Tiber Research Articles

New theoretical investigation of mechanism, kinetics, and toxicity in the degradation of dimetridazole and ornidazole by hydroxyl radicals in aqueous phase

Dimetridazole (DMZ) and ornidazole (ONZ) have been widely used to treat anaerobic and protozoal infections. The residues of DMZ/ONZ persist in the water environment. The mechanisms and kinetics of hydroxyl-initiated oxidation, the primary DMZ/ONZ degradation method, were evaluated by quantum chemical methods.·OH-induced degradation of DMZ and ONZ shared many mechanistic and kinetic characteristics. The most feasible degradation pathway involved forming OH-imidazole adducts and NO2. The OH-imidazole adducts were subsequently degraded into double·OH imidazole intermediates. The rate coefficients for·OH degradation of DMZ and ONZ were 4.32 × 109 M−1 s−1 and 4.42 × 109 M−1 s−1 at 298 K, respectively. The lifetimes of DMZ and ONZ treated with·OH at concentrations of 10−9–10−18 mol L−1 at 298 K were τDMZ = 0.231–2.31 × 108 s and τONZ = 0.226–2.26 × 108 s, respectively. Toxicity assessment showed that the first degradation products of DMZ and ONZ exhibited enhanced aquatic toxicity, whereas most of the secondary degradation products were not harmful to aquatic organisms. Some of transformation products were still developmental toxicant or mutagenicity positive.

Entropy Based River Discharge Estimation Using One‐Point Velocity Measurement at 0.6D

AbstractEntropy theory applied to hydrometric measurements enables establishing a relationship between the maximum and the mean velocities of flow passing a river section. In many developing countries, river discharge is still estimated by the velocity‐area method following the procedure established based on the point‐velocities measured at 0.6D depth from the water surface of many verticals of flow section. This study explores the establishment of a relationship between the maximum point‐velocity estimated at 0.6D depth of the vertical located at or nearer to the deepest flow depth, and the maximum point‐velocity occurring somewhere along the same vertical which in turn can be linked to the sectional mean flow velocity based on the established entropy theory. The appropriateness of the proposed two‐steps based approach of discharge estimation is first verified on the Tiber River and the Po River of Italy. The study finds that the values of the maximum point‐velocity estimated using the proposed approach closely matches with the recorded maximum flow velocity values along the same flow‐depths. After this verification, the proposed method was applied for discharge estimation at two Indian river gauging stations, where only the point‐velocity measurements at 0.6D depth locations of the verticals are recorded. The study finds that the discharges estimated by both the proposed approach and the velocity‐area method closely match with each other with the estimated Nash‐Sutcliffe Efficiency (NSE) values greater than 0.99. Thus the proposed two‐steps approach involving the entropy concept based relationship for discharge estimation enables to replace the tedious and time‐consuming velocity‐area approach.

Freshwater–Saltwater Interactions in a Multilayer Coastal Aquifer (Ostia Antica Archaeological Park, Central ITALY)

An integrated research approach consisting of hydrogeologic and geochemical methods was applied to a coastal aquifer in the Ostia Antica archaeological park, Roma, Italy, to describe freshwater–saltwater interactions. The archaeological park of Ostia Antica is located on the left bank of the Tevere River delta which developed on a morphologically depressed area. The water monitoring program included the installation of multiparametric probes in some wells inside the archaeological area, with continuous measurement of temperature, electrical conductivity, and water table level. Field surveys, water sampling, and major elements and bromide analyses were carried out on a seasonal basis in 2016. In order to understand the detailed stratigraphic setting of the area, three surface boreholes were accomplished. Two distinct circulations were identified during the dry season, with local interaction in the rainy period: an upper one within the archaeological cover, less saline and with recharge inland; and a deeper one in the alluvial materials of Tevere River, affected by salinization. Oxygen and carbon isotopic signature of calcite in the sediments extracted from the boreholes, along with major elements and Br concentration, allowed us to recognize the sources of salinity (mainly, local interaction with Roman salt pans and agricultural practices) and the processes of gas–water–rock interaction occurring in the area. All these inferences were confirmed and strengthened by PCA analysis of physicochemical data of groundwater.

