Inclusion of COVID-19 as a topic in an undergraduate biotechnology course.

The novelty of the COVID-19 disease has paved the way to numerous scientific studies that aim to further understand its biology, and to different strategies that disseminate this information to promote public awareness. One of the strategies that the academe can employ is the inclusion of COVID-19 as a topic in a basic biotechnology course. This not just helps students better understand this disease, but it also makes them an effective medium in the dissemination of relevant COVID-19 knowledge.

Effects of polystyrene micro/nanoplastics on liver cells based on particle size, surface functionalization, concentration and exposure period.

Micro/nanoplastics (MP/NP) contaminate our food and drinking water but their impact on human health has not been well-documented. The liver is one of the first organs that ingested MP/NP encounter and it has a major role in the clearance of xenobiotics. Therefore, the effects of polystyrene MP/NP on liver HepG2 cells were studied. Cellular responses to particles of various sizes (50-5000 nm) and surface functionalization (aminated, carboxylated or non-functionalized) were determined at different concentrations (0.1-100 µg/mL) and exposure periods (1-24 h). Smaller sized particles were internalized by HepG2 cells more avidly than larger particles regardless of functionalization; the highest uptake being for 50 and 100 nm aminated particles at lower concentrations. Confocal microscopy images of cells corroborated quantitative uptake results. Aminated particles were more toxic to the cells than carboxylated or non-functionalized particles. Among aminated particles smaller particles (50 and 100 nm) were more detrimental to cell viability compared to larger particles (1000 or 5000 nm) with toxicity increasing with concentration. Treatment with the particles for 4 h increased intracellular concentrations of Caspase-3 by 1.5-2.8 fold, but 24 h exposure to the particles attenuated this increase in Caspase-3 concentrations. A slight trend of higher Caspase-3 concentration in cells treated with larger particles (500-5000 nm) compared to smaller particles (50-200 nm) was observed, indicating that larger particles are more likely to direct cells toward apoptotic cell death upon 4 h exposure. Exposure of cells to large PS particles (500-5000 nm) upregulated interleukin-8 and the effect was enhanced at 24 h. Overall, the study demonstrated that smaller aminated particles were most toxic to hepatocytes, but larger particles induced apoptotic cell death or an inflammatory response depending on the length of exposure.

Uptake and toxicity of polystyrene micro/nanoplastics in gastric cells: Effects of particle size and surface functionalization.

Toxicity of micro or nanoplastics (MP/NP) in aquatic life is well-documented, however, information about the consequences of exposure to these particles in terrestrial species is scarce. This study was used to evaluate the uptake and/or toxicity of polystyrene MP/NP in human gastric cells, comparing doses, particle sizes (50, 100, 200, 500, 1000 or 5000 nm) and surface functionalization (aminated, carboxylated or non-functionalized). In general, the uptake of 50 nm particles was significantly higher than 1000 nm particles. Among the 50 nm particles, the aminated particles were more avidly taken up by the cells and were cytotoxic at a lower concentration (≥ 7.5 µg/mL) compared to same sized carboxylated or non-functionalized particles (≥ 50 µg/mL). High toxicity of 50 nm aminated particles corresponded well with significantly high rates of apoptosis-necrosis induced by these particles in 4 h (29.2% of total cells) compared to all other particles (≤ 16.8%). The trend of apoptosis-necrosis induction by aminated particles in 4 h was 50 > 5000 > 1000 > 500 > 200 > 100 nm. The 50 nm carboxylated or non-functionalized particles also induced higher levels of apoptosis-necrosis in the cells compared to 100, 1000 and 5000 nm particles with same surface functionalization but longer exposure (24 h) to 50 nm carboxylated or non-functionalized particles significantly (p<0.0001) increased apoptosis-necrosis in the cells. The study demonstrated that the toxicity of MP/NP to gastric cells was dependent on particle size, dose surface functionalization and exposure period.

An In Vitro Comparison of Estrogenic Equivalents Per Serving Size of Some Common Foods.

