Divyanu Jain, A. Sood, H. Takenaka, M. Sano, S. So, I. Tomita, N. Kanayama, A. Jain
Microbes are an essential component of our ecosystem which have coexisted with humans and all other life forms for millions of years. These microbes have proven beneficial in our everyday life in many ways, but the recognized pathogenic forms have also proven to be dangerous to human life. The recent pandemic caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 is evidence for the significant impact of negative human interference with the natural ecosystem which might include but is not limited to rapid urbanization, pollution, agricultural change, food consumption, and global warming. In this context, the principle of “eugenics” proposed by Sir Galton has been discussed in the current perspective. The aim of this review is to discuss the application of ethical scientific practices to promote healthy human evolution without disturbing the ecological balance. We reviewed literature relevant to the impact of microbial systems on public health including the recent COVID-19 pandemic. We suggest that the concept of “modern eugenics” should be reconsidered in ethical scientific terms by focusing on the beneficial gene(s) and eliminating harmful gene(s) of pathogenic organisms. This might contribute to the human genetic enhancement and facilitate a safe symbiotic ecosystem. In the past, scientists have successfully developed simple and safe bioassays for the identification of mutagens and carcinogens using pathogenic microorganisms. Similarly, recently developed gene therapies using viral vectors are excellent examples of the ethical and scientific application of modern eugenics for healthy human evolution. Therefore, it is necessary to establish an “International Society for Positive Science” comprising of individuals from all fields to critically analyze the positive and ethical use of science to promote and strengthen the cohabitation of all species and prevent the recurrence of future pandemics.
{"title":"Microbes: Friends or foe? An overview on the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on human health and modern eugenics for recurrence prevention","authors":"Divyanu Jain, A. Sood, H. Takenaka, M. Sano, S. So, I. Tomita, N. Kanayama, A. Jain","doi":"10.4103/ed.ed_27_20","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4103/ed.ed_27_20","url":null,"abstract":"Microbes are an essential component of our ecosystem which have coexisted with humans and all other life forms for millions of years. These microbes have proven beneficial in our everyday life in many ways, but the recognized pathogenic forms have also proven to be dangerous to human life. The recent pandemic caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 is evidence for the significant impact of negative human interference with the natural ecosystem which might include but is not limited to rapid urbanization, pollution, agricultural change, food consumption, and global warming. In this context, the principle of “eugenics” proposed by Sir Galton has been discussed in the current perspective. The aim of this review is to discuss the application of ethical scientific practices to promote healthy human evolution without disturbing the ecological balance. We reviewed literature relevant to the impact of microbial systems on public health including the recent COVID-19 pandemic. We suggest that the concept of “modern eugenics” should be reconsidered in ethical scientific terms by focusing on the beneficial gene(s) and eliminating harmful gene(s) of pathogenic organisms. This might contribute to the human genetic enhancement and facilitate a safe symbiotic ecosystem. In the past, scientists have successfully developed simple and safe bioassays for the identification of mutagens and carcinogens using pathogenic microorganisms. Similarly, recently developed gene therapies using viral vectors are excellent examples of the ethical and scientific application of modern eugenics for healthy human evolution. Therefore, it is necessary to establish an “International Society for Positive Science” comprising of individuals from all fields to critically analyze the positive and ethical use of science to promote and strengthen the cohabitation of all species and prevent the recurrence of future pandemics.","PeriodicalId":11702,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Disease","volume":"57 5 1","pages":"4 - 11"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"77568888","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Purpose: Exposure to monosodium glutamate (MSG) is reported to have different effects on exposed rats depending on the age of exposure, believed to be as a result of its ability to pass the blood–brain barrier and affect the level and function of neurotransmitters in the central nervous system. Aim: The present study is aimed at understanding the differential effect of MSG in rats exposed either as neonate, neonate plus adult or adult only by measuring the metabolism of selected neurotransmitters in the brain. Materials and Methods: Neonates were grouped into 2 administered 4 mg/g body weight MSG and Saline (control) on postnatal days 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10. The rats were allowed to mature for 30 weeks afterwards the MSG group were further divided into three groups (n = 6) and administered saline, 5 and 10 mg/g of MSG. Two other groups, not exposed to MSG at neonatal age, were similarly administered 5 and 10 mg/g of MSG, administration lasted for 6 weeks. Key enzymes of acetylcholine and tyrosine metabolisms as well as alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were measured in whole brain homogenates. Results: Showed an increase in acetylcholinesterase and tyrosine hydroxylase activities which occurred similarly in both neonatal and adult administered groups. AST and ALT showed a similar activity significantly higher adult groups. Conclusion: MSG affected both neonate and adult administered groups similarly in a dose dependent manner.
