Bimetallic metal organic framework/Ni doped ZnO nanomaterials modified carbon paste electrode for selective electrochemical determination of ciprofloxacin

In this work, an efficient and sensitive electrochemical sensor for the determination of ciprofloxacin (CIP) is reported. The sensor was prepared by using a carbon paste electrode (CPE) modified with a combination of bimetallic copper/cerium-based metal organic framework (Cu/Ce-MOF) and nickel doped zinc oxide nanoparticles (NZP). The modifiers were characterized by Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and elemental mapping analysis (EDS). The electrochemical behavior of the modified electrode was studied by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and cyclic voltammetry (CV). The developed electrode was employed for the detection of CIP by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). Under optimal conditions, the anodic peak current response of the electrode was linearly correlated with CIP concentration in the range of 0.75-100 μmol L-1 with a sensitivity of 1.29 μA μmol-1 L-1. The limit of detection and reproducibility of the method were 0.142 μmol L-1 and 2.7%, respectively. The developed sensor showed good selectivity to CIP against possible interferents. The method was applied to determine CIP in water, milk and urine samples. The results indicated that this method has potential to be applied in the analysis of residue CIP in complex matrices with high selectivity, and good reproducibility.

[Knowledge and attitude of oral care providers in the Netherlands on skin lesions]

To gain insight into the current knowledge of oral care providers in the Netherlands on facial skin lesions, a survey was distributed to 7,670 oral care providers. Their knowledge was tested by means of 4 multiple-choice questions and on the basis of 5 cases. The survey was completed in full by 90 respondents. The median age was 50.3 years and 62.2% were female. During dental check-ups, 55.6% always examined the face and 41.1% sometimes did so. Compared to the group 41 years old and older, the group 21-40 years of age alerted their patients more often to skin lesions (p = 0.017), was more afraid a specialist would find the referral useless (p < 0.001) and was more in need of a guideline (p = 0.049). The respondents scored 1.90 out of 4 correct answers to the knowledge questions. On the case studies, they scored 1.46 out of 5 for the correct diagnosis, 3.48 out of 5 for the correct choice of policy and 1.01 out of 5 for the combination correct diagnosis and correct policy. The total score was 2.91 out of 9. The results indicate that knowledge on aspects of skin lesions is limited and additional training and the availability of a guideline are necessary.

A highly sensitive and ecofriendly assay platform for the simultaneous electrochemical determination of rifampicin and isoniazid in human serum and pharmaceutical formulations

Simple fabrication of an electrochemical sensor for simultaneous determination of rifampicin and isoniazid based on electrochemical modification of SPCE surface with reduced graphene oxide and nickel hydroxide film (Ni(OH)2/rGO/SPCE) without using toxic chemical agents.

Whole genome and transcriptome analysis enhances precision cancer treatment options

BACKGROUND

Recent advances are enabling delivery of precision genomic medicine to cancer clinics. While the majority of approaches profile panels of selected genes or hotspot regions, comprehensive data provided by whole genome and transcriptome sequencing and analysis (WGTA) presents an opportunity to align a much larger proportion of patients to therapies.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Samples from 570 patients with advanced or metastatic cancer of diverse types enrolled in the Personalized OncoGenomics (POG) program underwent WGTA. DNA-based data, including mutations, copy number, and mutation signatures, were combined with RNA-based data, including gene expression and fusions, to generate comprehensive WGTA profiles. A multidisciplinary molecular tumour board used WGTA profiles to identify and prioritize clinically actionable alterations and inform therapy. Patient responses to WGTA-informed therapies were collected.

RESULTS

Clinically actionable targets were identified for 83% of patients, 37% of whom received WGTA-informed treatments. RNA expression data were particularly informative, contributing to 67% of WGTA-informed treatments; 25% of treatments were informed by RNA expression alone. Of a total 248 WGTA-informed treatments, 46% resulted in clinical benefit. RNA expression data were comparable to DNA-based mutation and copy number data in aligning to clinically beneficial treatments. Genome signatures also guided therapeutics including platinum, PARP inhibitors, and immunotherapies. Patients accessed WGTA-informed treatments through clinical trials (19%), off-label use (35%), and as standard therapies (46%) including those which would not otherwise have been the next choice of therapy, demonstrating the utility of genomic information to direct use of chemotherapies as well as targeted therapies.

