DNA sequence (p-63; with high affinity for bisphenol A) and free bisphenol A (BPÀ). Pyrrole was then electropolymerizaed on the surface of the GCE to entrap the BPA@p-63 complex. BPA is then extracted with acetic acid solution to obtain MIP cavities where the embedded DNA sequence acts as the binding site for BPA. Scanning electron microscopy, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and cyclic voltammetry were employed to characterize the surface of the modified GCE. Under the optimum conditions, the assay has a dynamic range that covers the 0.5 fM to 5 pM BPA concentration range and an 80 aM detection limit. It was applied to the quantitation of BPA in (spiked) milk, milk powder and water samples and gave acceptable recoveries. Graphical Abstract Schematic of the procedure for aptamer-based detection of BPA using unique features of the aptamer-based modified electrodes and MIP-based sensors. This assay has high sensitivity and good selectivity. It can presumably be transferred to other detection schemes for small molecules.

Lysozyme aptasensor based on a glassy carbon electrode modified with a nanocomposite consisting of multi-walled carbon nanotubes, poly(diallyl dimethyl ammonium chloride) and carbon quantum dots.

An aptamer-based method is described for electrochemical determination of lysozyme. A glassy carbon electrode was modified with a nanocomposite composed of multi-walled carbon nanotubes, poly(diallyl dimethyl ammonium chloride), and carbon quantum dots. The composition of the nanocomposite (MWCNT/PDDA/CQD) warrants good electrical conductivity and a high surface-to-volume ratio. The lysozyme-binding aptamers were immobilized on the nanocomposite via covalent coupling between the amino groups of the aptamer and the carboxy groups of the nanocomposite. The modified electrode was characterized by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetry. The use of this nanocomposite results in a considerable enhancement of the electrochemical signal and contributes to improving sensitivity. Hexacyanoferrate was used as an electrochemical probe to study the dependence of the peak current on lysozyme concentration. In the presence of lysozyme, the interaction of lysozyme with immobilized aptamer results in a decrease of the peak current, best measured at +0.15 V vs. Ag/AgCl. A plot of peak current changes versus the logarithm of the lysozyme concentration is linear in the 50 fmol L-1 to 10 nmol L-1 concentration range, with a 12.9 fmol L-1 detection limit (at an S/N ratio of 3). The method is highly reproducible, specific and sensitive, and the electrode has a rapid response. It was applied to the determination of lysozyme in egg white, serum, and urine. Graphical abstract Schematic of a nanocomposite composed of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), poly(diallyldimethyl ammonium chloride) (PDDA), and carbon quantum dots (CQDs) for use in a lysozyme aptasensor. The aptamer was immobilized on the surface, and bovine serum albumin (BSA) was applied to block the surface. The changes of peak current for the electrochemical probe hexacyanoferrate (Fe(CN)63-/4-) in the presence and absence of lysozyme was traced.

A fluorometric aptasensor for methamphetamine based on fluorescence resonance energy transfer using cobalt oxyhydroxide nanosheets and carbon dots.

Cobalt oxyhydroxide (CoOOH) nanosheets are efficient fluorescence quenchers due to their specific optical properties and high surface area. The combination of CoOOH nanosheets and carbon dots (CDs) has not been used in any aptasensor based on fluorescence quenching so far. An aptamer based fluorometric assay is introduced that is making use of fluorescent CDs conjugated to the aptamer against methamphetamine (MTA), and of CoOOH nanosheets which reduce the fluorescence of the CDs as a quencher. The results revealed that the conjugated CDs with aptamers were able to enclose the CoOOH nanosheets. Consequently, fluorescence is quenched. If the aptamer on the CD binds MTA, the CDs are detached from CoOOH nanosheets. As a result, fluorescence is restored proportionally to zhe MTA concentration. The fluorometric limit of detection is 1 nM with a dynamic range from 5 to 156 nM. The method was validated by comparing the results obtained by the new method to those obtained by ion mobility spectroscopy. Theoretical studies showed that the distance between CoOOH nanosheet and C-Ds is approximately 7.6 Å which can illustrate the possibility of FRET phenomenon. The interactions of MTA and the aptamer were investigated using molecular dynamic simulation (MDS). Graphical abstract Carbon dots (C-Ds) were prepared from grape leaves, conjugated to aptamer, and adsorbed on CoOOH nanosheets. So, the fluorescence of C-Ds is quenched. On addition of MTA, fluorescence is restored.

