Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid Research Articles

Purification of textile wastewater by collective degradation using nanorods of cesium titanium bromide (CsTiBr3) perovskite

The present work recommends a sustainable environmentally safe method for the removal of textile dyes in an economically viable way.The wastewater expelled from the textile dying units contains a mixture of dyes. Here we address the challenge of using a single catalyst for the collective photocatalytic degradation of mixture of six dyes and two samples of textile effluents collected from a local dying unit under direct sunlight. The lead-free perovskite of CsTiBr3 nanorods prepared via the solvothermal process is effective in the collective photocatalytic degradation of dye mixture containing toxic dyes like congo red, crystal violet, malachite green, methylene blue, rhodamine, and methyl orange. The six-dye mixture turned colorless within three hours of direct sunlight exposure. The collective photocatalytic degradation ability of CsTiBr3 perovskite nanorods is successfully exploited for the degradation of the textile effluents. The chemical oxygen demand (COD) analysis guarantees the degradation of dye into non-toxic components. The recycling of wastewater is made possible by the removal of CsTiBr3 catalysts through adsorption using biochar derived from invasive plants. The biochars are extracted from invasive plants such as Acrostichum Aureum, Alternanthera bettzickiana, cyclosorus interrupts, and Quisqualis indica in which Acrostichum Aureum showed maximum adsorption. The scavenger studies using isopropyl alcohol (IPA), ethylene diamine tetra acetic acid (EDTA), and silver nitrate (AgNO3) suggest that holes control the photocatalysis mechanism.

Zinc nano and zinc ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) mediated water deficit stress alleviation in pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.): Photosystem II electron transport and pigment dynamics

Water stress adversely affects the photosynthetic apparatus and pigment composition in plants, leading to reduced yields and compromised plant health. Zinc (Zn) foliar spray in nano form presents a potential solution to ameliorate water deficit stress. We attempt here a detailed dissection of electron transport in Photosystem II (PSII) through studies on chlorophyll a fast fluorescence kinetics and non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) and pigment dynamics in response to water stress. We also investigated the possible changes in these processes and the regulation of it by Zn Nano and Zn Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) foliar sprays that may lead to amelioration of stress. Our results indicated that water stress created a "traffic jam" like situation in the electron transport system of Photosystem II, leading to decreased photosynthetic efficiency. Treatments with water deficit stress + Zn Nano (particle size < 90 nm) spray with Zn concentration at 20 mg L−1 and water deficit stress + Zn EDTA spray (solid material size ∼ 100 µm) with Zn concentration at 240 mg L−1 effectively ameliorated water deficit stress by its action on flux ratio parameters viz., quantum yield for electron transport (φE0), probability of electron transport beyond QA (ψ0) and quantum yield of electron transport from QA⁻ to PS1 end electron acceptors (ϕR0) and also the specific fluxes and phenomenological fluxes. These treatments positively influenced chlorophyll content, and xanthophyll components, including violaxanthin, antheraxanthin, and zeaxanthin, and reduced NPQ and the de expoxidation state. Higher concentrations of Zn Nano foliar spray (water stress + Zn Nano spray Zn @ 30 mg L⁻¹) did not ameliorate water deficit stress as effectively as the lower concentrations, although this higher concentration was not in any way toxic. This lack of stress amelioration at higher concentrations of Zn Nano spray may be due to physiological limitations of elemental zinc action within the plant. Our findings suggest that Zn foliar sprays in Nano and EDTA form at optimum concentrations can significantly improve plant resilience to water stress.

A New Approach to Differentiate the Causes of Excessive Cadmium in Rice: Soil Cadmium Extractability or Rice Variety

