Assessment of toxicity, genotoxicity and oxidative stress in Fejervarya limnocharis exposed to tributyltin

Tributyltin (TBT) is widely used in various commercial applications due to its biocidal properties. Toxicological and genotoxicological data on TBT exposure to amphibians is insufficient. Our study aimed to determine the acute toxicity and genotoxic potential of TBT in Fejervarya limnocharis tadpoles. Furthermore, oxidative stress was also investigated in TBT-treated tadpoles. Tadpoles of Gosner stage (26-30) were screened and subjected to increasing concentrations of TBT (0, 3, 7, 11, 15, 19, 23 µg/L) for determining the LC50 values for 24 h, 48 h, 72 h, and 96 h. LC50 values of TBT for 24 h, 48 h, 72 h, and 96 h were found to be 19.45, 15.07, 13.12, and 11.84 μg/L respectively. Based on the 96 h LC50 value (11.84 µg/L), tadpoles were exposed to different sub-lethal concentrations of TBT for the evaluation of its genotoxic potential and effects on oxidative balance. The role of TBT on survivability, growth, and time to metamorphosis was also assessed. TBT exposure significantly altered the life history traits measured, increased mortality, and delayed the time taken to metamorphosis. Results indicated significant induction of micronucleus (MN, p < 0.001) and other erythrocytic nuclear aberrations (ENA, p < 0.01) in the TBT-treated groups. Significant alterations in comet parameters and oxidative balance were also observed in the treated groups. The present study findings might add to the cause of the gradual population decline seen in the amphibians. This study also demonstrates the alteration of the life-history traits, oxidative balance, and DNA damage upon TBT exposure which can have long-term consequences for the anuran amphibian F. limnocharis.

Comparative outcome of single versus two double-pigtail stents for endoscopic drainage of pancreatic fluid collections with minimal necrosis: a retrospective analysis

Background

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided cystogastrostomy is the treatment of choice for managing symptomatic pancreatic fluid collections (PFC). However, studies on the number of stents for optimal drainage of PFCs are limited. Hence, the present study was conducted to compare the outcome of single versus two double-pigtail stents for endoscopic drainage of PFCs.

Methods

This is a single-center, retrospective analysis of patients undergoing endoscopic drainage of PFCs with minimal necrosis (pseudocyst or walled-off necrosis with <30% solid content) at a tertiary center in South India from October 2020 to October 2022. Post-procedure, patients were followed up for clinical improvement, and stents were removed after documentation of cyst size reduction on imaging.

Results

Sixty-three patients (82.5% males, median age: 34 years) fulfilling the selection criteria were included. For single stent placement (n = 47), stents of size 8.5 Fr or 10 Fr were used, while for placement of two stents (n = 16), 7 Fr stents were used. The technical success rate was 100%. Intraprocedural and early postprocedural adverse events (all mild to moderate) were comparable between the groups (17.0% with single stent vs. 25.0% with two stents, p = NS). Clinical success was achieved in 93.6% of patients, with no difference between both groups. Three patients in the single stent group required additional procedures. All patients underwent successful stent removal after a median follow-up of 14 weeks.

Conclusion

A single pigtail stent of 8.5 Fr or 10 Fr size for EUSguided cystogastrostomy provides efficacy and safety similar to that of two stents.

Cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of tributyltin in the early embryonic chick, Gallus gallus domesticus

Tributyltin (TBT) is used in many commercial applications, including pesticides and antifouling paints, due to its biocidal properties. We examined the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of TBT in the early chick embryo (Gallus gallus domesticus). Chick embryos (11 days) were treated with various doses of TBT to measure LD₅₀ values for 24, 48, and 72 h exposures, which were determined to be 110, 54, and 18 μg/egg, respectively. The embryos were exposed to sub-lethal doses of TBT for evaluation of cytotoxicity and genotoxicity. An increase in the incidence of micronuclei (MN) was observed but it was not statistically significant. Induction of other nuclear abnormalities (ONA) after 72 h TBT exposure was significant. A significant increase in comet assay tail DNA content was also detected in TBT-exposed embryos. Cytotoxicity was also evidenced by alteration in the polychromatic erythrocytes (PCE) to normochromatic erythrocytes (NCE) ratio and by an increase in the erythroblast population in treated organisms. The cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of TBT may have long-term complications in later stages of the life cycle.

