The Frequency of Hypoglycemia and Its Symptoms in Preterm Neonates in the First 24 Hours.

Introduction Hypoglycemia is a critical concern in neonatal care, particularly among preterm infants. This study aims to investigate the frequency of hypoglycemia within the first 24 hours of life in preterm neonates, considering factors such as gestational age (GA), birth weight, and gender. Materials and methods A cross-sectional study was conducted from February to August 2021. The sample comprised 186 preterm infants selected through consecutive sampling. Data collection involved demographic information, glucose level monitoring, and symptom assessment. Results Of the 186 preterm neonates, 31.7% (n=59) experienced hypoglycemia within the first 24 hours, with feeding refusal being the predominant symptom. There was a significant difference in hypoglycemia occurrence between infants born before and after 32 weeks of gestation (p<0.05). Males were slightly more affected than females, although not statistically significant. Infants weighing less than 2 kg showed a higher susceptibility to hypoglycemia. Conclusion The early detection and management of hypoglycemia are crucial in preterm neonatal care. Close monitoring, especially in the initial four hours, is essential to prevent complications. Larger studies are warranted to confirm these findings and improve understanding and management strategies for hypoglycemia in preterm neonates, particularly within the first 24 hours of life.

Design and Construction of a Portable IoT Station.

This paper discusses the design and implementation of a portable IoT station. Communication and data synchronization issues in several installations are addressed here, making possible a detailed analysis of the entire system during its operation. The system operator requires a synchronized data stream, combining multiple communication protocols into one single time stamp. The hardware selected for the portable IoT station complies with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) industrial standards. A short discussion regarding interface customization shows how easily the hardware can be modified so that it is integrated with almost any system. A programmable logic controller enables the Node-RED to be utilized. This open-source middleware defines operations for each global variable nominated in the Modbus register. Two applications are presented and discussed in this paper; each application has a distinct methodology utilized to publish and visualize the acquired data. The portable IoT station is highly customizable, consisting of a modular structure and providing the best platform for future research and development of dedicated algorithms. This paper also demonstrates how the portable IoT station can be implemented in systems where time-based data synchronization is essential while introducing a seamless implementation and operation.

Synthesis of modified Schiff base appended 1,2,4-triazole hybrids scaffolds: elucidating the in vitro and in silico α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitors potential.

The current study involves the synthesis of Schiff bases based on 1,2,4-triazoles skeleton and assessing their α-amylase and α-glucosidase profile. Furthermore, the precise structures of the synthesized derivatives were elucidated using various spectroscopic methods such as 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR and HREI-MS. Using glimepiride as the reference standard, the in vitro α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitory activities of the synthesized compounds were evaluated in order to determine their potential anti-diabetic properties. All analogues showed varied range of inhibitory activity having IC50 values ranging from 17.09 ± 0.72 to 45.34 ± 0.03 µM (α-amylase) and 16.35 ± 0.42 to 42.31 ± 0.09 µM (α-glucosidase), respectively. Specifically, the compounds 1, 7 and 8 were found to be significantly active with IC50 values of 17.09 ± 0.72, 19.73 ± 0.42, and 23.01 ± 0.04 µM (against α-amylase) and 16.35 ± 0.42, 18.55 ± 0.26, and 20.07 ± 0.02 µM (against α-glucosidase) respectively. The obtained results were compared with the Glimepiride reference drug having IC50 values of 13.02 ± 0.11 µM (for α-glucosidase) and 15.04 ± 0.02 µM (for α-amylase), respectively. The structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies were conducted based on differences in substituent patterns at varying position of aryl rings A and B may cause to alter the inhibitory activities of both α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes. Additionally, the molecular docking study was carried out to explore the binding interactions possessed by most active analogues with the active sites of targeted α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes.

Synthesis of 2,4-dihydroxyacetophenone derivatives as potent PDE-1 and -3 inhibitors: in vitro and in silico insights.

