Water Quality for Cattle: Metalloid and Metal Contamination of Water.

Water is the most important nutrient for rangeland livestock. However, competition with municipalities, industry, and other water users often results in grazing livestock being forced to use water supplies that are less than perfect. Surface water in western rangleands are often contaminated by mineral extraction, irrigation runoff and other human activities. Mineral contaminants in drinking water are additive with similar contaminants in feedstuffs. The goal of this article is to provide producers and veterinarians with the basic background to make informed decisions about whether a given water supply is "safe" for livestock.

Association of Dietary Carotenoids Intake with Skeletal Fluorosis in the Coal-burning Fluorosis Area of Guizhou Province.

OBJECTIVE: To explore whether the intake of dietary carotenoids could protect against skeletal fluorosis in Guizhou province in which coal-burning fluorosis is endemic. METHODS: A case-control study of 196 patients with skeletal fluorosis and 196 age and gender-matched controls was conducted in Zhijin, Guizhou Province. Face-to-face interviews were conducted to assess habitual dietary intake using a 75-item food frequency questionnaire and various covariates with structured questionnaires. Urinary fluoride was measured using an ion-selective electrode method. The genotype of superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) rs11968525 was detected by TaqMan method. RESULTS: We observed significant dose-dependent inverse associations of skeletal fluorosis with intake of ß-carotene, lutein/zeaxanthin, lycopene, and total carotenoids (P-trend = 0.002 to 0.018), whereas α-carotene and ß-cryptoxanthin intakes were not found to be related to skeletal fluorosis, after adjustment for potential confounders. The adjusted ORs and 95% CI of skeletal fluorosis for the highest versus lowest quartile were 0.30 (0.10, 0.86) for ß-carotene, 0.23 (0.08, 0.66) for lycopene, 0.26 (0.10, 0.75) for lutein/zeaxanthin and 0.34 (0.14, 0.74) for total carotenoids (all P-trend < 0.05). Stratified analyses showed that the protective effects of lutein/zeaxanthin and total carotenoids on skeletal fluorosis were more evident for individuals with the AG+AA genotypes of SOD2 (rs11968525). CONCLUSION: Increased intakes of ß-carotene, lutein/zeaxanthin, lycopene, and total carotenoids are independently associated with a lower risk of coal-burning skeletal fluorosis. SOD2 (rs11968525) polymorphisms might modify the inverse associations between dietary carotenoids and skeletal fluorosis.

Effects of Supplemental Epigallocatechin Gallate in the Diet of Broilers Exposed to Fluoride Intoxication.

We evaluated the effects of dietary epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) on the performance, biochemical parameters, and liver histopathology of fluoride-intoxicated broiler chickens. In total, 160 1-day-old male broiler chicks (Ross PM3 strain) were collected and assigned to four groups (40 animals each), with four replicates. The control group received a basal diet; the F group received 800 mg/kg fluoride; the EGCG group received 400 mg/kg EGCG; and the EGCG+F group received 400 mg/kg EGCG and 800 mg/kg fluoride. The live weight (LW) of F-treated chicks was significantly lower than that of the controls. In the F-treated groups, feed intake (FI) and LW values were lower, but the feed conversion ratio (FCR) was higher than those of the controls. The ratio of heart weight to LW was found to be the highest in the F-treated groups. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and total oxidant status (TOS) levels in the F-treated groups were significantly higher, whereas the increase in total cholesterol levels was insignificant than those in the control group. In the EGCG+F group, AST, total cholesterol, and TOS levels decreased to a level comparable to those in the control group. Histopathological evaluation revealed that there were mild changes in the portal region in the EGCG+F group; additionally, there was an improvement in liver morphology in the EGCG+F group compared to that in the F group. Thus, EGCG has potent antioxidant and regenerative effects that can ameliorate the detrimental effects of fluoride toxicity on blood parameters and the liver.

Review of Fluoride Intake and Appropriateness of Current Guidelines.

