The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of heavy-metal contamination on two fish species (Channa striatus and Heteropneustes fossilis) inhabiting a small freshwater body of northern India. After being captured, each specimen was weighed, measured, and analyzed for heavy metals (chromium [Cr], nickel [Ni], and lead [Pb]). Accumulation of heavy metals was found to be significantly greater (p < 0.05) in different tissues (gill, liver, kidney, and muscle) of fishes captured from the reservoir than from the reference site. Levels of heavy-metal contamination in Shah jamal water was Cr (1.51 mg/l) > Ni (1.22 mg/l) > Pb (0.38 mg/l), which is significantly greater than World Health Organization standards. Bioaccumulation factor was calculated, and it was observed that Pb was most detrimental heavy metal. Condition factor was also influenced. Micronucleus test of fish erythrocytes and comet assay of liver cells confirmed genotoxicity induced by heavy-metal contamination in fishes. Heavy metals (Cr, Ni, and Pb) were increased in both fish species as determined using recommended values of Federal Environmental Protection Agency for edible fishes. This raises a serious concern because these fishes are consumed by the local populations and hence would ultimately affect human health.
The adjustments and diagnostic significance of polyacrylamide gel electrophoretic (PAGE) profiles of lactate dehydrogenase isoenzymes (LDH: 1.1.1.27) was evaluated in the sera and pleural fluid of patients with tubercular pyothorax. Sera and pleural fluid samples were randomly collected from 72 and 18 patients respectively at two different timings; first, when patients were admitted to the Hospital and second, after an intensive phase of treatment. Sera of 20 healthy individuals served as control. Our results demonstrate significant differences in sera LDH (sLDH) and pleural fluid LDH (pfLDH) isoenzymes. In patients the order of LDH isoenzyme in sera and pleural fluid followed: LDH-5>-4>-2>-3>-1 and LDH-5>-4>-3>-2>-1 respectively. The ranking of activity levels in control was LDH-2>-1>-3>-5>-4. In the second phase of sampling from 31 patients, values of sLDH isoenzymes showed recovery and resembled profiles of controls. Therefore, the sLDH zymograms of patients can be used as the prognostic marker, since they tend to reach the normal level during recovery signifying the effect of chemotherapy in hospitalized patients. Moreover, according to the present findings on LDH-PAGE profiles, the levels of LDH-5 and-4 rise in pyothorax patients significantly (P<0.05). This elevation along with the rise in total LDH activity may, therefore, be used in the diagnosis and monitoring of tubercular pyothorax.
A 42-year-old male with a history of spinal trauma at the T6-T7 level presented with acute onset of severe abdominal pain associated with nausea and vomiting. The patient was hypotensive, and diffuse ST elevation was present on an electrocardiogram. An echocardiogram revealed a large pericardial effusion with tamponade physiology. An emergent pericardial drain showed blood-stained pericardial fluid. A computed tomography scan of the chest and abdomen revealed a loop of small intestine herniating into the pericardial sac ( Figures 1B and 1C). An exploratory laparotomy revealed about 15 cm of necrotic ileum herniating through a previous pericardial window created around 23 years earlier when he had presented with posttraumatic cardiac tamponade ( Figures 1A and 1D). No other diaphragmatic injuries were noted. Surgical repair of the hernia and resection of the necrotic bowel were performed. The patient was discharged after 10 days and has followed up as an outpatient. Complicated diaphragmatic hernias are usually seen within days to months after trauma, and are associated with a high morbidity and mortality (1, 2). Transverse colon is the common organ involved. Our case is an interesting presentation of small bowel herniation likely through an acquired pericardial window presenting with tamponade physiology years later. n
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