Development and verification of a high performance liquid chromatography method for determination of aluminium adjuvant content in vaccine / 中国生物制品学杂志

@#Objective To develop a high performance liquid chromatography(HPLC)method for determination of aluminium adjuvant content in vaccine,and verify and preliminarily apply the method.Methods The 8-hydroxyquinoline derivatization method was used for determination. The chromatographic column was phenyl-hexyl column[Luna 5u PhenylHexyl(250 mm × 4. 6 mm)],and the mobile phase was composed of ammonium acetate solution-acetonitrile(with 8-hydroxyquinoline)(60 ∶ 40)containing 20 mg/L ascorbic acid,while eluted at a flow rate of 1. 0 mL/min with the isocratic eluent. The excitation wavelength and the emission wavelength of the fluorescence detector were 380 nm and 520 nm respectively. The column temperature was 40 ℃,and the sample injection was 50 μL. The developed method was verified for the specificity,linear range,accuracy,repeatability,stability and durability,and used to determine the aluminum content in 12 batches of vaccines. The results were compared with those determined by titration in general principle 3106of Chinese Pharmacopoeia(VolumeⅢ,2020 edition).Results No interference peaks appeared in the sample chromatogram,and the non-aluminum adjuvant vaccine components and phosphate buffer had no interference with the determination. The linearity of aluminum standard was good in the concentration range of 6. 25 ～ 100 μg/mL,r = 0. 999 6. The average results of spike recoveries of aluminum content in inactivated hepatitis A vaccine,recombinant hepatitis B vaccine,adsorbed acellular DTP vaccine and inactivated enterovirus 71 vaccine were 98. 32%,100. 85%,101. 09% and 99. 31%,respectively in the verification for accuracy. The relative standard deviations(RSDs) of the determination results of aluminum content in the solution of six samples of the four vaccines in the same batch were 1. 09%,1. 42%,0. 97% and1. 30%,respectively. The RSDs of aluminum content of four vaccine samples stored at room tempe-rature for 0,2,4,6 and8 h were 0. 82%,0. 73%,0. 40% and 0. 48%,respectively. When the ratio of ammonium acetate solution to 8-hydroxyquinoline acetonitrile solution in mobile phase changed within 5%,the fluctuation range of aluminum content of four vaccines was less than 2%. There was no significant difference between the developed HPLC method and the titration method of Chinese Pharmacopoeia(VolumeⅢ,2020 edition)for determination of aluminum content in the 12 batches of vaccine samples.Conclusion A HPLC method for determination of aluminum adjuvant content in vaccines has been successfully established with good specificity,linearity,accuracy,repeatability,stability and durability,simple operation,high degree of automation and less interference of manual factors. It can realize the determination of aluminium content in single dose,which provides an effective means for the rapid and large-scale determination of aluminum content in vaccine products and monitoring the dispensing of semi-final products in the production process.

Role of Aluminium in Alzheimer’s disease: Ultrastructural Study in Rat Hippocampus

Background: Exposure to high levels of aluminium (Al) leads to neurotoxicity. Hippocampus is one of the preferred sites of aluminium accumulation. Nevertheless, the role of Al in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) remains controversial and there is little proof directly interlinking Al to AD. Aims: The present study was undertaken to find out the occurrence of AD pathogenesis in Hippocampus under moderate aluminium exposure in rats. Materials and Methods: Adult rats were divided into control (C) and aluminium treated (E) groups having eight animal each. The rats in group E were exposed to aluminium 4.2 mg/kg body weight for three months with due approval from Institute Animal Ethics Committee. The hippocampus was processed for histopathological and electron microscopy observation. Results: Moderate Al intake produces significant reduction in the count of Pyramidal cells in hippocampus identified by shrunken cells as well as pyknosis in cell bodies. The differences between the cell numbers in all groups were found to be statistically significant (P < 0.05). Cornu Ammonis (CA) exhibited significantly reduced nissl bodies with a marked reduction in neuronal cell loss. Neurofibrillary tangle and plaques were not seen in the given dose of Al exposure. Electron microscopy from experimental group showed that the majority of neurons were disintegrating, the nuclear membrane has ruptured, and nucleoli appeared significantly distorted. The chromatin condensed and the mitochondria had disintegrated. Many vacuoles and lipofuscin sediment in cytoplasm, as compared to the control group noted. Conclusion: Present data demonstrated that moderate chronic aluminium exposure 4.2mg/kg body weight induced neurodegeneration in hippocampus but not significant for Alzheimer’s disease pathogenesis.

