RESUMO
The Seine Estuary is historically one of the most contaminated estuaries in Europe. In 2002 the estuary underwent major redevelopment which emphasized environmental remediation to measure biological effects. The present study investigated the health status of the sentinel species Hediste diversicolor in the Seine estuary by comparing data from a sampling campaign immediately after the Seine underwent reconstruction and 10 years afterward. Both studies implemented multiple levels of biological organization ranging from enzymatic biomarkers to population density. Integrative modeling was used to establish a holistic status assessment for H. diversicolor in the Seine. H. diversicolor populations in the Seine estuary were impacted in both campaigns suggesting no significant improvements over the 10-year period. This interpretation however can be improved by increasing the number of reference sites used to establish the baseline natural variation, integrating additional environmental parameters into the model and measuring additional biological endpoints, such as reproductive status.
Assuntos
Estuários , Poliquetos , Animais , Biomarcadores , Monitoramento Ambiental , Europa (Continente)RESUMO
Identifying environmental damage due to anthropogenic activities is a focal point for scientists and policy makers like those involved in the European Water Framework Directive (WFD). Many of these approaches focus on ecological endpoints for assessing environmental perturbations, which lead to policies emphasizing mitigation rather than prevention. Biomarkers provide early-warning indicators of stress but it is necessary to distinguish their natural variations from those induced by chemical stress. The global aim of this study was to establish a baseline assessment criterion (BAC) using historical data in a reference site to define toxicity thresholds. We have developed a multiple polynomial regression model (MPR) accounting the influence of salinity, temperature and size of individual on energetic reserves (glycogen and lipids) in the marine polychaete Hediste diversicolor. The model identified a complex, orthogonal relationship between confounding factors and glycogen and a linear relationship between lipids and size of individuals.
Assuntos
Monitoramento Ambiental/métodos , Glicogênio/metabolismo , Metabolismo dos Lipídeos/efeitos dos fármacos , Poliquetos/efeitos dos fármacos , Poliquetos/metabolismo , Poluentes Químicos da Água/toxicidade , Animais , Biomarcadores/metabolismo , Análise de Regressão , SalinidadeRESUMO
Humor response to aggressive cartoons was investigated by using ratings of pain and funniness of cartoons by 154 young and elderly men and women. No significant age differences were found; however, sex differences were found. For both young and elderly females, an inverted-U described the relationship between pain and funniness ratings. For young and elderly males, there was no relationship between pain and funniness. This is a preliminary step in exploring age differences in humor but may be relevant for those working with elderly persons.
Assuntos
Envelhecimento/psicologia , Dor/psicologia , Senso de Humor e Humor como Assunto/psicologia , Adolescente , Adulto , Idoso , Emoções , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Fatores SexuaisRESUMO
In the care of persons with Alzheimer's disease and related disorders, bathing frequently poses a formidable challenge for caregivers. This article reports the results of a consensus conference on techniques to reduce disruptive behaviors during bathing, and to make the process less stressful for persons with dementia.
Assuntos
Banhos/métodos , Demência/enfermagem , Cuidadores , Guias como Assunto , Humanos , HigieneRESUMO
The histotypic organization of liver parenchyma involves specific intercellular contacts and interaction of hepatocytes with supporting biomatrix. Evidence from this laboratory identified a peptide (Hep105, apparent Mr 105 000) that is shared by the plasma membrane of rat hepatocytes and rat liver biomatrix. This report identifies Hep105 as a peptide component of dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPPIV; EC 3.4.14.-). A monoclonal antibody (MAb 236.3) was shown to immunoprecipitate DPPIV from non-ionic detergent extracts of surface-labeled 125I hepatocytes. The immunoprecipitate contained two 125I-labeled peptides: Hep105 and a peptide of apparent Mr 150000 (Hep150). Proteolysis of 125I-labeled Hep105 and Hep150 by Staphylococcus aureus V8 protease yielded essentially identical patterns of 125I-labeled peptide degradation products, indicating that Hep105 and Hep150 are structurally related. Only Hep150 exhibited DPPIV activity on transblot analysis, an observation that is consistent with the interpretation that it is the monomeric form of the enzyme. Heating (100 degrees C, 5 min) of purified Hep150 in the presence of sodium dodecylsulfate (SDS) resulted in its conversion to Hep105 and the disappearance of any demonstrable enzymatic activity. 3H-labeled diisopropyl fluorophosphate was incorporated into Hep105, indicating that Hep105 contains the active site for DPPIV. Purified rat liver biomatrix was shown to possess significant DPPIV activity. Taken together, these data indicate that Hep105 s a peptide component of DPPIV.