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1.
Environ Int ; 179: 108131, 2023 09.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37586275

ABSTRACT

COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on global public health. The spread of the disease was related to the high transmissibility of SARS-CoV-2 virus but incidence and mortality rate suggested a possible relationship with environmental factors. Air pollution has been hypothesized to play a role in the transmission of the virus and the resulting severity of the disease. Here we report a plausible in vitro toxicological mode of action by which fine particulate matter (PM2.5) could promote a higher infection rate of SARS-CoV-2 and severity of COVID-19 disease. PM2.5 promotes a 1.5 fold over-expression of the angiotensin 2 converting enzyme (ACE2) which is exploited by viral particles to enter human lung alveolar cells (1.5 fold increase in RAB5 protein) and increases their inflammatory state (IL-8 and NF-kB protein expression). Our results provide a basis for further exploring the possible synergy between biological threats and air pollutants and ask for a deeper understanding of how air quality could influence new pandemics in the future.


Subject(s)
Air Pollutants , Air Pollution , COVID-19 , Humans , Particulate Matter/toxicity , Particulate Matter/analysis , SARS-CoV-2 , Pandemics , Air Pollutants/toxicity , Air Pollutants/analysis , Air Pollution/analysis
2.
MethodsX ; 9: 101717, 2022.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35620759

ABSTRACT

This study presents an approach developed to derive a Delayed-Multivariate Exposure-Response Model (D-MERF) useful to assess the short-term influence of temperature on mortality, accounting also for the effect of air pollution (O3 and PM10). By using Distributed, lag non-linear models (DLNM) we explain how city-specific exposure-response functions are derived for the municipality of Rome, which is taken as an example. The steps illustrated can be replicated to other cities while the statistical model presented here can be further extended to other exposure variables. We derive the mortality relative-risk (RR) curve averaged over the period 2004-2015, which accounts for city-specific climate and pollution conditions. Key aspects of customization are as follows: This study reports the steps followed to derive a combined, multivariate exposure-response model aimed at translating climatic and air pollution effects into mortality risk. Integration of climate and air pollution parameters to derive RR values. A specific interest is devoted to the investigation of delayed effects on mortality in the presence of different exposure factors.

3.
Sci Total Environ ; 830: 154680, 2022 Jul 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35314224

ABSTRACT

Heat and cold temperatures associated with exposure to poor air quality lead to increased mortality. Using a generalized linear model with Poisson regression for overdispersion, this study quantifies the natural-caused mortality burden attributable to heat/cold temperatures and PM10 and O3 air pollutants in Rome and Milan, the two most populated Italian cities. We calculate local-specific mortality relative risks (RRs) for the period 2004-2015 considering the overall population and the most vulnerable age category (≥85 years). Combining a regional climate model with a chemistry-transport model under future climate and air pollution scenarios (RCP2.6 and RCP8.5), we then project mortality to 2050. Results show that for historical mortality the burden is much larger for cold than for warm temperatures. RR peaks during wintertime in Milan and summertime in Rome, highlighting the relevance of accounting for the effects of air pollution besides that of climate, in particular PM10 for Milan and O3 for Rome. Overall, Milan reports higher RRs while, in both cities, the elderly appear more susceptible to heat/cold and air pollution events than the average population. Two counterbalancing effects shape mortality in the future: an increase associated with higher and more frequent warmer daily temperatures - especially in the case of climate inaction - and a decrease due to declining cold-mortality burden. The outcomes highlight the urgent need to adopt more stringent and integrated climate and air quality policies to reduce the temperature and air pollution combined effects on health.


Subject(s)
Air Pollutants , Air Pollution , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Air Pollutants/analysis , Air Pollution/analysis , Cities , Climate Change , Humans , Mortality , Rome/epidemiology
4.
Environ Pollut ; 248: 397-407, 2019 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30825765

