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Very limited information is available on the origin, diversity and evolution of Plum pox virus (PPV) 'Turkey' (T) strain. Phylogenetic analyses based on partial sequences of 421 isolates and complete genome sequences of 57 isolates, representing the geographical distribution of PPV-T in Turkey, revealed the existence of several monophyletic and, in some cases, geographically limited groups within the PPV-T strain (Ankara-Konya1-Kayseri, Ankara-Balkan, Istanbul, Konya2 and Balkan). PPV-T diversity (0.018%) was found to be greater than that of PPV strains D and Rec but lower than that of the M strain when including the newly described and divergent M-Istanbul isolates, suggesting a long evolutionary history for PPV-T. The European part of Turkey in the Balkans, close to Bulgaria where PPV was identified for the first time, appears as a likely centre of origin for PPV-T isolates. The colonization of various parts of Turkey by diverse isolates from that region, followed by secondary local spread, is the most likely scenario for the diffusion of PPV-T in Turkey.

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The development of multifunctional nanoscale systems that can mediate efficient tumor targeting, together with high cellular internalization, is crucial for the diagnosis of glioma. The combination of imaging agents into one platform provides dual imaging and allows further surface modification with targeting ligands for specific glioma detection. Herein, transferrin (Tf)-decorated niosomes with integrated magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (MIONs) and quantum dots (QDs) were formulated (PEGNIO/QDs/MIONs/Tf) for efficient imaging of glioma, supported by magnetic and active targeting. Transmission electron microscopy confirmed the complete co-encapsulation of MIONs and QDs in the niosomes. Flow cytometry analysis demonstrated enhanced cellular uptake of the niosomal formulation by glioma cells. In vitro imaging studies showed that PEGNIO/QDs/MIONs/Tf produces an obvious negative-contrast enhancement effect on glioma cells by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and also improved fluorescence intensity under fluorescence microscopy. This novel platform represents the first niosome-based system which combines magnetic nanoparticles and QDs, and has application potential in dual-targeted imaging of glioma.

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Synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) are the large group of abused drugs and detection of them is still a challenge. Hence, new methods for analysis of SCs are being investigated. We aimed to develop a novel system for selective analysis of SCs. First, various custom‐tailored aptamers against the target SCs were selected through GO‐SELEX process. Toggling between different SC analytes during successive rounds of selection was performed to generate cross‐reactive aptamers. Then, the amino‐capped aptamers were synthesized and easily attached to the cysteamine‐covered gold electrodes. Analytical parameters and selectivity of the aptasensors were compared by using electrochemical techniques. After comparison of the analytical features and selectivity towards target analytes, one of the aptamers designated as Apta‐1 was chosen for further measurements. The aptasensor was tested by using differential pulse voltammetry technique against JWH‐018 (5‐pentanoic acid), selected as a model for SCs. The linearity and limit of detection were determined as 0.01–1.0 ng/mL and 0.036 ng/mL. Finally, sample application in synthetic urine samples was successfully performed with standard addition method, as confirmed by LC‐QTOF/MS. JWH‐018 (4‐hydroxypentyl), JWH‐073 (3‐hydroxybutyl), JWH‐250 (5‐hidroxypentyl) and HU‐210 were used to test the selectivity of the aptasensor and the system was shown to recognize all these SCs. Also other illegal drugs did not significantly interfere with the signal responses.

Pesticide use in agriculture is one of the threats to water safety. Therefore, detection of pesticide residues is crucial for human health. Compared to conventional chromatographic methods, aptasensors are promising tools for fast, cheap and sensitive detection of environmental contaminants. To the best of our knowledge, such an aptasensor has not been reported for imidacloprid (Imi) which is one of the most widely used pesticides. In order to meet this demand, we initially selected two novel aptamers designated as ‘Apta‐1’ and ‘Apta‐2’ by graphene oxide‐SELEX (GO‐SELEX) method. Then, these aptamers were used to fabricate the gold electrode‐based aptasensor platforms and characterized by using electrochemical methods such as cyclic voltammetry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy as well as X‐Ray photoelectron spectroscopy. It was found that the limit of detection value of Apta‐1 based sensor for the Imi was found better than Apta‐2 based system, although linear ranges were similar. Based on that finding, Apta‐1 based system was further tested against possible interference molecules. The proposed platform was successfully used for detection of very low concentrations of Imi in the range of ng/mL. Thus, it eliminates the need for sample pre‐treatment and enables a practical analysis in real wastewater samples.