Ion Selective Electrode Method Research Articles

Joint association of serum sodium and frailty with mild cognitive impairment among hospitalized older adults with chronic diseases: a cross-sectional study.

To examine the associations of serum sodium and frailty with the risk of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) among hospitalized older adults with chronic diseases. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 403 hospitalized older adults with chronic diseases. Serum sodium concentration was assessed by the ion-selective electrode method, frailty status was evaluated by the FRAIL scale, and MCI was determined by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Multiple logistic regression models were used to estimate the associations of serum sodium and frailty with MCI. Participants with the lowest tertile of serum sodium had a higher risk of MCI than those in the middle tertile group (OR = 1.75, 95% CI: 1.01-3.04). Below 143 mmol/L, the risk of MCI was 1.38 (95% CI: 1.03-1.84) for per 1 SD decrease in serum sodium. Compared with the robust group, frailty was significantly associated with an increased risk of MCI (OR = 3.94, 95% CI: 1.92-8.10). Moreover, in comparison with participants with the middle tertile of serum sodium and who were robust/prefrail, those with frailty and either the lowest (OR = 5.53, 95% CI: 2.08-14.67) or the highest tertile of serum sodium (OR = 3.48, 95% CI: 1.20-10.05) had higher risks of MCI. Both lower and higher serum sodium impose a significantly higher risk for MCI in older adults with frailty. This could inform the design of clinical trials and the development of guidelines and recommendations for correcting serum sodium and frailty in hospitalized older adults with chronic diseases.

Mapping the Environmental Risk of Fluoride Exposure of Drinking Water in a Community of Zacatecas, Mexico

Fluoride (iF) is an inorganic element commonly present in groundwater in central Mexico and is considered a health risk when it exceeds the Mexican drinking water standard of 1.5 mg/L. Prolonged exposure to iF can cause various adverse health effects, such as dental fluorosis and neurological effects, particularly in children. A rapid and cost-effective strategy to identify possible areas where the resident population may be at risk of exposure to this contaminant is the health risk estimation methodology of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). The aim of this study was to estimate the environmental risk of iF exposure in residents of Jerez, Zacatecas, Mexico, and subsequently construct risk maps to identify areas of the city where there is a higher risk of exposure. Fifty-five tap water samples were collected from households to determine iF concentrations using the ion-selective electrode method. Based on these environmental values, the hazard quotient (HQ) was estimated following the health risk estimation methodology. Subsequently, risk maps were generated from these values to visualize the spatial distribution of high-risk areas within the city. The iF concentrations in tap water ranged from 1.3 to 7.3 mg/L (ppm), with only one sample below the standard of 1.5 mg/L. We estimated HQ values ranging from 0.63 to 3.73. Exposure to iF in tap water is a health problem that must be addressed, necessitating risk communication actions that enable the population to safeguard its health through simple measures, thereby avoiding future health costs.

Pseudohypobicarbonatemia Associated with Profound Hypertriglyceridemia

A case is presented of falsely low serum bicarbonate levels with normal arterial blood gas bicarbonate levels in a patient with high triglyceride (TG) levels. This false phenomenon is explained by the presence of high triglyceride levels. Most laboratories use an enzymatic/photometric or indirect ion-selective electrode method to measure bicarbonate. Hyperlipidemia interferes with photometric analysis due to its light scattering effect. An ABG analyser employs a direct ion-selective electrode method that is free from the errors of a photometric analyser. Currently, several methods are available to eliminate the interference of lipemia and allow accurate measurement of biological quantities. The clinical laboratory must establish a protocol for handling lipemic samples according to the biological quantity to be tested.

