Comet Assay and Micronucleus Test in Circulating Erythrocytes of Ctenopharyngodon idella Exposed to Nickel Oxide Nanoparticles.

The number of pollutants released into freshwater and marine environments has increased due to the widespread use of nanoparticles. Nickel oxide nanoparticles (NiO-NPs) were tested for genotoxicity in fish fingerlings of the species Ctenopharyngodon idella. For 7, 14, and 21 days, fingerlings were exposed to NiO-NPs with each increasing concentrations of 2.25 mg/L, 4.50 mg/L, and 6.75 mg/L, respectively. The micronuclei assay and comet assay were used to evaluate the DNA damage. The experiment revealed that with the increase in nanoparticle concentration and exposure duration, the level of DNA damage also increased. The experiment resulted to be time and dose dependent, and the damage was found as follows: 6.75 mg/L > 4.50 mg/L > 2.25 mg/L against each exposure period. In terms of comet assay, the results showed that after 7 days, the level of DNA damage in all the concentrations was highly significant (P < 0.001). Increased DNA damage was calculated at the higher administered dose of 6.75 mg/L for 21 days of exposition, followed by 14 and 7 days, respectively. The second high toxic effect was observed in the fish blood at the exposure concentration of 4.50 mg/L for 21 days, followed by 14 and 7 days, respectively. The micronuclei induction in the nanoparticle's administered blood could be detected only for a 7-day exposition period. Whereas for the exposed duration of 14 and 21 days, the entire red blood cells of the grass carp were completely destroyed demonstrating the ability of the nanoparticles to cause anomalies in aquatic life.

Poisons Implicated In Homicidal, Suicidal And Accidental Cases In North-West Pakistan.

BACKGROUND: Pakistan has one of the highest prevalence of poisoning in the world. However, limited data exist on the frequency of poisons implicated in homicidal, suicidal, and accidental cases in North-West Pakistan (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa). METHODS: This retrospective study of 353 cases and biological specimens of poisoning received at the department of Forensic medicine and toxicology, Khyber Medical College Peshawar from 13 districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Frequency of poisoning was assessed by testing each specimen for 17 different poisons. RESULTS: Of all the specimens, 250 (70.8%) specimens tested positive and the rest didn't show any indication of poisoning (n=103, 29.2%). The most frequent poisons detected were benzodiazepines (total n=75), organophosphates (total n=58), phencyclidine (total n=30) and morphine (total n=23). Gender had a significant association with benzodiazepines (p=0.011), tricyclic antidepressants (p=0.001), and organophosphates (p<0.001). Organophosphates were the most common cause of poisoning in females while benzodiazepines were the most common cause of poisoning in males. CONCLUSIONS: Poisoning by benzodiazepines, organophosphates and phencyclidine are the most common causes of intoxication in population of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Source of poisoning varies with gender for organophosphates, benzodiazepines and tricyclic antidepressants.

Gastroenteritis exhumed.

Nature of presenting symptoms and even signs of disease can lead to a diagnosis that seems routine but is in fact erroneous because a sufficient index of suspicion is not generated in the mind of the physician dealing with the case. A young girl of about 16 years was brought to the Casualty Department, DHQ Hospital Bannu on 12 Sep 2004 with complains of severe vomiting and diarrhoea; the casualty medical officer diagnosed her as a case of acute gastroenteritis.

Morbidity & mortality of firearm injury in Peshawar Region.

BACKGROUND: Firearm injuries cause significant morbidity and mortality among its victims. The present study, carried out at a major tertiary care hospital of Peshawar, Pakistan was aimed at highlighting the extent and severity of firearm-related morbidity and resultant mortality despite expert medical care. METHODS: All victims of firearm injury brought to the Lady Reading Hospital Peshawar Emergency Department and thereafter admitted to hospital wards during the period mid-2006 to mid-2007 were included in the study prospectively regardless of age, gender or socio-economic status. Data relevant to the background of firearm use, type of firearm used, types and extents of injuries, clinical condition of the patients and final outcome were collected on performas and entered into SPSS 15.0 for analysis. RESULTS: Seventy-four cases of firearm injury were recorded during the study period, with a predominant male to female ratio (9.6:1). Most victims (79.7%) were in the age group of 15-35 years. Although there were more cases from Peshawar (28.4%), there was no major referral pattern noted. High velocity weapons were used in 95.9% of cases and homicide was the main motive for injury (60.8%). Injuries were sustained most frequently in the abdomen and pelvis (44.6%) and 67.6% of victims sustained internal injuries. There were only 5 (6.8%) deaths from firearm injuries. CONCLUSION: It is concluded, the young males of the population must be targeted for lifestyle adjustments such as training to refrain from anger or disputes (usually over petty things) and to prevent the easy access of firearms as a weapon to settle disputes.