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Highly thermostable RhB@Zr-Eddc composites with the Rhodamine B (RhB) enclosed into the nanocages of Zr-Eddc was synthesized by one-pot method under hydrothermal conditions, whose structure, morphology and stability were characterized through the X-ray powder diffractometry (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). RhB@Zr-Eddc showed the highly thermal stability up to 550°C and emitted the bright red-light emission at 605 nm, which could highly selective detect the nitrofurazone (NFZ) among eleven other antibiotics in aqueous solution. Furthermore, via combining the RhB@Zr-Eddc with commercial green phosphor (Y3Al5O12:Ce3+, Ga3+), the mixture was encapsulated onto a 455 nm blue LED chip, creating an excellent white light emitting diode (WLED) device with the correlated colour temperature (CCT) of 4710 K, luminous efficiency (LE) of 43.17 lm/w and Color Rendering Index (CRI) of 89.2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An understanding of the mechanistic drivers of animal‐microbial symbiosis and associations generally requires experiments that manipulate specific symbionts or microbial communities. As part of an ongoing study of the mechanisms that drive microbial communities in coral reef fishes, and specifically the role of cleanerfish in microbial transmission, we tested the effects of the commonly used antibiotics Enrofloxacin and Nitrofurazone on the skin microbiome of three ornamental reef fish species: the four‐eyed butterflyfish, Chaetodon capistratus (Chaetodontidae), the cleanerfish neon goby Elacatinus oceanops (Gobiidae) and the beaugregory damselfish Stegastes leucostictus (Pomacentridae). Our main aim was to characterize dysbiosis prompted by the delivery of the two antibiotics and understand whether both could be used to establish good starting points for microbial transmission experiments. We bathed the fish in antibiotic (or no exposure in the controls), sampled the skin microbiota via swabbing at zero (before treatment) and 3 and 7 days during the treatments, and examined the microbial community using a 16S rRNA gene sequencing approach. Nitrofurazone reduced skin‐associated microbial diversity in all species, whereas the same effect for Enrofloxacin was only seen in S. leucostictus. Although each antibiotic had its own, unique impact in microbial community, all treatments showed positive and negative shifts in the most abundant microbial taxa over time. Moreover, soon after the delivery of both antibiotics, increases in the abundance of opportunistic bacteria or potential pathogens, such as Alteromonas and Vibrio, were observed. Although both antibiotics are effective, Nitrofurazone more successfully reduces microbial diversity and therefore may be more ideal for experiments seeking to disrupt fish microbiomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal–organic frame (MOF) materials may have the advantages of a regular pore structure, large porosity, and large specific surface area, which could provide better catalytic activity, but they have some disadvantages in electrocatalysis. In contrast, carbon nanofibers (CNFs) prepared by electrospinning methods have good conductivity and stability. Therefore, this research aimed to generate MOF/CNFs composite materials to improve the electrochemical properties of MOF materials and apply them to the field of electrochemical sensing. This experiment was based on the preparation of straight unidirectional CNFs by an electrospinning method at 2000 RPM. The original method of preparing zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIF-8) was improved and ZIF-8 was uniformly dispersed on the surface of CNFs to form a ZIF-8/CNF composite with a fiber diameter of about 0.10 to 0.35 µm. The specific surface area of the CNFs was about 42.28 m2/g, while that of the ZIF-8/CNF composite was about 999.82 m2/g. The specific surface area of the ZIF-8/CNF composite was significantly larger than that of CNFs. The GCE/ZIF-8/CNF electrode had an excellent electrochemical reaction, with an oxidation peak at about 216 μA, which proved that the ZIF-8/CNF composite material would have good catalytic activity and excellent electrochemical properties for the detection of nitrofurazone compared to other modified electrodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highly thermostable RhB@Zr-Eddc composites with the Rhodamine B (RhB) enclosed into the nanocages of Zr-Eddc was synthesized by one-pot method under hydrothermal conditions, whose structure, morphology and stability were characterized through the X-ray powder diffractometry (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). RhB@Zr-Eddc showed the highly thermal stability up to 550°C and emitted the bright red-light emission at 605 nm, which could highly selective detect the nitrofurazone (NFZ) among eleven other antibiotics in aqueous solution. Furthermore, via combining the RhB@Zr-Eddc with commercial green phosphor (Y3Al5O12:Ce3+, Ga3+), the mixture was encapsulated onto a 455 nm blue LED chip, creating an ex-cellent white light emitting diode (WLED) device with the correlated colour temperature (CCT) of 4710 K, luminous efficiency (LE) of 43.17 lm/w and Color Rendering Index (CRI) of 89.2.

Abstract An understanding of the mechanistic drivers of animal‐microbial symbiosis and associations generally requires experiments that manipulate specific symbionts or microbial communities. As part of an ongoing study of the mechanisms that drive microbial communities in coral reef fishes, and specifically the role of cleanerfish in microbial transmission, we tested the effects of the commonly used antibiotics Enrofloxacin and Nitrofurazone on the skin microbiome of three ornamental reef fish species: the four‐eyed butterflyfish, Chaetodon capistratus (Chaetodontidae), the cleanerfish neon goby Elacatinus oceanops (Gobiidae) and the beaugregory damselfish Stegastes leucostictus (Pomacentridae). Our main aim was to characterize dysbiosis prompted by the delivery of the two antibiotics and understand whether both could be used to establish good starting points for microbial transmission experiments. We bathed the fish in antibiotic (or no exposure in the controls), sampled the skin microbiota via swabbing at zero (before treatment) and 3 and 7 days during the treatments, and examined the microbial community using a 16S rRNA gene sequencing approach. Nitrofurazone reduced skin‐associated microbial diversity in all species, whereas the same effect for Enrofloxacin was only seen in S. leucostictus. Although each antibiotic had its own, unique impact in microbial community, all treatments showed positive and negative shifts in the most abundant microbial taxa over time. Moreover, soon after the delivery of both antibiotics, increases in the abundance of opportunistic bacteria or potential pathogens, such as Alteromonas and Vibrio, were observed. Although both antibiotics are effective, Nitrofurazone more successfully reduces microbial diversity and therefore may be more ideal for experiments seeking to disrupt fish microbiomes.

