Determination Of Serum Iron Research Articles

Determination of calcium, iron, and selenium in human serum by isotope dilution analysis using nitrogen microwave inductively coupled atmospheric pressure plasma mass spectrometry (MICAP-MS).

In this study, we demonstrate the applicability of nitrogen microwave inductively coupled atmospheric pressure mass spectrometry (MICAP-MS) for Ca, Fe, and Se quantification in human serum using isotope dilution (ID) analysis. The matrix tolerance of MICAP-MS in Na matrix was investigated, revealing that high Na levels can suppress the signal intensity. This suppression is likely due to the plasma loading and the space charge effect. Moreover, 40Ca and 44Ca isotopic fractionation was noted at elevated Na concentration. Nine certified serum samples were analyzed using both external calibration and ID analysis. Overestimation of Cr, Zn, As, and Se was found in the results of external calibration, which might result from C-induced polyatomic interference and signal enhancement, respectively. Further investigations performed with methanol showed a similar enhancement effect for Zn, As, and Se, potentially supporting this assumption. The mass concentrations determined with ID analysis show metrological compatibility with the reference values, indicating that MICAP-MS combined with ID analysis can be a promising method for precise Ca, Fe, and Se determination. Moreover, this combination reduces the influence of matrix effects, broadening the applicability of MICAP-MS for samples with complex matrixes.

Prevalence of anemia and its risk factors among supplemented and non-supplemented pregnant women in Sulaimani city Kurdistan-Iraq

Abstract:
 Background: Anaemia is a serious global public health problem that particularly affects pregnant women. It was estimated that 41.8% of pregnant women worldwide were anaemic.
 Objectives: The objectives of this study were to find out the prevalence of anemia and its associated risk factors among supplemented and non-supplemented pregnant women in Sulaimani city. 
 Patient and methods: Sixty hundred and forty one samples were collected randomly from the pregnant and control women. Data concerned to age, education, residence, and obstetrical related factors were collected by face to face interview. Finally, 5 ml of venous blood were collected from each pregnant woman for complete blood count, serum iron, serum ferritin, folic acid and vitamin B12 determination. 
 Results: this study found that 74.2% and 34.9 of non-supplemented and supplemented pregnant women were anemic respectively. Factors such as; gestational age, gravidity, history of abortion, birth intervals, age, occupation, level of education, body mass index, family income and blood pressure were significantly associated with the rate of anaemia. There were differences between the rate of anemia among supplemented and non-supplemented pregnant women in all factors, the rates were decreased in the supplemented groups. The normal percentage of serum ferritin was very low; 16.5% and 38.4% among non-supplemented and supplemented anemic pregnant women respectively.
 Conclusion: the prevalence of anemia was high among non-supplemented compared to supplemented pregnant women. The majority of anemia was mild type. All risk factors that are associated with anemia were decreased in supplemented compared to non-supplemented pregnant women. Most of the anemic cases in our result are iron deficient.

Integrated calibration and serum iron in situ analysis into an array microfluidic paper-based analytical device with smartphone readout

In this work, a colorimetric microfluidic paper-based analytical device (μPAD) combined with a smartphone readout was proposed for the determination of serum iron (Fe3+), which is linked to transferrin. Firstly, Fe3+ was selectively isolated and preconcentrated from serum by using anti-transferrin immunomagnetic beads (anti-Tf-MBs). Secondly, Fe3+ is reduced to Fe2+ by a hydroxylamine solution (pH 4.8) and then measured in the μPAD, which contains the colorimetric reagent ferrozine. Finally, the intensity of the purple color formed in the μPAD was measured by a smartphone. The approach exhibited an excellent linear correlation (r = 0.996) and good limit of detection (0.3 μg mL−1). Moreover, a certified reference material (human serum) was analyzed by this approach, showing an excellent accuracy (Er < 4%) and inter-device reproducibility (RSD = 1%, n = 3).Interestingly, the μPAD array-design allowed the simultaneous analysis of different samples, improving the sample throughput (up to 5 samples in 130 min, using 100 μL each), and the integration of calibration and analysis into the same device, simplifying the analysis without losing accuracy or sensitivity, and avoiding inter-device variability, which constituted an added value to this approach.These disposable μPADs meet several requirements of point-of-care testing (POCT) because it is cheap, portable, easy-to-use, sensitive, and specific. Therefore, it may be an interesting way for measuring patients’ serum iron levels in situ with reliability, especially, in developing countries, where the prevalence of iron deficiency and iron-deficiency anemia is higher and there are lower health resources than in developed countries.