Green Electrochemical Sensing: Novel Ion-Selective Electrode Method for Precise Determination of Dimenhydrinate and its Metabolite along with Cinnarizine in Pharmaceutical and Plasma Samples

Green and sustainable scientific research is crucial for health and environmental improvement. Electrochemical analysis simplifies complex processes, saving time and cost. Ion selective electrode method, a key in green analytical chemistry, was utilized. A highly selective solid contact sensor was developed for two applications, detecting cinnarizine (CIN) and dimenhydrinate (DMH) in pharmaceuticals, and identifying CIN and diphenhydramine (DIP) in human plasma. Careful selection of ionophores ensured accurate detection. Multi-wall carbon-nanotubes (MWCNTs) facilitate rapid and precise measurement. The concentration range for CIN, DMH, and DIP was 1 × 10−6 M to 1 × 10−2 M, with mean recovery% of 100.07 ± 0.80, 100.12 ± 0.76, and 100.07 ± 0.53, respectively. Validation parameters exhibited accuracy and precision, with accuracy results of 100.87 ± 0.89, 99.96 ± 0.42, and 99.82 ± 0.31, and LODs of 0.5 × 10−6, 1.0 × 10−7, and 0.2 × 10−6 for CIN, DMH, and DIP, respectively. The study highlighted benefits like speed, economy, and sustainability, emphasizing the electrode’s reusability. SWOT analysis and environmental assessments further underscored its advantages, promising applications in pharmaceutical analysis and quality control.

The Relationship Between Potassium And Ureum Levels Of New Drugs In Drug Resistant Tuberculosis Patients

The use of new types of drugs in RO TB patients will cause disturbances in the body's electrolytes, especially potassium levels, as well as disturbances in urea levels caused by the excretion of urea that is retained in the body. Continuous increases in urea in the body result in the kidneys not being able to work optimally. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between potassium levels and urea levels on new types of drugs in RO TB patients. The research method used is analytical observational with a cross sectional approach. This research was conducted on 16 February – 16 March 2023 with research subjects being RO TB patients who received treatment with a new type of drug at the Lung Hospital dr. Ario Wirawan Salatiga as many as 21 respondents using a sampling technique that is the total population. Potassium levels were measured using the ISE (Ion Selective Electrode) method and urea levels used the enzymatic UV test method. The data was then processed using the Shapiro-Wilk normality test, then continued with prerequisite tests (crosstab test and homogeneity test) then continued with hypothesis testing, because my data scale was ratio and nominal, the alternative test used was the Chi-Square Test. The equipment test results obtained a homogeneity test with a P value of 0.698 and 0.610 (0.05), meaning the data was homogeneous. The test results for the relationship between potassium and urea levels on new types of drugs for RO TB patients were Chi-Square hypothesis test results with a P value of 0.152 and 0.384 ( 0.05) means there is no relationship between potassium levels and urea levels on new types of drugs in RO TB patients. The results show that the TB drugs bedaquiline and delamanid do not cause kidney function disorders so that RO TB patients can consume these TB drugs regularly.

Effects of combination of tramadol and sildenafil citrate (Viagra) on hepatic and renal function parameters in Male Albino Rats

Erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation and pleasure seeking have increased the use of sildenafil citrate, tramadol and their combination by youths who believe these drugs could positively impact their sexual life. Sildenafil citrate and tramadol are metabolized in the liver, and their by-products excreted through the kidneys, making these organs possible targets for toxicity. Aim: This study evaluates the effects of combination of tramadol and sildenafil citrate on hepatic and renal function parameters in male albino rats. Methodology: A total of forty-nine (49) male albino rats weighing between 150 to 180g were used for the study. Sildenafil citrate and tramadol were administered to the rats by means of oral gavage for 28 days. The liver enzymes alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were determined using the Reitman-Frankel method. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) was determined using the Colorimetric endpoint method. Total protein (TP) was determined using the biuret method. Albumin (ALB) was determined using the bromocresol green method. Sodium (Na+), potassium (K+) and chloride (CL-) were determined using ion selective electrode (ISE) method. Bicarbonate (HCO3-) was determined using titrimetric method. Urea was determined using Urease bertholet method. Creatinine was determined using Jaffe-Slot method. Results: There were no significant differences (P>.05) in the liver enzymes ALT, AST and ALP in all the treatment groups compared to the negative control. Total protein (TP) and albumin (ALB) also showed no significant differences (P>.05) in the groups, compared to the negative control. there were no significant differences (P>.05) in the electrolyte levels in the treatment groups, compared to the negative control. Urea and creatinine levels were also not significantly different (P>.05) in the treatment groups, compared to the negative control. Conclusion: Administration of sildenafil citrate singularly and in combination with tramadol, at recommended and double doses for 28 days, did not impact the liver and was also non-toxic to the kidneys.

