Honey as a bioindicator of environmental organochlorine insecticides contamination / Mel como bioindicador de contaminação ambiental de inseticidas organoclorados

Honey is a suitable matrix for the evaluation of environmental contaminants including organochlorine insecticides. The present study was conducted to evaluate residues of fifteen organochlorine insecticides in honey samples of unifloral and multifloral origins from Dir, Pakistan. Honey samples (5 g each) were extracted with GC grade organic solvents and then subjected to Rotary Evaporator till dryness. The extracts were then mixed with n-Hexane (5 ml) and purified through Column Chromatography. Purified extracts (1μl each) were processed through Gas Chromatograph coupled with Electron Capture Detector (GC-ECD) for identification and quantification of the insecticides. Of the 15 insecticides tested, 46.7% were detected while 53.3% were not detected in the honey samples. Heptachlor was the most prevalent insecticide with a mean level of 0.0018 mg/kg detected in 80% of the samples followed by β-HCH with a mean level of 0.0016 mg/kg detected in 71.4% of the honey samples. Honey samples from Acacia modesta Wall. were 100% positive for Heptachlor with a mean level of 0.0048 mg/kg followed by β-HCH with a mean level of 0.003 mg/kg and frequency of 83.3%. Minimum levels of the tested insecticides were detected in the unifloral honey from Ziziphus jujuba Mill. Methoxychlor, Endosulfan, Endrin and metabolites of DDT were not detected in the studied honey samples. Some of the tested insecticides are banned in Pakistan but are still detected in honey samples indicating their use in the study area. The detected levels of all insecticides were below the Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs) and safe for consumers. However, the levels detected can cause mortality in insect fauna. The use of banned insecticides is one of the main factors responsible for the declining populations of important insect pollinators including honeybees.

O mel é uma matriz adequada para a avaliação de contaminantes ambientais, incluindo inseticidas organoclorados. O presente estudo foi conduzido para avaliar resíduos de 15 inseticidas organoclorados em amostras de mel de origem unifloral e multifloral de Dir, Paquistão. Amostras de mel (5 g cada) foram extraídas com solventes orgânicos de grau GC e, em seguida, submetidas ao evaporador rotativo até a secura. Os extratos foram então misturados com n-hexano (5 ml) e purificados por cromatografia em coluna. Os extratos purificados (1μl cada) foram processados através de cromatógrafo gasoso acoplado a detector de captura de elétrons (GC-ECD) para identificação e quantificação dos inseticidas. Dos 15 inseticidas testados, 46,7% foram detectados enquanto 53,3% não foram detectados nas amostras de mel. O heptacloro foi o inseticida mais prevalente com um nível médio de 0,0018 mg / kg detectado em 80% das amostras, seguido por β-HCH com um nível médio de 0,0016 mg / kg detectado em 71,4% das amostras de mel. Amostras de mel da parede de Acacia modesta foram 100% positivos para heptacloro com um nível médio de 0,0048 mg / kg seguido por β-HCH com um nível médio de 0,003 mg / kg e frequência de 83,3%. Níveis mínimos dos inseticidas testados foram detectados no mel unifloral de Ziziphus jujuba da usina. Metoxicloro, Endosulfan, Endrin e metabólitos do DDT não foram detectados nas amostras de mel estudadas. Alguns dos inseticidas testados são proibidos no Paquistão, mas ainda são detectados em amostras de mel, indicando seu uso na área de estudo. Os níveis detectados de todos os inseticidas estavam abaixo dos Níveis Máximos de Resíduos (MRLs) e seguros para os consumidores. No entanto, os níveis detectados podem causar mortalidade na fauna de insetos. O uso de inseticidas proibidos é um dos principais fatores responsáveis pelo declínio das populações de importantes insetos polinizadores, incluindo as abelhas.

Honey as a bioindicator of environmental organochlorine insecticides contamination

Abstract Honey is a suitable matrix for the evaluation of environmental contaminants including organochlorine insecticides. The present study was conducted to evaluate residues of fifteen organochlorine insecticides in honey samples of unifloral and multifloral origins from Dir, Pakistan. Honey samples (5 g each) were extracted with GC grade organic solvents and then subjected to Rotary Evaporator till dryness. The extracts were then mixed with n-Hexane (5 ml) and purified through Column Chromatography. Purified extracts (1l each) were processed through Gas Chromatograph coupled with Electron Capture Detector (GC-ECD) for identification and quantification of the insecticides. Of the 15 insecticides tested, 46.7% were detected while 53.3% were not detected in the honey samples. Heptachlor was the most prevalent insecticide with a mean level of 0.0018 mg/kg detected in 80% of the samples followed by -HCH with a mean level of 0.0016 mg/kg detected in 71.4% of the honey samples. Honey samples from Acacia modesta Wall. were 100% positive for Heptachlor with a mean level of 0.0048 mg/kg followed by -HCH with a mean level of 0.003 mg/kg and frequency of 83.3%. Minimum levels of the tested insecticides were detected in the unifloral honey from Ziziphus jujuba Mill. Methoxychlor, Endosulfan, Endrin and metabolites of DDT were not detected in the studied honey samples. Some of the tested insecticides are banned in Pakistan but are still detected in honey samples indicating their use in the study area. The detected levels of all insecticides were below the Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs) and safe for consumers. However, the levels detected can cause mortality in insect fauna. The use of banned insecticides is one of the main factors responsible for the declining populations of important insect pollinators including honeybees.

