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Aims. The aim of this study was to determine prevalence of oral manifestations related to COVID-19 infection among a sample of recovered patients in the Basrah province of Iraq. Methodology. This cross-sectional study included a total of 574 individuals from Basrah city, Iraq (196 males and 378 females), who had been previously infected with COVID-19. A questionnaire was developed and used to record the demographic data, medical history, severity of respiratory infection followed by hospitalization along with oral signs and symptoms that occurred during the COVID-19 infection and their persistence after recovery. Results. Oral manifestations were reported in 88.3% of the studied sample. The most common oral manifestation was ageusia (66.8%), followed by dry mouth (59%), gustatory changes (46%), dysphagia (40.5%), burning sensation (20.8%), oral ulceration (14.5%), and gingival bleeding (3.3%). The findings suggested that ageusia was the only symptom that persisted following recovery from the COVID-19 infection. The results showed a significant statistical correlation between the incidence of oral manifestations and the severity of COVID-19 infection followed by hospitalization. A significant correlation was also found between the age groups and COVID-19 oral manifestations, whereas no significant statistical relationship was observed between gender, smoking, and systemic diseases. Conclusions. COVID-19 infection has considerable impacts on the oral cavity and salivary glands and after recovery from the infection, some patients continue to complain of ageusia for several months. There is a positive correlation between the incidence of oral signs and symptoms associated with COVID-19 infection and the severity of the infection.

To investigate the flavonoids in flower of Albizia julibrissin (‘He Huan Hua’ in Chinese), the ultrasonic-assisted extraction of total flavonoids from ‘He Huan Hua’ was optimized by response surface methodology and the chemical profile was characterized by HPLC- QTOF-MS/MS. What’s more, the antioxidant and tyrosinase inhibitory activities of ‘He Huan Hua’ were also evaluated in this study. The extraction time, extraction temperature and ethanol concentration were optimized by single factor experiments and response surface methodology. The three factors were optimized to be 43 min, 40℃ and 49% (v/v) respectively. Under the optimized extraction condition, the yield of total flavonoids from ‘He Huan Hua’ was 3.31% (W/W). There were 32 different flavonoids identified from the extracts of ‘He Huan Hua’, which mainly were flavonol glycosides and the principal component was quercitrin. The antioxidant activity of the extracts of ‘He Huan Hua’ was evaluated by Diphenyl Picryl Hydrazinyl Radical (DPPH), 2,2′-Azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) and reducing power assays. The extracts of ‘He Huan Hua’ exhibited good antioxidative activity with IC50/EC50 of 90.91±3.36 (DPPH assay), 15.09±0.17 (ABTS assay) and 67.69±2.97 (reducing power assay) μg/mL, respectively. Most importantly, the extracts of ‘He Huan Hua’ also showed good tyrosinase inhibitory activity (IC50:1.32±0.01 mg/mL). The higher antioxidant and tyrosinase inhibitory activities of ‘He Huan Hua’ might be related to the presence of rich flavonol compounds. In summary, flavonoids in ‘He Huan Hua’ have great value for developing antioxidants and tyrosinase inhibitors and are deserved to be applied for prevention of premature skin aging.

Platinum (Pt) is known as one of the most promising electrocatalysts, and nanostructured Pt materials have enhanced its activity due to their abundant catalytically active sites derived from their high surface area. Herein, we synthesize fascinating dendritic Pt nanoparticles (DPNs) by a softtemplating method using hexadecyltrimethylammonium chloride (CTAC) as a pore-forming agent. The dissolved negatively charged Pt precursor (PtCl4 2¹) effectively interact with the surfactant. The particle size of the obtained DPNs is around 20 nm, and the pore walls are composed of Pt nanocrystals. The obtained DPNs show good electrocatalytic activity towards methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) compared to commercial Pt black (PtB), and its stability is also higher than that of PtB

