Identification of two novel thiophene analogues as inducers of autophagy mediated cell death in breast cancer cells.

Natural compounds isolated from different medicinal plants remain one of the major resources of anticancer drugs due to their enormous chemical diversity. Studies suggested therapeutic potential for various tanshinones, key bioactive lipophilic compounds from the root extracts of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge, against multiple cancers including breast carcinoma. We designed, synthesized and evaluated anti-cancer properties of a series of condensed and doubly condensed furophenanthraquinones of tanshinone derivatives on two breast cancer lines - MCF7 and MDA-MB-231. We identified two thiophene analogues - compounds 48 and 52 with greater anti-proliferative efficiency (~4 fold) as compared to the natural tanshinones. Mechanistically, we showed that both compounds induced autophagy mediated cell death and partial but significant restoration of cell death in the presence of autophagy inhibitor further supported this notion. Both compounds transcriptionally activated several autophagy genes responsible for autophagosome formation along with two death regulators - GADD34 and CHOP for inducing cell death. Altogether, our studies provide strong evidence to support compounds 48 and 52 as promising leads for further development as anticancer agents through modulating autophagy mechanism.

Tunable luminescence of a synthesized furophenanthraquinone derivative: interactions with different solvents.

The synthesis is described of a luminescent furophenanthraquinone derivative, 9-methoxyphenanthro[4,3-b]furan-4,5-dione (MPFD). The biological importance of tetracyclic furophenanthraquinones was considered and the tunable luminescence of MPFD in different solvents was studied to explore the nature of the specific interactions between MPFD and solvents. Observation of dual emission bands and identical nature of the fluorescence excitation spectra of MPFD monitored at the emission wavelength in polar solvents indicated the formation of two different types of species in the excited state, probably due to proton transfer from the solvent to MPFD. Luminescence intensity due to anionic species was found to be increased and the corresponding peak was red shifted with increase in the proton-donating ability of the solvents, acting as an acid with respect to MPFD. Availability of more acidic protons in the solvent facilitated this phenomenon occurring in the excited state. MPFD also interacted with halogen-containing solvents by forming electron donor-acceptor charge transfer (CT) complexes. This CT complex formation was dependent on the number of chlorine atoms; the position of the corresponding luminescence band varied with the polarity of the solvent. Extent of the CT increased with increase in the number of chlorine atoms in the dichloro, trichloro and tetrachloro solvents, whereas the luminescence peak due to the CT complex was found to be blue shifted with decrease in solvent polarity. Interaction of the synthesized bioactive MPFD with different solvents deserves biological importance as proton transfer and CT play pivotal roles in biology.

Clinical, humanistic, and economic burden of osteoarthritis among noninstitutionalized adults in the United States.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the burden of osteoarthritis (OA) among noninstitutionalized adults (≥18 years of age) in the US. DESIGN: Weighted nationally representative data from the 2015 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey were used to estimate OA prevalence in noninstitutionalized adults and compare adults with OA to those without OA for clinical (pain interference with activities [PIA], functional limitations), humanistic (health-related quality-of-life [HRQoL]) and economic outcomes (healthcare costs, wage loss). Productivity/wage loss was estimated among employed working-age adults (18-64 years). Multivariable regression analyses examined the associations between OA and outcomes. RESULTS: In 2015, 10.5% (25.6 million) of noninstitutionalized US adults reported having any OA. Regression analyses indicated that adults with OA were significantly more likely than those without OA to report moderate (adjusted odds ratios [AOR] 1.99; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.65-2.40] or severe PIA (AOR 2.59; 95% CI 2.21-3.04), any functional limitation (AOR 2.51; 95% CI 2.21-2.85), and poorer HRQoL on the SF-12 version 2 Physical Component Summary score (adjusted beta [standard error] -3.88 [0.357]; P < 0.001). Adjusted incremental annual total healthcare costs and lost wages among adults with OA relative to those without OA were $1778 and $189 per person, respectively, resulting in estimated national excess costs of $45 billion and $1.7 billion, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: OA affects approximately 10% of noninstitutionalized adults in the US, resulting in substantial clinical, humanistic, and economic burdens.

