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Pollution from microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) has gained significant public attention and has become a serious environmental problem worldwide. This review critically investigates MPs/NPs' ability to pass through biological barriers in vertebrate models and accumulate in various organs, including the brain. After accumulation, these particles can alter individuals' behaviour and exhibit toxic effects by inducing oxidative stress or eliciting an inflammatory response. One major concern is the possibility of transgenerational harm, in which toxic consequences are displayed in offspring who are not directly exposed to MPs/NPs. Due to their large and marked surface hydrophobicity, these particles can easily absorb and concentrate various environmental pollutants, which may increase their toxicity to individuals and subsequent generations. This review systematically provides an analysis of recent studies related to the toxic effects of MPs/NPs, highlighting the intricate interplay between co-contaminants in vitro and in vivo. We further delve into mechanisms of MPs/NPs-induced toxicity and provide an overview of potential therapeutic approaches to lessen the negative effects of these MPs/NPs. The review also emphasizes the urgency of future studies to examine the long-term effects of chronic exposure to MPs/NPs and their size- and type-specific hazardous dynamics, and devising approaches to safeguard the affected organisms. • Vertebrate organ response and degree of internalisation of MPs/NPs depends on the surface charge and size of particles • MPs/NPs can cross blood-brain barrier and induce behavioural alterations in fish and rodent model after accumulation • Presence of different polymers of MPs/NPs has been reported in human samples mainly blood, urine, and placenta • These particles may exhibit physiological and molecular changes by inducing oxidative stress and inflammatory responses • It may show antagonistic or synergistic effects with other co-contaminants or underlying biological conditions [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study investigated the toxic effects of individual, combined (binary and ternary) exposure to lead, arsenic and mercury on, (i) oxidative stress (ii) alterations in brain biogenic amines and (iii) tissue metals concentration. Rats were exposed to lead, arsenic and mercury either individually (30 ppm in drinking water), various binary (15 ppm each) or ternary combination (10 ppm each) for a period of 6 months. Lead + arsenic and lead + arsenic + mercury co-exposure led to a significant increase in the blood oxidative stress. Mercury + arsenic and lead + arsenic + mercury co-exposure produced a more pronounced hepatotoxicity while, lead + arsenic and lead + arsenic + mercury produced a significant increase in hepatic oxidative stress. Kidney oxidative stress and changes in brain biogenic amines were more prominent in animals exposed to three metals. Accumulation of three metals did not exhibit the pattern as in the case of oxidative stress. Exposure to two toxic metals also showed less accumulation of toxic metals suggesting possible antagonism. The present study thus provides some interesting observations on the interaction between lead, arsenic and mercury. Co-exposure to lead + arsenic + mercury led to a more pronounced increase in oxidative stress in liver and kidneys compared to other exposed groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inefficient monitoring of the water resource recovery facility at various health care establishments may lead to detrimental effects on human population, especially when such water get mixed with potable municipal water supply. To ensure the efficiency and proper functioning of the water resource recovery facility and quality of water, before it being disposed of, the present study was conducted with the assessment of physico‐chemical parameters of water and its genotoxic and cytogenetic effects in mice. The sample water was given ad libitum to animals for three different time durations, that is, 7, 15, and 30 days. Bone marrow chromosomal aberration and bone marrow micronucleus (MN) assay were performed to get the extent of genotoxicity and cytogenicity. The results showed presence of chromosomal aberrations like fragments breaks and ring formation in different groups. Besides this, a significant (p < 0.05*, p < 0.01**, p < 0.001***) decrease in the mitotic index was noted in the group which was given 100% concentrated sample water for 30 days. A significant (p < 0.05*, p < 0.01**, p < 0.001***) increase in MN induction and decreased ratio of polychromatic