Effects of Administration of Bouillon Cubes on Insulin Resistance, Lipid Profile and Renal Function Parameters in Female Albino Rats

Aim: To evaluate the effects of administration of bouillon cubes on insulin resistance, lipid profile and renal function parameters in female albino rats. Methodology: A total of thirty-five (35) female albino rats, weighing between 120 and 150 grams, were used for the study. The bouillon cubes, Star Maggi and Knorr were administered daily to the rats, using an oral gavage tube for 90days. Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) was determined using the Glucose oxidase method. Fasting plasma insulin (FPI) and Cystatin C levels were quantitatively determined by a rat-specific sandwich-enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. Insulin resistance was determined using the homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) method. The electrolytes, sodium (Na+) and potassium (K+) and were determined using ion selective electrode method. Urea was determined using Urease-bertholet method. Creatinine was determined using the Jaffe-Slot method. Total Cholesterol (TC), Triglyceride (TG) and High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (HDL-C) were determined by enzymatic methods. Low Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (LDL-C) was calculated from the Friedewald’s equation. Kidney sections were stained using haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining technique. Quantitative analysis of monosodium glutamate (MSG) content of the bouillon cubes was analyzed using ultraviolet (UV) spectroscopy while the sodium content was analyzed using atomic absorption spectrophotometry according to the method of the American Public Health Association. Results: There were no significant differences (P>.05) in FPG, FPI and HOMA-IR in all the treatment groups. The mean cystatin C value in group E (High Dose Knorr) was significantly higher (P <.05) than the negative control and all other treatment groups. The results also show the mean sodium values in groups D (High Dose Maggi) and E (High Dose Knorr) were significantly lower (P <.05) when compared to the negative control. There were no significant differences (P >.05) in TC and HDL-C levels in the negative control, compared to the treatment groups. There were no significant differences (P >.05) in TG levels, except for group B (Low Dose Maggi) which significantly lower (P <.05) than the negative control. Also, there were no significant differences (P >.05) in LDL-C levels, except for group B (Low Dose Maggi) which significantly higher (P <.05) than the negative control. Histologic analysis of the kidneys of the treated groups showed histological changes in the architecture of the tissues indicating tissue distortion, acute tissue damage, glomerular nephritis and distorted capillaries and degeneration compared to the negative control group which showed no tissue distortion. Conclusion: Chronic exposure to bouillon cubes did not impact fasting plasma glucose, insulin and insulin resistance in the treated rats. Chronic administration of Knorr cubes impacted the integrity of the kidney as levels of cystatin C and sodium were altered in the albino rats. Histoarchitecture of the kidneys of the treated rats showed histological changes indicating tissue distortion, acute tissue damage, glomerular nephritis and distorted capillaries. Lipid profile/metabolism was relatively not affected by the administration of bouillon cubes.

Sweat Rate, Sweat Sodium Losses, and Body Composition in Professional Male Soccer Players in Southwest Colombia.

