Sexually transmitted infections and associated risk factors among the transgender population of Pakistan.

Background: Transgender (TG) people are key drivers for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) all over the world. There is substantial evidence that STIs are associated with an increased likelihood of risky sexual behavior however little is known about the prevalence of STIs (HIV, HBV, HCV, and Syphilis) among HIV infected transgender population in Pakistan.

Methods: The current study investigated the seroprevalence of four STIs and associated socio-demographic risk factors among TGs of Punjab, Pakistan from July 2019 to June 2021.

Inhibitor and Activator: Dual Role of Subsurface Sulfide Enables Selective and Efficient Electro-Oxidation of Methanol to Formate on CuS@CuO Core-Shell Nanosheet Arrays.

Selective electro-oxidation of aliphatic alcohols into value-added carboxylates at lower potentials than that of the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is an environmentally and economically desirable anode reaction for clean energy storage and conversion technologies. However, it is challenging to achieve both high selectivity and high activity of the catalysts for the electro-oxidation of alcohols, such as the methanol oxidation reaction (MOR). Herein, a monolithic CuS@CuO/copper-foam electrode for the MOR with superior catalytic activity and almost 100% selectivity for formate is reported.

Human exposure to toxic elements through facial cosmetic products: Dermal risk assessment.

Facial cosmetics are the most commonly consumed product, mainly by the women from all over the world irrespective of their age. The facial cosmetics may be contaminated with several toxic elements, which can get absorb on to the facial skin and migrate to the blood vessels. Hence the absorbed toxic elements can cause further adverse effects on the human body.

Deep-eutectic-solvent-based dispersive and emulsification liquid-liquid microextraction methods for the speciation of selenium in water and determining its total content levels in milk formula and cereals.

Rapid and environmentally friendly ultrasound-assisted dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (US-DLLμE) and vortex assisted-emulsification liquid-liquid microextraction (VA-ELLμE) methods are proposed for the speciation of selenium in domestic and mineral water samples. A deep eutectic solvent (DES) prepared with different ratios of choline chloride and phenol is used as an extractant for hydrophobic tetravalent Se complexed with diethyldithiocarbamate in different water samples. The total inorganic Se species levels in water samples were determined via reducing Se(vi) to Se(iv), using sodium thiosulphate as a reducing agent.

Evaluate the exposure of toxic metals via drinking water and smoking nonbranded cigarette in malnourished women by modified single/two-step cloud point extraction.

Presently, the exposure of heavy metals (cadmium and lead) was determined in biological sample (serum) of women (pregnant and nonpregnant) who belong to low socioeconomic group (malnutrition). The cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) were determined in drinking water and locally produced cigarette (bidi), smoking by women of childbearing age. The preconcentration of heavy metals in serum, water, and tobacco of bidi were carried out by cloud point extraction at single and two-step methods before determination by atomic absorption spectrometry with flame mode.

Geochemical exposure of heavy metals in environmental samples from the vicinity of old gas mining area in northern part of Sindh Pakistan. Adverse impact on children.

In early nineteen century, a gas field was operational in southern part of Sindh, Pakistan for power production. The plant was completely un-operational for last three decades, whereas all wastage and raw materials are still dumped there, which might be the source to contaminate the ground water. The most of the workers population still living in different villages nearby the gas field.

An environmental friendly enrichment method for microextraction of cadmium and lead in groundwater samples: Impact on biological sample of children.

A novel ionic liquid-based vortex assisted dispersive liquid-liquid micro extraction procedure(IL-VADLLμE) was proposed for the enrichment of toxic metals, cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) in different types of water samples, domestic treated and groundwater (tube well and hand pump). Whereas, the concentration of both toxic metals was also determined in the scalp hair of children (age ranged 1-3 years), drinking contaminated groundwater termed as exposed group, whereas for comparative purposes scalp hair of age matched children consumed domestically treated water, named as non-exposed group. To preconcentrate the trace levels of Cd and Pb, a green chelating agent, l-cysteine (2-amino-3-sulfhydrylpropanoic acid) was used for complexation, an ionic liquid, 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate [BMIM] [PF] utilized as extractant and hexafluorophosphate ion (PF) as anion pairing agent, which facilitate the enrichment of hydrophobic complexes of analytes into the acceptor phase.

A rapid ultrasonic energy assisted preconcentration method for simultaneous extraction of lead and cadmium in various cosmetic brands using deep eutectic solvent: A multivariate study.

An innovative ultrasonic assisted microextraction method using a deep eutectic solvent for entrapping the organ metallic complexes was developed to pre-concentrate the trace quantities of cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) in lipsticks and eye shadows of different brands prior to flame atomic absorption spectrometry analysis. A deep eutectic solvent (DES) was used in this study, prepared by mixing metal salt (ZnCl) and hydrogen bond donors such as (acetamide) in different ratio. The different branded cosmetic items, lipstick and eye shadows, obtained from local market and subjected to acid digestion prior to application of proposed ultrasonic assisted microextraction method based on deep eutectic solvent (UAµE-DES) with the aid of mechanical and ultrasound energies.

