ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Population growth which has resulted in a need for increased crop yields to sustain food security, in addition to the effects of climate change, have led to the widespread use of chemical pesticides. The indiscriminate use of pesticides has in turn led to contamination of the environment, food commodities and bioaccumulation in human tissues, particularly in agrarian regions of India including the northern state of Haryana. METHODS: We conducted a pilot screening study to investigate the presence of organochlorine, organophosphate, and pyrethroid pesticides in breastmilk samples (n = 75) from Haryana, India. Pesticide analyses were conducted using gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) for OC and OP pesticides and GC-electron capture detector for pyrethroids. The study was complemented by a qualitative evaluation of maternal and community perceptions, knowledge, attitudes and practices associated with pesticide use and risk of exposure (n = 30 in-depth interviews; n = 9 focus group discussions). RESULTS: Analysis of breastmilk showed the presence of p,p'-dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and p,p'-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE) in 4% (range: Subject(s)
Hydrocarbons, Chlorinated
, Milk, Human/chemistry
, Pesticide Residues
, Pesticides
, Child, Preschool
, Female
, Humans
, Hydrocarbons, Chlorinated/analysis
, India
, Infant
, Infant, Newborn
, Lactation
, Male
, Pesticide Residues/analysis
, Pesticides/analysis
, Pregnancy
Subject(s)
Cecum/pathology , Intestinal Obstruction/etiology , Intestinal Volvulus/surgery , Paraduodenal Hernia/complications , Appendectomy/methods , Cecum/surgery , Humans , Intestinal Obstruction/diagnostic imaging , Male , Paraduodenal Hernia/surgery , Tomography, X-Ray Computed/methods , Treatment Outcome , Young AdultABSTRACT
Sarcomatous carcinomas (SCs) are rare tumours that contain malignant cells with epithelial and mesenchymal characteristics. SC rarely presents in the head and neck, and occurs even less often in the orbit. Only 8 cases of SCs located in the orbit or affecting the globe function have been described in the English literature. Here, we report a case of SC affecting the right orbit. SC is associated with a poor prognosis and advanced disease at presentation. Diagnosis is difficult, as histology often fails to definitively identify SC, necessitating a wide panel of molecular/immunological markers. Treatment options are generally aggressive but risky, and frequently yield poor results. Due to the rarity of SC, there has been little focus on the development of improved treatment options.