Aim: Synthesis of novel bis-Schiff bases having potent inhibitory activity against phosphodiesterase (PDE-1 and -3) enzymes, potentially offering therapeutic implications for various conditions. Methods: Bis-Schiff bases were synthesized by refluxing 2,4-dihydroxyacetophenone with hydrazine hydrate, followed by treatment of substituted aldehydes with the resulting hydrazone to obtain the product compounds. After structural confirmation, the compounds were screened for their in vitro PDE-1 and -3 inhibitory activities. Results: The prepared compounds exhibited noteworthy inhibitory efficacy against PDE-1 and -3 enzymes by comparing with suramin standard. To clarify the binding interactions between the drugs, PDE-1 and -3 active sites, molecular docking studies were carried out. Conclusion: The potent compounds discovered in this study may be good candidates for drug development.

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Hydrophobic Microenvironment Modulation of Ru Nanoparticles in Metal-Organic Frameworks for Enhanced Electrocatalytic N2 Reduction.

The modulation of the chemical microenvironment surrounding metal nanoparticles (NPs) is an effective means to enhance the selectivity and activity of catalytic reactions. Herein, a post-synthetic modification strategy is developed to modulate the hydrophobic microenvironment of Ru nanoparticles encapsulated in a metal-organic framework (MOF), MIP-206, namely Ru@MIP-Fx (where x represents perfluoroalkyl chain lengths of 3, 5, 7, 11, and 15), in order to systematically explore the effect of the hydrophobic microenvironment on the electrocatalytic activity. The increase of perfluoroalkyl chain length can gradually enhance the hydrophobicity of the catalyst, which effectively suppresses the competitive hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Moreover, the electrocatalytic production rate of ammonia and the corresponding Faraday efficiency display a volcano-like pattern with increasing hydrophobicity, with Ru@MIP-F7 showing the highest activity. Theoretical calculations and experiments jointly show that modification of perfluoroalkyl chains of different lengths on MIP-206 modulates the electronic state of Ru nanoparticles and reduces the rate-determining step for the formation of the key intermediate of N2H2 *, leading to superior electrocatalytic performance.

An analysis of morphological and genetic diversity of mango fruit flies in Pakistan.

Fruit flies of genus Bactrocera are important insect pests of commercially cultivated mangos in Pakistan limiting its successful production in the country. Despite the economic risk, the genetic diversity and population dynamics of this pest have remained unexplored. This study aimed to morphologically identify Bactrocera species infesting Mango in major production areas of the country and to confirm the results with insect DNA barcode techniques. Infested mango fruits from the crop of 2022, were collected from 46 locations of 11major production districts of Punjab and Sindh provinces, and first-generation flies were obtained in the laboratory. All 10,653 first generation flies were morphologically identified as two species of Bactrocera; dorsalis and zonata showing geography-based relative abundance in the two provinces; Punjab and Sindh. Morphological identification was confirmed by mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase gene subunit I (mt-COI) based DNA barcoding. Genetic analysis of mtCOI gene region of 61 selected specimens by the presence of two definite clusters and reliable intraspecific distances validated the results of morphological identification. This study by morphological identification of a large number of fruit fly specimens from the fields across Pakistan validated by insect DNA barcode reports two species of Bactrocera infesting mango in the country.

Nexus among the perceived infrastructural, social, economic, and environmental impact of CPEC: A case of Pakistan.

Despite its ambitious "economic sustainability" objectives, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has been the subject of growing environmental anxiety. Considering the CPEC developments, it is clear that Pakistan is ready to fully embrace this new industrial chapter and take advantage of its major benefits to solve social, energy, infrastructure, and economic problems. However, it should also seriously commit to undertaking proper environmental impact assessments and upgrading system resilience. Data was collected from 400 respondents from Pakistan, and structural equation modeling was applied with the help of AMOS. Factor analysis and structural equation modeling techniques were used to estimate the results and test the study's hypothesis. The results indicate a strong socio-economic impact across perceived economic, infrastructure, social, and total impacts, but they identify a negative association between infrastructure innovation and environmental sustainability. Moreover, results revealed that infrastructure supports social and economic growth, but it might have a substantial negative impact on biodiversity. According to findings, Pakistan may be more vulnerable to climate change due to three potential environmental issues: coal-fired power plants, CO2 concentration along the CPEC route, and increased traffic on the Karakorum Highway. Furthermore, future international trade will be significantly impacted by the corridor. It may, however, also accelerate the destruction of the ecosystem over time due to the industrial revolution.