Molecular and phenotypic characterization of the vancomycin-resistant gene in bacterial isolates acquired from catheter tips.

Gram-positive bacteria, particularly Staphylococcus aureus is a significant pathogen, not only in the hospital setting but the community also. S. aureus is a major cause of serious hospital and community-acquired infections, particularly in the colonized individuals.

Ultrasonically Dispersed Ionic Liquid-Based Microextraction of Lead in Biological Samples of Malnourished Children Prior to Analysis by Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry.

In the present study, a simple ultrasonically dispersed modified liquid-phase microextraction method was developed for the extraction of lead (Pb) from blood and scalp hair samples of malnourished children (MNC). The complexation of Pb was executed by means of the complexing agent, ammonium pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate (APDC), whereas extraction was carried out through the ionic liquid (IL), 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate. Ultrasound energy was used for the dispersion and extraction of the metal complex into an IL because it enhances the extraction of the metal complex into infinite IL drops at a temperature range of 40-80°C for 1-5 min.

Application of ultrasonically modified cloud point extraction method for simultaneous enrichment of cadmium and lead in sera of different types of gallstone patients.

A novel and greener ultrasonically assisted/modified cloud point extraction procedure for the simultaneous preconcentration of lead and cadmium in serum samples of different types of gallstone patients was developed. The chelates of the under study metals, formerly formed with 8-hydroxyquinoline, were extracted in the micelles of a nonionic surfactant prior to analysis by flame atomic absorption spectrometer (FAAS). After the arrival of the cloud point, the critical micellar mass produced was homogenously dispersed in the aqueous phase with the help of ultrasound energy.

Variation of calcium, copper and iron levels in serum, bile and stone samples of patients having different types of gallstone: A comparative study.

Background: Epidemiological data among the human population has shown a significantly increased incidence of gallstone (GS) disease worldwide. It was studied that some essential (calcium) and transition elements (iron and copper) in bile play an important role in the development of GS.

Method: The estimation of calcium, copper and iron were carried out in the serum, gall bladder bile and different types of GS (cholesterol, mixed and pigmented) of 172 patients, age ranged 20-55years.

Ultrasonic energy enhanced the efficiency of advance extraction methodology for enrichment of trace level of copper in serum samples of patients having neurological disorders.

An innovative dual dispersive ionic liquid based on ultrasound assisted microextraction (UDIL-μE), for the enrichment of trace levels of copper ion (Cu), in serum (blood) of patients suffering from different neurological disorders. The enriched metal ions were subjected to flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). In the UDIL-μE method, the extraction solvent, ionic liquid, 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate [Cmim][PF], was dispersed into the aqueous samples using an ultrasonic bath.

Vortex-assisted ionic liquid-based dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction for assessment of chromium species in artificial saliva extract of different chewing tobacco products.

A novel dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (ILDLLμE) method using an extracting solvent (ionic liquid) and dispersant (Triton X-114) was developed for the separation and preconcentration of hexavalent chromium (Cr) in artificial saliva extract (ASE) of chewing tobacco products, gutkha, and mainpuri (n = 23). In the proposed method, the extraction of Cr was accomplished by using ammonium pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate (APDC) as complexing agent and 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate [CMIM] [PF] as extracting solvent. The tiny droplet of metal chelate was then dispersed into TX-114 emulsion, using vortex mixer.

Correlation of Cadmium and Magnesium in the Blood and Serum Samples of Smokers and Non-Smokers Chronic Leukemia Patients.

It was studied that cancer-causing processes are related with the disproportions of essential and toxic elements in body tissues and fluid. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the levels of magnesium (Mg) and cadmium (Cd) in serum and blood samples of smokers and nonsmokers who have chronic myeloid (CML) and lymphocytic (CLL) leukemia, age ranged 31-50 years. For comparative study, age-matched smokers and nonsmoker males were chosen as controls/referents.

Chromium Exposure in the Adult Population, Consuming Different Types of Smokeless Tobacco Products in Pakistan.

The pervasive smokeless tobacco (SLT) consumption and diseases related to its use is a hot topic for the public discussion. In this study, concentrations of chromium (Cr) were measured in different SLT products [snuff (dry and moist), mainpuri, and gutkha] offered and used in Pakistan. The current study was also designed to assess the Cr levels in the biological (scalp hair and blood) samples of male and female subjects, age ranged from 25 to 60 years, chewing different SLT products.

Offering mental health services in a conflict affected region of Pakistan: who comes, and why?

Background: North West Pakistan is an area ravaged by conflict and population displacement for over three decades. Recently, drone attacks and military operations have aggravated underlying mental disorders, while access to care is limited. Among patients attending a mental health clinic integrated in district hospital conducted by psychologists; we describe service utilization, patient characteristics, presenting complaints, morbidity patterns, and follow-up details.