Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid Research Articles

Surface modification of halide perovskite using EDTA-complexed SnO2 as electron transport layer in high performance solar cells.

The long-term performance of metal halide perovskite solar cells (PSCs) can be significantly improved by tuning the surface characteristics of the perovskite layers. Herein, low-temperature-processed ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA)-complexed SnO2 (E-SnO2) is successfully employed as an electron transport layer (ETL) in PSCs, enhancing the efficiency and stability of the devices. The effects of EDTA treatment on SnO2 are investigated for different concentrations: comparing the solar cells' response with 15%-2.5% SnO2 and E-SnO2 based ETLs, and it was found that 7.5% E-SnO2 provided the best results. The improved surface properties of the perovskite layer on E-SnO2 are attributed to the presence of small amount of PbI2 which contributes to passivate the defects at the grain boundaries and films' surface. However, for the excess PbI2 based devices, photocurrent dropped, which could be attributed to the generation of shallow traps due to excess PbI2. The better alignment between the Fermi level of E-SnO2 and the conduction band of perovskite is another favorable aspect that enables increased open-circuit potential (VOC), from 0.82 V to 1.015 V, yielding a stabilized power conversion efficiency of 15.51%. This complex ETL strategy presented here demonstrates the enormous potential of E-SnO2 as selective contact to enhance the perovskite layer properties and thereby allow stable and high-efficiency PSCs.

EDTA-interlayer modified Mg/Fe layered double hydroxides for enhanced adsorption of methyl orange: Adsorption performance and mechanism study

Herein, we explored the efficacy of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) intercalation modified layered double hydroxides (LDHs) composites for removing the anionic dye methyl orange (MO) from aqueous solutions. EDTA intercalated layered hydroxides (EDTA-Mg/Fe LDHs) with a 4:1 Mg/Fe molar ratio have been successfully prepared and thoroughly characterized using SEM-EDS, FTIR, XRD, XPS, UV-Vis and Zeta potential analysis. Batch adsorption experiments were conducted to evaluate the adsorption performance of the innovative adsorbent on MO. The results indicated successful EDTA loading into Mg/Fe LDHs, exhibiting excellent adsorption performance for MO. At pH 6.0, with a 0.03 g adsorbent dose, MO removal exceeded 91.10% within 90 min, following a pseudo second order kinetic model. The maximum adsorption capacity reached 1207.43 mg/g, fitting well with the Redlich Peterson model. Thermodynamic parameters suggested a spontaneous and favorable adsorption process. Furthermore, we assessed the desorption and regeneration effectiveness of EDTA-Mg/Fe LDHs, emphasizing the importance of developing cost-effective and environmentally friendly adsorbents with practical applications and scientific significance.

Effect of EDTA with porous balloon on calcified lesion: An atherosclerotic cadaver study.

Ethylene diamine tetra-acetic acid (EDTA) is a chelating agent used to dissolve calcium deposits but evidence in decalcifying atherosclerotic lesions is limited. We assessed the feasibility and efficacy of EDTA delivered via porous balloon to target calcified lesions in cadaveric below-the-knee (BTK) arteries. Using porcine carotid arteries, EDTA concentration was measured in the arterial wall and outside the artery at the 0-, 0.5-, 4-, and 24-h circulation after the injection through a porous balloon. In cadaver BTK samples, the proximal and distal anterior tibial artery (ATA) and distal posterior tibial artery (PTA) were studied. EDTA-2Na/H2O or EDTA-3Na/H2O were administrated using a porous balloon, then circulated for 6 h for EDTA-3Na/H2O and 24 h for EDTA-2Na/H2O and EDTA-3Na/H2O. Micro-CT imaging of the artery segments before and after the circulation and cross-sectional analyses were performed to evaluate calcium burden. In the porcine carotid study, EDTA was delivered through a porous balloon present in the arterial wall and was retained there for 24 h. In BTK arteries, cross-sectional analyses of micro-CT revealed a significant decrease in the calcium area in the distal ATA segment under 24-h circulation with EDTA-2Na/H2O and in the distal ATA segment under 24-h circulation with EDTA-3Na/H2O. The proximal ATA segment under 6-h circulation with EDTA-3Na/H2O showed no significant change in any parameters of calcium CONCLUSION: EDTA-3Na/H2O or EDTA-2Na/H2O with longer circulation times resulted in greater calcium reduction in atherosclerotic lesion. EDTA may have a potential therapeutic option for the treatment of atherosclerotic calcified lesions.

