Search

The current study has aims to investigate the soil quality and phytoextraction of cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), and lead (Pb) from saline soils using Alhagi maurorum (camelthorn), Tamarix aphylla (saltcedar), Salvadora persica (mustard bush), and Suaeda nigra (bush seep weed). The saline bulk soil, rhizospheric soil, and different parts of selected plants were oxidized using the acid mixture and determined Cd, Cr, and Pb by atomic absorption spectrometry. The bio-concentration factor (BCF) and translocation factor (T(F)) of also examined. The quality parameters of soil like pH ( 4.00 dS m(−1)) indicated the soil is saline. The salinity of soil was lower the organic matters, and total nitrogen contents in studied saline bulk soil due to deterioration condition of soils. However, the rhizospheric soil showed the improved quality of saline soil reflected the good phytoextraction of salts from saline soil. The high contents of Cd in roots and shoots (1.02 and 0.65 µg g(−1)) of Alhagi maurorum, Cr in the roots and shoots (6.20, and 6.75 µg g(−1)) of Tamarix aphylla and Pb in the roots and shoots (5.63, and 5.75 µg g(−1)) of Suaeda nigra. The BCF and T(F) showed the Tamarix aphylla and Alhagi maurorum for Pb, Alhagi maurorum, and Salvadora persica for Cr considered as hyperaccumulator plants. Based on BCF and T(F) values of Alhagi maurorum, Tamarix aphylla for Cd, and Salvadora persica for Cr and Pb have the efficiency to uptake toxic metals from saline soil. Thus, it can be concluded that selected plant species may have ability for the phytoextraction the Cd, Cr and Pb from saline soil.

The influence of essential nutrients such as calcium (Ca), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), magnesium (Mg), selenium (Se), and zinc (Zn) on male fertility has been extensively studied. For reproductive health, adequate spermatogenesis, sperm maturation and motility, as well as optimal sperm function, these essential elements are required. Several pathologic and male infertility disorders have been linked to an imbalance of these elements.The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between essential and toxic elements, such as Ca, Cu, Fe, Mg Se, and Zn, as well as cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and mercury (Hg) in human biological samples, such as blood, serum, and seminal plasma, from 96 referent male adults aged 21 to 49 years, who were further divided into three age groups. The biological samples of Eunuch people (n = 37), ranging in age from 21 to 42 years, were also analysed for comparison. The method of acid digestion was controlled by a microwave oven. The essential and toxic elements in the oxidised biological samples were determined using atomic absorption spectrometry. Certified reference material of blood and serum was being used to validate the methodology's accuracy.The Ca, Cu, Fe, Mg, Se, and Zn concentrations in blood and serum samples of Eunuch people were found to be lower, whereas Cd, Pb, and Hg levels were significantly higher than those found in data from normal adult male subjects (p 0.001). The results reveal that the concentrations of Ca, Cu, Fe, Mg, Se, and Zn in the seminal plasma of adult male participants in the younger age group (21-29) were higher than those in the older age groups (30-39) and (40-49). Although essential trace element levels in Eunuch people's biological samples were significantly lower than those observed in adult male subjects.Essential elemental deficiency and elevated levels of toxic heavy metals in all biological fluid samples may have significant negative effects on human reproductive health (sperm quality and function), leading to male infertility.

Background: Cosmetics have been a part of routine body care not only for the upper classes but also for the middle and lower classes since the dawn of civilization. Cosmetic formulations are in more demand as the public's interest in skin whitening grows. The contamination of cosmetics with heavy metals is a major concern as they containing heavy metals and pose a major risk to human health. This study looks in to the effects of Lead on human skin. Methods: in this cross-sectional study different products were examined. The matrices (scalp hair, blood, serum and nails) of reference and dermatitis cosmetic female patients (seborrhoeic dermatitis, rosacea, allergic contact dermatitis, and irritant contact dermatitis) and cosmetic samples were used in a 2:1 mixture of HNO3 (65%) and H2O2 (30%), and oxidation was performed using a microwave. The oxidized beauty and biological specimen underwent electrothermal atomic emission spectrophotometry after microwave-assisted acid digestion. The validity and precision of the methodology were verified using certified reference materials. Cosmetic products (lipstick, face powder, Eye Liner and Eye shadow) of different brands contain Pb concentrations in the ranges of 50.5–120 μg/g, 14.6–30.7 μg/g, 2.87–4.25 μg/g and 15.3–21.6 μg/g, respectively. Results: In the present study, cosmetic products (lipstick (N=15), face powder (N=13), eye liner (N=11), eye shadow (N=15) and female patients with dermatitis (N=252) residing in Hyderabad city, Sindh, Pakistan, was investigated. The outcome of this investigation showed significantly higher levels of Pb in biological samples (blood and scalp hair) of different types of female dermatitis patients than in reference subjects (p

