Magnitude and antimicrobial susceptibility profile of bacteria isolated from pediatric sepsis cases at University of Gondar Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Sepsis is one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality among pediatric patients throughout the world. The varying microbiological pattern of sepsis warrants the need for researches on the causative organisms and their antimicrobial susceptibility pattern. The epidemiology of neonatal and pediatric sepsis in Ethiopia is under-research. The objective of this study was to evaluate the burden of bacterial pathogens and their antimicrobial susceptibility patterns among children suspected of sepsis. METHODS: An institutional-based prospective cross-sectional study was conducted on 370 pediatric(age birth-15 years) patients suspected of sepsis at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized hospital from December 2020 to November 2021. Blood samples were collected aseptically and inoculated into Tryptone Soya Broth for culture. The organisms grown were identified by standard microbiological methods and subjected to antibiotic susceptibility testing by modified Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method recommended by Clinical laboratory and standard institute. Methicillin resistance was confirmed using Cefoxitin disk diffusion method. Data entry and analysis were done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26 software. A p-value less than 0.05 at 95% confidence interval was considered statically significant. RESULTS: Out of the total 370 study subjects, 21.6% (80/370) of them were culture positive. Of these, 43 (53.8%) and 37 (46.3%) were Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial pathogens, respectively. The most prevalent Gram-positive bacterial isolate was Staphylococcus aureus (n = 24; 30%) and coagulase negative staphylococci (n = 7; 8.8%). Among the Gram-negative bacterial isolates, the leading bacteria was Klebsiella pneumoniae (n = 20; 25%) followed by Escherichia coli (n = 7; 8.8%). Clindamycin, Chloramphenicol, Gentamicin and Ciprofloxacin were the most effective antibiotics against Gram-positive bacterial isolates while Amikacin, Meropenem and Chloramphenicol were effective against Gram-negative pathogens. Methicillin resistance was detected in 45.8% of Staphylococcus aureus. Multi-drug resistance (MDR) antimicrobial susceptibility pattern was observed in 76% of the bacterial isolates. CONCLUSION: Gram positive bacteria were the predominant isolates among pediatric sepsis cases and most of the bacterial isolates showed MDR. Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae were frequently isolated bacteria. The high prevalence of drug resistance warrants rational use of antibiotics and the need for regular antibiotic susceptibility surveillance studies.

Peptide nucleic acid probe-assisted paper-based electrochemical biosensor for multiplexed detection of respiratory viruses.

The similar transmission patterns and early symptoms of respiratory viral infections, particularly severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), influenza (H1N1), and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), pose substantial challenges in the diagnosis, therapeutic management, and handling of these infectious diseases. Multiplexed point-of-care testing for detection is urgently needed for prompt and efficient disease management. Here, we introduce an electrochemical paper-based analytical device (ePAD) platform for multiplexed and label-free detection of SARS-CoV-2, H1N1, and RSV infection using immobilized pyrrolidinyl peptide nucleic acid probes. Hybridization between the probes and viral nucleic acid targets causes changes in the electrochemical response. The resulting sensor offers high sensitivity and low detection limits of 0.12, 0.35, and 0.36 pM for SARS-CoV-2 (N gene), H1N1, and RSV, respectively, without showing any cross-reactivities. The amplification-free detection of extracted RNA from 42 nasopharyngeal swab samples was successfully demonstrated and validated against reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (range of cycle threshold values: 17.43-25.89). The proposed platform showed excellent clinical sensitivity (100 %) and specificity (≥97 %) to achieve excellent agreement (κ ≥ 0.914) with the standard assay, thereby demonstrating its applicability for the screening and diagnosis of these respiratory diseases.