ABSTRACT

The consequences of indoor and outdoor air pollution on human health are of great concern nowadays. In this study, we firstly evaluated indoor and outdoor air pollution levels (CO, CO2, NO, NO2, PM10) at an urban site in Dakar city center and at a rural site. Then, the individual exposure levels to selected pollutants and the variations in the levels of biomarkers of exposure were investigated in different groups of persons (bus drivers, traders working along the main roads and housemaids). Benzene exposure levels were higher for housemaids than for bus drivers and traders. High indoor exposure to benzene is probably due to cooking habits (cooking with charcoal), local practices (burning of incense), the use of cleaning products or solvent products which are important emitters of this compound. These results are confirmed by the values of S-PMA, which were higher in housemaids group compared to the others. Urinary 1-HOP levels were significantly higher for urban site housemaids compared to semirural district ones. Moreover, urinary levels of DNA oxidative stress damage (8-OHdG) and inflammatory (interleukin-6 and -8) biomarkers were higher in urban subjects in comparison to rural ones. The air quality measurement campaign showed that the bus interior was more polluted with PM10, CO, CO2 and NO than the market and urban or rural households. However, the interior of households showed higher concentration of VOCs than outdoor sites confirming previous observations of higher indoor individual exposure level to specific classes of pollutants.


Subject(s)
Air Pollutants/analysis , Air Pollution, Indoor/analysis , DNA Damage/drug effects , Environmental Exposure/analysis , Environmental Monitoring/methods , Oxidative Stress/drug effects , 8-Hydroxy-2'-Deoxyguanosine , Benzene/analysis , Carbon Dioxide/analysis , Carbon Monoxide/analysis , Cooking , Cross-Sectional Studies , Deoxyguanosine/analogs & derivatives , Deoxyguanosine/genetics , Humans , Interleukin-6/blood , Interleukin-8/blood , Nitric Oxide/analysis , Particulate Matter/analysis , Rural Population , Senegal , Urban Population , Volatile Organic Compounds/analysis
5.
Nanoscale ; 9(36): 13640-13650, 2017 Sep 21.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28876004

ABSTRACT

It is commonly accepted that the toxicity of carbonaceous particulate matter (PM) is due to the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) which induce biological damage in the exposed cells. It is also known that PM produced during the combustion processes consists of a carbonaceous core "dressed" with other organic and/or inorganic materials. In spite of this knowledge, the role of these materials in the production of ROS has not yet been clear. This work aims at understanding whether "naked" carbonaceous particles are capable of forming ROS either in cell-free or in-cell systems. The problem has been treated based on the data collected from pure graphite samples of different sizes obtained by ball-milling pure graphite for various lengths of time. The experimental approach considered Raman, ESR (spin trapping), cell viability and fluorescence spectroscopy measurements. These techniques allowed us to carry out measurements both in cell and cell-free systems and the results consistently indicate that also pure naked carbonaceous particles can catalyze the electron transfer that produces superoxide ions. The process depends on the particle size and enlightens the role of the edges of the graphitic platelets. Evidence has been collected that even "naked" graphitic nanoparticles are capable of producing ROS and decreasing the cell viability thus representing a potential danger to human health.


Subject(s)
Cell-Free System , Graphite/pharmacology , Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism , Air Pollutants , Cell Line , Humans , Particle Size , Particulate Matter
6.
Vet J ; 206(3): 391-7, 2015 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26526521

ABSTRACT

Systemic administration of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) has been shown to be safe and efficacious in humans with Crohn's disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety of an intravenous (IV) infusion of adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) and to assess macroscopic and histological effects in the digestive tract of dogs with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Eleven dogs with confirmed IBD received a single ASC infusion (2 × 10(6) cells/kg bodyweight). Full digestive endoscopic evaluation was performed pre-treatment and between 90 and 120 days post-treatment with mucosal changes being assessed using a fit-for-purpose endoscopic scale. Endoscopic biopsies from each digestive section were evaluated histologically according to the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) Gastrointestinal Standardization Group criteria. The pre- and post-treatment canine IBD endoscopic index (CIBDEI) and histological score (HS) were calculated and compared using the Wilcoxon test. Remission was defined as a reduction of >75% of the CIBDEI and HS compared with pre-treatment. No acute reactions to ASC infusion or side effects were reported in any dog. Significant differences between pre- and post-treatment were found in both the CIBDEI (P = 0.004) and HS (P = 0.004). Endoscopic remission occurred in 4/11 dogs with the remaining dogs showing decreased CIBDEI (44.8% to 73.3%). Histological remission was not achieved in any dog, with an average reduction of the pre-treatment HS of 27.2%. In conclusion, a single IV infusion of allogeneic ASCs improved gastrointestinal lesions as assessed macroscopically and slightly reduced gastrointestinal inflammation as evaluated by histopathology in dogs with IBD.