Phthalate esters (PAEs) also known as plasticizers, are used to improve flexibility in a variety of food packaging, including plastic containers, beverage bottles, and bags. PAEs are endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs) that can have serious consequences on human health. The purpose of this study is to investigate the leaching of PAEs from plastic packaging into several juice brands (n = 225), including citrus fruit juices, berry fruit and mixed fruit juices, and stone fruit juices. To clean the juices, a silica gel-packed column was used. In addition, plastic bottles were characterized by FTIR, which confirms the presence of PAEs by evaluating the aromatic esters and C-H wagging peaks at 1713 cm-1 and 722 cm-1 respectively. Furthermore, DSC analysis of juice bottles revealed distinct Tg and Tm values for juice bottles that are amorphous. All of the liquids were acidic, with pH levels ranging from 2.25 to 3.73. According to chromatographic analyses, mixed fruit juices had the most PAEs leaching (71.93g/L), followed by strawberry juices (31.35 g/L), citrus fruit juices (20.64 g/L), and fleshy fruit juices (18.61g/L). Different PAEs such as DPrP, DiBP, DPeP, DCHP, BBzP, DEHP, and DOP were validated by GC-MS. Estimated daily intakes (EDIs) of the PAEs from fruit juices ranged from 0.087 to 0.543 µg/kg/bw. Non-carcinogenic risks concerning PAEs in juices were found to be within safe levels (less than one). DEHP in fruit juices exhibited the potential carcinogenic effects on humans.

Breast cancer is the most familiar solid tumor analyzed in women. Trace elements have critical roles in cancer biology. In this research, the relationship between carcinogenic element, cadmium (Cd), and anti-carcinogenic elements, zinc (Zn), in the scalp hair and blood samples of four stages of female breast cancer patients was studied. We have determined the essential trace (Zn) and toxic (Cd) elements, in biological samples (scalp hair and blood) of female breast cancer (n = 96 age ranging 22–35 years), residents of various cities of Pakistan. For comparative study, the biological samples of age-matched healthy (referent) subjects (n = 115) were also analyzed for selected metals. The validity and accuracy of the methodology were checked by using certified reference materials of biological referent materials (human hair (BCR 397) and ClinCheck lyophilized blood). The mean concentrations of Cd were found to be 3- to fourfold significantly higher in the scalp hair and blood samples of female breast patients as compared to referents, while reverse results were obtained in the case of Zn (p > 0.001). The observed data shows the significant effect of carcinogenic (Cd) and their balance towards the anti-carcinogenic (Zn) in humans.

This study reveals the phytoextraction of trace metals (cobalt ‘Co’, copper ‘Cu’ and zinc ‘Zn’) by selected plants Alhagi maurorum, Tamarix aphylla, Salvadora persica and Suaeda nigra in saline soil. The two parts (roots and shoots) of selected plants were collected from different sites and desalinated rhizospheric soil samples (adhering to the root of plants). The matrices of saline soil, desalinated rhizospheric soil samples and different part of selected plants were oxidized using the acid mixture. The metals were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry using different techniques. The mean values of Co, Cu and Zn in bulk saline soil of four sites termed as BS1, BS2, BS3 and BS4 were found to be (18.6, 186 and 188), (22.4, 112 and 189), (27.7, 161 and 193) and (29.1, 191 and 170) µg/g, respectively. The residual % of Co, Cu and Zn in soil after harvested plants was observed as (14.3, 45.3 and 16.5 %), (20.2, 22.6 and 20.4 %), (28.2, 35.7 and 14.4 %) and (28.7, 26.7 and 32.5 %), respectively. The bio-concentration factor (BCF), translocation factor (TF) and the % of removal rate revealed that T. aphylla for Cu and Zn, A. maurorum for the Cu and S. Persica for Zn are suitable halophytes for the phytoremediation from the saline soil. Thus, it can be concluded that selected plant species may have the ability for the phytoextraction of Co, Cu and Zn from saline soil.

To attain maximum recovery of useful compounds from slaughterhouse waste (Suet, Tongue, Pancreas) of selected ruminant (cow, goat, lamb, and bull), the fat extraction efficiency of popular methods was compared along with fatty acid (FAs) composition. Four selected methods including Soxhlet (SOX), acid hydrolysis, Bligh & dyer (B&D), and Folch (FOL) were assessed. After methylation, extracted lipids were analyzed by Gas chromatography for FA composition. Data indicated that all selected methods were significantly (p < 0.05) different from each other, particularly higher differences were noticed for low lipid-containing products (Tongue, Pancreas) as well as their respective FA Composition. Based on Analysis of Variance and Principal component analysis, the effective method for lipid and FA Composition analysis was the FOL method. The Soxhlet method was only effective for samples with high-fat content i.e., suet, while the B&D method gave comparatively low lipid content in analyzed samples. Hence based on the results, excellent fat and fatty acid extraction was achieved with the FOL method.

