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Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer... Jun 2024The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship of soil pollution factors such as heavy metal ions with the incidence of cancer in the Kyzylorda region of...
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship of soil pollution factors such as heavy metal ions with the incidence of cancer in the Kyzylorda region of Kazakhstan.
METHODS
Concentrations of heavy metal ions in the soils of different sites of Kyzylorda region, Kazakhstan, were sampled and correlated with incidence of cancer in 2021.
RESULTS
Chromium content in the soil exceeded maximum permissible concentration (MPC) in the samples for all sites except Kazaly and Shieli, and the highest excess of 2.8 MPC was found in Terenozek. Content of copper, lead, and cobalt ions was also increased and varied in the range 1.9-15.4, 1.2-4, and 1.2-2.44 MPC, respectively. In addition, lung cancer incidence was statistically significantly correlated with soil concentration to MPC ratio of copper, cobalt, and lead; colorectal cancer was correlated with soil concentration of chromium. Cases of invasive cancer and mutations were recorded Terenozek and Kyzylorda areas.
CONCLUSION
The higher the soil concentration correlate with higher cancer incidence in Kyzylorda region, Kazakhstan.
Topics: Humans; Kazakhstan; Metals, Heavy; Incidence; Soil Pollutants; Neoplasms; Soil; Male; Female; Prognosis; Follow-Up Studies
PubMed: 38918660
DOI: 10.31557/APJCP.2024.25.6.1987 -
International Journal of Surgery Case... Jun 2024Nasal vestibular stenosis is a rare trauma-related nasal congestion.
INTRODUCTION
Nasal vestibular stenosis is a rare trauma-related nasal congestion.
PRESENTATION OF CASE
A 52-year-old man complained of right nasal obstruction for 2 weeks caused by hot metal fragments from a gas cylinder explosion 7 weeks before. The patient was diagnosed with right nasal vestibular stenosis due to nasal trauma based on physical examination and CT scan. The patient underwent right nasal vestibular stenosis repair for 2 h without complications. The patient was positioned with the head elevated 20° and received IVFD RD5 therapy at a rate of 1500 mL/day, ceftriaxone 2 × 1 g/day, metamizole 3 × 1 g/day, and ranitidine 2 × 50 mg/day. On the second day, there was no bleeding, pain, or nasal congestion, and an anterior rhinoscopy showed a silicone tube in place. The patient was discharged the same day and started on oral cefixime 2 × 200 mg/day, gentamicin ointment and nasal saline irrigation (NSI) 2 × 100 mL/day for both nostrils. Three months after surgery, the septal stitches and silicone tube were removed and no bleeding was found.
DISCUSSION
The management of vestibular stenosis caused by trauma has a higher success rate than other types of vestibular stenosis. Prompt management plays a crucial role in successfully treating unilateral vestibular stenosis caused by trauma.
CONCLUSION
Prompt management is highly effective in treating unilateral vestibular stenosis.
PubMed: 38917700
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2024.109928 -
PloS One 2024Malnutrition is one of the most serious community health issues in developing countries. This study estimated total energy intake, Iron (Fe), Zinc (Zn), Selenium (Se),...
INTRODUCTION
Malnutrition is one of the most serious community health issues in developing countries. This study estimated total energy intake, Iron (Fe), Zinc (Zn), Selenium (Se), Calcium (Ca), and Phosphate (PO4) levels among school-going children (aged 13-17 years) of the underprivileged area in Sindh, Pakistan.
METHODS
Children from Mithi City, District Tharparkar, were selected for this cross-sectional investigation. Students from various schools from both genders who fulfilled the selection criteria were selected. A questionnaire was filled, and five ml blood samples were taken to analyze blood parameters. Each participant's estimated nutrient intake (ENI) per day was assessed and matched to the recommended daily allowance (RDA) to determine their micro and macronutrient intake.
