Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry Method Research Articles

IS SERUM ZINC LEVEL CORRELATED WITH INSULIN RESISTANCE AMONG LACTATING MOTHERS IN JAKARTA?

Introduction: Insulin resistance is a condition that underlies the development of diabetes mellitus. The prevalence of diabetes mellitus keeps rising, including in Indonesia. A higher proportion of diabetes was found in women. Physiological changes during pregnancy can cause insulin resistance that may persist until postpartum period. Lactation and nutrient like zinc may improve insulin resistance. This study aimed to measure the correlation between zinc serum level and insulin resistance of lactating mothers in Jakarta.Methods: This study used cross-sectional design, was conducted in Puskesmas Kecamatan Grogol Petamburan, West Jakarta and Puskesmas Kecamatan Cilincing, North Jakarta from February to April 2019. A total of 75 lactating mothers at 3–6 months postpartum were selected using consecutive sampling method. Zinc serum was analyzed using atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS) method. Insulin resistance was assessed using the homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR).Results: Approximately 76% (n = 57) subjects had low serum zinc level. Spearman correlation test between serum zinc level and HOMA-IR was done (r = 0.003, p = 0.977). Also, correlation test between BMI and HOMA-IR (r = 0.563, p <0.001).Conclusion: No correlation was found between serum zinc level and HOMA-IR however, there was a significant moderate positive correlation between BMI and HOMA-IR.Keywords: Lactation, zinc, insulin resistance, HOMA-IR, BMI

The Association between The Degree of Liver Cirrhosis Severity and Zinc Serum Level

Background: Impaired liver function in LC (Liver Cirrhosis) can cause Zinc deficiency (Zn). One of the causes of Zn deficiency in LC is decreased albumin synthesis, whereas albumin is required as the main Zn binding protein in plasma. However, some studies of the severity of LC with Zn serum levels still provide controversial results.Objective: To determine the association between the degree of LC severity and Zn serum level.Methods: The subjects of this study were LC patients in Gastroentero-Hepatology Unit and Internal medicine wards in of Dr. Soetomo General Hospital Surabaya for three months. Diagnosis of LC was based on clinical examination according to Soehardjno-Soebandiri criteria and other findings (ultrasound or endoscopy). The degree of LC severity was determined based on the CTP score (Child-Turcotte-Pugh). Serum Zn concentration was measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry method. The research design used the cross-sectional method. The statistical test used was Spearman correlation.Results: Forty-three patients fulfilled the study criteria. The subjects consisted of 27 males (62.8%) and 16 females (37.2%) with the mean age of 53.81 ± 8.67 years. Based on the CTP scores, we obtained CTP A of 4 patients (9.3%), CTP B of 19 patients (44.2%) and CTP C of 20 patients (46.5%). The mean of Zn serum level in CTP A, CTP B, and CTP C score was 58.3 ± 19.6 μg/dl, 43.4 ± 14.5 μg/dl and 31.6 ± 10 μg/dl respectively. The result of the statistical test showed a significant correlation between LC severity and Zn serum level (p <0.05 and r = -0.583).Conclusion: The heavier the severity of LC, the lower Zn serum levels.

Relationship between Oxidative Stress, Serum Zinc Level and Systemic Arterial Blood Pressure in Smokers and Non-smokers