Background and Objective: Dehydration and hyperhydration impact athletes' performance. Exploring the fluid balance concerning body composition might help estimate individual hydration requirements. This area of research, particularly regarding sodium losses, has been relatively understudied. We evaluated the sweat rate (SR), sweat sodium losses, and their relationship with body composition in professional soccer players in Cali, Colombia. Materials and Methods: Thirty-two male players, aged 24.3 (±5.2) years, from the Colombian main soccer league, underwent high-intensity training at 32 °C (with a relative humidity of 79%). The outcome variables included SR, calculated using weight loss and fluid intake; forearm sweat sodium concentration (FSCC), measured through the direct ion-selective electrode method; and estimated the predicted whole sweat sodium loss (PWSSL) in mmol. Predictor variables (body mass, fat, and muscle masses) were estimated using the Deborah Kerr anthropometry method. The association between predictors and outcomes was assessed using linear regression. Results: The mean FSCC, PWSSL, and SR were 26.7 ± 11.3 mmol/L, 43 ± 15.9 mmol/L, and 1.7 ± 0.5 L/h, respectively. Body mass positively predicted FSCC in unadjusted and age/fat-mass-adjusted models [Beta 1.28, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.39-2.18, p = 0.006], and continued related to FSCC after adjustment for muscle mass with marginal significance [Beta 0.85, 95% CI -0.02 to 1.73, p = 0.056]. Muscle mass was associated with the PWSSL in unadjusted and age/fat-mass-adjusted models [Beta 2.42, 95% CI 0.58-4.26, p = 0.012] and sustained an association with marginal statistical significance after adjustment for body mass [Beta 1.86, 95% CI -0.35 to 4.09, p = 0.097]. Conclusions: Under hot tropical weather conditions, FSCC was relatively low among the players. Body mass was better associated with the FSSC, and muscle mass better related to the PWSSL. Body and muscle masses could be regarded as potential factors to be explored in the estimation of individual sodium needs. However, further studies are required to validate and contrast our findings.

Removal of Fluoride from contaminated drinking water using Prosopis juliflora (Sw.) DC. Plant bark as an adsorbent

In India endemic fluorosis is considered as a major public health problem. The fluoride contamination and its removal approach attract a lot of concern from the scientific community at the global scale due to finite potable groundwater resource. In the present study, Guntral village from the Raichur district, Karnataka has been selected to know the fluoride concentration in ground water. The Groundwater samples were collected from bore wells and analyzed in the laboratory by using Ion Selective Electrode method and it was found that fluoride level from the range of 6.4-9.3 ppm from the different sampling sites. Further in order to remove fluoride, the adsorption method was followed by using Prosopis juliflora (Sw.) DC.Bark. The column method followed for removal of fluoride from the groundwater proved that 91.7 % after the treatment. Adsorption isotherm and kinetic models were well fitted to adsorption methods. It is clearly evidenced that bark of Prosopis juliflora (Sw.) DC adsorbent acts as one of the most significant and promising adsorbent for the removal of fluoride from the groundwater resources.

Study of Serum Magnesium, Potassium and Calcium in Acute Myocardial Infarction Patients

Introduction: A myocardial infarction happens when blood flow stops or decreases to the coronary arteries of the myocardial muscle, resulting in damage to the heart muscle. Magnesium is important electrolyte plays vital role in suppressing arrhythmias during myocardial ischemia and during reperfusion. Potassium is the most abundant cation of intracellular fluid. A significant correlation between hypokalemia and ventricular fibrillation is recorded. Calcium plays a vital role in myocardial muscle contraction. Aim: To study serum levels of magnesium, potassium and calcium in acute myocardial infarction patients. Material and methods: This was a prospective case control study conducted in Prathima Institute of medical sciences Nagunur, Karimnagar, Telangana state, India between January 2015 to December 2015. A total 50 acute myocardial infarction patients and 50 normal age and sex matched healthy controls selected for study. Serum magnesium estimated by colorimetric xylidyl blue complex method, serum potassium estimated by ion selective electrode method and serum calcium by OCPC method. Statistical analysis carried out using statistical software SPSS version 16 and p-value < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: Serum levels of magnesium, potassium and calcium were significantly decreased in acute myocardial infarction patients when compared healthy controls and is statistically significant (<0.05) Conclusion: The above study suggested decreased serum level of key elements such as magnesium, potassium and calcium in acute myocardial infarction patients when compared to healthy controls. Estimation and correction of these elements may play a pivotal role in management of patients with acute myocardial infarction

Evaluation of fluoride levels in areca nut, tobacco, and commercial smokeless tobacco products: a pilot study

Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a premalignant condition associated with chewing areca nut and tobacco products. We observed increased fluoride levels in some OSMF-endemic regions,and the observation suggested that fluoride exposure may contribute to its pathogenesis. This study aimed to assess the fluoride content of various smokeless tobacco items as a potential influencing source. Fluoride concentration was analysed in commercial areca nut products, including gutkha, pan masala, and raw areca nut, along with tobacco, slaked lime, and catechu samples from Karnataka, India. Fluoride was measured using alkali fusion and the ion selective electrode method. All products showed high fluoride, with catechu having the highest mean concentration at 51.20 mg/kg, followed by tobacco, gutkha, pan masala, processed areca nut, and raw areca nut. Fluoride was also elevated in soil, but not in water. The findings demonstrate substantial fluoride levels in popular types of smokeless tobacco, and highlight an overlooked source of exposure among consumers of gutkha, pan masala and similar oral tobacco-products. The fluoride content warrants an investigation of potential links with the occurrence and severity of OSMF.

