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Background: Lumbar disc prolapse is one of the causes of low back pain. The inner segment of the intervertebral disc bulges into and ruptures through the outer segment of the disc into the spinal canal. The disc prolapse starts as a result of lumbar disc degeneration which is an age related process influenced by mechanical and genetic factors. The present study aimed to find the association of disc prolapse with obesity, one of the risk factor, in the north Indian population. Methods: A total of 200 subjects (100 cases and 100 controls) were finally selected for this study. All the subjects were from north India. The cases were patients who came to Rama Medical College Hospital and Research Centre with complaint of low back pain and diagnosis of lumbar disc prolapse was confirmed by MRI and clinical examination. The controls were volunteers from the general population. Odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated using unconditional logistic regression analysis. Results: The risk of disc prolapse increased with the increase in weight in both sexes. In female subjects, the risk of lumbar disc prolapse increased with the increase in BMI. The highest risk of lumbar disc prolapse in male subjects was seen in overweight subjects (BMI 25-30 kg/m2) but declined with further increase in BMI. Conclusion: The present study found direct association between obesity and the lumbar disc prolapse in the north Indian population.

Thiamethoxam (TMX) exerts pronounced insecticidal effects against a wide variety of economically imperative pests. However, the administration of TMX in experimental animals induced notable adverse effects on the function of various organs. The purpose of this study was to assess TMX induced hematological, biochemical, and genetic alterations and the potential ameliorative effects on them of Moringa oleifera leaf extract (MLE) in male mice Animals were orally administered TMX (≈1/10 LD50) daily either alone or with MLE (200 mg/kg b.w.) for 28 successive days. Blood was collected to evaluate the hematological profile and serum levels of Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST), Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), albumin, creatinine, uric acid, and urea. Liver and kidney cells were used to assess the Malondialdehyde (MDA) content and antioxidant enzymes. DNA integrity was estimated also in the liver and kidney using comet and colorimetric diphenylamine assays. Results revealed that TMX exhibited significant changes in the hematological profile and liver and kidney functions. Besides, TMX significantly raised the MDA content and DNA damage in both two of these organs. In contrast, TMX reduced the antioxidant activities in the cells of both liver and kidney. Meanwhile, Moringa extract combined with TMX significantly attenuated the deleterious findings of TMX. Specifically, it improved the TMX-induced hematological changes, liver and kidney function alterations, oxidative stress, and DNA damage rate. It can be concluded that TMX had adverse effects on different cells of male mice, but MLE successfully ameliorated TMX’s hematological and hepatorenal toxicity.

Glyphosate contamination in fresh water is a major problem in agricultural countries. It affects many vital organs in freshwater organisms that are important in the food chain. Hence, the effects of glyphosate on living organism organs are of particular interest. However, several existing techniques for evaluating the effect of glyphosate on aquatic organisms require stained tissue. To study organ tissue with minimal processing, alternative technique is demanded. Here, we investigated the used of optical coherence tomography (OCT) as an alternative tool for ex vivo evaluation of the effect of glyphosate on organ tissues of aquatic organisms, i.e., hybrid catfish (Clarias gariepinus × Clarias macrocephalus). The targeted samples were organ tissues from the brain, gill, and liver of hybrid catfish after glyphosate exposion at concentration of 10 mg L−1 for 24 h. The alteration was then verified by histology, and immunohistochemistry. The study found that all three techniques provide correlated results. We observed that OCT clearly showed damage to the brain and gill tissues of glyphosate-exposed hybrid catfish. However, the alteration in liver tissue was observable but not clear for this low concentration of exposure. The results from histology and immunohistochemistry confirmed the effect of glyphosate on brain, gill, and liver tissues of hybrid catfish. The results suggest that all three techniques could be used to examine the effects of glyphosate exposure in hybrid catfish. However, the choice of a suitable technique depends upon the purpose of the study.

The experiment was conducted to clarify sumithion induced hematoxicity in silver barb (Barbonymus gonionotus) through in vivo exposures (25 % and 50 % of LC50 of sumithion) and subsequent recovery patterns using normal and probiotic treated feed were also assessed. Three treatments each incorporating three replications were used in the experiment for different days (1, 7, 14, 21, and 28). Treatment T1 was control (0 mg/L), and two concentrations, such as 2.61 mg/L (25 % of 96 h LC50), 5.21 mg/L (50 % of 96 h LC50) were used as Treatment T2 and T3, respectively. After 28 days of exposure to pesticide half of the fishes of T2 and T3 were reared in sumithion free water with normal (T2N, T3N) and probiotic treated feed (T2P, T3P). The median lethal concentration (50 %) for 96 h was 10.42 mg/L. In pesticide-treated groups, values of each hematological parameter (blood glucose, red blood cell, hematocrit, and hemoglobin) decreased but prevalence and severity of micronucleus and white blood cells increased significantly (p< 0.05) with concentration and time duration. Other blood indices including mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) were correspondingly changed in comparison to the control. In the recovery experiment, the silver barb recovered spontaneously, but the recovery rate was significantly higher in probiotic treated groups than normally treated groups in time and duration reliant fashion. In conclusion, persistent sublethal dosages of sumithion caused hematological abnormalities in silver barb. Probiotic supplement can recover the damage but only 28 days of recovery is not enough to recover the total alterations.

Graphical abstract, Communicable diseases (CDs) based on Health organization reported are one of the most threat for human health. SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) is the main pandemic that nowadays it threatens the health of people around the world, especially cancer patients. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of COVID-19 acute respiratory disease (COVID-19 ARD) on risk factors related to health of cancer patients. A review study of was conducted to base on results of various studies published. Nine hundred and eighty articles were retrieved based on various databases: Science Direct, Taylor & Francis, Google Scholar, Elsevier, PubMed and BMJ. In this study, were used the results of research on COVID-19 and its effects on risk factors attributed to cancer patients. The literature signs a notable undesirable affect from COVID-19 on risk factors attributed to health of cancer patients. Result showed that transfer SARS-CoV-2 viruses can endanger health of cancer patients due to interruption of the disease treatment process and increase number of deaths between in this patents. The survey requires the need to act creating healthy conditions to continue the treatment process and vaccination coverage among these patients in order to decrease the transmission of COVID-19 acute respiratory disease and increase the success rate of cancer treatment.

Emamectin benzoate (EMB) is a potent neurotoxin agent, widely used for ectoparasites control in aquaculture, but their detailed toxicological implications in Labeo rohita are unknown. Thus, this study was conceptualized to determine the LC50 and to investigate the effects of two sub-lethal concentrations 1/50th of 96 h LC50 (1.82 μgL−1) and 1/10thof 96 h LC50 (9.1 μgL−1) on hemato-immunological and biochemical responses in L. rohita (mean weight 25.54 ± 2.3 g and length 10.35 ± 2.4 cm) for a period of 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h. LC50 of EMB were 163 μgL-1, 112 μgL-1, 99 μgL-1 and 91 μgL-1 at 24 h, 48 h, 72 h, and 96 h respectively. The safe limit at 96 h LC50 of EMB was 2.30 μgL-1. In EMB treated fish, red blood cells, white blood cells, hemoglobin, and hematocrit counts were reduced (p

Graphical abstract Highlights • Crassocephalum rabens is a vegetable and ethnomedicinal plant, as for treating a variety of inflammation-related syndromes, in Taiwan. • In the acute toxicity study, the extract of C. rabens was considered non-toxic with a LD50 > 5,000 mg/kg BW. • In the sub-acute toxicity study, the no-observed-adverse-effect-level (NOAEL) of the extract of C. rabens in rats was > 1,666.7 mg/kg BW., This pioneering study was to assess the acute and sub-acute toxicity of the ethanolic extract of the aerial parts of Crassocephalum rabens (Asteraceae) in rats. C. rabens is a common vegetable and herb for treating inflammation-related syndromes in Taiwan. Pharmacological studies have unveiled that the extracts of C. rabens have potential to become hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, or anti-cancer agents. The toxicological effects of the aerial parts of C. rabens in rodents are still elusive. For the acute toxicity study, rats were administrated with a single dose of 5,000 mg/kg body weight (BW) and observed for 14 days in accordance with the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) guideline No. 420. For the sub-acute toxicity study, animals were orally treated with daily doses of 0, 416.7, 833.3, and 1,666.7 mg/kg BW for 28 days based on the OECD guideline No. 407. The toxicity of the repeated dose was observed with anthropometric, hematological, and biochemical parameters as well as histology. The mortality and critical pathological and biochemical abnormalities were not observed in the acute and/or sub-acute toxicity studies. The oral median lethal dose (LD50) of the extract was greater than 5000 mg/kg BW. The no-observed-adverse-effect-level (NOAEL) in male and female rats was greater than 1,666.7 mg/kg BW. As such, the extract of the aerial parts of C. rabens is considered a non-toxic substance.