Iron Deficiency Anemia Caused by Chronic Kidney Disease Complicated by Chronic Heart Failure, Treatment, Improvement of Prognosis

Abstract: In the presented review, the prevalence of anemia and iron deficiency (railway) with CXN, their influence on the course of the course and forecast of this state are affected. The definition of anemia and a railway is formulated based on the assessment of various laboratory data. In particular, the diagnostic significance of the determination of serum iron, serum ferritin, transferin saturation coefficient, a common iron-binding ability of blood serum and transferlic soluble receptor levels are discussed. It is emphasized by the importance of determining the level of iron in the bone marrow, although being the "gold standard" diagnosis of railway, but rarely used in wide clinical practice. Pathogenetic mechanisms for the development of the CHD for CHD, including the lack of iron intake, the role of inflammation, erythropoietin, RAAS, and the influence of some pharmacological preparations. The physiological consequences of the railway and anemia are described, the activation of hemodynamic and non-aggative compensatory mechanisms developing in response to anemia and often exacerbating CXN. Particular attention is paid to modern approaches in the treatment of anemia and railway with HSN, including discussion of the effectiveness and safety of oral, intravenously administered iron and hematopoiesis stimulants. Keywords: anemia, iron deficiency, chronic heart failure, Diagnostics, Erythropoietin, Ferritin, Transfirin, Hepsidine, Pathogenesis, Forecast, Treatment

Monitoring of iron, lipid and liver profiles in Egyptian hepatitis C virus patients on sofosbuvir therapy

Hepatitis C virus is a major cause of inflammation of liver tissue. In serious cases the disease can progressed to cirrhosis, fibrosis, hepatocellular carcinoma and end stage liver disease. The research was designed to monitoring the iron, lipid and liver profiles in hepatitis C patients before and during treatment with sofosbuvir antiviral drug. To achieve this aim, the study was conducted on 22 patients with hepatitis C virus infection and 9 control normal volunteers after taking their consent. The monitoring done through biochemical determination of serum iron, ferritin, transferrin as well as total iron binding capacity. Also, serum cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, LDL, VLDL, AST, ALP, total protein and albumin was determined. The result showed that, the increased serum iron (205.59±8.27 μg/dl), cholesterol (237.96 ± 10.92 mg/dl), triglycerides (246.58 ± 8.23 mg/dl), LDL (172.82 ± 8.47 mg/dl), VLDL (50.91 ± 1.65 mg/dl), AST (164.58 ± 8.45 U/L), ALP (142.61 ± 7.41 U/L) in hepatitis C virus patients was significantly decreased (P < 0.05) upon treatment with sofosbuvir and the decreased serum ferritin (18.55±1.39 ng/dl), transferrin (128.41 ± 6.43 mg/dl), total iron binding capacity (204.41 ± 8.82 mg/dl), total protein (5.81 ± 0.24 g/dl), albumin (2.83 ± 0.09 g/dl) and HDL (14.22 ± 1.17 mg/dl) in hepatitis C virus patients was significantly increased (P < 0.05) upon treatment with sofosbuvir. According to our finding we concluded that, treatment with sofosbuvir 12 week ameliorate disruption of iron, lipid and liver parameters caused by infection with Hepatitis C virus.

