Antioxidant mediated defensive potency of Caesalpinia bonducella nut on Acetaminophen-inebriated spleen and cardiotoxicity: Implications on oxidative stress and tissue morphology in an In vivo model

Overdosing on medications can be unintentional or deliberate. Acetaminophen (APAP) is a widely used over-the-counter analgesic and antipyretic drug. APAP overdose can induce spleen and cardiotoxicity apart from hepatotoxicity. Bonduc nut is well-known for its medicinal and therapeutic properties. More scientific data is necessary to be therapeutically relevant. This study examined the effects of Bonduc nut extract (BNE) on APAP-induced spleen and cardiotoxicity in Wistar albino rats. The rats were divided into five groups of six rats each. In vitro assays were carried out to analyze antioxidant activity and free radical scavenging activity in aqueous, ethanol, and methanol solvents in Bonduc nut powder. Total phenolic content, DPPH, catalase, and peroxidase activity were used to test antioxidant activity. The rats were euthanized after the study period to examine antioxidant parameters such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, reduced glutathione, and glutathione peroxidase, as well as lipid peroxidation and histopathology of the spleen and heart tissues. Results suggest that compared to other solvents aqueous has better Invitro antioxidant ability and the same extract significantly increased the antioxidant and reduced lipid peroxidation followed by restoring the tissue morphology in APAP-induced spleen and cardiotoxicity. The outcome of the study revealed that aqueous BNE has a significant protective efficacy against APAP-induced spleen and cardiotoxicity in Wistar albino rats.

Consumo de Castanha-do-Brasil reduz o N-óxido de trimetilamina (TMAO) e a inflamação em um paciente com síndrome cardiorrenal: uma comunicação breve / Brazil nut consumption reduces trimethylamine-n-oxide (TMAO) and inflammation in a patient with cardiorenal syndrome: a brief communication

Introdução: A disbiose intestinal é uma característica comum na síndrome cardiorrenal e está associada ao aumento de toxinas urêmicas, como o N-óxido de trimetilamina (TMAO), que estão envolvidas com a inflamação e mortalidade cardiovascular. A castanha-do-Brasil (semente típica brasileira) possui propriedades anti-inflamatórias e antioxidantes, mas não há evidências dos seus efeitos na modulação da microbiota intestinal e redução de toxinas urêmicas. Objetivo: Avaliar o impacto do consumo de castanha-do-Brasil nos níveis de TMAO e marcadores de inflamação em um paciente com síndrome cardiorrenal. Métodos: Um paciente com doença arterial coronariana (66 anos e IMC, 26 kg/m2), estágio 3 da DRC (TFGe 36 mL/min), recebeu uma castanha-do-Brasil por dia durante três meses. Resultados: Os níveis plasmáticos de TMAO e a expressão de mRNA de NF-κB foram reduzidos e a atividade da glutationa peroxidase (GPx) aumentou após esta intervenção. Conclusão: A prescrição de castanha-do-Brasil pode ser uma estratégia promissora para mitigar as complicações relacionadas à síndrome cardiorrenal. Este caso apoia o conceito de "alimento como remédio" visando o fenótipo urêmico na síndrome cardiorrenal.

Introduction: Gut dysbiosis is a common feature in cardiorenal syndrome, and it is linked to increased uremic toxins, like trimethylamine-n-oxide (TMAO), which are involved with inflammation and cardiovascular mortality. Brazil nut (typical Brazilian seed) has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, but there is no evidence of the effects of gut microbiota modulation and reduction of uremic toxins. Objective: To assess the impact of Brazil nut consumption on TMAO levels and inflammation markers in a patient with cardiorenal syndrome. Methods: Acoronary artery disease patient(66 years and BMI, 26 kg/m2),stage-3 of CKD (eGFR 36 mL/min), receivedone Brazil nut per day for three months. Results: TMAO plasma levels and NF-κB mRNA expression were reduced, and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity increased after this intervention. Conclusion: Brazil nut prescription may be a promising strategy to mitigate complications related tothe cardiorenal syndrome. This case supports the concept of "Food as medicine" targeting the uremic phenotype in cardiorenal syndrome.

