Threshold Limit Research Articles

Neuron-Specific Enolase as a Biological Marker for Welders' Pneumoconiosis.

The aim of the study is to investigate the relationship between serum neuron-specific enolase (NSE) and welders' pneumoconiosis, through chest x-ray and serum NSE. The exposed group included 37 welders. The nonexposed group included 38 administrative workers. Both groups underwent history taking, clinical examination, chest x-ray, serum chromium, and serum neuron-specific enolase. Air sampling was done for total suspended particles, respirable particles, and welding fumes. All the air samples were within the national threshold limit values. Chest x-ray abnormalities were found in eight welders (21.6%), and included reticular opacities, scattered nodules or ground-glass opacities. Serum chromium and NSE were significantly higher among welders. Serum NSE correlated positively with the duration of exposure and serum chromium level among welders. Serum NSE can be used as a biomarker for early detection of welders' pneumoconiosis.

Carving a niche in building energy using modern vernacular house with passive wall materials - A multi-criteria decision-making framework

The building sector, one of the world's largest energy consumers, includes vernacular houses that offer good living conditions. However, increasing population and energy demands have caused vernacular houses to impact the ecosystem negatively, thus losing popularity. Passive design features can alleviate this problem but entail several factors and alternatives. This study aims to develop a fuzzy-based multi-criteria decision-making framework for selecting an optimal wall material for vernacular house that satisfies the technical, economic, environmental and social factors. Seven different wall materials, along with governing factors like room temperature, humidity, cooling and heating loads, cost, comfort index, CO2 emission, job creation and social acceptability, are considered. Four fuzzy-based decision-making tools are used, followed by sensitivity analysis to examine the results. A test cell of an established 3BHK vernacular house is made using design-builder and is simulated with Energy plus software. The error indices confirmed the design-builder model's accuracy, with NMBE and CV-RMSE values for room temperature and relative humidity both under 1 %, well within ASHRAE 14's threshold limits. From the results, cinder concrete is found as optimal passive wall material, resulting in lower cooling and heating loads and CO2 emission by 0.68 %, 9.64 %, and 2.27 %, respectively, than traditional vernacular house.

Fabrication of FeCu/CC Composite for Efficient Removal of Nitrate for Aqueous Solution Via Electrochemical Reduction Process

AbstractThe electrochemical nitrate reduction (ENR) for the conversion of nitrate to nitrogen gas is a significant strategy to remediate the eutrophication in surface water. However, the exploitations and practical applications of suitable electrocatalysts still face great challenges. In this study, FeCu bimetal microparticles were deposited onto surface of carbon cloth (CC) to fabricate the FeCu/CC electrocatalyst for the removal of nitrate. Among obtained catalysts, the sample with Fe/Cu molar ratio of 1 : 15 (Fe1Cu15/CC) exhibits the excellent electroreduction efficiency for nitrate removal (R(NO3−), >90 %) but an ineffective selectivity of N2 formation (S(N2), ~23 %). After the anchor of reduced graphite oxide (rGO) to surface of Fe1Cu15/CC, at the optimized condition without the assistance of chlorine oxidation, R(NO3−) and S(N2) of rGO/Fe1Cu15/CC catalyst reach 94.2 % and 72.8 %. After 5 day endurance test, the values of R(NO3−) and S(N2) are still 82.9 % and 62.8 %, demonstrating the promising durability of this catalyst electrode. Meanwhile, the potential application of rGO/Fe1Cu15/CC was explored for the treatment of simulated wastewater discharged by urban wastewater treatment plant, the concentration of total nitrogen (TN) decreases from 15–1.17 mg/L, and this value is lower than TN threshold limit in Class IV of Chinese surface water quality standard.

