Assessment of Babesia spp. prevalence in various domestic animals across Southern Punjab, Pakistan

Parasitic diseases, notably babesiosis, exert a substantial impact on the global cattle industry, posing challenges to commerce, economies, and human health. This study, conducted in Southern Punjab, Pakistan, aimed to assess the prevalence of Babesia spp. across various livestock species using microscopic and PCR methods. A total of 180 blood samples (60 from each district) were systematically collected from apparently healthy animals, with 36 samples obtained from each domestic animal species, including camel, cattle, buffalo, goat, and sheep, noting that 12 samples were collected from each district for each animal species. Overall prevalence was determined to be 32.8% (59/180), with varying rates among species: 25.0% in cattle, 41.66% in buffalo, 30.55% in goats, 33.3% in sheep, and 33.3% in camels. Microscopic examination revealed slightly varied infection rates among large and small domestic animals (22.2%), while PCR results indicated a 32.8% overall infection rate in both large and small domestic animals, with no statistical significance. District-wise analysis showed regional variations, with Muzaffargarh recording a prevalence rate of 23.33% through microscopic examination, while Lodhran and Bahawalpur recorded 21.67%. PCR results revealed higher rates (38.33%, 26.67%, and 33.33%, respectively), underlining the importance of employing PCR for accurate detection. Examining ruminant types, large ruminants exhibited a 32.4% infection rate, while small domestic animals showed 33.3%, with no significant difference (p=0.897). District-wise prevalence showcased significant variation, with Muzaffargarh demonstrating a 25% prevalence, Lodhran 22%, and Bahawalpur 22%, through microscopic examination. PCR results displayed 38.33%, 27%, and 33.3%, respectively, with no statistical significance. Detailed analysis of individual districts highlighted variations in infection rates among camels, cattle, buffalo, goats, and sheep. The binomial test indicated significant differences through microscopic analysis (P=0.011) but non-significant variations through PCR (P=0.065), emphasizing the precision of PCR. Regional variations in prevalence, notably with Punjab exhibiting the highest frequency (33.87%) and KPK the lowest (13.24%), suggest potential influences from varying veterinary practices and environmental factors. This study underscores the pivotal role of PCR alongside microscopy for accurate babesiosis diagnosis. These findings contribute to the broader understanding of babesiosis prevalence, emphasizing the necessity of advanced molecular techniques for informed control measures.

Measuring the systolic and the diastolic properties of single human pluripotent stem-cell cardiomyocyte for drug testing and disease modeling

Background

The advent of human pluripotent stem cell–derived cardiomyocytes (hPSC-CMs) provided exciting tools for cardiovascular physiological studies, disease modeling and drug testing applications. Current platforms for studying the mechanical properties of human pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hPSC-CMs) as single-cells do not measure forces directly, require numerous assumptions, and cannot study cell mechanics at different loading conditions.

Objective

To establish a novel platform to assess the active and passive mechanical properties of single-cell hPSC-CMs at different loading conditions and to demonstrate the potential of this approach for drug testing and disease modeling applications.

Methods and results

To allow morphological maturation, hPSC-CMs were treated with Tri-iodo-thyronine hormone, dexamethasone and Insulin-like growth factor-1. The hPSC-CM were then lifted and attached to a highly sensitive optical-force transducer and a piezoelectric length controller and electrically-stimulated. The attached hPSC-CM remained intact and contractile allowing evaluation of their passive and active mechanical properties. Utilizing this technique, single-cell hPSC-CMs exhibited positive length-tension (Frank-Starling) relationships, and appropriate inotropic, klinotropic, and lusitropic changes in response to treatment with isoproterenol. The unique potential of the approach for drug testing and disease modeling was exemplified by treating the cells with doxorubicin (a potential cardiotoxic anti-cancer agent) and omecamtiv mecarbil (a positive ionotropic drug currently in stage 3 clinical trial). The results of these studies recapitulated the drugs' known actions to suppress (doxorubicin) and augment (omecamtiv mecarbil at low dose) cardiomyocyte contractility. Finally, novel insights were gained regarding the cellular effects of these drugs as doxorubicin treatment led to cellular mechanical alternans and high doses of omecamtiv mecarbil suppressed contractility and worsened the cellular diastolic properties.

Conclusion

A novel method that allows direct active and passive force measurements from single hPSC-CMs at different loading conditions for the first time was established and validated. Our results highlight the potential implications of this novel approach for pharmacological studies and disease modeling studies.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: Public grant(s) – EU funding. Main funding source(s): European Research Council

Practical aspects of telehealth: doctor-patient relationship and communication

The fourth in a series of articles about the practical aspects of telehealth, this paper provides advice and information for specialists to communicate effectively with patients during a telehealth video consultation.

Practical aspects of telehealth: set-up and preparation for video consultations

The third in a series of articles about the practical aspects of telehealth, this paper gives guidance on suitable setup for video consultations, including layout of rooms, managing sound and image quality, scheduling, testing and best practice in telehealth videoconferencing.

Practical aspects of telehealth: are my patients suited to telehealth?

