Pressmud Subdue Phytoremediation Indices in Lead-Contaminated Soils: A Human Health Perspective.

Direct discharge of waste into water bodies and mining are two major sources of lead contamination in ecosystems. Water scarcity promoted the usage of industrial effluent-contaminated waters for crop production, mainly in peri-urban areas. These wastewaters may contain heavy metals and pollute crop ecosystems. These metals can reach the living cell via contaminated raw foodstuffs that grow under these conditions and cause various ill effects in metabolic activities. In this study, graded levels of pressmud (0, 2.5, 5, 10 g/kg) were applied on lead imposed soil with different contamination levels (0, 100, 150, 300 mg/kg) and metal dynamics was studied in spinach crop. Experimental results showed that the addition of pressmud upto 10 mg/kg had decreased different phytoremediation indices in spinach crop. Whereas, increasing Pb level enhanced the indices' values, indicating accumulation of significant amount of Pb in spinach biomass. However, application of pressmud (upto 10 mg/kg) reduced the bioconcentration factor (BCF) from 0.182 to 0.136, transfer factor (TF) from 0.221 to 0.191, translocation efficiency 66.11-59.34%; whereas, Pb removal enhanced from 0.063 to 0.072 over control treatment. These findings suggest that application of pressmud declined Pb concentration, the BCF and the TF in test crop which lead to less chances of adverse effect in human. These information are very useful for effectively managing wastewater irrigated agricultural crop production systems.

Management of acid and alkaline phosphatase, dehydrogenase activities by sugarcane industry waste under lead contamination- A case study of Indian Vertisol.

Soil fertility management and crop productivity both are inter-related need extensive attention for sustainability. Industries are being built, which over time produces a lot of effluents containing heavy metal(s), which is then dumped on healthy soils and water bodies. Long-term discharge of lead (Pb)-containing wastewater resulted in significant Pb buildup as well as a decrease in soil biological activity. In this experiment, graded dose of Pb, i.e. 0, 100, 150 and 300 mg/kg and pressmud (PM) (0, 2.5, 5, 10 g/kg) were applied to monitor the Pb toxic effect on soil acid and alkaline phosphatase, dehydrogenase activity. Different treatment combinations were formulated and the experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications. In this experiment, spinach crop was used as a test crop. According to the findings, increased Pb levels in the soil lowered dehydrogenase activity (DHA), acid and alkaline phosphatase. The addition of PM enhanced enzymatic activities by decreasing the labile fraction of Pb in the soil. Incorporation of PM improved the soil enzymatic activities as alkaline phosphatase activity > DHA > acid phosphatase activity in the study. This study suggested that the addition of 10 g/kg PM reduced Pb toxicity (contamination level 300 mg/kg) and improved the soil microbial properties in black soil. These findings are very useful for the remediation of Pb contaminated soil with the help of PM, particularly in peri-urban Pb effluent irrigated areas.

Can Application of Pressmud Mediated Plant Nutrient Dynamics Under Lead Contaminated Soils of Indian Vertisol?

Long- term application of marginal quality water accumulated significant amount of pollutant into the soil. It reduces soil health parameters, and crop yield and their quality. In this regards, graded application of pressmud (PM), i.e. 0, 2.5, 5 and 10 g/kg was applied on lead (Pb) contamination level (0, 100, 150, 300 mg/kg) and evaluated interaction effect on plant nutrients uptake by spinach. Analytical data showed that increasing the PM levels enhanced the macro (phosphorus, potassium, sulphur) and micro-nutrient (zinc, copper, manganese, iron) concentration into the soil. Whereas, increasing the level of Pb significantly (p ≤ 0.05) reduced the P, K and S nutrient concentration and uptake pattern by spinach crop. Increasing PM levels (control to 10 g/kg soil) improved P, K and S by 46.99, 98.96 and 76.79%, respectively in soil. This study is useful to formulate management strategies for minimizing Pb contamination in the food chain by the application of PM mostly in peri-urban areas.

Pressmud overcome lead toxicity by improving spinach biomass in lead-contaminated soils.

Lead (Pb) pollution is a severe problem that primarily affects food chain in developing countries. Continuous use of Pb containing effluent for growing food crops builds up measurable concentration of Pb in soils; and adversely affects the soil properties and crop produce quality. To reduce the Pb metal toxicity in contaminated soil, a pot experiment was conducted with graded doses of pressmud (PM) (0, 2.5, 5.0, and 10.0 g/kg) and Pb (0, 100, 150, and 300 mg/kg soil). Various metal dynamics parameters were computed after spinach crop was harvested. Result showed that higher doses of Pb (300 mg/kg) diminished the spinach root and shoot biomass during the study; whereas, application of PM improved the spinach biomass. However, increasing the pressmud reduced the Pb concentration in shoot from 6.16, 5.99, 4.94, and 3.39 µg/g. Maximum reduction was measured in highest PM applied treatment in shoot (44.92%) and root (57.33%). In this experiment, increasing level of Pb significantly uptake was recorded with higher application rate of Pb (150 and 300 mg/kg). However, elevated doses of PM from control initially enhanced the small chunk of Pb and drastically reduced the shoot Pb uptake (0.060 to 0.049 mg/pot) in maximum level of PM applied treatment. This study is very useful to improve the soil health by immobilizing the labile fraction of Pb by addition of PM in Pb-contaminated soils.

