Towards integrated management of a shallow tropical lake: assessment of water quality, sediment geochemistry, and phytoplankton diversity in Lake Palakpakin, Philippines.

The limited carrying capacities of shallow tropical lakes render them more vulnerable to ecological problems like eutrophication. Unregulated human activities such as unsustainable aquaculture and urbanization can alter ecosystem dynamics rapidly, and this warrants more comprehensive researches than what has been previously conducted. Here, we presented an integrated assessment of the nutrient dynamics, phytoplankton diversity, and sediment geochemistry in Lake Palakpakin, a shallow tropical lake of volcanic origin, to understand its deteriorating ecological state. Water, phytoplankton, and sediment samples were collected, and in situ water quality measurements were done during wet and dry seasons in four critical areas in the lake, namely, the inlet, center, sanctuary, and outlet. Results revealed that high light extinction coefficient (1.13 m-1), high turbidity (28 NTU), high phosphate concentration (> 2.0.5 mg/L), and the abundance of Microcystis aeruginosa, Anabaena helicoidea, and Lyngbya sp. indicate that from a relatively healthy lake in 2008, Lake Palakpakin has become a eutrophic to hypereutrophic freshwater body. High concentrations of available nutrients such as N and P were detected in the center and sanctuary sediments, which drive the internal nutrient loading in the lake. We recommend that management efforts be directed towards a whole-ecosystem approach in addressing the problem of eutrophication, especially in shallow tropical lakes.

Organochlorine pesticide residues in surface water and groundwater along Pampanga River, Philippines.

Pesticide use in developing countries such as the Philippines has significantly increased food production. However, the improper and poorly regulated practice of pesticide use may lead to pollution of water resources. To detect and assess the extent of pesticide contamination, residues of organochlorine pesticides were tested in surface water and groundwater in selected areas along the Pampanga River, Philippines. The physicochemical properties of the surface water and ground water were also analyzed and results revealed that phosphate concentrations in surface water and groundwater samples were two to three times higher than the regulatory limits of 0.5 mg L-1, whereas the nitrate concentrations were below the regulatory limit of 7 mg L-1. Results further revealed that surface water and groundwater showed the presence of seven organochlorine pesticides and residues listed in the Stockholm Convention list of 2009 such as dieldrin, endrin aldehyde, α-BHC, ß-BHC, δ-BHC, γ-chlordane, and endosulfan II. The concentrations of organochlorine pesticides including endrin aldehyde, total BHCs (i.e., α-BHC, ß-BHC, δ-BHC), and heptachlor in groundwater were also found to exceed regulatory limits, indicating that these chemicals are still being used illegally and remains a major environmental concern despite the bans and restrictions. We suggest that routine chemical monitoring (including seasonal variations) coupled with biological monitoring using a battery of biomarker tests of organochlorine pesticide and residues along the Pampanga River is necessary to provide inputs for the control and reduction of environmental pollution and for minimizing human health risks.

Comparative Pharmacokinetics and Injection Site Histopathology in Nude Mice Treated with Long-acting Buprenorphine Formulations.

Two long-acting formulations of buprenorphine are commercially available as analgesics for rodents. However, these drugs have not yet been studied in nude mice. We sought to investigate whether the manufacturer-recommended or labeled mouse doses of either drug would provide and sustain the purported therapeutic plasma concentration of buprenorphine (1 ng/mL) over 72 h in nude mice and to characterize the injection site histopathology. NU/NU nude and NU/+ heterozygous mice were subcutaneously injected with extended-release buprenorphine polymeric formulation (ER; 1 mg/kg), extendedrelease buprenorphine suspension (XR; 3.25 mg/kg), or saline (2.5 mL/kg). Plasma concentrations of buprenorphine were measured 6, 24, 48, and 72 h after injection. The injection site was examined histologically at 96 h after administration. XR dosing yielded significantly higher plasma buprenorphine concentrations than did ER dosing at every time point in both nude and heterozygous mice. No significant difference in plasma buprenorphine concentrations were detected between nude and heterozygous mice. Both formulations yielded plasma levels of buprenorphine of over 1 ng/mL at 6 h; XR sustained buprenorphine plasma levels above 1 ng/mL for over 48 h, whereas ER sustained this level for over 6 h. Injections sites of both formulations were characterized by a cystic lesion with a fibrous/fibroblastic capsule. ER induced more inflammatory infiltrates than did XR. This study indicates that while both XR and ER are suitable for use in nude mice, XR has a longer duration of likely therapeutic plasma levels and induces less subcutaneous inflammation at the injection site.