The first in a series of articles that demonstrate the practical aspects of telehealth, this paper provides three case studies that examine the suitability of telehealth for patients living in rural and remote areas who require ongoing specialist care.

The burden of anti-HCV genotye-4 positivity in renal transplant recipients: 8 years follow-up

Whether renal transplant recipients with anti-HCV antibodies positivity and normal liver function tests within the first year after transplantation have different morbidity and mortality and graft failure compared to anti-HCV-negative recipients remains controversial. In this retrospective study, on 411 renal transplant recipients, we analyzed grafts morbidity, survival, and liver function tests over a period of 8 years. Patients were stratified according to their anti-HCV antibody status 1 year after transplantation into anti-HCV-positive and HCV-negative patients. The presence of normal liver function tests was mandatory at inclusion. All patients received the same immunosuppressive protocol consisting of cyclosporine A, mycophenolate mofetil and steroids. One year after transplantation, 137 patients were anti-HCV negative (33 %) while the rest 274 (67 %) were positive. At 5 years of follow-up, the study population consisted of 205 patients (71 patients, 35 % with anti-HCV negativity, and 134, 65 % with positivity). At the end of the study, only 144 patients were followed up (43 patients, 30 % with negative anti-HCV and 101 patients, 70 %, with positivity). We found that graft survival was not different between both groups. Moreover, serum creatinine showed a trend to be lower in HCV-positive patients compared to negative group although difference was not statistically significant. The number of graft loss was not different between both groups. Moreover, there was no difference between both groups as regards prevalence of acute rejection, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, CMV disease and proteinuria. We can conclude that anti-HCV positivity for 8 years in patients with normal liver function tests at 1 year does not impact graft morbidity and patient survival.

Distance from treatment facility and risk of death from cardiovascular and infectious causes in renal transplant patients

We investigated whether patients receiving RTx who live farther from their attending nephrologist are more likely to die than those who live closer. A random sample of 167 patients who undergone RTx between 1996 and 2004 was examined. We calculated the distance between each patient's residence and the practice location of their attending nephrologist. We used Cox proportional hazards models to examine the adjusted relation between distance and clinical outcomes (death from all causes, rejection episodes, infectious causes, and cardiovascular complications) over a follow-up period of upto 6 years. During the follow-up period (median: 3.3, range: 1.0-6.5 years), 22% of patients died. Compared with patients who lived within 50 km of their nephrologist, the adjusted hazard ratio of death was 1.04 among those who lived 50.1-150 km away, 1.16 for those who lived 150.1-300 km away, and 1.19 for those who lived more than 300 km (P for trend <0.001). The risk of death from infectious causes increased with greater distance from the attending nephrologist (P for trend <0.001). The risk of developing acute rejection episodes did not increase with distance from the attending nephrologist (P for trend = 0.2). The risk of death from cardiovascular causes increased with distance from the attending nephrologist (P for trend <0.05). Compared with patients who lived within 50 km of their nephrologist, the adjusted hazard ratio of death among those who lived >300 km away was 1.75 for infectious causes and 1.39 for cardiovascular causes. We conclude that mortality and morbidity associated with RTx was greater among patients who lived farther from their attending nephrologist, as compared with those who lived closer.

Hydrophilic antioxidant capacities and total phenol content of seasonal fruits of Bangladesh

INTRODUCTION

Consumption of fruits and vegetables helps to scavenge free radicals owing to the presence of antioxidant nutrients and secondary metabolites, especially polyphenolic compounds. This may lead to a reduction in the risk of diet-related chronic diseases. The purpose of the study was to determine the antioxidant capacity (AC) and total phenolic content (TPC) of selected seasonal fruits of Bangladesh.

METHODS

Hydrophilic extracts from edible portions of fifteen fruits available in the summer season were analysed. Total phenol content was determined spectrophotometrically according to the Folin-Ciocalteau method while antioxidant capacity was determined by 2, 2-diphenyl-1-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity (DPPH-RSA).

RESULTS

TPC ranged from 0.6 +/- 0.01 to 0.01 +/- 0 mg Gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g of fresh weight (FW). Antioxidant capacity varied from 4.882 +/- 0 to 0.113 +/- 0.03 micromol Torolox equivalents (TE)/g of FW. Carissa carandas showed the highest AC (4.882 +/- 0 micromol TE/g), while the lowest (0.113 +/- 0.3 micromol TE/g) was seen in Baccaura ramiflora. A positive and significant correlation (R2 = 0.957) between antioxidant capacity and total phenolic content of the analysed samples was identified. A significant and positive correlation (p < 0.05) between AC and TPC was found in Manikara zapota, Artocarpus heterophyllus, Litchi chinensis and Articarpus lakoocha.

CONCLUSION

The data indicates that some indigenous seasonal fruits of Bangladesh contain high polyphenols that may serve as a potential source of dietary antioxidants.