{"title":"Comparative effect of neonatal and adult exposure to monosodium glutamate","authors":"A. Stephen, A. Ushie, O. Wilson","doi":"10.4103/ed.ed_24_20","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4103/ed.ed_24_20","url":null,"abstract":"Purpose: Exposure to monosodium glutamate (MSG) is reported to have different effects on exposed rats depending on the age of exposure, believed to be as a result of its ability to pass the blood–brain barrier and affect the level and function of neurotransmitters in the central nervous system. Aim: The present study is aimed at understanding the differential effect of MSG in rats exposed either as neonate, neonate plus adult or adult only by measuring the metabolism of selected neurotransmitters in the brain. Materials and Methods: Neonates were grouped into 2 administered 4 mg/g body weight MSG and Saline (control) on postnatal days 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10. The rats were allowed to mature for 30 weeks afterwards the MSG group were further divided into three groups (n = 6) and administered saline, 5 and 10 mg/g of MSG. Two other groups, not exposed to MSG at neonatal age, were similarly administered 5 and 10 mg/g of MSG, administration lasted for 6 weeks. Key enzymes of acetylcholine and tyrosine metabolisms as well as alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were measured in whole brain homogenates. Results: Showed an increase in acetylcholinesterase and tyrosine hydroxylase activities which occurred similarly in both neonatal and adult administered groups. AST and ALT showed a similar activity significantly higher adult groups. Conclusion: MSG affected both neonate and adult administered groups similarly in a dose dependent manner.","PeriodicalId":11702,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Disease","volume":"40 1","pages":"17 - 23"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"84815270","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Context: Unhealthy lifestyles or social habits such as smoking and alcohol consumption in addition to heavy metals exposure may enhance alterations in micronutrients and fertility hormones. Aim: The aim of the study was to examine the influence of smoking and alcohol consumption on reproductive hormones and micronutrients in workers exposed to heavy metals. Materials and Methods: Fifty workers from auto repair workshops and 44 occupationally unexposed control participants were recruited for the study. The occupationally exposed workers and control were further grouped into alcohol drinking smokers (ADS) and abstainers. The occupationally exposed workers comprised 28 ADS and 22 abstainers, while the control comprised 24 ADS and 20 abstainers. Blood samples were analyzed for lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), selenium (Se), and zinc (Zn); testosterone (Tt), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH); and statistical significance set at P < 0.05. Results: Pb, Cd, FSH, and LH levels were significantly higher, while Se, Zn, and Tt levels were significantly lower in the occupationally exposed workers compared to the control. Blood Pb and Cd levels in the exposed ADS were significantly higher compared to exposed abstainers and the control groups. Blood Se level was significantly lower in the exposed ADS compared to the exposed abstainers and control groups (P < 0.05). Blood Zn level in the exposed ADS was significantly lower compared to the exposed abstainers and abstainers in the control group. Serum Tt level was significantly lower in the exposed ADS compared to the exposed abstainers and control groups (P < 0.05). The serum FSH and LH were significantly higher in the exposed ADS compared to the control groups (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Smoking and alcohol consumption may exacerbate the adverse effect of heavy metal exposure on reproductive health and fertility. Hence, these workers should be enlightened on the imminent dangers of such unhealthy habits.