Role of low-molecular-weight organic compounds on photochemical formation of Mn(III)-ligands in aqueous systems: Implications for BPA removal

Aqueous trivalent manganese [Mn(III)], an important reactive intermediate, is ubiquitous in natural surface water containing humic acid (HA). However, the effect of low-molecular-weight organic acids (LMWOAs) on the formation, stability and reactivity of Mn(III) intermediate is still unknown. In this study, six LMWOAs, including oxalic acid (Oxa), salicylic acid (Sal), catechol (Cat), caffeic acid (Caf), gallic acid (Gal) and ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA), were selected to investigate the effects of LMWOAs on the degradation of BPA induced by in situ formed Mn(III)-L in the HA/Mn(II) system under light irradiation. The chromophoric constituents of HA could absorb light radiation and generate superoxide radical to promote the oxidation of Mn(II) to form Mn(III), which was further involved in transformation of BPA. Our results implied that different LMWOAs did significantly impact on Mn(III) production and its degradation of BPA due to their different functional group. EDTA, Oxa and Sal extensively increased the Mn(III) concentration from 50 to 100 μM compared to the system without LMWOAs, following the order of EDTA > Oxa > Sal, and also enhanced the degradation of BPA with the similar patterns. In contrast, Cat, Caf and Gal had an inhibitory effect on the formation of Mn(III), which is likely because they consumed the superoxide radicals generated from irradiated HA, resulting in the inhibition of Mn(II) oxidation and further BPA removal. The product identification and theoretical calculation indicated that a single electron transfer process occurred between Mn(III)-L and BPA, forming BPA radicals and subsequent self-coupling products. Our results demonstrated that the LMWOAs with different structures could alter the cycling process of Mn via complexation and redox reactions, which would provide new implications for the removal of organic pollutants in surface water.

Extensive Analysis of Mulberry (Morus rubra L.) Polysaccharides with Different Maturities by Using Two-Step Extraction and LC/QqQ-MS.

A primary challenge of polysaccharide analysis is the need for comprehensive extraction and characterization methods. In this study, mulberry polysaccharides at different maturities were fully extracted through a two-step process involving ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH), and their structures were determined by a combination analysis of monosaccharides and glycosidic linkages based on liquid chromatography triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (LC/QqQ-MS). The results indicate mulberry polysaccharides mainly contain highly branched pectic polysaccharides, (1,3,6)-linked glucan, xylan, and xyloglucan, but the content of different portions varies at different maturity stages. HG decreases from 19.12 and 19.14% (green mulberry) to 9.80 and 6.08% (red mulberry) but increases to 17.83 and 11.83% as mulberry transitioned from red to black. In contrast, the contents of glucan showed opposite trends. When mulberry turns red to black, the RG-I arabinan chains decrease from 47.75 and 28.86% to 13.16 and 12.72%, while the galactan side chains increase from 1.18 and 1.91 to 8.3 and 6.49%, xylan and xyloglucan show an increase in content. Overall, the two-step extraction combined with LC/QqQ-MS provides a new strategy for extensive analysis of complex plant polysaccharides.

