Mitigation of Endemic Arsenocosis with Selenium: An Example from China

Author(s):  
Wang Wuyi ◽  
Yang Linsheng

Endemic arsenocosis (chronic arsenic poisoning) in China comes from two sources of arsenic (As). One source is drinking water, with As concentrations 2-40 times that of the state standard of 0.05 mg/l As. The second is smoke pollution from combustion of coal with high concentrations of As; this can be inhaled or ingested from smoke-contaminated food. Over 2,000,000 people live in areas of high geological As concentrations (Cao 1996), and more than 17,000 arsenocosis patients in 21 counties of five provinces or Autonomous Regions have been identified. Long-term exposure to As in air, diet, or drinking water can result in permanent and severe damage to health, including lesions of the skin, mucous membranes of the digestive, respiratory, circulatory, and nervous systems, and rhagades (skin cleft on palm and feet). Elevated As intake is also associated with skin, liver, and lung cancers (Centeno 2000, Liang 1999, Wang Lianfang 54-61 1997). At present, there are few studies of efficient measurement of treatment of endemic arsenocosis patients. Our study demonstrates that treatment of these patients with dietary selenium (Se) can cause both excretion (elimination) of As accumulated in the human body and remediation of some health damages. We report the results of this experiment. Data were collected on 3 test groups of people: 186 patients, from BaYinMaoDao Farm in Inner Mongolia suffering from endemic arsenocosis, were divided into a treatment group (100 patients) and a control group (86 patients). A third group, consisting of 70 families, received no treatment but drank ambient well water, >0.10 mg/l As. All participants had been exposed to high-As drinking water (>0.10 mg/l) since 1983. Throughout the experiment, water containing 0.05 mg/1 As was supplied for both treatment and control groups. Of the 186 patients, 100 were treated with Se-enriched yeast tablets, containing 100 μg Se/tablet. The treatment lasted 14 months. Treated patients received 100-200 μg Se/day. All patients were examined for clinical criteria of arsenocosis: characteristic pigmentation, depigmentation, hyperkeratosis, rhagades (skin cleft), and incidence of secondary symptoms of headaches, dizziness, thoracalgia (chest pain), numbness of hands or feet, convulsions, or lumbago.

2016 ◽  
Vol 5 (06) ◽  
pp. 4597
Author(s):  
Janardhan Reddy Ippala* ◽  
Ashish Mishra ◽  
Mondal S. ◽  
David G. C. ◽  
Ravi Kiran G. ◽  
...  

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of red spectrum of light (650nm, treated n=12) and normal spectrum of light (450nm control=12) on circulating concentrations of luteinizing hormone (LH), progesterone (P4), estradiol (E2β), GnRH mRNA, pause days and egg production in birds later in the reproductive period from 92-102weeks of age. Twenty-four White Leghorn birds of same age group were divided into two groups of 12 in each as control and treated. Birds in the control group were exposed to normal spectrum of light (450nm of length) and birds in the treated group were exposed to red spectrum of light (650nm, treated n=12). Egg production and inter sequence pauses were recorded daily from both the groups. Plasma LH, E2β and P4 concentrations were estimated in blood samples collected at weekly intervals. At 97th weeks of age, blood samples from treated and control birds were obtained every 3 h for 36 h to study the surges of LH. It was found that plasma GnRH was higher (p < 0. 01) in treated birds with high concentrations of LH, its 3 h LH surges, E2β and P4 in plasma. Higher egg production, less pause days in treated birds may be the result of high GnRH associated with positively correlated responses of high concentrations of LH (with regular interval and duration of LH surges), E2β and P4 concentration required for completion of egg formation and oviposition. In conclusion, red spectrum of light enhanced GnRH mRNA (p < 0. 01), increased (p < 0. 01) steroid hormones and LH surges, for egg formation and oviposition and enabled the birds to lay more eggs even later in the productive period with the available resources under normal husbandry practices. 


2021 ◽  
pp. 000348942110625
Author(s):  
Derek Wu ◽  
Vivienne H. Au ◽  
Billy Yang ◽  
Sylvia J. Horne ◽  
Jeremy Weedon ◽  
...  