Growth and functional leaf traits of coppice regrowth of Bertholletia excelsa during an El Niño event in the central Amazon / Crescimento e características funcionais foliares de rebrotas de Bertholletia excelsa durante um evento de El Niño na Amazônia Central

The most severe drought of this century in the Amazon rainforest, which was caused by El Niño, occurred from 2015 to 2016. With a focus on the ecophysiology of the regrowth of the Brazil nut tree, Bertholletia excelsa, it was investigated how the progression of the drought of 2015-2016 affected the physiological traits of the coppice regrowth of B. excelsa. The experiment was carried out in a ten-year-old plantation of Brazil nut trees, which had been subjected to thinning and coppice regrowth two years earlier. In the sprouts grown on the stumps of cut trees, the following treatments were applied: (T1) thinning to one sprout per stump; (T2) thinning to two sprouts per stump, and (T3) maintenance of three sprouts per stump. Thinning treatments did not alter the growth and ecophysiological traits of the Brazil nut tree sprouts, though the phosphorus content of the leaves was higher in T1. However, the progression of the drought in 2015-2016 negatively affected the growth (height) and gas exchange of sprouts of all treatments. In addition, an increase of around 37% was observed in the intrinsic wateruse efficiency. Concerning photochemical performance, no alterations were observed. Therefore, drought stress promoted a negative effect on sprout growth and affected traits related to the photosynthesis of the B. excelsa sprouts independently of the number of sprouts per stump.(AU)

A seca mais severa deste século na floresta amazônica, causada por El Niño, ocorreu de 2015 a 2016. Com foco na ecofisiologia da rebrota da castanheira da Amazônia, foi investigado como a progressão da seca de 2015-2016 afetou as características fisiológicas das rebrotas de uma talhadia de B. excelsa. O experimento foi realizado em uma plantação de castanheiras com dez anos, a qual havia sido submetida a um desbaste e rebrota de talhadia dois anos antes. Nas rebrotas crescidas sobre os tocos das árvores cortadas foram aplicados os seguintes tratamentos: (T1) desbrota para manter um broto por cepa; (T2) desbrota para manter dois brotos por cepa; e (T3) manutenção de três brotos por cepa. Os tratamentos de desbrota não alteraram o crescimento e as características ecofisiológicas dos brotos da castanheira, exceto para o teor foliar de fósforo, que foi maior em T1. Porém, a progressão da seca em 2015-2016 afetou negativamente o crescimento em altura e as trocas gasosas dos brotos de todos os tratamentos. Além disso, foi observado um aumento de cerca de 37% na eficiência intrínseca do uso da água. Quanto ao desempenho fotoquímico, não foram observadas alterações. Portanto, o estresse hídrico promoveu efeito negativo no crescimento da brotação e afetou características relacionadas à fotossíntese das brotações de B. excelsa, independentemente do número de brotações por cepa.(AU)

Assessment of pH and Copper Content among Raw and Commercial Areca Nut Products, Contributing Factor towards Oral Submucous Fibrosis

@#Introduction: The increased prevalence of oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) in the last few years relates to the increased consumption of areca nut(AN) products. OSMF is a premalignant condition and risk to progression to oral cancer is more when AN is chewed along with tobacco. Moreover, high copper content in AN is responsible for fibroblast dysfunction and fibrosis. This study was conducted with aim to assess and compare pH and copper content of raw AN and popular Indian commercial AN based (with and without tobacco) products. Method: Six samples each of twelve different brands of AN based commercial products i.e. six without tobacco (pan masala) and with tobacco were analyzed for pH and then the samples were dried, and powdered for estimation of the copper content. Results: For the six raw areca nuts (sample 1-6), the pH was found to range from 3.06±1.08 to 5.04±0.81, among the six non tobacco containing samples (sample 7-12), the pH was found to range from 6.03±1.08 to 9.09±0.81, and for six tobacco containing samples (sample 13-18), the pH was found to range from 9.18±0.90 to 11.07±0.09. The mean copper concentration among raw areca nut samples (sample 1-6) was 4.05±0.18 μg/g, among non-tobacco containing samples (sample 7-12) it was 10.17±1.08μg/g and among tobacco samples (sample 13-18),it was 18.09±1.08 μg/g (p<0.001). Conclusion: High copper content present in quid and commercial AN may be a causative factor for an increased fibrosis in OSMF, our findings need evaluation by further research and standardization.