Resumo O mel é uma matriz adequada para a avaliação de contaminantes ambientais, incluindo inseticidas organoclorados. O presente estudo foi conduzido para avaliar resíduos de 15 inseticidas organoclorados em amostras de mel de origem unifloral e multifloral de Dir, Paquistão. Amostras de mel (5 g cada) foram extraídas com solventes orgânicos de grau GC e, em seguida, submetidas ao evaporador rotativo até a secura. Os extratos foram então misturados com n-hexano (5 ml) e purificados por cromatografia em coluna. Os extratos purificados (1l cada) foram processados através de cromatógrafo gasoso acoplado a detector de captura de elétrons (GC-ECD) para identificação e quantificação dos inseticidas. Dos 15 inseticidas testados, 46,7% foram detectados enquanto 53,3% não foram detectados nas amostras de mel. O heptacloro foi o inseticida mais prevalente com um nível médio de 0,0018 mg / kg detectado em 80% das amostras, seguido por -HCH com um nível médio de 0,0016 mg / kg detectado em 71,4% das amostras de mel. Amostras de mel da parede de Acacia modesta foram 100% positivos para heptacloro com um nível médio de 0,0048 mg / kg seguido por -HCH com um nível médio de 0,003 mg / kg e frequência de 83,3%. Níveis mínimos dos inseticidas testados foram detectados no mel unifloral de Ziziphus jujuba da usina. Metoxicloro, Endosulfan, Endrin e metabólitos do DDT não foram detectados nas amostras de mel estudadas. Alguns dos inseticidas testados são proibidos no Paquistão, mas ainda são detectados em amostras de mel, indicando seu uso na área de estudo. Os níveis detectados de todos os inseticidas estavam abaixo dos Níveis Máximos de Resíduos (MRLs) e seguros para os consumidores. No entanto, os níveis detectados podem causar mortalidade na fauna de insetos. O uso de inseticidas proibidos é um dos principais fatores responsáveis pelo declínio das populações de importantes insetos polinizadores, incluindo as abelhas.

Honey as a bioindicator of environmental organochlorine insecticides contamination / Mel como bioindicador de contaminação ambiental de inseticidas organoclorados

Abstract Honey is a suitable matrix for the evaluation of environmental contaminants including organochlorine insecticides. The present study was conducted to evaluate residues of fifteen organochlorine insecticides in honey samples of unifloral and multifloral origins from Dir, Pakistan. Honey samples (5 g each) were extracted with GC grade organic solvents and then subjected to Rotary Evaporator till dryness. The extracts were then mixed with n-Hexane (5 ml) and purified through Column Chromatography. Purified extracts (1μl each) were processed through Gas Chromatograph coupled with Electron Capture Detector (GC-ECD) for identification and quantification of the insecticides. Of the 15 insecticides tested, 46.7% were detected while 53.3% were not detected in the honey samples. Heptachlor was the most prevalent insecticide with a mean level of 0.0018 mg/kg detected in 80% of the samples followed by β-HCH with a mean level of 0.0016 mg/kg detected in 71.4% of the honey samples. Honey samples from Acacia modesta Wall. were 100% positive for Heptachlor with a mean level of 0.0048 mg/kg followed by β-HCH with a mean level of 0.003 mg/kg and frequency of 83.3%. Minimum levels of the tested insecticides were detected in the unifloral honey from Ziziphus jujuba Mill. Methoxychlor, Endosulfan, Endrin and metabolites of DDT were not detected in the studied honey samples. Some of the tested insecticides are banned in Pakistan but are still detected in honey samples indicating their use in the study area. The detected levels of all insecticides were below the Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs) and safe for consumers. However, the levels detected can cause mortality in insect fauna. The use of banned insecticides is one of the main factors responsible for the declining populations of important insect pollinators including honeybees.

Resumo O mel é uma matriz adequada para a avaliação de contaminantes ambientais, incluindo inseticidas organoclorados. O presente estudo foi conduzido para avaliar resíduos de 15 inseticidas organoclorados em amostras de mel de origem unifloral e multifloral de Dir, Paquistão. Amostras de mel (5 g cada) foram extraídas com solventes orgânicos de grau GC e, em seguida, submetidas ao evaporador rotativo até a secura. Os extratos foram então misturados com n-hexano (5 ml) e purificados por cromatografia em coluna. Os extratos purificados (1μl cada) foram processados através de cromatógrafo gasoso acoplado a detector de captura de elétrons (GC-ECD) para identificação e quantificação dos inseticidas. Dos 15 inseticidas testados, 46,7% foram detectados enquanto 53,3% não foram detectados nas amostras de mel. O heptacloro foi o inseticida mais prevalente com um nível médio de 0,0018 mg / kg detectado em 80% das amostras, seguido por β-HCH com um nível médio de 0,0016 mg / kg detectado em 71,4% das amostras de mel. Amostras de mel da parede de Acacia modesta foram 100% positivos para heptacloro com um nível médio de 0,0048 mg / kg seguido por β-HCH com um nível médio de 0,003 mg / kg e frequência de 83,3%. Níveis mínimos dos inseticidas testados foram detectados no mel unifloral de Ziziphus jujuba da usina. Metoxicloro, Endosulfan, Endrin e metabólitos do DDT não foram detectados nas amostras de mel estudadas. Alguns dos inseticidas testados são proibidos no Paquistão, mas ainda são detectados em amostras de mel, indicando seu uso na área de estudo. Os níveis detectados de todos os inseticidas estavam abaixo dos Níveis Máximos de Resíduos (MRLs) e seguros para os consumidores. No entanto, os níveis detectados podem causar mortalidade na fauna de insetos. O uso de inseticidas proibidos é um dos principais fatores responsáveis pelo declínio das populações de importantes insetos polinizadores, incluindo as abelhas.