Since the classical epidemiological studies by Dean, it has been known that there should be an optimum level of exposure to fluoride that would be able to provide the maximum protection against caries, with minimum dental fluorosis. The "optimal" daily intake of fluoride for children (0.05-0.07 mg per kilogram bodyweight) that is still accepted worldwide was empirically determined. In the present review, we discuss the appropriateness of the current guidance for fluoride intake, in light of the windows of susceptibility to caries and fluorosis, the modern trends of fluoride intake from multiple sources, individual variations in fluoride metabolism, and recent epidemiological data. The main conclusion is that it is very difficult to think about a strict recommendation for an "optimal" range of fluoride intake at the individual level in light of existing knowledge of 1) the mechanisms of action of fluoride to control caries, 2) the mechanisms involved in dental fluorosis development, 3) the distinct factors that interfere in the metabolism of fluoride, and 4) the windows of susceptibility to both dental caries and fluorosis development. An "optimal" range of fluoride intake is, however, desirable at the population level to guide programs of community fluoridation, but further research is necessary to provide additional support for future decisions on guidance in this area. This list includes the effect of factors affecting fluoride metabolism, clinical trials on the effectiveness of low-fluoride dentifrices to prevent caries in the primary dentition, and validation of biomarkers of exposure to fluoride.

Current Guidance for Fluoride Intake: Is It Appropriate?

The purpose of this report is to examine critically the appropriateness of the current guidance for fluoride intake in the population (0.05-0.07 mg F/kg bodyweight/d), consider whether changes to the current guidance are desirable, and suggest further research that will strengthen the evidence base for future decisions on guidance/advice in this area. The benefits and the risks of using fluoride particularly concern preschool children because it is at this age that excessive fluoride intake may result in dental fluorosis. Data from mostly cross-sectional studies show a wide variation in exposure and a considerable variation in the amount of fluoride ingested. Fluorosis, mostly mild, is commonly observed. For considering changes in current guidance, there is a need for more knowledge on the relationship between exposure to fluoride at an early age and the development of fluorosis. For that, prospective epidemiological studies with sufficiently large and representative samples of children are required. It is also important to study children in communities both with and without water fluoridation and to include populations where salt or milk fluoridation is used. There is also a need for professional agreement on acceptable levels of mild and moderate/severe fluorosis and a more comprehensive knowledge on the appreciation of mild fluorosis among the public.

A brief and critical review on hydrofluorosis in diverse species of domestic animals in India.

India is one of the fluoride-endemic countries where the maximum numbers of ground or drinking water sources are naturally fluoridated. In India, a total of 23, out of 36 states and union territories have drinking water contaminated with fluoride in varying concentration. In the present scenario, especially in rural India, besides the surface waters (perennial ponds, dams, rivers, etc.), bore wells and hand pumps are the principal drinking water sources for domestic animals such as cattle (Bos taurus), water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis), sheep (Ovis aries), goats (Capra hircus), horses (Equus caballus), donkeys (Equus asinus) and dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius). Out of 23 states, 17 states, namely Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Haryana, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha (Orissa), Punjab, Rajasthan, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal, have fluoride beyond the maximum permissible limit of 1.0 or 1.5 ppm in drinking water. This situation is a great concern for the animal health because fluoride is a slow toxicant and causes chronic diverse serious health hazards or toxic effects. Despite the fact that domestic animals are the basic income sources in rural areas and possess a significant contributory role not only in the agriculture sector but also in the strengthening of economy as well as in sustainable development of the country, research work on chronic fluoride intoxication (hydrofluorosis) due to drinking of fluoridated water in domestic animals rearing in various fluoride-endemic states is not enough as compared to work done in humans. However, some interesting and excellent research works conducted on different aspects of hydrofluorosis in domesticated animals rearing in different states are briefly and critically reviewed in the present communication. Author believes that this review paper not only will be more useful for researchers to do some more advance research work on fluoride-induced toxicosis in different species of animals but will also be helpful in the making of health policy for domestic animals at state and national level for the mitigation of hydrofluorosis in India.

Prevention & control of fluorosis & linked disorders: Developments in the 21st Century - Reaching out to patients in the community & hospital settings for recovery.

The review on fluorosis addresses the genesis of the disease, diagnostic protocols developed, mitigation and recovery through nutritional interventions. It reveals the structural and functional damages caused to skeletal muscle and erythrocytes, leading to clinical manifestations in fluorosis. Hormonal derangements resulting in serious abnormalities in the health of children and adults are discussed. Fluoride toxicity destroys the probiotics in the gut, resulting in vitamin B12depletion, an essential ingredient in haemoglobin (Hb) biosynthesis. The article provides an overview of National Technology Mission on Safe Drinking Water and its contributions to fluorosis control. National Programme for Prevention and Control of Fluorosis is presently in operation in India and its focus cited. Major emphasis has been laid on a variety of disorders surfacing in India due to fluoride toxicity/fluorosis as 'fluorosis-linked disorders', viz. anaemia in pregnancy, schoolchildren, thyroid hormone abnormalities, hypertension, iodine deficiency disorders/goitre, renal failure and calcium+vitamin D-resistant rickets in children. The major action taken by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Government of India in establishing a Centre of Excellence for Fluorosis Research in India and its contributions are highlighted.

