The development of an electrochemical immunosensor utilizing chicken IgY anti-spike antibody for the detection of SARS-CoV-2.

This paper introduces a novel approach for detecting the SARS-CoV-2 recombinant spike protein combining a label free electrochemical impedimetric immunosensor with the use of purified chicken IgY antibodies. The sensor employs three electrodes and is functionalized with an anti-S IgY antibody, ELISA and immunoblot assays confirmed the positive response of chicken immunized with SARS-CoV2 S antigen. The developed immunosensor is effective in detecting SARS-CoV-2 in nasopharyngeal clinical samples from suspected cases. The key advantage of this biosensor is its remarkable sensitivity, and its capability of detecting very low concentrations of the target analyte, with a detection limit of 5.65 pg/mL. This attribute makes it highly suitable for practical point-of-care (POC) applications, particularly in low analyte count clinical scenarios, without requiring amplification. Furthermore, the biosensor has a wide dynamic range of detection, spanning from 11.56 to 740 ng/mL, which makes it applicable for sample analysis in a typical clinical setting.

Investigation on the effect of several parameters involved in the biodegradation of polyethylene (PE) and low-density polyethylene (LDPE) under various seawater environments.

This work investigates the biodegradation of polyethylene (PE) and low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and the leaching of their harmful additives. Micro/macro-plastics of both types were subjected to different laboratory-controlled conditions for 3 months. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy (GC-MS) results revealed that leachate concentrations ranged from 0.40 ± 0.07 µg/L to 96.36 ± 0.11 µg/L. It was concluded that the additives' leaching process was promoted by light. However, light was not the only factor examined; microorganisms, pH, salinity, aeration/mixing and temperature influenced the biodegradation process, too. GC-MS results showed a prodigious impact on the biodegradation process when Pseudomonas aeruginosa was added to the artificial seawater compared to plastics exposed to light/air only. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) micrographs demonstrated a significant alteration in the plastics' morphologies. Similarly, Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra showed obvious changes in plastics characteristic peaks, especially microplastics. Furthermore, it was shown that PE was more susceptible to degradation/biodegradation than LDPE. Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES) findings showed that some toxic metals were present in water samples after experiments, with concentrations above the permissible limits. For instance, bio-augmentation/bio-stimulation experiments showed that the concentrations of Pb, Sr, and Zn were 0.59 mg/L, 70.09 mg/L, and 0.17 mg/L, respectively; values above the permissible limits. It is crucial to emphasise that plastics must be meticulously engineered to avoid environmental and human impacts, originated from their degradation by-products. Furthermore, a holistic approach engaging stakeholders, researchers, policymakers, industries and consumers, is essential to effectively tackle the global challenge of marine plastic pollution.

Toxicity induced by orellanine from the mushroom Cortinarius orellanus in primary renal tubular proximal epithelial cells (RPTEC): Novel mechanisms of action.

The toxicity of Orellanine (OR), a significant factor in mushroom poisoning, has severe effects on the kidneys, particularly the proximal tubules. This study investigated the acute toxicity of OR from the Cortinarius orellanus mushroom in human Primary Renal Tubular Proximal Epithelial Cells (RPTEC). Additionally, the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of OR in MCF-7 cells was established. RPTEC were subjected to a 6.25 µg/ml dose of orellanine for 24 h, while Control cells were exposed to 0.05% DMSO (vehicle). The RT2 Profiler™ PCR Array Human Nephrotoxicity was utilized to identify genes that were upregulated or downregulated. Western blotting confirmed the protein product of some significantly regulated genes compared to control cells. The IC50 of OR was found to be 319.2 µg/ml. The mechanism of OR toxicity involved several pathways including apoptosis, metal ion binding, cell proliferation, tissue remodeling, xenobiotic metabolism, transporters, extracellular matrix molecules, and cytoskeleton pathways. Other genes from non-specific pathways were also identified. These findings enhance our understanding of OR nephrotoxicity and pave the way for future research into potential treatments or antidotes for natural mushroom poisoning.

Effect of temperature and sunlight on the leachability potential of BPA and phthalates from plastic litter under marine conditions.