Graphene/nano-porous silicon and graphene/bimetallic silicon nanostructures (Pt-M, M: Pd, Ru, Rh), efficient electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction.

In this work nano-porous silicon flour (Nano-PSiF) was synthesized first and then there was an investigation into its electrocatalytic activity for the electrochemical hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The results showed that Nano-PSiF has good electrocatalytic activity for the HER when compared with PSiF. In the second section, Pt and Pt-M (M = Pd, Rh, Ru) bimetallic silicon nanostructures were prepared by a direct reduction of the metal (Pt, Pt-Pd, Pt-Rh and Pt-Ru) on the surface of the PSiF by a galvanic exchange mechanism. The electrocatalytic activity of the bimetallic silicon nanostructures (Pt-M/PSiF) were evaluated for the HER. The results showed that all of the Pt-M/PSiFs have excellent electrocatalytic activity for the HER in a 0.5 mol L(-1) H2SO4 solution. For the Pt/PSiF, the Tafel slope of Pt/PSiF was 46.9 mV dec(-1), indicating its excellent electrocatalytic activity for the HER and it is comparable with commercial Pt/C. On the other hand, the bimetallic silicon nanostructures showed better electrocatalytic activity than Pt/PSiF for the HER (lower Tafel slope, and higher α). Finally, exfoliated graphene oxide was electro-deposited on the surface of a glassy carbon electrode (eRGO/GCE) and used as a sub-layer for the Pt-M/PSiF. Then, the electrocatalytic activities of the bimetallic silicon nanostructures on the eRGO/GCE were investigated for the HER. The results showed that there was a higher electrocatalytic activity for Pt-M/PSiF-eRGO/GCE when compared with Pt-M/PSiF-GCE.

Adsorption of crude and engine oils from water using raw rice husk.

The raw rice husk (RRH) was used as a low cost adsorbent to remove three oil compounds with different viscosities (crude oil, engine oil and spent engine oil) from an aqueous environment. Some of the sorbent specifications were characterized using a CHNSO analyzer, Fourier transform infrared, scanning electron microscope and inductively coupled plasma spectroscopy. With decreasing RRH particles size, the oil adsorption percentage was reduced for crude, spent and engine oils from 50 to 30%, 65 to 20% and 70 to 0.01%, respectively. This was probably due to damage of the microcavities. The removal percentage by sorbent at optimized conditions was 88, 80 and 55% for engine, spent and crude oils, respectively, corresponding to their descending viscosity. The adsorption of crude and spent oils on rice husk followed the Freundlich isotherm model, while the adsorption of engine oil was fitted by the Langmuir model. The maximum adsorption capacity (qmax), calculated from the Langmuir model for the adsorption of engine oil on RRH, was 1,250 mg/g.

Progress of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) targeting c-Met in cancer therapy; insights from clinical and preclinical studies.

The cell-surface receptor tyrosine kinase c-mesenchymal-epithelial transition factor (c-Met) is overexpressed in a wide range of solid tumors, making it an appropriate target antigen for the development of anticancer therapeutics. Various antitumor c-Met-targeting therapies (including monoclonal antibodies [mAbs] and tyrosine kinases) have been developed for the treatment of c-Met-overexpressing tumors, most of which have so far failed to enter the clinic because of their efficacy and complications. Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), a new emerging class of cancer therapeutic agents that harness the target specificity of mAbs to deliver highly potent small molecules to the tumor with the minimal damage to normal cells, could be an attractive therapeutic approach to circumvent these limitations in patients with c-Met-overexpressing tumors. Of great note, there are currently nine c-Met-targeting ADCs being examined in different phases of clinical studies as well as eight preclinical studies for treating various solid tumors. The purpose of this study is to present a broad overview of clinical- and preclinical-stage c-Met-targeting ADCs.

