Prolonged Intake Research Articles

Neurological Presentation of Lead Toxicity: A Case Report

Acute encephalopathy, caused by infectious agents, metabolic or mitochondrial dysfunction, brain tumor, or prolonged exposure to toxic elements, is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in young children. Lead encephalopathy that occurs due to prolonged lead ingestion or exposure in children is not uncommon, and many such cases have been reported in the past. This report shares the authors’ experience of the missed diagnosis of lead encephalopathy, its red flags, and its relation to pica as a root cause. A 14-month-old boy, resident of Delhi, India, was admitted with vomiting, irritability, and two episodes of abnormal limb movements, with the first symptom starting when he was 11 months old. His case was initially treated as acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, but he showed no improvement. The child was then referred to the Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi, India. The boy presented with severe anemia, along with basophilic stippling on the peripheral smear during routine investigations. Suspecting lead poisoning, blood lead levels were checked, and were found to be grossly elevated. The child was then started on chelation therapy. Multiple doses of chelation (dimercaprol and D-penicillamine) were given, and sequential blood lead levels were monitored, which showed a marked decrement. The child was discharged, and is being monitored routinely. Lead poisoning remains a neglected public health issue, especially in children, and delay in identification can cause significant morbidity and mortality. Pediatricians and general practitioners must be aware of this risk, especially in children with iron deficiency anemia exhibiting pica.

Syndrome of imaginary excess of mineralocorticoids: a clinical case

The syndrome of apparent mineralocorticoid excess (AME) is a rare genetic disease characterized by juvenile hypertension, hypokalemia, suppression of renin and aldosterone. AME syndrome is caused by a mutation in the HSD11B2 gene, which encodes 11ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2, that converts cortisol into cortisone.The purpose of the article is to describe a clinical case of genetically confirmed (mutation C.911A>G of the HSD11B2 gene) AME syndrome. The disease manifested in the first years of life; the patient was prescribed mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, potassium preparations, potassium-sparing diuretics, and other antihypertensive therapy. Due to the absence of normotonia and normokalemia, dexamethasone has been prescribed since the age of 12. Due to uncontrolled arterial hypertension and hypokalemia, complications developed (medullary nephrocalcinosis, myocardial remodeling), and prolonged dexamethasone intake led to a slowdown in puberty and a decrease in bone mineral density.

Chronic bromine intoxication complicated with Fanconi syndrome: A case report.

In this report, we describe a unique case of an 80-year-old woman who developed chronic bromine poisoning due to the prolonged ingestion of over-the-counter (OTC) medication containing bromovalerylurea (BVU), thus leading to the onset of drug-induced partial Fanconi syndrome and resultant osteomalacia. The patient's condition improved following the cessation of bromide intake. This case highlights the potential risks of chronic BVU exposure and the importance of caution regarding the use of OTC medications containing BVU.

Hypervitaminosis D Due to Overdose: A Case Series

Abstract Vitamin D, a fat-soluble vitamin, is found in many animal products and fortified foods and is endogenously made in the human body. Vitamin D supplementation has become a part of the routine prescription; its continuous intake without any follow-up has led to hypervitaminosis D due to overdosing. Hypercalcemia accompanies hypervitaminosis D, affecting bone health, blood pressure, and kidney function. We studied six cases that landed in hypervitaminosis D due to prolonged intake.

A V-shaped bis-coumarin based fluorescence probe for F- detection in tea infusions and potable water and bioimaging applications in living systems

