Genotoxic evaluation of welders occupationally exposed to chromium and nickel using the Comet and micronucleus assays

Chromium (Cr) and nickel (Ni) are widely used industrial chemicals. Welders in India are inclined to possible occupational Cr and Ni exposure. The carcinogenic potential of metals is a major issue in defining human health risk from exposure. Hence, in the present investigation, 102 welders and an equal number of control subjects were monitored for DNA damage in blood leucocytes utilizing the Comet assay. The two groups had similar mean ages and smoking prevalences. A few subjects were randomly selected for estimation of Cr and Ni content in whole blood by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The Comet assay was carried out to quantify basal DNA damage. The mean comet tail length was used to measure DNA damage. Welders had higher Cr and Ni content when compared with controls (Cr, 151.65 versus 17.86 micro g/l; Ni 132.39 versus 16.91 micro g/l; P < 0.001). The results indicated that the welders had a larger mean comet tail length than that of the controls (mean +/- SD, 23.05 +/- 3.86 versus 8.94 +/- 3.16; P < 0.001). In addition, the micronucleus test on buccal epithelial cells was carried out in a few randomly selected subjects. Welders showed a significant increase in micronucleated cells compared with controls (1.30 versus 0.32; P < 0.001). Analysis of variance revealed that occupational exposure (P < 0.05) had a significant effect on DNA mean tail length, whereas smoking and age had no significant effect on DNA damage. The current study suggested that chronic occupational exposure to Cr and Ni during welding could lead to increased levels of DNA damage.     

A report of pregnancy following ICSI in one of two sisters with familiar primary ciliary dyskinesia

Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is a disorder of structure and function of motor ciliary and dyskinetic activity of ciliary in the fallopian tubes of affected women and could lead to infertility in some cases. In vitro fertilisation (IVF) is a choice of treatment in infertile women with PCD, which could conquer the tubal dysfunction. In this case study, we report a PCD affected woman with infertility who was treated by IVF and pregnancy was achieved but it failed due to the spontaneous abortion. We also performed whole-exome sequencing for this case and her PCD-affected sister, which did not reveal any genetic abnormality related to the PCD or infertility.     

Exploring Mental Health and Substance use Treatment Needs of Commercially Sexually Exploited Youth Participating in a Specialty Juvenile Court

The study sought to: (1) describe the mental health and substance use profiles among participants of a specialty trafficking court program (the Succeed Though Achievement and Resilience Court); (2) describe youths' mental health and substance use treatment prior to participating in the program; and (3) examine whether abuse influences report of mental health problems and/or substance use. Retrospective case review of court files was performed on commercially sexually exploited youth who volunteered to participate in the court from 2012 to 2014 (N = 184). All participants were female. Mental health problems and report of substance use was high among this population. Substance use differed at statistically significant levels between youth with a documented abuse history compared to those with no abuse history. Substance use also differed by report of mental health problems. Unexpected findings included the high rate of hospitalization for mental health problems and relatively low substance use treatment prior to STAR Court participation. Opportunities for improvement in critical points of contact to identify commercially sexually exploited youth and address their health needs are discussed.     

An ultrasonographic investigation of deep neck flexor muscles cross-sectional area in forward and normal head posture

Background

As one of the most common work-related musculoskeletal disorders and postural deviations, forward head posture (FHP), is considered to lead to muscle imbalance.

Sonographic detection of an infected maternal urachal cyst during pregnancy

Infection of a maternal urachal cyst during pregnancy is rare; Sonography is an important diagnostic tool that can help minimize maternal and fetal complications. We describe the case of a 35‐year‐old multiparous woman presenting in the third trimester with 2 weeks of fever, abdominal pain, and urinary symptoms. Imaging showed a 5‐cm complex anterior midline mass, found intraoperatively to be eroding into the uterus. Sonographic imaging aided in the diagnosis and management of the urachal cyst, and antepartum sonographic measurements of the lower uterine segment helped to counsel regarding a trial of labor. Following treatment, the patient stabilized and had an uncomplicated vaginal delivery.     

Imaging data in COVID-19 patients: focused on echocardiographic findings

To assess imaging data in COVID-19 patients and its association with clinical course and survival and 86 consecutive patients (52 males, 34 females, mean age?=?58.8 year) with documented COVID-19 infection were included. Seventy-eight patients (91%) were in severe stage of the disease. All patients underwent transthoracic echocardiography. Mean LVEF was 48.1% and mean estimated systolic pulmonary artery pressure (sPAP) was 27.9 mmHg. LV diastolic dysfunction was mildly abnormal in 49 patients (57.6%) and moderately abnormal in 7 cases (8.2%). Pericardial effusion was present in 5/86 (minimal in size in 3 cases and mild- moderate in 2). In 32/86 cases (37.2%), the severity of infection progressed from “severe” to “critical”. Eleven patients (12.8%) died. sPAP and computed tomography score were associated with disease progression (P value?=?0.002, 0.002 respectively). Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) was significantly higher in patients with no disease progression compared with those who deteriorated (P value?=?0.005). Pericardial effusion (minimal, mild or moderate) was detected more often in progressive disease (P?=?0.03). sPAP was significantly lower among survivors (P value?=?0.007). Echocardiographic findings (including systolic PAP, TAPSE and pericardial effusion), total CT score may have prognostic and therapeutic implication in COVID-19 patients.

     

Antenatal sonographic diagnosis of choledochal cyst: Case report and imaging review

In this report, we present the antenatal two‐ and three‐dimensional sonographic findings from a fetus with choledochal cyst as well as confirmatory postnatal MRI. A delayed diagnosis of choledochal cyst is common, leading to significant morbidity and mortality. Visualizing bile ducts entering a right upper quadrant cyst is pathognomonic, and early diagnosis can facilitate definitive treatment with Roux‐en‐Y hepaticojejunostomy. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 43 :581–583, 2015