Pore scale investigation of chelating agents flooding for enhanced oil recovery

Recently, laboratory tests have shown a positive response to chelating agent brines in sandstone and carbonate reservoirs as a new enhanced oil recovery technique. There is little research on direct and visual evidence of underlying mechanisms behind the chelating agent effects. In this study, a microfluidic method was established using glass micromodel to investigate the micro-mechanisms of displacement under ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) chelating agent at the pore-scale level. Furthermore, for the study of fluid/fluid interactions, EDTA brine and DTPA brine were brought into contact with two different crude oils to examine the possible compositional changes. For this purpose, sample tests, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), microscopic image analysis, and dynamic interfacial tension (IFT) measurements were conducted. The FTIR data showed EDTA brine and DTPA brine induced changes in the oil sample composition compared to seawater, which can be related to the formation of water-in-oil micro-dispersions. Microscopic image analysis on samples confirmed the formation of these micro-dispersions. The visual study by the micromodel demonstrated the micro-dispersion formation in the tertiary injection of EDTA and DTPA brine. Based on the observation made, the pore-scale mechanisms of chelating agent flooding involve the chelating agent brine penetrating the crude oil, resulting in micro-dispersion formation. These micro-dispersions tend to alter wettability to a more water-wet state, facilitate oil detachment from the surface, redistribution of oil saturation, and thus leading to improved oil recovery. The observed IFT reduction aids the penetration of EDTA and DTPA brine into the crude oil to form micro-dispersions.

In Vitro Characterization and Rescue of VX Metabolism in Human Liver Microsomes.

Venomous agent X (VX) is an organophosphate acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitor, and although it is one of the most toxic AChE inhibitors known, the extent of metabolism in humans is not currently well understood. The known metabolism in humans is limited to the metabolite identification from a single victim of the Osaka poisoning in 1994, which allowed for the identification of several metabolic products. VX has been reported to be metabolized in vitro by paraoxonase-1 and phosphotriesterase, although their binding constants are many orders of magnitude above the LD50, suggesting limited physiologic relevance. Using incubation with human liver microsomes (HLMs), we have now characterized the metabolism of VX and the formation of multiple metabolites as well as identified a Food and Drug Administration-approved drug [ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA)] that enhances the metabolic rate. HLM incubation alone shows a pronounced increase in the metabolism of VX compared with buffer, suggesting that cytochrome P450-mediated metabolism of VX is occurring. We identified a biphasic decay with two distinct rates of metabolism. The enhancement of VX metabolism in multiple buffers was assessed to attempt to mitigate the effect of hydrolysis rates. The formation of VX metabolites was shown to be shifted with HLMs, suggesting a pathway enhancement over simple hydrolysis. Additionally, our investigation of hydrolysis rates in various common buffers used in biologic assays discovered dramatic differences in VX stability. The new human in vitro VX metabolic data reported points to a potential in vivo treatment strategy (EDTA) for rescue in individuals that are poisoned though enhancement of metabolism alongside existing treatments. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Venomous agent X (VX) is a potent acetylcholinesterase inhibitor and chemical weapon. To date, we do not possess a clear understanding of its metabolism in humans that would assist us in treating those exposed to it. This study now describes the human liver microsomal metabolism of VX and identifies ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, which appears to enhance the rate of metabolism. This may provide a potential treatment option for human VX poisoning.

An Ultrathin Solid Electrolyte for High‐Energy Lithium Metal Batteries

AbstractSolid‐state electrolytes (SSEs) are key to unlocking the potential of lithium metal batteries (LMBs), but their high thickness (>100 µm) due to poor mechanical properties limits energy density improvements. Herein, an ultrathin (≈5 µm) polymer SSE with a high Young's modulus (10.6 GPa), made from a polyvinylidene fluoride‐hexafluoropropylene (PVDF‐HFP) matrix and an ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) additive is proposed. By virtue of the electron‐donating property, EDTA induces the conformation transformation of PVDF‐HFP, enhancing the mechanical strength by a fine‐grain strengthening mechanism. In addition, PVDF‐HFP with cis‐conformation shortens the pathway for Li+, promotes the Li+ dissociation and immobilizes the anions of lithium salt, thus increasing the ionic conductivity (2.47 × 10−4 S cm−1) and transfer number (0.59) of the electrolyte. Moreover, the electrolyte also possesses a wide voltage window (4.7 V) and good heat/flame resistance. The half cells and full cells with the electrolytes show good cycling and rate performance. Notably, a pouch cell based on the electrolyte exhibits impressive energy densities of 516 Wh kg−1 and 1520 Wh L−1 (excluding packages), showing great potential for practical use in LMBs.