Transverse cardiac slicing and optical imaging for analysis of transmural gradients in membrane potential and Ca2+ transients in murine heart.

KEY POINTS: A robust cardiac slicing approach was developed for optical mapping of transmural gradients in transmembrane potential (Vm ) and intracellular Ca2+ transient (CaT) of murine heart. Significant transmural gradients in Vm and CaT were observed in the left ventricle. Frequency-dependent action potentials and CaT alternans were observed in all ventricular regions with rapid pacing, with significantly greater incidence in the endocardium than epicardium. The observations demonstrate the feasibility of our new approach to cardiac slicing for systematic analysis of intrinsic transmural and regional gradients in Vm and CaT. ABSTRACT: Transmural and regional gradients in membrane potential and Ca2+ transient in the murine heart are largely unexplored. Here, we developed and validated a robust approach which combines transverse ultra-thin cardiac slices and high resolution optical mapping to enable systematic analysis of transmural and regional gradients in transmembrane potential (Vm ) and intracellular Ca2+ transient (CaT) across the entire murine ventricles. The voltage dye RH237 or Ca2+ dye Rhod-2 AM were loaded through the coronary circulation using a Langendorff perfusion system. Short-axis slices (300 µm thick) were prepared from the entire ventricles (from the apex to the base) by using a high-precision vibratome. Action potentials (APs) and CaTs were recorded with optical mapping during steady-state baseline and rapid pacing. Significant transmural gradients in Vm and CaT were observed in the left ventricle, with longer AP duration (APD50 and APD75 ) and CaT duration (CaTD50 and CaTD75 ) in the endocardium compared with that in the epicardium. No significant regional gradients were observed along the apico-basal axis of the left ventricle. Interventricular gradients were detected with significantly shorter APD50 , APD75 and CaTD50 in the right ventricle compared with left ventricle and ventricular septum. During rapid pacing, AP and CaT alternans were observed in most ventricular regions, with significantly greater incidence in the endocardium in comparison with epicardium. In conclusion, these observations demonstrate the feasibility of our new approach to cardiac slicing for systematic analysis of intrinsic transmural and regional gradients in Vm and CaT in murine ventricular tissue.

Comparison of stress and burnout among anesthesia and surgical residents in a tertiary care teaching hospital in North India.

Objective: The residents undergoing training at hospitals in our country face challenges in terms of infrastructure and high workload with undefined working hours. The aim of the study was to compare the stress and burnout levels in trainee doctors doing residency in surgical fields and anesthesia at a tertiary care academic center in North India. Materials and Methods: A comparative, observational study was conducted in a tertiary care teaching hospital in North India. After Ethics Committee approval, 200 residents (100 each from surgical branches and anesthesia) were required to fill a questionnaire with information about age, sex, year of residency, marital status, and the Perceived Stress Scale-10, and Burnout Clinical Subtype Questionnaire-12. Burnout and perceived stress were compared between residents of anesthesia and surgical specialties. Results: Residents of both surgical and anesthesia branches scored high in perceived stress, namely 21 and 18, respectively. The score was significantly higher in surgical residents (P = 0.03) and increased progressively with the year of residency. The majority of residents (90% surgical, 80% anesthesia) felt that they were being overloaded with work. However, only 20%-30% of respondents felt that there was lack of development of individual skills and still fewer (<10%) reported giving up in view of difficulties. Conclusion: There is high level of stress and overload dimension of burnout among the residents of anesthesia and surgical branches at our tertiary care academic institution and the surgical residents score marginally higher than anesthesia residents.

Racial and ethnic differences among children with new-onset autoimmune Type 1 diabetes.

