Melatonin exerts a neuroprotective effect against γ-radiation-induced brain injury in the rat through the modulation of neurotransmitters,inflammatory cytokines,oxidative stress,and apoptosis

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - The current study aimed to investigate the ameliorative effect of melatonin (MLT) against brain injury in rats undergoing whole-body exposure to...     

Acute toxicity I: effect of profenofos and triazophos (organophosphates) and carbofuran and carbaryl (carbamates) to Labeo rohita

Profenofos and trizaophos (organophosphates) carbofuran and carbaryl (carbamates) are among the major toxicants polluting freshwater bodies, as well as exerting a significant effect on the health of fish. In this study, the 96 h LC₅₀ of the most commonly used organophosphates and carbamates was determined in one of the indigenous fish species, Labeo rohita fingerlings. Pesticides were applied to fingerlings that had been grown under optimized standard conditions under a maintained static bioassay system. Probit analysis was used for the determination of LC₅₀ values, which were ascertained as 6.64, 0.32, 1.4, and 8.24 mg/L for triazophos, profenofos, carbofuran, and carbaryl, respectively. Acute toxic stress was noted with fish exhibiting behavioral toxicity including suffocation, lying on the bottom, erratic swimming, lethargy and downward movements, and gulping prior to mortality.     

Comparative assessment of respiratory and other occupational health effects among elementary workers

Objective. This study was conducted to assess hazards faced by elementary workers. Methods. A questionnaire survey and a respiratory function test (spirometry) were carried out on 150 respondents. Results. Major hazards identified related to sharp objects, heavy weight lifting, thermally harsh conditions, working at height, whole body vibration, chemicals, pathogens, increased noise levels and confined space entry. Workers suffered from upper and lower respiratory disorder symptoms, digestive problems, optical and musculoskeletal issues, etc. Spirometric measurement showed obstructive lung disorders to be highest among construction workers (CW) (48%) followed by sanitation workers (SW) (32%) and solid waste pickers (SWP) (28%). Restrictive lung pattern was dominant among SW (56%) followed by SWP (46%) and CW (42%). The observed FEV₁/FVC in diseased SWP, SW and CW ranged from 51 to 96%, from 52 to 98% and from 31 to 99% respectively while observed mean FEV₁ was 2.15, 1.79 and 1.70 L, respectively. Conclusion. The study findings show that occupational exposure can significantly influence respiratory system impairment and contribute to other ailments among elementary workers. The study recommends use of appropriate protective equipment and regular medical examination for early recognition of any health risk so that timely interventions for effective management may be undertaken.     

Listriodon guptai Pilgrim, 1926 (Mammalia, Suidae) from the early Miocene of the Bugti Hills, Balochistan, Pakistan: new insights into early Listriodontinae evolution and biogeography

New dental remains of listriodont suids are described from the lower member of the early to middle Miocene Vihowa Formation of the Bugti Hills, Pakistan. The material is homogeneous in terms of morphology and dimensions and referred as a whole to Listriodon guptai Pilgrim, 1926. This species is also mentioned in coeval deposits of the Zinda Pir Dome, Pakistan, dating back to ca. 19 Ma. The early occurrence of an advanced listriodont in Pakistan constrains the age of acquisition of several characters correlated to lophodonty within Listriodontini, and raises major questions about the early history of the Old World Listriodontinae. Strong morphological similarity between Listriodon guptai and the African species Listriodon akatikubas found in the late early Miocene of Maboko (Kenya, ca. 16.5 Ma) suggests that this latter is most probably a migrant originating from Asia.     

Isolation of bacterial strains from compost teas and screening of their PGPR properties on potato plants

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - The beneficial effect of compost and compost tea on plant growth and protection is mainly associated with the microbial diversity and the presence of...