Negative impact of a cadmium concentration considered environmentally safe in Brazil on the cardiac performance of bullfrog tadpoles.

A drastic amphibian decline has been observed worldwide, which can be attributed (among other factors) to exposure to pollutants. Considering that cadmium corresponds to the most rapidly increasing trace metal in the environment, the aim of this work was to evaluate whether the exposure (2 and 16 days) of bullfrog tadpoles to this trace metal, at the concentration currently considered environmentally safe (at 1ppb) in class 1 and 2 waters by the Brazilian Environmental Council, can affect the cardiac performance of these animals. The acute exposure (2 days) of tadpoles to cadmium resulted in a marked bradycardic response, which was correlated with an incomplete cardiac relaxation, without any compensation by improved cardiac twitch force (Fc) or contraction velocity (TPT), nor even by cardiac hypertrophy. Indeed, after 16 days of exposure, the cardiac function of tadpoles became even more depressed due to a marked decrease in Fc, a prolongation of TPT, and also incomplete relaxation (i.e. increases in the ventricle resting tension), without changes in ventricle relative mass. Altogether, the cardiodepressive effects of cadmium (especially after more prolonged exposure periods) impose negative alterations on a tadpole׳s development and also impede adequate homeostatic adjustments to respond appropriately to the exposure to cadmium with increase in energetic demand to counteract the deleterious effects of the xenobiotic. These disturbances can impair tadpoles׳ growth, development and reproduction. It is a fact that allows us to strongly suggest that cadmium concentrations, which are currently considered environmentally safe in Brazil, should be revised.

Pyrethrum extract encapsulated in nanoparticles: Toxicity studies based on genotoxic and hematological effects in bullfrog tadpoles.

The environment receives about 2.7 kg.ha-1 annually of pesticides, used in crop production. Pesticides may have a negative impact on environmental biodiversity and potentially induce physiological effects on non-target species. Advances in technology and nanocarrier systems for agrochemicals led to new alternatives to minimize these impacts, such as nanopesticides, considered more efficient, safe and sustainable. However, it is important to evaluate the risk potential, action and toxicity of nanopesticides in aquatic and terrestrial organisms. This study aims to evaluate genotoxic and hematological biomarkers in bullfrog tadpoles (Lithobates catesbeianus) submitted to acute exposure (48 h) to pyrethrum extract (PYR) and solid lipid nanoparticles loaded with PYR. Results showed increased number of leukocytes during acute exposure, specifically eosinophils in nanoparticle-exposed groups, and basophil in PYR-exposed group. Hematological analysis showed that PYR encapsulated in nanoparticles significantly increased the erythrocyte number compared to the other exposed groups. Data from the comet assay indicated an increase in frequency of the classes that correspond to more severe DNA damages in exposed groups, being that the PYR-exposed group showed a high frequency of class-4 DNA damage. Moreover, erythrocyte nuclear abnormalities were triggered by short-time exposure in all treatments, which showed effects significantly higher than the control group. These results showed genotoxic responses in tadpoles, which could trigger cell death pathways. Concluding, these analyses are important for applications in assessment of contaminated aquatic environments and their biomonitoring, which will evaluate the potential toxicity of xenobiotics, for example, the nanoparticles and pyrethrum extract in frog species. However, further studies are needed to better understand the effects of nanopesticides and botanical insecticides on non-target organisms, in order to contribute to regulatory aspects of future uses for these systems.

Effects of the organophosphorus pesticide Folisuper 600 (methyl parathion) on the heart function of bullfrog tadpoles, Lithobates catesbeianus (Shaw, 1802).