RESULTS
A total of 300 school-going children [150(50%) boys (mean age 15± 0.8 years) and 150(50%) girls (mean age 14±1.3years)] were included in this study. Total calories (1449±949 Kcal vs. 1245±215 Kcal; p < .001), carbohydrates (138±27 gm vs. 126 ±25 gm; p < .001) protein (47±9.1 gm vs. 44±6 gm; p < .001) was significantly higher among boys compared to girls. In contrast, calcium (1094±105 mg vs. 1144±100; 0.004), phosphate 1050±125 vs. 1148±147; p<0.001), iron (9.2±1.7 mg vs. 10±1.3 mg; p<0.001), and Zinc (7.4±1.8 mg vs. 9.9±1.7 mg; p<0.001) intake was significantly higher among girls than boys. Gender-wise comparison of serum metals in school-going children showed that serum iron was significantly lower among girls than boys (100.86±25.65 μg/dl vs. 78.48±28.66 μg/dl; p<0.001), and no difference was found in serum Zn, Se, and Ca levels. Total proteins were also significantly lower among girls than boys (6.48±1.01g/dl vs. 4.87±1.4301g/dl; p<0.001). Serum iron, Ca, and total proteins were significantly lower among girls with normal ranges compared to boys with normal ranges. Total protein was significantly lower among girls below normal ranges than boys with normal ranges (p < .001). The correlation of carbohydrates, protein, and fat with some serum biochemical parameters in school-going children showed that serum Fe was significantly linked with proteins (r = 0.255; p < .0.05).
CONCLUSION
Our findings showed a concurrent shortage of macro and micronutrients. The current study also revealed that total energy intake was lower than the RDA and significant Fe, Zn, and Se deficiencies. The findings highlight the importance of measures aimed at improving children's nutritional status.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Pakistan; Adolescent; Zinc; Selenium; Energy Intake; Iron; Cross-Sectional Studies; Nutritional Status
PubMed: 38917170
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0304277 -
PloS One 2024The Arctic faces increasing exposure to environmental chemicals such as metals, posing health risks to humans and wildlife. Biomonitoring of polar bears (Ursus...
The Arctic faces increasing exposure to environmental chemicals such as metals, posing health risks to humans and wildlife. Biomonitoring of polar bears (Ursus maritimus) can be used to quantify chemicals in the environment and in traditional foods consumed by the Inuit. However, typically, these samples are collected through invasive or terminal methods. The biomonitoring of feces could be a useful alternative to the current metal monitoring method within the Arctic. Here, we aim to 1) quantify the relationship between concentrations of metals in the feces and tissues (muscle, liver, and fat) of polar bears using predictive modeling, 2) develop an easy-to-use conversion tool for use in community-based monitoring programs to non-invasively estimate contaminant concentrations in polar bears tissues and 3) demonstrate the application of these models by examining potential exposure risk for humans from consumption of polar bear muscle. Fecal, muscle, liver, and fat samples were harvested from 49 polar bears through a community-based monitoring program. The samples were analyzed for 32 metals. Exploratory analysis indicated that mean metal concentrations generally did not vary by age or sex, and many of the metals measured in feces were positively correlated with the internal tissue concentration. We developed predictive linear regression models between internal (muscle, liver, fat) and external (feces) metal concentrations and further explored the mercury and methylmercury relationships for utility risk screening. Using the cross-validated regression coefficients, we developed a conversion tool that contributes to the One Health approach by understanding the interrelated health of humans, wildlife, and the environment in the Arctic. The findings support using feces as a biomonitoring tool for assessing contaminants in polar bears. Further research is needed to validate the developed models for other regions in the Arctic and assess the impact of environmental weathering on fecal metal concentrations.
Topics: Ursidae; Feces; Animals; Female; Male; Arctic Regions; Metals; Biological Monitoring; Food Contamination; Humans; Environmental Monitoring; Environmental Pollutants; Liver
PubMed: 38917117
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0305398 -
International Journal of... Apr 2024Nocardiosis is an opportunistic infection that affects both immunocompromised as well as immunocompetent patients. The main infections occur as soft tissue and lung...
Nocardiosis is an opportunistic infection that affects both immunocompromised as well as immunocompetent patients. The main infections occur as soft tissue and lung infections although they might disseminate to various organs. This is a case study aimed to reflect the severity of the disease and the patient's risk factors associated with the infection. A sputum sample was collected from tuberculosis (TB) suspects for culture. Nocardia-like colonies were isolated, purified, and sent to BGI Company (Hongkong, China). Standard forward sequencing of 16S rRNA was done by ABI Genetic Analyzer (Applied Biosystems). Sequence alignment and nucleotide basic local alignment search tool (BLAST) were done using National Center for Bioinformatics (NCBI) Nucleotide BLAST. Biochemical identification to the colonies was done using an automation system (BD Phoenix™) to confirm the identification. Nocardia paucivorans was identified from the TB suspect. Risk factors were identified as extensive contact to dust, absence of primary care units with complete facilities, and old age. Since the infection of the lungs caused by Nocardia might be similar to pulmonary TB, this case report highlights the importance of accurate diagnosis and identification procedures to differentiate between the two.
