Use of transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) in analytical sample preparation applications

Since the discovery of graphene, nano-sized two-dimensional (2D) transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) such as MoS2, MoSe2, MoTe2, NbS2, NbSe2, WS2, WSe2, TaS2 and TaSe2, which have been classified as next-generation nanomaterials resembling graphene (G) have complementary basic properties with those of graphene in terms of their practical applications. TMDs are attracting great attention due to their attractive physical, chemical and electronic properties. Despite being overshadowed by graphene in terms of frequency of use, TMDs have been used frequently in many areas in recent years instead of carbon-based materials such as graphene (G), graphene oxide (GO), carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and nanodiamonds (NDs). It is seen that the first and frequent uses of TMDs, which are classified as new generation materials, are in the fields of catalysis, electronic applications, hydrogen production processes and energy storage, but it has been used as an adsorbent in sample preparation techniques in recent years. Similar to graphene, layers of TMDs are held together by weak van der Waals interactions. The sandwiched layers of TMDs provide sufficient and effective interlayer spaces so that foreign molecules, ions and atoms can easily enter these spaces between the layers. Intermolecular interactions increase with the entry of different materials into these spaces, and thus, high activity, adsorption capacity and efficiency are obtained in adsorption-based analytical sample preparation methods. Although there are about 35 research articles using TMDs, which are classified as promising materials in analytical sample preparation techniques, no review studies have been found. This review, which was designed with this awareness, contains important informations on the properties of metal dichalcogenides, their production methods and their use in analytical sample preparation techniques.

Oral Cavity Squamous Cell Carcinomas in Patients with a History of Oral Lichen Planus: Frequency and Outcomes

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Oral lichen planus (OLP) is an inflammatory condition which affects the mucous membranes of the oral cavity. While previous studies have described the association between OLP and development of oral cavity cancer, there is currently a paucity of literature examining the impact of this disease on treatment response and prognosis. As such, we present a retrospective cohort study of Oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC) patients with a history of OLP to explore the course of their disease.

MATERIALS/METHODS

Using an IRB approved tertiary care registry of head and neck cancer patients, we identified patients with OCSCC who had a prior diagnosis of OLP. The number of new primary tumors, rates of local (LF), regional (RF) and distant failure (DF), as well as overall survival (OS) were assessed using Cox proportional hazards and Kaplan Meier analysis for actuarial survival estimates.

RESULTS

Fifty-four patients with OCSCC and OLP were identified with 109 individual OCSCC diagnoses. Patients had a median age of 67 years, were predominantly female (n = 42, 77.8%) and never smokers (n = 29, 53.7%) with a median follow up after diagnosis of OCSCC of 46.5 months. Nine patients (16.7%) had a history of immunosuppression of whom 6 (11.1%) had chronic steroid use for treatment of OLP. Within the cohort, 33 (61.1%) of OLP patients had a single OCSCC, 11 (20.4%) had 2, and 10 (18.5%) had >3 separate tumors develop. The most common oral cavity subsites were oral tongue (n = 42, 38.5%), followed by alveolar ridge (n = 14, 12.8%) and gingiva (n = 13, 11.9%). Papillary SCC subtype was identified in 10.1%. 92.7% of tumors (n = 101) were treated with primary surgery, with 23 (21.1%) receiving adjuvant RT and 10 of those patients receiving concurrent chemotherapy. Among resected patients, pathologic stages were predominantly T1-2 (84.1%) and N0 (50% vs N1 15.6% and N2a-3 34.4%). The mean RT dose was 62 Gy in 32 fractions. Locoregional failure occurred in 24.8% of cancers (n = 27), with local and regional failure occurring in 13.8% (n = 15) and 11% (n = 12) of lesions, respectively. Recurrence free survival at 3 and 5 years was 75% and 70.3%, respectively, with overall survival at 3 and 5 years of 71.1% and 67%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Patients with OCSCC and a history of OLP are predominantly female and never smokers. The tumors that develop in such patients are often early stage but a proportion of patients appear to be at higher risk of developing multiple malignancies and surveillance of this patient population to identify new tumors is crucial.

Definitive Radiotherapy for the Treatment of Gross Disease in Unresected Differentiated Thyroid Cancer

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

While surgery (with or without radioactive iodine (RAI)) is the mainstay of locoregional control in differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC), patients with unresectable disease present a clinical challenge. Uncontrolled disease in the neck can lead to substantial morbidity and mortality in DTC and obtaining locoregional control is vital to preserving quality of life and longevity. High dose definitive radiotherapy (RT) for gross disease in DTC is understudied. This study examines the efficacy of definitive RT in this setting.

MATERIALS/METHODS

From an IRB-approved registry of head and neck cancer cases treated at a tertiary care center over a period of 8 years (2014-2022), patients with incompletely resected or unresectable DTC including papillary, follicular, mixed, medullary, and poorly differentiated types were identified. All patients were treated to the neck and/or thyroid regions with visible gross disease to a definitive dose of radiation. The primary endpoint was local control within the radiated portal with a secondary endpoint of locoregional control within the neck.

RESULTS

A total of 31 patients were identified, of whom 74.2% were Caucasian. Fourteen were female (45.2%), and 17 (54.8%) were male. The median age was 68 years (range 26-90) and the median follow-up was 31 months. Histologically, 19 (61.3%) cases were papillary, 4 (12.9%) were follicular, 2 (6.5%) were mixed, 3 (9.7%) were medullary, and 3 (9.7%) were poorly differentiated. Among patients with non-medullary DTC 18 (69.2%) received prior RAI. Twelve patients were treated with radiation at initial diagnosis, while 19 patients were treated at the time of recurrence; two patients received concurrent chemotherapy. Twenty-eight patients (90.3%) were treated with IMRT and 3 (9.7%) were treated with SBRT. The median dose to the gross disease was 66 Gy (range 30-70.4) in 32 fractions (range 5-35). Overall, 5 patients (16.1%) experienced a locoregional failure after RT and all experienced failure in the RT portal. The actuarial infield control/locoregional control of radiation therapy at 3 and 5 years was 84.8% and 74.2%, respectively. Overall survival at 3 and 5 years was 68.5% and 47.4%, respectively. Among patients who had a locoregional failure after RT, 2 patients were salvaged with systemic therapy, 2 patients with surgery, and 1 patient with SBRT re-irradiation (40 Gy/5 fractions). The patient salvaged with SBRT remains without disease 8 months post-RT.

CONCLUSION

Definitive radiotherapy is a highly effective strategy to obtain durable control of unresected DTC. It should be standard for unresected disease and considered as a viable alternative for patients with borderline resectable disease for whom resection would be highly morbid.

WEIGHT LOSS AND BEYOND, ASSESSMENT OF QUALITY OF LIFE AFTER LAPAROSCOPIC SLEEVE GASTRECTOMY USING BAROS IN PATIENTS WITH OBESITY IN TURKEY

Context

Sleeve gastrectomy is an effective method for management of obesity. The Bariatric Analysis and Reporting Outcome System (BAROS) is a comprehensive and standard system for the assessment of outcomes of weight loss surgery. It is consisted of weight loss, changes in obesity-related comorbidities and quality of life measurements. We investigated results of the sleeve gastrectomy based on the BAROS.

Material and Methods

Outcomes of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy surgery was studied in 45 patients with obesity (11 male, 34 female), after 45 months in Turkey.

Results

Total weight loss was 26.4±0.1% of body weight at 45 months. Weight regain was seen in 97.8% of the patients with an average 14.5 kg and 13.7% body mass index points. The surgery caused 76% decrease in incidence of obstructive sleep apnea, 73% decrease in type 2 diabetes, 63% decrease in hyperlipidemia and 62% decrease in hypertension. Significant improvement is observed in all quality-of-life parameters. The final score of the BAROS was 4.23±1.02.

Conclusion

Based on BAROS, sleeve gastrectomy provides significant improvements in weight loss, incidence of medical comorbidities and quality of life after surgery. Future studies should address prevention of weight regain after the surgery.