CONCLUSIONS

Integrating RNA expression and genome data illuminated treatment options that resulted in 46% of treated patients experiencing positive clinical benefit, supporting the use of comprehensive WGTA profiling in clinical cancer care.

CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER

NCT02155621.

Investigating the effect of magnesium supplement in patients with major depressive disorder under selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor treatment

Background

Major depression disorder (MDD) is a mental disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. This disease has negative impacts on quality of life and psychological-related functions. This is a multifactorial disorder; both genetic background and environmental factors have their role. Antidepressants are prescribed as the first line of treatment for patients with depressive disorders. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants are used to treat MDD and anxiety; however, some patients do not respond to them. Regarding that, magnesium plays a major role in mood regulation; therefore, this study aimed to investigate the role of magnesium supplement in patients with MDD and under an SSRI treatment regimen.

Methods

In this randomized, double-blind controlled trial, 60 patients with major depressive disorders based on the DSM-V diagnosis referred to Golestan Hospital in Ahvaz, Iran, were included. The eligible patients were categorized randomly into two thirty-people groups receiving magnesium (intervention) and placebo (control) along with SSRI for 6 weeks. To evaluate the depression status, the Beck II test was applied. Subjects were examined before and after the intervention.

Results

There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of demographic characteristics (P > 0.05). The mean Beck scores at the beginning of the study and the second week after the intervention were not different between the two groups (P = 0.97, P = 0.56), whereas the mean Beck scores were lower in the intervention group than in the control group in the fourth and sixth weeks after the intervention (P = 0.02 and P = 0.001, respectively).

Conclusion

Administration of Mg supplement for at least 6 weeks might improve depression symptoms. It can also be considered as a potential adjunct treatment option for MDD patients who are under SSRI treatment.

A highly selective colorimetric assay for the determination of creatinine in biological samples using gluconic acid capped silver nanoparticles after ionic liquid based dispersive liquid phase microextraction

A dispersive liquid-phase microextraction method combined with UV–vis spectrophotometry was utilized to highly selective determination of creatinine in human serum and urine samples. To overcome the interferences in complex matrices, creatinine reacted with 1,4-naphthoquinone-2- potassium sulfonate reagent to produce a red coloured product that could be extracted into a small volume of 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([HMIM]PF6) ionic liquid solvent. To increase the sensitivity of the assay, gluconic acid capped silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) were used. On addition of Ag NPs to the red coloured extracted product, the solution turned to blue accompanied with a red shift in wavelength around 620 nm that could be detected by the naked eye. The effective variables on the determination of creatinine such as concentration of the reagent, amount of formic and hydrochloric acids, type and volume of the extractant, and concentration of Ag NPs were investigated. Under the optimal conditions, the calibration plot was bimodal with linear ranges from 0.1 to 1.5 µg mL−1 and 1.5 to 105 µg mL−1 creatinine with a limit of detection 0.1 µg mL−1. The relative standard deviation for five measurements at 35 µg mL−1 concentration level was 3.8%. The newly developed assay was used for the determination of creatinine in human serum and urine specimens with satisfactory results.

A sensitive fluorescent probe based on dithizone-capped ZnS quantum dots for quercetin determination in biological samples

A simple turn on/off fluorescence approach based on dithizone-capped ZnS quantum dots (ZnS@DZ QDs) with the help of lead ions as a fluorescent probe for the quantitative determination of quercetin is reported. The interaction of lead ions with dithizone led to the formation of a rigid structure on the surface of ZnS@DZ QDs and turned on the fluorescence intensity of the QDs. After addition of quercetin to this probe and interaction with lead ions, the fluorescence emission turned off. Concerning the quenching fluorescence intensity of ZnS@DZ QDs/Pb²⁺ QDs probe induced by the target, under the optimum conditions, the probe enabled detection of quercetin in the concentration range from 0.54 μM to 21.7 μM with a correlation coefficient of 0.993 and detection limit of 0.25 μM. The present probe was applied successfully to the determine quercetin as a nutritional biomarker in human serum and 24-h urine samples.

