Improved preconcentration workflow for organic explosive traces in aqueous samples using solvent-assisted dispersive solid-phase extraction

The present study deals with the development of a solvent-assisted dispersive solid phase extraction method for the extraction of HMX, RDX, and TNT from aqueous samples. Benzophenone and methanol were selected as explosives sorbent and dispersive solvent respectively. Extraction parameters like pH, extraction time, amount of sorbent, volume and type of the disperser solvent and centrifuge time were optimized. Dispersion of 0.5 mL dispersive solution (4% (w/v) benzophenone in methanol) was performed by injection into the 5 mL aqueous sample (pH=7) using a 1.0 mL syringe. After centrifuge, the extracted explosives were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection (HPLC-Uv). The results indicated that the linear ranges with the correlation coefficients of 0.99 ≤ R2 were 1.6-204.6 μg L-1, 1.4-213.7 μg L-1 and 1.3-225.9 μg L-1 for HMX, RDX and TNT respectively. The limit of detection and limit of quantification obtained for each explosive were: 0.3 μg L-1 and 0.8 μg L-1 for HMX, 0.3 μg L-1 and 0.9 μg L-1 for RDX and 0.2 μg L-1 and 0.7 μg L-1 for TNT. Finally, the practical applicability of the developed method was evaluated for the extraction of some organic explosives in water samples followed their determination by HPLC-Uv.

Waist to height ratio as a simple tool for predicting mortality: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The association of central obesity with higher rates of mortality is not well studied. This study evaluates the association between waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), as a measure of central obesity, with mortality.

METHODS

Documents were retrieved from PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases until May 2022. Data were extracted from cohort studies reporting effect size (hazard ratio (HR)) regarding the association between WHtR as a continuous (per 1 SD increment) or categorical (highest/lowest) measure and all-cause and cause-specific mortality. Screening of included studies was performed independently by two authors. Moreover, the quality assessment of included studies was performed based on the Newcastle-Ottawa assessment scale. Finally, random effect meta-analysis was performed to pool the data, and the outcomes' certainty level was assess based on the GRADE criteria.

RESULTS

Of the 815 initial studies, 20 were included in the meta-analysis. Random effect meta-analysis showed that in the general population, the all-cause mortality HRs for categorical and continuous measurements of WHtR increased significantly by 23% (HR:1.23; 95% CI: 1.04-1.41) and 16% (HR:1.16; 95% CI: 1.07-1.25), respectively. Moreover, the hazard of cardiovascular (CVD) mortality increased significantly for categorical and continuous measurements of WHtR by 39% (HR:1.39; 95% CI: 1.18-1.59) and 19% (HR:1.19; 95% CI: 1.07-1.31). The quality assessment score of all included studies was high.

CONCLUSIONS

Higher levels of WHtR, indicating central obesity, were associated with an increased hazard of CVD and all-cause mortality. This measure can be used in the clinical setting as a simple tool for predicting mortality.

Dietary carbohydrate quality index and cardio-metabolic risk factors

Introduction: Improving the quality of diet is known as one of the practical ways to reduce cardio-metabolic risk factors (CMRFs). The carbohydrate quality index (CQI) is a relatively new index to evaluate diet quality. It is calculated based on the ratio of solid carbohydrates to total carbohydrates, dietary fibre intake, glycemic index and the ratio of whole grains to total grains. This systematic review and meta-analysis was designed to investigate the association between dietary CQI and CMRFs. Methods: In this systematic review, some international databases, including Scopus, PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Google Scholar up to July 2022, were searched according to appropriate keywords. All observational studies with an English full text assessing the association between the dietary CQI and CMRFs were included. Two researchers independently extracted the data and assessed the quality of the articles with the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Random/fixed-effect meta-analysis was used to pool standardized mean difference (SMD) as an effect size. Results: 11 studies with a total of 63962 subjects were found to be eligible and included in the qualitative synthesis; only BMI, WC and metabolic syndrome reached the threshold of 3 reports with the same effect size and thus only 5 were included in the meta-analysis. The main finding of the included studies was that there were inverse associations between CQI and CMRFs, mainly obesity, glucose metabolism indices, and blood pressure. In the five studies included in the random effect meta-analysis, the association between CQI and body mass index (SMD: 0.45, 95%CI: -0.12, 1.01), waist circumference (SMD: -0.09, 95%CI: -0.34, 0.15) and metabolic syndrome (SMD: 0.63, 95%CI: -0.01, 1.28) was not statistically significant. Conclusion: Although the qualitative findings support the positive association of CQI with CMRFs, the evidence is insufficient to conclude robust findings. Further observational and interventional studies are needed to clearly elucidate this association.