Lead (Pb) in biological samples in association with cancer risk and mortality: A systematic literature review.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Lead (Pb) is a toxic heavy metal and pervasive environmental contaminant, and a class 2 A carcinogen according to the IARC classification, yet its link with cancer at several body sites remains uncertain. Here, we aimed at summarizing the scientific evidence regarding its association with cancer risk and mortality, focusing on studies that carried out Pb measurements in biological samples. METHODS: We reviewed articles published in PubMed and EMBASE until January 2nd, 2024, that quantified the epidemiological association between Pb measured in blood, urine, nails, and other biological media, and cancer risk and mortality (overall and by cancer site/type). RESULTS: We included 46 articles (out of 8022 screened) published in 1995-2023 and reporting on investigations conducted in fifteen countries. In terms of design, 20 were prospective, 24 were retrospective case-control studies, and 2 were cross-sectional. Pb levels were determined in blood in the majority of studies (n=28). The most consistent evidence was for the association of Pb with cancer of the gastrointestinal tract, particularly the oesophagus, stomach (RR ranging from 0.80 to 2.66), colon-rectum, and pancreas; and of the bladder and urinary tract (RR from 1.10 to 2.89). For other specific malignancies, the data were conflicting or too limited to draw reliable conclusions. Finally, increased Pb concentration in blood and urine was consistently associated with higher overall cancer incidence and mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Lead is a widespread and highly persistent environmental pollutant associated with cancer at multiple body sites. Comprehensive primary prevention interventions aiming at reducing opportunities for Pb exposure need to be continuously promoted and implemented.

Plasma miRNA-146b-3p, -222-3p, -221-5p, -21a-3p Expression Levels and TSHR Methylation: Diagnostic Potential and Association with Clinical and Pathological Features in Papillary Thyroid Cancer.

This study aimed to investigate the expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) -146b-3p, -221-5p, -222-3p, and -21a-3p and the methylation pattern of the thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor (TSHR) gene in blood plasma samples from papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) patients before and after thyroidectomy compared to healthy controls (HCs). This study included 103 participants, 46 PTC patients and 57 HCs, matched for gender and age. Significantly higher preoperative expression levels of miRNAs and TSHR methylation were determined in the PTC patients compared to HCs. Post-surgery, there was a notable decrease in these biomarkers. Elevated TSHR methylation was linked to larger tumor sizes and lymphovascular invasion, while increased miRNA-222-3p levels correlated with multifocality. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis showed AUCs below 0.8 for all candidate biomarkers. However, significant changes in the expression of all analyzed miRNAs and TSHR methylation levels indicate their potential to differentiate PTC patients from healthy individuals. These findings suggest that miRNAs and TSHR methylation levels may serve as candidate biomarkers for early diagnosis and monitoring of PTC, with the potential to distinguish PTC patients from healthy individuals. Further research is needed to validate these biomarkers for clinical application.

Determination of chromium species in water using diphenylcarbazide with a sequential spectrophotometric discrete robotic analyser.

There is an increasing need for fast and reliable analytical methods for the determination of chemical forms of elements in environmental samples. The interest in chromium is driven by the fact that its toxicity depends on its oxidation state. Although chromium (III) is essential for mammals to maintain their metabolism of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, chromium (VI) is toxic to humans. For chromium speciation, several costly analytical methods coupling separation methods with atomic absorption and emission spectroscopy have been developed. This article presents the online robotic discrete analyser procedure with the 1,5 diphenylcarbazide (DPC) method for the speciation of Cr (III) and Cr (VI). Cr (III) was determined by difference since it does not interfere with the reaction of Cr (VI)-DPC. Chromium (VI) and total chromium were characterised sequentially (after online oxidation of Cr (III) by Cerium (Ce (IV)). The calibration graphs were linear under experimental conditions up to 1 mg/L Cr (VI) and 2 mg/L total Cr with correlation coefficient R2, 0.9997 and 0.9999 respectively. At a signal-to-noise ratio of three, the detection limits were 0.004 mg/L Cr (VI) and 0.015 mg/L total Cr. Good agreement between the real values of certified reference materials and the chromium species content was obtained in this study. The method was precise with a percentage relative standard deviation of less than 2 for hexavalent chromium and total chromium. The t-stat demonstrates that there was no significant difference between the developed robotic discrete analyser method and the ICP-MS method. Except for effluent water, which had recoveries between 65 and 75 % in the assessment of the devised method's selectivity, the overall percentage of recoveries fell between 90 and 110 %, which was generally satisfactory. This method proved to be appropriate for its intended use.