Proximate Composition and Microbiological Quality of “Kunu-Aya”: A Locally Produced Non-Fermented Beverage in Nigeria

Kunu-aya” is non- fermented beverage locally produced from Cyperus esculentus (Tiger nut) and Phoenix dactylifera (Dates) based milk. This study determined the proximate composition and microbial quality of laboratory produced “Kunu-aya” following standard methods. Biochemical characterization method was carried out for identification of associated isolates. The results revealed that the “Kunu-aya” contains; moisture content was 59.44±0.05, Ash content of 5.02±0.07, crude fat 8.108±0.03, Crude fibre 9.16±0.04, crude protein 8.983±0.26, and carbohydrate 9.3±0.05 and the energy content was 182.69kcal. “Kunu-aya” also contains significant amounts of magnesium (Mg) 2.045±0.05, potassium (K) 40.506±0.05, phosphorus (P) 4.506±0.03, copper (Cu) 0.018±0.04, zinc (Zn) 48.001±0.01, iron (Fe) 0.408±0.04, sodium (Na) of 6.031±0.07 and calcium (Ca) 0.196±0.03. The total viable bacteria count of the sample was 4.0 x 104 CFU/ml and the total fungal count was 2.7x 102 CFU/ml. Species of Staphylococcus spp (50%), Bacilli spp. (16.7%) Streptococcus spp. (16.7%) and Micrococcus spp. (16.7%) are predominant bacteria contaminants of the beverage. Besides, fungi species of Aspergillus spp. (60%), Penicillium spp. (20%) and Rhizopus spp. (20%) were also isolated. The microbial load obtained exceeded the acceptable limit stipulated for dairy drinks. Based on the proximate and mineral contents of “Kunu-aya”, its rich essential contents can provide nutrients for human nutrition. Therefore, the production of this beverage under strict hygiene conditions will improve the microbiological quality and reduce the health risk associated with its consumption.

Phenological, Morphological and Agronomic Characterization of Bambara Groundnut Genotypes on Plinthite Soil in East-centre Area, Burkina Faso

Bambara groundnut has long been a neglected and understudied crop. Thanks to the new orientations for the d関eloppement of agriculture and achievement of food security in Burkina Faso, in recent years, studies on Bambara groundnut have experienced renewed interest. Despites nutritional, agronomic and socio-economic importance and some studies carried out on this crop. The diversity within Bambara groundnut cultivated remains poorly understood. The objective of this study was to assess phenological morphological and agronomic characterization of 20 Bambara groundnut accessions from National Institute for the Environment and Agricultural Research (INERA) genebank. The experimental device used was a completely randomized Fisher blocks with four replications on the site of University Centre of Tenkodogo. These accessions were evaluated on 23 morphological characters including four qualitative characters and 19 quantitative characters. Qualitative traits showed high proportion of oval terminal leaflet shape (70%), cream coloured seeds (45%) and 80% presence of eyes of various shapes and colours. The analysis of quantitative characters showed all the characters are discriminating except the plant spread (PlS) at the 5% treshold with regard to morphological, physiological and agronomic traits and low coefficient of variation (CV) values for the different phenological characters, except for the number of days from sowing to 50% plantlet emergence (EMG50). Pearson correlation matrix indicated positive and negative correlation. Most of the negative correlation was observed between phenological and agronomic traits The dendrogram showed organization of the variability in three different groups on the basis of the physiological, phenological and agronomic traits. The variability expressed among INERA gene bank genotypes showed important variability, which can be exploited in Bambara groundnut breeding programs using the clustering and associations of characters.

