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1.
Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol ; 172: 111645, 2023 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37481991

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Local allergic rhinitis (LAR) is a condition involving a localized nasal allergic response in absence of systemic atopy. Most studies on LAR have been performed in adults. We aimed to describe clinical characteristics of LAR pediatric patients, its clinical evolution over a 7-year follow-up period and to study the role of basophil activation test (BAT), for its diagnosis. METHODS: Forty-four children with non-allergic rhinitis (NAR) were included (24 males, 20 females, aged under 15 years). Nasal allergen provocation test (NAPT) and BAT were performed with Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and Phleum pratense. RESULTS: Seven patients (16%) were diagnosed of LAR. Six reacted to D pteronyssinus and one to P pratense. All LAR and 86% of NAR patients presented perennial symptoms. Fifty-seven percent of NAR and LAR patients referred persistent symptoms. Around half of NAR and LAR patients reported mild-moderate clinical manifestations. Three LAR patients associated conjunctival symptoms, proportionally more than NAR patients (19%, 7 out of 37). NAR patients presented bronchial asthma (n = 10) more frequently than LAR children (n = 1). More than half of LAR and NAR patients presented family history of atopy. BAT was negative in all LAR patients. On follow-up, 3 LAR patients and 10 of the 25 NAR patients who agreed to be retested, presented systemic sensitization. Dust mites were the most frequent allergen involved. CONCLUSIONS: LAR should be ruled out in children with NAR. Almost half of children with LAR develop systemic sensitization over time. BAT shows low sensitivity for the diagnosis of LAR in children.


Subject(s)
Asthma , Rhinitis, Allergic , Rhinitis , Adult , Male , Female , Humans , Child , Aged , Rhinitis/diagnosis , Basophil Degranulation Test , Rhinitis, Allergic/diagnosis , Allergens , Asthma/diagnosis , Nasal Provocation Tests , Skin Tests
2.
Rev Esp Quimioter ; 36(5): 477-485, 2023 Oct.
Article in Spanish | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37253230

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: We aim to evaluate the adherence rate to an Antimicrobial Stewardship Program (ASP) in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU), and to assess its effect on the use of antibiotics, quality indicators and clinical outcomes. METHODS: Retrospective description of the interventions proposed by the ASP. We compared antimicrobial use, quality and safety indicators in an ASP versus a non-ASP period. The study was performed in a polyvalent ICU of a medium-size University Hospital (600 beds). We studied patients admitted to the ICU for any cause during the ASP period, provided that a microbiological sample aiming to diagnose a potential infection has been drawn, or antibiotics have been started. We elaborated and registered of non-mandatory recommendations to improve antimicrobial prescription (audit and feedback structure) and its registry during the ASP period (15 months, October 2018-December 2019). We compared indicators in a period with ASP (April-June 2019) and without ASP (April-June 2018). RESULTS: We issued 241 recommendations on 117 patients, 67% of them classified as de-escalation type. The rate of adherence to the recommendations was high (96.3%). In the ASP period, the mean number of antibiotics per patient (3.3±4.1 vs 2.4±1.7, p=0.04) and the days of treatment (155 DOT/100 PD vs 94 DOT/100 PD, p <0.01) were reduced. The implementation of the ASP did not compromise patient safety or produce changes in clinical outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: The implementation of an ASP is widely accepted in the ICU, reducing the consumption of antimicrobials, without compromising patient safety.


Subject(s)
Anti-Infective Agents , Antimicrobial Stewardship , Humans , Retrospective Studies , Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use , Intensive Care Units , Anti-Infective Agents/therapeutic use
3.
Clin Transl Oncol ; 22(8): 1329-1334, 2020 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31863352

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Glioblastoma, which is the most commonly diagnosed primary CNS neoplasm, is more frequent in individuals aged 65 years or more. Our purpose is to identify how glioblastoma diagnosed in elderly population is treated by Spanish oncologists. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A survey was emailed to all members of Spanish Group for Neuro-oncology Research (GEINO). RESULTS: Twenty-six neuro-oncologists from 26 hospitals completed the survey. The answers were different depending on the age, performance status, and MGMT methylation status. Patients between 65 and 70 years of age are mainly treated with Stupp treatment. For patients between ages of 70 and 80 years, 46.2% made recommendations for Perry regimen, for both methylated and non-methylated patients. For patients older than 80  years, monotherapy treatment is considered more frequently. In cases of non-MGMT promoter methylation, systemic therapy with temozolomide is still recommended in many hospitals. CONCLUSION: Our research demonstrates there is no uniform approach to the management of elderly patients with glioblastoma among academic neuro-oncologists.


