Assessment of sulfonamide contamination in aquatic environments: A first report for Argentina and environmental risk assessment.

The global surge in pharmaceutical consumption, driven by increasing population and the demand for animal proteins, leads to the discharge of diverse pollutants, including antibiotic residues, into water bodies. Sulfonamides, being water-soluble compounds, can readily enter surface run-off, posing potential risks to non-target species despite their low environmental concentrations. Latin America has implemented intensive production systems highly dependent on antimicrobials for productivity and animal health, yet there is a paucity of information regarding their concentration in the region. The objective of this study was to evaluate the presence of sulfonamides in water and sediment samples and assess their potential ecological risks through an environmental risk assessment. The Río de la Plata basin collects the waters of the Paraguay, Paraná, and Uruguay rivers, together with their tributaries and various wetlands, passing through the provinces in Argentina known for their significant animal husbandry production. Two sampling campaigns were carried out for sediment, while only one campaign was conducted for surface waters. The samples were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass-spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). None of the examined sulfonamide antibiotics were detected in the sediment samples from both sampling campaigns. In contrast, sulfadiazine (95 %), sulfamethoxazole (91 %), and sulfathiazole (73 %) were detected in the water samples. Sulfadiazine was found in the concentration range of 8 to 128 ng/L, while sulfamethoxazole and sulfathiazole were observed at concentrations ranging from 3.0 to 32.5 ng/L and 2.9 to 8.1 ng/L, respectively. Based on the environmental risk assessment conducted using the sulfonamide concentrations, most samples indicated a medium risk for aquatic biota, with only one sample surpassing the high-risk threshold. This study represents the first report presenting data on the presence of sulfonamide antibiotics in the aquatic environment of Argentina.

First evidence of environmental bioaccumulation of pharmaceuticals on adult native anurans (Rhinella arenarum) from Argentina.

The presence of pharmaceutically active compounds (PhACs) in surface water is well known, whereas their natural occurrence in biota is much less explored. The aim of this work was to evaluate the bioaccumulation of PhACs in adult toads of the neotropical species Rhinella arenarum. Three sites were selected in Buenos Aires (Argentina): a reference site (Site 1), a site with direct discharge from a secondary wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) (Site 2) and a site 300 m downstream of the WWTP discharge (Site 3). Surface water samples, as well as muscle, liver and fat bodies of toads were collected, extracted and analyzed by LC-MS/MS. Highly significant differences in total PhACs concentration in surface water (p < 0.005) were detected between Site 2 and the other sites. These concentrations ranged from 0.37 to 52.46 ng/L at Site 1, 0.71-6950.37 ng/L at Site 2, and 0.12-75.45 ng/L at Site 3. In general, bioaccumulation of PhACs in toad tissues was similar between sites and tissues of each site. The highest concentrations were detected in the muscle of toads from Site 3 (1.06-87.24 ng/g dw), followed by liver (1.77-38.10 ng/g dw) and fat bodies (0.68-20.59 ng/g dw) from Site 1. Ibuprofen (6950 ng/L), acetaminophen (3277 ng/L) and valsartan (2504 ng/L) were the compounds with the highest concentrations in surface water from Site 2, whereas acetaminophen (87.2 ng/g dw, muscle from Site 3), desloratadine (38.1 ng/g dw, liver from Site 1), and phenazone (25.9 ng/g dw, liver from Site 1) were the ones that showed the highest concentrations in biota. This is the first time a field study has examined the environmental bioaccumulation of PhACs in anurans, demonstrating their potential for monitoring the status of natural ecosystems.

The Combined Use of Curcumin and Platelet-Rich Plasma Enhances Axonal Regeneration in Acute Nerve Injuries: An Experimental Study in a Rat Model.