Assess human blood uranium levels of some Iraqi companies.

The goal of this study is to measure the uranium concentration levels in the blood of Iraqi workers employed in certain government companies. Assessing the initial level of uranium toxicity in their blood and the possibility of health problems occurring. 184 blood samples from Iraqi government companies and the control group were collected in this study. A solid-state nuclear track detector (CR-39) was used to measure the amount of uranium present. Two drops of blood (100 µl) were placed on CR-39. The CR-39 was irradiated with a thermal neutron using the fission-track technique (241Am-9Be) to determine the uranium concentration in blood samples. The statistical analysis is carried out using the Origin Lab 2024 version. The results show the average of uranium concentration at all locations has a higher level compared to the control group. The blood samples from workers at the phosphate company had the highest amount (1.021 ± 0.050 µg/l), compared to samples from other factories. This result confirms that there is a connection between the concentration of uranium and phosphate substances. The results suggest that there is a slight increase in uranium levels that is related to both age and years of employment.

Metal-Organic Framework Based on Ratiometric dual-Fluorescent Sensor Using for Accurate Quantification and on-Site Visual Detection of Ascorbic Acid.

Ascorbic acid is very important to the metabolic process of the body, but excessive intake can lead to diarrhea, kidney calculi and stomach cramps. However, complicated production procedures and harsh experimental settings limit many detection methods, and a simpler and more accurate measurement method is needed. In this study, a smartphone-assisted ratiometric fluorescence sensor was developed for the portable analysis of ascorbic acid. Leveraging the catalytic properties of MIL-53(Fe) to expedite the conversion of H2O2 into hydroxyl radicals, thereby facilitating the oxidation of o-phenylenediamine and terephthalic acid bridging ligand. The sensor showcased exceptional sensitivity in detecting ascorbic acid within a linear range of 0.3-100 µM, boasting an impressive limit of detection at 0.15 µM. Furthermore, through the utilization of color extraction RGB values captured by smartphones, accurate detection of ascorbic acid was achieved with a detection limit of 0.4 µM. Real fruit samples exhibited robust spiked recovery rates ranging from 91 to 119%, accompanied by relative standard deviations ≤ 4.7%. The MIL-53(Fe) nanozyme-based smartphone-assisted ratiometric fluorescence sensor offers an ascorbic acid fluorescence detection device that is visible, accurate, sensitive, and reasonably priced.

A comparison of likelihood ratios calculated from surface DNA mixtures using MPS and CE Technologies.

This study evaluates the performance of analysing surface DNA samples using massively parallel sequencing (MPS) compared to traditional capillary electrophoresis (CE). A total of 30 samples were collected from various surfaces in an office environment and were analysed with CE and MPS. These were compared against 60 reference samples (office inhabitants). To identify contributors, likelihood ratios (LRs) were calculated for MPS and CE data using the probabilistic genotyping software MPSproto and EuroForMix respectively. Although a higher number of sequences/peaks were observed per DNA profile in MPS compared to CE, LR values were found to be lower for MPS data formats. This might be the result of the increased complexity of MPS data, along with a possible elevation of unknown alleles and/or artefacts. The study highlights avenues for improving MPS data quality and analysis to facilitate more robust interpretation of challenging casework-like samples.

Alkaline metal tungstate anchored on functionalized-MWCNT: A co-active electrocatalyst for the detection of levofloxacin.

