Iron and Zinc Determination in Dietary Supplements by Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry

Abstract Recent studies have demonstrated that 30% of the world's population suffers of anemia, half of the cases are related to iron deficiency, and the most common treatment is the use of iron supplementation. In this framework, the iron and zinc determination from different dietary supplements was performed by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Concerning the dissolution of supplements, direct acid dissolution, wet digestion, and microwave digestion (MW) techniques were used for sample preparation. The iron and zinc recovery results demonstrated that the MW technique was the most appropriate for all of the supplements with the highest metal recovery yields. Moreover, the method validation parameters referred to a linear range for iron of 0.1-4 mg L-1 with a regression coefficient (R2) of 0.9998 ± 0.002, while for zinc it was 0.01-1 mg L-1 (R2 = 0.9997 ± 0.003). The limit of detection and quantification values were calculated as 0.03 and 0.09 mg L-1 for iron and 0.01 and 0.02 mg L-1 for zinc, respectively. The accuracy of the method was evaluated from the % recovery yield for iron and zinc, which, respectively, resulted in an oscillate of 99.2% to 102%, and 99.4% to 100.4% for the dietary investigated supplements. The precision of the method was determined by intra-day and inter-day precision with a relative standard deviation that was <2.0%

Identification of Lead Exposure Through Saliva and the Occurrence of Gingival Pigmentation at Fuel Station Indonesian Officers

Objective: To identify the exposure of lead through saliva and the presence of gingival pigmentation in the risk group. Material and Methods: The type of this research is analytic observational with cross-sectional study design. The sample consisted of 40 subjects, who were divided into two groups of 20 each: G1: Gasoline Fuel Station and G2: Officer in Dental Hospital. To determine the level of leads in saliva is measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry and assessment of the severity of lead-gingival lead line in this study based on the area of the gingival surface based on the number of dental areas. The data were analyzed with the t-test and Chi-square test. The level of significance was set at 5%. Results: The average lead content in saliva group exposed was 6.66 µg / ml and control group 4.72 µg / ml (p≤0.05). There is a correlation between gingival lead line incidence with exposure to lead (OR = 3.33; p = 0.001). Conclusion: The identification of exposure to lead poisoning can be determined by examination in saliva and ginggiva state, it is proven that the risk of gingival lead (Ginggival Lead Line) in the worker group at the gas station station is 3.3 times more risk than the control group. Occupational safety factors are important for workers at high risk of exposure to the element of lead for additional education on the importance of using masks to prevent the severity of the occurrence of lead effects on overall health.

Evaluation of pH and calcium ion diffusion from calcium hydroxide pastes and MTA / Evaluación del pH y la difusión de iones calciode pastas de hidróxido de calcio y MTA

The aim of this ex vivo study was to evaluate changes in pH andcalcium ion diffusion through root dentin from calcium hydroxide(Ca (OH)2) and mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) pastes at 7,30 and 60 days; and the relationship between pH and iondiffusion. Thirty­two human premolars were used. Crowns weresectioned and root canals instrumented and filled in with thefollowing preparations: 1) Ca(OH)2 + distilled water (n=7); 2)Ca(OH)2 + 0.1% chlorhexidine gluconate (n=7); 3) MTA +distilled water (n=7); 4) MTA + 0.1% chlorhexidine gluconate(CHX) (n=7); 5) distilled water (n=2) (control); 6) 0.1%chlorhexidine gluconate (n=2) (control). The apex and coronaryopening were sealed with IRM. Roots were placed in Eppendorftubes with 1 ml distilled water at 37°C and 100% humidity. Atbaseline, 7, 30 and 60 days, pH was measured with pH meter,and calcium ion content in the solution was analyzed by atomicabsorption spectrophotometry. The data were statisticallyanalyzed using ANOVA, simple linear regression analysis andPearson’s correlation test. The highest pH values were achievedwith calcium hydroxide pastes at 60 days (p ≤ 0.05). Calciumions were released in all groups. The calcium hydroxide pastewith distilled water at 60 days had the highest calcium ion value(p ≤ 0.01). There was a positive correlation between calcium andpH values.