Anaerobic digestion of dairy cow and goat manure: Comparative assessment of biodegradability and greenhouse gas mitigation

This study evaluated the anaerobic digestion (AD) of dairy cow and goat manure from dairy farming operations. The physicochemical characteristics, biodegradability and greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) reduction potential were assessed. Dairy goat manure exhibited higher volatile solids (16 % vs. 10 %) and 34 % greater chemical oxygen demand content (COD) compared to cow manure, indicating better suitability for AD. However, biochemical methane potential tests revealed higher methane yields from cow manure (81 % biodegradability) compared to goat manure (26 % biodegradability), attributed to slower hydrolysis rates and recalcitrant composition of goat manure. Both manures displayed suboptimal carbon-to-nitrogen ratios (<20:1) and excessive levels of mineral nutrients such as calcium. The ammonia–nitrogen and volatile fatty acid levels remained below threshold limits throughout the anaerobic digestion process, indicating no significant accumulation or inhibition. Recovering biogas through AD showed potential GHG reductions of 64 % (2.21 t CO2-eq/cow·year) and 69 % (0.27 t CO2-eq/goat·year) compared to conventional manure management practices. While pretreatment and co-digestion could enhance biogas production, further research is needed to optimise these strategies for efficient resource recovery and environmental sustainability in dairy farming operations.Abbreviations: AD, anaerobic digestion; AWMS, animal waste management systems; BMP, biochemical methane potential; CHNS, carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, and sulphur; C/N, carbon-to-nitrogen, COD, chemical oxygen demand; GC-FID, gas chromatography-flame ionisation detection; GHG, greenhouse gas; GWPM, global warming potential of methane; He, helium; ICP-MS, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry; I/S, inoculum-to-substrate ratio; IPCC, International Panel on Climate Change; NH3-N, ammonia–nitrogen; SD, standard deviation; TBMP, theoretical biochemical methane potential; TN, total nitrogen; TS, total solids; VFAs, volatile fatty acids; VS, volatile solids.

Phthalate Esters in Different Types of Cosmetic Products: A Five-Year Quality Control Survey.

Phthalate esters are commonly included in the formulations of cosmetics and related products in order to retain fragrance, enhance flexibility (i.e., by acting as plasticizers), facilitate the dissolution and dispersion of other ingredients, and improve the overall texture and sensory experience of the products. This study aimed to assess the presence and concentrations of phthalates in cosmetics by analyzing a comprehensive set of samples collected over a period of five years (2016-2020). The concentrations of nine different phthalate esters (BBP, DEHP, DNOP, DPP, DBP, DIPP, DMEP, DMP and PIPP) in 1110 cosmetics samples from France and Spain were determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The samples were included in five categories: soaps and shampoos; hand and body creams; lip gloss and lipsticks; nail polish; and facial makeup and skincare products. Some of the samples (4.86%) contained at least one phthalate at concentrations above the threshold limit (1 µg mL-1). Variable concentrations of different phthalates were determined in the 54 positive samples identified. DEHP was the most frequently detected phthalate, followed by DBP. The findings revealed different profiles according to the different categories of cosmetics and the phthalates detected in each. The results were critically compared with those obtained in various previous studies.

Isolation and characterization of a degradation product of mexiletine hydrochloride using FT-IR, LC-MS and NMR: method development and validation of stability indicating RP-HPLC method for quantification of characterized impurity

Mexiletine Hydrochloride is an antiarrhythmic drug used to treat acute and chronic ventricular arrhythmias. Significant degradation of unknown impurity was observed while evaluating the impurity profile of the Mexiletine Hydrochloride stability studies. The levels of the unknown impurity are more than the regulatory identification/qualification threshold level (0.08%). Mexiletine was forcefully subjected to various stress conditions, such as acidic, basic, oxidation, photolysis, and thermal. Among these stress conditions, we identified an unknown degradation impurity in the thermal stress (105°C for 15 days) of Mexiletine, the same as that of an unknown impurity observed in the stability studies. The present research reports the isolation of unknown impurity in thermal stress by preparative HPLC and the characterization of isolated unknown degradation impurity using LC-MS, FT-IR, and NMR techniques. The spectral data elucidated the structure of the degradation product, and it was identified as “(E)-2-(((1-(2,6-dimethylphenoxy)propan-2-yl)imino)methyl)-6-methylphenol”. A stability-indicating HPLC method was developed and validated to determine and quantify the degradation product in Mexiletine Hydrochloride. The levels of the unknown degradation product reduced to below the limit of detection (<0.007%) from 0.10% after applying its relative response factor “16.5” and complying with the regulatory threshold limits. It helps to extend the shelf life of Mexiletine.