DNA-based biosensor for comparative study of catalytic effect of transition metals on autoxidation of sulfite.

The transition metal-catalyzed oxidation of sulfur(IV) oxides has been known for more than 100 years. However, to the best of the authors' knowledge, no electrochemical quantitative study has yet been carried out to determine its nature. In view of the transition metal catalyzed oxidation of sulfur(IV) oxides, a series of radicals are involved in the overall reaction process whereby the sulfite, in the presence of transition metals, may cause damages to DNA through the generation of these highly reactive species. In the present work, {MWCNTs-PDDA/DNA}(2) layer-by-layer (LBL) films were prepared to detect DNA damage induced by radicals generated from sulfite autoxidation using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The change in the peak potential separation (ΔE(p)) and charge transfer resistance (R(p)) after incubation of the DNA biosensor in the damaging solution for a certain time was used as indicators of DNA damage. It was found that sulfite in the presence of Co(II), Cu(II), Cr(VI), Fe(III), and Mn(II) caused damage to DNA while neither sulfite alone nor metal ions alone did have the same effect. The results suggest that sulfite is rapidly autoxidized in the presence of Co(II), Cu(II), Cr(VI), Fe(III), and Mn(II), producing radicals that cause the DNA damage. These radicals can be ranked in a descending order of their ability to induce DNA damage with sulfite as follows: Fe(III) > Co(II) > Cu(II) > Cr(VI) > Mn(II). The DNA damage induced by sulfite plus Co(II), Cr(VI), and Fe(III) was inhibited by primary alcohols, but they were not when superoxide dismutase (SOD) and tert-butyl alcohol were used. Comparison of methods used to determine the minimum concentration of a transition metal for sulfite induced DNA damage revealed that electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry outperformed the quantitative comparison of different reagents.

A chemiluminescent metalloimmunoassay based on copper-enhanced gold nanoparticles for quantification of human growth hormone.

A chemiluminescence (CL) immunoassay was developed to determine human growth hormone (hGH) based on copper-enhanced gold nanoparticles. In this method, gold nanoparticles were deposited on polystyrene wells for adsorption of human growth antibodies as well as catalyst for reducing of copper ions from the copper enhancer solution. The reduction of copper ions was prevented where the gold nanoparticles were covered by the antibody-antigen immunocomplex. The deposited copper on Au nanoparticles was then dissolved in HNO3 solution and quantified using the CL method. The CL intensity response was logarithmically dependent on the hGH concentrations over the range 0.2-50 ng/mL, with a detection limit (3σ) of 0.036 ng/mL.

Self-healing 2D/3D perovskite for efficient and stable p-i-n perovskite solar cells.

Beyond the p-i-n perovskite solar cell's high-power conversion efficiency (PCE), its moisture instability is the most challenging factor in its commercialization. Recently, the innovative use of three and two-dimensional multi-structures, by creating a barrier against the penetration of moisture and oxygen, has played a very influential role in improving the PSC's long-term stability. Here, a new strategy, the anti-solvent quenching method, is used to construct multi-structure perovskite by involving cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) as an active agent. The solar cell efficiency is significantly improved during the perovskite formation on the substrate by creating a multidimensional (2D/3D) heterojunction perovskite. The synergistic role of using 2D/3D heterojunction perovskite structures led to the 29.2% improvement (14.58-18.84) in the PCE. The attractive ability of the 2D/3D active layer in self-healing has increased the perovskite's long-term stability under harsh environmental conditions.