to normochromatic erythrocytes were observed in groups which were given samples at 10% and 100% concentrations for longer durations. The findings suggest that even the recovered sample water reflects a positive in vivo genotoxic potential when given for a longer duration of 30 days, indicating some lacuna in the treatment process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Depression and anxiety are recognized as public health problems. For the treatment of major depressive disorder, antidepressant drugs are frequently prescribed worldwide. Antidepressants are a class of drugs that reduce the symptoms of depressive disorders by blocking the reuptake of neurotransmitter and by correcting chemical imbalances of neurotransmitters in the brain. The present study was carried out to evaluate the effects caused by escitalopram oxalate (an SSRI antidepressant) on male reproductive parameters of mice. The antidepressant drug was administered to Swiss albino male mice orally at the dose level of 10 mg/kg b.w./d and 20 mg/kg b.w./d for duration of 30 and 60 days. Body weight, relative sex organ weight, sperm parameters, biochemical parameters and marker of steroidogenesis were used as parameters to evaluate the toxicity of escitalopram oxalate on treated mice. The results showed significant decrease in body weight, weight of testis and epididymis. Escitalopram oxalate treatment also brought about marked reduction in sperm count, sperm motility and viability in exposed males. Testicular protein and sialic acid content reduced significantly whereas a significant increase in the glycogen and cholesterol content of testis was observed. In addition, 3 ß-HSD and 17 ß-HSD activity decreased significantly. In conclusion, escitalopram oxalate exerts toxic effects on testis of mice after 60 days of treatment at dose of 20mg/kg b.w./d. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To study the antidiabetic activity of Barleria prionitis Linn in normal and alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Materials and Methods: Alcoholic extract of leaf and root of B. prionitis was tested for their antidiabetic activity. Albino rats were divided into six groups of six animals each. In three groups, diabetes was induced using alloxan monohydrate (150 mg/kg b.w., i.p.) and all the rats were given different treatments consisting of vehicle, alcoholic extract of leaves, and alcoholic extract roots of B. prionitis Linn (200 mg/kg) for 14 days. The same treatment was given to the other three groups, comprising non-diabetic (normal) animals. Blood glucose level, glycosylated hemoglobin, liver glycogen, serum insulin, and body weight were estimated in normal and alloxan-induced diabetic rats, before and 2 weeks after administration of drugs. Results: Animals treated with the alcoholic extract of leaves of B. prionitis Linn showed a significant decrease in blood glucose level (P<0.01) and glycosylated hemoglobin (P<0.01). A significant increase was observed in serum insulin level (P<0.01) and liver glycogen level (P<0.05), whereas the decrease in the body weight was arrested by administration of leaf extract to the animals. The alcoholic extract of roots showed a moderate but non-significant antidiabetic activity in experimental animals. Conclusion: The study reveals that the alcoholic leaf extract of B. prionitis could be added in the list of herbal preparations beneficial in diabetes mellitus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sludge from common effluent treatment plant (CETP) receiving effluents from textile industries at Mandia Road, Pali, was analyzed to assess the level of mutagenicity. Mutagenicity assay using Salmonella typhimurium tester strains TA 98 and TA 100 gave positive results, thus suggesting presence of genotoxic contaminants in the samples investigated. Further, mutagenic activity of chemical sludge was found to be lesser than that of biological sludge. This result is very surprising and unexpected as it is indicating that some mutagenic compounds are either being formed or certain promutagenic compounds are being converted into stable mutagenic metabolites during the biological treatment of the wastewater effluents. There have been no previous reports giving similar or contrary results. Most of the previous studies have reported effects of single combined sludge. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Wastewater effluents from textile dyeing and printing industries of Sanganer are discharged directly, without any treatment, into Amani Shah Nallah drainage. The drainage water takes the dissolved toxicants to flora and fauna, including crops and seasonal vegetables, being grown in the land adjoining the Nallah drainage. Thus mutagenic potential of vegetables irrigated by the water of Amani Shah Nallah drainage was investigated in the present study. The vegetables irrigated by ground water from Sanganer have also been analyzed to determine possible adverse effects of these wastewater effluents on aqua duct. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Environmental contamination by pesticides has been documented in biotic and abiotic components. These persistent organic pollutants are lipid soluble, nonbiodegradable, and endocrine disrupters. The present study was therefore planned to determine whether the levels of these pesticides like DDT and its metabolites DDD and DDE, dieldrin, heptachlor, and HCH and its isomers (α, β, and γ) were higher in blood of breast cancer patients when compared with normal women who did not suffer from major diseases like blood pressure, tuberculosis, diabetes, thyroid dysfunction, arthritis, cancer, etc. and had not undergone any major surgery. The results indicated that organochlorine pesticides taken for analysis were found significantly high in breast cancer patients irrespective of age, diet, and geographic distribution. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Man has utilized a wide variety of pesticides to combat the crop pests and vectors of human diseases. However, in this process, he has overlooked the darker side of these noxious chemicals, the concentrations of which have reached the environment and pose serious threats, such as mutagenesis, teratogenesis, carcinogenesis and endocrine dysfunction in various components of the ecosystem. The present study was planned to assess the burden of organochlorine pesticides and their influence on thyroid function in women. The study included a total of 123 women from Jaipur City who visited the Thyroid clinic in SMS Medical College and Hospital. One hundred women showed normal thyroid hormone levels while the remaining 23 women had depleted T4 and high TSH levels. The qualitative and quantitative estimation of organochlorine pesticides was carried out by gas chromatography. Out of the analyzed pesticides, the concentration of p,p′-DDT and its metabolites was higher in all the subjects, but dieldrin was found to be significantly high in the hypothyroid women. The correlation analysis for dieldrin and depleted T4 levels in hypothyroid women elicited an inverse relationship between them. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In southern Nova Scotia, the Devonian South Mountain Batholith was emplaced into metasedimentary rocks of the Cambro-Ordovician Meguma Group at ca. 370 Ma. The contact of the eastern end of the South Mountain Batholith transects at a high angle the trace of subhorizontal, upright Acadian (mid-late Devonian) folds formed in the Meguma Group. At two locations, where the contact is well exposed, there are contrasting structures in the country rocks adjacent to Acadian anticlinoria and synclinoria, respectively. Regional folds are affected by ductile deformation where anticlinoria abut the batholith but are undisturbed at the synclinoria. At the anticlinorial contacts, the metasedimentary bedding youngs towards the granite, and granite side-down shear resulted in a belt in which bedding is transposed to a new contact-parallel fabric. Deflection of linear structures that were initially horizontal in the Acadian folds (e.g., intersection lineations) illustrates the granite side-down shear. The reorientation of initially horizontal linear structures gradually diminishes as the contact is followed from the anticlinoria to the synclinoria, where the regional fold geometry is preserved right up to the contact, showing that there is no granite side-down shear in the synclinoria at the present level of erosion. Two models that potentially explain this variation in contact structure are discussed. In the first, it is explained as an artifact of emplacement of the batholith late in the growth of the Acadian folds, in which the horizontal, upright anticlinoria amplified and moved upward relative to the pluton. A shear zone was formed parallel to the contact along the thermally softened tip of the anticlinoria. The synclinoria remained fixed vertically and there was no differential movement between granite and country rock. Thus, regional structures and evidence for stoping are most widely preserved in the synclinoria, where they were not overprinted by the marginal shearing. The second model invokes floor-down emplacement of magma into folds of layered sediments with contrasting mechanical properties. The erosion surface within the synclinoria intersects slates of the Halifax Formation