In order to effectively decrease cadmium (Cd) in rice grains in contaminated paddy soil and maintain the safe production of rice, identifying excessive Cd in rice caused by rice varieties or soil Cd is critical, but it is currently lacking. In the present study, the soil ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA)-extractable Cd (EDTA-Cd) and the bioaccumulation factors of rice based on EDTA-Cd (BCFEDTA-Cd) were used to develop an approach to identify excessive Cd in rice caused by rice varieties or soil Cd. Based on an empirical soil–plant transfer model and species sensitivity distribution (SSD), BCFEDTA-Cd and EDTA-Cd were divided into five grades. The results showed that the five grades of the EDTA-Cd (minimum value less than 0.11 mg/kg and maximum value greater than 2.93 mg/kg) and BCFEDTA-Cd (minimum value less than 0.09 and maximum value greater than 1.40) were classified in the normal soil pH range. Further, the conversion equation between EDTA-Cd and diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA)-Cd was obtained through linear regression analysis using 67 sets of soil data from the literature. In addition, the four selected rounding thresholds for the percentage of EDTA-Cd to total soil Cd (EDTA-Cd) (%) were 52.5, 67.5, 82.5, and 97.5%. A selected soil EDTA-Cd (%) (about 75%) can be used to identify the status of soil bioavailability, especially in soil with high background Cd. Finally, a set of 1084 pairs of rice and soil data for Cd-contaminated soils was used to investigate the respective contributions of rice varieties and soil Cd when Cd in rice exceeds the limit (0.2 mg/kg). Based on field experiment data, a systematic identification approach for the causes of rice Cd exceeding the limit, soil Cd or rice variety, was established and applied. In conclusion, under Cd exposure conditions, the importance of the causes of Cd in soil and rice varieties can be identified, and their contributions can be distinguished, thus helping to identify the causes of Cd contamination in rice.

Methodological approaches to the comparative assessment of cellular reactions of innate immunity in mollusk &lt;I&gt;Pomacea&lt;/I&gt; sp. (&lt;I&gt;Caenogastropoda, Ampullariidae&lt;/I&gt;) in experimental aseptic inflammation

One of the significant methodological problems that arise in the study of cells of the innate immunity of invertebrates is the unsuitability of culture media and even salt solutions intended for mammals and humans. Another important methodological point is the significantly pronounced reactions of coagulation, which play an important protective role in all invertebrates, but manifest themselves in vitro in cellular suspensions prepared even with optimal saline solutions for this animal. To solve this problem, researchers widely use an anticoagulation buffer with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) even in functional tests. From the standpoint of traditional approaches of mammalian immunology, the use of EDTA is possible only for the study of cell morphology, but not their functions. The aim of the work is to adapt methodological approaches to the comparative assessment of cellular reactions of innate immunity in Pomacea sp mollusks in experimental aseptic inflammation. To evaluate the functions of phagocytic cells in mollusk Pomacea sp., we used a complete salt solution (CSS) with optimal concentrations of glucose, calcium ions, magnesium with addition to prevent coagulation, cellular aggregation and degranulation instead of EDTA sodium salt of heparin at a concentration of 100 IU/mL (CSS-hep). As a result of a specially conducted experiment, it was shown that during incubation of hemolymph cells in this solution, their viability is preserved, evaluated by flow laser cytometry during incubation with annexin V-PE (PE Annexin V) and 7-aminoactinomycin D (7- AAD), as well as in a test with trypan blue. The possibility of studying the phagocytic activity and a phagosome acidification of leukocytes from hemolymph, hematopoiesis organ (kidney) and the focus of inflammation induced by intramuscular injection of sterile suspension of zymosan using CSS-hep is shown. Unlike the Limnaea stagnalis and Biomphalaria glabrata mollusks, in which the production of reactive oxygen species by phagocytes in the luminol-dependent chemiluminescence reaction is well documented, we were unable to induce this reaction in Pomacea sp. mollusks. In a specially conducted experiment, we did not reveal the effect of the sodium salt of heparin at a concentration of 100 IU/mL on the production of reactive oxygen species by rat phagocytes.

Horseradish (Armoracia rusticana L.) leaf juice encapsulated within polysaccharides-blend-based carriers: Characterization and application as potential antioxidants in mayonnaise production

This study aimed to encapsulate cold-pressed horseradish leaf juice within maltodextrin/alginate (MD/AL), maltodextrin/guar gum (MD/GG), and maltodextrin/gum Arabic (MD/GA) by spray-drying, to characterize the encapsulates, and to test their potential as mayonnaise oxidation-preventing ingredients. The encapsulates exhibited desirable physicochemical, morphological, structural, and thermal properties, highlighting MD/GA-containing encapsulates, especially regarding high encapsulation yield (78.50 %). Also, encapsulates contained a significant amount of phenolics, which were stable during freezer storage. The encapsulates successfully delayed the mayonnaise oxidation: 31.91–38.94 % more than the synthetic antioxidant ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, especially highlighting MD/AL-containing encapsulates. Also, the encapsulates improved product quality with a higher pH and lower acidity after storage compared to the controls. Overall acceptability of encapsulates-containing mayonnaises and commercial mayonnaise did not differ significantly. This study contributes to sustainable development by providing new insights into the valorization of horseradish leaves, as a promising alternative to synthetic additives to prolong the oxidative stability and shelf-life of high-oil-containing foods.

