Prior differences in previous trauma exposure primarily drive the observed racial/ethnic differences in posttrauma depression and anxiety following a recent trauma.

BACKGROUND: Racial and ethnic groups in the USA differ in the prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Recent research however has not observed consistent racial/ethnic differences in posttraumatic stress in the early aftermath of trauma, suggesting that such differences in chronic PTSD rates may be related to differences in recovery over time. METHODS: As part of the multisite, longitudinal AURORA study, we investigated racial/ethnic differences in PTSD and related outcomes within 3 months after trauma. Participants (n = 930) were recruited from emergency departments across the USA and provided periodic (2 weeks, 8 weeks, and 3 months after trauma) self-report assessments of PTSD, depression, dissociation, anxiety, and resilience. Linear models were completed to investigate racial/ethnic differences in posttraumatic dysfunction with subsequent follow-up models assessing potential effects of prior life stressors. RESULTS: Racial/ethnic groups did not differ in symptoms over time; however, Black participants showed reduced posttraumatic depression and anxiety symptoms overall compared to Hispanic participants and White participants. Racial/ethnic differences were not attenuated after accounting for differences in sociodemographic factors. However, racial/ethnic differences in depression and anxiety were no longer significant after accounting for greater prior trauma exposure and childhood emotional abuse in White participants. CONCLUSIONS: The present findings suggest prior differences in previous trauma exposure partially mediate the observed racial/ethnic differences in posttraumatic depression and anxiety symptoms following a recent trauma. Our findings further demonstrate that racial/ethnic groups show similar rates of symptom recovery over time. Future work utilizing longer time-scale data is needed to elucidate potential racial/ethnic differences in long-term symptom trajectories.

Short-term results for laparoscopic ventral rectopexy using biological mesh for pelvic organ prolapse.

AIM: There is growing evidence that laparoscopic ventral rectopexy (LVR) is an effective treatment for pelvic organ prolapse and obstructive defaecation caused by rectocele. LVR is usually performed using synthetic mesh despite concerns about mesh erosion. We present our experience of using a porcine dermal collagen mesh (Permacol™) for LVR, which is the largest such case series to date. METHOD: Data on 65 patients were collected prospectively from May 2008 to October 2010. Outcome measures were complications, recurrence, length of hospital stay, patient satisfaction, Wexner constipation score and Wexner incontinence score. Preoperative and postoperative scores were compared using the two-tailed Wilcoxon signed rank test. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: There were statistically significant improvements in the Wexner constipation scores at 6 months and 1 year (both P<0.0001) and in faecal incontinence scores at 6 months (P<0.0001) and 1year (P=0.0002). There were no cases of mesh erosion or mesh-related infection in our series. Recurrence of symptoms occurred in two patients (3.1%). Symptoms were rated as much better or better by 93% of patients at 6months and this was sustained at 1year (96%). CONCLUSION: In the short term, LVR using biological mesh is safe and as effective as synthetic mesh, with high patient satisfaction. Constipation and faecal incontinence scores were both improved.

Sources, spatial variation, and speciation of heavy metals in sediments of the Tamagawa River in Central Japan.

Sediments of the Tamagawa River in central Japan were studied to explain the spatial variation, to identify the sources of heavy metals, and to evaluate the anthropogenic influence on these pollutants in the river. Sediment samples were collected from 20 sites along the river (five upstream, four midstream, and 11 downstream). Heavy metal concentrations, viz. chromium, nickel, copper, zinc, lead, cadmium, and molybdenum, in the samples were measured using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectroscopy. The chemical speciations of heavy metals in the sediments were identified by the widely used five-step Hall method. Lead isotopes were analyzed to identify what portion is contributed by anthropogenic sources. The total heavy metal concentrations were compared with global averages for continental crust (shale) and average values for Japanese river sediments. The mean heavy metal concentrations were higher in downstream sediments than in upstream and midstream samples, and the concentrations in the silt samples were higher than those in the sand samples. Speciation results demonstrate that, for chromium and nickel, the residual fractions were dominant. These findings imply that the influence of anthropogenic chromium and nickel contamination is negligible, while copper, zinc, and lead were mostly extracted in the non-residual fraction (metals in adsorbed/exchangeable/carbonate forms or bound to amorphous Fe oxyhydroxides, crystalline Fe oxides, or organic matter), indicating that these elements have high chemical mobility. The proportion of lead (Pb) isotopes in the downstream silt samples indicates that Pb accumulation is primarily derived from anthropogenic sources.

