Narra X

Novel approach of determining the best absorbent for the quantification of aqueous analyte using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS): Zeolite versus bentonite

Khairunnas Ahmad, Siswoyo Prasetyo, Zaitun Zaitun, Ceudah Hajashafira — Wed, 25 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Heavy metal pollution, particularly from sources like lead (Pb), poses significant risks to human health and the environment. Monitoring heavy metal contamination is essential, and Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) is a promising technique for this purpose. However, matrix effects, particularly from adsorbent materials like zeolite and bentonite, can influence the accuracy of LIBS measurements. This study aims to investigate the matrix effects of zeolite and bentonite on the measurement of Pb using LIBS, focusing on how the physical and chemical properties of these materials impact the detection of Pb emission lines. Zeolite and bentonite samples were prepared by grinding and sieving to obtain powders with particle sizes less than 74 µm. These powders were then mixed with varying weights of lead nitrate (Pb(NO3)2) and pelletized to create uniform samples. The pellets were analyzed using LIBS, employing a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser. The emitted plasma light was collected and transmitted to a spectrometer equipped with an intensified charge-coupled device (ICCD) camera. The spectral data were accumulated over 10 laser shots to ensure accuracy in detecting the elemental composition. The study found that the matrix effects from bentonite and zeolite significantly influenced the intensity and clarity of Pb emission lines. Bentonite showed a stronger influence on Pb detection, particularly due to the presence of Fe and Ti, which affected the Pb I lines at 405.8 nm and 368.3 nm. In contrast, zeolite exhibited fewer interferences, but the matrix effect was still evident. The matrix effects of zeolite and bentonite, derived from their physical and chemical properties, significantly impact Pb measurements using LIBS. Further research into different adsorbents and their matrix effects is warranted to improve the accuracy of LIBS in heavy metal analysis.

Fabrication and characterization of SiO2-embedded castor oil-based membrane (Ricinus communis L) for aqueous Fe adsorption

Wed, 25 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Castor seed oil (Ricinus communis L) can be utilized for the manufacturing of membranes reacted with toluene diisocyanate (TDI). The aim of this study was to examine the effect and membrane characteristics of castor seed oil with a combination of silica used as an adsorbent, with a combination of silica (SiO2) 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 1.5 mg, and 2 mg. The initial analysis of the membrane was carried out with a swelling test of 1.5 mg of silica variation to obtain the most ideal result of 200%. The best chemical resistance characterization occurred at a variation of 1.5 mg of silica. Further characterization, particularly the FTIR test, thermal test, mechanical test, and SEM test, showed that there were Si-O groups and amine groups (NH2), and on the membrane there were groups OH, C=O, and NH. The thermal characterization of the silica membrane (1.5 mg) gave the greatest residue concentration, measuring 3.2%. In mechanical terms, the silica membrane has a higher elongation value than the membrane. In SEM characterization, the silica membrane has holes and is solid. This study indicated that the highest drop in Fe metal occurred at an immersion period of 6 hours with a combination of silica with a flux value of 9.25 L/m2 hour and a rejection value of 0.098%.

Hydroxyurea therapy for children with sickle cell anemia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Wed, 25 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Sickle cell anemia (SCA) is a major global health issue, particularly among pediatric population, influenced by factors such as malaria susceptibility and genetic distribution. On the other hand, hydroxyurea therapy has been a well-established and accepted treatment for SCA, with over 25 years of clinical experience. It has been proven to be safe and effective in preventing vaso-occlusive events and chronic organ damage. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of hydroxyurea in alleviating pediatric SCA. This study was comprised of a systematic literature search and meta-analysis in accordance with the PRISMA and the Cochrane Handbook guidelines. A systematic search was performed on PubMed, Cochrane, and ScienceDirect databases for relevant literature published as of January 2024. Placebo-controlled clinical trials reporting the efficacy of hydroxyurea in managing SCA among pediatric patients were included in the systematic review. The eligible studies were further assessed for its reporting quality using Risk of Bias 2.0. Pooled analysis was carried out using a random effect model, where the effect size was calculated based on the mean difference (MD) and 95% confidence interval (95%CI). Three randomized clinical trials comprised of 423 participants were included in the studies. Among patients receiving hydroxyurea, significant improvement was observed in fetal hemoglobin (HbF) with MD of 9.45% (95%CI: 2.15–16.75), but not in mean corpuscular volume (MCV) (MD=8.77 fL (95%CI: -28.85–46.39). Hydroxyurea also significantly reduced white blood cell (WBC) (MD=-4.21 cells/mm³; 95%CI: -5.68–-2.93), absolute neutrophil count (ANC) (MD=-1.43 cells/mm³; 95%CI: -2.11–-0.74), absolute reticulocyte count (ARC) (MD=-141.85 cells/mm³; 95%CI; -172.77–-110.94), and platelet count (MD=-74.92 cells/mm³; 95%CI: -117.05–-32.78). In conclusion, hydroxyurea is efficacious in treating pediatric SCA, as observed in the HbF, WBC, ANC, ARC, and platelet count.

