The influence of simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation on the evolution of diabetic foot lesions and peripheral arterial disease.

PURPOSE: Simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation (SPKT) remains the best treatment option in patients with type 1 diabetes and chronic kidney failure. There are only a few studies addressing the potential ischemic deterioration of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) due to blood diverting from the iliac artery to the kidney graft. We aimed to evaluate diabetic foot lesions and PAD evolution in SPKT recipients and investigate if they are more frequent in ipsilateral lower limb of kidney graft. METHODS: We developed a retrospective cohort, including patients submitted to SPKT in our tertiary center, between 2000 and 2017. Diabetic foot lesions and PAD frequencies were compared in the period before and after transplantation. RESULTS: Two hundred and eleven patients were included, 50.2% (n = 106) female, with a median age at transplantation of 35 years (IQR 9). After a median follow-up period of 10 years (IQR 7), patient, kidney, and pancreatic graft survival were 90.5% (n = 191), 83.4% (n = 176), and 74.9% (n = 158), respectively. Before transplant, 2.8% (n = 6) had PAD and 5.3% (n = 11) had history of foot lesions. In post-transplant period, 17.1% (n = 36) patients presented PAD and 25.6% (n = 54) developed diabetic foot ulcers, 47.6% (n = 35) of which in the ipsilateral and 53.3% (n = 40) in the contralateral lower limb of the kidney graft (p = 0.48). Nine patients (4.3%) underwent major lower limb amputation, 3 (30%) ipsilateral and 7 (70%) contralateral to the kidney graft (p = 0.29). CONCLUSIONS: Diabetic foot lesions were not more frequent in the ipsilateral lower limb of the kidney graft, therefore downgrading the 'steal syndrome' role in these patients.

Maternofetal outcomes in early-onset gestational diabetes: does weight gain matter?

AIM: Women with early-onset gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) have overall lower gestational weight gain (GWG) compared to those with later-onset GDM, albeit with usually worse maternofetal outcomes. We intent to investigate the association between inadequate GWG and maternofetal outcomes in pregnant women with early-onset GDM. METHODS: We performed a retrospective study of women with early-onset GDM based on the National Registry of GDM. Three study groups were defined according to the recommendations of the Institute of Medicine for GWG: excessive GWG (eGWG), adequate (aGWG) or insufficient (iGWG). RESULTS: A total of 8040 pregnant women were included: 27% (n = 2170) eGWG, 31% (n = 2492) aGWG and 42% (n = 3378) iGWG. Preeclampsia (4.3 vs 3 vs 1.6%, p < 0.001), polyhydramnios (3.1 vs 2.3 vs 1.8%, p = 0.008) and cesarean section (37.4 vs 34.1 vs 29.5%, p < 0.001) were significantly more frequent among women with eGWG. Additionally, there was a higher frequency of macrosomia (8.1 vs 3.6 vs 2.4%, p < 0.001), large-for-gestational-age (8.2 vs 3.7 vs 2.6%, p < 0.001) and birth trauma (2.6 vs 1.5 vs 1.1%, p < 0.001) in this group. On the other hand, fetal death (0.2 vs 0.2 vs 0.5%, p = 0.04), small-for-gestational-age (9 vs 10.3 vs 14.9, p < 0.001) and preterm delivery (5.6 vs 7.1 vs 7.5%, p = 0.03) were more frequent in iGWG group. CONCLUSIONS: Over two-thirds of pregnant women with early-onset GDM had inappropriate GWG, which was significantly associated with adverse maternofetal outcomes. Weight management must be a focus of special attention in women with early-onset GDM, beyond glycemic control, to achieve healthy pregnancy outcomes.

The mediator role of unmet needs on quality of life in myeloma patients.

PURPOSE: The diagnosis of multiple myeloma (MM) has a significant impact on patients. This study analyzed the mediating role of patients' unmet needs in the relationship between psychological morbidity/social support and quality of life (QoL). METHODS: This study included 213 patients with MM recruited from the outpatient medical oncology and clinical hematology services from five hospitals. Patients who meet the study criteria were referred by physicians and invited to participate in the study by the researcher. All participants answered the following questionnaires: Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Satisfaction with Social Support Scale, Short-Form Survivor Unmet Needs Survey, and The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer's Multiple Myeloma Module. Descriptive statistics, bivariate correlations, and structural equation modeling were performed to analyze the data. RESULTS: The indirect effect of psychological morbidity on patients' future perspectives (MYFP) was partially mediated by information unmet needs (INF), while the indirect effect of psychological morbidity on treatment side effects (MYSE) was partially mediated by relationship and emotional unmet needs (REH). In turn, the indirect effect of psychological morbidity on disease symptoms (MYDS) was fully mediated by REH. Social support had an indirect effect on MYDS and MYSE fully mediated by REH. CONCLUSION: Intervention programs tailored to promote MM patients' QoL should specifically address information and emotional needs, raising awareness and training health professionals, caregivers, and family members to attend  MM patients' unmet needs.