Subject(s)
Adipose Tissue/cytology , Dog Diseases/therapy , Inflammatory Bowel Diseases/veterinary , Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation/veterinary , Mesenchymal Stem Cells , Animals , Dog Diseases/pathology , Dogs , Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal/veterinary , Female , Inflammatory Bowel Diseases/pathology , Inflammatory Bowel Diseases/therapy , Male , Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation/adverse effects , Treatment Outcome
7.
Vet J ; 206(3): 385-90, 2015 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26526522

ABSTRACT

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have shown immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects in experimental colitis, and promising clinical results have been obtained in humans with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. The aim of this study was to determine the safety and feasibility of adipose tissue-derived MSC (ASC) therapy in dogs with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Eleven dogs with confirmed IBD received one ASC intravascular (IV) infusion (2 × 10(6) cells/kg bodyweight). The outcome measures were clinical response based on percentage reduction of the validated Clinical Inflammatory Bowel Disease Activity Index (CIBDAI) and Canine Chronic Enteropathy Clinical Activity Index (CCECAI), as well as normalisation of C-reactive protein (CRP), albumin, folate and cobalamin serum concentrations at day 42 post-treatment. The Wilcoxon test was used to compare variables before and after treatment. No acute reaction to ASC infusion and no side effects were reported during follow-up in any dog. Six weeks post-treatment, the CIBDAI and CCECAI decreased significantly and albumin, cobalamin and folate concentrations increased substantially. Differences in CRP concentrations pre- and post-treatment were not significant (P = 0.050). Clinical remission (defined by a reduction of initial CIBDAI and CCECAI >75%) occurred in 9/11 dogs at day 42. The two remaining dogs showed a partial response with reduction percentages of 69.2% and 71.4%. In conclusion, a single IV infusion of allogeneic ASCs was well tolerated and appeared to produce clinical benefits in dogs with severe IBD.


Subject(s)
Adipose Tissue/cytology , Dog Diseases/therapy , Inflammatory Bowel Diseases/veterinary , Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation/veterinary , Mesenchymal Stem Cells , Animals , Cells, Cultured , Dogs , Female , Inflammatory Bowel Diseases/therapy , Male , Transplantation, Homologous/veterinary , Treatment Outcome
8.
J Small Anim Pract ; 56(9): 581-4, 2015 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25703995

ABSTRACT

An 11-year-old female cat presented for chronic vomiting. Endoscopy revealed an altered gastric mucosa and spontaneous formation of linear gastric tears during normal organ insufflations. The histopathological diagnosis was atrophic gastritis with Helicobacter pylori infection. Medical treatment permitted a complete resolution of clinical signs. The linear tears observed resembled gastric lesions rarely reported in humans, called "Mallory-Weiss syndrome". To the authors' knowledge this is the first report of spontaneous linear gastric tears in animals.


Subject(s)
Cat Diseases/diagnosis , Gastritis, Atrophic/veterinary , Helicobacter Infections/veterinary , Mallory-Weiss Syndrome/veterinary , Animals , Cat Diseases/pathology , Cats , Diagnosis, Differential , Female , Gastric Mucosa/pathology , Gastritis, Atrophic/complications , Gastritis, Atrophic/diagnosis , Gastritis, Atrophic/pathology , Helicobacter Infections/complications , Helicobacter Infections/diagnosis , Helicobacter Infections/pathology , Mallory-Weiss Syndrome/diagnosis , Mallory-Weiss Syndrome/pathology , Rupture, Spontaneous
9.
Environ Pollut ; 176: 215-27, 2013 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-23434772

ABSTRACT

Particulate matter (PM), a complex mix of chemical compounds, results to be associated with various health effects. However there is still lack of information on the impact of its different components. PM2.5 and PM1 samples, collected during the different seasons at an urban, rural and remote site, were chemically characterized and the biological effects induced on A549 cells were assessed. A Partial Least Square Discriminant Analysis has been performed to relate PM chemical composition to the toxic effects observed. Results show that PM-induced biological effects changed with the seasons and sites, and such variations may be explained by chemical constituents of PM, derived both from primary and secondary sources. The first-time here reported biological responses induced by PM from a remote site at high altitude were associated with the high concentrations of metals and secondary species typical of the free tropospheric aerosol, influenced by long range transports and aging.


