Atomic Absorption Method Research Articles

ДИНАМИКА КОНЦЕНТРАЦИЙ РАСТВОРЕННЫХ ФОРМ ТЯЖЕЛЫХ МЕТАЛЛОВ В ВОДЕ РЕКИ МОСКВЫ ПО ДАННЫМ МОНИТОРИНГОВЫХ ИССЛЕДОВАНИЙ В 2021-2023 ГОДА

Background. The Moskva River is a prime example of a natural urban watercourse subjected to strong and varied anthropogenic pressure. For many years, this river has been characterized by increased content of heavy metals. The exceedance of the maximum allowable concentrations of harmful substances in the waters of water bodies used for fishery can result in disruption of the normal functioning of aquatic ecosystems. Relevance. The summarized data collected over the course of monitoring surveys of the Moskva River for three years will be indicative of the relative contribution of natural and anthropogenic sources into its pollution. The aim of this work is to identify the dynamics of spatial and temporal distribution of heavy metals in the Moskva River water and its relation to hydrological seasons, as well as to assess the anthropogenic pressure exerted by the city of Moscow on the river. Methods. Water samples were collected in 2021-2023 during four hydrological seasons. Identification of heavy metals in the collected samples has been carried out using the atomic absorption method. Results. The analysis of the content of dissolved heavy metals (iron, cadmium, cobalt, manganese, copper, nickel, lead, and chrome) in the Moskva River water in various seasons of 2021-2023 has been conducted, and the same was done for zinc in 2023. The dynamics of the spatial and temporal distribution of these heavy metals has been identified, as well as its dependence on the hydrological phases. The influence of the urban infrastructure on the composition of the Moskva River water has been elucidated. Within the investigated area, the exceedance of the values prescribed by the water quality standards for the water bodies used for fishery (MACfish) has been recorded. Conclusion. The waters of the Moskva River have been characterized as polluted, mainly with iron, manganese, copper, and zinc. For lead, chrome, cobalt, nickel, and cadmium, no exceedance of the MACfish has been recorded. It has been found that the majority of the investigated elements were exceeding the values prescribed by the established standards in the spring season, but their concentrations decreased in summer.

Evaluation of serum selenium level in patients with plaque-type psoriasis

Back ground Psoriasis may be accompanied by homeostatic imbalance of some trace elements such as selenium (Se) that may influence disease management. Se has antiproliferative and immune-modulating properties. There are limited data about the imbalance of Se level in psoriasis patients with equivocal findings. Objective Aim of the study was to evaluate serum Se level in plaque-type psoriasis patients with different severity and chronicity of disease. Patients and methods In this case–control study during 18 months, Se level was analyzed in serum samples of 54 psoriasis patients and 54 healthy volunteers. Se level was measured with atomic absorption method. The extent of psoriasis was investigated using the psoriasis area severity index and nail psoriasis severity index scores. Age, sex, duration of psoriasis, severity scores, and levels of Se were collected and analyzed by SPSS software. Results There was no significant difference in Se levels between two groups (P=0.323). Also median level of Se in patients with different duration time of psoriasis was not significantly different (P=0.157). But there was significant differences in the median level of Se in mild group compared with severe (P=0.035) and moderate group (P=0.018). There was a nonsignificant correlation between severity and duration of psoriasis with Se level. Conclusion Considering these nonsignificant difference, we think that Se imbalance is not probably an important factor in our psoriasis patients.

Biogeochemical accumulation of trace elements in soils and plants of the Russian Far East

The accumulation of total mercury and other elements in soils and plants growing on them (legume and valerian families) selected in the Khabarovsk and Primorsky Territories, Buryatia, and the Amur Region was studied. The possibility of determining mercury in natural objects along with the natural atomic absorption method is also shown by X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy simultaneously with other trace elements. Analysis of the data obtained indicates that the main sources of trace elements at the test sites are, apparently, sources of natural origin – soils, underlying rocks, underground and surface waters, etc.