Effect of aluminium on lipid profile and atherogenic index in prepubertal and young adult female rats: A pilot study

Objectives: Exposure of aluminium (Al) to mankind is inescapable, and its dyslipidaemic impact is a possible contributing factor to health hazards like cardiovascular diseases. The health effects due to the metalloestrogenic property of the metal need imperative consideration. The current experimental work was undertaken to explore Al-induced dyslipidaemia due to its metalloestrogenic property. Materials and Methods: To fulfil this objective, prepubertal (PP) and young adult (YA) female Wistar rats were intraperitoneally administered to two doses of Al [5 and 10 mg/Kg body weight (BW)] once daily for 2 weeks. After the completion of the acute exposure protocol, plasma and hepatic tissue lipid profiles were estimated. Analysis of variance was carried out by the Kruskal–Wallis test and the differences between the groups were analysed by Mann–Whitney U post hoc test Results: Increased triglyceride, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and very-LDL cholesterol in plasma were found in YAs treated with both doses of Al in a dose-dependent manner. Similar changes were not present in PP female rats. Decreased levels of lipid levels were observed in the case of hepatic lipid profile. Conclusion: The study ushers light towards the dyslipidaemic alterations in experimental female rats after acute Al exposure. Impacts of Al on the growth and organosomatic index during the vital developmental days were significantly decided by the pubertal status of the female rats. The results of this study indicate the impact of puberty on the Al-induced modifications in lipid profile parameters and cardiovascular risk factors.

Clinical characteristics and follow-up analysis of 12 patients of acute phosphine poisoning / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

Objective: To investigate the clinical characteristics of patients with acute phosphine poisoning, and to follow up and evaluate the prognosis of patients. Methods: In May 2022, 12 patients with phosphine poisoning by respiratory inhalation in Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital of Capital Medical University were analyzed. The patients were treated with symptomatic support therapy. Three months later, patients were re-evaluated the symptoms of poisoning, pulmonary function and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain to understand the prognosis of the phosphine poisoning. Results: The main symptoms of 12 patients were respiratory and central nervous system symptoms with hypoxia. The symptoms of poisoning improved after treatment. Follow-up found that the patients had different degrees of residual symptoms. Pulmonary function showed increased airway resistance. Airway challenge test was positive in some patients. MRI of the head of some patients showed small ischemic focus in bilateral frontal lobes. Conclusion: Acute phosphine poisoning may cause persistent damage to the respiratory system and central system, and residual symptoms after 3 months.

Analysis of the Distribution of Total Phosphine and the Characteristics of Phosphine Poisoning in 29 Victims / 法医学杂志

OBJECTIVES@#To study the distribution of total phosphine in phosphine poisoning victims and summarize the characteristics of phosphine poisoning cases.@*METHODS@#The phosphine and its metabolites in the biological samples of 29 victims in 16 phosphine poisoning cases were qualified and quantified by headspace gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.@*RESULTS@#Five victims among 29 were poisoned by ingestion of aluminium phosphide and 24 by inhalation of phosphine gas. Phosphine metabolites were detected in the biological samples of 23 victims, and the concentrations of total phosphine in blood ranged 0.5-34.0 μg/mL. The total concentration of phosphine in liver tissue was up to 71.0 μg/g. Phosphine was not detected in the blood of the other six survived victims, which may be related to the small amount of phosphine exposure and the delay in blood sampling.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The total concentration of phosphine in blood and tissues caused by aluminum phosphine ingestion is higher than that caused by phosphine gas inhalation. The death cases of phosphine inhalation are characterized by long exposure time, repeated exposures and age susceptibility.

