A novel molecular imprinted QCM sensor based on MoS(2)NPs-MWCNT nanocomposite for zearalenone determination

Zearalenone (ZEN) is a mycotoxin that has a carcinogenic effect and is often found at a high rate in frequently consumed foods. In this study, a characteristic molecular imprinted quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) sensor based on molybdenum disulfide nanoparticle (MoS(2)NPs)-multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) nanocomposite (MoS(2)NPs-MWCNTs) is presented for selective determination of ZEA in rice samples. Firstly, molybdenum disulfide nanoparticle (MoS2NP)-multiwalled carbon nanotube nanocomposites were characterized by using microscopic, spectroscopic, and electrochemical techniques. Then, ZEA-imprinted QCM chip was prepared in the presence of methacryloylamidoglutamicacid (MAGA) as monomer, N,N'-azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) as initiator, and ZEA as target molecule by using UV polymerization. The sensor revealed a linearity toward ZEA in the range 1.0-10.0 ng L-1 with a detection limit (LOD) of 0.30 ng L-1. The high repeatability, reusability, selectivity, and stability of the developed sensor enable reliable ZEA detection in rice samples

Pre-operative Serum CEA and CA19-9 Levels in Patients with Gastric Cancer: A Single-Center Experience

Introduction: To evaluate the preoperative CEA and CA19-9 levels and their association with clinicopathologic features and mortality. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted on patients who underwent gastric surgery due to gastric adenocarcinoma from 2008 to 2015. Preoperative serum CEA and CA19-9 levels were compared according to the TNM classification and survival data were compared. Results: A total of 335 patients were included in the study with the mean age of 66.1±11.0 years. CEA and CA19-0 positivity were 29.1% and 28.1%, respectively. According to the CEA groups, T stages of the cases were statistically significant (p = 0.013). The rates of T stage 1 in group 1 (CEA positive) were significantly higher than the group 2 (CEA negative) (p=0.007). According to the CA19-9 positivity; rate of stage 2 was significantly higher in the group 1 (CA19-9 positive) (p=0.001); however, rates of stage 2 and 3 were significantly higher in the group 2 (CA19-9 negative) (p=0.004 and p=0.007, respectively). Mortality information could be accessed for 309 cases and 108 deaths (36%) were observed. The mean survival time was 45.21±2.42 months. No significant difference was observed between the groups (p>0.05). Conclusion: Patients with higher levels of CEA and CA19-9 seem to have higher grades of gastric cancer. However, CEA and CA19-9 level does not seem to be in association in our study population

Sensitive sandwich-type electrochemical SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein immunosensor

A sensitive and fast sandwich-type electrochemical SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) nucleocapsid protein immunosensor was prepared based on bismuth tungstate/bismuth sulfide composite (Bi2WO6/Bi2S3) as electrode platform and graphitic carbon nitride sheet decorated with gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) and tungsten trioxide sphere composite (g-C3N(4)/Au/WO3) as signal amplification. The electrostatic interactions between capture antibody and Bi2WO6/Bi2S3 led to immobilization of the capture nucleocapsid antibody. The detection antibody was then conjugated to g-C3N(4)/Au/WO3 via the affinity of amino-gold. After physicochemically characterization via transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), x-ray diffraction (XRD), and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), cyclic voltammetry (CV), differential pulse voltammetry (DPV), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) analysis were implemented to evaluate the electrochemical performance of the prepared immunosensor. The detection of SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein (SARS-CoV-2 NP) in a small saliva sample (100.0 mu L) took just 30 min and yielded a detection limit (LOD) of 3.00 fg m(-1), making it an effective tool for point-of-care COVID-19 testing

Growth, tolerance and safety outcomes with use of an extensively hydrolyzed casein-based formula in infants with cow’s milk protein allergy