Capped cadmium sulfide quantum dots with a new ionic liquid as a fluorescent probe for sensitive detection of florfenicol in meat samples

The new ionic liquid capped CdS quantum dots (IL-CdS QDs) as a fluorescent probe was successfully synthesized by a hydrothermal method in a one step process and used for the facile and sensitive determination of florfenicol (FLF) in aqueous media. The new ionic liquid 3-(2-[(5-amino-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl)thio]ethyl)-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-3-ium chloride (IL) was synthesized by introducing 5-amino-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-thiol as a ligand onto the alkyl chain of the 1-chloroethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ILs. This task specific ionic liquid reagent was used for the capping of CdS QDs which played the role of recognition element of FLF. The IL-CdS QDs were characterized by Ultra Violet-Visible absorption -spectroscopy (UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Quenching of fluorescence intensity of the IL-CdS QDs was in proportion to the addition of FLF concentration. Under the optimum conditions, the fluorescence intensity ratio of IL-CdS QDs in the presence and absence of FLF versus FLF concentrations gave a linear response according to the Stern-Volmer equation from 0.1 to 20 μg mL^-1 (0.3 to 56 μmol L^-1) with a limit of detection 0.035 μg mL^-1 (0.098 μmol L^-1). The developed method was applied to the determination of FLF in fish and chicken meats with satisfactory results. This method revealed some advantages such as high sensitivity, precision and wide linear range to FLF. The proposed method can be utilized for rapid screening the quality of meat products.

Simultaneous determination of Brilliant Green and Crystal Violet dyes in fish and water samples with dispersive liquid-liquid micro-extraction using ionic liquid followed by zero crossing first derivative spectrophotometric analysis method

In this study, dispersive liquid-liquid micro-extraction using ionic liquid (IL-DLLME) combined with zero crossing first derivative spectrophotometric method was applied to quantitative determination of triphenylmethane dyes in binary mixtures. The 1-methyl-3-octylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate [OMIM][PF₆] ionic liquid was used to extract Brilliant Green (BG) and Crystal Violet(CV) dyes from aqueous solutions. The amplitude of the zero crossing first derivative spectra at 670 nm and 532 nm were selected for the determination of BG and CV, respectively. Significant factors influencing the extraction of BG and CV such as sample pH, kind of extraction solvent, amount of extractant, extraction and centrifuging times and ionic strength were investigated. Under the optimal conditions, the calibration curves for the simultaneous determination of both dyes were found to be linear in the range of 10-500 μg L^-1 with detection limits (LODs) of 2.7 μg L^-1 and 1.4 μg L^-1 for BG and CV, respectively. The relative standard deviation (RSD%) for five replicate simultaneous determinations of BG and CV were 4.7% and 1.7%, respectively. Extraction efficiencies of the BG and CV dyes in the presence of interfering ions were also investigated. Sample preparation based on the quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged and safe (QuEChERS) extraction combined with the IL-DLLME method and zero crossing first derivative spectrophotometric detection was applied for the simultaneous analysis of BG and CV in fish and water samples with quantitative recoveries.

Iron species determination by task-specific ionic liquid-based in situ solvent formation dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction combined with flame atomic absorption spectrometry

BACKGROUND

The task-specific ionic liquid (TSIL) of 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide functionalized with 8-hydroxyquinoline was used as a chelating agent and extracting solvent for dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction and subsequent determination of Fe(III) by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The in situ solvent formation of TSIL using KPF₆ provided the desired water-immiscible ionic liquid. The total Fe concentration could be determined after pre-oxidation of Fe(II) to Fe(III). Various factors affecting the proposed extraction procedure were optimized.