Biomarkers of arsenic exposure in biogeochemical provinces

Introduction. One of the direct methods of assessing the impact of contaminants on public health is the use of biological markers that allow determining the presence of a substance or its metabolite in human biological tissues and the dose received from all sources of this substance. 
 The purpose of this study was to determine the dependence of arsenic content in biological samples (hair) 
 of exposed residents on the level of its content in drinking water and to substantiate the effectiveness of the use of this biomarker in the conditions of a hydrogeochemical province in the Republic of Dagestan.
 Material and methods. During this research the arsenic content in the hair of the exposed residents was measured with further comparison of the data obtained with its content in drinking groundwater. To determine the arsenic content in the hair of the exposed residents, an atomic absorption method was used with preliminary preparation of biosubstrate samples. Socio-demographic data were obtained from a questionnaire. Statistical data processing was carried out using Microsoft Excel.
 Results. In the course of this study, a correlation was revealed between the arsenic content in the hair of the exposed residents and its content in the drinking water consumed, and a direct proportional relationship between these values was also revealed. Thus, with an increase in the concentration of arsenic in water by 
 0.1 mg/l, the arsenic content in the hair increases by 0.14 mkg/g. So, using of the hair of exposed residents as a biomarker of long-term exposure is recommended to small doses of arsenic in a biogeochemical province.
 limitation of the study is the small sample size. However, this does not prevent the assessment of the effectiveness of using hair as a biomarker of arsenic exposure and preliminary conclusions for subsequent in-depth analysis of biomonitoring in the conditions of biogeochemical provinces.
 Conclusion. As a rule, the content of natural toxic elements is characterized by trace amounts in the conditions of biogeochemical provinces. Biomonitoring will reveal the level of stress on the body and timely apply preventive methods before the clinical signs of intoxication are revealed.

Assessment of the content of heavy metals in the snow cover and hair in children

Introduction. Environmental pollution leads to the need for regular monitoring and analysis of the content of toxic elements in the components of the environment and biosubstrates of the population to determine the degree of contamination of the territory, their accumulation in the body and assess the risk of health disorders.
 Materials and methods. Samples of snow cover were taken from eleven different sections of functional zones, and 52 hair samples were examined in two groups of children in different schools of the city. Determination of the content of water–soluble heavy metals and arsenic (HMAr) was carried out by atomic absorption method on the AAC-240 DUO “Agilent Technolgies” device.
 Results. In the snow cover of individual functional zones of Svirsk, a significant excess of Cu, Zn, Mn, Cd, Pb, and As content was found in comparison with background values in the range of 2–11 times. Indicator elements (Mn, Cr, Zn, Cd, As) reflecting the specifics of increased accumulation of HMAr in the hair of children in different areas of the city were identified. Strong correlations (r = 0.78–0.83) were established between the content of HMAr in the snow cover near schools and in the hair in the examined groups of children.
 Limitations. The assessment of content of HMs in the snow cover and in the hair in children population was evaluated without determining the accumulation of elements in the soil and migration to plant cultures.
 Conclusion. The revealed high levels of accumulation of HMAr in the snow cover and hair in children in Svirsk, due to the significant anthropogenic impact of emissions from industrial enterprises, motor vehicles, and residential households, indicate the tension of the environmental situation in the city and the need to implement a set of measures to improve it.

Determination of iron in water by flame atomic absorption spectrometry with sorption preconcentration

Determination and monitoring of pollutants in the natural environment is an urgent task because of their impact on living organisms as a result of numerous anthropogenic impacts. For this reason, a large number of publications are devoted to the development, modification or optimization of analytical methods that can solve these problems. When determining trace elements present in various samples, such as natural and waste water, biological samples and alloy samples, direct determination by various instrumental methods is often impossible due to the matrix effect and rather low concentration of metal ions in the sample. The atomic absorption method is one of the methods widely used for the determination of iron ions, which has such advantages as simplified sample preparation, low probability of contamination and loss of elements, increased analytical productivity, the detection limit of components in the analyzed mixture reduced by several orders of magnitude, and the ability to determine trace amounts of elements in small samples. The aim of the study was to develop a technique for the preliminary concentration of Fe (III) ions in waters of various origins using a sorbent immobilized with sulfosalicylic acid and their further determination by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. Sorbents obtained on the basis of polyacrylonitrile modified with polyethylene polyamine (PPF-1 and PPA-1) with sulfosalicylic acid immobilized on their surface were used for selective sorption of Fe (III) ions. Optimal conditions for the immobilization of sulfosalicylic acid on sorbents and the formation of complexes with Fe (III) ions were studied. The developed sorption-atomic absorption technique provided determination of low concentrations of Fe (III) ions in various waters. The use of PPF-1 as a sorbent with immobilized sulfosalicylic acid for pre-concentration of iron has a number of advantages compared to traditional atomic absorption procedure, i.e., the simplicity, high degree of iron extraction, high sensitivity and selectivity of iron determination, as well as a low cost. The detection limit of iron ions is 0.01 μg/L, Sr does not exceed 0.033.

COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF FOREST AND GARDEN BILBERRIES AS A RATIONALE FOR USE AS A SOURCE OF FUNCTIONAL INGREDIENTS

The attention of researchers - developers and manufacturers of food products is deservedly attracted by bilberries due to the rich and various complex of natural components that are beneficial to health. Both wild-growing and cultivated bilberries are involved in the sphere of industrial processing. It is traditionally believed that a berry grown in natural habitats is more environmentally friendly and is not inferior to cultivated varieties in terms of nutritional value. The purpose of the work is to conduct a study of the biochemical composition of berries of forest and garden bilberries to analyze its ability to accumulate food and biologically active compounds. The studies were carried out using modern physicochemical analysis methods (spectrophotometric method, HPLC, atomic absorption method). It has been experimentally shown that garden bilberries accumulate significantly more sugars than forest bilberries The trend for indigestible carbohydrates is the opposite: wild-growing bilberries are characterized by a high content of fiber and pectin with a predominance of the protopectin fraction. According to the content of organic acids, no priorities were identified: forest and garden bilberries were characterized by almost the same content. However, malic acid prevails in wild bilberries, and citric acid prevails in garden bilberries. It has been experimentally proven that wild bilberries are significantly superior to garden bilberries in terms of the content of bioactive polyphenolic compounds, anthocyanins, vitamin C, and carotenoids. In the complex of polyphenolic compounds of forest and garden bilberries, the same representatives of flavonoids (quercetin, rutin, catechin, resveratrol) and their metabolic products, phenolic acids (gallic, cinnamic, chlorogenic, ferulic, lilac), were identified. With the same qualitative composition of anthocyanin compounds, differences in quantitative ratios were revealed: cyanidin-3-galactoside prevails in wild bilberries, and delphinidin-3-galactoside prevails in garden bilberries. As for macronutrients, potassium prevails in both types of bilberries, and more calcium accumulates in garden bilberries. Forest bilberries surpass garden bilberries in terms of micronutrient accumulation. Considering the results of the analysis of the chemical composition it is obvious that the berries of forest and garden bilberries are of exceptional interest to food technologists, since they are a source of biologically active and minor components useful for health, as well as natural dyes and antioxidants. Therefore, the use of bilberries and its processing products in the production of food products will make it possible to endow products with healthy properties and realize functional properties in food technologies.

Influence of different diets and sorbents on the accumulation of Cd in the muscle tissue of young cattle and pigs

