Experimental and theoretical investigations of Erbium complex: DNA/BSA interaction, anticancer and antibacterial studies

To assess the biological potential of an Er complex that contains a 2,2'-bipyridine ligand, various techniques such as multispectral and molecular modeling procedures were utilized to examine its DNA-binding ability, BSA binding affinity, antimicrobial effects, and anticancer properties. By analyzing fluorescent information and employing the vant’ Hoff equation, important parameters such as the innate docking coefficient (Kb), Stern-Volmer coefficient (KSV), and thermodynamic properties including modifications in liberated energy (ΔG°), enthalpy (∆H°), and entropy (∆S°) were determined. The trial findings suggest that the compound can bind to DNA, primarily through groove binding. Additionally, the engagement between the Er compound and the protein BSA was examined using emission spectroscopy technique, revealing a powerful binding affinity between the compound and BSA. The Er complex binds to BSA primarily via hydrogen links and van der Waals forces, as indicated by the adverse values of ΔH° and ∆S°. Through a static quenching process, the complex significantly reduces the intrinsic fluorescence of BSA. Molecular binding calculations and rivalrous binding trials confirm that this compound dock to hydrophobic remains found in site III of BSA. Additionally, the Er complex demonstrates promising results in terms of its anticancer and antimicrobial activities based on screening tests

Development of microextraction methods for the determination of sulfamethoxazole in water and biological samples: modelling, optimization and verification by central composite design

This study aimed to preconcentration of sulfamethoxazole (SMX) in water and biological samples. Ultrasound-assisted dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (UA-DLLME) and ultrasound-assisted dispersive solid-phase microextraction (UA-DSPME) methods paired with spectrophotometry were applied to extraction and preconcentration of SMX. ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles were prepared as adsorbent in UA-DSPME method by hydrothermal method. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) technique showed that the adsorbent had symmetrical, bullet-shaped particles with uniform size. The results of the X-ray diffraction (XRD) showed the successful synthesis of the ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles. Effective parameters in extraction, including ultrasonication time, disperser solvent volume, adsorbent amount, extraction solvent volume, eluent volume, and pH were investigated and optimized. The practical and optimal conditions of the process were determined by the central composite design (CCD). The optimal conditions were 0.024 g of adsorbent, 535 µL of disperser solvent volume, 7.5 min of ultrasonication time, 235 µL of eluent volume, pH of 5, and 185 µL of extraction solvent volume. Linear ranges and detection limits were 20–1,200 μg L−1 and 6 μg L−1 for UA-DSPME and 10–800 μg L−1 and 3 μg L−1 for UA-DLLME. Relative standard deviation (RSD) of less than 4% were obtained for UA-DSPME and UA-DLLME methods. The reusability showed that the ZnFe2O4 adsorbent could extract SMX up to five cycles of adsorption/desorption without significant reduction in its efficiency. Also, interference studies showed that the presence of different cations and anions did not significantly interfere in the extraction of SMX. The outcomes of real-time samples analysis showed that the extraction of SMX for both methods was in the range of 92.44%–99.12%. The results showed the developed methods are simple, sensitive, and suitable for SMX preconcentration in environmental water and biological samples

Modeling and optimizing the thermodynamics of a flat plate solar collector in transient mode for economic purposes

This study aims to optimize the economic thermodynamics of a flat plate solar collector and investigate transient heat transfer. This study focuses on modeling and optimization under unfavorable radiation conditions. The method employed here is optimization using a multi-objective genetic algorithm with the assistance of MATLAB software. The key components include objective functions, constraints, and design variables, which are the collector efficiency and the annual total price. The results indicate that increasing the length of the collector has a negative impact on the thermodynamic efficiency and increases the total annual price. Conversely, increasing the width of the collector initially improves the thermodynamic efficiency but then decreases it while also increasing the total annual price. Furthermore, increasing the number of pipes leads to a decrease in the total annual price and an initial increase followed by a decrease in the thermodynamic efficiency. The research was conducted over four different days