RESULTS

The proposed analytical conditions were: sample pH 5, TSIL amount 0.3% (w/v), KPF₆ amount 0.15% (w/v), anti-sticking 0.1% (w/v) and salt concentration 5% (w/v). Under optimal conditions, the linear dynamic ranges for Fe(III) and total Fe were 20-80 and 20-110 ng mL^-1 , respectively, with a detection limit of 6.9 ng mL^-1 for Fe(III) and relative standard deviation of 2.2%. The proposed method was successfully applied to the determination of trace Fe(III) in water (underground, tap, refined water and artificial sea water) and beverage (apple, tomato, and tea) samples.

CONCLUSION

The developed method offers advantages such as simplicity, ease of operation, and extraction of Fe(III) from aqueous solutions without the use of organic solvent. It was successfully applied for iron speciation in different real samples. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

Health risk assessment of exposure to the Middle-Eastern Dust storms in the Iranian megacity of Kermanshah

OBJECTIVE

This study assessed the effects of particulate matter (PM), equal or less than 10 μm in aerodynamic diameter (PM₁₀), from the Middle-Eastern Dust events on public health in the megacity of Kermanshah (Iran).

STUDY DESIGN

This study used epidemiological modeling and monitored ambient air quality data to estimate the potential PM₁₀ impacts on public health.

METHODS

The AirQ2.2.3 model was used to calculate mortality and morbidity attributed to PM₁₀ as representative of dust events. Using Visual Basic for Applications, the programming language of Excel software, hourly PM₁₀ concentrations obtained from the local agency were processed to prepare input files for the AirQ2.2.3 model.

RESULTS

Using baseline incidence, defined by the World Health Organization, the number of estimated excess cases for respiratory mortality, hospital admissions for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, for respiratory diseases, and for cardiovascular diseases were 37, 39, 476, and 184 persons, respectively, from 21st March, 2014 to 20th March, 2015. Furthermore, 92% of mortality and morbidity cases occurred in days with PM₁₀ concentrations lower than 150 μg/m³. The highest percentage of person-days occurred for daily concentrations range of 100-109 μg/m³, causing the maximum health end-points among the citizens of Kermanshah.

CONCLUSIONS

Calculating the number of cumulative excess cases for mortality or morbidity attributed to PM₁₀ provides a good tool for decision and policy-makers in the field of health care to compensate their shortcomings particularly at hospital and healthcare centers for combating dust storms. To diminish these effects, several immediate actions should be managed in the governmental scale to control dust such as spreading mulch and planting new species that are compatible to arid area.

Biodesulphurization of gasoline by Rhodococcus erythropolis supported on polyvinyl alcohol

A new biodesulphurization (BDS) method has been considered using Rhodococcus erythropolis supported on polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) for BDS of thiophene as a gasoline sulphur model compound in n-hexane as the solvent, subsequently this biocatalyst has been applied to BDS of gasoline samples. The obtained results according to UV-Spectrophotometer analysis at 240 nm showed that 97·41% of thiophene at the optimum condition of primary concentration 80 mg l^-1 , pH = 7, by 0·1 g of biocatalyst in 30°C and after 20 h of contact time has been degraded. These optimum conditions have been applied to gasoline BDS and the biodegradation of gasoline thiophenic compounds have been investigated by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). According to GC-MS, thiophene and its 2-methyl, 3-methyl and 2- ethyl derivatives had acceptable biodegradation efficiencies of about 26·67, 21·03, 23·62% respectively. Also, benzothiophene that has been detected in a gasoline sample had 38·89% biodegradation efficiency at optimum conditions, so biomodification of PVA by R. erythropolis produces biocatalysts with an active metabolism that facilitates the interaction of bacterial strain with gasoline thiophenic compounds. The morphology and surface functional groups of supported R. erythropolis on PVA have been investigated by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and FT-IR spectroscopy respectively. SEM images suggest some regular layered shape for the supported bacteria. FT-IR spectra indicate a desirable interaction between bacterial cells and polymer supports. Also, the recovery of biocatalyst has been investigated and after three times of using in BDS activity, its biocatalytic ability had no significant decreases.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

The biomodification of polyvinyl alcohol by Rhodococcus erythropolis described herein produces a new biocatalyst which can be used for significantly reducing the thiophenic compounds of gasoline and other fossil fuels. The immobilization process is to increase the biodegradation efficiency of cells and accelerating the biodesulphurization process.