Metal–organic frame (MOF) materials may have the advantages of a regular pore structure, large porosity, and large specific surface area, which could provide better catalytic activity, but they have some disadvantages in electrocatalysis. In contrast, carbon nanofibers (CNFs) prepared by electrospinning methods have good conductivity and stability. Therefore, this research aimed to generate MOF/CNFs composite materials to improve the electrochemical properties of MOF materials and apply them to the field of electrochemical sensing. This experiment was based on the preparation of straight unidirectional CNFs by an electrospinning method at 2000 RPM. The original method of preparing zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIF-8) was improved and ZIF-8 was uniformly dispersed on the surface of CNFs to form a ZIF-8/CNF composite with a fiber diameter of about 0.10 to 0.35 µm. The specific surface area of the CNFs was about 42.28 m2/g, while that of the ZIF-8/CNF composite was about 999.82 m2/g. The specific surface area of the ZIF-8/CNF composite was significantly larger than that of CNFs. The GCE/ZIF-8/CNF electrode had an excellent electrochemical reaction, with an oxidation peak at about 216 μA, which proved that the ZIF-8/CNF composite material would have good catalytic activity and excellent electrochemical properties for the detection of nitrofurazone compared to other modified electrodes.

This article discusses a case of systemic allergic contact dermatitis (SACD) caused by the use of topical nitrofurazone. The patient, a 34-year-old woman, developed pruritic eczematous lesions after applying nitrofurazone ointment to a burn on her forearm. The condition improved with the use of corticosteroids. Patch tests confirmed sensitization to nitrofurazone. The article emphasizes the need for awareness of the potential systemic implications of topical medications and recommends the use of alternative antimicrobials and antiseptics for the treatment of wounds. [Extracted from the article]

Nitrofurazone usage in food‐producing animals is prohibited in most countries, including the United States. Regulatory agencies regularly monitor its use in domestic, export/import animals' food products by measuring the semicarbazide (SEM) metabolite as a biomarker of nitrofurazone exposure. However, the use of SEM is controversial because it is also produced in food naturally and thus gives false positive results. A cyano‐metabolite, 4‐cyano‐2‐oxobutyraldehyde semicarbazone (COBS), is proposed as an alternate specific marker of nitrofurazone to distinguish nitrofurazone from treated or untreated animals. A synthetic method was developed to produce COBS via metallic hydrogenation of nitrofurazone. The product was isolated and characterized by one‐ and two‐dimensional nuclear magnetic spectroscopy (NMR) experiments, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), and mass spectrometry. The developed synthetic procedure was further extended to synthesize isotopically labeled 4‐[13C]‐cyano‐2‐oxo‐ [2, 3, 4‐13C3]‐butyraldehyde semicarbazone. Labeled COBS is useful as an internal standard for its quantification in food‐producing animals. Thus, the developed method provides a possibility for its commercial synthesis to procure COBS. This is the first synthesis of the alternate specific marker metabolite of nitrofurazone for possible usage in regulatory analysis to solve a real‐world problem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The veterinary drug nitrofurazone (5‐nitro‐2‐furaldehyde semicarbazone) exhibits excellent antimicrobial properties but its application in food‐producing animals is prohibited. The illegal use of nitrofurazone is regularly monitored by food regulatory agencies. Currently, semicarbazide (SEM) is used as a marker of nitrofurazone exposure. However, the use of SEM as a marker of nitrofurazone is under scrutiny after evidence of a high incidence of false positive tests. To overcome the current dilemma, it is necessary to identify a nitrofurazone‐specific marker analyte which requires conducting nitrofurazone metabolism studies in food‐producing animals. The use of carbon‐14 labeled nitrofurazone would facilitate metabolism studies and structural elucidation of nitrofurazone metabolites of possible utility as a marker compound. In the present work, a synthetic method is described to procure radiolabeled nitrofurazone that incorporates 14C‐ carbon at the semicarbazide moiety. The method incorporates 14C‐carbon via employing readily available and more economically affordable [14C]‐urea compared with [14C]‐semicarbazide. To the best of our knowledge, there is no report on the synthesis of 5‐nitro‐2‐furaldehyde [14C]‐semicarbazone from 14C‐urea. The developed method involves monoamination of [14C]‐urea followed by a condensation reaction with 5‐nitro‐2‐furaldehyde to produce 5‐nitro‐2‐furaldehyde [14C]‐semicarbazone in 85% yield with greater than 98% radiochemical purity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The carcinogenic and teratogenic risks of nitrofurazone (NFZ) led to its restriction in aquatic products. Semicarbazide (SEM), one of its metabolites, is a primary focus of modern monitoring techniques. However, the SEM residue in aquatic products is believed to be formed through endogenous mechanisms, especially for aquatic crustaceans. In this article, we will discuss the source of SEM, including its usage as an antibiotic in aquatic products (nitrofurazone), its production during food processing (azodicarbonamide and hypochlorite treatment), its occurrence naturally in the body, and its intake from the environment. SEM detection techniques were divided into three groups: derivatization, extraction/purification, and analytical methods. Applications based on liquid chromatography and its tandem mass spectrometry, immunoassay, and electrochemical methods were outlined, as were the use of various derivatives and their assisted derivatization, as well as extraction and purification techniques based on liquid-liquid extraction and solid-phase extraction. The difficulties of implementing SEM for nitrofurazone monitoring in aquatic products from crustaceans are also discussed. Possible new markers and methods for detecting them are discussed. Finally, the present research on monitoring illicit nitrofurazone usage through its metabolites is summarised, and potential problems that need to be overcome by continuing research are proposed with an eye toward giving references for future studies.

In this study, in order to investigate the metabolic pathway of semicarbazide, a metabolite of nitrofurazone, in crustacean aquatic products, the accumulation of nitrofurazone and its metabolites in Procambarus clarkii was evaluated at different time points, and the metabolomics characteristics of semicarbazide were analyzed by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole/electrostatic field orbitrap high resolution mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-Exactive-MS). Meanwhile, substances that may be related to semicarbazide production in the metabolic pathway were examined through in vitro simulation test. The results showed that the semicarbazide content in the muscle tissue of P. clarkii increased with increasing nitrofurazone stress period, while the nitrofurazone content initially increased, then decreased and finally increased again. Metabolomics demonstrated that a total of 39 differential metabolites were annotated in samples treated with nitrofurazone for 24 h compared to 4 h, of which 22 metabolites were up-regulated while the remaining 17 were down-regulated. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis suggested that nitrofurazone exposure could affect pathways associated with taurine and hypotaurine metabolism, arginine biosynthesis, alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism, and D-glutamine and D-glutamate metabolism. Validation tests confirmed that taurine, arginine, alanine and glutamine might be crucial in the metabolic pathway of semicarbazide.