The public assumes that some foods, such as milk and ground beef from cattle receiving steroidal implants, are associated with estrogenic hormones, while other foods are presumed "safe" or nonestrogenic. Here, we investigate these assumptions by assessing the relative estrogenic activity of a serving size of four foods: skim milk (8 oz), rice (48 g dry wt) in cooking bag, ground beef patties from steers raised with or without hormone implantation (quarter lb each, 114 g), and tofu burgers (isocaloric to beef burger, 198 g), using an in vitro assay (E-Screen). Mean picogram (pg) estradiol equivalents (E2Eqs) on a serving basis were as follows: skim milk 120; rice 400; rice prepared in cooking bag 370; rice boiling bag alone 4 pg per bag, ground beef burger (obtained from the tissue of cattle that had received no hormone implants) 389, beef burger (obtained from cattle that had received hormone implant) 384, and tofu burger 1,020,000. Rice E2Eqs were highly variable, but the plastic cooking bags provided by the manufacturer added negligible E2Eqs. The source of estrogenic activity in rice may have been due to contamination with the mycotoxin zearalenone. The E-Screen E2Eqs of tofu burger extracts agreed with those predicted based on chemical concentrations of the most estrogenic component times their E2Eq factor. While a tofu burger contained around three times the estrogenic activity of a daily dose of estrogen replacement therapy (125 mg, Premarin®, 303,000 pg); the other foods--a quarter pound ground beef burger at approximately equal calorie count, a serving of milk, or rice, were all at least 750-fold less estrogenic. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: When consuming the recognized serving size of a food, how much estrogenic activity can we expect? While the public assumes that some foods, such as milk and ground beef from cattle receiving steroidal implants, are associated with estrogenic hormones, other foods are presumed "safe" or nonestrogenic. Using one assay, a tofu burger contained three times the estrogenic activity of a dose of hormone replacement therapy commonly prescribed for women after hysterectomy or menopause (Premarin®); while other foods--a quarter pound ground beef burger at approximately equal calorie count, a serving of milk, or rice, were all at least 750-fold less estrogenic.

Reversible blindness secondary to severe diabetic ketoacidosis.

We present a case of sudden-onset reversible blindness secondary to severe diabetic ketoacidosis. The exact mechanism is not fully understood but is postulated to be due to uncoupling of retinal electrical transmission in a severe acidic environment. This report adds to the small number of reported cases of reversible blindness secondary to severe diabetic ketoacidosis and serves to raise awareness of this unusual diagnosis. It should be considered in patients who present with acute-onset reversible bilateral blindness only after other causes are excluded via detailed retinal examination and cranial imaging.

Hematologic complications in a patient with Glycine soja polyagglutination following fresh frozen plasma transfusion.

CONCLUSIONS: Polyagglutination is a rare and underdiagnosed condition, characterized by agglutination of red blood cells(RBCs) with almost all ABO-compatible adult sera. Polyagglutination can occur when a cryptantigen is exposed on RBCs via microbial enzyme activity. Becausenearly all adults naturally produce antibodies against cryptantigens, transfusion of plasma can cause unexpected hemolysis and hematologic complications, such as thrombocytopenia and disseminated intravascular coagulation, in patients whose cryptantigens are exposed. We report a case of Glycine soja polyagglutination occurring in a 60-year-old African-American man with disseminated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection. Prior to transfusion, the patient developed severe anemia of unknown etiology. Following transfusion of 3 units of fresh frozen plasma (FFP), his RBC count could not be determined for 24 days because of RBC agglutination in his blood sample. In addition, the FFP transfusion correlated with the rapid development of severe, transfusionrefractory thrombocytopenia and anemia. The perplexed clinical team consulted the blood bank. A direct antiglobulin test demonstrated 1+ mixed-field reactivity with both monoclonal anti-IgG and anti-C3d. Lectin panel testing showed reactivity with only Glycine soja, confirming the condition. Subsequently, plasma components were avoided, and RBC and platelet (PLT) components were washed prior to transfusion. After a 44-day hospitalization involving the transfusion of 22 units of RBCs and 13 units of PLTs, the patient was discharged to a long-term care facility. The patient's confounding hematologic complications can best be explained by polyagglutination, which developed secondary to the severe MRSA infection. The FFP transfusion likely passively transferred antibodies that bound to the patient's RBC cryptantigens, leading to RBC agglutination and anemia. The development of severe thrombocytopenia may be related to cryptantigen exposure on the patient's PLTs. Although difficult to identify, polyagglutination needs to be recognized to appropriately manage hemotherapy. The purpose of this case study is to report hematologic complications following FFP transfusion in a patient with Glycine soja polyagglutination, a rarely described condition.

