Intraperitoneal injections of copper ferrite nanoparticles disturb blood, plasma, and antioxidant parameters of Wistar rats in a sex-specific manner.

The present study was designed to report the synthesis and characterization of copper ferrite nanoparticles (CF NPs) and their biocompatibility in Wistar rats. Coprecipitation method was used to generate CF NPs having average diameter of 14.06 nm. NPs were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. Six-week-old Wistar rats of both sexes intraperitoneally received 10 mg/ml saline/Kg body weight of CF NPs for 14 days. Control groups were maintained in parallel that received saline solution for 14 days through same route. Open field and novel object recognition tests, complete blood count, selected plasma parameters, antioxidants, and copper concentration in vital organs were determined in all treatments. Female rats treated with CF NPs had significantly higher platelet count (P = 0.05) and platelet crit (P = 0.05) and decreased plasma triglyceride concentration levels (P = 0.02) than control group. Female rats had significantly increased levels of superoxide dismutase (P = 0.01), catalase (P = 0.05), and malonaldehyde (P = 0.05) in the kidney, while male rats had significantly elevated levels of superoxide dismutase in the lungs (P = 0.01) as compared with respective control groups. Copper concentrations in the liver were significantly higher in both female (P = 0.04) and male (P = 0.05) rats exposed to CF NPs than control group. All other studied parameters of behavioral tests, blood biochemistry, antioxidant, and copper concentrations in the brain varied nonsignificantly (P > 0.05) when compared between CF NPs treated and untreated rats of both sexes. Intraperitoneal supplementation of CF NPs for 14 days disturbed the platelet count, plasma triglyceride concentration, copper levels in the liver, and antioxidant concentrations in the kidney of female Wistar rats. These parameters remained unaffected in male subjects.

Aristolochic acid mutational signature defines the low-risk subtype in upper tract urothelial carcinoma.

Rationale: Dietary exposure to aristolochic acids and similar compounds (collectively, AA) is a significant risk factor for nephropathy and subsequent upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC). East Asian populations, who have a high prevalence of UTUC, have an unusual genome-wide AA-induced mutational pattern (COSMIC signature 22). Integrating mutational signature analysis with clinicopathological information may demonstrate great potential for risk ranking this UTUC subtype. Methods: We performed whole-genome sequencing (WGS) on 90 UTUC Chinese patients to extract mutational signatures. Genome sequencing data for urinary cell-free DNA from 26 UTUC patients were utilized to noninvasively identify the mutational signatures. Genome sequencing for primary tumors on 8 out of 26 patients was also performed. Metastasis-free survival (MFS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) were measured using Kaplan-Meier methods. Results: Data analysis showed that a substantial proportion of patients harbored the AA mutational signature and were associated with AA-containing herbal drug intake, female gender, poor renal function, and multifocality. Field cancerization was found to partially contribute to multifocality. Nevertheless, AA Sig subtype UTUC patients exhibited favorable outcomes of CSS and MFS compared to the No-AA Sig subtype. Additionally, AA Sig subtype patients showed a higher tumor mutation burden, higher numbers of predicted neoantigens, and infiltrating lymphocytes, suggesting the potential for immunotherapy. We also confirmed the AA signature in AA-treated human renal tubular HK-2 cells. Notably, the AA subtype could be ascertained using a clinically applicable sequencing strategy (low coverage) in both primary tumors and urinary cell-free DNA as a basis for therapy selection. Conclusion: The AA mutational signature as a screening tool defines low-risk UTUC with therapeutic relevance. The AA mutational signature, as a molecular prognostic marker using either ureteroscopy and/or urinary cell-free DNA, is especially useful for diagnostic uncertainty when kidney-sparing treatment and/or immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy were considered.

Synthesis and characterization of phytochemical fabricated zinc oxide nanoparticles with enhanced antibacterial and catalytic applications.