Natural variations in AAVHSC16 significantly reduce liver tropism and maintain broad distribution to periphery and CNS.

Adeno-associated viruses derived from human hematopoietic stem cells (AAVHSCs) are naturally occurring AAVs. Fifteen AAVHSCs have demonstrated broad biodistribution while displaying differences in transduction. We examine the structure-function relationships of these natural amino acid variations on cellular binding. We demonstrate that AAVHSC16 is the only AAVHSC that does not preferentially bind to terminal galactose. AAVHSC16 contains two unique amino acids, 501I and 706C, compared with other AAVHSCs. Through mutagenesis, we determined that residue 501 contributes to the lack of galactose binding. Structural analysis revealed that residue 501 is in proximity to the galactose binding pocket, hence confirming its functional role in galactose binding. Biodistribution analysis of AAVHSC16 indicated significantly less liver tropism in mice and non-human primates compared with other clade F members, likely associated with overall binding differences observed in vitro. AAVHSC16 maintained robust tropism to other key tissues in the peripheral and central nervous systems after intravenous injection, including to the brain, heart, and gastrocnemius. Importantly, AAVHSC16 did not induce elevated liver enzyme levels in non-human primates after intravenous injection at high doses. The unique glycan binding and tropism of AAVHSC16 makes this naturally occurring capsid an attractive candidate for therapies requiring less liver tropism while maintaining broad biodistribution.

Empirical 188Re-HDD/lipiodol intra-arterial therapy based on tumor volume, in patients with solitary inoperable hepatocellular carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the potential benefits and tolerability of an empirical dose of approximately 0.8-1.2 mCi (29.6-44.4 MBq) of Re-4-hexadecyl-1-2,9,9-tetramethyl-4,7-diaza-1,10-decanethiol/lipiodol (Re-HDD/lipiodol) per milliliter of tumor volume, administered after super-selection of the tumor feeding branches of hepatic artery for treatment of inoperable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS: Patients with advanced HCC or classified as inoperable, with no demonstrated extrahepatic disease and no significant comorbidities were eligible. The patients selected for this study had a single tumoral lesion, measuring less than 150 cc. The range of total activity administered was between 30 and 100 mCi (1.2-3.7) GBq Re-HDD/lipiodol, administered in the super selected branches of the hepatic artery supplying the tumor in 42 Patients. Whole-body scintigraphies and single-photon emission computed tomography-computed tomography (SPECT-CT) of the liver including tumor were performed at four-time points after injection. Absorbed doses to the various organs were calculated according to the Medical Internal Radiation Dose formalism. Blood and urine samples were collected at multiple time points until 72 h after injection. Hematological, hepatic and pulmonary toxicity was assessed until 12 weeks after administration using the Common Toxicity Criteria for Adverse Events (version 3.0) scale. Responses were evaluated on contrast enhanced computed tomography (CECT) and by alfa-fetoprotein (AFP) level monitoring. RESULTS: About 40.6 ± 4.8% of the injected activity was excreted in the urine by 72 h after injection. The mean absorbed dose to the liver, lungs, stomach, kidney and intestine was 14.4 ± 1.8, 4.8 ± 0.6, 5.5 ± 1.1, 5.1 ± 0.7, and 6.5 ± 1.0 Gy (mean ± SD), respectively. Up to 6 days after administration, 26 of 44 patients had adverse events consisting of aggravations of preexisting laboratory changes (24 patients), fatigue (5 patients), vomiting (6 patients), fever (2 patients), right hypochondrial pain (8 patients), and pain at site of femoral catheter insertion (8 patients). Toxicity assessment at weeks 6 and 12 revealed two cases of mild worsening of liver function tests and no lung or hematological toxicity noted. Two patients were lost to follow-up after the 6-week visit. The response was assessed on CECT in all the remaining patients and the classification of results was more standardized when using European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) criteria rather than response evaluation criteria in solid tumors (RECIST) criteria. According to EASL criteria, 8 patients had a partial response, 28 patients had a complete response, 4 patients had progressive disease and 4 patients with stable disease were reported. Thirty-six patients had a baseline elevated AFP and on follow-up at 6 weeks, 6 of these patients showed stable AFP, progression in 4 patients and 26 showed a reduction. CONCLUSION: After the administration of 1.2-3.7 GBq Re-HDD/lipiodol based on empirical activity calculation of 0.8-1.2 mCi/mL of tumor volume, more than half of the patients in the present study had an objective response on imaging and biochemically. No significant adverse side effects were noted and most of the laboratory markers as well as symptoms returned to normal after 48-72 h post-administration. Selective administration of the radiopharmaceutical into the tumor feeding arteries gives a good anti-tumoral effect with minimal side effects and damage to surrounding normal liver tissue.

