Association of IL-1ß 542 T>A gene polymorphism with Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis in Erbil City population.

Recurrent Aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is common oral mucosal condition. The pathophysiology of RAS is affected by a variety of variables, including microbial, genetic, immunological and local and systemic diseases. Interleukin IL-1ß, a cytokine that promotes inflammation, has been found in high concentrations in the circulation of RAS. The goal of current investigation was to determine whether RAS is connected with polymorphisms of the IL-1ß 542 T>A gene. A total of 60 RAS patients and 30 controls were included in the study. Biochemical investigations for determining (vitamin D, vitamin B12 and zinc) were done and genotypes of IL-1B gene polymorphisms were determined using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing. The mean age of the participants was 30.83 ± 1.466 years (range 16 to 50). There was no significant association of SNP IL-1ß 542T>A polymorphism with RAS diseases compared to controls, in both parameters such as sex (p-value=0.495) and age groups (p-value=0.6253). There was significant difference in the occurrence of both A and T alleles between RAS patients and controls (p-value=0.0058). The mean vitamin D in both genotypes TA and TT differed significantly (p-value=0.007) but in genotype AA there was no significant difference. Significant difference was observed in zinc concentration between patients and controls (p-value=0.0031). The findings of current investigation indicate that there is a specific IL-1ß 542 T>A gene variation that is associated to the pathogenesis of RAS. Allele A was related to the risk of RAS in Erbil city population.

A potential toxicological risk assessment of heavy metals and pesticides in irrigated rice cultivars near industrial areas of Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Rice intake represents a significant pathway through which humans accumulate heavy metals. This study presents a comprehensive analysis of heavy metal and pesticide contamination in rice cultivars irrigated with industrial wastewater near Dhaka, Bangladesh, a region heavily influenced by industrial activities. This study employed a unique methodology that not only quantified the concentrations of heavy metals and pesticide residues in rice grains but also extended to evaluating the physicochemical properties of rice stems, husks, soil, and irrigation water. The findings revealed alarmingly high levels of heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, chromium, nickel, and mercury in the soil and irrigation water, with concentrations in some cases exceeding the World Health Organization safety thresholds by 2 to 15 times. Notably, the rice grains also exhibited significant contamination, including substantial amounts of diazinon and fenitrothion pesticides, exceeding the established safety limits. The study employed hazard quotients (HQs) and cancer risk (CR) assessments to evaluate the potential health risks associated with the consumption of contaminated rice. The results indicated HQ values were greater than 1 for rice grains across the sampled fields, suggesting a considerable non-carcinogenic health risk, particularly from lead exposure, which was found at levels twice the standard limit in all the sampling fields. Moreover, the CR values for As, Pb, Cd, Co, and Mn highlighted a significant carcinogenic risk in several instances.

Antibiotic residues in pasteurised and Raw Cow's milk in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

This study aimed to investigate antibiotic residues such as oxytetracycline, ciprofloxacin, enrofloxacin and levofloxacin, in both pasteurised and raw cow's milk. A method using high-performance liquid chromatography with a UV detector (HPLC-UV) was developed and validated following International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) guidelines for simultaneous detection and quantification of these residues. The technique demonstrated linearity, with r2 values ranging from 0.999 to 1.00 within the 1.3-15.0 µg ml-1 range for each antibiotic. Thirty cow's milk samples, raw and pasteurised, from Dhaka's local markets were analysed, revealing the presence of enrofloxacin and levofloxacin, while oxytetracycline was absent in all samples. Notably, pasteurised milk samples contained enrofloxacin, levofloxacin and oxytetracycline, with groups P6 and P7 exceeding the Maximum Residue Limit for enrofloxacin, levofloxacin and ciprofloxacin (121 µg l-1). This study emphasises antibiotic residues in milk, with a validated method holding promise for routine analysis in industries requiring simultaneous quantitation of multiple antibiotics.

Distribution of Ciprofloxacin- and Azithromycin-Resistant Genes among Salmonella Typhi Isolated from Human Blood.

Context: Salmonella Typhi has developed resistance to different groups of antibiotics. Aims: The purpose of the present study was to assess the distribution of ciprofloxacin- and azithromycin-resistant genes among Salmonella Typhi isolated from human blood. Settings and Design: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Microbiology of a tertiary care hospital in Bangladesh from July 2019-June 2020. Subjects and Methods: Clinically suspected enteric fever patients, irrespective of age and gender, who attended the laboratory of the Department of Microbiology and outpatient department of Medicine of tertiary care hospital. Blood culture and sensitivity tests were done. The positive growth of Salmonella Typhi was identified by Gram staining, colony morphology, and biochemical test. Then, Salmonella Typhi was identified by using Salmonella-specific antisera. Final identification was made by using 16s rRNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). PCR was also done to detect quinolone and azithromycin resistance genes. Results: A total number of 83 samples yielded positive cultures, of which 50 isolated organisms were identified as Salmonella species; however, among these isolates, Salmonella Typhi was detected in 40 (48.2%) isolates. Among 12 ciprofloxacin-resistant isolates, 8 (66.67%) were positive for the gyrA gene, 1 (8.33%) was positive for the qnrB gene and qnrS gene, 2 (16.67%) were positive for aac (6´)-Ib-cr. Among 12 azithromycin-resistant isolates, 2 (16.66%) were positive for mphA and mefA genes, respectively. Conclusion: In conclusion, the gyrA, aac (6´)-Ib-cr, mphA, and mefA genes are found for the first time in tertiary care hospitals from the quinolones and azithromycin-resistant Salmonella Typhi.