Effect of moringa oleifera lam. leaf extract against aluminium chloride induced hippocampal histology and serum enzyme activities in adult Wistar rats / Efecto del extracto de hoja de Moringa Olifera Lam. en la histología del hipocampo y la actividad enzimática en el suero de ratas Wistar adultas expuestas a cloruro de aluminio

Introduction: Aluminium, a ubiquitous metal implicated in some neurodegenerative diseases is linked to activation of free oxygen species. The antioxidant-rich plants, Moringa oleifera (MO) is reported to protect against Aluminium activities. This study investigated the actions of MO leaf extract (MOLE) against Aluminium chloride (AlCl3)- induced hippocampal cellular changes and serum levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT) in adult Wistar rats.Materials and Methods: Thirty Wistar rats weighing between 150 g and 220 g were grouped (n=5) into; 1-control (5 mL/kg distilled water), 2-AlCl3 (100 mg/kg), 3-low dose MOLE (250 mg/kg), 4-high dose MOLE (1,000 mg/kg), 5-concurrent AlCl3 and low dose MOLE, and 6-concurrent AlCl3 and high dose MOLE. All administrations were by oral gavages for 21 days. On day 22, following deep anaesthesia and cardiac puncture, blood was obtained for serum enzyme analysis, and the brain perfusion fixed, harvested and processed for histological study.Results: Results showed significantly (p < 0.05) higher ALP level in the AlCl3 group compared with the control, as well as the other test groups. However, there was no significant (p > 0.05) AST and ALT levels. The hippocampal CA3 of the AlCl3 group showed hypertrophic cells, with some of the cells having karyorrhectic features. The concurrent AlCl3 and low and high doses, MOLE groups showed less of these adverse features.Conclusion: These results suggest that MOLE may protect enzymatic activities against Aluminium chloride. However, its action on hippocampus is still subject to further investigation.

Introducción: El aluminio, un metal presente en diversos lugares implicado en algunas enfermedades neurodegenerativas, está relacionado con la activación de especies reactivas de oxígeno. Se informa que las plantas ricas en antioxidantes, Moringa oleifera (MO) protegen contra la acción del aluminio. Este estudio investigó las acciones del extracto de hoja de MO (MOLE) en los cambios celulares del hipocampo inducidos por el cloruro de aluminio (AlCl3) y los niveles séricos de fosfatasa alcalina (ALP), aspartato transaminasa (AST) y alanina transaminasa (ALT) en ratas Wistar adultas.Materiales y métodos: SE utilizaron treinta ratas Wistar divididas en 5 grupos, los animales pesaban entre 150 gy 220 g; 1 control (5 ml / kg de agua destilada), 2-AlCl3 (100 mg / kg), 3 MOLE de dosis baja (250 mg / kg), 4 MOLE de dosis alta (1000 mg / kg), 5 AlCl3 concurrente y MOLE de dosis baja, y MOLE 6-concurrente y MOLE de dosis alta. Todas las administraciones fueron por sonda oral durante 21 días. El día 22, después de la anestesia profunda y la punción cardíaca, se obtuvo sangre para el análisis de las enzimas séricas y la perfusión cerebral se fijó, recogió y procesó para el estudio histológico.Resultados: Los resultados mostraron un nivel de ALP significativamente (p <0.05) más alto en el grupo AlCl3 en comparación con el control, así como en los otros grupos de prueba. Sin embargo, no hubo niveles significativos (p> 0.05) de AST y ALT. El hipocampo CA3 del grupo AlCl3 mostró células hipertróficas, y algunas de las células tenían características cariorrecticas. Los grupos de AlCl3 concurrentes y dosis bajas y altas, MOLE mostraron menos de estas características adversas.Conclusión: Estos resultados sugieren que MOLE puede proteger las actividades enzimáticas contra el cloruro de aluminio. Sin embargo, su acción sobre el hipocampo aún está sujeta a más investigaciones.

A retrospective study of clinical profile and outcome of patients with rodenticide poisoning in tertiary care teaching hospital, Mandya, Karnataka, India