Imaging and clinical features of NUT gene-related carcinoma in the nasal cavity and sinus / 中华放射学杂志

Objective:To assess the clinical and imaging features of NUT gene-related sinonasal carcinomas (NUT midline carcinome).Methods:The clinical data and pretreatment imaging findings of 5 cases with pathologically proven NUT sinonasal carcinomas were analyzed retrospectively in Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University from January 2016 to December 2020. Of 5 cases, the tumors affected 4 females and 1 male with an age range of 15 to 48 years (median 19 years). Clinical data of all cases were available before surgery with both CT and MR examination. Tumor location, CT density, boney change, calcification, tumor size, T 1WI, T 2WI and diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) signal intensity, appearance diffusion coefficient (ADC), type of time intensity curve (TIC) of dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE)-MRI were evaluated. Results:All five cases belonged to T4 stage of the clinic TNM system. The locations were nasal cavity ethmoid, sphenoid and maxillary sinus ( n=1), nasal and maxillary sinus ( n=1), nasal cavity and ethmoid sinus ( n=3). Iso-attenuated in 3 cases, heterogeneous with local necrosis in 2 cases, and heterogeneous with calcification in 3 cases on CT imaging. Bone erosion was found in 4 cases, and bone erosion with destruction in 1 case. The tumor sizes ranged from 4.2 to 4.9 cm (median 4.5 cm) on MR axial imaging. On T 1WI, 5 cases showed isointense compared with adjacent temporal muscles, with focal hypointense in 2 cases. On T 2WI, the tumor was graded as isointense in 3 cases, and hyperintense in 2 cases. Heterogeneous enhancement in all cases with mild in 3 cases, and moderate in 2 cases on postcontrast MR imaging. On DCE-MRI of 5 cases, there were 3 cases of type Ⅲ (washout-shaped curves), and 2 cases of type Ⅱ of the TIC (plateau-shaped curves). The range of ADC values was from 0.63×10 -3 to 1.17×10 -3 mm 2/s, and median ADC value was 0.84×10 -3 mm 2/s, of 5 cases with varying degrees of high signal on DWI. The Ki-67 index ranged from 30% to 80% of the tumor. An immunohistochemical study showed that the tumor cells of 5 cases were all positive for both NUT and INI-1 genes. One case was performed with biopsy and followed by chemotherapy, four cases were performed with surgery, combined with the following chemotherapy, and one also was implemented with radiation therapy. The follow-up time was 7-16 months. Five cases were all alive during the follow-up. Conclusions:The NUT midline sinonasal tract carcinoma is a rare, gene-related solid malignant tumor. The tumor is more commonly seen in young patients, mostly centered in the nasal and ethmoid region with invasive growth, more calcification on CT, and heterogeneous enhancement on MRI. These findings are some characteristics of the tumor.

Bitter kola and kola nut use and their effect on treatment outcome on People Living with HIV at a Military Hospital in Benue state Nigeria: Bitter kola (Garcinia) and Cola nut (Cola nitida among PLWHIV

Introduction Bitter Kola (Garcinia Kola) and kola nut, contains substances attributed to numerous effects on humans including anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic properties, anti-infective and caffeinism. This study explores Bitter kola and kola nut use and its impact on treatment outcome on People Living with HIV (PLWHIV). Methods: The study was conducted at a Military Hospital in Nigeria. An analytical cross-sectional study was done using questionnaire among 700 HIV-positive clients selected using simple random sampling. Data were collected by researcher and three trained assistants. Chi-square test and binary logistic regression were used for identifying associations and predictors, respectively. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: Findings show that 260 (63.6%) and 179 (25.6%) have ever and currently used Bitter kola/Kola nut, respectively. Also, 14 (7.8%) used Bitter kola/Kola nut alone while 165 (92.2%) used it in addition to other substances, especially with alcohol 123 (68.7%). Bitter kola use was associated with age (p = 0.037), gender (p < 0.001), occupation (p = 0.001), and number of children (p < 0.011). Identified predictors were being a female (AOR 0.79; 95% CI 0.08-0.92) and earning <18,000 Naira (AOR 2.91; 95% CI 2.03-21.54). There was no association of Bitter kola/kola nut use with CD4 count and viral load suppression. Conclusion: Though Kola nut and Bitter kola use was high as in the general population we have not found any effect on treatment outcome among PLWHIV. This calls for more research to ascertain if there are other possible beneficial effects on PLWHIV.