Previous studies from our laboratory showed that prenatal exposure to hexavalent chromium, Cr(VI), caused premature ovarian failure and decreased pregnancy rates and litter size. Exposure to the endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) can cause X-chromosome aneuploidy of the oocytes, increasing chromosome missegregation and risk of infertility, autoimmune diseases, cancers, and various genetic disorders. Cr(VI) is an EDC that is widely used in numerous industries. Environmental exposure to Cr(VI) caused detrimental reproductive effects in women and health effects in infants from California. Women with occupational Cr(VI) exposure experienced infertility, pregnancy loss, spontaneous abortion, and stillbirth. However, the adverse effects of Cr(VI) on oocyte development and quality have not been reported. Mitochondrial membrane potential and function are the critical determinants of oocyte quality in natural pregnancies and successful assisted reproductive techniques. The cytoskeletal machinery of the oocytes orchestrates the meiotic division of the oocytes, whereas cortical granules (CGs) prevent polyspermy. Therefore, the objective of the current study was to examine whether the mechanism by which Cr(VI) compromises oocyte quality and morphology is by altering cytoskeleton dynamics and mitochondrial function of the metaphase II (MII) oocytes. Rats were treated with environmentally relevant doses of Cr(VI) (1 and 5 ppm potassium dichromate) in drinking water from postnatal day (PND) 22–28, followed by superovulation and retrieval of MII oocytes. The data indicate that Cr(VI) exposure disrupted F-actin structure and distribution pattern, compromised mitochondrial function, altered CGs distribution, increased dysmorphic and degenerated oocytes, delayed first polar body extrusion, and caused infertility.

Background: Low back pain with or without leg pain, sometimes associated with paraesthesia is a common occurrence in the community. Apart from lumbago, spondylosis and herniated disc, which usually cause low back pain, associated leg pain and paraesthesia. Also the stenosis of lumbar canal with degenerative changes is very commonly found in Middle and old aged individuals, responsible for considerable disability. It is said that decompression of stenosed canal gives relief to a great extent. Hence to know the outcome of pain relief, problems associated with procedure and the patient’s satisfaction post surgically. Aims and Objectives: To evaluate outcome of the procedure and to understand the problems related to the procedure. Methods and Observations:20 patients of Lumbar spinal stenosis who visited Al-Ameen Medical College Hospital, Vijayapura out of which 8 patients with primary canal stenosis, 8 others with secondary canal stenosis and 4 patients with degenerative listhesis with stenosis were subjected for laminectomy, after the meticulous preoperative examination and MRI imaging. Postoperative observations with reference to Low back pain, leg pain, and claudication, walking distance, neurological status and Activities of daily living were drawn. 85% of them had combined Low back pain and Leg pain, severity scale was high in mixed stenosis than pure canal stenosis. Neurological claudication was found to be a hallmark presentation. Restoration of walking ability is one of the most diagnostic functional parameter. Neurological recovery was good to the extent of relieving paraesthesia.Results:80% of the study rated as excellent with the mean Swiss spinal stenosis score being 12.22%; 20% rated as good with mean score being 21.19%. The mean age of presentation 49.4% and mean duration of symptoms was 11.7 months. Conclusion: Surgical decompression addresses dramatically the morbid symptoms like neurological claudication and radicular pain and improved the walking ability. The problems and complications are the least, insignificant and inconsequential.

Graphical abstract, The study compares the toxicity of 53 selected medicinal plants commonly used in the Philippines to treat various diseases. It uses as a benchmark Vitex negundo L., which was approved by the Philippine Food and Drug Administration as an herbal drug for cough and asthma after passing clinical trials for safety and efficacy. The methods were chosen for their simplicity and accessibility even for resource-limited laboratories. Extracts (95 % ethanol) of the medicinal parts of the plants were (1) chemically profiled using qualitative phytochemical tests that detect the presence of key classes of bioactive compounds; and (2) evaluated for toxicity using the brine shrimp (Artemia sp.) lethality assay (BSLA). General phytochemical screening revealed the presence of tannins in 50 plant extracts, alkaloids in 43, glycosides in 33, flavonoids in 31, steroids in 21, triterpenoids in 20, anthraquinones in 10, and saponins in 8. Extracts from eight plants had LC50 values lower than the potassium dichromate control (approximately 12 μg/mL) and were considered highly toxic; extracts from 21 plants had LC50 values between 12 μg/mL and 100 μg/mL and were considered moderately toxic; extracts from 19 plant extracts, including Vitex negundo and some common vegetables, had LC50 values between 100 μg/mL and 500 μg/mL, and were considered mildly toxic and likely to have reasonable safety margins; five plant extracts, including common vegetables, had LC50 values above 500 μg/mL and were considered essentially nontoxic. No apparent correlation could be found between toxicity and chemical diversity or a specific class of phytochemicals present. Our findings may serve as a guide for herbal drug and nutraceutical development, especially in prioritizing plants for more detailed safety studies.

Background: There has been a rampant increase in the number of suicides of late, especially in those suffering from depression. Objectives: To assess the suicidal ideation and depression among the patients visiting the Out Patient Department (OPD) of a tertiary care hospital and to study their association with each other and with other variables. Materials and Methods: A descriptive type of observational study, cross-sectional in design was conducted among 157 patients attending the Community Medicine and General Medicine OPD at IPGME&R and SSKMH, Kolkata from November to December, 2019. The tool employed was a predesigned, pretested, structured schedule which included Suicidal Ideation Scale and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: About 75% participants had mild to severe depression while 50.3% had suicidal ideation. Education and socio-economic status had statistically significant association with depression while age, gender, education, employment, socio-economic status, domestic violence, acute trauma and depression were associated with suicidal ideation. Conclusion: Depression and suicidal ideation were a major burden among the patients attending the Community Medicine and General Medicine Out Patient Department in Kolkata. Presence of moderate to severe depression increased the risk of suicidal ideation.

Background Some organic chemicals are known to cause allergic disorders such as bronchial asthma and hypersensitivity pneumonitis, and it has been considered that they do not cause irreversible pulmonary fibrosis. It has recently been reported, however, that cross-linked acrylic acid-based polymer, an organic chemical, might cause serious interstitial lung diseases, including pulmonary fibrosis. We investigated whether or not intratracheal instillation exposure to cross-linked polyacrylic acid (CL-PAA) can cause lung disorder in rats. Methods Male F344 rats were intratracheally instilled with dispersed CL-PAA at low (0.2 mg/rat) and high (1.0 mg/rat) doses, and were sacrificed at 3 days, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months after exposure to examine inflammatory and fibrotic responses and related gene expressions in the lungs. Rat lungs exposed to crystalline silica, asbestos (chrysotile), and NiO and CeO2 nanoparticles were used as comparators. Results Persistent increases in total cell count, neutrophil count and neutrophil percentage, and in the concentration of the cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant (CINC)-1, CINC-2 and C-X-C motif chemokine 5 (CXCL5), which correlated with lung tissue gene expression, were observed in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) from 3 days until at least 1 month following CL-PAA intratracheal instillation. Persistent increases in heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in the lung tissue were also observed from 3 days to 6 months after exposure. Histopathological findings of the lungs demonstrated that extensive inflammation at 3 days was greater than that in exposure to silica, NiO nanoparticles and CeO2 nanoparticles, and equal to or greater than that in asbestos (chrysotile) exposure, and the inflammation continued until 1 month. Fibrotic changes also progressed after 1 month postexposure. Conclusion Our results suggested that CL-PAA potentially causes strong neutrophil inflammation in the rat and human lung.

