Journal of Chemical Health Risks (Islamic Azad University, Iran)
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Effect of Steviol on SaOs2 Cells as a Potential Anticancer Agent: A Molecular and Cellular Study
No full textIntroduction: Steviol, a primary colonic metabolite of steviol glycosides, exhibits low systemic availability and a higher half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) relative to standard chemotherapeutics such as 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and doxorubicin. Despite these pharmacokinetic characteristics, emerging evidence suggests potential anticancer activity, warranting further investigation.
Objectives: To evaluate the anticancer effects of steviol on the human osteosarcoma U2OS cell line and elucidate the underlying mechanisms regulating cell proliferation, cell cycle progression, and apoptosis.
Methods: U2OS cells were treated with varying concentrations of steviol, doxorubicin, or 5-FU. Cell proliferation assays assessed dose- and time-dependent responses. Cell cycle distribution was analyzed, and colony-forming assays evaluated long-term proliferative capacity. Mechanistic studies examined mitochondrial apoptotic markers, including the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, and the activation of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1 (p21), tumor protein 53 (p53), and cyclin-dependent kinase. Caspase-3 and survivin levels were assessed to determine pathway involvement.
Results: Steviol significantly inhibited U2OS cell proliferation in a dose- and time-dependent manner, achieving antitumor efficacy comparable to doxorubicin and 5-FU. Treatment induced G1 phase cell cycle arrest and reduced colony formation. Mechanistically, steviol activated a mitochondrial apoptotic pathway, evidenced by increased Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and upregulation of p21, p53, and cyclin-dependent kinase. The anticancer activity occurred independently of caspase-3 activation and survivin suppression.
Conclusions: Steviol demonstrates notable anticancer effects against U2OS osteosarcoma cells, inducing G1 arrest and mitochondrial apoptosis through a caspase-3- and survivin-independent mechanism. Its minimal systemic presence during metabolism and higher median lethal dose relative to 5-FU highlight its potential as a promising, potentially safer chemotherapeutic candidate
Traces of Trust in Agricultural Saints in the Central Asian Folklore.
No full textIn the Central Asian region, interest in oral literature related to the formation of agricultural professions and their connection with ancient traditions has existed since the 6th–5th millennia BCE. Agriculture, being one of the ancient professions, has long fascinated researchers around the world. Therefore, the subject of agriculture is being studied in depth in the context of history, ethnology, cultural studies, folklore, and literary studies.
It is known that in the Neolithic and Eneolithic periods, certain types of crops such as wheat, barley, millet, and fruits like apricot, apple, and pomegranate were cultivated. Agricultural practices reflected humanity’s relationship with nature, and were associated with strength, abundance, and wisdom. Alongside this, specific terms, rituals, and traditional activities emerged. In this context, the agricultural professions of the peoples of Central Asia are being studied based on oral traditions, beliefs, customs, and unique views of life
Patterns, Predictors, and Comorbidity Correlates of Unintentional Injuries: A Cross-Sectional Analysis from Urban South India
No full textBackground: Unintentional injuries contribute substantially to morbidity and mortality in low- and middle-income countries. Despite the high burden of road traffic accidents (RTAs) and occupational injuries in India, limited evidence examines how chronic comorbidities influence injury severity across multiple injury mechanisms.
Objectives: To describe the demographic and clinical profiles of patients with unintentional injuries and to determine whether comorbidities such as diabetes and vision impairment independently predict grievous injury among victims, particularly those involved in RTAs.
Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 320 patients presenting with unintentional injuries at a tertiary care hospital in Chennai (June 2021–June 2022). Data were collected using a validated semi-structured questionnaire. Associations were assessed using chi-square tests with post-hoc adjusted standardized residuals (ASR) and Cramer’s V effect sizes. Binary logistic regression was performed to identify independent predictors of grievous injury among RTA victims. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.).
Results: RTAs were the most common mechanism of injury, followed by workplace injuries, falls, and burns. Post-hoc analysis revealed that middle-aged adults (30–60 years), males, individuals with high-school education, and those from socioeconomic Class III significantly contributed to specific injury patterns. Among RTA cases, grievous injuries were more common in adults aged 30–60 years. Diabetes mellitus (AOR = 2.41, 95% CI: 1.08–5.35) and vision impairment (AOR = 2.86, 95% CI: 1.01–8.05) independently predicted grievous injury after adjustment.