Background: Allergic sensitization to topical antimicrobial treatments is a well-known problem. Furacin® is one of the most widely used in our environment. It contains 0.2% nitrofurazone and polyethylene glycol (PEG) as a vehicle. Case report: 57-year-old male with no history of interest. He presented skin rash, blisters, and serous exudate 2-3 days after starting treatment with Furacin® (applied to an infected skin wound). Epicutaneous tests were performed with a true test battery, nitrofurantoin 1% in petrolatum, PEG15000 and 4000 1% in petrolatum, pure PEG 400, PEG monomethyl ether 350 1% in water. Positive result at 96 hours for nitrofurantoin. Conclusion: Nitrofurazone is widely used as a topical antibiotic because of its bactericidal spectrum. It (including its excipients) should be considered in case of adverse reactions after application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The effective mineralization of nitrofurazone (10–100 mg L−1) was performed in aqueous solutions in the presence of chloride ions by electrochemical treatment. The destruction of the organic pollutant molecules was due to their interaction with active oxygen- and chlorine-containing species forming at the inert anode (Pt/Ti or BDD) during electrolysis. Measurements of nitrofurazone concentration, chemical oxygen demand (COD) and total organic carbon (TOC) were used to estimate the removal efficiency of the pollutant. Both the pollutant oxidation rate and the degree of its mineralization were higher for the BDD anode due to the higher anode potentials on it in the course of electrolysis, which provides a high rate of active oxidizer species generation. As a result, practically full nitrofurazone molecule destruction (>99%) was achieved in 30 min at an anodic current density of 0.1 A cm−2, a volume current density of 1.33 A L−1 and pH 2 using BDD anodes. On the other hand, the nitrafurazone degradation efficiency was about 95% for Pt/Ti anodes under the same conditions. Additionally, byproducts of nitrofurazone electrooxidation were investigated by means of liquid chromato-mass-spectrometry (LC/MS). It was found that the initial decolorization of nitrofurazone solution, which occurs during the first 5 min of electrolysis, is due to the formation of a dichloro derivative of nitrofurazone, which causes the destruction of the π−conjugated bond system. Further electrolysis resulted in the almost complete destruction of the dichloro derivative within 30 min of electrochemical treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein we describe an innovative comprehensive experiment titled "Design and Evaluation of a ZIF-8/WCNT-Based Electrochemical Sensor for Nitrofurazone Determination in Experimental Teaching" used in our undergraduate program. The experiment comprises several modules, namely synthesis and characterization of Zn-MeIM metal-organic framework ZIF-8, preparation of an electrochemical sensor, optimization of experimental conditions, and development of analytical methods. The experiment involves analytical chemistry, materials chemistry, and other secondary chemistry branches. Owing to its interdisciplinary features and remarkable expansibility, the experiment is suitable for undergraduate experimental analytical chemistry teaching. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The construction of noble-metal incorporated semiconductor hybrids for the detection of antibiotics has intrigued great interest among researchers in the field of surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). However, the production of SERS substrates to accomplish the effective enhancement of the Raman signal was a bottleneck to researchers for the past decades. This study investigates the SERS performance of anisotropic Ag nanoprisms (Ag NPrs) attached onto the surface of Cu2O microspheres for the trace-level antibiotic detection of nitrofurazone (NFZ). Physicochemical activities and surface morphologies of the prepared hybrids were meticulously examined using various analytical techniques. The eminent sharp tips and edges of Ag NPrs deposited on Cu2O microspheres endow enormous intensity enhancement of the Raman signal of NFZ in the innumerable hotspot regions through the synergistic utilization of electromagnetic enhancement and charge transfer enhancement. The proposed hybrid-based SERS substrate provides superior detection performance, including high sensitivity, high enhancement factor of 2.31 × 1011, ultra-low limit of detection of 5.80 × 10–13 M, superior spot-to-spot uniformity, and substrate-to-substrate reproducibility <8.31% for NFZ detection. Furthermore, the real-sample analysis performed on NFZ in local pond water shows satisfactory recovery values from 81 to 96%. The presented sensing characteristics demonstrate that the proposed Ag-NPrs/Cu2O-based SERS substrate possesses promising features for detecting NFZ in standard and real-sample applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new imine‐linked covalent organic framework (COFDHA‐TAPB) with strong fluorescence is designed by using 2,5‐dihydroxybenzaldehyde (DHA) and 1,3,5‐tri(4‐aminophenyl)benzene (TAPB) as monomers. The TAPB has a suitable aromatic skeleton in which slight distortion between phenyl groups reduces aggregation‐caused quenching (ACQ). The hydroxyl group side chains of DHA form hydrogen bond with the imine bonds of COFDHA‐TAPB to restrict intramolecular rotations. Hydrogen bonds are also formed between different layers of COFDHA‐TAPB, which further restricts supramolecular rotation by narrowing the layer spacing. Moreover, the COFDHA‐TAPB exhibits a hollow sphere structure, which also reduces ACQ and intramolecular rotation. Therefore, COFDHA‐TAPB has a strong emission peak at 408 nm, which is used for nitrofurazone detection. The detection linear range is 0.33 µm–0.197 mm (0.066–39 µg mL−1), and the detection limit is 0.11 µm (0.022 µg mL−1). This work also provides an important guideline to design strongly fluorescent covalent organic framework by controlling layer spacing, aromatic linkers sizes and side chains of monomers for sensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrofurazone (NF) is a kind of synthetic antibiotic with teratogenic and carcinogenic properties, which is often residual in animal food, so it is of great significance to detect it with high selectivity and rapid. In this study, a molecularly imprinted electrochemical sensor was constructed by electropolymerization for the high-specificity, high sensitivity,and rapid detection of NF in milk. By sequentially modifying reduced graphene oxide (RGO) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) on the glassy carbon electrode, the effective surface area and electron transfer ability of the electrode are improved, the double amplification of the electrical signal is realized, and the sensitivity and stability of the sensor are improved. A molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) is polymerized on the surface of the modified electrode by using NF as a target molecule and o-phenylenediamine (o–PD) as a functional monomer to improve the specific detection ability of the sensor for NF. The experimental conditions (the number of turns of depositing RGO, the thickness of the MIP, the elution time, and the adsorption time) were optimized to attain the best detection performance of the sensor. Differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) was used to detect NF by redox probe ([Fe(CN)6]3−/4−). The constructed sensor exhibited an admirable linear relationship between 5 and 1000 nmol L−1 (R2 = 0.9968) and the detection limit was 0.18 nmol L−1 (S/N = 3). Compared to the non-imprinted sensor, the imprinting factor was found to be 3.09. In addition, the sensor also showed excellent repeatability (RSD = 1.17%) and stability, and also showed a good recovery rate in actual sample detection (99.06–101.46%), which is expected to be applied to the detection of other harmful substances in food. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objectives: Nowadays, the use of medicinal plants is on the rise mainly due to the fewer side effects and lower costs. Despite the traditional reports about the healing properties of Ajuga species, no clinical studies have been conducted. In this study, the effect of hydroalcoholic extract cream (3%) of Ajuga chamaecistus ssp. tomentella, one of the exclusive species of Ajuga in Iran, was compared with nitrofurazone cream (0.2%) on the second-degree burn wound healing. Methods: This clinical trial was performed at Motahhari Burns Hospital in Tehran. Fifty-two cases of second-degree burn patients were randomly assigned to two groups of 26 members, including nitrofurazone and Ajuga. We evaluated the wounds based on the onset of epithelialization, healing time, post-drug irritation, primary irritation, decreased irritation, post-drug pain, primary pain, decreased pain, allergy, infection parameters, and the Bates-Jensen Wound Assessment Tool. Results: Ajuga cream was more effective than nitrofurazone in terms of the mean day of epithelialization onset (p = 0.007), healing time (p = 0.001), post-drug irritation (p = 0.007), decreased irritation (p