with mechanical properties that favour emplacement predominantly by dyking and stoping. Below the level of erosion, the stratigraphically underlying Goldenville Formation, having different mechanical properties than the Halifax, presumably is displaced downwards predominantly by ductile deformation (pure and simple shear). Within the anticlinoria, where the Goldenville Formation is exposed, the requirement of a level pluton floor necessitates that downward deflection is accompanied by relatively high ductile strains in the wall rock. A third possible model that combines features of the syntectonic and floor-down models is an obvious option.Au sud de la Nouvelle-Écosse, le batholite de South Mountain (Dévonien) a été mis en place dans des roches métasédimentaires du Groupe de Meguma (Cambro-ordovicien) il y a environ 370 Ma. Le contact entre l'extrémité est du batholite de South Mountain recoupe, selon un angle élevé, la trace des plis acadiens (Dévonien moyen à tardif) sub-horizontaux et droits formés dans le Groupe de Meguma. À deux endroits, là où le contact affleure bien, il y a des structures contrastantes dans les roches encaissantes respectivement adjacentes aux anticlinoriums et synclinoriums acadiens. Les plis régionaux sont affectés par des déformations ductiles là où les anticlinoriums se butent contre le batholite mais ils ne sont pas perturbés à l'endroit des synclinoriums. Aux contacts des anticlinoriums, le litage métasédimentaire est plus jeune vers le granite et du cisaillement vers le bas du coté du granite a donné une ceinture dans laquelle le litage est transposé en une nouvelle texture parallèle au contact. La déflection de structures linéaires, qui étaient initialement horizontales dans les plis acadiens (par ex. des intersections linéaires), montre le cisaillement dans lequel le granite est vers le bas. La réorientation des structures initialement horizontales et linéaires diminue graduellement au fur et à mesure que l'on suit le contact des anticlinoriums vers les synclinoriums, là où la géométrie des plis régionaux est préservée jusqu'au contact, montrant qu'il n'y a pas de cisaillement vers le bas du granite dans les synclinoriums au niveau actuel d'érosion. Deux modèles sont présentés qui expliquent potentiellement cette variation de la structure de contact. Dans le premier modèle, on l'explique comme une altération artificielle de la mise en place du batholite tard dans la croissance des plis acadiens, dans lesquels les anticlinoriums horizontaux et droits ont été amplifiés et déplacés vers le haut par rapport au pluton. Une zone de cisaillement a été formée parallèlement au contact le long du sommet amolli thermiquement des anticlinoriums. Les synclinoriums sont restés fixés verticalement et il n'y a pas eu de mouvement différentiel entre le granite et la roche encaissante. Ainsi, les structures régionales et les évidences d'assimilation magmatique sont généralement préservées dans les synclinoriums où elles n'ont pas été surimprimées par le cisaillement à la bordure. Le second modèle rappelle la mise en place « plancher vers le bas » du magma dans des plis de couches de sédiments ayant des propriétés mécaniques différentes. La surface d'érosion à l'intérieur des synclinoriums recoupe des schistes ardoisiers de la Formation de Halifax dont les propriétés mécaniques favorisent une mise en place surtout par des dykes et de l'assimilation magmatique. Sous le niveau d'érosion, la Formation de Goldenville sous-jacente, dont les propriétés mécaniques diffèrent de celles de la Formation de Halifax, aurait été déplacée vers le bas surtout par déformation ductile (tout simplement du cisaillement). À l'intérieur des anticlinoriums, là où affleure la Formation de Goldenville, la nécessité d'une surface plane pour le pluton exige que la déflection vers le bas soit accompagnée par des contraintes ductiles relativement élevées dans la roche encaissante. Une autre option évidente serait la possibilité d'un troisième modèle combinant des caractéristiques des modèles syntectoniques et de « plancher vers le bas ».