Fluorine (F) is a pivotal element in the formation of human dental and skeletal tissues, and the consumption of water and tea constitutes a significant source of fluoride intake. However, prolonged ingestion of water and tea with excessive fluoride content can lead to fluorosis, which poses a serious health hazard. In this manuscript, a novel turn-on fluorescent probe DCF synthesized by bis-coumarin and tert-butyldiphenylsilane (TBDPS) was introduced for detecting F- in potable water and tea infusions. By leveraging the unique chemical affinity between fluoride and silicon, F- triggers the silicon-oxygen bond cleavage in DCF, culminating in a conspicuous emission of yellow fluorescence. Validated through a succession of optical tests, this probe exhibits remarkable advantages in terms of superior selectivity, a low detection limit, a large Stokes shift, and robust interference resistance when detecting inorganic fluoride. Moreover, it can serve as portable test strips for on-site real-time identification and quantitative analysis of F-. Furthermore, the application of DCF for in-situ monitoring and imaging of F- in zebrafish and soybean root tissues proved its significant value for F- detection in both animal and plant systems. This probe potentially functions as an efficient instrument for delving into the toxic mechanisms of fluoride in physiological processes.

Analysis of Toxic Effects of Fluoride on Ovine Follicular Granulosa Cells Using RNA-Seq.

Fluoride is abundant in the environment and is an essential trace element in living organisms. However, prolonged excessive fluoride intake can lead to fluorosis, which poses a threat to the reproductive health of animals and humans. Although previous research has mainly focused on animal models, the impact of fluoride on ovine follicular granulosa cells (GCs) has not been comprehensively elucidated. This study employed RNA-Seq technology to elucidate the toxic effects of fluoride on ovine follicular GCs and its mechanism of action. Culturing primary ovine follicular GCs in vitro and subjecting them to fluoride treatment revealed 3218 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), with 2278 upregulated and 940 downregulated. Significantly, this study unveiled fluoride's induction of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in cells, triggering a cascade involving the PERK pathway factor ATF4, leading to cell death via DDIT3/CHOP activation and the subsequent upregulation of CHAC1, ATF3, ERO1α, and TRIB3. These findings provide crucial insights into the toxicity of fluoride in ovine, offering a foundation for mitigating fluoride-related losses in the farming industry.

Effectiveness of ERKADUTA model to increase stunting prevention behaviors among mothers with toddlers in Indonesia: A quasi-experiment.

Stunting, a persistent nutritional issue arising from prolonged inadequate nutrient intake, poses substantial risks such as heightened morbidity, mortality, and compromised cognitive, psychomotor, and verbal development. In Indonesia, addressing stunting in children under two necessitates urgent community empowerment, given its multifaceted nature. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of an intervention targeting mothers of toddlers, called RT kawal baduta (ERKADUTA) model, a local community-based assistance for babies under two years old. A quasi-experiment using pre-test and post-test with a control group design was conducted. Employing a quantitative analytic approach with 112 respondents, the effectiveness of ERKADUTA model to improve the knowledge, attitude, and practice of stunting prevention among mothers with child under two years old was assessed. ERKADUTA program was run for three months. The Wilcoxon test was used to determine score changes before and after program in both groups, while the Mann-Whitney test was used to analyze the score differences of knowledge, attitude and practice between intervention and control groups. Our data indicated that there were changes in knowledge, attitudes, and practices in preventing stunting in both the intervention and control groups. There are significant differences in knowledge (p<0.001, effect size=-0.855), attitude (p<0.001, effect size=-0.864), and practice score (p<0.001, effect size=-0.924) between the intervention and control groups after the intervention. This study highlights that the ERKADUTA model emerged as a potent catalyst in improving stunting prevention behaviors among mothers with toddlers and this model holds promise for addressing the complexities of stunting in Indonesia.

Chronic stridor in a toddler after ingestion of a discharged button battery: a case report