A Novel Colorimetric Chemosensor Based on Ferene-S-Conjugated Silver Nanoparticles for Selective Recognition of Fe2+

Ferene is the most commonly used chromogenic agent for the determination of serum iron in blood. In this work we have successfully synthesized Ferene-S-conjugated silver nanoparticles (Ferene-S-AgNPs) for the first time characterized by UV-visible, Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization-Time Of Flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry techniques. Particle size of the synthesized nanoparticles was determined by atomic-force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy techniques with size ranges from 10–90 nm in diameter. Ferene-S-AgNPs were explored for their chemosensing potential with various metal ions such as Sb3+, Pb2+, Ca2+, Fe2+, K+, Co2+, Ba2+, V5+, Cu+, Cd2+, Hg2+, Ni2+, Cu2+, Fe3+, Mg2+, Mn2+, Al3+, and Cr3+. Ferene-S-AgNPs were found to show selective quenching effects and slight bathochromic shifts to the surface plasmon resonance absorption band after treatment with Fe2+. Furthermore, the developed chemosensor also exhibited substantial selectivity towards Fe2+ in the presence of other competitive ions. We observed that Ferene-S-AgNPs mimic the selectivity of the parent compound of Ferene towards Fe2+. The system obeyed Beer’s law over concentration ranges of 110–190 nM. The detection limit was found to be 110 nM.

Analytical potential of total reflection X-ray fluorescence spectrometry for simultaneous determination of iron, copper and zinc in human blood serum and plasma

Due to many roles of trace elements such as Fe, Cu and Zn in various physiological and pathophysiological processes, their determination in serum and plasma is of high clinical relevance. In the present study, for the first time, the effect of serum and plasma preparation parameters (dilution factor and sample deposition volume) on the quality of results obtained by TXRF analysis was evaluated by means of experimental design tools (response surface analysis). It was found that the best strategy was the direct analysis of both human fluids without a previous dilution step. The accuracy and precision of the proposed methods were evaluated by analysis of reference materials (ClinChek® Plasma Control Level II and Seronorm™ Trace Elements Serum L-1). TXRF results agreed with the reference values and no significant differences at 95% confidence level were found. Limits of detection for the elements of interest were also adequate, taking into account their typical concentration ranges in real serum and plasma samples. Finally, the developed TXRF methods were applied to a set of serum and plasma samples from patients with different genders, ages and diagnoses, previously analysed by ICP-OES and ICP-MS techniques. The results showed good agreement between both analytical approaches. These results suggest that the proposed TXRF method provides reliable results thus being suitable for plasma and serum analysis, but in a simpler and more sustainable way.

Neurotoxicity of organic solvents with emphasis on the role of iron.

Exposure to organic solvents (OS) adversely affects different body systems, the central and peripheral nervous systems being the most susceptible ones. This study investigated the role of iron in association with some neurotransmitters for diagnosis of neurotoxicity of OS. The study included 90 workers, 50 occupationally exposed to OS and 40 representing control group. Blood samples were collected from the included subjects for determination of serum iron, total iron binding capacity (TIBC), serotonin and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Revealed reduction in serotonin level and serum iron. However, the elevation in GABA and TIBC was observed. The duration of exposure was significantly correlated with iron and serotonin while it was positively correlated with GABA and TIBC. Elevated GABA and TIBC with decreased serotonin and serum iron can be used as early diagnostic measures to detect the neurotoxic effects of OS.

CORRELATION OF IRON AND MYELOPEROXIDASE LEVELS IN ISCHEMIC HEART DISEASE

Objective: The objective of the study was to estimate, compare, and correlate serum iron and myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels in acute ischemic heart disease (IHD) cases.&#x0D; Methods: Subjects for the study were divided into two groups of 35 acute IHD cases and 35 age and sex matched controls. Serum iron and MPO levels were assayed, and results compared.&#x0D; Statistical analysis: The comparison between two groups was done using the Student’s t-test. Correlation between iron and MPO was established using Pearson’s correlation test.&#x0D; Results: High serum MPO levels and low iron levels were observed in acute IHD cases in comparison to controls. There was no significant correlation between serum iron and MPO in acute IHD cases.&#x0D; Conclusion: High iron levels have a beneficial role, whereas high MPO levels have an inflammatory role in the development of IHD. Determination of serum iron and MPO levels in high-risk subjects may help in taking proper measures to prevent acute IHD.

