Evaluate the aluminum concentrations in whey milk samples of cows from different areas using deep eutectic solvent-based ultrasound-assisted dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction method.

This study investigates the contamination of cow milk with aluminum (Al) and its potential health implications, particularly for children. Cow milk samples were collected from both nonexposed and exposed areas in Sindh, based on the source of livestock drinking water (fresh canals and groundwater). An environmental friendly deep eutectic solvent (DES) was used with ultrasonic-assisted dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (UDLLµE) to enrich trace amounts of Al in whey milk and water samples. The enriched samples were then analyzed using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. Certified reference materials were employed to validate the methodology, and the experimental results exhibited acceptable conformity. The DES-based dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction method was environmental friendly, devoid of acids and oxidizing agents, and used safe and inexpensive components for routine trace metal analysis in diverse samples. The resulting data revealed that Al in whey milk samples was observed in the range of 31-45 %, corresponding to (160-270) µg L-1 and (700-1035) µg L-1 in nonexposed and exposed whole cow milk samples, respectively. Additionally, it was observed that milk boiling in Al utensil for 10-20 min enhanced the Al levels from 3 to 8% of its total contents in milk samples.

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.

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.

The green synthesis of magnesium oxide nanocomposite-based solid phase for the extraction of arsenic, cadmium, and lead from drinking water.

Solid-phase extraction (SPE) has attracted the attention of scientists because it can increase the selectivity and sensitivity measurements of analytes. Therefore, this study is designed to synthesise magnesium oxide nanoparticles (D-MgO-NPs) by an eco-friendly method using biogenic sources Duranta erecta followed by fabricating its chitosan-based polymeric composite (D-MgO-NC) for the SPE of heavy metals (HMs), i.e., arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb) from drinking water. Various analytical techniques were used for the surface characterization of D-MgO-NPs and D-MgO-NC. FTIR findings confirmed the formation of D-MgO-NC based on MgO association with the -OH/-NH2 of the chitosan. D-MgO-NC showed the smallest size of particles with rough surface morphology, followed by the crystalline cubic structure of MgO in its nanoparticle and composites. The synthesised D-MgO-NC was used as an adsorbent for the SPE of HMs from contaminated water, followed by their detection by atomic absorption spectrometry. Various experimental parameters, including pH, flow rate, the concentration of HMs, eluent composition, and volume, were optimised for the preconcentration of HMs. The limits of detection for As, Cd, and Pb of the proposed D-MgO-NC-based SPE method were found to be 0.008, 0.006, and 0.012 µm L-1, respectively. The proposed method has an enrichment factor and relative standard deviation of >200 and <5.0%, respectively. The synthesised D-MgO-NC-based SPE method was successfully applied for the quantitative detection of As, Cd, and Pb in groundwater samples, which were found in the range of 18.3 to 15.2, 3.20 to 2.49, and 8.20 to 6.40 µg L-1, respectively.

Mitigating marine hazardous contaminants: A sustainable management perspective.

Marine hazardous contaminants, such as cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb), pose significant risks to both human health and aquatic organisms. Traditional methods may not remove contaminants to safe levels, leading to the release of hazardous materials into marine environments. This research proposes polymeric membrane bioreactors as a potential solution to this problem. We determined Cd and Pb levels in three freshwater fish species (Rita, Ompok bimaculatus, and Heteropneustes fossils) from two distinctive regions (Zone 1 and Zone 2). Additionally, Cd and Pb concentrations in feeding materials, water, and sediments were analyzed to estimate daily intake and potential hazardous effects of these contaminants on the fish species. These findings underscore the need for effective regulatory measures and policies to reduce the discharge of hazardous contaminants into freshwater and marine environments, protecting both human health and the environment. Implementing polymeric membrane bioreactors in wastewater treatment and industrial facilities could mitigate the risks associated with consuming contaminated fish species. Significantly, the Cd and Pb levels in all three fish species from both fishponds exceeded the Food and Agriculture Organization's (FAO) maximum permissible limits. These findings carry important implications for policymakers, regulators, and industries, urging them to act appropriately to ensure the safety of the environment and public health. This study suggests that polymeric membrane bioreactors are a promising technological approach to address marine contamination, emphasizing their potential role in safeguarding human health and aquatic ecosystems.

The importance of monitoring endocrine-disrupting chemicals and essential elements in biological samples of fertilizer industry workers.

Exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) can lead to adverse health effects, including immune and endocrine system disruption, respiratory problems, metabolic issues, diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular problems, growth impairment, neurological and learning disabilities, and cancer. Fertilizers, which contain varying levels of heavy metals, are known to pose a significant risk to human health, especially for those residing or working near fertilizer industries. This study aimed to investigate the levels of toxic elements in biological samples of individuals working in a fertilizer industry's quality control and production units and those residing within 100-500 m of the industry. Biological samples, including scalp hair and whole blood, were collected from fertilizer workers, individuals living in the same residential area, and control age-matched persons from nonindustrial areas. The samples were oxidized by an acid mixture before analysis using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The accuracy and validity of the methodology were verified through certified reference materials from scalp hair and whole blood. The results showed that the concentrations of toxic elements, such as cadmium and lead, were higher in biological samples of quality control and production employees. In contrast, lower essential element levels (iron and zinc) were detected in their samples. These levels were higher than those found in samples collected from residents living within 10-500 m of the fertilizer manufacturing facilities and unexposed areas. This study highlights the significance of adopting better practices to reduce exposure to harmful substances and protect the health of fertilizer industry workers and the environment. It also suggests that policymakers and industry leaders should take measures to minimize exposure to EDCs and heavy metals to promote worker safety and public health. These measures could include implementing strict regulations and better occupational health practices to reduce toxic exposure and promote a safer work environment.

Environmental impact of endocrine-disrupting chemicals and heavy metals in biological samples of petrochemical industry workers with perspective management.

Exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) or heavy metals are synthetic compounds that can lead to negative effect on health, including immune and endocrine system disruption, respiratory problems, metabolic issues, diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular problems, growth impairment, neurological and learning disabilities, and cancer. Petrochemical industry drilling wastes, which contain varying levels of EDCs, are known to pose a significant risk to human health. This study aimed to investigate the levels of toxic elements in biological samples of individuals working in the petrochemical drilling sites. Biological samples, including scalp hair and whole blood, were collected from petrochemical drilling workers, individuals residing in the same residential area, and control age-matched persons from nonindustrial areas. The samples were oxidized by an acid mixture before analysis using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The accuracy and validity of the methodology were verified through certified reference materials from scalp hair and whole blood. The results showed that the concentrations of toxic elements, such as cadmium and lead, were higher in biological samples of petrochemical drilling employees, while lower essential element levels (iron and zinc) were detected in their samples. This study highlights the significance of adopting better practices to reduce exposure to harmful substances and protect the health of petrochemical drilling workers and the environment. It also suggests that perspective management including policymakers and industry leaders should take measures to minimize exposure to EDCs and heavy metals to promote worker safety and public health. These measures could include the implementation of strict regulations and better occupational health practices to reduce toxic exposure and promote a safer work environment.

Correlation of endocrine disrupting chemicals with essential elements in biological samples of children (1-5 years) with different infectious diseases and impact on sustainable outdoor activities.

Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) have been extensively explored due to their harmful effects on individual health and the environment by interfering with hormone activity and disrupting the endocrine system. However, their relationship with essential trace elements remains uncertain. This research aimed to investigate the possible correlation between essential trace elements and toxic metals, including cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb) in children aged 1-5 years with various infectious diseases, including gastrointestinal disorders, typhoid fever, and pneumonia. The study was conducted on biological testing and specimen (scalp hair and whole blood) of diseased and non-diseased children of the same residential area and referent/control age-matched children from developed cities consuming domestically treated water. The media of biological samples were oxidized by an acid mixture before being analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The accuracy and validity of the methodology were verified through accredited reference material from scalp hair and whole blood sample. The study results revealed that diseased children had lower mean values of essential trace elements (iron, copper, and zinc) in both scalp hair and blood, except for copper, which was found to be higher in blood samples of diseased children. This implies that the deficiency of essential residue and trace elements in children from rural areas who consume groundwater is linked to various infectious diseases. The study highlights the need for more human biomonitoring of EDCs to better comprehend their non-classical toxic properties and their concealed costs on human health. The findings suggest that exposure to EDCs could be associated with unfavorable health outcomes and emphasizes the need for future regulatory policies to minimize exposure and safeguard the health of current and forthcoming generations of children. Furthermore, the study highlights the implication of essential trace elements in maintaining good health and their potential correlation with toxic metals in the environment.

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.

Determination of toxic elemental levels in whey milk of different cattle and human using an innovative digestion method: risk assessment for children < 6.0 months to 5 years.

