Resumo A contaminação dos recursos naturais com metais pesados liberados pelas siderúrgicas é a principal causa da poluição do solo e da água no Dargai Malakand, localizado no lado norte do Paquistão. Portanto, o presente estudo teve como objetivo determinar o teor de metais pesados em amostras de solo e água desta área. O cultivo de plantas silvestres (nove plantas nativas: Pteris vittata, Populus nigra, Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Persicaria maculosa, Arundo donax, Xanthium strumarium, Verbascum thapsus, Ricinus communis e Parthenium hysterophorus) foi testado quanto às suas capacidades de fitorremediação, que é um meio ambiente, geralmente utilizado, e abordagem de baixo custo para eliminar metais pesados de solos e águas poluídas. Amostras de solo, água e efluentes foram retiradas dos locais contaminados de sete siderúrgicas no distrito de Dargai, Malakand, e submetidas à análise de metais pesados. Com base no fator de bioconcentração (BCF) e fator de translocação (TF) calculados, o maior BCF para zinco foi registrado para as raízes de Pteris vittata (3,93), enquanto o menor valor foi observado para as folhas de Verbascum thapsus (0,306). A raiz de Pteris vittata apresentou o maior BCF para ferro (1,618), enquanto as folhas de Ricinus communis apresentaram o menor (0,023). O maior valor de BCF para cromo foi maior para raízes de Populus nigra (0,717), enquanto o menor valor foi registrado para folhas de Persicaria maculosa (0,031). Para os metais selecionados, Fe, Zn e Cr, os maiores TF foram registrados para Pteris vittata (0,988), Verbascum thapsus (0,944) e Xanthium strumairum (0,968), respectivamente. Portanto, recomenda-se que essas plantas sejam cultivadas próximas a siderúrgicas para recuperar metais pesados de efluentes industriais, solo poluído e água poluída.

Abstract The contamination of natural resources with heavy metals released from steel mills is the primary cause of soil and water pollution in the Dargai Malakand, located on the northern side of Pakistan. Therefore, the present study was aimed to determine the level of heavy metals in soil and water samples of this area. The wild plant growing (nine native plants: Pteris vittata, Populus nigra, Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Persicaria maculosa, Arundo donax, Xanthium strumarium, Verbascum thapsus, Ricinus communis and Parthenium hysterophorus) there were then tested for their phytoremediation capabilities which is an environmentally friendly, generally utilized, and low-cost approach to eliminate heavy metals from polluted soils and water. Soil, water, and effluent samples were taken from the contaminated sites of seven steel mills in Dargai District Malakand and subjected to heavy metals analysis. Based on bioconcentration factor (BCF) and translocation factor (TF) calculated, The highest BCF for zinc was recorded for Pteris vittata roots (3.93), while the lowest value was observed for Verbascum thapsus leaves (0.306). Pteris vittata root showed the highest BCF for iron (1.618), while Ricinus communis leaves showed the lowest (0.023). The highest BCF value for chromium was highest for Populus nigra roots (0.717), while the lowest value was recorded for Persicaria maculosa leaves (0.031). For the selected metals; Fe, Zn and Cr the highest TF were recorded for Pteris vittata (0.988), Verbascum thapsus (0.944) and Xanthium strumairum (0.968) respectively. Therefore, it is recommended that these plants should be grown near to steel mills to reclaim heavy metals from industrial effluent, polluted soil as well as from polluted water.

Abstract Nanosensors work on the “Nano” scale. “Nano” is a unit of measurement around 10− 9 m. A nanosensor is a device capable of carrying data and information about the behavior and characteristics of particles at the nanoscale level to the macroscopic level. Nanosensors can be used to detect chemical or mechanical information such as the presence of chemical species and nanoparticles or monitor physical parameters such as temperature on the nanoscale. Nanosensors are emerging as promising tools for applications in agriculture. They offer an enormous upgrade in selectivity, speed, and sensitivity compared to traditional chemical and biological methods. Nanosensors can be used for the determination of microbe and contaminants. With the advancement of science in the world and the advent of electronic equipment and the great changes that have taken place in recent decades, the need to build more accurate, smaller and more capable sensors was felt. Today, high-sensitivity sensors are used that are sensitive to small amounts of gas, heat, or radiation. Increasing the sensitivity, efficiency and accuracy of these sensors requires the discovery of new materials and tools. Nano sensors are nanometer-sized sensors that, due to their small size and nanometer size, have such high accuracy and responsiveness that they react even to the presence of several atoms of a gas. Nano sensors are inherently smaller and more sensitive than other sensors.