Graphical abstract, Highlights • Metformin overdose can lead to vasodilatory shock refractory to medical management. • Extracorporeal circulatory support with venoarterial ECMO is an effective way to manage profound shock associated with metformin overdose. • We report the highest recorded serum metformin level in the literature to date., Metformin overdose may result in vasodilatory shock, lactic acidosis and death. Hemodialysis is an effective means of extracorporeal elimination, but may be insufficient in the shock setting. We present a case of a 39 yo male who presented with hypotension, coma, hypoglycemia, and lactate of 6.5 mmol/L after ingesting an unknown medication. Metformin overdose was suspected, and he was started on hemodialysis. He developed profound vasoplegia refractory to high doses of norepinephrine, vasopressin, epinephrine and phenylephrine. Venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA ECMO) was initiated and he had full recovery. Serum analysis with high resolution liquid chromatography mass spectrometry revealed a metformin level of 678 μg/mL and trazodone level of 2.1 μg/mL. This case is one of only a handful of reported cases of metformin overdose requiring ECMO support, and we report the highest serum metformin levels in the literature to date. We recommend early aggressive hemodialysis and vasopressor support in all suspected cases of metformin toxicity as well as VA ECMO if refractory to these therapies. Objective We present a case of vasodilatory shock secondary to metformin overdose requiring venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA ECMO) support. This case is one of only a handful of reported cases of metformin overdose requiring ECMO support, and we report the highest serum metformin levels in the literature to date. Data sources University of San Francisco, Fresno. Study design Case report. Data extraction Clinical records and high resolution liquid chromatography mass spectroscopy analysis. Data synthesis None. Conclusions Venoarterial ECMO provided an effective means of hemodynamic support for a patient with severe metformin toxicity.

Introduction: COVID 19 disease has wrecked a havoc as pandemic in the entire world. It causes cardiac manifestations, digestive system disturbances, and adversely affecting other organs. As a result, ardent efforts are underway to find effective antiviral treatments targeting possible mechanisms to identify a specific medication for the disease to curb its progression and to prevent patients sufferings, one such therapy being injectable antiviral treatment namely, Remdesivir. Objectives: To evaluate the clinical outcomes and safety profile of Remdesivir in COVID-19 patients in a tertiary care center. Methods: An observational retrospective cohort study was planned with sample size of 210 patients suffering from active moderate to severe COVID 19 disease admitted in a single center tertiary care hospital requiring injectable anti-viral therapy that is Remdesivir. Patient data was collected from the case record forms. Primary outcomes in terms of length of hospital stay, duration of treatment with Remdesivir, survival rate in patients on Remdesivir and assessment of the days for the COVID 19 positive test to eventually become negative in patients and secondary outcome in terms of safety were evaluated. Results: There was a clinically significant improvement in the SPO2 levels from the time of admission till discharge. The appearance of adverse effects was taken as the secondary outcome. Hepatic and renal toxicity was observed after completion of treatment whereas no immunological abnormalities were observed. Conclusion: Until stronger evidences come to the fore, we cannot derive substantial inference that our injectable antiviral therapy drug namely, Remdesivir is efficacious for treating COVID-19.

Since an introduction of an ICH guidance in 2005, no new drugs were withdrawn from the market because of the causation of Torsade de Pointes (TdP). However, the risk of TdP is still a concern for marketed drugs. TdP is a type of polymorphic ventricular tachycardia which may lead to sudden cardiac death. QT/QTc interval prolongation is considered a sensitive, but not specific biomarker. To improve the effectiveness of studies’ workflow related to TdP risk prediction we created an extensive, structured, open-access database of drug-related TdP cases. PubMed, Google Scholar bibliographic databases, and the Internet, via the Google search engine, were searched to identify eligible reports. A total of 424 papers with a description of 634 case reports and observational studies were included. Each paper was manually examined and listed with up to 53 variables related to patient/population characteristics, general health parameters, used drugs, laboratory measurements, ECG results, clinical management, and its outcomes, as well as suspected drug’s properties and its FDA adverse reaction reports. The presented database may be considered as an extension of the recently developed and published database of drug cardiac safety-related information, part of the tox-portal project providing resources for cardiac toxicity assessment. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40360-021-00548-0.

This study aimed to investigate the nonclinical safety of lincomycin and spectinomycin hydrochloride (LC-SPH) intramuscular (i.m) doses on target animals (chickens) to provide guidelines for dose level design and side effect monitoring in clinical trials. A total of 80 healthy Arbor Acres plus broiler chicks were completely randomized and blindly divided into four treatment groups (control, one-time dose, three-time dose, and five-time dose) of 20 chicks each (20 chickens per group). At the age of day 15, all chickens (except the control group) were administered LC-SPH intramuscularly (chest muscles) at different doses of 20 mg/kg.bw, 60 mg/kg.bw, and 100 mg/kg.bw respectively for 9 consecutive days recommended by veterinary international cooperation on harmonization (VICH) guidelines. The chickens had ad libitum access to antibiotic-free feed and water. Feeding chickens were observed twice a day throughout the study. The drug safety was evaluated by complete blood count, biochemical parameters, histopathological, clinical signs, body weight gain, and feed conversion ratio (FCR). Hence, considering the minor toxicity of 60 mg/kg, our results reveal that intramuscular injection of at least 20 mg/kg body weight has no effects on growth performance, clinical blood parameters, organ coefficient, and histopathological parameters. Thus, a combination of LC-SPH 20 mg/kg body weight i.m injection investigated safe followed daily administration for nine consecutive days in healthy chickens. It is concluded that the experimental results support the safety of 20 mg/kg body weight in combination for the further clinical research study.

Graphical abstract, Highlights • There is consensus that neonicotinoids can impact non-target animal fertility. • Thiamethoxam reduced both mating success and sperm physiology in bumblebees. • Queens mated by exposed males had 50% less total living sperm in their spermatheca. • Thiamethoxam may act as anti-aphrodisiac, thereby limiting conservation efforts., Sexual reproduction is common to almost all multi-cellular organisms and can be compromised by environmental pollution, thereby affecting entire populations. Even though there is consensus that neonicotinoid insecticides can impact non-target animal fertility, their possible impact on male mating success is currently unknown in bees. Here, we show that sublethal exposure to a neonicotinoid significantly reduces both mating success and sperm traits of male bumblebees. Sexually mature male Bombus terrestris exposed to a field-realistic concentration of thiamethoxam (20 ng g−1) or not (controls) were mated with virgin gynes in the laboratory. The results confirm sublethal negative effects of thiamethoxam on sperm quantity and viability. While the latency to mate was reduced, mating success was significantly impaired in thiamethoxam-exposed males by 32% probably due to female choice. Gynes mated by exposed males revealed impaired sperm traits compared to their respective controls, which may lead to severe constraints for colony fitness. Our laboratory findings demonstrate for the first time that neonicotinoid insecticides can negatively affect male mating success in bees. Given that holds true for the field, this provides a plausible mechanism contributing to declines of wild bee populations globally. The widespread prophylactic use of neonicotinoids may therefore have previously overlooked inadvertent anti-aphrodisiac effects on non-target animals, thereby limiting conservation efforts.

Background: To determine the co- relation between the number of comorbid conditions which are related to most commonly associated health care associated infections such as urinary tract infections (UTI), blood stream infections (BSI), ventilator associated infections (VAP), surgical site infections (SSI). Methods: Using secondary data, all the patients who had HAI for 3 years were taken into consideration. Results: Retrospective data collected for the period of 3 years from January 2013 to December 2015 for the inpatients who got admitted for more than 48 hours of duration, the data collected included the parameters for number of co- morbid conditions each patient presented with the diseases / illness of health care associated infections like urinary tract infections, blood stream infection, ventilator associated pneumonia and surgical site infection. The data collected showed that many patients had 1 st co-morbid condition in 40% of the population. Conclusions: Most of the patients who had an HAI , co-related to have one type of co- morbid condition which was common among all the patients , then there a tapering of co-morbid conditions , many patients had 2 nd co- morbid condition of (20%) , 3 rd co- morbid condition of (15%) , 4 th co- morbid condition of (5 %) and 5 th co- morbid condition of (3%) . Hence there is a need to control and to monitor the co- morbid condition before planning any intervention procedures / invasive procedures which may lead to HAI.

Background: The side effects of antipsychotics (APs), related to weight gain and metabolic disturbances, can contribute to the health burden of psychotic people. Objective: To explore a) the level of adherence to the Mediterranean Diet (MedDiet) and consumption of fermented foods by first episode of psychosis (FEPs) patients taking APs, in comparison to matched -for age and BMI- healthy controls (HCs), and b) the effect of this dietary pattern on the biochemical and metabolic profile of FEPs. Method: The study population consisted of 33 FEPs treated with APs for less than 5 years, with no history of other chronic diseases, and an equal number of HCs. The FEPs were classified into two subgroups, according to their AP medication, depending on the documented risk of weight gain. A validated questionnaire for the adherence to Mediterranean diet and a food frequency questionnaire for selected fermented foods were completed by FEPs and HC. Anthropometric data and blood measurements were recorded for all participants. Results and conclusions: The FEPs showed a relevant lower overall adherence to the MedDiet, but no differences in consumption of fermented foods. Type of antipsychotic therapy uncovered differences in platelet count, vitamin B12, HDL and glucose (p < 0.05) between the subgroups of FEPs and HCs, although no values were abnormal. The MedDiet score was found to act as a prognostic factor for abnormal glucose levels in FEPs treated with APs associated with weight gain (p = 0.04). These results need to be confirmed by observations after long term adherence to MedDiet.

