Determination of Toxic Elements in Cannabinoid and Opioid Drugs and Their Impact on Addicts' Health: A Comparative Study.

Drug addiction is associated with significant health risks, including cardiovascular complications, cancer, and mental disorders. Illicit drugs, such as cannabinoids and opioids, including prescription medications, are widely consumed and have profound health consequences. Understanding the health effects of the toxic elements in these substances is critical for overdose prevention and effective recovery strategies. This study aimed to determine toxic elements, including arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), and nickel (Ni), in cannabinoid and opioid drugs and in biological samples (whole blood, scalp hair, and serum) from 311 male drug abuse patients aged 15-60 years with a history of drug abuse. The participants were categorized into three age groups. The comparative analysis involved 113 reference subjects of the same age groups. The sample preparation employed microwave-assisted acid digestion, and the toxic elements were quantified using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Accuracy was ensured using certified reference materials for hair, whole blood, and serum samples. Drug-addicted subjects had significantly higher concentrations of toxic elements (arsenic, cadmium, mercury, and nickel) in biological samples than referent subjects (p > 0.001). Elevated levels of these toxic elements may increase susceptibility to infections, possibly due to malnutrition, drug-related effects, and additional contaminants. These findings necessitate further studies to explore the long-term health outcomes, potential treatment options, and broader socioeconomic impacts of substance abuse. This study serves as a baseline for future research in this critical public health field.

Synthesis of PVP-capped trimetallic nanoparticles and their efficient catalytic degradation of organic dyes.

The study proposes a simple and efficient way to synthesize a heterogeneous catalyst that can be used for the degradation of organic dyes. A simple and fast chemical process was employed to synthesize Au: Ni: Co tri-metal nanohybrid structures, which were used as a catalyst to eliminate toxic organic dye contamination from wastewater in textile industries. The catalyst's performance was tested by degrading individual dyes as well as mixtures of dyes such as methylene blue (MB), methyl orange (MO), methyl red (MR), and Rose Bengal (RB) at various time intervals. The experimental results show the catalytic high degradation efficiency of different dyes achieving 72-90% rates in 29 s. Moreover, the material displayed excellent recycling stability, maintaining its degradation efficiency over four consecutive runs without any degradation in performance. Overall, the findings of the study suggest that these materials possess efficient catalytic properties, opening avenues toward their use in clean energy alternatives, environmental remediation, and other biological applications.

Bioremediation of Neonicotinoid Pesticide, Imidacloprid, Mediated by Bacillus cereus.

Imidacloprid, a toxic pesticide of the chloronicotinyl category, is employed extensively in agricultural fields, and its exposure causes serious health issues. Biodegradation is considered to be a green and economical approach to remediate pesticides. Herein, imidacloprid degradation efficiency of Bacillus sp. is highlighted, among which Bacillus cereus exhibited the greatest degradation; optimization of experimental variables (pH, imidacloprid and agitation time) via Box-Behnken factorial design and analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed 92% biodegradation at the initial substrate concentration of 0.03 mM, aerobically in 11 days under favorable pH 7. The subsequent metabolites, identified through liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, were 5-hydroxy imidacloprid, imidacloprid-guanidine and 6-chloronicotinic acid.

Effect Of Lead On The Skin And Health Of Female Dermatitis Patients Through Cosmetics.

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<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The cosmetic products, especially with regard to heavy metals adulteration, are in use by the female population.

Impacts of Smoking and Stomach Disorders on Essential Elements in Biological Samples of Cement and Glass Industrial Workers.

