Electrochemical detection of ornidazole in commercial milk and water samples using an electrode based on green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using cellulose separated from Phoenix dactylifera seed.

The widespread use of antibiotics has contributed to the control of disease and the nutritional well-being of livestock. Antibiotics reach the environment via excretions (urine and feces) from human and domestic animals, through non proper disposal or handling of unused drugs. The present study describes a green method for the synthesis of silver nanoparticle (AgNPs) using cellulose extracted from Phoenix dactylifera seed powder via mechanical stirrer method for the electroanalytical determination of ornidazole (ODZ) in milk and water samples. The cellulose extract is used as the reducing and stabilizer agent for the synthesis of AgNPs. The obtained AgNPs were characterized by UV-Vis, SEM and EDX, presenting a spherical shape and an average size of 48.6 nm. The electrochemical sensor (AgNPs/CPE) was fabricated by dipping a carbon paste electrode (CPE) in the AgNPs colloidal solution. The sensor shows acceptable linearity with ODZ concentration in the linear range from 1.0 × 10-5 to 1.0 × 10-3 M with a limit of detection (LOD =3S/P) and quantification (LOQ =10S/P) of 7.58 × 10-7 M and 2.08 × 10-6 M respectively.

Recent trends on electrochemical determination of antibiotic Ciprofloxacin in biological fluids, pharmaceutical formulations, environmental resources and foodstuffs: Direct and indirect approaches.

In the last few decades, pharmaceuticals, credited with saving millions of lives, have emerged as a new class of environmental contaminants. These compounds can have both chronic and acute harmful effects on aquatic ecosystems and consequently on human health. Therefore, there is an urgent need for the development of extremely sensitive, portable, and low-cost devices to perform analysis. In the present review article, recent reports on the application of various voltammetric and photo-electrochemical techniques using different electrode materials for the determination of antibiotic Ciprofloxacin (CIPRO) are reported. This review provides an insight into direct and indirect electrochemical approaches as well as the photoelectrochemical methods used for the determination of CIPRO. Emphasis is put on the applications of unmodified and modified carbon-based electrodes considering the modifier, supporting electrolytes, analytical method, concentration range, limit of detection, and real matrices. Carbon-based electrodes are the most used materials attributed to their commercial availability, reduced cost, high chemical stability, and non-toxicity.

Phytotoxic effect of the insecticide imidacloprid in Phaseolus vulgaris L. plant and evaluation of its bioaccumulation and translocation by electrochemical methods.

The objective of this work is to study the toxicological effect of the imidacloprid (IMD) on common bean plants (Phaseolus vulgaris L) when used at high doses and its quantification by electrochemical method. Common bean plants were exposed to increasing concentrations of IMD and the different plant tissues were subjected to various analyses. The IMD detection in different tissues of the bean plant was performed after extraction on the metallic silver electrode using square wave voltammetry. The analytical and calibration parameters (Slope, correlation coefficient, linear range, detection limit and relative standard deviation) were calculated for the different plant tissues. The effect of different doses (5.0 × 10-3 to 5.0 × 10-2 mol L-1) of IMD was evaluated on germination, seedling (vigour, growth) and photosynthetic pigments in the bean plant. The results indicate that germination rate and seed vigour index reduced significantly (p ≤ 0.05) only in the applied concentrations above the recommended dose. A similar effect of IMD was observed on seedling development in term of roots length, plant length, number of leaves and number of nods. Concerning pigments content, chlorophyll a, b and total chlorophyll maximally decreased by 95.26%, 80.44% and 82.15% respectively at high applied dose. The bioaccumulation and translocation behaviour of IMD in bean plant was investigated, revealing that the IMD can be bioaccumulated in roots and can easily be translocated into stems and leaves.

Extraction and determination of flubendiamide insecticide in food samples: A review.

