Antioxidant response of three Tillandsia species transplanted to urban, agricultural, and industrial areas.

To evaluate the physiological response of Tillandsia capillaris Ruiz & Pav. f. capillaris, T. recurvata L., and T. tricholepis Baker to different air pollution sources, epiphyte samples were collected from a noncontaminated area in the province of Córdoba (Argentina) and transplanted to a control site as well as three areas categorized according to the presence of agricultural, urban, and industrial (metallurgical and metal-mechanical) emission sources. A foliar damage index (FDI) was calculated with the physiological parameters chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, malondialdehyde (MDA), hydroperoxyconjugated dienes, sulfur (S) content, and dry weight-to-fresh weight ratio. In addition, electrical conductivity (E-cond), relative water content (RWC), dehydration kinetics (Kin-H(2)O), total phenols (T-phen), soluble proteins (S-prot), and activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and ascorbate peroxidase were determined. The parameters E-cond, FDI, SOD, RWC, and Kin-H(2)O can serve as suitable indicators of agricultural air pollution for T. tricholepis and T. capillaris, and CAT, Kin-H(2)O, and SOD can do the same for T. recurvata. In addition, MDA, T-phen, and S-prot proved to be appropriate indicators of urban pollution for T. recurvata. Moreover, FDI, E-cond, and SOD for T. recurvata and MDA for T. tricholepis, respectively, could be used to detect deleterious effects of industrial air pollution.

Understanding new molecular and cell biology findings based on progressive scientific practices and interconnected activities in undergraduate students.

Nowadays Molecular Cell Biology (MCB) must be taught as science is practiced. Even though there are several approaches based on scientific practices, a key aspect is to define the purpose of each of these teaching strategies and, most importantly, their implementation. Our goal was to train students to acquire, understand, and communicate new scientific knowledge in the field. The main feature of our new teaching methodology was progressive training in scientific practices associated with a back-and-forward interplay between activities and assessments. The methodology was implemented over 4 years, in students attending the MCB course of the undergraduate degree in Biological Sciences. In the first two modules, the students were prepared to comprehend MCB concepts and techniques and to experience activities based on scientific practices. In the third module, the students analyzed a primary paper in-depth. They were assessed by midterm exams based on a primary paper, written laboratory reports, and the oral presentation of a scientific paper. Our teaching proposal was evaluated through the students' academic performance and by their opinion on the teaching methodology. Most students were satisfied since they improved their acquisition of concepts, their interpretation and integration of scientific knowledge, and developed skills to communicate scientific knowledge in writing and orally. The novelty of transversal interconnections and progressive training in scientific practices provides students with skills in acquiring and understanding new scientific information, even beyond the MCB course.

Comparison of the air pollution biomonitoring ability of three Tillandsia species and the lichen Ramalina celastri in Argentina.

Bioaccumulation ability and response to air pollution sources were evaluated for Tillandsia capillaris Ruíz and Pav. f. capillaris, T. recurvata L., T. tricholepis Baker and the lichen Ramalina celastri (Spreng.) Krog. and Swinsc. Epiphyte samples collected from a non contaminated area in the province of Córdoba were transplanted to a control site and three areas categorised according to agricultural, urban and industrial (metallurgical and metal-mechanical) emission sources. Bioindicators were exposed for 3-, 6- and 9-month periods. A foliar damage index was established for Tillandsia and a pollution index for the lichen, and S, Fe, Mn and Zn concentrations were determined. An order of efficiency for the species and conditions studied is proposed taking into account heavy metal accumulation: T. recurvata >T. tricholepis >R. celastri >T. capillaris. All species studied showed Mn to be related to agricultural activity and Fe to industries and soil particles, and Zn was related to urban and industrial sources. As far as physiological response is concerned, T. tricholepis and T. capillaris were more sensitive to agricultural activities, whereas T. recurvata was sensitive to urban and industrial sources, and only partially to agricultural sources. No relationship was found for R. celastri.