Areca nut and smokeless tobacco exposure induces micronucleus, other nuclear abnormalities and cytotoxicity in early chick embryo

Areca nut (AN) and smokeless tobacco (SLT) are indiscriminately consumed among the populations of Southeast and South Asian countries, even by women during the gestational period. This study aimed to investigate the genotoxic and cytotoxic potentials of AN and Sadagura (SG), a unique homemade SLT preparation, alone and in combination in early chick embryos. Fertile white leghorn chicken eggs were randomly divided into five treatment groups: vehicle control, positive control (Mitomycin C, 20 μg/egg), AN, SG, and AN+SG. AN, SG, and AN+SG were given at dosages of 0.125, 0.25, and 0.5 mg/egg. The hen's egg test for micronucleus induction (HET-MN) was performed in chick embryos to evaluate the genotoxic potential of the test agents. Furthermore, the cytotoxic potential was assessed by studying erythroblast cell populations and the polychromatic erythrocytes (PCEs) to normochromatic erythrocytes (NCEs) ratio. Our results indicated a significant increase (p < .001) in MN frequency and other nuclear abnormalities, suggesting the potential of AN and SG to cause genotoxicity. Also, AN and SG exposure alone and in combination considerably altered the erythroblast cell population (%) and the PCE to NCE ratio in all the treatment periods. Our findings established the genotoxic and cytotoxic potential of both AN and SG alone and in combination during early embryonic development in the chick embryo.

Heavy metal bioaccumulation triggers oxystress, genotoxicity and immunomodulation in head kidney macrophages of Channa punctatus Bloch

Studies on heavy metal induced toxicity have been conducted in many water bodies across the globe and such effects have been evaluated in various fish species. The present study was designed to determine the load of some heavy metals in select sites in Southern Assam, India, along with estimating their concentration in tissues of Channa punctatus Bloch. inhabiting those niches. The effect of heavy metals in oxystress generation, genotoxicity and subsequent immune response in fish was also evaluated. In all of these sites, the concentration of Hg, Cd, Pb and Cr were above the permissible ranges while their concentrations were several folds higher in the piscine tissues due to bioaccumulation and possible biomagnification. Kidney showed the highest metal pollution index followed by liver and gills. Generation of ROS was significantly elevated and that in turn triggered oxystress, as is evident from enhanced lipid peroxidation, protein carbonylation and respiratory burst activity. These were in association with the compromised antioxidant enzyme levels with concomitant damage to DNA as evident from Comet parameters. The innate immune potential was significantly impaired as evident from the compromised cell adhesion, phagocytosis, intracellular killing activity in head kidney macrophages (HKM) along with decreased release of nitric oxide (NO) and myeloperoxidase (MPO). Immunosuppression was further validated at protein levels where compromised release of cytokines viz. TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10 and IL-12 and cell signaling molecules iNOS and NF-κβ were noted. Thus the present study indicates genotoxicity along with a compromise in immune status of Channa punctatus Bloch. living in a habitat laden with heavy metals.

Structural correlation to ferroelectric order, non-Griffiths like phase and magnetocaloric effect in YbCrO4

We report a ferroelectric order around ∼99 K (T_FE), which is considerably above the long range ferrimagnetic order at 25 K (T_N). The value of saturation electric polarization is considerable as ∼570μC m^-2for a poling field of 5 kV cm^-1. The ferroelectric order is associated with a significant magnetoelectric coupling below ∼90 K. A weak signature ofT_FEis observed in the dielectric constant, which is associated with a linear magnetodielectric response at 18 K(<TN). A transition to a polar structure has been correlated with the occurrence of ferroelectric order. A non-Griffiths like phase is observed around ∼48 K, which is also linked with the structural distortion. A reasonable value of the magnetic entropy change of 5.07 J Kg^-1 K^-1is noted atT_Nfor a change in field of 50 kOe, which involves a strong magnetoelastic coupling. The results indicate considerable structural instabilities, which is linked with the observed multifunctional properties of YbCrO₄.

180 NURSING HOMES DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC: A NARRATIVE REVIEW OF CHALLENGES AND RESPONSES

Background

COVID-19 has caused unprecedented challenges in nursing homes. In this narrative review, we aimed to describe factors that contributed to the spread and mortality of COVID-19 in nursing homes and provide an overview of responses that were implemented to try to overcome such challenges.

Methods

The MeSH terms ‘Nursing homes’ and ‘COVID-19’ were searched in MEDLINE Ovid, and English language articles were retrieved that were published between 1 March 2020 and 31 January 2021. Article titles and abstracts were screened by two reviewers, and the results of included articles were grouped by themes.