Evaluation of the ACR and SLICC classification criteria in juvenile-onset systemic lupus erythematosus: a longitudinal analysis.

Objectives The Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics (SLICC) group proposed revised classification criteria for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLICC-2012 criteria). This study aimed to compare these criteria with the well-established American College of Rheumatology classification criteria (ACR-1997 criteria) in a national cohort of juvenile-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (JSLE) patients and evaluate how patients' classification criteria evolved over time. Methods Data from patients in the UK JSLE Cohort Study with a senior clinician diagnosis of probable evolving, or definite JSLE, were analyzed. Patients were assessed using both classification criteria within 1 year of diagnosis and at latest follow up (following a minimum 12-month follow-up period). Results A total of 226 patients were included. The SLICC-2012 was more sensitive than ACR-1997 at diagnosis (92.9% versus 84.1% p < 0.001) and after follow up (100% versus 92.0% p < 0.001). Most patients meeting the SLICC-2012 criteria and not the ACR-1997 met more than one additional criterion on the SLICC-2012. Conclusions The SLICC-2012 was better able to classify patients with JSLE than the ACR-1997 and did so at an earlier stage in their disease course. SLICC-2012 should be considered for classification of JSLE patients in observational studies and clinical trial eligibility.

Academic potential and cognitive functioning of long-term survivors after childhood liver transplantation.

This cross-sectional study assessed intellect, cognition, academic function, behaviour, and emotional health of long-term survivors after childhood liver transplantation. Eligible children were >5 yr post-transplant, still attending school, and resident in Queensland. Hearing and neurocognitive testing were performed on 13 transplanted children and six siblings including two twin pairs where one was transplanted and the other not. Median age at testing was 13.08 (range 6.52-16.99) yr; time elapsed after transplant 10.89 (range 5.16-16.37) yr; and age at transplant 1.15 (range 0.38-10.00) yr. Mean full-scale IQ was 97 (81-117) for transplanted children and 105 (87-130) for siblings. No difficulties were identified in intellect, cognition, academic function, and memory and learning in transplanted children or their siblings, although both groups had reduced mathematical ability compared with normal. Transplanted patients had difficulties in executive functioning, particularly in self-regulation, planning and organization, problem-solving, and visual scanning. Thirty-one percent (4/13) of transplanted patients, and no siblings, scored in the clinical range for ADHD. Emotional difficulties were noted in transplanted patients but were not different from their siblings. Long-term liver transplant survivors exhibit difficulties in executive function and are more likely to have ADHD despite relatively intact intellect and cognition.

Oral exposure of male and female mice to formulations of organophosphorous pesticides: congenital malformations.