Seasonal and spatial distribution of trace elements in the water and sediments of the Tsurumi river in Japan.

The Tsurumi, a class-one Japanese river, has a significant metal loading originating from urban environment. Water and sediment samples were collected from 20 sites in winter and summer, 2009 and were analyzed to determine and compare the extent of different trace element enrichment. A widely used five-step sequential extraction procedure was also employed for the fractionation of the trace elements. Concentrations of zinc, copper, lead, chromium, and cadmium were three to four times higher than that of reference values and downstream sediments are much more polluted than the upstream sites. Geochemical partitioning results suggest that the potential trace metal mobility in aquatic environment was in the order of: cadmium > zinc > lead > copper > cobalt > chromium > molybdenum > nickel. About 80.2% zinc, 77.9% molybdenum, 75.3% cobalt, 63.7% lead, 60.9% copper, 55.1% chromium, and 39.8% nickel in the sediment were contributed anthropogenically. According to intensity of pollution, Tsurumi river sediments are moderately to heavily contaminated by zinc, lead, and cobalt. Enrichment factor values demonstrated that zinc, lead, and molybdenum have minor enrichment in both the season. The pollution load index (PLI) has been used to access the pollution load of different sampling sites. The area load index and average PLI values of the river were 7.77 and 4.93 in winter and 7.72 and 4.89 in summer, respectively. If the magnitude of pollution with trace metal in the river system increases continuously, it may have a severe impact on the river's aquatic ecology.

Heavy metal pollution through hand loom-dyeing effluents and its effect on the community health.

Kumarkhali upazila in Kushtia district of western Bangladesh has become especially vulnerable to dye-effluent pollution over the last two decades. Twenty dyeing effluent samples were obtained at random from various dyeing units and used to determine the heavy metal concentration. The effluent pH, electrical conductivity and total dissolved solids ranged from 3.69 to 13.68, 627 to 7160 mS cm-1 and 4140 to 19800 mg L-1, respectively. In dyeing effluents, the average concentrations of Zn, Cu, Pb, Mn, Fe and Cr ions were 5.50, 82.75, 6.80, 14.27, 66.03 and 65.28 µg mL-1, respectively, while the amount of Cd was barely detectable. Total annual discharges of Cu, Zn, Pb, Mn, Fe and Cr were found to be 21.52, 1.43, 1.77, 3.71, 17.12 and 16.98 kg year-1, respectively, which were high enough to pollute the local environment. According to the survey report, only a minority were aware of public safety measures and proper disposal procedures, though many respondents were conscious of the dangers associated with dyes and chemical substances. Most interviewees (58.33%) used synthetic dyes and other dangerous chemicals throughout the dyeing process, despite the fact that 43.33% did not use hand gloves. A remarkable 80% of respondents were improperly disposing of unused dyes and chemicals. Overall, there was a lack of awareness, right attitude and appropriate behavioural patterns about using dyeing chemicals. To prevent the negative effects of dyeing effluents on the community in the research area, environmental conservation rules should be appropriately implemented.

Mineral nutrient content of infected plants and allied soils provide insight into wheat blast epidemics.

Wheat is the second-largest cereal crop in Bangladesh and plays an essential role in ensuring the country's food security. Since 2016, there has been a severe epidemic of wheat blast disease in Bangladesh. This research investigated the nutritional context of wheat blast epidemics by analyzing the infected plants and allied soils. We collected blast-infected wheat plants and allied soil samples from six different severely infected regions of the Meherpur district situated in the western part of Bangladesh. The incidence and severity of wheat blast disease in the sampling fields ranged from 84.78 - 95.11% and 82.06-92.19%, respectively. Among the investigated mineral nutrients in plant samples, the concentrations of sulfur (S), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) were within the acceptable range of the reference values. In contrast, 50% of the plant samples had insufficient phosphorus (P) concentrations, while others were within the critical range. The potassium (K) and copper (Cu) concentrations in more than 33.5% of plants were within the deficient range. The Si concentrations in half of the tested plant samples were below the acceptable level. However, the boron (B) concentration of around 50% of samples was within the toxic range. The total K, Ca, Zn, Fe, Mn, and Cu concentrations of the soils were lower than the reference values. Based on the interpretation of the available soil test values, the concentrations of S, Fe, Mn, and B in most samples were very low. The concentrations of available P, K, Ca, Mg, Zn and Cu in soil samples were higher than the critical limit. There was a negative relationship between K, S, Ca, Mg, Na and Si concentrations with blast incidence and severity. Therefore, this research suggests that certain plant nutrients such as P, K, Cu, B and Si play a vital role in the wheat blast disease epidemic.