BackgroundButton battery (BB) ingestions (BBI) are increasingly prevalent in children and constitute a significant, potentially life-threatening health hazard, and thus a pediatric emergency. Ingested BBs are usually charged and can cause severe symptom within 2 h. Discharged BBs ingestion is very rare and protracted symptom trajectories complicate diagnosis. Timely imaging is all the more important. Discharged BBs pose specific hazards, such as impaction, and necessitate additional interventions.Case presentationWe present the case of a previously healthy 19-month-old girl who was admitted to our pediatric university clinic in Germany for assessment of a three-month history of intermittent, mainly inspiratory stridor, snoring and feeding problems (swallowing, crying at the sight of food). The child’s physical examination and vital signs were normal. Common infectious causes, such as bronchitis, were ruled out by normal lab results including normal infection parameters, negative serology for common respiratory viruses, and normal blood gas analysis, the absence of fever or pathological auscultation findings. The patient’s history contained no evidence of an ingestion or aspiration event, no other red flags (e.g., traveling, contact to TBC). Considering this and with bronchoscopy being the gold standard for foreign body (FB) detection, an x-ray was initially deferred. A diagnostic bronchoscopy, performed to check for airway pathologies, revealed normal mucosal and anatomic findings, but a non-pulsatile bulge in the trachea. Subsequent esophagoscopy showed an undefined FB, lodged in the upper third of the otherwise intact esophagus. The FB was identified as a BB by a chest X-ray. Retrieval of the battery proved extremely difficult due to its wedged position and prolonged ingestion and required a two-stage procedure with consultation of Ear Nose Throat colleagues. Recurring stenosis and regurgitation required one-time esophageal bougienage during follow-up examinations. Since then, the child has been asymptomatic in the biannual endoscopic controls and is thriving satisfactorily.ConclusionThis case describes the rare and unusual case of a long-term ingested, discharged BB. It underscores the need for heightened vigilance among healthcare providers regarding the potential hazards posed by discharged BBIs in otherwise healthy children with newly, unexplained stridor and feeding problems. This case emphasizes the critical role of early diagnostic imaging and interdisciplinary interventions in ensuring timely management and preventing long-term complications associated even to discharged BBs.

Prolonged Intake of Luvos Healing Earth does not alter the Composition of the Gut Microbiota in Patients with Diarrhea-predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Healthy Controls.

The mineral compound Luvos Healing Earth (LHE) is a commercially available remedy empirically used for a variety of gastrointestinal disorders. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible effect of prolonged LHE therapy on gut microbiota in healthy individuals and in patients with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D). In this prospective exploratory study, a total of 20 participants, including 12 healthy controls and 8 patients with IBS-D, received treatment with LHE (Magenfein Granulat, 1 sachet bid) for 6 weeks. Fecal samples were collected for microbiota analysis in the morning fasting state at regular intervals at 6 different timepoints: 2 weeks before starting therapy (Screen), and every 2 weeks during LHE therapy (V0-V3). Additionally, a follow-up visit was scheduled 4 weeks after the end of treatment (V4). Microbiota analysis was performed using the GA-map® Dysbiosis Test Lx v2. Dysbiosis Index, bacterial diversity, as well as the balance or imbalance of functionally important bacteria were assessed. The microbiota analysis revealed an overlap in gut microbiota profiles between healthy controls and patients with IBS-D. Bacterial communities were consistently stable during the entire treatment period, and no significant variations in composition were observed 4 weeks after the end of the therapeutic intervention. There was a remarkable stability of microbiota profiles over time within each individual and a high inter-individual variation. The majority of fecal samples exhibited profiles, reflecting an eubiotic state, with no significant changes in dysbiosis index, functional bacteria profiles, or bacterial diversity. Our findings indicate intraindividual resilience of microbiota consortia during the entire study period. Prolonged intake of LHE does not cause significant alterations in fecal microbiota profiles in healthy controls and patients with IBS-D. Luvos Healing Earth does not affect the stability of gut microbial diversity and bacterial functions.

Bifidobacterium Relieved Fluoride-Induced Hepatic and Ileal Toxicity via Inflammatory Response and Bile Acid Transporters in Mice.