Subject(s)
Brain Neoplasms/therapy , Glioblastoma/therapy , Health Care Surveys , Age Factors , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating/therapeutic use , Astrocytoma/therapy , Chemoradiotherapy/methods , DNA Modification Methylases/metabolism , DNA Repair Enzymes/metabolism , Humans , Methylation , Oncologists/statistics & numerical data , Physical Functional Performance , Radiotherapy Dosage , Spain , Temozolomide/therapeutic use , Tumor Suppressor Proteins/metabolism
4.
Clin Transl Oncol ; 20(1): 22-28, 2018 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29086250

ABSTRACT

Glioblastoma (GB) is the most common brain malignancy and accounts for over 50% of all high-grade gliomas. Radiotherapy (RT) with concomitant and adjuvant temozolomide (TMZ) chemotherapy is the current standard of care for patients with newly diagnosed GB up to age 70. Recently, a new standard of care has been adopted for elderly patients (≥ 65 years) based on short course of RT and TMZ. Several clinically relevant molecular markers that assist in diagnosis and prognosis have recently been identified. The treatment for recurrent GB is not well defined, and decision-making is usually based on prior strategies as well as several clinical and radiological factors. The presence of neurologic deficits and seizures can significantly impact quality of life.


Subject(s)
Brain Neoplasms/diagnosis , Brain Neoplasms/therapy , Glioma/diagnosis , Glioma/therapy , Humans
5.
Mol Psychiatry ; 21(1): 10-28, 2016 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26390828

ABSTRACT

Schizophrenia (SZ) is a devastating psychiatric condition affecting numerous brain systems. Recent studies have identified genetic factors that confer an increased risk of SZ and participate in the disease etiopathogenesis. In parallel to such bottom-up approaches, other studies have extensively reported biological changes in patients by brain imaging, neurochemical and pharmacological approaches. This review highlights the molecular substrates identified through studies with SZ patients, namely those using top-down approaches, while also referring to the fruitful outcomes of recent genetic studies. We have subclassified the molecular substrates by system, focusing on elements of neurotransmission, targets in white matter-associated connectivity, immune/inflammatory and oxidative stress-related substrates, and molecules in endocrine and metabolic cascades. We further touch on cross-talk among these systems and comment on the utility of animal models in charting the developmental progression and interaction of these substrates. Based on this comprehensive information, we propose a framework for SZ research based on the hypothesis of an imbalance in homeostatic signaling from immune/inflammatory, oxidative stress, endocrine and metabolic cascades that, at least in part, underlies deficits in neural connectivity relevant to SZ. Thus, this review aims to provide information that is translationally useful and complementary to pathogenic hypotheses that have emerged from genetic studies. Based on such advances in SZ research, it is highly expected that we will discover biomarkers that may help in the early intervention, diagnosis or treatment of SZ.


Subject(s)
Schizophrenia/metabolism , Animals , Brain/metabolism , Homeostasis/physiology , Humans
6.
Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg ; 45(2): 255-66, 2016 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26482638