Results

The search retrieved 348 articles, of which 76 were included in the thematic review. 8 articles related to COVID-19 disease characteristics (e.g. asymptomatic transmission), 24 to resident-related factors (e.g. comorbidities, nutrition, cognition), 13 to facility characteristics (e.g. physical space, occupancy, for-profit status), 21 to staffing (e.g. staffing levels, staff-to-resident ratio, staff multi-employment), and 10 to external factors (e.g. availability of personal protective equipment, prevailing health and social care policies). In terms of responses, identified themes included widespread testing, isolation and cohorting of residents, staff protection and support, promotion of residents’ well-being, and technological innovations.

Conclusion

COVID-19 exerted severe challenges on the nursing home population and its staff. Both internal and external factors predisposed nursing homes to an increased propensity of spread. Numerous strategies were employed to attempt to mitigate the negative impacts. Substantial learning occurred that may not only aid future pandemic preparedness but improve quality of care for nursing home residents at all times.

Use of personal protective equipment among waste workers of Sisdol landfill site of Nepal

Introduction: Solid waste management is a major issue in Nepal with Kathmandu valley generating the highest amount of solid waste. After recovery, the solid waste generated in Kathmandu valley is transferred to the Sisdol landfill site. There are waste workers in Sisdol landfill site who sustain their livelihood by collecting recyclables from those wastes. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is necessary to protect the frontline waste workers against infection. In addition, the waste workers need to know the proper usage of PPE in order to protect themselves from contamination. This study aimed to assess the awareness and proper usage of PPE along with the challenges faced by the waste workers at Sisdol landfill site. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted to collect data from landfill waste workers of Sisdol located at Kakani Rural Municipality in Nuwakot district of Nepal. A convenience sampling method was used based on the availability of landfill waste workers on that day and their willingness to participate. The data was collected using the structured questionnaire and personal interview of available waste workers. Results: The study comprised of 65% female and 35% male waste workers. The highest percentage of waste workers belong to 27-37 age group occupying 43% of total respondents.  Around 92% waste workers had participated in any orientation/training or session related to PPE and its usage. About 60% landfill waste workers were found only using mask and gloves. Conclusion: There is small number of waste workers who wish to wear full set of PPE. Most of them only like to wear mask and gloves. The gender, age group and the education level of waste workers had no association with the usage of PPE during the work.

Altered expression of junctional proteins as a potential biomarker in oral precancerous and cancerous patients

Due to a lower survival rate in patients with advanced clinical stages of oral cancer, discovering a biomarker that could diagnose and predict disease progression is vital. Cell-cell junctional proteins play a crucial role in the maintenance of tissue architecture but are often deregulated in different cancer. The present study investigates the expression of cell-cell junctional proteins viz: e-cadherin (E-cad) and zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) in oral precancerous (OED) and cancerous (OSCC) patients to monitor if they can serve as practicable molecular markers. The ultrastructural junctional complex was studied by transmission electron microscopy, and the expression of proteins was performed by immunohistochemistry. The relationship between the expression of protein and clinicopathological features of the patients was checked by Pearson's correlation test. Furthermore, the survival curve of the follow-up data was estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method. We observed a disrupted junctional complex and a significantly decreased immunoexpression of E-cad and ZO-1 in OED and OSCC when compared to the adjacent non-cancerous tissues. The expression of ZO-1 was associated with TNM stages, whereas E-cad was associated with histological grades as well as TNM stages. A positive correlation was observed between the expression of ZO-1 and E-cad proteins in OED and OSCC. Further, follow-up studies revealed that high ZO-1 and E-cad expressing patients survived longer than their low expressed counterparts. The present study shows disruption of junctional complex and alteration of junctional proteins expression that could draw the attention of health professionals to explore junctional proteins as a possible therapeutic target in oral cancer.