A water‐stable luminescent sensor based on Cd2+ coordination polymer for detecting nitroimidazole antibiotics in water

AbstractEffective detection of antibiotics is essential for human health and environmental protection. A new type of water‐stable fluorescent sensor was synthesized and characterized. The antibiotics in the water were detected by fluorescence spectroscopy. The complex presents excellent fluorescence quenching effect on nitroimidazole antibiotics with high selectivity and sensitivity and shows lower limits of detection with a wider linear range. The limit of detection (LOD) of the complex are 0.46 nM for ornidazole (ODZ), 0.73 nM for dimetridazole (DTZ), and 0.46 nM for metronidazole (MDZ). The Ksv values are calculated to be 1.11 × 104 M−1 for ODZ, 0.70 × 104 M−1 for DTZ, and 1.10 × 104 M−1 for MDZ. In addition, the sensor is recyclable and is expected to be used in the detection of nitroimidazole antibiotics in water. The luminescence quenching of Cd2+ complex towards nitroimidazole antibiotics ascribed to the combination of electron transfer and energy transfer.

Assessing geomorphic floodplain models for large scale coarse resolution 2D flood modelling in data scarce regions

River valleys are dynamic living ecosystems of utmost importance for flood attenuation that are shaped by inundation dynamics. Topographic and bathymetric surveys represent pivotal information for accurate and up-to-date floodplain studies. Both floodplain morphology as well as fluvial river cross section and thalweg profiles are required for inundation modelling and mapping. However, economic and technical limitations hinder their availability in some regions, resulting in challenges to build two dimensional (2D) flood wave routing simulations at proper accuracy and resolution. In this study, we assess the effectiveness of characterizing the fluvial morphology by means of geomorphic methods (GMs). Different GMs, used as surrogates of fluvial bathymetry, are tested and compared to a dataset of surveyed natural cross sections available for the Tiber River basin (Italy). Quantitative flood modelling performances are developed using a validated 150 m flood model, providing inundation extent and floodplain flow depths for the 200 years return period event. The ability (or inefficiency) of surrogating the lack of surveyed fluvial bathymetric data with GMs for supporting large scale hydraulic inundation modelling studies is assessed by testing the following 5 floodplain modelling configurations: (1) rectangular shaped cross section; (2) floodplain-based; (3) global river database; (4) linear regression bathymetric relationship; and (5) and a very coarse 700 grid resolution. In addition, two Global Flood Hazard Mapping (GFHM) products (hydrological, and hydrogeomorphic) were used as part of the large scale floodplain modelling evaluation framework. Results demonstrate that, once the fluvial channel flow area is preserved, all tested GM models produce consistent simulation of inundation depths and extents (Fit index ≥ 0.90). This work provides a quantitative assessment of the validity of the hypothesis stressing that the floodplain conveyance capacity is the driving principle of flood inundation dynamics under extreme flooding scenarios. Understanding the role of geomorphology during extreme magnitude floods may support the idea that under specific conditions, high resolution models and detailed topography/bathymetry are surplus to requirements. This work supports the application of geomorphic approaches over large riparian domains as a parsimonious solution for flood hazard mapping in data scarce regions for applications beyond flood mitigation and forecasting.

Vulnerability of Hydraulic Constructions in Flood-Prone Agricultural Areas

The conditions of high hydraulic risk are mainly due to the interference between the river network and bridges, their relative access ramps and road embankments located in the floodplain. Actually, bridges are not always structurally adequate to withstand severe flood waves. In flood restoration works, there is an objective difficulty in implementing the structural safety of bridges because of historical, artistic and economic issues. Thus, the risk mitigation strategy often accounts for the assessment of the vulnerability degree of each bridge/road embankment according to an evaluation scale. Here we present a methodology regarding the classification of the vulnerability degree and its application to 84 works located in the alluvial area of the Tiber River, in the area of the Province of Perugia. For the purposes of a synthetic classification of works vulnerability, the individual assessed parameters are compared by means of subsequent contingency tables in order to compute the resulting vulnerability degree.