Профілактика та лікування залізодефіцитної анемії при багатоплідній вагітності

The objective: to reduce the frequency and severity of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in multiple pregnancies by optimizing its prevention, treatment and proving the effectiveness and safety of the therapy. Materials and methods. 90 pregnant women were under observation. The control group (CG) consisted of 30 pregnant women with one fetus, group I – 30 women with multiple pregnancies who did not use the recommended therapy, group II – 30 women with multiple pregnancies, conducted according to our proposed method. The effectiveness of therapy was evaluated weekly by subjective evaluation of improvement and according to laboratory parameters of peripheral blood. General clinical methods included clinical, general blood analysis and determination of serum iron, quantitative determination of the concentration of sulfhydryl groups and lipoproteins in erythrocyte elements of peripheral blood, studied the surface architecture of erythrocyte membranes. Results. There was a significant reduction in the frequency and severity of IDA in pregnant women of group II in 1.6 times.Diagnosed with a significant increase in the number of discocytes (group I 67.340.81; group II 84.531.04; p&lt;0.05), a decrease in the number of ellipses (group I 0.990.05; group II 0.600.05; p&lt;0.05); flat disks (group I 0.870.07; group II 0.560.03; p&lt;0.05); dome-shaped (I group 2.410.14; ІІ group 1.820,11; р&lt;0.05) and spherical erythrocytes (І group 4.110.12; ІІ group 2.440, 13; p&lt;0.05). Significant decrease in the number of transitional forms (group I 3.410.31%; group II 2.530.21; p&lt;0.05); pre hemolytic (I group 2.410.14%; ІІ group 1.440.11%; р&lt;0.05) and degenerative forms (І group 1.180.14%; ІІ group 0.520.03; p&lt;0.05), as well as the ratio of the inner and outer diameters of erythrocytes (group I 66.710.91; group II 45.810.63; p&lt;0.05). There was a significant increase in the ratio of sulfhydryl groups and lipoproteins in erythrocyte membranes. Conclusions. The complex composition of the drug Fersinol and Fersinol-Z, taking into account the effective antianemic action, can be considered optimal for the prevention and treatment of iron deficiency in multiple pregnancies and recommended for use in practical health care. Keywords: multiple pregnancy, iron deficiency anemia, prevention, treatment, Fersinol ampoules, Fersinol-Z capsules.

Assessment of the Risk of Hemochromatosis in Polytransfused Sickle Cell Patients at the Abidjan Transfusion Therapy Unit

In Cote d'Ivoire, sickle cell disease affects 14% of the population. It is responsible for significant morbidity and mortality. Transfusion is a significant element in the management of major sickle cell anemia, which exposes them to post-transfusion hemochromatosis. The biological diagnosis is based on the determination of serum iron and the transferrin saturation coefficient (CST). As the determination of the CST was not available in our exercise context in Cote d'Ivoire, we determined only the ferritinemia. The interest of this work lies in the therapeutic implication linked to the identification of patients at risk of hemochromatosis because chelators are difficult to access for most patients. This was a prospective, descriptive and analytical study, on polytransfused sickle cell patients, followed at the transfusion therapy unit (UTT) of the CNTS of Abidjan, from 2010 to 2018. We included 78 sickle cell patients, all ages and genders who have received at least ten transfusions. The ferritinemia assay was carried out by ELISA. Transfusion exchange, with 59% of cases, was the most used mode of transfusion. The mean ferritinemia was 1719.19 ng / ml. Hyperferritinemia was found in 63% of patients. Most of the patients were on a long-term transfusion program with an average of 27.5 bags of red blood cell concentrates. Thirty-two patients had received at least 20 bags of red blood cell concentrates. We noted 21 patients treated, including 3 with deferoxamine and 18 treated with oral deferasirox. We have identified 33 sickle cell anemia patients at risk for hemochromatosis. The determinants of the risk of hemochromatosis were the high number of blood bags and the method of transfusion.

Assessment of Zinc and Iron Status among Malnourished Children under 5 Years Old in Gaza City