Effect of Tiger Nut Meal on Some Sex Hormones and Sperm Cells in Androgen-induced Benign Prostate Hyperplasia in Adult Male Wistar Rats

Introduction:It is generally believed that Cyperus esculentus(tiger nut) has some fertility boosting effects. However, scientific validation of some of the fertility boosting potentials as well as the ameliorative effect of tiger nut on Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH) is lacking. Objective:The aim of the project is to determine the effect of tiger nuts in reproductive function in rats induced with Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH).Methods:A total of sixty (60) male rats weighing between 160 –200g were used in this study. They were divided into six groups of ten rats per group. Benign prostate hyperplasia was induced in three groups of the rats (as stated in methodology) with 30mg/kg sub-cutaneous injections of hormones containing dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and estradiol valerate dissolved in olive oil in the ratio of 10:1 (three times in a week, one day interval). Administration of tiger nut meal commenced immediately and lasted for two months. At the end of administration, assay of reproductive hormones (FSH, LH and Testosterone) was done. Comprehensive semenanalysis was also done including (count, motility & morphology) Results:The study showed that the induction of BPH resulted in a very significant reduction of FSH while the administration of the tiger nut meal did not show any significant effect on FSH(P>0.05). The same trend was also observed on the effect of the tiger nut meal on LH level. For testosterone, it was observed that after the initial decrease as a result of the induction of infertility, 20% tiger nut meal administration significantly increased the testosterone level to 2.10±0.06 ng/ml from 0.30±0.01 ng/ml in the infertility-induced group. The effect of tiger nut meal on semen analyses namely, normal sperm cells and sperm motility showed a significant increase (P<0.05) following the induction of infertility. The effect of the tiger nut meal on sperm morphological toxicities were also examined. Sperm abnormalities like sperm cells with twisted tails were examined.Conclusion:The administration of tiger nut significantly ameliorated the abnormalities and thus, restored the morphology of the sperm cells such that it can enhance fertility

Preparing multicomponent snack bars based on tapioca flour, Brazil nut, and regional fruits / Preparación de barras multicomponentes a base de harina de tapioca, castaña de brasil y frutos regionales

ABSTRACT This study aimed to develop and assess the physicochemical, sensory parameters, and shelf life estimation of multicomponent snack bars based on tapioca flour, Brazil nut, and açaí or cupuassu pulp. The physicochemical composition of açaí- and cupuassu-flavored snack bars had, respectively, 0.92 and 0.99% ash, 19.22 and 17.02% lipids, 3.02 and 3.03% protein, 1.06 and 1.69% fiber, and 448 and 436 kcal/100 g energy value. The shear stress test showed the consumer needs to bite more strongly to break the açaí-flavored bar. The opposite was observed in the hardness test, in which the bite compression force during mastication was greater for the cupuassu-flavored bar. The bars had water activity below 0.6, which denotes microbiological stability. The sensory analysis ranked the bars between "liked slightly" and "liked very much," which was confirmed by the acceptability index above 75% for all attributes assessed. According to the results a significant increase in water activity over storage was observed suggest the packaging used in the tests did not present a satisfactory barrier to water vapor permeability. Only water activity was used to estimate shelf life, which was determined as 58 days and 49 days for the açaí- and cupuassu-flavored bars, respectively. Thus, the snack bars represent an alternative for athletes as well as individuals with celiac disease since they are gluten free.

RESUMEN El objetivo de este trabajo fue desarrollar y evaluar los parámetros físicos, físico-químicos, microbiológicos, sensoriales y la vida útil en estante de barras a base de harina de tapioca, castaña de Brasil y pulpa de açaí o cupuaçu. En cuanto a la composición físico-química, las barras multicomponentes sabor açaí y cupuaçu presentaron, respectivamente, 0,92 y 0,99% de cenizas, 19,22 y 17,02% de lípidos, 3,02 y 3,03% proteínas, 1,06 y 1,69% de fibras y 448 y 436 kcal/100g de valor energético. La prueba de cizallamiento y dureza mostraron que el consumidor necesita una fuerza de mordida mayor para romper la barra sabor açaí. El comportamiento contrario fue observado en la prueba de dureza donde la fuerza de compresión de la mordida, durante la masticación, fue mayor en la barra sabor cupuaçu. Para el análisis sensorial se observó que las barras evaluadas recibieron notas situadas entre las categorías "me gustó ligeramente" y "me gustó mucho", resultado comprobado por el índice de aceptabilidad con valores superiores al 75% para todos los atributos evaluados. De acuerdo con los resultados, se observó un aumento significativo en la actividad de agua durante el almacenamiento, lo que sugiere que el embalaje utilizado en las pruebas no presentó una barrera satisfactoria para la permeabilidad al vapor de agua. Para la estimación de vida de estante sólo la actividad de agua fue utilizada para los cálculos, siendo el tiempo de vida de estante determinado en 58 días para la barra sabor açaí y 49 días para la barra sabor cupuaçu. Así, las barras multicomponentes elaboradas representam una alternativa para atletas, así como para portadores de la enfermedad celíaca, visto la ausencia de gluten en su composición.