JunD accentuates arecoline-induced disruption of tight junctions and promotes epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition by association with NEAT1 lncRNA

Head and neck cancers are highly prevalent in south-east Asia, primarily due to betel nut chewing. Arecoline, the primary alkaloid is highly carcinogenic; however its role in promoting tumorigenesis by disrupting junctional complexes and increasing risk of metastasis is not well delineated. Subsequently, the effects of low and high concentrations of arecoline on the stability of tight junctions and EMT induction were studied. A microarray analysis confirmed involvement of a MAPK component, JunD, in regulating tight junction-associated genes, specifically ZO-1. Results established that although arecoline-induced phosphorylation of JunD downregulated expression of ZO-1, JunD itself was modulated by the lncRNA-NEAT1 in presence of arecoline. Increased NEAT1 in tissues of HNSCC patients significantly correlated with poor disease prognosis. Here we show that NEAT1-JunD complex interacted with ZO-1 promoter in the nuclear compartment, downregulated expression of ZO-1 and destabilized tight junction assembly. Consequently, silencing NEAT1 in arecoline-exposed cells not only downregulated the expression of JunD and stabilized expression of ZO-1, but also reduced expression of the EMT markers, Slug and Snail, indicating its direct regulatory role in arecoline-mediated TJ disruption and disease progression.

Significant magneto-elastic coupling at Griffiths-like phase boundaries in low dimensional oxides,ASb2O6(ANi and Mn)

The compounds, NiSb₂O₆(NSO) and MnSb₂O₆(MSO) attract the community for the quasi one-dimensional and layered structure composed of Ni²⁺and Mn²⁺, which orders antiferromagnetically atT_N= 6.7 and 12 K, respectively. Here, we report the Griffiths-like phase much aboveT_Nin the range of 37-85 K and 25-80 K for NSO and MSO, respectively. The dc magnetization results indicate the Griffiths-like phase, following the modified Curie-Weiss law. The magneto-capacitive responses for both the compounds show anomalies at the onset of the Griffiths-like phase. Intriguingly, the low temperature synchrotron diffraction results are conclusive for determining the singularities for both the compounds. Interplay between the low-dimensionality, magnetic frustration, and magneto-elastic coupling correlates the observed short range ordered state, which is suggested as a Griffiths-like phase, aboveT_Nfor both the compounds.

Consumption pattern and genotoxic potential of various smokeless tobacco products in Assam, India: A public health concern

Smokeless tobacco (SLT) consumption is presumed to be one of the major causes of high incidence of oral cancer in India. The present study aimed to document various types of SLT products consumed and their potential impact on the genome instability on the population from Assam state in Northeast India. A cross-sectional study (n = 5000) showed that 60.56 % of the study population consumed at least one of the three forms (sadagura, zarda and khaini) of SLT of which 52.0 % were only sadagura users. Genotoxicity assessment using buccal cytome assay in 240 age and sex matched volunteers revealed that except for zarda, other forms of SLT induced significantly higher incidence micronuclei in the buccal epithelial cells compared to the control individuals. Similar effects were also observed in other cytome parameters related to cell proliferation, cytokinesis defects and cell death. Significantly higher incidence of micronucleus was observed among sadagura and khaini users in lymphocyte cytokinesis-blocked micronucleus assay. The addition of lime in sadagura increased the pH and anion levels which possibly result in higher absorption and may lead to the development of cellular anomalies.

A Review on Role of Arecoline and Its Metabolites in the Molecular Pathogenesis of Oral Lesions with an Insight into Current Status of Its Metabolomics

Areca nut consumption is a popular habit in Southeast Asian countries. One of the important biologically active alkaloids of areca nut is arecoline, which plays a role in mediating the development of several pathologies of the primary exposure site, the oral cavity. Studies on the metabolism of arecoline revealed the formation of several metabolites which themselves might be toxic. Moreover, polymorphisms in genes encoding enzymes involved in the metabolism of arecoline might predispose an organism towards the development of oral cancer. The present review tries to accumulate all the relevant existing literature and then elucidate the molecular mechanism by which arecoline plays a role in the development of oral submucous fibrosis and oral cancer. Existing information regarding arecoline metabolism, enzymes involved in the metabolic process and biological effects of the metabolites of arecoline have also been compiled and compared to study the toxicity of metabolites with its parent compound arecoline and whether they play any role in the pathogenesis of oral cancer mediated by areca nut consumption. A repertoire of molecular targets has come up in the discussion whose expression profile is perturbed by arecoline. Construction of induction cascade from existing literature has given an idea about the process of molecular pathogenesis. The summarized and analysed data can help to determine the molecular mechanism and drug targets, which in turn could be helpful in the prevention or treatment of these pathological conditions. It also brings into light areas where further research needs to be directed.

