Anxiety-, and depression-like behavior following short-term finasteride administration is associated with impaired synaptic plasticity and cognitive behavior in male rats.

Finasteride, a 5α-Reductase inhibitor, is used to treat male pattern baldness and benign prostatic hyperplasia. Several clinical studies show that chronic finasteride treatment induces persistent depression, suicidal thoughts and cognitive impairment and these symptoms are persistent even after its withdrawal. Previous results from our lab showed that repeated administration of finasteride for six days induces depression-like behavior. However, whether short-term finasteride administration induces anxiety-like behavior and memory impairment and alters synaptic plasticity are not known, which formed the basis of this study. Finasteride was administered to 2-2.5 months old male Wistar rats for six days and subjected to behavioral evaluation, biochemical estimation and synaptic plasticity assessment. Anxiety-like behavior was evaluated in the elevated plus maze (EPM), open field test (OFT), light/dark test (LDT), and novelty suppressed feeding test (NSFT), and learning and memory using novel object recognition test (NORT) and novel object location test (NOLT) and depression-like behavior in the sucrose preference test (SPT). Synaptic plasticity in the hippocampal Schaffer collateral-CA1 was evaluated using slice field potential recordings. Plasma corticosterone levels were estimated using ELISA. Finasteride administration induced anxiety-like behavior in the EPM, OFT, LDT and NSFT, and depression-like behavior in the SPT. Further, finasteride induced hippocampal dependent spatial learning and memory impairment in the NOLT. In addition, finasteride decreased basal synaptic plasticity and long-term potentiation (LTP) in the hippocampus. A trend of increased plasma corticosterone levels was observed following repeated finasteride administration. These results indicate the potential role of corticosterone and synaptic plasticity in finasteride-induced effects and further studies will pave way for the development of novel neurosteroid-based therapeutics in neuropsychiatric diseases.

Advances in Hierarchical Inorganic Nanostructures for Efficient Solar Energy Harvesting Systems.

The urgent need to address the global energy and environmental crisis necessitates the development of efficient solar-power harvesting systems. Among the promising candidates, hierarchical inorganic nanostructures stand out due to their exceptional attributes, including a high specific surface area, abundant active sites, and tunable optoelectronic properties. In this comprehensive review, we delve into the fundamental principles underlying various solar energy harvesting technologies, including dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), photocatalytic, photoelectrocatalytic (water splitting), and photothermal (water purification) systems, providing a foundational understanding of their operation. Thereafter, the discussion is focused on recent advancements in the synthesis, design, and development of hierarchical nanostructures composed of diverse inorganic material combinations, tailored for each of these solar energy harvesting systems. We meticulously elaborate on the distinct synthesis methods and conditions employed to fine-tune the morphological features of these hierarchical nanostructures. Furthermore, this review offers profound insights into critical aspects such as electron transfer mechanisms, band gap engineering, the creation of hetero-hybrid structures to optimize interface chemistry through diverse synthesis approaches, and precise adjustments of structural features. Beyond elucidating the scientific fundamentals, this review explores the large-scale applications of the aforementioned solar harvesting systems. Additionally, it addresses the existing challenges and outlines the prospects for achieving heightened solar-energy conversion efficiency.

Grossing to reporting of Wilms tumor with emphasis on proper sampling in treatment-naive and postchemotherapy specimens and their clinicopathological correlation with outcome.