Do circular economy, public-private Partnership and carbon policy manage the environmental stress? Developed countries' situation under the Prism of COP27.

Since the Industrial Revolution, the economies have played well to make progress in economic growth. Besides, rapid growth has brought severe challenges, and environmental degradation is one of them. Therefore, the globe has introduced several green initiatives, such as the Kyoto Protocol, the Paris Agreement, and the Sustainable Development Goals, but the problem remains intact. Specifically, this study focuses on COP27 and highlights the key challenges and their best solutions. Undoubtedly, most nations have tried to meet their settled targets by 2030, but these have different priorities to facilitate their populace. Therefore, international cooperation has been introduced as a logical solution to collaborate across borders or within the region to deal with sustainability themes. However, developed nations have environmental problems due to industrial, income, and population growth, directly associated with environmental risks. Thus, under the SDGs, this empirical research tries to cover the critical problems (income, population aging, & industrial development) and their best alternative (public-private partnership, emission taxes & circular economy) to minimize environmental issues. Similarly, the current study utilizes an advanced series of estimators to investigate the study's objective for 17 developed nations from 2000 to 2021. Investigated outcomes describe income, population aging, and industrial activities that bring carbon emissions. Conversely, carbon policy and public-private partnerships support the sustainability theme for specified economies. Under the base model, the circular economy declines the environmental pressure by 0.016 %, 0.002 %, and 0.019 %, respectively, under the specified estimators. Moreover, this empirical research investigates the mediating role of carbon policy, public-private partnership & circular economy on industrial development. It brings a significant decline in emissions only for carbon policy & circular economy. However, this study also proposes some green policies to become clean & green shortly.

Therapeutic potential of boswellic acids: an update patent review (2016-2023).

INTRODUCTION: Boswellic acids (BAs) are a group of pentacyclic triterpenoids of the ursane and oleanane type. They have shown very interesting biological properties that have led to the development of a number of synthesis protocols. Both natural BAs and their synthetic derivatives may be useful in the treatment of a variety of cancers, viral infections and inflammatory diseases. AREAS COVERED: This review covers patents relating to the therapeutic activities of natural BAs and their synthetic derivatives. The latest patented studies of boswellic acids (are summarized by using the keywords 'boswellic acid,' in SciFinder, PubMed, and Google Patents and databases in the year from 2016 to 2023. EXPERT OPINION: Boswellic acids have shown potent antiviral, anticancer and anti-inflammatory potential. Few BAs analogues have been prepared by modification at the C24-CO2H functional groups. In particular, the C-24 amide and amino analogues have shown enhanced anticancer effects compared to the parent AKBA. In addition, BAs have the ability to form conjugates with other antiviral, anti-inflammatory and anticancer drugs that synergistically enhance their biological efficacy. In addition, this conjugation strategy will increase the solubility and bioavailability of BAs, which is one of the most important issues in the development of BAs.

Stainless Steel Mesh in Electrochemistry: Comprehensive Applications and Future Prospects.

