Acute systemic exposure to silver-based nanoparticles induces hepatotoxicity and NLRP3-dependent inflammation

Nanoparticles (NPs) are increasingly being commercialized for use in biomedicine. NP toxicity following acute or chronic exposure has been described, but mechanistic insight into this process remains incomplete. Recent evidence from in vitro studies suggested a role for NLRP3 in NP cytotoxicity. In this study, we investigated the effect of systemic administration of composite inorganic NP, consisting of Ag:Cu:B (dose range 1–20?mg/kg), on the early acute (4–24?h post-exposure) and late phase response (96?h post-exposure) in normal and NLRP3-deficient mice. Our findings indicate that systemic exposure (≥2?mg/kg) was associated with acute liver injury due to preferential accumulation of NP in this organ and resulted in elevated AST, ALT and LDH levels. Moreover, within 24?h of NP administration, there was a dose-dependent increase in intraperitoneal neutrophil recruitment and upregulation in gene expression of several proinflammatory mediators, including TNF-α, IL-1β and S100A9. Histological analysis of liver tissue revealed evidence of dose-dependent hepatocyte necrosis, increase in sinusoidal Kupffer cells, lobular granulomas and foci of abscess formation which were most pronounced at 24?h following NP administration. NP deposition in the liver led to a significant upregulation in gene expression of S100A9, an endogenous danger signal recognition molecule of phagocytes, IL-1β and IL-6. The extent of proinflammatory cytokine activation and hepatotoxicity was significantly attenuated in mice deficient in the NLRP3 inflammasome, demonstrating the critical role of this innate immune system recognition receptor in the response to NP.     

Evidence of clinical and genetic heterogeneity in autosomal dominant congenital cerulean cataracts

Autosomal dominant cerulean cataracts (ADCC) have previously been mapped to two loci: one on chromosome 17q24 and the other on chromosome 22q11.2-q12.2, which includes the beta-B2 crystallin (CRYBB2) candidate gene. Using polymorphic markers in these regions (D17S802, D17S836, D17S1806 and CRYBB2, D22S258) for linkage analysis, we excluded these loci in a large Moroccan family presenting with an unusual form of ADCC with early onset of lens opacities and rapid evolution. This finding confirms the clinical and genetic heterogeneity of autosomal dominant congenital cerulean cataracts.     

Primary pelvic hydatid cyst an unusual cause of cystic adnexal image (mass)

Hydatid cyst is a parasitic human infection which is endemic in North Africa. It is more frequently localized in the liver and the lung. Involvement of others sites is usually secondary to these primary localizations. We report 2 exceptional cases of primary pelvic hydatid cyst diagnosed respectively in a 37-year-old and in a 48-year-old women. These cases will focus on the different characteristics of the infection, and the benefit of including epidemiologic arguments in using the diagnostical approach of adnexal masses.     

Assessment of the knowledge,attitudes, and practices among UNRWA health staff in Jordan concerning mental health programme pre-implementation: a cross-sectional study

Background

Mental health is a major public health priority, particularly among refugees worldwide. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) started to integrate mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) into its primary health-care services in Jordan in late 2017. This baseline study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, practices, and perceived barriers among UNRWA health staff regarding the implementation of the MHPSS programme.

Determination of Fluoride in Tap Water in Morocco using a Direct Electrochemical Method

This study aimed to analyze the fluoride concentration in tap drinking water in different cities of Morocco using an electrochemical ion-selective method. Three samples were collected from each thirteen selected cities in the period between March and May 2011. The median value of fluoride was 0.94 mg/L (0.21–2.97). High fluoride concentrations (>0.8 mg/L) were found in sixteen cities. Very high values were found in phosphate regions such as Khouribga which is known to be an endemic dental fluorosis area. This study has shown that the concentration of fluoride in drinking water exceeds the limit especially in phosphate regions.     

Influence of Tantalum Addition on the Corrosion Passivation of Titanium-Zirconium Alloy in Simulated Body Fluid

Ti-15%Zr alloy and Ti-15%Zr-2%Ta alloy were fabricated to be used in biomedical applications. The corrosion of these two alloys after being immersed in simulated body fluid for 1 h and 72 h was investigated. Different electrochemical methods, including polarization, impedance, and chronoamperometric current with time at 400 mV were employed. Also, the surface morphology and the compositions of its formed film were reported by the use of scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive X-ray. Based on the collected results, the presence of 2%Ta in the Ti-Zr alloy passivated its corrosion by minimizing its corrosion rate. The polarization curves revealed that adding Ta within the alloy increases the corrosion resistance as was confirmed by the impedance spectroscopy and current time data. The change of current versus time proved that the addition of Ta reduces the absolute current even at high anodic potential, 400 mV. The results of both electrochemical and spectroscopic methods indicated that pitting corrosion does not occur for both Ti-Zr and Ti-Zr-Ta alloys, even after their immersion in SBF solutions for 72 h.