Subject(s)
Air Pollutants/analysis , Particulate Matter/analysis , Pulmonary Alveoli/drug effects , Air Pollutants/toxicity , Air Pollution/statistics & numerical data , Cell Line , Environmental Monitoring , Humans , Metals/analysis , Particle Size , Particulate Matter/toxicity , Seasons
10.
Toxicol In Vitro ; 27(2): 551-9, 2013 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-23159502

ABSTRACT

Exposure to urbane airborne particulate matter (PM) is related to the onset and exacerbation of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. The fine (PM1), and quasi-ultrafine (PM0.4) Milan particles collected during different seasons have been characterised and the biological effects on human epithelial lung A549, monocytes THP-1 cells and their co-culture, evaluated and compared with the results obtained on the PM10 and PM2.5 fractions. Chemical composition and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis of PM0.4 showed that this fraction was very similar to PM1 for biological responses and dimension. All the winter fractions increased within 1h the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS), while only summer PM2.5 had this effect on A549 cells. The phosphorylation of H2AX (γH2AX), a marker of double strand DNA breaks (DSBs), was increased by all the winter fractions on A549 and THP-1 cells while summer PM samples did not induced this effect. PM0.4 and PM1 biological effects are partly similar and related to the season of sampling, with effects on ROS and DNA damage induced only by winter PM fractions. The winter PM damaging effect on DNA correlates with the presence of organic compounds.


Subject(s)
Air Pollutants/toxicity , Particulate Matter/toxicity , Air Pollutants/analysis , Cell Line , Cell Line, Tumor , Cell Survival/drug effects , Coculture Techniques , Cytokines/metabolism , DNA Damage , Endotoxins/analysis , Humans , Italy , L-Lactate Dehydrogenase/metabolism , Particle Size , Particulate Matter/analysis , Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism , Seasons
11.
Vet Res Commun ; 34 Suppl 1: S125-9, 2010 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-20495867

ABSTRACT

Tenoscopy of the navicular bursa has been recently introduced as a diagnostic and therapeutic treatment in cases of palmar foot pain syndrome. A deep digital flexor tendon transthecal approach was suggested in 1999, and the endoscopic technique has been reviewed. Smith and coworkers have recently reported good and promising results. An anatomic cadaver limb study was performed, and the endoscopic technique was evaluated. Subsequently, a 14-year-old Argentine mare, affected by palmar foot pain syndrome, was treated. Clinical data, MRI and endoscopic findings, and a 6-month follow-up evaluation are reported.


Subject(s)
Arthroscopy/veterinary , Bursa, Synovial/pathology , Endoscopy/veterinary , Foot/pathology , Horse Diseases/pathology , Lameness, Animal/diagnosis , Animals , Arthroscopy/methods , Endoscopy/methods , Female , Forelimb , Horses
12.
J Small Anim Pract ; 51(1): 4-22, 2010 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-20137004

ABSTRACT

Emesis is a common presenting sign in small animal practice. It requires a rational approach to management that is based upon a sound understanding of pathophysiology combined with logical decision making. This review, which assesses the weight of available evidence, outlines the physiology of the vomiting reflex, causes of emesis, the consequences of emesis and the approach to clinical management of the vomiting dog. The applicability of diagnostic testing modalities and the merit of traditional approaches to management, such as dietary changes, are discussed. The role and usefulness of both traditional and novel anti-emetic drugs is examined, including in specific circumstances such as following cytotoxic drug treatment. The review also examines areas in which common clinical practice is not necessarily supported by objective evidence and, as such, highlights questions worthy of further clinical research.


Subject(s)
Dog Diseases/diagnosis , Dog Diseases/therapy , Vomiting/veterinary , Animals , Antiemetics/therapeutic use , Antineoplastic Agents/adverse effects , Diet/veterinary , Dog Diseases/chemically induced , Dog Diseases/etiology , Dogs , Vomiting/diagnosis , Vomiting/etiology , Vomiting/therapy
13.
J Vet Intern Med ; 24(1): 84-9, 2010.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-20002551