Conclusion: Unintentional injuries disproportionately affect middle-aged adults and males, with RTAs being the predominant mechanism. Diabetes and vision impairment significantly increase the risk of grievous injury among RTA victims. Integrating comorbidity screening into emergency triage and targeted prevention strategies is essential for reducing injury severity
A Clinical Case Report on the Role of External Fixation in the Management of Open Tibial Fractures: Early Outcomes and Complications
No full textBackground:
External fixation remains an important damage-control strategy in the management of high-grade open tibial fractures, especially Gustilo–Anderson Grade IIIB injuries where severe soft-tissue damage and contamination often preclude immediate internal fixation. Case presentation: We report a 32-year-old male who sustained a Grade IIIB open midshaft tibial fracture following a high-speed road traffic accident. Initial management included resuscitation according to ATLS principles, broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotics, tetanus prophylaxis, and urgent surgical debridement. Fracture stabilization was achieved with a uniplanar external fixator, permitting repeated wound inspection and staged soft-tissue management. The wound was managed with daily dressings and delayed secondary closure. The external fixator was retained for 6 weeks until satisfactory soft-tissue healing and radiographic evidence of early callus formation were observed, after which conversion to intramedullary interlocking (IMIL) nailing was performed as definitive fixation. The patient achieved full weight-bearing by 6 weeks post-injury with acceptable alignment and good early functional recovery. A minor pin-tract infection was encountered and managed successfully with oral antibiotics and local care. Conclusion: This case underscores the value of a staged approach using temporary external fixation followed by intramedullary nailing in Grade IIIB open tibial fractures. When combined with meticulous debridement, appropriate soft-tissue management, and vigilant pin-site care, this strategy can provide stable fracture healing, early mobilization, and satisfactory functional outcomes, particularly in resource-limited trauma settings
Isolation, Identification and Characterisation of Dental Biofilm Forming Bacteria from Clinical Isolates and Understanding Their Potential Role in Dental Plaque Formation
No full textDental plaque is a biofilm of microorganisms that grows on surfaces within the mouth. These bacteria are responsible for the degradation of the enamel of the teeth, leading to weaker teeth, dental health and further complications. Further health complications can occur as a possibility of the infection spreading further into the body is likely due to the high microbial load. The condition progresses gradually due to two main factors- the microbial load of the acidogenic organisms and the pH of the oral environment altered by these organisms. It is usually preventable if discovered early. In this avenue the current research attempts to identify oral pathogens responsible for causing dental plaque and potential role of their biofilms in disrupting oral and dental health. For the study, samples from the surface of tooth were collected from healthy and infected individuals. The samples were first cultured in nutrient broth followed with nutrient agar medium by serially diluting the sample broth. A subsequent subculturing generated the pure colonies of microorganisms. They were first subjected for biochemicals tests followed by culturing on differential medium. The species identification was done using 16sr RNA sequencing and the role of each organism on oral/ dental health was studied systematically. The study concluded that as dental plaques are a chronic condition and are to be considered an infection that will affect the individual’s oral health and quality of life, it is important to take precautions, maintain good food and hygiene habits to decrease the possibility of dental plaque occurring
Predictability of Yen Angle, W Angle and Tau Angle and Their Correlation with ANB Angle, Beta Angle and Wit’s Appraisal for Assessment of True Sagittal Skeletal Maxillomandibular Relationship - A Cephalometric Study
No full textAim: To access predictability of Yen angle, W angle and Tau angle by correlating them with ANB angle, Beta angle and WIT’s appraisal as True Sagittal Skeletal Maxillomandibular relationship indicators.
Study Design: A cross-sectional cephalometric study was carried out by including total 90 lateral cephalograms based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. These 90 cephalograms were equally divided into Skeletal Class I, II and III groups based on the ANB angle, Beta angle and Wit’s appraisal. Further, the correlation of newer angles i.e. Tau angle, Yen angle and W angle with gold standard indicators i.e. ANB angle, Beta angle and Wit’s appraisal was carried out to determine the best possible indicator for assessing True Sagittal Skeletal Maxillomandibular relationship.
Results: The newer angles i.e. Tau angle, Yen angle and W angle provided varying result for Class I, II and III sagittal relationships when compared to combined indicators (ANB angle, Beta angle and Wit’s appraisal). Yen angle provided 10% predictability for Class I, 12.2% for Class II and 25.6% for Class III. Tau angle exhibited 13.3% predictability for Class I, 14.4% for Class II and 20.0% for Class III. Whereas, W angle showed 13.3% predictability for Class I, 8.9% for Class II and 21.1% for Class III. Furthermore, the kappa statistics of Tau angle and Yen angle was similar i.e. 0.217 similar. On contrary, the kappa statistics for W angle was 0.150.
Conclusion: True Sagittal Skeletal Maxillomandibular relationship was more accurately predicted by Tau angle and Yen angle amongst all newer angles
Ferroptosis in Cancer Research: From Lipid Peroxidation to Precision Therapeutics
No full textFerroptosis has emerged as a novel iron-dependent form of regulated cell death with potential in oncological therapeutics. The excessive accumulation of iron in cancer cells leads to lipid peroxidation, induced cell death. In contrast to other forms of cell death viz. apoptosis, necroptosis and autophagy, ferroptosis occurs through distinct independent biochemical pathways providing novel targets for interventional therapy.However, research gaps in understanding of mechanisms and pathways leading to ferroptosis, role of tumor microenvironment, biomarkers and the challenges involved in combining it with other cancer therapy hinder its clinical translation. A bibliometric analysis highlighted research trends to understand gaps in Ferroptosis mechanisms, cancer therapy, tumor microenvironment, biomarkers, and innovative combination therapy challenges in the last twenty years. The inclusion and exclusion criteria were set. A surge in ferroptosis research was observed in the last five years with India still trying to pace up. Patient stratification for targeted precision therapies, resistance to ferroptosis and off-target effects are a challenge for translational applications in clinics. Lipid peroxidation, iron metabolism and novel compounds controlling ferroptosis have been explored. The review explores expected research on methods for selectively activating cancer cells to undergo ferroptosis, in response to their unique metabolic and oxidative stress profile. The work also aims to identify ferroptosis as a treatment option for conventionally treated non-responsive cancers. A traverse through the available literature and ongoing research highlights the prospects of ferroptosis as a robust and targeted antineoplastic strategy, paving the way for future therapeutic innovations
A Quest for Quality Health Care Workers a Nurses: The Case of Donggala Health Center Regency, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia
No full textIntroduction: Indonesia continues to face high maternal and infant mortality rates, ranking third in ASEAN. Challenges persist in providing equitable and quality maternal and child health (MCH) services, particularly in rural areas. While national programs like BPJS Health Insurance aim to improve access and affordability, disparities in patient satisfaction between insured and non-insured users remain understudied.