Type 1 Diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is one of the familiar childhood immune-mediated onsets and can lead to early mortalities and morbidities. It can arise at any stage, but the peak of occurrence is reported less than 18 years of age. T1DM cases in Pakistan were less than 2% of the total diabetic population. The current work designed to assess the concentration of cadmium (Cd) and zinc (Zn) in blood, scalp hair and serum samples of T1DM children, age ranged 1 - 14 years of both genders. For comparison purpose, the age-matched referent subjects of both genders were tested. The microwave-assisted acid digestion procedure was used to determine the elemental analysis in the biological samples of T1DM children and referent subjects. The resulted data of certified reference material of blood, scalp hair, and serum validated the certainty of the designed method. The analysis of Zn was performed by flame atomic absorption spectrometry, while the Cd contents were determined by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry. T1DM affected children of both genders have lower Zn level in the blood, scalp hair, and serum samples. Whereas, the levels of Cd were found to be higher in the biological samples of T1DM affected children as compared to referent subjects. The finding of the current study is a significant hypothesis for medical experts, to diagnose the deficiency of essential (Zn) and toxicity of heavy/toxic element (Cd) in the biological specimen of T1DM affected children.

Workers of the Lakhra coal mining Sindh Pakistan were affected by a multi-factorial exposure of heavy metals. The prevalence of lead (Pb) exposures in work-related symptoms among workers of indoor and outdoor mining of Lakhra coal mining was evaluated in detail. The biological samples (scalp hair and blood) of 270 workers of Lakhra coal mining {official and control subjects} (indoor and outdoor) 18 to 55 years age group and 70 referent subjects of same age-groups were examined. The biological samples (blood and scalp hair) of workers of Lakhra coal mining and referent subjects were analyzed for calcium (Ca) and lead (Pb). Flame atomic absorption spectrometry was applied for the determination of the Ca in digested samples of studied subjects by the microwave oven whereas, the Pb contents were measured by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry. The validity of the methodology was checked by using the certified human hair material (BCR 397) and lyophilized human blood (Clincheck). The results indicated the higher contents of Pb in biological samples of indoor and outdoor mining workers than referents. However, the levels of Ca were found to be lower in indoor and outdoor mining workers than those of referents. It can be concluded that immediate action should be taken by recommended authorities to improve the ventilation and hygiene practices inside the industries, mines, and other workplaces.

Background: Recently, Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been affected by the extreme acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and has developed important global health anxiety. At this time, the treatment options for this disease are only moderately successful. Smoking has been related to COVID-19 and its mortality, and it has the potential to affect bacteriological and viral conversion, clinical effects, and treatment outcomes. Methods: The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between critical essential trace {zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), and copper (Cu)} and toxic {cadmium (Cd) and nickel (Ni)} elements in human biological samples such as scalp hair, serum, saliva, blood, nasal fluid, and sputum of smoking and nonsmoking male COVID-19 patients (n = 139, age range 25 - 38 years) from Hyderabad, Pakistan. For comparative purposes, the biological specimens of referent persons (n = 83), pulmonary Tuberculosis (T.B) patients (n = 67), Pneumonia (n = 56) of the same age groups were also be analyzed. Microwave oven mediated digestion method was employed, and digestion of samples was carried out with the help of 2:1 mixture solution of HNO3 (65%) and H2O2 (30%). Atomic absorption spectrometry was employed for the determination of elemental concentrations from the microwave oven employed digested samples. Results: The found average of essential elements (Zn, Fe, and Cu) in biological specimens of smoker and nonsmoker male COVID-19, T.B, and Pneumonia patients was found to lower, whilst cadmium and nickel were found to be higher when compared with samples from referents (p S. pneumoniae. Our findings also suggest that higher Cd and Ni concentrations are linked to cigarette smoking, which could lead to COVID-19 and other lung-infected diseased recurrences. However, further clinical and experimental research is required.

Innovative titania nanostructures were synthesized via efficient and prolific liquid phase deposition route and efficiently utilized for catalytic degradation of Eosin Y. The as-synthesized TiO2@ITO nanostructures were subjected to various characterization tactics that confirmed the efficacious fabrication of nanostructures. The minute size of particles around 5–6 nm having anatase crystalline phase and concrete like morphology was greatly revealed by atomic force microscopy, XRD, and SEM, respectively. The resulting nanoconcretes were employed for photocatalytic degradation of Eosin Y dye in aqueous medium. The effects of various experimental parameters such as the reducing agent concentration, sunlight, time, catalytic dose, and microwave power were investigated for the potential photocatalytic degradation. The proposed TiO2@ITO nanostructures showed potential photocatalytic efficiency then previously reported nanomaterial for degradation of toxic Eosin Y dye; it shows approximately 99.8% dye degraded within 50–60 s using only 100 μg of nanocatalyst under optimized conditions. Owing to minute size, topography and electron–hole pair abilities TiO2@ITO nanostructures suggest an exceptional icon at the commercial level for successful degradation of toxic pollutants. Graphical abstract

