Pollution level in distillery effluent and its phytotoxic effect on seed germination and early growth of maize and rice.

The effluent from a Lucknow- based distillery (Mohan Meakin Distillery) was analyzed for physico-chemical and biological parameters of pollution and concentration of potentially toxic heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Ni and Zn) and the effect of the distillery effluent, as such and on 50% dilution with tap water was studied on seed germination and seedling growth of maize (Zea mays L.) and rice (Oryza sativa L.). The effluent was wine red in colour and highly acidic (pH approximately 55) and possessed decaying alcoholic smell. The effluent contained high values of different pollution parameters, particularly total solids, 3450 mgl(-1) (soluble plus suspended solids), alkalinity 1500 mgl(-1), biological oxygen demand (BOD, 1649 mgl(-1)) and chemical oxygen demand (COD, 2036 mgl(-1)). It had very low values of dissolved oxygen (DO, 0.34 mgl(-1)). The heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Ni and Zn) content, particularly the nickel concentration (0.029 mg l(-1)) was high. Use of the distillery effluent, even on 1:1 dilution with tap water inhibited germination and early seedling growth of maize and rice. In both maize and rice, more so in the former germination % of seeds, length of radicle and plumule and the fresh and dry weight of the seedlings were significantly reduced. The emerging leaves of the seedlings also developed visible effects of toxicity some of which resembled the symptoms of nickel toxicity. Our observations suggest that the effluent, as discharged from the distillery carry a heavy load of pollutants. Its discharge into the river Gomti poses a potential threat to the aquatic life, perticularly during the summer months when the water flow in the river is drastically reduced. The distillery effluentis also harmful for irrigating crops grown along the drain carrying it.

Effect of household exposure to environmental tobacco smoke on airflow mechanics in asymptomatic healthy women.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) can lead to airflow limitation, similar to that seen in smokers. However, the effects have not been conclusively proven. In the present study an attempt was made to characterize the effect of ETS exposure at home on airflow mechanics in asymptomatic healthy women. METHODS: Fifty women volunteers with no apparent health related problem, exposed to household ETS (group I), and 50 age-matched women not exposed (group II) were studied. Vital capacity (VC), forced expiratory flow in first second (FEV1), FEV1/VC ratio, peak expiratory flow (PEF), maximal midexpiratory flow (FEF(25-75%)), airway resistance (R(aw)) and specific airway conductance (sG(aw)) were measured, and compared between the two groups. Conditional logistic and linear regression analysis were done to assess contribution of household ETS exposure to decreased lung function. RESULTS: FEV1 and PEF values were marginally lower among women in group I (mean difference 0.13 l and 0.20 l/sec respectively). FEF(25-75%), R(aw) and sG(aw) were significantly impaired in this group. Ten (20.0%) women in group I and five (10.0%) in group II had abnormal R(aw) (adjusted odds ratio 6.72, 95% confidence limits 1.15-39.42), while eight (16.0%) women in group I and one (2.0%) in group II had abnormal sG(aw) (adjusted odds ratio 21.08, 95% confidence limits 1.30-341.05). Cumulative life time ETS exposure was, not significantly related to a reduction in FEV1, VC, PEF, FEF(25-75%), R(aw) or sG(aw) after adjustments for potential confounders. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION: Exposure to household ETS resulted in subtle impairment of airflow mechanics in asymptomatic women, possibly attributed to small airway narrowing. Further investigations are required to study the progression of this impairment with time.

Successful outcome of pregnancy in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is typically seen in older individuals. Occurrence of pregnancy in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is uncommon and ends with abortion in case it happens. Here we report a case of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis presenting at 38 weeks of pregnancy who successfully delivered a male child without any significant complications. The disease was active at presentation and early postpartum period.

Effect of zinc on antioxidant response in maize (Zea mays L.) leaves.

Maize (Zea mays L. cv kanaujia) plants grown with Zn [10 (control), 0.1 (low) and 20 microM (high)], were investigated for concentration of antioxidants and activities of antioxidative enzymes in leaves. Young leaves of low Zn plants developed whitish-necrotic spots. Leaves of both low and high Zn plants showed decrease in chlorophyll concentration and accumulation of lipid peroxides, ascorbate and dehydroascorbate, associated with a decrease in the activity of ascorbate peroxidase and superoxide dismutase. Low and high Zn, however, showed diverse effect on glutathione reductase. While low Zn increased the activity of glutathione reductase, high Zn decreased its activity. Zinc effect on antioxidative constituents suggested Zn involvement in sustaining the antioxidative defense system in maize leaves.

Radiographic patterns in lung cancer.

Three hundred seventy three previously diagnosed patients with lung cancer, attending the Lung Cancer Clinic at this institute were studied. Chest radiographs were interpreted in all cases. Radiography was compared in different cell types. Squamous cell carcinoma 158 (42.4%), followed by small cell lung cancer 122 (32.7%), was the commonest histological subtype. Upper zone was involved in maximum number of cases 158 (42%), followed by mid zone 122 (32.7%), lower zone 60 (16%) and the entire lung 33(8.8%). Adenocarcinoma presented as a peripheral mass in 37 (61%) cases and in 23 (38.3%) as a central lesion. Presentation as a central mass (114, 72.2% cases) was more common among squamous cell carcinoma than as a peripheral lesion (44, 27.8% cases). Similarly, small cell cancer also presented more commonly as a central lesion (102, 83.6% cases) than as a peripheral lesion (20, 16.4% cases). Isolated pleural effusion was present in 3.8% in squamous cell lung cancer, 22% in adenocarcinoma and only 4% in small cell lung cancer.

Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia in a patient with active untreated systemic lupus erythematosus.

Pneumonias due to Pneumocystis carinii (PCP) commonly occur in immunocompromised hosts. Although a treatable infection, it is associated with high mortality. A case of PCP presenting in an untreated case of systemic lupus erythematosus is reported, in view of the rarity of this association.

Copper effect on photosynthesis and transpiration in safflower.

The young leaves of safflower plants subjected to deficient supply of copper (0.00063 mg Cu L-1) developed visible symptoms of Cu deficiency and showed a decrease in chlorophyll concentration, Hill activity, net photosynthesis and transpiration. On giving normal supply of Cu (0.063 mg Cu L-1), these changes were partially reversed.

Chromium uptake and toxicity effects on growth and metabolic activities in wheat, Triticum aestivum L. cv. UP 2003.

Chromium (Cr) at graded levels when added in sand culture of wheat (T. aestivum L. cv. UP2003) under glasshouse conditions resulted in reduction in biomass, chlorophyll and activities of catalase and peroxidase while enhanced acid phosphatase and ribonuclease activities. Elevated levels of Cr supply significantly reduced the concentration of inorganic phosphorus. With an increase in Cr supply the uptake of chromium also increased significantly in different plant parts especially in roots. Above metabolic lesions due to Cr in wheat provided evidence that the element in nutrient medium if present in excess may be inhibitory to plant growth and development.