Use of a long-acting gonadotrophin-releasing hormone analogue in a postmenopausal woman with hyperandrogenism due to a hilus cell tumour.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to prove the utility of GnRH analogues for the suppression of androgen secretion in a postmenopausal woman with a suspected virilizing ovarian tumour. DESIGN AND METHODS: We present a case of a 72-year-old woman with virilization of recent onset. Hormonal studies revealed a fourfold increase in serum testosterone levels, normal dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate concentrations and high levels of serum 17-hydroxyprogesterone levels. Computed axial tomography scan of the ovaries was normal and the adrenal glands showed a discrete enlargement. The long-acting GnRH analogue, triptorelin, was injected initially (3.75mg i.m.) and serum hormone levels were measured weekly throughout one month. RESULTS: GnRH produced a decrease in serum testosterone levels to normal values, in parallel with the suppression of serum LH and FSH concentrations. The patient was treated for three months with triptorelin and she experienced an amelioration of the hyperandrogenic symptoms. In order to achieve a diagnosis, the patient was submitted to a laparotomy that revealed a small hilus cell tumour in the left ovary. CONCLUSION: GnRH analogues may offer a good therapeutic option in some states of gonadotrophin-dependent hyperandrogenism of ovarian origin.

Epidemiologic study of contact dermatitis in hemodialysis patients.

Hemodialysis (H) implies the application of different topical substances (such as antiseptics, plaster and rubber chemicals, etc.) and the contact with potential allergenic materials (like gloves, catheters, needles, etc.). H patients may present contact dermatitis (allergic or irritant) as a consequence of this procedure. The frequency of this dermatitis is not known, as reports of isolated cases constitute the only source of information. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of contact dermatitis and positive patch tests (PT) in patients treated with chronic maintenance H. Eighty patients (40 females and 40 males) on chronic H were studied. We found a low frequency of eczematous lesions among our H patients (1.25%). PT were carried out with the GEIDC standard panel and a "dialysis" battery. Fourteen patients (17.5%) had positive PT, 3 of them having polysensitization. The most frequent sensitizing agents were p-phenylenediamine (3.75%), carba mix (3.75%) and Betadine solution (3.75%). Irritative patch test reactions were seen in 29 patients (36.2%), all of them due to Betadine solution (povidone-iodine). There was no relationship between the length of time of H, sex, age, history of contact dermatitis or cutaneous examination for dermatitis, and PT results. Regarding our results one might suggest that H is a low source of sensitization, but one has to take into account the state of anergy typical of uremic patients. Although the H procedure could be responsible for those sensitizations, it is also possible that they were acquired before H treatment.

Epidemiology of urticaria in Spain.

BACKGROUND: In spite of the frequency of chronic urticaria there are very few epidemiological studies of its prevalence and distribution. OBJECTIVE: We wanted to approach the real prevalence of chronic urticaria in a population-based study and to depict demographic distribution and personal perception of the disease. We also wanted to describe the frequency of acute urticaria episodes in the population studied. METHODS: We conducted a population-based study among adults in Spain. We questioned 5003 individuals after calculating a sample size for a maximum variability (conservative approach p=q=0.5). RESULTS: We found a 0.6% (95% CI: 0.4-0.8) prevalence of chronic urticaria. The prevalence is significantly higher in women than in men with a OR=3.82 (95%CI 1.56-9.37). Chronic urticaria is a self-limited disease, yet in 8.7% of cases chronic urticaria lasts from one to 5 years and in 11.3%, for more than 5 years. The average age of onset is 40 years. CONCLUSIONS: We offer large epidemiology study data on the prevalence of chronic urticaria. The prevalence of chronic urticaria has not yet been defined in an adult population-based study. With this work we offer such data to describe the prevalence and features of this disease.

[Necrotizing fasciitis as complication of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy]. / Fascitis necrotizante como complicación de gastrostomía endoscópica percutánea.

Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a rare clinical entity. We describe a case associated with a percutaneous endoscopic gastrotomy (PEG).

Heavy metals and trace elements in atmospheric fall-out: their relationship with topsoil and wheat element composition.