This study investigates the leaching potential of several additives embedded in six different plastic types when exposed to extreme simulated marine conditions for 140 days. The findings achieved herein contribute to a better understanding of the impact of macro- and microplastics leaching harmful compounds (bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates) in the marine environment when exposed to harsh climatic conditions. Leachability experiments showed that bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP), and BPA were detected in seawater (SW) samples. Furthermore, while analysing 100 mL of SW per each sample, the total leachate concentrations of the identified compounds ranged from 5 µg/L to 123 µg/L, after 140 days of exposing a total of 120 plastic samples (96 samples micro- and 24 macro-plastics) to SW conditions It was observed that the leaching of DEHP was promoted by wave abrasion, high temperature and sunlight, while the leaching of DBP was favoured by wave abrasion. Findings showed that polypropylene (PP) was the most attributable plastic type in the leaching of DBP with an average concentration of 5.3 µg/L, whereas high-density polyethylene (HDPE) was the most responsible plastic-type for the leaching of DEHP, with an average concentration of 123 µg/L. Our results suggest that most of the phthalates and BPA will, ultimately, leach out to the SW environment after a longer period.

Electrochemically stable tunnel-type α-MnO2-based cathode materials for rechargeable aqueous zinc-ion batteries.

The purpose of this study is the synthesis of α-MnO2-based cathode materials for rechargeable aqueous zinc ion batteries by hydrothermal method using KMnO4 and MnSO4 as starting materials. The aim is to improve the understanding of Zn2+ insertion/de-insertion mechanisms. The as-prepared solid compounds were characterized by spectroscopy and microscopy techniques. X-ray diffraction showed that the hydrothermal reaction forms α-MnO2 and Ce4+-inserted MnO2 structures. Raman spectroscopy confirmed the formation of α-MnO2 with hexagonal MnO2 and Ce-MnO2 structures. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirmed the formation of nanostructured MnO2 (nanofibers) and Ce-MnO2 (nanorods). The electrochemical performance of MnO2 was evaluated using cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic charge-discharge (GCD) tests in half-cells. CV results showed the reversible insertion/de-insertion of Zn2+ ions in MnO2 and Ce-MnO2. GCD cycling tests of MnO2 and Ce-MnO2 at 2500 mA/g demonstrated an impressive electrochemical performance, excellent cycling stability throughout 500 cycles, and high rate capability. The excellent electrochemical performance and the good cycling stability of MnO2 and Ce-MnO2 nanostructures by simple method makes them promising cathode materials for aqueous rechargeable zinc-ion batteries.

Insights into the degradation mechanism of PET and PP under marine conditions using FTIR.

Plastics possess diverse functional properties that have made them extremely desirable. However, due to poor waste management practices, large quantities eventually end up in the oceans where their degradation begins. Hence, it is imperative to understand and further investigate the dynamics of this process. Currently, most relevant studies have been carried out under benign and/or controlled weather conditions. This study investigates the natural degradation of polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) in more extreme environments. Simulated and real marine conditions, both in the laboratory (indoors) and outdoors were applied for a duration of 140 days and results were assessed using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive X-ray analysis. SEM micrographs revealed variations in the morphologies of both plastic types. Degradation signs were shown in both plastic types, under all conditions. Findings indicated that microplastics (MPs) degraded faster than macroplastics, with PP MPs having higher weight loss (49%) than PET MPs (1%) when exposed to outdoor marine conditions. Additionally, the degradation rates of MPs-PP were higher than MPs-PET for outdoor and indoor treatments, with 1.07 × 10-6 g/d and 4.41 × 10-7 g/d, respectively. FTIR combined with PCA was efficient in determining the most degraded plastic types.

Postmortem sampling time effect on toxicity biomarkers in rats exposed to an acute lethal methomyl dose.

Regulations often are imposing long postmortem times before autopsy leading to certain toxicity-unrelated changes in biomarkers, which in turn may affect the reliability of toxicity evaluation during forensic investigations. Since methomyl pesticide shows significant toxicity and is frequently encountered in poisoning cases, the current study evaluated different parameters in methomyl intoxicated rats at three different postmortem intervals (Hour 0, Hour 3 and Hour 6). Eighteen adult Sprague Dawley rats were poisoned with methomyl to simulate actual methomyl poisoning cases. The time of death was assigned as Hour 0. The animals were divided into 3 groups (n = 6) to collect blood and tissue samples at the selected time points. Body weight, relative organ weight, protein concentration, methomyl concentration and acetylcholinesterase activity (AChE) were assessed in blood and different tissues (liver, spleen, kidney, brain, eye, and bone marrow) to evaluate the effect of postmortem sampling time. Outcomes revealed significant decreases in methomyl concentration in blood and bone marrow with advanced sampling time (P < 0.001). Similarly, there were significant reductions in AChE activity in the kidney (P < 0.01), while the enzyme activity significantly increased in brain samples (P < 0.05). Findings illustrated the importance of sampling time in toxicity studies because it could alter experimental results and impact consequent interpretations, as well as it may alter postmortem biomarkers in related forensic cases.