Modified QuEChERS Method for Extracting Thiamethoxam and Imidacloprid from Stingless Bees: Development, Application, and Green Metrics.

In the present study, a method for the determination of residues of the neonicotinoid insecticides thiamethoxam and imidacloprid in the stingless bee Melipona scutellaris Latreille (1811) was optimized through a factorial design, tested using green metrics, and then applied to exposed bees. It combines the extraction with a modified quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe method and the determination by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis. Different parameters such as the mass of the sample, dispersive sorbents, and elution solvents were assessed. Method validation parameters were checked and include sensitivity, specificity, and linearity. The limit of quantification of 0.0025 µg g-1 was obtained for both insecticides, where accuracy was 94%-100% with satisfactory intraday and interday precisions (relative standard deviation <10%). The qualified method was applied to orally and topically exposed bee samples, and the results indicated that it is suitable for the determination and quantification of neonicotinoid pesticide residues in this species. Moreover, green analytical metrics like the National Environmental Methods Index, Eco Scale score, high-performance liquid chromatography with an environmental assessment tool (HPLC-EAT), waste generation, and amount of sample were compared with methods described in the literature involving neonicotinoid analysis in honeybees. As a result, the present study displayed the highest Eco Scale score and HPLC-EAT score and the second smallest amount of sample and waste generated. Thus, the method meets green analytical metrics more than other methods. In this sense, besides the application, the multicriteria decision analysis tool employed suggests that this is a good option as a green analytical method. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:2365-2374. © 2022 SETAC.

Hematological Abnormalities in COVID-19: A Narrative Review.

COVID-19 is caused by SARS-CoV-2. Although pulmonary manifestations have been identified as the major symptoms, several hematological abnormalities have also been identified. This review summarizes the reported hematological abnormalities (changes in platelet, white blood cell, and hemoglobin, and coagulation/fibrinolytic alterations), explores their patho-mechanisms, and discusses its management. Common hematological abnormalities in COVID-19 are lymphopenia, thrombocytopenia, and elevated D-dimer levels. These alterations are significantly more common/prominent in patients with severe COVID-19 disease, and thus may serve as a possible biomarker for those needing hospitalization and intensive care unit care. Close attention needs to be paid to coagulation abnormalities, and steps should be taken to prevent these occurring or to mitigate their harmful effects. The effect of COVID-19 in patients with hematological abnormalities and recognized hematological drug toxicities of therapies for COVID-19 are also outlined.

Neurological manifestations in COVID-19: A narrative review.

COVID-19, a respiratory viral infection, has affected more than 10 million individuals worldwide. Common symptoms include fever, dry cough, fatigue and shortness of breath. Some patients show neurological manifestations such as headache, dizziness, cerebrovascular disease, peripheral nerve and muscle symptoms and smell and taste impairment. In previous studies, SARS-CoV-1 and MERS-CoV were found to affect the nervous system. Given the high similarity between SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2, effects on the nervous system by SARS-CoV-2 are a possibility. We have outlined the common neurological manifestations in COVID-19 (information are up-to-date as of June 2020) and discussed the possible pathogenetic mechanisms and management options.

Diarrhoea: An Atypical Presentation of COVID-19.

Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) is a viral pneumonia caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The disease started as an epidemic in China in December 2019 that later achieved a pandemic potential spreading to over 210 countries with more than 3.5 million confirmed cases and close to 250,000 deaths till date. Its symptoms most commonly include, dry cough, fever, myalgia, and fatigue. As the number of new cases keeps on rising, many patients have been documented with gastrointestinal manifestations such as diarrhoea, vomiting and abdominal pain. We report a case of a 23-year-old female who presented with the primary complaint of diarrhoea, after positive contact history with a COVID-19 patient. Key Words: SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19, Pneumonia, ARDS, Diarrhoea.

The relationship between the development of musculoskeletal disorders, body mass index, and academic stress in Bahraini University students.

BACKGROUND: There are many mechanisms in which stress can lead to weight gain thus high a BMI. The endocrine and inflammatory pathway can directly increase abdominal adiposity. Another way in which stress leads to weight gain is through changes in health behaviors. The study aimed to investigate the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among healthy students of Ahlia University, and to determine the relationship between the development of MSDs and academic stressors and body mass index. METHODS: Self-administered questionnaires were distributed to 94 students aged 18-26 years who were enrolled at various Ahlia University colleges and met other inclusion criteria. The students responded to the standardized Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire and the modified College Student Stress Inventory regarding musculoskeletal symptoms and academic stressors. Height and weight measurements were also obtained to determine body mass index. RESULTS: A total of 77.66% reported MSDs in one or more body part, with the prevalence being higher among women than among men. The 7-day prevalence of MSDs severe enough to interfere with activities of daily living was 60.64%, and 44.68% by female and male students, respectively. There was a significant relationship between academic stress and MSDs in the neck, shoulders, lower back, and hips, while the relationship between MSDs, and body mass index, academic stress, and grade point average was not significant. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of MSDs among Ahlia University students was found to be high. Apart from the positive correlation between academic stress and MSDs in certain body parts, other correlations were not significant.