Identification of Copy Number Variation by Array-CGH in Portuguese Children and Adolescents Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders.

BACKGROUND: Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) affect many children with an estimated prevalence of 1%. Array-comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) offers significant sensitivity for the identification of submicroscopic chromosomal abnormalities and it is one of the most used techniques in daily practice. The main objective of this study was to describe the usefulness of array-CGH in the etiologic diagnosis of ASD. METHODS: Two-hundred fifty-three patients admitted to a neurogenetic outpatient clinic and diagnosed with ASD were selected for array-CGH (4 × 180K microarrays). Public databases were used for classification in accordance with the American College of Medical Genetics Standards and Guidelines. RESULTS: About 3.56% (9/253) of copy number variations (CNVs) were classified as pathogenic. When likely pathogenic CNVs were considered, the rate increased to 11.46% (29/253). Some CNVs apparently not correlated to the ASD were also found. Considering a phenotype-genotype correlation, the patients were divided in two groups. One group according to previous literature includes all the CNVs related to ASDs (23 CNVs present in 22 children) and another with those apparently not related to ASD (10 CNVs present in 7 children). In 18 patients, a next-generation sequencing (NGS) panel were performed. From these, one pathogenic and 16 uncertain significance variants were identified. CONCLUSION: The results of our study are in accordance with the literature, highlighting the relevance of array-CGH in the genetic of diagnosis of ASD population, namely when associated with other features. Our study also reinforces the need for complementarity between array-CGH and NGS panels or whole exome sequencing in the etiological diagnosis of ASD.

Socio-environmental profile of child and adolescents sensitized by house dust mite in northeast of Brazil.

INTRODUCTION: The association regarding the atopic sensitization to mite aeroallergens and the socio-environmental features is still inconsistent. OBJECTIVES: We analyzed the role played by socioeconomic and environmental factors in the prevalence of sensitization to house dust mite (HDM) allergens, and associated with the risk of developing asthma symptoms. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This is a case-control study conducted with 108 patients, aged 1-17. We inquired about family habits, socioeconomic and environmental features. We applied the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood questionnaire. RESULTS: We observed patients sensitized to all HDM tested, Derp (42%), Derf (37%) and Blot (33%). Middle family income (OR: 2.74; CI95%: 1.127-6.684), exposure to dog (OR: 3.758, CI95%: 1.127-6.684) and artificial climatization (OR: 4.319, CI95%: 1.398-13.348) were associated with sensitization to Derp. We also observed protective factors, such as sharing of dormitories, washing cycle for bedspreads and the presence of basic sanitation. An increased risk of sensitization to Derf was associated with Blot sensitization (OR: 3.172, CI95%: 1.083-9.292) and presence of mold on the walls (OR: 3.095, CI95%: 1.063-9.008). A protective factor was dormitory sharing. For sensitization to Blot, we observed an increase in the risk associated with Derp sensitization (OR: 3.462, CI95%: 1.191-10.061) and exposure to dog (OR: 3.255, CI95%: 0.987-10.736). In addition, sensitization to Blot increases the risk of developing asthma symptoms (OR: 2.732, CI95%: 0.981-7.606). CONCLUSION: Our data show distinct sociodemographic and environmental relations that lead to HDM sensitization and increased probability of development of allergic diseases.

Meriones unguiculatus infected by Haemonchus contortus: evaluation of different experimental protocols.