Platinum (Pt) is known as one of the most promising electrocatalysts, and nanostructured Pt materials have enhanced its activity due to their abundant catalytically active sites derived from their high surface area. Herein, we synthesize fascinating dendritic Pt nanoparticles (DPNs) by a softtemplating method using hexadecyltrimethylammonium chloride (CTAC) as a pore-forming agent. The dissolved negatively charged Pt precursor (PtCl4 2¹) effectively interact with the surfactant. The particle size of the obtained DPNs is around 20 nm, and the pore walls are composed of Pt nanocrystals. The obtained DPNs show good electrocatalytic activity towards methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) compared to commercial Pt black (PtB), and its stability is also higher than that of PtB

Platinum (Pt) is known as one of the most promising electrocatalysts, and nanostructured Pt materials have enhanced its activity due to their abundant catalytically active sites derived from their high surface area. Herein, we synthesize fascinating dendritic Pt nanoparticles (DPNs) by a softtemplating method using hexadecyltrimethylammonium chloride (CTAC) as a pore-forming agent. The dissolved negatively charged Pt precursor (PtCl4 2¹) effectively interact with the surfactant. The particle size of the obtained DPNs is around 20 nm, and the pore walls are composed of Pt nanocrystals. The obtained DPNs show good electrocatalytic activity towards methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) compared to commercial Pt black (PtB), and its stability is also higher than that of PtB

Platinum (Pt) is known as one of the most promising electrocatalysts, and nanostructured Pt materials have enhanced its activity due to their abundant catalytically active sites derived from their high surface area. Herein, we synthesize fascinating dendritic Pt nanoparticles (DPNs) by a softtemplating method using hexadecyltrimethylammonium chloride (CTAC) as a pore-forming agent. The dissolved negatively charged Pt precursor (PtCl4 2¹) effectively interact with the surfactant. The particle size of the obtained DPNs is around 20 nm, and the pore walls are composed of Pt nanocrystals. The obtained DPNs show good electrocatalytic activity towards methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) compared to commercial Pt black (PtB), and its stability is also higher than that of PtB

Platinum (Pt) is known as one of the most promising electrocatalysts, and nanostructured Pt materials have enhanced its activity due to their abundant catalytically active sites derived from their high surface area. Herein, we synthesize fascinating dendritic Pt nanoparticles (DPNs) by a softtemplating method using hexadecyltrimethylammonium chloride (CTAC) as a pore-forming agent. The dissolved negatively charged Pt precursor (PtCl4 2¹) effectively interact with the surfactant. The particle size of the obtained DPNs is around 20 nm, and the pore walls are composed of Pt nanocrystals. The obtained DPNs show good electrocatalytic activity towards methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) compared to commercial Pt black (PtB), and its stability is also higher than that of PtB

Mesoporous Pd@Pt nanoparticles possess high surface areas while still maintaining electroconductivity and low potential for agglomeration. By introducing L- or D-DOPA (3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine) enantiomers during the synthesis of the mesoporous Pd@Pt nanoparticles, we can create a Pt shell that is sensitive to the chirality of the DOPA molecule. We demonstrate sensitive electrochemical detection of DOPA enantiomers.

Sensing technology for biomolecules has played a key role for maintaining a high quality of life. Various kinds of sensing techniques have been developed for detecting biomolecules. Among the detection techniques which have been reported so far, non-enzymatic glucose detection, based on electrochemical mechanisms, has attracted great interest as a facile route for monitoring glucose levels in the blood. In this method, designing nanostructured electrodes is a promising strategy to improve detection performance. Owing to their fascinating physicochemical properties, including superior electrical and electrocatalytic properties, mesoporous metal films offer a wide range of useful applications which cannot be achieved by other mesoporous materials. In this work, mesoporous Au films (MpGFs) are synthesized by an effective and simple electrochemical process in the presence of a surfactant, where the mesoporous structure can be controlled by the size of the polymeric micelles. The micelles are removed using a tetrahydrofuran-based solvent-extraction method. The activity of MpGFs towards glucose oxidation is evaluated under a fixed potential in alkaline solution. Under optimal potentials, the current response for other interfering molecules is minimal, while the current response for glucose is maximal. A linear relationship between the current response and the glucose content is observed over a wide range of concentrations. Thus, our MpGF shows an excellent performance for electrochemical glucose sensing applications.