Predicting the EQ-5D utilities from the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire in patients with heart failure.

INTRODUCTION: Evaluation of health status benefits, cost-effectiveness, and value of new heart failure therapies is critical for supporting their use. The Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ) measures patients' heart failure-specific health status but does not provide utilities needed for cost-effectiveness analyses. We mapped the KCCQ scores to EQ-5D scores so that estimates of societal-based utilities can be generated to support economic analyses. METHODS: Using data from two US cohort studies, we developed models for predicting EQ-5D utilities (3L and 5L versions) from the KCCQ (23- and 12-item versions). In addition to predicting scores directly, we considered predicting the five EQ-5D health state items and deriving utilities from the predicted responses, allowing different countries' health state valuations to be used. Model validation was performed internally via bootstrap and externally using data from two clinical trials. Model performance was assessed using R2, mean prediction error, mean absolute prediction error, and calibration of observed vs. predicted values. RESULTS: The EQ-5D-3L models were developed from 1000 health status assessments in 547 patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), while the EQ-5D-5L model was developed from 3925 patients with HFrEF. For both versions, models predicting individual EQ-5D items performed as well as those predicting utilities directly. The selected models for the 3L had internally validated R2 of 48.4-50.5% and 33.7-45.6% on external validation. The 5L version had validated R2 of 57.7%. CONCLUSION: Mappings from the KCCQ to the EQ-5D can yield the estimates of societal-based utilities to support cost-effectiveness analyses when EQ-5D data are not available.

DNA damage induced by genotoxicants in zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos after contact exposure to freeze-dried sediment and sediment extracts from Laguna Lake (The Philippines) as measured by the comet assay.

Laguna Lake, Philippines, is utilised as a resource for drinking and irrigation water and a major source of animal protein for more than 11 million residents. However, it also serves as a huge sink for anthropogenic pollutants from a variety of direct or indirect discharges. Given their well-known properties to accumulate organic pollutants, Lake Laguna sediments have been investigated by use of a newly developed sediment-contact assay to determine the bioavailable fraction of the total genotoxic hazard potential. Freshly fertilized zebrafish eggs (2 h after fertilization) were allowed to develop while exposed to different concentrations of freeze-dried sediments (exposure to bioavailable compounds) as well as organic extracts (complete genotoxic hazard potential including bioaccumulation) prepared from sediments collected at five sites within the lake. Following a 96 h exposure, single-cell suspensions were prepared from macerated larvae and analyzed for DNA strand-breaks by use of the comet assay. Genotoxicity could be identified in both solid-phase exposure scenarios as well as after exposure to organic sediment extracts. Only the South Bay (SB) site did not show a significant genotoxic burden relative to controls in tests of both freeze-dried sediment and organic extracts. In contrast, the Northwest Bay site displayed pronounced genotoxicity to the zebrafish embryos in both exposure scenarios. Perylene and copper in the sediments could be identified as potential causes of the genotoxic response. To compare the results (maximum induction coefficients) of zebrafish embryos with an established comet protocol, rainbow trout liver cells (RTL-W1) were exposed to the same extracts. The findings correlated well (Spearman correlation r=0.90), proving a good reliability of the results from zebrafish primary cells. In conclusion, the present study demonstrates that the bioavailable fraction of the genotoxic pollutants may pose a threat for both benthic organisms and human health via drinking-water and fish consumption.

Evaluation of at-home phlebotomy for iron overload: feasibility and satisfaction of patients and healthcare workers.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate at-home phlebotomy and the satisfaction of iron-overload patients and healthcare workers with the procedure. METHODS: Forty-two patients underwent at-home phlebotomy between 2003 and 2006. The phlebotomy was performed by the patient's nurse, who was trained by the private healthcare firm that also took charge of the disposal of the blood products. Data concerning these phlebotomies were collected via telephone interviews with all 42 patients, as well as 35 nurses and 40 primary-care physicians. The Limousin Regional Health Observatory processed the data collection. RESULTS: Ninety percent (38/42) of the patients, 80% (28/35) of the nurses and 67% (27/40) of the primary-care physicians responded. For 80% of the patients, phlebotomy volume and frequency were as prescribed. Patients chose home phlebotomy for personal reasons, or because of the limited availability of French Blood Establishment facilities (68%), or in response to being offered it by their hospital physician (32%). For 81.6% of the patients, at-home phlebotomy was more satisfactory than phlebotomy in hospital or at the French Blood Establishment and, for 84%, the constraints required were fully acceptable. The nurses considered that these homecare procedures were within their area of responsibility (100%), but felt that the remuneration was insufficient (65%). Ninety-six percent of the primary-care physicians said they were correctly informed, but only 40% felt that they were truly committed to the procedure. CONCLUSION: At-home phlebotomy is feasible, less costly than institutional phlebotomy and improves patient comfort.