Many important studies on resistance reversion, anthelmintic efficacy and, especially, new molecules with antiparasitic effects are performed in laboratories using gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus) as the experimental model. This study aimed to evaluate the use of corticosteroids (dexamethasone and methylprednisolone acetate) in gerbils experimentally infected with different doses of infective larvae (sheathed or exsheathed) of Haemonchus contortus. In the first experiment, 28 gerbils were divided into seven groups infected by 2-6 × 103 larvae, with or without immunosuppression using corticosteroids. In the second experiment, eight gerbils were divided into two groups infected by 2 × 103 sheathed or exsheathed larvae. For the third assay, seven immunosuppressed gerbils were infected with 2 × 103 sheathed larvae and were killed 15 days post infection (PI). The highest number of parasites was recovered from methylprednisolone-immunosuppressed animals. We observed red and white blood cell alterations and biochemical parameters in infected animals that had undergone immunosuppression with methylprednisolone. We highlight that in the first and second experiments a satisfactory number of worms was recovered using sheathed larvae and immunocompetent animals. When exsheathed larvae were used, the number of worms recovered was unsatisfactory. A considerable larval burden was recovered from immunosuppressed gerbils 15 days PI, and body weight did not influence establishment of larvae.

Enzymatic and viability RT-qPCR assays for evaluation of enterovirus, hepatitis A virus and norovirus inactivation: Implications for public health risk assessment.

AIM: To assess the potential of a viability dye and an enzymatic reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) pretreatment to discriminate between infectious and noninfectious enteric viruses. METHODS AND RESULTS: Enterovirus (EntV), norovirus (NoV) GII.4 and hepatitis A virus (HAV) were inactivated at 95°C for 10 min, and four methods were used to compare the efficiency of inactivation: (i) cell culture plaque assay for HAV and EntV, (ii) RT-qPCR alone, (iii) RT-qPCR assay preceded by RNase treatment, and (iv) pretreatment with a viability dye (reagent D (RD)) followed by RT-qPCR. In addition, heat-inactivated NoV was treated with RD coupled with surfactants to increase the efficiency of the viability dye. No treatment was able to completely discriminate infectious from noninfectious viruses. RD-RT-qPCR reduced more efficiently the detection of noninfectious viruses with little to no removal observed with RNase. RD-RT-qPCR method was the closest to cell culture assay. The combination of surfactants and RD did not show relevant improvements on the removal of inactivated viruses signal compared with viability RT-qPCR, with the exception of Triton X-100. CONCLUSION: The use of surfactant/RD-RT-qPCR, although not being able to completely remove the signal from noninfectious viral particles, yielded a better estimation of viral infectivity. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Surfactant/RD-RT-qPCR may be an advantageous tool for a better detection of infectious viruses with potential significant impact in the risk assessment of the presence of enteric viruses.

Serum adenosine deaminase and xanthine oxidase activities in silver catfish naturally infected with Ichthyophthirius multifiliis: The influence of these enzymes on inflammatory and oxidative status.

Adenosine deaminase (ADA) activity, through adenosine (Ado) levels, as well as xanthine oxidase (XO) activity through uric acid levels exerts an essential role on immune and inflammatory responses during infectious diseases. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the involvement of seric ADA and XO activities in the inflammatory and oxidative status of silver catfish naturally infected with Ichthyophthirius multifiliis. Seric ADA activity decreased, while Ado levels increased in infected animals compared to uninfected animals. Moreover, the seric XO activity increased in infected animals compared to uninfected animals, alongside the seric levels of uric acid, metabolites of nitric oxide (NOx) and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Based on this evidence, the downregulation of seric ADA activity exerts an anti-inflammatory profile, contributing to restricting the inflammatory process. The most important finding is that upregulation of seric XO activity leads to an excessive formation of uric acid, which contributes to oxidative and inflammatory processes. Moreover, uric acid induces the release of pro-inflammatory and pro-oxidative mediators, such NOx and ROS, which contribute directly to disease pathogenesis. In summary, the upregulation of XO activity may be considered a pathway involved in NOx and ROS production in silver catfish infected with I. multifiliis.

Genetic variability of CYP3A4 in a heterogeneous Brazilian population from Maranhão.

Inter-individual variability in drug metabolism may result in adverse drug responses. Pharmacogenetic studies have shown that polymorphisms in drug metabolizing enzymes may contribute to this variability. Among these enzymes, CYP3A4 is responsible for metabolizing over 50% of the clinically used drugs. The Brazilian population is composed of people with Native American, European, and African ancestries, and is therefore considered as one of the most intermixed populations in the world. A thorough knowledge of the genetic frequencies of CYP3A4 allelic variants is useful for the establishment of better pharmacological therapies; therefore, the aim of this study was to describe the polymorphic frequencies for CYP3A4 -392A>G (rs2740574) in a sample population from Maranhão, Brazil. Our results showed that 75.1, 21.9, and 3.0% of the individuals expressed the -392AA, -392AG, and -392GG genotypes, respectively. The -392A and -392G alleles were observed in 86.1 and 13.9% of the population, respectively. Our results reiterate the need for a better understanding of the variations in the genotype and allele frequencies of CYP3A4 -392A>G polymorphisms in various Brazilian regions, in order to elucidate the variability in drug response.