Sensing technology for biomolecules has played a key role for maintaining a high quality of life. Various kinds of sensing techniques have been developed for detecting biomolecules. Among the detection techniques which have been reported so far, non-enzymatic glucose detection, based on electrochemical mechanisms, has attracted great interest as a facile route for monitoring glucose levels in the blood. In this method, designing nanostructured electrodes is a promising strategy to improve detection performance. Owing to their fascinating physicochemical properties, including superior electrical and electrocatalytic properties, mesoporous metal films offer a wide range of useful applications which cannot be achieved by other mesoporous materials. In this work, mesoporous Au films (MpGFs) are synthesized by an effective and simple electrochemical process in the presence of a surfactant, where the mesoporous structure can be controlled by the size of the polymeric micelles. The micelles are removed using a tetrahydrofuran-based solvent-extraction method. The activity of MpGFs towards glucose oxidation is evaluated under a fixed potential in alkaline solution. Under optimal potentials, the current response for other interfering molecules is minimal, while the current response for glucose is maximal. A linear relationship between the current response and the glucose content is observed over a wide range of concentrations. Thus, our MpGF shows an excellent performance for electrochemical glucose sensing applications.

Mesoporous Pd@Pt nanoparticles possess high surface areas while still maintaining electroconductivity and low potential for agglomeration. By introducing L- or D-DOPA (3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine) enantiomers during the synthesis of the mesoporous Pd@Pt nanoparticles, we can create a Pt shell that is sensitive to the chirality of the DOPA molecule. We demonstrate sensitive electrochemical detection of DOPA enantiomers.

Sensing technology for biomolecules has played a key role for maintaining a high quality of life. Various kinds of sensing techniques have been developed for detecting biomolecules. Among the detection techniques which have been reported so far, non-enzymatic glucose detection, based on electrochemical mechanisms, has attracted great interest as a facile route for monitoring glucose levels in the blood. In this method, designing nanostructured electrodes is a promising strategy to improve detection performance. Owing to their fascinating physicochemical properties, including superior electrical and electrocatalytic properties, mesoporous metal films offer a wide range of useful applications which cannot be achieved by other mesoporous materials. In this work, mesoporous Au films (MpGFs) are synthesized by an effective and simple electrochemical process in the presence of a surfactant, where the mesoporous structure can be controlled by the size of the polymeric micelles. The micelles are removed using a tetrahydrofuran-based solvent-extraction method. The activity of MpGFs towards glucose oxidation is evaluated under a fixed potential in alkaline solution. Under optimal potentials, the current response for other interfering molecules is minimal, while the current response for glucose is maximal. A linear relationship between the current response and the glucose content is observed over a wide range of concentrations. Thus, our MpGF shows an excellent performance for electrochemical glucose sensing applications.

This study investigated the replacement of soybean meal by cottonseed meal in diets for the Chinese mitten crab, Eriocheir sinensis. Seven isocaloric and isonitrogenous diets were tested with five replicates of each treatment. Cottonseed meal replaced 33%, 66%, or 100% of the soybean meal in three diets, while lysine was added to another three containing the same amounts of cottonseed meal. The control contained neither cottonseed meal nor lysine. Protein digestibility decreased with the increase of dietary cottonseed mealand was significantly lower in the 100% treatment than in the control. Dry matter in the body of crabs fed the 33%, 66%, 100%, and 33%+lysine diets was significantly lower than that of the control. Whole body protein decreased as the cottonseed meal content increased, and was significantly lower in crabs fed the 100% diet than in control crabs. Crabs fed the control diet contained higher lipid than those fed other diets, while crabs fed diets containing lysine had significantly lower lipid than crabs fed the 33% diet. Crabs fed the 100%+lysine diet had a significantly higher ash content than those fed the 33% or 100% diets. In conclusion, this study indicates that 66% of soybean meal can be replaced by cottonseed meal in crab diets and 100% of soybean meal can be replaced by cottonseed meal when supplemented by lysine.