{"title":"Influence of lifestyle factors on reproductive hormones and micronutrients in workers occupationally exposed to heavy metals","authors":"C. Obi-Ezeani, C. Dioka, S. Meludu","doi":"10.4103/ed.ed_19_20","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4103/ed.ed_19_20","url":null,"abstract":"Context: Unhealthy lifestyles or social habits such as smoking and alcohol consumption in addition to heavy metals exposure may enhance alterations in micronutrients and fertility hormones. Aim: The aim of the study was to examine the influence of smoking and alcohol consumption on reproductive hormones and micronutrients in workers exposed to heavy metals. Materials and Methods: Fifty workers from auto repair workshops and 44 occupationally unexposed control participants were recruited for the study. The occupationally exposed workers and control were further grouped into alcohol drinking smokers (ADS) and abstainers. The occupationally exposed workers comprised 28 ADS and 22 abstainers, while the control comprised 24 ADS and 20 abstainers. Blood samples were analyzed for lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), selenium (Se), and zinc (Zn); testosterone (Tt), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH); and statistical significance set at P < 0.05. Results: Pb, Cd, FSH, and LH levels were significantly higher, while Se, Zn, and Tt levels were significantly lower in the occupationally exposed workers compared to the control. Blood Pb and Cd levels in the exposed ADS were significantly higher compared to exposed abstainers and the control groups. Blood Se level was significantly lower in the exposed ADS compared to the exposed abstainers and control groups (P < 0.05). Blood Zn level in the exposed ADS was significantly lower compared to the exposed abstainers and abstainers in the control group. Serum Tt level was significantly lower in the exposed ADS compared to the exposed abstainers and control groups (P < 0.05). The serum FSH and LH were significantly higher in the exposed ADS compared to the control groups (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Smoking and alcohol consumption may exacerbate the adverse effect of heavy metal exposure on reproductive health and fertility. Hence, these workers should be enlightened on the imminent dangers of such unhealthy habits.","PeriodicalId":11702,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Disease","volume":"26 1","pages":"12 - 16"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"89891251","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Envisaging political commitment and financial investment to accomplish elimination of all forms of viral hepatitis by 2030","authors":"S. Shrivastava, P. Shrivastava","doi":"10.4103/ed.ed_11_20","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4103/ed.ed_11_20","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":11702,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Disease","volume":"58 1","pages":"120 - 121"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"73533312","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
B. Rani, Anshu Yadav, S. Jha, A. Punia, Sanjeet Singh
Context: Constructing latrines and getting people to use them is one of the most effective means of improving public health and saving lives. However, building toilets alone cannot eliminate open defecation. Aims: The aim was to estimate the prevalence of open defecation and factors associated with open defecation in rural areas of a district of Haryana. Settings and Design: This community-based cross-sectional study was carried out in a rural field practice area attached to the department of community medicine of a rural medical college. Subjects and Methods: The study was carried out from July to October 2019. The data were collected from 368 randomly selected households on a pretested semi-structured proforma. Ethical approval was obtained from the institutional ethics committee. Statistical Analysis Used: The data were analyzed using the software R, version 3.6.2. Chi-square, Fisher's exact test, crude odds ratio, adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence interval, and P value were calculated. Results: The prevalence of open defecation was 30.97% despite having a household toilet. Among the study participants practicing open defecation, the prevalence of open defecation was significantly higher among scheduled caste (64.9%), illiterates (42.7%), laborers (56.6%), and low family income (41.5%). The participants who have constructed latrine recently, i.e., <1 year before (87%), latrine constructed by government expenses (76.9%), and rarely cleaning of the latrine (76.5%) also contributed significantly. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that four of these predictor variables, caste, occupation of the head of the family, years since latrine constructed, and latrine cleaning remained significant predictors of open field defecation. Conclusions: Open defecation is common among latrines owners. This behavior is associated with various several structural and sociocultural factors. The present sanitation campaign should consider shifting from toilet construction to toilet use.