In present study, the toxic elements, arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb), were determined in whey milk samples obtained from various cattle (cow, goat, buffalo, sheep, camel) and human subjects of different areas of Sindh, Pakistan, based on consuming drinking water (exposed area) and surface water (control/non-exposed area). The whey milk was separated from casein by lowering the pH, and heating in an ultrasonic bath at 60 °C for 5 min and centrifuged. The whey milk samples were treated with deep eutectic solvent, prepared from choline chloride-oxalic acid (ChCl-Ox) at different mole ratio. Effects of different parameters on digestion efficiency of whey milk samples, including time and temperature of electric hot plate, mole ratio, and volumes of deep eutectic solvent were examined. The total levels of all selected toxic elements were also detected in whole milk samples of all exposed and nonexposed cattle and human, after acid digestion method. The validity of the proposed method was established by a conventional acid digestion method of selected whey milk samples and spiked certified standards in replicate real whey milk samples. The resulted elements obtained after proposed and conventional heating system were determined by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry. The % of all three toxic elements found in whey milk samples were 24 to 50% of their total content in milk samples of different cattle and human. The As, Cd, and Pb contents in cattle and human milk consumed contaminated groundwater was significantly higher (2- to 3-fold) than those values observed for milk samples of cattle, who receive drinking water from fresh canal water (p < 0.01). Estimating the daily intake, hazard quotient and carcinogenic risk for <6 month to 5 years old children, based on the concentrations of toxic elements in milk samples of different cattle and human..

Chemical association of copper and selenium in coals of Sindh by time saving single step strategy and their impact on groundwater.

The aim of the present study is to estimate the different chemical fractionations of copper (Cu) and selenium (Se) in coal samples of different coal mining areas. The Cu and Se bound to various chemical fractions of coal collected from two mining fields of Sindh, Pakistan, have been determined by BCR sequential extraction scheme (BCR-SES). The long duration of the BCR sequential scheme (51 h) was reduced by a time-saving shaking device (ultrasonic bath) termed as ultrasonic-assisted extraction (USE) depending on the same operating conditions and extracting solutions used for BCR sequential extraction scheme. The both trace elements were determined in aquifer water, sampled from different depth of both coal mining fields. In addition, the groundwater of dug well in the vicinity of coal mining areas were also analyzed for Cu and Se using reported extraction methodologies. The partitioning of Cu and Se bound with different chemical fractions of coal was successfully made by proposed USE, within 2 h as compared to long duration of BCR-SES (51 h). The Cu and Se concentrations in acid-soluble fractions of coal samples were > 10%, enhanced by USE extraction procedure than those values gained via BCR-SES (p < 0.01). About 67 to 69% of Cu were found in the first three fractions, whereas their remaining amount corresponding to 31 to 33%, respectively bound with crystalline/residual fraction, while up to 66.1 to 71.1% of total Se contents extracted in three extractable phases, followed up to 28.9 to 33.8% of it was bound with residual phase. The concentrations of Cu and Se in groundwater of different aquifers were found in decreasing order as AQ1 > AQII > AQIII; the same trend was observed for two aquifers of Lakhra coal mining, whereas the groundwater samples have two to three folds higher levels of Se than WHO limit. The Cu levels in water samples were significantly lower than the recommended limit of WHO for drinking water (p < 0.01).

Biosynthesis and Analytical Characterization of Iron Oxide Nanobiocomposite for In-Depth Adsorption Strategy for the Removal of Toxic Metals from Drinking Water.

The biosynthesis of the iron oxide nanoparticles was done using Ixoro coccinea leaf extract, followed by the fabrication of iron oxide nanobiocomposites (I-Fe3O4-NBC) using chitosan biopolymer. Furthermore, the synthesized I-Fe3O4-NPs and I-Fe3O4-NBC were characterized, and I-Fe3O4-NBC was applied to remove toxic metals (TMs: Cd, Ni, and Pb) from water. The characterization study confirmed that the nanostructure, porous, rough, crystalline structure, and different functional groups of chitosan and I-Fe3O4-NPs in I-Fe3O4-NBCs showed their feasibility for the application as excellent adsorbents for quantitative removal of TMs. The batch mode strategy as feasibility testing was done to optimize different adsorption parameters (pH, concentrations of TMs, dose of I-Fe3O4-NBC, contact time, and temperature) for maximum removal of TMs from water by Fe3O4-NBC. The maximum adsorption capacities using nanocomposites for Cd, Ni, and Pb were 66.0, 60.0, and 66.4 mg g-1, respectively. The adsorption process follows the Freundlich isotherm model by I-Fe3O4-NBC to remove Cd and Ni, while the Pb may be adsorption followed by multilayer surface coverage. The proposed adsorption process was best fitted to follow pseudo-second-order kinetics and showed an exothermic, favorable, and spontaneous nature. In addition, the I-Fe3O4-NBC was applied to adsorption TMs from surface water (%recovery > 95%). Thus, it can be concluded that the proposed nanocomposite is most efficient in removing TMs from drinking water up to recommended permissible limit.

