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Finding a cost-effective, efficient, and environmentally friendly technique for the removal of mercury ion (Hg2+) in water and wastewater can be a challenging task. This paper presents a novel and efficient adsorbent known as the graphene oxide-Cu2SnS3-polyaniline (GO-CTS-PANI) nanocomposite, which was synthesised and utilised to eliminate Hg2+ from water samples. The soft–soft interaction between Hg2+ and sulphur atoms besides chelating interaction between -N and Hg2+ is the main mechanism for Hg2+ adsorption onto the GO-CTS-PANI adsorbent. Various characterisation techniques, including Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometry (FT-IR), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), elemental mapping analysis, and X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), were employed to analyse the adsorbent. The Box-Behnken method, utilising Design Expert Version 7.0.0, was employed to optimise the crucial factors influencing the adsorption process, such as pH, adsorbent quantity, and contact time. The results indicated that the most efficient adsorption occurred at pH 6.5, with 12 mg of GO-CTS-PANI adsorbent, and 30-min contact time that results in a maximum removal rate of 95% for 50 mg/L Hg2+ ions. The study also investigated the isotherm and kinetics of the adsorption process that the adsorption of Hg2+ onto the adsorbent happened in sequential layers (Freundlich isotherm) and followed by the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. Furthermore, response surface methodology (RSM) analysis indicates that pH is the most influential parameter in enhancing adsorption efficiency. In addition to traditional models, this study employed some artificial intelligence (AI) methods including the Random Forest algorithm to enhance the prediction of adsorption process efficiency. The findings demonstrated that the Random Forest algorithm exhibited high accuracy with a correlation coefficient of 0.98 between actual and predicted adsorption rates. This study highlights the potential of the GO-CTS-PANI nanocomposite for effectively removing of Hg2+ ions from water resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Proper nutrition plays a vital role in modulating oxidative status. There is an increasing popularity of plant-based dietary patterns among athletes. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the plant-based diet index (PDI) score among male footballers and their non-athlete controls, as well as its relationship with oxidative biomarkers by evaluating the urinary excretion of F2alpha-isoprostane (F2a-IP) and 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG). A group of footballers (n = 45) and a healthy non-athlete group (n = 45) were selected. The two groups were matched based on body mass index (BMI) and age. The mean (standard deviation (SD)) age of the subjects was 22.88 (2.41) years, and their BMI was 22.08 (1.35) kg/m2. Anthropometric indices were evaluated, and fasting morning urine samples were analyzed to measure oxidative biomarkers. The PDI, unhealthy plant-based diet index (uPDI), and healthy plant-based diet index (hPDI) were calculated using valid food frequency questionnaire data. Generalized estimating equation models were used for all analyses. Compared to the non-athlete group, the PDI score was significantly greater in the footballer group (β = 9.8; P < 0.001), while the differences between the two groups in uPDI and hPDI scores were not significant. Overall, footballers consumed more plant-based foods. By examining the relationship between dietary indices and oxidative biomarkers, only a negative association was observed between PDI score and F2a-IP level (β = −1.25; P = 0.03). Based on the results, footballers were more adherent to a plant-based diet than non-athletes. In addition, it seems that following plant-based diets (the higher PDI) may exert beneficial effects on lowering F2a-IP levels due to improving the body's antioxidant status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Prediabetes is a strong predictor for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, the possible effects of other factors on the above association are unknown. This study aimed to determine factors associated with the progression of prediabetes to T2DM. Materials and methods: In the present prospective cohort study, 757 individuals with prediabetes included in the Fasa cohort study were identified and followed for 5 years in order to diagnose T2DM. The baseline demographic, medical, and clinical records of participants were surveyed. Latent class analysis (LCA) and Cox regression model were applied to evaluate potential factors affecting the rate of progression of prediabetes to T2DM. p values less than 0.05 were considered significant. Results: The annual cumulative incidence rate of diabetes was 124.1 per 1000 population. A total of 3 different latent classes were among participants including fatty liver & DII class (FLDc), with 18.58%, metabolic syndrome class (MSc), with 31.44%, and high-risk class (HRc), with 49.98% of the participants. Based on the results of Cox multivariate regression analysis, the risk of progression to T2DM was significantly raised with the presence of FLDc (HR = 2.37, 95% CI: 1.19, 4.74). Conclusion: Our findings show that the cumulative diabetes incidence was alarmingly high in Iran. Also, the cooccurrence of factors such as high fatty liver index, high DII score, metabolic syndrome, and waist-to-hip ratio increased the risk of diabetes in prediabetic individuals. These results point out the importance of applying effective preventive interventional programs for prediabetic individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cold atmospheric plasma has been developed and utilized as a novel technique for skin rejuvenation because of its various effects on cells and living things. This study investigated the accuracy of this claim and any possible side effects of using spark plasma to rejuvenate skin. The present work is the first quantitative investigation using animal models. 