Missed opportunities?: an evaluation of potentially preventable poisoning deaths.

INTRODUCTION: Although most poisoning deaths are not preventable with current medical technology, in some cases different management decisions may have prevented fatal outcomes. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to review reported poisoning-related deaths for preventability to provide insight to improve future care. METHODS: Fatality abstracts published in the US National Poison Data System (NPDS) Annual Reports (2008-2012) were analyzed. Preventability was graded using a Likert scale of 1 (definitely non-preventable) to 6 (definitely preventable). Two medical toxicologists screened all cases. Cases deemed definitely not preventable (score 1) by both reviewers were excluded from further review and considered to be "non-preventable". All cases considered at least possibly preventable by either screener were reviewed by a multidisciplinary panel of 5 physicians for preventability scoring. Differences were resolved by consensus. Cases determined to be "preventable" (scores 4-6) were characterized by type of improvement issue involved (diagnosis, treatment, monitoring, other) and recurring scenarios. RESULTS: Of 390 published abstracts, 78 (20.0%) deaths were considered at least possibly preventable by at least one screener. Of these, 34 (8.7%) deaths were determined to be "preventable" by the panel. Inter-observer agreement by weighted kappa analysis was 0.58 for screening, 0.24 for preventability, and 0.44 for specific aspects of care. The most common toxicants were salicylates (n = 9), opioids (n = 4), toxic alcohols (n = 3), fluoride containing product (n = 3), and bupropion (n = 3). The most common improvement opportunities involved treatment and monitoring. DISCUSSION: Most of the ingested substances in preventable deaths have delayed GI absorption or require metabolic activation to produce a delayed effect (such as salicylates, opioids, and toxic alcohols), and therefore provide an opportunity for early recognition and successful interventions. Most improvement opportunities are clearly described in the literature but may be not recognized. CONCLUSIONS: Based on an analysis of published NPDS data, a considerable number of poisoning-related deaths reaching medical attention may be preventable. The most common scenarios involved in potentially preventable poisoning fatalities related to monitoring and treatment. Salicylates and opioids were the most common agents involved in preventable deaths.

Fluoruro en aguas minerales naturales envasadas en España y prevención de la caries dental / Fluoride content of bottled natural mineral waters in Spain and prevention of dental caries

OBJETIVO: El propósito del estudio es conocer la concentración en flúor de las aguas minerales naturales comercializadas en España para poder prevenir la caries dental sin el riesgo de causar fluorosis dental. DISEÑO: Estudio descriptivo y transversal a lo largo de 2012. Emplazamiento: Aguas minerales naturales comercializadas en España. PARTICIPANTES: Tres muestras con fechas distintas de embotellado de 109 marcas de aguas minerales naturales (97 marcas españolas y 12 aguas importadas). Medición principal: Determinación analítica por cromatografía iónica del contenido en fluoruro en el agua. RESULTADOS: La concentración mediana de fluoruro de las aguas minerales naturales españolas es de 0,22 (rango 0,00-4,16; rango intercuartil: 0,37). La gran mayoría (61 marcas, 62%) contenían menos de 0,30 mg/L. Hay 19 marcas que contienen más de 0,6 mg/L. Hay 19 marcas españolas que contienen más de 0,6 mg/L. En las 12 aguas minerales importadas, la mediana es de 0,35 (rango 0,10-1,21; rango intercuartil: 0,23). Sólo en 28 de las 109 marcas examinadas (25,6%) se especificaba el contenido de fluoruro en la etiqueta. Se observa una buena correlación entre las concentraciones indicadas y los valores analizados. CONCLUSIONES: Las concentraciones de fluoruro en las aguas minerales naturales comercializadas en España muestran una gran variabilidad. Dado el creciente consumo de las aguas minerales naturales en España, este tipo de información es de suma importancia para poder hacer una correcta utilización de flúor en la prevención primaria de la caries dental