The article, based on scientific research, examines an important problematic issue regarding the quality and safety of beef and pork during their production in the Polissia zone of Ukraine, affected by the Chornobyl accident. The purpose of the research was to evaluate the effect of different diets and saponite sorbent on the level of Cd accumulation in the muscle tissue of young bulls and pigs kept in the territory belonging to the third zone of radioactive contamination. Two scientific and economic experiments were conducted. When growing Ukrainian black and white dairy young bulls, the influence of different silages (4-component cereal-bean mixture and Echinоchloa frumentаcea silage) on the content of Cd in the longest back muscle was studied (experiment 1), and optimization of the protein nutrition of animals was carried out at the expense of various feeds with a high protein content (narrow-leaved lupine and fodder beans) (experiment 2). In the third experiment, young pigs were fed various amounts of the natural mineral saponite as part of their diet, and its influence on the ecological quality of products was studied. Since different types and amounts of feed components were used when feeding the animals of the studied groups, it was necessary to balance the rations according to the content of nutrients for each of the presented groups. Regulation and verification of the nutritional value of the rationed feed was carried out monthly. When changing rations for animals, their growth, live weight, zootechnical analysis of feed, their nutritional value and feeding rates were taken into account. Sample preparation of fodder and muscles was carried out according to GSTU 7670:2014 with the help of dry mineralization, the concentration of the toxicant was determined by the atomic absorption method. The transition coefficient of Cd in the chain «diet – muscle tissue» in this study is within the established standards. At the same time, feeding by Echinоchloa frumentаcea silage contributed to a decrease in the coefficient of transition of Cd into the muscle tissue of young bulls by 0.68 % (absolute). The introduction of 30 % (by mass) of fodder beans into the grain mixture instead of a similar amount of lupine for young cattle (cattle) for fattening in the territory of radioactive contamination (the third zone) contributed to a significantly lower accumulation and transition of Cd into the muscle tissue of animals – on 25.0 % and 0.71 % (absolute), respectively. The inclusion of the natural sorbent mineral saponite in the amount of 3–7 % by mass of concentrated feed in the diet of growing and fattening pigs contributed to a reduction of Cd in the longest muscle of the back by 21.8– 37.9%, while at the same time it was better in terms of the sorption efficiency for excretion of Cd, which turned out to be a saponite dose of 7 %. Key words: young bulls, pigs, nutrition, different diets, saponite, accumulation of Cd.

Distribution features of mobile forms of heavy metals and magnetic properties of soils in the Dubravniy Forest recreational area of the city of Kazan, Russia

Aim. To compare the results of studying the magnetic properties and concentration of heavy metals in the soils of the Dubravniy Forest recreational zone of Kazan to justify the use of the petromagnetic method in conducting ecological and geochemical studies in urbanised areas.Material and Methods. The object of the study is the soil cover in the "Dubravniy Forest", using petromagnetic methods (magnetic susceptibility, differential thermomagnetic analysis) and atomic absorption spectrometry.Results. According to the results of the studies conducted into the lightgray forest soil, the measurements of magnetic susceptibility and concentration of mobile forms of heavy metals do not contradict each other and indicate the absence of magnetic minerals and heavy metals of technogenic origin.Conclusions. The results of magnetic susceptibility studies indicate the absence of soil contamination with heavy metal compounds, which was confirmed by the results of the determination of mobile forms of heavy metals by the atomic absorption method.

A systematic approach to assessing the effectiveness of personal protective equipment for the skin from the effects of industrial factors

Introduction. The causes of occupational skin diseases in 40% of cases are in the absence or unsatisfactory condition of dermatological personal protective equipment. Professional protective skin care remains the main requirement of occupational safety.
 The concept of skin screening is giving way to a new approach — the restoration of its own epidermal barrier. Etiopathogenetic prevention technologies are based on inactivation of irritating chemicals and allergens, binding and neutralization of heavy and alkaline earth metal ions, as well as platinoids. The safety assessment of dermatological personal protective equipment is regulated by the state and in accordance with TR CU 019/2011 "On the safety of personal protective equipment", and the effectiveness assessment is voluntary for manufacturers.
 The study aims to develop a scheme for conducting clinical testing of evaluation of dermatological personal protective equipment for workers exposed to certain production factors.
 Materials and methods. Skin tests are a standard method of allergological diagnosis.
 In order to exclude additional sensitization that occurs when taking skin samples with a production allergen, for the reliability of detecting preclinical manifestations of sensitization, the researchers used an in vitro diagnostic method (determination of specific immunoglobulin E — Ig E). To assess the effectiveness of dermatological personal protective equipment on persons working in contact with nickel-containing compounds, the authors determined the nickel content in the blood by atomic absorption method. They evaluated the barrier function of the skin using the "Skin-o-mat" device from "Cosmomed GmbH", Germany.
 Results. The specialists proposed a scheme for conducting clinical testing of the evaluation of dermatological personal protective equipment for workers, including an assessment of the barrier function of the skin and in vitro diagnostic methods. The authors evaluated the parameters in dynamics — before and after using. This scheme makes it possible to exclude additional sensitization of employees.
 Limitations. The study is limited by the number of workers who underwent periodic medical examinations at the clinic of Izmerov Research Institute of Occupational Health who have contact with nickel compounds in the workplace.
 Conclusion. The etiopathogenetic clinical approbation of the evaluation of the effectiveness of dermatological personal protective equipment on workers in production conditions includes an assessment of the skin and an assessment of the barrier-protective function of the skin with the fixation of indicators. To study the effectiveness of skin protection products, an important point is the rational and reasonable selection of groups of approbants on which the study of the protective properties of these products will be carried out.
 Ethics. The authors have carried out the study in accordance with the Ethical standard set out in the Helsinki Declaration of the World Medical Association of 1964 (with amendments and additions from 2013).