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Prior studies failed to detect significant association between hypoalbuminemia and small intestinal lesions. HYPOTHESIS: Use of pictorial templates will enhance consistency of interpathologist interpretation and identification of intestinal lesions associated with hypoalbuminemia. ANIMALS: Tissues from 62 dogs and 25 cats examined as clinical cases at 7 referral veterinary practices in 4 countries. METHODS: Retrospective, observational study. Histopathology slides from sequential cases undergoing endoscopic biopsy were examined by 4 pathologists by pictorial templates. Changes for 9 microscopic features were recorded as normal, mild, moderate or severe, and 2- and 4-point scales were tested for consistency of interpretation. Logistic regression models determined odds ratios (OR) of histologic lesions being associated with hypoalbuminemia while kappa statistics determined agreement between pathologists on histologic lesions. RESULTS: There was poor agreement (kappa = -0.013 to 0.3) between pathologists, and institution of origin of slides had effect (kappa = 1.0 for 3 of 4 lesions on slides from Institution 5) on agreement between pathologists on selected histologic features. Using 2 point as opposed to 4-point grading scale increased agreement between pathologists (maximum kappa = 0.69 using 4-point scale versus maximum kappa = 1.0 using 2-point scale). Significant association (P = .019- .04; 95% OR = 3.14-10.84) between lacteal dilation and hypoalbuminemia was found by 3 pathologists. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Substantial inconsistency between pathologists remains despite use of pictorial template because of differences in slide processing. Distinguishing between mild and moderate lesions might be important source of the disagreement among pathologists.


Subject(s)
Biopsy/veterinary , Cat Diseases/pathology , Dog Diseases/pathology , Endoscopy/veterinary , Gastrointestinal Diseases/veterinary , Specimen Handling/veterinary , Animals , Cat Diseases/diagnosis , Cats , Dog Diseases/diagnosis , Dogs , Gastrointestinal Diseases/diagnosis , Gastrointestinal Diseases/pathology
14.
Aust Vet J ; 87(9): 360-2, 2009 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-19703137

ABSTRACT

A 2-year-old male Labrador Retriever was presented for sudden abdominal distension. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed abundant abdominal fluid and a hepatic mass, which was removed by total lobectomy. Histologic evaluation of the mass supported a vascular hepatic hamartoma. Vascular hamartomas are rare malformations in animals and only two cases have been reported in the dog. This is the first recorded case of a canine vascular hepatic hamartoma treated surgically and having a successful long-term outcome.


Subject(s)
Dog Diseases/surgery , Hamartoma/veterinary , Liver Diseases/veterinary , Animals , Dog Diseases/diagnostic imaging , Dogs , Hamartoma/diagnostic imaging , Hamartoma/surgery , Liver/blood supply , Liver/surgery , Liver Diseases/diagnostic imaging , Liver Diseases/surgery , Male , Treatment Outcome , Ultrasonography
15.
J Hazard Mater ; 162(2-3): 1494-506, 2009 Mar 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-18675512

ABSTRACT

This work describes the high temperature reaction sequence of commercial Man Made Vitreous Fibers (MMVF) Cerafiber, Superwool, Rock wool and Glass wool which may be used as substitute for asbestos in some industrial applications. Knowledge of the reaction path and transformation sequence is very important to assess whether carcinogenic crystalline phases are formed during devitrification, which may occur when used as insulators. In addition, knowledge about the nature of the phases formed at high temperature is mandatory to assess if thermally transformed MMVF can be safely recycled as secondary raw material (SRM). In this scenario, this study provides useful information for the optimization of the industrial annealing process aimed to attain a safe, recyclable product. The results of this work show that one of the high-temperature products of Cerafiber and Superwool is cristobalite which is classified as a carcinogenic. It was possible to define the temperature interval at which Cerafiber and Superwool fibers can be safely used as thermal insulators (e.g. insulators in tunnel and/or roller kilns, etc.). As cristobalite is formed in both synthetic fiber products at temperatures higher than 1200 degrees C, their use should be limited to devices operating at lower temperatures. Rock and Glass wool melt upon thermal treatment. As far as the industrial process of inertization is concerned, a maximum firing temperature of 1100 and 600 degrees C is required to melt Rock wool and Glass wool, respectively, with the high-temperature products that can be safely recycled as SRM. Recycling of these products in stoneware tile mixtures were subsequently attempted. The addition of 1-2 wt.% of the melts of Rock and Glass wool gave promising results in terms of viscous sintering reactions and resistance to staining with the only weak characteristic being the color properties of the fired bodies which tend to worsen.