Background: Poisoning is the major health problem in developing countries like India. Rodenticides are one of the commonest substances used for poisoning in India. Rodenticides are the substances used to kill rats. They differs from chemical composition and toxicity profile. Prognosis mainly depends on chemical content of poison.Methods: This retrospective record-based study was conducted between October 2018 to September 2019 at MIMS tertiary care teaching hospital, Mandya, Karnataka, India. Data regarding age, sex, marital status, occupation, socioeconomic status, type of poison, route of exposure, clinical presentation, complications and outcome of poisoning and associated comorbid conditions were collected from the hospital records and documented in the pre-structured proforma. Descriptive analysis was carried out by the mean and standard deviation for quantitative variables, frequency and proportion for categorical variables.Results: Out of 126 study subjects, 77 (61.11%) were female, 49 (38.89%) were male. Most common age group was 21 to 30 years (45.23%), followed by 31 to 40 years (26.19%) group. Most common poison was zinc phosphide (52.39%), followed by yellow phosphorous (30.16%). Mode of poisoning was suicidal (94.4%) followed by accidental (5.6%).Most common symptom at presentation was nausea, vomiting (62.6%) followed by pain abdomen (52.4%).Most common complication was hepatitis 34 (26.98%) patients, followed by hepatic encephalopathy in 6 (4.76%) and cardiogenic shock in 6 (4.76%) patients. Total mortality was 8 (6.3%).Conclusions: Among rodenticides zinc phosphide was most common consumed poison in present study. Yellow phosphorous was most toxic poison and Aluminium phosphide was most lethal poison. Even though there is no specific antidote, early symptomatic treatment is the key in reducing the mortality.

Study of impact of clinical and biochemical parameters in aluminium phosphide poisoning

Background: The aim of the study was to assess the relationship between clinical and biochemical parameters with outcome of aluminium phosphide toxicity.Methods: Total 46 patients with aluminium phosphide poisoning admitted to the Hospitals attached to BMCRI between November 2018 and April 2019 were prospectively studied. After adequate history was obtained and immediate first aid measures given, clinical and biochemical parameters such as liver enzymes, serum creatinine, serum potassium and magnesium levels were studied. The patients were then followed up until outcome. Data was analysed using Descriptive statistics like mean, Standard deviation and percentages were calculated. Inferential statistics like Mann-Whitney test was used to compare the parameters between the two outcome groups (discharged and death) using SPSS software.Results: Among the study population, between the two outcome groups males were 80.6% and females were 19.4%. the outcome was death in 10 patients and 36 patients were discharged. Tachycardia and hypoxia at presentation, Low Serum Magnesium and higher levels of serum creatinine at admission were found to be associated with higher mortality in patients with aluminum phosphide toxicity and were statistically significant.Conclusions: These clinical and laboratory parameters can be considered as manifestation of hemodynamic compromise and are hence associated with poorer prognosis. Serum magnesium levels, can be used in prognostication of aluminium phosphide toxicity, owing probably to their effects of cardiotoxicity. Increased serum creatinine levels as a result of acute kidney injury, could also indirectly point to circulatory compromise. Hence these clinical and laboratory parameters at presentation have important implications.

Effect of aqueous Salvia officinalis extract on Aluminum chloride-induced neurotoxicity in female rats

The neurotoxicity of Aluminum has been discovered in several experiments. It is a neurotoxic element involved inthe etiology of some neurodegenerative diseases. Hence, the present study was designed to evaluate theneuroprotective effect of Salvia officinalis aqueous leaf extract (SAE) on the behavioral, histological, andbiochemical alterations caused by Aluminum chloride in female Wistar rats. Chronic aluminum chloride (AlCl3)exposure developed behavioral deficits by decreasing locomotor activity and caused a significant reduction ofspontaneous alternation. Besides, AlCl3 exposure showed a significant decrease in Acetylcholinesterase activity(-54.49%), Catalase activity (-42.48%), and a significant increase in the mean concentration of Malondialdehyde(MDA) compared to control group. Histological alterations were observed in the brain of aluminum chlorideexposed group, which explains the neurodegenerative effect of aluminum on rat brain histology. SAE treatmentimproved behavioral and histological changes in AlCl3-induced rats, attenuated biochemical alteration byrecording an increase in Acetylcholinesterase activity at 73.68% and enhanced catalase activity by 62.7%, aswell as a decrease in the MDA level of -86.81% compared to the AlCl3 group. The current study demonstratesthat Salvia officinalis can be administered as a food additive to protect against the neurotoxicity of AlCl3 and toameliorate behavioral and oxidative status.