ABSTRACT

This study evaluated the effects of homogenous demineralized dentin matrix (HDDM) slices and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in surgical defects created in the parietal bones of alloxan-induced diabetic rabbits, treated with a guided bone regeneration technique. Biochemical, radiographic, and histological analyses were performed. Sixty adult New Zealand rabbits were divided into five groups of 12: normoglycaemic (control, C), diabetic (D), diabetic with a PTFE membrane (DM), diabetic with a PTFE membrane and HDDM slices (DM-HDDM), and diabetic with PTFE membrane and PRP (DM-PRP). The quantity and quality of bone mass was greatest in the DM-HDDM group (respective radiographic and histological analyses: at 15 days, 71.70 ± 16.50 and 50.80 ± 1.52; 30 days, 62.73 ± 16.51 and 54.20 ± 1.23; 60 days, 63.03 ± 11.04 and 59.91 ± 3.32; 90 days, 103.60 ± 24.86 and 78.99 ± 1.34), followed by the DM-PRP group (respective radiographic and histological analyses: at 15 days 23.00 ± 2.74 and 20.66 ± 7.45; 30 days 31.92 ± 6.06 and 25.31 ± 5.59; 60 days 25.29 ± 16.30 and 46.73 ± 2.07; 90 days 38.10 ± 14.04 and 53.38 ± 9.20). PRP greatly enhanced vascularization during the bone repair process. Abnormal calcium metabolism was statistically significant in the DM-PRP group (P<0.001) for all four time intervals studied, especially when compared to the DM-HDDM group. Alkaline phosphatase activity was significantly higher in the DM-HDDM group (P<0.001) in comparison to the C, D, and DM-PRP groups, confirming the findings of intense osteoblastic activity and increased bone mineralization. Thus, HDDM promoted superior bone architectural microstructure in bone defects in diabetic rabbits due to its effective osteoinductive and osteoconductive activity, whereas PRP stimulated angiogenesis and red bone marrow formation.


Subject(s)
Bone Regeneration/drug effects , Dentin , Platelet-Rich Plasma , Skull/surgery , Tissue Engineering/methods , Alloxan , Animals , Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental , Membranes, Artificial , Polytetrafluoroethylene , Rabbits , Radiography , Skull/diagnostic imaging
7.
Mol Psychiatry ; 21(3): 386-93, 2016 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26008737

ABSTRACT

NMDA glutamate receptors have key roles in brain development, function and dysfunction. Regulatory roles of D-serine in NMDA receptor-mediated synaptic plasticity have been reported. Nonetheless, it is unclear whether and how neonatal deficits in NMDA-receptor-mediated neurotransmission affect adult brain functions and behavior. Likewise, the role of D-serine during development remains elusive. Here we report behavioral and electrophysiological deficits associated with the frontal cortex in Pick1 knockout mice, which show D-serine deficits in a neonatal- and forebrain-specific manner. The pathological manifestations observed in adult Pick1 mice are rescued by transient neonatal supplementation of D-serine, but not by a similar treatment in adulthood. These results indicate a role for D-serine in neurodevelopment and provide novel insights on how we interpret data of psychiatric genetics, indicating the involvement of genes associated with D-serine synthesis and degradation, as well as how we consider animal models with neonatal application of NMDA receptor antagonists.


Subject(s)
Mental Disorders , Nuclear Proteins/deficiency , Serine/therapeutic use , Signal Transduction/genetics , 2,3,4,5-Tetrahydro-7,8-dihydroxy-1-phenyl-1H-3-benzazepine/pharmacology , Action Potentials/drug effects , Action Potentials/genetics , Age Factors , Animals , Carrier Proteins/genetics , Cell Cycle Proteins , Disease Models, Animal , Dopamine Agonists/pharmacology , Excitatory Amino Acid Antagonists/therapeutic use , Exploratory Behavior/drug effects , Frontal Lobe/pathology , Maze Learning/drug effects , Mental Disorders/drug therapy , Mental Disorders/genetics , Mental Disorders/prevention & control , Mice , Mice, Inbred C57BL , Mice, Knockout , Motor Activity/drug effects , Motor Activity/genetics , Neurons/drug effects , Nuclear Proteins/genetics , Prepulse Inhibition/drug effects , Prepulse Inhibition/genetics , Serine/metabolism , Signal Transduction/drug effects , Swimming/psychology , Time Factors
8.
Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg ; 44(7): 845-51, 2015 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25662431