Subject(s)
Asbestos , Conservation of Natural Resources , Hot Temperature , Microscopy, Electron, Transmission
16.
Vis Neurosci ; 25(3): 469-74, 2008.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-18598420

ABSTRACT

We examined achromatic contrast discrimination in asymptomatic carriers of 11778 Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON 18 controls) and 18 age-match were also tested. To evaluate magnocellular (MC) and Parvocellular (PC) contrast discrimination, we used a version of Pokorny and Smith's (1997) pulsed/steady-pedestal paradigms (PPP/SPP) thought to be detected via PC and MC pathways, respectively. A luminance pedestal (four 1 degree x 1 degree squares) was presented on a 12 cd/m2 surround. The luminance of one of the squares (trial square, TS) was randomly incremented for either 17 or 133 ms. Observers had to detect the TS, in a forced-choice task, at each duration, for three pedestal levels: 7, 12, 19 cd/m2. In the SPP, the pedestal was fixed, and the TS was modulated. For the PPP, all four pedestal squares pulsed for 17 or 133 ms, and the TS was simultaneously incremented or decremented. We found that contrast discrimination thresholds of LHON carriers were significantly higher than controls' in the condition with the highest luminance of both paradigms, implying impaired contrast processing with no evidence of differential sensitivity losses between the two systems. Carriers' thresholds manifested significantly longer temporal integration than controls in the SPP, consistent with slowed MC responses. The SPP and PPP paradigms can identify contrast and temporal processing deficits in asymptomatic LHON carriers, and thus provide an additional tool for early detection and characterization of the disease.


Subject(s)
Contrast Sensitivity , Genetic Carrier Screening , Optic Atrophy, Hereditary, Leber/genetics , Adolescent , Adult , Discrimination, Psychological , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Reference Values , Vision Tests , Visual Acuity , Visual Pathways
17.
J Vet Intern Med ; 22(5): 1084-9, 2008.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-18638017

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The quality of histopathology slides of endoscopic biopsies from different laboratories varies, but the effect of biopsy quality on outcome is unknown. HYPOTHESIS: The ability to demonstrate a histologic lesion in the stomach or duodenum of a dog or cat is affected by the quality of endoscopic biopsy samples submitted. More endoscopic samples are needed to find a lesion in poor-quality tissue specimens. ANIMALS: Tissues from 99 dogs and 51 cats were examined as clinical cases at 8 veterinary institutions or practices in 5 countries. METHODS: Histopathology slides from sequential cases that underwent endoscopic biopsy were submitted by participating institutions. Quality of the histologic section of tissue (inadequate, marginal, adequate), type of lesion (lymphangiectasia, crypt lesion, villus blunting, cellular infiltrate), and severity of lesion (normal, mild, moderate, severe) were determined. Sensitivity of different quality tissue samples for finding different lesions was determined. RESULTS: Fewer samples were required from dogs for diagnosis as the quality of the sample improved from inadequate to marginal to adequate. Duodenal lesions in cats displayed the same trend except for moderate duodenal infiltrates for which quality of tissue sample made no difference. Gastric lesions in dogs and mild gastric lesions in cats had the same trend, whereas the number of tissue samples needed to diagnose moderately severe gastric lesions in cats was not affected by the quality of tissue sample. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: The quality of endoscopically obtained tissue samples has a profound effect on their sensitivity for identifying certain lesions, and there are differences between biopsies of canine and feline tissues.


Subject(s)
Biopsy/veterinary , Cat Diseases/diagnosis , Dog Diseases/diagnosis , Duodenal Diseases/veterinary , Endoscopy/veterinary , Stomach Diseases/veterinary , Animals , Biopsy/methods , Cats , Dogs , Duodenal Diseases/diagnosis , Endoscopy/methods , Sensitivity and Specificity , Stomach Diseases/diagnosis
18.
J Hazard Mater ; 152(2): 563-70, 2008 Apr 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-17709183