Efficacy and safety evaluation of magnesium aluminate, lansoprazole, amoxicillin and furazolidone in the treatment of Helicobacter pylori-related gastric ulcer / 中国综合临床

Objective@#To investigate the efficacy and safety of magnesium aluminium carbonate, lansoprazole, amoxicillin and furazolidone in the treatment of Helicobacter pylori-related gastric ulcer.@*Methods@#From March 2016 to December 2017, 120 patients with HP related gastric ulcer who met the inclusion criteria were enrolled in the digestive department of Linxi Hospital of Kailuan general hospital.They were divided into observation group and control group with random number table method, 60 cases in each group.The control group was given lansoprazole+ amoxicillin+ furazolidone triple therapy.On this basis, the observation group was added with magnesium aluminum carbonate.The clinical efficacy, clearance rate of Helicobacter pylori, the level of VEGF and EGF in gastric juice were compared between the two groups.@*Results@#The total clinical effective rate of the observation group was 95.0% (57/60), which was significantly higher than that of the control group (83.3%) (50/60). The difference between the two groups was statistically significant (χ2=4.23, P<0.05). The comprehensive symptom scores of the two groups decreased significantly with the treatment time (observation group: before treatment(9.6±2.2), treatment 2 weeks (5.5±1.5), treatment 4 weeks (4.3±1.2), treatment 6 weeks (3.1±0.8), control group (9.4±2.5), treatment 2 weeks (7.2±1.3), treatment 4 weeks (6.6±1.4), treatment 6 weeks (4.5±1.0)), and observation group syndrome scores There was significant difference between the two groups (Finter-group=23.54, Pinter-group<0.05; Fintra-group=87.62, Pintra-group<0.05; Finteraction=8.47, Pinteraction<0.05). After treatment, VEGF level in gastric juice of the two groups increased significantly after treatment.In the observation group( (429.4±128.5) pg/ml )was significantly higher than that in the control group( (380.3±137.2) pg/ml, t=2.02, P<0.05). The EGF level in gastric juice of the two groups increased significantly after treatment.In the observation group( (658.1±164.0) pg/ml )was significantly higher than that in the control group ((583.5±135.1) pg/ml, t=2.72, P<0.05). The incidence of adverse reactions was 6.7% (4/60) in the observation group and 8.3% (5/60) in the control group.There was no significant difference (χ2=0.12, P>0.05).@*Conclusion@#The treatment of Helicobacter pylori related gastric ulcer with the combination of aluminum carbonate, lansoprazole, amoxicillin and furazolidone can obviously improve the clinical symptoms and promote the regeneration of ulcer mucosa.

Thermodynamics of clay-drug complex dispersions: Isothermal titration calorimetry and high-performance liquid chromatography / 药物分析学报

An understanding of the thermodynamics of the complexation process utilized in sustaining drug release in clay matrices is of great importance. Several characterisation techniques as well as isothermal calo-rimetry were utilized in investigating the adsorption process of a model cationic drug (diltiazem hy-drochloride, DIL) onto a pharmaceutical clay system (magnesium aluminium silicate, MAS). X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) and optical microscopy confirmed the successful formation of the DIL-MAS complexes. Drug quantification from the complexes demonstrated variable behaviour in the differing media used with DIL degrading to desacetyl diltiazem hydrochloride (DC-DIL) in the 2 M HCl media. Here also, the authors report for the first time two binding processes that occurred for DIL and MAS. A competitor binding model was thus proposed and the thermodynamics obtained suggested their binding processes to be enthalpy driven and entropically unfavourable. This information is of great importance for a formulator as care and consideration should be given with appropriate media selection as well as the nature of binding in complexes.

Dental Cement Preparation of Zinc Oxide Eugenol-Ethoxy Benzoic Acid (ZOE-EBA) with Addition of Filler Aluminum Oxide (Al2 O3 )

@#Introduction: The quality of Zinc Oxide Eugenol-Ethoxy Benzoic Acid (ZOE-EBA) dental cement could be improved by the addition of Aluminum Oxide (Al2 O3 ). It was caused by the characteristic of alumina which are easy on fabrication process, resistant on corrosion, endurance usage, bioinert, and biocompatible. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of the addition of Al2 O3 in ZOE-EBA cement. Methods: Nanoparticle of ZnO (zinc oxide), Al2 O3 , MgO (magnesium oxide),eugenol liquid and EBA (Ethoxy Benzoic Acid) fluid. The variations of Al2 O3 were 24%, 26%, 28%, 30%. First is the sintering on 1000°C and tested by XRD. Sintered powder was mixed with liquid, with a ratio of powder: liquid 7:1. The mechanical characteristic are compressive strength and hardness. Results: XRD test is showed that ZnO has dominant phase on the sample and there was new phase on cement powder such as Zinc-Aluminium oxide (ZnAl2 O4 ). The best result was shown on the addition of 26% of Al2 O3 composition in the 3 type test because the sample had ZnAl2 O4 phase volume fewer than 28% and 30% of Al2 O3 . This result was supported by the compressive strength and hardness which showed the optimum value at concentrations of 26%, which were 64.49 MPa and hardness of 69.33 VHN. Conclusion: Based on the result, it was found that Al2 O3 variation gives the best results in the teeth ZOE-EBA cement was 26%.