• One new fluorescent 2D Mn-CP has been hydrothermally fabricated. • Mn-CP displays great chemical and optical stabilities. • Mn-CP shows ratiometric fluorescence response to AA as well as turn-off response toward NFZ and ACAC. The abuse of environmental and biological related molecules, such as small biomolecules, pharmaceutical antibiotics and volatile organic chemicals has become a hotspot issue of global concern. Thus, exploring accurate and effective techniques for monitoring these species remains a major challenge. Here, by employing semi-rigid tetracarboxylate ligand H 4 edda, one new 2D Mn-based coordination polymer with formula of [Mn 2 (edda)(phen) 2 (H 2 O) 2 ] n (Mn-CP ; H 4 edda = 5,5′-(ethane-1,2-diylbis(oxy)) diisophthalic acid); phen = 1,10-phenanthroline) has been hydrothermally fabricated. The prepared Mn-CP possesses a sql topology with Schläfli symbol of (44·62). Stability research for Mn-CP reveals that it maintains structural stability and initial fluorescence intensity after soaking in water for one week. Moreover, Mn-CP also displays high structural stability in acidic-basic aqueous solution of broad pH scope (1–13) for 48 h. Importantly, photoluminescence measurements indicate that it shows ratiometric fluorescence response to ascorbic acid (AA) as well as turn-off response toward nitrofurazone (NFZ) and acetylacetone (ACAC). The developed fluorescence probe based on Mn-CP shows merits of high selectivity and low detection limits (33.67 nM, 1.43 nM and 2.29 μM for AA, NFZ and ACAC, respectively). The possible mechanisms have been thoroughly explored through exhaustive experimental surveys and theories calculations. The CP-based multi-responsive fluorescent probe designed in this work extends the application of such materials in environmental and biological related fields. This is special type of abstract that is so short and could be inserted after main abstract of article, as a blurb or inserted as annotations into a Table of contents [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effective mineralization of nitrofurazone (10–100 mg L−1) was performed in aqueous solutions in the presence of chloride ions by electrochemical treatment. The destruction of the organic pollutant molecules was due to their interaction with active oxygen- and chlorine-containing species forming at the inert anode (Pt/Ti or BDD) during electrolysis. Measurements of nitrofurazone concentration, chemical oxygen demand (COD) and total organic carbon (TOC) were used to estimate the removal efficiency of the pollutant. Both the pollutant oxidation rate and the degree of its mineralization were higher for the BDD anode due to the higher anode potentials on it in the course of electrolysis, which provides a high rate of active oxidizer species generation. As a result, practically full nitrofurazone molecule destruction (>99%) was achieved in 30 min at an anodic current density of 0.1 A cm−2, a volume current density of 1.33 A L−1 and pH 2 using BDD anodes. On the other hand, the nitrafurazone degradation efficiency was about 95% for Pt/Ti anodes under the same conditions. Additionally, byproducts of nitrofurazone electrooxidation were investigated by means of liquid chromato-mass-spectrometry (LC/MS). It was found that the initial decolorization of nitrofurazone solution, which occurs during the first 5 min of electrolysis, is due to the formation of a dichloro derivative of nitrofurazone, which causes the destruction of the π−conjugated bond system. Further electrolysis resulted in the almost complete destruction of the dichloro derivative within 30 min of electrochemical treatment.

Semicarbazide (SEM), the metabolite of antibiotic nitrofurazone, is often used as the biomarker to determine the use of nitrofurazone. Frequent false-positive events of SEM have brought great trouble to the aquatic industry in international trade. In this paper, the situation of endogenous SEM in aquatic products was investigated, and the possible mechanism of amino acid conversion into SEM was studied by establishing a simulated oxidation system and a urea system. The results revealed the presence of endogenous SEM in the muscle tissue of shrimps, and the content of SEM ranged from 0.56 to 5.28 ng/g, which presented as Macrobrachium nipponense>Macrobrachium rosenbergii>Procambarus clarkii. The increase in SEM production of control lysine under natural oxidation conditions suggests that oxidation has an effect on the conversion of SEM. Under the action of the simulated oxidation system, the SEM of Arginine, Lysine, Citrulline and Glutamine among the 21 amino acids were increased, and the polymer azine was formed. In combination with the structure of four amino acids, it was presumed that the group of amide is a key intermediate structure for the formation of endogenous SEM. In addition, under the urea system, the content of SEM produced by amino acids increased after the addition of urea, and the concentration of urea had a significant correlation with the content of SEM. Taken together, the production of endogenous SEM in shrimps is related to amino acids and urea, and the urea cycle and other substances containing amide structures should also be considered in future explorations.

Nitroreductases activate nitroaromatic antibiotics and cancer prodrugs to cytotoxic hydroxylamines and reduce quinones to quinols. Using steady‐state and stopped‐flow kinetics, we show that the Escherichia coli nitroreductase NfsA is 20–50 fold more active with NADPH than with NADH and that product release may be rate‐limiting. The crystal structure of NfsA with NADP+ shows that a mobile loop forms a phosphate‐binding pocket. The nicotinamide ring and nicotinamide ribose are mobile, as confirmed in molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. We present a model of NADPH bound to NfsA. Only one NADP+ is seen bound to the NfsA dimers, and MD simulations show that binding of a second NADP(H) cofactor is unfavourable, suggesting that NfsA and other members of this protein superfamily may have a half‐of‐sites mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrofurazone (NFZ) antibiotic is banned in food-producing animals, and its metabolite, semicarbazide (SEM), is used as a marker residue for nitrofurazone abuse. However, SEM can also be generated during food processing without veterinary treatment. Therefore, SEM cannot be considered an unequivocal marker of NFZ. This study investigates the use of 5-nitro-2-furaldehyde (5-NF) as an additional marker for nitrofurazone in broiler chickens. After oral administration of NFZ and 5-NF at 25 mg·kg -1 BW for 10 days, tissues (muscle and liver) and plasma samples were analyzed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. In NFZ-treated chickens, 5-NF was detected within 1 h in plasma at a peak concentration of 1.4 ± 0.25 μg·kg -1 , while in 5-NF-treated ones, the maximum concentration was 0.85 ± 0.06 μg·kg -1 after 2 h. 5-NF was not detected in muscle and liver for both treated groups from 0 to 21 days. However, SEM persisted for up to 3 weeks in muscle (0.3 ± 0.018 μg·kg -1 ), 2 weeks in liver (0.16 ± 0.008 μg·kg -1 ), and 1 week in plasma (0.4 ± 0.05 μg·kg -1 ) with a faster elimination rate in liver tissues (half-life of 4.6 days) compared to muscle tissues (half-life of 6.5 days). These findings suggest that SEM remains a better marker for detecting nitrofurazone abuse in chickens compared to 5-NF.