Efectos de la actividad física sobre el consumo y selección de alimento en ratas que fueron expuestas a restricción alimentaria durante la gestación / Effects of physical activity on the consumption and selection of food in rats that were exposed to food restriction during pregnancy

Las alteraciones durante la vida prenatal tienen diversos efectos en los organismos. La restricción alimentaria materna ocasiona modificaciones en la conducta alimentaria como hiperfagia y su exacerbación ante la exposición a una dieta hiperlipídica. La evidencia experimental indica que aun cuando existe una preferencia por los alimentos altos en grasa, cuando las ratas realizan actividad física, esta preferencia disminuye o se elimina. Objetivo: evaluar el efecto de la restricción alimentaria materna sobre el consumo de una dieta suplementada con nuez pecana y cómo influye la actividad física. El experimento incluyó 22 ratas, 11 del grupo experimental y 11 del grupo control. De los cuales 6 realizaron actividad y 5 permanecieron sedentarias en cada grupo (machos y hembras). El experimento duró 114 días, de los cuales 42 días tuvieron disponible la rueda de actividad. Los resultados mostraron que la restricción alimentaria materna no modificó el comportamiento alimentario, sin embargo, cuando incrementaron la actividad por la disponibilidad de la rueda de actividad, los sujetos experimentales aumentaron su consumo de nuez pecana. Los resultados se consideran contradictorios con respecto a la literatura, ya que muestran ausencia de hiperfagia e incremento en el consumo a la par del incremento en actividad física.

Alterations during prenatal life have various effects on organisms. Maternal food restriction causes changes in feeding behavior such as hyperphagia and its exacerbation when exposed to a hyperlipidic diet. Experimental evidence indicates that even when there is a preference for high-fat foods, when rats do physical activity, this preference decreases or is eliminated. Objective: to evaluate the effect of maternal dietary restriction on the consumption of a diet supplemented with pecan nuts and how physical activity influences this relationship. The experiment included 22 rats, 11 experimental and 11 controls. Of these, 6 performed physical activity and 5 remained sedentary in each group (males and females). The experiment lasted 114 days; the activity wheel was available on 42 days. The results showed that maternal food restriction did not modify eating behavior, however, when rats increased physical activity, experimental subjects increased their consumption of pecan nuts. The results are contradictory with respect to the literature, as they show an absence of hyperphagia and an increase in consumption along with an increase in physical activity.

Sinonasal NUT midline carcinoma: A new histological entity

Nuclear protein in testis (NUT) midline carcinoma is poorly differentiated carcinoma defined by rearrangement of NUT gene on 15 to other genes, usually BRD4 on 19. It is first described in 1991. These tumors are most commonly seen in the mediastinum and 35% occur in head and neck. It is a highly aggressive tumor with a median survival of 7 months because of ineffective chemotherapy and undefined treatment. Hence, we must differentiate these tumors from other poorly differentiated tumors. Here, we present a case of NUT midline carcinoma of 44-year male, who presented with headache and dizziness, confirmed by immunohistochemistry of NUT antibody. The aim of this case report is to increase the awareness about this entity in adults with brief review of relevant literature.

