Biomarkers for monitoring heavy metal pollution in the Anzali Wetland.

This research aims to investigate biochemical activities of Phragmites australis, as a biomarker of heavy metals including Cr, Ni, V, Zn and Co. In order to determine and analyze biochemical parameters including flavonoids, Non-Protein Thiols (NPTs), chlorophyll a and b and total chlorophyll pigments in the roots, stems and leaves of P. australis, sediment and plant samples were collected from 7 stations in the Anzali wetland. Based on the obtained results, there were positive and significant correlation coefficients among the concentrations of the heavy metals in the sediments with non-protein thiols and flavonoids, also negative and significant correlation coefficients were found between the heavy metal contents and the total chlorophyll in the leaves in all the sampling stations. Therefore, it can be concluded that these parameters are appropriate biomarkers to evaluate the heavy metal pollution in the sediments of the aquatic ecosystem.

Using a standardised protocol was effective in reducing hospitalisation and treatment use in children with newly diagnosed immune thrombocytopenia.

AIM: Childhood immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) has been associated with low bleeding rates and a high frequency of spontaneous remission. Although current guidelines suggest that most patients are just observed, children still receive platelet-enhancing therapies for fear of bleeding complications. We hypothesised that a standardised protocol with a step-down approach would reduce hospitalisation and treatment use. METHOD: A retrospective chart review was performed on patients diagnosed with acute ITP between January 2010 and December 2014, before (n = 54) and after (n = 37) the standardised protocol, which was introduced in January 2013. Management and events during the first 3 months following diagnosis were recorded. RESULTS: The protocol resulted in a 34% decrease in the hospitalisation rate (p < 0.001) at diagnosis. Prednisone treatment duration at diagnosis was also significantly reduced (13.1 versus 5.8 days, p = 0.004). Children over 3 years of age were 3.8 times less likely to be hospitalised (95% CI 1.94-7.61) and 2.3 times less likely to receive treatment (95% CI 1.2-4.3). There was no difference in the rate of persistent ITP (38% versus 30%, p = 0.43) or serious bleeding complications (7% versus 5%, p = 0.70). CONCLUSION: Our ITP management protocol significantly reduced hospitalisation rates and length of prednisone treatment without any increase in disease complications.