• A new 3D Zn(II)-based MOF was synthesized and characterized. • The MOF was employed as a photocatalyst for antibiotic degradation. • MOF exhibited best photocatalytic degradation of nitrofurazone antibiotic. • Effect of NFZ concentration and MOF dosage on photocatalytic performance studied. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), a sub-class of coordination polymers, are versatile multidimensional materials that have the potential to serve as photocatalysts for the degradation of antibiotics found in wastewater. Herein, a new three dimensional (3D) Zn(II)-based MOF [Zn(TA)(bpyp)·3H 2 O] (1) (bypy = 2,5-bis(pyrid-4-yl)pyridine; H 2 TA = terephthalic acid) has been synthesized and characterized. The MOF 1 shows a 3D PCU -like topology and exhibits semiconducting properties with band gap of 3.34 eV and hence used as a photocatalyst for photodegradation of antibiotics viz. sulfasalazine (SLA), nitrofurazone (NFZ) and furazolidone (FZD) under simulated UV light irradiation. The photocatalytic results suggest that MOF 1 exhibits best photocatalytic activity for the photodegradation of nitrofurazone (NFZ) in 60 min time-span. The effects of initial concentration of NFZ, and photocatalyst dosage have been monitored for the photocatalytic performance of 1. The radical trapping experiments suggest that (holes) h + and superoxide radical (O 2 ·−) collectively catalyzes the photodecomposition of antibiotics. The possible mechanism for the antibiotic degradation by photocatalyst 1 have been proposed by integrating experiment with density of states (DOS) calculations and Hirshfeld surface analysis. A new Zn(II)-based MOF with PCU-like topology synthesized, characterized and used as photocatalyst for photodegradation of antibiotics. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new manganese CPs were synthesized and used as photocatalyst for removal of antibiotics. This study makes a significant contribution to the development of CPs (1) catalysts specifically designed for the efficient degradation of NFZ antibiotics. [Display omitted] • Two new Mn(II)-based coordination polymers were synthesized using mixture ligand strategy. • The catalytic mechanism of CP 1 was discussed by radical trapping experiments in detail. • CP 1 shows highly photocatalytic activity against NFZ. Two new 2D Mn(II)-based coordination polymers (CPs), {[Mn(H 3 L)(phen)]·H 2 O} n (1) and {[Mn(H 3 L)(bpy)]·1.5H 2 O} n (2), were synthesized using one pot procedure. They were isolated from 2,4-bis(3,5-dicarboxylphenxoy)benzoic acid (H 5 L) and two chelating N -donor ligands 1,10-Phenanthroline (phen) and 2,2′-bipyridine (bpy) for photocatalytic applications. The identification of the complexes was confirmed through elemental analysis, FTIR, PXRD, crystallography, and TG analysis, confirming distorted octahedral N N O4 coordination of Mn(II) with the carboxylate O atoms chelating and syn - syn bridging mode (1) and (2). Powder XRD confirmed phase-purity, while TG analysis indicated thermal stability of the complexes up to 400 °C. Both Mn(II)-based coordination polymers (1) and (2) showed optical semiconducting behavior, making them suitable candidates for photocatalysis. The Mn(II)-based coordination polymers (1) showed a 91.93 % degradation of nitrofurazone (NFZ) through photodecomposition. The trapping experiment established that the catalysis of NFZ photodecomposition is primarily attributed to O 2 − radicals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite its detrimental effects on ecosystems, the broad-spectrum antibiotic nitrofurazone is extensively used in the aquaculture industry worldwide. However, the impacts of nitrofurazone toxicity on ecological integrity are still unclear. In this study, a community-based bioassay was used to evaluate the toxicity of nitrofurazone to periphytic ciliates in a concentration gradient using five treatments (0, 1, 2, 4 and 8 mg l−1). The periphytic ciliate communities were collected from coastal waters of the Yellow Sea near the mouth of Jiaozhou Bay at Qingdao, in northern China. After exposure to nitrofurazone, these communities showed toxicity dynamics like high variability in species composition. Species richness and total abundance decreased in a dose-dependent manner, with total abundance dropping sharply at the 8 mg l−1 concentration of nitrofurazone. Multivariate analyses demonstrated variations in the patterns of community structure driven by nitrofurazone toxicity, and these patterns differed significantly depending on the nitrofurazone concentration (P

In the present study, twenty (20) structural variants of nitrofurazone were synthesized based on BIODS (Biology-oriented drug synthesis) approach. The structure elucidation of the synthetic molecules (1–20) was carried out using different spectroscopic techniques, and their α-glucosidase inhibitory activity was also determined. The synthetic molecules 1–20 exhibited good α-glucosidase inhibition than the parent, nitrofurazone. Four compounds 2, 4, 6, and 7 showed potential inhibition against α-glucosidase with IC50 values ranging between 0.63 ± 0.25–1.29 ± 0.46 µM as compared to the standard acarbose (IC50 = 2.05 ± 0.41 µM). Nevertheless, compounds 15 (IC50 = 0.74 ± 0.12 µM), and 19 (IC50 = 0.54 ± 0.3 µM) also displayed good α-glucosidase inhibition and compound 19 was the most active compound of the series. Kinetic study of the active compounds 7 and 19 was also carried out to confirm the mode of inhibition. The binding interactions of the most active compounds within the active site of enzyme were determined by molecular docking. Moreover, molecular dynamic simulation of compound 19 was also performed in order to determine the stability of the overall complex (α-glucosidase + c19) in an explicit watery environment. The synthetic molecules were predicted as non-cytotoxic, however, seven compounds 1, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, and 12 were predicted as carcinogenic.