Association between the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) and mortality in a community sample: An artifact of the somatic complaints factor?

Most previous studies of the depression-mortality association have not examined distinct depressive symptom clusters. This ex post facto study examined which aspects of depression may account for its association with mortality. The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) was administered to 3,867 community dwelling adults. Cox proportional hazards procedures estimated the risk of mortality as a function of depression status and each of 4 CES-D factor scores. Depressed participants (CES-D ≥ 16) had a 1.23-fold higher risk of mortality (95% CI 1.03-1.49), adjusting for sociodemographics. Somatic Complaints (SC) was the only factor to predict mortality (HR 1.19, 95% CI 1.03-1.38). After excluding SC, CES-D scores no longer predicted mortality (HR .98, 95% CI .79-1.21). The association between CES-D depressive symptoms and mortality appears to be a function of the SC factor. The association between non-somatic depressive symptoms and mortality may not be as robust as past findings suggest.

Impact of Transphyseal Elastic Nailing On the Histostructure of the Tibia in Growing Animals (Non-Randomized Controlled Experimental Study).

BACKGROUND: The use of intramedullary elastic nailing is a method of choice for prevention of complications in children with osteogenesis imperfecta. However, the morphology of the growing long bones in the conditions created was not investigated. AIM: The purpose of our experiment was to study the impact of elastic intramedullary nailing on the histostructure of long bones in their physiological growth. METHODS: Six mongrel dogs underwent intramedullary elastic transphyseal nailing of the intact tibia with two titanium wires. Six months after nailing, a light-optical microscopic and histomorphometric study of the operated and contralateral tibiae was performed. RESULTS: It was found that asymmetric lesion of the distal physis induces a decrease in the height of the distal epimetaphysis. Adaptive changes in the hyaline cartilage of both articular ends were revealed corresponding to the initial stage of chondropathy. Intramedullary nailing promotes an increase in the thickness of the compact bone and the volume of the trabecular bone. CONCLUSIONS: Elastic transphyseal nailing of the intact tibia has a shaping effect which is expressed by an increase in the volume of spongy and compact bone, adaptive changes in the hyaline cartilage. Asymmetric damage to growth zones should be avoided to prevent deformities.

Biological activity of the implant for internal fixation.

Early treatment of bone fractures was performed using implants, which are often used in the form of plates of various types, which are fixed on the bone surface (extracellular fixation) and nails that are located in the medullary canal (intracerebral fixation). The goal of this study was to investigate the features of osseointegration of implants for internal fixation (intramedullary or extramedullary) with various bioactive coating techniques. During experimental study on 20 mongrel dogs, the implant model in the form of 1.0-mm plate made of titanium alloy (Ti6Al 4V) was placed in the medullary canal (first series) or under the periosteum (second series): the plates had bioactive coating (hydroxyapatite) produced using the technology of magnetron sputtering (six animals), plasma electrolytic oxidation or microarc oxidation technology (PEO; eight animals), and composite technology (six dogs). Anatomic and histological studies have shown that the process of active osseointegration of porous implants with bioactive coating begins after 7 days: at first, granulation tissue - and then fibrous connective tissue - is formed; after 14 days, the osteogenic substrate can be found, and after 28 days, the entire implant area is covered by the lamellar bone tissue, which creates single implant-bone block. The most active formation of bone tissue is observed around implants with bioactive coating produced using the last two technologies. Low traumatic placement of porous implants with bioactive coating in the medullary canal or subperiosteally provides the stimulation of reparative osteogenesis and rapid (especially with PEO technique) osseointegration of the implant.

Bioactivity and osteointegration of hydroxyapatite-coated stainless steel and titanium wires used for intramedullary osteosynthesis.