Birth outcome was studied in pre-partum litters of mice exposed to oral doses of organophosphorous pesticides at low and high concentrations before mating. Exposed and unexposed pregnant dams were delivered by Caesarean section 1 day before partum, the fetuses were collected, counted and weighed, and the numbers of resorptions were recorded. Live litter sizes were non-significantly higher in all the exposed groups compared with the control group. The numbers of resorptions were significantly higher in all the exposed groups than in the comparison groups. The incidence of intra-uterine growth retardation was significantly higher in all the exposed groups than in the comparison groups. The incidences of congenital malformations were significantly higher in the exposed groups than in one or more of the comparison groups for the defects of the ears, eyes, jaws, brain, and tongue in all the exposed groups. Low set microtia, cataract or open eyelids, microcephaly or anencephaly, maxillary or mandibular hypoplasia, and protruding tongue were observed in all groups, but the numbers were significantly higher in the exposed groups compared with one or more of the comparison groups. Curled or missing tail and intra-auricular septal or intra-ventricular septal defects were observed in higher numbers in the groups in which both the males and the females were exposed than in the comparison groups. Male:female sex ratios were significantly higher in the groups in which males only and females only were exposed.

Destruction of estrogens using Fe-TAML/peroxide catalysis.

Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) impair living organisms by interfering with hormonal processes controlling cellular development Reduction of EDCs in water by an environmentally benign method is an important green chemistry goal. One EDC, 17alpha-ethinylestradiol (EE2), the active ingredient in the birth control pill, is excreted by humans to produce a major source of artificial environmental estrogenicity, which is incompletely removed by currenttechnologies used by municipal wastewater treatment plants (MWTPs). Natural estrogens found in animal waste from concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) can also increase estrogenic activity of surface waters. An iron-tetraamidomacrocyclic ligand (Fe-TAML) activator in trace concentrations activates hydrogen peroxide and was shown to rapidly degrade these natural and synthetic reproductive hormones found in agricultural and municipal effluent streams. On the basis of liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry, apparent half-lives for 17 alpha- and 17 beta-estradiol, estriol, estrone, and EE2 in the presence of Fe-TAML and hydrogen peroxide were approximately 5 min and included a concomitant loss of estrogenic activity as established by E-Screen assay.

Effect of high hydrostatic pressure and whey proteins on the disruption of casein micelle isolates.

High hydrostatic pressure disruption of casein micelle isolates was studied by analytical ultracentrifugation and transmission electron microscopy. Casein micelles were isolated from skim milk and subjected to combinations of thermal treatment (85 degrees C, 20 min) and high hydrostatic pressure (up to 676 MPa) with and without whey protein added. High hydrostatic pressure promoted extensive disruption of the casein micelles in the 250 to 310 MPa pressure range. At pressures greater than 310 MPa no further disruption was observed. The addition of whey protein to casein micelle isolates protected the micelles from high hydrostatic pressure induced disruption only when the mix was thermally processed before pressure treatment. The more whey protein was added (up to 5 g/l) the more the protection against high hydrostatic pressure induced micelle disruption was observed in thermally treated samples subjected to 310 MPa.

Estrogenic activity and steroid hormones in swine wastewater through a lagoon constructed-wetland system.

Anaerobic lagoons and treatment wetlands are used worldwide to treat wastewater from dense livestock production facilities; however, there is very limited data on the hormonal activity of the wastewater effluent produced by these treatment systems. The objectives of this experiment were to measure (1) the hormonal activity of the initial effluent and (2) the effectiveness of a lagoon-constructed wetland treatment system for producing an effluent with a low hormonal activity. Wastewater samples were taken in April, July, and November 2004 and July 2005 from a lagoon-constructed wetland system at a swine farrowing facility. Estrogenic activity (in vitro E-screen assay), 17 beta-estradiol (E2), and testosterone concentrations (LC/MS-MS) were measured. A high correlation was found between estradiol equivalents determined by E-screen and LC/MS-MS (R2 = 0.82). Nutrient removal was measured to ensure that the wetlands were functioning in a manner similar to literature reports. Nutrient removals were typical for treatment wetlands: TKN 59-75% and orthophosphate 0-18%. Wetlands decreased estrogenic activity by 83-93%. Estrone was the most persistent estrogenic compound. Constructed wetlands produced effluents with estrogenic activity below the lowest equivalent E2 concentration known to have an effect on fish (10 ng/L or approximately 37 x 10(-12) M).