AIM: To compare demographic and clinical characteristics among children from ethnic minorities and non-Hispanic white children with new-onset autoimmune Type 1 diabetes. METHODS: We analysed a single-centre series of 712 children with new-onset autoimmune Type 1 diabetes between January 2008 and March 2011. The median (range) age was 9.7 (0.3-18.1) years, the mean (sd) BMI percentile was 69.7 (25.4) and 48.3% of the cohort were girls. The cohort comprised 57.3% non-Hispanic white, 20.5% Hispanic and 14.8% African-American children, and 7.4% were of other, mixed or unknown race. RESULTS: The Hispanic subgroup, compared with non-Hispanic white subgroup, had a higher mean (sd) C-peptide level [0.82 (1.62) vs 0.55 (0.47) ng/ml; P=0.004), and a greater proportion of children with elevated BMI (overweight or obesity; 49.6% vs 32.5%; P<0.001) and diabetic ketoacidosis (51.8% vs 38.2%; P=0.006). The African-American group had a higher mean (sd) glucose level [24.4 (12.8) vs 21.4 (10.7) mmol/l; P=0.017], a greater proportion of children with ketoacidosis (56.7% vs 38.2%; P=0.001), a greater proportion with elevated BMI (52.9% vs 32.5%; P<0.001), and a lower proportion of children at pre-pubertal stage (49.0% vs 61.6%; P=0.01), and tended to have higher C-peptide levels [0.65 (0.59) vs 0.55 [0.47] ng/ml; P=0.079) compared with the non-Hispanic white children. The differences in C-peptide levels compared with non-Hispanic white children persisted for Hispanic (P=0.01) but not African-American children (P=0.29) after adjustment for age, sex, BMI, ketoacidosis, glucose, Tanner stage and autoantibody number. CONCLUSION: At the onset of paediatric autoimmune Type 1 diabetes, Hispanic, but not African-American children had higher C-peptide levels, after adjustment for potential confounders, compared with non-Hispanic white children. These findings suggest that ethnicity may contribute to the heterogeneity of Type 1 diabetes pathogenesis, with possible implications for intervention.

Non-inferiority randomized controlled trial comparing CricOid pressure and para-laryngeal pressure in parturients undergoing cesarean delivery: NiCOP trial.

BACKGROUND: Cricoid pressure has been surrounded with controversies regarding its effectiveness. Application of ultrasound-guided para-laryngeal (PL) force has been shown to occlude the esophagus effectively compared with cricoid pressure (CP) in awake patients. We hypothesized that there would be no meaningful difference in the change in antero-posterior esophageal diameter from with application of cricoid or para-laryngeal pressure in parturients undergoing cesarean delivery under general anesthesia. METHODS: In this prospective, randomized, non-inferiority trial, 40 parturients scheduled for elective cesarean delivery under general anesthesia were randomized to receive rapid sequence induction with either cricoid pressure (n = 20) or para-laryngeal pressure (n = 20). The antero-posterior diameter of the esophagus, measured by sonography, was the primary outcome. Visualization of the esophagus, its position in relation to the glottic aperture, esophageal occlusion, percentage of glottic opening (POGO), time to intubation, first pass success rate, overall success rate and adverse events like desaturation or bronchospasm were secondary outcomes. RESULTS: The mean change in anterior-posterior diameter in the CP group was 0.17 ±0.1 cm vs. 0.28 ±0.1 cm in the PL group. The mean difference (CP-para-laryngeal pressure) between the groups was -0.11 (95% CI -0.17 to -0.1) cm. As the upper limit of the 95% CI was lower than the prespecified non-inferiority margin (δ = -0.2), non-inferiority was established (P <0.001]. There was no significant difference in the POGO score (P = 0.818), time to intubation (P =0.55), or intubation attempts (P = 0.99). CONCLUSIONS: Para-laryngeal pressure was non-inferior to CP in occluding the esophagus in parturients undergoing cesarean delivery under general anesthesia and furthermore, no significant deterioration in intubation parameters was seen.

The morphology of lumbar sympathetic trunk in humans: a cadaveric study.