Distribution, correlation, and source apportionment of selected metals in tannery effluents, related soils, and groundwater--a case study from Multan, Pakistan

In order to study the distribution, correlation, and apportionment of selected metals, the tannery effluent, related soil, and groundwater samples were collected from Multan, Pakistan, and analyzed on flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Among the selected metals, Na, Ca, K, Cr, and Mg revealed dominant concentrations with average values of 5,499, 945, 565, 209, and 107 mg/L and 2,634, 330, 484, 14.1, and 60.5 mg/L in the effluents and groundwater, respectively, whereas the mean metal levels in soil samples were 10,026, 6,726, 9,242, 476, and 9,857 mg/kg. Overall, the mean metal concentrations in the tannery effluents, groundwater, and related soils reveal following order, respectively: Na > Ca > K > Cr > Mg > Ni > Fe > Zn > Co > Pb > Mn > Cd; Na > K > Ca > Mg > Cr > Zn > Ni > Pb > Fe > Co > Mn > Cd; Na > Mg > K > Ca > Cr > Co > Ni > Fe > Pb > Mn > Zn > Cd. Generally, the metal distribution in tannery effluents, soils, and groundwater was found to be random as evidenced by large differences between mean and median values as well as considerably higher standard deviation and skewness values. The selected metal data were also subjected to correlation study to investigate the covariation of metal levels in the three media. The source apportionment of the metal data in the effluents, soils, and groundwater was carried out using principal component analysis in addition to basic statistical and correlation analyses. The source apportionment studies evidenced the gross contamination of groundwater and soils in the vicinity of tanning industrial units in Multan. The current mean metal levels in the soil and groundwater were found to be considerably higher compared with the background concentration levels and WHO guideline values.

Comparative distribution of the scalp hair trace metal contents in the benign tumour patients and normal donors

The scalp hair samples of benign tumour patients (n = 77) and normal donors (n = 86) were analysed for selected trace metal contents using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. In the scalp hair of benign tumour patients, highest average levels were found for Ca (1,401 microg/g), followed by Na (476.9 microg/g), Mg (441.6 microg/g), Zn (438.3 microg/g), K (119.2 microg/g) and Fe (96.38 microg/g) while in comparison, the maximum mean levels in the scalp hair of normal donors were shown by Ca (556.5 microg/g), followed by Zn (154.2 microg/g), Mg (153.4 microg/g), Na (97.45 microg/g) and Fe (81.68 microg/g). Almost all metal levels revealed higher dispersion and asymmetry in the scalp hair of benign tumour patients compared with the normal donors. The average concentrations of Ca, Cd, Co, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, Pb, Sb, Sr and Zn were significantly higher in the hair of benign tumour patients compared with the normal donors. Significant gender-based differences were also observed in the scalp hair metal contents of benign tumour patients. Strong positive correlations were found between Cd-Cr (0.547) and Cd-Co (0.507) in the hair of benign tumour patients whereas Ca-Mg, Mg-Sr, Co-Cd, Cr-Cd, Li-Cr, Li-Co, Li-Cd, Na-Cd, Na-Co and Na-Li exhibited strong relationships (r > 0.50) in the hair of normal donors. Cluster analysis (CA) and principal component analysis (PCA) were used for the source identification and apportionment of scalp hair trace metals in the two donor groups. The scalp hair of benign tumour patients and normal donors revealed six and five main clusters of trace metals, respectively. PCA extracted seven principal components of trace metals in the scalp hair of benign tumour patients while six principal components were observed in the case of normal donors. The study evidenced significantly different patterns of metal distribution in the hair of benign tumour patients in comparison with normal donors.

Statistical source identification of metals in groundwater exposed to industrial contamination

Levels of selected metals Na, Ca, Mg, K, Fe, Mn, Cr, Co, Ni, Cd, Pb and Mn were estimated by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry in groundwater samples from Kasur, a significant industrial city of Pakistan. Salient mean concentration levels were recorded for: Na (211 mg/l), Ca (187 mg/l), Mg (122 mg/l), K (87.7 mg/l), Fe (2.57 mg/l) and Cr (2.12 mg/l). Overall, the decreasing metal concentration order was: Na>Ca>Mg>K>Fe>Cr>Zn>Co>Pb>Mn>Ni>Cd. Significantly positive correlations were found between Na-Cr (r=0.553), Na-Mn (r=0.543), Mg-Fe (r=0.519), Mg-Cr (r=0.535), Pb-K (r=0.506) and Pb-Ni (r=0.611). Principal Component Analysis and Cluster Analysis identified tannery effluents as the main source of metal contamination of the groundwater. The present metal data showed that Cr, Pb and Fe levels were several times higher than those recommended for water quality by WHO, US-EPA, EU and Japan. The elevated levels of Cr, recorded as 21-42 fold higher compared with the recommended quality values, were believed to originate from the tanning industry of Kasur.