A lot of research was conducted on the use of various biomaterials in orthopedic surgery. Our study investigated the effects of nanostructured calcium-phosphate coating on metallic implants introduced into the bone marrow canal. Stainless steel or titanium 2-mm wires (groups 1 and 2, respectively), and hydroxyapatite-coated stainless steel or titanium wires of the same diameter (groups 3 and 4, respectively) were introduced into the tibial bone marrow canal of 20 dogs (each group = 5 dogs). Hydroxyapatite coating was deposited on the wires with the method of microarc oxidation. Light microscopy to study histological diaphyseal transverse sections, scanning electron microscopy to study the bone marrow area around the implant and an X-ray electron probe analyzer to study the content of calcium and phosphorus were used to investigate bioactivity and osteointegration after a four weeks period. Osteointegration was also assessed by measuring wires' pull-off strength with a sensor dynamometer. Bone formation was observed round the wires in the bone marrow canal in all the groups. Its intensity depended upon the features of wire surfaces and implant materials. Maximum percentage volume of trabecular bone was present in the bone marrow canals of group 4 dogs that corresponded to a mean of 27.1 ± 0.14%, while it was only 6.7% in group 1. The coating in groups 3 and 4 provided better bioactivity and osteointegration. Hydroxyapatite-coated titanium wires showed the highest degree of bone formation around them and greater pull-off strength. Nanostructured hydroxyapatite coating of metallic wires induces an expressed bone formation and provides osteointegration. Hydroxyapatite-coated wires could be used along with external fixation for bone repair enhancement in diaphyseal fractures, management of osteogenesis imperfecta and correction of bone deformities in phosphate diabetes.

A novel contact assay for testing genotoxicity of chemicals and whole sediments in zebrafish embryos.

Broad consensus exists that whole-sediment exposure protocols represent the most realistic scenario to simulate in situ exposure conditions. So far, however, several endpoints including genotoxicity in vertebrate-based systems could be tested only after transfer of particle-bound substances into the aqueous phase. The present study was carried out to develop a protocol for generating a suspension of single cells from sediment-exposed zebrafish embryos that is suitable for detecting particle-bound genotoxicity in the alkaline single cell gel electrophoresis (comet assay). In this solid-phase genotoxicity assay, a whole-body cell suspension derived from zebrafish embryos exposed to native (whole) sediments is assayed in the comet assay. Several chemical and mechanical isolation procedures were compared to optimize cell yield and minimize DNA damage by the method itself. If compared to collagenase isolation, mechanical cell dissociation gave less DNA damage; trypsinization resulted in similarly low DNA damage but significantly lower cell yield. In order to test the optimized protocol, effects of well-known genotoxicants (4-nitroquinoline-N-oxide, nitrofurantoin, hydrogen peroxide, benzo[a]pyrene) and of two sediments from the upper Rhine River (Germany) on zebrafish embryos were investigated. Results documented clear-cut genotoxicity for all four substances and for one of the two whole-sediment samples. An ultraviolet (UV) light exposure of whole embryos and primary cultures from embryos elucidated only minor effects for the whole embryos compared to the primary cells. Consequently, UV irradiation cannot be suggested as a positive control in intact zebrafish embryos. In conclusion, the newly developed sediment contact assay can be recommended for the detection of both single substances but also the bioavailable fraction of the total hazard potential of sediments.

In Vivo Visible Light-Triggered Drug Release From an Implanted Depot.

Controlling chemistry in space and time has offered scientists and engineers powerful tools for research and technology. For example, on-demand photo-triggered activation of neurotransmitters has revolutionized neuroscience. Non-invasive control of the availability of bioactive molecules in living organisms will undoubtedly lead to major advances; however, this requires the development of photosystems that efficiently respond to regions of the electromagnetic spectrum that innocuously penetrate tissue. To this end, we have developed a polymer that photochemically degrades upon absorption of one photon of visible light and demonstrated its potential for medical applications. Particles formulated from this polymer release molecular cargo in vitro and in vivo upon irradiation with blue visible light through a photoexpansile swelling mechanism.

Summary of the practice parameter for the use of stimulant medications in the treatment of children, adolescents, and adults.

This practice parameter describes treatment with stimulant medication. It uses an evidence-based medicine approach derived from a detailed literature review and expert consultation. Stimulant medications in clinical use include methylphenidate, dextroamphetamine, mixed salts of amphetamine, and pemoline. They carry U.S. Food and Drug Administration indications for the treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Summary of the practice parameter for the prevention and management of aggressive behavior in child and adolescent psychiatric institutions with special reference to seclusion and restraint.