Flubendiamide (FBD) is the first commercially available phthalic acid diamide that targets ryanodine receptors (RyRs) in insects, which play a major role in lepidoptera control. However, excessive use of FBD can influence the quality of treated products leading to toxic effects on human health. The availability of rapid and convenient methods for evaluating FBD amount in the environment is necessary. Therefore, analytical methods were developed for the determination of residues of FBD and its metabolite desiodo in different food matrices like tomato, cabbage, pigeon pea, apple, chilli and rice. The current review carries forward methods for FBD residues analysis in foods by using several chromatographic techniques including sample preparation steps. The comparison between the different methods employed for quantitative and qualitative analysis of food quality and safety is also discussed. Liquid chromatography (LC) is the predominant analytical method for assessing the quality of foods treated with FBD. Studies related to LC coupled multichannel detector (Ultraviolet (UV), Mass spectrometry (MS)) are also applied to detect pesticide residues. Extraction and clean up steps are essential to obtain reliable results. Moreover, this review reports the allowed limits of residues for the safety of consuming products treated with FBD.

Complexation of amoxicillin by transition metals: Physico-chemical and antibacterial activity evaluation.

Some bacteria have developed resistance to antibiotics that were once commonly used to treat them. Moreover, this resistance has become more and more massive and worrying. During this work, we succeeded in synthesizing "metal-antibiotic" complexes, combining as a ligand for the metals of Cu (II), Zn (II) and Fe (III). These complexes AMX - M (M = Cu, Fe and Zn) were characterized by UV-Vis spectrophotometry, IR spectroscopy, and electrochemical methods. Job's method of continuous variation suggested 1:1 metals to ligand stoichiometry for all amoxicillin complexes. The binding constant/association constant (K) of the AMX with Zn(II), Cu(II), and Fe(III) were found to be 4.46 × 104, 7.17 × 102 and 7.65 × 102 L mol-1, respectively. The IR spectra shows that the ligands coordinated to the metal ions through amino, imino, carboxylate, ß-lactamic and carbonyl groups. The electrochemical results proved that amoxicillin oxidation process can be delayed by transition metal complexation. After, the complex synthesis, the antibacterial activity of ligand and its metal complexes were evaluated against Escherichia. coli bacteria by antibiogram method. The results show that the metal-amoxicillin complexes have better antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli (E. coli) than the free ligand (amoxicillin) due to the AMX protection against oxidation after complexation.

Dark Energy Survey Year 1 Results: Cosmological Constraints from Cluster Abundances, Weak Lensing, and Galaxy Correlations.

We present the first joint analysis of cluster abundances and auto or cross-correlations of three cosmic tracer fields: galaxy density, weak gravitational lensing shear, and cluster density split by optical richness. From a joint analysis (4×2pt+N) of cluster abundances, three cluster cross-correlations, and the auto correlations of the galaxy density measured from the first year data of the Dark Energy Survey, we obtain Ω_{m}=0.305_{-0.038}^{+0.055} and σ_{8}=0.783_{-0.054}^{+0.064}. This result is consistent with constraints from the DES-Y1 galaxy clustering and weak lensing two-point correlation functions for the flat νΛCDM model. Consequently, we combine cluster abundances and all two-point correlations from across all three cosmic tracer fields (6×2pt+N) and find improved constraints on cosmological parameters as well as on the cluster observable-mass scaling relation. This analysis is an important advance in both optical cluster cosmology and multiprobe analyses of upcoming wide imaging surveys.

Recent knowledge in favor of remdesivir (GS-5734) as a therapeutic option for the COVID-19 infections.

The management of SARS-CoV-2 has not yet been clearly determined and is based on potential therapies evaluated during the SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV outbreaks. An emerging potential therapeutic approach currently being evaluated in numerous clinical trials is the remdesivir agent, which acts on COVID-19 by interfering with key steps in the virus replication cycle. It is considered a therapeutic option to be evaluated against COVID-19, based on data on its in vitro and in vivo activity against MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV coronaviruses. In this work, we provide an overview of remdesivir's discovery, mechanism of action, and the current studies exploring its clinical effectiveness. Recommendations for its use against COVID-19 infection are also summarized.

Current progress on COVID-19 related to biosensing technologies: New opportunity for detection and monitoring of viruses.