The aim of this work was to evaluate whether the heart function of bullfrog tadpoles (25 Gosner stage) is affected by their acute exposure (48 h) to a sub-lethal concentration (10 µg.L-1) of the active principle of the organophosphorus pesticide Folisuper 600R (methyl parathion - MP). Our results demonstrated that MP causes not only a reduction in tadpoles' cardiac ventricular mass, resulting in a marked reduction in their cardiac twitch force, but also impairs their swimming performance, irrespective of increasing their heart rate. Together, these findings indicate that low and realistic concentration of MP have a negative impact on tadpoles' performance, jeopardizing their survival.

A new HTLV type II subtype A isolate in an HIV type 1-infected prostitute from Cameroon, Central Africa.

Among 332 female sex workers in Douala, Cameroon, 113 were HIV-1 seropositive, 3 were HTLV-I seropositive, and only 1 had specific anti-HTLV-II antibodies. By cocultivation with BJAB cells, an HTLV-II was isolated from the peripheral blood mononuclear cells of this 32-year-old woman coinfected by HIV-1. This new African HTLV-II isolate (PH230PCAM) belongs to the molecular subtype A, exhibiting, however, a nucleotide variability of 2.4% and 0.8%, vis-à-vis the MO prototype, in the LTR and in the gp21 env gene, respectively. These data, as well as the previous findings of another HTLV-II subtype A in a Ghanean prostitute, suggest that this viral subtype had been imported into Africa, while the HTLV-II subtype B, described in remote areas of Zaire, Gabon, and Cameroon, could be a genuine African HTLV-II, present in this continent for a long period of time.

A short term projection of HIV infection and AIDS cases in Cameroon.

By September 1991 Cameroon had reported 650 cases of the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). The results from the sentinnel surveillance system showed a seroprevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)1 of 1.3% among pregnant women, 2.5% in people attending sexually transmitted disease clinics and 3.5% in tuberculosis patients in 1990. The estimated number of persons infected with HIV varies between 10,000 and 30,000. The World Health Organization projection model was used to make a short-term projection of HIV infection and AIDS cases; it indicated that the number of persons infected with HIV will double by the year 1995, with an estimated 8500 AIDS cases. Even in a low prevalence country such as Cameroon, the impact of the HIV epidemic is important and will result in a burden for the health care system.

[Short term projections of infection by the human immunodeficiency (HIV) and the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) in Cameroon]. / Projections à court terme de l'infection par le virus de l'immunodéficience humaine (VIH) et du syndrome d'immunodéficience acquise (SIDA) au Cameroun.

As of December 1991, Cameroon has reported 827 cases of AIDS. The results from the Sentinel Surveillance System show a seroprevalence of 1.3% HIV1 among pregnant women, 2.5% in people attending STD clinic and 3.5% in tuberculosis patients. The World Health Organization projection model was used to make a short term projection of HIV infection and AIDS cases. Results show that the number estimated of HIV infected populations varies between 24 to 45,000 people by the year 1995. Results show also an estimated 8,500 cumulative AIDS cases. Even in a low prevalence country as Cameroon the impact of the HIV epidemic is important and will result in a burden for the health care system.

Effects of the organophosphorus pesticide Folisuper 600 (methyl parathion) on the heart function of bullfrog tadpoles, Lithobates catesbeianus (Shaw, 1802)

Abstract The aim of this work was to evaluate whether the heart function of bullfrog tadpoles (25 Gosner stage) is affected by their acute exposure (48 h) to a sub-lethal concentration (10 µg.L1) of the active principle of the organophosphorus pesticide Folisuper 600R (methyl parathion - MP). Our results demonstrated that MP causes not only a reduction in tadpoles cardiac ventricular mass, resulting in a marked reduction in their cardiac twitch force, but also impairs their swimming performance, irrespective of increasing their heart rate. Together, these findings indicate that low and realistic concentration of MP have a negative impact on tadpoles performance, jeopardizing their survival.