Association of normal weight obesity phenotype with inflammatory markers: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Individuals with normal weight could suffer from obesity based on their body fat percentage (also known as normal weight obesity (NWO)), thus being at risk of significant morbidity and mortality compared to the general population. It seems that inflammatory pathways and chronic inflammation are significant contributors to the pathogenicity of NWO. This study aimed to assess and pool the association of proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines with NWO.

Methods

In this systematic review and meta-analysis, online international databases (PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Google Scholar) were searched until August 2022. All observational studies with an English full text comparing the mean levels of proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., C-reactive protein (CRP), various types of interleukins (IL) s, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF)) and white blood cell (WBC) count, in subjects with NWO and "normal weight non-obese (NWNO)" were included. Two researchers independently screened, reviewed and assessed the quality of included studies. The remaining articles' data were extracted post-screening. The heterogeneity between studies was assessed using the I² and Cochran's Q tests. A random effect model meta-analysis was used to pool the standardized mean difference (SMD) as an effect size.

Results

From the initial 559 studies, 21 and 19 were included in the qualitative and quantitative synthesis, respectively. In the systematic review, 8 studies reported a significant association between various proinflammatory cytokines (CRP, IL₆, IL_1β, and TNFα) and NWO. According to random-effect meta-analysis, the association between NWO with CRP (SMD: 0.60, 95% CI: 0.30, 0.91) and IL6 (SMD: 0.90, 95%CI: 0.14, 1.66) was statistically significant. Moreover, the mean level of TNF_α in subjects with NWO and NWNO did not differ significantly (SMD: 0.67, 95% CI: -0.36, 1.70).

Conclusion

The findings of this study show that NWO was associated with high levels of CRP and IL6. Therefore, inflammatory pathways may play a role in the pathogenicity of NWO.

Coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) and its natural environmental impacts

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is the official name of a respiratory infectious disease caused by a new coronavirus that started first in Wuhan, China, and outspread worldwide with an unexpectedly fast speed. Flights have been canceled worldwide and transportation has been closed nationwide and across international borders. As a consequence, the economic activity has been stopped and stock markets have been dropped. The COVID-19 lockdown has several social and economic effects. Additionally, COVID-19 has caused several impacts on global migration. On the other hand, such lockdown, along with minimal human mobility, has impacted the natural environment somewhat positively. Overall carbon emissions have dropped, and the COVID-19 lockdown has led to an improvement in air quality and a reduction in water pollution in many cities around the globe. A summary of the existing reports of the environmental impacts of COVID-19 pandemic are discussed and the important findings are presented focusing on several aspects: air pollution, waste management, air quality improvements, waste fires, wildlife, global migration, and sustainability.

Coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) and its natural environmental impacts

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is the official name of a respiratory infectious disease caused by a new coronavirus that started first in Wuhan, China, and outspread worldwide with an unexpectedly fast speed. Flights have been canceled worldwide and transportation has been closed nationwide and across international borders. As a consequence, the economic activity has been stopped and stock markets have been dropped. The COVID-19 lockdown has several social and economic effects. Additionally, COVID-19 has caused several impacts on global migration. On the other hand, such lockdown, along with minimal human mobility, has impacted the natural environment somewhat positively. Overall carbon emissions have dropped, and the COVID-19 lockdown has led to an improvement in air quality and a reduction in water pollution in many cities around the globe. A summary of the existing reports of the environmental impacts of COVID-19 pandemic are discussed and the important findings are presented focusing on several aspects: air pollution, waste management, air quality improvements, waste fires, wildlife, global migration, and sustainability.

Evaluation of different gridded rainfall datasets for rainfed wheat yield prediction in an arid environment

The accuracy of daily output of satellite and reanalysis data is quite crucial for crop yield prediction. This study has evaluated the performance of APHRODITE (Asian Precipitation-Highly-Resolved Observational Data Integration Towards Evaluation), PERSIANN (Rainfall Estimation from Remotely Sensed Information using Artificial Neural Networks), TRMM (Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission), and AgMERRA (The Modern-Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications) precipitation products to apply as input data for CSM-CERES-Wheat crop growth simulation model to predict rainfed wheat yield. Daily precipitation output from various sources for 7 years (2000-2007) was obtained and compared with corresponding ground-observed precipitation data for 16 ground stations across the northeast of Iran. Comparisons of ground-observed daily precipitation with corresponding data recorded by different sources of datasets showed a root mean square error (RMSE) of less than 3.5 for all data. AgMERRA and APHRODITE showed the highest correlation (0.68 and 0.87) and index of agreement (d) values (0.79 and 0.89) with ground-observed data. When daily precipitation data were aggregated over periods of 10 days, the RMSE values, r, and d values increased (30, 0.8, and 0.7) for AgMERRA, APHRODITE, PERSIANN, and TRMM precipitation data sources. The simulations of rainfed wheat leaf area index (LAI) and dry matter using various precipitation data, coupled with solar radiation and temperature data from observed ones, illustrated typical LAI and dry matter shape across all stations. The average values of LAI_max were 0.78, 0.77, 0.74, 0.70, and 0.69 using PERSIANN, AgMERRA, ground-observed precipitation data, APHRODITE, and TRMM. Rainfed wheat grain yield simulated by using AgMERRA and APHRODITE daily precipitation data was highly correlated (r² ≥ 70) with those simulated using observed precipitation data. Therefore, gridded data have high potential to be used to supply lack of data and gaps in ground-observed precipitation data.

Evaluation of pro-oxidant-antioxidant balance (PAB) and its association with inflammatory cytokines in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

Chronic low-grade inflammation has been suggested as a key contributor of the pathogenesis and development of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). To investigate the association between oxidative stress status and inflammatory cytokines in follicular fluid of 21 PCOS women compared to 21 women with normal ovarian function who underwent intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection. Concentration of IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and TNF-α was measured using sandwich ELISA. Oxidative stress was examined by measuring total oxidant status (TOS), malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and thiol groups. PCOS women had an elevated concentration of MDA and TOS compared to controls. Levels of TAC and thiol groups were lower in PCOS compared to controls. PCOS patients had a higher concentration of IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α compared to controls. Concentration of IL-10 was lower in PCOS compared to controls. Significant correlations were found between MDA and TOS concentration with TNF-α and between IL-6 and MDA, IL-8 and TAC, IL-10 and TOS levels and also between IL-10 and TAC levels. TAC and thiol groups were negatively correlated with TNF-α. Increased oxidative stress in PCOS is associated with inflammation which is closely linked. Inflammation can induce production of inflammatory cytokines in this syndrome and directly stimulates excess ovarian androgen production.