Tephrochronological constraints on the timing and nature of sea-level change prior to and during glacial termination V

Glacial-interglacial variations in ice volume and sea level are essential components of the Pleistocene global climate evolution. Deciphering the timing of change of these key climate parameters with respect to the insolation forcing is central to understanding the processes controlling glacial terminations. Here we exploit the sensitivity of the Paleo Tiber River (central Italy) to sea-level forced changes in the base level and the frequent occurrence of datable tephra layers in its sedimentary successions to reconstruct the timing of the relative sea-level (RSL) change between 450 and 403 ka, i.e., across the glacial termination (T-V) that marks the transition between Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 12 and MIS 11. The analysis hinges on new stratigraphic data, tephra geochemical fingerprinting, and 40Ar/39Ar dating from a fluvial section that represents the inland counterpart of the near mouth, coastal aggradational successions of the San Paolo Formation (SPF). Tephra correlation indicates that the morpho-stratigraphic record of the inland section is as sensitive to the sea-level change as its coastal counterparts, which makes it ideal to complement previous RSL reconstructions from the Tiber River catchment basin, thereby providing a more detailed picture of the sea-level history across T-V. Combined sedimentological and morphological proxies of the composed inland-coastal SPF record document the occurrence of two phases of relatively rapid sea-level rise, here interpreted as meltwater pulse (MWP) events. The earlier MWP occurred between ∼450 and ∼445 ka and matches a relatively minor episode of the sea-level rise documented in an existing RSL record, while the younger MWP at ∼430 ka corresponds to the high amplitude sea-level rise that marks T-V. We find that both MWPs coincide with episodes of ice-rafted debris deposition in the North Atlantic (Heinrich-like events) and with attendant Southern Hemisphere warming, plausibly associated with the bipolar seesaw.

Are geochemical regime shifts identifiable in river waters? Exploring the compositional dynamics of the Tiber River (Italy)

Rivers are dynamic and sensitive systems that change their chemical composition from source to mouth. This is due to the influence of a set of variables controlled by hydro-litho-eco-atmospheric processes and anthropic pressures which are, in turn, affected by catchment attributes. This work proposes a new way of thinking about river geochemistry focused on environmental interconnections rather than single chemical variables. Abrupt changes in the system state (composition) of a certain environmental media, driven by perturbations, may trigger Geochemical Regime Shifts (GRSs). This eventuality is explored in the Tiber River (central Italy) chemistry by Compositional Data Analysis, robust Principal Component Analysis and score-distance graphs. Data variability and the interlinks between response and forcing variables are investigated for different drained areas. A potential GRS is detected for major elements in the lower reaches resulting from a threshold-like state response caused by lithological forcing. On the contrary, trace elements respond gradually to environmental drivers, showing no abrupt changes. The findings outline mechanisms and factors influencing the river's self-restoring capability at a basin-wide scale, providing a better comprehension of the circumstances controlling the equilibrium dynamics of river water systems.

Effects of invasive alien species on riparian vegetation over a 20-year time-lapse: a case study from the Tiber river in Central Italy

ABSTRACT Invasive alien species (IAS) have a severe impact on indigenous vegetation globally, including in riparian ecosystems, which are already subject to severe natural and anthropogenic modifications. This paper presents a case study of the long-term impact of IAS that was carried out on the banks of the Tiber River near Lake Alviano in Central Italy. We compared the vegetation composition from 1998 and 2020, to record IAS invasion after a time-lapse of 22 years. We performed 48 phytosociological relevés in 2020, using the same method that had been used in 1998 (with 46 relevés). The importance of IAS in determining the changes in floristic composition and vegetation dynamics was quantified using chorology, life forms and Ellenberg’s ecological indicator values. Results of our multivariate analysis revealed that Paspalum distichum L. and Amorpha fruticosa L. are the most impactful species, due to their ecological traits that make them highly competitive in disturbed environments. Ellenberg’s indicator values show that the habitat has shifted towards increased eutrophication and warming. The multivariate analysis confirmed a change in species composition and therefore in vegetation, leading to a more monotonous habitat with completely different vegetation types than before. Finally, the consequences for Natura 2000 habitats were assessed. Key policy insights IAS drastically changed and reduced the cover of native vegetation species between 1998 and 2020, changing the environment from an herbaceous marshy vegetation type to a more homogeneous shrubland. The analysed habitat increased in eutrophication driven by 22 years of overgrazing and by the establishment of a nitrogen-fixing IAS (Amorpha fruticosa L.). The most impactful IAS were Paspalum distichum L. and Amorpha fruticosa L. Some IAS (e.g. Paspalum distichum L.) are currently considered characteristic species of some N2000 habitats (e.g. 3280 and 3290), presenting a paradox of the negative effects of invasions and evidencing a gap in the inclusion of important native communities in the EU Habitats Directive worthy and in need of protection.