Methods: This descriptive-analytical study surveyed 100 respondents using a Likert scale-based questionnaire to assess service satisfaction across nine indicators from the MENPAN 2024 standard. Respondents included BPJS-insured and non-insured patients at community health centers in Donggala, Central Sulawesi. The analysis employed a mean difference t-test to examine differences in satisfaction levels between the two groups.
Results: The study found that overall service quality was rated as "Good" with a Community Satisfaction Index (IKM) score of 76.01. Seven indicators met reasonable performance thresholds, particularly in cost and service procedures. However, competencies of health workers (score = 2.63) and infrastructure quality (score = 2.70) were rated poorly. Statistical testing revealed no significant difference in satisfaction between BPJS and non-BPJS users (mean difference = 1.0), supporting Hypothesis H1.
Conclusions: There is no significant perceived difference in the quality of MCH services based on insurance status. However, targeted workforce competency and infrastructure improvements are urgently needed to enhance primary healthcare service quality in rural Indonesia
Respiratory Symptoms and its Risk Factors among University Janitorial Workers in East Malaysia: A Cross-sectional Study
No full textIntroduction: Janitorial workers are vulnerable to respiratory symptoms and occupational lung diseases due to exposure to chemical hazards. Despite the significant health risks related to this occupation, limited research exists on this population.
Objectives: This study aimed to address the research gap pertaining to respiratory symptom prevalence and its association with sociodemographic and occupational factors among janitorial workers at Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Malaysia.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 200 janitors among cleaners and landscape workers. A standardized and validated Malay Version of American Thoracic Society Division of Lung Disease Questionnaire (ATS-DLD-78A) was adopted to evaluate the prevalence of respiratory symptoms. Multivariable logistic regression was employed to identify the risk factors associated with respiratory symptoms.
Results: The prevalence of having at least one respiratory symptom was 32.5%, with cough being the most common symptom (22.5%). Landscape workers reported a higher prevalence than cleaners (41.1% versus 27.6%). Duration of employment was significantly associated with respiratory symptoms (AOR=1.273, 95% CI=1.173-1.381, p-value < 0.001). Non-compliance with respiratory PPE was associated with an AOR of 2.800 (95% CI=0.966-8.121, p =0.058) compared to compliant workers. Landscape workers had an AOR of 1.916 (95% CI=0.823-4.461, p =0.132), compared to cleaners.
Conclusions: Given the high prevalence of respiratory symptoms among janitors and employment duration as a significant risk factor, control measures targeting long-term workers, such as enhancement of administrative control, for instance, regular medical surveillance especially on symptomatic patients are crucial to prevent chronic respiratory symptoms leading to irreversible occupational lung disease in this population
Comparative Analysis of Ramachandran Plot Conformations in Spike Protein Sequences of SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV, and MERS-CoV
No full textIntroduction: The spike protein of coronaviruses is crucial for host cell recognition and viral entry, making it a key target for therapeutic interventions and vaccine development. Understanding the structural dynamics and evolutionary relationships of spike proteins across different coronaviruses is crucial for elucidating their functional diversity and potential vulnerabilities.
Objectives: The objective of this study is to present a comprehensive analysis of spike protein sequences from three prominent coronaviruses: SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV, using the Ramachandran plot to assess protein backbone conformational quality. The study aims to identify the conformational space occupied by these spike proteins and highlight regions of structural stability and flexibility.
Methods: The spike protein sequences of SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, and SARS-CoV-2 were retrieved from UniProt. The sequences were aligned using BLASTP and verified with ClustalW to identify conserved and variable regions. Ramachandran plots for each protein were generated through PDBsum to analyze backbone torsion angles and compare structural conformations.
Results: The analysis revealed distinct distribution of phi (ϕ) and psi (ψ) torsion angles across the spike proteins, elucidated the conformational space occupied by each spike proteins. The study identifies regions of structural stability and flexibility, contributing to the understanding of functional and evolutionary differences among the spike proteins.
Conclusions: The outcomes of this investigation provide valuable insights into the structural dynamics and evolutionary constraints shaping spike protein diversity across coronaviruses, offering new opportunities for the rational design of antiviral treatments and vaccines