ABSTRACT

Oral mucositis is a reaction to chemoradiation therapy during cancer treatment. The aim of this study was to investigate the use of amniotic membrane as a biological dressing for oral mucositis lesions in rats. Sixty Wistar rats were divided into three groups (n = 20): control, 5-fluoruracil (5-FU), 5-fluoruracil + amniotic membrane (5-FU+AM). Each group was subdivided (n = 5) according to the time interval to sacrifice (3, 7, 14, and 21 days). Histology (haematoxylin-eosin staining) and immunocytochemistry (anti-rat antibodies CD4, CD8, VEGF, and PCNA) were evaluated. Immunocytochemistry results were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey tests. The amniotic membrane (5FU+AM) played an important role in cell proliferation (PCNA 3 days 27.08 ± 4.65, 7 days 27.90 ± 3.34) and especially in neovascularization (VEGF 3 days 23.00 ± 1.40, 7 days 26.00 ± 0.95) for all time intervals, when compared to 5-FU (PCNA 3 days 23.12 ± 1.61, 7 days 37.21 ± 1.20; VEGF 3 days 17.05 ± 1.51, 7 days 8.45 ± 1.35) and control (PCNA 3 days 29.99 ± 0.92, 7 days 16.33 ± 2.88; VEGF 3 days 13.65 ± 0.55, 7 days 15.70 ± 1.39). It was biocompatible, showing significant differences compared to the other groups in CD4 (F = 40.72; P = 0.001) and CD8 (F = 69.99, P = 0.001) staining together, only during the inflammation phase (7 days). Amniotic membrane presented biocompatibility and stimulated cell proliferation and neovascularization, functioning as a promising biological dressing.


Subject(s)
Amnion , Biological Dressings , Fluorouracil/toxicity , Stomatitis/chemically induced , Stomatitis/therapy , Animals , Biomarkers/analysis , CD4 Lymphocyte Count , CD8 Antigens/analysis , Cell Proliferation , Immunohistochemistry , Male , Neovascularization, Physiologic , Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen/analysis , Random Allocation , Rats , Rats, Wistar , Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A/analysis , Wound Healing
9.
Pituitary ; 15(3): 412-9, 2012 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-21861119

ABSTRACT

Hypophysitis is a chronic inflammation of the pituitary gland often caused by autoimmunity. Among the autoimmune diseases it is one of the few where the autoantigens remain to be identified. The goal of the paper was to characterize the antigenic profile in a previously reported patient with IgG4-related hypophysitis. Immunofluorescence and immunoblotting were performed to detect antibodies to human pituitary proteins. The proteins recognized by western blotting were then submitted to mass spectrometry for sequencing. The patient's autoantibodies recognized two unique bands around 40 and 30 kDa on immunoblotting. Sequencing revealed one peptide from proopiomelanocortin in the 40 kDa band and four peptides from growth hormone in the 30 kDa band. This work represents the first antigenic profile in IgG4-related hypophysitis, and the first recognition of proopiomelanocortin as a possible pituitary autoantigen. In addition, the work supports previous suggestions of growth hormone as a pituitary autoantigen. Further studies are needed to prove the pathogenicity and diagnostic utility of these two pituitary proteins.


Subject(s)
Autoimmune Diseases/immunology , Human Growth Hormone/immunology , Immunoglobulin G/immunology , Pituitary Diseases/immunology , Pro-Opiomelanocortin/immunology , Aged , Amino Acid Sequence , Autoantibodies/isolation & purification , Autoantigens/isolation & purification , Humans , Inflammation/immunology , Male
10.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-21348819

ABSTRACT

The innate immune system plays an important role systemically and locally in infectious and inflammatory diseases. Vaccines, vaccine adjuvants and anti-inflammatory drugs were developed by understanding mechanisms of the innate immune system and causative factors of infection and inflammatory diseases. Pattern-recognition receptors, such as Toll-like receptors, retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I)-like helicases and nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain(NOD)-like receptors, and their downstream signals have great potential as targets of therapeutics because they are involved in numerous diseases. Furthermore, proteolytic systems such as autophagy and immunoproteasomes play important roles in the innate immune system, making them potential therapeutic targets also. By taking advantage of the immune system, humankind has made a great effort to develop new therapeutic and preventive medicines. Accordingly, we have reported several studies on the development of vaccines and adjuvants based on novel mechanistic strategies. Additionally, we have elucidated the mechanism underlying an interaction between innate immunity and the endocrine system. This review introduces the possible use of innate immune molecules for the development of immunomodulatory drugs and the involvement of the immune system in endocrine metabolic diseases to discuss future applications of innate immune molecules to therapeutics of various inflammatory diseases.