Differences in Parathyroid Hormone-Related Peptide and Serum Electrolytes in Acute Leukemia Patients

Acute leukemia is a clonal malignancy of myeloid or lymphoid precursor cells. Parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrp) is an 84 amino acid protein released by the parathyroid glands. Serum electrolyte disturbances are common in acute leukemia patients. This study aimed to determine the difference in the levels of PTHrp and serum electrolytes (sodium, potassium, calcium ion) in acute leukemia patients. An observational analytic research, cross-sectional approach was performed at the Dr. Moewardi Hospital in Surakarta between June and August 2019 with 43 subjects. Acute leukemia, based on the FAB classification, is divided into two groups (myeloid and lymphoid lineage). The serum was used for measurement of PTHrp levels with enzyme immunoassay (ELISA) principle (the Rayto RT-2100C) and serum electrolyte with the Ion Selective Electrode (ISE) method (AVL analyzer). The data were tested by comparison test and ROC curve, p was significant if <0.05, and the confidence interval was 95%. Acute leukemia subjects comprised 24 lymphoid lineages (55.8%) and 19 (44.2%) myeloid lineages subjects. The mean age was 25 (7-47) years, with 18 (41.9%) male subjects and 25 (58.1%) female subjects. The mean sodium level was 136 (132-140) mmol/L, with a mean level of 134.38±4.75 mmol/L and 137.00 (121-143) mmol/L in the lymphoid and myeloid lineage groups, respectively. The cut-off point for serum sodium levels was 135.5 mmol/L, with an AUC of 0.679, a sensitivity of 73.7%, and a specificity of 67.7%. There was a significant difference in serum sodium electrolyte levels in acute leukemia patients (p=0.046) but not in acute leukemia patients' serum potassium, calcium ion, and PTHrp levels (p=0.415; p=0.912 and p=0.293, respectively). Further research was needed in the chronic leukemia population and other research variables related to electrolyte balance.

Rapid microfluidic fluorescence detection platform for determination of whole blood sodium

A novel detection platform consisting of a microfluidic fluorescence reaction chip (FR-chip) and a miniaturized analysis system is proposed for the determination of sodium ions (Na+) in whole human blood samples. In the proposed method, a rapid reaction of sodium green (SG) reagent with Na+ is induced in the microfluidic FR-chip to produce a SG-Na+ complex. The Na+ concentration is then determined using the miniaturized analytical system based on the maximum fluorescence peak of the reaction compound at a wavelength of 533 nm. The experimental results obtained for artificial serum samples with Na+ concentrations ranging from 10 to 200 mM show a relationship between Na+ concentration (Y) and fluorescence intensity (X) as follows: Y = 190.5 ln(X) + 90.15. The correlation coefficient (R2) is 0.9956, and the limit of detection (LOD) is 2.8 mM. Furthermore, the detection results obtained for 90 whole blood samples from chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients exhibit a high level of consistency (R2 = 0.9806) when compared to the detection results obtained using a traditional indirect ion-selective electrode (ISE) method. Overall, the results confirm that the current microfluidic fluorescence detection platform offers a convenient and highly sensitive approach for the point-of-care (POC) monitoring of whole blood Na+ concentrations.

