Bioconcentration and translocation of Cd and Hg in a tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) from cultivated soils in southeastern Brazil.

Food is the main source of toxic metals like mercury (Hg) and cadmium (Cd) to humans. This study evaluated the accumulation and translocation of Cd and Hg in a soil-plant system in four tomato plantations and assessed the risk associated with ingestion of these metals. Ten soil samples (rhizosphere) and 10 samples of plant tissues (leaf, ripe fruit, green fruit, and roots) were collected in each plantation. Spatial variation in Cd and Hg concentrations was negligible. The Cd level in rhizosphere was lower in comparison with that of plant tissues. Hg levels in rhizosphere were similar to roots and higher than the value observed in aerial parts of plants. The Cd bioconcentration factor was approximately five times higher compared to that of Hg. Approximately 93% and 48.6% of Cd and Hg accumulated in roots reached aerial parts, respectively. Our results indicate that tomato readily absorbs Cd accumulated in soil, translocating it to aerial parts. Comparatively, the absorption of Hg is not efficient. Levels of Cd in tomatoes were over 17 times higher than the maximum residual levels in 57.5% of ripe fruits and in 27.5% of green tomatoes.

Total Hg and methylmercury dynamics in a river-floodplain system in the Western Amazon: Influence of seasonality, organic matter and physical and chemical parameters.

Total mercury (Hg) and methylmercury (MeHg) circulation in a connected river-floodplain system composed of two black water (a small forest river, igarapé, and Cuniã Lake) and a white water body (Madeira River), located in the Madeira River Basin were evaluated during the rising-water, early and late falling-water periods. We assessed organic matter (C and N composition, (C:N)a; and δ13C isotopic signature), and physical and chemical influences (pH, dissolved O2, electric conductivity) in relationship to Hg and MeHg concentrations. Hg and MeHg concentrations in a sediment profile and three aquatic macrophytes (E. crassipes, E. azuera and Oryza sp.) were measured. Igarapé and Cuniã Lake showed higher Hg and MeHg concentrations (115-709; 10-25 ng g-1) in the suspended particulate matter compared (SPM) compared to the Madeira River (Hg: 5-16; MeHg: 0.2-0.3 ng g-1), partially independent of seasonality (p = 0.06). Total Hg had higher affinity for the SPM (1.75 times) than for dissolved organic matter. Organic matter characteristics correlated with MeHg concentrations (δ13C and (C:N)a; r2 = 0.79; p < 0.0001), as well as physical and chemical parameters of the water column (dissolved O2 and pH; r2 = 0.80; p < 0.0001), demonstrating that physical and chemical changes between the river-floodplain system affect MeHg circulation and production. The inverse correlation of MeHg and SO42- concentrations (r2 = 0.73; p < 0.0001) suggests the action of sulfate-reducing bacteria. Total Hg and MeHg concentrations as well as %MeHg were detected in the sediment profile (Hg: 24-51; MeHg: 0.6-3.2 ng g-1; %MeHg: 1.8-6.2) and aquatic macrophytes (Hg: 1-30; MeHg: 0.3-7.5 ng g-1; %MeHg: 1.6-33.7). We conclude that the highest Hg and MeHg concentrations in Cuniã Lake, compared to the Madeira River, are due to the physical and chemical differences between these environments.

Evolving role of radiolabeled particles in detecting infection and inflammation, preliminary data with 99mTc-phytate in rats.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of phytate radiolabeled with technetium-99m (Tc-phytate) to identify inflammatory processes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Radiolabeling efficiency analyses were carried out by thin-layer chromatography on silica gel strips, yielding a radiochemical purity of 92%. In addition, the partition coefficient of Tc-phytate, obtained in a mixture of n-octanol/water (1 : 1), showed hydrophilic features of the radiopharmaceutical. After Tc-phytate was administered into the tail vein of healthy and inflammation focus-bearing rats, induced, in the right tight, by zymosan suspension at 5% (w/v), blood clearance evaluation was performed and showed a short plasma half-life (2.7 min). In the inflammation focus-bearing rats, Tc-phytate scintigraphic images were obtained at 2, 4, and 8 h after radiotracer injection. RESULTS: A significant radiopharmaceutical uptake was found in mononuclear phagocyte system organs (liver and spleen) and in the inflammation focus (compared with contralateral muscle). Histopathological analysis showed an intense mononuclear infiltration in the inflamed muscle, suggesting that macrophages may be responsible for the greater radiotracer uptake in the inflamed site. Furthermore, the target-to-nontarget ratio (%ID/g of inflamed muscle-to-%ID/g of control muscle ratio) obtained by scintigraphic images performed at 2 h after the radiotracer injection was 10.24±3.49, remaining without any significant difference at 4 and 8 h. CONCLUSION: Inflammation focus was evident in the scintigraphic images from 2 to 8 h after Tc-phytate administration, suggesting that this radiopharmaceutical could be a potential alternative to identify inflamed regions.