Resumo O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar se a função cardíaca de girinos de rãs-touro (estágio 25 de Gosner) é afetada pela exposição aguda (48h) a uma concentração sub-letal (10 µg.L1) do princípio ativo do pesticida organofosforado Folisuper 600R (metil paration MP). Nossos resultados demonstraram que o MP ocasionou não apenas uma redução na massa ventricular cardíaca dos girinos, como também provocou uma redução na sua força de contração cardíaca e de seu desempenho natatório, a despeito de ter sido observado um aumento de sua freqüência cardíaca. Conjuntamente, os achados aqui obtidos indicam que uma baixa e realística concentração de MP exerce um impacto negativo sobre o desempenho dos girinos, ameaçando sua sobrevivência.

Effects of the organophosphorus pesticide Folisuper 600 (methyl parathion) on the heart function of bullfrog tadpoles, Lithobates catesbeianus (Shaw, 1802) / Efeitos do pesticida organofosforado Folisuper 600 (metil paration) sobre a função cardíaca de girinos de rã-touro, Lithobates catesbeianus (Shaw, 1802)

Abstract The aim of this work was to evaluate whether the heart function of bullfrog tadpoles (25 Gosner stage) is affected by their acute exposure (48 h) to a sub-lethal concentration (10 µg.L–1) of the active principle of the organophosphorus pesticide Folisuper 600R (methyl parathion - MP). Our results demonstrated that MP causes not only a reduction in tadpoles’ cardiac ventricular mass, resulting in a marked reduction in their cardiac twitch force, but also impairs their swimming performance, irrespective of increasing their heart rate. Together, these findings indicate that low and realistic concentration of MP have a negative impact on tadpoles’ performance, jeopardizing their survival.

Resumo O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar se a função cardíaca de girinos de rãs-touro (estágio 25 de Gosner) é afetada pela exposição aguda (48h) a uma concentração sub-letal (10 µg.L–1) do princípio ativo do pesticida organofosforado Folisuper 600R (metil paration – MP). Nossos resultados demonstraram que o MP ocasionou não apenas uma redução na massa ventricular cardíaca dos girinos, como também provocou uma redução na sua força de contração cardíaca e de seu desempenho natatório, a despeito de ter sido observado um aumento de sua freqüência cardíaca. Conjuntamente, os achados aqui obtidos indicam que uma baixa e realística concentração de MP exerce um impacto negativo sobre o desempenho dos girinos, ameaçando sua sobrevivência.

HIV prevalence in patients with sexually transmitted diseases in Yaounde, (Cameroon) in 1989 and 1990: necessity of an STD control programme.

OBJECTIVE: To monitor HIV seroprevalence among STD clinic attenders as part of a sentinel surveillance programme. DESIGN: Seroepidemiological survey on randomly selected patients. SETTING: "Elig Essono" STD clinic, Yaounde; from February 1989 to December 1990. PATIENTS: 1161 randomly selected patients. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: HIV and syphilis seroprevalence. RESULTS: Twenty six of the 1161 patients (2.4%; CI: 95%; 1.5%-3.3%) tested were found to be HIV positive (mostly due to HIV1); 35.4% had antibodies to Treponema pallidum. There was no association between HIV seropositivity and sex, marital status, or educational level. Genital ulcer disease did not correlate with HIV seroprevalence. However, patients with a positive serological test for T pallidum were more likely to have HIV infection (rr = 2.4; 95% CI; from 1.1 to 3.0). Results from 1990 were double those of 1989 (3.3% versus 1.6%, p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Compared with the findings among the same groups in metropolitan areas of various other African countries, the HIV seroprevalence is still low; this could be due to many reasons, such as the recent introduction of the virus in the country, a different spectrum of STDs, the high level of circumcision of males. HIV infection trends should continue to be monitored among risk groups such as STD patients and control programmes implemented to reduce the rapid spread of AIDS in the country.