Background: Malnutrition in children often begins at birth and is associated with retarded physical and cognitive development. Micronutrients are essential for healthy growth and development. Objective: To investigate zinc and iron status among malnourished children under 5 years in Gaza city. Methodology: This cross sectional study consisted of 149 malnourished children under 5 years old from both sexes. Questionnaire interview with parents was used. Anthropometric measurements (weight, length and height) were taken. Blood samples were drawn for determination of serum Zinc and iron|. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 18.0. Results: The study population was (149) cases; (53.7%) males and (46.3%) females. It was found that (61.7%) of the children were moderately underweight, (40%) of them were moderately stunted and about forty one percent (40.9%) of the study population were mildly wasted. The majority of surveyed children (91.3%) received immediate breastfeeding and more than two third (71.1%) of them were breast fed exclusively. The mean levels of serum zinc and iron were (79.8±15.6, 76.4±29.9, respectively). There were no statistically significant in zinc and iron levels according to gender, number of household, source of income, monthly income (NIS) and type of home. While there was significant association between length of breastfeeding period and serum iron levels. In contrast, there was no significant association between immediate breastfeeding, exclusive breastfeeding length of breastfeeding period, age of introducing infant formula, age of introducing complementary food with serum Zn levels. Recommendations: Childhood malnutrition among children under 5 years appears to be a public health problem in GS and interventions to improve children nutritional status must be in concern.

Comparison of EPR Fe3+-Transferrin Versus Approved Clinical Chemistry Test for Serum Iron Measurements in Professional Ice Hockey Players and Nonathletic Controls

This study aimed to evaluate occult abnormalities of iron turnover in elite professional athletes. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and in vitro test for the quantitative determination of iron in human serum on “Cobas Integra 400 Plus” (CI) Roche automatic analyzer were used to evaluate the iron turnover in professional ice hockey players from four teams of the Continental Hockey League (study group, n = 110) and in two different control groups. The first group consisted of nonathletic young men (healthy controls, n = 25). The second group included male and female patients with different pathological conditions (comparison group, n = 16). The data pairs were compared using linear regression analysis, EPR data versus CI measurements. In the control and the comparison groups, EPR Fe3+ data associated with transferrin were highly correlated with CI serum iron measurements (squared correlation coefficient, r2 = 0.95). In the study group, correlation of the EPR Fe3+ measurements with CI serum iron levels in different teams of ice hockey players was statistically less powerful (r2 ranged from 0.61 to 0.78). Acute-phase copper-containing protein ceruloplasmin serum levels determined by EPR are also reported. Acute-phase responses were undetectable in most hockey players within quarterly scheduled medical examinations. The EPR spectroscopy combined with the routine biochemical serum iron measurements enable to detect occult dysmetabolic changes in iron turnover during intensive physical exercises. The results obtained support the use of EPR spectroscopy in the sports medicine because it helps to avoid misinterpretation of personalized biochemical markers and could facilitate the proper monitoring of iron-targeted interventions.

A comparison of photometric methods for serum iron determination under flow analysis conditions

In this contribution, a multicommutated flow analysis (MCFA) system for serum iron determination is presented. The construction of the system has enabled sequential measurements with three different determination methods with 1,10-phenantroline, Ferrozine and Ferene S using separate analytical units (modules). For each method a dedicated optoelectronic detector has been developed. Under optimal flow conditions, investigated methods were analytically characterized by linear range and sensitivity: 1.5 − 100.0μmolL−1 and 4.9mVL μmol−1, 3.3 − 50.0μmolL−1 and 6.6mVL μmol−1, 4.0 − 40.0μmolL−1 and 13.3mVL μmol−1 for 1,10-phenantroline, ferrozine and ferene S methods, respectively. In the course of investigations also clinical usefulness of each method has been discussed. The analysis of serum samples proved that Ferrozine and Ferene S methods are sufficient for serum iron determination with relatively low consumption of samples (less than 50μL of serum).

Changes in pre- and post-donation platelet function in plateletpheresis donors

ObjectivesThis study aimed to investigate the changes of platelet (PLT) function and coagulation time before and after plateletpheresis donation. Material and methodsThe healthy donors were divided into four groups according to the annual number of plateletpheresis donation: 20 times group, 15 times group, 10 times group and 5 times group. The healthy non-blood donors were selected as controls. The donation interval was 14 days. The blood samples were collected before plateletpheresis donation and after 30min, 7 d, and 14 d of donation for determination of coagulation time, PLT function, plasma protein, serum iron and blood routine change. ResultsAfter 30min of plateletpheresis donation, the PLT function decreased and the coagulation time was prolonged. However, PLT function recovered to the pre-collection after 7 d of plateletpheresis donation and coagulation time recovered to the pre-collection after 14 d of plateletpheresis donation. Additionally, there was no difference regarding blood coagulation time and PLT function among blood donors and controls. The plasma protein and serum iron levels in 20 times and 15 times groups were within the normal reference range. ConclusionThe frequency of plateletpheresis donation will not affect PLT function, coagulation time, plasma protein and serum iron in donors.