Crystals morphology of ethylenediaminetetraacetatozincate triethylenediaminium and tetramethylethylenediaminium

Trimethylenediamine ethylenediaminetetraacetate zincate trihydrate [HN(CH2CH2)3NH]ZnL · 3H2О and tetramethylethylenediamine ethylenediaminetetraacetate zincate dihydrate [H(CH3)2NCH2CH2N(CH3)2H]ZnL · 2H2О were synthesized by reacting zinc oxide with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (H4L) and then with its triethylenediamine or tetramethylethylenediamine salts. The resulting compounds precipitate from aqueous or organic solvents in the form of thread-like, cubic and pyramidal crystals, which are characterized by elemental analysis, scanning electron microscopy, IR spectroscopy, thermogravimetry and differential scanning calorimetry.

Efficient fluoride recovery from wastewater using mesoporous Ca-based nanomaterials derived from municipal solid waste incineration fly ash via fluidized bed crystallization

This study introduces an innovative approach utilizing mesoporous Ca-based nanomaterial (MCN) derived from municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) fly ash as carriers in a fluidized bed crystallization (FBC) process for the recovery of fluoride from semiconductor wastewater. The transformation of nonporous MSWI fly ash into mesoporous structures was achieved through facile treatments, including ultrasonic-assisted leaching with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid disodium salt dihydrate (EDTA–Na) and surface modification with sodium silicate, enhancing surface functionalities and active site formation. The resulting MCN exhibited a significant surface area of 222.0 m2/g, ideal for fluoride recovery. When tested with synthetic wastewater, the recovery efficiency and crystallization ratio of fluoride using MCN in the FBC system reached 99.0 % and 93.3 %, respectively. Further investigation revealed that the unique surface properties and large surface area of the MCN promoted the crystallization of fluoride-containing precipitates, resulting in homogeneously nucleated cubic CaF2 crystals and facilitating layer-by-layer crystal growth. Testing the FBC process with real semiconductor wastewater resulted in a crystallization efficiency of 94.5 %, with the CaF2 content in the recovered precipitates reaching 84.3±0.7 %. These findings highlight the potential of MCN as an innovative carrier for fluoride recovery, demonstrating a novel and environmentally friendly method for converting waste into valuable materials. This study offers a promising solution for treating fluoride-contaminated wastewater, with high potential to revolutionize industrial wastewater management and promote a circular economy.

Lipophilic EDTA-based ligands in different diluents for the extraction of rare earths: Preliminary results with Nd(III), Dy(III) and Pr(III) in chloride and nitrate media

A separation method for the recovery of neodymium(III) from two different media, chloride and nitrate, by implementing solvent extraction technique with a novel lipophilic diamide derivative of ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA), namely 2,2’-N,N′-didecyl-dioxo-N,N′,N″,N″’-tetraazatetratriacontane-N″,N″’-diyl diacetic acid (H2E-4C10), has been investigated. Initial screening results demonstrated acceptable solubility (ca. 15 mM) of the diamide in 1,3-diisopropylbenzene (DiPB) and in a 93:7 v:v n-dodecane:n-octanol mixture (DOm) as non-polar diluents. Further investigations aiming at determining operational parameters associated with the befitted extractant systems were conducted at pH ranging from 2 to 4 in chloride and nitrate media. A pH-dependent performance of the proposed systems revealed loading capacity peaking at pH = 3 with the respective values of 1.7 and 2.0 g L−1 in nitrate and chloride media. The extraction efficiency, the distribution coefficients, and the separation factor (E%,D and SF, respectively) were determined for an equimolar mixture of neodymium (Nd) and two other potential competitive lanthanides, namely dysprosium (Dy) and praseodymium (Pr). The best selectivity was observed in the chloride medium at pH = 4 yielding SFNd/Pr = 1.48 and SFNd/Dy = 2.03. Neodymium-to-extractant stoichiometry was evidenced in chloroform to be 1:1 H2E:Nd at pH = 2. Thermodynamic constants related to the considered extraction equilibrium have been determined by using the Van't Hoff relation and the slope analysis method. It appeared within the selected pH-range that the mechanism of the Nd3+ transfer was strongly influenced by the nature of the diluent. This was illustrated by the enthalpy-driven transfer when Nd3+ was extracted with the H2E-4C10-Dom system (aliphatic diluent) while the transfer became entropy-driven when the extraction was performed with the H2E-4C10-DiPB system (aromatic diluent). The complexation of Nd3+ involved mainly the participation of both the amide and carboxylic functional groups. The transfer of the cation to the organic phase might occur through the formation of the Nd(HE)A2 complex (where A is either a nitrate or a chloride anion), allowing for the lowest associated standard Gibbs free energy of transfer (−28 < ΔG° < −24 kJ mol−1) regardless of the aqueous feed.