Abstract P6-11-03: A phase 2 open-label study of lucitanib in patients (pts) with FGF aberrant metastatic breast cancer (MBC)

BACKGROUND: Lucitanib is a potent, oral antiangiogenic tyrosine kinase inhibitor of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptors 1-3 (VEGFR1-3), Platelet-Derived Growth Factor Receptors alpha and beta (PDGFRα/β), and Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptors 1-3 (FGFR1-3). FGF aberrancies (amplification of FGFR1,or 11q[amplicon containing FGF ligands 3, 4, and 19]), are genomic alterations observed in over 20% of breast cancer pts and promote cancer proliferation and survival.

METHODS: MBC pts who had received at least 1 metastatic line of therapy were randomized 1:1 to 10 or 15 mg QD of lucitanib. Stratification was based on local assessment of FGF aberrancy; pts with both FGFR1 and 11q-amplified tumors were stratified as FGFR1 amplified. Central confirmation of FGFR1 or 11q amplification was done using Abbott FISH probes (FGFR1 or 11q copy number ≥ 6 and a ratio of FGFR1 or 11q to centromere ≥ 2). Investigator-assessed progression-free survival (PFS) was the primary endpoint. Secondary endpoints included objective response rate (ORR) per RECIST 1.1, disease control rate (DCR), duration of response (DR), and incidence of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAE).

RESULTS: Enrollment completed in 3/2016; 178 pts that received at least 1 dose of lucitanib are included in this analysis (baseline characteristics in Table 1). Due to grade 3 hypertension in the 15 mg group (46% vs 37% in 10 mg group), enrollment to the 15 mg group was halted. Overall, most pts (97%) experienced at least 1 TEAE, with the most frequently (≥ 30%) occurring events being hypertension (73%), fatigue (48%), nausea (43%), hypothyroidism (40%), and headache (33%). Grade ≥ 3 TEAEs occurred in 66% of pts, with hypertension as the most frequent event (40%) followed by proteinuria and hyponatremia (both 6%). AEs were manageable with dose interruption or reduction, with approximately 8% of pts ending treatment due to an AE. Current median PFS is 3.5 mos (95% CI 2.8-4.6; range 0.62-12.95) and 2.6 mos (95% CI 1.8-2.9; range 0.82-18.87) respectively for the 10 mg and 15 mg treatment groups. No differences in clinical activity were observed by treatment group, FGF aberrancy, hormone receptor or HER2 status. Of the 168 evaluable pts, confirmed ORR was 3%; overall DCR was 27% (32% for pts in the 10 mg group compared to 20% for the 15 mg group); overall mean (standard deviation) DR of 3.3 (1.8) mos.

Baseline Characteristics 10 mg QD15 mg QD N=109N=69Age (years)Median5653Range27-8227-80SexFemale109 (100%)67 (97%)Male02 (3%)ECOG PSmissing5 (5%)2 (3%)051 (47%)30 (43%)153 (49%)37 (54%)Number of prior anticancer therapies in the metastatic setting&gt; 332 (29%)21 (30%)3-648 (44%)32 (46%)&gt; 629 (27%)16 (23%)Endocrine/HER2 statusmissing7 (6%)1 (1%)ER+ or PR+74 (68%)50 (73%)HER2+12 (11%)7 (10%)TNBC16 (15%)11 (16%)FGFR aberrancyFGFR1 amplified54 (49%)29 (42%)11q amplified31 (28%)24 (35%)FGFR1 and 11q amplified13 (12%)9 (13%)FGFR1 and 11q non-amplified11 (10%)7 (10%)

CONCLUSION: At 10 mg QD, lucitanib has modest activity with manageable toxicity in this heavily pretreated pt population. Future clinical development for lucitanib may focus on alternative biomarkers to identify sensitive tumors and rational combinations with other anti-cancer drugs.