The widespread usage of levofloxacin (LVF) intake is executed for several urinary and respiratory systems infections in human. But, its over intake leads to severe damage to humans and the environment by its exposure. Hence the detection of LVF is concerned and we herein developed an electrocatalyst, strontium tungsten oxide nanospheres and later decorated onto the functionalized multiwall carbon nanotubes (SrWO4/f-MWCNT) to perform effective electrochemical recognition of LVF in aquatic and biological samples. Binary metal oxide with carbon composite SrWO4/f-MWCNT was developed due to its specific features as nanostructures. Various methods of investigation have been examined to identify the physiochemical characteristics like X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and morphological characteristics including field emission scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The synthesized SrWO4/f-MWCNT sample crystalline size was around 32.9 nm. The SrWO4/f-MWCNT modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE) has been subjected to electrochemical investigation with a wide linear range of 0.049 µM-574.73 µM with good sensitivity 2.86 µA µM-1 cm2, the limit of detection at 14.9 nM for LVF sensing. Furthermore, the designed LVF detection exhibited excellent anti-interference, stability, reproducibility, and repeatability. The as-developed sensor's electrochemical outcomes indicate the superior performance inherent in the developed composite.

Glassy carbon electrodes modified with graphitic carbon nitride nanosheets and CoNiO2 bimetallic oxide nanoparticles as electrochemical sensor for Sunitinib detection in human fluid matrices and pharmaceutical samples.

A sophisticated electrochemical sensor is presented employing a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) modified with a novel composite of synthesized graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) and CoNiO2 bimetallic oxide nanoparticles (g-C3N4/CoNiO2). The sensor's electrocatalytic capabilities for Sunitinib (SUNI) oxidation were demonstrated exceptional performance with a calculated detection limit (LOD) of 52.0 nM. The successful synthesis and integrity of the composite were confirmed through meticulous characterization using various techniques. FT-IR analysis affirmed the successful synthesis of g-C3N4/CoNiO2 by providing insights into its molecular structure. XRD, FE-SEM, SEM-EDX, and BET analyses collectively validated the material's structural integrity, surface morphology, and electrocatalytic performance. Optimization of key analytical parameters, such as loading volume, concentration, electrolyte solution type, and pH, enhanced the electrocatalytic sensing capabilities of g-C3N4/CoNiO2. The synergistic interaction between g-C3N4 and CoNiO2 bimetallic oxide nanoparticles executed the sensor highly effective in the electrical oxidation of SUNI. Across a concentration range of 0.1-83.8 µM SUNI, the anodic peak current exhibited a linear increase with good precision. Application of the newly developed g-C3N4/CoNiO2 system to detect SUNI in a variety of samples, including urine, human serum, and capsule dosage forms, obtained satisfactory recoveries ranging from 97.1 to 103.0%. This methodology offers a novel approach to underscore the potential of the developed sensor for applications in biological and pharmaceutical monitoring.

Changes in urinary metabolomic profile show the effectiveness of a nutritional intervention in children 6-12 years old: The ALINFA study.

Diet plays an essential role in health and disease. Therefore, its determination is an important component of many investigations. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of a nutritional intervention on the urinary metabolome in children aged 6-12 years. Also, it was intended to identify biomarkers of diet quality and dietary intake. A 2-month, randomized, controlled, parallel trial was conducted in Spanish children. The analyses focused on the ALINFA group, which followed a full-fixed meal plan including healthy products, ready-to-eat meals, and healthy recipes. Diet quality was assessed by the KIDMED index and dietary intake by a food frequency questionnaire. Untargeted metabolomic analysis on urine samples was carried out, and multivariate analyses were performed for pattern recognition and characteristic metabolite identification. PLS-DA and Volcano plot analyses were performed to identify the discriminating metabolites of this group. 12 putative metabolites were found to be the most relevant to this intervention. Most of them were products derived from protein and amino acid metabolism (N-Ribosylhistidine, indolacrylic acid, and peptides) and lipid metabolism (3-oxo-2-pentylcyclopentane-1-hexanoic acid methyl, Suberoyl-L-carnitine, and 7-Dehydrodichapetalin E). All these metabolites decreased after the intervention, which was mainly associated with a decrease in the consumption of fatty meat and total fat, especially saturated fat. In turn, N-Ribosylhistidine and Suberoyl-L-carnitine were negatively associated with diet quality, as well as able to predict the change in KIDMED index. In conclusion, the changes observed in urinary metabolome demonstrate the effectiveness of the ALINFA nutritional intervention.