In vitro activity of essential oils of free and nanostructured Melaleuca alternifolia and of terpinen-4-ol on eggs and larvae of Haemonchus contortus.

Haemonchus contortus is one of the major gastrointestinal nematodes responsible for significant economic and production losses of sheep. Diseases caused by this species lack effective anthelmintic products, and the search for new compounds to replace synthetic anthelmintics has been extensive. The present investigation assesses the in vitro activity of the essential oil of melaleuca (Melaleuca alternifolia), both free (TTO) and nanostructured (nanoTTO), and terpinen-4-ol (terp-4-ol) on eggs and larvae of H. contortus. Tests of egg hatching (EHT) and inhibition of larval migration (LMIT) were used to assess the in vitro efficacy of TTO, nanoTTO and terp-4-ol. Using EHT, at a concentration of 3.5 mg/ml, 100% inhibition occurred using TTO and terp-4-ol, with LC50 values of 0.43 and 0.63 mg/ml, and LC90 values of 1.75 mg/ml and 3.12 mg/ml, respectively. NanoTTO had lower activity, with 82.6% inhibition at the same concentration. Using LMIT, TTO and nanoTTO had a similar activity with 88.0% and 84.8% inhibition, respectively, at a concentration of 56 mg/ml. Terp-4-ol had a greater effect on larvae, with 85.7% inhibition at a concentration of 56 mg/ml and 82.4% at 3.5 mg/ml, demonstrating high activity at the lowest concentration tested. Therefore, the results indicate that all substances tested showed ovicidal and larvicidal activity against H. contortus. TTO, terp-4-ol and, mainly, nanoTTO may be targeted in in vivo studies, besides being a promising line of research into the control and treatment of veterinary important helminths.

Trypanocidal activity of free and nanoencapsulated curcumin on Trypanosoma evansi.

This study aimed to evaluate in vitro and in vivo trypanocidal activity of free and nanoencapsulated curcumin against Trypanosoma evansi. In vitro efficacy of free curcumin (CURC) and curcumin-loaded in lipid-core nanocapsules (C-LNCs) was evaluated to verify their lethal effect on T. evansi. To perform the in vivo tests, T. evansi-infected animals were treated with CURC (10 and 100 mg kg(-1), intraperitoneally [i.p.]) and C-LNCs (10 mg kg(-1), i.p.) during 6 days, with the results showing that these treatments significantly attenuated the parasitaemia. Infected untreated rats showed protein peroxidation and an increase of nitrites/nitrates, whereas animals treated with curcumin showed a reduction on these variables. As a result, the activity of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase and catalase) differs between groups (P<0.05). Infected animals and treated with CURC exhibited a reduction in the levels of alanine aminotransferase and creatinine, when compared with the positive control group. The use of curcumin in vitro resulted in a better parasitaemia control, an antioxidant activity and a protective effect on liver and kidney functions of T. evansi-infected adult male Wistar rats.

Antimutagenic action of the triterpene betulinic acid isolated from Scoparia dulcis (Scrophulariaceae).

The mutagenic and antimutagenic activities of triterpene betulinic acid {3b-3-hydroxy-lup-20(29)-en-28-oic} isolated from the roots of Scoparia dulcis (Scrophulariaceae) were analyzed using the somatic mutation and recombination test (SMART) in the wings of Drosophila melanogaster. The mutagenic potential of betulinic acid was evaluated at 3 different concentrations (1.64, 3.28, and 6.57 mM). Antimutagenic activity evaluation was performed by co-treatment trials in which the flies received betulinic acid at 3 different concentrations in addition to 10 mM pro-mutagenic urethane. The results demonstrated that betulinic acid was not capable of causing DNA damage. However, the frequency of small single spots, large spots, and twin spots was significantly reduced. In the high bioactivation cross, betulinic acid was significantly active and exerted enhanced antimutagenic activity, possibly as a desmutagen.

Levels of mannose-binding lectin in individuals with visceral leishmaniasis in the northeast region of Brazil.