B-015 Magnesium Fractionation using Ultrafiltration System

Abstract Background Total magnesium (tMg) comprises 3 fractions: ionized (iMg), protein-bound (pbMg), and complexed magnesium (cMg). Serum iMg can be measured directly using ion-selective electrode method, but determination of pbMg and cMg has not been addressed. The aim of this study is to examine the efficiency of a newly introduced ultrafiltration system to fractionate tMg and validate proposed its reference intervals for Mg fractions. Methods Leftover whole blood samples were collected from 40 subjects. iMg and tMG were measured in whole blood using Stat Profile Prime® ES, and ultrafiltrate using VITROS 5600 Analyzer, respectively. Serum fractionation was done by ultrafiltration system (Centrifree®, Sigma-Aldrich, MA, USA). pbMg and cMG were calculated by subtracting tMg ultrafiltrate from tMg in whole blood, and subtracting iMg from tMg concentrations in the ultrafiltrate, respectively. Results Reference intervals of iMg, pbMg, and cMg were proposed as mean± 2 SD of 0.93–1.61 mg/dL, 0–0.85 mg/dL, and 0.07–0.57 mg/dl, respectively. iMg, pbMg, and cMg represented 65%, 20%, and 16% of the tMg concentration in normo-magnesemic subjects with slight variation in hypo- and hyper-magnesemic subjects. iMg showed weak positive correlation with tMg, (r = 0.5, 0.03, 0.005), in normo-magnesemic, hypo- and hyper-magnesemic subjects, respectively. iMg showed weak positive correlation with cMg (r = 0.11) and strongly with pbMg (r = 0.41) in hypermagnesemic subjects. iMg was not dependent on protein concentration or pH, however it correlated positively with blood sugar (r = 0.5 and 0.2) and serum creatinine levels (r = 0.3 and 0.5) in hypo- & hyper-magnesemic subjects, respectively. Conclusions The ultrafiltration system was a promising means to assess cMg and pbMg in critical care patients. iMg measurement provides better discrimination in ill patients and was associated with lifestyle factors including alcohol consumption, hypertension and diabetes. Stat Profile Prime® ES point-of-care analyzer provides rapid and precise direct measurement comparable to current tMg standard method. Due to its rapid turnaround time, it can help to efficiently manage workload of high complexity laboratories, and alleviate the burden on the critical care team.

A Comparative Study of Serum Sodium and Potassium Levels across the Three Trimesters of Pregnancy

Aim: To evaluate the serum sodium and potassium levels in the three trimesters of pregnancy in women. Methods: Four groups of healthy women between the ages of 20 and 30 years, volunteered for this study. Group 1: Non-pregnant women (control), Group 2: Pregnant women in their first trimester, Group 3: Pregnant women in their second trimester, Group 4: Pregnant women in their third trimester. Blood samples were collected by standard aseptic method and serum samples were analyzed for serum levels of sodium and potassium by the ion selective electrode method. Results were presented as MEAN ± SEM in tables and figures, p < 0.05 was regarded as statistically significant. Results: The serum sodium concentrations in mmol/L were 135.3 ± 3.09, 136.3 ± 1.55, 139.0 ± 0.78, 139.8 ± 0.91 for control, first-trimester, second-trimester, and third-trimester subjects respectively. The potassium concentrations in mmol/L were 3.678 ± 0.26, 3.687 ± 0.13, 3.820 ± 0.11, 3.767 ± 0.07 for control, first-trimester, second trimester and third-trimester subjects respectively. The Bodyweight values in kg were 72.13 ± 2.11, 74.73 ± 2.05, 75.00 ± 1.72, 81.56 ± 4.24 for control, first-trimest, second-trimester, and third-trimester subjects respectively. Conclusion: Results indicate that the hormones of pregnancy altered the body weight of pregnant women, but did not change the serum sodium and potassium level across the three trimesters of pregnancy in women. This is an indication that the kidneys of healthy pregnant women can handle serum electrolyte load during the period of pregnancy.