Aluminium phosphide induced pancreatitis

Aluminium Phosphide (AlP) is a commonly used agricultural pesticide. It is cheap, effective, and easily available. Aluminium Phosphide is used as a rodenticide, insecticide, and fumigant to preserve stored cereal grains, also known as "Wheat pills". In Iran, it is known as the rice tablet. There, have been frequent incidents of accidental or intentional deaths. There have been only a few case reports on aluminum phosphide-induced pancreatitis in the literature available. In this report, we present the case of a young man who developed acute pancreatitis following ingestion of aluminum phosphide pellet in the absence of the usual risk factors and after exclusion of other possible causes of pancreatitis. 35-year-old male came to the ER of SGT Hospital, Gurugram, one hour after ingestion of a single 3 g tablet of Aluminium Phosphide (Celphos) at home, with a suicidal intent. He had three episodes of Vomiting on the way to the hospital. On Day 1 of admission, USG abdomen showed heterogeneity of head and the body of pancreas with minimal peri-pancreatic fluid, suggestive of Pancreatitis. Serum Amylase and lipase levels were raised throughout the hospital course. CT images were suggestive of pancreatitis. The signs and symptoms of Acute AlP Poisoning are non-specific, dose dependent and evolve with time. After ingestion, toxic features usually develop within a few minutes. The major lethal consequence of AlP ingestion is profound circulatory collapse, secondary to direct effects of toxins on cardiomyocytes, fluid loss, and adrenal gland damage. Our patient was diagnosed with acute pancreatitis in first 24hours of admission with high suspicion of pancreatitis and managed well with iv fluids and supportive treatment and was discharged after 3 weeks of in hospital stay.

Effects of Salacia oblonga on aluminium induced changes in membrane ATPases in brain cortex and hematological parameters in Wistar albino rats

Background: The current study was done to evaluate the effect of hydro alcoholic extract of Salacia oblonga on aluminum induced toxicity in brain cortex and blood in Wistar albino rats.Methods: The experimental animals were divided into four groups, each group comprising of six animals for 36 days of experimental duration. We investigated Na+/K+, Mg2+, Ca2+ ATPases enzyme activity in brain cortex and hematological changes if any, upon administration of aluminum chloride (Alcl3) (300 mg/kg b.w), hydro alcoholic extract of Salacia oblonga (67 mg/kg b.w) and Alcl3+ Salacia oblanga with control (distilled water).Results: In brain cortex, Salacia caused an increased in activity of ATPases. Combined administration of Salacia suppressed the influence of aluminum on the ATPases in the brain cortex (p<0.05). Both aluminum as well as Salacia did not cause any alteration in the hemoglobin content of blood in Wistar albino rats. The erythrocytes count was also not altered by treatment with either aluminum or Salacia. Combined treatment with Salacia suppressed the influence of aluminum with reference to neutrophil count and significant increases in monocyte as well as lymphocyte count were seen. Thus, repeated administration of aluminum causes a decrease in neutrophil and increase in lymphocyte count.Conclusions: All the ATPases in brain cortex were found to be affected by aluminum administration and Salacia is found to counteract the ATPase effect to a particular extent implying the presence of an active principle that can counteract the aluminium toxicity indicating its possible usefulness in aluminum toxicity.