Introduction The aim of this study was to determine if the combined use of curcumin and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) improves the axonal regeneration process in acutely repaired nerve injuries. Materials and Methods The right sciatic nerves of 32 Holtzman albino rats were transected and immediately repaired. Four treatments were randomly allocated: (1) nerve repair only; (2) nerve repair + local PRP; (3) nerve repair + intraperitoneal curcumin; and (4) nerve repair + local PRP + intraperitoneal curcumin. Clinical (estimation of sciatic functional index) and electrophysiological outcomes were assessed 4 and 12 weeks after surgery, and histologic evaluations performed 12 weeks after surgery. Results Group IV (PRP + curcumin) resulted in significantly better outcomes across all the evaluation parameters, compared with the other three groups ( p < 0.05). Additionally, when used as single adjuvants, both the curcumin (group III) and PRP (group II) groups showed significant improvement over the control group ( p < 0.05). No significant differences were found between PRP and curcumin when used as sole adjuvants. Conclusion The combined administration of curcumin + PRP as adjuvants to nerve repair could enhance axonal regeneration in terms of clinical, electrophysiological, and histological parameters in a rat model of acute sciatic nerve injury.

Decellularized allografts as an alternative for reconstruction of large inferior alveolar nerve defects: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) injuries are a clinical problem with devastating consequences, causing temporary or permanent paresthesia, significantly affecting the patient's quality of life. Despite morbidity, side effects and controversy regarding its results, autologous nerve grafting is still the main treatment for these type of lesions. However, due to advances in knowledge about nerve damage and with the aim of preventing the described problems of autografts, new treatment alternatives based on decellularized allografts have emerged. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the reported efficacy of decellularized allografts for the treatment of IAN damage. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed a systematic search in Pubmed, Scopus and Web of Science databases following the PRISMA guidelines. Cohort studies, randomized or non-randomized clinical studies, prospective or retrospective studies, without age limits and language restriction that included human subjects who received decellularized allograft as treatment for IAN damage were included. RESULTS: Six articles met the inclusion criteria and were included for data analysis. In all 6 articles, resolution of IAN damage was observed in more than 85% of patients after a 12-month follow-up period, and in 2 of them, complete resolution was observed in 100% of their patients at longer follow-ups. CONCLUSIONS: Decellularized allograft appears to be a promising alternative to resolve IAN lesions, without requiring a nerve autograft procedure. However, more randomized clinical trials are needed to validate adequate treatment modalities with decellularized allografts.

Occurrence and levels of glyphosate and AMPA in shallow lakes from the Pampean and Patagonian regions of Argentina.

Glyphosate (N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine) is a broad-spectrum systemic herbicide used to kill weeds that compete with commercial crops. In Argentina, the use of glyphosate-based herbicides increased dramatically (up to ∼200,000 tons on 2012) since the introduction of glyphosate-resistant crops, such as transgenic soy and resistant corn, and the adoption of non-till practices in the 1990's. Sallow lakes within the Pampa region may be potentially impacted by continuous herbicide usage. We surveyed 52 shallow lakes from the Pampa region (Buenos Aires Province, Argentina) to assess the occurrence and concentrations of glyphosate and its main degradation product (AMPA). For comparison, we also sampled 24 shallow lakes from an area with no agricultural use of glyphosate (Northern Patagonia). Glyphosate and AMPA were analyzed by UPLC-MS/MS ESI (±) in lake water, suspended particulate matter (SPM), and sediment samples. Within the Pampa region, glyphosate residues were detected in >40% of samples. Glyphosate residues were detected more frequently in sediment and surface water than in SPM samples. The mean (maximum) concentrations of glyphosate were 2.11 (4.52) µg l-1 for surface water; 0.10 (0.13) µg l-1 for SPM and 10.47 (20.34) µg kg-1 for sediment samples, respectively. Whereas, mean (maximum) concentrations of AMPA were 0.84 and (0.90) µg l-1 for surface water; 0.07 (0.07) µg l-1 for SPM; and 22.53 (32.89) µg kg-1 for sediment samples. The herbicide was not detected in samples from the Patagonian region. To our knowledge, this is the first study reporting the occurrence and concentrations of the herbicide in freshwater lakes of Argentina.

Sublethal effects in Perinereis gualpensis (Polychaeta: Nereididae) exposed to mercury-pyrene sediment mixture observed in a multipolluted estuary.