Background and Aim: Either active or passive smoking causes damage to the heart and blood vessels. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between oxidative stress, serum zinc level and systemic arterial blood pressure in smokers and non-smokers. Methods: A cross sectional comparative study was done. Apparently healthy subjects of age 18-45 years including 40 smokers and 40 non-smokers residing in Magway Township, Myanmar were recruited. Serum zinc level was measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry method. Serum malondialdehyde level was used as oxidative stress marker and measured by spectrophotometry. Systemic arterial blood pressure was measured by indirect method using mercury sphygmomanometer. Results: Mean serum zinc level of smokers (51.25±7.5 μg/dL) was significantly lower than that of non-smokers (92.91±27.46 μg/dL) (P< 0.001). Mean serum malondialdehyde level of smokers (0.78±0.14 μmol/L) was significantly higher than that of non-smokers (0.24±0.09 μmol/L) (P< 0.001). Mean Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP) of non-smokers was 120.95±5.02 mmHg and that of smokers was 126.55±6.14 mmHg (P<0.05). There was significant negative correlation between serum malondialdehyde level and serum zinc level (r = - 0.75, P< 0.001, n=80). There was also significant negative correlation between serum zinc level and SBP (r = - 0.477, p< 0.001, n=80). There was positive correlation between serum malondialdehyde level and SBP (r = 0.487, p< 0.001, n=80). Conclusion: It could be concluded that smoking increases oxidative stress and decreases serum zinc level and these two changes might contribute to increase in blood pressure in smokers.

Perbandingan kadar merkuri, kreatinin, dan urea pada pekerja industri di Kotagede dan Banguntapan, Yogyakarta sebagai indikator pencemaran

Study from the Environmental Office of Yogyakarta, indicates in Kotagede found the pollution of mercury from the environment because of improper disposal of wastewater. This study aims to assess the levels of mercury, creatinine and urea in the serum and urine of people working in several industries in Kotagede and Banguntapan. Subjects of this study were 52 employees in several industries in Kotagede Yogyakarta with a range of ages between 20 - 71 years and length of work between 3 - 38 years. A total of 42 people with the age range was 21 - 63 years and the length of work between 1 - 20 years were taken from industrial employees in Bantul who have almost the same geographical conditions as Kotagede. Determination of mercury levels using the Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS) method while the determination of urea and creatinine levels by a Dyasis kit. In Kotagede, there were 3 people (5.8%) with the average mercury serum of 0.217 ppb and no mercury in the urine was found in all subjects. In Banguntapan, one person (2.4%) had 0.200 ppb mercury serum and 6 people (14.3%) had an average mercury urine level of 0.395 ppb. Urine creatinine and urea levels in subjects from Kotagede were higher than those from Banguntapan (p&lt;0.05), despite being on the normal range. The presence of mercury in several industrial employees in Kotagede and Banguntapan is still on the low range even though it was correlated to creatinine levels.

Organic and Inorganic Analysis of Rhaphidophora pinnata (l.f.) Schott Water Extract

BACKGROUND:Rhaphidophora pinnata (L.f.) Schott is one of the Indonesian plants, has known as a medicinal plant. This plant is a vine; round stems have sticky roots and hanging roots. The leaves have been used as traditional anticancer in Singapore. Indonesian people have also used R. pinnata plants as a diuretic agent, anticancer and antibacterial. R. pinnata plants contain active substances from alkaloid compounds, flavonoids, saponins, tannins and triterpenoids/steroids.AIM:The purpose of this study was to determine the organic and inorganic content of Rhaphidophora pinnata (L.f.) Schott water extract in the form of fresh leaves, micro simplicia and nano simplicia.METHOD:The collected R. pinnata leaves are drained and grinded to make micro, and nano Simplicia powder of R. pinnata leaves. The size characterisation of R. pinnata leaves was analysing using Particles Size Analyzer. The water extract of R. pinnata leaves, micro simplicia, and nano simplicia R. pinnata leaves was made 10% (w / v) in water. Phytochemical screening of nano simplicia and nano simplicia water extract included an examination of alkaloid compounds, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, glycosides, and steroids/triterpenoids. Thin-layer chromatography analysis of water extract was analysed using TLC scanner. The element that contains in the water extract was analysed using atomic absorption spectrophotometry methods.RESULT:The results of phytochemical screening of nano simplicia powder and nano simplicia water extract showed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, tannins, and glycosides. Eluent, which shows good elution is n-butanol: acetic acid: water (6: 2: 2). This eluent is used to elute polar and semipolar compounds and is very good for separating flavonoids. R. pinnata water extract contains the minerals potassium, sodium, magnesium and calcium.CONCLUSION:R. pinnata water extract contains organic compounds in the form of flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, tannins, and glycosides. The nano simplicia water extract showed more chemical content than other water extracts on the TLC plate by detection at a wavelength of 250 nm and 300 nm. The most element content in R. pinnata water extract is potassium, followed by magnesium, sodium, and calcium.