Peripapillary schisis in open-angle glaucoma.

PurposeTo report clinical features, topographic findings and outcome of 10 eyes with peripapillary schisis in open-angle glaucoma.Patients and methodsA retrospective review of patients with open-angle glaucoma who were noted to have peripapillary schisis on optical coherence tomography (OCT) were included. Serial peripapillary and macula infrared and OCT images, visual acuity, visual fields, and schisis appearance were reviewed.ResultsTen eyes of nine patients with open-angle glaucoma were detected to have the presence of peripapillary schisis. Nerve fibre layer schisis was detected in all eyes and one eye had an associated macular schisis. None of the eyes had an acquired pit of the optic nerve or pathological myopia. The mean intraocular pressures at detection was 18.3±4.3 mm Hg and the schisis resolved in four eyes after a mean follow-up of 21.2±8.8 months. Visual field worsening was noted in 4 of the 10 eyes and the resolution of schisis resulted in significant reduction in the retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) thickness.ConclusionsPeripapillary schisis detected during the normal course of open-angle glaucoma can resolve spontaneously and rarely involves the macula. Its resolution leads to reduction in RNFL thickness; therefore, caution is advised while interpreting serial scans.

Peripheral blood-derived, γ9δ2 t cell-enriched cell lines from glioblastoma multiforme patients exert anti-tumoral effects in vitro.

The goal of this work was to assess the potential of T cells expressing Vγ9Vδ2+ T cell receptors (TCR, γ9δ2T cells) present in peripheral blood (PB) m ononuclear cells (MC, PBMC) of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) patients to act as anti-tumoral agents. We found that γ9δ2T cell levels were decreased in patients' PB relative to a cohort of healthy donors (HD) (respectively 0.52±0.55%, n=16, vs 1.12±0.6%, n=14, p=0.008) but did not significantly correlate with postoperative survival (R=0.6, p=0.063). Importantly, however, the γ9δ2T cells could be expanded in vitro to consist 51±23% of the cultured lymphocytes (98% CD3+). This was achieved after 14 days of culture in medium containing the amino-bisphosphonate (ABP) Zoledronate (Zol) and interleukin (IL)-2, resulting in γ9δ2T cell-enriched lines (gdTCEL) similar to those of HD derived gdTCEL (54±19%). Moreover, gdTCEL from patients and HD mediated cytotoxicity to GBM-derived cell lines (GBMDCL), which was abrogated by immune-magnetic removal of the γ9δ2T cells. Furthermore, low level interferon (IFN) γ secretion was induced by gdTCEL briefly co-cultured with GBMDCL or autologous - tumor-derived cells, which was greatly amplified in the presence of Zol. Importantly, IFNγ secretion was inhibited by mevastatin but enhanced by cross-linking of butyrophilin 3A1 (CD277) on a CD277+ GBMDCL (U251MG) or by pretreatment of GBMDCL with temozolomide (TMZ). Taken together, these data suggest that γ9δ2T cells in PB of GBM patients can give rise to gdTCEL that mediate anti-tumoral activities.

A certified plasmid reference material for the standardisation of BCR-ABL1 mRNA quantification by real-time quantitative PCR.

Serial quantification of BCR-ABL1 mRNA is an important therapeutic indicator in chronic myeloid leukaemia, but there is a substantial variation in results reported by different laboratories. To improve comparability, an internationally accepted plasmid certified reference material (CRM) was developed according to ISO Guide 34:2009. Fragments of BCR-ABL1 (e14a2 mRNA fusion), BCR and GUSB transcripts were amplified and cloned into pUC18 to yield plasmid pIRMM0099. Six different linearised plasmid solutions were produced with the following copy number concentrations, assigned by digital PCR, and expanded uncertainties: 1.08±0.13 × 10(6), 1.08±0.11 × 10(5), 1.03±0.10 × 10(4), 1.02±0.09 × 10(3), 1.04±0.10 × 10(2) and 10.0±1.5 copies/µl. The certification of the material for the number of specific DNA fragments per plasmid, copy number concentration of the plasmid solutions and the assessment of inter-unit heterogeneity and stability were performed according to ISO Guide 35:2006. Two suitability studies performed by 63 BCR-ABL1 testing laboratories demonstrated that this set of 6 plasmid CRMs can help to standardise a number of measured transcripts of e14a2 BCR-ABL1 and three control genes (ABL1, BCR and GUSB). The set of six plasmid CRMs is distributed worldwide by the Institute for Reference Materials and Measurements (Belgium) and its authorised distributors (https://ec.europa.eu/jrc/en/reference-materials/catalogue/; CRM code ERM-AD623a-f).