The objectives of this study were to determine the average concentrations and deposition rates of 28 elements in atmospheric bulk deposition and to elucidate associations among topsoil, bulk deposition and wheat element composition. The fluxes of arsenic (As), copper (Cu), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) deposition in Córdoba were higher than in other agro-ecosystems, which reflects both natural (geochemistry and topsoil removal) and anthropogenic sources. High lanthanide, uranium (U) and thorium (Th) concentrations revealed the impact of an open cast uranium mine. The highest enrichment factors (EF) were those of Cu, Pb, Zn and nickel (Ni), with calcium (Ca) being the most prominent in the surroundings of a cement plant. Industries and the transport of airborne urban pollutants were the main anthropogenic sources for Ca, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn, cadmium (Cd), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn) and antimony (Sb). The concentrations of metals in wheat grain were predicted using the topsoil and atmospheric fall-out composition with R(2)=0.90, with the latter being the best explanatory variable. The present study highlights the potential health hazards of wheat consumption (Environmental Protection Agency) by the assessment of heavy metals in bulk atmospheric deposition.

Analysis of tissue bioimpedance as a measurement of liver steatosis: experimental model in large animals.

BACKGROUND: Electrical bioimpedance (BI) has been used to indirectly measure steatosis. This method has not yet been established in the clinics thus experimental studies are needed in big animals. We assessed BI to measure liver steatosis in porcine animals. METHODS: Twelve large-white × Landrace pigs weighing 35 kg were allocated to a study (n = 9) and a control group (n = 3). A special diet was used to promote steatosis among the study group: methionine deficient and choline-restricted diet that contains supplements of cholesterol, collate and excess of saturated fat. Control group animals were fed a normal diet. A new tetrapolar electrode model was used for BI measurement, which were performed during open laparotomy by inserting a probe into one of the lobes. Measurements were done in the third and fourth segments of the pig liver, placing the probe either on the surface or inserted into the parenchyma of the liver. Open biopsies were obtained at the end of the measurements. Histological samples were processed and stained with hematoxylin-eosin to estimate macrosteatosis. Pearson correlation coefficient between BI and percentage steatosis were calculated at different frequencies. RESULTS: After 4 months of the special diet all the animals in the study group developed steatosis (90% to 20%), whereas none of the control group was affected. Pearson correlation coefficients between BI and percentage of steatosis were significant (0.877-0.878) with the best correlations obtained with a probe placed on the fourth segment of the liver surface and the best frequency to perform the measurements being 50 and 75 kHz. CONCLUSIONS: BI is an accurate, fast method for steatosis measurements, that is easier and cheaper than either open or needle biopsy.

Heavy metal and trace element concentrations in wheat grains: assessment of potential non-carcinogenic health hazard through their consumption.

Heavy metal and trace element concentrations were examined in wheat grains and straw to elucidate associations between air pollution sources and soil variables. The mean wheat grain concentrations of Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn surpassed the tolerance limits stated in the international legislation for wheat grain and foodstuffs. When topsoil Ba, Co, Cr and Zn concentrations were higher than the legislation thresholds for agricultural and residential soils, wheat grain concentrations were also increased. In addition, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn revealed an immobilization effect of a cement plant and the atmospheric deposition input, with Cd in wheat grains being associated with a cement plant and industrial waste incinerator. The health risks arising from wheat grain consumption indicated that the inhabitants of Argentina are experiencing significant non-carcinogenic risks (Hazard Index = 3.311), especially when consuming wheat grains affected by metallurgical or chemical factories, as well as by air transportation from big cities.

Heavy metal pollution in topsoils near a cement plant: the role of organic matter and distance to the source to predict total and hcl-extracted heavy metal concentrations.