Resumo Os nanossensores funcionam na escala “Nano”. “Nano” é uma unidade de medida em torno de 10-9 m. Um nanosensor é um dispositivo capaz de transportar dados e informações sobre o comportamento e as características das partículas no nível da nanoescala para o nível macroscópico. Os nanossensores podem ser usados para detectar informações químicas ou mecânicas, como a presença de espécies químicas e nanopartículas, ou monitorar parâmetros físicos, como temperatura em nanoescala. Os nanossensores estão surgindo como ferramentas promissoras para aplicações na agricultura. Eles oferecem uma abrangente atualização em seletividade, velocidade e sensibilidade em comparação com os métodos químicos e biológicos tradicionais. Os nanossensores podem ser usados para a determinação de micróbios e contaminantes. Com o avanço da ciência no mundo e o advento dos equipamentos eletrônicos e as grandes mudanças ocorridas nas últimas décadas, sentiu-se a necessidade de construir sensores mais precisos, menores e mais capazes. Hoje, são usados sensores de alta sensibilidade que são sensíveis a pequenas quantidades de gás, calor ou radiação. Aumentar a sensibilidade, eficiência e precisão desses sensores requer a descoberta de novos materiais e ferramentas. Os nanossensores são sensores de tamanho nanométrico que, devido ao seu tamanho pequeno e tamanho nanométrico, possuem uma precisão e capacidade de resposta tão altas que reagem até mesmo na presença de vários átomos de um gás. Os nanossensores são inerentemente menores e mais sensíveis do que outros sensores.

RESUMO Para investigar o papel do esterco de vaca na recuperação do solo e bioassimilação, juntamente com a bioacumulação de metais pesados em minhocas (P. posthuma) (N = 900), minhocas foram usadas e grupos de tratamento de mistura CD-solo de diferentes proporções de esterco de vaca foram projetados. Doses não letais de acetato de chumbo e cloreto de cádmio foram adicionadas aos grupos de tratamento. P. posthuma maduros foram liberados em cada vaso experimental, mantendo as condições favoráveis. Foram avaliados o pH, carbono, nitrogênio, fósforo, cátions trocáveis e nível de metais pesados de cada mistura. Os resultados indicaram que a bioassimilação de Pb e Cd por P. posthuma foi significativamente (P ˂ 0,01) maior em diferentes tratamentos de solo-CD em relação ao controle. A maior bioassimilação de ambos os metais foi observada em T1 de ambos os grupos (Pb = 563,8 mg / kg e Cd = 42,95 mg / kg). O conteúdo de ambos os metais foi significativamente (P ˂ 0,05) reduzido na fundição. A concentração de nutrientes nas fundições finais de todos os tratamentos de solo-CD também foi igualmente transformada de menos ou insolúvel para mais solúvel e disponível para as plantas, exceto o nível de carbono que aumenta com a proporção de CD. Conclui-se que o esterco de vaca como matéria orgânica tem um efeito positivo na recuperação do solo e na bioassimilação de metais por P. posthuma.

Abstract To investigate the role of cow dung in soil reclamation and bio assimilation along with bio accumulation of heavy metals in earthworm (P. posthuma) (N=900) earthworms were used and treatment groups of CD-soil mixture of different proportion of cow dung were designed. Nonlethal doses of lead acetate and cadmium chloride were added in treatment groups. Mature P. posthuma were released in each experimental pot maintaining the favorable conditions. The pH, carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, exchangeable cations, and heavy metal level of each mixture was evaluated. The results indicated that bio-assimilation of Pb and Cd by P. posthuma were significantly (P ˂ 0.01) higher in different soil-CD treatments compared to control. Highest bio-assimilation of both metals was observed in T1 of both groups (Pb = 563.8 mg/kg and Cd = 42.95 mg/kg). The contents of both metals were significantly (P ˂ 0.05) lowered in casting. The nutrient concentration in the final castings of all soil-CD treatments were also equally transformed from less or insoluble to more soluble and available for plants, except for carbon level which increased with CD proportion. It is concluded that cow dung as organic matter has a positive effect on soil reclamation and bio-assimilation of metals by P. posthuma.

Abstract A new GC-MS method is developed for the determination of formaldehyde. Formaldehyde exposure to the food materials may lead to its migration into food. The formaldehyde is reported to be toxic to human health if taken or exposed in higher than recommended quantity. This papers reports analytical method to get the information about the content of the formaldehyde in the kitchenware. Prior to the determination process, simulation study was performed to get the information about the migration of formaldehyde. Method was applied to the real samples for formaldehyde determination. It has been observed that the all the simulated real sample witnessed migration of formaldehyde from the kitchenware. Alongside the validation study was performed too, which suggest that the method is linear in the concentration range of 2.5 to 30 mg l-1. The precision study suggests a % RSD in the range of 0.568- 3.77 for all concentration points. The recovery study highlights an excellent recovery of the method which was found in the range of 97.64-99.43%. LOD and LOD of the method was found to be 0.35 and 1 ml l-1, which is equivalent to 0.05 and 0.142 mg l-1 of formaldehyde, respectively.