Stability of the Glycated Amino Acid 6-(2-Formyl-5-hydroxymethyl-1-pyrrolyl)-l-norleucine (Pyrraline) During Oxidation.

Food proteins may be modified during processing and storage through reactions with reducing sugars (Maillard reaction, glycation) or by reactive oxygen species (protein oxidation). Little is known about particular reactions at the interface of glycation and oxidation. In the present study, the glycated amino acid pyrraline (6-(2-formyl-5-hydroxymethyl-1-pyrrolyl)-l-norleucine) and the proteinogenic amino acids tyrosine and tryptophan were subjected to different types of oxidation. The stability of the amino acids was assessed by HPLC with UV detection, whereas oxidation products were assigned by HPLC with triple quadrupole or time-of-flight mass spectrometric detection. Conditions that lead to oxidation of aromatic proteinogenic amino acids can also lead to oxidation of pyrraline. Pyrraline was particularly unstable in the presence of permanganate, hypochlorite, and under hydroxyl radical-generating conditions (iron, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, ascorbic acid). Evidence obtained by high-resolution mass spectrometry revealed the oxidation of pyrraline to 6-(2,5-diformyl-1-pyrrolyl)-l-norleucine, 6-(2-carboxy-5-hydroxymethyl-1-pyrrolyl)-l-norleucine, 6-(2-formyl-5-carboxy-1-pyrrolyl)-l-norleucine, and 6-(2,5-dicarboxy-1-pyrrolyl)-l-norleucine in the presence of potassium permanganate. The latter product was isolated by semipreparative HPLC and characterized by NMR. Under hydroxyl radical-generating conditions, pyrraline is hydroxylated at the ring under formation of 6-(2-formyl-4-hydroxy-5-hydroxymethyl-1-pyrrolyl)-l-norleucine or 6-(2-formyl-3-hydroxy-5-hydroxymethyl-1-pyrrolyl)-l-norleucine. This study shows that the so-called "advanced glycation end products" are no end products of the Maillard reaction, but may undergo further chemical degradation reactions.

Streptomyces sp. from desert soil as a biofactory for antioxidants with radical scavenging and iron chelating potential

Iron homeostasis is vital for normal physiology, but in the majority of circumstances, like iron overload, this equilibrium is upset leading to free iron in the plasma. This condition with excess iron is known as hemochromatosis, which has been linked to many side effects, including cancer and liver cirrhosis. The current research aimed to investigate active molecules from Streptomyces sp. isolated from the extreme environment of Bahawalpur deserts. The strain was characterized using 16 S rRNA sequencing. Chemical analysis of the ethyl acetate cure extract revealed the presence of phenols, flavonoids, alkaloids, and tannins. Multiple ultraviolet (UV) active metabolites that were essential for the stated pharmacological activities were also demonstrated by thin layer chromatography (TLC) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Additionally, Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis revealed the primary constituents of the extract to compose of phenol and ester compounds. The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay was used to assess the extract’s antioxidant capacity, and the results showed a good half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) value of 0.034 µg/mL in comparison to the positive control ascorbic acid’s 0.12 µg/mL. In addition, iron chelation activity of extract showed significant chelation potential at 250 and 125 µg/mL, while 62.5 µg/mL showed only mild chelation of the ferrous ion using ethylene diamine tetra acetic acid (EDTA) as a positive control. Likewise, the extract’s cytotoxicity was analyzed through 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay using varying concentrations of the extract and showed 51% cytotoxicity at 350 µg/mL and 65% inhibition of cell growth at 700 µg/mL, respectively. The bioactive compounds from Streptomyces sp. demonstrated strong antioxidant and iron chelating potentials and can prolong the cell survival in extreme environment.

