Effects of Phenanthrene Exposure on the B-esterases Activities of Octopus maya (Voss and Solís Ramírez, 1996) Embryos.

No ecotoxicological information exists on phenanthrene (Phe) exposure in cephalopods, animals of commercial and ecological importance. This study investigated the effect of Phe on two B-esterases, Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and Carboxylesterases (CbE), in Octopus maya embryos. Octopus embryos were exposed to different treatments: control (seawater), solvent control (seawater and DMSO 0.01%), 10 and 100 µg/L of Phe. AChE and CbE activities were measured at different developmental stages (blastula, organogenesis, and growth). B-esterase activities increased in control and solvent control as the embryos developed, showing no statistically significant differences between them. On the other hand, the embryos exposed to Phe had significant differences from controls, and between the high and low concentrations. Our results indicate that B-esterases are sensitive biomarkers of exposure to Phe in O. maya. Still, complementary studies are needed to unravel the toxicodynamics of Phe and the implications of the found inhibitory effect in hatched organisms.

Gill Histopathological Biomarkers in Fish Exposed to Trace Metals in the Todos os Santos Bay, Brazil.

Histopathologies are widely recognized as biomarkers of environmental pollution. In this sense, we evaluated the putative relationship of gill histopathologies and distinct ecological impacts in two regions of Todos os Santos Bay (BTS), Brazil, the largest bay in Northeastern Brazil, South Atlantic. We compared the presence and concentration of metals (Al, As, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, V, and Zn) in water, sediments, and gills and gill histopathologies of a demersal fish (Diapterus rhombeus) and a benthic fish (Ogcocephalus vespertilio). As expected, fish and sediment samples from historically contaminated areas (Aratu) showed more remarkable traces of metals than apparently low-impact areas (Jaguaripe). Likewise, the DTC (degree of tissue change) index and the volume densities were higher in fish caught in Aratu. In addition, the Diapterus rhombeus species showed more potential than Ogcocephalus vespertilio for risk assessment as it showed more responses to the environment reflected on more histopathologies. These data support the effectiveness of incorporating functional gill morphology to monitor impacts on estuarine biota that can be used as a reference to improve the management of ecosystems and prevent harm to human health.

Effects of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons on biomarker responses in Gambusia yucatana, an endemic fish from Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are petroleum components that, when dissolved in the aquatic environment, can disrupt normal animal physiological functions and negatively affect species populations. Gambusia yucatana is an endemic fish of the Yucatán Peninsula that seems to be particularly sensitive to the presence of PAHs dissolved in the water. Here, we examined PAH effects on gene expressions linked to endocrine disruption and biotransformation in this species. Specifically, we examined the expression of vitellogenin I (vtg1), vitellogenin II (vtg2), oestrogen receptor α (esr1), oestrogen receptor ß (esr2), aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) and the cytochrome P4503A (CYP3A) genes. We exposed G. yucatana to different concentrations of PAHs (3.89, 9.27, 19.51 µg/L) over a period of 72 h and found changes associated with reproduction, such as increases in hepatic expression of vtg, esr, AhR and CYP3A, mainly at concentrations of 9.27 and 19.51 µg/L. Our results also indicate that benzo[a]pyrene was probably the main PAH responsible for the observed effects. The genes examined here can be used as molecular markers of endocrine-disrupting compounds, as the PAHs, present in the environment, as gene expression increases could be observed as early as after 24 h. These biomarkers can help researchers and conservationists rapidly identify the impacts of oil spills and improve mitigation before the detrimental effects of environmental stressors become irreversible.

The integument of the nonamphibious goby Gobionellus oceanicus: Its functional morphology and respiratory capacity.

