Burnt sugarcane harvesting is associated with rhinitis symptoms and inflammatory markers

IntroductionBurnt sugarcane harvesting requires intense physical exertion in an environment of high temperature and exposure to particulate matter.ObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of burnt sugarcane harvesting on rhinitis symptoms and inflammatory markers in sugarcane workers.MethodsA total of 32 male sugarcane workers were evaluated with questionnaire for rhinitis symptoms, and for inflammatory markers on peripheral blood and nasal lavage, in the non-harvesting, and 3 and 6 months into the sugarcane harvesting period. Weather data and particulate matter fine concentrations were measured in the same day.ResultsThe particulate matter concentrations in sugarcane harvesting were 27 (23–33 μg/m³), 112 (96–122 μg/m³), and 63 (17–263 μg/m³); 24 h temperatures were 32.6 (25.4–37.4 °C), 32.3 (26.7–36.7 °C) and 29.7 (24.1–34.0 °C) and relative humidities were 45.4 (35.0–59.7%), 47.9 (39.1–63.0%), and 59.9 (34.7–63.2%) in the non-harvesting period, three and 6 months of the harvesting period. The age was 37.4 ± 10.9 years. The prevalence of rhinitis symptoms was significantly higher at 3 months of the harvesting period (53.4%), compared to non-harvesting period (26.7%; p = 0.039) and at 6 months into the harvesting period (20%; p = 0.006). Concentrations of interleukin 6 (IL-6) in nasal lavage increased after 3 months of the harvesting period compared to the non-harvesting period (p = 0.012). The presence of rhinitis symptoms, after 3 months of the harvesting period, was directly associated with blood eosinophils and inversely associated with neutrophils.ConclusionsAfter 3 months of work in burnt sugarcane harvesting the prevalence of rhinitis symptoms and IL-6 in nasal lavage increased. Furthermore, eosinophil counts were directly associated with the rhinitis symptoms in the period of higher concentration of particulate matter.     

Evaluation of the anti-proliferative activity of violacein,a natural pigment of bacterial origin,in urinary bladder cancer cell lines

Violacein is a natural pigment, a pyrrolidone, and a bisindole derived from the condensation of two tryptophan molecules, which gives a blue violet color to several gram-negative violacein-producing bacteria. Violacein production provides a competitive advantage against antagonistic species or predators. In addition, the compound has antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and antioxidant activities. Several studies on colon, breast, and head and neck cancer lines have already demonstrated the anti-proliferative potential of violacein. Bladder cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in urology. The therapeutic approach is mainly based on surgery, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the anti-proliferative activity of violacein against the human bladder cancer cell lines, HTB4 (T24) and HTB9 (5637), using low-grade and high-grade transitional cell carcinoma models, respectively, which has never been assayed before. For this purpose, the potential violacein anti-proliferative effect on T24 and 5637 cells was evaluated by studying the cell viability, proliferation, cell cycle, and caspase-3 activation. The results showed that violacein had anti-proliferative activity in the two cell lines, which was greater for the second-stage bladder cancer cell line (5637), and a different mode of action against the two cell lines.     

Treatment of vascular lesions located in the lip and in the oral cavity with Nd:YAG laser

Vascular lesions such as hemangiomas can be found in the oral cavity. Some therapeutic modalities can be used in the treatment of these lesions and Nd:YAG 1064 nm long pulse laser shows good results with easy application, fewer complications and satisfactory results. This study describes the technique and outcome of a case of hemangioma located on the tongue treated with Nd:YAG laser.     

Long-Term Health and Psychosocial Status of Youth who Received Substance Abuse Treatment in Adolescence

Alcohol and substance abuse in the adolescent population is a major health concern with a number of harms known to be associated with high levels of use. Few studies report on long-term health status of youth who have received treatment for a substance abuse problem during adolescence. This study aimed to describe the long-term status of a cohort of adolescents who received treatment in an intensive day treatment program situated in a tertiary care paediatric hospital. Youth participated in an interview that collected data using both standardized screening tools (GAIN-SS, AUDIT, CUDIT, DUI) as well as closed and open ended questions about education, employment, and physical and mental health status. Young adults in this sample continue to use alcohol and cannabis, with a proportion reporting problematic use. Their academic achievement is close to expected for their age group. They report concurrent mental health disorders; and as a cohort, access the health care system for both acute and chronic health conditions more than their contemporaries. These findings support the inclusion of academic, mental health and medical components in programs for adolescents with substance abuse, in order to address a broad range of determinants of health outcomes.