Total mercury and selenium levels in commercial shrimp along the Pacific coast of Mexico.

The present study analyzed the content of total mercury (THg) and selenium (Se) in the muscle of shrimp collected from local markets in the 11 Pacific coastal states of Mexico. Methylmercury (MeHg) concentration, Se:Hg ratio, health benefits value from selenium consumption (HBVSe) and the permissible weekly consumption were estimated to assess the health risk to consumers. All THg and Se concentrations were below the maximum permissible limits. All hazard quotient (HQ) values were <1, however in Hermosillo, Culiacán and Guadalajara, the Se:Hg ratio and HBVSe were <1 and negative, due to the low concentrations of Se. As a general conclusion, there is no risk nor benefit from the consumption of shrimp from the Pacific coast of Mexico due to its Hg and Se content.

Total Mercury and Selenium in wild Shrimp from Coastal Lagoons of Northwest Mexico: Human Health risk Assessment.

This study analyzed total mercury (THg), and selenium (Se) in edible tissues of white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei), blue shrimp (L. stylirostris) and brown shrimp (F. californiensis), from three states of the Northwest of Mexico in September and October 2017. Concentrations of THg and Se in the muscle were between 0.026 and 0.829 and 0.126-1.741 µg/g dry weight (dw), respectively. Significant differences were observed among Hg concentration of Sonora and Nayarit and among Se concentration of Sinaloa and Nayarit. In addition, the health risk assessment (HQ) in the three species of shrimp was between 0.550 and 0.607. All Se:Hg molar ratios were > 1 and positive HBVSe values that showed that shrimp from Northwest of Mexico does not represent a risk to human health.

Midiendo el espectro de los trastornos del lenguaje a los trastornos del espectro autista: Consenso Latinoamericano Delphi Modificado / Measuring the spectrum from language disorders to autism spectrum disorders: modified Delphi Latin American Consensus

INTRODUCCIÓN: Existen diferentes posturas en cuanto a la delimitación entre los trastornos del lenguaje y de la comunicación; sobre todo al acuñar las definiciones, sus limitantes y particularmente poder medir los pronósticos y diferentes procesos a lo largo del neurodesarrollo. El presente consenso busca unir las diferentes visiones de la región latinoamericana sobre los Trastornos del Desarrollo del Lenguaje (TDL) y Trastornos del Espectro Autista (TEA), homologar taxonomías y evolución a lo largo de los primeros años de vida. MÉTODO: Se realizó un estudio Delphi Modificado para llegar a un consenso sobre la definición más adecuada y diagnóstico temprano de los TDL y TEA. RESULTADOS: Un total de 34 profesionales de 11 países de la región aceptaron la invitación para participar en el consenso e incluyó a distintos especialistas a cargo del cuidado de estos pacientes. Se realizaron dos rondas de evaluación llegando a un acuerdo y consenso en todos los ítems. CONCLUSIONES: El término "Riesgo para Trastornos de la Comunicación y del Lenguaje" es creado para referirse a los niños que no caen en ninguna categoría diagnóstica en etapas tempranas del desarrollo. Consideramos que tanto el uso de este término como el del resto de los mismos, alcanzados por consenso, permitirá coincidir en distintos puntos para la caracterización del TDL y TEA, todo ello contribuirá a evaluar de forma más específica cuáles son las intervenciones adecuadas que mejoren el pronóstico y modifiquen las trayectorias del desarrollo de esta población en nuestra región.

INTRODUCTION: There are different points of view regarding the delimitation between language and communication disorders; especially when establishing the definitions, their limitations and above all being able to measure prognoses and different processes throughout neurodevelopment. The present consensus seeks to unify the different points of view of the Latin American region on Language Development Disorders (LDD) and Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), standardize the taxonomies and evolution throughout the first years of life. METHOD: A Modified Delphi study was carried out to reach a consensus on the most adequate definition and early diagnosis of TDL and ASD. RESULTS: A total of 34 professionals from 11 countries in the region accepted the invitation to participate in the consensus and included different specialists in charge of the care of these patients. Two rounds of evaluation were carried out, reaching an agreement and consensus on all items. CONCLUSIONS: The term "Risk for Communication and Language Disorders" is created to refer to children who do not fall into any diagnostic category in early stages of development. We consider that using this term as well as the rest of the terms reached by consensus in the present work will allow to match in different points for the characterization of TDL and ASD, this will contribute to a more specific evaluation regarding the appropriate interventions to improve prognosis and modify development trajectories of this population in our region.