Sediment-living organisms can be subjected to a multi-pollution condition due to an increase in the diversity of contaminants. Sediment mixtures of Mercury (Hg) and some polycyclic aromatics hydrocarbons like Pyrene (Pyr) are common in heavily industrialized coastal zones. In the present study, greater than (>) and less than (<) probable effect concentration levels (PELs) of Hg and Pyr were assessed using spiked sediments in order to determine combined (Hg + Pyr) effects in uptake, metabolization and oxidative balance in the polychaete Perinereis gualpensis at short and medium-term exposure. Hg + Pyr significantly influenced the uptake/kinetics of Hg and Pyr metabolite 1-OH-pyrene in polychaete tissues during the exposure time compared with separate treatments of each analyte (p < 0.05). Both the Hg-only and Pyr-only exposures significantly influenced both enzymatic and non-enzymatic responses respect to control groups (p < 0.05). The Hg-only treatment showed the worst scenario related to the activation and subsequent inhibition of glutathione S- transferase (GST) and peroxidase (GPx) activities, high levels of Thiol-groups (SH-groups), low antioxidant capacity (ACAP) and enhanced lipid peroxidation (TBARS) in the last days of exposure (p < 0.05). In contrast, ragworms exposed to Hg + Pyr showed a significant increase in both enzymatic and non-enzymatic activity during the first days of exposure and the absence of lipid peroxidation during the whole experiment. Our results suggest different oxidative stress scenarios in P. gualpensis when exposed to >PEL Hg concentration with

Occurrence and fate of pesticides in the Argentine stretch of the Paraguay-Paraná basin.

The Argentine stretch of the del Plata basin crosses regions devoted to extensive and intensive agriculture mostly with chemical pest control. The utilization of pesticides in the region has increased 900% in the last two decades associated with the introduction of biotech crops and direct-seeding techniques. Our objective was to study the occurrence, concentration, and fate of pesticides in surface water and bottom sediments of the principal tributaries and main watercourse of the Paraguay-Paraná River. We sampled 22 sites in the distal positions of the main affluents and main watercourse of the Paraná and report here results from two monitoring campaigns (2010-2012). Surface water and bottom sediments were analyzed according to standardized methods by matrix-solid-phase dispersion and liquid-liquid extraction, respectively. Twenty-three pesticide compounds were analyzed by gas chromatography. The results from both campaigns indicated a generalized but variable distribution in the concentrations detected throughout the basin. The ranges of total measured pesticide concentrations in water and sediments were, respectively, 0.004-6.62 µg/l and 0.16-221.3 µg/kg dry weight. Endosulfans, cypermethrin, and chlorpyrifos were ubiquitous compounds in both environmental compartments and quantitatively the most relevant. All concentrations detected in water were over the recommended guidelines for the protection of aquatic biota. The partitioning indicated a higher affinity for the sediments. Agricultural activity is the source of pesticide-pollution loads, transported by tributaries that reach the main watercourse and alter the quality of the aquatic ecosystem.

Water quality of the main tributaries of the Paraná Basin: glyphosate and AMPA in surface water and bottom sediments.

The Paraná River, the sixth largest in the world, is the receptor of pollution loads from tributaries traversing urban and industrialized areas plus agricultural expanses, particularly so in the river's middle and lower reaches along the Argentine sector. In the present study, we analyzed and discussed the main water quality parameters, sediment compositions, and content of the herbicide glyphosate plus its metabolite aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA) in water and sediments. Samples were obtained from distal positions in the principal tributaries of the Paraná and the main watercourse during surveys conducted in 2011 and 2012 to monitor the basin. Only 15 % of the water samples contained detectable concentrations of glyphosate at an average concentration of 0.60 µg/L, while no detectable levels of AMPA were observed. The herbicide and metabolite were primarily present in sediments of the middle and lower stretch's tributaries, there occurring at a respective average of 37 and 17 % in samples. The mean detectable concentrations measured were 742 and 521 µg/kg at mean, maximum, and minimum glyphosate/AMPA ratios of 2.76, 7.80, and 0.06, respectively. The detection of both compounds was correlated with the presence of sulfides and copper in the sediment matrix.

Toxicity persistence following an experimental cypermethrin and chlorpyrifos application in Pampasic surface waters (Buenos Aires, Argentina).

The Pampa plain is intensively cultivated, the genetically modified glyphosate-resistant soybean being the main culture. A small first-order stream draining a cultured farm was studied. During the dry 2007 spring, the channel became a wetland with remnant intercalated shallow pools. Toxicity persistence of cypermethrin and chlorpyrifos to the amphipod Hyallela curvispina was assessed following a simulated plane application in the recently formed pools. In situ exposures and laboratory toxicity tests were performed. An ephemeral toxicity pulse lasting 4 h after the application and mortality cessation following that was observed.