Fluoride is a pervasive environmental contaminant. Prolonged excessive fluoride intake can inflict severe damage on the liver and intestines. Previous 16S rDNA sequencing revealed a decrease in ileal Bifidobacterium abundance during fluoride-induced hepatointestinal injury. Hence, this work aimed to investigate the possible mitigating function of Bifidobacterium on hepatointestinal injury caused by fluoride. Thirty-six 6-week-old C57BL/6J mice (equally divided between males and females) were allotted randomly to three groups: Ctrl group (distilled water), NaF group, and NaF + Ba group (100 mg/L NaF distilled water). After 10 weeks, the mice were given 1 × 109 CFU/mL Bifidobacterium solution (0.2 mL/day) intragastrically in the NaF + Ba group for 8 weeks, and the mice in other groups were given the same amount of distilled water. Dental damage, bone fluoride content, blood routine, liver and intestinal microstructure and function, inflammatory factors, and regulatory cholic acid transporters were examined. Our results showed that fluoride increased glutamic-oxalacetic transaminase (GOT), glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (GPT) activities, and the levels of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-10 levels in serum, liver, and ileum. However, Bifidobacterium intervention alleviated fluoride-induced changes in the above indicators. In addition, Bifidobacterium reduced the mRNA expression levels of bile acid transporters ASBT, IBABP, OST-α, and OST-β in the ileum. In summary, Bifidobacterium supplementation relieved fluoride-induced hepatic and ileal toxicity via an inflammatory response and bile acid transporters in the liver and ileum of mice.

Resveratrol protects against myocardial ischemic injury in obese mice via activating SIRT3/FOXO3a signaling pathway and restoring redox homeostasis

BackgroundIncreasing global overweight and obesity rates not only increase the prevalence of myocardial infarction (MI), but also exacerbate ischemic injury and result in worsened prognosis. Currently, there are no drugs that can reverse myocardial damage once MI has occurred, therefore discovering drugs that can potentially limit the extent of ischemic damage to the myocardium is critical. Resveratrol is a polyphenol known for its antioxidant properties, however whether prolonged daily intake of resveratrol during obesity can protect against MI-induced damage remains unexplored. MethodsWe established murine models of obesity via high-fat/high-fructose diet, along with daily administrations of resveratrol or vehicle, then performed surgical MI to examine the effects and mechanisms of resveratrol in protecting against myocardial ischemic injury. ResultsDaily administration of resveratrol in obese mice robustly protected against myocardial ischemic injury and improved post-MI cardiac function. Resveratrol strongly inhibited oxidative and DNA damage via activating SIRT3/FOXO3a-dependent antioxidant enzymes following MI, which were completely prevented upon administration of 3-TYP, a selective SIRT3 inhibitor. Hence, the cardioprotective effects of prolonged resveratrol intake in protecting obese mice against myocardial ischemic injury was due to reestablishment of intracellular redox homeostasis through activation of SIRT3/FOXO3a signaling pathway. ConclusionOur findings provide important new evidence that supports the daily intake of resveratrol, especially in those overweight or obese, which can robustly decrease the extent of ischemic damage following MI. Our study therefore provides new mechanistic insight and suggests the therapeutic potential of resveratrol as an invaluable drug in the treatment of ischemic heart diseases.

Case Report: Skeletal Fluorosis - An Uncommon Cause of Bone Densification

Skeletal fluorosis is an uncommon toxic bone condition marked by the excessive buildup of fluoride in the skeletal structure. The disease manifests as an endemic issue in certain regions of the world and arises from prolonged ingestion or, rarely, inhalation of elevated levels of fluoride. Key imaging features include bilateral patchy bony sclerosis, enthesopathy, ligament, and periosteal bony proliferation, as well as ossification of spinal ligaments. Management of fluorosis generally focuses on symptom treatment.