Comparative Evaluation of Solite RS3 and HyFlex Remover Retreatment Files in Conserving Remaining Dentin Thickness During Endodontic Retreatment Using Cone Beam Computed Tomography: An In Vitro Analysis.

Introduction Non-surgical retreatment is seen as a conservative choice for dealing with recurrent infections, instead of opting for periapical surgery. The retreatment processes should be promptly and efficiently carried out, utilizing a suitable armamentarium. The objective of this experiment is to evaluate the quantity of root dentin that remains following the removal of gutta-percha (GP) from the root canal employing two distinct retreatment files. Materials and methods Sixty single-rooted teeth were selected for the examination. The process of shaping and cleaning was performed using the step-back approach, with a master apical file size of 40. The smear layer was effectively eliminated by rinsing with a solution of 3% sodium hypochlorite and 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid. Paper points were employed to desiccate the canals. The obturation process involved the utilization of the lateral compaction technique with the AH Plus sealer (Dentsply Sirona, NC, USA). The teeth were classified into two groups: Group I (n=30) underwent retreatment using HyFlex Remover (Coletene India, Pvt., Ltd.), whereas Group II (n=30) received therapy with Solite RS3 retreatment files (Solite Dental in Chennai, India). The remaining dentin thickness (RDT) was assessed by cone beam computed tomography at levels 3, 6, and 9 mm from the cemento enamel junction after the removal of GP. The acquired data underwent examination using an independent t-test to determine statistical significance. Results The findings demonstrate that the utilization of Solite RS3 files led to a higher level of dentin thickness remaining at 3 mm, 6 mm, and 9 mm on the mesial side in comparison to HyFlex Remover retreatment files. The observed difference was found to be statistically significant at a significance level of p<0.05 on the mesial side. Nevertheless, there was no notable disparity seen between the two file types at these three levels on the distal side (p>0.05). Conclusion Based on the obtained results of the study, it can be concluded that Solite RS3 files show promise in preserving the RDT. However, further studies encompassing diverse parameters are needed to establish a conclusive and definitive conclusion.

A comparison of DNA extraction methods used in the direct molecular detection of Burkholderia pseudomallei from blood.

Melioidosis is caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei. Direct molecular detection from unamplified blood remains insensitive. Three different extraction methods-QIAamp UCP Pathogen Mini Kit, High Pure PCR template and MagNA Pure Pathogen Universal-were trialled using spiked human ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid blood. A type III secretion system 1 (TTSS-1) polymerase chain reaction was used for detection. The QIAamp UCP Pathogen Mini Kit performed best, with a limit of detection of 1.5×102cfu/ml. It is planned to use the QIAamp UCP Pathogen Mini Kit to do a larger study on blood collected from patients with melioidosis.

An in-vitro study on effects of laser activation on dye penetration in human root dentin.