[Traduit par la Rédaction] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the cytotoxic potential of fluoride and endosulfan in combination was investigated in Swiss albino mice bone marrow cells using the chromosomal aberration (CA) and micronucleus (MN) test systems. Fluoride (25.1 mg kg-1 body weight [bw] in water) and endosulfan (1.8 mg kg-1 bw by oral intubation) were administered orally alone and in combination (fluoride 25.1 mg kg-1 bw þ endosulfan 1.8 mg kg-1 bw) to male Swiss albino mice daily for 30 days. A significant (p < 0.01) increase in micronuclei (MNs) induction and decreased ratio (p < 0.01) of polychromatic to normonochromatic erythrocytes (indicators of cytotoxicity) were observed compared with saline controls when animals were given the combination of fluoride and endosulfan. A significant (p < 0.01) increase in MNs induction and no change in the polychromatic erythrocytes to erythrocyte ratio were also observed when endosulfan was given alone. CAs such as gaps, breaks, fragments, rings, exchanges, and polyploidy were recorded in the bone marrow cells. The mean percent frequency of CAs was increased (p < 0.01) in all the treated groups compared with the control saline group. In the combination group (F þ E), the percent frequencies of CAs were significantly higher (13.875%) compared with those in the individual treatment groups of fluoride (4.375%) and endosulfan (6.25%). The mitotic index was calculated as percentage of dividing cells. A significant (p < 0.01) decrease in mitotic index was observed in all treated groups compared with controls. In the combination group (F þ E), mitotic index was significantly less than (p < 0.01; 4.1 + 0.49) the saline control (10.8 + 0.98). These results indicated that repeated intake of endosulfan through various sources in fluoride affected areas resulted in increased cytotoxic effects. The greater effect in the combination group indicated additive interaction of fluoride and endosulfan in inducing cytotoxicity in Swiss albino mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present investigation was conducted to evaluate the teratogenic and developmental toxicity of fluoride and endosulfan alone and in combination in pregnant Swiss albino mice exposed during the organogenetic period (5–14 days) of gestation. Fluoride (25.1 mg/kg body weight in water) and endosulfan (1.8 mg/kg bw by oral intubation) when administered alone and in combination (fluoride 25.1 mg/kg bw + endosulfan 1.8 mg/kg bw) to pregnant mice caused significant teratogenic effects in developing fetuses. There was no maternal mortality but significant decreases in maternal weight gain and numbers of live fetuses and significant increases in numbers of fetal resorption were recorded in the treated groups. The fetal body weight and litter size also decreased significantly in all treated groups. No external malformations were observed in any of the fetuses. The percent of visceral and skeletal anomalies increased in the fetuses of all treated groups. The fetal malformations observed were internal hydrocephaly, microphthalmia, anophthalmia, pulmonary edema, subcutaneous edema, reduced ossification of skull bones, widened cranial sutures, rib anomalies (short, wavy, partially ossified, or absent ribs), and reduced ossification of phalanges. The occurrence of visceral and skeletal malformations was more severe in the combination group, suggesting additive interaction of fluoride and endosulfan in inducing developmental toxicity in Swiss albino mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant–microbe interactions are remarkably diverse and dynamic. These interactions can be in the form of endophytic association. Colonization of endophytic microflora in crop plants improves crop health leading to crop enhancement. They stimulate the overall growth of plants by facilitating nutrient uptake and regulating various hormones. This eventually improves the plant biomass and grain yield. Owing to the assistance of the endophytes to the host plants, augmentation of crop plants with potential fungal endophytes or their extracted bioactive compound can upsurge the overall crop production and provide promising solutions for environmentally sustainable agriculture. In this light, the present study deals with the prospects of bioactive metabolites produced by endophytic fungi in Albizia lebbeck (L.) Benth, a medicinal native plant of Rajasthan. The metabolomic analysis of a partially purified extract of Aspergillus niger (isolate 29) showed the presence of a total of 919 compounds using UHPLC-MS/MS. The metabolic pathway analysis revealed that these compounds were influencing super pathway of gibberellin and isoflavonoid biosynthesis. Significant increase in seed germination percentage (73–93%), seed vigour index (834.44–1498.21) and germination index (2.54–3.67 seeds/day) was found in treated seeds compared to untreated. There was a significant improvement in root (45–185%) and shoot length (215–295%) of wheat, barley and millet and a significant increase in root number (38–97%) in wheat and barley. Positive correlation was observed in the growth parameters of all the crops upon treatment. Overall, the results indicated that the partially purified fraction of A. niger (isolate 29) improved seed