Blood lead levels in an endangered vulture decline following changes in hunting activity.

Lead ammunition stands out as one of the most pervasive pollutants affecting wildlife. Its impact on bird populations have spurred efforts for the phase-out of leaded gunshot in several countries, although with varying scopes and applications. Ongoing and future policy changes require data to assess the effectiveness of adopted measures, particularly in the current context of biodiversity loss. Here, we assessed the long-term changes in blood lead (Pb) levels of Egyptian vultures from the Canary Islands, Spain, which have been severely affected by Pb poisoning over the past two decades. During this period, the reduction in hunting pressure and changes in legislation regarding firearms usage for small game hunting likely contributed to a decrease in environmental Pb availability. As anticipated, our results show a reduction in Pb levels, especially after the ban on wild rabbit hunting with shotgun since 2010. This effect was stronger in the preadult fraction of the vulture population. However, we still observed elevated blood Pb levels above the background and clinical thresholds in 5.6% and 1.5% of individuals, respectively. Our results highlight the positive impact of reducing the availability of Pb from ammunition sources on individual health. Nonetheless, the continued use of Pb gunshot remains an important source of poisoning, even lethal, mainly affecting adult individuals. This poses a particular concern for long-lived birds, compounding by potential chronic effects associated with Pb bioaccumulation. Our findings align with recent studies indicating insufficient reductions in Pb levels among European birds of prey, attributed to limited policy changes and their uneven implementation. We anticipated further reductions in Pb levels among Egyptian vultures with expanded restrictions on hunting practices, including a blanket ban on Pb shot usage across all small game species.

Effect of coadministration of Lactiplantibacillus fabifermentans and linear/branched fructans mixtures on the intestinal health of Wistar rats.

A completely randomized experimental design was conducted to evaluate the effect of the coadministration of Lactiplantibacillus fabifermentans (Lpb. fabifermentans) and inulin/agave fructans mixtures on gut microbiota of healthy Wistar rats. Inulin, Agave salmiana fructans or fructan mixtures (1:1) at 12.5 % w/w, and Lpb. fabifermentans at 109 CFU/mL/day were used in the rats' diet for 35 days. Biochemical parameters, short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), structural changes and the bacterial abundance in rats' cecum were evaluated. A significant decrease (p < 0.05) in glucose, cholesterol and triglycerides levels with fructan mixtures combined with Lpb. Fabifermentans was observed. The weight of the small and large intestines, and cecum was higher than the control; no changes were observed in the heart, liver, spleen and kidneys. SCFA concentration mainly, propionate and butyrate was improved (p < 0.05) throughout the gastrointestinal tract in all treatments. Finally, the administration of Lpb. fabifermentans alone or combined with the fructan mixtures promoted an increase in the abundance of cecum intestinal microbiota: Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Prevotella, Blautia, Faecalibacterium, Butyricimonas, Coprococcus, Akkermansia, Methanobrevibacter, Adlercreutzia, Collinsella, Odoribacter, and Roseburia. The inclusion of fructan mixtures in combination with Lpb. fabifermentans could be a good alternative for the development of functional foods that enhance consumer health.

Possible zoonotic implications of the discovery of the advanced third stage larva of Gnathostoma turgidum (Spirurida: Gnathostomatidae) in a Mexican fish species.

Gnathostomiasis in humans is acquired by consumption of any infected second intermediate host or paratenic host. This includes amphibians, snakes and poultry as well as fish. In this work we report for the first time in Mexico the presence of an AdvL3 of Gnathostoma turgidum in the musculature of a wild fish (Gobiomorus dormitor, which also acts as intermediate host for the larvae of G. binucleatum and G. lamothei), from the Papaloapan River, Veracruz; previously, larvae of G. turgidum had only been recorded in amphibians in Mexico and in wild swamp eels from Tampa, Florida, USA. The larva found is extremely small (approximately 1,500 by 140 microns in length and width, respectively), and was obtained by artificial digestion with pepsin after examining the musculature against the light between two glass plates, a method by which it went unnoticed. Our finding of an AdvL3 in this fish, together with a previous molecular phylogenetic analysis revealing that the five species involved in human infections do not nest in the same clade, suggest that all species in the genus are potentially zoonotic. In this context, we strongly recommend the identification of larvae extracted from human patients at specific level, in order to know the role played by the 3 species distributed in Mexico in human cases of gnathostomiasis.