In this research work, we report a novel chromium-based magnetic ion-imprinted polymer for the selective and sensitive detoxification of hexavalent chromium ions from aqueous systems. A simple and facile co-precipitation method was applied for the fabrication of an amine-functionalized silica-capped iron oxide nanoparticle-based ion-imprinted polymer using dichromate (Cr2O7)2− ions as a template, 4-vinylpyradine as a ligand, methyl methacrylate as a functional monomer, ethylene glycol methacrylate (EGDMA) as a crosslinker, and α-α′-azoisobisbutyronitrile (AIBN) as an initiator. Different analytical techniques were used for the characterization of the synthesized materials, including SEM, XRD EDX, and FTIR. To achieve the maximum adsorption capacity, different parameters were optimized during the adsorption and desorption study including pH, adsorbent dose, temperature, analyte concentration, and shaking speed. According to the results, the data follows the Langmuir isotherm model, while the kinetic study was well described by the pseudo-second-order model. The maximum adsorption capability of Cr-MIIP was determined to be 169.49 mg g−1. The relative standard deviation and limit of detection and quantification were found to be 0.81 μg L−1 and 2.7 μg L−1 for this method. Thus, the high adsorption capacity, selectivity, ease of separation, and time-saving property of the Cr(VI)-imprinted silica-amine-functionalized magnetic polymer make it an efficient adsorbent for the selective remediation of hexavalent chromium ions from water bodies.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a systemic disease affecting multiple organs. Furthermore, viral infection depletes several trace elements and promotes complex biochemical reactions in the body. Smoking has been linked to the incidence of COVID-19 and associated mortality, and it may impact clinical effects, viral and bacterial conversion, and treatment outcomes.To study the relationship between severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 and the elemental concentrations of selenium (Se) and mercury (Hg) in biological samples from smokers and nonsmokers infected with the virus and in healthy individuals.We evaluated changes in the concentrations of essential (Se) and toxic (Hg) elements in biological samples (blood, nasal fluid, saliva, sputum, serum, and scalp hair) collected from male smokers and nonsmokers (aged 29-59 years) infected with COVID-19 and from healthy men in the same age group. The patients lived in different cities in Sindh Province, Pakistan. The Se and Hg concentrations were determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometry.Se concentrations in all types of biological samples from smokers and nonsmokers with COVID-19 were lower than those of healthy smokers and nonsmokers. Hg concentrations were elevated in both smokers and nonsmokers with COVID-19.In the current study, persons infected with COVID-19 had higher concentrations of toxic Hg, which could cause physiological disorders, and low concentrations of essential Se, which can also cause weakness. COVID-19 infection showed positive correlations with levels of mercury and selenium. Thus, additional clinical and experimental investigations are essential.

In this study, highly efficient Fe/Bi bimetallic magnetic nanooxides (IBBMNOs) were used as adsorbent for the removal of Cr(VI) from an aqueous environment. The IBBMNOs were synthesized by a simple and facile chemical reduction method. After that, different analytical techniques were used to characterize the resultant nanomaterial. According to characterization results, the IBBMNOs are highly porous look like cotton beads with an average size of 60-69 nm. BET results show that IBBMNOs are highly porous with a high surface area. After optimizing different parameters such as pH, adsorbent dose, and time study, an excellent adsorption capacity was achieved up to 185 mg/g in 10 min. The calculated data of the adsorption process was well fitted with Langmuir and pseudo-first-order kinetic model. The prepared materials have good usability as compared to reported adsorbent materials can be used for five different cycles with good removal efficiency of chromium ion from aqueous samples. Schematic illustration of adsorption of Cr(VI) from aqueous solution by IBBMNOs.

An environmentally safe, efficient, and economical microwave-assisted technique was selected for the production of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). To prepare uniformly disseminated AgNPs, xanthan gum (XG) was utilized as both a reducing and capping agent. UV–Vis spectroscopy was used to characterize the formed XG-AgNPs, with the absorption band regulated at 414 nm under optimized parameters. Atomic force microscopy was used to reveal the size and shape of XG-AgNPs. The interactions between the XG capping agent and AgNPs observed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The XG-AgNPs were placed in between glassy carbon electrode and Nafion® surfaces and then deployed as sensors for voltammetric evaluation of mercury ions (Hg2+) using square-wave voltammetry as an analytical mode. Required Nafion® quantities, electrode behavior, electrolyte characteristics, pH, initial potentials, accumulation potentials, and accumulation durations were all comprehensively investigated. In addition, an electrochemical mechanism for the oxidation of Hg2+ was postulated. With an exceptional limit of detection of 0.18 ppb and an R2 value of 0.981, the sensors’ measured linear response range was 0.0007–0.002 µM Hg2+. Hg2+ evaluations were ultimately unaffected by the presence of many coexisting metal ions (Cd2+, Pb2+, Cr2O4, Co2+,Cu2+, CuSO4). Spiked water samples were tested using the described approach, with Hg2+ recoveries ranging from 97% to 100%.

