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Based on paralyzed and death time, zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) were preliminarily investigated for possible biological effectiveness of anthelmintic activity on Pheretima Posthuma. After synthesizing ZnO NPs by low-temperature precipitation method with slight modification, size, morphology, and shape evaluation of these nanoparticles were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and annealing temperature in the range 400-700C. In this anthelmintic assay, the paralyzed time (PT) was gradually shorter with the increase of the sample concentration, for instance, when high concentration (40mg/ml) sample was applied on adult worms the paralyzed time was 35.6 minutes only. The death time (DT) was 450 and 80 minutes when the sample concentration was 20 and 40 mg/ml respectively. These results were compared with albendazole as a reference showed PT and DT 378.6 and 402.3 minutes respectively, and showed maximum dose-dependent anthelmintic activity. Finally, at higher concentration paralytic effect (PE) was showed much earlier and subsequently, it is important to note that the time taken for death observation was shorter.

Mango is a well-known tropical climacteric fruit that decays rapidly. Thus, a postharvest management strategy utilizing natural and biodegradable materials is necessary to minimize crop losses. The study evaluated the coating effects of A. vera gel with chitosan and coconut oil on postharvest features and mango shelf life throughout 15 days of storage at room temperature (25 ± 2 °C). Fruits were treated with the following six coatings: control (distilled water), 1.5% chitosan solution (CH) (w/v), Aloe vera gel (AV) (1 : 1, v/v), coconut oil (CO) (1 : 1, v/v), 1.5% chitosan solution + A. vera gel (CH + AV) (1 : 1, v/v), and coconut oil + A. vera gel (CO + AV) (1 : 1, v/v). The findings showed that the coating with A. vera gel and chitosan significantly decreased decay, weight loss, respiration rate, and ethylene production compared to control. This coating improved fruit quality indicators like acidity, total soluble solids, pH, fruit firmness, and ascorbic acid content. Additionally, the phenol content and antioxidant activity decreased slightly during storage, while the control fruits demonstrated a rapid decrease in phenol content and antioxidant activity. Coated fruits significantly reduced the activity of polyphenol oxidase, whereas control fruits had the lowest catalase and peroxidase activity throughout the storage period. Coated fruit skin showed higher L* and b* values than the control fruits throughout storage. These findings suggested that A. vera gel with chitosan coating might preserve bioactive components and postharvest ‘Haribhanga’ mango fruit quality under ambient storage.

BackgroundA number of cohort studies have collected Scope mouthwash samples by mail, which are being used for microbiota measurements. We evaluated the stability of Scope mouthwash samples at ambient temperature and determined the comparability of Scope mouthwash with saliva collection using the OMNIgene ORAL Kit.MethodsFifty-three healthy volunteers from Mayo Clinic and 50 cohort members from Bangladesh provided oral samples. One aliquot of the OMNIgene ORAL and Scope mouthwash were frozen immediately and one aliquot of the Scope mouthwash remained at ambient temperature for 4 days and was then frozen. DNA was extracted and the V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene was PCR amplified and sequenced using the HiSeq. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were calculated.ResultsThe overall stability of the Scope mouthwash samples was relatively high for alpha and beta diversity. For example, the meta-analyzed ICC for the Shannon index was 0.86 (95% confidence interval, 0.76-0.96). Similarly, the ICCs for the relative abundance of the top 25 genera were generally high. The comparability of the two sample types was relatively low when measured using ICCs, but were increased by using a Spearman correlation coefficient (SCC) to compare the rank order of individuals.ConclusionsOverall, the Scope mouthwash samples appear to be stable at ambient temperature, which suggests that oral rinse samples received by the mail can be used for microbial analyses. However, Scope mouthwash samples were distinct compared with OMNIgene ORAL samples.ImpactStudies should try to compare oral microbial metrics within one sample collection type.