Capitoline Dolphins: Residency Patterns and Abundance Estimate of Tursiops truncatus at the Tiber River Estuary (Mediterranean Sea).

Simple SummaryPhoto-identification is a non-invasive method of identifying individual animals from natural markings present on one or more parts of the body. The dorsal fin of a dolphin is the portion that contains individually distinctive marks and the most commonly visible when an animal surfaces to breathe. The camera captures an image of the dorsal fin whenever it is sighted and based on the number of times an image is captured, a statistical method called capture–recapture is used to estimate the site fidelity and the size of the population in a defined area. Here, we applied these methods to study the bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) between 2017 and 2020 at the Tiber estuary (Mediterranean Sea, Rome, Italy), a polluted major river supplying organic material to the Capitoline (Roman) coastal area and nearby regions. We identified 347 unique individuals, with different patterns of residency (i.e., the tendency of dolphins to remain in, or return to, the study area): 42 were labeled resident, 73 part-time, and 232 transient. Estimating a total population size of 529 individuals and highlighting the presence of animals with a strong site-fidelity, this study suggests developing conservation plans for this vulnerable top-predator species not only focused on areas close to the Tiber River mouths but also extended to cover a broader scale of area.Periodic assessments of population status and trends to detect natural influences and human effects on coastal dolphin are often limited by lack of baseline information. Here, we investigated for the first time the site-fidelity patterns and estimated the population size of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) at the Tiber River estuary (central Mediterranean, Tyrrhenian Sea, Rome, Italy) between 2017 and 2020. We used photo-identification data and site-fidelity metrics to study the tendency of dolphins to remain in, or return to, the study area, and capture–recapture models to estimate the population abundance. In all, 347 unique individuals were identified. The hierarchical cluster analysis highlighted 3 clusters, labeled resident (individuals encountered at least five times, in three different months, over three distinct years; n = 42), part-time (individuals encountered at least on two occasions in a month, in at least two different years; n = 73), and transient (individuals encountered on more than one occasion, in more than 1 month, none of them in more than 1 year; n = 232), each characterized by site-fidelity metrics. Open POPAN modeling estimated a population size of 529 individuals (95% CI: 456–614), showing that the Capitoline (Roman) coastal area and nearby regions surrounding the Tiber River estuary represent an important, suitable habitat for bottlenose dolphins, despite their proximity to one of the major urban centers in the world (the city of Rome). Given the high number of individuals in the area and the presence of resident individuals with strong site fidelity, we suggest that conservation plans should not be focused only close to the Tiber River mouths but extended to cover a broader scale of area.

Evaluation of Controlled Release Patterns of Ornidazole using Bio-degradable Polymers and Determination of its Antibacterial Activity

Abstract: Aim: Controlled release (CR) local drug delivery (LDD) devices are useful in periodontitis management since they facilitate prolonged maintenance of high antimicrobial concentrations in the periodontal pockets. The study aimed, to formulate and evaluate the in-vitro release pattern of Ornidazole (OZ) from three different biodegradable polymer films and to determine the antibacterial activity of released OZ on periodontal pathogens. Materials and Methods: Four samples of 3 LDD systems were formulated by incorporating OZ into 3 different biodegradable polymer films, viz. hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose (Group I), chitosan (Group II) and hydroxypropyl cellulose (Group III). The release of OZ from these formulations was studied spectrophotometrically. The antibacterial activity of the released OZ on periodontal pathogens was evaluated by determining the inhibition zone (IZ) area. Data was statistically analyzed using ANOVA. Results: OZ release and IZ of chitosan films were 6 days, HPMC 4 days and HPC films 3 days. In-vitro bio adhesion (5.50± 0.100 g), OZ concentration released and IZ area were greatest with chitosan films (p<0.05). HPMC films showed a significantly greater OZ release and IZ area compared to HPC films for the first 3 days (p<0.05). Conclusion: Chitosan incorporated with OZ may be considered as a suitable bioabsorbable CR LDD system as an adjunct to mechanical periodontal therapy. Key words: Chitosan, Local drug delivery, Hydroxypropylcellulose, Ornidazole, Periodontitis.