Stainless steel mesh (SSM) has emerged as a cornerstone in electrochemical applications owing to its exemplary versatility, electrical conductivity, mechanical robustness, and corrosion resistance. This state-of-the-art review delves into the diverse roles of SSM across a spectrum of electrochemical domains, including energy conversion and storage devices, water treatment technologies, electrochemical sensors, and catalysis. We meticulously explore its deployment in supercapacitors, batteries, and fuel cells, highlighting its utility as a current collector, electrode, and separator. The review further discusses the critical significance of SSM in water treatment processes, emphasizing its efficacy in supporting membranes and facilitating electrocoagulation, as well as its novel uses in electrochemical sensing and catalysis, which include electrosynthesis and bioelectrochemistry. Each section delineates the recent advancements, identifies the inherent challenges, and suggests future directions for leveraging SSM in electrochemical technologies. This comprehensive review showcases the current state of knowledge and articulates the novel integration of SSM with emerging materials and technologies, thereby establishing a new paradigm for sustainable and efficient electrochemical applications. Through critical analysis and insightful recommendations, this review positions itself as a seminal contribution, paving the way for researchers and practitioners to harness the full potential of SSM in advancing the electrochemistry frontiers.

Impact of diet and physical activity on reproductive profile: A comparison of middle-aged and elderly men.

Age is a known determinant of reproductive health and fertility in both genders. The present work aims to assess the reproductive hormone profile of a middle-aged and elderly man. For this descriptive cross-sectional study, healthy male subjects (n=77) were recruited from the valley. Any individual suffering from any acute or chronic diseases and on drugs was ruled out from the study. Group A consisted of 40 elderly men between 60-70 years of age, and Group B comprised 37 men between 35-46 years of age. Blood samples were taken to estimate the reproductive hormone profile. Level of oxidant and antioxidant: Malondialdehyde and Glutathione. The demographic variables, which included retrospective and prospective questions, helped to assess the physical activity and diet intake behaviour of all inducted individuals. The analysis of the reproductive profile of both groups was similar and within the normal range of standards. However, the median level of LH was higher in group A than in group B: 6.7 mIU/ml versus 3.4 mIU/ml, respectively, and p<0.003. Both groups showed predominantly involvement in physical activity, >90%. The correlation of biochemical variables gives an insight into the fact that the Mediterranean diet and physical activity help to maintain a normal BMI. These implicate the normal secretion of various hormones, leading to intact spermatogenesis. We can safely deduce from this study that physically active lifestyles and a healthy diet are crucial factors in maintaining an endocrine profile.

L'âge est un déterminant connu de la santé reproductive et de la fécondité chez les deux sexes. Le présent travail vise à évaluer le profil hormonal de la reproduction d'un homme d'âge moyen et âgé. Pour cette étude transversale descriptive, des sujets masculins en bonne santé (n = 77) ont été recrutés dans la vallée. Toute personne souffrant de maladies aiguës ou chroniques et prenant des médicaments a été exclue de l'étude. Le groupe A était composé de 40 hommes âgés de 60 à 70 ans et le groupe B de 37 hommes âgés de 35 à 46 ans. Des échantillons de sang ont été prélevés pour estimer le profil des hormones reproductives. Niveau d'oxydant et d'antioxydant : Malondialdéhyde et Glutathion. Les variables démographiques, qui comprenaient des questions rétrospectives et prospectives, ont permis d'évaluer l'activité physique et le comportement alimentaire de tous les individus intronisés. L'analyse du profil reproducteur des deux groupes était similaire et se situait dans la fourchette normale des normes. Cependant, le taux médian de LH était plus élevé dans le groupe A que dans le groupe B : respectivement 6,7 mUI/ml versus 3,4 mUI/ml et p<0,003. Les deux groupes présentaient une participation prédominante à l'activité physique, > 90 %. La corrélation des variables biochimiques donne un aperçu du fait que le régime méditerranéen et l'activité physique contribuent à maintenir un IMC normal. Celles-ci impliquent la sécrétion normale de diverses hormones, conduisant à une spermatogenèse intacte. Nous pouvons déduire de cette étude qu'un mode de vie physiquement actif et une alimentation saine sont des facteurs cruciaux pour maintenir un profil endocrinien.

Synthesis, characterization and biological evaluation of aurones as potential neuroprotective agents.