The vasospastic diseases and chronic pain related to lower limb have been successfully treated by surgical ablation of lumbar sympathetic trunk for last 80 years.Precise knowledge of anatomy of lumbar sympathetic trunk and its adjoining structures is mandatory for safe and uncomplicated lumbar and spinal surgeries.We aim to study the detailed anatomy of entry and exit of lumbar sympathetic trunk, the number, dimensions and location of lumbar ganglia in relation to lumbar vertebra. Thorough dissection was carried out in 30 formalin embalmed cadavers available in the Department of Anatomy, Pravara Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), Rural Medical College (RMC), Loni, Maharashtra. A total of 238 ganglia were observed in 60 lumbar sympathetic trunks. The sympathetic trunk traversed dorsal to the crus of diaphragm in 72.6% and in 13.3% it entered dorsal to the medial arcuate ligament. The most common site of the location of lumbar ganglia was in relation to the second lumbar vertebra, sometimes extending up to the L2-L3 vertebral disc. There was a medial shift of sympathetic trunk in lumbar region and it coursed over sacral promontory to reach the pelvic region in 96% of specimens. These variations should be kept in mind in order to prevent hazardous complications like accidental avulsion of first lumbar ganglia and genitofemoral neuritis.

Efficacy of four systemic insecticides for reducing Nantucket pine tip moth (Rhyaciona frustrana) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) infestation levels and improving growth metrics in loblolly pines.

The Nantucket pine tip moth (NPTM) (Rhyacionia frustrana Comstock) is a native, regeneration pest of young loblolly pines (Pinus taeda L.), causing shoot dieback, tree deformity, and growth and volume declines. Soil applications of systemic insecticides may be an effective strategy to suppress NPTM populations. The study objective was to assess the efficacy of four systemic insecticide treatments (chlorantraniliprole, dinotefuran, fipronil, and imidacloprid) for two growing seasons in outplanted bareroot and containerized seedling trials. Response variables included NPTM infestation rates, along with tree height, groundline diameter, volume index, and stem form. Infestation rates significantly decreased for each systemic insecticide treatment during the first year compared to controls, although dinotefuran and imidacloprid provided season-long control in one trial. Chlorantraniliprole reduced NPTM infestation rates for two growing seasons in both trials. While imidacloprid treatments did not alter growth metrics except for one comparison, fipronil and dinotefuran treatments improved several growth metrics. Chlorantraniliprole consistently improved growth metrics throughout the study.

British HIV Association guidelines for the management of HIV infection in pregnant women 2012.

The overall purpose of these guidelines is to provide guidance on best clinical practice in the treatment and management of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive pregnant women in the UK. The scope includes guidance on the use of antiretroviral therapy (ART) both to prevent HIV mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) and for the welfare of the mother herself, guidance on mode of delivery and recommendations in specific patient populations where other factors need to be taken into consideration,such as coinfection with other agents. The guidelines are aimed at clinical professionals directly involved with, and responsible for, the care of pregnant women with HIV infection.

Trans-arterial therapy for Fibrolamellar carcinoma: A case report and literature review.

INTRODUCTION: Fibrolamellar carcinoma (FLC) is a rare pathologically distinct primary liver cancer. Surgical resection is the only treatment associated with prolonged survival. Trans-arterial embolization (TAE), which is a recognised treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma has been used to treat FLC. We present a case and performed a literature review of patients with FLC treated with TAE. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a 19-year old female with a large potentially resectable FLC which was initially treated with trans-arterial chemo-embolization (TACE) with drug eluting beads. The TACE was followed by surgical resection. Histology confirmed tumour necrosis related to the previous TACE. DISCUSSION & LITERATURE REVIEW: We identified seven case reports and one case series of TAE for FLC. TAE was either used as a neo-adjuvant therapy to facilitate subsequent tumour resection or as a palliative treatment modality. We propose an algorithm for the treatment of FLC that includes TAE. CONCLUSION: The rarity of FLC and the paucity of data precludes establishing clear evidence-based standards of care. We propose an algorithm for the treatment of FLC. The establishment of an international registry may facilitate the collection of better quality evidence.

Shoot Blight Caused by Sirococcus tsugae on Eastern Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) in Georgia.

Eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) is an ecologically and economically important conifer from the north-central United States to the east coast of North America to the southern Appalachian Mountains. In early spring 2010, blighted shoot tips of eastern hemlock were observed at widely separated locations in the Chattahoochee National Forest in north Georgia. Damage did not appear to be directly related to hemlock woolly adelgid (Adelges tsugae) activity, which was sporadic or absent in some areas where symptoms were observed. A preliminary survey in March 2010 revealed that incidence of blighted shoots on individual trees varied, but was as high as 70%. Stems of shoots produced the previous year were frequently necrotic, had lost needles, and bore pycnidia with hyaline, two-celled conidia consistent with those of Sirococcus tsugae (2,3). Later in the spring and summer, shoots of the current year's growth became blighted, with sporulation of S. tsugae also on dead and dying needles. While S. tsugae previously has been reported on T. heterophylla, T. mertensiana, Cedrus atlantica, and C. deodara in western North America, it has only recently been reported on eastern hemlock (1), and its ability to induce shoot blight has not been proven. Pure cultures (2,3) were obtained on streptomycin-amended potato dextrose agar (PDA) and their identity was confirmed by species-specific PCR primers (4). Nuclear rDNA internal transcribed spacer sequence (554 nucleotides) also was obtained for isolate 10-05 and deposited in GenBank (Accession No. HQ256769). This sequence was found to be identical to sequences previously deposited for S. tsugae isolates. Isolate 10-05 and a second isolate (10-06) were used to inoculate potted 2-year-old eastern hemlock seedlings in a growth chamber at 20°C with a 16-h photoperiod. Conidia were collected by flooding 1-month-old colonies on PDA with sterile water. Expanding shoots on one branch of each seedling were wounded using scissors to cut the tips off needles and stems, while another branch remained nonwounded. Ten seedlings per isolate were inoculated by spraying to runoff with a suspension of 5 × 106 conidia ml-1 in sterile water, and five similarly treated control seedlings were sprayed with sterile water. Seedlings were covered with plastic bags to maintain high humidity for 4 days. Germination of conidia of each isolate incubated on water agar in this growth chamber was >80% after 24 h. Symptoms were evaluated and reisolation was attempted on streptomycin-amended PDA 2 months after inoculation. Symptoms of seedlings inoculated with either isolate included chlorotic and necrotic needle spots, browning of cut edges of needles, browning and death of needle tips and entire needles, death of stem tips with retention of dead needles, and needle loss. Symptoms of control seedlings were limited to slight browning of cut edges of needles. The fungus was reisolated from wounded shoots of 17 of 20 inoculated seedlings and nonwounded shoots of 5 of 20 inoculated seedlings and was not cultured from control seedlings. To our knowledge, this is the first report of S. tsugae in Georgia and also the first demonstration of its ability to produce symptoms that have been attributed to it on any tree species. References: (1) M. Miller-Weeks and W. Ostrofsky. USDA. Forest Service. Online publication. NA-PR-01-10, 2010. (2) A. Y. Rossman et al. For. Pathol. 38:47. (3) D. R. Smith et al. For. Pathol. 33:141, 2003. (4) D. R. Smith and G. R. Stanosz. For. Pathol. 38:156, 2008.

Cardiac tamponade following post-pericardiotomy syndrome.

SUMMARY: Subxyphoid pericardial window (SPW) is performed as both a diagnostic and therapeutic intervention in patients presenting with a penetrating cardiac injury (PCI). Post-pericardiotomy syndrome (PPS) with cardiac tamponade has been reported after penetrating cardiac trauma and after transdiaphragmatic pericardial window. We describe the first PPS with acute tamponade, weeks after diagnostic SPW for a PCI.

Baseline distributions and sources of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in reef-associated sediments of Vembar group of Islands, Gulf of Mannar, India.

The study aims to investigate the source and concentration of PAH fractions in the reef sediments of the Vembar group of Islands, Gulf of Mannar, India. The concentration of PAHs ranged from 0.36 to 15.98 ng/g. The reef environment was less contaminated with low-molecular-weight PAH fractions. The accumulation of the LMW-PAH fraction was very less, whereas the HMW fraction was derived from pyrolytic sources. The level of low and high molecular weight PAHs was lower than the level of Effective Range Median (ERM) and Effective Range Low (ERL).The calculated total TEQ value ranged from ND to 10.24 ng/g in the reef sediments.