To evaluate the penetration of a dye in root dentin after activation with different laser wavelengths. Palatal roots of 38 human molars were enlarged and disinfected. Irrigation activation was performed with an Er:YAG laser: @50 mJ, 15 Hz (Er:YAG); a 9.3 µm CO2 laser: @40% power (CO2); diode lasers 455 nm/970 nm: @0.8 W, 15 Hz (D455, D970) and 808/980 nm: @1 W (D808, D980) and compared to positive control: etching with 35% H3PO4 (POS); negative control: water (NEG) and conventional needle irrigation: NaOCl and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) (CONV). Methylene blue solution was introduced in the canal and laser-activated or left untouched for 100 s before the roots were dried and cut into horizontal slices. Dye penetration was automatically calculated by color recognition of two samples per root third (n = 8 per group in each coronal, middle and apical root thirds). The presence and absence of a smear layer was checked in two additional samples of the negative and positive control under scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Full-depth infiltration was not achieved in any group. Dye penetration in CONV was significantly less than in Er:YAG, CO2, POS, D455, D970, D808 and similar to NEG and D980 when results of different root thirds were pooled. Laser activation using certain parameters enhanced dye penetration compared to conventional needle irrigation with NaOCl and EDTA (CONV).

PEEK and glass fiber post pushout bond strength and vickers hardness of canal disinfected with curcumin photosensitizer activated by microbubble emulsion and sodium-hypochlorite with EDTA

AIMSImpact of different post-space disinfectants (Saline, Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) followed by ethylene-diamine-tetra-acetic acid (EDTA) and curcumin activated by microbubble emulsion (MBE) on the Vickers hardness (VH) of root canal dentin and extrusion bond strength (EBS) of Glass fiber post (GFP) and PEEK post. MethodsNinety maxillary central incisors having fully formed roots were included. After the specimen's disinfection, root canal treatment was completed. Post space was prepared by removing gutta-percha using gates glidden drills. Teeth were then arbitrarily allocated into three groups based on the methods of disinfection regime used. Group 1: Saline, Group 2: NaOCl+ EDTA and Group 3: Curcumin activated by MBE (n = 30). Analysis of VH of radicular dentin was performed using a micro-Vickers tester on ten samples from each group. After post-space disinfection, twenty specimens from each group were further divided into two subgroups (n = 10) In group-1A 2A, and 3A, GFP was used. Whereas, prefabricated PEEK posts were used in 1B, 2B, and 3B subgroups. The PBS and failure modes were performed using a universal testing machine and stereomicroscope respectively. Data was analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey post hoc test to identify significant variations among groups concerning the MH and EBS of the different posts used (p = 0.05). ResultsGroup 2 (5.25 % NaOCl + 17 % EDTA) (0.15 ± 0.02 GPa) treated specimens presented lowest scores of VH. However, Group 1 (Saline) irrigated canals displayed the highest scores of surface hardness (0.25 ± 0.07 GPa). Additionally, a cervical third of 3A (CP activated by MBE + GFP) (11.22 ± 0.79 MPa) presented the highest scores of bond integrity. Whereas Group 1B (Saline + PEEK post) treated specimens presented the lowest scores of PBS (4.15 ± 0.15 MPa). ConclusionCurcumin activated by microbubble emulsion for disinfection of canal dentin demonstrated favorable VH. Similarly, glass fiber post-cemented in radicular walls disinfected with curcumin activated with MBE showed promising post-bond integrity to the canal dentin.

Strong association between angiotensin I-converting enzyme insertion/deletion polymorphism and unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion of Sudanese women: a case-control study

This study investigated the link between angiotensin I-converting enzyme insertion/deletion (ACE I/D) polymorphism and unexplained spontaneous abortion. This retrospective analytical case-control was conducted at the Omdurman Maternity Hospital in Sudan. The current study contained 230 individuals, including 119 cases (women who had at least three abortions) of unknown cause and 119 controls (healthy women who had at least two full-term deliveries without spontaneous abortion). Patients and controls were provided five ml of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid blood and answered questionnaires about their demographics, personal lives, and family histories. ACE I/D polymorphisms were assessed using a conventional polymerase chain reaction approach after total genomic DNA was isolated from blood leukocytes using the GF-1 blood DNA extraction kit. Data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 24. ACE I/D polymorphism is strongly linked to unexplained spontaneous abortion, and women with the I/D and D/D genotypes are more likely to have it than those with the I/I genotype. The current study reveals that ACEI/D polymorphism increases pregnancy problems. Sudanese women may have spontaneous abortions due to the ACE I/D polymorphism.