Tailored portable electrochemical sensor for dopamine detection in human fluids using heteroatom-doped three-dimensional g-C3N4 hornet nest structure.

BACKGROUND: There is widespread interest in the design of portable electrochemical sensors for the selective monitoring of biomolecules. Dopamine (DA) is one of the neurotransmitter molecules that play a key role in the monitoring of some neuronal disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Facile synthesis of the highly active surface interface to design a portable electrochemical sensor for the sensitive and selective monitoring of biomolecules (i.e., DA) in its resources such as human fluids is highly required. RESULTS: The designed sensor is based on a three-dimensional phosphorous and sulfur resembling a g-C3N4 hornet's nest (3D-PS-doped CNHN). The morphological structure of 3D-PS-doped CNHN features multi-open gates and numerous vacant voids, presenting a novel design reminiscent of a hornet's nest. The outer surface exhibits a heterogeneous structure with a wave orientation and rough surface texture. Each gate structure takes on a hexagonal shape with a wall size of approximately 100 nm. These structural characteristics, including high surface area and hierarchical design, facilitate the diffusion of electrolytes and enhance the binding and high loading of DA molecules on both inner and outer surfaces. The multifunctional nature of g-C3N4, incorporating phosphorous and sulfur atoms, contributes to a versatile surface that improves DA binding. Additionally, the phosphate and sulfate groups' functionalities enhance sensing properties, thereby outlining selectivity. The resulting portable 3D-PS-doped CNHN sensor demonstrates high sensitivity with a low limit of detection (7.8 nM) and a broad linear range spanning from 10 to 500 nM. SIGNIFICANCE: The portable DA sensor based on the 3D-PS-doped CNHN/SPCE exhibits excellent recovery of DA molecules in human fluids, such as human serum and urine samples, demonstrating high stability and good reproducibility. The designed portable DA sensor could find utility in the detection of DA in clinical samples, showcasing its potential for practical applications in medical settings.

A near-infrared turn-on fluorescent probe for the detection of hydrogen sulfide in water samples and food spoilage.

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a poisonous pollutant that endangers the environment, and H2S is also produced during food spoilage. Herein, we constructed a dicyanoisophorone-based near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent probe (DCID) to detect H2S. DCID exhibited significant turn-on fluorescence at 700 nm with a low limit of detection (LOD = 74 nM), large Stokes shift (220 nm), prominent selectivity, and response time (100 s) toward H2S. Importantly, the DCID probe had powerful applications in the detection of H2S in environmental samples and food spoilage. In addition, based on DCID-loaded test strips and combined a smartphone sensing platform, which provided a portable and convenient approach for the detection of H2S.

A Novel DLLME Method Involving a Solidifying Hydrophobic Deep Eutectic Solvent Using Hydrophilic Deep Eutectic Solvent as the Dispersant for the Determination of Polychlorinated Biphenyls in Water Samples.

This paper presents a novel dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (DLLME) method that employs solidified hydrophobic deep eutectic solvent (DES) with hydrophilic DES acting as the dispersant. The aim is to enrich polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) from water samples for subsequent determination by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The effects of both the hydrophobic DES as the extractant and the hydrophilic DES as the dispersant were thoroughly investigated. Optimization of the key factors influencing extraction efficiency was performed, and the method was subsequently validated. Specifically, a hydrophobic DES called DES2, prepared by combining thymol and decanoic acid in a molar ratio of 3:2, was selected as the extraction solvent. Meanwhile, a hydrophilic DES named DES6, prepared from choline chloride and acetic acid in a molar ratio of 1:2, was chosen as a dispersant. Under the optimal extraction conditions, the developed method exhibited excellent linearity over the concentration range of 0.01-5.0 µg/L, low limits of detection ranging from 3.0 to 5.1 ng/L, relative standard deviations less than 4.1%, and enrichment factors between 182 and 204 for PCBs. Finally, the effectiveness of the developed method was successfully demonstrated through residue determination of PCBs in water samples.