Tobacco and betel nut use among school going adolescents of South Gujarat region, India: a cross sectional study

Background: Adolescence period is very crucial in the life of an individual, when major physical, psychological and behavioral changes take place. Tobacco and Areca nut use among school going adolescent is becoming a major public health problem. Objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and pattern of smokeless tobacco and betel nut use among school going adolescents.Methods: The study was a cross sectional study. After taking the permission of principal of Government high schools of Vadodara and Surat city of Gujarat and consent of the parents of adolescents, 1107 adolescents were interviewed during March-April 2017. A self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. Thus collected data was analyzed using SPSS 17 (Trial Version).Results: Age of the study students (total 1107) ranged from 10-19 years. (Mean age=14.61'2.85 years). Out of 1107 children 389 (35.1%) children had addiction. Prevalence of any type of addiction in girls and boys was 14.3% and 20.7% respectively. Tobacco prevalence was 13.4% and betel nut prevalence was 21.6%. Type of addiction and its association with gender was highly significant. All children addicted to tobacco using chewing form (gutkha) of tobacco. The mean age group of children who consume tobacco and betel nut was 16.13'1.32 years and 16.01'1.21 years respectively. Most common reasons among adolescents for starting addiction of tobacco and betel nut was to look mature (93.8%) followed by to look good (63.2%) and to refresh breathe (48.6%).Conclusions: High prevalence of tobacco and betel nut use among adolescents needs attention of parents, teachers and health officials.

Relationship among areca nut, intracellular reactive oxygen species, and autophagy / 华西口腔医学杂志

The relationship between areca nut as a primary carcinogen and oral cancer has been widely concerned. Areca can change the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and autophagy in cells, and the levels of ROS and autophagy are closely related to the occurrence and development of tumors. This paper reviewed the relationships among areca nut, intracellular ROS, and autophagy.

Production Of Lignocelluloses From Aspergillus Niger Using Areca Nut Spade As Biomass

Areca palm (ChrysalidoCarpus lutescenes) a widely used plant having feathery arching brands with 100 leaflets. All these plants produce much of waste in additions to greeny and nuts. This waste of spade is used for the production of various molecules that are used in industry and pharma sector. Fermentation techniques are used to generate economically important enzymes for industrial and pharmaceutical purposes. Cellulase enzyme degrades the cellulose in between β-1, 4 glucosidic link found in lignocellulosic complex which under physical treatment is slower to degrade. The present study of Aspergillus niger for cellulose production was carried in solid state (SS) and submerged (SM) fermentations for production of cellulase enzyme. Cellulase production in SSF after 72 h of fermentation was 8.02 and in SMF activity was 2.98 per ml of cultured broth at H 6 and temperature at 30°C. Both SMF and SSF were supplemented with lactose and lactobionic acid, which acted as cellulase P production inducers. The aim of the present work was to study the effect of Areca palm spade as substrate for Aspergillus niger and its cellulase production under SMF and SSF.

Association of oral pre-malignant lesions with the consumption of tobacco

Background: Tobacco consumption in the form of chewing and smoking is one of the biggest addictions. It causes various oral pre-malignant lesions which mainly include oral sub-mucous fibrosis (OSMF) caused by betel nut consumption and tobacco quid lesion, leukoplakia, erythroplakia and smoker's palate caused by chewing and smoking tobacco. Methods: The data about the past and present consumption of tobacco was collected from 909 individuals. Based on the tobacco habits, the oral cavity findings were assessed and the statistical analysis was carried out to find the significance of associations observed between tobacco consumption and lesions. Results: Out of 909 subjects, 537 were consuming tobacco, out of which 284 were chewers, 65 were smokers and 76 were consuming in both forms. Out of the 284 tobacco chewers, 43% had oral lesions (19.4% had OSMF and 21.5% had tobacco quid) as compared to just 1% of workers having oral lesions (OSMF) amongst those who had no addiction. There was a high prevalence of lesion in tobacco chewers (p<0.005). Out of total smokers, 15.8% had smoker's palate whereas no lesion was seen in the non-addicted workers. The odds of developing oral pre-malignant lesion are 43.62 times higher in exposed individuals. Conclusions: The tobacco consumption in any form is hazardous. Betel nut exposure causes more harmful effect which goes unnoticed. Awareness should be created about various lesions caused by tobacco as well as betel nut and special steps should be taken for early diagnosis and its treatment.