A Uniform Conductive Carbon Coating of Nitrogen‐Doped Carbon Improves the Electrochemical Performance of LiMn0.7Fe0.3PO4 Cathode Material for Lithium‐ion Batteries

AbstractThe practical application of LiMn1−xFexPO4 as a cathode material is hindered considerably by its poor electronic conductivity and slow lithium‐ion diffusion. In the present study, a uniform nitrogen‐doped carbon coating on LiMn0.7Fe0.3PO4 (LiMn0.7Fe0.3PO4@NC) was achieved using ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) as a chelating agent and carbon source. The nitrogen‐doped carbon layer enhanced the electronic conductivity and ionic diffusion of the LiMn0.7Fe0.3PO4 cathode. Furthermore, the uniform carbon layer prevented metal ion dissolution and stabilized the crystal structure. The resulting LiMn0.7Fe0.3PO4@NC‐2 sample demonstrated superior performance with a specific capacity of 152.5 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C and preserved 93.7 % of this capacity over 200 cycles at 1 C. Meanwhile, the LiMn0.7Fe0.3PO4@NC‐2 sample demonstrated a high Li+ diffusion coefficient (3.98×10−11 cm2 s−1) and electrical conductivity (1.47×10−2 S cm−1). This study presents a novel approach to designing high‐performance cathode materials using a cost‐effective and straightforward process.

Effect of Dapagliflozin on Measured vs. Panel-Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate.

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors can cause a reversible decline in glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which may influence dosing recommendations for renally excreted medications. In practice, GFR is typically estimated by serum creatinine concentration, but creatinine may not be a reliable indicator of GFR decline in the setting of SGLT2 inhibitor use. Alternative filtration markers such as cystatin C, β-trace protein (BTP), and β2-microglobulin (B2M) may be more appropriate, but little is known about how these markers are affected by SGLT2 inhibitor use. Therefore, we determined creatinine, cystatin C, BTP, and B2M concentration in a crossover study of 35 people with type 2 diabetes receiving 12 weeks of dapagliflozin treatment or placebo. Estimated GFR (eGFR) based on creatinine (eGFRcre), cystatin C (eGFRcys), their combination (eGFRcomb), or a panel of all four markers (eGFRpanel) was compared with measured GFR (mGFR) based on plasma clearance of chromium-51 labeled ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (51Cr-EDTA). Dapagliflozin treatment was associated with a significant decrease in mGFR (-9 mL/min/1.73 m2, P < 0.001) but not a corresponding increase in concentration of any filtration marker. No eGFR equation accurately predicted change in mGFR between treatment periods, but eGFRcomb and eGFRpanel yielded the highest overall accuracy relative to mGFR across both treatment periods. These findings highlight the stability in performance gained by combining multiple filtration markers but suggest that eGFR in general is not an ideal metric for assessing short-term GFR decline in people initiating SGLT2 inhibitor therapy.

CD64 Expression on Neutrophils (nCD64) as a Biomarker in Adult Patients With Sepsis: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Introduction Neutrophils that are at rest exhibit very low expression of CD64, the high-affinity immunoglobulin fragment crystallizable γ receptor I, which is also found in monocytes. Neutrophils that have been exposed to endotoxins or are infected express more CD64. Objectives The aim of this study was to assess the CD64 biomarker expression on neutrophils using the flow cytometry method and its comparison with total leukocyte count, C-reactive protein (CRP) level, and blood culture sensitivity test in the diagnosis of sepsis in adults. Materials and methods Using the quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (qSOFA) scoring criteria, 94 blood samples from individuals with clinical indications of sepsis were included in this investigation. Samples were collected in K2 EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) vacutainers and analyzed for neutrophil CD64 (nCD64) levels using BD FACSLyricTM flow cytometer (BD, Franklin Lakes, NJ) within 24 hours of collection. Total leukocyte count, CRP levels, and blood culture sensitivity tests were also assessed simultaneously. Results Majority of the patients, i.e., 29 (30.9%), belonged to the age group of 19 to 35 years, with a female preponderance. The mean total leukocyte count was 19.49 ± 8.12 x 103/µL, mean CRP level was 81.19 ± 56.33 mg/dL, and the mean nCD64 expression - median fluorescence intensity was 197.26 ± 79.56. A positive blood culture was found in 59 (62.8%) cases. Neutrophils showed bright expression of nCD64 in 39 (41.5%) patients, dim expression in 35 (37.2%) patients, and moderate expression in 20 (21.3%) patients in the present study. The correlation between nCD64 expression with CRP, total leukocyte count, and blood culture sensitivity test was statistically significant (p=0.001). nCD64 expression showed a sensitivity of 93.2% and specificity of 91.4% for diagnosing sepsis, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.973. This proves nCD64 to be a highly effective biomarker compared to conventional methods. Conclusion nCD64 has a higher sensitivity and specificity as compared to total leukocyte count, CRP levels, and blood culture sensitivity test in the diagnosis of sepsis. It is an effective and rapid test that can enhance sepsis diagnostic accuracy, when combined with other biomarkers. Multicentric research needs to be conducted to validate these findings.