Relationships of inflamm-aging with circulating nutrient levels, body composition, age, and pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction in a senior horse population.

Similarly to aged humans, senior horses (≥20 years) exhibit chronic low-grade inflammation systemically, known as inflamm-aging. Inflamm-aging in the senior horse has been characterized by increased circulating inflammatory cytokines as well as increased inflammatory cytokine production by lymphocytes and monocytes in response to a mitogen. Little is currently known regarding underlying causes of inflamm-aging. However, senior horses are also known to present with muscle wasting and often the endocrinopathy pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID). Despite the concurrence of these phenomena, the relationships inflamm-aging may have with measures of body composition and pituitary function in the horse remain unknown. Furthermore, nutrition has been a focus of research in an attempt to promote health span as well as life span in senior horses, with some nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids, having known anti-inflammatory effects. Thus, an exploratory study of a population of n = 42 similarly-managed senior horses was conducted to determine relationships between inflamm-aging and measures of circulating nutrients, body composition, age, and PPID. Serum was collected to determine vitamin, mineral, and fatty acid content. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were also isolated to determine inflammatory cytokine production of interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) following stimulation with a mitogen, as well as to determine gene expression of interleukin(IL)-1ß, IL-6, IL-10, IFN-γ, and TNF-α. Serum IL-6 and C-reactive protein were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Whole blood was collected for hematological and biochemical analysis. Body composition was evaluated via ultrasound and muscle scoring for all 42 horses as well as by deuterium oxide dilution for a subset of n = 10 horses. Pituitary function was evaluated by measuring basal adrenocorticotropin hormone concentrations as well as by thyrotropin releasing hormone stimulation testing (to determine PPID status). Results showed various relationships between inflammatory markers and the other variables measured. Most notably, docosadienoic acid (C22:2n6c), docosapentaenoic acid (C22:5n3c), and folate were positively associated with numerous inflammatory parameters (P ≤ 0.05). Although no relationships were found between inflamm-aging and PPID, being positive for PPID was negatively associated with vitamin B12 (P ≤ 0.01). No relationships between inflammation and body composition were found. Even within this senior horse population, age was associated with multiple parameters, particularly with numerous inflammatory cytokines and fatty acids. In summary, inflamm-aging exhibited relationships with various other parameters examined, particularly with certain fatty acids. This exploratory study provides insights into physiological changes associated with inflamm-aging in the senior horse.

Effects of Docosahexaenoic Acid-Rich Microalgae Supplementation on Metabolic and Inflammatory Parameters in Horses With Equine Metabolic Syndrome.

Much of the equine population is obese and therefore predisposed to the development of additional health concerns such as equine metabolic syndrome (EMS). However, pharmacologic treatments for EMS are limited. Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation is a therapeutic strategy in humans with metabolic dysfunction that improves insulin sensitivity and reduces inflammation, but the effects of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation in horses with EMS are unclear. Therefore, in this pilot study, 10 mixed-sex and mixed-breed horses with EMS were fed a docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)-rich microalgae containing 16 g DHA/horse/d or served as controls for 46 days. Inflammatory status was measured using serologic enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) using flow cytometry and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Circulating fatty acids, triglyceride, leptin, and adiponectin concentrations were also determined. Insulin and glucose dynamics were assessed with oral sugar test (OST) and frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance testing. Postsupplementation, treated horses had an increase in many circulating fatty acids, including DHA (P < .001). Treated horses also had lower serum triglycerides postsupplementation (P = .02) and a trend (P = .07) for reduced PBMC tumor necrosis factor α. Interestingly, after 46 days, control horses had an increase in insulin responses to the OST (P = .01), whereas treated horses did not (P = .69). These pilot data indicate that DHA-rich microalgae supplementation alters circulating fatty acids, modulates metabolic parameters, and may reduce inflammation in horses with EMS.

Do day-to-day finances play a role in relationship satisfaction? A dyadic investigation.