Immobilization of heavy metals by microbially induced carbonate precipitation using hydrocarbon-degrading ureolytic bacteria.

Crude oil contamination introduces multiple threats to human health and the environment, most of which are from toxic heavy metals. Heavy metals cause significant threats because of their persistence, toxicity, and bio-accumulation. Biomineralization, performed through many microbial processes, can lead to the immobilization of heavy metals in formed minerals. The potential of the microbially carbonate-induced precipitation (MICP) in removal by biomineralization of several heavy metals was investigated. A collection of diverse 11 bacterial strains exhibited ureolytic activity and tolerance to heavy metals when growing in Luria-Bertani (LB) and urea medium. Determination of the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) revealed that heavy metal toxicity was arranged as Cd > Ni > Cr > Cu > Zn. Three hydrocarbon-degrading bacterial strains (two of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and one of Providencia rettgeri) exhibited the highest tolerance (MIC > 5 mM) to Cu, Cr, Zn, and Ni, whereas Cd exerted significantly higher toxicity with MIC <1 mM. At all MICP conditions, different proportions of calcium carbonate (calcite) and calcium phosphate (brushite) were formed. Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains (QZ5 and QZ9) exhibited the highest removal efficiency of Cr (100%), whereas Providencia rettgeri strain (QZ2) showed 100% removal of Zn. Heavy metal complexes were found as well. Cd removal was evidenced by the formation of cadmium phosphate induced by Providencia rettgeri bacterial activity. Our study confirmed that hydrocarbon-degrading ureolytic bacteria not only can tolerate heavy metal toxicity but also have the capability to co-precipitate heavy metals. These findings indicate an effective and novel biological approach to bioremediate petroleum hydrocarbons and immobilize multiple heavy metals with mineral formation. This is of high importance for ecological restoration via stabilization of soil and alleviation of heavy metal toxicity.

Concentrations of essential and toxic elements and health risk assessment in brown rice from Qatari market.

Twenty-two brown rice varieties available in the Qatari market were analyzed for essential and toxic elements by ICP-MS. Found concentrations (µg/kg) were: As: 171 ± 78 (62-343), Cd: 42 ± 60 (4-253), Cr: 515 ± 69 (401-639), Pb: 6 ± 7 ( 1 in million, may possibly be > 1 in 10,000 based on conservatively high brown rice consumption rates of 200 g/d or 400 g/d in Qatar. These elevated risks may be applicable to specific population subgroups with diabetic conditions who consume only brown rice. Non-cancer risks are mainly derived from Mn, V, Se, and Cd with a hazard index > 1 from some brown rice samples.

Degradation of hydroxychloroquine by electrochemical advanced oxidation processes.

In this work, the degradation of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) drug in aqueous solution by electrochemical advanced oxidation processes including electrochemical oxidation (EO) using boron doped diamond (BDD) and its combination with UV irradiation (photo-assisted electrochemical oxidation, PEO) and sonication (sono-assisted electrochemical oxidation, SEO) was investigated. EO using BDD anode achieved the complete depletion of HCQ from aqueous solutions in regardless of HCQ concentration, current density, and initial pH value. The decay of HCQ was more rapid than total organic carbon (TOC) indicating that the degradation of HCQ by EO using BDD anode involves successive steps leading to the formation of organic intermediates that end to mineralize. Furthermore, the results demonstrated the release chloride (Cl-) ions at the first stages of HCQ degradation. In addition, the organic nitrogen was converted mainly into NO3 - and NH4 + and small amounts of volatile nitrogen species (NH3 and NOx). Chromatography analysis confirmed the formation of 7-chloro-4-quinolinamine (CQLA), oxamic and oxalic acids as intermediates of HCQ degradation by EO using BDD anode. The combination of EO with UV irradiation or sonication enhances the kinetics and the efficacy of HCQ oxidation. PEO requires the lowest energy consumption (EC) of 63 kWh/m3 showing its cost-effectiveness. PEO has the potential to be an excellent alternative method for the treatment of wastewaters contaminated with HCQ drug and its derivatives.