Subject(s)
Immunity, Innate/physiology , Infections/drug therapy , Inflammation/drug therapy , Animals , Autophagy , Drug Design , Endocrine System Diseases/drug therapy , Endocrine System Diseases/immunology , Humans , Immunity, Innate/drug effects , Infections/immunology , Inflammation/immunology , Metabolic Diseases/drug therapy , Metabolic Diseases/immunology , Nod Signaling Adaptor Proteins/immunology , Proteasome Endopeptidase Complex/immunology , Signal Transduction , Toll-Like Receptors/agonists
11.
Chemosphere ; 81(7): 876-83, 2010 Nov.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-20817219

ABSTRACT

Adsorption isotherms of BTX aromatic hydrocarbons (benzene, toluene, and p-xylene) on pristine (SiO2) and metal-doped (Ag-SiO2, Cu-SiO2 and Fe-SiO2) mesoporous and microporous substrates were measured and interpreted. These adsorbents were synthesized by the sol-gel procedure and their BTX sorption isotherms were obtained by the gas chromatographic technique (GC) at several temperatures in the range 423-593 K. The uptake amount of these hydrocarbon adsorptives on SiO2, Ag-SiO2, Cu-SiO2 and Fe-SiO2 mesoporous and microporous substrates was temperature-dependent. Additionally, the interaction of BTX molecules with the pore walls was evaluated by means of the corresponding isosteric heat of adsorption (qst), which was found to follow the next increasing sequence: qst (benzene)

Subject(s)
Benzene Derivatives/chemistry , Benzene/chemistry , Environmental Restoration and Remediation/methods , Silicon Dioxide/chemistry , Adsorption , Copper/chemistry , Iron/chemistry , Porosity , Silver/chemistry , Toluene/chemistry , Xylenes/chemistry
12.
J Photochem Photobiol B ; 101(3): 271-8, 2010 Dec 02.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-20728373

ABSTRACT

It has been suggested that low intensity laser therapy (LILT) acts on pulmonary inflammation. Thus, we investigate in this work if LILT (650nm, 2.5mW, 31.2mW/cm(2), 1.3J/cm(2), laser spot size of 0.08cm(2) and irradiation time of 42s) can attenuate edema, neutrophil recruitment and inflammatory mediators in acute lung inflammation. Thirty-five male Wistar rats (n=7 per group) were distributed in the following experimental groups: control, laser, LPS, LPS+laser and dexamethasone+LPS. Airway inflammation was measured 4h post-LPS challenge. Pulmonary microvascular leakage was used for measuring pulmonary edema. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) cellularity and myeloperoxidase (MPO) were used for measuring neutrophil recruitment and activation. RT-PCR was performed in lung tissue to assess mRNA expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), interleukin (IL-10), cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant-1 (CINC-1), macrophage inflammatory protein-2 (MIP-2) and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1). Protein levels in both BALF and lung were determined by ELISA. LILT inhibited pulmonary edema and endothelial cytoskeleton damage, as well as neutrophil influx and activation. Similarly, the LILT reduced the TNF-α and IL-1ß, in lung and BALF. LILT prevented lung ICAM-1 up-regulation. The rise of CINC-1 and MIP-2 protein levels in both lung and BALF, and the lung mRNA expressions for IL-10, were unaffected. Data suggest that the LILT effect is due to the inhibition of ICAM-1 via the inhibition of TNF-α and IL-1ß.


Subject(s)
Chemokines/metabolism , Cytokines/metabolism , Low-Level Light Therapy , Neutrophils/radiation effects , Pneumonia/radiotherapy , Acute Disease , Aerosols/chemistry , Animals , Anti-Inflammatory Agents/pharmacology , Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid , Chemokine CXCL1/genetics , Chemokine CXCL1/metabolism , Chemokine CXCL2/genetics , Chemokine CXCL2/metabolism , Chemokines/genetics , Cytokines/genetics , Dexamethasone/pharmacology , Disease Models, Animal , Escherichia coli/metabolism , Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1/genetics , Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1/metabolism , Interleukin-10/genetics , Interleukin-10/metabolism , Interleukin-1beta/genetics , Interleukin-1beta/metabolism , Lipopolysaccharides/toxicity , Lung/immunology , Lung/metabolism , Lung/pathology , Male , Neutrophils/metabolism , Peroxidase/metabolism , Rats , Rats, Wistar , Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/genetics , Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/metabolism
13.
J Hazard Mater ; 162(1): 254-63, 2009 Feb 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-18583031