Mechanism of Shenling Baizhu Powder on treatment of alcoholic liver disease by regulating TLR4/NLRP3 pathway

This study aims to investigate the regulatory effects of Shenling Baizhu Powder(SBP) on cellular autophagy in alcoholic liver disease(ALD) and its intervention effect through the TLR4/NLRP3 pathway. A rat model of chronic ALD was established by gavage of spirits. An ALD cell model was established by stimulating BRL3A cells with alcohol. High-performance liquid chromatography(HPLC) was utilized for the compositional analysis of SBP. Liver tissue from ALD rats underwent hematoxylin-eosin(HE) and oil red O staining for pathological evaluation. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was applied to quantify lipopolysaccharides(LPS), tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta(IL-1β), and interleukin-18(IL-18) levels. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR) was conducted to evaluate the mRNA expression of myeloid differentiation factor 88(MyD88) and Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4). The effect of different drugs on BRL3A cell proliferation activity was assessed through CCK-8 analysis. Western blot analysis was performed to examine the protein expression of NOD-like receptor pyrin domain-containing 3(NLRP3), nuclear factor-kappa B P65(NF-κB P65), phosphorylated nuclear factor-kappa B P65(p-P65), caspase-1, P62, Beclin1, and microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3(LC3Ⅱ). The results showed that SBP effectively ameliorated hepatic lipid accumulation, reduced liver function, mitigated hepatic tissue inflammation, and reduced levels of LPS, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-18. Moreover, SBP exhibited the capacity to modulate hepatic autophagy induced by prolonged alcohol intake through the TLR4/NLRP3 signaling pathway. This modulation resulted in decreased expression of LC3Ⅱ and Beclin1, an elevation in P62 expression, and the promotion of autolysosome formation. These research findings imply that SBP can substantially enhance liver function and mitigate lipid irregularities in the context of chronic ALD. It achieves this by regulating excessive autophagic responses caused by prolonged spirit consumption, primarily through the inhibition of the TLR4/NLRP3 pathway.

Nutritional ketosis as treatment for alcohol withdrawal symptoms in female C57BL/6J mice

Upon both acute and prolonged alcohol intake, the brain undergoes a metabolic shift associated with increased acetate metabolism and reduced glucose metabolism, which persists during abstinence, putatively leading to energy depletion in the brain. This study evaluates the efficacy of ketogenic treatments to rescue psychiatric and neurochemical alterations during long-term alcohol withdrawal. Female mice were intermittently exposed to alcohol vapor or air for three weeks, during which mice were introduced to either a ketogenic diet (KD), control diet supplemented with ketone ester (KE) or remained on control diet (CD). Withdrawal symptoms were assessed over a period of four weeks followed by re-exposure using several behavioral and biochemical tests. Alcohol-exposed mice fed CD displayed long-lasting depressive-like symptoms measured by saccharin preference and tail suspension, as well as decreased norepinephrine levels and serotonin turnover in the hippocampus. Both KD and KE rescued anhedonia for up to three weeks of abstinence. KD mice showed higher latency to first immobility in the tail suspension test, as well as lower plasma cholesterol levels. Our findings show promising effects of nutritional ketosis in ameliorating alcohol withdrawal symptoms in mice. KD seemed to better rescue these symptoms compared to KE.

Prolonged oral intake of green tea polyphenols attenuates delirium-like behaviors in mice induced by anesthesia/surgery

Postoperative delirium (POD) is a severe postoperative complication characterized by delirium-like symptoms. So far, no effective preventable strategy for POD prevention has been identified. Reports show that the consumption of green tea polyphenols (GTP) is associated with better cognitive function by modulating the composition of gut microbiota. Whether GTP also play a role in alleviating POD through gut microbiota is unknown. Herein, we studied the effect of prolonged (eight weeks) GTP intake on postoperative delirium in C57BL/6 mice with laparotomies under isoflurane anesthesia (anesthesia/surgery). We subsequently investigated anesthesia/surgery caused behavioral changes and increased the expression of malondialdehyde (MAD), an oxidative stress marker, and the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), an antioxidant marker, in the mice at 6 h after anesthesia/surgery. However, GTP administration reversed these changes and alleviated anesthesia/surgery-induced decrease in the abundance of gut bacterial genera, Roseburia. Further, fecal microbiota transplant demonstrated that compared with mice in the control group, treatment of C57BL/6 mice with feces from GTP-treated mice had a slight effect on the behavioral changes of mice. These data suggest that daily consumption of GTP could protect against anesthesia/surgery-induced behavioral changes, which is closely associated with gut microbiota modification by GTP.