Aim: To synthesize aurone (Ar) derivatives and to demonstrate their effects against diabetes mellitus (DM) and neurodegeneration. Materials & methods: Five Ar (A-E) derivatives were synthesized, characterized by proton NMR and screened for antioxidant, anti-diabetic and anti-cholinesterase activities. They were further evaluated for neuroprotective effects in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced neurodegenerative model. Results: Among the aurone derivatives ArE demonstrated significant reversal of cognitive impairment, oxidative stress and neuroinflammation. Biochemical analysis revealed anti-diabetic and neuroprotective effects, possibly through downregulation of inflammatory markers and upregulation of antioxidant enzymes. Conclusion: Synthesized Ar (A-E) exhibits promising therapeutic potential against STZ-induced neurodegeneration and DM by modulating inflammatory and oxidative pathways, suggesting a novel avenue for disease management.

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Systematic Analysis of Biological Processes Reveals Gene Co-expression Modules Driving Pathway Dysregulation in Alzheimer's Disease.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) manifests as a complex systems pathology with intricate interplay among various genes and biological processes. Traditional differential gene expression (DEG) analysis, while commonly employed to characterize AD-driven perturbations, does not sufficiently capture the full spectrum of underlying biological processes. Utilizing single-nucleus RNA-sequencing data from postmortem brain samples across key regions-middle temporal gyrus, superior frontal gyrus, and entorhinal cortex-we provide a comprehensive systematic analysis of disrupted processes in AD. We go beyond the DEG-centric analysis by integrating pathway activity analysis with weighted gene co-expression patterns to comprehensively map gene interconnectivity, identifying region- and cell-type-specific drivers of biological processes associated with AD. Our analysis reveals profound modular heterogeneity in neurons and glia as well as extensive AD-related functional disruptions. Co-expression networks highlighted the extended involvement of astrocytes and microglia in biological processes beyond neuroinflammation, such as calcium homeostasis, glutamate regulation, lipid metabolism, vesicle-mediated transport, and TOR signaling. We find limited representation of DEGs within dysregulated pathways across neurons and glial cells, suggesting that differential gene expression alone may not adequately represent the disease complexity. Further dissection of inferred gene modules revealed distinct dynamics of hub DEGs in neurons versus glia, suggesting that DEGs exert more impact on neurons compared to glial cells in driving modular dysregulations underlying perturbed biological processes. Interestingly, we observe an overall downregulation of astrocyte and microglia modules across all brain regions in AD, indicating a prevailing trend of functional repression in glial cells across these regions. Notable genes from the CALM and HSP90 families emerged as hub genes across neuronal modules in all brain regions, suggesting conserved roles as drivers of synaptic dysfunction in AD. Our findings demonstrate the importance of an integrated, systems-oriented approach combining pathway and network analysis to comprehensively understand the cell-type-specific roles of genes in AD-related biological processes.

Sero-epidemiology of bluetongue in ruminants raised on private holdings in North-Western Pakistan.

This study investigated the sero-epidemiology of bluetongue in ruminants in North-Western Pakistan. A total of 3,173 serum samples were collected from small (n = 1,651) and large (n = 1,522) ruminants being reared by farmers in 14 districts. Antibodies to bluetongue virus (BTV) were detected using competitive ELISA. The overall prevalence of BTV antibodies was 65%. A significant association (P < 0.05) between the prevalence of BTV antibodies and the risk factors including sex, species, age, area, husbandry practices and breed was shown by univariate analysis. In multivariate analysis, the seroprevalence was 6.5 (95% CL = 3.7-11.4), 5.9 (95% CL = 3.8-9.4) and 2.4 (95% CL = 1.5-3.7) times higher in buffaloes, cattle and goats than sheep, respectively. The seroprevalence was 1.4 (95% CL = 1.1-1.7) times higher in local breeds than in cross/exotic breeds. The seroprevalence was 1.6 (95% CL = 1.1 to 2.3) times higher in sedentary animals than in nomadic animals. The seroprevalence was significantly associated with age. Further work is required to determine the BTV serotypes prevalent in the study area for effective control of the disease.