El objetivo de este estudio ex vivo fue evaluar los cambios en elpH y la difusión a través de la dentina radicular de iones calcioa partir de pastas de hidróxido de calcio (Ca (OH)2) y trióxidomineral agregado (MTA), durante 7, 30 y 60 días; y la relaciónentre el pH y la difusión de iones. Se utilizaron 32 premolareshumanos. Las coronas fueron seccionadas, los conductos radicu ­lares fueron instrumentados y obturados con las siguientespreparaciones: 1) Ca (OH)2 + agua destilada (n = 7); 2)Ca (OH)2 + gluconato de clorhexidina (CHX) al 0,1% (n = 7);3) MTA + agua destilada (n = 7); 4) MTA + gluconato declorhexidina al 0,1% (n = 7); 5) agua destilada (n = 2) (control);6) gluconato de clorhexidina al 0,1% (n = 2) (control). El ápicey la apertura coronaria se sellaron con IRM. Las raíces secolocaron en tubos Eppendorf con 1 ml de agua destilada a37 °C y 100% de humedad. Se midió el pH inicial y a los 7, 30 y60 días, con pHmetro, y se analizó el contenido de iones calcioen la solución por espectrofotometría de absorción atómica. Losdatos fueron analizados estadísticamente con ANOVA, análisisde regresión lineal y correlación de Pearson. Los valores de pHmás altos se obtuvieron con las pastas de hidróxido de calcio alos 60 días (p ≤ 0,05). Todos los grupos mostraron liberación deiones calcio. La pasta de hidróxido de calcio con agua destiladamostró el valor más alto de iones calcio a los 60 días (p ≤ 0,01).Hubo una correlación positiva entre los valores de pH y calcio.

Evaluación genotóxica de sedimentos de la cuenca Matanza-Riachuelo bajo la influence de distintos usos del suelo / Genotoxic evaluation of sludge from Matanza-Riachuelo basin under the influence of different uses of land

El Río Matanza-Riachuelo y sus afluentes atraviesan zonas con diferente grado de contaminación generada por las actividades agrícola-ganaderas, urbana e industrial. Los contaminantes que llegan al agua y son depositados en los sedimentos pueden ser liberados nuevamente al agua generando efectos tóxicos y/o genotóxicos sobre los organismos acuáticos. El objetivo de este trabajo fue analizar la genotoxicidad de muestras de sedimentos de la cuenca Matanza-Riachuelo obtenidas de zonas con diferentes usos del suelo. Se seleccionaron cuatro sitios de muestreo. Se utilizaron 2 métodos de extracción de contaminantes (agitación y sonicación), 2 solventes orgánicos (metanol y diclorometano) y 2 solventes inorgánicos (agua y solución ácida), obteniéndose un total de 5 extractos para cada muestra. Se realizaron mediciones de metales pesados e hidrocarburos aromáticos policíclicos (HAPs) mediante espectrofotometría de absorción atómica y CG/MS, respectivamente. La genotoxicidad se evaluó mediante el test de Ames con 2 cepas de Salmonella typhimurium (TA98 y TA100), con y sin fracción microsomal S9, y el test de Allium cepa. De los cuatro sitios estudiados, los sedimentos del Riachuelo mostraron mayores concentraciones de metales pesados y HAPs. Para el test de Ames, sólo los extractos obtenidos en diclorometano resultaron genotóxicos para la TA100 +S9 mix. Tanto los extractos inorgánicos como los orgánicos fueron citotóxicos y genotóxicos para A. cepa. Se observó una correlación negativa entre algunos compuestos HAPs y la frecuencia de micronúcleos, indicando la presencia de efectos antagónicos con otros compuestos genotóxicos. Los extractos con mayor efecto tóxico y genotóxico fueron los obtenidos con diclorometano y solución ácida. Este estudio mostró que los contaminantes orgánicos e inorgánicos extraídos de muestras de sedimento de la Cuenca Matanza-Riachuelo, con diferente grado de impacto, presentan un potencial riesgo tóxico y genotóxico para el ecosistema acuático.

The Matanza-Riachuelo River and its tributaries traverse areas with different degrees of contamination due to farming, urban and industrial activities. The pollutants entering the water are deposited in sediments, and can be released back into the water producing toxic and/or genotoxic effects on aquatic organisms. The aim of this study was to analyze the genotoxicity of sediment samples from the Matanza-Riachuelo Basin with different land uses. Four sampling sites according to the characteristics of land use were selected. Two methods of extraction (stirring and sonication), two organic solvents (methanol and dichloromethane) and two inorganic solvents (water and acid solution) were used, yielding a total of 5 extracts for each sample. Measurements of heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) by atomic absorption spectrophotometry and GC/MS, respectively were performed. Genotoxicity was assessed using the Ames test with 2 strains of Salmonella typhimurium (TA98 and TA100) with and without S9 microsomal fraction, and the Allium cepa test. Taking into account the four sites, sediments from Riachuelo showed higher concentrations of heavy metals and PAHs. Only the dichloromethane extracts were genotoxic to the Ames test using the TA100 strain +S9 the mix. Both organic and inorganic extracts were cytotoxic and genotoxic to A. cepa. A negative correlation between some PAHs compounds and micronucleus frequency were observed, indicating the presence of antagonistic effects with other genotoxic compounds in samples. The extracts with high toxic and genotoxic effects were obtained with dichloromethane and acid solution. This study showed that organic and inorganic contaminants extracted from sediment samples from the Matanza-Riachuelo Basin, with varying degrees of impact, have potential toxic and genotoxic risk to the aquatic ecosystem.