Heavy metal and trace element concentrations were examined in topsoils to evaluate a cement plant and an industrial waste incinerator as pollution sources. As, Ba, Ca, Ce, Co, Cr, Cs, Eu, Fe, Hf, K, La, Lu, Na, Nd, Rb, Sb, Sc, Se, Sm, Ta, Tb, Th, U, Yb and Zn were measured by Neutron Activation Analysis (NAA), and Co, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb and Zn by a 0.5M-hydrochloric extraction technique using an Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). The Cr total concentration and HCl-extracted Co and Mn were possibly related to wind transportation from an industrial area in the north of Córdoba city (Argentina). Cu, Pb and Zn in partial HCl extraction were influenced by the cement plant and the industrial area in the north of Córdoba city. The mean total Ba concentration was above the residential and agricultural land use limits stated in national and international legislation and was related to the distance to the cement plant. The concentrations of HCl-extracted heavy metals could be predicted by the organic matter percentage and the distance to the cement plant (with R(2) values of 0.50-0.74). The Ca total concentration was seen to have little influence whereas the organic matter percentage strongly affected HCl-extracted heavy metals according to the correlation analysis and multiple regression models. According to soil quality guidelines for environmental health, the human and wildlife populations in Yocsina might be experiencing toxic Ba and Cr effects.

Multiple cutaneous sensitization to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

The use of topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is widespread (particularly in countries bordering the Mediterranean). Compared to their wide use, the incidence of published adverse cutaneous effects appears minimal, although they are increasing. Most of them are a form of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). Multiple sensitization and/or cross-reactions are rarely reported. Interestingly, our patient presented ACD with diclofenac and etofenamate (both from different chemical groups) and, furthermore, patch tests were positive with bencydamine and indomethacin (both indolacetic acid derivatives), piroxicam and fepradinol. We think that our results could not be explained due to cross-reactivity, and that multiple sensitization was more likely.

Different HCl and pepsinogen I secretion patterns in anatomically defined gastric ulcer subsets.

Anatomically, functionally, and clinically, peptic ulcer patients are a heterogeneous group of subjects. These patients can be classified according to the anatomic localization of the niche. The functional state of the gastric mucosa was studied in 30 gastric ulcer patients, 25 duodenal ulcer patients, and 10 normal controls. The classification of the first group was based on Johnson's criteria, with the following results: 10 individuals were type I, 10 were type II, and 10 were type III. Pepsinogen I levels and gastric acid secretion were measured in all 65 subjects under basal conditions and after subcutaneous pentagastrin stimulation. Both basal and stimulated serum pepsinogen I values were significantly higher (p less than 0.05) in gastric ulcer type III patients than in the other four groups. These values in gastric ulcer type I were similar to those of the controls. Gastric ulcer type II patients showed an intermediate functional state similar to that of duodenal ulcer patients. In both gastric ulcer type II and duodenal ulcer patients, the basal and stimulated pepsinogen I levels were significantly higher (p less than 0.05) than those found in controls, whereas the basal serum gastrin levels were similar in the five groups. In conclusion, different HCl and pepsinogen I secretory patterns, with functional heterogenicity of the gastric mucosa, are shown here for the anatomically defined gastric ulcer subsets.

Study of the secretion of pepsinogen I in cirrhotic humans with and without portacaval shunt.

Thirty-nine subjects have been studied: 14 with hepatic cirrhosis who had not been subjected to surgery, 13 cirrhotic patients in whom portacaval shunt had been performed, and 12 normal controls. In all of them, we performed serum determinations of pepsinogen I, both basal and after pentagastrin stimulation, and of basal gastrin levels, as well as analyses of basal and stimulated gastric acid secretion (basal acid output and maximal acid output). The values for pepsinogen I, basal or post-stimulation, were higher (p less than 0.001) in patients with cirrhosis who had not undergone surgical shunt than in those in the control group. However, there were no statistically significant differences when these two groups were compared with the patients who had been subjected to portacaval shunt. In this last group of patients, seven had levels similar to those of the controls, and six presented higher values. Likewise, the values for gastric acid secretion were similar in the three groups of patients, and the basal gastrin level was lower (p less than 0.001) among patients with liver cirrhosis, whether or not they had undergone surgery, than among the control population. In conclusion, the functional alterations of the gastric mucosa in patients with hepatic cirrhosis are not significantly different from those found in cirrhotic patients with portacaval shunt.