12 Wistar rats were divided into two groups for this investigation. To compare the skin's natural process with the treated skin, the first group underwent a single session of plasma therapy, while the second group served as the control group. The back of the necks of the samples was shaved for 20 cm. Before beginning treatment, the MPA9 multifunctional skin tester was used to determine the melanin index, erythema index, and transepidermal water loss (TEWL). The skin's thickness and density were assessed using sonography, and its elasticity index was calculated using a Cutometer. The samples were exposed to plasma radiation in the designated area (in a triangular pattern). The abovementioned signs were examined immediately after the following therapy and at the weekly appointment 2–4 weeks later. Optical spectroscopy was also used to demonstrate the presence of active species. In this study, we found that a plasma spark therapy session significantly boosts skin elasticity, and the ultrasound results revealed a significantly increased skin thickness and density. The plasma increased the amount of skin surface evaporation, erythema, and melanin immediately following the treatment. However, 4 weeks later, it recovered to its former state and did not differ significantly from before the therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel and efficient Graphene Oxide-Polyethylene Glycol mono-4-nonylphenyl Ether (GO-PEGPE) nanocomposite was synthesized and used for solid phase extraction of trace levels of Pb2+ in different water and blood samples. The synthesized adsorbent was then characterized by the Fourier Transform-Infrared spectrophotometry (FT-IR), Field Emission-Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM), Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD). To optimize the critical parameters including pH of samples solution, amounts of adsorbent and extraction time, the response surface methodology based on the central composite design (RSM-CCD) was used and based on the results, pH = 6.0, extraction time = 22 min and amounts of adsorbent = 15 mg were selected as the optimum conditions. The relative standard deviation based on seven replicate analysis of 2 µg L−1 Pb2+ was 5.2% and the limit of detection was 0.023 µg L−1 (n = 8). The results of adsorption isotherm investigation show that the adsorption of Pb2+ onto the GO-PEGPE nanocomposite obeyed by the Langmuir isotherm with the maximum adsorption capacity of 69.44 mg g−1. Also, based on the Temkin and Dubinin–Radushkevich (DR) isotherms, the adsorption of Pb2+ onto the GO-PEGPE nanocomposite is a physisorption phenomenon and the consequences of the kinetic models illustrated that the adsorption of Pb2+ followed by the pseudo second order adsorption kinetic model. Finally, the proposed method was successfully applied for preconcentration of Pb2+ in different water and blood samples of turning industry workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Texture evolution and mechanical anisotropic behavior of an ultraftne-grained (UFG) pure copper tube processed by recently introduced method of hydrostatic tube cyclic expansion extrusion (HTCEE) was investigated. For the UFG tube, different deformation behavior and a significant anisotropy in tensile properties were recorded along the longitudinal and peripheral directions. The HTCEE process increased the yield strength and the ultimate strength in the axial direction by 3.6 and 1.67 times, respectively. Also, this process increased the yield strength and the ultimate strength in the peripheral direction by 1.15 and 1.12 times, respectively. The ratio of ultimate tensile strength in the peripheral direction to that in the axial direction, as a criterion for mechanical anisotropy, are 1.7 and 1.16 for the as-annealed coarse-grained and the HTCEE processed UFG tube, respectively. The results are indicative of a reducing effect of the HTCEE process on the mechanical anisotropy. Besides, after HTCEE process, a low loss of ductility was observed in both directions, which is another advantage of HTCEE process. Hardness measurements revealed a slight increment of hardness values in the peripheral direction, which is in agreement with the trend of tensile tests. Texture analysis was conducted in order to determine the oriental distribution of the grains. The obtained {111} pole figures demonstrate the texture evolution and reaffirm the anisotropy observed in mechanical properties. Scanning electron microscopy micrographs showed that different modes of fracture occurred after tensile testing in the two orthogonal directions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thyroid remnant after thyroidectomy is a major predictor for future recurrence of thyroid cancers; for which assessment, the accuracy of imaging is not optimal. To evaluate the value of the technetium uptake in the neck compared with