Top 100 Cited Articles on Clinical Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: A Bibliometric Analysis.

We conducted a bibliometric analysis to identify scholarly impact and factors associated with the top 100 cited articles on clinical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). In January 2021, a title-specific search was conducted. Non-HSCT and pre-clinical (in-vitro and animal) studies were excluded. A total of 39,406 records were identified and a list of the top 100 articles was made. Articles included in our study were characterized by the citations received, publication year, topic, study design, authors, h-index, and institutions. Linear regression analyses were performed. The 100 most cited articles were published over 52 years from 1968 to 2020, with a maximum number of articles (n = 40) published in the 1990s decade. Top-100 articles were cited 62,002 times with a median citation count of 465 (range 336-2240). The top-cited articles originated from 12 countries. United States contributed 69 articles. The University of Washington Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center (n = 15) was the leading institution. Blood (n = 32) and New England Journal of Medicine (n = 31) made the greatest contribution, and 52 manuscripts were clinical trials. The first author's H-index significantly correlated with citation count while journal impact factor, years since publication, first author's gender, and the number of authors did not have a significant association with the number of citations. In a multivariate regression model, the first author's h-index (regression coefficient 5.46, 95% confidence interval 2.99 to 7.93, p < 0.001) independently correlated with the citation count. Our study highlights the most influential articles on clinical HSCT and provides valuable insight for future research needs of the specialty.

Biodegradation and Subsequent Toxicity Reduction of Co-contaminants Tribenuron Methyl and Metsulfuron Methyl by a Bacterial Consortium B2R.

AllyMax is a widely used herbicide formulation in wheat-rice cropping areas of the world. The residues of its active ingredients, tribenuron methyl (TBM) and metsulfuron methyl (MET), persist in soil and water as co-contaminants, and cause serious threats to nontarget organisms. This study was performed to assess the potential of a bacterial consortium for the degradation and detoxification of TBM and MET individually and as co-contaminants. A bacterial consortium (B2R), comprising Bacillus cereus SU-1, Bacillus velezensis OS-2, and Rhodococcus rhodochrous AQ1, capable of degrading TBM and MET in liquid cultures was developed. Biodegradation of TBM and MET was optimized using the Taguchi design of experiment. Optimum degradation of both TBM and MET was obtained at pH 7 and 37 °C. Regarding media composition, optimum degradation of TBM and MET was obtained in minimal salt medium (MSM) supplemented with glucose, and MSM without glucose, respectively. The consortium simultaneously degraded TBM and MET (94.8 and 80.4%, respectively) in cultures containing the formulation AllyMax, where TBM and MET existed as co-contaminants at 2.5 mg/L each. Mass spectrometry analysis confirmed that during biodegradation, TBM and MET were metabolized into simpler compounds. Onion (Allium cepa) root inhibition and Comet assays revealed that the bacterial consortium B2R detoxified TBM and MET separately and as co-contaminants. The consortium B2R can potentially be used for the remediation of soil and water co-contaminated with TBM and MET.

Outcomes with CD34-Selected Stem Cell Boost for Poor Graft Function after Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Poor graft function (PGF) is a life-threatening complication after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) characterized by multilineage cytopenia in the absence of mixed donor chimerism (<95% donor), relapse, or severe graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). We present a systemic review and meta-analysis aimed at assessing the outcomes with CD34-selected stem cell boost (SCB) for PGF in adult allo-HSCT recipients. We screened a total of 1753 records identified from 4 databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and ClinicalTrials.gov) following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines, using the search terms "hematological malignancies," "hematopoietic stem cell transplantation," "CD34 antigen(s)," "graft failure," and "poor graft function," from the date of inception to January 2021. After excluding review, duplicate, and nonrelevant articles, we included 7 studies reporting outcomes following administration of CD34-selected SCB for PGF after allo-HSCT, including hematologic complete response (CR) and overall response rate (ORR), GVHD, and overall survival (OS). Quality evaluation was done using the National Institutes of Health quality assessment tool. Pooled analysis was done using the R 'meta' package, and proportions with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were computed. The inter-study variance was calculated using the Der Simonian-Laird estimator. We identified 209 patients who received CD34-selected SCB for PGF after allo-HSCT. The median age was 49 years (range, 18 to 69 years), and 61% were men. Primary graft sources included peripheral blood stem cells (72%) and bone marrow (28%). Donor types were matched sibling (37%), matched unrelated (36%), mismatched unrelated (22%), and haploidentical donors (5%). The median time from allo-HSCT to SCB was 138 days (range, 113 to 450 days). The median SCB dose was 3.45 × 106 CD34 cells/kg (range, 3.1 to 4.9 × 106 cells/kg). CR and ORR were 72% (95% CI, 63% to 79%; I2 = 26%) and 80% (95% CI, 74% to 85%; I2 = 0%), respectively. After a median follow-up of 42 months (range, 30 to 77 months), the actuarial survival rate was 54% (95% CI, 47% to 61%; I2 = 0%). OS ranged from 80% at 1 year to 40% at 9 years. The incidences of acute and chronic GVHD after SCB were 17% (95% CI, 13% to 23%; I2 = 0%) and 18% (95% CI, 8% to 34%; I2 = 76%), respectively. Nonrelapse mortality was reported in 42 patients, with a pooled rate of 27% (95% CI, 17% to 40; I2 = 59%), and death due to relapse was reported in 25 patients, with a pooled rate of 17% (95% CI, 11% to 23%; I2 = 0%). Our data show that CD34-selected SCB improves outcomes after PGF post allo-HSCT with an acceptable toxicity profile. The literature lacks high-quality randomized evidence, and there remains an unmet need for prospective studies to address the optimal dosing and manipulation of SCB. © 2021 American Society for Transplantation and Cellular Therapy. Published by Elsevier Inc.