Distinct microbial communities are linked to organic matter properties in millimetre-sized soil aggregates.

Soils provide essential ecosystem services and represent the most diverse habitat on Earth. It has been suggested that the presence of various physico-chemically heterogeneous microhabitats supports the enormous diversity of microbial communities in soil. However, little is known about the relationship between microbial communities and their immediate environment at the micro- to millimetre scale. In this study, we examined whether bacteria, archaea, and fungi organize into distinct communities in individual 2-mm-sized soil aggregates and compared them to communities of homogenized bulk soil samples. Furthermore, we investigated their relationship to their local environment by concomitantly determining microbial community structure and physico-chemical properties from the same individual aggregates. Aggregate communities displayed exceptionally high beta-diversity, with 3-4 aggregates collectively capturing more diversity than their homogenized parent soil core. Up to 20%-30% of ASVs (particularly rare ones) were unique to individual aggregates selected within a few centimetres. Aggregates and bulk soil samples showed partly different dominant phyla, indicating that taxa that are potentially driving biogeochemical processes at the small scale may not be recognized when analysing larger soil volumes. Microbial community composition and richness of individual aggregates were closely related to aggregate-specific carbon and nitrogen content, carbon stable-isotope composition, and soil moisture, indicating that aggregates provide a stable environment for sufficient time to allow co-development of communities and their environment. We conclude that the soil microbiome is a metacommunity of variable subcommunities. Our study highlights the necessity to study small, spatially coherent soil samples to better understand controls of community structure and community-mediated processes in soils.

Cu,Ce-containing phosphotungstates as laccase-like nanozyme for colorimetric detection of Cr(VI) and Fe(â ¢).

Herein, a nanocomposite of Cu,Ce-containing phosphotungstates (Cu,Ce-PTs) with outstanding laccase-like activity was fabricated via a one-pot microwave-assisted hydrothermal method. Notably, it was discovered that both Fe3+ and Cr6+ could significantly enhance the electron transfer rates of Ce3+ and Ce4+, along with generous Cu2+ with high catalytic activity, thereby promoting the laccase-like activity of Cu,Ce-PTs. The proposed system can be used for the detection of Fe3+ and Cr6+ in a range of 0.667-333.33 µg/mL and 0.033-33.33 µg/mL with a low detection limit of 0.135 µg/mL and 0.0288 µg/mL, respectively. The proposed assay exhibits excellent reusability and selectivity and can be used in traditional Chinese medicine samples analysis.

DNA and seroprevalence study of MW and STL polyomaviruses.

The clinical importance and the pathogenesis of the MW and STL polyomaviruses (PyVs) remain unclear. Our aim was to study the seroprevalence of MWPyV and STLPyV, and to examine the prevalence of viral DNA in respiratory samples and secondary lymphoid tissues. In total, 618 serum samples (0.8-90 years) were analyzed for seroprevalence. For the DNA prevalence study, 146 patients (2.5-37.5 years) were sampled for adenoids (n = 100), tonsils (n = 100), throat swabs (n = 146), and middle ear discharge (n = 15) in study Group 1. In Group 2, we analyzed 1130 nasopharyngeal samples from patients (0.8-92 years) tested for SARS-CoV-2 infection. The adult seropositivity was 54% for MWPyV, and 81.2% for STLPyV. Both seroprevalence rates increased with age; however, the majority of STLPyV primary infections appeared to occur in children. MWPyV was detected in 2.7%-4.9% of respiratory samples, and in a middle ear discharge. STLPyV DNA prevalence was 1.4%-3.4% in swab samples, and it was detected in an adenoid and in a middle ear discharge. The prevalence of both viruses was significantly higher in the children. Noncoding control regions of both viruses and the complete genomes of STLPyV were sequenced. MWPyV and STLPyV are widespread viruses, and respiratory transmission may be possible.

Probing the toxic hypochlorous acid in natural waters and biosystem by a coumarin-based fluorescence probe.