Severity of Coronavirus Disease 19: A Profile of Inflammatory Markers in Iraqi Patients

@#Introduction: Accumulating evidence indicates that inflammatory responses play a major role in the development and/or severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Therefore, a retrospective, cross-sectional study was performed to provide an inflammatory profile in COVID-19. Methods: The study included 139 patients infected with COVID-19, who were admitted to inpatient wards and intensive care units in Baghdad Teaching Hospital. There were 105 patients suffering from non-severe illness and 34 patients had severe disease. This study simultaneously evaluated six peripheral blood markers of inflammation to determine their predictive value in COVID-19 severity. These were C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), ferritin, D-dimer, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR). Results: The medians of age, CRP, ESR, ferritin, D-dimer and NLR were significantly elevated in severe cases of COVID-19 compared to non-severe cases. The LDH also tended to have increased levels in severe cases but the difference was not significant compared to non-severe cases. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that D-dimer was the most significant risk factor, followed by NLR, ferritin and CRP. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis identified that the best cut-off values of CRP, ESR, ferritin, D-dimer, LDH and NLR for predicting severity in COVID-19 patients were 22.7 mg/L, 59.5 mm/h, 719.4 ng/mL, 367.5 ng/mL, 468.5 U/L and 12.9, respectively. Conclusion: Age and the inflammatory markers CRP, ESR, ferritin, D-dimer, and NLR showed higher medians in severe cases of COVID-19 compared to non-severe cases. In this context, D-dimer and NLR are suggested to be important predictive markers of severe disease.

Agronomic efficiency and profitability of cotton on integrated use of phosphorus and plant microbes / Eficiência e rentabilidade agronômica do algodão no uso integrado de fósforo e micróbios vegetais

Cotton crop, plays a significant role in Pakistan's economy by ruling a prominent place in edible oil and local textile industry. Phosphorus (P) inaccessibility and deficiency of soil organic matter are the key restraints for low crop productivity in cotton. Therefore, a two years field study was designed during 2014-15, to explore the influence of phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB), farmyard manure (FYM), poultry manure (PM) and inanimate sources of P on various physiological, growth, yield and quality parameters of cotton crop at CCRI Multan. Field responses of seeds inoculated with two distinctive phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) strains viz. S0 = control, S1 =strain-1, S2 = strain-2 and eight organic, inorganic P sources viz., P0= control, P1 = 80 kg ha-1 P from inorganic source, P2 = 80 kg ha-1 P from FYM, P3 = 80 kg ha-1 P from PM, P4 = 40 kg ha-1 P from FYM + 40 kg ha-1 P from inorganic source, P5 = 40 kg ha-1 P from PM + 40 kg ha-1 P from inorganic source, P6 = 80 kg ha-1 P from FYM + 40 kg ha-1 P from inorganic source, P7 = 80 kg ha-1 P from PM + 40 kg ha-1 P from inorganic source and P8 = 40 kg ha-1 P from FYM + 40 kg ha-1 P from PM were evaluated. Results revealed that inoculation of seeds with PSB and collective use of inorganic and organic sources of P had considerably increased the yield contributing attributes in cotton. However, the treatment P7 (80 kg P ha-1 from PM + 40 kg P ha-1 from inorganic source) in coincidence with seeds inoculated with PSB (S1) produced taller plant, maximum boll weight, significantly higher LAI and CGR. Significantly higher seed cotton yield, lint yield, fiber length and maximum BCR of 1.95 and 1.81 was also obtained from the P7 treatment during both crop-growing seasons. In conclusion, combined use of 80 kg P ha-1 from PM + 40 kg P ha-1 from inorganic source and cotton seeds inoculated with strain-1 improved phosphorus uptake ensuing in greater consumption of photo-assimilates for maximum growth and yield.

