Optimized laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy for the determination of high toxic lead in edible colors.

An optimized laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) system was utilized as a robust tool for the detection of high toxic lead (Pb) in often used edible colors available in local markets. Edible colors are extensively used in different food stuffs and sweet dish items. To attain a highly sensitive LIBS system for the determination of trace amounts of toxic Pb in edible colors and to achieve the best detection limit, various parametric dependence studies were performed. The quantitative determinations were accomplished under the condition of local thermodynamic equilibrium in terms of optically thin plasma. Besides toxic Pb, other elements like Ca, Mg, Fe, and Na were also detected in edible colors. To estimate the concentration of toxic lead in edible colors, calibration curves were plotted by preparing standard samples of different lead concentrations in an edible colors matrix. Results of the LIBS technique were compared with the outcomes of the same samples studied using a standard analytical technique of inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy to confirm the contemporary LIBS setup. The color samples were found above the safe permissible level due to the mass of toxic lead. Limit of detection of the LIBS setup was found at 0.86+/-0.03 ppm for toxic lead present in edible color samples.

Estimation and Quantification of Toxic Metals in Hugely Consumed Chicken Livers by Advanced Diagnostic Approaches.

Contamination of toxins in chicken's liver is a serious concern for human health owing to related threats of cytotoxicity and general pathologies after their digestion. The quantitative investigations were accomplished by calibration curves plotted for all the detected toxins via typical samples arranged in the known concentrations in the chicken liver's matrix. The chicken liver samples were collected from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan and found to contain heavy metals like Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn. The analytical estimations were performed under the suppositions of local thermodynamic equilibrium (LTE) in terms of optical thin plasma. The maximum concentrations (parts per million) of Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn were as 2.87 ± 0.02 ppm, 7.80 ± 0.13 ppm, 2.84 ± 0.02 ppm, 4.00 ± 0.08, and 83.5 ± 2.10 ppm respectively. Abundance of Cu, and Pb was found considerably beyond the maximum accepted boundary of WHO. Likewise, the level of Ni exceeded the permitted bounds of WHO in samples 01 and 02. To validate our laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy investigation, we approximated the abundance of identical (duplicate) chicken livers through digesting the specimens in suitable solvents by a typical technique such as inductively coupled plasma/optical emission spectrometry (ICP/OES) and the results acquired were in outstanding harmony. Furthermore, the existence of detected toxins was also checked using energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). It is worth stating that larger amounts of Cu, Ni, and Pb in poultry may cause a severe hazard to customers which required security actions and precautions. Our findings are extremely important to make an awareness among the people due to associated health hazards after the digestion of toxins through chicken liver and to protect numerous human lives.

Minimum induction dose (MID) of thiopentone in Pakistani patients.

The thiopentone dose needed for abolition of eyelash reflex was studied in 505 Pakistani patients who were divided in three subgroups, i.e., age less than 16 years, between 16 and 60 years, and over 60 years. The minimum induction dose for thiopentone was then determined in the three groups and the effect of sex, ASA classification, premedication and advancing age were seen. The minimum induction dose in the adult patients (16-60) was 215.8 +/- 66 mgs (3.48 mgs/kg). Both the adult groups and the elderly showed a statistical difference in the dose required by the males and females, but this difference was not seen in children. Thiopentone dose also showed a steady decline as the age progressed. A statistical correlation existed between ASA I and II patients compared to ASA III who required less thiopentone. The premedicated patients required less thiopentone compared to those who did not receive a premedication. Our patients required a lesser dosage for abolition of eyelash reflex than the figures recommended for British population. We recommend a dose of 3.5 mg/kg for adult Pakistani males and 3.3 mg/kg for adult females.

A case of appendiceal diverticulitis, and a review of the literature.

Appendiceal diverticulitis is a rare presentation, often presenting outside of the classical age grouping for appendicitis. We describe a case of appendiceal diverticulitis and issue a cautionary note in the management of patients with atypical features of right lower quadrant pain. In light of its clinical course the finding of a non-inflamed appendiceal diverticulum should prompt one to consider incidental appendicectomy. We also review the literature on appendiceal diverticulitis.