A case series of a luteolin formulation (NeuroProtek®) in children with autism spectrum disorders

There has been an impressive, little understood increase in cases of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The lack of any distinctive pathogenetic mechanism has hampered the development of any effective treatments. Increasing evidence indicates oxidative stress, brain inflammation, gastrointestinal (GI) dysfunction and allergic symptoms may be present in ASD patients. The flavone luteolin has anti-oxidant, anti-flammatory, anti-allergy and neuroprotective properties. Given these findings, a dietary supplement was developed with a unique mixture of luteolin with the related flavonoids quercetin and rutin in a liposomal formulation of olive kernel oil (OKO), which increases their absorption. Results are presented for children with ASD (n=37, 4-14 years old) who had not obtained any benefit from multiple other regimens and who used this formulation for at least 4 months. GI and allergy symptoms improved in about 75 percent of children, eye contact and attention in 50 percent, social interaction in 25 percent and resumption of speech in about 10 percent. There were no adverse effects. Even though these results represent an uncontrolled open case series, they are encouraging because they suggest good tolerability and potential effectiveness.

HSV-2 Seroepidemiology and Risk Factors among Iranian Women: A Time to New Thinking

BACKGROUND

Genital herpes is a common sexually transmitted disease in many developed and developing countries mostly caused by Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). This study determines the prevalence of HSV-2 infection between two groups of women with high and low risk behaviors.

METHODS

In this seroepidemiologic study, 362 women attending obstetrics and gynecology clinics as low risk group and 156 prisoners and drop in center resident women in Tehran as high risk group were enrolled. HSV infection was identified by serologic tests on blood samples.

RESULTS

The prevalence of IgG antibody in high risk group was significantly more than low risk women (26.3% vs. 2.5%). The prevalence of IgM antibody in high risk group was less than low risk group (3.8% vs. 7.1%) but the difference was not statistically significant. In high risk group, there was significant association between positive IgG and anal/oral sex, use of condom, smoking and drug addiction as well as genital pain, burning, itching, ulcer, dysuria, and history of genital infection. In low risk group, association between positive IgM and IgG test results and risky behaviors were not significant. There was significant association between IgM and genital itching, rash, and ulcer.

CONCLUSION

Relatively high seroprevalence of anti-HSV-2 IgG and high frequency of genital Herpes among high risk women necessitates regular screening and safe sex education programs. Moreover, risk of acute infection in this group should not be ignored and its distribution in Iranian population should be alarmingly concerned.

Luteolin and thiosalicylate inhibit HgCl(2) and thimerosal-induced VEGF release from human mast cells

HgCl2 is a known environemental neurotoxin, but is also used as preservative in vaccines as thimerosal containing ethyl mercury covalently linked to thiosalicylate. We recently reported that mercury choloride (HgCl(2)) can stimulate human mast cells to release vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which is also vasoactive and pro-inflammatory. Here we show that thimerosal induces significant VEGF release from human leukemic cultured LAD2 mast cells (at 1 microM 326 ± 12 pg/106 cells and 335.5 ± 12 pg/106 cells at 10 microM) compared to control cells (242 ± 21 pg/106 cells, n=5, p less than 0.05); this effect is weaker than that induced by HgCl2 at 10 microM (448 ± 14 pg/106 cells) (n=3, p less than 0.05). In view of this finding, we hypothesize that the thiosalicylate component of thimerosal may have an inhibitory effect on VEGF release. Thimerosal (10 microM) added together with the peptide Substance P (SP) at 2 microM, used as a positive control, reduced VEGF release by 90 percent. Methyl thiosalicylate (1 or 10 microM) added with either SP or HgCl2 (10 microM) inhibited VEGF release by 100 percent, while sodium salicylate or ibuprofen had no effect. Pretreatment for 10 min with the flavonoid luteolin (0.1 mM) before HgCl2 or thimerosal compeletly blocked their effect. Luteolin and methyl thiosalicylate may be useful in preventing mercury-induced toxicity.

Prevalence of zinc deficiency in 3-18 years old children in shiraz-iran

BACKGROUND

Zinc is an essential trace element with a prominent role in human nutrition. Zinc deficiency has been linked to growth retardation, hypogonadism in males, and lack of sexual development in females. It ranges from 50% in sub-Saharan Africa to 5% in high income countries. The aim of this study is to evaluate the prevalence of zinc deficiency in healthy children in Shiraz, southern Iran.