Objective: As a first line treatment for pediatric obstructive sleep-disordered breathing (SDB), adenotonsillectomy (AT) has been shown to confer physiologic and neurocognitive benefits to a child. However, there is a scarcity of data on how homework performance is affected postoperatively. Our objective was to evaluate the impact of AT on homework performance in children with SDB. Methods: Children in grades 1 to 8 undergoing AT for SDB based on clinical criteria with or without preoperative polysomnography along with a control group of children undergoing surgery unrelated to the treatment of SDB were recruited. The primary outcome of interest was the differential change in homework performance between the study group and control at follow-up as measured by the validated Homework Performance Questionnaire (HPQ-P). Adjustments were made for demographics and Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire (PSQ) scores. Results: 116 AT and 47 control subjects were recruited, and follow-up data was obtained in 99 AT and 35 control subjects. There were no significant differences between the general (total) HPQ-P scores and subscale scores between the AT and control subjects at entry and there were no significant differences in the change scores (follow-up minus initial scores) between the groups. Regression modeling also demonstrated that there were no group (AT vs control) by time interactions that predicted differential improvements in the HPQ-P ( P > .10 for each model) although initial PSQ score was a significant predictor of lower HPQ-P scores for all models. Conclusions: Children with SDB experienced improvement in HPQ-P scores postoperatively, but the degree of change was not significant when compared to controls. Further studies incorporating additional educational metrics are encouraged to assess the true scholastic impact of AT in children with SDB.


2002 ◽  
Vol 30 (5) ◽  
pp. 483-487 ◽  
Author(s):  
Y Kumtepe ◽  
B Börekçi ◽  
H Aksoy ◽  
K Altinkaynak ◽  
M Ingeç ◽  
...  

Glutathione S-transferase (GST) is a cytosolic enzyme found in high concentrations in the liver. We investigated the value of plasma GST measurements in pre-eclamptic patients. A total of 80 patients (40 in the pre-eclampsia group and 40 in the control group) were recruited. All patients were evaluated for GST, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase and lactate dehydrogenase. Pre-eclampsia was defined as the occurrence, after 20 weeks' gestation, of a diastolic blood pressure greater than 90 mmHg on two or more occasions at least 4 h apart, and concomitant proteinuria greater than 0.3 g/l over a 24-h urine collection period. There was no statistical difference between the pre-eclampsia and control groups in terms of ALT, gestational age, maternal age or number of previous pregnancies; a significant difference was found between the pre-eclampsia and control groups in terms of GST. Pre-eclampsia represents a significant cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Accurate assessment of hepatocellular damage is essential in the clinical management of these patients. GST levels in pre-eclamptic patients were found to be much higher (131.98 IU/l) than in control patients (68.67 IU/l), and this high level suggests hepatocellular damage. We concluded that measurement of plasma GST might provide an earlier and much more sensitive indicator of hepatocellular damage than other liver-function tests.


Pteridines ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 136-141
Author(s):  
Selim Yalcin ◽  
Mehmet Emin Demir ◽  
Reyhan Ozturk ◽  
Aytün Şadan Kılınç ◽  
Hatice Suer ◽  
...  

AbstractBackground: Two unique biomarkers, soluble form of the urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) and neopterin, play a crucial role in inflammatory processes. This study aimed to reveal whether it is possible to utilize these biomarkers in predicting tumor prognosis in patients with lung cancers.Methods: The present study was designed as a single center, prospective, and controlled research. The study was conducted with forty patients with lung cancer (case group) and 41 healthy individuals (control group) in Kırıkkale University, Faculty of Medicine between 2016-2020. The case group was also divided into two of the early and advanced stages. The blood samples were drawn to evaluate suPAR and neopterin levels, and these parameters were compared between the case and control groups. Also, the prognostic effects of age, stage of the tumor, and the levels of mentioned parameters were investigated with the survival analysis.Results: The median duration of the follow-up was 32 (4-75) months. suPAR and neopterin levels were found to be higher in the case group than in the control group. Cox regression showed that the high levels of neopterin and suPAR increased mortality risk [p=0.002, HR: 1.25 (1.08-1.45 95%CI) and p=0.023, HR:1.07 (1.01-1.13), respectively]. Finally, age and stage of the tumor were found to have no relationship with survival.Conclusion: suPAR and neopterin as members of the inflammatory pathway were found to be higher in cancer cases. Furthermore, both suPAR and neopterin levels were found to be predictive for the mortality of patients with lung cancers; therefore, they are thought to be used for the management of cancer.


2008 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 217-226 ◽  
Author(s):  
S Sambu ◽  
R Wilson

Arsenic has been used for millenia. Although it has been known for many years that arsenic is soon fatal when ingested at high doses, the effects of low dosages became apparent in the 1980s. The full societal implications are only now becoming clear. It is now known to pose the highest calculated risk of any substance regulated by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); high concentrations have been found in drinking water in many countries. In Bangladesh, in particular, the number of people suffering from over exposure vastly exceeds the number affected by the catastrophic accident at Chernobyl. This article shows the development of the human understanding about chronic arsenic poisoning with Bangladesh as a particular example.