Enhanced Ammonium Adsorption from Aqueous Solutions Using Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid (EDTA) Modified Lampung (Indonesia) Natural Zeolite: Isotherm, Kinetic, and Thermodynamic Studies

The environmental concern related to excessive ammonium in water bodies necessitates efficient and cost-effective removal techniques. This study investigated the modification of natural zeolite collected from the Tanggamus district of Lampung Province, Indonesia, with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) to enhance its performance for ammonium adsorption from aqueous solution. The modified and natural zeolites were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), N2 adsorption-desorption isotherm, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results indicated that the modification did not cause significant structural changes but increased the mesoporosity of the zeolites, which was beneficial for ammonium adsorption. The adsorption studies revealed that the EDTA modified zeolites consistently outperformed the natural zeolite and that the adsorption process was exothermic in nature. The Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models fit the adsorption data well, indicating that the adsorption process occurs on both homogenous and heterogeneous surfaces. Thermodynamic studies confirmed that the adsorption process was exothermic and that the EDTA modification increased the spontaneity of the ammonium adsorption process. Overall, this study highlights the potential of EDTA-modified zeolites as an effective material for ammonium removal from aqueous solutions.

Fischer–Tropsch synthesis over RuCo catalysts: An effect of ligands on the active phase properties and catalytic activity

High quality synthetic fuels could be obtained using the Fischer–Tropsch process. Development of new catalysts for this process is very important for the selective formation of fuel fractions. RuCo catalysts prepared bymodifyingthe support with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, urea, acetone azine,or citric acidwasinvestigated for the first timein orderto see theeffect oftheligand on the catalytic properties ofthebimetallic system. The catalysts were characterized by TEM, STEM, XRF, H2-TPR, NH3-TPD, and XPS. It was assumed that total acidity, reducibility, dispersion and atomic surface composition of the catalysts are dependent on the ligands used. The catalyst obtained after modification of Al2O3 with citric acid was characterized by low activity and the predominant formation of solid paraffins. The use of EDTA resulted in a highly active catalyst with highest selectivity to gasoline. Catalyst modified with acetone azine showed a high α (0.898) as well as a selectivity to the diesel fraction of 64.1 %, but average CO conversion of 23.3 %. The optimalcatalytic systemamongthosestudied was Ru/Co/Al2O3-urea.This system hada high conversionrateof 37.3 %anda selectivitytowardsC5+ hydrocarbons of 79.4 %.Thediesel fractionwas also produced in high yield.

Investigation of Liquid Collagen Ink for Three-Dimensional Printing.

Three-dimensional printing provides more versatility in the fabrication of scaffold materials for hard and soft tissue replacement, but a critical component is the ink. The ink solution should be biocompatible, stable, and able to maintain scaffold shape, size, and function once printed. This paper describes the development of a collagen ink that remains in a liquid pre-fibrillized state prior to printing. The liquid stability occurs due to the incorporation of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) during dialysis of the collagen. Collagen inks were 3D-printed using two different printers. The resulting scaffolds were further processed using two different chemical crosslinkers, 1-Ethyl-3-[3-dimethylaminopropyl]carbodiimide hydrochloride)/N-hydroxysuccinimide (EDC/NHS) and genipin; gold nanoparticles were conjugated to the scaffolds. The 3D-printed scaffolds were characterized to determine their extrudability, stability, amount of AuNP conjugated, and overall biocompatibility via cell culture studies using fibroblast cells and stroma cells. The results demonstrated that the liquid collagen ink was amendable to 3D printing and was able to maintain its 3D shape. The scaffolds could be conjugated with gold nanoparticles and demonstrated enhanced biocompatibility. It was concluded that the liquid collagen ink is a good candidate material for the 3D printing of tissue scaffolds.