BACKGROUND Breast cancer is an uncommon (rare) disease in men, approximately 1% of the total breast cancer cases in the world. By reason of the rare occurrence, there is no clinical or hospital study giving the information about the essential trace and toxic elements in the biological samples of male breast cancer patients. METHODS The aim of current study was to estimate association among essential trace {zinc (Zn), iron (Fe) and copper (Cu)} and toxic {cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb)} elements in human biological samples particularly blood, serum, scalp hair, of male breast cancer patients (n = 14, age range 52 - 58 years) residents of Hyderabad, Pakistan. For comparative purposes, the biological samples of referent persons (n = 37) of the same age groups were also be analyzed. Microwave oven mediated digestion method was employed, and digestion of samples was carried out with the help of 2:1 mixture solution of HNO3 (65%) and H2O2 (30%). Atomic absorption spectrometry was employed for the determination of elemental concentrations from the microwave oven employed digested samples. RESULTS The found average of essential elements (zinc, iron, and copper) in samples of male breast cancer patients was found to be lower, while cadmium and nickel were found to be higher, when compared with samples from referents (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS These data will be helpful for treatment of male breast cancer patients to improve his health and life.

Highly effective, remarkable and discerning isopropanol conversion to acetone has been achieved by a heterogeneous catalytic transfer oxidative hydrogenation of isopropanol using NaBH4 in the presence of active titanium oxide nanoflakes (TiO2 NFs) grown over ITO substrate for the first time followed by liquid-phase deposition protocol. Various sophisticated techniques were employed for the confirmation of well-shaped novel anatase nanoflakes, having small size and thickness of 5–10 and 30 nm, respectively, consequently providing high surface area and greater density active sites enable the particles to be extremely active for the catalytic reaction. These exceedingly active nanoflakes proved to be good candidate showing remarkably high heterogeneous catalytic efficiency by converting approximately 100% isopropanol to acetone within 40 s using 0.5 mg TiO2 NFs deposited over ITO surface. Various parameters are optimized, e.g., time, dose, concentration of reducing agent and isopropanol for this rapid and effective conversion. These synthesized nanoflakes are of finest choice in terms of cheapest source, high catalytic efficiency, exceptional reusability and good analytical practicality with maximum yield in very short time.

Graphical abstract, Highlights • Smoking is linked with tuberculosis recurrence. • Pakistan has not only high TB number of TB cases (fifth) but also high level of multidrug-resistant TB (fourth) in the world. • Cu/Zn ratio was also considerably greater in all biological samples of TB patients as compared to the control group. • The analysis the levels of the elements, {Fe, Cu, Zn and Cu/Zn ratio} may help the studies on the development of TB disease., Tuberculosis is one of the major causes of illnesses and deaths throughout world particularly in Asia. Smoking is linked with tuberculosis recurrence and its mortality and may influence bacteriological conversion, clinical symptoms and treatment outcome. The aim of current study was to estimate association among essential trace elements {zinc (Zn), iron (Fe) and copper (Cu)} in human biological samples particularly blood, serum, scalp hair, saliva, sputum, and nasal fluid of smoking and nonsmoking pulmonary tuberculosis patients (n = 165, age ranged 16–35 years) residents of Hyderabad, Pakistan. The biological samples of age matched healthy controls were chosen as referents of both genders (n = 171) for the comparison purpose. The human biological samples were wet digested in microwave oven by 65 % HNO3 and 30 % H2O2 with (2:1) ratio. The concentrations of elements in acid digested samples were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry. The average zinc and iron concentration was lower, while level of copper was higher in the biological samples of pulmonary Tuberculosis patients as compared to referent subjects (p

In this study, we report the synthesis of indium tin oxide (ITO) decorated Pt–Pd nanoparticle by a simple and facile liquid phase deposition protocol and their application as a heterogeneous catalyst for the reduction of toxic hexavalent chromium. Different characterization techniques were used to confirm the synthesized nanoparticles are honeycomb-like structure. The average size of nanoparticles was found to be 2–5 nm and uniformly distributed over ITO surface. During this study, the parameter was optimized such as the effect of different reducing agent and their concentration, effect of microwaves radiation and dose of nanoparticles. It was observed that the kinetic mechanism was best describes by the pseudo-first order. The synthesized Pt–Pd nanoparticles were successfully applied as an excellent heterogeneous catalyst for reduction of Cr(VI) to Cr(III) in water. The synthesized nanocatalyst was good in term of fast kinetic, high catalytic efficiency, excellent recyclability, and analytical applicability for fast and efficient reduction of toxic hexavalent chromium as compared to conventional methods of nanocatalysts. Schematic illustration of hexavalent chromium reduction