Giovanni Maria Lancisi (1654-1720) and the modern cardiovascular physiology.

Giovanni Maria Lancisi (1654-1720) was one of the most important Italian physicians of the modern age. Orphaned of his mother, he spent his early years in the city of Orvieto; when he was 12, his father brought him back to Rome and enrolled him to study medicine at the Sapienza University in Rome. His dedication to study and work soon led him to increasingly important positions. Within a few years, the fame of Lancisi became such that he was appointed the personal physician of three popes. In De Subitaneis Mortibus (1707), he described the pathophysiology of heart diseases, identifying the cause of sudden deaths in structural anomalies of the heart, lungs, and brain. He also wrote about cerebral localizations and first discussed the physiological mechanisms of urine formation and excretion. In 1717, Lancisi described the pathogenesis of malaria and the close correlation between its onset and the swampy waters of the Tiber River, proposing the draining of marshes to eradicate malaria. In the posthumous De Motu Cordis et Aneurysmatibus (1728) he described for the first time heart dilatation and aneurysms of the great vessels, providing a fundamental contribution to the history of cardiovascular physiology. Proof of his interest in medical education is the establishment of an academy and the donation of a library to the hospital, bridging the gap between theory and practice in medical training. Over the centuries, Lancisi's memory has faded, but his work is still relevant for anyone practicing the medical profession.

Population structure and dynamics of the invasive Procambarus clarkii (Girard, 1852) in a Tiber river Ramsar site, Central Italy

Procambarus clarkii is a native species of Central America, but strongly invasive in many regions of the world. An investigation on the red swamp crayfish was carried out to obtain more information about its population dynamics in the Tiber River, in Central Italy. A total of 900 individuals, both males and females, were sampled within two different campaigns (2017 and 2019) aimed at collecting biometric data. A strong fishing effort was deployed (more than 100 nets set), to guarantee a large and randomized number of samples. The crayfish populations were grouped into seven different cohorts, according to Bhattacharya’s method. The population showed a balanced sex ratio, the average cephalothorax length was 42.52 mm, with the most represented size class between 40-50 mm. K and L ∞ , as well as the growth parameter index (O), the mortality rate (Z), and longevity value (t max ), were calculated. K and O values resulted very high, showing an impressive growth rate in the study area; t max ranged from 4 to 5 years, L ∞ values were lower compared with other studies (58.0-59.0 mm), while Z was very high for this population (4.2-4.5 year). The results revealed that crayfish population dynamics can be complex and vary depending on habitat type, available trophic resource and competition.

Sonochemical synthesis of copper vanadate nanoparticles for the highly selective voltammetric detection of antibiotic drug ornidazole

The combination of metal vanadates has increased the number of active sites is enhancing their electrocatalytic activity. In this work, the sonochemical synthesis of copper vanadate nanoparticles (CuV) was prepared and modified on the surface of the glassy carbon electrode (GCE) for the highly selective voltammetric detection of ornidazole (OD). The as-synthesized CuV nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscope (HR-TEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analyzes. The fabricated CuV electrode showed high electrocatalytic activity towards the detection of OD was confirmed using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) techniques. Under the optimized voltammetric conditions, the CuV modified GCE displayed a wide linear concentration of 0.08–1216 µM with a limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0.009 µM and 0.03 µM, respectively. The modified sensor demonstrates excellent selectivity in the presence of various interference and it also performed good reproducibility, repeatability, long-term storage stability, and cyclic stability up to 100 cycles for the detection of OD. Additionally, the CuV sensor was successfully applied to detect OD in real samples of the river and tap water with acceptable results.

Halogenated Volatile Organic Compounds in Water Samples and Inorganic Elements Levels in Ores for Characterizing a High Anthropogenic Polluted Area in the Northern Latium Region (Italy).