The 5-nitro-2-furaldehyde (5-NF) is an aldehyde aromatic organic compound that has been envisaged as an alternative marker for detecting nitrofurazone treatment abuse and to avoid the false positive results induced by the semicarbazide. Analyzing 5-NF presents challenges, and its derivatization reaction with hydrazine reagents is required to enhance the capability of its detection and its identification. This study aims at developping an analytical method for 5-NF determination in trout muscle samples based on chemical derivatization prior to analysis by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Four commercially available hydrazine reagents, namely: N,N-Dimethylhydrazine (DMH), 4-Hydrazinobenzoic acid (HBA), 2,4-Dichlorophenylhydrazine (2,4-DCPH) and 2,6-Dichlorophenylhydrazine (2,6-DCPH) were proposed for the first time as derivatizing reagents in the analysis of 5-NF. The derivatization reaction was simultaneously performed along with the extraction method in acidic condition using ultrasonic assistance and followed by liquid extraction using acetonitrile. The efficiency of the chemical reaction with 5-NF was examined and the reaction conditions including the concentration of hydrochloric acid, pH, temperature, reaction time and the concentration of the derivatizing reagents were optimized. Experiments with fortified samples demonstrated that 2,4-DCPH derivatizing reagent at 20 mM for 20 min of ultrasonic treatment under acidic condition (pH 4) gave an effective sample derivatization method for 5-NF analysis. Under the optimized conditions, the calibration curves were linear from 0.25 to 2 μg kg−1 with coefficient of determination >0.99. The recoveries ranged from 89 % to 116 % and precision was less than 13 %. The limit of detection and quantification were 0.1 and 0.2 μg kg−1, respectively. [Display omitted] • Derivatizing of 5-nitro-2-furaldehyde in food biological matrices. • 5-nitro-2-furaldehyde derivatization with differents hydrazine reagents were optimized. • 2.4-Dichlorophenylhydrazine was used as derivatizing reagent for the analysis. • The developed method was applied for quantitative estimation using LC-MS/MS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study presents the successful development of a new electrochemical sensor with low cost and disposability for application in nitrofurazone detection in environmental and pharmaceutical samples. The sensors were fabricated using materials obtained from local storage and conductive carbon ink. The modification of the screen-printed electrodes with the hybrid nanomaterial based on silver nanoparticles, carbon quantum dots, and carbon nanotubes showed synergistic contributions in the nitrofurazone electrooxidation, as observed in the wide linear range (0.008 at 15.051 μM), with a sensitivity of 0.650 μA/μM. The limit of detection obtained was 4.6 nM. Differential pulse voltammetry, cyclic voltammetry, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy were used to evaluate the electrochemical and structural characteristics. Studies of possible interferences were considered with nitrofurazone in the presence of the ions and organic molecules. The results were satisfactory, with a variation of 93.3% ± 4.39% at 100% ± 2.40%. The low volume used in the analyses (50 μL), disposability, high sensibility, selectivity, and low limit of detection are advantages that make the proposed sensor an electrochemical tool of high viability for the NFZ detection in environmental matrices and pharmaceutical formulations. [Display omitted] • Novel disposable electrochemical device for nitrofurazone determination was developed. • Hybrid carbon dots, carbon nanotubes and Ag nanoparticles was used as modifier. • The sensor was applied in environmental and pharmaceutical real samples determination. • High sensitivity, selectivity and low-LOD was achieved with the new developed device. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Fe 2 O 3 snowflakes and Ag particles are prepared by surfactant and reductant free process. • α-Fe 2 O 3 -SFs/Ag nanocomposite owns numerous hot spots for strong SERS action. • It has ultra-low limit of detection 3.12 × 10–14 M and large enhancement factor 3.08 × 1012. • Superior SERS performance is due to synergistic action of EM and CT mechanisms. • Practicability is confirmed by SERS detection of antibiotic in real-world samples. Surface enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) stands as an exceptionally sensitive spectroscopic method extensively employed in various research fields, such as environmental monitoring, molecular diagnosis, food safety, and biochemistry. The study of semiconductor/noble-metal based SERS substrates has exponentially increased due to the apparent enhancement of Raman signal intensity by the synergistic utilization of electromagnetic and charge transfer mechanisms through the enhanced plasmonic and vibronic characteristics. Constructing an optimal assembly as a SERS substrate is the purpose pursued by many researchers. Herein, we present a promising semiconductor/noble-metal nanocomposite by photoreduction of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) on the hydrothermally synthesized hierarchical α-Fe 2 O 3 snowflakes (SFs) through the green photoreduction technique. Various analytical characterization methods were employed to examine the physiochemical characteristics of the α-Fe 2 O 3 -SFs/Ag. The presented α-Fe 2 O 3 -SFs/Ag based SERS substrate enables ultra-sensitive detection of antibiotic nitrofurazone (NFZ) with the extremely low limit of detection of 3.12 × 10–14 M, the utmost enhancement factor of 3.08 × 1012, satisfactory uniformity and high reproducibility. The excellent SERS activity of the synthesized α-Fe 2 O 3 -SFs/Ag nanocomposite is owing to the generation of innumerable hotspots and the effective charge transfer for sublime Raman signal enhancement through the synergism of electromagnetic and charge transfer mechanisms. The α-Fe 2 O 3 -SFs/Ag based SERS substrate shows high recovery rate in the range of 89.9–98.78 % for detection of NFZ in the pond water and the fish feed solution for real-sample analysis. The proposed strategy in our study can efficiently detect trace amounts of NFZ in physiological circumstances and could contribute to the advancement of ultra-sensitive SERS based detection techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrofurazone (NFZ), a nitroimidazole antibiotic, can cause serious toxicity when overused, its quantification is crucial for human health. Herein, crab shell waste is converted into porous biochar at a high temperature, which can be employed for the establishment of an electrochemical sensor for the quantitative detection of NFZ. The morphological and structural properties of the crab shell carbon at different temperatures were characterized by SEM, XRD, FT-IR and N 2 adsorption-desorption analyses. The crab shell carbon prepared at 500 °C (C-CS-500) and 700 °C (C-CS-700) is calcite-based and contains micro-fibrillar similar to chitin structure, while the crab shell carbon prepared at 900 °C (C-CS-900) is lime-based and lacks the similar structure. And the synergistic influence of calcite-based composition and micro-fibrillar structure of crab shell carbon offered strong electron-transport properties and a large electrode active at a higher carbonized temperature. The electrochemical signals demonstrated that the crab shell carbon prepared at 700 °C provided enhanced sensing capability for rapid NFZ detection with a wide linear range of 0.40–80 μM, a high sensitivity of 0.55 μA μM−1 and a low detection limit of 0.11 μM (S/N = 3), as compared to the crab shell carbon prepared at 500 °C and 900 °C. In addition, the sensor can also be utilized to quantify nitrofurazone in the real drug (compound cod liver oil ointment) with satisfactory recovery. An efficient electrochemical sensor based on biomass mesoporous carbon material was developed for detecting nitrofurazone with high sensitivity. [Display omitted] • A novel biochar material derived from crab shell is synthesized. • The biochar was characterized at different carbonization temperatures. • Low detection limit and wide detection range for nitrofurazone detection. • Reliability, veracity, practicality of the green and low-cost sensor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Semicarbazide (SEM) is routinely employed as an indicator for the use of nitrofurazone, a banned antimicrobial. The validity of SEM as a nitrofurazone marker has been scrutinized because of other possible sources of the compound. Nonetheless, a U.S. trade partner rejected skin-on chicken thighs because of SEM detection and suspected nitrofurazone use. Because nitrofurazone has been banned in U.S. broiler production since 2003, we hypothesized that incidental de novo SEM formation occurs during broiler processing. To assess this possibility, raw leg quarters were collected from 23 commercial broiler processing plants across the United States and shipped frozen to our laboratory, where liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry was used to quantitatively assess for SEM. Leg quarter samples were collected at four points along the processing line: hot rehang (transfer from the kill line to the evisceration line), prechill (before the chilling process), postchill (immediately following chilling), and at the point of pack. Thigh meat with skin attached was removed from 535 leg quarters and analyzed in triplicate for SEM concentrations. The concentrations ranged from 0 to 2.67 ppb, with 462 (86.4%) of 535 samples below the regulatory decision level of 0.5 ppb of SEM. The 73 samples over the 0.5-ppb limit came from 21 plants; 53 (72.6%) of positive samples were in meat collected after chilling (postchill or point of pack). The difference in both prevalence and concentration of SEM detected before and after chilling was highly significant (P < 0.0001). These data support our hypothesis that SEM detection in raw broiler meat is related to de novo creation of the chemical during processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the current study, nitrofurazone- (NFZ) and lidocaine-loaded (LD) silica microspheres were fabricated to address pathological indications of skin infections. The microspheres were prepared by the sol–gel method applying the Box–Behnken design and evaluated for size distribution, morphology, zeta potential, physico-chemical compatibility, XRD, thermogravimetric analysis, antibacterial and cytotoxicity activities. The comparative in vitro drug release study of microspheres revealed a 30% release of NFZ and 33% of LD after 8 h. The microspheres showed 81% percentage yield (PY) and 71.9% entrapment efficiency. XRD patterns confirmed the entrapment of NFZ–LD in silica microspheres with a significant reduction in crystallinity of the drugs. Thermal and FTIR studies proved the absence of any profound interactions of the formulation ingredients. The smooth spherical microspheres had a −28 mV zeta potential and a 10–100 µm size distribution. In vitro antibacterial activities of the NFZ–LD microspheres showed an increased zone of inhibition compared to pure drug suspensions. The in vivo efficacy tested on rabbits showed a comparatively rapid wound healing with complete lack of skin irritation impact. The cytotoxicity studies revealed more acceptability of silica microspheres with negligible harm to cells. The study suggests that the NFZ- and LD-loaded silica microspheres would be an ideal system for accelerating and promoting rapid healing of various acute and chronic wounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ability of the bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa to cause both chronic and acute infections mainly relies on its capacity to finely modulate the expression of virulence factors through a complex network of regulatory circuits, including the pqs quorum sensing (QS) system. While in most QS systems the signal molecule/receptor complexes act as global regulators that modulate the expression of QS-controlled genes, the main effector protein of the pqs system is PqsE. This protein is involved in the synthesis of the QS signal molecules 2-alkyl-4(1H)-quinolones (AQs), but it also modulates the expression of genes involved in virulence factors production and biofilm formation via AQ-independent pathway(s). P. aeruginosa pqsE mutants disclose attenuated virulence in plant and animal infection models, hence PqsE is considered a good target for the development of antivirulence drugs against P. aeruginosa. In this study, the negative regulation exerted by PqsE on its own transcription has been exploited to develop a screening system for the identification of PqsE inhibitors in a library of FDA-approved drugs. This led to the identification of nitrofurazone and erythromycin estolate, two antibiotic compounds that reduce the expression of PqsE-dependent virulence traits and biofilm formation in the model strain P. aeruginosa PAO1 at concentrations far below those affecting the bacterial growth rate. Notably, both drugs reduce the production of the PqsE-controlled virulence factor pyocyanin also in P. aeruginosa strains isolated from cystic fibrosis patients, and do not antagonize the activity of antibiotics commonly used to treat P. aeruginosa infection.