Analysis of the spatiotemporal fields of chemical soil pollution as a basic component of urban ecosystems

The soil is a depositing medium and an indicator of geochemical load. The fulfillment of important ecosystem functions by urban soils ensures the ecological safety of urban ecosystems as a whole. The purpose of the work is to forecast soil pollution as a basic component of the urban ecosystem with a high level of technogenic load. The calculation of the spatio-temporal fields of chemical pollution of soils in the city of Kolchugino, Vladimir region, was carried out using a balance model based on ecological and analytical data utilizing the results of area surveys of soils and snow cover. The content of heavy metals of hazard classes 1 and 2 in soil and snow samples (solid and liquid phases) was determined by atomic absorption method according to standard methods. The analysis of spatio-temporal fields of soil contamination for each heavy metal is performed on the basis of map diagrams constructed using the INTEGRO GIS software-technological complex. Taking into account aerotechnogenic intake, an assessment of the degree of accumulation of heavy metals in soils and their time to reach the critical level is given. In the soils of Kolchugino, an excess of sanitary and hygienic standards (gross forms) is revealed for all the metals studied. Analysis of the data of spatio-temporal fields of soil pollution with heavy metals in the city of Kolchugino showed that the established level of soil pollution exceeding the MPC is primarily associated with the past economic activity of non-ferrous metallurgy enterprises and will remain at the same level in the near future.

Proximate composition and mineral profile of elephants forages in the Savannah ecological zone of Ghana

ABSTRACT This study evaluated the proximate and mineral composition of various parts of Balanites aegyptiaca, Mitragyna inermis, Cassia sieberiena, Kigelia africana, Detarium microcarpum, Terminalia laxiflora, Ficus platyphylla and Climber plant (Liana) as feeds of elephants in the savannah ecological zone of Ghana. The proximate composition was carried out using the methods of the Association of official analytical chemists (AOAC) and the mineral profiles were determined by atomic absorption and flame photometric methods. The highest content of Crude Protein, Crude Fibre, Ash, Moisture and Nitrogen free extract were 12.0% ± 0.01, 15.3% ± 0.01, 14.6% ± 0.0, 7.5% ± 0.01, 76.6% ± 0.01 for Ficus platyphylla, Tamarindus indica, Balanites aegyptiaca and Detarium microcarpum, respectively. The mineral profiling also found appreciable levels of Ca, Mg, P, K, Na, Zn, Cu, Fe, Se and Mn at concentrations (mg/kg) of 4.6 ± 0.00, 0.4 ± 0.01, 0.4 ± 0.01, 5.1 ± 0.01, 0.11 ± 0.01, 1.07 ± 0.008, 0.25 ± 0.005, 0.063 ± 0.0005, 37.48 ± 0.001 for Ficus platyphylla bark, Liana, Terminalia laxiflora bark and leaves, Mitragyna inermis bark, Terminalia laxiflora leaves and Mitragyna inermis leaves, respectively. Presentation of the presence of these important nutrients would be a guide to zoo managers and wildlife practitioners on the best quality of feeds to select for wild elephants.