The technologies used for coronavirus testing consist of a pre-existing device developed to examine different pathologies, such as bacterial infections, or cancer biomarkers. However, for the 2019 pandemic, researchers knew that their technology could be modified to detect a low viral load at an early stage. Today, countries around the world are working to control the new coronavirus disease (n-SARS-CoV-2). From this perspective, laboratories, universities, and companies around the world have embarked on a race to develop and produce much-needed test kits. This review has been developed to provide an overview of current trends and strategies in n-SARS-CoV-2 diagnostics based on traditional and new emerging assessment technologies, to continuous innovation. It focuses on recent trends in biosensors to build a fast, reliable, more sensitive, accessible, user-friendly system and easily adaptable technology n-SARS-CoV-2 detection and monitoring. On the whole, we have addressed and identified research evidence supporting the use of biosensors on the premise that screening people for n-SARS-CoV-2 is the best way to contain its spread.

Recent advances in electrochemical sensors for amoxicillin detection in biological and environmental samples.

Amoxicillin (AMX) is among the most successful antibiotics used for human therapy. It is used extensively to prevent or treat bacterial infections in humans and animals. However, the widespread distribution and excess utilization of AMX can be an environmental and health risk due to the hazardous potential associated to its pharmaceutical industries effluents. Besides, their extensive use in food animal production may result in some undesirable residues in food, e.g. meat, eggs and milk. Consequently, at high enough concentrations in biological fluids, AMX may be responsible of various diseases such as nausea, vomiting, rashes, and antibiotic-associated colitis. For this reason, the detection and quantification of amoxicillin in pharmaceuticals, biological fluids, environmental samples and foodstuffs require new electroanalytical techniques with sensitive and rapid measurement abilities. This review discusses recent advances in the development of electrochemical sensors and bio-sensors for AMX analysis in complex matrices such as pharmaceuticals, biological fluids, environmental water and foodstuffs. The main electrochemical sensors used are based on chemically modified electrodes involving carbon materials and nanomaterials, nanoparticles, polymers and biological recognition molecules.

Review on the contamination of wastewater by COVID-19 virus: Impact and treatment.

Emerging viruses are a major public health problem. Most zoonotic pathogens originate in wildlife, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), influenza, Ebola, and coronavirus. Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is a viral respiratory illness caused by a coronavirus called SARS-associated coronavirus (SARS-CoV). Viruses are charged colloidal particles that have the ability to adsorb on surfaces depending on pH. Their sorptive interaction with solid particles has important implications for their behavior in aquatic environments, soils, sewage sludge, and other solid materials and their removal or concentration by water treatment processes. Current state of knowledge on the potential of wastewater surveillance to understand the COVID-19 pandemic is reviewed. This study also identified wastewater irrigation systems with a higher risk of COVID-19 transmission. Emphasis was placed on methodologies for the detection and quantification of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater.

Electrodeposition of silver onto carbon graphite and their catalysis properties toward thiamethoxam reduction: application in food and beverage samples.

The purpose of this paper is the electrodeposition of silver particles on graphite electrode (Ag@GrCE) using chronoamperometry and the use of this electrode for the determination of thiamethoxam. The electrode was prepared by chronoamperometry and characterized by X-Ray diffraction (XRD), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), EDX analysis and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The obtained electrode exhibits excellent electrocatalytic activity toward thiamethoxam reduction. The voltammetric response was linear as function of TXM concentration with a limit of detection around to 1.92 × 10-6 mol L-1. The proposed electrode was successfully used to analyze thiamethoxam residue in some food samples including orange and tomato juices.

Voltammetric determination of nitro compound 4-nitroaniline in aqueous medium at chitosan gelified modified carbon paste electrode (CS@CPE).

A sensitive, selective and reproducible electrochemical method has been established for the electroanalysis of 4-nitroaniline (4-NA) using a carbon paste electrode modified with a chitosan solution gelled in acetic acid (CS@CPE). The modified electrode was then characterized spectroscopically using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. In addition, the electrochemical and interfacial characteristics of the as-prepared modified electrode were assessed by potentiodynamic cyclic voltammetry (CV) and AC electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) was additionally used to deduce the trace amounts of (4-NA) in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) of pH7.0 as an ideal electrolyte. Under optimized conditions, the peak current of 4-NA increased linearly with the increasing 4-NA concentration over the range of 0.1µM to 0.1Mm. The calibration curve presents two linear ranges of current versus 4-NA concentration with a detection limit of 93.4nM (3sb/B). The repeatability of the current peak registered at CS@CPE was performed at a level of 0.5µM 4-NA employing one sensor on the same day for eight measurements. The relative standard deviation was 3.5%.