Citation Format: Mayer IA, Arteaga CL, Nanda R, Miller KD, Jhaveri K, Brufsky AM, Rugo H, Yardley DA, Vahdat LT, Sadeghi S, Audeh MW, Rolfe L, Litten J, Knox A, Raponi M, Tankersley C, Isaacson J, Wride K, Morganstern DE, Vogel C, Connolly RM, Gradishar WJ, Patel R, Pusztai L, Abu-Khalaf M. A phase 2 open-label study of lucitanib in patients (pts) with FGF aberrant metastatic breast cancer (MBC) [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2016 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2016 Dec 6-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P6-11-03.

Effect of chamber characteristics, loading and analysis time on motility and kinetic variables analysed with the CASA-mot system in goat sperm

Several factors unrelated to the semen samples could be influencing in the sperm motility analysis. The aim of the present research was to study the effect of four chambers with different characteristics, namely; slide-coverslip, Spermtrack, ISAS D4C10, and ISAS D4C20 on the sperm motility. The filling procedure (drop or capillarity) and analysis time (0, 120 and 240s), depth of chamber (10 or 20μm) and field on motility variables were analysed by use of the CASA-mot system in goat sperm. Use of the drop-filling chambers resulted in greater values than capillarity-filling chambers for all sperm motility and kinetic variables, except for LIN (64.5% compared with 56.3% of motility for drop- and capillarity-filling chambers respectively, P<0.05). There were no significant differences in total sperm motility between different chamber depths, however, use of the 20μm-chambers resulted in greater sperm progressive motility rate, VSL and LIN, and less VCL and VAP than chambers with a lesser depth. There was less sperm motility and lesser values for kinetic variables as time that elapsed increased between sample loading and sperm evaluation. For sperm motility, use of droplet-loaded chambers resulted in similar values of MOT in all microscopic fields, but sperm motility assessed in capillarity-loaded chambers was less in the central fields than in the outermost microscopic fields. For goats, it is recommended that sperm motility be analysed using the CASA-mot system with a drop-loaded chamber within 2min after filling the chamber.

Blue-white screening as a new readout for deoxyribozyme activity in bacterial cells

Demonstration of 10–23 deoxyribozyme activity in viable E. coli using blue-white screening as the readout system.

The development of a new optical sensor based on the Mn doped ZnS quantum dots modified with the molecularly imprinted polymers for sensitive recognition of florfenicol

The Mn doped ZnS quantum dots (Mn:ZnS QDs) capped with the florfenicol molecularly imprinted polymer (Mn:ZnS QDs@MIP) were prepared via the sol-gel surface imprinting approach using 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) as the functional monomer and tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) as the cross-linker for the optosensing of the florfenicol. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffractometer, IR spectroscopy, UV-Vis absorption spectrophotometry, and spectrofluorometry were used to elucidate the formation, morphology, and identification of the products. To illustrate the usefulness of the new imprinted material, the non-imprinted coated Mn:ZnS QDs (Mn:ZnS QDs@NIP) were synthesized without the presence of the florfenicol. It was revealed that the fluorescence (FL) intensity of the Mn:ZnS QDs@MIP increased with increasing the FF concentration. Under the optimal conditions, changes in the FL intensity in the presence of the target molecule showed a linear response in the concentration range of 30-700 μmol L(-1) with a detection limit of 24 μmol L(-1). The developed method was finally applied successfully to the determination of FF in different meat samples with satisfactory recoveries.