Statistical analysis of atmospheric trace metals and particulate fractions in Islamabad, Pakistan

Airborne suspended particulate matter was collected on glass fibre filters in urban atmosphere of Islamabad, Pakistan, using high volume sampler. The particulate samples were analysed for 10 selected metals (Fe, Na, Zn, K, Pb, Mn, Cr, Ni, Co and Cd) by FAAS method. Maximum mean contribution was noted for Fe (1.761microg/m(3)), followed by Na (1.661microg/m(3)), Zn (1.021microg/m(3)), K (0.488microg/m(3)) and Pb (0.128microg/m(3)). The particle size determination on vol.% basis for nine fractions (PM(<1.0), PM(1.0-2.5), PM(2.5-5), PM(5-10), PM(10-15), PM(15-25), PM(25-50), PM(50-100) and PM(>100)) was carried out using Mastersizer. PM(5.0-10) were found to be most abundant in the local atmosphere followed by PM(2.5-5.0) and PM(15-25) while coarse/giant particles (PM(50-100) and PM(>100)) showed lower contribution. The trace metals were found to be mainly associated with smaller particulate fractions up to PM(10-15). Among the climatic parameters temperature has significant relationship with fine particles and airborne metal levels while relative humidity showed negative correlation. The source identification was carried out by principal component analysis and cluster analysis. Five metal sources were identified: industrial, vehicular emissions, metallurgical operations, garbage incineration and soil derived dust. The metal levels were also compared with those reported for other rural and urban parts around the world.

Multivariate analysis of trace metals in textile effluents in relation to soil and groundwater

This paper deals with the multivariate analysis of metal data in effluents, soil and groundwater to find the distribution and source identification of the selected metals in the three media. Samples were collected from three textile industries located in Hattar Industrial Estate, Pakistan. Metals were estimated by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The results showed elevated levels of Cr, Pb, Ni, Co, Fe, Ca, Na, K and Zn in these media, following the order: soil>effluent>water. Principle component analysis (PCA) of the data showed that the textile effluents are contaminating the soil wherein Cr and Pb were dominant toxic metals having concentrations of 5.96 mg/kg and 4.46 mg/kg, respectively. Other toxic metals such as Co, Cd, Zn, Ni, Mn and Fe, were found to have common origin in the textile effluents. The correlation study along with linear regression and PCA, supported the fact that various elevated metal concentrations emerged from the textile industrial effluents ultimately leading to contamination of the soil and groundwater in their proximity. The estimated metal levels in the water/soil system are compared with the safe limits laid down by WHO.

Multivariate analysis of trace metal levels in tannery effluents in relation to soil and water: a case study from Peshawar, Pakistan

Tannery effluents and relevant ground water and soil samples collected from various tanning industries of Peshawar were analyzed for Na, Ca, K, Mg, Fe, Mn, Cr, Co, Cd, Ni, Pb and Zn by the AAS method. The metal concentration data for the three media are reported in terms of basic statistical parameters, metal-to-metal correlations and linear regression analyses. Metal distributions in the three media were quite divergent and showed non-normal distributions with high standard deviation and skewness parameters. Sodium exhibited the highest mean levels of 1,277mg/L, 881mg/L and 12,912mg/kg in the effluent, ground water and soil samples, respectively. Among other metals, Cr concentrations were 410mg/L, 0.145mg/L, 100mg/kg and Ca, 278mg/L, 64.8mg/L, and 2,285mg/kg in the effluent, ground water and soil samples, respectively. Some significant correlations were observed between effluent and soils in terms of Na, Cr, Ni, Co and Pb. The ground water-soil interrelationship suggested that Na levels in the soil and ground water were significantly correlated with each other (r=0.486, P<0.01). Similarly, Cr in the soil is strongly correlated with Ca in ground water (r=0.486, P<0.01). These results were duly supported by the linear regression analysis of data. The source identification studies conducted using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Cluster Analysis (CA) evidenced that ground water and soil were being contaminated by the toxic metals emanating from the tannery effluents.

Characterization, source identification and apportionment of selected metals in TSP in an urban atmosphere

To understand the metal distribution characteristics in the atmosphere of urban Islamabad, total suspended particulate (TSP) samples were collected on daily 12 h basis, at Quaid-i-Azam University campus, using high volume sampler. The TSP samples were treated with HNO(3)/HClO(4) based wet digestion method for the quantification of eight selected metals; Fe, Zn, Pb, Mn, Cr, Co, Ni and Cd by FAAS method. The monitoring period ran from June 2001 to January 2002, with a total of 194 samples collected on cellulose filters. Effects of different meteorological conditions such as temperature, relative humidity, wind speed and wind direction on selected metal levels were interpreted by means of multivariate statistical approach. Enhanced metal levels for Fe (930 ng/m(3)), Zn (542 ng/m(3)) and Pb (210 ng/m(3)) were found on the mean scale while Mn, Cr, Co and Ni emerged as minor contributors. Statistical correlation study was also conducted and a strong correlation was observed between Pb-Cr (r=0.611). The relative humidity showed some significant influence on atmospheric metal distribution while other meteorological parameters showed weak relationship with TSP metal levels. Regarding the origin of sources of heavy metals in TSP, the statistical procedure identified three source profiles; automobile emissions, industrial/metallurgical units, and natural soil dust. The metal levels were also compared with those reported for other parts of the world which showed that the metal levels in urban atmosphere of Islamabad are in exceedence than those of European industrial and urban sites while comparable with some Asian sites.