This parameter reviews the current state of the prevention and management of child and adolescent aggressive behavior in psychiatric institutions, with particular reference to the indications and use of seclusion and restraint. It also presents guidelines that have been developed in response to professional, regulatory, and public concern about the use of restrictive interventions with aggressive patients with regard to personal safety and patient rights. The literature on the use of seclusion, physical restraint, mechanical restraint, and chemical restraint is reviewed, and procedures for carrying out each of these interventions are described. Clinical and regulatory agency perspectives on these interventions are presented. Effectiveness, indications, contraindications, complications, and adverse effects of seclusion and restraint procedures are addressed. Interventions are presented to provide more opportunities to promote patient independence and satisfaction with treatment while diminishing the necessity of using restrictive procedures.

The Global TB Drug Facility: innovative global procurement.

The Global TB Drug Facility (GDF) is a new initiative to increase access to high quality tuberculosis drugs. The GDF, a project of the Global Partnership to Stop TB, is managed by its secretariat, in the World Health Organization (WHO), Geneva. It aims to provide tuberculosis drugs to treat up to 11.6 million patients over the next 5 years and to assist countries to reach the WHO global TB control targets by 2005. The GDF was launched on 24 March 2001. Six rounds of applications have been completed, with 46 countries and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) approved for support. The GDF is not a traditional procurement mechanism. It has adopted an innovative approach to the supply of drugs, by linking demand for drugs to supply and monitoring, using partners to provide services, using product packaging to simplify drug management and linking grants to TB programme performance. This paper describes the GDF operational procedures and experience gained so far. Key achievements to date are also outlined, including the creation of a flexible supply system to meet differing programme needs, rapid establishment of procedures, reduction in TB drug prices--a catalyst for DOTS expansion in countries, standardisation of products, and collaboration with partners. The GDF is flexible enough to meet the needs of countries with a TB burden. The GDF experience could be used as an example for global procurement of drugs and commodities for other diseases, such as HIV/AIDS and malaria. In the future it is likely that the GDF will expand to include second-line drugs and diagnostic materials for TB and could assist other partnerships to develop similar mechanisms and facilities to meet country needs.

Cardiac arrhythmias and circle mappings(a)).

The description of the Gelfand-Tsetlin model is presented as excerpts from the author's diploma dissertation on the mappings of a circle to itself.

Redundant clothing: a readily observable marker for schizophrenia in the psychiatric emergency room population.

Most mental health workers have seen bizarrely dressed patients who wear multiple pieces of some item of clothing. Since many of these patients carried a schizophrenic diagnosis, we devised a study to test whether redundant clothing is a reliable indicator of schizophrenia. Of 25 patients who presented at the city psychiatric emergency room wearing redundant clothes, 18 received schizophrenic diagnoses. A Chi square analysis comparing proportions attained significance at the P < .0001 level. Although not a particularly sensitive measure, wearing redundant clothes appears to be a readily observable behavior associated with schizophrenia in the psychiatric emergency room.

Assessment of Jatropha curcas L. biodiesel seed cake toxicity using the zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryo toxicity (ZFET) test.

Consequent to the growing demand for alternative sources of energy, the seeds from Jatropha curcas remain to be the favorite for biodiesel production. However, a significant volume of the residual organic mass (seed cake) is produced during the extraction process, which raises concerns on safe waste disposal. In the present study, we assessed the toxicity of J. curcas seed cake using the zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryotoxicity test. Within 1-h post-fertilization (hpf), the fertilized eggs were exposed to five mass concentrations of J. curcas seed cake and were followed through 24, 48, and 72 hpf. Toxicity was evaluated based on lethal endpoints induced on zebrafish embryos namely egg coagulation, non-formation of somites, and non-detachment of tail. The lowest concentration tested, 1 g/L, was not able to elicit toxicity on embryos whereas 100 % mortality (based also on lethal endpoints) was recorded at the highest concentration at 2.15 g/L. The computed LC50 for the J. curcas seed cake was 1.61 g/L. No further increase in mortality was observed in the succeeding time points (48 and 72 hpf) indicating that J. curcas seed cake exerted acute toxicity on zebrafish embryos. Sublethal endpoints (yolk sac and pericardial edema) were noted at 72 hpf in zebrafish embryos exposed to higher concentrations. The observed lethal endpoints induced on zebrafish embryos were discussed in relation to the active principles, notably, phorbol esters that have remained in the seed cake even after extraction.