Predictive value of the frontal QRS-T angle for a permanent pacemaker requirement in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation

OBJECTIVE

Despite recent advances, the requirement for permanent pacemaker (PPM) implantation after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) remains high. The frontal QRS-T angle (fQRS-Ta) indicates ventricular electrical instability as well as ventricular depolarization and repolarization heterogeneity. The predictive value of fQRS-Ta for the PPM requirement after TAVI is lacking. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the predictive value of baseline fQRS-Ta for the requirement of PPM after TAVI.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This is a retrospective study conducted at a single tertiary care center. The patients were divided into two groups: those who required a pacemaker (PPM group) and those who did not (No-PPM group). The optimal fQRS-Ta cut-off value for predicting a PPM requirement was determined by using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were used to determine the independent predictors of post-TAVI PPM placement.

RESULTS

Final study population consisted of 184 patients. The mean age of the patients was 79.41 ± 7.88 years, and 61% (n = 113) were women. Twenty-seven patients who required PPM after TAVI were considered as the 'PPM group'. The baseline frontal QRS and T axes did not differ between the groups, but the fQRS-Ta was significantly higher in the PPM group. ROC analysis performed for the prediction of post-TAVI PPM need, the fQRS-Ta cut-off value was found to be 100.5 with a sensitivity of 74.1% and a specificity of 60.5% [AUC (95% CI): 0.637 (0.520 - 0.755), p: 0.023]. In multivariate analysis, age [HR (95% CI): 1.071 (1.005 - 1.142), p: 0.034] and fQRS-Ta [HR (95% CI): 2.509 (1.084 - 6.399), p: 0.044] were identified as independent risk factors for PPM requirement after TAVI.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated that age and baseline fQRS-Ta were independent predictors of PPM requirements after TAVI in patients with aortic stenosis.

The effects of KIR2DL4 stimulated NK-92 cells on the apoptotic pathways of HER2 + /HER-breast cancer cells

Natural killer (NK) cells are immune cells that have attracted significant attention due to their cytotoxic properties. They are believed to be highly effective in cancer therapy. In this study, anti-KIR2DL4 (Killer cell Immunoglobulin like Receptor, 2 Ig Domains and Long cytoplasmic tail 4) was used to stimulate the NK-92 activator receptor to increase their cytotoxicity on breast cancer cell lines. Unstimulated and stimulated NK-92 cells (sNK-92) were cocultured with breast cancer (MCF-7 and SK-BR-3) and normal breast (MCF-12A) cell lines at 1:1, 1:5, and 1:10 (Target:Effector) ratios. The most effective cell cytotoxicity ratio (1:10) was used in the immunostaining and western blot assays to evaluate apoptosis pathway proteins. The sNK-92 cells showed higher cytotoxic activity on breast cancer cells than NK-92 cells. sNK-92 cells had a selective significant cytotoxicity effect on MCF-7 and SK-BR-3 cells but not MCF-12A cells. While sNK-92 cells were effective at all cell concentrations, they were most effective at a 1:10 ratio. Immunostaining and western blots showed significantly higher BAX, caspase 3, and caspase 9 protein levels in all breast cancer cell groups cocultured with sNK-92 than with NK-92 cells. NK-92 cells stimulated with KIR2DL4 showed elevated cytotoxic activity. The cytotoxic activity of sNK-92 cells on breast cancer cells is via apoptosis pathways. However, their effect on normal breast cells is limited. While the obtained data contains only basic information, additional clinical studies are needed to provide a basis for a new treatment model.

Application of magnetic solid-phase extraction for sensitive determination of anticancer drugs in urine by means of diamino benzidine tetrachlorohydrate modified magnetic nanoparticles

BACKGROUND

The analysis of drug active molecules and residues in the treatment of cancer is important for the sustainability of human life and therapeutic effects. For this purpose, a new magnetic sorbent was developed to use in solid phase extraction prior to conventional high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis of Paclitaxel (PAC) and Gemcitabine (GEM) molecules.

METHODS

In this study, a separation and pre-concentration approach based on magnetic solid phase extraction (MSPE) was proposed for PAC and GEM by means of using a newly synthesized magnetic sorbent. After the MSPE procedure, an HPLC system with a diode array detector (DAD) was used to analyze trace amounts of PAC and GEM anticarcinogenic drugs in urine samples. Surface modification of magnetic Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles was carried out by diaminobenzidinetetrachloro hydrate (DABTC) for the first time and a useful sorbent was obtained for MSPE experiments.

RESULTS

In the proposed method, PAC and GEM molecules were retained on the c in the presence of a pH 5.0 medium and desorbed to 300 μL of acetonitrile: methyl alcohol (1:1) eluent phase before HPLC-DAD analysis. Under the optimized conditions, the limit of detection (LOD) values for PAC and GEM were 1.38 and 1.44 ng mL^-1 while the enhancement factor for PAC and GEM were 139.5 and 145.3, respectively. The relative standard deviations (RSD %) for PAC and GEM were below 3.50% in inter-day repeated experiments by means of model solutions containing 100 ng mL^-1 drug active ingredients.

CONCLUSIONS

Synthesis and characterization of DABTC-Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles were performed using suitable methodologies. Optimization of MSPE was done step by step. And finally, the developed method was successfully applied to urine samples with quantitative recoveries in the range of 99.0% and 105.0%.

Rational Integration of ZIF-8 and BiPO4 for Energy Storage and Environmental Applications

Environmental pollution and energy storage are among the most pivotal challenges of today's world. The development of multifunctional materials is required to address these challenges. Our study presents the rational design and synthesis of a hybrid material (ZIF-8@BiPO₄) with dual functionality: an outstanding supercapacitor electrode and an excellent photocatalyst. The ZIF-8@BiPO₄ hybrid structure was obtained by conjoining zinc ions and 2-methylimidazole ligands toward BiPO₄ by a one-pot stirring route at room temperature. The ZIF-8@BiPO₄ resulted in considerably higher specific capacitance (Cs) (489 F g^-1 at a scan rate of 5 mV s^-1; 497 F g^-1 at a current density of 1 A g^-1) than that of pure BiPO₄ (358; 443 F g^-1) and ZIF-8 (185; 178 F g^-1) under the same conditions in a three-electrode cell using the 2 M KOH aqueous electrolyte. Afterward, an asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) device was fabricated with BiPO₄ as the anode and ZIF-8@BiPO₄ as the cathodes, acquiring an outstanding Cs of 255 F g^-1 at a current density of 0.5 A g^-1 with significant cycling stability (81% over 10,000 cycles). Moreover, the ASC has an energy density of 17.5 Wh kg^-1and a power density of 13,695 W kg^-1, which can be considered to be at the borderline between batteries and supercapacitors. The photocatalytic activity of ZIF-8@BiPO₄ was further studied using a methylene blue (MB) dye and sildenafil citrate (SC) drug-active molecules. The degradation of MB was approximately 78% through the photocatalytic reduction after 180 min of UV irradiation. The outstanding characteristics together with the ecofriendly and low-cost preparation make ZIF-8@BiPO₄ appealing for a broad range of applications.

An in vitro Approach to Protective Effect of Lactoferrin on Acrylamide-induced Oxidative Damage

Acrylamide is a compound that occurs with high temperature during food processing and causes oxidative damage. Recently, the importance of antioxidative components is increasing to prevent oxidative damage. Lactoferrin is an antioxidant protein mainly found in milk. Therefore, the aim of this study is to determine the dose-dependent protective effects of lactoferrin on oxidative damage caused by acrylamide. In this study, HepG2 cell lines were treated with lactoferrin doses (0, 25, 50, 100µM) and half maximal inhibitory concentration of acrylamide. After 24 hours malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione reductase levels were measured. Acrylamide significantly increased malondialdehyde levels in HepG2 cells compared to the control group; however, catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione reductace significantly reduced. On the other hand, added lactoferrin doses (50-100µM) significantly reduced lipid peroxidation levels. Besides, it was found that glutathione reductase, catalase and superoxide dismutase levels significantly increased. As a result, the protective effect of lactoferrin against the oxidative damage caused by acrylamide in HepG2 cells was determined. This effect is thought to be due to the antioxidant capacity of lactoferrin. In this context, it is recommended that more studies are carried out on the mechanism of action of lactoferrin on oxidative stress caused by acrylamide.