Comparative metal distribution in hair of Pakistani and Libyan population and source identification by multivariate analysis

Using nitric acid-perchloric acid wet digestion based FAAS method ten selected metals (Cd, Co, Cr, Fe, K, Mn, Na, Ni, Pb and Zn) were determined in the scalp hair of male Pakistani and Libyan donors (n = 62), between 3-54 years age and residing in typical urban areas. The study was taken up to identify sources of metal distribution in two diverse population segments exposed to different environments. Sodium emerged with the highest mean hair concentration of 511.0 microg/g and 496.9 mug/g for Libyan and Pakistani donors respectively, followed by K, at 266.2 microg/g and 242.4 microg/g for the two donor categories. Cadmium showed the lowest mean hair concentration for both Pakistani (0.380 microg/g) and Libyan (0.530 microg/g) donors. Levels of Na, K, Pb, Cr and Cd were higher in hair of Libyan donors compared with Pakistani counterparts which showed higher comparative levels of Zn, Fe, Co, Ni and Mn. Strong metal-to-metal correlations were found between Na-K (r = 0.638) and Cd-Co (r = 0.574) for Pakistani donors, while for Libyan donors, Na-K (r = 0.680) and Fe-Mn (r = 0.624) correlations emerged as strongly significant. Only K was found to have a strong positive correlation (r = 0.611) with age for Pakistani donors while this correlation was significantly negative (r = -0.500) for Libyan donors, probably arising from individual food habits. Other metals showed no viable relationship with age. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Cluster Analysis (CA) of the data evidenced food, industrial emissions and automobile emissions as possible sources of metal distribution. The results of the present study are compared with those reported for subjects from other regions of the world.

Spatial variations in selected metal contents and particle size distribution in an urban and rural atmosphere of Islamabad, Pakistan

Spatial variations in total suspended particulate matter (TSP) were investigated for distribution of metals and particle size fractions in the urban and rural atmosphere of Islamabad, Pakistan. The metals Na, K, Fe, Mn, Pb, Cd, Cr, Zn, Ni and Co, and the particle fractions <2.5, 2.5-10, 10-100 and >100 microm were included in the study. TSP samples were trapped on glass fibre filters using high volume samplers and quantification of metals was done using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry employing HNO(3) based wet digestion. At the urban site, Na was dominant at 2.384 microg/m(3) followed by K, Fe and Zn with 0.778, 0.667 and 0.567 microg/m(3) as mean concentrations, respectively. The metal levels for the rural site ranged from 0.002 microg/m(3) for Cd to 1.077 microg/m(3) for Na. However, compared with the urban site, mean Pb concentration showed an almost two-fold enhancement, i.e., 0.163 Vs. 0.327 microg/m(3). Metals and particle size source identification was done using Principal Component Analysis and Cluster Analysis. Five sources were traced out for the urban site: industrial, soil, automobile emissions, metallurgical industries and excavation activities. For the rural site, four sources were recorded: agricultural, automotive emissions, excavation activities and metallurgical units. Collectively, for both the sites, PM(10-100) emerged as a major contributor to TSP, followed by PM(2.5-10), PM(<2.5) and PM(>100) in that order. The metals showed in general positive relationship with fine particulate fractions (PM(2.5-10), PM(<2.5)), and negative correlation with coarse fractions (PM(10-100), PM(>100)). Comparison with the corresponding data from various Asian sites revealed that the levels of Na, K, Fe, Mn, Co and Ni for the present study were lower than those reported for grossly polluted cities of the world.

Multivariate analysis of the selected metals in the hair of cerebral palsy patients versus controls

Seventeen metals were measured in scalp hair samples from cerebral palsy patients (CPPs) and controls. Samples were collected from 95 CPPs and 93 controls. The nitric acid-perchloric acid wet digestion procedure was used for quantification of the selected metals by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The concentrations of Ag, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Li, and Mg were significantly higher and those of Cu, Fe, K, Mn, Na, Ni, Pb, and Sb were lower in the hair of CPPs compared with controls. Astrong positive correlation was found between Ca and Mg in the hair of controls but not in that of CPPs. Antimony was found significantly negative in terms of its correlation with Co and Cu in CPPs group but not in the controls. Principal component analysis (PCA) of the data extracted seven factors for CPPs and six factors for controls. Cluster analysis (CA) was also used to support the PCA results. The study evidenced some specific source of Mg and Sb in the hair of CPPs.

Multivariate analysis of selected metals in tannery effluents and related soil

Effluent and relevant soil samples from 38 tanning units housed in Kasur, Pakistan, were obtained for metal analysis by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometric method. The levels of 12 metals, Na, Ca, K, Mg, Fe, Mn, Cr, Co, Cd, Ni, Pb and Zn were determined in the two media. The data were evaluated towards metal distribution and metal-to-metal correlations. The study evidenced enhanced levels of Cr (391, 16.7 mg/L) and Na (25,519, 9369 mg/L) in tannery effluents and relevant soil samples, respectively. The effluent versus soil trace metal content relationship confirmed that the effluent Cr was strongly correlated with soil Cr. For metal source identification the techniques of principal component analysis, and cluster analysis were applied. The principal component analysis yielded two factors for effluents: factor 1 (49.6% variance) showed significant loading for Ca, Fe, Mn, Cr, Cd, Ni, Pb and Zn, referring to a tanning related source for these metals, and factor 2 (12.6% variance) with higher loadings of Na, K, Mg and Co, was associated with the processes during the skin/hide treatment. Similarly, two factors with a cumulative variance of 34.8% were obtained for soil samples: factor 1 manifested the contribution from Mg, Mn, Co, Cd, Ni and Pb, which though soil-based is basically effluent-derived, while factor 2 was found associated with Na, K, Ca, Cr and Zn which referred to a tannery-based source. The dendograms obtained from cluster analysis, also support the observed results. The study exhibits a gross pollution of soils with Cr at levels far exceeding the stipulated safe limit laid down for tannery effluents.