Preliminary study potential of heavy metals in geothermal sludge

One of the New Potential Renewable Energy in Indonesia is geothermal potential which its activity in Indonesia is developed into Geothermal Power Plant XY in West Java and as the utilization of geothermal to reduce the dependency of fossil energy progresses, its utilization will create negative impacts on the environment such as landscapes, noises, subsidence, seismic induction, and heavy metal potential. With this background, it is necessary to conduct the identification of those potentials and the possibility of metals’ utilization. The researcher conducted this research by doing identification on dissolved metals types and its potential to harm the environment. The process was conducted by using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS) method. The sampling process performed on solid waste which was the result of geothermal drilling process or Geothermal Sludge and water sample which came off from the PLTP that headed to public waters around citizens residences. The test result of geothermal sludge showed that it contained heavy metals. The water sample collected around citizens residences also showed there were heavy metals.

Assessment of heavy metal pollution in marine sediments receiving produced water, Delta State, Nigeria

Every aspect of oil and gas operations poses significant negative impacts on the environment in varying levels, these environmental impacts have economic and public health consequences on the indigenes of the operation locality. Produced water discharge is one of such aspects of the upstream oil and gas operation whose potential for environmental degradation has necessitated both local and international regulations for its governance. This research focuses on the environmental assessment of heavy metal pollution on marine sediments receiving treated produced water in Delta state, Nigeria. Sediment samples were obtained from produced water discharge area at various distances from the disposal point. Heavy metals (Cadmium, Zinc, Iron, Lead, Chromium, Vanadium, Barium, Nickel and Manganese) concentrations in the sediment were analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry method. In the sediment, manganese, nickel, chromium, lead, cadmium and zinc were detected in all the locations and showed no significant difference across the various locations. Barium and vanadium were detected in some location although no statistical difference was established across the locations. Iron concentration showed significant difference across the various locations. The results of heavy metals contamination factor in marine sediments ranged from low contamination to very high contamination (CF<1; 3 ≤ CF ≥ 6). High contamination values were recorded for vanadium (Location SD16, 21 and 22) and barium locations (SD8 and 21). The enrichment factor of heavy metals ranged from minimal to moderate, significant and very high enrichment. Barium, Nickel and Manganese showed the highest variation in enrichment factor. Other than cadmium and barium that showed moderate risk (40 ≤ Er <80) and very high risk (Er ≥ 320) at some locations respectively, the Ecological Risk Index of heavy metals based on the criteria for risk assessment showed low risk (Er<40) for most of the locations. Key words: Assessment, environmental impact, produced water, pollution, heavy metal, contamination, sediments.

HYGIENIC ASSESSMENT OF THE CONTENT OF CHEMICALS IN THE SOIL OF MINING AREAS OF THE TRANS-BAIKAL REGION

Introduction. Intensive exploration and processing of mineral raw materials in the Trans-Baikal territory has caused the accumulation of considerable amount of industrial mining waste with high content of chemical elements of different classes of hazard. Currently 33 tailings storage facilities (TSF) accumulating approximately 3 milliard tons of different industrial waste are located in the territory of the region. The aim of the research is the hygienic assessment of soil contamination in the residential areas adjacent to TSFs. Material and methods. Atomic absorption spectrophotometry method was used for the determination of heavy metals. The study presents the results of analyses of 444 samples of gross content of lead, zinc, copper, mercury, arsenic, and cadmium in the soil of Khapcheranga, Sherlovaya Gora, Kadaya, Vershino-Darasunsky, and Vershino-Shakhtaminsky mining villages throughout the duration of 2012 - 2015. Results. During the period of the study the total value of soil contamination with Zc calculated by the median concentrations in Khapcheranga Village amounted to 4.7 6.9, in Vershino-Shakhtaminaky - to 6.7 8.8, which corresponds to the «allowable» level of the contamination. Zc calculation by maximum concentrations has shown the soil to be referred to the category from “moderately dangerous” to “extremely dangerous”; this value in Khapcheranga Village amounted to 48.7 - 235.3, in Vershino-Shakhtaminsky Village - to 23.76 - 164.8. Discussion. In the residential areas the allowable degree of soil contamination was determined to be predominantly observed; Khapcheranga and Vershino-Shakhtaminsky villages are the exceptions. The results of the assessment give the evidence of tge increased lead, cadmium and arsenic content throughout the entire area of the villages, while the highest levels of accumulated toxic substances are registered in the areas located near the TSF Conclusion. Thus, several zones of natural and anthropogenous contamination with increased concentrations of heavy metals and arsenic have been formed in the Trans-Baikal Territory. This dictates the need to study the influence of geochemical anomalies on the health of population.