neck ultrasonography, this application is used to predict future recurrence of differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). The neck technetium uptake (NTU) value was acquired 20 min after injection of 1 mCi technetium by a camera. Patients were scheduled for forthcoming iodine ablation. Baseline risk factors were collected. Patients were followed for 10.5 (7 to 12) months when the records of the whole body scan, thyroglobulin, anti-thyroglobulin, neck ultrasonography, and the history of repeated iodine and surgical treatments were collected. The correlation of NTU and recurrence were studied. Out of 73 participants, 63 patients completed the study with established recurrence status and a valid NTU assessment. Baseline lymph node invasion (34.6% vs 80.0%; all 41.9%), extra-thyroid extension (17.0% vs 50.0%; all 22.2%), and tumor size (2.3 ± 2.1 vs 5.2 ± 2.4; all 2.7 ± 2.4) were higher in patients with future recurrence. But the NTU was similar in subjects with and without recurrence (−0.2 ± 0.7 vs 1.7 ± 6.3; all 59 ± 5.3). NTU was significantly lower in subjects with surgeries more extensive than thyroidectomy (P = 0.03). Recurrence cannot be predicted by NTU, but NTU may be used as a surrogate factor to determine the extent and completeness of the thyroidectomy surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, folic acid–coated graphene oxide nanocomposite (FA-GO) is used as an adsorbent for the treatment of heavy metals including cadmium (Cd2+) and copper (Cu2+) ions. As such, graphene oxide (GO) is modified by folic acid (FA) to synthesize FA-GO nanocomposite and characterized by the atomic force microscopy (AFM), Fourier transform-infrared (FT-IR) spectrophotometry, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and C/H/N elemental analyses. Also, computational intelligence tests are used to study the mechanism of the interaction of FA molecules with GO. Based on the results, FA molecules formed a strong π-π stacking, chemical, and hydrogen bond interactions with functional groups of GO. Main parameters including pH of the sample solution, amounts of adsorbent, and contact time are studied and optimized by the Response Surface Methodology Based on Central Composite Design (RSM-CCD). In this study, the equilibrium of adsorption is appraised by two (Langmuir and Freundlich and Temkin and D-R models) and three parameter (Sips, Toth, and Khan models) isotherms. Based on the two parameter evaluations, Langmuir and Freundlich models have high accuracy according to the R2 coefficient (more than 0.9) in experimental curve fittings of each pollutant adsorption. But, multilayer adsorption of each contaminant onto the FA-GO adsorbent (Freundlich equation) is demonstrated by three parameter isotherm analysis. Also, isotherm calculations express maximum computational adsorption capacities of 103.1 and 116.3 mg g−1 for Cd2+ and Cu2+ ions, correspondingly. Kinetic models are scrutinized and the outcomes depict the adsorption of both Cd2+ and Cu2+ followed by the pseudo-second-order equation. Meanwhile, the results of the geometric model illustrate that the variation of adsorption and desorption rates do not have any interfering during the adsorption process. Finally, thermodynamic studies show that the adsorption of Cu2+ and Cd2+ onto the FA-GO nanocomposite is an endothermic and spontaneous process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An efficient, green, novel and rapid vortex-assisted dispersive solid-phase extraction (VADSPE) technique was used for the preconcentration and determination of trace levels of Cu2+ followed by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. Graphene oxide (GO) was synthesized from graphite and then modified by pectic acid (poly-d-galacturonic acid, PA) to synthesize the pectic acid–graphene oxide (PA-GO) nanocomposite. The Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometry, field emission scanning electron microcopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis were used to characterize the synthesized GO-PA nanocomposite. By using VADSPE technique, PA-GO was used as an adsorbent for preconcentration of Cu2+. The main parameters affecting the extraction recovery, including pH of the sample solution, amounts of adsorbent, extraction time, type and concentration of desorbent solvent and desorption time were completely investigated and optimized. Under the optimum conditions, the results show that the proposed method has the linearity range of 10–300 µg L−1 with a correlation coefficient of 0.9950. The limit of detection based on six replicate analyses of the blank sample was 2.22 µg L−1, and the relative standard deviation was 2.7% for the five replicate analysis of 50 µg L−1 Cu2+. The validity of the proposed method was checked by the analysis of two certified reference materials including CRM-TMDW and GBW07605 tea samples, and then, the proposed method was successfully applied for the determination of trace levels of Cu2+ in different water and food samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An efficient and novel adsorbent, polyaniline (PANI)-coated titanium oxide nanoparticle (TiO2-NPs) was applied for preconcentration of ultra-trace levels of Co2+ followed by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry. In this method, TiO2-PANI nanoparticles were synthesized by chemical method and used as an adsorbent in solid phase extraction. The scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometry were applied to characterize