Context: Emphasis on grossing to reporting for the assessment of histopathological parameters predicting outcomes in Wilms tumor. Aims: To analyze various clinicopathological parameters that effect outcomes in treatment naïve and post chemotherapy Wilms tumor specimens. Settings and Design: This was a retrospective observational study. Subjects and Methods: All patients diagnosed with Wilms tumor between 2012 and 2018 at our institute will be included with their clinical findings, laboratory reports, and radiological findings. The patients will be categorized into two groups based on treatment protocol (Society of Pediatric Oncology (SIOP) or the National Wilms Tumor Study Group/Children's Oncology Group (COG) guidelines) used. Details of Grossing and reporting protocols used for the in pre treatment and post treatment specimens will be analyzed. Follow-up till December 2020 will be analyzed. Statistical Analysis Used: Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests were used for statistical analysis. Results: A total of 36 patients with the diagnosis of Wilms tumor were included in the present study. The mean age of presentation was 3.9 ± 0.7 years, and males were more common than females. Most of them presented as abdominal mass and few with isolated hematuria. Twenty-six (72%) patients were treated under SIOP protocol with preoperative neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Ten patients underwent upfront surgery as per COG protocol. In SIOP group patients, the mean tumor size was 9.3cm. Forty percent (n = 10) we mixed histological type followed by blastemal type constituting (32%, n = 8). Regressive and epithelial histological types constituted 16% (n = 4) and 12% (n = 3), respectively. In the SIOP group 72% (n = 19) had no anaplasia and 28% (n = 7) had anaplasia. Fifty seven percent (n = 15) cases were Stage I, followed by 26.9% n = 7) and 11.5% (n = 3) being Stage II and Stage III, respectively. Ten patients underwent upfront surgery as per COG protocol. The mean tumor size among this group was 8 cm ranging from 7 cm to 11 cm. Eight (80%) cases had favorable histology and two cases showed focal anaplasia. Heterologous differentiation is seen in 3 (70%). Out of the 10 cases, one case was Stage I, six were Stage 2, one was Stage III, and two were clinical Stage IV. None of the cases showed either vessel or lymph node metastasis. All the patients received adjuvant chemotherapy postsurgery and were followed up till December 2020 for (at least 3 years). Of 25 patients in the SIOP group, 18 (72%) had complete remission with no radiological evidence of residual disease. Of the 10 patients in the COG group, 6 (70%) had complete remission. Conclusions: Histopathological evaluation of Wilms tumor is a critical aspect in the management of Wilms tumor, as tumor characteristics are different in the tumors treated under SIOP and COG protocols, which will ultimately affect the prognostic risk stratification. This necessitates the knowledge of the important grossing and reporting of these tumors under the two protocols.

Probing avoided crossings and conical intersections by two-pulse femtosecond stimulated Raman spectroscopy: Theoretical study.

This study leverages two-pulse femtosecond stimulated Raman spectroscopy (2FSRS) to characterize molecular systems with avoided crossings (ACs) and conical intersections (CIs) in their low-lying excited electronic states. By simulating 2FSRS spectra of microscopically inspired ACs and CIs models, we demonstrate that 2FSRS not only delivers valuable information on the molecular parameters characterizing ACs and CIs but also helps distinguish between these two systems.

Boron-doped graphene topological defects: unveiling high sensitivity to NO molecule for gas sensing applications.

Global air quality has deteriorated significantly in recent years due to large emissions from the transformation industry and combustion vehicles. This issue requires the development of portable, highly sensitive, and selective gas sensors. Nanostructured materials, including defective graphene, have emerged as promising candidates for such applications. In this work, we investigated the B-doped topological line defect in graphene as a sensing material for various gas molecules (CO, CO2, NO, and NH3) based on a combination of density functional theory and the non-equilibrium Green's function method. The electronic transport calculations reveal that the electric current can be confined to the line defect region by gate voltage control, revealing highly reactive sites. The B-doped topological line defect is metallic, favoring the adsorption of NO and NH3 over CO and CO2 molecules. We notice changes in the conductance after gas molecule adsorption, producing a sensitivity of 50% (16%) for NO (NH3). In addition, the recovery time for nitride gases was calculated for different temperatures and radiation frequencies. At 300 K the ultraviolet (UV) has a fast recovery time compared to the visible (VIS) one by about two orders of magnitude. This study gives an understanding of how engineering transport properties at the microscopic level (by topological line defect and chemical B-doping) leads to promising nanosensors for detecting nitride gas.

Interventions to promote cost-effectiveness in adult intensive care units: consensus statement and considerations for best practice from a multidisciplinary and multinational eDelphi study.