Sustainable furfural bis-thymol based benzoxazines: Superhydrophobic, aggregation induced emission and corrosion resistant properties

Sustainable bis-thymol based benzoxazines have been synthesized using furfural bis-thymol (FBT) and paraformaldehyde separately with five different fluorine substituted amines through Mannich condensation process. The molecular structure of the obtained benzoxazines has been verified using spectroscopic analyses. The curing temperature of the synthesized benzoxazines are ranged between 241°C and 277°C. Among the synthesized polybenzoxazines, poly(FBT-pfa) exhibits the highest thermal stability of 52% char yield. All the polybenzoxazines exhibit the value of LOI above the threshold limit of 26 which infers the self-extinguishing property of the polymer. Poly(FBT-pfsa) showed the highest value of water contact angle of 151o, which ascertains that the increased fluorine content contributes to the superhydrophobic nature. Results from hydrophobic durability studies with poly(FBT-pfsa) using coated cotton fabric under acidic and basic conditions indicate its suitability for hydrophobic applications. The corrosion protection ability of polybenzoxazines towards mild steel surfaces was studied and the results obtained suggest that these polybenzoxazines can be used as an excellent coating material. UV-Visible and fluorescence spectroscopic analyses infer that these benzoxazines exhibit aggregation induced emission (AIE) characteristics. Data from different studies suggest that these materials can be conveniently utilized in the form of optical, superhydrophobic and corrosion-resistant coatings.

A comprehensive analysis of coal toughness index: Relationships among coal toughness index, uniaxial compressive strength and proximity parameters

Coal and gas outbursts are significant safety hazards in underground coal mining, particularly in deep Australian coal seams. While the traditional outburst risk management relies on threshold limit values of seam gas content, recent experiences have shown that this approach overlooks important factors such as coal toughness and strength. This study evaluates the effectiveness of the coal toughness test, also known as the Protodyakonov strength test, as a predictor of outburst risk. After upgrading the test rig and updating testing procedures, the toughness index f was compared with conventional strength parameters, revealing a strong positive correlation with uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) and drop hammer impact strength. An analysis of 98 coal samples taken from seven seams at three Australian mines revealed that lower moisture content and higher apparent relative density are associated with increased coal toughness. Specifically, the Pearson and Spearman correlation coefficients of −0.79 and −0.78 were observed, respectively, indicated a strong negative relationship between coal moisture content and toughness. Additionally, coal seams with lower volatile matter content exhibited higher toughness values. The study proposes adopting the coal toughness index as a robust alternative to the conventional indicators such as UCS, especially when obtaining intact coal samples is difficult. Incorporating the toughness index into the outburst risk assessment can improve safety by adopting a more comprehensive and reliable approach.

Temporal scaling of carbon emission accumulations and rates of the Meso-Cenozoic hyperthermal events: implication to the Anthropocene global warming

Anthropocene global warming is largely associated with fossil fuel carbon emissions. Temporal scaling provides a way to place current carbon emissions on a geological scale. The scaling of carbon emissions at the onset of hyperthermal events suggests that we might anticipate higher carbon emission rates over longer time scales than what we currently observe in the Anthropocene. However, this inference is uncertain due to limited data concerning the accumulations and time intervals of carbon emissions of Meso-Cenozoic hyperthermal events. While on the long-time hyperthermal-event scales of several to hundreds of kiloyears, modern carbon accumulations and emission rates are 9 times greater than those of the hyperthermal-event emissions. The present-day carbon release can be effectively compared to the onset of hyperthermal events through temporal scaling. If current carbon emission trends persist, we may reach the carbon emission thresholds for hyperthermal events in one to three hundred years, getting an intensified hydrological cycle, enhanced continental weathering and ocean acidification. And if the situation gets worse, we may reach the upper limit of the carbon emission threshold for hyperthermal events (e.g., Permian-Triassic Boundary event, PTB) with a biotic mass extinction over four to thirteen hundred years. This study offers new insights into current carbon emissions from a temporal scale perspective, enhancing our understanding of contemporary climate change.