BACKGROUND: Chronic arsenic (As) exposure is a global environmental health issue. Inorganic As (InAs) undergoes methylation to monomethyl (MMAs) and dimethyl-arsenical species (DMAs); full methylation to DMAs facilitates urinary excretion and is associated with reduced risk for As-related health outcomes. Nutritional factors, including folate and creatine, influence one-carbon metabolism, the biochemical pathway that provides methyl groups for As methylation. OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to investigate the effects of supplementation with folic acid (FA), creatine, or the two combined on the concentrations of As metabolites and the primary methylation index (PMI: MMAs/InAs) and secondary methylation index (SMI: DMAs/MMAs) in blood in Bangladeshi adults having a wide range of folate status. METHODS: In a randomized, double-blinded, placebo (PBO)-controlled trial, 622 participants were recruited independent of folate status and assigned to one of five treatment arms: a) PBO (n = 102), b) 400 [micro]g FA/d (400FA; n = 153), c) 800 [micro]g FA/d (800FA; n =151), d) 3 g creatine/d (creatine; n = 101), or e) 3 gcreatine + 400 [micro]g of FA/d (creatine + 400FA; n = 103) for 12 wk. For the following 12 wk, half of the FA participants were randomly switched to the PBO while the other half continued FA supplementation. All participants received As-removal water filters at baseline. Blood As (bAs) metabolites were measured at weeks 0, 1, 12, and 24. RESULTS: At baseline, 80.3% (n = 489) of participants were folate sufficient (>9 nmol/L in plasma). In all groups, bAs metabolite concentrations decreased, likely due to filter use; for example, in the PBO group, blood concentrations of MMAs (bMMAs) (geometric mean [+ or -] geometric standard deviation) decreased from 3.55 [+ or -]1.89 1g/L at baseline to 2.73 [+ or -] 1.74 at week 1. After 1 wk, the mean within- person increase in SMI for the creatine + 400FA group was greater than that of the PBO group (p = 0.05). The mean percentage decrease in bMMAs between baseline and week 12 was greater for all treatment groups compared with the PBO group [400FA: -10.4 (95% CI: -11.9, -8.75), 800FA: -9.54 (95% CI: -11.1, -7.97), creatine: -5.85 (95% CI: -8.59, -3.03), creatine + 400FA: -8.44 (95% CI: -9.95, -6.90), PBO: -2.02 (95% CI: -4.03,0.04)], and the percentage increase in blood DMAs (bDMAs) concentrations for the FA-treated groups significantly exceeded that of PBO [400FA: 12.8 (95% CI: 10.5, 15.2), 800FA: 11.3 (95% CI: 8.95, 13.8), creatine + 400FA: 7.45 (95% CI: 5.23, 9.71), PBO: -0.15 (95% CI: -2.85, 2.63)]. The mean decrease in PMI and increase in SMI in all FA groups significantly exceeded PBO (p < 0.05). Data from week 24 showed evidence of a reversal of treatment effects on As metabolites from week 12 in those who switched from 800FA to PBO, with significant decreases in SMI [-9.0% (95% CI: -3.5, -14.8)] and bDMAs [-5.9% (95% CI: -1.8, -10.2)], whereas PMI and bMMAs concentrations continued to decline [-7.16% (95% CI: -0.48, -14.3) and -3.1% (95% CI: -0.1, -6.2), respectively] for those who remained on 800FA supplementation. CONCLUSIONS: FA supplementation lowered bMMAs and increased bDMAs in a sample of primarily folate-replete adults, whereas creatine supplementation lowered bMMAs. Evidence of the reversal of treatment effects on As metabolites following FA cessation suggests short- term benefits of supplementation and underscores the importance of long-term interventions, such as FA fortification. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP11270, Introduction Arsenic (As) contamination of groundwater is common in many regions of the world. At least 94 million people worldwide are exposed to concentrations exceeding the World Health Organization (WHO) [...]

To our knowledge, fecal microbiota collection methods have not been evaluated in low- and middle-income countries. Therefore, we evaluated five different fecal sample collection methods for technical reproducibility, stability, and accuracy within the Health Effects of Arsenic Longitudinal Study (HEALS) in Bangladesh. Fifty participants from the HEALS provided fecal samples in the clinic which were aliquoted into no solution, 95% ethanol, RNAlater, postdevelopment fecal occult blood test (FOBT) cards, and fecal immunochemical test (FIT) tubes. Half of the aliquots were frozen immediately at -80°C (day 0) and the remaining samples were left at ambient temperature for 96 h and then frozen (day 4). Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were calculated for the relative abundances of the top three phyla, for two alpha diversity measures, and for four beta diversity measures. The duplicate samples had relatively high ICCs for technical reproducibility at day 0 and day 4 (range, 0.79 to 0.99). The FOBT card and samples preserved in RNAlater and 95% ethanol had the highest ICCs for stability over 4 days. The FIT tube had lower stability measures overall. In comparison to the "gold standard" method using immediately frozen fecal samples with no solution, the ICCs for many of the microbial metrics were low, but the rank order appeared to be preserved as seen by the Spearman correlation. The FOBT cards, 95% ethanol, and RNAlater were effective fecal preservatives. These fecal collection methods are optimal for future cohort studies, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.IMPORTANCE The collection of fecal samples in prospective cohort studies is essential to provide the opportunity to study the effect of the human microbiota on numerous health conditions. However, these collection methods have not been adequately tested in low- and middle-income countries. We present estimates of technical reproducibility, stability at ambient temperature for 4 days, and accuracy comparing a "gold standard" for fecal samples in no solution, 95% ethanol, RNAlater, postdevelopment fecal occult blood test cards, and fecal immunochemical test tubes in a study conducted in Bangladesh. Fecal occult blood test cards and fecal samples stored in 95% ethanol or RNAlater adequately preserve fecal samples in this setting. Therefore, new studies in low- and middle-income countries should include collection of fecal samples using fecal occult blood test cards, 95% ethanol, or RNAlater for prospective cohort studies.