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is one of the most commonly used feed additives which poses a threat to public health. Nigella sativa is a promising natural approach in this issue due to its antioxidant, hypolipidemic, and cytoprotective characters. Here, we investigated the potential protective effect of Nigella sativa seed (NSS) against MSG-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. To accomplish this objective, fifteen adult Wistar albino rats were randomly and equally divided into three groups for 21 days: the control group received no treatment, MSG group supplemented with MSG at a dose of 30 g/kg feed, and MSG + NSS group supplemented with MSG at the same previous dose together with NSS at a dose of 30 g/kg feed. NSS succeeded in boosting serum alkaline phosphatase activity and total cholesterol, triglycerides, and glucose levels. It reduced lipid peroxides in the serum and down-regulated glutathione reductase and superoxide dismutase 2 immuno-expression in the hepatic cells. NSS intervention provided cytoprotection by improving the histo-architecture of the liver and reducing the number of apoptotic cells. NSS was effective in protecting against the hepatotoxicity of MSG through its antioxidant and anti-apoptotic effects. These findings are of utmost significance in directing the attention towards the incorporation of NSS in our food industry as well as a health remedy in traditional medicine to fight MSG-related hepatic abnormalities.

Background and Aim of study: Bronchogenic carcinoma has emerged as the most common form of malignant disease globally. Plenty treatment options are available, yet survival rate is substantially low. The stage of disease is an important prognostic parameter and guiding factor for therapeutic decisions & treatment related mortality. The aim of our study was to detect metastatic deposit in marrow, detect correlation of hematological picture with bonemarrow involvement and assess degree of marrow fibrosis. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective study comprising of 128 diagnosed patients of bronchogenic carcinoma devoid of known metastatic spread. Patients were subjected to clinic-radiological assesement and biochemical parameters. The patients were subjected to bonemarrow aspiration & trephine biopsy for histopathology. Main findings: Bonemarrow metastatic deposits were found in 12 cases (9.37%) in both bone marrow trephine biopsy and aspirate. Aspiration was unable to detect metastasis in 2 cases (likely due to extensive myelofibrosis) where trephine biopsy was useful. Hematological and biochemical parameters showed statistically significant difference in LDH (p= 0.0011) and uric acid level (p=0.0001) in metastatis positive and negative group. Conclusion reached: We emphasized that cytological and histological examination of bonemarrow be considered as useful and safe pre-treatment staging procedures in bronchogenic carcinoma because early detection of sites of metastatic spread provides prognostic information.

Introduction: Fixed functional appliances are devices which are fixed and effective 24 hours a day with minimal patient compliance which is a major advantage of fixed functional appliance. PowerScope is the latest innovation in Class II Correction which is a direct derivative of the Herbst Type II appliance. Material and Methods: 10 Patients with Class II Malocclusion Who Required Orthodontic Treatment were selected from the department of orthodontics and dentofacial orthopaedics, Al-Ameen Dental College and Hospital, Vijaypura for the study. Lateral cephalograms prior to the commencement of the treatment were recorded of 10 patients. Further, lateral cephelograms were taken prior to placement and after removal of PowerScope. The cephalograms were compared on Set of 33 cephalometric parameter divided into sagittal, vertical and angular measurements followed by statistical analysis with matched paired T test to determine the significance Result: In this study, mean and standard deviation of all the cephalometric values for before placing the powerscope and after removal of powerscope were compared out of all the 33 set of cephalometric Values, sagittal parameter Olp- Pg was statistically highly significant with p=

Graphical abstract, Highlights • Generation of hydroxyl radical (·OH) increased by proflavine upon illumination with fluorescent light. • Proflavine resulted in oxidative modifications and degradation of protein and enzyme structure. • The addition of Cu (II) augmented photo-illuminated proflavine to generate hydroxyl radicals. • Proflavine-induced hydroxyl radicals have a deleterious influence on protein and enzyme activity., Proflavine is a well-known antiseptic and bacteriostatic drug, however, it has the potential to be hazardous and mutagenic. Proflavine enters cells and intercalates between DNA base pairs, resulting in mutation and replication inhibition. Previously several investigators demonstrated that photo-activated proflavine generated double-stranded DNA breakage and protein structural alterations. The present study investigated the role of hydroxyl radical (·OH) due to activation of proflavine in the breakdown of protein and enzyme by photo-activated proflavine. The results show that the formation of hydroxyl radicals increased as the photo-illumination period increased, as did the concentrations of proflavine and Cu (II). As demonstrated by SDS-PAGE, the excess of free radicals due to proflavine resulted in oxidative modifications and degradation of BSA protein and trypsin enzyme. Additionally, with an increase in Cu (II) concentration, photo-illuminated proflavine induced a considerable loss of enzyme activity and also accelerated the degradation of the enzyme. Bathocuproine, a particular Cu (I)-sequestering agent, prevented protein degradation and enzyme inactivation. Hydroxyl radical scavengers inhibited the protein-damaging process, indicating that hydroxyl radicals play a substantial role in protein damage. The tryptophan moiety was quenched by proflavine, demonstrating that it binds to proteins and enzymes, changing their structure and activity. As a result, this study helps to better understand proflavine's deleterious influence on protein and enzyme degradation by oxygen-free radicals.

Background: Limitations of Internal quality control (IQC) and external quality assessment system (EQAS) like cost for repeated analysis is a challenge to most of the clinical Biochemistry laboratories. Six sigma system is a part of lean laboratory practices. The higher the sigma value, chance of false test results are less likely. Aim: To calculate sigma metrics of liver function parameters in laboratory and using it to decide on the QC strategy using Westgard Sigma rules for reliable and accurate report. Methods: IQC data for Total bilirubin, Direct bililrubin , AST, ALT, ALP, Total protein & Albumin were analysed for 6 months. Sigma value is calculated and Quality goal index used to identify the reason for low sigma value. Results: Both AST and ALP in level 1 and AST, ALT and ALP in Level 2 has sigma value above 6. Parameters which showed sigma value between 3-6 are ALT and Albumin in Level 1 and BIT and TP in level 2 QC. Parameters which showed sigma value below 3 are BIT, BID & TP in Level 1 &BID and Albumin in Level 2 QC. Conclusion: Appropriate control limits and control measurements can be adapted for each parameters with westgard sigma rule and laboratories can use it as a self-assessment tool.

Humans are exposed to low levels of N-nitrosamines via different sources. N-Nitrosamines have recently been detected as impurities in various marketed drugs and they are known mutagenic carcinogens belonging to the cohort of concern as referred to in the ICH M7 guideline. Despite their well-known mutagenic properties, there is ongoing discussion on the suitability of the bacterial reverse mutation assay and using induced rat liver S9 as the external source of metabolism to detect their mutagenic potential. Therefore, we have investigated the mutagenic potential of N-nitrosodimethylamine, N-nitrosodiethylamine, N-nitrosodipropylamine, and N-nitrosodibutylamine in vitro under various conditions. Our work showed that the bacterial reverse mutation assay applying plate incorporation or preincubation protocols and using Salmonella typhimurium strains TA100 and TA1535 and E. coli WP2 uvrA is suitable to predict the mutagenicity of n-nitrosamines in the presence of phenobarbital/β-naphthoflavone induced rat liver S9.

Background: Talus, one of the seven tarsal bones, has been topic of interest for anatomist, anthropologist and forensic-medicine for several years. It has been considered as an important bone for locomotor function. Till date few anthropometric data is available from the eastern India specifically from Bengal. Objective: Measurement of different morphometric parameters of dry human tali from West Bengal. Methods: In the present study authors measured different parameters in 100 available tali in Anatomy Departments of different medical colleges of Kolkata over last six months. Measurement of length, width, height, trochlear-length of talus and length, width and depth of sulcus tali were taken by slide-calipers. Result: Present study revealed mean values of length 53.37 ± 3.69 mm, width 38.62 ± 2.91 mm, height 30.85 ± 4.11 mm, trochlear length 33.48 ± 3.58 mm, length of sulcus tali 29.27 ± 3.91 mm, width of sulcus tali 15.49 ± 3.13 and depth of sulcus tali 6.23 ± 1.04 mm. Conclusion: Measurement of different parameters of talus can be useful for surgical intervention, prosthetic invention, medico-legal aspect and in anthropometry. In addition to the anthropometric data available for population from other zones of India, this study adds the data from Eastern India.