Evaluation of different methods of cryopreservation of Ehrlich tumor cells.

BACKGROUND: The Ehrlich Ascitic Carcinoma (EAC) is an experimental transplantable neoplasm that develops in several species of mice. The maintenance of the tumor occurs in vivo. Thus, freezing the cells would reduce the number of passages between animals, ensuring genetic stability and storage for longs period of experimentation. OBJECTIVE: Search by EAC cryoprotectants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The combinations of nutrient medium (Tris, hen egg yolk, and DEMEN) and cryoprotective agent (Glicerol, Trehalose and DMSO) on freezing EAC cells and the transplantability after defrosting were evaluated. The cooling was conducted at 2 C/min. until -180 degree C and the thawing by immersion in water at 37 degree C. The transplantability was evaluated from cell inoculation in mice for 14 days. RESULTS: The best results were the associations IA (Cryoprotective agent Glycerol 6 % and medium containing 3.0 % Tris w / v, 1.8 % Citric acid w / v, 1.3 % D-fructose w / v and 20 % hen egg yolk v / v) and IIB (Cryoprotective agent Trehalose 100mM and medium containing 50 % coconut water v / v, 25 % sodium citrate 5 % v / v and 20 % hen egg yolk v / v) with 85.2 % and 55.1 % viable cells, respectively. CONCLUSION: These transplantable cells were efficient for tumor development, therefore demonstrating that this method of cryopreservation is simple and affordable.

Canine low-grade intra-orbital myxosarcoma: case report.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate important clinical, morphological, histopathological, histochemical, and immunohistochemical characteristics in order to establish the diagnosis and prognosis of a low-grade intra-orbital myxosarcoma. ANIMAL STUDIED: A mongrel dog presented a 2-year history of a neoplastic mass behind the right eye. RESULTS: The neoplasm presented a mesenchymal spindle and stellate cell proliferation with an abundant myxoid matrix, moderate anisocariosis, and a low mitotic index. It stained positive for vimentin, moderately positive for periodic acid-Schiff, and negative for Gomori trichrome stain and α-smooth muscle actin. CONCLUSIONS: One year following surgical excision, the patient remains disease free. The histological findings established a diagnosis of a rare canine intra-orbital low-grade myxosarcoma.

Encapsulation of cisplatin in long-circulating and pH-sensitive liposomes improves its antitumor effect and reduces acute toxicity.

Cisplatin (CDDP) is one of the most effective and potent anticancer drugs used as first-line chemotherapy against several solid tumors. However, the severe side effects and its tendency to provoke chemoresistance often limit CDDP therapy. To avoid these inconveniences, the present study's research group developed long-circulating and pH-sensitive liposomes containing CDDP (SpHL-CDDP). The present study aimed to evaluate the antitumor effect and toxicity of SpHL-CDDP, as compared with that of free CDDP, and long-circulating and non- pH-sensitive liposomes containing CDDP (NSpHL-CDDP), after their intravenous administration in solid Ehrlich tumor-bearing mice. Antitumor activity was evaluated by analysis of tumor volume and growth inhibition ratio, serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels, and histomorphometric and immunohistochemical studies. Body weight variation and the histological examination of bone marrow and kidneys were used as toxicity indicators. A significant reduction in the tumor volume and a higher tumor growth inhibition ratio was observed after SpHL-CDDP treatment, compared with free CDDP and NSpHL-CDDP treatments. In addition, complete remission of the tumor was detected in 18.2% of the mice treated with SpHL- CDDP (16 mg/kg). As such, the administration of SpHL-CDDP, as compared with free CDDP and NSpHL-CDDP, led to a decrease in the area of necrosis and in the percentage of positive CDC 47 tumor cells. A significant reduction in the VEGF serum level was also observed after SpHL-CDDP treatment, as compared with free-CDDP treatment. SpHL-CDDP administered in a two-fold higher dose than that of free CDDP presented a loss in body weight and changes in the hematopoietic tissue morphology, which proved to be similar to that of free CDDP. No changes could be verified in the renal tissue after any formulations containing CDDP had been administered. These findings showed that SpHL-CDDP allowed for the administration of higher doses of CDDP, significantly improving its antitumor effect.

Total mercury, organic mercury and selenium in liver and kidney of a South American coastal dolphin.

Selenium and total and organic mercury were determined in the liver and kidney of franciscana dolphin (Pontoporia blainvillei) incidentally caught in fishing nets along two Brazilian coastal areas (southeast and south). Regional differences in the concentrations of these contaminants were observed in P. blainvillei. Liver showed the highest organic and total mercury. In general, samples of individuals collected at the southern of Brazil had the highest concentrations of selenium and total and organic mercury. No significant gender differences were observed. Growth stage influenced the accumulation of these contaminants in both organs, and hepatic concentrations increased with the body length, according to the sampling area. Molar mercury and selenium concentrations in liver were significantly correlated, with a Se:Hg ratio close to 4. The among-site differences we found may be related to differences in preferred prey, bioavailability in the marine environment, environmental conditions, or these individuals may belong to distinct populations.

