Determination of Anticholinesterase Activity for Pesticides Monitoring Using a Thiocholine Sensor

Abstract

An acetylthiocholine sensor based on a disposable screen-printed carbon electrode has been assembled for measuring organophosphorus and carbamate pesticides in river water samples through the degree of inhibition of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE). The carbon working electrode surface was modified by deposition of a mediator, tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ), and Nafion. Acetylcholinesterase catalyses the cleavage of acetylthiocholine to thiocholine, which is measured by differential pulse voltammetry and directly related to the enzyme activity. The scan speed, the pulse amplitude of the differential pulse voltammetry and several parameters in the procedure were optimised. An inhibition calibration curve was obtained using carbofuran. The method was also applied to water samples, showing its suitability as a rapid screening assay (15 min per test) for anticholinesterase activity detection.     

Colorants and oils in Roman make-ups–an eye witness account

Archaeological cosmetics, as well as revealing ancient knowledge, contain a complex mixture of very different organic and inorganic components with diverse properties. Most information on the preparation of ancient cosmetics comes from classical texts. However, although analysis of products contained in archaeological objects has recently identified some ingredients, there is still little known about how the cosmetics were prepared.Using a multi-analytical approach, we studied the chemical composition of two Roman pink make-ups that were preserved on the surface of a Roman bronze cosmetic tool and in a glass unguentarium. The results revealed that both make-ups were colored by madder lake but prepared in two different ways and with two completely different matrices (i.e. scented oils in the first case and gypsum in the second) highlighting that the make-ups had been prepared thoroughly, the ingredients carefully selected and their properties and possibilities for good cosmetic use had been understood.     

Convergent synthesis of mosloflavone, negletein and baicalein from crysin

An expeditious synthesis of three polyoxygenated flavones: mosloflavone, negletein and baicalein, starting from crysin, an easily available flavone, by a bromination/methoxylation procedure is reported. The convergent synthesis exploits a base induced Wesley-Moser type rearrangement.     

Flavonoids: A Myth or a Reality for Cancer Therapy?

Nutraceuticals are biologically active molecules present in foods; they can have beneficial effects on health, but they are not available in large enough quantities to perform this function. Plant metabolites, such as polyphenols, are widely diffused in the plant kingdom, where they play fundamental roles in plant development and interactions with the environment. Among these, flavonoids are of particular interest as they have significant effects on human health. In vitro and/or in vivo studies described flavonoids as essential nutrients for preventing several diseases. They display broad and promising bioactivities to fight cancer, inflammation, bacterial infections, as well as to reduce the severity of neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases or diabetes. Therefore, it is not surprising that interest in flavonoids has sharply increased in recent years. More than 23,000 scientific publications on flavonoids have described the potential anticancer activity of these natural molecules in the last decade. Studies, in vitro and in vivo, show that flavonoids exhibit anticancer properties, and many epidemiological studies confirm that dietary intake of flavonoids leads to a reduced risk of cancer. This review provides a glimpse of the mechanisms of action of flavonoids on cancer cells.     

Friction-induced vibrations in the framework of dynamic substructuring

Nonlinear Dynamics - In complex vibrating systems, contact and friction forces can produce a dynamic response of the system (friction-induced vibrations). They can arise when different parts of the...     

Third-order optical susceptibility: A comparison among various terms

Nonlinear effects, which take place as ultrafast pulses propagate in an optical fiber, are generally described using a particular expression of third-order susceptibility. During last decades particular attention has been devoted to the retrieval and physical interpretation of this expression. The form widely used in literature is now explained, following a quantum-mechanical approach, in a clear and simple way.