Topics: Humans; Nocardia Infections; Nocardia; Male; Fatal Outcome; Sputum; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S; Middle Aged; Respiratory Tract Infections; Gold; Risk Factors; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary
PubMed: 38916396
DOI: 10.4103/ijmy.ijmy_129_23 -
Microbiology Spectrum Jun 2024Biosorption and biomineralization are commonly used for the immobilization of metal ions. Biosorption is commonly used as a green method to enrich rare earth ions from...
UNLABELLED
Biosorption and biomineralization are commonly used for the immobilization of metal ions. Biosorption is commonly used as a green method to enrich rare earth ions from wastewater. However, little attention has been paid to the facilitating role of biomineralization in the enrichment of rare earth ions. In this study, a strain of sp. DW015, isolated from ion adsorption type rare earth ores and a urease-producing strain were used to enrich rare earth elements (REEs) from an aqueous solution. The results indicate that biomineralization accelerates the enrichment of Terbium(III) compared to biosorption alone. Kinetic analysis suggests that the main mode of action of DW015 was biosorption, following pseudo-second-order kinetics ( = 0.998). The biomineralization of DW015 did not significantly contribute to the enrichment of Tb(III), whereas excessive biomineralization of led to a decrease in the enrichment of Tb(III). A synergistic system of biosorption and biomineralization was established by combining the two bacteria, with the optimal mixed bacteria (:DW015) ratio being 1:19. This study provides fundamental support for the synergistic effect of biosorption and biomineralization and offers a new reference for future microbial-based enrichment methods.
IMPORTANCE
A weak microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP) promotes the enrichment of Tb(III) by bacteria, while a strong MICP leads to the release of Tb(III). However, existing explanations cannot elucidate these mechanisms. In this study, the morphology of the bioprecipitation and the degree of Tb(III) enrichment were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The data revealed that MICP could drive stable attachment of Tb(III) onto the cell surface, forming a Tb-CaCO mixed solid phase. Excessive rapid rate of calcite generation could disrupt the Tb(III) adsorption equilibrium, leading to the release of Tb(III). Therefore, in order for Tb(III) to be stably embedded in calcite, it is necessary to have a sufficient number of adsorption sites on the bacteria and to regulate the rate of MICP. This study provides theoretical support for the process design of MICP for the enrichment of rare earth ions.
PubMed: 38916328
DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00760-24 -
Frontiers in Plant Science 2024L. is a flowering succulent halophyte in the ice plant family Aizoaceae. There are various ecotypes distributed in sandy coastlines and salty marshlands in tropical and... (Review)
Review
L. is a flowering succulent halophyte in the ice plant family Aizoaceae. There are various ecotypes distributed in sandy coastlines and salty marshlands in tropical and subtropical regions with the common name of sea purslane. These plants are tolerant to salt, drought, and flooding stresses and have been used for the stabilization of sand dunes and the restoration of coastal areas. With the increased salinization of agricultural soils and the widespread pollution of toxic metals in the environment, as well as excessive nutrients in waterbodies, has been explored for the desalination of saline soils and the phytoremediation of metals from contaminated soils and nitrogen and phosphorus from eutrophic water. In addition, sea purslane has nutraceutical and pharmaceutical value. Tissue analysis indicates that many ecotypes are rich in carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, and mineral nutrients. Native Americans in Florida eat it raw, pickled, or cooked. In the Philippines, it is known as atchara after being pickled. contains high levels of ecdysteroids, which possess antidiabetic, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory activities in mammals. In this review article, we present the botanical information, the physiological and molecular mechanisms underlying the tolerance of sea purslane to different stresses, its nutritional and pharmaceutical value, and the methods for its propagation and production in saline soils and waterbodies. Its adaptability to a wide range of stressful environments and its role in the production of valuable bioactive compounds suggest that can be produced in saline soils as a leafy vegetable and is a valuable genetic resource that can be used for the bioremediation of soil salinity and eutrophic water.
PubMed: 38916037
DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2024.1387102 -
Frontiers in Plant Science 2024Rapid industrialization and urbanization have caused severe soil contamination with cadmium (Cd) necessitating effective remediation strategies. Phytoremediation is a...