Agave salmiana fructans as gut health promoters: Prebiotic activity and inflammatory response in Wistar healthy rats.

Prebiotic effects of Agave salmiana fructans at five different doses were evaluated by the growth of Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, and Clostridium strains and SCFA production in the cecum and proximal colon of healthy Wistar rats. Mucosal integrity, bacterial proliferation, and inflammatory response were also examined. Growth of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus strains was improved by 12.5% doses of fructans in both cecum and proximal colon tissues, and a significant decrease of Clostridium (P < 0.05) was observed. Increases in mucosal thickness, proliferation, and cell adhesion were mainly observed in the cecum. High concentration of butyric acid and total SCFA were contained in the 12.5% doses. This study provides direct evidence of the prebiotic effects of Agave salmiana fructans, demonstrating that a diet supplemented with a 12.5% dose of fructans promotes major growth of probiotic bacteria and could be used as a potential prebiotic ingredient under the conditions used in this study. Taken together, these results further indicate the significance of Agave salmiana fructans as a prebiotic ingredient in the regulation and prevention of gastrointestinal diseases, as well as for the design of functional foods.

Physiometabolic effects of Agave salmiana fructans evaluated in Wistar rats.

A prospective completely randomized experimental study was conducted using 48 animals to evaluate the physiometabolic effects of Agave salmiana fructans as a dietary supplement in healthy Wistar rats. Five fructans concentrations from 5 to 20% (w/w) and one control were used in the rats' diet and were divided into six groups (n=8 rats/group). The treatments were carried out for 35days, during which glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, body-weight gain, food intake, fecal excretion, organ weights, renal and hepatic functions and a histological analysis of the cecum were evaluated. Glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, renal and hepatic functions were not significantly affected by any treatment. Body-weight gain and food intake were lower in the rat groups fed fructans than in the control group. Increased fecal excretion (p<0.05) was observed only in animals fed 12.5 and 20% fructans. Mice supplemented with fructans exhibited increased weight and length (p<0.05) in the cecum and colon. A histological analysis of the cecum showed cellular proliferation with a dose of 12.5% and membrane lysis at doses of 15 and 20%. In conclusion, the inclusion of 12.5% of Agave salmiana fructans in the animals' diets exerts beneficial physiometabolic effects after the seventh treatment day.

In vitro assessment of agave fructans (Agave salmiana) as prebiotics and immune system activators.

The prebiotic effect of agave fructans (Agave salmiana) was evaluated through the growth of two lactic acid bacterial (LAB) strains (Lactobacillus casei and Bifidobacterium lactis). The immune system was activated through the stimulation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of healthy subjects testing fructans, LAB or a mixture of these compounds at different concentrations. Immune responses, such as early cell activation (CD69), cell cycle progression, nitric oxide (NO) production and the expression of transcription factors for lymphocyte differentiation, were analyzed. Compared with other fructans, the extracted agave fructans showed the highest prebiotic activity and increased levels of CD69 expression, proliferative activity and NO production when administered with the probiotic L. casei. The Th1 lymphocyte differentiation produced through LAB stimulation was greatly diminished after the incorporation of agave fructans. In conclusion, these types of fructans (A. salmiana) are involved in the activation and selective differentiation of cells of the immune system through interactions with probiotics. Thus, agave fructans represent a novel immunomodulator that might benefit the functional food industry.

Glass transition study in model food systems prepared with mixtures of fructose, glucose, and sucrose.

The glass transition temperature of model food systems prepared with several glucose/fructose/sucrose mass fractions was studied using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). A distance-based experimental design for mixtures of 3 components was used to establish the proportion of sugars of the model systems. Thus, 32 compositions including individual sugars and sugar mixtures, both binary and ternary were prepared and analyzed. Thermograms showing the complete process of heating-cooling-reheating were used to determine the precise glass transition temperature during cooling (T(g)(c)) or reheating (T(g)(H) in amorphous sugars. The Scheffe cubic model was applied to experimental results to determine the influence of sugar composition on the glass transition temperature (P < 0.05). The final model proved to be appropriate (R(2) > 0.97, CV < 9%, model significance <0.0001) to predict the T(g) values of any dry mixture of amorphous fructose, glucose, and sucrose.