Background: Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR) and the Platelet-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (PLR)are the inflammatory markers in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) and there are few documented Indian rural studies. The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between Neutrophil Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR), Platelet Lymphocyte Ratio (PLR) with glycemic status (HbA1c) and duration of diabetic detection in rural Indian T2DM. Methods: This is a prospective observation study, T2DM between the ages of 30-60 years, attending to Sree Sidhi Vinayaka Diabetic Centre (2013-2019). NLR, PLR was compared with duration of diabetes and glycemic status. T2DM were divided into three groups, Group I with HbA1c 9 [worst control]. Results: 5163 patients attended the clinic, among them, 1303 fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The mean age of T2DM was 47.02±7.81 yrs, with 637 females and 666 males (Male: Female ratio is ≈1). A significant increase in the NLR & PLR levels in T2DM more than 5 years of duration was noted. There is a significant positive strength of association between duration of T2DM, level of HbA1c, PLR and NLR levels. Mean level of NLR & PLR were significantly lower in the Group I diabetics compared with the Group II and Group III (p

Emerging contaminants such as sunscreens, hair dyes and flame retardants have been found at important concentrations in surface water (river, lake, ocean), but their negative impact on different aquatic species is not fully known. This study evaluated the effect of benzophenone (BZ), 2,5-diaminotoluene sulfate (PTD), p-phenylenediamine (PPD) and tetrabromobisphenol A (TBPA) on survival (LC50) and the impact of sublethal concentrations (LC25) on the activity of enzymes linked to stress oxidative process in brine shrimp under two temperature conditions (22 °C and 28 °C) for 24 h and 48 h of exposure time. LC50 values obtained for each chemical substance and the activity of GST, AChE and LDH were significantly affected by the temperature conditions and exposure time. In contrast, GPx was only altered by the tested compound. TBBPA (LC50 from 17.05 up to 28.55 μg/L) and BZ (LC50 from 14.86 up to 24.49 mg/L) resulted in the most toxic substances for A. salina. The impact of dyes, such as PTD and PPD, on aquatic organisms is limited. These are the first results that show that not only dyes, but their respective by-products induce harmful effects in brine shrimp (LC50 for PTD and PPD were 23.6–396.3 and 52.0–164.9 mg/L respectively). Although this study model was very useful to evaluate the ecotoxicity of the different ECs, additional research is needed to increase available information related to the effects of dyes and other non-studied micropollutants on aquatic systems in general.

Background Patients with liver diseases often have some form of anemia. Hematological dyscrasias are known side effects of antipsychotic drug medication and the occurrence of agranulocytosis under clozapine is well described. However, the sex-dependent impact of clozapine and haloperidol on erythrocytes and symptoms like anemia, and its association with hepatic iron metabolism has not yet been completely clarified. Therefore, in the present study, we investigated the effect of both antipsychotic drugs on blood parameters and iron metabolism in the liver of male and female Sprague Dawley rats. Methods After puberty, rats were treated orally with haloperidol or clozapine for 12 weeks. Blood count parameters, serum ferritin, and liver transferrin bound iron were determined by automated counter. Hemosiderin (Fe3+) was detected in liver sections by Perl’s Prussian blue staining. Liver hemoxygenase (HO-1), 5’aminolevulinate synthase (ALAS1), hepcidin, heme-regulated inhibitor (HRI), cytochrome P4501A1 (CYP1A1) and 1A2 (CYP1A2) were determined by Western blotting. Results We found anemia with decreased erythrocyte counts, associated with lower hemoglobin and hematocrit, in females with haloperidol treatment. Males with clozapine medication showed reduced hemoglobin and increased red cell distribution width (RDW) without changes in erythrocyte numbers. High levels of hepatic hemosiderin were found in the female clozapine and haloperidol medicated groups. Liver HRI was significantly elevated in male clozapine medicated rats. CYP1A2 was significantly reduced in clozapine medicated females. Conclusions The characteristics of anemia under haloperidol and clozapine medication depend on the administered antipsychotic drug and on sex. We suggest that anemia in rats under antipsychotic drug medication is a sign of an underlying liver injury induced by the drugs. Changing hepatic iron metabolism under clozapine and haloperidol may help to reduce these effects of liver diseases.

Background Nanoparticles (NPs) are increasingly incorporated in everyday products. To investigate the effects of early life exposure to orally ingested TiO2 NP, male and female Sprague–Dawley rat pups received four consecutive daily doses of 10 mg/kg body weight TiO2 NP (diameter: 21 ± 5 nm) or vehicle control (water) by gavage at three different pre-weaning ages: postnatal day (PND) 2–5, PND 7–10, or PND 17–20. Cardiac assessment and basic neurobehavioral tests (locomotor activity, rotarod, and acoustic startle) were conducted on PND 20. Pups were sacrificed at PND 21. Select tissues were collected, weighed, processed for neurotransmitter and metabolomics analyses. Results Heart rate was found to be significantly decreased in female pups when dosed between PND 7–10 and PND 17–20. Females dosed between PND 2–5 showed decrease acoustic startle response and when dosed between PND 7–10 showed decreased performance in the rotarod test and increased locomotor activity. Male pups dosed between PND 17–20 showed decreased locomotor activity. The concentrations of neurotransmitters and related metabolites in brain tissue and the metabolomic profile of plasma were impacted by TiO2 NP administration for all dose groups. Metabolomic pathways perturbed by TiO2 NP administration included pathways involved in amino acid and lipid metabolism. Conclusion Oral administration of TiO2 NP to rat pups impacted basic cardiac and neurobehavioral performance, neurotransmitters and related metabolites concentrations in brain tissue, and the biochemical profiles of plasma. The findings suggested that female pups were more likely to experience adverse outcome following early life exposure to oral TiO2 NP than male pups. Collectively the data from this exploratory study suggest oral administration of TiO2 NP cause adverse biological effects in an age- and sex-related manner, emphasizing the need to understand the short- and long-term effects of early life exposure to TiO2 NP.

Recently, the U.S. House of Representatives reported on the presence of heavy metals in raw ingredients used in baby foods and in finished baby food products themselves. In light of these concerns, this study aimed to evaluate potential risks associated with the presence of heavy metals in baby food products. We analyzed 36 baby food samples representing four ingredient categories (fruit; leguminous vegetable; root vegetable; or grain) for arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), and lead (Pb). We assessed the potential lifetime cancer and non-cancer health risks posed to infants and toddlers following daily consumption of these chemicals in each food type, based on established daily food-specific ingestion rates. Daily doses were compared against selected reference values and oral slope factors to determine non-cancer hazard indices (HIs) and lifetime cancer risks. Hazard indices indicated a potential for non-cancer risk (e.g., HIs > 1.0) under only a few exposure scenarios, including for As and Pb under selected product type and age/concentration assumptions. Increases in lifetime cancer risks for all analytes across the ingredient categories evaluated ranged from 3.75 × 10−5 to 5.54 × 10−5; cancer risks were primarily driven by As from grain products. Though a limited set of exposure scenarios indicated a potential for health risk, the exposure assumptions in this assessment were conservative, and the heavy metal concentrations we found in baby foods are similar to those observed in similar whole foods. Based on these findings and the limited scenarios under which risks were identified, this study indicates that an infant’s typical intake of baby food is unlikely to pose health risks from heavy metals above accepted tolerable risk levels under most exposure scenarios.

Context: As Diabetes is the most common co morbidity reported with covid-19 infection Severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus -2 (SARA CoV-2) which brought about the ongoing pandemic gave opportunity to study the impact of diabetes on hospital stay and mortality of diabetic patients who contracted the corona virus infection. Objective: To study the duration of hospital stay and mortality rate of diabetic patients with moderate to severe covid 19 infection/severe acute respiratory illness and compare it with non diabetic patients of same disease. Method: This was a retrospective observational study in which the records of diabetic patients admitted with severe acute respiratory illness, during the ongoing pandemic, in Al Ameen Medical College Hospital were studied and were compared with the non diabetic patients admitted for the same. The duration of stay and mortality was compared statistically. No distinction was made with respect to type 1& 2 diabetes as they were clubbed together in the same group. Results: Mean duration of illness in diabetic group was 8.1 with SD of 6.9 days and in non diabetic group was 8.4 days with SD 6.5(p value= 0.8). Mortality was 32.5% among diabetics and 15.7% in non diabetics (p value= 0.001). Conclusion: Our study shows that the duration of hospital stay and mortality was considerably higher in diabetics than non diabetic counterparts. Therefore due attention should be given by general diabetic population to keep their blood glucose levels under control especially in this period of ongoing covid 19 pandemic.