Pemanfaatan Ekstrak dan Serbuk Kulit Jeruk Bali (Citrus Maxima Merr) untuk Mereduksi Kadar Krom(VI) dan Kadmium(II) pada Limbah Cair Artifisial

Limbah artifisial dibuat menggunakan logam krom (K2Cr2O7) dan logam kadmium (CdCl2). Tujuan penelitian ini untuk mengetahui pemanfaatan ekstrak dan serbuk kulit jeruk bali (Citrus Maxima Merr) dalam menurunkan kadar logam krom dan kadmium. Penelitian ini dilakukan dengan menggunakan limbah artifisial yang dicampur dengan ekstrak dan serbuk kulit jeruk bali dengan konsentrasi 0%, 0,5%, 1%, 1,5% dan 2%. Kadar logam diukur menggunakan metode Spektrofotometri Serapan Atom. Hasil penelitian kadar logam krom sebelum perlakuan kadarnya sebesar 46,49 ppm dan setelah perlakuan menggunakan serbuk kadarnya dengan variasi konsentrasi 0,5%; 1%; 1,5% dan 2% yaitu sebesar 29,97 ppm, 33,20 ppm, 31,05 ppm, dan 33,76 ppm, sedangkan pada ekstrak kadarnya sebesar 40,43 ppm, 41,94 ppm, 42,34 ppm dan 48,23 ppm. Hasil penelitian kadar logam kadmium sebelum perlakuan kadarnya sebesar 102,36 ppm dan setelah perlakuan menggunakan serbuk kadarnya dengan variasi konsentrasi 0,5%%; 1%; 1,5% dan 2% yaitu sebesar 33,61 ppm, 20,26 ppm, 13,44 ppm, dan 16,82 ppm, sedangkan pada ekstrak kadarnya sebesar 75,45 ppm, 74,86 ppm, 80,66 ppm dan 85,10 ppm.

Kinetika Adsorpsi Ion Besi (II) Oleh Biomassa Chaetoceros sp.

This research was done to study the adsorption kinetic of ferrous ionic by Chaetoceros sp. Many variables influenced the adsorption capacity of absorbent on ferrous ionic including interaction time, ferrous ionic concentration and pH. Two absorbens were used in this study i.e. pure culture and natural spoiled product called Diatomite/ Diatomae earth / Diatomaceous earth / Diatomooze of Chaetoceros sp. biomass. The adsorption capacity by biomass was measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry method (AAS). The result showed that the adsorption process of two absorbents happened very fast. The time needed to get maximal adsorption were 10 and 15 minutes respectively. Adsorption pattern of two biomass can be interpreted by Langmuir and Freundlich isoterm showing monolayer. The adsorption capacity of Diatomite was five times higher than that of the pure culture biomass because it was influenced by surface group charge and wide surface area of porous. Acidity degree (pH) of solution determined surface active group charge and solubility of iron (II). The increased pH value, the biomass adsorption capacity was added because surface active group had negative charge. The adsorption of biomass was maximal around pH 5 while for pH higher than 5, it wasn’t significantly increased because the iron (II) formed insoluble hydroxide compound.