A safra de algodão, desempenha um papel significativo na economia do Paquistão, ao ocupar um lugar de destaque no óleo comestível e na indústria têxtil local. A inacessibilidade e a deficiência de fósforo (P) da matéria orgânica do solo são as principais restrições para a baixa produtividade das culturas em algodão. Portanto, um estudo de campo de dois anos foi desenvolvido durante 2014-15, para explorar a influência de bactérias solubilizantes de fosfato (PSB), esterco de capoeira (FYM), esterco de aves (PM) e fontes inanimadas de P sobre vários fatores fisiológicos, crescimento, rendimento e parâmetros de qualidade da cultura do algodão no CCRI Multan. Respostas de campo de sementes inoculadas com duas cepas distintas de bactérias solubilizantes de fosfato (PSB) viz. S0 = controle, S1 = cepa-1, S2 = cepa-2 e oito fontes orgânicas de P inorgânicas viz., P0 = controle, P1 = 80 kg ha-1 P de fonte inorgânica, P2 = 80 kg ha-1 P de FYM, P3 = 80 kg ha-1 P de PM, P4 = 40 kg ha-1 P de FYM + 40 kg ha-1 P de fonte inorgânica, P5 = 40 kg ha-1 P de PM + 40 kg ha-1 P de fonte inorgânica, P6 = 80 kg ha-1 P de FYM + 40 kg ha-1 P de fonte inorgânica, P7 = 80 kg ha-1 P de PM + 40 kg ha-1 P de fonte inorgânica e P8 = 40 Foram avaliados kg ha-1 P da FYM + 40 kg ha-1 P da PM. Os resultados revelaram que a inoculação de sementes com PSB e o uso coletivo de fontes inorgânicas e orgânicas de P aumentaram consideravelmente os atributos que contribuem para a produtividade no algodão. No entanto, o tratamento P7 (80 kg P ha-1 da PM + 40 kg P ha-1 da fonte inorgânica) em coincidência com sementes inoculadas com PSB (S1) produziu planta mais alta, peso máximo de cápsula, IAF e CGR significativamente maiores. Produtividade significativamente maior do algodão, rendimento de fiapos, comprimento da fibra e BCR máximo de 1,95 e 1,81 também foi obtida a partir do tratamento P7 durante as duas épocas de cultivo. Em conclusão, o uso combinado de 80 kg P ha-1 de PM + 40 kg P ha-1 de fonte inorgânica e sementes de algodão inoculadas com a cepa-1 melhoraram a captação de fósforo, resultando em maior consumo de foto assimilados para obter crescimento e produtividade máximos.

Synergism Between Probiotics And Herbs To Manage Type 2 Diabetes In Rats

Objective: This study aims to explore the adjuvant effect of multi-strain probiotics with either saffron, cardamom, ginger, or cinnamon herbs to achieve synergistic management for controlling type 2 diabetes (T2D). Methods: Eighty-eight adult male, Wistar rats were used. Eight rats were kept as healthy control. Eighty rats were used to induce type 2 diabetic rats (T2DR) and were randomly assigned to ten groups. One group was an offer to 0.2 ml multi-strain probiotics orally. The rest of T2DR were gavage with 100 mg/kg aqueous extract of saffron, cardamom, ginger, or cinnamon without or with 0.2 ml multi-strain probiotics orally. Bodyweight gain (BWG), and feed efficiency ratio (FER) were recorded. Determination of oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), serum insulin, C-peptide, HDL, LDL, HDL/total cholesterol ratio were performed. Serum antioxidant activity, Th1and Th2 cytokines and histopathology of the pancreas were done. Results: Comparable with T2DR, solely multi-strain probiotics or with herbs caused a significant reduction in BWG (P<0.05). Groups fed saffron, cardamom, and ginger and enriched with multi-strain probiotic showed significant improvement in OGTT, serum insulin, C-peptide and lipid abnormalities (P<0.05) compared to T2DR. Besides, they had antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. The group received ginger alone exerted anti-hyperglycemia and anti-inflammatory effects. However, cinnamon had a moderate anti-diabetic effect and solely probiotics did not show a significant benefit for all parameters except BWG. Conclusion: Cardamom, saffron, and ginger enriched with multi-strain probiotics achieve a synergistic relationship for managing T2D. This finding exhibits a possible new hypothesis to manage diabetes that needs further study.

Peripheral iridectomy for preventing iris-related complications in glued intraocular lens surgery in children

Purpose: To assess the role of surgical peripheral iridectomy (PI) in preventing iris-related complications associated with glued intraocular lens (GIOL) surgery in children with bilateral ectopia lentis. Methods: Nonrandomized interventional case series of 34 eyes of 17 children (<15 years of age) who underwent pars plana lensectomy (PPL) and GIOL surgery between January 2013 and December 2016. Eyes with surgical PI (January 2013–June 2015) were compared with those without surgical PI (July 2015–December 2016). The primary outcome measure of the role of surgical PI in GIOL surgery was to account for complications such as optic capture, secondary glaucoma, intraocular lens (IOL) dislocation, or repeat surgery. The secondary outcomes were changes in the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA). Results: The mean age at surgery was 8.8 years (range: 3.5–15 years). Surgical PI was conducted in 15 eyes. Among the 19 eyes without PI, 9 eyes had complications (optic capture –6; rise in IOP –4; IOL subluxation –4; repeat surgery –5). The complications were significantly less in the PI group, P = 0.02. There was a statistically significant improvement in BCVA (P = 0.0001) in all the patients. The mean presenting BCVA was 0.99 (±0.79) logMAR (Snellen ? 20/200) and post BCVA was 0.40 (±0.50) (Snellen ? 20/50). The mean preoperative refraction was ? 9 D (±8D) (range: ?5 D to ?23D) and postoperative was ?1 (±1.15) D. The mean follow-up was 25.4 months. Conclusion: Surgical PI along with GIOL surgery in children undergoing PPL is shown to reduce optic-capture-related complications.