germination and promoted plant growth in cash crops. The results emphasize towards the importance of secondary metabolites in seed germination and enhancement of plant growth. These results also suggest a probable mutualistic role of endophyte with the host plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Actinomycetes are Gram-positive filamentous bacteria well known for the production of bioactive compounds. Recently, many halophilic habitats have been explored for isolation of actinomycetes that exhibit biotechnological potentials. In this investigation, a saline habitat of Rajasthan, Sambhar Salt Lake (SSL) was selected to study the actinomycetes population and Carboxy Methyl Cellulase (CMCase) production by native isolates. A total of sixteen actinomycete isolates, halotolerant and moderately halophilic, were obtained using culture-dependent methods and characterized morphologically and biochemically. They were identified as members of Streptomyces, Nocardiopsis, Pseudonocardia, Saccharospolyspora, and Microbispora. Streptomyces was the most dominating genus, followed by Nocardiopsis. Agar plate assay was used for screening the isolates for CMCase production. Thirteen were found to produce the enzyme, apparent by hydrolysis observed on media plates. The highest relative activity of 22.04 was shown by isolate SSL 14 identified as Nocardiopsis sp. by 16S rDNA sequencing studies and thus selected for further optimization studies. Maximum enzyme (1.08 ± 0.09 U/ml) was produced using medium containing Carboxy Methyl Cellulose (Carbon source) and yeast extract (nitrogen source) at 12% NaCl and pH 9.0, incubated at 30 °C for 96 h. Maximum CMCase production at high salt concentration and pH suggests that Nocardiopsis SSL 14 can be used for industrial processes that operate under excessive saline and alkaline conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Isolation of thirty-two fungal endophytes from stem and bark of Albizia lebbeck (L.) Benth. • Screening of fungal endophytes for extracellular enzymes amylase, protease, lipase, laccase, cellulase and gelatinase. • Exploitation of crude enzymes of endophyte Aspergillus niger in bioremediation of municipal waste water, blood stain removal, biodegradation of oil, dye decolorization of methylene blue and methyl orange, saccharification of paper and baggase and extraction of silver from x-ray film. • First report on extracellular enzyme screening of Albizia lebbeck (L.) Benth endophytes. Endophytic fungi reside inside plants in a mutualistic relationship with the host and produce numerous bioactive compounds, including extracellular enzymes. A rich diversity of endophytic fungi associated with the medicinal plant Albizia lebbeck (L.) Benth was bio-prospected in the present study. Thirty-three isolates obtained from the plant were assessed for secretion of six different extracellular hydrolytic enzymes. The results showed that 38%, 9%, 69%, 16%, 38%, and 13% of the endophytic isolates could produce amylase, protease, lipase, laccase, cellulase, and gelatinase enzymes, respectively. Overall, 78% of the isolates showed positive results for one or the other enzyme. Aspergillus niger (Isolate 8) isolated from the bark proved to be most efficient in producing all the enzymes and was further exploited for various applications. The crude fungal amylase of the isolate helped in 39.08% reduction in biochemical oxidation demand (BOD) of municipal wastewater. Effective blood stain removal from the white cotton cloth was achieved when crude protease was used in combination with detergent. 13.29% biodegradation of vegetable oil was observed using fungal lipase. Dye decolorization of methylene blue (71.65%) and methyl orange (56.53%) was observed by fungal laccase. Saccharification of bagasse (83.94%) and paper (64.93%) was achieved by using fungal cellulase. Complete extraction of silver from waste X-ray films was achieved by crude gelatinase. The results obtained in the present study can further be strengthened using purified enzymes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A deltamethrin containing insecticide formulation (Decis®) was evaluated for its toxic potential in developing chick embryos. For the present study, three water emulsified concentrations of Decis® (12.5 mg L−1, 25 mg L−1, and 50 mg L−1) were used. Fertilized eggs ofGallus domesticuswere immersed in these three concentrations of the insecticide for 60 min at 37°C on day 0 of incubation and kept for incubation till embryonic day 7. Recovered embryos were evaluated for teratogenic and biochemical changes. The results revealed that administration of Decis® at its lower concentrations (12.5 mg L−1and 25 mg