This paper shows a characterization of the organic and inorganic fraction of river waters (Tiber and Marta) and ores/soil samples collected in the Northern Latium region of Italy for evaluating the anthropogenic/natural source contribution to the environmental pollution of this area. For organic compounds, organochloride volatile compounds in Tiber and Marta rivers were analyzed by two different clean-up methods (i.e., liquid–liquid extraction and static headspace) followed by gas chromatography–electron capture detector (GC-ECD) analysis. The results show very high concentrations of bromoform (up to 1.82 and 3.2 µg L−1 in Tiber and Marta rivers, respectively), due to the presence of greenhouse crops, and of chloroform and tetrachloroethene, due to the presence of handicrafts installations. For the qualitative and quantitative assessment of the inorganic fraction, it is highlighted the use of a nuclear analytical method, instrumental neutron activation analysis, which allows having more information as possible from the sample without performing any chemical-physical pretreatment. The results have evidenced high levels of mercury (mean value 88.6 µg g−1), antimony (77.7 µg g−1), strontium (12,039 µg g−1) and zinc (103 µg g−1), whereas rare earth elements show levels similar to the literature data. Particular consideration is drawn for arsenic (414 µg g−1): the levels found in this paper (ranging between 1 and 5100 µg g−1) explain the high content of such element (as arsenates) in the aquifer, a big issue in this area.

The Role of Climate Changes in the Spread of Freshwater Fishes: Implications for Alien Cool and Warm-Water Species in a Mediterranean Basin

In running waters, under climate change conditions, the combined effect of water warming and decreasing flow rates may encourage colonisation by invasive cool and warm-water fish species. The aim of the study was to analyze the potential climate change effects on the spread of four invasive alien fishes in the Tiber River basin, taking into account the effects of river fragmentation. Fish and environmental data collected in 91 sites over the years 1998–2018, were used to analyze temporal changes in their habitat requirements. A multivariate analysis was conducted, and the hypothesis of a range expansion towards the upstream reaches has been tested. For Barbus barbus, Gobio gobio, Padogobius bonelli and Pseudorasbora parva population abundances and body condition were analyzed. Detectability, occupancy, local extinction and colonization probabilities were estimated. We showed that B. barbus and P. bonelli have significantly extended their range toward upstream. P. parva did not move toward higher altitudes significantly, suggesting that, at this stage, the species has probably reached an equilibrium. River fragmentation, elevation, water temperature and average current speed seem to be major determinants in colonization processes, affecting the dispersal ability of the species. Not surprisingly for species introduced in relatively recent times, the colonization probabilities were much higher than extinction probabilities. Our results provided evidence for some synergistic effects between climate changes and alien fish species invasions, in terms of species range shifts mediated by rising water temperatures, although they should be interpreted cautiously, taking into account that these species most likely were not yet stabilized.

&lt;strong&gt;Exploring plant species richness along the Tiber River within the city of Rome&lt;/strong&gt;

The Tiber River stretch crossing the metropolitan area of Rome (Italy) is regarded as one of the main biological corridors of the city, as it diversifies the urban landscape while contributing to the plant diversity. This paper aims to document the current plant richness occurring along the Tiber within the city by providing a comprehensive inventory of the spontaneous vascular flora and an overview of its composition, and structural, chorological and ecological features. This flora lists 493 species and it is characterized by: i) high species richness (more than 30% of Rome’s flora), ii) presence of species with naturalistic value, as rare or included in Red List IUCN categories, iii) high number of ruderal and multizonal species (including several aliens) that have well adapted to human disturbance, and have partially replaced the typical riverine plants, iv) wide spread of eutrophic aquatic species, and rarefaction of those species that are more sensitive to eutrophication and water pollution. The dataset and the overview reported in this study can be useful for future research, with a special focus on a better naturalistic management of the urban river ecosystem, and the conservation of the floristic heritage within the city of Rome.

A novel hybrid construction of MnMoO4 nanorods anchored graphene nanosheets; an efficient electrocatalyst for the picomolar detection of ecological pollutant ornidazole in water and urine samples