AIM: The aim of the study was to determine the concentration of fluoride in natural mineral waters marketed in Spain in order to prevent tooth decay without the risk of causing dental fluorosis DESIGN: Descriptive and cross-sectional study during 2012. LOCATION: Natural mineral waters marketed in Spain. PARTICIPANTS: Three bottles with different bottling dates of 109 natural mineral waters (97 Spanish and 12 imported brands). Main measures: Determination of fluoride by ion chromatography RESULTS: Median fluoride concentrations of the natural mineral waters bottled in Spain was 0.22 (range 0.00-4.16; interquartile range:0.37). Most samples (61 brands, 62%) contained less than 0.3 mg/L. There are 19 Spanish brands with more than 0.6 mg/L. The median level in imported brands was 0.35 (range 0.10-1.21; interquartile range: 0.23). Only 28 of the 109 brands examined (25.6%) specified the fluoride content on the label. Good correlation was observed between the concentrations indicated and those determined. CONCLUSIONS: Fluoride concentrations in natural mineral waters showed high variation. Given the growing consumption of natural mineral waters in Spain, this type of information is important to make proper use of fluoride in the primary prevention of dental caries

Reducing exposure to high fluoride drinking water in Estonia-a countrywide study.

Fluoride is a naturally occurring contaminant in groundwater in Estonia. There are several regions in Estonia with fluoride contents in public water supplies as high as 7 mg/L. Long-term exposure to high-fluoride drinking water may have several adverse health effects, primarily dental fluorosis. The opportunities for exposure reduction rely highly on water treatment technologies. Since 2004 public water suppliers in Estonia have made efforts to diminish fluoride content in drinking water systems. A follow-up study on a country level was carried out in 2004-2012 to analyze the changes in population exposure to excessive (over 1.5 mg/L) fluoride in drinking water and to get information about the reduction methods applied by public water supplies (PWS) to optimize the fluoride levels in public water system. The results showed that bigger PWS have been more effective in fluoride reduction measures than small PWS. The main methods used to lower the fluoride content were reverse osmosis technology and replacement of water sources with new ones (new drilled wells). As a result of all the measures taken the overall high-fluoride exposure has been reduced substantially (82%).

Maize purple plant pigment protects against fluoride-induced oxidative damage of liver and kidney in rats.

Anthocyanins are polyphenols and well known for their biological antioxidative benefits. Maize purple plant pigment (MPPP) extracted and separated from maize purple plant is rich in anthocyanins. In the present study, MPPP was used to alleviate the adverse effects generated by fluoride on liver and kidney in rats. The results showed that the ultrastructure of the liver and kidney in fluoride treated rats displayed shrinkage of nuclear and cell volume, swollen mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum and vacuols formation in the liver and kidney cells. MPPP significantly attenuated these fluoride-induced pathological changes. The MDA levels in serum and liver tissue of fluoride alone treated group were significantly higher than those of the control group (p < 0.05). The presence of 5 g/kg MPPP in the diet reduced the elevation of MDA levels in blood and liver, and increased the SOD and GSH-Px activities in kidney and GSH level in liver and kidney compared with the fluoride alone treated group (p < 0.05). In addition, MPPP alleviated the decrease of Bcl-2 protein expression and the increase of Bax protein expression induced by fluoride. This study demonstrated the protective role of MPPP against fluoride-induced oxidative stress in liver and kidney of rats.

Evidence-based tailoring of behavior-change campaigns: increasing fluoride-free water consumption in rural Ethiopia with persuasion.

Two hundred million people worldwide are at risk of developing dental and skeletal fluorosis due to excessive fluoride uptake from their water. Since medical treatment of the disease is difficult and mostly ineffective, preventing fluoride uptake is crucial. In the Ethiopian Rift Valley, a fluoride-removal community filter was installed. Despite having access to a fluoride filter, the community used the filter sparingly. During a baseline assessment, 173 face-to-face interviews were conducted to identify psychological factors that influence fluoride-free water consumption. Based on the results, two behavior-change campaigns were implemented: a traditional information intervention targeting perceived vulnerability, and an evidence-based persuasion intervention regarding perceived costs. The interventions were tailored to household characteristics. The campaigns were evaluated with a survey and analyzed in terms of their effectiveness in changing behavior and targeted psychological factors. While the intervention targeting perceived vulnerability showed no desirable effects, cost persuasion decreased the perceived costs and increased the consumption of fluoride-free water. This showed that altering subjective perceptions can change behavior even without changing objective circumstances. Moreover, interventions are more effective if they are based on evidence and tailored to specific households.