L−1) did not show any significant teratological changes but the significant number of abnormal survivors was observed at 50 mg L−1of dose concentration when compared with vehicle-treated control. Among biochemical changes, total glycogen and RNA contents of embryos was significantly decreased at 25 mg L−1and 50 mg L−1of Decis® concentrations. Similarly, significant alteration (p≤ .05) was observed in alanine transaminase activity at 50 mg L−1concentration of Decis®. Thus, the present study concluded that the no-effect-level for developmental toxicity for Decis® is below the concentration of 25 mg L−1under standard laboratory conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present investigation, hepatotoxic effect of a commercially available insecticide formulation of dicofol (Colonel–S® 18.5% emulsified concentrate) was studied in the developing chick embryo. Fertilized eggs ofGallus domesticuswere immersed in three different dose concentrations, i.e. 250, 500, and 1000 mg L−1of Colonel–S on “0” and fourth days of incubation for 60 min at 37 °C and incubated till embryonic day 16. Severe histopathological cellular lesions, such as extensive cell degeneration and necrosis with enlarged blood sinusoids, cytoplasmic vacuolization, and leucocyte infiltrations with congestion or dilation of central vein, appeared in dose-depended manner. Dicofol treatment also caused significant decrease in the levels of total protein, glycogen, and glutathione content and an increase in alkaline phosphatase activity of embryonic liver, whereas glutamic pyruvic transaminase activity showed mixed response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The study deals with the cultivation of Pleurotus citrinopileatus on the sludge of handmade paper and cardboard industrial waste. These industrial wastes are rich in cellulosic and lignocellulosic pulp residues which can be used as a novel substrate for the cultivation of mushrooms. These industrial wastes were used alone and in combination with wheat straw for the cultivation of mushroom. To assess suitability of mushroom (carpophores) for consumption, cultivated carpophores analyzed for nutritional content and genotoxicity by standard AOAC methods and Ames test, respectively. A significant decrease in the biological efficiency, protein and fat of the said mushroom (only in the mentioned sludges) was observed, nevertheless, carpophores possessed a high amount of frameshift mutagens and thus being non-consumable. Contrastingly, the carpophores that were developed on the absolute equal combination of industrial sludge and wheat straw were found to possess high biological efficiency, protein, carbohydrate and fat content whereas decrease frameshift mutagens. On boiling the aqueous extract of mushroom, a further decrease in frameshift mutagens was observed. In conclusion, the use of combination of sludge and wheat straw not only increased the biological efficiency but also provided less mutagenic carpophores and mutagenicity of these carpophores further reduced on boiling. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Generally, handmade paper industries are considered as eco-friendly industries. These industries are known to use vegetable dyes which are thought to be safe and non-toxic. However, cardboard industries are considered as pollution-causing industries. The present study focuses on the genotoxic assessment of handmade paper and cardboard industry’s effluent by Ames test using Salmonella typhimurium TA 98 and TA 100 strains. On mutagenicity analysis, effluents of both industries were found to be mutagenic with either one strain of Salmonella typhimurium or with both. Besides this, no significant difference was observed in effluent of both small-scale and large-scale handmade paper industries. Moreover, mutagenic compounds reach the nearby water body i.e. Amani Shah Drainage through connecting drain. Discharging of untreated effluent not only deteriorates the water quality but also reaches the food chain when used for irrigating nearby fields. Workers of these industries may suffer various health hazards when they are exposed to mutagenic effluent without having any information about it. Hence, discharging of effluents should thus be restricted or the workers while handling mutagenic substances should at least take proper precautions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bread is one of the most popular food types consumed by all socio-economic groups. It is readily available in hotels, restaurants and homes and is prepared mainly from flour using various other components to improve its overall quality. One such component is potassium bromate, used as an oxidizing