POEMS syndrome: A multisystem clonal disorder.

Polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal protein, and skin changes (POEMS) syndrome is a rare condition defined by monoclonal plasma cell disorder, peripheral neuropathy, and other systemic symptoms. The pathophysiology of POEMS syndrome is unknown, but the overproduction of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) appears to be an important contributory element. The diagnosis of POEMS syndrome requires the presence of both mandatory criteria (ie, polyneuropathy and a monoclonal plasma cell disorder), at least one major criterion (ie, osteosclerotic bone lesions, Castleman disease, or elevated serum or plasma levels of vascular endothelial growth factor), and at least one of the six minor criteria. POEMS syndrome lacks a standard treatment, but patients with limited sclerotic bone lesions are typically treated with radiation therapy. In contrast, those with widespread lesions receive chemotherapy and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Genotoxicity and repair capability of Mus musculus DNA following the oral exposure to Tramadol.

Tramadol is an analgesic and psychoactive drug that acts primarily upon the central nervous system where it alters brain function, resulting in temporary changes in perception, mood, consciousness and behavior. The aim of present study was to analyze the genotoxicity and repair capability of DNA after Tramadol exposure in albino mice (Mus musculus). For this purpose, forty mice were divided equally into four groups as; a control group (without drug) and three treatment groups that were treated with three doses of Tramadol as minimum dose group, Intermediate dose group and maximum dose group, corresponding to 25 mg/kg, 50 mg/kg and 75 mg/kg of body weight respectively. The dose was given orally for 15 days. After 15 days peripheral blood was drawn from half mice of each group and subjected to comet assay. While the remaining half mice were given a recovery period of 15 days and same procedure was used for blood collection and comet assay. Significant difference in various comet parameters was observed among control and exposed groups. Maximum damage was observed at highest concentration 75 mg/kg of Tramadol and minimum damage was observed at dose 25 mg/kg of Tramadol, while results of repaired mice group showed that repair capability of Tramadol was minor and recovery of Tramadol required a lot of time. It can be concluded that Tramadol cause genotoxicity that is dose dependent and has low repair capability.

Analysis of bioactive composites and antiviral activity of Iresine herbstii extracts against Newcastle disease virus in ovo.

The study was implemented to actuate the qualitative and quantitative phyto constituents of Iresine herbstii extracts and its antiviral efficacy against avian ND virus. Among four tested solvents, the ethanolic extract of Iresine herbstii revealed the presence of highest quantity of all tested phytochemicals while petroleum ether extract showed the least. Folin-Ciocalteu method assessed the range of TPC extended from 81.01 ±â€¯0.67 to 126.35 ±â€¯0.45 µg GAE/mg. Acetonic extract showed the highest amount among all extracts and petroleum ether possessed the lower quantity. TFC ranged from 54.37 ±â€¯0.45 to 88.12 ±â€¯0.26 µg QE/mg followed by colorimetric method. From all extract ethanolic extract showed highest quantity and petroleum ether revealed the lower. HPLC analysis of ethanolic extract of I. herbstii confesses the presence six bioactive components by using the HP5-MS column. To check the antiviral potential of plants, different prepared treatments of plant extract and live virus were inoculated at 9 days old SPF embryonated chicken eggs. Results exposed that all plant extracts produce antiviral activity against NDV in ovo according to their potential and phytochemical profile. The highest survival rate was observed in the ethanolic extract at 400 µg/mL and acetonic extract at 300 µg/mL as it controls the NDV activity completely, evidence of absence of embryo death and HA titre. Dichloromethane and petroleum ether could not inhibit the virus completely. 600 µg/mL concentration was proved as toxic in all extracts except petroleum ether extract which showed a dose dependent pattern.