Nanoclay- and TiO2 Nanoparticle-Modified Poly(N-vinyl pyrrolidone) Hydrogels: A Multifunctional Material for Application in Photocatalytic Degradation and Adsorption-Based Removal of Organic Contaminants

In recent times, access to clean water has become increasingly difficult and one of the most important problems for the sustainability of life due to environmental pollution. Based on this thought, in this study, a multifunctional hydrogel nanocomposite (nanoclay@TiO₂@PNVP) containing linear poly(N-vinyl pyrrolidone) (PNVP), nanoclay, and TiO₂ nanoparticles was synthesized and used as an adsorbent and photocatalyst for the adsorption-based and photocatalytic degradation-based removal of organic and pharmaceutical pollutants such as methylene blue (MB) and sildenafil citrate (SLD). The modification of the hydrogel with TiO₂ nanoparticles and nanoclay aimed to increase the adsorption capacity of the PNVP hydrogel as well as to gain photocatalytic properties for the effective removal of organic contaminants. This hybrid material, which can be cleaned in two different ways, can be reused and recycled at least 10 times. Characterization studies were carried out using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, differential thermogravimetry, and viscosimetry techniques. Optimization studies for the adsorption-based removal of organic contaminants were carried out on MB and SLD as model organic compounds. The optimum parameters for MB were found at pH 10 of the sample solution when 50 mg of the nanoclay@TiO₂@PNVP hydrogel nanocomposite was used for 420 min of contact time. It was observed that 99% of the MB was photocatalytically degraded within 150 min at pH 10. Our material had multifunctional applicability properties, showing high adsorption and photocatalytic performances over 99% for at least 10 times of use. For the removal of organic and pharmaceutical contaminants from wastewater, the synthesized material can be used in two treatment processes separately or in combination in one step, providing an important advantage for its usability in environmental applications.

The effect of L-thyroxine treatment on ventricular dysfunction and pulmonary arterial stiffness in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism

OBJECTIVE

In our study, we aimed at evaluating the change in biventricular functions and pulmonary arterial stiffness (PAS) in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism (SH) in whom euthyroidism was achieved with L-thyroxine therapy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

70 SH patients and 75 healthy volunteers were included in our study consecutively. Baseline demographic and echocardiographic data of the participants were recorded. The data obtained in the control evaluation 6 months after the euthyroidism were achieved in the SH group patients started on L-thyroxine treatment and then compared with the baseline measurements.

RESULTS

The mean age of patients in the SH group was 44.1 ± 9.4 years and 47.1% were women. Euthyroidism in SH patients was achieved with a mean daily L-thyroxine treatment of 59 µg/day for a mean of 16.1 ± 4.5 weeks. Positive changes in metabolic and hormonal profiles were achieved after L-thyroxine treatment in SH patients. It was determined that left ventricular and right ventricular isovolumetric relaxation and myocardial performance index were higher in SH patients compared to the control group, and these measurements were observed to decrease significantly with L-thyroxine treatment (p < 0.05 for each). While PAS was 16.9 ± 3.1 kHz/ms in the control group, it was 25.2 ± 5.3 kHz/ms in the SH group (p < 0.05). After L-thyroxine treatment, PAS measurements decreased to 17.2 ± 3.2 kHz/ms (p < 0.05) in the SH group and showed a positive change. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) change (Δ TSH) with Δ E/A ratio (r: -0.407, p < 0.001), right ventricular myocardial performance index (Δ RV MPI) change (r: 0.404, p < 0.001) and PAS change (Δ PAS) (r: 0.458, p < 0.001) found to be correlated.

CONCLUSIONS

SH is associated with dysfunction in the biventricular and pulmonary vascular bed. Biventricular functions and PAS change positively in SH patients with L-thyroxine treatment.

P11.03.B BXQ-350: Modulating ceramide and Sphingosine-1-Phosphate for anti-tumor activity and potential mitigation of chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy

Background

Sphingolipids are a class of bioactive signaling molecules implicated in multiple cellular processes and molecular pathways. Many publications have indicated that among these sphingolipids, sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) is a key sphingolipid that promotes cancer cell survival and proliferation, activates multiple oncogenic pathways, and stimulates immuno-suppressor cell populations promoting a pro-tumoral microenvironment. Many of these publications have also implicated S1P with chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy, a debilitating and serious side effect that may impact therapeutic treatments and patient’s quality of life.

Material and Methods

BXQ-350 is a nanovesicle of Saposin C, an allosteric activator of sphingolipid metabolism, that has broad anticancer activity, potentially in part by lowering systemic S1P levels. BXQ-350 was investigated in a Phase 1 dose-escalation safety study in an all-comer cancer patients with advanced solid malignancies, including CNS tumors (NCT02859857) to determine its safety profile and its potential clinical activity as a single agent in cancer patients. Samples were collected to determine pharmacokinetics and explore potential biomarkers.

Results

11 patients (~15% of evaluable patients) with advanced disease had a clinical benefit and amongst these, 8 patients (~11% of evaluable patients) had PFS&gt; 6 months with 2 patients still on study five years after enrollment. Analysis of patient’s samples revealed that BXQ-350 decreases systemic S1P levels in the majority of the patients experiencing a clinical benefit. In addition, several patients with established CIPN spontaneously reported improvements of their symptoms shortly after BXQ-350 administration. Analysis of these patients’ samples also revealed that S1P systemic levels had decreased, as well as pro-inflammatory cytokines associated with CIPN.

Conclusion

While these results are exploratory and preliminary in nature, they suggest that BXQ-350’s mechanism of action may represent a novel anti-cancer approach that may also mitigate CIPN.

The predictive value of residual SYNTAX score and SYNTAX revascularization index for contrast-induced nephropathy in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to evaluate the association of incomplete revascularization score and the treated coronary artery disease burden with the development of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) who underwent primary percutaneous intervention. Incomplete revascularization score was expressed by the residual SYNTAX (SYNergy between percutaneous coronary intervention with TAXus and cardiac surgery) (rSS) and the treated coronary artery disease burden was expressed by the SYNTAX revascularization index (SRI).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In our study, 604 sequential patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention diagnosed with STEMI between January 2018 and December 2021 were included. Patients were categorized into two groups; 'CIN (+)' who developed CIN and 'CIN (-)' who did not develop CIN. Baseline demographic, laboratory, echocardiographic, and angiographic data of the groups were compared. SYNTAX score I and II, rSS, and SRI were calculated. The diagnostic power of these angiographic parameters in the prediction of CIN was evaluated. Predictors for the development of CIN in STEMI patients were investigated.

RESULTS

The mean age of the patients included in our study was 58.7 ± 12.4 years, and 79.9% of them were men. CIN was observed in 17.8% of study patients. The SYNTAX score [17.8 (11.4-24.2) vs. 15.1 (10.1-21.2); p = 0.008] and rSS [8.14 (3.9-116) vs. 4.2 (2.6-8.2); p < 0.001] were higher and SRI [56.2 ± 10.2 vs. 71.1 ± 13.6; p < 0.001] was lower in the CIN (+) group compared to the CIN (-) group. In predicting CIN, rSS was found to have significant diagnostic power at a cut-off value of 5.2, sensitivity of 81% and specificity of 69% [AUC (95% CI) = 0.752 (0.602-0.814); p < 0.001]. In logistic regression analysis, rSS [OR (95% CI) = 1.492 (1.124-1.884); p < 0.001] and SRI [OR (95% CI) = 1.055 (1.027-1.092); p < 0.001] were defined as independent predictors for the development of CIN.