Environmental contamination of lead in dairy farms in Narayangonj, Bangladesh.

OBJECTIVE: In recent years, lead (Pb) has arisen as a foremost contaminant due to overpopulation, rapid industrialization, and expansion that could contaminate the human food chain. However, the correlation between the environmental contamination of Pb and its spatial transfer to the dairy products is still unmapped. In this paper, we intend to evaluate the concentration of environmental Pb and its spatial distribution in dairy feed and products in Narayangonj, a highly polluted district of Bangladesh. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 125 samples of soil, water, forage, and milk were collected from five upazilas (Narayangonj Sadar, Bondor, Rupgonj, Araihazar, and Sonargoan) of Narayangonj. The samples were digested by acid digestion, and Pb was detected by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer and graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometer. The bioconcentration factor of the samples was also calculated. RESULTS: In this study, 25% of the soil, 20% of the water, 5% of the forage, and 2% of the milk samples contained Pb at a variable level. Among the environmental samples, the highest concentration (26-39 µg/kg) of Pb was detected in the soil, followed by in the water (0.023-0.059 µg/kg) and forage (0.017-0.035 µg/kg). The contamination (0.041-0.068 µg/kg) in the milk, however, was lower than the soil but higher than the water and forage. The concentration of Pb in all the samples was within a safer limit. None of the forage samples was the potential bioaccumulator. CONCLUSION: Although no linear correlation was established between the environmental samples, forage, and milk, the study identifies the potentials of the spatial distribution of Pb from the environment to the dairy feed and products. Therefore, feasible procedures should be adapted to cease the residue to the human food chain.

Public perception and health implication of loom-dye effluent irrigation on growth of rice (Oryza sativa L.) and red amaranth (Amaranthus tricolor L.) seedlings.

Loom-dye effluent discharge has constituted a major environmental threat to the people of Belkuchi Upazila of Sirajganj District. The present study was conducted to characterize loom-dye effluents and investigate their health implications by the growth analysis of rice and red amaranth seedlings along with a survey study among the individuals associated with loom-dyeing, weaving, and crop farming activities. A total of twenty-eight loom-dye effluent samples were collected for physicochemical characterization; among them, only three loom-dye effluents, i.e. pink, violet, and black dyes, at concentrations of 0, 10, 25, 50, 75, and 100% were applied as irrigation water to rice and red amaranth. The plant growth experiment was laid out following a completely randomized design with three replicas. Chemical analyses of loom-dye effluents showed the presence of a significant amount of plant nutrients and heavy metals. The mean concentrations of Pb, Cd, Cr, Fe, Mn, Zn, and Cu were 0.938, 0.046, 0.212, 7.109, 0.609, 0.351, and 0.191 mg L-1, respectively. Among the metals, the concentrations of Pb, Cr, Fe, and Mn were above the recommended limit proposed by the irrigation water guideline value. Application of ≤ 25% pink and violet dye effluent and ≤ 10% black dye effluent had significant (p < 0.05) and positive impacts on growth and yield parameters. Heavy metal content in seedlings increased with increasing effluent application rate and crossed the utmost permissible limit at higher concentration. Survey data discovered a moderate knowledge level among the respondents, which might account for the indiscriminate discharge of loom-dye effluent into the surrounding environment. Attitudes, practices, and protective behaviours of the respondents also reflect the caused for long-term pollution through loom-dye effluents. To reduce its negative effects on the health and crop environment, the loom-dye effluents should not be discharged indiscriminately and used for crop irrigation without proper treatment. Furthermore, training programs ought to be introduced to educate the individuals involved in the discharge and subsequent use of loom-dye effluents.

Comparative Study of Gene Expression Profiling Unravels Functions Associated with Pathogenesis of Dengue Infection.

BACKGROUND: Dengue virus is a potential source of propagating dengue hemorrhagic fever. This virus leads to dengue hemorrhagic fever/dengue shock syndrome, benign syndrome, and severe syndrome and due to its infection, there occurs alterations at multiple levels such as gene expression and pathway levels. So, it is critical to understand the pathogenesis of dengue infection in terms of gene expression and the associated functions. METHODS: For this purpose, here, we have analyzed the temporal gene expression profiling for the dengue hemorrhagic fever dataset at 12, 24, and 48 hours. RESULTS: The outcome appears that the dengue hemorrhagic fever evolves differently at different time periods or stages. CONCLUSION: The change in the gene expression pattern increases exponentially from 12 hours to 48 hours and the number of altered functions (pathways) also increases. Wnt, apoptosis, and transcription signaling are among the critical pathways which are dominantly altered. In the initial phase (first 12 hours), only two pathways are altered due to dengue infection, while in the next 12 hours, eight pathways are altered, and finally, in the next 24 hours, 11 pathways are altered and most of these 11 pathways are very critical in terms of biological pathways and functions.