Resumo Resíduo de papel, amido de milho e serragem foram utilizados como agentes geradores de poros para produzir uma cerâmica porosa. Argila caulinítica, feldspato sódico e 20% de agente gerador de poros foram misturados e as amostras foram conformadas pelo método do molde, secas à temperatura ambiente por cerca de 72 h e em forno a 115 ºC por 5 h, e depois queimadas a 1200 ºC com um tempo de patamar de 3 h. As amostras foram ensaiadas para medição das propriedades físicas e mecânicas e a microestrutura foi avaliada por microscopia eletrônica de varredura e porosimetria por intrusão de mercúrio. Os resultados mostraram que a amostra preparada com amido de milho apresentou a maior porosidade, menores propriedades mecânicas e permeabilidade, e menor tamanho de poro, enquanto as características da amostra preparada com serragem foram contrárias; finalmente, a amostra de resíduo de papel apresentou a maior permeabilidade e valores intermediários de outras propriedades.

Abstract Paper waste, corn starch, and sawdust were utilized as pore generating agents to produce a porous ceramic. Kaolin clay, sodium feldspar, and 20% of pore generating agent were mixed, and the samples were formed by mold method, dried at room temperature for about 72 h and in a furnace at 115 ºC for 5 h, and then fired at 1200 ºC with a soaking time of 3 h. The samples were tested for measurement of physical and mechanical properties and the microstructure was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy and mercury intrusion porosimetry. The results showed that the sample prepared with corn starch had the highest porosity, lowest mechanical properties and permeability, and smallest pore size, while the characteristics of the sample prepared with sawdust were contrary; finally, the sample of paper waste had the highest permeability and intermediate values of other properties.

Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr. & L.M. Perry, Myrtaceae, is an evergreen tree with anticarcinogenic, antimutagenic, aphrodisiac, antimicrobial, antioxidant and antiinflammatory properties. This study aims to investigate the anti-breast cancer effect of extracts from leaves, stem and bark of S. aromaticum and to develop a method for preparation of betulinic acid fraction from the leaves. Betulinic acid, ursolic acid and oleanolic acid contents of the extracts were determined by HPLC. A betulinic acid fraction was prepared by simple crystallization of leaves extract and was characterized by HPLC and mass analysis. Anti-breast cancer effects were studied on MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells. The extracts were found to contain high levels of betulinic acid particularly the leaves extract which contained 17% wt/wt. The betulinic acid fraction contains 75% betulinic acid. Cytotoxicity testing reveals high and selective cytotoxic effect of the stem extract on MCF-7 cells with IC50 33±1.6 µg/mL. Cytotoxic effect of the stem extract was due to activation of apoptotic machinery of cell death. Combination studies of stem extract with tamoxifen reveals antagonistic effect at high concentration of tamoxifen and enhancement effect at low concentration. The selective cytotoxicity of the stem extract of S. aromaticum on MCF-7 is not due to betulinic acid but due to other constituents yet to be discovered.

A rapid, simple and portable technique to measure Ni(II) and Cr(VI) at trace level in aqueous samples has been proposed. Colored spots were developed by interacting micro-liter drops of metal solutions with suitable reagents on TLC plates. Soon after, TLC having spots was scanned to import the image into the computer. Color densities of spots were calculated with the help of homemade software. Simple regression was practiced on calibration between standards' concentrations and their color densities. For both metals, correlation coefficients were approaching to one, which pointed out a good correlation between color densities and corresponding analyte concentrations. Real samples from electroplating unit were analyzed with the present and conventional spectrophotometric method (employed as reference), and the results were compared to evaluate the pertinence of the proposed technique in the real analysis.

Se ha propuesto una técnica rápida, sencilla y portátil para medir Ni(II) y Cr(VI) a nivel de trazas en muestras acuosas. Puntos de color de los metales se han desarrollado mediante la interacción de microlitros con reactivos adecuados en las placas de cromatografía de capa fina, TLC. Posteriormente se escanea el cromatograma para importar la imagen al ordenador. Se calcularon densidades de color de los puntos con la ayuda de un software realizado en nuestro laboratorio. Una sencilla regresión se utilizó para correlacionar las concentraciones de los estándares y las densidades de color medidas. Para ambos metales, los coeficientes de correlación se acercaban a uno, lo que indicaba una buena correlación entre la densidad del color y las correspondientes concentraciones de analito. Muestras reales provenientes de procesos electroquímicos se analizaron con este método y con el método espectrofotométrico convencional, y se compararon los resultados para evaluar su aplicación en el análisis de muestras reales.