[Clinical and pathogenetic aspects of the chronic occupational intoxication with fluorine compounds in modern reality].

Multi-year follow-up of 358 workers of aluminum pot rooms, including 165 individuals suffering from fluorosis, has shown significant changes in the clinical picture of the chronic occupational fluorine intoxication, developed under modern conditions of production, at lower concentrations of fluorine compounds in the air of working area. In this connection, the pathology of the musculoskeletal system plays the dominating role in this clinical picture and has the large variability of combinations of the individual sections destructions of the bone tissue. The main criterion to establish the phase of the disease is still the number and severity of the signs of this destruction. The visceral pathology in contemporary production circumstances is registered with less frequency and loses a number of the previously described clinical manifestations, however, is still of some importance to identify the early signs of the disease and to prevent the dental fluorosis on time.

Efficacy of lycopene against fluoride toxicity in rats.

CONTEXT: Oxidative damage to cellular components such as lipids and cell membranes by free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS) is thought to be associated with the development of degenerative diseases. Fluoride intoxication is associated with oxidative stress and altered anti-oxidant defense mechanism. Lycopene is a lipid-soluble powerful anti-oxidant that scavenges free radicals and ROS. OBJECTIVE: This study was extended to investigate lycopene anti-oxidant efficacy in different organs of fluoride-intoxicated rats. METHODS: Twenty-four adult rats were randomly divided into four groups of six animals each. Rats in group I received daily doses of vehicle. Group II rats were given lycopene (10 mg/kg body weight/day), by tubes, dissolved in 0.5 ml of corn oil for 5 weeks. Group III rats were given sodium fluoride (NaF) (10.3 mg/kg body weight/day), by tubes, for 5 weeks. In group IV rats, lycopene was administered 1 h later and NaF was administered for 5 weeks. RESULTS: NaF administration induced oxidative stress as evidenced by elevated levels of lipid peroxidation (51.3, 65.9 and 67.6%) measured as malondialdehyde and total nitrate/nitrite (61.0, 59.7 and 68.9%) in red blood cells, heart and brain tissues. Moreover, significantly decreased reduced glutathione level, total anti-oxidant capacity and superoxide dismutase activity were observed in the examined tissues. The induced oxidative stress and the alterations in anti-oxidant system were normalized by the oral administration of lycopene treatment. CONCLUSION: Lycopene administration could minimize the toxic effects of fluoride indicating its free-radical scavenging and powerful anti-oxidant activities.

Acute toxicity of ingested fluoride.

This chapter discusses the characteristics and treatment of acute fluoride toxicity as well as the most common sources of overexposure, the doses that cause acute toxicity, and factors that can influence the clinical outcome. Cases of serious systemic toxicity and fatalities due to acute exposures are now rare, but overexposures causing toxic signs and symptoms are not. The clinical course of systemic toxicity from ingested fluoride begins with gastric signs and symptoms, and can develop with alarming rapidity. Treatment involves minimizing absorption by administering a solution containing calcium, monitoring and managing plasma calcium and potassium concentrations, acid-base status, and supporting vital functions. Approximately 30,000 calls to US poison control centers concerning acute exposures in children are made each year, most of which involve temporary gastrointestinal effects, but others require medical treatment. The most common sources of acute overexposures today are dental products - particularly dentifrices because of their relatively high fluoride concentrations, pleasant flavors, and their presence in non-secure locations in most homes. For example, ingestion of only 1.8 ounces of a standard fluoridated dentifrice (900-1,100 mg/kg) by a 10-kg child delivers enough fluoride to reach the 'probably toxic dose' (5 mg/kg body weight). Factors that may influence the clinical course of an overexposure include the chemical compound (e.g. NaF, MFP, etc.), the age and acid-base status of the individual, and the elapsed time between exposure and the initiation of treatment. While fluoride has well-established beneficial dental effects and cases of serious toxicity are now rare, the potential for toxicity requires that fluoride-containing materials be handled and stored with the respect they deserve.

Intervention of selenium on chronic fluorosis-induced injury of blood antioxidant capacity in rats.