BACKGROUND: There is limited evidence to guide interventions that promote cost-effectiveness in adult intensive care units (ICU). The aim of this consensus statement is to identify globally applicable interventions for best ICU practice and provide guidance for judicious use of resources. METHODS: A three-round modified online Delphi process, using a web-based platform, sought consensus from 61 multidisciplinary ICU experts (physicians, nurses, allied health, administrators) from 21 countries. Round 1 was qualitative to ascertain opinions on cost-effectiveness criteria based on four key domains of high-value healthcare (foundational elements; infrastructure fundamentals; care delivery priorities; reliability and feedback). Round 2 was qualitative and quantitative, while round 3 was quantitative to reiterate and establish criteria. Both rounds 2 and 3 utilized a five-point Likert scale for voting. Consensus was considered when > 70% of the experts voted for a proposed intervention. Thereafter, the steering committee endorsed interventions that were identified as 'critical' by more than 50% of steering committee members. These interventions and experts' comments were summarized as final considerations for best practice. RESULTS: At the conclusion of round 3, consensus was obtained on 50 best practice considerations for cost-effectiveness in adult ICU. Finally, the steering committee endorsed 9 'critical' best practice considerations. This included adoption of a multidisciplinary ICU model of care, focus on staff training and competency assessment, ongoing quality audits, thus ensuring high quality of critical care services whether within or outside the four walls of ICUs, implementation of a dynamic staff roster, multidisciplinary approach to implementing end-of-life care, early mobilization and promoting international consensus efforts on the Green ICU concept. CONCLUSIONS: This Delphi study with international experts resulted in 9 consensus statements and best practice considerations promoting cost-effectiveness in adult ICUs. Stakeholders (government bodies, professional societies) must lead the efforts to identify locally applicable specifics while working within these best practice considerations with the available resources.

Grossing and reporting of radical prostatectomy specimens: An evidence-based approach.

Radical prostatectomy (RP) constitutes the primary treatment option for patients with clinically localized, biopsy-proven prostate cancer that requires local treatment with curative intent. Accurate reporting of radical prostatectomy specimens is required to guide further risk stratification and management of patients. Hence, for the handling and reporting of RP specimens, a standardized protocol should be followed. Many general pathologists may not be well-versed with the guidelines for the handling of radical prostatectomy specimens. This article discusses a detailed approach to grossing techniques, including specimen description, fixation requirements, gross cut-up, and reporting of the grade and stage of RP specimens. This will enable the pathologist to aid in multidisciplinary management.

A practical and scalable synthesis of several base modified 3'-O-methyl ribonucleosides.

An easy and efficient large-scale synthesis of 1, 2,-di-O-acetyl-5-O-benzoyl-3-O-methyl-d-ribofuranose (8) was accomplished from commercial 1,2:5,6-di-O-isopropylidene-α-d-allofuranose in 7-steps and 30 % overall yield. The utility of protected 8 was demonstrated via synthesis of 9-(3'-O-methyl-ß-d-ribofuranosyl)-6-chloropurine (21) and six other nucleoside analogues in good yields. A library of five novel base modified nucleosides were generated starting from purine nucleoside 21 via functional group manipulations. The 3'-O-modified nucleosides are known to act as chain terminator exerting antiviral activity. The synthesis strategy described herein offers direct access to 3'-O-alkylated nucleosides with wide range of applications, including cap analogues for mRNA vaccine production. This protocol provides a route to exclusive synthesis of 3'-O-alkylated nucleosides, devoid of isomeric 2'-O-alkylated products essential for both therapeutic and biological research.

Magnetic and Magnetostrictive Properties of Sol-Gel-Synthesized Chromium-Substituted Cobalt Ferrite.

Chromium (Cr)-doped cobalt ferrite nanoparticles were synthesized using a sol-gel autocombustion method, with the chemical formula CoCrxFe2xO4. The value of x ranged from 0.00 to 0.5 in 0.1 increments. X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed the development of highly crystalline cubic spinel structures for all samples, with an average crystallite size of approximately 40 to 45 nm determined using the Scherrer equation. Pellets were prepared using a traditional ceramic method. The magnetic and magnetostrictive properties of the samples were tested using strain gauge and VSM (vibrating sample magnetometer) techniques. The results of the magnetic and magnetostrictive tests showed that the chromium-substituted cobalt ferrites exhibited higher strain derivative magnitudes than pure cobalt ferrite. These findings indicated that the introduction of chromium into the cobalt ferrite structure led to changes in the material's magnetic properties. These changes were attributed to anisotropic contributions, resulting from an increased presence of Co2+ ions at B-sites due to the chromium substitutions. In summary, this study concluded that introducing chromium into the cobalt ferrite structure caused alterations in the material's magnetic properties, which were explained by changes in the cationic arrangement within the crystal lattice. This study successfully explained these alterations using magnetization and coercivity data and the probable cationic dispersion.

