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ObjectiveOpportunistic fungal infections by Candida species arise among cancer patients due to the weakened immune system following extensive chemotherapy. Prophylaxis with antifungal agents have developed the resistance of Candida spp. to antifungals. Accurate identification of yeasts and susceptibility patterns are main concerns that can directly effect on the treatment of patients.MethodsOver a period of three years, 325 cancer patients suspected to Candida infections were included in the current investigation. The clinical isolates were molecularly identified by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). All strains, were examined for in vitro susceptibility to the amphotericin B, itraconazole, fluconazole, and anidulafungin according to the CLSI M27 document.ResultsSeventy-four cancer patients had Candida infections (22.7%). Candida albicans was the most common species (83.8%). Antifungal susceptibility results indicated that 100% of the Candida isolates were sensitive to amphotericin B; however, 17.6%, 9.4%, and 5.4% of clinical isolates were resistant to anidulafungin, fluconazole, and itraconazole, respectively.ConclusionThe findings of the present work shows a warning increase in resistance to echinocandins. Since all fluconazole resistance isolates were obtained from candidemia, we recommend amphotericin B as the first line therapy for this potentially fatal infection.

Epirubicin (EPI) is one of the standard anticancer drugs that apply for various cancers treatment. However, the accumulation of EPI in the human body can be highly toxic, and it causes inevitable harm to organs. As a result, the evaluation of low concentrations of this drug in body samples requires sensitive, rapid, and accurate analysis methods. The fluorescence method is an efficient way in comparison of the traditional methods such as liquid chromatography, capillary electrophoresis, and electrochemical methods. Herein, we synthesized a novel fluorescence nanosensor named CMC-CdTe/ZnS based on using quantum dots (QDs). The structure of the prepared nanosensor is confirmed by different analysis methods such as FT-IR, TGA, and TEM. Besides that, the fluorescence intensity response of CMC-CdTe/ZnS QDs in the presence of Epirubicin drug is investigated. Based on obtained results, not only this nanosensor developed, but also the fluorescence quenching was explained by the typical Stern–Volmer equation. The best linear quenching equation for entitled nanosensor in the presence of Epirubicin is F0/F = 0.0346Q + 1.08 (R2 = 0.99), and the detection limit of Epirubicin is around 0.04 × 10−6 mol/L at 25 °C. All of the results display that this method could be reliable and suitable approach for determination of Epirubicin in commercial samples as well.

Due to the increasing demand for monitoring diseases such as rising heart rate, diabetes, and ocular disorders wearable and implantable biomedical devices seems too essential for patients not only in the hospital but also at home or during working time. Researchers mostly try to offer valuable information on the conditions of patients as non-invasive, by using comfort biomedical device with a minimum side effect. So, small and self-powered with high sensitivity biomedical devices are recommended, among different power sources that introduced for devices, biofuel cells would be produced as power source for a range of medical devices because of its capability to generate sufficient power output compared to the primary power source. The nature of the electrode reaction and the nature of the biochemical reactions are some of the important parameters that are considered for the classification of fuel cells. Enzymatic biofuel cells due to high activity at mild conditions widely applied in pacemaker; glucometer; and smart contact lenses when compared to other kinds of biofuel cells. On the other hand, short lifespan is one of important limitations in this type of biofuel cells. So, the easiest way to overcome these challenges is to apply non-enzymatic ones. Recent studies have attempted to issue novel method for fabrication of non-enzymatic biofuel cell in order to produce a new generation which are inexpensive, disposable, selective, and sensitive in properties. However, consideration of researchers to the development of self-powered biomedical devices by using body fluids or providing electricity storage is rising.

A novel cyanine 3 (Cy3)-based bio-conjugated sensor has been developed to detect target DNA or extracted RNA from COVID -19 samples using the fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) experiment. A special sequence of the COVID -19 genome was selected as a complementary DNA (target DNA) part. The opposite chain of this target sequence was designed in 2 parts; one part was attached to the Cy3 organic dye (capture DNA or Cy3- DNA), and the other part was attached to the BHQ

Regarding the outbreak of the SARS Cov-2 virus pandemic worldwide, it seems necessary to provide new diagnostic methods to combat the virus. A fluorescence CdTe quantum dots-DNA (QDs-DNA) nanosensor was prepared for efficient detection of a specific target complementary DNA or RNA from the SARS Cov-2 virus using FRET experiment via forming a classic "sandwich" structure. The sequence of the complementary DNA (target DNA) is planned based on a substantial part of the SARS Cov-2 virus genome, and oligonucleotides of QDs-DNA nanoprobe are designed to complement it. The water-soluble CdTe QDs-DNA was prepared by replacing the thioglycolic acid (TGA) on the surface of QDs with capture DNA (thiolated DNA) through a ligand-exchange method. Subsequently, with the addition of complementary (target DNA) and quencher DNA (BHQ2-labeled DNA) into the QDs-DNA conjugates, sandwiched hybrids were formed. The resulting assembly brings the BHQ2-labeled DNA (as the acceptor), and the QDs (as the donor) into proximity, leading to quenching of fluorescence emission from the donor QDs through the FRET mechanism. In other words, a simple, highly sensitive, selective, and rapid approach was introduced to detect complementary DNA sequence from a specific part of the SARS Cov-2 virus genome with a detection limit of 2.52 × 10-9 mol L-1. Furthermore, the planned nanosensor was well used for the detection of RNA from SARS Cov-2 viruses in real samples with satisfactory analytical results, and the outcomes were compared with RT-PCR (Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction) as the well-known standard method.