Studying consumer properties of the developed cupcakes using non-traditional raw materials

We have investigated the influence of non-traditional raw materials of plant origin and natural additives on the formation of consumer properties of cupcakes with improved composition. We have defined and scientifically substantiated the formulation composition, as well as proposed model samples of cupcakes, based on the performed analysis of the organoleptic, physical-chemical indicators, food and biological value. Assessment of the organoleptic indicators was carried out based on the developed estimation scale considering such indicators as taste, smell, view at fracture, color, surface, shape, consistency following the introduction of the indicator for flavor; profilograms for samples were constructed. Based on the performed organoleptic assessment, it was established that the devised cupcakes, with the introduction of alternative raw materials to the formulation, have a good taste, flavor; they were highly appreciated by a tasting board. Due to a change to the formulation, it has become possible to reduce the caloric value of products by 16‒39 kcal/100 g. The new samples are characterized by a higher content of protein, by 18.9‒31.8 % (cupcakes without filling) and by 1.6‒1.7 times (cupcakes with filling), by a lower amount of fat, by 3.1–20.1 %, and carbohydrates ‒ by 4.7‒14.9 %. The content of essential amino acids was determined using the automated amino acid analyzer T 339. The new products demonstrated an increase in the content of amino acids, by 1.1‒1.9 times compared to control sample. The fat-acid composition of cupcakes was determined by gas chromatography applying the gas chromatographer HP 6890. The ratio of proportion of unsaturated fatty acids to saturated acids in new products increased by 1.22‒1.55 times. Mineral composition was determined by the method of atomic absorption spectrophotometry at the atomic-absorbing spectrophotometer C-115 PK. The content of mineral elements increased by 1.1‒2.7 times, of vitamins ‒ by 1.2‒2.9 times. Based on the acquired data we have justified the feasibility of extending the range of flour-based pastry products with the new types of cupcakes.

Does the Trace Element Deficiency (Vit A, D &amp; Zinc) Have Any Role in Vulnerability to Urinary Tract Infection in Children: A Case-Control Study: Tehran, Iran

Background and Objective: Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) is one of the most common causes of hospital admission in our young population. This prospective cohort study was carried out to assess the relation of serum levels of zinc, vitamins A and D with UTI in children with proven UTI. Methods: The serum levels of Zinc, vitamins A and D were compared between 25 proven UTI cases (admitted in 2 educational hospitals in Tehran) and 40 controls without infection (children who had undergone for elective surgery). The average age of children was 2.17 years. Atomic absorption Spectrophotometry, Radioimmunoassay, and HPLC methods were used for measuring the Zinc, Vit D and A, respectively. Results: Although the serum levels of zinc were significantly lower in UTI cases (P=0.05), no significant differences had observed between cases and controls for vitamins A and D in sera (P=0.4 and P=0.9). Conclusion: Due to established lower zinc level in UTI cases (p-value = 0.05), zinc deficiency might have a role in susceptibility to UTI in studied children. Administration of zinc could be helpful in preventing UTI. To establish the role of Vitamins A and D in vulnerability to UTI, further extensive research with larger samples is needed. Conclusion: Due to established lower zinc level in UTI cases (p-value = 0.05), zinc deficiency might have a role in susceptibility to UTI in studied children. Administration of zinc could be helpful in preventing UTI. To establish the role of Vitamins A and D in vulnerability to UTI, further extensive research with larger samples is needed.

The content of heavy metal lead (Pb) on baung fish (Hemibagrus nemurus) as biomonitoring pollution of Wulan River of Demak Regency

Biomonitoring is the use of a particular species that can provide information related to environmental pollution status by certain heavy metals. Wulan River is the largest river in Demak Regency. The development of population activity along the Wulan River can affect the water quality, because the waste generated from the activities of the population is discharged directly into the river. This study aims to determine the content of lead metal (Pb) in water and meat fish Baung (Hemibagrus nemurus) in the waters of the Wulan River. The research method used survey method with purposive sampling. Water and fish samples were collected at 3 stations, Kedungwaru Lor, Pasir, and Berahan Wetan village. Analysis of Pb content using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS) method. The result of the test of lead metal content (Pb) was 0,3189-0,7320 ppm, and the water quality standard of PPRI N0.82 of 2001 class II that is for lead metal is 0,03 ppm. The lead metal content in Baung fish was 2,449-3,920 ppm. Furthermore, it was concluded that Wulan River Demak Regency has medium pollution status.