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is one of the seven priority endemic diseases in the world. The clinical outcome of many infections is not only dependent on the pathogenic organism, but also on the genetic variability of the host susceptibility to infection. Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) is a protein that plays an important role in the innate immune system. The aim of this study was to compare the serum levels of MBL between healthy controls and carriers of VL. The VL cases were recruited randomly from the main hospitals and referral outpatient clinics for VL in São Luís, and from home visits. Determination of MBL protein levels was performed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Of the 161 patients with VL and the 161 healthy controls, 60.9 and 67.1% had high levels of MBL, respectively. There was no significant difference in MBL levels between cases and controls. Low socioeconomic status and living conditions are conducive to the occurrence of VL. Owing to the small number of existing studies, it is extremely important to conduct further studies on MBL levels and susceptibility to VL, especially in regions where the disease is endemic, such as Maranhão, Brazil.

Environmentally Relevant Concentrations of Atrazine and Ametrine Induce Micronuclei Formation and Nuclear Abnormalities in Erythrocytes of Fish.

A rapid and sensitive method using liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry triple quadrupole direct aqueous injection for analysis of atrazine and ametrine herbicides in surface waters was developed. According to the validation method, water samples from six different locations in the Piracicaba River were collected monthly from February 2011 to January 2012 and injected into a liquid chromatographer/dual mass spectrometer without the need for sample extraction. The method was validated and shown to be precise and accurate; limits of detection and quantification were 0.07 and 0.10 µg L(-1) for atrazine and 0.09 and 0.14 µg L(-1) for ametrine. During the sampling period, concentrations of atrazine ranged from 0.11 to 1.92 µg L(-1) and ametrine from 0.25 to 1.44 µg L(-1). After analysis of the herbicides, Danio rerio were exposed a range of concentrations found in the river water to check the induction of micronuclei and nuclear abnormalities (NAs) in erythrocytes. Concentrations of atrazine and ametrine >1.0 and 1.5 µg L(-1), respectively, induced MN formation in D. rerio. Ametrine was shown to be more genotoxic to D. rerio because a greater incidence of NAs was observed compared with atrazine. Therefore, environmentally relevant concentrations of atrazine and ametrine found in the Piracicaba River are dangerous to the aquatic biota.

Molecular detection of human papillomavirus in Brazilian women with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia in a northeast Brazilian city.

We examined the prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in Brazilian women with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. Our goal was to identify the types of HPV and their association with risk factors. This prospective cross-sectional study included 97 samples collected from women aged 14-79 years at the public health units of gynecological care in São Luís, MA, Brazil. HPV detection was performed by nested polymerase chain reaction and sequence analysis. The study patients completed a structured questionnaire to provide information regarding their socio-demographic, clinical, and behavioral status. HPV prevalence was found to be 80.4%, with 17 virus types detected, including HPV 16, 18, 58, 6, and 11. Significant associations between HPV infection and age and frequency of doctor visits were identified. The study findings indicate the significance of age and low frequency of visits to the gynecologist as risk factors for genital HPV infection, suggesting that HPV infection-derived cervical cancer could be prevented through orientation programs for women, which include sex education and information regarding screening tests. We also found an increased prevalence of high-risk HPV serotypes in cervical lesions, which reveals an association between cervical lesions and high-risk HPV.

Impact of inocula and operating conditions on the microbial community structure of two anammox reactors.

The microbial community structure of the biomass selected in two distinctly inoculated anaerobic oxidation of ammonium (anammox) reactors was investigated and compared with the help of data obtained from 454-pyrosequencing analyses. The anammox reactors were operated for 550 days and seeded with different sludges: sediment from a constructed wetland (reactor I) and biomass from an aerated lagoon part of the oil-refinery wastewater treatment plant (reactor II). The anammox diversity in the inocula was evaluated by 16S rRNA gene-cloning analysis. The diversity of anammox bacteria was greater in the sludge from the oil-refinery (three of the five known genera of anammox were detected) than in the wetland sludge, in which only Candidatus Brocadia was observed. Pyrosequencing analysis demonstrated that the community enriched in both reactors had differing compositions despite the nearly similar operational conditions applied. The dominant phyla detected in both reactors were Proteobacteria, Chloroflexi, Planctomycetes, and Acidobacteria. The phylum Bacteroidetes, which is frequently observed in anammox reactors, was not detected. However, Acidobacteria and GN04 phyla were observed for the first time, suggesting their importance for this process. Our results suggest that, under similar operational conditions, anammox populations (Ca. Brocadia sinica and Ca. Brocadia sp. 40) were selected in both reactors despite the differences between the two initial inocula. Taken together, these results indicated that the type of inoculum and the culture conditions are key determinants of the general microbial composition of the biomass produced in the reactors. Operational conditions alone might play an important role in anammox selection.