Effect of organic and in-organic chromium supplementation on growth performance and genotoxicity of Labeo rohita.

In aquaculture industry, the aim of feed formulation is to provide the fish with feasible diet to enhance their body. Carbohydrates supplemented with chromium compounds (organic and in-organic) are major energy currencies for biological machinery of fish. Here, this article presents a description that emphasizes the effect of chromium picolinate (organic) and chromium chloride hexahydrate (in-organic) on growth execution and genotoxicity of Labeorohita. Seven groups (each with a replica) with 30 Labeorohita fingerlings were formed: a control group, three groups were supplemented with chromium chloride Hexahydrate (0.3, 0.5 and 0.6 mg kg-1) and three groups were supplemented with Cr-Pic, 0.3, 0.5 and 0.6 mg kg-1) respectively. The experimental group T4 fortified with (Cr-Pic) along with carbohydrates by dose of 0.3 mg/kg demonstrated significant results (P < 0.05). Superior growth for Labeo rohita was observed as compared to control and other experimental groups. Minimum growth trend was observed in group T5 (CP-0.5 mg/kg), T6 (CP-0.6 mg/kg) and T7 (control) respectively. Comet assay results indicated the dose and Cr related (organic or in-organic) genetic damage in fish erythrocytes. Hence, maximum comet parameters (Tail length, Tail DNA and Olive Tail Moment) were observed in (in-organic Cr) by 0.3 mg/kg concentration. This study suggested the toxicity corresponding to in-organic Cr but organic Cr could be used as growth promoter if so. Overall results demonstrated supplementation of organic chromium compounds by 0.3 mg/kg should be reconsidered for growth. This drive of research address the fish farmers to utilize the feed supplemented with organic Cr compounds which is most appropriate to provide sustainable yield as part of increment in growth performance and beneficial health effects for consumers on indices to reduce the toxicity risks.

Study on survival, growth, haematology and body composition of Cyprinus carpio under different acute and chronic salinity regimes.

Pakistan's most of the land is less productive or no productivity at all due to erosion and salinity of the soil, which can be utilized to develop fisheries. The project, "Survival, growth and body composition of Cyprinus carpio under different salinity regimes" was undertaken in two phases. In the first phase susceptibility of Cyprinus carpio at four salinity levels in triplicate within 0-10 g L-1NaCl for 96 h in each aquarium was checked after one week acclamation at 0 g L-1, 2 g L-1 and 4 g L-1 NaCl. LC50 values varied from 7.67 to 10.65 g L-1 after 96 h for C. carpio. Percentage mortality of the fish and important water quality parameters after every 12 h were observed for a period of 96-h. Probit analysis showed that 96-h LC50 values ranged from 7.67 to 10.65 g L-1 . During experimental period aquaria water temperature ranged from 29.6 to 33.7 °C, pH values fluctuated between 7.8 and 9.7, Electrical conductivity values ranged from 2.40 to 20.13 dSm-1 and Dissolved oxygen ranged between 2.23 and 10 mg L-1. Sub-lethal salt concentration i.e. 0 g L-1 to 3 g L-1 NaCl upto 40 days showed that growth of C. carpio decreased with the increase of water salinity levels and ceased at 4 g L-1 salinity and increase in salinity have negatively affected hematological parameters.

Genotoxic and hematological effects of chlorpyrifos exposure on freshwater fish Labeo rohita.