Prior researchers have found consistent links between financial issues and relationship outcomes. Yet, because most research is cross-sectional or examines these constructs over longer periods of time (e.g., years), the microlevel processes of how and when these changes occur are unclear. In the present study, we use interdependence theory as a guide to examine the daily fluctuations of financial satisfaction and stress as well as their daily associations with relationship quality in married and unmarried heterosexual couples. Using a dyadic 14-day daily diary research design, we found both financial satisfaction and stress demonstrated significant within-person fluctuations, with women demonstrating greater volatility in financial satisfaction than men. Given that individuals varied in their perceptions of financial satisfaction and stress from day to day, we then examined how these fluctuations were associated with daily relationship satisfaction. We expected financial satisfaction would be positively associated with relationship satisfaction for both actors and partners, whereas financial stress would be negatively associated for both actors and partners. Hypotheses were partially supported. Unmarried women's daily financial satisfaction was associated with increased relationship quality for both themselves (marginal) as well as their partners. An unexpected pattern for unmarried men's financial satisfaction was found; their increased financial satisfaction was associated with decreased relationship satisfaction. Increased financial stress was associated with decreased relationship satisfaction for unmarried men and married women (actor effects). We discuss implications for research and practice. (PsycINFO Database Record

Effects of advanced age on whole-body protein synthesis and skeletal muscle mechanistic target of rapamycin signaling in horses.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of advanced age on whole-body protein synthesis and activation of the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway in skeletal muscle of horses. ANIMALS: Six 22- to 26-year-old (aged) and six 7- to 14-year-old (mature) horses. PROCEDURES: Whole-body protein synthesis was measured with a 2-hour primed constant infusion of (13)C sodium bicarbonate, followed by a 4-hour primed constant infusion of 1-(13)C phenylalanine. After the infusions, a biopsy specimen was obtained from a gluteus medius muscle and activation of protein kinase B (Akt), p70 riboprotein S6 kinase (S6K1), riboprotein S6 (rpS6), and eukaryotic initiation factor 4E binding protein 1 (4EBP1) was determined with western immunoblot analysis. For all horses, inflammatory cytokine expression in muscle and blood samples was measured with quantitative real-time PCR analysis. RESULTS: Advanced age had no effect on whole-body protein synthesis or the phosphorylation of Akt, rpS6, and 4EBP1; however, muscle specimens of aged horses had 42% lower phosphorylation of S6K1 than did those of mature horses. Aged and mature horses had similar inflammatory cytokine expression in muscle and blood samples. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The lower S6K1 activation for aged horses, compared with that for mature horses, could be indicative of low rates of muscle protein synthesis in aged horses. However, advanced age had no effect on any other indicators of whole-body or muscle protein synthesis or on measures of systemic or muscle inflammation, which suggested that protein metabolism and subsequently requirements may not differ between healthy mature and aged horses.

Characterization of the inflammatory response to anthelmintic treatment of ponies with cyathostominosis.

Cyathostomins can cause a severe inflammation of equine large intestine characterized by substantial ventral edema and pronounced protein loss. Anthelmintic treatment of horses can result in a localized inflammatory response in the colonic mucosa of clinically normal horses. The aim of this study was to evaluate the systemic inflammatory response of ponies naturally infected with cyathostomins to single dose representatives of three anthelmintic drug classes, namely, oxibendazole, pyrantel pamoate, and moxidectin. Thirty ponies aged between 1 and 18 years of age were allocated to one of three anthelmintic treatments groups. Anthelmintic efficacy was evaluated using the fecal egg count reduction test performed weekly between 2 and 8 weeks post-treatment. Inflammatory responses were evaluated on days 0, 1, 3, 5, and 14 after treatment using hematology, measurement of the acute phase inflammatory markers serum amyloid A, fibrinogen, haptoglobin, and iron, and real-time PCR measurement of expression of the genes for interleukins 1-ß and -10, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interferon-γ. There were subtle inflammatory responses to treatment, but cytokine expression was significantly associated with the interaction term between treatment group and anthelmintic efficacy (P<0.05). Of the acute phase markers, only fibrinogen associated with treatment group. The findings suggest that systemic inflammatory responses subsequent to anthelmintic treatment of cyathostomin infection are minimal. It is possible that this response is 'buffered' by anti-inflammatory products of the parasites and/or the anti-inflammatory effects of the macrocyclic lactones.