Effect of Er:YAG Laser-Activated Irrigation with Side-Firing Spiral Endo Tip on Dentin Mineral Composition of Tooth Root Canals

Background: Treating tooth root canal systems with Er:YAG laser together with irrigants has been shown to be effective in reducing biofilms formed by Enterococcus faecalis. This study investigated whether laser-activated irrigation (LAI) with side-firing Endo tip (LiteTouch™; Light Instruments, Yokneam, Israel) affects dentin mineral composition when used with common endodontic irrigants. Methods: Root canals of extracted human teeth were treated with Er:YAG laser using a side-firing Endo tip combined with 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and/or 2.5% NaOCl in continuous or intermittent mode for 60 s. Dentin mineral composition (Ca, P, O) in coronal, middle, and apical regions of root canals was examined by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Results: The use of LAI with continuous EDTA resulted in the largest reduction in Ca and P levels. A final NaOCl rinse mitigated the EDTA-mediated mineral loss in all root canal regions and increased the O content. Likewise, the reduced Ca/O and Ca/P ratios caused by continuous EDTA irrigation were reversed when combined with a final NaOCl rinse. Conclusions: LAI with Er:YAG Endo tip using continuous EDTA irrigation followed by NaOCl caused minimal dentin mineral loss and can therefore be considered to be a safe treatment module for cleaning root canals.

Oral microbiocenosis state under different approaches of replacing dental crown defects

Dental caries is one of the most common health problems. The aim of the research was to study the spectrum of microbiota, which is part of the dental biofilm, and its biological properties. The study involved 90 participants of the study group and 20 of the control group. Dental plaque and saliva were used as principal clinical specimens. The main research method was bacteriological. All samples from study participants were positive for microbiota. At the initial collection of material, 395 unique isolates were obtained: 338 from patients with caries and 57 from healthy volunteers. The microbiocenosis of the oral cavity associated with the development of caries contained such eudodominants as Streptococcus mutans, Peptostreptococcus spp., Fusobacterium spp., Prevotella spp. and dominants Streptococcus pyogenes, Enterobacterales, Prevotella spp. and Candida albicans. In contrast the eudominants of the healthy oral cavity were microorganisms with known commensal properties, in particular Streptococcus salivarius, Aerococcus viridans, Veillonella spp. After the dental treatment, significant shifts in the taxonomic composition of the dental biofilm were observed. Therefore, the composition of the oral cavity microbiocenosis in participants who underwent restoration of the dental crown defects with zirconium inserts approached patients to the healthy cohort participants. The eudodominants of the oral microbiocenosis of the participants who underwent direct restoration were S. mitis, Peptostreptococcus spp. and Veillonella spp. In zirconium restoration, the commensals S. salivarius and A. viridans were eudodominants. The obtained isolates of opportunists possessed high virulence properties. Streptococcus spp. cultures were sensitive to norfloxacin screening in only 28.6% of cases. Among cultures of the genus Staphylococcus, 23.8% were methicillin resistant. Representatives of Enterobacterales had chemotherapeutic sensitivity that varied significantly depending on the group of antimicrobial agents. Using disks with phenylboronic acid, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and cloxacillin, it was established that Klebsiella spp. were producers of class A carbapenemases (n=3) and contained AmpC (n=3). Carbapenemases were also produced by at least 65.2% of the studied cultures of non-fermenting gram-negative microorganisms. In our study, all obtained isolates were also endowed with the ability to form a biofilm. Therefore, microbiological research in dentistry should be considered as one of the objective methods for assessment of health of the oral cavity and will also have advantages in choosing a method of correcting defects of dental crown parts and in some cases, making an informed decision about the prescription of antimicrobial treatment.

