ABSTRACT
The amphibian micronucleus test has been widely used during the last 30 years to test the genotoxic properties of several chemicals and as a tool for ecogenotoxic monitoring. The vast majority of these studies were performed on peripheral blood of urodelan larvae and anuran tadpoles and to a lesser extent adults were also used. In this study, we developed protocols for measuring micronuclei in adult shed skin cells and larval gill cells of the Italian crested newt (Triturus carnifex). Amphibians were collected from ponds in two protected areas in Italy that differed in their radon content. Twenty-three adult newts and 31 larvae were captured from the radon-rich pond, while 20 adults and 27 larvae were taken from the radon-free site. The animals were brought to the laboratory and the micronucleus test was performed on peripheral blood and shed skins taken from the adults and on larval gills. Samples from the radon-rich site showed micronucleus frequencies higher than those from the radon-free site and the difference was statistically significant in gill cells (P < 0.00001). Moreover, the larval gills seem to be more sensitive than the adult tissues. This method represents an easy (and noninvasive in the case of the shed skin) application of the micronucleus assay that can be useful for environmental studies in situ.
Subject(s)
Environmental Monitoring/methods , Micronucleus Tests/methods , Triturus/genetics , Animals , Fresh Water/analysis , Gills/drug effects , Italy , Larva/drug effects , Metals, Heavy/analysis , Ponds , Water Pollutants, Chemical/analysisABSTRACT
The clinical usefulness of a prognostic inflammatory and nutritional index (PINI) was evaluated in 47 hospitalized infants and 72 age-matched controls from 1 mth to 14 yr of age. The PINI formula is a combination of two markers each of infection (C-reactive protein and orosomucoid) and of malnutrition (albumin and transthyretin). Healthy children are identified by a PINI value less than 1 whereas sick patients are characterized by a progressive rise above 1 as the conditions worsens. The PINI scoring system provides the clinician with a sensitive and universal tool, allowing the correct follow-up of both inflammatory and nutritional poles of the disease spectrum. The formula is of particular help in pediatric practice in recognising early subclinical complications and efficacy of specific therapeutic strategies. The micromethod is simple, rapid and may be regularly repeated since it requires only 46 microliters of serum.