Bimetallic nanoparticles (BMNPs) have received considerable attention due to their distinctive properties when compared to the corresponding monometallic NPs and their bulk counterpart. In this report, the formation of gold@silver core-shell nanoparticles (Au@AgCSNPs) was achieved via a one-pot synthetic approach after mixing 1:1 M solutions of Au and Ag ions. L-cysteine was used as reducing as well as capping agent for preparing Au@AgCSNPs. Ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy was employed for surface plasmon study while Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy gave insights for interaction of NPs with specific functionality of the capping material. Surface morphology of the fabricated Au@AgCSNPs, probed by atomic force microscopy (AFM), indicated an average height of nanoparticles around 43 ± 3 nm and their crystallinity were confirmed via powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) study. Significantly, the as synthesized Au@AgCSBMNPs were fabricated onto the conductive surface of glassy carbon electrode (GCE), stabilized with nafion, and then utilized as an extremely sensitive/greatly selective sensor for voltammetric detection of Hg2+. The developed sensor responded linearly to Hg2+ between 0.001 and 19 ppb with limit of detection (LOD) as low as 0.0001 ppb (0.1 ppt). Finally, the sensor was effectively applied for Hg2+ detection in different groundwater samples and is workable at concentrations undetectable by several sensing tools.

In the present study, a novel Pb2+ ion-imprinted polymers (Pb-IIPs) were synthesized by a simple and facile one-pot ultrasonic assisted precipitation polymerization method used for the first time. The polymerization reaction time decreases about 5 folds using ultrasonic energy as compared to the conventional method. Synthesized polymers were characterized for their surface morphology, functionality, and elemental composition by SEM, FT-IR and EDX. Adsorption mechanism was best described by Langmuir isotherm followed pseudo second order kinetics. Interfering ions study suggested that the effect of other co-existing ions at a given concentration was negligible. The reusability and selectivity of the synthesized Pb-IIP were also assessed. Good linearity in the concentration range of (2–50) μg L−1 was achieved. Limit of quantification (LOQ) and detection (LOD) was 1.9 and 0.59 μg L−1 respectively. Validation of the developed procedure was carried out by using certified reference material and spiking addition method in real samples, and the results were found to be in good agreement with spiking values. The prepared material was successfully applied to real water samples for selective removal of Pb2+ ions.

The present study was undertaken to generate a database for selenium (Se) content present in minced and processed meat products abundantly available in the market and to estimate the dietary Se intake in different types of minced/raw and processed meat in Pakistan. The concentration of Se was determined in meat samples of different brands of beef, chicken, and mutton, consumed among the local population of different cities of Pakistan. For pretreatment of the meat samples, microwave-assisted acid digestion procedure (MAD) was developed for the Se analysis in the meat samples of different brands. The validity of the designed method was checked by certified reference samples of BOVM-1 (bovine muscle certified reference material 1). Digested meat samples were analyzed by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Results showed that among different meat types, average Se concentration of beef was close to those of chicken samples. The mean Se concentration in the meat observed in reducing order was established in mutton (120 μg/kg), beef (91 μg/kg), and chicken (90 μg/kg). These results suggest that mutton and chicken samples have significant differences in their average concentrations. There was no significant difference in the average concentration of beef and chicken (p > 0.05), while there was a significant difference in average concentrations of Se in beef and mutton (p

The present study reports the physicochemical evaluation and biological activity of seeds oils of Prosopis juliflora, P. glandulosa and P. cineraria. The yield of extracted seed oils was in the ran...

Phthalates (PAEs) are widely used as plasticizers in medical devices to make polyvinyl chloride flexible and soft. However, PAEs can be leached out from plasticizers undesirably and can migrate within the material and end up with direct exposure to humans. Therefore, a number of studies have been conducted globally focusing on their leaching from medical devices like blood bags, infusion tubing, peritoneal dialysis bags and tubing, catheters etc. In current review an attempt is made to gather information related to leaching, exposure, health implication of PAEs along with the regulation used in different countries. Toxic health effects with the exposure of PAEs includes neurological effects, DNA damage, oxidative stress, asthma with negative impact on lungs, effects on reproductive system, liver impairment and gastrointestinal effects. In addition, leaching studies has shown the presence of DEHP about 31 – 34 % in peritoneal dialysis set like bags and tubing. DEHP leached out from medical apparatus depends upon temperature, storage time, amount of DEHP present in devices and shaking of device while in touched with medical solution. The exposure of plasticizers for pregnant hospitalised women and infants has also highlighted. In addition, PAEs alternates introduced in market are also discussed like Trioctyltrimellitate/tri-(2-ethylhexyl) trimellitate) along with various regulations regarding the use of PAEs in medical devices and other products. was poor.