CONCLUSIONS

rSS and SRI are associated with CIN in STEMI patients. Although rSS is superior in predicting CIN, both angiographic scorings have significant diagnostic power. rSS and SRI are independent predictors for the development of CIN.

g-C3N4@TiO2@Fe3O4 Multifunctional Nanomaterial for Magnetic Solid-Phase Extraction and Photocatalytic Degradation-Based Removal of Trimethoprim and Isoniazid

In this period when environmental pollution has become uncontrollable, the removal of drug active substances reaching the environment and the analysis of drug active substances in different matrix environments are important for both living life and a sustainable environment. Therefore, the production of multifunctional materials that can be used in these two different processes has gained importance in the literature. Based on this thought, in this study, a g-C₃N₄@TiO₂@Fe₃O₄ multifunctional nanohybrid material was synthesized and used for magnetic solid-phase extraction (MSPE) and photocatalytic degradation of trimethoprim and isoniazid, used together in tuberculosis treatment. All analyses were performed by high-performance liquid chromatography using a diode-array detection (HPLC-DAD) system. The synthesized material was characterized by X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) method, ζ-potential analysis, field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). Important analytical parameters for the MSPE method such as the pH value of the sample solution, the volume of the sample solution, the amount of the sorbent, the type and volume of the elution solvent, and extraction time were optimized. The optimized MSPE method was then applied to different environmental waters and pharmaceutical samples. The recovery percentages for these samples were found to be between 95 and 107%. For trimethoprim and isoniazid, the limit of detections (LODs) were 0.055 and 0.145 and the limit of quantifications (LOQs) were 0.167 and 0.439 ng·mL^-1, respectively. It was observed that ∼100% of trimethoprim and isoniazid active components were photocatalytically removed from the g-C₃N₄@TiO₂@Fe₃O₄ nanohybrid material in ∼120 min under UV light.

Higher antibody responses after mRNA-based vaccine compared to inactivated vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 in Behcet's syndrome

There are limited data about humoral response to vaccine in Behçet's syndrome (BS). We compared SARS-CoV-2 antibody response after two doses of inactivated (Sinovac/CoronaVac) or mRNA (Pfizer/BioNTech) vaccines in patients with BS and healthy controls (HCs). We studied 166 (92M/74F) patients with BS (mean age: 42.9 ± 9.6 years) and 165 (75M/90F) healthy controls (mean age: 42.4 ± 10.4 years), in a single-center cross-sectional design between April 2021 and October 2021. A total of 80 patients with BS and 89 HCs received two doses of CoronaVac, while 86 patients with BS and 76 HCs were vaccinated with BioNTech. All study subjects had a negative history for COVID-19. Serum samples were collected at least 21 days after the second dose of the vaccine. Anti-spike IgG antibody titers were measured quantitatively using a commercially available immunoassay method. We found that the great majority in both patient and HC groups had detectable antibodies after either CoronaVac (96.3% vs 100%) or BioNTech (98.8% vs 100%). Among those vaccinated with CoronaVac, BS patients had significantly lower median (IQR) titers compared to HCs [36.5 (12.5-128.5) vs 102 (59-180), p < 0.001]. On the other hand, antibody titers did not differ among patients with BS and HCs who were vaccinated with BioNTech [1648.5 (527.0-3693.8) vs 1516.0 (836.3-2599.5), p = 0.512). Among different treatment regimen subgroups in both vaccine groups, those who were using anti-TNF-based treatment had the lowest antibody titers. However, the difference was statistically significant only among those vaccinated with CoronaVac. Among patients vaccinated with BioNTech, there was no statistically significant difference between different treatment regimen groups. Compared to inactivated COVID-19 vaccine, mRNA-based vaccine elicited higher antibody titers among BS patients. Only in the CoronaVac group, patients especially those using anti-TNF agents were found to have low titers compared to healthy subjects. BS patients vaccinated with BioNTech were found to have similar seroconversion rates and antibody levels compared to healthy controls. Further studies should assess whether the low antibody titers are associated with diminished protection against COVID-19 in both vaccine groups.

Nanostructures for the Prevention, Diagnosis, and Treatment of SARS-CoV-2: A Review

Scientists, doctors, engineers, and even entire societies have become aware of the seriousness of the COVID-19 infection and are taking action quickly, using all the tools from protection to treatment against coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. Especially in this sense, scientific approaches and materials using nanotechnology are frequently preferred. In this review, we focus on how nanoscience and nanotechnology approaches can be used for protective equipment, diagnostic and treatment methods, medicine, and vaccine applications to stop the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 and prevent its spread. SARS-CoV-2, which itself can be considered as a core-shell nanoparticle, can interact with various materials around it and remain bound for variable periods of time while maintaining its bioactivity. These applications are especially critical for the controlled use of disinfection systems. One of the most important processes in the fight against coronavirus is the rapid diagnosis of the virus in humans and the initiation of isolation and treatment processes. The development of nanotechnology-based test and diagnostic kits is another important research thrust. Nanotechnological therapeutics based on antiviral drug design and nanoarchitecture vaccines have been vital. Nanotechnology plays critical roles in the production of protective film surfaces for self-cleaning and antiviral masks, gloves, and laboratory clothes. An overview of literature studies highlighting nanotechnology and nanomaterial-based approaches to combat SARS-CoV-2 is presented.

Are the nerves supplying the anterior sacroiliac joint nociceptive?

BACKGROUND

Sacroiliac joint (SIJ) pain is often difficult to diagnose. Moreover, while its anatomical characteristics have been well studied, its innervation and the contributions of particular nerves remain controversial, especially in relation to posterior joint innervation. To our knowledge, previous studies have not investigated the presence of nociceptive fibres in the nerves innervating the anterior SIJ.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Eight adult cadaveric sides underwent dissection of the anterior SIJ. Adjacent anterior rami were examined for branches to the anterior SIJ. Any branches contributing to the anterior SIJ were measured and then resected. These samples were fixed in formalin and substance P was identified immunohistologically.

RESULTS

On all sides, 1-2 small branches (mean diameter of 0.33 mm) arose from the posterior aspect of the L4 anterior ramus (12.5%), the L5 anterior ramus (62.5%), or simultaneously from both the L4 and L5 anterior rami (25%). These branches had a mean length of 13.5 mm. All histological samples contained nerve tissue. All samples of nerve fibres traveling to the anterior SIJ were positive for diffuse substance P reactivity. There were no histological differences between sides or sex. Each of the branches identified as travelling to the SIJ exhibited similar positivity for substance P.

CONCLUSIONS

This cadaveric study demonstrates that the anterior SIJ nerve fibres carry pain fibres. This new knowledge has application to patients with SIJ syndrome and to its various treatments including interventional approaches to SIJ pain.

Hydrolytic enzyme modified magnetic nanoparticles: An innovative and green microextraction system for inorganic species in food samples

In the presented study, the usability of hydrolytic enzyme immobilized magnetic nanoparticles as an extraction agent for the microextraction of metal ions from food samples was investigated. α-amylase modified magnetic carbon nanotubes (α-amylase-Fe₃O₄/MWCNTs) was used as an extraction agent for direct microextraction of trace arsenic from food sample phase into liquid phase medium prior to its ICP-MS determination. In extraction studies using hydrolytic enzymes, it is impossible to recover the free soluble enzyme after extraction without losing its activity. In our study, this problem was overcome by immobilizing the hydrolytic enzyme on magnetic support. In this way, α-amylase-Fe₃O₄/MWCNTs as an extraction agent with a reuse property of at least six times was used. α-amylase-Fe₃O₄/MWCNTs was characterized by FT-IR, XRD, SEM, SEM-EDX, VSM, TGA, and DTG techniques. Optimization of the presented method was performed using 1568 A rice flour certified reference material. Analytical parameters such as type of hydrolytic enzyme, pH and volume of the aqueous phase, extraction temperature and ultrasonic irridation time were optimized. The microextraction step was performed in ultrasonic water bath within only ∼15 min. Limit of detection (LOD), limit of quantification (LOQ) and relative standard deviation (RSD %) values for the developed method were found to be 14.3 μg kg^-1, 47.3 μg kg^-1 and 7.5%, respectively. The method was successfully applied to the analysis of arsenic contents of different rice and flour samples.

