Characteristics,sources, and health risks of atmospheric PM10-bound heavy metals in a populated middle eastern city

ABSTRACT

This study reports on the characteristics, sources, and health risks of atmospheric PM₁₀-bound heavy metals (HMs) on citizenship living in different regions of Ahvaz, Southwest of Iran were investigated during 2016–2017. A total of 84 samples were analyzed from different regions: (S1) industrial, (S2) high traffic, and (S3) residential. Blood samples were collected from people who came to the east health center of Ahvaz. High volume air samplers, equipped with quartz fiber filters (8?×?10) were utilized for sampling in this study. Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) was also used for HMs. Risk assessment and hazard index of these pollutants were estimated, using USEPA’s exposure parameters. Based on the results, the highest and the lowest concentration of HM were observed in industrial and residential areas. Blood’s HMs concentration for chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) were 2.932, 4.199, 8.425, and 71.2?μg/dL, respectively. In conclusion, increasing exposure concentration of HMs would have a significant potential for increased cancer and risk of diseases. The results of this study show that increasing exposure concentration to HM in the studied scenarios have a significant potential for generating different health endpoints, although exposing to HMs led to generating diseases in individuals particularly in polluted and populated districts; so, environmental measures should be considered by urban air authorities to mitigate the concentration of these pollutants in ambient air.     

The impact of socioeconomic status on growth during infancy versus puberty in a developing country

Objective： To explore the relationship between socioeconomic status from one side and physical growth and nutritional status from the other side, in infants versus adolescents in Egyptians. Methods： Three samples were investigated： a） A sample of 605 infants aged 6 months ＋ 1 week （287 girls and 318 boys）, b） A sample of 992 infants of age 4 - 24 months （465 girls and 527 boys）, c） A sample of 1864 children and adolescents aged 6 -14 years of （744 girls and 1120 boys）. All samples are from Big Cairo area of both urban and rural localities and of various socioeconomic strata. Body weight and length/ height had been measured and body mass index （BMI） had been calculated for every subject. Assessment of the impact of parental education level, locality and number of sibs, on growth and nutrition as indicated by BMI was attempted. Results： a） Breastfed infants （6 months ＋ 1 week） grow bigger in low socioeconomic strata and in rural areas than artificially fed infants. The practice of breast feeding was more common and lasted longer in low socioeconomic stratum than in middle and high one. b） A significant positive association between body mass index of infants （4 - 24 months） and the socioeconomic status （particularly level of father education reflecting family income） was proved, c） The socioeconomic factors had insignificant influence on BMI of school children aged 6 -9 years, but it showed significant influence in the period 10 - 14 years. After the age of 9 years, children started the pubertal stage earlier and had higher BMI in the high socioeconomic strata as compared to those of low socioeconomic strata, d） In the low socioeconomic status, breast feeding compensates the deleterious influences of the environment on growth and physique of infants. Conclusion： children of educated parents have significantly low number of siblings＂ size in comparison to those of uneducated parents. Also children of educated parents are significantly more in number in urban a     

Amelioration of sulfur mustard skin injury following a topical treatment with a mixture of a steroid and a NSAID

The ability to ameliorate sulfur mustard (HD)-induced oedema by treatment with anti-inflammatory drugs was reported previously after screening four steroids and four non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) using the mouse ear vesicant model. Following the screening study, one steroid and one NSAID (Adexone and Voltaren) were selected as the most effective, and a mixture of the two was chosen for the present more extensive research. The effect of the combined treatment on clinical, biochemical and histopathological parameters following HD insult was studied. Mice ears were exposed to 0.2 micro l of HD for 10 min to produce a moderate skin injury. Oedema development peaked ca. 48 h following exposure, as determined by weighing ear biopsies. Histological observations at that time exhibited damage to the epidermis and dermis. An increase in prostaglandin E (PGE) was measured in skin homogenates, starting 8 h following exposure and lasting at least up to 48 h post-exposure. A topical treatment using the above anti-inflammatory mixture significantly reduced inflammatory parameters when applied up to 4 h following exposure. These parameters included extent of oedema, levels of PGE, area of clinical damage and extent of cytotoxic injury (vesications and damaged epithelial cells). Thus, a combination of a steroid and NSAID was found to be effective in reducing the intensity of HD skin injury and possibly shortening the time to full recovery. The treatment, however, did not prevent completely the ensuing cytotoxic processes in the epithelial layer.     

Prevalence of ATP7B Gene Mutations in Iranian Patients With Wilson Disease

Background

Wilson disease (WD) is an autosomal recessive disorder. The WD gene, ATP7B, encodes a copper-transporting ATPase involved in the transport of copper into the plasma protein ceruloplasmin and in excretion of copper from the liver. ATP7B mutations cause copper to accumulate in the liver and brain.

Objectives

We examined the ATP7B mutation spectrum in Wilson disease patients in Iran.

Patients and Methods

Genomic DNA was extracted from patients with Wilson disease. The entire coding region of the ATP7B gene was amplified using PCR and analyzed using direct sequencing.

Results

We identified five novel mutations in 5 Iranian patients with Wilson disease. The first was a transversion, c.2363C > T, which led to an amino acid change from threonine to isoleucine. The second mutation was a deletion, c.2532delA (Val845Ser), which occurred in exon 10. The third mutation was a transition mutation, c.2311C > G (Leu770Leu), which occurred in the TM4 domain of the ATP7B protein. The fourth mutation was a transversion, (c.3061G > A) (Lys1020Lys), in exon 14. Lastly, we identified a transversion, c.3206C > A (His1069Asn) in exon 14 which led to a change in function of the ATP loop domain of the ATP7B protein. The H1069Q mutation was identified as the most common mutation in our study population.