of the synthesized TiO2-PANI nanoparticles. The parameters affecting the extraction recovery including amounts of adsorbent (g), sample solution pH, and extraction and desorption time (min) were optimized by the response surface methodology based on central composite design. The optimum conditions obtained at the pH of 9.0, 10.0 mg amounts of TiO2-PANI nanoparticles, 10.0 min extraction time and 3.50 min desorption time. Also, the linear range of the calibration curve was obtained at 0.10–2.0 µg L−1 Co2+ with a correlation coefficient of 0.9976. The relative standard deviation (RSD, %) was 3.7% for the six times replicate analysis of 0.50 µg L−1 of Co2+ and the limit of detection (LOD) was 0.036 µg L−1 (n = 8). The method's accuracy was checked by analyzing of the certified reference material and finally, the proposed method was used for the preconcentration and determination of Co2+ in different food and water samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An efficient solid-phase extraction method based on polythiophene-coated cerium oxide nanocomposite was used for preconcentration of trace levels of Zn2+ in different real samples followed by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. Cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO2 NPs) are synthesized by microwave method and modified by polythiophene (PT) to synthesize CeO2-PT nanocomposite. The synthesized nanocomposite was characterized by the Fourier-transform infrared spectrophotometry and scanning electron microscopy. The main parameters affecting the recovery percentage of Zn2+ including pH, amounts of adsorbent, extraction time and desorption time were investigated and optimized by Box–Behnken experimental design. The optimum conditions are pH 8.1, 10 mg CeO2-PT nanocomposite, 10 min extraction time and 4 min desorption time. Under the optimum conditions, the calibration curve was determined in the range of 2–150 µg L−1 Zn2+ with a regression coefficient of 0.9988. The limit of detection was 0.42 µg L−1 Zn2+ based on six replicate analyses of blank sample. The relative standard deviation based on five replicate analyses of a solution containing 75 µg L−1 Zn2+ was 2.9%. Finally, the applicability of the proposed method was checked by the analysis of different real samples including different water, food and fruit samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The entrance of some hard-degradable pharmaceutical contaminants can cause irreparable damage to humans and other organisms; therefore, removing these pollutants from water is one of the most important activities in water purification field. In this work, the mineralization of morphine was performed using photocatalytic degradation method. Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) nanosheets, due to their promising tunable characteristics, were chosen as visible-light-driven nanostructured heterogeneous photocatalyst. To enhance the photocatalytic activity, g-C3N4 was doped with Ag noble metal due to its surface plasmon resonance effect and acting as an electron sink. The photodegradation of morphine was evaluated under different pH values, the dosage of the photocatalyst, initial concentration of morphine, and Ag% loading under sunlight as green energy. The maximum efficiency was obtained in the very low concentration of Ag@g-C3N4 photocatalyst with the superior low value of 0.17 g L−1. Near complete mineralization of morphine was achieved by Ag@g-C3N4 with metal content percentage equal to 5 in 180 min and pH = 2. Also, using various active species scavengers, superoxide anion radical was identified as the main responsible species in the photocatalysis reaction of morphine degradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An efficient and novel reduced graphene oxide–polyaniline (rGO–PANI) nanocomposite was used for highly rapid removal of malachite green (MG) from water samples. Graphene oxide was synthesized from graphite by Hummers' method, and after reduction to reduced graphene oxide by sodium borohydride (NaBH4), its surface was modified by polyaniline to synthesize rGO–PANI nanocomposite. Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometry (FT-IR), electron-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to characterize the synthesized rGO–PANI nanocomposite. The important parameters affecting the removal efficiency such as pH, contact time and initial MG concentration were studied and optimized. Also, kinetic models including the pseudo-first- and second-order equations were investigated and kinetic parameters of the studied dye were calculated and discussed. It was shown that the adsorption of MG by rGO–PANI nanocomposite could be described by the pseudo-first-order kinetic equation. Also, the experimental isotherms data were analyzed using the Langmuir and Freundlich equations and based on the results, the adsorption of MG by rGO–PANI nanocomposite was followed by both Langmuir and Freundlich equations. The maximum adsorption capacities for MG were calculated and equal to 666.7 mg g−1 which shows that rGO–PANI nanocomposite is a very efficient adsorbent for the removal of MG from water samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The efficiency of graphene oxide, magnetic graphene oxide, reduced graphene oxide and magnetic reduced graphene oxide nanosheets were examined for the removal of cationic dyes including malachite green (MG), methylene blue (MB) and methyl violet (MV) from water samples. Graphite was used to synthesize