Modern Drip Irrigation Technology on Tomato and Head Cabbage Production and Its Economic Feasibility at Misrak Silti District, Siltie Zone, Ethiopia

In Ethiopia various techniques were applied to improve on-farm irrigation water management under surface irrigation, especially on furrow irrigation system for last many years, however, it was very difficult to achieve threshold limit of water use efficiency, wisely use of scarce water resources in irrigated field, crop water productivity, precisely controlled application of irrigation water to plant roots, uniform water delivery to all plants, crop yield and its quality, regulate flow, deliver optimum crop water requirement, field water losses, groundwater withdrawal and save labor. It is great practical significance and series of measures using drip irrigation system to solve mentioned problems in irrigated field, because the irrigated agriculture is largest water-consuming sector in this area. This study was aimed to demonstrate drip irrigation technology, prove its economic feasibility and create skills of farmers and extension experts on implementation of the drip system on tomato (Galila 555) and head cabbage (Copen Hagen) productions within groundwater source area on Balo koriso main station in Misrak Silti woreda, Siltie zone, southern Ethiopia. The activity was done for four consecutive years (2019 to 2022 G. C) on fixed plot of 2500 square meter area in collaboration with Agricultural Research Institute and Techno serve project. During demonstration all the costs were considered to economic feasibility including initial investment cost. The study found that the use of drip irrigation saved 3690 m&amp;lt;sup&amp;gt;3&amp;lt;/sup&amp;gt;/ha of water compared with use of furrow irrigation. This saved water may irrigate additional 2ha area of land by drip irrigation. This study also revealed that, a net income of 313066.04 ETB/ha in single irrigation season was obtained using modern drip irrigation technology. The farmers and local experts recognized noticeable saving water, fuel cost, irrigating time and labour, good crop performance from demonstrated drip irrigation system and shown interest to use the technology abundantly. Therefore, scaling up locally manageable drip irrigation system around the study area through comprehensive training of farmers and supportive staffs and allowing sufficient local market for drip kits and incentives or loan will be economically feasible and affordable to increase income and saves irrigation water.

Electrochemical sensors for fast classification of different Cannabis sativa L. samples according to total Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol content

In this work, we investigated the ability of an electrochemical sensor to recognize Cannabis sativa L. samples with different total content of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), determined by the levels of the psychoactive cannabinoid and of its biosynthetic precursor Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (Δ9-THCA), using a multivariate approach. The voltammetric responses recorded with screen-printed electrodes modified with carbon black reflected the compositional differences from the different samples, in terms of cannabinoids of the vegetal material. PLS-DA models allowed for the correct classification of most C. sativa samples into the classes of legal and illegal samples according to total Δ9-THC content, based on threshold limits defined by the EU/US (0.3 % w/w) and Italian (0.6 % w/w) regulations. Satisfactory results were achieved in both cases, obtaining classification efficiency values in prediction of the external test set equal to 85 % and 100 % for the EU/US and Italian thresholds, respectively. The obtained results suggest the possibility to consider the proposed method as a starting point for the implementation of an automated device for rapid prescreening of total Δ9-THC content directly on site.

Evaluation of Water Quality and Scarcity Issues for Sustainable Water Management Strategy in Twin Cities of Rawalpindi/ Islamabad, Pakistan.

Today's water world is pebbledashed with two main trepidations of water security/ scarcity, which need in-depth elaboration. Developing countries are particularly facing the impacts of water contamination and scarcity but lack the required impetus and technical infrastructure, thus necessitating swift actions to evaluate the effects of water security/ scarcity on the environment and water resources. In this study, an effort has been made to assess the water security/ scarcity situation in the twin cities of Rawalpindi/ Islamabad, elucidating the water quality/ quantity parameters in the Rawal Lake reservoir in Pakistan by analysing the contamination. The samples were collected/ tested during spring/ monsoon seasons to analyse temporal/fluvial impacts on water discharge. The results were compared with Pakistan's and WHO's drinking water standards before and after the water treatment. Almost all the testing parameters of the raw water samples from the Rawal Lake reservoir feeding streams exceeded the standard limits or fell close to the upper threshold limits, suggesting that this water was unsuitable for drinking without extensive treatment and an efficient distribution system. The contamination, untreated sewage disposal, non-regulated water utilisation, drawdown and supply/ demand gaps are the grave factors causing the water security/ scarcity in the capital/ twin cities of Islamabad/ Rawalpindi. Pakistan has already entered the water scarcity threshold of 1014 m3/ person/ annum in 2018, reduced from water availability of 5260 m3/ person/ annum in 1950 and will likely reach a drought level by 2050 due to increased population and reduced water resources. The study proposes an organisational implementation model for catchment-level river management to ensure good quality of water, construction of 5-10 small dams, and the provision of water from Terbella Dam suggested as the long-term strategy to prevent water scarcity.