Chlorpyrifos is a commonly used organophosphate insecticide that causes toxicological effects in aquatic organisms especially in fish. This study determined the effects of chlorpyrifos on the genotoxic and hematological parameters of freshwater fish, Labeo rohita. The genotoxic effects of different sublethal concentrations of chlorpyrifos were investigated in the erythrocytes of Labeo rohita (commonly known as Rohu) using the Micronucleus test. Effects of chlorpyrifos on the hematological parameters of the fish were also observed. Fish specimens were exposed to three sublethal concentrations of chlorpyrifos viz., sublethal I (SL-I, 1/6th of LC50 = ∼73.8 µg/L), sublethal II (SL-II, 1/4th of LC50 = ∼110.7 µg/L) and sublethal III (SL-III, 1/2nd of LC50 = ∼221.4 µg/L) for 96 h. Blood samples were collected at every 24 h and were subjected to the Micronucleus assay. The observed micronucleus frequencies were concentration and time-dependent. The MN induction was significantly highest (p < 0.01) at all the concentrations on 96-h exposure. During the experimental period, hematological parameters like total erythrocytes count (TEC), hemoglobin (Hb) and packed cell volume (PCV) decreased, whereas total leukocytes count (TLC) increased. This study indicated that the Micronucleus assay is a useful tool to detect genotoxic potential of chlorpyrifos in fish.

Pesticide genotoxicity in cotton picking women in Pakistan evaluated using comet assay.

To control agricultural pests and meet the increasing food demands, pesticides use has been increased substantially over time. Although pesticides are relatively specific to their targets, they can affect non-target organisms and are hazardous for the population around the application areas particularly to the individuals engaged in different types of agricultural activities. This situation is worse in developing and under-developed countries where personal protective equipment is merely used and regulatory guidelines are hardly practiced. In the present study, DNA damage in women exposed to pesticides while picking cotton with bare hands was assessed using single cell gel electrophoresis assay or comet assay. The presence of pesticides in blood serum of exposed individuals was also analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography. Blood samples were collected from 138 (69 exposed and 69 control) randomly selected females from a major cotton growing area (Bahawalpur District) of the Punjab province of Pakistan. DNA damage, as determined by the mean comet tail length, was significantly higher (p < 0.001) in the exposed group compared to the unexposed. A positive correlation of DNA damage with age and exposure time was also observed. Residues of three pesticides, cyhalothrin, endosulfan, and deltamethrin found significantly higher (p < 0.001) in the serum samples of the exposed group compared to the unexposed. It was observed that the groups with higher mean comet tail length also had a higher concentration of pesticides in their serum samples indicating a positive association of DNA damage and pesticide exposure. The present study suggests that exposure to pesticides leads to DNA damage.

Genotoxicity of chlorpyrifos in freshwater fish Labeo rohita using Alkaline Single-cell Gel Electrophoresis (Comet) assay.

Chlorpyrifos is a widely used insecticide of organophosphate group, which causes severe toxicological effects in non target aquatic organisms especially in fish. In the present study the genotoxic effects of sublethal concentrations of chlorpyrifos were observed in the erythrocytes and gill cells of Labeo rohita (commonly known as rohu) using the Alkaline Single-Cell Gel Electrophoresis (Comet) assay. Effects of chlorpyrifos on the behavior of the fish were also investigated. The 96 h LC50 value of chlorpyrifos, estimated by Trimmed Spearman-Karber (TSK) in static bioassay, was found to be 442.8 µg/L. On the basis of LC50 value, the fish were exposed to three sublethal concentrations of chlorpyrifos (SL-I ∼221.4 µg/L, SL- II ∼110.7 µg/L and SL-III ∼73.8 µg/L) for 96 h. Blood and gill samples were collected at every 24 h and were subjected to the Comet assay. The observed DNA damage was concentration dependent and time dependent and those levels of DNA damage in between the tested concentrations and times were significantly different (p < 0.01). It was also found that the gill cells are more sensitive to chlorpyrifos, though; it revealed more DNA damage as compared to the erythrocytes of fish. Fish exposed to different concentrations of chlorpyrifos showed different neurotoxic behavioral responses. It was concluded that chlorpyrifos is a genotoxic and neurotoxic insecticide causing DNA damage and neurotoxic effects in Labeo rohita.

Mutant frequency in comparison to oxidative DNA damage induced by ochratoxin A in L5178Y tk+/- (3.7.2C) mouse lymphoma cells.