A study on outcome of rodenticide poisoning patients admitted to a tertiary care teaching hospital in relation to the chemical content of that poison

Background: Poisoning is the major health problem in India. Rodenticides are the commonest poisoning in Asian countries like India. Rodenticides are the substance used to kill rats. Prognosis mainly depends on chemical content of poison.Methods: This retrospective record-based study was conducted between January 2017 to December 2017 at government hospital department of general medicine, MIMS, Mandya, Bangalore, Karnataka, India. Data regarding age, sex, marital status, occupation, type of poison, route of exposure, and outcome of poisoning and associated co-morbid conditions were collected from the hospital records and documented in the pre-structured proforma. Descriptive analysis was carried out by the mean and standard deviation for quantitative variables, frequency and proportion for categorical variables.Results: Out of 56 patients 33 (59%) were female 23 (41%) were male. Most common age group was 20 to 30 years, followed by 31 to 40 years group. Most common poison was yellow phosphorous (41%), followed by aluminium phosphide (29%). Most common complication was hepatitis (20%),followed by cardiogenic shock (9%).Total mortality was 3 (5%).Conclusions: Among rodenticides yellow phosphorous was most common consumed poison in present study. Aluminium phosphorus was most lethal poison. Even though there is no specific antidote, early symptomatic treatment is the key in reducing the mortality.

A study to Assess the Effects of Antiperspirant Aluminium Nitrate

This present study was aimed to observe under the research grade compound light microscope thehisto-toxicological effects manifested post-application of 10% and 20% solutions of aluminium nitratethat was topically applied onto the outermost surface of the ear integument of 24 Albino rabbitstreated daily. The animals were then divided into two groups comprising of 12 experimental and 12controls. Initially right sided test areas were excised of the experimental and control animals after 15days of application to observe immediate effects, whereas the left sided test areas of the animalswere kept for another month without any further treatment and then excised on day 45 to elucidateits delayed effects. The results revealed histological features of a thickened epidermis withhyperkeratosis, acanthosis and the presence of epidermal micro-abscesses. The dermis showedfeatures of edema, increase in vascularity, decrease in sweat and sebaceous glands and infiltration ofinflammatory cells.It was significantly noted that the histological features were far more severelymanifested in the integument applied with 20% w/v solution as compared to that applied with 10% w/v solution. However these changes persisted in a moderate form following discontinuation of aluminiumnitrate application.

Effects of Vitamin E Administration on Certain Biochemical and Antioxidants Indices in Some Rat Tissues Treated with Aluminium Chloride

Aims: It has been shown that aluminium and its compounds accumulate in some tissues causing metabolic dysfunctions. This study investigated the effects of vitamin E administration on certain biochemical and antioxidants indices in rat tissues treated with aluminium chloride (AlCl3). Study Design: Twenty four male Wistar rats with average weight of 160 g were randomly selected into four groups and treated as follows; group A(distilled water), group B (vitamin E only,100 mg/kg. bw/day), group C (AlCl3 only,40 mg/kg. bw/day) and group D (vitamin E and AlCl3), all administered orally in 0.2 ml solution for 21 days. Methodology: Biochemical and antioxidant indices were evaluated using standard methods. Results: Results showed that treatment with AlCl3 only (group C) caused significant (P=.05) decreases in Red Blood Cell (WBC) count, Packed Cell Volume (PCV), serum total protein and High Density Lipoprotein-Cholesterol ( HDL-C) with increases in White Blood Cell (WBC) count, triglyceride and total cholesterol. It also elicits significant (P=.05) increases in some liver and kidney indices such as Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT), Gamma Glutamyl Transferase (GGT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities, serum urea and creatinine concentrations. Analysis of antioxidant indices of the liver, kidney, brain and testis also revealed decreases in activities of Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT) and Reduced Glutathione (GSH) concentration with corresponding significant (P=.05) increases in Malondialdehyde (MDA) level by AlCl3 administration. In contrast, treatment with vitamin E and AlCl3 (group D) showed improved in metabolic alterations observed in AlCl3 intoxication as these indices were reversed with greater effects observed in group B. Conclusion: Results obtained are indication of antioxidative and tissue protective effects of vitamin E against dyslipidemia and heamatological disorder induced by (AlCl3).