1997 ◽  
Vol 78 (3) ◽  
pp. 501-508 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chiho Watanabe ◽  
Choong-Yong Kim ◽  
Hiroshi Satoh

Several clinical reports have shown changes in plasma Se concentration with corticosteroid treatments, but the results have been inconsistent. Few experimental studies have been done on this subject. In the present study the effect of dexamethasone (DEX) treatment on Se concentrations and activities of Se-dependent glutathione peroxidase (EC1.11.1.9; SeGPx) were examined in adult male ICR mice. In the first experiment, DEX was given via drinking water containing 5 or 50 mg DEX/I. At 1 or 3 weeks of DEX treatment, mice were dissected and the Se concentrations as well as SeGPx activities in various tissues, including plasma, were determined. At 1 week the DEX-treated groups had significantly lower hepatic Se concentrations and significantly higher plasma and cerebral concentrations than the control group. The DEX-treated groups showed lower SeGPx activities in the hepatic cytosol and higher SeGPx activities in the plasma than the saline (9 g NaCl/l)-treated group, in parallel with the changes in Se concentrations. At 3 weeks, neither hepatic nor plasma Se concentrations showed a significant change. In the second experiment, mice were injected subcutaneously with DEX and, thereafter, mice were food-deprived. The DEX-injected groups had higher plasma Se concentrations. A similar finding was obtained also when the DEX- or saline-injected mice were not food-deprived. Thus, the difference between the DEX-treated and control groups was possibly caused by redistribution of tissue Se. These results suggested that the effects of DEX on Se concentrations were tissue dependent and that the higher plasma Se observed in DEX-treated groups might be explained by the release of tissue Se into plasma as plasma SeGPx.


Author(s):  
H. Sarhadi ◽  
J. Sadeghizadeh-Yazdi

Background: Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) is one of the most convenient packaging methods that could be useful in reducing the wastes and extending the crops’ shelf-life. This research aimed to assess the impact of MAP containing high concentrations of carbon dioxide on physicochemical, microbial, and sensorial properties of Iranian Mazafati date. Methods: Date samples were packed separately in control and MAP treatment groups and stored at 5 and 25 °C. After 30, 60, and 90 storage days, acidity, Brix index, total count of bacteria, molds, and yeast, texture hardness, wettability, flavor, color changes of samples were evaluated. The data were analyzed by MSTAT-C software. Results: Acidity, Brix, and microbial loads in the MAP treatment groups were significantly (p<0.05) lower than control group. Hardness values of the date samples were significantly (p<0.05) decreased during 30, 60, and 90 days of storage time using MAP with low temperature. The MAP group at 5 °C and control group at 25 °C had the highest and lowest sensorial scores, respectively showing significant differences (p<0.05). Conclusion: The results of this study showed that application of the MAP method along with low temperature increases the shelf-life of Iranian Mazafati dates.


2010 ◽  
Vol 80 (1) ◽  
pp. 65-73 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pei-Min Chao ◽  
Wan-Hsuan Chen ◽  
Chun-Huei Liao ◽  
Huey-Mei Shaw

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is a collective term for the positional and geometric isomers of a conjugated diene of linoleic acid (C18:2, n-6). The aims of the present study were to evaluate whether levels of hepatic α-tocopherol, α-tocopherol transfer protein (α-TTP), and antioxidant enzymes in mice were affected by a CLA-supplemented diet. C57BL/6 J mice were divided into the CLA and control groups, which were fed, respectively, a 5 % fat diet with or without 1 g/100 g of CLA (1:1 mixture of cis-9, trans-11 and trans-10, cis-12) for four weeks. α-Tocopherol levels in plasma and liver were significantly higher in the CLA group than in the control group. Liver α-TTP levels were also significantly increased in the CLA group, the α-TTP/β-actin ratio being 2.5-fold higher than that in control mice (p<0.01). Thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances were significantly decreased in the CLA group (p<0.01). There were no significant differences between the two groups in levels of three antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase). The accumulation of liver α-tocopherol seen with the CLA diet can be attributed to the antioxidant potential of CLA and the ability of α-TTP induction. The lack of changes in antioxidant enzyme protein levels and the reduced lipid peroxidation in the liver of CLA mice are due to α-tocopherol accumulation.


Author(s):  
Abdullah Farih

The objective of this study is to measure whether there is or not significant effect of teaching reading by utilizing Hot Potatoes software toward students’ reading comprehension of descriptive text. The variables used were the teaching treatment of Hot Potatoes Software as the independent variable and the students’ reading comprehension of Descriptive Text as dependent variable. Then, the research designed was Quasi-experimental design and the presentation of data used was quantitative. The data were obtained from the eleventh grade, of which 28 students were taken as sample. The students are divided into two groups; experiment group consisted of 12 students and control group consists of 16 students. To get the data, the pre-test and post-test were applied and then analyzed using t-test formula. The researcher had concluded that there is Significant effect of Hot Potatoes Software toward the students’ reading comprehension achievement. The result showed that mean of students’ post-test was increased. It is proved by the t-test (8.54) which is higher than t-table (2.05) at level of significance 5%. It means that the alternative hypothesis was accepted and it proved that Hot Potatoes Software had significant effect toward students’ reading comprehension of Descriptive Text


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