Genetic diversity underlies the improvement of crops by plant breeding. Land races of rice (Oryza sativa L.) can contain some valuable alleles not common in modern germplasm. The aim here was to measure genetic diversity and its effect on agronomic traits among rice land-race genotypes grown in Pakistan. Diversity was measured using thirty-five microsatellite markers and seventy-five genotypes. Among the markers used a total of 142 alleles were detected at 32 polymorphic SSR loci, while three loci were monomorphic in Pakistani rice landraces. The number of alleles identified by each marker ranged from 2 to 13 with a mean of 4.4. Size differences between the smallest and largest alleles varied from 11bp to 71bp. Polymorphism information content ranged from 0.124 to 0.836, with an average of 0.569. At nine microsatellite loci, basmati-type landraces amplified more different alleles than those in the coarse-type. DNA markers RM70 and RM72 divided the rice landraces on the basis of days to flowering. A dendrogram based on total microsatellite polymorphism grouped 75 genotypes into four major clusters at 0.40 similarity coefficient, differentiating tall, late maturing and slender aromatic types from the short, early and bold non-aromatic ones. It inferred that Pakistani landraces have diverse genetic bases and can be utilized in future breeding programs. The DNA markers developed will assist in genotype identification, purity testing and plant variety protection.

Our propose was to demonstrate the brain access of the recombinant human erythropoietin, with low sialic acid content, in the Mongolian gerbil and Macaca fascicularis, as well as the safety of nasal administration in both species. Eighteen Mongolian gerbils received intranasally I125 labelled erythropoietin. Olfactory bulb and cerebellum-associated radioactivity were measured by a gamma counter. In a second experiment, erythropoietin was intranasally administered to 10 monkeys. Erythropoietin content in serum and cerebrospinal fluid obtained by lumbar puncture was determined by an ELISA method. From the intranasal administered radioactivity, a 0,8% was detected in the olfactory bulb at 5 min. In M. fascicularis, a 0,15% of the dose was determined in the cerebrospinal fluid 15 min after the intranasal administration. Treatment related-changes in blood parameters in both species were not observed. Results suggest that nasal route may be an alternative, non invasive and sure mode of access to the brain for the erythropoietin, which can be used as neuroprotector in stroke, a current health problem nowadays.

El objetivo de este estudio fue demostrar la llegada al cerebro de la molécula de eritropoyetina recombinante humana, con bajo contenido en ácidos siálicos, administrada por vía nasal en el gerbo de Mongolia y el primate Macaca fascicularis, así como la seguridad de aplicación nasal en ambas especies. Se emplearon 18 gerbos de Mongolia a los cuales se les administró eritropoyetina marcada con I125. La radioactividad asociada al bulbo olfatorio y al cerebelo fue determinada mediante un contador gamma. En un segundo experimento se administró eritropoyetina por vía nasal en 10 monos. El contenido de eritropoyetina en suero y líquido cefalorraquídeo obtenido por punción lumbar fue determinado por un ELISA que cuantifica la cantidad de molécula presente por mL. Se detectó un 0,8% de la radioactividad aplicada por la vía nasal, en el bulbo olfatorio, 5 min después de la aplicación en el gerbil de Mongolia. En el M. fascicularis se determinó un 0,15% de la dosis aplicada por vía nasal en el líquido cefalorraquídeo lumbar a los 15 min. No se observaron cambios en los parámetros sanguíneos en estas especies. Los resultados sugieren que la vía nasal constituye una alternativa de acceso no invasivo y seguro de la molécula de eritropoyetina humana recombinante al SNC, que puede tener uso como neuroprotector en accidentes cerebrovasculares, que constituyen en la actualidad un problema de salud humana.

OBJECTIVE: To assess whether coronary stenting in diabetic patients provides in-hospital results and clinical evolution similar to those in nondiabetic patients. METHODS: From July `97 to April '99 we performed coronary stent implantation in 386 patients with coronary heart disease, who were divided into two groups: diabetic patients and nondiabetic patients. The in-hospital results and the clinical evolution of each group were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: The nondiabetic group comprised 305 (79%) patients and the diabetic group 81 (21%) patients. Basic clinical and angiographic characteristics were similar. Angiographic success was in diabetics = 96.6% vs in nondiabetics = 97.9% (p=ns). Among the major complications in the in-hospital phase, the rate of myocardial infarction was higher in the diabetic group (7.4% vs 1.9%) (p=0.022). In the follow-up, a favorable and homogeneous evolution occurred in regard to asymptomatic patients, myocardial infarction, and death in the groups. A greater need for revascularization, however, existed in the diabetic patients (15% vs 2.4%, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Coronary stenting in diabetic patients is an efficient procedure, with a high angiographic and clinical success rate similar to that in nondiabetic patients. Diabetic patients, however, had a higher incidence of in-hospital myocardial infarction and a greater need for additional myocardial revascularization.