Conclusions

Based on our findings, the H1069Q may be a biomarker that can be used in a rapid detection assay for diagnosing WD patients     

Mid-term results of transcatheter closure of ventricular septal defect using Nit-Occlud Lê ventricular septal defect coil,single-center experience

Objectives

To assess safety, efficacy and follow-up results of transcatheter closure of ventricular septal defect (VSD) using Nit-Occlud_ Lê VSD Coil (pfm medical, KÖln, Germany).

Bohring-Opitz (Oberklaid-Danks) syndrome: clinical study, review of the literature, and discussion of possible pathogenesis

Bohring-Opitz syndrome (BOS) is a rare congenital disorder of unknown etiology diagnosed on the basis of distinctive clinical features. We suggest diagnostic criteria for this condition, describe ten previously unreported patients, and update the natural history of four previously reported patients. This is the largest series reported to date, providing a unique opportunity to document the key clinical features and course through childhood. Investigations undertaken to try and elucidate the underlying pathogenesis of BOS using array comparative genomic hybridization and tandem mass spectrometry of cholesterol precursors did not show any pathogenic changes responsible.     

Which medical error to disclose to patients and by whom? Public preference and perceptions of norm and current practice

Background

HIV prevention trials conducted among disadvantaged vulnerable at-risk populations in developing countries present unique ethical dilemmas. A key concern in bioethics is the validity of informed consent for trial participation obtained from research subjects in such settings. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of a continuous informed consent process adopted during the MDP301 phase III vaginal microbicide trial in Mwanza, Tanzania.

Methods

A total of 1146 women at increased risk of HIV acquisition working as alcohol and food vendors or in bars, restaurants, hotels and guesthouses have been recruited into the MDP301 phase III efficacy and safety trial in Mwanza. During preparations for the trial, participatory community research methods were used to develop a locally-appropriate pictorial flipchart in order to convey key messages about the trial to potential participants. Pre-recorded audio tapes were also developed to facilitate understanding and compliance with gel-use instructions. A comprehension checklist is administered by clinical staff to all participants at screening, enrolment, 12, 24, 40 and 50 week follow-up visits during the trial. To investigate women's perceptions and experiences of the trial, including how well participants internalize and retain key messages provided through a continuous informed consent process, a random sub-sample of 102 women were invited to participate in in-depth interviews (IDIs) conducted immediately after their 4, 24 and 52 week follow-up visits.

Results

99 women completed interviews at 4-weeks, 83 at 24-weeks, and 74 at 52 weeks (a total of 256 interviews). In all interviews there was evidence of good comprehension and retention of key trial messages including that the gel is not currently know to be effective against HIV; that this is the key reason for conducting the trial; and that women should stop using gel in the event of pregnancy.

Conclusions

Providing information to trial participants in a focussed, locally-appropriate manner, using methods developed in consultation with the community, and within a continuous informed-consent framework resulted in high levels of comprehension and message retention in this setting. This approach may represent a model for researchers conducting HIV prevention trials among other vulnerable populations in resource-poor settings.

Trial registration

Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN64716212     

Pericardiophrenic hernia secondary to a surgically created peritoneal and pericardial window

Intrapericardial herniation is rare; 40 cases have been reported. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a case resulting from a recently developed surgical procedure: the pericardial and peritoneal window technique. Diagnostic modalities included plain films, barium studies, and a computed tomography scan.     

Entrapped lumbar nerve root in pseudomeningocele after laminectomy: report of three cases

The authors report three patients with symptomatic postlaminectomy pseudomeningocele. At operation a loop of a nerve root was found to be trapped within the dural defect. All three patients exhibited a delayed onset of radicular symptoms and signs after disc surgery. The pseudomeningocele was demonstrated computed tomography and myelography, but the entrapped root could be identified only at operation.     

Role of chitosan nanoparticles in the oral absorption of Gemcitabine

Gemcitabine is a known cytotoxic agent with a wide spectrum of antitumor activity. It has been employed in therapeutic regimens for various malignancies such as the lung, ovary, breast, and bladder cancers. It also has been used in the treatment of pancreatic cancer, in combination chemotherapy of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and in leukemia. Its effect results from incorporation into DNA with subsequent inhibition of cell proliferation. Unfortunately, Gemcitabine is rapidly metabolized by the so-called cytidine-deaminase which limits its efficacy. Because of extensive deamination by intestinal cells, its oral administration results in very low bioavailability. The aim of this study was to introduce an oral formulation of the drug for the first time and improve its physicochemical properties. Chitosan nanoparticles containing were produced based on ionic gelation method and tripolyphosphate (TPP). Physicochemical properties such as particle size and shape, loading efficiency and release rate were evaluated. Oral absorption of both free and nanoparticle-loaded drugs was measured using the rat intestinal sac model. The Gemcitabine-loaded chitosan nanoparticles were spherical with a mean size of 95±8nm and high drug loading (63%). The nanoparticles showed controlled release pattern characterized by a fast initial release (61%) during the first 8h, followed by slower and continuous release (74.66%). The absorption study showed that Gemcitabine intestinal transport increased 3-5 folds by loading in chitosan nanocarrier.