Studies on the effects of aspartame on memory and oxidative stress in brain of mice.

OBJECTIVE: The dipeptide aspartame (N-L-alpha-aspartyl-Lphenylalanine, 1-methyl ester; alpha-APM) is one of the most widely used artificial sweeteners. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of repeated administration of aspartame in the working memory version of Morris water maze test, on oxidative stress and brain monoamines in brain of mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Aspartame (0.625, 1.875 or 5.625 mg/kg) was administered once daily subcutaneously for 2 weeks and mice were examined four times a week for their ability to locate a submerged plate. Malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH), nitric oxide levels (the concentrations of nitrite/nitrate) and glucose were determined in brain. RESULTS: Only at the highest dose of 5.625 mg/kg, did aspartame significantly impaired water maze performance. The mean time taken to find the escape platform (latency) over 2 weeks was significantly delayed by aspartame 5.625 mg/kg, compared with the saline-treated control group. Significant differences occurred only on the first trial to find the escape platform. Significant increase in brain MDA by 16.5% and nitric oxide by 16.2% and a decrease in GSH by 25.1% and glucose by 22.5% occurred after treatment with aspartame at 1.875 mg/kg. Aspartame administered at 5.625 mg/kg significantly increased brain MDA by 43.8%, nitric oxide by 18.6% and decreased GSH by 32.7% and glucose by 25.8%. Aspartame caused dose-dependent inhibition of brain serotonin, noradrenaline and dopamine. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest impaired memory performance and increased brain oxidative stress by repeated aspartame administration. The impaired memory performance is likely to involve increased oxidative stress as well as decreased brain glucose availability.

Intraocular pressure control and fluctuation: the effect of treatment with selective laser trabeculoplasty.

AIMS: To evaluate the effect of selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) on intraocular pressure (IOP) control and diurnal tension curves of patients with open-angle glaucoma (OAG) and ocular hypertension (OHT), and to compare this effect with that of latanoprost. METHODS: Forty patients were randomised to receive either SLT or latanoprost. IOP control was evaluated by comparing pretreatment values with post-treatment measurements on day 3, week 1, month 1 and 4-6 months; success was defined as 20% decrease in IOP. Tension curves were plotted prior to treatment and 4-6 months afterwards; success was 50% reduction in fluctuation. RESULTS: SLT decreased pressure by 4.7 mm Hg on average (95% CI 3.6 to 5.7 mm Hg; p<0.01). The reduction was similar for latanoprost at all follow-ups except month 1; 75% of SLT patients and 73% of latanoprost patients achieved success in IOP control (p = 0.4). SLT significantly reduced IOP fluctuation, but latanoprost was more effective (3.6 mm Hg, 95% CI 3.2 to 3.9 mm Hg vs 2.5 mm Hg, 95% CI 2.2 to 2.9 mm Hg for SLT; p = 0.04). Success in fluctuation reduction was 50% for SLT and 83% for latanoprost (p = 0.045). CONCLUSIONS: Both SLT and latanoprost had a significant impact on IOP control and fluctuation. While latanoprost may be more likely to reduce IOP fluctuation, SLT has the benefit of being a one-time intervention not requiring ongoing patient compliance.

A randomised, prospective study comparing selective laser trabeculoplasty with latanoprost for the control of intraocular pressure in ocular hypertension and open angle glaucoma.