This chapter deals with the development of microwave-assisted reduction (MWAR) method as a rapid, selective, economic, efficient, and environmentally friendly synthesis method for organic and inorganic compounds. Without doubt, the fundamental aspects of microwave irradiation help to better understand the role of MW for the reduction of aldehydes, ketones, heterocyclic products, and aromatic and other types of organic compounds as well as inorganic materials, composites, nanoparticles, and catalysts. Moreover, several applications of the corresponding reduced material in different fields have been investigated.

Thermal stabilities and degradation behaviors of guaifenesin (guaiacol glycerol ether = GGE) were studied by means of the differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric (TG/DTG, in nitrogen atmosphere) analyses. To investigate the microwave-assisted pathways of guaiacol production from lignin, guaiacol glycerol ether (GGE) as a nonphenolic lignin model compound was exposed to microwave irradiation in the presence of three 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium-based ionic liquids ([BMIm]-based ILs). GGE was subjected to microwave irradiation of 300 W in a batch reactor at a temperature of 200 °C, residence times of 5 min and air atmosphere. Based on the distribution of GGE conversion products identified by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, the most degradation pathways of GGE were discussed. The highest yields of 2-methoxyphenol (guaiacol), 1-(2-methoxy-phenoxy)-propan-2-one, and 2-hydroxymethyl-1,4-benzodioxan were obtained using [BMIm][HSO4]. [BMIm][HSO4] was recovered and reused for three times without any loss of catalytic activity. It was found that it is possible to increase the yield of guaiacol from GGE by controlling of the different parameters such as temperature, molar ratio of water to GGE, acidity and anion effect of [BMIm]-based IL, amount of [BMIm]-based IL, microwave power and irradiation time.

Current discovery of different modifications of multi walled carbon nanotubes has motivated research for their potential applications in various field such as adsorbent materials, and drug delivery. Many different modified carbon nanotubes have been achieved, including combinations with iron oxide nanoparticles (NPs) for their unique properties including magnetic properties, nontoxicity, biocompatibility and capability which have considerable impact on the delivery of the drug at the targeted area. However, one of the disadvantages of this nanocomposite in biological fluids is that iron oxide NPs might be quickly cleared by the bloodstream before realization of their targets. In order to overcome this obstacle, polymers could be used as stabilizer to achieve a highly stable NPs@MWCNT composite. As a result, a magnetic multi walled carbon nanotube hydrogel nanocomposite based on poly (acrylic acid) grafted onto salep was synthesized and then fully characterized by using FTIR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, EDAX spectrum, SEM, TEM, AFM images, and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) and synthesis mechanism was suggested. Besides, swelling kinetics and loading and releasing of tetracycline hydrochloride as a model drug in various conditions were also investigated.

Measurement of biologically active compounds in living systems by highly sensitive methods seems to be attractive nowadays. So, design of fluorescence-based quantum dots nanosensors to detect low concentrations of pharmaceutical compounds is a highly attractive area of research. However, reaching the higher fluorescence intensity of quantum dots and reducing the low toxicity of quantum dots by ligand (polymer) exchange method are two more important items. Here, the preparation of novel fluorescence nanosensors κC-CdTe/ZnS quantum dots is reported. After structure confirmation by different analysis methods such as FTIR, TGA, and TEM, fluorescence intensity response of κC-CdTe/ZnS QDs with Epirubicin drug investigated. Based on obtained results, not only this nanosensor developed but also the fluorescence quenching was explained by the typical Stern–Volmer equation. The best linear quenching equation for entitled nanosesor in the presence of Epirubicin is F0/F = 0.0379Q + 1.15 (R2 = 0.99). Moreover, the detection limit of Epirubicin was found around 0.05 × 10−6 mol/L at 25 °C. All of the results showed that this method could be a reliable and suitable approach for the determination of Epirubicin in commercial tablets.

Thermochemical conversion of guaifenesin was performed in the presence of 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate [BMIM][BF4] ionic liquid at 80 °C within 2 h. After evaluating the effect of different parameters, such as protic and nonprotic solvents, temperature, reaction time, 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium-based ionic liquids as process media, and the amount of ionic liquid, the results demonstrate that [BMIM][BF4] facilitates the conversion of guaifenesin to 3-(2-methoxyphenoxy)propanal and other novel products, while [BMIM]Cl favors C–O bond cleavage to 2-methoxyphenol (guaiacol). The ionic liquid [BMIM][BF4] was used three times without any loss of catalytic activity. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) experiments were performed in this study to reveal the guaifenesin degradation and product formation characteristics. According to the distribution of the guaifenesin conversion products, the most plausible mechanisms were proposed by using GC–MS data.

Measurements were made according to IEEE standard 644-1994 at a height of 1 m above floor level. It is concluded that none of the measurements exceeded the ACGIH threshold limit value. Among all control rooms the highest measured density amount is 0.69 μT in the control room of Ozgol substation and the lowest is 0.2 μT in the post of Shahid Firouzi. The control room of Ozgol substation is located in the second floor and bus-bars are located at a short distance from the window on the east, and so the highest recorded magnetic field is measured in this control room. Among all switchgear parts the highest amount 9.15 μT is measured in Kan substation. None of the measurements exceeded the ACGIH threshold limit value.