Calcium oxalate levels, glucomannan levels, and antioxidative activities of different sized Amorphophallus oncophyllus particles and the maceration of Strobilanthes crispus

Porang (Amorphophallus oncophyllus) is a type of tuber widely planted in Indonesia. It has a high glucomannan content, but its use is limited due to high calcium oxalate content. However, it has previously been shown that the maceration of porang with the ethanolic extract of Strobilanthes crispus (SC) can serve to reduce its calcium oxalate content. This study sought to determine the impact of sieving in combination with ethanolic extract of SC maceration on the calcium oxalate levels, glucomannan levels, and antioxidant activities of different sized particles of porang. The calcium oxalate levels were analyzed by the atomic absorption method, whereas the glucomannan levels were determined based on the yield of glucomannan derived from the ethanolic extraction process. The porang particles were then analyzed to assess their antioxidant activities using DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl). The particles were grouped into six in different particle size and maceration: AX, AY, AN, BY, and BN. The results revealed that porang with a particle size of <40 mesh that was macerated with SC exhibited lower calcium oxalate levels and higher glucomannan levels than porang with a particle size of >40 mesh. The antioxidant activity of the porang decreased after maceration with the ethanolic extract of SC.

The Relationship between Body Mass Index, Metal Elements, and Antioxidant Capacity of Semen on The Human Sperm Chromatin.

Sperm chromatin abnormalities are defects in nuclear maturation and DNA integrity. These defects originated from defective spermatogenesis due to a lack of DNA repair during chromatin remodeling. Changes in semen elements can cause damage to chromatin. There is little information about the relationship between changes in trace metal elements and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) with sperm chromatin damage. The present study was conducted to determine the relationship between Selenium (Se), Iron (Fe), Zinc (Zn), Copper (Cu) and the TAC of semen with the status of human sperm chromatin. In this experimental study, semen samples (n=30) were collected from healthy men referred to Kermanshah Motazadi Hospital and stored in liquid nitrogen; after thawing and centrifugation, sperm were separated. The atomic absorption method was used to measure the concentration of metal elements. The TAC was evaluated using the ferric-reducing antioxidant capacity of the plasma method. Furthermore, the integrity of sperm chromatin was measured using the sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) method. The status of sperm chromatin had a non-significant correlation with body mass index (BMI, P=0.25, r=0.21) and a non-significant negative correlation with sperm count (P=0.71, r=-0.71) and motility (P=0.75, r=0.61). In addition, there was no significant relationship between sperm chromatin and the TAC of semen (P=0.92, r=0.01). Additionally, there was no significant correlation between Se, Zn, or Cu concentration (P>0.05) and Fe concentration, which had a partially positive relationship with the chromatin state of sperm (P=0.24, r=0.20). The trace metal elements in the seminal fluid did not play a significant role in the status of sperm chromatin.

Nitrogen and sulfur co-doped carbon quantum dots as “on-off-on” fluorescence probes to detect Hg2+ and MnO4− and improving the photostability of Rhodamine B

BackgroundCarbon quantum dot (CQDs) are zero-dimensional carbon nanomaterials with a size of less than 10 nm CQDs are widely used in the field of ion detection by virtue of their fluorescence characteristics such as strong fluorescence intensity, good optical stability and tunable emission wavelength. Although the traditional atomic absorption method, electrochemical method and other metal ion detection methods are highly sensitive, the operation is complex, expensive and limited by the site. Therefore, we prepared the N, S-CQDs capable of detecting Hg2+ and MnO4− in water with the advantages of simple operation, low cost, and direct visual signal. ResultsN, S-CQDs with high-quantum yield (77.68%), uniform particle size (0.4 nm–2.6 nm) and green fluorescence were created utilizing a one-pot hydrothermal process with the precursors ASDA-Na4 and m-phenylenediamine. N, S-CQDs has good optical properties such as high fluorescence intensity, wavelength independence, up-conversion luminescence and fluorescence stability. We examined 27 common ions in water and found that the fluorescence of N, S-CQDs could be selectively quenched by Hg2+ and MnO4−, and the detection limits are 0.41 μM and 1.2 μM, respectively. The mechanism of quenching is further investigated. The fluorescence of N, S-CQDs-Hg2+ system can be restored by halogen ions (Cl−, Br−, I−), while the fluorescence of N, S-CQDs-MnO4- system can be partially restored by Fe2+. This forms an “on-off-on” mode of fluorescent probes. In addition, we also studied that trace amounts of N, S-CQDs can improve the photostability of RhB. SignificanceThe N, S-CQDs are fluorescent probes in an “on-off-on” mode. N, S-CQDs with green fluorescence (on) can be quenched by Hg2+ and MnO4− (off). The fluorescence quenched by Hg2+ can be restored by halogen ions again, while the fluorescence quenched by MnO4− can partially be restored (on). This ion detection method can be used to visually detect the two ions in the field, with the advantages of low cost, simple operation and visual intuition.