graphene oxide (GO) by Hummer method and then magnetized to synthesize magnetic graphene oxide (MGO). Reduced graphene oxide (rGO) was synthesized by chemical method using sodium borohydride (NaBH4) as a reducing agent and then magnetized to synthesize magnetic reduced graphene oxide (MrGO). To characterize the synthesized nanomaterials, Fourier Transform-Infrared spectrophotometry (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) and Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used. Different parameters affecting the adsorption capacities including pH of sample solution, contact time and initial concentrations of cationic dyes were investigated and optimized. Based on the obtained results pH of 4, 6, 6 and 5 were considered as the optimum values for GO, MGO, rGO and MrGO adsorbents, respectively at 60 min removal time. Also, two adsorption isotherms including Langmuir and Freundlich were examined for each dye and based on the obtained results, the adsorption of the studied dyes followed by Freundlich isotherm for GO and MGO and their adsorption followed by both Freundlich and Langmuir isotherms for rGO and MrGO adsorbents (R2 ≥ 0.95). Finally, kinetic and thermodynamic adsorption of dyes onto the adsorbents were studied and interpreted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper is to synthesize of Ag-nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) by the pistachio skin extract followed by its application for preconcentration and measurement of ultra-trace levels of Bi(III) by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry. Pistachios skin extract was used as a green reducing agent to produce Ag-NPs from silver ion solution. The results of the FT-IR spectroscopy, UV–Vis spectrophotometry, Scanning electron microscopy, Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction spectroscopy show that Ag-NPs with uniform size of 25–40 nm in diameter were synthesized successfully. In order to optimize different parameters affecting the extraction efficiency, Response surface methodology-Box Behnken optimization technique was used. Under the optimum conditions, the calibration curve was linear in the range of 0.5–8 µg L−1 of Bi(III) with a correlation coefficient of 0.9993. The relative standard deviation (%) was 3.5% for five replicate analysis of 1 µg L−1 Bi(III). Also, the limit of detection was 0.09 µg L−1 Bi(III), and the preconcentration factor calculated from the ratio of the volume of sample solution to the desorbent solvent volume after preconcentration step was 100. The accuracy of the method was evaluated by the analysis of certified reference material and spike methods. Finally, this technique was successfully applied for determination of ultra-trace levels of Bi(III) in water, food, human serum and hair samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present work, microwave method has been employed for synthesis of cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO2 NPs) and it was used for preconcentration of trace levels of Cu(ІІ) in different real samples followed by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The results of X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) show that CeO2 NPs were successfully synthesized in the size of 10-20 nm. By using a batch method, CeO2 NPs have been used as efficient, easy to synthesize and efficient adsorbent for highly rapid solid phase extraction of Cu(ІІ) in different real samples for the first time. The effects of different parameters affecting the extraction efficiency such as pH, extraction time, type and concentration of desorbent solvent and desorbent time were completely investigated and optimum conditions selected. Under the optimum conditions, the calibration curve was linear in the range of 10-300 ng cm−3 Cu(ІІ) with correlation coefficient of 0.998. The relative standard (RSD, %) based on six replicate analysis of 50 ng cm−3 Cu(ІІ) was 3.3%. In order to check the accuracy of the proposed method certified reference material, CRM-TMDW and GBW07605 tea reference material, with the known amounts of 20 ng cm−3 Cu(ІІ) and 17.3 ± 0.3 µg g−1 Cu, respectively, were analyzed and the obtained results (19.5 ± 1.0 ng cm−3 Cu(ІІ) for CRM-TMDW and 17.0 ± 0.7 µg g−1 Cu) show very good agreement with the CRM certified values (Student t-test, 95% confidence limit, n = 5). Finally the proposed method was successfully applied for determination of trace levels of Cu(ІІ) in different water (tap, spring and river) and food samples (black tea, lentil, sesame, cabbage, wheat and liver). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the first time, Descurainia Sophia (DS) seeds as an efficient and green adsorbent were used in solid phase extraction for preconcentration of trace levels of cadmium prior to its determination by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). By using a batch method, Descurainia Sophia seeds were used as adsorbent to retain cadmium (ІІ) ions in the sample solution. After eluting the adsorbent with 3 mol L−1 HCl, the retained cadmium (ІІ) was determined by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. Different parameters affecting the extraction efficiency such as pH, amounts of adsorbent, type and concentration of eluent solvent, extraction and desorption time were investigated and optimized. Under the optimum conditions, the calibration curve was linear in the range of 5-300 µg L−1 cadmium (ІІ) with a correlation coefficient of 0.998. The limit of detection (LOD) was 1.0 