Widespread occurrence of Tilapia parvovirus in farmed Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus from India.

Tilapia parvovirus (TiPV) has been associated with heavy mortalities in tilapia as a single infection or in co-infection with Tilapia lake virus (TiLV). In this study, TiPV was detected in farmed Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus, from two geographical regions of India, Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh. TiPV-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) reported earlier was used in the screening. Tilapia collected from Maharashtra showed characteristic clinical signs, and TiPV was detected along with TiLV and/or Aeromonas spp. However, fish from Uttar Pradesh were apparently healthy and only TiPV could be detected in these samples. A high prevalence of TiPV was recorded from both the geographical locations, Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh (59.6% and 95.0% respectively). The virus could be detected in tissues such as the spleen, liver, kidney, brain and mucus. The spleen appeared to be the best tissue for detecting TiPV in apparently healthy tilapia. The presence of TiPV was further confirmed through sequencing the PCR products, isolation of the virus in the cell line and electron microscopy. Sequences of the NS1 gene of the two TiPV isolates showed similarity to the earlier reported TiPV isolates. The virus could be successfully propagated in O. niloticus Liver (OnL) cell line, and cytopathic effect was observed as early as 3 days post-infection. Furthermore, the presence of non-enveloped icosahedral to round virus particles measuring about 26-35 nm could be demonstrated in the cytoplasm and nucleus of infected OnL cells in transmission electron microscopy. With this confirmation of the presence of the virus, India is the third country to report TiPV after China and Thailand. The detection of TiPV in co-infection cases with TiLV and in apparently healthy Nile tilapia suggests its wide distribution and potential synergistic effect in co-infection cases. Therefore, this emerging virus needs holistic attention to understand its virulence, host-specificity and epidemiological risk factors.

Gallic acid: a polyphenolic compound potentiates the therapeutic efficacy of cisplatin in human breast cancer cells.

Gallic acid (GA) is a natural polyhydroxyphenolic compound with antioxidant, antimutagenic, anti-inflammatory, and antineoplastic activities. Cisplatin (CPT) is a platinum-based chemotherapeutic drug, and it is the treatment of choice for breast, ovarian, testicular, head, and neck cancers. However, the use of anticancer drugs has undesirable effects on patients due to associated toxicities. Thus, it is necessary to search for alternatives that reduce unintended side effects and enhance anticancer potential. The use of natural compounds with the conventional chemotherapeutic drug is a new aspect of cancer therapy. In the present study, we evaluated the ability of GA in the modulation of anticancer effects of CPT in human breast adenocarcinoma cells (MCF-7) by performing MTT, apoptosis, clonogenic cell survival, and micronucleus assays. GA and CPT showed significant cytotoxic activities in MCF-7 cells in a dose-dependent manner. In combination therapy (GA 2.5, 5.0, and 10 µg/mL + CPT10 µg/mL), GA synergistically reduced the MCF-7 cell viability in contrast to the individual therapies. Cancer cells death by GA is through the induction of apoptosis as observed in the acridine orange and ethidium bromide dual staining method. The frequency of micronuclei (MN) was decreased significantly (P < 0.001) in combinational therapy, possibly reducing the risk of chemotherapy-induced MN. Moreover, GA in mono or combinational therapy did not induce any cytotoxic effects in normal breast epithelial cells (MCF-10A). GA did not show any significant difference in colony inhibition compared to CPT. This outcome shows its differential effects in normal and cancerous cells. Hence, the combination GA with chemotherapeutic drugs could represent a promising alternative therapy in cancer treatment with minimal side effects.

Stellate ganglion ablation by conventional radiofrequency in patients with electrical storm.

AIMS: We report a series of patients with Electrical Storm (ES) who underwent bilateral stellate ganglion ablation by using conventional radio frequency (RFA). METHODS AND RESULTS: The procedure was done with fluoroscopic guidance using the COSMAN™ 1A RF Generator and a 22G RF needle (5 cm length and 5 mm active tip). Six patients, four male and two female (mean age 55 ± 7 years and mean LVEF-42 ± 21%) with ES underwent the procedure under fluoroscopic guidance. All patients experienced recurrent ICD shocks or required multiple external defibrillation shocks. There were no procedural complications. All patients survived free of ES at discharge. At a mean follow-up of 22 ± 8months, all were alive free of ES but two patients received appropriate shocks for VT and one patient had VT terminated by ATP. CONCLUSION: This small series of cases is a proof of concept that neuromodulation by conventional RFA targeting bilateral stellate ganglia appears safe, feasible, and effective in treating selected unstable patients with ES.