PIP: This study monitored HIV seroprevalence among STD clinic attenders as part of a sentinel surveillance program at the Elig Essono STD clinic in Yaounde, Cameroon, between February 1989 and December 1990. 1161 randomly selected patients were evaluated for HIV and syphilis seroprevalence. 26 of the 1161 patients (2.4%; CI 95%; 1.5%-3.3%) tested were found to be HIV positive (mostly due to HIV-1) and 35.4% had antibodies to Treponema pallidum. There was no association between HIV seropositivity and sex, marital status, or educational level. Genital ulcer disease did not correlate with HIV seroprevalence. However, patients with a positive serological test for T. pallidum were more likely to have HIV infection (rr = 2.4; 95% CI; 1.1-3.0). Results from 1990 were double those of 1989 (3.3% vs. 1.6% p = 0.02). Compared with the findings among the same groups in metropolitan areas of various other African countries, the HIV seroprevalence is still low. This could be the result of several factors, such as the recent introduction of the virus into the country, a different spectrum of STDs, and the high level of circumcision of males. HIV infection trends should continue to be monitored among risk groups such as STD patients and control programs implemented in order to reduce the rapid spread of AIDS across the country.

[A re-evaluation of the program for diabetes mellitus type 2. A proposal for quality indices]. / Reevaluación del programa de diabetes mellitus tipo II. Propuesta de indicadores de calidad.

OBJECTIVE: To find out how accurate our records are and the state of health of the patients with diabetes mellitus type II (DM) in our Base Health Area (BHA) in Osona county (Barcelona), both before and after introducing a new procedure. DESIGN: Quality control study based on the medical records (PCMR) of DM patients. The evaluation took place between 1.1.90 and 31.12.90; and the re-evaluation between 1.1.91 and 31.12.91, after the DM procedure had been put in place as a corrective measure. PATIENTS: 198 patients: all of those suffering from DM type II. MAIN MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: 110 women and 88 men, with an average age of 65.4 +/- 11.9, were under study. We observed from the records of attendance that 94.4% were or had been smokers, whereas the question of the eye fundus was only mentioned in 36.8%. The introduction of a procedure has improved the records in almost every parameter. In 1991, 36.8% of the patients had normal-weight criteria, 33.3% had good biochemical control and 15.6% fulfilled both these criteria. CONCLUSIONS: Those tests which could be performed with few instruments were carried out much better than those which needed more complex technology or specialist support. Arising from this study, the authors propose four indicators of quality control: 1) Weight normality. 2) Annual plasmatic fructosamine. 3) Annual eye fundus check. 4) Annual proteinuria check.

[A study of the prevalence of alcohol consumption in the Baix Ebre region (Tarragona)]. / Estudio de la prevalencia del consumo de alcohol en la comarca del Baix Ebre (Tarragona).

A cross-sectional study was carried out in the Baix Ebre region about the prevalence of alcohol use, within a wider study of hypertension and other risk factors. The following characteristics were considered for the elaboration of the present study: non drinker, moderate drinker and heavy drinker, as well as the amount of alcohol intake related with demographic, socioeconomical and cultural variables such as: age, sex, urban or rural medium, marital status, place of origin, working status, social and professional level, and educational status. 64.2% of the whole population greater than or equal to 20 years were usual alcohol users, and so were 79.4% of males and 48.2% of females. According to the definition of heavy or excessive drinker, such were 21.8% of males and 2.6% of females. Males drank a higher alcohol amount, with a mean and standard deviation of 47.1 +/- 35.5. In females, these figures were 19.4 +/- 12.4 g per day. The rate of alcohol drinkers was higher in young individuals, in those with active working status, in those with medium social and professional level, and in those with medium and high educational status.

[Cost analysis and degree of hypercholesterolemia control in type 2 diabetic patients according to different groups and scientific societies]. / Análisis de costes y grado de control de la hipercolesterolemia en los pacientes diabéticos tipo 2 según distintos grupos y sociedades científicas.