Determination of chloramphenicol and tetracycline residues in milk samples by means of nanofiber coated magnetic particles prior to high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection

A magnetic solid phase extraction (MSPE) coupled with high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection (HPLC-DAD) methodology was developed for the determination of chloramphenicol (CP) and tetracycline (TET) antibiotic residues in milk samples. As a solid phase sorbent, C-nanofiber coated magnetic nanoparticles were synthesized and extensively characterized using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM), Raman Spectroscopy and X-ray Powder Diffraction (XRD) analysis. Experimental variables of MSPE method for both antibiotic analytes were investigated and optimized systematically. After MSPE, the linear range for both the analytes (r² > 0.9954) were obtained in a range 10.0-600.0 ng mL^-1. The limit of detections (LODs) for CP and TET were 3.02 and 3.52 ng mL^-1, respectively while RSDs % were below than 4.0%. Finally, the developed method based on MPSE-HPLC-DAD was applied to real milk samples to quantify the antibiotic residues. Recovery values for each antibiotic compound were found in the range of 94.6-105.4% (n = 3) by using spiked model solution.

An online functional assessment experience in individuals over 65+ during Covid 19 pandemics: physiotherapist opinion & participant opinion

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Background

The quarantine during COVID-19 pandemic affects the clinical visits of elderly people. Since, telehealth gained importance, it is essential to adapt routine visits to the tele-assessment for elderly people especially in high risk factor for both functional impairment and fall risks. Our aim was to present our online assessment experiences in the elderly who underwent particular home quarantine during COVID-19 pandemics. Method: Thirty-three participants aged 65-85 (mean = 71.33 ± 5.35/years, 20 women, 13 men) those never attended an online assessment before were invited to a video-conference based assessment session. It was advised that a relative of the participant or caregiver must attend the online assessment session and follow the instructions of the physiotherapist. The assessments were conducted in the following sequence over seven main topics that are important in terms of functionality in the elderly: (1) physical activity were questioned using International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form, (2) the functional performance were tested with 30 seconds Sit-to-Stand test (SST), (3) participation to the daily living activities with KATZ Index, (4) coronavirus anxiety with Coronavirus Anxiety Scale (CAS), (5) fear of falling with Falls Efficacy Scale, (6) the balance and mobility with Timed-Up and Go test (TUG) in a 3-meter corridor, and (7) frailty with Clinical Frailty Scale. The assessments were done by six physiotherapists (one PhD, 2 MSc, and 3 BSc). The opinions of the participants and physiotherapists regarding their experiences were noted. Result: All participants were finished the assessment and not reported adverse events. The mean of all outcomes showed in Table 1. The mean assessment time was 23.26 ±6.89 minutes. The bad internet connection reported in only one session. Seven of the participants (21.2%) mentioned that SST or TUG were somewhat effortful despite their short duration. The physiotherapists also reported that ensuring an appropriate testing environment for the sit to stand test and Timed-Up and Go test were not always possible. In addition, the sit-to stand test Two of the participants (6 %) were felt discomfort from the questions of CAS. Twenty-one (63.6 %) online assessment were rated as "good" while 12 (36.4 %) were rated as "fair" by the relative of the participant or caregiver in terms of preparing the tools (chair etc.) and testing environment. No problem reported by both therapists and participants related to the questions of IPAQ-SF, CFS, KATZ or FES. Conclusion: This study indicated that an online tele-assessment session is safe and applicable in elderly who underwent home quarantine during COVID-19 pandemic. It was observed that an application of survey based assessments were easier than functional assessments. The results of this study offer an exemplary tele-assessment session for elderly people. Future studies may focus the consistency of the tele-assessment and clinic based assessment results.

The frailty and falling in related with functional performance, balance and physical activity in elderly during Covid-19 pandemics

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Background

Falls and frailty are main causes of morbidity and frequenty associated with functional performance, balance and physical activity. The restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic force the elderly to spend most of their time at home which may cause further functional problems. Therefore, identifying the risk factors during the pandemic can help to prevent the elderly from frailty and falls. Aim: Our aims are to investigate the clinical frailty profile and falls in relation to functional performance, balance, fear of falling and physical activity and to compare these parameters of the elderly with and without falling history during the COVID-19 pandemics. Method: Thirty-three participants aged 65-85 (mean = 71.33 ± 5.35/years, 20 women, 13 men) who have never had COVID-19 were included in the study. The participants were invited to an online video-conference based assessment. The number of falls during the last year were asked. Clinical frailty severity was assessed with Clinical Frailty Scale. The fear of falling were assessed using Falls Efficacy Scale (FES). The functional performance of the participants were tested with 30 seconds Sit-to-Stand test. The balance and mobility was evaluated with Timed-Up and Go test in a 3 meter corridor. The physical activity level of the participants were questioned using International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF) and vigorous level of physical activity (VPA), moderate level of physical activity (MPA) and walking were also calculated. Results: The mean scores of the outcomes among participants were shown in Table 1. Clinical frailty was significantly higher in women compared to men (p = 0.08). Clinical frailty score, fear of falling and sit to stand performance were significantly worse in fallers. There were negative weak to moderate correlations between frailty and sit to stand performance (p = 0.001) and MPA (p = 0,016). The clinical frailty was also positively correlated with FES (p &lt; 0.001). FES showed positive correlation with Time-Up and Go performance (p = 0.001) and negative correlation with sit to stand performance (p &lt; 0.001) and MPA (p = 0,036). Conclusion: Our results demonstrated that; clinical frailty, fear of falling and sit to stand performance were associated with the fall history in elderly. In addition, clinical frailty score were higher in women. Our results indicate that, people who have fall history may tend to be frailer and may have lower functional performance, balance and physical activity. The encouragement of the elderly to increased physical activity and exercise program may decrease the frailty score and falling risk especially in elderly women during COVID-19 pandemics.

Is Prevention of Hemolysis Possible in Blood Samples Collected from IV catheters in the Emergency Department?

BACKGROUND

The effectiveness of aspiration and vacuum filling method with an adaptor in reducing hemolysis was investigated.

METHODS

The study was conducted in the yellow zone of the Emergency department. Two different apparatuses that draw blood with two different techniques from an IV catheter were compared with our routine procedure. The first system drew blood with aspiration technique into 4.9 mL serum gel tube (Sarstedt S-Monovette®). The second was vacuum filling with a specific adaptor attached to the same catheter drawing the blood into vacuumed serum separator tubes (BD Vacutainer® SST™II and Luer-Lok™ Access Device (LLAD). In our routine, we use plastic syringes and deliver it into the same serum separator vacuum tubes. We measured the hemolysis index, AST, CK, potassium, and LDH.

RESULTS

Hemolysis rates of aspiration method vs. routine were 0.80% and 38.7% (p < 0.001) and of vacuum filling with adaptor vs. routine were 13.5% and 40.6%, respectively (p = 0.0001). The hemolysis rate of the aspiration method was lower than the vacuum filling adaptor method (p = 0.0004). Both techniques showed better performance when measured parameters were compared; aspiration technique being the superior (all p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Aspiration method was more successful then vacuum filling methods in reducing hemolysis.

The positive psychology constructs of parents of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Turkey

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this exploratory study was to examine positive psychology constructs (life orientation/optimism, life satisfaction, happiness, psychological well-being and personal well-being) that may predict the family quality of life (FQOL) of parents of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in Turkey.

METHODS

Data were obtained from a convenience sample of 660 parents of children with IDD who responded to six assessments, including a measure of FQOL. An analysis using stepwise multiple regression was conducted to identify predictors of FQOL as rated by parents.