Facultative air-breathing fish can exchange respiratory gases using an air-breathing organ (ABO), such as the oral cavity of the integument, during environmental hypoxia. The goby Gobionellus oceanicus inhabits areas subject to environmental hypoxia; however, its ABO is unknown. To investigate the respiratory potential of G. oceanicus, the gill and integument surface area, diffusion capacity, and their diffusion barrier thickness were measured. Our results show that although gill surface area is smaller than observed in other facultative air-breathing fish, but it has all features necessary to perform aquatic gas exchange. Additionally the integument of the palate has a short diffusion barrier thickness and a large calculated O2 -diffusion capacity suggesting that it functions as the ABO.

Nutritional value and volatile compounds of black cherry (Prunus serotina) seeds.

Prunus serotina (black cherry), commonly known in Mexico as capulín, is used in Mexican traditional medicine for the treatment of cardiovascular, respiratory, and gastrointestinal diseases. Particularly, P. serotina seeds, consumed in Mexico as snacks, are used for treating cough. In the present study, nutritional and volatile analyses of black cherry seeds were carried out to determine their nutraceutical potential. Proximate analysis indicated that P. serotina raw and toasted seeds contain mostly fat, followed by protein, fiber, carbohydrates, and ash. The potassium content in black cherry raw and toasted seeds is high, and their protein digestibility-corrected amino acid scores suggest that they might represent a complementary source of proteins. Solid phase microextraction and gas chromatography/flame ionization detection/mass spectrometry analysis allowed identification of 59 and 99 volatile compounds in the raw and toasted seeds, respectively. The major volatile compounds identified in raw and toasted seeds were 2,3-butanediol and benzaldehyde, which contribute to the flavor and odor of the toasted seeds. Moreover, it has been previously demonstrated that benzaldehyde possesses a significant vasodilator effect, therefore, the presence of this compound along with oleic, linoleic, and α-eleostearic fatty acids indicate that black cherry seeds consumption might have beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system.

[Adaptation and validation of scales to measure self-efficacy and empowerment for self-care in Mexican climacteric stage women]. / Adaptación y validación de escalas de autoeficacia y empoderamiento dirigidas a mujeres mexicanas en etapa de climaterio.

OBJECTIVE: To adapt and validate in Spanish of Mexico scales to measure self-efficacy (SES) and empowerment for self-care (ES) among climacteric women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted from February to July 2011 in two family medicine clinics in Mexico City. The adaptation phase was done through testing for language comprehension. To validate the scales we used the principal Axis factoring analysis with oblique rotation technique and estimation of Cronbach's alpha (CA). RESULTS: Three hundred eighty women aged 45-59 years participated in the study. SES had 16 items with four factors: participation in the doctor-patient relationship; in the study control of mental health and sexual changes; risk of dying from cancer, and other health risks that explained 39.8% of the variability, CA = 0.84. ES had eight items with one factor explaining 47.1% variability; CA = 0.83. CONCLUSION: Both scales had acceptable psychometric properties and are suitable for interventions aimed at improving self-care of climacteric women.

Adaptación y validación de escalas de autoeficacia y empoderamiento dirigidas a mujeres mexicanas en etapa de climaterio / Adaptation and validation of scales to measure self-efficacy and empowerment for self-care in Mexican climacteric stage women

OBJETIVO: Adaptar y validar en español de México dos escalas: autoeficacia (EAE) y empoderamiento (EE) durante el climaterio. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: El estudio se realizó de febrero a julio de 2011, en dos clínicas de medicina familiar en la Ciudad de México. Adaptación a través de pruebas piloto para comprensión lingüística; validación de constructo mediante análisis de factores con factorización del eje principal y rotación oblimin; estimación de la consistencia interna mediante alfa de Cronbach (AC). RESULTADOS: Participaron 380 mujeres de 45 a 59 años. EAE tenía 16 reactivos con cuatro factores: participación en la relación médico-paciente; control sobre salud mental y cambios sexuales; riesgo de morir de cáncer y otros riesgos de salud, que explicaron 39.8% de variabilidad; AC= 0.84. EE: ocho reactivos con un factor que explicó 47.1% de variabilidad; AC= 0.83. CONCLUSIÓN: Ambas escalas poseen características psicométricas aceptables para utilizarlas en intervenciones para mejorar el autocuidado de la salud durante el climaterio.