Uso del polen apícola como bioindicador ambiental en la determinación de plomo en el municipio Antonio Pinto Salinas, del estado Mérida-Venezuela / Bee pollen used as environmental bioindicator in the determination of lead in Antonio Pinto Salinas municipality, in Merida - Venezuela

El análisis polínico de las mieles proporciona información sobre las preferencias de las abejas y permiten determinar su origen botánico y geográfico. Por esta razón, el polen apícola por ser el segundo producto más consumido proveniente de la colmena, puede contener oligoelementos cuyas cantidades varían de una planta a otra, permitiéndole actuar como un bioindicador de contaminación ambiental, debido a que se puede determinar si existen trazas de minerales tóxicos como el plomo y el mercurio. En el presente trabajo se evaluó la concentración de plomo (Pb) en polen apícola producto de distintas colmenas del Municipio Pinto Salinas del estado Mérida. El análisis de Pb se realizó por espectroscopía de absorción atómica, con atomización electrotérmica (ETAAS). Se encontró una concentración promedio de Pb entre (0,198 -0,288) mg Pb /kg de polen apícola fresco. El método para el análisis de plomo fue realizado mediante estudios de recuperación, obteniéndose un valor de (97-104) %, con una desviación estándar relativa (DER %) < 3 % (n = 7), lo cual indica que el método empleado fue exacto y preciso. Lo que indica que la metodología aplicada en polen apícola podría ser utilizada como un método de rutina para evaluar la contaminación de plomo en el medio ambiente.

Pollen analysis of honey provides information about the preferences of bees and can determine its botanical and geographical origin. Therefore, bee pollen as the second most consumed product from the hive, which may contain trace amounts vary from one plant to another, enabling it to act as a biomarker of environmental pollution, because it can determine whether there are traces of toxic minerals such as lead and mercury. In this study we evaluated the concentration of Pb in bee pollen produced in different colonies of Pinto Salinas Municipality of the Mérida State. Pb analysis was performed by atomic absorption spectroscopy with electrothermal atomization (ETAAS). We found an average concentration of Pb from (0,198 -0,288) mg Pb / kg of fresh bee pollen The method for lead analysis was evaluated by recovery studies, obtaining a value of (97-104) %, with a standard relative standard (RSD%) < 3% (n=7), indicating that the method was accurate, precise. This indicates that the methodology used in bee pollen could be used as a routine method to assess lead contamination in the environment.

Determinación sérica de cobre, cinc y relación sérica CU/ZN en pacientes con artritis reumatoide / Determination serum copper, zinc and serum ratio Cu / Zn in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

El presente estudio tiene por objetivo comparar los niveles séricos de cobre (Cu), cinc (Zn) y el cociente molar Cu/Zn en 129 pacientes con artritis reumatoide (RA), en 94 individuos sanos como grupo control (GC) y 21 pacientes con enfermedades reumáticas no artríticas (NER), como la fibromialgia, espondilitis anquilosante entre otras. Las concentraciones séricas de Cu y Zn fueron analizadas por espectroscopía de absorción atómica en llama acoplada a un sistema de inyección en flujo continuo (EAA/FIA). Los resultados muestran un incremento significativo (p<0,05), del cobre sérico en los pacientes con AR en comparación con los otros grupos (NER y GC), este aumento fue directamente proporcional a la actividad inflamatoria de la enfermedad. El nivel medio de cinc sérico mostró una disminución progresiva. Asimismo, el detrimento sérico del cinc está relacionado con la evolución de la enfermedad o la pérdida de capacidad funcional del paciente con los niveles alterados de cobre observados en pacientes con AR activo y en etapa temprana de la enfermedad (p<0,05). Los cocientes molares de Cu/Zn fueron de 1,88; 1,14 y 1,18 para la AR, GC, y NER, respectivamente, demostrando que su modificación es más notoria que evaluar cada oligoelemento por separado. Estos hallazgos sugieren que existe una redistribución tanto del cobre como del cinc en muchos compartimientos del cuerpo, como respuesta inflamatoria. Por lo que niveles séricos de Cu, Zn y Cu/Zn molar puede ser un criterio valioso para la evaluación clínica y posiblemente, para el estudio y seguimiento de los pacientes con AR.