µg L−1 and the relative standard deviation (RSD, %) based on seven replicate analysis of 25 µg L−1 cadmium (ІІ) was 3.2%. The accuracy of the proposed method was checked by the analysis of certified reference material (CRM) and spike methods. The results show a good agreement with certified values. The proposed method was successfully applied to determination of trace levels of cadmium in different water and rice flour samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paired-ion-based dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction as a simple, rapid and sensitive technique was used for speciation and determination of trace levels of iron (Fe2+, Fe3+) in different water samples. In this method, 4,5-dihydroxy-1,3-benzenedisulfonic acid (tiron) was used as the complexing agent to form anionic complex with Fe3+ at pH 3 followed by addition of cetyl pyridinium chloride (CPC) as a positive counter ion to form a hydrophobic complex of Fe(ІІІ)–tiron–CPC. At this pH, Fe2+ complex (Fe2+–tiron–CPC) is not stable and therefore remains in the sample solution. The total Fe was determined after the oxidation of Fe2+ to Fe3+ with concentrated hydrogen peroxide and the concentration of Fe2+ was determined from the difference between the concentration of total Fe and the Fe3+. Different parameters such as pH, concentration of tiron, concentration of CPC, type and volume of disperser and extraction solvent were investigated and optimum conditions were selected. Under the optimum conditions, the calibration curve was linear in the range of 20–300 µg L−1 of Fe3+ with a correlation coefficient of 0.9988. The relative standard deviation (%) based on six replicate analysis of 50 µg L−1 of Fe3+ was 3.5%. In order to check the accuracy of the proposed method, the certified reference material (CRM-TMDW) was analyzed and the determined value was in good agreement with certified value. The proposed method was successfully applied for determination of iron species in local tap, spring, river water and food samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ion pair-based dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction technique was used for preconcentration and determination of ultra-trace levels of Co (ІІ) followed by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (ETAAS). Thiocyanate (SCN) forms an anionic complex with Co (ІІ) followed by addition of cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) as a positive counterion to produce hydrophobic cobalt-thiocyanate-CPC complex. The resulting hydrophobic complex was extracted into the fine droplets of carbon tetrachloride by dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (DLLME). In DLLME, a mixture of 1.5 mL of acetone (as disperser solvent) containing 40 μL of carbon tetrachloride (as extraction solvent) was rapidly injected into the sample solution to extract the hydrophobic cobalt-thiocyanate-CPC complex. Under the optimum conditions, the calibration curve was linear in the range of 0.08-1.5 μg L of Co (ІІ) with a correlation coefficient of 0.9997. The relative standard deviation (RSD, %) based on six replicate analyses of 0.5 μg L of Co (ІІ) was 3.7 %, and the limit of detection (LOD) was 0.02 μg L. The accuracy of the proposed method was evaluated by the analysis of a certified reference material and spike method. The proposed method was successfully applied for determination of ultra-trace levels of Co (ІІ) in different water samples and spinach leaves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Parkinson disease (PD), parkinsonian syndromes (PS) and essential tremor (ET) are different types of movement disorders which share some symptoms resulting in a difficulty of certain diagnosis. This study was conducted to determine the value of (99m)Tc-TRODAT-1 scan to differentiate PD from ET and other PS cases.Methods: Totally, 75 patients were studied including 29 PD, 6 possible PD, 22 ET and 18 PS cases. A dual-head SPECT-CT was used to perform basal ganglia (BG) imaging following administration of (99m)Tc-TRODAT-1. The BG uptake values were normalized to whole brain and occipital activity. All patients were followed for 2-22 months to reach a certain diagnosis.Results: Patients with ET and drug-induced parkinsonism show significantly higher normalized BG uptake as compared to the other subgroups; however, no significant difference was noted between PD and PS patients. The sensitivity and specificity of the findings for the differentiation between patients with the disease associated versus not associated with BG dysfunction were 80 and 83.3%, respectively. A predictive positive value of 82.6% was obtained using an additive scaling index defined as asymmetry and unevenness of uptake in putamen and/or caudate contralateral to the dominant side of current symptoms.Conclusions: (99m)Tc-TRODAT-1 scan is an appropriate method to differentiate PD or PS versus ET. A combination of scan pattern including asymmetry of BG uptake and unevenness of activity in caudate and putamen along with the side of dominant symptoms may be valuable for the differentiation of Parkinson's disease from the other parkinsonian syndromes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highly rapid and selective vortex-assisted liquid-liquid microextraction based on solidification of organic drop has been used for determination of cobalt ion. 2-Nitroso-1-naphthol (2N1N) was used as a selective complexing agent to form stable cobalt-2N1N complex which can be extracted with 