Bioinspired composite packed in blunt needles, integrated microextraction and determination of oxycodone and naloxone in saliva by substrate spray mass spectrometry

BackgroundOpioids are effective painkillers used for medical purposes. Their prolonged ingestion can provoke some side effects (including overdose or constipation) that are minimized by using opioid antagonists (e.g., naloxone). The rapid determination of opioids and their antagonists in biosamples is essential for an effective medical treatment. The direct combination of sample preparation and mass spectrometry (MS) fits well in this scenario. It can speed up the analysis achieving a good selectivity, which relies on the sample preparation and MS, and sensitivity levels. ResultsThis article presents a novel substrate-spray mass spectrometry interface based on a polydopamine-cotton (PDA-Cel) composite hosted inside the inner diameter of a 14-gauge blunt needle to determine oxycodone and naloxone in saliva samples. The needle is used as a microextraction device and a substrate for mass spectrometric analysis. The lack of sharpness of the 14-gauge (14G) blunt needles challenges the formation of the electrospray (ESI), and a commercial 10 μL pipette tip is proposed as a simple solution to this shortcoming. Under the optimum parameters, the proposed method was validated, obtaining limits of detection lower than 0.6 μg L−1, linear range up to 200 μg L−1, and linearity better than 0.9915. Relative standard deviation (RSD) and relative recoveries (RR) were studied at three different concentration levels (2, 40, and 200 μg L−1). RSD values were better than 20.7 %, and RR ranged from 90 to 114 %. Finally, a positive sample from a patient under medical treatment was analyzed. Significance and novelty14G blunt needles have been demonstrated as effective extraction devices due to their low price (<0.15 € per extraction unit), their better safety (avoiding finger pricking), and their higher hosting capacity (up to 8 mg of sorbent). The conductivity of stainless steel permits their use as electrospray emitters, making their direct combination to MS easier. The large variety of fibrous sorbents makes this approach versatile enough to be adapted to other analytical problems.

Effects of Acetyl-L-Carnitine Administration on Auditory Evoked Potentials in Rats Exposed to Chronic Ethanol

These days, one of the biggest issues facing public health is chronic alcohol consumption. Prolonged alcohol intake has been associated with a number of illnesses, including pancreatitis, cerebrovascular illnesses, and liver damage. It is known that the endogenous molecule acetyl-L-carnitine (ALCAR) has neuroprotective properties. The objective of this study was to examine the impact of ALCAR on auditory evoked potentials (AEP) in a model of chronic alcoholism in rats. Four groups (n = 10) were randomly formed from 40 three-month-old albino Wistar rats: Sham (Sh), chronic ethanol (CE), ALCAR administered (ALCAR), and chronic ethanol+ALCAR (CE+ALCAR). The rats were administered either distilled water, ethanol, ALCAR, or ethanol+ALCAR via gavage for a duration of 4 weeks. AEP recordings were acquired from each rat upon the conclusion of the experiment period. The amplitudes of P1N1 and N1P2, in addition to the latencies of the P1, N1, and P2 peaks, were analyzed. Our findings showed that P1, N1, and P2 latencies were considerably prolonged in the CE group compared to the Sh group. Furthermore, the amplitudes of P1N1 and N1P2 exhibited an increase in the CE group relative to the Sh group, a decline in the CE+ALCAR group in comparison to the CE group, and a subsequent return to normal levels. Finally, our results demonstrated that, at the dose and duration used here, ALCAR normalized the increased neuronal activity but had no effect on the conduction velocity of the hearing signal.