Mycophenolate mofetil-induced neutropenia in liver transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) is a potent, safe immunosuppressive agent for rescue therapy of acute and chronic rejection in orthotopic liver transplant recipients. It helps to reduce the serious toxic side effects of calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs). The side effects of MMF, such as bone marrow toxicity, have been reported. Herein we report four patients who underwent liver transplantation and developed neutropenia while receiving MMF. METHODS: Between April 2002 and October 2003, we performed 24 liver transplants in 25 patients. Eighteen patients were given MMF for the following reasons: renal failure in nine (50%); treatment of acute rejection in three (16.6%); primary prophylaxis of rejection in five (27.7%); and CNI withdrawal in one (5.5%). RESULTS: Of the 18 patients treated with MMF, there were 11 men (61.1%) and seven women (38.8%), with an overall mean age of 55.5 years. This therapy was ceased in four patients due to neutropenia (22%). Discontinuation of MMF was followed by a rapid and spontaneous rise in neutrophils in two patients. Granulocyte colony stimulating factor (GCSF) was administered to one patient and in another a bone marrow biopsy was performed due to persistent anemia, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia. The mean time from starting MMF to the development of neutropenia was 4 months. Only the third patient showed elevated levels of MMF. CONCLUSIONS: MMF is a potent immunosuppressive agent in liver transplantation. However, because serious hematologic toxicity has been reported, we recommend caution in administration and careful monitoring of blood levels.

Medición no invasiva de bilirrubina en el recién nacido. Significativo aporte a la práctica clínica en la ictericia neonatal / Non invasive measurement of serum bilirubin in newborns: significant contributions to the clinical practice in the jaundiced newborn

Objetivos del trabajo: 1) comparar la estimación de bilirrubina sérica obtenida por medición transcutánea, BiliCheck, con valores obtenidos espectrofotométricamente y por high performance liquid chromatography (Gold Standard), 2) Determinar puntos de corte de los valores de BiliCheck en los cuales se obtiene la máxima sensibilidad y especificidad, 3) Determinar si el color de la piel, peso de nacimiento, edad gestacional y sexo interfieren con la medición transcutánea de bilirrubina en recién nacidos

Split for two adults: what is the real feasibility?

INTRODUCTION: A split liver for two adults is a good theoretical option but the number of cases is low. We have tried to assess the feasibility of this technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From April 2002 to April 2004, we evaluated 81 donors of which only 59 (72.8%) were used for transplantation of which 10 were grafted in other centers (pediatric or emergency code). Among the 49 donors the criteria for splitting were: ages >14 and <50 years, weight >70 and <100 kg, less than 3 days in the intensive care unit (ICU), hemodynamic stability, Na(+) < 160 mg/L, liver enzymes elevated no more than twofold, no macroscopic steatosis, and procurement in our hospital. RESULTS: The mean donor age was 50.7 years (range: 16 to 77) of whom 25 were men (51%). The mean weight was 65.7 kg (range: 50 to 100) and days of ICU stay, 3 (range: 1 to 23). Six grafts (12%) were split. The reasons for not splitting were: age (n = 26 [53%]), weight (n = 17 [34.7%]), UCI >3 days (n = 9 [18.3%]), Na(+) > 160 (n = 1 [2%]), blood liver test elevated (n = 5 [10.2%]), steatosis (n = 6 [12.2%]), and procurement outside our center (n = 20 [40.8%]). The donors not suitable for splitting had: only one criteria (n = 12 [24.4%]; 2 (n = 23 [46.9%], 3 (n = 6 [12.2%]) or 4 (n = 2 [4.1%]). If we had had two suitable recipients, we could performed six more liver transplantations (12.2% increase). CONCLUSIONS: The theoretical feasibility of a split liver for two adults is 12.2%, but the actual probability is lower because of lack of two adequate candidates.

Water transfer analysis in pork meat supported by NMR imaging.

NMR proton density imaging was used to study isothermal and unidirectional drying of pork semi membranosus muscle samples at temperatures of 12, 16 and 20 °C. An independent calibration of the transversal relaxation time T(2) as a function of the moisture content was carried out to convert the signal amplitude into moisture content. Due to spatial heterogeneity in drying, 2D images were needed to assess the evolution of 1D moisture profiles. The relationship between the effective water diffusivity (D) was calculated in function of water content (X) using the Boltzman transformation which needs no a priori on the relationship D=f(X); the effect of lipid content, temperature and fibre direction on this relationship were also studied. In all cases a decrease in water content brought about a decrease in D. A slight increase in lipid content led to a dramatic decrease in D. The fibre direction relative to water movement had a negligible effect. No significative differences in D between the three temperatures were observed, due to variability in the chemical composition of the samples.

