Spatial distribution of microplastic concentration around landfill sites and its potential risk on groundwater.

Plastic plays a major role in today's human life; moreover, it becomes a part of our life, yet it is a most challenging threat for the freshwater ecosystems in the future. The present study identifies, characterizes, and quantifies the microplastics in groundwater samples around Perungudi and Kodungaiyur municipal solid waste dumpsites in South India. To evaluate and assess the microplastic abundance, characteristics (composite, size, colour, shape, and surface morphology), detection methods of plastic particles, and potential risk factors from the absorption of microplastic in groundwater. Further, the microplastic particle classification was performed using LB-340 Zoom Stereo Microscope with LED Illumination, ATR-FTIR fitted with SEM with EDX analyzer. The groundwater samples (n = 20) were found contaminated with microplastic particles in the range of 2-80 items/L with coloured particles, white (38%), black (27%), green (8%), red (18%), blue (6%), and yellow (2%). The polymer type was found to occur in the following order: nylon (70%), pellets (18%), foam (6%), fragments (3%), fibers/PVC (2%), and polythene (1%). In both sampling sites, 90% of microplastics are derived from the buried plastics and waste fragmentation which are predominantly of polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS). Micro and nano plastics abundance in groundwater is of paramount importance as it has a major impact on human health. This study throws light on the characteristics and quantification of the microplastics in groundwater that initiates further research by which microplastics enter into the environment.

Association of GST null genotypes with anti-tuberculosis drug induced hepatotoxicity in Western Indian population.

BACKGROUND: The first line anti-tubercular (anti-TB) treatment normally involves isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol. Clearance of these drugs depends on the activity of several enzymes such as N-acetyl transferase 2, cytochrome P450 oxidase and glutathione S-transferase (GST). Some of these enzymes are highly polymorphic leading to significant inter-individual variation in their activity thereby increasing the risk of drug induced hepatotoxicity (DIH). AIM: To investigate the possible association of anti-TB DIH with genetic polymorphism of GST genes in Western Indian population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective case-control study was undertaken on patients who received anti-TB treatment. Cases (n = 50) were distinguished from controls (n = 246) based on occurrence of DIH during anti-tubercular treatment. A multiplex polymerase chain reaction was employed to identify homozygous null mutation at GSTM1 and GSTT1 loci. Results. Homozygous null mutation in GSTM1 gene alone or in both GSTM1 and T1 genes was found to be significantly associated with anti-TB DIH at p < 0.02 and p < 0.007, respectively, in our study population. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to report GSTM1 null and combined GSTM1 and T1 null genotypes to be risk factors of anti-TB DIH in Western Indian population. Screening of patients for these genotypes prior to anti-TB regimen would provide better control of hepatotoxicity.

Study on incidence of bleeding in hospitalized patients after antithrombotic therapy at a tertiary care hospital.

OBJECTIVES: To monitor the different antithrombotic drug combinations, determine the incidence, magnitude of bleeding and the association of HAS-BLED risk scoring schema with the magnitude of bleeding as defined using TIMI bleeding criteria. METHODS: A prospective observational study in a cohort of patients for a period of 8 months, at one of the tertiary care center-Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad, was conducted. Consecutive patients were enrolled and followed from the date of admission till the adverse events are perceived/date of discharge. Pearson Correlation Statistics (Fisher's z Transformation) is applied to assess the association between HAS-BLED risk factors and the total risk score with bleeding criteria. RESULTS: A total of 400 cases were collected during the 8-month study period, of which 372 satisfied the inclusion criteria. Among them 34 (9.1%) bleeding cases were reported with mean (+/- SD) age of 57.8 (+/- 14.19) years. Bleeding occurred mostly in males 79.4% and a HAS-BLED Score of > or = 3 has been observed in 67.6% (n = 23) patients out of 34 bled patients. Two antiplatelets + One anticoagulant is the most common combination which caused bleeding in 41.2% (n = 14). Stroke history, bleeding predisposition, labile INR's are the HAS-BLED risk factors which are significant (< 0.05) with the TIMI Bleeding Criteria. CONCLUSION: There was a linear correlation between the HAS-BLED risk score and the TIMI bleeding criteria-higher the risk score the more frequent is the incidence of major bleeding. A HAS-BLED risk score of > or = 3 is associated with TIMI major bleeding.