This study investigated the replacement of soybean meal by cottonseed meal in diets for the Chinese mitten crab, Eriocheir sinensis. Seven isocaloric and isonitrogenous diets were tested with five replicates of each treatment. Cottonseed meal replaced 33%, 66%, or 100% of the soybean meal in three diets, while lysine was added to another three containing the same amounts of cottonseed meal. The control contained neither cottonseed meal nor lysine. Protein digestibility decreased with the increase of dietary cottonseed mealand was significantly lower in the 100% treatment than in the control. Dry matter in the body of crabs fed the 33%, 66%, 100%, and 33%+lysine diets was significantly lower than that of the control. Whole body protein decreased as the cottonseed meal content increased, and was significantly lower in crabs fed the 100% diet than in control crabs. Crabs fed the control diet contained higher lipid than those fed other diets, while crabs fed diets containing lysine had significantly lower lipid than crabs fed the 33% diet. Crabs fed the 100%+lysine diet had a significantly higher ash content than those fed the 33% or 100% diets. In conclusion, this study indicates that 66% of soybean meal can be replaced by cottonseed meal in crab diets and 100% of soybean meal can be replaced by cottonseed meal when supplemented by lysine.

This study investigated the replacement of soybean meal by cottonseed meal in diets for the Chinese mitten crab, Eriocheir sinensis. Seven isocaloric and isonitrogenous diets were tested with five replicates of each treatment. Cottonseed meal replaced 33%, 66%, or 100% of the soybean meal in three diets, while lysine was added to another three containing the same amounts of cottonseed meal. The control contained neither cottonseed meal nor lysine. Protein digestibility decreased with the increase of dietary cottonseed mealand was significantly lower in the 100% treatment than in the control. Dry matter in the body of crabs fed the 33%, 66%, 100%, and 33%+lysine diets was significantly lower than that of the control. Whole body protein decreased as the cottonseed meal content increased, and was significantly lower in crabs fed the 100% diet than in control crabs. Crabs fed the control diet contained higher lipid than those fed other diets, while crabs fed diets containing lysine had significantly lower lipid than crabs fed the 33% diet. Crabs fed the 100%+lysine diet had a significantly higher ash content than those fed the 33% or 100% diets. In conclusion, this study indicates that 66% of soybean meal can be replaced by cottonseed meal in crab diets and 100% of soybean meal can be replaced by cottonseed meal when supplemented by lysine.

Treatment with 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP), a potent inhibitor of ethylene action, delayed the decrease in fruit firmness and the time in peaks of respiration and ethylene production rates, 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) concentration, and ACC oxidase (ACO) activity of banana fruit, but exogenous ethylene treatment was not able to induce fruit ripening when the fruit was treated with 200 nL/L of 1 MCP. Furthermore, 1-MCP treatment delayed expression of ACC synthase (ACS) and ACO genes, two ripening- related genes in ethylene synthesis. These results demonstrated that ripening process of banana fruit was delayed at a physiological level by 1-MCP, while ethylene synthesis could be regulated at suppressed transcript levels of ACS and ACO genes., Obrada s 1-metilciklopropenom (1-MCP), snažnim inhibitorom djelovanja etena, usporava snizivanje čvrstoće banane i vrijeme dostizanja maksimalne respiracije, brzine proizvodnje etena, zatim koncentraciju 1-aminociklopropan-1-karboksilne kiseline (ACC) i aktivnosti ACC oksidaze (ACO). Me|utim, egzogena obrada etenom nije mogla inducirati sazrijevanje ploda ako su banane bile obrađene s 200 nL/L 1-MCP. Nadalje, obrada s 1-MCP usporila je ekspresiju ACC sintaze (ACS) te ACO gena, jer oba gena sudjeluju u sintezi etena tijekom sazrijevanja. Ovi rezultati pokazuju da je proces sazrijevanja banana usporen na fiziološkoj razini, dok se sinteza etena može regulirati prigušivanjem razine transkripcije ACS i ACO gena s 1-MCP.