RESUMO
Background: the release of heavy metals into the environment through industrial effluents is a major concern, worldwide and removal of such pollutants has been a great concern during the last decades. Heavy metals are not biodegradable and tend to be accumulated in organisms and cause numerous diseases and disorders
Aim of the Work: this study evaluated the protective role of synthetic zeolite against cadmium toxicity of freshwater crayfish [Procambarus clarkii]
Patients and Methods: the crayfish was divided into six groups [36 individual in each group], the first group was used as a control group, the second group was exposed to a dose of [50 Mug/L] cadmium chloride for 45 days, the third group exposed to a dose of [50 Mug/L] cadmium chloride for 45 days and then added zeolite [1 mg/L] for 45 days. The fourth group was exposed to a dose of [50 Mug/L] cadmium chloride for 45 days and then added zeolite [5 mg / L] for 45 days, the fifth group was exposed to a dose of [50 Mug/L] cadmium chloride plus [1 mg/L] zeolite for 45 days. The sixth group was exposed to a dose of [50 Mug/L] cadmium chloride plus [5 mg/L] zeolite for 45 days. After the experimental periods, the crayfish were weighted and hemolymph was collected to measure the biochemical parameters [Glucose, total protein, albumin, globulin, A/G ratio, cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL, HDL, Na+, K+, Cu+2, Ca+2and Mg+2]
Results: in G2 the concentration of total protein, albumin, globulin, HDL, Na+, K+, Cu+2 and Ca+2 were significantly decreased [p< 0.05] compared with the control group, while glucose, A/G ratio, cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL and Mg+2 were significantly increased [p< 0.05] compared with the control group. The addition of the ion-exchanging agent, zeolite [1 mg/L and 5 mg/L] to cadmium exposed group [G2] caused improvement in weight and all hemolymph biochemical parameters in G3, G4, G5 and G6
Conclusion: the synthetic zeolite was able to protect crayfish against cadmium toxicity by reducing the transfer of cadmium from polluted water into crayfish tissue and reducing the chance for metal uptake by interacting in the experimental medium which in evidently improves the physiological and biochemical functions
RESUMO
To examine the validity of US in assessing hand osteoarthritis [OA] and to study the relationship between ultrasonographic findings and OA symptoms. This study was carried out on thirty patients with primary hand OA, and fifteen healthy subjects serving as a control group. Patients were classified according to ultrasonographic findings of joint involvement into two subgroups: 15 patients with interphalangeal [IP] OA and 15 patients with IP and first carpometacarpal [CMC] joint OA. All hand joints were examined for tenderness, soft tissue swelling, hard tissue enlargement [nodes], and deformity. Functional assessment by AUSCAN questionnaire, grip and pinch strength measurement and pain assessment by Visual Analogue Scale [VAS] were carried out. Plain X-rays of both hands were taken and classified according to the Kellgren-Lawrence [K-L] grading scale. High resolution US of the hand joints was performed which focused on examining cartilage thinning, joint space narrowing [JSN], and osteophytes [OST]. There was a positive correlation between the K-L grading and US findings regarding JSN and OST. There was a positive correlation of AUSCAN score with cartilage thinning, OST and JSN. There was a negative correlation of grip strength with cartilage thinning and OST. There was a negative correlation between pinch strength and US findings [cartilage thinning, OST and JSN]. There was a positive correlation between pain and US findings. Heberden's nodes were associated with underlying distal IP cartilage thinning, OST and JSN. On comparing the two subgroups of patients; patients with both IP and first CMC joint involvement experienced significantly higher levels of pain and disability and had weaker pinch strength. Ultrasonographic findings correlated with clinical findings as nodes, functional parameters as grip and pinch strength, and pain. The increased detection of OA structural pathology by US may make this a useful tool for hand OA assessment