OBJECTIVES: To analyse the cost and describe the degree of control of the hypercholesterolaemia of type-2 diabetic (DM2) patients according to different groups and scientific societies. DESIGN: Retrospective cross-sectional study. SETTING: Rural health area. PATIENTS: All DM2 patients monitored in the health area (n = 338). MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Gathering of data on clinical histories, determination of cardiovascular risk, LDL-C concentration and total/HDL cholesterol index. DM2 prevalence was 3.08%; annual incidence, 2.55/1000; 45.2% presented hypercholesterolaemia; 16.9% received lipid-lowering treatment; and 20.1% (n = 68) had DM2 with cardiovascular disease. According to the criteria of the GEDAPS-99, European Consensus-98 (Framingham table), Sheffield Group (objectives of the European Consensus-98) and PAPPS-99 for primary prevention, 59.3%, 58.4%, 24.5% and 17.7%, respectively, of hypercholesterolaemic patients were poorly controlled. The percentages of hypercholesterolaemic patients who in each case should receive treatment were: 64.9%, 66.1%, 36.4% and 29.6%. Expenditure in thousands of pesetas every 28 days to achieve proper control of these patients was 282, 423, 274 and 117. The criteria on secondary prevention of the GEDAPS-99 and European Consensus-98 gave figures of 81% and 72.4%, respectively, of poor control of Hypercholesterolaemia. 82.7% and 77.5% of these patients should receive treatment. Expenditure in thousands of pesetas every 28 days to achieve proper control of these patients was 342 and 210. CONCLUSIONS: The degree of control and the costs of hypercholesterolaemia in both primary and secondary prevention vary enormously, depending on the criterion used by the group or scientific society.

Demographic, ethnic, and geographic differences between human T cell lymphotropic virus (HTLV) type I-seropositive carriers and persons with HTLV-I Gag-indeterminate Western blots in Central Africa.

Using stringent Western blot (WB) criteria, human T cell lymphotropic virus (HTLV) type I seroprevalence among 3783 persons from representative rural populations of Cameroon averaged 1.1% and was higher in females (1.5%) and in Pygmies (2.0%), increasing with age. Furthermore, an HTLV-I Gag-indeterminate WB profile (HGIP), exhibiting strong reactivities to p19, p26, p28, p32, p36, and pr 53 but lacking both p24 and env reactivity, was observed in 1.6% of the same populations. The prevalence of the HGIP was similar between males and females, did not increase with age, and appeared to cluster in tropical forests of southern Cameroon, especially among Pygmies (reaching 4%). These contrasting epidemiologic features, together with the lack of detection by polymerase chain reaction of HTLV-I sequences in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells of the persons with HGIP, strongly suggest that such a WB profile does not appear to reflect an HTLV-I-related viral infection but possibly an environmental (viral or parasitic) factor endemic in tropical rain forest areas.

[Dementias in the primary care setting]. / Las demencias en el ámbito de la atención primaria.

OBJECTIVE: To study the epidemiological, demographic, social and family, and clinical variables of the population suffering dementia in our health district. DESIGN: A retrospective evaluation of medical records. SETTING: A rural health district. PATIENTS: All those patients with a diagnosis of dementia in 1995. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: The evaluation was based on primary care medical records. The prevalence of dementia in the over-65s ranged, according to the population group, between 1.29 and 5.19 per 100 inhabitants. 90.2% of patients with dementia remained living at home. Their average age was 79.8 (SD, 7.4). 57% had Alzheimer's disease. 40% were in advanced stages of the disease (stage III and IV). Only 26% of the patients were referred to Neurology in 1995. 35% of the patients took no medication for their dementia. 45.6% were included in a home care programme. The main carer was the son or daughter in 47.8% of cases. Expectation of life from when dementia was diagnosed was 5.53 (SD 4.64) years. Patients with dementia died in their own homes in 47% of cases, the main cause of death being infection. CONCLUSIONS: In our rural environment most patients with dementia remained with their families. In most cases the aetiological diagnosis of dementia could be made from primary care.