AIM: To compare 90 degrees , 180 degrees , and 360 degrees selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT, 532 nm Nd:YAG laser) with latanoprost 0.005% for the control of intraocular pressure (IOP) in ocular hypertension (OHT) and open angle glaucoma (OAG). METHODS: A prospective, randomised clinical trial in the Department of Ophthalmology, St Thomas's Hospital, London, and Clayton Eye Centre, Wakefield, West Yorkshire. 167 patients (167 eyes) with either OHT or OAG were randomised to receive 90 degrees , 180 degrees , and 360 degrees SLT or latanoprost 0.005% at night and were evaluated at 1 hour, 1 day, 1 week and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. RESULTS: The mean follow up was 10.3 months (range 1--12 months). Early, transient, complications such as postoperative ocular pain, uveitis, and 1 hour IOP spike occurred in a number of eyes after SLT, with pain being reported more frequently after 360 degrees than 90 degrees treatments (p>0.001). Success rates defined in terms of both a 20% or more and a 30% or more IOP reduction from baseline measurements with no additional antiglaucomatous interventions were better with latanoprost than 90 degrees (p<0.001) and 180 degrees SLT (p<0.02) treatments. Differences in success rates between latanoprost and 360 degrees SLT did not reach statistical significance (p<0.5). Success rates were greater with 180 degrees and 360 degrees compared to 90 degrees SLT (p<0.05). With 360 degrees SLT, 82% of eyes achieved a >20% IOP reduction and 59% a >30% reduction from baseline. Although success rates were better with 360 degrees than 180 degrees SLT treatments, differences did not reach statistical significance. There were no differences with regard to age, sex, race, pretreatment IOP, OHT versus OAG, laser power settings, and total laser energy delivered between eyes which responded, in terms of a >20% and a >30% IOP reduction, and those that did not respond with 180 degrees and 360 degrees SLT treatments. CONCLUSIONS: Success rates were higher with latanoprost 0.005% at night than with 90 degrees and 180 degrees SLT treatments. 90 degrees SLT is generally not effective. 360 degrees SLT appears to be an effective treatment with approximately 60% of eyes achieving an IOP reduction of 30% or more. Transient anterior uveitis with associated ocular discomfort is not unusual in the first few days after SLT. Late complications causing ocular morbidity after SLT were not encountered.

Survival following amniotic fluid embolism and cardiac arrest complicated by sub-capsular liver haematoma.

We describe the anaesthetic and intensive care management of a 38-year-old mother with presumed amniotic fluid embolism who suffered cardiorespiratory collapse following delivery of a normal baby by caesarean section. After initial resuscitation, her recovery was complicated by development of disseminated intravascular coagulation and a large sub-capsular hepatic haematoma. We describe the initial resuscitative efforts and subsequent intensive therapy to full neurological recovery and discharge from hospital.

Anteversion of the femoral neck in Indian dry femora.

The purpose of this study was to estimate the average angle of femoral neck anteversion in an Indian population. A total of 300 dry femora were classified by standard anatomical norms into male and female types and left-side and right-side types. They were evaluated by the Kingsley Olmsted and parallelograph methods, and the data were statistically analyzed. The average angles of anteversion obtained were 8.1 degrees and 8.3 degrees by the Kingsley Olmsted and parallelograph methods, respectively. The average female-type bone showed about 3 degrees more anteversion than the male-type bone. The average left-sided bone showed about 1.6 degrees more anteversion than the right-sided bone. A statistically significant difference existed between the sexes and the sides. The Kingsley Olmsted and parallelograph methods were found to be comparable with a correlation coefficient of 0.99. Altogether, 42.33%, 57.66%, and 79.00% of bones had readings of 5 degrees -10 degrees, 0 degrees -10 degrees, and 0 degrees -15 degrees, respectively. Thus, femoral neck anteversion has been found to be less in the Indian population than in Western populations.

Xeroderma pigmentosum (case report).

Xeroderma pigmentosum is a rare, hereditary and fatal disease of the skin. Ocular involvement is known to occur in 80% of cases. A case with typical cutaneous and ocular lesions is reported.

Interrelationships between anemia and fertility patterns in rural Egyptian women.

PIP: This study investigates the relation of malnutrition as indexed by hemoglobin levels and anthropometry and the fertility of Egyptian rural women. 357 married women in 2 villages in Beheira governorate, aged 15-45 were interviewed. 40.9% were in the optimum childbearing age (20-30 years); mean age was 30.5 years. Mean duration of married life was 10.96 years. The frequency distribution curve of hemoglobin of the group was shifted to the left, indicating a high prevalence of anemia. Mean body weight ranged between 62-64 kg, mean height between 158-63 cm, and mean body index between 2.31-2.85. Weight percentiles and degree of anemia shared a bimodal distribution, while the weight for height percentiles and degree of anemia showed a normal distribution with a shift to the left indicating prevalence of underweight for height. The group had an average of 3.6 previous pregnancies; the highest average was 6.7 attained at the age of 40-45 years. Mean pregnancy interval was 2.14 years; number of live births was an average of 3.27; abortion experiences on the average was 0.22; mean stillbirths was 0.07; highest average child losses was for ages 40-45, 0.75; average number of living children 2.8; and mean reproductive activity increased with increase in years of married life. Anemia tends to reduce fertility at all ages with the mean parity higher in the total normal group (3.44) than in the anemic (3.27). Mean family size was also higher in the normal (3.18) than anemic (2.7) groups. In anemic women percentages of live births was 97.7% compared with 94.4% in the normal group, pregnancy wastage was 10.1% compared to 4% in the normal group and total child losses was 11.3% compared to 10.8% in the normal group. The differences are not considered to be statistically significant. The data indicated that interaction between nutritional states, environmental conditions, and fertility performance is the major determinant of human reproduction.^ieng