Journal of Chemical Health Risks (Islamic Azad University, Iran)
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“Synthesis of Biodiesel from Moringa Oleifera Seeds Oil Using Eggshell-Derived Cao Nanocatalyst: An Eco-Friendly Approach"
Full text linkIntroduction: The persistent use of fossil fuels has major environmental consequences, particularly due to the emission of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide (CO₂), which play a key role in global warming and climate change. Biodiesel has become a viable and promising substitute for traditional petroleum diesel.
Objectives: The present study explores the production and evaluation of biodiesel derived from Moringa oleifera seeds oil (MOSO) using a waste eggshell derived nanocatalyst.
Methods: The research focuses on the characterization of the physicochemical properties, fatty acid composition, synthesis of Moringa oleifera biodiesel (MOBD)EN using transesterification and analysis of fuel properties of in comparison with international biodiesel standards (ASTM D6751 and EN 14214) and earlier research reported.
Results: The Moringa oleifera seeds reported to have high oil content of 45.24%. The MOSO was found rich in oleic acid (76.7%) was trans esterified using (CaO)EN. The synthesized (CaO)EN was characterized by DLS, TGA-DTA, SEM and XRD techniques. The resulting (MOBD)EN exhibited favorable properties such as high cetane number (50), appropriate viscosity and density, low ash content (0.18), and a high flash point, making it a safe and efficient fuel alternative. The (MOBD)EN have high calorific value and biodiesel yield i.e. 52kJ/kg and 95.80% respectively.
Conclusion: The overall results confirm the viability of MOSO as a non-edible, sustainable feedstock for biodiesel production. The use of an eco-friendly nanocatalyst derived from eggshells further enhances the environmental and economic feasibility of the process. This study highlights the potential of integrating green chemistry and waste valorization for the development of next-generation biofuels
A Retrospective Study of Clinical Profile of Geriatric Patients Presenting to the Emergency Department in a Tertiary Care Hospital in South India
Full text linkBackground: The increasing number of geriatric visits to emergency departments (EDs) is a growing concern, driven by factors such as multiple coexisting medical conditions and declining physiological functions associated with aging. These factors contribute to organ failure, heightened susceptibility to infections, and increased utilization of healthcare resources. The primary objective of our study is to identify the most common presenting complaints and diagnoses among geriatric patients in the emergency department (ED), with a particular focus on symptoms associated with higher mortality. By recognizing these critical presentations early, we aim to implement timely and aggressive interventions to reduce mortality rates in this vulnerable population.
Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted to analyze the clinical profiles and outcomes of geriatric patients aged over 60 years who presented to the emergency department between January 2024 to April 2024.Patient data were extracted from the institutional medical record database. Results: A total of 560 patient records were reviewed. The most frequently reported presenting complaints were breathlessness 154(27.5%), fever of either infectious or non-infectious etiology 96(17.2%), and altered sensorium 76(13.6%). The predominant diagnoses included Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) 64(11.4%) and urinary tract infections (UTIs) 54(9.6%). Among the 70 patients who succumbed, breathlessness was the most common presenting complaint 28(40%), followed by altered sensorium 12(17.1%). The principal causes of mortality were sepsis 20(28.5%) and respiratory failure 14(20%). Conclusion: Breathlessness is the most common presenting symptom in this demographic, with sepsis being the primary cause of death. The need for critical interventions such as mechanical ventilation, vasopressors, or intubation is strongly associated with poorer outcomes, highlighting the importance of early recognition and prompt management
Cytomorphological Features and Grading of Lymphocytic Thyroiditis: A Cross-Sectional Study among Patients in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Chengalpattu District
Full text linkIntroduction: Chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis is the second most common thyroid disorder diagnosed using Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) after benign follicular nodule. Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) serves as a crucial diagnostic modality due to its simplicity, safety, and accuracy.
Objective: The main objective of this study was to grade chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis on FNAC smears using predefined criteria formulated by Bhatia A et al and to find out its association with clinical parameters.