ASSOCIATION OF IRS1 GLY971ARG GENE POLYMORPHISM WITH INSULIN RESISTANCE IN IRANIAN NEWLY DIAGNOSED DIABETIC ADULTS.

CONTEXT: Insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1) has an important role in insulin signaling and the common Gly971Arg polymorphism is related to type 2 diabetes (T2D). IRS-1 Gly971Arg polymorphism can modify tyrosine phosphorylation at a specific site of IRS-1 and may have a critical role in the development of insulin resistance (IR). OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between this polymorphism and IR in Iranian patients with newly-diagnosed type 2 diabetes. DESIGN: The study was conducted on 114 individuals with newly-diagnosed T2D and 118 healthy matched controls, aged 20-80 years. Fasting blood glucose and insulin were measured by the enzymatic method and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. Insulin-resistance was calculated by homeostasis model assessment estimated-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). The gene polymorphism was examined by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. RESULTS: There are significant differences between IRS1 Gly971Arg polymorphism and studied individuals (P<0.0001). The findings showed that the risk of developing T2D in individuals who had R-alleles was 3.74 folds higher than those without R-alleles. However, IRS1 Gly971Arg polymorphism was not associated with high HOMA-IR, high BMI and familial history of diabetes. CONCLUSIONS: Even though there was not a significant relationship between IRS-1 G971R polymorphism with insulin resistance and high BMI, this polymorphism was correlated to newly-diagnosed diabetic patients. Thus, the evaluation of IRS-1 G971R polymorphism may be helpful for predicting T2D new cases.

Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements for determination of derivatized aldehydes in several matrices.

A simple, selective and sensitive electrochemical method is described for the determination of different aldehydes at glassy carbon electrode using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The measurements were performed after their derivatization with 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine (DNPH) in acidic medium. The impedance measurements were investigated in the frequency range from 100 mHz to 100 kHz at a potential of 1.0 V versus Ag/AgCl. The Nyquist plots were modeled with a Randle's equivalent circuit. The charge transfer resistance was identified as the dependent parameter on relevant concentration of aldehydes (determined as their hydrazones). Under the optimized conditions, the linearity was established over the concentration range of 1000-0.05 µmol L-1. The limits of detection (LODs) obtained were from 0.097 to 0.0109 µmol L-1. Finally, the developed method has been applied to the determination of aldehydes in drinking water, orange juice and apple vinegar samples with relative standard deviations (RSDs) < 3.1% and acceptable recovery rate (around of 80%).

Ibuprofen analysis in blood samples by palladium particles-impregnated sodium montmorillonite electrodes: Validation using high performance liquid chromatography.

The electrochemical detection of ibuprofen has been studied on Palladium-Montmorillonite (Mt) modified carbon paste electrode using differential pulse voltammetry. The optimization of the modifier preparation and the instrumental parameters was investigated. The results indicate that ibuprofen oxidation was favored in the presence of Pd-PdO particles. The quantitative determination of ibuprofen was statistically analyzed and validated using HPLC method. The detection and quantification limits, specificity and precision were found to be acceptable. Finally, the developed method was successfully applied for ibuprofen determination in human blood samples.

Square wave voltammetric determination of paracetamol at chitosan modified carbon paste electrode: Application in natural water samples, commercial tablets and human urines.

A novel analytical approach has been developed and evaluated for the quantitative analysis of paracetamol (PCT). The anodic peak currents of paracetamol on the CS-CPE were about 200 fold higher than that of the unmodified electrodes. The influence of various parameters on the CS-CPE was investigated. Under the optimized working conditions, the oxidation peak current is linear to the paracetamol concentration in the ranges of 1.0 × 10(-3)-4.0 × 10(-4)mol L(-1) and 2.0 × 10(-4)-8.0 × 10(-7)mol L(-1) with a detection limit of 5.08 × 10(-7)mol L(-1). The repeatability of the method expressed as relative standard deviation (RSD) is 1.73% (n=8). Possible interferences were tested and evaluated in 1.0 × 10(-4)mol L(-1) paracetamol in the presence of inorganic ions, dopamine, ibuprofen, ascorbic acid and uric acid. The proposed method was successfully applied to PCT determination in natural waters, tablets and urine samples.