[Nutrition and mental function in the elderly]. / Nutrición y función mental en el anciano.

A deterioration in cognitive functions is characteristic of the ageing process and is one of the principle causes for disability in old age. It is possible that some of the neuropsychiatric alterations associated with old age may be due to certain subclinical vitamin deficiencies and, as such, may be corrected in some cases with adequate nutrition. This article presents a broad review of the various research efforts published on the subject.

[Investigation of the efficacy and tolerability of azelastine nasal spray versus ebastine tablets in patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis]. / Investigación de la eficacia y tolerabilidad de azelastina spray nasal versus ebastina comprimidos en pacientes con rinitis alérgica estacional.

The efficacy and safety of the nasally administered histamine H1 receptor blocking drug Azelastine was investigated in an open, multicenter, randomized comparative trial with Ebastine in seasonal allergic rhinitis. 110 patients in two parallel groups were treated for 14 days and efficacy was assessed by the physician using a rating scale measuring 10 nasal and ocular symptoms of seasonal rhinitis (0 = absent, 1 = mild, 2 = moderate, 3 = severe). Tolerability was measured on the basis of reported adverse events. Both treatment groups had dramatic reductions in the physician's total symptom score following treatment (p < 0.0005). There was no significant difference between the two groups. Changes in individual rhinitis symptoms showed no differences between the two groups. During treatment, 19 patients had at least one adverse event, 13 in Azelastine group and 6 in Ebastine group; all were mild. The most frequent adverse events reported were somnolence (4 cases in Ebastine group) and a bitter taste (4 patients in the Azelastine group). In conclusion, the results of the study on 110 patients suggest that both Azelastine and Ebastine are effective treatments of the symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis. Both drugs were well tolerated.

Glucose tolerance, insulin secretion, insulin sensitivity and glucose effectiveness in normal and overweight hyperthyroid women.

OBJECTIVE: Inter-relationships between insulin sensitivity and body weight in patients with hyperthyroidism remain incompletely understood. We have examined whether a mild excess of body weight exacerbates the metabolic abnormalities of spontaneous hyperthyroidism. DESIGN AND PATIENTS: Insulin-modified intravenous glucose tolerance tests were performed on 14 hyperthyroid women with body mass indices (BMI) ranging from 21 to 31 kg/m2. A control group of 19 healthy women matched for age and BMI was also studied. MEASUREMENTS: Intravenous glucose tolerance (KG), first and second-phase integrated insulin responses to glucose, the integrated glucose area under the curve (AUC), and minimal model parameters of insulin sensitivity (SI) and glucose effectiveness (SG) were determined. RESULTS: Hyperthyroid women had mean KG, glucose-induced insulin secretion and SG values similar to those in control women. The mean glucose AUC was higher in hyperthyroid patients (P < 0.05). Lower insulin sensitivity was observed in hyperthyroid patients than in control women (SI = 0.38 +/- 0.07 vs 0.59 +/- 0.07 l/min pmol 10(4) (mean +/- SEM), P < 0.05). A steeper decline in insulin sensitivity with increase in body mass index was found in hyperthyroid women when compared with the control group, after adjusting for age. When groups were compared according to their BMI, hyperthyroid women with normal weight (BMI < or = 25 kg/m2, n = 8) had mean KG, insulin response to glucose, glucose AUC, SG and SI values similar to those in normal weight control women (n = 11). Overweight hyperthyroid patients (BMI > 25 kg/m2, n = 6) had a higher (P < 0.05) second-phase insulin response to glucose than normal weight patients, a higher glucose AUC (P < 0.05) than normal weight patients and overweight controls (n = 8), and a lower SI (P < 0.05) than normal weight patients and overweight controls. SG was not influenced by BMI in hyperthyroid patients. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that overall glucose tolerance was not significantly affected in normal weight hyperthyroid women. However, when a moderate excess of weight is also present, a state of clear insulin resistance occurs.