Exposure to inorganic arsenic (As) is recognized as a risk factor for non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC). We followed up with 7000 adults for 6 years who were exposed to As. During follow-up, 2.2% of the males and 1.3% of the females developed basal cell carcinoma (BCC), while 0.4% of the male and 0.2% of the female participants developed squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Using a panel of more than 400 cancer-related genes, we detected somatic mutations (SMs) in the first 32 NMSC samples (BCC = 26 and SCC = 6) by comparing paired (tissue–blood) samples from the same individual and then comparing them to the SM in healthy skin tissue from 16 participants. We identified (a) a list of NMSC-associated SMs, (b) SMs present in both NMSC and healthy skin, and (c) SMs found only in healthy skin. We also demonstrate that the presence of non-synonymous SMs in the top mutated genes (like PTCH1, NOTCH1, SYNE1, PKHD1 in BCC and TP53 in SCC) significantly affects the magnitude of differential expressions of major genes and gene pathways (basal cell carcinoma pathways, NOTCH signaling, IL-17 signaling, p53 signaling, Wnt signaling pathway). These findings may help select groups of patients for targeted therapy, like hedgehog signaling inhibitors, IL17 inhibitors, etc., in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundBetel quid is chewed by 600 million people worldwide and it has been linked to obesity and cardiovascular disease. The purpose of our study was to examine the prevalence and predictors of betel quid chewing in a rural area of Bangladesh, and determine its effects on body mass index (BMI) and blood pressure.MethodsIn this population-based prospective study, we analysed data on 19 934 Bangladeshi adults. Linear and multivariate logistic regression was used to determine the socio-demographic predictors of betel quid chewing and the effect of betel quid on change in BMI and on systolic and diastolic blood pressure, pulse pressure, arterial pressure, overweight or obesity, and hypertension.ResultsAt baseline, betel quid was chewed by 33.2% of the cohort (35.5% of men, 31.6% of women). In a subsample in which we collected methods of use, 17.5% chewed it without tobacco and 82.5% chewed it with tobacco. In multivariate analysis, betel quid chewing was associated with female sex, older age, tobacco smoking and lower socio-economic status, as measured by fewer years of formal education and not owning land. Betel quid was chewed more times per day among women and older persons. At follow-up, persons who chewed betel quid without tobacco had higher systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and arterial pressure in comparison with never users. After controlling for other explanatory variables, chewing betel quid without tobacco was associated with general hypertension [odds ratio (OR) 1.48, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.04-2.10] and systolic hypertension (OR 1.55, 95% CI 1.01-2.37). We did not observe associations of betel quid chewing with BMI or overweight.ConclusionsBetel quid chewing is likely contributing to high blood pressure in Bangladesh, particularly among women.

Background Arsenic exposure increases the risk of several cancers in humans and contributes to genomic instability. Somatic loss of the Y chromosome (LoY) is a potential biomarker of genomic instability and cancer risk. Smoking is associated with LoY, but few other carcinogens have been investigated. We tested the cross-sectional association between arsenic exposure and LoY in leukocytes among genotyped Bangladeshi men (age 20–70 years) from the Health Effects of Arsenic Longitudinal Study. Methods We extracted the median of logR-ratios from probes on the Y chromosome (mLRR-chrY) from genotyping arrays (n  =   1364) and estimated the percentage of cells with LoY (% LoY) from mLRR-chrY. We evaluated the association between arsenic exposure (measured in drinking water and urine) and LoY using multivariable linear and logistic regression models. The association between LoY and incident arsenic-induced skin lesions was also examined. Results Ten percent of genotyped men had LoY in at least 5% of cells and % LoY increased with age. Among men randomly selected for genotyping (n  =   778), higher arsenic in drinking water, arsenic consumed and urinary arsenic were associated with increased % LoY (P  =   0.006, P  =   0.06 and P  =   0.13, respectively). LoY was associated with increased risk of incident skin lesions (P  =   0.008). Conclusion Arsenic exposure was associated with increased LoY, providing additional evidence that arsenic contributes to genomic instability. LoY was associated with developing skin lesions, a risk factor for cancer, suggesting that LoY may be a biomarker of susceptibility in arsenic-exposed populations. The effect of arsenic on somatic events should be further explored in cancer-prone tissue types. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To evaluate the potential effects of betel quid chewing on mortality. (A quid consists of betel nut, wrapped in betel leaves; tobacco is added to the quid by some users). Methods Prospective data were available on 20033 individuals aged 18-75 years, living in Araihazar, Bangladesh. Demographic and exposure data were collected at baseline using a standardized questionnaire. Cause of death was defined by verbal autopsy questionnaires administered to next of kin. We estimated hazard ratios (HR) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI) for associations between betel use and mortality from all causes and from specific causes, using Cox proportional hazards models. We adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, educational attainment and tobacco smoking history. Findings There were 1072 deaths during an average of 10 years of follow-up. Participants who had ever used betel were significantly more likely to die from all causes (HR: 1.26; 95% CI: 1.09-1.44) and cancer (HR: 1.55; 95% CI: 1.09-2.22); but not cardiovascular disease (HR: 1.16; 95% CI: 0.93-1.43).These findings were robust to adjustment for potential confounders. There was a dose-response relationship between mortality from all causes and both the duration and the intensity of betel use. The population attributable fraction for betel use was 14.1% for deaths from all causes and 24.2% for cancer. Conclusion Betel quid use was associated with mortality from all causes and from cancer in this cohort. Objectif Evaluer les effets potentiels de la consommation de chiques de betel sur la mortalite. (Une chique se compose d'une noix de betel enveloppee dans des feuilles de betel; certains consommateurs lui ajoutent du tabac.) Methodes Des donnees prospectives etaient disponibles au sujet de 20 033 personnes agees de 18 a 75 ans et vivant a Araihazar, au Bangladesh. Des donnees demographiques ainsi que des donnees sur l'exposition ont ete recueillies au debut de l'etude au moyen d'un questionnaire standardise. Les causes de deces ont ete definies a l'aide de questionnaires d'autopsie verbale auxquels ont repondu les proches. Nous avons estime les ratios de risque (RR) et leur intervalle de confiance (IC) de 95% pour les associations entre la consommation de betel et la mortalite, toutes causes confondues et due a des causes specifiques, au moyen de modeles a risques proportionnels de Cox. Nous les avons ajustes en fonction de l'age, du sexe, de l'indice de masse corporelle, du niveau d'instruction et des antecedents de tabagisme. Resultats On a enregistre 1072 deces pendant une moyenne de 10 annees de suivi. Les participants qui avaient consomme du betel etaient sensiblement plus nombreuxa mourir, de toutes causes (RR: 1,26; IC 95%: 1,09-1,44) et des suites d'un cancer (RR: 1,55; IC 95%: 1,09-2,22), mais pas de maladies cardiovasculaires (RR: 1,16; IC 95%: 0,93-1,43). Ces resultats sont restes identiques apres ajustement en fonction d'eventuels facteurs de confusion. Une relation dose-effet a ete observee entre la mortalite, toutes causes confondues, et la duree de la consommation de betel ainsi que son intensite. La fraction attribuable dans la population concernant la consommation de betel etait de 14,1% pour les deces toutes causes confondues et de 24,2% pour les cancers. Conclusion Dans cette cohorte, la consommation de chiques de betel a ete associee a la mortalite, toutes causes confondues et due au cancer. Objetivo Evaluar los posibles efectos de mascar mascada de betel en la mortalidad. (Una mascada consiste de una nuez de betel envuelta en hojas de betel; algunos usuarios le anaden tabaco). Metodos Se disponia de datos prospectivos de 20.033 Individuos de entre 18 y 75 anos que habitaban en Aralhazar, Bangladesh. Se recogieron datos demograficos y de exposiciones al inicio del estudio mediante un cuestionaros normalizado. Se definio la causa de mortalidad a traves de cuestionarios de autopsia verbales administrados a los familiares. Se estimo el cociente de riesgos y su intervalo de confianza (IC) del 95% para asociaciones entre el uso de betel y la mortalidad por todas las causas, y las causas especificas mediante el uso de modelos de Cox de riesgos proporcionales. Se ajusto en cuanto a edad, sexo, peso medio, nivel educativo e historial de consumo de tabaco. Resultados Hubo 1.072 muertes en un periodo medio de seguimiento de 10 anos. Los participantes que nunca habian utilizado betel tenian mas posibilidades de morir por todas las causas (cociente de riesgos: 1,26; IC del 95%: 1,09-1,44) y cancer (cociente de riesgos: 1,55; IC del 95%: 1,09-2,22); pero no enfermedades cardiovasculares (cociente de riesgos: 1,16; IC del 95%: 0,93-1,43). Estos resultados fueron solidos para un ajuste de los factores potenciales de confusion. Hubo una relacion de respuesta a la dosis entre la mortalidad de todas las causas y la duracion e intensidad del uso de betel. La fraccion atribuible de la poblacion por el uso de betel fue del 14,1% de las muertes por todas las causas y del 24,2% por cancer. Conclusion El uso de mascada de betel estaba asociado a la mortalidad por todas las causas y por cancer en este cohorte., Introduction Areca catechu nut (betel nut) is the fourth most commonly used addictive substance in the world, after caffeine, nicotine and alcohol. (1) Betel nut is consumed by chewing, either [...]