Effects of seawater on the adsorption of xanthate onto galena and sphalerite

Seawater contains divalent calcium and magnesium cations. Under alkaline conditions, calcium and magnesium ions react with hydroxide ions to form insoluble hydroxyl complexes or hydroxide precipitates. The hydrophilic substances that may be adsorbed on the mineral surface during the flotation process hinder the adsorption of the collector, affecting mineral hydrophobicity, and thus reducing the floatability of the mineral. In this study, the effects of seawater on the adsorption of xanthate onto galena and sphalerite were investigated. The results show that under strong alkaline conditions, seawater has significant and slight adverse effects on sphalerite and galena, respectively. Flotation regulators such as ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid, sodium hexametaphosphate, and sodium silicate can eliminate the adverse effect on galena and sphalerite flotation to a certain extent. The mechanisms were revealed through microflotation experiments, contact angle measurements, bubble-particle attachment tests, zeta potential measurements, and XPS analysis.

Insight into hematological parameters of petrol station workers.

Benzene is one of the major carcinogenic factors that can affect liver, kidneys, and lungs. Chronic inhalation of benzene vapor by petrol stations workers has been shown to have an impact on hematological parameters; thus, the present study aimed to investigate the effect of benzene exposure on petrol station workers. The study involved 99 participants, 50 of whom have been exposed to benzene and 49 of whom have not (control). A 5 ml blood sample in an ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) anticoagulant tube was collected from each subject, and a complete blood count test was used to test hematological parameters. The current study showed a significant decrease in red blood cells, packed cell volume, and hemoglobin in the exposed group compared to the control group. However, the amount of white blood cells was significantly increased (p < 0.0001) in the exposed group compared to the control group. Notably, there was no significant difference in platelet counts between the two groups. In terms of exposure time, subjects who have been exposed to benzene for more than a year and fewer than 10 years showed a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in RBCs indices and a significant increase (p < 0.0001) in WBCs compared to those in the control group CONCLUSIONS: Thus, the findings indicated that significant differences in hematological parameters were found in workers who were exposed to benzene compared to those who had not been exposed.

Simultaneous determination of 31 banned veterinary drugs during egg-laying period in poultry eggs by ultra performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