Blood-rsCDM: a new rapid and simplified carbapenemase detection method for detecting carbapenemases in Enterobacterales directly from positive blood cultures

ObjectiveWe aim to validate and evaluate a new rapid and simplified method, called Blood-rsCDM, for the detection and characterization of carbapenemase using 3-aminophenylboronic acid (APBA) and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) β-lactamase inhibitors from positive blood cultures.MethodWe utilized a panel of 172 Enterobacterales strains, including blaKPC (77), blaNDM (48), blaIMP (9), blaVIM (2), blaOXA-181 (2), blaKPC and blaNDM (6), as well as 28 carbapenem-susceptible Enterobacterales isolates, to assess the performance of Blood-rsCDM and the EDTA-carbapenem inactivation method (eCIM). Carbapenemase class was determined using specific inhibitors at 4 h and 6 h by Blood-rsCDM.ResultsBlood-rsCDM exhibited a sensitivity of 97.9% at both time points, with a specificity of 100%, regardless of the culture duration. The sensitivity of eCIM was 94.4%, with a specificity of 100%. Blood-rsCDM accurately characterized KPC-producing isolates as 77/77, metallo-β-lactamases (MBLs) as 58/59, and KPC and NDM carbapenemases as 6/6 at 4 h. There was no difference in results between the 4 h and 6 h time points. However, Blood-rsCDM could not differentiate OXA-181-producing strains. For eCIM, the characterization numbers for KPC-, OXA-181-, and MBLs-producing strains were 77/77, 2/2, and 57/59, respectively, but it failed to detect the coproduction of KPC and NDM isolates.ConclusionBlood-rsCDM accurately discriminates carbapenemase within 4 h and is capable of directly differentiating multi-enzyme (KPC and NDM) presence from positive blood culture broths. Therefore, Blood-rsCDM represents a rapid, simple, easy-to-read, and accurate tool that can be utilized in resource-limited settings.

Functionalized Modification of Conjugated Porous Polymers for Full Reaction Photosynthesis of H2O2

AbstractModulating the molecular structure to achieve the full reaction including oxygen reduction reaction and water oxidation reaction is a promising strategy for efficient photosynthesis of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) but remains a challenge. Herein, a triphenylamine and naphthalimide‐based conjugated porous polymers are synthesized with photo oxidation‐reduction structures, then sulfonate (─SO3H) and quaternary ammonium groups are introduced via a post‐modification strategy to produce two photocatalysts named NI‐TPA‐NI‐SO3H and NI‐TPA‐NI‐N, respectively. Introducing charged functional groups has improved the hydrophilicity and oxygen (O2) adsorption, beyond that, the ─SO3H further stabilizes the adsorbed O2 via hydrogen bonding as well as accelerates the photogenerated carrier separation and electron/proton transport that enables full reaction photosynthesis of H2O2. Therefore, motivated by efficient charge separation, stabilized O2 adsorption, and boosted proton‐coupled electron transfer, NI‐TPA‐NI‐SO3H exhibits the highest light‐driven H2O2 production rate among the three photocatalysts, reaching 3.40 mmol g−1 h−1, which is 4.9‐fold of NI‐TPA‐NI. Remarkably, in the presence of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid disodium salt, its rate significantly enhances to 14.5 mmol g−1 h−1, superior to most reported organic photocatalysts to the best of the knowledge.

National recommendations of the Croatian Chamber of Medical Biochemists and Working group for Laboratory hematology of the Croatian Society of Medical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine: Management of samples with suspected EDTA-induced pseudothrombocytopenia.

Pseudothrombocytopenia (PTCP) is defined by the occurence of spouriously low platelet count as a consequence of in vitro platelet aggregation. It is a rare and benign artifact, not associated with any specific disorder or therapy, that becomes clinically relevant when it is not timely and reliably recognized. Thus, it may result in inappropriate clinical decisions (i.e. unnecessary further testing, misdiagnoses and potential patients' mismanagement) unavoidably compromising patient safety. The most common form of PTCP is caused by ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). Several approaches for the management of samples with EDTA-induced PTCP have been described in the literature. However, expert recommendations are scarce. The scope of these recommendations is to assist in achieving national harmonisation in laboratory management (i.e. detecting and reporting platelet counts) of samples with EDTA-induced PTCP. These minimal recommendations were prepared by the members of the joint working group of the Croatian Chamber of Medical Biochemists and Working group for Laboratory Hematology of the Croatian Society of Medical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine, and might be customized according to specific conditions (i.e. personnel and equipment) of each individual laboratory. These recommendations are primarily intended to all laboratory professionals involved in the management of samples with EDTA-induced PTCP, but also to other healthcare professionals involved in collecting samples and interpreting complete blood count results.