Antifungal resistance profile and genetic relatedness of moulds from rural groundwater sources

Antifungal resistance remains a significant public health threat, yet poorly investigated. This study for the first time investigated the antifungal profile of moulds isolated from groundwaters in a rural community of Osun State, Southwest Nigeria. Groundwater samples were collected during dry and rainy seasons, and processed for mould isolation using standard methods. The isolates were presumptively identified and screened for in vitro susceptibility using 4 antifungals conventionally employed in clinical cases. Multiple antifungal resistance phenotypes and indices were equally evaluated. Representative of each putatively identified species were confirmed using molecular techniques. A total of 29 and 27 moulds were obtained during the dry and rainy seasons, respectively. Genus Aspergillus was the most prevalent (30.4%). Of the 56 isolates subjected to antifungal susceptibility testing, 55(98%) were resistant to fluconazole, followed by flucytosine 49(88%), ketoconazole 45(80%) and amphotericin B 31(55%). Exactly 46 isolates were multidrug-resistant, 23(50%) each, to 3 and 4 drugs, respectively. The multiple antifungal resistance index (MARI) evaluated was 1 in all the samples A-Q, except C (0.75), transcending the threshold limit of 0.2, indicating the isolates to be of high antifungal usage origin. The molecularly identified species had 99–100% similarity with reference strains from GenBank and evolutionary relationship of taxa revealed 10 distinct clades. The outcome of this study reveals a rise in the frequency of antifungal resistance in moulds towards standard drugs, thus, advocating for adequate investigations targeted at monitoring antifungal resistance in groundwater milieus.

Assessment of water quality variation: tool for effective water treatment system operations

Water quality and treatment systems are dynamic because they constantly undergo seasonal variations in water chemistry, varying plant operating conditions, and new environmental laws, among others. Because of this, proper monitoring is essential to ensure that the water supplied by the treatment system safeguards public health from waterborne diseases. Selected surface water quality parameters as inflow were obtained before treatment against the treated water for different hydrological periods (2009 – 2019) from a water treatment system to determine the trend in water quality variation, water quality index, and effectiveness of the treatment process. Each hydrologic year had varying concentrations of selected parameters for raw and treated water quality. The concentration values of pH, electrical conductivity, total hardness, calcium and magnesium hardness, chloride, and total dissolved solids of the natural source water were within the recommended limit. Turbidity concentrations were above the recommended value for each hydrologic year, values ranging from 14.65 – 57.98 NTU, and iron concentration was above the permissible for 2010 and 2012. Selected parameters were all within the threshold limit after treatment with a water quality index (WQI) ranging between 1.09 – 39.39, rated as good/excellent water quality. The treatment system operations were effective throughout the observation period. However, turbidity, iron and hardness should be tested more frequently during the operational and verification monitoring process.

Assessing cracking resistance and threshold limits of bituminous mixtures with IDEAL-CT and predictive modeling techniques