Separation of fluoride in the presence of large amounts of organic acids by ion chromatography

ABSTRACT An ion chromatography (IC) method for the separation of fluoride in presence of large concentrations of organic acid anions was developed with a view to determine trace level concentration of fluoride in plant samples. Present study deals with determination of fluoride in dry black gram seeds. Pyrohydrolysis was employed for extracting fluoride from the seeds. Organic acid anions are produced during pyrohydrolysis of seeds/plant materials and these organic anions show similar retention behavior of fluoride in IC. Separation of fluoride from organic acids and common anions was investigated. An IC method involving the appropriate dilution of pyrohydrolysis distillate of the sample followed by a large volume injection through a pre-concentrator column is proposed to circumvent the interference due to organic acids. Fluoride recovery of the pre-concentrator column is found to be more than 90%. The method provides a precision better than 7% (RSD). The limit of detection of the method is 0.5ppmw whereas the LOD for fluoride by IC method alone is 10 ppb. Results obtained are validated by analyzing the samples by using fluoride ion selective electrode method.

Determination of Cyanide at Trace Levels by Computational Scanning Densitometry

Introduction: Cyanide is one of the most commonly present anions in industrial effluents, highly toxic to human and animal life. Therefore, its determination in aqueous media by simple, portable, and quick methods is required. Objective: This study aims to develop a simple and quick method to determine this anion at the micro level in aqueous media without using any expensive instrument. Method: The method is based on treating the microliter sample of aqueous cyanide with the classical Lassaigne’s reagents on a TLC plate. After heating in an oven for a few minutes, a deep blue spot of ferric ferrocyanide complex appeared on the plate. The color depth of the spots was measured by scanning the TLC plate and analyzing the image with an indigenous software package. Result: As a result of fusion with metallic sodium, carbon and nitrogen of the organic compound combine to form cyanide, which first reacts with Fe(II) to form hexacyanoferrate ion [Fe(CN)6]4- that further combines with Fe(III) to create a neutral deep blue colored coordination complex, ferric ferrocyanide Fe4[Fe(CN)6]3. Discussion: This process converts real-world colors into numeric computer data consisting of rows and columns of pixels. Each pixel will consist of three numeric components, i.e., red, green, and blue. The pixel's color will be one of 16.8 million possible color combinations (256 shades of red, green, and blue each). Conclusion: From the comparison of results obtained by the proposed method and standard ion-selective electrode method, it can be concluded that the former method for determining micro quantities of cyanide in aqueous samples using computational densitometry is a simple, accurate, and adequately precise method without the involvement of sophisticated instrumentation.

Effects of a Herbal Sex Enhancer (Vigpower) and Zinc Supplementation on Sex Hormones, Hepatic and Renal Function in Male Albino Rats

Aim: This study evaluated the effects of a herbal sex enhancer (Vigpower) and zinc supplementation on sex hormones, hepatic and renal function in male albino rats.
 Methodology: A total of 49 male Albino rats weighing between 150 to 180g were used for the study. Vigpower, Viagra and zinc were orally administered to the rats daily for 28 days. Testosterone and estradiol were quantitatively determined using a rat-specific sandwich-enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. The liver enzymes alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were determined using the Reitman-Frankel method. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) was determined using the Colorimetric endpoint method. Sodium (Na+), potassium (K+) and chloride (CL-) were determined using ion selective electrode (ISE) method. Urea was determined using Urease bertholet method. Creatinine was determined using Jaffe-Slot method and qualitative phytochemical analysis was done on Vigpower capsule using classical methods.
 Results: Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of flavonoids, protodioscin, saponins and phenols in the herbal capsule Vigpower. Testosterone levels were significantly higher in all the treatment groups compared to the negative control, with group 7 (Vigpower + Viagra + zinc) having the highest value. Estradiol levels were significantly lower, whereas testosterone-estradiol (T/E) ratio was significantly higher in all the treatment groups compared to the negative control, except for group 4 (zinc) which showed no significant difference compared to the negative control. ALT levels in the treatment groups were not significantly different from the negative control, except for groups 6 (Viagra + zinc) and 7 (Vigpower + Viagra + Zinc), which had significantly higher levels. AST and ALP levels in the treatment groups were not significantly different from the negative control, except for group 7 (Vigpower + Viagra + Zinc), which was significantly higher than the negative control and all other treatment groups. There was no significant difference in sodium (Na+), chloride (Cl-) and urea levels in the treatment groups, compared to the negative control. Potassium (K+) and creatinine levels were significantly higher in group 7 (Vigpower + Viagra + zinc), compared to the negative control and all other treatment groups.
 Conclusion: Singular administration of Vigpower, Viagra and zinc increased testosterone levels of the male rats. Vigpower and Viagra had equipotent effects on the sex hormones and also increased the testosterone-estradiol ratio. Vigpower, Viagra and zinc administered singularly, had no impact on liver enzymes and renal function. However, the combination treatment of Vigpower, Viagra and zinc was hepatotoxic and elevated potassium and creatinine levels. Herbal sex enhancers and their combination with other medications could provoke the desired sexual effect, but may damage other organ systems and pose serious public health challenges.