ABSTRACT

Adsorption isotherms of chlorobenzene, chloroform and carbon tetrachloride vapors on undoped SiO(2), and metal-doped Ag/SiO(2), Cu/SiO(2) and Fe/SiO(2) substrates were measured in the temperature range of 398-593K. These substrates were prepared from a typical sol-gel technique in the presence of metal dopants that rendered an assortment of microporous-mesoporous solids. The relevant characteristic of these materials was the different porosities and micropore to mesopore volume ratios that were displayed; this was due to the effect that the cationic metal valence exerts on the size of the sol-gel globules that compose the porous solid. The texture of these SiO(2) materials was analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), FTIR, and diverse adsorption methods. The pore-size distributions of the adsorbents confirmed the existence of mesopores and supermicropores, while ultramicropores were absent. The Freundlich adsorption model approximately fitted the chlorinated compounds adsorption data on the silica substrates by reason of a heterogeneous energy distribution of adsorption sites. The intensity of the interaction between these organic vapors and the surface of the SiO(2) samples was analyzed through evaluation of the isosteric heat of adsorption and standard adsorption energy; from these last results it was evident that the presence of metal species within the silica structure greatly affected the values of both the amounts adsorbed as well as of the isosteric heats of adsorption.


Subject(s)
Carbon Tetrachloride/chemistry , Chlorobenzenes/chemistry , Chloroform/chemistry , Metals/chemistry , Adsorption , Algorithms , Chromatography, Gas , Copper/chemistry , Gels , Iron/chemistry , Nitrogen/chemistry , Porosity , Silicon Dioxide/chemistry , Silver/chemistry , Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared , Thermodynamics , X-Ray Diffraction
14.
Arch Environ Contam Toxicol ; 55(2): 262-9, 2008 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-18196193

ABSTRACT

Tissue-specific responses against oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation were analyzed in wild adult mullet (Liza saliens) caught in the Portuguese coastal lagoon Esmoriz-Paramos. Parameters measured were catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activities in liver and gill tissues and lipid peroxidation. The enzyme activities were related to gill histopathological alterations, as well as to heavy metals (Cu and Zn) concentrations in these tissues. Gill epithelium of L. saliens showed histological alterations, such as epithelial hyperplasia resulting in lamellar fusion, epithelial lifting, vasodilatation, and lamellar aneurisms, with a prevalence ranging from 62% to 92%. The highest Cu content was found in liver (379 mg x kg(-1)), while the highest Zn content was observed in gill (119 mg x kg(-1)). SOD and CAT activities showed differences between gill and liver. The highest activities found were SOD in gill (10.1 U/mg protein) and CAT in liver (39.2 mmol/min/mg protein). In gill, CAT activity was negatively related to both Cu levels and gill lifting, while a positive relationship was found between SOD activity and fish age. The positive relationship between Cu and CAT activity in liver suggests that an increase in metabolic level is related to Cu-induced oxidative stress. The decrease in gill CAT activity can be due to osmotic stress caused by damaged gill epithelium. CAT activity in liver is an appropriate biomarker of oxidative stress in the Esmoriz-Paramos lagoon.