Interplay between positive magnetoresistance and thermoelectric properties by tuning carrier concentration in Sb2-xSnxTe3(x⩽ 0.05) crystals

We report transport properties of Sb2-xSnxTe3(x⩽ 0.05) single crystals, where the tuning of the charge carrier densities via Sn doping significantly improves the magnetoresistance (MR) and the thermoelectric (TE) properties. The MR increases significantly at 2 K forx= 0.01, which reduces considerably with further Sn doping atx= 0.05. The MR results below 90 K forx= 0.01 satisfy the semi-classical two-band approach of Kohler's rule, which does not satisfy the MR results forx= 0.05. At 300 K, the Seebeck coefficient (S) is positive and small forx= 0.01 and it changes the sign with the further increase in Sn doping atx= 0.05 at 300 K. The value of |S| is considerable with an enhancement of the thermoelectric power factor compared to the value forx= 0.01 at 300 K. Analysis of the Hall conductivity indicates the interplay between carrier mobilities and densities, leading to the tuning of MR and TE properties with Sn doping. These results demonstrate that the p-type Sb2Te3becomes n-type with a suitable doping engineering.

Phenanthrene alters oxidative stress parameters in tadpoles of Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis (Anura, Dicroglossidae) and induces genotoxicity assessed by micronucleus and comet assay

Phenanthrene (PHE), a tricyclic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH), is ubiquitously found in aquatic environments. It is one of the major components in PAH mixtures. It has been identified as one of the 16 priority PAHs for toxicological evaluations. PHE is reported to induce lethal and sub-lethal toxicity in various aquatic indicator organisms. However, no toxicological data of PHE in anuran amphibians could be found. Amphibian larvae (tadpoles) develop in aquatic habitats. Therefore, exposure to PHE could negatively impact their development and fitness in later periods as they move in to the terrestrial habitat following metamorphosis. In the present study, we have analyzed the effects of PHE in Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis tadpoles. PHE induced concentration-dependent lethal effects in the tadpoles. The estimated LC₅₀ values were 16.52, 15.29, 13.69, and 12.28 mg/L at 24, 48, 72, and 96 h of exposure respectively. These LC₅₀ values are significantly higher than the reported environmental concentration of PHE. However, the strong negative correlation (R² = 0.997, p < 0.001) between the LC₅₀ value and exposure time indicates that longer exposure to lower concentration may cause significant lethal effects. Besides, PHE at environmentally relevant concentrations induced significant sub-lethal toxicities. Exposure to sub-lethal concentrations was found to be genotoxic in erythrocyte micronucleus as well as comet assays. Sub-lethal concentrations of PHE significantly increased superoxide dismutase activity and tissue glutathione level as well as induced lipid peroxidation. The present findings clearly indicate that PHE is a potential threat to the early life stages of amphibians. Further investigations are necessary to ascertain the implications of these early effects during adult life stages.

Aqueous Extract of Moringa oleifera Exhibit Potential Anticancer Activity and can be Used as a Possible Cancer Therapeutic Agent: A Study Involving In Vitro and In Vivo Approach

OBJECTIVES

New cases of cancers are increasing at an alarming rate globally. It has been hypothesized that modern cancer treatment is associated with lots of side effects and thus evoking the need to develop safer treatment measures. Thus, the present study was undertaken to evaluate the anti-carcinogenic potential of a highly nutricious plant "Moringa oleifera" (MO) in vitro and in vivo.

METHODS

GC-MS analysis of aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera (AEMO) was employed to identify the bioactive compound present. Anti-tumor activity of AEMO was assessed in EAC (Ehrlich acites carcinoma) induced solid tumor bearing mice by analyzing tumor weight (TW) and Tumor volume (TV). To assess AEMO induced cytotoxicity, EAC and HEp-2 (Human laryngeal carcinoma) cells were treated with AEMO (0.05, 0.1, 0.25, 0.5 and 1 mg/ml) for both 48 h and 72 h and trypan blue, MTT and LDH released assay was done. Further, cell cycle assay and apoptosis assay was done in EAC cells to understand the mechanism of AEMO induced tumor regression.

RESULTS

GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of quinic acid, octadecanoic acid, hexadecanoic acid (palmitic acid), α-tocopherol (Vitamin-E) and ɣ-sitosterol as major bioactive compounds. AEMO administration reduced the TV and TW of tumor-bearing mice and increases the life span. Side effect analysis showed that AEMO treatment did not induce significant alterations of liver and kidney function and hematological parameters. Further, in vitro cytotoxicity assays revealed that AEMO treatment induced dose and time-dependent toxicity in both the cell lines tested. Flow cytometric analysis confirmed significant induction of apoptotic cells by changing the mitochondrial membrane potential in EAC cell line.