Acute Myocardial Infarction Patients’ Knowledge Regarding the Modifiable Risk Factors of Heart Disease

Background: Acute myocardial infarction (heart attack) is a condition of the heart that occurs when blood flowto the heart muscles is stopped abruptly. The disruption in blood flow to the heart muscles is usually caused by ablockage of one or several coronary arteries. Heart attacks can be fatal owing to the critical functions performedby blood in the heart. Fatalities arising from heart attacks are witnessed all over the world. The difference infatality rates of heart attacks is highly dependent on the exposure to risk factors such as smoking and obesity.Healthy living populations will rarely encounter high cases of a heart attack. This study was set out to assess anddocument the knowledge level of acute myocardial infarction patients regarding the modifiable risk factors of aheart attack in Saudi Arabia. Patients suffering from a heart attack are at great danger of fatality. Knowledge ofmodifiable factors can promote healthy living habits and behaviors among them. Methods: A cross-sectionalsurvey was developed to assess knowledge levels of acute myocardial infarction patients in the three cities ofRiyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam. A total of 123 participants were recruited through convenient sampling across15 hospitals in the cities. The eligibility criteria for recruitment included a mandatory age of 18 years and SaudiArabian citizenship. Participants were issued with questionnaires containing different questions on modifiablerisk factors (fatty foods, vegetables, fruits, smoking, physical exercise, and obesity). Results: Five out of the sixmodifiable factors represented knowledge levels of less than 50%. Participants were only knowledgeable on therisk factor of obesity which saw 52.8% associating it with a heart attack. Conclusion: There is a need to boosteducation and awareness among acute myocardial infarction patients in Saudi Arabia.

Biological control of Phlebotomus papatasi larvae by using entomopathogenic nematodes and its symbiotic bacterial toxins

@# The sand fly Phlebotomus papatasi is an important disease-bearing vector. Five entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) – Steinernema carpocapsae DD136, Steinernema sp. (SII), S. carpocapsae all, S. abbasi, and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora HP88 – were applied as biocontrol agents against the late third instar larvae of P. papatasi. In addition, the effect of toxin complexes (TCs) of Xenorhabdus nematophila and Photorhabdus luminescens laumondii bacteria was evaluated. Results revealed that S. carpocapsae DD136 was the most virulent species followed by Steinernema sp. (SII) and S. carpocapsae all where LC50 were 472, 565, 962 IJs/ml, respectively. Also, the crude TCs were slightly more active and toxic than their fractionated protein. Histopathological examination of infected larvae with H. bacteriophora HP88 showed negative effect on their midgut cells. In conclusion, EPNs with their symbiotic bacteria are more effective as biocontrol agents than the crude or fractionated TCs against sand fly larvae.

Herbal Medicines Questionnaire And Evaluation Of Attitude, Perceptions And Self-Use Among Health Care Professionals In Rak, Uae: Pilot Study

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the perceptions of different healthcare professionals towards HM. Methods: The 16-item questionnaire on the belief of health care professionals in herbal medicine was designed by the interdisciplinary task force. Eligible participants were health care providers who were English-and Arabic-literate. The response rate was 78% of participants (781 of 1000) were respondents. In total, 553 out of 781 (71%) participants indicated that they had previously used herbal medicines. The remaining 228 participants did not believe in herbal medicine due to lack of scientific evidence, ineffectiveness and other reasons. Results: The findings of this study indicate that health care professionals including pharmacists believe they have a responsibility to provide information on HM to their patients. However, the current consensus among the respondents is that current HM-focused knowledge is inadequate for such an application. Conclusion: Health care professionals believe in using HM for their needs and have a responsibility to provide information on HM to their patients.

Estimation of the prophylactic effect of the egyptian propolis extract against aluminum silicate toxicity on some organs of albino rats growth performance and histochemical studies

Background: the liver is a critical organ because it contains most of the accumulated metals where toxic effects can expected. Also, the lung is directly affected by receiving aluminum as aluminum silicate. Exposure of aluminum leads to production of free radicals that damage living organs and tissues. Aim of the work: this study aimed to evaluate the nucleic acid content in liver, lung and cerebellum tissues intoxicated by aluminum silicate (AlS) and the possible ameliorative effect of propolis extract (PP). Material and methods: Forty male albino rats (weighting 100-120 grams) were categorized randomly into four groups, ten rats on each group (n=10). The 1st group considered as the healthy control group. The 2nd group received 200 ml PP/kg b.wt., day after day by stomach gavage. The 3rd group was injected intraperitoneally by 20 mg AlS/kg b.wt., twice weekly. The 4th group was treated with AlS in addition to PP as the same doses as in the 2nd and 3rd groups. After two months for each group. Liver, lung and cerebellum organs were harvested. Results: decreased body weight gain of rats was realized with weakly stained nucleic acids contents in liver, lung and cerebellum tissues that intoxicated by AlS. While, using the supplemented treatment (PP) at the same time with the induction of AlS compound showed an ameliorative effect on the nucleic acid contents. Conclusion: propolis has anti-oxidant by inhibiting AlS toxicity on nucleic acids in the different experimental organs of rats

Agronomic efficiency and profitability of cotton on integrated use of phosphorus and plant microbes