Burns cause many significant changes in metabolism and inflammatory reactions, leading to poor regeneration in animals and humans. A list of medicines to treat burns is available in the market. But due to the high cost of these medicines, these are unaffordable, especially for farmers of middle-class families of Africa and Asia. Therefore, a low-cost complementary treatment has always been a topic of many researchers, and there is a dire need of time for the welfare of animals to save them. The current study was planned to scrutinize the therapeutic effects of Manuka honey and Nitrofurazone ointments on full-thickness burn wounds in the rabbit model. The healing efficacy was performed through wound contraction rate, hematological analysis, the thickness of dermis and epidermis, and collagen content percentage. Histopathology was performed after taking biopsy samples at the end of the research. Based on statistical analysis using wound healing time (days, D), the combination (MO + NT) resulted in a shorter period (27 D ± 1) than the average healing time of controlled (36 ± 2), Manuka ointment (31.33 D ± 1.52), and Nitrofurazone ointment (32 ± 1). A significant decrease in the count of red blood cell (RBC), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) in all treatments was noticed mainly in MO + NT. Furthermore, burns induced a significant difference (p < 0.05) in the white blood cells (WBCs) count levels in the MO-treated group. While the level of platelets (PLTs) was not significantly different from the healthy control group. Histopathological assessment (epithelialization, fibrosis, and angiogenesis) of skin showed burn healing to be better in MO and MO + NT groups. In conclusion, the composite of Manuka honey with Nitrofurazone led to the faster recovery than other treatments.

Background: Allergic sensitization to topical antimicrobial treatments is a well-known problem. Furacin® is one of the most widely used in our environment. It contains 0.2% nitrofurazone and polyethylene glycol (PEG) as a vehicle., Case Report: 57-year-old male with no history of interest. He presented skin rash, blisters, and serous exudate 2-3 days after starting treatment with Furacin® (applied to an infected skin wound). Epicutaneous tests were performed with a true test battery, nitrofurantoin 1% in petrolatum, PEG15000 and 4000 1% in petrolatum, pure PEG 400, PEG monomethyl ether 350 1% in water. Positive result at 96 hours for nitrofurantoin., Conclusion: Nitrofurazone is widely used as a topical antibiotic because of its bactericidal spectrum. It (including its excipients) should be considered in case of adverse reactions after application.