1-undecanol at a short time by the assistance of vortex agitator system followed by its determination using flame atomic absorption spectrometry. In vortex assisted, vigorous vortex stream as well as the vibrant effect of vortex system cause very fine droplets of extraction solvent to be produced and extraction occurred at a short time. Some parameters influencing the extraction process such as pH of samples, concentration of 2-nitroso-1-naphthol, extraction solvent volume, extraction time, ionic strength and surfactant addition, as well as interferences were evaluated in detail and optimum conditions were selected. At the optimum conditions, the calibration curve was linear in the range of 15 to 400 μg L of cobalt ions. The relative standard deviation based on ten replicate analysis of sample solution containing 50 μg L of cobalt was 3.4 %. The detection limit (calculated as the concentration equivalent to three times of the standard deviation of the blank divided by the slope of the calibration curve after preconcentration) was 5.4 μg L. The accuracy of the proposed method was successfully evaluated by the analysis of certified reference materials. This selective and highly rapid method was used for determination of cobalt ions in different water samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to investigate the hepatoprotective effects of whey protein isolate against acute liver toxicity induced by dimethylnitrosamine (DMN), a randomized experimental study was conducted. Forty-eight Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups. Groups A and B consumed a diet containing casein, and group C received a diet containing whey protein isolate for 18 days. Group A was then given an intraperitoneal saline injection. It continued on the casein diet for another 4 days before being sacrificed. Each animal in groups B and C was given a single intraperitoneal injection of DMN (30 mg/kg) on the 18th day of the study. All groups continued their diets for 4 days before their euthanasia. The supply of whey protein diet resulted in a decrease in aspartate amino transferase, alanine amino transferase, alkaline phosphatase, total bilirubin, and malondialdehyde (MDA). Morphological and biochemical data suggested that a diet containing whey protein isolate decreased DMN-induced liver damage and, therefore, had beneficial effects on hepatic failure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: We evaluated different factors predicting the development of acute pyelonephritis in Iranian children, with special attention to time factor. Methods: One hundred nineteen patients (93 females and 26 males; age = 32.6 ± 30.8 months) with first urinary tract infection (UTI) were evaluated. None had previous urological problems. Prior to antibiotic therapy blood samples were gathered for laboratory evaluation. Vital signs on admission were measured. Clinical and laboratory indices, including therapeutic delay time (TDT) and therapeutic response time (TRT), were measured. Most patients were evaluated with renal ultrasound in the first three days following admission. All patients underwent dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) renal scintigraphy and 71 were assessed for vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). Results: DMSA scans were abnormal in 77 cases, of which 11 cases had bilateral renal involvement. Mean values for TDT, TRT, leukocyte count (LC), absolute neutrophil count (ANC), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and C-reactive protein (CRP) were 74.1 h, 39.6 h, 15725 ± 6682 mm, 10772 ± 6458 mm, 51.9 ± 32.5 mm, and 27.3 ± 25.1 mg l, respectively. VUR was present in 29 of 142 evaluated renal units. Conclusion: TDT ≥ 48 h, TRT ≥ 24 h, axillary temperature ≥ 39°C, LC ≥ 13500 mm, and age ≥ 18 months predicted abnormal DMSA scan in patients with first episode of UTI. Considerably higher TDT and TRT values of the current study compared to previous ones suggests the more important role of time factor in predicting abnormal DMSA findings in a developing country than in developed ones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The urea breath test (UBT) which is carried out with 13C or 14C labeled urea is one of the most important non invasive methods for detection of Helicobacter pylori infection. Application of 13C-UBT is becoming increasingly popular because of its non radioactive nature which makes it suitable for diagnostic purposes in children and women of child bearing ages. While isotope ratio mass spectrometer (IRMS) is generally used to detect 13C in expired breath, this instrument is expensive and recently non dispersive isotope selective infrared (NDIR) spectroscopy which is a lower cost technique has been employed as a reliable counterpart for IRMS in small clinics. The aim of this study was to assess the validity of NDIR spectroscopy technique in Iranian population in comparison with histological examination, rapid urease test and 14C-urea breath test as gold standard. Seventy six patients with dyspepsia were underwent 13C-UBT for diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection. Good agreements were found between the 13C-UBT and gold standard methods. The 13C-UBT showed 100% sensitivity, 97.3% specificity, 97.56% positive predictive value, 100% negative predictive value and 98.65% accuracy. On the basis of these results it could be concluded that 13C-UBT performed with NDIR spectroscopy is a reliable, accurate and non invasive diagnostic tool for detection of