Role of Dracaena marginata plants as absorbent of lead (Pb) pollutants in city park of Surabaya: a preliminary study

Plants Dracaena marginata is a plant that is often used as a plant landscape in the city Park of Surabaya. Dracaena marginata plant is expected to absorb well air pollutants. Air pollutants come from motor vehicles.One of the harmful pollutants that can be absorbed by plants is heavy metal lead (Pb).The aim of this research is to know the role of Dracaena marginata which acts as a landscape plant and its role as absorbant of Pb metal pollutant. The aim of this research is to know the role of Dracaena marginata which acts as a landscape plant and its role as absorbent of Pb metal pollutant. The method used in this research is observational, that is identifying, measuring density and descriptive plant Dracaena marginata. The study sample was taken in two places, namely the city park which is near the big road (lots of pole) and in the park which is small, in the city parks in Surabaya. It also measured the content of Pb metal on leaves by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS) method. From the research results obtained data that found two varieties Dracaena marginata, namely, varieties of green and red. Dracaena marginata is a good plant to absorb Pb pollutants. Dracaena marginata can absorb many Pb metals, but the growth and development of the body is not disturbed (grows well). The conclusions of this study are (1) there are two kinds of Dracaena marginata green var and Dracaena marginata red var (2) Dracaena marginata is a bioindicator can absorb many metal Pb.

Mineral composition of drinking water and the content of bio-elements in substrates in children

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the relationship between the mineral composition of drinking water and the content of bioelements in substrates in children. Materials and methods . To identify the dependence of children's health indicators on the chemical composition of drinking water, the following areas are selected: the areas of the Kazanka river basin and comparison areas that differ in terms of water supply and the mineral composition of drinking water. The content of microelements in biological fluids was determined by the method of atomic absorption spectrophotometry on the apparatus AAS-CA 10 MP. Results. The features of the ecological status of the basin of the Kazanka river basin have been established. Significant interrelations (r=0,7, p<0,01) between the indicators of the mineral composition of drinking water and the ME content in the hair were revealed, which is caused by the lesser lability of the ME composition of this biosubstrate. Conclusions . The influence (F=5,1, p=0,001) of the indicators of the chemical composition of drinking water on the ME status in children was proved. It is established that with the help of regression analysis, it is possible to predict the development of ME imbalance, based on studies of the mineral composition of drinking water. And with the greatest certainty it is possible to use the data obtained in the study of ME in the hair.

Placental barrier permeability to Cadmium and Plumbum during cow pregnancy and at the foaling time of mares