A comparative study based on gender and age dependence of selected metals in scalp hair

Levels of 10 metals (Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, Cd, Co, Cr and Ni) in the scalp hair of male and female donors, with age groups between 3 and 100 years, were determined by ICP-AES. In total, 58 male and 30 female hair samples were analyzed in triplicate. The donors belonged to the rural area of district Chakwal, a well-known typical non-urban site in Pakistan. Calcium showed the highest concentration of 462 microg/g in the hair of males and 870 microg/g in those of females followed by Zn, at 208 and 251 microg/g for the two sexes. For male donors, Cd showed the lowest concentration (1.15 microg/g) while for female donors Co remained at minimum level (0.92 microg/g). The order of decreasing metal concentration in the hair of male donors was: Ca > Zn > Mg > Fe > Cu > Mn > Ni > Cr > Co > Cd while that for female donors it was: Ca > Zn > Mg > Fe > Cu > Mn > Cr > Ni > Cd > Co. The female group exhibited enhanced levels of all selected metals except Fe and Co in their hair as compared with the male counterparts. A strong bivariate positive correlation was found between Fe and Zn (r = 0.841) for the hair samples from male category while for the female category, strong positive correlations were observed between Ca-Mg (r = 0.617), Ca-Zn (r = 0.569), Ca-Mn (r = 0.565), Mg-Mn (r = 0.655), Cr-Cu (r = 0.655) and Cr-Ni (r = 0.685). The distribution of metals in the hair of donors with respect to different age groups was also investigated for both genders. The study showed that in case of males, the concentration of all selected metals decreased with increasing age except for Cu, Co and Cr. However, for females the hair metal levels increased with age, except for Co for which the concentration decreased with age. No appreciable change in the metal concentration was observed as a function of age for the combined sexes.

Distribution of lead in relation to size of airborne particulate matter in Islamabad, Pakistan

Airborne particulate matter (PM) collected from two sampling stations in Islamabad, Pakistan, was analyzed for lead content and size gradation. A high volume air sampler was used to trap particulates on glass fiber filters for 8-12 h on a daily basis. Lead was estimated using a nitric acid digestion based AAS method on 44 samples from station 1 and 61 samples from station 2. Particle size fractions were categorized as <2.5, 2.5-10, 10-100 and >100 microm. The correlation between lead concentration and particle size was investigated. The results from two stations indicated average airborne lead concentrations of 0.505 and 0.185 microg/m3. Enhanced levels of lead were measured at a maximum of 4.075 microg/m3 at station 1 and 4.000 microg/m3 at station 2. PM < 2.5 and PM > 100 were found to constitute the local atmosphere in comparable proportions. A comparison of the lead levels is made with the existing permissible levels of this element laid down by different international agencies.

Transcranial Doppler ultrasonography with induction of anesthesia and neuromuscular blockade in surgical patients

STUDY OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the cerebral vascular effects of cis-atracurium and rocuronium given after thiopental induction of anesthesia.

DESIGN

Randomized, single-blinded study.

SETTING

University-affiliated hospital.

PATIENTS

39 adult ASA physical status I and II patients undergoing nonintracranial procedures.

INTERVENTIONS

Patients received intravenously (IV), either saline placebo, cis-atracurium, or rocuronium after induction of general anesthesia with thiopental sodium.

MEASUREMENTS

The right middle cerebral artery was insonated using a pulsed-wave range-gated transcranial Doppler, and data were recorded at preinduction, immediately postinduction, at injection of the study drug, and at 15-second intervals for 3 minutes thereafter. The variables recorded for each subject included the systolic, diastolic, and mean flow velocity, as well as pulsality index, systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), and end-tidal carbon dioxide concentration.

MAIN RESULTS

No significant differences between the groups were present in the postanesthetic induction maximal or minimal mean flow velocity.

CONCLUSIONS

cis-Atracurium and rocuronium, administered after thiopental, do not produce clinically relevant changes in cerebral blood flow velocity.