The infection caused by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) disrupts the metabolism and absorption of essential trace elements. Stomach disorders are related to changes in essential trace element metabolism caused by increased toxic metal exposure and H. pylori infection. The aim of the work is to link the development of stomach-related illnesses to an imbalance of essential trace and toxic metals. We have investigated the variations in essential trace elements such zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), and copper and toxic metals like lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) in biological (scalp hair, blood) samples of glass and cement workers. The study participants are further divided into smokers and nonsmokers, as well as diseased (gastric ulcer, irritable bowel syndrome, and chronic ulcer) and exposed referents (non-diseased industrial workers). Biological samples of age-matched (40-60 years) male subjects living in non-industrial areas were gathered for comparative purposes. After a pre-concentration method, the drinking water of industrial and domestic areas was analysed for both toxic metals. Microwave-aided acid digestion was used to oxidise the matrices of biological samples before atomic absorption spectrometer analysis of selected metals. Toxic metal levels in both industries' drinking water were much higher than those found in domestically treated water (p < 0.01). Industrial workers suffering different types of stomach disorders have two to three times higher Pb and Cd concentrations than age-matched referents. Toxic metals are found in higher concentrations in smoker referents and diseased patients' biological samples than in nonsmoker subjects. The findings of this study suggested that Pb and Cd toxicity's immunological effects may be associated to an increased vulnerability to chronic infections.

Selenium and mercury concentrations in biological samples from patients with COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: 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. OBJECTIVES: 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. METHOD: 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. RESULTS: 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. CONCLUSIONS: 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.

An environmental field assessment of soil quality and phytoremediation of toxic metals from saline soil by selected halophytes.

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 (TF) of also examined. The quality parameters of soil like pH (< 8.5), and electrical conductivity (EC; > 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 TF showed the Tamarix aphylla and Alhagi maurorum for Pb, Alhagi maurorum, and Salvadora persica for Cr considered as hyperaccumulator plants. Based on BCF and TF 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.

Fabrication of Fe/Bi bimetallic magnetic nano-oxides (IBBMNOs) as efficient remediator for hexavalent chromium from aqueous environment.

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.

Interaction Between Essential (Zn) and Toxic (Cd) Elements in Different Stages of Female Breast Cancer Patients, Resident in Different Cities of Sindh, Pakistan.

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.

Evaluation of zinc and cadmium levels in the biological samples of Ewing sarcomas patients and healthy subjects.

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 < 0.001), whereas WBC counts was alarmingly higher in patients than referents (p < 0.001). 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.

Sodium, Potassium, Calcium, and Magnesium in the Scalp Hair and Blood Samples Related to the Clinical Stages of the Parkinson's Disease.

Neurodegeneration disorders are complex and multifaceted, leading to many chronic diseases, like Parkinson's disease (PD). Electrolytes imbalance has a significant role in the pathophysiology of neurological disorders, which might serve as a bio-indicator of these problems. In the present study, the disturbances of the electrolytes, calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na), and potassium (K), concentrations, and their correlation with biochemical parameters of PD patients at three different age groups (15 to 75 years) and stages were studied. The all resulted data of PD patients was compared with non-diseased/referents (PD) of same age groups. The biological samples (scalp hair, serum and plasma) were collected from Parkinson's disease (PD) patients, diagnosed at three stages, early (15 to 30 years), mild (30 to 60 years) and severe (61 to 75 years). The electrolyte concentrations were measured after acid digested biological samples using flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The precision of the digestion method was verified by matrices matched certified reference materials. The resulted data indicated that the contents of Ca and Mg were found to be higher in scalp hair samples of PD patients at early to severe stages as compared with those results obtained from referents. The concentrations of Na and K were found to be lower for all PD patients groups as compared with referents; however, the difference was not significant (p < 0.05). Electrolytes levels in blood serum and plasma were found to be lower in all patients than healthy groups (p < 0.01). These results suggest a disturbance in the electrolytes homeostasis during the different clinical stages of PD, whereas the higher disturbance was observed in patients at severe stage (61 to 75 years).

Fabrication of TiO2@ITO-grown nanocatalyst as efficient applicant for catalytic reduction of Eosin Y from aqueous media.

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.