Evaluation of iron-deficiency anemia in infancy

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate iron-deficiency anemia (IDA) in infancy in relation to different patterns of feeding (exclusive breast milk, exclusive cow's milk, and milk fortified with iron). Background: Iron is a component of several metalloproteins and plays a crucial role in vital biochemical activities, such as oxygen sensing and transport, electron transfer, and catalysis. The biological functions of iron are based on its chemical properties. Decreased hemoglobin level and decreased serum ferritin level aid the identification of IDA in infants. Patients and methods: This study included 147 infants with different patterns of feeding (exclusive breast fed, exclusive cow's milk fed, and iron-fortified formula). The studied groups were subjected to a full detailed assessment of history, thorough clinical examination, anthropometric measurements, complete blood count, and determination of serum iron, serum ferritin, and total iron-binding capacity. Results: In our study, the results showed that 84 (57.1%) infants of the total group studied (147 infants) were found to have IDA. According to sex, IDA among girls was 51.2%, which is higher than that found among boys (48.8%). IDA was much higher in cow's milk-fed infants 24 (96%) than exclusively breast milk-fed infants 47 (66.2%), and less in infants receiving mixed feeding with a fortified formula, 13 (25.5%), respectively. Conclusion: Our study found that infants aged 6–24 months represent one of the highest risk groups to develop IDA (57.1%) of the total study. The risk factors for IDA include consumption of cow's milk during the first year, delaying the introduction of solid foods, and lack of fortification of food with iron after 6 months of age.

DETERMINATION OF MATERNAL SERUM ZINC, IRON, CALCIUM AND MAGNESIUM DURING PREGNANCY IN PREGNANT WOMEN AND UMBILICAL CORD BLOOD AND THEIR ASSOCIATION WITH OUTCOME OF PREGNANCY.

Background:Trace elements and specially minerals are critical for the development of fetus. Many minerals are transferred to the fetus for fetal stores in the latter part of the pregnancy. It has been shown that various trace elements such as Zinc, Iron, Calcium and Magnesium are metabolically interrelated and there is alteration in their concentration during pregnancy. Beyond pregnancy is associated with increased demand of all the nutrients and deficiency of any of these could affect pregnancy, delivery and outcome of pregnancy.Aim:To study the levels of trace elements namely zinc, iron, magnesium and calcium in maternal and umbilical cord blood and their association with pregnancy outcome.Methods:Sixty pregnant women in Zabol, Iran were selected from those who had registered their names for the prenatal care and who had followed up till the 3rd trimester of pregnancy ending in child birth. Biochemical parameters analyzed with help of the biochemical laboratory. Data were analyzed by SPSS software.Results:The mean biochemical profile such, serum calcium, magnesium, zinc and iron in the pregnant women were as follow: in the 1st trimester 8.3, 1.9, 74.9 and 74.4 µg/dl respectively; in the 2nd trimester 8.5, 1.9, 73.1 and 79.3 µg/dl, respectively; in the 3rd trimester 8.6, 1.9, 68.4, and 82.2 µg/dl, respectively. In the umbilical cord blood, the mean serum calcium, magnesium, zinc and iron were 8.5, 1.9, 84.1, and 89.8 µg/dl, respectively. The mean serum calcium and magnesium during the three trimesters of pregnancy were not significantly different from that in the umbilical cord blood, while the mean serum zinc and iron in the umbilical cord blood were significantly different (p<0.05) in the three trimester of pregnancy. The mean birth weight of neonates was 3.1 kg and 12% of neonates showed low birth weight. Our findings showed that, except magnesium, the profile of other biochemical variables, namely, calcium, zinc and iron in the umbilical cord blood of the neonates with normal birth weight (NBW) were significantly higher than in the umbilical cord blood of neonates with low birth weight (LBW).Conclusion:The results suggest that maternal serum zinc, iron and calcium concentration influenced the birth weight of neonates as outcome of pregnancy, and however, there is need for proper, adequate and balanced micronutrient during pregnancy to affect neonates as healthy outcome.