Isolated bladder training or in combination with other therapies to improve overactive bladder symptoms: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Bladder training (BT), the maintenance of a scheduled voiding regime at gradually adjusted intervals, is a common treatment for overactive bladder (OAB). OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of isolated BT and/or in combination with other therapies on OAB symptoms. METHODS: A systematic review of eight databases was conducted. After screening titles and abstracts, full texts were retrieved. Cochrane RoB 2 and the GRADE approach were used. RESULTS: Fourteen RCTs were included: they studied isolated BT (n = 11), BT plus drug treatment (DT; n = 5), BT plus intravaginal electrical stimulation (IVES; n = 2), BT plus biofeedback and IVES (n = 1), BT plus pelvic floor muscle training and behavioral therapy (n = 2), BT plus percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation, and BT plus transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (n = 1). In a meta-analysis of short-term follow-up data, BT plus IVES resulted in greater improvement in nocturia (mean difference [MD]: 0.89, 95% CI: 0.5, 1.20), urinary incontinence (UI; MD: 1.93, 95% CI: 1.32, 2.55), and quality of life (QoL; MD: 4.87, 95% CI: 2.24, 7.50) than isolated BT, while DT and BT improved UI (MD: 0.58, 95% CI: 0.23, 0.92) more than isolated BT. CONCLUSION: In the short term, BT plus IVES improves the OAB symptoms of nocturia and UI while improving QoL. The limited number of RCTs and heterogeneity among them provide a low level of evidence, making the effect of BT on OAB inconclusive, which suggests that new RCTs should be performed.

Gill histopathological and oxidative stress evaluation in native fish captured in Portuguese northwestern rivers.

The Northwestern Portuguese region is densely populated and highly industrialized, suffering from high anthropogenic pressure. To assess the biological effect of the several pollutants that are constantly released to the water, a biomarker-based biomonitoring is a promising approach that may provide early-warning signals of pollutants exposure. Fish gill is the first target of pollutants action, thus histopathological and biochemical changes may constitute potential biomarkers. To evaluate this hypothesis, three native fish species (barbel-Luciobarbus bocagei, chub-Squalius carolitertii and nase-Pseudochondrostoma sp.) were sampled in Northwestern Portuguese rivers, the gill histopathological changes were qualitative and quantitatively analyzed and the lipid peroxidation and glutathione-S-transferase activity were determined. A multivariate statistical analysis was performed to establish correlations between these biological responses, environmental variables and ecological status. The quantitative evaluation of the main histopathological changes and oxidative stress responses emphasize the differences, among species, in the responses to the presence of contaminants in water. Discriminant canonical analysis showed that filament epithelium proliferation, necrosis and GST activity were the main contributors to discriminate the ecological status classification. In addition, the results showed that a wide range of environmental factors are influencing fish physiology. In conclusion, the gill biological responses, although not reflecting specific contaminants, can be used as biomarkers of ecosystems perturbation.

Effects of exposure to cadmium on some endocrine parameters in tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus.

The cadmium impact on interrenal and thyroid functions was assessed in tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus. Fish were exposed to 25 mg L(-1) of CdCl(2) during 24, 48, and 96 h. Exposure to 24 and 48 h induced a significant increase in plasma cortisol levels, whereas at 96 h no differences were found. A significant and sustained decrease in plasma T3 concentrations, and an over time increase in plasma glucose, was also found in exposed fish. The results of the current study show that acute exposures to sublethal cadmium concentrations induce changes in endocrine status and carbohydrate metabolism in O. niloticus.

Do urban rivers in the amazon coast trap macroplastic?

Amazon Rivers are important sources of macroplastic that enter the oceans. The estimated macroplastic transport is still inaccurate as hydrodynamics are not considered and data are not collected in situ. The present study shows the first quantification of floating macroplastics at different temporal scales, and an annual transport estimate through urban rivers in the Amazon: the Acará and Guamá Rivers, which discharge into the Guajará Bay. We conducted visual observations of macroplastics (>2.5 cm) in different river discharges and tidal stages, and we measured current intensity and direction in the three rivers. We quantified 3481 floating macroplastics, which varied according to tidal cycle and seasonality. Although connected to and affected by the same tidal regime, the urban estuarine system had an import rate of 12 ton.y-1 through the Guamá River and an export rate of 21.7 ton.y-1 of macroplastics through the Guajará Bay, affected by local hydrodynamics.