Methods: This cross-sectional study included all the FNAC smears diagnosed with lymphocytic thyroiditis during the five years study period from January 2019 to December 2023. Relevant clinical and pathological data were retrieved from the medical records of the department and all the cases of lymphocytic thyroiditis were graded based on the pre-defined cytomorphological criteria by Bhatia A et al. Pearson chi-square test was employed to determine the association of cytological grading with several clinical parameters.
Results: Of the 194 cases of lymphocytic thyroiditis reported in FNAC, females (94%) were commonly affected and majority (49%) were in the age group of 30-50 years. Most cases were clinically hypothyroid (59%) and presented with diffuse swelling (74%) of the thyroid gland. On further cytological grading, most cases (69%) of lymphocytic thyroiditis belonged to grade II. Correlation of cytological grade with thyroid functional status (P value: 0.49), age of patients (P value: 0.46) and clinical presentation (P value: 0.18) were found to be statistically not significant.
Conclusions: Cytological grading of lymphocytic thyroiditis reflects on the autoimmune activity within the thyroid gland and is not significantly related to the age of patient, nature of thyroid swelling or thyroid functional status
Comparative Evaluation of the Internal and Marginal Fit of Dental Crowns Designed Using Cad and Ai-Based Software
Full text linkIntroduction: Zirconia crowns are becoming increasingly popular in dentistry, primarily because they offer exceptional strength, an appealing appearance, and good biocompatibility. While traditional CAD software helps with crown design, it often requires a great deal of manual tweaking. Recently, artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a game-changer in this field, providing automated design capabilities that promise to enhance precision and minimize the need for human input.
Aim: This study set out to compare the fit of zirconia crowns designed using AI-based software (Dentbird) with those created using conventional CAD software (Exocad).
Materials and Methods: We included ten patients who needed single crowns for their lower molars. Digital impressions were taken, and crowns were designed using both AI and traditional CAD systems. To evaluate the fit, we used a triple-scan protocol and analyzed the results with Geomagic Control X. We performed statistical analysis using SPSS version 21.
Results: The crowns designed with AI software showed a noticeably better fit, both internally and at the margins, compared to those made with conventional CAD software. This improvement was particularly significant in the buccal and distal regions (p < 0.005).
Conclusion: The findings highlight that AI-based crown design software outperformed traditional CAD methods in achieving a better fit. This suggests that AI could significantly enhance clinical accuracy and make digital workflows in prosthodontics more efficient
Asymptomatic Hypoglycaemia Can Be Prevented by the Addition of 5.5 mmol/L (100 mg/dL) Glucose to Dialysis Fluid in Regular Haemodialysis: A Single-Blind, Interventional Clinical Trial at a Tertiary Care Hospital
Full text linkBackground:
Hypoglycemia (HG), defined as blood glucose levels below 70 mg/dL, is a recognized complication during chronic hemodialysis (HD) due to the removal of 15-30g of glucose per session. Patients with initial plasma glucose levels of 5.5 mmol/l (100 mg/dl) or lower, particularly those who do not eat during dialysis or skip meals, are at higher risk. The use of glucose-free bicarbonate dialysis solutions in most dialysis centers may exacerbate this risk.
Objective:
This study evaluates the efficacy of a dialysis fluid containing 5.5 mmol/l (100 mg/dl) glucose in preventing both hypo- and hyperglycemia in diabetic (DM) and non-diabetic (NDM) patients undergoing HD.
Methods:
Forty CRF patients (15 DM and 25 NDM) from a cohort of 50 in our dialysis unit underwent a 4-hour HD session using glucose-free bicarbonate solution (Phase 1). Plasma glucose levels were measured at the start, midpoint, and end of the session. One week later, the same patients were dialyzed using a solution containing 5.5 mmol/l (100 mg/dl) glucose (Phase 2). Glucose levels and hypoglycemic events were compared between phases.
Results:
Data is presented as mean ± SD. In Phase 1 (glucose-free dialysis), hypoglycemic events (glucose <70 mg/dl) were observed in 12 patients (30%), with significantly lower mean glucose levels compared to Phase 2. In Phase 2, no hypoglycemic events occurred in any of the 40 patients, and mean glucose levels were significantly higher (p<0.001). In DM patients, the glucose-containing dialysate did not induce hyperglycemia (glucose >200 mg/dl).