Subject(s)
Gills/enzymology , Liver/enzymology , Oxidative Stress , Smegmamorpha/metabolism , Animals , Catalase/metabolism , Copper/metabolism , Epithelium/enzymology , Glutathione Transferase/metabolism , Lipid Peroxidation , Portugal , Superoxide Dismutase/metabolism , Water Pollutants, Chemical/metabolism , Zinc/metabolism
15.
Environ Monit Assess ; 136(1-3): 267-75, 2008 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-17447151

ABSTRACT

Esmoriz-Paramos lagoon is an ecosystem of great ecological importance that is located on the northwest coast of Portugal and has been degraded as a result of industrial and anthropogenic activities. Concentrations of heavy metals (Cr, Cu, Pb and Zn) were measured in water, sediment and in tissues (liver and muscle) of Liza saliens, which is the dominant fish from the lagoon. Comparisons between metal concentrations in water and sediments were made with those in tissues of fish caught at the lagoon. Metals in water were quantified predominantly bound to particulate and equalled or exceeded the limit of chronic reference values. Metal concentrations in sediments varied among sampled sites. The relative order of concentrations was "Zn > Cu approximately Pb > Cr" the same pattern observed for metals in water. Metals in fish tissues showed higher concentrations in liver (262 mg CuxKg(-1) and 89 mg ZnxKg(-1)) than in muscle (<3 mg CuxKg(-1) and 26 mg ZnxKg(-1)), while Pb and Cr were not detected. These results suggest that Cu and Zn are the metals of major concern in the lagoon. Mullet detritivorous feeding habits, bioaccumulation pattern and the high sediment metals concentrations relative to the water suggest that sediments can be the most important source of contamination in this ecosystem. The positive relationship found between Cu in liver and fish length demonstrates that time of exposure is a crucial factor in bioaccumulation. Condition indices (K and HSI) in mullets from the lagoon were higher compared to mullets from sea, suggesting abnormal condition in the lagoon population. We conclude that metals chronic exposure in the lagoon can impose considerable fish stress. The results also show that the lagoon is an area of environmental concern.


Subject(s)
Geologic Sediments/chemistry , Liver/chemistry , Metals, Heavy/analysis , Muscle, Skeletal/chemistry , Seawater/chemistry , Smegmamorpha/metabolism , Water Pollutants, Chemical/analysis , Animals , Environmental Monitoring , Humans , Portugal , Smegmamorpha/anatomy & histology
16.
Environ Monit Assess ; 145(1-3): 315-22, 2008 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-18058033

ABSTRACT

The Esmoriz-Paramos lagoon is one important ecosystem located in the Northwest coast of Portugal. This study is concerned with the assessment of pollution of the lagoon contributed by urban, industrial and agricultural activities. The parameters selected for this aim were the occurrence of hepatic histological alterations and plasma blood biochemistry in Liza saliens, the dominant fish in this lagoon. Blood parameters were compared between mullets collected from the lagoon and from the sea and included plasma enzyme activities (aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP)), glucose (GLU) and total protein (TP). A positive relationship between hepatocyte vacuolization index and hepatosomatic index was found, suggesting that lipid accumulation could have contributed to the increase of liver weight. The hepatic alterations recorded included general diagnostic categories and additionally large areas of heterogeneous parenchyma, composed of hepatocytes with different spectrum of vacuolization. Liver histopathological evaluation revealed a sample prevalence of 34% for heterogeneous parenchyma, 31% for foci of necrosis and 9% for non-neoplastic lesions. No neoplastic lesions were found. Livers with heterogeneous parenchyma showed higher Cu and Zn content than livers without this category of lesion, suggesting that metals accumulated could trigger this hepatic alteration. AST was higher in mullets from the lagoon than in mullets from the sea, but no differences in ALP and ALT were found, suggesting a change in protein metabolism as an adaptive response to metals exposure. The higher glucose and protein contents observed in fish caught in the lagoon are consistent with a stress response and the measurement of plasma AST activity could be a sensitive indicator of lagoon fish stress. In conclusion, Esmoriz-Paramos lagoon biomonitorization, using indicator species will proceed to assess the impact of the restoration program under development by the Portuguese government.