A "green route" to fabricate nanoparticles has emerged as a revolutionary approach. The reported work presents a green approach to synthesize ZnO nanoparticles using Conyza canadensis plant leaves extract. The synthesis of ZnO was conducted at two different temperatures i.e. 30 °C and 80 °C. ZnO nanoparticles prepared at 80 °C were smaller in size and exhibited spherical morphology. The prepared nanomaterials were examined for the reduction of organic dyes i.e. methylene blue and methyl orange. The fabricated ZnO nanoparticles synthesized at 80 °C were found to be highly active for the reduction of aforementioned dyes with 94.5% reduction of MO and 85.3% reduction of MB in 45 min and 20 min respectively. The rate constant (k) for this reduction of MO was found to be 5.781 × 10-3 s-1 in the absence of a catalyst and 5.843 × 10-2 s-1 in the presence of ZnO NPs catalyst. The rate constant (k) for the reduction of MB was found to be 4.7 × 10-3 s-1 in the absence of a catalyst and 9.936 × 10-3 s-1 in the presence of ZnO NPs catalyst. ZnO nanoparticles synthesized at 80 °C were examined for their antibacterial activity. The biogenic ZnO nanoparticles exhibited strong antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. aureus with a zone of inhibition (16 mm) and (14 mm) respectively. This high antibacterial and catalytic activity of biogenic ZnO nanoparticles can be attributed to its small size, good dispersion, and well-defined morphology.

An eco-benign synthesis of AgNPs using aqueous extract of Longan fruit peel: Antiproliferative response against human breast cancer cell line MCF-7, antioxidant and photocatalytic deprivation of methylene blue.

Plants mediated synthesis of noble metal nanoparticles is encountered as a clean, environment friendly, lucrative and benign loom. The current study consists of clean and green synthesis of Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). Phytoconstituents from Longan (Euphorbia longana Lam.) fruit peel were used to reduce Ag+ into AgNPs. Different analytical techniques i.e. UV-vis Spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD), electron dispersive X-ray (EDX), High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were used to analyze the synthesized AgNPs. AgNPs have localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) peak at 445 nm which is confirmed by UV-vis spectroscopy. HRTEM showed that the prepared AgNPs are spheroid in shape and well dispersed while XRD results showed that the AgNPs are face centered cubic crystalline. EDX confirmed the elemental composition of AgNPs. The antiproliferative response of AgNPs was assayed by an exhaustive MTT assay. AgNPs showed potent anticancer activity (88%) against breast cancer cells MCF-7. Moreover, the green produced AgNPs effectively scavenged 91% of the stable and harmful 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical which confirms its' efficient antioxidant nature. AgNPs have profound photocatalytic degradation (99%) of methylene blue in a short period of time (7 min). The noteworthy biological and photocatalytic responses of the green and cleanly produced AgNPs are encountered to their well dispersion, petite volume and round shaped structure.

Ameliorative Effects of Selenium in ZnO NP-Induced Oxidative Stress and Hematological Alterations in Catla catla.

Various applications of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) can increase pollution in aquatic environments. Consequently, pollution can cause toxicity in fish as indicated by oxidative stress, hematotoxicity, and changes in gill and liver histology. Selenium is known for its antioxidant potential in scavenging the free radicals generated during ZnO NP-induced oxidative stress. This study tested the ameliorative role of selenium against ZnO NP-induced toxicity in freshwater fish Catla catla. Four groups of replicated fish, representing control, selenium-treated, ZnO NP-treated, and ZnO NPs+selenium-treated, were used in this study. The ZnO NPs (40 mg l-1) were given to fish in water whereas selenium (50 µg kg-1) was given as sodium selenite in feed. After 28 days of exposure, the fish specimens were processed to collect samples of blood, gills, and liver. The results demonstrated that the consumption of selenium containing feeds protected the C. catla from ZnO NP-induced toxicity and oxidative stress. The use of selenium containing feeds appeared to have reduced the contents of glutathione S-transferase (GST) and glutathione reduced (GSH), and increased the level of catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Furthermore, the consumption of selenium in feeds improved the hematological parameters in ZnO NP-treated fish. This study suggests that dietary selenium might be able to ameliorate ZnO NP-induced toxicity in fish.

Assessment of Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles (TiO2-NPs) Induced Hepatotoxicity and Ameliorative Effects of Cinnamomum cassia in Sprague-Dawley Rats.

This study assessed the protective effects of Cinnamomum cassia (cinnamon) bark extract in rats exposed to titanium dioxide nanoparticles or titanium dioxide bulk salt. For in vivo evaluation of the ameliorative role of the cinnamon extract, the experimental groups were orally administered with the cinnamon extract at different dose levels (50 or 100 or 150 mg/kg bodyweight) along with the subcutaneous injections of 150 mg/kg bodyweight titanium dioxide nanoparticles or titanium dioxide bulk salt. The extract showed significant ameliorative role on the antioxidant system in response to elevated levels of titanium dioxide nanoparticles or titanium dioxide bulk salt-induced oxidative stress. It aided in the recovery of the antioxidant system as well as protective role in histological damages and some haematological parameters in the rat liver treated with titanium dioxide nanoparticles or titanium dioxide bulk salt.