Prevent, curtail and mitigate ocular injuries: Proposal for designing an eye injury registry model for the Indian Armed Forces.

This article aims to propose a design for Eye Injury Registry (EIR) model for Indian Armed Forces, to make ophthalmologists and non-ophthalmologists aware about the existence as well as the usefulness of such a registry. This is a perspective study. The EIR model for Armed Forces was designed based on the relevant sources in PubMed, Scopus and Embase including registries of pioneering countries like United States and Canada. A questionnaire based on the model dimensions was developed (Cronbach's alpha>0.7) and filled by 04 senior ophthalmologists in Armed Forces, all of who had a significant experience in dealing with various types of ocular trauma, to give expert opinions, which were then applied to the proposed model to finalize it. In Armed Forces, a registry and reporting on eye injury along with a systematic collection of standard data on eye injuries will help ophthalmologists in the successful prevention. Such a registry and its large database once formed will permit elaborate epidemiologic investigations, highlighting preventable sources of injury, emerging patterns of trauma in our services, and the best possible treatment protocols to be adopted, for successful outcomes. EIR in Armed Forces can help in the collection of eye injury data, thereby improving the quality-of-care and expansion of prevention strategies for ocular injuries. It is a step to make a truly effective data bank, which will be instrumental in combating such preventable ocular injuries and in turn go a very long way in achieving the final goal of preventing up to 90% of such injuries.

Correction: Study on the utilization of by-products of wheat milling industry for the development of biodegradable plates.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1007/s13197-023-05738-8.].

Validation of ageism scale for dental students in India: (Ageism Scale for Dental Students- India) - a cross sectional study.

Background: Ageism persists in many different societies as it is innate and subconscious in nature. Negative effects such as loneliness, mistreatment, and occupational discrimination are frequently present due to ageism. The dental students in our study were wary of the possible benefits of expensive dental care because ageism is rife in their field. There is no validated and reliable ageism scale to assess how dental students perceive ageism in India. The current study was carried out to validate the ageism scale for dental students in the Indian context. METHODS: This was a cross sectional analytical study carried out among both males and females in Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Mangalore in which the instrument was 27-item Ageism scale for dental students. Content validity was done by six subject experts. The final version was administered to 213 students/Residents of dental school. The factorability of data was confirmed with KMO = 0.61 and Bartlett's Test of Sphericity resulting in p < 0.001. RESULTS: Final PCA model resulted in 15 items and six components that together accounted for 70.37% of overall variance. The six components had reliability ranging from marginal 0.51 (Component 6) to a high of 0.81 (Component 3). As per the gender differences by component females showed less ageism than men in "non-compliance" (-0.9(-1.66-0.14), p<0.05) and "practitioner perspective" (1.43 (0.84, 2.03), p<0.01). Statistical significance was seen in Barriers/concerns in dental treatment of elderly where residents showed reversed (1.4 (0.41, 2.38), p<0.01). Urban group showed more ageism for component 'time restraint' (-0.79 (-1.57, -0.02), p<0.05. CONCLUSION: Preliminary validation resulted in 15 item scale with six components with acceptable validity of the ageism scale and could be further tested in large samples. This scale will help recognize ageism in Indian context and provide necessary information to make changes in the curriculum as required.

Histological risk score and its role in predicting recurrence in early-stage oral squamous cell carcinomas.