OBJECTIVE: To adapt and validate in Spanish of Mexico scales to measure self-efficacy (SES) and empowerment for self-care (ES) among climacteric women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted from February to July 2011 in two family medicine clinics in Mexico City. The adaptation phase was done through testing for language comprehension. To validate the scales we used the principal Axis factoring analysis with oblique rotation technique and estimation of Cronbach's alpha (CA). RESULTS: Three hundred eighty women aged 45-59 years participated in the study. SES had 16 items with four factors: participation in the doctor-patient relationship; in the study control of mental health and sexual changes; risk of dying from cancer, and other health risks that explained 39.8% of the variability, CA= 0.84. ES had eight items with one factor explaining 47.1% variability; CA= 0.83. CONCLUSION: Both scales had acceptable psychometric properties and are suitable for interventions aimed at improving self-care of climacteric women.

Quality of care and health-related quality of life of climacteric stage women cared for in family medicine clinics in Mexico.

OBJECTIVES: 1) To design and validate indicators to measure the quality of the process of care that climacteric stage women receive in family medicine clinics (FMC). 2) To assess the quality of care that climacteric stage women receive in FMC. 3) To determine the association between quality of care and health-related quality of life (HR-QoL) among climacteric stage women. METHODS: The study had two phases: I. Design and validation of indicators to measure the quality of care process by using the RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method. II. Evaluation of the quality of care and its association with HR-QoL through a cross-sectional study conducted in two FMC located in Mexico City that included 410 climacteric stage women. The quality of care was measured by estimating the percentage of recommended care received (PRCR) by climacteric stage women in three process components: health promotion, screening, and treatment. The HR-QoL was measured using the Cervantes scale (0-155). The association between quality of care and HR-QoL was estimated through multiple linear regression analysis. RESULTS: The lowest mean of PRCR was for the health promotion component (24.1%) and the highest for the treatment component (86.6%). The mean of HR-QoL was 50.1 points. The regression analysis showed that in the treatment component, for every 10 additional points of the PRCR, the global HR-QoL improved 2.8 points on the Cervantes scale (coefficient -0.28, P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: The indicators to measure quality of care for climacteric stage women are applicable and feasible in family medicine settings. There is a positive association between the quality of the treatment component and HR-QoL; this would encourage interventions to improve quality of care for climacteric stage women.

Fos expression induced by milk ingestion in the caudal brainstem of neonatal rats.

Prominent Fos expression in the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS) related to feeding has been reported in the brainstem of adult animals. In this study, we used a Fos-guided immunohistochemical approach to determine the brainstem areas activated specifically in response to milk ingestion in rat pups at two different ages. Rats at 9 or 18 days postpartum were isolated from the mother for a 6-h period, after which they were returned to the mother for a suckling period of either 5 or 90 min and then perfused at 90 min after the beginning of suckling. Control groups were sacrificed before or after the 6-h-deprivation period and showed little or no Fos-ir. In contrast, a 90-min-suckling episode after 6 h of deprivation induced strong Fos-ir in the caudal regions of the NTS and in the spinal nucleus of the trigeminal (SPV). Moderate expression was observed in the rostral NTS and in the nucleus raphé obscurus. In rat pups that suckled for only 5 min, the main area activated was the SPV. Fos immunostaining was detected in only 1% of the catecholaminergic neurons from the NTS after milk ingestion. The experimental design employed here allowed us to distinguish brainstem areas activated by milk ingestion from those activated by suckling action in rat pups. In contrast to adult rats, catecholaminergic neurons from the caudal NTS seem to contribute little to the regulation of feeding at this age.

Infarto cerebral secundario a vasoespasmo por angiografía / Cerebral infraction following a vasospasm by angiography

En este estudio presentamos un caso de infarto cerebral secundario a la realización de una angiografía. Revisamos la fisiopatología, clasificación de la enfermedad vascular y se realiza una revisión del tratamiento del vasoespasmo cerebral