Inhibition of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell proliferation and synergism of cisplatin with silvestrol and episilvestrol isolated from Aglaia stellatopilosa.

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a type of tumour that arises from the epithelial cells that line the surface of the nasopharynx. NPC is treated with radiotherapy and cytotoxic chemotherapeutic drugs such as cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil. However, current strategies are often associated with potential toxicities. This has prompted efforts to identify alternative methods of treatment. The present study aimed to investigate silvestrol and episilvestrol-mediated inhibition of cell proliferation in human NPC cells. The growth kinetics of NPC cells treated with silvestrol or episilvestrol were monitored dynamically using a real-time, impedance-based cell analyzer, and dose-response profiles were generated using a colorimetric cell viability assay. Furthermore, apoptosis was evaluated using flow cytometry and high content analysis. In addition, flow cytometry was performed to determine cell cycle distribution. Finally, the effects of combining silvestrol or episilvestrol with cisplatin on NPC cells was examined. Apoptosis was not observed in silvestrol and episilvestrol-treated NPC cells, although cell cycle perturbation was evident. Treatment with both compounds induced a significant increase in the percentage of cells in the G2/M phase, as compared with the control. In vitro cultures combining silvestrol or episilvestrol with cisplatin showed synergistic effects against NPC cells. The results of the present study suggested that silvestrol and episilvestrol had an anti-tumour activity in NPC cells. Silvestrol and episilvestrol, particularly in combination with cisplatin, merit further investigation, so as to determine the cellular mechanisms underlying their action(s) as anti-NPC agents.

A Study of Method Development, Validation, and Forced Degradation for Simultaneous Quantification of Paracetamol and Ibuprofen in Pharmaceutical Dosage Form by RP-HPLC Method.

A rapid and stability-indicating reversed phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) method was developed for simultaneous quantification of paracetamol and ibuprofen in their combined dosage form especially to get some more advantages over other methods already developed for this combination. The method was validated according to United States Pharmacopeia (USP) guideline with respect to accuracy, precision, specificity, linearity, solution stability, robustness, sensitivity, and system suitability. Forced degradation study was validated according to International Conference on Harmonisation (ICH). For this, an isocratic condition of mobile phase comprising phosphate buffer (pH 6.8) and acetonitrile in a ratio of 65:35, v/v at a flow rate of 0.7 mL/minute over RP C18 (octadecylsilane (ODS), 150 × 4.6 mm, 5 µm, Phenomenex Inc.) column at ambient temperature was maintained. The method showed excellent linear response with correlation coefficient (R (2)) values of 0.999 and 1.0 for paracetamol and ibuprofen respectively, which were within the limit of correlation coefficient (R (2) > 0.995). The percent recoveries for two drugs were found within the acceptance limit of (97.0-103.0%). Intra-and inter-day precision studies of the new method were less than the maximum allowable limit percentage of relative standard deviation (%RSD) ≤ 2.0. Forced degradation of the drug product was carried out as per the ICH guidelines with a view to establishing the stability-indicating property of this method and providing useful information about the degradation pathways, degradation products, and how the quality of a drug substance and drug product changes with time under the influence of various stressing conditions. The degradation of ibuprofen was within the limit (5-20%, according to the guideline of ICH), while paracetamol showed <20% degradation in oxidation and basic condition.

Situational analysis of household energy and biomass use and associated health burden of indoor air pollution and mitigation efforts in Pakistan.

Biomass fuel burning leads to high levels of suspended particulate matter and hazardous chemicals in the indoor environment in countries where it is in common use, contributing significantly to indoor air pollution (IAP). A situational analysis of household energy and biomass use and associated health effects of IAP was conducted by reviewing published and un-published literature about the situation in Pakistan. In addition to attempt to quantify the burden of ill health due to IAP, this paper also appraises the mitigation measures undertaken to avert the problem in Pakistan. Unfortunately, IAP is still not a recognized environmental hazard in Pakistan and there are no policies and standards to control it at the household level. Only a few original studies related to health effects of IAP have been conducted, mainly on women's health and birth outcome, and only a few governmental, non-governmental and academic institutions are working to improve the IAP situation by introducing improved stoves and renewable energy technology at a small scale. Control of IAP health hazards in Pakistan requires an initial meeting of the stakeholders to define a policy and an action agenda. Simultaneously, studies gathering evidence of impact of intervention through available technologies such as improved stoves would have favorable impact on the health, especially of women and children in Pakistan.