The aim of this study was to measure the serum levels of copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) in 129 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), in 94 healthy subjects (HS) and in 21 patients with non-rheumatic diseases (NRD) such as osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, and ankylosing spondylitis. Serum concentrations of Cu and Zn were measured by flow injection analysis/flame atomic absorption spectroscopy (FIA/FAAS). The Cu/Zn molar ratio in serum also was evaluated in these patients. The result shown that the average concentration of serum copper in patients with RA was significantly increased (p <0.05), on comparing with other patients. This increase was directly proportional to staging or disease progression while zinc concentration was significantly lower in patients with RA, but no differences were found between the stages of the disease. The values of Cu/Zn ratio were 1.88, 1.14 and 1.18, for AR, HS, and NRD patients, respectively. In conclusion, in patients with RA serum copper tend to increase and serum Zn tend to decrease and Cu/Zn molar ratio increases significantly (p<0.05). In conclusion, our results suggest that serum Cu, Zn and Cu/Zn molar ratio could be valuable criteria for clinical evaluation and possibly follow-up study of patients with RA.

Estudio comparativo de la excreción urinaria de boro, calcio, magnesio y fósforo en mujeres posmenopáusicas con y sin osteoporosis / Comparative study of the urinary excretion of boron, calcium, magnesium and phosphorus in postmenopausal women with and without osteoporosis

Con el propósito de comparar la posible relación entre las concentraciones urinarias de boro y las concentraciones de calcio, de magnesio y de fósforo en suero y orina de mujeres posmenopáusicas con y sin osteoporosis, seleccionamos 45 mujeres posmenopáusicas con más de 47 años de edad, divididas en dos subgrupos: grupo I mujeres posmenopáusicas clínicamente sanas y grupo II mujeres posmenopáusicas con osteoporosis, sin enfermedades renales, hepáticas o diabetes mellitus. Se determinó el boro (B), el fósforo (P), el calcio total (Ca) y el magnesio total (Mg) en la orina de dos horas por espectroscopia de emisión atómica con plasma acoplado por inducción (ICPA-ES), el calcio y el magnesio total en suero por espectroscopia de absorción atómica en llama (FAAS) y el fósforo inorgánico en suero y la creatinina en suero y orina por espectroscopia de absorción molecular. Los resultados obtenidos sugieren preliminarmente una diferencia significativa (p<0,05) en las concentraciones de boro y de fósforo en la orina de dos horas entre los grupos estudiados. El análisis de regresión lineal aplicado, sugiere relación entre el índice boro/creatinina y los índices calcio/creatinina, magnesio/creatinina y fósforo/creatinina en la orina de las mujeres posmenopáusicas con osteoporosis.

In order to compare the possible relationship between urinary concentrations of boron, calcium, magnesium and phosphorus in serum and urine of postmenopausal women with and without osteoporosis, we selected 45 postmenopausal women over 47 years of age, divided into two groups: group I clinically healthy postmenopausal women and group II postmenopausal women with osteoporosis, without chronic kidney and hepatic diseases or diabetes mellitus. We determined the boron (B), phosphorus (P), total calcium (Ca) and total magnesium (Mg) in the urine of two hours, by atomic emission spectroscopy with induction-coupled plasma (ICPA-ES). Total calcium and total magnesium in serum were determined by atomic flame absorption spectroscopy (FAAS) and inorganic phosphorus in serum, and creatinine in serum and urine, by molecular absorption spectrometry. The preliminary results suggest the existence of a significant difference (p <0.05) in boron and phosphorus concentrations in the urine of two hours between the groups. The model of linear regression analysis used showed a relationship between urinary concentrations of boron/creatinine index and calcium/ creatinine, magnesium/creatinine and phosphorus/creatinine indexes in the urine of postmenopausal women with osteoporosis.