The paper explores placental barrier permeability to Cadmium (Cd) and Plumbum (Pb) in cows in the dynamics of their pregnancy in the direction ‘maternal blood (MB) → maternal placental compartment (MPC) → fetal placental compartment (FPC) → the umbilical cord (UC) → fetal liver (FL) → amniotic (AMF) and allantoic (ALF) fluid’ and during parturition in relatively clean and contaminated with radioactive nuclides environments, with the injection of tissue medication fetoplacentat in the dry off time, and feeding with a mixture of saponite and sulphur supplementation in rations; in mares at the foaling time in the direction ‘maternal blood (MBm) → the fetal placental compartment of a mare (FPCm) → the umbilical cord of a foal (UCf ) → the foal’s liver (FLf) → amniotic (AMFf) and allantoic (ALFf) fluid → the allantoic membrane of a foal (ALMf)’. The age of the fetus during pregnancy was established by anatomical parameters, whereas Pb and Cd levels in blood and substrates were measured by the method of atomic absorption spectrophotometry (GOST 30170896). The MPC (caruncle) and FPC (cotyledon) were analyzed separately. Their barrier function in relation to Pb and Cd was performed at its full extent in 4–5 months of pregnancy and coincided with the highest concentration in the fetal liver. Wharton’s jelly absorbed Cd in 3–4 months of gestation. With the approach of calving, Pb and Cd levels decreased in the amniotic fluid and increased in the allantoic fluid. Under the influence of fetoplacentat in MPC and FPC Cd accumulated better in AMF and ALF, whereas its levels were lower in the cortical mucus of the cervix. Pb deposited in equal concentrations in MPC of all the cows (0.46 ± 0.18 μg/kg in the contaminated environment and 0.47 ± 0.17 μg/kg in the relatively clean environment). In the relatively clean environment its levels in ALF were lower in 8 times (0.62 ± 0.16 μg/kg and 0.08 ± 0.04 μg/kg) and 26 times lower in AMF (0.52 ± 0.07 μg/kg and 0.02 ± 0.002 μg/kg), whereas Pb concentration in the cortical mucus of the cervix was 17 times lower (0.06 ± 0.03μg/kg) than that in the contaminated environment, (1.01 ± 0.28 μg/kg). Pb transited from MPC (0.46 ± 0.18 μg/kg) to FPC (0.51 ± 0.19 μg/kg), deposited in the internal environment of the uterus wherefrom it was absorbed by the cortical mucus of the cervix (1.01 ± 0.28 μg/kg). While transiting through the fetal body Pb accumulated in amniotic (0.52 ± 0.07 μg/kg) and allantoic fluid (0.62 ± 0.16 μg/kg). Mineral supplement in rations led to a weakened barrier function of MPC (0.23 ± 0.14 μg/kg), a two-fold increase of Pb in FPC (0.47 ± 0.11 μg/kg), whereas in the allantoic (0.16 ± 0.05 μg/kg) and amniotic (0.38 ± 0.10 μg/kg) fluid Pb concentration was lower when compared to the control group (0.62 ± 0.16 μg/kg; Р &lt; 0.05 і 0.52 ± 0.07 μg/kg; Р &lt; 0.05, respectively). Pb deposited in the cortical mucus of the cervix (2.47 ± 0.26 μg/kg; Р &lt; 0.001). With the injection of fetoplacentat the barrier function of MPC became weaker (0.06 ± 0.01 μg/kg) than that of the control group (0.46 ± 0.17 μg/kg – 0.57 ± 0.18 μg/kg), though the decrease was exhibited less than in the cortical mucus of the cervix (0.67 ± 0.06 μg/kg). At the first stage of foaling Pb levels in mares’ blood were twice as high as Cd; in UCf Pb was not identified, Cd didn’t deposit but penetrated into the fetal liver where its levels were 11 times higher than that of Pb. Presence of Cd in allantoic fluid indicated its ability to excrete through the kidneys. Рb concentration in ALMf were 26 times higher than in the chorion and 3.7 times higher in FPCm than in ALFf. Pb levels in amniotic fluid were 1.3 times lower than in allantoic fluid and almost 4.2 times lower than in the fetal liver. Pb levels in AMF and ALF exceeded its concentration in the umbilical cord by 24.5 and 31 times respectively.

The relation of blood lead and QRS-T angle in American adults

The QRS-T angle is a key ECG predictor for ventricular arrhythmia. Lead has a strong relation with cardiovascular diseases; however, no study has been conducted to investigate the association between lead exposure and QRS-T angle. Thus, we explored this association in a population-based representative sample: NHANES III. We used the standard 12-lead ECGs to calculate Spatial QRS-T angles. Blood lead concentration was measured using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometry method. We conducted multivariate weighted logistic regression to adjust for impaired fasting glucose, hypertension, poverty index, age, race, and smoking status. We found that when the log of blood lead increased by one unit, the odds of an abnormal QRS-T angle increased by 34% among men and 4% among women. We suggest the use of QRS-T angle deviation among those who are exposed to lead to detect individuals at risk for adverse cardiovascular outcomes such as arrhythmias.