CONCLUSION

The results of the present study suggest that AEMO has immense potential to inhibit the tumor progression without affecting the normal physiology and functioning of the body and thus can be used as a cancer therapeutic agent.

Arsenic and smokeless tobacco exposure induces DNA damage and oxidative stress in reproductive organs of female Swiss albino mice

Arsenic contamination in the groundwater of Southern Assam, India is well-documented. A specific type of smokeless tobacco (sadagura, SG) is highly prevalent among the local population. Thus, the present study is aimed to evaluate the toxicological implications of arsenic and smokeless tobacco co-exposure on the reproductive health of female mice. The estrous cycle of experimental animals was monitored for 30 days. Histopathological studies and comet assay of ovarian and uterine tissues were performed after 30 days of exposure to SG and arsenic (sodium arsenite, SA). Oxidative stress was estimated biochemically by taking tissue glutathione, lipid peroxidation (LPO), and superoxide dismutase activity as endpoints. Our findings indicated a prolonged diestrus phase in the SG + L + SA group (p < 0.001). Histopathological study revealed abnormal tissue architecture in treated groups. Comet assay study showed that SG + SA exposure significantly induced DNA damage in test animals. The elevated LPO level in the SG + SA group indicated oxidative stress generation in the reproductive tissues. The present study suggests that female reproductive organs are vulnerable to SA and SG and oxidative stress generation may be the possible mechanism behind DNA damage, impaired follicular growth, atresia, and altered estrous cycle in the mice test system.

Micronucleus Assays in Amphibians

Induction of micronucleus (MN) expression is a well-validated biomarker of genotoxic exposure in eukaryotic cells and is widely used in biomonitoring programs. The presence of permeable skin, which facilitates toxicant exposure and local abundance, is among the characteristics that make amphibians good indicators of ecosystem health. The presence of large nucleated erythrocytes, which divide in the circulation, makes amphibian erythrocytes an ideal target tissue to detect genotoxin exposure using the MN assay. Published literature have highlighted the promising prospects of using the amphibian MN assay as a sensitive biomonitoring tool for water quality assessment to detect potential genotoxins. The present chapter provides the basic outline of the amphibian MN assay and highlights its use in genotoxicity testing in experimental and biomonitoring studies.

Joint detection of claudin-1 and junctional adhesion molecule-A as a therapeutic target in oral epithelial dysplasia and oral squamous cell carcinoma

Abnormal expression of claudin-1 (CLDN-1) and junctional adhesion molecule-A (JAM-A) has been described in certain malignancies but their clinical relevance is poorly understood. The present study aims to elucidate the role of CLDN-1 and JAM-A in oral epithelial dysplasia (OED) and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Changes in the expression of these proteins were identified immunohistochemically on tissue sections from patients with OED and OSCC and compared with control. A correlation between the expression level of proteins and clinicopathological features was analyzed by Pearson's correlation χ² test. The survival curve of the follow-up data was estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method followed by the log-rank test. CLDN-1 and JAM-A were highly expressed in OED and OSCC tissues when compared to control. Also, delocalization of CLDN-1 from the membrane to the cytoplasm to the nucleus was observed as the cell proceeds from normal to malignancy. Increased expression of CLDN-1 and JAM-A in both OED and OSCC were concomitant with histological grades. In addition, increased JAM-A was associated with perineural invasion of cancer cells. A positive correlation between the expression level of proteins was observed in OED (r = 0.733) and OSCC (r = 0.577). Kaplan-Meier analysis in patients with OSCC showed that the survival rate was lower in patients with high CLDN-1 and high JAM-A expression compared to low expressed patients. To conclude, the elevated level and delocalization of CLDN-1 and JAM-A suggest their use as tumor markers. A positive correlation between CLDN-1 and JAM-A suggests joint detection of these proteins as a future diagnostic tool in oral precancerous and cancerous conditions.

Unveiling spin-glass transition and antiferromagnetic order by μSR studies in spin-chain Sm2BaNiO5

We report the zero-field and longitudinal field muon spin relaxation studies in a spin-chain compound Sm₂BaNiO₅. Two magnetic transitions, that have not been previously detected by the heat capacity and magnetization measurements, are confirmed at 46 and 9 K. The antiferromagnetic order is suggested at 46 K. Analysis of the muon spin polarization unveils the spin-glass transition at 9 K. Time-field scaling relation of the muon spin polarization verifies the spin-spin autocorrelation function following the cut-off power law, which is approximated by the Ogielski form, as employed numerically for characterizing the spin-glasses.