Distribution of plastic litter in beach sediments of Silver beach, Cuddalore, during Nivar Cyclone - A first report.

The present study was conducted to assess the distribution of plastic debris in pre- and post-cyclonic beach sediments in Silver beach, Cuddalore, southeast coast of India. The total amount of macroplastic in pre-cyclonic beach sediments was higher than that in the post-cyclonic coastal sediments (pre-cyclonic 16.1%; post-cyclonic 5.4%). The polymer varieties in pre- and post-cyclonic sediments were present in the following descending order: Pre-cyclonic sediments: polyvinyl chloride (79.06%) > polyethylene (13.9%) > nylon (6.9%); post cyclonic sediments: polypropylene (31.4%) > polyethylene (30.5%) > polystyrene (16.0) > nylon (15.5%) > polyvinyl chloride (5.1%). The different varieties of polymers with irregular shapes in the sediments are most probably introduced into the coastal environment by cyclonic floods. Wind and cyclone-induced rainfall were the driving forces for the transportation and deposition of plastic debris. The results of this study will be useful to formulate effective beach litter management policies in an attempt to develop long-term solutions.

3,3'-Diselenodipropionic acid (DSePA) induces reductive stress in A549 cells triggering p53-independent apoptosis: A novel mechanism for diselenides.

The aim of present study was to investigate the anticancer mechanisms of 3,3'-diselenodipropionic acid (DSePA), a redox-active organodiselenide in human lung cancer cells. DSePA elicited a significant concentration and time-dependent cytotoxicity in human lung cancer cell line A549 than in normal WI38 cells. The cytotoxic effect of DSePA was preceded by an acute decrease in the level of basal reactive oxygen species (ROS) and a concurrent increase in levels of reducing equivalents (like GSH/GSSG and NADH/NAD) within cells. Further, a series of experiments were performed to measure the markers of intrinsic (Bax, cytochrome c and caspase-9), extrinsic (TNFR, FADR and caspase-8) and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress (protein ubiquitylation, calcium flux, Bip, CHOP and caspase-12) pathways in DSePA treated cells. DSePA treatment significantly increased the levels of all the above markers. Moreover, DSePA did not alter the expression and phosphorylation (Ser15) of p53 but caused a significant damage to mitochondria. Pharmacological modulation of GSH level by BSO and NAC in DSePA treated cells led to partial abrogation and augmentation of cell kill respectively. This established the role of reductive stress as a trigger for the apoptosis induced by DSePA treatment. Finally, in vitro anticancer activity of DSePA was also corroborated by its in vivo efficacy of suppressing the growth of A549 derived xenograft tumor in SCID mice. In conclusion, above results suggest that DSePA induces apoptosis in a p53 independent manner by involving extrinsic and intrinsic pathways together with ER stress which can an interesting strategy for lung cancer therapy.

Unmet needs in ankylosing spondylitis patients receiving tumour necrosis factor inhibitor therapy; results from a large multinational real-world study.

BACKGROUND: Symptoms and comorbidities of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) considerably reduce health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and ability to work. This real-world study assessed rates of tumour necrosis factor inhibitor (TNFi) use and switching, treatment failure, and associations between failing TNFi and HRQoL, work productivity and activity impairment (WPAI). METHODS: AS patients and their treating physicians completed questionnaires capturing patient demographics, clinical status, TNFi treatment history, reasons for switching TNFi, HRQoL and WPAI. Current TNFi was determined as "failing" if, after ≥3 months, physician-rated disease severity had worsened, remained severe, was "unstable/deteriorating", physicians were dissatisfied with disease control and/or did not consider treatment a "success". RESULTS: The analysis included 2866 AS patients from 18 countries. Of 2795 patients with complete treatment data, 916 (32.8%) patients had never received TNFi therapy, 1623 (58.1%) patients were receiving their 1st TNFi and 200 (7.2%) patients had ever received ≥2 TNFi (treatment switch). Primary or secondary lack of efficacy were the commonest reasons for switching, and the mean delay in switching after primary lack of efficacy was 11.1 months. 232 (15.4%) patients on TNFi were currently "failing" who, compared to those with treatment success, reported poorer HRQoL: 5-dimension EuroQoL (EQ-5D-3 L): 0.63 vs. 0.78; Medical Outcomes Study Short-Form Health Survey version 2 (SF-36v2) mental component summary (MCS): 41.8 vs. 46.3; physical component summary (PCS): 40.2 vs. 45.1; impaired work productivity: 46.4% vs. 25.0%; and activity: 44.5% vs. 29.6%; all P < 0.001. CONCLUSIONS: Among AS patients, switching TNFi is uncommon and delayed by nearly 1 year despite primary lack of efficacy. Patients currently failing TNFi experience worse physical function, HRQoL and work productivity.