Consumption of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) from CLA-enriched cheese does not alter milk fat or immunity in lactating women.

Isomers of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) decreased milk fat, altered immunity, and reduced the risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) in some animals. The major form of CLA in the human diet is c9,t11-18:2 (rumenic acid; RA). We studied the effects of high RA consumption on plasma and milk RA concentration, milk composition, immunity, and CVD risk factors in lactating women (n = 36) assigned to 1 of 3 treatments: control, low CLA cheese (LCLA; 160 mg RA/d), or high CLA cheese (HCLA; 346 mg RA/d). The increase in plasma RA concentration between baseline and 8 wk in women consuming HCLA cheese was significantly greater than that of controls. At study completion (8 wk), milk RA concentration among women consuming HCLA cheese was greater (P < 0.05) than that of controls (0.37 vs. 0.26% of fatty acids). Treatment did not affect milk fat, protein, or lactose concentrations, immune indices (e.g., plasma T-helper cells and interleukin-2), or measured risk factors for CVD (e.g., plasma triacylglyceride and cholesterol). In summary, consumption of a RA-enriched cheese modestly increased plasma and milk RA concentrations without affecting total milk fat, plasma and milk indices of immunity, or selected risk factors for CVD.

The health of the workers in a rapidly developing country: effects of occupational exposure to noise and heat.

Occupational hygiene and safety have not been high on the agenda of industrial management in developing countries for a variety of reasons. This cross-sectional study was undertaken to assess the exposure to noise and heat, and to study the level of occupational hygiene practiced, at a foundry in a rapidly developing country (Dubai, United Arab Emirates). Audiometry, muscle cramps and visual acuity were measured in workers at a foundry and compared with the results from workers at a soft-drink bottling plant. Thermal stress, relative humidity, ventilation, illumination and noise levels were measured at different work units at the foundry and at the soft-drink bottling factory. Thermal stress index was high while relative humidity and ventilation were low at the foundry compared with the bottling plant. Noise levels were also high at the foundry, exceeding 90 dB at almost all work units except the fabrication workshop. Mild or moderate visual defects were observed among 31% of foundry workers, compared with 19% of the bottling plant workers.Muscle cramps were reported by 30% of all workers at the foundry, compared with 5% at the bottling plant. Visual disability was the highest among furnace operators and fabricators. Mean hearing disability was 8.69 +/- 1.08% among foundry workers, compared with 4.56 +/- 0.82% among bottling plant workers. The high thermal stress, noise levels and exposure to non-ionizing radiations at the foundry might have contributed to the higher frequency of muscle cramps and the greater hearing and visual disabilities, respectively, among these workers. Non-use of personal protective equipment and poor occupational hygiene and safety measures were also seen to affect eye and ear health adversely among the workers at the foundry.

Respiratory illnesses and ventilatory function among workers at a cement factory in a rapidly developing country.

Chronic exposure to Portland cement dust has been reported to lead to a greater prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms and a reduction of ventilatory capacity. The seriousness of pulmonary function impairment and respiratory disease has not been consistently associated with the degree of exposure. Regular use of appropriate personal protective equipment, if available at the worksite, could protect cement workers from adverse respiratory health effects. For a variety of reasons, industrial workers in rapidly developing countries do not adequately protect themselves through personal protective equipment. This study explores the prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms and ventilatory function among cement workers and the practice of use of personal protective equipment at work. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect information on sociodemographic characteristics, smoking profile and history of respiratory health among workers at a Portland cement plant (exposed) and workers occupationally unexposed to dust, fumes and gases (unexposed). Pulmonary function was assessed and pulmonary function impairment was calculated for the exposed and the unexposed workers. A higher percentage of the exposed workers reported recurrent and prolonged cough (30%), phlegm (25%), wheeze (8%), dyspnoea (21%), bronchitis (13%), sinusitis (27%), shortness of breath (8%) and bronchial asthma (6%). Among the unexposed, prevalences of these symptoms were 10, 5, 3, 5, 4, 11, 4 and 3%, respectively. Ventilatory function (VC, FVC, FEV(1), FEV(1)/VC, FEV(1)/FVC and PEF) was significantly lower in the exposed workers compared with unexposed workers. These differences could not be explained by age, body mass index (BMI) or pack-years smoked. Ventilatory function impairment, as measured by FEV(1)/FVC, showed that 36% of the exposed workers had some ventilatory function impairment compared with 10% of those unexposed. Certain jobs with greater exposure to cement dust had lower ventilatory function compared with others among the exposed workers. It was concluded that adverse respiratory health effects (increased frequency of respiratory symptoms and decreased ventilatory function) observed among cement workers could not be explained by age, BMI and smoking, and were probably caused by exposure to cement dust.