Estimation of some heavy metal residues in beef and poultry meat in Elgiza province

A total of 120 random samples of beef and poultry samples [60 of each]. The beef samples were beef meat, liver and kidney [20 of each] and the poultry samples were poultry meat, liver and kidney [20 of each] were randomly collected from butcher's and poultry shops at El.Giza province. The samples were transferred to the laboratory for estimation of lead, cadmium and arsenic residues by using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The obtained results revealed that the mean values of lead, cadmium and arsenic residues in beef meat were 1.745 +/- 0.61 ppm, 0.93 +/- 0.05ppm and 53.1 +/- 3.4ppm [part per million], while the mean values of lead, cadmium and Arsenic residues in poultry meat [cuts] were 4.15 +/- 1.15ppm, 0.31 +/- 0.58ppm and 47.6 +/- 0.15ppm respectively. Also the mean values of pb, cd and As in examined beef livers were 3.15 +/- 1.08ppm, 0.95 +/- 0.15 ppm and 60.5 +/- 1.5 ppm respectively, while the mean values of pb, cd and As in examined poultry livers were 3.95 +/- 1.15ppm, 1.16 +/- 0.16ppm and 43.5 +/- 3.2ppm respectively. As well as the mean values of pb, cd and As examined beef kidney were 2.7 +/- 1.15ppm, 0.64 +/- 0.09ppm and 43.7 +/- 0.15ppm respectively. While the mean values of pb, cd and As in examined poultry kidney were 4.1 +/- 1.53ppm, 0.41 +/- 0.1ppm and 37.9 +/- 1.14ppm respectively. The public health significance and the prophylactic measures to avoid such residues were discussed

Validation of UV Spectrophotometric Method of Analysis of some Marketed Perfloxacin in Nigeria

Background: Acquiring sophisticated LC instruments by most third world laboratories is capital intensive.Literatures on simple spectrophotometric analytical methods for pefloxacin are scarce. Objectives: The present study was undertaken to develop and validate a simple and economic UV spectrophotometric method for estimating pefloxacin mesylate (PFM) in dosage preparations.Methods: Using a JENWAY spectrophotometer at predetermined emax of 277nm with 1 v/v aqueous glacialacetic acid as blank; the method was validated for linearity; accuracy; precision; reproducibility; and specificity asper International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) guidelines and used to determine the content of pefloxacinin seven marketed brands in Nigeria. Results: The method exhibited good linearity over a range of 0.40-12.0 ?g/ml (regression equation: y = 0.0859x+0.0211 ; r=0.999). Mean recovery accuracy (99.183 ) and assay result in the range of 100.5- 110.17 for these lected brands were not significantly different at p=0.05. The coefficient of variation (CV) for both intra andinter-day were below 7 . The method was specific for pefloxacin in the presence of common excipients Conclusion: The method gave good validation results and could be employed for routine analysis of PFM incommercial formulations

Avaliação dos níveis de mercúrio sistêmico em profissionais da Odontologia. Parte III: avaliação transversal / Evaluation of systemic mercury levels in dental professionals. Part III: cross-sectional evaluation

Este estudo mensurou o nível de mercúrio em profissionais em função do período de exposição ao amálgama de prata comparado a pessoas não expostas. Coletou-se 60 amostras de urina distribuídas em seis grupos, divididos em pessoas com e sem restaurações de amálgama, estudantes após o primeiro contato ocupacional, dentistas até um ano de profissão, dentistas entre 5 a 10 anos de profissão e dentistas entre 15 a 20 anos de profissão. Determinou-se o mercúrio através de espectrofotometria de absorção atômica a vapor frio (CV-AAS) em amostras de urina. A análise dos resultados apresentou que houve diferença estatisticamente significante entre os grupos (p = 0,01012). A análise dos resultados constatou que existe um risco potencial de se aumentar os níveis sistêmicos de mercúrio em função do período de manipulação do amálgama dental, apesar de que os sujeitos da pesquisa apresentarem resultados dentro do limite de tolerância biológica proposto pela OMS.

Liberación de calcio de un sellador endodóntico experimental a base de trióxido mineral / Calcium release from an experimental endodontic sealer based on mineral trioxide

El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar, en un medio acuoso, la liberación de calcio de un sellador endodóntico experimental a base de polvo de MTA Angelus mezclado con una resina polivinílica de base acuosa (polímero soluble en agua), comparativamente con el MTA Angelus. Cinco discos de sellador endodóntico experimental elaborados con polvo de MTA Angelus mezclados con con una resina de base acuosa como vehículo, fueron fabricados utilizando secciones desterilizadas de un caño de PVC de 12mm de diámetro interno y 4mm de espesor, constituyendo el grupo A. Otros 5 discos de MTA Angelus fueron elaborados según indicación del fabricante, conformando el grupo B. Todas las muestras fueron manejadas asépticamente y suspendidas en recipientes estériles conteniendo agua destilada desionizada y mantenidas a 37 grados durante 24 horas. Como control negativo se usaron dos anillos vacíos sumergidos en agua destilada estéril. Pasado ese lapso el remanente líquido fue estudiado por espectrometría de absorción atómica y generación de hidruros para determinar la concentración de calcio. El grupo A mostró una media de liberación de calcio de 0,71 g/l y el grupo B de 0,59 g/l. El grupo control no verificó concentración de calcio (0,00 g/l). A la luz de los resultados, el sellador endodóntico a base de trióxido mineral agregado presentó mayor liberación de iones de calcio comparativamente con el MTA Angelus, siendo esta diferencia estadísticamente significativa (p<0,01).