RESULTS

The four constructs including personal well-being, psychological well-being, life orientation (optimism) and life satisfaction significantly explained 60% of the total variance of FQOL. The amount of explained variance, beta scores and correlations suggests that these positive psychology constructs are significant predictors of FQOL of parents of children with IDD in Turkey.

CONCLUSION

The study findings suggested that positive psychological constructs at the individual level were positively related to FQOL at the group level. Personal well-being was the strongest predictor of FOQL of parents who have children with IDD in Turkey. The results also indicated that other constructs including psychological well-being, an optimistic life orientation and life satisfaction contribute significantly to the FQOL of parents of children with IDD.

Temporal Trends in the Epidemiology of HIV in Turkey

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to analyze the temporal trends of HIV epidemiology in Turkey from 2011 to 2016.

METHODS

Thirty-four teams from 28 centers at 17 different cities participated in this retrospective study. Participating centers were asked to complete a structured form containing questions about epidemiologic, demographic and clinical characteristics of patients presented with new HIV diagnosis between 2011 and 2016. Demographic data from all centers (complete or partial) were included in the analyses. For the cascade of care analysis, 15 centers that provided full data from 2011 to 2016 were included. Overall and annual distributions of the data were calculated as percentages and the Chi square test was used to determine temporal changes.

RESULTS

A total of 2,953 patients between 2011 and 2016 were included. Overall male to female ratio was 5:1 with a significant increase in the number of male cases from 2011 to 2016 (p<0.001). The highest prevalence was among those aged 25-34 years followed by the 35-44 age bracket. The most common reason for HIV testing was illness (35%). While the frequency of sex among men who have sex with men increased from 16% to 30.6% (p<0.001) over the study period, heterosexual intercourse (53%) was found to be the most common transmission route. Overall, 29% of the cases presented with a CD4 count of >500 cells/mm3 while 46.7% presented with a CD4 T cell count of <350 cells/mm3. Among newly diagnosed cases, 79% were retained in care, and all such cases initiated ART with 73% achieving viral suppression after six months of antiretroviral therapy.

CONCLUSION

The epidemiologic profile of HIV infected individuals is changing rapidly in Turkey with an increasing trend in the number of newly diagnosed people disclosing themselves as MSM. New diagnoses were mostly at a young age. The late diagnosis was found to be a challenging issue. Despite the unavailability of data for the first 90, Turkey is close to the last two steps of 90-90-90 targets.

AB0437 OESOPHAGEAL DILATATION ON HIGH-RESOLUTION CT CHEST IN SYSTEMIC SCLEROSIS: SIGNIFICANT INDEX?

Background:

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is chronic, autoimmun multisystem disorder presented by thickening and fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. Esophageal involvement is one of the most common manifestation. Esophageal enlargement on HRCT is a common finding in scleroderma patients and may also be associated with other scleroderma-related clinical findings (1).

Objectives:

The aim of this study to evaluate the association between esophageal dilatation on chest HRCT at diagnosis with the other SSc features.

Methods:

The study was planned for SSc patients registered between October 2007 and September 2020 in Dokuz Eylul University Rheumatology Department database. Demographics, clinical features and medical history were recorded. The baseline HRCT reports were screened in terms of esophageal dilatation. Then, the initial HRCT images were assessed for esophageal dilatation by an experienced chest radiologist according to recommendation of Pitrez et al.

Results:

In our study, there were 233 SSc patients (f:206 M:27, mean age 59.9±12.7 years) 71 (31.4%) of them diagnosed with diffuse disease. Median follow-up of study was 73 (1-272) months. Esophageal dilatation on HRCT was detected in 60 (25.8%) of SSc patients. 67 out of 155 patients (43.2%) had proof of esophageal involvement in esophageal transit scintigraphy. There is no statistical correlation was found between esophageal dilatation on HRCT with gender, smoking, arthritis, pulmonary hypertension and autoantibody subtypes. Development of digital ulcer and telangiectasia is statistically higher in SSc patients with oesophageal dilatation on baseline chest HRCT (p=0.001 and p=0.039, respectively). There was a positive correlation between Modified Rodnan Skin Score (mRss) and esophageal dilatation (r=0.213, p: 0.004).

Conclusion:

HRCT can be a reproducible and non-invasive method for evaluating esophageal dilatation. Presence of esophageal dilatation at baseline HRCT might be indicative for pulmonary involvement and SSc related gastrointestinal complications. Consecutive chest HCRT should be evaluated to obtain more reliable data about the relationship between esophageal dilatation and SSc related clinical features.

References:

[1]Pitrez EH, Bredemeier M, Xavier RM et al.Ooesophageal dysmotility in systemic sclerosis:comparison of HRCT and scintigraphy. Br J Radiol 2006; 79: 719–24.

Table 1.

Clinical and demographic characteristics of the presence of esophageal dilatation on HRCT

Esophageal dilatation on HRCTTotal (n=233)Yes (n=60, 25.8%)No (n=173, 74.2%)pMean±SD.Mean±SD.Mean±SD.Age, years59.9±12.759.7±12.260.1 ±12.6>0.05n%n%n%Female20688,4%5388,3%14986,1%>0.05Smoking7933,9%1931,7%6034,7%>0.05Diffuse SSc7130,5%2338,3%4425,4%>0.05Overlap syndrome3314,2%813,3%2514,5%>0.05Pulmonary fibrosis11850,6%4270,0%7643,9%>0.05Arthritis8034,3%2338,3%5632,4%>0.05Telengiectasia15667,0%4880,0%10560,7%0,039Digital ulcer8737,3%3456,7%5129,5%0,001Anti-Scl 70 (+)8938,2%2846,7%5934,1%>0.05Anti-centromer (+)7532,2%1525,0%5934,1%>0.05

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

Application of magnetic nanomaterials in bioanalysis

The importance of magnetic nanomaterials and magnetic hybrid materials, which are classified as new generation materials, in analytical applications is increasingly understood, and research on the adaptation of these materials to analytical methods has gained momentum. Development of sample preparation techniques and sensor systems using magnetic nanomaterials for the analysis of inorganic, organic and biomolecules in biological samples, which are among the samples that analytical chemists work on most, are among the priority issues. Therefore in this review, we focused on the use of magnetic nanomaterials for the bioanalytical applications including inorganic and organic species and biomolecules in different biological samples such as primarily blood, serum, plasma, tissue extracts, urine and milk. We summarized recent progresses, prevailing techniques, applied formats, and future trends in sample preparation-analysis methods and sensors based on magnetic nanomaterials (Mag-NMs). First, we provided a brief introduction of magnetic nanomaterials, especially their magnetic properties that can be utilized for bioanalytical applications. Second, we discussed the synthesis of these Mag-NMs. Third, we reviewed recent advances in bioanalytical applications of the Mag-NMs in different formats. Finally, recently literature studies on the relevance of Mag-NMs for bioanalysis applications were presented.

Navigated iliac screw placement may reduce radiation and OR time in lumbopelvic fixation of unstable complex sacral fractures

Purpose

Instability of the posterior pelvic ring may be stabilized by lumbopelvic fixation. The optimal osseous corridor for iliac screw placement from the posterior superior iliac spine to the anterior inferior iliac spine requires multiple ap- and lateral-views with additional obturator-outlet and -inlet views.

The purpose of this study was to determine if navigated iliac screw placement for lumbopelvic fixation influences surgical time, fluoroscopy time, radiation exposure, and complication rates.

Methods

Bilateral lumbopelvic fixation was performed in 63 patients. Implants were inserted as previously described by Schildhauer. A passive optoelectronic navigation system with surface matching on L4 was utilized for navigated iliac screw placement. To compare groups, demographics were assessed. Operative time, fluoroscopic time, and radiation were delineated.

Results

Conventional fluoroscopic imaging for lumbopelvic fixation was performed in 32 patients and 31 patients underwent the procedure with navigated iliac screw placement. No differences were found between the groups regarding demographics, comorbidities, or additional surgical procedures.