Metallothionein expression on oysters ( Crassostrea cuculata and Crassostrea glomerata) from the southern coastal region of East Java

Background: This study aimed to analyse levels of heavy metals (Pb, Hg and Cd) in the aquatic body, gills and stomach of the oysters Crassostrea cuculata and Crassostrea glomerata, the metallothionein (MT) level in the gills and stomach of both oysters, and relationships between heavy metals level (Pb, Hg and Cd) in the gills and stomach to MT level in both species of oysters. Methods: The research method utilized was a descriptive method. The oyster samples were taken from three stations: Sendang Biru, Popoh and Prigi beaches. MT values were assessed using confocal laser scanning microscopy. The heavy metal levels were assessed using atomic absorption spectrophotometry method. Results: Both oyster heavy metal content obtained in the southern coastal waters exceeded the safe limit set by the State Minister of Environment No. 51 of 2004. In general, the expression of MT was found to be higher in stomach tissue compared to gill tissue. Conclusions: The levels of the heavy metals Pb, Hg, and has a strong relationship with MT levels in the gills and stomach in both types of oysters.

Measurements of Metal Contamination, Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Activities of Five Medicinal Herbs from Azad Kashmir

We studied the metal contaminations as well as antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of five medicinal species: Berberis lyceum (Sumbal), Datura stramonium (Joz-e-masel), Semicarpous anacardium (Bhalawa), Fumaria indica (Shahtara) and Gymnema sylvestre (Gurmar) using atomic absorption spectrophotometry and agar-well diffusion method against E. coli and S. aureus and ABTS+● decolorization assay. We found that the contamination levels of K, Ca, Mg, and Ni are above the standard permissible limits and should be monitored. B. lyceum has been found to possess highest antimicrobial activities against both strains. Besides B. lyceum, D. stramonium, S. anacardium and F. indica have shown promising antioxidant activities. Phytochemical investigations are required to isolate antimicrobial and antioxidant compounds from these medicinal plants. Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Journal 22(1): 7-12, 2019

Pengaruh Suplementasi Seng Sulfat 40 mg/hr Selama 12 Minggu terhadap Kadar Sitokin proinflamasi TNF-α, IL-1β dan IL-6 Pada Penderita Kusta Multi Basiler

The role of zinc as an anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory has been widely proven, this substance is relatively inexpensive and easily available to the public. Serum zinc levels of leprosy patients and patients with leprosy reactions are lower compared to healthy people, and proinflammatory cytokines including TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 play a role in the mechanism of leprosy reactions. Research on the effect of zinc supplementation on leprosy sufferers who have not experienced a reaction has not been done. Objective: To analyze the effect of 40 mg / day dose of zinc sulphate supplementation for 12 weeks on the levels of proinflammatory cytokines and the incidence of reactions in type MB leprosy patients. An experimental study with a randomized control group pre and post test design approach, the subjects of this study were MB patients with 121 patients who did not experience a leprosy reaction, the sample was taken randomly as many as 31 patients as a supplementation group (treatment), and 31 patients as Control group. BMI measurements, food intake by re-call method, Hb level using Hematology Analyzer, serum zinc levels using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS) method, TNF-α, IFN-γ, and IL-1β levels used the ELISA method. Data analysis using chi-square correlation statistical test and mean (mean) test. Zinc sulfate supplementation dose of 40 mg / day for 12 weeks in type MB leprosy patients was able to maintain a decrease in zinc levels of 1.22 pg / dL higher than leprosy patients who did not receive zinc supplementation, reduce levels of IL-1β (p: 0.032 ) However, statistically there is insufficient evidence to reduce levels of TNF-α (p: 0.063) and IL-6 (p: 0.389) and risk factors. Food intake is associated with the incidence of leprosy reactions (p <0.05). Keywords:Supplementation, cytokines, leprosy type MB. Conclusion: The most recent findings in this study were 40 mg / day supplementation of zinc sulfate for 12 weeks in MB type leprosy patients able to maintain a decrease in serum zinc levels, reduce IL-1β levels, and risk factors. Food intake correlated with the incidence of leprosy reactions