[Health effects of the Chernobyl disaster. Fifteen years afterwards]. / Efectos en la salud por el desastre de Chernobil. Quince años después.

The Chernobyl nuclear accident of 1986 released large quantities of radioactive material causing heavy contamination in widespread areas of the former Soviet Union. Each summer, several hundred children visit Spain from Chernobyl. In this article we describe the accident, the environmental contamination, the mechanisms of radiation injury and the dose-response relationships. We review the health effects of exposure to ionizing radiation and the health impact of the Chernobyl catastrophe. We propose guidelines for the medical management and evaluation of children on temporary visits. The health status of adults and especially that of children in Belarus, Ukraine and the Russian Federation has been adversely affected. According to present knowledge, Chernobyl has given rise to a marked increase in the incidence of papillary thyroid cancer, psychological consequences and socioeconomic disruption. Many studies report that the incidence of other diseases has increased, but not all health problems seen after the nuclear accident can be attributed to radiation. Given the long latency period for diseases induced by radiation exposure, long-term follow-up of all potentially affected individuals is important. Fifteen years after the Chernobyl accident the international community is still learning scientific, medical and humanitarian lessons.

[Clinical and epidemiological characteristics of severe poisoning in an adult population admitted to an intensive care unit]. / Características clínicas y epidemiológicas de intoxicaciones graves en una población adulta que ingresa a una unidad de cuidados intensivos.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical and epidemiological features of severe acute poisonings in an adult population. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of clinical cases. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Analysis of the clinical charts, risk factors and main outcomes of 55 acute poisoned patients admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU). RESULTS: Of the 55 clinical charts reviewed, female prevailed over male gender with a relation of 1.5:1, the average age was 32 years (16-83 years), the major etiologic factor for the acute poisonings were drugs in 35 cases (64%), and home or work chemicals in 20 cases (36%). The mechanisms of intoxication/poisoning were: attempted or successful suicide in 51 cases (93%), accidental poisoning in three cases (5%), and iatrogenic in one case (2%). Precipitating factors were major depressive disorder in 29 cases (53%), dysthymic disorder in 12 cases (22%) and adjustment disorder with depressive mood or impulsive act in nine cases (16%). Associated feature comorbid conditions were: homosexuality, schizophrenia, drug addiction, AIDS, other chronic diseases, and previous suicide attempts. Outcomes were 33 (60%) patients discharged from the ICU without sequela, seven (13%) with permanent severe sequela and 15 (27%) deaths. CONCLUSIONS: There was a high rate of suicides related with depressive disorders in a predominantly female population. Drug products were used more frequently than home or work chemicals. Although advanced life support and antidotal treatments were available, mortality was high. Areas where injury prevention efforts might have an influence on adult poisoning morbidity and mortality include management of depression as well suitable control of drugs and chemicals.

[Local dermonecrotic loxoscelism in children bitten by the spider Loxosceles reclusa (the "violin" spider)]. / Loxoscelismo local dermonecrótico en niños mordidos por la araña Loxosceles reclusa (araña "violinista").

This is an observational retrospective study. Our goal is to describe the local dermonecrotic reaction occurring after a spider bite in eleven pediatric patients. In seven (63.7%), the spider was identified as Loxosceles reclusa, and in four, bites were presumptive. The main symptoms and signs were pain, erythema, swelling, blisters, and vasculitis in five patients. There was a significant relationship between the time of onset before the treatment and the severity of the lesions (63.4 hours in the severe cases vs 14.4 hours in the mild cases, p < 0.05), as well the time spent in the emergency room (50 hours vs 10 hours respectively, p < 0.05). Treatment with dapsone, 1 mg/kg/24 h, and/or paracetamol and dicloxacillin was successful; one case required surgical treatment. No systemic loxoscelism occurred in this patient.