Fraqueza muscular esquelética e intolerância ao exercício em pacientes com doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica / Skeletal muscle weakness and exercise intolerance in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a capacidade funcional e o desempenho da musculatura respiratória e periférica e relacioná-los com o estado nutricional e volume expiratório forçado no primeiro segundo (VEF1). MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Foram avaliados 12 pacientes com doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica (DPOC) moderada a grave (70±7 anos, VEF1 de 52±17 por cento previsto, índice de massa corpórea (IMC) de 23±4kg/m²) e sete indivíduos saudáveis (69±8 anos, VEF1 de 127±12 por cento previsto, IMC de 27±3kg/m²). Todos realizaram análise da composição corporal, medida da força muscular respiratória (pressão inspiratória máxima, PImax, e pressão expiratória máxima, PEmax), teste de exercício cardiorrespiratório (TECR), avaliação da força de preensão palmar, pico de torque e trabalho total ou endurance do quadríceps femoral. RESULTADOS: Os pacientes com DPOC tiveram valores reduzidos do índice de massa magra corpórea (IMMC) (18±1 versus 21±1kg/m², p<0,05), da carga máxima atingida no TECR (60±20 versus 102±18watts, p<0,01), da PImax (58±19 versus 87±21cmH2O, p<0,05), da força de preensão palmar (38±6 versus 47±5kg, p<0,05), do pico de torque (103±21 versus 138±18Nm, p<0,05) e do trabalho total do quadríceps femoral (1570±395 versus 2333±568J, p<0,05) quando comparado com o grupo controle (teste t de Student não pareado). Não houve correlação entre VEF1 e as variáveis estudadas; o IMMC correlacionou-se com o trabalho total do quadríceps (Pearson, r=0,6290, p<0,05). CONCLUSÕES: Estes resultados indicam que os pacientes com DPOC apresentam fraqueza muscular inspiratória e periférica e menor capacidade funcional, quando comparados com o grupo saudável. Além disso, sugere que o grau de obstrução ao fluxo aéreo não é um bom preditor para quantificar as debilidades nutricionais e musculares dos pacientes com DPOC.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the functional capacity and the performance of respiratory and quadriceps muscles in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and relate them to nutritional status and forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1). METHODS: Twelve patients with moderate COPD (70±7 years, FEV1 52±17 percent predicted, body mass index (BMI) 23±4kg/m²) and seven healthy volunteers (69±8 years, FEV1 127±12 percent predicted, BMI 27±3kg/m²) were evaluated. All of them underwent body composition analysis, measurement of respiratory muscle strength (maximum inspiratory pressure, MIP, and maximum expiratory pressure, MEP), cardiorespiratory exercise test (CET) and evaluation of palm grip strength, peak torque and total work or endurance of the quadriceps femoris. RESULTS: The patients with COPD had lower values for the free-fat mass (FFM) index (18±1 versus 21±1kg/m², p<0.05), maximum load attained in the CET (60±20 versus 102±18 watts, p<0.01), MIP (58±19 versus 87±21cmH2O, p<0.05), palm grip strength (38±6 versus 47±5kg, p<0.05), peak torque (103±21 versus 138±18Nm, p<0.05) and total work of the quadriceps femoris (1570±395 versus 2333±568J, p<0.05) when compared with the control group (independent Student's t test). There was no correlation between FEV1 and the variables studied, while the FFM correlated with the total work of the quadriceps (Pearson, r=0.6290, p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that patients with COPD show weakness of the inspiratory and quadriceps muscles and lower functional capacity, when compared with a healthy group. Moreover, they suggest that the degree of airflow obstruction is not a good predictor for quantifying the nutritional and muscle impairments in patients with COPD.

[Standardization of the isotope dilution technic for chromium determination, using Cr-51]. / Padronização da técnica de diluição isotópica para determinação de cromo, utilizando Cr-51.

In order to improve the identification and quantity determination of chromium in biological material the conditions for obtaining chromium chelate were studied. The method used for this purpose was gas chromatography standardized by isotopic dilution (Cr-51) technique. The results showed the adequacy of the method concerning sensitivity and standardization.