Helicobacter pylori infection in the Iranian population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The urea breath test (UBT) which is carried out with 13C or 14C labeled urea is one of the most important non invasive methods for detection of Helicobacter pylori infection. Application of 13C-UBT is becoming increasingly popular because of its non radioactive nature which makes it suitable for diagnostic purposes in children and women of child bearing ages. While isotope ratio mass spectrometer (IRMS) is generally used to detect 13C in expired breath, this instrument is expensive and recently non dispersive isotope selective infrared (NDIR) spectroscopy which is a lower cost technique has been employed as a reliable counterpart for IRMS in small clinics. The aim of this study was to assess the validity of NDIR spectroscopy technique in Iranian population in comparison with histological examination, rapid urease test and 14C-urea breath test as gold standard. Seventy six patients with dyspepsia were underwent 13CUBT for diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection. Good agreements were found between the 13C-UBT and gold standard methods. The 13C-UBT showed 100% sensitivity, 97.3% specificity, 97.56% positive predictive value, 100% negative predictive value and 98.65% accuracy. On the basis of these results it could be concluded that 13C-UBT performed with NDIR spectroscopy is a reliable, accurate and non invasive diagnostic tool for detection of Helicobacter pylori infection in the Iranian population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The carbon -14 urea breath test (UBT)is a non-invasive and simple method for the diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection. Attempts have been made to use lower doses of 14C-urea in the UBT in order to reduce the radiation risk of the test. The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy of a microdose (1 µCi [37 KBq]) 14C-UBT in Iranian population for validation of its diagnostic accuracy against gold standard methods. Eighty and two patients were subjected to upper gastrointestinal endoscopy as well as 14C-UBT in one week. Rapid urease test and histological examinations were used as gold standard. Breath samples were collected 10, 20 and 30 minute after ingestion of 1 µCi of 14C- urea solution and their activities were measured using a scintillation counter and expressed as counts per minute (cpm) and disintegration per minute (dpm). Good agreement was observed between the 14C-UBT and gold standard for samples which were collected 20 minutes after 14C-urea administration. The 14C-UBT showed 100% sensitivity, 95% specificity, 95.45% positive predictive value, 100% negative predictive value and 97.50% accuracy. The results of this study showed good concordance between the 14C-UBT and invasive methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Incidentally the diagnosis of pleural effusions can be made with scintigraphic studies. We report a case of incidental detection of pleural effusion in sestamibi myocardial perfusion scan. A 64-year-old man with a history of chest pain was referred for Sestamibi myocardial perfusion scintigraphy. The review of cine data revealed an area of radiotracer accumulation in the left hemithorax. Subsequent chest X-ray and computed tomography revealed a relatively massive pleural effusion. Microscopic evaluation confirmed the malignant nature of pleural effusion, the origin of which was an ipsilateral pulmonary adenocarcinoma. As to our knowledge, it is the first report of sestamibi uptake in pleural effusion fluid. In our opinion, this finding could be explained by radiotracer uptake in the malignant component of the effusion. Reporting of these incidental findings could be important and sometimes can be resulted in determining previously unknown pathologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Preoxidation is an important unit process which can partially remove organic and microbial contaminations. Due to the high concentrations of organic matter entering the water treatment plant, originating from surface water resources, preoxidation by using chlorinated compounds may increase the possibility of trihalomethane (THM) formation. Therefore, in order to reduce the concentration of THMs, different alternatives such as injection of potassium permanganate are utilized. The present study attempts to investigate the efficiency of the microbial removal from raw water entering the water treatment plant No. 1 in Mashhad, Iran, through various doses of potassium permanganate. Then, an examination of the predictive models is done in order to indicate the residual Escherichia coli and total coliform resulted from injecting the potassium permanganate. Finally, the coefficients of the proposed models were optimized using the genetic algorithm. The results of the study show that 0.5 mg L−1 of potassium permanganate would remove 50% of total coliform as well as 80% of Escherichia coli in the studied water treatment plant. Also, assessing the performance of different models in predicting the residual microbial concentration after injection of potassium permanganate suggests the Gaussian model as the one resulting the highest conformity. Moreover, it can be concluded that employing smart models leads to an optimization of the injected potassium permanganate at the levels of 27% and 73.5%, for minimum and maximum states during different seasons of a year, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]