Phytoremediation of lead polluted mine soil by synergistic effect of chelating agents and nitrogen in hemp

Industrial hemp is a valuable fibrous plant with high biomass production for it can survive under variable environmental stresses including heavy metals and is used in a wide range of products. This research work aimed at determining the growth potential of industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa) developed on lead (Pb) contaminated mine soils using various chelating agents viz., ethylenediaminedisuccinic acid (EDDS), ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), citric acid (CA) and nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA) under various concentrations of nitrogen (N) fertilizer such as 0 (control), 50, 150, 250 and 350 kg ha−1. Results indicated that the synergistic effect of chelating agents and rising concentrations of N fertilizer resulted in a linear increase in hemp growth and dry biomass. The chelating agent and N mediated showed better response in the photosynthetic, antioxidative, and osmolytic potential of hemp as compared with control. The concentration of N and Pb plants showed a differential response such as N accumulation was maximum in plant leaf and shoot portions as compared to the roots. In contrast, Pb enrichment was higher in the roots than in the plant’s leaves and stems when exposed to varying concentrations of N fertilizer and chelating agents in the soil environment. Biomobilizaiton of Pb in the plant continuum enhanced with the rising N fertilizer levels in the soil. The EDTA showed better phytoextraction potential as compared with the rest of the chelating agents. Hence, findings suggest that the synergistic application of chelating agents and N fertilizer is a far more effective technique that increases the bioavailability of Pb for phytoextraction and decreases Pb-induced oxidative injuries by restricting Pb uptake.

Comparing Holotranscobalamin and Total Vitamin B12 in Diagnosing Vitamin B12 Deficiency in Megaloblastic Anemia Patients.

Background Megaloblastic anemia is characterized by abnormally large red blood cells caused by a deficiency in either vitamin B12 or folic acid, both of which are essential for DNA synthesis. Vitamin B12 insufficiency can lead to severe neurological damage, making early identification of vitamin B12 deficiency crucial to prevent irreversible harm. Vitamin B12 deficiency results in decreased levels of holotranscobalamin (Holo-TC) and increased levels of methylmalonic acid (MMA). Methylmalonic acid is considered the gold standard for diagnosing B12 deficiency because it is a specific marker that rises when B12 is insufficient, even when serum B12 levels appear normal. Elevated MMA levels reflect impaired B12 metabolism, making it a critical tool for early detection and intervention. Previous research indicates that Holo-TC, the active form of vitamin B12 available to cells, is a more specific diagnostic tool for early vitamin B12 deficiency than total B12. This study aims to determine the diagnostic validity of total vitamin B12 and Holo-TC using MMA as the gold standard in patients with megaloblastic anemia. Methods A total of 95 megaloblastic anemia patients were selected from Jinnah Hospital and Lahore General Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan, after receiving approval from the ethical review committees. This was a cross-sectional study. Whole blood, serum, and urine samples were collected in ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) vials, gel vials, and urine containers, respectively. The EDTA samples were used for complete blood count measurements using a hematology analyzer (Sysmex-XT 1800i, Sysmex America, Inc., Mundelein, IL), while serum and urine samples were employed for the detection of serum folic acid, cobalamin, Holo-TC, and MMA levels through manual enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) techniques. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of Holo-TC and cobalamin were calculated. Results The majority of patients fell within the age group of 20-70 years, with 57% of them being females and 43% males; Holo-TC exhibited a sensitivity of 98.9% and specificity of 50.00%, with a PPV of 98.90% and NPV of 50%. Vitamin B12 demonstrated a sensitivity of 63% and specificity of 50%, with a PPV of 98.33% and NPV of 2.85%. The diagnostic accuracy of Holo-TC and vitamin B12 was observed to be 97.8% and 63%, respectively. Conclusions Between the two, Holo-TC displays higher diagnostic accuracy than vitamin B12 and can serve as the primary test for patients suspected of having vitamin B12 deficiency.