This study explores the extent and possible sources of heavy metal (Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb, Zn and Ni) contamination in the bed sediments of the Gomti River performing principal component analysis on the five years (Jan. 1994-Dec. 1998) data set obtained through continuous monitoring of the river water and bed sediments at eight selected sites and water/wastewater of its tributaries/drains. Influence of anthropogenic activities on metal contamination of the bed sediments was evaluated through computing the geoaccumulation index for various metals at studied sites. PCA performed on combined (river bed sediment, water, suspended solids, water/wastewater from tributaries/drains) data set extracted two significant factors explaining more than 58% of total variance. Factor loadings suggested the presence of both natural as well as anthropogenic sources for all these metals in the river bed sediments. Among all the sites, the sites 4 and 5 are more contaminated with Cd, Cu, Cr and Pb, which was supported by the geoaccumulation indices computed for metals. Factor scores revealed presence of seasonal (monsoon-related) differences in metals profiles for river water and suspended solids and absence of seasonal differences for bed sediment and wastewater. Further, the metal contamination of the bed sediment was also evaluated using biological thresholds. Results suggested that the river bed sediments are contaminated with heavy metals, which may contribute to sediment toxicity to the freshwater ecosystem of the Gomti River.

The effect of chronic oral exposure to arsenic on male mouse testicular and accessory sex organ weights, sperm parameters and testicular marker enzymes was studied. In addition, the distribution of arsenic in reproductive organs was measured using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Sodium arsenite administered to mice (Mus musculus) via drinking water at a dose of 53.39 βmol/L (4 ppm As) for 365 days caused a decrease in the absolute and relative testicular weight. However, epididymal and accessory sex organ weight was similar to control. The activities of marker testicular enzymes such as sorbitol dehydrogenase, acid phosphatase and 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17β-HSD) were significantly decreased, but those of lactate dehydrogenase and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (γ-GT) were significantly increased. A decrease in sperm count and sperm motility, along with an increase in abnormal sperm, was observed in arsenite-exposed mice. A significant accumulation of arsenic in testes, epididymis, seminal vesicle and prostate gland was observed in treated animals. Thus long term exposure (365 days) at the dose level of 53.39 μmol/L sodium arsenite (4 ppm As), to which human beings are likely to be exposed via drinking water, may cause testicular and spermatotoxic effect.

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Background: We highlight the orbital manifestations of acute myeloid leukemia and the role of peripheral blood smear in the diagnosis of these cases. A total of 12 patients who presented with proptosis and were subsequently diagnosed to have acute myeloid leukemia based on incision biopsy or peripheral blood smear were included in the study.

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Vermicomposting of fly ash has been attempted, using red earthworm, Eisenia foetida. Fly ash, which was obtained from thermal power station, was mixed with cowdung in different proportions (20, 40, 60 and 80%). These mixtures were used as feed for earthworms, and after 30 days, vermicast recovery, worm zoomass and numbers of juveniles produced were recorded. A total of six runs each of 30 days were conducted during the whole study. Concentrations of heavy metals in different mixtures of fly ash-cowdung, before and after vermicomposting and in the earthworms used in the study were also estimated. Results show maximum output of vermicasts and maximum number of juveniles produced was in reactors with 40% fly ash while maximum weight gain by earthworm was in 20% fly ash vermireactors. Performance of vermireactors up to 60% fly ash was more or less similar but at 80% fly ash, there is a marked reduction in overall performance of the reactors. Chemical analysis of different samples of fly ash-cowdung mixtures prior to vermicomposting revealed high concentrations of zinc, chromium, lead, nickel and copper. Chemical analysis of vermicomposted samples showed 30-50% reduction in heavy metals up to 60% fly ash and 10-30% reduction in 80% fly ash. Metal analysis of earthworms revealed considerable bioaccumulation of heavy metals in their body. The Present study indicates the feasibility of E. foetida for mitigating the toxicity of metals and up to 60% fly ash-cowdung mixtures can be used for sustainable and efficient vermicomposting.

Introduction:Various components of fixed orthodontic appliances are continuously interacting with saliva and other fluids in the mouth releasing various metal ions including nickel and chromium that can cause damaging effects if their concentration exceeds above the toxic dose.Aim:To determine and compare the level of nickel and chromium in the saliva of patients undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment at different time periods.Materials and Methods:The sample of saliva of 13 patients was taken at different time periods that is: Group 1 (before appliance placement), Group II, III, and IV (after 1-week, 1-month, and 3 months of appliance placement respectively). The fixed appliance comprised of brackets, bands, buccal tubes, lingual sheath, transpalatal arch and wires composed of Ni-Ti and stainless steel. The level of ions was determined using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectro-photometry. The data thus obtained were statistically analyzed using SPSS Statistical Analysis Software (Version 15.0).Results:Level of nickel and chromium in saliva was highest in Group II and lowest in Groups I for both the ions. On comparison among different Groups, it was statistically significant for all the groups (<0.001) except between Group III and Group IV.Conclusion:The release of nickel and chromium was maximum at 1-week and then the level gradually declined. These values were well below the toxic dose of these ions. The results should be viewed with caution in subjects with Ni hypersensitivity.

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