ABSTRACT

Cement-asbestos is the main asbestos containing material still found in most of the European countries such as Italy. Man- and weathering-induced degradation of the cement-asbestos slates makes them a source of dispersion of asbestos fibres and represents a priority cause of concern. This concern is the main prompt for the actual policy of abatement and disposal of asbestos containing materials in controlled wastes. An alternative solution to the disposal in dumping sites is the direct temperature-induced transformation of the cement-asbestos slates into non-hazardous mineral phases. This patented process avoids the stage of mechanical milling of the material before the treatment, which improves the reactivity of the materials but may be critical for the dispersion of asbestos fibres in working and life environment. For the first time, this paper reports the description of the reaction path taking place during the firing of cement-asbestos slates up to the complete transformation temperature, 1200 degrees C. The reaction sequence was investigated using different experimental techniques such as optical and electron microscopy, in situ and ex situ quali-quantitative X-ray powder diffraction. The understanding of the complex reaction path is of basic importance for the optimization of industrial heating processes leading to a safe recycling of the transformed product. For the recycling of asbestos containing materials, the Italian laws require that the product of the crystal chemical transformation of asbestos containing materials must be entirely asbestos-free, and should not contain more than 0.1 wt% fraction of the carcinogenic substances such as cristobalite. Moreover, if fibrous phases other than asbestos (with length to diameter ratio >3) are found, they must have a geometrical diameter larger than 3 microm. We have demonstrated that using an interplay of different experimental techniques, it is possible to safely verify the complete transformation of asbestos minerals in this temperature-induced process. The product of transformation of cement-asbestos (CATP) has a phase composition similar to that of a natural or a low temperature clinker with the exception of having a larger content of aluminium, iron and magnesium. This product can be safely recycled for the production of stoneware tile mixtures. The addition of 3-5 mass% of CATP does not bear significant variations to the standard parameters of white porcelain tile mixtures.


Subject(s)
Asbestos , Ceramics , Construction Materials , Refuse Disposal , Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
19.
Toxicol Lett ; 173(3): 191-200, 2007 Sep 28.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-17855028

ABSTRACT

The potential toxicity of tire debris organic extracts on human alveolar epithelial cells (A549) was investigated. We analysed time- and dose dependent modifications produced on plasma membrane molecular composition and on lipid microdomains expression (caveolae and lipid rafts) that represent specific signalling platforms. Cells were exposed to increasing organic extract concentrations (10, 60 and 75mug/ml) for 24, 48 and 72h. An up to three fold dose and time dependent increase in specific protein markers of lipid microdomains was found, suggesting a corresponding increase in signalling platforms. Since the total pool of these plasma membrane markers was unchanged, we supposed that these proteins were translocated within the plasma membrane as to assemble the newly formed lipid microdomains. Despite no major modifications in lipid bilayer composition, a time- and dose dependent toxic effect was documented at 48h of exposure by an increase of cells positive to Trypan Blue assay. After 48h a dose dependent increase in the cell medium of the cytosolic enzyme lactate dehydrogenase was also observed, indicating greater damage of the plasma membrane as prenecrotic sign. The overall ultrastructural morphology of the plasma membrane of treated cells was not greatly modified, suggesting that organic extracts from tire debris cause focalized discontinuities on cell surfaces.


Subject(s)
Environmental Pollutants/toxicity , Epithelial Cells/drug effects , Lung/drug effects , Membrane Microdomains/drug effects , Rubber/toxicity , Caveolae/drug effects , Cell Line, Tumor , Cell Membrane Permeability/drug effects , Cell Survival/drug effects , Dose-Response Relationship, Drug , Epithelial Cells/metabolism , Epithelial Cells/ultrastructure , Humans , Lung/metabolism , Lung/ultrastructure , Membrane Lipids/metabolism , Membrane Microdomains/metabolism , Membrane Microdomains/ultrastructure , Membrane Proteins/metabolism , Microscopy, Electron, Transmission , Protein Transport/drug effects , Signal Transduction/drug effects , Time Factors
20.
Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract ; 31(4): 605-30, vii, 2001 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-11487947

ABSTRACT

Esophageal pathology is one of the areas that had the major benefits from the advent of endoscopy. Esophagoscopy is a highly reliable diagnostic method for evaluating esophageal disorders that affect the mucosa or alter the lumen of the organ, such as foreign bodies, esophagitis, reflux disease, strictures, ulcers, fistula, and neoplasia. With endoscopy, the treatment of esophageal disorders has greatly improved as well, with the retrieval of foreign bodies and the dilation of esophageal strictures under direct visualization the main therapeutic indications.


Subject(s)
Cat Diseases/diagnosis , Dog Diseases/diagnosis , Esophageal Diseases/veterinary , Esophagoscopy/veterinary , Animals , Cats , Dogs , Esophageal Diseases/diagnosis , Esophagoscopy/methods
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