Serum Selenium and Inflammation in Individuals with Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection.

HIV infection has been linked to selenium deficiency and chronic inflammation. Both selenium deficiency and inflammation have been associated with poor health outcomes among individuals with HIV. However, the role of serum selenium levels in inflammation has not been studied among individuals with HIV. We assessed the relationship of serum selenium levels to C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker of inflammation, in individuals with HIV in Kathmandu, Nepal. In this cross-sectional study, we measured the normal serum CRP and selenium levels of 233 individuals with HIV (109 women and 124 men) using the latex agglutination turbidimetric and atomic absorption methods, respectively. We used multiple linear regression analysis in examining the association of serum selenium levels with CRP adjusting for sociodemographic and clinical parameters, including antiretroviral therapy, CD4+ T cell count, chronic diseases, and body mass index. The geometric means of CRP and selenium levels were 1.43 mg/liter and 9.65 μg/dL, respectively. Overall, serum selenium levels were inversely associated with CRP levels (β for one unit change in log selenium; β = -1.01, p = .06). Mean CRP levels significantly decreased with increasing selenium across selenium tertiles (p for trend = .019). The mean serum CRP levels were 40.8% lower in the highest selenium tertile than in the lowest. Our study suggests that high serum selenium levels may reduce serum CRP levels in individuals with HIV, although a longitudinal study is warranted to establish causality.

Phytochemical studies of white mulberry fruits (Morus alba L.).

Medicinal preparations made from plant materials have been widely used for many years due to their high pharmacological efficacy and safety of use. Therefore, a study of white mulberry fruits (Morus alba L.) for the content of substances is very important for the pharmaceutical industry such as flavonoids, alkaloids, polysaccharides, minerals, vitamins, and amino acids. White mulberry has a wide distribution area around the world, including in Kazakhstan, especially in the southern regions of the country (Almaty, Zhambyl, and Turkestan regions). The composition of the fruits of this plant is significantly influenced by the area where the trees grow, and therefore, the establishment of a specific composition of biologically active substances is very important. In the course of this study, such methods as gas chromatography were used-mass spectrometry of an extract obtained using carbon dioxide under subcritical conditions, atomic absorption, gravimetric, and spectrophotometric methods. As a result, for the first time in Kazakhstan, the composition of white mulberry fruits (Morus alba L.), namely, biologically active substances, has been identified, such as alkaloids, flavonoids, vitamins, macro- and microelements, and amino acids and fatty acids; in addition, the percentage composition of the above compounds has been determined. The results of the study show a comparative analysis of the component composition of white mulberry fruits (Morus alba L.) in various areas of tree growth, including outside of Kazakhstan. The obtained data testify to the great possibilities of using this raw material in medicine, pharmacology, and the food industry.

Analysis of Lead (Pb) and Cadmium (Cd) in Oyster Crassostrea gigas and Saccostrea cucullata using Atomic Absorption and Ultraviolet-Visible Spectrophotometer Methods

Lead (Pb) and Cadmium (Cd) metals are highly toxic when accumulated in the body and cause serious diseases and even death. This study aimed to determine the metal content of Pb and Cd in the oyster species Crassostrea gigas and Saccostrea cucullate in the Lampulo and Krueng Cut areas at three different places. Analysis of the metals was carried out using AAS and UV-Visible spectrophotometers. Samples were prepared using concentrated HNO3 wet destruction and the addition of dithizone. The results showed Pb measured by AAS in Saccostrea cucullata 2.33-8.00 ppb, and by UV-Vis 2.77-8.66 ppb. Pb within Crassostrea gigas by AAS method 1.77-10.30 ppb, and by UV-Vis method 2.11-10.66 ppb. The Cd metal measured by AAS in Saccostrea cucullate is 3.80-10.50 ppb, and by UV-Vis method is 4.29-10.77 ppb, whereas Cd in Crassostrea gigas measured by AAS is 12.11-13.22 ppb and by UV-Vis method is 12.77-13.66 ppb. Linearity of Pb measurements with AAS and UV-Vis was obtained R2 =0.9979 and R2 =0.9938 and for Cd were R2 =0.9986 and R2 =0.9810. Accuracy (%recorvery) of Pb measurements by AAS and UV-Vis are 80-110% and 98-113% whereas Cd showed 100-106% and 91-107% respectively. The relative value of the standard deviation (%RSD ± SD) is 0.001 indicating excellent measurement results. Based on t-test calculations, measurements of Pb and Cd levels showed no difference between the AAS method and the UV-Vis method