Highlights • Silica reduced serum leptin and adiponectin, no effects on body or fat pad weight. • HFWD-consumption altered pro-inflammatory cytokines in silica-exposed animals. • Silica altered pulse frequency; HFWD increased mean blood flow; effects additive. • HFWD affected silica-induced metabolic effects., Adipose tissue (AT) plays a central role in the maintenance of whole-body energy homeostasis through release of adipokines. High-fat Western diet (HFWD)-consumption contributes to obesity, disruption of adipocyte metabolism, chronic systemic inflammation, and metabolic dysfunction (MetDys). MetDys is associated with impaired lung function, pulmonary hypertension, and asthma. Thirty-five percent of adults in the U.S. have MetDys, yet the impact of MetDys on susceptibility to occupational hazards is unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the potential of HFWD-consumption to alter inhaled crystalline silica dust-induced metabolic responses. Six-wk old male F344 rats were fed a HFWD (45 kcal % fat, sucrose 22.2 % by weight) or standard rat chow (STD, controls), and exposed to silica-inhalation (6 h/d, 5 d/wk, 39 d; Min-U-Sil 5®, 15 mg/m3) or filtered air. Indices of MetDys and systemic inflammation were measured at 0, 4, and 8 wk following cessation of silica exposure. At 8 wk post-exposure, silica reduced serum leptin and adiponectin levels, and increased arterial pulse frequency. HFWD-consumption induced weight gain, altered adipokines, liver, kidney, and pancreatic function, and increased tail artery blood flow. At 8 wk in HFWD + SIL-treated animals, the levels of serum pro-inflammatory cytokines (IFN-γ, CXCL-1, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10 and IL-13) were increased compared to STD + SIL but were less than HFWD + AIR-induced levels. In conclusion, consumption of a HFWD altered silica-induced metabolic responses and silica exposure disrupted AT endocrine function. These findings demonstrate previously unknown interactions between HFWD-consumption and occupational silica exposure.

A number of photoinitiators are available in chemical industry, but less of them in biomedicine or clinical therapy due to the limitation of their cytotoxicity and biocompatibility. Thus, it is urgently necessary to find non-toxic or low-toxic photoinitiators to meet clinical demands. Aceanthrenequinone (AATQ) is a novel photosensitizer with high-photoinitiating ability, but no reports contribute, to date, to its cytotoxicity and biocompatibility. Here, primary cells and various cell lines were exposed to different concentrations of AATQ with or without irradiation. AATQ had the similar photoinitiating conversion efficiency to the extensively used bis(2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl)-phenylphosphine oxide (BAPO) and higher one than 9,10-phenanthrenequinone (PANQ) with the similar extent of polymerization in depth within a certain range, but displayed much lower cytotoxicity than BAPO under non-irradiation or irradiation. The biocompatibility of BisGMA/TEGDMA polymer prepared by AATQ was superior to that of PANQ, but inferior to that of camphorquinone (CQ) although the far lower dose of AATQ is enough to initiate polymerization of monomer than that of CQ. Hence, AATQ offers a valuable alternative in applications of industrial or biomedical areas.

Chronic wounds (CWs) are typically characterized by persistent hypoxia, exacerbated inflammation, and impaired skin tissue remodeling. Additionally, CWs are often worsened by microbial infections. Oxygen-loaded nanobubbles (OLNBs), displaying a peculiar structure based on oxygen-solving perfluorocarbons such as perfluoropentane in the inner core and polysaccharydes including chitosan in the outer shell, have proven effective in delivering oxygen to hypoxic tissues. Antimicrobial properties have been largely reported for chitosan. In the present work chitosan/perfluoropentane OLNBs were challenged for biocompatibility with human skin cells and ability to promote wound healing processes, as well as for their antimicrobial properties against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Candida albicans. After cellular internalization, OLNBs were not toxic to human keratinocytes (HaCaT), whereas oxygen-free NBs (OFNBs) slightly affected their viability. Hypoxia-dependent inhibition of keratinocyte migratory ability after scratch was fully reversed by OLNBs, but not OFNBs. Both OLNBs and OFNBs exerted chitosan-induced short-term bacteriostatic activity against MRSA (up to 6 h) and long-term fungistatic activity against C. albicans (up to 24 h). Short-term antibacterial activity associated with NB prolonged adhesion to MRSA cell wall (up to 24 h) while long-term antifungal activity followed NB early internalization by C. albicans (already after 3 h of incubation). Taken altogether, these data support chitosan-shelled and perfluoropentane-cored OLNB potential as innovative, promising, non-toxic, and cost-effective antimicrobial devices promoting repair processes to be used for treatment of MRSA- and C. albicans-infected CWs.

Background. Alcoholism is known to cause liver toxicity and is extensively researched. On the other hand, stress, depression, and obesity are interrelated conditions with alcoholism, and their medications would affect the liver itself. In this study, we investigated the effects of the drugs fluoxetine and atorvastatin on the liver and compared with those of alcohol in a mouse model. Methods. Comparisons of animals treated with the three drugs were carried out: serum aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), and albumin were measured; liver tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha) and transforming growth factor beta (TGF beta-1) levels were evaluated; proliferative cells were detected via immunohistochemistry (IHC) targeting on proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and minichromosome maintenance complex component 2 (MCM2); for apoptosis, IHC targeting on activated caspase-3 and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) were employed; and histopathology was also documented in all groups. Results. For ALT, AST, albumin, and liver TNF alpha, only the ethanol group surged to significantly higher levels. For TGF beta-1, both ethanol and atorvastatin groups reached a significantly higher level. PCNA and MCM2 showed increased proliferation in the livers of all three groups, with the ethanol group having the highest number of positive cells followed by atorvastatin and then the fluoxetine group. As for cell death, both ethanol and fluoxetine groups showed significantly more apoptosis than control in TUNEL and activated caspase-3, while in the atorvastatin group, activated caspase-3 positive cells increased significantly, but the increase in TUNEL-positive cells did not reach statistical significance.

An experiment was conducted to assess malathion-induced hematological responses of Barbonymus gonionotus (silver barb) and its recovery patterns in malathion-free water. Fish (45 days old) were exposed to two sublethal concentrations, namely, 25% and 50% (i.e., 3.78 and 7.56 ppm) of LC50 (15.13 ppm) of malathion for 28 days, followed by a postexposure recovery period for the same time. The hematological parameters were examined after 1, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days of exposure as well as after the postexposure recovery time. Except in the case of the control group (0% of malathion), the obtained results revealed that malathion exposure resulted in significantly ( p < 0.05 ) higher prevalence and severity of micronucleus and lower values of Hb, PCV, and RBC and significantly higher values of WBC in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. The values of blood glucose, MCV, MCH, and MCHC showed mixed trends during the experiment. During the recovery period, all blood parameters (micronucleus, glucose, Hb, PCV, RBC, WBC, MCV, MCH, and MCHC) partially recovered, which means that the recovery period was not long enough for the organisms to recover from the previous exposure. The study thus confirms that hematology is a sensitive indicator for fish to detect toxicity caused by different chemicals. Changes in these parameters can provide useful information about environmental conditions and risk assessment of aquatic organisms.

Bread is a staple food across the world, especially in Nigeria. Potassium bromate is widely used by bakers to enhance bread elasticity, functionality, and quality. Due to its toxicity, the use of potassium bromate in bread production in Nigeria was banned by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC); the regulatory agency for food and pharmaceutical products in 2003. This review aims to assess the compliance levels of potassium bromate used in the production of low and high-cost bread consumed across Nigeria. 17 selected articles across the six geopolitical zones were evaluated. This review identified that most of the bread sold and consumed in Nigeria contained potassium bromate in quantities above the permissible limit. Surprisingly, even bread labeled as “bromate-free”, “with NAFDAC registration number” and sold at high-costs also contained potassium bromate in excess concentration. This implies that many bread sold in Nigeria are unsafe for human consumption. Due to the deleterious effects of potassium bromate, its continual usage and consumption above the safe limit is a threat to the total well-being of the consumers. Its use in the bread-making industry also poses a serious health occupational hazard to bakers. Bread makers should opt for other alternative dough conditioners such as ascorbic acid, glucose oxidase, and potassium iodate for bread production. NAFDAC should put in more proactive measures to ensure constant monitoring of food products pre-and post-production to guarantee adherence to its regulatory standards and the safety of human life.