Fast Determination of Iron and Zinc in Hair and Human Serum Samples After Alkaline Solubilization by GF AAS

Methods for the development and validation for determination of iron and zinc in human serum and hair samples by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GF AAS) were performed. Solubilization was immediate by manual agitation in both samples with a 10 mL volume sample plus deionized water. Optimum pyrolysis and atomization temperatures were obtained by pyrolysis and atomization temperature curves in both matrices. For serum samples, the best temperatures were 1400 and 2500 °C (Fe) and 700 and 1600 °C (Zn), respectively. For hair samples, the best temperatures were 1000 and 2400 °C (Fe) and 800 and 1600 °C (Zn), respectively. Permanent modifiers and zirconium presented best the results for Zn in both matrices and for Fe in serum. Permanent modifier Nb was best for hair Zn. Serum and hair values were in agreement with the certified values for analytes and certified samples. The determined values for serum Fe and hair certified samples were 1.40 ± 0.2 and 114 ± 18 mg L-1, respectively. For Zn certified reference materials (CRMs), the certified samples values were 1720 ± 32 µg L-1 and 172 ± 5 mg kg-1. Simple, accurate and precise, this method represents a cost-effective detection protocol suitable for sample analysis for diagnosis of micronutrient malnutrition.

Possible Hematological Changes Associated with Acute Gastroenteritis among Kindergarten Children in Gaza.

Background:Gastroenteritis is considered one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in children especially in developing countries. It is a major childhood problem in Gaza and one of the most common etiologic agents of iron deficiency anemia (IDA).Aim:This study was conducted to investigate possible changes in blood parameters that are associated with gastroenteritis infection among kindergarten children in Gaza.Subjects and Methods:A cross-sectional case–control study was performed including kindergarten children suffering from gastroenteritis and matched healthy control group. Types of etiological agents were identified using standard microbiological and serological procedures. Blood samples were collected for estimation of complete blood count and for determination of serum iron, total iron binding capacity (TIBC), and transferrin saturation. Independent sample t-test was used for comparisons and performed using SPSS software version 17(Chicago Illinois USA).Results:The prevalence of enteric pathogens among cases (88.5% [85/96]) was significantly higher than in asymptomatic controls (11.1% [6/54]). The most common enteric pathogens isolated were Entamoeba histolytica (28% [42/91]) and Giardia lamblia (26.7% [40/91]). Blood tests revealed that 21.8% (21/96) of cases and 14.8% (8/54) of controls had IDA, which were not significantly different. Meanwhile, a significant difference was found between the TIBC and hemoglobin in cases compared to controls. Conclusion: This study indicates that gastroenteritis infection could be considered as a common health problem in kindergarten children in Gaza, and it is possibly associated with changes in hemoglobin concentration and TIBC.

Novel flow injection analysis methods for the determination of total iron in blood serum and water

This work describes rapid, sensitive and highly precise methods for the determination of total iron in blood serum and water samples, using batch, nFIA and rFIA techniques. The proposed methods are based on the selective oxidation of 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate) (ABTS) by iron(III). The absorbance of the resultant green solution of radical cation (ABTS·+) was monitored spectrophotometrically at λmax=415nm. The reaction is stoichiometric with a ratio of 1:1 (Fe(III):ABTS) as determined by Job׳s and molar ratio methods. The proposed methods allow for the determination of Fe(III) in the ranges 0–4.5mgL−1 (LOD 25.5µgL−1, %RSD 0.97%, n=7); 0 to 4.5mgL−1 (LOD 370µgL−1, %RSD 1.28%, n=7) and 0 to 2.7mgL−1 (81.6µgL−1, %RSD 0.76%, n=6) for batch, nFIA and rFIA techniques, respectively. The proposed methods show high selectivity to Fe(III), as indicated by the high tolerance limits for common interfering ions. The nFIA method was applied in total iron assay in camel blood serum, whereas batch and rFIA methods were successful in the determination of total iron in municipal pipeline water and spiked groundwater. Statistical analysis indicated insignificant differences in accuracy and precision between the results obtained by the developed methods and ICP-AES or phenanthroline methods.