ObjectiveTo evaluate growth, tolerance and safety outcomes with use of an extensively hydrolyzed casein-based formula (eHCF) in infants with cow’s milk protein allergy (CMPA).MethodsA total of 226 infants (mean ± SD age: 106.5 ± 39.5 days, 52.7% were girls) with CMPA who received eHCF comprising at least half of the daily dietary intake were included. Data on anthropometrics [weight for age (WFA), length for age (LFA) and weight for length (WFL) z-scores] were recorded at baseline (visit 1), while data on infant feeding and stool records, anthropometrics and Infant Feeding and Stool Patterns and Formula Satisfaction Questionnaires were recorded at visit 2 (on Days 15 ± 5) and visit 3 (on Days 30 ± 5).ResultsFrom baseline to visit 2 and visit 3, WFA z-scores (from −0.60 ± 1.13 to −0.54 ± 1.09 at visit 2, and to −0.44 ± 1.05 at visit 3, p < 0.001) and WFL z-scores (from −0.80 ± 1.30 to −0.71 ± 1.22 at visit 2, and to −0.64 ± 1.13 at visit 3, p = 0.002) were significantly increased. At least half of infants never experienced irritability or feeding refusal (55.7%) and spit-up after feeding (50.2%). The majority of mothers were satisfied with the study formula (93.2%), and wished to continue using it (92.2%).ConclusionsIn conclusion, eHCF was well-accepted and tolerated by an intended use population of infants  ≤ 6 months of age with CMPA and enabled adequate volume consumption and improved growth indices within 30 days of utilization alongside a favorable gastrointestinal tolerance and a high level of parental satisfaction

Artificial intalligence in special education: a systematic review

The role of techniques involving Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been becoming increasingly important in educational settings. This study aims to reveal the recent trends in research into artificial intelligence in special education by using the systematic review method. Across the 29 studies published between 2008 and 2020 that are reviewed here, the majority are articles on quantitative research carried out in the United States. In terms of learning content, most of the studies are about skill development, focusing on cognitive and affective factors. Moreover, the research was carried out in school settings with learners from various backgrounds. The purposes for and methods of using Al were examined and it was found that software-based methods are more common. The primary disability type examined in the articles covered in this review were disorders on the autism spectrum. There is a tendency toward technical models rather than educational models. ANN and SVM are the most used technical theoretical infrastructures. This study yielded interesting results both on the evolution of Al in special education over the years and on its future development. This paper ends with suggestions developed in light of these studies for the use of artificial intelligence in special education

Electrochemical Tau Protein Immunosensor Based on MnS/GO/PANI and Magnetite-incorporated Gold Nanoparticles

Herein, electrochemical tau protein immunosensor based on manganese sulfide nanoparticles/graphene oxide/polyaniline (MnS/GO/PANI) and magnetite-incorporated gold nanoparticles (AuNPs@Fe3O4) was constructed. After the modification of the glassy carbon electrode (GCE) with MnS/GO/PANI, the immobilization and conjugation of anti-Tau capture antibody and antigen Tau protein were successfully completed on MnS/GO/PANI/GCE, respectively. Then, the conjugation of anti-Tau secondary antibody was carried out to AuNPs@Fe3O4 as signal amplification via amino-gold affinity and the eventual immunosensor was accomplished by the distinctive interactions of electrode platform and signal amplification. Final immunosensor demonstrated the quantification limit (LOQ) of 1.0x10(-13) M and the detection limit (LOD) of 1.0x10(-14) M

First isolation of Alternaria alternata from a dog in Turkey

WOS: 000398845100011Alternaria alternata is a fungus species which can infect animals and people as well as being commonly found in nature. On the other hand, animals with Alternaria infection can infect other animals and people by spreading a high amount of fungal spores. In this work, Alternaria alternata was detected for the first time in Turkey from the skin lesions of a dog, an antifungal susceptiblity testing was carried out and treatment with itracanozole to which the agent showed susceptibility was accomplished. The aim of this work was to report the Alternaria infection in dogs in Turkey for the first time, to draw attention to the zoonotic dimension of this disease and to emphasize the importance of antifungal susceptibility tests

A novel electrochemical detection method for butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) as an antioxidant: a BHA imprinted polymer based on a nickel ferrite@graphene nanocomposite and its application

A novel electrochemical detection method based on a nickel ferrite@graphene (NiFe2O4@Gr) nanocomposite-containing molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) was developed for the sensitive determination of butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA). After successful completion of the nanocomposite production under hydrothermal conditions, the NiFe2O4@Gr nanocomposite and a novel molecularly imprinted sensor based on the NiFe2O4@Gr nanocomposite were characterized using microscopic, spectroscopic and electrochemical techniques. According to the characterization results, the synthesis of the core-shell type NiFe2O4@Gr nanocomposite with high purity and efficiency has been proved to be successful. After successful modification of a cleaned glassy carbon electrode (GCE) with the NiFe2O4@Gr nanocomposite, analytical applications were started with the prepared BHA printed GCE. This novel molecularly imprinted electrochemical sensor for BPA detection demonstrated a linearity of 1.0 x 10(-11)-1.0 x 10(-9) M and a low detection limit (LOD, 3.0 x 10(-12) M). In addition, the BHA imprinted polymer based on the NiFe2O4@Gr nanocomposite also exhibited excellent selectivity, stability, reproducibility and reusability performances in flour analysis