Long-term outcomes after adjuvant treatment of sequential versus combination docetaxel with doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide in node-positive breast cancer: BCIRG-005 randomized trial

BACKGROUND

The optimal regimen for adjuvant breast cancer chemotherapy is undefined. We compared sequential to concurrent combination of doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide with docetaxel chemotherapy in women with node-positive non-metastatic breast cancer. We report the final, 10-year analysis of disease-free survival (DFS), overall survival (OS), and long-term safety.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 3298 women with HER2 nonamplified breast cancer were randomized to doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide every 3 weeks for four cycles followed by docetaxel (AC → T) every 3 weeks for four cycles or docetaxel, doxorubicin, and cyclophosphamide (TAC) every 3 weeks for six cycles. The patients received standard radiotherapy and endocrine therapy and were followed up for 10 years with annual clinical evaluation and mammography.

RESULTS

The 10-year DFS rates were 66.5% in the AC → T arm and 66.3% in the TAC arm (P = 0.749). OS was 79.9% in the AC → T arm and 78.9% in the TAC arm (P = 0.506). TAC was associated with higher rates of febrile neutropenia, although G-CSF primary prophylaxis greatly reduced this risk. AC → T was associated with a higher rate of myalgia, hand-foot syndrome, fluid retention, and sensory neuropathy.

CONCLUSION

This 10-year analysis of the BCIRG-005 trial confirmed that the efficacy of TAC was not superior to AC → T in women with node-positive early breast cancer. The toxicity profiles differ between arms and were consistent with previous reports. The TAC regimen with G-CSF support provides shorter adjuvant treatment duration with less toxicity.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT00312208.

Correction: Optimization of ionic liquid based dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction combined with dispersive micro-solid phase extraction for the spectrofluorimetric determination of sulfasalazine in aqueous samples by response surface methodology

Correction for ‘Optimization of ionic liquid based dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction combined with dispersive micro-solid phase extraction for the spectrofluorimetric determination of sulfasalazine in aqueous samples by response surface methodology’ by Susan Sadeghi et al., RSC Adv., 2016, 6, 113551–113560.

Optimization of ionic liquid based dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction combined with dispersive micro-solid phase extraction for the spectrofluorimetric determination of sulfasalazine in aqueous samples by response surface methodology

A new method based on fluorescent IL-DLLME and μ-SPE was applied for the pretreatment of sulfasalazine (SSZ) prior to determination by fluorimetry.

A new method for separation and determination of Cr(III) and Cr(VI) in water samples by high-performance liquid chromatography based on anion exchange stationary phase of ionic liquid modified silica

In this work, N-methylimidazolium-chloride ionic liquid functionalized silica was prepared and used as an anion-exchange stationary phase for separation of chromium species by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with UV detection at 200 nm. The Cr(VI) as HCr2O7(-) and chelated Cr(III) with potassium hydrogen phthalate (PHP) as Cr(PHP)2 (-) was retained on the prepared column and separated using a mobile phase composed of 5% methanol in 25 mM phosphate buffer at pH 6.5. Several variables affecting the chelation/separation steps were modeled by response surface methodology (RSM) using Box-Behnken (BBD) design. The significance of the independent variables and their interactions were tested by the analysis of variances (ANOVA) with 95% confidence limit. Under the optimized conditions, the Cr(III) and Cr(VI) anionic species were well separated with a single peak for each Cr species at retention times of 2.3 and 4.3 min, respectively. The relationship between the peak area and concentration was linear in the range of 0.025-30 for Cr(III) and 0.5-20 mg L(-1) for Cr(VI) with detection limits of 0.010 and 0.210 mg L(-1) for Cr(III) and Cr(VI), respectively. The proposed method was validated by simultaneous separation and determination of the Cr species in tap and underground water samples without impose to any pretreatment.

Task-specific ionic liquid based in situ dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction for the sequential extraction and determination of chromium species: optimization by experimental design

An optimised task specific ionic liquid-basedin situdispersive liquid–liquid microextraction (in situTSIL-DLLME) with flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) methodology was developed for the selective extraction of Cr(iii) and Cr(vi) species.

Novel tunable composites based on bentonite and modified tragacanth gum for removal of acid dyes from aqueous solutions

A series of new adsorbents derived from tragacanth gum-graft-poly(methyl methacrylate) and bentonite (TG-g-PMMA/B) were synthesized.