Introduction: Methanol intoxication causes high anion gap metabolic acidosis in addition to Central Nervous System (CNS) depression. Benzodiazepines in co-ingestion with other CNS depressants as alcohol can cause significant respiratory depression. Liraglutide is a novel antidiabetic agent whose acute overdose is not well studied. This case report aimed to present a case with combined intake of the three above-mentioned chemicals.Case Description: A case of 43-year-old male not diabetic, not an alcohol consumer, uses benzodiazepines regularly for sleep disorders. The patient unintentionally took 10 tablets of benzodiazepines over a period of 24 hours, aiming to sleep. He also consumed one glass of ethanol containing methanol (used for disinfection). The patient was on liraglutide subcutaneous injections for weight loss, with one injection 2 days before admission.The night before admission, the patient first felt light headed and complained of blurring of vision. The condition progressed and the patient was taken to the emergency department where he presented with coma, apnea, and shock.On the arrival of the patient, he was intubated and mechanically ventilated for having a disturbed conscious level and apnea.Laboratory testing identified severe persistent mixed type acidosis, hypoglycemia, and urinary toxicology screen was positive for benzodiazepine. IV fluids, vasopressors, Dextrose, bicarbonate, flumazenil, vitamin B, and folinic acid were given. Although urgent haemodialysis was undertaken, acidosis continued. The patient passed away after 37 hours of intensive care unit admission.Conclusion: Combined exposure to alcohol and benzodiazepines can cause significant mixed type acidosis. CNS depression can result from combined alcohol, benzodiazepines, and prolonged hypoglycemia.

Background: Bipolar disorder (BD) is considered as a severe mental disease. Lithium, which is widely used to treat BD, has a limited therapeutic index, and its toxicity is common in people who use it. Lithium poisoning can occur intentionally or accidentally.Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we assembled data from 21 profiles of patients with lithium poisoning that referred to Razi Hospital in Ahvaz from 2015 to 2018. After studying the records of lithium poisoning patients, the checklist was adjusted based on demographic characteristics (age, gender, and cause of poisoning) and clinical information (need for dialysis, duration of hospitalization, clinical signs, and …). The data were analyzed using the SPSS software.Results: Finding shows that among 21 subjects, 10 patients (47.6%) were men and 11 (52.4%) were women. In addition, most of the patients poisoned with lithium (47.6%) were in the age range of 20-29 years. Among all patients younger than 50 years, poisoning was caused by suicide. Also, decreased consciousness (47.6%) was the most common symptom of poisoning, and 16 patients (76.2%) were hospitalized in the ICU. 71.4% of lithium poisoning patients were associated with concomitant use of other drugs, and one person died in this study. Conclusion: Considering the use of lithium with the intention of suicide in 90.5% of cases with lithium poisoning and also the significant simultaneous use of lithium with antidepressants and hypnotic drugs, further research should be seemingly performed in the psychological and social fields for preventive measures, as well as planning to reduce committing suicide and poisoning.

With the rise in concern about GMOs and pesticides on human health, we have utilized Drosophila melanogaster as a model organism for understanding the effects of Roundup-Ready® GMO diets on health. We recorded dietary behavior during and after exposure to a medium containing GMO or non-GMO corn, Roundup® in organic corn medium, and sucrose with or without one of the two Roundup® formulations. No differences in behavior were observed when Drosophila were exposed to a medium containing Roundup-Ready® GMO or non-GMO corn. Drosophila can detect and refrain from eating sucrose containing one Roundup® formulation, Ready-to-Use, which contains pelargonic acid in addition to glyphosate as an active ingredient. Drosophila exhibited dose-dependent increased consumption of sucrose alone after exposure to a medium containing either Roundup® formulation. This may indicate that flies eating a medium with Roundup® eat less and were thus hungrier when then given sucrose solution; that a medium with Roundup® is more difficult to digest; or that a medium with Roundup® is less nutritious, as would be the case if nutritionally important microbes grew on control medium, but not one containing Roundup®.

Background: Despite the efficiency, many side effects have been reported for cisplatin, which is a well-known anti-cancer agent. Among them we can point to ototoxicity, which seriously reduces the quality of life in cisplatin-receiving patients. Since the approach of using natural ingredients in clinic has been growing in recent years, herein, we intend to gather delegated documentations of the presented scientific reports regarding various aspects of cisplatin-induced ototoxicity (CIO) focusing on some effective natural remedies.Methods: Well-known scientific databases such as Google Scholar, Scopus, and PubMed were employed to search the target keywords. Then, to prepare the literature, the selected contents were reviewed, analyzed, and modified at several stages.Results: Recent studies have shown that the prevalence of CIO is very high and most cisplatin-receiving patients suffer from this complication to a certain degree. Along with other underlying factors, the roles for reactive oxygen species (ROS) and apoptotic factors have been found very significant in forming the process of CIO. In order to alleviate the complication, various pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments have been introduced and suggested. Particularly, special attention has been paid to natural products in recent decades. In this regard, many of these compounds were found efficacious and safe.Conclusion: This review showed that, many natural products are able to attenuate CIO through various mechanisms, among which anti-oxidative and anti-apoptotic pathways would be the most important ones. Therefore, as a novel pharmacological approach, they have the potential to be focused in future mechanistic studies.

Background:Hemodialysis is one of the most common extracorporeal procedures that is used for treatment in some intoxicated patients. Therefore, epidemiology and prognostic factors in hemodialysis intoxicated patients were evaluated. Methods:In this cross-sectional study, all hospitalized patients, who underwent hemodialysis admitted to the poisoning center at Taleghani Hospital, Urmia, Iran, from 2016-2020 were evaluated. The demographic data, clinical and some laboratory findings in survivor and non-survivor group were studied retrospectively and evaluated in relation to outcome of the patients. Then, the data were analyzed by descriptive and analytical statistics using SPSS v 16. Results:In this study, 200 (158 males, 42 females) patients were evaluated. The mortality rate was 31.5% (79% males, 21% females). Toxic Alcohol (methanol, ethylene glycol) 86 (43%) and paraquat 58 (29%) were the main causes of poisoning among the patients treated with hemodialysis. Loss of consciousness 82 (41%) and Gastrointestinal discomforts (nausea, vomiting, and epigastric pain) 68 (34%) were the most signs and symptoms in patients. Statistically significant relationships (p value < 0.05) were found between the acute renal failure and causes of poisoning. Finally, 137 patients (68.5%) were discharged with full recovery and 63 cases (31.5%) were died. Conclusion:Because extracorporeal therapies such as hemodialysis are one of the main procedures in the treatment of poisoning and there are limited studies on the prevalence of hemodialysis in poisoned patients, this study was carried out to evaluate hemodialysis in intoxicated patients whose data can be used more widely in the future. However, more studies are required to explore the prevalence of hemodialysis in poisoned patients.

Graphical abstract, Highlights • Cadmium-induced toxicity results in oxidative stress in kidney tissues. • Cadmium intoxication upregulates metallothionine and kidney injury molecule’s mRNA. • Geophila obvallata extract confers protection against cadmium-induced toxicity. • Geophila obvallata extract pre-treatment upregulates OH-1 and NQ-O1 gene elements., Cadmium (Cd) is a known nephro-toxicant. This research determined the ameliorative effects of Geophila obvallata crude methanol extract (Me70) and its fractions on Cd-induced nephrotoxicity in Wistar rats. Male rats were randomly allocated to nine (9) groups of six (6) rats each. Group I was given normal water and feed only. Group II received 0.3 mg Cd/L only for two weeks. Groups III, IV, V, VI and VII were pre-exposed to aqueous, ethyl acetate, hexane, butanol and chloroform fractions of Me70, each at a dose of 50 mg/kg bwt for fourteen (14) days prior to treatment with 0.3 mg Cd/L for a further two weeks. Group VIII was pre-exposed to Me70 at a dose of 50 mg/kg bwt for fourteen (14) days, prior to administration of 0.3 mg Cd/L for fourteen (14) days, while group IX received 50 mg/kg.bwt of Me70 only for fourteen (14) days. The treatments were administered daily for twenty-eight (28) days via oral gavage. Cadmium levels in the kidney tissues of Cd-treated rats increased significantly while their body weights decreased relative to control. The levels of kidney function markers in the plasma, lipid peroxidation levels, catalase activity, metallothionine (MT-1) and kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) mRNA were increased significantly, while glutathione (GSH) levels, activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione-s-transferase (GST), and levels of nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf-2), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor –gamma coactivator- 1-alpha (PGC-1α), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and NADH quinone oxidoreductase-1 (NQ-O1) were decreased significantly in rats treated with Cd-only. Overall, pre-treatment with Me70 produced better protection from the toxic effects of cadmium induction in experimental rats.