Determination of toxic metals in some herbal drugs through atomic absorption spectroscopy

This study presents a picture of occurrence of heavy metals [Pb, Cd, Cu, Cr, Co, Fe, Ni, Zn] in some selected valuable herbal drugs [G. glabra, O. bracteatum, V. odorata, F. vulgare, C. cyminum, C. sativum, and Z. officinalis] purchased from three different zones [southern, eastern, and western] of Karachi city using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Heavy metal concentrations in these drugs were found in the range of: 3.26-30.46 for Pb, 1.6-4.91 for Cd, 0.65-120.21 for Cu, 83.74-433.76 for Zn, 1.61-186.75 for Cr, 0.48-76.97 for Ni, 5.54-77.97 for Co and 65.68-1652.89 microg/g for Fe. Percentage of heavy metals that were found beyond the permissible limits were: 71.4% for Pb, 28.51% for Cd, 14.2% for Cu, and 9.5% for Cr. Significant difference was noticed for each heavy metal among herbal drugs as well as their zones of collection using two way ANOVA followed by least significant [LSD] test at p<0.05.Purpose of this research is to detect each type of heavy metal contaminant of herbal drugs by environmental pollution, as well as to highlight the health risks associated with the use of such herbal drugs that contain high levels of toxic heavy metals

Determinaçâo de metais classificados como de importância toxicológica no molusco bivalve Anadara notabilis (Róding, 1798) encontrado em Galinhos, Rio Grande do Norte, Brasil / Determination of metals of toxicological importance in the bivalve Anadara notabilis (Rõding, 1798) of Galinhos, coast of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil

Os moluscos bivalves são consumidos por todo o mundo, constituindo-se em um recurso natural de boa aceitação pela população. Foi escolhido o molusco Anadara notabilis (conhecido como Xibiu ou Búzio) para este trabalho pelo seu tamanho característico, bem maior que os mariscos mais comuns, e também por não ter sido encontrado na literatura nenhuma informação toxicológica sobre esta classe de moluscos. Todos os íons metálicos foram determinados por espectroscopia de emissão ótica com plasma indutivamente acoplado (ICP-OES) descrito pela metodologia U.S. EPA 6010C. Os resultados mostraram que estiveram presentes no molusco vários metais de caráter tóxico, porém apenas o cromo obteve valor acima do permitido pela legislação brasileira.Dentre os metais classificados como tóxicos o cobre que apresentou valor de 5,7 mg/Kg, o níquel que apresentou teor de 4,23 mg/Kg e o cromo, o único acima dos valores permitidos pela legislação brasileira, com teor de 1,7 mg/Kg, sempre considerando a amostra in natura. Como os moluscos têm a propriedade de acumular metais em seu organismo, para o consumo desse tipode alimento, deve-se tomar cuidado com as áreas próximas de sua coleta ou se cultivado, é necessário prevenir fatores que influenciem em sua contaminação.

Bivalve molluscs are consumed throughout the world, constituting a natural resource with good acceptance by the population. The mollusc Anadara notabilis (know as eared ark) was chosen for this study due to its characteristic size, much larger than most common shellfish, and the lack of toxicological information found in literature for this class of mollusks when considering metal ions toxicity. Metal ions were measured by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES), method described by U.S. EPA 6010C. Results showed that several toxic metals were present in shellfish, however only chrome was measured in levels higher than those allowed by Brazilian legislation. Among those classified as toxic metals, copper showed a value of 5.7 mg / kg, nickel of 4.23 mg / kg andchromium of 1.7 mg / kg, when considering whole shellfish samples. As molluscs are able to accumulate metals in their body, for its consumption care should be taken regarding the areas in close proximity to their collection or cultivation, including prevention of factors that influence contamination.