Deep-eutectic-solvent-based dispersive and emulsification liquid-liquid microextraction methods for the speciation of selenium in water and determining its total content levels in milk formula and cereals.

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.

Fabrication of Pt-Pd@ITO grown heterogeneous nanocatalyst as efficient remediator for toxic methyl parathion in aqueous media.

In this study, nano-sized ITO supported Pt-Pd bimetallic catalyst was synthesized for the degradation of methyl parathion pesticide, a common extremely toxic contaminant in aqueous solution. On the characterization with different techniques, a beautiful scenario of honeycomb architecture composed of ultra-small nanoneedles or fine hairs was found. Average size of nanocatalyst also confirmed which was in the range of 3-5 nm. High percent degradation (94%) was obtained in 30 s using 1.5 × 10- 1 mg of synthesized nanocatalyst, 0.5 mM NaBH4, and 110 W microwave radiations power. Recyclability of nanocatalyst was efficient till 4th cycle observed during study of reusability. The supported Pt-Pd bimetallic nanocatalyst on ITO displayed many advantages over conventional methods for degradation of methyl parathion pesticide, such as high percent degradation, short reaction time, small amount of nanocatalyst, and multitime reusability. Graphical abstract Schematic illustration of reaction for degradation of methyl parathion.

Selenium Contents in Different Types of Raw and Processed Meat Products, Consumed Among the General Population of Pakistan.

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 < 0.01) meat samples. Mutton minced meat contains higher Se than different branded processed products. As far as variation in brands was concern among mutton samples, B1-minced mutton meat sample contain higher Se (107 µg/kg) followed by B3-shish kabab (123 µg/kg) and B3-meat balls (129 µg/kg). Among minced and processed chicken products, Se ranged from 83 to 97 µg/kg. Whereas in beef samples, B1-minced meat and B3-chapli kabab contain higher Se, i.e., 99 and 92 µg/kg respectively compared with other beef brands. Taking into account, the average daily intake of meat by Pakistani's, the dietary Se daily intake was 4.184, 9.263, and 6.605 µg per capita for mutton, beef, and chicken, respectively.

Accumulation of Essential and Trace Elements in Guar (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba) and Guar Gum Cultivated in Semi-arid Regions of Sindh, Pakistan.

For physiological and biochemical studies, it is considered essential to have knowledge about the accumulation of mineral elements in plants and their distribution in different parts of the fruit and these data being essential for geographical origins of different food commodities. In the age of food industry globalization, the origin of food is essential to know for human health protection, to stimulate fine agronomic actions and to bar the use of toxic materials to stimulate plant's growth. This research work was formulated to assess the essential trace and toxic elements in Guar (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba) and guar gum cultivated in semi-arid regions of Sindh, Pakistan. For pretreatment of the guar samples, microwave-assisted acid digestion procedure (MAD) was developed for the elemental analysis in the guar samples. The validity of designed method was checked by using certified reference samples of BCR 189 whole meal flour. The digested specimens were analyzed by flame and graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The concentration of essential trace and toxic elements was found to be within the international level. In addition, human health Risk assessment was accessed by measuring daily intake of all understudy minerals, which was within permissible exposure limit set by USEPA & Health Canada. The Target Hazard Quotient (THQs) of guar and its gum were generally less than 1, as per USEPA; owing to these facts, food grade guar gum can be produced from guar cultivated in Thar, Pakistan.

Essential trace elemental levels (zinc, iron and copper) in the biological samples of smoker referent and pulmonary tuberculosis patients.

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 < .001). It was also concluded as a result of Zn and Fe deficiency combined with high contact of copper due to smoking of tobacco can be synergistic with the risk factors related with pulmonary tuberculosis.

Utilization of Pleurotus eryngii biosorbent as an environmental bioremedy for the decontamination of trace cadmium(II) ions from water system.

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.

Correlation of Calcium and Magnesium Levels in the Biological Samples of Different Types of Acute Leukemia Children.

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.