{"title":"Prevalence of open defecation among households with toilets and associated factors in rural areas of district Sonepat in Haryana","authors":"B. Rani, Anshu Yadav, S. Jha, A. Punia, Sanjeet Singh","doi":"10.4103/ed.ed_22_20","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4103/ed.ed_22_20","url":null,"abstract":"Context: Constructing latrines and getting people to use them is one of the most effective means of improving public health and saving lives. However, building toilets alone cannot eliminate open defecation. Aims: The aim was to estimate the prevalence of open defecation and factors associated with open defecation in rural areas of a district of Haryana. Settings and Design: This community-based cross-sectional study was carried out in a rural field practice area attached to the department of community medicine of a rural medical college. Subjects and Methods: The study was carried out from July to October 2019. The data were collected from 368 randomly selected households on a pretested semi-structured proforma. Ethical approval was obtained from the institutional ethics committee. Statistical Analysis Used: The data were analyzed using the software R, version 3.6.2. Chi-square, Fisher's exact test, crude odds ratio, adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence interval, and P value were calculated. Results: The prevalence of open defecation was 30.97% despite having a household toilet. Among the study participants practicing open defecation, the prevalence of open defecation was significantly higher among scheduled caste (64.9%), illiterates (42.7%), laborers (56.6%), and low family income (41.5%). The participants who have constructed latrine recently, i.e., <1 year before (87%), latrine constructed by government expenses (76.9%), and rarely cleaning of the latrine (76.5%) also contributed significantly. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that four of these predictor variables, caste, occupation of the head of the family, years since latrine constructed, and latrine cleaning remained significant predictors of open field defecation. Conclusions: Open defecation is common among latrines owners. This behavior is associated with various several structural and sociocultural factors. The present sanitation campaign should consider shifting from toilet construction to toilet use.","PeriodicalId":11702,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Disease","volume":"46 1","pages":"87 - 92"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"78895543","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Yang Guo, Longfei Guan, Yu Ji, Hangil Lee, Wenjing Wei, Changya Peng, Xiaokun Geng, Yuchuan Ding
Background: Air pollution is one of the greatest public health concerns worldwide. In order to understand its mechanism of harm, we investigated the effects of diesel exhaust particles (DEPs), one of the major constituents of ambient air pollutants, on reactive cell viability, oxygen stress, autophagy, and apoptosis. Materials and Methods: In in vitro human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) model, cells were exposed to freshly dispersed DEP preparations at 0, 12.5, 25, 50, 100, or 200 µg/mL for 24 h or at 50 µg/mL DEP for 1, 3, 6, 12, or 24 h. Cell survival and oxidative stress were determined by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay, activity of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase (NOX), and generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Protein expressions of autophagy (Beclin-1, p62, and light chain 3 [LC3]-II) and apoptosis (Bcl2 and Bax) were assayed by Western blotting. Results: DEP induced a significant dose-dependent and temporal decrease in cell viability and increase in ROS generation and NOX activity, in association with decreased or increased protein levels of p62 or Beclin-1, as well as conversion of the LC3 in a dose-dependent manner. DEP increased pro-apoptotic protein Bax and decreased anti-apoptotic protein Bcl2. Conclusions: These results demonstrated that DEP exposure induced cytotoxicity, oxidative stress, autophagy, and apoptosis in HUVECs. Novel insight into the mechanisms of cardiovascular diseases caused by air pollution may be provided through these findings.
{"title":"Diesel exhaust particles induced oxidative stress, autophagy, and apoptosis in human umbilical vein endothelial cells","authors":"Yang Guo, Longfei Guan, Yu Ji, Hangil Lee, Wenjing Wei, Changya Peng, Xiaokun Geng, Yuchuan Ding","doi":"10.4103/ed.ed_37_20","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4103/ed.ed_37_20","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Air pollution is one of the greatest public health concerns worldwide. In order to understand its mechanism of harm, we investigated the effects of diesel exhaust particles (DEPs), one of the major constituents of ambient air pollutants, on reactive cell viability, oxygen stress, autophagy, and apoptosis. Materials and Methods: In in vitro human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) model, cells were exposed to freshly dispersed DEP preparations at 0, 12.5, 25, 50, 100, or 200 µg/mL for 24 h or at 50 µg/mL DEP for 1, 3, 6, 12, or 24 h. Cell survival and oxidative stress were determined by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay, activity of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase (NOX), and generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Protein expressions of autophagy (Beclin-1, p62, and light chain 3 [LC3]-II) and apoptosis (Bcl2 and Bax) were assayed by Western blotting. Results: DEP induced a significant dose-dependent and temporal decrease in cell viability and increase in ROS generation and NOX activity, in association with decreased or increased protein levels of p62 or Beclin-1, as well as conversion of the LC3 in a dose-dependent manner. DEP increased pro-apoptotic protein Bax and decreased anti-apoptotic protein Bcl2. Conclusions: These results