The relationship between PMI and concentration of potassium ion and sodium ion in swine aqueous humor after death / 法医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To explored the relationship between the concentration of potassium ion as well as sodium ion in the aqueous humor and post-mortem interval (PMI).@*METHODS@#The concentrations of potassium ion and sodium ion in the aqueous humor of swine within 48 h after death at 4 degrees C and 28 degrees C were detected using Z-500 atomic absorption spectrophotometer.@*RESULTS@#The concentrations of potassium ion and sodium ion in aqueous humor of isolated swine eyeballs within 48 h after death when the environmental temperature was 4 degrees C were significantly related to PMI. The relationship between PMI and the concentration of potassium ion was PMI = -0.178[K+]2 + 49.978 (R2 = 0.995). The relationship between PMI and the rate of sodium ion and potassium ion was PMI = 120.987/[Na+/K+]-28.834 (R2 = 0.905).@*CONCLUSION@#The concentration of potassium in aqueous humor of isolated swine eyeballs may be one of the reference indicators to estimate PMI of the corpses at lower temperatures.

Hair mercury measurement in Egyptian autistic children

A review of medical literature has shown that exposure to mercury, whether organic or inorganic, can give rise to the symptoms and traits defining or commonly found in autism spectrum disorders [ASD]. Mercury can cause impairments in social interaction, communication difficulties, and repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behavior, which comprise the three DSM-IV diagnostic criteria of autism. The aim of this work was to measure the concentration of total mercury trace elements in the hair of some Egyptian autistic children and to correlate these levels with severity of the disease. Thirty- two patients diagnosed by DSM-IV-TR criteria [diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders, 4th edition criteria, text revised] were subjected to hair mercury measurement using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry [AAS] and were compared to hair mercury measurement of fifteen, age and sex matched healthy children. Results revealed a highly significant increase in the mean hair mercury level in autistic patients than the control group [0.79 +/- 0.51 vs 0.12 +/- 0.086 ppm] respectively, [P < 0.001]. There was a significant increase of mercury level in autistic children who received routine and additional vaccines, and there was mild yet not significant increase in mercury level in patients with maternal history of dental amalgam and high fish consumption during pregnancy and also in autistic children whose mother received anti-D. There was a higher concentration of mercury levels in the hair of children with autism as compared to the age and sex matched healthy controls. Hair analysis is of potential usefulness for determination of mercury level and offering a chance for intervention to treat by chelation therapy

Coleta de amostras e métodos analíticos para determinaçãode chumbo / Collection of samples and analytical methods for lead determination

Chumbo é, frequentemente, usado como um indicador de poluição. Uma vez liberado no meio ambiente, este poluente pode seguir diferentes rotas, podendo ser convertido em espécies mais solúveis, tornado-se biodisponível. Neste artigo é apresentado de forma sucinta chumbo como poluente urbano, procedimentos de amostragem (coleta de amostras), transporte, armazenamento e preservação de amostras de interesse ambiental (solos e águas) e amostras clínicas (sangue e urina). A importância e classificação das Salas Limpas, assim como as principais técnicas analíticas para a determinação de chumbo - AAS, ICP OES e ICP-MS - também são abordadas.

The metal lead has frequently used as a sensitive pollution indicator. Once released in the environment, this pollutant can follow different ways, being converted in highly soluble species, became bioavailable. In this paper is presented in a succinct form, lead as urban pollutant, sampling procedures (collection of samples), transport, storage and preservation of environmental (soils and waters) and clinical (bloodand urine) samples. The importance and classification of clean rooms, as well as the main analytical techniques for lead determination - AAS, ICP-OES and ICP-MS - are broached too.

Atomic absorption spectrometric and colorimetric methods for determination of certain antihistaminic drugs

Two sensitive, colorimetric and atomic absorption spectrometric methods were developed for the determination of some antihistaminic drugs including acrivastine [1], fexofenadine hydrochloride [II] and cetirizine dihydrochloride [III]. The spectrophotometric method is based on the reaction of the above mentioned drugs with copper [II] to form cationic complexes, which was subsequently associated with the negatively charged rose Bengal to form ion association ternary complexes. The formed complexes were extracted with methylene chloride for acrivastine and 30% acetone in chroroform for fexofenadine hydrochloride and cetirizine dihydrochloride. The pink coloured extracts showed absorption maximum at 558 nm for [I] and 563 nm for [II] and [III]. The proposed procedures were applied over concentration ranges of [5-25], [2.5-40] and [5-50] micro g/ml for [I], [II] and [III], respectively. Molar absorptivities [epsilon], Sandell sensitivities, detection [LOD] and quantitation limits [LOQ] were calculated. Atomic absorption spectrometric method was developed, through the quantitative determination of the copper content of the complex for enhancing the sensitivity of the determination. The developed procedures were favorably applied for determination of the studied drugs in their pharmaceutical dosage forms. The obtained results were compared satisfactorily with the official and reported methods. There were no significant differences between the proposed, official and reported methods