Evaluation of Fluoride Concentration in Commercially Available Bottled Water in Romania—A Potential Risk Factor for Dental Fluorosis

Fluoride (F) ions actively participate in the dental enamel remineralisation process and inhibit the activity of cariogenic bacteria of the oral biofilm. However, increased systemic intake of F during critical periods of amelogenesis can lead to dental fluorosis (DF). The necessity of our study stemmed from the growing consumption of bottled water, as water is one of the primary sources of F in humans, and labelling F concentration is optional. Our aim was to evaluate the F concentration in bottled natural mineral or spring still waters available on the market in Iasi, Romania. We purchased forty different brands of still bottled water from the major grocery stores and tested them using an ion-selective electrode method. The reliability of the data was assessed by the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), while the differences between the obtained and labelled F values were examined using a paired samples t-test. The tested F levels ranged between 0.0338 and 4.6262 milligrams per litter (mg/L). The majority of the samples, around 85% recorded F values ranging from 0.232 to 0.0338 mg/L, offering slight or no benefit in caries prevention. Another 10% of the samples had F values ranging between 0.3 and 0.4 mg/L and could provide a dental health benefit. A percentage of 5% of the tested samples recorded F levels above the optimal level of 0.7 mg/L, as set by the American Dental Association (ADA) and the United States Department of Health and Human Services (U.S. HHS). This elevated F concentration poses a potential risk for DF in infants and toddlers, indicating that regular consumption of these samples may be unsafe.

Assessment of Electrolyte Imbalance and Associated Factors Among Adult Diabetic Patients Attending the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Ethiopia: A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study.

Electrolyte imbalance refers to altered electrolyte levels that predominantly affect diabetic patients due to hyperglycemia which rise plasma osmolality and impaired renal function, contributing to a change in electrolyte level. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence of electrolyte imbalance and its associated factors among diabetic patients and healthy control groups attending the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital. A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted on 130 diabetic patients and 130 diabetes-free controls. Sociodemographic, behavioral and clinical data were collected using a structured questionnaire. After measuring anthropometric parameters, 5mL of the blood sample was collected. Electrolytes were measured based on ion-selective electrode methods. Fasting blood glucose, and creatinine were measured by spectrophotometric enzyme hexokinase, and Jaffe reaction methods, respectively. The data was entered into Epi-data version 4.6 and analyzed using STATA version 14. Mann-Whitney U-tests and independent t-tests were used for comparison. Multiple logistic regression analysis was done to determine the factors associated with electrolyte imbalances. P-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. The overall prevalence of electrolyte imbalance among diabetic patients and controls were 83.07% and 52.31%, respectively. The mean of Na+ and the median level of Mg2+ and Ca2+ were significantly decreased. However, the mean level of Cl- was significantly increased in diabetic patients as compared to control groups. In multivariable logistic regression: alcohol consumption AOR = 3.34 [1.02-10.9], no formal education AOR = 5.38 [1.14-25.4], hyperglycemia AOR = 6.32 [2.04-19.5], and urbanization AOR = 5.6 [1.44-22.3] showed significant association with electrolyte imbalance. Diabetic patients have more likely to develop electrolyte imbalance than control groups. Diabetic participants showed significantly reduced Na+, Mg2+, and Ca2+ levels and significantly increasing CI- levels when compared to control groups. Hyperglycemia, alcohol drinking habits, urbanization, and no-formal education were statistically significantly associated with electrolyte imbalance.