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a naturally occurring mycotoxin that contaminates animal feed and human food. OTA is nephrotoxic, hepatotoxic, immunosuppressive and a potent renal carcinogen in rodents. In the present study, we evaluated the genotoxicity of OTA in L5178Y tk(+/-) (3.7.2C) mouse lymphoma cells using the microwell version of the mouse lymphoma gene mutation assay (MLA) and the comet assay modified to detect oxidative DNA damage. Cells were treated for 4 hours with 0, 5, 10, 25, 50 or 100 µM of OTA in the presence and absence of exogenous metabolic activation (S9). Benzo[a]pyrene (1 µg/mL) and 4-nitroquinoline-1-oxide (0.1 µg/mL) were used as positive control with and without S9, respectively. OTA treatment produced dose-dependent increases in cytotoxicity and tk mutant frequency, with significant increases in mutant frequency detected at concentrations ≥25 µM with and without S9. Similarly treated cells were used for the comet assay conducted with and without formamidopyrimidine-DNA glycosylase for the determination of oxidative DNA damage. OTA exposure resulted in a significant increase in both direct and oxidative DNA damage, with induction of oxidative damage being greater. The results indicate that OTA is mutagenic in mouse lymphoma assay; and that OTA-generated oxidative DNA damage is, at least partially, responsible for its mutagenicity in the assay.

Evaluation of the acute toxicity of profenofos and its effects on the behavioral pattern of fingerling common carp (Cyprinus carpio L., 1758).

Profenofos, an organophosphate insecticide is acetylcholinesterase inhibitor that has the potential to contaminate the ground water. The 96 h LC(50) value of profenofos was determined in 3-month-old fingerling common carp (Cyprinus carpio) with a body weight 1.04 +/- 0.25 g and a body length 4.25 +/- 0.75 cm at 26 +/- 1 degrees C temperature. Trimmed Spearman-Karber (TSK) software was used for the statistical analysis, which calculated the LC(50) value as 62.4 microg/L for three replicates of the assay. The behavioral responses of fish exposed to profenofos included loss of balance, moving in spiral fashion with sudden jerky movements, lying on their sides and rapid flapping of the operculum with the mouth open.

DNA damage in Pakistani agricultural workers exposed to mixture of pesticides.

A cross-sectional study was designed to determine whether occupational exposure to a complex mixture of pesticides results in a significant increase of DNA damage in farmers chronically exposed to pesticides in open fields. Leukocytes from 47 agriculture workers exposed to pesticides and 50 controls were evaluated with comet assay. Workers recruitment was based on their exposure to pesticides during the spraying season on cotton crop. Serum from these individuals was also analyzed for pesticides presence using high performance liquid chromatography. Statistically significant difference (P < 0.001) in DNA damage of exposed individuals (mean +/- S.D 14.80 +/- 3.04 microm) was observed when compared with control group (6.54 +/- 1.73 microm) as studied on the basis of comet tail length. Smokers had significantly higher mean comet tail length than nonsmokers and ex-smokers in both workers (20.26 +/- 3.53 vs. 14.19 +/- 4.25, P < 0.001) and controls (7.86 +/- 1.09 vs. 5.80 +/- 1.59, P < 0.001), whereas age had a minimal effect on DNA damage (P < 0.05). The length of pesticide exposure is positively associated with DNA damage in exposed individuals (P < 0.001). Our study shows that chronic exposure to pesticides produces DNA damage in pesticide sprayers and suggests that this type of monitoring is recommended in preventive policies for pesticide sprayers.

Cytogenetic damage in female Pakistani agricultural workers exposed to pesticides.

Bhawalpur is a major cotton-growing area in Pakistan. Cotton picking in Pakistan is carried out by females and as a result of the intensive use of pesticides during the growing season these females are exposed to pesticide residues in the picking season. In the present study, peripheral blood was obtained from 69 cotton pickers and 69 unexposed females and used to assess the effect of pesticide exposure on genetic damage as well as on hepatic enzymes and serum cholinesterase. The subjects were of similar average age in workers and control groups (37.55 +/- 12.75 vs. 37.52 +/- 13.47, P > 0.05). Average exposure time of the picker females was 10.26 +/- 6.14 years. Subjects from the exposed group did not use any protective measures during their work activities. Levels of serum cholinesterase were lower, and levels of alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase were higher in the exposed workers as compared with the control group (P < 0.001). The exposed group exhibited significantly increased frequencies of binucleated cells with micronuclei (12.72 +/- 3.48 vs. 4.35 +/- 2.44, P < 0.001) and total number of micronuclei in binucleated lymphocytes (16.51 +/- 4.27 vs. 5.86 +/- 3.09, P < 0.001) in comparison with subjects of the control group. The binucleated cells with micronuclei frequency also seemed to increase with age in both the groups, however, the magnitude of increase was greater in exposed group than the control. Results from the present study indicate that occupational exposure to pesticide mixtures results in cytogenetic damage in exposed females.