Дезактивація рідких радіоактивних відходів Чорнобильської зони відчуження: шляхи вирішення

The purpose of the study: on the basis of information analysis of modern approaches and experimental studies, to develop effective methods of decontamination of radioactively contaminated waters of the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone. Research materials and methods. The object of our research was liquid radioactive waste stored in the sumps of one of the decontamination points for equipment and vehicles (PuSO) - the "Dibrova" facility. Modern research methods are applied - scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffractometry, laser sedimentography. The mass fraction of cesium, strontium, cobalt, and manganese was determined by the atomic absorption method using an AA-8500 atomic absorption spectrophotometer (Nippon Jarrell Ash Co Ltd, Japan). The results. The effectiveness of the proposed sorbents based on nickel-potassium ferrocyanide-modified iron oxide micro- and nanotubes and iron (III) hydroxide nanoparticles, the size of which is mainly 1-100 μm, is shown. The choice of decontamination algorithm depends on the composition of liquid radioactive waste to be cleaned. To increase the degree of strontium extraction while maintaining the high efficiency of cesium and transition metal extraction, it is advisable to apply preliminary plasma chemical treatment followed by the use of sorbents based on iron oxides/hydroxides modified by ferrocyanides. Conclusions. The possibility and expediency of using the proposed method for the decontamination of liquid radioactive waste accumulated in the Chernobyl exclusion zone and for the current control of the condition of the storage sites of accumulated radioactive waste and radiation monitoring are shown.

Nuclear transcription factor kB (NF-kB) activity in lymphocyte populations in children with Wilson-Konovalov disease

Wilson's disease (WD) is a rare hereditary disease caused by a deficiency of the ATF7B transporter. The accumulation of copper can cause damage to organs and cells, mainly the liver. Copper exposure can modulate cytokine synthesis through molecular and cellular signaling pathways, including the nuclear transcription factor NF-kB pathway. NF-kB is the main regulator of inflammation and cell death, acts as a central link between liver damage, fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. An excess of NF-kB-dependent cytokine response stimulates inflammatory reactions, but excessive inhibition of NF-kB can negatively affect the viability of hepatocytes. Method of flow cytometry with visualization — Amnis ImageStreamX allows to evaluate the activity of NF-kB (% of activated cells in cell populations). The aim: to evaluate the activity of NF-kB in lymphocyte populations in children with WD disease. Immunophenotyping of lymphocytes and assessment of the level of translocation of NF-kB were performed in 52 children with WD and in 25 children of comparison group. The mass concentration of copper in daily urine was determined by atomic absorption method using the AAnalyst 800 spectrometer. In children with WD, the content of cells with NF-kB translocation varied from 5 to 90% depending on the lymphocyte population; the highest level was detected in B cells — 57.5 (37-68) %. A significant difference in distributions of the number of cells with NF-kB translocation between WD and healthy children was shown (F-criterion, p &lt; 0.01). In most cases, children with WD are characterized by a decrease in the activity of NF-kB in populations of B cells (in 43% of cases), T helper cells (48%), T cytotoxic (44%) and Th17 lymphocytes (41%). In children with WD, the concentration of copper varied from 9.7 to 2582 mcg/day, Me = 616 (210-1173). A direct relationship was obtained between the copper content in urine and the level of translocation of NF-kB in B lymphocytes, r = 0.34, p = 0.016. The activity of the NF-kB correlates with biochemical markers of the severity of liver damage (ALT, AST, GGT) and with copper content in urine. The study of the NF-kB signaling pathway seems promising for a better understanding of the pathogenetic mechanisms of the formation of inflammation and liver fibrosis in children with WD.