Chemical and toxicological studies on black crust formed over historical monuments as a probable health hazard.

Studies to date have mostly investigated environmental factors responsible for deterioration of historical monuments. Black crusts formed on historical monuments are considered as factor for deterioration of structures or as an indicator of environmental status of the surrounding area. Black crust formed on historical monuments has never been investigated as a health hazard. Herein, for the first time, we performed in vitro and in vivo toxicology studies of black crust formed on three culturally-rich historical monuments (Rang Ghar, Kareng Ghar, and Talatal Ghar) of the Indian subcontinent to test their toxicological effect. Black crust suspension in ultrapure water was found not to be considerably toxic to the cells upon direct short-term exposure. However, the sub-acute nasal exposure of the black crust suspension in Swiss albino mice produced lung-specific pathologies and mortality. Additionally, structural formation of the black crust along with the speciation of potentially hazardous elements (PHEs), polyaromatic hydrocarbon (PAHs), and other metals were investigated. Overall, these results indicate the potential of black crust deposited on historical monuments as health hazard owing to the atmospheric pollution of the surroundings. However, it may be noted that black crust and its components have very low possibility of health implication unless they are disturbed without proper care.

Cellulose nanofiber mediated natural dye based biodegradable bag with freshness indicator for packaging of meat and fish.

This work reports the development of a biodegradable bag with freshness detection property for packaging of fish and meat. A nanocomposite film was prepared using cellulose nanofibers and cellulose acetate. Cellulose nanofibers were synthesized from cellulosic materials extracted from grass. Naturally occurring anthocyanin was introduced to activate the film for ammonia detection. Anthocyanin was extracted from the seeds of a dye bearing plant called Melastoma Malabathricum. Presence of cellulose nanofibers facilitates the absorption of anthocyanin on the film surface. The inherent property of colour changing ability with the change in pH, anthocyanin converts the film into a sensor for ammonia vapour. This colour change ability of the films was characterised using a colour measurement instrument. The film showed a tensile strength of ⁓29 MPa and thermal stability ⁓288 °C. Utilizing the thermoplastic nature of cellulose acetate, such films could be easily converted to a packaging bag by heat sealing.

Azathioprine Induced Pancytopenia in a Patient with Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada Disease: A Case Report.

Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease is a multisystem autoimmune inflammatory disorder that affects the eyes, ears, skin, and the nervous system. It is a rare disease that mainly affects Asian, Hispanic, and Middle Eastern populations. Systemic steroids and immunosuppressants are frequently used to treat autoimmune diseases like this. Despite the fact that they reduce morbidity, immunosuppressants can have a number of side effects and are difficult to use, particularly when treating uncommon autoimmune illnesses. We present a case of a 56-year-old man who visited our health facility complaining of increased tears in both eyes along with bilateral blurring of vision. He was subsequently identified as having Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease. After prednisolone and methotrexate failed to have the desired effect, he was treated with azathioprine, which caused pancytopenia, and manifested as fever with positive blood culture for a coagulase-negative staphylococcus infection. Keywords: case reports; pancytopenia; steroid.