agent for maturation of flour. The use of potassium bromate in bread making industry has increased in past years because of its efficiency and cheap price. However, the chemical is carcinogenic and its consumption can lead to many adverse effects on health. In the present study, different types of bread samples belonging to various brands available in Jaipur city were analyzed for the presence of potassium bromate content via spectrophotometric method. The result of the study revealed that the bromate levels ranged from 10.72 ± 3.75 ppm in white bread sample to 39.73 ± 5.32 ppm in fruit bun bread which shows that the bakeries are not following the proper standards of bread preparation. The presence of potassium bromate was not detected in white and brown bread samples of only a few brands which indicates that their process of bread making was appropriate. The amount of potassium bromate content found could threaten peoples' life when consumed regularly and hence needs to be monitored strictly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A three-component reaction of dimethyltin dibromide with imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine, pyridine derivatives, or isoquinoline and allyl bromide in refluxing ethanol affords the ionic complex, bis(1-allylcycloiminium) dimethyltetrabromostannate (II). The reaction involves N-allylation of cycloimine accompanied by the coordination of two bromide ions with the tin atom of dimethyltin dibromide. The complexes have been characterized by infrared and1H NMR,13C NMR, and119Sn NMR studies. The X-ray crystal structure analysis of a complex reveals the tin atom to be hexacoordinated and the dimethyltetrabromostannate (II) anion having octahedral geometry. Some of the complexes tested for their insecticidal activity are found to exhibit strong activity againstTribolium castaneuminsect with LC50ranging from 0.4 to 0.8 ppm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A toxicity study was planned to assess the teratogenic potential of cyfluthrin that is widely used as a household insecticide to control mosquitoes, flies and cockroaches. Pregnant Swiss albino mice of one group were orally administered two doses of the pesticide (16 mg/kg and 32 mg/kg body weight) daily during the organogenetic phase (days 5-14) of gestation. The second group received the same two doses daily during the maturation phase (days 14-18) of gestation. The animals receiving the higher dose exhibited burrowing behaviour, which is a characteristic symptom of pyrethroid poisoning. The autopsies were performed on the 18th day of gestation and routine teratological observations were made. No external malformations occurred in any of the fetus. The higher dose significantly reduced the number of live fetuses, litter size and increased the resorption of embryos when administered during organogenesis, while exposure to the pesticide during the maturation phase did not significantly affect the reproductive parameters. During both the phases, the higher dose reduced the maternal weight gain and the average weight of the fetuses. The fetal anomalies observed were reduced ossification of skull bones, widened cranial sutures, short or absent ribs, hydrocephaly of the ventricles, microphthalmia, anophthalmia, pulmonary edema and subcutaneous edema. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was done to find out whether nerve mobilization techniques enhance patient outcomes in the management of sciatica when added to the standard care. A total of 30 patients, both male and female with a primary diagnosis of sciatica were recruited from the outpatient physical therapy department of G.B. Pant Neurology Hospital, New Delhi. Pre-test, post-test experimental design was used. After measuring the baseline pain (NPRS) and functional status (SF-12) scores, one group was treated with Nerve Mobilization along with conventional physical therapy while the other group was treated with conventional physical therapy alone. At discharge the patient's scores in both the groups were reassessed. Non-parametric tests were used to compare the mean statistical difference between the groups. Within group analysis was done using Wilcoxon signed ranks test and between groups analysis was done using Mann Whitney U Test. The results showed that there was significant difference in pain and functional status scores as indicated by the significance p > 0.05 obtained in their respective p values. The study results showed that neural mobilization techniques when added to standard care enhance patient outcomes in sciatica in comparison to conventional physical therapy alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]