Risk Assessment of Macronutrients and Minerals by Processed, Street, and Restaurant Traditional Pakistani Foods: a Case Study.

The current work is aimed to assess the impact of macronutrient and mineral contents in food products of packaged food, restaurant food, and street food in Hyderabad. The estimated daily intake of macronutrients and minerals, followed by the toxic risk assessment of microminerals by consuming studied food dishes, was also conducted. The collected products were freeze-dried and standard procedures for measuring macronutrients were followed. At the same time, the acid digestion method was used to prepare the solution for detecting minerals by atomic absorption spectrometry. The resulting data indicated that all the food dishes supplied 134-454 kcals/100 g. The chicken/meat and pulse food dishes of all three categories were enriched with protein except bhindi masala. All the food dishes have a massive variation in fat contents and differ based on the used quantity of hydrogenated oil during their preparations. A significant difference in the macro- and microminerals in studied food products was observed. However, all food dishes are a good supplementary source of fundamental nutrients, supplying the recommended daily allowances for adults. The estimated hazardous index (Ih) of microminerals in some street and restaurant food products (based on a survey) showed possible toxicity risk, especially for the workers of automechanic workshops (Ih > 1.00). Thus, it is concluded that the contaminated (cheap) raw materials and unhygienic conditions for preparing street and restaurant foods and hawking places (atmospheric pollution) are the significant sources of micromineral contamination.

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.

Determining the level of essential elements in patients with Ewing Sarcoma: A correlation.

BACKGROUND: Metal ion aberrant metabolism is essential for health and disease, and its research has sparked a lot of interest. This study aims to compare the critical mineral resources-magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na), calcium (Ca) and potassium (K)-in biological materials (scalp hair, blood, and serum) of 87 Ewing Sarcoma (ES) hypertensive men and women, age range 31-60 years, in an urban area, with 62 nonhypertensive subjects from the same age range and living area. METHODS: An atomic-absorption spectrophotometer was used after microwave-induced acid digestion to determine elemental concentrations. The results' authenticity and precision were verified using a traditional wet acid digestion procedure and accredited reference materials. The average convalesces from all elements have been within the 99.2%-99.7% of certified values. RESULTS: In the biological samples from patients with ES hypertension, the amount of Na was found to be higher than in controls. Patients with ES hypertension had lower Mg, K, and Ca levels in their biological samples (scalp hair and blood) than healthy controls of both genders. CONCLUSIONS: Ca, Mg, and K deficiency can work with other ES hypertension risk factors. These findings will help physicians and other healthcare professionals determine the depletion of essential micronutrients in the biological samples (blood and scalp hair) of patients with hypertension. After microwave-induced acid digestion, the elemental concentration was determined using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The results' authenticity and precision were confirmed using a traditional wet-acid digestion procedure and accredited oriented materials. The average recoveries from all elements have been within the 99.2%-99.7% of certified values.

Human exposure to toxic elements through facial cosmetic products: Dermal risk assessment.

Facial cosmetics are the most commonly consumed product, mainly by the women from all over the world irrespective of their age. The facial cosmetics may be contaminated with several toxic elements, which can get absorb on to the facial skin and migrate to the blood vessels. Hence the absorbed toxic elements can cause further adverse effects on the human body. The present study aims to assess the toxic element contents (arsenic, lead, nickel, mercury, and cadmium) in commonly consumed facial cosmetics (face powder, foundation, lightning creams, moisturizer, eye shadow, lipsticks, eyeliner, blush, mascara, sunscreen) and to carry out the risk assessment through different methods. The dermal risk was evaluated as SED, NOAEL, MoS, HQ and ILCR, which is linked with the exposure of selected toxic elements. The total CDDE for all selected elements in facial cosmetic products was found in increasing order as follow: face powder > foundation > lightning creams > moisturizer > eye shadow > lipsticks > eyeliner > blush > mascara > sunscreen. The HQ and HI values for selected elements were found to be < 1 in all facial cosmetics. Whereas the probable MoS of selected toxic elements in all facial cosmetics except eyeliner were found to be 3-4 folds lower than the minimum value of 100 regulated by the WHO.

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.