Since the onset of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in early 2020, there has been a notable rise in sodium hypochlorite disinfectants. Sodium hypochlorite undergoes hydrolysis to generate hypochlorous acid for virus eradication. This chlorine-based disinfectant is widely utilized for public disinfection due to its effectiveness. Although sodium hypochlorite disinfection is convenient, its excessive and indiscriminate use can harm the water environment and pose a risk to human health. Hypochlorous acid, a reactive oxygen species, plays a crucial role in the troposphere, stratospheric chemistry, and oxidizing capacity. Additionally, hypochlorous acid is vital as a reactive oxygen species in biological systems, and its irregular metabolism and level is associated with several illnesses. Thus, it is crucial to identify hypochlorous acid to comprehend its environmental and biological functions precisely. Here, we constructed a new fluorescent probe, utilizing the twisted intramolecular charge transfer mechanism to quickly and accurately detect hypochlorous acid in environmental water and biosystems. The probe showed a notable increase in fluorescence when exposed to hypochlorous acid, demonstrating its excellent selectivity, fast response time (less than 10 seconds), a large Stokes shift (∼ 102 nm), and a low detection limit of 15.5 nM.

Unlocking rivers' hidden diversity and ecological status using DNA metabarcoding in Northwest Spain.

Rivers are crucial ecosystems supporting biodiversity and human well-being, yet they face increasing degradation globally. Traditional river biomonitoring methods based on morphological identification of macroinvertebrates present challenges in terms of taxonomic resolution and scalability. This study explores the application of DNA metabarcoding analysis in both bulk and environmental DNA (eDNA) samples for comprehensive assessment of macrozoobenthic biodiversity, detection of invasive and endangered species, and evaluation of river ecological status in northwestern Spain. DNA metabarcoding of homogenized bulk samples and water eDNA revealed a mean of 100 and 87 macrozoobenthos species per sample respectively. However, the specific composition was significantly different with only 27.3% of the total species being shared. It was not possible to identify all the OTUs to species level; only 17.43% and 49.4% of the OTUs generated could be identified to species level in the bulk and eDNA samples, respectively. Additionally, a total of 11 exotic species (two first records for the Iberian Peninsula and another three first records for Asturias region) and one endangered species were detected by molecular tools. Molecular methods showed significant correlations with morphological identification for EQR values (Ecological Quality Ratio) of IBMWP index, yet differences in inferred river ecological status were noted, with bulk samples tending to indicate higher status. Overall, DNA metabarcoding offers a promising approach for river biomonitoring, providing insights into biodiversity, invasive species, and ecological status within a single analysis. Further optimization and intercalibration are required for its implementation in routine biomonitoring programmes, but its scalability and multi-tasking capabilities position it as a valuable tool for integrated monitoring of river ecosystems.

Temporal Patterns of Suicidality Among Adolescents Receiving Behavioral and Mental Health Services in the Community: A Survival Analysis.

Adolescent suicide is a major public health concern, particularly among adolescents who have endured Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). Adolescents who have been exposed to multiple ACEs are as much as three times more likely to present with suicidality compared to the general adolescent population. Adolescents who have been exposed to multiple ACEs are also more likely to receive behavioral and mental health services in the community. It is therefore important to understand patterns of suicidality among this sub-population of adolescents in order to provide the best clinical care. The present study examined the temporal patterns of suicidality among adolescents who have been exposed to multiple ACEs and are receiving behavioral and mental health services in the community. Using Electronic Health Record (EHR) data from a community-based behavioral and mental health care organization, an exploratory survival analysis was conducted on time to suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STBs) after suicidality risk screen at intake. Average time from suicidality risk screen at intake to STB was 185 days (6.2 months). Youth who screened negative for suicidality risk at intake had a longer survival time than youth who screened positive for suicidality risk, and the survival distributions between the two groups was significant. Predictors of STBs were also examined, with gender being a significant predictor of an STB occurring during the follow-up period. These findings may be used to guide suicidality screening and clinical practice at community-based behavioral and mental health care organizations serving adolescents who have been exposed to multiple ACEs.