Background Ewing’s sarcoma is a very rare type of cancerous tumor that grows in bones or the soft tissue around the bones, such as cartilage or the nerves. It frequently affects the people at the age of 10 to 20 years and has elevated rate of being cured. Methods Assessment of essential trace [zinc (Zn)] and toxic [cadmium (Cd)] elements in biological samples (scalp hair and blood) of Ewing sarcoma patients (n = 87 age ranging 07–19 years) residents of various cities of Pakistan was done. For comparative study, the biological samples of age matched healthy (referent) subjects (n = 62) were also analyzed for selected metals. The matrices of biological samples was oxidized with the help of HNO3 (65%) and H2O2 (30%) mixture at the ratio of 2:1 with the aid of microwave oven. The oxidized biological samples were subjected to atomic absorption spectrometry for their determination. Result The Zn contents in the scalp hair and blood samples of different types of Ewing sarcoma patients were found to be lower, in the range of (45.9–141.2 µg/g) and (0.65–3.12 mg/l), respectively than the biological samples of referent subjects (246–265 µg/g) and (6.40–7.25 mg/l), respectively. Whilst, the Cd concentrations in the scalp hair and blood samples of different types of Ewing sarcoma patients were found to be higher, in the range of (2.70–5.60 µg/g) and (2.46–5.64 µg/l), respectively than the biological samples of controls (1.49–1.79 µg/g) and (1.52–1.90 µg/l), respectively. The biochemical parameters including hemoglobin% and RBC counts were significantly lower in patients than referents (p Conclusion The resulted data will be helpful to treat patients of Ewing sarcoma with mineral supplement contains essential trace element (Zn) in recommended dose to further increase their survival rate.

Rapid and environmentally friendly ultrasound-assisted dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (US-DLLμE) and vortex assisted-emulsification liquid-liquid microextraction (VA-ELLμE) methods are proposed for the speciation of selenium in domestic and mineral water samples. A deep eutectic solvent (DES) prepared with different ratios of choline chloride and phenol is used as an extractant for hydrophobic tetravalent Se complexed with diethyldithiocarbamate in different water samples. The total inorganic Se species levels in water samples were determined via reducing Se(vi) to Se(iv), using sodium thiosulphate as a reducing agent. The total Se levels in formula milk and cereal samples were determined after microwave acid digestion. The different heating steps in GFAAS were also optimized. The analytical parameters for US-DLLμE and VA-ELLμE, including pH, the volume of complexing agent, the ultrasound and vortex mixing shaking times, and the volume and composition of the deep eutectic solvent, were optimized. The accuracies of both methods were confirmed based on the analysis of a certified reference material (CRM) BCR 189 (wholemeal flour). The enhancement factor (EF) and limit of detection (LOD) for Se(iv) via US-DLLμE were found to be 90.8 and 0.029 μg L-1, respectively, whereas an EF of 81.8 and LOD of 0.036 μg L-1 were obtained via VA-ELLμE. The % relative standard deviation (%RSD) values obtained based on the analysis of six replicate standards under the optimized conditions for US-DLLμE and VA-ELLμE were found to be 4.2 and 5.8%, respectively. The optimized methods were applied to different drinking water samples, and acid-digested milk formula and baby cereal food samples.

In this study, we report the synthesis of arsenic-imprinted polymer (As-IIP) through the combined effect of dual functional monomers, 4-vinyl pyridine, and methacrylic acid based ionic interaction by a simple and cost-effective ultrasonic-mediated precipitation polymerization. Ultrasonic energy application reduces the reaction time as compared to conventional protocol. Surface morphology and functionality were examined using SEM and FT-IR. Adsorption mechanism and kinetics was describes by Langmuir, followed by pseudo second order. The repeatability and selectivity of As-IIP were also evaluated. The As-IIP revealed excellent selectivity toward As3+ in the presence of Al3+, Cr3+, Hg2+, and Ni2+ high anti-interference ability in the presence of various coexisting ions. An excellent linear range of concentration (2–100) μg L−1 as well as LOD and LOQ were obtained 0.65 and 1.8 μgL−1 respectively. The synthesized As-IIP was applied for selective removal of toxic As3+ ions in real samples.

Background: Neurodegeneration is complex and multifaceted leading to many chronic diseases like Parkinson’s disorder. Electrolytes imbalance have significant role in the pathophysiology of neurological disorders, which might be serve as a bio-indicator of the neurological problems. In present study, the disturbances of electrolytes (calcium, magnesium, sodium and potassium) and its correlation with biochemical parameters in patients with Parkinson’s at different stages with related to referent were studied. Methods: The biological samples were collected from patients recently diagnosed for mild Parkinson disease (MPD) (n=95) as well as chronic PD (CPD) patients, diagnosed for last 5 to 10 years (n=125).The Precision of digestion method was verified by applying matrixes matched certified reference materials of biological samples. The recovery of electrolytes was obtained in the range of 98.4–99.1 % of certified reference materials. The electrolytes concentrations were measured by acid digested biological samples preliminary analysis through flame atomic absorption spectrometry. Results: The experimental data indicated the content of Calcium and Magnesium were found to be higher in scalp hair samples of both patients while Sodium and Potassium showed inverse relation (p