Sensitive determination of paraquat by square wave anodic stripping voltammetry with chitin modified carbon paste electrode.

A novel analytical approach has been developed and evaluated for the quantitative analysis of paraquat herbicides which can be found at trace levels in olive oil and olives. The aim of this work is to optimize all factors that can influence this determination by a carbon paste electrode modified with chitin (Chit-CPE). The best responses were obtained with square wave potential in diluted Na2SO4 as supporting electrolyte. The influence of various parameters on the Chit-CPE was investigated. Under the optimized working conditions, calibration graphs were linear in the concentration ranges of 5.0 × 10(-9)-1.0 × 0(-5) mol L(-1). For 180 s preconcentration, detection limits of 2.67 × 10(-10) mol L(-1) (peak 2) was obtained at the signal noise ratio (SNR) of 3. To evaluate the reproducibility of the newly developed electrode, the measurements of 1.0 × 10(-5) mol L(-1) PQ were carried out for seven times at Chit-CPE and the relative standard deviation was 5.2%. The analytical methodology was successfully applied to monitor the paraquat content in olives and olive oil.

The effect of hyperopic laser in situ keratomileusis on refractive accommodative esotropia.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) for discarding spectacles and simultaneously correcting ocular alignment in patients with refractive accommodative esotropia. METHODS: LASIK was performed on 20 eyes of 10 patients (mean age, 24.3 years; range, 11 to 43 years) using a Technolas 217C excimer laser. The target refraction was emmetropia. Visual acuity (uncorrected and best-corrected), refractive error, and ocular alignment were recorded before and after LASIK. Minimum follow-up was 12 months. RESULTS: The mean preoperative uncorrected and corrected angle of deviation was 37.1 prism diopters (PD) (range, 17 to 80; standard deviation (SD), 19.8)) and 14.74 PD (range, 0 to 50; SD, 12.9) of esotropia, respectively, which changed to 7.2 PD (range, 0 to 50; SD, 15.78) without correction postoperatively (p=0.005). Of 20 eyes, 15% lost one line of best-corrected visual acuity, 10% gained two lines, and 75% showed no change. CONCLUSIONS: LASIK could be considered an alternative treatment for patients with refractive accommodative esotropia with intolerance to glasses and contact lenses.

Two-stage procedure for management of large exposure defects of hydroxyapatite orbital implant.

PURPOSE: To report the results of a newly devised two-stage surgical technique for management of large hydroxyapatite exposure defects. METHODS: Eight patients with exposed hydroxyapatite orbital implant were treated in two stages. The exposed hydroxyapatite anterior surface was burred down and the defect was directly closed 3 to 13 months after the primary procedure. Then a mucous membrane or dermis-fat graft was added for socket reconstruction. RESULTS: Trauma was the primary cause of enucleation in all patients. Hydroxyapatite exposures occurred 1 to 2 weeks after implantation. Mean defect size was 15 mm in the greatest dimension (range 10-21 mm). Socket reconstruction was done in seven patients with mucous membrane graft and in one patient with dermis fat graft 3 to 13 months after direct repair of the defects. All eight patients maintained closure of the defects during a mean follow-up of 13 months (range 9-19 months). CONCLUSIONS: Management of hydroxyapatite exposures, especially those with large defects, can be difficult. Based on our experience, optimal results can be obtained after direct closure of the defect under minimal tension at the expense of foreshortening the fornices after which the socket can be reconstructed with a mucous membrane or dermis fat graft as a secondary procedure.

Successful treatment of ocular leishmaniasis.

PURPOSE: To report successful treatment of a case of ocular leishmaniasis with combined stibogluconate and allupurinol. METHOD: A 32-year-old physician developed a non-tender reddish chalazion like lesion in his right lower lid, associated with conjunctivitis and nodular episcleritis. Biopsy of the lesion in his eyelid and conjunctiva disclosed a dense inflammatory response including histiocytes containing typical leishmania organisms. RESULT: Therapy with stibogluconate, both intralesional and intramuscular, was initiated with some improvement. However recurrence of the lesion occurred. Systemic retreatment with combined stibogluconate and allupurinol led to complete healing of the lesion. CONCLUSION: Ocular leishmaniasis is a rare and potentially blinding disorder. Combined stibogluconate and allupurinol may be an effective therapy in such cases.