The use of complementary and alternative medicine by nurses.

BACKGROUND: Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use is common among patients attending the department of the authors of this article. With expanding roles of nurses in various clinics, the nurses are often asked for their advice on CAM use by their patients. CAM education is not part of the nursing curriculum in various parts of the world. The aim of this study was to establish the use of CAM by nurses along with their knowledge base and attitudes towards it. METHODS: A questionnaire-based study based on the published literature was used among qualified nurses. The data were collected and analysed using SPSS for Windows. RESULTS: The response rate was 86% (531/621; females were 91% and the mean age was 32 years (range 20-63). Eighty percent of the responders admitted to use of CAM and 41% were using CAM at the time. The most commonly mentioned CAM were massage, cod liver oil and cranberry juice. CAM was mostly used for relaxation, joint pain and urinary tract infection. Only five nurses believed CAM was not effective and 74% would recommend CAM use to others. Ninety-three percent of nurses did not have any formal education on CAM. Most nurses would consider some education on CAM to enable them to counsel their patients. CONCLUSIONS: The use of CAM is high among nurses. As patients are increasingly relying on nurses for advice on its use, it is important for nurses to be educated about CAM in order to guide their patients.

The use of complementary and alternative medicine by patients attending a general otolaryngology clinic: can we afford to ignore it?

BACKGROUND: There is growing interest in use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) among the general population. Little information is available, however, on CAM use in adults attending an otolaryngology outpatient clinic in the UK. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this article is to study the prevalence and pattern of CAM use among adult patients attending the ear, nose, and throat (ENT) clinic in a UK teaching hospital. STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional study was used. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: All patients on their primary visit to an ENT clinic were asked to complete an anonymous questionnaire for a 14-week period from October 2005 to January 2006. RESULTS: Based on 1366 completed questionnaires, 53% (728/1366) were female and 47% (638/1366) were male. Twenty-nine percent (395/1366) were older than 60 years, and 56% (763/1366) were married. Twenty percent (275/1366) had a university education. Sixty-one percent (833/1366) had used CAM, almost 36% in the preceding 12 months. The popular remedies were cod liver oil (368/833), garlic (197/833), cranberry (181/833), aloe vera (176/833), primrose oil (174/833), and Echinacea (163/833). Nonherbal therapies included massage (230/833), acupuncture (186/833), aromatherapy (135/833), chiropractic (121/833), reflexology (119/833), and homeopathy (110/833). Seventeen percent (143/833) used CAM for their current illness. Only 8% (64/833) found CAM ineffective; yet, 57% (473/833) would recommend CAM to others. Fifty-one percent (421/833) failed to inform their primary physician of their CAM use. CONCLUSION: Despite concerns over CAM efficacy, safety, and cost effectiveness, use of CAM is popular among patients attending an ENT clinic. Their use is not generally related to their presenting illness. Otolaryngologists should be aware of current trends in CAM use when managing patients, including possible interactions with other medication.

Complementary and alternative medicine use by otolaryngology patients: a paradigm for practitioners in all surgical specialties.

There is growing interest in complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) amongst the general population. Little information is available on CAM use in otolaryngology patients in the UK. Despite concerns over safety, efficacy and cost-effectiveness, CAM use is common amongst ENT patients. Patients perceive these medications as possible boosters to their immune system. It is becoming increasingly important that health care providers in all specialties ask their patients about CAM use and are aware of the implications it carries. The objective is to study the prevalence and pattern of CAM use among adult and paediatric ENT patients in a UK teaching hospital. A cross-sectional study was done by sending anonymous questionnaire to all outpatient and elective inpatients over a 3-month period. Response rate was 73% (1,789/2,440). Prominent demographics: female, married, over-50 s. Sixty percent had used CAM, 35% in last year. Most common herbs: cod liver oil (n = 481), garlic (n = 255), cranberry (n = 224); non-herbal: massage (n = 287), acupuncture (n = 233), aromatherapy (n = 170). Most commonly cited reasons for using CAM: general health, enhanced immunity and prevention/treatment of common illnesses like the common cold, asthma and bodily aches and pains.

Complementary and alternative medicine in epistaxis: a point worth considering during the patient's history.