METHODS

In this study, 902 children aged 3-18 years old were randomly sampled for serum zinc level. Age, sex, weight, height, BMI, stunting and wasting indices were also recorded. With atomic absorption spectrophotometry method, the serum level of zinc less than 70 µg/dL was considered as deficient.

RESULTS

Mean serum level of zinc was 122.3±55 µg/dL. The prevalence of zinc deficiency was 7.9%. There was no relationship among serum zinc level and age, sex, height, weight or BMI, but mild wasting (weight for age) and mild stunting (height for age) were significantly more prevalent among zinc deficient children compared to children with normal or high level of zinc.

CONCLUSION

Zinc deficiency in Shiraz is not as prevalent as other areas of Iran. It was significantly more frequent among stunted and wasted (malnourished) children. Difference in soil zinc level, recent wide prescription of zinc supplements by pediatricians and especial pattern of nutrition, considered as possible factors responsible for lower prevalence of zinc deficiency in Shiraz, deserve more investigations.

Iron status in female athletes participating in team ball-sports

Iron deficiency anemia is the most prevalent micronutrient deficiency in the world, affecting 20-50% of the world's population. It is estimated that 10 and 20% of male and female athletes are iron deficient, respectively. Iron deficiency has deleterious effects on the physical performance of athletes. It decreases aerobic capacity, increases heart rate and elongates the recovery time after exercise. In this cross-sectional study, 42 semi-professional female athletes who had been playing in basketball, volleyball and handball super league teams served as subjects. Data on socioeconomic and fertility status as well as the type of sport were obtained through a questionnaire. Nutritional data were gathered with a 3 day dietary recall. Total intake of calorie, iron, zinc, folate, vitamin C and B12 were also analyzed. In addition, ferritin and TIBC were measured and a CBC test was done for each subject. The results showed that the mean total calorie intake of women was 2049.79 +/- 735.12 kcal, where their iron intake was 22.33 +/- 9.24 mg day(-1). There was a significant difference between the iron intake of basketball and volleyball players (p = 0.036). Of our subjects, 33.33% had low ferritin levels (< 30 ng mL(-1)) and it was lowest in handball players. Higher than normal ferritin levels were seen in 12.5% of the subjects. We saw a significant difference in ferritin levels of basketball and handball players (p = 0.047). We conclude that the intake of calorie and iron is low in female athletes and therefore, their hematological indices such as ferritin level are below standard values.

Folic acid efficacy as an alternative drug added to sodium valproate in the treatment of acute phase of mania in bipolar disorder: a double-blind randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of adding folic acid to sodium valproate in the acute phase of mania.

METHOD

Following a double-blind randomized controlled trial, 88 clinically manic patients with diagnosis of type I bipolar disorder (BID) were divided randomly into two groups (case and control). The case group was treated with folic acid and sodium valproate and the control group with sodium valproate and placebo. The severity of mania was assessed using the Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) at the beginning and end of the first, second and third weeks of the study.

RESULTS

The case group's mean manic YMRS measurements (SD) before the initiation of therapy and in the first, second and third weeks of treatment were 34.0 +/- 7.7, 26.7 +/- 2.1, 18.1 +/- 2.1 and 7.1 +/- 0.9 respectively. The control group's measurements were 34.7 +/- 3.8, 27.3 +/- 2.3, 20.7 +/- 2.5 and 10.1 +/- 1.1. There was a statistically significant difference in YMRS scaling results between the case and control groups after 3 weeks of treatment (7.1 +/- 0.9 vs. 10.1 +/- 1.1, P = 0.005).

CONCLUSION

Based on our findings, folic acid seems to be an effective adjuvant to sodium valproate in the treatment of the acute phase of mania in patients with bipolar disorder.