Innovative titania nanostructures were synthesized via efficient and prolific liquid phase deposition route and efficiently utilized for catalytic degradation of Eosin Y. The as-synthesized TiO

In many parts of the world, cadmium metal concentration in drinking water is higher than some international guideline values. To reduce its level below the safety limit, a sustainable and environmental friendly approach is crucial. Thereby, present article introduce an efficient, non-pathogenic and a novel fungal biosorbent Pleurotus eryngii for the removal of Cd(II) ions from aqueous system. The efficiency of P. eryngii were improved and optimized by investigating many significant factors such as; pH, biosorbent dose, initial Cd(II) ion concentration, temperature and contact time. Maximum Cd(II) ions removal (99.9%) was achieved at pH 5.0, biosorbent dosage 0.2 g/10 mL, concentration 20 mg L−1, time 10 min and temperature 50 °C. The isotherm and kinetic models revealed bioremediation of Cd(II) ions as monolayer coverage with biosorption capacity of 1.51 mg g−1 following pseudo second order reaction. Moreover, thermodynamic parameters such as ΔG°, ΔH°, and ΔS° showed that the removal of Cd(II) ions is spontaneous and endothermic in nature. Batch elution process revealed that the complete elution of Cd(II) ions from the biomass were achieved using 0.1 N HNO3 solution. The sorption efficiency decreased from 99.99 to 56.89% as the biomass were recycled up to five times. The efficiency of Cd(II) ions removal from real water samples lies between 85 and 90%. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometry, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopic (EDS) and atomic force microscopic (AFM) analysis of fungal biomass confirmed that the Cd(II) ions were the most abundant species on the biomass surface after the sorption process.

Acute leukemia (AL) is a common childhood malignancy. It is clinically and morphologically heterogeneous. The present work was intended to estimate the concentration of calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) in serum and whole blood samples of children having AL; 1- to 5- and 6- to 10-year-old children age group was chosen of both genders. Healthy children of the same age group were selected as controls for comparative study. For sample pretreatment, a microwave-assisted acid digestion (MAD) was carried out, to assess the concentration of Ca and Mg in biological samples of AL children. The MAD method was validated by analyzing Clinchek® Control certified samples of whole blood and serum. Ca and Mg were analyzed in the digested samples by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). The results showed significantly higher concentration of Ca, whereas lower contents of Mg in the serum and whole blood of AL children in both genders, as compared to healthy subjects. The data provide assistance to physician/clinicians and other professional staffs to investigate the imbalance of minerals in biological samples of AL children.

In present work chitosan functionalized magnetic nanoparticles (CMNPs) were successfully prepared and investigated for the removal of Reactive Orange 107 dye (RO 107) from water. The chitosan was extracted from shrimp shells (Penaeus merguiensis) and was characterized by solubility test and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Degree of deacetylation of chitosan was examined by 1H-NMR and potentiometric titration method. Thereafter, the chitosan was used for synthesis of CMNPs. The synthesized CMNPs were characterized by FTIR, scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Effects of various variables such as contact time, pH, stirring speed, adsorbent dosage, temperature, and concentration of electrolyte on extraction efficiency were evaluated. Freundlich isotherm model fits better that shows the removal of RO 107 with CMNPs by multilayer adsorption behaviour. Furthermore, kinetic study showed that adsorption process followed pseudo-second order kinetic model regulated by chemisorption. Thermodynamic analysis explained that adsorption of RO 107 onto CMNPs was endothermic as well as spontaneous. The developed CNMPs were applied to environmental remediation of spiked RO 107 treated waste water samples with 96.20% removal potential, hence, offered an effective sorbent for removal of RO 107 contaminated water samples.

T1DM is the most acquainted childhood immune-caused onset and may lead to early mortalities and morbidities. It can emanate in any age group but is highest reported in lesser than 18 years of age. In Pakistan only, T1DM institutes ~ 2% of the all diabetic population. This work was formulated to assess the concentration of manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn) and chromium (Cr) in blood, scalp hair and serum samples of diabetic mellitus type 1 children age ranged (1–5), (6-10) and (11-14) years of both genders (male and female), compared with similar sex and age referent subjects. For sample pretreatment, microwave-aided acid digestion procedure (MAD) was employed for elemental analysis in the biological samples of T1DM children. The employed method was validated by using certified reference samples of blood, scalp hair, and serum. Digests biological specimen were analyzed by AAS. The Zn was analyzed by FAAS, while the assessment of Mn and Cr were measured by ETAAS. The Mn, Zn and Cr, presents significantly low levels in the samples of scalp hair, blood and serum of female and male of age group of (1-5) (6-10) and (11-14) of diabetic mellitus type 1 children, compared with referent subjects. These data present an important hypothesis to doctors and other clinical experts to investigate insufficiency of these essential micronutrients (Cr, Mn, andamp; Zn) in biological specimen of blood, scalp hairs and serum of T1DM children.