Rapid industrialization and urbanization have caused severe soil contamination with cadmium (Cd) necessitating effective remediation strategies. Phytoremediation is a widely adopted technology for remediating Cd-contaminated soil. Previous studies have shown that has a high Cd accumulation capacity and tolerance indicating its potential for Cd soil remediation. However, the mechanisms underlying its response to Cd stress remain unclear. In this study, physiological, transcriptomic, and metabolomic analyses were conducted to explore the response of roots to Cd stress at different time points. The results revealed that Cd stress significantly increased malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in , which simultaneously activated its antioxidant defense system, enhancing the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT) by 19.73%-50%, 22.87%-38.89%, and 32.31%-45.40% at 12 h, 36 h, 72 h, and 7 days, respectively, compared with those in the control (CK). Moreover, transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses revealed 245, 5,708, 9,834, and 2,323 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), along with 66, 62, 156, and 90 differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs) at 12 h, 36 h, 72 h, and 7 days, respectively. Through weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) of physiological indicators and transcript expression, eight hub genes involved in phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, signal transduction, and metal transport were identified. In addition, integrative analyses of metabolomic and transcriptomic data highlighted the activation of lipid metabolism and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathways under Cd stress suggesting that these pathways play crucial roles in the detoxification process and in enhancing Cd tolerance in . This comprehensive study provides detailed insights into the response mechanisms of to Cd toxicity.
PubMed: 38916029
DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2024.1389207 -
Frontiers in Public Health 2024Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States. Despite the complexity of cardiovascular disease etiology, we do not fully...
BACKGROUND
Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States. Despite the complexity of cardiovascular disease etiology, we do not fully comprehend the interactions between non-modifiable factors (e.g., age, sex, and race) and modifiable risk factors (e.g., health behaviors and occupational exposures).
OBJECTIVE
We examined proximal and distal drivers of cardiovascular disease and elucidated the interactions between modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors.
METHODS
We used a machine learning approach on four cohorts (2005-2012) of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data to examine the effects of risk factors on cardiovascular risk quantified by the Framingham Risk Score (FRS) and the Pooled Cohort Equations (PCE). We estimated a network of risk factors, computed their strength centrality, closeness, and betweenness centrality, and computed a Bayesian network embodied in a directed acyclic graph.
RESULTS
In addition to traditional factors such as body mass index and physical activity, race and ethnicity and exposure to heavy metals are the most adjacent drivers of PCE. In addition to the factors directly affecting PCE, sleep complaints had an immediate adverse effect on FRS. Exposure to heavy metals is the link between race and ethnicity and FRS.
CONCLUSION
Heavy metal exposures and race/ethnicity have similar proximal effects on cardiovascular disease risk as traditional clinical and lifestyle risk factors, such as physical activity and body mass. Our findings support the inclusion of diverse racial and ethnic groups in all cardiovascular research and the consideration of the social environment in clinical decision-making.
Topics: Humans; Cardiovascular Diseases; Bayes Theorem; Female; Male; United States; Nutrition Surveys; Middle Aged; Adult; Ethnicity; Risk Factors; Racial Groups; Machine Learning; Heart Disease Risk Factors
PubMed: 38915752
DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1364730 -
BioRxiv : the Preprint Server For... Jun 2024Electroactive organisms contribute to metal cycling, pollutant removal, and other redox-driven environmental processes. Studying this phenomenon in high-throughput is...
Electroactive organisms contribute to metal cycling, pollutant removal, and other redox-driven environmental processes. Studying this phenomenon in high-throughput is challenging since extracellular reduction cannot easily be traced back to its cell of origin within a mixed population. Here, we describe the development of a microdroplet emulsion system to enrich EET-capable organisms. We validated our system using the model electroactive organism and describe the tooling of a benchtop microfluidic system for oxygen-limited processes. We demonstrated enrichment of EET-capable phenotypes from a mixed wild-type and EET-knockout population. As a proof-of-concept application, bacteria were collected from iron sedimentation from Town Lake (Austin, TX) and subjected to microdroplet enrichment. We observed an increase in EET-capable organisms in the sorted population that was distinct when compared to a population enriched in a bulk culture more closely akin to traditional techniques for discovering EET-capable bacteria. Finally, two bacterial species, and not previously shown to be electroactive, were further cultured and characterized for their ability to reduce channel conductance in an organic electrochemical transistor (OECT) and to reduce soluble Fe(III). We characterized two bacterial species not previously shown to exhibit electrogenic behavior. Our results demonstrate the utility of a microdroplet emulsions for identifying putative EET-capable bacteria and how this technology can be leveraged in tandem with existing methods.
PubMed: 38915652
DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.13.598847