Phase 1/2 AAV5-hRKp.RPGR (Botaretigene Sparoparvovec) Gene Therapy: Safety and Efficacy in RPGR-associated X-linked Retinitis Pigmentosa.

PURPOSE: To assess the safety and efficacy of AAV5-hRKp.RPGR in participants with retinitis pigmentosa GTPase regulator (RPGR)-associated X-linked retinitis pigmentosa (XLRP). DESIGN: Open-label, phase 1/2 dose escalation/expansion study (NCT03252847). METHODS: Males (≥5 years old) with XLRP-RPGR were evaluated. In the dose escalation phase, subretinal AAV5-hRKp.RPGR (low: 1.0×1011 vg/ml; intermediate: 2.0×1011 vg/ml; high: 4.0×1011 vg/ml) was administered to the poorer-seeing eye (n = 10). Dose confirmation (intermediate dose) was carried out in 3 pediatric participants. In the dose expansion phase, 36 participants were randomized 1:1:1 to immediate (low or intermediate dose) or deferred (control) treatment. The primary outcome was safety. Secondary efficacy outcomes included static perimetry, microperimetry, vision-guided mobility, best corrected visual acuity, and contrast sensitivity. Safety and efficacy outcomes were assessed for 52 weeks for immediate treatment participants and 26 weeks for control participants. RESULTS: AAV5-hRKp.RPGR was safe and well tolerated, with no reported dose-limiting events. Most adverse events (AEs) were transient and related to the surgical procedure, resolving without intervention. Two serious AEs were reported with immediate treatment (retinal detachment, uveitis). A third serious AE (increased intraocular pressure) was reported outside the reporting period. All ocular inflammation-related AEs responded to corticosteroids. Treatment with AAV5-hRKp.RPGR resulted in improvements in retinal sensitivity and functional vision compared with the deferred group at Week 26; similar trends were observed at Week 52. CONCLUSIONS: AAV5-hRKp.RPGR demonstrated an anticipated and manageable AE profile through 52 weeks. Safety and efficacy findings support investigation in a phase 3 trial.

The recent advances in the approach of artificial intelligence (AI) towards drug discovery.

Artificial intelligence (AI) has recently emerged as a unique developmental influence that is playing an important role in the development of medicine. The AI medium is showing the potential in unprecedented advancements in truth and efficiency. The intersection of AI has the potential to revolutionize drug discovery. However, AI also has limitations and experts should be aware of these data access and ethical issues. The use of AI techniques for drug discovery applications has increased considerably over the past few years, including combinatorial QSAR and QSPR, virtual screening, and denovo drug design. The purpose of this survey is to give a general overview of drug discovery based on artificial intelligence, and associated applications. We also highlighted the gaps present in the traditional method for drug designing. In addition, potential strategies and approaches to overcome current challenges are discussed to address the constraints of AI within this field. We hope that this survey plays a comprehensive role in understanding the potential of AI in drug discovery.

Solitonic solutions and stability analysis of Benjamin Bona Mahony Burger equation using two versatile techniques.

This study aims to explore the precise resolution of the nonlinear Benjamin Bona Mahony Burgers (BBMB) equation, which finds application in a variety of nonlinear scientific disciplines including fluid dynamics, shock generation, wave transmission, and soliton theory. Within this paper, we employ two versatile methodologies, specifically the extended exp ( - Ψ ( χ ) ) expansion technique and the novel Kudryashov method, to identify the exact soliton solutions of the nonlinear BBMB equation. The solutions we discovered involve trigonometric functions, hyperbolic functions, and rational functions. The uniqueness of this research lies in uncovering the bright soliton, kink wave solution, and periodic wave solution, and conducting stability analysis. Furthermore, the solutions' graphical characteristics were explored through the utilization of the mathematical software Maple 2022 ( https://maplesoft.com/downloads/selectplatform.aspx?hash=61ab59890f2313b2241fde3423fd975e ). The system's physical interpretation is defined through various types of graphs, including contour graphs, 3D-surface graphs, and line graphs, which use appropriate parameter values. These recommended techniques hold significant importance and are applicable in diverse nonlinear evolutionary equations found in the field of nonlinear sciences for illustrating nonlinear physical models.