Diversifikasi Olahan Ikan Lele Sebagai Alternatif MPASI Guna Pencegahan Stunting Di Kabupaten Jember

Stunting is a chronic nutritional problem caused by prolonged inadequate nutrient intake, leading to growth impairment in children aged 0-59 months. Complementary feeding, known as MPASI in Indonesian, refers to the introduction of solid foods and liquids to infants aged 6 to 24 months. In Indonesia, stunting is a significant health issue that cannot be ignored. According to the National Nutrition Status Survey (SSGI) data, the prevalence of stunting in Indonesia reached 21.6% in 2022, ranking fifth globally and second in Southeast Asia. Specifically, Jember Regency holds the first position in East Java, with a staggering rate of 34.9%. The occurrence of stunting in children can be influenced by inappropriate quality and timing of MPASI provision. One potential intervention to address the stunting problem in Jember Lor Subdistrict, Patrang District, Jember Regency, East Java Province, is to provide training on processed MPASI products, such as catfish nuggets. Catfish is a type of fish rich in protein and amino acids. Lysine, an amino acid found in catfish, can positively impact child growth, tissue repair, antibody production, and calcium absorption. The community engagement activities in this initiative utilize a mass communication approach through education and training sessions. The promotion of balanced nutritious food and training on local food processing, specifically catfish nuggets, aims to prevent and control stunting conditions in Jember Lor Subdistrict, Patrang District, Jember Regency, East Java Province.

A novel electrochemical sensor for the detection of metronidazole in honey using the g-C3N4/MnO2/ZnO modified electrode

During beekeeping, the utilization of metronidazole (MNZ) for treating bee ailments leads to the MNZ residues in honey. Prolonged ingestion of honey with MNZ residues could pose potential health hazards to humans. Therefore, the development of a straightforward and efficient MNZ detection method is of utmost importance. ZnO, a non-toxic catalytic material, exhibits promising potential in electrochemical sensor design. The resulting g-C3N4/MnO2/ZnO composite was employed to craft an electrochemical sensor that facilitates swift MNZ quantification in honey. Comprehensive characterization of the synthesized composites was performed, and the electrochemical behavior of MNZ was explored using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). It was found that the g-C3N4/MnO2/ZnO composite exhibits remarkable electrocatalytic capability, and the resulted sensor demonstrates good sensitivity. Within a range of 2–250 μM, MNZ's current value showed two linear relationships with its concentration, achieving the detection limit of 0.21 μM. When applied to honey samples, the g-C3N4/MnO2/ZnO/GCE sensor detected MNZ with recovery rates spanning 93.7% to 100.3% and relative standard deviations (RSD) under 3%. This attributed to heightened sensitivity, selectivity, repeatability and durability of the sensor. Furthermore, its effectiveness extends to the rapid assessment of MNZ content in actual honey, highlighting its practical utility in identifying MNZ residues in honey.

A Study on Fluorosis Health Problems in Mashihal Village: An Ongoing Challenge to Public

Fluorine is widely dispersed in nature in the form of fluoride. It is required for development and growth of the body. But excessive consumption of fluorides in different forms may lead to development of fluorosis. In the present study Mashihal village, Raichur District was selected to evaluate human health risks of fluoride contamination in Groundwater samples to understand its suitability for drinking purpose. In addition to this, health risks of prolonged ingestion of high fluoride were evaluated by standard survey and questionnaires method. The obtained results witnessed that in this village, people suffering from Dental, Skeletal and non-skeletal fluorosis. Groundwater chemistry is mainly controlled by presence of types of carbonates and weathering of rocks. Consequently the results reveal that the fluoride concentration in groundwater samples ranged from 4.6 to 6.4 ppm in Mashihal, which was significantly higher than the recommended limit of BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) 0.5-1.5 mg/l. While low levels of fluoride help strengthen and protect tooth enamel, moreover much fluoride can cause dental fluorosis—a discoloration of teeth, usually with opaque white marks, lines, or mottled enamel and poor mineralization. Thus, Population of this area is at very high risks of chronic toxicity by excess fluoride intake. Therefore, there is an urgent need to supply of safe drinking water to public.