demonstrated that DEP exposure induced cytotoxicity, oxidative stress, autophagy, and apoptosis in HUVECs. Novel insight into the mechanisms of cardiovascular diseases caused by air pollution may be provided through these findings.","PeriodicalId":11702,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Disease","volume":"52 1","pages":"112 - 119"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"81540929","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Background: Gujarat is one of the endemic states for the prevalence of fluorosis due to high fluoride levels in water of many villages in the state. Aim and Objectives: To determine the prevalence of dental fluorosis and skeletal fluorosis in Vadodara district, Gujarat, India, and to document various interventions conducted by Government to reduce the prevalence of fluorosis in Gujarat. Materials and Methods: A cross sectional survey was carried out in 11 villages (6 with high fluoride level and 5 with normal fluoride level) by house to house visits. Various interventions like capacity building of faculties, diagnostic, treatment and counseling for fluorosis and alternate water supply facilities were provided. Results: The prevalence of dental fluorosis and skeletal fluorosis was 59.31% and 18.65% in high fluoride areas, while it was 39.21% and 12.54% in normal fluoride areas, respectively. After estimation of this problem, and other research studies carried in Gujarat, the Government of Gujarat provided a fluorine meter to measure the fluoride level in water and urine in all government medical colleges of the state. Capacity building of faculties from various departments was done regarding the epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment, and counseling of fluorosis patients. Early diagnosis and treatment were provided to all fluorosis patients visiting tertiary care hospitals. Alternate drinking water supply was also provided by the government. Conclusion: Both dental and skeletal fluorosis was high in Gujarat and field level diagnostic facilities are inadequate. A coordinated training program helped to identify the problem and suggest remedial measures. An integrated and comprehensive approach is required to reduce the problem of fluorosis in Gujarat.
{"title":"Magnitude of fluorosis and various interventions to reduce fluorosis in Gujarat, India","authors":"S. Patel, K. Mehta, P. Kotecha","doi":"10.4103/ed.ed_29_20","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4103/ed.ed_29_20","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Gujarat is one of the endemic states for the prevalence of fluorosis due to high fluoride levels in water of many villages in the state. Aim and Objectives: To determine the prevalence of dental fluorosis and skeletal fluorosis in Vadodara district, Gujarat, India, and to document various interventions conducted by Government to reduce the prevalence of fluorosis in Gujarat. Materials and Methods: A cross sectional survey was carried out in 11 villages (6 with high fluoride level and 5 with normal fluoride level) by house to house visits. Various interventions like capacity building of faculties, diagnostic, treatment and counseling for fluorosis and alternate water supply facilities were provided. Results: The prevalence of dental fluorosis and skeletal fluorosis was 59.31% and 18.65% in high fluoride areas, while it was 39.21% and 12.54% in normal fluoride areas, respectively. After estimation of this problem, and other research studies carried in Gujarat, the Government of Gujarat provided a fluorine meter to measure the fluoride level in water and urine in all government medical colleges of the state. Capacity building of faculties from various departments was done regarding the epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment, and counseling of fluorosis patients. Early diagnosis and treatment were provided to all fluorosis patients visiting tertiary care hospitals. Alternate drinking water supply was also provided by the government. Conclusion: Both dental and skeletal fluorosis was high in Gujarat and field level diagnostic facilities are inadequate. A coordinated training program helped to identify the problem and suggest remedial measures. An integrated and comprehensive approach is required to reduce the problem of fluorosis in Gujarat.","PeriodicalId":11702,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Disease","volume":"106 1","pages":"107 - 111"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"87949453","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Objective: This study was designed to investigate and compare both ultrasonographic and electrophysiological methods of examination of the facial nerve in idiopathic facial paralysis (IFP). Materials and Methods: Patients with IFP diagnosed between January 2018 and June 2019 (n = 178) underwent ultrasonographic and electrophysiological examinations of the facial nerve, within the 1st week of symptoms and every 1–3 following weeks until asymptomatic, with comparisons between the affected and unaffected sides. Results: There were significant differences in the ultrasonographic diameter and the electrophysiological results obtained from the facial nerve between the affected and unaffected sides. Ninety-one patients completed follow-up and underwent re-examination of the facial nerve by ultrasonography and/or electromyography. The difference between the affected and unaffected sides in terms of the ultrasonographic diameter of the facial nerve gradually decreased with the course of the disease. The ultrasonographic diameter of the facial nerve of the affected side was greater by 0.3 mm than that of the unaffected side for more than 3 weeks, indicative of a poor prognosis, which was consistent with the electrophysiological results. Conclusions: The combination of ultrasonographic and electrophysiological examinations of the facial nerve serves to better guide clinical treatment and assess the prognosis of IFP.