The promoter region of interferon-gamma is hypermethylated in neonatal foals and its demethylation is associated with increased gene expression.

While born with a limited production, foals' interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) expression increases after birth. The underlying mechanisms remain unknown. DNA methylation is considered to be involved. Therefore, the DNA methylation status of the Ifng promoter in CD4(+) cells from neonatal foal was determined using a methylation-specific PCR (MSP), and its relevance to IFN-γ mRNA expression was estimated. The effect of environment on the DNA methylation was also evaluated by comparing ponies that were kept in a barn versus those on pasture. The DNA in the Ifng promoter was hypermethylated and its demethylation was correlated with an increase in IFN-γ mRNA expression and age. This age-associated demethylation was accelerated by barn-air exposure. In conclusion, IFN-γ expression in foals appears to be controlled by DNA methylation in the promoter region of Ifng. The age-associated demethylation of the DNA in foals may be induced by exposure to environmental antigens and their effect on lymphoproliferation.

The role of proliferation in the regulation of interferon gamma (IFNγ) expression in foals.

Interferon-gamma (IFNγ) plays an important role against viral and intracellular bacterial infections and its production is deficient in foals. Cellular proliferation provides an opportunity for de novo gene expression, though little is known about its role in regulating IFNγ expression in foals. While stimulation of foal peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) with concanavalin A (ConA) increased the frequency of IFNγ(+) cells, the overall percentage of IFNγ(+) cells remained below that of adults. By contrast, the proliferative response of foal PBMC was significantly greater than that of the adults. In foals, IFNγ production was predominantly associated with those T cells that underwent proliferation, whereas in adults non-dividing cells also produced IFNγ. While treatment with hydroxyurea inhibited cellular division, it failed to completely block IFNγ production. This residual IFNγ production likely represented memory cells as the proportion of these proliferation-independent IFNγ(+) cells increased with foal age. However, memory cells may not account for all of the IFNγ production as ConA stimulation likely provided additional signals that can control IFNγ expression.

The effect of environment on interferon-gamma production in neonatal foals.

While interferon-gamma (IFNγ) plays an important role in protection against viral and intracellular bacterial infections, its production in neonates is deficient. Exposure to environmental antigens can promote the maturation of the immune system of neonatal humans and mice. We hypothesize that exposure to high level of microbial components would increase the production of IFNγ in neonatal foals. To test this hypothesis, one group of foals was placed into stalls three times a week for 8 weeks. A second group of foals remained on pasture. Air samples were collected from the barn and pasture for microbial culture. There were more bacteria and fungi in the air samples collected from the barn compared with those from the pasture. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cells and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were collected from both groups of foals at various times to assess IFNγ production. The frequency of IFNγ(+) lymphocytes in BAL cells and PBMC was higher for foals kept in the stalls.

The Box-Benkhen experimental design for the optimization of the electrocatalytic treatment of wastewaters with high concentrations of phenol and organic matter.

In this work, the Box-Benkhen experimental Design (BBD) was applied for the optimization of the parameters of the electrocatalytic degradation of wastewaters resulting from a phenolic resins industry placed in the suburbs of Medellin (Colombia). The direct and the oxidant assisted electro-oxidation experiments were carried out in a laboratory scale batch cell reactor, with monopolar configuration, and electrodes made of graphite (anode) and titanium (cathode). A multifactorial experimental design was proposed, including the following experimental variables: initial phenol concentration, conductivity, and pH. The direct electro-oxidation process allowed to reach ca. 88% of phenol degradation, 38% of mineralization (TOC), 52% of Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) degradation, and an increase in water biodegradability of 13%. The synergetic effect of the electro-oxidation process and the respective oxidant agent (Fenton reactant, potassium permanganate, or sodium persulfate) let to a significant increase in the rate of the degradation process. At the optimized variables values, it was possible to reach ca. 99% of phenol degradation, 80% of TOC and 88% of COD degradation. A kinetic study was accomplished, which included the identification of the intermediate compounds generated during the oxidation process.