Background Refractory Ceramic fibres (RCF) are man-made mineral fibres used in high performance thermal insulation applications. Analogous to asbestos fibres, RCF are respirable, show a pleural drift and can persist in human lung tissue for more than 20 years after exposure. Pleural changes such as localised or diffuse pleural thickening as well as pleural calcification were reported. Result A 45 years old man worked in high performance thermal insulation applications using refractory ceramic fibres (RCF) for almost 20 years. During a occupational medical prophylaxis to ensure early diagnosis of disorders caused by inhalation of aluminium silicate fibres with X-ray including high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT), bilateral pleural thickening was shown and a pleural calcification next to a rounded atelectasis was detected. Asbestos exposure could be excluded. In pulmonary function test a restrictive lung pattern could be revealed. In work samples scanning electron microscopy (SEM) including energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) classified used fibres as aluminium silicate fibres. X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed crystalline as well as amorphous fibres. Conclusions A comprehensive lung function analysis and in case of restrictive lung disorders additional CT scans are needed in RCF exposed workers in accordance to the guidelines for medical occupational examinations comparable to asbestos exposed workers.

Background. Belonging to the family of Combretaceae, the roots of Anogeissus leiocarpus are traditionally used to treat diabetes, wounds, infections, pain, and gastrointestinal diseases. To our knowledge, no genotoxicity assessment of the plant was reported. Hence, this study was designed to evaluate the potential genotoxic and protective effects of extract of Anogeissus leiocarpus roots using the micronucleus test on mice bone marrow cells in vivo. Methods. Three different concentrations (250, 500, and 1000 mg·kg−1) of hydroalcoholic extract of roots of A. leiocarpus were administered daily for 7 days per os to mice, and the genotoxicity was induced by the administration ip of cyclophosphamide. Genotoxicity and cytotoxicity were evaluated by counting, respectively, the number of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes and polychromatic erythrocytes to total erythrocytes in the bone marrow of mice. Results. The administration of A. leiocarpus did neither increase the ratio of the polychromatic erythrocyte (PCE) nor the frequency of micronucleated PCE (MNPCE) significantly in the bone marrow cells of the mice, compared to the vehicle control animals. However, a significant increase in the incidence of MNPCE in the bone marrow cell of the cyclophosphamide-treated mice was found. Moreover, in the groups treated with the total extract of A. leiocarpus at different doses plus cyclophosphamide, there was a significant decrease p < 0.0001 in MNPCEs compared to the positive controls, in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusion. This first finding reports that the extract of A. leiocarpus was neither genotoxic nor cytotoxic. However, it shows a protective effect against the genotoxicity and cytotoxicity induced by cyclophosphamide.

BackgroundThyroid carcinoma is a serious threat to human health in Shanghai and a focus of cancer prevention and treatment.ObjectiveThis study aims to assess the relationship between foods rich in iodine and papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC)．MethodsIn a hospital-based case-control study matched by gender and age (±3 years old), 402 pairs of cases (new incidences) and controls were included and studied. A validated questionnaire and food frequency questionnaire survey was conducted face to face to obtain demographic characteristics and dietary intake. A multiple conditional logistic regression model was applied to explore the relationship between foods rich in iodine (including seaweeds, kelp, and dried shrimps) and PTC.ResultsThe mean age of the participants was (41.17±11.51) years in this study. Compared with the controls, more cases had a lower education and a manual occupation (P

BackgroundThe increasing threats of air pollution and extreme weather have been widely recognized in recent years in China, but their individual and joint effects on cardio-cerebrovascular mortality are unclear.ObjectiveThis study aims to investigate the individual effects of and potential interactions between oxidant pollutants and ambient temperature on cardio-cerebrovascular mortality risks.MethodsWe collected daily data on death counts of cardio-cerebrovascular diseases, concentrations of ambient air pollutants, and meteorological parameters in Guangzhou, Chinabetween 1 January 2006 and 31 December 2016. A generalized additive model with a Poisson distribution was conducted to assess the associations of oxidant pollutants and ambient temperature with cardio-cerebrovascular mortality risks. Bivariate response surface models and stratified analyses were further adopted to qualitatively and quantitatively examine the potential interactions between oxidant pollutants and ambient temperature on cardio-cerebrovascular mortality risks.ResultsDuring the study period, the daily averages were 60.3 μg·m−3 for ozone (O3), 50.9 μg·m−3 for combined atmospheric oxidant capacity (Ox), 32.5 μg·m−3 for nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and 22.3℃ for ambient temperature. The average daily death counts of coronary and stroke diseases were 20 and 15, respectively. Per 10 μg·m−3 increment in O3, Ox, and NO2 were associated with increased coronary mortality risks (excess risk, ER) of 1.26% (95%CI: 0.79%-1.74%), 1.61% (95%CI: 0.99%-2.23%), and 1.33% (95%CI: 0.59%-2.07%), and with increased stroke mortality risks of 1.56% (95%CI: 1.04%-2.09%), 2.30% (95%CI: 1.60%-3.01%), and 2.93% (95%CI: 2.07%-3.79%) over cumulative lags of 2-5 days, respectively. The exposure-response relationships between ambient temperature and coronary and stroke mortality risks exhibited an inverse "J" shape, with the minimum mortality at temperatures of 25.7℃ for coronary disease and 27.3℃ for stroke. Our results further showed potentially synergic effects of higher temperatures and higher levels of O3 and Ox exposures on coronary mortality risks, and the relative ER due to interactions was 0.103 (95%CI: 0.028-0.178) for O3 and 0.079 (95%CI: 0.004-0.154) for Ox. We didn't find evidence of an interaction between oxidant pollutants and low temperature.ConclusionShort-term exposures to oxidant pollutants are associated with increased cardio-cerebrovascular mortality risks, and the interactive effects of high temperature and oxidant pollutants are synergistic in relation to cardio-cerebrovascular mortality risks.

BackgroundBoth domestic and foreign studies on the diet quality of patients with thyroid nodules are rare at present, and the relationship between thyroid nodules and diet quality is still unclear.ObjectiveThis study aims to evaluate the diet quality of thyroid nodules with the China Healthy Diet Index (CHDI) and to explore the relationship between diet quality and thyroid nodules.MethodsWe conducted a hospital-based case-control study in which 387 patients with thyroid nodules were matched individually (1∶1) by gender and age (±3 years) to the controls who ordered a routine physical examine and with negative thyroid nodules reported by B-ultrasound in the same hospital. A structured questionnaire was applied to collect data on general characteristics and diet. CHDI was employed to evaluate the diet quality of the two groups. CHDI is based on the Dietary Guidelines for Chinese Residents and the recommended food intake in the balanced diet pagoda, combined with the dietary nutritional status of Chinese population. The index contains 13 scoring components, and the highest total score is 100, with a higher score representing better dietary quality. CHDI scores < 60, 60

Graphical abstract, Proteins containing PER-ARNT-SIM (PAS) domains are commonly associated with environmental adaptation in a variety of organisms. The PAS domain is found in proteins throughout Archaea, Bacteria, and Eukarya and often binds small-molecules, supports protein-protein interactions, and transduces input signals to mediate an adaptive physiological response. Signaling events mediated by PAS sensors can occur through induced phosphorelays or genomic events that are often dependent upon PAS domain interactions. In this perspective, we briefly discuss the diversity of PAS domain containing proteins, with particular emphasis on the prototype member, the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR). This ligand-activated transcription factor acts as a sensor of the chemical environment in humans and many chordates. We conclude with the idea that since mammalian PAS proteins often act through PAS-PAS dimers, undocumented interactions of this type may link biological processes that we currently think of as independent. To support this idea, we present a framework to guide future experiments aimed at fully elucidating the spectrum of PAS-PAS interactions with an eye towards understanding how they might influence environmental sensing in human and wildlife populations.