This paper presents a comprehensive study to establish the threshold limit of CTIndex for the Marshall mixes. The study also aims to assess the impact of different design factors on the cracking resistance of bituminous mixtures using the Indirect Tensile Asphalt Cracking Test (IDEAL-CT) test. This study considers 2 different aggregate sources, 2 different gradations, 5 different types of Design Aggregate Gradation (DAG), 3 binder types, and 5 levels of compactive effort. The test results show that higher cracking resistance can be achieved using a smaller nominal maximum size of the aggregate (NMAS), finer gradation, modified binder, and decreased compactive effort with aggregates having low abrasion and absorptive characteristics. This study also comprehends the influence of volumetric parameters of the bituminous mixes on fracture resistance. It was found that at a particular Optimum Binder Content (OBC), higher bulk specific gravity of the compacted specimen (Gmb) and voids filled with asphalt (VFA) result in reduced CTIndex, specifying poor cracking performance. While higher air voids (AV) and voids in mineral aggregate (VMA) lead to increased CTIndex, indicating better-cracking resistance. Statistical analysis tools were used to evaluate the significance of the influential factors that are affecting the cracking potential of the mix. Different Machine learning models were also developed to predict CTIndex based on the design factors considered in the study. The random forest (RFR) model showed strong accuracy, reflected by low Mean Absolute Error (MAE=3.16), Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE=9.57), Root Mean Square Error (RMSE=4.23), and a high coefficient of determination (R²=0.95) value, notifying a precise fit and reliable predictions. Additionally, a GUI has been also developed to enhance the practical usability of the model for wider usage. Further, the present study proposes the threshold value of CTIndex for the selection of crack-resistant bituminous mixtures. Moreover, the study investigated the correlation between laboratory and field compaction methods and validated the initial threshold specification of CTIndex for the Marshall mixes. Despite of the variations in different compaction methodologies and specimen thickness, a strong positive correlation (R² > 0.76) between laboratory and field cores of BC-1 and DBM-2 indicates that the performance criteria are adequate and justified.

From One-Pot to Powerhouse: Al-Fe2O3 Thin Films Coupled with Hexagonal ZnFe LDH for Water Oxidation in Alkaline Environment.

As COVID-19 profoundly affected nations worldwide, there was a significant reduction in gas and electricity consumption, contrasting with the surplus production of oil and gas by companies. This situation has ignited a growing interest in researching alternative green fuels. Electrochemical water-splitting has emerged as a promising avenue for advancing the green hydrogen economy. However, the high costs associated with traditional catalysts have hindered the feasibility of this remarkable method on an industrial scale. Here, this study mainly objects to fabricating an efficient, low cost and stable oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalyst and our focus has been on refining the morphology to enhance activity levels. The optimized one-pot synthesized 15% Al-doped Fe2O3/ZnFe LDH electrode exhibited a mere 230 mV overpotential to achieve a current density of 10 mA/cm2 with the appreciable Tafel slope of 77 mV/dec, Rct and Cdl values. Theoretical investigations were undertaken to elucidate why the 15% doping concentration serves as a critical threshold limit. Both experimental and theoretical investigations delve into qualitatively accessing activity and durability along with the examination of the electronic, morphological, and magnetic properties of the material.

Assessment of groundwater quality, irrigation suitability, and health risks from radon and heavy metals near Ilokun dumpsite, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria

ABSTRACT Concentrations of 222Rn and other toxic metals (Ni, Cu, Fe, Cd, Zn, Pb, Cr, and Mn) were measured by alpha spectrometry using Rad7 and atomic absorption spectrophotometry, respectively, in the water samples from the Ilokun dumpsite, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria. The physicochemical parameters of the groundwater were also assayed to determine its suitability for drinking and irrigation purposes. While the physicochemical parameters met the World Health Organization (WHO)-safety standards, Cu, Fe, Cd, Pb, Cr, and Mn exceeded permissible limits. Hazard index (HI) values for adults (8.40) and children (39.23) indicated heightened susceptibility to non-carcinogenic health risks among both age group populations. The 222Rn concentrations present in the studied samples range from 5.4 to 23.1 Bq l−1 with an average of 13.9 Bq l−1. Approximately 60% of the samples have radon concentrations above the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-maximum contaminant level of 11.1 Bq l−1. The evaluated radiation doses to the stomach and respiratory tract due to radon content in the water are well below the WHO-specified individual dose criterion of 0.1 mSv year−1. This study suggests a need for groundwater resource management strategies and measures to protect human health from radiological and toxicological risks associated with groundwater consumption around the Ilokun dumpsite.