Subject(s)
Environmental Monitoring/methods , Liver/drug effects , Water Pollutants, Chemical/toxicity , Alanine Transaminase/blood , Alkaline Phosphatase/blood , Animals , Aspartate Aminotransferases/blood , Blood Glucose/analysis , Blood Proteins/analysis , Fishes , Liver/metabolism , Liver/pathology , Portugal
17.
J Photochem Photobiol B ; 89(1): 50-5, 2007 Nov 12.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-17920925

ABSTRACT

It has been suggested that low-level laser therapy (LLLT) can modulate inflammatory processes. The aim of this experiment was to investigate what effects red laser irradiation with two different wavelengths (660 nm and 684 nm) on carrageenan-induced rat paw edema and histology. Thirty two male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups. One group received a sterile saline injection, while inflammation was induced by a sub-plantar injection of carrageenan (1 mg/paw) in the three other groups. After 1 h, LLLT was administered to the paw in two of the carrageenan-injected groups. Continuous wave 660 nm and 684 nm red lasers respectively with mean optical outputs of 30 mW and doses of 7.5 J/cm(2) were used. The 660 nm and 684 nm laser groups developed significantly (p<0.01) less edema (0.58 ml [SE+/-0.17] ml and 0.76 ml [SE+/-0.10] respectively) than the control group (1.67 ml [SE+/-0.19]) at 4h after injections. Similarly, both laser groups showed a significantly lower number of inflammatory cells in the muscular and conjunctive sub-plantar tissues than the control group. We conclude that both 660 nm and 684 nm red wavelengths of LLLT are effective in reducing edema formation and inflammatory cell migration when a dose of 7.5 J/cm(2) is used.


Subject(s)
Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal/therapeutic use , Carrageenan , Color , Edema/chemically induced , Edema/radiotherapy , Foot Diseases/radiotherapy , Low-Level Light Therapy , Animals , Cell Count , Edema/pathology , Edema/veterinary , Foot Diseases/chemically induced , Foot Diseases/pathology , Lasers, Semiconductor/therapeutic use , Male , Muscles/cytology , Muscles/pathology , Muscles/radiation effects , Rats , Rats, Wistar
19.
Ecotoxicol Environ Saf ; 66(3): 426-31, 2007 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-16620977

ABSTRACT

Heavy metal (Cu and Zn) concentrations in liver, gills, and muscle of leaping grey mullet, Liza saliens, from the Portuguese Esmoriz-Paramos coastal lagoon were measured to evaluate their bioaccumulation as a function of sediment contamination. The highest metal concentrations were observed in the liver (254 mg Cu kg(-1)) and gills (114 mg Zn kg(-1)). Bioaccumulation factors (BAFs) were found to follow the order: Cu-liver>Cu-gills>Cu-muscle and Zn-gills>Zn-liver>Zn-muscle. The highest BAFs were observed in the organs mainly implicated in metal metabolism and a significant positive relationship was found between BAFs and fish age. These results suggest the loss of homeostatic capacity of L. saliens under chronic metal exposure leading to bioaccumulation. Furthermore, Cu-liver and Zn-gills accumulation can be good environmental indicators of metal stress in L. saliens.


Subject(s)
Copper/metabolism , Smegmamorpha/metabolism , Water Pollutants, Chemical/metabolism , Zinc/metabolism , Animals , Environmental Monitoring , Geologic Sediments/analysis , Gills/metabolism , Liver/metabolism , Muscles/metabolism , Portugal , Seawater
20.
Rev. fac. odontol. Univ. Fed. Bahia ; 33: 27-32, jul.-dez. 2006. ilus
Article in Portuguese | BBO - Dentistry | ID: biblio-858063

ABSTRACT

Com a finalidade de obter uma reparação óssea capaz de suportar cargas para implantes, são utilizados enxertos de osso autógeno que apresentam superioridade sobre outros. O uso de laser e BMP como bioestimuladores da reparação óssea são freqüentemente utilizados. Foram selecionados oito pacientes com necessidades de enxerto ósseo para instalação de implantes na região da maxila anterior. A àrea doadora autógena foi a sínfise mentoniana. Após 150 dias, por ocasião da cirurgia óssea de colocação do implante, foi removida a região da interface enxerto-leito com auxílio de uma broca trefina de 3mm de diâmetro. Os resultados mostraram a formação de um tecido ósseo do tipo compacto com grandes cavidades medulares. Observou-se maior número de osteócitos nos grupos tratados. O tecido medular apresentou-se com aspecto fibroso nos grupos G2 e G4. Concluímos, assim, que o uso isolado de BMP e isolado de laser estimulam a proliferação celular e o uso conjugado de ambos potencializam seus efeitos.


Subject(s)
Humans , Bone Remodeling , Lasers
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