Isothermal and kinetic screening of methyl red and methyl orange dyes adsorption from water by Delonix regia biochar-sulfur oxide (DRB-SO).

In this study, Delonix regia seed pods (DRSPs) as a locally available material were refluxed in 90% H2SO4 to yield a novel D. regia seed pods biochar-sulfur oxide (DRB-SO). FTIR, BET, BJH, SEM, EDX, XRD, DSC and TGA were applied to investigate the characterizations of the prepared DRB-SO. Various adsorption parameters like pH effect, dye concentration effect, adsorbent dose, reaction time isotherm and kinetic study were carried out to explain the process of adsorption of methyl orange (MO) and methyl red (MR) onto DRB-SO. Langmuir's adsorption model perfectly explained the adsorption process onto the surface of DRB-SO as a monolayer. The maximum adsorption efficiency of DRB-SO was (98%) and (99.6%) for MO and MR respectively which attained after 150 min with an adsorbent dose of 0.75 g/L. The pseudo-second-order kinetic model best explained the process of adsorption of MO and MR dyes by DRB-SO. The highest observed adsorption amount was as high as 144.9 mg/g for MO dye and 285.7 mg/g for MR dye, comparable with other reported materials based on activated carbon materials. All of the outcomes signposted a prodigious perspective of the fabricated biochar composite material in wastewater treatment. Using the regenerating DRB-SO through an acid-base regeneration process, six cycles of adsorption/desorption were examined. Over the course of the cycles, there was a minor decrease in the adsorption and desorption processes. Also, it was revealed what the most plausible mechanism was for DRB-SO to absorb the ions of the MO and MR dyes.

SPE-UHPLC-ESI-MS/MS Analysis of Cocaine and Its Metabolites in Conventional and Alternative Biological Specimens: Application to Real Samples.

An increase in cocaine abuse has been observed globally since the past decade. Cocaine is among the commonly abused stimulants used for recreational purposes. In this study, the SPE-UHPLC-MS/MS method was developed and validated to be applied on real specimens of 20 chronic cocaine abusers to quantify cocaine/metabolites in conventional as well as alternative biological matrices. Cocaine was extracted from biological specimens using solid-phase extraction followed by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry analysis. Chromatographic separation was achieved on a Poroshell120EC-18 column (2.1 mm × 50 mm, 2.7 µm particle size) using water-acetonitrile in 0.1% formic acid as a mobile phase in gradient elution mode. The flow rate of the mobile phase was 0.5 mL/min with a gradient varying the percentage of acetonitrile linearity ranging 15-95% in 6.0 min acquisition time, and the injection volume was set at 5 µL. Positive electrospray ionization with multireaction ion monitoring mode using two ion transitions for cocaine/metabolites and one for cocaine-d3 was employed. The quantification method demonstrated good linear ranges of 0.025-250 ng/mL in blood, urine, and oral fluid (ng/mg for hair and nail) with a ≥0.991% determination coefficient. The detection limit and lower quantification limit were 0.005 and 0.025 ng/mL in all matrices, respectively. The mean extraction recovery and ionization suppression ranged from 89.3 to 99.8% and -4.6 to -14.4% in the studied matrices. Within-run and between-days precisions were 1.8-7.2% and 1.9-6.1%, respectively. This study will not only help in quantifying cocaine/metabolites in alternative specimens (hair, nail, and oral fluid) but also guide clinical and forensic toxicologists in interpretation of exhumation cases. Furthermore, multiple specimens' analyses can be of significance in estimating the time/manner of drug exposure, in confirming the results of laboratories in cases of doubtful clinical histories, or in aiding medico-legal investigations.