Challenges in Environmental Health Research and Sustainability in a Less Developed Country: a Case Study From Jordan.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Environmental health research covers many aspects of the complex natural world and how environmental hazards, mainly caused by human activities, can affect population health. Researchers in this field have investigated environmental risks dose or exposure-response relationship, challenged hypotheses and interpreted data and results to solve problems. Researchers investigating environmental issues support the concept of environmental justice (EJ) and understand that they bear more responsibilities because they work to influence the policymakers' decisions in order to minimise hazardous exposure on populations. The environmental justice term has been widely used to describe unequal exposure of anthropogenic pollution or environmentally hazardous exposure to a group of people based on race, colour, national origin or income. The term has been defined and disseminated in many countries through governmental and non-governmental organisations. In Jordan, the government has carried the responsibilities to reduce the disproportionate exposure to environmental pollution between citizens and to promote the concepts of EJ. This review has highlighted the role of non-governmental organisations and the laws and regulations that prohibit assault to the environment and ensure the compliance of private and public organisations to minimise the effect of the undesirable environmental actions. Moreover, it addressed and discussed different possible sources of pollution and areas of heavy hazards exposure. RECENT FINDINGS: In this review, we highlighted the main causes of lack of research on the EJ in Jordan and the effect of income and ethnicity background. We also recommended applying the responsible conduct of research principles and guidelines to commence researches that can affect policymakers in this field in Jordan.

Electrochemical Oxidation/Disinfection of Urine Wastewaters with Different Anode Materials.

In the present work, electrochemical technology was used simultaneously for the deactivation of microorganisms and the destruction of micro-pollutants contained in synthetic urine wastewaters. Microorganisms (E. coli) were added to synthetic urine wastewaters to mimic secondary treated sewage wastewaters. Different anode materials were employed including boron-doped diamond (BDD), dimensionally stable anode (DSA: IrO2 and RuO2) and platinum (Pt). The results showed that for the different anode materials, a complete deactivation of E. coli microorganisms at low applied electric charge (1.34 Ah dm-3) was obtained. The complete deactivation of microorganisms in wastewater seems to be directly related to active chlorine and oxygen species electrochemically produced at the surface of the anode material. Complete depletion of COD and TOC can be attained during electrolyses with BDD anode after the consumption of specific electric charges of 4.0 and 8.0 Ah dm-3, respectively. Higher specific electric charges (>25 Ah dm-3) were consumed to removal completely COD and about 75% of TOC during electrolyses with DSA anodes (IrO2 and RuO2). However, the electrolysis using Pt anode can partially remove and even after the consumption of high specific electric charges (>40 Ah dm-3) COD and TOC did not exceed 50 and 25%, respectively. Active chlorine species including hypochlorite ions and chloramines formed during electrolysis contribute not only to deactivate microorganisms but also to degrade organics compounds. High conversion yields of organic nitrogen into nitrates and ammonium were achieved during electrolysis BDD and DSA anodes. The results have confirmed that BDD anode is more efficient than with IrO2, RuO2 and Pt electrodes in terms of COD and TOC removals. However, higher amounts of perchlorates were measured at the end of the electrolysis using BDD anode.

Isotope effects of neodymium in different ligands exchange systems studied by ion exchange displacement chromatography.

The isotope effects of neodymium in Nd-glycolate ligand exchange system were studied by using ion exchange chromatography. The separation coefficients of neodymium isotopes, ε's, were calculated from the observed isotopic ratios at the front and rear boundaries of the neodymium adsorption band. The values of separation coefficients of neodymium isotopes, ε's, for the Nd-glycolate ligand exchange system were compared with those of Nd-malate and Nd-citrate, which indicated that the isotope effects of neodymium as studied by the three ligands takes the following direction Malate > Citrate > Glycolate. This order agrees with the number of available sites for complexation of each ligand. The values of the plate height, HETP of Nd in Nd-ligand exchange systems were also calculated.