A large number of patients take complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for a variety of reasons, but most do not inform their physicians. This has implications for safety, as many forms of herbal CAM are thought to have a variety of side-effects and may interact with conventional medicines with potentially adverse consequences. We present the case of an otherwise healthy 25-year-old man with difficult-to-control epistaxis. On further questioning, we learnt that he had recently started self-medicating with a combination of aspirin, garlic tablets and milk thistle. Garlic increases bleeding time and milk thistle alters the function of liver enzymes, both of which may have contributed to the difficulty in his management of epistaxis. This case highlights the importance of asking about CAM use when taking a patient's history, as it may have implications for management.

Complementary and alternative medicine use among patients undergoing otolaryngologic surgery.

OBJECTIVE: The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) may influence surgical care by inducing coagulopathies and interacting with other medication. We investigated the prevalence and pattern of CAM use in patients admitted to our department for elective otolaryngologic surgery. DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey. SETTING: Tertiary care referral centre in northeast Scotland. METHOD AND PATIENTS: All adult patients admitted for elective surgery, over a 14-week period from October 2005 to January 2006, were requested to complete an anonymous questionnaire. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics using SPSS version 12 (SPSS Inc, Chicago, IL). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: To establish the prevalence of CAM use in patients admitted for surgery in our unit. Secondary measures included the type of CAM used, indications for use, perceived benefit, and communication with the family physician. RESULTS: Sixty-three percent (177 of 285) of the patient group had used CAM-36% in the preceding year. Popular remedies were cod liver oil, garlic, aloe vera, cranberry, echinacea, primrose oil, herbal vitamin supplement, and St. John's wort. Nonherbal therapies included massage, acupuncture, chiropractic, aromatherapy, reflexology, yoga, homeopathy, and osteopathy. Nine percent used CAM for their admission illness. Only 8% (15 of 177) found CAM ineffective. Only 76 of 177 (43%) had discussed their CAM use with their family doctor. CONCLUSION: Despite concerns over its safety, efficacy, and cost-effectiveness, the use of CAM is common among patients undergoing otolaryngologic and head and neck surgery. This has implications for all health care workers involved in their care, in particular the anesthetist and the surgeon. A detailed history of CAM use by patients should be taken and documented during the preoperative clerking.

Use of complementary and alternative medicine by patients attending a rhinology outpatient clinic.

BACKGROUND: There are 50,000 practitioners of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) within the United Kingdom. The current U.K. prevalence of CAM use is reported to be 25% and is rising. The national expenditure on CAM is an estimated pound1.6 billion. The aim of this study was to explore the pattern of CAM use in patients attending a rhinology outpatient clinic in Aberdeen. METHODS: Questionnaires were provided to 100 patients over a 2-month period. The questionnaire consisted of demographic sections and whether they had ever used CAM from a list of 49 herbal and nonherbal alternative therapies. Subjects were also asked why they used CAM, where they learned of CAM, whether they found it efficacious, and whether their general practitioner was aware they were using it. RESULTS: One hundred subjects completed questionnaires. Patients attending the clinic were suffering from the most common rhinological complaints including rhinosinusitis and nasal polyps. Sixty-five percent of patients had ever used CAM. Women were statistically significantly more likely to use CAM than men (p = 0.012). Patients who were employed were more likely to use CAM, but there was no significant difference in CAM usage depending on marital status, social class, and age. Only 6% of patients felt CAM use was definitely ineffective. Only 43% of users of CAM had informed their doctor about its use. CONCLUSION: CAM usage is growing in popularity. All health care professionals should be aware of this and of the potential for adverse drug reactions occurring. The dangers of noncompliance with conventional medications should be emphasized to CAM users.

Use of complementary and alternative medicine by patients admitted to a surgical unit in Scotland.

INTRODUCTION: Within the UK there are 50,000 practitioners of complementary medicine. Five million people have consulted such practitioners in one year. The aim of this study was to explore the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in patients attending general, vascular and cardiothoracic units at a regional Scottish centre. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A questionnaire was administered to 450 patients attending the units over an 8-week period. The questionnaire consisted of demographic sections, a listing of 48 herbal preparations and alternative therapies, reasons for use and opinions on efficacy. RESULTS: A total of 430 patients completed questionnaires (95%); age and sex were equally distributed over the sample. Of respondents, 68% (291 patients) had ever used CAM; 46% had used CAM in the preceding year. Half had used herbal preparations only, 13% non-herbal treatments and 35% both types of therapy. Only 10% were using CAM for the condition that led to their hospital admission. Two-thirds failed to inform their family physician about their use of CAM. CONCLUSIONS: Despite concerns regarding the efficacy, safety and cost-effectiveness of complementary medicine, use amongst surgical patients is common.