{"title":"High frequency ultrasonography of the facial nerve: Another effective method to observe the course of idiopathic facial nerve paralysis","authors":"Jing Zhu, Xiaohua Li, Ya-Chun Han, Yu Cao, Longfei Guan, Xiaokun Geng","doi":"10.4103/ed.ed_30_20","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4103/ed.ed_30_20","url":null,"abstract":"Objective: This study was designed to investigate and compare both ultrasonographic and electrophysiological methods of examination of the facial nerve in idiopathic facial paralysis (IFP). Materials and Methods: Patients with IFP diagnosed between January 2018 and June 2019 (n = 178) underwent ultrasonographic and electrophysiological examinations of the facial nerve, within the 1st week of symptoms and every 1–3 following weeks until asymptomatic, with comparisons between the affected and unaffected sides. Results: There were significant differences in the ultrasonographic diameter and the electrophysiological results obtained from the facial nerve between the affected and unaffected sides. Ninety-one patients completed follow-up and underwent re-examination of the facial nerve by ultrasonography and/or electromyography. The difference between the affected and unaffected sides in terms of the ultrasonographic diameter of the facial nerve gradually decreased with the course of the disease. The ultrasonographic diameter of the facial nerve of the affected side was greater by 0.3 mm than that of the unaffected side for more than 3 weeks, indicative of a poor prognosis, which was consistent with the electrophysiological results. Conclusions: The combination of ultrasonographic and electrophysiological examinations of the facial nerve serves to better guide clinical treatment and assess the prognosis of IFP.","PeriodicalId":11702,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Disease","volume":"10 1","pages":"100 - 106"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"75491940","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Context: Reverse osmosis (RO) is a water purification technology that uses semi-permeable membrane to remove ions, molecules, and larger particles from drinking water. However, it is to be remembered that water contains range of minerals, necessary for the human body. Low mineral content has been observed to cause various health hazards such as dental caries, hypertension, and coronary artery disease. Aims: The aim of this study is to perform the chemical analysis of drinking water processed by RO in terms of total dissolved solids (TDS), hardness and fluoride and to compare it with RO-unprocessed (non-RO) water and further to find the association with health hazards such as dental caries and cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Materials and Methods: A community-based observational study was conducted on medical and para-medical staff families. For qualitative data, the Pearson's Chi-square test and for quantitative data, Student's t and ANOVA tests were applied. Pearson correlation coefficient was calculated to know the correlation between TDS and hardness of water and represented in a Scatter Diagram. Results: Out of 466 families, 231 were RO users and 235 were non-RO users. Even after practicing regular servicing of RO unit by the majority RO-users, mean values of TDS, hardness and fluoride were significantly less than RO unprocessed water and were also less than the desired minimum values. Positive family history of dental caries and CVD was significantly associated with the use of RO water. Conclusion: RO process diminishes the chemical quality of drinking water in terms of TDS, hardness, and fluoride and is associated with health hazards. Standardization of chemical quality of RO purifiers for domestic use is equally important as it is being carried out commercially.