A Case of Late-onset Capsular Block Syndrome, Resulting in the Misdiagnosis of Intraocular Lens Opacity

PURPOSE: We report a case of late-onset capsular block syndrome, which resulted in a misdiagnosis of intraocular lens (IOL) opacity. CASE SUMMARY: A 59-year-old man visited our clinic with reduced visual acuity in the right eye from 1 year prior. He had undergone uncomplicated bilateral cataract surgery by phacoemulsification with IOL implants at another hospital 10 years before. There was no specific history with the exception of hypertension. After being diagnosed in the ophthalmology clinic with IOL degeneration and opacity in the right eye, he was referred to our hospital for IOL replacement. Upon examination, his right uncorrected visual acuity was 0.06 and intraocular pressure was 22 mmHg. The refractive error could not be checked due to IOL opacity. Slit-lamp microscopy revealed a cloudy, milky IOL. Anterior-segment optical coherence tomography of the right eye showed retention of a highly reflective material in the lens capsule behind the IOL. Posterior capsule enlargement of the right eye was confirmed on ultrasound biomicroscopy. After neodymium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet (Nd:YAG) laser capsulotomy was performed, the homogeneous space disappeared and the eye recovered normal visual acuity. CONCLUSIONS: Capsular block syndrome is a rare complication that can occur shortly (1 day to 2 days) after cataract surgery. Late-onset capsular block syndrome, which occurs 10 years after surgery differs from typical clinical manifestations. Thus, capsular block syndrome is an important consideration upon the presentation of opacification due to IOL degeneration.

Parenteral adjuvant potential of recombinant B subunit of Escherichia coli heat-labile enterotoxin

BACKGROUND The B subunit of Escherichia coli heat-labile enterotoxin (LTB) is a potent mucosal immune adjuvant. However, there is little information about LTB's potential as a parenteral adjuvant. OBJECTIVES We aimed at evaluating and better understanding rLTB's potential as a parenteral adjuvant using the fused R1 repeat of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae P97 adhesin as an antigen to characterise the humoral immune response induced by this construct and comparing it to that generated when aluminium hydroxide is used as adjuvant instead. METHODS BALB/c mice were immunised intraperitoneally with either rLTBR1 or recombinant R1 adsorbed onto aluminium hydroxide. The levels of systemic anti-rR1 antibodies (total Ig, IgG1, IgG2a, and IgA) were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The ratio of IgG1 and IgG2a was used to characterise a Th1, Th2, or mixed Th1/Th2 immune response. FINDINGS Western blot confirmed rR1, either alone or fused to LTB, remained antigenic; anti-cholera toxin ELISA confirmed that LTB retained its activity when expressed in a heterologous system. Mice immunised with the rLTBR1 fusion protein produced approximately twice as much anti-rR1 immunoglobulins as mice vaccinated with rR1 adsorbed onto aluminium hydroxide. Animals vaccinated with either rLTBR1 or rR1 adsorbed onto aluminium hydroxide presented a mixed Th1/Th2 immune response. We speculate this might be a result of rR1 immune modulation rather than adjuvant modulation. Mice immunised with rLTBR1 produced approximately 1.5-fold more serum IgA than animals immunised with rR1 and aluminium hydroxide. MAIN CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that rLTB is a more powerful parenteral adjuvant than aluminium hydroxide when administered intraperitoneally as it induced higher antibody titres. Therefore, we recommend that rLTB be considered an alternative adjuvant, even if different administration routes are employed.

Is a non-synonymous SNP in the HvAACT1 coding region associated with acidic soil tolerance in barley?

Abstract The barley HvAACT1 gene codes for a citrate transporter associated with tolerance to acidic soil. In this report, we describe a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the HvAACT1 coding region that was detected as T-1,198 (in genotypes with lower root growth on acidic soil) or G-1,198 (greater root growth) and resulted in a single amino acid change (L/V-172). Molecular dynamic analysis predicted that HvAACT1 proteins with L or V-172 were stable, although the substitution led to structural changes within the protein. To evaluate the effect of the SNP on tolerance to acidic soil, barley accessions were separated into haplotypes based on the presence of a 1 kb insertion in the HvAACT1 promoter and a 21 bp insertion/deletion. These markers and the SNP-1,198 allowed the identification of five haplotypes. Short-term soil experiments showed no difference in root growth for most of the accessions containing the 21 bp insertion and T or G-1,198. In contrast, genotypes showing both the 21 bp deletion and G-1,198, with one of them having the 1 kb insertion, showed greater root growth. These results indicate that the SNP was not advantageous or deleterious when genotypes from the same haplotype were compared. The occurrence of the SNP was highly correlated with the 21 bp insertion/deletion that, together with the 1 kb insertion, explained most of the barley tolerance to acidic soil.