[Evaluation of the efficacy of N-acetylcysteine administered alone or in combination with activated charcoal in the treatment of acetaminophen overdoses]. / Evaluación de la eficacia de la N-acetilcisteina administrada sola o combinada con carbón activado en el tratamiento de la sobredosis por acetaminofén.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of N-acetylcysteine (N-AC) alone or combined with multiple-dose activated charcoal (AC) in the treatment of acetaminophen (ACT) overdose. DESIGN: Prospective observational case series of 14 consecutive pediatric patients. Group A (n = 7) were treated only with N-AC and group B (n = 7) with N-AC combined with AC. Plasma ACT concentrations were measured at 0.0, 24 and 48 h. As a measure of ACT disappearance, half-life of elimination (t1/2 beta) and exogenous body clearance (ClB) were calculated. RESULTS: Group A, Initial and final mean ACT plasmatic levels were 27 micrograms/mL and 4 micrograms/mL; t1/2 beta of 17 h and ClB 0.640 mL.kg.min. Group B, 27 micrograms/mL and 0.66 microgram/mL; t1/2 beta of 10 h and ClB 1.092 mL.kg.min. For both t1/2 beta and ClB differences, p < 0.05 (SS). CONCLUSION: N-AC significantly decreased the plasma ACT levels in both treatments; however, there were several advantages with the combined therapy: AC enhanced the efficacy of N-AC according with the higher eliminatión of the overdosed drug (97.6% vs. 85.2%), the t1/2 beta decreased 42%, and the ClB increased 70% in relation to the group A. Data of this study suggested that N-AC plus AC is more effective than N-AC alone in enhancing ACT elimination in overdosed patients and that it provided additional hepatoprotective benefit.

[Acute methyl parathion poisoning with extrapyramidal manifestations not previously reported]. / Intoxicación aguda por paratión-metílico con manifestaciones extrapiramidales antes no informadas.

A 14-year-old female attempted suicide by ingesting the organophosphate methyl parathion. A severe acute poisoning developed with the characteristic symptomatology: muscarinic, nicotinic and neurologic, as well serum cholinesterase activity decreased 88%. An extrapyramidal syndrome appeared suddenly nine days after the onset with ocular and buccal crisis, neck and trunk dystonic movements, and hypertonia and tremors. The patient improved with the administration of i.v. diphenhydramine. Other causes of toxic extrapyramidalism and organophosphate intermediate syndrome were discarded. Although an absolute causal relationship of the transient extrapyramidal symptomatology to the organophosphate exposure cannot be clearly established in this case, we speculate a possible delayed inhibition of the dopaminergic receptors in the substantia nigra and the basal ganglia.

[Cardiorespiratory depression in 8 newborn infants whose mothers took "yucuyahui" (Zoapatle-Montanoa tomentosa) during labor]. / Depresión cardiorrespiratoria en ocho recién nacidos cuyas madres ingirieron infusiones de yucuyahui (zoapatle-Montanoa tomentosa) durante el trabajo de parto.

Yucuyahui (zoapatle-Montanoa tomentosa), is a wild herb used as a folk oxytocic-remedy. Eight pregnant women drank infusions of the herb during the labor and their newborns showed cardiorespiratory depression that needs basic or advanced life support to recover. They improved during the first minutes with an average Apgar score at one minute of 4.5, and 7.4 at ten minutes (p < 0.05). A negative correlation was found between the number of ingested infusions and the Apgar score at the one minute (r = -0.65). Simultaneous administration of alcoholic beverages in three of the pregnant woman did not contribute to deep depression in their neonates. The mechanism of M Tomentosa action is still unknown, but it is possible that it is similar to other oxytocic-drugs, as oxytocin or ergot alkaloids, with which Montanoa shares uterine and systemic effects.

[Comparative study of tympanic and mercury thermometry in children]. / Estudio comparativo entre la termometría timpánica y la mercurial en niños.

The aim of the study was to evaluate tympanic thermometry when compared with conventional glass-mercury thermometry, in 186 consecutive pediatric patients. In patients of less than 6 years of age (n = 120), there were no differences between tympanic and rectal measurements, in febrile and afebrile ranges, and significantly different when compared with axillary range. Similar data were reported in children of more than than 6 years of age (n = 65), in whom oral temperatures replace the rectal one. Using the tympanic thermometer as the standard measurement device, the accuracy of rectal, oral and axillary thermometers in determining a febrile state was examined. When tympanic temperature was 38 degrees C, a febrile state was considered, in this condition sensitivity for rectal measurement was of 73%, for oral 64%, and 23 and 29% for the axillary, according to the age group: specificity was of 100% in all the them. According to our data, tympanic measurement was consistent with glass-mercurial, rectal and oral, temperature in a pediatric population. Advantages of tympanic thermometry are its good correlation with central temperature, substantial time reduction of measurement (1 second), easy and non-invasive procedure, improved patient comfort, and lack of mercurial thermometry disadvantages. The conclusion is that tympanic thermometry becomes an acceptable option for pediatric temperature measurement.