The consumption of poultry eggs has increased in recent years owing to the abundance of production and improvements in living standards. Thus, the safety requirements of poultry eggs have gradually increased. At present, few reports on analytical methods to determine banned veterinary drugs during egg-laying period in poultry eggs have been published. Therefore, establishing high-throughput and efficient screening methods to monitor banned veterinary drugs during egg-laying period is imperative. In this study, an analytical method based on ultra performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) combined with QuEChERS-based techniques was developed for the simultaneous determination of 31 banned veterinary drugs encompassing nine drug classes (macrolides, antipyretic and analgesic drugs, sulfonamides, antibacterial synergists, anticoccidials, antinematodes, quinolones, tetracyclines, amphenicols) in different types of poultry eggs. The main factors affecting the response, recovery, and sensitivity of the method, such as the extraction solvent, purification adsorbent, LC separation conditions, and MS/MS parameters, were optimized during sample pretreatment and instrumental analysis. The 31 veterinary drug residues in 2.00 g eggs were extracted with 2 mL of 0.1 mol/L ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid disodium solution and 8 mL 3% acetic acid acetonitrile solution, and salted out with 2 g of sodium chloride. After centrifugation, 5 mL of the supernatant was cleaned-up using the QuEChERS method with 100 mg of octadecylsilane-bonded silica gel (C18), 50 mg of N-propylethylenediamine (PSA), and 50 mg of NH2-based sorbents. After nitrogen blowing and redissolution, the 31 target analytes were separated on a Waters CORTECS UPLC C18 analytical chromatographic column (150 mm×2.1 mm, 1.8 μm) at a flow rate, column temperature, and injection volume of 0.4 mL/min, 30 ℃, and 5 μL, respectively. Among these analytes, 26 analytes were acquired in dynamic multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode under positive electrospray ionization (ESI+) conditions using (A) 5 mmol/L ammonium acetate (pH 4.5) and (B) acetonitrile as mobile phases. The gradient elution program was as follows: 0-2.0 min, 12%B-30%B; 2.0-7.5 min, 30%B-50%B; 7.5-10.0 min, 50%B; 10.0-10.1 min, 50%B-100%B; 10.1-12.0 min, 100%B; 12.0-12.1 min, 100%B-12%B; The five other target analytes were acquired in MRM mode under negative electrospray ionization (ESI-) conditions using (A) H2O and (B) acetonitrile as mobile phases. The gradient elution program was as follows: 0-2.0 min, 12%B-40%B; 2.0-6.0 min, 40%B-80%B; 6.0-6.1 min, 80%B-100%B; 6.1-8.0 min, 100%B; 8.0-8.1 min, 100%B-12%B. Matrix-matched external standard calibration was used for quantification. The results showed that all the compounds had good linear relationships within their respective ranges, with correlation coefficients of >0.99. The limits of detection (LODs) and quantitation (LOQs) were 0.3-3.0 μg/kg and 1.0-10.0 μg/kg, respectively. The average recoveries of the 31 banned veterinary drugs spiked at three levels (LOQ, maximum residue limit (MRL), and 2MRL) in poultry eggs ranged from 61.2% to 105.7%, and the relative standard deviations (RSDs) ranged from 1.8% to 17.6%. The developed method was used to detect and analyze banned veterinary drugs in 30 commercial poultry egg samples, including 20 eggs, 5 duck eggs, and 5 goose eggs. Enrofloxacin was detected in one egg with a content of 12.3 μg/kg. The proposed method is simple, economical, practical, and capable of the simultaneous determination of multiple classes of banned veterinary drugs in poultry eggs.

An Immunological and Molecular Study to Investigate the Genes (β-globin and HBA1F) in Patients with Thalassemia in Najaf Governorate

Abstract BACKGROUND: Thalassemia, a hereditary blood disorder, poses a significant health challenge globally. This study delves into the prevalence and characteristics of thalassemia, emphasizing the need for enhanced awareness and diagnostic measures, particularly in regions with high prevalence. The primary objective is to comprehensively investigate thalassemia, focusing on genetic mutations and hemoglobin (Hb) dynamics. The specific goals include identifying gene mutations through conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and exploring the correlations between different Hb types. METHODS: Blood samples, totaling three milliliters for ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid tubes and 2 ml for gel tubes, were collected from thalassemia patients and a control group. Genomic DNA was extracted for conventional PCR analysis targeting α and β-globin (HBB) genes. The specific primers were designed, and PCR products were electrophoresed for the gene detection. Demographic characteristics were recorded, and Hb electrophoresis was performed to assess HbA, HbA2, and HbF levels. RESULTS: The study revealed the presence of the HBB gene in 100% of thalassemia patients causing beta-thalassemia, contrasting with the control group. The absence of the HBA1-F gene in alpha-thalassemia patients was observed. Demographic analysis showed no significant age or gender differences between the two groups. Thalassemia patients, analyzed alongside the control group, exhibit elevated HbA2 levels (2.7%–6.6%) and increased HbF levels (2%–12.1%), surpassing normal ranges (HbA2: 2%–3%, HbF: 0.8%–2%). CONCLUSION: The study confirms HBB gene association and proposes HBA1-F absence as an alpha-thalassemia diagnostic marker. Distinctive Hb patterns in thalassemia patients, highlighted by robust negative correlations (HbA-HbA2) and moderate correlations (HbA-HbF), advance diagnostic and management strategies for beta-thalassemia.