Dust exposure and impairment of lung function at a small iron foundry in a rapidly developing country.

OBJECTIVES: A cross sectional prospective study was carried out among iron foundry workers (exposed) and soft drink bottling and supply company workers (unexposed) to assess their occupational exposure to ambient respiratory dust in their work environment and its effect on their lung function profile. PARTICIPANTS: Lung function was measured in 81 exposed and 113 unexposed workers. Personal respirable dust concentrations were measured for all the exposed and the unexposed workers. Information on respiratory signs and symptoms was also collected from the participants. RESULTS: Among the exposed workers, midexpiratory flow (FEF25-75), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), peak expiratory flow (PEF), FEV1/FVC, and FEV1/VC ratios were significantly lower whereas the vital capacity (VC) and forced vital capacity (FVC) were non-significantly higher. Job at the iron foundry was a significant predictor of lung function. Exposure to high concentration of respirable dust at the iron foundry was also a significant predictor. Workers working in high exposure areas (general works, furnace, continuous casting areas, and fabrication workshop) had lower lung function values than workers in medium and low exposure areas. Smoking did not enhance the effects of exposure to dust on lung function. CONCLUSIONS: Exposure to respirable dust was higher among the iron foundry workers; and among these, general, furnace, rolling mill, and fabrication workers had higher exposures to dust than did workers in continuous casting, the mechanical workshop, and the bottling plant. Job type and exposure to dust were significant predictors of lung function. Implementation of industrial hygiene and proper and efficient use of personal protection equipment while at work could help to protect the respiratory health of industrial workers.

The influence of personal protection, environmental hygiene and exposure to pesticides on the health of immigrant farm workers in a desert country.

OBJECTIVES: Farm workers in developing countries tend not to use protective measures while handling pesticides. This study investigates the use of personal protection equipment and the practice of safety and hygiene procedures in the handling of pesticides in agriculture. METHODS: Through a multi-stage sampling technique, one-fifth of the farms in a region were selected and all the farm workers at these farms were included in the study. A comparison population matching in age, socio-economic status and stay in the region was selected. A specifically designed questionnaire was used to collect information on the use of protective measures and the practice of safety and hygiene during work and on the disposal of empty pesticide containers. Blood pressure and erythrocyte acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity were measured in the exposed and the unexposed populations. RESULTS: Protective equipment was worn by a minority of farm workers - gloves, by 35%; work coveralls, by 36%; a scarf to cover the nose and mouth, by 39%; and shoes at work, by 79%. With regard to personal hygiene measures, 83% of the workers changed clothes after work and the same proportion took a shower after work; 63% and 46% drank and ate while at work respectively; and 11% used articles of domestic use in the preparation of pesticides on the farm. Most of the farm workers (96%) were asked to prepare pesticides for spraying by the foreman and 61% were asked to spray the pesticides on the crops. AChE activity was highly significantly depleted in the exposed population as compared with the unexposed population. CONCLUSIONS: AChE depletion was found to be negatively associated with the use of gloves, of work coveralls, and of a scarf to cover the nose and mouth and with the implementation of safety and hygiene procedures on the farm. AChE depletion was positively associated with the frequency of pesticide spraying.