Conclusions:
Asymptomatic hypoglycemia is common during HD with glucose-free dialysis solutions but is effectively prevented by using a 5.5 mmol/l (100 mg/dl) glucose-containing dialysate. This intervention maintains stable glucose levels without inducing hyperglycemia in DM patients, supporting its routine use in HD
Protein Expression Dynamics in Xylotrechus quadripes Larvae Reared on Artificial Diets Treated with Simarouba amara Bark Extract: A Model for Controlling Infestation on Coffea arabica
Full text linkThe Coffee White Stem Borer (Xylotrechus quadripes), a destructive pest of Coffea arabica, causes extensive damage to coffee plantations and threatens sustainable production. Conventional chemical pesticides offer limited long-term control and pose environmental risks, prompting the search for eco-friendly alternatives. This study investigates the insecticidal efficacy of Simarouba amara bark extract (SABE) when incorporated into artificial diets fed to X. quadripes larvae. The effects of SABE on larval growth, survival, and proteomic response were evaluated. Larvae reared on SABE-treated and control diets were subjected to protein extraction and analysis using Orbitrap High-Resolution Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry (OHRLC-MS/MS). Subsequent bioinformatics analysis was performed to identify differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) and their associated biological functions and metabolic pathways. SABE treatment significantly reduced larval survival compared to the untreated control. Proteomic analysis revealed the expression of 15 unique proteins in SABE-fed larvae versus 22 in the control group. Functional enrichment analysis of DEPs indicated the activation of detoxification-related proteins, including cytochrome P450s and glutathione-S-transferases, along with proteins involved in stress response and metabolic regulation. These changes suggest that SABE induces physiological stress and disrupts key metabolic processes, ultimately leading to larval mortality. The findings highlight the potential of S. amara bark extract as a botanical insecticide targeting X. quadripes. By interfering with essential molecular pathways, SABE offers a promising, biodegradable alternative to conventional chemical pesticides. This study provides a molecular foundation for the development of sustainable pest management strategies in coffee cultivation, contributing to the reduction of pesticide use and environmental impact
Azithromycin Versus Doxycycline for Pediatric Scrub Typhus: A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Clinical Efficacy and Safety Profiles
Full text linkBackground: Scrub typhus remains a significant cause of febrile illness in children across endemic regions, with doxycycline being the conventional treatment despite safety concerns. This study compared the efficacy and safety of azithromycin versus doxycycline in pediatric scrub typhus.
Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 50 children (1-12 years) with confirmed scrub typhus, allocated to receive either single-dose azithromycin (10 mg/kg) or 7-day doxycycline (4.4 mg/kg/day). Primary outcome was time to fever defervescence; secondary outcomes included treatment failure rates, complications, adverse drug reactions (ADRs), and hospitalization duration.
Results: The azithromycin group demonstrated significantly faster fever resolution (24.5 ± 6.2 hours) compared to doxycycline (36.8 ± 8.4 hours; p = 0.003). Treatment failure occurred in 4% of azithromycin recipients versus 12% with doxycycline (p = 0.29). Complications were less frequent with azithromycin (8% vs. 20%; p = 0.23), and hospital stays were shorter (3.1 ± 1.0 vs. 4.5 ± 1.8 days; p = 0.02). ADRs, including vomiting (4% vs. 20%; p = 0.04) and transaminitis (0% vs. 12%; p = 0.04), were significantly lower in the azithromycin group.
Conclusion: Azithromycin showed superior clinical efficacy, faster recovery, and better tolerability than doxycycline in pediatric scrub typhus. These findings support its use as a first-line therapy, particularly in settings where doxycycline-related adverse effects or resistance are concerning. Further large-scale studies are warranted to validate these results
Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting Following General Anaesthesia: A Prospective Study
Full text linkBackground and Aim: Postoperative nausea and vomiting are the most significant complication related with the use of general anaesthesia for surgical patients. Many premedication with opioids can also results into nausea and vomiting by triggering vomiting center. This prospective study was conducted to assess the post operative nausea and vomiting following General Anaesthesia on 60 patients in the Department of Anesthesiology over a period of one year. Material and Methods: Endotracheal intubation was facilitated by the use of 1.5-2mg/kg succinylcholine, 0.1mg/kg vecuronium, 0.5mg/kg atracurium. Intraoperative analgesia was achieved with either of fentanyl 1µg/kg and maintenance dose 0.5µg/kg after 45 minutes to 1 hour. Anesthesia was maintained with oxygen (34%) and nitrous oxide (66%) in isoflurane, sevoflurane.