Ecological and biological determinants of trace elements accumulation in liver and kidney of Pontoporia blainvillei.

The present work tested whether ecological and biological variables have an influence on the assimilation of trace elements by the tissues of a cetacean from the Western South Atlantic Ocean. No significant differences were observed in the concentrations for both sexes. As individuals from the two sampling areas belong to distinct genetic and morphological populations, animals of similar body length were older on the southeastern than on the southern coast. The liver showed the highest concentrations of mercury, whereas the highest levels of cadmium were found in the kidney. Hepatic mercury, cadmium and selenium in individuals from the south coast were about four times as high as those from the southeast coast. However, arsenic in the liver and kidney were similar in both coastal areas. Hepatic mercury, cadmium and selenium concentrations increased with body length in individuals from the southeastern coast, although no significant correlations (P>0.05) were observed between body length from either area and the renal and hepatic As concentrations. A significant positive linear relationship was observed between molar concentrations of Hg and Se in the liver of all individuals from both areas (r2=0.93; P<0.001), presenting Se:Hg ratios close to 4. Differences found among the concentrations of Hg, Cd and Se in dolphins from both areas were probably due to the preferred prey, bioavailability of elements in each marine environment, and environment variables (water temperature, net primary production). As a consequence, concentrations of trace elements in the tissues of this species can be considered to be a result of the surrounding environment.

Pulmonary paracoccidioidomycosis in the pneumology unit of general hospital in Recife (Brasil) I

Para determinar la presencia de hongos en muestras clínicas de vías respiratorias, fueron pesquisadas 322 pacientes con pneumopatías internos en la unidad de neumología del Hospital General Otavio de Freitas, Recife,pe, Brasil. Se diagnosticaron 7 casos de paracoccidioidomicosis (2,1 porciento), todos del sexo masculino y relacionados a trabajos rurales. En 6 casos se constató diagnóstico errado entre tuberculosis pulmonar y paracocidioidomicosis pulmonar; en un caso fué comprobada la asociación de estas 2 neumopatías

Flocculation and fermentation capacity of strains of saccharomyces stored at mycotheca-urm.I

Cepas de Saccharomyces mantenidas en la micoteca-URM, fueron estudiadas en relación a su capacidad de fermentar y flocular en una solución acuosa de melaza a 18º Brix. De estas, 11 pertenecian a S. cerevisiae y 1 a S.kluyveri. El mayor contenido de etanol (6,02 porciento v/v) fue obtenido con la cepa 1460 y el menor (1,39 porciento v/v) con la 2664. Los menores porcentaje de células que permanecen en suspensión (R porciento), 65,82 porciento, 65,31 porciento, 41,66 porciento y 55,55 porciento, fueron obtenidos respectivamente con las cepas 2659, 2624, 2716 y 1337, indicando una mayor intensidad de floculación. Las cepas 2659 y 2716 produjeron una mayor concentración de etanol. Los resultados indican que una cepa de Saccharomyces puede o no expresar conjuntamente una buena capacidad de fermentación y floculación

Effect of ph and temperature on the fermentation and flocculation capacity of strains of saccharomyces stored at mycotheca-urm. II

Se determinó el efecto conjunto del ph del medio de cultivo (solución acuosa al 10 porciento de melaza) y de la temperatura de incubación, en la expresión de la capacidad de fermentación y floculación de 12 cepas de Saccharomyces conservadas en la Micoteca-URM. De estas, 11 pertenecen a S. cerevisiae y 1 a S. Kluyvery. Se utilizaron dos valores de ph (4,5 y 5) y 3 temperaturas: 28ºC no es igual a 1ºC (temperatura ambiente), 25ºC y 37ºC. Todas las cepas fermentaron en los dos ph y a las tres temperaturas, variando en relación al período de fermentación. Sin embargo, los períodos de floculación y fermentación mostraron variación frente a ambos parámetros

Sputum colonization by candida in patients of the pneumology unit of general hospital in Recife (Brasil). II

Se pesquisaron 322 pacientes internados en la unidad de neumología del Hospital Geral Otovio de freitas, Recife, PE, Brasil, para determinar la colonización por Candida en el esputo. De estos, 225 correspondían al sexo masculino y 97 al femenino. La colonización fue diagnosticada en 25 pacientes(7,7 porciento) del sexo masculino y 9 (2,8 porciento) del femenino. De los 25 casos detectados, 15 estaban asociados solamente a tuberculosis pulmonar, 5 a tuberculosis pulmonar y otra neumopatía, 2 a bronquiectasia, 1 a cancer pulmonar, 1 a fístula arteriovenosa y 1 a infección respiratoria