Optimization of removal of sulfonamide antibiotics by magnetic nanocomposite from water samples using central composite design

The present study aimed to remove sulfonamide antibiotics from water samples using magnetic Fe3O4-bentonite nanocomposite (Fe3O4-Bt) as an adsorbent. The adsorbent has a surface area of 74.27 m2 g-1, a pore size of 87.53 nm, and a pore volume of 0.146 cm3 g-1. A central composite design (CCD) matrix was employed to model and optimize the process. The optimal conditions for removing sulfonamide antibiotics were determined using Fe3O4-Bt adsorbent at an antibiotic concentration of 20 mg L-1, the amount of nanoparticles of 0.23 g, pH of 6, and ultrasonication time of 17 min. The reusability study of the Fe3O4-Bt adsorbent showed that the Fe3O4-Bt could be used five times in adsorption/desorption processes. Also, applying the Fe3O4-Bt adsorbent on real samples revealed that Fe3O4-Bt adsorbent could remove sulfonamide antibiotics in the range of 86.85–97.47% with RSD (n = 5) < 4

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the association between exposure to potentially toxic elements and gestational diabetes mellitus

Abstract Potentially toxic elements (PTEs), including heavy metal exposures, have been associated with numerous negative pregnancy and birth outcomes. However, the association between PTE exposure and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) has not yet undergone a comprehensive systematic review. Consequently, this study undertook the first-ever systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies concerning this association. All relevant articles published in English were searched in Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science until November 6, 2023, adhering to the MOOSE guidelines. The quality of retrieved studies was evaluated based on the Gascon et al. method. The meta-analysis of association estimates was performed using random effects meta-analysis. Egger’s regression was employed to evaluate publication bias. In total, 16 articles (n = 116,728 participants) were included in our review, with 11 eligible for meta-analysis. Quality assessment categorized five studies (31%) as excellent, nine studies (56%) as good, and two studies (13%) as fair. Maternal high levels of Hg during pregnancy were associated with an increased risk of GDM (for each one-quartile increase in Hg: 1.20, 95% CI 1.08, 1.31), while serum Cd levels during the second trimester were associated with a lower risk of GDM (for each one-quartile increase in Cd: 0.76, 95% CI 0.65, 0.87). Furthermore, exposure to Pb was not associated with higher risk of GDM. In summary, our comprehensive review and meta-analysis underscore the possible negative influence of Hg exposure on GDM

Exposure to heavy metals and neurocognitive function in adults: a systematic review

Abstract Exposure of individuals to heavy metals (HMs) is a growing concern with far-reaching implications for human health. HMs encompass a diverse range of elements that, when present in excess or in particular chemical forms, have the potential to elicit adverse effects on the central nervous system and cognitive function. This systematic review aims to comprehensively investigate the relationship between exposure to HMs and neurocognitive function in adults. The methodological framework for this review adheres rigorously to the Meta-analyses Of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE) guidelines. A meticulous and extensive search strategy was executed within PubMed and Web of Science, specifically targeting articles published in the English language until the cutoff date of December 5, 2023. The evaluation of the retrieved studies was systematically conducted by employing the assessment approach outlined by (Gascon et al. in Environ Int 86 60 67, 2016). The initial search yielded a substantial pool of 1573 articles, culminating in a refined selection comprising eight pertinent studies, collectively enrolling a participant cohort totalling n = 1,828,126. Notably, the studies under review predominantly manifested a cross-sectional or cohort design and were geographically situated within the continents of North America and Asia. Furthermore, it is imperative to underscore that a predominant and recurring observation emanating from the majority of the scrutinized investigations underscores a significant correlation between exposure to cadmium (Cd) and mercury (Hg) and deleterious neurocognitive outcomes in the adult population. In summary, our systematic review postulates that exposure to HMs through various routes of exposure harbors the potential for adverse effects on adult neurocognitive function; however, it is incumbent upon future research endeavors to validate and corroborate these findings through further empirical exploration