Statistical Analysis and Results: Qualitative data were displayed in the form of frequency tables, pie chart and bar charts. Where necessary, categoric variables were compared using chi-square and fisher´s exact tests while students T test and analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used for the continuous data.
Conclusion: Within the limitations of this study, authors stated that the overall incidence of postoperative nausea was 17 (28.3%) and vomiting 17 (28.3%) of the 60 patients studied (P=0.139). Both Propofol and Etomidate induction agents was associated with lower incidence of PONV compared to thiopentone sodium (P=0.366). Future comprehensive and extended researches would be crucial to deepen our understanding and potentially refine these applications in similar clinical settings.
Anaesthetic Management of Achilles Tendon Tenotomy in a 2-Year-Old Child with Goldenhar Syndrome Using Videolaryngoscopy-A Case Report
Full text linkBackground: Cataract and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) are major causes of visual impairment in the elderly and often coexist. The role of cataract surgery in improving visual and functional outcomes in patients with AMD remains an area of clinical interest and debate.
Aim: To evaluate the outcomes of cataract surgery in patients with AMD with respect to visual acuity, quality of life, and disease progression.
Methods: A systematic review of 16 studies published between 2000 and 2024 was conducted using PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar. Eligible studies included randomized controlled trials and observational studies assessing visual outcomes, quality of life, and AMD progression after cataract surgery. Data were extracted and synthesized using random-effects models, with heterogeneity quantified using I² statistics.
Results: Across the 16 included studies, cataract surgery was associated with significant improvements in visual acuity (pooled SMD ≈ −0.17 logMAR) and vision-related quality of life (pooled SMD ≈ 0.50). Functional outcomes, including reading speed and contrast sensitivity, also improved consistently. No convincing evidence was found that cataract surgery accelerates AMD progression, particularly in patients receiving modern anti-VEGF therapy. However, heterogeneity among studies was high (I² > 70%), reflecting variations in study design, AMD stage, and outcome measures.
Conclusion: Cataract surgery in AMD patients results in clinically relevant improvements in visual function and quality of life without significantly increasing the risk of disease progression. Careful patient selection and counseling remain crucial, particularly in advanced AMD where postoperative visual gains may be limited
Morphometric Analysis of Relationship Between the Maxillary Sinus Floor and Roots of the Maxillary Posterior Teeth with the Help of Cone Beam Computed Tomography”
Full text linkAim: To access the vertical and horizontal relationship between the MSF and maxillary posterior teeth roots using CBCT.
Material and Methods:
In this randomized controlled trial study, a total 40 CBCT scans & 160 teeth including forty 1st premolars, forty 2nd premolars, forty 1st Molars & forty 2nd Molars was analysed, using in-built measurement tools. To access the relationship between the MSF and the posterior maxillary teeth, the classification implemented in the study of Jung in 2009 was used. All data underwent descriptive statistical analysis and was tabulated.
Result: The study showed that the buccal root tip of the second premolar was closest to the maxillary sinus floor (MSF), followed by the palatal root tip of the same tooth, the disto-buccal (DB) root tip of the second molar, and the palatal root tip of the first molar with a greater prevalence of thicker buccal cortical plates observed in the maxillary premolar region. The study found statistically significant differences in the relationship between various types and gender, with a higher prevalence of teeth root protrusion into the maxillary sinus noted in males compared to females. However, no statistically significant difference was observed between assessments of the right and left sides.
Conclusion: The study found that while most teeth did not contact the sinus floor, the likelihood of root protrusion into the maxillary sinus increased with more posterior maxillary teeth and was more common in males than females.
Clinical significance: Understanding the anatomical relationship between posterior teeth and the maxillary sinus helps clinicians enhance preoperative planning and reduce potential complications