Nitroimidazole compounds are widely used antibiotics to encounter anaerobic bacterial and parasitic infections. The wide usage of antibiotic drugs became an ecological contaminant which in turn into potential monitoring. In this regards, we have designed and developed a new electrochemical sensing probe to monitor an antiprotozoal drug, ornidazole (ODZ), with the aid of a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) integrated with manganese molybdate nanorods (MnMoO4) decorated graphene nanosheets (GNS) hybrid materials that prepared by feasible probe sonochemical method (parameters: 2–4 W, 5 mV amp, 20 kHz). The electrochemical investigations of the developed probe were performed by using rapid scan electrochemical workstations namely cyclic voltammetry (CV) and amperometric (i-t) techniques. The as-prepared MnMoO4/GNS nanocomposite was characterized and its purity of nanocomposite formation was confirmed by various analytical techniques like X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and Raman spectroscopy. In addition to that, the textural morphology of the MnMoO4/GNS nanocomposite was examined with the aid of field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM). The MnMoO4/GNS nanocomposite rotating disk glassy carbon electrode (RDGCE) plays a crucial role in electrochemical detection of ODZ, which results in excellent anti-interference ability, a lower detection limit of 845 pM, massive linear ranges from 10 to 770 nM, and good sensitivity of about 104.62 μA μM−1 cm−2. From the acquired electrochemical studies, we have developed a disposable electrochemical sensor probe using a low-cost screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE) with MnMoO4/GNS nanocomposite. The MnMoO4/GNS/SPCE are capably employed in real-time sensing of ODZ in water and urine samples. These electrochemical studies revealed the integral new vision on the electrocatalytic performance of the modified SPCE and also shown excellent amplification results in ultra-trace levels.

Fluorometric determination of ornidazole by using BSA coated copper nanoclusters as a novel turn off sensor.

A fluorescent probe based on bovine serum albumin stabilized copper nanoclusters (BSA-CuNCs) was developed for the selective and sensitive determination of ornidazole (ORN). The nanoclusters were synthesized via a one-pot hydrothermal process in basic media. The synthesized and characterized BSA-CuNCs have less than 3 nm particle size and exhibited blue emission at 405 nm when excited at 325 nm. Synthesized and characterized nanoclusters were successfully applied as a turn-off fluorescent probe for the determination of ORN in pharmaceutical dosage forms. The quenching mechanism created an was inner filter effect (IFE). The method was linear in the concentration range of 0.52-13.56 μg mL-1 with a low limit of detection (LOD) 0.01 μg mL-1. High recovery values (98.5%-102.42%) with low RSD% values (0.25%-2.73%) were obtained. The synthesized nanoclusters can be used as a turn-off probe for ORN determination with their selective, simple, rapid, and inexpensive properties.

Roles of CatSper channels in the pathogenesis of asthenozoospermia and the therapeutic effects of acupuncture-like treatment on asthenozoospermia.

Rationale: Idiopathic asthenozoospermia (iAZS) is one of the major causes of male infertility and has no effective therapeutic treatment. Understanding the potential mechanisms that cause it may be helpful in seeking novel targets and treatment strategies for overcoming the problem of low sperm motility in iAZS individuals.Methods: Computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA) was utilized to assess the sperm motility. RT-qPCR, Western blot, immunofluorescence staining, and calcium imaging analysis were performed to examine the expression and function of CatSper channels. Hyperactivation and acrosome reaction were used to evaluate the functional characteristics of epididymal sperm. In vivo fertility assay was applied to determine the fertility of rats. CatSper1 knockdown and overexpression experiments were performed to confirm the roles of CatSper channels in the pathogenesis of iAZS and the therapeutic effects of electroacupuncture (EA) treatment on AZS model rats.Results: Here, we reported a functional down-regulation of CatSper channel from CatSper1 to CatSper 4 in the sperm of both iAZS patients and ornidazole (ORN)-induced AZS model rats, and an impaired sperm function characterized by a reduction of protein tyrosine phosphorylation, hyperactivation, and acrosome reaction in the epididymal sperm of AZS rats. Knockdown of CatSper1 in the testis tissues is sufficient to induce AZS in normal rats, and this action was validated by the reversal effects of CatSper1 overexpression. Transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) and electroacupuncture (EA) at 2 Hz frequency improve the sperm motility via enhancing the functional expression of CatSper channels in the sperm. Gene silencing CatSper1 in the sperm abolishes the therapeutic effects of 2 Hz-EA treatment on AZS rats.Conclusions: We conclude that a functional down-regulation of CatSper channel in the sperm may be a contributor or a downstream indicator for a portion of AZS, especially iAZS, while 2 Hz-TEAS or EA treatment has a therapeutic effect on iAZS through inducing the functional up-regulation of CatSper channels in the sperm. This study provides a novel mechanism for the pathogenesis of some AZS especially iAZS, and presents a potential therapeutic target of CatSper for iAZS treatment. Acupuncture treatment like TEAS may be used as a promising complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapy for male infertility caused by iAZS in clinical practice.