Cytogenetic damage in the buccal cells of photocopying workers in Lahore, Pakistan.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the genotoxic effects associated with workers in relation to the emissions at photocopying centres. METHODS: This case-control study was conducted at the Lahore College for Women University, Lahore, Pakistan, from August to November 2015, and comprised photocopying operators and controls. Micronuclei and other nuclear abnormalities in exfoliated buccal cells were analysed. A structured questionnaire was designed and interviews were conducted face-to-face. Statistical analysis was conducted to evaluate the significance of differences. RESULTS: Of the 200 participants, there were 100(50%) in each group. There were 24(24%) smokers and 76(76%) non-smokers among the controls compared to 29(29%) smokers and 71(71%) non-smokers among the cases. The mean age was 31.08±10.97 years and 28.19±7.58 years in the controls and the cases, respectively. The frequency of deoxyribonucleic acid damage and cell death parameters was high in photocopying operators compared to the controls (p<0.05). Positive correlation was observed between work span and the frequency of deoxyribonucleic acid damage (r=0.226) and cell death parameters (r=0.115). Smoking was positively associated with the frequencies of deoxyribonucleic acid damage (r=0.65) and cell death parameters (r=0.37). The differences were statistically significant (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: A highly significant difference was observed in deoxyribonucleic acid damage and cell death of workers associated with photocopy profession.

Pharmacognostical evaluation and physiochemical analysis of Salsola Kali as medicinal plant.

One of the largest genera Salsola include halophytic plants with therapeutic potential. For the treatment of various ailments, plants of the genus are acclaimed. Salsola kali is an important medicinal plant exhibiting specific phytochemical and biological makeup that is frequently overlooked. The current study aimed at the pharmacognostical evaluation of leaves and stem of Salsola kali to ensure the purity, quality, and efficacy of this valuable medicinal species. For the identification, evaluation and standardization of diagnostic attributes of intact and powdered material of Salsola kali leaves and stem, various methods including organoleptic, macroscopic, microscopic, and physicochemical analysis were employed. The plant was identified to possess significant characteristics with a view to authenticate drug. Light Microscopy (LM) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) of aerial parts of Salsola kali manifested specialized anatomical features essential for the adaptability in dry-saline environment. Upon quantitative pharmacognostic analysis of powder of leaves and stem, the moisture content of 1.3% and 11.1%, respectively was found. The total ash (%) in leaves and stem was computed to be 65.95 and 85.3, respectively. The water soluble and alcohol soluble extractive values (%) were computed to be 79.38 and 75.4 in leaves and 78.0 and 76.8 in stem, respectively. The swelling index (cm) in leaves and stem was enumerated to be 0.8 and 0.5. The current study will be helpful in the quality check and authentication of various parts of Salsola kali that can be used as principal component of herbal medicine formulation. Based on various microscopic analyses, that is, Light Microscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy, the detailed description and valuable information on Salsola kali, a medicinal plant, has been provided. The present study can make a significant contribution in the literature as the findings may contribute to the determination of purity of Salsola kali for future perspectives.

Low-temperature health hazards among workers of cold storage facilities in Lahore, Pakistan.

BACKGROUND: Cold storage facilities are the most common workplaces that produce artificially cold work environments and are associated with different adverse effects on human health, work productivity and the occurrence of accidents and injuries. The aim of this study was to measure the antagonistic health effects on workers, so that common factors causing abnormal symptoms could be determined, and to gather basic information to monitor the associated health risks from the exposure to cold work environments. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted to investigate the occurrence of cold-related adverse health effects, musculoskeletal symptoms, skin problems, injuries, respiratory illnesses, general hygiene and occupational environment related to cold indoor workplaces, using the Standardized Nordic Questionnaire. A total of 200 subjects took part in this study, including 100 exposed and 100 unexposed to cold environments. A 1-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and a t-test were applied to measure statistical differences and to differentiate the cases where variations occurred, using SPSS 16. RESULTS: The study revealed that a longer and constant exposure to extremely cold indoor work environments significantly increased (p <0.001) the cold-related symptoms and musculoskeletal disorders which ultimately reduced (p <0.01) the efficiency, effectiveness, performance and work ability of the exposed workers. CONCLUSIONS: The study disclosed various adverse cold-related complaints of the studied subjects who were exposed to extreme cold conditions during a maximum number of working hours. The most consistent problems were related to musculoskeletal discomfort, skin problems and respiratory abnormalities. Med Pr. 2020;71(1):1-7.

Occupational health surveillance: pulmonary function testing and oxidative stress among photocopying workers in Pakistan.

BACKGROUND: The photocopying occupation contributes to various health issues in workers. Elevated levels of oxidative stress have been found to be associated with respiratory problems in occupational workers. The intention of the current research is to evaluate the association between the pulmonary function parameters, a biomarker of oxidative stress, and the photocopying occupation in Lahore, Pakistan. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was performed on a group of photocopying operators (N = 100) and a control group (N = 100). A structured questionnaire was developed to gather the demographic attributes. Lung function testing was done with the spirometer. The blood lipid peroxides level, as thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), was assessed spectrophotometrically. RESULTS: A statistically significant reduction was found in the pulmonary function parameters as compared to the control group. In the study group, the prevalence of respiratory symptoms, including cough (31%), sneezing (18%), wheezing (9%) and breathing issues (19%), was high as compared to the control group. A significantly higher plasma TBARS concentration was observed in the photocopying workers. A negative correlation prevailed between FVC (-0.081), FVC% predicted (-0.038) and FEV1 (-0.043), and the duration of exposure. CONCLUSIONS: The study showed that the occupational exposure could have a significant effect on the normal pulmonary function and the oxidative potential of well-being. The profound emissions in the vicinity of photocopying centers may be responsible for the variations in the pulmonary function parameters and oxidative stress. Med Pr. 2019;70(4):403-10.