Context: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) comprises more than 90% of oral cancers and is the most common carcinoma affecting the oral cavity. Early stage T1/T2 OSCC have a heterogeneous prognosis and a significant number of patients develop loco regional recurrence (LRR) and have reduced disease free survival (DFS) with increased disease related mortality. Aims and Objectives: To assess the impact of the three parameters used in Brandwein-Gensler risk model along with lympho-vascular invasion (LVI), depth of invasion (DOI) and lymph node metastases in predicting LRR in early stage OSCC. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective study on early stage T1/2 OSCC patients over a period of 2 years who received treatment by surgical resection and had follow-up data. LRR was assessed based on recurrence of OSCC at the initial site or in regional lymph nodes. Results: Out of 1135 OSCC cases during our study period a total of 207 cases befitted our inclusion criteria. Recurrence was noted in 113 (54.6%) cases. Univariate analysis identified LVI (P < 0.00001), DOI (P < 0.00001), nodal involvement (P < 0.00001), worst pattern of invasion (WPOI) (P < 0.00001), lymphocytic host response (LHR) (P = 0.004), perineural invasion (PNI) (P = 0.012) as strong statistically significant risk factors for LRR. Conclusion: Adequate assessment of simple parameters on routine H and E by incorporating Brandwein-Gensler histological risk scoring model at the initial presentation can help prognosticate and predict LRR and select patients for post-surgical adjuvant therapy.

Fractal dimension: analyzing its potential as a neuroimaging biomarker for brain tumor diagnosis using machine learning.

Purpose: The main purpose of this study was to comprehensively investigate the potential of fractal dimension (FD) measures in discriminating brain gliomas into low-grade glioma (LGG) and high-grade glioma (HGG) by examining tumor constituents and non-tumorous gray matter (GM) and white matter (WM) regions. Methods: Retrospective magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data of 42 glioma patients (LGG, n = 27 and HGG, n = 15) were used in this study. Using MRI, we calculated different FD measures based on the general structure, boundary, and skeleton aspects of the tumorous and non-tumorous brain GM and WM regions. Texture features, namely, angular second moment, contrast, inverse difference moment, correlation, and entropy, were also measured in the tumorous and non-tumorous regions. The efficacy of FD features was assessed by comparing them with texture features. Statistical inference and machine learning approaches were used on the aforementioned measures to distinguish LGG and HGG patients. Results: FD measures from tumorous and non-tumorous regions were able to distinguish LGG and HGG patients. Among the 15 different FD measures, the general structure FD values of enhanced tumor regions yielded high accuracy (93%), sensitivity (97%), specificity (98%), and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) score (98%). Non-tumorous GM skeleton FD values also yielded good accuracy (83.3%), sensitivity (100%), specificity (60%), and AUC score (80%) in classifying the tumor grades. These measures were also found to be significantly (p < 0.05) different between LGG and HGG patients. On the other hand, among the 25 texture features, enhanced tumor region features, namely, contrast, correlation, and entropy, revealed significant differences between LGG and HGG. In machine learning, the enhanced tumor region texture features yielded high accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and AUC score. Conclusion: A comparison between texture and FD features revealed that FD analysis on different aspects of the tumorous and non-tumorous components not only distinguished LGG and HGG patients with high statistical significance and classification accuracy but also provided better insights into glioma grade classification. Therefore, FD features can serve as potential neuroimaging biomarkers for glioma.

Ecotoxicological risks of metals in the subsistence food garden soils of Watut River floodplains, Papua New Guinea.

Exorbitant concentrations of toxic metals in the soil from anthropogenic activities are environmental hazards and key health risk concerns to humans. The subsistence food garden soils have minimum anthropogenic interventions. The ecotoxicological risk potentials of the metals in subsistence food garden settings are unexplored. The metals (Cr, Cu, Pb, and Ni) concentration were assessed in the surface soil fractions (2 mm and 0.2 mm) of food gardens (N = 20) on the floodplains of Watut River, Papua New Guinea. The threshold limits, index of geo-accumulation (Igeo), contamination factor (CF), pollution load index (PLI), and potential ecological risk index (PERI) served as potential risk indicators of metals. Regardless of soil particle size, the descending order of median metals concentration was Cr > Cu > Ni > Pb. The concentration of Cu and Ni in the soil particles exceeded the WHO threshold limits in 100% and 50% of the food garden soils, respectively. Metal enrichment led to severe pollution in 100% gardens (Igeo > 5). Cr, Cu, and Ni contamination factors were > 1 in 95% of the food gardens. The PERI values indicated a lower ecological risk of the metals (PERI < 100). The median concentration of Cu, Igeo, and CF values for Cu in the 2 mm soil particles were significantly greater than in 0.2 mm. The results suggested exposure of subsistence food gardens soils to geogenic metal contamination and the need to carefully choose appropriate soil particle size for the soil health assessments.