Utilization of navigation led to fluoroscopy time reduction of more than 50% (3.2 vs. 8.6 min.; p < 0.001) resulting in reduced radiation (2004.5 vs. 5130.8 Gy*cm²; p < 0.001). Operative time was reduced in the navigation group (176.7 vs. 227.4 min; p = 0.002) despite the necessity of additional surface referencing.

Conclusion

For iliac screws, identifying the correct entry point and angle of implantation requires detailed anatomic knowledge and multiple radiographic views. In our study, additional navigation reduced operative time and fluoroscopy time resulting in a significant reduction of radiation exposure for patients and OR personnel.

Antibacterial, Antiviral, and Self-Cleaning Mats with Sensing Capabilities Based on Electrospun Nanofibers Decorated with ZnO Nanorods and Ag Nanoparticles for Protective Clothing Applications

The COVID-19 pandemic has clearly shown the importance of developments in fabrication of advanced protective equipment. This study investigates the potential of using multifunctional electrospun poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) nanofibers decorated with ZnO nanorods and Ag nanoparticles (PMMA/ZnO-Ag NFs) in protective mats. Herein, the PMMA/ZnO-Ag NFs with an average diameter of 450 nm were simply prepared on a nonwoven fabric by directly electrospinning from solutions containing PMMA, ZnO nanorods, and Ag nanoparticles. The novel material showed high performance with four functionalities (i) antibacterial agent for killing of Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, (ii) antiviral agent for inhibition of corona and influenza viruses, (iii) photocatalyst for degradation of organic pollutants, enabling a self-cleaning protective mat, and (iv) reusable surface-enhanced Raman scattering substrate for quantitative analysis of trace pollutants on the nanofiber. This multi-functional material has high potential for use in protective clothing applications by providing passive and active protection pathways together with sensing capabilities.

An environment-friendly and rapid liquid-liquid microextraction based on new synthesized hydrophobic deep eutectic solvent for separation and preconcentration of erythrosine (E127) in biological and pharmaceutical samples

In this study, a new deep eutectic solvent (DES) consist of tetrabuthylammonium bromide (TBABr) and 1-octanol at 1:2 M ratio was prepared for the first time and characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), proton nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H NMR) and carbon nuclear magnetic resonance (¹³C NMR) techniques. The new DES was used as an extraction solvent in the ultrasound assisted liquid-liquid microextraction (UA-LLME) of Erythrosine (E127) in blood, urine, pharmaceutical tablet and syrup samples. Accurate and sensitive determination of erythrosine was accomplished with the combination use of DES-UA-LLME and UV-Vis spectrophotometric detection. Before applying UA-LLME, while protein precipitation was applied to blood samples, pharmaceutical tablets were homogenized and dissolved in methanol. The proposed DES-UA-LLME/UV-VIS procedure was applied directly to urine, syrup sample and supernatant of blood and tablet samples with high recoveries in range of 90% and 100%. Erythrosine in the aqueous sample phase was extracted into 200 μL hydrophobic DES phase at pH 7.0. The effect of important analytical variables such as pH of sample solution, mol ratio of DES components, volume of DES, ultrasonic-based extraction time, sample volume and salt effect were optimized. The preconcentration factor (PF), limit of detection (LOD), intra-day and inter-day relative standard deviations (RSD, %) for the developed procedure were found as 40, 3.75 μg·L^-1, 2.6% and 4.6%, respectively.

An environmentally friendly and novel amine-based liquid phase microextraction of quercetin in food samples prior to its determination by UV-vis spectrophotometry

A novel and environmentally-friendly method, which includes determination of trace amounts of quercetin in samples by using UV-vis spectrophotometry after enrichment with amine-based liquid phase microextraction (LPME), has been developed. As extraction solvent, N,N-dimethyl-n-octylamine has been used and the quercetin concentration in extraction phase was determined by UV-vis spectrophotometry at 382.5 nm. Important analytical parameters such as pH, extraction solvent type and volume, sample volume, extraction time were optimized by the method. Quercetin in the sample solution was extracted to 200 μL of N,N-dimethyl-n-octylamine phase at pH 4.0. The detection limit (LOD) and the quantitation limit (LOQ) values for quercetin were calculated as 0.07 μg·mL^-1 and 0.24 μg·mL^-1, respectively. Accuracy studies for the food samples was carried out by addition and recovery experiments. The developed method has been successfully applied to different food samples including spinach, green pepper, red onion and dill weed.

A new liquid phase microextraction method-based reverse micelle for analysis of dexketoprofen in human plasma by HPLC-DAD

A new liquid phase microextraction method was developed by used reverse micelle-based coacervates as microextraction agents for the separation of dexketoprofen (DKT) from human plasma before its determination by high-performance liquid chromatography with photodiode-array detection (HPLC-DAD). The change in the concentration of dexketoprofen in the plasma of the male and female patients was successfully monitored by using this method. The proposed method involves the use of reverse micelles of decanoic acid (DA) are dispersed in tetrahydrofuran (THF) and aqueous system. After addition of the DA and THF to the aqueous sample phase, the formation of micelles of nano and molecular size was observed in an ultrasonic bath. The solution was centrifuged, and the DKT extracted into the DA phase was analyzed by HPLC-DAD. Some analytical parameters that important in the developed procedure were examined in detail. The limit of detection (LOD), the limit of quantification (LOQ), the intraday, and inter day relative standard deviation (RSD, %) of the developed method in the plasma sample were found to be 12.8 ng mL−1, 38.8 ng mL−1, 1.7 and 3.9%, respectively. Additional/recovery studies were performed in plasma samples with proposed method, and quantitative recoveries were obtained in the range of 97–100%. The developed microextraction method was applied to human plasma that taken from volunteer patients for the determination of DKT.

Graphical abstract

Deep Eutectic Solvent-Based Microextraction of Lead(II) Traces from Water and Aqueous Extracts before FAAS Measurements

Microextraction procedures for the separation of Pb(II) from water and food samples extracts were developed. A deep eutectic solvent composed of α-benzoin oxime and iron(III) chloride dissolved in phenol was applied as a phase separator support. In addition, this deep eutectic mixture worked as an efficient extractor of Pb(II). The developed microextraction process showed a high ability to tolerate the common coexisting ions in the real samples. The optimum conditions for quantitative recoveries of Pb(II) from aqueous extracts were at pH 2.0, conducted by adding 150 µL from the deep eutectic solvent. The quantitative recoveries were obtained with various initial sample volumes up to 30 mL. Limits of detection and limits of quantification of 0.008 and 0.025 µg L^-1 were achieved with a relative standard deviation (RSD%) of 2.9, which indicates the accuracy and sensitivity of the developed procedure. Recoveries from the reference materials, including TMDA 64.2, TMDA 53.3, and NCSDC-73349, were 100%, 97%, and 102%, respectively. Real samples, such as tap, lake, and river water, as well as food samples, including salted peanuts, chickpeas, roasted yellow corn, pistachios, and almonds, were successfully applied for Pb(II) analysis by atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) after applying the developed deep eutectic solvent-based microextraction procedures.

Application and implication of scanning electron microscopy for evaluation of palyno-morphological features of Vitaceae from Pakistan

The present study aimed to investigate the palyno-morphological features of species of family Vitaceae from Pakistan. A total of nine species, belonging to four genera were collected, pressed, identified, and then analyzed microscopically. Both quantitative and qualitative characters of the pollen grains were recorded including polar and equatorial diameter, P/E ratio, number of colpi and pores, exine thickness and shapes of the pollen in both polar and equatorial view, and exine sculpturing using Leica microscope fitted with camera Meiji Infinity 1 and then analyzed statistically using software IBM SPSS Statistics 20. The results of the present study demonstrated the variations in polar and equatorial diameter, exine thickness, P/E ratio, pollen shape, and exine sculpturing of the studied species and highlighted the significance of pollen morphology as an identification tool. The present study may contribute to better understand the classification at genus level, which will support the future phylogenetic characterization of the family.