Following the detection of semicarbazide (SEM) in gelatine by Italian Authorities, at levels exceeding by three times the reference point for action (RPA) of 1 μg/kg, set out by Commission Regulation (EU) 2019/1871 for nitrofurans and their metabolites, the European Commission mandated EFSA to investigate the available sources of nitrofurans and their metabolites in gelatine. European Commission also asked EFSA to provide approaches that would distinguish SEM occurring due to illegal treatment with nitrofurazone from SEM produced during food processing. The literature indicates that SEM, both free and bound to macromolecules, could occur also in food products such as gelatine, during food processing, arising from the use of disinfecting agents and/or from reactions of various food components and, therefore, SEM cannot be considered as an unequivocal marker of the abuse of nitrofurazone in animal production. It is recommended to investigate in more detail which processing conditions lead to the formation of SEM in gelatine during its production and what levels can be found. One potential approach to distinguishing between SEM from nitrofurazone and SEM from other sources in food products, such as gelatine, might be based on determining the ratio of bound:free SEM in a sample of gelatine. However, whether the ratio of bound:free SEM would unequivocally distinguish between SEM arising from nitrofurazone abuse or from other sources still needs to be demonstrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Following the detection of semicarbazide (SEM) in gelatine by Italian Authorities, at levels exceeding by three times the reference point for action (RPA) of 1 μg/kg, set out by Commission Regulation (EU) 2019/1871 for nitrofurans and their metabolites, the European Commission mandated EFSA to investigate the available sources of nitrofurans and their metabolites in gelatine. European Commission also asked EFSA to provide approaches that would distinguish SEM occurring due to illegal treatment with nitrofurazone from SEM produced during food processing. The literature indicates that SEM, both free and bound to macromolecules, could occur also in food products such as gelatine, during food processing, arising from the use of disinfecting agents and/or from reactions of various food components and, therefore, SEM cannot be considered as an unequivocal marker of the abuse of nitrofurazone in animal production. It is recommended to investigate in more detail which processing conditions lead to the formation of SEM in gelatine during its production and what levels can be found. One potential approach to distinguishing between SEM from nitrofurazone and SEM from other sources in food products, such as gelatine, might be based on determining the ratio of bound:free SEM in a sample of gelatine. However, whether the ratio of bound:free SEM would unequivocally distinguish between SEM arising from nitrofurazone abuse or from other sources still needs to be demonstrated.

Background & Aim: Routine treatment of burn injuries is dressing with Nitrofurazone ointment. It has several complications including sensitivity. Aloe vera is a traditional treatment for wound healing. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of Aloe Vera gel with Nitrofurazone ointment in the healing of superficial partial-thickness burns. Methods & Materials: The present study was a split body controlled clinical trial which was carried out on 30 patients with superficial partial-thickness burns. The study was conducted in the Shafa Hospital in Kerman, Iran in 2016. The sample was recruited from patients who had at least two burns, each burn on an alternate side of the body. Samples were allocated to two groups that received Aloe Vera gel or 2% Nitrofurazone ointment on their burns. Bates-Jensen Wound assessment tool was used to evaluate the healing of burns. Statistical analysis was conducted by SPSS-16 and using the repeated measure ANOVA. Results: The repeated measure ANOVA showed that there was a significant change in the score of BWAT in all areas during the intervention period ( p=0.001), but The trend of healing in the two groups during the intervention period was not significantly different( p=0.098). Conclusion: Based on this study it looks like Aloe vera gel is as effective as 2% Nitrofurazon ointment in healing wounds.

[Display omitted] Herein this research, a visible light active tungsten oxide/copper manganate (WO 3 /CuMnO 2) p-n heterojunction nanocomposite was prepared and has been applied for a signal on photoelectrochemical sensing of antibiotic nitrofurazone (NFZ). Firstly, the n-WO 3 nanotiles were synthesized from the cetrimonium bromide (CTAB) assisted hydrothermal method and the p-CuMnO 2 nanoparticles were synthesized by using the ultrasound-assisted hydrothermal method. The photoelectrochemical NFZ sensing performance of WO 3 /CuMnO 2 nanocomposite was 1.9 times higher than that of as-synthesized pure WO 3 nanotiles. The resulting higher photoelectrochemical performance of the nanocomposite is due to more visible light absorption ability and synergy from p-n heterojunction formation. The designed WO 3 /CuMnO 2 nanocomposite sensor gives satisfactory photocurrent signals for the detection of NFZ in the range of 0.015–32 μM with the detection limit (LOD) of 1.19 nM. The practical applicability of the nanocomposite sensor was monitored in pork liver and tap water samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cd(II)/Mn(II)/Co(II)/Ni(II)-based coordination polymers synthesized and used as photocatalyst against nitrofurazone degradation. [Display omitted] • Four new coordination polymers (CPs) of Cd(II), Co(II), Mn(II) and Ni(II) synthesized using mixed ligand strategy. • The CPs were characterized using different physico-chemical techniques. • The CPs were used as photocatalyst for photodegradation of nitrofurazone antibiotics. • The Ni(II) CP displayed best photocatalytic activity for the degradation of nitrofurazone. Coordination polymers are peculiar sub-class of coordination complexes that due to their tunable electronic properties offer prospective applications in the field of photocatalysis. In this work four newly designed coordination polymers (CPs) with general formula [M(HL) 2 (bbp)(H 2 O) 2 ] n (where M = Cd (1), Co (2), Mn (3) and Ni (4); (HL = 4′-((4-cyanobenzyl)oxy)-[1,1′-biphenyl]-4-carboxylic acid, bbp = 4,4′-bis(imidazolyl)biphenyl) have been synthesized hydrothermally and characterized using microanalyses, FTIR, UV–Vis, thermogravimetric analyses (TGA) and finally by single crystal X-ray analysis. All the four coordination polymers possess distorted octahedral geometry around their respective metal centers satisfied by two HL, one bbp and two aqua ligands. These polymers exhibit semiconducting properties and hence have been used as photocatalysts for the degradation of nitrofurazone (NFZ) antibiotic. The photocatalysis studies indicate that 81.2 %, 84.3 %, 88.1 % and 92.2 % photodegradation of NFZ by CPs 1 , 2 , 3 and 4 , respectively. This showcase the photocatalytic applicability of these CPs, especially the CP 4. The plausible mechanism using which these photocatalysts decompose NFZ have been explored with the aid of Hirshfeld surface analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]