Nature and frequency of mutations in the argininosuccinate synthetase gene that cause classical citrullinemia

Citrullinemia is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by a genetic deficiency of argininosuccinate synthetase (ASS). So far 20 mutations in ASS mRNA have been identified in human classical citrullinemia, including 14 single base changes causing missense mutations in the coding sequence of the enzyme, 4 mutations associated with an absence of exons 5, 6, 7, or 13 in mRNA, 1 mutation with a deletion of the first 7 bases in exon 16 (which is caused by abnormal splicing), and 1 mutation with an insertion of 37 bases between the exon 15 and 16 regions in mRNA. In order to identify the abnormality in the ASS gene causing the exon 7 and 13 deletion mutations and the 37-base insertion mutation between exons 15 and 16 in mRNA, and to establish a DNA diagnostic test, we isolated and sequenced the genomic DNA surrounding each exon. The absence of exon 7 or 13 in ASS mRNA resulted from abnormal splicing caused by a single base change in the intron region: IVS-6(-2) (a transition of A to G at the second nucleotide position within the 3' splice cleavage site of intron 6) and IVS-13(+5) (a transition of G to A at the fifth nucleotide position within the 5' splice cleavage site of intron 13), respectively. The IVS-6(-2) mutation resulted in the creation of an MspI restriction site. DNA diagnostic analysis of 33 Japanese alleles with classical citrullinemia showed that 19 alleles had the IVS-6(-2) mutation (over 50% of the mutated alleles in Japanese patients). It was thus confirmed that one mutation is predominant in Japan. This differs from the situation in the USA where there is far greater heterogeneity. The insertion mutation in mRNA on the other hand resulted from abnormal splicing caused by a 13-bp deletion at the splice-junction between exon 15 and intron 15. The deletion had a short direct repeat (CTCAGG) at the breakpoint junction and presumably resulted from slipped mispairing.

Mutations in argininosuccinate synthetase mRNA in Japanese patients, causing classical citrullinemia

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Mutations in argininosuccinate synthetase mRNA of Japanese patients, causing classical citrullinemia

Citrullinemia is an autosomal recessive disease caused by a genetic deficiency of argininosuccinate synthetase. In order to characterize mutations in Japanese patients with classical citrullinemia, RNA isolated from 10 unrelated patients was reverse-transcribed, and cDNA amplified by PCR was cloned and sequenced. The 10 mutations identified included 6 missense mutations (A118T, A192V, R272C, G280R, R304W, and R363L), 2 mutations associated with an absence of an exon 7 or exon 13, 1 mutation with a deletion of the first 7 bp in exon 16 (which might be caused by abnormal splicing), and 1 mutation with an insertion of 37 bp within exons 15 and 16 in cDNA. The insertion mutation and the five missense mutations (R304W being excluded) are new mutations described in the present paper. These are in addition to 14 mutations (9 missense mutations, 4 mutations associated with an absence of an exon in mRNA, and 1 splicing mutation) that we identified previously in mainly American patients with neonatal citrullinemia. Two of these 20 mutations, a deletion of exon 13 sequence and a 7-bp deletion in exon 16, were common to Japanese and American populations from different ethnic backgrounds; however, other mutations were unique to each population. Furthermore, the presence of a frequent mutation--the exon 7 deletion mutation in mRNA, which accounts for 10 of 23 affected alleles--was demonstrated in Japanese citrullinemia. This differs from the situation in the United States, where there was far greater heterogeneity of mutations.

Characterization of human wild-type and mutant argininosuccinate synthetase proteins expressed in bacterial cells

Argininosuccinate synthetase (ASS) is a urea cycle enzyme with a tetrameric structure composed of identical subunits. Citrullinemia is an autosomal recessive disease caused by a deficiency of ASS. We have previously identified 20 mutations in ASS mRNA of human classical citrullinemia. However, it is difficult to evaluate the effects of each mutation on the enzyme structure and function, since most of the patients are compound heterozygotes. In the present study, wild-type ASS and 12 mutant ASSs were expressed with a bacterial expression system and analyzed enzymologically and immunochemically. The properties of the purified recombinant protein with wild-type human ASS showed good agreement with native enzyme purified from human liver. Mutant ASS proteins with an expected molecular mass, except for delta 7b/Ex16, were highly expressed in the bacterial cells. It was difficult to extract ASS proteins with some mutations (A118T, delta Ex7, R157H, R363W, R363L, G390R and ins37b/Ex15&16) from cells by freezing and thawing. Extractable mutant proteins were as follows: G280R mutant was extracted with an amount of ASS protein similar to wild-type but with no ASS activity, and A192V, R272C and R304W mutants detected various amounts of ASS protein (13, 110 and 33% of wild-type, respectively) with a low ASS activity and abnormal kinetics. Higher Km values for citrulline were obtained in mutant ASSs with A192V (15 mmol/1), R272C (4.2 mmol/l) and R304W. (190 mmol/l) than in wild-type ASS (0.056 mmol/l). The results confirm that these mutations are responsible for ASS deficiency and also indicate that these amino acid residues are important for the function and structure of ASS protein.