Correlation of serum lactate dehydrogenase and alkaline phosphatase in different histological grades of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and premalignant lesions

Context

Head neck cancer (HNCA) in North-East India accounts for 54.48% cancers at all sites, one of the highest in the country. Increased serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity is considered as a marker of cellular necrosis while serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is recognized as an important marker of induction of tumor cell differentiation. Considering the importance and need of biomarker in HNCA and there being no previous study on tumor markers from this highly prevalent region, we intended to examine the role of serum LDH and ALP in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and epithelial precursor lesions (EPLs) and also to find their correlation with the different histological grades of tumor.

Materials and Methods

This is a prospective observational study on patients with HNSCC and precancerous lesions attending Department of ENT of a Teaching Hospital. Serum LDH and ALP was measured in HNSCC, EPL and control groups and the results were statistically analyzed and compared using analysis of variance, Pearson correlation coefficient, and sensitivity-specificity analysis.

Results

Serum LDH was found to be a significant marker of HNSCC. Total serum LDH level was high in both premalignant and HNSCC cases. There was a significant correlation between serum LDH and grades of HNSCC showing highest levels of expression in moderately differentiated SCC. Elevated serum LDH was also seen in erythroleukoplakia, leukoplakia, and verrucous lesion, but serum ALP levels were not significant.

Conclusions

This is the first study from this highly prevalent region of HNCA showing that serum LDH could be regarded as a biomarker for malignant and premalignant conditions of the head and neck.

Coexisting exchange bias effect and ferroelectricity in geometrically frustrated ZnCr2O4

Concomitant occurrence of exchange bias effect and ferroelectric order is revealed in antiferromagnetic spinel ZnCr₂O₄. The exchange bias effect is observed below antiferromagnetic Neél temperature (T _N) with a reasonable value of exchange bias field ([Formula: see text] Oe at 2 K). Intriguingly, the [Formula: see text] ratio is found unusually high as  ∼2.2, where H _C is the coercivity. This indicates that large H _C is not always primary for obtaining large exchange bias effect. Ferroelectric order is observed at T _N, where non-centrosymmetric magnetic structure with [Formula: see text] space group associated with the magnetoelectric coupling correlates the ferroelectric order, proposing that, ZnCr₂O₄ is an improper multiferroic material. Rare occurrence of exchange bias effect and ferroelectric order in ZnCr₂O₄ attracts the community for fundamental interest and draws special attention in designing new materials for possible electric field control of exchange bias effect.

Effect of nutritional status on arsenic and smokeless tobacco induced genotoxicity, sperm abnormality and oxidative stress in mice in vivo

BACKGROUND

Recently, high concentrations of arsenic have been documented in ground waters of Southern Assam, India. Indiscriminate smokeless tobacco consumption is a common practice in this region. Correlation between nutritional status and arsenic and smokeless tobacco-induced health effects has not been taken up in humans or other test systems.

METHODS

Mice were divided into groups based on protein (casein) content in the diet: High protein (40%), optimum protein (20%), and low protein (5%). Simultaneous chronic exposure (90 days) to arsenic and smokeless tobacco (sadagura) orally was given to evaluate the extent of the cytological and genotoxicological damage. Micronucleus assay and Comet assay of the femur bone marrow cells were conducted. Germ cell toxicity was evaluated by recording the sperm head abnormalities and total sperm count. Cell cycle analysis was performed in femur bone marrow cells using flow cytometer. Hepatic, renal, and intestinal tissues were analyzed for various oxidative stress evaluations. Histological examination of liver and kidney was performed.

RESULTS

Notably, high protein diet groups had lower arsenic and sadagura induced genotoxicity, germ cell abnormalities and oxidative stress as compared to optimum protein and low protein diet counterparts.

CONCLUSION

Our study indicates that sufficient levels of dietary protein appear to reduce the long-term arsenic and smokeless tobacco-induced toxicity in mice test system, as compared to lower or deficient amount of protein in the diet. This observation has implications and invites further studies especially epidemiological studies in the human population exposed to arsenic in South East Asian countries. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 59:386-400, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.