SELF-ASSEMBLED MULTILAYERS OF WATER GLUCOSE MODIFIED-CHITOSAN AND GLUCOSE OXIDASE FOR DETECTION OF GLUCOSE IN MILK SAMPLES
Background: A crucial aspect of electrochemical enzymatic biosensor development is the immobilization of the enzymes, as it directly influences the sensitivity of the bioelectrode. Among the different methods used to incorporate enzymes on the surface of the transducers, layer-by-layer (LbL) self-assembly based on electrostatic interaction with polyelectrolytes of opposite charge stands out due to its simplicity and reproducibility. Aims: The aim of the work was to develop an electrochemical glucose biosensor by LbL assembly of a new functionalized chitosan polycation and the enzyme glucose oxidase (GOx). Methods: Chitosan was chemically functionalized with glucose by the Maillard reaction. The resulting polycation, named G-Chit, is soluble in the medium compatible with the enzyme. The bioelectrode was obtained by alternating adsorption of G-Chit and GOx onto carbon paste electrodes. By selecting the number of bilayer of G-Chit/GOX, the enzyme concentration, and the pH, the electroanalytical performance of the biosensor was optimized. The electrochemical responses were characterized by cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry. Results: Under optimized experimental conditions, the biosensor exhibited a sensitivity of (0.81 ± 0.03) µA mM-1 in a glucose concentration range of (0.18 to 1.75) mM. Discussion: Results indicated that catalytic response increases both with the number of G-Chit/GOx bilayers and the enzyme concentration, obtaining the best responses for 3 bilayers and 2 mg mL-1, respectively, while the optimum working pH value was 7.0. Conclusions: The analytical response of the biosensor was tested in milk samples with negligible matrix effects, suggesting a potential application in other dairy products. Results show that G-Chit appears promising for the immobilization of enzymes.
Read ArticleA COMPARATIVE STUDY ON THE RESPONSES OF TWO LINES OF SUGAR BEET (Beta vulgaris L) TO SALINITY
Sugar beet is a crop able to resist high levels of soil salinity after emergence and establishment. Considering the significant difference in the effect of nitrogen forms on sugar beet performance under normal conditions, the form of nitrogen may affect the performance of sugar beet plants under abiotic stress, particularly salinity. Additionally, exploring the most appropriate type of nitrogen for sugar beet could mean optimizing sucrose content. Therefore, here using two lines, sugar beet was grown in pots (filled with 4 kg soil), salt-resistance (line 7233- p.29 x Mst), and salt-sensitive (line 3929-21939), the effect of two different forms of nitrate in the form of calcium nitrate (1 g per pot) and ammonium in the form of ammonium sulfate (1 g per pot) under normal and salt stress condition (40 Millimoles per liter sodium chloride) were evaluated. The result revealed the positive influence of nitrate over ammonium by indicating higher dry weight in both sensitive line: 19.2 and 13.6 g, and tolerance line: 20.4 and 13.6 g, respectively alone and in combination with salinity stress. Similarly, root yield levels positively influenced by nitrate treatment either alone or under salinity stress (sensitive line: 194.5 and 243.2 g and tolerance line: 207 and 249.5 g). The outcomes additionally showed the accumulation of proline aerial parts in both lines, and however, the proline accumulation of sensitive line was higher (3.9 mg/g dry weight). Moreover, induction of proline aggregation was considerably higher in nitrate nitrogen-treated sensitive line (9.3 mg/g dry weight). The absence of significant difference was obseved between nitrogen treatments in terms of extractable sucrose and root molasses sugar. Also, the root impurities increased in those treated with nitrate-nitrogen and salinity. It can be concluded that nitrate-nitrogen has improved the performance of both sugar beet lines against salinity stress, and its practical application is adviseable.
Read ArticleD-DIMER A RISK FACTOR ASSOCIATED WITH C-REACTIVE PROTEIN FOR PREDICTING THE SEVERITY OF INFECTION BY COVID-19
Background: COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, has unresolved mortality risk factors and clinical course, highlighting the need for further research. Aims: The study aimed to asses D-dimer and C-Reactive Protein (CRP) as the risk factors for severity covid-19 and who are less capable of surviving. Methods: A retrospective study conduct of COVID-19 in adult inpatients aged >20 at Al-sadder and Alamal Hospital in Iraq. Demographics, clinical trials, treatments, and viral RNA samples were analyzed. The study involved 100 patients, with 67 discharged and 33 hospitalized died. The majority of the participants 45% were aged < 40, but 55% were aged >40 years. Results: A significant and 57% were male 37(55.2%) Survivor vs. 20 (60.6%) non-survivor, p=0.024), more than 43% were female (30(44.8%) Survivor vs. 13(39.4%) non-survivor, p=0.010. Patients had underlying comorbidities (66%), survivor 37(55%), and non-survivor 29(87%). The most prominent comorbidity in non-survivors more than survivors was diabetic mellitus 85%, asthma 58%, stroke 48%, renal failure 42%, heart strake 33%, and hypertension 18%. The study found significant differences in WBC, lymphocyte count, D-dimer, Ferritin, CRP, and LDH levels in non-survivors compared to survivor patients, with a positive correlation between D- dimer and these parameters. The ROC analysis curve showed CRP with a high AUC of 80.2%, 87.9% sensitivity, and 37.3% specificity, while D-dimer and LDH had AUCs of 0.74.9 and 70%, respectively. Discussion: The study found that older age, higher d-dimer, ferritin, CRP, and LDH are associated with disease severity and higher mortality risk in adult COVID-19 patients. Conclusions: These biomarkers could aid in early detection of disease progression signs and better patient management
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