Zika Virus Targeting by Screening Inhibitors against NS2B/NS3 Protease.

Zika flavivirus is suspected to cause Guillain-Barre syndrome in adults and microcephaly, along with other congenital abnormalities in infants. Presently, no vaccines or therapeutics are available. Here, we report novel compounds identified by high-throughput virtual screening of Maybridge chemical database and molecular docking studies. We selected viral enzyme NS2B/NS3 serine protease as the therapeutic target because of its important role in viral replication. We selected seven potential compounds as antiviral drug candidates because of their high GOLD fitness score, high AutoDock Vina score, or X-Score binding energy and analyzed the strength of molecular interactions between the active site amino acids and selected compounds. Our study also provides a foundation for similar studies for the search of novel therapeutics against Zika virus.

Heavy metals in handloom-dyeing effluents and their biosorption by agricultural byproducts.

The Madhabdi municipality in the Narsingdi district of Bangladesh is a well-known area for textile, handloom weaving, and dyeing industries. These textile industries produce a considerable amount of effluents, sewage sludge, and solid waste materials every day that they directly discharge into surrounding water bodies and agricultural fields. This disposal poses a serious threat to the overall epidemic and socio-economic pattern of the locality. This research entailed the collection of 34 handloom-dyeing effluent samples from different handloom-dyeing industries of Madhabdi, which were then analyzed to determine the contents of the heavy metals iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), lead (Pb), and cadmium (Cd). Average concentrations of Fe, Cr, Cu, Pb, Mn, and Zn were 3.81, 1.35, 1.70, 0.17, 0.75, and 0.73 mg L-1, respectively, whereas Cd content was below the detectable limit of the atomic adsorption spectrophotometer. The concentrations of Fe, Cr, Cu, Pb, and Mn exceed the industrial effluent discharge standards (IEDS) for inland surface water and irrigation water guideline values. A biosorption experiment of the heavy metals (Fe, Cr, Cu, Mn, and Zn) was conducted without controlling for any experimental parameters (e.g., pH, temperature, or other compounds present in the effluent samples) by using four agricultural wastes or byproducts, namely rice husk, sawdust, lemon peel, and eggshell. Twenty grams of each biosorbent was added to 1 L of effluent samples and stored for 7 days. The biosorption capacity of each biosorbent is ranked as follows: eggshell, sawdust, rice husk, and lemon peel. Furthermore, the biosorption affinity of each metal ion was found in the following order: Cu and Cr (both had similar biosorption affinity), Zn, Fe, Mn. The effluents should not be discharged before treatment, and efficient treatment of effluents is possible with eggshell powder or sawdust at a rate of 20 g of biosorbent per liter of effluents.

Effect of cigarette smoke on endothelial regeneration in vivo and nitric oxide levels.

BACKGROUND: Cigarette smoking accelerates atherosclerosis and restenosis after vascular reconstruction. The mechanisms by which smoking alters vessel structure after injury are unclear. This study examined the effects of cigarette smoking on endothelial regeneration, an important component of arterial remodeling. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Adult male rats were subjected to balloon injury of the thoracic aorta and exposed to mainstream cigarette smoke via a Griffith-type smoking machine for 2 weeks. Control groups included rats which were restrained in the machine but not smoked and a group not utilizing the machine. Aortic reendothelialization was determined using Evan's blue staining of the arterial surface. Serum levels of nitric oxide were measured to determine if smoke exposure altered this potential endothelial cell mitogen. RESULTS: Cigarette smoking increased aortic endothelial regeneration (78.4 +/- 4.6% vs 59.2 +/- 2.1%, P < 0.05) and was associated with an increase in serum nitric oxide level (59.9 +/- 7. 1 microM vs 28.5 +/- 1.8 microM, P < 0.05). Daily restraint alone in the smoking machine had no effect on endothelial regeneration. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report on the effects of smoking on endothelial regeneration and demonstrates that smoking increases reendothelialization after large vessel injury and serum levels of nitric oxide, an EC mitogen.