This study was conducted to further explore the effects of selenium on the blood antioxidant capacity in rats exposed to fluoride to find out the optimal dosage level of selenium. Animals were divided into prevention sequence (Selenium → NaF, water → NaF) and treatment sequence (NaF → Selenium, NaF → water) (sodium fluoride 50 mg/L; sodium selenite 0.375, 0.75, 1.5 mg/L). The exposure time was 12 months. Then, the fluidity of erythrocyte membrane by electron spin resonance was analyzed, and the blood was collected for GSH-Px and SOD activity, total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and uric acid assay, sialic acid and MDA content. The results showed that, compared with control group, GSH-Px activity and T-AOC level increased significantly (P < 0.05), and SOD activity was raised in varying degrees in prevention and treatment groups, respectively. Uric acid level was up-regulated, but no significant differences were observed (P > 0.05). The fluidity of erythrocyte membrane showed significant increase (P < 0.05). As evident in this study, when the dose of selenium was 0.75 mg/L, all the activities of antioxidant enzymes increased significantly in prevention sequence; but in treatment sequence, the optimum intervention concentration was 1.5 mg/L. On the basis of results, the preventive effect of selenium was superior to treatment effect on the oxidative stress induced by an overdose of fluoride.

[Characteristics and comparative study of a new drinking-water defluoridation adsorbent Bio-F].

To evaluate the application potentiality pf a new type drinking-water defluoridation adsorbent Bio-F, comparative study on the defluoridation characteristics of common adsorbents activated alumina (AA), bone char (BC), activated clinoptilolite (AC) with Bio-F was conducted. The defluoridation characteristics under different conditions, such as particle diameter, pH, retention time, fluorine concentration, regeneration stability, were investigated by continuous-flow column experiments and static tests. The defluoridation efficiency of high fluoride underground water by four types of adsorbents was also compared. The results showed that F(-) adsorption kinetics of Bio-F fitted the Lagergren First-order equation (R2 = 0.9580). F(-) adsorption by Bio-F was found to fit the Langmuir adsorption isotherm (R2 = 0.9992). The results indicated that the static defluoridation capacity (DC) of Bio-F was 4.0883 mg x g(-1), which was about 1.8 folds and 5.8 folds of those of AA and AC respectively. DC of all four adsorbents was positively correlated with F(-) concentration and negatively correlated with particle size. High concentration of CO3(2-) and HCO3(-) reduced the DC of Bio-F (p < 0.05), while high concentration of Ca2+, NO3(-), HPO4(2-) favored defluoridation by Bio-F (p < 0.001). The optimal retention time of Bio-F was 3-4 min, which was less than that of AC (20 min) and AA (11 min). The DC of Bio-F remained relatively stable in pH 4.0-9.0 and in regeneration since the DC variation was not more than 15%. The above results indicated that Bio-F was superior to AA, BC and AC in drinking-water defluoridation.

Neurology of endemic skeletal fluorosis.

Endemic skeletal fluorosis is widely prevalent in India and is a major public health problem. The first ever report of endemic skeletal fluorosis and neurological manifestation was from Prakasam district in Andhra Pradesh in the year 1937. Epidemiological and experimental studies in the endemic areas suggest the role of temperate climate, hard physical labor, nutritional status, presence of abnormal concentrations of trace elements like strontium, uranium, silica in water supplies, high fluoride levels in foods and presence of kidney disease in the development of skeletal fluorosis. Neurological complications of endemic skeletal fluorosis, namely radiculopathy, myelopathy or both are mechanical in nature and till date the evidence for direct neurotoxicity of fluoride is lacking. Prevention of the disease should be the aim, knowing the pathogenesis of fluorosis. Surgery has a limited role in alleviating the neurological disability and should be tailored to the individual based on the imaging findings.

Growth, feed efficiency and blood profile of buffalo calves consuming high levels of fluoride: growth and blood metabolites in buffaloes fed high fluoride.

Twelve male buffalo calves of 10 to 12 months of age were divided into 3 groups of four each. They were fed wheat straw+concentrate mixture +3 Kg greens. The chemical composition of the diet was same in all the three groups except fluoride which was added (as NaF) in concentrate mixture of group B and C to make the final fluoride concentration 30 ppm and 60 ppm respectively. The animals were kept on scheduled diet for a period of 90 days. Body weights were recorded at the start of the experiment and at fortnightly interval thereafter. Analysis of data revealed that the dry matter intake decreased non significantly in group B and C as compared to control group. A significant decrease in serum calcium and a significant increase in phosphorus concentration were observed in group C animals. A significant increase was observed in alkaline phosphatase activity in group C animals. A non significant decrease was observed in T4 values in group C animals. On the basis of these results it could be concluded that fluoride in the diet of buffalo calves @ 30 ppm is a safe level whereas 60 ppm has affected the blood metabolites.