A new strategy for the combination of supramolecular liquid phase microextraction and UV-Vis spectrophotometric determination for traces of maneb in food and water samples

A novel and green method was developed for enrichment of maneb (manganese ethylene-bisdithiocarbamate) with a supramolecular solvent liquid phase microextraction method. The microextraction method has been used for the first time in the literature for separation-preconcentration of maneb. 1-decanol and tetrahydrofuran were used in the supramolecular solvent formation. The Mn²⁺ content of maneb was extracted in the supramolecular solvent phase as 1-(2-pyridylazo)-2-naphthol complex at pH 12.0. Manganese concentration was determined by UV-Vis spectrophotometer at 555 nm. Then, the maneb concentration equivalent to manganese concentration was calculated. The analytical parameters which effective in the method, including pH, volume of reagents, and sample volume were optimized. The limit of detection and the limit of quantification values for maneb were calculated as 2.22 μg L^-1 and 7.32 μg L^-1, respectively. The method was successfully applied in the analysis of the maneb content of water and food samples.

Association between human leukocyte antigen gene polymorphisms and multiple EPIYA-C repeats in gastrointestinal disorders

BACKGROUND

Polymorphisms of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genes are suggested to increase the risk of gastric cancer (GC).

AIM

To investigate the HLA allele frequencies of patients with GC relative to a control group in terms of CagA+ multiple (≥ 2) EPIYA-C repeats.

METHODS

The patient group comprised 94 patients [44 GC and 50 duodenal ulcer (DU) patients], and the control group comprised 86 individuals [(50 non-ulcer dyspepsia patients and 36 people with asymptomatic Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)]. Polymerase chain reaction was performed for the amplification of the H. pylori cagA gene and typing of EPIYA motifs. HLA sequence-specific oligonucleotide (SSO) typing was performed using Lifecodes SSO typing kits (HLA-A, HLA-B HLA-C, HLA-DRB1, and HLA-DQA1-B1 kits).

RESULTS

The comparison of GC cases in terms of CagA+ multiple (≥ 2) EPIYA-C repeats showed that only the HLA-DQB1*06 allele [odds ratio (OR): 0.37, P = 0.036] was significantly lower, but significance was lost after correction (Pc = 0.1845). The HLA-DQA1*01 allele had a high ratio in GC cases with multiple EPIYA-C repeats, but this was not significant in the univariate analysis. We compared allele frequencies in the DU cases alone and in GC and DU cases together using the same criterion, and none of the HLA alleles were significantly associated with GC or DU. Also, none of the alleles were detected as independent risk factors after the multivariate analysis. On the other hand, in a multivariate logistic regression with no discriminative criterion, HLA-DQA1*01 (OR = 1.848), HLA-DQB1*06 (OR = 1.821) and HLA-A*02 (OR = 1.579) alleles were detected as independent risk factors for GC and DU.

CONCLUSION

None of the HLA alleles were detected as independent risk factors in terms of CagA+ multiple EPIYA-C repeats. However, HLA-DQA1*01, HLA-DQB1*0601, and HLA-A*2 were independent risk factors with no criterion in the multivariate analysis. We suggest that the association of these alleles with gastric malignancies is not specifically related to cagA and multiple EPIYA C repeats.

Role of the O-GlcNAc modification on insulin resistance and endoplasmic reticulum stress in 3T3-L1 cells

O-linked N-acetyl-glucosamine (O-GlcNAc) is a post-translational protein modification that regulates cell signaling and involves in several pathological conditions. O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT) catalyzes the attachment, while O-GlcNAcase (OGA) splits the GlcNAc molecules from the serine or threonine residues of the nuclear and cellular proteins. The hexosamine biosynthesis pathway (HBP) is a small branch of glycolysis that provides a substrate for the OGT and serves as a nutrient sensor. In this study, we investigated the impact of external O-GlcNAc modification stimulus on the insulin signal transduction, unfolded protein response, and HBP in 3T3-L1 cells. First, we treated cells with glucosamine and PUGNAc to stimulate the O-GlcNAcylation of total proteins. Also, we treated cells with tunicamycin as a positive internal control, which is a widely-used endoplasmic reticulum stressor. We used two in vitro models to understand the impact of the cellular state of insulin sensibility on this hypothesis. So, we employed insulin-sensitive preadipocytes and insulin-resistant adipocytes to answer these questions. Secondly, the OGT-silencing achieved in the insulin-resistant preadipocyte model by using the short-hairpin RNA (shRNA) interference method. Thereafter, the cells treated with the above-mentioned compounds to understand the role of the diminished O-GlcNAc protein modification on the insulin signal transduction, unfolded protein response, and HBP. We found that elevated O-GlcNAcylation of the total proteins displayed a definite correlation in insulin resistance and endoplasmic reticulum stress. Furthermore, we identified that the degree of this correlation depends on the cellular state of insulin sensitivity. Moreover, reduced O-GlcNAcylation of the total proteins by the shRNA-mediated silencing of the OGT gene, which is the only gene to modify proteins with the O-GlcNAc molecule, reversed the insulin resistance and endoplasmic reticulum stress phenotype, even with the externally stimulated O-GlcNAc modification conditions. In conclusion, our results suggest that OGT regulates insulin receptor signaling and unfolded protein response by modulating O-GlcNAc levels of total proteins, in response to insulin resistance. Therefore, it can be a potential therapeutic target to prevent insulin resistance and endoplasmic reticulum stress.

Association between polymorphisms in HLA-A, HLA-B, HLA-DR, and DQ genes from gastric cancer and duodenal ulcer patients and cagL among cagA-positive Helicobacter pylori strains: The first study in a Turkish population

Colonization of the human gastric mucosa by H. pylori may cause peptic and duodenal ulcers (DUs), gastric lymphomas, and gastric cancers. The cagL gene is a component of cag T4SS and is involved in cagA translocation into host. An association between the risk of gastric cancer and the type of HLA class II (DR and/or DQ) was suggested in different populations. The aim of this study was to investigate, the clinical association of the cagL gene with host HLA alleles in H. pylori strains that were isolated from patients with gastric cancer, DU, and non-ulcer dyspepsia (NUD) and to determine the HLA allele that confers susceptibility or resistance for the risk of gastric cancer and DU development in Turkish patients. A total of 94 patients (44 gastric cancer and 50 DU patients; 58 male, 36 female; mean age, 49.6 years), and 86 individuals (50 NUD patients and 36 persons with normal gastrointestinal system [NGIS]; 30 male, 56 female; mean age, 47.3 years) were included as the patient and the control groups, respectively. CagA and cagL were determined by PCR method. DNA from peripheral blood samples was obtained by EZ-DNA extraction kit. For HLA SSO typing, LIFECODES SSO Typing kits (HLA-A, HLA-B HLA-C, HLA-DRB1 and HLA-DQA1/B1 kits) were used. The CagL/CagA positivity distribution in the groups were as follows: 42 (95.4%) gastric cancer, 46 (92%) DU and, 34 (68%) NUD and no NGIS cases. The HLA-DQA1*01 (OR: 3.82) allele was significantly different, suggesting that these individuals with H. pylori strains harbouring the CagL/CagA positivity are susceptible to the risk of gastric cancer and DU, and the HLA-DQA1*05 (OR, 0.318) allele was suggested as a protective allele for the risk of gastric cancer and DU using univariate analyses. HLA-DQA1*01 (OR, 2.21), HLA-DQB1*06 (OR, 2.67), sex (male, OR, 2.27), and CagL/CagA/(<2) EPIYA C repeats (OR, 5.72) were detected independent risk factors that increased the risk of gastric cancer and DU using multivariate analyses. However, the HLA-DRB1*04 (OR, 0.28) allele was shown to be a protective allele, which decreased the risk of gastric cancer and DU. Gastric pathologies result from an interaction between bacterial virulence factors, host epigenetic and environmental factors, and H. pylori strain heterogeneity, such as genotypic variation among strains and variations in H. pylori populations within an individual host.