Hematobiochemical, Oxidative Stress, and Histopathological Mediated Toxicity Induced by Nickel Ferrite (NiFe2O4) Nanoparticles in Rabbits.

From the past few decades, attention towards the biological evaluation of nanoparticles (NPs) has increased due to the persistent and extensive application of NPs in various fields, including biomedical science, modern industry, magnetic resonance imaging, and the construction of sensors. Therefore, in the current study, magnetic nickel ferrite (NiFe2O4) nanoparticles (NFNPs) were synthesized and evaluated for their possible adverse effects in rabbits. The crystallinity of the synthesized NFNPs was confirmed using X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique. The saturation magnetization (46.7 emug-1) was measured using vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) and 0.35-tesla magnetron by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The adverse effects of NFNPs on blood biochemistry and histoarchitecture of the liver, kidneys, spleen, brain, and heart of the rabbits were determined. A total of sixteen adult rabbits, healthy and free from any apparent infection, were blindly placed in two groups. The rabbits in group A served as control, while the rabbits in group B received a single dose (via ear vein) of NFNPs for ten days. The blood and visceral tissues were collected from each rabbit at days 5 and 10 of posttreatment. The results on blood and serum biochemistry profile indicated significant variation in hematological and serum biomarkers in NFNP-treated rabbits. The results showed an increased quantity of oxidative stress and depletion of antioxidant enzymes in treated rabbits. Various serum biochemical tests exhibited significantly higher concentrations of different liver function tests, kidney function tests, and cardiac biomarkers. Histopathologically, the liver showed congestion, edema, atrophy, and degeneration of hepatocytes. The kidneys exhibited hemorrhages, atrophy of renal tubule, degeneration, and necrosis of renal tubules, whereas coagulative necrosis, neutrophilic infiltration, and severe myocarditis were seen in different sections of the heart. The brain of the treated rabbits revealed necrosis of neurons, neuron atrophy, and microgliosis. In conclusion, the current study results indicated that the highest concentration of NPs induced adverse effects on multiple tissues of the rabbits.

Histopathological changes and antioxidant responses in common carp (Cyprinus carpio) exposed to copper nanoparticles.

Despite the rapid increase of nanotechnology in a wide array of industrial sectors, the biosafety profile of nanomaterials remains undefined. The accelerated use of nanomaterials has increased the potential discharge of nanomaterials into the environment in different ways. The aquatic environment is mainly susceptible as it is likely to act as an ultimate sink for all contaminants. Therefore, this study assessed the toxicological impacts of waterborne engineered copper nanoparticles (Cu-NPs) on histology, lipid peroxidation (LPO), catalase (CAT), and glutathione (GSH) levels in the gills of common carp (Cyprinus carpio). Nanoparticles were characterized by XRD and SEM techniques. Before starting the sub-acute toxicity testing, 96 h LC50 of Cu-NPs for C. carpio was calculated as 4.44 mg/l. Then based on LC50, C. carpio of 40-45 g in weight were exposed to three sub-lethal doses of waterborne engineered Cu-NPs (0 or 0.5 or 1 or 1.5 mg/l) for a period of 14 days. The waterborne Cu-NPs have appeared to induce alterations in gill histology and oxidative stress parameters in a dose-dependent manner. The gill tissues showed degenerative secondary lamellae, necrotic lamella, fused lamella, necrosis of the primary and secondary lamella, edema, complete degeneration, epithelial lifting, degenerative epithelium, and hyperplasia in a dose-dependent manner. In the gill tissues, waterborne Cu-NPs caused a decreased level of CAT and elevated levels of LPO, and GSH in the fish exposed to the highest dose of 1.5 mg Cu-NPs/l of water. Our results indicate that the exposure to waterborne Cu-NPs was toxic to the aquatic organisms as shown by the oxidative stresses and histological alterations in C. carpio, a freshwater fish of good economic value.

Genetic polymorphism in association with susceptibility to tuberculosis: a study in a Pakistani population.

Tuberculosis is becoming a global issue with raising occurrences; particularly in developing countries, the situation is alarming. Besides environmental factors, host genetic factors are vital in disease development. A demographical and genotypic analysis in relation to tuberculosis commencement is conducted in a Pakistani population, and genotypic frequency of EBI3 (rs4740) was analyzed. Allelic frequencies of EBI3 (rs4740) were significantly associated with disease susceptibility in the reviewed population. Analysis for EBI3 (rs4740) genotyping showed a significant association of "GG" with reduced risk for disease. Moreover, females and older age found to be more perilous to develop TB while smoking and a family history of TB are additional risk factors for disease development. Further work with a larger population is necessary to identify the true causative variants of tuberculosis.

Fibreoptic intubation in airway management: a review article.

Since the first use of the flexible fibreoptic bronchoscope, a plethora of new airway equipment has become available. It is essential for clinicians to understand the role and limitations of the available equipment to make appropriate choices. The recent 4th National Audit Project conducted in the United Kingdom found that poor judgement with inappropriate choice of equipment was a contributory factor in airway morbidity and mortality. Given the many modern airway adjuncts that are available, we aimed to define the role of flexible fibreoptic intubation in decision-making and management of anticipated and unanticipated difficult airways. We also reviewed the recent literature regarding the role of flexible fibreoptic intubation in specific patient groups who may present with difficult intubation, and concluded that the flexible fibrescope maintains its important role in difficult airway management.

Blends and composites of exopolysaccharides; properties and applications: A review.

Exopolysaccharides are synthesized by bacteria and secreted into the external environment and they may be homopolymeric or heteropolymeric in configuration. They are believed to protect bacterial cells from heavy metals, desiccation or other environmental effect. EPS exhibit antitumor, anti-HIV, emulsion stabilization capacity, shear-thinning activity, suspension ability, high viscosities, excellent biocompatibility, high biodegradability and immunomodulatory properties. They are widely used in herbicides, functional food, nutraceuticals, cosmeceuticals, pharmaceuticals, insecticides, immunomodulation and anticoagulants. This review shed light on the properties and versatile applications of xanthan, curdlan, hyaluronic acid and dextran blends and composites with natural and synthetic polymers.