Abstract Cotton crop, plays a significant role in Pakistans economy by ruling a prominent place in edible oil and local textile industry. Phosphorus (P) inaccessibility and deficiency of soil organic matter are the key restraints for low crop productivity in cotton. Therefore, a two years field study was designed during 2014-15, to explore the influence of phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB), farmyard manure (FYM), poultry manure (PM) and inanimate sources of P on various physiological, growth, yield and quality parameters of cotton crop at CCRI Multan. Field responses of seeds inoculated with two distinctive phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) strains viz. S0 = control, S1 =strain-1, S2 = strain-2 and eight organic, inorganic P sources viz., P0= control, P1 = 80 kg ha-1 P from inorganic source, P2 = 80 kg ha-1 P from FYM, P3 = 80 kg ha-1 P from PM, P4 = 40 kg ha-1 P from FYM + 40 kg ha-1 P from inorganic source, P5 = 40 kg ha-1 P from PM + 40 kg ha-1 P from inorganic source, P6 = 80 kg ha-1 P from FYM + 40 kg ha-1 P from inorganic source, P7 = 80 kg ha-1 P from PM + 40 kg ha-1 P from inorganic source and P8 = 40 kg ha-1 P from FYM + 40 kg ha-1 P from PM were evaluated. Results revealed that inoculation of seeds with PSB and collective use of inorganic and organic sources of P had considerably increased the yield contributing attributes in cotton. However, the treatment P7 (80 kg P ha-1 from PM + 40 kg P ha-1 from inorganic source) in coincidence with seeds inoculated with PSB (S1) produced taller plant, maximum boll weight, significantly higher LAI and CGR. Significantly higher seed cotton yield, lint yield, fiber length and maximum BCR of 1.95 and 1.81 was also obtained from the P7 treatment during both crop-growing seasons. In conclusion, combined use of 80 kg P ha-1 from PM + 40 kg P ha-1 from inorganic source and cotton seeds inoculated with strain-1 improved phosphorus uptake ensuing in greater consumption of photo-assimilates for maximum growth and yield.

Resumo A safra de algodão, desempenha um papel significativo na economia do Paquistão, ao ocupar um lugar de destaque no óleo comestível e na indústria têxtil local. A inacessibilidade e a deficiência de fósforo (P) da matéria orgânica do solo são as principais restrições para a baixa produtividade das culturas em algodão. Portanto, um estudo de campo de dois anos foi desenvolvido durante 2014-15, para explorar a influência de bactérias solubilizantes de fosfato (PSB), esterco de capoeira (FYM), esterco de aves (PM) e fontes inanimadas de P sobre vários fatores fisiológicos, crescimento, rendimento e parâmetros de qualidade da cultura do algodão no CCRI Multan. Respostas de campo de sementes inoculadas com duas cepas distintas de bactérias solubilizantes de fosfato (PSB) viz. S0 = controle, S1 = cepa-1, S2 = cepa-2 e oito fontes orgânicas de P inorgânicas viz., P0 = controle, P1 = 80 kg ha-1 P de fonte inorgânica, P2 = 80 kg ha-1 P de FYM, P3 = 80 kg ha-1 P de PM, P4 = 40 kg ha-1 P de FYM + 40 kg ha-1 P de fonte inorgânica, P5 = 40 kg ha-1 P de PM + 40 kg ha-1 P de fonte inorgânica, P6 = 80 kg ha-1 P de FYM + 40 kg ha-1 P de fonte inorgânica, P7 = 80 kg ha-1 P de PM + 40 kg ha-1 P de fonte inorgânica e P8 = 40 Foram avaliados kg ha-1 P da FYM + 40 kg ha-1 P da PM. Os resultados revelaram que a inoculação de sementes com PSB e o uso coletivo de fontes inorgânicas e orgânicas de P aumentaram consideravelmente os atributos que contribuem para a produtividade no algodão. No entanto, o tratamento P7 (80 kg P ha-1 da PM + 40 kg P ha-1 da fonte inorgânica) em coincidência com sementes inoculadas com PSB (S1) produziu planta mais alta, peso máximo de cápsula, IAF e CGR significativamente maiores. Produtividade significativamente maior do algodão, rendimento de fiapos, comprimento da fibra e BCR máximo de 1,95 e 1,81 também foi obtida a partir do tratamento P7 durante as duas épocas de cultivo. Em conclusão, o uso combinado de 80 kg P ha-1 de PM + 40 kg P ha-1 de fonte inorgânica e sementes de algodão inoculadas com a cepa-1 melhoraram a captação de fósforo, resultando em maior consumo de foto assimilados para obter crescimento e produtividade máximos.

Morphology and Phylogeny of Neoscytalidium orchidacearum sp. nov. (Botryosphaeriaceae)

A coelomycete with characters resembling the asexual morphs in the family Botryosphaeriaceae was isolated from a fallen leaf of an orchid collected in Thailand. Morphological and phylogenetic analyses placed the strain in Neoscytalidium. Phylogenetic relationships among Neoscytalidium species were inferred by analyzing internal transcribed spacers and large subunit of rRNA sequence data and indicate that our strain is a new species, which is introduced and illustrated herein as Neoscytalidium orchidacearum sp. nov.

Orbital complication of allergic fungal rhino-sinusitis

Background: Allergic fungal rhino-sinusitis [AFRS] is a benign non-invasive sinus disease related to hypersensitivity to fungal inhalation which occurs in young immunocompetent individuals. AFRS could present with serious orbital complication

Objective: To evaluate the common features of orbital complications due to allergic fungal rhinosinusitis

Design: A Retrospective Study. Setting: Aseer Central Hospital, Abha, Saudi Arabia

Methods: Sixty patients were diagnosed and treated for allergic fungal rhino-sinusitis from 2010 to 2013. The diagnosis was based on Bent-Kuhn criteria and CT scan report; the data was coded, edited and analyzed using SPSS IBM version 22

Results: Twenty-seven [45%] orbital complications were encountered: 16 [26.7%] eye proptosis, 7 [11.7%] diplopia and 4 [6.7%] unilateral complete blindness. Fungal hyphae were not demonstrated histopathologically in any of these patients. The presence of fungal mucin was prevalent in all patients. Eye proptosis had good response to surgical and postoperative treatment while diplopia took longer to improve after surgical and medical treatment