Areca nut use disorder: A dynamic model map

Problem: Areca nut (AN) chewing is common among Southeast Asian population. Use of AN products (with or without tobacco) have a multifaceted effect on physical health, especially on cardiovascular, nervous, gastrointestinal, metabolic, respiratory, and reproductive systems. AN is a known group 1 carcinogen and carries addictive potential. Varying degrees of AN-related substance use disorder (SUD) have been reported among AN chewers. There is a lacuna in awareness of the health risk of AN use, prevention, and cessation programs among AN users, particularly in those who have developed SUD. Existing Lacunae: The dynamic interaction of factors that promote AN use and later the risk of developing SUD at individual and community level has not been studied in depth. Understanding of the bio-psycho-socio-economic-cultural factors is necessary to identify the factors that prelude, promote, and reinforce AN usage. For managing AN-related conditions, including the several systemic disorders, there is a knowledge lacunae, among health care providers with respect to the pathophysiology of AN-related health issues, SUD, and nonavailability of structured, evidence-based cessation protocols. Solutions/Recommendations: This manuscript presents a model-map to study the dynamics of AN use and the impact of AN on health and health care system at individual as well as community level. The model proposed can help the health policymakers to create evidence-based awareness and cessation protocols for AN.

Oral submucous fibrosis: An enigmatic morpho-insight

Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a chronic progressive, scarring disease affecting oral, oropharyngeal, and sometimes the esophageal mucosa. It is characterized by the progressive fibrosis of the submucosal tissue. The pathogenesis of OSMF has been directly related to the habit of chewing areca nut and its commercial preparation, which is widespread in Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. The areca nut has been classified as a “group one human carcinogen.” Oral squamous cell carcinoma in the background of OSMF is one of the most common malignancies in South and Southeast Asian countries. Malignant transformation has been reported in 7%–12% cases of OSMF. Histopathological spectrum of OSMF includes the apparent alterations observed in the epithelium and connective tissue. Epithelial atrophy and sometimes epithelial hyperplasia with or without dysplasia are the peculiar alterations seen in the epithelium. In the connective tissue, there is extracellular matrix remodeling which results in excessive collagenization. Further cross-linking of collagen leads to hyalinization which makes the collagen resistant to proteolysis. Owing to fibrosis in the connective tissue, there is narrowing of blood vessels which further results in compromised blood supply to the local tissue milieu, that is, hypoxia. This tissue hypoxia elicits angiogenesis which may result in the malignant transformation of OSMF. Perpetual irritation of areca nut and its constituents to the oral mucosa leads to upregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines and further juxtaepithelial inflammation. Thus, these coordinated reactions in epithelium and connective tissue leads the OSMF toward malignant transformation

Tobacco use among school going children in Bihar, India

Tobacco use has become prevalent in India and nearly 15% of youth use tobacco in one or other form. However, very few studies have explored the use, knowledge about its hazard, and attitudes of tobacco use among youths. So, this study was done to determine the pattern of use as well as knowledge and perception of tobacco among students attending schools of 8th to 9th grad in Sasaram, Bihar. Methods: A cross sectional survey was performed among 515 students in the 8th and 9th grades in 8 schools in Sasaram, Bihar. The study period was from 1st January to 31st December, 2018. Results: Ever use of smokeless tobacco was reported by 31 (6.1%) students in the survey. 18 (3.5%) students reported ever using smoked tobacco. Students were more likely to identify cigarettes and bidis as tobacco products compared to smokeless tobacco products like gutkha and khaini. Betel nut products were used by 91 (17.7%) students. Conclusion: The high rate of smokeless tobacco and betel nut use along with less levels of knowledge about their contents and harms suggests that tobacco control programs of Government of India targeting youth should ensure that these products are adequately explained and understood by students all over India.

Mediastinal Nut–Midline Carcinoma In 11– Year Old Boy – A Case Report

NUT-midline carcinoma is a rare and very aggressive tumor, with fast progression and poor prognosis. It should be suspected in poorly differentiated tumors, especially if located in midline structures of the head, neck, and thorax. It is characterized by gene translocation of nuclear protein in testis (NUT) gene from chromosome 15, most frequently to bromodomain containing protein 4 (BDR4) gene on chromosome 19. We present a case of mediastinal NUT-midline carcinoma in 11-year old boy.CT revealed a large mediastinal mass on the right side, with elevated serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), neuron-specic enolase (NSE), ferritin and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). The patient was treated with chemotherapy, but the progression of disease was rapid, and he died within four months after the onset of disease.