Low-cost and easy-to-use light spectroscopy can be used to monitor release behavior of essential oils

Wed, 25 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Patchouli oil is considered a crucial ingredient for perfume, cosmetic, food and beverage manufacturing. Evaluating the volatility behavior of patchouli oil is important because it influences the aroma profile, quality, formulation, shelf life, therapeutic efficacy, and economic value of the oil. The aim of this study was to explore the ability of a low-cost and easy-to-use light-spectral triad sensor for the assessment of evaporation behavior of patchouli oil. We used a portable SparkFun Triad Spectroscopy Sensor comprised of three sensors including AS72651 (near-infrared range), AS72652 (visible range), and AS72653 (ultra-violet range). The sensor was connected to its Arduino-compatible microcontroller (SparkFun RedBoard) through Qwiic Connect System. The sensor's onboard microcontroller facilitated the collection of spectral data across 18 channels, encompassing wavelengths from 410 nm to 940 nm. The spectral data were observed qualitatively to determine the most optimum wavelength for analyzing the evaporation behavior. The data were modeled using AutoRegressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA). Our findings revealed that the spectral intensity is distinguishable at λ=535 nm. The ARIMA modeling indicated that the crude essential oil follows an ARIMA (0,1,0) model with drift, characterized by a negative drift parameter of -1.35 (standard error=0.33; σ2=0.74). In contrast, the heavy fraction is best described by an ARIMA (0,0,0) model with a non-zero mean of 450.33 (SE=0.35; σ2=0.86). Ljung-Box test suggested the absence of significant autocorrelation for both crude (p=0.33) and heavy fraction patchouli oil (p=0.5). In conclusion, the light spectroscopy is potential for monitoring the evaporation behavior of patchouli oil, though optimization remains necessary.

Relationship between urinary bisphenol A and age at menarche among adolescent girls: A study in Sumatera Utara Province, Indonesia

Vriancha A. Putri, Karina S. Arto , Aridamuriany , Amos Dangana, Yao-Hsuan Chiu — Wed, 25 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Bisphenol A (BPA) is an endocrine-disrupting chemical widely used in various consumer products. Due to its estrogenic properties, BPA exposure is suspected to influence reproductive development, particularly the timing of menarche in adolescent girls. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between urinary BPA levels and the age at menarche among adolescent girls in Sumatera Utara Province, Indonesia. A cross-sectional study was conducted in January 2023 involving 30 adolescent girls aged 9–14 years attending junior high school in Sumatera Utara. Data on age, body weight, height, and body mass index (BMI) were collected. Urinary BPA levels were detected using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The Mann-Whitney U test was employed to determine the association between BPA detection and age at menarche. BPA was detected in the urine of 3 out of 30 participants. The median age at menarche for girls with detectable BPA was 11 years, while those without detectable BPA had a median age of 11 (ranging from 10 to 12 years). The difference in age at menarche between the two groups was not statistically significant (p=0.646). In conclusion, this study did not find a significant association between urinary BPA levels and the timing of menarche among adolescent girls in Sumatera Utara Province. Further research with a larger sample size and consideration of additional confounding factors is recommended to better understand the potential impact of BPA on pubertal development.

Intensity and Prevalence of Ectoparasites in Mangrove Crabs (Scylla serrata) Desa Deah Raya Village, Syiah Kuala University, Banda Aceh City

Wed, 25 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Mangrove crab (Scylla serrata) is a fishery commodity that has high economic value. The supply of mangrove crabs in Indonesia is still dominated by wild catches. One of the places to catch mangrove crabs in Banda Aceh City is the Mangrove Area of Deah Raya Village, Syiah Kuala District. Mud crabs are very susceptible to infestation by pathogens in their environment. Pathogens that are often found infesting mud crabs are parasites. Ectoparasite attacks are very dangerous for mud crabs because they can cause damage to the body organs of mud crabs. Therefore, this research was conducted to determine the level of intensity and prevalence of ectoparasites in mud crabs (Scylla serrata) caught by fishermen in Deah Raya Village. This research uses a survey method with a purposive sampling method. Ectoparasite examination is carried out using the smear method. This research was conducted at the Hatchery Laboratory of the Faculty of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries in May 2024. Mangrove crabs (Scylla serrata) were studied by 30 individuals. The results of the observations found types of ectoparasites from the protozoa phylum, namely Zoothamnium sp, Epistylis sp, Vorticella sp, and from the arthropod phylum Octolasmis sp. The prevalence value of the type of ectoparasite that infests Scylla serrata is Zoothamnium sp (50%) infection "very often" Epistylis sp (20%) infection "often" Vorticella sp (10%) infection "often" Octolasmis sp (10%) infection "often" The intensity value of the type of ectoparasite that infests Scylla serrata is Zoothamnium sp. (7.5 ind/head) "Medium" infection Epistylis sp. (5 ind/head) "Low" infection Vorticella sp.(2ind/head) "Low" infection and Octolasmis sp.(1 ind/head) "Low" infection ”