Conclusion: Allergic fungal rhino-sinusitis [AFRS] could present with serious orbital complications: eye proptosis, diplopia and/or unilateral complete blindness. All patients with orbital involvement should be evaluated clinically and radiologically for sinus disease even in the absence of the stigma of rhino-sinusitis. Early diagnosis and immediate treatment is extremely essential to prevent serious complications such as visual loss

Seroprevalence of toxoplasma gondii infection and its associated risk factors in neuropsychiatric patients in Jazan province, Saudi Arabia

Toxoplasma gondii has worldwide distribution in nearly one-third of the human population. It is a neurotropic protozoan parasite so a potential role of T. gondii infection for some neuropsychiatric disorders was postulated. Patients with psychiatric disorders had high toxoplasmosis seroprevalence. Limited information about toxoplasmosis seroprevalence in psychiatric patients was known in southern area of Saudi Arabia. The current cross sectional case control study aims at determination of the prevalence of T. gondii IgG and IgM in neuropsychiatric patients in Jazan Province. A total of 162 neuropsychiatric patients from Al-Amal hospital for psychiatric health and 162 subjects without neuropsychiatric manifestations from Jazan General Hospital, Jazan City, KSA. were enrolled in the study. Psychiatric diagnosis was based on the International Classification of Diseases-10 [lCD-10 classification]. Serological analysis for latent toxoplasmosis [lgG] and active toxoplasmosis [IgM] was done using Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay [ELISA]. Investigations for the association with socio-demographic, clinical and behavioral characteristics in psychiatric patients were also done. The serofrequency of lgG antibodies among neuropsychiatric patients was significantly higher than that of the controls [35.8% vs 14.8%] P = 0.0022. OR 3.2 with 95% CI= [1.4952 to 6.8774]. However; serofrequency of toxoplasma IgM antibody between neuropsychiatric patients and controls was not statistically significant [P> 0.05]. Bivariate and multivariate analysis for socio-demographics and possible associated risk factors showed that contact to cats and/or dogs, eating under cooked meat, and contact to soil were significantly higher in neuropsychiatric patients than controls

Evaluation of the quality of endodontic treatment among a sample of Jordanian population: a radiographic study

Objectives: To evaluate the quality of root canal treatment using radiographic examination in a sample of Jordanian population

Methods: The study sample consisted of randomly selected patients referred to endodontic clinics, at Al-Hussien hospital. Clinical and radiographical [Orthopantomographs] examinations were performed to evaluate 139 patients. The periapical status of all teeth was examined. The quality of the root canal filling was rated as 'adequate' or 'inadequate'. Endodontically treated [with or without periapical radiolucency], existed, filled teeth [with or without root canal treatment] were recorded. The quality of endodontic treatment was correlated to age and gender, and its association with periapical radiolucency and tooth restoration was determined. Data were analyzed statistically using the Chi-square test and t-test. The quality of endodontic treatment was assessed using odd ratios in the chi square test in terms of adequacy in association with existed or absence of periapical radiolucency. Level of significance was set at 0.05

Results: Out of 3433 examined teeth, 8.3% were endodontically treated. Periapical radiolucency was associated with11.9% of teeth, of these 4.7% were related to endodontically treated teeth and 36.2% of filled teeth were endodontically treated. Females had significant more existed teeth [p 0.05] and more periapical radiolucency associated with non-endodontically treated teeth [p 0.01], however, males significantly had more periapical radiolucency with root canal treatment [p 0.05]. The prevalence of endodontically treated teeth increased with age, and it is significant in patients aged 40 years or more. The prevalence of periapical radiolucency increased with age. However, it was only significant in non-endodontically treated teeth [p 0.05], in patients aged 50 years and above. Significantly more endodontically treated teeth and periapical radiolucency in the maxilla than in the mandible [P<0.05]. Adequate endodontic treatment with periapical radiolucency was 30.1%, whereas inadequate root filling and periapical radiolucency was 69.9%. Approximately, 62% of endodontic treatment was significantly unsatisfactory [p=0.001]

Conclusions: 8.3% of examined teeth were endodontically-treated, of these, 40% were associated with periapical radiolucency. Only 48.8% of endodontic treatments were adequate and not associated with periapical radiolucency, however, 62% were unsatisfactory

Body mass index and quality of bowel preparation: real life vs. clinical trials

Background and study aims: Obesity is a recognised risk factor for poor bowel preparation in retrospective studies whilst corresponding data in prospective trials are marginally reported. Aims are to evaluate the relation between body mass index [BMI] and preparation quality in retrospective and interventional prospective settings and within a single centre

Patients and methods: Data from a recent colorectal cancer screening registry were retrospectively analysed for the relation between BMI and adequacy of preparation. Patients were categorised as underweight [BMI < 20 kg/m2], normal [20-25 kg/m2], overweight [25-30 kg/m2], and obese [>30 kg/m2]. Data from a recent prospective colon preparation trial were similarly analysed

Results: 541 registry patients were included. Multivariate analysis showed BMI to be an independent risk factor for inadequate preparation. Obesity was associated with odds ratio [OR] of 5.3 [95% confidence interval [CI] 1.4-19.8; p = 0.01] compared to normal BMI. A significant difference was also noted in underweight but otherwise healthy individuals [OR = 11.1, 95% CI 2-60; p = 0.005]. In the prospective study of 195 patients, obese patients had comparable rates of inadequate preparation to normal-weight individuals [OR = 0.7, 95% CI 1.1-3.96; p = 0.68]. Underweight patients had a significantly worse preparation compared to normal BMI individuals [OR = 8, 95% CI 1.1-58; p = 0.04]

Conclusions: In real life, bowel preparations in obese individuals have a lower quality in comparison to normal individuals. This finding is not replicated in clinical trials. This discrepancy is likely the result of focused patient education suggesting that this is primarily a dietary compliance phenomenon. Underweight individuals appear to have worse quality of preparation independent of study design or setting

Is LASIK an effective treatment modality for hyperopia or hyperopic astigmatism?