Metal concentration and its ecological risk assessment in the beach sediments of Coromandel Coast, Southern India.

The present study investigates the concentration of acid leachable trace metals (ALTMs) and their ecological risk in the beach sediments of Coromandel Coast, Southern India. In total, thirty-six beach sediments (eighteen samples from low tide and eighteen samples from high tide) were collected from the study area. The results of the study of the ALTMs suggest that the sediments are enriched by natural processes with significant anthropogenic influences. The distribution of ALTMs in beach sediments is in the following descending order: Fe > Cr > Mn > Pb > Ni > Cu > Co > Zn. The statistical results indicate that the metal concentrations were chiefly originated from natural processes such as leaching, weathering, and fluvial action. In addition, the textural characteristics, organic matter, and calcium carbonate percentage play an important role in the distribution of metals in the beach sediments.

Trace element concentrations and their potential ecological risk in the reef sediments of coral islands, Vembar group of islands, Gulf of Mannar, India.

The present work was undertaken to assess the impact of trace element concentration and the status of potential ecological risk in the reef sediments of the Vembar group of islands, Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park, India. Totally, 114 reef sediments (surface) were collected from the Vembar group of islands (Nallathanni Island - 36 samples; Upputhanni Island - 48 samples; Puluvinichalli Island-30 samples). The reef sediments are enriched with sand-sized calcareous particles. The calcium carbonate percentage (CaCO3) was primarily controlled by the distribution of coral colonies and available lithogenic grains. The pollution load index (PLI) reveals that the majority of the sediments fall under the unpolluted category. Moreover, the potential ecological risk (PERI) and sediment pollution index (SPI) reveals that the Vembar group of islands fall under the low ecological risk category.

Lower quit rates among African American and Latino menthol cigarette smokers at a tobacco treatment clinic.

BACKGROUND: Lower rates of smoking cessation and higher rates of lung cancer in African American (AA) smokers may be linked to their preference for mentholated cigarettes. AIM: This study assessed the relationship between menthol smoking, race/ethnicity and smoking cessation among a diverse cohort of 1688 patients attending a specialist smoking cessation service. RESULTS: 46% of the patients smoked mentholated cigarettes, but significantly more AA (81%) and Latino (66%) patients than Whites (32%) smoked menthols. AA and Latino menthol smokers smoked significantly fewer cigarettes per day (CPD) than non-menthol smokers (15.7 vs. 20.3, for AA, and 17.0 vs. 22.1, for Latinos), with no differences among White menthol and non-menthol smokers. At 4-week follow up, AA, Latino and White non-menthol smokers had similar quit rates (54%, 50% and 50% respectively). In contrast, among menthol smokers, AAs and Latinos had lower quit rates (30% and 23% respectively) compared with Whites (43%, p < 0.001). AA and Latino menthol smokers had significantly lower odds of quitting [odds ratio (OR) = 0.34; 95% CI = 0.17, 0.69 for AA, and OR = 0.32; 95% CI = 0.16, 0.62 for Latinos] than their non-menthol counterparts. At 6-month follow up, a similar trend was observed for the race/ethnicity subgroups, with AA menthol smokers having half the odds of being abstinent compared with AA non-menthol smokers (OR = 0.48; 95% CI = 0.25, 0.9). CONCLUSIONS: Despite smoking fewer CPD, AA and Latino menthol smokers experience reduced success in quitting as compared with non-menthol smokers within the same ethnic/racial groups.