The Optimization of the Osborne Extraction Method for the Fractionation and Characterization of Oat Proteins

The growing number of wheat-related allergies worldwide has resulted in a new trend towards gluten-free alternatives. In this context, alternative cereals such as sorghum and oats are attracting new interest. Given the limited data available, the question of whether these cereals are completely safe and gluten-free for allergy sufferers remains open. One of the key steps in protein research is their efficient extraction. In this work, the Osborne sequential extraction method was developed and optimized using the response surface methodology in order to fractionate oat proteins. An optimized desirability of 0.986 was achieved with an extraction time of 4.7 min, a speed of 6, and a sample/solvent ratio of 5. The corresponding optimized responses were 8.7, 4.0, and 5.1% for the extraction yields of the avenin, avenalin, and albumin/globulin fractions, respectively. Further characterization of the extracts was carried out on 24 homogeneous and commercial oat samples via LC-MS/MS, targeting six potentially allergenic proteins. The avenin-E protein featured prominently, with relative contents of 60.7, 32.2, 58.0, and 59.8% in the total extract, avenin, avenalin, and albumin/globulin fractions, respectively, while the Avenin-3, ATI-2, avenin, SSG2, and SSG1 proteins in the total extract showed levels of 16.4, 9.3, 6.6, 4.8, and 2.2%, respectively. The preliminary results of an ELISA performed on the different fractions revealed low levels of gluten (from 1.24 ± 0.14 to 3.61 ± 0.16 mg/kg), which were well below the threshold limit of 20 mg/kg. These results support the hypothesis that oats can be a safe food for people suffering from cereal-related allergies. These results open the door to further studies into the comprehensive characterization of oat proteins.

Determination of Trace Elements Content of a Popular Traditional Herbal Medicine Used for Internal Hemorrhoids Treatment in Katsina State, Nigeria

Study’s Excerpt/Novelty Assessment of toxic metal concentrations of a widely used traditional herb in Katsina state, was carried out. Flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry and descriptive statistical analysis was employed in the research. Pb, Cr, and As were found to be beyond WHO/FAO thresholds. Full Abstract There has been an increase in the utilization of traditional herbal drugs for different medications and health care in Katsina state. This is possibly due to the growing need for complementary disease treatment, relative cheapness, availability, and wider distribution. Raw samples of a popularly used traditional herb (locally named - Dan Lambar Rimi) were purchased from local markets, prepared, and analyzed using a flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer for Pb, Cr, As, Co, Ni, and Cd concentrations. The obtained concentrations were then summarized using descriptive statistics in SPSS Version 27. The results for the elements analyzed were Ni (0.83 ± 0.15), Cd (0.20 ± 0.01), Pb (21.5 ± 6.63), As (2.10 ± 0.70), Cr (2.36 ± 0.37), and Co (1.15 ± 0.22) ppm. Cr, Pb and As concentrations were greater than the WHO/FAO threshold limits for herbal medicines, while that of Cd was within the recommended threshold. Furthermore, the concentrations of these metals (As, Cr, and Pb) were greater than the WHO/FAO acceptable threshold in 50% of the herbal samples analyzed. Therefore, these metals can pose a threat to public health, especially considering the conventional way in which this herbal medicine is used. With deliberate improvement in hygiene during its preparation prior to consumption, the risk will be brought to a minimal. Future studies should perform a detailed chemical risk assessment, especially when we look at the increase in the number of diseases of unknown etiology in the region.

Analytical Investigation of Phthalates and Heavy Metals in Edible Ice from Vending Machines Connected to the Italian Water Supply.

Edible ice is often produced by special machines that can represent a source of significant chemical and microbiological contamination. In this work, the presence of phthalic acid esters (phthalates, PAEs) and heavy metals in ice cubes distributed by 77 vending machines installed in two different zones in southern Italy and fed by water from the public water supply was investigated. Solid-phase microextraction coupled to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (SPME-GC/MS) was used to evaluate contamination with four PAEs, which were selected because they are commonly used in the production of food-contact plastics, while inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP/MS) was used to quantify the heavy metals. It was found that ice samples, especially those from one of the two considered zones (zone 2), exceeded the dibutyl phthalate (DBP) threshold limit value; some ice cubes from the other zone (zone 1) instead showed levels of both lead (Pb) and nickel (Ni) up to one order of magnitude higher than those observed in samples collected in zone 2 and higher than the maximum permitted values (European Directive n. 2184/2020). Since the water source connected to the ice vending machines was found to be free from significant levels of all considered target compounds and metals, the high levels of DBP, Ni, and Pb in ice cubes could be attributed to the components and/or to the state of repair of the ice vending machines themselves.