Purpose: To assess the efficacy, safety and stability of LASIK surgery for treatment of low to moderate degree hyperopia and hyperopic astigmatism

Patients and methods: The study included 34 eyes in 17 patients [7 males, and 10 females] with bilateral low to moderate degree hyperopia or hyperopic astigmatism. Their mean age +/- SD was 26.7 +/- 4.1 years. Range of hyperopia was between +1.75 to +5.50 D, astigmatic errors range was 0.00 to -1.50 D while the spherical equivalent refraction ranged from +1.4 to + 4.8 D. Patients included in this study had a stable refraction for at least one year. All patients underwent bilateral LASIK surgery in the same session in Dr Soliman Faqeeh Hospital [DSFH] and the Eye Subspecialty Center [ESC]using the ALLEGRETTO EYE - Q Excimer Laser machine

Results: UCVA after one year was 20/20 or better in 30 eyes [88.2%], 20/30 or better in 32 eyes [94.1%] and 20/40 or better in 34 eyes [100%], while BCVA was 20/20 or better in 33 eyes [97.1%] and 20/40 or better in 34 eyes [100%]. There was no decrease in UCVA after LASIK surgery. One eye [2.9%] showed 2 lines drop in BCVA after LASIK surgery due to broad wrinkles of the flap. The flap was lifted after one day; trial to flatten the wrinkles showed incomplete resolution. One eye [2.9%] showed diffuse lamellar keratitis [DLK] at one week after LASIK surgery. There was regression in the manifest spherical equivalent refraction one year after LASIK surgery as compared with that at one month, but the difference was statistically insignificant [P=O.46]. The mean score of patient satisfaction was 9.4 at one year postoperatively

Conclusion: LASIK surgery is a safe, predictable, stable and effective for treatment of mild to moderate degree hyperopia and hyperopic astigmatism. No significant regression in UCVA, BCVA or manifest refraction was reported up to 12 months follow up

Effect of prenatal exposure to Bisphenol A on the endometrium of albino rats: a histological and an immuno-histochemical study

Aim of the work: bisphenol A [BPA] is a synthetic monomer that is polymerized to manufacture polycarbonate plastic products and resins, including those used in food packaging and dental sealants. It is used in the manufacture of a great variety of products including: compact disks, food can linings, plastic windows, car parts, adhesives, protective coatings and powder paints. This work aimed to study the effect of prenatal exposure to BPA on the endometrium of female rats

Materials and methods: thirty adult female albino rats were divided into three groups: rats in group 1 served as a control [G1] and received an equal amount of sesame oil to those of the treated groups; those in group 2 [G2] were administered by gavage 5.0 microg BPA/kg/day [low-dose group]; the third group [G3] received 50 microg BPA/kg/day [high-dose group]. The female offspring of each group were weaned at day 21 and maintained until 3 months old. The uteri were dissected for the histological and immuno-histochemical examination

Results: low-dose group showed degeneration of the epithelial lining of the endometrium with focal patches of increased epithelial cell layers. The high dose group revealed cytoplasmic hydropic degeneration and pyknotic nuclei of the epithelial cells. Estrogen receptors showed a significant decrease of positive cells in low dose treated group and this decrease markedly accentuated in the high dose one. Positive nuclei for Ki-67 were markedly increased with increasing doses of BPA

Conclusion: BPA showed obvious endometrial degenerative and proliferative histological changes. Therefore, the use of this substance in food packaging materials and in the manufacture of substances liable to come into contact with food and drink should be phased out

Diabetes: a fast evolving epidemic

Diabetes is one of the most common and major chronic diseases of the 21[st] century that affect people living in most parts of the world. Global trends suggest that diabetes has more than doubled over the past three decades and is projected to dramatically increase in the coming years. In addition to the clinical burden associated with the disease, diabetes has emerged as a global public health challenge. Most challenging is the shift in the disease paradigm from mainly being a disease of older ages to increasingly affecting children, adolescents, and young adults. Specifically, type 2 diabetes mellitus [T2DM], by far the most prevalent form of diabetes, and prediabetes, a high-risk state for developing T2DM, are rapidly emerging among the youth. Despite the magnitude of the epidemic and its consequences for individuals, their families, and society as a whole, the global response to diabetes as a public health threat has been slow. Today, many countries have still not been able, or seen fit, to put in place the type of national prevention and mitigation strategies or programs that are needed to deal with the growing challenge. To this end, the history, pathophysiology, epidemiology, and global trends of diabetes are discussed in this review. Moreover, the rising epidemic of T2DM and prediabetes among the youth and its risk factors, consequences, and prevention strategies are discussed