A larger, randomized control trial is now needed to evaluate the efficacy of this program compared to a control group and to explore long-term outcomes. Clinical trial registration number ACTRN12618001501235. © 2020 Published by Elsevier B.V.The determination of heavy metal contaminants in fish is very important in monitoring health risks to humans who consume them. This study assessed the concentration of heavy metals (As, Pb and Zn) in sediments and gills of Common Carp fish (Cyprinus carpio) from Maqalika Reservoir in Maseru, Lesotho and their potential health risks to such fish consumers. Sediment and Cyprinus carpio samples were collected from upstream, midstream and downstream sites of Maqalika Reservoir and examined for As, Pb and Zn using atomic absorption spectrometer. Potential health risks were based on comparing the derived metal concentrations in gills of Cyprinus carpio with the World Health Organization (WHO) permissible limits for human consumption. The mean concentration levels of Zn, As and Pb in sediment were in the order 78.5; 2.34; and 0.29 mg/kg respectively. In the gills of Cyprinus carpio the mean concentration levels were in the order 7.85; 1.29; and 0.33 mg/kg for Zn, As and Pb respectively. The magnitude of concentration of Zn, As and Pb by location in the reservoir varied spatially in the order of downstream > midstream > upstream in both sediment and gills of Cyprinus carpio. Significant differences (p less then 0.05) in metal concentrations between upstream and downstream sites of the reservoir were observed. The metals concentration in gills of Cyprinus carpio were lower than those in sediments, but positively and significantly correlated (P less then 0.05). As and Pb concentration levels in the gills of Cyprinus carpio were higher than the WHO permissible limits recommended for fish consumption of 1 mg/kg and 0.2 mg/kg respectively, suggesting that residents could experience significant health risks from the intake of individual metals through fish consumption. Measures should be taken to reduce heavy metal concentrations in sediment and Cyprinus carpio exposure in the general population in order to minimize the risk of human health adverse effects. © 2020 The Authors.There has emerged a herb in Zambia called 'insunko' which has unknown chemical composition. The use of 'insunko' herb with unknown chemical composition has brought mixed feelings among many Zambians. This study, therefore, aimed to assess the toxic and carcinogenic substances in'insunko' herb. 'Insunko' herb was purchased from Chipata, Lusaka, Mpika, Mwense, Kitwe, and Solwezi. 5 samples were collected from each of these districts and were thoroughly mixed to give 6 consolidated samples (n = 6). Nicotine and, nitrosamines were analysed using UV spectrometer lambda 35 Perkin Elmer while trace metals were analysed using ICP-MS Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectroscopy (Agilent Technologies, Santa Clara, CA, USA). Nicotine, nitrosamines, and trace metals were detected in high concentrations. The concentrations ranged from 3.87 to 9.83 mg/kg for nitrosamines and 10.94-34.01 mg/kg for nicotine. Hazard Indexes for arsenic, cadmium, chromium, manganese, and copper were greater than one (HI > 1). 'Insunko' herb is a potentially toxic and carcinogenic substance because it contains toxic and carcinogenic constituents in high concentrations. These toxic and carcinogenic constituents have been confirmed to cause gastrointestinal disorders, cancers, degenerative, cardiovascular, hematopoietic, neurologic and cognitive problems as well as male infertility. © 2020 The Authors.Background Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is the mainstay treatment for the symptomatic anterior cruciate ligament insufficiency. Postoperative rehabilitation is the key main factor in successful surgical outcome but, the postoperative pain is a major obstacle to achieve good postoperative rehabilitation. The purpose of this study is to compare the effects of intra-articular morphine (IAMO) with normal saline [control group (C)] for postoperative pain control in the ACL reconstruction knees. Methods Patients who underwent ACL reconstruction during 2017-2019 were included, prospectively, from Khon Kaen hospital and randomized into 2 groups IAMO group and the control group (C). After surgery, all patients received the same rehabilitation protocols. The results were assessed using the visual analogue scale (VAS), following the spinal block anesthesia at 6, 12,18 and 24 hours. Time to first analgesic request, range of motion and adverse effects were recorded. Results Forty patients were included and twenty were designated to the IAMO group. The mean age was 25.3±7.6 years and 80 percent of the patients were males. The IAMO group had lower VAS scores at the 12 and 24 hour postoperative periods [greatest variance at 12 hours (4.7±1.7 vs 5.8±1.6)]. In the IAMO group, time to first analgesic request was longer and morphine consumption was less, but these were not statistically significant. No complications were observed in both groups. Conclusions The trend of VAS in the IAMO group was lower than in the control group, especially at 12 hours after surgery with no statistically significant differences. From this study and with the advantages of IAMO after ACL reconstruction, IAMO is useful in ACL reconstruction patients without complications. © 2020 Asia Pacific Knee, Arthroscopy and Sports Medicine Society. Published by Elsevier (Singapore) Pte Ltd.Objective The purpose of this study was to determine whether estrogen supplementation primarily from oral contraceptive pills compared to no estrogen supplementation is associated with differences in mean bone mineral density (BMD) measured by DXA in a cross-sectional study of women with cystic fibrosis (CF). Methods In this cross-sectional study of women with CF followed at a single center, we analyzed 49 women with CF ages 18-50 years with a documented DXA. https://www.selleckchem.com/EGFR(HER).html BMD of women with CF taking estrogen supplementation was compared to BMD of women with CF not taking estrogen supplementation. Results Twelve women with CF were taking estrogen supplementation with mean dose of 23.3 mcg/day (SD 6.9 mcg/day) of ethinyl estradiol. There were no statistically significant differences between demographics of the 12 women with CF taking estrogen supplementation compared to the 37 women with CF not taking estrogen supplementation. Women taking estrogen had lower mean lumbar spine Z-score -0.7 ± 0.7, compared to women not taking estrogen, Z-score -0.