A search for the primary abnormality in adult-onset type II citrullinemia

Deficiency of argininosuccinate synthetase (ASS) causes citrullinemia in human beings. Type II citrullinemia is found in most patients with adult-onset citrullinemia in Japan, and ASS deficiency is found specifically in the liver. Previous studies have shown that the decrease of hepatic ASS activity is caused by a decrease in enzyme protein with normal kinetic properties and that there were no apparent abnormalities in the amount, translational activity, and gross structure of hepatic ASS mRNA. In the present work, we show by sequencing analysis that there was no mutation in the ASS mRNA from two patients with type II citrullinemia. We also report RFLP analysis of a consanguineous family with type II citrullinemia, by using three DNA polymorphisms located within the ASS gene locus. In spite of having consanguineous parents, the patient was not a homozygous haplotype for the ASS gene. The RFLP analysis of 16 affected patients from consanguineous parents showed that 5 of 16 patients had the heterozygous pattern for one of the three DNA probes and that the frequency of the heterozygous haplotype was not different from the control frequency. These results suggest that the primary defect of type II citrullinemia is not within the ASS gene locus.

Interactions between growth and nutrient status in school-age children of urban Bangladesh

The relationship between biochemical, anthropometric, and sociodemographic indexes was investigated in 242 children aged 5-12 y from five schools in Dhaka City, Bangladesh. As height-for-age increased so too did the mean serum concentrations of hemoglobin, protein, vitamin A, and zinc; serum copper concentrations were highest in the shortest group. Serum copper concentrations were highest in those with the lowest serum vitamin A concentrations. By multiple regression analysis, family income, age, weight-for-age, hemoglobin, and serum copper were strongly related to serum vitamin A. For every unit change in serum vitamin A there was a 4.92 unit change in hemoglobin, when all the other factors were taken into account. This study shows that there is a complex interaction between concentrations of biochemical indexes of nutritional status and other anthropometric, biochemical, and sociodemographic variables.

Effect of family size and income on the biochemical indices of urban school children of Bangladesh

The relationship between family size and income and the biochemical indices of 242 children (aged from 5 to 12 years) from five schools in Dhaka City, Bangladesh, was investigated. Socio-economic data were collected by questionnaire and blood samples were drawn by visiting each school on a prefixed date. Mean levels of all measures, except for serum zinc, fell within the normal range. Older boys, but not girls (10-12 years of age) had statistically significantly higher haemoglobin, serum protein and serum vitamin A levels compared with those of the younger boys (5-9 years of age). The children were divided into three family size groups (small, up to 4 members; medium, 5-7 members; and large, 8 or more) to investigate the effect of family size on the biochemical data. The children from smaller families showed significantly higher levels of haemoglobin and serum vitamin A compared with the children from large families. For serum protein, copper and zinc, there was no statistically significant difference between the children of different family size groups. To analyse the effect of family income, children were divided into three income groups (low, up to taka 2000; medium, taka 2001-4500; and high, 4501 or more). The children from the low family income group had significantly lower serum protein (7.5 g/100 ml) and haemoglobin (13.4 g/100 ml) levels compared with those of the children from the high family income group (for protein, 7.7 g/100 ml and haemoglobin, 14.1 g/100 ml).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effect of socio-demographic conditions on growth of urban school children of Bangladesh

The relationship between socio-demographic variables and growth of 242 school children from five schools in Dhaka city, Bangladesh, was investigated. The socio-demographic data were collected by questionnaire and the anthropometric data were collected by visits to each school on a prefixed date. Children from the high-family-income group showed significantly higher body weight, height, MUAC, SFT, wt/age, and ht/age compared with children from the low-family-income group. When the effect of age, sex, father's occupation and family size were adjusted for by means of multiple analysis of variance, the family income still showed a significant contribution to the variation in the anthropometric indices of these children. These findings suggest that family income makes a significant contribution as a determinant of growth of urban school children in Bangladesh.

Effect of cutting period on the yield and chemical constituents of dill

This study was carried out in two seasons to determine the proper time for cutting dill plants. Plants height, fresh and dry weights/plant, number of inflorescences as well as fruit yield/plant and green besides fruit yields/m2 were recorded. The concentration of proteins, carbohydrates and essential oils as well as its components in herb and fruits were estimated in all collected samples. It appeared that cutting dill plants at 75 days front sowing (for the 1st cut) and 45 days after the tint cut (for the 2nd cut) gave the highest herb and fruit yields with but quality.

Response of coriander to the mode of phosphorus application

Three modes of phosphorus application, partly or fully through the soil or foliage, were conducted to evaluate the effect of P application mode on green and fruit yields of coriander and their chemical constituents. The highest values in plant height, green and dry matter production as well as fruit yield, were recorded when P was given partly through soil and foliage. Generally, the three methods of P application increased carbohydrate and protein concentrations in shoots and fruits as compared to the control, in the two seasons in both cuts. The addition of P partly through soil increased the volatile oils concentration of shoots and fruits in the two cuts in both seasons, over the all treatments. The identification of volatile oils in shoots and fruits varied according to the mode of P application.

Studies on growth and chemical constituents of parsley plants in relation to ontogenesis

Eleven parsley plant samples were collected periodically every two weeks after 30 days from sowing time. The collected samples were chemically analysed in order to determine their dietic and medicinal values. The 120 days old sample contains the highest percentage of essential oils. The qualitative and quantitative analysis of the essential oils were performed by GLC. Five cuts were taken to determine the growth changes and yield. The highest yield was detected in the 3rd cut (120 days old plants).