{"title":"Chemical analysis of drinking water to compare reverse osmosis processed and unprocessed water quality","authors":"Dushyant Singh, S. Mulla","doi":"10.4103/ed.ed_21_20","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4103/ed.ed_21_20","url":null,"abstract":"Context: Reverse osmosis (RO) is a water purification technology that uses semi-permeable membrane to remove ions, molecules, and larger particles from drinking water. However, it is to be remembered that water contains range of minerals, necessary for the human body. Low mineral content has been observed to cause various health hazards such as dental caries, hypertension, and coronary artery disease. Aims: The aim of this study is to perform the chemical analysis of drinking water processed by RO in terms of total dissolved solids (TDS), hardness and fluoride and to compare it with RO-unprocessed (non-RO) water and further to find the association with health hazards such as dental caries and cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Materials and Methods: A community-based observational study was conducted on medical and para-medical staff families. For qualitative data, the Pearson's Chi-square test and for quantitative data, Student's t and ANOVA tests were applied. Pearson correlation coefficient was calculated to know the correlation between TDS and hardness of water and represented in a Scatter Diagram. Results: Out of 466 families, 231 were RO users and 235 were non-RO users. Even after practicing regular servicing of RO unit by the majority RO-users, mean values of TDS, hardness and fluoride were significantly less than RO unprocessed water and were also less than the desired minimum values. Positive family history of dental caries and CVD was significantly associated with the use of RO water. Conclusion: RO process diminishes the chemical quality of drinking water in terms of TDS, hardness, and fluoride and is associated with health hazards. Standardization of chemical quality of RO purifiers for domestic use is equally important as it is being carried out commercially.","PeriodicalId":11702,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Disease","volume":"12 1","pages":"72 - 77"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"85994388","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Aim: Quantification of urinary ortho-cresol (OC) by high pressure liquid chromatography coupled with photodiode array detector. Materials and Methods: Includes acid hydrolysis of urine, liquid–liquid extraction, and chromatography quantification of extracted OC in urine. Results: Limit of detection, limit of quantification, and coefficient of linearity (R2) were 0.18 μg/ml, 0.62 μg/ml, and 0.9998, respectively. Recovery % of method ranged from 92%, 97%, and 100%. For intraday and interday precision coefficient of variation was 0.41%, 0.64%, and 0.89%, 0.86% for urine samples spiked with OC standards final concentration of 0.25 μg/ml and 0.7 μg/ml, respectively. Results (mean ± standard deviation) of exposed and unexposed real urine samples analyzed for OC with this method were 0.92 ± 0.76 and 0.40 ± 0.20 μg/ml, respectively. Statistical analysis of results showed significant (P ≤ 0.001) difference between urinary OC among exposed and unexposed subjects. Conclusion: The present work describes precise, easy, and less time consuming method for estimation of OC in urine of population exposed to toluene. It can be used as a promising tool for biomonitoring of population exposed to toluene.
{"title":"Quantitative estimation of urinary ortho-cresol by high pressure liquid chromatography for biomonitoring of toluene exposed population","authors":"A. Yadav, A. Chakrabarti, Geoffrey Nengzapum","doi":"10.4103/ed.ed_23_20","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4103/ed.ed_23_20","url":null,"abstract":"Aim: Quantification of urinary ortho-cresol (OC) by high pressure liquid chromatography coupled with photodiode array detector. Materials and Methods: Includes acid hydrolysis of urine, liquid–liquid extraction, and chromatography quantification of extracted OC in urine. Results: Limit of detection, limit of quantification, and coefficient of linearity (R2) were 0.18 μg/ml, 0.62 μg/ml, and 0.9998, respectively. Recovery % of method ranged from 92%, 97%, and 100%. For intraday and interday precision coefficient of variation was 0.41%, 0.64%, and 0.89%, 0.86% for urine samples spiked with OC standards final concentration of 0.25 μg/ml and 0.7 μg/ml, respectively. Results (mean ± standard deviation) of exposed and unexposed real urine samples analyzed for OC with this method were 0.92 ± 0.76 and 0.40 ± 0.20 μg/ml, respectively. Statistical analysis of results showed significant (P ≤ 0.001) difference between urinary OC among exposed and unexposed subjects. Conclusion: The present work describes precise, easy, and less time consuming method for estimation of OC in urine of population exposed to toluene. It can be used as a promising tool for biomonitoring of population exposed to toluene.","PeriodicalId":11702,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Disease","volume":"8 1","pages":"78 - 82"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"87307699","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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