Distribuição do metal mercúrio em atum (Thunnus albacares) e pescada bicuda (Cynoscion microlepidotus) capturados no litoral do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil / Distribution of metal mercury in tuna (Thunnus albacares) and weaker fish (Cynoscion microlepidotus) captured in Rio de Janeiro coast, Brazil

O presente estudo verificou a cinética mercurial em órgãos, tecido muscular e conteúdo estomacal de duas espécies de peixes marinhos predadores, identificando os locais de maior acumulação desse metal. Para o processo analítico, foi utilizada a técnica de espectrofotometria de absorção atômica por arraste de vapor a frio. A distribuição de Hg nas porções analisadas apresenta ampla dispersão. Para o atum, a variação foi de 0,004 µg.g-1 no fígado, nas brânquias e baço, e 0,172µg.g-1 no tecido muscular. Para a pescada bicuda, a variação foi entre 0,013µg.g-1 nas brânquias a 0,250µg.g-1 no tecido muscular. Este último demonstrou ser, nas duas espécies, a porção de maior concentração do metal, atum = 0,080±0,050µg.g-1 e pescada bicuda = 0,187±0,030µg.g-1. Os locais de menor concentração na pescada foram as brânquias 0,029±0,031µg.g-1, e no atum os olhos (0,013±0,008µg.g-1).

The mercuric kinetic in organs, muscular tissue, and stomach contents of two species of marine fish predators was evaluated by the identification of the places showing higher accumulation of the metal. For the analytical process, the used technique was cold vapor atomic absorption spectrometry. The results demonstrated that the distribution of Hg in the analyzed portions presented wiede dispersion. For Thunnus albacares, the variation was of 0.004µg.g-1 in the liver, gills and spleen, and 0.172µg.g-1 in the muscular tissue. For Cynoscion microlepidotus, the variation was between 0.013µg.g-1 in gills and 0.250µg.g-1 in muscular tissue. The latter was the portion of higher concentration of this metal in both species, T. albacares = 0.080±0.050µg.g-1 and C. microlepidotus = 0.187±0.030µg.g-1, while less concentrations were found in the gills (0.029±0.031µg.g-1) in C. microlepidotus and in the eyes (0.013±0.008µg.g-1) in T. albacares.

Speciation of antimony (III) and antimony (V) using hydride generation for meglumine antimoniate pharmaceutical formulationsquality control

The pentavalent antimonies, mainly the meglumine antimoniate, are recommends as first-choice medicines for leishmaniasis therapy. In this work we described the development of formulations of meglumine antimoniate injectable medication, as well as the analytical methodology used in the selective determination of Sb(III) and Sb(Total) by hydride generation - inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (HG-ICP-AES) and ICP-AES, respectively. On that purpose the analytical methodology was developed focusing on the HG-ICP-AES technique. The formulations using propylene glycol/water as vehicles in a 20:80 proportion were more appropriate for subsequent use in industrial scale. These formulations also showed a lower variation on Sb(III) percentage, no need of buffer solution to stabilize the formulation and no influence of the autoclaving in the quality of the product. The results of the development of the analytical methodology point out the proposed method as an efficient alternative for the determination of Sb(III) in the presence of large quantities of Sb(V) in injectable solutions of meglumine antimoniate, in a selective, linear, accurate and precise manner. In addition, the method showed a low limit of quantification, less interference of the matrix, and more resilience than batch techniques proposed in the Brazilian Pharmacopeia.

Total mercury in sharks along the southern Brazilian Coast / Mercúrio total em tubarões capturados na costa brasileira

Pesquisou-se a concentração de mercúrio total na porção muscular de 39 exemplares de tubarões de três diferentes espécies Prionace glauca, Isurus oxyrhynchus, Sphyrna zygaena, capturados na costa sul do Brasil, Santa Catarina. O teor de mercúrio foi determinado por espectrofotometria de absorção atômica por vapor frio. Observou-se ampla variação na concentração de mercúrio total com valor individual máximo excedendo o limite estabelecido pela legislação brasileira, de 1.0µg.g-1 em um exemplar fêmea de P. glauca. Nessa espécie, a concentração de Hg-total aumentou proporcionalmente ao comprimento total (r=0,62; P<0,0001). Não foi evidenciada diferença estatisticamente significativa entre exemplares fêmeas e machos