A new amperometric biosensor based on Fe3O4/polyaniline/laccase/chitosan biocomposite-modified carbon paste electrode for determination of catechol in tea leaves

In the present study, a new biosensor based on laccase from Paraconiothyrium variabile was developed for catechol. The purified enzyme entrapped into the Fe3O4/polyaniline/chitosan (Fe3O4/polyaniline (PANI)/chitosan (CS)) biocomposite matrix film without the aid of other cross-linking reagents by a one-step electrodeposition on the surface of carbon paste electrode (CPE). The formed layer of biocomposite was characterized with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and cyclic voltammetry (CV). The biosensor was optimized with respect to biocomposite composition, enzyme loading, and solution pH by amperometry method. The biosensor exhibited noticeable eletrocatalytic ability toward catechol with a linear concentration range from 0.5 to 80 μM and a detection limit of 0.4 μM. The biosensor showed optimum response within 8 s, at pH 5, and 40 °C. The apparent Michaelis-Menten (K M (app)) was found to be 1.092 μM. The fabricated biosensor could be applied for determination of catechol in tea leaf samples.

Severity of symptoms, physical functioning and satisfaction in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis: a validation study of the Iranian version of the Swiss Spinal Stenosis Score

AIM

A common cause of low back pain is lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS). The Swiss Spinal Stenosis Score (SSS) is a well-known questionnaire that measures the severity of symptoms, physical functioning and patient's satisfaction in lumbar spinal stenosis. This study aimed to translate and validate the SSS in Iran.

METHODS

A prospective clinical validation study was performed. Forward-backward procedure was applied to translate the original questionnaires into Persian. A sample of patients with lumbar spinal stenosis completed the questionnaire twice: at pre- and postoperative (6 months follow-up) assessments. To test reliability the internal consistency was assessed by the Cronbach's alpha coefficient. Validity was evaluated using the known groups comparison. In addition the Oswestry Disability Index was used to perform convergent validity.

RESULTS

In all 121 patients were entered into the study. The mean age of patients was 62.3 (SD=10.2) years. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient for the SSS was 0.88. Validity was performed by known groups analysis and showed satisfactory results. The instrument discriminated well between the subgroups of patients who differed in age, severity of lumbar spinal stenosis, and the Self-Paced Walking Test (SPWT). The change in the Oswestry Disability Index strongly correlated with the change in patients' scores on the SSS; lending support to its good convergent validity (r=0.82; P<0.001).

CONCLUSION

The Iranian version of Swiss Spinal Stenosis Score performed well and the findings suggest that it is a valid measure of symptoms, physical functioning and satisfaction among patients with lumbar spinal stenosis.

A nanocomposite/crude extract enzyme-based xanthine biosensor

A novel amperometric biosensor for xanthine was developed based on covalent immobilization of crude xanthine oxidase (XOD) extracted from bovine milk onto a hybrid nanocomposite film via glutaraldehyde. Toward the preparation of the film, a stable colloids solution of core-shell Fe3O4/polyaniline nanoparticles (PANI/Fe3O4 NPs) was dispersed in solution containing chitosan (CHT) and H2PtCl6 and electrodeposited over the surface of a carbon paste electrode (CPE) in one step. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrophotometry, cyclic voltammetry (CV), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were used for characterization of the electrode surface. The developed biosensor (XOD/CHT/Pt NPs/PANI/Fe3O4/CPE) was employed for determination of xanthine based on amperometric detection of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) reduction at -0.35V (vs. Ag/AgCl). The biosensor exhibited a fast response time to xanthine within 8s and a linear working concentration range from 0.2 to 36.0μM (R(2)=0.997) with a detection limit of 0.1μM (signal/noise [S/N]=3). The sensitivity of the biosensor was 13.58μAμM(-1)cm(-2). The apparent Michaelis-Menten (Km) value for xanthine was found to be 4.7μM. The fabricated biosensor was successfully applied for measurement of fish and chicken meat freshness, which was in agreement with the standard method at the 95% confidence level.